bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative Course of Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery through Endoscopic versus Microscopic Approach: Interim Concerns for Neurosurgical Anesthesiology
Authors: Jain Varun , Chaturvedi Arvind , Pandia Mihir Prakash , Bithal Parmod Kumar
Published: July 2018

Background: Endonasal endoscopic approach for transsphenoidal excision of pituitary adenoma has undergone remarkable evolution in the last two decades. It is considered less invasive and less stressful, with results comparable to the previous “gold standard” technique of microscopic transsphenoidal excision of pituitary adenoma. The aim of this study was to compare the various perioperative anesthetic and surgical factors which differ in the two approaches (endoscopic vs. microscopic) for pituitary adenoma excision, during the period when surgeons increasingly started using endoscope at our center. Materials and Methods: Data of 307 patients from January 2011 to December 2013 were reviewed in this retrospective study. Various parameters were divided and compared on the basis of the type of approach for pituitary tumor resection vis-à-vis microscope-assisted sublabial transsphenoidal (MSLTS) resection or microscope-assisted transnasal transsphenoidal (MTNTS) resection or endoscope-assisted endonasal transsphenoidal (ETSS) resection. Results: Demographic variables (except age); tumor type, dimensions, and invasiveness; patients’ comorbidities; postoperative nausea/vomiting, electrolyte imbalance, respiratory, and cardiovascular problems were comparable among three groups. Duration of surgery and anesthesia were shortest for MTNTS group and longest for ETSS group (P < 0.001). Blood loss was higher in ETSS technique (median 300 mL) and least in MTNTS (median 100 mL), and the difference was significant across all three groups (P = 0.0003). Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea was 17% in the MSLTS group compared to 6.5% in MTNTS and 7.9% in ETSS (P = 0.047). Conclusion: ETSS with the expected advantage of being less invasive offers a better chance for complete resection of adenoma. Neuroanesthesiologist must be prepared for longer surgical time and more blood loss as compared to previous microscopic approach, at least till the surgeons expertise in this newer technique.
Analysis and Clinical Importance of Skull Base Fractures in Adult Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Sivanandapanicker Jyothish , Nagar Milesh , Kutty Raja , Sunilkumar B. S. , Peethambaran Anilkumar , Rajmohan B. P. , Asher Prasanth , Shinihas V. P. , Mohandas K. , Jain Sourabh , Sharma Saurabh
Published: July 2018

Aims and Objectives: Basal skull fracture (BSF) is rare in head injury (HI) patients and occasionally goes unnoticed which may lead to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula. With changing trends in HI, there is a need to reassess incidence and pattern of BSF pattern, CSF leak, meningitis, and management protocol, especially in this part of the world where detailed literature is lacking. Subjects and Methods: We closely followed adult patients admitted with BSF in our institute between January 2013 and December 2014. Associated clinical features were recorded. In case of CSF leak, detailed CSF study was done and patients were managed accordingly. Patients with persistent CSF leak were managed surgically. Results: During the study period, 194 of 5041 HI patients had evidence of BSF (3.85%). BSF was most commonly associated with moderate-to-severe HI (73.19%). About 81.44% patients were male and 29.9% were <30 years. Most common cause was road traffic accident (84.54%). Isolated anterior cranial fossa (ACF) fracture was most common (50%). About 63.92% patients had raccoon eyes. Forty-three patients had CSF leak with CSF rhinorrhea being more common. Culture of only 5 patients suggested bacterial meningitis. CSF leak lasted for more than 10 days in 8 patients, of which 4 patients required surgical repair. Conclusions: BSF is rare in victims of HI. It is more common in young adult males. ACF fractures are most common in our setup. Clinical signs of BSF are supportive but not definitive; high resolution computed tomography head is gold standard to detect BSF. CSF leak is rare and most of the cases can be managed conservatively. Leak persisting more than 7–10 days has high risk of developing meningitis and likely to need surgical intervention.
Mutation Location and Cognitive Impairment in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Mukherjee Soumava , Roy Manoj , Guha Gautam , Saha Shankar Prasad
Published: July 2018

Background: Cognitive impairment is commonly seen in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Few studies have shown a correlation between loss of different isoforms of the DMD gene and cognitive impairment. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether correlation exists in the location of mutation in DMD gene or loss of different isoforms and cognitive impairment in children with DMD in the Indian population. Materials and Methods: Ten children were evaluated. Gene mutation analysis was done by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification method. The isoforms affected were inferred from mutation location in each of these patients. Binet Kamat Intelligence Test (BKT) and Bender Gestalt test (BGT) were administered. Results: All male patients were aged between 4 and 9 years. Genetic analysis showed deletion in all patients, with seven having deletion in “hotspot” regions (exon 43–52). Psychometric analysis by BGT and BKT showed mean score of 8.6 and mean IQ score of 85.5, respectively. Comparison between patients with hotspot mutations and mutations in other regions, for mean IQ score and BGT score, was statistically significant (P = 0.132 and P = 0.005, respectively). The difference in the IQ score between patients with isolated Dp427 loss (n = 3) and cumulative Dp427/Dp260/Dp140utr loss (n = 6) was statistically significant (P = 0.011). Visuomotor functioning was more impaired in patients with isolated Dp427 loss. Conclusion: The role of cumulative loss of isoforms along with importance of loss of Dp140pc isoform was seen in our study. One patient with loss of Dp140utr isoform had intellectual impairment which is not commonly seen. Visuomotor functioning is more affected in more upstream mutations as shown in our study.
Trihexyphenidyl Misuse in Delusional Disorder
Authors: Mahal Pankaj , Nishanth K. N. , Mahapatra Ananya , Sarkar Siddharth , Balhara Yatan Pal Singh
Published: July 2018

Trihexyphenidyl is an anticholinergic medication that is routinely used for the management of extrapyramidal symptoms in patients who receive antipsychotic medications. Trihexyphenidyl has been reported to be abused by some patients, who start to take it in increasing doses and tend to report a sensation of relaxation or pleasure with this medication. Hence, whether trihexyphenidyl should be considered a psychoactive substance and whether nonprescription misuse of this medication should be considered under the purview of substance use disorders need further clarity. We present here two cases of trihexyphenidyl misuse which developed in the context of persistent delusional disorders and highlight the challenges in diagnosis in such a situation.
Predictors of Functional Outcome after Spinal Ependymoma Resection
Authors: Domazet Ivan , Paŝalić Ivan , Nemir Jakob , Peterković Vjerislav , Vukić Miroslav
Published: July 2018

Aim: Spinal ependymomas are among the most common intramedullary neoplasms in both adults and children. While surgical resection is the golden treatment standard, the role chemotherapy and radiotherapy have in patients with spinal ependymomas remains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of functional outcome following spinal ependymoma resection to single out patients that may require adjuvant therapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on patients that underwent spinal ependymoma resection in our institution in a 10-year period. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine was used to set the diagnosis of an intradural/intramedullary neoplasm. All patients underwent either gross tumor resection or tumor mass reduction. Histological diagnosis and histopathological grading of spinal ependymoma were done for all collected samples. Patients’ general and neurological examination were performed early after the surgery (within the 1st week) and in a 6-month follow-up. Results: A total of 51 intradural and intramedullary ependymoma resection surgeries on 43 patients were performed. There were slightly more male patients (57%) and the average patient age was 41 years. About 76.5% of patients presented with a tumor affecting one vertebrae level, while 23.5% presented with tumors expanding over two or more spinal regions. Gross tumor resection was achieved in 80% of cases, while 25% of procedures were performed on a recurring ependymomas. Most of the tumors (57%) were classified as G2 histological grade, while 8% were anaplastic ependymomas. In 80% of cases, early postoperative patient status was either better or equivalent to the preoperative one, while in a 6-month follow-up, up to 60% of cases showed a significant improvement over the preoperative status. Different demographic and clinical parameters were not proven to be predictors of postsurgical patient outcome including age, gender, and initial neurological presentation. Interestingly, most tumor characteristics were also not associated with postoperative functional outcome (histological grade, number of vertebrae levels affected, whether it is a primary or recurrent tumor). Even the scope of surgical procedure did not affect the functional outcome. The spinal region affected by the tumor was proven to be a predictor of early postoperative outcome (ρ = 0.346, P = 0.033), with lumbar spine being associated with the best outcomes. As expected, the scope of the surgery and whether gross tumor resection or tumor mass reduction was performed were the only significant predictors of tumor recurrence (ρ = 0.391, P = 0.005). Conclusions: Spinal ependymoma resection is an efficient procedure that improves the patient outcomes. Spinal region affected by the tumor is likely to be the most important predictor of functional outcome, while the procedure scope seems to be the most important predictor of tumor recurrence.
Myths and Superstition about Epilepsy: A Study from North India
Authors: Singh Smriti , Mishra Vijaya Nath , Rai Alka , Singh Ranjeet , Chaurasia Rameshwar Nath
Published: July 2018

Background: Epilepsy is a treatable chronic neurological disorder which is often linked to supernatural activities, due to lack of knowledge and awareness among the common people. The beliefs that outbreak of epilepsy as an unnatural or supernatural activities can be most frequently seen in rural population. One cannot say that the perception of urban populace is different from that of rural populace, but yes, they do differ at some extent. Objective: Knowledge, superstition, and myth toward epilepsy in North India. Methods: This is a questionnaire-based study (12 questions) conducted in neurology outpatient department of Banaras Hindu University, visited by more than hundreds of people from different province of northern India. This survey was also conducted in nearby areas of holy city Varanasi. People belonging to different socioeconomic background and educational level were surveyed to know their view regarding epilepsy. Results: In this survey conducted by our team, we came to the truth that urban population do consider epilepsy as an unnatural phenomenon and adopted different treatment tactics as given in this article. Conclusion: There is the urgent need of creating awareness among the common people through different means such as newspaper, television, organizing health camps, and training local health practitioners for epilepsy management.
The degradation of methylene blue dye by the strains of Pleurotus sp. with potential applications in bioremediation processes
Authors: Maas Adriele Santos Van Der , Silva Nazareth Jordelina Ribeiro da , Costa Alexandre Sylvio Vieira da , Barros Aruana Rocha , Bomfeti Cleide Aparecida
Published: July 2018

Fungi have a large capacity to produce enzymes that are capable of degrading compounds. In this regard, soluble dyes are often used as a means of evaluating and selecting strains with potential for biodegradation. This study verified the capacity of the strains of Pleurotus sp. in degrading methylene blue dye, in order to identify the strains with potential for the bioremediation. For this reason, a total of seven strains of Pleurotus sp. were grown in a potato liquid medium with the methylene blue dye at the concentrations of 0.02 g L-1 and 0.04 g L-1. The results of the absorbances showed that all the isolates were visibly able to reduce the media staining following seven days of growth. However, a reduction of approximately 80% in the staining was observed for the strains named ERY, HI, and SB compared to the control. Thus, it was observed that these strains could be used in the color removal bioprocesses and in the biodegradation of pollutant compounds.
ANÁLISE DE DIFERENTES PROPOSTAS DE LONGARINAS EM PONTES DE CONCRETO ARMADO ATRAVÉS DA FERRAMENTA SAP 2000
Authors: Borghetti Everton , Duarte Fernandes Dutra Rosanna
Published: July 2018

Este trabalho tem como objetivo a apresentação de uma proposta para o dimensionamento de longarinas de pontes de concreto armado convencional com nove ou cinco vigas longarinas. Para obtenção dos momentos fletores sobre as vigas utilizou-se o software de elementos finitos. Foi realizado um levantamento sobre os tipos de carregamentos em pontes e considerações que se devem fazer antes de sua concepção, a partir da situação proposta de pontes em concreto armado com nove ou cinco vigas principais. As vigas foram tratadas como vigas T, considerando a contribuição da laje do tabuleiro.
AVALIAÇÃO DO COMPORTAMENTO MECÂNICO DO SOLO LATERÍTICO DE BRASÍLIA MISTURADO COM A FRAÇÃO FINA DE PNEU DE BORRACHA
Authors: Albert Amorim da Silva Sonny , Eduardo Diniz Vilanova Carlos , Rafael Obando Ante Jaime
Published: July 2018

O descarte de pneus inservíveis constitui um problema ambiental de grandes proporções, estima-se que a cada dia são descartados no Brasil ao redor de 2,0 milhões de pneus. Na maioria das vezes os pneus não são descartados de forma apropriada, gerando graves problemas ambientais devido que é um material polimérico de difícil decomposição. Devido à importância e crescente aumento da utilização de técnicas alternativas que permitam a reciclagem de materiais que demoram muitos anos em decompor, que preservem o meio ambiente e permitam um melhoramento das propriedades mecânicas do solo, foi desenvolvida a presente pesquisa com intuito de avaliar as mudanças do comportamento mecânico do solo laterítico de Brasília, misturado com uma porcentagem de borracha de pneu reciclado. A metodologia da pesquisa foi dividida em seis etapas principais: caracterização dos materiais, determinação do teor ótimo de borracha, ensaios de compactação, ensaios de resistência ao cisalhamento, ensaios de permeabilidade e ensaios de Índice de Suporte de Califórnia (ISC). Os ensaios que avaliaram as mudanças das propriedades mecânicas foram realizados sob corpos de prova compactados, na energia de compactação Proctor modificada. Os ensaios foram realizados para o solo em seu estado natural e com adição de 3% de borracha de pneu reciclada em relação à massa do solo seco. Dos resultados obtidos na pesquisa foi possível determinar que o melhoramento de solo com borracha, gerou um aumento significativo no ângulo de atrito e no coeficiente de permeabilidade. A presença da borracha como material para o melhoramento de solos, além de alterar algumas propriedades mecânicas do solo, permitirá reduções significativas na massa do material de preenchimento de estruturas de arrimo, permitindo construir aterros mais leves e dando um uso sustentável a um material de difícil decomposição.
DISCUTINDO A TRANSIÇÃO SOCIAL DA MULHER MADURA: ESTUDO DE CASO
Authors: Barros Ferreira Maíra , Deusdará Mori Valéria
Published: July 2018

O estudo é resultado de uma pesquisa qualitativa que se apoia na Teoria daSubjetividade cuja proposta metodológica se fundamenta na Epistemologia Qualitativa,ambas desenvolvidas por González Rey. O principal objetivo do artigo é compreender aprodução subjetiva de mulheres entre 50 e 59 anos de idade e descrever as questões queenvolvem o envelhecimento feminino, buscando entender os sentidos subjetivos associados aoenvelhecimento da mulher na sociedade atual. A discussão procura fazer uma breve análisesobre a representação da mulher na sociedade ocidental contemporânea.. A pesquisa foiorientada por uma metodologia de caráter construtivo-interpretativo. Nesse estudo, por meioda dinâmica conversacional foi possível interpretar e construir informações a respeito daelaboração dos processos subjetivos de mulheres que se encontram na faixa etária entre 50 e59 anos. As informações foram construídas a partir de interpretações de indicadores desentido expressados livremente pelo sujeito em caráter dialógico. O estudo proporcionou apercepção da singularidade da subjetividade humana e seu caráter contraditório, com esseintuito priorizou-se o sujeito em sua complexidade dando livre expressão à sua condição eexperiência
OS BRICS E O COMÉRCIO INTERNACIONAL: REORDENAMENTO JURÍDICO, MUDANÇA NO REGIME E POLÍTICA DE PODER NAS RELAÇÕES INTERNACIONAIS CONTEMPORÂNEAS
Authors: Eghbali Padydeh , Seixas Dias Frederico
Published: July 2018

Em todas as esferas das relações internacionais no cenário mundial atual existemdificuldades para atuação conjunta. Apesar disso, nos principais fóruns degovernança global vem crescendo uma nova voz coletiva que clama por maiordemocratização nos processos decisórios e espaços de atuação. Os BRICS (Brasil,Rússia, Índia, China e África do Sul) nasceram em contraposição a hegemoniasocidentais e expandiram sua agenda internacional para diversas áreas do sistemainternacional em busca de reconhecimento e desenvolvimento. Muitas dúvidascomeçam a surgir a respeito da efetividade política do grupo e sua habilidade de agirconjuntamente. Isso se deve a grande diversidade cultural dos países, assim comosuas disparidades políticas e econômicas e seus interesses nacionais muitas vezesdivergentes. Por conta das similaridades em seu crescimento e suas dificuldades dedesenvolvimento, eles buscam maior liderança no sistema através deposicionamentos revisionistas em ambientes como os do Conselho de Segurançadas Nações Unidas e a Organização Mundial de Comércio (OMC). Para que sepossa haver cooperação sobre alicerces sólidos, é necessário maioraprofundamento sobre o desempenho dos membros em âmbitos globais como oeconômico pois se torna possível argumentar sobre a legitimidade dos discursos e aeficácia política dos integrantes como um grupo. Este trabalho propõe portantocompreender melhor a atuação dos BRICS no campo econômico mundial e quais ascomplementariedades e dificuldades encontradas. Para isso, o estudo identificou asnormas e princípios que regem o regime internacional do comércio e oposicionamento dos BRICS no mesmo, analisou o comércio dos países no mundo eentre eles, investigou os casos de disputa do Órgão de Solução de Controvérsias(OSC) da OMC traçando um perfil jurídico das demandas de comércio de bens dosmembros. Através da metodologia, observousea amplitude das economias dospaíses e o entrelaçamento do comércio intraBRICSe que não são numerosas asbarreiras encontradas entre eles por infrações as normas internacionais docomércio. Dessa forma, os discursos em uníssono tem fundamentação, mas se faznecessário atenção aos limites circunstanciais de tal cooperação multilateral
PROTEÇÃO AOS DADOS DE TESTE DE MEDICAMENTOS PARA USO HUMANO A PARTIR DA JURISPRUDÊNCIA
Authors: Vieira de Lima Camila , Edelvacy Pinto Marinho Maria
Published: July 2018

Esta pesquisa tem como problema analisar o papel da jurisprudência estadunidense na construção de um sistema de proteção aos dados de testes através da concessão de direitos exclusivos. A relevância do tema se dá pelo impacto que a proteção aos dados de teste tem no mercado de genéricos, uma vez que tal proteção eleva os preços destes medicamentos, mas em contra partida incentiva economicamente as pesquisas para desenvolvimento de novos produtos farmacêuticos. A Escolha dos EUA se justifica por ser o primeiro país a conceder a proteção aos dados de testes e pela importância das decisões judiciais na elaboração do Direito neste país. Assim, para tornar possível o estudo de caso, o trabalho utilizou como marco teórico a Teoria Argumentativa de Neil MacCormick, na qual o autor defende que o Direito é argumentativo e através do consequencialismo, da coerência, da universalizabilidade e da analogia é possível determinar se o juiz fundamentou devidamente sua decisão. O caso analisado foi Wendy Dollyn vs. GFK and Mylan. Tal sentença discute a responsabilidade da empresa genérica perante a bula do seu medicamento, uma vez que a lei federal que regulamenta a aprovação dos genéricos nos EUA (Hatch-Waxman Act) exige da empresa genérica que a bula do seu medicamento deva ser ipsis litteris da bula do medicamento de referência. Esta discussão se originou depois que um paciente diagnosticado com depressão cometeu suicídio após seis dias de uso da droga paroxetina em sua forma genérica. Devido a este fato, a esposa do referido paciente entrou com uma ação contra as empresas GSK (empresa que desenvolveu a droga) e Mylan (empresa responsável pela produção genérica da droga) alegando a responsabilidade de ambas às empresas em relação à omissão do efeito colateral do suicídio na bula. Dessa maneira, para compreender os argumentos utilizados pelo juiz a quo, tomou-se como parâmetro a classificação dos argumentos jurídicos estabelecida pelo jurista Neil MacCormick. Assim, perante o raciocínio elaborado pelo juiz, percebe-se a utilização da argumentação dedutiva, de precedentes e a preocupação em manter harmonização jurídico-contextual. Defronte dessas técnicas empregadas pelo juiz, ele chegou à conclusão de que a responsabilidade cairia tão somente sobre a empresa que desenvolveu a droga, pois esta sim é a única legitimada a fazer qualquer alteração na bula do medicamento. Com esse raciocínio, observa-se cada vez mais a necessidade de proteção aos dados de testes desenvolvidos pelas indústrias inovadoras, visto que estas são as responsáveis diretas pelas informações apresentadas na bula do medicamento, bem como pela fórmula do remédio. Ademais, o incentivo à proteção das pesquisas desenvolvidas pelas indústrias inovadoras seria uma forma de fomentar o desenvolvimento farmacêutico
DOENÇAS VEICULADAS POR ALIMENTOS: ESTUDO DA QUALIDADE MICROBIOLÓGICA DE AMOSTRAS DE LEITE, OVOS, CARNES BOVINA E DE FRANGO ENCONTRADAS EM ALGUMAS FEIRAS E AÇOUGUES NO DISTRITO FEDERAL
Authors: Ribeiro Do Nascimento Igor , Lima De Sena Thaís , Fernandes Castro Fabíola
Published: July 2018

Micro-organismos são encontrados em praticamente todos os lugares, seja na pele, ambiente e alimentos. Colonizam em alimentos muitas vezes pelo mau acondicionamento, falta de higienização no preparo e consumo dos mesmos, famílias inteiras morriam em decorrência de infecções pouco conhecidas causadas por contaminação nesses alimentos. Os alimentos podem ser contaminados por bactérias patogênicas. As intoxicações alimentares são ocasionadas pela ingestão de alimentos que apresentam toxinas, que são originadas pela alta proliferação dos microrganismos no alimento, que muitas das vezes não é identificado nem por odor e sabor. Dentre os patógenos mais comumente produtores de toxinas, podem se citar: Sthaphylococcus aureus e Bacillus cereus. É importante a identificação dos micro-organismos, pois assim, é possível tomar medidas de profilaxia visando declínio de sua positividade, consequentemente, melhorando a qualidade de vida da comunidade e investigando a incidência destas doenças. O trabalho tem como objetivo analisar alimentos comercializados em feiras livres e alguns açougues que produzem seus próprios produtos no Distrito Federal, com o intuito de investigar a presença de micro-organismos patogênicos causadores de doenças na comunidade como: gastroenterites, intoxicações, infecções e toxi-infecções, conscientizar tanto a população como os comerciantes aos perigos encontrados ao comercializar alimentos sem um devido controle microbiológico. Foi feita a obtenção dos alimentos de origem animal por meio de compra ou doação em feiras e açougues do DF, preparo das amostras líquidas e sólidas, com o seu pré-enriquecimento, Técnica do Plaqueamento em profundidade "Pour Plate", técnica do plaqueamento em superfície utilizando ágar cromogênico CPS e ágar sangue de carneiro, com posterior identificação de Cepas bacterianas através da metodologia de RUGAI para identificar espécies bacterianas da Familia Enterobacteriaceae e para os gram positivos teste de oxidase, catalase e oxidase para cepas Sthaphylococcus spp. Após o período de incubação foram isolados diferentes tipos de bactérias gram positivas e gram negativas e dentre elas as mais prevalentes encontradas foram: Echerichia coli e Sthaphylococcus aureus, bactérias patogênicas de importância clínica causadoras de infecções na comunidade
Endovascular treatment of small cerebral arteriovenous malformations as a primary therapy
Authors: Kocur Damian , Przybyłko Nikodem , Hofman Mariusz , Jamróz Tomasz , Ignatowicz Aleksandra , Baron Jan , Kwiek Stanisław
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The patient population that would benefit most from endovascular curative treatment of intracranial arteriovenous malformations has not been clearly established. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of curative embolisation of cerebral arteriovenous malformations with special regard to radiographic and clinical outcomes and procedure-related complications

Material and methods

Between January 2009 and December 2014, 18 patients with intracranial arteriovenous malformations were embolised with Onyx with intent to cure. There were four women and 14 men, with a mean age of 40 years (range 10-62 years). Inclusion criteria were: maximal diameter of the lesions ≤ 3 cm and arterial supply consisting of no more than two major arteries. Five (27.8%) patients had ruptured lesions, and 13 (72.2%) patients had unruptured lesions. Mean arteriovenous malformation size was 2.3 cm (range 1.5-2.9 cm).

Results

Thirty-three procedures were performed in 18 patients. Total obliteration was achieved in five patients (27.8%). The most common reason for initial incomplete angiographic occlusion was unfavourable angioarchitectural features of arteriovenous malformations, with the rate of 44.4%. The mean follow-up of patients with complete occlusion was 35.2 months (range 18-60 months). Complication rate was 12.1%. One patient had permanent neurological deficit with resulting morbidity of 5.6%. There were no deaths.

Conclusions

Embolisation of intracranial arteriovenous malformations plays a limited role as a sole therapeutic modality even in terms of small lesions with two or fewer arterial feeders, although larger prospective series are necessary to confirm these findings. Associated complications are not trivial and should be considered when choosing this form of treatment.
Metastatic pulmonary calcification as a rare complication of end-stage renal disease with coexistence of pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma: case report and literature review
Authors: Michali-Stolarska Marta , Zacharzewska-Gondek Anna , Bladowska Joanna , Guziński Maciej , Sąsiadek Marek J.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

We present a case of metastatic pulmonary calcification (MCP) in an asymptomatic patient with chronic kidney disease after renal transplantation and nephrectomy due to renal cancer. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral, diffuse, centrilobular ground-glass opacities and heterogeneous, high-density areas distributed throughout the lungs, predominantly in the upper and middle lobes. Unusually, in our patient the metastatic calcification coexisted with pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma associated with end-stage renal disease. To our knowledge, such coexistence has not been previously described.

Case report

CT, particularly high-resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT), plays an important role in detection and follow-up of MPC findings, which include ground-glass opacities and partially calcified nodules or consolidations, predominantly in the upper lung zones. Correct diagnosis is important because misdiagnosis may lead to improper or unnecessary treatment and/or procedures.

Conclusions

MPC is a rare condition that results from calcium deposition in the normal pulmonary parenchyma. MPC commonly occurs in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease due to abnormalities in calcium and phosphate metabolism. It is worth pointing out that despite the fact that the condition is called metastatic, it is a relatively benign lung disease with a generally good long-term prognosis.
Relationship between bridging and dimensions of sella turcica with classification of craniofacial skeleton
Authors: Sobuti Farhad , Dadgar Sepideh , Seifi Ali , Musavi Seyed Jaber , Hadian Hoora
Published: July 2018

Purpose

In orthodontics, it is essential to determine the craniofacial skeleton pattern (class I, II, III) for planning treatment. Sella turcica bridging that is seen on lateral cephalometric radiographs is considered as a normal finding. This study aimed to compare sella turcica bridging and its dimensions in patients with various craniofacial patterns.

Material and methods

A total of 105 lateral cephalometric radiographs (53 men and 52 women), aged 14–26 years, were randomly and equally assigned to three groups of class I, II, and III, respectively. The length, diameter, and depth of the sella turcica as well as sella turcica bridging were determined on radiographs. The chi-squared test was used for assessing the relationship between sella turcica bridging and craniofacial skeleton classification. ANOVA was used for assessing the relationship between the dimensions of the sella turcica and craniofacial skeleton classification. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used for assessing the relationship between age and the dimensions of the sella turcica.

Results

The sella turcica had a normal shape in 64.76% of patients, whereas 35.33% of patients had sella turcica bridging. In total, 11.42% of patients belonged to class I, 34.28% to class II, and 66.62% to class III. The diameter of the sella turcica had a significant relationship with age; the diameter of the sella turcica increased with age (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

There is a significant relationship between craniofacial skeleton patterns and sella turcica bridging, i.e., the incidence of sella turcica bridging is higher in class III patients. The sella turcica had a greater diameter in older patients.
Ready, set, make! Exploring library resources in a residential hall makerspace
Authors: Shivley Kate , Jarrell Lisa , Denton Dixie
Published: July 2018

Increasingly, the maker movement has spread across the nation in various contexts. Emerging from this movement are sites called makerspaces, which bring individuals together to create and learn collaboratively via engagement with resources and materials. Libraries are natural partners in the maker movement. At Ball State University, Bracken Library has access to collections and resources to support student making and learning. The library provides expert assistance, support, and resources for students in their homes (i.e., residence halls) and encourages both faculty and students to use the space for projects, presentations, and workshops.
Subjective well-being and personal relationships in childhood: Comparison of Brazilian and Spanish children
Authors: Sarriera Jorge Castellá , Casas Ferran , Santos Bibiana Ramos dos , Bedin Lívia Maria , Gonzàlez Mònica
Published: July 2018

This study aims to compare personal relationships satisfaction and subjective well-being of Brazilian and Spanish children and to verify if personal relationships are associated with subjective well-being for the sample. Participants are 6,747 children aged from 11 to 14 years old (M = 12.07, DP = 0.731), 1,020 being Brazilian and the others Spanish. From the total sample 50.7% were girls. Results pointed that the items of personal relationships are grouped into three components related to family, school and friends. Spanish children had higher means than Brazilians' in the items of personal relationships and in the subjective well-being scale. There is a significant association between personal relationships and subjective well-being, and the relationships with family, school and friends are predictors of children well-being in both countries. Family relationships are those with the highest contribution to the prediction of child well-being for both countries, followed by relationships at school and with friends. Personal relationships can be considered a predictor of child well-being with approximately 40% of explained variance for both countries.
The dynamics of spousal relationships after the loss of a child among bereaved Malay parents
Authors: Mohamed Hussin Nur Atikah , Mohammad Taufik , Azman Azlinda , Guàrdia-Olmos Joan , Aho Anna Liisa
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study is to explore the dynamics of the relationship between bereaved parents after the loss of their child. Literature has attempted to understand how coping mechanisms related to gender characteristics, communication, and intimacy influence the spousal relationship after the loss of a child. However, this area is scarcely explored in a Malaysian context. This qualitative study involved 11 bereaved parents. These parents had lost their children due to accidents (n = 9) and homicide (n = 2). Open-ended questions that focused on the patterns of the spousal relationship were administered to the parents. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Some of the main themes found were that constructive communication and intimacy are interrelated in helping bereaved parents to cope better. Nonverbal intimacy is helpful. Avoidance or limited communication and intimacy are influenced by religion and cultural beliefs. The bereavement responses influenced the spousal relationship, causing it to become stronger, weaker, or causing the parents to act like nothing had happened. This study helps us to understand the effects of the loss of a child on the spousal relationship of the bereaved parents. This study makes recommendations related to the adjustment and maintenance of a healthy spousal relationship after the loss of a child.
Cerclages after Femoral Osteotomy Are at Risk for Bacterial Colonization during Two-Stage Septic Total Hip Arthroplasty Revision
Authors: Janz Viktor , Wassilew Georgi I. , Perka Carsten F. , Müller Michael
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Aims: In cases of a two-stage septic total hip arthroplasty (THA) exchange a femoral osteotomy with subsequent cerclage stabilization may be necessary to remove a well-fixed stem. This study aims to investigate the rate of bacterial colonization and risk of infection persistence associated with in situ cerclage hardware in two-stage septic THA exchange.Patients and Methods: Twenty-three patients undergoing two-stage THA exchange between 2011 and 2016 were included in this retrospective cohort study. During the re-implantation procedure synovial fluid, periprosthetic tissue samples and sonicate fluid cultures (SFC) of the cerclage hardware were acquired.Results: Seven of 23 (30%) cerclage-SFC produced a positive bacterial isolation. Six of the seven positive cerclage-SFC were acquired during THA re-implantation.Two of the seven patients (29%) with a positive bacterial isolation from the cerclage hardware underwent a THA-revision for septic complications. The other five patients had their THA in situ at last follow-up.Conclusions: Despite surgical debridement and antimicrobial therapy, a bacterial colonization of cerclage hardware occurs and poses a risk for infection persistence. All cerclage hardware should be removed or exchanged during THA reimplantation.
The largest European theropod dinosaurs: remains of a gigantic megalosaurid and giant theropod tracks from the Kimmeridgian of Asturias, Spain
Authors: Rauhut Oliver W.M. , Piñuela Laura , Castanera Diego , García-Ramos José-Carlos , Sánchez Cela Irene
Published: July 2018

The Kimmeridgian Vega, Tereñes and Lastres formations of Asturias have yielded a rich vertebrate fauna, represented by both abundant tracks and osteological remains. However, skeletal remains of theropod dinosaurs are rare, and the diversity of theropod tracks has only partially been documented in the literature. Here we describe the only non-dental osteological theropod remain recovered so far, an isolated anterior caudal vertebra, as well as the largest theropod tracks found. The caudal vertebra can be shown to represent a megalosaurine megalosaurid and represents the largest theropod skeletal remain described from Europe so far. The tracks are also amongst the largest theropod footprints reported from any setting and can be assigned to two different morphotypes, one being characterized by its robustness and a weak mesaxony, and the other characterized by a strong mesaxony, representing a more gracile trackmaker. We discuss the recently proposed distinction between robust and gracile large to giant theropod tracks and their possible trackmakers during the Late Jurassic-Berriasian. In the absence of complete pedal skeletons of most basal tetanurans, the identity of the maker of Jurassic giant theropod tracks is difficult to establish. However, the notable robustness of megalosaurine megalosaurids fits well with the described robust morphotypes, whereas more slender large theropod tracks might have been made by a variety of basal tetanurans, including allosaurids, metriocanthosaurids or afrovenatorine megalosaurids, or even exceptionally large ceratosaurs. Concerning osteological remains of large theropods from the Late Jurassic of Europe, megalosaurids seem to be more abundant than previously recognized and occur in basically all Jurassic deposits where theropod remains have been found, whereas allosauroids seem to be represented by allosaurids in Western Europe and metriacanthosaurids in more eastern areas. Short-term fluctuations in sea level might have allowed exchange of large theropods between the islands that constituted Europe during the Late Jurassic.
Enriched environment prevents oxidative stress in zebrafish submitted to unpredictable chronic stress
Authors: Marcon Matheus , Mocelin Ricieri , Sachett Adrieli , Siebel Anna M. , Herrmann Ana P. , Piato Angelo
Published: July 2018

Background

The enriched environment (EE) is a laboratory housing model that emerged from efforts to minimize the impact of environmental conditions on laboratory animals. Recently, we showed that EE promoted positive effects on behavior and cortisol levels in zebrafish submitted to the unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) protocol. Here, we expanded the characterization of the effects of UCS protocol by assessing parameters of oxidative status in the zebrafish brain and reveal that EE protects against the oxidative stress induced by chronic stress.

Methods

Zebrafish were exposed to EE (21 or 28 days) or standard housing conditions and subjected to the UCS protocol for seven days. Oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation (TBARS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, non-protein thiol (NPSH) and total thiol (SH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in brain homogenate.

Results

Our results revealed that UCS increased lipid peroxidation and ROS levels, while decreased NPSH levels and SOD activity, suggesting oxidative damage. EE for 28 days prevented all changes induced by the UCS protocol, and EE for 21 days prevented the alterations on NPSH levels, lipid peroxidation and ROS levels. Both EE for 21 or 28 days increased CAT activity.

Discussion

Our findings reinforce the idea that EE exerts neuromodulatory effects in the zebrafish brain. EE promoted positive effects as it helped maintain the redox homeostasis, which may reduce the susceptibility to stress and its oxidative impact.
Trabecular bone patterning in the hominoid distal femur
Authors: Georgiou Leoni , Kivell Tracy L. , Pahr Dieter H. , Skinner Matthew M.
Published: July 2018

Background

In addition to external bone shape and cortical bone thickness and distribution, the distribution and orientation of internal trabecular bone across individuals and species has yielded important functional information on how bone adapts in response to load. In particular, trabecular bone analysis has played a key role in studies of human and nonhuman primate locomotion and has shown that species with different locomotor repertoires display distinct trabecular architecture in various regions of the skeleton. In this study, we analyse trabecular structure throughout the distal femur of extant hominoids and test for differences due to locomotor loading regime.

Methods

Micro-computed tomography scans ofHomo sapiens(n= 11),Pan troglodytes(n= 18),Gorilla gorilla(n= 14) andPongosp. (n= 7) were used to investigate trabecular structure throughout the distal epiphysis of the femur. We predicted that bone volume fraction (BV/TV) in the medial and lateral condyles inHomowould be distally concentrated and more anisotropic due to a habitual extended knee posture at the point of peak ground reaction force during bipedal locomotion, whereas great apes would show more posteriorly concentrated BV/TV and greater isotropy due to a flexed knee posture and more variable hindlimb use during locomotion.

Results

Results indicate some significant differences between taxa, with the most prominent being higher BV/TV in the posterosuperior region of the condyles inPanand higher BV/TV and anisotropy in the posteroinferior region inHomo. Furthermore, trabecular number, spacing and thickness differ significantly, mainly separatingGorillafrom the other apes.

Discussion

The trabecular architecture of the distal femur holds a functional signal linked to habitual behaviour; however, there was more similarity across taxa and greater intraspecific variability than expected. Specifically, there was a large degree of overlap in trabecular structure across the sample, andHomowas not as distinct as predicted. Nonetheless, this study offers a comparative sample of trabecular structure in the hominoid distal femur and can contribute to future studies of locomotion in extinct taxa.
Perfused Organ Cell‐Dense Macrotissues Assembled from Prefabricated Living Microtissues
Authors: Ip Blanche C. , Cui Francis , Wilks Benjamin T. , Murphy John , Tripathi Anubhav , Morgan Jeffrey R.
Published: July 2018

Engineered tissues usually fall short of physiological cell densities and sizes, resulting in limited functional performance. Viability of large tissues is constrained by inadequate diffusion‐driven nutrient exchange. Methods to form large viable tissues are lacking and are constrained by diffusion‐driven nutrient exchange. Here, the use of the Bio‐Pick, Place, and Perfuse (Bio‐P3) is reported, an integrated biofabrication‐bioreactor platform that semiautomatically and rapidly assembles physiologically cell‐dense macrotissues with 100 million cells while being actively perfused. The Bio‐P3 grips, aligns, and stacks prefabricated, scaffold‐free microtissue parts with integrated lumens on a perfusable build‐platform. Parts spontaneously fuse into one continuous macrotissue with perfusable channels. Customizable microtissues are rapidly prepared up to centimeter‐scale with sustained functional performance. Computational models are developed and experimentally validated to elucidate the effects of perfusion rate and tissue geometry on convective nutrient transport in built macrotissues. It is shown that macrotissues constructed from human hepatocellular microtissues maintain geometry and function (albumin and urea secretion) over 5 days. The Bio‐P3 technology fabricates massive solid tissues with high cell numbers and densities to mimic human physiology for preclinical and clinical applications.
Exploiting Singlet Fission in Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Nagata Ryo , Nakanotani Hajime , Potscavage William J. , Adachi Chihaya
Published: July 2018

Harvesting of both triplets and singlets yields electroluminescence quantum efficiencies of nearly 100% in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), but the production efficiency of excitons that can undergo radiative decay is theoretically limited to 100% of the electron–hole pairs. Here, breaking of this limit by exploiting singlet fission in an OLED is reported. Based on the dependence of electroluminescence intensity on an applied magnetic field, it is confirmed that triplets produced by singlet fission in a rubrene host matrix are emitted as near‐infrared (NIR) electroluminescence by erbium(III) tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline) (ErQ3) after excitonic energy transfer from the “dark” triplet state of rubrene to an “emissive” state of ErQ3, leading to NIR electroluminescence with an overall exciton production efficiency of 100.8%. This demonstration clearly indicates that the harvesting of triplets produced by singlet fission as electroluminescence is possible even under electrical excitation, leading to an enhancement of the quantum efficiency of the OLEDs. Electroluminescence employing singlet fission provides a route toward developing high‐intensity NIR light sources, which are of particular interest for sensing, optical communications, and medical applications.
Melt‐Compounded Keratin‐TPU Self‐Assembled Composite Film as Bioinspired e‐Skin
Authors: Li Huan , Sinha Tridib K. , Lee Jinho , Oh Jeong Seok , Ahn Youngjoon , Kim Jin Kuk
Published: July 2018

Inspired by the keratin–elastin composition of human skin, here an artificial skin (alias electronic (e)‐skin) is developed through solvent‐free extrusion based melt mixing of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with the biowaste human hair keratin. Self‐assembled composite film of TPU and keratin (i.e., PUK) shows leg skin equivalent coefficient of friction value of 0.26 ± 0.05, cheek skin equivalent average surface roughness (Ra) of 0.047 ± 0.07 µm, cytoskeletal keratin intermediate filament network like rheological behavior, porous morphology, and skin like positive triboelectric property, when the keratin content is 10 wt%. H‐bonded self‐assembled network and lubricating behavior of cysteine‐rich keratin provide such tribological and rheological behaviors of the PUK. Single electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (STENG) made of PUK containing 10 wt% keratin (i.e., 10% PUK) not only shows clear discrimination between the touch feeling sensations of bare, and glove protected human finger, by producing output voltage of ≈1 and ≈16 V cm−2, respectively, but it also can discriminate the tactile sensations of different objects viz., aluminum foil, cotton glove, wood, polyimide, and poly(tetrafluoroethylene) by producing different output voltages, resembling that the PUK composite film is well fitted for e‐skin applications.
Advent of Cross‐Scale Modeling: High‐Performance Computing of Solidification and Grain Growth
Authors: Shibuta Yasushi , Ohno Munekazu , Takaki Tomohiro
Published: July 2018

The application range of computational metallurgy is rapidly expanding thanks to the recent progress in high‐performance computing. In this Progress Report, state‐of‐the‐art collections of large‐scale simulations of solidification and grain growth, performed on the GPU supercomputer, are introduced. One of the notable achievements in this direction is a billion‐atom molecular dynamics simulation for nucleation and solidification, which revealed the heterogeneity in homogeneous nucleation. Moreover, a series of large‐scale phase‐field simulations shed light on the topics at issue including competitive growth of dendrites during the directional solidification, the effect of forced and natural convections on the solidification, and so on. Based on simulation results bridging the gap between atomistic and continuum‐based simulations, a new criterion of multi‐scale modeling is proposed in the age to come. We are now standing at the new era of cross‐scale modeling, in which the overlap between atomistic and continuum simulations creates new research concepts and fields.