bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anisakid nematodes as possible markers to trace fish products
Authors: Ferrantelli Vincenzo , Costa Antonella , Graci Stefania , Buscemi Maria Drusilla , Giangrosso Giuseppe , Porcarello Claudia , Palumbo Silvia , Cammilleri Gaetano
Published: June 2015

In this work a total of 949 fish samples were analysed for the identification of nematode larvae belonging to the Anisakidae family. Biomolecular application for the identification of Anisakidae larvae can be an optimal instrument for the traceability of fish products, described on the Reg. EC 178/2002. Results confirm a correlation between geographical distribution of fishes and presence of specific Anisakid larvae. FAO 37 zone (Mediterranean sea) showed a prevailing distribution of Anisakis pegreffii and a minimal presence of A. simplex s.s. in hybrid form with Anisakis pegreffii. FAO 27 zone showed a prevailing distribution of A. simplex s.s. in fish like Brosme (Brosme brosme) and infestation prevalence of Pseudoterranova krabbei and P. decipiens s.s. in Gadus morhua. Obtained results validate the hypothesis that molecular biology methods for identifying Anisakidae larvae are effective traceability markers of fish products.
Utility of acute phase proteins as biomarkers of transport stress in ewes and beef cattle
Authors: Fazio Francesco , Ferrantelli Vincenzo , Cicero Antonello , Casella Stefania , Piccione Giuseppe
Published: June 2015

The effect of transport on serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), Fibrinogen and white blood cells (WBC) was evaluated in 10 ewes and 10 beef cattle. All animals were transported by road for 6 h over a distance of about 490 km with an average speed of 80 km/h. Blood samples, collected via jugular venepuncture, were obtained before and after transport as well as after 12, 24 and 48 h rest time. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed a statistically significant effect of sampling time on SAA, Hp, and WBC in ewes and beef cattle. Based on these results, Hp and SAA levels, together with WBC, may be useful indicators of animal health and welfare and in predicting the risk assessment in meat inspection.
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in meat and vegetable products in Emilia Romagna Region, years 2012-2013
Authors: Bardasi Lia , Taddei Roberta , Nocera Lucia , Ricchi Matteo , Merialdi Giuseppe
Published: June 2015

In 2012-2013 Emilia-Romagna Region introduced a monitoring plan for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in foodstuff. Six hundred eighty-nine meat samples and 273 fruit and vegetable products were analyzed according to ISOTS13136. Pre-enriched samples were tested by multiplex real time PCR targeting the virulence genes eae, stx1 and stx2. Stx2 positive samples were investigated for the presence of serogroup O104 associated gene. O103, O111, O145, O157, O26 associated genes were tested on samples positive for stx in association with eae gene. Isolation of E. coli strains was attempted from samples positive for serogroup-associated genes. Thirtyfour meat products (4.9%) resulted positive for stx1 and/or stx2 genes and 46 (6.7%) for stx1 and/or stx2 genes in association with eae gene. Forty-five (6.5%) samples resulted positive at least at one serogroup. Serogroup O103, O104, O111, O145, O157 and O26 genes were detected respectively in 1.3, 0.3, 0.1, 3.9, 2.9 and 2.5% samples; 0.6% samples resulted positive for STEC isolation (2 E. coli O103 and 2 E. coli O157). It is worth noting that STEC virulence genes were detected at high frequency (19%) in fresh pork meat sausages. Four (1.5%) vegetable samples were positive for stx1 and/or stx2 genes and 1 (0.4%) for stx1 and/or stx2 genes in association with eae gene; none resulted positive for the tested serogroups. Only a low number of samples positive by molecular methods were confirmed by cultural isolation. It is therefore of the uttermost importance for appropriate risk management, to be fully aware of the meaning of the analytical result.
Hygiene and welfare evaluation of pigs slaughtered in agritourisms
Authors: Mazzette Rina , Piras Francesca , Agus Vanessa , Porcheddu Gabriella , Fois Giuseppe , Consolati Simonetta Gianna
Published: June 2015

The slaughtering procedures at agritourism farms must be carried out in accordance with the general and hygiene requirements of Regulations (EC) No 852 and 853/2004. In addition, regional laws define minimum requirements allowing some flexibility. Piglets and finishing pigs are the most frequently slaughtered animal in Sardinian agritourism farms. The aim of the present survey was to evaluate: the general and hygiene requirements of outbuilding slaughterhouses in agritourisms; the animal welfare indicators; the microbial contamination of piglets and finishing pigs carcasses. Six agritourisms outbuilding slaughterhouses – EU-approved – were investigated. General and hygiene requirements of outbuilding slaughterhouses and animal welfare indicators of 68 piglets and 5 finishing pigs were evaluated by mean of a checklist. The following parameters were determined on 45 piglets and 5 finishing pigs carcasses: i) pH 1 and 24 h after slaughter, and ii) carcass surface microbial contamination by non destructive method (sponge) on the following sampling sites: ham; back (adults); belly; jowl (adults). Aerobic colony count (ACC; ISO 4833:2003), Enterobacteriaceae (EB; ISO 21528-2:2004), Salmonella spp. (ISO 6579:2002), Listeria monocytogenes (ISO 11290-1:1996 and 11290-2:1998) were also tested. All the plants except one have two separate rooms, for clean and dirty zones, stunning and bleeding operations being frequently carried out on open air. The piglet scalding was carried out in hot water bowls, and hair removal by singeing. Animal welfare signs revealed the following aspects: handling: hoisting prior to stunning, vocalizations (41%); stunning: not individual access to box, repeated shocks (4%), mean voltage 135.6 V, mean current for head-only electrical stunning 0.78 A; indicators of not effective stunning: palpebral reflex (24.2%), corneal reflex (12.8%), vocalizations (15.4%); bleeding: conscious and sensitive animal shackling (53.8%). Results of carcass evaluation showed, for piglets and adult pig respectively: i) pH: pH1=6.21±0.25 and 6.18±0.22; pH24=5.66±0.17 and 5.49±0.11; ii) ACC: 4.11±0.64 and 4.63±0.42 (log10 CFU/cm2, mean±standard deviation); iii) Enterobacteriaceae prevalence of 81.6% (2.55±0.80) in piglets and 100% (3.22±0.90) in adults. Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were not detected in any of the samples. General requirements of outbuilding slaughterhouses in agritourisms are suitable to produce meat in compliance with hygienic rules, considering the low risk level. Results of Enterobacteriaceae levels of finishing pig carcasses were not in compliance with the EC Regulation No 2073/2005. Training of personnel is compulsory and can improve the stunning and bleeding procedures.
Detection of Arcobacter spp. in Mytilus galloprovincialis samples collected from Apulia region
Authors: Bonerba Elisabetta , Mottola Anna , Parisi Antonio , Di Pinto Angela , Serraino Andrea , Bozzo Giancarlo , Giacometti Federica , Ceci Edmondo , Tantillo Giuseppina
Published: June 2015

The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of Arcobacter spp. in 20 samples of Mytilus galloprovincialis purchased at fish markets in Apulia region. The detection of Arcobacter spp. was performed, after selective enrichment, on modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate (mCCD) agar supplemented with Cefoperazone, Amphotericin B and Teicoplanin (CAT). In 6 out of the 20 tested samples the presence of Arcobacter spp. was found and confirmed by genus-based polymerase chain reaction. All the isolates were identified as belonging to the species Arcobacter butzleri using 16S rDNA sequencing and BLAST online. The results represent the first report in Italy of A. butzleri detection in marketed Mytilus galloprovincialis. The survey underlines the epidemiological importance of A. butzleri as an emerging pathogen, and highlights that mussels should be considered as a potential cause of foodborne disease outbreak.
The components of microbiological risk analysis
Authors: Liuzzo Gaetano , Bentley Stefano , Giacometti Federica , Serraino Andrea
Published: June 2015

The paper describes the process of risk analysis in a food safety perspective. The steps of risk analysis defined as a process consisting of three interconnected components (risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication) are analysed. The different components of the risk assessment, risk management and risk communication are further described.
Gossypol content of cotton free commercial feed for dairy cows
Authors: Ricci Barbara , Canestrari Giorgia , Pizzamiglio Valentina , Biancardi Alberto , Merialdi Giuseppe , Giacometti Federica , Nocetti Marco , Fustini Mattia , Serraino Andrea , Formigoni Andrea
Published: June 2015

Gossypol is a yellow pigment occurring in all parts of cotton plants, with the highest levels found in seeds, and it exhibits a variety of toxic effects. Few data are available on the content of gossypol in the commercial complementary feed and in feed raw materials. The present study was focused on the investigation of the presence of free gossypol in commercial complementary feed not containing cotton. A total of 50 samples of commercial complementary feed for dairy cows were performed in 29 feed mills both using and not using cotton as feed material. The free gossypol contamination resulted under the detection limit of the technique (4 mg/kg) in 12 out of 50 samples analysed and ranged from 4 to 20 mg/kg in 28 samples. In 10 samples the level of free gossypol ranged from 20 to 29.5 mg/kg. Average contamination of samples was 12.2±9.2 SD mg/kg. No significant difference (P=0.571) was shown in free gossypol concentration between feed produced in cotton free plants and in plants where cotton is used as feed material. Free gossypol content detected in the present study allows considering complementary feed for dairy cows not at risk. On the other hand, the detection of free gossypol in cotton free complementary feed, probably attributable to cross contamination of feed materials upstream of the feed mill, should be further investigated.
Caretakers’ self adherence to artemisinin lumefantrine in Nyando district, Kenya
Authors: Ogolla Jared Otieno , Ayaya Samuel O. , Otieno Christina Agatha
Published: June 2015

Artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) are effective and tolerant. However, the continuous development of Plasmodium strains resistance to cost effective monotherapies such as chloroquine and sulphadoxinepyrimethamine, remains the greatest setback to the global fight against malaria. Recent studies indicate that Plasmodium parasites are already becoming resistance to ACTs. A number of factors such as poor adherence can cause drug failure. Non-adherence is one of the major challenges facing optimal use of ACTs in real life settings. The objective of this study was to describe and identify factors associated with non-adherence to artemisinin lumefantrine (AL) among malaria-ailing caretakers seen in Nyando district hospital who also had children under the age of five ailing from malaria. From our study we concluded that the consents, follow-ups, strict adherence to the Kenya National Strategy for Control and Treatment of Malaria guidelines and availability of AL during the study may have influenced the observed high adherence rates. Therefore, it is critical to adequately stock health facilities with AL to enhance adherence. More specifically, healthcare providers need to educate malaria-ailing caretakers on the AL regimen as well as its possible side effects to promote adherence to the antimalarial at a household level.
Posterior Mediastinal Capillary Hemangioma Misdiagnosed as Neurofibromas: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zeyaian Bijam , Soleimani Neda , Geramizadeh Bita
Published: June 2015

Capillary hemangioma is a common benign tumor which can occur everywhere in the whole body, however its occurrence in posterior mediastinum is extremely rare, and to the best of our knowledge less than 20 cases have been reported in the English literature so far. Here in we report a 65-year-old lady who presented with prolonged cough and diagnosed to have a posterior mediastinal mass. Before operation, according to the site of tumor, it has been diagnosed as neurofibroma. It is very important to consider hemangioma before operation to reduce surgical complications, and it should be in the differential diagnosis of posterior mediastinal masses.
Clinical Activity of Pazopanib in Metastatic Extraosseous Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Attia Steven , Okuno Scott H. , Robinson Steven I. , Webber Nicholas P. , Indelicato Daniel J. , Jones Robin L. , Bagaria Sanjay P. , Jones Robin L. , Sherman Courtney , Kozak Kevin R. , Cortese Cherise M. , McFarland Thomas , Trent Jonathan C. , Maki Robert G.
Published: June 2015

We report a response to pazopanib in a 69-year-old man with heavily pre-treated metastatic extraosseous Ewing sarcoma in addition to molecular profiling of his tumor. To our knowledge, this case is the earliest to demonstrate activity of an oral multi-targeted kinase inhibitor in Ewing sarcoma. This case provides rationale for adding a Ewing sarcoma arm to SARC024, a phase II study of regorafenib, another multi-targeted kinase inhibitor, in patients with liposarcoma, osteosarcoma and Ewing and Ewing-like sarcomas (NCT02048371). This national multi-institutional study is ongoing.
Five-year mortality rate in an ophthalmic ward in Zimbabwe
Authors: Madzima Pamidzai , Masanganise Rangarirai
Published: June 2015

Objective: To determine the mortality rate in the ophthalmic ward at the Sekuru KaguviHospital Eye Unit (SKHEU), Zimbabwe, from January 2009 to December 2013 and to identify the causes of death.Design: A hospital-based clinical audit.Methods: Data from completed hospital death notification forms and medical records of patients who had died in the ward during the review period were collected that included age, gender, diagnoses, date of admission, date of death and cause of death. The data were analysed using Epi Info7 software.Setting: The audit was conducted at SKHEU, the largest tertiary eye unit in Zimbabwe. It comprises an ophthalmic ward with 30 beds and caters for about 900 patients per year. Patients are admitted via the Out-patients Department where about 30 000 patients are seen yearly. SKHEU is part of the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, which is one of the four major referral hospitals in Zimbabwe.Results: Of the 4722 ophthalmic admissions at SKHEU during the 5-year study period, therewere 15 (0.3%) deaths, with a male:female ratio of 3:2 giving a mortality rate of 0.3% and an average of 3 deaths per year. The highest number of deaths was in 2009 when 7 deaths occurred, whilst the lowest number was 1 death in 2010 and 1 in 2013. Of the 15 deaths,4 (26.7%) were children < 12 years old and 11 (73.3%) were adults; of whom 12 (80%) patients had orbital malignancies, 2 (13.3%) had orbital cellulitis and 1 (6.7%) had ocular trauma. Theorbital malignancies included ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), retinoblastomaand non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL). The most common probable cause of death was OSSN which accounted for 9 (60%) of the deaths.Conclusion: The mortality rate at SKHEU was 0.3%, with approximately 3 deaths occurring per year. The most common attributable cause of death was OSSN.
The effect of Rift Valley fever virus Clone 13 vaccine on semen quality in rams
Authors: Brown Geoff , Venter Estelle H. , Morley Paul , Annandale Henry
Published: June 2015

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an arthropod-borne viral disease of importance in livestock and humans. Epidemics occur periodically in domestic ruminants. People in contact with infected livestock may develop disease that varies from mild flu-like symptoms to fatal viraemia. Livestock vaccination may assist in disease control. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) Clone 13 is a relatively new vaccine against RVF, derived from an avirulent natural mutant strain of RVFV, and has been shown to confer protective immunity against experimental infection with RVFV. The hypothesis tested in the current trial was that rams vaccinated with RVFV Clone 13 vaccine would not experience a reduction in semen quality (measured by evaluating the percentage progressively motile and percentage morphologically normal spermatozoa in successive ejaculates) relative to unvaccinated control animals. Ram lambs were screened for antibodies to RVFV using a serum neutralisation test. Animals without detectable antibodies (n = 23) were randomly allocated to either a test group (n = 12) or a control group (n = 11). Animals in the test group were vaccinated with RVFV Clone 13 vaccine. Daily rectal temperature measurements and weekly semen and blood samples were taken from all animals. Seven animals were eliminated from the statistical analysis because of potential confounding factors. Logistic regression analysis was performed on data gathered from the remaining animals to determine whether an association existed between animal group, rectal temperature and semen quality parameters. No correlation existed between the treatment group and values obtained for the semen quality parameters measured. There was no statistically significant post-vaccination decline in the percentage of live morphologically normal spermatozoa, or the percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, either when assessed amongst all animals or when assessed within individual groups. A repeat study with a larger sample size and a more comprehensive pre-screening process may be indicated to avoid the inclusion of unsuitable animals.
Neuromyelitis optica and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: Natural history and long-term outcome, an Indian experience
Authors: Jagtap Sujit Abajirao , Mandliya Alok , Sarada C. , Nair M. D.
Published: June 2015

Background: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) has evolved from devic′s classical description to a broader disease spectrum, from monophasic illness to a polyphasic illness with multiple recurrences, disease confined to optic nerve and spinal cord to now brain stem, cerebrum and even endocrinopathy due to hypothalamic involvement. Objectives: To report, the epidemiological characteristics, clinical presentations, recurrence rate, treatment and response to therapy in 26 patients with NMO and NMO spectrum disorder among the Indian population. Methods: We performed observational, retrospective analysis of our prospectively maintained data base of patients with NMO, longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis during the period of January 2003-December 2012 who satisfied the national multiple sclerosis society (NMSS) task force criteria for diagnosis of NMO and NMO spectrum disorder. Results: There were 26 patients (female: male, 21:5), the mean age of onset of symptom was 27 years (range 9-58, standard deviation = 12). Twenty-one patients (80%) fulfilled NMSS criteria for NMO while rest 5 patients (20%) were considered as NMO spectrum disorder. Seven patients (27%) had a monophasic illness, 19 patients (73%) had a polyphasic illness with recurrences. The Median recurrence rate was 4/patient in the polyphasic group. 13 (50%) patient were tested for aquaporin 4 antibody, 8 (61%) were positive while 5 patients (39%) were negative. All patients received intravenous methyl prednisolone, 9 patients (35%) required further treatment for acute illness in view of unresponsiveness to steroids. Thirteen patients (50%) received disease-modifying agents for recurrences. Mean duration of follow-up was 5 years. All patients had a good outcome (modified Rankin scale, <3) except one who had poor visual recovery. Conclusion: Neuromyelitis optica/NMO spectrum disorder is demyelinating disorder with female predominance, polyphasic course, myelitis being most common event although brain stem involvement is not uncommon with NMO antibody positivity in 60% patients, confirms the literature data.
Craniopharyngioma causing bilateral vision loss 4 months after unremarkable magnetic resonance imaging of the brain
Authors: Betts Rainy , Margo Curtis E. , Drucker Mitchell
Published: June 2015

A 65-year-old man developed bilateral vision loss 4 months after magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated no lesion in the vicinity of the optic chiasm, hypothalamus, and suprasellar tissues. Repeat computed tomography 3 months later showed a predominantly cystic mass of the suprasellar cistern with extension into the anterior third ventricle, which histologically was a craniopharyngioma. The clinical course of this case fuels the controversy whether craniopharyngiomas arise from embryonic rests or can be acquired. From a clinical perspective, it raises questions about when to obtain imaging studies dedicated to the chiasm and the appropriate interval in which a scan should be repeated to exclude structural causes of bilateral vision loss.
Metastatic sacrococcygeal yolk sac tumor: A misleading diagnosis
Authors: Nsir Atef Ben , Darmoul Mehdi , Arous Sarra Ben , Hattab Nejib
Published: June 2015

Sacrococcygeal yolk sac tumor (YST) is an extremely rare malignant extra-gonadal germ-cell tumor, which usually succeeds to the degeneration of more common benign teratoma.We describe here an unprecedented case of conus medullaris compression by a spinal metastasis from a pure sacrococcygeal YST in a 1½ years old girl, which was misdiagnosed initially as an anal fissure and stress the need of a meticulous clinical examination and further screening in young patients presenting with sphincter disturbances.
A series of enterococcal brain abscesses
Authors: Maiti Tanmoy K. , Nagarathna S. , Veena Kumari H. B. , Shukla Dhaval P.
Published: June 2015

Background: Neurosurgeons in developing countries come across brain abscess frequently, but Enterococcus as a cause of abscess is rare. Aims: To describe clinical profile and treatment of a series of patients with enterococcal brain abscess. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed microbiological records of patients with brain abscess to identify Enterococcus as a causative organism. Results: 12 patients (nine males) were diagnosed to have enterococcal brain abscess. All were due to E. species. All were due to E. species. Conclusions: The clinical feature and management are not different from other etiological agents. The prognosis of enterococcal brain abscess is more favourable than bacteremia.
Clinical spectrum and radiographic features of the syndrome of the trephined
Authors: Sedney Cara L. , Dillen William , Julien Terrence
Published: June 2015

Object: Craniectomy is a common neurosurgical procedure. Syndrome of the trephined (ST) occurring after craniectomy results in neurologic symptoms that are reversible with cranioplasty. While well-documented, previous literature consisted of case reports, symptom spectrum and risk factors have not been well characterized. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 29 consecutive cases who underwent decompressive craniectomy within a 30-month period was performed. Patients were considered affected by ST if a previously stable neurological deficit improved within 3 weeks after cranioplasty. Prevalence of ST was measured and association with demographic information, clinical symptoms patterns, indication for and size of craniectomy, as well as radiological signs were tested. Results: Seven patients (24%) developed ST. Chronic rehabilitation arrest was more common than acute neurologic decline. Factors such as craniectomy size and patient age did not reach statistical significance in development of ST. Radiographic factors were predictive, with a sunken skin flap contour being most sensitive, while ventricular effacement was most specific.Conclusion: ST may have a higher incidence than previously thought, with a chronic rehabilitation arrest being a more common presentation than an acute decline. Medical providers involved in the post surgical care and rehabilitation of these patients should maintain a high index of suspicion for ST.
Primary angiitis of central nervous system: The story of a great masquerader
Authors: Bajaj Bhupender , Pandey Shweta , Ramanujam Bhargavi , Wadhwa Ankur
Published: June 2015

Primary angiitis of central nervous system (PACNS) is characterized by non-caseating granulomatous angiitis restricted to CNS. The condition often masquerades as migraine, stroke, epilepsy, dementia, demyelinating disorder and CNS infection. The protean manifestations frequently lead to misdiagnoses. We present a case of a young male from rural background that remained undiagnosed for years as the possibility of PACNS was not considered. He had history suggestive of migraine-like headaches followed by seizures. Subsequently, he developed rapidly progressive dementia and two episodes of hemorrhagic strokes over a short period. The diagnosis was finally clinched by the absence of evidence of systemic vasculitis and the presence of characteristic non-caseating granuloma around vessels of duramater and cerebral parenchyma on brain biopsy. He was started on pulse therapy with intravenous cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone. The current literature about the condition and its management is reviewed in this report.
Hypnic jerks possibly induced by escitalopram
Authors: Sathe Harshal , Karia Sagar , Desousa Avinash , Shah Nilesh
Published: June 2015

Hypnic jerks or sleep starts are benign myoclonic jerks that usually occur on falling asleep. Various factors like excessive caffeine intake, physical, and emotional stress can increase their frequency. Here we report a case of a female who suffered from hypnic jerks with use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug escitalopram and responding to treatment with clonazepam.
Calf heads on a trophy sign: Miyoshi myopathy
Authors: Shyma M. Mundayadan , Roopchand P. Sreedharan , Ram K. Mohan , Shaji C. Velayudhan
Published: June 2015

Miyoshi myopathy is an autosomal recessive distal myopathy with predominant involvement of the posterior calf muscles attributed to mutations in the dysferlin gene. We report a 26-year-old male, born of nonconsanginous parentage. He noticed weakness and atrophy of leg muscles with inability to walk on his heels. The creatine kinase concentration was high. The electromyography showed myopathic pattern and the muscle biopsy disclosed dystrophic changes with absence of dysferlin. Miyoshi myopathy may be distinct among the hereditary distal myopathies. There are only few reported cases of Miyoshi myopathy in the world literature. In India only 12 cases were reported who had classical features of Miyoshi myopathy. Our’s is a typical case of Miyoshi myopathy, with an affected twin sister as well. He also had “calf heads on a trophy sign” on physical examination, which is considered to be pathognomonic of this disease.
Antischistosomal Activity of Two Active Constituents Isolated from the Leaves of Egyptian Medicinal Plants
Authors: Ali Sanaa A. , El-Regal Nagy S. , Saeed Samar M.
Published: June 2015

Highlights

D-mannitol, a naturally occurring sugar isolated from the leaves Ixora undulata Roxb., and a linear chain pectin homogalacturonan (HG) polysaccharide isolated from the leaves of Linum grandiflorum Desf. (scarlet flax) were evaluated for their therapeutic effect against schistosomiasis with biochemical and histochemical evaluations, and compared with the reference drug praziquantel, to assess the antioxidant and antischistosomal effects of D-mannitol and pectin.

In this paper, we investigate the role of two active constituents isolated from the leaves of Egyptian medicinal plants. D-mannitol a naturally occurring sugar isolated from the leaves Ixora undulata Roxb., and the pectin a linear chain homogalacturonan (HG) polysaccharide isolated from the leaves of Linum grandiflorum Desf. (scarlet flax). Both are evaluated for their therapeutic effect against schistosomiasis with biochemical and histochemical evaluations and compared with praziquantel, a reference drug. Biochemical studies of hepatic glucose, the glycogen content, and total serum protein were carried out, and histochemical evaluations through serum protein fractions separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with different molecular weights (260–10 kDa) were made in all groups, in addition to liver and body weight. D-mannitol and pectin show a remarkable effect in enhancing liver and kidney functions through enhancing most protein fractions in the serum of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Also, the glucose and glycogen content in injured liver tissues improved, in addition liver and body weight in the infected groups. Thus they may be of therapeutic potential in the treatment hepatoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
A Geometric Extension of Schwarz’s Lemma and Applications
Authors: Cleanthous Galatia
Published: June 2015

Let f be a holomorphic function of the unit disc , preserving the origin. According to Schwarz’s Lemma, |f'(0)| ≤ 1, provided that . We prove that this bound still holds, assuming only that f() does not contain any closed rectilinear segment [0, eiϕ], ϕ ∊ [0, zπ], i.e., does not contain any entire radius of the closed unit disc. Furthermore, we apply this result to the hyperbolic density and give a covering theorem.
Metric and spectral triples for Dirichlet and resistance forms
Authors: Hinz Michael , Kelleher Daniel J. , Teplyaev Alexander
Published: June 2015

The article deals with intrinsic metrics, Dirac operators and spectral triples induced by regular Dirichlet and resistance forms. We show, in particular, that if a local resistance form is given and the space is compact in resistance metric, then the intrinsic metric yields a geodesic space. Given a regular Dirichlet form, we consider Dirac operators within the framework of differential 1-forms proposed by Cipriani and Sauvageot, and comment on its spectral properties. If the Dirichlet form admits a carré operator and the generator has discrete spectrum, then we can construct a related spectral triple, and in the compact and strongly local case the associated Connes distance coincides with the intrinsic metric. We finally give a description of the intrinsic metric in terms of vector fields.
Superconformal nets and noncommutative geometry
Authors: Carpi Sebastiano , Hillier Robin , Longo Roberto
Published: June 2015

This paper provides a further step in the program of studying superconformal nets over

S^1

from the point of view of noncommutative geometry. For any such net

\mathcal A

and any family

\Delta

of localized endomorphisms of the even part

\mathcal A^{\gamma}

of

\mathcal A

, we define the locally convex differentiable algebra

\mathfrak A_{\Delta}

with respect to a natural Dirac operator coming from supersymmetry. Having determined its structure and properties, we study the family of spectral triples and JLO entire cyclic cocycles associated to elements in

\Delta

and show that they are nontrivial and that the cohomology classes of the cocycles corresponding to inequivalent endomorphisms can be separated through their even or odd index pairing with K-theory in various cases. We illustrate some of those cases in detail with superconformal nets associated to well-known CFT models, namely super-current algebra nets and super-Virasoro nets. All in all, the result allows us to encode parts of the representation theory of the net in terms of noncommutative geometry.
Inequalities $\textit{á la}$ Frölicher and cohomological decompositions
Authors: Angella Daniele , Tomassini Adriano
Published: June 2015

We study Bott-Chern and Aeppli cohomologies of a vector space endowed with two anti-commuting endomorphisms whose square is zero. In particular, we prove an inequality
à la
Frölicher relating the dimensions of the Bott-Chern and Aeppli cohomologies to the dimensions of the Dolbeault cohomologies. We prove that the equality in such an inequality
à la
Frölicher characterizes the validity of the so-called cohomological property of satisfying the

\partial \overline{\partial}

-Lemma. As an application, we study cohomological properties of compact either complex, or symplectic, or, more in general, generalized-complex manifolds.
Cohomological approach to the graded Berezinian
Authors: Covolo Tiffany
Published: June 2015

We develop the theory of linear algebra over a

(\mathbb Z_2)^n

-commutative algebra (

n\in \mathbb N

), which includes the well-known super linear algebra as a special case (

n=1

). Examples of such graded-commutative algebras are the Clifford algebras, in particular the quaternion algebra

\mathbb H

. Following a cohomological approach, we introduce analogues of the notions of trace and determinant. Our construction reduces in the classical commutative case to the coordinate-free description of the determinant by means of the action of invertible matrices on the top exterior power, and in the supercommutative case it coincides with the well-known cohomological interpretation of the Berezinian.
Galois bimodules and integrality of PI comodule algebras over invariants
Authors: Etingof Pavel
Published: June 2015

Let

A

be a comodule algebra for a finite dimensional Hopf algebra

K

over an algebraically closed field

k

, and let

A^K

be the subalgebra of invariants. Let

Z

be a central subalgebra in

A

, which is a domain with quotient field

Q

. Assume that

Q\otimes_Z A

is a central simple algebra over

Q

, and either

A

is a finitely generated torsion-free

Z

-module and

Z

is integrally closed in

Q

, or

A

is a finite projective

Z

-module. Then we show that

A

and

Z

are integral over the subring of central invariants

Z\cap A^K

. More generally, we show that this statement is valid under the same assumptions if

Z

is a reduced algebra with quotient ring

Q

,and

Q\otimes_Z A

is a semisimple algebra with center

Q

. In particular, the statement holds for a coaction of

K

on a prime PI algebra

A

whose center

Z

is an integrally closed finitely generated domain over

k

. For the proof, we develop a theory of Galois bimodules over semisimple algebras finite over the center.
The analytical assembly map and index theory
Authors: Land Markus
Published: June 2015

In this paper we study the index theoretic interpretation of the analytical assembly map that appears in the Baum–Connes conjecture. In its general form it may be constructed using Kasparov’s equivariant

KK

-theory. In the special case of a torsionfree group the domain simplifies to the usual

K

-homology of the classifying space

BG

of

G

and it is frequently used that in this case the analytical assembly map is given by assigning to an operator an equivariant index. We give a precise formulation of this statement and prove it.
Large time limit and local $L^2$-index theorems for families
Authors: Azzali Sara , Goette Sebastian , Schick Thomas
Published: June 2015

We compute explicitly, and without any extra regularity assumptions, the large time limit of the fibrewise heat operator for Bismut–Lott type superconnections in the

L^2

-setting. This is motivated by index theory on certain non-compact spaces (families of manifolds with cocompact group action) where the convergence of the heat operator at large time implies refined

L^2

-index formulas.

As applications, we prove a local

L^2

-index theorem for families of signature operators and an

L^2

-Bismut–Lott theorem, expressing the Becker–Gottlieb transfer of flat bundles in terms of Kamber–Tondeur classes. With slightly stronger regularity we obtain the respective refined versions: we construct

L^2

-eta forms and

L^2

-torsion forms as transgression forms.
Turismo on line, identidad virtual y explotación sexual
Authors: Castillo Murillejo Norma Constanza , Cárdenas Pinto Guillermo H. , Rodriguez Mercado Humberto
Published: June 2015

El presente artículo de revisión, ofrece un marco de referencia para la interpretación de los asuntos relacionados con la explotación sexual en el contexto de viajes y turismo. Cumple con los propósitos de  identificar y establecer relaciones de intertextualidad entre el turismo en línea y la explotación sexual comercial, así como de definir categorías de análisis útiles para la interpretación de ambos fenómenos. Para lograrlo, hace visible el proceso de construcción de la identidad virtual que sucede durante la interacción entre usuarios de redes y consumidores de medios. A partir del diálogo establecido entre autores consultados, se “fue hilando fino” en los tres campos de estudio que se definieron –Turismo on line, identidad virtual y explotación sexual– realizando así, la sistematización de conocimientos fragmentados que permitan contestar ¿qué estrategias comunicativas turísticas implícitas utilizadas por internet facilitan la explotación de niños, niñas y adolescentes en el contexto de viajes y turismo?
Prevalence and Risk Profile Of Unread Messages To Patients In A Patient Web Portal
Authors: Mostaghimi A. , O’Brien J. , Bajracharya A. , Safran C. , Landon B.E. , Crotty B.H.
Published: June 2015

Background: Excitement around the adoption of electronic communication between physicians and patients is tempered by the possibility of increased clinical and legal risk. If patients do not read messages in a timely fashion, duplicative communication efforts may be required and patient safety may be jeopardized.

Objective: We sought to assess the prevalence and risk profile of unread messages in a mature patient portal.

Methods: We analyzed six years of messages (2005–2010) from physicians to patients to determine the prevalence and associated characteristics of unread messages in a patient portal. We focused on clinical messages, and excluded announcements. Because some physicians sent clinical messages to groups of patients, we labeled messages sent to more than 5 patients as “outreach” messages and excluded them from general analyses. We performed a chart review of 75 clinical messages to assess for harm.

Results: We found that 3% of clinical messages were unread after 21 days. Messages arriving outside of business hours were slightly more likely to go unread (RR 1.15 95% CI 1.11–1.19). Patients who were male (OR 1.14 CI 1.04–1.26) African American (OR 1.69 CI 1.29–2.22) or Hispanic (OR 1.74 CI 1.17–2.59), or in the lowest income group (OR 1.72 CI 1.19–2.49) were more likely to have unread messages. Chart review showed no evidence of harm, but 13% of sampled unread messages were associated with potential delays in care. Incidentally, we found 50% of the physician-initiated outreach messages were unread.

Conclusions: Overall, secure messaging appears a safe form of communication, but systems to notify senders when messages are unread may have value. While most clinical messages were read, many outreach messages were not, providing caution for relying on such systems for information dissemination. Similar to other studies, differences by race and income were observed and require further study.

Citation: Crotty BH, Mostaghimi A, O’Brien J, Bajracharya A, Safran C, Landon B. Prevalence and Risk Profile Of Unread Messages To Patients In A Patient Web Portal. Appl Clin Inf 2015; 6: 375–382

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2015-01-CR-0006
The Impact of Expasyl® Gingival Retraction Paste on the Bond Strength of Self-etch and Total-etch Systems
Authors: Ahmad Zeeshan H , Anil Sukumaran , Araby Alaa El , Amri Mohammad D Al
Published: June 2015

Objective

To evaluate the influence of Expasyl® gingival retraction paste on the shear bond strength of self-etch and total-etch adhesive systems.

Materials and methods

Twenty-four specimens of extracted, caries-free, sound human molars were used in this study. The molars were then cut vertically into halves through the buccal and lingual cusps. Forty-eight specimens were divided into four groups (total-etch, total-etch with Expasyl application, self-etch, self-etch with Expasyl application) and the shear bond strength was tested.

Results

Expasyl significantly reduced the shear bond strength of the self-etch and total-etch adhesive systems. The self-etch system showed relatively lower performance compared with the total-etch adhesive system. The shear bond strength values of the total-etch adhesive without Expasyl showed the highest bond strength (21.48 ± 2.89), while the self-etching group adhesive treated with Expasyl showed the lowest shear bond strength value (14.89 ± 1.81).

Conclusion

From the observations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that the use of Expasyl® gingival retraction system can negatively affect bond strength of adhesives. The total-etch system showed better compatibility to the Expasyl gingival retraction system than the self-etch.

How to cite this article

Al Baker AMA, El Araby A, Al Amri MD, Sukumaran A. The Impact of Expasyl® Gingival Retraction Paste on the Bond Strength of Self-etch and Total-etch Systems. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(5):335-339.
Comparison of Canal Transportation, Centering Ratio by Cone-beam Computed Tomography after Preparation with Different File Systems
Authors: Türker Sevinç Aktemur , Uzunoglu Emel
Published: June 2015

Aim

One Shape Apical 1 (OSA 1) is a new file for preparing the apical aspect of the root canal after One Shape (OS, Micro Mega, Besançon, France). This study compared apical transportation and centering ratios in curved root canals, which were instrumented with ProTaper Next (PTN, Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK) up to size X3 and with OS up to OSA 1.

Materials and methods

Forty-eight mesial canals of mandibular molars were assigned into two groups (n = 24) with respect to canal length and curvature. Root canals were accessed conventionally and preperation was completed with PTN files up to X3 or with OS up to OSA 1 according to the manufacturer's protocols. Apical transportation was assessed pre- and postinstrumentation using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm sections. A Friedman test was performed to assess the significance between file systems.

Results

No significant difference was found between the file systems regarding apical transportation and centering ratio values (p > 0.05). Transportation in the mesial direction was greater than the distal transportation for both file systems.

Conclusion

Considering apical transportation and centering ratio in curved canals, two systems provided similar results.

Clinical significance

Preparation up to One Shape Apical 1 or ProTaper Next X3 was shown similar results regarding apical transportation and centering ratio. Both systems were safe to use in curved molar root canals.

How to cite this article

Uzunoglu E, Turker SA. Comparison of Canal Transportation, Centering Ratio by Cone-beam Computed Tomography after Preparation with Different File Systems. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(5):360-365.
Lichenoid Features and Fibrosis: Coexistence in Quid-induced Oral Lesions
Authors: Yanduri Sarita , Kumar Veerendra B , Suma S , Madhura MG
Published: June 2015

Background

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and quid associated oral lichenoid lesions (QOLL) are caused because of areca nut chewing and both show very characteristic histological changes. The present study aims to determine the histopathological presence of lichenoid features in cases of OSF as well as to determine the presence of fibrosis in cases of QOLL.

Materials and methods

The study involved the retrospective analysis of hematoxylin and eosin stained slides of OSF (n = 50) and QOLL (n = 16).

Results

Seven cases of OSF revealed histopathological features of lichenoid reaction and four cases of QOLL revealed the presence of fibrosis in the underlying connective tissue.

Conclusion

This study put forths a new finding that is, the presence of concomitant disease processes seen in the same patient at a histological level. It thus, stresses the need to evaluate all cases of OSF and QOLL for additional features which may be induced by areca nut chewing.

How to cite this article

Yanduri S, Kumar VB, Suma S, Madhura MG. Lichenoid Features and Fibrosis: Coexistence in Quid-induced Oral Lesions. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(5):389-393.
Strategies to maintain operating room functionality following the complete loss of the recovery room due to an internal disaster
Authors: Metzler, MD Elise C. , Kodali, MD Bhavani S. , Urman, MD, MBA Richard D. , Flanagan, MD Hugh L. , Sa Rego, MD Monica , Vacanti, MD Joshua C.
Published: June 2015

The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) is a major contributor to the operating room (OR) process flow and efficiency. A sudden failure of hospital facility infrastructure due to a burst pipe resulted in the complete loss of a 66-bed combined preoperative and PACU facility of a major academic medical center. The OR suites were undamaged. The clinical and administrative challenges of caring for surgical patients without the usual preoperative and postoperative care areas are discussed. Our strategy for maintaining OR functions and management of patient flow, OR personnel, case prioritization, and equipment needs are detailed from the time of initial crisis until restoration of these clinical care areas. Utilization of the hospital disaster Incident Command Structure and the activation and decision support provided by the hospital Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for the week immediately following the crisis, helped maintain OR functionality.
The contribution of on-call, volunteer first responders to mass-casualty terrorist attacks in Israel
Authors: Alpert, MD Evan Avraham , Lipsky, MD, PhD Ari M. , Elie, BS Navid Daniel , Jaffe, EMT-P, PhD Eli
Published: June 2015

Objective: To describe the contributions of on-call, volunteer first responders to mass-casualty terrorist attacks in Israel during the Second Intifada.Design: Descriptive study evaluating data obtained from postevent debriefings after 15 terrorist attacks in Israel between 2001 and 2004.Results: An average of 7.9 deaths (median 7.0, interquartile range [IQR] 2.5-12.5) and 53.8 injuries (median 50.0, IQR 34.0-62.0) occurred in each of these attacks. The average number of volunteers responding to each event was 50.3 (median 43.0, IQR 27.5-55.5). The volunteers were involved in extricating victims from imminent danger, and performing emergent tasks such as bag-valve ventilation, tourniquet application, and intravenous line insertion. They were also integral to the rapid evacuation of casualties from the scene.Conclusion: On-call, volunteer first responders are an integral part of Israel's emergency medical response to mass-casualty terrorist attacks. This system may be used as a model for the development of similar services worldwide.
A primer on definitive gas and liquid chromatography drug testing: What clinicians need to know
Authors: Pesce, PhD Amadeo , Kirsh, PhD Kenneth L. , Huskey, PharmD, CPE Angela , Passik, PhD Steven D. , Hammett-Stabler, PhD Catherine A.
Published: June 2015

Objective: To describe the differences between mass spectrometry technologies and compare and contrast them with immunoassay techniques of urine drug testing (UDT). Highlight the potential importance of the differences among these technologies for clinicians so as to allow them make decisions in their use in patient care.Methods: Review of mass spectrometry techniques, including gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and time-of-flight techniques.Results: The potential clinical implications of these technologies stemming from their scope and accuracy are presented.Significance: UDT is an important clinical tool, though there are differences in technology and testing processes with important implications for clinical decision making. It is crucial, therefore, that clinicians have an understanding of the technologies behind the tests they order, so that their interpretation and use of results are based on an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the technologies used.