bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Patient Weight and Provider Training and Experience on Dosing of Rocuronium
Authors: Godwin N. C. , Rodriguez L. , Banks S. , Major B. T. , Rodriguez Y.
Published: June 2016

Introduction. Maintenance dosing of neuromuscular blocking agents is complex and varies with patient, procedure, and clinical situation. With this in mind, we sought to identify factors impacting the maintenance dosing of neuromuscular blockers as a step toward identifying best practice with respect to minimizing residual neuromuscular blockade.Methods. Cases utilizing rocuronium from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2014, at the sponsoring institution were analyzed. Using a mixed model to account for repeated measures, patients were analyzed by dose and weight category as defined by the World Health Organization (eight categories ranging from very severely underweight to very severely obese) as well as by the administering provider’s level of experience.Results. The study included 12,671 patients with a mean age of 49.7 (SD 16.7). Increasing weight category and higher levels of provider experience were associated with higher doses for rocuronium. There were no differences in initial dose or in frequency of maintenance dosing by weight category after controlling for case length.Discussion. The two dosing patterns identified, higher doses for overweight patients and higher doses administered by experienced providers, are modifiable factors that could enhance patient safety.
First Case of Lung Abscess due toSalmonella entericaSerovar Abony in an Immunocompetent Adult Patient
Authors: Pitiriga Vassiliki , Dendrinos John , Nikitiadis Emanuel , Vrioni Georgia , Tsakris Athanassios
Published: June 2016

In healthy individuals, nontyphoidalSalmonellaspecies predominantly cause a self-limited form of gastroenteritis, while they infrequently invade or cause fatal disease. Extraintestinal manifestations of nontyphoidalSalmonellainfections are not common and mainly occur among individuals with specific risk factors; among them, focal lung infection is a rare complication caused by nontyphoidalSalmonellastrains typically occurring in immunocompromised patients with prior lung disease. We describe the first case of a localized lung abscess formation in an immunocompetent healthy female adult due toSalmonella entericaserovar Abony. The patient underwent lobectomy and was discharged after full clinical recovery. This case report highlights nontyphoidalSalmonellaeinfections as a potential causative agent of pleuropulmonary infections even in immunocompetent healthy adults.
Histiocytic Sarcoma Associated with Coombs Negative Acute Hemolytic Anemia: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Batra Sandeep , Martin Stephen C. , Nassiri Mehdi , Qureshi Amna , Markel Troy A.
Published: June 2016

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) rarely involves extranodal sites, such as the spleen. We report a unique pediatric case of massive splenomegaly and refractory Coombs negative hemolytic anemia (CNHA) secondary to HS. The CNHA resolved completely after an emergent splenectomy. Next generation sequencing (NGS) revealed novel ASXL1, PTPN11, KIT, and TP53 mutations, unmasking a clonal heterogeneity within the same neoplasm.
Antimicrobial Doses in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: A Comparison of Dosing Strategies
Authors: Kempke Anna P. , Leino Abbie S. , Daneshvar Farzad , Lee John Andrew , Mueller Bruce A.
Published: June 2016

Purpose. Drug dose recommendations are not well defined in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) due to limited published data. Several guidelines and pharmacokinetic equations have been proposed as tools for CRRT drug dosing. Dose recommendations derived from these methods have yet to be compared or prospectively evaluated.Methods. A literature search of PubMed, Micromedex, and Embase was conducted for 40 drugs commonly used in the ICU to gather pharmacokinetic data acquired from patients with acute and chronic kidney disease as well as healthy volunteers. These data and that obtained from drug package inserts were gathered for use in three published CRRT drug dosing equations. Doses calculated for a model patient using each method were compared to doses suggested in a commonly used dosing text.Results. Full pharmacokinetic data was available for 18, 31, and 40 agents using acute kidney injury, end stage renal disease, and normal patient data, respectively. On average, calculated doses differed by 30% or more from the doses recommended by the renal dosing text for >50% of the medications.Conclusion. Wide variability in dose recommendations for patients undergoing CRRT exists when these equations are used. Alternate, validated dosing methods need to be developed for this at-risk patient population.
Analgesic Neural Circuits Are Activated by Electroacupuncture at Two Sets of Acupoints
Authors: Hu Man-Li , Qiu Zheng-Ying , Hu Kuang , Ding Ming-Xing
Published: June 2016

To investigate analgesic neural circuits activated by electroacupuncture (EA) at different sets of acupoints in the brain, goats were stimulated by EA at set of Baihui‐Santai acupoints or set of Housanli acupoints for 30 min. The pain threshold was measured using the potassium iontophoresis method. The levels of c‐Fos were determined with Streptavidin‐Biotin Complex immunohistochemistry. The results showed pain threshold induced by EA at set of Baihui‐Santai acupoints was 44.74% ± 4.56% higher than that by EA at set of Housanli acupoints (32.64% ± 5.04%). Compared with blank control, EA at two sets of acupoints increased c‐Fos expression in the medial septal nucleus (MSN), the arcuate nucleus (ARC), the nucleus amygdala basalis (AB), the lateral habenula nucleus (HL), the ventrolateral periaqueductal grey (vlPAG), the locus coeruleus (LC), the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM), the pituitary gland, and spinal cord dorsal horn (SDH). Compared with EA at set of Housanli points, EA at set of Baihui‐Santai points induced increased c‐Fos expression in AB but decrease in MSN, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, HL, and SDH. It suggests that ARC‐PAG‐NRM/LC‐SDH and the hypothalamus‐pituitary may be the common activated neural pathways taking part in EA‐induced analgesia at the two sets of acupoints.
Triple Valvulopathy and Jaccoud’s Arthropathy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Naderi Mahabadi Ali , Alhaddad Bassam , Ballou Stanley
Published: June 2016

Cardiac involvement is fairly common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It may involve all layers of the heart and coronary arteries as well as the heart valves. We report an extremely rare presentation of valvulitis and valvular dysfunction associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. This is the first case of lupus valvulitis which required three mechanical prosthetic valve replacements with disease recurrence leading to a fatal outcome. This is, in our point of view, the consequence of aggressive natural history of the disease and perhaps late diagnosis and treatment of underlying SLE which was unsuccessful.
Constituents of French Marigold (Tagetes patula L.) Flowers Protect Jurkat T‐Cells against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Chkhikvishvili Irakli , Sanikidze Tamar , Gogia Nunu , Enukidze Maia , Machavariani Marine , Kipiani Nana , Vinokur Yakov , Rodov Victor
Published: June 2016

The flowers of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) are widely used in folk medicine, in particular for treating inflammation‐related disorders. However, cellular mechanisms of this activity demand further investigation. In the present work, we studied the potential of T. patula compounds to alleviate the oxidative stress in hydrogen peroxide‐challenged human lymphoblastoid Jurkat T‐cells. Crude extracts of marigold flowers and purified fractions containing flavonoids patuletin, quercetagetin, and quercetin and their derivatives, as well as the carotenoid lutein, were brought in contact with Jurkat cells challenged with 25 or 50 μM H2O2. Hydrogen peroxide caused oxidative stress in the cells, manifested as generation of superoxide and peroxyl radicals, reduced viability, arrested cell cycle, and enhanced apoptosis. The stress was alleviated by marigold ingredients that demonstrated high radical‐scavenging capacity and enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes involved in neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Flavonoid fraction rich in quercetin and quercetagetin showed the highest cytoprotective activity, while patuletin in high dose exerted a cytotoxic effect associated with its anticancer potential. T. patula compounds enhanced the production of anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in Jurkat cells. Both direct radical‐scavenging capacity and stimulation of protective cellular mechanisms can underlay the anti‐inflammatory properties of marigold flowers.
Finite Element Simulation and X-Ray Microdiffraction Study of Strain Partitioning in a Layered Nanocomposite
Authors: Barabash R. I. , Agarwal V. , Koric S. , Jasiuk I. , Tischler J. Z.
Published: June 2016

The depth-dependent strain partitioning across the interfaces in the growth direction of the NiAl/Cr(Mo) nanocomposite between the Cr and NiAl lamellae was directly measured experimentally and simulated using a finite element method (FEM). Depth-resolved X-ray microdiffraction demonstrated that in the as-grown state both Cr and NiAl lamellae grow along the 111 direction with the formation of as-grown distinct residual ~0.16% compressive strains for Cr lamellae and ~0.05% tensile strains for NiAl lamellae. Three-dimensional simulations were carried out using an implicit FEM. First simulation was designed to study residual strains in the composite due to cooling resulting in formation of crystals. Strains in the growth direction were computed and compared to those obtained from the microdiffraction experiments. Second simulation was conducted to understand the combined strains resulting from cooling and mechanical indentation of the composite. Numerical results in the growth direction of crystal were compared to experimental results confirming the experimentally observed trends.
Relevance of 3D Cholangiography and Transient Elastography to Assess Cystic Fibrosis-Associated Liver Disease?
Authors: Lemaitre C. , Dominique S. , Billoud E. , Eliezer M. , Montialoux H. , Quillard M. , Riachi G. , Koning E. , Morisse-Pradier H. , Savoye G. , Savoye-Collet C. , Goria O.
Published: June 2016

Background.Cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease (CFLD) is a major cause of death. The objective of our retrospective study was to describe the relevance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) for CFLD evaluation.Methods.All cystic fibrosis adult patients evaluated by MRI and LSM were included. MR signs of portal hypertension (PHT), dysmorphia, or cholangitis were collected and LSM expressed in kPa and Metavir.Results.Of 25 patients, 52% had abnormal MRI. Median LSM was 5.7 kPa (3.4–9.9). Three patients had F2 score and one had F3 score. In patients with PHT, LSM was 7.85 kPa (3.7–9.9) compared to 5 (3.4–7.5) in others,p=0.02. In patients with abnormal liver function tests, 50% had increased LSM (≥F2), whereas 94% with normal tests had normal LSM (p=0.04). Seven patients had abnormal MRI despite normal ultrasonography.Conclusions.MRI and LSM provide useful information on CFLD and may help to screen patients with PHT.
A Case of Chyloperitoneum Secondary to Follicular Lymphoma and a Review of Prognostic Implications
Authors: Jagosky Megan , Taylor Brice , Taylor Stephanie Parks
Published: June 2016

Chyloperitoneum, or chylous ascites, is a rare condition characterized by milky-appearing fluid with elevated triglyceride content and the presence of chylomicrons. Malignancy, specifically lymphoma, is reported to be the predominant cause in Western countries. Previously, the prognosis for patients with chyloperitoneum due to lymphoma has been reported as poor. We present a case of chyloperitoneum and chylothorax due to follicular lymphoma with excellent response to bendamustine and Rituxan. A review of the literature indicates that patients with chyloperitoneum associated with lymphoma generally have a favorable response to contemporary treatment regimens.
Effect of Temperature Variation on Modal Frequency of Reinforced Concrete Slab and Beam in Cold Regions
Authors: Liu Hanbing , Wang Xianqiang , Jiao Yubo
Published: June 2016

Changes of modal frequencies induced by temperature variation can be more obvious than those caused by structural damage, which will lead to the false damage identification results. Therefore, quantifying the temperature effect on modal frequencies is a critical step to eliminate its interference in damage detection. Due to the nonuniform and time-dependent characteristics of temperature distribution, it is insufficient to obtain the reliable relationships between temperatures and modal frequencies using temperatures in air or at surface. In this paper, correlations between measured temperatures (air temperature, surface temperature, mean temperature, etc.) and modal frequencies for the slab and beam are comparatively analyzed. And the quantitative models are constructed considering nonuniform temperature distribution. Firstly, the reinforced concrete slab and beam were constructed and placed outside the laboratory to be monitored. Secondly, the correlation coefficients between modal frequencies and three kinds of temperatures are calculated, respectively. Thirdly, simple linear regression models between mean temperature and modal frequencies are established for the slab and beam. Finally, five temperature variables are selected to construct the multiple linear regression models. Prediction results reveal that the proposed multiple linear regression models possess favorable accuracy to quantify the temperature effect on modal frequencies considering nonuniform temperature distribution.
Simultaneous Determination of Catalpol, Aucubin, and Geniposidic Acid in Different Developmental Stages ofRehmannia glutinosaLeaves by High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Liao Dengqun , Qin Minjian , Li Xian’en
Published: June 2016

AlthoughR. glutinosaroots are currently the only organ source in clinics, its leaves are a potential supplement for the roots especially in extraction of some important bioactive compounds. Our early work found that the contents of catalpol and total iridoid glycosides varied among different developmental stages ofR. glutinosaleaves. Aucubin and geniposidic acid, the abundant major bioactive compounds inEucommia ulmoidesandGardenia jasminoides, respectively, were found present inR. glutinosaroots, however, and have not been analyzed in its leaves. In this paper, we aimed to determine contents of these three iridoid glycosides in different developmental stages ofR. glutinosaleaves using the optimized HPLC-UV conditions. Our results showed that aucubin and GPA inR. glutinosaleaves were much lower than catalpol and showed the increasing trend with the leaf development, which was different from catalpol. This work provided the important information for future exploitation ofR. glutinosaleaves as a potential supplement for its roots in extraction of some important bioactive compounds and studying the relationship of aucubin and catalpol metabolism.
Bupropion Induced Hyponatremia in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Munjal Sahil , Smolin Yvette
Published: June 2016

We present the case of a 72-year-old female with a major depressive episode who developed hyponatremia associated with bupropion. In reviewing the literature, there are only a few case reports which pertain to this topic. The clinical symptoms of hyponatremia can be misinterpreted as a worsening of the primary psychiatric illness and can lead to potentially serious consequences if not fully evaluated. We recommend that clinicians should be well aware of this side effect and that sodium levels should be checked within the first 2 weeks after initiating treatment in patients, especially those with additional risk factors for hyponatremia, such as older age, female sex, diuretic use, low BMI, and unexplained mental status changes at any time during treatment with antidepressants. The risk for hyponatremia associated with mirtazapine appears to be low and its use can be helpful in patients who have developed hyponatremia induced by other antidepressants and who experienced symptoms of weight loss and insomnia.
Hyperglycemia Promotes the Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition of Pancreatic Cancer via Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Lun , Chen Xin , Jiang Zhengdong , Zong Liang , Ma Qingyong
Published: June 2016

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and pancreatic cancer are intimately related, as approximately 85% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have impaired glucose tolerance or even DM. Our previous studies have indicated that high glucose could promote the invasive and migratory abilities of pancreatic cancer cells. We therefore explored the underlying mechanism that hyperglycemia modulates the metastatic potential of pancreatic cancer. Our data showed that streptozotocin‐ (STZ‐) treated diabetic nude mice exhibit larger tumor size than that of the euglycemic mice. The number of nude mice that develop liver metastasis or ascites is much more in the STZ‐treated group than that in the euglycemic group. Hyperglycemic mice contain a higher plasma H2O2‐level than that from euglycemic mice. The injection of polyethylene glycol‐conjugated catalase (PEG‐CAT), an H2O2 scavenger, may reverse hyperglycemia‐induced tumor metastasis. In addition, hyperglycemia could also modulate the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐ (EMT‐) related factors in pancreatic tumor tissues, as the E‐cadherin level is decreased and the expression of mesenchymal markers N‐cadherin and vimentin as well as transcription factor snail is strongly increased. The injection of PEG‐CAT could also reverse hyperglycemia‐induced EMT. These results suggest that the association between hyperglycemia and poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer can be attributed to the alterations of EMT through the production of hydrogen peroxide.
Monitoring of Glucose in Beer Brewing by a Carbon Nanotubes Based Nylon Nanofibrous Biosensor
Authors: Mason Marco , Longo Edoardo , Scampicchio Matteo
Published: June 2016

This work presents the design, preparation, and characterization of a novel glucose electrochemical biosensor based on the immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOX) into a nylon nanofibrous membrane (NFM) prepared by electrospinning and functionalized with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT). A disc of such GOX/CNT/NFM membrane (40 μm in thickness) was used for coating the surface of a glassy carbon electrode. The resulting biosensor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, with ferrocene methanol as mediator. The binding of GOX around the CNT/NFM greatly enhances the electron transfer, which results in a biosensor with a current five times higher than without CNT. The potential usefulness of the proposed biosensor was demonstrated with the analysis of glucose in commercial beverages and along the monitoring of the brewing process for making beer, from the mashing to the fermentation steps.
Red Blood Cell Transfusions and Iron Therapy for Patients Presenting with Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Survey of Canadian Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists
Authors: Fortinsky Kyle J. , Martel Myriam , Razik Roshan , Spiegle Gillian , Gallinger Zane R. , Grover Samir C. , Pavenski Katerina , Weizman Adam V. , Kwapisz Lukasz , Mehta Sangeeta , Gray Sarah , Barkun Alan N.
Published: June 2016

Introduction. There is limited data evaluating physician transfusion practices in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB).Methods. A web-based survey was sent to 500 gastroenterologists and hepatologists across Canada. The survey included clinical vignettes where physicians were asked to choose transfusion thresholds.Results. The response rate was 41% (N=203). The reported hemoglobin (Hgb) transfusion trigger differed by up to 50 g/L. Transfusions were more liberal in hemodynamically unstable patients compared to stable patients (mean Hgb of 86.7 g/L versus 71.0 g/L;p<0.001). Many clinicians (24%) reported transfusing a hemodynamically unstable patient at a Hgb threshold of 100 g/L and the majority (57%) are transfusing two units of RBCs as initial management. Patients with coronary artery disease (mean Hgb of 84.0 g/L versus 71.0 g/L;p<0.01) or cirrhosis (mean Hgb of 74.4 g/L versus 71.0 g/L;p<0.01) were transfused more liberally than healthy patients. Fewer than 15% would prescribe iron to patients with UGIB who are anemic upon discharge.Conclusions. The transfusion practices of gastroenterologists in the management of UGIB vary widely and more high-quality evidence is needed to help assess the efficacy and safety of selected transfusion thresholds in varying patients presenting with UGIB.
Not All Acute Abdomen Cases in Early Pregnancy Are Ectopic; Expect the Unexpected: Renal Angiomyolipoma Causing Massive Retroperitoneal Haemorrhage
Authors: Rana Muhammad Asim , Mady Ahmed F. , Jakaraddi Nagesh , Mumtaz Shahzad A. , Ahmad Habib , Naser Kamal
Published: June 2016

Retroperitoneal haemorrhage (or retroperitoneal haematoma) refers to an accumulation of blood found in the retroperitoneal space. It is a rare clinical entity with variable aetiology including anticoagulation, ruptured aortic aneurysm, acute pancreatitis, malignancy, and bleeding from renal aneurysm. Diagnosis of retroperitoneal bleed is sometimes missed or delayed as presentation is often nonspecific. Multislice CT and arteriography are important for diagnosis. There is no consensus about the best management plan for patients with retroperitoneal haematoma. Stable patients can be managed with fluid resuscitation, correction of coagulopathy if any, and blood transfusion. Endovascular options involving selective intra-arterial embolisation or stent-grafts are clearly getting more and more popularity. Open repair is usually reserved for cases when there is failure of conservative or endovascular measures to control the bleeding or expertise is unavailable and in cases where the patient is unstable. Mortality of patients with retroperitoneal haematoma remains high if appropriate and timely measures are not taken. Haemorrhage from a benign renal tumour is a rarer entity which is described in this case report which emphasizes that physicians should have a wide index of suspicion when dealing with patients presenting with significant groin, flank, abdominal, or back pain, or haemodynamic instability of unclear cause. Our patient presented with features of acute abdomen and, being pregnant, was thought of having a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Complementary Medicine Health Literacy among a Population of Older Australians Living in Retirement Villages: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Smith Caroline A. , Chang Esther , Brownhill Suzanne , Barr Kylie
Published: June 2016

Background. Older Australians are consumers of high levels of complementary medicines. The aim of this study was to examine health literacy in a population of older Australians related to their use of complementary medicine. Methods. A two‐phase sequential mixed method design incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods was used in this study. The first phase consisted of a cross‐sectional survey using a validated health literacy questionnaire and follow‐up interviews with 11 residents of retirement villages. Interviews explored low scoring domains on the health literacy questionnaire. Results. Health literacy competencies scored higher for the domains of having sufficient information to manage their health; felt understood and supported by health care providers; actively managed their health; and having social support for health. Three health literacy domains scored low including appraisal of health information; ability to find good information; and navigating the health care system. The findings suggest that participants had different experiences navigating the health care system to access information and services relating to complementary medicines. Two themes of “trust” and “try and see” provide insight into how this group of older Australians appraised health information in relation to complementary medicines. Conclusions. With a focus on self‐care there is a need for improved health literacy skills.
Biological Character of RetroNectin Activated Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells
Authors: Han Lu , Shang Yi-Man , Song Yong-Ping , Gao Quan-Li
Published: June 2016

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells is a promising treatment for metastatic carcinomas. In this study, we investigated the impact of RetroNectin on the proliferation, phenotype alternation, cytokine secretion, and cytotoxic activity of CIK cells from pancreatic cancer patients. Furthermore, we treated 13 patients with metastatic or locally advanced pancreatic cancer using autologous RetroNectin-activated CIK cells (R-CIK cells) alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Compared with only CD3 activated CIK cells (OKT-CIK cells), R-CIK cells showed stronger and faster proliferative ability, with a lower ratio of spontaneous apoptosis. Moreover, this ability continued after IL-2 was withdrawn from the culture system. R-CIK cells could also secrete higher levels of IL-2 and lower levels of IL-4 and IL-5 versus OKT-CIK cells. There was no difference between OKT-CIK and R-CIK cells in cytotoxic ability against lymphoma cell line K562. In patients who received auto-R-CIK cell infusion therapy, the overall objective response rate was 23.1%. Median survival time (mOS) after first R-CIK cell infusion was 10.57 months; the 1-year survival rate was 38.5%. No serious toxicity was associated with R-CIK cell infusion. In conclusion, RetroNectin may enhance antitumor activity of CIK cells: it is safe for use in treating pancreatic cancer.
Renovation versus New Construction and Building Decision Tool for Educational Facilities
Authors: Pope Carrie , Marks Eric , Back Edward , Leopard Tim , Love Thomas
Published: June 2016

Renovation of an existing building is an accomplished stem of the construction industry because it supplies financial diversification for construction stakeholders. Although several construction planning tools and stakeholder alignment exercises have been developed, no tool exists to assist project owners to decide between renovating an existing building and new construction with a comprehensive decision criteria. The objective of this research is to create and test a renovation versus new building support decision tool for construction project stakeholders. The renovation versus new building support decision tool was created based on an extensive review of existing support tools and construction industry needs. The created tool was implemented to evaluate decisions of educational facilities by university officials experienced in project management. Results show the tool was effective in identifying relevant topics for discussion and guiding a group of stakeholders through an exercise in decision-making. Specifically, the tool was implemented by construction management personnel for university facilities currently under construction to evaluate the decision to renovate an existing building or new construction. The main contribution of this research is a framework and support decision tool readily implementable for construction project stakeholders desiring to determine if renovation or new construction is the optimal path for their specific objectives.
Role of Predatory Mites in Persistent Nonoccupational Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Poza Guedes Paloma , Sánchez Machín Inmaculada , Matheu Víctor , Iraola Víctor , González Pérez Ruperto
Published: June 2016

Mites can sensitize and induce atopic disease in predisposed individuals and are an important deteriorating factor in patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Although Pyroglyphidae mites have been extensively studied, very scarce reports are available on Cheyletidae spp. especially regarding human respiratory pathology. The main objective of the present study is to investigate the clinical role of this predator mite (Cheyletus eruditus) as a respiratory antigen in a selected sensitized human population. Fifty-two adult patients were recruited from the outpatient allergy clinic to assess their eligibility for the study. The thirty-seven subjects with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) who fulfilled the ARIA criteria had a positive IgE response confirmed by skin prick test (SPT) toC. eruditus. Only those individuals (37/47) with a positive SPT toC. eruditusshowed a positive nasal provocation test (NPT), while 10 patients with nonallergic mild-to-moderate persistent rhinitis,control group, had a negative NPT withC. eruditus. The present paper describes a new role for the predator miteCheyletus eruditusas a respiratory allergen in a selected subset of patients in a subtropical environment afflicted with persistent nonoccupational allergic rhinitis.
A FPC-ROOT Algorithm for 2D-DOA Estimation in Sparse Array
Authors: Zeng Wenhao , Li Hongtao , Zhu Xiaohua , Wang Chaoyu
Published: June 2016

To improve the performance of two-dimensional direction-of-arrival (2D DOA) estimation in sparse array, this paper presents a Fixed Point Continuation Polynomial Roots (FPC-ROOT) algorithm. Firstly, a signal model for DOA estimation is established based on matrix completion and it can be proved that the proposed model meets Null Space Property (NSP). Secondly, left and right singular vectors of received signals matrix are achieved using the matrix completion algorithm. Finally, 2D DOA estimation can be acquired through solving the polynomial roots. The proposed algorithm can achieve high accuracy of 2D DOA estimation in sparse array, without solving autocorrelation matrix of received signals and scanning of two-dimensional spectral peak. Besides, it decreases the number of antennas and lowers computational complexity and meanwhile avoids the angle ambiguity problem. Computer simulations demonstrate that the proposed FPC-ROOT algorithm can obtain the 2D DOA estimation precisely in sparse array.
Parametric Study on the Influence of Warping Deformation upon Natural Frequencies of Die Springs
Authors: Hao Ying , Guan Junfeng
Published: June 2016

The free vibrational characteristics of die springs are examined by Riccati transfer matrix method in this study. The warping deformation of spring’s cross section, as a new design factor, is incorporated into the differential equation of motion. Numerical simulations show that the warping deformation is a significant role of the behavior of natural frequencies of die springs and should be considered carefully. Approximately 40% of the errors may occur if warping is neglected. The change laws of warping effect with the parameter variations of springs are also explored, including the height-to-width ratio of the cross section, the cylinder diameter, the helix pitch angle, and the number of coils. The warping effect exhibits the most remarkable changes with the variation in the height-to-width ratio of the cross section. However, this effect is not fairly sensitive to the changes in other parameters, and it is particularly significant when the cross section is relatively narrow regardless of the changes in other parameters. This study evidently answers the key scientific question: “under what working condition should the warping effect be considered or ignored?” The analysis results can be used to guide spring designers in engineering.
Hybrid Indoor-Based WLAN-WSN Localization Scheme for Improving Accuracy Based on Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Farid Zahid , Nordin Rosdiadee , Ismail Mahamod , Abdullah Nor Fadzilah
Published: June 2016

In indoor environments, WiFi (RSS) based localization is sensitive to various indoor fading effects and noise during transmission, which are the main causes of localization errors that affect its accuracy. Keeping in view those fading effects, positioning systems based on a single technology are ineffective in performing accurate localization. For this reason, the trend is toward the use of hybrid positioning systems (combination of two or more wireless technologies) in indoor/outdoor localization scenarios for getting better position accuracy. This paper presents a hybrid technique to implement indoor localization that adopts fingerprinting approaches in both WiFi and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). This model exploits machine learning, in particular Artificial Natural Network (ANN) techniques, for position calculation. The experimental results show that the proposed hybrid system improved the accuracy, reducing the average distance error to 1.05 m by using ANN. Applying Genetic Algorithm (GA) based optimization technique did not incur any further improvement to the accuracy. Compared to the performance of GA optimization, the nonoptimized ANN performed better in terms of accuracy, precision, stability, and computational time. The above results show that the proposed hybrid technique is promising for achieving better accuracy in real-world positioning applications.
Postnatal Care Service Utilization and Associated Factors among Women Who Gave Birth in the Last 12 Months prior to the Study in Debre Markos Town, Northwestern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Limenih Miteku Andualem , Endale Zerfu Mulaw , Dachew Berihun Assefa
Published: June 2016

Improving maternal and newborn health through proper postnatal care services under the care of skilled health personnel is the key strategy to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. However, there were limited evidences on utilization of postnatal care services in Ethiopia. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Debremarkos town, Northwest Ethiopia. Cluster sampling technique was used to select 588 study participants. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with postnatal care utilization. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance. Postnatal care service utilization was found to be 33.5%. Awareness about maternal complication (AOR: 2.72, 95% CI (1.71, 4.34)), place of delivery of last child (AOR: 1.68, 95% CI: (1.01, 2.79)), outcome of birth (AOR: 2.71, 95% CI (1.19, 6.19)), delivery by cesarean section (AOR: 4.82, 95% CI (1.86, 12.54)), and delivery complication that occurred during birth (AOR: 2.58, 95% CI (1.56, 4.28)) were factors associated with postnatal care service utilization. Postnatal care service utilization was found to be low. Increasing awareness about postnatal care, preventing maternal and neonatal complication, and scheduling mothers based on the national postnatal care follow-up protocol would increase postnatal care service utilization.
Comparing the Performance of Protected and Unprotected Areas in Conserving Freshwater Fish Abundance and Biodiversity in Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania
Authors: Sweke Emmanuel Andrew , Assam Julius Michael , Chande Abdillahi Ismail , Mbonde Athanasio Stephano , Mosha Magnus , Mtui Abel
Published: June 2016

Marine protected areas have been shown to conserve aquatic resources including fish, but few studies have been conducted of protected areas in freshwater environments. This is particularly true of Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania. To better conserve the lake’s biodiversity, an understanding of the role played by protected areas in conserving fish abundance and diversity is needed. Sampling of fish and environmental parameters was performed within the Mahale Mountains National Park (MMNP) and nearby unprotected areas at depths between 5 m and 10 m. Twelve replicates of fish sampling were performed at each site using gillnets set perpendicularly to the shore. Mann-Whitney tests were performed, and the total amount of species turnover was calculated. A total of 518 individual fish from 57 species were recorded in the survey. The fish weight abundance was fivefold greater in the MMNP than in the unprotected areas. Fish abundance and diversity were higher in the MMNP than in the unprotected areas and decreased with distance from it. Our findings confirmed the importance of the protected area in conserving fish resources in Lake Tanganyika. The study provides baseline information for management of the resources and guiding future studies in the lake and other related ecosystems. Management approaches that foster awareness and engage with communities surrounding the MMNP are recommended for successful conservation of the resources in the region.
First-Episode of Synthetic Cannabinoid-Induced Psychosis in a Young Adult, Successfully Managed with Hospitalization and Risperidone
Authors: Roberto Aaron J. , Lorenzo Aileen , Li Kevin J. , Young Jonathan , Mohan Abhishek , Pinnaka Subhash , Lapidus Kyle A. B.
Published: June 2016

Synthetic cannabinoids- (SCs-) induced psychosis is a growing public health concern. It leads to significant impairment, including emotional distress, difficulty communicating, and other debilitating symptoms. In this case report, we discuss a patient with no previous history of psychotic symptoms, presenting with first-episode psychosis in the context of progressive, acutely worsening, disorganized, psychotic thoughts and behaviors following prolonged use of SCs. We also discuss relevant literature on SCs-induced psychosis, highlighting its prevalence, presentation, diagnosis, and recommended management. It is important to diagnose and treat SCs-induced psychosis as early and efficiently as possible, in order to alleviate symptoms while limiting functional impairment and emotional distress to the patient.
Static and Dynamic Measurement of Ocular Surface Temperature in Dry Eyes
Authors: Tan Li Li , Sanjay Srinivasan , Morgan Philip B.
Published: June 2016

Purpose. To study ocular surface temperature (OST) in dry eyes by static and dynamic measures.Methods. OST was recorded on 62 dry eyes and 63 age- and sex-matched controls. Static measures were study of absolute OST att=0, 5, and 10 s after eye opening. Dynamic measures were study of mean change and net change in OST over 10 s of sustained eye opening. Ten OST indices studied were temperatures of the geometric center of the cornea (GCC), extreme temporal (T1) and nasal conjunctiva (T4), midtemporal (CT) and nasal conjunctiva (CN), temporal (LT) and nasal (LN) limbus, and mean (MOST), maximum (Max T), and minimum (Min T) temperatures of the region of interest.Results. For static measures, dry eyes recorded significantly lower GCC, MOST,Min T,Max T, T4, CT, LT, LN, and CN. For dynamic measures, dry eyes had significantly steeper regression line of mean change (corresponding to greater net change) forMax T5 s onward and T4 at 3 s onward.Conclusions. Both static and dynamic measures of the OST were valuable and can be used as clinical tool to assess dry eye.
Long-Chain Alkylimidazolium Ionic Liquid Functionalization of Cellulose Nanofibers and Their Embedding in HDPE Matrix
Authors: Croitoru Catalin , Patachia Silvia
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a possible alternative to traditional cellulose nanofibers functionalization, by treatment of the material at low temperatures (25–35°C) with electron-beam irradiated 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid. The treatment promotes decreasing the crystallinity of the cellulose with up to 45% and possible imidazolium moieties grafting to cellulose, as demonstrated from FTIR, XRD, and elemental analysis. The grafting determines water vapors uptake values with 50–70% lower and water vapors uptake rate with 50% lower than those of reference cellulose nanofibers. The grafting determined also improved adhesion of the cellulose nanofibers to HDPE, thus contributing to the obtaining of polymer matrix composites with improved properties.
Sulforaphane Ameliorates Bladder Dysfunction through Activation of the Nrf2‐ARE Pathway in a Rat Model of Partial Bladder Outlet Obstruction
Authors: Liu Chong , Xu Huan , Fu Shi , Chen Yanbo , Chen Qi , Cai Zhikang , Zhou Juan , Wang Zhong
Published: June 2016

Purpose. We evaluated the effect of sulforaphane (SFN) treatment on the function and changes of expression of Nrf2‐ARE pathway in the bladder of rats with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Materials and Methods. A total of 18 male Sprague‐Dawley rats at age of 8 weeks were divided into 3 groups (6 of each): the sham operated group, the BOO group, and the BOO+SFN group. We examined histological alterations and the changes of oxidative stress markers and the protein expression of the Nrf2‐ARE pathway. Results. We found that SFN treatment could prolong micturition interval and increase bladder capacity and bladder compliance. However, the peak voiding pressure was lower than BOO group. SFN treatment can ameliorate the increase of collagen fibers induced by obstruction. SFN treatment also increased the activity of SOD, GSH‐Px, and CAT compared to the other groups. The level of bladder cell apoptosis was decreased in BOO rats with SFN treatment. Moreover, SFN could reduce the ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2 expression. Furthermore, SFN could activate the Nrf2 expression with elevation of its target antioxidant proteins. Conclusions. The sulforaphane‐mediated decrease of oxidative stress and activation of the Nrf2‐ARE pathway may ameliorate bladder dysfunction caused by bladder outlet obstruction.
Rapidly Progressing Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Case Report and a Possible Explanation
Authors: Jóna Ádám , Irsai Gábor , Barna Sándor , Méhes Gábor , Illés Árpád , Váróczy László
Published: June 2016

Introduction. Hodgkin lymphoma is a highly curable lymphoid malignancy; however treatment of a significant number of patients remains challenging.Case Report. The authors present an unusually rapidly progressing case of refractory advanced stage classical nodular sclerosis subtype Hodgkin lymphoma with unfavorable prognosis. A 66-year-old male patient was refractory for first-line doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastin, dacarbazine (ABVD) treatment with persistent disease; therefore physicians changed treatment for dexamethasone, cytarabine, and cisplatin (DHAP) and later ifosfamide, gemcitabine, and vinorelbine (IGEV) regimen. Unfortunately the patient developed acute kidney and respiratory failure and died after 6 months of treatment. Current and retrospective histological examination of the patient’s lymph node biopsy, skin lesion, and autopsy revealed the same aberrantly expressing CD4 positive nodular sclerosis subtype Hodgkin lymphoma.Conclusion. Aberrant expression of T-cell antigens on the Hodgkin and Reed/Sternberg cells could be associated with inferior outcome. T-cell associated antigens should be investigated more often in patients not responding sufficiently to treatment and hence treatment should be intensified or targeted therapy (brentuximab vedotin) should be considered.
CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Target for Neuroprotection
Authors: Chen Peiqing , Zhao Wenjuan , Guo Yanjie , Xu Juan , Yin Ming
Published: June 2016

CX3C chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) is an intriguing chemokine belonging to the CX3C family. CX3CL1 is secreted by neurons and plays an important role in modulating glial activation in the central nervous system after binding to its sole receptor CX3CR1 which mainly is expressed on microglia. Emerging data highlights the beneficial potential of CX3CL1-CX3CR1 in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a common progressive neurodegenerative disease, and in the progression of which neuroinflammation plays a vital role. Even so, the importance of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in AD is still controversial and needs further clarification. In this review, we make an attempt to present a concise map of CX3CL1-CX3CR1 associated with AD to find biomarkers for early diagnosis or therapeutic interventions.
Interaction of Fullerenes with Organosilanes in the Ionization Chamber of a Mass Spectrometer under Electron Impact and the Reaction of C60with Tetraphenylsilane in Solution under UV Irradiation
Authors: Lyakhovetsky Yury I. , Shilova Elena A. , Pleshkova Alexandra P. , Belokon Alexander I. , Yakushin Sergey O. , Tumanskii Boris L.
Published: June 2016

C60was shown to react with organosilanes Me4Si, Ph2SiH2, Ph2MeSiH, Ph4Si, andα-naphthylphenylmethylsilane in the electron ionization ion source of a mass spectrometer with the transfer of the corresponding organic radicals (Me, Ph, andα-naphthyl) from the silanes to the fullerene. The reactions were accompanied by hydrogen addition to some products and hydrogen loss from them. C70reacted with Me4Si analogously. A reaction mechanism involving homolytic dissociation of the silanes under electron impact to the corresponding organic radicals, which react further with C60at the surface of the ionization chamber of the mass spectrometer to give the respective adducts, was offered. A mechanistic study of the reaction of C60with Me4Si supported it. No silicon containing derivatives of the fullerenes were found. C60reacted with Ph4Si in solution under UV irradiation in a similar fashion furnishing phenyl derivatives of the fullerene. These results provide an additional support to the hypothesis formulated earlier thatthe homolytic reactive mass spectrometry of fullerenes (the reactions of fullerenes with other species in the ionization chambers of mass spectrometers and their mass spectral monitoring)can predict the reactivity of them toward the same reagents in solution to a significant extent.
Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Inhibits LPS-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via Binding to Xanthine Oxidase in Mouse RAW264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Guo Yuhong , Zhao Jingxia , Wang Ning , Ding Junying , Liu Qingquan
Published: June 2016

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is an effective therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders; however, its regulatory effect on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages has not been investigated. In this study, we predicted the potential interaction between HSYA and xanthine oxidase (XO) via PharmMapper inverse docking and confirmed the binding inhibition via inhibitory test (IC50= 40.04 μM). Computation docking illustrated that, in this HSYA-XO complex, HSYA was surrounded by Leu 648, Leu 712, His 875, Leu 873, Ser 876, Glu 879, Phe 649, and Asn 650 with a binding energy of −5.77 kcal/M and formed hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl groups of HSYA at Glu 879, Asn 650, and His 875. We then found that HSYA significantly decreased the activity of XO in RAW264.7 macrophages and suppressed LPS-induced ROS generation. Moreover, we proved that HSYA markedly inhibited LPS-induced cleaved caspase-1 activation via suppressing the sensitization of NLRP3 inflammasome and prevented the mature IL-1βformation from pro-IL-1βform. These findings suggest that XO may be a potential target of HSYA via direct binding inhibition and the combination of HSYA-XO suppresses LPS-induced ROS generation, contributing to the depression of NLRP3 inflammasome and inhibition of IL-1βsecretion in macrophages.
Numerical Study on Mass Sensitivity of Magnetoelastic Biosensors with Concentrated Mass Load under Different Resonance Modes
Authors: Zhang Kewei , Chai Yuesheng
Published: June 2016

Magnetoelastic biosensors are an important type of resonant mode based mass-sensing device, for which mass sensitivity is a critical parameter to evaluate their performance. In this work, the effect of concentrated mass position on mass sensitivity (Sm) of a magnetoelastic sensor under different resonance modes was theoretically studied. The effect of magnitude of loading mass on mass sensitivity for the first resonance mode was also studied. The results indicated that mass sensitivity as the function of loading position for all resonance modes was consistent with the law of functionSm=A cos2t. By comparing the mass sensitivity for the sensor attached with concentrated mass and uniform mass, it was found that mass sensitivity was linearly proportional to the sum of the squares of the displacement of each loading point. For the first resonance mode, when the loading position satisfied0≤xc/l<0.3or0.7<xc/l≤1, mass sensitivity decreased with loading mass increasing. The opposite trend was observed when0.3<xc/l<0.5or0.5<xc/l≤0.7. When the concentrated mass was loaded at the nodal point (i.e.,xc/l=0.5), mass sensitivity was always zero no matter how the loading mass changed.