bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severity, Treatment, and Outcome of Acute Pancreatitis in Thailand: The First Comprehensive Review Using Revised Atlanta Classification
Authors: Pongprasobchai Supot , Vibhatavata Peeradon , Apisarnthanarak Piyaporn
Published: April 2017

Background.Severity and outcome of acute pancreatitis (AP) in Thailand are unknown.Methods. A retrospective study of 250 patients with AP during 2011–2014 was performed. Severity, treatment, and outcome were evaluated. Severity was classified by revised Atlanta classification.Results. The mean age was 58 years and 56% were men. Etiologies were gallstones (45%), alcohol (16%), postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (14%), and idiopathic (15%). Overall, 72%, 16%, and 12% of patients had mild, moderately severe, and severe AP, respectively. Two major types of initial intravenous fluid were normal saline (64%) and Ringer’s lactate solution (RLS, 28%). Enteral nutrition was given in 77% of patients with severe AP, median duration 48 hours, and via a nasogastric tube in 67% of patients. Necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) developed in 7% of patients, and 29% of them developed infection (median 17 days). The median length of stay was 6, 9, and 13 days, and the mortality rate was 1%, 3%, and 42% in mild, moderately severe, and severe AP, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 6%.Conclusion. The severity of AP in Thailand was mild, moderately severe, and severe in 72%, 16%, and 12% of patients, respectively. NP was not prevalent. Mortality was high in severe AP. Most treatments complied with standard guidelines except the underuse of RLS.
Serum Cytokine Profile in a Patient Diagnosed with Dysferlinopathy
Authors: Khaiboullina Svetlana F. , Martynova Ekaterina V. , Bardakov Sergey N. , Mavlikeev Mikhail O. , Yakovlev Ivan A. , Isaev Arthur A. , Deev Roman V. , Rizvanov Albert A.
Published: April 2017

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2 (LGMD2B) is a mild form of dysferlinopathy, characterized by limb weakness and wasting. It is an autosomal recessive disease, with currently 140 mutations in the LGMD2B gene identified. Lack of functional dysferlin inhibits muscle fiber regeneration in voluntary muscles, the main pathological finding in LGMD2B patients. However, the immune system has been suggested to contribute to muscle cell death and tissue regeneration. Serum levels of 27 cytokines were evaluated in a dysferlinopathy patient. Levels of 8 cytokines differed in patient serum compared to controls. Five cytokines (IL-10, IL-17, CCL2, CXCL10, and G-CSF) were higher while 3 were lower in the patient than in controls (IL-2, IL-8, and CCL11). Together, these data on serum cytokine profile of this dysferlinopathy patient suggest immune response activation, which could explain leukocyte infiltration in the muscle tissue.
Chaos Control in Fractional Order Smart Grid with Adaptive Sliding Mode Control and Genetically Optimized PID Control and Its FPGA Implementation
Authors: Karthikeyan Anitha , Rajagopal Karthikeyan
Published: April 2017

We investigate a specific smart grid system and its nonlinear properties. Lyapunov exponents are derived to prove the existence of chaos and bifurcation and bicoherence contours are investigated to show the parameter dependence and existence of quadratic nonlinearities, respectively. A fractional order model of the smart grid system (FOSG) is then derived and bifurcation of the FOSG system with variation in the commensurate fractional order of the system is investigated to show that largest Lyapunov exponent of the system exists in fractional order. Hence we proposed two different control methods to suppress the chaotic oscillations. In the first method we derive fractional order adaptive sliding mode control (FOASMC) algorithm to control chaotic oscillations and in the second method we used genetically optimized fractional order PID controllers (GAFOPID) for chaos control. Numerical simulations are conducted to show the effectiveness of the controllers and also to prove that GAFOPID controllers are more effective than FOASMC controllers for fractional order systems. The GAFOPID controllers are then realized in FPGA to show that the proposed methodology is hardware realizable.
Noninvasive Encapsulated Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Clinical Lessons from a Community-Based Endocrine Surgical Practice
Authors: Golding Allan , Shively Dana , Bimston David N. , Harrell R. Mack
Published: April 2017

Objective. Retrospective studies have found that noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer (EFVPTC) exhibits highly indolent clinical behavior. We studied the clinical features of our patients with noninvasive EFVPTC tumors culled from a community endocrine surgical practice registry over the past four years. Methods. We interrogated the Memorial Center for Integrative Endocrine Surgery (MCIES) Registry for all recorded encapsulated follicular variant of papillary cancer pathologic diagnoses. We identified a subgroup of patients without capsular or vascular invasion and studied their clinical characteristics. Results. Thirty-seven patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The typical patient was young and female. Nodules averaged 3.1 cm in greatest dimension by ultrasound evaluation. Thirteen patients were found to have synchronous malignancies elsewhere in the thyroid (35%). At the time of this writing, we have not seen a clinical recurrence in any of our 37 noninvasive EFVPTC patients. Conclusions. Early clinical follow-up data suggests that the majority of noninvasive EFVPTC tumors exhibit indolent behavior, but clinical decision-making with regard to completion thyroidectomy, central lymph node dissection, and adjunctive radioiodine therapy often depends on the amount and type of synchronous thyroid cancer detected elsewhere in the thyroid gland and the central neck.
Smartphone-Driven Low-Power Light-Emitting Device
Authors: An Hea-Ja , Kim Kyung-Won , Ryu Mun-Ho , Oh Han-Yeong , Kim Nam-Gyun , Park Kyoung-Jun
Published: April 2017

Low-level light (laser) therapy (LLLT) has been widely researched in the recent past. Existing LLLT studies were performed based on laser. Recently, studies using LED have increased. This study presents a smartphone-driven low-power light-emitting device for use in colour therapy as an alternative medicine. The device consists of a control unit and a colour probe. The device is powered by and communicates with a smartphone using USB On-The-Go (OTG) technology. The control unit controls emitting time and intensity of illumination with the configuration value of a smartphone application. Intensity is controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM) without feedback. A calibration is performed to resolve a drawback of no feedback. To calibrate, intensity is measured in every 10 percent PWM output. PWM value is linearly calibrated to obtain accurate intensity. The device can control the intensity of illumination, and so, it can find application in varied scenarios.
Giant Condyloma Acuminatum of Vulva in an HIV-Infected Woman
Authors: Lilungulu Athanase , Mpondo Bonaventura C. T. , Mlwati Abdallah , Matovelo Dismas , Kihunrwa Albert , Gumodoka Balthazar
Published: April 2017

First described in 1925, giant condyloma acuminatum also known as Buschke-Löwenstein tumor (BLT) is a benign, slow-growing, locally destructive cauliflower-like lesion usually in the genital region. The disease is usually locally aggressive and destructive with a potential for malignant transformation. The causative organism is human papilloma virus. The most common risk factor is immunosuppression with HIV; however, any other cause of immunodeficiency can be a predisposing factor. We present a case of 33-year-old female patient, a known HIV patient on antiretroviral therapy for ten months. She presented with seven-month history of an abnormal growth in the genitalia that was progressive accompanied with foul smelling yellowish discharge and friable. Surgical excision was performed successfully. Pap smear of the excised tissue was negative. Despite being a rare condition, giant condyloma acuminatum is relatively common in HIV-infected patients.
Effects of Precast Cladding Systems on Dynamic Characteristics of Steel Frame Buildings by Ambient and Free Vibration Tests
Authors: Ma Jun , Nakata Shinji , Yoshida Akihito , Tamura Yukio
Published: April 2017

Full-scale tests on a one-story steel frame structure with a typical precast cladding system using ambient and free vibration methods are described in detail. The cladding system is primarily composed of ALC (Autoclaved Lightweight Concrete) external wall cladding panels, gypsum plasterboard interior linings, and window glazing systems. Ten test cases including the bare steel frame and the steel frame with addition of different parts of the precast cladding system are prepared for detailed investigations. The amplitude-dependent dynamic characteristics of the test cases including natural frequencies and damping ratios determined from the tests are presented. The effects of the ALC external wall cladding panels, the gypsum plasterboard interior linings, and the window glazing systems on the stiffness and structural damping of the steel frame are discussed in detail. The effect of the precast cladding systems on the amplitude dependency of the dynamic characteristics and the tendencies of the dynamic parameters with respect to the structural response amplitude are investigated over a wide range. Furthermore, results estimated from the ambient vibration method are compared with those from the free vibration tests to evaluate the feasibility of the ambient vibration method.
Visual Tracking Based on Complementary Learners with Distractor Handling
Authors: Wibowo Suryo Adhi , Lee Hansoo , Kim Eun Kyeong , Kim Sungshin
Published: April 2017

The representation of the object is an important factor in building a robust visual object tracking algorithm. To resolve this problem, complementary learners that use color histogram‐ and correlation filter‐based representation to represent the target object can be used since they each have advantages that can be exploited to compensate the other’s drawback in visual tracking. Further, a tracking algorithm can fail because of the distractor, even when complementary learners have been implemented for the target object representation. In this study, we show that, in order to handle the distractor, first the distractor must be detected by learning the responses from the color‐histogram‐ and correlation‐filter‐based representation. Then, to determine the target location, we can decide whether the responses from each representation should be merged or only the response from the correlation filter should be used. This decision depends on the result obtained from the distractor detection process. Experiments were performed on the widely used VOT2014 and VOT2015 benchmark datasets. It was verified that our proposed method performs favorably as compared with several state‐of‐the‐art visual tracking algorithms.
The Role of Race and Gender in Nutrition Habits and Self-Efficacy: Results from the Young Adult Weight Loss Study
Authors: Stephens Janna D. , Althouse Andrew , Tan Alai , Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek
Published: April 2017

Overweight and obesity are a massive public health problem and young adults are at high risk for gaining weight once they enter a college. This study sought to examine gender and race as they relate to nutrition habits and self-efficacy in a population of diverse young adults from the Young Adult Weight Loss Study. Participants(N=62)were 29% males, 38.7% white, 33.8% Asian, and 12.9% African American. Males had lower self-efficacy for healthy eating (mean score = 92.5, SD = 17.1) compared to females (mean = 102.3, SD = 13.7,p=0.02). Males had higher consumption of sodium compared to females (4308 versus 3239 milligrams/day,p=0.01). There were no significant differences across racial subgroups in self-efficacy for healthy eating (p=0.67) or self-efficacy for exercise (p=0.61). Higher self-efficacy scores for healthy eating were significantly associated with less total sodium (r=-0.37,p=0.007), greater fruit consumption, and less saturated fat. Our results indicate that weight loss interventions should be individualized and that there may be specific areas to target that are different for men and women. Additional larger studies should be conducted to confirm if racial differences exist across nutrition habits and self-efficacy and to confirm gender differences noted in this study.
Simultaneous Determination of Four Compounds in a Nelumbo nucifera Seed Embryo by HPLC-DAD
Authors: Ryu Gahee , Weon Jin Bae , Yang Woo Seung , Ma Choong Je
Published: April 2017

Nelumbo nucifera has a variety of biological activities. So it was importantly used as various herbal medicines since traditional times. A simple, fast, and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed in this study for efficient quality control of N. nucifera. Four different compounds, including neferine, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-[(4-hydroxyphenyl) methyl]-2-methyl-7-isoquinolinol, 1-hydroxy-2-methylpropene, and 3-(prop-1-enyl)benzene-1,2,4,5-tetrol, were simultaneously determined. The four compounds were isolated through a Dionex C18 column by gradient elution with 0.1% TFA-water and methanol. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, and the wavelength was detected at 205, 254, 280, and 330 nm. The chromatograms were acquired at 205 nm. The four compounds showed good linear relationships (r2>0.96) over five different concentrations, and an average recovery of the method ranged from 96.27% to 108.78%. Through the analysis validation test and application of the method, the optimized conditions verified that it is efficient to isolate the compounds of N. nucifera seed embryos.
Ultrafast Charge and Triplet State Formation in Diketopyrrolopyrrole Low Band Gap Polymer/Fullerene Blends: Influence of Nanoscale Morphology of Organic Photovoltaic Materials on Charge Recombination to the Triplet State
Authors: Williams René M. , Chen Hung-Cheng , Di Nuzzo Daniele , Meskers Stephan C. J. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: April 2017

Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy of thin films of two types of morphologies of diketopyrrolopyrrole low band gap polymer/fullerene-adduct blends is presented and indicates triplet state formation by charge recombination, an important loss channel in organic photovoltaic materials. At low laser fluence (approaching solar intensity) charge formation characterized by a 1350 nm band (in ~250 fs) dominates in the two PDPP-PCBM blends with different nanoscale morphologies and these charges recombine to form a local polymer-based triplet state on the sub-ns timescale (in ~300 and ~900 ps) indicated by an 1100 nm absorption band. The rate of triplet state formation is influenced by the morphology. The slower rate of charge recombination to the triplet state (in ~900 ps) belongs to a morphology that results in a higher power conversion efficiency in the corresponding device. Nanoscale morphology not only influences interfacial area and conduction of holes and electrons but also influences the mechanism of intersystem crossing (ISC). We present a model that correlates morphology to the exchange integral and fast and slow mechanisms for ISC (SOCT-ISC and H-HFI-ISC). For the pristine polymer, a flat and unstructured singlet-singlet absorption spectrum (between 900 and 1400 nm) and a very minor triplet state formation (5%) are observed at low laser fluence.
Dynamic Response of Soft Core Sandwich Beams with Metal-Graphene Nanocomposite Skins
Authors: Loja M. A. R.
Published: April 2017

Sandwich structures are able to provide enhanced strength, stiffness, and lightweight characteristics, thus contributing to an improved overall structural response. To this sandwich configuration one may associate through-thickness graded core material properties and homogeneous or graded properties nanocomposite skins. These tailor-made possibilities may provide alternative design solutions to specific problem requisites. This work aims to address these possibilities, considering to this purpose a package of three beam layerwise models based on different shear deformation theories, implemented through Kriging-based finite elements. The viscoelastic behaviour of the sandwich core is modelled using the complex method and the dynamic problem is solved in the frequency domain. A set of case studies illustrates the performance of the models.
Effects of Genipin Concentration on Cross-Linked Chitosan Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering: Structural Characterization and Evidence of Biocompatibility Features
Authors: Dimida Simona , Barca Amilcare , Cancelli Nadia , De Benedictis Vincenzo , Raucci Maria Grazia , Demitri Christian
Published: April 2017

Genipin (GN) is a natural molecule extracted from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis according to modern microbiological processes. Genipin is considered as a favorable cross-linking agent due to its low cytotoxicity compared to widely used cross-linkers; it cross-links compounds with primary amine groups such as proteins, collagen, and chitosan. Chitosan is a biocompatible polymer that is currently studied in bone tissue engineering for its capacity to promote growth and mineral-rich matrix deposition by osteoblasts in culture. In this work, two genipin cross-linked chitosan scaffolds for bone repair and regeneration were prepared with different GN concentrations, and their chemical, physical, and biological properties were explored. Scanning electron microscopy and mechanical tests revealed that nonremarkable changes in morphology, porosity, and mechanical strength of scaffolds are induced by increasing the cross-linking degree. Also, the degradation rate was shown to decrease while increasing the cross-linking degree, with the high cross-linking density of the scaffold disabling the hydrolysis activity. Finally, basic biocompatibility was investigated in vitro, by evaluating proliferation of two human-derived cell lines, namely, the MG63 (human immortalized osteosarcoma) and the hMSCs (human mesenchymal stem cells), as suitable cell models for bone tissue engineering applications of biomaterials.
Ferric Carboxymaltose as Treatment in Women with Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Seid Melvin H. , Butcher Angelia D. , Chatwani Ashwin
Published: April 2017

Objective. To evaluate safety and efficacy of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) versus standard medical care (SMC) for iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in postpartum women and women with heavy menstrual bleeding. Study Design. This open-label, multicenter study randomized women with IDA (hemoglobin ≤ 11.0 g/dL) to single doses of FCM (15 mg/kg [maximum 1000 mg]) or SMC (this treatment was determined by the investigator and there may have been no treatment). Safety data (primary outcome) were collected for 30 days. Results. Of 2045 subjects enrolled (FCM: n=1023; SMC: n=1022), 996 received FCM and 1022 received SMC. At least 1 serious adverse event (AE) was reported by 0.6% and 2.2% of subjects in the FCM and SMC groups, respectively; none were considered treatment related. The difference in serious AEs was primarily due to higher rates of uterine leiomyoma, uterine hemorrhage, and menorrhagia in SMC subjects with heavy menstrual bleeding. Common AEs were generally predictable, with higher rates of infusion site reactions in FCM subjects and gastrointestinal AEs in SMC subjects. Mean hemoglobin increases were greater in the FCM group than the SMC group. Conclusion. FCM was well tolerated and effectively increased mean hemoglobin levels in postpartum women or women with heavy menstrual bleeding and IDA. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00548860.
Biophysical and Biochemical Markers of Red Blood Cell Fragility
Authors: Orbach Ariel , Zelig Orly , Yedgar Saul , Barshtein Gregory
Published: April 2017

Background: Red blood cells (RBCs) undergo a natural aging process occurring in the blood circulation throughout the RBC lifespan or during routine cold storage in the blood bank. The aging of RBCs is associated with the elevation of mechanical fragility (MF) or osmotic fragility (OF) of RBCs, which can lead to cell lysis. The present study was undertaken to identify RBC properties that characterize their susceptibility to destruction under osmotic/mechanical stress. Methods: RBCs were isolated from freshly donated blood or units of packed RBCs (PRBCs) and suspended in albumin-supplemented phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). In addition, PRBCs were separated by filtration through a microsphere column into two fractions: enriched with rigid (R-fraction) and deformable (D-fraction) cells. The RBCs were subjected to determination of deformability, MF and OF, moreover, the level of cell surface phosphatidylserine (PS) and the stomatin level in isolated RBC membranes were measured. Results: In the RBC population, the cells that were susceptible to mechanical and osmotic stress were characterized by low deformability and increased level of surface PS. The OF/MF was higher in the R-fraction than in the D-fraction. Stomatin was depleted in destroyed cells and in the R-fraction. Conclusion: RBC deformability, the levels of surface PS, and membrane stomatin can be used as markers of RBC fragility.
A Longitudinal Study on Fetal Weight Estimation at Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 2-D Ultrasound Predictions
Authors: Kadji Caroline , Cannie Mieke M. , Van Wettere Morgane , Bevilacqua Elisa , Dütemeyer Vivien , Strizek Brigitte , Khalifé Joe , Kang Xin , Jani Jacques C.
Published: April 2017

Objective: To prospectively compare magnetic resonance (MR) estimation of fetal weight (MR-EFW) performed at third trimester with ultrasound (US) estimation of fetal weight (US-EFW) and actual birth weight, and to evaluate factors influencing fetal growth rate near term. Methods: US-EFW and MR-EFW were calculated at a median of 33.0 and 37.7 weeks of gestation in 37 fetuses and plotted on curve centiles to predict birth weights at 39.3 weeks of gestation. The median absolute relative errors for predicted US-EFW and MR-EFW were calculated. Regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of different variables on fetal growth rate at 35.2 weeks of gestation. Results: The relative error of actual birth weight as predicted by US at 33.0 weeks was significantly higher compared with MR (7.33 vs. 4.11%; p = 0.001). This was also the case for fetal weight predicted by US at 37.7 weeks as compared with MR (6.63 vs. 2.60%; p < 0.01). Fetal growth rate was significantly and independently positively associated with the mother's weight and with gestational age at estimation (p < 0.05 for both variables). Conclusion: Fetal weight estimates predicted using MR at third trimester are better than those given by prenatal US. Fetal growth rate depends on fetal and maternal characteristics.
Hypothermic Neuronal Rescue from Infection-Sensitised Hypoxic-Ischaemic Brain Injury Is Pathogen Dependent
Authors: Falck Mari , Osredkar Damjan , Maes Elke , Flatebø Torun , Wood Thomas Ragnar , Sabir Hemmen , Thoresen Marianne
Published: April 2017

Perinatal infection increases the vulnerability of the neonatal brain to hypoxic-ischaemic (HI) injury. Hypothermia treatment (HT) does not provide neuroprotection after pre-insult inflammatory sensitisation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a gram-negative bacterial wall constituent. However, early-onset sepsis in term babies is caused by gram-positive species in more than 90% of cases, and neuro-inflammatory responses triggered through the gram-negative route (Toll-like receptor 4, TLR-4) are different from those induced through the gram-positive route via TLR-2. Whether gram-positive septicaemia sensitises the neonatal brain to hypoxia and inhibits the neuroprotective effect of HT is unknown. Seven-day-old Wistar rats (n = 178) were subjected to intraperitoneal injections of PAM3CSK4 (1 mg/kg, a synthetic TLR-2 agonist) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl). After an 8-h delay, the left carotid artery was ligated followed by 50 min of hypoxia (8% O2) at a rectal temperature of 36°C. Pups received a 5-h treatment of normothermia (NT, 37°C) or HT (32°C) immediately after the insult. Brains were harvested after 7 days' survival for hemispheric and hippocampal area loss analyses and immunolabelling of microglia (Iba1) and hippocampal neurons (NeuN). Normothermic PAM3CSK4-injected animals showed significantly more brain injury than vehicle animals (p = 0.014). Compared to NT, HT significantly reduced injury in the PAM3CSK4-injected animals, with reduced area loss (p < 0.001), reduced microglial activation (p = 0.006), and increased neuronal rescue in the CA1 region (p < 0.001). Experimental induction of a sepsis-like condition through the gram-positive pathway sensitises the brain to HI injury. HT was highly neuroprotective after the PAM3CSK4-triggered injury, suggesting HT may be neuroprotective in the presence of a gram-positive infection. These results are in strong contrast to LPS studies where HT is not neuroprotective.
Potential Applications of Phyto-Derived Ceramides in Improving Epidermal Barrier Function
Authors: Tessema Efrem N. , Gebre-Mariam Tsige , Neubert Reinhard H.H. , Wohlrab Johannes
Published: April 2017

The outer most layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, consists of corneocytes which are coated by a cornified envelope and embedded in a lipid matrix of ordered lamellar structure. It is responsible for the skin barrier function. Ceramides (CERs) are the backbone of the intercellular lipid membranes. Skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis and aged skin are characterized by dysfunctional skin barrier and dryness which are associated with reduced levels of CERs. Previously, the effectiveness of supplementation of synthetic and animal-based CERs in replenishing the depleted natural skin CERs and restoring the skin barrier function have been investigated. Recently, however, the barrier function improving effect of plant-derived CERs has attracted much attention. Phyto-derived CERs (phytoCERs) are preferable due to their assumed higher safety as they are mostly isolated from dietary sources. The beneficial effects of phytoCER-based oral dietary supplements for skin hydration and skin barrier reinforcement have been indicated in several studies involving animal models as well as human subjects. Ingestible dietary supplements containing phytoCERs are also widely available on the market. Nonetheless, little effort has been made to investigate the potential cosmetic applications of topically administered phytoCERs. Therefore, summarizing the foregoing investigations and identifying the gap in the scientific data on plant-derived CERs intended for skin-health benefits are of paramount importance. In this review, an attempt is made to synthesize the information available in the literature regarding the effects of phytoCER-based oral dietary supplements on skin hydration and barrier function with the underlying mechanisms.
Characterization of the Tree Holes Used by Lepilemur ruficaudatus in the Dry, Deciduous Forest of Kirindy Mitea National Park
Authors: Rakotomalala Elvis J. , Rakotondraparany Felix , Perofsky Amanda C. , Lewis Rebecca J.
Published: April 2017

Knowledge of the key resources for a species is critical for developing an effective conservation strategy. Kirindy Mitea National Park is an important refuge for the red-tailed sportive lemur (Lepilemur ruficaudatus), a nocturnal folivorous lemur endemic to the dry deciduous forest of western Madagascar. Because L. ruficaudatus sleeps in tree holes during the day, sleeping trees may be an important resource for this species. Our goal was to characterize the sleeping sites used by L. ruficaudatus at the Ankoatsifaka Research Station in Kirindy Mitea National Park. In July and August 2012, tree characteristics were recorded for 60 L. ruficaudatus sleeping sites. Intact and alive trees, particularly Strychnos madagascariensis, were preferred by L. ruficaudatus. Sleeping holes were generally located in taller trees (median hole height = 4 m) and in trees with large girths (median = 20.5 cm). Greater protection from predators and thermal shifts may be provided by intact trees and concealed tree holes. Because tree characteristics can influence the presence and abundance of forest-living primates, the availability and characteristics of particular trees as potential sleeping shelters in a habitat must be taken into account in conservation strategies for L. ruficaudatus.
Retinoinvasive Uveal Melanoma: Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gorham John P. , Szalai Eszter , Wells Jill R. , Grossniklaus Hans E.
Published: April 2017

Purpose: To describe the clinical history and histopathologic findings of 2 cases of retinoinvasive uveal melanoma. Methods: The medical records and pathology specimens of 2 patients with retinoinvasive uveal melanoma were reviewed. Results: The first patient had an iris/ciliary body melanoma that was treated and the second patient had suspected iridocorneal endothelial syndrome. Both patients developed a blind, painful eye; the first patient's right eye was enucleated and the left eye of the second patient underwent evisceration. Histopathologic examination of the enucleated eye showed a tumor composed of minimally pigmented spindle-shaped cells with fusiform nuclei and prominent nucleoli and round cells with prominent nucleoli. The tumor cells invaded into the retina where they formed perivascular aggregates. Examination of the evisceration specimen showed a proliferation of pigmented tumor cells within the stroma of one iris leaflet. The tumor cells extended onto the ciliary body and vitreous base and invaded the retina. The pathologic diagnosis in both patients was retinoinvasive uveal melanoma. Conclusions: Careful funduscopic and imaging examination should be performed in eyes with unilateral glaucoma with iris/ciliary body lesions, and enucleation, rather than evisceration, should be performed, as retinoinvasive melanoma is in the differential diagnosis.
Determining Factors and Critical Periods in the Formation of Eating Habits: Results from the Habeat Project
Authors: Issanchou Sylvie ,   on behalf of the Habeat consortium
Published: April 2017

Background: Eating habits form early during childhood and are likely to track until the beginning of adulthood. Thus, understanding the formation of eating habits is important. Consequently, the population targeted in the European project Habeat comprised infants and young children up to 6 years of age. Summary: Habeat mainly focused on the qualitative dimension of eating habits with a particular attention on vegetables and to a lesser extent on fruit. Food intake of young children was also studied in 2 challenging situations where overeating may occur and the relation between children's behaviour and feeding parental practices was examined. Key Messages: Habeat found evidence that breastfeeding may facilitate the consumption of vegetables and fruit and a greater variety of healthy foods in later childhood. Introduction of a variety of vegetables at the beginning of the complementary feeding period increases later acceptance of novel foods. Repeated exposure is a powerful mechanism to increase children's intake of a novel vegetable in infants and young children. Offering energy-dense snacks before or after meals should be avoided. Moreover, food should be offered to children in response to their feelings of hunger, and not used as reward for a good behaviour or for any other reason.
The management of acute venous thromboembolism in clinical practice
Authors: Cohen Alexander T. , Gitt Anselm K. , Bauersachs Rupert , Fronk Eva-Maria , Laeis Petra , Mismetti Patrick , Monreal Manuel , Willich Stefan N. , Bramlage Peter , Agnelli Giancarlo ,   the PREFER in VTE Scientific Steering Committee and the PREFER in VTE Investigators
Published: April 2017

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Europe. Data from real-world registries are necessary, as clinical trials do not represent the full spectrum of VTE patients seen in clinical practice. We aimed to document the epidemiology, management and outcomes of VTE using data from a large, observational database. PREFER in VTE was an international, non-interventional disease registry conducted between January 2013 and July 2015 in primary and secondary care across seven European countries. Consecutive patients with acute VTE were documented and followed up over 12 months. PREFER in VTE included 3,455 patients with a mean age of 60.8 ± 17.0 years. Overall, 53.0% were male. The majority of patients were assessed in the hospital setting as inpatients or outpatients (78.5%). The diagnosis was deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in 59.5% and pulmonary embolism (PE) in 40.5%. The most common comorbidities were the various types of cardiovascular disease (excluding hypertension; 45.5%), hypertension (42.3%) and dyslipidaemia (21.1%). Following the index VTE, a large proportion of patients received initial therapy with heparin (73.2%), almost half received a vitamin K antagonist (48.7%) and nearly a quarter received a DOAC (24.5%). Almost a quarter of all presentations were for recurrent VTE, with >80% of previous episodes having occurred more than 12 months prior to baseline. In conclusion, PREFER in VTE has provided contemporary insights into VTE patients and their real-world management, including their baseline characteristics, risk factors, disease history, symptoms and signs, initial therapy and outcomes.
A long-acting PAI-1 inhibitor reduces thrombus formation
Authors: Peng Shuangzhou , Xue Guangpu , Gong Lihu , Fang Chao , Chen Jingfei , Yuan Cai , Chen Zhuo , Yao Lishan , Furie Bruce , Huang Mingdong
Published: April 2017

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is the main inhibitor of tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activators (t/uPA) and plays an important role in fibrinolysis. Inhibition of PAI-1 activity prevents thrombosis and accelerates fibrinolysis, indicating that PAI-1 inhibitors may be used as effective antithrombotic agents. We previously designed a PAI-1 inhibitor (PAItrap) which is a variant of inactivated urokinase protease domain. In the present study, we fused PAItrap with human serum albumin (HSA) to develop a long-acting PAI-1 inhibitor. Unfortunately, the fusion protein PAItrap-HSA lost some potency compared to PAItrap (33 nM vs 10 nM). Guided by computational method, we carried out further optimisation to enhance inhibitory potency for PAI-1. The new PAItrap, denominated PAItrap(H37R)-HSA, which was the H37R variant of PAItrap fused to HSA, gave a six-fold improvement of IC50 (5 nM) for human active PAI-1 compared to PAItrap-HSA, and showed much longer plasma half-life (200-fold) compared to PAItrap. We further demonstrated that the PAItrap(H37R)-HSA inhibited exogenous or endogenous PAI-1 to promote fibrinolysis in fibrin-clot lysis assay. PAItrap(H37R)-HSA inhibits murine PAI-1 with IC50 value of 12 nM, allowing the inhibitor to be evaluated in murine models. Using an intravital microscopy, we demonstrated that PAItrap(H37R)-HSA blocks thrombus formation and platelet accumulation in vivo in a laser-induced vascular injury mouse model. Additionally, mouse tail bleeding assay showed that PAItrap(H37R)-HSA did not affect the global haemostasis. These results suggest that PAItrap(H37R)-HSA have the potential benefit to prevent thrombosis and accelerates fibrinolysis.
Cell Therapy Trials in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Oh Hidemasa
Published: April 2017

Dramatic evolution in medical and catheter interventions and complex surgeries to treat children with congenital heart disease (CHD) has led to a growing number of patients with a multitude of long-term complications associated with morbidity and mortality. Heart failure in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome predicated by functional single ventricle lesions is associated with an increase in CHD prevalence and remains a significant challenge. Pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to the progression of CHD, including single ventricle lesions and dilated cardiomyopathy, and adult heart disease may inevitably differ. Although therapeutic options for advanced cardiac failure are restricted to heart transplantation or mechanical circulatory support, there is a strong impetus to develop novel therapeutic strategies. As lower vertebrates, such as the newt and zebrafish, have a remarkable ability to replace lost cardiac tissue, this intrinsic self-repair machinery at the early postnatal stage in mice was confirmed by partial ventricular resection. Although the underlying mechanistic insights might differ among the species, mammalian heart regeneration occurs even in humans, with the highest degree occurring in early childhood and gradually declining with age in adulthood, suggesting the advantage of stem cell therapy to ameliorate ventricular dysfunction in patients with CHD. Although effective clinical translation by a variety of stem cells in adult heart disease remains inconclusive with respect to the improvement of cardiac function, case reports and clinical trials based on stem cell therapies in patients with CHD may be invaluable for the next stage of therapeutic development. Dissecting the differential mechanisms underlying progressive ventricular dysfunction in children and adults may lead us to identify a novel regenerative therapy. Future regenerative technologies to treat patients with CHD are exciting prospects for heart regeneration in general practice.
Natural Population Decline and Syrian Refugees: An Analysis of Political Theories and Resettlement by Nation
Authors: Brault Elizabeth E.M.
Published: April 2017

Over the last decade, there has been a growing trend of European nations with fertility rates below replacement levels, top-heavy population age structures, and, in turn, widespread natural population decrease. Meanwhile, the turmoil taking place in Syria has led leaders of nations around the world to host fleeing refugees. Many in the media claim these two components are connected—that is, those nations losing population seek refugees to resolve their crises. This article empirically tests whether the natural population change in thirty-three European nations is a significant predictor of the number of refugees the nation resettles.
Hollywood’s Asian-Pacific Pivot: Stereotypes, Xenophobia, and Racism
Authors: Pollard Tom
Published: April 2017

The Obama administration plans a “pivot” to the Asian-Pacific area, both in terms of military deployment and trade agreements. At the same time, Americans often view Asians through negative stereotypes while they express fear and distrust of Asian-Pacific institutions, including governments. These prejudices become readily apparent when one examines recent Hollywood films depicting Asian countries, including Asian intelligence agencies, corporations, and military forces. Hollywood’s depiction of Asians and Pacific Islanders often finds expression through stereotypes, xenophobia, and, on occasion, blatant racism. The following article analyzes recent Hollywood movies with Asia-Pacific settings in terms of themes, characters, and depictions of institutions.
Neoliberal Discourses: Toward a Deeper Understanding of a Global Latino Education
Authors: Mirón Luis
Published: April 2017

This article explores the dynamic discursive interactions between two keenly related concepts, globalization and neoliberalism. Though largely synonymous in the social imaginary, in fact, these ideas are different and analytically distinct. They need unpacking. The notion that both globalization and neoliberalism are empirically verified social realities must be advanced. What’s more as they affect the global-local social relation, varying manifestations such as gentrification, the global emergence of schools of choice (charter schools), and the economic and geographic dislocations of subordinate populations become evident. Relying on empirical studies and everyday lived cultural experience in the rebuilding of the city of New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina, I finally examine the implications for a Global Latino education and pedagogy.
Labour Migrations to Resource-rich Countries: Comparative Perspectives on Migrants’ Rights in Canada, Norway and the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Valenta Marko , Strabac Zan , Jakobsen Jo , Reitz Jeffrey , Al Awad Mouawiya
Published: April 2017

This article compares migrants’ rights and labour-migration policies of three resource-rich receiving countries located in the Persian Gulf, North America and Europe, respectively. The wealthy economies of Canada, Norway and the United Arab Emirates have emerged as some of the largest receivers of labour migrants. The comparative analysis herein focuses on distinctive characteristics of the different migration regimes and policies which regulate the rights of labour migrants. It is maintained that the countries we have explored could hardly be more different, and that the actual similarities with regard to migration policies are limited. Yet, we have still identified some surprising and unexpected converging trends. Specifically, these countries use some similar tools and exclusionary policies in order to restrict the legal status of certain categories of labour migrants, particularly low-skilled migrants.
SERRA DO CURICURIARI, AMAZONAS STATE, BRAZIL: THE FIRST BRYOFLORISTIC ANALYSIS FOR A BRAZILIAN MOUNTAIN IN THE AMAZONIAN FOREST
Authors: COSTA DENISE PINHEIRO DA , PERALTA DENILSON FERNANDES , BUCK WILLIAM R. , LARRAIN JUAN , KONRAT MATT VON
Published: April 2017

This study aims to investigate the richness of mosses and liverworts at Serra do Curicuriari, in the Amazonas State, Brazil. The study area and the bryophytes were collected in 1979, during a botanical expedition of the “Projeto Flora Amazônica”, in different types of vegetation. In total, 36 families, 99 genera, and 234 species were recorded (158 liverworts and 76 mosses). A considerable number of floristic novelties are reported: nine species are new records to Brazil; 31 species are new records to northern Brazil; and 14 species are new records for Amazonas State. Over 48% of the bryophytes have a Neotropical distribution, about 8% are Afro-American and Pantropical, and only 3% are endemic (five liverworts and two mosses). The results represent an increase in knowledge of the Brazilian bryoflora, being relevant for the conservation of bryophyte diversity in the Amazon Forest, and representing a contribution toward the targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation.
New combinations and typification in Shivparvatia (Alsineae, Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: RABELER RICHARD K.
Published: April 2017

Four new combinations in Shivparvatia (Alsineae, Caryophyllaceae) are made to accommodate placement of all currently recognized taxa of Arenaria subg. Solitariae within the genus Shivparvatia.
Vietnamocasia, a new genus from Central Vietnam belonging to the Alocasia-Colocasia clade (Araceae)
Authors: NGOC-SÂM LÝ , YENG WONG SIN , HAEVERMANS THOMAS , DƯ NGUYỄN VĂN , BOYCE PETER C.
Published: April 2017

Vietnamocasia, a new monotypic aroid genus in the Alocasia-Colocasia clade, is described with the type species, Vietnamocasia dauae. Vietnamocasia is distinguished by possessing free individual staminate flowers, lacking expanded synconnectives, and having nodding inflorescences. Vegetatively Vietnamocasia is reminiscent of species of the distantly closely related Alocasia Cuprea Group, although Vietnamocasia is so far only known from the type locality in Central Vietnam, over 1200 km NE from the nearest representative of the Alocasia Cuprea Group. The phylogenetic analyses of Vietnamocasia dauae together with representative taxa from all genera of the Alocasia-Colocasia clade recovered Vietnamocasia as a strongly supported clade sister to Alocasia, together nested in a clade to which Leucocasia is a sister taxon. Vietnamocasia dauae is illustrated from living plants and with a line drawing. A key to all genera of Alocasia-Colocasia clade is included.
A new polyploid species of Mecardonia (Gratioleae, Plantaginaceae) from South America
Authors: GREPPI JULIÁN A. , SOSA MARÍA DE LAS MERCEDES , DEMATTEIS MASSIMILIANO
Published: April 2017

Mecardonia reneeae, a new species from northeastern Argentina, is described and illustrated. This taxon has certain resemblance to M. procumbens var. flagellaris, but can be easily distinguished by the combination of life form, aspect of the plant, root and stem type, sepal width, fruit size, and chromosome number (2n=4x=44). A key to distinguish it from related species is also provided.
Musa markkuana stat. nov. (Musaceae)—A reassessment of Musa velutina subsp. markkuana
Authors: HAREESH V. S. , JOE A. , SREEJITH P. E. , SABU M.
Published: April 2017

Musa velutina subsp. markkuana was published based on morphological characters. Present studies on anatomy of lamina, midrib, petiole, bract, fruit peel and seeds, palynology and micromorphology of seeds of M. velutina and M. velutina subsp. markkuana have revealed that the differences are strong enough to treat the subspecies to species level, M. markkuana stat. nov. Photomicrographs of all parts and comparison charts are provided.
Evaluation of Noah Frozen Soil Parameterization for Application to a Tibetan Meadow Ecosystem
Authors: Zheng Donghai , van der Velde Rogier , Su Zhongbo , Wen Jun , Wang Xin , Yang Kun
Published: April 2017

This study evaluates the Noah land surface model (LSM) in its ability to simulate water and heat exchanges over frozen ground in a Tibetan meadow ecosystem. A comprehensive dataset including in situ micrometeorological and soil moisture–temperature profile measurements collected between November and March is utilized, and analyses of the measurements reveal that the measured soil freezing characteristics are better captured by 1) modifying the parameter bl implemented in the current Noah LSM that constrains the shape parameter of soil water retention curve utilized by the water potential freezing point depression equation to produce appropriate liquid water content θliq under subzero temperature conditions and 2) neglecting the ice effect on soil-specific surface and thus matric potential via setting the empirical parameter that accounts for the effect of increase in specific surface of soil particles and ice–liquid water ck to zero. The numerical experiments performed with the Noah model run show that in comparison to the default Noah LSM, adoption of ck = 0 and site-specific bl values reduces the overestimation of θliq across the soil profile. Implementation of augmentations such as the parameterization of diurnally varying thermal roughness length resolves the overestimation of daytime turbulent heat fluxes and underestimation of surface temperature. Further adoption of a new heat conductivity parameterization reduces the overestimation of nighttime surface temperature. An appropriate treatment of phase change efficiency that accounts for changing freezing rate with varying liquid water contents is also needed to reduce the temperature underestimation across soil profiles.