bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bisfenol A’nın Sıçan İnce Bağırsak Dokusunda Oluşturduğu Histopatolojik Değişiklikler Üzerine Taurin ve Kurkumin’in Koruyucu Rolü
Authors: APAYDIN Fatma Gökçe , UZUNHİSARCIKLI Meltem , ASLANTÜRK Ayşe , KALENDER Suna
Published: May 2018

Bisfenol A (BPA) endokrin bozucu özelliğe sahip bir kimyasaldır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, BPA’nın sıçanince bağırsak dokusunda meydana getirdiği toksik etkiye karşı taurin ve kurkuminin olası koruyucu etkilerini incelemektir.Bu amaçla, kırk iki erkek albino sıçan yedi eşit gruba ayrılmıştır bunlar: kontrol, yağ, taurin(100 mgkg-1 vücut ağırlığı), kurkumin(100 mg kg-1 vücut ağırlığı), bisfenol A (130 mg kg-1 vücut ağırlığı), BPA+taurin veBPA+kurkumin. Uygulamadan dört hafta sonra ince bağırsak dokuları histopatolojik incelemeler için alınmıştır.BPA ince bağırsak dokusunda önemli histopatolojik değişimlere sebep olmuştur, taurin ve kurkumin ise tamamenkoruyucu etki oluşturmamıştır.
Glutatyon S-Transferaz Enzim Aktivitesi Üzerine Amoksilin ve Vankomisin Hidroklorid Hidratın Etkisi: Bir in vitro çalışma
Authors: TÜRKAN Fikret , ATALAR Mehmet Nuri
Published: May 2018

Glutatyon S-transferaz enzimleri kemoterapik ilaçlar, çevresel karsinojenler, endojen moleküller olmaküzere ksenobiyotiklerin geniş bir spektrumunu detoksifiye ederler. Glutatyon transferazlar, bazı metabolitleri dahaaz toksik olan maddelere dönüşmesini katalize eder. Çoğunlukla detoksifikasyonla sonuçlanan faz II reaksiyonlarıarasında organizmayı son derece reaktif elektrofilik maddelerin ataklarından koruyan GST enzimleri aracılığıylagerçekleşen glutatyonun konjugasyon reaksiyonlarıdır. GST enzimi toksik ekzojen bileşikleri metabolizeedebildiğinden dolayı ayrıntılı biçimde memelilerde araştırılmıştır. Bu çalışmada GST enzimi insan eritrositlerinde5.56 EU mg-1 protein spesifik aktiviteyle ve 65 %verimle 2316.0 kat saflaştırıldı. Saflaştırılan enzimin saflığınıkontrol etmek için SDS-poliakrilamid jel elektroforezi yapıldı ve molekül kütlesi yaklaşık 26 kDa olarak belirlendi.Saflaştırılan GST enzimi üzerine inhibisyon etkisi gösteren amoksisilin ve vankomisin hidroklorür için IC50değerleri ve Ki sabitleri hesaplanarak inhibisyon tipleri belirlendi. İnhibisyon çalışmalarının sonucu olarak, buantibiyotiklerin düşük dozlarda GST enzimini inhibe ettiği gözlendi.
Performance of modified twin pit toilet in Mulbagal town, Karnataka, India
Authors: Rao Sudhakar M. , Arkenadan Lydia , Mogili Nitish V.
Published: May 2018

Transformation of ammonium to nitrate upon sewage discharge to sub-surface environment exposes about 65 million households in rural and urban India to risks of drinking nitrate contaminated groundwater. Building on earlier research, a twin pit is modified in Mulbagal town, Karnataka, to remove nitrate in pit toilet sewage and is functional for nearly one year. The first pit serves as an anaerobic chamber, while the second pit facilitates aerobic reactions in the upper half and is equipped with a bio-barrier in its lower half. Quality of treated sewage is monitored by soil water samplers installed adjacent to the pit. After anaerobic digestion in pit 1, sewage flows into the aerobic chamber (upper half of pit 2), where COD/N ratio of 1.49 to 1.73 facilitates aerobic conversion of ammonium to nitrite and nitrate ions. Annamox reactions in a bio-barrier chamber (lower half of pit 2) reduce ammonium and nitrite concentrations, while denitrification reactions in the bio-barrier remove nitrite and nitrate from pit toilet sewage. Besides nitrate, the modified twin pit reduces COD (chemical oxygen demand), ammonium, and thermotolerant coliform levels in the discharged sewage.
Farmers' adaptation choices to climate change: a case study of wheat growers in Western Iran
Authors: Azadi Yousof , Yazdanpanah Masoud , Forouzani Masoumeh , Mahmoudi Hossein
Published: June 2018

Climate change is expected to disproportionately affect farmers by further exacerbating the risks that they face. These risks have a huge negative impact on their livelihood. However, mounting evidence has revealed that farmers can effectively manage this negative impact by adapting their farming practices to climate change. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the farmers' ongoing adaptation measures, and to identify factors that influence their choice of adaptation methods in wheat production in the Kermanshah district in Western Iran. A sample of 350 farmers living in this region was selected through a multi-stage stratified and random sampling method. Principal component analysis revealed that three components play a role in the farmers' decisions on adaptation methods, namely, farm production practices, farm financial management, and government programs and insurance. The relative influence of the factors listed under each of the three components was assessed using a multiple linear regression analysis. Our analysis showed that these factors accounted for 50%, 25%, and 40% of the adaptation responses analyzed, respectively. In sum, our findings yield recommendations for agriculture extension and risk communication strategies that could promote adaptation behavior among Iranian farmers.
Humic acid degradation by fenton-like process using Fe2+ and Mn4+
Authors: Sarmento Antover Panazzolo , Borges Alisson Carraro , de Matos Antonio Teixeira , Romualdo Lincoln Lucílio
Published: May 2018

This study investigates the Humic Acid (HA) degradation in aqueous solution by a Fenton-Like process using Fe2+ and Mn4+ as a catalyst. The effect of the independent factors: pH, [H2O2], [Fe2+], [Mn4+] and t (reaction time) at the efficiency of HA degradation were evaluated, aiming at obtaining the optimum conditions. The statistic arrangement adopted was the Central Composite Design, and the response variable was the HA relative concentration after the treatments. The inferences were made using variance analysis, the Pareto chart, the response surface method and the desirability function. The variables which were more significant at the HA degradation were: [Fe2+] (linear and square effects), pH (square effect) and the interactions between [Fe2+] vs [H2O2] and [Fe2+] vs t. The addition of Mn4+ did not provide a significant improvement to the efficiency of HA degradation. Nevertheless, it was observed that the conventional Fenton process proved to be an efficient alternative for the HA degradation. The optimal and most economical condition is pH 5, [H2O2] of 6.17 mmol L−1, [Fe2+] of 0.54 mmol L−1, reaction time of 120 min and no added Mn4+.
Enhanced biotreatment of acid mine drainage in the presence of zero-valent iron and zero-valent copper
Authors: Hu Xiaobing , Lin Biaosheng , Gao Fengqing
Published: June 2018

Batch laboratorial experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential of Fe0, Cu0 and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) for reduction and removal of sulfate and heavy metals from synthetic acid mine drainage. The variation in solution pH indicates that the Fe0/Cu0 bimetallic system provided favorable conditions for SRB growth and sulfate reduction. When the SO42− concentration of wastewater was 3,000 mg/L, the SO42− removal efficiency was 51.6% for the SRB system, 76.3% for the Fe + SRB system, and 92.0% for the Fe/Cu + SRB system. Moreover, Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions were completely removed. The results demonstrate that the Fe/Cu + SRB system had apparent advantages over the SRB system, especially at low pH. This study demonstrates that an Fe/Cu + SRB system could be a promising technology for treating wastewater containing high concentrations of sulfate and heavy metals.
Graphene oxide edge grafting of polyaniline nanocomposite: an efficient adsorbent for methylene blue and methyl orange
Authors: Wang Hefang , Duan Mengmeng , Guo Yong , Wang Cunyue , Shi Zetao , Liu Jidong , Lv Jianhua
Published: June 2018

Polyaniline (PANI) chains were grafted at the edge of graphene oxide (GO) sheets by in-situ chemical oxidation polymerization. The obtained GO-PANI composite was used for the adsorption of cationic methylene blue (MB) and anionic methyl orange (MO) dyes from aqueous solutions. The structure of the GO-PANI composite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic micrograph (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and zeta potentials. GO-PANI exhibited a high adsorption capacity for MB (962 mg/g) and MO (885 mg/g) compared with other reported absorbents, which was due to adsorption through strong π-π stacking and anion–cation interactions. The nanocomposite could be recycled five times without significant loss in removal abilities for MB (87.8%) and MO (75.0%), respectively. GO-PANI composite is a promising adsorbent for the adsorption of anionic and cationic dyes from aqueous solutions.
Legitimidade democrática e Estado de Direito sob a perspectiva republicana de Philip Pettit [Democratic Legitimacy and the Rule of Law under the Republican perspective of Philip Pettit]
Authors: Paulo Neto Alberto
Published: June 2018

A legitimidade política representa a relação adequada entre o Estado de Direito e os cidadãos. A ordem estatal expressa as suas determinações e sua exigência de obrigação por meio da legislação. Os cidadãos avaliam se o “império da lei” não se constitui em restrição ao status social de livres e não-dominados. A teoria política republicana de Philip Pettit propicia os instrumentos avaliativos da atuação da ordem política segundo o critério da legitimidade. Os cidadãos republicanos devem possuir o controle popular para a garantia da aceitação da ordem política legítima. O controle popular tem as características de individualidade, incondicionalidade e eficácia. Os participantes da vida política avaliam as determinações políticas com referência ao “teste de sorte bruta”. Este possibilita inquirir se as decisões políticas têm aceitabilidade racional e não se estabeleceram de forma arbitrária. A liberdade republicana é o fundamento e a bússola da ação dos cidadãos e da estrutura normativa das instituições políticas.[Political legitimacy represents the right relationship between the Rule of Law and citizens. The State order expresses its determinations and its requirement of obligation through the legislation. Citizens assess whether the "Rule of Law" does not constitute a restriction on the social status of the free and non-dominated. Philip Pettit's republican political theory propitiates the evaluation instruments of the political order according to the criterion of legitimacy. Republican citizens must have popular control to ensure the acceptance of legitimate political order. Popular control has the characteristics of individuality, unconditionality and effectiveness. Participants in political life evaluate political determinations with reference to the "tough luck test". This makes it possible to inquire whether political decisions have rational acceptability and are not established arbitrarily. Republican freedom is the foundation and compass of citizens' action and the normative framework of political institutions.]
Estado de exceção: Giorgio Agamben entre Walter Benjamin e Carl Schmitt [State of exception: Giorgio Agamben between Walter Benjamin and Carl Schmitt]
Authors: Souza Danigui Renigui Martins de
Published: June 2018

O presente trabalho pretende apresentar algumas considerações acerca do Estado de exceção pensado por Agamben a partir do diálogo existente entre Walter Benjamin e Carl Schmitt. Para realizar tal tarefa teremos como referência basilar o capítulo “Gigantomachia intorno a un vuoto”, da obra Estado de exceção. No referido capítulo, Agamben nos revela a existência de um diálogo entre Schmitt e Benjamin que influenciou a criação do conceito de exceção em ambos. Porém, para Agamben, o conceito de exceção parece ser algo que ultrapassa a discussão realizada por Benjamin e Schmitt, revelando a estrutura jurídico-política do Ocidente.[The present work intends to show some considerations about the State of exception thought by Agamben from the existing dialogue between Walter Benjamin and Carl Schmitt. To carry out this task we will have as a reference the chapter "Gigantomachia intorno a un vuoto", from the book State of exception. In that chapter, Agamben reveals to us the existence of a dialogue between Schmitt and Benjamin that influenced the creation of the concept of exception for the both of them. However, for Agamben, the concept of exception seems to be something that goes beyond the discussion held by Benjamin and Schmitt, revealing the legal-political structure of the West.]
A Teoria Crítica requer um programa de fundamentação? (Oitenta anos de “Teoria Tradicional e Teoria Crítica”) [Does Critical Theory require a programme of justification? (Eighty years of "Traditional and critical theory")]
Authors: Sousa Filho José Ivan Rodrigues de
Published: June 2018

Fabian Freyenhagen, muito recentemente, propôs a tese de que a Teoria Crítica estaria condenada a deixar de fundamentar seus critérios de julgamento da sociedade. Para ele, Horkheimer teria, em seu famoso ensaio “Teoria Tradicional e Teoria Crítica”, publicado há oitenta anos, fundado uma ortodoxia teórico-crítica impermeável a programas de fundamentação. Neste artigo, trata-se de contrapor à tese de Freyenhagen uma interpretação diferente de “Teoria Tradicional e Teoria Crítica”, uma que não exclui, de antemão e definitivamente, a necessidade teórico-crítica de fundamentação. Além disso, trata-se de delinear três razões pelas quais a Teoria Crítica pode vir a requerer que seus critérios sejam fundamentados.[Fabian Freyenhagen, in a very recent essay, sustains the thesis that Critical Theory would be condemned to refrain from justifying its criteria of judgement of society. According to him, Horkheimer, in his famous essay “Traditional and Critical Theory”, published eighty years ago, would have established a critical-theoretical orthodoxy impermeable to any programme of justification. In this paper, I object to Freyenhagen’s thesis by articulating a different interpretation of “Traditional and Critical Theory”, one that does not exclude the critical-theoretical need for ultimate justification. Furthermore, I outline three reasons why Critical Theory might require justification.]
Delivery Systems for Birch-bark Triterpenoids and their Derivatives in Anticancer Research
Authors: Mierina Inese , Vilskersts Reinis , Turks Māris
Published: May 2018

Birch-bark triterpenoids and their semi-synthetic derivatives possess a wide range
of biological activities including cytotoxic effects on various tumor cell lines. However, due
to the low solubility and bioavailability, their medicinal applications are rather limited. The
use of various nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems is a rapidly developing approach
to the solubilization of insufficiently bioavailable pharmaceuticals. Herein, the drug delivery
systems deemed to be applicable for birch-bark triterpenoid structures are reviewed. The
aforementioned disadvantages of birch-bark triterpenoids and their semi-synthetic derivatives
can be overcome through their incorporation into organic nanoparticles, which include various
dendrimeric systems, as well as embedding the active compounds into polymer matrices
or complexation with carbohydrate nanoparticles without covalent bonding. Some of the
known triterpenoid delivery systems consist of nanoparticles featuring inorganic cores covered
with carbohydrates or other polymers. Methods for delivering the title compounds
through encapsulation and emulsification into lipophilic media are also suitable. Besides, the
birch-bark triterpenoids can form self-assembling systems with increased bio-availability.
Even more, the self-assembling systems are used as carriers for delivering other chemotherapeutic
agents. Another advantage besides increased bioavailability and anticancer activity is
the reduced overall systemic toxicity in most of the cases, when triterpenoids are delivered
with any of the carriers.
Influence of Oxidative Stress on Catalytic and Non-glycolytic Functions of Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Muronetz Vladimir I. , Melnikova Aleksandra K. , Saso Luciano , Schmalhausen Elena V.
Published: May 2018

Background:

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a unique enzyme that, besides its main function in glycolysis (catalysis of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate oxidation), possesses a number of non-glycolytic activities. The present review summarizes information on the role of oxidative stress in the regulation of the enzymatic activity as well as non-glycolytic functions of GAPDH.

Methods:

Based on the analysis of literature data and the results obtained in our research group, mechanisms of the regulation of GAPDH functions through the oxidation of the sulfhydryl groups in the active site of the enzyme have been suggested.

Results:

Mechanism of GAPDH oxidation includes consecutive oxidation of the catalytic Cysteine (Cys150) into sulfenic, sulfinic, and sulfonic acid derivatives, resulting in the complete inactivation of the enzyme. The cysteine sulfenic acid reacts with reduced glutathione (GSH) to form a mixed disulfide (S-glutathionylated GAPDH) that further reacts with Cys154 yielding the disulfide bond in the active site of the enzyme. In contrast to the sulfinic and sulfonic acids, the mixed disulfide and the intramolecular disulfide bond are reversible oxidation products that can be reduced in the presence of GSH or thioredoxin.

Conclusion:

Oxidation of sulfhydryl groups in the active site of GAPDH is unavoidable due to the enhanced reactivity of Cys150. The irreversible oxidation of Cys150 is prevented by Sglutathionylation and disulfide bonding with Cys154. The oxidation/reduction of the sulfhydryl groups in the active site of GAPDH can be used for regulation of glycolysis and numerous side activities of this enzyme including the induction of apoptosis.
Biological Consequences of Dysfunctional HDL
Authors: Pirillo Angela , Catapano Alberico Luigi , Norata Giuseppe Danilo
Published: May 2018

:

Epidemiological studies have suggested an inverse correlation between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease. HDLs promote reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and possess several putative atheroprotective functions, associated to the anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and anti-oxidant properties as well as to the ability to support endothelial physiology.

:

The assumption that increasing HDL-C levels would be beneficial on cardiovascular disease (CVD), however, has been questioned as, in most clinical trials, HDL-C-raising therapies did not result in improved cardiovascular outcomes. These findings, together with the observations from Mendelian randomization studies showing that polymorphisms mainly or solely associated with increased HDL-C levels did not decrease the risk of myocardial infarction, shift the focus from HDL-C levels toward HDL functional properties. Indeed, HDL from atherosclerotic patients not only exhibit impaired atheroprotective functions but also acquire pro-atherogenic properties and are referred to as “dysfunctional” HDL; this occurs even in the presence of normal or elevated HDL-C levels. Pharmacological approaches aimed at restoring HDL functions may therefore impact more significantly on CVD outcome than drugs used so far to increase HDL-C levels. The aim of this review is to discuss the pathological conditions leading to the formation of dysfunctional HDL and their role in atherosclerosis and beyond.
The Therapeutic Impact of New Migraine Discoveries
Authors: Vécsei László , Lukács Melinda , Tajti János , Fülöp Ferenc , Toldi József , Edvinsson Lars
Published: May 2018

Background:

Migraine is one of the most disabling neurological conditions and
associated with high socio-economic costs. Though certain aspects of the pathomechanism of
migraine are still incompletely understood, the leading hypothesis implicates the role of the
activation of the trigeminovascular system. Triptans are considered to be the current gold
standard therapy for migraine attacks; however, their use in clinical practice is limited. Prophylactic
treatment includes non-specific approaches for migraine prevention. All these support
the need for future studies in order to develop innovative anti-migraine drugs.

Objective:

The present study is a review of the current literature regarding new therapeutic
lines in migraine research.

Methods:

A systematic literature search in the database of PUBMED was conducted concerning
therapeutic strategies in a migraine published until July 2017.

Results:

Ongoing clinical trials with 5-HT1F receptor agonists and glutamate receptor antagonists
offer promising new aspects for acute migraine treatment. Monoclonal antibodies against
CGRP and the CGRP receptor are revolutionary in preventive treatment; however, further
long-term studies are needed to test their tolerability. Preclinical studies show positive results
with PACAP- and kynurenic acid-related treatments. Other promising therapeutic strategies
(such as those targeting TRPV1, substance P, NOS, or orexin) have failed to show efficacy in
clinical trials.

Conclusion:

Due to their side-effects, current therapeutic approaches are not suitable for all
migraine patients. Especially frequent episodic and chronic migraine represents a therapeutic
challenge for researchers. Clinical and preclinical studies are needed to untangle the pathophysiology
of migraine in order to develop new and migraine-specific therapies.
Hybrid Feature Selection Algorithm mRMR-ICA for Cancer Classification from Microarray Gene Expression Data
Authors: Wang Shuaiqun , Kong Wei , Aorigele  , Deng Jin , Gao Shangce , Zeng Weiming
Published: June 2018

Aims and Objective: Redundant information of microarray gene expression data makes it
difficult for cancer classification. Hence, it is very important for researchers to find appropriate ways
to select informative genes for better identification of cancer. This study was undertaken to present a
hybrid feature selection method mRMR-ICA which combines minimum redundancy maximum
relevance (mRMR) with imperialist competition algorithm (ICA) for cancer classification in this
paper.

Materials and Methods:

The presented algorithm mRMR-ICA utilizes mRMR to delete redundant
genes as preprocessing and provide the small datasets for ICA for feature selection. It will use
support vector machine (SVM) to evaluate the classification accuracy for feature genes. The fitness
function includes classification accuracy and the number of selected genes.

Results:

Ten benchmark microarray gene expression datasets are used to test the performance of
mRMR-ICA. Experimental results including the accuracy of cancer classification and the number of
informative genes are improved for mRMR-ICA compared with the original ICA and other
evolutionary algorithms.

Conclusion:

The comparison results demonstrate that mRMR-ICA can effectively delete redundant
genes to ensure that the algorithm selects fewer informative genes to get better classification results.
It also can shorten calculation time and improve efficiency.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor Donepezil Effects on Plasma β-Hydroxybutyrate Levels in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wan Lili , Lu Jin , Fu Jianliang , Huang Jinlu , Yang Quanjun , Xin Bo , Chen Li , Huo Yan , Zhong Yuan , Guo Cheng
Published: June 2018

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized
by a multi-factorial etiology that is not completely understood. Donepezil is a first-line acetylcholinesterase
inhibitor used for the treatment of AD that has been found, in addition to its potent acetylcholinesterase
inhibitory effect, to act through other non-cholinergic mechanisms such as affecting mitochondrial
biogenesis through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator (PGC1α).
Mitochondrial biogenesis and PGC-1α, at least in part, are associated with hepatic fatty acid oxidation
and ketogenesis. Whether donepezil regulates ketogenesis in AD treatment remains unclear. Ketogenesis
is important in the progression of AD and is a critical consideration during the therapeutic strategy selection
for AD. Thus, our goals were to determine the differences in ketone bodies in patients with AD who
were taking donepezil treatment and those who were not, to elucidate the potential effect of AD and
donepezil therapy on ketone body metabolic parameters, and to discover the effect of donepezil therapy
on ketogenesis in patients with AD.

Methods:

Cross-sectional analysis was performed on plasma collected from 145 individuals, namely,
elderly adults as healthy controls (n=30), newly diagnosed patients with AD (n=30), patients with AD
who responded to donepezil therapy (n=48) and patients with AD who did not respond to donepezil
therapy (n=37). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed to quantify the lipids in the
plasma. The level of β-hydroxybutyrate, a metabolite, was determined by liquid chromatographytandem
mass spectrometry, and to gain further insight into the effect of donepezil on ketogenesis, the
effects of donepezil were investigated in a mouse model.

Results:

The level of β-hydroxybutyrate decreased in AD patients, and donepezil elevated the plasma
level of β-hydroxybutyrate. Donepezil increased the plasma and liver levels of β-hydroxybutyrate in
mice as well as the hepatic expression of PGC-1α and the mitochondrial expression of HMG-CoA synthetase
2 (HMGCS2) in response to fasting, causing a subsequent increase in ketogenesis.

Conclusions:

Our study revealed that impaired ketogenesis is a metabolic feature of AD. Donepezil had
effects on ketogenesis in mice and reversed the decrease in the level of β-hydroxybutyrate found in patients
with AD.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Children with Clinical History of Atopic Versus Non-atopic Asthma Admitted to a Tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Causey Jamie , Gonzales Traci , Yadav Aravind , Hashmi Syed , De Jesus-Rojas Wilfredo , Jon Cindy , Haque Ikram , Johnston Richard , Stark James , McBeth Katrina , Colasurdo Giuseppe , Mosquera Ricardo
Published: June 2018

Background:

Children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with status asthmaticus have variable clinical courses, and predicting their outcomes is challenging. Identifying characteristics in these patients that may require more intense intervention is important for clinical decision-making.

Objective:

This study sought to determine the characteristics and outcomes, specifically length of stay and mortality, of atopic versus non-atopic asthmatics admitted to a PICU with status asthmaticus.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted at a children’s hospital from November 1, 2008 to October 31, 2013. A total of 90 children admitted to the PICU were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of specific historical data indicative of a clinical history of atopy. Children were considered to be atopic if they had a parental history of asthma, a personal history of eczema, or a combined history of wheezing (apart from colds) and allergic rhinitis (diagnosed by a medical provider). The median hospital Length Of Stay (LOS), PICU LOS, cardiopulmonary arrest, and mortality were compared between atopic and non-atopic asthma groups. Regression models were used to estimate the LOS stratified by atopic or non-atopic and by history of intubation in present hospitalization.

Results:

Median hospital LOS for atopic children was 5.9 days (IQR of 3.8-8.7) and 3.5 days (IQR of 2.2-5.5) for non-atopic asthmatics (z = 2.9, p = 0.0042). The median PICU LOS was 2.5 days (IQR 1.4-6.1) for atopic asthmatics and 1.6 days (IQR 1.1-2.4) for non-atopic asthmatics (z = 2.5, p = 0.0141). The median LOS was significantly higher for atopic intubated patients compared to non-atopic intubated patients (p=0.021). Although there was an increased tendency towards intubation in the atopic group, the difference was not significant. There was no significant difference in cardiopulmonary arrest or mortality.

Conclusion:

A clinical history of atopic asthma in children admitted to the PICU with status asthmaticus was associated with longer length of stays The longest LOS was observed when atopic patients required intubation.
Injuries Reported by Selected Health Facilities During the Arbaeenia Mass Gathering at Babel Governorate, Iraq, 2014: Retrospective Records Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Chitheer Abdulaal , Lami Faris , Radhi Ahmed , Arbaji Ali
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Arbaeenia is the largest religious mass gathering in Iraq. The conditions associated with mass gatherings result in high rates of injury. There have been no prior studies on injuries during the Arbaeenia mass gathering.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes the injuries observed during the Arbaeenia mass gathering in Babel Governorate in Iraq between November 24 and December 14, 2014.

METHODS

The study was conducted in Babel Governorate at the emergency departments of six public hospitals and two major temporary medical units that were located along the three roads connecting the Middle and Southern Iraqi governorates. We used the Iraq Injury Surveillance System modified form to collect information on injured patients treated in the selected facilities. Data on fatal injuries was obtained from the coroner’s office. The following data were collected from the patients: demographics, outcome of injury, place and time of occurrence, mode of evacuation and medical care before arriving at the hospital, duration of travel from place of occurrence to hospital, disposition of non-fatal injury, cause and mode of injury, and whether the injury occurred in connection with the Arbaeenia mass gathering.

RESULTS

Information was collected on 1564 injury cases, of which 73 were fatal. About half of the reported nonfatal injuries, 687/1404 (48.9%), and a quarter of fatalities, 18/73 (25%) were related to the Arbaeenia mass gathering (P<.001). Most of the reported injuries were unintentional, 1341/1404 (95.51%), occurred on the street, 864/1323 (65.6%), occurred during the daytime 1103/1174 (93.95 %). Most of those injured were evacuated by means other than ambulance 1107/1206 (91.79%) and did not receive pre-hospital medical care 788/1163 (67.7%). Minor injuries 400/1546 (25.9%) and traffic accidents 394/1546 (25.5%) were the most common types of injuries, followed by falls 270/1546 (17.5%). Among fatal injuries, traffic accidents 38/73 (52%) and violence 18/73 (25%) were the leading causes of death. Mass gathering injuries were more likely to occur among individuals aged 21-40 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.5; 95% CI 2.7-4.5) and >41 years (OR 7.6; 95% CI 5.4-10.6) versus those <21 years; more likely to be unintentional than assault (OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.8-15.5); more likely to happen on the street versus at home (OR 37.7; 95% CI 22.4-63.6); less likely to happen at night than during the day (OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.1-0.4); and less likely to result in hospital admission (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3-0.7).

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows that most injuries were minor, unintentional, and nonfatal, and most people with injuries had limited access to ambulance transportation and did not require hospitalization.
Feasibility of a New Cuffless Device for Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement in Patients With Hypertension: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ogink Paula AM , de Jong Jelske M , Koeneman Mats , Weenk Mariska , Engelen Lucien JLPG , van Goor Harry , van de Belt Tom H , Bredie Sebastian JH
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Frequent home blood pressure (BP) measurements result in a better estimation of the true BP. However, traditional cuff-based BP measurements are troublesome for patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a cuffless device for ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurement.

METHODS

This was a mixed method feasibility study in patients with hypertension. Performance of ambulatory SBPs with the device was analyzed quantitatively by intrauser reproducibility and comparability to a classic home BP monitor. Correct use by the patients was checked with video, and user-friendliness was assessed using a validated questionnaire, the System Usability Scale (SUS). Patient experiences were assessed using qualitative interviews.

RESULTS

A total of 1020 SBP measurements were performed using the Checkme monitor in 11 patients with hypertension. Duplicate SBPs showed a high intrauser correlation (R=0.86, P<.001). SBPs measured by the Checkme monitor did not correlate well with those of the different home monitors (R=0.47, P=.007). However, the mean SBPs measured by the Checkme and home monitors over the 3-week follow-up were strongly correlated (R=0.75, P=.008). In addition, 36.4% (n=4) of the participants performed the Checkme measurements without any mistakes. The mean SUS score was 86.4 (SD 8.3). The most important facilitator was the ease of using the Checkme monitor. Most important barriers included the absence of diastolic BP and the incidental difficulties in obtaining an SBP result.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the good intrauser reproducibility, user-friendliness, and patient experience, all of which facilitate patients to perform frequent measurements, cuffless BP monitoring may change the way patients measure their BP at home in the context of ambulant hypertension management.
Use of Rideshare Services to Increase Participant Recruitment and Retention in Research: Participant Perspectives (Preprint)
Authors: Leavens Eleanor Ladd Schneider , Stevens Elise Marie , Brett Emma Irene , Molina Neil , Leffingwell Thad Ryan , Wagener Theodore Lee
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Recruitment and retention of participants are important factors in empirical studies. Methods that increase recruitment and retention can reduce costs and burden on researchers related to the need for over-recruitment because of attrition. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are a potential means for decreasing this burden.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to understand the role rideshare utilization plays in participant recruitment and retention in research trials.

METHODS

Data are presented for a study (N=42) in which rideshare services were utilized for participant transportation to and from study visits during a 2-session, in-laboratory research study.

RESULTS

Retention at visit 2 was greater than 95% (42/44) in the initial study. In a follow-up survey of the participants from the original trial, participants (N=32) reported that the rideshare service was an important reason they returned for all study visits. Participants reported whether they would prefer differing levels of additional monetary compensation or a ride from a rideshare service. When the additional compensation was less than US $15, participants reported a preference for the rideshare service.

CONCLUSIONS

Rideshare services may represent a relatively low cost means for increasing study retention. Specifically, findings indicate that rideshare services may not be crucial for initial participant recruitment but for their retention in multi-visit studies.
Mobile Ecological Momentary Diet Assessment Methods for Behavioral Research: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Schembre Susan M , Liao Yue , O'Connor Sydney G , Hingle Melanie D , Shen Shu-En , Hamoy Katarina G , Huh Jimi , Dunton Genevieve F , Weiss Rick , Thomson Cynthia A , Boushey Carol J
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

New methods for assessing diet in research are being developed to address the limitations of traditional dietary assessment methods. Mobile device–assisted ecological momentary diet assessment (mEMDA) is a new dietary assessment method that has not yet been optimized and has the potential to minimize recall biases and participant burden while maximizing ecological validity. There have been limited efforts to characterize the use of mEMDA in behavioral research settings.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to summarize mEMDA protocols used in research to date, to characterize key aspects of these assessment approaches, and to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mEMDA compared with the traditional dietary assessment methods as well as implications for future mEMDA research.

METHODS

Studies that used mobile devices and described mEMDA protocols to assess dietary intake were included. Data were extracted according to Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Cochrane guidelines and then synthesized narratively.

RESULTS

The review included 20 studies with unique mEMDA protocols. Of these, 50% (10/20) used participant-initiated reports of intake at eating events (event-contingent mEMDA), and 50% (10/20) used researcher-initiated prompts requesting that participants report recent dietary intake (signal-contingent mEMDA). A majority of the study protocols (60%, 12/20) enabled participants to use mobile phones to report dietary data. Event-contingent mEMDA protocols most commonly assessed diet in real time, used dietary records for data collection (60%, 6/10), and provided estimates of energy and nutrient intake (60%, 6/10). All signal-contingent mEMDA protocols used a near real-time recall approach with unannounced (ie, random) abbreviated diet surveys. Most signal-contingent protocols (70%, 7/10) assessed the frequency with which (targeted) foods or food groups were consumed. Relatively few (30%, 6/20) studies compared mEMDA with the traditional dietary assessment methods.

CONCLUSIONS

This review demonstrates that mEMDA has the potential to reduce participant burden and recall bias, thus advancing the field beyond current dietary assessment methods while maximizing ecological validity.
The Impact of Web-Based Ratings on Patient Choice of a Primary Care Physician Versus a Specialist: Randomized Controlled Experiment (Preprint)
Authors: Li Siyue , Hubner Austin
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Physician review websites have empowered prospective patients to acquire information about physicians. However, little is known about how Web-based ratings on different aspects of a physician may affect patients’ selection of physicians differently.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to examine (1) how patients weigh ratings on a physician’s technical skills and interpersonal skills in their selection of physicians and (2) whether and how people’s choice of a primary care physician versus a specialist is affected differently by Web-based ratings.

METHODS

A 2×2×2×2 between-subjects experiment was conducted. Over 600 participants were recruited through a crowdsourcing website and randomly assigned to view a mockup physician review Web page that contained information on a physician’s basic information and patients’ ratings. After reviewing the Web page, participants were asked to complete a survey on their perceptions of the physician and willingness to seek health care from the physician.

RESULTS

The results showed that participants were more willing to choose a physician with higher ratings on technical skills than on interpersonal skills compared with a physician with higher ratings on interpersonal skills than on technical skills, t369.96=22.36, P<.001, Cohen d=1.22. In the selection of different types of physicians, patients were more likely to choose a specialist with higher ratings on technical skills than on interpersonal skills, compared with a primary care physician with the same ratings, F1,521=5.34, P=.021.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that people place more weight on technical skills than interpersonal skills in their selection of a physician based on their ratings on the Web. Specifically, people are more likely to make a compromise on interpersonal skills in their choice of a specialist compared with a primary care physician. This study emphasizes the importance of examining Web-based physician ratings in a more nuanced way in relation to the selection of different types of physicians.

CLINICALTRIAL

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN91316463; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN91316463
Enzalutamide Versus Abiraterone as a First-Line Endocrine Therapy for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Phase 3 Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Hara Isao , Yamashita Shimpei , Nishizawa Satoshi , Kikkawa Kazuro , Shimokawa Toshio , Kohjimoto Yasuo
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Recent large-scale randomized studies have demonstrated that 2 new hormone preparations (abiraterone and enzalutamide) prolong survival in docetaxel-treated or -naïve castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. However, no studies have directly compared antitumor effects between these 2 agents, and no clear guidelines are available for choosing between them.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this clinical study is to compare antitumor effects and adverse events between abiraterone and enzalutamide by allocating castration-resistant prostate cancer patients deemed not indicated for docetaxel treatment to receive either of the 2 agents.

METHODS

This study is an open-label, comparative study allocating castration-resistant prostate cancer patients to abiraterone or enzalutamide treatment arms (allocation factors: age <70 vs ≥70 years, and presence vs absence of metastases) and assessing the treatment results. Each arm will contain 25 patients. On confirmation of prostate-specific antigen failure or progression on imaging, patients undergo crossover to receive the alternative study drug. The primary end point is prostate-specific antigen response rate (percentage of patients with a decrease in prostate-specific antigen level by ≥50%) in the abiraterone and enzalutamide treatment arms.

RESULTS

Recruitment started in May 2016, and 13 patients have been recruited so far. We expect to complete enrollment by December 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

Recently, cross-resistance between abiraterone and enzalutamide has been an issue of focus. Urologists thus tend to prefer docetaxel rather than sequential therapies using 2 hormonal preparations after the progression of a first hormonal preparation. From that perspective, our clinical trial is rather out of fashion. Nevertheless, we assume that many patients receive hormonal sequential therapy in the actual clinical setting, since most such patients cannot receive chemotherapeutic agents due to old age or poor performance status. This is why we are attempting this randomized clinical trial comparing abiraterone versus enzalutamide. We will try to identify which drug is suitable for initial hormonal therapy among castration-resistant prostate cancer patients who do not meet the indications for docetaxel therapy in terms of not only antitumor effect, but also adverse events and quality of life.

CLINICALTRIAL

University Hospital Medical Information Network UMIN000022102; https://upload.umin.ac.jp /cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000025463 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/70xaQfGlJ)
The Changing Influence of Journal Data Sharing Policies on Local RDM Practices
Authors: Dearborn Dylanne , Marks Steve , Trimble Leanne
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in research data deposit policies of highly ranked journals in the physical and applied sciences between 2014 and 2016, as well as to develop an approach to examining the institutional impact of deposit requirements. Policies from the top ten journals (ranked by impact factor from the Journal Citation Reports) were examined in 2014 and again in 2016 in order to determine if data deposits were required or recommended, and which methods of deposit were listed as options. For all 2016 journals with a required data deposit policy, publication information (2009-2015) for the University of Toronto was pulled from Scopus and departmental affiliation was determined for each article. The results showed that the number of high-impact journals in the physical and applied sciences requiring data deposit is growing. In 2014, 71.2% of journals had no policy, 14.7% had a recommended policy, and 13.9% had a required policy (n=836). In contrast, in 2016, there were 58.5% with no policy, 19.4% with a recommended policy, and 22.0% with a required policy (n=880). It was also evident that U of T chemistry researchers are by far the most heavily affected by these journal data deposit requirements, having published 543 publications, representing 32.7% of all publications in the titles requiring data deposit in 2016. The Python scripts used to retrieve institutional publications based on a list of ISSNs have been released on GitHub so that other institutions can conduct similar research.
Transferencia lingüística y alternancia de código en expresiones de manejo de grupo en clases tipo AICLE
Authors: Martínez Lugo Erika , Jackson-Maldonado Donna , Sanaphre Villanueva Mónica
Published: June 2018

Este estudio examina, describe y compara la alternancia de código (AC) y la transferencia lingüística (TL) en emisiones de manejo de grupo de tres docentes en contexto de Aprendizaje Integrado de Contenidos y Lenguas Extranjeras (AICLE) en una ciudad del noroeste de México. En AICLE, la enseñanza de contenidos representa un reto para los docentes porque deben equilibrar el manejo de grupo, la enseñanza de los contenidos y, frecuentemente, el uso de su lengua extranjera. Los resultados muestran mayor presencia de TL que de AC. La TL es mayor en expresiones de orden directa y en expresiones instruccionales. Por su parte, la AC presentada es mínima, tan sólo seis casos, y es tanto del tipo intraoracional como interoracional.
Actualización del corpus Morfolex a partir de la 23a edición del Diccionario de la Lengua Española
Authors: Lucio Tejeda Sofía , Zacarías Ponce de León Ramón Felipe
Published: June 2018

El propósito de este artículo es presentar las 533 palabras que perdieron su condición neológica en el corpus Morfolex, debido a su inclusión en la edición 23 del Diccionario de la lengua española (DLE). Estas palabras tenían etiqueta neológica porque no estaban registradas en la lista de exclusión asociada al corpus, la cual está formada, entre otros, por el diccionario académico. Se describe, asimismo, el proceso de actualización y revisión de los registros del corpus, que incluyó la comprobación del estatus de 6000 neologismos. Se discuten los procesos y tipos de etiquetas añadidos a las palabras que coincidían con una nueva entrada en el diccionario. Igualmente, se muestra el análisis morfológico que se llevó a cabo para identificar los esquemas de formación de palabras más frecuentes y las palabras con más ocurrencias entre los registros excluidos. Por último, se expone un comparativo con los datos de productividad que se calcularon antes del proceso de adecuación.
La conceptualización del tiempo a través de la metáfora espacio-temporal con el verbo llegar
Authors: Ruiz Surget Alexandra Astrid
Published: June 2018

Este artículo desarrolla un análisis, basado en el modelo de la integración conceptual (Fauconnier & Turner, 2002), de los rasgos semánticos de las metáforas regidas por el verbo llegar, obtenidas en entrevistas a jóvenes profesionistas de la Ciudad de México pertenecientes al mismo nivel socioeconómico. Como parte de mi investigación doctoral, he llevado a cabo una serie de entrevistas por grupos de edad en busca de las estrategias discursivas de construcción metafórica de marcos conceptuales espacio-temporales que utilizan los individuos para relatar proyectos y episodios de vida. Una de las estrategias, la cual desarrollo en este artículo, se encuentra en el nivel de la construcción semántica del concepto tiempo. Las personas utilizan componentes lingüísticos que codifican espacio, como el verbo llegar, la preposición a y los deícticos locativos, para referirse al parámetro del tiempo e indicar los cambios que ocurren a lo largo de la vida o por el advenimiento de un suceso. Los ejemplos de metáforas que aquí presento son de dos tipos: la forma conjugada del verbo llegar y la perífrasis ir a + infinitivo. Los individuos emplean estas formas ya sea para posicionarse en el discurso como los agentes que realizan la acción de llegar a alguna edad o etapa de vida o bien para indicar la inevitabilidad de la llegada de un suceso. Por lo tanto, en este artículo también explico estas dos formas de conceptualización, siguiendo el trabajo de Boroditsky (2000), quien las denomina subesquemas de una misma metáfora espacio-temporal.