bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHANGE IN DESIGN OF HANDLE SUPPORT FOR COST REDUCTION AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS OPTIMIZATION
Authors: Ahire Aditya
Published: October 2015

Optimization of manufacturing process and cost reduction are two main factors each organization plans to achieve. Achieving these goals require knowledge about the manufacturing process and all parameters which affect manufacturing.Working on solving problems in optimization of manufacturing process ultimately helps to reduce the cost of manufacturing and in turn the cost of product with improvement in sequence of processes. The following project is carried out for designing the handle support for all ratings of electric breakers. Project was carried out by first defining general background, actual problem, existing manufacturing method, change in design, analysis of parameters which affect design, design analysis, decision, costing, implementation and conclusion. The design analysis was carried out with help of CATIA software. The outcome of project resulted in savings for the organization and also helped to improve the function of product with optimization of manufacturing processes.
Microbial Profiling in Experimentally Induced Biofilm Overgrowth Among Patients With Various Periodontal States
Authors: Paes Batista da Silva Andre , Barros Silvana P. , Moss Kevin , Preisser John , Marchesan Julie T. , Ward Marilyn , Offenbacher Steven
Published: October 2015

Background: This study measures microbial composition changes during biofilm overgrowth and subsequent removal among patients with various states of periodontal disease.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 175 participants with various periodontal states (five biofilm‐gingival interface [BGI] groups) abstained from oral hygiene while using an acrylic stent. At day 21, participants reinstituted oral hygiene and were followed for 4 weeks. Clinical parameters were recorded, and subgingival plaque samples were analyzed at baseline, peak of induction (day 21), and resolution using 16S rRNA probes (human oral microbe identification microarray [HOMIM]). Using the change score (peak at induction minus baseline) for bleeding on probing and probing depth (PD), the patients were separated into high and low clinical responders.

Results: At baseline, synergistetes were more abundant in moderate and severe periodontitis (BGI‐P2 and ‐P3) compared to mild periodontitis (BGI‐P1), health (BGI‐H), and gingivitis (BGI‐G) (P = 0.005). Overall, at day 21 there was an increase in HOMIM scores of firmicutes (P ≤0.001), fusobacteria (P = 0.003), proteobacteria (P ≤0.001), synergistetes (P = 0.04), and bacteroidetes (P ≤0.001). At resolution, these phyla returned to baseline, except for synergistetes. Levels of synergistetes were significantly higher at day 21 (P ≤0.0001) and resolution (P = 0.0002) for high clinical responders compared to low responders.

Conclusion: The association of synergistetes as a baseline predictor of incident PD increase, as well as the higher levels at day 21, indicates a pathogenic role for these organisms in disease progression in addition to the previously characterized fusobacteria, proteobacteria, firmicutes, and bacteroidetes.
Analyses of Gingival Adhesion Molecules in Periodontitis: Theoretical In Silico, Comparative In Vivo, and Explanatory In Vitro Models
Authors: Gürsoy Ulvi K. , Zeidán‐Chuliá Fares , Yilmaz Dogukan , Özdemir Vural , Mäki‐Petäys Juho , Neves de Oliveira Ben‐Hur , Firatli Yigit , Güncü Güliz N. , Caglayan Feriha , Könönen Eija
Published: October 2015

Background: A deeper understanding of periodontitis pathophysiology is central to future development of novel biomarkers and therapeutics. The following is reported here: 1) an in silico network model of interactions among cell adhesion molecules and a network‐focused microarray analysis of the corresponding genes in periodontitis; 2) analysis of secretions of adhesion molecules in gingival tissue samples from patients with periodontitis and healthy controls; and 3) effect of the human neutrophilic peptide‐1 (HNP‐1) on epithelial adhesion molecules.

Methods: The network model identified 85 nodes in relation to the interactions of adhesion molecules. Subsequently, the relative gene expression was overlaid on the network model. Differential gene expression was analyzed, and false discovery rate control was performed for statistical assessment of the microarray data. Both tissue and cell culture samples were immunostained for desmocollin (DSC)2, occludin (OCLN), desmoglein (DSG)1, tight junction protein 2, and gap junction protein α.

Results: The differential gene expression analysis revealed that the epithelial adhesion molecules were significantly lower in abundance in individuals with periodontitis than controls. In contrast, the genes for leukocyte adhesion molecules showed a significant upregulation. Immunostainings revealed elevated secretions of both DSG1 and OCLN in periodontitis. An in vitro model suggested reduced DSC2 and OCLN secretions in the presence of HNP‐1.

Conclusions: Gene expression of gingival adhesion molecules in periodontitis is regulated by leukocyte transmigration, whereas the neutrophilic antimicrobial peptide HNP‐1 is noted as a putative regulator of epithelial adhesion molecules. These observations contribute to the key mechanisms by which future biomarkers might be developed for periodontitis.
Pilot Study on Oral Health Status as Assessed by an Active Matrix Metalloproteinase‐8 Chairside Mouthrinse Test in Adolescents
Authors: Heikkinen Anna Maria , Nwhator Solomon O. , Rathnayake Nilminie , Mäntylä Päivi , Vatanen Päivi , Sorsa Timo
Published: October 2015

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 is a major destructive collagenase involved in periodontitis and can be regarded as a periodontitis biomarker. A neutrophil collagenase 2 (active MMP‐8 [aMMP‐8]) oral fluid immunoassay has recently been demonstrated to be a periodontitis risk indicator among adults. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a point‐of‐care mouthrinse test based on an aMMP‐8 immunoassay could identify patients with oral inflammatory burden (periodontitis and caries) among adolescents with early pathologic findings.

Methods: This cross‐sectional study was carried out at the Kotka Health Center, Finland. First, the aMMP‐8 chairside mouthrinse test was performed on enrolled individuals (adolescents aged 15 to 17 years, n = 47), and the results were read based on a color change within 5 minutes. Then, full‐mouth clinical parameters of oral health were assessed, including periodontal, oral mucosal, and caries status.

Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the test for bleeding on probing were 71.8% and 77.5%, respectively (P = 0.05); for ≥1 site with probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm, 48.3% and 100% (P <0.001); for ≥2 sites with PD ≥4 mm, 63.6% and 100% (P <0.001); and for >2 sites with PD ≥4 mm, 76.5% and 96.7% (P <0.01). Regarding periodontitis (≥1 site with PD ≥4 mm), hardly any false‐positive results were identified. The sensitivity of the immunoassay for ≥1 caries lesions was 76.5%, and the specificity was 96.7% (P <0.01).

Conclusions: In 5 minutes, the aMMP‐8 chairside test showed promising results, recognizing oral inflammatory burden in adolescents with early initial signs of periodontitis. Caries lesions could also be detected, but less efficiently.
Genome‐Wide Association Study for Adaptation to Agronomic Plant Density: A Component of High Yield Potential in Spring Wheat
Authors: Sukumaran Sivakumar , Reynolds Matthew P. , Lopes Marta S. , Crossa José
Published: October 2015

Previous research has shown that progress in genetic yield potential is associated with adaptation to agronomic planting density, though its genetic basis has not been addressed before. In the current study, a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) association mapping initiative (WAMI) panel of 287 elite lines was assessed for the effects of plant density on grain yield (YLD), 1000‐kernel weight (TKW), and grain number (GNO) in yield plots consisting of four evenly spaced rows. The YLD and GNO of inner (high plant density) rows compared with outer rows (low plant density) indicated a consistent pattern: genotypes that performed best under intense competition (inner rows) responded less to reduced competition (outer rows) while being generally the best performers on aggregate (inner plus outer rows). However, TKW was not affected by plant density. To identify the genetic loci, an adaptation to density index (ADi) was computed as the scaled difference in trait values between inner and outer rows. Results on biplot analysis indicated that ADi was correlated with YLD in high‐yielding environments, suggesting that it is a component of high yield potential. Genotyping of the WAMI panel was done through 90K Illumina Bead single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. Association mapping employed using 18,104 SNP markers for ADi identified a major locus in chromosome 3B at 71 cM that explained 11.4% variation in ADi for YLD and GNO. Functional marker for ADi will enable identification of the trait in early generations—not otherwise possible in spaced plants typical of pedigree breeding approach—and to select parents for hybrid development.
Mutations in Durum Wheat SBEII Genes affect Grain Yield Components, Quality, and Fermentation Responses in Rats
Authors: Hazard Brittany , Zhang Xiaoqin , Naemeh Mahmoudreza , Hamilton M. Kristina , Rust Bret , Raybould Helen E. , Newman John W. , Martin Roy , Dubcovsky Jorge
Published: October 2015

Increased amylose in wheat (Triticum ssp.) starch is associated with increased resistant starch, a fermentable dietary fiber. Fermentation of resistant starch in the large intestine produces short‐chain fatty acids that are associated with human health benefits. Since wheat foods are an important component of the human diet, increases in amylose and resistant starch in wheat grains have the potential to deliver health benefits to a large number of people. In three replicated field trials we found that mutations in starch branching enzyme II genes (SBEIIa and SBEIIb) in both A and B genomes (SBEIIa/b‐AB) of durum wheat [T. turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] resulted in large increases of amylose and resistant starch content. The presence of these four mutations was also associated with an average 5% reduction in kernel weight (P = 0.0007) and 15% reduction in grain yield (P = 0.06) compared to the wild type. Complete milling and pasta quality analysis showed that the mutant lines have an acceptable quality with positive effects on pasta firmness and negative effects on semolina extraction and pasta color. Positive fermentation responses were detected in rats (Rattus spp.) fed with diets incorporating mutant wheat flour. This study quantifies benefits and limitations associated with the deployment of the SBEIIa/b‐AB mutations in durum wheat and provides the information required to develop realistic strategies to deploy durum wheat varieties with increased levels of amylose and resistant starch.
Research on an Improved Medical Image Enhancement Algorithm Based
on P-M Model
Authors: Aijing Luo , Jin Yin
Published: October 2015

Image enhancement can improve the detail of the image to achieve the purpose of the identification of the image.
At present, the image enhancement is widely used in medical images, which can help doctor’s diagnosis. IEABPM
(Image Enhancement Algorithm Based on P-M Model) is one of the most common image enhancement algorithms. However,
it may cause the loss of the texture details and other features. To solve the problems, this paper proposes an
IIEABPM (Improved Image Enhancement Algorithm Based on P-M Model). The simulation demonstrates that IIEABPM
can effectively solve the problems of IEABPM, and improve image clarity, image contrast, and image brightness.
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gee Edward C.A. , Hanson Emma K. , Saithna Adnan
Published: October 2015

Background:

Anatomical shoulder replacement for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is complicated by a high incidence of rotator cuff tears and glenoid erosion. This can lead to poor function and early failure. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has gained popularity as an alternative. This systematic review attempts to further define the role of RSA in RA.

Methods:

A systematic review identified seven studies reporting outcomes of RSA in RA patients. Studies were critically appraised, and data on outcomes, complications and technical considerations were extracted and analysed.

Results:

One hundred and twenty one shoulders were included (mean follow up 46.9 months). Consistent improvements in the main outcome measures were noted between studies. Ninety five percent of patients described excellent to satisfactory outcomes. The minimum mean forward elevation reported in each study was 115 degrees. Symptomatic glenoid loosening (1.7%), deep infection (3.3%) and revision surgery (5%) rates were no higher than for a population of mixed aetiologies.

Discussion:

Previous concerns regarding high pre- and peri-operative complication and revision rates in RA patients were not shown to be valid by the results of this review. Although associated cuff tears are common and glenoid bone loss can increase the technical complexity of surgery, RSA provides consistent and predictable improvements in key outcome measures and the revision and complication rates do not appear to be higher than reported in a large population of mixed aetiologies.

Conclusion:

The contemporary literature shows that RSA is a safe, effective and reliable treatment option in RA patients.
Are Preformed Articulating Spacers Superior To Surgeon-Made Articulating Spacers in the Treatment Of PJI in THA? A Literature Review
Authors: Citak Mustafa , Masri Bassam A. , Springer Bryan , Argenson Jean-Noel , Kendoff Daniel O.
Published: October 2015

Background and Purpose:

Antibiotic-loaded cement spacers are typically manufactured by surgeons in the operating room. However, if the infecting organism is known preoperatively, the cement spacer can be fabricated (Spacer-G® or the InterSpace® Hip) in advance. It is unclear if preformed hip spacers are superior to surgeon-made hip spacers in the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection following primary THA.

Methods:

A literature review of the peer-reviewed literature indexed by MEDLINE and Embase was performed to identify
studies reporting the outcomes of preformed and surgeon-made hip spacers in the treatment of infection following primary
total hip arthroplasty (THA). A total of 43 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis to compare
the reinfection rate, Harris Hip Score (HHS) and spacer complication rates between surgeon-made and preformed hip
spacers.

Results and Interpretation:

The analyzed studies included a total number of 1631 infected THA cases (n=1027 surgeonmade;
n=604 preformed spacers). We found similar reinfection rates (6.0% surgeon-made, and 5.5% preformed spacers)
and similar mean HHS at latest follow-up after reimplantation (HHS=84.3 surgeon-made, and HHS=81.8 preformed
spacers) between both groups. However, patients treated with a surgeon-made articulating spacer had a higher spacer
fracture rate compared to preformed articulating spacer. The use of preformed articulating spacers in the treatment of
infected THA is not superior to surgeon-made articulating spacers regarding infection control and functional outcomes.
However, the use of surgeon-made antibiotic spacers increased the risk of spacer fracture.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa serotypes and resistance to antibiotics from wound swabs
Authors: Stankovic-Nedeljkovic Natasa , Tiodorovic Branislav , Kocic Branislava , Ciric Vojislav , Milojkovic Marko , Waisi Hadi
Published: October 2015

Introduction/Aim. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is the most common
cause of wound infections, following the disruption of the skin or mucous
membranes integrity. The aim of this study was to analyze of the presence P.
aeruginosa in wound swabs, antibiotics susceptibility testing, determination
of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibiotics, testing of
the metallo-?-lactamases (MBLs) production, isolates serotyping and analysis
of the most common serotypes resistance. Methods. A total of 90 outpatients
and 55 intpatients wound swabs were cultivated. Wound swabs were taken from
the patients with wound infections symptoms. Antibiotics susceptibility
testing was performed to: meropenem, imipenem, piperacillin-tazobactam,
ceftazidime, cefepime, amikacin, gentamicin, netilmicin, ofloxacin,
ciprofloxacin and colistin (HiMedia). Polyvalent and monovalent antisera for
agglutination (Biorad) were used in P. aeruginosa agglutination. Results. P.
aeruginosa was isolated from 36.55% wound swabs (36.66% of the inpatients
wounds and 36.36% of the outpatients). The analyzed isolates showed the
highest degree of sensitivity to colistin (100%) and meropenem (93.44%) and
the lowest to cefepime (19.54%). The majority of the inpatients isolates had
12 ?g/mL (28.57%) MIC for piperacillin-tazobactam and 16 ?g/mL (28.57%) for
the outpatients. The most common MICs for ciprofloxacin were 0.19 ?g/mL
(31.81%) for the nosocomial isolates, and 0.25 ?g/mL (28.57%) for the
outpatients? ones. The most common MICs for amikacin of the nosocomial
isolates were 6 ?g/ml (40.9%), and for the outpatients ones 4 ?g/mL (33.33%).
Five (9.43%) isolates produced MBLs. The most common serotypes were P11
(22.64%), P6 (15.09%) and P1 (11.32%). Conclusion. Neither the increased
presence of P. aeruginosa was noticed in wounds swabs, nor the antibiotic
resistance in the nosocomial isolates compared to those from outpatients. The
analyzed isolates had the higest sensitivity to colistin and meropenem, and
the lowest to cefepime.
Extended Penalty Coefficients For Elimination The Locking Effects In Moderately Thick Beam And Plate Finite Elements
Authors: Gilewski W.
Published: October 2015

The present paper is dedicated to presentation and energy verification of the methods of stabilization the strain energy by penalty coefficients. Verification of the methods is based on the consistency and ellipticity conditions to be satisfied by the finite elements. Three methods of stabilization are discussed. The first does not satisfy the above requirements. The second is consistent but cannot eliminate parasitic energy terms. The third method, proposed by the author, is based on the decomposition of the element stiffness matrix. The method can help to eliminate locking of the finite elements. For two-noded beam element with linear shape functions and exact integration a stabilized free of locking (and elliptical) element is received (equivalent to reduced integration element). Two plate finite elements are analyzed: four-noded rectangular element and DSG triangle. A new method of stabilization with the use of four independent parameters is proposed. The finite elements with this kind of stabilization satisfy the consistency condition. In the rectangular element it was not possible to eliminate one parasitic term of energy which appears during the procedure. For DSG triangle all parasitic terms of energy are eliminated. The penalty coefficients depends on the geometry of the triangle.
Vibrations And Stability Of Bernoulli-Euler And Timoshenko Beams On Two-Parameter Elastic Foundation
Authors: Obara P.
Published: October 2015

The vibration and stability analysis of uniform beams supported on two-parameter elastic foundation are performed. The second foundation parameter is a function of the total rotation of the beam. The effects of axial force, foundation stiffness parameters, transverse shear deformation and rotatory inertia are incorporated into the accurate vibration analysis. The work shows very important question of relationships between the parameters describing the beam vibration, the compressive force and the foundation parameters. For the free supported beam, the exact formulas for the natural vibration frequencies, the critical forces and the formula defining the relationship between the vibration frequency and the compressive forces are derived. For other conditions of the beam support conditional equations were received. These equations determine the dependence of the frequency of vibration of the compressive force for the assumed parameters of elastic foundation and the slenderness of the beam.
Application Of Safety Inspections For Evaluation Of Two – Lane Regional Roads In Poland
Authors: Cafiso S. , Kieć M. , Milazzo M. , Pappalardo G. , Trovato F.
Published: October 2015

In the paper methods for conducting Road Safety Inspections (SIs) in Italy and Poland are described and compared. The goal of the study is to improve the quality and efficiency of the safety inspections of road network by using low cost equipment (GPS, Tablet, Camera) and specific software. Particular attention was paid to the need for proper calibration of factors, causing traffic safety hazard associated with road infrastructure. The model developed according to the Italian procedures was adapted to comply with the checklists and evaluation criteria of the Polish guidelines. Overall, a good agreement between the two approaches was identified, however some modification was required to include new safety issues, characteristic for the Polish network for safety inspection of two lane rural roads. To test the applicability about 100 km of regional two lane roads in Poland were inspected with Polish and Italian procedures.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Attending Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Shrestha Lilee , Sharma Saroj , Jha Bharat , Khadga Prem
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (Met S) is a cluster of biochemical and physical conditions that presage the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Its association with diabetes mellitus has long been a topic of study. This study intends to find out the prevalence of Met S in Nepalese population using IDF criteria.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in department of medicine and department of biochemistry, Tribhuwan University teaching hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. 204 diabetic subjects, with age ranging between 31 to 80 years and similar number of healthy controls were recruited for study. Demographic, anthopometric and biochemical data were obtained as per preformed profoma. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS statistical software version 17.0.RESULTS: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in diabetic population was found to be 67.3%, while it was only 7.84% in control group. Prevalence was found to be higher in females compared to males.CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome is significantly higher in diabetic subjects, making them highly prone to the ill effects of cardiovascular diseases.
High Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Respiratory Bacterial Pathogens in a Nepalese University Hospital: A Vexatious Problem
Authors: Mishra Shyam Kumar , Kattel Hari , Pokhrel Bharat Mani , Rijal Basista Prasad
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria have resulted in vexatious problem to combat lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). However, no detailed studies have been done in Nepal exploring the status of such pathogens from LRTI. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the current levels of antimicrobial resistance with special reference to ESBL-producing respiratory bacterial pathogens in Nepal.METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in the capital city of Nepal. Specimens representing lower respiratory tract were received from 1120 patients suspected of LRTI. The specimens were collected and processed according to standard methodology. Combination disk (CD) and disk synergy test (DST) methods were used for the detection of ESBL-producing isolates.RESULTS: Of the total 314 isolates belonging to Enterobacteriaceae and nonfermentative bacteria, 24.2% were ESBL-producers which included 42.2% of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 8.8% of Pseudomonas species, 41.9% of Escherichia coli, 12.9% of Acinetobacter species, 13.3% of Citrobacter species and 66.7% of Morganella morganii. ESBL-producers were more common among hospitalized patients. For ESBL-producers, the most effective drug was found to be imipenem, meropenem, followed by cefoperazone-sulbactam and amikacin.CONCLUSIONS: One-fourth of the isolates belonging to Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermentative bacteria were ESBL-producer. It is quite essential to have effective antimicrobial and infection control policy in the hospital and special steps should be taken to prevent clonal dissemination of the resistant strains. Further studies should be done in other hospitals of Nepal to know the phenotype and genotype of ESBL-producing isolates prevailing in our country.
Study of Viral Diarrhoea and Associated Risk Factors Among Under Five Years Old Children in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital
Authors: Joshi Anish , Shrestha Ranendra Prakash Bahadur
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Diarrhoea is a major health problem among children. It remains a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide, with particularly high morbidity in children younger than 5 years of age. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency and associated risk factors of viral diarrhoea in children less than 5 years of age at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, Nepal and also to study the clinical presentation and the common causes of acute childhood diarrhoea.METHODS: This is a hospital based, prospective, non-interventional study conducted in Dhulikhel hospital. A total of 100 cases attending Dhulikhel hospital between 1st December 2011 to 31st March 2012, presented with acute onset of diarrhoea were enrolled in the study. During the study period the parents were asked to respond to questionnaires regarding their family size, educational status and knowledge of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), their water source and sanitation, personal hygiene and food habit. The children were examined, assessed for dehydration and anthropometry was also taken. The fresh stool specimens were analysed in the hospital laboratory in order to look for the common pathogens. All the statistical analysis was done using both descriptive and inferential (chi-squared test) statistics with the help of SPSS 20 software.RESULTS: Out of 100 children studied 69% were males and 31% females. Majority of the study population were below 24 months of age (77%). Majority were classified as no dehydration (75%) as per WHO guidelines for assessment of dehydration. The main source of drinking water in the family was tap water (65%), 44% didn’t used any method for water purification and 26% had no habits of hand washing in the family, 89% of the mothers had a good knowledge of ORS.  Majority had no history of fever (64%). 37% of cases needed hospital admission among which 7 cases needed PICU care. Test was positive for Rotavirus in significant number of cases (66%) followed by Adenovirus (13%).CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of Acute diarrhoea is highest below 24 months of age. As the age increases the incidence decreases. Lack of safe drinking water, poor sanitation and poor living conditions are associated risk factors for childhood diarrhoea. Viral diarrhoea is still the most common cause of childhood diarrhoea. Most children are not dehydrated and can be managed using ORS at home or in primary health care centres. We expect that results of the study would be useful initiation of vaccine requirements in a developing country like Nepal.
Reversal of intraoperative arterial thrombosis with a fibrinolytic agent when treating large and giant partially thrombosed aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery
Authors: Eliava Shalva , Pilipenko Yury , Shekhtman Oleg , Konovalov Anton
Published: October 2015

OBJECT

Thrombosis of the cerebral arteries is one of the complications of microsurgical operations for partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms. The object of this study was to assess the frequency of intraoperative arterial thrombosis (IAT) during microsurgical treatment of large and giant partially thrombosed aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and also to assess the efficacy of the treatment of this complication.

MATERIALS

The authors analyzed a consecutive series of 53 patients who underwent surgery for partially thrombosed aneurysms of the MCA at the Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute between January 2005 and September 2014. Thirty-two patients had large aneurysms (15–25 mm) and 21 had giant aneurysms (> 25 mm). Clipping of aneurysms was performed in 47 patients, trapping was performed in 3, and wrapping was performed in 3.

RESULTS

IAT was diagnosed in 10 patients (18.9%). The authors describe a technique for IAT reversal involving the injection of modified human recombinant prourokinase (mr-proUK). Of the 7 patients who underwent injection of mr-proUK in the thrombosed artery, 5 (71.4%) were discharged without any change in neurological status, 1 (14.3%) experienced moderate deterioration (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score of 2), and 1 (14.3%) experienced severe deterioration (mRS score of 4). Among the 3 patients who had complications and did not receive an injection of mr-proUK, 2 experienced severe deterioration (mRS score of 3 and 4) and 1 had moderate deterioration (mRS score of 2).

CONCLUSIONS

The primary risk factor of thrombectomy with temporary trapping is thrombosis in the MCA branches. The injection of a fibrinolytic agent into thrombosed MCA branches is an effective method for the treatment of IAT.
How do spinal schwannomas progress? The natural progression of spinal schwannomas on MRI
Authors: Ando Kei , Imagama Shiro , Ito Zenya , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Yagi Hideki , Hida Tetsuro , Ito Kenyu , Tsushima Mikito , Ishikawa Yoshimoto , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: October 2015

OBJECT

Little is known about the progression of spinal schwannomas. The aim of this study was to determine the natural progression of spinal schwannomas and establish the risk of tumor growth.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed data from 23 patients (12 men and 11 women, 40–89 years old) with schwannomas detected by MRI. The mean follow-up period was 5 years (range 2–10 years). The absolute and relative growth rates of the tumors were calculated.

RESULTS

The average tumor size was 1495 mm3 at the initial visit and 2224 mm3 at the final follow-up. The average absolute growth rate was 139 mm3 per year, and the average relative growth rate was 5.3% per year. Tumors were classified into 3 groups based on enhancement patterns: isointense/hyperintense (iso/high; 11 cases), rim enhancement when enhancement was peripheral (high/rim; 5 cases), and heterogeneous/heterogeneous (hetero/hetero; 7 cases) based on Gd-enhanced T2-weighted MRI. The average absolute growth rates of the 3 lesion groups were 588 mm3, 957 mm3, and 3379 mm3, respectively (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the tumors classified as iso/high and high/rim on T2-weighted Gd-enhanced MR images were small and grew very little, most tumors with hetero/hetero classification increased in size. Hetero/hetero-type tumors should be followed closely and may require surgery.
Induction of proinflammatory cytokine production in intervertebral disc cells by macrophage-like THP-1 cells requires mitogen-activated protein kinase activity
Authors: Park Jung Jae , Moon Hong Joo , Park Jin Hyun , Kwon Taek Hyun , Park Youn-Kwan , Kim Joo Han
Published: October 2015

OBJECT

To determine the role played by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in the interactions between macrophages and intervertebral disc (IVD) cells, it was hypothesized that MAPK inhibition would modulate the production of the proinflammatory cytokines associated with inflammatory reaction in IVD cells.

METHODS

Human annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were cocultured with phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated macrophage-like THP-1 cells, with and without SB202190 (a p38-α and -β inhibitor), SP600125 (a c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK] inhibitor), and PD98059 (an extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK] 1/2 inhibitor). The cytokines in conditioned media from cocultured and macrophage-exposed (nemotic) cells were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).

RESULTS

Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were secreted in greater quantities by the cocultured cells compared with naive IVD cells and macrophages (MΦ) cultured alone. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α and IL-6 levels produced by the NP cells cocultured with MΦs (NP-MΦ) were significantly lower than those produced by AF cells cocultured with MΦs (AF-MΦ). SB202190 dose-dependently suppressed IL-6 secretion by AF-MΦ and NP-MΦ cocultures, and 10 μM SB202190 significantly decreased IL-6 and IL-8 production in nemotic AF and NP pellets. SP600125 at 10 μM significantly suppressed the production of TNF α IL-6. and IL-8 in AF-MΦ and NP-MΦ cocultures and significantly suppressed IL-1β production in the NP-MΦ coculture. Administration of 10 μM PD98059 significantly decreased IL-6 levels in the AF-MΦ coculture, and decreased the levels of TNF α and IL-8 in both the AF-MΦ and NP-MΦ cocultures.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that inhibitors of p38 MAPK effectively controlled IL-6 production during inflammatory reactions and that JNK and ERK1/2 inhibitors successfully suppressed the production of major proinflammatory cytokines during interactions between macrophages and IVD cells. Therefore, selective blockade of these signals may serve as a therapeutic approach to symptomatic IVD degeneration.
Live-cell imaging to detect phosphatidylserine externalization in brain endothelial cells exposed to ionizing radiation: implications for the treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Zhao Zhenjun , Johnson Michael S. , Chen Biyi , Grace Michael , Ukath Jaysree , Lee Vivienne S. , McRobb Lucinda S. , Sedger Lisa M. , Stoodley Marcus A.
Published: October 2015

OBJECT

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an established intervention for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The processes of AVM vessel occlusion after SRS are poorly understood. To improve SRS efficacy, it is important to understand the cellular response of blood vessels to radiation. The molecular changes on the surface of AVM endothelial cells after irradiation may also be used for vascular targeting. This study investigates radiation-induced externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) on endothelial cells using live-cell imaging.

METHODS

An immortalized cell line generated from mouse brain endothelium, bEnd.3 cells, was cultured and irradiated at different radiation doses using a linear accelerator. PS externalization in the cells was subsequently visualized using polarity-sensitive indicator of viability and apoptosis (pSIVA)-IANBD, a polarity-sensitive probe. Live-cell imaging was used to monitor PS externalization in real time. The effects of radiation on the cell cycle of bEnd.3 cells were also examined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Ionizing radiation effects are dose dependent. Reduction in the cell proliferation rate was observed after exposure to 5 Gy radiation, whereas higher radiation doses (15 Gy and 25 Gy) totally inhibited proliferation. In comparison with cells treated with sham radiation, the irradiated cells showed distinct pseudopodial elongation with little or no spreading of the cell body. The percentages of pSIVA-positive cells were significantly higher (p = 0.04) 24 hours after treatment in the cultures that received 25- and 15-Gy doses of radiation. This effect was sustained until the end of the experiment (3 days). Radiation at 5 Gy did not induce significant PS externalization compared with the sham-radiation controls at any time points (p > 0.15). Flow cytometric analysis data indicate that irradiation induced growth arrest of bEnd.3 cells, with cells accumulating in the G2 phase of the cell cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

Ionizing radiation causes remarkable cellular changes in endothelial cells. Significant PS externalization is induced by radiation at doses of 15 Gy or higher, concomitant with a block in the cell cycle. Radiation-induced markers/targets may have high discriminating power to be harnessed in vascular targeting for AVM treatment.
Correlation between cervical spine sagittal alignment and clinical outcome after cervical laminoplasty for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Lee Chang Kyu , Shin Dong Ah , Yi Seong , Kim Keung Nyun , Shin Hyun Chul , Yoon Do Heum , Ha Yoon
Published: October 2015

OBJECT

The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between cervical spine sagittal alignment and clinical outcomes after cervical laminoplasty in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients who underwent a cervical laminoplasty for OPLL between January 2012 and January 2013 and who were followed up for at least 1 year were analyzed in this study. Standing plain radiographs of the cervical spine, CT (midsagittal view), and MRI (T2-weighted sagittal view) were obtained (anteroposterior, lateral, flexion, and extension) pre- and postoperatively. Cervical spine alignment was assessed with the following 3 parameters: the C2–7 Cobb angle, C2–7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and T-1 slope minus C2–7 Cobb angle. The change in cervical sagittal alignment was defined as the difference between the post- and preoperative C2–7 Cobb angles, C2–7 SVAs, and T-1 slope minus C2–7 Cobb angles. Outcome assessments (visual analog scale [VAS], Oswestry Neck Disability Index [NDI], 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36], and Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA] scores) were obtained in all patients pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

The average patient age was 56.3 years (range 38–72 years). There were 34 male patients and 16 female patients. Cervical laminoplasty for OPLL helped alleviate radiculomyelopathy. Compared with the preoperative scores, improvement was seen in postoperative VAS and JOA scores. After laminoplasty, 35 patients had kyphotic changes, and 15 had lordotic changes. However, cervical sagittal alignment after laminoplasty was not significantly associated with clinical outcomes in terms of postoperative improvement of the JOA score (C2–7 Cobb angle: p = 0.633; C2–7 SVA: p = 0.817; T-1 slope minus C2–7 lordosis: p = 0.554), the SF-36 score (C2–7 Cobb angle: p = 0.554; C2–7 SVA: p = 0.793; T-1 slope minus C2–7 lordosis: p = 0.829), the VAS neck score (C2–7 Cobb angle: p = 0.263; C2–7 SVA: p = 0.716; T-1 slope minus C2–7 lordosis: p = 0.497), or the NDI score (C2–7 Cobb angle: p = 0.568; C2–7 SVA: p = 0.279; T-1 slope minus C2–7 lordosis: p = 0.966). Similarly, the change in cervical sagittal alignment was not related to the JOA (p = 0.604), SF-36 (p = 0.308), VAS neck (p = 0.832), or NDI (p = 0.608) scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical laminoplasty for OPLL improved radiculomyelopathy. Cervical laminoplasty increased the probability of cervical kyphotic alignment. However, cervical sagittal alignment and clinical outcomes were not clearly related.
Synthesis of Novel 4-Thiazolidinones Linked by an Aryl Spacer to a 1,2,4-Triazine Moiety
Authors: Thabet Hamdy Khamees , Ubeid Mustafa Turki , El-Feky Said Ahmed
Published: October 2015

A series of potentially biologically active hydrazones, Schiff's base and hybrid thiazolidine-triazine derivatives have been prepared from 4-[(5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)thio]-benzaldehyde. The latter was prepared by reacting 5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine-3(2H)-thione with 4-fluorobenzaldehyde. The derivatives were then prepared by condensation of the aldehyde with hydrazines, aniline and various thiazolidin-4-ones. Their structures were established by C,H,N analyses, IR and NMR spectra.
An Optimised Procedure for PTFE Phase Vanishing Reactions: An Improved reaction Design and the use of Reagents Adsorbed on Silica
Authors: Parsons Brendon A. , Smith Olivia Lin , Dragojlovic Veljko
Published: October 2015

While the phase-vanishing (PV)-PTFE reaction design works well with a broad range of substrates and reaction conditions, there are occasional problems. A description of the problems and their importance, including their effects on the reaction outcome and ways to address them, are discussed. Details of an improved design, a hybrid of previously reported PV-PTFE and solvent-free PV-PTFE designs, is presented, as well as the use of silica-supported reagents.
A Concise Synthesis of Azoxystrobin using a Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reaction
Authors: Liu Yong-Gan , Luo Yan , Lu Yao
Published: October 2015

A simple, efficient and eco-friendly process for the synthesis in good yield of azoxystrobin from 2-bromophenol has been developed using phenolic hydroxyl protection, Grignard reaction, Suzuki cross-coupling, hydrogenation and a nucleophilic reaction on a 2-chloropyrimidine.
Synthesis of 4-Arylidene-3-Methyl-1-(4-Phenylthiazol-2-yl)-1H-Pyrazol-5(4H)-Ones through a Four-Component Condensation
Authors: Hassanabadi Alireza , Hosseini-Tabatabaei Mohammad Reza , Khandan-Barani Khatereh , Saffari Jilla
Published: October 2015

A novel method for thiazolyl-pyrazolone rings formation is established using the reaction of phenacyl bromide and thiosemicarbazide with ethyl acetoacetate in the presence of aryl aldehyde to give 4-arylidene-3-methyl-1-(4-phenylthiazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-ones in good yields.
Registration of ‘ND Henson’ Soybean
Authors: Helms T. C. , Nelson B. D.
Published: October 2015

‘ND Henson’ soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Reg. No. CV‐517, PI 675334) was first tested as ND09‐5604 and was released in January 2015 by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, North Dakota State University (NDSU), to provide producers with Maturity Group 0 conventional cultivar (relative maturity 0.0), generally adapted as a full‐season cultivar from 48 to 49° N latitude. ND Henson was evaluated by the NDSU soybean breeding program in advanced yield trials for a total of 27 location‐years that included 2011 to 2014. Testing for iron‐deficiency chlorosis (IDC) was conducted from 2012 to 2014 at a total of 10 sites located in eastern North Dakota, based on four replicates per site. Screening for resistance to races 3 and 4 of Phytophthora sojae (M.J. Kaufmann and J.W. Gerdemann) was conducted using the hypocotyl‐injection method. ND Henson was released because it has (i) resistance to races 3 and 4 of P. sojae, (ii) high yield in North Dakota environments, (iii) lodging resistance, and (iv) tolerance to IDC.
Cancer statistics: Breast cancer in situ
Authors: Ward Elizabeth M. , DeSantis Carol E. , Lin Chun Chieh , Kramer Joan L. , Jemal Ahmedin , Kohler Betsy , Brawley Otis W. , Gansler Ted
Published: October 2015

An estimated 60,290 new cases of breast carcinoma in situ are expected to be diagnosed in 2015, and approximately 1 in 33 women is likely to receive an in situ breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime. Although in situ breast cancers are relatively common, their clinical significance and optimal treatment are topics of uncertainty and concern for both patients and clinicians. In this article, the American Cancer Society provides information about occurrence and treatment patterns for the 2 major subtypes of in situ breast cancer in the United States—ductal carcinoma in situ and lobular carcinoma in situ—using data from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries and the 13 oldest Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries. The authors also present an overview of in situ breast cancer detection, treatment, risk factors, and prevention and discuss research needs and initiatives. CA Cancer J Clin 2015;65:481–495. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Fisetin, a dietary flavonoid induces apoptosis via modulating the MAPK and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways in human osteosarcoma (U-2 OS) cells
Authors: Li Jian-Ming , Li Wu-Yin , Huang Man-Yu , Zhang Xiao-Qiang
Published: October 2015

Human osteosarcoma is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor with high frequency of invasion and metastasis. Strong resistance coupled with toxicity of the currently available chemotherapeutic drugs poses challenge in treatment. The study aimed to investigate if fisetin, a dietary flavonoid induced apoptosis in human osteosarcoma (U-2 OS) cells. Fisetin at 20-100 µM effectively reduced the viability of OS cells, and induced apoptosis by significantly inducing the expression of caspases (Caspases- 3,-8 and -9) and pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bad) with subsequent down-regulation of Bcl-xL and Bcl-2. While fisetin inhibited PI3K/Akt pathway and ERK1/2, it caused enhanced expressions of p-JNK, p-c-Jun and p-p38. Fisetin-induced ROS generation and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential would have also contributed to rise in apoptotic cell counts. The observations suggest that fisetin was able to effectively induce apoptosis of U-2 OS cells through ROS generation and modulation of MAPK and PI3K/Akt signalling cascades.  

 
Long-Term Trend and Seasonal Variability of Horizontal Visibility in Nigerian Troposphere
Authors: Balarabe Mukhtar , Abdullah Khiruddin , Nawawi Mohd
Published: October 2015

A study of the long-term variability; trend and characteristics of visibility in four zones of Nigeria was carried out. Visibility and other meteorological data from NOAA-NCDC and aerosol index data over Nigeria during 1984–2013 are analyzed using time series and simple regression model. There are significant decreasing trends for every region and season during the 30-years period; the fluctuations exhibited nearly similar pattern. The 30-year mean visibilities for the four zones (Sahel; North Central; Southern; and Coastal) were 13.8 ± 3.9; 14.3 ± 4.2; 13.6 ± 3.5 and 12.8 ± 3.1 km with decreasing trends at the rates of 0.08; 0.06; 0.02 and 0.02 km/year. In all the zones; visibilities were better in summer while worse in Harmattan (dry season). During summer visibility was best in Sahel and North-central; however; in Harmattan visibility was best in southern and coastal zones. It was best between May and June (17.6; 18.9; 16.6 and 15.1 km) with a second peak in September. The 30-year seasonal averages were 16.2 ± 2.1; 16.8 ± 2.4; 15.4 ± 1.8 and 14.0 ± 2.2 km in summer; and 10.2 ± 2.5; 10.9 ± 2.9; 11.0 ± 3.3 and 11.4 ± 3.0 km in Harmattan for the respective zones. Sahel and North Central had the worse visibility reduction during Harmattan compared with Southern and coastal areas. An analysis based on simple regression equation reveals a strong and negative relationship between visibility on one hand; AI; and AOD on the other hand. The analysis also discusses the variability regarding the frequency of occurrence of a dust storm; dust haze; and good visibility over the period of study.
Energy and Environmental Evaluation of Non-Transparent Constructions of Building Envelope for Wooden Houses
Authors: Vilčeková Silvia , Čuláková Monika , Burdová Eva , Katunská Jana
Published: October 2015

The contribution of embodied energy (EE) and greenhouse gas emissions to building materials and structures has been recognized as significant, especially for nearly-zero energy-efficient buildings. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the composition of non-transparent structures of building envelopes from energy and environmental perspectives using the life-cycle assessment method. The study assesses environmental indicators such as EE from non-renewable resources and CO2eq and SO2eq emissions from proposed assemblies of building structures for nearly-zero energy wooden houses. Material compositions are also calculated in terms of selected thermal-physical aspects (U-value, phase shift of thermal oscillation, relaxation time) to ensure the reduction of energy consumption during building operation. All results are compared using a multi-dimensional evaluation approach through mathematical methods. The multi-criteria decision analysis demonstrates that material optimization of building structures is possible to ensure a marked reduction of the energy consumption and carbon footprint of buildings.