bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Miniaturized narrow band‐pass filter with quarter‐wavelength short stubs using U‐shaped folded transmission line
Authors: Son Kwang Chul , Shrestha Bhanu , Yoon Ki‐Cheol
Published: September 2015

In this article, the miniaturized narrow band‐pass filter (BPF) with 90° short stubs using a U‐shaped folded transmission line is suggested. A U‐shaped transmission line is adopted instead of a conventional transmission line to reduce the size of the BPF on the low dielectric substrate. The size of the conventional narrow BPF is reduced by more than 70% due to the reduction of the length of the transmission line within the inverter. The experimental results show that the insertion loss and return loss are 1.61 dB and 15.4 dB, respectively, with bandwidth of 5% at the center frequency of 5.8 GHz. The designed BPF shows a harmonics rejection up to third (3f0) and fifth (5f0), with more than 18 dB rejection level in the simulation and experimental results. The size of the filter is 19 × 8.6 mm2. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2862–2865, 2015
Reflective shearing point diffraction interferometer
Authors: Zhu Wenhua , Chen Lei , Gu Chenfeng , Zheng Donghui , Cao Hui , Han Zhigang
Published: September 2015

A novel point diffraction interferometer with reflective shearing optical structure is developed. The substrate of interferometer has an angle with optical axis, and the incident converging spherical wavefront will be reflected by the front and rear surfaces of the substrate, respectively. Then, an interferogram with carrier frequency is obtained. Using Fourier transform algorithm, the wavefront can be retrieved from one single interferogram. In this article, the intensity distribution formulas of interferogram are derived, and the system error and the major parameters of interferometer are also discussed. The new design with compact structure and high resolution is contrast adjustable and suitable for dynamic wavefront measurement. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2845–2848, 2015
Magnetically biased graphene‐based switches for microwave applications
Authors: Bukvic Branko , Budimir Djuradj
Published: September 2015

This article presents a magnetically biased graphene‐based switch for coplanar waveguides (CPW) resonator applications. Graphene patches are set in the gap between signal and ground lines, thus, obtaining the whole structures act as switchable elements. Graphene was modeled as a general material with appropriate surface conductivity. The presented CPW resonator structure acts like a switch in ON state even for magnetic bias field of around 0.5 T. The simulated S parameters of the CPW resonator structure with different magnetic field biasing are presented. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2956–2958, 2015
Three dimensions localization of tumors in confocal microwave imaging for breast cancer detection
Authors: Ahadi Mojtaba , Isa Maryam , Saripan M. Iqbal , Hasan W. Z. W.
Published: September 2015

Basis of the microwave imaging is the contrast in dielectric properties of breast normal tissue and tumor. Confocal microwave imaging involves transmitting an ultrawideband signal through number of antennas and records the scattered signals. Then by synthetically focusing reflections from the breast, we can make image from breast. In this article, we demonstrate the feasibility of detecting 10‐ and 5‐mm tumors in three dimensions with different antenna arrangements with different number of antennas. Two models of hemispherical array are presented. An image formation algorithm is presented for 3D image making. Successful detection of 10‐ and 5‐mm tumors are achieved with the hemispherical arrangement. The influences of the different breast sizes for tumor detection are also explored. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2917–2929, 2015
An mimo F‐shaped dielectric resonator antenna for 4G applications
Authors: Roslan Siti Fairuz , Kamarudin Muhammad Ramlee , Khalily Mohsen , Jamaluddin Mohd Haizal
Published: September 2015

A multiple input multiple output (MIMO) F‐shaped dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) for mobile device is presented in this article. The F‐shaped DRA is mounted on FR4 as a substrate. The measured impedance bandwidth for Port 1 is 36% (2.30–3.31 GHz) while Port 2 is 31% (2.30–3.14 GHz), respectively with isolation of −33 dB. Two orthognal modes are excited in this design which are
mode at Port1 and
at Port 2. Correlation coefficient of a MIMO F‐shaped DRA is 0.04 with diversity gain nearly 10 dB over operating frequency. The antenna provides gain 1.99 dBi for Port 1 and 1.85 dBi for Port 2 at frequency 2.6 GHz. The parameters, isolation, gain, correlation coefficient, and diversity gain of the MIMO rectangular dielectric resonator antenna are studied, and reasonable agreement between the measured and simulated results is observed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2931–2936, 2015
Compact dual‐polarized UWB diversity antenna
Authors: Srivastava Gunjan , Mohan Akhilesh
Published: September 2015

A compact planar multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO)/diversity antenna for portable UWB applications with a size of 27 mm × 28 mm is proposed in this letter. This diversity antenna consists of a microstrip fed crescent‐shaped antenna and a CPW fed circular slot antenna which are orthogonal to each other to obtain dual polarization. Different patterns and polarization diversities of antennas are used to achieve wideband isolation. Moreover, to further enhance the isolation a cross‐shaped slot is etched into the ground plane and a sickle shaped metallic strip is introduced between the two radiating elements. This sickle shape metallic strip not only enhances the isolation, but it also produces an additional resonance at 8.9 GHz. Both the UWB antennas in MIMO systems cover the entire UWB spectrum with low mutual coupling. The isolation between the antenna elements is better than 16 dB. The diversity performance is evaluated in terms of envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) and channel capacity loss (CCL). Both of them are within their acceptable limits (ECC < 0.5, CCL < 0.4 bit/s/Hz). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2951–2955, 2015
CPW‐fed flower‐shaped patch antenna for broadband applications
Authors: Patre Situ Rani , Singh Surya P.
Published: September 2015

In this article, the simulation and experimental studies on a novel compact and broadband coplanar waveguide (CPW)‐fed flower‐shaped microstrip patch antenna are reported. The proposed flower‐shaped patch is a modified version of circular patch. Although the proposed antenna has largest radius (= 12.5 mm) equal to the radius of a circular patch, it provides much wider impedance bandwidth and lower first resonant frequency as compared with the CPW‐fed circular patch antenna. The flower‐shaped patch itself is capable of providing good impedance match with the CPW feed without any modification of feed line and ground plane. The simulated input and radiation characteristics of the proposed antenna are compared with the corresponding experimental characteristics over the operating frequency range. The simulated and experimental input VSWR bandwidth (VSWR ≤ 2) of antenna are found to be 4.59:1 (2.2–10.1 GHz) and 4.81:1 (2.2–10.6 GHz), respectively. The antenna provides bidirectional and omnidirectional patterns in E‐ and H‐planes, respectively, along with average gain value of 3.89 dB and good radiation efficiency (more than 75%) over whole operating frequency range. Time domain behavior of the antenna is also analyzed along with system fidelity factor and group delay. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2908–2913, 2015
Comparative study on post‐polymerization modification of C1 poly(benzyl 2‐ylidene‐acetate) and its C2 analog poly(benzyl acrylate)
Authors: Krappitz Tim , Theato Patrick
Published: September 2015

The present study investigates the challenging approach of post‐polymerization modification on polymers with a sterically demanding reaction center. Therefore, the general possibility to functionalize polymethylene moieties was investigated. Poly(benzyl 2‐ylidene‐acetate) was synthesized by polymerization of benzyl 2‐diazoacetate utilizing [(L‐prolinate)RhI(1,5‐dimethyl‐1,5‐cyclooctadiene)] as a catalyst. Subsequently, the modification of C1 polymerized poly(benzyl 2‐ylidene‐acetate) with amines was analyzed and the obtained data set was compared with experimental data derived for the C2 analog poly(benzyl acrylate). This is the first study on post‐polymerization modification utilizing densely functionalized polymethylenes as starting materials. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 686–691
Di‐nuclear zinc complexes containing tridentate imino‐benzotriazole phenolate derivatives as efficient catalysts for ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic esters and copolymerization of phthalic anhydride with cyclohexene oxide
Authors: Chang Chin‐Hsiang , Chuang Hui‐Ju , Chen Ting‐Yi , Li Chen‐Yu , Lin Chia‐Her , Lee Ting‐Yu , Ko Bao‐Tsan , Huang Hsi‐Ya
Published: September 2015

Zinc catalysts incorporated by imino‐benzotriazole phenolate (IBTP) ligands were synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structure determinations. The reaction of the ligand precursor (C1DMeIBTP‐H or C1DIPIBTP‐H) with diethyl zinc (ZnEt2) in a stoichiometric proportion in toluene furnished the di‐nuclear ethyl zinc complexes [(μ‐C1DMeIBTP)ZnEt]2 (1) and [(μ‐C1DIPIBTP)ZnEt]2 (2). The tetra‐coordinated monomeric zinc complex [(C1PhIBTP)2Zn] (3) or [(C1BnIBTP)2Zn] (4) resulted from treatment of C1PhIBTP‐H or C1BnIBTP‐H as the pro‐ligand under the similar synthetic method with ligand to metal precursor ratio of 2:1. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction of bimetallic complexes 1 and 2 indicates that the C1DMeIBTP or C1DIPIBTP fragment behaves a NON‐tridentate ligand to coordinate two metal atoms. Catalysis for ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL), β‐butyrolactone (β‐BL), and lactide (LA) of complexes 1 and 2 was systematic studied. In combination with 9‐anthracenemethanol (9‐AnOH), Zn complex 1 was found to polymerize ε‐CL, β‐BL, and L‐LA with efficient catalytic activities in a controlled character. This study also compared the reactivity of these ROP monomers with different ring strains by Zn catalyst 1 in the presence of 9‐AnOH. Additionally, Zn complex 1 combining with benzoic acid was demonstrated to be an active catalytic system to copolymerize phthalic anhydride and cyclohexene oxide. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 714–725
Antidepressants versus placebo in major depression: an overview
Authors: Khan Arif , Brown Walter A.
Published: September 2015

Although the early antidepressant trials which included severely ill and hospitalized patients showed substantial drug‐placebo differences, these robust differences have not held up in the trials of the past couple of decades, whether sponsored by pharmaceutical companies or non‐profit agencies. This narrowing of the drug‐placebo difference has been attributed to a number of changes in the conduct of clinical trials. First, the advent of DSM‐III and the broadening of the definition of major depression have led to the inclusion of mildly to moderately ill patients into antidepressant trials. These patients may experience a smaller magnitude of antidepressant‐placebo differences. Second, drug development regulators, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency, have had a significant, albeit underappreciated, role in determining how modern antidepressant clinical trials are designed and conducted. Their concerns about possible false positive results have led to trial designs that are poor, difficult to conduct, and complicated to analyze. Attempts at better design and patient selection for antidepressant trials have not yielded the expected results. As of now, antidepressant clinical trials have an effect size of 0.30, which, although similar to the effects of treatments for many other chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, asthma and diabetes, is less than impressive.
At risk or not at risk? A meta‐analysis of the prognostic accuracy of psychometric interviews for psychosis prediction
Authors: Fusar‐Poli Paolo , Cappucciati Marco , Rutigliano Grazia , Schultze‐Lutter Frauke , Bonoldi Ilaria , Borgwardt Stefan , Riecher‐Rössler Anita , Addington Jean , Perkins Diana , Woods Scott W. , McGlashan Thomas H. , Lee Jimmy , Klosterkötter Joachim , Yung Alison R. , McGuire Philip
Published: September 2015

An accurate detection of individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis is a prerequisite for effective preventive interventions. Several psychometric interviews are available, but their prognostic accuracy is unknown. We conducted a prognostic accuracy meta‐analysis of psychometric interviews used to examine referrals to high risk services. The index test was an established CHR psychometric instrument used to identify subjects with and without CHR (CHR+ and CHR−). The reference index was psychosis onset over time in both CHR+ and CHR− subjects. Data were analyzed with MIDAS (STATA13). Area under the curve (AUC), summary receiver operating characteristic curves, quality assessment, likelihood ratios, Fagan's nomogram and probability modified plots were computed. Eleven independent studies were included, with a total of 2,519 help‐seeking, predominately adult subjects (CHR+: N=1,359; CHR−: N=1,160) referred to high risk services. The mean follow‐up duration was 38 months. The AUC was excellent (0.90; 95% CI: 0.87‐0.93), and comparable to other tests in preventive medicine, suggesting clinical utility in subjects referred to high risk services. Meta‐regression analyses revealed an effect for exposure to antipsychotics and no effects for type of instrument, age, gender, follow‐up time, sample size, quality assessment, proportion of CHR+ subjects in the total sample. Fagan's nomogram indicated a low positive predictive value (5.74%) in the general non‐help‐seeking population. Albeit the clear need to further improve prediction of psychosis, these findings support the use of psychometric prognostic interviews for CHR as clinical tools for an indicated prevention in subjects seeking help at high risk services worldwide.
Pragmatic randomized controlled trial of long‐term psychoanalytic psychotherapy for treatment‐resistant depression: the Tavistock Adult Depression Study (TADS)
Authors: Fonagy Peter , Rost Felicitas , Carlyle Jo‐anne , McPherson Susan , Thomas Rachel , Pasco Fearon R.M. , Goldberg David , Taylor David
Published: September 2015

This pragmatic randomized controlled trial tested the effectiveness of long‐term psychoanalytic psychotherapy (LTPP) as an adjunct to treatment‐as‐usual according to UK national guidelines (TAU), compared to TAU alone, in patients with long‐standing major depression who had failed at least two different treatments and were considered to have treatment‐resistant depression. Patients (N=129) were recruited from primary care and randomly allocated to the two treatment conditions. They were assessed at 6‐monthly intervals during the 18 months of treatment and at 24, 30 and 42 months during follow‐up. The primary outcome measure was the 17‐item version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS‐17), with complete remission defined as a HDRS‐17 score ≤8, and partial remission defined as a HDRS‐17 score ≤12. Secondary outcome measures included self‐reported depression as assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory ‐ II, social functioning as evaluated by the Global Assessment of Functioning, subjective wellbeing as rated by the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation ‐ Outcome Measure, and satisfaction with general activities as assessed by the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire. Complete remission was infrequent in both groups at the end of treatment (9.4% in the LTPP group vs. 6.5% in the control group) as well as at 42‐month follow‐up (14.9% vs. 4.4%). Partial remission was not significantly more likely in the LTPP than in the control group at the end of treatment (32.1% vs. 23.9%, p=0.37), but significant differences emerged during follow‐up (24 months: 38.8% vs. 19.2%, p=0.03; 30 months: 34.7% vs. 12.2%, p=0.008; 42 months: 30.0% vs. 4.4%, p=0.001). Both observer‐based and self‐reported depression scores showed steeper declines in the LTPP group, alongside greater improvements on measures of social adjustment. These data suggest that LTPP can be useful in improving the long‐term outcome of treatment‐resistant depression. End‐of‐treatment evaluations or short follow‐ups may miss the emergence of delayed therapeutic benefit.
Commercial Sphagnum peat moss is a vector for exotic ectomycorrhizal mushrooms
Authors: Ángeles-Argáiz Rodolfo Enrique , Flores-García Andrés , Ulloa Miguel , Garibay-Orijel Roberto
Published: September 2015

Sphagnum peat moss is one of the most commonly used substrates for forest plant and houseplant production. It is extracted from peat bogs in the circumboreal region and exported worldwide. Commercial peat moss is pasteurized, and is therefore believed to be free of viable ectomycorrhizal propagules. We used a bioassay with Pinus montezumae to demonstrate that commercial peat moss carries viable ectomycorrhizal spores, able to form mycorrhizae. Ectomycorrhizal fungi on seedling root-tips were sequenced for phylogenetic analyses using the ITS rDNA barcode region. We found three species: Suillus brevipes, Sphaerosporella brunnea, and Thelephora terrestris. S. brevipes and T. terrestris were found as viable inoculum transported in the peat moss, while S. brunnea was a greenhouse contaminant. S. brevipes and T. terrestris have biological characteristics (such as heat resistant and long living spores) that facilitate their survival to the extraction, transport, and storage processes of peat moss. This allows them to colonize nursery seedlings and to become potential invasive species in plantation areas. S. brevipes and T. terrestris are two of the most introduced fungi by anthropic activities; it has been argued that the vehicle for the introductions are their pine symbionts. This is the first time it has been demonstrated that peat moss is an important vehicle for the introduction of these fungi; a fact potentially related to the pattern of introduction of these ectomycorrhizal species from the northern hemisphere to elsewhere in the world.
Citizenship development of adolescents during the lower grades of secondary education
Authors: Geboers Ellen , Geijsel Femke , Admiraal Wilfried , Jorgensen Terrence , ten Dam Geert
Published: September 2015

The present study focuses on the development of citizenship competences of Dutch adolescents, including the political and social aspects as part of adolescents' daily lives. We followed 5070 adolescents aged 12–16 years across a three‐year period in lower secondary education. The variance on school and student level was estimated and a three‐level mixed‐effects regression model was fit to analyze differences in citizenship development. The results indeed show development of citizenship competences during secondary school, but the observed patterns were not always positive. Students generally showed an increase in their citizenship knowledge, but a decline in their societal interest, prosocial ability and reflective thinking. Differences between groups of students could be explained by both schools and student characteristics. Especially girls and minority students developed the most citizenship competences. Understanding these differences is important for schools to improve their practices in ways that support the development of citizenship competences of various groups of students.
Identification of anN‐acetylglucosamine kinase essential for UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine salvage synthesis inArabidopsis
Authors: Furo Keisuke , Nozaki Mamoru , Murashige Hiroshi , Sato Yasushi
Published: September 2015

Uridine diphosphate‐N‐acetylglucosamine (UDP‐GlcNAc) donates GlcNAc for various glycans and glycoconjugates. We previously found that GlcNAc supplementation increases the UDP‐GlcNAc content inArabidopsis; however, the metabolic pathway was undefined. Here, we show that the homolog of human GlcNAc kinase (GNK) is conserved in land plants. Enzymatic assays of theArabidopsis homologous protein (AtGNK) revealed kinase activity that was highly specific for GlcNAc. We also demonstrate the role of AtGNK in plants by using its knockout mutant, which presents lower UDP‐GlcNAc contents and is insensitive to GlcNAc supplementation. Moreover, our results demonstrate the presence of a GlcNAc salvage pathway in plants.
The consequences of prenatal and/or postnatal methamphetamine exposure on neonatal development and behaviour in rat offspring
Authors: McDonnell‐Dowling Kate , Kelly John P.
Published: September 2015

Methamphetamine (MA) has become a popular drug of abuse in recent years not only in the general population but also amongst pregnant women. Although there is a growing body of preclinical investigations of MA exposure during pregnancy, there has been little investigation of the consequences of such exposure via the breast milk during the neonatal period. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the consequences of MA exposure during pregnancy and lactation on neurodevelopment and behaviour in the rat offspring. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley dams received MA (3.75 mg/kg) or control (distilled water) once daily via oral gavage from gestation day 7–21, postnatal day 1–21 or gestation day 7‐ postnatal day 21. A range of well‐recognised neurodevelopmental parameters were examined in the offspring. Prenatal MA significantly reduced maternal weight gain, with a concomitant reduction in food intake. A significant increase in neonatal pup mortality was observed, being most marked in the prenatal/postnatal MA group. Significant impairments in neurodevelopmental parameters were also evident in all MA treatment groups including somatic development (e.g. pinna unfolding, fur appearance, eye opening) and behavioural development (e.g. surface righting, inclined plane test, forelimb grip). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that exposure to MA during any of these exposure periods (prenatal and/or postnatal) can have a profound effect on neonatal outcome, suggesting that regardless of the exposure period MA is associated with detrimental consequences in the offspring. These results indicate that in the clinical scenario, exposure during lactation needs to be considered when assessing the potential harmful effects of MA on offspring development.
Vitamin A deficiency: An oxidative stress marker in sodium fluoride (NaF) induced oxidative damage in developing rat brain
Authors: Banala Rajkiran Reddy , Karnati Pratap Reddy
Published: September 2015

Fluoride induced oxidative stress through depletion in levels of various anti‐oxidants such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), fat soluble vitamins (D and E) with increased levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and fluoride aggravate the damage in rodents as well as in humans. Vitamins A, a fat soluble vitamin possess antioxidant property which plays a significant role in scavenging the free radicals species similar to vitamin D and E. Vitamin A is involved in neural tissue development and plasticity. The growing evidence about vitamin A being antioxidant in different biological reactions formed the basis to determine the effect of fluoride on its levels. The present study was conducted in Wistar rat pups. The pregnant wistar rats were dosed with 20 ppm sodium fluoride (NaF) from day one of pregnancy till the pups were aged day30. The serum was collected from developing rat pups on regular intervals (14th, 21st, 30th day) and vitamin A levels were analyzed by High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Body weights, Behavioural studies and spectrophotometric estimation of SOD, LPO in brain lysates were also performed. The results showed significant decrease (p < 0.001) in vitamin A in fluoride induced samples in comparison to the control samples suggesting that decreased levels of vitamin A can be used as another marker in fluoride induced toxicity studies.
Effect of prenatal and early life paracetamol exposure on the level of neurotransmitters in rats—Focus on the spinal cord
Authors: Blecharz‐Klin Kamilla , Joniec‐Maciejak Ilona , Jawna Katarzyna , Pyrzanowska Justyna , Piechal Agnieszka , Wawer Adriana , Widy‐Tyszkiewicz Ewa
Published: September 2015

The present study has examined the influence of the prenatal and early life administration of paracetamol on the level of neurotransmitters in the spinal cord of rat pups. The effect of the drug was evaluated in 2‐month old Wistar male rats exposed to paracetamol in doses of 5 (P5, n = 9) or 15 mg/kg (P15, n = 9) p.o. during the prenatal period and after birth until the completion of the second month of life. A parallel control group received tap water (Con, n = 9). In this study we have determined the level of monoamines, their metabolites and amino acids in the spinal cord of rats using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the second month of life.

The present experiment demonstrates the action of paracetamol at the molecular level associated with significant modulation of neurotransmission in the spinal cord related to dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems. Simultaneously, paracetamol administration increases the content of an aspartic and glutamic acids in the spinal cord at a critical time during development.
Association between sonographic measurement of fetal head circumference and labor outcome
Authors: Aviram Amir , Yogev Yariv , Bardin Ron , Hiersch Liran , Wiznitzer Arnon , Hadar Eran
Published: September 2015

Objective

To evaluate the association between sonographically measured head circumference (HC) and labor outcome.

Methods

In a retrospective study at a tertiary medical center in Israel, data were reviewed for all term singleton deliveries between July 2007 and December 2012 with HC measurements up to 7 days before delivery. HC was compared between women with operative vaginal delivery (OVD) or cesarean delivery for prolonged second stage and those with normal vaginal delivery. The impact of HC above the 75th percentile on pregnancy outcome was analyzed.

Results

The study included 2351 women, of whom 2045 (87.0%) had a normal vaginal delivery, 259 (11.0%) underwent OVD, and 47 (2.0%) cesarean. Each 10 mm increase in HC was associated with increased risk for obstetric intervention because of a prolonged second stage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.46). HC above the 75th percentile was independently associated with increased odds of OVD (aOR 1.77; 95% CI 1.30–2.41), 1‐minute Apgar score less than 7 (aOR 2.91; 95% CI 1.50–5.66), and neonatal asphyxia (aOR 2.19; 95% CI 1.02–4.71).

Conclusion

Term HC above the 75th percentile was associated with increased rates of obstetric interventions because of a prolonged second stage and might be associated with neonatal asphyxia.
Patient engagement
Authors: Lighter Donald E.
Published: September 2015

Twenty-first century health care has evolved into a patient-centred enterprise that has changed the relationship between doctors and patients. Society now sets a high expecta-tion for clinicians not only to impart knowledge to people about their illnesses and prescribe treatments to improve their clinical conditions but also to work with patients to ensure that the treatments are acceptable to ensure the patients’ adherence to the recommendations. Most physicians are not trained for this change, but the principles of patient engagement can help clinicians meet these new challenges and perform well on measures of patient satis-faction and compliance with care recommendations. This article presents the basics of patient engagement for clinical staff to aid the facilitation of new approaches to patient care.
VesiculobuUous eruption revealing lipoid proteinosis
Authors: Zaouak Anissa , Zribi Hela , Eleuch Dalenda , Mokni Mourad
Published: September 2015

We describe a new case of lipoid proteinosis (LP) in a child and discuss its different clinical presentations, especially in its early erosive stage, as well as its prognosis and therapy. A 3.5-year-old healthy girl presented with a chronic and recurrent vesiculobullous skin erup-tion since early childhood. She had developed hoarseness of the voice during the first few months of life. Cutaneous examination revealed the presence of multiple non-pruritic tense vesicles and erosions on a non-erythematous base on her face, hands and elbows with a waxy thickening of the skin on her face. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of LP. The patient was then regularly followed in our department for therapy for her disease.
Vermiform appendix: positions and length – a study of 377 cases and literature review
Authors: de Souza Sandro Cilindro , da Costa Sérgio Ricardo Matos Rodrigues , de Souza Iana Gonçalves Silva
Published: September 2015

Objective Evaluation of the frequency of the relative positions and length of vermiform appendix in a group of corpses examined by the authors.

Method Dissection of 377 adult cadavers autopsied.

Results and conclusions Retrocecal: 43.5%; subcecal: 24.4% post-ileal: 14.3%, pelvic: 9.3%; paracecal: 5.8%; and pre-ileal appendices: 2.4%, other positions: 0.27%, mean length: 11.4 cm.
Assessment of prognosis in patients with stage II colon cancer
Authors: Martins Patrícia , Martins Sandra
Published: September 2015

Pathologic staging is currently the most important prognostic factor in colon cancer, although individually this procedure does not provide a complete clinical outcome.

This study aimed to determine the disease-specific survival of patients with colon cancer treated in the Braga Hospital from January 2005 to December 2013, according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer, 6th edition, and the disease-free survival and disease-specific survival of high- and low-risk stage II patients, whether in use, or not, of adjuvant chemotherapy.

We obtained a total sample of 578 patients, with 145 and 65 high- and low-risk stage II patients, respectively. We observed a 5-year disease-specific survival rate of 93%, 27.4% and 75% for stage IIA, IIB and IIIA patients, respectively, where IIIA and IIB present statistically significant differences (p = 0.001). In high-risk stage II patients, disease-free survival (p = 0.107) and disease-specific survival (p = 0.037) were higher in the group submitted to chemotherapy. In low- risk patients, disease-free survival was higher in the group submitted to chemotherapy (p = 0.494), while disease-specific survival was lower (p = 0.426).

The differences observed between stage IIB and IIIA survival can be explained by the consensual use of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage IIIA, and by its controversial use in stage IIB. Adjuvant chemotherapy showed to be effective only in high-risk stage II patients in terms of disease-specific survival.

In the future, other markers, namely molecular ones, may be used to stratify the risk of stage II patients and determine who will benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
Management of ulcerative colitis: a clinical update
Authors: Teixeira Fabio Vieira , Hosne Rogerio Saad , Sobrado Carlos Walter
Published: September 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the consensus of expert societies and published guidelines on the management of ulcerative colitis, and to compare with the experience of the authors, in order to standardize procedures that would help the reasoning and decision-making process of the physician. A search was performed in scientific literature, specifically in electronic databases: Medline/Pubmed, SciELO, EMBASE and Cochrane, and the following descriptors were used: ulcerative colitis, acute colitis, clinical treatment, surgery and randomized trial. It can be concluded that the goals of therapy in ulcerative colitis are clinical and endoscopic remission, deep, sustained remission without corticosteroids, prevention of hospitalizations and surgeries, and improved quality of life. The surgical indications are reserved for selected cases, ranging from medical intractability, complications (severe refractory acute colitis, toxic megacolon, perforation and hemorrhage) and malignancy. Information in this review article must be submitted to evaluation and criticism of the specialist responsible for the conduct to be followed, in the face of his/her reality and the clinical status of each patient.

The degree of recommendation and strength of evidence were based using the GRADE system (The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) described below:

1. A: Experimental or observational studies of higher consistency.

2. B: Experimental or observational studies of lower consistency.

3. C: Case reports (non-controlled studies).

4. D: Opinion without critical evaluation, based on consensus, physiological studies or animal models.
Sensitivity of plasma BRAFmutant and NRASmutant cell‐free DNA assays to detect metastatic melanoma in patients with low RECIST scores and non‐RECIST disease progression
Authors: Chang Gregory A. , Tadepalli Jyothirmayee S. , Shao Yongzhao , Zhang Yilong , Weiss Sarah , Robinson Eric , Spittle Cindy , Furtado Manohar , Shelton Dawne N. , Karlin-Neumann George , Pavlick Anna , Osman Iman , Polsky David
Published: September 2015

Melanoma lacks a clinically useful blood‐based biomarker of disease activity to help guide patient management. To determine whether measurements of circulating, cell‐free, tumor‐associated BRAFmutant and NRASmutant DNA (ctDNA) have a higher sensitivity than LDH to detect metastatic disease prior to treatment initiation and upon disease progression we studied patients with unresectable stage IIIC/IV metastatic melanoma receiving treatment with BRAF inhibitor therapy or immune checkpoint blockade and at least 3 plasma samples obtained during their treatment course. Levels of BRAFmutant and NRASmutant ctDNA were determined using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays. Among patients with samples available prior to treatment initiation ctDNA and LDH levels were elevated in 12/15 (80%) and 6/20 (30%) (p = 0.006) patients respectively. In patients with RECIST scores <5 cm prior to treatment initiation, ctDNA levels were elevated in 5/7 (71%) patients compared to LDH which was elevated in 1/13 (8%) patients (p = 0.007). Among all disease progression events the modified bootstrapped sensitivities for ctDNA and LDH were 82% and 40% respectively, with a median difference in sensitivity of 42% (95% confidence interval, 27%–58%; P < 0.001). In addition, ctDNA levels were elevated in 13/16 (81%) instances of non‐RECIST disease progression, including 10/12 (83%) instances of new brain metastases. In comparison LDH was elevated 8/16 (50%) instances of non‐RECIST disease progression, including 6/12 (50%) instances of new brain metastases. Overall, ctDNA had a higher sensitivity than LDH to detect disease progression, including non‐RECIST progression events. ctDNA has the potential to be a useful biomarker for monitoring melanoma disease activity.
Accuracy of Clinical Techniques for Evaluating Lower Limb Sensorimotor Functions Associated With Increased Fall Risk
Authors: Donaghy Alex , DeMott Trina , Allet Lara , Kim Hogene , Ashton‐Miller James , Richardson James K.
Published: September 2015

Background

In prior work, laboratory‐based measures of hip motor function and ankle proprioceptive precision were critical to maintaining unipedal stance and fall/fall‐related injury risk. However, the optimal clinical evaluation techniques for predicting these measures are unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of common clinical maneuvers in predicting laboratory‐based measures of frontal plane hip rate of torque development (HipRTD) and ankle proprioceptive thresholds (AnkPRO) associated with increased fall risk.

Design

Prospective, observational study.

Setting

Biomechanical research laboratory.

Participants

A total of 41 older subjects (aged 69.1 ± 8.3 years), 25 with varying degrees of diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy and 16 without.

Assessments

Clinical hip strength was evaluated by manual muscle testing (MMT) and lateral plank time, defined as the number of seconds that the laterally lying subject could lift the hips from the support surface. Foot/ankle evaluation included Achilles reflex and vibratory, proprioceptive, monofilament, and pinprick sensations at the great toe.

Main Outcome Measures

HipRTD, abduction and adduction, using a custom whole‐body dynamometer. AnkPRO determined with subjects standing using a foot cradle system and a staircase series of 100 frontal plane rotational stimuli.

Results

Pearson correlation coefficients (r) and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves revealed that LPT correlated more strongly with HipRTD (r/P = 0.61/<.001 and 0.67/<.001, for abductor/adductor, respectively) than did hip abductor MMT (r/P = 0.31/.044). Subjects with greater vibratory and proprioceptive sensation, and intact Achilles reflexes, monofilament, and pin sensation had more precise AnkPRO. LPT of <12 seconds yielded a sensitivity/specificity of 91%/80% for identifying HipRTD < 0.25 (body size in Newton‐meters), and vibratory perception of <8 seconds yielded a sensitivity/specificity of 94%/80% for the identification of AnkPRO >1.0°.

Conclusions

LPT is a more effective measure of HipRTD than MMT. Similarly, clinical vibratory sense and monofilament testing are effective measures of AnkPRO, whereas clinical proprioceptive sense is not.
Left Hip Pain Caused by Right Hip Osteoarthritis in a Patient With an Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report
Authors: Flis Alexandra , Duncan Christopher , Pelt Christopher , Rosenbluth Jeffrey , Willick Stuart
Published: September 2015

A 70‐year‐old woman with a right hemisensory deficit caused by an incomplete cervical spinal cord injury presented with left hip pain. The clinical assessment suggested that her left‐sided hip pain was attributable to severe right hip osteoarthritis. Her left hip pain resolved completely after she underwent a right total hip arthroplasty. This case is presented, along with a review of the literature on spinal and supraspinal neuronal reorganization after spinal cord injury. This case report suggests the occurrence of central sensory reorganization after an incomplete cervical spinal cord injury, which resulted in a patient perceiving right hip pathology in her left hip.
Feasibility of an Exoskeleton‐Based Interactive Video Game System for Upper Extremity Burn Contractures
Authors: Schneider Jeffrey C. , Ozsecen Muzaffer Y. , Muraoka Nicholas K. , Mancinelli Chiara , Della Croce Ugo , Ryan Colleen M. , Bonato Paolo
Published: September 2015

Background

Burn contractures are common and difficult to treat. Measuring continuous joint motion would inform the assessment of contracture interventions; however, it is not standard clinical practice. This study examines use of an interactive gaming system to measure continuous joint motion data.

Objective

To assess the usability of an exoskeleton‐based interactive gaming system in the rehabilitation of upper extremity burn contractures.

Design

Feasibility study.

Setting

Eight subjects with a history of burn injury and upper extremity contractures were recruited from the outpatient clinic of a regional inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Methods

Subjects used an exoskeleton‐based interactive gaming system to play 4 different video games. Continuous joint motion data were collected at the shoulder and elbow during game play.

Main Outcome Measures

Visual analog scale for engagement, difficulty and comfort. Angular range of motion by subject, joint, and game.

Results

The study population had an age of 43 ± 16 (mean ± standard deviation) years and total body surface area burned range of 10%‐90%. Subjects reported satisfactory levels of enjoyment, comfort, and difficulty. Continuous joint motion data demonstrated variable characteristics by subject, plane of motion, and game.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of use of an exoskeleton‐based interactive gaming system in the burn population. Future studies are needed that examine the efficacy of tailoring interactive video games to the specific joint impairments of burn survivors.
Actinokineospora guangxiensis sp. nov., isolated from soil
Authors: Wu Hao , Liu Bin
Published: September 2015

A novel actinomycete, designated strain GK-6T, was isolated from a soil sample from Nanning, Guangxi province, PR China. The strain grew at 20–40 °C, pH 6.0–11.0 and with 0–7.0 % NaCl. It formed well-developed aerial and vegetative mycelia. The aerial mycelium was white and the vegetative mycelium was yellow. The long branching aerial mycelia yielded rod-shaped arthrospores, the spores had smooth surfaces and were non-motile. Strain Gk-6T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, the whole-cell sugars were galactose, glucose and arabinose. Major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and C17 : 0. MK-9(H4) was the predominant menaquinone. The polar phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine-containing hydroxylated fatty acids, diphosphatidylglycerol, ninhydrin-positive glycophospholipid and an unknown phospholipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 73.4 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the organism was a member of the genus Actinokineospora and its closest relative among recognized species was Actinokineospora soli JCM 17695T (97.7 % sequence similarity). But the phenotypic characteristics of strain Gk-6T were significantly different from those of A. soli JCM 17695T, and DNA–DNA hybridization showed low relatedness (22.6–28.3 %) between strain Gk-6T and JCM 17695T. On the basis of the phenotypic and phylogenetic data, strain Gk-6T represents a novel species of the genus Actinokineospora, and the name Actinokineospora guangxiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gk-6T ( = DSM 46779 T = CGMCC 4.7154T).
Weissella jogaejeotgali sp. nov., isolated from jogae jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood
Authors: Lee Se-Hui , Ku Hye-Jin , Ahn Min-Ju , Hong Ji-Sang , Lee Se Hee , Shin Hakdong , Lee Keun Chul , Lee Jung-Sook , Ryu Sangryeol , Jeon Che Ok , Lee Ju-Hoon
Published: September 2015

Strain FOL01T was isolated from traditionally fermented Korean jogae jeotgal (fermented clams). Phylogenetic sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene from FOL01T revealed that it is closely related to Weissella thailandensis FS61-1T and Weissella paramesenteroides ATCC 33313T with 99.39 % and 98.50 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. API and VITEK analyses showed that strain FOL01T could be separated from its nearest phylogenetic relatives with respect to carbohydrate fermentation and antibiotic resistance. Subsequent amplified rRNA gene restriction analysis of 16S rRNA genes and HaeIII-restriction enzyme profiling of genomic DNAs revealed different band patterns. In addition, DNA–DNA hybridization of genomic DNAs showed 63.9 % relatedness. Analysis of the composition of cellular fatty acids confirmed that strain FOL01T differs from its close relatives and supports the proposal to assign this organism to a novel species of the genus Weissella. Based on these results, strain FOL01T could be classified as a novel species of the genus Weissella, for which the name Weissella jogaejeotgali sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FOL01T ( = KCCM 43128T = JCM 30589T).
Roseovarius scapharcae sp. nov., isolated from ark shell Scapharca broughtonii
Authors: Kim Young-Ok , Park Sooyeon , Nam Bo-Hye , Park Ji-Min , Kim Dong-Gyun , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: September 2015

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic and ovoid or rod-shaped bacterium, designated MA4-5T, was isolated from ark shell (Scapharca broughtonii) collected from the South Sea, South Korea. The novel strain grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain MA4-5T forms a coherent cluster with the type strains of Roseovarius albus, Roseovarius aestuarii and Roseovarius nubinhibens, sharing 97.0–99.2 % sequence similarity. It exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 93.1–96.1 % to the type strains of other Roseovarius species. Strain MA4-5T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids of strain MA4-5T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain MA4-5T was 53.8 mol% and its mean DNA–DNA relatedness values with the type strains of R. albus, R. aestuarii and R. nubinhibens were 11–26 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, indicated that strain MA4-5T is separate from recognized species of the genus Roseovarius. On the basis of the data presented, strain MA4-5T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Roseovarius, for which the name Roseovarius scapharcae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MA4-5T ( = KCTC 42703T = NBRC 111226T).
Description of Diutina gen. nov., Diutina siamensis, f.a. sp. nov., and reassignment of Candida catenulata,
Candida mesorugosa,
Candida neorugosa,
Candida pseudorugosa,
Candida ranongensis,
Candida rugosa and Candida scorzettiae to the genus Diutina
Authors: Khunnamwong Pannida , Lertwattanasakul Noppon , Jindamorakot Sasitorn , Limtong Savitree , Lachance Marc-André
Published: September 2015

Three strains (DMKU-RE28, DMKU-RE43T and DMKU-RE123) of a novel anamorphic yeast species were isolated from rice leaf tissue collected in Thailand. DNA sequence analysis demonstrated that the species forms a sister pair with Candida ranongensis CBS 10861T but differs by 24–30 substitutions in the LSU rRNA gene D1/D2 domains and 30–35 substitutions in the ITS region. A phylogenetic analysis based on both the small and the large rRNA gene subunits confirmed this connection and demonstrated the presence of a clade that also includes Candida catenulata, Candida mesorugosa, Candida neorugosa, Candida pseudorugosa, Candida rugosa and Candida scorzettiae. The clade is not closely affiliated to any known teleomorphic genus, and forms a well-separated lineage from currently recognized genera of the Saccharomycetales. Hence, the genus Diutina gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate members of the clade, including Diutina siamensis f.a. sp. nov. and the preceding seven Candida species. The type strain is DMKU-RE43T ( = CBS 13388T = BCC 61183T = NBRC 109695T).
Lactobacillus herbarum sp. nov., a species related to Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Mao Yuejian , Chen Meng , Horvath Philippe
Published: September 2015

Strain TCF032-E4 was isolated from a traditional Chinese fermented radish. It shares >99% 16S rRNA sequence identity with L. plantarum, L. pentosus and L. paraplantarum. This strain can ferment ribose, galactose, glucose, fructose, mannose, mannitol, N-acetylglucosamine, amygdalin, arbutin, salicin, cellobiose, maltose, lactose, melibiose, trehalose and gentiobiose. It cannot ferment sucrose, which can be used by L. pentosus, L. paraplantarum, L. fabifermentans, L. xiangfangensis and L. mudanjiangensis, as well as most of the L. plantarum strains (88.7%). TCF032-E4 cannot grow at temperature above 32 °C. This strain shares 78.2–83.6% pheS (phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase alpha subunit) and 89.5–94.9% rpoA (RNA polymerase alpha subunit) sequence identity with L. plantarum, L. pentosus, L. paraplantarum, L. fabifermentans, L. xiangfangensis and L. mudanjiangensis. These results indicate that TCF032-E4 represents a distinct species. This hypothesis was further confirmed by whole-genome sequencing and comparison with available genomes of related species. The draft genome size of TCF032-E4 is approximately 2.9 Mb, with a DNA G+C content of 43.5 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) between TCF032-E4 and related species ranges from 79.0 to 81.1%, the highest ANI value being observed with L. plantarum subsp. plantarum ATCC 14917T. A novel species, Lactobacillus herbarum sp. nov., is proposed with TCF032-E4T ( = CCTCC AB2015090T = DSM 100358T) as the type strain.