bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aneurysmal SubArachnoid Hemorrhage—Red Blood Cell Transfusion And Outcome (SAHaRA): a pilot randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: English Shane W , Fergusson D , Chassé M , Turgeon A F , Lauzier F , Griesdale D , Algird A , Kramer A , Tinmouth A , Lum C , Sinclair J , Marshall S , Dowlatshahi D , Boutin A , Pagliarello G , McIntyre L A
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Anaemia is common in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) and is a potential critical modifiable factor affecting secondary injury. Despite physiological evidence and management guidelines that support maintaining a higher haemoglobin level in patients with aSAH, current practice is one of a more restrictive approach to transfusion. The goal of this multicentre pilot trial is to determine the feasibility of successfully conducting a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion trial in adult patients with acute aSAH and anaemia (Hb ≤100 g/L), comparing a liberal transfusion strategy (Hb ≤100 g/L) with a restrictive strategy (Hb ≤80 g/L) on the combined rate of death and severe disability at 12 months.

Methods

DesignThis is a multicentre open-label randomised controlled pilot trial at 5 academic tertiary care centres.PopulationWe are targeting adult aSAH patients within 14 days of their initial bleed and with anaemia (Hb ≤110 g/L).RandomisationCentral computer-generated randomisation, stratified by centre, will be undertaken from the host centre. Randomisation into 1 of the 2 treatment arms will occur when the haemoglobin levels of eligible patients fall to ≤100 g/L.InterventionPatients will be randomly assigned to either a liberal (threshold: Hb ≤100 g/L) or a restrictive transfusion strategy (threshold: Hb ≤80 g/L).OutcomePrimary: Centre randomisation rate over the study period. Secondary: (1) transfusion threshold adherence; (2) study RBC transfusion protocol adherence; and (3) outcome assessment including vital status at hospital discharge, modified Rankin Score at 6 and 12 months and Functional Independence Measure and EuroQOL Quality of Life Scale scores at 12 months. Outcome measures will be reported in aggregate.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the host centre (OHSN-REB 20150433-01H). This study will determine the feasibility of conducting the large pragmatic RCT comparing 2 RBC transfusion strategies examining the effect of a liberal strategy on 12-month outcome following aSAH.

Trial registration number

NCT02483351; Pre-results.
Ethnic disparities in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors in the Suriname Health Study: a cross-sectional population study
Authors: Krishnadath Ingrid S K , Toelsie Jerry R , Hofman Albert , Jaddoe Vincent W V
Published: December 2016

Background

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) indicates increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. We estimated the overall and ethnic-specific prevalence of MetS and explored the associations of risk factors with MetS among Amerindian, Creole, Hindustani, Javanese, Maroon and Mixed ethnic groups.

Method

We used the 2009 Joint Interim Statement (JIS) to define MetS in a subgroup of 2946 participants of the Suriname Health Study, a national survey designed according to the WHO Steps guidelines. The prevalences of MetS and its components were determined for all ethnicities. Hierarchical logistic regressions were used to determine the associations of ethnicity, sex, age, marital status, educational level, income status, employment, smoking status, residence, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake with MetS.

Results

The overall estimated prevalence of MetS was 39.2%. From MetS components, central obesity and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) had the highest prevalences. The prevalence of MetS was highest for the Hindustanis (52.7%) and lowest for Maroons (24.2%). The analyses showed that in the overall population sex (women: OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.6), age (OR 5.5 CI 4.3 to 7.2), education (OR 0.7 CI 0.6 to 0.9), living area (OR 0.6 CI 0.5 to 0.8), income (OR 0.7 CI 0.5 to 0.9) and marital status (OR 1.3 CI 1.1 to 1.6) were associated with MetS. Variations observed in the associations of the risk factors with MetS in the ethnic groups did not materially influence the associations of ethnicities with MetS.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MetS was high and varied widely among ethnicities. Overall, central obesity and low HDL-C contributed most to MetS. Further studies are needed to assess the prospective associations of risk factors with MetS in different ethnic groups.
What affects response rates in primary healthcare-based programmes? An analysis of individual and unit-related factors associated with increased odds of non-response based on HCV screening in the general population in Poland
Authors: Parda Natalia , Stępień Małgorzata , Zakrzewska Karolina , Madaliński Kazimierz , Kołakowska Agnieszka , Godzik Paulina , Rosińska Magdalena
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Response rate in public health programmes may be a limiting factor. It is important to first consider their delivery and acceptability for the target. This study aimed at determining individual and unit-related factors associated with increased odds of non-response based on hepatitis C virus screening in primary healthcare.

Design

Primary healthcare units (PHCUs) were extracted from the Register of Health Care Centres. Each of the PHCUs was to enrol adult patients selected on a random basis. Data on the recruitment of PHCUs and patients were analysed. Multilevel modelling was applied to investigate individual and unit-related factors associated with non-response. Multilevel logistic model was developed with fixed effects and only a random intercept for the unit. Preliminary analysis included a random effect for unit and each of the individual or PHCU covariates separately. For each of the PHCU covariates, we applied a two-level model with individual covariates, unit random effect and a single fixed effect of this unit covariate.

Setting

This study was conducted in primary care units in selected provinces in Poland.

Participants

A total of 242 PHCUs and 24 480 adults were invited. Of them, 44 PHCUs and 20 939 patients agreed to participate. Both PHCUs and patients were randomly selected.

Results

Data on 44 PHCUs and 24 480 patients were analysed. PHCU-level factors and recruitment strategies were important predictors of non-response. Unit random effect was significant in all models. Larger and private units reported higher non-response rates, while for those with a history of running public health programmes the odds of non-response was lower. Proactive recruitment, more working hours devoted to the project and patient resulted in higher acceptance of the project. Higher number of personnel had no such effect.

Conclusions

Prior to the implementation of public health programme, several factors that could hinder its execution should be addressed.
Epigenetic biomarkers in progression from non-dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus to oesophageal adenocarcinoma: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Nieto T , Tomlinson C L , Dretzke J , Bayliss S , Dilworth M , Beggs A D , Tucker O
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Barrett's oesophagus (BO), a metaplastic condition affecting the lower oesophagus due to long-standing gastro-oesophageal reflux and chronic inflammation, is a precursor lesion for oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OADC). There is no clinical test to predict which patients with BO will progress to OADC. The British Society of Gastroenterology recommends endoscopic surveillance of patients with BO. Epigenetic changes have been well characterised in the neoplastic progression of ulcerative colitis to colonic carcinoma, another gastrointestinal cancer associated with chronic inflammation. This systematic review protocol aims to identify and evaluate studies which examine epigenetic biomarkers in BO and their association with progression to OADC.

Methods and analysis

All prospective and retrospective primary studies, and existing systematic reviews investigating epigenetic markers including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodelling, micro and non-coding RNAs of all types will be eligible for inclusion. Eligible patients are those over the age of 18 with BO, BO with dysplasia, OADC or unspecified oesophageal cancer. A comprehensive search of bibliographic databases using combinations of text and index words relating to the population, prognostic markers and outcome will be undertaken with no language restrictions. Results will be screened by 2 independent reviewers and data extracted using a standardised proforma. The quality and risk of bias of individual studies will be assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool. A narrative synthesis of all evidence will be performed with key findings tabulated. Meta-analysis will be considered where studies and reported outcomes are considered sufficiently homogeneous, both clinically and methodologically. Findings will be interpreted in the context of the quality of included studies. The systematic review will be reported according to PRISMA guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

This is a systematic review of completed studies and no ethical approval is required. Findings from the full systematic review will be submitted for publication and presentation at national and international conferences which will inform future research on risk stratification in patients with BO.

Review registration number

CRD42016038654.
Getting it Right: study protocol to determine the diagnostic accuracy of a culturally-specific measure to screen for depression in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
Authors: Hackett Maree L , Farnbach Sara , Glozier Nick , Skinner Timothy , Teixeira-Pinto Armando , Askew Deborah , Gee Graham , Cass Alan , Brown Alex
Published: December 2016

Introduction

A freely available, culturally valid depression screening tool is required for use by primary care services across Australia to screen for depression in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander populations. This is the protocol for a study aiming to determine the validity, sensitivity and specificity of the culturally adapted 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (aPHQ-9).

Methods and analysis

Cross-sectional validation study. A total of 500 people who self-identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, are ≥18 years of age, attending 1 of 10 primary healthcare services or service events across Australia and able to communicate sufficiently to answer study questions will be recruited. All participants will complete the aPHQ-9 and the criterion standard MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) 6.0.0. The primary outcome is the criterion validity of the aPHQ-9. Process outcomes related to acceptability and feasibility of the aPHQ-9 will be analysed only if the measure is found to be valid.

Ethics and dissemination

Lead ethical approval was obtained jointly from the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (project 2014/361) and the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of New South Wales (project 1044/14). Results will be disseminated via the usual scientific forums, including peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences following presentation to, discussion with and approval by participating primary healthcare service staff and community.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12614000705684.
Genome-wide profiling identifies associations between lupus nephritis and differential methylation of genes regulating tissue hypoxia and type 1 interferon responses
Authors: Mok Amanda , Solomon Olivia , Nayak Renuka R , Coit Patrick , Quach Hong L , Nititham Joanne , Sawalha Amr H , Barcellos Lisa F , Criswell Lindsey A , Chung Sharon A
Published: December 2016

Objective

Previous studies have shown that differential DNA methylation is associated with SLE susceptibility. How DNA methylation affects the clinical heterogeneity of SLE has not been fully defined. We conducted this study to identify differentially methylated CpG sites associated with nephritis among women with SLE.

Methods

The methylation status of 428 229 CpG sites across the genome was characterised for peripheral blood cells from 322 women of European descent with SLE, 80 of whom had lupus nephritis, using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Multivariable linear regression adjusting for population substructure and leucocyte cell proportions was used to identify differentially methylated sites associated with lupus nephritis. The influence of genetic variation on methylation status was investigated using data from a genome-wide association study of SLE. Pathway analyses were used to identify biological processes associated with lupus nephritis.

Results

We identified differential methylation of 19 sites in 18 genomic regions that was associated with nephritis among patients with SLE (false discovery rate q<0.05). Associations for four sites inHIF3A,IFI44andPRR4were replicated when examining methylation data derived from CD4+ T cells collected from an independent set of patients with SLE. These associations were not driven by genetic variation within or around the genomic regions. In addition, genes associated with lupus nephritis in a prior genome-wide association study were not differentially methylated in this epigenome-wide study. Pathway analysis indicated that biological processes involving type 1 interferon responses and the development of the immune system were associated with nephritis in patients with SLE.

Conclusions

Differential methylation of genes regulating the response to tissue hypoxia and interferon-mediated signalling is associated with lupus nephritis among women with SLE. These findings have not been identified in genetic studies of lupus nephritis, suggesting that epigenome-wide association studies can help identify the genomic differences that underlie the clinical heterogeneity of SLE.
Auxin cell biology in plant pattern formation
Authors: Caragea Adriana E. , Berleth Thomas
Published: December 2016

Auxin has been implicated in a vast array of plant processes, and concomitant with a more detailed understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying its biosynthesis, transport, and perception, it has become increasingly clear that auxin also has instructive roles in plant pattern formation. Moreover, it turns out that in a multitude of instances, from the early establishment of body axes to organogenesis in shoot and root, plant tissue patterns owe their robust flexibility in part to feedback interactions involving auxin. Higher resolution cell biology, molecular genetics, and genomics, as well as live imaging are now used together to define the parameters needed to generate more detailed and precise mathematical models of plant development.
Bacterial communities in sediment of a Mediterranean marine protected area
Authors: Catania Valentina , Sarà Gianluca , Settanni Luca , Quatrini Paola
Published: December 2016

Biodiversity is crucial in preservation of ecosystems, and bacterial communities play an indispensable role for the functioning of marine ecosystems. The Mediterranean marine protected area (MPA) “Capo Gallo–Isola delle Femmine” was instituted to preserve marine biodiversity. The bacterial diversity associated with MPA sediment was compared with that from sediment of an adjacent harbour exposed to intense nautical traffic. The MPA sediment showed higher diversity with respect to the impacted site. A 16S rDNA clone library of the MPA sediment allowed the identification of 7 phyla: Proteobacteria (78%), Firmicutes (11%), Acidobacteria (3%), Actinobacteria (3%), Bacteroidetes (2%), Planctomycetes (2%), and Cyanobacteria (1%). Analysis of the hydrocarbon (HC)-degrading bacteria was performed using enrichment cultures. Most of the MPA sediment isolates were affiliated with Gram-positive G+C rich bacteria, whereas the majority of taxa in the harbour sediment clustered with Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria; no Gram-positive HC degraders were isolated from the harbour sediment. Our results show that protection probably has an influence on bacterial diversity, and suggest the importance of monitoring the effects of protection at microbial level as well. This study creates a baseline of data that can be used to assess changes over time in bacterial communities associated with a Mediterranean MPA.
Selective inhibition of HDAC2 by magnesium valproate attenuates cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Raghunathan Suchi , Goyal Ramesh K. , Patel Bhoomika M.
Published: December 2016

The regulatory paradigm in cardiac hypertrophy involves alterations in gene expression that is mediated by chromatin remodeling. Various data suggest that class I and class II histone deacetylases (HDACs) play opposing roles in the regulation of hypertrophic pathways. To address this, we tested the effect of magnesium valproate (MgV), an HDAC inhibitor with 5 times more potency on class I HDACs. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by partial abdominal aortic constriction in Wistar rats, and at the end of 6 weeks, we evaluated hypertrophic, hemodynamic, and oxidative stress parameters, and mitochondrial DNA concentration. Treatment with MgV prevented cardiac hypertrophy, improved hemodynamic functions, prevented oxidative stress, and increased mitochondrial DNA concentration. MgV treatment also increased the survival rate of the animals as depicted by the Kaplan–Meier curve. Improvement in hypertrophy due to HDAC inhibition was further confirmed by HDAC mRNA expression studies, which revealed that MgV decreases expression of pro-hypertrophic HDAC (i.e., HDAC2) without altering the expression of anti-hypertrophic HDAC5. Selective class I HDAC inhibition is required for controlling cardiac hypertrophy. Newer HDAC inhibitors that are class I inhibitors and class II promoters can be designed to obtain “pan” or “dual” natural HDAC “regulators”.
Compact Model for Current Collapse in GaN-HEMT Power Switches
Authors: Islam Mirwazul , Simin Grigory
Published: December 2016

We present a simple yet accurate model describing current-voltage characteristics of GaN-HEMT power switches in presence of carrier trapping often referred to as current collapse. The model accounts for time-dependent changes in the source-gate and gate-drain resistances after application of high drain voltage. The model also has a regime describing ‘fast’ current voltage characteristics when the applied voltage swing occurs within a period of time much shorter than the characteristic trapping – detrapping times. The model is written in Verilog-A and can be implemented in SPICE-type circuit simulators.
Subpicosecond Nonlinear Plasmonic Response Probed by Femtosecond Optical Pulses
Authors: Shur M. , Rudin S. , Rupper G. , Yamaguchi M. , Shen X. , Muraviev A.
Published: December 2016

The hydrodynamic model of the electron transport in the channel of a nanoscale field effect transistors predicts that three different electron transport regimes – collision-dominated, ballistic, and viscosity dominated – determine the ultimate response time of the semiconductor device depending on its length, momentum relaxation time, and viscosity. The characteristic response times of ultra-short channel transistors are in the subpicosecond range. We now report on a new measurement technique with a greatly enhanced sensitivity using optical band-to-band pulses with a controlled delay. The measurements using this new electro-optic sampling and hydrodynamic modeling reveal the ultra-fast transistor plasmonic response at the time scale much shorter than the electron transit time.
A limit problem for three-dimensional ideal compressible radiation magneto-hydrodynamics
Authors: Xie Feng , Klingenberg Christian
Published: December 2016

General radiation magnetic hydrodynamics models include two main parts that are coupled: one part is the macroscopic magnetic fluid part, which is governed by the ideal compressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations with additional radiation terms; another part is the radiation field, which is described by a transfer equation. It is well known that in radiation hydrodynamics without a magnetic field there are two physical approximations: one is the so-called P1 approximation and the other is the so-called gray approximation. Starting out with a general radiation MHD model one can derive the so-called MHD-P1 approximation model. In this paper, we study the non-relativistic type limit for this MHD-P1 approximation model since the speed of light is much larger than the speed of the macroscopic fluid. This way we achieve a rigorous derivation of a widely used macroscopic model in radiation magnetohydrodynamics.
Finite Element Model of Discharging and Temperature Field of the Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Vyroubal Petr , Kazda Tomáš , Maxa Jiří
Published: December 2016

This paper deals with a possibility of numerical simulation of temperature profile by discharging of li-ion battery. The numerical model was prepared using SolidWorks and ANSYS Fluent software and it was compared by real measurement using electrical impedance spectroscopy and thermocamera imaging. The simulation was realised as transient real-time.
Pulse Deposition of Zinc in Electrolytes with Reduced Zinc Oxide Solubility
Authors: Chladil Ladislav , Cech Ondrej , Vanýsek Petr
Published: December 2016

Electrochemical deposition of Zn under DC and various frequencies of pulse deposition modes were studied in electrolytes with reduced zinc solubility - 6 M KOH + 1.8 M KF + 1.8 M K2CO3 saturated by zinc oxide. Current density was set up to the level of the mossy deposit creation under DC condition in common 6 M KOH. Morphology of deposit was visualized by scanning electron microscopy and distribution of particle size was calculated. Moreover XRD measurements were performed for monitoring of structure changes and investigation of preferable particle orientation. The results show that the pulse deposition significantly influences the morphology of the deposit along wide range of pulse frequencies 0.5 - 500 Hz. On one hand the pulse deposition significantly inhibits dendrite formation and thus increases the maximum allowed deposition current, but on the other hand it also influences the size and position of the deposited zinc particles.
Ionic Liquids as Electrolytes and Aging Process
Authors: Máca Josef , Sedlarikova Marie , Libich Jiri , Kazda Tomáš , Vondrák Jiří
Published: December 2016

The need of portable power sources is the question of the Day. Innovation in existing and development of new materials are very important research area. Together with growing consumption of batteries grow also the demands on them either from point of capacity, lifetime or safety. The flame safety and safe operation of batteries is not important only for consumer electronics but especially for fast growing area of electro mobility and electro cars. Electrolyte is the main part of battery and so research of current problem with flammability of organic solvent is searched. A new possibility is use of ionic liquids (IL) instead of aprotic solvents. The ionic liquids conductivity is comparable with which the commonly used electrolytes have. The big advantage of IL is their nonflammability. This paper deals with comparison of two ionic liquids and their modifications for use in batteries. The EMIM – BF4 a BMIM – BF4 ionic liquid were used in this work. Another point of view is the aging process and influence of electrodes on ionic liquid itself. That why selected positive and negative electrode was immersed into IL and evaluated the change of specific conductivity.
Prenatal myonuclei play a crucial role in skeletal muscle hypertrophy in rodents
Authors: Kawano Fuminori , Ono Yusuke , Fujita Ryo , Watanabe Atsuya , Masuzawa Ryo , Shibata Kazuhiro , Hasegawa Shunsuke , Nakata Ken , Nakai Naoya
Published: December 2016

Multinucleated muscle fibers are formed by the fusion of myogenic progenitor cells during embryonic and fetal myogenesis. However, the role of prenatally incorporated myonuclei in the skeletal muscle fibers of adult animals is poorly understood. We demonstrated, using muscle-specific reporter mice, that the prenatal myonuclei remained in the adult soleus muscle, although cardiotoxin injection caused the loss of prenatal myonuclei. Overloading by the tendon transection of synergists failed to induce compensatory hypertrophy in regenerated soleus muscle fibers of adult rats, whereas unloading by tail suspension normally induced the fiber atrophy. Loss of hypertrophying function correlated with the lowered histone acetylation at the transcription start site of Igf1r gene, which was one of the genes that did not respond to the overloading. These parameters were improved by the transplantation of cells harvested from the juvenile soleus muscles of neonatal rats in association with enhanced histone acetylation of Igf1r gene. These results indicated that the presence of prenatal myonuclei was closely related to the status of histone acetylation, which could regulate the responsiveness of muscle fibers to physiological stimuli.
Cilostazol inhibits uremic toxin–induced vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction: role of Axl signaling
Authors: Lee Chien-Hsing , Hung Yi-Jen , Shieh Yi-Shing , Chien Chu-Yen , Hsu Yu-Juei , Lin Chih-Yuan , Chiang Chi-Fu , Huang Chia-Luen , Hsieh Chang-Hsun
Published: December 2016

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality, and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction plays a pivotal role in uremic atherosclerosis. Axl signaling is involved in vascular injury and is highly expressed in VSMCs. Recent reports have shown that cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase type 3 inhibitor (PDE3), can regulate various stages of the atherosclerotic process. However, the role of cilostazol in uremic vasculopathy remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the effect of cilostazol in VSMCs in the experimental CKD and to investigate whether the regulatory mechanism occurs through Axl signaling. We investigated the effect of P-cresol and cilostazol on Axl signaling in A7r5 rat VSMCs and the rat and human CKD models. From the in vivo CKD rats and patients, aortic tissue exhibited significantly decreased Axl expression after cilostazol treatment. P-cresol increased Axl, proliferating of cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expressions, decreased caspase-3 expression, and was accompanied by increased cell viability and migration. Cilostazol significantly reversed P-cresol-induced Axl, downstream gene expressions, and cell functions. Along with the increased Axl expression, P-cresol activated PLCγ, Akt, and ERK phosphorylation and cilostazol significantly suppressed the effect of P-cresol. Axl knockdown significantly reversed the expressions of P-cresol-induced Axl-related gene expression and cell functions. Cilostazol with Axl knockdown have additive changes in downstream gene expression and cell functions in P-cresol culture. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental CKD models elucidate a new signal transduction of cilostazol-mediated protection against uremic toxin-related VSMCs dysfunction and highlight the involvement of the Axl signaling and downstream pathways.
Preparation of Hierarchical BiOBr Microspheres for Visible Light-Induced Photocatalytic Detoxification and Disinfection
Authors: Ahmad Ayla , Meng Xiangchao , Yun Nan , Zhang Zisheng
Published: December 2016

Photocatalytic degradation is a promising alternative to traditional wastewater treatment methods. Recently developed visible light-responsive photocatalyst, BiOBr, has attracted extensive attentions. Hereby, a detailed investigation of application of BiOBr to bacterial inactivation and organic pollutants degradation is reported. Hydrothermal catalyst was prepared using template-free method. While, for solvothermal synthesis, CTAB was used as a template. Results indicate a higher photocatalytic activity by the solvothermally prepared catalyst. Solvothermally prepared BiOBr exhibited high photocatalytic activities in both water detoxification and disinfection.
Event-Related Potentials in Parkinson’s Disease Patients with Visual Hallucination
Authors: Chang Yang-Pei , Yang Yuan-Han , Lai Chiou-Lian , Liou Li-Min
Published: December 2016

Using neuropsychological investigation and visual event-related potentials (ERPs), we aimed to compare the ERPs and cognitive function of nondemented Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with and without visual hallucinations (VHs) and of control subjects. We recruited 12 PD patients with VHs (PD-H), 23 PD patients without VHs (PD-NH), and 18 age-matched controls. All subjects underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and visual ERPs measurement. A visual odd-ball paradigm with two different fixed interstimulus intervals (ISI) (1600 ms and 5000 ms) elicited visual ERPs. The frontal test battery was used to assess attention, visual-spatial function, verbal fluency, memory, higher executive function, and motor programming. The PD-H patients had significant cognitive dysfunction in several domains, compared to the PD-NH patients and controls. The mean P3 latency with ISI of 1600 ms in PD-H patients was significantly longer than that in controls. Logistic regression disclosed UPDRS-on score and P3 latency as significant predictors of VH. Our findings suggest that nondemented PD-H patients have worse cognitive function and P3 measurements. The development of VHs in nondemented PD patients might be implicated in executive dysfunction with altered visual information processing.
Adaptive Chaos Synchronization Control of Nonlinear PMSM System Using Extended State Observer
Authors: Cheng Zijing , Xue Guangyue , Wang Chong , Chen Qiang
Published: December 2016

This paper proposes an adaptive chaos synchronization control scheme for nonlinear permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) systems by using extended state observer (ESO). Frist of all, a chaotic PMSM system is built through an affine transformation and a time scale transformation of the mathematical PMSM model. Then, an adaptive sliding mode controller is developed based on the extended state observer to achieve the synchronization performance of two chaotic PMSM systems. Moreover, an adaptive parameter law of the control gain is designed to reduce the chattering problem existing in the traditional sliding mode control. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulation results.
A Comparative Approach of Tumor-Associated Inflammation in Mammary Cancer between Humans and Dogs
Authors: Carvalho Maria Isabel , Silva-Carvalho Ricardo , Pires Isabel , Prada Justina , Bianchini Rodolfo , Jensen-Jarolim Erika , Queiroga Felisbina L.
Published: December 2016

Infiltrating cells of the immune system are widely accepted to be generic constituents of tumor microenvironment. It has been well established that the development of mammary cancer, both in humans and in dogs, is associated with alterations in numbers and functions of immune cells at the sites of tumor progression. These tumor infiltrating immune cells seem to exhibit exclusive phenotypic and functional characteristics and mammary cancer cells can take advantage of signaling molecules released by them. Cancer related inflammation has an important role in mammary carcinogenesis, contributing to the acquisition of core hallmark capabilities that allow cancer cells to survive, proliferate, and disseminate. Indeed, recent studies in human breast cancer and in canine mammary tumors have identified a growing list of signaling molecules released by inflammatory cells that serve as effectors of their tumor-promoting actions. These include the COX-2, the tumor EGF, the angiogenic VEGF, other proangiogenic factors, and a large variety of chemokines and cytokines that amplify the inflammatory state. This review describes the intertwined signaling pathways shared by T-lymphocytic/macrophage infiltrates and important tissue biomarkers in both human and dog mammary carcinogenesis.
A Review of Recent Advances in Neuroprotective Potential of 3-N-Butylphthalide and Its Derivatives
Authors: Abdoulaye Idriss Ali , Guo Yi Jing
Published: December 2016

The research of alternative treatment for ischemic stroke and degenerative diseases has always been a priority in neurology. 3-N-Butylphthalide (NBP), a family of compounds initially isolated from the seeds ofApium graveolensLinn., has shown significant neuroprotective effects. Previous extensive studies have demonstrated that NBP promotes a better poststroke outcome and exerts a multitargeted action on several mechanisms, from oxidative stress to mitochondrial dysfunction to apoptosis to inflammation. Additionally, recent findings on several neurological disorders have shown that NBP’s beneficial effects extend beyond the management of stroke. However, despite the increasing number of studies toward a better understanding and the rapid advances made in therapeutic options, to date, dl-3-N-butylphthalide, a synthetic variation of l-3-N-butylphthalide, remains the only clinically approved anti-ischemic agent in China, stressing the difficulties for a viable and effective transition from experimental to clinical practice. Events indicate that NBP, due to its multitargeted effect and the adaptability of its basic structure, can be an important game changer and a precursor to a whole new therapeutic approach to several neurological conditions. The present review discusses recent advances pertaining to the neuroprotective mechanisms of NBP-derived compounds and the possibility of their clinical implementation in the management of various neurological conditions.
Combined Ultrasound Imaging and Biomechanical Modeling to Estimate Triceps Brachii Musculotendon Changes in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Li Le , Tong Raymond Kai-yu
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of musculotendon parameters of triceps brachii in persons after stroke based on subject-specific biomechanical modeling technique combined with in vivo ultrasound measurement. Five chronic stroke survivors and five normal control subjects were recruited. B-mode ultrasound was applied to measure muscle pennation angle and the optimal length of three heads of triceps’ brachii at different joint angle positions in resting and isometric contraction. Measured ultrasound data were used to reduce the unknown parameters during the modeling optimization process. The results showed that pennation angles varied with joint angles, and the longhead TRI pennation from stroke group was smaller than the literature value. The maximum isometric muscle stress from persons after stroke was significantly smaller than that found in the unimpaired subjects. The prediction of joint torque fits well with the measured data from the control group, whereas the prediction error is larger in results from persons after stroke. In vivo parameters from ultrasound data could help to build a subject-specific biomechanical model of elbow extensor for both unimpaired and hemiplegic subjects, and then the results driven from the model could enhance the understanding of motor function changes for persons after stroke.
Adrenal Collision Tumor: Coexistence of Pigmented Adrenal Cortical Oncocytoma and Ganglioneuroma
Authors: Lee Hye Seung , Choi Yoo Jin , Kim Chungyeul , Kim Baek-Hui
Published: December 2016

Background. Adrenal collision tumors (ACTs), in which distinct tumors coexist without intermingling in the same adrenal gland, are rare and their actual prevalence is unknown. ACTs commonly consist of adrenal cortical adenoma, pheochromocytoma, or metastatic malignant tumor.Case Report. A 32-year-old woman who had been experiencing gastric discomfort for one month was referred to our hospital with abnormal imaging findings. The physical examination and the laboratory data including endocrine studies were unremarkable. Abdomen computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed two adjacent masses in the left suprarenal fossa, and a laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was done. Histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations revealed two distinct tumors: a pigmented adrenal cortical oncocytoma (ACO) and a ganglioneuroma, respectively.Conclusion. Both tumors are rare in the adrenal gland and exist as ACTs only exceptionally rarely. This is the first reported case of coexisting oncocytoma and ganglioneuroma in the same adrenal gland to our knowledge.
An Interstitial Deletion at 7q33-36.1 in a Patient with Intellectual Disability, Significant Language Delay, and Severe Microcephaly
Authors: Kale Trupti , Philip Melissa
Published: December 2016

Interstitial deletions of the distal 7q region are considered a rare entity. In this report, we describe a seven-year-old male with a heterozygous interstitial deletion at 7q33-36.1 with characteristic dysmorphic facial features, intellectual disability, severe microcephaly, and significant language delay. The primary focus of our report is to compare our case with the few others in the literature describing interstitial deletions at the long arm of chromosome 7. Based on the various breakpoints in prior studies, a number of phenotypic variations have been identified that are unique to each of the reports. However, there are also a number of similarities among these cases as well. We hope to provide a concise review of the literature and genes involved within our deletion sequence in the hope that it will contribute to creating a phenotypic profile for this patient population.
The Role of Stress Regulation on Neural Plasticity in Pain Chronification
Authors: Li Xiaoyun , Hu Li
Published: December 2016

Pain, especially chronic pain, is one of the most common clinical symptoms and has been considered as a worldwide healthcare problem. The transition from acute to chronic pain is accompanied by a chain of alterations in physiology, pathology, and psychology. Increasing clinical studies and complementary animal models have elucidated effects of stress regulation on the pain chronification via investigating activations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and changes in some crucial brain regions, including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. Although individuals suffer from acute pain benefit from such physiological alterations, chronic pain is commonly associated with maladaptive responses, like the HPA dysfunction and abnormal brain plasticity. However, the causal relationship among pain chronification, stress regulation, and brain alterations is rarely discussed. To call for more attention on this issue, we review recent findings obtained from clinical populations and animal models, propose an integrated stress model of pain chronification based on the existing models in perspectives of environmental influences and genetic predispositions, and discuss the significance of investigating the role of stress regulation on brain alteration in pain chronification for various clinical applications.
Finding the Most Preferred Decision-Making Unit in Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Shirin , Mirdehghan S. Morteza , Jahanshahloo Gholamreza
Published: December 2016

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) evaluates the efficiency of the transformation of a decision-making unit’s (DMU’s) inputs into its outputs. Finding the benchmarks of a DMU is one of the important purposes of DEA. The benchmarks of a DMU in DEA are obtained by solving some linear programming models. Currently, the obtained benchmarks are just found by using the information of the data of inputs and outputs without considering the decision-maker’s preferences. If the preferences of the decision-maker are available, it is very important to obtain the most preferred DMU as a benchmark of the under-assessment DMU. In this regard, we present an algorithm to find the most preferred DMU based on the utility function of decision-maker’s preferences by exploring some properties on that. The proposed method is constructed based on the projection of the gradient of the utility function on the production possibility set’s frontier.
New Homologues Series of Heterocyclic Schiff Base Ester: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Chong Yee-Ting , Muhamad Sarih Norazilawati , Ha Sie-Tiong , Sheikh Md. Rezaul Karim
Published: December 2016

A homologous series of liquid crystal bearing with heterocyclic thiophene Schiff base ester with alkanoyloxy chain (CH3(CH2)nCOO–, where n=4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16) was successfully synthesized through the modification of some reported methods. The structural information of these compounds was isolated and characterized through some spectroscopic techniques, such as FTIR, 1H, and 13C NMR and elemental analysis. Textural observation was carried out using a polarizing optical microscope (POM) over heating and cooling cycles. It was found that all synthesized compounds (3a–g) exhibited an enantiotropic nematic phase upon the heating and cooling cycle with high thermal stability. Moreover, a characteristic bar transition texture was observed for compounds 3f and 3g which have shown transition of nematic-to-smectic C phase. This has been further confirmed by obtaining relative phase transition temperature using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
A Comprehensive Lighting Configuration for Efficient Indoor Visible Light Communication Networks
Authors: Bui Thai-Chien , Kiravittaya Suwit , Sripimanwat Keattisak , Nguyen Nam-Hoang
Published: December 2016

Design of an efficient indoor visible light communication (VLC) system requires careful considerations on both illumination and communication aspects. Besides fundamental factors such as received power and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) level, studies on mobility scenarios and link switching process must be done in order to achieve good communication link quality in such systems. In this paper, a comprehensive lighting configuration for efficient indoor VLC systems for supporting mobility and link switching with constraint on illumination, received power, and SNR is proposed. Full connectivity in mobility scenarios is required to make the system more practical. However, different from other literatures, our work highlights the significance of recognizing the main influences of field of view angle on the connectivity performance in the practical indoor scenarios. A flexible link switching initiation algorithm based on the consideration of relative received power with adaptive hysteresis margin is demonstrated. In this regard, we investigate the effect of the overlap area between two light sources with respect to the point view of the receiver on the link switching performance. The simulation results show that an indoor VLC system with sufficient illumination level and high communication link quality as well as full mobility and support link switching can be achieved using our approach.
Selective Necrosectomy for Infected Pancreatic Necrosis
Authors: Ahmed Ola , Donohoe Claire L. , Murphy Daragh B. , Marsh Brian J. , Conneely John , McEntee Gerry P.
Published: December 2016

Background: Until recently, a diagnosis of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) warranted necrosectomy, which was associated with high morbidity and mortality rates greater than 20%. Preoperative percutaneous drainage delayed the need for necrosectomy with improved outcomes. Methods: In 2008, this institution changed its approach to the management of such cases opting instead for percutaneous drainage with selective deferred necrosectomy. A total of 38 consecutive patients with IPN from January 2008 to December 2014 were included. Results: All 38 underwent percutaneous radiological drainage, and selective necrosectomy was performed on 15 where the infected necrosis did not completely resolve. Twenty-three patients did not require surgery and were managed with pancreatic drain insertion, optimal nutritional support and critical care interventions. Median peak Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were 10 (range 0-18) and 3 (range 0-10) prior to radiological intervention. Overall mortality was 5% (n = 2). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that radiological-guided drainage of infected pancreatic collections can, in most cases, prove curative and, if not, facilitates delayed surgical intervention with improved outcomes.
Heterogeneity of Glucose Metabolism in Esophageal Cancer Measured by Fractal Analysis of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Image: Correlation between Metabolic Heterogeneity and Survival
Authors: Tochigi Toru , Shuto Kiyohiko , Kono Tsuguaki , Ohira Gaku , Tohma Takayuki , Gunji Hisashi , Hayano Koichi , Narushima Kazuo , Fujishiro Takeshi , Hanaoka Toshiharu , Akutsu Yasunori , Okazumi Shinichi , Matsubara Hisahiro
Published: December 2016

Background: Intratumoral heterogeneity is a well-recognized characteristic feature of cancer. The purpose of this study is to assess the heterogeneity of the intratumoral glucose metabolism using fractal analysis, and evaluate its prognostic value in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) studies of 79 patients who received curative surgery were evaluated. FDG-PET images were analyzed using fractal analysis software, where differential box-counting method was employed to calculate the fractal dimension (FD) of the tumor lesion. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and FD were compared with overall survival (OS). Results: The median SUVmax and FD of ESCCs in this cohort were 13.8 and 1.95, respectively. In univariate analysis performed using Cox's proportional hazard model, T stage and FD showed significant associations with OS (p = 0.04, p < 0.0001, respectively), while SUVmax did not (p = 0.1). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the low FD tumor (<1.95) showed a significant association with favorable OS (p < 0.0001). In wthe multivariate analysis among TNM staging, serum tumor markers, FD, and SUVmax, the FD was identified as the only independent prognostic factor for OS (p = 0.0006; hazards ratio 0.251, 95% CI 0.104-0.562). Conclusion: Metabolic heterogeneity measured by fractal analysis can be a novel imaging biomarker for survival in patients with ESCC.
Historical Perspective on Clinical Trials of Carnitine in Children and Adults
Authors: Buist Neil R.M.
Published: December 2016

The metabolic roles of carnitine have been greatly clarified over the past 50 years, and it is now well established that carnitine is a key player in mitochondrial generation of energy and metabolism of acetyl coenzyme A. A therapeutic role for carnitine in treatment of nutritional deficiencies in infants and children was first demonstrated in 1958, and since that time it has been used to treat a number of inborn errors of metabolism. Carnitine was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1985 for treatment of ‘primary carnitine deficiency', and later in 1992 for treatment of ‘secondary carnitine deficiency', a definition that included the majority of relevant metabolic disorders associated with low or abnormal plasma carnitine levels. Today, carnitine treatment of inborn errors of metabolism is a safe and integral part of many treatment protocols, and a growing interest in carnitine has resulted in greater recognition of many causes of carnitine depletion. Notwithstanding, there is still a lack of data from randomized clinical trials, even on the use of carnitine in inborn errors of metabolism, although ethical issues may be a contributing factor in this regard.