bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping and validation of the quantitative trait loci for leaf stay‐green‐associated parameters in maize
Authors: Yang Zhen , Li Xin , Zhang Ning , Wang Xiaolei , Zhang Yuna , Ding Yulong , Kuai Benke , Huang Xueqing
Published: January 2017

Functional stay‐green is generally regarded as a desirable trait of varieties in major crops including maize. In this study, we used an F3:4recombinant inbred line population with 165 lines from a cross between a stay‐green inbred line (Zheng58) and a model inbred line (B73) using 211 polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers to map quantitative trait loci for three stay‐green‐associated parameters, chlorophyll content, photosystemIIphotochemical efficiency and stay‐green area, at maturity stage, detected a total of 23 quantitative trait loci (QTL) on nine chromosomes. SingleQTLexplained 3.7–13.5% of the phenotypic variance. Additionally, we validated some important stay‐greenQTLusing a heterogeneous inbred family approach and found that the stay‐green‐associated parameters were significantly correlated with the plant yield. This study may contribute to a better insight into the regulatory mechanism behind leaf stay‐green in maize and a novel development of elite maize varieties with delayed leaf senescence through molecular marker‐assisted selection.
Sun Protection for Preventing Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers
Authors: Rowan‐Robinson Kate
Published: January 2017

Review question: What is the most effective form of sun protection (including sunscreens) to prevent basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the skin?
Eosinophil transendothelial migration induced by the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of acute eosinophilic pneumonia
Authors: Nakagome Kazuyuki , Shoda Hisakazu , Shirai Tetsu , Nishihara Fuyumi , Soma Tomoyuki , Uchida Yoshitaka , Sakamoto Yoshio , Nagata Makoto
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is characterized by a massive pulmonary infiltration of eosinophils. Mechanisms regulating the selective accumulation of eosinophils in AEP have not been fully established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of eosinophil accumulation in alveolar spaces through examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from AEP patients (AEP‐BALF).

Methods

Eosinophils were isolated from the blood of healthy subjects and were placed on a human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell monolayer cultured on Transwell filters (Coster, Cambridge, MA, USA). A saline control solution or BALF from patients with AEP, sarcoidosis or hypersensitivity pneumonitis was applied to the lower compartment, and the transendothelial migration of the eosinophils was evaluated. The concentrations of cytokines and chemokines in BALF were also measured.

Results

Transmigration of eosinophils across endothelial cells was only induced by the AEP‐BALF. This transmigration was blocked by anti‐β2 integrin mAb. The concentrations of eotaxin‐2 and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐4, which are CC chemokine receptor (CCR) 3 ligands, were elevated in the AEP‐BALF, and anti‐CCR3 mAb or anti‐MCP‐4 mAb inhibited the AEP‐BALF‐induced transmigration of eosinophils. Furthermore, the concentration of leukotriene (LT) B4
was increased in the AEP‐BALF, and an LTB4
receptor antagonist partially suppressed the AEP‐BALF‐induced transmigration of eosinophils.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that CCR3 ligands including eotaxin‐2 and MCP‐4, and LTB4
play a role in the accumulation of eosinophils in AEP.
Performance trends in age‐group runners from 100 m to marathon—The World Championships from 1975 to 2015
Authors: Nikolaidis P. T. , Zingg M. A. , Knechtle B.
Published: January 2017

This study examined changes in performance in age‐group track runners across years from 1975 to 2015 for 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, 5000, 10 000 m, and marathon and the corresponding sex differences. Athletes were ranked in 5‐year age‐group intervals from 35‐39 to 95‐99 years. For all races and all years, the eight female and male finalists for each age‐group were included. Men were faster than women and this observation was more pronounced in the shorter distances. The younger age‐groups were faster than the older age‐groups and age exerted the largest effect on speed in 800 m and the smallest in marathon. There was a small variation of speed by calendar years. The competition density varied by sex and race distance. Half of participants were from USA, Germany, Australia, and Great Britain, but the participants' nationality varied by sex and race distance. In summary, the variation of competitiveness by sex in short race distances might be important for athletes and coaches. Considering the event's competitiveness and that athletes are participating in both 100 and 200 m or in 200 and 400 m, master women should be oriented to 200 m and master men should be oriented to 100 and 400 m.
Stretch training induces unequal adaptation in muscle fascicles and thickness in medial and lateral gastrocnemii
Authors: Simpson C. L. , Kim B. D. H. , Bourcet M. R. , Jones G. R. , Jakobi J. M.
Published: January 2017

This study compared adaptations in fascicle lengths, pennation angles, and muscle thickness of the lateral and medial gastrocnemii in response to 6 weeks of stretch training. The nondominant plantar flexors of 11 males were stretched five times per week for 6 weeks and compared with the contralateral leg and a nonstretched control group of 10 males. During stretch training, instantaneous electromyography was utilized to ensure passive muscle stretch. At baseline, week three, week six and 1 week after the conclusion of stretch training, ultrasound was used to measure fascicle lengths, pennation angles, muscle thickness of the lateral gastrocnemius and medial gastrocnemius, and Achilles tendon thickness and length. Plantar flexion torque was measured, and voluntary activation was assessed. Muscle thickness increased 5.6% after 6 weeks of stretch training (P=.009). The fascicles in the lateral gastrocnemius lengthened to a greater extent than the medial. Overall, fascicles lengthened 25% (P<.001) in the muscle tendon junction and 5.1% (P<.001) in the muscle belly. Pennation angles were unchanged in the medial gastrocnemius but decreased in the lateral gastrocnemius 7.1% (P=.02). There was no change in maximal voluntary contraction, voluntary activation, tendon length, or thickness. This study demonstrates that stretch training is a viable modality to alter muscle architecture of the human gastrocnemius through lengthening of muscle fascicles, decreasing pennation angles, and increasing muscle thickness, albeit adaptations are unequal between the lateral and medial heads.
Chlamydomonas carries out fatty acid β‐oxidation in ancestral peroxisomes using a bona fide acyl‐CoA oxidase
Authors: Kong Fantao , Liang Yuanxue , Légeret Bertrand , Beyly‐Adriano Audrey , Blangy Stéphanie , Haslam Richard P. , Napier Johnathan A. , Beisson Fred , Peltier Gilles , Li‐Beisson Yonghua
Published: January 2017

Peroxisomes are thought to have played a key role in the evolution of metabolic networks of photosynthetic organisms by connecting oxidative and biosynthetic routes operating in different compartments. While the various oxidative pathways operating in the peroxisomes of higher plants are fairly well characterized, the reactions present in the primitive peroxisomes (microbodies) of algae are poorly understood. Screening of a Chlamydomonas insertional mutant library identified a strain strongly impaired in oil remobilization and defective in Cre05.g232002 (CrACX2), a gene encoding a member of the acyl‐CoA oxidase/dehydrogenase superfamily. The purified recombinant CrACX2 expressed in Escherichia coli catalyzed the oxidation of fatty acyl‐CoAs into trans‐2‐enoyl‐CoA and produced H2O2. This result demonstrated that CrACX2 is a genuine acyl‐CoA oxidase, which is responsible for the first step of the peroxisomal fatty acid (FA) β‐oxidation spiral. A fluorescent protein‐tagging study pointed to a peroxisomal location of CrACX2. The importance of peroxisomal FA β‐oxidation in algal physiology was shown by the impact of the mutation on FA turnover during day/night cycles. Moreover, under nitrogen depletion the mutant accumulated 20% more oil than the wild type, illustrating the potential of β‐oxidation mutants for algal biotechnology. This study provides experimental evidence that a plant‐type FA β‐oxidation involving H2O2‐producing acyl‐CoA oxidation activity has already evolved in the microbodies of the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
PARAMETER ANALYSIS OF A REMOTELY CONTROLLED HOME MONITORING SYSTEM USING MOBILE ROBOT VIA CAMERA
Authors: Md Ghazaly Mariam , Carl Choon Ho , Md Ali Mohd Amran , Abdullah Zulkeflee , Kok Yew Soo , Yaacob Mohd Rusdy
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the performance and prototype of a remotely-controlled home monitoring mobile robot for security and surveillance purposes were discussed. Home monitoring system has been one of the basic infrastructures that is being used in most of the residential compound. However, traditional CCTV system, which requires supporting surfaces and high equipment cost, has forced human to search for an alternative. Thus, this project provided a more flexibility and mobility to the home monitoring system, which consisted of an obstacle detection system and a camera. After discussing the conception of the project, as part of the experiment aspect method, experiment setup and result were presented. In this paper, the objectives also looked into the sensitivity of the obstacle avoidance system, to design and develop a remotely-controlled home monitoring robot, to design and develop a networking system for long distance robot control and to analyze the performance of the motor in terms of pulse width modulation (PWM). In conclusion, the experimental result proved that the proposed project was successfully developed with detailed supporting data.
Exploring The Impact Of Use And Non-Use Value On Behavioral Intention To Purchase Organic Foods: Evidence From A Developing Country’s Context
Authors: Mohd Noor Nor Azila , Mahmud Khandoker
Published: January 2017

A number of determinants have been investigated by past researchers in the framework of theory of planned behavior. In addition to attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control, use and non-use values have been studied by past researchers with inconsistent results. This article is aimed at identifying the impact of ‘use’ and ‘non-use’ values on organic food purchase intention in a developing country’s context like Bangladesh. Some past studies found both the values significant, whereas some studies found only use-values as dominant determinant in the consumer decision making process. The current study is aimed at exploring the impact of both the use and non-use values simultaneously on the purchase intention of organic foods. The study employs the theory of planned behavior as the research framework to investigate the impact of these values on intention. Partial least-square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted. Results showed that both the values were significant predictor of purchase intention along with attitude and subjective norm (SN). Perceived behavior control (PBC) appeared to be non-significant relationship. Although both the use and non-use values appear to be important in determining consumer intention, use-value carries higher impact compared to non-use value.
From single cells and single columns to cortical networks: dendritic excitability, coincidence detection and synaptic transmission in brain slices and brains
Authors: Sakmann Bert
Published: January 2017

Although patch pipettes were initially designed to record extracellularly the elementary current events from muscle and neuron membranes, the whole‐cell and loose cell‐attached recording configurations proved to be useful tools for examination of signalling within and between nerve cells. In this Paton Prize Lecture, I will initially summarize work on electrical signalling within single neurons, describing communication between the dendritic compartments, soma and nerve terminals via forward‐ and backward‐propagating action potentials. The newly discovered dendritic excitability endows neurons with the capacity for coincidence detection of spatially separated subthreshold inputs. When these are occurring during a time window of tens of milliseconds, this information is broadcast to other cells by the initiation of bursts of action potentials (AP bursts). The occurrence of AP bursts critically impacts signalling between neurons that are controlled by target‐cell‐specific transmitter release mechanisms at downstream synapses even in different terminals of the same neuron. This can, in turn, induce mechanisms that underly synaptic plasticity when AP bursts occur within a short time window, both presynaptically in terminals and postsynaptically in dendrites. A fundamental question that arises from these findings is: ‘what are the possible functions of active dendritic excitability with respect to network dynamics in the intact cortex of behaving animals?’ To answer this question, I highlight in this review the functional and anatomical architectures of an average cortical column in the vibrissal (whisker) field of the somatosensory cortex (vS1), with an emphasis on the functions of layer 5 thick‐tufted cells (L5tt) embedded in this structure. Sensory‐evoked synaptic and action potential responses of these major cortical output neurons are compared with responses in the afferent pathway, viz. the neurons in primary somatosensory thalamus and in one of their efferent targets, the secondary somatosensory thalamus. Coincidence‐detection mechanisms appear to be implemented in vivo as judged from the occurrence of AP bursts. Three‐dimensional reconstructions of anatomical projections suggest that inputs of several combinations of thalamocortical projections and intra‐ and transcolumnar connections, specifically those from infragranular layers, could trigger active dendritic mechanisms that generate AP bursts. Finally, recordings from target cells of a column reveal the importance of AP bursts for signal transfer to these cells. The observations lead to the hypothesis that in vS1 cortex, the sensory afferent sensory code is transformed, at least in part, from a rate to an interval (burst) code that broadcasts the occurrence of whisker touch to different targets of L5tt cells. In addition, the occurrence of pre‐ and postsynaptic AP bursts may, in the long run, alter touch representation in cortex.
Formation of nickel germanides from Ni layers with thickness below 10 nm
Authors: Jablonka Lukas , Kubart Tomas , Primetzhofer Daniel , Abedin Ahmad , Hellström Per-Erik , Östling Mikael , Jordan-Sweet Jean , Lavoie Christian , Zhang Shi-Li , Zhang Zhen
Published: January 2017

The authors have studied the reaction between a Ge (100) substrate and thin layers of Ni ranging from 2 to 10 nm in thickness. The formation of metal-rich Ni5Ge3 was found to precede that of the monogermanide NiGe by means of real-time in situ x-ray diffraction during ramp-annealing and ex situ x-ray pole figure analyses for phase identification. The observed sequential growth of Ni5Ge3 and NiGe with such thin Ni layers is different from the previously reported simultaneous growth with thicker Ni layers. The phase transformation from Ni5Ge3 to NiGe was found to be nucleation-controlled for Ni thicknesses <5 nm, which is well supported by thermodynamic considerations. Specifically, the temperature for the NiGe formation increased with decreasing Ni (rather Ni5Ge3) thickness below 5 nm. In combination with sheet resistance measurement and microscopic surface inspection of samples annealed with a standard rapid thermal processing, the temperature range for achieving morphologically stable NiGe layers was identified for this standard annealing process. As expected, it was found to be strongly dependent on the initial Ni thickness.
Importance of the Exopolysaccharide Matrix in Antimicrobial Tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Aggregates
Authors: Goltermann Lise , Tolker-Nielsen Tim
Published: January 2017

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic pathogen that can infect the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and persist in the form of antibiotic-tolerant aggregates in the mucus. It has recently been suggested that such aggregates are formed due to restricted bacterial motility independent of the production of extracellular matrix components, and that they do not rely on an extracellular matrix for antimicrobial tolerance. However, we show here that biofilm matrix overexpression, as displayed by various clinical isolates, significantly protects
P. aeruginosa
aggregates against antimicrobial treatment. Alginate-overproducing
mucA
mutant bacteria growing in aggregates showed highly increased antibiotic tolerance compared to wild-type bacteria in aggregates. Deletion of
algD
in the
mucA
mutant strain abrogated alginate production and reversed the antibiotic tolerance displayed by the aggregates to a level similar to that observed for aggregates formed by the wild type. The
P. aeruginosa
Δ
wspF
and Δ
yfiR
mutant strains both overproduce Pel and Psl exopolysaccharide, and when these bacteria grew in aggregates, they showed highly increased antibiotic tolerance compared to wild-type bacteria growing in aggregates. However, the Δ
wspF
and Δ
yfiR
mutant strains, deficient in Pel/Psl production due to additional Δ
pelA
Δ
pslBCD
deletions, formed aggregates that displayed antibiotic tolerance levels close to those of wild-type aggregates. These results suggest that biofilm matrix components, such as alginate, Pel, and Psl, do play a role in the tolerance toward antimicrobials when bacteria grow as aggregates.
Activity of the Pore-Forming Virulence Factor Listeriolysin O Is Reversibly Inhibited by Naturally Occurring S-Glutathionylation
Authors: Portman Jonathan L. , Huang Qiongying , Reniere Michelle L. , Iavarone Anthony T. , Portnoy Daniel A.
Published: January 2017

Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) represent a family of homologous pore-forming proteins secreted by many Gram-positive bacterial pathogens. CDCs mediate membrane binding partly through a conserved C-terminal undecapeptide, which contains a single cysteine residue. While mutational changes to other residues in the undecapeptide typically have severe effects, mutation of the cysteine residue to alanine has minor effects on overall protein function. Thus, the role of this highly conserved reactive cysteine residue remains largely unknown. We report here that the CDC listeriolysin O (LLO), secreted by the facultative intracellular pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
, was posttranslationally modified by S-glutathionylation at this conserved cysteine residue and that either endogenously synthesized or exogenously added glutathione was sufficient to form this modification. When recapitulated with purified protein
in vitro
, this modification completely ablated the activity of LLO, and this inhibitory effect was fully reversible by treatment with reducing agents. A cysteine-to-alanine mutation in LLO rendered the protein completely resistant to inactivation by S-glutathionylation, and a mutant expressing this mutation retained full hemolytic activity. A mutant strain of
L. monocytogenes
expressing the cysteine-to-alanine variant of LLO was able to infect and replicate within bone marrow-derived macrophages indistinguishably from the wild type
in vitro
, yet it was attenuated 4- to 6-fold in a competitive murine infection model
in vivo
. This study suggests that S-glutathionylation may represent a mechanism by which CDC-family proteins are posttranslationally modified and regulated and help explain an evolutionary pressure to retain the highly conserved undecapeptide cysteine.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving a femur bone and bilateral adrenal glands alone with adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Iwahara Yoshihito , Shinohara Tsutomu , Naruse Keishi , Komatsu Yukihisa
Published: January 2017

Primary bone lymphoma and primary adrenal lymphoma are rare clinicopathological entities of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). We present the first case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with the involvement of a single bone and both adrenal glands alone with adrenal insufficiency. As primary extranodal NHL may have other unusual extranodal lesions, which may present unexplained clinical findings, patients with primary extranodal NHL require careful systemic examination, even when lymphadenopathy is absent.
Correlates of non-technical skills in surgery: a prospective study
Authors: Gillespie Brigid M , Harbeck Emma , Kang Evelyn , Steel Catherine , Fairweather Nicole , Chaboyer Wendy
Published: January 2017

Background

Communication and teamwork failures have frequently been identified as the root cause of adverse events and complications in surgery. Few studies have examined contextual factors that influence teams’ non-technical skills (NTS) in surgery. The purpose of this prospective study was to identify and describe correlates of NTS.

Methods

We assessed NTS of teams and professional role at 2 hospitals using the revised 23-item Non-TECHnical Skills (NOTECHS) and its subscales (communication, situational awareness, team skills, leadership and decision-making). Over 6 months, 2 trained observers evaluated teams’ NTS using a structured form. Interobserver agreement across hospitals ranged from 86% to 95%. Multiple regression models were developed to describe associations between operative time, team membership, miscommunications, interruptions, and total NOTECHS and subscale scores.

Results

We observed 161 surgical procedures across 8 teams. The total amount of explained variance in NOTECHS and its 5 subscales ranged from 14% (adjusted R20.12, p<0.001) to 24% (adjusted R20.22, p<0.001). In all models, inverse relationships between thetotal number of miscommunicationsandtotal number of interruptionsand teams’ NTS were observed.

Conclusions

Miscommunications and interruptions impact on team NTS performance.
Effects of different early rehabilitation techniques on haemodynamic and metabolic parameters in sedated patients: protocol for a randomised, single-bind, cross-over trial
Authors: Medrinal Clément , Combret Yann , Prieur Guillaume , Robledo Quesada Aurora , Bonnevie Tristan , Gravier Francis Edouard , Frenoy Éric , Contal Olivier , Lamia Bouchra
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Early rehabilitation has become widespread practice for patients in intensive care; however, the prevalence of intensive care unit-acquired weakness remains high and the majority of physiotherapy is carried out in bed. Several inbed rehabilitation methods exist, but we hypothesise that techniques that provoke muscle contractions are more effective than passive techniques.

Methods

A randomised, controlled cross-over study will be carried out to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of early rehabilitation techniques on cardiac output (CO) in sedated patients in intensive care. 20 intubated and sedated patients will undergo 4 10 min rehabilitation sessions. 2 sessions will involve ‘passive’ techniques based on mobilisations and inbed cycle ergometry and 2 involving electrostimulation of the quadriceps muscle and Functional Electrical Stimulation-cycling (FES-cycling). The primary outcome is CO measured by Doppler ultrasound. The secondary outcomes are right ventricular function, pulmonary systolic arterial pressure, muscle oxygenation and minute ventilation during exercise.

Results and conclusion

Approval has been granted by our Institutional Review Board (Comité de Protection des Personnes Nord-Ouest 3). The results of the trial will be presented at national and international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT02920684.
DAS28-CRP and DAS28-ESR cut-offs for high disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis are not interchangeable
Authors: Fleischmann Roy M , van der Heijde Désirée , Gardiner Philip V , Szumski Annette , Marshall Lisa , Bananis Eustratios
Published: January 2017

Background

In most patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Disease Activity Score 28-joint count C reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) is lower than DAS28 erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), suggesting that use of the DAS28-ESR cut-off to assess high disease activity (HDA) with DAS28-CRP may underestimate the number of patients with HDA. We determined the DAS28-CRP value corresponding to the validated DAS28-ESR cut-off for HDA.

Methods

Baseline data were pooled from 2 clinical studies evaluating etanercept (ETN) plus methotrexate (MTX) or MTX in early RA; DAS28-CRP and DAS28-ESR were obtained, allowing the determination of the DAS28-CRP HDA value best corresponding to the DAS28-ESR cut-off of >5.1.

Results

At baseline, as expected, fewer patients had HDA by DAS28-CRP than DAS28-ESR; DAS28-CRP>5.1 and DAS28-ESR>5.1 had only modest agreement (κ coefficients 0.45–0.54). Mean DAS28-CRP and DAS28-ESR were 5.7 and 6.2, respectively, in the ETN+MTX group (n=571), and 6.0 and 6.5 in the MTX group (n=262). A DAS28-CRP cut-off of 4.6 corresponded to a DAS28-ESR cut-off of 5.1.

Conclusions

We have shown that a DAS28-CRP of 4.6 corresponds to 5.1 for DAS28-ESR. Since this is substantially lower than the DAS28-ESR cut-off of 5.1, using 5.1 as the cut-off for DAS28-CRP underestimates disease activity in RA.

Trial registration number

NCT00195494;NCT00913458.
Global economic cost of smoking-attributable diseases
Authors: Goodchild Mark , Nargis Nigar , Tursan d'Espaignet Edouard
Published: January 2017

Background

The detrimental impact of smoking on health has been widely documented since the 1960s. Numerous studies have also quantified the economic cost that smoking imposes on society. However, these studies have mostly been in high income countries, with limited documentation from developing countries. The aim of this paper is to measure the economic cost of smoking-attributable diseases in countries throughout the world, including in low- and middle-income settings.

Methods

The Cost of Illness approach is used to estimate the economic cost of smoking attributable-diseases in 2012. Under this approach, economic costs are defined as either ‘direct costs' such as hospital fees or ‘indirect costs’ representing the productivity loss from morbidity and mortality. The same method was applied to 152 countries, which had all the necessary data, representing 97% of the world's smokers.

Findings

The amount of healthcare expenditure due to smoking-attributable diseases totalled purchasing power parity (PPP) $467 billion (US$422 billion) in 2012, or 5.7% of global health expenditure. The total economic cost of smoking (from health expenditures and productivity losses together) totalled PPP $1852 billion (US$1436 billion) in 2012, equivalent in magnitude to 1.8% of the world's annual gross domestic product (GDP). Almost 40% of this cost occurred in developing countries, highlighting the substantial burden these countries suffer.

Conclusions

Smoking imposes a heavy economic burden throughout the world, particularly in Europe and North America, where the tobacco epidemic is most advanced. These findings highlight the urgent need for countries to implement stronger tobacco control measures to address these costs.
An Analytical Solution to Dujmovic’s Iterative OWA
Authors: Troiano Luigi , Díaz Irene
Published: January 2017

Iterative OWA (ItOWA) as proposed by Dujmovic, is a two-stage procedure for computing the weighting vector by a double nested iteration: (i) weights at step h are computed as limit to infinity of a matrix power, (ii) the result is used to start the computation at step h + 1, until the OWA operator arity n is reached. Thereafter Dujmovic suggested a computational solution based on the conjecture that the limit exists, and numerical simulations have being supported the hypothesis that the conjecture is correct. In this paper, we prove that the limit actually exists and we provide an analytical solution to the procedure, so the weighting vector can be computed directly instead of an iterative time-consuming procedure. This theoretical result enables a faster computation of the weighting vector and characterization in terms of weights values, attitudinal character and entropy.
The Influence of Age on Interaction between Breath-Holding Test and Single-Breath Carbon Dioxide Test
Authors: Trembach Nikita , Zabolotskikh Igor
Published: January 2017

Introduction. The aim of the study was to compare the breath-holding test and single-breath carbon dioxide test in evaluation of the peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity to carbon dioxide in healthy subjects of different age.Methods. The study involved 47 healthy volunteers between ages of 25 and 85 years. All participants were divided into 4 groups according to age: 25 to 44 years (n=14), 45 to 60 years (n=13), 60 to 75 years (n=12), and older than 75 years (n=8). Breath-holding test was performed in the morning before breakfast. The single-breath carbon dioxide (SB-CO2) test was performed the following day.Results. No correlation was found between age and duration of breath-holding (r=0.13) and between age and peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity to CO2(r=0.07). In all age groups there were no significant differences in the mean values from the breath-holding test and peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity tests. In all groups there was a strong significant inverse correlation between breath-holding test and SB-CO2test.Conclusion. A breath-holding test reflects the sensitivity of the peripheral chemoreflex to carbon dioxide in healthy elderly humans. Increasing age alone does not alter the peripheral ventilatory response to hypercapnia.
Type 1 Kounis Syndrome in Patient with Idiopathic Anaphylaxis
Authors: Keber Tajda , Makuc Jana , Sekavčnik Gregor
Published: January 2017

Kounis syndrome represents the concurrence of acute coronary syndromes or anginal pain with allergic, hypersensitivity, and anaphylactic reactions. It can be associated with normal coronary angiogram or preexistent coronary pathology. Idiopathic anaphylaxis is defined as anaphylaxis without any identifiable precipitating agent or event. We present a case of male who experienced attacks of dyspnoea, hypoxemia, hypotension, purple-red skin, and chest pain over several years. He was diagnosed with idiopathic anaphylaxis. Based on the pattern of chest pain of ischemic origin during the attacks he was retrospectively diagnosed with Kounis syndrome.
Treatment of Complete Anal Stricture after Diverting Colostomy for Fournier’s Gangrene
Authors: Okumura Kenji , Kubota Tadao , Nishida Kazuhiro , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Mizokami Ken
Published: January 2017

Background. Anal stenosis is a rare but serious complication of anorectal surgery. Severe anal stenosis is a challenging condition. Case Presentation. A 70-year-old Japanese man presented with a ten-hour history of continuous anal pain due to incarcerated hemorrhoids. He had a history of reducible internal hemorrhoids and was followed for 10 years. He had a fever and nonreducible internal hemorrhoids surrounding necrotic soft tissues. He was diagnosed as Fournier’s gangrene and treated with debridement and diverting colostomy. He needed temporary continuous renal replacement therapy and was discharged on postoperative day 39. After four months, severe anal stenosis was found on physical examination, and total colonoscopy showed a complete anal stricture. The patient was brought to the operating room and underwent colostomy closure and anoplasty. He recovered without any complications. Conclusion. We present a first patient with a complete anal stricture after diverting colostomy treated with anoplasty and stoma closure. This case reminds us of the assessment of distal bowel conduit and might suggest that anoplasty might be considered in the success of the colostomy closure.
Undigested Pills in Stool Mimicking Parasitic Infection
Authors: Mir Fazia , Achakzai Ilyas , Ibdah Jamal A. , Tahan Veysel
Published: January 2017

Background. Orally ingested medications now come in both immediate release and controlled release preparations. Controlled release preparations were developed by pharmaceutical companies to improve compliance and decrease frequency of pill ingestion. Case Report. A 67-year-old obese male patient presented to our clinic with focal abdominal pain that had been present 3 inches below umbilicus for the last three years. This pain was not associated with any trauma or recent heavy lifting. Upon presentation, the patient reported that for the last two months he started to notice pearly oval structures in his stool accompanying his chronic abdominal pain. This had coincided with initiation of his nifedipine pills for his hypertension. He reported seeing these undigested pills daily in his stool. Conclusion. The undigested pills may pose a cause of concern for both patients and physicians alike, as demonstrated in this case report, because they can mimic a parasitic infection. This can result in unnecessary extensive work-up. It is important to review the medication list for extended release formulations and note that the outer shell can be excreted whole in the stool.
Granular Cell Tumor of Rectum: A Very Rare Entity
Authors: Sunkara Tagore , Nagaraj Savitha V. , Gaduputi Vinaya
Published: January 2017

Granular cell tumors are predominantly benign, occurring more commonly in women, with about 10% developing in the gastrointestinal tract. Rectal location of this tumor is very rare. We herein report one such case of a 61-year-old man with granular cell tumor in the rectum who underwent endoscopic curative resection.
Water Network Design Using a Multiobjective Real Options Framework
Authors: Marques João , Cunha Maria , Savić Dragan , Giustolisi Orazio
Published: January 2017

Water distribution networks (WDNs) are an essential element of urban infrastructure. To achieve a good level of performance, the traditional design of WDNs based on expected future conditions should be replaced by a flexible design, using real options (ROs), that accounts for uncertainty by taking a broader view of possible future options. This work proposes a multiobjective ROs framework that sets out to reduce costs, minimize hydraulic pressure deficiency, and a third objective for minimizing carbon emissions. A multiobjective simulated annealing algorithm is used to identify the Pareto-optimal solutions, thus enabling a trade-off analysis between solutions. These trade-offs show that a low pressure deficit solution is achieved by increasing investment at a much faster rate after a certain pressure deficit threshold (60 m). Also, the pressure deficits can only be reduced by increasing carbon emissions. Finally, this work also emphasizes the importance of including carbon emissions as a specific objective by comparing the results of the proposed model and another one that did not cover the environmental objective. The results show that it is possible to reduce CO2 for the same level of capital expenditure or the same level of network pressure deficits if carbon emissions are minimized in the optimization process.
Multiple Electrolyte and Metabolic Emergencies in a Single Patient
Authors: Cadacio Caprice , Pham Phuong-Thu , Bhasin Ruchika , Kamarzarian Anita , Pham Phuong-Chi
Published: January 2017

While some electrolyte disturbances are immediately life-threatening and must be emergently treated, others may be delayed without immediate adverse consequences. We discuss a patient with alcoholism and diabetes mellitus type 2 who presented with volume depletion and multiple life-threatening electrolyte and metabolic derangements including severe hyponatremia (serum sodium concentration [SNa] 107 mEq/L), hypophosphatemia (“undetectable,” <1.0 mg/dL), and hypokalemia (2.2 mEq/L), moderate diabetic ketoacidosis ([DKA], pH 7.21, serum anion gap [SAG] 37) and hypocalcemia (ionized calcium 4.0 mg/dL), mild hypomagnesemia (1.6 mg/dL), and electrocardiogram with prolonged QTc. Following two liters of normal saline and associated increase in SNa by 4 mEq/L and serum osmolality by 2.4 mosm/Kg, renal service was consulted. We were challenged with minimizing the correction of SNa (or effective serum osmolality) to avoid the osmotic demyelinating syndrome while replacing volume, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium and concurrently treating DKA. Our management plan was further complicated by an episode of significant aquaresis. A stepwise approach was strategized to prioritize and correct all disturbances with considerations that the treatment of one condition could affect or directly worsen another. The current case demonstrates that a thorough understanding of electrolyte physiology is required in managing complex electrolyte disturbances to avoid disastrous outcomes.
A Giant Lumbar Pseudomeningocele in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case Report
Authors: Dobran Mauro , Iacoangeli Maurizio , Ruscelli Paolo , Della Costanza Martina , Nasi Davide , Scerrati Massimo
Published: January 2017

This is a rare case of giant lumbar pseudomeningocele with intra-abdominal extension in patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The patient’s clinical course is retrospectively reviewed. A 34-year-old female affected by NF1 was referred to our institution for persistent low back pain and MRI diagnosis of pseudomeningocele located at L3 level with paravertebral extension. From the first surgical procedure by a posterior approach until the relapse of the pseudomeningocele documented by MRI, the patient underwent two subsequent posterior surgical procedures to repair the dural sac defect with fat graft and fibrin glue. One month after the third operation, the abdominal MRI showed a giant intra-abdominal pseudomeningocele causing compression of visceral structures. The patient was asymptomatic. The pseudomeningocele was treated with an anterior abdominal approach and the use of the acellular dermal matrix (ADM) sutured directly on the dural defect on the anterolateral wall of the spinal canal. After six months of follow-up the MRI showed no relapse of the pseudomeningocele. Our case highlights the possible use of ADM as an effective and safe alternative to the traditional fat graft to repair challenging and large dural defects.
Plasmacytoid Urothelial Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder Metastatic to the Duodenum: A Case Report—Diagnostic Relevance of GATA3 Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Brustmann Hermann
Published: January 2017

Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma (PUC) of the urinary bladder is a rare and aggressive subtype of urothelial carcinoma. Its deceptive morphology is characterized by a discohesive growth of cells with plasmacytoid morphology. Since this tumor might be confused with plasmacytoma, lymphoma, or carcinoma variants, appropriate diagnosis in small biopsy samples could be challenging. This study reports the case of a 53-year-old man who presented with frequent nocturnal urgency, without hematuria. A transurethral bladder and a prostate resection specimen displayed infiltration of neoplastic cells in a spray-like discohesive pattern with occasional formation of small irregular nests and cord-like arrangements. The basic morphology of the tumor cells was plasmacytoid, with eccentric nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm. Tumor cells grew through the lamina muscularis mucosae, with splintering of the bladder wall musculature and infiltration of prostatic tissue. They displayed strong and diffuse nuclear reactivity for p53 and GATA3. Eight months after surgery, the patient experienced upper abdominal discomfort. A duodenal biopsy showed infiltration of plasmacytoid atypical cells strongly immunoreactive for GATA3, consistent with the previously diagnosed PUC. The patient died eleven months after the primary diagnosis of his PUC of tumor cachexia losing about 50% of his original body weight, furthermore, with ascites and intraperitoneal tumor spread.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Overlapping Infinity Loops, Wire Cube, and Clock Drawing Tests for Cognitive Impairment in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Charernboon Thammanard
Published: January 2017

Purpose. To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the overlapping infinity loops, wire cube, and clock drawing tests (CDT) in the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Method. The participants were 60 normal controls (NC), 35 patients with MCI, and 47 patients with mild dementia. Results. The results illustrate that infinity loops, cube, or CDT were not able to discriminate between NC and MCI groups. In dementia detection, the CDT had the highest diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 76.6% and specificity 87.4%) followed by infinity loops (sensitivity 63.8% and specificity 91.6%) and cube (sensitivity 93.6% and specificity 46.3%). Conclusion. This study demonstrates that the three drawing tests are sensitive detectors of dementia but not MCI.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Limits Chronic Constipation in a Child with Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome
Authors: Aquino Alessandro , Perini Mattia , Cosmai Silvia , Zanon Silvia , Pisa Viviana , Castagna Carmine , Uberti Stefano
Published: January 2017

Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by insufficient expression of theTCF4gene. Children with PTHS typically present with gastrointestinal disorders and early severe chronic constipation is frequently found (75%). Here we describe the case of a PTHS male 10-year-old patient with chronic constipation in whom Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) resulted in improved bowel functions, as assessed by the diary, the QPGS-Form A Section C questionnaire, and the Paediatric Bristol Stool Form Scale. The authors suggested that OMT may be a valid tool to improve the defecation frequency and reduce enema administration in PTHS patients.
Osteolysis of the Greater Trochanter Caused by a Foreign Body Granuloma Associated with the Ethibond® Suture after Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Kamo Keiji , Kijima Hiroaki , Okuyama Koichiro , Seki Nobutoshi , Yamada Shin , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Shimada Yoichi
Published: January 2017

The present case shows a case of progression of osteolysis of the greater trochanter caused by a foreign body granuloma associated with the number 5 Ethibond suture in cementless THA with the direct lateral approach that was completely healed by removal of the Ethibond suture. A 55-year-old Japanese woman with secondary osteoarthritis caused by acetabular dysplasia underwent left cementless THA with the direct lateral approach. After setting of the total hip prosthesis, the gluteus medius muscle and vastus lateralis muscle were reattached to the greater trochanter through two bone tunnels using number 5 Ethibond EXCEL sutures. The left hip pain disappeared after surgery, but the bone tunnels enlarged gradually and developed osteolysis at 10 weeks. The removal of the Ethibond sutures and debridement improved the osteolysis. Histological examination showed the granuloma reaction to a foreign body with giant cell formation. The Ethibond suture has the lowest inflammatory tissue reaction and relatively high tension strength among nonabsorbable suture materials. However, number 5 Ethibond has the potential to cause osteolysis due to a foreign body granuloma, as in the present case.
Status of Biomass Derived Carbon Materials for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Enock Talam Kibona , King’ondu Cecil K. , Pogrebnoi Alexander , Jande Yusufu Abeid Chande
Published: January 2017

Environmental concerns and energy security uncertainties associated with fossil fuels have driven the world to shift to renewable energy sources. However, most renewable energy sources with exception of hydropower are intermittent in nature and thus need storage systems. Amongst various storage systems, supercapacitors are the promising candidates for energy storage not only in renewable energies but also in hybrid vehicles and portable devices due to their high power density. Supercapacitor electrodes are almost invariably made of carbon derived from biomass. Several reviews had been focused on general carbon materials for supercapacitor electrode. This review is focused on understanding the extent to which different types of biomasses have been used as porous carbon materials for supercapacitor electrodes. It also details hydrothermal microwave assisted, ionothermal, and molten salts carbonization as techniques of synthesizing activated carbon from biomasses as well as their characteristics and their impacts on electrochemical performance.
Role of T Lymphocytes in Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetes-Associated Inflammation
Authors: Xia Chang , Rao Xiaoquan , Zhong Jixin
Published: January 2017

Although a critical role of adaptive immune system has been confirmed in driving local and systemic inflammation in type 2 diabetes and promoting insulin resistance, the underlying mechanism is not completely understood. Inflammatory regulation has been focused on innate immunity especially macrophage for a long time, while increasing evidence suggests T cells are crucial for the development of metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance since 2009. There was growing evidence supporting the critical implication of T cells in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. We will discuss the available effect of T cells subsets in adaptive immune system associated with the procession of T2DM, which may unveil several potential strategies that could provide successful therapies in the future.
Profiling Proteins in the Hypothalamus and Hippocampus of a Rat Model of Premenstrual Syndrome Irritability
Authors: Qiao Mingqi , Sun Peng , Wang Yang , Wei Sheng , Wei Xia , Song Chunhong , Wang Fushun , Wu Jibiao
Published: January 2017

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to several physical and mental symptoms (such as irritability) commonly encountered in clinical gynaecology. The incidence of PMS has been increasing, attracting greater attention from medical fields. However, PMS pathogenesis remains unclear. This study employed two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) for proteomic map analysis of the hypothalamus and hippocampus of rat models of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) irritability. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF-MS) was used to identify proteins possibly related with PMS irritability. Baixiangdan, a traditional Chinese medicine effective against PMS irritability, was used in the rat model to study putative target proteins of this medicine. The hypothalamus and hippocampus of each group modelling PMS displayed the following features: decreased expression of Ulip2, tubulin beta chain 15, α actin, and interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein; increased expression of kappa-B motif-binding phosphoprotein; decreased expression of hydrolase at the end of ubiquitin carboxy, albumin, and aldolase protein; and increased expression of M2 pyruvate kinase, panthenol-cytochrome C reductase core protein I, and calcium-binding protein. Contrasting with previous studies, the current study identified new proteins related to PMS irritability. Our findings contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of PMS irritability and could provide a reference point for further studies.