SpringerPlus[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Enhancing rock phosphate integration rate for fast bio-transformation of cow-dung waste-paper mixtures to organic fertilizer.
Unuofin FO, Siswana M, Cishe EN
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917357 · Full text
Rock phosphate (RP) addition in cow-dung waste-paper mixtures at rates above 2% P has been reported to increase the rate of bio-transformation and humification of organic waste mixtures during vermicomposting to produce...
Rock phosphate (RP) addition in cow-dung waste-paper mixtures at rates above 2% P has been reported to increase the rate of bio-transformation and humification of organic waste mixtures during vermicomposting to produce organic fertilizer for organic farming. However, the optimization of RP for vermicomposting was not established. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal amount of RP integration rates for effective bio-transformation of cow-dung waste-paper mixtures. Arrays of RP integration degrees (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 4% P as RP) were thoroughly mixed with cow- dung waste-paper mixtures to achieve an optimized C:N ratio of 30 and allowed to vermidegrade following the introduction of earthworms at a stocking mass of 12.5 g-worms kg. The bio-transformation of the waste mixtures was examined by measuring C:N ratios and humification index (HI) and per cent ash and volatile solids. Application of 1% P as RP resulted in fast bio-transformation and maturation of cow-dung waste-paper mixtures. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the morphological properties of the different vermicomposts affected by rates of RP showing the degree of degradation of initial compacted aggregates of cellulose and protein fibres in the mixtures at maturity. A germination test was used to further determine phytotoxicity of the final composts and microbial biomass assessment. The final vermicompost (organic fertilizer) had a C:N ratio of 7, MBC of 900 mg kg and HI of 27.1%. The RP incorporation rate of 1% P of RP investigated is therefore, recommended for efficient vermidegradation and humification of cow-dung waste-paper mixtures. However, higher rates of RP incorporation should be considered where greater P enrichment of the final vermicompost (organic fertilizer) is desired.
Response and recovery measures for two floods in north China during the nineteenth century: a comparative study.
Ye Y, Fang X, Li F
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917356 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The process of human response to natural disasters and its mechanisms as revealed by historical events still has a broad significance for modern society. This study analyzed the disaster relief process and th...
BACKGROUND: The process of human response to natural disasters and its mechanisms as revealed by historical events still has a broad significance for modern society. This study analyzed the disaster relief process and the social response for two floods in China: the Yongding River flood in 1801 and the Yellow River flood in 1841. These two floods reflect the different response processes between the national and provincial capitals during a stage of climate cooling and social transition in the Qing dynasty. RESULTS: Applying methods of historical documents analysis and qualitatively comparative analysis to the materials such as and , it shows that: (1) In 1801, the central government took on a lead position, from flood surveying to relief processes. However, local government and gentries played an important role in 1841. (2) In 1801, the government successfully undertook a series of relief measures addressing production, housing, food prices, taxes, and water conservancy and administration. In 1841, the response measures were relatively simple, focusing mainly on providing shelter and food for victims. (3) The government carried out long-term disaster prevention measures such as dredging channels after the flood in 1801. In 1841, however, the efforts were focused mainly on emergency rescue. (4) Refugees in the 1801 flood were effectively managed by a centralized authority. In 1841, regulation of the flooding was delayed by corruption and conflicts between officers, leading to an expansion of the disaster's impact. CONCLUSIONS: Above results have led to the conclusion that disaster relief systems and response measures had a significant effect on the consequences of those floods. Various flood relief measures and natural disasters management regimes have implications for contemporary flood hazard mitigation.
Effect of climate change on stormwater runoff characteristics and treatment efficiencies of stormwater retention ponds: a case study from Denmark using TSS and Cu as indicator pollutants.
Sharma AK, Vezzaro L, Birch H … +2 more , Arnbjerg-Nielsen K, Mikkelsen PS
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917355 · Full text
This study investigated the potential effect of climate changes on stormwater pollution runoff characteristics and the treatment efficiency of a stormwater retention pond in a 95 ha catchment in Denmark. An integrated dy...
This study investigated the potential effect of climate changes on stormwater pollution runoff characteristics and the treatment efficiency of a stormwater retention pond in a 95 ha catchment in Denmark. An integrated dynamic stormwater runoff quality and treatment model was used to simulate two scenarios: one representing the current climate and another representing a future climate scenario with increased intensity of extreme rainfall events and longer dry weather periods. 100-year long high-resolution rainfall time series downscaled from regional climate model projections were used as input. The collected data showed that total suspended solids (TSS) and total copper (Cu) concentrations in stormwater runoff were related to flow, rainfall intensity and antecedent dry period. Extreme peak intensities resulted in high particulate concentrations and high loads but did not affect dissolved Cu concentrations. The future climate simulations showed an increased frequency of higher flows and increased total concentrations discharged from the catchment. The effect on the outlet from the pond was an increase in the total concentrations (TSS and Cu), whereas no major effect was observed on dissolved Cu concentrations. Similar results are expected for other particle bound pollutants including metals and slowly biodegradable organic substances such as PAH. Acute toxicity impacts to downstream surface waters seem to be only slightly affected. A minor increase in yearly loads of sediments and particle-bound pollutants is expected, mainly caused by large events disrupting the settling process. This may be important to consider for the many stormwater retention ponds existing in Denmark and across the world.
Results of a hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stem (Corail) in Chinese: a minimum 10-year follow-up.
Xu J, Xie Z, Zhao J … +4 more , Gao Y, Zhao H, Peng L, Qu Y
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917354 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Due to the adverse effects of cemented hip arthroplasty, uncemented stems with hydroxyapatite (HA) coating reduces these risks and enhanced integration. The concept of an extensive HA coating for the fixation...
BACKGROUND: Due to the adverse effects of cemented hip arthroplasty, uncemented stems with hydroxyapatite (HA) coating reduces these risks and enhanced integration. The concept of an extensive HA coating for the fixation of a tapered femoral stem (Corail) was introduced, which can achieve durable biological fixation and preserve normal periprosthetic bone activity. Here we describe the clinical and radiological outcome in patients with the Corail stem. METHODS: 92 total hip replacements in 81 patients using the Corail stem were followed-up. 47 patients were women, and the mean age at surgery was 62.9 ± 8.7 (34-71) years. The indications included: osteoarthritis of the hip (71.1%), avascular necrosis (13.6%), femur neck fractures in elderly (9.7%) and post-traumatic osteoarthritis (6.8%). FINDINGS: Eight patients died during follow-up. The revision was only found in two patients due to line wear and resulted in an 10-year Kaplan-Meier estimated overall survival rate of 97.83%. The clinical results were good, with a mean Harris hip score of 92.3 ± 5.6 (72-100). The mean total Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score was 6.8 ± 0.5 pre-operatively and 16.1 ± 1.4 at latest follow-up. All unrevised implants were radiographically stable, with a mean liner wear of 0.07 mm/year. CONCLUSION: This long-term analysis confirmed the durability of the functional and radiographic results. Our findings suggest the long-term results of Corail HA-coated stem are more satisfactory which is preferable to any other system.
Application of the Mike21C model to simulate flow in the lower Mekong river basin.
Dang TA, Tran TH
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917353 · Full text
Numerical models are useful tools that play an important role in many research projects. Mike21C is one of the most well-established models for simulating a variety of processes, including bank erosion, bed level variati...
Numerical models are useful tools that play an important role in many research projects. Mike21C is one of the most well-established models for simulating a variety of processes, including bank erosion, bed level variations, aggradation, and degradation. Such processes are caused by a variety of activities, such as construction and dredging, as well as seasonal flow fluctuations. Mike21C based on an orthogonal curvilinear grid, which enables a computational speed that is faster than that of other grids. The hydrodynamic part of the model is based on solving the Saint-Venant equations. In this research, the Mike21C model was applied to simulate water depth, flow discharge distribution, and suspended transport rate along reaches of the Bassac River the on Vietnam. The data files of the curvilinear grid and bathymetry were used to generate the model. A time series for the discharge and water level of hydrological stations was established. The model was calibrated using the water level and suspended load data collected during high and low flow discharges. The simulation results show that the model can be applied well to other areas.
Interval-valued fuzzy [Formula: see text]-tolerance competition graphs.
Pramanik T, Samanta S, Pal M … +2 more , Mondal S, Sarkar B
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917352 · Full text
This paper develops an interval-valued fuzzy [Formula: see text]-tolerance competition graphs which is the extension of basic fuzzy graphs and [Formula: see text] is any real valued function. Interval-valued fuzzy [Formu...
This paper develops an interval-valued fuzzy [Formula: see text]-tolerance competition graphs which is the extension of basic fuzzy graphs and [Formula: see text] is any real valued function. Interval-valued fuzzy [Formula: see text]-tolerance competition graph is constructed by taking all the fuzzy sets of a fuzzy [Formula: see text]-tolerance competition graph as interval-valued fuzzy sets. Product of two IVFPTCGs and relations between them are defined. Here, some hereditary properties of products of interval-valued fuzzy [Formula: see text]-tolerance competition graphs are represented. Application of interval-valued fuzzy competition graph in image matching is given to illustrate the model.
The distribution of some extremum on the risk process whose income depend on the current reserve.
He J, Liu Z, Zhang W
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917351 · Full text
This paper considers the distribution of some extremum on the risk process whose income depend on the current reserve. We first construct the defective renewal sequence and obtain the density function of them. By the pre...
This paper considers the distribution of some extremum on the risk process whose income depend on the current reserve. We first construct the defective renewal sequence and obtain the density function of them. By the presented renewal measure and the strong Markov property, the distribution of the first hitting time is obtained explicitly. Then, the ruin probability and the probability that the surplus process less than is obtained. Furthermore, the distribution of supreme profits before ruin, the joint distributions of the supreme profit and the deficit before the time of the surplus process first up-crossing level zero after ruin, and the joint distributions of the supreme profit and the deficit before the surplus process leave zero ultimately are derived. Finally, the exact calculating results for them are obtained when the individual claim amounts in the compound Poisson risk model are exponentially distributed.
Completeness and regularity of generalized fuzzy graphs.
Samanta S, Sarkar B, Shin D … +1 more , Pal M
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917350 · Full text
Fuzzy graphs are the backbone of many real systems like networks, image, scheduling, etc. But, due to some restriction on edges, fuzzy graphs are limited to represent for some systems. Generalized fuzzy graphs are approp...
Fuzzy graphs are the backbone of many real systems like networks, image, scheduling, etc. But, due to some restriction on edges, fuzzy graphs are limited to represent for some systems. Generalized fuzzy graphs are appropriate to avoid such restrictions. In this study generalized fuzzy graphs are introduced. In this study, matrix representation of generalized fuzzy graphs is described. Completeness and regularity are two important parameters of graph theory. Here, regular and complete generalized fuzzy graphs are introduced. Some properties of them are discussed. After that, effective regular graphs are exemplified.
Effect of acute salinity stress on ion homeostasis, Na/K-ATPase and histological structure in sea cucumber .
Geng C, Tian Y, Shang Y … +3 more , Wang L, Jiang Y, Chang Y
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917349 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Sea cucumbers () are an imperiled fauna exposed to a variety of environmental condition such as salinity and studies are urgently needed to assess their effects to guide aquaculture efforts. The effects of ac...
BACKGROUND: Sea cucumbers () are an imperiled fauna exposed to a variety of environmental condition such as salinity and studies are urgently needed to assess their effects to guide aquaculture efforts. The effects of acute salinity stress on coelomic fluid osmotic pressure, ion concentrations, the activity of Na/K-ATPase in respiratory trees and the histological variations were measured to evaluate the salinity tolerance of sea cucumbers. RESULTS: Significant correlations in osmotic pressure were observed between coelomic fluid and ambient environmental salinity. In coelomic fluid, Na concentration was observed fluctuated during salinity 18 psu and the inflection point presented at the 6 h. The Na/K-ATPase activity in respiratory trees indicated the "U-shaped" fluctuant change and the change trend was opposite with the Na concentration. The ions (K, Cl) concentration decreased and showed the same tendency at salinity 40 psu with salinity 18 psu. The total coelomocytes counts and phagocytosis of coelomic fluid Na/K-ATPase activity indicated fluctuating changes under different salinity stress. Histological variation revealed a negative relation between decreasing salt concentration and tissue integrity. Tissue damages were significantly observed in intestines, muscles and tube feet under low salinity environment (18, 23 and 27 psu). The connective tissue in intestines of exposed to 18 and 23 psu damaged and partly separated from the mucosal epithelium. The significant variations occurred in tube feet, which presented the swelling in connective tissue and a fracture in longitudinal muscles under low salinity (18 psu). The morphological change of tube feet showed the shrinkage of connective tissue under high salinity (40 psu). The amount of infusoria in the respiratory trees decreased or even disappeared in salinity treatment groups (18 and 23 psu). CONCLUSION: The results inferred that osmoconformity and ionoregulation were seen in sea cucumbers, which contributed to understand the salinity regulatory mechanisms of under acute salinity stress.
Resolution of constipation, anal stricture, and iron deficiency anemia after iron infusion: an analogy with Plummer Vinson syndrome.
Arya V, Singh S, Agarwal S … +1 more , Ohri A
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917348 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Anal stricture is a disabling condition which is often unresponsive to conservative medical management. The complications of surgical procedures such as dilatations and anoplasty make it a formidable treatmen...
BACKGROUND: Anal stricture is a disabling condition which is often unresponsive to conservative medical management. The complications of surgical procedures such as dilatations and anoplasty make it a formidable treatment challenge. Through this case, we report and explore a new medical treatment for ano-rectal strictures with an analogy to Plummer Vinson syndrome. A 69-year-old male presented with chronic constipation, rectal pain, and easy fatigability. The physical exam was negative for anal fissure and a digital rectal examination could not be completed because an index finger could not be advanced through the narrowed anus. Laboratory reports revealed microcytic hypochromic anemia with iron deficiency. A colonoscopy performed with a GIF XQ180 OLYMPUS scope, confirmed anal stricture with non-specific colitis. Conservative management with laxatives, high fiber diet, local anesthetics with a trial of mesalamine was initiated but the patient continued to have symptoms. He was referred to a hematologist for an evaluation of anemia and was started on intravenous (IV) iron infusion. FINDINGS: The patient's symptoms of constipation, anal stricture and iron deficiency anemia resolved with iron infusion over 3 months. A repeat rectal exam was painless and confirmed resolution of anal stricture. CONCLUSION: IV iron supplementation combined with conventional anal dilatation presents as a promising approach toward the treatment of anal strictures.
Identification of lumbar disc disease hallmarks: a large cross-sectional study.
Zhang J, Zhao F, Wang FL … +10 more , Yang YF, Zhang C, Cao Y, Wang YL, Shi XJ, Wan Y, Zhang M, Liu MQ, Zuo CG, Wang HQ
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917347 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc disease has a disabling impact on global people with heavy burden on society, mainly consisting of lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) and lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The recently released lumbar dis...
BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc disease has a disabling impact on global people with heavy burden on society, mainly consisting of lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) and lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The recently released lumbar disc nomenclature version 2.0 deepens our understandings on the diseases. Consequently, there is an urgent need to clarify the occurrence and distribution features of LDD and LDH in a large-scale sample in terms of the novel version. QUESTION/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) Is there a difference in the occurrence and distribution hallmarks of LDD and LDH in a population-based large-scale sample? (2) Does the novel nomenclature version bring novel vision on lumbar disc disease? METHODS: Five thousand two hundred eighty-eight consecutive cases (26,440 lumbar discs) undergoing lumbar spine MRI were retrospectively included from Jan 2008 to Dec 2010 in a territory university hospital. Five hundred nine cases were excluded. There were 2727 males (51.57%) and 2561 females (48.43%) with a mean age of 43.73 years. Both T1 and T2 weighted lumbar MRI images from L1/2 to L5/S1 were profoundly analyzed in axial and sagittal planes. We classified lumbar discs in terms of version 2.0. RESULTS: The occurrence of LDH and LDD was 14.18 and 44.23% in average, respectively. Notably, lumbar spine discs were more prone to LDD than LDH. L4/5 was the most frequent level in terms of LDH (26.08%) and LDD (56.09%), followed by L5/S1 (LDH: 24.09%; LDD: 55.33%), then L3/4, L2/3 and L1/2 in ranking order. The prevalence of LDH and LDD in upper lumbar discs from L1/2 to L3/4 was significant lower than the average prevalence rate ( < 0.05). The mean age was 24.70 (±14.81) years for normal lumbar discs; 49.76 (±14.95) years for LDD; 37.01 (±12.91) years for LDH; 51.31(±15.00) years for LDD and LDH ( < 0.05). Modic changes, HIZ, spondylosis deformans and decreased disc height were linked with older age; whereas Schmorl node and lumbar disc sequestration were not associated with age ( < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of LDD is 44.23%, higher than LDH as 14.18%. L4/5 and L5/S1 are the most frequent involved segments for the majority of lumbar disc diseases. Schmorl node occurs (1.6%) more frequently in upper lumbar spine, independent of age. Modic changes (0.87%) are closely related with older age. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When diagnosing and treating lumbar disc disease, it might be important to consider the updated nomenclature of LDD and LDH. Our study provides additional novel vision on the features of LDD and LDH in a large-scale sample based on the nomenclature of novel version.
Neonatal bacterial meningitis in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: a 10-year retrospective review.
Reta MA, Zeleke TA
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917346 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Bacterial meningitis is still a major public health threat in developing countries. It is an overwhelming infection with a high morbidity and mortality rate, especially in neonates. The aim of this study was...
BACKGROUND: Bacterial meningitis is still a major public health threat in developing countries. It is an overwhelming infection with a high morbidity and mortality rate, especially in neonates. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and etiological agents that cause bacterial neonatal meningitis at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 1189 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens submitted to the bacteriology laboratory of TASH for culture from 2001 to 2010. All newborns younger than 29 days old that were suspected for bacterial meningitis cases were included in the study. RESULTS: Based on CSF culture, 56 newborns were identified as having bacterial meningitis from a total of 1189 suspected cases. The overall prevalence of neonatal bacterial meningitis from the total suspected cases was 4.7%. The organisms identified and their prevalence rates were 13 (23%), 9 (16%), 7 (13%), 5 (9%), spp. 5 (9%), 3 (5%) and 3 (5%). There were two (4%) cases each that was caused by -- and ---, while 1 (2%) caused by . was the main etiological agent identified from CSF culture. The male to female ratio was 1:0.88 (53% were male). The birth weights of 34 (61%) patients were under 2500 g, and 22 (39%) patients had normal birth weights. Twenty-seven (48%) were early onset cases, and 29 (52%) were late-onset. CONCLUSION: and were the two main etiological agents for neonatal bacterial meningitis infection in the study area.
Cholecystectomy and duodenogastric reflux: interacting effects over the gastric mucosa.
Mercan E, Duman U, Tihan D … +2 more , Dilektasli E, Senol K
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917345 · Full text
AIMS: To evaluate association between duodenogastric reflux and early gastric mucosal changes before and after the cholecystectomy procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were evaluated with preoperative and postopera...
AIMS: To evaluate association between duodenogastric reflux and early gastric mucosal changes before and after the cholecystectomy procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative endoscopy and endoscopic biopsy. Demographic and clinical characteristics, histological parameters, presence of duodenogastric reflux, and Updated Sydney scores were noted. RESULTS: A total of fifty patients who obeyed the follow-up were enrolled into the study. Median age of the patients was 43 years (range 25-84). Male-female ratio was 0.51 (17/33). Duodenogastric reflux % and Updated Sydney scores before and after cholecystectomy were 24 (48%) versus 39 (78%) and 2.38 ± 2.21 versus 3.46 ± 3.05, respectively (p = 0.001, p < 0.000). Mucosal inflammation degree showed significant increase in 15 (30%) patients, decrease in 7 (14%) patients and equality in 28 (56%) patients (p = 0.037). Neutrophil activation degree was significantly higher in 21 (42%) patients, lower in 5 (10%) patients after the surgery (p = 0.005). Postoperative glandular atrophy degree was also higher in 13 (26%) patients and equal in 37 (74%) patients (p = 0.001). Pre- and postoperative degree of intestinal metaplasia and density did not any show significant difference (p = 0.157, p = 0.248, respectively).There were significant positive correlation between postoperative infection and mucosal activity, inflammation, atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. CONCLUSION: Cholecystectomy is a potent inducer of pathologic duodenogastric reflux. Early onset of duodenogastric reflux and underlying gastritis cause early gastric mucosal injury following cholecystectomy procedure by interacting collectively.
Research on early-warning index of the spatial temperature field in concrete dams.
Yang G, Gu C, Bao T … +2 more , Cui Z, Kan K
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917344 · Full text
Warning indicators of the dam body's temperature are required for the real-time monitoring of the service conditions of concrete dams to ensure safety and normal operations. Warnings theories are traditionally targeted a...
Warning indicators of the dam body's temperature are required for the real-time monitoring of the service conditions of concrete dams to ensure safety and normal operations. Warnings theories are traditionally targeted at a single point which have limitations, and the scientific warning theories on global behavior of the temperature field are non-existent. In this paper, first, in 3D space, the behavior of temperature field has regional dissimilarity. Through the Ward spatial clustering method, the temperature field was divided into regions. Second, the degree of order and degree of disorder of the temperature monitoring points were defined by the probability method. Third, the weight values of monitoring points of each regions were explored via projection pursuit. Forth, a temperature entropy expression that can describe degree of order of the spatial temperature field in concrete dams was established. Fifth, the early-warning index of temperature entropy was set up according to the calculated sequential value of temperature entropy. Finally, project cases verified the feasibility of the proposed theories. The early-warning index of temperature entropy is conducive to the improvement of early-warning ability and safety management levels during the operation of high concrete dams.
A new bioinformatic insight into the associated proteins in psychiatric disorders.
Zhao W, Yang W, Zheng S … +5 more , Hu Q, Qiu P, Huang X, Hong X, Lan F
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917343 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Psychiatric diseases severely affect the quality of patients' lives and bring huge economic pressure to their families. Also, the great phenotypic variability among these patients makes it difficult to invest...
BACKGROUND: Psychiatric diseases severely affect the quality of patients' lives and bring huge economic pressure to their families. Also, the great phenotypic variability among these patients makes it difficult to investigate the pathogenesis. Nowadays, bioinformatics is hopeful to be used as an effective tool for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, which can identify sensitive biomarkers and explore associated signaling pathways. METHODS: In this study, we performed an integrated bioinformatic analysis on 1945 mental-associated proteins including 91 secreted proteins and 593 membrane proteins, which were screened from the Universal Protein Resource (Uniport) database. Then the function and pathway enrichment analyses, ontological classification, and constructed PPI network were executed. RESULTS: Our present study revealed that the majority of mental proteins were closely related to metabolic processes and cellular processes. We also identified some significant molecular biomarkers in the progression of mental disorders, such as HRAS, ALS2, SLC6A1, SLC39A12, SIL1, IDUA, NEPH2 and XPO1. Furthermore, it was found that hub proteins, such as COMT, POMC, NPS and BDNF, might be the potential targets for mental disorders therapy. Finally, we demonstrated that psychiatric disorders may share the same signaling pathways with cancers, involving ESR1, BCL2 and MAPK3. CONCLUSION: Our data are expected to contribute to explaining the possible mechanisms of psychiatric diseases and providing a useful reference for the diagnosis and therapy of them.
Genomic studies of envelope gene sequences from mosquito and human samples from Bangkok, Thailand.
Pitaksajjakul P, Benjathummarak S, Son HN … +2 more , Thongrungkiat S, Ramasoota P
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917342 · Full text
Dengue virus (DENV) is an RNA virus showing a high degree of genetic variation as a consequence of its proofreading inability. This variation plays an important role in virus evolution and pathogenesis. Although levels o...
Dengue virus (DENV) is an RNA virus showing a high degree of genetic variation as a consequence of its proofreading inability. This variation plays an important role in virus evolution and pathogenesis. Although levels of within-host genetic variation are similar following equilibrium, variation among different hosts is frequently different. To identify dengue quasispecies present among two hosts, we collected patient samples from six acute DENV cases and two pools of mosquitoes and analyzed the genetic variation of regions of the viral envelope gene. Among human and mosquito samples, we found three major clusters originating from two subpopulations. Although several shared lineages were observed in the two hosts, only one lineage showing evidence of neutral selection was observed among two hosts. Taken together, our data provide evidence for the existence of a DENV quasispecies, with less genetic variation observed in mosquitoes than humans and with circulating lineages found in both host types.
The effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on aluminum phosphide poisoning inducing cardiovascular toxicity: a case-control study.
Taghaddosinejad F, Farzaneh E, Ghazanfari-Nasrabad M … +3 more , Eizadi-Mood N, Hajihosseini M, Mehrpour O
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917341 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is a very effective indoor and outdoor pesticide. We investigated the effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on the survival time, hemodynamics, and cardiac biochemical parameters at vari...
BACKGROUND: Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is a very effective indoor and outdoor pesticide. We investigated the effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on the survival time, hemodynamics, and cardiac biochemical parameters at various time intervals in some cases of AlP poisoning. METHODS: This research was a case-control study to evaluate 63 AlP poisoned patients during 2010-2012. Patients with cardiovascular complications of AlP to be treated with intravenous NAC plus conventional treatment were considered as the case group and compared with patients who did not receive NAC. NAC infusion was administered to the case group at 300 mg/kg for 20 h. The data gathered included age, sex, heart rate, Systolic blood pressure (SBP), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and ECG at the admission time and 12, 18, and 24 h after admission. Analysis of repeated measures was performed to check the variability of parameters over time. RESULTS: The mean ages in the case and control groups were 26.65 ± 1.06 (19-37 years) and 28.39 ± 1.11 (18-37 years), respectively (P = 0.266). Most of the patients were female (56.5%). CK-MB means were significantly different between the two groups, but no differences between the other variables were observed. Also, CK-MB, CPK, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure means became significantly different over time (0, 12, 18, and 24 h) in both groups (P < 0.001). NAC prevented sharp heart rate fluctuations in AlP patients in the case group. Regarding the outcomes, 17 patients died (10 patients in the control and 7 patients in the case groups). No side-effects of NAC were observed. CONCLUSION: Our patients could be managed by the positive role of NAC as the biochemical index of cardiotoxicity was found to elevate in both the case and control groups. Therefore, for the management protocol optimization, NAC evaluation should be done in further cases.
Serum miR-95-3p is a diagnostic and prognostic marker for osteosarcoma.
Niu J, Sun Y, Guo Q … +2 more , Niu D, Liu B
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917340 · Full text
It has been demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) can act as prognostic and diagnostic markers, and potential therapeutic targets. miR-95-3p has been reported to be downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues, but its p...
It has been demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) can act as prognostic and diagnostic markers, and potential therapeutic targets. miR-95-3p has been reported to be downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues, but its potential as a serum biomarker has not been assessed in human osteosarcoma. The purpose of the present study was to examine the expression levels of miR-95-3p in serum of patients with osteosarcoma and to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-95-3p. The serum levels of miR-95-3p in osteosarcoma patients were detected by a real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. Associations between miR-95-3p expression and various clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed using Chi square test. Differences in patient survival were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and a log-rank test. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used for multivariate analyses of prognostic values. Compared to healthy controls, the expression levels of miR-95-3p in serum of osteosarcoma patients were significantly decreased ( < 0.0001). Low miR-95-3p expression had significant association with clinical stage ( < 0.001) and metastasis ( < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that patients with high miR-95-3p expression survived significantly longer than patients with low miR-95-3p expression ( = 0.017). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that miR-95-3p expression level ( = 0.014) was an independent prognostic biomarker for overall survival. Our findings suggested that down-expression of serum miR-95-3p might be associated with poor prognosis of osteosarcoma patients, suggesting that decreased expression of serum miR-95-3p may serve as a valuable diagnostic/prognostic marker for osteosarcoma patients.
Morphine versus methylprednisolone or aminophylline for relieving dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer in China: a retrospective study.
Tian C, Wang JY, Wang ML … +3 more , Jiang B, Zhang LL, Liu F
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917339 · Full text
CONTEXT: Dyspnea is one of the most common and distressing symptoms that occurs in terminal cancer patients. However, there are no existing treatment guidelines for this condition in China. OBJECTIVE: This single-center,...
CONTEXT: Dyspnea is one of the most common and distressing symptoms that occurs in terminal cancer patients. However, there are no existing treatment guidelines for this condition in China. OBJECTIVE: This single-center, retrospective, observational study aimed to compare the efficacy of using morphine, methylprednisolone, or aminophylline to relieve the symptom of breathlessness in patients with advanced malignant tumors and to investigate the safety of these regimens during the treatment of dyspnea. METHODS: Between August 2011 and January 2015 we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 343 terminally ill cancer patients with dyspnea who received morphine, methylprednisolone, or aminophylline. The therapeutic effect of each treatment by means of visual analogue scale (VAS) scores was assessed and compared. Statistical methods included Chi square and analysis of variance tests. Differences were considered significant when < 0.05. RESULTS: VAS scores after treatment were (16.82 ± 10.89), (25.72 ± 15.03), and (31.95 ± 16.00) points in the morphine, methylprednisolone, and aminophylline group, respectively. These differences were found to be significantly different ( < 0.05). The effectiveness ratings were 86.44, 62.16, and 49.12%, respectively ( < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that morphine subcutaneous injection for advanced cancer patients with dyspnea was safe and typically more effective than methylprednisolone or aminophylline. Therefore, morphine treatment could significantly improve the quality of life in terminal cancer patients with short life expectancies who are experiencing shortness of breath.
Six different extremely calcified lesions of the brain: brain stones.
Gezercan Y, Acik V, Çavuş G … +4 more , Ökten AI, Bilgin E, Millet H, Olmaz B
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27917338 · Full text
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to extend clinical documentation of cerebral calculi by reporting six cases of cerebral calculi with distinct etiologies and localizations. METHODS: We evaluated the age, sex distribution, pr...
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to extend clinical documentation of cerebral calculi by reporting six cases of cerebral calculi with distinct etiologies and localizations. METHODS: We evaluated the age, sex distribution, presenting symptoms, neurological examination findings, pathology results, and location of the calcifications of six patients with intracranial calcifications. RESULTS: Three of the six patients with brain stones were female (50%), and three were male (50%). The patient ages ranged from 12 to 46 years. A radiological examination of each patient's cranium was performed with pre-operative cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. All of the lesions were completely excised. The patients' pathologies were determined to be distinct hyalinization, dystrophic calcification, hamartoma, ossification developing from widespread pituitary adenoma tissue, benign mesenchymal neoplasia, a mass consisting of sporadically ossified fibrous tissue, and angiomatous meningioma with distinct hyalinization and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial calcifications are a common phenomenon in neurosurgical practice. However, brain stones, as well as solid calcifications also termed cerebral calculi, are rarely encountered. Brain stones can be classified on the basis of their etiology and localization. Additionally, we suggest that lesions smaller than 1 cm might be classified as calcifications and those greater than 1 cm as brain stones. We further suggest that the differentiation between calcification and brain stones might be based on size. These pathologies typically manifest as seizures and are occasionally identified during routine brain tomography. Meningiomas constitute an important portion of extra-axial calcifications, whereas tumorous and vascular causes are more prevalent among intra-axial calcifications.
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