bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New aspects of etiopathogenesis of diabetes mellitus type 1 in children
Authors: Sajic Silvija , Necic Svetislav , Jesic Maja , Bojic Vladislav
Published: May 2015

Apparent increase of the incidence of childhood diabetes mellitus has been
observed in many countries over the last decades. Data of seasonality are not
consistent, especially in younger group. The triggering of the autoimmune
process in genetically susceptible individuals may be the result of a variety
of environmental factors including viral infections, specific nutrients,
early introduction of cow?s milk proteins and ingestion of nitrosamines,
stress-inducing events, early perinatal lesions. Clinical studies of the last
decade have confirmed that diabetes mellitus in young children is specific
type of type 1 diabetes. At presentation, children in preschool age group,
who have type 1 diabetes, have higher incidence of ketoacidosis with coma
because of immaturity of the central nervous system. Delays in diagnosis in
small children often lead to more severe dehydration and ketoacidosis.
Children in the young age group who have type 1 diabetes represent unique set
of problems for their families and health care team.
Dentoskeletal effects of a temporary skeletal anchorage device–supported rapid maxillary expansion appliance (TSADRME): A pilot study
Authors: Vassar Jason William , Karydis Anastasios , Trojan Terry , Fisher Jack
Published: May 2015

Objective: 

To quantitatively evaluate maxillary skeletal expansion using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and propose a novel way to quantify the dental tipping effects of temporary skeletal anchorage device–supported rapid maxillary expansion appliance (TSADRME).

Materials and Methods: 

Images from 25 patients receiving rapid maxillary expansion with incorporated temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs) before activation (T1) and after removal (T2) were analyzed to detect dentoskeletal changes.

Results: 

A significant increase from T1 to T2 was found for all linear measurements except buccal maxillary width at the canines. The greatest buccal expansion was at the first molar, decreasing anteriorly. However, the greatest palatal expansion was at the first premolar. All younger subjects (8–16 years old) exhibited less dental tipping and greater expansion overall compared with the older subjects. There was great variability in dental tipping of first molars (mean = 4.31°), with some subjects demonstrating mild uprighting of these teeth.

Conclusions: 

The TSADRME appliance is an effective, clinically useful device that results in mild molar tipping and may positively affect expansion in the area of TSAD placement.
Can serum prolactin be a reliable marker for preeclampsia? A hospital based study on Nepalese mothers
Authors: Timalsina S , Gyawali P
Published: May 2015

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific complication characterized by hypertension, proteinuria and oedema. It has remained as a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The major function of prolactin is its role in lactation during pregnancy, but many authors have claimed that this hormone is also involved in angiogenesis, thus linking it with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. In this context, our study aims to compare the serum prolactin level between preeclamptic and healthy pregnancies and correlate with the severity.A total of 54 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia and 60 age and gestational weeks matched healthy pregnant women were recruited in this case control study. Preeclampsia was defined as per Australasian Society Consensus Statement research definition. Among 54 preeclamptic women, 41 had mild preeclampsia and 13 had severe preeclampsia. The mean age and the gestational weeks of the preeclamptic cases and pregnant controls were not significantly different. This study showed that the median concentration of prolactin was significantly higher in preeclampsia than in normal pregnancies (156.6 vs. 129.8 ng/mL, P=0.012). Though the median concentration of prolactin was higher in severe preeclampsia in comparison to mild one, the difference did not reach the significant level (228.3 vs.152.9 ng/mL, P=0.061). No significant correlation of prolactin was found with mean arterial pressure and 24h UTP. Due to poor correlation with established markers of severity, serum prolactin is not a reliable marker of preeclampsia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v5i1.12558
Level of depression among elderly in selected old age homes at Mangalore, India
Authors: Subba R , Subba H K
Published: May 2015

Aging means so many things to so many individuals; it can be viewed as incorporating aspects of the biologic, social, psychologic, functional and spiritual domains. Throughout a person’s life, various traumatic experiences, either physical or emotional, may actually weaken the individual ability to repair or maintain himself/herself. Role changes, major life events and co morbidity contribute to an increased rate of depression in the geriatric population. A descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the level of depression among the elderly people. For this study, Purposive sampling was applied & 50 subjects were interviewed in selected old age homes by using a Modified Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS -15). The collected data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings showed that the overall mean for the depression among elderly was 6.42 with the SD of 3.21 and 38% of the elderly were suffering from mild depression where as 10% with severe depression. There was a significant association between the levels of depression and selected demographic variables such as gender, marital status, education level, family type, reasons to join old age homes & duration of stay except for age and religion. Helping older adults adjust to limitations, while accentuating positive attributes, may aid older people in remaining independent and may perpetuate a high quality of life during later years. Therefore, there is need to develop and plan the individualistic intervention to decrease depression level among elderly.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v5i1.12568
Mycophenolate mofetil therapy in scleritis: Analysis of seven cases in tertiary eye hospital in India
Authors: Monsudi K F , Jyotirmay B , Ayanniyi A A
Published: May 2015

To evaluate the effectiveness of immunomodulatory mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of scleritis. A retrospective non comparative review of seven cases of scleritis managed with mycophenolate mofetil at a tertiary eye hospital. The following information was extracted from the patients folders; socio-demographics, causes, type of scleritis, duration of scleritis, previous treatment on before commencement of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), any systemic association, visual acuity (VA) at presentation and at the last hospital visit, laterality of the scleritis and the side effects experienced during the use of mycophenolate mofetil.Two patients with anterior nodular and four patients with diffuse anterior scleritis were identified. The mean follow up was 6 months. Six patients had the same pre-treatment VA and one patient had improved VA. No patient reported any side effect. All the inflammations were controlled in all the patients and no case of relapsed during the usage of MMF was reported. And no patient needed any additional immmunosupressive agents.Mycophenolate mofetil appears to be an effective drug in the management of anterior scleritis. The absence of side effects following its use is remarkable. It holds promise to reducing the blinding complication of scleritis. A further study with large sample size may be required to confirm our findings.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v5i1.12572
Management of a non-vital immature tooth using MTA as an apical plug: Two case reports
Authors: Wagle S , Joshi N , Prajapati K
Published: May 2015

MTA appears to be a valid option for apexification with its main advantage being, the speed at which the treatment can be completed. A major problem in performing endodontics in immature teeth with necrotic pulp and wide open apices is obtaining an optimal seal of the root-canal system. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), has been proposed as a potential material to create an apical plug at the end of the root-canal system, thus preventing the extrusion of filling materials.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v5i1.12574
Simulation and analysis of glacier runoff and mass balance in the Nam Co basin, southern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Tanguang Gao , Shichang Kang , Cuo Lan , Tingjun Zhang , Guoshuai Zhang , Yulan Zhang , Sillanpää Mika
Published: May 2015

Runoff estimation in high-altitude glacierized basins is an important issue on the Tibetan Plateau. To investigate glacier mass balance, runoff and water balance in the Qugaqie basin and Zhadang sub-basin in the southern Tibetan Plateau, two glacier models and three snow models were integrated into the spatially distributed hydrological model JAMS/J2K. The results showed that the temperature index method simulated glacier runoff better than the degree-day factor method. The simulated glacier melt volume in the Qugaqie basin in 2006, 2007 and 2008 contributed 58%, 50% and 41%, respectively, to its total runoff. In the Zhadang basin, the glacier melt volume contributed 78% and 66% to its runoff during 2007 and 2008, respectively. Compared with the observation results, the simulated glacier mass balance showed similar variations with slightly higher values, indicating an underestimation of glacier melt volume. The water balance simulation in the upstream areas (705–874 mm) was comparable to that in the downstream areas (1051–1502 mm) and generally lower than the observed results. In both basins, the glacier mass-balance simulation was relatively accurate in the melt season compared to the other seasons.
Derivation and analysis of a complete modern-date glacier inventory for Alaska and northwest Canada
Authors: Kienholz Christian , Herreid Sam , Rich Justin L. , Arendt Anthony A. , Hock Regine , Burgess Evan W.
Published: May 2015

We present a detailed, complete glacier inventory for Alaska and neighboring Canada using multi-sensor satellite data from 2000 to 2011. For each glacier, we derive outlines and 51 variables, including center-line lengths, outline types and debris cover. We find 86 723 km2of glacier area (27 109 glaciers >0.025 km2), ∼12% of the global glacierized area outside ice sheets. Of this area 12.0% is drained by 39 marine-terminating glaciers (74 km of tidewater margin), and 19.3% by 148 lake- and river-terminating glaciers (420 km of lake-/river margin). The overall debris cover is 11%, with considerable differences among regions, ranging from 1.4% in the Kenai Mountains to 28% in the Central Alaska Range. Comparison of outlines from different sources on >2500 km2of glacierized area yields a total area difference of ∼10%, emphasizing the difficulties in accurately delineating debris-covered glaciers. Assuming fully correlated (systematic) errors, uncertainties in area reach 6% for all Alaska glaciers, but further analysis is needed to explore adequate error correlation scales. Preliminary analysis of the glacier database yields a new set of well-constrained area/length scaling parameters and shows good agreement between our area–altitude distributions and previously established synthetic hypsometries. The new glacier database will be valuable to further explore relations between glacier variables and glacier behavior.
Comparison between 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional echocardiographic scoring in predicting success of percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy
Authors: Kabir Mohammad Faisal Ibn , Mahmood Manzoor , Ahmed Chaudhury Meshkat , Arzu Jahanara , Khaled Fakhrul Islam , Hossain Muhammed Mobarok , Rahman Mohammad Abdur
Published: May 2015

Like many other developing countries rheumatic heart disease still poses a great threat to the health system of this country due to its devastating outcome in inappropriately treated cases. PTMC remains a prime treatment option in suitable cases of rheumatic mitral stenosis. But there are controversies and discrepancies in the conventional 2-D echo assessment for proper selection of patients for PTMC. With the advent of newer technologies like 3-D echo with newer options, better assessments are naturally expected. This 3-D echo system raised the hope to fill the shortcomings of 2-D Wilkins score. To facilitate this 3-D echo with its scoring system it has to be testified against an established, widely accepted and well-understood existing scoring system that has its limitations. Thus it creates a fertile ground whereupon many studies are being done as it is chosen here. In this study, considering all ethical issues, data were collected from 50 mitral stenosis patients who were scored by means of 2-D Wilkins and RT3DE scoring systems prior to PTMC and reassessed echocardiographically to define post PTMC outcome and then from this result to compare the two scoring systems as predictors of outcome of PTMC. This study showed a clear female preponderance (78%) of mitral stenosis patients most of whom belonged to the age group 31-40 years. According to Wilkins score all are in the mild or moderate group but RT3DE scored 24% as severe. Both the 2-D mild and moderate groups had good number of suboptimal outcomes (34% and 24% respectively) although the moderate group had comparatively more optimal outcomes (76% in comparison to 66%) than the mild group (although the difference is not statistically significant), that is, the 2-D score is less consistent. On the other hand the RT3DE score showed a gradual fall of optimal outcome in an ascending order of the score from mild to severe and the differences in outcomes among different groups was statistically significant. This showed a clear superiority of the 3-D scoring system over the 2- D in terms of accuracy and consistency. In the 3-D severe group percentage of suboptimal outcome was very high(91.7%). This is the group of patients that were not correctly detected by 2-D echo and as a result the outcome assessment was far from accurate. Due to the higher accuracy and consistency 3-D echo is likely to be more reproducible than the 2-D, 3-D echocardiography was more accurate and consistent than 2-D echocardiography in assessing outcome of PTMC. So, the RT3DE scoring system can be a good supplement to the existing 2-D scoring systemUniversity Heart Journal Vol. 9, No. 2, July 2013; 74-79
Outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in NICVD, Dhaka,Bangladesh- our initial experiences
Authors: Jamaluddin Mir , Khalil Ibrahim , Karmakar Kajal Kumar , Kabir Humayun , Litu Rakibul Islam , Rashid Bazlur , Chowdhury AHK , Majumder AAS , Khair Abul , Hasan Zahid , Kabir Shahin , Islam Khq , Chowdhury Amal Kumar , Shaha GK , Ali Mahboob , Rahman Afzalur , Akanda Abdul Kader , Rashid Mamunur
Published: May 2015

The aim of the study is to determine the out comes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction in NICVD the only government cardiac hospital of Bangladesh where resources are very limited. Total 73 (male 70, female 3) patients were enrolled in this study who were brought in to our hospital with STEMI between August 2010 to October 2013. Average age was 55.6 ±11.78. Primary PCI was performed after transferring patient from Emergency Department to cardiac catheterization laboratory. Cardiovascular risk factors among the studied population were Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Smoking, Dyslipidemia and Positive family history for IHD. Primary PCI either with Bare Metal Stent (BMS) or Drug Eluting Stent (DES) were performed in total 42 LAD lesions, 28 RCA lesions and 3 LCX lesions. BMS used were 87.7%, DES used were 12.3%. The procedural success was 95.8%.Four patients (5.4%) died during hospital stay. Out of four patients who died, one had cardiogenic shock. No mortality was observed in the 30 days follow up from discharge, while other complications like unstable angina and congestive heart failure were 5.7% and 4.3% respectively. Our findings suggest favorable outcomes, matching the international data which was achieved in our patients with primary PCI in the management of STEMI despite all the limitations. Primary PCI as a preferred method of reperfusion strategy needs to be practiced more often in our part of world.University Heart Journal Vol. 9, No. 2, July 2013; 83-87
Tetralogy of fallot with an anomalous coronary artery: current surgical perspective
Authors: Rahman Md Mazibur
Published: May 2015

The choice of the surgical technique and quality of surgical repair determine the cardiac outcome of Tetralogy of Fallot(TOF) with anomalous coronary artery(ACA). On the other hand, the type of surgical reconstruction depends on the size of pulmonary annulus and the exact location of ACA in relation to pulmonary annulus.A unified repair strategy that limits and balance between postoperative residual pulmonary stenosis(PS) and pulmonary insufficiency (PI) after patch enlargement is critical for preservation of ventricular function with or without deliberate sacrifice of ACA In condition of inadvertent transaction or necessiate sacrefice of ACA during right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) repair needs urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using left internal mamary artery(LIMA)/autologous venous conduit to prevent myocardial infarction. Palliative procedure in neonates is needed in conditions eg., anomalous coronaries, multiple ventricular septal defects(VSD), generalized critical illness, rehabilitation of small or distorted pulmonary artery (PA), prematurity and low birth weight etc.is followed by repairUniversity Heart Journal Vol. 9, No. 2, July 2013; 112-118
Purpose-Oriented Antibody Libraries Incorporating Tailored CDR3 Sequences
Authors: Bonvin Pauline , Venet Sophie , Kosco-Vilbois Marie , Fischer Nicolas
Published: May 2015

The development of in vitro antibody selection technologies has allowed overcoming some limitations inherent to the hybridoma technology. In most cases, large repertoires of antibody genes have been assembled to create highly diversified libraries allowing the isolation of antibodies recognizing virtually any antigen. However, these universal libraries might not allow the isolation of antibodies with specific structural properties or particular amino acid contents that are rarely found in natural repertoires. Purpose-oriented libraries specially designed to incorporate desired characteristics have been successfully used. However, the workload required for library construction has limited the attractiveness of this approach compared to the use of large universal libraries. We have developed an approach to capture synthetic or natural diversity into the complementarity determining regions 3 (CDR3) of human antibody repertoires using Type IIS restriction enzymes. In this way, we generated several libraries either biased in amino acid content or towards long CDRH3 loops. The latter were successfully used to identify antibodies inhibiting the enzymatic activity of horseradish peroxidase, whereas libraries enriched in histidines allowed for the isolation of antibodies binding to human Fc in a pH-dependent manner. These libraries indicate that tailored diversification of CDR3 is sufficient to generate purpose-oriented libraries and isolate antibodies with uncommon properties.
In-Situ Aircraft Measurements of the Vertical Distribution of Black Carbon in the Lower Troposphere of Beijing, China, in the Spring and Summer Time
Authors: Zhao Delong , Tie Xuexi , Gao Yang , Zhang Qiang , Tian Haijun , Bi Kai , Jin Yongli , Chen Pengfei
Published: May 2015

Due to rapid economic development in recent years, China has become a major global source of refractory black carbon (rBC) particles. However, surface rBC measurements have been limited, and the lower troposphere suffers from a complete lack of measurements, especially in heavily rBC-polluted regions such as China’s capital, Beijing (BJ). In this study, we present the first concentration measurements using an airborne Single Particle Soot Photometer (SP2) instrument, including vertical distributions, size distributions, and the mixing state of rBC particles in the lower troposphere in BJ and its surrounding areas. The measurements were conducted from April to June 2012 during 11 flights. The results show that the vertical rBC distributions had noticeable differences between different air masses. When an air mass originated from the south of BJ (polluted region), the rBC particles were strongly compressed in the planetary boundary layer (PBL), and showed a large vertical gradient at the top of the PBL. In contrast, when an air mass originated from the north of BJ (clean region), there was a small vertical gradient. This analysis suggests that there was significant regional transport of rBC particles that enhanced the air pollution in BJ, and the transport not only occurred near the surface but also in the middle levels of the PBL (around 0.5 to 1 km). The measured size distributions show that about 80% of the rBC particles were between the diameters of 70 and 400 nm, and the mean diameter of the peak rBC concentrations was about 180–210 nm. This suggests that the rBC particles were relatively small particles. The mixing state of the rBC particles was analyzed to study the coating processes that occurred on the surface of these particles. The results indicate that the air mass strongly affected the number fraction (NF) of the coated particles. As for a southern air mass, the local air pollution was high, which was coupled with a lower PBL height and higher humidity. Consequently, hygroscopic growth occurred rapidly, producing a high NF value (~65%) of coated rBC particles. The correlation coefficient between the NF and the local relative humidity (RH) was 0.88, suggesting that the rBC particles were quickly converted from hydrophobic to hydrophilic particles. This rapid conversion is very important because it suggests a shorter lifetime of rBC particles under heavily polluted conditions. In contrast, under a northern air mass, there was no clear correlation between the NF and the local humidity. This suggests that the coating process occurred during the regional transport in the upwind region. In this case, the lifetime was longer than the southern air mass condition.
Blood Orange Anthocyanins in Fruit Beverages: How the Commercial Shelf Life Reflects the Quality Parameter
Authors: Scordino Monica , Sabatino Leonardo , Lazzaro Francesco , Borzì Marco , Gargano Maria , Traulo Pasqualino , Gagliano Giacomo
Published: May 2015

Pigmented oranges are a high value typical product, used for the production of healthy juice-based drinks due to the peculiar presence of anthocyanins as dietary antioxidants. A qualitative HPLC/PDA/MS analytical method for verifying presence/absence of blood orange anthocyanins was validated in accordance with Eurachem guide in terms of accordance (100%), specificity/selectivity, repeatability of retention time (CV < 0.5%), limit of detection (0.36 mg/L) and limit of decision (0.41 mg/L). Fifty commercial red orange juice beverages were collected on the market and analyzed to assess the occurrence of blood orange anthocyanins. The results showed that only 60% of analyzed products have a minimum content of anthocyanins of blood orange, guaranteeing the specifications of the product they publicize and sell until the expiration date. Therefore, it is possible to envisage a gradual degradation of the specific parameter (anthocyanins) or willful misconduct of producers (non-use of blood orange juice). In both cases, the consumer buys a product with high added value without such value being guaranteed. This information will be useful to revise the expiration date of these products, the percentage of blood orange juice used in the preparation and/or the storage conditions of the products.
Numerical Validation of a New Approach to Model Single Junction Low Concentration PV Cells under Non-Uniform Illumination
Authors: Zhou Hang , Su Yuehong , Bottarelli Michele , Bortoloni Marco , Wu Shenyi
Published: May 2015

This study presents a numerical validation of a new approach to model single junction PV cell under non-uniform illumination for low-concentration solar collectors such as compound parabolic concentrators (CPC). The simulation is achieved by finite element modelling (FEM). To characterize the results, the model is simulated with five different non-uniform illumination profiles. The results indicate that increasing the non-uniformity of concentrated light will introduce more resistive losses and lead to a significant attenuation in the PV cell short-circuit current. The FEM modelling results are then used to validate the array modelling approach, in which a single junction PV cell is considered equivalent to a parallel-connected array of several cell splits. A comparison between the FEM and array modelling approaches shows good agreement. Therefore, the array modelling approach is a fast way to investigate the PV cell performance under non-uniform illumination, while the FEM approach is useful in optimizing design of fingers and bus-bars on a PV.
Quality Characteristics and Shelf-Life of Ultra-High Pressure Homogenized (UHPH) Almond Beverage
Authors: Ferragut Victoria , Valencia-Flores Dora , Pérez-González Marianita , Gallardo Joan , Hernández-Herrero Manuela
Published: May 2015

The effects of ultra-high-pressure homogenization (UHPH) at 200 MPa, in combination with different inlet temperatures (55 or 75 °C) during storage at 4 °C were studied and compared with pasteurized (90 °C, 90 s) almond beverage. Microbiological analysis of the physical (particle sedimentation and color) and volatile profile of the most relevant compound in almond beverages was performed at days 1, 7, 14, and 21 of cold storage. UHPH treatment 200 at 75 °C led to higher microbiological reduction after treatment and higher stability during cold storage in almond beverages than pasteurization or UHPH 200 at 55 °C. Physical characteristics of UHPH-treated samples exhibited a high stability during storage with a stable color. Volatile compounds extracted by solid-phase microextraction were identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The effect of UHPH treatment significantly (p < 0.05) affected the volatile profile compared with pasteurized beverages, although UHPH conditions applied produced similar effects in almond beverages. Benzaldehyde was the most abundant compound detected in all treatments. Hexanal was more abundant in UHPH-treated samples, indicating a higher lipid oxidation compared to pasteurized almond beverages.
Patients’ Perspective on the Value of Medication Management Appointments
Authors: Cruz Mario , Cruz Robyn , Pincus Harold
Published: May 2015

Objectives: There is ongoing concern that psychiatric medication management appointments add little value to care. The present study attempted to address this concern by capturing depressed patients’ views and opinions about the value of psychiatric medication management appointments. Methods: Seventy-eight semi-structured interviews were performed with white and African American depressed patients post medication management appointments. These interviews tapped patients’ views and opinions about the value of attending medication management appointments. Analysis: An iterative thematic analysis was performed. Findings: Patients reported greater appointment value when appointments included obtaining medications, discussing the need for medication changes or dose adjustments, and discussing the impact of medications on their illness. Additionally, greater appointment value was perceived by patients when there were non-medical conversations about life issues, immediate outcomes from the appointment such as motivation to continue in care, and specific qualities of providers that were appealing to patients. Conclusions: Patients’ perceived value of psychiatric medication management appointments is complex. Though important patient outcomes are obtaining medicine and perceiving improvement in their mental health, there are other valued appointment and provider factors. Some of these other valued factors embedded within medication management appointments could have therapeutic properties. These findings have implications for future clinical research and service delivery.
Addendum: Brousse, G.; et al. Alcohol Risk Reduction in France: A Modernised Approach Related to Alcohol Misuse Disorders. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11, 11664-11675
Authors: Brousse Georges , Bendimerad Patrick , De Chazeron Ingrid , Llorca Pierre , Perney Pascal , Dematteis Maurice
Published: May 2015

The author would like to update “Conflicts of Interest” section of their previous publication [1] as follows:Conflicts of Interest Georges Brousse has received sponsorship to attend scientific meetings, speaker honoraria, and consultancy fees from Lundbeck and Merck-Lipha. Patrick Bendimerad received honoraria and travel reimbursements for conferences and consultancy by Lundbeck Laboratory and participated as a coinvestigator.in the multicenter investigational drug studies of Lundbeck. [...]
Spatial-Temporal Variations of Chlorophyll-a in the Adjacent Sea Area of the Yangtze River Estuary Influenced by Yangtze River Discharge
Authors: Wang Ying , Jiang Hong , Jin Jiaxin , Zhang Xiuying , Lu Xuehe , Wang Yueqi
Published: May 2015

Carrying abundant nutrition, terrigenous freshwater has a great impact on the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of phytoplankton in coastal waters. The present study analyzed the spatial-temporal variations of Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration under the influence of discharge from the Yangtze River, based on remotely sensed Chl-a concentrations. The study area was initially zoned to quantitatively investigate the spatial variation patterns of Chl-a. Then, the temporal variation of Chl-a in each zone was simulated by a sinusoidal curve model. The results showed that in the inshore waters, the terrigenous discharge was the predominant driving force determining the pattern of Chl-a, which brings the risk of red tide disasters; while in the open sea areas, Chl-a was mainly affected by meteorological factors. Furthermore, a diversity of spatial and temporal variations of Chl-a existed based on the degree of influences from discharge. The diluted water extended from inshore to the east of Jeju Island. This process affected the Chl-a concentration flowing through the area, and had a potential impact on the marine environment. The Chl-a from September to November showed an obvious response to the discharge from July to September with a lag of 1 to 2 months.
Optimal Scanning Protocols for Dual-Energy CT Angiography in Peripheral Arterial Stents: An in Vitro Phantom Study
Authors: Almutairi Abdulrahman , Sun Zhonghua , Al Safran Zakariya , Poovathumkadavi Abduljaleel , Albader Suha , Ifdailat Husam
Published: May 2015

Objective: To identify the optimal dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) scanning protocol for peripheral arterial stents while achieving a low radiation dose, while still maintaining diagnostic image quality, as determined by an in vitro phantom study. Methods: Dual-energy scans in monochromatic spectral imaging mode were performed on a peripheral arterial phantom with use of three gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) protocols, three pitch values, and four kiloelectron volts (keV) ranges. A total of 15 stents of different sizes, materials, and designs were deployed in the phantom. Image noise, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), different levels of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR), and the four levels of monochromatic energy for DECT imaging of peripheral arterial stents were measured and compared to determine the optimal protocols. Results: A total of 36 scans with 180 datasets were reconstructed from a combination of different protocols. There was a significant reduction of image noise with a higher SNR from monochromatic energy images between 65 and 70 keV in all investigated preset GSI protocols (p < 0.05). In addition, significant effects were found from the main effect analysis for these factors: GSI, pitch, and keV (p = 0.001). In contrast, there was significant interaction on the unstented area between GSI and ASIR (p = 0.015) and a very high significant difference between keV and ASIR (p < 0.001). A radiation dose reduction of 50% was achieved. Conclusions: The optimal scanning protocol and energy level in the phantom study were GSI-48, pitch value 0.984, and 65 keV, which resulted in lower image noise and a lower radiation dose, but with acceptable diagnostic images.
Vasa Vasorum in Atherosclerosis and Clinical Significance
Authors: Xu Junyan , Lu Xiaotong , Shi Guo-Ping
Published: May 2015

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to several acute cardiovascular complications with poor prognosis. For decades, the role of the adventitial vasa vasorum (VV) in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis has received broad attention. The presence of VV neovascularization precedes the apparent symptoms of clinical atherosclerosis. VV also mediates inflammatory cell infiltration, intimal thickening, intraplaque hemorrhage, and subsequent atherothrombosis that results in stroke or myocardial infarction. Intraplaque neovessels originating from VV can be immature and hence susceptible to leakage, and are thus regarded as the leading cause of intraplaque hemorrhage. Evidence supports VV as a new surrogate target of atherosclerosis evaluation and treatment. This review provides an overview into the relationship between VV and atherosclerosis, including the anatomy and function of VV, the stimuli of VV neovascularization, and the available underlying mechanisms that lead to poor prognosis. We also summarize translational researches on VV imaging modalities and potential therapies that target VV neovascularization or its stimuli.
Vitamin D and the Development of Atopic Eczema
Authors: Palmer Debra
Published: May 2015

A “vitamin D hypothesis” has been proposed to explain the increased prevalence of eczema in regions with higher latitude. This review focuses on the current available evidence with regard to the possible effect of vitamin D on the development of atopic eczema. Observational studies have indicated a link between vitamin D status and eczema outcomes, including lower serum vitamin D levels associated with increased incidence and severity of eczema symptoms. Vitamin D is known to have a regulatory influence on both the immune system and skin barrier function, both critical in the pathogenesis of eczema. However heterogeneous results have been found in studies to date investigating the effect of vitamin D status during pregnancy and infancy on the prevention of eczema outcomes. Well-designed, adequately powered, randomised controlled trials are needed. The study design of any new intervention trials should measure vitamin D levels at multiple time points during the intervention, ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure via the use of individual UV dosimeters, and investigate the role of individual genetic polymorphisms. In conclusion, the current available evidence does not allow firm conclusions to be made on whether vitamin D status affects the development of atopic eczema.
Computational Modeling to Predict Fatigue Behavior of NiTi Stents: What Do We Need?
Authors: Dordoni Elena , Petrini Lorenza , Wu Wei , Migliavacca Francesco , Dubini Gabriele , Pennati Giancarlo
Published: May 2015

NiTi (nickel-titanium) stents are nowadays commonly used for the percutaneous treatment of peripheral arterial disease. However, their effectiveness is still debated in the clinical field. In fact a peculiar cyclic biomechanical environment is created before and after stent implantation, with the risk of device fatigue failure. An accurate study of the device fatigue behavior is of primary importance to ensure a successful stenting procedure. Regulatory authorities recognize the possibility of performing computational analyses instead of experimental tests for the assessment of medical devices. However, confidence in numerical methods is only possible after verification and validation of the models used. For the case of NiTi stents, mechanical properties are strongly dependent on the device dimensions and the whole treatments undergone during manufacturing process. Hence, special attention should be paid to the accuracy of the description of the device geometry and the material properties implementation into the numerical code, as well as to the definition of the fatigue limit. In this paper, a path for setting up an effective numerical model for NiTi stent fatigue assessment is proposed and the results of its application in a specific case study are illustrated.
Establishing and Sustaining a Prospective Screening Program for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema at the Massachusetts General Hospital: Lessons Learned
Authors: Brunelle Cheryl , Skolny Melissa , Ferguson Chantal , Swaroop Meyha , O'Toole Jean , Taghian Alphonse
Published: May 2015

There has been an increasing call to prospectively screen patients with breast cancer for the development of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) following their breast cancer treatment. While the components of a prospective screening program have been published, some centers struggle with how to initiate, establish, and sustain a screening program of their own. The intent of this manuscript is to share our experience and struggles in establishing a prospective surveillance program within the infrastructure of our institution. It is our hope that by sharing our history other centers can learn from our mistakes and successes to better design their own prospective screening program to best serve their patient population.
Reinforcement Strategies for Load-Bearing Calcium Phosphate Biocements
Authors: Geffers Martha , Groll Jürgen , Gbureck Uwe
Published: May 2015

Calcium phosphate biocements based on calcium phosphate chemistry are well-established biomaterials for the repair of non-load bearing bone defects due to the brittle nature and low flexural strength of such cements. This article features reinforcement strategies of biocements based on various intrinsic or extrinsic material modifications to improve their strength and toughness. Altering particle size distribution in conjunction with using liquefiers reduces the amount of cement liquid necessary for cement paste preparation. This in turn decreases cement porosity and increases the mechanical performance, but does not change the brittle nature of the cements. The use of fibers may lead to a reinforcement of the matrix with a toughness increase of up to two orders of magnitude, but restricts at the same time cement injection for minimal invasive application techniques. A novel promising approach is the concept of dual-setting cements, in which a second hydrogel phase is simultaneously formed during setting, leading to more ductile cement–hydrogel composites with largely unaffected application properties.
Effect of Experimental Parameters on Morphological, Mechanical and Hydrophobic Properties of Electrospun Polystyrene Fibers
Authors: Huan Siqi , Liu Guoxiang , Han Guangping , Cheng Wanli , Fu Zongying , Wu Qinglin , Wang Qingwen
Published: May 2015

Polystyrene (PS) dissolved in a mixture of N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and/or tetrahydrofuran (THF) was electrospun to prepare fibers with sub-micron diameters. The effects of electrospinning parameters, including solvent combinations, polymer concentrations, applied voltage on fiber morphology, as well as tensile and hydrophobic properties of the fiber mats were investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of electrospun fibers (23% w/v PS solution with applied voltage of 15 kV) showed that a new type of fiber with double-strand morphology was formed when the mass ratio of DMF and THF was 50/50 and 25/75. The tensile strength of the PS fiber film was 1.5 MPa, indicating strong reinforcement from double-strand fibers. Bead-free fibers were obtained by electrospinning 40% (w/v) PS/DMF solution at an applied voltage of 15 kV. Notably, when the ratio of DMF and THF was 100/0, the maximum contact angle (CA) value of the electrospun PS films produced at 15 kV was 148°.
Tackling the Cytotoxic Effect of a Marine Polycyclic Quinone-Type Metabolite: Halenaquinone Induces Molt 4 Cells Apoptosis via Oxidative Stress Combined with the Inhibition of HDAC and Topoisomerase Activities
Authors: Shih Shou-Ping , Lee Man-Gang , El-Shazly Mohamed , Juan Yung-Shun , Wen Zhi-Hong , Du Ying-Chi , Su Jui-Hsin , Sung Ping-Jyun , Chen Yu-Cheng , Yang Juan-Cheng , Wu Yang-Chang , Lu Mei-Chin
Published: May 2015

A marine polycyclic quinone-type metabolite, halenaquinone (HQ), was found to inhibit the proliferation of Molt 4, K562, MDA-MB-231 and DLD-1 cancer cell lines, with IC50 of 0.48, 0.18, 8.0 and 6.76 μg/mL, respectively. It exhibited the most potent activity against leukemia Molt 4 cells. Accumulating evidence showed that HQ may act as a potent protein kinase inhibitor in cancer therapy. To fully understand the mechanism of HQ, we further explored the precise molecular targets in leukemia Molt 4 cells. We found that the use of HQ increased apoptosis by 26.23%–70.27% and caused disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by 17.15%–53.25% in a dose-dependent manner, as demonstrated by Annexin-V/PI and JC-1 staining assays, respectively. Moreover, our findings indicated that the pretreatment of Molt 4 cells with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, diminished MMP disruption and apoptosis induced by HQ, suggesting that ROS overproduction plays a crucial rule in the cytotoxic activity of HQ. The results of a cell-free system assay indicated that HQ could act as an HDAC and topoisomerase catalytic inhibitor through the inhibition of pan-HDAC and topoisomerase IIα expression, respectively. On the protein level, the expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins p-Akt, NFκB, HDAC and Bcl-2, as well as hexokinase II was inhibited by the use of HQ. On the other hand, the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, PARP cleavage, caspase activation and cytochrome c release were increased after HQ treatment. Taken together, our results suggested that the antileukemic effect of HQ is ROS-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis combined with the inhibitory effect on HDAC and topoisomerase activities.
Graphene Oxide Synthesis from Agro Waste
Authors: Somanathan Thirunavukkarasu , Prasad Karthika , Ostrikov Kostya , Saravanan Arumugam , Krishna Vemula
Published: May 2015

A new method of graphene oxide (GO) synthesis via single-step reforming of sugarcane bagasse agricultural waste by oxidation under muffled atmosphere conditions is reported. The strong and sharp X-ray diffraction peak at 2θ = 11.6° corresponds to an interlayer distance of 0.788 nm (d002) for the AB stacked GOs. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) confirm the formation of the GO layer structure and the hexagonal framework. This is a promising method for fast and effective synthesis of GO from sugarcane bagasse intended for a variety of energy and environmental applications.
Remote Sensing Based Spatial Statistics to Document Tropical Rainforest Transition Pathways
Authors: Ghulam Abduwasit , Ghulam Oghlan , Maimaitijiang Maitiniyazi , Freeman Karen , Porton Ingrid , Maimaitiyiming Matthew
Published: May 2015

In this paper, grid cell based spatial statistics were used to quantify the drivers of land-cover and land-use change (LCLUC) and habitat degradation in a tropical rainforest in Madagascar. First, a spectral database of various land-cover and land-use information was compiled using multi-year field campaign data and photointerpretation of satellite images. Next, residential areas were extracted from IKONOS-2 and GeoEye-1 images using object oriented feature extraction (OBIA). Then, Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) data were used to generate land-cover and land-use maps from 1990 to 2011, and LCLUC maps were developed with decadal intervals and converted to 100 m vector grid cells. Finally, the causal associations between LCLUC were quantified using ordinary least square regression analysis and Moran’s I, and a forest disturbance index derived from the time series Landsat data were used to further confirm LCLUC drivers. The results showed that (1) local spatial statistical approaches were most effective at quantifying the drivers of LCLUC, and (2) the combined threats of habitat degradation in and around the reserve and increasing encroachment of invasive plant species lead to the expansion of shrubland and mixed forest within the former primary forest, which was echoed by the forest disturbance index derived from the Landsat data.
An Improved Endmember Selection Method Based on Vector Length for MODIS Reflectance Channels
Authors: Xu Yuanliu , Shi Jiancheng , Du Jinyang
Published: May 2015

Endmember selection is the basis for sub-pixel land cover classifications using multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis (MESMA) that adopts variant endmember matrices for each pixel to mitigate errors caused by endmember variability in SMA. A spectral library covering a large number of endmembers can account for endmember variability, but it also lowers the computational efficiency. Therefore, an efficient endmember selection scheme to optimize the library is crucial to implement MESMA. In this study, we present an endmember selection method based on vector length. The spectra of a land cover class were divided into subsets using vector length intervals of the spectra, and the representative endmembers were derived from these subsets. Compared with the available endmember average RMSE (EAR) method, our approach improved the computational efficiency in endmember selection. The method accuracy was further evaluated using spectral libraries derived from the ground reference polygon and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery respectively. Results using the different spectral libraries indicated that MESMA combined with the new approach performed slightly better than EAR method, with Kappa coefficient improved from 0.75 to 0.78. A MODIS image was used to test the mapping fraction, and the representative spectra based on vector length successfully modeled more than 90% spectra of the MODIS pixels by 2-endmember models.
Application of the Ultraviolet Scanning Elastic Backscatter LiDAR for the Investigation of Aerosol Variability
Authors: Gao Fei , Stanič Samo , Bergant Klemen , Li Ying , Li Songhui , Hua Dengxin , Wang Longlong
Published: May 2015

In order to investigate the aerosol variability over the southwest region of Slovenia, an ultraviolet scanning elastic backscatter LiDAR was utilized to make the vertical scan for atmospheric probing. With the assumption of horizontal atmospheric homogeneity, aerosol optical variables were retrieved from the horizontal pixel data points of two-dimensional range-height-indicator (RHI) diagrams by using a multiangle retrieval method, in which optical depth is defined as the slope of the resulting linear function when height is kept constant. To make the data retrieval feasible and precise, a series of key procedures complemented the data processing, including construction of the RHI diagram, correction of Rayleigh scattering, assessment of horizontal atmospheric homogeneity and retrieval of aerosol optical variables. The measurement example demonstrated the feasibility of the ultraviolet scanning elastic backscatter LiDAR in the applications of the retrieval of aerosol extinction and determination of the atmospheric boundary layer height. Three months’ data combined with the modeling of air flow trajectories using Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory Model were analyzed to investigate aerosol variability. The average value of aerosol extinction with the presence of land-based air masses from the European continent was found to be two-times larger than that influenced by marine aerosols from the Mediterranean or Adriatic Sea.