bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome of a screening programme for the prevention of neonatal invasive early-onset group B Streptococcus infection in a UK maternity unit: an observational study
Authors: Gopal Rao G , Nartey G , McAree T , O'Reilly A , Hiles S , Lee T , Wallace S , Batura R , Khanna P , Abbas H , Tilsed C , Nicholl R , Lamagni T , Bassett P
Published: April 2017

Background

Against a background of failure to prevent neonatal invasive early-onset group BStreptococcusinfections (GBS) in our maternity unit using risk-based approach for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, we introduced an antenatal GBS carriage screening programme to identify additional women to target for prophylaxis.

Objectives

To describe the implementation and outcome of an antepartum screening programme for prevention of invasive early-onset GBS infection in a UK maternity unit.

Design

Observational study of outcome of screening programme (intervention) with comparison to historical controls (preintervention).

Setting

Hospital and community-based maternity services provided by Northwick Park and Central Middlesex Hospitals in North West London.

Participants

Women who gave birth between March 2014 and December 2015 at Northwick Park Hospital.

Methods

Women were screened for GBS at 35–37 weeks and carriers offered intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. Screening programme was first introduced in hospital (March 2014) and then in community (August 2014). Compliance was audited by review of randomly selected case records. Invasive early-onset GBS infections were defined through GBS being cultured from neonatal blood, cerebrospinal fluid or sterile fluids within 0–6 days of birth.

Main outcome

Incidence of early-onset GBS infections.

Results

6309 (69%) of the 9098 eligible women were tested. Screening rate improved progressively from 42% in 2014 to 75% in 2015. Audit showed that 98% of women accepted the offer of screening. Recto-vaginal GBS carriage rate was 29.4% (1822/6193). All strains were susceptible to penicillin but 11.3% (206/1822) were resistant to clindamycin. Early onset GBS rate fell from 0.99/1000 live births (25/25276) in the prescreening period to 0.33/1000 in the screening period (Rate Ratio=0.33; p=0.08). In the subset of mothers actually screened, the rate was 0.16/1000 live births (1/6309), (Rate Ratio=0.16; p<0.05).

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that an antenatal screening programme for prevention of early-onset GBS infection can be implemented in a UK maternity setting and is associated with a fall in infection rates.
Effect of specimen preparation techniques on dynamic properties of unsaturated fine-grained soil at high suctions
Authors: Ng C.W.W. , Baghbanrezvan S. , Sadeghi H. , Zhou C. , Jafarzadeh F.
Published: April 2017

The seismic response of soil depends on proper evaluation and use of soil dynamic properties, including shear modulus and damping ratio at various strain levels. Despite extensive studies on the shear modulus and damping ratio of saturated soils, research on the dynamic properties of unsaturated fine-grained soils — especially at high suction — is limited. This study aims to investigate the dynamic properties of loess at a variety of initial states resulting from different specimen preparation techniques (reconstituted, recompacted, and intact) and their evolutions due to suction-induced desiccation. Results of resonant column tests show that at initial states, the specimen preparation technique has a negligible effect on the normalized modulus (G/Gmax) and damping degradation pattern, while the influence becomes significant at a high suction (40 MPa). This is attributed to the microstructural evolution of specimens with different initial states that were subjected to suction-induced desiccation. More specifically, the elastic shear strain threshold decreases (reduction of elastic range) while shear modulus increases as suction reaches 40 MPa. Furthermore, the rate of increase in the damping ratio as well as degradation of the shear modulus for specimens at high suction is faster than their initial states. Based on the scanning electron microscopy observations, these findings may be attributed to the aggregation of larger silt–clay assemblies induced by suction increase. Consequently, soil with larger aggregates behaves more like granular sandy soil than saturated silt or clay.
Groups of automorphisms of local fields of period p and nilpotent class < p, I
Authors: Abrashkin Victor
Published: April 2017

Suppose [Formula: see text] is a finite field extension of [Formula: see text] containing a primitive [Formula: see text]th root of unity. Let [Formula: see text] be a maximal [Formula: see text]-extension of [Formula: see text] with the Galois group of period [Formula: see text] and nilpotent class [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we develop formalism which allows us to study the structure of [Formula: see text] via methods of Lie theory. In particular, we introduce an explicit construction of a Lie [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text] and an identification [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-group obtained from the elements of [Formula: see text] via the Campbell–Hausdorff composition law. In the next paper, we apply this formalism to describe the ramification filtration [Formula: see text] and an explicit form of the Demushkin relation for [Formula: see text].
Pseudo-random number generation using a 3-state cellular automaton
Authors: Bhattacharjee Kamalika , Paul Dipanjyoti , Das Sukanta
Published: April 2017

This paper investigates the potentiality of pseudo-random number generation of a 3-neighborhood 3-state cellular automaton (CA) under periodic boundary condition. Theoretical and empirical tests are performed on the numbers, generated by the CA, to observe the quality of it as pseudo-random number generator (PRNG). We analyze the strength and weakness of the proposed PRNG and conclude that the selected CA is a good random number generator.
Review of QCD, cosmological phase transitions, QGP, heavy quark meson production enhancement and suppression
Authors: Kisslinger Leonard S.
Published: April 2017

This review of the quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the early universe cosmological phase transition from the quark–gluon plasma (QGP) to our present universe (QCDPT), relativistic heavy ion collisions (RHIC) which can produce the QGP, the possible detection of the QGP produced by the production of mixed hybrid heavy quark mesons. We also review the recent studies of the production of mixed heavy quark hybrids via RHIC and heavy quark meson suppression in p-Pb and Pb–Pb collisions.
Vision-based fast location of multi-bar code in any direction
Authors: Lin Sheng-Xin , Zhao Xiao-Fang , Liu Hua-Zhu
Published: April 2017

The automatic location of the bar code is a key step in the bar code image recognition system. It is extremely confined that the generalization of the traditional bar code localization algorithms due to the requirements of both direction and quality of bar code, and most of them are only aimed at the single barcode localization. In this paper, we have proposed a novel multi-barcode location algorithm in arbitrary direction based on the accumulation of the linear gray value. First, the line coordinates of the barcode region is determined by the image normalized cross-correlation algorithm. Then the center line of gray value of cumulative distribution is used to analyze the barcode boundary and to determine the number of bar code within the region. Finally, the precise positioning of the barcode region is obtained. The experiments have demonstrated that our proposed method can be used to identify all the bar codes in any area, and automatically locate the bar codes in any direction.
A Novel Scenario Reduction Method by 3D-Outputs Clustering for Condition-Based Maintenance Optimization
Authors: Qian Xinbo , Tang Qiuhua , Tao Bo
Published: April 2017

Condition-based maintenance (CBM) optimization involves considering inherent uncertainties and external uncertainties. Since computational complexity increases exponentially with the number of degradation uncertainties and stages, scenario reduction aims to select small set of typical scenarios which can maintain the probability distributions of outputs of possible scenarios. A novel scenario reduction method, 3D-outputs-clustering scenario reduction (3DOCS), is presented by considering the impacts of uncertainty parameters on the output performance for CBM optimization which have been overlooked. Since the output performance for CBM is much more essential than the inputs, the proposed scenario reduction method reduces degradation scenarios by [Formula: see text]-means clustering of the multiple outputs of degradations scenarios for CBM. It minimizes the probabilistic distribution distances of outputs between original and selected scenarios. Case studies show that 3DOCS has advantages as a smaller distance of output performance of selected scenarios compared to that of initial scenarios.
Small data scattering for energy critical NLKG on product spaces Rd ×ℳ2
Authors: Hari Lysianne , Visciglia Nicola
Published: April 2017

We study small data scattering in the energy space of solutions to the [Formula: see text]-critical NLKG posed on product spaces [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a compact Riemannian manifold.
Bioinformatics evaluation of novel ribosome display-selected single chain variable fragment (scFv) structure with factor H binding protein through docking
Authors: Bandehpour Mojgan , Yarian Fatemeh , Ahangarzadeh Shahrzad
Published: April 2017

Antibodies play a significant role in the immunotherapy, basic research and the pharmaceutical industry. Nowadays, both DNA recombinant technology and antibody engineering technology are widely used in many fields such as diagnostics, therapeutics, drug targeted delivery, and research reagents. Computational docking of antigen-antibody complexes and analysis of atomic interactions are important to find effective B-cell epitopes and new antibodies with appropriate properties. In the present study, by using ClusPro 2.0 webserver, docking the antigen (factor H binding protein (fHbp)) to the novel-selected scFv antibody was performed. By analyzing the fHbp-scFv complexes, important amino acids were identified. After docking, peptides Ala192-His198, Asp 211-216, and Gly229-Ser228 of the fHbp antigen were recognized as essential interactive regions to the scFv antibody. Results obtained from our bioinformatics study are important and give us the basis for the favored designs of new molecules such as effective B-cell epitopes targeted by neutralizing antibodies for vaccine design.
A Variable Mass Meso-Model for the Mechanical and Water-Expelled Behaviors of PVA Hydrogel in Compression
Authors: Zhang Y. R. , Tang L. Q. , Xie B. X. , Xu K. J. , Liu Z. J. , Liu Y. P. , Jiang Z. Y. , Dong S. B.
Published: April 2017

Static uniaxial compressive experiments were conducted to study the mechanical behaviors of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels in ambient conditions. It was found that water is expelled during the compression of hydrogels that have high water contents. It means hydrogels may be a mass variable under the compression. In order to depict the mechanical properties intrinsically, a variable mass model with meso-scale cells was proposed to simulate PVA hydrogels. In the model, there are uniform cells with frames of polymer fibers and water, and a virtue membrane designed to wrap up the boundary of the model. The model not only depicts the behaviors of the compressive mechanics and the expelled water, but also explains the nonlinear stress–strain relation of PVA hydrogels and why the hydrogels with high water content demonstrate a modulus considerably lower than the bulk modulus of water.
Study on Preparation and MD Simulation of Nano Fe4N
Authors: Wang K. M. , Wu H. N. , Wang C. Q. , Li X. Q.
Published: April 2017

Nano Fe4N powder has been successfully prepared by the combination between high pressure combined method of reduction and nitriding and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The phase, composition, morphology, and magnetic properties have been preliminarily characterized by XRD, TEM, and VSM to investigate the influence of temperature, time, ammonia hydrogen ratio, and pressure during reaction process on the preparation. The results indicate that the preferable nano Fe4N powder of the average size around 35[Formula: see text]nm could be obtained nitriding at 0.4[Formula: see text]MPa and 673[Formula: see text]K for 2.5[Formula: see text]hours with the ammonia hydrogen ratio being 3:1. The results of magnetic detection show that the nano Fe4N produced here is a fairly desirable soft magnetic material with Ms[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]169.70[Formula: see text]emu/g. This process could reduce the reaction temperature and shorten the reaction time, which is of important significance to the industrial production of nano Fe4N powder.
Architecture of the rat nephron-arterial network: analysis with micro-computed tomography
Authors: Marsh Donald J. , Postnov Dmitry D. , Rowland Douglas J. , Wexler Anthony S. , Sosnovtseva Olga V. , Holstein-Rathlou Niels-Henrik
Published: April 2017

Among solid organs, the kidney’s vascular network stands out, because each nephron has two distinct capillary structures in series and because tubuloglomerular feedback, one of the mechanisms responsible for blood flow autoregulation, is specific to renal tubules. Tubuloglomerular feedback and the myogenic mechanism, acting jointly, autoregulate single-nephron blood flow. Each generates a self-sustained periodic oscillation and an oscillating electrical signal that propagates upstream along arterioles. Similar electrical signals from other nephrons interact, allowing nephron synchronization. Experimental measurements show synchronization over fields of a few nephrons; simulations based on a simplified network structure that could obscure complex interactions predict more widespread synchronization. To permit more realistic simulations, we made a cast of blood vessels in a rat kidney, performed micro-computed tomography at 2.5-μm resolution, and recorded three-dimensional coordinates of arteries, afferent arterioles, and glomeruli. Nonterminal branches of arcuate arteries form treelike structures requiring two to six bifurcations to reach terminal branches at the tree tops. Terminal arterial structures were either paired branches at the tops of the arterial trees, from which 52.6% of all afferent arterioles originated, or unpaired arteries not at the tree tops, yielding the other 22.9%; the other 24.5% originated directly from nonterminal arteries. Afferent arterioles near the corticomedullary boundary were longer than those farther away, suggesting that juxtamedullary nephrons have longer afferent arterioles. The distance separating origins of pairs of afferent arterioles varied randomly. The results suggest an irregular-network tree structure with vascular nodes, where arteriolar activity and local blood pressure interact.
Comparison of optomotor and optokinetic reflexes in mice
Authors: Kretschmer Friedrich , Tariq Momina , Chatila Walid , Wu Beverly , Badea Tudor Constantin
Published: April 2017

During animal locomotion or position adjustments, the visual system uses image stabilization reflexes to compensate for global shifts in the visual scene. These reflexes elicit compensatory head movements (optomotor response, OMR) in unrestrained animals or compensatory eye movements (optokinetic response, OKR) in head-fixed or unrestrained animals exposed to globally rotating striped patterns. In mice, OMR are relatively easy to observe and find broad use in the rapid evaluation of visual function. OKR determinations are more involved experimentally but yield more stereotypical, easily quantifiable results. The relative contributions of head and eye movements to image stabilization in mice have not been investigated. We are using newly developed software and apparatus to accurately quantitate mouse head movements during OMR, quantitate eye movements during OKR, and determine eye movements in freely behaving mice. We provide the first direct comparison of OMR and OKR gains (head or eye velocity/stimulus velocity) and find that the two reflexes have comparable dependencies on stimulus luminance, contrast, spatial frequency, and velocity. OMR and OKR are similarly affected in genetically modified mice with defects in retinal ganglion cells (RGC) compared with wild-type, suggesting they are driven by the same sensory input (RGC type). OKR eye movements have much higher gains than the OMR head movements, but neither can fully compensate global visual shifts. However, combined eye and head movements can be detected in unrestrained mice performing OMR, suggesting they can cooperate to achieve image stabilization, as previously described for other species.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We provide the first quantitation of head gain during optomotor response in mice and show that optomotor and optokinetic responses have similar psychometric curves. Head gains are far smaller than eye gains. Unrestrained mice combine head and eye movements to respond to visual stimuli, and both monocular and binocular fields are used during optokinetic responses. Mouse OMR and OKR movements are heterogeneous under optimal and suboptimal stimulation and are affected in mice lacking ON direction-selective retinal ganglion cells.
Prediction suppression and surprise enhancement in monkey inferotemporal cortex
Authors: Ramachandran Suchitra , Meyer Travis , Olson Carl R.
Published: April 2017

Exposing monkeys, over the course of days and weeks, to pairs of images presented in fixed sequence, so that each leading image becomes a predictor for the corresponding trailing image, affects neuronal visual responsiveness in area TE. At the end of the training period, neurons respond relatively weakly to a trailing image when it appears in a trained sequence and, thus, confirms prediction, whereas they respond relatively strongly to the same image when it appears in an untrained sequence and, thus, violates prediction. This effect could arise from prediction suppression (reduced firing in response to the occurrence of a probable event) or surprise enhancement (elevated firing in response to the omission of a probable event). To identify its cause, we compared firing under the prediction-confirming and prediction-violating conditions to firing under a prediction-neutral condition. The results provide strong evidence for prediction suppression and limited evidence for surprise enhancement.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In predictive coding models of the visual system, neurons carry signed prediction error signals. We show here that monkey inferotemporal neurons exhibit prediction-modulated firing, as posited by these models, but that the signal is unsigned. The response to a prediction-confirming image is suppressed, and the response to a prediction-violating image may be enhanced. These results are better explained by a model in which the visual system emphasizes unpredicted events than by a predictive coding model.
The sensorimotor system minimizes prediction error for object lifting when the object’s weight is uncertain
Authors: Brooks Jack , Thaler Anne
Published: April 2017

A reliable mechanism to predict the heaviness of an object is important for manipulating an object under environmental uncertainty. Recently, Cashaback et al. (Cashaback JGA, McGregor HR, Pun HCH, Buckingham G, Gribble PL. J Neurophysiol 117: 260–274, 2017) showed that for object lifting the sensorimotor system uses a strategy that minimizes prediction error when the object’s weight is uncertain. Previous research demonstrates that visually guided reaching is similarly optimized. Although this suggests a unified strategy of the sensorimotor system for object manipulation, the selected strategy appears to be task dependent and subject to change in response to the degree of environmental uncertainty.
The Minimum Spectral Radius of an Edge-Removed Network: A Hypercube Perspective
Authors: Wu Yingbo , Zhang Tianrui , Chen Shan , Wang Tianhui
Published: April 2017

The spectral radius minimization problem (SRMP), which aims to minimize the spectral radius of a network by deleting a given number of edges, turns out to be crucial to containing the prevalence of an undesirable object on the network. As the SRMP is NP-hard, it is very unlikely that there is a polynomial-time algorithm for it. As a result, it is proper to focus on the development of effective and efficient heuristic algorithms for the SRMP. For that purpose, it is appropriate to gain insight into the pattern of an optimal solution to the SRMP by means of checking some regular networks. Hypercubes are a celebrated class of regular networks. This paper empirically studies the SRMP for hypercubes with two/three/four missing edges. First, for each of the three subproblems of the SRMP, a candidate for the optimal solution is presented. Second, it is shown that the candidate is optimal for small-sized hypercubes, and it is shown that the proposed candidate is likely to be optimal for medium-sized hypercubes. The edges in each candidate are evenly distributed over the network, which may be a common feature of all symmetric networks and hence is instructive in designing effective heuristic algorithms for the SRMP.
A Simple Provably Secure AKE from the LWE Problem
Authors: Zhou Limin , Lv Fengju
Published: April 2017

We first propose an authenticated key exchange (AKE) from the LWE problem. The AKE is simple since it does not involve any other cryptographic primitives to achieve authentication and depends on solely the LWE problem in the worst‐case (e.g., SVP and SIVP). We give its security under the BR model, which captures wPFS and might be appealing in specific applications.
Peritoneal Keratin Granulomatosis Associated with Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Corpus in a Woman with Polycystic Ovaries: A Potential Pitfall—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Trihia Helen J. , Papazian Maria , Novkovic Natasa , Provatas John , Tsangouri Sotiria , Papatheodorou Dimitrios C.
Published: April 2017

Peritoneal keratin granulomatosis is a rare condition included under granulomatous lesions of the peritoneum. It can be secondary to neoplasms of the female genital tract and can mimic carcinomatosis intraoperatively. A case of a 40-year-old woman with a history of polycystic ovaries and a chief complaint of vaginal bleeding is presented. She was diagnosed with endometrioid adenocarcinoma with squamous differentiation in endometrial curettings. Intraoperatively, many peritoneal nodules were found, interpreted as peritoneal carcinomatosis. The woman underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, and appendicectomy. Multiple biopsies were taken, as well as peritoneal washings. Microscopic examination revealed multiple keratin granulomas on the serosal surface of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, appendix, and omentum. Lymph node metastasis was not found. Peritoneal keratin granulomas (PKGs) have been reported in cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma with squamous differentiation of the uterine corpus, ovary, and atypical adenomyoma. It should be noted that the prognosis of cases of peritoneal keratin granulomas without viable tumor cells is favourable and that the histologic examination is essential for its diagnosis. We report a case of PKG in a patient with endometrial carcinoma with squamous differentiation, being the first in a woman with polycystic ovaries.
Determination of the Use ofLactobacillus plantarumandPropionibacterium freudenreichiiApplication on Fermentation Profile and Chemical Composition of Corn Silage
Authors: Abdul Rahman Norafizah , Abd Halim Mohd Ridzwan , Mahawi Noraniza , Hasnudin Hazira , Al-Obaidi Jameel R. , Abdullah Norhani
Published: April 2017

Corn was inoculated withLactobacillus plantarumandPropionibacterium freudenreichiisubsp.shermaniieither independently or as a mixture at ensiling, in order to determine the effect of bacterial additives on corn silage quality. Grain corn was harvested at 32–37% of dry matter and ensiled in a 4 L laboratory silo. Forage was treated as follows: bacterial types: B0 (without bacteria-control), B1(L. plantarum), B2 (P. freudenreichiisubsp.shermanii), and B3 (combination ofL. plantarumandP. freudenreichiisubsp.shermanii). Each 2 kg of chopped forage was treated with 10 mL of bacterial culture and allowed to ferment for 27 days. The first experiment determined the most suitable wavelength for detection of bacteria (490 nm and 419 nm for B1 and B2, resp.) and the preferable inoculation size (1 × 105 cfu/g). The second experiment analysed the effect of B1 and B2 applied singly or as a mixture on the fermentation characteristics and quality of corn silage.L. plantarumalone increased crude protein (CP) and reduced pH rapidly. In a mixture withP. freudenreichii, the final pH was the lowest compared to other treatments. As a mixture, inclusion of bacteria resulted in silage with lower digestibility than control. Corn silage treated withL. plantarumorP. freudenreichiieither alone or mixed together produced desirable silage properties; however, this was not significantly better than untreated silage.
A Multiple Core Execution for Multiobjective Binary Particle Swarm Optimization Feature Selection Method with the Kernel P System Framework
Authors: Elkhani Naeimeh , Chandren Muniyandi Ravie
Published: April 2017

Membrane computing is a theoretical model of computation inspired by the structure and functioning of cells. Membrane computing models naturally have parallel structure, and this fact is generally for all variants of membrane computing like kernel P system. Most of the simulations of membrane computing have been done in a serial way on a machine with a central processing unit (CPU). This has neglected the advantage of parallelism in membrane computing. This paper uses multiple cores processing tools in MATLAB as a parallel tool to implement proposed feature selection method based on kernel P system-multiobjective binary particle swarm optimization to identify marker genes for cancer classification. Through this implementation, the proposed feature selection model will involve all the features of a P system including communication rule, division rule, parallelism, and nondeterminism.
Energy Storage System Control for Energy Management in Advanced Aeronautic Applications
Authors: Cavallo A. , Canciello G. , Guida B.
Published: April 2017

In this paper an issue related to electric energy management on board an aircraft is considered. A battery pack is connected to a high‐voltage bus through a controlled Battery Charge/Discharge Unit (BCDU) that makes the overall behaviour of the battery “intelligent.” Specifically, when the aeronautic generator feeding the high‐voltage bus has enough energy the battery is kept under charge, while if more loads are connected to the bus, so that the overload capacity of the generator is exceeded, the battery “helps” the generator by releasing its stored energy. The core of the application is a robust, supervised control strategy for the BCDU that automatically reverts the flow of power in the battery, when needed. Robustness is guaranteed by a low‐level high gain control strategy. Switching from full‐charge mode (i.e., when the battery absorbs power from the generator) to generator mode (i.e., when the battery pumps energy on the high‐voltage bus) is imposed by a high‐level supervisor. Different from previous approaches, mathematical proofs of stability are given for the controlled system. A switching implementation using a finite‐time convergent controller is also proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is shown by detailed simulations in Matlab/Stateflow/SimPowerSystem.
The Role of Proteinase-Activated Receptors 1 and 2 in the Regulation of Periodontal Tissue Metabolism and Disease
Authors: Rovai E. S. , Holzhausen M.
Published: April 2017

Proteinase-activated receptors 1 (PAR1) and 2 (PAR2) are the most highly expressed members of the PAR family in the periodontium. These receptors regulate periodontal inflammatory and repair processes through their activation by endogenous and bacterial enzymes. PAR1is expressed by the periodontal cells such as human gingival fibroblasts, gingival epithelial cells, periodontal ligament cells, osteoblasts, and monocytic cells and can be activated by thrombin, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), MMP-13, fibrin, and gingipains fromPorphyromonas gingivalis. PAR2is expressed by neutrophils, osteoblasts, oral epithelial cells, and human gingival fibroblasts, and its possible activators in the periodontium are gingipains, neutrophil proteinase 3, and mast cell tryptase. The mechanisms through which PARs can respond to periodontal enzymes and result in appropriate immune responses have until recently been poorly understood. This review discusses recent findings that are beginning to identify a cardinal role for PAR1and PAR2on periodontal tissue metabolism.
Chronic Neuropsychological Sequelae in a Patient with Nontumorous Anti-NMDA-Receptor Encephalitis
Authors: Han Dong Y. , Koehl Lisa M. , Patel Aarti , Zhou Zhengqiu , Phillips Sarah , Kapoor Siddharth
Published: April 2017

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is a neurological, autoimmune disorder tightly conceptualized only as recently as the mid-2000s. It presents itself in a combination of psychiatric, neurological, and autonomic features. We observe a unique case with probable earlier episode (prior to the mid-2000s conceptualization of the disease) and a later relapse, accompanying a comprehensive neuropsychological profile tracked after the relapse and subsequent improvement. Neurocognitive findings revealed residual frontal deficits with mood changes even in the state after plasmapheresis. This case is the first to describe posttreatment cognition in anti-NMDAR encephalitis after probable serial autoimmune episodes.
Use of 4-Fr versus 6-Fr Nasobiliary Catheter for Biliary Drainage: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Tsuboi Tomofumi , Serikawa Masahiro , Sasaki Tamito , Ishii Yasutaka , Fujimoto Yoshifumi , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Ishigaki Takashi , Shimizu Akinori , Kurihara Keisuke , Tatsukawa Yumiko , Miyaki Eisuke , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: April 2017

Background and Aim. Endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (NBD) effects according to diameter remain unclear. We aimed to assess the drainage effects of the 4-Fr and 6-Fr NBD catheters. Methods. This prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled study was conducted at Hiroshima University Hospital and related facilities within Hiroshima Prefecture. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 246 patients revealed acute cholangitis, obstructive jaundice, and/or extrahepatic cholestasis; 4-Fr or 6-Fr NBD catheters were randomly allocated and placed in these patients. The primary endpoint was the efficacy of NBD based on the technical success rate and clinical success (rates of change in blood test and amount of bile output). Secondary endpoints included the spontaneous catheter displacement rate and nasal discomfort. Results. The technical success rate and clinical success did not differ significantly between groups. No spontaneous catheter displacement was noted in either group. Nasal discomfort due to catheter placement was significantly lower in the 4-Fr group versus the 6-Fr group (24 h after ERCP: 2.4 versus 3.5 cm, P=0.005; 48 h after ERCP: 2.2 versus 3.1 cm, P=0.01). Conclusion. The 4-Fr NBD catheter was not inferior to 6-Fr NBD catheter in terms of clinical success; the 4-Fr NBD catheter was useful to reduce nasal discomfort.
Very Short‐Term Load Forecasting Using Hybrid Algebraic Prediction and Support Vector Regression
Authors: Capuno Marlon , Kim Jung-Su , Song Hwachang
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a model for very short‐term load forecasting (VSTLF) based on algebraic prediction (AP) using a modified concept of the Hankel rank of a sequence. Moreover, AP is coupled with support vector regression (SVR) to accommodate weather forecast parameters for improved accuracy of a longer prediction horizon; thus, a hybrid model is also proposed. To increase system reliability during peak hours, this prediction model also aims to provide more accurate peak‐loading conditions when considerable changes in temperature and humidity happen. The objective of going hybrid is to estimate an increase or decrease on the expected peak load demand by presenting the total MW per Celsius degree change (MW/C°) as criterion for providing a warning signal to system operators to prepare necessary storage facilities and sufficient reserve capacities if urgently needed by the system. The prediction model is applied using actual 2014 load demand of mainland South Korea during the summer months of July to September to demonstrate the performance of the proposed prediction model.
Infrarenal Infected Aortic Aneurysm Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Cherbanyk Floryn , Menth Markus , Egger Bernhard , Erard Véronique
Published: April 2017

Infectious aneurysm is a rare entity associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Current knowledge on pathogenesis, outcome, diagnosis, management, and follow-up remains debatable. We report the case of a patient with Streptococcus pyogenes aneurysm who was successfully treated with a homograft implant and discuss microbiological characteristics, diagnostic methods, and treatment options currently available for this serious disease.
Intra- and Interobserver Reproducibility Assessment of PD-L1 Biomarker in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Cooper Wendy A. , Russell Prudence A. , Cherian Maya , Duhig Edwina E. , Godbolt David , Jessup Peter J. , Khoo Christine , Leslie Connull , Mahar Annabelle , Moffat David F. , Sivasubramaniam Vanathi , Faure Celine , Reznichenko Alena , Grattan Amanda , Fox Stephen B.
Published: April 2017

Purpose: Reliable and reproducible methods for identifying PD-L1 expression on tumor cells are necessary to identify responders to anti–PD-1 therapy. We tested the reproducibility of the assessment of PD-L1 expression in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue samples by pathologists.

Experimental Design: NSCLC samples were stained with PD-L1 22C3 pharmDx kit using the Dako Autostainer Link 48 Platform. Two sample sets of 60 samples each were designed to assess inter- and intraobserver reproducibility considering two cut points for positivity: 1% or 50% of PD-L1 stained tumor cells. A randomization process was used to obtain equal distribution of PD-L1 positive and negative samples within each sample set. Ten pathologists were randomly assigned to two subgroups. Subgroup 1 analyzed all samples on two consecutive days. Subgroup 2 performed the same assessments, except they received a 1-hour training session prior to the second assessment.

Results: For intraobserver reproducibility, the overall percent agreement (OPA) was 89.7% [95% confidence interval (CI), 85.7–92.6] for the 1% cut point and 91.3% (95% CI, 87.6–94.0) for the 50% cut point. For interobserver reproducibility, OPA was 84.2% (95% CI, 82.8–85.5) for the 1% cut point and 81.9% (95% CI, 80.4–83.3) for the 50% cut point, and Cohen's κ coefficients were 0.68 (95% CI, 0.65–0.71) and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.55–0.62), respectively. The training was found to have no or very little impact on intra- or interobserver reproducibility.

Conclusions: Pathologists reported good reproducibility at both 1% and 50% cut points. More adapted training could potentially increase reliability, in particular for samples with PD-L1 proportion, scores around 50%. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4569–77. ©2017 AACR.
Effect of (R)-α-Lipoic Acid Supplementation on Serum Lipids and Antioxidative Ability in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Sun Ying-Dong , Dong You-Dan , Fan Rui , Zhai Ling-Ling , Bai Ying-Long , Jia Li-Hong
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims: Supplementation with antioxidants is of special interest in preventing or delaying the development and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This investigation aimed to assess the effect of α- lipoic acid (LA) on serum lipids, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in patients with AMD. Methods: A total of 62 patients (50–75 years old) with early and intermediate dry form of AMD were randomly assigned to two groups, i.e. LA administration (n = 32) and placebo (n = 30). The levels of serum lipids and MDA and SOD activity were measured before and after LA and placebo intervention. Results: Compared with the parameters at baseline, serum total cholesterol (CHO), triglyceride and high- and low-density lipoprotein CHO (HDL and LDL) levels were not significantly different after LA and placebo intervention. There was a slight but statistically nonsignificant decrease in serum MDA levels and a statistically significant increase in serum SOD activity after LA intervention. There were no statistically significant differences in serum MDA levels or SOD activity after placebo intervention. Conclusion: The apparent increase in SOD activity caused by LA supplementation indicates that LA may have a possible preventive effect in the development of AMD through an antioxidant mechanism.
On the Historical Succession of Vessel-Based Therapies in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ganesh Aravind , Stahnisch Frank W.
Published: April 2017

Since 2009, the (CCSVI) model of multiple sclerosis has drawn much attention, and the associated surgical ‘venoplasty' interventions have often been advertised as a novel idea. In fact, it is a new incarnation of various vessel-based therapies attempted for multiple sclerosis in the past, dating back to the 1930s, when Tracy Jackson Putnam (1894-1975) attempted pharmacological anticoagulation. This was followed in the 1940s by Richard M. Brickner's (1896-1959) studies of vasodilatory drugs, which further inspired trials of sympathectomy and ganglionectomy. In the 1950s, Ilya Mark Scheinker (1902-1954) studied vasopressor therapy, while Roy Laver Swank (1909-2008) investigated the effects of a low saturated fat diet in his patients. This paper discusses the longer history of these therapeutic endeavours and the aetiological theories that inspired them.
The Level of the Biomarkers at the Time of Nephrology Consultation Might Predict the Prognosis of Acute Kidney Injury in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Renhua Lu , Miaolin Che , Junlin Wang , Qingwei Wu , Xiaoping Xu , Huili Dai , Weiming Zhang , Zhaohui Ni , Jiaqi Qian , Yan Yucheng
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The value of biomarkers at the time of nephrology consultation in predicting the prognosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients has not been well described. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of biomarkers at the time of nephrology consultation in predicting the prognosis of AKI. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 103 hospitalized patients who developed AKI. Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), IL-6, IL-18, N-Acetyl-F-D-Glucosaminidase (NAG), and serum Cystatin C (CysC) were measured at the time of nephrology consultation. Baseline values of serum creatinine (bScr), serum creatinine on consultation (cScr) and the peak level of serum creatinine (pScr) were recorded. All the patients were followed-up till 28 days since consultation. Serum and urinary levels of the biomarkers were compared according to the patient or kidney prognosis. Each marker was assessed for its predictive value using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves to predict AKI prognosis. Results: Patients were aged 54.28 w 19.05. Male patients constituted 65% of the study group and baseline Scr was 93.54 w 35.98 Vmol/l. The mortality rate of the patients was 25.2% and kidney loss rate was 18.8% at 28 days after consultation. The level of urinary NGAL was significantly higher in death patients than that in survival patients [147.00 (31.59, 221.87) Vg/ml vs. 22.43 (6.48, 89.77) Vg/ml, p = 0.001], while the level of bScr, cScr, pScr, urinary IL-6 and NAG were similar in both these groups. The AUC of urinary NGAL for predicting patients' death was 0.723 (p = 0.001). Serum CysC and urinary IL-18 concentration was higher in the death patients with a marginal p value (p = 0.065 and 0.059 respectively). All the urinary markers, including NAG, NGAL, IL-6 and IL-18 were significantly higher in patients with kidney loss than in those with kidney survival, while no difference was found in Scr and serum CysC levels. The AUCs of these urinary biomarkers for predicting kidney survival were 0.663, 0.655, 0.705 and 0.663 respectively (p < 0.05). The concentrations of cScr, pScr, serum CysC, urinary IL-6 and NGAL were significantly higher in RRT patients (p < 0.05). The AUCs for predicting RRT were 0.628, 0.781, 0.768, 0.672 and 0.775 respectively. Conclusions: The level of biomarkers at the time of nephrology consultation might predict the prognosis of AKI in hospitalized patients. Further studies should be done to understand the role of the serum and urinary markers in the prognosis of AKI. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Cystatin C as a Predictor for Outcomes in Patients with Negligible Renal Function
Authors: Ho Li-Chun , Sung Junne-Ming , Tsai Yau-Sheng , Wang Hsi-Hao , Li Yi-Che , Chen Yi-Ting , Chang Min-Yu , Hung Shih-Yuan
Published: April 2017

Background: High serum cystatin C (CysC) has been associated with clinical risks independently of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This study aims to investigate the predictive power of CysC in patients with a negligible GFR. Methods: Patients on chronic hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis were enrolled for measurement of CysC levels and were followed up for one year. A daily urine amount <100 ml was considered negligible residual renal function (RRF). Results: CysC results were available in 183 dialysis patients. Of these, 131 patients had a negligible RRF. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that CysC was an independent predictor of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular and infection events in all dialysis patients and in dialysis patients with a negligible RRF. Conclusion: CysC maintained its predictive power for adverse outcomes in patients with no meaningful GFR, indicating that the prognostic value of CysC is independent of the GFR. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Frequency, Clinical Features and Factors Associated with Pouchitis after Proctocolectomy with Ileo-Pouch-Anal Anastomosis in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Latin-American Country Retrospective-Cohort Study
Authors: Yamamoto-Furusho Jesús K. , Sarmiento Aguilar Andrea
Published: April 2017

Background: Pouchitis is the most common complication of proctocolectomy with ileo-pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC). No previous study in Mexico has evaluated this issue; our aim was to evaluate its frequency, clinical characteristics and factors associated with its presence in Mexican patients with UC and IPAA. Methods: Retrospective-cohort study including 70 patients with histopathological diagnosis of UC and IPAA between 1983 and 2014 from inflammatory bowel disease clinic of a tertiary care center. The statistical analysis used descriptive statistics, chi-square and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and Student's t test for numeric variables. Univariate analysis was performed to identify the factors associated. Results: Patients presenting with pouchitis accounted for 48.6%. From the 34 cases, 12 (35.3%) had inactive pouchitis; 7 (20.6%) active acute pouchitis; 15 (44.1%) chronic active pouchitis. On average, pouchitis occurred 5.37 years after IPPA. Factors probably associated with its occurrence were the presence of autoimmune concomitant diseases (ACDs; p = 0.06, OR 4.40, 95% CI 0.84-22.9) and extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs; p = 0.05, OR 2.53, 95% CI 0.96-6.64), which was also probably associated with chronic active pouchitis (p = 0.06, OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.07-1.31). Conclusions: The frequency of pouchitis is high in Mexican UC patients after IPAA. ACDs and EIMs were probably associated with its development.
Use of Hormone Replacement in Females with Endocrine Disorders
Authors: Christin-Maitre Sophie
Published: April 2017

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is necessary in adolescents with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in order to avoid estrogen deficiency. The goal of this minirewiew is to present the different types of estrogens (17β-estradiol, estradiol valerate, ethinyl estradiol, and combined equine estrogens) as well as the different types of progestins available. In order to choose among the different types of HRTs, the features of each regimen are being discussed as well as their risks and their respective benefits. The differences between oral combined contraceptive pills and a dissociated regimen containing estrogen and progestins are emphasized. The different effects of HRTs, mainly on feminization, growth spurt, bone mass as well as cardiovascular risk, and the follow-up of these young patients are presented. HRT in adolescents and young adults with estrogen deficiency is necessary and should be continued until the age of natural menopause. Studies have so far essentially included children or adolescents with Turner syndrome. Therefore, studies on HRT including patients with POI and a normal karyotype are necessary.
Evaluation of Short-Term Efficacy of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Primary Fallopian Tube Carcinoma by Diffusion-Weighted Imaging: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Liu Ye-Wei , Du Ya-Fei , Zhang Hong-Zhen , Fang Gui-Ying , Zhang Yu-Xiang , Ge Jing , Liu Jing
Published: April 2017

Background: This study aims to evaluate the short-term efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) using magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (MR-DWI). Patients and Methods: Total abdominal irradiation was performed for 61 PFTC patients after surgery, and paclitaxel and carboplatin were used for CCRT. According to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST1.1), patients were divided into a sensitive (n = 36) and a resistant group (n = 25). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the correlations of tumor regression rate with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)pre, ADCpost, and ∆ADCpost. The efficacy of CCRT in PFTC using MR-DWI was evaluated by ROC curve, logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival curve, and Cox regression model. Results: The ADCpre in both the sensitive and the resistant group was negatively associated with the tumor regression rate (r = -0.508), while the ADCpost (r = 0.454) and ∆ADCpost (r = 0.769) were positively associated with the tumor regression rate (all p < 0.05). Histopathological type, FIGO stage, lymphatic metastasis, tumor regression rate, ADCpre, ADCpost, and ∆ADCpost were confirmed as key factors for CCRT in PFTC (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our retrospective study demonstrates the predictive value of MR-DWI in CCRT for PFTC patients.