bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variations in the Position and Shape of the Basilar Artery
Authors: MehinoviÄ‡ Anel , IsakoviÄ‡ Eldar , DeliÄ‡ Jasmin 
Published: October 2015

OBJECTIVE: Anomalies of vertebrobasilar vessels arise as early embryonal developmental deteriorations. The majority of them concern the position, origin and shape of the basilar artery. Therefore the present study was carried out to find out the variations in position and shape of the basilar artery using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and CT Angiography.MATHERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 130 consecutive patients, adults of both sexes, treated in UKC Tuzla.Â Patients were divided into two groups.Â In one group (100) were patients without aneurysm in the vertebrobasilar tree, and in the second group (30) patients with aneurysm.RESULTS: Three types of variations in the shape of basilar artery were recorded: those with arched course, S-shaped course, and the straight course type.Â All the three types are approximately of the same percentage prevalence in the group of subjects without aneurysm in the vertebral-basilar tree, as well as in the group with aneurysm.Â Basilar artery at 89.33% of respondents was located in medial or in paramedial position.CONCLUSION: Attention is drawn to the practical importance of such variations as a possible source of diagnostic errors during cerebral arteriography. We highlight the morphological aspects of the basilar artery, the knowledge of which would help neurosurgeons safely diagnose, as well as plan and execute vascular bypass and shunting procedures for the treatment of stenosis, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations.
Treatment Algorithm for Chronic Anal Fissure â€“ A Review of Literature and itâ€™s Apply in University Clinical Center Mother Teresa â€“ Skopje
Authors: Dzeparoski Marjan 
Published: October 2015

Chronic anal fissure is one of the most frequent anorectal disorders. Symptoms vary but typically include bright red rectal bleeding, itching and discomfort or pain during and after defecation. Treatment has undergone a transformation in recent years from surgical to medical, all approaches sharing the goal of reducing the spasm.According to the researched treatment guidelines and the experience at the â€œUniversity Clinical Center Mother Teresaâ€ (Clinic of Gastroenterohepatology and Clinic of Abdominal Surgery) in Skopje, Macedonia, we propose the following algorithm for treatment of chronic anal fissure in three steps: from topicalÂ nifedipine + lidocaine cream (first-line) to second course of nifedipine + lidocaine cream or digital anal dilatation or botulinum toxin type A injection (second-line) to lateral internal sphincterotomy (third-line).The proposed treatment algorithm allows patients to start with the least invasive treatment. There is no doubt that patients are willing to try less invasive modalities with the hope of avoiding surgery, with its risk of permanent disability. It should be up to the patients to decide which treatment they prefer. Although chemical sphincterotomy is less successful from lateral internal sphincterotomy, the algorithm allows feasibility, efficacy and cost-effectiveness, as well as risk reduction for surgical morbidity.
Different Tools for the Assessment of Bone Mass among Egyptian Adults
Authors: Hassan Nayera E. , El-Masry Sahar A. , El-Banna Rokia A. , El Hussieny Mohamed S. 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Several tools such as, dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and self-assessment tool (OST), are being used for diagnosis of osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE: to compare the sensitivity and specify detection rate of bone mineral density (BMD) changes for DXA versus QCT and OST among a sample of Egyptian adults of both sexes.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study is a cross sectional one, which included 62 Egyptians, aged 20-65 years.Â Each individual was assessed for BMD using DXA at femur and spine sites; QCT and OST which take into account body weight and age. Accordingly they were diagnosed as either osteoporotic/osteopenic or normal.RESULTS: The highest prevalence of osteopenia or osteoporosis was diagnosed among menopause women. DXA at femur has diagnosed more cases of osteoporosis (both osteopenic and osteoporotic) as compared to spine DXA or QCT, but OST is out of rang; as it failed to diagnose any case.CONCLUSION: DXA has been found to be more efficacious than QCT scan in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. DXA in femur is better than DXA-spine and QCT. Generally, DXA is the "gold standard" when assessing osteoporosis. Further studies are needed to modify the equation of OST and confirm its efficiency in Egyptians population.
Body Composition Changes after Weight-Loss Interventions among Obese Females: A Comparison of Three Protocols
Authors: Hassan Nayera E. , El-Masry Sahar A. , El-Banna Rokia , Elshebini Salwa M. , Al-Tohamy Muhamed , El-Batrawy Salwa , Ahmed Nihad H. , Adel Dalia , Rasheed Enas Abdel , Selim Mohamed , El Hussieny Mohamed S. , Khalil Aya , Ali Manal Mouhamed 
Published: October 2015

AIM: To evaluate body composition changes after use of three different types of obesity management protocols: dietary measures and physical activity; acupuncture or laser acupuncture with healthy diet; aiming at achieving stable weight loss among obese Egyptian females.METHODS:Â A randomized longitudinal prospective study included 76 obese adult females; aged 26 up to 55 years. Anthropometric, body composition, ultrasonographic and biochemical assessments were done.RESULTS: The three types of obesity management protocols showed significant improvement in body composition (decrease in fat% and increases in FFM and TBW) and visceral fat by US. However, nutritional intervention showed highly significant improvement in the skin fold thickness at triceps and biceps sites and peripheral adiposity index.Â Acupuncture intervention showed highly significant improvement in fasting blood glucose (decreased) and lipid profile (decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL, and increased HDL). Laser intervention showed highly significant improvement in all the skin fold thickness and some parameters of lipid profile (decreased total cholesterol and LDL). CONCLUSIONS: The three obesity management protocols have significant effect on body composition, but acupuncture has the best effect in improving the lipid profile and fasting blood sugar. In addition, Laser intervention was recommended to improve skin fold thickness and subcutaneous fat.
Influence of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Metabolic Disorders in Male Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Androgen Deficiency
Authors: Janjgava Shota , Zerekidze Tamar , Uchava Lasha , Giorgadze Elene , Asatiani Ketevan 
Published: October 2015

INTRODUCTION: Multiple epidemiological studies have shown that low testosterone levels are associated with and predict the future development of T2DM.AIM: The aim of study was to show the influence of testosterone replacement therapy on anthropometric characteristics, glycosylated hemoglobinlevel level, blood pressure and dyslipidemia in patients with T2DM and Androgen deficiency.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Â From 125 male patients with T2DM were randomized 85 subjects with age 49.8 Â± 6.74 and BMI from 35.83 Â± 3.65 kg/m2 in placebo-controlled study. We divided patients into two groups: 1) Treatment group, where was used testosterone replacement therapy. 2) Placebo group, where was used placebo. In both groups was added Life style modification, but Antidiabetic therapy was unchanged.RESULTS: After six months of treatment we repeated the diagnostic assessments: lipid profile was improved in both groups but in group I it was statistically significant. Free testosterone level increased in all groups but in group I it was statistically significant. HbA1c decreased in both group but in group I we had the best result. Blood pressure was reduced in both groups, results were similar.CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that it is possible to regulate blood pressure, lipid profile, HbA1c, BMI - by raising testosterone in diabetic men with androgen deficiency.
Autoantibodies to Dense Fine Speckles in Pediatric Diseases and Controls
Authors: Schmeling Heinrike , Mahler Michael , Levy Deborah M. , Moore Katharine , Stevens Anne M. , Wick James , McMillan Jacob D. , Horneff Gerd , Assassi Shervin , Charles Julio , Salazar Gloria , Mayes Maureen D. , Silverman Earl D. , Klien-Gitelman Marissa , Lee Tzelan , Brunner Hermine I. , Reed Ann M. , Fritzler Marvin J. 
Published: October 2015

Objective.Autoantibodies to the dense fine speckled 70 kDa antigen (DFS70) are reported to be more common in individuals who do not have an antinuclear antibody (ANA)-associated rheumatic disease (AARD) than in patients with AARD. The frequency of anti-DFS70 antibodies has been thoroughly studied in adult but not in pediatric populations. The primary objective of this observational study was to determine the frequency of anti-DFS70 in pediatric AARD and reference cohorts.Methods.Sera from 743 children with AARD and related conditions, and 345 samples from reference cohorts (healthy children and those being investigated for AARD) were studied for anti-DFS70 autoantibodies as measured by a chemiluminescence immunoassay. A de-identified administrative database was used to retrieve demographic, serologic, and clinical data.Results.Anti-DFS70 antibodies were seen in 2.1% of healthy children and in 4.5% of sera from pediatric individuals referred for ANA testing. The frequency of anti-DFS70 was highest in juvenile localized scleroderma (LS; 4/29, 13.8%), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM; 2/11, 18.2%), childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE; 19/331, 5.7%), diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (1/22, 4.5%), celiac disease (2/49, 4.1%), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA; 5/202, 2.5%). Of note, anti-DFS70 antibodies were observed in 3/26 children (11.5%) with uveitis and JIA-associated uveitis.Conclusion.The frequency of anti-DFS70 autoantibodies in healthy pediatric subjects is within the lower range of that reported in adults. Anti-DFS70 antibodies can be found in childhood SSc and cSLE, but has a remarkably high frequency in children with LS, JDM, and uveitis.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Reveals Mature, Tangled Vascular Networks in Eyes With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Showing Resistance to Geographic Atrophy
Authors: Dansingani Kunal K. , Freund K. Bailey 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To demonstrate a vascular pattern seen on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) that appears to correlate with reduced rates of geographic atrophy (GA) in eyes receiving long-term anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Non-consecutive, retrospective cohort study. Patients were included if they had received more than 50 anti-VEGF injections during a period of at least 4 years for neovascular AMD in at least one eye, with absence or minimal progression of GA. Clinical charts and imaging were reviewed retrospectively; study eyes underwent OCTA.

RESULTS:
Nine eyes of eight patients were included. Mean age was 82 years, and mean follow-up of study eyes 9.1 years; study eyes received a mean of 65.8 injections. OCTA revealed tangled networks of neovessels associated with type 1 lesions.

CONCLUSION:
With prolonged anti-VEGF treatment, GA appears to occur less commonly in eyes with type 1 neovascularization. OCTA shows mature tangled vessels with substantial flow within type 1 lesions. Mature, tangled networks may be associated with a decreased likelihood of developing GA despite the presence of choriocapillaris atrophy.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:907–912.]
Correlation Between Choroidal Thickness and Ciliary Artery Blood Flow Velocity in Normal Subjects
Authors: Novais Eduardo Amorim , Badaró Emmerson , Allemann Norma , Morales Maira Saad Ávila , Rodrigues Eduardo Büchele , de Souza Lima Rodrigo , Regatieri Caio Vinicius Saito , Belfort Rubens 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To study the correlation between the choroidal thickness (CT) measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and retrobulbar blood flow measured by color Doppler flowmetry (CD) in normal subjects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Healthy subjects underwent enhanced-depth imaging SD-OCT and CD using a linear 6 MHz to 18 MHz transducer. The maximal peak systolic velocity and resistance index (RI) were obtained for the ophthalmic artery (OA), short posterior ciliary artery (SPCA), and central retinal artery (CRA) and correlated with the subfoveal CT measured by SD-OCT.

RESULTS:

Twenty-seven eyes of 27 healthy patients were enrolled (mean age: 40.6 ± 12.4 years; range: 27–68 years). An inverse proportional relationship (
P
= .0496) was identified between the RI of the SPCA (mean, 0.6117 ± 0.07911) and the subfoveal CT (319.9 µm ± 83.79 µm) but not between the RI and the OA (mean: 0.7019 µm ± 0.07317 µm) or the CRA (mean: 0.68843 µm ± 0.08994 µm).

CONCLUSION:
The results of this study suggested there is an inverse proportional relationship between the RI of the SPCA and the subfoveal CT. The data also suggested a correlation between a decrease in the CT and increased RI in the retrobulbar arteries. Therefore, lower choroidal blood flow may explain the thinner CT in normal subjects.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:920–924.]
Internalized Cryptococcus neoformans Activates the Canonical Caspase-1 and the Noncanonical Caspase-8 Inflammasomes
Authors: Chen Mingkuan , Xing Yue , Lu Ailing , Fang Wei , Sun Bing , Chen Changbin , Liao Wanqing , Meng Guangxun 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes cryptococccosis in immunocompromised patients as well as immunocompetent individuals. Host cell surface receptors that recognize C. neoformans have been widely studied. However, intracellular sensing of this pathogen is still poorly understood. Our previous studies have demonstrated that both biofilm and acapsular mutant of C. neoformans are able to activate the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. In the current study, it was found that opsonization-mediated internalization of encapsulated C. neoformans also activated the canonical NLRP3–apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC)–caspase-1 inflammasome. In addition, the internalized C. neoformans activated the noncanonical NLRP3–ASC–caspase-8 inflammasome as well, which resulted in robust IL-1β secretion and cell death from caspase-1–deficient primary dendritic cells. Interestingly, we found that caspase-1 was inhibitory for the activation of caspase-8 in dendritic cells upon C. neorformans challenge. Further mechanistic studies showed that both phagolysosome membrane permeabilization and potassium efflux were responsible for C. neoformans–induced activation of either the canonical NLRP3–ASC–caspase-1 inflammasome or the noncanonical NLRP3–ASC–caspase-8 inflammasome. Moreover, challenge with zymosan also led to the activation of the noncanonical NLRP3–ASC–caspase-8 inflammasome in cells absent for caspase-1. Collectively, these findings uncover a number of novel signaling pathways for the innate immune response of host cells to C. neoformans infection and suggest that manipulating NLRP3 signaling may help to control fungal challenge.
Modelling Rarefied Hypersonic Reactive Flows Using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Lo Ming-Chung , Su Cheng-Chin , Wu Jong-Shinn , Tseng Kun-Chang 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper presents the implementation, validation and application of TCE (total collision energy) model for simulating hypersonic reactive flows in a parallel direct simulation Monte Carlo code, named PDSC++, using an unstructured grid. A series of benchmarking test cases, which include reproduction of theoretical rate constants in a single cell, 2D hypersonic flow past a cylinder and 2D-axisymmetric hypersonic flow past a sphere, were performed to validate the implementation. Finally, detailed aerothermodynamics of the flown reentry Apollo 6 Command Module at 105 km is simulated to demonstrate the powerful capability of the PDSC++in treating realistic hypersonic reactive flow at high altitude.
A Biological Model of Acupuncture and its Derived Mathematical Modeling and Simulations
Authors: Thiriet Marc , Deleuze Yannick , Sheu Tony Wen-Hann 
Published: October 2015

Abstract(Aims) Acupuncture was employed since 2 millenaries, but the underlying mechanisms are not globally handled. The present study is aimed at proposing an explanation by pointing out involved processes and a convincing modeling to demonstrate its efficiency when carried out by trained practitioners.(Method) In the absence of global knowledge of any mechanism explaining the acupuncture process, a biological model is first developed, based on stimulation in a given domain around the needle tip of a proper mastocyte population by a mechanical stress, electrical, electromagnetic, or heat field. Whatever the type of mechanical or physical stimuli, mastocytes degranulate. Released messengers either facilitate the transfer of main mediators, or target their cognate receptors of local nerve terminals or after being conveyed by blood their receptors on cerebral cells. Signaling to the brain is fast by nervous impulses and delayed by circulating messengers that nevertheless distribute preferentially in the brain region of interest due to hyperemia. The process is self-sustained due to mastocyte chemotaxis from the nearby dense microcirculatory circuit and surrounding mastocyte pools, which are inadequate for acupuncture, but serve as a signal relay. A simple mathematical model is solved analytically. Numerical simulations are also carried out using the finite element method with mesh adaptivity.(Results) The analytical solution of the simple mathematical model demonstrates the conditions filled by a mastocyte population to operate efficiently. A theorem gives the blow-up condition. This analytical solution serves for validation of numerical experiments. Numerical simulations show that when the needle is positioned in the periphery of the acupoint or outside it, the response is too weak. This explains why a long training is necessary as the needle implantation requires a precision with a magnitude of the order of 1mm.(Conclusion) The acupoint must contain a highly concentrated population of mastocytes (e.g., very-high–amplitude, small-width Gaussian distribution) to get an initial proper response. Permanent signaling is provided by chemotaxis and continuous recruitment of mastocytes. Therefore, the density and distribution of mastocytes are crucial factors for efficient acupuncture as well as availability of circulating and neighboring pools of mastocytes.
Vortical Flow Structure in the Wake of an Estate Car
Authors: Huang Phillip Gwo-Yan , Sheu Tony Wen-Hann 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA finite volume simulation of unsteady vortical wake flow behind a square-back estate car is presented. The three-dimensional time-averaged incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved together with the Reynolds stress transport equations for turbulence. By virtue of the simulated surface streamlines, the physics of fluid can be extracted using the topological theory. In addition, the simulated topological singular points and lines of separation are plotted on the car surface. The vortical flow motions that developed behind the mirrors, wheels and car body are explored by means of the simulated time evolving vortex corelines. The formation and interaction of the vortex systems in the wake are examined by tracing the instantaneous streamlines in the vicinity of the simulated vortex corelines. The vortex street behind the estate car is also illustrated by the simulated streaklines. Finally the Hopf bifurcation phenomenon is revealed by the time-varying aerodynamic forces on the car.
Low particulate carbon to nitrogen ratios in marine surface waters of the Arctic
Authors: Crawford David W. , Wyatt Shea N. , Wrohan Ian A. , Cefarelli Adrián O. , Giesbrecht Karina E. , Kelly Brianne , Varela Diana E. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDuring the Canada's Three Oceans and Joint Ocean Ice Study projects in the summers of 2007 and 2008, we measured particulate organic carbon to nitrogen ratios (POC:PON) throughout the euphotic zone in Subarctic and Arctic waters. Average depth‐integrated values (2.65 ± 0.19) in the Beaufort Sea and Canada Basin (BS‐CB domain) were much lower than both the Redfield ratio (6.6) and the average ratios (3.9 to 5.6) measured across other Arctic‐Subarctic domains. Average uptake ratios of C and N (ρC:ρN) were also lower (0.87 ± 0.14) in BS‐CB than in the other four domains (2.10 to 3.51). Decreasing POC:PON ratios were associated with low concentrations of phytoplankton C, reduced abundance of biogenic silica (bSiO2), a smaller relative contribution of the >5 µm fraction to total chlorophyll a and a larger relative contribution of small flagellates (<8 µm) to total phytoplankton C. In the subsurface chlorophyll a maximum (SCM) within the BS‐CB domain, phytoplankton C represented only ~13% of POC; and therefore, the presence of heterotrophic microbes may have decreased POC:PON. These ratios are supported by data obtained during other Arctic programs in 2006, 2008, and 2009. Previous work has suggested a link between freshening of surface waters and increasing dominance of picophytoplankton and bacterioplankton in the Canada Basin, and the low POC:PON ratios measured during this study may be a consequence of this shift. Our results have ramifications for the conversion between C‐ and N‐based estimates of primary productivity, and for biogeochemical modeling of marine Arctic waters.
Evaluation of Operation IceBridge quick‐look snow depth estimates on sea ice
Authors: King Joshua , Howell Stephen , Derksen Chris , Rutter Nick , Toose Peter , Beckers Justin F. , Haas Christian , Kurtz Nathan , Richter‐Menge Jacqueline 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe evaluate Operation IceBridge (OIB) “quick‐look” snow depth on sea ice retrievals using in situ measurements taken over immobile first‐year ice (FYI) and multiyear ice (MYI) during March of 2014. Good agreement was found over undeformed FYI (−4.5 cm mean bias) with reduced agreement over deformed FYI (−6.6 cm mean bias). Over MYI, the mean bias was −5.7 cm, but 54% of retrievals were discarded by the OIB retrieval process as compared to only 10% over FYI. Footprint scale analysis revealed a root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of 6.2 cm over undeformed FYI with RMSE of 10.5 cm and 17.5 cm in the more complex deformed FYI and MYI environments. Correlation analysis was used to demonstrate contrasting retrieval uncertainty associated with spatial aggregation and ice surface roughness.