bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breastfeeding Practices as Observed in Those Attending a Teaching Hospital for Perinatal Care
Authors: Anyanwu Onyinye Uchenna , Ezeonu Thecla Chinonyelum , Ezeanosike Obumneme Beniah , Okike Clifford Onuora
Published: October 2014

Introduction: The promotion and support of breastfeeding is a global priority with benefits for maternal and infant health, especially in low-income and middle-income countries where the relevance for child survival is undisputed. Timely initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for six months with continued breastfeeding till 2years and beyond are important aspects of breast feeding for child survival. The objective of the study was to describe the practice and perception of breast feeding amongst mothers at the post natal wards of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.Materials and Methods: This study was a questionnaire based cross sectional view of breastfeeding practices of mothers who received perinatal care at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi, South Eastern Nigeria.Results: 16.1% initiated breastfeeding within one hour, while others initiated later for reasons like poor lactation (19.6%); too tired (15.4%); felt dirty after delivery (5.3%) and caesarean section. Exclusive breastfeeding was not the intention of 30.8% for reasons like, too demanding(15.4%); cannot satisfy baby (38.6%); spouse and relations would not accept (26.5%); Work/School schedule would not permit (13.6%). Mode of delivery and socioeconomic class were significantly associated with time of initiation. Neither maternal age nor parity significantly influenced the overall practice of breastfeeding.Conclusion: Few mothers practice correct breastfeeding in this tertiary health institution suggesting that more work to improve the knowledge and attitudes of mothers is required starting from the antenatal period.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.8788J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):90-95
Comparative Study of Diagnostic Markers in Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Sonawane Vijay Baburao , Gaikwad Sonali U , Kadam Nitin N , Gavhane Jitendra
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Neonatal septicemia is one of the commonest causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity. The objectives of this study were intended for qualitative and quantitative analysis of diagnostic markers in neonatal sepsis.Materials and Methods: This is a hospital based study conducted over three years (Aug 2005 – Aug 2008). Hundred and sixty neonates, delivered in the hospital, having risk factors for neonatal sepsis, along with those coming to hospital with signs and symptoms of sepsis up to 28 days of life (as study group ) along with normal newborns admitted to the postnatal ward without high risk factors (control group) were enrolled for this study. Comparative study on various diagnostics markers such blood culture, CBC,CRP, IT ratio and Micro-ESR was carried out to know their sensitivity and specificity.Results: E.Coli was the most common organism responsible for sepsis. CRP was reported to be highly sensitive (84.21%), and CBC was highly specific (75.00%), IT ratio has sensitivity of 62.5% and specificity of 56.25% while Micro-ESR has shown sensitivity of 50.0% and specificity of 62.5%,Out of 160 cases, blood culture (BacTalert) showed growth in48 cases in study group while two cases in control group. Thus blood culture positivity was 60%.Conclusion: Blood culture is the gold standard for the diagnosis of septicemia. CRP is most sensitive while CBC is most specific marker in neonatal sepsis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.9788J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):111-114
Brief Pain Inventory–Facial minimum clinically important difference
Authors: Sandhu Sukhmeet K. , Halpern Casey H. , Vakhshori Venus , Mirsaeedi-Farahani Keyvan , Farrar John T. , Lee John Y. K.
Published: October 2014

OBJECT

Neurosurgeons are frequently the primary physicians measuring pain relief in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Unfortunately, the measurement of pain can be complex. The Brief Pain Inventory–Facial (BPI-Facial) is a reliable and validated multidimensional tool that consists of 18 questions. It measures 3 domains of pain: 1) pain intensity (worst and average pain intensity), 2) interference with general activities of daily living (ADL), and 3) face-specific pain interference. The objective of this paper is to determine the patient-reported minimum clinically important difference (MCID) using the BPI-Facial.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective study of 234 patients with TN seen in a single neurosurgeon's office. Patients completed baseline and 1-month follow-up BPI-Facial questionnaires. The MCID was calculated using an anchor-based approach in which the defined anchor was the 7-point patient global impression of change (PGIC). Two statistical methods were employed: mean change score and optimal cutoff point.

RESULTS

Using the mean change score method, the investigators calculated the MCID for the 3 domains of the BPIFacial: 44% and 30% improvement in pain intensity at its worst and average, respectively, 54% improvement in interference with general ADL, and 63% improvement in interference with facial ADL. Using the optimal cutoff point method, they also calculated the MCID for the 3 domains of the BPI-Facial: 57% and 28% improvement in pain intensity at its worst and average, respectively, 75% improvement in interference with general ADL, and 62% improvement in interference with facial ADL.

CONCLUSIONS

The BPI-Facial is a multidimensional pain scale that measures 3 domains of pain. Although 2 statistical methods were used to calculate the MCID, the optimal cutoff point method was the superior one because it used data from the majority of subjects included in this study. A 57% improvement in pain intensity at its worst and a 28% improvement in pain intensity at its average were the MCIDs for patients with facial pain. A greater improvement was needed to achieve the MCID for interference with general and facial ADL. A 75% improvement in interference with general ADL and a 62% improvement in interference with facial ADL were needed to achieve an MCID. While pain intensity is easier to measure, pain's interference with ADL may be more important for patient outcomes when designing or evaluating interventions in the field of TN. The BPI-Facial is a useful instrument to measure changes in multidimensional aspects of pain in patients with TN.
Myelin-forming cell-specific cadherin-19 is a marker for minimally infiltrative glioblastoma stem-like cells
Authors: Zorniak Michael , Clark Paul A. , Kuo John S.
Published: October 2014

OBJECT

Glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) exhibit stem-like properties, are highly efficient at forming tumor xenografts, and are resistant to many current therapies. Current molecular identifiers of GSCs are scarce and controversial. The authors describe differential cell-surface gene expression profiling to identify GSC-specific markers.

METHODS

Independent human GSC lines were isolated and maintained in standard neural stem cell (NSC) media and were validated for self-renewal, multipotent differentiation, and tumor initiation properties. Candidate upregulated GSCspecific plasma membrane markers were identified through differential Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 Array gene expression profiling of GSCs, human NSCs (hNSCs), normal brain tissue, and primary/recurrent glioblastoma multiforme samples. Results were validated by using comparative quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis of GSCs, hNSCs, normal human astrocytes, U87 glioma cell line, and patient-matched serum-cultured glioblastoma multiforme samples.

RESULTS

A candidate GSC-specific signature of 19 upregulated known and novel plasma membrane–associated genes was identified. Preferential upregulation of these plasma membrane–linked genes was validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cadherin-19 (CDH19) protein expression was enhanced in minimally infiltrative GSC lines.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene expression profiling of GSCs has shown CDH19 to be an exciting new target for drug development and study of GBM tumorigenesis.
Omnidirectional retractor-supporting ring as a new device for carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Yoneyama Taku , Kawamata Takakazu , Tanaka Masahiko , Yamaguchi Koji , Okada Yoshikazu
Published: October 2014

In carotid endarterectomy (CEA), the traditional retractors are often difficult to use because they tend to obstruct surgical manipulations, especially in the deep operative field on the rostral side. The authors have invented a new omnidirectional retractor-supporting ring (OD ring) to solve the problems of traditional retractors. The OD ring has an ellipsoid-shaped frame (major axis: 275 mm, minor axis: 192 mm) with 22 equally spaced outward protrusions. Rubber bands from which blunt mini-hooks are hung are twisted around the protrusions. The OD ring was placed on the operative area, and the skin edges were retracted by mini-hooks placed symmetrically. The hooks were moved gradually from the shallow to the deep operative field as surgical dissection continued to expose the carotid bifurcation and distal internal carotid artery (ICA). The OD ring was used in 158 consecutive CEAs in the authors' institute between July 2010 and October 2013. The OD ring provided a flatter surgical field and was less obstructive than traditional retractors, thereby facilitating surgical manipulation in the deep operative field such as at the distal ICA. Furthermore, because of its simpler shape, angiorrhaphy could be conducted more smoothly, with less tangled thread during closure of the arteriotomy. There were no technical complications related to the OD ring. As a new retractor system for CEA, the OD ring is less obstructive and provides a flatter surgical field than traditional retractors, thereby facilitating surgical manipulations in the deep operative field around the distal ICA.
Moderate and severe traumatic brain injury: effect of blood alcohol concentration on Glasgow Coma Scale score and relation to computed tomography findings
Authors: Rundhaug Nils Petter , Moen Kent Gøran , Skandsen Toril , Schirmer-Mikalsen Kari , Lund Stine B. , Hara Sozaburo , Vik Anne
Published: October 2014

OBJECT

The influence of alcohol is assumed to reduce consciousness in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), but research findings are divergent. The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of different levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores in patients with moderate and severe TBI and to relate the findings to brain injury severity based on the admission CT scan.

METHODS

In this cohort study, 265 patients (age range 16–70 years) who were admitted to St. Olavs University Hospital with moderate and severe TBI during a 7-year period were prospectively registered. Of these, 217 patients (82%) had measured BAC. Effects of 4 BAC groups on GCS score were examined with ordinal logistic regression analyses, and the GCS scores were inverted to give an OR > 1. The Rotterdam CT score based on admission CT scan was used to adjust for brain injury severity (best score 1 and worst score 6) by stratifying patients into 2 brain injury severity groups (Rotterdam CT scores of 1–3 and 4–6).

RESULTS

Of all patients with measured BAC, 91% had intracranial CT findings and 43% had BAC > 0 mg/dl. The median GCS score was lower in the alcohol-positive patients (6.5, interquartile range [IQR] 4–10) than in the alcohol-negative patients (9, IQR 6–13; p < 0.01). No significant differences were found between alcohol-positive and alcohol-negative patients regarding other injury severity variables. Increasing BAC was a significant predictor of lower GCS score in a dose-dependent manner in age-adjusted analyses, with OR 2.7 (range 1.4–5.0) and 3.2 (range 1.5–6.9) for the 2 highest BAC groups (p < 0.01). Subgroup analyses showed an increasing effect of BAC group on GCS scores in patients with Rotterdam CT scores of 1–3: OR 3.1 (range 1.4–6.6) and 6.7 (range 2.7–16.7) for the 2 highest BAC groups (p < 0.01). No such relationship was found in patients with Rotterdam CT scores of 4–6 (p = 0.14–0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

Influence of alcohol significantly reduced the GCS score in a dose-dependent manner in patients with moderate and severe TBI and with Rotterdam CT scores of 1–3. In patients with Rotterdam CT scores of 4–6, and therefore more CT findings indicating increased intracranial pressure, the brain injury itself seemed to overrun the depressing effect of the alcohol on the CNS. This finding is in agreement with the assumption of many clinicians in the emergency situation.
The endoscopic endonasal approach to the odontoid and its impact on early extubation and feeding
Authors: Goldschlager Tony , Härtl Roger , Greenfield Jeffrey P. , Anand Vijay K. , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: October 2014

OBJECT

The gold-standard surgical approach to the odontoid is via the transoral route. This approach necessitates opening of the oropharynx and is associated with risks of infection, and swallowing and breathing complications. The endoscopic endonasal approach has the potential to reduce these complications as the oral cavity is avoided. There are fewer than 25 such cases reported to date. The authors present a consecutive, single-institution series of 9 patients who underwent the endonasal endoscopic approach to the odontoid.

METHODS

The charts of 9 patients who underwent endonasal endoscopic surgery to the odontoid between January 2005 and August 2013 were reviewed. The clinical presentation, radiographic findings, surgical management, complications, and outcome, particularly with respect to time to extubation and feeding, were analyzed. Radiographic measurements of the distance between the back of the odontoid and the front of the cervicomedullary junction (CMJ) were calculated, as well as the location of any residual bone fragments.

RESULTS

There were 7 adult and 2 pediatric patients in this series. The mean age of the adults was 54.8 years; the pediatric patients were 7 and 14 years. There were 5 females and 4 males. The mean follow-up was 42.9 months. Symptoms were resolved or improved in all but 1 patient, who had concurrent polyneuropathy. The distance between the odontoid and CMJ increased by 2.34 ± 0.43 mm (p = 0.03). A small, clinically insignificant fragment remained after surgery, always on the left side, in 57% of patients. Mean times to extubation and oral feeding were on postoperative Days 0.3 and 1, respectively. There was one posterior cervical wound infection; there were 2 cases of epistaxis requiring repacking of the nose and no instances of breathing or swallowing complications or velopharyngeal insufficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

This series of 9 cases of endonasal endoscopic odontoidectomy highlights the advantages of the approach in permitting early extubation and early feeding and minimizing complications compared with transoral surgery. Special attention must be given to bone on the left side of the odontoid if the surgeon is standing on the right side.
Delayed cervical palsy following cervical spine fusion leads to an increase in hospital-related costs
Authors: Puffer Ross C. , Clifton William E. , Mallory Grant W. , Clarke Michelle J.
Published: October 2014

OBJECT

Delayed cervical palsy (DCP) is a known complication following cervical spine surgery. While most DCPs eventually improve, they can result in significant temporary disability. Postoperative complications affect hospital length of stay (LOS) as well as overall hospital cost. The authors sought to determine the hospital cost of DCP after cervical spine fusion operations.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients undergoing cervical fusion for degenerative disease at the Mayo Clinic from 2008 to 2012 was performed. Patients who developed DCPs not attributable to intraoperative trauma were included. All nonoperative-related costs were compared with similar costs in a control group matched according to age, sex, and surgical approach. All costs and services were reflective of the standard costs for the current year. Raw cost data were presented using ratios due to institutional policy against publishing cost data.

RESULTS

There were 27 patients (18 men, 9 women) who underwent fusion and developed a DCP over the study period. These patients were compared with 24 controls (15 men, 9 women) undergoing fusion in the same time period. There was no difference between patients and controls in mean age (62.4 ± 3.1 years vs 63.8 ± 2.5 years, respectively; p = 0.74), LOS (4.2 ± 3.3 days vs 3.8 ± 4.5 days, respectively; p = 0.43), or operating room–related costs (1.08 ± 0.09 vs 1.0 ± 0.07, respectively; p = 0.58). There was a significant difference in nonoperative hospital-related costs between patients and controls (1.67 ± 0.15 vs 1.0 ± 0.09, respectively; p = 0.04). There was a significantly higher utilization of postoperative imaging (CT or MRI) in the DCP group (14/27, 52%) when compared with the matched cohort (4/24, 17%; p = 0.018), and a significantly higher utilization of physiatry services (24/27 [89%] vs 15/24 [63%], respectively; p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

While DCPs did not significantly prolong the length of hospitalization, they did increase hospital-related costs. This method could be further extrapolated to model costs of other complications as well.
Plants in Ethics: Why Flourishing Deserves Moral Respect
Authors: Kallhoff Angela
Published: November 2014

‘Flourishing’ is a concept of the good life of plants which comprises an empirical and an evaluative aspect. In this article, I shall discuss this concept as a starting point for addressing the moral status of plants anew; I shall therefore first outline the content of flourishing as explained in botany. The article then explores the evaluative aspect of flourishing in the context of three questions. These questions are: how does the concept of flourishing fit into moral theory? Why do plants deserve a moral standing? And finally, what are the consequences of this approach to plants in ethics? The exploration of these questions contributes to a fine-grained perspective on the moral implications of the capacity of plants to flourish.
Candidate Gene Identification for a Lethal Chlorophyll-Deficient Mutant in Soybean
Authors: Reed Sam , Atkinson Taylor , Gorecki Carly , Espinosa Katherine , Przybylski Sarah , Goggi Alcira , Palmer Reid , Sandhu Devinder
Published: October 2014

Chlorophyll-deficient mutants have been studied persistently to understand genetic mechanisms controlling metabolic pathways. A spontaneous chlorophyll-deficient lethal mutant was observed in self-pollinated progeny of a soybean cultivar “BSR 101”. Observed segregation patterns indicated single-gene recessive inheritance for this lethal-yellow mutant. The objectives of this investigation were to develop a genetic linkage map of the region containing the lethal-yellow (YL_PR350) gene and identify putative candidate genes for this locus. The YL_PR350 gene was mapped to chromosome 15 and is flanked by BARCSOYSSR_15_1591 and BARCSOYSSR_15_1597. This region physically spans ~153 kb and there are 14 predicted genes that lie in this region. The predicted gene Glyma.15g275900 is an excellent candidate for the YL_PR350 gene as it is homologous to an Arabidopsis gene, At3g08010, which codes for a chloroplast-localized protein (ATAB2) involved in the biogenesis of Photosystem I and II. This thylakoid membrane protein is crucial for photosynthesis in Arabidopsis. Future characterization of the candidate gene may enhance our knowledge about photosynthesis, a complex metabolic process critical for sustainability of plants.
HGF–Met Pathway in Regeneration and Drug Discovery
Authors: Matsumoto Kunio , Funakoshi Hiroshi , Takahashi Hisaaki , Sakai Katsuya
Published: October 2014

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is composed of an α-chain and a β-chain, and these chains contain four kringle domains and a serine protease-like structure, respectively. Activation of the HGF–Met pathway evokes dynamic biological responses that support morphogenesis (e.g., epithelial tubulogenesis), regeneration, and the survival of cells and tissues. Characterizations of conditional Met knockout mice have indicated that the HGF–Met pathway plays important roles in regeneration, protection, and homeostasis in various cells and tissues, which includes hepatocytes, renal tubular cells, and neurons. Preclinical studies designed to address the therapeutic significance of HGF have been performed on injury/disease models, including acute tissue injury, chronic fibrosis, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The promotion of cell growth, survival, migration, and morphogenesis that is associated with extracellular matrix proteolysis are the biological activities that underlie the therapeutic actions of HGF. Recombinant HGF protein and the expression vectors for HGF are biological drug candidates for the treatment of patients with diseases and injuries that are associated with impaired tissue function. The intravenous/systemic administration of recombinant HGF protein has been well tolerated in phase I/II clinical trials. The phase-I and phase-I/II clinical trials of the intrathecal administration of HGF protein for the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal cord injury, respectively, are ongoing.
Wayfinding in Healthcare Facilities: Contributions from Environmental Psychology
Authors: Devlin Ann
Published: October 2014

The ability to successfully navigate in healthcare facilities is an important goal for patients, visitors, and staff. Despite the fundamental nature of such behavior, it is not infrequent for planners to consider wayfinding only after the fact, once the building or building complex is complete. This review argues that more recognition is needed for the pivotal role of wayfinding in healthcare facilities. First, to provide context, the review presents a brief overview of the relationship between environmental psychology and healthcare facility design. Then, the core of the article covers advances in wayfinding research with an emphasis on healthcare environments, including the roles of plan configuration and manifest cues, technology, and user characteristics. Plan configuration and manifest cues, which appeared early on in wayfinding research, continue to play a role in wayfinding success and should inform design decisions. Such considerations are joined by emerging technologies (e.g., mobile applications, virtual reality, and computational models of wayfinding) as a way to both enhance our theoretical knowledge of wayfinding and advance its applications for users. Among the users discussed here are those with cognitive and/or visual challenges (e.g., Down syndrome, age-related decrements such as dementia, and limitations of vision). In addition, research on the role of cross-cultural comprehension and the effort to develop a system of universal healthcare symbols is included. The article concludes with a summary of the status of these advances and directions for future research.
An Efficient, Scalable Time-Frequency Method for Tracking Energy Usage of Domestic Appliances Using a Two-Step Classification Algorithm
Authors: Meehan Paula , McArdle Conor , Daniels Stephen
Published: October 2014

Load monitoring is the practice of measuring electrical signals in a domestic environment in order to identify which electrical appliances are consuming power. One reason for developing a load monitoring system is to reduce power consumption by increasing consumers’ awareness of which appliances consume the most energy. Another example of an application of load monitoring is activity sensing in the home for the provision of healthcare services. This paper outlines the development of a load disaggregation method that measures the aggregate electrical signals of a domestic environment and extracts features to identify each power consuming appliance. A single sensor is deployed at the main incoming power point, to sample the aggregate current signal. The method senses when an appliance switches ON or OFF and uses a two-step classification algorithm to identify which appliance has caused the event. Parameters from the current in the temporal and frequency domains are used as features to define each appliance. These parameters are the steady-state current harmonics and the rate of change of the transient signal. Each appliance’s electrical characteristics are distinguishable using these parameters. There are three Types of loads that an appliance can fall into, linear nonreactive, linear reactive or nonlinear reactive. It has been found that by identifying the load type first and then using a second classifier to identify individual appliances within these Types, the overall accuracy of the identification algorithm is improved.
Evaluating the Role of PTH in Promotion of Chondrosarcoma Cell Proliferation and Invasion by Inhibiting Primary Cilia Expression
Authors: Xiang Wei , Jiang Ting , Guo Fengjing , Xu Tao , Gong Chen , Cheng Peng , Zhao Libo , Cheng Weiting , Xu Kai
Published: October 2014

Chondrosarcoma is characterized by secretion of a cartilage-like matrix, with high proliferation ability and metastatic potential. Previous studies have shown that parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) has a close relationship with various tumor types. The objectives of this study were to research the function played by PTHrP in human chondrosarcoma, especially targeting cell proliferation and invasion, and to search for the potential interaction between PTHrP and primary cilia in tumorigenesis. Surgical resection tissues and the human chondrosarcoma cell line SW1353 were used in the scientific research. Cells were stimulated with an optimum concentration of recombinant PTH (1-84), and siRNA was used to interfere with internal PTHrP. Cell proliferation and invasion assays were applied, including MTS-8 cell proliferation assay, Western blot, RT-PCR, Transwell invasion assay, and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays. A high level of PTHrP expression was found in human chondrosarcoma tissues, and recombinant PTH exhibited positive promotion in tumor cell proliferation and invasion. In the meantime, PTHrP could inhibit the assembly of primary cilia and regulate downstream gene expression. These findings indicate that PTHrP can regulate tumor cell proliferation and invasion ability, possibly through suppression of primary cilia assembly. Thus, restricting PTHrP over-expression is a feasible potential therapeutic method for chondrosarcoma.
Differential Proteomics Analysis of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Its Genome-Shuffled Mutant for Improving Surfactin Production
Authors: Zhao Junfeng , Cao Lin , Zhang Chong , Zhong Lei , Lu Jing , Lu Zhaoxin
Published: October 2014

Genome shuffling technology was used as a novel whole-genome engineering approach to rapidly improve the antimicrobial lipopeptide yield of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Comparative proteomic analysis of the parental ES-2-4 and genome-shuffled FMB38 strains was conducted to examine the differentially expressed proteins. The proteome was separated by 2-DE (two dimensional electrophoresis) and analyzed by MS (mass spectrum). In the shuffled strain FMB38, 51 differentially expressed protein spots with higher than two-fold spot density were detected by gel image comparison. Forty-six protein spots were detectable by silver staining and further MS analysis. The results demonstrated that among the 46 protein spots expressed particularly induced in the genome-shuffled mutant, 15 were related to metabolism, five to DNA replication, recombination and repair, six to translation and post-translational modifications, one to cell secretion and signal transduction mechanisms, three to surfactin synthesis, two to energy production and conversion, and 14 to others. All these indicated that the metabolic capability of the mutant was improved by the genome shuffling. The study will enable future detailed investigation of gene expression and function linked with surfactin synthesis. The results of proteome analysis may provide information for metabolic engineering of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for overproduction of surfactin.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Disease of Systemic or Local Complement Dysregulation?
Authors: Warwick Alasdair , Khandhadia Samir , Ennis Sarah , Lotery Andrew
Published: November 2014

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in developed countries. The role of complement in the development of AMD is now well-established. While some studies show evidence of complement dysregulation within the eye, others have demonstrated elevated systemic complement activation in association with AMD. It is unclear which one is the primary driver of disease. This has important implications for designing novel complement-based AMD therapies. We present a summary of the current literature and suggest that intraocular rather than systemic modulation of complement may prove more effective.
Synergism and Mutualism in Non-Enzymatic RNA Polymerization
Authors: Kaddour Hussein , Sahai Nita
Published: November 2014

The link between non-enzymatic RNA polymerization and RNA self-replication is a key step towards the “RNA world” and still far from being solved, despite extensive research. Clay minerals, lipids and, more recently, peptides were found to catalyze the non-enzymatic synthesis of RNA oligomers. Herein, a review of the main models for the formation of the first RNA polymers is presented in such a way as to emphasize the cooperation between life’s building blocks in their emergence and evolution. A logical outcome of the previous results is a combination of these models, in which RNA polymerization might have been catalyzed cooperatively by clays, lipids and peptides in one multi-component prebiotic soup. The resulting RNAs and oligopeptides might have mutualistically evolved towards functional RNAs and catalytic peptides, preceding the first RNA replication, thus supporting an RNA-peptide world. The investigation of such a system is a formidable challenge, given its complexity deriving from a tremendously large number of reactants and innumerable products. A rudimentary experimental design is outlined, which could be used in an initial attempt to study a quaternary component system.
Tunable Band Gap and Conductivity Type of ZnSe/Si Core-Shell Nanowire Heterostructures
Authors: Zeng Yijie , Xing Huaizhong , Fang Yanbian , Huang Yan , Lu Aijiang , Chen Xiaoshuang
Published: October 2014

The electronic properties of zincblende ZnSe/Si core-shell nanowires (NWs) with a diameter of 1.1–2.8 nm are calculated by means of the first principle calculation. Band gaps of both ZnSe-core/Si-shell and Si-core/ZnSe-shell NWs are much smaller than those of pure ZnSe or Si NWs. Band alignment analysis reveals that the small band gaps of ZnSe/Si core-shell NWs are caused by the interface state. Fixing the ZnSe core size and enlarging the Si shell would turn the NWs from intrinsic to p-type, then to metallic. However, Fixing the Si core and enlarging the ZnSe shell would not change the band gap significantly. The partial charge distribution diagram shows that the conduction band maximum (CBM) is confined in Si, while the valence band maximum (VBM) is mainly distributed around the interface. Our findings also show that the band gap and conductivity type of ZnSe/Si core-shell NWs can be tuned by the concentration and diameter of the core-shell material, respectively.
Optimization of Process Parameters of Extraction of Amentoflavone, Quercetin and Ginkgetin from Taxus chinensis Using Supercritical CO2 Plus Co-Solvent
Authors: Ruan Xiao , Yan Liu-Ye , Li Xian-Xian , Liu Ben , Zhang Huan , Wang Qiang
Published: October 2014

The effects of extraction time, temperature, pressure and different concentration of ethanol and their interactions on the yields of amentoflavone, quercetin and ginkgetin extracted from Taxus chinensis by supercritical CO2 were investigated by using a central composite design (CCD). An CCD experimental design with four factors and five levels was used to optimize the extraction parameters. Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was used to analyze the content of the tree components in the extracts. Experimental results show that the main effects of factors and their interactions are significant on the yields (p < 0.05). The optimal extraction conditions were established for the three compounds: yield of 4.47 mg/g for amentoflavone at 48 °C, 25 MPa, 2.02 h and 78.5% ethanol, 3.73 mg/g for quercetin at 46 °C, 24 MPa, 2.3 h, 82% ethanol and 3.47 mg/g for ginkgetin at 48 °C, 20 MPa, 2.38 h, 82% ethanol, respectively.
A New Phenolic Glycoside from the Barks of Cinnamomum cassia
Authors: Zeng Junfen , Xue Yongbo , Lai Yongji , Yao Guangmin , Luo Zengwei , Zhang Yonghui , Zhang Jinwen
Published: October 2014

A new phenolic glycoside (1), named methyl 2-phenylpropanoate-2-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-D–glucopyranoside, was isolated from the barks of Cinnamomum cassia, along with three known phenolic glycosides and four known lignan glycosides. The structure of 1 was elucidated by extensive interpretation of spectroscopic data and chemical method. Selected compounds were evaluated for their immunosuppressive activities against murine lymphocytes. Compounds 1, 2, 6 and 8 exhibited differential inhibition against ConA-induced T cells proliferation.
Isolation and Bioactivities of the Flavonoids Morin and Morin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside from Acridocarpus orientalis—A Wild Arabian Medicinal Plant
Authors: Hussain Javid , Ali Liaqat , Khan Abdul , Rehman Najeeb , Jabeen Farah , Kim Jong-Sang , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: October 2014

Acridocarpus orientalis is an important medicinal plant for some of the locals of Arabian region. Very little is known about its phytochemical constituents. In the present study, we aimed to isolate bioactive chemicals from the crude methanolic extract of the aerial parts of A. orientalis. The extraction and isolation resulted in the purification of two flavonoids: morin (1) and morin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2). The structure elucidation was carried out by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison with the reported data for the known constituents. The pure isolates were subjected to various biological assays for their bioactivities. The compounds 1 and 2 were significantly active against the growth of various pathogenic fungi and phytotoxic against lettuce seed at higher concentrations. Furthermore, the free radical scavenging activities, anti-lipid peroxidation, and cytotoxic effects against HepG2, HT29, and HCT116 cancer cell lines were also assayed and the results are presented in this paper.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Spondias radlkoferi (Anacardiaceae)
Authors: Aguilar‐Barajas Esther , Sork Victoria L. , González‐Zamora Arturo , Rocha‐Ramírez Víctor , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Oyama Ken
Published: November 2014

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Spondias radlkoferi to assess the impact of primate seed dispersal on the genetic diversity and structure of this important tree species of Anacardiaceae.

• Methods and Results: Fourteen polymorphic loci were isolated from S. radlkoferi through 454 GS‐FLX Titanium pyrosequencing of genomic DNA. The number of alleles ranged from three to 12. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.382 to 1.00 and from 0.353 to 0.733, respectively. The amplification was also successful in S. mombin and two genera of Anacardiaceae: Rhus aromatica and Toxicodendron radicans.

• Conclusions: These microsatellite loci will be useful to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of S. radlkoferi and related species, and will allow us to investigate the effects of seed dispersal by spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) on the genetic structure and diversity of S. radlkoferi populations in a fragmented rainforest.
Patterning a hydrogen-bonded molecular monolayer with a hand-controlled scanning probe microscope
Authors: Green Matthew F B , Esat Taner , Wagner Christian , Leinen Philipp , Grötsch Alexander , Tautz F Stefan , Temirov Ruslan
Published: October 2014

One of the paramount goals in nanotechnology is molecular-scale functional design, which includes arranging molecules into complex structures at will. The first steps towards this goal were made through the invention of the scanning probe microscope (SPM), which put single-atom and single-molecule manipulation into practice for the first time. Extending the controlled manipulation to larger molecules is expected to multiply the potential of engineered nanostructures. Here we report an enhancement of the SPM technique that makes the manipulation of large molecular adsorbates much more effective. By using a commercial motion tracking system, we couple the movements of an operator's hand to the sub-angstrom precise positioning of an SPM tip. Literally moving the tip by hand we write a nanoscale structure in a monolayer of large molecules, thereby showing that our method allows for the successful execution of complex manipulation protocols even when the potential energy surface that governs the interaction behaviour of the manipulated nanoscale object(s) is largely unknown.
Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Cervical Disk Replacement: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Hao-Xuan , Chen Yu , Gao Peng , Shao Yuan-Dong , Hou Yong , Cheng Lei , Maharjan Sailendra , Nie Lin
Published: October 2014

Studies have shown the effectiveness of cervical disk replacement. However, clinical outcomes, particularly by radiographic assessment during the 36-month follow-up visit, have not been reported for cervical disk replacement with Mobi-C (LDR, Austin, Texas) disk prostheses. A retrospective study was conducted at 10 centers across China and included 65 patients who underwent single-level Mobi-C disk prosthesis replacement from October 2009 to July 2010. Clinical and radiographic data were collected before replacement, 7 days postoperatively, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively. Clinical and neurologic outcomes were assessed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analog scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Odom’s criteria. Static and dynamic radiographs were measured to determine intervertebral height and range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine, the functional spinal unit, the treated segment, and adjacent segments. JOA, VAS, and NDI scores showed statistically significant improvement 36 months after replacement (
P
<.05). The ROM of the cervical spine, functional spinal unit, treated segment, and adjacent segments did not show a significant difference before and after replacement (
P
>.05). The intervertebral height of the treated segment increased significantly, and the intervertebral height of adjacent segments showed no statistical significance between time points and at follow-up. Clinical outcomes indicated that Mobi-C artificial cervical disk replacement is reliable. Radiographic data showed that it plays a role in reconstruction or maintenance of intervertebral height and ROM of the cervical spine, functional spinal unit, treated segment, and adjacent segments after Mobi-C cervical disk replacement.
Haptic Biofeedback for Improving Compliance With Lower-Extremity Partial Weight Bearing
Authors: Fu Michael C. , DeLuke Levi , Buerba Rafael A. , Fan Richard E. , Zheng Ying (Jean) , Leslie Michael P. , Baumgaertner Michael R. , Grauer Jonathan N.
Published: October 2014

After lower-extremity orthopedic trauma and surgery, patients are often advised to restrict weight bearing on the affected limb. Conventional training methods are not effective at enabling patients to comply with recommendations for partial weight bearing. The current study assessed a novel method of using real-time haptic (vibratory/vibrotactile) biofeedback to improve compliance with instructions for partial weight bearing. Thirty healthy, asymptomatic participants were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: verbal instruction, bathroom scale training, and haptic biofeedback. Participants were instructed to restrict lower-extremity weight bearing in a walking boot with crutches to 25 lb, with an acceptable range of 15 to 35 lb. A custom weight bearing sensor and biofeedback system was attached to all participants, but only those in the haptic biofeedback group were given a vibrotactile signal if they exceeded the acceptable range. Weight bearing in all groups was measured with a separate validated commercial system. The verbal instruction group bore an average of 60.3±30.5 lb (mean±standard deviation). The bathroom scale group averaged 43.8±17.2 lb, whereas the haptic biofeedback group averaged 22.4±9.1 lb (
P
<.05). As a percentage of body weight, the verbal instruction group averaged 40.2±19.3%, the bathroom scale group averaged 32.5±16.9%, and the haptic biofeedback group averaged 14.5±6.3% (
P
<.05). In this initial evaluation of the use of haptic biofeedback to improve compliance with lower-extremity partial weight bearing, haptic biofeedback was superior to conventional physical therapy methods. Further studies in patients with clinical orthopedic trauma are warranted.
Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: Common Management Policies Among Pediatric Ophthalmologists
Authors: Dotan Gad , Nelson Leonard B.
Published: November 2014

Purpose:

To study common management policies of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNDLO) among pediatric ophthalmologists.

Methods:

A 21-question survey was sent to members of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus in April 2014. The questions focused on treatment of CNLDO during the first year of life, primary and secondary surgical interventions, surgical techniques, and amblyopia assessment.

Results:

One hundred twenty-seven members completed the survey and 121 responses were analyzed after replies of 6 candidates in training were excluded. Eighty-two percent of respondents instructed caregivers to massage the nasolacrimal duct during the first year of life; however, 55% did not perform the Crigler massage in the office. Outpatient probing was done by 17% of pediatric ophthalmologists who took the survey, almost all of whom (95%) have been in practice more than 10 years. Ninety-one percent recommended surgery for CNLDO close to the age of 1 year and 79% performed probing as initial treatment at that age. If treatment is delayed to the age of 2 years, 53% favored silicone tube intubation and/or balloon dacryoplasty. Following failed probing, silicone tube intubation was performed by 51% of practitioners. Ninety-one percent of respondents routinely checked refraction of infants with CNLDO and recommended reexamination even if initial assessment was entirely normal.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the striking lack of consensus among pediatric ophthalmologists in many aspects of management of CNLDO and allows practitioners to compare their practice patterns regarding CNLDO management with those of their peers; however, because it provides only the opinions of a limited group of pediatric ophthalmologists, it does not imply that less common practices are wrong.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus.
2015;52(1):14–19.]
Graphical Modeling of Security Goals and Software Vulnerabilities
Authors: Byers David , Shahmehri Nahid
Published: November 2014

Security has become recognized as a critical aspect of software development, leading to the development of various security-enhancing techniques, many of which use some kind of custom modeling language. Models in different languages cannot readily be related to each other, which is an obstacle to using several techniques together. The sheer number of languages is, in itself, also an obstacle to adoption by developers. The authors have developed a modeling language that can be used in place of four existing modeling languages: attack trees, vulnerability cause graphs, security activity graphs, and security goal indicator trees. Models in the new language can be transformed to and from the earlier language, and a precise definition of model semantics enables an even wider range of applications, such as testing and static analysis. This chapter explores this new language.
Developing Secure Software Using UML Patterns
Authors: Schmidt Holger , Hatebur Denis , Heisel Maritta
Published: November 2014

This chapter presents a security engineering process based on UML security problem frames and concretized UML security problem frames. Both kinds of frames constitute patterns for analyzing security problems and associated solution approaches. They are arranged in a pattern system that makes dependencies between them explicit. The authors describe step-by-step how the pattern system can be used to analyze a given security problem and how solution approaches can be found. Then, solution approaches are specified by generic security components and generic security architectures, which constitute architectural patterns. Finally, the generic security components and the generic security architecture that composes them are refined, and the result is a secure software product built from existing and/or tailor-made security components.
Quality-Driven Database System Development within MDA Approach
Authors: Dubielewicz Iwona , Hnatkowska Bogumila , Huzar Zbigniew , Tuzinkiewicz Lech
Published: November 2014

The chapter presents an extended version of a quality-driven, MDA-based approach for database system development. The extension considers the relationship between successive models in the MDA approach. In particular, it gives rise to the introduction of domain ontology as a model preceding the CIM model as well as allows assessment of the extent to which the successive model is conformant with the preceding model. The chapter consists of four parts. The first part gives a short presentation of quality models and basic MDA concepts. The second one discusses the specific relationships between software development and quality assessment processes. The third part presents the Q-MDA framework and the proposal of a new quality characteristic (model conformance) with some measures for assessing the quality of a specific model in the context of other models. The last part contains an example of the framework application limited to the proposed quality model extension.
Rule-Based Domain-Specific Modeling for E-Government Service Transactions
Authors: Hernández Guillermo Infante , Fuente Aquilino A. Juan , Pérez Benjamín López , Núñez-Valdéz Edward Rolando
Published: November 2014

There is an explosion of different software platforms and protocols used to achieve systems interoperation. Among those platforms are the e-government transactions systems used mainly by public sector organizations to deliver demanded services to citizens. This scenario brings the appearance of communications gap among public organizations that share common processes, services, and regulations. Therefore, to find a solution to integrate these platforms becomes a relevant issue to be treated. This chapter proposes a rule-based domain-specific modeling environment for public services and process integration formed by common public service elements and a set of process integration rules. This approach provides a mechanism to integrate the conforming pieces of public transactions among different platforms. In addition, a service and a process meta-model is proposed in order to formalize the information structures. A set of process integration rules is also presented to complete the proposed model.