bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Trends in Nanoporous Anodized Alumina Platforms for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Sriram Ganesan , Patil Pravin , Bhat Mahesh P. , Hegde Raveendra M. , Ajeya Kanalli V. , Udachyan Iranna , Bhavya M. B. , Gatti Manasa G. , Uthappa U. T. , Neelgund Gururaj M. , Jung Ho-Young , Altalhi Tariq , Madhuprasad  , Kurkuri Mahaveer D.
Published: October 2016

Pristine aluminum (Al) has received great deal of attention on fabrication of nanoporous anodized alumina (NAA) with arrays of nanosized uniform pores with controllable pore sizes and lengths by the anodization process. There are many applications of NAA in the field of biosensors due to its numerous key factors such as ease of fabrication, high surface area, chemical stability and detection of biomolecules through bioconjugation of active molecules, its rapidness, and real-time monitoring. Herein, we reviewed the recent trends on the fabrication of NAA for high sensitive biosensor platforms like bare sensors, gold coated sensors, multilayer sensors, and microfluidic device supported sensors for the detection of various biomolecules. In addition, we have discussed the future prospectus about the improvement of NAA based biosensors for the detection of biomolecules.
Left-Sided Upper Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return through a Curved Vein Joining the Left Brachiocephalic Vein
Authors: Tricarico Eleonora , Tricarico Francesco , Florio Carlo
Published: October 2016

The evaluation of pulmonary veins during cross-sectional imaging of the chest and the knowledge of their embryology and anatomy are useful for detecting congenital conditions that may be clinically significant. Moreover, with the spread of cross-sectional imaging it is very frequent to find anatomical variants; therefore the radiologist should easily recognize their appearances. This case report shows a left-side upper partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) through a “curved” vein that joins the left brachiocephalic vein, in a female patient who underwent whole-body computed tomography (CT) for staging endometrial cancer. This was an incidental finding, not related to any symptoms; however, we explain the anatomical aspects of this abnormality within the congenital condition of PAPVR and its possible clinical relevance.
The Use of Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists for Correction of Thrombocytopenia prior to Elective Procedures in Chronic Liver Diseases: Review of Current Evidence
Authors: Qureshi Kamran , Patel Shyam , Meillier Andrew
Published: October 2016

Patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) undergo a range of invasive procedures during their clinical lifetime. Various hemostatic abnormalities are frequently identified during the periprocedural work-up; including thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia of cirrhosis is multifactorial in origin, and decreased activity of thrombopoietin has been identified to be a major cause. Liver is an important site of thrombopoietin production and its levels are decreased in patients with cirrhosis. Severe thrombocytopenia (platelet counts < 60–75,000/µL) is associated with increased risk of bleeding with invasive procedures. In recent years, compounds with thrombopoietin receptor agonist activity have been studied as therapeutic options to raise platelet counts in CLD. We reviewed the use of Eltrombopag, Romiplostim, and Avatrombopag prior to various invasive procedures in patients with CLD. These agents seem promising in raising platelet counts before elective procedures resulting in reduction in platelet transfusions, and they also enabled more patients to undergo the procedures. However, these studies were not primarily aimed at comparing bleeding episodes among groups. Use of these agents had some adverse consequences, importantly being the occurrence of portal vein thrombosis. This review highlights the need of further studies to identify reliable methods of safely reducing the provoked bleeding risk linked to thrombocytopenia in CLD.
Psychosocial Factors in End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Australia
Authors: Bale Charan , Douglas Alexandra , Jegatheesan Dev , Pham Linh , Huynh Sonny , Mulay Atul , Ranganathan Dwarakanathan
Published: October 2016

Aim. This study seeks to review the psychosocial factors affecting patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) from a tertiary hospital in Australia.Methods. We audited patients with ESKD, referred to social work services from January 2012 to December 2014. All patients underwent psychosocial assessments by one, full-time renal social worker. Patient demographics, cumulative social issues, and subsequent interventions were recorded directly into a database.Results. Of the 244 patients referred, the majority were >60 years (58.6%), male (60.7%), born in Australia (62.3%), on haemodialysis (51.6%), and reliant on government financial assistance (88%). Adjustment issues (41%), financial concerns (38.5%), domestic assistance (35.2%), and treatment nonadherence (21.3%) were the predominant reasons for social work consultation. Younger age, referral prior to start of dialysis, and unemployment were significant independent predictors of increased risk of adjustment issues (p=0.004, <0.001, and =0.018, resp.). Independent risk factors for treatment nonadherence included age and financial and employment status (p=0.041, 0.052, and 0.008, resp.).Conclusion. Psychosocial and demographic factors were associated with treatment nonadherence and adjustment difficulties. Additional social work support and counselling, in addition to financial assistance from government and nongovernment agencies, may help to improve adjustment to the diagnosis and treatment plans as patients approach ESKD.
Long-Term Variability of Extreme Significant Wave Height in the South China Sea
Authors: Osinowo Adekunle , Lin Xiaopei , Zhao Dongliang , Wang Zhifeng
Published: October 2016

This paper describes long-term spatiotemporal trends in extreme significant wave height (SWH) in the South China Sea (SCS) based on 30-year wave hindcast. High-resolution reanalysis wind field data sets are employed to drive a spectral wave model WAVEWATCH III™ (WW3). The wave hindcast information is validated using altimeter wave information (Topex/Poseidon). The model performance is satisfactory. Subsequently, the trends in yearly/seasonal/monthly mean extreme SWH are analyzed. Results showed that trends greater than 0.05 m yr−1are distributed over a large part of the central SCS. During winter, strong positive trends (0.07–0.08 m yr−1) are found in the extreme northeast SCS. Significant trends greater than 0.01 m yr−1are distributed over most parts of the central SCS in spring. In summer, significant increasing trends (0.01–0.05 m yr−1) are distributed over most regions below latitude 16°N. During autumn, strong positive trends between 0.02 and 0.08 m yr−1are found in small regions above latitude 12°N. Increasing positive trends are found to be generally significant in the central SCS in December, February, March, and July. Furthermore, temporal trend analysis showed that the extreme SWH exhibits a significant increasing trend of 0.011 m yr−1. The extreme SWH exhibits the strongest increasing trend of 0.03 m yr−1in winter and showed a decreasing trend of −0.0098 m yr−1in autumn.
Multifactorial Etiology Pulmonary Hypertension in a Patient with Sarcoidosis
Authors: Ana Terra Fonseca Barreto , Lucas Vinícius da Fonseca Barreto , Felipe Naze Rodrigues Cavalcante , Joselina Luzia Menezes Oliveira , Marcos Antônio Almeida-Santos , Juliane Dantas Seabra Garcez , José Augusto Soares Barreto-Filho , Antônio Carlos Sobral Sousa
Published: October 2016

Differential diagnosis between pre- and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with diastolic heart failure (DHF) is a challenge in clinical practice. The presence of PH is implicated in worse prognosis in patients with this disease. This case report approaches the process of investigation of pulmonary hypertension in adult patient with DHF, double mitral lesion, and sarcoidosis with poor clinical outcome.
Ovarian Carcinosarcoma and Its Association with Mature Cystic Teratoma and Primary Tubal Carcinoma
Authors: Rewsuwan Sunida , Satabongkoch Nopporn , Suprasert Prapaporn , Khunamornpong Surapan
Published: October 2016

Introduction. Carcinosarcoma is an uncommon form of ovarian cancers, classified as being part of the group of mixed epithelial and mesenchymal tumors. The occurrence of carcinosarcoma in association with a mature cystic teratoma and synchronous tubal carcinoma is very rare.Case Report. A 69-year-old woman presented with a pelvic mass. An abdominal computerized tomographic scan detected a 15 cm right pelvic mass which was suggestive of malignant transformation of a dermoid cyst. Intraoperative, bilateral ovarian masses (left 10 cm and right 12 cm) with diffuse peritoneal metastatic nodules were identified. Histologically, the left ovarian mass was composed of 2 components including carcinosarcoma and mature cystic teratoma, whereas the right ovarian mass represented a mature cystic teratoma with serosal surface involvement of high-grade serous adenocarcinoma. The left fallopian tube was macroscopically unremarkable but contained a 5.0 mm focus of high-grade serous adenocarcinoma in the distal part, with adjacent serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma.Conclusion. As the fallopian tube has recently been proposed to be an origin for a majority of pelvic or ovarian high-grade serous adenocarcinomas, tubal carcinoma may be the origin for ovarian carcinosarcomas through an epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The coexistence of ovarian carcinosarcoma and teratoma in the present case should represent a collision tumor.
Immune Complex Mediated Glomerulonephritis with Acute Thrombotic Microangiopathy following Newly Detected Hepatitis B Virus Infection in a Kidney Transplant Recipient
Authors: Salter Tracey , Burton Hannah , Douthwaite Sam , Newsholme William , Horsfield Catherine , Hilton Rachel
Published: October 2016

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) presents a risk to patients and staff in renal units. To minimise viral transmission, there are international and UK guidelines recommending HBV immunisation for patients commencing renal replacement therapy (RRT) and HBV surveillance in kidney transplant recipients. We report the case of a 56-year-old male who was immunised against HBV before starting haemodialysis. He received a deceased donor kidney transplant three years later, at which time there was no evidence of HBV infection. After a further six years he developed an acute kidney injury; allograft biopsy revealed an acute thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) with glomerulitis, peritubular capillaritis, and C4d staining. Due to a “full house” immunoprofile, tests including virological screening were undertaken, which revealed acute HBV infection. Entecavir treatment resulted in an improvement in viral load and kidney function. HBV genotyping demonstrated a vaccine escape mutant, suggesting “past resolved” infection that reactivated with immunosuppression, though posttransplant acquisition cannot be excluded. This is the first reported case of acute HBV infection associated with immune complex mediated glomerulonephritis and TMA. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of HBV surveillance in kidney transplant recipients, which although addressed by UK guidelines is not currently practiced in all UK units.
Heat Treatment of Buckypaper for Use in Volatile Organic Compounds Sampling
Authors: Oh Jonghwa , Floyd Evan L. , Parit Mahesh , Davis Virginia A. , Lungu Claudiu T.
Published: October 2016

Three types of buckypapers (BPs), two of them fabricated with arc discharge (AD) single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) (acetone-cleaned AD BP and methanol-cleaned AD BP) and one with high-pressure carbon monoxide (HiPco) SWNTs (HiPco BP), were heat-treated at different conditions to find the specific conditions for each type that improve the adsorption properties. Based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data, three heat treatment conditions were designed for the AD BPs and another three conditions for the HiPco BPs. Also, changes in weight and physical integrity before and after the heat treatment were considered. Heating at 300°C for 90 minutes was selected for acetone-cleaned AD BP, in which the BP kept its physical integrity and yielded a relatively high Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area (970 ± 18 m2/g), while methanol-cleaned AD BP was excluded because of its physical change. For HiPco BP, a condition of 300°C heating for 30 minutes was chosen as a relatively higher surface area (933 ± 54 m2/g) and less weight loss (5%) were observed.
Resistin Enhances Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Coronary Artery Tissues by Activating the NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Gao Fang , Si Feifei , Feng Siqi , Yi Qijian , Liu Ruixi
Published: October 2016

Purpose.Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis and is a leading cause of coronary artery lesions (CALs) in childhood. Our previous study has shown higher levels of serum Resistin in KD patients with coronary aneurysm. This study aimed at examining the association of Resistin with inflammatory cytokine expression in mouse model of coronary arteritis and determining the potential mechanisms.Methods.C57BL/6 mice were injected withLactobacilluscell wall extract (LCWE) to induce coronary arteritis. The relative levels of Resistin, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMP-9 expression and inflammatory infiltrates in the coronary arteries were determined longitudinally by quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, and histology. The effect of TLR4 and NF-κB activation on Resistin-induced TNF-αand IL-1βexpression in human coronary artery endothelium cells (HCAECs) was examined by quantitative RT-PCR.Results.Higher levels of Resistin, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMP-9 expression were associated with the degrees of inflammatory infiltrates in the coronary artery walls of the LCWE-injected mice. Resistin enhanced TNF-αand IL-1βexpression in HCAECs at 18 or 24 hours after stimulation. Pretreatment with anti-TLR4 attenuated Resistin-enhanced IL-1β, but not TNF-α, expression and pretreatment with parthenolide or QNZ demolished Resistin-enhanced TNF-αexpression in HACECs. Pretreatment with parthenolide, but not QNZ, blocked Resistin-enhanced IL-1βexpression in HCAECs.Conclusion.Resistin may enhance inflammation by cross-talking with TLR4/NF-κB signaling during the development of coronary arteritis in mice.
Stable Inverted Low-Bandgap Polymer Solar Cells with Aqueous Solution Processed Low-Temperature ZnO Buffer Layers
Authors: Zhang Chunfu , Pang Shangzheng , Heng Ting , You Hailong , Han Genquan , Lu Gang , He Fengqin , Jiang Qubo , Zhang Jincheng
Published: October 2016

Efficient inverted low-bandgap polymer solar cells with an aqueous solution processed low-temperature ZnO buffer layer have been investigated. The low-bandgap material PTB-7 is employed so that more solar light can be efficiently harvested, and the aqueous solution processed ZnO electron transport buffer layer is prepared at 150°C so that it can be compatible with the roll-to-roll process. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the inverted device reaches 7.12%, which is near the control conventional device. More importantly, the inverted device shows a better stability, keeping more than 90% of its original PCE after being stored for 625 hours, while PCE of the conventional device is only 75% of what it was. In addition, it is found that the ZnO thin film annealed in N2can obviously increase PCE of the inverted device further to 7.26%.
Anterior Rectal Resection in a Patient with Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease and Coexisting Collateral Pathways: Management and Pitfalls
Authors: Cherbanyk Floryn , Gassend Jean-Loup , Martinet Olivier , Andrejevic-Blant Snezana , Hoogewoud Henri-Marcel
Published: October 2016

Chronic aortoiliac occlusive disease most often affects the common iliac arteries and distal aorta but can progress all the way to the renal arteries, occluding the inferior mesenteric artery. A compensatory collateral network typically develops to preserve lower body perfusion. Inadvertent compression or ligation of such collaterals during surgery can have catastrophic consequences. In this article, we present the case of a 63-year-old patient with aortoiliac occlusive disease, requiring surgery for an adenocarcinoma of the rectosigmoid junction. A CT angiography was performed in order to map out the collateral pathways that had developed and Doppler ultrasound was used to mark their positions. The surgical procedure was adapted to his specific anatomy. A successful anterior resection was performed, and the patient made an uneventful recovery. In cases of aortoiliac obliteration, the existence of collaterals must be kept in mind and investigated with a multidisciplinary approach before any surgery is considered.
Successful Resolution of Preretinal Haemorrhage with Intravitreal Ranibizumab
Authors: Noorlaila Baharuddin , Zunaina Embong , Raja-Azmi Mohd-Noor
Published: October 2016

We would like to report two cases of preretinal haemorrhage from two different aetiology courses of bleeding being treated with intravitreal ranibizumab and its outcome. Our first case was a 39-year-old man with a diagnosis of severe aplastic anaemia that presented with bilateral premacular haemorrhages in both eyes. His right eye vision was 6/45 and it was counting finger in the left eye. He was treated with intravitreal ranibizumab once to the right eye and twice to the left eye. Right eye showed complete resolution of premacular haemorrhage and minimal residual premacular haemorrhage in the left eye at 3 months after initial presentation. Our second case was a 32-year-old healthy teacher that presented with preretinal haemorrhage at superotemporal region extending to macular area in left eye secondary to valsalva retinopathy. Her left vision was counting finger. She was treated with single intravitreal ranibizumab to the left eye. There was significant reduction of premacular haemorrhage and her left eye vision improved to 6/6 at 10 weeks after injection. Both cases had favourable outcome with intravitreal ranibizumab and can be considered as nonsurgical treatment option in treating premacular haemorrhage.
Orthodontic Traction of Impacted Canine Using Cantilever
Authors: Nakandakari Cláudia , Gonçalves João Roberto , Cassano Daniel Serra , Raveli Taísa Boamorte , Bianchi Jonas , Raveli Dirceu Barnabé
Published: October 2016

The impaction of the maxillary canines causes relevant aesthetic and functional problems. The multidisciplinary approach to the proper planning and execution of orthodontic traction of the element in question is essential. Many strategies are cited in the literature; among them is the good biomechanical control in order to avoid possible side effects. The aim of this paper is to present a case report in which a superior canine impacted by palatine was pulled out with the aid of the cantilever on the Segmented Arch Technique (SAT) concept. A 14.7-year-old female patient appeared at clinic complaining about the absence of the upper right permanent canine. The proposed treatment prioritized the traction of the upper right canine without changing the occlusion and aesthetics. For this, it only installed the upper fixed appliance (Roth with slot 0.018), opting for SAT in order to minimize unwanted side effects. The use of cantilever to the traction of the upper right canine has enabled an efficient and predictable outcome, because it is of statically determined mechanics.
A Swelling in the Mouth in a Chronic Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Devresse Arnaud , Raptis Alexandros , Claes Anne-Sophie , Labriola Laura
Published: October 2016

Oral manifestations of severe secondary hyperparathyroidism include maxillary and mandibular deformities, brown tumors, dental abnormalities, and metastatic calcification of soft tissues. We report on a chronic hemodialysis (HD) woman with severe, uncontrolled secondary hyperparathyroidism and a painful, nontender mass in the floor of her mouth. The most likely clinical diagnosis was a bone tumoral lesion of the oral cavity, secondary to renal osteodystrophy. Unexpectedly, pathological examination showed characteristic features of ossifying fibroma (OF) of the jaw, a rare, benign fibroosseous lesion characterized by the replacement of normal bone by collagen and fibroblasts containing varying amounts of mineralized substance. The occurrence of an OF in chronic HD patients is exceptional. Differential diagnosis must be made with bone tumoral lesions secondary to renal osteodystrophy. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice. The pathogenesis of OF in the setting of secondary hyperparathyroidism remains unknown. Parathyroidectomy may not be necessary to avoid OF recurrence after surgical removal.
Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Changed the Protein Expressions and Activities of Drug‐Metabolising Enzymes in the Liver of Male Rats
Authors: Sheweita Salah A. , Wally Mona , Hassan Mostafa
Published: October 2016

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major health problem and is mainly associated with the persistent inability of men to maintain sufficient erection for satisfactory sexual performance. Millions of men are using sildenafil, vardenafil, and/or tadalafil for ED treatment. Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) play a central role in the metabolism of a wide range of xenobiotics as well as endogenous compounds. Susceptibility of individuals to the adverse effects of different drugs is mainly dependent on the expression of CYPs proteins. Therefore, changes in activities of phase I drug‐metabolising enzymes [arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), dimethylnitrosamine N‐demethylase (DMN‐dI), 7‐ethoxycoumarin‐O‐deethylase (ECOD), and ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase ((EROD)] and the protein expression of different CYPs isozymes (CYP1A2, CYP2E1, CYP2B1/2, CYP3A4, CYP2C23, and CYP2C6) were determined after treatment of male rats with either low or high doses of sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and/or vardenafil (Levitra) for 3 weeks. The present study showed that low doses of tadalafil and vardenafil increased DMN‐dI activity by 32 and 23%, respectively. On the other hand, high doses of tadalafil, vardenafil, and sildenafil decreased such activity by 50, 56, and 52%, respectively. In addition, low doses of tadalafil and vardenafil induced the protein expression of CYP2E1. On the other hand, high doses of either tadalafil or sildenafil were more potent inhibitors to CYP2E1 expression than vardenafil. Moreover, low doses of both vardenafil and sildenafil markedly increased AHH activity by 162 and 247%, respectively, whereas high doses of tadalafil, vardenafil, and sildenafil inhibited such activity by 36, 49, and 57% and inhibited the EROD activity by 39, 49, and 33%, respectively. Low and high doses of tadalafil, vardenafil, and sildenafil inhibited the activity of NADPH‐cytochrome c reductase as well as its protein expression. In addition, such drugs inhibited the expression of CYP B1/2 along with its corresponding enzyme marker ECOD activity. It is concluded that changes in the expression and activity of phase I drug‐metabolising enzymes could change the normal metabolic pathways and might enhance the deleterious effects of exogenous as well as endogenous compounds.
Common Symptoms from an Uncommon Infection: Gastrointestinal Anisakiasis
Authors: Shimamura Yuto , Muwanwella Niroshan , Chandran Sujievvan , Kandel Gabor , Marcon Norman
Published: October 2016

Clinicians can be forgiven for thinking of anisakiasis as a rare condition low in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain. Gastrointestinal anisakiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by consumption of raw or undercooked seafood infected with nematodes of the genusAnisakis. Even though the reported cases indicate that this is a rare disease, the true incidence of the disease could be potentially higher than what is reported in the literature as cases can go undiagnosed. Diagnosis and treatment of gastric anisakiasis are made by a compatible dietary history, direct visualization, and removal of the larvae via gastroscopy. Serologic testing and imaging studies are useful in the diagnosis of intestinal anisakiasis and conservative management should be considered. This disease may mimic other diseases and lead to unnecessary surgery. This emphasizes the importance of suspecting gastrointestinal anisakiasis by history taking and by other diagnostic modalities.
Chronic Disseminated Candidiasis Complicated by Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Zając-Spychała Olga , Ukielska Bogna , Jończyk-Potoczna Katarzyna , Konatkowska Benigna , Wachowiak Jacek
Published: October 2016

Hepatosplenic candidiasis also known as chronic disseminated candidiasis is a rare manifestation of invasive fungal infection typically observed in patients with acute leukemia in prolonged, deep neutropenia. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is an inflammatory disorder triggered by rapid resolution of neutropenia. Diagnosis and treatment of IRIS are still challenging due to a variety of clinical symptoms, lack of certain diagnostic criteria, and no standards of treatment. The diagnosis of IRIS is even more difficult in patients with hematological malignancies complicated by “probable” invasive fungal infection, when fungal pathogen is still uncertain. We report a case of probable hepatic candidiasis in 4-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Despite proper antifungal therapy, there was no clinical and radiological improvement, so diagnosis ofCandida-related IRIS was made and corticosteroid therapy was added to antifungal treatment achieving prompt resolution of infection symptoms.
Through-Thickness Compression Testing of Commercially Pure (Grade II) Titanium Thin Sheet to Large Strains
Authors: Smith K. K. , Kassner M. E.
Published: October 2016

This study examined the through-thickness (z-direction) compressive stress versus strain behavior of 99.76% commercially pure (grade II) titanium sheet with relatively small grain size. The current study complemented earlier compression studies by examining a very thin (1.60 mm) sheet and deforming the Ti by successive compression tests to relatively large strains. The low aspect ratio, of the compression specimens extracted from the sheet, led to frictional effects that can create high triaxial stresses complicating the uniaxial stress versus strain behavior analysis. Nonetheless, reasonable estimates were made of the through-thickness large-strain behavior of a commercially pure (grade II) thin Ti sheet to relatively large true strains of about 1.0.
Repair Injured Heart by Regulating Cardiac Regenerative Signals
Authors: Cai Wen-Feng , Liu Guan-Sheng , Wang Lei , Paul Christian , Wen Zhi-Li , Wang Yigang
Published: October 2016

Cardiac regeneration is a homeostatic cardiogenic process by which the sections of malfunctioning adult cardiovascular tissues are repaired and renewed employing a combination of both cardiomyogenesis and angiogenesis. Unfortunately, while high‐quality regeneration can be performed in amphibians and zebrafish hearts, mammalian hearts do not respond in kind. Indeed, a long‐term loss of proliferative capacity in mammalian adult cardiomyocytes in combination with dysregulated induction of tissue fibrosis impairs mammalian endogenous heart regenerative capacity, leading to deleterious cardiac remodeling at the end stage of heart failure. Interestingly, several studies have demonstrated that cardiomyocyte proliferation capacity is retained in mammals very soon after birth, and cardiac regeneration potential is correspondingly preserved in some preadolescent vertebrates after myocardial infarction. There is therefore great interest in uncovering the molecular mechanisms that may allow heart regeneration during adult stages. This review will summarize recent findings on cardiac regenerative regulatory mechanisms, especially with respect to extracellular signals and intracellular pathways that may provide novel therapeutics for heart diseases. Particularly, both in vitro and in vivo experimental evidences will be presented to highlight the functional role of these signaling cascades in regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation, cardiomyocyte growth, and maturation, with special emphasis on their responses to heart tissue injury.
Cognitive Function in Parkinson’s Disease Patients with and without Anxiety
Authors: Ehgoetz Martens K. A. , Szeto J. Y. Y. , Muller A. J. , Hall J. M. , Gilat M. , Walton C. C. , Lewis S. J. G.
Published: October 2016

Research on the implications of anxiety in Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been neglected despite its prevalence in nearly 50% of patients and its negative impact on quality of life. Previous reports have noted that neuropsychiatric symptoms impair cognitive performance in PD patients; however, to date, no study has directly compared PD patients with and without anxiety to examine the impact of anxiety on cognitive impairments in PD. This study compared cognitive performance across 50 PD participants with and without anxiety (17 PDA+; 33 PDA−), who underwent neurological and neuropsychological assessment. Group performance was compared across the following cognitive domains: simple attention/visuomotor processing speed, executive function (e.g., set-shifting), working memory, language, and memory/new verbal learning. Results showed that PDA+ performed significantly worse on the Digit Span forward and backward test and Part B of the Trail Making Task (TMT-B) compared to the PDA− group. There were no group differences in verbal fluency, logical memory, or TMT-A performance. In conclusion, anxiety in PD has a measurable impact on working memory and attentional set-shifting.
A Low Complexity All-Digital Background Calibration Technique for Time-Interleaved ADCs
Authors: Chen Hongmei , Yin Yongsheng , Deng Honghui , Lin Fujiang
Published: October 2016

A low complexity all-digital background calibration technique based on statistics is proposed. The basic idea of the statistics calibration technique is that the output average energy of each channel of TIADC will be consistent ideally, since each channel samples the same input signal, and therefore the energy deviation directly reflects the mismatch errors of channels. In this work, the offset mismatch and gain mismatch are calibrated by an adaptive statistics calibration algorithm based on LMS iteration; the timing mismatch is estimated by performing the correlation calculation of the outputs of subchannels and corrected by an improved fractional delay filter based on Farrow structure. Applied to a four-channel 12-bit 400 MHz TIADC, simulation results show that, with calibration, the SNDR raises from 22.5 dB to 71.8 dB and ENOB rises from 3.4 bits to 11.6 bits for a 164.6 MHz sinusoidal input. Compared with traditional methods, the proposed schemes are more feasible to implement and consume less hardware resources.
Tibiofibula Transposition in High-Energy Fractures
Authors: Loughenbury Peter R. , Gledhill Rebecca A. , Evans Nick
Published: October 2016

We report two cases of failed attempts at closed reduction of high-energy tibial fractures with an associated fibula fracture. The first case was a 39-year-old male involved in high-speed motorbike collision, while the second was a 14-year-old male who injured his leg following a fall of three metres. Emergency medical services at the scenes of the accidents reported a 90-degree valgus deformity of the injured limb and both limbs were realigned on scene and stabilized. Adequate alignment of the tibia could not be achieved by manipulation under sedation or anaesthesia. Open reduction and exposure of the fracture sites revealed that the distal fibula fragment was “transposed” and entrapped in the medulla of the proximal tibial fragment. Reduction required simulation of the mechanism of injury in order to disengage the fragments and allow reduction. Tibiofibula transposition is a rare complication of high-energy lower limb fractures which has not previously been reported and may prevent adequate closed reduction. Impaction of the distal fibula within the tibial medulla occurs as the limb is realigned by paramedic staff before transfer to hospital. We recommend that when this complication is identified the patient is transferred to the operating room for open reduction and stabilization of the fracture.
Leg Lengthening as a Means of Improving Ambulation Following an Internal Hemipelvectomy
Authors: Sato Wakyo , Okazaki Hiroshi , Goto Takahiro
Published: October 2016

Reconstructive surgery following an internal hemipelvectomy for a malignant pelvic tumor is difficult due to the structural complexity of the pelvis and the massive extension of the tumor. While high complication rates have been encountered in various types of reconstructive surgery, resection without reconstruction reportedly involved fewer complications. However, this method often results in limb shortening with resultant instability during walking. We reported herein leg lengthening performed to correct lower limb shortening after an internal hemipelvectomy, which improved ambulatory stability and overall QOL. An 18-year-old male patient came to our hospital to correct a lower limb discrepancy resulting from a left internal hemipelvectomy. His left pelvis and proximal femur had been resected, and the femur remained without an acetabular roof. His left lower limb was about 8 centimeters shorter. The left tibia was lengthened 8 centimeters with an external fixator. After the lengthening, the patient was able to walk without support and his gait remarkably improved. Additionally he no longer required placing a wallet in his back pocket as a pad as a means of raising the left side of his torso while sitting. Leg lengthening was a useful method of improving ambulation after an internal hemipelvectomy.
Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury by Regulation of Autophagy and Apoptosis
Authors: Shu Shi , Li Chun-Ming , You Yan-Li , Qian Xiao-Lu , Zhou Shuang , Ling Chang-quan
Published: October 2016

Background. The therapeutic mechanisms of cerebral ischemia treatment by acupuncture are yet not well addressed. Objective. We investigated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at GV26 observing the expression of autophagy‐related proteins Beclin‐1 and LC3B and proportion of apoptotic cells and Bcl‐2 positive cells in MCAO/R model rats. Methods. Sprague‐Dawley (SD) male rats were randomly assigned to 7 groups: model groups (M6h, M24h, and M72h), EA treatment groups (T6h, T24h, and T72h), and sham operation group (S). Neurological deficit and cerebral infarction volume were measured to assess the improvement effect, while the expression of Beclin‐1 and LC3B and proportion of Tunel‐positive and Bcl‐2 positive cells were examined to explore EA effect on autophagy and apoptosis. Results. EA significantly decreased neurological deficit scores and the volume of cerebral infarction. Beclin‐1 was significantly decreased in T24h, while LC3B‐II/LC3B‐I ratio markedly reduced in 6th hour. EA groups markedly reduced the number of Tunel positive cells, especially in T24h. Meanwhile, the number of Bcl‐2 positive cells obviously increased after EA treatment, especially in T6h and T24h. Conclusions. The alleviation of inadequate autophagy and apoptosis may be a key mechanism involved in the reflex regulation of EA at GV26 to treat cerebral ischemia.
Uveitis and Myositis as Immune Complications in Chemorefractory NK/T-Cell Nasal-Type Lymphoma Successfully Treated with Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplant
Authors: Gómez-Crespo Maria José , García-Raso Aránzazu , López-Lorenzo Jose Luis , Villaescusa Teresa , Rodríguez-Pinilla María , Fortes José , Serrano Cristina , Machan Salma , Llamas Pilar , Córdoba Raúl
Published: October 2016

NK/T-cell lymphomas are a group of clonal proliferations of NK- or, rarely, T-cell types and have peculiar clinicopathologic features. Most common site of involvement is the upper aerodigestive tract (nasal cavity, nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, and palate). Association of autoimmune paraneoplastic disorders with NK/T-cell lymphomas is not well studied. Our patient was diagnosed with NK/T-cell lymphoma stage IV with skin involvement and treated frontline with CHOEP regimen. While he was under treatment, two immune complications presented: anterior uveitis of autoimmune origin refractory to steroids and myositis in lower limbs muscles. Autologous transplantation was rejected due to confirmed early relapse after first-line treatment, and the patient received second-line treatment according to the SMILE scheme, reaching complete response after four cycles. The patient underwent allogeneic transplantation and at the time of manuscript preparation is alive despite multiple complications. The disease should be suspected in patients with rhinitis or recurrent sinusitis, and early biopsy is recommended for all patients to avoid a delay in diagnosis. Our patient also presented symptoms of disease progression after first-line treatment, representing a paraneoplastic process, a very rare phenomenon in T-type lymphomas. This case is novel for the appearance of an inflammatory myositis, a histologically verified paraneoplastic phenomenon that responded to treatment for lymphoma.
Butterfly Species Diversity in Protected and Unprotected Habitat of Ise Forest Reserve, Ise Ekiti, Ekiti State
Authors: Orimaye Jacob Olufemi , Odunayo Ogunyemi Olumide , Okosodo Ehi Francis , Ojo Victor Abiodun , Agbelusi Tejumola Olayinka
Published: October 2016

This study investigated butterfly diversity in the protected area (PA) and unprotected area (UPA) of Ise Forest reserve, Ise Ekiti, Ekiti State, using sweep net along existing trails. Butterfly species seen in the study sites were captured and released after proper identification was made. The results indicated that a total of 837 butterflies were identified in the study sites with 661 species observed in PA and 176 species in UPA. Butterfly species diversity was significantly different (p≤0.05) between PA and UPA. Shannon diversity index was higher in PA (3.59) than UPA (3.27) as against Menhinick’s index, higher in UPA (2.11) than in PA (1.52). Likewise, 10 families of butterflies were recorded in PA and 8 families in UPA. The family with highest species occurrence was Satyridae (17.9%) in PA and Lycaenidae in UPA with 20.1%. Butterfly families’ diversity was not significant (p≥0.05) between the two study sites. Ise Forest Reserve recorded approximately 6.6% of all butterflies recorded in West Africa. The findings indicated that mature secondary and regenerated forests supported high butterfly diversity and species richness, while cultivated land and grassland had a negative impact on butterfly community suggesting the negative effect of agricultural activities on the ecosystem.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Near-Field Mixing in Parallel Dual Round Jets
Authors: Zheng Xie , Jian Xie , Wei Jiang , Wenzheng Du
Published: October 2016

Parallel underexpanded round jets system has been widely used in engineering applications, and the flow field structures are very complex because of the jets interaction. In this paper, we studied the near-field mixing phenomenon in parallel dual underexpanded jets numerically by solving the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes Equations. The numerical results agree well with experimental data acquired by particle image velocimetry. Similar to plane jets, to some degree, two round jets are deflected towards the dual nozzle symmetry plane; the flow field can also be divided into three regions. Meanwhile, attempts have been made to predict merge point and combine point locations on certain cross profile of computational domain by correlating them with jet spacing and jet pressure ratio. The jet spacing plays an important role in jets interaction, and jet interaction decreases with the increase in jet spacing. The jets interaction in terms of merge (combine) point and pressure varies significantly while the jet spacing differs. Additionally, as pressure ratio increases, the effect of jet interaction decreases, and the merge (combine) point location moves downstream.
Inhibitory Effect ofEnterococcus faeciumWB2000 on Volatile Sulfur Compound Production byPorphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Suzuki Nao , Higuchi Takuya , Nakajima Masato , Fujimoto Akie , Morita Hiromitsu , Yoneda Masahiro , Hanioka Takashi , Hirofuji Takao
Published: October 2016

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced by oral anaerobes are the major compounds responsible for oral malodor.Enterococcus faeciumWB2000 is recognized as an antiplaque probiotic bacterium. In this study, the effect ofE. faeciumWB2000 on VSC production byPorphyromonas gingivaliswas evaluated, and the mechanism of inhibition of oral malodor was investigated.P. gingivalisATCC 33277 was cultured in the presence of four lactic acid bacteria, includingE. faeciumWB2000. Subsequently,P. gingivalisATCC 33277, W50, W83, and two clinical isolates were cultured in the presence or absence ofE. faeciumWB2000, and the emission of VSCs from spent culture medium was measured by gas chromatography. The number ofP. gingivalisATCC 33277 in mixed culture withE. faeciumWB2000 decreased at 6 h, and the rate of decrease was higher than that in mixed cultures with the other lactic acid bacteria. The numbers of fiveP. gingivalisstrains decreased at similar rates in mixed culture withE. faeciumWB2000. The concentration of methyl mercaptan was lower in spent culture medium fromP. gingivalisandE. faeciumWB2000 cultures compared with that fromP. gingivalisalone. Therefore,E. faeciumWB2000 may reduce oral malodor by inhibiting the growth ofP. gingivalisand neutralizing methyl mercaptan.
Successful Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion with the New Generation Amulet® Device after Late-Occurring Embolization of an Amplatzer® Cardiac Plug in a Patient with Repetitive Strokes
Authors: Schroeter Marco R. , Schillinger Wolfgang
Published: October 2016

The Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) is one of the most commonly used devices for percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure in order to prevent a stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindication for long-term oral anticoagulation therapy. We have previously described a patient who had experienced an embolization of the ACP device about 12 months after implantation and the device could be percutaneously retrieved. A few years later, he suffered from a posterior stroke and a stroke located in the brainstem as well as a transischemic attack (TIA). In order to protect him from further cardioembolic events a reocclusion of the LAA with the new generation of ACP device, the Amplatzer Amulet, was performed. A stable position of the device within follow-up period could be confirmed and the patient was free of additional strokes/TIA or bleeding events. This case stresses the importance of proper LAA sizing in order to prevent device embolization and notes that LAA size is not static. Moreover, it demonstrates that repeated implantation of an LAA occlusion device was still possible; one should be aware of undersizing the LAA dimensions and that the modifications of new generation LAA occlusion devices may overcome limitations of first-generation devices in order to prevent a cardioembolic stroke.
Prediction of Early Recurrence of Liver Cancer by a Novel Discrete Bayes Decision Rule for Personalized Medicine
Authors: Ogihara Hiroyuki , Iizuka Norio , Hamamoto Yoshihiko
Published: October 2016

We discuss a novel diagnostic method for predicting the early recurrence of liver cancer with high accuracy for personalized medicine. The difficulty with cancer treatment is that even if the types of cancer are the same, the cancers vary depending on the patient. Thus, remarkable attention has been paid to personalized medicine. Unfortunately, although the Tokyo Score, the Modified JIS, and the TNM classification have been proposed as liver scoring systems, none of these scoring systems have met the needs of clinical practice. In this paper, we convert continuous and discrete data to categorical data and keep the natively categorical data as is. Then, we propose a discrete Bayes decision rule that can deal with the categorical data. This may lead to its use with various types of laboratory data. Experimental results show that the proposed method produced a sensitivity of 0.86 and a specificity of 0.49 for the test samples. This suggests that our method may be superior to the well-known Tokyo Score, the Modified JIS, and the TNM classification in terms of sensitivity. Additional comparative study shows that if the numbers of test samples in two classes are the same, this method works well in terms of theF1measure compared to the existing scoring methods.
An Architecture for Hybrid Manufacturing Combining 3D Printing and CNC Machining
Authors: Müller Marcel , Wings Elmar
Published: October 2016

Additive manufacturing is one of the key technologies of the 21st century. Additive manufacturing processes are often combined with subtractive manufacturing processes to create hybrid manufacturing because it is useful for manufacturing complex parts, for example, 3D printed sensor systems. Currently, several CNC machines are required for hybrid manufacturing: one machine is required for additive manufacturing and one is required for subtractive manufacturing. Disadvantages of conventional hybrid manufacturing methods are presented. Hybrid manufacturing with one CNC machine offers many advantages. It enables manufacturing of parts with higher accuracy, less production time, and lower costs. Using the example of fused layer modeling (FLM), we present a general approach for the integration of additive manufacturing processes into a numerical control for machine tools. The resulting CNC architecture is presented and its functionality is demonstrated. Its application is beyond the scope of this paper.
Einstein and Møller Energy-Momentum Complexes for a New Regular Black Hole Solution with a Nonlinear Electrodynamics Source
Authors: Radinschi Irina , Rahaman Farook , Grammenos Theophanes , Islam Sayeedul
Published: October 2016

A study about the energy and momentum distributions of a new charged regular black hole solution with a nonlinear electrodynamics source is presented. The energy and momentum are calculated using the Einstein and Møller energy-momentum complexes. The results show that in both pseudotensorial prescriptions the expressions for the energy of the gravitational background depend on the massMand the chargeqof the black hole, an additional factorβcoming from the spacetime metric considered, and the radial coordinater, while in both prescriptions all the momenta vanish. Further, it is pointed out that in some limiting and particular cases the two complexes yield the same expression for the energy distribution as that obtained in the relevant literature for the Schwarzschild black hole solution.
Subnormothermic Perfusion in the Isolated Rat Liver Preserves the Antioxidant Glutathione and Enhances the Function of the Ubiquitin Proteasome System
Authors: Carbonell Teresa , Alva Norma , Sanchez-Nuño Sergio , Dewey Shannamar , Gomes Aldrin V.
Published: October 2016

The reduction of oxidative stress is suggested to be one of the main mechanisms to explain the benefits of subnormothermic perfusion against ischemic liver damage. In this study we investigated the early cellular mechanisms induced in isolated rat livers after 15 min perfusion at temperatures ranging from normothermia (37°C) to subnormothermia (26°C and 22°C). Subnormothermic perfusion was found to maintain hepatic viability. Perfusion at 22°C raised reduced glutathione levels and the activity of glutathione reductase; however, lipid and protein oxidation still occurred as determined by malondialdehyde, 4‐hydroxynonenal‐protein adducts, and advanced oxidation protein products. In livers perfused at 22°C the lysosomal and ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) were both activated. The 26S chymotrypsin‐like (β5) proteasome activity was significantly increased in the 26°C (46%) and 22°C (42%) groups. The increased proteasome activity may be due to increased Rpt6 Ser120 phosphorylation, which is known to enhance 26S proteasome activity. Together, our results indicate that the early events produced by subnormothermic perfusion in the liver can induce oxidative stress concomitantly with antioxidant glutathione preservation and enhanced function of the lysosomal and UPS systems. Thus, a brief hypothermia could trigger antioxidant mechanisms and may be functioning as a preconditioning stimulus.