bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of bulk laxative along with probiotics and prebiotics in the management of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: A safe & effective option
Authors: Faruqui Arif Ahmed , Jamaiwar B , Sharma B
Published: January 2017

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common and relapsing functional bowel disorder. This disease has a substantial global burden and is associated with significant disability and high costs that adversely affects the health related quality of life of large population worldwide.Aims and Objective: We studied the efficacy and tolerability of bulk laxative plus probiotic and prebiotic in the treatment of constipation associated IBS (IBS-C) in Indian patients.Materials and Methods: Eighty patients with symptoms of IBS-C were enrolled in a post-marketing surveillance, multicentre, open label, non-randomized, noncomparative study where EVAQ- P - combination of fiber (psylliun husk/Ispaghula, probiotic and prebiotic) was given BID for 6 weeks. The symptoms were assessed at baseline, and after completion of 2, 4 and 6 weeks of therapy.Results: Results showed a signifi cant trend (p < 0.0001) of improvement from week 2 for abdominal pain, abdominal fullness, defecation frequency, straining during defecation, constipation and subject global assessment of relief (SGA). Approximately 6% patients showed fl atulence (mild) as a treatment emergent side effect.Conclusion: Combination of ispaghula along with a blend of probiotics and prebiotic twice daily for 6 weeks is effi cacious, safe, and well-tolerated in IBS-C patients.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 85-90
A-V malformation of nose: A rare challenging case
Authors: Chaudhuri Gaurab Ranjan , Guha Ruma , Hansda Rajesh , Bandyopadhyay Soumendra Nath
Published: January 2017

Congenital A-V malformations of head-neck region are extremely uncommon lesions encountered in clinical practice. They may lead to a wide array of clinical effects from cosmetic disfigurement and recurrent life threatening haemorrhage to cardiac failure. Treatment of these lesions pose a challenge to reconstructive surgeons due to their extreme  vascularity, high incidence of recurrence and involvement of adjacent vascular channels. The case presented here is a congenital A-V malformation treated successfully by thorough surgical excision and reconstruction by a well vascularised flap.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 94-97
Oxidative stress, plasma/salivary antioxidant status detection and health risk factors
Authors: Maria Vadala , Beniamino Palmieri , Andrea Malagoli , Carmen Laurino
Published: January 2017

Background: Oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of several diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, neurodegeneration.Aims and Objectives: Our study evaluated the oxidant/antioxidant status on a cohort of healthy patients matched with some independent variables as a basic individual redox balance monitor on a disease-prevention perspective.Materials and Methods: The anecdotic, retrospective and observational study included 200 apparently healthy volunteers after formal informed consent release whose personal history and physical examination had been recorded specifically on the following items: age, previous diseases, sport activities, smoking habit, balanced/unbalanced nutrition, current absence/presence of inflammatory processes, oral health hygiene, administration of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. No drug treatment was admitted in the recruited patients, up to 6 months before the evaluation. The laboratory instruments used were Point of care FRAS 4 Evolvo (H&D, Parma, Italy) measuring the oxidative stress in plasma samples and antioxidant capacity in plasma and saliva samples.Results: Two-hundred patients were recruited. Statistically relevant differences were observed in oxidative stress-related variables, namely a significant relationship between plasma oxidative stress level and female gender (p<0.01), between saliva antioxidant level and age (p=0.01), between plasma antioxidant level and unbalanced diet (p<0.01), between plasma oxidative stress level and inflammation in the oral cavity (p=0.04), and between saliva antioxidant level and inflammation in the oral cavity (p<0.01).Conclusions: A relationship between oxidative/antioxidant status and health risk factors has been outlined in our study; the achieved data are quite helpful, in the clinical practice, providing additional information on individual general health conditions, putatively related to prevention diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment effectiveness in some specific diseases.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 32-41
A case of Ogilvie’s syndrome associated with electrolyte imbalance in a healthy individual
Authors: Manappallil Robin George , Suresh Chinganthara Cleetus , Kadengil Dilshad , Thomas Prasad , Jayaraj Jishnu
Published: January 2017

Ogilvie’s syndrome or acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is a rare and acquired disorder characterized by significant dilatation of the colon. The condition is mainly seen in hospitalized patients with medical or surgical problems. We report the case of a middle aged healthy lady who presented with Ogilvie’s syndrome with associated electrolyte imbalance in the form of hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. Ogilvie’s syndrome itself is a rare condition, and to the best of our knowledge has not been reported among healthy individuals yet.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 100-103
A clinico-mycological study of onychomycosis at a tertiary care center
Authors: Iqbal Attar Farhana , Mahesh Tendolkar Uma , Mukesh Baveja Sujata , Rachita Dhurat , Meghna Phiske
Published: January 2017

Background: Onychomycosis continues to be worldwide problem constituting a large bulk of cases attending the dermatology outpatient department. Fungal infections of nails have been partly studied,because it has been considered more of a cosmetic problem than a health problem. Although not life threatening, onychomycosis may have significant clinical consequences such as secondary bacterial infection, chronicity, therapeutic difficulties and disfigurement, in addition to serving as reservoir of infection.  Aims and Objectives: To find out the prevalence, etiology and clinico-mycological correlation of onychomychosis among clinically suspected cases.To compare the microscopy findings using potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation with potassium hydroxide- dimethyl sulfoxide (KOH-DMSO/DMSO) preparation.To compare demographic and clinical data inonychomycosis and fungus negative groupsMaterial and Methods: The study was conducted from October 2011 to October 2013, in the department of Microbiology of a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, including 204 patients clinically suspected of onychomycosis. Nail scrapings were collected depending upon site, type of nail involvement and subjected for microscopic examination using 20% KOH and KOH DMSO (10-40%), followed by fungal culture.Results: Out of 204 patients, 78 (38.2 %) were diagnosed having onychomycosis, 72 (92.3%) patients were positive by direct microscopy and 45 (57.7%) by culture. DMSO preparation offered a faster clearing of background but in KOH preparation fungal morphology was better maintained even after 24 hours. In culture positive cases, isolation of dermatophytes was most common (42.2%), followed by Candida species (31.1%) and nondermatophytes (26.7%).Conclusion: This concludes that laboratory diagnosis of onychomycosis is essential as many conditions of nail mimic onychomycosis. Though commonest causative agents of onychomycosis are dermatophytes, number of cases caused by Candida species and nondermatophytesare on the rise.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 48-57
Breakthrough in Heart Failure therapy: LCZ696 combining ACE-Neprilysin inhibition
Authors: Lahiry Sandeep , Sinha Rajasree , Choudhury Shouvik , Mukherjee Ayan
Published: January 2017

Background: Current Heart failure (HF) pharmacotherapy has been unsatisfactory in halting disease progression completely.Aims and Objective: To evaluate the role of LCZ696, a recent FDA-approved ACE -Neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) in the management of HF from available trial data.Materials and Methods: Trial data on ‘LCZ696’ was assessed using PubMed search. Methodological filters were applied to limit retrieval to ‘Randomized Controlled Trial’ (RCT). Bibliographic databases with ‘Human’ data were selected. Trial data comparing ‘LCZ696’ to other drugs or placebo were accessed in full-text. CONSORT guidelines were used for quality assessment. Incomplete methodology, results in abstract form, duplicate publications were excluded. Data extraction forms were piloted and used to obtain uniform quality of data.Results: Multi-centric trial data (n=2) revealed noticeable benefits with ‘LCZ696’ in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), reducing cardiovascular death or hospitalization for HF by 20%; cardiovascular deaths by 20%; hospitalization for HF by 21% ; all cause mortality reduction by 20% as compared to ACE inhibitors (ACEi) (PARADIGM-HF; n=8442). Angioedema was notably absent. Decrease in high sensitivity Troponin-T, improvement in N-terminal-pro-BNP and left atrial dimensions suggested reduction of myocardial injury in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (PARAMOUNT trial; n=301).Conclusion: There is convincing evidence of the role of novel ARNi (Angiotensin receptor – Neprilysin Inhibitors) in HF pharmacotherapy. Its role in other cardiovascular conditions merits assessment.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 1-4
Clinical and endoscopic evaluation of dyspeptic patients attending a tertiary care hospital in South India: A prospective study
Authors: Manappallil Robin George , Alexander Thomas
Published: January 2017

Background: The incidence of dyspepsia has been increasing all over the world; with some having an organic cause while others have functional dyspepsia. Helicobacter pylori infection is also contributory factor. These dyspeptic patients also show a wide spectrum of symptoms.Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to clinically and endoscopically evaluate the patients with dyspepsia; and also to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori.Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 100 dyspeptic patients who were advised an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy based on clinical grounds atPondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Pondicherry, India.Results: Of the 100 dyspeptic patients evaluated inthis study, the mean age was 42 years, with 54% belonging to 20 to 40 years, 35% to 41 to 60 years and 11% above 60 years age groups. 61% were males and 39% females. They belonged to various occupation groups with majority leading a retired life or as homemakers (36%), followed by those with white collar jobs or as students (29%), unskilled workers (26%) and skilled workers (9%). Majority of these patients were non vegetarians (83%). Smokers and alcoholics comprised of 38% and 43% of the subjects respectively; and 31% had history of NSAID consumption. Epigastric pain and epigastric burning sensation were the main complaints among dyspeptic patients. Heartburn was more common among smokers and alcoholics; and epigastric pain among NSAID users. The main endoscopic abnormalities were erythematous and erosive gastritis (42% and 21% respectively), followed by duodenal ulcer (18%) and erosive duodenitis (15%). Duodenal ulcers were more common among males (89%). Duodenitis (89%) and duodenal ulcers (67%) were mainly seen in alcoholics. 18% of our study patients had a normal endoscopic finding. Helicobacterpylori was present in 35% of the subjects. Epigastric pain and epigastric burning sensation were the main symptoms among these patients; with erythematous gastritis being the main endoscopic finding.Conclusion: Dyspepsia was more common among younger age groups. Epigastric pain and epigastric burning sensation were the most common symptoms. Erythematous gastritis followed by erosive gastritis was the common endoscopic abnormality. Some patients also had normal findings on endoscopy. Helicobacter pylori was present in a significant number of patients. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 58-63
Primary extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma: A rare cutaneous malignancy
Authors: Shirazi Nadia , Jindal Rashmi , Ahmad Sohaib , Chauhan Neena
Published: January 2017

Extranodal Natural Killer cell/T cell lymphomas are subcategorized into ENK/T-nasal and ENK/T-nasal type. These lymphomas presenting as initial involvement of skin  are unusual and are known as Primary cutaneous NK/T – nasal type lymphomas.We present a rare case of a middle aged female presenting with rapidly developing skin nodules and ulcers. This case highlights the fact that adequate work up should be done in all such cases to avoid erroneous diagnosis and subsequent inadequate treatment of primary cutaneous lymphoma patients.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 91-93
The intraoperative pathological findings in cases of chronic suppurative otitis media with central perforation of tympanic membrane at a tertiary care centre in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Thakur Sanjeev Kumar , Ghimire Nisha , Acharya Rabin , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Afaque Anwar
Published: January 2017

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is the chronic inflammation of the middle ear cleft. The atticoantral type is called unsafe type because of the associated complications due to granulations and cholesteatoma which may be life-threatening. CSOM with central perforation (tubotympanic type) is usually not associated with major complications such as cholesteatoma formation.Aims and Objectives: To find out the intraoperative pathological findings in cases of CSOM with central perforation (tubotympanic type)Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross sectional study has been conducted in the Department of Ear, Biratnagar Eye Hospital in Nepal over 2 years. Study group includes 172 patients having CSOM with central perforations in the tympanic membranes who underwent different types of procedures. Preoperatively, all the patients were evaluated with otoscopy, microscopy, pure-tone audiometry, and some patients with computed tomography scan. The pathological findings were confirmed with biopsy. The findings were tabulated and analysed.Results: 21(12.2%) patients were having dry central perforation with normal Eustachian tube function.  95 patients, i.e., 55.23% were having granulations in attic, aditus, antrum.  25 (14.53%) cases were having ossicular erosion.5 (2.9%) cases had tympanosclerosis in middle ear. 1 (0.58%) case had facial nerve dehiscence. 16 (9.3%) cases had oedema of middle ear mucosa/aural polyp from middle ear. Surprisingly 9 patients, i.e., 5.23% were having cholesteatoma which was confirmed by histopathological study.Conclusion: This study shows that cholesteatoma can be found in tubotympanic type of CSOM, along with other pathological findings. Hence it is on the part of the surgeon to be careful while planning surgery on their patients with CSOM (tubotympanic type), remembering that all safe CSOM might not always be safe. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 42-47
Comparison of performance in physiology subject assessed by short essay type questions and multiple choice questions of first year medical students
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Ghildiyal JP , Rajpoot Ravindra Singh , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: January 2017

Background: Assessment and evaluation in the curriculum of medical education plays an important role to enhance the learning ability of medical students and should provide the level of actual performance as well as the capacity to improve overall performance.Aims and Objectives: In the present study, the performance of medical students in Physiology was assessed by conventional type short essay questions (SEQ) and multiple choice questions (MCQ).Materials and Methods: This prospective (observational) study was conducted in the subject of Physiology, A total of 380 samples were taken from students enrolled for the 1st year medical curriculum in year 2013 to 2015. The subjects were divided in two groups: subjects of this group-I was assessed with two theory papers consist of short essay question (SEQ), practical exam without OSPE. The subjects of group-II were assessed their theory part only by MCQs and maximum part of practical exam by objective structured practical examination (OSPE).Results: The theory performance was significantly higher (p<0.05) in group-II students assessed by totally MCQ based two system tests and one terminal exams as compared to conventional type (SEQ). While the marks obtained in practical was assesses by six lab leaving tests, one terminal practical exam (OSPE) was also significantly high (p<0.005) as compared to group-I. Our data showed that the performance of two problem solving tests (one long clinical case) and grant viva (oral) was significantly less in group-II(table-I).Conclusion: The objectivity of questions prefers over short essay questions  by students as they scores well in theory as well as in practical exams , while they poorly performed in clinical exam (the assessment of higher cognitive functions). The objectivity may eliminate the subjective difference in conventional type of evaluation.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 82-84
Omental infarction: An uncommon aetiology for acute abdomen
Authors: Suresh Chinganthara Cleetus , Manappallil Robin George , Chand Adarsh , Jayaraj Jishnu
Published: January 2017

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 104-104
Primary Hyperparathyroidism due to Parathyroid adenoma presenting as recurrent acute pancreatitis
Authors: George Tarun J , Thangavelu Pughazhendhi , Hussain S Zahir , Kumaran MP , Ratnakar Kini , James Alwin
Published: January 2017

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to parathyroid adenoma presenting as recurrent acute pancreatitis is a rare entity. A 17-year-old male presented with recurrent attacks of pancreatitis and was found to have elevated serum calcium and Parathyroid hormone levels, 11.9mg/dL (8.5-10.2 mg/dL) and 396 pg/ml (10-65pg/ml) respectively. USG neck showed a 1.1 x 0.9 cm hypoechoic nodule in the superior aspect of left thyroid lobe. Parathyroid scintigraphy findings were consistent with parathyroid adenoma. After recovery of pancreatitis, surgical excision of the adenoma was done and the histopathological findings confirmed parathyroid adenoma. There were no further recurrence of pancreatitis following the excision.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 98-100
The Pains of Incarceration: Aging, Rights, and Policy in Federal Penitentiaries
Authors: Iftene Adelina
Published: January 2017

The number of aging people in prison has been on the rise in the last few decades. Their heightened needs place burdens on correctional institutions that have not been encountered before. This article presents the results of a study conducted with 197 older prisoners. This study’s findings identify issues raised by chronic pain in older prisoners and the management of this pain in a prison setting. Correctional Service Canada (CSC) does not acknowledge older prisoners as a vulnerable prison group, and correctional policies thus tend not to include age (and its implications) as a variable worthy of consideration. Data from this study raise some under-explored issues about the matter of aging behind bars that are in need of future research. If the findings are confirmed in the future, the CSC might find its policies challenged in court. To prevent that from happening, a systematic reform of the CSC’s policies – in particular, the medical ones – will need to be undertaken, with the goal of making them age-sensitive.
Applicability of Progress Testing in Veterinary Medical Education
Authors: Favier Robert P. , van der Vleuten Cees P. M. , Ramaekers Stephan P. J.
Published: January 2017

A substantial part of graduate education in veterinary medicine is spent in clinical practice. During the clinical experiential phase, it is difficult to monitor students' actual knowledge development: they build individual records of experiences based on the cases they have to deal with, while mainly focusing on knowledge that is of direct, clinical relevance to them. As a result, students' knowledge bases may differ to such a degree that a single test alone may not be able to provide an adequate reflection of progress made. In these circumstances, progress testing, which is a method of longitudinal assessment independent of the curricular structure, may offer a viable solution. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine the extent to which progress tests (PT) can be used to monitor progress in knowledge development at a graduate level in veterinary medical education. With a 6-month interval, we administered two tests to students based on the Maastricht Progress Test format that covered a large variety of veterinary topics. Consequently, we analyzed students' progress in knowledge development. Based on a substantive appraisal of the questions and analysis of the test results, we concluded that the tests met the measurement criteria. They appeared sensitive enough to gauge the progress made and were appreciated by the students. Hence, in spite of the differences within the whole graduate group, the PT format can be used to monitor students' knowledge development.
Why Veterinary Medical Educators Should Embrace Cumulative Final Exams
Authors: Royal Kenneth D.
Published: January 2017

The topic of cumulative final examinations often elicits polarizing opinions from veterinary medical educators. While some faculty prefer cumulative finals, there are many who perceive these types of examinations as problematic. Specifically, faculty often cite cumulative examinations are more likely to cause students' greater stress, which may in turn result in negative student evaluations of teaching. Cumulative finals also restrict the number of items one may present to students on most recent material. While these cited disadvantages may have some merit, the advantages of cumulative examinations far exceed the disadvantages. The purpose of this article is to discuss the advantages of cumulative examinations with respect to learning evidence, grade/score validity, fairness issues, and implications for academic policy.
Registration of Perennial Sorghum bicolor × S. propinquum Line PSH12TX09
Authors: Jessup R. W. , Klein R. R. , Burson B. L. , Murray S. C. , Washburn J. D. , Heitholt J. J. , Foster J. L.
Published: January 2017

A novel sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench x S. propinquum (Kunth) Hitchc.] F6 recombinant inbred line, PSH12TX09 (GS‐784, PI 675359), was identified that successfully overwintered across USDA plant hardiness zones 8a, 8b, and 9a between 2013 and 2015. Prior development from the initial interspecific hybridization through the F3 generation was done at the USDA‐ARS Southern Plains Area Research Center, College Station, TX; further advancement to F6 was a collaborative effort between Texas A&M University, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, and the USDA‐ARS. Winter survival of PSH12TX09 exceeded 90% at three locations in plant hardiness zones 9a, 8b, and 8a in both evaluation years, with no significant differences across locations. PSH12TX09 is significantly taller (≥60 cm), requires more days to anthesis (≥16 d), and is smaller in seed size (−66%) than the well‐documented sorghum inbred line BTx623. As a highly overwintering genotype, PSH12TX09 may serve as a novel resource to further dissect mechanisms of perennialism as well as develop perennial sorghum germplasm suitable for utilization as grain, forage, and biofuel feedstocks.
Registration of ‘Reins’ Oat
Authors: Kolb Frederic L. , Smith Norman J. , Krill Allison M. , Handal Elias A.
Published: January 2017

‘Reins’ spring oat (Avena sativa L.) (Reg. No. CV‐381, PI 678937) is an early‐maturing cultivar adapted to production in Illinois and surrounding states. It was developed by the University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station and was released in 2015. Reins was tested as IL06‐5433. The pedigree of Reins is IL00‐4827/Buckskin. Reins is a medium‐short cultivar with high test weight and good lodging resistance. Over 29 trials in Illinois, grain yield of Reins averaged 4845 kg ha−1 compared with 4480 kg ha−1 for ‘Excel’, 4588 kg ha−1 for ‘Saber’, and 4301kg ha−1 for ‘Spurs’ at the same locations. Reins is about 1 d earlier than Saber and 1 d later than Excel. Reins is about 8 cm shorter than Excel and 5 cm shorter than Saber. Test weight of Reins has been about 3.9 kg hL−1 higher than Excel and about 2.6 kg hL−1 higher than Saber. Reins is resistant to loose smut and is tolerant to Barley yellow dwarf virus, with an average score of 3.8 over nine trials compared with 3.4 for Excel, 3.6 for Saber, and 4.0 for Spurs on a 0‐to‐9 scale where 0 = very tolerant. Reins is moderately resistant to moderately susceptible to crown rust depending on races present at a location. It has plump, tan kernels. Reins was selected and released based on high yield potential, excellent test weight, short plant stature, tolerance to Barley yellow dwarf virus, lodging resistance, and resistance to loose smut.
Self-awareness rehabilitation after Traumatic Brain Injury: A pilot study to compare two group therapies
Authors: Rigon Jessica , Burro Roberto , Guariglia Cecilia , Maini Manuela , Marin Dario , Ciurli Paola , Bivona Umberto , Formisano Rita
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose: Deficits of self-awareness (SA) are very common after severe acquired brain injury (sABI), especially in traumatic brain injury (TBI), playing an important role in the efficacy of the rehabilitation process. This pilot study provides information regarding two structured group therapies for disorders of SA.

Methods: Nine patients with severe TBI were consecutively recruited and randomly assigned to one SA group therapy programme, according either to the model proposed by Ben-Yishay & Lakin (1989) (B&L Group), or by Sohlberg & Mateer (1989) (S&M Group). Neuropsychological tests and self-awareness questionnaires were administered before and after a 10 weeks group therapy.

Results: Results showed that both SA and neuropsychological functioning significantly improved in both groups.

Conclusion: It is important to investigate and treat self-awareness, also to improve the outcome of neuropsychological disorders. The two group therapies proposed seem to be specific for impulsivity and emotional dyscontrol and for cognitive disorders.
Twist and turn into chronic disorders of consciousness: Potential role of the auditory stapedial reflex
Authors: Naro Antonino , Bruno Rocco , Leo Antonino , Russo Margherita , Salviera Carlo , Bramanti Alessia , Bramanti Placido , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: January 2017

Background: Patients suffering from chronic disorders of consciousness (DOC), including minimally conscious state (MCS) and unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS), typically show an awareness impairment paralleled by a significant reflex hyper-excitability, which depend on the cortical deafferentation following brain-damage-induced thalamocortical system deterioration. Nonetheless, recent studies have shown a residual preservation of cortico-subcortical pathways that may sustain residual fragments of awareness in some DOC patients.

Objective: The aim of our study was to assess whether the cortical modulation of auditory stapedial reflex (ASR) could be a marker of a higher degree of brain network connectivity, which is a fundamental prerequisite for awareness generation and maintenance.

Methods: We applied a repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocol over the primary auditory area and measured the neuromodulation effects on ASR threshold (ASRt) in a DOC sample and a healthy control group (HC).

Results: We observed an ASRt reduction in all the HC and MCS individuals, in parallel to a better sound-induced motor responsiveness in MCS sample, while all the UWS patients, but two, did not show any significant ASRt modulation.

Conclusion: We hypothesize that our conditioning protocol may have entrained and potentiated some spared cortico-subcortical networks that sustained the clinical and electrophysiological amelioration we found. Our data electrophysiologically demonstrate for the first time that primary the auditory area can influence ASR elicitation, and such finding may support the DOC differential diagnosis.
Recent progress in translational research on neurovascular and neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Demuth Hans-Ulrich , Dijkhuizen Rick M. , Farr Tracy D. , Gelderblom Mathias , Horsburgh Karen , Iadecola Costantino , Mcleod Damian D. , Michalski Dominik , Murphy Tim H. , Orbe Josune , Otte Willem M. , Petzold Gabor C. , Plesnila Nikolaus , Reiser Georg , Reymann Klaus G. , Rueger Maria A. , Saur Dorothee , Savitz Sean I. , Schilling Stephan , Spratt Neil J. , Turner Renée J. , Vemuganti Raghu , Vivien Denis , Yepes Manuel , Zille Marietta , Boltze Johannes ,   ISN&N meeting contributors, Bauer Adam Q. , Giffard Rona G. , Gounis Matthew J. , Gröger Victoria , Henrich-Noack Petra , Von Hörsten Stephan , Howells David D. , Kempski Oliver , Kim Yun-Hee , Lambertsen Kate L. , Lee Jin-Moo , Leonard Anna , Liesz Arthur , Macrae I Mhairi , Mays Robert W. , Mcleod Damian D. , Neumann Jens , Nudo Randolph J. , Offner Halina , Rossner Steffen , Selim Magdy , Sohrabji Farida , Yin Kejie , Walter Jochen , Ziemann Ulf
Published: January 2017

The already established and widely used intravenous application of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator as a re-opening strategy for acute vessel occlusion in ischemic stroke was recently added by mechanical thrombectomy, representing a fundamental progress in evidence-based medicine to improve the patient’s outcome. This has been paralleled by a swift increase in our understanding of pathomechanisms underlying many neurovascular diseases and most prevalent forms of dementia. Taken together, these current advances offer the potential to overcome almost two decades of marginally successful translational research on stroke and dementia, thereby spurring the entire field of translational neuroscience. Moreover, they may also pave the way for the renaissance of classical neuroprotective paradigms.

This review reports and summarizes some of the most interesting and promising recent achievements in neurovascular and dementia research. It highlights sessions from the 9th International Symposium on Neuroprotection and Neurorepair that have been discussed from April 19th to 22nd in Leipzig, Germany. To acknowledge the emerging culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and research, special emphasis is given on translational stories ranging from fundamental research on neurode- and -regeneration to late stage translational or early stage clinical investigations.
Crocin protects against cerebral- ischemia-induced damage in aged rats through maintaining the integrity of blood-brain barrier
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Fan Zhixin , Jin Ting
Published: January 2017

Background: A clear relationship exists between oxidative stress and disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB) during cerebral ischemia, in which aging may exacerbate the extent of leakage. Here, we aim to examine the potential role of a water-soluble carotenoid-based antioxidant crocin on BBB damage in aged rats following cerebral ischemia.

Methods: A two months oral administration of crocin was applied to 24-month-old rats followed by an induction of brain ischemia by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Brain infarction volume, water content, and neurological behavior assessments were measured in these animals at 24 hours after MCAO as compared to vehicle-treated controls. Evans blue dye extravasation assay was used to evaluate the BBB integrity. The levels of tight junction proteins, oxidative stress, and MMP (matrix metalloproteinases) activities were also determined in the ipsilateral brains of the MCAO-treated rats.

Results: MCAO-induced brain injury was alleviated by the pretreatment of crocin. Crocin-treated animals also showed the preserved BBB function in the presence of ischemic injury. The loss of tight junction proteins and enhanced NADPH oxidase in the ipsilateral brains of the MCAO-treated rats were both reduced by crocin. Finally, the induction of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by cerebral ischemia was partially blocked by crocin in aged rats.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that crocin or related antioxidants may protect against cerebral ischemia of elderly patients by maintaining the integrity of BBB in aged rats, an effect likely through repressing the activation of matrix metalloproteinase pathway.
Male Circumcision and Risk of HIV Transmission from Male to Women
Authors: Ahmed Parveen , Farid GM , Afroz Tania
Published: January 2017

Male circumcision has proved to be protective for male to male HIV transmission. The effect of male circumcision on female partner's HIV status is still uncertain from previous studies. This systematic review aimed to assess whether circumcision status of an HIV-infected male changes the risk of HIV transmission to his female sexual partner. We analyzed findings from one randomized controlled trial and 4 cross sectional study and found no significant evidence in support of our hypothesis that male circumcision prevents HIV transmission in female. Due to high methodological and clinical heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not done. Qualitative synthesis revealed lack of existing good quality study to address this question. Four of five studies reported no association between male circumcision and HIV transmission. One cohort study reported protective effect of male circumcision on their female partner's HIV. Only one subpopulation of RCT (resume to sexual activity before wound healing) reported increased HIV transmission in female whose male partner is circumcised. Effect of male circumcision on HIV transmission is still blurred. Large scale randomized trial is needed to answer this question. Until then, the prevention programs should also emphasize other measures of HIV transmission.Medicine Today 2016 Vol.28(1): 22-26
Pattern of Coronary Artery Stenosis among Ischaemic Heart Disease Cases in Chittagong
Authors: Iqbal Abu Tarek , Uddin Jalal , Banik Dhiman , Salehuddin - , Mamun Hasan , Murad Hasan
Published: January 2017

Many studies were conducted on the topic over the whole world but there is none in Chittagong, Bangladesh. To know the pattern of coronary artery stenosis in Chittagong we have conducted the study because it is important for effective case management. It was an observational study. Convenient sampling technique was used and sample size was fixed to 110 considering resource constraints. All the cases were diagnosed on the basis of history, clinical features and laboratory investigations. Coronary artery angiogram was methodically conducted. All relevant data had been recorded and were managed manually. The findings were validated statistically. Discussion was made with updated literature review and finally conclusion was drawn. Total 110 cases were studied. Stenosis was found in 77(70%) cases. Among them 83% were male and 17% were female. Age range was 30-80 years but 76% cases were of 40-60 years age group. Among the stenosed cases SVD 29%, DVD 20% and TVD 20% only. Only 01% was LMCA. Commonest stenosed vessel was LAD 71%. RCA 60%, LCX 58% and LMCA 6%. 47% of stenosed cases were found with normal ECG. Ejection fraction of 57% stenosed cases was >55%. Study results are not significantly apart from studies in home and abroad. The limitation is small sample size. So, a multicenter study on a large scale cases is hereby advocated for a conclusive opinionMedicine Today 2016 Vol.28(1): 30-31
A Rare Brain Tumour-Gliosarcoma
Authors: Khalequezzaman Syed , Rahman Taslima
Published: January 2017

A 57-year-old gentleman presented with a history of leftsided weakness and loss of appetite. Brain MRI was suggestive of right frontal and thalamic mass lesion with contrast enhancement at the periphery. Open biopsy examination revealed a malignant brain tumour presenting a biphasic tissue pattern with gliomatous and mesenchymal components suggestive of gliosarcoma. Although the treatment of gliosarcomas is almost similar to glioblastomas (surgical resection and depending on clinical status, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy) the prognosis of gliosarcomas remains poor.Medicine Today 2016 Vol.28(1): 46-47
Property Analysis of Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelets Modified Asphalt Model Using Molecular Dynamics (MD) Method
Authors: Yao Hui , Dai Qingli , You Zhanping , Bick Andreas , Wang Min , Guo Shuaicheng
Published: January 2017

This Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation paper presents a physical property comparison study between exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGNP) modified and control asphalt models, including density, glass transition temperature, viscosity and thermal conductivity. The three-component control asphalt model consists of asphaltenes, aromatics, and saturates based on previous references. The xGNP asphalt model was built by incorporating an xGNP and control asphalt model and controlling mass ratios to represent the laboratory prepared samples. The Amber Cornell Extension Force Field (ACEFF) was used with assigned molecular electro-static potential (ESP) charge from NWChem analysis. After optimization and ensemble relaxation, the properties of the control and xGNP modified asphalt models were computed and analyzed using the MD method. The MD simulated results have a similar trend as the test results. The property analysis showed that: (1) the density of the xGNP modified model is higher than that of the control model; (2) the glass transition temperature of the xGNP modified model is closer to the laboratory data of the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) asphalt binders than that of the control model; (3) the viscosities of the xGNP modified model at different temperatures are higher than those of the control model, and it coincides with the trend in the laboratory data; (4) the thermal conductivities of the xGNP modified asphalt model are higher than those of the control asphalt model at different temperatures, and it is consistent with the trend in the laboratory data.
Arc Shape Characteristics with Ultra-High-Frequency Pulsed Arc Welding
Authors: Yang Mingxuan , Zheng Hao , Li Ling
Published: January 2017

Arc plasma possesses a constriction phenomenon with a pulsed current. The constriction is created by the Lorentz force, the radial electromagnetic force during arc welding, which determines the energy distribution of the arc plasma. Welding experiments were carried out with ultra-high-frequency pulsed arc welding (UHFP-AW). Ultra-high-speed camera observations were produced for arc surveillance. Hue-saturation-intensity (HSI) image analysis was used to distinguish the regions of the arc plasma that represented the heat energy distribution. The measurement of arc regions indicated that, with an ultra-high-frequency pulsed arc, the constriction was not only within the decreased arc geometry, but also within the constricted arc core region. This can be checked by the ratio of the core region to the total area. The arc core region expanded significantly at 40 kHz at 60 A. A current level of 80 A caused a decrease in the total region of the arc. Meanwhile, the ratio of the core region to the total increased. It can be concluded that arc constriction depends on the increased area of the core region with the pulsed current (>20 kHz).
A Strategy to Establish a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan for the Application of Biosensors for the Detection of E. coli in Water
Authors: Hesari Nikou , Kıratlı Yılmazçoban Nursel , Elzein Mohamad , Alum Absar , Abbaszadegan Morteza
Published: January 2017

Rapid bacterial detection using biosensors is a novel approach for microbiological testing applications. Validation of such methods is an obstacle in the adoption of new bio-sensing technologies for water testing. Therefore, establishing a quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) plan is essential to demonstrate accuracy and reliability of the biosensor method for the detection of E. coli in drinking water samples. In this study, different reagents and assay conditions including temperatures, holding time, E. coli strains and concentrations, dissolving agents, salinity and pH effects, quality of substrates of various suppliers of 4-methylumbelliferyl glucuronide (MUG), and environmental water samples were included in the QA/QC plan and used in the assay optimization and documentation. Furthermore, the procedural QA/QC for the monitoring of drinking water samples was established to validate the performance of the biosensor platform for the detection of E. coli using a culture-based standard technique. Implementing the developed QA/QC plan, the same level of precision and accuracy was achieved using both the standard and the biosensor methods. The established procedural QA/QC for the biosensor will provide a reliable tool for a near real-time monitoring of E. coli in drinking water samples to both industry and regulatory authorities.
The Role of Histone Protein Modifications and Mutations in Histone Modifiers in Pediatric B-Cell Progenitor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Janczar Szymon , Janczar Karolina , Pastorczak Agata , Harb Hani , Paige Adam , Zalewska-Szewczyk Beata , Danilewicz Marian , Mlynarski Wojciech
Published: January 2017

While cancer has been long recognized as a disease of the genome, the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in neoplasia was acknowledged more recently. The most active epigenetic marks are DNA methylation and histone protein modifications and they are involved in basic biological phenomena in every cell. Their role in tumorigenesis is stressed by recent unbiased large-scale studies providing evidence that several epigenetic modifiers are recurrently mutated or frequently dysregulated in multiple cancers. The interest in epigenetic marks is especially due to the fact that they are potentially reversible and thus druggable. In B-cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) there is a relative paucity of reports on the role of histone protein modifications (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation) as compared to acute myeloid leukemia, T-cell ALL, or other hematologic cancers, and in this setting chromatin modifications are relatively less well studied and reviewed than DNA methylation. In this paper, we discuss the biomarker associations and evidence for a driver role of dysregulated global and loci-specific histone marks, as well as mutations in epigenetic modifiers in BCP-ALL. Examples of chromatin modifiers recurrently mutated/disrupted in BCP-ALL and associated with disease outcomes include MLL1, CREBBP, NSD2, and SETD2. Altered histone marks and histone modifiers and readers may play a particular role in disease chemoresistance and relapse. We also suggest that epigenetic regulation of B-cell differentiation may have parallel roles in leukemogenesis.
Expert System for Bomb Factory Detection by Networks of Advance Sensors
Authors: Ferrari Carlotta , Ulrici Alessandro , Romolo Francesco
Published: January 2017

(1) Background: Police forces and security administrations are nowadays considering Improvised explosives (IEs) as a major threat. The chemical substances used to prepare IEs are called precursors, and their presence could allow police forces to locate a bomb factory where the on-going manufacturing of IEs is carried out. (2) Methods: An expert system was developed and tested in handling signals from a network of sensors, allowing an early warning. The expert system allows the detection of one precursor based on the signal provided by a single sensor, the detection of one precursor based on the signal provided by more than one sensor, and the production of a global alarm level based on data fusion from all the sensors of the network. (3) Results: The expert system was tested in the Italian Air Force base of Pratica di Mare (Italy) and in the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) in Grindsjön (Sweden). (4) Conclusion: The performance of the expert system was successfully evaluated under relevant environmental conditions. The approach used in the development of the expert system allows maximum flexibility in terms of integration of the response provided by any sensor, allowing to easily include in the network all possible new sensors.
Shape Memory and Huge Superelasticity in Ni–Mn–Ga Glass-Coated Fibers
Authors: Shao Lei , Zhao Yangyong , Jiménez Alejandro , Vázquez Manuel , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2017

Ni–Mn–Ga polycrystalline alloy fibers with diameters of 33 μm are reported to exhibit significantly improved ductility and huge superelastic and shape memory strains in comparison to conventional brittle bulk polycrystalline alloys. Particularly, the recoverable strain of the Ni54.9–Mn23.5–Ga21.6 fiber can be as high as 10% at 40 °C. Such optimized behavior has been achieved by a suitable fabrication process via a glass-coating melt spinning method. The superelastic properties at different temperatures and the shape memory effect of Ni54.9–Mn23.5–Ga21.6 fibers were investigated.
Cosmetics Europe Guidelines on the Management of Undesirable Effects and Reporting of Serious Undesirable Effects from Cosmetics in the European Union
Authors: Renner Gerald , Audebert Francoise , Burfeindt Jens , Calvet Bénédicte , Caratas-Perifan Madalina , Leal Martha , Gorni Roberto , Long Amanda , Meredith Emma , O’Sullivan Úna , Paye Marc , Perriere Clémentine , Schlotmann Kordula
Published: January 2017

The European Union (EU) Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 requires companies to collect and assess reports of adverse health effects from the cosmetic products (undesirable effects) they market. Furthermore, undesirable effects that are considered as serious need to be reported to the national competent authorities. Cosmetics Europe, representing the European cosmetics industry, has developed these guidelines to promote a consistent practical approach for the management of undesirable effects and the notification of serious undesirable effects. Following these guidelines allows companies concerned to demonstrate due diligence and compliance with the legal requirements.
Lobatto-Milstein Numerical Method in Application of Uncertainty Investment of Solar Power Projects
Authors: Eissa Mahmoud , Tian Boping
Published: January 2017

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the production of electricity from renewable energy sources (RES). The RES investment is characterized by uncertainty, which is long-term, costly and depends on feed-in tariff and support schemes. In this paper, we address the real option valuation (ROV) of a solar power plant investment. The real option framework is investigated. This framework considers the renewable certificate price and, further, the cost of delay between establishing and operating the solar power plant. The optimal time of launching the project and assessing the value of the deferred option are discussed. The new three-stage numerical methods are constructed, the Lobatto3C-Milstein (L3CM) methods. The numerical methods are integrated with the concept of Black–Scholes option pricing theory and applied in option valuation for solar energy investment with uncertainty. The numerical results of the L3CM, finite difference and Monte Carlo methods are compared to show the efficiency of our methods. Our dataset refers to the Arab Republic of Egypt.