bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behandlung von erosivem oralem Lichen planus mit Methotrexat
Authors: Lajevardi Vahideh , Ghodsi Seyedeh Zahra , Shafiei Zahra , Aghazadeh Nessa , Akbari Zahra
Published: March 2016

Hintergrund und Zielsetzung

Erosiver oraler Lichen planus (EOLP) ist eine chronisch‐entzündliche Erkrankung der Mundschleimhaut, welche erhebliche Schmerzen verursacht und die Lebensqualität einschränkt. Besonders bei den chronischen und hartnäckigen Formen gibt es keine unmittelbare und endgültige Heilung. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Wirksamkeit einer Behandlung mit Methotrexat bei EOLP zu beurteilen.

Patienten und Methoden

Eine prospektive, offene Studie mit oralem Methotrexat 15 mg QWK bei 18 Patienten mit EOLP (klinisch und histopathologisch bestätigt), die auf mindestens ein vormals verabreichtes topisches oder systemisches Medikament nicht ansprachen. Dauer: Zwölf Wochen, gefolgt von einer zwölfwöchigen Nachbehandlung.

Ergebnisse

Ein mindestens teilweises Ansprechen wurde bei 15 (83,3 %) Patienten erreicht. Eine statistisch relevante Verminderung des Thongprasom‐Werts wurde beobachtet (Durchschnitt 5 als Basiswert, 3,08 ± 1,11 in Woche 12, 2,94 ± 0,97 in Woche 24, P‐Wert < 0,001). Auf der visuellen Analogskala wurde eine statistisch relevante Schmerzverminderung festgestellt (Durchschnitt 6,55 ± 2,33 als Basiswert, 2,46 ± 2,18 in Woche 12, 2,29 ± 1,93 in Woche 24, P‐Wert < 0,001). Unerwünschte Wirkungen traten bei vier (22,2 %) Patienten auf; bei einer Patientin erforderten diese den Abbruch der Behandlung.

Schlussfolgerungen

Methotrexat ist eine wertvolle Behandlungsoption bei langanhaltendem hartnäckigen EOLP, besonders in Bezug auf die Verbesserung subjektiver Symptome. Randomisierte kontrollierte Studien sind erforderlich.
Cofactors and comorbidities of necrobiosis lipoidica: analysis of the German DRG data from 2012
Authors: Jockenhöfer Finja , Kröger Knut , Klode Joachim , Renner Regina , Erfurt‐Berge Cornelia , Dissemond Joachim
Published: March 2016

Background

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous inflammatory skin disease of unknown pathophysiology. Its potential association with diabetes mellitus is well known. Other relevant cofactors and comorbidities are subject to controversial debate.

Patients and methods

DRG (diagnosis‐related groups) data of all inpatients with a coded primary or secondary diagnosis of NL treated at German hospitals in 2012 were evaluated.

Results

Data of 262 inpatient cases with the primary or secondary diagnosis of NL were analyzed. Women (63.4 %; n  =  166) were nearly twice as frequently affected as men (36.2 %; n  =  96). Most NL patients (14.8 %) were in the age group between 50 and 55 years. Among comorbidities included in the metabolic syndrome complex, diabetes mellitus was the most common (34.4 %; IDDM 20.6 %, NIDDM 13.8 %), while essential hypertension was observed in 9.2 %, obesity in 4.6 %, chronic heart failure in 4.1 %, and dyslipidemias in 2.3 % of cases. Leg ulcers were diagnosed in 7.3 % of individuals; other venous disorders, in 5.7 %.

Conclusions

Our data analysis describes one of the largest compilations of patient cases with the diagnosis of NL worldwide. Besides the well‐known association with diabetes mellitus, there are numerous other potentially relevant cofactors and comorbidities that should be considered in the diagnosis and management of NL patients.
Kofaktoren und Komorbiditäten bei Necrobiosis lipoidica – Analyse der deutschen DRG‐Daten von 2012
Authors: Jockenhöfer Finja , Kröger Knut , Klode Joachim , Renner Regina , Erfurt‐Berge Cornelia , Dissemond Joachim
Published: March 2016

Hintergrund

Die Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) ist eine seltene, granulomatöse inflammatorische Erkrankung der Haut unklarer Pathophysiologie mit potentieller Assoziation zum Diabetes mellitus. Weitere relevante Kofaktoren und Komorbiditäten wurden bislang kontrovers diskutiert.

Patienten und Methodik

Differenziert ausgewertet wurden die Diagnosis‐related‐Groups (DRG)‐Daten aller Patienten, die 2012 stationär in Deutschland behandelt und mit der Haupt‐ und Nebendiagnose NL kodiert wurden.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt konnten die Datensätze von 262 stationären Patientenfällen mit der Haupt‐ oder Nebendiagnose NL evaluiert werden. Frauen (63,4 %, n = 166) waren fast doppelt so häufig von einer NL betroffen wie Männer (36,6 %, n = 96). Die meisten (14,8 %) der Patienten mit NL lagen in der Altersgruppe zwischen 50 und 55 Jahren. Als Komorbiditäten wurde aus der Gruppe des metabolischen Syndroms am häufigsten ein Diabetes mellitus bei 34,4 % dokumentiert; eine essentielle Hypertonie wurde in 9,2 %, eine Adipositas in 4,6 %, eine Herzinsuffizienz in 4,1 % und eine Lipoproteinstoffwechselstörung in 2,3 % der Fälle gefunden. Bei 7,3 % der Patienten bestand ein Ulcus cruris, bei 5,7 % wurde zudem eine Venenerkrankung diagnostiziert.

Schlussfolgerungen

Unsere Datenanalyse beschreibt eine der weltweit größten Untersuchungen von Patientenfällen mit NL, in der sich neben der bereits bekannten Assoziation zum Diabetes mellitus weitere potenzielle Kofaktoren und Komorbiditäten zeigen, die in Diagnostik‐ und Behandlungskonzepten der Patienten mit NL zukünftig beachtet werden sollten.
Prophylaxis in hereditary angioedema (HAE) with C1 inhibitor deficiency
Authors: Greve Jens , Strassen Ulrich , Gorczyza Marina , Dominas Nina , Frahm Uta‐Marie , Mühlberg Heike , Wiednig Michaela , Zampeli Vasiliki , Magerl Markus
Published: March 2016

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of subcutaneous or submucosal edema. Laryngeal manifestations can be life‐threatening. In the majority of cases, the disease can be adequately treated with an on‐demand approach – in some cases, however, short‐ or long‐term prophylaxis is indicated. Attenuated androgens used to be the drugs of choice, but they are associated with considerable side effects and no longer commercially available in the German‐speaking countries of the EU. They are currently being replaced by more effective and more tolerable agents such C1‐inhibitors, the kallikrein inhibitor ecallantide, and the B2 receptor antagonist icatibant, which have recently obtained market authorization. These new drugs have had a major impact, especially on the indications and procedures for long‐term prophylaxis. According to the most recent international consensus papers and our own experience, self‐administered C1‐inhibitors are now the first option for long‐term prophylactic therapy. The decision for prophylaxis should no longer be based on single parameters such as the frequency of attacks but on adequate overall disease control including quality of life. More drugs are currently being developed, which may lead to further changes in the treatment algorithms of HAE.
Sézary syndrome: old enigmas, new targets
Authors: Nicolay Jan P. , Felcht Moritz , Schledzewski Kai , Goerdt Sergij , Géraud Cyrill
Published: March 2016

Sézary syndrome, the leukemic variant of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, is still an enigmatic disease with a fatal prognosis. Recent research, however, has identified a multitude of dysregulated molecular pathways that contribute to malignant transformation and therapy resistance of Sézary cells (SC). With respect to T‐cell development, SC either represent naive T cells, T effector memory or T central memory cells. Functionally, SC may differentiate into Th2, Treg, or even Th17 cells. Despite their plasticity, SC express characteristic diagnostic marker proteins including CD158k, CD164, FcRL3, and PD‐1 as well as skin‐homing receptors such as CLA and CCR4. Already tested in (pre)clinical trials, CD158k, PD‐1, CTLA‐4, and CCR4 also represent promising therapeutic targets. Molecular alterations in SC include transcription factors such as STAT3, 4, and 5, as well as TWIST1 and TOX. TWIST1 induces expression of DNM3os containing the miR‐199a2/214 cluster, a key hub controlling multiple cancer networks. In addition, activation of NFκB and the MAPK pathway as well as altered TCR signaling cause apoptosis resistance. Recently, whole genome and exome sequencing has revealed somatic copy number variations as predominant mutations in SC, primarily affecting apoptosis, NFκB signaling, DNA integrity, and T‐cell activation. In order to facilitate development of novel therapies, improved in vivo models, which better reflect the pathogenesis and clinical course of Sézary syndrome, are currently being generated.
Gestresste Haut? – Aktueller Stand molekularer psychosomatischer Zusammenhänge und ihr Beitrag zu Ursachen und Folgen dermatologischer Erkrankungen
Authors: Peters Eva M.J.
Published: March 2016

In den 70er Jahren des vergangenen Jahrhunderts wurde zum ersten Mal ein pathogenetisch relevanter Zusammenhang zwischen Stress, im Sinne von psychosozialem Stress, und Krankheit am Beispiel von viralen Erkrankungen der Schleimhäute (wie Rhinovirus‐, Coxsackie‐Infektion) nachgewiesen. Seither nehmen Publikationen, die diese Zusammenhänge bis auf die molekulare Ebene erforschen, jährlich zu. Dennoch sind die Evidenzen für einen Einfluss von psychosozialer Belastung auf chronisch‐entzündliche Hauterkrankungen und auf Hauttumoren wenig bekannt. In diesem Beitrag fassen wir die aktuellen Erkenntnisse aus Epidemiologie, Psychoneuroimmunologie und molekularer Psychosomatik narrativ zusammen. Sie belegen die vielfältigen krankheitsrelevanten Interaktionen zwischen endokrinem System, Nervensystem und Immunsystem. Im Fokus stehen stressinduzierte Verschiebungen in der Immunbalance bei ausgewählten Erkrankungen wie Neurodermitis, Psoriasis oder malignem Melanom. Ziel dieses Beitrages ist die Vermittlung psychosomatischen Grundlagenwissens bei chronischen Dermatosen. Dies reicht von der Ätiologie über die Symptomatik bis zu den therapeutischen Optionen. Besonderes Augenmerk liegt dabei auf den zugrunde liegenden molekularen Zusammenhängen sowohl aus der somatopsychischen als auch aus der psychosomatischen Perspektive.
DL‐β‐Aminobutyric acid application negatively affects reproduction and larval development of the rosy apple aphid, Dysaphis plantaginea, on apple
Authors: Robert Philippe , Braud Ferréol , Aligon Sophie , Brisset Marie‐Noëlle
Published: March 2016

The rosy apple aphid, Dysaphis plantaginea (Passerini) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is one of the major pests of European apple orchards, commonly controlled by the use of synthetic insecticides. In the present work, the non‐protein amino acid DL‐β‐aminobutyric acid (BABA), known to induce plant resistance against a wide range of abiotic and biotic stresses, has been tested for its protective effect against this pest on apple. We first verified the lack of any contact effect of BABA on the insect itself. Next we applied BABA as a soil drench to apple and monitored its effect on the population development of aphids after artificial infestation. We demonstrated that BABA strongly reduced the population growth and that this compound severely affected various life‐history characteristics of the aphid such as female longevity and fecundity, nymph mortality, and larval development.
Differential Cry toxin detection and effect on Brevicoryne brassicae and Myzus persicae feeding on artificial diet
Authors: Paula Débora P. , Andow David A.
Published: March 2016

The literature about effects of genetically modified plants expressing Cry toxins has several contrasting results regarding detection and effects of Cry toxins on aphids. To test the hypothesis that this variation could be due to a lack of controlled exposure, and not just a lack of toxicity, we used an artificial aphid rearing system to detect acquisition and examine potential effects of Cry1Ac and Cry1F on mortality and population growth rate of cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.), and green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (both Hemiptera: Aphididae). Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Cry1Ac and Cry1F were not detected in B. brassicae feeding on any of the Cry diets, whereas in M. persicae, Cry1Ac was detected in 55% of samples exposed alone or in combination with Cry1F, and Cry1F was detected in 67% of samples exposed alone or in combination with Cry1Ac. The toxins reduced the net population growth rate of M. persicae, but not of B. brassicae. For M. persicae, the reduction in growth rate was similar for Cry1Ac and Cry1F and there was no synergism from co‐feeding the aphids with both Cry toxins. The toxins had no detectable effect on survival of either aphid species. Variability in detection and effects of Cry toxins on aphids may not depend only on the presence and level of a Cry toxin in the phloem, and on differential experimental conditions as previously suggested, but may also depend on some characteristic of the aphid that remains to be determined.
Risk of Headache‐Related Healthcare Visits in Patients With Celiac Disease: A Population‐Based Observational Study
Authors: Lebwohl Benjamin , Roy Abhik , Alaedini Armin , Green Peter H.R. , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: March 2016

Background and Aims

Patients with celiac disease (CD) are reported to be at increased risk for headaches, though large studies are lacking. We aimed to examine the risk of headache‐related healthcare encounters in patients with CD in a nationwide population‐based setting.

Methods

In this population‐based retrospective cohort study, we searched all (n = 28) pathology departments in Sweden and identified patients with CD based on the presence of villous atrophy (VA). Each patient was matched to up to 5 controls, by age, gender, calendar period, and region. Using Cox proportional hazards, we tested for an association between CD and subsequent headache‐related visit. We also tested this association for those with intestinal inflammation but normal villi, and subjects with positive CD serologies but normal histology.

Results

Among 28,638 patients with CD and 143,126 controls, headache‐related visit occurred in 1,337 (4.7%) and 4,102 (2.9%), respectively. The incidence of headache‐related visit was 423 per 100,000 person‐years in CD patients and 254 per 100,000 person‐years in controls (HR 1.66; 95% CI 1.56–1.77; P < .0001). Individuals having inflammation without VA on small intestinal biopsy (n = 12,898; HR 2.08; 95% CI 1.90–2.27; P < .0001) and those with normal mucosa but positive CD serology (n = 3,617; HR 1.83; 95% CI 1.57–2.12; P < .0001) were also at increased risk for headache‐related visit.

Conclusions

In this population‐based study we found a significantly increased risk of headache‐related visits in patients with CD; this increase was also present in patients with intestinal inflammation and those with positive CD serology but with normal mucosal architecture on small bowel biopsy. Though limited by surveillance bias, this study indicates that headache‐related visits are more common in these populations.
Pelvic Examination at the 6‐Week Postpartum Visit After Cesarean Birth
Authors: Mahesan Arnold M. , Ilceski David M. , Paul Anthea B. M. , Vengalil Shyla
Published: March 2016

Introduction

The objective of this study was to assess the utility of the pelvic examination at the 6‐week postpartum visit after cesarean birth.

Methods

Data were collected from retrospective chart review in an obstetric resident clinic in Detroit, Michigan. Women included were those who had a cesarean birth between January 2012 and June 2014.

Results

Of 388 women who had a cesarean birth, 211 (54.4%) presented for the 6‐week postpartum visit and underwent pelvic examination. Of these women, 185 (87.7%) were asymptomatic, and 26 (12.3%) reported vaginal discharge. No other concerns were elicited. Of those with symptoms, 4 (15%) had no finding, 13 (50%) had bacterial vaginosis (BV) alone, 2 (8%) had BV and Candida sp, 2 (8%) had BV and Trichomonas vaginalis, 2 (8%) had T vaginalis alone, and 3 (11%) had Chlamydia trachomatis. One woman with C trachomatis had tested positive during pregnancy and possibly had treatment failure. Of the 185 asymptomatic women, 91 (49%) were deemed to have vaginal discharge on examination and underwent testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and C trachomatis; results were negative in all cases.

Discussion

In this population, it appears unnecessary to perform routine pelvic examination on asymptomatic women at the 6‐week postpartum visit after cesarean birth. When vaginal discharge was noted during pelvic examination of asymptomatic women, no pathology was identified.
Effect of Parenteral Antioxidant Supplementation During the Dry Period on Postpartum Glucose Tolerance in Dairy Cows
Authors: Abuelo A. , Alves‐Nores V. , Hernandez J. , Muiño R. , Benedito J.L. , Castillo C.
Published: March 2016

Background

Exacerbated postparturient insulin resistance (IR) has been associated with several pathologic conditions in dairy cattle. Oxidative stress (OS) plays a causative role in IR in humans, and an association, but not direct relationship, between OS and IR recently has been reported in transition dairy cattle.

Hypothesis

Supplementation with antioxidants shortly before calving improves glucose tolerance after parturition in dairy cattle.

Animals

Ten late‐pregnant Holstein cows entering their 2nd to 5th lactation.

Methods

Randomized placebo‐controlled trial: 15 ± 2 days before expected calving, the treatment group received an injection of DL‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate at a dosage of 6 mg/kg body weight (BW) and 0.06 mg/kg BW of sodium selenite, and the control group was injected with isotonic saline. During the first week after calving, both groups underwent glucose tolerance testing (0.25 g glucose/kg BW). Commercial assays were used to quantify the concentrations of glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta‐hydroxybutyrate, and markers of redox status in blood. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U‐test (α = 0.05).

Results

Supplemented cows showed a lower risk for OS, as reflected by a lower OS index (P = .036), different areas under the curve for the concentrations of glucose (P < .01), insulin (P = .043), and NEFA (P = .041), more rapid elimination rates (P = .080, <.01 and .047 respectively), and shorter half‐lives (P = .040, <.01 and .032) of these metabolites.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Supplementation with antioxidants before calving resulted in greater insulin sensitivity after calving, thereby suggesting the role of OS in the development of IR in cattle and the potential benefits of antioxidant supplementation in minimizing the consequences of negative energy balance.
Evaluation of Clinical Metrology Instrument in Dogs with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Muller C. , Gaines B. , Gruen M. , Case B. , Arrufat K. , Innes J. , Lascelles B.D.X.
Published: March 2016

Background

In veterinary clinical pain studies, there is a paucity of data on test‐retest variability in Clinical Metrology Instruments (CMIs), and it is unknown whether CMIs should be administered using independent (respondents not permitted to see previous answers) or dependent (respondents shown previous answers) interviewing.

Objectives

To compare baseline variability in CMIs designed to assess pain in dogs with osteoarthritis, and compare CMI scores using independent (InD) and dependent interviewing (DI) for the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and the Client‐Specific Outcome Measures (CSOM).

Animals

Fifty‐one client‐owned dogs with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis and associated pain.

Methods

Clinical Metrology Instruments data were collected during 2 randomized, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled, proof of principle pilot studies with parallel treatment groups. Enrolled dogs received either placebo or antinerve growth factor antibody (NV‐01).

Results

Agreement between baseline CMI scores was good (CBPI Pain P = .29, CBPI Interference P = .32, CSOM P = .036, LOAD P = .67, HCPI P = .27), being best for the LOAD (ICC = 0.89). CMI responses collected during independent and dependent interviewing were not statistically different (CBPI Pain P = .33, CBPI Interference P = .28, CSOM P = .42) and showed good agreement. Additionally, dependent interviewing resulted in increased treatment effect sizes.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

There is little difference between independent and dependent interviewing, however, dependent interviewing resulted in increased treatment effect sizes. By using dependent interviewing, investigators could increase clinical trial power through minimal change to study design. Further research is warranted to investigate the use of dependent interviewing.
Clinical and pathological analyses of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy cases after kidney transplantation
Authors: Shimizu Tomokazu , Toma Hiroshi , Hayakawa Nozomi , Shibahara Rumi , Ishiyama Ryou , Hayashida Akihiro , Fujimori Daiji , Tsunoyama Kuniko , Ikezawa Eri , Kitajima Shoji , Iida Shoichi , Ishida Hideki , Tanabe Kazunari , Honda Kazuho , Koike Junki
Published: March 2016

Aim

We carried out a clinicopathological analysis of cases presenting with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) after renal transplantation in an attempt to clarify the mechanisms underlying the development and prognostic significance of IF/TA.

Methods

IF/TA was diagnosed in 35 renal allograft biopsy specimens (BS) obtained from 35 renal transplant recipients under follow up at the Department of Transplant Surgery, Kidney Center, Toda Chuo General Hospital, between January 2014 and March 2015.

Results

IF/TA was diagnosed at a median of 39.9 months after the transplantation. Among the 35 patients with IF/TA, 19 (54%) had a history of acute rejection. Among the 35 BS showing evidence of IF/TA, the IF/TA was grade I in 25, grade II in 9, and grade III in 1. Arteriosclerosis of the middle‐sized arteries was observed in 30 BS (86%). We then classified the 35 BS showing evidence of IF/TA according to their overall histopathological features, as follows; IF/TA alone (6 BS; 17%), IF/TA + medullary ray injury (12 BS; 34%), and IF/TA + rejection (12 BS; 34%). Loss of the renal allograft occurred during the observation period in one of the patients (3%). Of the remaining patients with functioning grafts, deterioration of the renal allograft function after the biopsies occurred in 15 patients (43%).

Conclusions

The results of our study suggests that rejection contributes to IF/TA in 30–40% of cases, medullary ray injury in 30–40% of cases, and nonspecific injury in 20% of cases. IF/TA contributes significantly to deterioration of renal allograft function.
De novo proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits of the IgG1κ subtype in a kidney allograft
Authors: Tsuji Takahiro , Miura Masayoshi , Yanai Mitsuru , Itami Hiroe , Ishii Yasushi , Akimoto Mayuko , Fukasawa Yuichiro
Published: March 2016

Proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) deposits (PGNMID) has recently been described in cases with glomerular disease. Only 16 cases of recurrent or de novo PGNMID have been reported in the transplanted kidney. Here we report a case of de novo PGNMID in a renal allograft diagnosed in the early stage by protocol biopsy. A 41‐year‐old male with end‐stage kidney disease caused by focal glomerular sclerosis received a living‐related kidney transplant. The post‐transplantation course was stable, except for an early episode of acute T cell‐mediated rejection. Mesangial C1q deposition was found on the 3‐year protocol biopsy. On the 4‐year protocol biopsy, mild mesangioproliferative changes and deposition of IgG, C1q, C3, IgG1, and κ light chain were evident, confirming the diagnosis of PGNMID of the IgG1κ subtype. Furthermore, mild proteinuria was detected at that time. Because a subsequent haematological examination revealed high copy number Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA and free κ light chain in blood, the post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) was suspected. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was discontinued and rituximab was administered for the treatment of PTLD; subsequently, the improvement in proteinuria and serum creatinine was found 2 months after rituximab administration.
Proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin G deposits complicated by immunoglobulin A nephropathy in the renal allograft
Authors: Sawada Anri , Kawanishi Kunio , Horita Shigeru , Koike Junki , Honda Kazuho , Ochi Ayami , Komoda Mizuki , Tanaka Yoichiro , Unagami Kohei , Okumi Masayoshi , Shimizu Tomokazu , Ishida Hideki , Tanabe Kazunari , Nagashima Yoji , Nitta Kosaku
Published: March 2016

Immunoglobulin (Ig) A nephropathy (IgAN) is a known autoimmune disease due to abnormal glycosylation of IgA1, and occasionally, IgG co‐deposition occurs. The prognosis of IgG co‐deposition with IgAN is adverse, as shown in the previous studies. However, in the clinical setting, monoclonality of IgG co‐deposition with IgAN has not been observed. We describe a case of proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits (PGNMID) combined with IgAN in a renal allograft. A‐21‐year‐old man developed end‐stage renal failure with unknown aetiology and underwent living‐donor kidney transplantation from his mother 2 years after being diagnosed. One year after kidney transplantation, proteinuria 2+ and haematuria 2+ were detected; allograft biopsy revealed mesangial IgA and C3 deposits, indicating a diagnosis of IgAN. After tonsillectomy and steroid pulse therapy, proteinuria and haematuria resolved. However, 4 years after transplantation, pedal oedema, proteinuria (6.89 g/day) and allograft dysfunction (serum creatinine (sCr) 203.3 µmol/L) appeared. A second allograft biopsy showed mesangial expansion and focal segmental proliferative endocapillary lesions with IgA1λ and monoclonal IgG1κ depositions. Electron microscopic analysis revealed a massive amount of deposits, located in the mesangial and subendothelial lesions. A diagnosis of PGNMID complicated with IgAN was made, and rituximab and plasmapheresis were added to steroid pulse therapy. With this treatment, proteinuria was alleviated to 0.5 g/day, and the allograft dysfunction recovered to sCr 132.6 µmol/L. This case suggests a necessity for investigation of PGNMID and IgA nephropathy in renal allografts to detect monoclonal Ig deposition disease.
Enhancing the Practical Relevance of Research
Authors: Toffel Michael W.
Published: March 2016

This article seeks to encourage scholars to conduct research that is more relevant to the decisions faced by managers and policymakers, and addresses why research relevance matters, what relevance means in terms of a journal article, and how scholars can increase the relevance of their research. I define relevant research papers as those whose research questions address problems found (or potentially found) in practice and whose hypotheses connect independent variables within the control of practitioners to outcomes they care about using logic they view as feasible. I provide several suggestions for how scholars can enhance research relevance, including engaging practitioners in on‐campus encounters, at managerial conferences, and at crossover workshops; conducting site visits and practitioner interviews; working as a practitioner; and developing a practitioner advisory team. I describe several ways that scholars can convey relevant research insights into practitioners, including presenting at practitioner conferences, writing for practitioners in traditional crossover journals and in shorter pieces like op‐eds and blogs, and attracting the interest of those who write columns, blogs, and articles about research for practitioners. I conclude by describing a few ways that academic institutions can encourage more relevant research, focusing on journals, professional societies, and doctoral programs.
Dynamic Customer Acquisition and Retention Management
Authors: King Gregory J. , Chao Xiuli , Duenyas Izak
Published: March 2016

In consulting, finance, and other service industries, customers represent a revenue stream, and must be acquired and retained over time. In this paper, we study the resource allocation problem of a profit maximizing service firm that dynamically allocates its resources toward acquiring new clients and retaining unsatisfied existing ones. The interaction between acquisition and retention in our model is reflected in the cash constraint on total expected spending on acquisition and retention in each period. We formulate this problem as a dynamic program in which the firm makes decisions in both acquisition and retention after observing the current size of its customer base and receiving information about customers in danger of attrition, and we characterize the structure of the optimal acquisition and retention strategy. We show that when the firm's customer base size is relatively low, the firm should spend heavily on acquisition and try to retain every unhappy customer. However, as its customer base grows, the firm should gradually shift its emphasis from acquisition to retention, and it should also aim to strike a balance between acquisition and retention while spending its available resources. Finally, when the customer base is large enough, it may be optimal for the firm to begin spending less in both acquisition and retention. We also extend our analysis to situations where acquisition or retention success rate, as a function of resources allocation, is uncertain and show that the optimal acquisition and retention policy can be surprisingly complex. However, we develop an effective heuristic for that case. This paper aims to provide service managers some analytical principles and effective guidelines on resource allocation between these two significant activities based on their firm's customer base size.
Modulating Effects of Arabinogalactans from Plant Gum Exudates on Human Complement System
Authors: Bovo F. , Lenzi R. M. , Yamassaki F. T. , Messias‐Reason I. J. , Campestrini L. H. , Stevan F. R. , Zawadzki‐Baggio S. F. , Maurer J. B. B.
Published: March 2016

Gum arabic and cashew nut tree gum exudate polysaccharide (CNTG) are plant polysaccharides composed of galactose and arabinose known as arabinogalactans (AGs). Although these fractions are used in food and pharmaceutical industry, cases of allergic reactions were described in clinical reports. As AGs were reported as modulators of the classical (CP) and alternative pathways (AP) of complement system (CS), in the present work, we investigate whether gum arabic and CNTG have an effect on both CS pathways. The complement fixation tests were performed with (CP‐30 and AP‐30) and without pre‐incubation (CP‐0 and AP‐0). For CP‐30, CNTG and gum arabic (833 μg/ml) showed a reduction of 28.0% (P = 0.000174) and 48.5% (P = 0.000143), respectively, on CP‐induced haemolysis. However, no effect was observed for CP‐0 in the CP‐induced haemolysis. For AP‐30, both CNTG and gum arabic (833 μg/ml) showed 87% reduction on the CP‐induced haemolysis, with IC50 values of 100 and 7 μg/ml, respectively. For AP‐0, a reduction of 11.3% for gum arabic and no effect for the CNTG on the CP‐induced haemolysis were observed. These results suggested that gum arabic and CNTG could be acting as activators of the CS. Thus, this effect on the CS, especially on the AP, which accounts for up to 80–90% of total CS activation, indicates that both fractions may be harmful because of their potential pro‐inflammatory action. Considering that CS activation induces inflammatory response, further studies confirming this immunomodulatory effect of these fractions are required to insure their safe use.
Budding speciation via peripheral isolation: the Psorodonotus venosus (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) species group example
Authors: Kaya Sarp , Çiplak Battal
Published: March 2016

The peripatric or budding species model has remained theoretical until recently. The habitat preference and range pattern of the mountainous Psorodonotus venosus species group, distributed in Anatolia and Caucasus, offered potential to test the predictions of the model. The study aimed to confirm the parameters and to provide evidence for peripatric speciation in a terrestrial group. Fourteen populations representing the total range of the group were studied. Sequences of two mitochondrial fragments including four loci (12S rDNA+tDNAval+16S rDNA and COI) and a nuclear fragment including three loci (ITS1+5.8S rDNA+ITS2) were obtained and used in phylogenetic, time estimation, population genetics and demographic analyses. Additionally, phenotypical data were provided for the group. Phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of the PVG and suggested similar intralineage relationships, but did not support the monophyly of each of the species in the group. The molecular chronograms indicated radiation of the group throughout the Pleistocene. Demographic analyses suggested constant population sizes for the populations in the centre of the range but a significant departure from constancy in four peripheral populations. Genetic diversity is significantly reduced in peripheral populations, but not in others. We arrived to following conclusions. The data suggest that P. venosus is the ancestral species and P. rugulosus, P. tendurek and P. hakkari are bud species, as their haplotypes are nested within P. venosus. As expected under the budding speciation model, (i) in contrast to ancestral species, genetic diversity is reduced, and there are signs of departure from constant population size in bud species; (ii) bud species have isolated and restricted ranges, while the ancestral species does not, (iii) the relative ages of ancestral and bud species are the most reliable data to confirm the model, and chronograms of PVG well support this prediction, and (iv) the divergence events in the group co‐occurred with major climatic transformations of the Pleistocene.
A WIDEBAND AND FLAT-GAIN OF AN AMPLIFIER BY USING ZIRCONIA-BASED ERBIUM-DOPED FIBER (ZR-EDF) FOR SINGLE PASS PPERATION
Authors: Markom Arni Munira , Ahmad Harith , Wadi Harun Sulaiman
Published: March 2016

An amplification for single pass operation was demonstrated by using Zirconia-based erbium-doped fiber (Zr-EDF). 1 m is the optimum length due to overall high gain and minimal noise figure from 1520 nm to 1620 nm. The highest gain is 28.62 dB at 1555 nm with the input signal and pump power are fixed at -30 dBm and 130 mW, respectively. At input signal -10 dBm, a wide and flat-gain of 19.36 dB is obtained with very small variation gain of 0.27 dB from 1530 nm to 1570 nm. Meanwhile, the noise figure for both input signals were maintained below than 12 dBm for the specific regions.
FOCUSED BEAM BROFILING FROM A TERAHERTZ QUANTUM CASCADE LASER
Authors: Saat Nor Kamilah , Dean Paul , P. Khanna Suraj , Salih Mohamed , Harold Linfield Edmund , Giles Davies Alexander
Published: March 2016

A quick, simple and inexpensive method of profiling the focused beam from terahertz quantum cascade laser (THz QCL) is presented. Using knife edge technique beam width and astigmatism of the THZ QCL imaging system have successfully been obtained.
THE ANALYSIS OF PHASE, DISPERSION AND GROUP DELAY IN INGAASP/INP MICRORING RESONATOR
Authors: Amiri IS , Alavi SE , Supa'at ASM , Ali J. , Ahmad H
Published: March 2016

The Vernier operation with signal flow graph (SFG) is a graphical approach for analyzing the intricate photonic circuits mathematically and quick calculation of optical transfer function. Analysis of a cascaded microring resonators (CMRR) made of InGaAsP/InP semiconductor is presented using the signal flow graph (SFG) method which enables modelling the transfer function of the passive CMRR. These passive filters are mostly characterized by their frequency response. The theoretical calculations of the system is performed by the Vernier effects analysis. Two MRRs with radius of 100 µm which are vertically coupled together are used to generate resonant peaks. Here, the phase, dispersion and group delay of the generated signals are analyzed.
MORPHOLOGICAL AND ELECTRICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF HYBRID THIN-FILM COMPOSED OF TITANIA NANOCRYSTALS, POLY (3-HEXYLTHIOPHENE) AND PIPER BETLE LINN
Authors: Mohd Ghazali Salmah , Salleh Hasiah , Mohd Ghazali Mohd Sabri , Dagang Ahmad Nazri , Zakaria Azmi , Mohd Zaini Muhammad Aimy Mahfuzzan , Zulkifli Muhamad Azman
Published: March 2016

In this research, the effect of scan numbers of titania nanocrystals (TiO2 NCs) on the morphological and electrical characteristics of hybrid thin-films is investigated. These hybrid thin-films consist of a combination of organic (Piper Betle Linn extraction and Poly (3-hexytlthiophene) (P3HT)) and inorganic TiO2 NCs (anatase structure) materials. These hybrid thin-films are fabricated in bilayer heterojunction of ITO/TiO2 NCs/P3HT/Piper Betle Linn via electrochemistry method using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The scan numbers of TiO2 NCs are varied by 1, 3 and 5 number of scans. The morphological characterization is carried out via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) meanwhile the electrical characteristic of the hybrid thin-film is measured by using four point probes. FESEM image indicates the particle size was found to be around 17-34 nm. The increment of scan number of TiO2 NCs from one to five scan numbers of TiO2 NCs in bilayers thin films showed that the atomic percentage of titanium decrease from 5.23% to 2.20%. This result indicates that as the thickness of thin films increases, the electrons required more energy to excite into conduction band of TiO2. Meanwhile, the electrical conductivities of hybrid solar cell increase from 0.385 Scm-1 to 0.389 Scm-1 as the scan numbers of TiO2 increase from one to three, however the electrical conductivity decrease to 0.346 Scm-1 at five scan numbers. As a conclusion, this study shows that the morphological and electrical properties of hybrid thin-films can be significantly affected by the scan number of TiO2 NCs.
THE EFFECT OF PUMP PROFILE ON ABSORPTION EFFICIENCY OF A DIODE-SIDE-PUMPED ND:YAG LASER
Authors: Honarasa G. , Nakhaee B. , Hatami M. , Borhani M.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the Gaussian, Lorentz and Lorentz-Gaussian beams are used as the pump beam in a diode side pumped Nd:YAG leaser and the effects of these beams on the absorption efficiency of the laser are investigated. It is illustrated that the absorption efficiency for Lorentz-Gaussian profile is higher than the two others. Also has been shown that for entrance Lorentz-Gaussian profile, the absorption efficiency is increasing with decreasing the distance from the diodes to the slits and increasing the diameter of the laser rod. It is shown that there is an optimum slit width corresponding to the maximum absorption efficiency for any laser diode side-pumped solid-state lasers.
ASYMMETRIC FIBER TAPER FOR NARROW LINEWIDTH COMB FILTER
Authors: Halip N. H. Mohamed , Isa N. S. , Latif A. A. , Mahdi M. A. , Abu Bakar M. H.
Published: March 2016

The employment of asymmetric optical fiber taper as a means for producing narrow linewidth comb filter is proposed and demonstrated. Fiber taper with different values set for the up-taper and down-taper transition regions was used to produce narrow linewidth comb filter through coupling interaction of light in the asymmetric fiber. Two configurations; single-pass and bidirectional fiber taper filters were studied and analyzed in this project. Results showed narrower 3-dB linewidth for asymmetric taper compared with uniform taper for single pass configuration. The asymmetric taper linewidth was improved further in bidirectional configuration, narrowing down to 2 nm. Bidirectional asymmetric taper filter recorded extinction ratio of 27.14 dB, which was 18 dB and 3 dB better than single-pass asymmetric taper and bidirectional uniform taper respectively. The findings emphasize the attractiveness of bidirectional asymmetric taper as a high performance optical filter.
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF TAPER LENGTH ON SENSITIVITY OF THE TAPERED-FIBER BASED TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Authors: Musa Baktiar , Mustapha Kamil Yasmin , Abu Bakar Muhammad Hafiz , Mohd Noor Ahmad Shukri , Ismail Alyani , Mahdi Mohd Adzir
Published: March 2016

A temperature sensor using single-mode tapered fiber is presented. To better understand the behaviour of a tapered optical fiber, transmission experiments with different taper profiles, specifically waist length were performed. The effects of taper profiles on the sensitivity of the sensor were also investigated. It is demonstrated that careful selection of the taper profile can increase the sensitivity of the sensor. In our experiment, a good temperature sensing result was achieved using the optimum parameter. The best sensitivity achieved was 45.5 pm/°C that measured the range of temperature from 30°C to 120°C. The fabricated sensors are easy to fabricate and relatively low cost. Our results indicate that the tapered fiber based temperature sensor has high sensitivity and good repeatability.
THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON DIFFERENT LASER TRANSITIONS OF NEODYMIUM ORTHOVANADATE CRYSTAL
Authors: Krishnan Ganesan , Bidin Noriah
Published: March 2016

The temperature dependence of Nd:YVO4 laser crystal pumped by laser diode emitting at 808 nm is studied within the range of 5 oC to 60 oC. The spectroscopy properties of quasi three level at 914 nm (4F3/2 - 4I 9/2) and four level at 1064 nm (4F3/2 - 4I 11/2) are characterized. The lineshape function of the transition lines were broadened as the temperature increases. The phenomenon is attributed to change in linewidth, lineshift and intensity. The linewidths for both laser transition of 914 nm and 1064 nm increases with temperature with the rate of 0.105 cm-1/oC and 0.074 cm-1/oC respectively. The peak of 914nm and 1064 nm lineshapes shifted to a longer wavelength with the rate of 3.0 pm/oC and 4.2 pm/oC respectively which correspond to same amount of lineshift. The lineshape broadening with respect to the temperature is due to one-phonon emission and Raman phonon scattering processes.  The intensities of 914 nm and 1064 nm transition lines are found to be decreased at the rate of 0.15 %/oC and 0.45 %/oC respectively due to non-radiative effects. Quasi three level laser transition is more temperature dependent because it terminal level is close to the ground state which suffers from higher phonon-ion interaction rather than four level laser system.
HALF-PANDA RING RESONATOR USED TO GENERATE 100 MHZ REPETITION RATE FEMTOSECOND SOLITON
Authors: Daud Suzairi , Sadegh Amiri Iraj , Ali Jalil
Published: March 2016

Interferometric measurement techniques have been employed in research and industry for investigations into propagation behavior aspects of the optical solitons within semiconductor lasers. The half-PANDA ring resonator system introduced in this paper consists of an add/drop multiplex connected to a microring resonator on the right side, where the output powers can be controlled by specific parameters. The collision of dark and bright solitons occurs inside the system in which femtosecond (fs) optical solitons with 100 MHz repetition rate form the through and drop port outputs of the system. A trapping force is produced via the add port signals that constitute the input powers; thus the femtosecond optical soliton are generated and controlled within the half-PANDA ring resonator. The results of the soliton signals are obtained based on the iterative method technique in which a number of experimental and practical parameters are employed. These circumstances allow for manipulation of the trapping bandwidth by means of system parameter alterations. The input powers of the dark and bright solitons are 5.12 mW and 4 mW respectively. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the through and drop port output signals are 35 and 76 femtoseconds respectively correspond to 0.76 and 1.56 terahertz (THz) in frequency domain, where the repetition rate of the solitons is 100 MHz.
EFFECT OF MNO2 DOPING ON NONLINEAR COEFFICEINT OF ZN-BI-TI-O VARISTOR CERAMICS
Authors: Mohd Ghazali Mohd Sabri , Wan Abdullah Wan Rafizah , Zakaria Azmi , Rizwan Zahid , Matori Khamirul Amin , Mohd Zaid Mohd Hafiz
Published: March 2016

The work aims the improvement of nonlinear coefficient ( ) can achieve by the addition of MnO2. The investigation regarding to the variation of MnO2 doping on ZnO-Bi2O3-TiO2 system is discussed. The crystalline phases were identified by an XRD (PANalytical (Philips) X’Pert Pro PW3040/60) with CuK  radiation and the data were analyzed by using X’Pert High Score software. The density of varistor ceramics was measured by the geometrical method. The current-voltage characteristics of the varistor ceramics were evaluated. The average grain size ( ) was determined by lineal intercept method. The  of ZnO doped with 0.5 mol% of Bi2O3, 0.5 mol% of TiO2 and x mol% of MnO2 was calculated from data analysis of current-voltage characteristics obtained through a Source Measure Unit (Keithley 236). The calculation of is done by using Origin Pro8.0 software which at low concentration at 1170 oC has the value 10.36 and 9.21 at 45 and 90 min sintering time, respectively, and then decreases to 5.63 and 5.27 at 0.8 mol% MnO2 concentrations. The addition of MnO2 dopant in Zn-Bi-Ti oxide ceramics sintered at 45 minutes cause the value of  to increase up to 0.4 mol% and decrease after further addition.
OPTIMIZED DISTANCE FOR NON-DAMAGING IN LASER CLEANING PREPARATION
Authors: Hai Sin Chong , Abu Bakar Mohd Aizat , Abd. Munap Daing Farhana Hanum , Krishnan Ganesan , Bidin Noriah
Published: March 2016

Laser Technology has wide application in industry as well as in scientific research. Semiconductor industry also interested to use laser for cleaning contaminant. However, until today, no laser has been deployed to take over the traditional method due to lack of intension on it. As a first step to embark into industrial solution, initiative has been carried out to do fundamental experiment. Optimization has been established to find out the best position for cleaning without associated with damage. A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was focused to create breakdown in the air. This is an indicator for plasma formation and shock wave generation as the main mechanisms of damage. Pure aluminium was used as a substrate and mounted on précised a 3D linear translational stage.  The defocused distance was varied in the range of 0-25 mm. The damage image was recorded and analysed via the aid of ImageJ software. Small and deep dense deformation was observed as the target located at the focal point. As the defocused distance move further away, the damage tend to be eliminated and its depth approaching the same level as original.
OPTICAL CHARACTERIZATION ON ITO/TIO2/P3HT/ARECA CATECHU/AU FOR THIN FILM HYBRID SOLAR CELL
Authors: Khamsan Muhammad Emmer Ashraf , Mohd Ghazali Mohd Sabri , Salleh Hasiah , Zakaria Azmi , Mohd Ghazali Salmah , Ahmad Zakiyah , Aziz M. S.
Published: March 2016

In this research, dye sensitized solar cell is fabricated by a combination of inorganic titanium dioxide nanoparticles sensitized by a locally available natural dye extract from organic Areca Catechu nut. This hybrid solar cells are fabricated accordingly by deposition of ITO/TiO2/P3HT/Areca Catechu/Au by using electrochemical method. The deposition rates of TiO2 are varied from 0.05, 0.07, 0.09 to 0.11 vs-1 whereas the number of scan of each layers are fixed to 5. The absorption spectra analysis is carried out in the wavelength range 200 to 600 nm, showed a wide and significant absorption spectrum in UV and visible regions. Analysis shows that scan rate affects the electrical conductivity of hybrid solar cell. The highest conductivity is recorded at 0.278 Scm-1 corresponding to the scan rate of 0.07 Vs-1at a potential value of 3.5 V.