bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common Bile Duct Stone Formed around a Migrated Clip: An Unexpected Complication of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Hussameddin Anas M. , AlFawaz Iba Ibrahim , AlOtaibi Reema Fahad
Published: May 2018

Surgical clip migration into the common bile duct with subsequent stone formation is a rare complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Very few cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of bile duct stone formation around a migrated surgical clip 16 years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient presented with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and chills for one week. Investigation with abdominal ultrasound showed dilatation of the common bile duct and moderate dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. The diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and the patient was managed successfully with sphincterotomy and stone extraction. The exact mechanism of clip migration is not fully understood. Presenting symptoms are similar to non-clip-induced choledocholithiasis. Time of presentation can vary significantly with an average of 26 months. Most cases reported in the literature required surgical intervention. Clip migration should be considered in the differential diagnosis of postcholecystectomy biliary colic and cholangitis. Management with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is the treatment of choice.
A Novel Design of Downlink Control Information Encoding and Decoding Based on Polar Codes
Authors: Sun Ce , Fei Zesong , Ni Jiqing , Zhou Wei , Jia Dai
Published: May 2018

In legacy long term evolution (LTE) networks, multiple transmission modes are defined to cater to diverse wireless environment and improve the spectrum utilization. However, constrained by user equipment (UE) processing capability on blind detection of downlink control information (DCI), two transmission modes are allowed to be configured to UE simultaneously. In recent 5G standardization, the polar codes have supplanted the tail biting convolution codes (TBCC), becoming the channel coding scheme for downlink control information (DCI). Motivated by its successive decoding property, a novel design of DCI encoding and decoding is proposed in this paper. The proposed scheme could support dynamic configuration of transmission modes with decreasing the complexity of blind detection. Evaluation results from link level simulations show that the performance loss compared to conventional encoding/decoding scheme is generally negligible and the proposed scheme can comply with the false alarm rate (FAR) target of 5G standardization.
Measuring the Project Management Complexity: The Case of Information Technology Projects
Authors: Poveda-Bautista Rocio , Diego-Mas Jose-Antonio , Leon-Medina Diego
Published: May 2018

Complex projects require specific project management (PM) competences development. However, while no complex projects have standards that are recognized to guide their management, complex projects do not have guides to deal with their complexity. To lead complex projects to success, this complexity must be measured quantitatively and, in our opinion, project management complexity assessment should be based on existing PM standards. In this work, the main project complexity assessment approaches based on PM standards are analyzed, observing that International Project Management Association (IPMA) approach is the closest to a tool that can be used as a complexity quantitative measurement system. On the other hand, several authors have shown that the inherent complexity of specific kind of projects must be measured in a particular way. The main objective of this research is to propose a project management complexity assessment tool for IT projects, providing a Complexity Index that measures the impact that complexity factors inherent to IT projects have under a specific complexity scenario. The tool combines the use of complexity factors defined by IPMA approach and the use of complexity factors found in the literature to manage inherent complexity of IT projects. All these factors were validated by expert survey and the tool was applied to a study case.
The Characteristic and Short-Term Prognosis of Tinnitus Associated with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Ding Xiaoqiong , Zhang Xiaoli , Huang Zhichun , Feng Xu
Published: May 2018

Tinnitus is believed to result from the maladaptive plasticity of the auditory nervous system; reports regarding its severity and prognosis are conflicting. We evaluated the characteristic and short-term prognosis of tinnitus associated with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). A total of 230 cases were enrolled. The severity and 1-month prognosis of tinnitus (according to the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI)) were assessed in terms of the patients’ sex, age, level of hearing loss, type of audiogram results, and so on. According to our statistical analysis, the degree of handicap due to tinnitus was not related to sex, age, or level of hearing loss; the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory indicated that the low-frequency-audiogram group had a low tinnitus handicap (F=7.516, P=0.000). Furthermore, we found that the prognosis of tinnitus was not related to the type of audiogram or level of hearing loss. Recovery from a severe level of hearing loss was, however, found to be associated with a poor tinnitus prognosis (F=5.203, P=0.006). In summary, our study indicates that the association between tinnitus and SSNHL is extremely high. Tinnitus can be ameliorated by the successful treatment of hearing loss. The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800014797).
An Adaptive Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm with Fuzzy c-Means for Automatic Data Clustering
Authors: Dong Ze , Jia Hao , Liu Miao
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a fuzzy clustering method based on multiobjective genetic algorithm. The ADNSGA2-FCM algorithm was developed to solve the clustering problem by combining the fuzzy clustering algorithm (FCM) with the multiobjective genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and introducing an adaptive mechanism. The algorithm does not need to give the number of clusters in advance. After the number of initial clusters and the center coordinates are given randomly, the optimal solution set is found by the multiobjective evolutionary algorithm. After determining the optimal number of clusters by majority vote method, the Jm value is continuously optimized through the combination of Canonical Genetic Algorithm and FCM, and finally the best clustering result is obtained. By using standard UCI dataset verification and comparing with existing single-objective and multiobjective clustering algorithms, the effectiveness of this method is proved.
Pontin Acts as a Potential Biomarker for Poor Clinical Outcome and Promotes Tumor Invasion in Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Qi , Li Fanni , Yu Songyang , Zhang Xiang , Shi Feiyu , She Junjun
Published: May 2018

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) is a devastating malignancy that carries a poor overall prognosis. As a member of the AAA+ superfamily, Pontin becomes highly expressed in several malignant tumors, which contributes to tumor progression and influences tumor prognosis. In our research, Pontin expression in tumor specimens resected from 86 HC patients was detected by immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, high expression of Pontin was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (p=0.011) and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage (p=0.005). The Kaplan–Meier overall survival rate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the prognosis of patients with HC. Patients with high Pontin expression had significantly poorer overall survival outcomes. Multivariate analyses found that Pontin was an independent prognostic factor (p=0.001). Moreover, bioinformatics analysis confirmed the increase in Pontin mRNA expression levels in cholangiocarcinoma tissues. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that Pontin expression was inhibited at the mRNA as well as protein levels after transfection with Pontin siRNA in human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. Moreover, significant suppression of cell invasion was observed after the downregulation of Pontin. Taken together, the present study suggested that Pontin could act as a potential prognostic predictor, which might be a new valuable molecular candidate for the prevention and treatment of HC.
Exponential Feedback Passivity of Switched Polynomial Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Zhu Huawei , Hou Xiaorong
Published: May 2018

The exponential feedback passivity problem of switched polynomial nonlinear systems is studied. To obtain this aim, a method of parameterization of controller is presented and parameter solution algorithm is described. Then, the addressed method is utilized to solve the robust stabilization for a class of switched polynomial nonlinear systems with parameter uncertainties and external disturbance. This result extends the previous results on exponential feedback passivity from the case of nonlinear systems to switched nonlinear systems. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed result.
Surfaces and Air Bacteriology of Selected Wards at a Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Getachew Hailu , Derbie Awoke , Mekonnen Daniel
Published: May 2018

Background. The hospital environment is a source of medically important pathogens that are mostly multidrug resistant (MDR) and posing a major therapeutic challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the surface and air bacteriology of selected wards at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital (FHRH), Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out from 15th February to 30th April 2017. A total of 356 surface and air samples were collected from selected wards using 5% sheep blood agar (Oxoid, UK) and processed at FHRH microbiology laboratory following the standard bacteriological procedures. Pure isolates were tested against the recommended antibiotics using Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion methods, and the susceptibility profile was determined based on Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23 for Windows. Results. Of the total 356 samples processed, 274 were from surfaces and 82 were from air. Among these, 141 (39.6%) showed bacterial growth, yielding a total of 190 isolates. Gram-positive isolates were predominant at 81.6% (n=155), while the gram negatives were at 18.4% (n=35). The main isolates were coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNs), 44%, followed by S. aureus, 37.4%, and Klebsiella species at 11.6%. The bacterial load on surfaces and air was found beyond the standard limits. Besides, the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates showed that about 75% of the identified isolates were found resistant for two and more antimicrobial agents tested. Conclusions. This study showed high degree of bacterial load that is beyond the standard limits on both surfaces and air samples of the hospital. Furthermore, some 75% of the isolates were found multidrug resistant. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and strengthen the infection prevention practice of the hospital. Moreover, stakeholders should also reinforce actions to decrease the pressure of antimicrobial resistance in the studied area.
Continuation of Aspirin Therapy before Cataract Surgery with Different Incisions: Safe or Not?
Authors: Li Qingjian , Qian Yiwen , Zhang Yu , Sun Gaoyuan , Zhou Xian , Wang Zhiliang
Published: May 2018

Purpose. To assess whether to continue aspirin therapy while having uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery with different incisions. Methods. Consecutive patients having cataract surgery under topical anesthesia with different incisions between May 2016 and August 2017 were followed. 236 eyes of 166 patients on routine aspirin therapy were randomized into 2 groups: continuation group, 112 eyes; discontinuation group, 124 eyes. 121 eyes of 94 patients on no routine anticoagulant therapy were used as the control group. Patients were examined 1 day preoperatively and 1 day and 7 days postoperatively. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Results. Statistically, there was no significant difference about postoperative BCVA among three groups. A higher incidence of subconjunctival hemorrhage was shown in the continuation group than in the discontinuation group and the control group (17.0% versus 8.1%, p=0.038; 17.0% versus 7.4%, p=0.025, resp.). Although corneal edema was greater in clear corneal incision cases than that of scleral tunnel incision cases (22.5% versus 12.0%, p=0.009), subconjunctival hemorrhage was greater in scleral tunnel incision cases (14.9% versus 6.6%, p=0.011). Subgroup analyses revealed that patients of scleral tunnel incision who continued taking aspirin had a higher incidence of subconjunctival hemorrhage compared with those who discontinued (25.5% versus 10.9%, p=0.038), but no same conclusion in clear corneal incision cases (8.8% versus 5.0%, p=0.483). Conclusions. The outcomes indicated that phacoemulsification cataract surgery under topical anesthesia could be safely performed without ceasing systemic aspirin therapy. Clear corneal incision could be a better choice in patients treated with aspirin.
Glycemic Control and Bone Turnover in Older Mexican Americans with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Rianon Nahid J. , Smith Scott M. , Lee MinJae , Pervin Hannah , Musgrave Paul , Watt Gordon P. , Nader Shahla , Khosla Sundeep , Ambrose Catherine G. , McCormick Joseph B. , Fisher-Hoch Susan P.
Published: May 2018

Altered bone quality, caused by underlying metabolic changes of type 2 diabetes (T2D), has been hypothesized to cause altered bone strength and turnover leading to increased fracture risk in T2D patients. Current understanding about changes in bone turnover markers in T2D patients is mainly based on studies focused on Caucasian men and women. However, Hispanic populations have the highest prevalence of both T2D and osteoporosis in the US. We investigated associations of glycemic control (in terms of glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]) and bone turnover rate in 69 older (≥50 years) Mexican American Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC) participants with T2D. Multivariable analyses were conducted to assess the associations between HbA1c (%), serum osteocalcin (OC), and serum sclerostin. In agreement with published reports from other racial/ethnic populations, our study found that lower bone turnover (indicated by lower serum OC) occurred in Mexican American men with T2D who had poorer glycemic control. For the women in our study, we found no significant association between glycemic control and OC. In contrast, HbA1c was positively associated with sclerostin for women, with near significance (p=0.07), while no association was found in men. We recommend screening Mexican American individuals with T2D, specifically those with poor glycemic control, for bone loss and fracture risk.
Bilateral Traumatic Testicular Dislocation
Authors: Carvalho Nubyhélia Maria Negreiro de , Marques Ana Clemilda Ximenes , Souza Ivon Teixeira de , Soares Vanessa Guerreiro , Nascimento Felipe Gomes do , Pinto Letícia Macedo , Dias Luccas Victor Rodrigues , Teixeira Guilherme Carneiro
Published: May 2018

Traumatic testis dislocation is an uncommon condition and usually occurs after direct impact on the scrotum. We present an uncommon case of bilateral testicular dislocation caused by an automotive accident, which is the most frequently associated cause described in literature today. Although the fact that diagnosis can be made either by physical examination or with the use of basic exams such as Doppler ultrasound, it is not uncommon for cases to go undetected and diagnosed late. In this case, there was a late diagnosis, almost one year after the motorcycle accident. Despite this, studies describe preservation of spermatogenesis even after delayed surgical correction. The treatment can be made by manual reduction, but most of the cases need surgical correction. Therefore, it is always necessary to perform the complete physical examination of the polytrauma patient on the first medical exam, in order to avoid the risk of fertility loss, endocrine dysfunction, and future malignancy.
Azilsartan as “Add-On” Treatment with Methotrexate Improves the Disease Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Mahmood Naza Mohammed Ali , Hussain Saad Abdulrahman , Khan Hawar Ali Ehsan Kaka
Published: May 2018

Objective. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of azilsartan (Azil) as “add-on” treatment with methotrexate (MTX) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. This single center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, pilot study included 64 patients with active RA. Patients received either placebo or Azil in addition to their currently used MTX doses for 90 days. The primary outcomes were DAS-28, SDAI, HAQ-DI, CDAI, EGA, and swollen and tender joints count. The secondary outcomes were the changes in the pain visual analogue scale (VAS-100), serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and anti-CCP, the lipid profile, and the markers of kidney and liver functions in the two groups at baseline and after 90 days. Results. After 90 days, most clinical scores were significantly better in the Azil-treated group than in the placebo group. All inflammatory biomarkers were significantly improved after treatment with MTX + Azil compared to baseline and placebo group. No safety concerns were reported during the study period. Conclusions. Azilsartan improved the effects of methotrexate on the clinical scores and certain inflammatory biomarkers of patients with active RA. Trial Registration. The protocol was registered under the number 507/SA/1024 at the local clinical studies database, College of Medicine, Sulaimani University.
Elevated Levels of Eotaxin-2 in Serum of Fibromyalgia Patients
Authors: Furer Victoria , Hazan Eyal , Mor Adi , Segal Michal , Katav Avi , Aloush Valerie , Elkayam Ori , George Jacob , Ablin Jacob N.
Published: May 2018

FMS patients demonstrate an altered profile of chemokines relative to healthy controls (HC). Eotaxin-2 is a potent chemoattractant distributed in a variety of tissues. The aim of the study was to compare serum levels of eotaxin-2 between FMS patients and HC and to examine a potential correlation between eotaxin-2 levels and clinical parameters of FMS. Methods. 50 patients with FMS and 15 HC were recruited. Data on the severity of FMS symptoms and depression were collected. Serum levels of eotaxin-2 (ELISA) were determined in all participants. High-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) was measured in the FMS group. Results. The FMS cohort included predominantly females (84%), mean age of 49, and mean disease duration of 6 years. FMS patients exhibited significantly higher eotaxin-2 levels (pg/ml) versus HC: 833 (±384) versus 622 (±149), p=0.04. Mean hs-CRP level among FMS patients was 4.8 ± 6 mg/l, a value not indicative of acute inflammation. No correlation was found between eotaxin-2 and hs-CRP levels. No correlation was found between eotaxin-2 and severity measures of FMS or depression. Conclusion. Eotaxin-2 does not appear to be a candidate for a disease activity biomarker in FMS. Further research is warranted into the role of this chemokine in the pathophysiology of the FMS.
A Research on the Combination Strategies of Multiple Features for Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Image Classification
Authors: Ma Yuntao , Li Ruren , Yang Guang , Sun Lishuang , Wang Jingli
Published: May 2018

It has been common to employ multiple features in the identification of the images acquired by hyperspectral remote sensing sensors, since more features give more information and have complementary properties. Few studies have discussed the combination strategies of multiple feature groups. This study made a systematic research on this problem. We extracted different groups of features from the initial hyperspectral images and tried different combination scenarios. We integrated spectral features with different textural features and employed different dimensionality reduction algorithms. Experimental results on three widely used hyperspectral remote sensing images suggested that “dimensionality reduction before combination” performed better especially when textural features performed well. The study further compared different combination frameworks of multiple feature groups, including direct combination, manifold learning, and multiple kernel method. The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of direct combination with an autoweight calculation.
Physiological and Molecular Characterization of Biosurfactant Producing Endophytic FungiXylaria regalisfrom the Cones ofThuja plicataas a Potent Plant Growth Promoter with Its Potential Application
Authors: Adnan Mohd , Alshammari Eyad , Ashraf Syed Amir , Patel Kartik , Lad Kishan , Patel Mitesh
Published: May 2018

Currently, there is an absolute concern for all nations in agricultural productivity to meet growing demands of human population. In recent time, biosurfactants produced by diverse group of microorganisms are used to achieve such demands as it is known for its ecofriendly use in elimination of plant pathogens and for increasing the bioavailability of nutrients for plants. Endophytic fungi are the important source of secondary metabolites and novel bioactive compounds for different biological applications. In the present study, endophytic fungiXylaria regalis (X. regalis)recovered from the cones ofThuja plicatawas evaluated for its biosurfactant producing ability and plant growth-promoting abilities through various screening methods and also via its antagonistic activity against phytopathogens likeFusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger. In addition,X. regaliswas also testedin vivofor a various range of growth parameters in chilli under greenhouse conditions. Significant increase in shoot and root length, dry matter production of shoot and root, chlorophyll, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents of chilli seedlings was found, which reveals its ability to improve the growth of crop plants. Hence, this study suggests the possibility of biosurfactant producing endophytic fungiX. regalisas a source of novel green biosurfactant for sustainable agriculture to achieve growing demands.
Comparative Proteomic Study of the Antiproliferative Activity of Frog Host-Defence Peptide Caerin 1.9 and Its Additive Effect with Caerin 1.1 on TC-1 Cells Transformed with HPV16 E6 and E7
Authors: Ni Guoying , Liang Di , Cummins Scott F. , Walton Shelley F. , Chen Shu , Wang Yuejian , Mounsey Kate , Wei Ming Q. , Yuan Jianwei , Pan Xuan , Liu Xiaosong , Wang Tianfang
Published: May 2018

Caerin is a family of peptides isolated from the glandular secretion of Australian tree frogs, the genusLitoria, and has been previously shown to have anticancer activity against several cancer cells. In this work, we used two host-defence peptides, caerin 1.1 and caerin 1.9, to investigate their ability to inhibit a murine derived TC-1 cell transformed with human papillomavirus 16 E6 and E7 growthin vitro. Caerin 1.9 inhibits TC-1 cell proliferation, although inhibition is more pronounced when applied in conjunction with caerin 1.1. To gain further insights into the antiproliferative mechanisms of caerin 1.9 and its additive effect with caerin 1.1, we used a proteomics strategy to quantitatively examine (i) the changes in the protein profiles of TC-1 cells and (ii) the excretory-secretory products of TC-1 cells following caerin peptides treatment. Caerin 1.9 treatment significantly altered the abundance of several immune-related proteins and related pathways, such as the Tec kinase and ILK signalling pathways, as well as the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In conclusion, caerin peptides inhibit TC-1 cell proliferation, associated with modification in signalling pathways that would change the tumour microenvironment which is normally immune suppressive.
An Extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. Promotes Psychological Resilience in a Mouse Model of Depression
Authors: Wang Jun , Fernández Adelaida Esteban , Tiano Simoni , Huang Jing , Floyd Elizabeth , Poulev Alexander , Ribnicky David , Pasinetti Giulio M.
Published: May 2018

Stress‐induced peripheral inflammation contributes to depression‐like behaviors in both human and experimental models. PMI 5011, a botanical extract of Artemisia dracunculus L., was previously shown to have multiple bioactivities, including anti‐inflammatory activity. In this work, using a repeated social defeat stress (RSDS) model of depression, we demonstrate that oral administration of the botanical extract PMI 5011 promotes resilience to RSDS‐mediated depression‐like phenotypes. We also show that the behavioral improvements are associated with attenuation of stress‐mediated induction of inflammatory cytokines in the periphery and alteration of synaptic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Our studies provide experimental evidence that botanical extracts such as PMI 5011, which target pathological mechanisms (i.e., peripheral inflammation) not addressed by currently available antidepressants, could be further developed as novel therapeutics for the treatment of stress disorders and anxiety in humans.
Experimental Study on Productivity Performance of Household Combined Thermal Power and Biogas System in Northwest China
Authors: Kang Jian , Li Jinping , Zhen Xiaofei , Osman Yassir Idris Abdalla , Feng Rong , Si Zetian
Published: May 2018

Ample quantities of solar and local biomass energy are available in the rural regions of northwest China to satisfy the energy needs of farmers. In this work, low-temperature solar thermal collectors, photovoltaic solar power generators, and solar-powered thermostatic biogas digesters were combined to create a heat, electricity, and biogas cogeneration system and were experimentally studied through two buildings in a farming village in northwestern China. The results indicated that the floor heater had the best heating effect. And the fraction of the energy produced by the solar elements of the system was 60.3%. The photovoltaic power-generation system achieved photovoltaic (PV) conversion efficiencies of 8.3% and 8.1% during the first and second season, respectively. The intrinsic power consumption of the system was 143.4 kW·h, and 115.7 kW·h of electrical power was generated by the system in each season. The average volume of biogas produced daily was approximately 1.0 m3. Even though the ambient temperature reached −25°C, the temperature of the biogas digester was maintained at 27°C ± 2 for thermostatic fermentation. After optimization, the energy-saving rate improved from 66.2% to 85.5%. The installation reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 27.03 t, and the static payback period was 3.1 yr. Therefore, the system is highly economical, energy efficient, and beneficial for the environment.
Primary Hepatic Burkitt Lymphoma in a Kidney Transplant Recipient
Authors: Lionaki Sophia , Tsakonas Eystratios , Androulaki Athina , Liapis George , Panayiotidis Panagiotis , Zavos George , Boletis John N.
Published: May 2018

This is a case of a renal transplant recipient who developed a primary hepatic Burkitt lymphoma a few years after kidney transplantation. The past medical history of the patient was significant for anti-HCV positivity with liver histopathology showing minimal changes of grades 0 and 1, stage 0. She received a graft from a deceased donor, with rabbit antithymocyte globulin and methyl-prednisolone, as induction therapy, and was maintained on azathioprine, cyclosporine, and low dose methyl-prednisolone with normal renal function. Four years after KTx she presented with fatigue, hepatomegaly, and impaired liver function and the workup revealed multiple, variable-sized, low density nodules in the liver, due to diffuse monotonous infiltration of highly malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma of B-cells, which turned out to be a Burkitt lymphoma. Bone marrow biopsy and spinal fluid exam were free of lymphoma cells. At time of lymphoma diagnosis she was shown to be positive for Epstein-Barr virus polymerase chain reaction. She received aggressive chemotherapy but died due to sepsis, as a result of toxicity of therapy.
Massive Hematemesis from a Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Presenting Two Years after Penetrating Trauma
Authors: Abbey-Mensah Geraldine , Herskowitz Michael M. , Walsh James , Leonardo Robert F.
Published: May 2018

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysms (PSA) are rare entities and far less common than true aneurysms of the splenic artery. The most common etiology is pancreatitis, recurrent either in the setting of chronic pancreatitis or as an episode of acute pancreatitis. Less common causes include trauma, peptic ulcer disease, or iatrogenic causes. Almost all of the trauma-related case reports have been due to blunt trauma. We believe this to be the first reported case of a splenic artery PSA presenting with massive hematemesis at a significant time frame after penetrating trauma. Successful transcatheter treatment was performed and alternative techniques are also discussed.
Serum Symmetric Dimethylarginine as an Early Marker of Excretory Dysfunction in Canine Leishmaniosis(L. infantum)Induced Nephropathy
Authors: Torrent Esther , Planellas Marta , Ordeix Laura , Pastor Josep , Rodon Jaume , Solano-Gallego Laia
Published: May 2018

The aims of the study were to determine whether symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) was increased in dogs with leishmaniosis and to assess its relationship with creatinine concentration and urinary protein : creatinine ratio (UPC) to determine its utility as a marker of early excretory dysfunction. Fifty-three dogs with leishmaniosis classified according to the LeishVet clinical staging (stage I,n=5, stage II,n=30; stage III,n=12; stage IV,n=6) were selected and compared with 41 clinically healthy dogs. Thirty-nine dogs with leishmaniosis were also followed up for six months. SDMA concentrations on the day of diagnosis were significantly higher in dogs with leishmaniosis with respect to control dogs and in dogs from LeishVet stage IV when compared with the other stages. Increased UPC (>0.5), SDMA (>19 μg/dL), and creatinine concentrations (≥1.4 mg/dL) were found in 47.1%, 15.1%, and 9.4% of dogs with leishmaniosis, respectively. SDMA concentration was increased in 24% of proteinuric dogs, in 7% of nonproteinuric dogs, and in four of five dogs with increased creatinine. SDMA concentration ≥ 25 μg/dL was associated with clinical chronic kidney disease (CKD) after six months. Our results did not demonstrate advantages in using SDMA concentration as an early marker of CKD when compared to creatinine and UPC in canine leishmaniosis.
Tm-Shift Detection of Dog-Derived Ancylostoma ceylanicum and A. caninum
Authors: Fu Yeqi , Wang Mingwei , Yan Xinxin , Abdullahi Auwalu Yusuf , Hang Jianxiong , Zhang Pan , Huang Yue , Liu Yunqiu , Sun Yongxiang , Ran Rongkun , Li Guoqing
Published: May 2018

To develop a Tm-shift method for detection of dog-derived Ancylostoma ceylanicum and A. caninum, three sets of primers were designed based on three SNPs (ITS71, ITS197, and ITS296) of their internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) sequences. The detection effect of the Tm-shift was assessed through the stability, sensitivity, accuracy test, and clinical detection. The results showed that these three sets of primers could distinguish accurately between A. ceylanicum and A. caninum. The coefficient of variation in their Tm values on the three SNPs was 0.09% and 0.15% (ITS71), 0.18% and 0.14% (ITS197), and 0.13% and 0.07% (ITS296), respectively. The lowest detectable concentration of standard plasmids for A. ceylanicum and A. caninum was 5.33 × 10−6 ng/μL and 5.03 × 10−6 ng/μL. The Tm-shift results of ten DNA samples from the dog-derived hookworms were consistent with their known species. In the clinical detection of 50 fecal samples from stray dogs, the positive rate of hookworm detected by Tm-shift (42%) was significantly higher than that by microscopic examination (34%), and the former can identify the Ancylostoma species. It is concluded that the Tm-shift method is rapid, specific, sensitive, and suitable for the clinical detection and zoonotic risk assessment of the dog-derived hookworm.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance Liver Regeneration via Improving Lipid Accumulation and Hippo Signaling
Authors: Liu Yang , Yang Faji , Li Jun , Wang Jinglin , Wang Xun , Zhang Yuheng , Yuan Xianwen , Zhu Wei , Shi Xiaolei
Published: May 2018

The liver has the potential to regenerate after injury. It is a challenge to improve liver regeneration (LR) after liver resection in clinical practice. Bone morrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown to have a role in various liver diseases. To explore the effects of MSCs on LR, we established a model of 70% partial hepatectomy (PHx). Results revealed that infusion of MSCs could improve LR through enhancing cell proliferation and cell growth during the first 2 days after PHx, and MSCs could also restore liver synthesis function. Infusion of MSCs also improved liver lipid accumulation partly via mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and enhanced lipid β-oxidation support energy for LR. Rapamycin-induced inhibition of mTOR decreased liver lipid accumulation at 24 h after PHx, leading to impaired LR. And after infusion of MSCs, a proinflammatory environment formed in the liver, evidenced by increased expression of IL-6 and IL-1β, and thus the STAT3 and Hippo-YAP pathways were activated to improve cell proliferation. Our results demonstrated the function of MSCs on LR after PHx and provided new evidence for stem cell therapy of liver diseases.
Role of Oxygen Vacancies in the Electrical Properties of WO3−x Nano/Microrods with Identical Morphology
Authors: Shen Zhenguang , Zhao Zengying , Wen Jian , Qian Jingwen , Peng Zhijian , Fu Xiuli
Published: May 2018

Tungsten oxide (WO3−x) crystalline nano/microrods with identical morphology but different contents of oxygen vacancies were prepared by thermally evaporating fixed amount of WO3 powder in reductive atmosphere from different amounts of S power at 1150°C in a vacuum tube furnace, in which both sources were loaded in separate ceramic boat. With increasing amount of S powder, a series of tungsten oxides, WO3, WO2.90, W19O55 (WO2.89), and W18O49 (WO2.72), could be obtained. And devices were fabricated by screen-printing the obtained WO3−x crystals on ceramic substrates with Ag-Pd interdigital electrodes. With increasing content of oxygen vacancies, the devices fabricated with WO3−x crystals present a negative to positive resistance response to relative humidity. Under dry atmosphere, for the devices with increasing x, the strong response to light changed from short to long wavelength; under light irradiation, the conducting ability of the devices was enhanced, due to the more efficient separation and transportation of the photogenerated carriers; and under simulated solar irradiation, the photocurrent intensity of the W18O49 device was roughly 8 times, about 500 times, and even 1000 times larger than that of the W19O55, WO2.90, and WO3 one, respectively. With the versatile optoelectrochemical properties, the obtained WO3−x crystals have the great potential to prepare various humidity sensors and optoelectrical devices.
Family of a-Ary Univariate Subdivision Schemes Generated by Laurent Polynomial
Authors: Asghar Muhammad , Mustafa Ghulam
Published: May 2018

The generalized symbols of the family of a-ary (a≥2) univariate stationary and nonstationary parametric subdivision schemes have been presented. These schemes are the new version of Lane-Riesenfeld algorithms. Comparison shows that our proposed family has higher continuity and generation degree comparative to the existing subdivision schemes. It is observed that many existing binary and ternary schemes are the special cases of our schemes. The analysis of proposed family of subdivision schemes is also presented in this paper.
Case of Massive Hydatid Pulmonary Embolism Incidentally Discovered in a 56-Year-Old Woman with Posttraumatic Abdominal Pain
Authors: Mezgar Zied , Khrouf Mariem , Ben Soltane Houda , Mahjoub Mohamed , Ben Fredj Sihem , Amara Amel , Jedidi Maher , Sandid Samar Hajer , Zaouali Sarra , Waz Ines , Saada Asma , Methamem Mehdi
Published: May 2018

Hydatid pulmonary embolism rarely occurs. It arises from the rupture of a hydatid heart cyst or the opening of a visceral hydatid cyst into the venous circulation. We report a case with pulmonary hydatidosis resulting in a massive bilateral pulmonary embolism in a 56-year-old woman with history of hepatic echinococcosis. A brief overview of clinical features and radiologic findings is presented.
A Low VSWR and High Efficiency Waveguide Feed Antenna Array
Authors: Xiao-Fang Zhao , Hua-Zhu Liu , Yi Li , Shi-Gang Zhou , Sim Chow-Yen-Desmond
Published: May 2018

A low VSWR and high efficiency antenna array operating in the Ku band for satellite communications is presented in this paper. To achieve high radiation efficiency and broad enough bandwidth, all‐metal radiation elements and full‐corporate waveguide feeding network are employed. As the general milling method is used in the multilayer antenna array fabrication, the E‐plane waveguide feeding network is adopted here to suppress the wave leakage caused by the imperfect connectivity between adjacent layers. A 4 × 8 elements array prototype was fabricated and tested for verification. The measured results of proposed antenna array show bandwidth of 6.9% (13.9–14.8 GHz) for VSWR < 1.5. Furthermore, antenna gain and efficiency of higher than 22.2 dBi and 80% are also exhibited, respectively.
Gastric Glomus Tumor: An Uncommon Source for an Acute Upper GI Bleed
Authors: Morte Douglas , Bingham Jason , Sohn Vance
Published: May 2018

Background. Glomus tumors are uncommon mesenchymal neoplasms originating from modified smooth muscle cells in the glomus body. They are generally small, solitary lesions found in the distal extremities. Rarely, involvement in the abdominal viscera can occur. In such cases, hematemesis/melena and epigastric discomfort are the most common initial symptoms. Although gastric glomus tumors can demonstrate malignant behavior, criteria for identifying malignant potential have yet to be established. Case Presentation. We present a rare case of gastric glomus tumor in an otherwise healthy 41-year-old female. The patient initially presented with a significant upper GI bleed requiring a 4 U PRBC transfusion for stabilization. An upper endoscopy with endoscopic ultrasound identified an ulcerated, submucosal mass thought to be consistent with GI stromal tumor (GIST). Once clinically stable, she was scheduled for elective resection. However, prior to resection she experienced a second hemodynamically significant upper GI bleed and underwent emergent laparotomy with distal gastrectomy. Pathologic examination revealed a 3 cm glomus tumor. Conclusion. Gastric glomus tumors are rare solitary submucosal tumors for which preoperative diagnosis is challenging and can be confused with a GIST. Local resection with negative margins is the preferred treatment and the exact diagnosis relies heavily on histopathological examinations. Currently, there are no clear guidelines regarding the staging and malignant potential of glomus tumors of the stomach.
Mobilizable Strength Design for Multibench Retained Excavation
Authors: Zheng Gang , Wang Fanjun , Nie Dong-qing , Diao Yu , Yu Danyao , Cheng Xuesong
Published: May 2018

Multibench retaining systems can be used in large area excavations for the purpose of eliminating horizontal struts. However, there is no design method for this retaining system. Based on the mobilizable strength design (MSD) concept, a design procedure for a two-bench retaining system considering the interaction of the first and second retaining structures was proposed and tested. Based on an admissible strain field for a two-bench retained excavation in undrained condition, the shear strain in the superimposed strain and the lateral earth pressure distribution acting on the retaining structures can be determined. Then, the mobilized shear strength corresponding to the strain field could be calculated by the equations of force and moment equilibrium. Further, the crest displacements, earth pressures, and bending moment in a two-bench retained excavation can be calculated. The calculated results using MSD were verified by the finite difference analysis.
Multiscale Quantum Harmonic Oscillator Algorithm for Multimodal Optimization
Authors: Wang Peng , Cheng Kun , Huang Yan , Li Bo , Ye Xinggui , Chen Xiuhong
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a variant of multiscale quantum harmonic oscillator algorithm for multimodal optimization named MQHOA-MMO. MQHOA-MMO has only two main iterative processes: quantum harmonic oscillator process and multiscale process. In the two iterations, MQHOA-MMO only does one thing: sampling according to the wave function at different scales. A set of benchmark test functions including some challenging functions are used to test the performance of MQHOA-MMO. Experimental results demonstrate good performance of MQHOA-MMO in solving multimodal function optimization problems. For the 12 test functions, all of the global peaks can be found without being trapped in a local optimum, and MQHOA-MMO converges within 10 iterations.
Driving Torque Model and Accuracy Test of Multilink High-Speed Punch
Authors: Li Fuxing , Liu Hao , Li Menglei , Guo Jun , Lu Xinjian , Zhou Jianhui , Xiao Maohua , Wei Weihua
Published: May 2018

Inertia force is an important factor for operation stability and stamping precision of high-speed punch; adjusting drive torque of high-speed punch can realize effective control of inertia force. In this paper, a kind of 600 KN multilink high-speed punch inertia force balancing mechanism was designed. The calculation model of ideal inertia force was proposed based on conservation of energy and numerical analysis method. In addition, the calculation model of ideal driving torque were analyzed, simplified, and corrected by using numerical calculation and simulation methods, which solved the problem of controlling inertia force from the perspective of driving torque and realized the stability strategy planning of high-speed multilink punch press. Finally, the proposed ideal driving torque calculation model was simulated and verified by ADAMAS and bottom-dead-point accuracy test was carried out.
Antidiabetic and Antiobesity Effects of Artemether in db/db Mice
Authors: Guo Yu , Fu Wei , Xin Yakai , Bai Jinlei , Peng Huifang , Fu Liujun , Liu Jie , Li Liping , Ma Yujin , Jiang Hongwei
Published: May 2018

This study is designed to investigate the effect of artemether on type 2 diabetic db/db mice. The experiments consisted of three groups: normal control (NC, db/+, 1% methylcellulose, intragastric administration), diabetic control (DM, db/db, 1% methylcellulose, intragastric administration), and artemether treated (artemether, db/db, 200 mg/kg of artemether, intragastric administration). The treatment lasted for two weeks. The food intake, body weight, and fasting blood glucose of mice were measured every three days. At the start and end of the experiment, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and insulin tolerance test (IPITT) were performed. We determined the serum insulin and glucagon levels by ELISA kits and calculated insulin resistance index (HOME-IR). HE staining was used to observe the morphologies of pancreas and liver in mice. The damage of pancreatic beta cells was evaluated by TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence. We found the following: (1) compared with the DM group, the food intake and weight increase rate of artemether group significantly reduced (P<0.05); (2) compared with pretreatment, artemether significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose levels, and the areas under the curves (AUCs) of IPGTT were decreased significantly, increasing the tolerance to glucose of db/db mice. (P<0.05); (3) artemether improved hyperinsulinemia and decreased the AUCs of IPITT and HOME-IR, increasing the insulin sensitivity of db/db mice. (4) Artemether significantly ameliorated islet vacuolar degeneration and hepatic steatosis in db/db mice. (5) Artemether reduced the apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells and increased insulin secretion in db/db mice compared with DM group (P<0.05). Our results indicated that artemether significantly improved glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance and had the potential activity to prevent obesity, reduced the severity of fatty liver, and protected pancreatic beta cells, promising to treat type 2 diabetes.
The Relationship between Burden and Depression in Spouses of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Paschou Athina , Damigos Dimitrios , Skapinakis Petros , Siamopoulos Kostas
Published: May 2018

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the burden and depression in spouses of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The interrelation between burden and depression in family caregivers has been pointed out by previous researches in several chronic diseases and researchers agree that they clearly go together and one cannot talk about one without considering the other. More particularly, in the present study, the caregiver burden, the depression, anxiety, and also health-related quality of life and demographic factors of spouses of patients with CKD were examined, using self-report questionnaires. Participants were 50 spouses of patients with CKD, 29 of whom were dialysis dependent and 21 were not dialysis dependent. Group differences were examined for participants. Results confirm the interrelation between caregiver burden and depression in spouses. The increased perceived burden related to higher levels of depression. Low levels of caregiver burden, depression, anxiety, and satisfactory quality of life were found in spouses, with no differences between them relevant to whether the patients were dialysis dependent or not. All the above parameters interrelated. Implications for the findings and future research directions are discussed.
On the Theory of Fractional Calculus in the Pettis-Function Spaces
Authors: Salem Hussein A. H.
Published: May 2018

Throughout this paper, we outline some aspects of fractional calculus in Banach spaces. Some examples are demonstrated. In our investigations, the integrals and the derivatives are understood as Pettis integrals and the corresponding derivatives. Our results here extended all previous contributions in this context and therefore are new. To encompass the full scope of our paper, we show that a weakly continuous solution of a fractional order integral equation, which is modeled off some fractional order boundary value problem (where the derivatives are taken in the usual definition of the Caputo fractional weak derivative), may not solve the problem.
A Predictive Model to Determine the Pattern of Nodal Metastasis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Siriwardena B. S. M. S. , Rambukewela I. K. , Pitakotuwage T. N. , Udagama M. N. G. P. K. , Kumarasiri P. V. R. , Tilakaratne W. M.
Published: May 2018

Background. Developing histological prediction models that estimate the probability of developing metastatic deposit will help clinicians to identify individuals who need either radical or prophylactic neck dissection, which leads to better prognosis. Identification of accurate predictive models in oral cancer is important to overcome extensive prophylactic surgical management for neck nodes. Therefore, accurate prediction of metastasis in oral cancer would have an immediate clinical impact, especially to avoid unnecessary radical treatment of patients who are at a low risk of metastasis.Methods. Histologically confirmed OSCC cases with neck dissection were used. Interrelation of demographic, clinical, and histological data was done using univariate and multivariate analysis.Results. 465 cases were used and presence of metastasis and extracapsular invasion were statistically well correlated with level of differentiation(p<0.001)and pattern of invasion(p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed level of differentiation, pattern of invasion, and stage as predictors of metastasis.Conclusions. The proposed predictive model may provide some guidance for maxillofacial surgeons to decide the appropriate treatment plan for OSCC, especially in developing countries. This model appears to be reliable and simple and may guide surgeons in planning surgical management of neck nodes.