bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconfiguration of Transcriptional Control of Lysine Biosynthesis in Candida albicans Involves a Central Role for the Gcn4 Transcriptional Activator
Authors: Priyadarshini Yumnam , Natarajan Krishnamurthy
Published: January 2016

Microbes evolve rapidly so as to reconfigure their gene expression to adapt to the metabolic demands in diverse environmental niches. Here, we explored how conditions of nutrient deprivation regulate lysine biosynthesis in the human fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
. We show that although both
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and
C. albicans
respond to lysine deprivation by transcriptional upregulation of lysine biosynthesis, the regulatory factors required for this control have been reconfigured in these species. We found that Gcn4 is an essential and direct transcriptional regulator of the expression of lysine biosynthetic genes under lysine starvation conditions in
C. albicans
. Our results therefore suggest that the regulation of the lysine biosynthetic pathway in
Candida
clade genomes involves gain of function by the master transcriptional regulator Gcn4, coincident with the neofunctionalization of the
S. cerevisiae
pathway-specific regulator Lys14.
Protocol for the CONVERT trial—Concurrent ONce-daily VErsus twice-daily RadioTherapy: an international 2-arm randomised controlled trial of concurrent chemoradiotherapy comparing twice-daily and once-daily radiotherapy schedules in patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) and good performance status
Authors: Faivre-Finn Corinne , Falk Sally , Ashcroft Linda , Bewley Michelle , Lorigan Paul , Wilson Elena , Groom Nicki , Snee Michael , Fournel Pierre , Cardenal Felipe , Bezjak Andrea , Blackhall Fiona
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Concurrent ONce-daily VErsus twice-daily RadioTherapy (CONVERT) is the only multicentre, international, randomised, phase III trial open in Europe and Canada looking at optimisation of chemoradiotherapy (RT) in limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC). Following on from the Turrisi trial of once-daily versus twice-daily (BD) concurrent chemoradiotherapy, there is a real need for a new phase III trial using modern conformal RT techniques and investigating higher once-daily radiation dose. This trial has the potential to define a new standard chemo-RT regimen for patients with LS-SCLC and good performance status.

Methods and analysis

447 patients with histologically or cytologically proven diagnosis of SCLC were recruited from 74 centres in eight countries between 2008 and 2013. Patients were randomised to receive either concurrent twice-daily RT(45 Gy in 30 twice-daily fractions over 3 weeks) or concurrent once-daily RT(66 Gy in 33 once-daily fractions over 6.5 weeks) both starting on day 22 of cycle 1. Patients are followed up until death. The primary end point of the study is overall survival and secondary end points include local progression-free survival, metastasis-free survival, acute and late toxicity based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events V.3.0, chemotherapy and RTdose intensity.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial received ethical approval from NRES Committee North West—Greater Manchester Central (07/H1008/229). There is a trial steering committee, including independent members and an independent data monitoring committee. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN91927162; Pre-results.
Diagnostic accuracy of haemoglobin colour strip (HCS-HLL), a digital haemoglobinometer (TrueHb) and a non-invasive device (TouchHb) for screening patients with anaemia
Authors: Neogi Sutapa Bandyopadhyay , Negandhi Himanshu , Kar Rakhee , Bhattacharya Maitrayee , Sen Rajeev , Varma Neelam , Bharti Priyanka , Sharma Jyoti , Bhushan Himanshu , Zodpey Sanjay , Saxena Renu
Published: January 2016

Aim

Estimation of haemoglobin (Hb) remains a challenge, particularly in outreach settings. There is a need to have a simple and cost-effective device to detect anaemia. Three devices (haemoglobin colour scale (HCS)-HLL (Hindustan Lifecare Limited), TrueHb V.1.1, TouchHb Alpha 1.1- non-invasive) have been developed in India recently. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of these tests (index) for the screening of anaemia against haematological autoanalyzer (reference).

Methods

The study was conducted in four medical colleges of India. All consenting adult patients (>18 years of age) undergoing routine investigations were included. Each patient underwent the reference test and at least one index test. Outcome assessors for the index tests were blinded to the results of the reference test. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated using cut-offs proposed by WHO.

Results

A total of 5244 patients underwent the reference test while HCS-HLL, TrueHb and TouchHb tests were conducted on 2745, 2331 and 2874 patients respectively. The positive likelihood ratio of HCS-HLL using capillary blood (1.2), venous blood (1.7) and TouchHb (1.5) was lower than TrueHb capillary (3.7; 95% CI 3.3 to 4.2) and venous blood (5.7; 95% CI 4.9 to 6.6). TrueHb had a sensitivity of 74.4% (95% CI 71.9% to 76.8%) for venous and 82.0% (95% CI 79.8% to 89.2%) for capillary samples. The specificity was high (>75.0%). The area under receiver operating characteristic was close to 80.0%. Consistent results were seen for detection of severe anaemia.

Conclusions

The digital method (TrueHb) emerged as a better diagnostic method for screening anaemia. Its effectiveness should be established in outreach settings before further recommendation.
Novel model of direct and indirect cost–benefit analysis of mechanical embolectomy over IV tPA for large vessel occlusions: a real-world dollar analysis based on improvements in mRS
Authors: Mangla Sundeep , O'Connell Keara , Kumari Divya , Shahrzad Maryam
Published: January 2016

Background

Ischemic strokes result in significant healthcare expenditures (direct costs) and loss of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) (indirect costs). Interventional therapy has demonstrated improved functional outcomes in patients with large vessel occlusions (LVOs), which are likely to reduce the economic burden of strokes.

Objective

To develop a novel real-world dollar model to assess the direct and indirect cost–benefit of mechanical embolectomy compared with medical treatment with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) based on shifts in modified Rankin scores (mRS).

Method

A cost model was developed including multiple parameters to account for both direct and indirect stroke costs. These were adjusted based upon functional outcome (mRS). The model compared IV tPA with mechanical embolectomy to assess the costs and benefits of both therapies. Direct stroke-related costs included hospitalization, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, home care, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care facility costs. Indirect costs included years of life expectancy lost and lost QALYs. Values for the model cost parameters were derived from numerous resources and functional outcomes were derived from the MR CLEAN study as a reflective sample of LVOs. Direct and indirect costs and benefits for the two treatments were assessed using Microsoft Excel 2013.

Results

This cost–benefit model found a cost–benefit of mechanical embolectomy over IV tPA of $163 624.27 per patient and the cost benefit for 50 000 patients on an annual basis is $8 181 213 653.77.

Conclusions

If applied widely within the USA, mechanical embolectomy will significantly reduce the direct and indirect financial burden of stroke ($8 billion/50 000 patients).
Inter-rater reliability of published flow diversion occlusion scales
Authors: Mazur Marcus D , Taussky Philipp , Shah Lubdha M , Winegar Blair , Park Min S
Published: January 2016

Background

With increasing use of flow-diverting stents for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, standardized methods and a common language to evaluate angiographic outcomes are needed. Multiple grading scales have been developed for this purpose but none has been widely adopted.

Objective

To analyze these scales to determine interobserver reliability.

Methods

Four independent assessors scored the intraprocedural angiograms of patients who underwent flow-diverting stent deployment for an intracranial saccular or fusiform aneurysm at our institution between October 2012 and June 2015. Angiographic outcome immediately after flow-diverting stent deployment was scored using three grading scales (Kamran–Byrne (KB), Simple Measurement of Aneurysm Residual after Treatment (SMART), and O'Kelley, Krings, Marotta (OKM)). Statistical analysis was performed using Light's κ for multiple raters (κ), Kendall's coefficient of concordance (W), and intraclass correlation (ICC).

Results

We included the angiograms of 50 consecutive patients (mean age 58 years, range 30–79) who underwent flow-diverting stent deployment for an intracranial aneurysm (40 saccular, 10 fusiform). Six aneurysms were located in the posterior circulation. The inter-rater reliability was typically poor or fair: SMART aneurysm filling (κ=0.30, W=0.36, ICC=0.12), SMART parent vessel stenosis (κ=0.07, W=0.33, ICC=0.12), KB axis I (κ=0.24, W=0.50, ICC=0.25), KB axis II (κ=0.07, W=0.30, ICC=0.06), OKM aneurysm filling (κ=0.23, W=0.45, ICC=0.13), OKM contrast stasis (κ=0.36,W=0.71, ICC=0.54).

Conclusions

Existing flow-diverting stent grading scales have low inter-rater reliability for most categories.
Predicting fracture risk in osteoporosis: the use of fracture prediction tools in an osteoporosis clinic population
Authors: Aw Darren , Thain Jennifer , Ali Aamer , Aung Thanda , Chua Wei Mei , Sahota Opinder , Weerasuriya Namal , Marshall Lindsey , Kearney Fiona , Masud Tahir
Published: January 2016

Background

In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends either fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) or QFracture to estimate the 10 year fracture risk of individuals. However, it is not known how these tools compare in determining risk and subsequent treatment using set intervention thresholds or guidelines.

Methods

The 10 year major osteoporotic (MO) and hip (HI) fracture risks were calculated for 100 women attending osteoporosis clinic in 2010 using FRAX and QFracture, and subsequent agreement to treatment between the tools was looked at using National Osteoporosis Foundation and National Bone Health Alliance thresholds (FRAX-20/3 and QFracture 20/3). We also looked at using these thresholds for QFracture and comparing them with the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG) guidelines for FRAX (FRAX-NOGG).

Results

The 10 year risk for MO fracture for FRAX was 17.0% (IQR 10.8–24.0) and that of QFracture was 15.8% (IQR 9.5–27.7) (p=0.732). The 10 year risk for HI fracture for FRAX was 5.0% (IQR 2.1–8.9) and that of QFracture was 8.1% (IQR 2.5–21.6) (p<0.001). The agreement between FRAX-20/3 and QFracture-20/3 was greater than the agreement between FRAX-20/3 and FRAX-NOGG or QFracture-20/3 and FRAX-NOGG.

Conclusions

The calculated 10 year risk for MO fracture between FRAX and QFracture was similar, whereas that of HI fracture was significantly different. The agreement to treatment between QFracture-20/3 and FRAX-NOGG was only 45%. Treatment decisions can differ depending on the fracture calculation tool used when coupled with certain intervention thresholds or guidelines.
Optimisation of the zinc sulphate turbidity test for the determination of immune status
Authors: Hogan I. , Doherty M. , Fagan J. , Kennedy E. , Conneely M. , Crowe B. , Lorenz I.
Published: January 2016

Failure of passive transfer of maternal immunity occurs in calves that fail to absorb sufficient immunoglobulins from ingested colostrum. The zinc sulphate turbidity test has been developed to test bovine neonates for this failure. The specificity of this test has been shown to be less than ideal. The objective was to examine how parameters of the zinc sulphate turbidity test may be manipulated in order to improve its diagnostic accuracy. One hundred and five blood samples were taken from calves of dairy cows receiving various rates of colostrum feeding. The zinc sulphate turbidity test was carried out multiple times on each sample, varying the solution strength, time of reaction and wavelength of light used and the results compared with those of a radial immunodiffusion test, which is the reference method for measuring immunoglobulin concentration in serum. Reducing the time over which the reaction occurs, or increasing the wavelength of light used to read the turbidity, resulted in decreased specificity without improving sensitivity. Increasing the concentration of the zinc sulphate solution used in the test was shown to improve the specificity without decreasing sensitivity. Examination of the cut‐off points suggested that a lower cut‐off point would improve the performance.
New results in searching for axions by astronomical methods
Authors: Gnedin Yu. N. , Piotrovich M. Yu.
Published: January 2016

We discuss the astronomical methods of searching for light Goldstone bosons (axions and arions). The basic idea is to use processes of coupling between axions and photons: a) the axion decay into two photons; b) the transformation process of photons into axions (arions) in the magnetic fields of stars and also of interstellar and intergalactic media; c) the inverse process of transformations of axions (arions) which are generated into cores of stars into X-ray photons. The decaying axions affect upon the diffuse extragalactic background radiation, the brightness of the night sky and especially on the intergalactic light of clusters of galaxies due to generation of the axion radiative decay emission line. The processes (b) and (c) are strongly dependent on polarization state of photon and may produce a noticeable amount of linear polarization.
Quantum field theory of the Casimir force for graphene
Authors: Klimchitskaya G. L.
Published: January 2016

We present theoretical description of the Casimir interaction in graphene systems which is based on the Lifshitz theory of dispersion forces and the formalism of the polarization tensor in (2+1)-dimensional space-time. The representation for the polarization tensor of graphene allowing the analytic continuation to the whole plane of complex frequencies is given. This representation is used to obtain simple asymptotic expressions for the reflection coefficients at all Matsubara frequencies and to investigate the origin of large thermal effect in the Casimir force for graphene. The developed theory is shown to be in a good agreement with the experimental data on measuring the gradient of the Casimir force between a Au-coated sphere and a graphene-coated substrate. The possibility to observe the thermal effect for graphene due to a minor modification of the already existing experimental setup is demonstrated.
The Casimir effect for planar layered system
Authors: Kashapov R. , Khusnutdinov N. , Woods L. M.
Published: January 2016

We consider the Casimir energy and force for stack of the N conductive planes at zero temperature. The Casimir-Polder force for an atom near this stack is calculated, too. We derive general expressions and make analysis for the case of ideal metal. In all considered cases the finite conductivity plays important role for the Casimir effect.
The large-scale geometry of locally compact solvable groups
Authors: Tessera Romain
Published: January 2016

This short survey deals with the large-scale geometry of solvable groups. Instead of giving a global overview of this wide subject, we chose to focus on three aspects which illustrate the broad diversity of methods employed in this subject. The first one has probabilistic and analytic flavors, the second is related to cohomological properties of unitary representations, while the third one deals with the Dehn function. To keep the exposition concrete, we discuss lots of examples, mostly among solvable linear groups.
ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF FRACTAL SQUARES
Authors: LUO JUN JASON , LIU JING-CHENG
Published: January 2016

In the previous paper [K. S. Lau, J. J. Luo and H. Rao, Topological structure of fractal squares, Math. Proc. Camb. Phil. Soc. 155 (2013) 73–86], Lau, Luo and Rao completely classified the topological structure of so called fractal square [Formula: see text] defined by [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we further provide simple criteria for the [Formula: see text] to be totally disconnected, then we discuss the Lipschitz classification of [Formula: see text] in the case [Formula: see text], which is an attempt to consider non-totally disconnected sets.
SURFACE Nb-ALLOYING ON 0.4C–13Cr STAINLESS STEEL: MICROSTRUCTURE AND TRIBOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR
Authors: YU SHENGWANG , YOU KAI , LIU XIAOZHEN , ZHANG YIHUI , WANG ZHENXIA , LIU XIAOPING
Published: January 2016

0.4C–13Cr stainless steel was alloyed with niobium using double glow plasma surface alloying and tribological properties of Nb-alloyed steel such as hardness, friction and wear were measured. Effects of the alloying temperature on microstructure and the tribological behavior of the alloyed steel were investigated compared with untreated steel. Formation mechanisms of Nb-alloyed layers and increased wear resistance were also studied. The result shows that after surface Nb-alloying treatment, the 0.4C–13Cr steel exhibits a diffusion adhesion at the alloyed layer/substrate interface and improved tribological property. The friction coefficient of Nb-alloyed steel is decreased by about 0.3–0.45 and the wear rate after Nb-alloying is only 2–5% of untreated steel.
Engel words in alternating groups
Authors: Carracedo Jorge Martínez
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we prove that every element in the alternating group [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text], can be written as a product of at most two Engel words of arbitrary length.
Modeling Group Perceptions Using Stochastic Simulation: Scaling Issues in the Multiplicative AHP
Authors: Barfod Michael Bruhn , van den Honert Robin , Salling Kim Bang
Published: January 2016

This paper proposes a new decision support approach for applying stochastic simulation to the multiplicative analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in order to deal with issues concerning the scale parameter. The paper suggests a new approach that captures the influence from the scale parameter by making use of probability distributions. Herein, the uncertainty both with regard to the scale and the inherent randomness from the parameter is captured by probabilistic input and output distributions. Provided that each alternative and criteria under consideration are independent it is assumed that the embedded uncertainty from the progression factors remains the same. The result is then an interval estimate for each alternative’s final scores. This can lead to overlapping intervals of scores which may be interpreted as possible rank reversals. Thus, the decision support approach makes it possible to calculate the probability of overlapping for any given set of pairwise comparisons.
A note on classification of teleparallel conformal symmetries in non-static plane symmetric space-times in the teleparallel theory of gravitation using diagonal tetrads
Authors: Shabbir Ghulam , Khan Alamgeer , Amer Qureshi M. , Kara A. H.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we explore teleparallel conformal vector fields in non-static plane symmetric space-times in the teleparallel theory of gravitation using the direct integration technique and diagonal tetrads. This study will also cover the static plane symmetric space-times as well. In the teleparallel theory curvature of the non-static plane symmetric space-times is zero and the presence of torsion allows more symmetries. In this study after solving the integrabilty conditions it turns out that the dimension of teleparallel conformal vector fields are 5, 6, 7 or 8.
Character sums, Gaussian hypergeometric series, and a family of hyperelliptic curves
Authors: Sadek Mohammad
Published: January 2016

We study the character sums [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the quadratic character defined over [Formula: see text]. These sums are expressed in terms of Gaussian hypergeometric series over [Formula: see text]. Then we use these expressions to exhibit the number of [Formula: see text]-rational points on families of hyperelliptic curves and their Jacobian varieties.
A local–global principle in the dynamics of quadratic polynomials
Authors: Krumm David
Published: January 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a number field, [Formula: see text] a quadratic polynomial, and [Formula: see text]. We show that if [Formula: see text] has a point of period [Formula: see text] in every non-archimedean completion of [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] has a point of period [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text] we show that there exist at most finitely many linear conjugacy classes of quadratic polynomials over [Formula: see text] for which this local–global principle fails. By considering a stronger form of this principle, we strengthen global results obtained by Morton and Flynn–Poonen–Schaefer in the case [Formula: see text]. More precisely, we show that for every quadratic polynomial [Formula: see text] there exist infinitely many primes [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] does not have a point of period four in the [Formula: see text]-adic field [Formula: see text]. Conditional on knowing all rational points on a particular curve of genus 11, the same result is proved for points of period five.
Malcev product of superabundant semigroups and its subsemigroups
Authors: Ren X. M. , Xue J. , Shum K. P.
Published: January 2016

We use Malcev product of semigroups satisfying some axiomatic conditions to describe the structure of superabundant semigroups and some of its subclasses. Some characterization theorems of these kinds of semigroups are given.
Recursion formulas for Srivastava’s general triple hypergeometric function
Authors: Sahai Vivek , Verma Ashish
Published: January 2016

This paper continues the study of recursion formulas of multivariable hypergeometric functions. In [Recursion formulas for multivariable hypergeometric functions, Asian-Eur. J. Math. 8(4) (2015) Article ID: 1550082, 50 pp.], the authors have given the recursion formulas for three-variable Lauricella functions, three Srivastava’s triple hypergeometric functions and four [Formula: see text]-variable Lauricella functions. We present here the recursion formulas for the general triple hypergeometric function.
Addition of sulfonated silicon dioxide on an anode catalyst layer to improve the performance of a self-humidifying proton exchange membrane fuel cell
Authors: Lin Chien-Liang , Hsu Shih-Chieh , Ho Wei-Yu
Published: January 2016

Sulfonated SiO2 was added on an anode catalyst layer to manufacture a hygroscopic electrode for self-humidifying proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The inherent humidity of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) determines the electrical performance of PEMFCs. To maintain the high moisture content of the PEM, self-humidifying PEMFCs can use the water produced by the fuel cell reaction and, thus, do not require external humidification. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and water contact angle measurement tests were performed to characterize the structures and properties of sulfonated SiO2 and the related electrodes, and the electric current and voltage (I–V) performance curve tests for the fuel cells were conducted under differing gas humidification conditions. When 0.01[Formula: see text]mg/cm2 of sulfonated SiO2 was added, the electrical performance of the fuel cells (50[Formula: see text]C) increased 29% and 59% when the fuel cell reaction gases were humidified at 70[Formula: see text]C and 50[Formula: see text]C, respectively.
The generalization of rooks problem and quasi-determinant of matrices
Authors: Borna Keivan
Published: January 2016

The rooks problem on a rectangular board is studied in this paper. Inspiring from the rook polynomials, the concept of determinant of square matrices is extended suitably to non-square matrices. We also provide some applications for quasi-determinant of non-square matrices. Furthermore, our algorithms for the rooks problem on a rectangular board and the quasi-determinant of non-square matrices are presented.
Edge pair sum labeling of some cartesian product of graphs
Authors: Jeyanthi P. , Saratha Devi T.
Published: January 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a [Formula: see text] graph. An injective map [Formula: see text] is said to be an edge pair sum labeling if the induced vertex function [Formula: see text] defined by [Formula: see text] is one-to-one where [Formula: see text] denotes the set of edges in [Formula: see text] that are incident with the vertex [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is either of the form [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] accordingly as [Formula: see text] is even or odd. A graph with an edge pair sum labeling is called an edge pair sum graph. In this paper, we prove that the graphs [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], book graph and [Formula: see text] admit edge pair sum labeling.
Cerebellar role in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Mirdamadi Jasmine L.
Published: January 2016

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder associated with motor and cognitive impairments. The mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology and treatments have traditionally focused on basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical pathways due to striatal dopamine loss, but more recent evidence has highlighted the role of the cerebellum. In this Neuro Forum article, I review evidence from neuroimaging and noninvasive brain stimulation that demonstrates altered cerebellar activity in PD may be both a pathophysiological and compensatory mechanism depending on dopaminergic medication and symptoms.
Vortex-Induced Vibration of a Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Song M. T. , Cao D. Q. , Zhu W. D.
Published: January 2016

The dynamic response of a cable-stayed bridge that consists of a simply supported four-cable-stayed deck beam and two rigid towers, subjected to a distributed vortex shedding force on the deck beam with a uniform rectangular cross section, is studied in this work. The cable-stayed bridge is modeled as a continuous system, and the distributed vortex shedding force on the deck beam is modeled using Ehsan-Scanlan’s model. Orthogonality conditions of exact mode shapes of the linearized undamped cable-stayed bridge model are employed to convert coupled governing partial differential equations of the original cable-stayed bridge model with damping to a set of ordinary differential equations by using Galerkin method. The dynamic response of the cable-stayed bridge is calculated using Runge-Kutta-Felhberg method in MATLAB for two cases with and without geometric nonlinear terms. Convergence of the dynamic response from Galerkin method is investigated. Numerical results show that the geometric nonlinearities of stay cables have significant influence on vortex-induced vibration of the cable-stayed bridge. There are different limit cycles in the case of neglecting the geometric nonlinear terms, and there are only one limit cycle and chaotic responses in the case of considering the geometric nonlinear terms.
Pulmonary Embolism Originating from a Hepatic Hydatid Cyst Ruptured into the Inferior Vena Cava: CT and MRI Findings
Authors: Poyraz Necdet , Demirbaş Soner , Korkmaz Celalettin , Uzun Kürşat
Published: January 2016

Pulmonary embolism due to hydatid cysts is a very rare clinical entity. Hydatid pulmonary embolism can be distinguished from other causes of pulmonary embolism with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI especially displays the cystic nature of lesions better than CECT. Here we report a 45-year-old male patient with the pulmonary embolism due to ruptured hydatid liver cyst into the inferior vena cava.
Osteoclasts Are Required for Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell Mobilization but Not for Stress Erythropoiesis inPlasmodium chabaudi adamiMurine Malaria
Authors: Roméro Hugo , Warburton Christopher , Sanchez-Dardon Jaime , Scorza Tatiana
Published: January 2016

The anemia and inflammation concurrent with blood stage malaria trigger stress haematopoiesis and erythropoiesis. The activity of osteoclasts seems required for the mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) from the bone marrow to the periphery. Knowing that BALB/c mice with acutePlasmodium chabaudi adamimalaria have profound alterations in bone remodelling cells, we evaluated the extent to which osteoclasts influence their hematopoietic response to infection. For this, mice were treated with osteoclast inhibiting hormone calcitonin prior to parasite inoculation, and infection as well as hematological parameters was studied. In agreement with osteoclast-dependent HSPC mobilization, administration of calcitonin led to milder splenomegaly, reduced numbers of HSPC in the spleen, and their retention in the bone marrow. Although C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) levels, indicative of bone resorption, were lower in calcitonin-treated infected mice, they remained comparable in naive and control infected mice. Calcitonin-treated infected mice conveniently responded to anemia but generated less numbers of splenic macrophages and suffered from exacerbated infection; interestingly, calcitonin also decreased the number of macrophages generatedin vitro. Globally, our results indicate that although osteoclast-dependent HSC mobilization from bone marrow to spleen is triggered in murine blood stage malaria, this activity is not essential for stress erythropoiesis.
Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Ratio Is Improved When Using a Digital, Nonmydriatic Fundus Camera Onsite in a Diabetes Outpatient Clinic
Authors: Roser Pia , Kalscheuer Hannes , Groener Jan B. , Lehnhoff Daniel , Klein Roman , Auffarth Gerd U. , Nawroth Peter P. , Schuett Florian , Rudofsky Gottfried
Published: January 2016

Objective. To evaluate the effect of onsite screening with a nonmydriatic, digital fundus camera for diabetic retinopathy (DR) at a diabetes outpatient clinic.Research Design and Methods. This cross-sectional study included 502 patients, 112 with type 1 and 390 with type 2 diabetes. Patients attended screenings for microvascular complications, including diabetic nephropathy (DN), diabetic polyneuropathy (DP), and DR. Single-field retinal imaging with a digital, nonmydriatic fundus camera was used to assess DR. Prevalence and incidence of microvascular complications were analyzed and the ratio of newly diagnosed to preexisting complications for all entities was calculated in order to differentiate natural progress from missed DRs.Results. For both types of diabetes, prevalence of DR was 25.0% (n=126) and incidence 6.4% (n=32) (T1DM versus T2DM: prevalence: 35.7% versus 22.1%, incidence 5.4% versus 6.7%). 25.4% of all DRs were newly diagnosed. Furthermore, the ratio of newly diagnosed to preexisting DR was higher than those for DN (p=0.12) and DP (p=0.03) representing at least 13 patients with missed DR.Conclusions. The results indicate that implementing nonmydriatic, digital fundus imaging in a diabetes outpatient clinic can contribute to improved early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy.
Characterization of a Hyperthermostable Alkaline Lipase fromBacillus sonorensis4R
Authors: Bhosale Hemlata , Shaheen Uzma , Kadam Tukaram
Published: January 2016

Hyperthermostable alkaline lipase fromBacillus sonorensis4R was purified and characterized. The enzyme production was carried out at 80°C and 9.0 pH in glucose-tween inorganic salt broth under static conditions for 96 h. Lipase was purified by anion exchange chromatography by 12.15 fold with a yield of 1.98%. The molecular weight of lipase was found to be 21.87 KDa by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme activity was optimal at 80°C witht1/2of 150 min and at 90°C, 100°C, 110°C, and 120°C; the respective values were 121.59 min, 90.01 min, 70.01 min, and 50 min. The enzyme was highly activated by Mg andt1/2values at 80°C were increased from 150 min to 180 min when magnesium and mannitol were added in combination. The activation energy calculated from Arrhenius plot was 31.102 KJ/mol. At 80–120°C, values ofΔHandΔGwere in the range of 28.16–27.83 KJ/mol and 102.79 KJ/mol to 111.66 KJ/mol, respectively. Lipase activity was highest at 9.0 pH and stable for 2 hours at this pH at 80°C. Pretreatment of lipase with MgSO4and CaSO4stimulated enzyme activity by 249.94% and 30.2%, respectively. The enzyme activity was greatly reduced by CoCl2, CdCl2, HgCl2, CuCl2, Pb(NO3)2, PMSF, orlistat, oleic acid, iodine, EDTA, and urea.
An In Vivo Confocal Microscopic Study of Corneal Nerve Morphology in Unilateral Keratoconus
Authors: Pahuja Natasha Kishore , Shetty Rohit , Nuijts Rudy M. M. A. , Agrawal Aarti , Ghosh Arkasubhra , Jayadev Chaitra , Nagaraja Harsha
Published: January 2016

Purpose.To study the corneal nerve morphology and its importance in unilateral keratoconus.Materials and Methods.In this prospective cross-sectional study, 33 eyes of 33 patients with keratoconus in one eye (Group 3) were compared with the other normal eye of the same patients (Group 2) and 30 eyes of healthy patients (Group 1). All patients underwent detailed ophthalmic examination followed by topography with Pentacam HR and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). Five images obtained with IVCM were analyzed using an automated CCmetrics software version 1.0 for changes in subbasal plexus of nerves.Results.Intergroup comparison showed statistically significant reduction in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) and length (CNFL) in Group 3 as compared to Group 1 (p<0.001andp=0.001, resp.) and Group 2 (p=0.01andp=0.02, resp.). Though corneal nerve fiber length, diameter, area, width, corneal nerve branch density, and corneal total branch density were found to be higher in decentered cones, only the corneal nerve branch density (CNBD) was found to be statistically significant (p<0.01) as compared to centered cones.Conclusion.Quantitative changes in the corneal nerve morphology can be used as an imaging marker for the early diagnosis of keratoconus before the onset of refractive or topography changes.
Chemokine (C‐X‐C) Ligand 12 Facilitates Trafficking of Donor Spermatogonial Stem Cells
Authors: Niu Zhiyv , Goodyear Shaun M. , Avarbock Mary R. , Brinster Ralph L.
Published: January 2016

The chemokine (C‐X‐C) receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is an early marker of primordial germ cells (PGCs) essential for their migration and colonization of the gonads. In spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), the expression of CXCR4 is promoted by the self‐renewal factor, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Here, we demonstrate an important role of CXCR4 during donor mouse SSCs reoccupation of the endogenous niche in recipient testis. Silencing of CXCR4 expression in mouse SSCs dramatically reduced the number of donor stem cell‐derived colonies, whereas colony morphology and spermatogenesis were comparable to controls. Inhibition of CXCR4 signaling using a small molecule inhibitor (AMD3100) during the critical window of homing also significantly lowered the efficiency of donor‐derived SSCs to establish spermatogenic colonies in recipient mice; however, the self‐renewal of SSCs was not affected by exposure to AMD3100. Rather, in vitro migration assays demonstrate the influence of CXCR4‐CXCL12 signaling in promoting germ cell migration. Together, these studies suggest that CXCR4‐CXCL12 signaling functions to promote homing of SSCs towards the stem cell niche and plays a critical role in reestablishing spermatogenesis.
Numerical Simulations as Tool to Predict Chemical and Radiological Hazardous Diffusion in Case of Nonconventional Events
Authors: Ciparisse J.-F. , Malizia A. , Poggi L. A. , Cenciarelli O. , Gelfusa M. , Carestia M. C. , Di Giovanni D. , Mancinelli S. , Palombi L. , Bellecci C. , Gaudio P.
Published: January 2016

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations are widely used nowadays to predict the behaviour of fluids in pure research and in industrial applications. This approach makes it possible to get quantitatively meaningful results, often in good agreement with the experimental ones. The aim of this paper is to show how CFD calculations can help to understand the time evolution of two possible CBRNe (Chemical-Biological-Radiological-Nuclear-explosive) events: (1) hazardous dust mobilization due to the interaction between a jet of air and a metallic powder in case of a LOVA (Loss Of Vacuum Accidents) that is one of the possible accidents that can occur in experimental nuclear fusion plants; (2) toxic gas release in atmosphere. The scenario analysed in the paper has consequences similar to those expected in case of a release of dangerous substances (chemical or radioactive) in enclosed or open environment during nonconventional events (like accidents or man-made or natural disasters).
Correlates of Nine-Month Retention following Interim Buprenorphine-Naloxone Treatment in Opioid Dependence: A Pilot Study
Authors: Håkansson A. , Widinghoff C. , Abrahamsson T. , Gedeon C.
Published: January 2016

Interim medication-only treatment has been suggested for the initiation of opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) in opioid-dependent subjects, but this rarely has been studied using buprenorphine instead of methadone. Following a pilot trial assessing interim buprenorphine-naloxone treatment in order to facilitate transfer into OMT, we here aimed to study retention, and potential correlates of retention, in full-scale treatment. Thirty-six patients successfully referred from a waiting list through an interim treatment phase were followed for nine months in OMT. Baseline characteristics, as well as urine analyses during the interim phase and during full-scale OMT, were studied as potential correlates of retention. The nine-month retention in OMT was 83 percent (n=30). While interim-phase urine samples positive for benzodiazepines did not significantly predict dropout from full-scale OMT (p=0.09), urine samples positive for benzodiazepines within full-scale OMT were significantly associated with dropout (p<0.01), in contrast to other substances and baseline characteristics. Retention remained high through nine months in this pilot study sample of patients referred through buprenorphine-naloxone interim treatment, but use of benzodiazepines is problematic, and the present data suggest that it may be associated with treatment dropout.
Arm Motion Recognition and Exercise Coaching System for Remote Interaction
Authors: Zeng Hong , Hu Yidan , Fan Jin , Hu Haiyang , Gao Zhigang , Fang Qiming
Published: January 2016

Arm motion recognition and its related applications have become a promising human computer interaction modal due to the rapid integration of numerical sensors in modern mobile-phones. We implement a mobile-phone-based arm motion recognition and exercise coaching system that can help people carrying mobile-phones to do body exercising anywhere at any time, especially for the persons that have very limited spare time and are constantly traveling across cities. We first designimproved k-meansalgorithm to cluster the collecting 3-axis acceleration and gyroscope data of person actions into basic motions. A learning method based on Hidden Markov Model is then designed to classify and recognize continuous arm motions of both learners and coaches, which also measures the action similarities between the persons. We implement the system on MIUI 2S mobile-phone and evaluate the system performance and its accuracy of recognition.
High-Resolution Laser Doppler Measurements of Microcirculation in the Deep Brain Structures: A Method for Potential Vessel Tracking
Authors: Wårdell Karin , Hemm-Ode Simone , Rejmstad Peter , Zsigmond Peter
Published: January 2016

Background: Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) can be used to measure cerebral microcirculation in relation to stereotactic deep brain stimulation (DBS) implantations. Objective: To investigate the microcirculation and total light intensity (TLI) corresponding to tissue grayness in DBS target regions with high-resolution LDF recordings, and to define a resolution which enables detection of small vessels. Methods: Stereotactic LDF measurements were made prior to DBS implantation with 0.5-mm steps in the vicinity to 4 deep brain targets (STN, GPi, Vim, Zi) along 20 trajectories. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the microcirculation and TLI between targets, and the measurement resolution (0.5 vs. 1 mm). The numbers of high blood flow spots along the trajectories were calculated. Results: There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in microcirculation between the targets. High blood flow spots were present at 15 out of 510 positions, 7 along Vim and GPi trajectories, respectively. There was no statistical difference between resolutions even though both local blood flow and TLI peaks could appear at 0.5-mm steps. Conclusions: LDF can be used for online tracking of critical regions presenting blood flow and TLI peaks, possibly relating to vessel structures and thin laminas along stereotactic trajectories.
Single-Staged Improved Tubularized Preputial/Penile Skin Flap Urethroplasty for Obliterated Anterior Urethral Stricture: Long-Term Results
Authors: Xue Jing-Dong , Xie Hong , Fu Qiang , Feng Chao , Guo Hui , Xu Yue-Min
Published: January 2016

Introduction: To present an improved tubularized flap (ITF) technique and report the outcome of single-stage urethroplasty using preputial/penile skin flaps (PSFs) for the treatment of obliterative anterior urethral strictures (AUSs). Materials and Methods: From January 2000 to June 2012, 42 cases of obliterative AUS (3-14 cm, mean 6.38 cm) with urethral plate unsalvageable were treated using PSF-ITF urethroplasty including longitudinal skin flap, circular island flap, L-flap, Q-flap. Patients were divided into 3 groups: pendulous urethral stricture (Group A), bulbar urethral stricture (Group B) and panurethral strictures (Group C). Patients were followed up by uroflowmetry, urethrography and ureteroscope when necessary. Results: The mean follow-up in these patients was 65 months (range 36 months-15 years). The primary success rates at 3-year follow-up were 75, 75 and 60% for Groups A, B and C, respectively. The overall success rates were 85, 83 and 70% with the remedial measure of a single visual internal urethrotomy at 3-year follow-up. A total 60% of the patients in the study completed more than 5 years of follow-up with no additional recurrence. Conclusions: Improved tubularized preputial/PSF urethroplasty with relatively high overall satisfaction is a novel technique for treatment of AUS when there is inadequate urethral plate or obliterative defects.
Animal Models of Light Chain Deposition Disease Provide a Better Understanding of Nodular Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Herrera Guillermo A. , Turbat-Herrera Elba A. , Teng Jiamin
Published: January 2016

Background: Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is a model of glomerulosclerosis. The mature lesion of LCDD mimics nodular glomerulosclerosis in diabetic nephropathy. The pathogenetic mechanisms involved are similar in both disorders, though the causative factors are entirely different. This fact highlights the generic response of the mesangium to varied stimuli. In-vitro work has provided much insight into the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis in LCDD where the mesangium is the main target for initiation and progression of the disease. The lack of animal models has prevented the development of further therapeutic approaches to be tested in platforms such as ex-vivo and in-vivo preparing the way for human studies. Methods: Light chains (LCs) obtained from the urine of patients with renal biopsy proven LCDD were delivered to glomeruli using ex-vivo and in-vivo approaches to address whether in-vitro information could be validated in-vivo. Selected in-vitro studies were conducted to address specific issues dealing with mesangial cell (MC) differentiation and composition of extracellular matrix to add additional data to the existing vast literature. Using light, electron and scanning microscopy together with immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural immunolabeling, MCs incubated in Matrigel with LCDD LCs, as well as delivery of such LCs by perfusion via renal artery (ex-vivo) and penile dorsal vein (in-vivo) to the kidneys, validation of pathogenetic pathways previously suggested in in-vitro experiments were tested and confirmed. Results: The animal models described in this manuscript provide validation for the in-vitro data that have been previously published and expand our appreciation of the important role that caveolin-1 plays in signaling events essential for the downstream sequence of events that eventually leads to the pathological alterations centered in the mesangium characterized by an increase in matrix production and formation of mesangial nodules. Conclusions: The same findings observed in renal biopsies of patients with LCDD (mesangial expansion with increased matrix) were documented in the ex-vivo and in-vivo platforms. In-vivo understanding of the pathogenesis of mesangial glomerulosclerosis, as accomplished in the reported research, is crucial for the design of novel therapeutic approaches to treat a number of glomerulopathies with similar pathogenetic mechanisms. Inhibiting interactions between glomerulopathic LCs and MCs or interrupting the protein production/secretion pathways are potentially effective therapeutic maneuvers. The results obtained with caveolin-1 knockout mice emphasized the importance of caveolin-1 in signaling events essential to effect downstream mesangial alterations.
Economic Aspects of Morbidity Caused by Ureteral Stents
Authors: Staubli Sergej E.L. , Mordasini Livio , Engeler Daniel Stephan , Sauter Rafael , Schmid Hans-Peter , Abt Dominik
Published: January 2016

Objective: To assess the economic burden of temporary ureteral stenting. Methods: The German version of the ureteral stent symptom questionnaire was completed by 74 patients with unilateral inserted indwelling stents. Cost accounting was performed considering the costs of ureteral stents, drugs, consultation of healthcare professionals, hospitalization, stent extraction and work incapacity due to stent-related problems. Results: Total costs arising from stent-related problems amounted to US dollars (USD) 133,355, median USD 455 (113-11,948) for the entire stent indwelling time, and USD 15 (4-398) per patient per day. Costs (USD total/median (range)) arose mainly from work incapacity (104,154/0 (0-11, 498)), followed by healthcare professional consultation (9,177/0 (0-612)), drug costs (8,736/111 (0-427)), stent material (8,390/113), stent removal (2,235/0 (0-1,769)) and outpatient hospital care (663/0 (0-663)). Most patients also showed a reduced capacity for work due to symptoms associated with indwelling stents. Conclusion: The economic burden of morbidity associated with indwelling ureteral stents is considerably high and should be taken into account when performing ureteral stenting, especially in cases where it is not strictly indicated and when stent removal is scheduled.