bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of a topical lipid complex therapy on dogs with atopic dermatitis: a double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Hobi Stefan , Klinger Christoph , Classen Janine , Mueller Ralf S.
Published: February 2017

Background

Canine atopic dermatitis is a common clinical presentation. The skin barrier seems to play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis. Therefore a topical spot‐on product containing a mixture of lipids may improve clinical signs without adverse effects if it were to improve stratum corneum barrier function.

Animals

Twenty six privately owned atopic dogs of different breed, age, gender and weight were included in a double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate potential clinical benefits and influence on skin barrier function of a topical lipid‐containing product applied to the skin of atopic dogs.

Methods and results

Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed by adequate testing and the exclusion of other possible pruritic diseases. Dogs were randomly allocated to two treatment groups. A spot‐on product containing different types of lipids was applied twice weekly to predisposed and affected areas. The placebo preparation contained only the excipients. The clinical effects were regularly verified with a Visual Analog Score and the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index. A medication score was calculated and barrier function was evaluated by means of transepidermal water loss and pH measurements. Twenty three dogs completed the study. There were no significant differences between the groups for any of the evaluated parameters. Adverse effects were not noted.

Conclusions and clinical importance

This study could not confirm significant clinical improvement when using the product compared to the placebo, although its use was not associated with adverse effects.
Effects of Rapid Vaccine Injection Without Aspiration and Applying Manual Pressure Before Vaccination on Pain and Crying Time in Infants
Authors: Göl İlknur , Altuğ Özsoy Süheyla
Published: February 2017

Aim

To compare effects of rapid injection without aspiration and 10‐second manual pressure before injection on pain severity and crying time in 4‐ to 6‐month‐old infants given the vaccine DTaP/IPV/Hib.

Methods

This is a randomized double‐blind controlled study. The study population included all the infants presenting for DTaP/IPV/Hib to two family health centers between April and August in 2015. The study sample included 128 infants based on confidence interval of 95% and statistical power of 80%. The sample was divided into four groups: manual pressure, rapid injection without aspiration, manual pressure combined with rapid injection without aspiration, and control groups. There were 32 infants in each group. Gender was adjusted in all groups. Stratified and block randomizations were used.

Results

Pain severity scores and crying time during and after the injections were significantly lower in the three intervention groups than in the control group (p = .001). The lowest increase in the mean heart rate during and after the injections occurred in the rapid injection without aspiration group (p < .05). In addition, the mean oxygen saturation before, during and after the injections was significantly lower in this group than in the other groups (p < .05). However, two infants in the rapid injection without aspiration group had low oxygen saturation levels starting before the injections. In fact, mean oxygen saturations did not change across time. This suggests that lower oxygen saturation in the rapid injection without aspiration group cannot be due to vaccines or the techniques used.

Linking Evidence to Action

Manual pressure and rapid injection without aspiration are effective and useful in relief of pain and reduction of crying time due to vaccine injections in 4‐ to 6‐month‐old infants.
A geographic study of West Nile virus in humans, dead corvids and mosquitoes in Ontario using spatial scan statistics with a survival time application
Authors: Thomas‐Bachli A. L. , Pearl D. L. , Berke O. , Parmley E. J. , Barker I. K.
Published: February 2017

Surveillance of West Nile virus (WNv) in Ontario has included passive reporting of human cases and testing of trapped mosquitoes and dead birds found by the public. The dead bird surveillance programme was limited to testing within a public health unit (PHU) until a small number of birds test positive. These dead corvid and mosquito surveillance programmes have not been compared for their ability to provide early warning in geographic areas where human cases occur each year. Spatial scan statistics were applied to time‐to‐event survival data based on first cases of WNv in found dead corvids, mosquitoes and humans. Clusters identified using raw data were compared to clusters based on model‐adjusted survival times to evaluate whether geographic and sociodemographic factors influenced their distribution. Statistically significant (p < .05) space–time clusters of PHUs with faster time to detection were found using each surveillance data stream. During 2002–2004, the corvid surveillance programme outperformed the mosquito programme in terms of time to WNv detection, while the clusters of first‐positive mosquito pools were more spatially similar to first human cases. In 2006, a cluster of first‐positive dead corvids was located in northern PHUs and preceded a cluster of early human cases that was identified after controlling for the influence of geographic region and sociodemographic profile.
Effect of Aerobic Loading on Static Balance in Young Athletes
Authors: Akyüz Öznur
Published: February 2017

The fact that balances can also be a factor in performance distinction between athletes in athletic skills, and is considered to provide positive acceleration for physical development in which motor skills are exhibited. Human’s skill to ensure balance can be defined as a determinant factor in development of other motor skills. From this point of view, the purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of Aerobic Loading on Proprioception in Young Athletes. The research was composed of 18 young athletes registered in Ağrı Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports Athletics Club. Tests of the participant athletes of the research were conducted in the Performance Laboratory of Ağrı ibrahim Çeçen University Department of Physical Training and Sports. After the data were collected, comparisons were made using percentage distributions, medians, and t-test. As a result of the research, it was seen that no effect at desired level occurred in static balances of athletes. It was detected that there was no significant difference between the static balance values taken prior to loading and the static balance values taken after loading (p> 0,05). In lactate measurements performed in order to detect fatigue conditions, differences at significant level (p≤0.05) were detected when the data taken before and after the study were compared. When the general characteristics of the participants are considered, the fact that they are elite athletes reminds that they may carry a high level of motor learning process along with them. This skill may be effective in the fact that static balance values remained unchanged following maximal loading.
Pentraxin-3 is a PI3K signaling target that promotes stem cell–like traits in basal-like breast cancers
Authors: Thomas Clémence , Henry Whitney , Cuiffo Benjamin G. , Collmann Anthony Y. , Marangoni Elisabetta , Benhamo Vanessa , Bhasin Manoj K. , Fan Cheng , Fuhrmann Laetitia , Baldwin Albert S. , Perou Charles , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Toker Alex , Karnoub Antoine E.
Published: February 2017

PI3K-stimulated induction of pentraxin-3 links innate immune signaling with the growth of basal-like breast cancer.
Identification of a selective small-molecule inhibitor of type 1 adenylyl cyclase activity with analgesic properties
Authors: Brust Tarsis F. , Alongkronrusmee Doungkamol , Soto-Velasquez Monica , Baldwin Tanya A. , Ye Zhishi , Dai Mingji , Dessauer Carmen W. , van Rijn Richard M. , Watts Val J.
Published: February 2017

ST034307 is a selective AC1 inhibitor with analgesic activity.
Transcriptional activation of lipogenesis by insulin requires phosphorylation of MED17 by CK2
Authors: Viscarra Jose A. , Wang Yuhui , Hong Il-Hwa , Sul Hei Sook
Published: February 2017

Phosphorylation of MED17 by distinct kinases enables nutrient-dependent transcriptional activation of lipogenesis by insulin.
Randomised, prospective, medico-economic nationwide French study of islet transplantation in patients with severely unstable type 1 diabetes: the STABILOT study protocol
Authors: Lablanche Sandrine , David-Tchouda Sandra , Margier Jennifer , Schir Edith , Wojtusciszyn Anne , Borot Sophie , Kessler Laurence , Morelon Emmanuel , Thivolet Charles , Pattou François , Vantyghem Marie Christine , Berney Thierry , Benhamou Pierre-Yves
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Islet transplantation may be an appropriate treatment option for patients with severely unstable type 1 diabetes experiencing major glucose variability with severe hypoglycaemia despite intensive insulin therapy. Few data are available on the costs associated with islet transplantation in relation to its benefits. The STABILOT study proposes to assess the economic impact of islet transplantation in comparison with the current best medical treatment defined as sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy.

Methods

The trial will adopt an open-label, randomised, multicentred design. The study will include 30 patients with severely unstable type 1 diabetes. Eligible participants will be 18–65 years old, with type 1 diabetes duration >5 years, a negative basal or stimulated C-peptide, and severe instability defined by persistent, recurrent and disabling severe hypoglycaemia, despite optimised medical treatment. Participants will be randomised into two groups: one group with immediate registration for islet transplantation, and one group with delayed registration for 1 year while patients receive SAP therapy. The primary endpoint will be the incremental cost-utility ratio at 1 year between islet transplantation and SAP therapy. Perspectives of both the French Health Insurance System and the hospitals will be retained.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained at all sites. The trial has been approved by ClinicalTrials.gov (Trial registration IDNCT02854696). All participants will sign a free and informed consent form before randomisation. Results of the study will be communicated during national and international meetings in the field of diabetes and transplantation. A publication will be sought in journals usually read by physicians involved in diabetes care, transplantation and internal medicine.

Trial registration number

NCT02854696; Pre-results.
Comparison of substance use, subjective well-being and interpersonal relationships among young people in foster care and private households: a cross sectional analysis of the School Health Research Network survey in Wales
Authors: Long Sara Jayne , Evans Rhiannon E , Fletcher Adam , Hewitt Gillian , Murphy Simon , Young Honor , Moore Graham F
Published: February 2017

Objective

To investigate the association of living in foster care (FC) with substance use and subjective well-being in a sample of secondary school students (11–16 years) in Wales in 2015/16, and to examine whether these associations are attenuated by the perceived quality of interpersonal relationships.

Design

Cross-sectional, population-based health behaviour and lifestyle questionnaire.

Setting and participants

Wales, UK; young people who took part in the 2015/16 School Health Research Network (SHRN) questionnaire (n=32 479).

Primary outcome

Health behaviours among young people in FC were compared with those from private households.

Results

The prevalence of all adverse outcomes was higher among young people in FC. Those in FC were significantly more likely to report mephedrone use (OR=9.24, 95% CI 5.60 to 15.34), multiple substance misuse behaviours (OR=3.72, 95% CI 2.30 to 6.00), poorer relationships with peers (RR=1.88, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.88) and teachers (RR=1.83, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.56), having experienced bullying (OR=1.80, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.35), dating violence (OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.43) and poor well-being (RR=1.72, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.46). The association between FC and substance use remained significant, though was attenuated after accounting for relationship variables. The association between FC and subjective well-being became non-significant after adjustment for relationship variables.

Conclusions

Young people living in FC experience significantly worse outcomes than young people not in care, likely due to a range of care and precare factors, which impact adversely on subsequent social relationships. The analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that the associations of FC with substance use and life satisfaction are partially explained by poorer quality social relationships. Large scale, longitudinal studies are required to investigate the relationship between being in care and health, educational and social outcomes. Mental health interventions and interventions to reduce substance use and improve well-being in FC should include a focus on supporting healthy social relationships.
Trauma resuscitation: can team behaviours in the prearrival period predict resuscitation performance?
Authors: Su Lillian , Kaplan Seth , Burd Randall , Winslow Carolyn , Hargrove Amber , Waller Mary
Published: February 2017

Background

Optimising team performance is critical in paediatric trauma resuscitation. Previous studies in aviation and surgery link performance to behaviours in the prearrival period.

Objective

To determine if patterns of human behaviour in the prearrival period of a simulated trauma resuscitation is predictive of resuscitation performance.

Design

Twelve volunteer trauma teams performed in four simulation scenarios in a paediatric hospital. The scenarios were video recorded, transcribed and analysed in 10-second intervals. Variation in the amount of utterances per team member in the prearrival period was compared with team performance and implicit coordination during the resuscitation.

Key results

Coders analysed 18 962 s of video. They coded 5204 team member utterances into one of eight communication behaviour categories. Inter-rater reliability was excellent (an average of 83.1% across all four scenarios). The average number of communications occurring during the prearrival period was 18.84 utterances, with a range of 2–42 and a SD of 9.55. The average length of this period was almost 2 minutes (mean =117.30 s, SD=39.20). Lower variance in team member communication during the prearrival better was associated with better implicit coordination (p=0.011) but not team performance (p=0.054) during the resuscitation.

Conclusion

Patterns of communication in the prearrival trauma resuscitation period predicted implicit coordination and a trend towards significance for team performance which suggests further studies in such patterns are warranted.
Changes in mean forest age in Canada’s forests could limit future increases in area burned but compromise potential harvestable conifer volumes
Authors: Boulanger Yan , Girardin Martin , Bernier Pierre Y. , Gauthier Sylvie , Beaudoin André , Guindon Luc
Published: February 2017

Forest fire activity is projected to increase with climate change in Canada, but vegetation feedbacks are usually not considered. Using new information on the selectivity or avoidance of fire as a function of stand age and composition, we ran simple simulation models that consider the changes in the regional age matrices induced by fire and harvesting to project future burn rates. We also projected estimated future regional vulnerability of timber supply to fire by considering these new burn rates. The inclusion of age-related feedbacks would have a large impact on projected increases in burn rates, mostly in a very fire active zone under aggressive climate forcing. Projected burn rates would still increase, but would be 50% less in 2100 than if projected without this biotic feedback in some zones. Negative feedbacks would be virtually nonexistent when potential burning rates are below 1%, whereas realized burning rates would be lowered by more than a 0.5 percentage point when potential burning rates exceed 2.5%. Including fire–vegetation feedbacks had virtually no impact on total volume harvested. As fire burns more old-growth coniferous stands, slightly negative impacts were projected on conifer harvested almost everywhere. These results underline the need to incorporate fire–vegetation feedbacks when projecting future burn rates.
8-Channel Neural Stimulation ASIC for Epidural Visual Cortex Stimulation
Authors: Osipov Dmitry , Strokov Serge , Kreiter Andreas K. , Schander Andreas , Tessmann Tobias , Lang Walter , Paul Steffen
Published: February 2017

This paper presents an 8-channel neural stimulator application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for biphasic stimulation of the visual cortex, fabricated in a 0.35[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m AMS HV process. Each channel is composed of a standard SPI interface, an 8-bit current digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and 120[Formula: see text]V compliant HV output stage. Thus, it is possible to deliver to the tissue arbitrary current waveforms with amplitudes up to [Formula: see text]8.192[Formula: see text]mA with 32[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A steps. The measured maximum differential nonlinearity (DNL) of the current output does not exceed 1.1 LSB. The on-board current reference provides the output current of 16[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A with a very low temperature variation. The maximum anodic and cathodic current mismatch after calibration is 25[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A. The measured interpulse leakage current does not exceed 60[Formula: see text]pA. The ASIC was also tested with the electrode–tissue model, which describes the PEDOT electrodes of 560[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m diameter in the phosphate buffer saline (PBS). The measurement results approve the possibility to stimulate with arbitrary current amplitudes with frequencies up to 1.5[Formula: see text]kHz.
Paranasal Rosai-Dorfman Disease with Osseous Destruction
Authors: Hur Kevin , Liu Changxing , Koempel Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2017

Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare histiocytic proliferative disorder of unknown etiology typically characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy. Extranodal involvement often manifests in the head and neck region. We present a 10-year-old male who presented to our hospital with left epiphora from an aggressive paranasal mass invading the left orbit with osseous destruction. The mass was surgically biopsied and debulked with histopathological examination revealing Rosai-Dorfman disease. Although rarely found in the sinuses, Rosai-Dorfman disease should be considered when evaluating sinonasal masses.
A Marked Response to Immunosuppressive Intervention for Abruptly Occurring Cardiac Complications in a Case of Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis Overlapped with Dermatomyositis
Authors: Nagamori Tsunehisa , Yoshida Yoichiro , Takahashi Hironori , Oka Hideharu , Kajihama Aya , Nakau Koichi , Sugimoto Masaya , Minami-Hori Masako , Azuma Hiroshi
Published: February 2017

Juvenile-onset systemic sclerosis (jSSc) is a rare condition, having unique characteristic features compared to adult-onset SSc. Although cardiac involvement (CI) is known as a leading cause of mortality overall in SSc, the importance of CI in jSSc has not been emphasized. Here we present a 13-year-old female with jSSc overlapped with dermatomyositis (DM) complicated CI. She developed skin thickness and induration, Raynaud’s phenomenon, digital pitting scars in fingertips, and skeletal myositis. Oral prednisolone and pulse methotrexate treatment led to the improvement of skin findings; however two weeks after the initiation she suddenly presented with muscle pain and dyspnea within a few days. Cardiac investigations then showed pericardiac effusion and diastolic dysfunction due to significant biventricular hypertrophy causing heart failure. As pericardiac effusion and exacerbation of skeletal myositis were evident, steroid pulse therapy was initiated. Unexpectedly, not only the myositis but also the CI including diastolic dysfunction was improved. She thereafter followed a favorable clinical course without reactivation of the CI or cardiac fibrosis. As a conclusion, close attention to CI must be paid in jSSc patients, especially when skeletal muscle involvement is evident and immunosuppressive therapy may be effective for CI in jSSc in cases where it occurs abruptly.
Progressive Pseudorheumatoid Dysplasia or JIA?
Authors: Wickrematilake Geetha
Published: February 2017

Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPD) or spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda with progressive arthropathy (SEDT-PA) is a rare arthropathy of childhood involving the axial skeleton as well as small peripheral joints. A 10-year-old boy was referred by a general practitioner with pain and deformity in the fingers of hands and limping gait. There was no joint synovitis although the finger joints were bulky on examination with mild flexion deformity. Patient had exaggerated kyphosis and lumbar lordosis with pigeon chest and restricted hip joint movements. Anteroposterior X-rays of the hip joints revealed widened and flattened epiphyses of the femoral heads with narrow and irregular joint spaces. Hand X-rays revealed periarticular osteopenia, significant narrowing of the joint spaces of proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints, together with osseous enlargement of the basis of metacarpal bones and phalanges. Spinal X-rays revealed generalized platyspondyly and anterior beaking of vertebral bodies. There was a clear mega os trigonum in his feet images. All blood investigations were normal with no evidence of inflammation and thyroid hormone levels were normal. The diagnosis of PPD was favored by imaging studies and normal inflammatory markers and the patient was treated with physiotherapy, family counseling, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Medicinal Plants from Northeastern Brazil against Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Penido Alexandre Batista , De Morais Selene Maia , Ribeiro Alan Bezerra , Alves Daniela Ribeiro , Rodrigues Ana Livya Moreira , dos Santos Leonardo Hunaldo , de Menezes Jane Eire Silva Alencar
Published: February 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been linked with oxidative stress, acetylcholine deficiency in the brain, and inflammatory processes. In the northeast region of Brazil, various plants are used to treat several diseases associated with these processes; then an antioxidant test was performed with those plants in a previous work and twelve species with higher antioxidant activity were selected for AChE inhibition evaluation. The phenolic compounds content was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu test and flavonoid content with AlCl3 reagent using UV‐visible spectrophotometry. The antioxidant activity was assessed analyzing the inhibitory activity against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2‐azinobis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate (ABTS) and by the β‐carotene/linoleic acid system and acetylcholinesterase inhibition using qualitative and quantitative tests. The combination of better acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities pointed out six species, in descending order, as the best potential sources of therapeutic agents against AD: Hancornia speciosa > Myracrodruon urundeuva > Copaifera langsdorffii > Stryphnodendron coriaceum > Psidium guajava > Mangifera indica. Besides, the phenolic compounds in the species probably contribute to these activities. However, further pharmacological studies to assess the specific applications of these plants against AD are required to confirm these results.
Shigellosis Caused by CTX-M Type ESBL Producing Shigella flexneri in Two Siblings of Rural Nepal: First Case Report from the Country
Authors: Parajuli Narayan Prasad , Joshi Govardhan , Pardhe Bashu Dev , Shakya Jyotsna , Bhetwal Anjeela , Shakya Shreena , Pandit Roshan , Shrestha Sumesh Shreekhanda , Khanal Puspa Raj
Published: February 2017

Shigellosis is an acute infectious disease characterized as severe bloody diarrhea (dysentery) and is accountable for a significant burden of morbidity and mortality especially in children under the age of 5 years. Antimicrobial therapy is required in the cases of severe dysentery associated with Shigella. However, emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains of Shigella spp. over the last two decades has restricted the use of common therapeutic antimicrobials. In MDR strains, the third-generation cephalosporins have been used for the treatment, but, unfortunately, emerging reports of enzyme mediated β-lactam resistance among Shigella isolates from various parts of the world have greatly compromised the therapy of pediatric dysentery. In Nepal, drug resistant strains of Shigella spp. have been reported, but MDR and extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing strains were previously unknown. Here, we report two Shigella flexneri isolates harboring ESBL genotype-CTX-M associated with acute dysentery in two siblings which were presented and treated in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Kathmandu, Nepal.
Role of Estrogens in the Size of Neuronal Somata of Paravaginal Ganglia in Ovariectomized Rabbits
Authors: Hernández-Aragón Laura G. , García-Villamar Verónica , Carrasco-Ruiz María de los Ángeles , Nicolás-Toledo Leticia , Ortega Arturo , Cuevas-Romero Estela , Martínez-Gómez Margarita , Castelán Francisco
Published: February 2017

We aimed to determine the role of estrogens in modulating the size of neuronal somata of paravaginal ganglia. Rabbits were allocated into control (C), ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX treated with estradiol benzoate (OVX + EB) groups to evaluate the neuronal soma area; total serum estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels; the percentage of immunoreactive (ir) neurons anti-aromatase, anti-estrogen receptor (ERα, ERβ) and anti-androgen receptor (AR); the intensity of the immunostaining anti-glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and the GDNF family receptor alpha type 1 (GFRα1); and the number of satellite glial cells (SGCs) per neuron. There was a decrease in the neuronal soma size for the OVX group, which was associated with low T, high percentages of aromatase-ir and neuritic AR-ir neurons, and a strong immunostaining anti-GDNF and anti-GFRα1. The decrease in the neuronal soma size was prevented by the EB treatment that increased the E2 without affecting the T levels. Moreover, there was a high percentage of neuritic AR-ir neurons, a strong GDNF immunostaining in the SGC, and an increase in the SGCs per neuron. Present findings show that estrogens modulate the soma size of neurons of the paravaginal ganglia, likely involving the participation of the SGC.
Anti‐Inflammatory Activity of the Essential Oil Citral in Experimental Infection with Staphylococcus aureus in a Model Air Pouch
Authors: Martins Hellen Braga , Selis Nathan das Neves , Souza Clarissa Leal Silva e , Nascimento Flávia S. , Carvalho Suzi Pacheco de , Gusmão Lorena D’Oliveira , Nascimento Jannine dos Santos , Brito Anne Karoline Pereira , Souza Samira Itana de , Oliveira Marcio Vasconcelos de , Timenetsky Jorge , Yatsuda Regiane , Uetanabaro Ana Paula T. , Marques Lucas M.
Published: February 2017

This study proposes to implement an alternative and effective strategy for local treatment of disease provoked by S. aureus. For the analysis of possible anti‐inflammatory activity of essential oil, after establishing an air pouch model, 48 male mice of Balb/c were treated, infected, and euthanized at 4 and 8 h. Thus, the total and differential white blood cells were counted in the animal’s blood, and cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were titrated using ELISA in the air pouch lavage. Moreover, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 gene expression was analyzed through an RT‐qPCR array, and S. aureus was quantified using qPCR. Our results, p < 0.05, showed that EOC reduced the quantity of microorganisms. The group of mice treated with essential oil citral showed a significant decrease in TNF‐α levels in tests demonstrating anti‐inflammatory activity. There is no data about the mutual influence of the air pouch model, essential oil citral, and S. aureus. Thus, considering the interaction of these variables and the anti‐inflammatory activity of the essential oil citral, we demonstrated, by alternative local treatment, a new antimicrobial agent that is not an antibiotic.
Medical Image Fusion Based on Feature Extraction and Sparse Representation
Authors: Fei Yin , Wei Gao , Zongxi Song
Published: February 2017

As a novel multiscale geometric analysis tool, sparse representation has shown many advantages over the conventional image representation methods. However, the standard sparse representation does not take intrinsic structure and its time complexity into consideration. In this paper, a new fusion mechanism for multimodal medical images based on sparse representation and decision map is proposed to deal with these problems simultaneously. Three decision maps are designed including structure information map (SM) and energy information map (EM) as well as structure and energy map (SEM) to make the results reserve more energy and edge information. SM contains the local structure feature captured by the Laplacian of a Gaussian (LOG) and EM contains the energy and energy distribution feature detected by the mean square deviation. The decision map is added to the normal sparse representation based method to improve the speed of the algorithm. Proposed approach also improves the quality of the fused results by enhancing the contrast and reserving more structure and energy information from the source images. The experiment results of 36 groups of CT/MR, MR-T1/MR-T2, and CT/PET images demonstrate that the method based on SR and SEM outperforms five state-of-the-art methods.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy under Ultrasound Guidance in Patients with Renal Calculi and Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Report of 11 Cases
Authors: Wang Xiao , Yang Xuecheng , Zhong Xiulong , Wang Zhenlin , Xue Senyao , Yu Weifeng , Dong Zhen
Published: February 2017

Nephrolithiasis accelerates the renal failure in the patients with ADPKD. In order to evaluate the role of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in management of calculus in these patients, 11 patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and renal stones were included in the study. Two patients had bilateral renal stones. All patients were treated by percutaneous nephrolithotomy under ultrasound guidance. 13 percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures were performed in 1 stage by the urology team under ultrasound guidance. 5 people received second operation with flexible nephroscopy in lateral position. The success rate and morbidity and mortality of the technique and hospital stay were recorded.Results. The puncture procedure was fully successful in all cases. The renal function improved in these patients. 5 patients had moderate fever after the surgery. 5 patients received flexible nephroscopy to take out the residual calculi. 2 persons had ESWL therapy after the surgery.Conclusion. PCNL is an ideal, safe, and effective method to remove the stones from those patients with no definite increase in the risk of complication. The outcome and stone-free rate are satisfactory comparable to the PCNL in the patients without ADPKD.
Effect of Constituent Units, Type of Interflavan Bond, and Conformation on the Antioxidant Properties of Procyanidin Dimers: A Computational Outlook
Authors: Mendoza-Wilson Ana María , Balandrán-Quintana René Renato
Published: February 2017

Procyanidin (PC) dimers are powerful antioxidants, abundant in plant tissues, and also bioavailable. However, the role of the molecular structure of PCs on their antioxidant properties is still a controversial and not fully understood issue that needs to be addressed in a more specific way. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of the constituent units, type of interflavan bond, and conformation on the antioxidant properties of PC dimers including PB3, PB4, PB5, PB6, PB7, and PB8, using the density functional theory (DFT) computational method. The analysis was performed in function of parameters that allow determining the ability of the molecules to transfer or to capture electrons, among which the chemical potential, bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), gap energy, Fukui indices, and charge distribution of HOMO-LUMO orbitals. The factors that showed the most notable effects on the antioxidant properties of the PC dimers were the type of interflavan bond and the conformation. The antioxidant ability of the dimers PB3 and PB4 containing the interflavan bond C4–C8, in their Compact conformation, was very similar to each other but greater than those of dimers PB5, PB6, PB7, and PB8 containing the C4–C6 interflavan bond. PB8 showed the lowest antioxidant ability.
Coastal Mudflat Saline Soil Amendment by Dairy Manure and Green Manuring
Authors: Bai Yanchao , Yan Yiyun , Zuo Wengang , Gu Chuanhui , Xue Weijie , Mei Lijuan , Shan Yuhua , Feng Ke
Published: February 2017

Dairy manure or green manuring has been considered as popular organic amendment to cropland in many countries. However, whether dairy manure combined with green manuring can effectively amend mudflat saline soil remains unclear. This paper was one of first studies to fill this knowledge gap by investigating impact of dairy manure combined with green manuring on soil chemical properties of mudflat saline soil. Dairy manure was used by one-time input, with the rates of 0, 30, 75, 150, and 300 t ha−1, to amend mudflat saline soil. Ryegrass,Sesbania, and ryegrass were chosen as green manures for three consecutive seasons, successively planted, and tilled, and maize was chosen as a test crop. The results indicated that one-time application of dairy manure enhanced fertility of mudflat saline soil and supported growth of ryegrass as the first season green manure. By the cycles of the green manuring, it rapidly improved the chemical properties of mudflat saline soil by decreasing soil salinity and pH and increasing soil organic carbon and available N and P, which promoted growth of maize. Dairy manure combined with green manuring can be applied for mudflat saline soil amendment, which provides an innovative solution for mudflat saline soil reclamation, dairy manure disposal, and resource recycling.
The Evolution of Prognostic Factors in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Hanbali Amr , Hassanein Mona , Rasheed Walid , Aljurf Mahmoud , Alsharif Fahad
Published: February 2017

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy involving the proliferation of plasma cells derived by different genetic events contributing to the development, progression, and prognosis of this disease. Despite improvement in treatment strategies of MM over the last decade, the disease remains incurable. All efforts are currently focused on understanding the prognostic markers of the disease hoping to incorporate the new therapeutic modalities to convert the disease into curable one. We present this comprehensive review to summarize the current standard prognostic markers used in MM along with novel techniques that are still in development and highlight their implications in current clinical practice.
Prevalence of Anemia among Older Adults Residing in the Coastal and Andes Mountains in Ecuador: Results of the SABE Survey
Authors: Orces Carlos H.
Published: February 2017

Objectives. To estimate the prevalence of anemia and its determinants among older adults in Ecuador.Methods. The present study was based on data from the National Survey of Health, Wellbeing, and Aging. Hemoglobin concentrations were adjusted by participants’ smoking status and altitude of residence, and anemia was defined according to the World Health Organization criteria (<12 g/dL in women and <13 g/dL in men). Gender-specific logistic regression models were used to examine the association between demographic and health characteristics and anemia.Results. A total of 2,372 subjects with a mean age of 71.8 (SD 8.2) years had their hemoglobin measured, representing an estimated 1.1 million older adults. The crude prevalence of anemia was 20.0% in women and 25.2% in men. However, higher anemia prevalence rates were seen with advancing age among black women and subjects residing in the urban coast. Likewise, certain health conditions such as hypoalbuminemia, cancer in men, chronic kidney disease, iron deficiency, and low grade inflammation were associated with increased odds of having anemia.Conclusions. Anemia is a prevalent condition among older adults in Ecuador. Moreover, further research is needed to examine the association between anemia and adverse health-related outcomes among older Ecuadorians.
Identification of Significant Pathways Induced by PAX5 Haploinsufficiency Based on Protein-Protein Interaction Networks and Cluster Analysis in Raji Cell Line
Authors: Gu Jia , Li TongJuan , Zhao Lei , Liang Xue , Fu Xing , Wang Jue , Shang Zhen , Huang Wei , Zhou Jianfeng
Published: February 2017

PAX5 encodes a transcription factor essential for B-cell differentiation, and PAX5 haploinsufficiency is involved in tumorigenesis. There were few studies on how PAX5 haploinsufficiency regulated genes expression to promote tumorigenesis. In this study, we constructed the cell model of PAX5 haploinsufficiency using gene editing technology in Raji cells, detected differentially expressed genes in PAX5 haploinsufficiency Raji cells, and used protein-protein interaction networks and cluster analysis to comprehensively investigate the cellular pathways involved in PAX5 haploinsufficiency. The clusters of gene transcription, inflammatory and immune response, and cancer pathways were identified as three important pathways associated with PAX5 haploinsufficiency in Raji cells. These changes hinted that the mechanism of PAX5 haploinsufficiency promoting tumorigenesis may be related to genomic instability, immune tolerance, and tumor pathways.
Idiopathic Harlequin Syndrome Manifesting during Exercise: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Algahtani Hussein , Shirah Bader , Algahtani Raghad , Alkahtani Abdulah
Published: February 2017

Harlequin syndrome is a rare autonomic disorder characterized by unilateral facial flushing and sweating with contralateral anhidrosis induced by exercise, heat, and emotion. It is usually idiopathic but could be the first manifestation of several serious underlying medical conditions. Medical or surgical treatments are not required for idiopathic Harlequin syndrome, but social and psychological factors may indicate sympathectomy or botulinum toxin injection. In this article, we report a case of idiopathic Harlequin syndrome and review the literature.
Modeling and H∞ Control of Active‐Passive Vibration Isolation for Floating Raft System
Authors: Yang Beibei , Hu Yefa , Zhang Jinguang
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a new approach for constructing a mathematical model of the floating raft system directly from input‐output measurements in the presence of noise. In contrast to the original OKID/ERA algorithm, which works through the observer Markov parameters, the new approach used observer output residuals to convert the initial stochastic identification to a virtually deterministic identification problem. The extension of deterministic algorithm to stochastic problems by proposed stochastic‐to‐deterministic conversion can be done with ease. A MIMO (multiple‐input multiple‐output) system state‐space model and an associated Kalman filter gain can be identified. H∞ controller with high robustness to model error is designed to solve multifrequency varying vibration for floating raft system. Both simulated and experimental results confirm the validity and the benefits of the approach.
A Registration Method Based on Contour Point Cloud for 3D Whole-Body PET and CT Images
Authors: Song Zhiying , Jiang Huiyan , Yang Qiyao , Wang Zhiguo , Zhang Guoxu
Published: February 2017

The PET and CT fusion image, combining the anatomical and functional information, has important clinical meaning. An effective registration of PET and CT images is the basis of image fusion. This paper presents a multithread registration method based on contour point cloud for 3D whole-body PET and CT images. Firstly, a geometric feature-based segmentation (GFS) method and a dynamic threshold denoising (DTD) method are creatively proposed to preprocess CT and PET images, respectively. Next, a new automated trunk slices extraction method is presented for extracting feature point clouds. Finally, the multithread Iterative Closet Point is adopted to drive an affine transform. We compare our method with a multiresolution registration method based on Mattes Mutual Information on 13 pairs (246~286 slices per pair) of 3D whole-body PET and CT data. Experimental results demonstrate the registration effectiveness of our method with lower negative normalization correlation (NC = −0.933) on feature images and less Euclidean distance error (ED = 2.826) on landmark points, outperforming the source data (NC = −0.496, ED = 25.847) and the compared method (NC = −0.614, ED = 16.085). Moreover, our method is about ten times faster than the compared one.
Central Nervous System Involvement in Henoch-Schonlein Purpura in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Pacheva Iliyana H. , Ivanov Ivan S. , Stefanova Krastina , Chepisheva Elena , Chochkova Lyubov , Grozeva Dafina , Stoyanova Angelina , Milenkov Stojan , Stefanova Penka , Petrova Anna
Published: February 2017

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is rare but poses diagnostic difficulties. The aim of the study was to establish the frequency of CNS involvement in HSP, to analyze its clinical characteristics and do a literature review. Medical files of patients with HSP admitted at the Department of Pediatrics, Plovdiv, were studied retrospectively for a five-year period (2009–2013). Diagnosis was based on the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Out of 112 children with HSP 1 case (0.9%) had CNS involvement presenting as Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), which may be a result of CNS vasculitis or arterial hypertension. It was an 8-year-old girl with atypical HSP which started with abdominal pain requiring surgery. On the third day after the operation a transient macular rash and arterial hypertension appeared, followed by visual disturbances, hemiconvulsive epileptic seizures, postictal hemiparesis, and confusion. Head CT showed occipital hypodense lesions and MRT-T2 hyperintense lesion in the left occipital lobe. The patient experienced a second similar episode after 2 weeks when palpable purpura had also appeared. Neurological symptoms and MRI resolved completely. HSP can be an etiological factor for PRES in childhood. Although PRES is a rare complication of HSP, clinicians must be aware of it and avoid diagnostic and therapeutic delays.
Hidden IgG Antibodies to the Tumor-Associated Thomsen-Friedenreich Antigen in Gastric Cancer Patients: Lectin Reactivity, Avidity, and Clinical Relevance
Authors: Kurtenkov Oleg , Klaamas Kersti
Published: February 2017

Natural antibodies to the tumor-associated Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (TF) are related to tumor immunosurveillance and cancer patients’ survival. Hidden IgG antibodies (HAbs) to TF, their lectin reactivity, avidity, and clinical relevance were studied. HAbs were present in cancer patients and controls. A decreased level of IgG HAbs was detected in cancer. The HAbs level positively correlated with the sialospecific SNA lectin binding in purified total IgG (tIgG) in donors and cancer patients, indicating that HAbs are higher sialylated. The avidity of anti-TF IgG in tIgG samples was lower in cancer patients (P=0.025) while no difference in the avidity of free anti-TF IgG was established. A negative correlation between the avidity of anti-TF IgG in tIgG and SNA binding in both groups was observed (P<0.0001). The HAbs level negatively correlated with the anti-TF IgG avidity in tIgG only in donors (P=0.003). Changes in the level of HAbs and Abs avidity showed a rather good stage- and gender-dependent diagnostic accuracy. Cancer patients with a lower anti-TF IgG avidity in tIgG showed a benefit in survival. Thus the TF-specific HAbs represent a particular subset of anti-TF IgG that differ from free serum anti-TF IgG in SNA reactivity, avidity, diagnostic potential, and relation to survival.
Ticket Fare Optimization for China’s High-Speed Railway Based on Passenger Choice Behavior
Authors: Zheng Jinzi , Liu Jun , Clarke David B.
Published: February 2017

Although China’s high-speed railway (HSR) is maturing after more than ten years of construction and development, the load factor and revenue of HSR could still be improved by optimizing the ticket fare structure. Different from the present unitary and changeless fare structure, this paper explores the application of multigrade fares to China’s HSR. On the premise that only one fare grade can be offered for each origin-destination (O-D) at the same time, this paper addresses the questions of how to adjust ticket price over time to maximize the revenue. First, on the basis of piecewise pricing strategy, a ticket fare optimization model is built, which could be transformed to convex program to be solved. Then, based on the analysis of passenger arrival regularity using historical ticket data of Beijing-Shanghai HSR line, several experiments are performed using the method proposed in the paper to explore the properties of the optimal multigrade fare scheme.
pVAXhsp65 Vaccination Primes for High IL-10 Production and Decreases Experimental Encephalomyelitis Severity
Authors: Zorzella-Pezavento Sofia Fernanda Gonçalves , Chiuso-Minicucci Fernanda , França Thais Graziela Donegá , Ishikawa Larissa Lumi Watanabe , da Rosa Larissa Camargo , Colavite Priscila Maria , Balbino Bianca , Marques Camila , Ikoma Maura Rosane Valerio , Masson Ana Paula , Silva Célio Lopes , Sartori Alexandrina
Published: February 2017

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a demyelinating pathology of the central nervous system (CNS) used as a model to study multiple sclerosis immunopathology. EAE has also been extensively employed to evaluate potentially therapeutic schemes. Considering the presence of an immune response directed to heat shock proteins (hsps) in autoimmune diseases and the immunoregulatory potential of these molecules, we evaluated the effect of a previous immunization with a genetic vaccine containing the mycobacterial hsp65 gene on EAE development. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with 4 pVAXhsp65 doses and 14 days later were submitted to EAE induction by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35–55) emulsified in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant. Vaccinated mice presented significant lower clinical scores and lost less body weight.MOG35–55immunization also determined less inflammation in lumbar spinal cord but did not change CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells frequency in spleen and CNS. Infiltrating cells from the CNS stimulated with rhsp65 produced significantly higher levels of IL-10. These results suggest that the ability of pVAXhsp65 vaccination to control EAE development is associated with IL-10 induction.