bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of postoperative haemoglobin on length of stay post fractured hip repair in patients with standardised perioperative management
Authors: Choi Siu-Wai , Leung Frankie K L , Lau Tak-Wing , Wong Gordon T C
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Perioperative blood transfusion is not without risk and effort should be made to limit patients’ exposure to allogeneic blood. However, there is conflicting data regarding the impact of anaemia on postoperative recovery in patients with repaired hip fractures. It is hypothesised that for a given baseline functional status and fracture type, lower postoperative haemoglobin will increase rehabilitation time and prolong total length of hospital stay.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study on data collected prospectively on patients entered into the Clinical Pathway aged >65 years admitted to Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) with a fractured neck of femur during 2011–2013. Potential predictor variables were analysed with linear regression with respect to total length of stay and those that reached a significance level of 0.05 were included in further analysis.

Results:

1092 patients were admitted to QMH with a suspected fractured neck of femur; data from 747 patients were analysed. The fracture sites were neck of femur (50%), intertrochanteric (48%) and subtrochanteric fracture (2%). Approximately 30% of patients received blood transfusions. Of these only the development of postoperative medical complications statistically prolonged hospital stay. No relationship was seen with haemoglobin levels cut-off above and below 10 g/dl with the result remaining non-significant down to a cut-off of above and below 8 g/dl.

Discussion:

This study revealed that post-surgical haemoglobin level of between 8 g/dl and 10 g/dL did not have an impact on the total length of hospital stay. The development of postoperative medical complications was the only factor that prolonged the total length of stay.
“We sing to touch hearts”: Choral musical culture in Pretoria East, South Africa
Authors: Bartolome Sarah J.
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to explore the culture of choral singing among children and youth in Pretoria East, South Africa. The philosophical underpinnings of the choirs, the roles of choirs within local and national communities, and the perceived values and benefits of participation were examined. This collective case study required the integration of standard ethnographic strategies employed over the course of a month-long period of fieldwork and two shorter follow-up visits. I observed approximately 40 hours of rehearsal and 25 hours of performance, focusing on five choirs in and around the University of Pretoria. I also conducted 22 semi-structured interviews with choristers, directors, staff members, and parents. Participants identified a philosophy of “message bearing” as the primary goal of choral performance. Innovation and diversity in programming and competition were additional emergent themes related to this philosophy. Choirs were found to have multiple roles, including recruiting and marketing, promoting diverse South African musical cultures, and cultivating a national, South African identity. Participants described a wide range of musical, social, educational, and personal benefits associated with participation, with choristers most commonly alluding to choir as a means of “relaxing.” Choir emerged as a source of bridging social capital, encouraging cooperation among participants from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, promoting intercultural understanding and trust, and cultivating a broadened sense of national South African identity.
Simultaneous measurement of wind velocity field and wind forces on a square tall building
Authors: Zu Gongbo , Lam Kit Ming
Published: May 2018

Vortex shedding from a tall building is known to be responsible for the quasi-periodic across-wind force exerted on the building. This article unveils the exact relationship between the vortex shedding pattern and the fluctuating across-wind force. Simultaneous particle-image velocimetry and pressure measurements are carried out on a square-plan tall building model in the wind tunnel toward an understanding of the velocity–pressure–force relation for across-wind force generation on the building. A collection of instantaneous wind flow patterns and synchronized wind pressure distributions suggests the existence of full periods of vortex shedding from the building. The results are further analyzed using the conditional sampling method by which the roles of development and shedding of large-scale vortices in the building wake on the generation of peak across-wind forces are evidently found. Furthermore, quasi-periodicity of across-wind excitation is clearly confirmed with Hilbert transform of the across-wind force signal. The phase averaging technique is applied to the particle-image velocimetry flow fields and distinct vortex shedding patterns from the building are observed for most of the measurement time, together with an evident phase relationship with the across-wind forces.
Eccentric compressive behavior of recycled aggregate concrete columns after freezing and thawing cycles
Authors: Yan Jiachuan , Liu Kaihua , Zou Chaoying , Wang Jian
Published: May 2018

The eccentric compressive behavior of 18 recycled aggregate concrete columns after freezing and thawing cycles were investigated. The effect of the number of freezing and thawing cycles, the replacement ratio of recycled coarse aggregate, and the eccentricity of axial loading on the eccentric compressive behavior of columns was analyzed. The results show that the strain distribution along the depth of cross section of columns was plane during the eccentric compression test after freezing and thawing cycles. With the increase in the freezing and thawing cycles and the replacement ratio of recycled coarse aggregate, the failure modes of partial specimens turned from ductile tension failure to brittle compression failure. Two existing design methods for calculating the bearing capacity of conventional concrete columns subjected to eccentric compressive loading were verified to be effective for evaluating that of recycled aggregate concrete columns after limited freezing and thawing cycles.
Entertainment as Crime Prevention: Evidence From Chicago Sports Games
Authors: Copus Ryan , Laqueur Hannah
Published: May 2018

The concern that mass media may be responsible for aggressive and criminal behavior is widespread. Comparatively little consideration has been given to its diversionary function. We test for the effect of television entertainment on crime by leveraging the randomness inherent in the scheduling of sporting events. We compare Chicago crime reports by the half hour when Chicago’s sports teams are playing to reports at the same time, day, and month when the teams are not playing. We conduct the same analysis for the Super Bowl, National Basketball Association Finals, and Major League Baseball World Series. We find consistent decreases in crime during games. Short-term crime displacement is minimal or nonexistent.
Research on structure decoupling of passive electro-hydraulic force servo system
Authors: Li Geqiang , Liu Wei , Han Weifeng , Guo Bingjing , Li Yuesong
Published: May 2018

In order to study the strong force/position coupling problem of passive electro-hydraulic force servo system, taking the valve control swing motor of passive electro-hydraulic force servo system as an object, a new principle of structure coupling is proposed, which based on the analysis of the force/position coupling mechanism and influence factors. The concrete way is to design the load actuator into a compound bilayer structure, which the outer synchronous motor is used to track the bearing motor for position synchronization control, and the inner motor is used to load. Through the load actuator of the compound structure, the passive load is modified into active load, and the problem of force/position coupling is solved fundamentally. The principle of parameter matching, the design of the seal, and the structure of the compound swing motor are given, and the rationality of the oil duct in the inner and outer motors is simulated and tested. Finally, through simulation analysis of passive electro-hydraulic force servo system under small gradient loading, the correctness and effectiveness of structure decoupling are verified. Furthermore, it provides a new approach for the development of passive electro-hydraulic force servo system for ultimate parameter and performance index.
The Theatre of Culpability: Reading the Tricycle’s Tribunal Plays through the Trial of Adolf Eichmann
Authors: Feldman Benedict Alexander
Published: May 2018

Over the last half-century, law, literature and human rights have turned repeatedly to testimony, seeking the truths of human experience amidst mounting epistemological uncertainty. The legal-historical event conventionally regarded as inaugurating this testimonial culture was the trial of Adolf Eichmann (1961), which also generated (in Hannah Arendt’s critique) its obverse, an alternative paradigm, privileging the perpetrator’s interrogation over the victim’s recollection. The Tricycle’s Tribunal Plays (1994–2012) belong to this dissenting tradition, developing a forensic aesthetic designed to focus attention upon the speech of established, culpable parties. Scrutinizing the “spin” of official, Blairite culture, these plays provide a counterweight to the period’s much-feted articulation of diverse, marginal voices in British theatre and culture under New Labour.
Health Care Costs, Hospital Admissions, and Glycemic Control Using a Standalone, Real-Time, Continuous Glucose Monitoring System in Commercially Insured Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Gill Max , Zhu Cyrus , Shah Mona , Chhabra Harmeet
Published: May 2018

Background:

Studies comparing standalone real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have found that rtCGM is associated with lower glycated hemoglobin (A1C) levels, yet does not increase the risk of severe hypoglycemia. However, little is known about the relationship between rtCGM and health care costs and utilization. The objective of this study was to compare health care spending, hospital admissions, and A1C levels of patients using rtCGM to that of patients not using rtCGM.

Methods:

This retrospective, cross-sectional analysis used a large repository of health plan administrative data to compare average health care costs (excluding durable medical equipment), hospital admissions, and A1C levels of those using rtCGM (N = 1027) versus not using rtCGM (N = 32 583). To control for potentially confounding variables, a propensity score method was used to match patients using rtCGM to those not using rtCGM, based on characteristics such as age, gender, and comorbidities.

Results:

Patients using rtCGM spent an average of approximately $4200 less in total health care costs, when compared to patients not using rtCGM ( P < .05). They also experienced fewer hospital admissions ( P < .05) and lower A1C ( P < .05) during the postindex year.

Conclusions:

Use of rtCGM by patients with T1DM is associated with lower health care costs, fewer hospital admissions, and better glycemic control.
Cross-Gender Interactions in Middle School Counselor-Student Working Alliances: Challenges and Recommendations
Authors: Rayle Andrea Dixon
Published: May 2018

Middle school counselors are involved in cross-gender interactions with students daily. In order to explore middle school counselors’ experiences in cross-gender student-counselor working alliances, interviews were conducted with 22 practicing middle school counselors. Selections from the resulting conversations reveal that female and male middle school counselors describe their same-gender counselor-student relationships as less challenging and perceive more challenges in their cross-gender relationships in school counseling. Recommendations are offered for cross-gender relationship building for middle school counselors working with students.
Engaging Students in Classroom Guidance: Management Strategies for Middle School Counselors
Authors: Geltner Jill A. , Clark Mary Ann
Published: May 2018

Classroom guidance for all students is an important element of the program delivery system for middle school counselors. Effective classroom management is essential to implementing classroom guidance and may be challenging at times. This article presents strategies and management techniques to facilitate middle school counselors’ planning and implementation of classroom guidance to meet the unique needs of middle school students.
From Family Deficit to Family Strength: Viewing Families’ Contributions to Children's Learning from a Family Resilience Perspective
Authors: Amatea Ellen S. , Smith-Adcock Sondra , Villares Elizabeth
Published: May 2018

This article presents an overview of a research-informed family resilience framework, developed as a conceptual map to guide school counselors’ preventive and interventive efforts with students and their families. Key processes that characterize children's and families’ resilience are outlined along with recommendations for how school counselors might apply this family resilience framework in their work.
Using Correlational and Prediction Data to Enhance Student Achievement in K-12 Schools: A Practical Application for School Counselors
Authors: Ware William B. , Galassi John P.
Published: May 2018

Correlational data and regression analysis provide the school counselor with a method to describe growth in achievement test scores from elementary to high school. Using Microsoft Excel, this article shows the reader in a step-by-step manner how to describe this growth pattern and how to evaluate interventions that attempt to enhance achievement and to reduce the achievement gap among ethnic groups.
An Action Research Project to Determine the Utility of Bully Prevention in Positive Behavior Support for Elementary School Bullying Prevention
Authors: Goodman-Scott Emily , Doyle Beth , Brott Pamelia
Published: May 2018

A trio of researchers presents a case study from a practical, participatory action research project to demonstrate how one school district implemented a school-wide bullying prevention initiative for all elementary schools based on Bully Prevention in Positive Behavior Support (BP-PBS). The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss the process of creating a district-wide bullying initiative, including the initial years of implementation, to assist other school counselors and districts in their bullying prevention efforts. The researchers briefly describe the initiative, the action research process, and reflect on results from the project.
The Development of University Music Education in Nigeria: An Outline
Authors: Adeogun Adebowale Oluranti
Published: May 2018

University music education is a recent phenomenon in Nigeria. The founding of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with autonomy to grant degrees for courses in nearly all fields of study, enabled it to initiate music degree along the lines of the Euro-American university music education in 1961. This article, relying on historical analysis with historical evidence derived from primary and secondary documents, delineates some cultural, philosophical, political, social, and economic forces that have shaped the development of university music education in Nigeria before and after its establishment. It finds out that significant changes in university music education in Nigeria are being negotiated with national policies, accrediting agencies, certification requirements, and curriculum mandates. It proffers solutions to some of its ongoing problems by calling for a university music education in which music conferences and festivals are combined with creative and productive music teaching and learning, and where participants’ observation is emphasized.
Against All Odds or by Dint of Privilege? Happiness and Life Satisfaction Returns to College in America
Authors: Andersson Matthew A.
Published: May 2018

Health gains linked to a college degree appear to be contingent on childhood socioeconomic background, with disadvantaged individuals typically showing the greatest gains in physical health. However, contingent gains in subjective well-being remain unexplored. This study examines happiness and life satisfaction gains linked to college degree attainment, using representative U.S. data spanning recent decades (from the General Social Survey 1972–2014). For women, happiness and life satisfaction gains linked to college are highest for those who were least likely to attend and graduate based on their family economic circumstances. In contrast, men show the highest life satisfaction gains from college when coming from privileged family backgrounds. These findings fall in line with gender and institutional perspectives on education and life chances. For both sexes, college disparities in life satisfaction show substantial variation across cohorts and the life course.
Health Technology Optimization Analysis: Conceptual Approach and Illustrative Application
Authors: Yan Charles , Zheng Yufei , Hill Michael D. , Mann Balraj , Jeerakathil Thomas , Kamal Noreen , Amlani Shy , Chuck Anderson W.
Published: May 2018

We present a conceptual approach to determine the optimal solution to delivering a health technology, consistent with the objective of maximizing patient outcomes subject to resources available to a publicly funded health system. The article addresses two key policy questions: 1) adding system values through appropriate planning of health services delivery and 2) considering the tradeoff between patient outcomes and costs to the health system through appropriate use of health technologies for conditions with time-dependent treatment outcomes. We develop a health technology optimization framework that considers geographical variation and searches for the best delivery method through a pairwise comparison of all possible strategies, factoring in controlled variables including disease epidemiology, time or distance to hospitals, available medical services, treatment eligibility, treatment efficacy, and costs. Taking variations of these factors into account would help support a more efficient allocation of health resources. Drawing identified strategies together then creates a map of optimal strategies. We apply the proposed method to a policy-relevant health technology assessment of endovascular therapy (EVT) for treating acute ischemic stroke. The best strategy for providing EVT relies on the geographical location of stroke onset and the decision maker’s preference for either patient outcomes or economic efficiency. The proposed method produced an optimization map showing the optimal strategy for EVT delivery, which maximizes patient outcomes while minimizing health system costs. In the illustrative case study, there were no tradeoffs between health outcomes and costs, meaning that the delivery strategies that were clinically optimal for patients were also the most cost-effective. In conclusion, the health technology optimization approach is a useful tool for informing implementation decisions and coordinating the delivery of complex health services such as EVT.
The Weekend Efficiency and Safety Timetable (WEST) project: Weekend handover going WEST?
Authors: Piggott Liam , Ionescu Magdalena
Published: May 2018

The project aims to develop a safer and more efficient method of general surgery firms handing over their patients to the on-call team, for the planning of weekend ward round reviews and checking blood results.
The Associations between Adiposity, Cognitive Function, and Achievement in Children
Authors: RAINE LAUREN , DROLLETTE ERIC , KAO SHIH-CHUN , WESTFALL DANIEL , CHADDOCK-HEYMAN LAURA , KRAMER ARTHUR F. , KHAN NAIMAN , HILLMAN CHARLES
Published: May 2018

Although obesity has been related to measures of academic achievement and cognition in children, the influence of fat distribution, specifically visceral adiposity, on select aspects of achievement and cognitive function remains poorly characterized among preadolescent children.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of adiposity, particularly visceral adipose tissue (VAT), on achievement and cognitive function among children.

Methods

Children with obesity (ages 8–9 yr old, N = 55, 35 females) completed cognitive and academic tests. Normal weight children (N = 55, 35 females) were matched to this group on demographic characteristics and aerobic fitness. Covariate analyses included age, Brief Intellectual Ability, socioeconomic status, and fat-free V˙O2 (V˙O2 peak adjusted for lean mass; mL·kg lean−1·min−1). Adiposity (i.e., whole body percent fat, subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, and VAT) was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Results

The results of this study revealed that, relative to their normal weight counterparts, children with obesity had significantly lower performance on tests of reading and math. Analyses revealed that among children with obesity, %Fat and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue were not related to cognitive abilities. However, higher VAT was associated with poorer intellectual abilities (Ps ≤ 0.04) and cognitive performance (i.e., thinking ability and cognitive efficiency, Ps ≤ 0.04). However, among normal weight children, VAT was positively associated with intellectual abilities and cognitive efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results suggest that VAT was selectively and negatively related with cognition among children with obesity. Along with the dangerous metabolic nature of VAT, its detrimental relationship with obese children’s intellectual and cognitive functioning is concerning.
Pseudotumor Tuberculosis Of Liver: A Rare Entity
Authors: Soufi Mehdi , Kharrasse Ghizlane , wafae Khanoussi , Ismaili Zahi , haroudi Tijani El , Bouziane Mohammed
Published: May 2018

We present a rare case of a 46-year-old man who presented with recurrent fever and abdominal pain without other symptoms. Laboratory data were no specific for diagnosis. Abdominal imaging revealed a pseudotumor liver. A diagnosis of isolated liver tuberculosis with abscess component was confirmed with US-guided liver biopsy and histopathological examination. The patient received antibacillous drugs with success.
Improved prospective risk analysis for clinical laboratories compensated for the throughput in processes
Authors: Janssens Pim M.W. , van der Horst Armando
Published: May 2018

Background:

Practical application of prospective risk analysis (PRA) in clinical laboratories should reflect processes as they are carried out, while making the PRA results obtained from different processes comparable. This means that not only STAT and standard testing and testing for critical and less critical parameters should be distinguished (as published), but also that the throughput in processes and process steps should be taken into account.

Methods:

Building on our previously published PRA, a method was developed to compensate for the throughput in processes and process steps. A factor T, related to the actually observed throughput, was introduced in the risk score calculation. Introduction of this compensation factor leads to different overall risk scores. The criteria by which the risk scores are evaluated were modified accordingly.

Results:

Introduction of a factor in the PRA to compensate for throughput leads to a change in the risk score for various conceivable failures in process steps. As compared to the PRA in which no compensation for throughput is made, in a process with low throughput the risk score for various conceivable failures in process steps comes out higher after introduction of the compensation factor, while in a process with high throughput various risk scores come out lower.

Conclusions:

Introduction of a factor to account for the throughput in a process (and process steps) leads to an improved, more realistic PRA, the results of which makes the risk scores of different processes (and process steps) better comparable to each other.
Excretion of Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Sodium in Lactating Sows
Authors: Novotný J. , Reichel P. , Kósa B. , Šipoš D.
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the excretion of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) via milk, urine and faeces during the lactation period of sows. Six clinically healthy lactating sows (crossbreed Large White × Landrace) were selected for these experiments and were housed in standard conditions and fed with commercially prepared dry mixture for this category of sows. The blood serum, milk, urine and faecal samples were collected on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th day of lactation. During four weeks of lactation, we recorded the relatively stable and physiological concentrations of Ca, P, Mg and Na in blood serum. The analysis of the sow’s milk showed the highest concentration of Ca and P at the end of lactation, while the highest concentration of Mg and Na was observed on the 7th lactation day. The following macro-mineral excretion was recorded in urine: 98.83-194.00 mg.l-1 for Ca; 11.88- 53.09 mg.l-1 for P; 171.67-344.05 mg.l-1 for Mg; and 56.50-74.83 mg.l-1 for Na; and in the faeces, 1824.5- 3045.5 mg.kg-1 for Ca; 1566.93-2483.2 mg.kg-1 for P; 1916.2-2505.2 mg.kg-1 for Mg; and 516.8-748.2 mg. kg-1 for Na.
Technical Barriers to Trade: A Canadian Perspective on Ecolabelling
Authors: Farnia Farnaz , De Marcellis-Warin Nathalie , Warin Thierry
Published: May 2018

Ecolabelling is a market-based instrument and an important element of international environmental policies. In our day and age, there is a wide range of ecolabels, which may complicate the decision-making process when looking for the best outcome for consumers and producers. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) suggest a solution to align the various ecolabelling programs. For instance, ISO launched the ISO 14,001 framework, which includes the requirements for Environmental Management Systems (EMSs). The GEN harmonizes international ecolabelling schemes and improves exchanges of information among its country members. This article addresses how unaligned and aligned regulations impact international trade. Consequently, a database including the ISO 14,001 certifications of all countries and containing the exports from 153 countries to Canada from 2001 to 2015 as a dependent variable was created. The remaining variables will serve as independent variables, including gravity variables such as market size, market similarity, distance, and some other core variables such as GEN membership of the exporting country, WTO membership, binding in Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) with Canada. Findings show that holding ISO 14,001 certifications has a positive impact on exports to Canada; however, these impacts are not significant enough. Therefore, there is not strong evidence that ISO 14,001 creates barriers to export to Canada. In addition, GEN membership significantly promotes exports to Canada, especially for countries binding in an FTA or MRA with Canada.
Revisiting the Role of the EU Judiciary as the Stronghold for the Protection of Human Rights while Countering Terrorism
Authors: Riccardi Alice
Published: May 2018

This article revisits the response of the European Union (EU) to the challenges posed by anti-terrorist smart sanctions regimes to fundamental rights, vis-à-vis recent legal developments. Following the Kadi saga, many authors defined the EU judicature as the bastion of the rule of law against executive powers. From the perspective of the Council of the EU, instead, Kadi caused a tremor. The EU courts did not only declare that anti-terrorist sanctions could be reviewed: they also affirmed that such review is in principle full, thus extended to all information substantiating sanctions, irrespective of whether covered by secrecy. In this respect, the European Court of Justice established that it is a task of the judiciary to accommodate security considerations militating against the disclosure of intelligence in court and the right to a fair trial. However, through legal instruments adopted in late 2016, the EU seems to be backing off from these settled principles. To test such assumption, the article proceeds in three steps. Firstly, it outlines the contours of the UN Security Council anti-terrorist sanctions regime, pinpointing the characteristics that make such regime problematic with respect to fair trial rights. Secondly, it surveys the development of EU courts’ case-law on secret evidence. Thirdly, it investigates whether the new legal instruments adopted by EU institutions adhere to the principles enshrined in said EU courts’ decisions, or rather represent a departure from consolidated due process rights.
Positioning stability improvement with inter-system biases on multi-GNSS PPP
Authors: Choi Byung-Kyu , Yoon Hasu
Published: May 2018

The availability of multiple signals from different Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) constellations provides opportunities for improving positioning accuracy and initial convergence time. With dual-frequency observations from the four constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou), it is possible to investigate combined GNSS precise point positioning (PPP) accuracy and stability. The differences between GNSS systems result in inter-system biases (ISBs). We consider several ISB values such as GPS-GLONASS, GPS-Galileo, and GPS-BeiDou. These biases are compliant with key parameters defined in the multi-GNSS PPP processing. In this study, we present a unified PPP method that sets ISB values as fixed or constant. A comprehensive analysis that includes satellite visibility, position dilution of precision, position accuracy is performed to evaluate a unified PPP method with constrained cut-off elevation angles. Compared to the conventional PPP solutions, our approach shows more stable positioning at a constrained cut-off elevation angle of 50 degrees.
Cross Check of the Tax Base in Serbia – Informative Tax Return Sample
Authors: Raonić Ivan , Vasić Zoran , Pejović Igor
Published: May 2018

The tax system of the Republic of Serbia is characterized by a very low level of income taxation. It is a particularly acute problem in cross-checking the tax base. The legislature tried to solve this problem by the introduction of the informative tax return (IPP). The problem is even greater because the situations encountered have not been analysed in science and tax theory, and very often have not been covered by applicable laws. A specific challenge for the tax authorities represent taxpayers whose incomes are primarily realized abroad (usually persons from the world of entertainment). This paper describes the basic forms of tax offences characteristic of income tax evasion and discusses how to solve them, with a particular focus on the implementation of cross-checking the tax base.
Association of Bax Expression and Bcl2/Bax Ratio with Clinical and Molecular Prognostic Markers in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Vucicevic Ksenija , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Colovic Natasa , Tosic Natasa , Kostic Tatjana , Glumac Irena , Pavlovic Sonja , Karan-Djurasevic Teodora , Colovic Milica
Published: May 2018

Background: In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), in vivo apoptotic resistance of malignant B lymphocytes results, in part, from the intrinsic defects of their apoptotic machinery. These include genetic alterations and aberrant expression of many apoptosis regulators, among which the Bcl2 family members play a central role.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of pro-apoptotic Bax gene expression and Bcl2/Bax ratio with the clinical features of CLL patients as well as with molecular prognostic markers, namely the mutational status of rearranged immunoglobulin heavy variable (IGHV) genes and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene expression.

Methods: We analyzed the expression of Bax mRNA and Bcl2/Bax mRNA ratio in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 58 unselected CLL patients and 10 healthy controls by the quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

Results: We detected significant Bax gene overexpression in CLL samples compared to non-leukemic samples (p=0.003), as well as an elevated Bcl2/Bax ratio (p=<0.001). Regarding the association with prognostic markers, the Bcl2/Bax ratio showed a negative correlation to lymphocyte doubling time (r=−0.307; p=0.0451), while high-level Bax expression was associated with LPL-positive status (p=0.035). Both the expression of Bax and Bcl2/Bax ratio were higher in patients with unmutated vs. mutated IGHV rearrangements, but this difference did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that dysregulated expression of Bcl2 and Bax, which leads to a high Bcl2/Bax ratio in leukemic cells, contributes to the pathogenesis and clinical course of CLL.
γ-Al2O3:Ce3+Cu2+ as a phosphor material; DFT+U and experimental approach
Authors: Mulwa Winfred Mueni , Dejene Francis Birhanu
Published: May 2018

The γ-Al2O3and Ce3+Cu2+-doped γ-Al2O3powders have been synthesized by sol-gel method. Phases of the synthesized powders were characterized with X-ray diffraction. Morphological analysis and elemental composition of the samples were determined by scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Luminescence characterizations have been used to study the synthesized samples.Ab initiocalculations by the use of local density approximation with the HubbardUcorrelation were used to compute the structural, electronic and optical properties of γ-Al2O3and Al2O3:Ce3+Cu2+. The results indicate that the particle size and morphology of the samples depend on the concentration of the dopants. In comparison with undoped γ-Al2O3sample, the intensities of emission peaks at 430 and 458 nm of Ce3+Cu2+-doped γ-Al2O3powders have been enhanced. This shows that, increasing Ce3+and Cu2+concentration causes an increase in the number of emitting ions which is expected in order to increase the number of applications of γ-Al2O3:Ce3+Cu2+composite powders. The photoluminescence spectrum detected at$\lambda$ex = 253 nm shows a new peak located at 549 nm due to Cu2+ions. This was confirmed computationally when the Ce_4f and Ce_5d states are found in the conduction band while the Cu_4p state was found at conduction band minimum and Cu_3d state at valence band maximum. This location of states showed there is no possible luminescence from the Ce3+ions. The only possible luminescence was due to transition from Cu_4p to Cu_3d states.
Critical ESP Textbook Evaluation: The Case of Visual Arts Textbook
Authors: Karimnia Amin , Jafari Fatemeh Mohammad
Published: May 2018

Since textbooks are one of the integral components of the learning process, their evaluation is important to improve their correspondence to the learners’ needs and goals. Particularly, in societies in which English is used as a foreign language, ESP textbooks play a crucial role in developing students’ skills of English in job-related situations. The present paper discusses the quality of ESP textbooks by performing a case study of an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) textbook “English for the students of Visual Arts (Painting, Graphics, & Sculpture)” developed and published by SAMT as the pioneer in developing ESP textbooks in Iranian academic setting. The study tries to investigate the overall suitability and pedagogical value of the ESP textbook and the features which make it distinguishable among its global counterparts. The study was carried out by drawing on a model proposed by McDonough and Shaw (2003), with an intention to evaluate the present quality of the Visual Arts ESP textbook critically. Both visual and content-based aspects of the book were thoroughly evaluated to identify their general pedagogical value by using the method of qualitative descriptive analysis. In that way, the Visual Arts textbook was analysed on the basis of the framework and guidelines suggested in the available checklist. In addition, semi structured interviews with graduate students, English instructors, subjectspecific instructors, and experts in Visual Arts Courses such as Painting were performed to clarify their opinions about the need for ESP and to analyze their perceptions of English language in general and English for special purposes in particular. The findings of the present study have revealed that there is a fundamental necessity for revision and development of future ESP textbooks in Iranian context. Moreover, the findings imply that traditional materials and frameworks are not responsive to students’ needs and genre knowledge in majors of the Visual Arts.
40 YEARS of IGF1: IGF1: the Jekyll and Hyde of the aging brain
Authors: Gubbi Sriram , Quipildor Gabriela Farias , Barzilai Nir , Huffman Derek M , Milman Sofiya
Published: May 2018

The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling pathway has emerged as a major regulator of the aging process, from rodents to humans. However, given the pleiotropic actions of IGF1, its role in the aging brain remains complex and controversial. While IGF1 is clearly essential for normal development of the central nervous system, conflicting evidence has emerged from preclinical and human studies regarding its relationship to cognitive function, as well as cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. This review delves into the current state of the evidence examining the role of IGF1 in the aging brain, encompassing preclinical and clinical studies. A broad examination of the data indicates that IGF1 may indeed play opposing roles in the aging brain, depending on the underlying pathology and context. Some evidence suggests that in the setting of neurodegenerative diseases that manifest with abnormal protein deposition in the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease, reducing IGF1 signaling may serve a protective role by slowing disease progression and augmenting clearance of pathologic proteins to maintain cellular homeostasis. In contrast, inducing IGF1 deficiency has also been implicated in dysregulated function of cognition and the neurovascular system, suggesting that some IGF1 signaling may be necessary for normal brain function. Furthermore, states of acute neuronal injury, which necessitate growth, repair and survival signals to persevere, typically demonstrate salutary effects of IGF1 in that context. Appreciating the dual, at times opposing ‘Dr Jekyll’ and ‘Mr Hyde’ characteristics of IGF1 in the aging brain, will bring us closer to understanding its impact and devising more targeted IGF1-related interventions.
Conversion of human adipose derived stem cells into endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Tran Van Hong , Nguyen Hoa Trong , Pham Phuc Van
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Endothelial cells (ECs) or endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are essential cells for blood vascular regeneration and vascular tissue engineering. However, the source of EPCs are limited. Indeed, these cells only existence with low rate at some tissues such as bone marrow, umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood. This study aimed to produce EPCs from direct reprogramming of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) by ETV2 transfection in vitro.

Methods: ADSCs were isolated according to the published works. They were confirmed as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with some characteristics included expression of CD44, CD73, CD90, negative of CD14, CD45, and HLA-DR; in vitro differentiation into adipocytes, and osteoblasts. ETV-2 mRNA was in vitro produced by commercial kit. ETV-2 mRNA molecules were transfected into ADSCs by Fugenes and Lipofectamine agents. These transfected cells were evaluated the expression of EPC properties included expression of CD31, VEGFR-2 in the cell surface by flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and in vitro vessel formation in the Matrigel.

Results: The results showed that ETV-2 could transform the ADSCs from mesenchymal cell phenotype into endothelial cell phenotype with 10% transfected ADSCs expressing the CD31 in their surface, they also could form the vessel structure in vitro.

Conclusion: Although the low efficacy of direct reprogramming, this study gave the new strategy to produce EPCs from the favorite cell sources as ADSCs.
Expression of CD34 marker in the adipose tissue derived stem cells
Authors: Pham Phuc Van , Vu Ngoc Bich , Tran Van Hong
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are considered as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Indeed, they display all characteristics of MSCs that compliant with the minimal criteria of MSCs suggested by Domonici et al. (2006). However, some recent studies showed that ADSCs contain the subpopulation that was positive with CD34 marker – a marker of hematopoietic stem cells. This study aimed to analyze and determine the expression of CD34 marker in ten samples of ADSCs obtained from 10 donors.

Methods: All ADSC samples were isolated and expanded according to the published previous protocols. They were confirmed as the MSCs with some markers and differentiation potential, excepting the CD34 expression. Then they were cultured and analyzed the expression of CD34 by flow cytometry at passage 3, 5, 7 and 9.

Results: The results showed that expression of CD34 in ADSCs was different between donors and their passages that accounted from 1.21% to 23.38%.

Conclusion: These results suggested that ADSCs are not ‘truly” MSCs like MSCs from bone marrow.
Safety II Behavior in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Merandi Jenna , Vannatta Kathryn , Davis J. Terrance , McClead Richard E. , Brilli Richard , Bartman Thomas
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Safety I error elimination concepts are focused on retrospectively investigating what went wrong and redesigning system processes and individual behaviors to prevent similar future occurrences. The Safety II approach recognizes complex systems and unpredictable circumstances, mandating flexibility and resilience within systems and among individuals to avoid errors. We hypothesized that in our high-complexity and high-risk PICU, Safety II concepts contribute to its remarkably low adverse drug event rate. Our goal was to identify how this microsystem enacts Safety II.

METHODS:

We conducted multidisciplinary focus group sessions with PICU members using nonleading, open-ended questions to elicit free-form conversation regarding how safety occurs in their unit. Qualitatively analyzing transcripts identified system characteristics and behaviors potentially contributing to low adverse drug event rates in PICU. Researchers skilled in qualitative methodologies coded transcripts to identify key domains and common themes.

RESULTS:

Four domains were identified: (1) individual characteristics, (2) relationships and interactions, (3) structural and environmental characteristics, and (4) innovation approaches. The themes identified in the first 3 domains are typically associated with Safety I and adapted for Safety II. Themes in the last domain (innovation approaches) were specific to Safety II, which were layered on Safety I to improve results under unusual situations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Safety II behavior in this unit was based on strong Safety I behaviors adapted to the Safety II environment plus innovation behaviors specific to Safety II situations. We believe these behaviors can be taught and learned. We intend to spread these concepts throughout the organization.
Super-replication of European Options with Convex Payoff under Proportional Transaction Costs
Authors: Rygiel Agnieszka
Published: May 2018

The paper examines the super-replication of contingent claims in a discrete time financial market with proportional transaction costs. The sole assumption on stock price dynamics is that the returns are bounded. The class of path-dependent European options with nonnegative convex payoff functions is considered. It is proved that the pricing of this type of options can be studied through the pricing of a suitable binomial model. As a consequence, it is shown that the pricing algorithm, which is essentially a dynamic programming procedure on a tree, can be used when the set of possible scenarios is not finite.
Porównanie bayesowskich modeli Copula-AR(1)-GARCH(1,1) z asymetrycznością rozkładów warunkowych
Authors: Mokrzycka Justyna
Published: May 2018

The main aim of the paper is to formally assess the relative explanatory power of competing bivariate Copula-AR-GARCH models with symmetric and skewed Student t distributions on the example of data from the The Warsaw Stock Exchange. The subject of comparison were 22 Copula-AR(1)-GARCH (1,1) models, which differed in assumptions on the copula and the occurrence of skewness in marginal distributions. In the context of the models under consideration, Monte Carlo Important Sampling methods were used to estimate the characteristics of a posteriori distribution and the marginal density of the observation matrix. For analysing empirical data, a posteriori models turned out to be ones more likely to have symmetrical conditional t-Student distributions. For the logarithmic daily growth rates of the two sub-indicies of the stock index WIG, the highest a posteriori probability was obtained by the Clayton-Gumbel copula model. The use of the skewed Student's t-distribution did not improve the explanatory power of the Copula-GARCH models.
OxLDL plasma levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Grossi Marina Felipe , Carvalho Maria das Graças , Silveira Josianne Nicácio , Gonçalves Gisele Santos , Gomes Karina Braga , Bicalho Maria Aparecida , Silva Ieda de Fátima Oliveira
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize the conventional lipid profile, oxLDL levels and ApoE polymorphism in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in elderly individuals without cognitive impairment. Methods: Eighty elderly individuals were selected and the levels of oxLDL were determined using the ELISA kit, and ApoE gene polymorphism was investigated using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: Significantly reduced levels of oxLDL were observed in patients with AD compared to the control group. A higher frequency of the ApoE ε4 allele was observed in patients with AD compared to controls. No difference was observed for total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels between the two groups, while triglyceride levels were higher in controls compared with patients with AD. Conclusion: The data analyzed together did not reveal significant differences in lipid profiles, including oxLDL levels. However, the importance of lipid changes in the genesis of the disease cannot be ruled out. Nevertheless, the ApoE ε4 allele was significantly more frequent in patients with Alzheimer's dementia in agreement with previous findings in the literature, but this genetic component did not change the levels of oxLDL.
Analysis of direct costs of decompressive craniectomy in victims of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Badke Guilherme Lellis , Araujo João Luiz Vitorino , Miura Flávio Key , Guirado Vinicius Monteiro de Paula , Saade Nelson , Paiva Aline Lariessy Campos , Avelar Tiago Marques , Pedrozo Charles Alfred Grander , Veiga José Carlos Esteves
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT Background: Decompressive craniectomy is a procedure required in some cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This manuscript evaluates the direct costs and outcomes of decompressive craniectomy for TBI in a developing country and describes the epidemiological profile. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using a five-year neurosurgical database, taking a sample of patients with TBI who underwent decompressive craniectomy. Several variables were considered and a formula was developed for calculating the total cost. Results: Most patients had multiple brain lesions and the majority (69.0%) developed an infectious complication. The general mortality index was 68.8%. The total cost was R$ 2,116,960.22 (US$ 661,550.06) and the mean patient cost was R$ 66,155.00 (US$ 20,673.44). Conclusions: Decompressive craniectomy for TBI is an expensive procedure that is also associated with high morbidity and mortality. This was the first study performed in a developing country that aimed to evaluate the direct costs. Prevention measures should be a priority.