bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversible sclerosing cholangitis with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kakisaka Keisuke , Ishida Kazuyuki , Kataoka Kojiro , Suzuki Yuji , Yanai Shunichi , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Sugai Tamotsu , Matsumoto Takayuki , Takikawa Yasuhiro
Published: July 2016

Sclerosing cholangitis (SC) with granulocytic epithelial lesion (GEL) responds well to immunosuppression therapy. We treated a 42‐year‐old Japanese female with ulcerative colitis, who was admitted for further evaluation of both an elevated alkaline phosphatase level and dilated intrahepatic bile ducts. A liver biopsy on the fourth hospital day revealed the infiltration of neutrophils into the bile duct epithelium, which was diagnosed as GEL. Because her ulcerative colitis was in an active stage, prednisolone (PSL) therapy was started. After the administration of PSL, laboratory data dramatically decreased. A liver biopsy was performed on the 66th hospital day to confirm the lesion around bile ducts in the portal tract. The infiltration of neutrophils into the bile duct epithelium disappeared after PSL administration, and IgG4‐positive plasma cells were not found in the liver. Herein, we report a rare case of GEL‐positive SC. The present case provides early evidence of treatment‐induced histological changes as well as serial changes in biochemical data during the course of immunosuppression therapy.
Genetic analysis and molecular mapping of resistance to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. pseudo‐hordei in common wheat
Authors: Dracatos P. M. , Haghdoust R. , Singh D. , Park R. F.
Published: July 2016

This is the first genetic study reporting on the interaction and molecular mapping of resistance to the barley grass stripe rust pathogen (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. pseudo‐hordei, Psph) in common wheat. Seedlings of 638 wheat accessions were tested and it was determined that wheat is a near‐nonhost to Psph based on rare susceptibility observed in <2% of commercial cultivars and <5% of wheat landraces. As previously observed for P. striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), the Australian cultivar Teal was highly susceptible to Psph. In contrast, a selection of cv. Avocet carrying complementary resistance genes Yr73 and Yr74 (Avocet R; AvR) was resistant. The Teal × AvR (T/A) doubled haploid (DH) population was used to map resistance in AvR to Psph. Infection types on the T/A DH lines inoculated with Psph and Pst indicated that all DH lines carrying both Yr73 and Yr74 were also resistant to Psph; however, fewer DH lines were susceptible to Psph than expected, suggesting the resistance was more complex. QTL analysis using 9053 DArT‐Seq markers determined that resistance to Psph was polygenically inherited and mapped to chromosomes 3A, 3D, 4A and 5B. The 3DL and 5BL markers co‐located with Yr73 and Yr74, suggesting an overlap between host and non‐host resistance mechanisms.
Uncovering the factors associated with skeletal muscle weakness in interstitial lung disease
Authors: Mathur Sunita
Published: July 2016

See article, page 1088
The Construction and Use of Hope within Health‐Settings: Recent Developments in Qualitative Research and Ethnographic Studies
Authors: de Graaf Sabine
Published: July 2016

Qualitative and ethnographic studies within sociology and anthropology have paid increasing attention to the concept of hope. This review focuses on the analysis of hope within contexts of health and healthcare. An all‐compassing definition has continued to prove elusive, though studies have brought forth useful insights on the conceptualization and nature of hope. The article explores three common themes which emerged from recent literature. The first theme emphasizes different ways in which hope is enacted by people to ensure that hope can be maintained. The second theme focuses on the ways hope can transcend different frames of future time through the imagination of future possibilities, as well as moving people to cross‐geographical and imaginative borders. Finally, the third theme highlights insights into tensions that seem to be inherent to hoping. Hope proves to be ambivalent, as there always remains a possibility that the future which people imagined is not realized. The review shows that more empirical material is needed to understand how people deal with these tensions and how these tensions relate to the fluctuating nature and experience of hope. This offers interesting directions for further research on hope, both withinandoutside the context of health and healthcare.
The Field of American Media Sociology: Origins, Resurrection, and Consolidation
Authors: Brienza Casey , Revers Matthias
Published: July 2016

This contribution is written against the backdrop of the historic dispersal of early American media sociology out from the core concerns of the discipline and into various importer academic disciplines (including communication, journalism, and media studies) and an ever‐growing pervasiveness of media in everyday life which is reflected by a resurgence of sociological scholarship in the United States since the early 2000s. The article divides the field in works that study media inwards – along the threefold dimensions of production and technologies, communication and discourse, reception and effects – and works that study media outwards. We argue that this latter perspective, examining broader theoretical, methodological, and substantive social implications of mass‐mediated communication, is the most promising one for a mature field of American media sociology. On this basis, we conclude with some suggestions regarding possible new, and as of yet understudied, lines of inquiry for future media sociologists.
Globalization and Its Countermovement: Marxian Contention or Polanyian Resistance?
Authors: Gemici Kurtuluş , Nair Manjusha
Published: July 2016

This article surveys the scholarship on the countermovement against the diffusion of capitalism and market economy in the Global South. We identify two streams of analysis in the literature. On the one hand, scholars observe contentious politics instances where the spread of capitalist production relations enables the associational capacity and bargaining power of social classes. On the other hand, there are voluminous studies on contentious politics in the Global South where groups such as peasants, shopkeepers, and urban poor resist the intensification of the market economy. We use Beverly Silver's distinction between Marx‐type and Polanyi‐type protests, which focuses on how globalization makes and unmakes social groups, to unpack the heterogeneity of the impacts and experiences of globalization. We argue that although Silver's distinction is of great analytical value, there are strong warrants for separating the effects of the market economy from capitalism in studying contentious politics against globalization. Such an analytical strategy (i) expands the scope of the distinction between Marxian and Polanyian contention to social groups other than the working class and (ii) emphasizes that the roots of these struggles lie in the interconnected diffusion of capitalism and market economy.
Unemployment, Reemployment, and Health Insurance Status Among Older Workers in the Flexible Labor Market
Authors: Lippmann Stephen , Brown J. Scott
Published: July 2016

As employment becomes more precarious, and spells of displacement become more common across the labor market, many individuals are forced to make decisions about the speed at which they seek reemployment and the types of employment they will seek. Using repeated cross‐sectional data from various years of the Displaced Worker Supplement of the Current Population Survey, we examine the degree to which employer‐provided health insurance and organizational provision of advanced layoff warning helped workers—particularly those from earlier birth cohorts—navigate the labor market during a period of growing employment flexibility. Our results indicate that workers from older cohorts, rather than older chronological ages, suffered more from displacement in terms of longer unemployment spells and declines in job quality upon reemployment. Workers able to obtain a job with health insurance had shorter unemployment durations, while those displaced from jobs with health insurance remained unemployed for longer periods of time. Advance notice appears to reduce some of the disproportionately negative effects of displacement for older workers, perhaps by easing the shock of a psychological contract breach. Our findings point to the importance of historical and cultural factors in shaping labor market outcomes.
Determinants of Smoking and Cessation Among Latinos: Challenges and Implications for Research
Authors: Castro Yessenia
Published: July 2016

Tobacco is a significant burden to individual and public health, and disparities exist among Latino smokers with respect to use and cessation. Although the prevalence of smoking is lower for Latinos than for non‐Latino Whites and the general U.S. population, numerous health disparities exist within the population of Latino smokers. Much is known about determinants of smoking and cessation but the vast majority of this knowledge is based on research with non‐Latino White smokers. This results in at least two important challenges in tobacco research among Latino smokers: (i) demonstrating the generalizability of known determinants of smoking and cessation, and; (ii) identifying culturally relevant variables that influence smoking and cessation among Latinos. An argument for increased research in these areas is presented with a review of existing research among Latino smokers that demonstrates these needs. Research is summarized that suggests socioeconomic position, depressive symptomatology, physical dependence, and gender function differently as determinants of smoking and cessation among Latinos compared with the general population of smokers. Research is also reviewed that suggests the promise of acculturation, acculturative stress, and discrimination as culturally relevant determinants of smoking and cessation. Research and practice implications are discussed, and specific areas for future research are offered.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B null allele, HLA‐B*41:45N, by HLA typing of two related Caucasoid individuals
Authors: Todorova K. , Zuber K. , Arnold R. , Schönemann C. , Schulze H.
Published: July 2016

The new HLA‐B*41:45N allele differs from B*41:02 by insertion of 21 nucleotides in exon 2.
Cryopreserved platelet concentrate transfusions in 43 dogs: a retrospective study (2007–2013)
Authors: Ng Zenithson Y. , Stokes Jennifer E. , Alvarez Lucia , Bartges Joe W.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To clinically characterize a group of thrombocytopenic dogs that received cryopreserved platelet concentrate (cPC) transfusion, assess efficacy of cPC treatment in improving patient outcome, and compare treated dogs to a control population of thrombocytopenic dogs that did not receive cPC transfusions.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Eighty‐six client‐owned dogs (43 in treatment group, 43 in control group).

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Medical records of thrombocytopenic dogs that received cPC transfusions and those of thrombocytopenic dogs that did not receive cPC (control population) from January 2007 through March 2013 were reviewed. Dogs receiving cPC were statistically more likely than controls to have a platelet trigger for cPC transfusion (P= 0.01), lower platelet count (P= 0.009) and hematocrit at presentation (P= 0.001), and lower hematocrit after cPC (P= 0.02). Although there was a statistically significant increase in platelet count from pre‐ to post‐cPC transfusion (P= 0.002), cPC was not found to be effective in improving clinical bleeding or increasing survival compared to the control group. No other characteristics were statistically different between groups. No dogs receiving cPC had an acute transfusion reaction during hospitalization.

Conclusions

In the population described in this study, cPC was not found to increase survival, but was well tolerated. Controlled, prospective studies are necessary to determine indications for and efficacy of cPC transfusions.
Rescuing cardiac automaticity in L‐type Cav1.3 channelopathies and beyond
Authors: Mesirca Pietro , Bidaud Isabelle , Mangoni Matteo E.
Published: July 2016

Pacemaker activity of the sino‐atrial node generates the heart rate. Disease of the sinus node and impairment of atrioventricular conduction induce an excessively low ventricular rate (bradycardia), which cannot meet the needs of the organism. Bradycardia accounts for about half of the total workload of clinical cardiologists. The ‘sick sinus’ syndrome (SSS) is characterized by sinus bradycardia and periods of intermittent atrial fibrillation. Several genetic or acquired risk factors or pathologies can lead to SSS. Implantation of an electronic pacemaker constitutes the only available therapy for SSS. The incidence of SSS is forecast to double over the next 50 years, with ageing of the general population thus urging the development of complementary or alternative therapeutic strategies. In recent years an increasing number of mutations affecting ion channels involved in sino‐atrial automaticity have been reported to underlie inheritable SSS. L‐type Cav1.3 channels play a major role in the generation and regulation of sino‐atrial pacemaker activity and atrioventricular conduction. Mutation in the CACNA1D gene encoding Cav1.3 channels induces loss‐of‐function in channel activity and underlies the sino‐atrial node dysfunction and deafness syndrome (SANDD). Mice lacking Cav1.3 channels (Cav1.3−/−) fairly recapitulate SSS and constitute a precious model to test new therapeutic approaches to handle this disease. Work in our laboratory shows that targeting G protein‐gated K+ (IKACh) channels effectively rescues SSS of Cav1.3−/− mice. This new concept of ‘compensatory’ ion channel targeting shines new light on the principles underlying the pacemaker mechanism and may open the way to new therapies for SSS.

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Protective effect of Trillium tschonoskii saponin on CCl4-induced acute liver injury of rats through apoptosis inhibition
Authors: Wu Hao , Qiu Yong , Shu Ziyang , Zhang Xu , Li Renpeng , Liu Su , Chen Longquan , Liu Hong , Chen Ning
Published: July 2016

To explore hepatoprotective role and underlying mechanisms of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim (TTM), 36 rats were randomly divided into control, CCl4-induced liver injury model, and biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate (DDB) and low-, moderate-, and high-dose TTM treatment groups. After CCl4-induced model establishment, the rats from DDB and TTM groups were administrated with DDB at 0.2 g/kg per day and TTM at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg per day, while the rats from control and model groups were administrated with saline. After 5 days of treatments, all rats were sacrificed for determining serum ALT and AST levels and liver index, examining histopathological changes in liver through HE and TUNEL staining, and evaluating TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expression by real-time PCR, and caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax expression by Western blot. Results indicated that CCl4 could induce acute liver injury and abnormal liver function in rats with obvious hepatomegaly, increased liver index, high ALT and AST levels, up-regulated TNF-α and IL-6, and overexpressed Bax and caspase-3. However, DDB and TTM could execute protective role in CCl4-induced liver injury in rats through reducing ALT and AST levels, rescuing hepatomegaly, down-regulating inflammatory factors and inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, TTM has obvious protective role in CCl4-induced liver injury of rats through inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.
Offshore oil and gas, and operational sheen occurrence: is there potential harm to marine birds?
Authors: Morandin Lora A. , O’Hara Patrick D.
Published: July 2016

Hydrocarbon discharges into the ocean, both regulated and accidental, occur from offshore drilling and production operations, and can result in oil sheen (≤3 μm thick) and slick (>3 μm thick) formation, potentially harming marine birds. Sheens may commonly occur around offshore oil and gas platforms in Atlantic Canada, however, there is little information on regularity of occurrence. Further, there are few direct studies on potential impacts of sheens, associated with offshore oil and gas operations, on marine birds. We reviewed potential sources and frequency of hydrocarbon accumulation on sea surfaces from offshore oil and gas operations in Atlantic Canada, and the likelihood of overlap with marine birds. We conducted a literature review on lethal and sub-lethal effects of low levels of oil contact and ingestion on marine birds, focusing on studies that describe measured dosages of oil. We extrapolated from these data on low-dose oil exposure to link possible effects to marine birds resulting from exposure to sheens. We found that sheens occur around production operations in Atlantic Canada at allowable levels of oil concentrations in produced water. Frequency and extent of occurrence cannot be estimated from current monitoring practices. While immediate lethal effects to seabirds likely are not common from external oiling of feathers from sheens, added stressors, such as cold weather, can result in external oiling from sheens having significant impact on seabird metabolic rate and can be ultimately lethal. Ingestion of small amounts of oil, doses that realistically could be expected from exposure to sheens, in some cases resulted in sub-lethal effects to adult seabirds, primarily affecting metabolic rate, sub-lethal health impacts, and reproductive output. Nestlings and eggs do not come in direct contact with sheens, yet these life stages are highly sensitive to oil, and transfer of oil from adults exposed to sheens likely is above tolerance levels at times. Negative effects to reproductive output from small doses of ingested oil could be causing undetected impacts on marine birds and marine bird populations. Lack of standardized monitoring of marine bird contact with sheens and potential harm makes assessments of magnitude and extent of impact problematic.
Conical shock wave for non-isentropic compressible Euler system of equations
Authors: Li Dening , Zhang Zheng
Published: July 2016

Conical shock wave is generated when a sharp conical projectile flies supersonically in the air. We study the linear stability and existence of steady conical shock waves in supersonic flow for the equations of complete Euler system in 3D non-isentropic gas-dynamics.
Global well-posedness in energy space for the Chern–Simons–Higgs system in temporal gauge
Authors: Pecher Hartmut
Published: July 2016

The Cauchy problem for the Chern–Simons–Higgs system in the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Minkowski space in temporal gauge is globally well-posed in energy space improving a result of Huh. The proof uses the bilinear space-time estimates in wave-Sobolev spaces by d’Ancona, Foschi and Selberg, an [Formula: see text]-estimate for solutions of the wave equation, and also takes advantage of a null condition.
INFERRING THE ECONOMIC PREFERENCE OF A RENTAL VEHICLE COMPANY BY MODELING ITS DE-FLEETING PROCESS
Authors: HAN CHUAN-HSIANG , SHI JINGREN , HUANG SUZHOU
Published: July 2016

When a vehicle manufacturer designs a contract with a rental vehicle company, it is important for the OEM to properly understand the rental company’s economic preference. While it is usually not directly observable, the economic preference of the counter party can often be revealed indirectly through some observable market behavior. In such cases, econometric inference needs to be used. In this paper, we use the de-fleeting process of the rental vehicle company as the inferential apparatus. To this end, we first develop a model to describe the decision-making in the de-fleeting process for the rental vehicle company, based on the optimal stopping theory. We then outline an econometric procedure to estimate the model parameters. Finally, we use simulated data to illustrate how to deal with some of the technical issues that one might encounter when the procedure is applied to real data.
MODELING DEPENDENCY OF VOLATILITY ON SAMPLING FREQUENCY VIA DELAY EQUATIONS
Authors: LUONG CHUONG , DOKUCHAEV NIKOLAI
Published: July 2016

The paper studies the modeling of time series with the prescribed dependence of the volatility on the sampling frequency. This dependence is often observed for financial time series. We suggest to model the dependence of volatility on sampling frequency via delay equations for the underlying prices. It appears that these equations allow to model the price processes with volatility that increases when the sampling rates increase. In addition, these equations are able to model the inverse phenomena where the volatility decreases with the increase in sampling frequencies.
Characterization of Dissolved Organic Matter in River Water by Conventional Methods and Direct Sample Analysis-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Reyes T. Garrido , Crisosto J. Mendoza
Published: July 2016

The dissolved organic matter in surface waters is composed of fractions of different molecular weight and polarity, characteristics that determine their capacity for complexing different types of pollutants and their environmental impact. In this study, the dissolved organic matter in the surface water of the Bio-Bio River (Central Region of Chile) was characterized chemically and spectroscopically after fractionating by molecular weight and polarity. The technique of direct sample analysis-time of flight-mass spectrometry (DSA-TOF-MS) was used to obtain more information on the composition of dissolved organic matter. It is concluded that dissolved organic matter found in the water of the river from the site of minor human impact (Rucalhue) has a predominantly natural origin, with a high content of aromatic carbon, in contrast to dissolved organic matter found in the waters of the sites that have higher human impact (Laja and Concepción), characterized by a greater molecular size and higher organic carbon content. These results are consistent with those obtained from DSA-TOF-MS, where higher correlation was observed between the mass spectrum of the standard commercial humic acid and dissolved organic matter found in the sectors of Laja and Concepción, unlike the spectrum mass of lignin which is more like dissolved organic matter found in the sector Rucalhue.
Dynamic Vehicular Route Guidance Using Traffic Prediction Information
Authors: Kim Kwangsoo , Kwon Minseok , Park Jaegeun , Eun Yongsoon
Published: July 2016

We propose a dynamic vehicular routing algorithm with traffic prediction for improved routing performance. The primary idea of our algorithm is to use real-time as well as predictive traffic information provided by a central routing controller. In order to evaluate the performance, we develop a microtraffic simulator that provides road networks created from real maps, routing algorithms, and vehicles that travel from origins to destinations depending on traffic conditions. The performance is evaluated by newly defined metric that reveals travel time distributions more accurately than a commonly used metric of mean travel time. Our simulation results show that our dynamic routing algorithm with prediction outperforms both Static and Dynamic without prediction routing algorithms under various traffic conditions and road configurations. We also include traffic scenarios where not all vehicles comply with our dynamic routing with prediction strategy, and the results suggest that more than half the benefit of the new routing algorithm is realized even when only 30% of the vehicles comply.
Combination of Intra-Articular and Intraosseous Injections of Platelet Rich Plasma for Severe Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sánchez Mikel , Delgado Diego , Sánchez Pello , Muiños-López Emma , Paiva Bruno , Granero-Moltó Froilán , Prósper Felipe , Pompei Orlando , Pérez Juan Carlos , Azofra Juan , Padilla Sabino , Fiz Nicolás
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to assess a novel approach to treating severe knee osteoarthritis by targeting synovial membrane, superficial articular cartilage, synovial fluid, and subchondral bone by combining intra-articular injections and intraosseous infiltrations of platelet rich plasma. We explored a new strategy consisting of intraosseous infiltrations of platelet rich plasma into the subchondral bone in combination with the conventional intra-articular injection in order to tackle several knee joint tissues simultaneously. We assessed the clinical outcomes through osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and the inflammatory response by quantifying mesenchymal stem cells in synovial fluid. There was a significant pain reduction in the KOOS from baseline(61.55±14.11)to week 24(74.60±19.19), after treatment(p=0.008), in the secondary outcomes (symptoms,p=0.004; ADL,p=0.022; sport/rec.,p=0.017; QOL,p=0.012), as well as VAS score (p<0.001) and Lequesne Index(p=0.008). The presence of mesenchymal stem cells in synovial fluid and colony-forming cells one week after treatment decreased substantially from7.98±8.21 MSC/μL to4.04±5.36 MSC/μL(p=0.019)and from601.75±312.30to139.19±123.61  (p=0.012), respectively. Intra-articular injections combined with intraosseous infiltrations of platelet rich plasma reduce pain and mesenchymal stem cells in synovial fluid, besides significantly improving knee joint function in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis. This trial is registered on EudraCT with the number2013-003982-32.
Photoinduced Copolymerization of APMP-MMA: The Role of Reactive Hindered Amine APMP
Authors: Zhang Ting , Fu Liuwa , Chen Zhikang , Cui Yanyan , Liu Xiaoxuan
Published: July 2016

4-Acryloyl-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-piperidinol (APMP) is a reactive hindered amine that prolongs the service life of the polymeric materials and exhibits high stability, good resistance to extraction, and low toxicity. In this paper, a photoinduced free radical copolymerization of APMP and methyl methacrylate (MMA) is accomplished at ambient temperature in solution. APMP plays a key role in the copolymerization, owing to the nitroxides generated in situ from the moiety of 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-piperidine under UV irradiation, and mediates the copolymerization, which is confirmed by the linear kinetics. With the increment of initial monomer feed ratios of APMP/MMA, both the copolymerization rate and the average molecular weight increase. According to the reactivity ratios from the extended Kelen-Tüdos (KT) method at high conversion by1H NMR spectroscopy, a nonlinear model is established and the sequential distribution in the copolymers is also investigated. The dispersion of APMP units is regulated by the feed ratios and reactivity ratios.
QuantitativeIn VitroandIn VivoEvaluation of Intestinal and Blood-Brain Barrier Transport Kinetics of the PlantN-Alkylamide Pellitorine
Authors: Veryser Lieselotte , Bracke Nathalie , Wynendaele Evelien , Joshi Tanmayee , Tatke Pratima , Taevernier Lien , De Spiegeleer Bart
Published: July 2016

Objective.To evaluate the gut mucosa and blood-brain barrier (BBB) pharmacokinetic permeability properties of the plantN-alkylamide pellitorine.Methods.Pure pellitorine and anAnacyclus pyrethrumextract were used to investigate the permeation of pellitorine through (1) a Caco-2 cell monolayer, (2) the rat gut after oral administration, and (3) the BBB in mice after intravenous and intracerebroventricular administration. A validated bioanalytical UPLC-MS2method was used to quantify pellitorine.Results.Pellitorine was able to cross the Caco-2 cell monolayer from the apical-to-basolateral and from the basolateral-to-apical side with apparent permeability coefficients between0.6·10-5and4.8·10-5 cm/h and between0.3·10-5and5.8·10-5 cm/h, respectively. In rats, a serum elimination rate constant of 0.3 h−1was obtained. Intravenous injection of pellitorine in mice resulted in a rapid and high permeation of pellitorine through the BBB with a unidirectional influx rate constant of 153 μL/(g·min). In particular, 97% of pellitorine reached the brain tissue, while only 3% remained in the brain capillaries. An efflux transfer constant of 0.05 min−1was obtained.Conclusion.Pellitorine shows a good gut permeation and rapidly permeates the BBB once in the blood, indicating a possible role in the treatment of central nervous system diseases.
Self-Regular Black Holes Quantized by means of an Analogue to Hydrogen Atoms
Authors: Liu Chang , Miao Yan-Gang , Wu Yu-Mei , Zhang Yu-Hao
Published: July 2016

We suggest a quantum black hole model that is based on an analogue to hydrogen atoms. A self-regular Schwarzschild-AdS black hole is investigated, where the mass density of the extreme black hole is given by the probability density of the ground state of hydrogen atoms and the mass densities of nonextreme black holes are given by the probability densities of excited states with no angular momenta. Such an analogue is inclined to adopt quantization of black hole horizons. In this way, the total mass of black holes is quantized. Furthermore, the quantum hoop conjecture and the Correspondence Principle are discussed.
In VivoandIn VitroGenotoxic and Epigenetic Effects of Two Types of Cola Beverages and Caffeine: A Multiassay Approach
Authors: Mateo-Fernández Marcos , Merinas-Amo Tania , Moreno-Millán Miguel , Alonso-Moraga Ángeles , Demyda-Peyrás Sebastián
Published: July 2016

The aim of this work was to assess the biological and food safety of two different beverages: Classic Coca Cola™(CCC) and Caffeine-Free Coca Cola (CFCC). To this end, we determined the genotoxicological and biological effects of different doses of lyophilised CCC and CFCC and Caffeine (CAF), the main distinctive constituent. Their toxic/antitoxic, genotoxic/antigenotoxic, and chronic toxicity (lifespan assay) effects were determinedin vivousing theDrosophilamodel. Their cytotoxic activities were determined using the HL-60in vitrocancer model. In addition, clastogenic DNA toxicity was measured using internucleosomal fragmentation and SCGE assays. Their epigenetic effects were assessed on the HL-60 methylation status using some repetitive elements. The experimental results showed a slight chemopreventive effect of the two cola beverages against HL-60 leukaemia cells, probably mediated by nonapoptotic mechanisms. Finally, CCC and CAF induced a global genome hypomethylation evaluated in LINE-1 and Alu M1 repetitive elements. Overall, we demonstrated for the first time the safety of this famous beverage inin vivoandin vitromodels.
Giant Cell Arteritis: An Atypical Presentation Diagnosed with the Use of MRI Imaging
Authors: Shambhu Siddesh , Suarez Lisbet
Published: July 2016

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common primary systemic vasculitis in western countries in individuals over the age of 50. It is typically characterised by the granulomatous involvement of large and medium sized blood vessels branching of the aorta with particular tendencies for involving the extracranial branches of the carotid artery. Generally the diagnosis is straightforward when characteristic symptoms such as headache, jaw claudication, or other ischemic complications are present. Atypical presentations of GCA without “overt” cranial ischemic manifestations have become increasingly recognised but we report for the first time a case of GCA presenting as mild upper abdominal pain and generalized weakness in the context of hyponatremia as the presenting manifestation of vasculitis that was subsequently diagnosed by MRI scanning. This case adds to the literature and emphasises the importance of MRI in the evaluation of GCA patients without “classic” cranial ischemic symptoms.
Laser Application in Dentistry: Irradiation Effects of Nd:YAG 1064 nm and Diode 810 nm and 980 nm in Infected Root Canals—A Literature Overview
Authors: Saydjari Yves , Kuypers Thorsten , Gutknecht Norbert
Published: July 2016

Objective. In endodontics, Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) and diode laser (810 nm and 980 nm) devices are used to remove bacteria in infected teeth. A literature review was elaborated to compare and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using these lasers.Methods. Using combined search terms, eligible articles were retrieved from PubMed and printed journals. The initial search yielded 40 titles and 27 articles were assigned to full-text analysis. The studies were classified based upon laser source, laser energy level, duration/similarity of application, and initial and final bacterial count at a minimum of 20 prepared root canals. Part of the analysis was only reduced microorganisms and mechanically treated root canals upon preparation size ofISO 30. All studies were compared to evaluate the most favorable laser device for best results in endodontic therapy.Results. A total of 22 eligible studies were found regarding Nd:YAG laser 1064 nm. Four studies fulfilled all demanded criteria. Seven studies referring to the diode laser 980 nm were examined, although only one fulfilled all criteria. Eleven studies were found regarding the diode laser 810 nm, although only one study fulfilled all necessary criteria.Conclusions. Laser therapy is effective in endodontics, although a comparison of efficiency between the laser devices is not possible at present due to different study designs, materials, and equipment.
Biological Computation Indexes of Brain Oscillations in Unattended Facial Expression Processing Based on Event-Related Synchronization/Desynchronization
Authors: Yu Bo , Ma Lin , Li Haifeng , Zhao Lun , Bo Hongjian , Wang Xunda
Published: July 2016

Estimation of human emotions from Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals plays a vital role in affective Brain Computer Interface (BCI). The present study investigated the different event-related synchronization (ERS) and event-related desynchronization (ERD) of typical brain oscillations in processing Facial Expressions under nonattentional condition. The results show that the lower-frequency bands are mainly used to update Facial Expressions and distinguish the deviant stimuli from the standard ones, whereas the higher-frequency bands are relevant to automatically processing different Facial Expressions. Accordingly, we set up the relations between each brain oscillation and processing unattended Facial Expressions by the measures of ERD and ERS. This research first reveals the contributions of each frequency band for comprehension of Facial Expressions in preattentive stage. It also evidences that participants have emotional experience under nonattentional condition. Therefore, the user’s emotional state under nonattentional condition can be recognized in real time by the ERD/ERS computation indexes of different frequency bands of brain oscillations, which can be used in affective BCI to provide the user with more natural and friendly ways.
Novel Pattern of Iron Deposition in the Fascicula Nigrale in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Peckham Miriam E. , Dashtipour Khashayar , Holshouser Barbara A. , Kani Camellia , Boscanin Alex , Kani Kayvan , Harder Sheri L.
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose.To determine whether the pattern of iron deposition in the fascicula nigrale in patients with Parkinson’s disease would be different from age-matched controls by utilizing quantitative susceptibility mapping to measure susceptibility change.Methods.MRIs of the brain were obtained from 34 subjects, 18 with Parkinson’s disease and 16 age- and gender-matched controls. Regions of interest were drawn around the fascicula nigrale and substantia nigra using SWI mapping software by blinded investigators. Statistical analyses were performed to determine susceptibility patterns of both of these regions.Results.Measurements showed significantly increased susceptibility in the substantia nigra in Parkinson’s patients and an increased rostral-caudal deposition of iron in the fascicula nigrale in all subjects. This trend was exaggerated with significant correlation noted with increasing age in the Parkinson group.Conclusion.The pattern of an exaggerated iron deposition gradient of the fascicula nigrale in the Parkinson group could represent underlying tract dysfunction. Significant correlation of increasing iron deposition with increasing age may be a cumulative effect, possibly related to disease duration.
Prevalence of Tinea Capitis among School Children in Nok Community of Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Dogo Josephine , Afegbua Seniyat Larai , Dung Edward Christopher
Published: July 2016

In recent years, the prevalence of tinea capitis, an infection of the scalp by dermatophytes, has increased in children worldwide. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and risk factor of tinea capitis among school children in Nok community of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 100 children were screened and 45% were diagnosed to have tinea capitis after fungal culture and microscopy. The prevalence of tinea capitis among girls was higher (51.4%) than that among boys (41.5%) but not significantly different (p=0.402). The prevalence with respect to age was lower for the age group 5–10 years (42.6%) than that of 11–15 years (50%) but was not significantly different (p=0.524).Trichophyton rubrum(28.8%) andMicrosporum canis(22.7%) were the most prevalent dermatophytes isolated and the least wereTrichophyton verrucosum(4.5%) andTrichophyton tonsurans(4.5%). There were 73.3% single infection while 26.7% had 2–4 dermatophytes of the generaMicrosporumandTrichophyton. The predisposing factors with statistically significant association with tinea capitis were number of children in the family (p=0.02) and sharing of the same bed (p=0.002). This indicates the high tendencies of spread of tinea capitis through human-to-human mode of transmission and possible animal contact. Community health education on the cause, mode of transmission, prevention, and prompt treatment of tinea capitis is recommended.
Ten-Year Trends in the Morbidity of Diabetes Mellitus and Antidiabetic Drug Utilization in Croatia: A Study Based on Routinely Collected Data
Authors: Pavlov Renata , Topličan Ivančica , Vrcić Keglević Mladenka
Published: July 2016

Objectives. To investigate trends of diabetes mellitus (DM) morbidity and antidiabetic drug utilization in Croatian primary health care (PHC) from 2005 to 2014. Method. Routinely collected morbidity data from all PHC units, presented in Croatian health-statistics yearbooks, were retrieved. Data on drug utilization were retrieved from the Annual Reports of the Croatian Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices (ATC/DDD, antidiabetic, A10). Results. Total morbidity increased by 33.3% and DM increased by 65.6%, mostly in patients over age 65 (from 50% to 57%). Estimated DM prevalence in adults increased from 3.9% to 6.4%. Increased morbidity was followed by an even higher increase in drug utilization (120%). Metformin was first, with a constant increase (from 18% to 39%), followed by glimepiride, while glibenclamide use decreased. Total utilization of insulin increased even more, mostly for aspart (600%) and newly introduced glargine and detemir, while human insulin usage sharply decreased. Spending also increased, mostly for aspart (from 21% to 61% of total). Conclusions. Increased DM is followed by a higher increase in antidiabetic drug utilization; this trend will continue in the future. In Croatian PHC, metformin has primacy along with insulin analogues.
Dietary Supplement Comprised of β-Carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Magnesium: Failure to Prevent Music-Induced Temporary Threshold Shift
Authors: Le Prell Colleen G. , Fulbright Angela , Spankovich Christopher , Griffiths Scott K. , Lobarinas Edward , Campbell Kathleen C.M. , Antonelli Patrick J. , Green Glenn E. , Guire Kenneth , Miller Josef M.
Published: July 2016

This study examined potential prevention of music-induced temporary threshold shift (TTS) in normal-hearing participants. A dietary supplement composed of β-carotene, vitamins C and E, and magnesium was assessed using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study design. Dosing began 3 days prior to the music exposure with the final dose consumed approximately 30-min pre-exposure. Post-exposure TTS was measured, with no significant difference as a function of treatment. Distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitudes were suppressed after music exposure in both groups, with no significant difference as a function of treatment. Tinnitus was more likely to be reported by the treatment group, but there were no group differences in perceived loudness or bothersomeness. Taken together, this supplement had no effect on noise-induced changes in hearing. Recommendations for future clinical trials are discussed.
Transient Retinal Dysfunctions after Acute Cannabis Use
Authors: Schwitzer Thomas , Robert Matthieu P. , Giersch Anne , Angioi-Duprez Karine , Ingster-Moati Isabelle , Pon-Monnier Amandine , Schwan Raymund , Laprevote Vincent
Published: July 2016

Although cannabis is very widespread worldwide, the impact of cannabis on visual function remains poorly understood. This is partly due to numerous difficulties met in developing clinical studies in cannabis users. Here, we report the first documented case of neuroretinal dysfunction after acute cannabis smoking. This observation was favored by the need of an annual ophthalmic evaluation in the context of a chloroquine intake for a systemic lupus erythematosus in a 47-year-old heavy cannabis user. A complete ophthalmic evaluation including visual acuity tests, intraocular pressure, fundoscopic examination, automated 10° central visual field, full-field electroretinogram (ERG) and multifocal ERG was performed twice - 30 min and 5 h after cannabis smoking. A strong decrease (up to 48%) in the a-wave amplitude of the full-field ERG was measured 30 min after cannabis smoking for all scotopic responses compared with the responses 5 h after smoking. Other tests showed reproducible results between the 2 series of measurements. This clinical case suggests that acute inhalation of cannabis affects the photoreceptors functioning. This rare situation suggests further investigations are required on the impact of cannabis on retinal processing, especially since cannabis has been incriminated in car injuries.
Biographic Characteristics and Factors Perceived as Affecting Female and Male Careers in Academic Surgery: The Tenured Gender Battle to Make It to the Top
Authors: Schwarz Laura , Sippel Sonia , Entwistle Andrew , Hell Anna Kathrin , Koenig Sarah
Published: July 2016

Purpose: Given the high attrition rate in the field of academic surgery, we aimed to characterise the professional and personal situations of female and male academic surgeons as well as to gather data on their respective perceptions of career advancement and work satisfaction. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Germany, inviting all identifiable academically highly qualified female surgeons and their male counterparts in a 1:2 ratio to participate. An anonymous 103-item online questionnaire was designed and the data collected between July and September 2014. Results: The questionnaire was sent to 93 female and 200 male surgeons, of whom 63 women (67.7%) and 70 men (35.0%) replied. The average age was 47.5 and 47.1 years, respectively. Respondents identified ‘high degree of expertise', ‘ambition', and ‘clarity of one's professional aims' as important factors affecting professional career development. Both groups felt ‘workload', ‘working hours/shifts', and ‘gender' to be a hindrance, the latter of significantly greater importance to female surgeons. The mean work satisfaction scores were high in both female (69.5%) and male (75.7%) surgeons. The predictors ‘support from superiors' (standardised β coefficient = 0.41) and ‘manual aptitude' (β = 0.41) contributed incrementally to the variance in ‘high degree of work satisfaction' (90-100%) observed for female surgeons. However, childcare provided by ‘kindergarten/crèche/after-school care' had the greatest negative predictive value (β = -1.33). Conclusions: Although there are many parallels, female faculty members experience the culture of academic surgery to some extent differently from their male counterparts, especially when impacted by parenthood and childcare. Faculty development programmes need to develop strategies to improve perceived equality in career opportunities by respecting individuals' requirements as well as offering gender-appropriate career guidance.
Is Intra-Arterial Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke Less Effective in Women than in Men
Authors: de Ridder Inger R. , Fransen Puck S.S. , Beumer Debbie , Berkhemer Olvert A. , van den Berg Lucie A. , Wermer Marieke J. , Lingsma Hester , van Zwam Wim H. , Roos Yvo B. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Majoie Charles B. , van der Lugt Aad , Dippel Diederik W.J. ,   for the MR CLEAN Investigators
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Stroke etiology and outcome after ischemic stroke differ between men and women. We examined if sex modifies the effect of intra-arterial treatment (IAT) in a randomized clinical trial of IAT for acute ischemic stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN). Patients and Methods: The primary outcome was the score on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days. We tested for interaction between sex and treatment and estimated the treatment effect by sex with multiple ordinal logistic regression with adjustment for prognostic factors. Results: All 500 patients were included in the analysis; 292 (58.4%) were men. The treatment effect (adjusted common odds ratio) was 2.39 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55-3.68] in men and 0.99 (95% CI 0.60-1.66) in women (pinteraction = 0.016). In women, mortality was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (24 vs. 15%, p = 0.07). Serious adverse events occurred more often in women than in men undergoing intervention. There were no differences in neuro-imaging outcomes. Discussion and Conclusion: Contrary to other studies, we found a significant interaction between sex and treatment effect in the MR CLEAN trial. Pooled analyses of all published thrombectomy trials did not confirm this finding. In MR CLEAN, women seem to have a slightly more unfavorable profile, causing higher mortality and more serious adverse events, but insufficient to explain the absence of an overall effect. This suggests a play of chance and makes it clear that IAT should not be withheld in women.
Um novo espírito teatral carioca: entre televisão, patrocínio e política
Authors: Guenzburger Gustavo
Published: July 2016

Este artigo tem por objeto as relações entre a estética e a socioeconomia de parte do teatro carioca contemporâneo, no contexto do início de uma pesquisa de pós-doutorado em que novas poéticas teatrais são estudadas junto a seus novos modos de produção. São analisadas aqui, pela primeira vez, as possibilidades de interação estética entre as forças do patrocínio e da televisão dentro da cena contemporânea carioca. A partir deste e de outros contextos, surgiria um “novo espírito teatral carioca”, responsável por viabilizar ideologicamente a existência do teatro experimental pela práxis do artista-empreendedor. A hipótese formulada abrange, no campo estético, uma vertente carioca paradoxal, em que representações conservadoras de “figuras humanas medianas” e “naturais” habitariam dispositivos cênicos altamente inovadores, tanto como expediente criativo quanto como possível resultado do jogo de forças de delimitação social no campo teatral da cidade.
NEMMOKNA – sobre chegadas, gestos e lembranças de outros lugares
Authors: Pereira Sayonara
Published: July 2016

O presente texto apresenta o novo espetáculo NEMMOKNA, dirigido por Susanne Linke, para o Ensemble do Trier Theater na Alemanha, que investiga, por meio de uma dramaturgia do corpo autoral, algumas formas de chegar, o se apresentar, o estar aqui e as lembranças de outros lugares já visitados. Em cena são vistas pessoas de diferentes lugares, que falam diferentes idiomas e, juntas, inauguram novos espaços cênicos com uma dança visceral. Neste artigo, a nova criação de Linke encontra esteio nas práticas dos pioneiros da German Dance, em diálogo com artistas e autores do século XX e XXI.