bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Papers of note in
Science Translational Medicine
9
(374)
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: January 2017

This week’s papers describe therapies for myeloid cancers and a kinase to inhibit in order to prevent pathogenic bone destruction.
Papers of note in
Nature
541
(7638)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: January 2017

This week’s articles are about peptides that mediate communication between viruses, how microglia induce reactive astrocytes that contribute to neuronal cell death, and how kinases of the Hippo pathway influence breast cell fate.
Lausannevirus Encodes a Functional Dihydrofolate Reductase Susceptible to Proguanil
Authors: Mueller L. , Hauser P. M. , Gauye F. , Greub G.
Published: January 2017

Lausannevirus belongs to the family
Marseilleviridae
within the group of nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs). These giant viruses exhibit unique features, including a large genome, ranging from 100 kb to 2.5 Mb and including from 150 to more than 2,500 genes, as well as the presence of genes coding for proteins involved in transcription and translation. The large majority of Lausannevirus open reading frames have unknown functions. Interestingly, a bifunctional dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) is encoded in the Lausannevirus genome. The enzyme plays central roles in DNA precursor biosynthesis. DHFR is the pharmacological target of antifolates, such as trimethoprim, pyrimethamine, and proguanil. First, the functionality of Lausannevirus DHFR-TS was demonstrated by the successful complementation of a DHFR-deficient
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strain with a plasmid expressing the heterologous gene. Additionally, using this heterologous expression system, we demonstrated the
in vitro
susceptibility of Lausannevirus DHFR-TS to proguanil and its resistance to pyrimethamine and trimethoprim. Proguanil may provide a unique and useful treatment if Lausannevirus proves to be a human pathogen. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a DHFR-TS has been described and characterized in an NCLDV.
Effects of Tedizolid Phosphate on Survival Outcomes and Suppression of Production of Staphylococcal Toxins in a Rabbit Model of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Necrotizing Pneumonia
Authors: Le Vien T. M. , Le Hoan N. , Pinheiro Marcos Gabriel , Hahn Kenneth J. , Dinh Mary L. , Larson Kajal B. , Flanagan Shawn D. , Badiou Cedric , Lina Gerard , Tkaczyk Christine , Sellman Bret R. , Diep Binh An
Published: January 2017

The protective efficacy of tedizolid phosphate, a novel oxazolidinone that potently inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, was compared to those of linezolid, vancomycin, and saline in a rabbit model of
Staphylococcus aureus
necrotizing pneumonia. Tedizolid phosphate was administered to rabbits at 6 mg/kg of body weight intravenously twice daily, which yielded values of the 24-h area under the concentration-time curve approximating those found in humans. The overall survival rate was 83% for rabbits treated with 6 mg/kg tedizolid phosphate twice daily and 83% for those treated with 50 mg/kg linezolid thrice daily (
P
= 0.66 by the log-rank test versus the results obtained with tedizolid phosphate). These survival rates were significantly greater than the survival rates of 17% for rabbits treated with 30 mg/kg vancomycin twice daily (
P
= 0.003) and 17% for rabbits treated with saline (
P
= 0.002). The bacterial count in the lungs of rabbits treated with tedizolid phosphate was significantly decreased compared to that in the lungs of rabbits treated with saline, although it was not significantly different from that in the lungs of rabbits treated with vancomycin or linezolid. The
in vivo
bacterial production of alpha-toxin and Panton-Valentine leukocidin, two key
S. aureus
-secreted toxins that play critical roles in the pathogenesis of necrotizing pneumonia, in the lungs of rabbits treated with tedizolid phosphate and linezolid was significantly inhibited compared to that in the lungs of rabbits treated with vancomycin or saline. Taken together, these results indicate that tedizolid phosphate is superior to vancomycin for the treatment of
S. aureus
necrotizing pneumonia because it inhibits the bacterial production of lung-damaging toxins at the site of infection.
OxyR2 Modulates OxyR1 Activity and Vibrio cholerae Oxidative Stress Response
Authors: Wang Hui , Naseer Nawar , Chen Yaran , Zhu Anthony Y. , Kuai Xuewen , Galagedera Nirupa , Liu Zhi , Zhu Jun
Published: January 2017

Bacteria have developed capacities to deal with different stresses and adapt to different environmental niches. The human pathogen
Vibrio cholerae
, the causative agent of the severe diarrheal disease cholera, utilizes the transcriptional regulator OxyR to activate genes related to oxidative stress resistance, including peroxiredoxin PrxA, in response to hydrogen peroxide. In this study, we identified another OxyR homolog in
V. cholerae
, which we named OxyR2, and we renamed the previous OxyR OxyR1. We found that OxyR2 is required to activate its divergently transcribed gene
ahpC
, encoding an alkylhydroperoxide reductase, independently of H
2
O
2
. A conserved cysteine residue in OxyR2 is critical for this function. Mutation of either
oxyR2
or
ahpC
rendered
V. cholerae
more resistant to H
2
O
2
. RNA sequencing analyses indicated that OxyR1-activated oxidative stress-resistant genes were highly expressed in
oxyR2
mutants even in the absence of H
2
O
2
. Further genetic analyses suggest that OxyR2-activated AhpC modulates OxyR1 activity by maintaining low intracellular concentrations of H
2
O
2
. Furthermore, we showed that Δ
oxyR2
and Δ
ahpC
mutants were less fit when anaerobically grown bacteria were exposed to low levels of H
2
O
2
or incubated in seawater. These results suggest that OxyR2 and AhpC play important roles in the
V. cholerae
oxidative stress response.
Replaced right and left hepatic arteries: a variation in origin and course
Authors: Asif Mohammed , Anewenah Leslie S , Reddy Nisha , Khan Farrukh A
Published: January 2017

In ∼60% of cases, hepatic artery anatomy is of the normal variant. However, in 40% of cases, anomalies can exist. Preserving the hepatic blood supply is paramount in hepatobiliary procedures. We report an aberrant right hepatic artery coursing retroportally, with an aberrant left hepatic artery originating directly from the coeliac artery in a patient who underwent an elective pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure).
Hepatitis E virus infection in a patient with suspected drug-induced liver injury
Authors: Memon Ashfaque , Miranda Jose
Published: January 2017

A 58 years old woman, known case of multiple sclerosis, was referred to the acute medical assessment unit for worsening liver function. She was recently started on a new drug (fingolimod) for multiple sclerosis. After excluding common causes of acute hepatitis in the community, a working diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury was made. When liver enzymes kept rising, further investigations were carried out, which revealed acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. This finding was unexpected, as this patient had no risk factor to acquire HEV infection and there was not a single case of HEV diagnosed in our hospital since long time. This case report highlights certain issues like, considering rarest possible diagnosis when meeting such clinical case, concern over the infections which were once thought confined to the developing countries and inclusion of HEV workup in the cases of acute hepatitis when baseline workup is inconclusive.
Calibrated prevalence of disabling chronic pain according to different approaches: a face-to-face cross-sectional population-based study in Southern Spain
Authors: Cabrera-León Andrés , Rueda María , Cantero-Braojos Miguel
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To calculate the prevalence of disabling chronic pain (DCP) and to offer a more representative and accurate estimation by applying different calibration techniques.

Settings

2011 Andalusian Health Survey, a cross-sectional population survey based on face-to-face home interviews.

Participants

6507 people aged 16 years or older and living in Andalusia, Spain.

Outcomes

Design weights, linear calibration based on marginals and on crossings, and model-assisted calibration were used to estimate the prevalence and variance of DCP, for the whole sample and for the domains of sex and age groups (16–44; 45–64; +65).

Results

Calibration variables were sex, age groups and educational level. In the whole sample, DCP prevalence calibration reduced by more than 5.2% and 8.2% the estimated prevalences and variances, respectively, obtained with the design weights. Regarding the domains, prevalence reductions are from 33% to 1%, and variance reductions are from 0.2% to 1%. Model-assisted calibration is the best technique to estimate DCP prevalence for the whole population and crossing calibration for their domains, although with almost no differences compared to marginal calibration.

Conclusions

The validity and accuracy of estimations of DCP prevalence are improved by calibration adjustments. Model-assisted calibrated prevalence of DCP is 10.78% for the whole population, being at least 2-fold higher in women in all age groups. The results and methodology developed could be useful in clinical and population-based studies on chronic pain and disability.
Survey of instructions for authors on how to report an update of a systematic review: guidance is needed
Authors: Pieper Dawid , Mathes Tim
Published: January 2017

Systematic reviews have become the cornerstone of evidence-based healthcare. Approximately half of the systematic reviews are out of date after 5.5 years, and keeping them up to date remains a huge challenge. Despite new guidance on when and how to update systematic reviews, there seems to be a lack of guidance on how to report updates of systematic reviews. Therefore, we decided to systematically analyse instruction for authors in biomedical journals regarding guidance on reporting updates of systematic reviews. We conducted a survey investigating 250 journals. The journal list was derived by a twofold strategy. First, we chose a list of journals that were included in a recently published survey of systematic reviews. This list was augmented by a PubMed search for published updates of systematic reviews. For each journal, we checked the instructions for authors for any content or links related to updating systematic reviews in September 2016. Out of 250 journals, we found only one with guidance clearly related to updates of systematic reviews, namely the BioMed Central journal,Systematic Reviews. Nevertheless, concrete guidance on reporting is lacking as it is stated that authors are encouraged to be innovative in how to report and present systematic review updates. This makes clear that there remains a fundamental uncertainty of how authors willing to update a previously published systematic review should act as even the leading journal in evidence syntheses does not have clear guidance. Debate is necessary on how to report updates of systematic reviews.
Social environments, risk-taking and injury in farm adolescents
Authors: Pickett William , Berg Richard L , Marlenga Barbara
Published: January 2017

Background

Farm environments are especially hazardous for young people. While much is known about acute physical causes of traumatic farm injury, little is known about social factors that may underlie their aetiology.

Objectives

In a nationally representative sample of young Canadians aged 11–15 years, we described and compared farm and non-farm adolescents in terms of the qualities of their social environments, engagement in overt multiple risk-taking as well as how such exposures relate aetiologically to their reported injury experiences.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of survey reports from the 2014 (Cycle 7) Canadian Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study was conducted. Children (n=2567; 2534 weighted) who reported living or working on farms were matched within schools in a 1:1 ratio with children not living or working on farms. Scales examining quality of social environments and overt risk-taking were compared between the two groups, stratified by gender. We then related the occurrence of any serious injury to these social exposures in direct and interactive models.

Results

Farm and non-farm children reported social environments that were quite similar, with the exception of overt multiple risk-taking, which was demonstrably higher in farm children of both genders. Engagement in overt risk-taking, but not the other social environmental factors, was strongly and consistently associated with risks for serious injury in farm as well as non-farm children, particularly among males.

Conclusions

Study findings highlight the strength of associations between overt multiple risk-taking and injury among farm children. This appears to be a normative aspect of adolescent farm culture.
Firearms, alcohol and crime: convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) and other alcohol-related crimes and risk for future criminal activity among authorised purchasers of handguns
Authors: Wintemute Garen J , Wright Mona A , Castillo-Carniglia Alvaro , Shev Aaron , Cerdá Magdalena
Published: January 2017

Firearm violence frequently involves alcohol, but there are no studies of misuse of alcohol and risk for future violence among firearm owners. We examined the association between prior convictions for alcohol-related crimes, chiefly driving under the influence (DUI), and risk of subsequent arrest among 4066 individuals who purchased handguns in California in 1977. During follow-up through 1991, 32.8% of those with prior alcohol-related convictions and 5.7% of those with no prior criminal history were arrested for a violent or firearm-related crime; 15.9% and 2.7%, respectively, were arrested for murder, rape, robbery or aggravated assault. Prior alcohol-related convictions were associated with a fourfold to fivefold increase in risk of incident arrest for a violent or firearm-related crime, a relative increase greater than that seen for age, sex or prior violence. Prior convictions for alcohol-related crime may be an important predictor of risk for future criminal activity among purchasers of firearms.
Optimal sampling effort required to characterize wetland fish communities
Authors: Samarasin Pasan , Reid Scott M. , Mandrak Nicholas E.
Published: January 2017

Wetlands are increasingly in peril as a result of human activities. In the Laurentian Great Lakes, coastal wetlands provide essential habitats for many fishes. Consequently, efficient sampling approaches for wetland fishes are needed for effective management. We employed a repeat-sampling strategy using a seine to collect fishes from seven wetlands. The data set was used to develop guidance for optimizing wetland fish sampling. To meet richness targets, the required number of sampling sites decreases as sampling intensity increases. Half the number of sites was required when three seine hauls per site were done compared with one haul. On average, 97 one-haul sites were required to detect 90% of species, whereas only 47 three-haul sites were required. Sampling effort is predicted to be greater in areas with more species and larger wetlands. The number of individuals and sites needed to detect 90% of species increased exponentially as species richness increased, and the number of individuals needed was positively related to wetland area. The use of block nets did not improve species detection or affect the composition.
Vertical and horizontal distribution of sediment nitrite-dependent methane-oxidizing organisms in a mesotrophic freshwater reservoir
Authors: Long Yan , Liu Changbao , Lin Hengliang , Li Ningning , Guo Qingwei , Xie Shuguang
Published: January 2017

In the present study, we investigated the spatial change of sediment nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane-oxidizing (n-damo) organisms in the mesotrophic freshwater Gaozhou Reservoir (6 different sampling locations and 2 sediment depths (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm)), one of the largest drinking water reservoirs in China. The abundance of sediment n-damo bacteria was quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, while the richness, diversity, and composition of n-damo pmoA gene sequences were characterized using clone library analysis. Vertical and horizontal changes in sediment n-damo bacterial abundance occurred in Gaozhou Reservoir, with 1.37 × 105to 8.24 × 105n-damo 16S rRNA gene copies per gram of dry sediment. Considerable horizontal and vertical variations of n-damo pmoA gene diversity (Shannon index = 0.32–2.50) and composition also occurred in this reservoir. Various types of sediment n-damo pmoA genes existed in Gaozhou Reservoir. A small proportion of n-damo pmoA gene sequences (19.1%) were related to those recovered from “Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera”. Our results suggested that sediment n-damo pmoA gene diversity might be regulated by nitrite, while n-damo pmoA gene richness might be governed by multiple environmental factors, including total organic carbon, total phosphorus, nitrite, and total nitrogen.
Some Relationships Between Fuzzy Sets, Mathematical Morphology, Rough Sets, F-Transforms, and Formal Concept Analysis
Authors: Atif Jamal , Bloch Isabelle , Hudelot Céline
Published: January 2017

In this paper we extend some previously established links between the derivation operators used in formal concept analysis and some mathematical morphology operators to fuzzy concept analysis. We also propose to use mathematical morphology to navigate in a fuzzy concept lattice and perform operations on it. Links with other lattice-based for malisms such as rough sets and F-transforms are also established. This paper proposes a discussion and new results on such links and their potential interest.
Decision-Theoretic Planning with Fuzzy Notions in GOLOG
Authors: Schiffer Stefan , Ferrein Alexander
Published: January 2017

In this paper we present an extension of the action language Golog that allows for using fuzzy notions in non-deterministic argument choices and the reward function in decision-theoretic planning. Often, in decision-theoretic planning, it is cumbersome to specify the set of values to pick from in the non-deterministic-choice-of-argument statement. Also, even for domain experts, it is not always easy to specify a reward function. Instead of providing a finite domain for values in the non-deterministic-choice-of-argument statement in Golog, we now allow for stating the argument domain by simply providing a formula over linguistic terms and fuzzy uents. In Golog’s forward-search DT planning algorithm, these formulas are evaluated in order to find the agent’s optimal policy. We illustrate this in the Diner Domain where the agent needs to calculate the optimal serving order.
Nonlinear guided waves: Preface
Authors: Assanto Gaetano , Smyth Noel F.
Published: January 2017

This special issue presents a collection of experimental and theoretical research in nonlinear waves, with emphasis on nonlinear optics, which were presented at the conference Nonlinear Guided Waves VIII held at the Hotel Victoria, Oaxaca, Mexico in April 2016. This preface provides a short history of the conference series Nonlinear Guided Waves and short introductions to the contributed papers which puts them in context.
Quantum Simulation of Two Interacting Schrödinger Particles
Authors: Ostrowski Marcin
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we examine whether a quantum computer can efficiently simulate time evolution of two Schrödinger particles. We consider particles interacting with each other and with an external potential. In order to solve the Schrödinger equation in the quantum register, we use an algorithm based on the quantum Fourier transform.
A Conversation with John McKetta
Authors: McKetta John J. , Truskett Thomas M.
Published: January 2017

John J. McKetta, Jr. is a foundational figure in chemical engineering education and energy policy in the United States. An authority on the thermodynamic properties of hydrocarbons and an energy adviser to several US presidents, McKetta helped to educate and mentor thousands of students at the University of Texas at Austin for over 40 years, many of whom became leading figures in the energy and petrochemical industries, as well as in academia. As dean of the College of Engineering, McKetta helped to establish a bioengineering program, which later became the Biomedical Engineering Department, at the University of Texas at Austin, and was a tireless advocate for excellence and a focus on the student. At age 100, McKetta recalls the challenges and opportunities he faced in childhood, his memories of the emergence of petrochemical engineering, and his views on chemical engineering education and the people it has impacted in the United States over the past 100 years.
A Computer-Aided Analysis Method of SPECT Brain Images for Quantitative Treatment Monitoring: Performance Evaluations and Clinical Applications
Authors: Zheng Xiujuan , Wei Wentao , Huang Qiu , Song Shaoli , Wan Jieqing , Huang Gang
Published: January 2017

The objective and quantitative analysis of longitudinal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images are significant for the treatment monitoring of brain disorders. Therefore, a computer aided analysis (CAA) method is introduced to extract a change-rate map (CRM) as a parametric image for quantifying the changes of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in longitudinal SPECT brain images. The performances of the CAA-CRM approach in treatment monitoring are evaluated by the computer simulations and clinical applications. The results of computer simulations show that the derived CRMs have high similarities with their ground truths when the lesion size is larger than system spatial resolution and the change rate is higher than 20%. In clinical applications, the CAA-CRM approach is used to assess the treatment of 50 patients with brain ischemia. The results demonstrate that CAA-CRM approach has a 93.4% accuracy of recovered region’s localization. Moreover, the quantitative indexes of recovered regions derived from CRM are all significantly different among the groups and highly correlated with the experienced clinical diagnosis. In conclusion, the proposed CAA-CRM approach provides a convenient solution to generate a parametric image and derive the quantitative indexes from the longitudinal SPECT brain images for treatment monitoring.
Stenosing Tenosynovitis of the Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Associated with the Plantar Capsular Accessory Ossicle at the Interphalangeal Joint of the Great Toe
Authors: Chang Song Ho , Matsumoto Takumi , Naito Masashi , Tanaka Sakae
Published: January 2017

This report presents a case of stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexor hallucis longus tendon associated with the plantar capsular accessory ossicle at the interphalangeal joint of the great toe, which was confirmed by intraoperative observation and was successfully treated with surgical resection of the ossicle. As the plantar capsular accessory ossicle was not visible radiographically due to the lack of ossification, ultrasonography was helpful for diagnosing this disorder.
On Harmonically(p,h,m)-Preinvex Functions
Authors: Wu Shan-He , Baloch Imran Abbas , İşcan İmdat
Published: January 2017

We define a new generalized class of harmonically preinvex functions named harmonically(p,h,m)-preinvex functions, which includes harmonic(p,h)-preinvex functions, harmonicp-preinvex functions, harmonich-preinvex functions, andm-convex functions as special cases. We also investigate the properties and characterizations of harmonically(p,h,m)-preinvex functions. Finally, we establish some integral inequalities to show the applications of harmonically(p,h,m)-preinvex functions.
A Pediatric Case of Cowden Syndrome with Graves’ Disease
Authors: Patraquim Cláudia , Fernandes Vera , Martins Sofia , Antunes Ana , Marques Olinda , Carvalho José Luís , Correia-Pinto Jorge , Meireles Carla , Ferreira Ana Margarida
Published: January 2017

Cowden syndrome (CS) is a rare dominantly inherited multisystem disorder, characterized by an extraordinary malignant potential. In 80% of cases, the human tumor suppressor gene phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is mutated. We present a case of a 17-year-old boy with genetically confirmed CS and Graves’ disease (GD). At the age of 15, he presented with intention tremor, palpitations, and marked anxiety. On examination, he had macrocephaly, coarse facies, slight prognathism, facial trichilemmomas, abdominal keratoses, leg hemangioma, and a diffusely enlarged thyroid gland. He started antithyroid drug (ATD) therapy with methimazole and, after a 2-year treatment period without achieving a remission status, a total thyroidectomy was performed. Diagnosis and management of CS should be multidisciplinary. Thyroid disease is frequent, but its management has yet to be fully defined. The authors present a case report of a pediatric patient with CS and GD and discuss treatment options.
Newly Diagnosed Colonic Adenocarcinoma: The Presenting Sign in a Young Woman with Undiagnosed Crohn’s Disease in the Absence of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and a Normal Microsatellite Instability Profile
Authors: Lowenthal Brett Matthew , Tipps Ann M. Ponsford
Published: January 2017

Ulcerative colitis has long been linked with an increased risk for colonic adenocarcinoma, whereas Crohn’s disease (CD) has recently been reported to pose a similar increased risk. We report a 33-year-old healthy female with no family history who presented with abdominal pain and a colon mass. Histopathology revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma extending through the muscularis propria with metastatic lymph nodes and intact mismatch repair proteins by immunohistochemical expression and gene sequencing. The nonneoplastic grossly uninvolved background mucosa showed marked crypt distortion, crypt abscesses, CD-like lymphoid hyperplasia, transmural inflammation, and reactive epithelial atypia. Additional patient questioning revealed frequent loose stools since she was a teenager leading to diagnosis of a previously undiagnosed CD without primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The adenocarcinoma is suspected to be related to the underlying CD. Newly diagnosed adenocarcinoma in a young female as the presenting sign for CD in the absence of PSC is extremely rare.
Chemical Composition, Physicochemical Characteristics, and Nutritional Value ofLannea kerstingiiSeeds and Seed Oil
Authors: Ouilly Judicaël Thomas , Bazongo Patrice , Bougma Adjima , Kaboré Nèbpawindé , Lykke Anne Mette , Ouédraogo Amadé , Bassolé Imaël Henri Nestor
Published: January 2017

The chemical composition, main physicochemical properties, and nutritional value of seed flour and seed oil ofLannea kerstingiiwere studied. The results indicated that seeds contained 3.61% moisture, 57.85% fat, 26.39% protein, 10.07% carbohydrates, and 2.08% ash. Potassium was the predominant mineral, followed by magnesium and calcium. The essential amino acids were at higher levels than the estimated amino acid requirements of FAO/WHO/UNU except for lysine. Fatty acid composition showed that oleic acid was the major fatty acid, followed by palmitic, linoleic, and stearic acids. Physicochemical properties of the seed oil were melting point, 19.67°C; refractive index (25°C), 1.47; iodine value, 60.72/100 g of oil; peroxide value, 0.99 meq. O2/kg of oil;p-anisidine value, 0.08; total oxidation (TOTOX) value, 2.06; oxidative stability index (120°C), 52.53 h; free fatty acids, 0.39%; acid value, 0.64 mg of KOH/g of oil; saponification value, 189.73. Total amount of tocopherols, carotenoids, and sterols was 578.60, 4.60, and 929.50 mg/kg of oil, respectively.γ-Tocopherol (82%), lutein (80%), andβ-sitosterol (93%) were the most abundant forms of tocopherols, carotenoids, and sterols, respectively. Seeds ofL. kerstingiiconstitute an alternative source of stable vegetable oil and protein for nutritional and industrial applications.
Improving the Accuracy of the Charge Simulation Method for Numerical Conformal Mapping
Authors: Lai Fuming , Wang Yingzi , Lu Yibin , Wang Jian
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we present a method to improve the accuracy of the charge simulation method for numerical conformal mapping. The method constructs the constraint equation by using the charge simulation method. The charges and the conformal radius are computed by using the Runge‐Kutta method based on the dynamic system of the constraint equation. By using this method, we can obtain new approximated conformal mapping function and improve the accuracy of numerical conformal mapping compared to the charge simulation method for numerical conformal mapping proposed by Amano. Furthermore, the corresponding numerical results are shown to illustrate the performance of the proposed method.
Urinary Tract Infections among HIV-Positive Pregnant Women in Mwanza City, Tanzania, Are High and Predicted by Low CD4+ Count
Authors: Chaula Tito , Seni Jeremiah , Ng’walida Nhandi , Kajura Alphaxaid , Mirambo Mariam M. , DeVinney Rebekah , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Urinary tract infection (UTI) among pregnant women can lead to adverse maternal and foetal outcomes. UTI has been widely studied in the general obstetric population in Tanzania; the present study evaluated the magnitude, antimicrobial resistance, and predictors of UTI among HIV-positive pregnant women.Methods. Between March and May 2016 midstream urine samples from 234 women attending prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) clinics were analyzed using standard methods. Data was analyzed by STATA version 11.0.Results. The prevalence of UTI was 21.4%, 50/234 [95% CI: 16.1–26.6]. The asymptomatically significant bacteriuria was higher than symptomatically significant bacteriuria (16.6% versus 4.7%,p<0.001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, single marital status (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1–6.1, andp=0.026), low CD4+ counts of <200/μL (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1–7.7, andp=0.031), and having UTI symptoms (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.1–6.0, andp=0.03) were independent predictors of UTI.Escherichia colipredominated (57.7%) and exhibited a low prevalence of resistance to nitrofurantoin (16.7%), gentamicin (10.0%), and ceftriaxone (13.3%). Four (13.3%) of these were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers.Conclusions. A considerable proportion of HIV-positive pregnant women in Mwanza have significant bacteriuria which calls for the need to introduce routine UTI screening at PMTCT clinics to guide specific treatment and prevent associated complications.
Pregnancy Outcome in Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia, a Rare Form of Dwarfism
Authors: Thavarajah Harshithaa , Berndl Anne
Published: January 2017

Background. This case report discusses the pregnancy outcome of a patient with cartilage-hair hypoplasia, a rare form of dwarfism, and multiple previous orthopedic surgeries. Literature on pregnancy outcomes in patients with cartilage-hair hypoplasia is limited. Case. A 32-year-old patient with cartilage-hair hypoplasia presented at 12 weeks’ gestation to the high-risk obstetrics clinic for care. Preterm labor resulted in cesarean delivery at 34 weeks’ gestation with general anesthetic. Breastfeeding was stopped at 6 weeks due to neonatal complications. Conclusion. Pregnancy and delivery were uncomplicated. A multidisciplinary approach allowed for effective management during pregnancy and postnatal care. This is the first known documented case of prenatal care, delivery, and breastfeeding in a woman with this rare disorder.
Two-Layer Linear MPC Approach Aimed at Walking Beam Billets Reheating Furnace Optimization
Authors: Zanoli Silvia Maria , Pepe Crescenzo
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the problem of the control and optimization of a walking beam billets reheating furnace located in an Italian steel plant is analyzed. An ad hoc Advanced Process Control framework has been developed, based on a two-layer linear Model Predictive Control architecture. This control block optimizes the steady and transient states of the considered process. Two main problems have been addressed. First, in order to manage all process conditions, a tailored module defines the process variables set to be included in the control problem. In particular, a unified approach for the selection on the control inputs to be used for control objectives related to the process outputs is guaranteed. The impact of the proposed method on the controller formulation is also detailed. Second, an innovative mathematical approach for stoichiometric ratios constraints handling has been proposed, together with their introduction in the controller optimization problems. The designed control system has been installed on a real plant, replacing operators’ mental model in the conduction of local PID controllers. After two years from the first startup, a strong energy efficiency improvement has been observed.
Identification of NURR1 (Exon 4) and FOXA1 (Exon 3) Haplotypes Associated with mRNA Expression Levels in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Parkinson’s Patients in Small Indian Population
Authors: Tippabathani Jayakrishna , Nellore Jayshree , Radhakrishnan Vaishnavie , Banik Somashree , Kapoor Sonia
Published: January 2017

Here, we study the expression of NURR1 and FOXA1 mRNA in peripheral blood lymphocytes and its haplotypes in coding region in a small Chennai population of India. Thirty cases of Parkinson’s patients (PD) with anti-PD medications (20 males aged65.85±1.19and 10 females aged65.7±1.202) and 30 age matched healthy people (20 males aged68.45±1.282and 10 females aged65.8±1.133) were included. The expression of NURR1 and FOXA1 in PBL was detected by Q-PCR and haplotypes were identified by PCR-SSCP. In the 30 PD cases examined, NURR1 and FOXA1 expression was significantly reduced in both male and female PD patients. However, NURR1 (57.631% reduced in males; 28.93% in females) and FOXA1 (64.42% in males; 55.76% in females) mRNA expression did differ greatly between male and female PD patients. Polymorphisms were identified at exon 4 of the NURR1 and at exon 3 of the FOXA1, respectively, in both male and female patients. A near significant difference in SSCP patterns between genders of control and PD population was analyzed suggesting that further investigations of more patients, more molecular markers, and coding regions should be performed. Such studies could potentially reveal peripheral molecular marker of early PD and different significance to the respective genders.
Difficulty in Fixation of the Volar Lunate Facet Fragment in Distal Radius Fracture
Authors: Obata Hiroyuki , Baba Tomonori , Futamura Kentaro , Obayashi Osamu , Mogami Atsuhiko , Tsuji Hideki , Kurata Yoshiaki , Kaneko Kazuo
Published: January 2017

Recent reports suggest the presence of a rare fracture type for which reduction and fixation cannot be achieved with volar locking plate (VLP). In particular, it is difficult to achieve reduction and fixation with volar lunate facet (VLF) fragments present on the volar ulnar aspect of the lunate facet, because of the anatomical structure and biomechanics in this region. Herein, we report two challenging cases of difficulty in fixation of the VLF fragment in distal radius fracture. For this fracture type, it is most important to identify the volar ulnar bone fragment before surgery; it may also be necessary to optimize distal placement of the VLP via a dual-window approach and to apply additional fixations, such as a small plate, anchor, and/or external fixation.
Dynamic Control of Synaptic Adhesion and Organizing Molecules in Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Rudenko Gabby
Published: January 2017

Synapses play a critical role in establishing and maintaining neural circuits, permitting targeted information transfer throughout the brain. A large portfolio of synaptic adhesion/organizing molecules (SAMs) exists in the mammalian brain involved in synapse development and maintenance. SAMs bind protein partners, forming trans-complexes spanning the synaptic cleft or cis-complexes attached to the same synaptic membrane. SAMs play key roles in cell adhesion and in organizing protein interaction networks; they can also provide mechanisms of recognition, generate scaffolds onto which partners can dock, and likely take part in signaling processes as well. SAMs are regulated through a portfolio of different mechanisms that affect their protein levels, precise localization, stability, and the availability of their partners at synapses. Interaction of SAMs with their partners can further be strengthened or weakened through alternative splicing, competing protein partners, ectodomain shedding, or astrocytically secreted factors. Given that numerous SAMs appear altered by synaptic activity, in vivo, these molecules may be used to dynamically scale up or scale down synaptic communication. Many SAMs, including neurexins, neuroligins, cadherins, and contactins, are now implicated in neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases, such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder and studying their molecular mechanisms holds promise for developing novel therapeutics.
Fixed Point Theorems for Multivalued NonselfG-Almost Contractions in Banach Spaces Endowed with Graphs
Authors: Tiammee J. , Charoensawan P. , Suantai S.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we prove some fixed point theorems for multivalued nonselfG-almost contractions in Banach spaces with a directed graph and give some examples to illustrate our main results. The main results in this paper extend and generalize many known results in the literature therein.
Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas in Young Male Patients: Three Case Reports
Authors: Aso Akira , Ihara Eikichi , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Sudovykh Irina , Ito Tetsuhide , Nakamura Masafumi , Ikeda Tetsuo , Takizawa Nobuyoshi , Oda Yoshinao , Shimizu Shuji
Published: January 2017

A preoperative diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) in young male patients is difficult to achieve using radiological images. We herein present three cases of young male patients with relatively small SPNs. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) showed well-encapsulated, smooth-surfaced, heterogeneous solid lesions in all patients, and all preoperative diagnoses were achieved by EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). The final pathological diagnosis after surgery was an SPN with a Ki-67 labeling index of <2%. SPNs should be considered even in young male patients. EUS with EUS-FNA could be a useful diagnostic modality for SPNs even in young male patients.
A Rare Cause of Primary Aortoenteric Fistula: Streptococcus parasanguinis Aortitis
Authors: Nehme Fredy , Rowe Kyle , Munguti Cyrus , Nassif Imad
Published: January 2017

Primary aortoenteric fistula is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleed but can lead to significant mortality if the diagnosis is delayed. Aortitis, characterized by inflammation of the aortic wall, is a rare cause of aortoenteric fistula. We present a case report of a 72-year-old male patient with infectious aortoenteric fistula secondary to Streptococcus parasanguinis, along with a review of the literature. This case demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive surgical treatment of aortoenteric fistulae and recognizing infectious aortitis as a potential etiology.
Traumatic Rupture of an Intermediate Tendon in a Patient with Patellar Duplication
Authors: Pelet Stéphane , Hébert Mathieu , Balatri Amerigo , LeBlanc Pierre-Alexandre
Published: January 2017

Patellar duplication is a rare asymptomatic condition. The diagnosis is often made following a traumatic event associated with an injury to the knee extensor mechanism. The treatment is often surgical and consists in removal of the smaller part of the patella with tendon reinsertion. The presence and rupture of an intermediate tendon between the two parts of the patella have not been reported in the modern literature. We present a traumatic rupture of an intermediate tendon in a patient with horizontal patellar duplication. The surgical management consisted of tenorrhaphy protected with a figure-of-eight tension band wire approximating the two parts of the patella. The patient recovered full knee range of motion and quadriceps strength at the last 8-month follow-up.
Differential Diagnosis of Parotid Lipoma in a Breast Ca Patient
Authors: Misirlioglu Melda , Yilmaz Akyil Yagmur , Adisen Mehmet Zahit , Okkesim Alime
Published: January 2017

Lipomas are common benign tumors usually detected on the torso, neck, upper thighs, and upper arms. However, they are rarely found in the parotid gland region. Because of their rarity at this site, they are not often considered in the differential diagnosis of parotid tumors. This report describes a rare case of a lipoma in the superficial lobe of parotid gland. A 71-year-old female patient admitted to our department complaining about swelling and pain in the posterior area of the left mandibular region since one month. Her medical history included mastectomy after breast CA fifteen years ago. Clinical examination revealed a smooth-surfaced, soft, and painful mass, with well-defined margins in the left mandibular region. Differential diagnosis of metastasis, inflammatory neck swellings, and benign salivary gland tumors were considered for the patient. Advanced imaging methods such as ultrasonography and contrast tomography revealed that the lesion was a lipoma of parotid gland. A surgical intervention under general anesthesia was planned for the removal of the mass; however patient refused the surgical treatment. Patient was placed on six-month periodic recall. This article reviews the radiographic appearance and differential diagnoses of lipoma in this rare location.
Gallstones in Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases
Authors: Li Xu , Guo Xiaolin , Ji Huifan , Yu Ge , Gao Pujun
Published: January 2017

With prevalence of 10–20% in adults in developed countries, gallstone disease (GSD) is one of the most prevalent and costly gastrointestinal tract disorders in the world. In addition to gallstone disease, chronic liver disease (CLD) is also an important global public health problem. The reported frequency of gallstone in chronic liver disease tends to be higher. The prevalence of gallstone disease might be related to age, gender, etiology, and severity of liver disease in patients with chronic liver disease. In this review, the aim was to identify the epidemiology, mechanisms, and treatment strategies of gallstone disease in chronic liver disease patients.
Elevating CXCR7 Improves Angiogenic Function of EPCs via Akt/GSK-3β/Fyn-Mediated Nrf2 Activation in Diabetic Limb Ischemia
Authors: Dai Xiaozhen , Yan Xiaoqing , Zeng Jun , Chen Jing , Wang Yuehui , Chen Jun , Li Yan , Barati Michelle T. , Wintergerst Kupper A. , Pan Kejian , Nystoriak Matthew A. , Conklin Daniel J. , Rokosh Gregg , Epstein Paul N. , Li Xiaokun , Tan Yi
Published: January 2017

Rationale:

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) respond to stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF-1) through chemokine receptors CXCR7 and CXCR4. Whether SDF-1 receptors involves in diabetes mellitus–induced EPCs dysfunction remains unknown.

Objective:

To determine the role of SDF-1 receptors in diabetic EPCs dysfunction.

Methods and Results:

CXCR7 expression, but not CXCR4 was reduced in EPCs from
db/db
mice, which coincided with impaired tube formation. Knockdown of CXCR7 impaired tube formation of EPCs from normal mice, whereas upregulation of CXCR7 rescued angiogenic function of EPCs from
db/db
mice. In normal EPCs treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein or high glucose also reduced CXCR7 expression, impaired tube formation, and increased oxidative stress and apoptosis. The damaging effects of oxidized low-density lipoprotein or high glucose were markedly reduced by SDF-1 pretreatment in EPCs transduced with CXCR7 lentivirus but not in EPCs transduced with control lentivirus. Most importantly, EPCs transduced with CXCR7 lentivirus were superior to EPCs transduced with control lentivirus for therapy of ischemic limbs in
db/db
mice. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that oxidized low-density lipoprotein or high glucose inhibited protein kinase B and glycogen synthase kinase-3β phosphorylation, nuclear export of Fyn and nuclear localization of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), blunting Nrf2 downstream target genes heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone 1) and catalase, and inducing an increase in EPC oxidative stress. This destructive cascade was blocked by SDF-1 treatment in EPCs transduced with CXCR7 lentivirus. Furthermore, inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B prevented SDF-1/CXCR7-mediated Nrf2 activation and blocked angiogenic repair. Moreover, Nrf2 knockdown almost completely abolished the protective effects of SDF-1/CXCR7 on EPC function in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions:

Elevated expression of CXCR7 enhances EPC resistance to diabetes mellitus–induced oxidative damage and improves therapeutic efficacy of EPCs in treating diabetic limb ischemia. The benefits of CXCR7 are mediated predominantly by a protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β/Fyn pathway via increased activity of Nrf2.
Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Prediction of Parenchymal Hemorrhage in Acute Ischemic Stroke After Reperfusion Therapy
Authors: Nael Kambiz , Knitter James R. , Jahan Reza , Gornbein Jeffery , Ajani Zahra , Feng Lei , Meyer Brett C. , Schwamm Lee H. , Yoo Albert J. , Marshall Randolph S. , Meyers Philip M. , Yavagal Dileep R. , Wintermark Max , Liebeskind David S. , Guzy Judy , Starkman Sidney , Saver Jeffrey L. , Kidwell Chelsea S.
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose—

Patients with acute ischemic stroke are at increased risk of developing parenchymal hemorrhage (PH), particularly in the setting of reperfusion therapies. We have developed a predictive model to examine the risk of PH using combined magnetic resonance perfusion and diffusion parameters, including cerebral blood volume (CBV), apparent diffusion coefficient, and microvascular permeability (K2).

Methods—

Voxel-based values of CBV, K2, and apparent diffusion coefficient from the ischemic core were obtained using pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging data from patients enrolled in the MR RESCUE clinical trial (Mechanical Retrieval and Recanalization of Stroke Clots Using Embolectomy). The associations between PH and extreme values of imaging parameters were assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal parameter(s) and threshold for predicting PH.

Results—

In 83 patients included in this analysis, 20 developed PH. Univariate analysis showed significantly lower 10th percentile CBV and 10th percentile apparent diffusion coefficient values and significantly higher 90th percentile K2 values within the infarction core of patients with PH. Using classification tree analysis, the 10th percentile CBV at threshold of 0.47 and 90th percentile K2 at threshold of 0.28 resulted in overall predictive accuracy of 88.7%, sensitivity of 90.0%, and specificity of 87.3%, which was superior to any individual or combination of other classifiers.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that combined 10th percentile CBV and 90th percentile K2 is an independent predictor of PH in patients with acute ischemic stroke with diagnostic accuracy superior to individual classifiers alone. This approach may allow risk stratification for patients undergoing reperfusion therapies.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00389467.