bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brodie’s Abscess of the Radius in a Child
Authors: Takeuchi N. , Matsumoto Y. , Okada T. , Hanada M. , Bekki H. , Iwamoto Y.
Published: May 2017

We herein report an unusual case of Brodie’s abscess of the radius in a child. A 13-year-old boy presented with pain on his right distal forearm. A plain radiograph showed an 8 cm translucent lesion in the distal radius. MRI showed a penumbra sign on the T1-weighted image, hyperintensity on T2-weighted images, and ring enhancement on the contrast-enhanced T1 image.18F-FDG PET/CT images showed an uptake at the margin of the radius. Curettage and iliac cancellous bone grafting were undertaken for Brodie’s abscess. Bacteriological examinations were found to be negative, however, the pathologic diagnosis showed chronic osteomyelitis. Eight months after surgery, the patient was asymptomatic and there was no sign of recurrence of infection. For Brodie’s abscess in a child, thorough debridement is mandatory in addition to cancellous bone grafting. Brodie’s abscess should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient who presents with forearm pain and exhibit the radiolucent osteolytic lesion on simple radiography.
Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Tendon Sling Volar Plate Reconstruction for Swan-Neck Deformity in the Spastic Finger
Authors: Tan Y.L. , Yong F.C.
Published: May 2017

The condition of proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) locking in hyperextension may occur in the athetoid or spastic hand with moderate or severe swan-neck deformity at the ‘opening’ phase of prehension. The patient’s complaints are of complete or incomplete locking that may require passive assistance to initiate PIPJ flexion. Surgical procedures to overcome this include rerouting the lateral band, stabilisation or reconstruction procedure for the volar instability of the PIPJ, etc. Volar stabilisation may be achieved by Flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tenodesis procedures or criss-cross tendon graft for volar plate reconstruction. We report a case of successful stabilisation using the criss-cross tendon sling procedure for volar plate reconstruction using a slip of the FDS tendon instead of a free tendon graft. This is a simple and safe procedure that effectively corrects the swan-neck deformity and improves the prehension function in the hand.
Metastasis of Renal Cell Carcinoma to the Trapezium
Authors: Nakagawa Rumi , Susa Michiro , Nakayama Robert , Watanabe Itsuo , Horiuchi Keisuke , Toyama Yoshiaki , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio , Morioka Hideo
Published: May 2017

Solitary metastasis of a carcinoma to carpal bone is extremely rare. Metastases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) usually occur in a multiple fashion and there has been no report to date of a solitary metastasis to trapezium from RCC. The tumor was excised and reconstructed with iliac bone transplantation. 2 years and 6 months after surgery, there is no local recurrence with minimal functional loss.
Preparation of CuO Quantum Dots by Cost-Effective Ultrasonication Technique
Authors: Rathod K. N. , Savaliya Chirag , Babiya K. R. , Vasvani S. H. , Ramani Rupeshkumar V. , Ramani Bharat M. , Joshi Ashvini D. , Pandya Dhiren , Shah N. A. , Markna J. H.
Published: May 2017

Due to exciting size-dependent chemical and physical properties, nanoscale materials have extensive range of applications compared with microstructural particles. CuO nanoparticles are very important among transition metal oxides because of their large number of applications. Quantum dots (QDs) of CuO (copper oxide) were prepared by the innovative ultrasonication method. Ultrasonic sound is used in this synthesis method to synthesize QDs of copper oxide. Structural and optical properties were studied in this research work. X-ray diffraction was used to study the formation of structural phase CuO QDs and found to be single phasic without any impurity. Transmission electron microscopic measurements were performed to study the morphology of QDs of CuO, which confirms spherical QDs with an average diameter of [Formula: see text]4[Formula: see text]nm. In optical studies, absorption spectra of the CuO were analyzed by using UV–visible spectroscopy.
Conformal identity of the Chern–Simons gauged wave equations and its applications
Authors: Huh Hyungjin
Published: May 2017

The conformal identity for the solution of the Chern–Simons gauged wave equations is derived. As applications of it, we show some decay estimates and the nonexistence of nontrivial solutions.
Reduction of generalized Young measures
Authors: Santos Marcelo M.
Published: May 2017

We prove that the support of a probability measure on the plane that satisfies the Tartar commutation relation for pairs of functions likewise the solutions of the Euler–Poisson–Darboux equation is contained in 16 points.
Free Vibration of a Rotating Ring on an Elastic Foundation
Authors: Ding Hu , Zhu Minghui , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Ye-Wei , Chen Li-Qun
Published: May 2017

In the present paper, free vibration of a rotating ring supported by an elastic foundation is studied by analytical method, finite element (FE) simulation and experiment. By adopting the ring analogy of Timoshenko beam theory, the nonlinear vibration of the rotating ring on an elastic foundation is modeled based on Hamilton’s principle. Radial and tangential deformation are considered. By solving the generalized eigenvalue problem, natural frequencies and flexural modes are obtained. Furthermore, the Euler–Bernoulli (E–B) theory is also employed to investigate the free vibration. For determining the necessity of the Timoshenko theory, the flexural vibration frequencies from two theories are compared. Specifically, the effects of the radius and the radial height (the thickness) of the ring on the difference between the two models are studied. In order to confirm the analytical results, finite element analysis and experiments on three test specimens are used to verify the natural frequency and flexural mode predictions. Overall, this work shows the necessity of the Timoshenko theory for studying free vibration of an elastic ring.
Numerical Prediction of Fracture Behavior for Austenitic and Martensitic Stainless Steels
Authors: Vukelic Goran , Brnic Josip
Published: May 2017

Two types of stainless steels are compared in this paper, austenitic X15CrNiSi25-20 and martensitic X20Cr13, based on their numerically predicted fracture behavior. There are engineering applications where both of the steels can be considered for use and where these materials can be exposed to crack occurrence and growth, so proper distinction between them is desirable. Comparison is made on the basis of [Formula: see text]-integral values that are numerically determined using finite element (FE) stress analysis results. FE analysis is performed on compact tensile (CT) and single-edge notched bend (SENB) type specimens that are usually used in standardized [Formula: see text]-integral experimental procedures. Calculated [Formula: see text]-integral values are plotted versus crack growth lengths for mentioned specimens. Results show somewhat higher values of [Formula: see text]-integral for steel X20Cr13 than X15CrNiSi25-20. Further, when comparing [Formula: see text]-integral values obtained through FE model of CT and SENB specimen, it is noticed that CT specimens give somewhat conservative results. Results obtained by this analysis can be used in predicting fracture toughness assessment during design process.
Low-cost photoacoustic imaging systems based on laser diode and light-emitting diode excitation
Authors: Yao Qingkai , Ding Yu , Liu Guodong , Zeng Lvming
Published: May 2017

Photoacoustic imaging, an emerging biomedical imaging modality, holds great promise for preclinical and clinical researches. It combines the high optical contrast and high ultrasound resolution by converting laser excitation into ultrasonic emission. In order to generate photoacoustic signal efficiently, bulky Q-switched solid-state laser systems are most commonly used as excitation sources and hence limit its commercialization. As an alternative, the miniaturized semiconductor laser system has the advantages of being inexpensive, compact, and robust, which makes a significant effect on production-forming design. It is also desirable to obtain a wavelength in a wide range from visible to near-infrared spectrum for multispectral applications. Focussing on practical aspect, this paper reviews the state-of-the-art developments of low-cost photoacoustic system with laser diode and light-emitting diode excitation source and highlights a few representative installations in the past decade.
Bounds related to projective equivalence classes of good filtrations
Authors: Assane Abdoulaye , Kamano Damase , Akeke Eric Dago
Published: May 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a regular ideal in noetherian ring [Formula: see text]. Mc Adam and Ratliff showed the existence of the unique minimal reduction number of [Formula: see text], noted [Formula: see text], such that for every minimal reduction [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. They showed that the set of integers [Formula: see text] is bounded in terms of the analytic spread of [Formula: see text]. Here, we extend these results to good filtrations. Let [Formula: see text] be a good filtration on [Formula: see text], we show that the set of integers [Formula: see text] is bounded.
On chaos for iterated function systems
Authors: Bahabadi Alireza Zamani
Published: May 2017

This paper is devoted to study some chaotic properties of iterated function systems (IFSs). Specially, a new notion named thick chaotic IFSs is introduced. The relationship between thick chaos and another properties of some notions in dynamical systems are studied.
A review on structural characteristics, lithium ion diffusion behavior and temperature dependence of conductivity in perovskite-type solid electrolyte Li3xLa2∕3−xTiO3
Authors: Wu Ju , Chen Lanli , Song Tao , Zou Zheyi , Gao Jian , Zhang Wenqing , Shi Siqi
Published: May 2017

Due to various and indefinite Li-ion distributions within the cuboctahedron surrounded by eight TiO6and local subtle distortions, perovskite-type solid electrolyte Li[Formula: see text]La[Formula: see text]TiO3(LLTO) is suitable to be used as a model system for studying the structure–conductivity relationship. This review is focused on structural characteristics, Li-ion diffusion behavior and conductivity in LLTO. Li-ion concentration, cooling rate of heat treatment and heating temperature are shown to be three main factors influencing the space group structure of LLTO, involving the distributions of Li, La ions and vacancies as well as the distortion of TiO6octahedron. In rhombohedral and some orthorhombic phases, Li ions partially occupy O4windows of cuboctahedrons, whose diffusion could be described by the bond percolation model, whereas in other phases with Li ions inside the cuboctahedrons, the site percolation model is applicable to Li-ion conduction. Li-ion conductivity versus temperature curve exhibits non-Arrhenius behavior, which is divided into three sections with different activation energies, although its first-derivative is continuous. The activation energy is correlated closely with the tilting angle of TiO6octahedron, both of which decrease with the increase of temperature. Experimental studies and theoretical results are discussed in parallel to provide insight into the detailed structure-conductivity relationship.
Biological and Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields Related to the Operation of MRI/TMS
Authors: Shigemitsu Tsukasa , Ueno Shoogo
Published: May 2017

This paper reviews issues of biological effects and safety aspects of the electromagnetic fields related to both Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a diagnostic technique. The noninvasive character of these diagnostic techniques is based on the utilization of the electromagnetic fields such as the static magnetic field, time-varying magnetic field, and radiofrequency electromagnetic field. Following the short view of the history and the principle of these noninvasive techniques, we review the biological effects of the electromagnetic fields, the health effects and safety issues related to MRI/TMS environments. Through a discussion of biological and health effects, it shows briefly guidelines which provide a consideration in human risk for both patients and medical staff. Finally, safety issues related to MRI/TMS are discussed with the highlighting of the guideline such as the International Commission on NonIonizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and EMF Directive (Directve2013/35/EU) of European Union.
The Design and Performance of the Gondola Pointing System for the Sunrise II Balloon-Borne Stratospheric Solar Observatory
Authors: Lecinski A. , Card G. , Knölker M. , Hardy B.
Published: May 2017

With its 1[Formula: see text]m aperture, the Sunrise Balloon-Borne Stratospheric Solar Observatory was the largest space-based solar telescope. It was designed to study the magneto-convective processes of the sun at resolutions higher than 100[Formula: see text]km and the payload took data during a flight from June 12 to June 17, 2013. To achieve its science requirements, the telescope had to point to an accuracy of 26[Formula: see text] for extended periods of time. Pointing of the instrument was effected by the Sunrise Pointing System (PS). The PS used measurements provided by a Lockheed Intermediate Sun Sensor (LISS) and passed the data through a cascade of up to four digital filters to calculate the best voltages to drive the azimuthal and elevation motors. All filter settings could be modified in flight to adapt to changing conditions. Using this design, the PS met its requirements, pointing the instrument with an accuracy better than 26[Formula: see text] for 60% of the flight and for continuous time periods of up to 99[Formula: see text]min. In this paper, we detail the design and performance of the PS during the 2013 flight.
Generation CS
Authors: Camp Tracy , Adrion W. Richards , Bizot Betsy , Davidson Susan , Hall Mary , Hambrusch Susanne , Walker Ellen , Zweben Stuart
Published: May 2017

Across North America, universities and colleges are facing a significant increase in enrollment in both undergraduate computer science (CS) courses and programs. The current enrollment surge has exceeded previous CS booms, and there is a general sense that the current growth in enrollment is substantially different from that of the mid-1980s and late 1990s. For example, since the late 1990s, the U.S. Bureau of Labor data shows that the number of jobs where computing skills are needed is on an upward slope [1], illustrating the increased reliance our society has on computing. We also know that more disciplines are becoming increasingly reliant on large amounts of data, and that handling this data effectively depends on having good computational skills. This makes computer science courses at all levels of greater interest to students from other majors.
Infrastructure for Continuous Assessment of Retained Relevant Knowledge
Authors: Timmerman Kathleen , Doom Travis
Published: May 2017

An important part of maintaining and continuously improving programs is assessing student objectives to evaluate the impact of change. This paper reviews an infrastructure that was designed to give continuous periodic direct measurements of retained relevant knowledge throughout a computer science and computer engineering baccalaureate curriculum. This infrastructure is designed to give immediate feedback to students and instructors as well as long-term assessment of program health. Additionally, due to the continuous nature of the assessment, its deployment is designed to avoid undue burden in deployment.
Activated Platelets Induce an Anti-Inflammatory Response of Monocytes/Macrophages through Cross-Regulation of PGE2and Cytokines
Authors: Linke Bona , Schreiber Yannick , Picard-Willems Bettina , Slattery Patrick , Nüsing Rolf M. , Harder Sebastian , Geisslinger Gerd , Scholich Klaus
Published: May 2017

Platelets are well known for their role in hemostasis and are also increasingly recognized for their roles in the innate immune system during inflammation and their regulation of macrophage activation. Here, we aimed to study the influence of platelets on the production of inflammatory mediators by monocytes and macrophages. Analyzing cocultures of platelets and murine bone marrow-derived macrophages or human monocytes, we found that collagen-activated platelets release high amounts of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) that leads to an increased interleukin- (IL-) 10 release and a decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)αsecretion out of the monocytes or macrophages. Platelet PGE2mediated the upregulation of IL-10 in both cell types via the PGE2receptor EP2. Notably, PGE2-mediated IL-10 synthesis was also mediated by EP4 in murine macrophages. Inhibition of TNFαsynthesis via EP2 and EP4, but not EP1, was mediated by IL-10, since blockade of the IL-10 receptor abolished the inhibitory effect of both receptors on TNFαrelease. This platelet-mediated cross-regulation between PGE2and cytokines reveals one mechanism how monocytes and macrophages can attenuate excessive inflammatory responses induced by activated platelets in order to limit inflammatory processes.
LPS from P. gingivalis Negatively Alters Gingival Cell Mitochondrial Bioenergetics
Authors: Napa Kiran , Baeder Andrea C. , Witt Jeffrey E. , Rayburn Sarah T. , Miller Madison G. , Dallon Blake W. , Gibbs Jonathan L. , Wilcox Shalene H. , Winden Duane R. , Smith Jared H. , Reynolds Paul R. , Bikman Benjamin T.
Published: May 2017

Objective. Oral inflammatory pathologies are linked to increased oxidative stress, thereby partly explaining their relevance in the etiology of systemic disorders. The purpose of this work was to determine the degree to which LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis, the primary pathogen related to oral inflammation, altered gingival mitochondrial function and reactive oxygen species generation. Methods. Human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1) cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide of P. gingivalis. Mitochondrial function was determined via high-resolution respirometry. Results. LPS-treated HGF-1 cells had significantly higher mitochondrial complex IV and higher rates of mitochondrial respiration. However, this failed to translate into greater ATP production, as ATP production was paradoxically diminished with LPS treatment. Nevertheless, production of the reactive H2O2 was elevated with LPS treatment. Conclusions. LPS elicits an increase in gingival cell mitochondria content, with a subsequent increase in reactive oxygen species production (i.e., H2O2), despite a paradoxical reduction in ATP generation. These findings provide an insight into the nature of oxidative stress in oral inflammatory pathologies.
Mechanisms Underlying the Essential Role of Mitochondrial Membrane Lipids in Yeast Chronological Aging
Authors: Medkour Younes , Dakik Paméla , McAuley Mélissa , Mohammad Karamat , Mitrofanova Darya , Titorenko Vladimir I.
Published: May 2017

The functional state of mitochondria is vital to cellular and organismal aging in eukaryotes across phyla. Studies in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have provided evidence that age‐related changes in some aspects of mitochondrial functionality can create certain molecular signals. These signals can then define the rate of cellular aging by altering unidirectional and bidirectional communications between mitochondria and other organelles. Several aspects of mitochondrial functionality are known to impact the replicative and/or chronological modes of yeast aging. They include mitochondrial electron transport, membrane potential, reactive oxygen species, and protein synthesis and proteostasis, as well as mitochondrial synthesis of iron‐sulfur clusters, amino acids, and NADPH. Our recent findings have revealed that the composition of mitochondrial membrane lipids is one of the key aspects of mitochondrial functionality affecting yeast chronological aging. We demonstrated that exogenously added lithocholic bile acid can delay chronological aging in yeast because it elicits specific changes in mitochondrial membrane lipids. These changes allow mitochondria to operate as signaling platforms that delay yeast chronological aging by orchestrating an institution and maintenance of a distinct cellular pattern. In this review, we discuss molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the essential role of mitochondrial membrane lipids in yeast chronological aging.
Effect of Rare Earth Metals, Sr, and Ti Addition on the Microstructural Characterization of A413.1 Alloy
Authors: Mahmoud M. G. , Samuel A. M. , Doty H. W. , Valtierra S. , Samuel F. H.
Published: May 2017

The present work was performed on A413.1 alloy containing 0.2–1.5 wt% rare earth metals (lanthanum or cerium), 0.05–0.15% Ti, and 0–0.02 wt% Sr. These elements were either added individually or combined. Thermal analysis, image analysis, and electron probe microanalysis were the main techniques employed in the present study. The results show that the use of the depression in the eutectic temperature as a function of alloy modification cannot be applied in the case when the alloy is treated with rare earth metals. Increasing the concentration of RE increases the solidification zone especially in Sr-modified alloys leading to poor feeding ability. This observation is more prominent in the case of Ce addition. Depending upon the amount of added Ti, two RE based intermetallics can be formed: (i) a white phase, mainly platelet-like (approximately 2.5 μm thick), that is rich in RE, Si, Cu, and Al and (ii) a second phase made up of mainly grey sludge particles (star-like) branching in different directions. The grey phase is rich in Ti with some RE (almost 20% of that in the white phase) with traces of Si and Cu. There is a strong interaction between RE and Sr leading to a reduction in the efficiency of Sr as a eutectic Si modifier causing particle demodification.
Yokenella regensburgeiSepticemia in a Chinese Farmer Immunosuppressed by HIV: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Chi Xiangbo , Liu Min , Chen Yaokai
Published: May 2017

Yokenella regensburgeiis a member in the familyEnterobacteriaceaeand a few cases have been reported in immunocompromised hosts. Herein, we described a case of septicemia in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patient in South West China, which is the first reported case ofY. regensburgeiinfection in HIV-infected populations. We then reviewed the literature on all the reported cases ofY. regensburgeiinfection worldwide and presented some common features of them. Our case report and literature review will help increase the knowledge of the bacteriumY. regensburgeiand its clinical implications.
Convergence of Variational Iteration Method for Fractional Delay Integrodifferential‐Algebraic Equations
Authors: Fu Yayun , Liu Hongliang , Xiao Aiguo
Published: May 2017

Fractional order delay integrodifferential‐algebraic equations are often used for many practical modeling problems in science and engineering, which have time lag, memory, constraint limit, and so forth. These yield some difficulties in numerical computation. The iterative methods are good choice. In the present paper, we construct variational iteration method for solving them by using the appropriate restricted variation. This overcomes the difficulties caused by limitations of large storage amount and algebraic constraint and extends the previous conclusions.
GIF Video Sentiment Detection Using Semantic Sequence
Authors: Lin Dazhen , Cao Donglin , Lv Yanping , Cai Zheng
Published: May 2017

With the development of social media, an increasing number of people use short videos in social media applications to express their opinions and sentiments. However, sentiment detection of short videos is a very challenging task because of the semantic gap problem and sequence based sentiment understanding problem. In this context, we propose a SentiPair Sequence based GIF video sentiment detection approach with two contributions. First, we propose a Synset Forest method to extract sentiment related semantic concepts from WordNet to build a robust SentiPair label set. This approach considers the semantic gap between label words and selects a robust label subset which is related to sentiment. Secondly, we propose a SentiPair Sequence based GIF video sentiment detection approach that learns the semantic sequence to understand the sentiment from GIF videos. Our experiment results on GSO‐2016 (GIF Sentiment Ontology) data show that our approach not only outperforms four state‐of‐the‐art classification methods but also shows better performance than the state‐of‐the‐art middle level sentiment ontology features, Adjective Noun Pairs (ANPs).
A Reduction in Selenoprotein S Amplifies the Inflammatory Profile of Fast-Twitch Skeletal Muscle in themdxDystrophic Mouse
Authors: Wright Craig Robert , Allsopp Giselle Larissa , Addinsall Alex Bernard , McRae Natasha Lee , Andrikopoulos Sofianos , Stupka Nicole
Published: May 2017

Excessive inflammation is a hallmark of muscle myopathies, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). There is interest in characterising novel genes that regulate inflammation due to their potential to modify disease progression. Gene polymorphisms inSelenoprotein S(Seps1) are associated with elevated proinflammatory cytokines, and in vitro SEPS1 is protective against inflammatory stress. Given that SEPS1 is highly expressed in skeletal muscle, we investigated whether the genetic reduction ofSeps1exacerbated inflammation in themdxmouse. F1 malemdxmice with a heterozygousSeps1deletion (mdx:Seps1−/+) were generated. Themdx:Seps1−/+mice had a 50% reduction in SEPS1 protein expression in hindlimb muscles. In the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles, mRNA expression ofmonocyte chemoattractant protein 1(Mcp-1) (P=0.034), macrophage markerF4/80(P=0.030), andtransforming growth factor-β1(Tgf-β1) (P=0.056) were increased inmdx:Seps1−/+mice. This was associated with a reduction in muscle fibre size; however, ex vivo EDL muscle strength and endurance were unaltered. In dystrophic slow twitch soleus muscles, SEPS1 reduction had no effect on the inflammatory profile nor function. In conclusion, the genetic reduction ofSeps1appears to specifically exacerbate the inflammatory profile of fast-twitch muscle fibres, which are typically more vulnerable to degeneration in dystrophy.
Association of Toll-Like Cell Receptors TLR2 (p.Arg753GLN) and TLR4 (p.Asp299GLY) Polymorphisms with Indicators of General and Local Immunity in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Tyurin Yury A. , Shamsutdinov Anton F. , Kalinin Nikolay N. , Sharifullina Alsou A. , Reshetnikova Irina D.
Published: May 2017

A whole group of polymorphisms of genes involved in the formation of the epidermal barrier, immune responses, and their regulation is important in the formation of atopic phenotype. The purpose of the study is to determine the relationship of polymorphisms of genes of Toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4 with clinical and immunological parameters in atopic dermatitis patients in a “case-control” study. Polymorphisms of genes TLR2 (p.Arg753Gln) and TLR4 (Asp299Gly) were detected by PCR. Parameters of the state of innate and adaptive immunity were assessed by the level of local production of sIgA, cytokine profile of blood serum for IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ. Biological samples from 50 people with allergic pathology, aged 4.5 to 35 years, and 100 healthy individuals (controls) were analyzed. Observed dysregulation of cytokine production (IL-4, IL-10) in patients with heterozygous polymorphic genotypes probably reflects an imbalance of Th1/Th2/Th17 regulation of immune system response in these individuals.
Herbal Medicine Treatment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bang Miran , Lee Sun Haeng , Cho Seung-Hun , Yu Sun-Ae , Kim Kibong , Lu Hsu Yuan , Chang Gyu Tae , Min Sang Yeon
Published: May 2017

Objective. To summarize and evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines used for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Methods. Thirteen electronic databases were searched from their inception to November 2016. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the efficacy of herbal medicines alone or in combination with other Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments for ASD in children were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used and other data analyses were performed using RevMan (Version 5.3). Results. Ten RCTs involving 567 patients with ASD were included for qualitative synthesis. In conjunction with conventional therapy, herbal medicines significantly improved the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score, but the results of effects on total effective rate (TER) were different between the included studies. The use of herbal medicines with integrative therapy improved the CARS score and TER. In the studies that documented adverse events, no serious events were associated with herbal medicines. Conclusions. The efficacy of herbal medicines for the treatment of ASD appears to be encouraging but was inconclusive owing to low methodological quality, herbal medicine diversity, and small sample size of the examined studies.
Noninvasive Prenatal Detection of Trisomy 21 by Targeted Semiconductor Sequencing: A Technical Feasibility Study
Authors: Xi Yanwei , Arbabi Aryan , McNaughton Amy J.M. , Hamilton Alison , Hull Danna , Perras Helene , Chiu Tillie , Morrison Shawna , Goldsmith Claire , Creede Emilie , Anger Gregory J. , Honeywell Christina , Cloutier Mireille , Macchio Natasha , Kiss Courtney , Liu Xudong , Crocker Susan , Davies Gregory A. , Brudno Michael , Armour Christine M.
Published: May 2017

Objective: To develop an alternate noninvasive prenatal testing method for the assessment of trisomy 21 (T21) using a targeted semiconductor sequencing approach. Methods: A customized AmpliSeq panel was designed with 1,067 primer pairs targeting specific regions on chromosomes 21, 18, 13, and others. A total of 235 samples, including 30 affected with T21, were sequenced with an Ion Torrent Proton sequencer, and a method was developed for assessing the probability of fetal aneuploidy via derivation of a risk score. Results: Application of the derived risk score yields a bimodal distribution, with the affected samples clustering near 1.0 and the unaffected near 0. For a risk score cutoff of 0.345, above which all would be considered at “high risk,” all 30 T21-positive pregnancies were correctly predicted to be affected, and 199 of the 205 non-T21 samples were correctly predicted. The average hands-on time spent on library preparation and sequencing was 19 h in total, and the average number of reads of sequence obtained was 3.75 million per sample. Conclusion: With the described targeted sequencing approach on the semiconductor platform using a custom-designed library and a probabilistic statistical approach, we have demonstrated the feasibility of an alternate method of assessment for fetal T21.
Response Predictors of S-1, Cisplatin, and Docetaxel Combination Chemotherapy for Metastatic Gastric Cancer: Microarray Analysis of Whole Human Genes
Authors: Kitamura Shinji , Tanahashi Toshihito , Aoyagi Eriko , Nakagawa Tadahiko , Okamoto Koichi , Kimura Tetsuo , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Mitsui Yasuhiro , Rokutan Kazuhito , Muguruma Naoki , Takayama Tetsuji
Published: May 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of docetaxel, cisplatin, and S-1 (DCS) therapy for advanced gastric cancer using microarrays of biopsy specimens before chemotherapy. Methods: Nineteen samples were taken from 19 patients with unresectable metastatic gastric cancer who received DCS as a first-line therapy. Laser capture microdissection was performed, and total cellular RNA was extracted from each microdissected sample. Whole-gene expression was analyzed by microarray, and the difference in mRNA expression observed with the microarrays was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using clinical tissue sections obtained by endoscopic biopsy. Results: Eleven patients were identified as early responders and 8 patients as nonresponders to DCS therapy. Twenty-nine genes showed significant differences in relative expression ratios between tumor and normal tissues. A classifier set of 29 genes had high accuracy (94.7%) for distinguishing gene expression between 11 early responders and 8 nonresponders. Decreasing the size of the classifier set to 4 genes (PDGFB, PCGF3, CISH, and ANXA5) increased the accuracy to 100%. Expression levels by real-time PCR for validation were well correlated with those 4 genes in microarrays. Conclusion: The genes identified may serve as efficient biomarkers for personalized cancer-targeted therapy.
The Differential Effects of Erythropoietin Exposure to Oxidative Stress on Microglia and Astrocytes in vitro
Authors: Pathipati Praneeti , Ferriero Donna M.
Published: May 2017

The neonatal brain is especially susceptible to oxidative stress owing to its reduced antioxidant capacity. Following hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury, for example, there is a prolonged elevation in levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the immature brain compared to the adult brain, resulting in lasting injury that can lead to life-long disability or morbidity. Erythropoietin (Epo) is one of few multifaceted treatment options that have been promising enough to trial in the clinic for both term and preterm brain injury. Despite this, there is a lack of clear understanding of how Epo modulates glial cell activity following oxidative injury, specifically, whether it affects microglia (Mg) and astrocytes (Ast) differently. Using an in vitro approach using primary murine Mg and Ast subjected to H2O2 injury, we studied the oxidative and inflammatory responses of Mg and Ast to recombinant murine (rm)Epo treatment. We found that Epo protects Ast from H2O2 injury (p < 0.05) and increases secreted nitric oxide levels in these cells (p < 0.05) while suppressing intracellular reactive oxygen species (p < 0.05) and superoxide ion (p < 0.05) levels only in Mg. Using a multiplex analysis, we noted that although H2O2 induced the levels of several chemokines, rmEpo did not have any significant specific effects on their levels, either with or without the presence of conditioned medium from injured neurons (NCM). Ultimately, it appears that rmEpo has pleiotropic effects based on the cell type; it has a protective effect on Ast but an antioxidative effect only on Mg without any significant modulation of chemokine and cytokine levels in either cell type. These findings highlight the importance of considering all cell types when assessing the benefits and pitfalls of Epo use.
Flexible 19-Gauge Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Needle: First Experience
Authors: Tyan Chung , Patel Priya , Czarnecka Kasia , Gompelmann Daniela , Eberhardt Ralf , Fortin Marc , MacEachern Paul , Hergott Christopher A. , Dumoulin Elaine , Tremblay Alain , Kemp Samuel V. , Shah Pallav L. , Herth Felix J.F. , Yasufuku Kazuhiro , Gompelmann Daniela , Patel Priya
Published: May 2017

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a well-established first-line invasive modality for mediastinal lymph node staging in lung cancer patients and in the diagnostic workup of patients with mediastinal adenopathy. With the current 21- and 22-gauge (G) EBUS-TBNA needles, the procedure can be limited by the degree of flexibility in the needle and the size of the lumen in tissue acquisition. Objective: We report our initial experience with a first-generation flexible 19-G EBUS-TBNA (Flex 19G; Olympus Respiratory America, Redmond, WA, USA) needle with regards to efficacy and safety. Methods: The Flex 19G EBUS-TBNA needle was used in 47 selected patients with enlarged hilar and/or mediastinal lymphadenopathy at 3 centers. The standard Olympus EBUS scope with a 2.2-mm working channel was used in all cases. Results: The diagnostic yield of the Flex 19G needle according to clinical cytopathology reports was 89% (42/47). The diagnosis and their respective diagnostic yield with the Flex 19G EBUS-TBNA needle were malignancy 24/27 (89%), sarcoidosis 13/14 (93%), and reactive lymph node hyperplasia 5/6 (83%). The mean short axis of the sampled lymph nodes was 19 ± 9 mm. No complications occurred except for 1 instance of moderate bleeding, which did not require intervention beyond suctioning and subsequently resolved. All 13 patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma by the 19-G needle had sufficient tissue for genetic testing. Conclusion: EBUS-TBNA using the first-generation Flex 19G needle is feasible and safe with promising diagnostic yield while providing a greater degree of flexion with the Olympus EBUS scope. Additional clinical evaluations are warranted.
Is Occupational Complexity Associated with Cognitive Performance or Decline? Results from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Lane Anna P. , Windsor Tim D. , Andel Ross , Luszcz Mary A.
Published: May 2017

Background: Long-term protective associations proposed between previous complex occupational tasks and cognitive functioning in later life point to work roles contributing to cognitive reserve. Objective: To examine occupational complexity involving data, people, and things in relation to the level of, and rate of change in, cognitive functioning. Methods: Participants were 1,290 members of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing and initially aged 65-102 years (mean = 79). Information about main lifetime occupation was collected retrospectively. Cognition was assessed 4 times over a 13-year interval. Results: In multilevel models adjusted for demographics, medical conditions, and depressive symptoms, higher complexity involving data was associated with faster speed (β = 0.73, p < 0.001), better memory (β = 0.32, p < 0.05), and mental status (β = 0.40, p < 0.001) at baseline. These associations remained statistically reliable after adjusting for complexity with people and things, sedentary and heavy physical work, retirement age, and leisure activity. Complexity with things was associated with slower speed (β = -0.50, p < 0.001) and poorer mental status (β = -0.26, p < 0.01) and was not explained by other variables. There were no associations of occupational complexity with rates of cognitive decline over time. Conclusion: Older individuals retired from occupations characterized by higher complexity with data maintain their cognitive advantage over those with lower complexity into older adulthood, although without additional moderation of this advantage in terms of less postretirement cognitive decline. Complexity of work with things confers a negative relation to cognition whilst also not affecting postretirement cognitive change. Although the relative contributions of occupation or other early life influences for cognition remain to be established, it nevertheless may be beneficial to promote workplace design strategies and interventions that incorporate complex activities, particularly tasks involving data.
Good Tolerance to Full-Dose Crizotinib in a Patient with Anaplastic Lymphoma Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-Rearranged Lung Adenocarcinoma and Preexisting Renal Impairment
Authors: Rosoux Adeline , Duplaquet Fabrice , Ocak Sebahat
Published: May 2017

Background: Crizotinib is an approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor in the treatment of advanced-stage non-small-cell lung cancer patients with anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase (ALK) rearrangement. Renal dysfunction after crizotinib administration was recently reported, but the physiopathological explanation and the safety in patients with preexisting renal dysfunction are still not clear. Case Presentation: A 44-year-old female and current smoker was diagnosed with a stage IV lung adenocarcinoma and treated with five lines of chemotherapy during a 4-year period of time. While she developed symptomatic tumor progression with deterioration of her performance status and renal dysfunction after these five lines of treatment, we discovered that her lung cancer was ALK-rearranged. We therefore proposed a treatment with full-dose crizotinib despite the renal impairment (creatinine clearance: 33 mL/min/1.73 m2) of unknown origin. A renal function worsening occurred after the initiation of crizotinib but we did not reduce the dose as recommended and this did not induce further deterioration. During the 15 months under crizotinib, the patient had a good general status, no clinically noticeable side effect, and a stable renal dysfunction, which even improved after the initial worsening and almost returned to the baseline (pre-crizotinib) status. Conclusion: This case report suggests that full-dose crizotinib may be continued even in patients with severe renal dysfunction and deterioration at treatment initiation, in parallel to careful follow-up of renal function and particular attention to avoid the use of concomitant nephrotoxic drugs.
Cannabis Use among People Entering Drug Treatment in Europe: A Growing Phenomenon?
Authors: Montanari Linda , Guarita Bruno , Mounteney Jane , Zipfel Nina , Simon Roland
Published: May 2017

This paper explores European and national trends in specialised drug treatment entry for cannabis-related problems. The analysis is based on data for the years 2003-2014 from 22 European countries. Between 2003 and 2014, the overall number and proportion of primary cannabis-related first-time entrants increased significantly. A joinpoint regression analysis indicates that the overall increase of cannabis treatment entries is continuous, although country-related differences are observed. Possible explanations for the increase and different time trends are discussed including an increase in cannabis prevalence and cannabis-related problems, changes in risk perception, increases in cannabis potency, changes in referral practices and increased availability and accessibility of treatment services.
Familial Hyperkalemia and Hypertension (FHHt) and KLHL3: Description of a Family with a New Recessive Mutation (S553L) Compared to a Family with a Dominant Mutation, Q309R, with Analysis of Urinary Sodium Chloride Cotransporter
Authors: Kliuk-Ben Bassat Orit , Carmon Vered , Hanukoglu Aaron , Ganon Liat , Massalha Eias , Holtzman Eliezer J. , Farfel Zvi , Mayan Haim
Published: May 2017

Background: Familial hyperkalemia and hypertension (FHHt) is an inherited disorder manifested by hyperkalemia and hypertension. The following four causative genes were identified: WNK1, WNK4, CUL3, and KLHL3. For the first 3 genes, inheritance is autosomal dominant. For KLHL3, inheritance is mostly dominant. A few cases with autosomal recessive disease were described. The mechanism of these 2 modes of inheritance is not clear. In the recessive form, the phenotype of heterozygotes is not well described. Methods: Clinical and genetic investigation of members of 2 families was performed, one with recessive FHHt, and the other, an expansion of a family with Q309R KLHL3 dominant mutation, previously reported by us. Urinary exosomal sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) was measured. Results: A family with recessive FHHt caused by a new KLHL3 mutation, S553L, is described. This consanguineous Jewish family of Yemenite extraction, included 2 homozygous and 7 heterozygous affected subjects. Increased urinary NCC was found in the affected members of the family with dominant Q309R KLHL3 mutation. In the recessive S553L family, homozygotes appeared to have increased urinary NCC abundance. Surprisingly, heterozygotes seemed to have also increased urinary NCC, though at an apparently lower degree. This was not accompanied by a clinical phenotype. Conclusions: A new recessive mutation in KLHL3 (S553L) was identified in FHHt. Increased urinary NCC was found in affected members (heterozygous) with dominant KLHL3 Q309R, and in affected members (homozygous) of the recessive form. Unexpectedly, in the recessive disease, heterozygotes seemed to have increased urinary NCC as well, apparently not sufficient quantitatively to produce a clinical phenotype.
Urinary Mitochondrial DNA Level as a Biomarker of Acute Kidney Injury Severity
Authors: Ho Phoebe Wing-Lam , Pang Wing-Fai , Luk Cathy Choi-Wan , Ng Jack Kit-Chung , Chow Kai-Ming , Kwan Bonnie Ching-Ha , Li Philip Kam-Tao , Szeto Cheuk-Chun
Published: May 2017

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI). The urinary mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) level was previously shown to predict renal function recovery in AKI following cardiac surgery. Herein, we determine whether urinary mtDNA is a marker of severity and predictor of recovery in AKI due to other etiologies. Methods: We recruited 107 AKI patients. The urinary mtDNA level was measured, the severity of AKI was quantified, and patients were followed for 90 days. Results: The urinary mtDNA level had modest but statistically significant correlations with the peak serum creatinine level (Spearman's r = -0.248, p = 0.010) and the duration of hospital stay (r = -0.217, p = 0.025). Patients who required temporary dialysis also tended to have higher urinary mtDNA levels than those without dialysis (22.6 ± 4.5 vs. 24.9 ± 5.7 cycles, p = 0.06). There was no definite relation between the urinary mtDNA level and renal function recovery. Conclusion: The urinary mtDNA level is a marker of AKI severity, as reflected by its significant correlation with the peak serum creatinine level, duration of hospital stay, and probably the need for temporary dialysis. Our result suggests that urinary mtDNA has the potential to serve as a biomarker of AKI.
Clinical Outcome of Patients with Raised Intraepithelial Lymphocytes with Normal Villous Architecture on Duodenal Biopsy
Authors: Parihar Vikrant , Stack Roisin , Alakkari Alaa , Breslin Nial , Ryan B.M. , Crowther Stephen , McNamara Deidre
Published: May 2017

Introduction: The finding of a raised intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) count with normal villous architecture is of sufficient clinical importance to be reported in routine duodenal biopsies. Aim: To study the clinical and demographic data of patients with isolated increased IELs on duodenal biopsy. Methods: A single-tertiary-centre retrospective study was carried out with a review of medical records of patients with increased IELs. Patients from 2012 to 2014, >18 years with at least one biopsy from the second part of the duodenum with increased IELs; defined as >25 IELs/100 enterocytes, with preserved villous architecture were identified from our histopathology database with exclusion of patients with coeliac disease (CD).Clinical and demographic data were recorded following a chart review. CD was diagnosed by the attending physician based on the Physician Global Assessment. Data was compared between groups using a Student t test and ORs were calculated as appropriate. Statistical significance was set a priori at p < 0.05. Results: Over 24 months, 6,244 patients were found to have duodenal biopsies and 114 (1.8%) had isolated increased IELs. Of the patients with increased IELs, the mean age was 50 years and 34 (30%) were male. Follow-up was available in 75 (65%) of these and CD was subsequently diagnosed in 32% (n = 24). CD was associated with the female gender (22 out of 24 vs. 39 out of 51, OR 7.5, older age 55 vs. 41 years, p < 0.04), and higher IEL count with an IEL of >40 in 11 out of 24 (46%) with CD vs. 12 out of 51 (24%) without CD, p = 0.0006. Conclusion: It is a non-specific but important finding, as it can have clinical implications.