bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment Zone Decentration During Orthokeratology on Eyes with Corneal Toricity
Authors: Maseedupally Vinod K. , Gifford Paul , Lum Edward , Naidu Rajeev , Sidawi Dyana , Wang Bingjie , Swarbrick Helen A.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To compare the magnitude of treatment zone decentration between eyes with minimally toric corneas (≤1.50 DC, LoTor group) and eyes with moderately toric corneas (1.50 to 3.50 DC, HiTor group) after a single overnight wear of spherical orthokeratology lenses.

Methods

In the LoTor group, 21 participants (9 M, 12 F, 20–40 years) were fitted using a conventional fitting approach based on the flat corneal meridian. In the HiTor group, 12 participants (5 M, 7 F, 19–45 years) were fitted using the conventional fitting method in one eye (HiTor group I) and the other eye was fitted with a lens with slightly deeper sagittal height (HiTor group II). In all groups, BE spherical orthokeratology trial contact lenses (Boston XO) were used and corneal topography data (Medmont E300) were obtained at baseline and after a single overnight wear. The magnitude of treatment zone decentration relative to vertex normal was determined from corneal topography refractive power difference maps. Treatment zone parameters including magnitude and direction of decentration were analyzed and related to baseline corneal parameters.

Results

After a single overnight wear, the mean magnitude of treatment zone decentration was 0.48 ± 0.20 mm in the LoTor group, 1.06 ± 0.57 mm in HiTor group I, and 0.95 ± 0.44 mm in HiTor group II. Treatment zone decentration in the LoTor group was significantly different from HiTor group I (p < 0.001), both fitted using a conventional fitting method. Treatment zone decentration was not significantly different between HiTor group I and II (p = 0.606). The magnitude of treatment zone decentration was positively correlated with the amount of baseline corneal toricity (LoTor and HiTor group I combined, p = 0.048).

Conclusions

Eyes with higher amounts of corneal toricity give rise to increased amounts of treatment zone decentration in overnight orthokeratology.
Fluorescent Immunohistochemistry: An Important Tool to Reveal Proteins From Tissues in Ancient Mummified Remains
Authors: Chessa Daniela , Delaconi Paola , Kelvin Nikki , Campus Franco , Sanna Luca , Demurtas Maria A. , Kelvin David , Rubino Salvatore , Mazzarello Vittorio
Published: June 2016

During the restoration of the Saint Antonio Abate Cathedral in Castelsardo, Sardinia, Italy, numerous human remains were found in a crypt. The burial site contained upwards of 120 individuals organized in successive layers from the bottom of the crypt; of these, 18 partially mummified individuals have been identified, including the last 2 individuals buried in the crypt. In the present study, we focused on these 2 individuals by initially adopting a morphologic and anthropological approach. The anthropological analysis of the remains showed that the 2 bodies were partially mummified and that most of the organs were not available; for this reason, the sex was determined by secondary sexual characteristics of the skulls and the long bones. The aim of this research was to describe the general state of the mummified bodies and tissues by morphologic and ultrastructural analysis using light and electron microscopy techniques. To ensure the preservation of specific tissue proteins, immunohistochemical fluorescence analysis was used. Limited information is available regarding the preservation of mummified tissues. Thus, this study demonstrated the presence of muscle and skin tissue markers in a good state of preservation, even though the tissues had undergone a slow mummification process. Our results demonstrate that several types of tissues and cell proteins may survive over a prolonged period and that these materials survive the postmortem processes.
MCM3: A Novel Proliferation Marker in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Valverde Ludmila de F. , de Freitas Raíza D. , Pereira Thiago de A. , de Resende Marina F. , Agra Ivan M.G. , dos Santos Jean N. , dos Reis Mitermayer G. , Sales Caroline B.S. , Gurgel Rocha Clarissa A.
Published: June 2016

The present study sought to evaluate and compare the immunoexpression of proteins minichromosome maintenance (MCM) 3 and Ki-67 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to assess the potential of these proteins as markers of cellular proliferation. Twenty-eight cases of OSCC, 9 of tumor-free resection margins (TM), and 4 of non-neoplastic oral mucosa (NNM) were subjected to immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of proteins MCM3 and Ki-67. All OSCCs demonstrated positivity for both proteins. In these tumors, greater MCM3 immunoreactivity was observed in comparison with Ki-67, whereas TMs and NNMs exhibited greater Ki-67 expression compared with MCM3. The immunoexpression of Ki-67 seemed to be influenced by the inflammatory process, particularly in TM and NNM. Our findings indicate that although both MCM3 and Ki-67 represent reliable markers of cellular proliferation in OSCC, as MCM3 expression does not appear to be influenced by external factors, this protein may emerge as a novel marker of cellular proliferation in these types of tumors.
The Use of a Novel Immunohistochemical Triple Cocktail in the Subclassification of Resected Non–Small Cell Lung Carcinomas: A Comparative Study With Morphology and Traditional Immunohistochemistry
Authors: HooKim Kim , Chaudoir Catherine S. , Chaudhery Shabnum I. , Reid Michelle D.
Published: June 2016

Therapy for non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is currently determined by histologic subtype and the presence or absence of actionable mutations. Accurate subclassification is therefore essential for appropriate selection of cases for molecular studies and guiding treatment. The gold standard for subclassification of NSCLC is identification of differentiating morphologic features in correlation with diagnostic immunohistochemistry (IHC) in cases of poorly differentiated carcinoma. Whereas Napsin A, TTF1, and p40 antibodies have been used individually for the subtyping of NSCLC, few studies have examined the 3 in cocktail form. Using a novel triple IHC antibody cocktail (TNP) composed of TTF1 (brown nuclear), Napsin A (red granular cytoplasmic), and p40 (red nuclear), a randomized, double-blinded subclassification was performed on a representative histologic section of 32 previously resected primary NSCLCs. TNP results were then compared with the gold-standard diagnosis. TNP accurately identified all (100%, 10/10) squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) (p40+/TTF1−/Napsin A−) and 89% (16/18) of adenocarcinomas (ADCs) (p40−/TTF1+/Napsin A+). TNP was negative in 7 (20%) tumors (p40−/TTF1−/Napsin A−), including 2 mucinous ADCs. TNP showed no overlapping or discordant immunostaining. Using traditional IHC with p63, CK5/6, and TTF1, all TNP (−) cases remained unclassifiable. With the exception of mucinous ADC, which was TNP negative, all TNP cases correlated with gold-standard diagnosis; 78% of tumors were also definitively classified as either ADC or SCC and required only a single slide for classification.
CTNNB1 Mutations and Estrogen Receptor Expression in Neuromuscular Choristoma and Its Associated Fibromatosis
Authors: Carter Jodi M. , Howe Benjamin M. , Hawse John R. , Giannini Caterina , Spinner Robert J. , Fritchie Karen J.
Published: June 2016

Neuromuscular choristoma (NMC) is a very rare, developmental malformation characterized by the endoneurial intercalation of mature muscle fibers among peripheral nerve fibers. NMC typically arises in the major proximal peripheral nerves, most commonly the sciatic nerve, and may involve the lumbosacral and brachial plexus. Patients present clinically with progressive neuropathy or plexopathy. NMC is strongly associated with development of a fibromatosis, histologically identical to conventional desmoid-type fibromatosis (NMC-fibromatosis). The development of NMC-fibromatosis is often precipitated by iatrogenic trauma (ie, biopsy). Desmoid-type fibromatosis is characterized by CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations, which result in aberrant nuclear β-catenin localization and dysregulated canonical Wnt signaling. In contrast, the pathogenesis of NMC and NMC-fibromatosis is unknown. Desmoid-type fibromatosis expresses estrogen receptors (ER), specifically the ER-beta isoform (ERβ), and endocrine therapies may be used in surgically unresectable cases. In contrast, the ER expression profile of NMC-fibromatosis is unknown. We evaluated a series of NMC and NMC-fibromatosis for CTNNB1 mutations, β-catenin expression, and ER isoform expression. Five NMCs occurred in 2 female and 3 male patients (median age: 14 y, range <1 to 42 y), as masses involving the sciatic nerve (N=4) or brachial plexus (N=1). Four (of 5) NMCs had CTNNB1 mutations: 3 c.134 C>T (p.S45F) and 1 c.121 A>G (p.T41A). Four patients subsequently developed NMC-fibromatosis, and all 4 cases contained CTNNB1 mutations, including 1 p.T41A and 3 p.S45F mutations. In 3 patients, the NMC and NMC-fibromatosis had identical CTNNB1 mutations. Only 1 NMC had no detectable CTNNB1 mutation; however, the patient’s subsequent NMC-fibromatosis had a CTNNB1 p.T41A mutation. All NMC and NMC-fibromatosis showed aberrant nuclear localization of β-catenin, nuclear ERβ expression, and no ERα expression. The presence of CTNNB1 mutations both in NMC and NMC-fibromatosis may be a shared molecular genetic abnormality underlying their pathogenesis.
Interstitial Mycosis Fungoides
Authors: Reggiani Camilla , Massone Cesare , Fink-Puches Regina , Cota Carlo , Cerroni Lorenzo
Published: June 2016

Interstitial mycosis fungoides (IMF) is a rare histopathologic variant of mycosis fungoides (MF) that may mimic other inflammatory dermatoses, mainly interstitial granuloma annulare, inflammatory morphea, and interstitial granulomatous dermatitis. Only small series and sporadic case reports of IMF have been described in the literature. We reviewed 27 specimens from 21 patients with IMF (M:F=11:10, median age 60) to better characterize clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical features of this disease. Most patients presented clinically with patches and/or plaques. Conventional MF was documented before, concomitant with, or after IMF in 12 patients, whereas only in 2 patients different biopsies showed exclusive features of IMF over a period of 4 and 191 months, respectively. Histology revealed in all cases variably long, linear aggregates of dermal lymphocytes splaying the collagen fibers, involving predominantly the superficial and mid-dermis (6 cases) or the entire dermis (21 cases). Immunohistochemical stainings revealed a cytotoxic phenotype in 9/18 tested cases. Variable amounts of histiocytes/macrophages were found interstitially in all tested biopsies but never represented a population larger than that of T lymphocytes. Our study shows that IMF is a peculiar variant of MF with frequent cytotoxic phenotype. This histopathologic variant in most cases represents a transient pattern in otherwise conventional MF. Accurate clinicopathologic correlation and phenotypic studies of atypical dermal interstitial lymphohistiocytic infiltrates allow to make a correct diagnosis.
Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Jones Landon A. , Sullivan Ross W.
Published: June 2016

Commotio cordis is a rare event caused by an unfortunately timed blunt anterior chest wall impact that most commonly presents in young male adolescents and is the second leading cause of death in young athletes. The most common initial presenting dysrhythmias are ventricular fibrillation and asystole, although other rare dysrhythmias have been reported—predominantly in animal models. To our knowledge, this is the first telemetry-confirmed case of commotio cordis with a presenting cardiac rhythm of ventricular tachycardia. While prompt recognition of commotio cordis and early cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation (if applicable) are still the treatment in these cases, our case offers potential insight into the underlying commotio cordis process.
Pediatric Airway Management and Prehospital Patient Safety
Authors: Hansen Matthew , Meckler Garth , O'Brien Kerth , Engle Phillip , Dickinson Caitlin , Dickinson Kathryn , Jui Jonathan , Lambert William , Cottrell Erika , Guise Jeanne-Marie
Published: June 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine what aspects of prehospital pediatric airway management may contribute to patient safety events.

Methods

We conducted a 3-phase Delphi survey in prehospital professionals across the United States to identify potential contributors to patient safety events. Respondents ranked how likely factors were to contribute on a 9-point Likert-type scale and were allowed to elaborate through open-ended questions. Analysis was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, including Likert-type responses and open-ended questions which were analyzed for specific themes.

Results

All 3 phases of the survey were completed by 492 participants; 50.8% of respondents were paramedics, 22% were emergency medical technician-basics/first responders, and 11.4% were physicians. Seventy-five percent identified lack of experience with advanced airway management, and 44% identified medical decision making regarding airway interventions as highly likely to lead to safety events. Within the domain of technical skills, advanced airway management was ranked in the top 3 contributors to safety events by 71% of participants, and bag-mask ventilation by 18%. Qualitative analysis of questions within the domains of equipment and technical skills identified endotracheal intubation as the top contributor to safety events, with bag-mask ventilation second. In the domains of assessment and decision making, respiratory assessment and knowing when to perform an advanced airway were ranked most highly.

Conclusions

This national Delphi survey identified lack of experience with pediatric airway management and challenges in decision making in advanced airway management as high risk for safety events, with endotracheal intubation as the most likely of these.
Abdominal Cerebrospinal Fluid Pseudocyst Diagnosed by Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Authors: Ivan Yaron , Hauptman Jason , Marin Jennifer R.
Published: June 2016

Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst is an uncommon complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt and is seen more commonly in the pediatric population. The diagnosis of an abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst is typically made by ultrasonography, which demonstrates a simple or loculated fluid collection in the abdomen. We present a case of abdominal pseudocyst diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound.
Brief Report: CD14brightCD16− monocytes and sCD14 level negatively associate with CD4-memory T-cell frequency and predict HCV-decline on therapy
Authors: Judge Chelsey J. , Sandberg Johan K. , Funderburg Nicholas T. , Sherman Kenneth E. , Butt Adeel A. , Kang Minhee , Landay Alan L. , Lederman Michael M. , Anthony Donald D.
Published: June 2016

During HIV+ hepatitis C virus (HCV)+ coinfection CD14brightCD16−monocytes produce soluble immune-activation markers that predict disease progression and poor response to interferon (IFN)-α treatment. We evaluated relationships among immune activation, monocyte phenotype, CD4-memory T cells, and HCV−, cytomegalovirus−, and cytomegalovirus/Epstein-Barr virus/influenza–specific IFN-γ-response before and during IFN-α treatment. Effector-memory and central-memory CD4 T-cell frequencies were lower in HCV+ HIV+ donors than in uninfected donors and correlated negatively with HCV level, CD14brightCD16−monocytes, and plasma sCD14. sCD14 and CD14brightCD16−monocytes negatively correlated with IFN-α–dependent HCV decline. CD4 effector-memory T cells positively associated with cytomegalovirus/Epstein-Barr virus/influenza(CEF)-specific IFN-γ response, while sCD14 negatively associated with both CD4 effector-memory T cells and CEF-specific IFN-γ response. These data support a role for memory-CD4 T cells in HCV containment and link immune activation and CD14brightCD16−-monocyte frequency to the failure of IFN-dependent HCV clearance.
Caudal Septal Support Versus Strut Graft in Achieving the Desired Lateral Profile in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Kucuker Ismail , Engin Murat Sinan , Aksakal Ibrahim Alper , Yosma Engin , Demir Ahmet
Published: June 2016

Nasal tip support is critical to achieve a lasting result in rhinoplasty. In this article, the authors compared the effects of strut grafts (SG) and caudal septum-based nasal tip supporting techniques (CSB-T) in terms of reaching the desired tip projection.

Included in this study were 40 patients (24 women and 16 men) who underwent primary open rhinoplasty via transcolumellar incision between January and June 2012. To achieve a good nasal projection, SG and CSB-T were used for 15 and 25 of these patients, respectively.

Certain anatomic landmarks were identified on preoperative, simulative, and 1-year follow-up photos. With these landmarks, certain angular and proportional values were calculated.

In the SG, the authors found no statistically significant difference in between simulative goals and postoperative results regarding bending angle. Postoperative nasolabial angle (NLA), tip angle, subnasal-tip/subnasal-radix (SnT/SnR) ratios were significantly lower than the simulation values; radix angle and supratip index values were significantly higher.

In the CSB-T group, the authors found no statistically significant difference in between preoperative values and postoperative results regarding NLA, tip angle, bending angle, (SnT/SnR) ratio values. Postoperative supratip index and radix angle measurements were found to be significantly higher than the simulation values.

With these findings, the authors concluded that CSB-T support is superior than the SG for supporting the nasal tip in noses that also need shortening in caudal length. In noses that do not need caudal shortening, nasal tip projection can again be supported by the caudal septum by just forming a bridge between lower lateral cartilage and quadrangular septum using a wider SG that mimics septal extension grafts.
Managing Celiac Disease for Women
Authors: Peterson Megan , Grossman Sheila
Published: June 2016

Although many people have symptoms of celiac disease, it can take a while to diagnose. Villous atrophy may be present long before any gastrointestinal symptoms. An important point to acknowledge is that celiac disease could be identified earlier in some women with a positive family history. The disease also could be the cause of some women's reproductive problems. Primary care providers, using comprehensive history taking, are in the unique position to identify individuals who may have celiac disease, assist women in gaining knowledge about a gluten-free diet, order diagnostic testing, and refer to a gastroenterologist. The positive change in fertility with a simultaneous improvement of nutrient deficiencies shortly after adopting a gluten-free diet indicates a possible link between such nutrients and sex hormone function. High levels of homocysteine, which can negatively impact fertility, have also been linked to individuals with problems, such as celiac disease, that decrease vitamin B12 absorption. The purpose of this article is to review the literature and the evidence-based care guidelines for comprehensive screening, diagnostics, and pathophysiology of celiac disease, with a specific focus on the female reproductive system, anemia management, and gluten-free diet integration.
Constipation: Prevalence and Associated Factors in Adults Living in Londrina, Southern Brazil
Authors: Schmidt Fernanda Mateus Queiroz , de Gouveia Santos Vera Lúcia Conceição , de Cássia Domansky Rita , Neves José Marcio Jorge
Published: June 2016

The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of constipation and identify associated factors among adults living in an urban area in Londrina, Brazil. This was a secondary analysis of an epidemiological, population-based study on bowel habit performed in 2008 with 2,162 individuals selected through cluster sampling. Interviews were administered using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the adapted and validated Brazilian version of the “Bowel Function in the Community” tool. Variables from the original database were used to determine the prevalence of constipation (according to the Rome Criteria III) and associated factors. The chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used for data analysis. The overall prevalence of constipation (14.6%;n= 315) was higher among women than among men (21.9% vs. 5.3%), increased with age among men, and was inversely related to family income. Overall, female gender, low socioeconomic status, history of anal fissure, anorectal surgery, stroke, nervous system disease, fistulae, and hemorrhoids were factors significantly associated with constipation. The variables low social economic status, stroke, anal fissure history, and anorectal surgery were statistically significant in all three tested statistical models.
Open Versus Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer: Single-Center Results of 587 Cases
Authors: Keskin Metin , Akici Murat , Ağcaoğlu Orhan , Yeğen Gülçin , Sağlam Esra , Buğra Dursun , Bulut Mehmet T. , Balik Emre
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

We aimed to compare the short-term and long-term results of laparoscopic and open rectal resections.

Methods:

A total of 587 rectal cancer patients were included. The main measures were demographic data, duration of surgery, early postoperative results, pathologic data, and long-term follow-up.

Results:

There were no significant differences in demographic data, morbidity rate, tumor location, and sphincter-preservation rates between the 2 groups. The duration of surgery (155 vs. 173 min, P<0.001), time to gas passage, defecation, and solid food intake and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group than the open group (P<0.05). According to the univariate and multivariate analysis, laparoscopic surgery did not have an effect on local recurrence but had a favorable effect on survival rates.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic rectal surgery has advantages over open surgery with respect to short-term and long-term clinical results and when performed in high-volume centers.
Long-term Effect of Percutaneous Electrical Neurostimulation of Dermatome T6 for Appetite Reduction and Weight Loss in Obese Patients
Authors: Ruiz-Tovar Jaime , Llavero Carolina
Published: June 2016

Introduction:

A continuous feeling of hunger is the major cause of dietary treatment failure and the patients abandon the diet. A previous study of our group demonstrated that percutaneous electrical neurostimulation (PENS) of T6 dermatome induces an appetite reduction and significantly greater weight loss compared with only diet as a preoperative measure in morbidly obese patients who are candidates for bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of this therapy.

Patients and Methods:

A prospective study was performed, including obese patients with a body mass index between 30 and 40 kg/m2 undergoing PENS of dermatome T6. Weight loss, dietary compliance, and appetite were assessed before the treatment, after 12 weeks of treatment, and 3 and 9 months after completing the therapy.

Results:

A total of 150 patients were included in the study. A mean weight loss of 11.8±2.6 kg was obtained after 12 weeks of treatment. Three months after completing the therapy, mean weight loss was 14.6±2.7 kg and 9 months after completing the treatment mean weight loss was 14.5±2.8 kg. Median appetite perception quantified by Visual Analogue Scale was 6 before the treatment, 1 after completing the treatment, 1 at 3 months after completing the treatment, and 4 at 9 months after completing the treatment. Dietary compliance after 12 weeks of treatment was 90%, 84% at 3 months after completing the treatment, and 62% at 9 months after completing the treatment.

Conclusion:

PENS of dermatome T6 achieves a significant appetite reduction, which is maintained 3 months after completing the therapy. Later, the patients’ appetite is restored, but they do not regain the weight lost.
How strong is the evidence that Parkinson's disease is a prion disorder?
Authors: Brundin Patrik , Ma Jiyan , Kordower Jeffrey H.
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

We describe evidence supporting the hypothesis that α-synuclein has a prion-like role in Parkinson's disease and related α-synucleinopathies, and discuss how this novel thinking impacts the development of diagnostics and disease-modifying therapies.

Recent findings

Observations that immature dopamine neurons grafted to Parkinson's disease patients can develop Lewy bodies triggered a surge of interest in the putative prion-like properties of α-synuclein. We recount results from experiments which confirm that misfolded α-synuclein can exhibit disease-propagating properties, and describe how they relate to the spreading of α-synuclein aggregates in α-synucleinopathies. We share insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms and their relevance to novel therapeutic targets. Finally, we discuss what the initial triggers of α-synuclein misfolding might be, where in the body the misfolding events might take place, and how this can instruct development of novel diagnostic tools. We speculate that differences in anatomical trigger sites and variability in α-synuclein fibril structure can contribute to clinical differences between α-synucleinopathies.

The realization that α-synuclein pathology can propagate between brain regions in neurodegenerative diseases has deepened and expanded our understanding of potential pathogenic processes which can lead to the development of novel diagnostic tools as well as the identification of new therapeutic targets.
Tuning noninvasive brain stimulation with MRI to cope with intersubject variability
Authors: Habich Annegret , Canals Santiago , Klöppel Stefan
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

The review aims at highlighting the additional benefit that can be gained from combining noninvasive brain stimulation as well as repetitive sensory stimulation protocols with MRI techniques to account for the intersubject variability observed in those treatments. Potentially, this should help to identify predictive patterns in the individual receptiveness to the treatment.

Recent findings

Knowledge about the underlying physiological principles of excitability changes as induced by noninvasive brain stimulation or repetitive sensory stimulation is accumulating, revealing strong associations with plasticity processes at the synaptic level. In this context, MRI techniques, such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy and functional MRI, emerged as valuable tools for the qualitative assessment of baseline states and induced changes. Those physiological readouts can help explain the interindividual heterogeneity found in behavioural and/or clinical responses to the specific stimulation protocols. This knowledge will eventually translate, first, into the preliminary classification of study participants into treatment groups according to their neurophysiological baseline state and expected responses to a particular stimulation. Subsequently, this should also aid the optimization of stimulation protocols according to the classification outcome, resulting in retuned protocols for particular groups of study participants.

The consistent MRI-based monitoring of stimulation effects in the neural network promises a considerable gain for the customization of intervention protocols with improved therapeutic potential and rehabilitative predictions.
Common Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy for Chinese Adolescent Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Zhang Qing-E , Wang Zhi-Min , Sha Sha , Ng Chee H. , Seiner Stephen J. , Welch Charles A. , Lok Grace K.I. , Chow Ines H.I. , Wang Fei , Li Lu , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Little is known about the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for adolescent psychiatric patients in China. This study examined the frequency of ECT and the demographic and clinical correlates of adolescent psychiatric patients hospitalized in a tertiary psychiatric hospital in China.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of 954 inpatients aged between 13 and 17 years treated over a period of 8 years (2007–2013). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from the electronic chart management system for discharged patients.

Results

The rate of ECT use was 42.6% in the whole sample (46.5% for patients with schizophrenia, 41.8% for major depressive disorder, 57.8% for bipolar disorders, and 23.9% for other diagnoses). Use of ECT was independently and positively associated with older age, high aggression risk at time of admission, and use of antipsychotics and antidepressants. Compared with patients with schizophrenia, those with other psychiatric diagnoses were less likely to receive ECT. The above significant correlates explained 32% of the variance of ECT use (P < 0.001). Limitations of this study included the lack of data regarding the efficacy and side effects of ECT. Furthermore, the high rate of ECT applied only to 1 setting which limits the ability to extrapolate the implications of the results to other populations.

Conclusions

The use of ECT was exceedingly high in adolescent patients treated in a tertiary clinical centre in China. It is unlikely that such a high rate of ECT use is found across China or that such practice reflects standard of care for psychiatrically ill adolescents. The underlying reasons for the high use of ECT at this center warrant urgent investigations.
Effect of different days of postharvest treatment and
CO2 concentrations on the quality
of‘Seolhyang’strawberry during storage
Authors: Kim Ji-Gang , Choi Ji-Woen , Park Me-Hea
Published: June 2016

This study was conducted to determine CO2 treatment condition to
extend the shelf-life of ‘Seolhyang' strawberry. Fresh
strawberries with red color on 80% of the fruit surface were harvested. The
samples at two different stages (on the 1st and 3rd day after harvest) were
placed in a gas-tight chamber with 0, 5, 15, or 30% CO2 concentration
for 3 hours at 4℃. Then, the strawberry samples were immediately packaged
in a PET tray and stored at 4℃. The carbon dioxide treatment was
effective in maintaining the quality of ‘Seolhyang’ strawberries
treated on the 1st day after harvest. These samples had higher firmness, lower
redness, softening index, and decay rate compared to samples treated on the 3rd
day after harvest. Treatment with both 15 and 30% of CO2
concentration on the 1st day after harvest induced an increase of firmness of
‘Seolhyang’ strawberry after the treatment. Samples treated with
15 and 30% CO2 the 1st day after harvest maintained quality for 10
days. However, samples treated with CO2 on the 3rd day after harvest
lost marketability at 10 days of storage. At the atmosphere containing 30%
CO2 on the 1st day after harvest was most effective in reducing
decay rate and fruit softening, and maintaining bright red color of strawberries
among different CO2 concentrations. Therefore, a 30% CO2
treatment within one day after harvest can be a practical postharvest technology
to extend shelf-life of ‘Seolhyang’ strawberry.
Identification of electron beam-resistant bacteria in the microbialreduction of dried laver (Porphyra tenera) subjected to electron beam treatment
Authors: Kim You Jin , Oh Hui Su , Kim Min Ji , Kim Jeong Hoon , Goh Jae Baek , Choi In Young , Park Mi-Kyung
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the effect of electron beam (EB) treatment on the microbial reduction of dried laver (Porphyra tenera) and identified EB-resistant bacteria from the treated dried laver. After EB treatments of 4 kGy and 7 kGy, the numbers of total bacteria and EB-resistant bacteria were measured using tryptic soy agar and mannitol salt agar, respectively. The morphological and biochemical characteristics of each isolated EB-resistant bacteria were investigated and these bacteria were identified. Compared to the control (1.5±0.2)×106 CFU/g, the total bacterial number was significantly decreased to (5.4±0.5)×104 CFU/g and (1.1±0.6)×104 CFU/g after EB treatments of 4 kGy and 7 kGy, respectively. With a higher EB dosage, the number of red colonies was almost same, whereas the number of yellow colonies was significantly decreased to (3.3±1.2)×103 CFU/g and 0 CFU/g for 4 kGy and 7 kGy, respectively. All red and yellow colonies were gram-positive cocci, catalase-positive, and resistant to 3% and 5% NaCl media. From the 16S rDNA sequence analysis, yellow and red colonies were identified as either Micrococcus flavus or M. luteus, with 99% similarity for the yellow colonies, and Deinococcus proteolyticus and D. piscis, with 99% and 97% similarity for the red colonies, respectively.
Quality characteristics of white (Baktae) and black (Seoritae) soybean curds coagulated by Omija extract
Authors: Cheigh Chan-Ick , Moon Hey-Kyung , Lee Su-Won , Kim Jong-Kuk
Published: June 2016

In order to investigate the utilization of the Omija (Schizandra chinensis Baillon) extract as a natural coagulant for manufacturing soybean curd, the quality characteristics of white (Baktae) and black (Seoritae) soybean curds, coagulated by the Omija extract or MgCl2, were evaluated. Crude protein (6.14±0.30 and 6.25±0.18%, respectively) and crude lipid (10.86±1.74 and 11.29±1.69%, respectively) contents of white and black soybean curds coagulated using the Omija extract were higher than those coagulated using MgCl2. Black soybean curds coagulated using the Omija extract showed higher L, a, and b values than those using MgCl2. The most abundant amino acid in white and black soybean curds coagulated using the Omija extract was arginine (3.74 and 3.71 mg/100 g, dry basis, respectively). The amounts of Ca, K, Mg, and Na were the highest in both soybean curds prepared with the Omija extract. The sensory evaluation (color, flavor, taste, texture, and overall preference) showed that white and black soybean curds coagulated using the Omija extract were more preferred than those produced using MgCl2. The results suggested that using the Omija extract as a natural coagulant agent could improve the quality and sensory characteristics of soybean curds.
Physicochemical and antioxidant properties in Allium hookeri by hot air-and freeze-drying methods
Authors: Lee Joomin
Published: June 2016

The present study was undertaken to determine the changes of physicochemical and antioxidant activity using leaf and root in hot air-dried Allium hookeri (HA) and freeze-dried Allium hookeri (FA). The leaf of HA was higher level of moisture and crude fat compared with those of the leaf of FA. The crude fat content in root of HA was higher than that in FA. However, moisture, crude ash, crude protein and carbohydrate did not show any differences between two different drying methods. The organic acid contents of Allium hookeri root including oxalic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, acetic acid showed the differences between hot air-drying and freeze-drying methods. The major minerals were Ca, K and Mg, which were higher level of the leaf of HA compared with those of FA. The leaf of HA showed the highest vitamin C content (801.65 mg/100 g). The content of vitamin E in the leaf of FA was higher than that of HA. The contents of total polyphenol and total flavonoid in the FA leaf were higher than that in HA. The DPPH radical-scavenging activity in leaf of HA (65.73%) was significantly higher than that of FA (57.73%).
Effects of pretreatments and storage temperatureon the quality of lotus leaves
Authors: Choi Jeong-Sil , Kong Moon-Hee , Yeo Soo-Hwan , Choi Han-Seok , Jeong Seok-Tae
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to investigate the effects of pretreatments blanching, roasting, drying, and storage temperatures(25℃, 4℃ and -10℃) on their quality of lotus leaves. As a result, the lotus leaves retained a good appearance when stored at 25℃ for 5 days, 4℃ for 30 days, and -10℃ for 90 days, regardless of the pretreatment used. At the same storage temperatures, pH, soluble solids, total acid content, polyphenols, and microorganisms were significantly different among the pretreatments (p<0.05). Soluble solids, pH, and total acid contents were not significantly different for the same pretreatments at different storage temperatures. However, the polyphenol, oxalic acid, and tartaric acid contents of lotus leaves were significantly different after drying and blanching treatments. In particular, it was shown that polyphenol content of the lotus leaf was affected by both pretreatment and storage temperature. In conclusion, the lotus leaves appeared in good condition until 5 days at 25℃, 30 days at 4℃, and 90 days at -10℃, regardless of the pretreatment while influenced by storage temperature.
Fabrication and optimization of ethylene-producing tablet
Authors: Park Do Su , Jeong Cheon Soon
Published: June 2016

Ethylene (C2H4) is a naturally occurring hormone in some fruit. This study was carried out to manufactureethylene-producing tablets. The Ethylene-producing tablets were manufactured from ethephon and excipient mixtures, including Prosolv, Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and Crosscamellose. Ethylene production increased with the increases in temperature. In the aspect of pH condition, ethylene productions at pH 7.0 and pH 9.0 were less than 2 ppm. On the other hand, at pH 13.0, ethylene production from the Prosolv, HPMC, and Crosscamellose tablets was 94.05, 126.28, and 100.11 ppm, respectively. The friability of the Prosolv and HPMC tablets were 0.1 and 0.3%, respectively, while the Crosscamellose tablet was 54.1%. indicating that the Crosscarmellose tablet was not appropriate as an ethylene production tablet. In addition, there were huge variations in disintegration times; the Prosolv, Crosscamelose, and HPMC tablets took 1, 5 min, and 7 min more than respectively. Ethylene production was gradually increased up to 20 hr for the Prosolv tablet and then remained stable
Physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity of pearvinegars using ‘Wonhwang’, ‘Niitaka’ and ‘Chuhwangbae’fruits
Authors: Yim Sun-Hee , Cho Kwang-Sik , Choi Jin-Ho , Lee Ju-Hyun , Lee ByulHaNa , Kim Myung-Su , Jiang Gui-Hun , Eun Jong-Bang
Published: June 2016

This study was to prepared vinegars using three kinds of pear cultivar with different maturities, ‘Wonhwang’, ‘Niitaka’,and ‘Chuhwangbae’, and investigate their physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant activities. Result showed that the firmness of ’Wonhwang’ was much lower than other pear cultivars. No significant difference in soluble solid content was found among three pear cultivars. The total acidity of ‘Chuhwangbae’ pear vinegar was 4.89~7.98%, which was higher than that those of ‘Wonhwang’ and ‘Niitaka’ vinegars. The color of ‘Niitaka’ vinegar had a lower lightness and redness values, but a higher yellowness value, compared with the other two vinegars. The free sugar contents were mainly composed of fructose, glucose, and sorbitol, with the greatest content of sorbitol in all three peer vinegars. The total phenolics and flavonoids contents were 35.2~55.3 and 8.4~14.4 mg/100 mL, respectively. Antioxidant activity had a positive correlation with total phenolic contents. The DPPH free radical scavenging and ABTS+ radical scavenging activity were 45.0~62.1% and 73.8~78.2%, respectively. From these results, we confirmed that immature pear cultivars such as ’Wonhwang’, ‘Niitaka’ and ‘Chuhwangbae’ could be used as a raw materials to prepare vinegar regardless of maturity.
Quality of Tteokbokki tteok prepared by adding variousconcentration of brown rice
Authors: Shin Dong-Sun , Yoo Yeon-Mi , Han Gwi-Jung , Oh Se-Gwan
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the properties of tteok prepared from white (Samkwang) and brownrice (Heugseol, Heugjinju). The moisture and crude protein contents of rice were 14.89~17.15% and 4.79~6.81%, respectively. The crude lipid and crude ash contents of rice were 0.48~2.66% and 0.39~1.60%, respectively. The water binding capacity of Heugjinju (141.97%) was higher than those of other rice flours. As the soaking time increased, water absorption ability was in the order of Samkwang > Heugseol > Heugjinju. Using a rapid visco analyser (RVA), the initial pasting temperature of Heugseol was the highest, and the peak viscosities of Heugseol were higher than those of other rice flours. The quality characteristics of Tteokbokki tteok were assessed after its preparation by adding different amounts of Heugseol and Heugjinju (0, 5, 10, and 20%, w/w) content. The textural properties (hardness), of Heugseol and Heugseol measured using a texture analyzer, were greater than those of the control. Sensory preference tests revealed that 10% Heugseol and, 10% Heugjinju had the highest scores in appearance, color, and overall acceptability. The sensory test results revealed that Tteokbokki tteok prepared by addition of 10% added brown rice was the best.
Determination of the shelf life of cricket powder and effects ofstorage on its quality characteristics
Authors: Kim Dae-Hyun , Kim Eun-Mi , Chang Yoon-Je , Ahn Mi-Young , Lee Yong-Hwan , Park Jin Ju , Lim Jeong-Ho
Published: June 2016

This study was carried out to determine the shelf-life of cricket powder and investigate the changes in its qualityduring storage. To determine the shelf-life, cricket powder was stored at temperatures of 25, 35, and 40℃ for 6 months. The changes in quality parameters of the cricket powder, such as moisture content, color, acid value, volatile base nitrogen (VBN), fatty acid, growth of microorganisms, and sensory appeal were investigated. The moisture content of the cricket powder increased during storage but did not show any significant difference at 6 months of storage. L value was increased at 25℃ storage but decreased at 35 and 40℃. However, there were no significant different in a and b values. The acid value decreased more rapidly at higher temperatures, while the VBN content was not changed. The major composition of fatty acids of cricket powder were palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. Their content was not changed at various the storage temperatures. No aerobic and coliform bacteria grew in the powder during the whole storage period. Cricket powder stored at 25℃ and 35℃ showed similar scores in sensory evaluation, but it storaged at 40℃ showed the significant difference (p<0.05). Moisture content, acid value, oleic acid, and flavor were selected as the criteria for shelf-life establishment of cricket powder. Based on these parameters, especially the moisture content, the shelf life of cricket powder was likely to be 18 months when stored at 25℃.
Antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of Oenothera biennisextracted by different methods
Authors: Kim Jin Hak , Lee Shin-Ho
Published: June 2016

A effect of extraction methods, including stirrer extraction method (SE), ultrasonification extraction method (USE),reflux extraction method (RE), autoclave extraction (AE) and low temperature high pressure extraction (LE) method on the antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of ethanol extracts of Oenothera biennis was investigated. The extraction yield (46.33%), total polyphenol (463.05 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (71.71 mg RHE/g) content of Oenothera biennis extract obtained by RE were higher than those from other extraction methods. The antimicrobial activity of Oenothera biennis extract was only observed against Bacillus cereus among other tested organisms (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium). Oenothera biennis obtained by RE showed the best DPPH radical scavenging ability (74.40%), ABTS radical scavenging ability (65.29%), reducing power (1.370 (OD700)) and ferrous ion chelating ability (90.14%) compared with other tested extraction methods tested. The RE method was the most efficient method for extracting crude antioxidant and antimicrobial substances from Oenothera biennis. These results suggested that Oenothera biennis obtained by RE could be used as a bioactive and functional material in the food industry.
Digital dissection of arsenate reductase enzyme from an arsenic hyperccumulating fernPteris vittata
Authors: Basharat Zarrin , Baig Deeba Noreen , Yasmin Azra
Published: June 2016

Action of arsenate reductase is crucial for the survival of an organism in arsenic polluted area.Pteris vittata, also known as Chinese ladder brake, was the first identified arsenic hyperaccumulating fern with the capability to convert [As(V)] to arsenite [As(III)]. This study aims at sequence analysis of the most important protein of the arsenic reduction mechanism in this specie. Phosphorylation potential of the protein along with possible interplay of phosphorylation withO-β-GlcNAcylation was predicted using neural network based webservers. Secondary and tertiary structure of arsenate reductase was then analysed. Active site region of the protein comprised a rhodanese-like domain. Cursory dynamics simulation revealed that folds remained conserved in the rhodanese main but variations were observed in the structure in other regions. This information sheds light on the various characteristics of the protein and may be useful to enzymologists working on the improvement of its traits for arsenic reduction.
Dnmts mediate neural processing after odor learning in the honeybee
Authors: Biergans Stephanie D. , Claudianos Charles , Reinhard Judith , Galizia C. Giovanni
Published: June 2016

DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts)-epigenetic writers catalyzing the transfer of methyl-groups to cytosine-regulate stimulus-specific olfactory long-term memory (LTM) formation and extinction in honeybees. The physiological relevance of their function in neural networks, however, remains unknown. Here, we investigated how Dnmts impact neuroplasticity in the bees’ primary olfactory center, the antennal lobe (AL) an equivalent of the olfactory bulb of vertebrates. The AL is crucial for odor discrimination, an indispensable process in stimulus-specific LTM. Using pharmacological inhibition, we show that Dnmts promote fast odor pattern separation in trained bees. We show Dnmt activity during memory formation increases both the number of responding glomeruli and the response magnitude to a novel odor. These data suggest that Dnmts are necessary for a form of homoeostatic network control which might involve inhibitory interneurons in the AL network and demonstrate that Dnmts influence neural network properties during memory formationin vivo.
Anticorrelation between default and dorsal attention networks varies across default subsystems and cognitive states
Authors: Dixon Matthew L. , Andrews-Hanna Jessica R. , Spreng R. Nathan , Irving Zachary C. , Christoff Kalina
Published: June 2016

Anticorrelation between the default network (DN) and dorsal attention network (DAN) is thought to be an intrinsic aspect of functional brain organization reflecting competing functions. However, the stability of anticorrelations across distinct DN subsystems, different contexts, and time, remains unexplored. Here we examine DN-DAN functional connectivity across six different cognitive states. We show that:(i) the DAN is anticorrelated with the DN core subsystem, but not with the two DN subsystems involved in mentalizing and mnemonic functions, respectively; (ii) DN-DAN interactions vary significantly across cognitive states; (iii) DN-DAN connectivity fluctuates across time between periods of anticorrelation and periods of positive correlation; and (iv) coupling between the frontoparietal control network (FPCN) and DAN predicts variation in the strength of DN-DAN anticorrelation across time. These findings reveal substantial variability in DN-DAN interactions, suggesting that these networks are not strictly competitive, and that the FPCN may act to modulate their anticorrelation strength.