bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Older persons' experiences of what influences their vitality – a study of 65‐ and 75‐year‐olds in Finland and Sweden
Authors: Söderbacka Tina , Nyström Lisbet , Fagerström Lisbeth
Published: August 2016

Throughout the world, life expectancy has noticeably increased during the past decade, and health promotive initiatives for older persons will therefore become ever more important. During the past few years, interest in what constitutes the source of health for human beings has markedly increased in health science research. An interesting and relatively unresearched domain is what provides older persons the strength and energy to look forward and what positively or negatively influences older persons' vitality. The aim of the study was to explore and describe older persons' vitality and their subjective experiences of what influences their vitality, despite disease and suffering. The study has an explorative and descriptive design. A comprehensive questionnaire including two open‐ended questions about vitality was sent to 4927 older persons aged 65 and 75, and a total of 2579 responded to the open‐ended questions. Qualitative content analyses were used. A safe and confirming communion, meaningful activities, an optimal state of health and an inner strength were important sources of vitality. Ageing that includes illness or a restricted life, happenings in the world and in one's close environment that threaten inner meaningfulness, and mental burdens that give rise to a feeling of hopelessness or depression decrease vitality. Vitality is an important health resource for 65‐ and 75‐year‐olds in that it influences a person's longing for life, love and meaning. Accordingly, it is of fundamental importance that Registered Nurses and other healthcare personnel strengthen older persons' vitality during the ageing process. By taking into consideration that which positively vs. negatively affects the vitality of each unique person, healthcare personnel can strengthen each older person's health resources and attempt to minimise and limit what negatively influences said person's vitality.
Changes in hydration of the stratum corneum are the most suitable indicator to evaluate the irritation of surfactants on the skin
Authors: Fujimura T. , Shimotoyodome Y. , Nishijima T. , Sugata K. , Taguchi H. , Moriwaki S.
Published: August 2016

Background/Purpose

Irritancy levels of surfactants on human skin have not been clarified completely. The relationships between skin damage and changes of skin properties caused by various surfactants were investigated using non‐invasive measurements.

Methods

Aqueous solutions of seven kinds of anionic, non‐ionic, and amphoteric surfactants were exposed to the inside of forearm skin of 20 human subjects in two separate studies using the cup method. Hydration of the stratum corneum (SC), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pH, skin surface roughness, and contents of the SC were measured before and after one exposure and after five and nine consecutive exposures to various surfactants. The discontinuation ratio of subjects for testing in each surfactant was determined by skin irritation symptoms and was defined as the degree of skin damage.

Results

Significant changes were observed only in hydration, TEWL, and natural moisturizing factors (NMF) content in the SC following surfactant exposure. A significant correlation was observed between the discontinuation ratio of each surfactant and the changes of hydration, TEWL, and NMF. Especially, the change of SC hydration showed an excellent correlation with the discontinuation ratio both for single (r = 0.942, P < 0.001) and for chronic exposures (r = 0.934, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the change of hydration of the SC is equivalent to the skin damage caused by surfactants, and therefore is the most suitable indicator to evaluate the irritation of surfactants on the skin.
Effect of metronidazole use on tacrolimus concentrations in transplant patients treated for Clostridium difficile
Authors: Early C.R. , Park J.M. , Dorsch M.P. , Pogue K.T. , Hanigan S.M.
Published: August 2016

Background

Two case reports suggest that metronidazole treatment for Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) increases tacrolimus (TAC) trough levels. The primary objective of this study was to determine the clinical significance of this potential interaction in transplant patients receiving CDI treatment. Currently, no robust literature exists to estimate a magnitude of pharmacokinetic interaction between metronidazole and TAC.

Methods

In this retrospective study, the effects of CDI and metronidazole treatment on TAC levels in 52 adult solid organ transplant patients were investigated. The primary outcome was to determine the difference in dose‐normalized TAC levels between baseline and symptom resolution in patients treated with metronidazole or vancomycin. The secondary outcome was to determine the difference in dose‐normalized TAC levels at baseline and CDI diagnosis.

Results

The average change in log‐transformed dose‐normalized TAC levels from baseline to symptom resolution was 0.99 for metronidazole (n = 35) and 1.04 for vancomycin (n = 17) treatment. The mean difference between the groups was 0.96 (95% confidence interval: 0.74–1.24). No significant difference was found between dose‐normalized TAC levels at CDI diagnosis and baseline (P = 0.37).

Conclusion

CDI treatment with metronidazole was not associated with a >30% increase in TAC levels compared with vancomycin. Both treatment groups required TAC dose adjustments to maintain goal TAC levels and those treated with metronidazole did not require a significantly greater dose adjustment.
Renal transplantation in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected recipients: a case–control study from the Brazilian experience
Authors: Vicari A.R. , Spuldaro F. , Sandes‐Freitas T.V. , Cristelli M.P. , Requião‐Moura L.R. , Reusing J.O. , Pierrotti L.C. , Oliveira M.L. , Girão C.M. , Gadonski G. , Kroth L.V. , Deboni L.M. , Ferreira G.F. , Tedesco‐Silva H. , Esmeraldo R. , David‐Neto E. , Saitovitch D. , Keitel E. , Garcia V.D. , Pacheco‐Silva A. , Medina‐Pestana J.O. , Manfro R.C.
Published: August 2016

Background

Highly active antiretroviral therapy has turned human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients with end‐stage renal disease into suitable candidates for renal transplantation. We present the Brazilian experience with kidney transplantation in HIV‐infected recipients observed in a multicenter study.

Methods

HIV‐infected kidney transplant recipients and matched controls were evaluated for the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection (AR), infections, graft function, and survival of patients and renal grafts.

Results

Fifty‐three HIV‐infected recipients and 106 controls were enrolled. Baseline characteristics were similar, but a higher frequency of pre‐transplant positivity for hepatitis C virus and cytomegalovirus infections was found in the HIV group. Immunosuppressive regimens did not differ, but a trend was observed toward lower use of anti‐thymocyte globulin in the group of HIV‐infected recipients (P = 0.079). The HIV‐positive recipient group presented a higher incidence of treated AR (P = 0.036) and DGF (P = 0.044). Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration estimated that glomerular filtration rate was similar at 6 months (P = 0.374) and at 12 months (P = 0.957). The median number of infections per patient was higher in the HIV‐infected group (P = 0.018). The 1‐year patient survival (P < 0.001) and graft survival (P = 0.004) were lower, but acceptable, in the group of HIV‐infected patients.

Conclusions

In the Brazilian experience, despite somewhat inferior outcomes, kidney transplantation is an adequate therapy for selected HIV‐infected recipients.
Multiple regulation mechanisms of bacterial quorum sensing
Authors: Kumberger Peter , Kuttler Christina , Czuppon Peter , Hense Burkhard A.
Published: August 2016

Many bacteria have developed a possibility to recognise aspects of their environment or to communicate with each other by chemical signals. The so-called Quorum sensing (QS) is a special case of this kind of communication. Such an extracellular signalling via small diffusible compounds (called autoinducers) is known for many bacterial species, including pathogenic and beneficial bacteria. Using this mechanism allows them to regulate their behaviour, e.g. virulence. We will focus on the typical QS system of Gram negative bacteria of the so-called lux type, based on a gene regulatory system with a positive feedback loop. There is increasing evidence that autoinducer systems themselves are controlled by various factors, often reflecting the cellsвЂ™ nutrient or stress state. We model and analyse three possible interaction patterns. Typical aspects are e.g. the range of bistability, the activation threshold and the long term behaviour. Additionally, we aim towards understanding the differences with respect to the biological outcomes and estimating potential ecological or evolutionary consequences, respectively.
Successful treatment of recurrent pleural and pericardial effusions with tocilizumab in a patient with systemic lupus erythematous
Authors: Ocampo Vanessa , Haaland Derek , Legault K , Mittoo Shika , Aitken Emily
Published: August 2016

A 22-year-old Caucasian man presented to hospital with pleuritic chest pain. He had had a history of a sun-sensitive rash a year prior. Workup revealed normal cardiac enzymes and chest X-ray. However, electrocardiogram revealed ST elevation and PR depression, and echocardiogram revealed a slight pericardial effusion without other findings. A diagnosis of pericarditis was made. Subsequently, he was found to be positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), as well as antibodies to SSA, SSB and double-stranded DNA; C3 was low, and C4 was undetectable. A diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was made. The patient initially responded to high-dose ibuprofen. One month later, he developed a new pericardial effusion, this time with concomitant massive left-sided pleural effusion, requiring three separate thoracenteses draining a total of 6 L of pleural fluid. The recurrent effusion failed to respond to high-dose corticosteroid treatment. Owing to the severity and rapidity of the recurrence of pleural and pericardial effusion, intravenous tocilizumab was administered. The patient had excellent clinical and radiographic improvement. This case shows that tocilizumab may have a role in the treatment of intractable pleuropericardial effusion and other forms of lupus-associated serositis.
Rare case of gallbladder agenesis presenting with pancreatitis
Authors: Thornton Luke , Goh Yan Li , Lipton Mark , Masters Andrew
Published: August 2016

Gallbladder agenesis (GA) is a rare congenital abnormality with an incidence of 0.01–0.09%. Majority of GA exist alone although it can be associated with other systemic malformations involving the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cardiovascular and skeletal systems. It is thought that biliary and pancreatic pathologies coexist and this is the second case reported in the literature of GA presenting with pancreatitis.
Fabrication of a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor based on chitosan-coated Fe3O4magnetic nanoparticle for determination of antibiotic ciprofloxacin and its application in biological samples
Authors: Dehdashtian Sara , Gholivand Mohammad Bagher , Shamsipur Mojtaba , Azadbakht Azadeh , Karimi Ziba
Published: August 2016

A simple and sensitive sensor has been developed for the electrochemical determination of ciprofloxacin (CF). The proposed sensor was designed by chitosan-coated Fe3O4magnetic nanoparticle incorporated in the carbon paste electrode (CPE), which provides remarkably improved sensitivity for the electrochemical determination of CF. The proposed sensor was characterized with scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Under optimum conditions, the sensor provides two linear differential pulse voltammetry responses in the range of 0.05–6 μmol/L and 6–75 μmol/L for CF with a detection limit of 0.01 μmol/L. The proposed sensor exhibited high sensitivity and good selectivity and was successfully applied for CF determination in serum and urine samples.
Fuzzy Control System for Regulating the Blood Glucose Level of Diabetes Patients Implemented on FPGA
Authors: Gharghory Sawsan Morkos , El-Dib Dalia A.
Published: August 2016

The VHDL design and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implementation of a fuzzy control system to control the blood glucose level continuously based on current and previous values are presented. The design is based on simple models of the dynamic behavior of the glucose insulin system suitable for real-time control. The system is successfully implemented on FPGA promising efficient hardware implementation to be included in a low power, robust and reliable closed loop health monitoring system.
Probing the primordial universe using massive fields
Authors: Chen Xingang , Namjoo Mohammad Hossein , Wang Yi
Published: August 2016

Inflation models are numerous. It is extremely difficult, if possible at all, to identify the actual underlying inflation model of our primordial universe. Thus, for the purpose of proving/falsifying inflation and using inflation to probe new physics, model-independent approaches are crucial. Massive fields play a uniquely important role in those missions. This short review is based on a talk by one of the authors (YW) in the 2nd LeCosPA Symposium.
WHAT IMPACT DO STRUCTURAL, RELATIONAL AND COGNITIVE ORGANISATIONAL SOCIAL CAPITAL HAVE ON EMPLOYEE INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOUR? A STUDY FROM CHINA
Authors: AKRAM TAYYABA , LEI SHEN , HAIDER MUHAMMAD JAMAL , AKRAM MUHAMMAD WAQAR
Published: August 2016

In this study, researchers proposed that organisational social capital (OSC) have a positive and significant impact on the employee innovative work behaviour. Three forms of OSC i.e., structural, relational and cognitive OSC proposed to have a positive and significant impact on the employee innovative work behavior. To find out how much variance each of these forms of OSC contribute in employee innovative work behaviour, correlation and multiple regression analyses were applied on a sample of 235 employees collected from an IT and computer-based service provider firm situated in China. Results and findings from these analyses significantly and positively supported the three hypotheses of this study. Moreover, structural OSC explained highest variation in dependent variable, employee innovative work behaviour, followed by cognitive and relational OSC respectively. Further, theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
THE IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLES AND THE COMPONENTS OF LEADERSHIP STYLES ON INNOVATIVE BEHAVIOUR
Authors: SETHIBE TEBOGO , STEYN RENIER
Published: August 2016

The study on which this paper is based examined the effect of transformational and transactional leadership styles as well as the effect of each component of transformational and transactional leadership on innovative behaviour. A sample of 3 180 respondents from 52 South African companies participated in this research. Two main hypotheses and six sub-hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis with and without interaction terms. The results indicate that it is useful to utilise both transformational and transactional leadership styles to enhance employees' innovative behaviour. The study substantiated the expected positive relationship between transformational and transactional leadership style and innovative behaviour. Furthermore, the results showed that amongst the components of these leadership styles, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and contingent reward positively influence innovative behaviour. The results showed no relationship between individual consideration, management-by-exception and innovative behaviour. Contrary to expectations, the results revealed a negative relationship between idealised influence and innovative behaviour. Recommendations and suggestions for further research are provided.
A Comparative Study on the Kinematic Biomechanical Effects of Tibia Vara in the Healthy and Diseased Individuals
Authors: Shahmohammadi Mehrdad , Karami Hossein , Bani Milad Salimi , Zadeh Hossein Bahreini , Karimi Alireza , Navidbakhsh Mahdi
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND: Malalignment about the knee leads to a pathological-mechanical load that may cause early osteoarthritis of the knee joint and high degree of deformity which may need surgical treatment. Analysis of the leg movements in the experimental cases and comparing acquired results to the normal ones during the gait is used as a practical method to evaluate the effects of the disease.

METHOD: In this study, gait differences between the patients with tibia vara and normal people were studied according to the data obtained from a three-dimensional (3D) motion analyzer. Various parameters, including positions, linear and angular velocities, linear and angular accelerations, total velocity, total acceleration, and path length at different angels were extracted and processed via a 3D motion analyzer. Then the results of the patient and control groups were compared to identify the differences.

RESULTS: The maximum and average values as well as sample entropy were also calculated for all the mentioned parameters. Among all, only nine remarkable differences between these two groups were observed. The results revealed that the great difference between the patients with tibia vara compared to the normal ones in gait cycle lies on the abnormal movement of fibula bone and less irregularities along the [Formula: see text]-axis.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings may have implications not only for understanding the differences between the tibia vara in the healthy and diseased individuals, but also for providing a practical understanding for the medical and orthopedic experts to propose a better treatment method.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of MT1-MMP-Dependent Cancer Cell Invasion
Authors: Castro-Castro Antonio , Marchesin Valentina , Monteiro Pedro , Lodillinsky Catalina , Rossé Carine , Chavrier Philippe
Published: August 2016

Metastasis is responsible for most cancer-associated deaths. Accumulating evidence based on 3D migration models has revealed a diversity of invasive migratory schemes reflecting the plasticity of tumor cells to switch between proteolytic and nonproteolytic modes of invasion. Yet, initial stages of localized regional tumor dissemination require proteolytic remodeling of the extracellular matrix to overcome tissue barriers. Recent data indicate that surface-exposed membrane type 1–matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), belonging to a group of membrane-anchored MMPs, plays a central role in pericellular matrix degradation during basement membrane and interstitial tissue transmigration programs. In addition, a large body of work indicates that MT1-MMP is targeted to specialized actin-rich cell protrusions termed invadopodia, which are responsible for matrix degradation. This review describes the multistep assembly of actin-based invadopodia in molecular details. Mechanisms underlying MT1-MMP traffic to invadopodia through endocytosis/recycling cycles, which are key to the invasive program of carcinoma cells, are discussed.
Is There a Genetic Paradox of Biological Invasion?
Authors: Estoup Arnaud , Ravigné Virginie , Hufbauer Ruth , Vitalis Renaud , Gautier Mathieu , Facon Benoit
Published: August 2016

Bottlenecks in population size can reduce fitness and evolutionary potential, yet introduced species often become invasive. This poses a dilemma referred to as the genetic paradox of invasion. Three characteristics must hold true for an introduced population to be considered paradoxical in this sense. First, it must pass through a bottleneck that reduces genetic variation. Second, despite the bottleneck, the introduced population must not succumb to the many problems associated with low genetic variation. Third, it must adapt to the novel environment. Some introduced populations are not paradoxical as they do not combine these conditions. In some cases, an apparent paradox is spurious, as seen in introduced populations with low diversity in neutral markers that maintain high genetic variation in ecologically relevant traits. Even when the genetic paradox is genuine, unique aspects of a species' biology can allow a population to thrive. We propose research directions into remaining paradoxical aspects of invasion genetics.
Proton–Lead Collisions at the CERN LHC
Authors: Salgado Carlos A. , Wessels Johannes P.
Published: August 2016

The single proton–lead collision run performed at the LHC has had profound consequences for the entire field of hot and dense QCD. The prior, 20-year-long experimental exploration of high-energy nucleus–nucleus collisions indicated that a hot QCD medium is created in a very short time, a fast equilibration. The striking similarities found in these nucleus–nucleus data and the a priori simpler proton–lead collisions, where no hot medium was expected, are refining our understanding of the whole process of thermalization at the most fundamental level. We review the most relevant sets of data taken during the proton–lead collisions of Run 1 at the LHC and the implications they have for our understanding of the underlying physical mechanisms and characterization of hot and dense QCD systems.
Integrins as Herpesvirus Receptors and Mediators of the Host Signalosome
Authors: Campadelli-Fiume Gabriella , Collins-McMillen Donna , Gianni Tatiana , Yurochko Andrew D.
Published: August 2016

The repertoire of herpesvirus receptors consists of nonintegrin and integrin molecules. Integrins interact with the conserved glycoproteins gH/gL or gB. This interaction is a conserved biology across the Herpesviridae family, likely directed to promote virus entry and endocytosis. Herpesviruses exploit this interaction to execute a range of critical functions that include (a) relocation of nonintegrin receptors (e.g., herpes simplex virus nectin1 and Kaposi's sarcoma–associated herpesvirus EphA2), or association with nonintegrin receptors (i.e., human cytomegalovirus EGFR), to dictate species-specific entry pathways; (b) activation of multiple signaling pathways (e.g., Ca2+release, c-Src, FAK, MAPK, and PI3K); and (c) association with Rho GTPases, tyrosine kinase receptors, Toll-like receptors, which result in cytoskeletal remodeling, differential cell type targeting, and innate responses. In turn, integrins can be modulated by viral proteins (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus LMPs) to favor spread of transformed cells. We propose that herpesviruses evolved a multipartite entry system to allow interaction with multiple receptors, including integrins, required for their sophisticated life cycle.
Visual Object Recognition: Do We (Finally) Know More Now Than We Did?
Authors: Gauthier Isabel , Tarr Michael J.
Published: August 2016

How do we recognize objects despite changes in their appearance? The past three decades have been witness to intense debates regarding both whether objects are encoded invariantly with respect to viewing conditions and whether specialized, separable mechanisms are used for the recognition of different object categories. We argue that such dichotomous debates ask the wrong question. Much more important is the nature of object representations: What are features that enable invariance or differential processing between categories? Although the nature of object features is still an unanswered question, new methods for connecting data to models show significant potential for helping us to better understand neural codes for objects. Most prominently, new approaches to analyzing data from functional magnetic resonance imaging, including neural decoding and representational similarity analysis, and new computational models of vision, including convolutional neural networks, have enabled a much more nuanced understanding of visual representation. Convolutional neural networks are particularly intriguing as a tool for studying biological vision in that this class of artificial vision systems, based on biologically plausible deep neural networks, exhibits visual recognition capabilities that are approaching those of human observers. As these models improve in their recognition performance, it appears that they also become more effective in predicting and accounting for neural responses in the ventral cortex. Applying these and other deep models to empirical data shows great promise for enabling future progress in the study of visual recognition.
A Numerical Modelling Approach for Time-Dependent Deformation of Hot Forming Tools under the Creep-Fatigue Regime
Authors: Reggiani B. , Donati L. , Tomesani L.
Published: August 2016

The present study was aimed at predicting the time-dependent deformation of tools used in hot forming applications subjected to the creep-fatigue regime. An excessive accumulated plastic deformation is configured as one of the three main causes of premature failure of tools in these critical applications and it is accumulated cycle by cycle without evident marks leading to noncompliant products. With the aim of predicting this accumulated deformation, a novel procedure was developed, presented, and applied to the extrusion process as an example. A time-hardening primary creep law was used and novel regression equations for the law’s coefficients were developed to account not only for the induced stress-temperature state but also for the dwell-time value, which is determined by the selected set of process parameters and die design. The procedure was validated against experimental data both on a small-scale extrusion die at different stress, temperature, load states, and for different geometries and on an industrial extrusion die which was discarded due to the excessive plastic deformation after 64 cycles. A numerical-experimental good agreement was achieved.
Two-Dimensional Electron Gas at SrTiO3-Based Oxide Heterostructures via Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Lee Sang Woon
Published: August 2016

Two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at an oxide interface has been attracting considerable attention for physics research and nanoelectronic applications. Early studies reported the formation of 2DEG at semiconductor interfaces (e.g., AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures) with interesting electrical properties such as high electron mobility. Besides 2DEG formation at semiconductor junctions, 2DEG was realized at the interface of an oxide heterostructure such as the LaAlO3/SrTiO3(LAO/STO) heterojunction. The origin of 2DEG was attributed to the well-known “polar catastrophe” mechanism in oxide heterostructures, which consist of an epitaxial LAO layer on a single crystalline STO substrate among proposed mechanisms. Recently, it was reported that the creation of 2DEG was achieved using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique, which opens new functionality of ALD in emerging nanoelectronics. This review is focused on the origin of 2DEG at oxide heterostructures using the ALD process. In particular, it addresses the origin of 2DEG at oxide interfaces based on an alternative mechanism (i.e., oxygen vacancies).
Optimized Design and Calibration of the Triaxis Induction Magnetometer with Crosstalk and Nonorthogonality Compensation
Authors: Shi Hongyu , Wang Yanzhang , Lin Jun
Published: August 2016

An optimized triaxis induction magnetometer has been designed and calibrated to minimize the influences from the nonorthogonality and the magnetic flux crosstalk. Utilizing the nonlinear least square method, contributions due to the nonorthogonal assembly of three transducers are cancelled. The magnetic flux crosstalk is a frequency-dependent error component in the calibration of the triaxis induction magnetometer. Influences from the assembly density, the frequency, and the feedback amount are analyzed theoretically, and an optimized sensor configuration which has a smaller crosstalk is achieved. Moreover, a mathematical compensation algorithm has also been utilized to suppress the residues crosstalk ulteriorly. To validate the theoretical analysis, a triaxis induction magnetometer was manufactured and the experiment setup has also been built. The experiment results show that the cross-outputs of the transverse induction magnetometers have been significantly decreased about two orders, indicating that the proposed method is applicable for the triaxis induction magnetometer.
Adult ADHD Medications and Their Cardiovascular Implications
Authors: Sinha A. , Lewis O. , Kumar R. , Yeruva S. L. H. , Curry B. H.
Published: August 2016

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurobiological disorder exhibited by difficulty maintaining attention, as well as hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are the first line of treatment for ADHD. With the increase in number of adults on CNS stimulants, the question that arises is how well do we understand the long-term cardiovascular effects of these drugs. There has been increasing concern that adults with ADHD are at greater risk for developing adverse cardiovascular events such as sudden death, myocardial infarction, and stroke as compared to pediatric population. Cardiovascular response attributed to ADHD medication has mainly been observed in heart rate and blood pressure elevations, while less is known about the etiology of rare cardiovascular events like acute myocardial infarction (AMI), arrhythmia, and cardiomyopathy and its long-term sequelae. We present a unique case of AMI in an adult taking Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) and briefly discuss the literature relevant to the cardiovascular safety of CNS stimulants for adult ADHD.
Spontaneous Subcapsular Renal Hematoma: Strange Case in an Anticoagulated Patient with HWMH after Aortic and Iliac Endovascular Stenting Procedure
Authors: Greco Michele , Butticè Salvatore , Benedetto Filippo , Spinelli Francesco , Traxer Olivier , Tefik Tzevat , Pappalardo Rosa , Magno Carlo
Published: August 2016

Spontaneous subcapsular renal hematoma is a rare condition in clinical practice. It is caused by renal cysts, benign and malignant renal tumors, vascular lesions, and antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. In this paper we report an unusual case of rupture of a renal cyst of a 66-year-old male patient during an aortic and iliac endovascular procedure for a massive calcified atheroma above the iliac bifurcation. We suspected that the bolus of high weight molecular heparin given during the procedure caused the rupture of the cyst. According to the literature, this is the first case of renal cyst rupture during an endovascular aortic procedure after administering a high weight molecular heparin bolus.
Gluteal Compartment Syndrome Secondary to Pelvic Trauma
Authors: Diaz Dilernia Fernando , Zaidenberg Ezequiel E. , Gamsie Sebastian , Taype Zamboni Danilo E. R. , Carabelli Guido S. , Barla Jorge D. , Sancineto Carlos F.
Published: August 2016

Gluteal compartment syndrome (GCS) is extremely rare when compared to compartment syndrome in other anatomical regions, such as the forearm or the lower leg. It usually occurs in drug users following prolonged immobilization due to loss of consciousness. Another possible cause is trauma, which is rare and has only few reports in the literature. Physical examination may show tense and swollen buttocks and severe pain caused by passive range of motion. We present the case of a 70-year-old man who developed GCS after prolonged anterior-posterior pelvis compression. The physical examination revealed swelling, scrotal hematoma, and left ankle extension weakness. An unstable pelvic ring injury was diagnosed and the patient was taken to surgery. Measurement of the intracompartmental pressure was measured in the operating room, thereby confirming the diagnosis. Emergent fasciotomy was performed to decompress the three affected compartments. Trauma surgeons must be aware of the possibility of gluteal compartment syndrome in patients who have an acute pelvic trauma with buttock swelling and excessive pain of the gluteal region. Any delay in diagnosis or treatment can be devastating, causing permanent disability, irreversible loss of gluteal muscles, sciatic nerve palsy, kidney failure, or even death.
Influence of Polyphosphoric Acid on the Consistency and Composition of Formulated Bitumen: Standard Characterization and NMR Insights
Authors: Varanda Catarina , Portugal Inês , Ribeiro Jorge , Silva Artur M. S. , Silva Carlos M.
Published: August 2016

Over the recent years, bitumen modification with polymers, acids, or mineral fillers has gained relevance to adjust its performance properties. This work reports the use of polyphosphoric acid (PPA) for the modification of formulated bitumen. With this objective, an in-depth literature review on PPA modification was firstly performed. Subsequently, five individual refinery components were selected for the preparation of bitumen blends, namely, asphaltic residue, vacuum residue, and three lube oils extracts. Seven binary/ternary bitumen blends were prepared and then treated with PPA. Afterwards, the five components and the unmodified and PPA-modified bitumen were characterized by standard methods (penetration, softening point, and penetration index), SARA analysis, elemental analysis, and31P and1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results evidenced higher asphaltenes and lower saturates/resins contents in PPA-modified bitumen. The NMR data suggest that the paraffinic chains became longer, the content of condensed aromatics increased, more substituted aromatic structures appeared, andα-hydrogen in aromatic structures diminished. These findings disclosed the improved consistency and oxidation stability of PPA-modified bitumen blends.
Hepatitis B, HIV, and Syphilis Seroprevalence in Pregnant Women and Blood Donors in Cameroon
Authors: Dionne-Odom Jodie , Mbah Rahel , Rembert Nicole J. , Tancho Samuel , Halle-Ekane Gregory E. , Enah Comfort , Welty Thomas K. , Tih Pius M. , Tita Alan T. N.
Published: August 2016

Objectives. We estimated seroprevalence and correlates of selected infections in pregnant women and blood donors in a resource-limited setting.Methods. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of laboratory seroprevalence data from pregnant women and voluntary blood donors from facilities in Cameroon in 2014. Rapid tests were performed to detect hepatitis B surface antigen, syphilis treponemal antibodies, and HIV-1/2 antibodies. Blood donations were also tested for hepatitis C and malaria.Results. The seroprevalence rates and ranges among 7069 pregnant women were hepatitis B 4.4% (1.1–9.6%), HIV 6% (3.0–10.2%), and syphilis 1.7% (1.3–3.8%) with significant variability among the sites. Correlates of infection in pregnancy in adjusted regression models included urban residence for hepatitis B (aOR 2.9, CI 1.6–5.4) and HIV (aOR 3.5, CI 1.9–6.7). Blood donor seroprevalence rates and ranges were hepatitis B 6.8% (5.0–8.8%), HIV 2.2% (1.4–2.8%), syphilis 4% (3.3–4.5%), malaria 1.9%, and hepatitis C 1.7% (0.5–2.5%).Conclusions. Hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis infections are common among pregnant women and blood donors in Cameroon with higher rates in urban areas. Future interventions to reduce vertical transmission should include universal screening for these infections early in pregnancy and provision of effective prevention tools including the birth dose of univalent hepatitis B vaccine.
MicroRNA-132 Interact with p250GAP/Cdc42 Pathway in the Hippocampal Neuronal Culture Model of Acquired Epilepsy and Associated with Epileptogenesis Process
Authors: Yuan Jinxian , Huang Hao , Zhou Xin , Liu Xi , Ou Shu , Xu Tao , Li Ruohan , Ma Limin , Chen Yangmei
Published: August 2016

Increasing evidence suggests that epilepsy is the result of synaptic reorganization and pathological excitatory loop formation in the central nervous system; however, the mechanisms that regulate this process are not well understood. We proposed that microRNA-132 (miR-132) and p250GAP might play important roles in this process by activating the downstream Rho GTPase family. We tested this hypothesis using a magnesium-free medium-induced epileptic model of cultured hippocampal neurons. We investigated whether miR-132 regulates GTPase activity through p250GAP and found that Cdc42 was significantly activated in our experimental model. Silencing miR-132 inhibited the electrical excitability level of cultured epileptic neurons, whereas silencing p250GAP had an opposite effect. In addition, we verified the effect of miR-132in vivoand found that silencing miR-132 inhibited the aberrant formation of dendritic spines and chronic spontaneous seizure in a lithium-pilocarpine-induced epileptic mouse model. Finally, we confirmed that silencing miR-132 has a neuroprotective effect on cultured epileptic neurons; however, this effect did not occur through the p250GAP pathway. Generally, silencing miR-132 may suppress spontaneous seizure activity through the miR-132/p250GAP/Cdc42 pathway by regulating the morphology and electrophysiology of dendritic spines; therefore, miR-132 may serve as a potential target for the development of antiepileptic drugs.
Shaking Table Tests of Curved Bridge considering Bearing Friction Sliding Isolation
Authors: Yan Lei , Li Qingning , Han Chun , Jiang Haotian
Published: August 2016

Specific to severe damage to curved bridges in earthquakes caused by the excessive force of the fixed bearings and piers, a new seismic design method on curved bridges considering bearing friction sliding isolation is proposed in this paper. Seismic model bridge and isolation model bridge with similarity ratio of 1/20 were made and the shaking table comparison test was conducted. The experimental results show that the isolation model curved bridge suffered less seismic damage than the seismic model curved bridge. The fundamental frequencies of the seismic model bridge and isolation model bridge decreased and the damping ratio increased with the increase of seismic intensity. Compared with seismic curved bridge, the maximum reduction rates of peak acceleration along the radial and tangential directions on the top of pier of the isolation model curved bridge were 47.3% and 55.5%, respectively, and the maximum reduction rate of the peak strain on the bottom of pier of the isolation model curved bridge was 43.4%. For the isolation model curved bridge, the maximum reduction rate of peak acceleration on the top of pier was 24.6% compared with that on the bottom of pier. The study results can provide experimental basis for the seismic design of curved bridges.
Rotating Scheimpflug Imaging Indices in Different Grades of Keratoconus
Authors: Wahba Sherine S. , Roshdy Maged M. , Elkitkat Rania S. , Naguib Karim M.
Published: August 2016

Purpose. To evaluate accuracy of various Keratoconus (KC) screening indices, in relation to Topographic Keratoconus (TKC) grading.Setting. Al Watany Eye Hospital, Cairo, Egypt.Methods.Data of 103 normal (group 1) and 73 KC eyes (group 2), imaged by Pentacam (branded as Allegro Oculyzer), were analysed.Group 2was divided into2a: 14 eyes (TKC = 1, early KC),2b: 25 eyes (TKC = 1 to 2 or 2, moderate KC), and2c: 34 eyes (TKC = 2 to 3 up to 4, severe KC). Participants were followed up for six years to confirm diagnosis. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated for evaluated curvature, elevation, and pachymetry indices with various reference shapes at different diameters.Results. When comparing normal to KC eyes, ten indices had significantly higher AUROC. Only five of them had significantly higher AUROC in early KC compared to normal corneas: Pachymetry Progression Index- (PPI-) Maximum (Max), Ambrósio’s Relational Thickness- (ART-) Max, PPI-Max minus PPI-Minimum (Min), central corneal thickness (CCT), and diagonal decentration of thinnest point from the apex (AUROC = 0.690, 0.690, 0.687, 0.683, and 0.674, resp.).Conclusion. Generally, ten pachymetry and elevation-based indices had significantly higher AUROC. Five indices had statistically significant high AUROC when comparing early KC to normal corneas.
Suppressing Syndecan-1 Shedding Ameliorates Intestinal Epithelial Inflammation through Inhibiting NF-κB Pathway and TNF-α
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Zhongqiu , Liu Jun , Zhang Zhenyu , Chen Ye
Published: August 2016

Syndecan-1 (SDC1), with a long variable ectodomain carrying heparan sulfate chains, participates in many steps of inflammatory responses. But reports about the efforts of SDC1’s unshedding ectodomain on intestinal epithelial inflammation and the precise underlying mechanism are limited. In our study, unshedding SDC1 from intestinal epithelial cell models was established by transfecting with unshedding SDC1 plasmid into the cell, respectively. And the role of unshedding SDC1 in intestinal inflammation was further investigated. We found that components of NF-κB pathway, including P65 and IκBα, and secretion of TNF-αwere upregulated upon LPS stimulation in intestinal epithelial cells. SDC1, especially through its unshed ectodomain, significantly lessened the upregulation extent. It also functioned in inhibiting migration of neutrophils by downregulating secretion of CXCL-1. Taken together, we conclude that suppressing SDC1 shedding from intestinal epithelial cells relieves severity of intestinal inflammation by inactivating NF-κB pathway and downregulating TNF-αexpression. These results indicate that the ectodomain of SDC1 might be the optional therapy for intestinal inflammation.
Integration of Resonant Coil for Wireless Power Transfer and Implantable Antenna for Signal Transfer
Authors: Seo Dong-Wook , Lee Jae-Ho , Lee Hyungsoo
Published: August 2016

We propose the integration of the resonant coil for wireless power transfer (WPT) and the implantable antenna for physiological signal transfer. The integration allows for a compact biomedical implantable system such as electrocardiogram (ECG) recorder and pacemaker. While the resonant coils resonate at the frequency of 13.56 MHz for the WPT, the implantable antenna works in the medical implant communications service (MICS) band of 402–405 MHz for wireless communications. They share the narrow substrate area of a bar-type shape; the coil has the current path on the outer part of the substrate and the meandered planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) occupies the inside of the coil. To verify the potentials of the proposed structure, a prototype is fabricated and testedin vitro. The power transfer efficiency (PTE) of about 20% is obtained at a distance of 15 mm and the antenna gain of roughly −40 dBi is achieved.
Anger Management among Medical Undergraduate Students and Its Impact on Their Mental Health and Curricular Activities
Authors: Prabhu Gayathri S. , Tam Min Yen Joanne , Posko Amalaraj Jonas John , Tan Yie Jone Eugene , Kumar Naveen
Published: August 2016

Background. This study was intended to determine the practice of students in good anger management skills and to what extent their anger can affect their studies, work, and social interactions. In this study the relationship between anger management and the effects on the mental health of medical students was evaluated. A survey was also done to determine duration of the feeling of anger which lasts among medical students and its consequences.Materials and Methods. A newly developed questionnaire was utilized which included a simplified version of the Novaco Anger Scale and Provocation Inventory and the modified Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (to measure the mental health).Results. The data suggests that although students with high anger tendencies display poor mental health, there is no lowering of the mental health/PHQ-9 score as the anger management technique’s effectiveness rises. “Friends” was cited as the major triggering factor for anger, whereby the feelings can last for up to a day and somewhat affect their concentration on normal activities.Conclusion. When anger is suppressed and not let out, it can be an underlying factor for anxiety and depression. Therefore, more emphasis needs to be placed on educating students on how to manage their anger especially in a stressful environment away from home.
Automatic Analysis of Retinal Vascular Parameters for Detection of Diabetes in Indian Patients with No Retinopathy Sign
Authors: Aliahmad Behzad , Kumar Dinesh Kant , Jain Rajeev
Published: August 2016

This study has investigated the association between retinal vascular parameters with type II diabetes in Indian population with no observable diabetic retinopathy. It has introduced two new retinal vascular parameters: total number of branching angles (TBA) and average acute branching angles (ABA) as potential biomarkers of diabetes in an explanatory model. A total number of 180 retinal images (two (left and right) × two (ODC and MC) × 45 subjects (13 diabetics and 32 nondiabetics)) were analysed. Stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to model the association between type II diabetes with the best subset of explanatory variables (predictors), consisting of retinal vascular parameters and patients’ demographic information. P value of the estimated coefficients (P<0.001) indicated that, at α level of 0.05, the newly introduced retinal vascular parameters, that is, TBA and ABA together with CRAE, mean tortuosity, SD of branching angle, and VB, are related to type II diabetes when there is no observable sign of retinopathy.
Effect of Denosumab on Bone Mineral Density and Markers of Bone Turnover among Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis
Authors: Sánchez A. , Brun L. R. , Salerni H. , Costanzo P. R. , González D. , Bagur A. , Oliveri B. , Zanchetta M. B. , Farías V. , Maffei L. , Premrou V. , Mansur J. L. , Larroudé M. S. , Sarli M. A. , Rey P. , Ulla M. R. , Pavlove M. M. , Karlsbrum S. , Brance M. L.
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of denosumab (Dmab) on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers after 1 year of treatment. Additionally, the effect of Dmab in bisphosphonate-naïve patients (BP-naïve) compared to patients previously treated with bisphosphonates (BP-prior) was analyzed. This retrospective study included 425 postmenopausal women treated with Dmab for 1 year in clinical practice conditions in specialized centers from Argentina. Participants were also divided according to previous bisphosphonate treatment into BP-naïve and BP-prior. A control group of patients treated with BP not switched to Dmab matched by sex, age, and body mass index was used. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. After 1 year of treatment with Dmab the bone formation markers total alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were significantly decreased (23.36% and 43.97%, resp.), as was the bone resorption marker s-CTX (69.61%). Significant increases in BMD were observed at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip without differences between BP-naïve and BP-prior. A better BMD response was found in BP-prior group compared with BP treated patients not switched to Dmab.Conclusion. Dmab treatment increased BMD and decreased bone turnover markers in the whole group, with similar response in BP-naïve and BP-prior patients. A better BMD response in BP-prior patients versus BP treated patients not switched to Dmab was observed.