bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oligodactyly with Thumb
Authors: Baek Goo Hyun , Kim Jihyeung
Published: September 2016

Background: Oligodactyly of the hand is one of the rarest congenital anomalies of upper extremities and defined as the presence of fewer than five fingers on a hand. Although it usually occurs in association with hypoplasia or absence of ulna, it can occur without abnormality of the forearm bones. The purpose of this study is to present clinical features and radiographic characteristics of hand oligodactyly with thumb.

Methods: Five patients of oligodactyly with thumb who showed normal forearm bones, were evaluated. Two patients had threefingered hand with thumb, and three had two-fingered hand with thumb. We analyzed associated abnormalities of carpal and metacarpal bones and measured the lengths of radius and ulna, and width of the wrist on the simple radiographs. We also devised new classification system of oligodactyly based on the thumb deformities and locations of missing digits.

Results: Syndactyly among fingers was associated in four patients, clinodactyly caused by delta bone in one, hypoplasia of the thumb in one, camptodactylies in one, symphalangism in one, and radial head dislocation in one. Considering the abnormalities of the carpal bones, the missing digits were presumed to be ulnar-sided digits in two patients, central digits in one patient and both ulnar-sided and central digits in two patients. In patients with missing of central digits, an adjacent metacarpal was hypertrophied. Although the ulnar variances were within normal range, the average lengths of radius and ulna were 6% and 5% shorter than those of contralateral normal side. The average width of the wrist was 9% narrower than that of contralateral normal side.

Conclusions: Syndactyly and hypertrophied metacarpal were most commonly observed findings in the oligodactyly with thumb. Although oligodactyly with thumb may be a type of ulnar longitudinal deficiency, however, it can also be a type of central deficiency or combined type of ulnar longitudinal deficiency with central deficiency or radial longitudinal deficiency. We suggest a classification system of oligodactyly with thumb based on locations of missing digits and associated thumb deformities.
Arthroscopic Trans-osseous Suture of Peripheral Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear
Authors: Jegal Midum , Heo Kang , Kim Jong Pil
Published: September 2016

The importance of foveal repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) on stability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) has been emphasized with increasing knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the TFCC and DRUJ. Although both open and arthroscopic techniques have been described for improving DRUJ stability, there has been a marked evolution of arthroscopic TFCC repair technique with successful clinical outcome. Recently, an arthroscopic trans-osseous technique has been described to repair foveal tears of the TFCC. The advantage of the technique is that it allows for anatomical repair of both the superficial and deep layers. This article describes the details of this novel technique.
Recent Update in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Bone Frailty in Patients with a Distal Radius Fracture
Authors: Shin Young Ho , Gong Hyun Sik
Published: September 2016

Distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most common upper extremity fracture in the elderly. Patients with a DRF have a two to fourfold higher risk of a subsequent fracture than those with no history of fractures, and DRFs occur on average 15 years earlier than hip fractures. Therefore, patients with a DRF offer physicians an important opportunity to diagnose and treat osteoporosis to prevent a secondary fracture. In this review, we provide recent update in the diagnosis and treatment of bone frailty in patients with a DRF.
Causes of Flexor Tendon Repair Failures in Two Common Repair Techniques: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Mistry Raakhi , McCleave Michael John , Codrington John
Published: September 2016

Background: Flexor tendon repair failures have primarily been attributed to either core suture rupture or core suture pull out. Recent studies have suggested that knot unravelling may also cause failure of a tendon repair. The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of core suture failure in two types of common flexor tendon repairs.

Methods: Twenty four cadaver tendons were divided into three groups of eight. Each group tested a specific flexor tendon repair. The repairs tested included an Adelaide repair using 4/0 Ethibond (Ethicon), an Adelaide repair using 4/0 Fiberwire (Arthrex) and the Tsai repair with 4/0 Fiberloop (Arthrex). The repaired tendons were pull-tested to failure. The mechanism of failure, maximum tensile strength and 2 mm gap force were recorded.

Results: The predominant mode of failure was by the knot unravelling. This occurred in 50-88% of the tendon repairs. The sequence of failure was initiated with gapping at the repair site followed by failure of the epitendinous suture. Next the core suture knot unravels. Once the knot unravels, the suture thread slips out of the tendon resulting in the repair failure. Failures due to knot slippage occurred at a lower maximum tensile strength in Ethibond and Fiberloop sutures than failure due to core rupture or pull out. However, given the small number of tendons tested, this result was not significant.

Conclusions: This study has clearly demonstrated one of the main causes of flexor tendon repair failure in two common repair techniques is knot unravelling.
You’ve Got to Hand It to Them: Assessing Final Year Medical Students Knowledge of Hand Anatomy and Pathology
Authors: Joyce Cormac Weekes , Shaharan Shazrinizam , Lawlor Kate , Burke Melanie Elizabeth , Kerin Michael John , Kelly Jack Laurence
Published: September 2016

Background: Knowledge of hand anatomy and pathology is important for final year medical students as it frequently appears in examinations as a short case or in a written paper. Studies have shown that doctors in the Emergency Department have a deficient grasp of musculoskeletal anatomy secondary to a lack of dedicated teaching in medical school.

Methods: A questionnaire was handed out to 111 final year medical students. Students were asked to fill it out before and after dedicated upper limb teaching sessions during their rotation. The questionnaire consisted of an anatomical and pathological component. Students were tested on basic anatomy and pathology of several common upper limb conditions.

Results: There was a significant improvement in the medical students knowledge after the dedicated hand teaching. The identification of the carpal bones showed the most improvement overall.

Conclusions: Basic musculoskeletal knowledge is essential to the practice of medicine. The majority of medical students gravitate towards a career in general practice or emergency medicine and good knowledge of upper limb anatomy is important. We have piloted a new interactive dedicated upper limb teaching module and have shown that there has been a significant improvement in students knowledge.
Do prices coordinate markets?
Authors: Hsu Justin , Morgenstern Jamie , Rogers Ryan , Roth Aaron , Vohra Rakesh
Published: September 2016

A Walrasian equilibrium outcome has a remarkable property: the induced allocation maximizes social welfare while each buyer receives a bundle that maximizes her individual surplus at the given prices. There are, however, two caveats. First, minimal Walrasian prices necessarily induce indifferences. Thus, without coordination, buyers may choose surplus maximizing bundles that conflict with each other. Accordingly, buyers may need to coordinate with one another to arrive at a socially optimal outcome---the prices alone are
not
sufficient to coordinate the market. Second, although natural auctions converge to Walrasian equilibrium prices on a fixed population, in practice buyers typically observe prices without participating in a price computation process. These prices are not perfect Walrasian equilibrium prices, but we may hope that they still encode distributional information about the market. To better understand the performance of Walrasian prices in light of these two problems, we give two results. First, we propose a mild
genericity
condition on valuations so that the minimal Walrasian equilibrium prices induce allocations resulting in low overdemand, no matter how the buyers break ties. In fact, under our condition the overdemand of any good can be bounded by 1, which is the best possible at the minimal prices. Second, we use techniques from learning theory to argue that the overdemand and welfare induced by a price vector converge to their expectations uniformly over the class of all price vectors, with sample complexity linear and quadratic in the number of goods in the market respectively. The latter results make no assumption on the form of the valuation functions.
Reliability Evaluation of NPP’s Power Supply System Based on Improved GO-FLOW Method
Authors: Zhao Jie , Liu Tian , Zhao Yu , Liu Dichen , Yang Xiaodong , Lin Yi , Lin Zhangsui , Lei Yong
Published: September 2016

NPP’s power supply system is repairable and there is common cause failure between the components. The repair rate is introduced and total signaling is considered in the improved GO-FLOW method, aimed at reliability analysis for NPP’s power supply system. Traditional GO-FLOW operators’ algorithms are improved. Comprehensively considering the effect of total signaling flow in the power supply system, the equivalent reliability parameter model and common cause failure probability model of multimodal repairable components are constructed. The improved GO-FLOW model of NPP’s power supply system is set up. Based on the proposed model, components’ reliability parameters are computed. The failure probability time-varying trend in thirty years, respectively, of NPP’s offsite power source and power supply system, is simulated and analyzed. Compared with calculation results of dynamic fault tree analysis method, the validity and the simplicity of the improved GO-FLOW method are verified. The effectiveness and applicability of the improved GO-FLOW model for NPP’s power supply system are proved by simulation examples.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Women: Specific Issues and Interventions
Authors: Wimms Alison , Woehrle Holger , Ketheeswaran Sahisha , Ramanan Dinesh , Armitstead Jeffery
Published: September 2016

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has traditionally been seen as a male disease. However, the importance of OSA in women is increasingly being recognized, along with a number of significant gender-related differences in the symptoms, diagnosis, consequences, and treatment of OSA. Women tend to have less severe OSA than males, with a lower apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and shorter apneas and hypopneas. Episodes of upper airway resistance that do not meet the criteria for apneas are more common in women. Prevalence rates are lower in women, and proportionally fewer women receive a correct diagnosis. Research has also documented sex differences in the upper airway, fat distribution, and respiratory stability in OSA. Hormones are implicated in some gender-related variations, with differences between men and women in the prevalence of OSA decreasing as age increases. The limited data available suggest that although the prevalence and severity of OSA may be lower in women than in men, the consequences of the disease are at least the same, if not worse for comparable degrees of severity. Few studies have investigated gender differences in the effects of OSA treatment. However, given the differences in physiology and presentation, it is possible that personalized therapy may provide more optimal care.
Characteristics of HLA-E Restricted T-Cell Responses and Their Role in Infectious Diseases
Authors: Joosten Simone A. , Sullivan Lucy C. , Ottenhoff Tom H. M.
Published: September 2016

Human HLA-E can, in addition to self-antigens, also present pathogen-derived sequences, which elicit specific T-cell responses. T-cells recognize their antigen presented by HLA-E highly specifically and have unique functional and phenotypical properties. Pathogen specific HLA-E restricted CD8+T-cells are an interesting new player in the field of immunology. Future work should address their exact roles and relative contributions in the immune response against infectious diseases.
Diabetic Osteoporosis: A Review of Its Traditional Chinese Medicinal Use and Clinical and Preclinical Research
Authors: Ma Rufeng , Zhu Ruyuan , Wang Lili , Guo Yubo , Liu Chenyue , Liu Haixia , Liu Fengwei , Li Hongjun , Li Yu , Fu Min , Zhang Dongwei
Published: September 2016

Aim. The incidence of diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) is increasing due to lack of effective management over the past few decades. This review aims to summarize traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) suitability in the pathogenesis and clinical and preclinical management of DOP. Methods. Literature sources used were from Medline (Pubmed), CNKI (China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database), and CSTJ (China Science and Technology Journal Database) online databases. For the consultation, keywords such as diabetic osteoporosis (DOP), TCM, clinical study, animal experiment, toxicity, and research progress were used in various combinations. Around 100 research papers and reviews were visited. Results. Liver‐spleen‐kidney insufficiency may result in development of DOP. 18 clinical trials are identified to use TCM compound prescriptions for management of patients with DOP. TCM herbs and their active ingredients are effective in preventing the development of DOP in streptozotocin (STZ) and alloxan as well as STZ combined with ovariectomy insulted rats. Among them, most frequently used TCM herbs in clinical trials are Radix Astragali, Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Radix Rehmanniae Preparata, and Herba Epimedii. Some of TCM herbs also exhibit toxicities in clinical and preclinical research. Conclusions. TCM herbs may act as the novel sources of anti‐DOP drugs by improving bone and glucolipid metabolisms. However, the pathogenesis of DOP and the material base of TCM herbs still merit further study.
Fracture Mechanics Method for Word Embedding Generation of Neural Probabilistic Linguistic Model
Authors: Bi Size , Liang Xiao , Huang Ting-lei
Published: September 2016

Word embedding, a lexical vector representation generated via the neural linguistic model (NLM), is empirically demonstrated to be appropriate for improvement of the performance of traditional language model. However, the supreme dimensionality that is inherent in NLM contributes to the problems of hyperparameters and long-time training in modeling. Here, we propose a force-directed method to improve such problems for simplifying the generation of word embedding. In this framework, each word is assumed as a point in the real world; thus it can approximately simulate the physical movement following certain mechanics. To simulate the variation of meaning in phrases, we use the fracture mechanics to do the formation and breakdown of meaning combined by a 2-gram word group. With the experiments on the natural linguistic tasks of part-of-speech tagging, named entity recognition and semantic role labeling, the result demonstrated that the 2-dimensional word embedding can rival the word embeddings generated by classic NLMs, in terms of accuracy, recall, and text visualization.
The Brainarium: An Interactive Immersive Tool for Brain Education, Art, and Neurotherapy
Authors: Grandchamp Romain , Delorme Arnaud
Published: September 2016

Recent theoretical and technological advances in neuroimaging techniques now allow brain electrical activity to be recorded using affordable and user-friendly equipment for nonscientist end-users. An increasing number of educators and artists have begun using electroencephalogram (EEG) to control multimedia and live artistic contents. In this paper, we introduce a new concept based on brain computer interface (BCI) technologies: the Brainarium. The Brainarium is a new pedagogical and artistic tool, which can deliver and illustrate scientific knowledge, as well as a new framework for scientific exploration. The Brainarium consists of a portable planetarium device that is being used as brain metaphor. This is done by projecting multimedia content on the planetarium dome and displaying EEG data recorded from a subject in real time using Brain Machine Interface (BMI) technologies. The system has been demonstrated through several performances involving an interaction between the subject controlling the BMI, a musician, and the audience during series of exhibitions and workshops in schools. We report here feedback from 134 participants who filled questionnaires to rate their experiences. Our results show improved subjective learning compared to conventional methods, improved entertainment value, improved absorption into the material being presented, and little discomfort.
Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies of Bone Marrow‐Derived Cell Therapies for Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Rosado-de-Castro Paulo Henrique , de Carvalho Felipe Gonçalves , de Freitas Gabriel Rodriguez , Mendez-Otero Rosalia , Pimentel-Coelho Pedro Moreno
Published: September 2016

Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, causing millions of deaths annually, and is also a major cause of disability‐adjusted life years. Hemorrhagic stroke accounts for approximately 10 to 27% of all cases and has a fatality rate of about 50% in the first 30 days, with limited treatment possibilities. In the past two decades, the therapeutic potential of bone marrow‐derived cells (particularly mesenchymal stem cells and mononuclear cells) has been intensively investigated in preclinical models of different neurological diseases, including models of intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. More recently, clinical studies, most of them small, unblinded, and nonrandomized, have suggested that the therapy with bone marrow‐derived cells is safe and feasible in patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. This review discusses the available evidence on the use of bone marrow‐derived cells to treat hemorrhagic strokes. Distinctive properties of animal studies are analyzed, including study design, cell dose, administration route, therapeutic time window, and possible mechanisms of action. Furthermore, clinical trials are also reviewed and discussed, with the objective of improving future studies in the field.
Evaluation and Verification of the Global Rapid Identification of Threats System for Infectious Diseases in Textual Data Sources
Authors: Huff Andrew G. , Breit Nathan , Allen Toph , Whiting Karissa , Kiley Christopher
Published: September 2016

The Global Rapid Identification of Threats System (GRITS) is a biosurveillance application that enables infectious disease analysts to monitor nontraditional information sources (e.g., social media, online news outlets, ProMED-mail reports, and blogs) for infectious disease threats. GRITS analyzes these textual data sources by identifying, extracting, and succinctly visualizing epidemiologic information and suggests potentially associated infectious diseases. This manuscript evaluates and verifies the diagnoses that GRITS performs and discusses novel aspects of the software package. Via GRITS’ web interface, infectious disease analysts can examine dynamic visualizations of GRITS’ analyses and explore historical infectious disease emergence events. The GRITS API can be used to continuously analyze information feeds, and the API enables GRITS technology to be easily incorporated into other biosurveillance systems. GRITS is a flexible tool that can be modified to conduct sophisticated medical report triaging, expanded to include customized alert systems, and tailored to address other biosurveillance needs.
A Case of Malignant Biliary Obstruction with Severe Obesity Successfully Treated by Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Biliary Drainage
Authors: Obana Takashi , Yamasaki Shuuji
Published: September 2016

Here, we present a case of malignant biliary tract obstruction with severe obesity, which was successfully treated by endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD). A female patient in her sixties who had been undergoing chemotherapy for unresectable pancreatic head cancer was admitted to our institution for obstructive jaundice. She had diabetes mellitus, and her body mass index was 35.1 kg/m2. Initially, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed, but bile duct cannulation was unsuccessful. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) from the left hepatic biliary tree also failed. Although a second PTBD attempt from the right hepatic lobe was accomplished, biliary tract bleeding followed, and the catheter was dislodged. Consequently, EUS-BD (choledochoduodenostomy), followed by direct metallic stent placement, was performed as a third drainage method. Her postprocedural course was uneventful. Following discharge, she spent the rest of her life at home without recurrent jaundice or readmission. In cases of severe obesity, we consider EUS-BD, rather than PTBD, as the second drainage method of choice for distal malignant biliary obstruction when ERCP fails.
Dynamical Model for an Interharmonic Property of a Piezoelectric Bimorph Cantilever Beam with Self-Sensing Function
Authors: Zhang Ting , Pan Ying , Cao Lijie
Published: September 2016

A piezoelectric bimorph cantilevered beam is analyzed dynamically by a longitudinal and transverse coupling theory. When a sinusoidal voltage is applied on the actuating layer of the bimorph, the output voltage of the sensing layer appears as interharmonic component signal. The interharmonic frequency is noninteger harmonic frequency of the applied voltage. A dynamic model is proposed to describe the interharmonic property of the piezoelectric bimorph beam. Through some simulations and experiments, the theoretical model is verified effectively to express the nonlinear characteristic. Furthermore, when the piezoelectric bimorph resonance happens, some interharmonic response at low frequency will modulate with the resonance response.
Network Based Approach in the Establishment of the Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications at the Molecular Level Coupled with Molecular Docking Mechanism
Authors: Rampogu Shailima , Rampogu Lemuel Mary
Published: September 2016

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the major metabolic disorders that is currently threatening the world. DM is seen associated with obesity and diabetic retinopathy (DR). In the present paper we tried to evaluate the relationship between the three aliments at the gene level and further performed the molecular docking to identify the common drug for all the three diseases. We have adopted several software programs such as Phenopedia, VennViewer, and CDOCKER to accomplish the objective. Our results revealed six genes that commonly associated and are involved in the signalling pathway. Furthermore, evaluation of common gene association from the selected set of genes projected the presence of SIRT1 in all the three aliments. Therefore, we targeted protein 4KXQ which was produced from the gene SIRT1 and challenged it with eight phytochemicals, adopting the CDOCKER. C1 compound has displayed highest -CDOCKER energy and -CDOCKER interaction energy of 43.6905 and 43.3953, respectively. Therefore, this compound is regarded as the most potential lead molecule.
Best L1 Piecewise Monotonic Data Approximation in Overhead and Underground Medium-Voltage and Low-Voltage Broadband over Power Lines Networks: Theoretical and Practical Transfer Function Determination
Authors: Lazaropoulos Athanasios G.
Published: September 2016

This paper investigates the efficiency and accuracy of the best L1 piecewise monotonic data approximation (best L1PMA) in order either to approximate the transfer functions of distribution BPL networks or to reveal the aforementioned transfer functions when various faults occur during their determination. The contribution of this paper is quadruple. First, based on the inherent piecewise monotonicity of distribution BPL transfer functions, a piecewise monotonic data approximation is first applied in BPL networks; best L1PMA is outlined and applied during the determination of distribution BPL transfer functions. Second, suitable performance metrics such as the percent error sum (PES) and fault PES are reported and applied so as to assess the efficiency and accuracy of the best L1PMA during the determination of distribution BPL transfer functions. Third, the factors of distribution BPL networks that influence the performance of best L1PMA are identified. Fourth, the accuracy of the best L1PMA is assessed with respect to its inherent properties, namely, the assumed number of monotonic sections and the nature of faults, that is, faults that follow either continuous uniform distribution (CUD) or normal distribution (ND), during the determination of distribution BPL transfer functions. Finally, best L1PMA may operate as the necessary intermediate antifault method for the theoretical and practical transfer function determination of distribution BPL networks.
Effect of Dissection and Reconstruction of Palatal Muscles on Morphological Features and Ultrastructure of the Oral Musculature in Cats
Authors: Han Wei , Wang Zhiyong , Qi Xiaofeng , Xu Wenguang , Shen Hao , Shi Bing , Lu Yong
Published: September 2016

The study was designed to determine the effect of dissection and reconstruction of palatal muscles on muscle morphology in cats. 27 cats were randomly divided into three groups according to the extent of muscle dissection from the palatal midline. All dissections were performed from the posterior border of the hard palate, and the muscles were allowed to reconstruct over time. The morphological features were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining of tissue sections, and ultrastructure was observed under a transmission electron microscope. As a result, no obvious differences were evident in the morphological features or ultrastructure of animals in the <1/3rd and 1/3rd-2/3rd area groups. In the >2/3rd area group, the muscles fibers were disordered and inflammatory cell infiltration and naïve muscle cells were found at one month after surgery. At the second and third month after surgery, the muscle fibers showed regular alignment, the naïve muscle fibers gradually matured, and the number of infiltrating inflammatory cells decreased. Muscle ultrastructure analysis revealed that myocommata were correctly aligned, and the Z line was more distinct. In conclusion, extensive dissection of palatal muscles does not result in fibrosis. Injury to oral musculature can be repaired and the musculature regenerated over time.
Faulty Line Selection Method for Distribution Network Based on Variable Scale Bistable System
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Gao Jie , Song Guobing , Cheng Qiming , Wei Xiangxiang , Wei Yanfang
Published: September 2016

Since weak fault signals often lead to the misjudgment and other problems for faulty line selection in small current to ground system, this paper proposes a novel faulty line selection method based on variable scale bistable system (VSBS). Firstly, VSBS is adopted to analyze the transient zero-sequence current (TZSC) with different frequency variety scale ratio and noise intensity, and the results show that VSBS can effectively extract the variation trends of initial stage of TZSC. Secondly, TZSC is input to VSBS for calculation with Runge-Kutta equations, and the output signal is chosen as the characteristic currents. Lastly, correlation coefficients of every line characteristic current are used as the index to a novel faulty line selection criterion. A large number of simulation experiments prove that the proposed method can accurately select the faulty line and extract weak fault signals in the environment with strong noise.
Pleomorphic Rhabdomyosarcoma Arising from True Vocal Fold of Larynx: Report of a Rare Case and Literature Review
Authors: Mungan Sevdegül , Arslan Selçuk , Küçüktülü Eda , Ersöz Şafak , Çobanoğlu Bengü
Published: September 2016

We present an extremely rare case of a pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the true vocal fold. The histopathological diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The patient was treated with radical surgery including total laryngectomy and radical neck dissection followed by postoperative radiotherapy. The clinicopathologic features of this rare malignancy are discussed together with a review of the literature. This case report and literature review highlights the more favorable prognosis of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma in the larynx than in other locations.
A Giant Renal Vein Aneurysm in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Filis Konstantinos , Galyfos George , Ketikoglou Ioannis
Published: September 2016

We present an unusual case of a 40-year-old female patient with liver cirrhosis and diffuse abdominal pain. The imaging studies revealed a huge renal vein aneurysm. The patient refused any interventional management, despite the risk of possible rupture, and after a week of mild pain therapy, she was discharged. She was followed up closely, and after one year, she remains asymptomatic. Conservative management of such patients has been described before with success. However, open repair or percutaneous thrombosis of the aneurysm remains the indicated therapy, when vein patency is an issue for organ viability.
Effects of Bufei Yishen Granules Combined with Acupoint Sticking Therapy on Pulmonary Surfactant Proteins in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Rats
Authors: Tian Yange , Li Jiansheng , Li Ya , Dong Yuqiong , Yao Fengjia , Mao Jing , Li Linlin , Wang Lili , Luo Shan , Wang Minghang
Published: September 2016

Our previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of Bufei Yishen granules combined with acupoint sticking therapy (the integrated therapy) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Dysfunction of pulmonary surfactant proteins (SPs, including SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D) may be included in pathophysiology of COPD. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of the integrated therapy on SPs. COPD rat models were established. The treatment groups received Bufei Yishen granules or acupoint sticking or their combination. Using aminophylline as a positive control drug. The levels of SPs in serum, BALF, and lung were measured. The results showed that the integrated therapy markedly reduced the levels of SPs in serum and increased these indicators in the lung. The integrated therapy was better than aminophylline in reducing the levels of SPs and was better than Bufei Yishen granules in reducing SP-A, SP-C, and SP-D in serum. The integrated therapy was better than aminophylline and Bufei Yishen granules in increasing SP-A, SP-B, and SP-D mRNA in the lung. SP-A and SP-D in BALF were positively correlated with PEF and EF50. The levels of SPs are associated with airway limitation. The beneficial effects of the integrated therapy may be involved in regulating pulmonary surfactant proteins.
A Facile Approach for the Mass Production of Submicro/Micro Poly (Lactic Acid) Fibrous Mats and Their Cytotoxicity Test towards Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Hadjizadeh Afra , Savoji Houman , Ajji Abdellah
Published: September 2016

Despite many of the studies being conducted, the electrospinning of poly (lactic acid) (PLA), dissolved in its common solvents, is difficult to be continuously processed for mass production. This is due to the polymer solution droplet drying. Besides, the poor stretching capability of the polymer solution limits the production of small diameter fibers. To address these issues, we have examined the two following objectives: first, using an appropriate solvent system for the mass production of fibrous mats with fine-tunable fiber diameters; second, nontoxicity of the mats towards Neural Stem Cell (NSC). To this aim, TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) was used as a cosolvent, in a mixture with DCM (dichloromethane), and the solution viscosity, surface tension, electrical conductivity, and the continuity of the electrospinning process were compared with the solutions prepared with common single solvents. The binary solvent facilitated PLA electrospinning, resulting in a long lasting, stable electrospinning condition, due to the low surface tension and high conductivity of the binary-solvent system. The fiber diameter was tailored from nano to micro by varying effective parameters and examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and image-processing software. Laminin-coated electrospun mats supported NSC expansion and spreading, as examined using AlamarBlue assay and fluorescent microscopy, respectively.
Training Enhances Immune Cells Mitochondrial Biosynthesis, Fission, Fusion, and Their Antioxidant Capabilities Synergistically with Dietary Docosahexaenoic Supplementation
Authors: Busquets-Cortés Carla , Capó Xavier , Martorell Miquel , Tur Josep A. , Sureda Antoni , Pons Antoni
Published: September 2016

Exercise training induces adaptations in mitochondrial metabolism, dynamics, and oxidative protection. Omega‐3 fatty acids change membrane lipid composition and modulate mitochondrial function. The aim was to investigate the effect of 8‐week training and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation (1.14 g/day) on the mitochondria dynamics and antioxidant status in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from sportsmen. Subjects were assigned to an intervention (N = 9) or placebo groups (N = 7) in a randomized double‐blind trial. Nutritional intervention significantly increased the DHA content in erythrocyte membranes from the experimental group. No significant differences were reported in terms of circulating PBMCs, Mn‐superoxide dismutase protein levels, and their capability to produce reactive oxygen species. The proteins related to mitochondrial dynamics were, in general, increased after an 8‐week training and this increase was enhanced by DHA supplementation. The content in mitofusins Mtf‐1 and Mtf‐2, optic atrophy protein‐1 (Opa‐1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) were significantly higher in the DHA‐supplemented group after intervention. Cytochrome c oxidase (COX‐IV) activity and uncoupling proteins UCP‐2 and UCP‐3 protein levels were increased after training, with higher UCP‐3 levels in the supplemented group. In conclusion, training induced mitochondrial adaptations which may contribute to improved mitochondrial function. This mitochondrial response was modulated by DHA supplementation.
Hyeonggaeyeongyo‐Tang for Treatment of Allergic and Nonallergic Rhinitis: A Prospective, Nonrandomized, Pre‐Post Study
Authors: Kim Min-Hee , Son Jaewoong , Nam Hae Jeong , Ko Seong-Gyu , Choi Inhwa
Published: September 2016

Hyeonggaeyeongyo‐tang (HYT) is an ancient formula of oriental medicine traditionally used to treat rhinitis; however, clinical evidence has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to investigate the short‐term and long‐term efficacy and safety of HYT for chronic rhinitis. Adult subjects with chronic rhinitis symptoms were recruited. The subjects received HYT for 4 weeks and had follow‐up period of 8 weeks. Any medicines used to treat nasal symptoms were not permitted during the study. The skin prick test was performed to distinguish the subjects with allergic rhinitis from those with nonallergic rhinitis. After treatment, the total nasal symptoms score and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score significantly improved in the whole subject group, in the allergic rhinitis group, and in the nonallergic rhinitis group, with no adverse events. This improvement lasted during a follow‐up period of 8 weeks. Total IgE and eosinophil levels showed no significant difference after treatment in the allergic rhinitis group. HYT improved nasal symptoms and quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis. This is the first clinical study to evaluate the use of HYT to treat patients with rhinitis. This trial has been registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02477293.
Insights from lncRNAs Profiling of MIN6 Beta Cells Undergoing Inflammation
Authors: Sun Chuntao , Xue Lihua , Zhu Ziyang , Zhang Fan , Yang Ruixue , Yuan Xuewen , Jia Zhanjun , Liu Qianqi
Published: September 2016

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by chronic and progressive apoptotic destruction of pancreatic beta cells. During the initial phases of T1DM, cytokines and other inflammatory mediators released by immune cells progressively infiltrate islet cells, induce alterations in gene expression, provoke functional impairment, and ultimately lead to apoptosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a new important class of pervasive genes that have a variety of biological functions and play key roles in many diseases. However, whether they have a function in cytokine-induced beta cell apoptosis is still uncertain. In this study, lncRNA microarray technology was used to identify the differently expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in MIN6 cells exposed to proinflammatory cytokines. Four hundred forty-four upregulated and 279 downregulated lncRNAs were detected with a set filter fold-change ≧2.0. To elucidate the potential functions of these lncRNAs, Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway analyses were used to evaluate the potential functions of differentially expressed lncRNAs. Additionally, a lncRNA-mRNA coexpression network was constructed to predict the interactions between the most strikingly regulated lncRNAs and mRNAs. This study may be utilized as a background or reference resource for future functional studies on lncRNAs related to the diagnosis and development of new therapies for T1DM.
Sensitivity Studies and Parameters Identification for Noisy 3D Moving AWJM Model
Authors: Auroux Didier , Groza Vladimir
Published: September 2016

This work focuses on the identification of optimal model parameters related to Abrasive Waterjet Milling (AWJM) process. The evenly movement as well as variations of the jet feed speed was taken into account and studied in terms of 3D time dependent AWJM model. This gives us the opportunity to predict the shape of the milled trench surfaces. The required trench profile could be obtained with high precision in lack of knowledge about the model parameters and based only on the experimental measurements. We use the adjoint approach to identify the AWJM model parameters. The complexity of inverse problem paired with significant amount of unknowns makes it reasonable to use automatic differentiation software to obtain the adjoint statement. The interest in investigating this problem is caused by needs of industrial milling applications to predict the behavior of the process. This study proposes the possibility of identifying the AWJM model parameters with sufficiently high accuracy and predicting the shapes formation relying on self-generated data or on experimental measurements for both evenly jets movement and arbitrary changes of feed speed. We provide the results acceptable in the production and estimate the suitable parameters taking into account different types of model and measurement errors.
Effect of Purified Mushroom Tyrosinase on Melanin Content and Melanogenic Protein Expression
Authors: Zaidi Kamal Uddin , Ali Sharique A. , Ali Ayesha S.
Published: September 2016

In mammalian melanocytes, melanosome is a highly specialized organelle where melanin is synthesized. Melanin synthesis is controlled by tyrosinase, the vital enzyme in melanogenic pathway. The present investigation is based on an effect of purified mushroom tyrosinase ofAgaricus bisporuson B16F10 melanocytes for the melanin production via blocking pigment cell machinery. Using B16F10 melanocytes showed that the stimulation of melanogenesis by purified tyrosinase is due to increased tyrosinase absorption. Cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin content in B16F10 melanocytes were increased by purified tyrosinase in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that cellular tyrosinase levels were enhanced after treatment with purified tyrosinase for 48 hours. Furthermore, tyrosinase induced phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB) in a dose-dependent manner. The purified tyrosinase-mediated increase of tyrosinase activity was significantly attenuated by H89, LY294002, Ro-32-0432, and PD98059, cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitors. The results indicate that purified tyrosinase can be used as contestant for the treatment of vitiligous skin conditions.
Bispectral Index Monitoring Reduces the Dosage of Propofol and Adverse Events in Sedation for Endobronchial Ultrasound
Authors: Quesada Natividad , Júdez Diego , Martínez Ubieto Javier , Pascual Ana , Chacón Enrique , De Pablo Francisco , Mincholé Elisa , Bello Salvador
Published: September 2016

Background: Current guidelines recommend monitoring the anesthetic depth of sedation during respiratory endoscopy by using clinical scales despite their subjective nature and the potential change in the level of sedation caused by frequent stimulation. Monitoring by means of the bispectral index (BIS) has shown its utility in reducing the use of drugs and their adverse events in general anesthesia, but evidence in prolonged sedation is insufficient. Objective: Our objective was to evaluate BIS in patients undergoing endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). Methods: A randomized cohort study of 90 patients with mediastinal lymph node involvement and/or lung or mediastinal lesions for whom EBUS was indicated, comparing the modified observer's assessment of alertness/sedation scale clinical evaluation (n = 45) versus the BIS evaluation (n = 45) of sedation with propofol-remifentanil, was conducted in order to evaluate the clinical parameters, doses used, adverse events, and tolerance of the procedure. Results: We found a shorter waking time and a significantly lower dose of total propofol in the BIS group. Significantly fewer overall adverse events were recorded in the BIS group and included desaturation, hypotension, and bradypnea. Tolerance was better in the BIS group. No significant differences were found in terms of cough, memory of the procedure, or the level of difficulty of EBUS on the part of the pulmonologists. Conclusions: BIS monitoring of sedation in EBUS makes it possible to reduce the dosage of propofol, thereby shortening the waking time and reducing adverse events. This form of monitoring should be taken into consideration in the future for systematic use in prolonged sedation, as in the case of EBUS.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Contribute to Hepatic Maturation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Takagi Chisato , Yagi Hiroshi , Hieda Makiko , Tajima Kazuki , Hibi Taizo , Abe Yuta , Kitago Minoru , Shinoda Masahiro , Itano Osamu , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: September 2016

Background: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are human somatic cells that have been reprogrammed to a pluripotent state. Several methods have been used to generate hepatocyte-like cells from iPSCs. However, these hepatic cells have limited clinical application because of their immature function compared to primary hepatocytes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to inhibit apoptosis of hepatic cells and to improve hepatic regeneration in acute liver injury. Therefore, we expected that MSCs had the potential to positively contribute to the maturation of hepatic cells. Here we demonstrate the effect of MSCs on the maturation of hepatoblasts derived from human iPSCs. Methods: MSCs were isolated from human bone marrow and cultured to 70-80% confluence. MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) was collected 48 h after culture in hepatic maturation medium. Human iPSC-derived hepatoblasts were then cultured for 6 days with MSC-CM. Hepatic functions were analyzed and compared to those from cells cultured in general maturation medium. Results: Cells in both groups had a cuboidal morphology typical of hepatocytes. The proportion of Oct4-positive cells was decreased and those of albumin- and alpha-fetoprotein-positive cells were increased in the MSC-CM group. Albumin secretion and urea synthesis as well as cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 activity were enhanced in the MSC-CM group. The gene expressions of some CYP enzymes were upregulated as demonstrated by RT-PCR. Conclusion: Secreted molecules from human MSCs could enhance the hepatic function of human iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells. Although more technological innovations are needed, MSC-CM will be useful as a novel efficient strategy for clinically relevant hepatic cell maturation.
Association between Fetal Cerebral Ventriculomegaly and Platelet Alloimmunisation
Authors: Martillotti Gabriella , Rypens Francoise , David Michele , Catalfamo Nancy , Dubé Johanne , Taillefer Catherine , Lachance Christian , Audibert François
Published: September 2016

Introduction: Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a rare condition that may lead to intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in the fetus or neonate. Platelet alloimmunisation causing FNAIT has been described in association with fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly (VM), presumably due to subclinical ICH. The objective of this study was to assess the association between fetal VM and platelet alloimmunisation. Methods: This is a case series of pregnancies with fetal VM screened for platelet alloantibodies from 2003 to 2012. Cases of multiple pregnancies, structural anomalies, aneuploidies, or congenital infection were excluded. Results: Of 45 pregnancies with fetal VM that were screened for platelet alloantibodies, 5 (11%) were positive. There was only one antenatal ICH, with confirmed fetal severe thrombocytopenia before termination of pregnancy. The other cases were treated with intravenous immunoglobulins without prior fetal blood sampling. No other case of neonatal thrombocytopenia was confirmed. Conclusions: The prevalence of platelet alloimmunisation was high in this series of fetal VM. Prospective large studies are needed to confirm the role of platelet alloimmunisation in fetal VM.
Advances in Understanding and Management of Residual Renal Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Liu Xin , Dai Chunsun
Published: September 2016

Background: Residual renal function (RRF), defined as the ability of native kidneys to eliminate water and uremic toxins, is closely correlated with mortality and morbidity rates among patients receiving either peritoneal dialysis (PD) or hemodialysis (HD) via continuous clearance of middle-sized molecules and protein-bound solutes. Therefore, preserving RRF is considered to be one of the primary goals in managing patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Summary and Key Messages: In this article, we provide a review on the understanding and management of RRF in patients on dialysis. RRF may be estimated and measured by calculating the mean 24-hour urine creatinine level and urea clearance. Currently, several middle-sized molecules are reported but rarely used in practice. Many risk factors such as original renal diseases, dietary intake, and nephrotoxic agents impair RRF. Targeting such factors may halt the decline in RRF and offer better outcomes for patients on PD or HD. Except for in PD patients, RRF is a powerful predictor of survival in HD patients. RRF requires more clinical and research attention in the care of patients with ESRD on dialysis.
Um olhar arqueológico da Saúde Pública brasileira
Authors: Borges Camila Furlanetti , Baptista Tatiana Wargas de Faria , Mattos Ruben Araujo de
Published: September 2016

Realizou-se análise arqueológica de artigos da saúde publicados entre 1950-1980 descrevendo enunciados e regularidades a partir de 4 âmbitos: tempo, espaço, desenvolvimento e Estado. Dois modos discursivos foram identificados: Em Nome da Nação e Pró-Desenvolvimentismo. O primeiro não enunciava reivindicação de direitos e o segundo relaciona direito, saúde e desenvolvimento com a delimitação do Estado e das ações de relevância pública. Aponta-se para a necessidade de investigar as estratégias discursivas da saúde a partir dos anos 1980, atentando especialmente para funcionamentos discursivos dos enunciados sobre direito e desenvolvimento, pois talvez tenha ocorrido uma inflexão na própria noção de direito como igualdade entre os cidadãos.