bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of volumetric‐modulated arc therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Runxiao Li , Yankun Cao , Lan Wang
Published: February 2017

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an extremely difficult disease to treat. This pilot study investigates the feasibility of using volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), and compares VMAT to static field intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for five patients. To identify the best treatment technique for MPM, in five patients, we made a representative comparative analysis of two kinds of techniques for radiation therapy planning: IMRT and VMAT. The plans were created for an Elekta Synergy linear accelerator with 6 MV photons using Oncentra version 4.3 treatment planning system. Dose prescription was 50 Gy to the average of the planning target volume (PTV). PTV coverage and homogeneity, dose of organs at risk, numbers of segments, MUs, and delivery time were evaluated for all techniques. VMAT allowed better homogeneous and conformity indices compared with IMRT ( vs. 0.12, vs. 0.77, respectively, ). VMAT plan had a significantly shorter delivery time (326 s) compared with in IMRT plans (510 s), (). In the dose verification, an average of 93.16% of the detector points passed the 3%/3 mmγ criterion for VMAT plans, while in IMRT plans the dose verification was 95.12%.().

PACS number(s): 87.55.D, 87.55.km, 87.56.Fc
Practical considerations for noise power spectra estimation for clinical CT scanners
Authors: Dolly Steven , Chen Hsin‐Chen , Anastasio Mark , Mutic Sasa , Li Hua
Published: February 2017

Local noise power spectra (NPS) have been commonly calculated to represent the noise properties of CT imaging systems, but their properties are significantly affected by the utilized calculation schemes. In this study, the effects of varied calculation parameters on the local NPS were analyzed, and practical suggestions were provided regarding the estimation of local NPS for clinical CT scanners. The uniformity module of a Catphan phantom was scanned with a Philips Brilliance 64 slice CT simulator with varied scanning protocols. Images were reconstructed using FBP and iDose4 iterative reconstruction with noise reduction levels 1, 3, and 6. Local NPS were calculated and compared for varied region of interest (ROI) locations and sizes, image background removal methods, and window functions. Additionally, with a predetermined NPS as a ground truth, local NPS calculation accuracy was compared for computer simulated ROIs, varying the aforementioned parameters in addition to ROI number. An analysis of the effects of these varied calculation parameters on the magnitude and shape of the NPS was conducted. The local NPS varied depending on calculation parameters, particularly at low spatial frequencies below . For the simulation study, NPS calculation error decreased exponentially as ROI number increased. For the Catphan study the NPS magnitude varied as a function of ROI location, which was better observed when using smaller ROI sizes. The image subtraction method for background removal was the most effective at reducing low‐frequency background noise, and produced similar results no matter which ROI size or window function was used. The PCA background removal method with a Hann window function produced the closest match to image subtraction, with an average percent difference of 17.5%. Image noise should be analyzed locally by calculating the NPS for small ROI sizes. A minimum ROI size is recommended based on the chosen radial bin size and image pixel dimensions. As the ROI size decreases, the NPS becomes more dependent on the choice of background removal method and window function. The image subtraction method is most accurate, but other methods can achieve similar accuracy if certain window functions are applied. All dependencies should be analyzed and taken into account when considering the interpretation of the NPS for task‐based image quality assessment.

PACS number(s): 87.57.C‐, 87.57.Q‐
Evaluation of the tool “Reg Refine” for user‐guided deformable image registration
Authors: Johnson Perry B. , Padgett Kyle R. , Chen Kuan L. , Dogan Nesrin
Published: February 2017

“Reg Refine” is a tool available in the MIM Maestro v6.4.5 platform (www.mimsoftware.com) that allows the user to actively participate in the deformable image registration process. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of this tool and investigate strategies for how to apply it effectively. This was done by performing DIR on two publicly available ground‐truth models, the Pixel‐based Breathing Thorax Model (POPI) for lung, and the Deformable Image Registration Evaluation Project (DIREP) for head and neck. Image noise matched in both magnitude and texture to clinical CBCT scans was also added to each model to simulate the use case of CBCT–CT alignment. For lung, the results showed Reg Refine effective at improving registration accuracy when controlled by an expert user within the context of large lung deformation. CBCT noise was also shown to have no effect on DIR performance while using the MIM algorithm for this site. For head and neck, the results showed CBCT noise to have a large effect on the accuracy of registration, specifically for low‐contrast structures such as the brainstem and parotid glands. In these cases, the Reg Refine tool was able to improve the registration accuracy when controlled by an expert user. Several strategies for how to achieve these results have been outlined to assist other users and provide feedback for developers of similar tools.

PACS number(s): 87.44.Qr, 87.57.nj, 87.57.c
Geometric dose prediction model for hemithoracic intensity‐modulated radiation therapy in mesothelioma patients with two intact lungs
Authors: Kuo LiCheng , Yorke Ellen D. , Dumane Vishruta A. , Foster Amanda , Zhang Zhigang , Mechalakos James G. , Wu Abraham J. , Rosenzweig Kenneth E. , Rimner Andreas
Published: February 2017

The presence of two intact lungs makes it challenging to reach a tumoricidal dose with hemithoracic pleural intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) who underwent pleurectomy/decortications or have unresectable disease. We developed an anatomy‐based model to predict attainable prescription dose before starting optimization. Fifty‐six clinically delivered IMRT plans were analyzed regarding correlation of prescription dose and individual and total lung volumes, planning target volume (PTV), ipsilateral normal lung volume and ratios: contralateral/ipsilateral lung (CIVR); contralateral lung/PTV (CPVR); ipsilateral lung /PTV (IPVR); ipsilateral normal lung /total lung (INTLVR); ipsilateral normal lung/PTV (INLPVR). Spearman's rank correlation and Fisher's exact test were used. Correlation between mean ipsilateral lung dose (MILD) and these volume ratios and between prescription dose and single lung mean doses were studied. The prediction models were validated in 23 subsequent MPM patients. CIVR showed the strongest correlation with dose () and accurately predicted prescription dose in the validation cases. INLPVR and MILD as well as MILD and prescription dose were significantly correlated ( and , respectively) in the training and validation cases. Parameters obtainable directly from planning scan anatomy predict achievable prescription doses for hemithoracic IMRT treatment of MPM patients with two intact lungs.

PACS number(s): 87.55.de, 87.55.dk
How dose sparing of cardiac structures correlates with in‐field heart volume and sternal displacement
Authors: Kim Taeho , Reardon Kelli , Trifiletti Daniel M. , Geesey Constance , Sukovich Kaitlyn , Crandley Edwin , Read Paul W. , Wijesooriya Krishni
Published: February 2017

Cardiac irradiation increases the risk of coronary artery disease in patients with left‐sided breast cancer. Techniques exist to reduce cardiac irradiation, but the optimum technique depends on individual patient anatomy and physiology. We investigated the correlation of delta heart volume in field (dHVIF) and sternal excursion with dose sparing in heart and left anterior descending artery (LAD) to develop quantitative predictive models for expected dose to heart and LAD. A treatment planning study was performed on 97 left‐breast cancer patients who underwent whole breast radiotherapy under deep inspiratory breath hold (DIBH). Two CT datasets, free breathing (FB) and DIBH, were utilized for treatment planning and for determination of the internal anatomy‐based DIBH amplitude. The mean heart and LAD dose were compared between FB and DIBH plans and dose to the heart and LAD as a function of dHVIF and sternal excursion were determined. The [Average (STD); Range] mean heart doses from free breathing and DIBH are and , respectively. The mean LAD doses from free breathing and DIBH are and , respectively. The mean dose reductions with DIBH are for the heart and for LAD. Percent mean dose reductions to the heart and LAD with DIBH are 44% and 67% , respectively, compared to FB. The dHVIF mean dose reduction correlation is for the heart and for LAD (with linear trend and y intercept: 26.0 cGy for the heart, 109.1 cGy for LAD). DIBH amplitude using sternal position was . The DIBH amplitude mean dose reduction correlation is for the heart and for LAD (with linear trend with y intercept: 35.6 cGy for the heart, 102.4 cGy for LAD). The strong correlation of dose sparing to the heart and LAD with dHVIF and sternal excursion suggests that mean dose sparing to heart and LAD can be predicted with either dHVIF or sternal excursion equally well. The metrics proposed could be utilized to allow providers to determine the relative dosimetric benefits of different heart‐sparing techniques as early as time of consultation.

PACS number(s): 87.53.Tf
Molecular Confirmation of the Relationship between Candida guilliermondii Fks1p Naturally Occurring Amino Acid Substitutions and Its Intrinsic Reduced Echinocandin Susceptibility
Authors: Dudiuk Catiana , Macedo Daiana , Leonardelli Florencia , Theill Laura , Cabeza Matias S. , Gamarra Soledad , Garcia-Effron Guillermo
Published: February 2017

Candida guilliermondii
shows intrinsic reduced echinocandin susceptibility. It harbors two polymorphisms (L633M and T634A) in the Fks1p hot spot 1 region. Our objective was to confirm that the reduced echinocandin susceptibility of
C. guilliermondii
is due to those naturally occurring substitutions. We constructed a
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
mutant in which a region of the
FKS1
gene (including hot spot 1) was replaced with that from
C. guilliermondii
. The chimeric mutants showed 32-fold increases in echinocandin MIC values, confirming the hypothesis.
Effectiveness of the Gold Standard Programme compared with other smoking cessation interventions in Denmark: a cohort study
Authors: Rasmussen Mette , Fernández Esteve , Tønnesen Hanne
Published: February 2017

Objectives

We compared the effectiveness of the Gold Standard Programme (a comprehensive smoking cessation intervention commonly used in Denmark) with other face-to-face smoking cessation programmes in Denmark after implementation in real life, and we identified factors associated with successful quitting.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

A total of 423 smoking cessation clinics from different settings reported data from 2001 to 2013.

Participants

In total, 82 515 patients were registered. Smokers ≥15 years old and attending a programme with planned follow-up were included. Smokers who did not want further contact, who intentionally were not followed up or who lacked information about the intervention they received were excluded. A total of 46 287 smokers were included.

Interventions

Various real-life smoking cessation interventions were identified and compared: The Gold Standard Programme, Come & Quit, crash courses, health promotion counselling (brief intervention) and other interventions.

Main outcome

Self-reported continuous abstinence for 6 months.

Results

Overall, 33% (11 184) were continuously abstinent after 6 months; this value was 24% when non-respondents were considered smokers. The follow-up rate was 74%. Women were less likely to remain abstinent, OR 0.83 (CI 0.79 to 0.87). Short interventions were more effective among men. After adjusting for confounders, the Gold Standard Programme was the only intervention with significant results across sex, increasing the odds of abstinence by 69% for men and 31% for women. In particular, compliance, and to a lesser degree, mild smoking, older age and not being disadvantaged were associated with positive outcomes for both sexes. Compliance increased the odds of abstinence more than 3.5-fold.

Conclusions

Over time, Danish smoking cessation interventions have been effective in real life. Compliance is the main predictor of successful quitting. Interestingly, short programmes seem to have relatively strong effects among men, but the absolute numbers are very small. Only the comprehensive Gold Standard Programme works across sexes.
Building a common description of land cover in a tropical watershed plagued with intercultural conflicts: The value of participatory 3D modelling
Authors: Guillemette Mathieu , Potvin Catherine , Martinez Lauliano , Pacheco Bonarge , Caño Dioniz , Pérez Ignacio
Published: February 2017

Natural forest management and conservation projects such as reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and enhancing forest carbon stocks (REDD+) face many challenges in the field. Implementation of these projects depends on such factors as clarity of information among stakeholders, legal security of territories, and local decision-making power. These challenges have been previously identified in the Upper Bayano watershed of eastern Panama, where a long history of land cover and land-use conflicts is present between three different human groups. With a long-term objective of natural forest conservation, this study aims to develop and test participatory approaches (participatory mapping and participatory 3D modelling) for the Upper Bayano watershed in an attempt to create a consensus among all stakeholders on current land cover and land-use conflicts to overcome challenges faced by projects as REDD+. We found that the third dimension allows a common understanding over the landscape, creates a common ground discussion, and leads towards a consensus, while the participatory approach brings discussion and positive effects among the stakeholders and the bridging institutions bring equity and transparency. Finally, we discuss implications of this knowledge generation and common agreement over the landscape for future forest management projects such as REDD+’s implementation.
Searching for new physics in semi-leptonic baryon decays
Authors: Di Salvo E. , Ajaltouni Z. J.
Published: February 2017

We propose two different and complementary observables for singling out possible signals of physics beyond the Standard Model (SM) in the semi-leptonic decays [Formula: see text], both with the [Formula: see text] lepton and with a light lepton. The two observables are the partial decay width and a T-odd asymmetry, whose respective sensitivities to scalar and/or pseudo-scalar coupling are calculated as functions of the parameters characterizing new physics (NP). Two different form factors are used. Three particular cases are discussed and analyzed in detail.
Ground-up circular Higgs Factory ring design and cell length optimization
Authors: Talman Richard
Published: February 2017

A “ground-up” Higgs Factory design methodology is described. For concreteness, numerical parameter choices are drawn primarily from CEPC, the Circular Electron Positron Collider. The goals are to find: (i) optimal parameters, (ii) improved understanding , (iii) a tentative lattice design. As illustration of the method, six chromaticity-corrected lattices, with cell lengths ranging from 45 m to 280 m, all with identical [Formula: see text] mm or [Formula: see text] mm intersection region optics, are designed and their properties compared. For simplicity only a single “toy ring,” circumference (76 km), with one interaction point, and a single beam energy (120 GeV) is considered. For the cell-length optimization a figure of merit FOM (essentially integrated luminosity) is maximized consistent with a dimensionless “fine tuning penalty function” or figure of demerit FOD not being allowed to exceed a conservatively chosen upper limit. The tentative recommendation from this investigation is that the optimal CEPC route is (except for obvious changes) to simply copy LEP: 80 m cell length and two-in-one single-ring operation. The main luminosity-increasing improvements are increased radius and power, top-off-full-energy-injection, noninterleaved sextupoles, more than 100 beam bunch operation, and improved intersection region design. Local chromaticity compensation (with its inevitable intense hard X-rays incident on the detectors) is found to be unnecessary. With these changes luminosity in excess of [Formula: see text] is projected to be achievable.
Induced Subgraph Game for Ensemble Selection
Authors: Ykhlef Hadjer , Bouchaffra Djamel
Published: February 2017

Ensemble methodology has proved to be one of the strongest machine learning techniques. In spite of its huge success, most ensemble methods tend to generate unnecessarily large number of classifiers, which entails an increase in memory storage, computational cost, and even a reduction in the generalization performance of the ensemble. Ensemble selection addresses these shortcomings by searching for a fraction of individual classifiers that performs as good as, or better than the entire ensemble. In this paper, we formulate ensemble selection problem as a coalitional game played on a graph. The proposed game aims at capturing two crucial concepts that affect the performance of an ensemble: accuracy and diversity. Most importantly, it ranks every classifier based on its contribution in keeping a proper balance between these two notions using Shapley value. To demonstrate the validity and the effectiveness of the proposed approach, we carried out experimental comparisons with some major selection techniques based on 35 UCI benchmark datasets. The results reveal that our approach significantly improves the original ensemble and performs better than the other methods in terms of classification accuracy, pruning ratio, and computational cost.
A Novel Panel of Serum Biomarkers for MPM Diagnosis
Authors: Bonotti A. , Foddis R. , Landi S. , Melaiu O. , De Santi C. , Giusti L. , Donadio E. , Ciregia F. , Mazzoni M. R. , Lucacchini A. , Bovenzi M. , Comar M. , Pantani E. , Pistelli A. , Cristaudo A.
Published: February 2017

Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a highly aggressive cancer of the pleura. Since the only tools for early detection are based on radiological tests, some authors focused on serum markers (i.e., mesothelin). The aim of this study was the evaluation of new serum biomarkers to be used individually or in combination, in order to improve the outcome of patients whose disease would be diagnosed at an earlier stage. Serum and plasma were available from 43 subjects previously exposed to asbestos and 27 MPM patients, all being epithelioid type. All the new markers found differentially expressed in MPM and healthy subjects, by proteomic and genomic approaches, have been validated in the serum by the use of specific ELISA. The combined approach, using tools of genomics and proteomics, is found to be highly innovative for this type of disease and led to the identification of new serum markers in the diagnosis of MPM. These results, if confirmed in a larger series, may have a strong impact in this area, because early detection of this cancer in people at high risk could significantly improve the course of the disease and the clinical approach to an individualized therapy.
Broadband Dipole-Loop Combined Nanoantenna Fed by Two-Wire Optical Transmission Line
Authors: de Souza Janilson L. , da Costa Karlo Q. , Dmitriev Victor , Bamberg Felipe
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a broadband nanoantenna fed by a two-wire optical transmission line (OTL). The antenna is defined by a combination of a dipole and a loop, where only the dipole element is connected to the OTL. The analysis is fulfilled by the linear method of moments with equivalent surface impedance to model the conductors. Firstly, the nanoantenna alone is investigated, where the input impedance, current distribution, reflection coefficient, fractional bandwidth, radiation efficiency, and radiation pattern are analyzed. Then, the input impedance matching of this antenna with the OTL is considered. In this case the current, near field distribution, radiation pattern, and reflection coefficient are calculated for different geometrical parameters. The results show that the loop inserted in the circuit can increase the bandwidth up to 42% and decreases the reflection coefficient in the OTL to −25 dB.
A Two-Stage Optimization Strategy for Fuzzy Object-Based Analysis Using Airborne LiDAR and High-Resolution Orthophotos for Urban Road Extraction
Authors: Sameen Maher Ibrahim , Pradhan Biswajeet
Published: February 2017

In the last decade, object-based image analysis (OBIA) has been extensively recognized as an effective classification method for very high spatial resolution images or integrated data from different sources. In this study, a two-stage optimization strategy for fuzzy object-based analysis using airborne LiDAR was proposed for urban road extraction. The method optimizes the two basic steps of OBIA, namely, segmentation and classification, to realize accurate land cover mapping and urban road extraction. This objective was achieved by selecting the optimum scale parameter to maximize class separability and the optimum shape and compactness parameters to optimize the final image segments. Class separability was maximized using the Bhattacharyya distance algorithm, whereas image segmentation was optimized using the Taguchi method. The proposed fuzzy rules were created based on integrated data and expert knowledge. Spectral, spatial, and texture features were used under fuzzy rules by implementing the particle swarm optimization technique. The proposed fuzzy rules were easy to implement and were transferable to other areas. An overall accuracy of 82% and a kappa index of agreement (KIA) of 0.79 were achieved on the studied area when results were compared with reference objects created via manual digitization in a geographic information system. The accuracy of road extraction using the developed fuzzy rules was 0.76 (producer), 0.85 (user), and 0.72 (KIA). Meanwhile, overall accuracy was decreased by approximately 6% when the rules were applied on a test site. A KIA of 0.70 was achieved on the test site using the same rules without any changes. The accuracy of the extracted urban roads from the test site was 0.72 (KIA), which decreased to approximately 0.16. Spatial information (i.e., elongation) and intensity from LiDAR were the most interesting properties for urban road extraction. The proposed method can be applied to a wide range of real applications through remote sensing by transferring object-based rules to other areas using optimization techniques.
Comparable Effects of Brief Resistance Exercise and Isotime Sprint Interval Exercise on Glucose Homeostasis in Men
Authors: Tong Tomas K. , Kong Zhaowei , Shi Xueying , Shi Qingde
Published: February 2017

This study compared the effects of a single bout of resistance exercise (RES) on glycemic homeostasis to isotime sprint interval exercise (SIE) using a within-subjects design. Nineteen nondiabetic males (age:23.3±0.7 yrs; height:173.1±1.2 cm; weight:79.1±4.8 kg; % fat:22.5±2.5%) were studied. RES involved nine exercises of 10 repetitions at 75% 1-RM using a 2 : 2 s tempo and was interspersed with a one-minute recovery; SIE involved four 30 s’ all-out cycling effort interspersed with four minutes of active recovery. Plasma glucose and insulin in response to a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test were assessed 12 h after exercise. In comparison to a no exercise control trial (CON), the area under curve (AUC) of plasma glucose was reduced with both RES and SIE (P<0.05), while insulin AUC was only reduced with RES. Cederholm, Gutt, Matsuda, and HOMA indices were improved (P<0.05) following RES compared to CON. Corresponding changes following SIE were only found in Cederholm and Gutt indices (P<0.05). No difference was found in plasma variables and indices between RES and SIE (P>0.05). Such findings suggest that the RES may represent a potential alternative to the SIE in the development of time-efficient lifestyle intervention strategies for improving diabetes risk factors in healthy populations.
The VanDerBeek-Knowlton Movies
Authors: Noll A. Michael
Published: February 2017

During the second half of the 1960s, artist-filmmaker Stan VanDerBeek collaborated with Bell Labs researcher Kenneth Knowlton in the production of ten computer-animated movies. This article describes that collaboration and discusses certain movies that resulted. In this early example of collaboration between an artist and a computer technologist, VanDerBeek built on his experience to learn computer programming, and Knowlton extended his artistic sensitivities and programming languages—each learned from the other. The article concludes with a discussion of the term “computer artist” as used during those early days of computer art and animation. In the author’s opinion, VanDerBeek, by doing his own computer programming, became a computer artist, while Knowlton’s creativity in creating computer-animated sequences made him an artist.
A new species of Silene sect. Dipterosperma (Caryophyllaceae) from Malta
Authors: BRULLO SALVATORE , BRULLO CRISTIAN , CAMBRIA SALVATORE , LANFRANCO EDWIN , LANFRANCO SANDRO , MINISSALE PIETRO , SCIANDRELLO SAVERIO , GALDO GIANPIETRO GIUSSO DEL
Published: February 2017

Silene melitensis, a new species beonging to the sect. Dipterosperma, is described and illustrated from Maltese Archipelago. This therophyte occurs along the calcareous rocky coast of Malta and Gozo islands, where it grows within the ephemeral meadows together with many halophytes. Based on its prostrate-ascending habit and succulent leaves, S. melitensis shows some morphological similarities with S. nummica and S. crassiuscula, both included in the S. colorata group. S. melitensis differs from S. nummica in having inflorescence more flowered, petals smaller, claw on the back pubescent in the midrib, capsule bigger, carpophore shorter and seed with undulate wings, while it differs from S. crassiuscula in having scapes branched at the base, calyx tomentose-hirsute and shorter, petal limb shorter, coronal scales shorter and undulate, ovary shorter and seed larger. An diagnostic key of the taxa belonging to the sect. Dicterosperma is provided.
Haplophyllum sahinii (Rutaceae), a new species from Central Anatolia (Turkey)
Authors: TUGAY OSMAN , ULUKUŞ DENİZ
Published: February 2017

Haplophyllum sahinii (Rutaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species, growing in the rocky fields near the village of Apasaraycık-Apa (Konya), in Central Anatolia. It is compared with the similar H. vulcanicum from Karadağ (Karaman) in south-central Turkey, from the point of view of plant, pollen and seed morphology. Some morphological characters of leaves, bracts, petals, ovary and capsule appendage are diagnostic in distinguishing the two species. Distribution map, and description of seed and pollen characters of the new species, are also given.
The genus Syllis Savigny in Lamarck, 1818 (Annelida: Syllidae: Syllinae) from Australia (second part): four new species and re-description of twelve previously described species
Authors: MARTÍN GUILLERMO SAN , ÁLVAREZ-CAMPOS PATRICIA , HUTCHINGS PAT
Published: February 2017

Syllis Savigny in Lamarck, 1818, the type genus of Syllidae, is the largest and most diverse within the family. This genus presents many taxonomic and phylogenetic problems due mainly to the lack of molecular data and morphological synapomorphies for many of the species, but also to poor or inadequate descriptions. In order to improve the knowledge of the genus, we have undertaken a morphological revision of Australian species, based on type material and material from the Australian Museum. Sixteen species are herein described, of which four are new and twelve are redescriptions of alreadyknown species, with six new combinations: Syllis boggemanni, n. sp.; S. joaoi, n. sp.; S. karlae, n. sp.; S. marceloi, n. sp.; S. albanyensis (Hartmann-Schröder, 1984) n. comb.; S. erikae (Hartmann-Schröder, 1981) n. comb.; S. krohnii Ehlers 1864; S. lunaris (Imajima, 1966) n. comb.; S. lutea (Hartmann-Schröder, 1960); S. macrodentata (Hartmann-Schröder, 1982) n. comb.; S. monilaris Savigny in Lamarck, 1818; S. nigropunctata Haswell, 1886; S. pectinans Haswell, 1920; S. rosea (Langerhans, 1879); S. warrnamboolensis (Hartmann-Schröder, 1987) n. comb.; and S. yallingupensis (Hartmann-Schröder, 1982), n. comb.
Cetopirus complanatus (Cirripedia: Coronulidae) from the late Middle Pleistocene human settlement of Pinnacle Point 13B (Mossel Bay, South Africa)
Authors: COLLARETA ALBERTO , MAREAN CURTIS W. , JERARDINO ANTONIETA , BOSSELAERS MARK
Published: February 2017

The late Middle Pleistocene cave site of Pinnacle Point 13B (PP13B, South Africa) has provided the archaeologically oldest evidences yet known of human consumption of marine resources. Among the marine invertebrates recognised at PP13B, an isolated whale barnacle compartment was tentatively determined as Coronula diadema and regarded as indirect evidence of human consumption of a baleen whale (likely Megaptera novaeangliae). In this paper we redetermine this coronulid specimen as Cetopirus complanatus. This record significantly extends the fossil history of C. complanatus back by about 150 ky, thus partially bridging the occurrence of Cetopirus fragilis in the early Pleistocene to the latest Quaternary record of C. complanatus. Since C. complanatus is currently known as a highly specific phoront of right whales (Eubalaena spp.), we propose that the late Middle Pleistocene human groups that inhabited PP13B fed on a stranded southern right whale. Therefore, the whale barnacle from PP13B suggests the persistence of a southern right whale population off South Africa during the predominantly glacial MIS 6, thus evoking the continuity of cetacean migrations and antitropical distribution during that global cold phase. Interestingly, the most ancient evidence of humans feeding on a whale involves Eubalaena, historically the most exploited cetacean genus, and currently still seriously threatened with extinction due to human impact.
The identity of Equatobursa, with proposal of new genus and species level synonymies (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Heterogastridae)
Authors: GAO CUIQING , RÉDEI DÁVID
Published: February 2017

The identities of the genus Equatobursa Zou, 1985 and its single included species, E. nigra Zou, 1985 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Heterogastridae) are clarified based on the re-examination of the type material of the species. The following new subjective synonymies are proposed: Sadoletus Distant, 1903 = Equatobursa Zou, 1985, syn. nov.; Sadoletus izzardi Hidaka, 1959 = Equatobursa nigra Zou, 1985, syn. nov.
Review of fungus-feeding urothripine species from China, with descriptions of two new species (Thysanoptera:Phlaeothripidae)
Authors: TONG XIAOLI , ZHAO CHAO
Published: February 2017

Twelve species of urothripine Phlaeothripidae are recorded from China, including two new species that are described and illustrated here, Stephanothrips austrinus sp. n. and Urothrips calvus sp. n. A new key is provided to the urothripine species known from China together with new collection data.
New records of the larval forms Cerataspis monstrosa and Amphionides reynaudii (Crustacea: Decapoda) from the western tropical Atlantic
Authors: LIRA SIMONE MARIA DE ALBUQUERQUE , SANTANA CLAUDEILTON SEVERINO DE , LIMA CYNTHIA DAYANNE MELLO DE , MONTES MANUEL DE JESUS FLORES , SCHWAMBORN RALF
Published: February 2017

The current biogeographic and taxonomic knowledge on decapod larvae in tropical oceans is still very incomplete, in spite of their huge ecological and socio-economic importance. The present study reports two new records for decapod larval forms in pelagic environments off oceanic islands in the western tropical Atlantic, and provides detailed diagnoses and images of these larvae. Samples were taken from July 2010 to November 2014 using neuston, bongo and WP-2 nets at three localities: St. Peter and St. Paul’s Archipelago (SPSP), Rocas Atoll (RA) and Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (FN). The larval forms Cerataspis monstrosa (Gray, 1828) and Amphionides reynaudii (H. Milne Edwards, 1832) were recorded around these areas, constituting the first record for these oceanic islands. Out of 121 samples analyzed, one specimen of C. monstrosa (Mysis II) was found off FN, and 20 specimens of A. reynaudii in nine distinct stages (Mysis II, IV, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII) were found off SPSP, RA and FN.
Epidemiology of isolated foot burns in children presenting to a Queensland paediatric burns centre— a two-year study in warmer climate
Authors: Ngu Florence , Patel Bhaveshkumar , McBride Craig
Published: February 2017

Background

European studies of paediatric foot burns report scalds as the leading cause. Mechanisms of injury are different in warmer climates. We sought to characterize the mechanisms and outcomes of isolated foot burns in our population.

Methods

Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of all children aged 0–15 years presenting to a Queensland paediatric burns centre over a 26-month period. Non-parametric analyses such as the Mann-Whitney U and Pearson Chi-square were used.

Results

There were 218 children with foot burns treated over a period of 2 years and 2 months of which 214 had complete records. There were significantly more boys than girls (n = 134, 62.6% cf. n = 80, 37.4%, p < 0.0001). The leading mechanism of injury was a contact burn accounting for 63.1% (n = 135) followed by scalds (23.8%, n = 51). Friction, flame and chemical burns were a minority but were significantly deeper (p = 0.03) and significantly more likely to require grafting (p = 0.04) and scar management (p < 0.0001) compared to contact and scald burns.

Conclusions

In our population, contact burns are the most common mechanism of injury causing burns to the feet. The leading aetiology is campfire burns, which account for one-third of all burns to the feet. Prevention campaigns targeted at this population could significantly reduce the burden of morbidity from these burns. Friction, flame and chemical burns constitute a minority of patients but are deeper and more likely to require skin grafting and scar management.
Challenges and support for family caregivers of glioma patients
Authors: Boele Florien Willemijn , Grant Robin , Sherwood Paula
Published: February 2017

Glioma patients are not only confronted with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, but also with disease-specific symptoms that greatly affect everyday life. Common symptoms among patients include motor dysfunction, sensory loss, seizures, cognitive deficits, changes in behaviour and personality, mood issues, and fatigue. This review focuses on family caregivers, for whom dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of a brain tumour in their loved one while managing disease-specific symptoms can be challenging. Supportive interventions to assist caregivers have been reported, but high-quality scientific evidence for the effectiveness of these programmes is lacking. Further research is needed to determine how best to support family caregivers to manage glioma patients' symptoms while maintaining their own health. Research is also required in evaluating the health economic benefits of support programmes for caregivers, as better care for caregivers may potentially reduce overall healthcare costs.
Studying the impact on weight and glycaemic control in adults with diabetes attending a group-based commercial weight management programme
Authors: Avery Amanda , Nagar Ravi , Hillier Sarah , Pallister Carolyn , Lavin Jacquie , Mellor Duane
Published: February 2017

Most NHS weight management and diabetes education is short term, so can the more sustained support provided by commercial weight loss programmes prove a useful ally in treating obesity and diabetes? Here the authors evaluate a survey that suggests it can

Healthcare professionals could work in partnership with commercial group weight management programmes (CGWMP) to help people with diabetes lose weight and improve their glycaemic control. The effect of ongoing CGWMP support on diabetes control has not previously been reported. This study evaluates weight loss and glycaemic control in people with diabetes attending a CGWMP.

Method:

A cross-sectional online survey posted on a CGWMP's member's website. The survey asked for reported changes in HbA1c and physical activity and demographics including age, type of diabetes, medications taken and healthcare professional support. The dataset was linked to electronically reported weight and attendances. Data was statistically analysed to assess percentage of individuals meeting targets for weight reduction and HbA1c and outcome changes with variation between genders, type of diabetes and support.

Results:

620 respondents with mean weight loss of 10.0±8.0%; 157 reported a mean reduction in HbA1c of 18±21mmol/mol (1.6±1.9%). 58.2% lost >10% body weight after 24 weeks and 51.5% had achieved HbA1c of <48mmol/l (6.5%). Those with type 2 (n=547) had greater reduction in HbA1c (p=0.034) but not weight (p=0.317) compared to type 1 diabetes (n=73). An increase in physical activity was associated with advise from a healthcare professional (p<0.001) with increases in PA not associated with lower HbA1c (p=0.654). A >5% weight reduction was associated with diabetes medication reduction (p=0.028) and improved glycaemic control (p=0.001).

Conclusion:

Support provided by the CGWMP resulted in clinically significant weight losses and improvements in HbA1c with reductions in diabetes medication. Attendance at CGWMPs may be an effective long-term strategy and a scalable option to help improve diabetes control.
Physiological Response of Brachiaria sp on Acid Soil
Authors: Fanindi Achmad
Published: February 2017

The utilization of marginal land, especially the acid soil, for cultivation of forages is promising. Forage as a source of feed for ruminants, can also be used to improve soil fertility. Brachiaria sp is found widely grow in marginal areas, especially on acid soil showing its high adaptability. The diverse of genotypes have become interesting because the mechanism of its adaption can be studied by observing the physiological response of Brachiaria on acid soil. Brachiaria decumbens has high tolerant, while Brachiaria ruziziensis is sensitive to acid soil. Variance of physiological and morphological responses to acid soil are the foundation for determining the traits of selection in breeding activities of Brachiaria sp. This paper aims to provide the knowledge of physiological response of Brachiaria sp and this information is useful for selection of Brachiaria sp tolerant on acid soil.
Structure and Food Price Inflation
Authors: Rahkovsky Ilya , Volpe Richard
Published: February 2017

We pair Nielsen TDLinx data, 2004–2014, with Consumer Price Index data to investigate how changes in food retail market structure drive food price inflation. We find, in corroboration with much of the evidence to date, that market concentration is positively and significantly associated with higher food prices. We find the same to be true for store format concentration, or the homogeneity of food markets. As the market shares, or penetration, of supercenters, warehouse stores, limited assortment stores, and superettes increase at expense of traditional supermarkets, food price inflation decreases.
The variable clinical phenotype of three patients with hepatic glycogen synthase deficiency
Authors: Kasapkara Çiğdem Seher , Aycan Zehra , Açoğlu Esma , Senel Saliha , Oguz Melek Melahat , Ceylaner Serdar
Published: February 2017

Background:

Glycogen synthase deficiency, also known as glycogenosis (GSD) type 0 is an inborn error of glycogen metabolism caused by mutations in the

Case presentation:

Herein we report three new cases of liver glycogen synthase deficiency (GSD0). The first patient presented at the 4 years of age with recurrent hypoglycemic seizures. The second patient who is the brother of the first patient presented at 15 months with asymptomatic incidental hypoglycemia. Glucose monitoring in both patients revealed daily fluctuations from fasting hypoglycemia to postprandial hyperglycemia and lactic acidemia. A third patient was consulted for ketotic hypoglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia at the 5 years of age.

Conclusions:

Genetic analyses of the siblings revealed homozygosity for mutation c.736C>T on the
Serum fibrinogen levels could be an index of successful use of balloon tamponade in postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Nakashima Ayaka , Ogita Kazuhide , Chita Masaya , Yokoi Takeshi
Published: February 2017

Objective:

The object of our study was to determine whether serum fibrinogen levels could be used to predict the success rates of balloon tamponade and decrease the use of invasive methods.

Methods:

This retrospective study, conducted at Rinku General Medical Center, was aimed to identify factors associated with high success rates in balloon tamponade. Forty-six patients with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), non-responsive to uterotonics and treated with balloon tamponade between April 2008 and March 2015, were included.

Results:

Forty-six women were included, of which 34 underwent vaginal delivery and 12 underwent cesarean delivery. There were no complications from balloon tamponade and its success rate was 73.3%. Seven women required additional procedures: One used gauze packing, three used uterine artery embolization, and five underwent peripartum hysterectomy. The cut-off line of serum fibrinogen level was 172.5 mg/dL (P=0.002) with its 77.4% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity.

Conclusion:

We recommend measuring serum fibrinogen level for predicting whether the balloon tamponade can be used successfully or not.
The effect of attending a prenatal childbirth preparedness course on labor duration and outcomes
Authors: Yohai David , Alharar Debi , Cohen Ruthi , Kaltian Zohar , Aricha-Tamir Barak , Ben Aion Saviona , Yohai Zehava , Weintraub Adi Y.
Published: February 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of attending a prenatal childbirth preparation course (CPC) on labor duration and outcomes.

Methods:

A cross sectional study of 53 primiparous women who attended and 54 women who did not attend a CPC was conducted. The state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) score was used to diagnose anxiety. Clinical and obstetrical data were collected from the perinatal database of our center. Through post-partum interviews, coping strategies were assessed, patients graded their childbirth experience and breastfeeding was evaluated. Data were analyzed using description analyses and a P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The STAI score was significantly lower in the study group compared with controls (P=0.025). The first stage and the entire duration of labor were significantly shorter (P=0.036 and P=0.026, respectively) in women who attended the CPC. No significant differences were found with regard to the mode of delivery, rate of episiotomy, use of analgesics and neonatal outcomes between the groups. Women in the study group rated their labor experience significantly higher (P=0.016) and exhibited significantly higher rates of breastfeeding (P<0.001) than controls.

Conclusions:

The knowledge acquired in the CPC has positive effects on the course of labor and delivery outcomes as well as higher rates of breastfeeding.
The report of the 1st Turkey in vitro diagnostic symposium results
Authors: Kocdor Hilal , Sezer Ebru , Erbayraktar Zubeyde , Pabuccuoglu Aysun , Onat Taner , Oktay Gulgun , Guner Gul , Yener Nilgun , Sagin Ferhan , Aslan Diler
Published: February 2017

“The 1st Turkish in vitro Diagnostic Symposium” was organized in İzmir between the dates 18–20 February 2016 with cooperation of Turkish Biochemistry Society Izmir Branch and Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Health Sciences. This article presents a collection of the subjects, recommendations and results included in the final report of the symposium. Symposium subjects were analysed under separate titles and evaluated together with results obtained from various reports on medical devices (MD) in the last decade. According to the final report, the subjects to be considered on preferential basis include “configuration of the websites of legal authorities, standardization and accreditation institutions in a way to access work on in vitro Diagnostic (IVD)”, “activation of university-industry cooperation”, “determination of national standards parallel to international standards” and “carrying out the statistics about IVD-MD in Turkey as immediate as possible”. Drawing attention to the fact that there is a requirement for competent man power for every-stage of IVD-MD lifecycle, it is recommended that postgraduate education programmes are founded to serve these fields. Consequently, this symposium enabled to determine the basic problems about the sector by bringing together the stakeholders related to IVD-MD field and to come up with an action plan in accordance with the recommendations.
Rationale for stem cell therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sushaniba Kumar
Published: February 2017

Stem cells can be differentiated into many types of mature cells. Among degenerative diseases, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is considered to be a good target disease for stem cell therapeutic application. Indeed, several studies have suggested that stem cells can be differentiated, both in vitro and in vivo, into beta cells which regenerate the pancreas. However, recent studies have shown that stem cell therapy can also provide benefits for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is not related to beta cell degeneration in the pancreas. This commentary will discuss the opportunity to use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat T2DM, citing various stem cell therapies from recent published studies. Indeed, a current report “Expanded autologous adipose derived stem cell transplantation for type 2 diabetes mellitus, Biomedical Research and Therapy, 3(12): 1034-1044” evaluated and confirmed the positive effects of stem cell transplantation for blood glucose regulation in T2DM.
Re-emergence of bovine haemorrhagic septicaemia in Hungary
Authors: Magyar Tibor , Ujvári Barbara , Szeredi Levente , Virsinger Norbert , Albert Ervin , Német Zoltán , Csuka Edit , Biksi Imre
Published: February 2017

This paper reports an outbreak of haemorrhagic septicaemia caused by Pasteurella multocida B:2 in beef calves, a disease that has not been described in the Hungarian literature since 1943, and has not been reported to the World Organisation For Animal Health (OIE) since 1970. Acute haemorrhagic septicaemia was confirmed in beef calves on one small farm, and was suspected on two further nearby holdings with concomitant unexplained losses. The source of the infection could not be determined. Apart from a short duration of depression and loss of appetite, the affected calves developed characteristic distal limb oedema. Gross findings in two calves submitted for laboratory examinations included subcutaneous oedema and haemorrhages on serous membranes, and in one case severe pharyngeal lymph node enlargement was observed. Histological examinations revealed lesions characteristic of septicaemia. Moderate to large amounts of Pasteurella antigens were detected in all organs tested by immunohistochemistry. Two isolates of P. multocida (Pm240, Pm241) were cultured from these cases and examined in detail. These were identified as P. multocida ssp. multocida biovar 3. Both were toxA negative and belonged to serotype B:2. Multilocus sequence typing was used to assign these to a new sequence type (ST64) that is closely related to other haemorrhagic septicaemia causing strains of P. multocida regardless of the host.