bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Ellis Harold
Published: December 2017

It is thought-provoking to remember that until 1883 a ruptured ectopic pregnancy was a death sentence. In his book on this condition, by the physician, John Parry, published in 1876, we read “here is an accident which may happen to any wife in the most useful period of her existence which good authorities have said is never cured… no remedy, either medical or surgical has been tried with any success”. Among the suggested treatments were injection of narcotic material into the sac, electric shocks and copious and frequent bleeding, (which, of course, would have hastened the demise of the unfortunate patient). Parry himself, although a physician, suggested that the only remedy would be for a surgeon to open the abdomen and either to ligate the bleeding vessels or remove the ectopic sac entirely.
Safer Anaesthetic Rooms: Human Factors/Ergonomics Analysis of Work Practices
Authors: Davis M , Hignett S , Hillier S , Hames N , Hodder S
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to analyse the design of anaesthetic rooms using human factors and ergonomics (HFE) methods. The methods used were hierarchical task analysis, link analysis and anthropometry. The study found several latent design errors which negatively affected drug and patient preparation tasks. Recommendations include anaesthetic room layout design modifications and system level changes. HFE principles provide generic recommendations but specific design details may not be generalizable. Further research is needed to explore the implementation of system changes.
Pragmatic Recycling of Paper and Cardboard in the Operating Theatre: An Audit
Authors: McKendrick DRA , Snedden LJ , Bunch R , McGregor H
Published: December 2017

Despite recent legislation introduced in Scotland and motivated recycling at home, very little recycling exists within theatre environments. This study audited the introduction of recycling of paper and cardboard. All waste within a single operating theatre was collected by a dedicated team for 20 surgical cases. The collection of clean paper and cardboard packaging was limited to the theatre preparation room (TPR) and anaesthetic room (AR). No waste segregation was attempted within the operating theatre itself. The results showed that the AR produced a mean weight of 1.3kg of waste per patient (50% paper and cardboard), and the TPR produced 3.05kg per patient (33% general waste; 44% paper; 23% cardboard). Recycling saved a mean of £0.51 per case. The 54kg of recycled bags produced during the study saved 25kg CO2 emissions. This study describes a pragmatic method to recycle paper and cardboard within the TPR and AR. There are significant potential financial and environmental savings to be achieved.
Clinical Supervision: Beyond the First Flush
Authors: White Edward
Published: December 2017

Nearly two decades ago, Smith (1999) recognised that little had been published on the implementation and usefulness of clinical supervision in the operating theatre. Accordingly, she conducted a small action research project and reported its findings. These were deemed to have been in a positive direction and a number of benefits were listed, essentially clustered around better communication between operating department practitioners (ODPs). Prophetically, however, she thought ‘it would be interesting to observe if this enthusiasm and motivation continues after the project is completed’(p308). Two years later, Smith (2001) lamented that clinical supervision was no longer practised in theatres and that its introduction in other areas had ‘met with little success’ (p436). She believed the reasons to be the ‘culture of the NHS, the negative attitudes by enough members of staff to have an impact and hidden agendas and micro-politics’.
Pancreatic Cancer: A Symptomless Killer
Authors: Gedge K
Published: December 2017

Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the UK. This disease often remains undiagnosed until it is at a late stage, resulting in the majority of tumours being unsuitable for surgical resection. When a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is confirmed, early input from the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is vital. Due to the poor prognosis, the screening and treatment of pancreatic cancer remains a considerable challenge for medicine in the 21st century.
High Risk Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: A Case Report
Authors: De Silva S
Published: December 2017

Mr AB is a 66-year old gentleman who presented for elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) following a routine screening scan identifying a 5.5cm abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). He had a past history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with FEV1/FVC ratio of 48% on pre-assessment. He was hypertensive with a history of ischaemic heart disease (IHD), which has remained asymptomatic following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) eight years prior to this presentation.
Anaesthesia: Airway Management
Authors: Griffiths Rachelle V
Published: December 2017

In this month's Back to Basics series, Rachelle Griffiths provides the first article pertaining to anaesthetic practice. The topic is airway management, which is a fundamental aspect of preserving life. The anaesthetic practitioner must ensure that all the necessary equipment for airway management is available. Reading this article will not only provide this knowledge but it will also identify some of the observational factors that are present when difficulties are occurring.

The six articles of the previous Back to Basics series, which was much appreciated, were written by Claire Campbell and Marion Taylor. Claire Campbell is Senior Clinical Nurse at the Operating Department, Royal Lancaster Infirmary in Lancaster; Marion Taylor is Practice Development Nurse at the Operating Department, Royal Free Hospital, London.

Dina Plowes, series editor.
Three-dimensional kinematics of the lunate, hamate, capitate and triquetrum with type 1 or 2 lunate morphology
Authors: Abe Shingo , Moritomo Hisao , Oka Kunihiro , Sugamoto Kazuomi , Kasubuchi Kenji , Murase Tsuyoshi , Yoshikawa Hideki
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in three-dimensional carpal kinematics between type 1 and 2 lunates. We studied 15 instances of wrist flexion to extension (nine type 1, six type 2), 13 of radial to ulnar deviation (seven type 1, six type 2), and 12 of dart-throwing motion (six each of type 1 and 2) in 25 normal participants based on imaging with computerized tomography. Mean proximal translation of the distal articular midpoint of the triquetrum relative to type 2 lunates during wrist radioulnar deviation was 2.9 mm (standard deviation (SD) 0.7), which was significantly greater than for type 1 lunates, 1.6 mm (SD 0.6). The hamate contacted the lunate in ulnar deviation and ulnar flexion of wrists with type 2 lunates but not with type 1. We conclude that the four-corner kinematics of the wrist joint are different between type 1 and 2 lunates.
The accuracy of plain radiographs in diagnosing degenerate rotator cuff disease
Authors: Chin Kuen , Chowdhury Alex , Leivadiotou Dimitra , Marmery Helen , Ahrens Philip Michael
Published: December 2017

Background

A number of radiographic signs have been previously demonstrated to be associated with degenerative rotator cuff tears. An ability to predict the presence of a tear by radiography would permit the early commencement of appropriate treatment and the avoidance of unnecessary invasive investigations. The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of using radiographic signs to predict the presence of a cuff tear on arthroscopy.

Methods

Fifty consecutive patients who had undergone shoulder arthroscopy and had pre-operative plain radiographs were included. Pre-operative radiographs were reviewed by a consultant shoulder surgeon, a consultant radiologist and a senior clinical fellow for the following signs: acromial spur; subjective reduction of subacromial space; sourcil sign; acromial acetabularization; os acromiale; greater tuberosity cortical irregularity; greater tuberosity sclerosis; humeral head rounding; cyst; and reduction in acromiohumeral head distance.

Results

The presence of tuberosity sclerosis ( p < 0.0001), tuberosity irregularities ( p < 0.0001), tuberosity cyst ( p = 0.004) and sourcil sign ( p = 0.019) was associated with the presence of a rotator cuff tear. The combined sensitivity of prediction of tear by the observers following radiographic review was 91.7%, with a combined negative predictive value of 80%.

Conclusions

The assessment of radiographs by senior clinicians is a useful tool for confirming the absence of a rotator cuff tear.
The Inference of Friendly Communicative Atmosphere Created by Geometric Shapes
Authors: Yuasa Masahide
Published: December 2017

Many previous studies on inference of social behaviors using geometric shapes have explored causality, animacy, intention, and desire inferred from the movements of such shapes; however, inference of communicative atmosphere in terms of friendliness/antagonism using geometric shapes has not yet been studied well. This study investigated how a friendly/antagonistic communicative atmosphere was inferred from the movement of two egg shapes. We developed animations for these shapes involving forward/backward/parallel tilts with coincidence/incoincidence of synchronous movement. Results showed significant differences in the inference of friendly/antagonistic atmosphere between coincident and incoincident synchronous movement. In addition, the inference of a friendly atmosphere was affected by the combination of forward tilt with incoincident movement, which may be interpreted as interaction between the shapes, such as responding or providing feedback. This suggests that individuals may infer a friendly/antagonistic communicative atmosphere from both coincident movement and incoincident movement interpreted as an interaction.
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty with a New Convertible Short Stem: Preliminary 2- to 4-year Follow-up Results
Authors: Ascione Francesco , Bugelli Giulia , Domos Peter , Neyton Lionel , Godeneche Arnaud , Bercik Michael J , Walch Gilles
Published: December 2017

Background

The Grammont-style reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has demonstrated complications intrinsic to its design such as tuberosity fracture and scapular notching. A new short-stem press-fit humeral component with an onlay tray has been devised to avert these issues. We hypothesize that the clinical outcomes and rates of humeral complications of this new stem will be comparable to those of the traditional Grammont design and the lateralization obtained from the stem’s lower neck-shaft angle will decrease the rate of notching without creating instability.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 100 patients who underwent RSA with an onlay short-stem humeral component with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical outcomes as well as standard radiological examinations were documented pre- and postoperatively. Several correlations were analyzed.

Results

At mean 32.6-month follow-up, the cohort demonstrated a significant improvement in several outcomes: Constant score increased from 25.5 to 69.7 points, mean anterior elevation increased from 82.1° to 141.9°, external rotation from 5.6° to 25.1°, and internal rotation from sacrum to the L3 vertebral level. There was a 30% rate of stem malalignment and 37% rate of scapular notching, not associated with any adverse clinical outcomes. The overall rate of complications was 15%, of which scapular fractures were most common (5%).

Conclusion

Our short-term results suggest that the clinical outcomes and rates of humeral complications are similar to those reported for the Grammont RSA, demonstrating less scapular notching, but increased scapular stress fractures and potential subsidence of the prosthesis due to the metaphyseal press-fit require further investigations.
Properties and characterization of a clay raw material from Miličinica (Serbia) for use in the ceramic industry
Authors: Milošević Maja , Logar Mihovil
Published: December 2017

The present study focused on the assessment and possible applications of the clay from the Miličinica deposit, western Serbia. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetry (DTA-TG) and High Temperature Microscopy (HTM) were used to characterize the clay in question. The physical properties determined were colour, plasticity, specific surface area, particle-size distribution and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Clay minerals are the main phases in the samples studied, with illite being the predominant phase and kaolinite being present in variable amounts. Quartz, feldspars, carbonates and iron-bearing minerals were also detected. Varied technological behaviours were expected because of the mineralogy (illite and iron contents), average grain size (0.6–0.7 µm), specific surface area (≈60 m2/g) and plasticity index (≈13%). The classification of the clays studied, based on the main characteristics and using appropriate diagrams, suggests that they are easily adaptable for ceramic processes.
Two-step mode of clay formation in the extensional basins: Cambrian–Ordovician clastic rocks of the Antalya unit, SW Turkey
Authors: Bozkaya Ö. , Yalçin H. , Schroeder P.A.
Published: December 2017

Ordovician clastic rocks of the Antalya unit in SW Turkey bear mineralogical/geochemical evidence of Triassic extensional rift timing and spatial relations. The crystal chemistry of the phyllosilicate assemblages (illite, chlorite, kaolinite, mixed-layer illite-smectite, chlorite-vermiculite and chlorite-smectite) is consistent with the rock experiencing a multi-generational burial history. The appearance of kaolinite and illite-smectite-bearing rocks in the Antalya unit is characteristic of diagenetic-anchimetamorphic conditions and is of higher grade than their anchi-epizonal equivalents in other regions of the Tauride belt. Illites and chlorites are of both detrital and authigenic origin, whereas I-S and kaolinites are authigenic. Detrital micas have been altered to chlorite and K-white mica stacks in which relicts suggest the chlorites were derived from detrital biotites. The broad X-ray diffraction illite peaks show that they are composed both of illite and illite-smectite. Na,K-mica and paragonite occur within the chlorite-mica stacks as replacements of muscovite, probably driven by Na-rich solutions. The authigenic clays were formed within the microporous matrix and the interplanar spaces of {001} planes of chlorite-mica stacks, with textures independent of the bedding and foliation planes of the rocks. The authigenic chlorites exhibit higher Si and Fe and lower Mg contents than their detrital counterparts. Authigenic chlorite thermometry indicates rift-related temperatures of 50–150°C, whereas pre-rift detrital chlorites formed at temperatures of  >200°C. Authigenic illite and illite-smectite are phengitic in composition and contain more Si, Mg, Fe and Ca and less Al and K than detrital K-white micas. The textural, mineralogical and chemical characteristics support the hypothesis that the mineral assemblages were a result of a two-step mode of formation with diagenetic overprints of previously anchizonal rocks in extensional basin conditions.
Targeted Temperature Management After Cardiac Arrest: Systematic Review and Meta-analyses
Authors: Kalra Rajat , Arora Garima , Patel Nirav , Doshi Rajkumar , Berra Lorenzo , Arora Pankaj , Bajaj Navkaranbir S.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND:

Targeted temperature management (TTM) with therapeutic hypothermia is an integral component of postarrest care for survivors. However, recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have failed to demonstrate the benefit of TTM on clinical outcomes. We sought to determine if the pooled data from available RCTs support the use of prehospital and/or in-hospital TTM after cardiac arrest.

METHODS:

A comprehensive search of SCOPUS, Elsevier's abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature, from 1966 to November 2016 was performed using predefined criteria. Therapeutic hypothermia was defined as any strategy that aimed to cool post–cardiac arrest survivors to a temperature ≤34°C. Normothermia was temperature of ≥36°C. We compared mortality and neurologic outcomes in patients by categorizing the studies into 2 groups: (1) hypothermia versus normothermia and (2) prehospital hypothermia versus in-hospital hypothermia using standard meta-analytic methods. A random effects modeling was utilized to estimate comparative risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS:

The hypothermia and normothermia strategies were compared in 5 RCTs with 1389 patients, whereas prehospital hypothermia and in-hospital hypothermia were compared in 6 RCTs with 3393 patients. We observed no difference in mortality (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.73–1.05) or neurologic outcomes (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.92–1.72) between the hypothermia and normothermia strategies. Similarly, no difference was observed in mortality (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.97–1.03) or neurologic outcome (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.85–1.08) between the prehospital hypothermia versus in-hospital hypothermia strategies.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest that TTM with therapeutic hypothermia may not improve mortality or neurologic outcomes in postarrest survivors. Using therapeutic hypothermia as a standard of care strategy of postarrest care in survivors may need to be reevaluated.
The Impact of Prehospital Tranexamic Acid on Blood Coagulation in Trauma Patients
Authors: Stein Philipp , Studt Jan-Dirk , Albrecht Roland , Müller Stefan , von Ow Dieter , Fischer Simon , Seifert Burkhardt , Mariotti Sergio , Spahn Donat R. , Theusinger Oliver M.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND:

There is limited data on prehospital administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) in civilian trauma. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in coagulation after severe trauma from on-scene to the hospital after TXA application in comparison to a previous study without TXA.

METHODS:

The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02354885). A prospective, multicenter, observational study investigating coagulation status in 70 trauma patients receiving TXA (1 g intravenously) on-scene versus a control group of 38 patients previously published without TXA. To account for potential differences in patient and trauma epidemiology, crystalloid and colloidal resuscitation fluid, 2 propensity score matched groups (n = 24 per group) were created. Measurements included ROTEM, standard coagulation tests and blood gas analyses on-scene and emergency department admission. Presented values are mean and [standard deviation], and difference in means and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS:

Patient epidemiology was not different between groups. Coagulation assays on-scene were comparable between the TXA and C. Prehospital hyperfibrinolysis was blunted in all 4 patients in the TXA group. Viscoelastic FIBTEM maximum clot firmness (MCF), representing functional fibrinogen levels, did not change from on-scene to the emergency department in the TXA group, whereas MCF decreased −3.7 [1.8] mm in the control group. Decrease of MCF was significantly reduced in the TXA group in EXTEM by 9.2 (7.2–11.2) mm (P < .001) and INTEM by 6.8 (4.7–9.0) mm (P < .001) in favor of the TXA group. Production of fibrinogen fragments (represented by D-dimers) was significantly lower in the TXA group compared to group C.

CONCLUSIONS:

Early prehospital administration of TXA leads to clot stabilization and a reduction of fibrinolytic activity, causing a decrease in fibrin degradation products buildup (D-dimer).
Doença crítica crônica: artigo de revisão narrativa
Authors: Leitão Sarah Musy , Wirtzbiki Penélope Matos , De Oliveira Otílio José Nicolau
Published: December 2017

Introdução: Existem três desfechos possíveis para o paciente crítico: controle rápido da instabilidade com recuperação funcional; óbito; curso subagudo, no qual há sobrevivência com persistência de disfunções orgânicas e dependência prolongada de suporte de manutenção da vida. A última possibilidade é a doença crítica crônica: condição devastadora, com alta taxa de mortalidade, porém desconhecida de muitos médicos e familiares. Objetivo: tornar o tema doença crítica crônica mais acessível aos médicos, por meio de revisão da literatura. Método: Revisão de literatura narrativa. Foram selecionados artigos publicados nos últimos 10 anos, de 2007 a 2017, localizados pelos descritores: ventilação mecânica/estado crítico/doença crônica, e suas traduções para inglês (mechanical ventilation, critical condition, chronic disease), nas bases de dados Bireme e SciELO. Resultados: Foram revisados 70 artigos. Foram apresentados definição, epidemiologia, fisiopatologia, quadro clínico, tratamento e prognóstico da doença crítica crônica. Conclusão: A doença crítica crônica tem grande importância clínica e epidemiológica, com impacto no sistema de saúde. Os médicos precisam conhecer melhor essa síndrome, diagnosticá-la e tratá-la adequadamente, inclusive iniciando a abordagem de cuidados paliativos o quanto antes.
Evitabilidade da mortalidade infantil na região de saúde de Janaúba/Monte Azul, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Da Silva Patrick Leonardo Nogueira , Costa Amanda de Andrade , Farias Hildeth Maísa Torres , Rocha Ludmila Martins Ferraz , Oliveira Marcone Alkimim , Damasceno Renata Fiúza
Published: December 2017

Introdução: após a investigação dos óbitos infantis, a equipe de vigilância de óbitos promove discussões com todos os profissionais atuantes nos cuidados à criança para a amplificação e detalhamento de cada caso, de modo a concluí-los e implementar estratégias de redução desses óbitos por causas evitáveis. Objetivo: analisar a evitabilidade da mortalidade infantil na região de saúde de Janaúba/Monte Azul, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo, exploratório, retrospectivo, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado no Núcleo de Informação de Epidemiologia da Superintendência Regional de Saúde da macrorregião norte do Estado de Minas Gerais. A região ampliada do norte do Estado de Minas Gerais é subdividida em nove regiões de saúde; sendo assim, a amostra foi composta apenas pelos óbitos da região de saúde de Janaúba/Monte Azul por deter o maior número de casos notificados de modo a compor 48 óbitos infantis investigados durante o ano de 2014. Utilizou-se um formulário de elaboração própria baseado na ficha de investigação de óbitos neonatais e infantis. Resultados: comparativamente, entre os anos de 2010-2014, o maior coeficiente de mortalidade infantil foi no ano de 2013 (15,96%) e o menor coeficiente foi em 2011 (10,14%). Houve uma maior concentração de óbitos infantis em crianças no período neonatal precoce, somando-se um total de 28 óbitos (7,25‰). Quanto à evitabilidade, dos 48 óbitos registrados no ano de 2014, 70,8% foram classificados como evitáveis. Conclusão: a maior parte dos óbitos infantis ocorridos na região de Janaúba/Monte Azul seria evitável por ações de prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento precoces das infecções e patologias clínicas identificadas durante o pré-natal, parto e nascimento.
Διερεύνηση της λεξιλογικής γλωσσικής ικανότητας σε μαθητές Δ΄- ΣΤ΄ δημοτικού: Μία συγκριτική μελέτη
Authors: Xanthi Styliani
Published: December 2017

Από πολλούς μελετητές υποστηρίζεται ότι η λεξιλογική γλωσσική ικανότητα των παιδιών σχολικής ηλικίας περιορίζεται και επηρεάζεται από γλωσσικές δεξιότητες και γνωστικούς μηχανισμούς. Επιπλέον, έρευνες έχουν δείξει ότι οι μαθητές με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες έχουν περιορισμένο λεξιλόγιο και αντιμετωπίζουν προβλήματα στην αντίληψη και κατανόηση του λεξιλογίου καθώς και στην παραγωγή του. Σκοπός της εργασίας ήταν η διερεύνηση των δεξιοτήτων που περιορίζουν και επηρεάζουν τη γνώση του λεξιλογίου, στις οποίες έχει φανεί από έρευνες ότι οι μαθητές με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες παρουσιάζουν αδυναμίες και ελλείμματα. Για τον σκοπό αυτό χορηγήθηκαν άτυπες δοκιμασίες σε 89 μαθητές Δημοτικού τετάρτης, πέμπτης και έκτης τάξης, 22 με υψηλή σχολική επίδοση και 67 με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες, με στόχο την αξιολόγηση της γνώσης του λεξιλογίου και τον έλεγχο του βαθμού κατοχής και αφομοίωσής του. Τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης αναδεικνύουν ότι οι μαθητές των τελευταίων τάξεων του δημοτικού έχουν δυσκολίες στη σύνδεση των εννοιών και των σχέσεων που υπάρχουν μεταξύ των λέξεων και στην επεξεργασία μηνυμάτων σε ένα μη κυριολεκτικό επίπεδο. Επίσης, καταδεικνύουν περιορισμένη λεξιλογική γλωσσική ικανότητα των μαθητών με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες και χαμηλές επιδόσεις σε όλα τα έργα. Με βάση αυτά τα ευρήματα η εργασία διερευνά τις πιθανές νοητικές αιτίες των αστοχιών και τις σχέσεις αυτών των αδυναμιών των μαθητών με αντίστοιχα πεδία γνωσιακών διεργασιών.
Κούβου, Ο. (2016). Παιδικό σχέδιο. Η γνωστική προσέγγιση. Αθήνα: Gutenberg
Authors: Savva Andri
Published: December 2017

Bιβλιοπαρουσίαση.
Κι αν ήσουν εσύ; Ένα πρόγραμμα ευαισθητοποίησης στα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα και σε θέματα προσφύγων με βιωματικές δραστηριότητες, τεχνικές θεάτρου και εκπαιδευτικού δράματος
Authors: Choleva Athanasia
Published: December 2017

Το "κι αν ήσουν εσύ;" είναι ένα πρόγραμμα για την ευαισθητοποίηση στα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα και σε θέματα προσφύγων με την αξιοποίηση τεχνικών θεάτρου και εκπαιδευτικού δράματος. Το πρόγραμμα υλοποιείται από το Πανελλήνιο Δίκτυο για το Θέατρο στην Εκπαίδευση και την  Ύπατη Αρμοστεία του Οργανισμού Ηνωμένων Εθνών για  τους Πρόσφυγες. Στο άρθρο αυτό παρουσιάζονται το θεωρητικό του πλαίσιο, οι επτά κύριοι άξονες δράσεων που περιλαμβάνει, ποιοτικά και ποσοτικά στοιχεία, καθώς και μια πρώτη αξιολόγηση μέχρι σήμερα.
Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus triggers antiviral immune response in rainbow trout red blood cells, despite not being infective
Authors: Nombela Ivan , Carrion Aurora , Puente-Marin Sara , Chico Veronica , Mercado Luis , Perez Luis , Coll Julio , Ortega-Villaizan Maria del Mar
Published: December 2017

Background: Some fish viruses, such as piscine orthoreovirus and infectious salmon anemia virus, target red blood cells (RBCs), replicate inside them and induce an immune response. However, the roles of RBCs in the context of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) infection  have not been studied yet.

Methods: Ex vivo rainbow trout RBCs were obtained from peripheral blood, Ficoll purified and exposed to IPNV in order to analyze infectivity and immune response using RT-qPCR, immune fluorescence imaging, flow cytometry and western-blotting techniques.

Results: IPNV could not infect RBCs; however, IPNV increased the expression of the INF1-related genesifn-1,pkrandmxgenes. Moreover, conditioned media from IPNV-exposed RBCs conferred protection against IPNV infection in CHSE-214 fish cell line.

Conclusions: Despite not being infected, rainbow trout RBCs could respond to IPNV with increased expression of antiviral genes. Fish RBCs could be considered as mediators of the antiviral response and therefore targets of new strategies against fish viral infections. Further research is ongoing to completely understand the molecular mechanism that triggers this antiviral response in rainbow trout RBCs.
Rootsi 17. sajandi vaskmüntide leid Põhja-Tartumaalt Vaidaverest [Abstract: A hoard of Swedish copper coin from Vaidavere]
Authors: Tvauri Andres
Published: December 2017

The paper discusses a hoard of Swedish copper coins discovered using metal detector in 2013 in Vaidavere, eastern Estonia. 11,104 coins were hidden in the ground in a wooden box. Youngest of the coins were minted in the year 1654. Vast majority of the hoard consists of ¼ öre from the reign of queen Christina. 10 coins were struck for King Gustav II Adolf. Oldest coins of the hoard are from the year 1624.

Considering the numer of the coins, Vaidavere hoard is the largest in

Estonia and it also represents a largest hoard of seventeenth-century Swedish copper coins ever to have reached public collections. The owner of Vaidavere coins died probably during the Russo-Swedish War (1656–61), more precisely in the year 1656 when Russian troops conquered Tartu and looted neighbouring territories. Approximately 40 hoards discovered in Estonia can be associated with the hostile activities of the same war.

The paper compares the composition of Vaidavere hoard to the composition of other larger seventeenth-century copper coin hoards unearthed in Estonia and neighbouring countries. Results of the study reveal that the composition of different ¼ öre find assemblages from Estonia and Ingria is largely similar and in good correlation with the production rates of different Swedish mints in different years. Weighing of ¼ öre from Vaidavere hoard revealed that their average weight was considerably lower than the officially fixed minted standard.
Mermaid: A Shellfish Sanitation Model Providing Additional Metrics for the Classification of Shellfish Growing Areas of Virginia (USA), Managed by the Direct Rule Method
Authors: Conte Fred S. , Ahmadi Abbas
Published: December 2017

Abstract. The Virginia Department of Shellfish Sanitation (VDSS) manages shellfish growing areas using the Direct Rule method, by directly comparing the Geometric Mean and Estimated 90th Percentile of fecal coliform concentrations to the U.S. National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) standard. The agency closes the area to harvest if fecal coliform concentrations exceed the NSSP limit and the area is not reopened until concentrations fall below the NSSP limit. The VDSS originally used the NSSP 3-Tube test (14/49 Standard), and transitioned to the NSSP Membrane Filtration Test (MFT, 14/31 Standard) in August 2007. In this article we focus on a VDSS 13-plus year dataset of fecal coliform concentrations from 127,320 water samples collected from 2,193 sampling stations in 103 shellfish growing areas located in Virginia’s state waters. Our goal is to introduce a new shellfish sanitation model, Mermaid, which provides additional metrics to the NSSP statistical procedures for managing shellfish growing areas under the Direct Rule method, using calculated datasets, with uniform and mixed samples. We also examine if the additional metrics, which are based on the upper limits of Estimated 90th Percentile values of fecal coliform concentrations, increase the health safety of harvested shellfish managed under the Direct Rule method. Keywords: Aquaculture, Computer software, Decision support system, Diagnosis, Fecal coliform, Sanitation model, Shellfish harvesting
Evaluation of Conditions during Weaned Pig Transport
Authors: Harmon Jay D. , Hoff Steven J. , Baas Thomas J. , Zhao Yang , Xin Hongwei , Follett Lendie R.
Published: December 2017

Abstract.

Transport of weaned pigs poses special challenges because of their size and thermal needs as well as the extended distances and transport times. The resultant economic impact can be substantial. Compared to transport of market pigs, weaned pigs generally encounter much farther travel distances with different adapting abilities to the environmental conditions. The objectives of this study were: 1) to characterize the environmental conditions within a typical transport trailer for weaned piglets to determine if current management practices and trailer design provides an acceptable environment as evidenced by mortality rates and environmental parameters, and 2) to analyze airflow patterns of the tranport trailer using a scale model in a wind tunnel. Data from 78 usable transport trips were collected for air temperature in each trailer compartment, ambient temperature,distance traveled, time traveled, stocking density, and mortality by compartment. The 78 trips had an average distance of 778 km (range of 264 to 1016 km), travel time of 8.51 h (range of 3.4 to 12.3 h), and mortality rate of 0.031% (range of 0 to 1.11%). There was no significant difference in mortality by compartment (p>0.05). The results indicate that if pigs are transported at a higher stocking density, the compartment temperatures would be similar during cold weather (e.g., 2°C). Under mild weather condition (e.g., 16°C), significant differences could exist in compartment temperature between part of the upper deck (Upper 1) and the lower deck (Lower 4) (p<0.05). In comparison, no significant differences were found at warm conditions (e.g., 29°C) (p>0.05). In addition to the weather influence, in-trailer environment is affected by the side openings which may be adjusted by the driver. Keywords: Click here to enter keywords and key phrases, separated by commas, with a period at the end
Research Room Design Using Artificial Heat Sources to Implement Heat Stress Studies of Pigs
Authors: Hilbrands Adrienne  M , Jacobson Larry   D. , Hetchler Brian  P. , Reese Curt  D. , Johnston Lee   J.
Published: December 2017

Abstract.

Heat stress continues to be an important challenge for the swine industry, largely due to continued genetic improvements resulting in leaner animals with higher metabolic heat production coupled with climatic changes trending towards warmer temperatures. In northern climates, there are two likely scenarios that would allow the study of heat stress in commercial barns. The use of natural summer heat to stress the pigs while mechanically cooling non-stressed pigs or using cool winter temperatures to create a thermoneutral environment for non-stressed pigs while using supplemental heat to induce heat-stress. Our experiment was designed to demonstrate the latter approach and was completed in a commercial-like growing-finishing pig barn mimicking historical hot weather conditions found in Southern Minnesota. The winter experiment maintained one room in the pig's thermoneutral zone (TN) by controlling ventilation with ambient inlet air while another room exposed pigs to heat stress (HS) temperatures with the use of natural gas-fired heaters and minimum ventilation. Pigs (n = 432; 9 pigs/pen; 24 pens/room) with average starting weight of 25 kg were placed in a growing-finishing pig barn at a research farm located at Morris, MN. Pigs were weighed monthly throughout the experiment and average daily feed intake (ADFI) was calculated. Average daytime and nighttime temperatures for the HS room were 29°C and 22°C, respectively, and 17°C and 15°C, respectively, for the TN room. Heat stress was evident in the HS pigs as indicated by greater respiration rates observed on the third (P < 0.05; SE = 7.78; 83 vs 28 breaths/minute, respectively) and fourth observation dates (P < 0.05; SE = 7.78; 128 vs 29 breaths/minute, respectively) when compared to TN housed pigs. Average daily feed intake was also reduced for the HS pigs (P < 0.05; SE = 0.04) at the end of periods 2 (2.77 vs. 3.00 kg) and 3 (2.85 vs. 3.27 kg) compared to TN housed pigs. Average daily gain (ADG) did not differ during the first two observation periods and only tended to differ (P < 0.10, SE = 0.02) at the end of the experiment (0.83 vs. 0.87 kg) with the TN pigs gaining slightly more than the HS pigs. However, gain:feed ratio (G:F) was greater (P < 0.05; SE = 0.005) for the HS pigs during period 2 (0.34 vs. 0.32) and period 3 (0.29 vs 0.27) than for the TN pigs. Average CO2 concentrations were below 5,000 ppm (2,800 and 3,400 ppm for HS and TN rooms, respectively) and NH3 concentrations were similar (9 and 14 ppm for the HS and TN rooms, respectively). The findings of this experiment demonstrate that it is technically possible to conduct a heat stress experiment during the winter, utilizing existing heat sources to impose heat stress on pigs. Keywords: Air quality, Heat stress, Pig cooling, Pig housing, Swine.
A New Automated Passive Capillary Lysimeter for Logging Real-Time Drainage Water Fluxes
Authors: Jabro J. D. , Iversen W. M. , Stevens W. B. , Allen B. L. , Sainju U. M.
Published: December 2017

Abstract.

Effective monitoring of chemical transport through the soil profile requires accurate and appropriate instrumentation to measure drainage water fluxes below the root zone of cropping systems. The objectives of this study were to methodically describe in detail the construction and installation of a novel automated PCAP (passive capillary) lysimeter design, and to evaluate the efficacy of this design for logging and monitoring real-time drainage water fluxes occurring below the root zone of corn ( L.) and soybean ( L.) under an overhead sprinkler irrigation system. Sixteen cylindrical PCAP lysimeters with outside dimensions of 32.39 cm in diameter ×74.8 cm height (1000 cm2 surface area) were designed, constructed, and placed 90 cm below the soil surface in a Lihen sandy loam. Two watermark soil moisture and temperature sensors were positioned at 30 and 76 cm depths above each PCAP to monitor soil temperature and water potential continuously. This new design incorporated wireless spread spectrum technology to enable an automated datalogger to transmit drainage water amounts simultaneously every 15 min to a remote host. Logged drainage amounts were compared with those manually collected using several statistical methods. The root mean square error (RMSE), the logging efficacy (EF), and the mean difference (MD) were 0.0375, 0.964 and 0.0335 cm, respectively, for 4-yr combined data. The MD between logged and collected drainage amounts was very small and not significantly different from zero for 4-yr combined results. Statistical results indicated that the new lysimeter performed exceptionally well and was capable of monitoring drainage water fluxes in the vadose zone. Real-time seamless monitoring and logging drainage water fluxes was thus possible without the need for costly time-consuming supportive procedures. Keywords: Drainage, Lysimeter, Root zone, Vadose zone.
Second line therapy in type 2 diabetes: legacy effect activation
Authors: Shestakova Ekaterina A.
Published: December 2017

Type 2 diabetes causes hundred thousand deaths worldwide every year. Though new antidiabetic drugs appear annually and new classes of drugs are invented approximately every ten years still a lot of type 2 diabetic patients remain to be out of the target glycemic levels.
According to most of the guidelines for type 2 diabetes,treatment metformin is the first line therapy for this disease. The choice of second-line antidiabetic drug usually depends on doctors preference. That is why defining the correct drug for exact patient is still an urgent question. This review provides data on antidiabetic drugspotential for preventing the progression of micro- and macrovascular complications.The question of the potential of early antidiabetic therapy intensification to activate legacy effect is debated. Early and lasting compensation of diabetes with the use of multiple drugs can become a basis for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in such patients.
Evaluación de la eficiencia de predicción a deslizamientos usando un modelo cartográfico-hidrológico: Caso de estudio Cuenca la Carbonera, flanco SE del Volcán Pico de Orizaba.
Authors: Legorreta Paulín Gabriel , Alanís Anaya Rocío Marisol , Arana Salinas Lilia , Aceves Quesada Fernando
Published: December 2017

En México hay una carencia de inventarios de deslizamientos y de su modelado. Como resultado tampoco existe una evaluación de las ventajas y la desventaja de los modelos de susceptibilidad de deslizamiento. En este trabajo se lleva a cabo una evaluación exhaustiva de la eficiencia de los modelos de susceptibilidad a deslizamientos utilizando la tecnología SIG. Para ello se emplean diferentes técnicas de comparación (característica operativa del receptor, eficiencia del modelo, razón de momios y distintas presiones del modelo obtenidas de una matriz de confusión) bajo el sistema LOGISNET y el programa estadístico SPSS. El área de estudio es la cuenca La Carbonera en el flanco SE del volcán Pico de Orizaba. En ella se realiza un inventario detallado de deslizamientos. Este inventario es el marco para la comparación cualitativa y cuantitativa con dos mapas de susceptibilidad creados con un modelo cartográfico-hidrológico (SINMAP). El modelo se ha seleccionado por ser considero en la literatura que su análisis tiene un éxito razonable en la definición de áreas que intuitivamente parecen ser susceptibles a deslizamientos en regiones con escasa información. Los resultados de este trabajo permiten establecer las bondades y limitaciones de las técnicas de comparación así como el de su uso en la evaluación de la eficiencia del modelo para predecir deslizamientos. La aplicación de estas técnicas de comparación permite observar la eficiencia de predicción del modelo cartográfico-hidrológico usando datos geotécnicos específicos del área de estudio y pre-establecidos por el sistema.
Encapsulation of power electronics components for operation in harsh environments
Authors: Stosur Mariusz , Sowa Kacper , Piasecki Wojciech , Płatek Robert , Balcerek Przemysław
Published: December 2017

This paper reports on analyses and testing of sensitive power electronics components encapsulation concept, enabling operation in harsh, especially high pressure environments. The paper describes development of the concept of epoxy modules that can be used for protecting of the power electronics components against harsh environmental conditions. It covers modeling of the protective capsules using a simple analytical approach and Finite Element Method (FEM) models and validation of the developed models with the high pressure tests on samples fabricated. The analyses covered two types of the epoxy modules: of sphere- and elongated- shape, both with electrical penetrators that enable electrical connection of the encapsulated components with external power sources as well as other power modules and components. The tests were conducted in a pressure chamber, with a maximum applied pressure of 310 bars, for which online strain measurements have been conducted. The experimental results were compared with the simulation results obtained with analytical and FEM models, providing validation of the models employed. The experimental part of this work was conducted in collaboration with Polish Naval Academy in Gdynia.
A General Approximation Approach for the Simultaneous Treatment of Integral and Discrete Operators
Authors: Vinti Gianluca , Zampogni Luca
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we give a unitary approach for the simultaneous study of the convergence of discrete and integral operators described by means of a family of linear continuous functionals acting on functions defined on locally compact Hausdorff topological groups. The general family of operators introduced and studied includes very well-known operators in the literature. We give results of uniform convergence and modular convergence in the general setting of Orlicz spaces. The latter result allows us to cover many other settings as theLp{L^{p}}-spaces, the interpolation spaces, the exponential spaces and many others.
Entwicklung von Modelltransformationen für multimodale Benutzungsschnittstellen
Authors: Freund Matthias , Braune Annerose , Janschek Klaus
Published: December 2017

Mit dem sogenannten Model-based User Interface Development existiert ein vielversprechendes Konzept zur
automatischen Erzeugung von Benutzungsschnittstellen. Die Entwicklung der hierfür benötigten Modelltransformationen
stellt allerdings einen aufwändigen, fehleranfälligen und daher kostenintensiven Prozess dar. Zur Erleichterung dieses
Prozesses schlägt dieser Beitrag eine spezielle Vorgehensweise vor, die auf der Konfiguration von Modelltransformationen
in deklarativen Abbildungsmodellen basiert und die explizite Berücksichtigung von Kontextabhängigkeiten ermöglicht.
Salivary adiponectin concentration in healthy adult males in relation to anthropometric measures and fat distribution
Authors: Abdalla Mona Mohamed Ibrahim , Soon S. C.
Published: December 2017

Objectives. Body fat content, fat distribution, and adiponectin level are important variables in the development of obesity related complications. Anthropometric indices may provide an economic and faster method in measuring the risk for complications through their predictive effect of fat distribution and adiponectin concentration. We aimed to determine, which of the waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI) may be the best predictor for the total fat percentage (WF), visceral fat level (VF), and subcutaneous whole-body fat (SCWBF). We aimed also to investigate the potential use of the anthropometric measures and fat distribution as predictors for the salivary adiponectin level in the healthy adult males. Subjects. A total of 88 adult males aged between 18−25 years with a wide range of BMI were studied. Anthropometric indices were measured using standardized methods and salivary adiponectin level was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. In path analysis of the Structural Equation Model (SEM) using IBM@SPSS AMOS, version22, BMI and WC, but not WHR, were strong predictors for WF and SCWBF (p<0.05). BMI but not WC was a strong predictor for VF (p<0.001). WF was strong predictor for SCWBF (p<0.001), but not for VF. BMI, WC, WHR, WF, VF, and SCWBF were poor predictors of the salivary adiponectin level. Conclusion. BMI is the best predictor for the total body fat and fat distribution. However, WHR seems to be of a little value and the salivary adiponectin level independent of BMI and body fat in healthy adult Malay males.
Testosterone regulates granzyme K expression in rat testes
Authors: Dutta Dibyendu , Park In , Guililat Hiwot , Sang Samuel , Talapatra Arpita , Singhal Barkha , Mills Nathaniel C.
Published: December 2017

Objective. Testosterone depletion induces increased germ cell apoptosis in testes. However, limited studies exist on genes that regulate the germ cell apoptosis. Granzymes (GZM) are serine proteases that induce apoptosis in various tissues. Multiple granzymes, including GZMA, GZMB and GZMN, are present in testes. Th us, we investigated which granzyme may be testosterone responsive and possibly may have a role in germ cell apoptosis aft er testosterone depletion. Methods. Ethylene dimethane sulfonate (EDS), a toxicant that selectively ablates the Leydig cells, was injected into rats to withdraw the testosterone. The testosterone depletion effects after 7 days post-EDS were verified by replacing the testosterone exogenously into EDS-treated rats. Serum or testicular testosterone was measured by radioimmunoassay. Using qPCR, mRNAs of granzyme variants in testes were quantified. The germ cell apoptosis was identified by TUNEL assay and the localization of GZMK was by immunohistochemistry. Results. EDS treatment eliminated the Leydig cells and depleted serum and testicular testosterone. At 7 days post-EDS, testis weights were reduced 18% with increased germ cell apoptosis plus elevation GZMK expression. GZMK was not associated with TUNEL-positive cells, but was localized to stripped cytoplasm of spermatids. In addition, apoptotic round spermatids were observed in the caput epididymis. Conclusions. GZMK expression in testes is testosterone dependent. GZMK is located adjacent to germ cells in seminiferous tubules and the presence of apoptotic round spermatids in the epididymis suggest its role in the degradation of microtubules in ectoplasmic specializations. Thus, overexpression of GZMK may indirectly regulate germ cell apoptosis by premature release of round spermatids from seminiferous tubule lumen.
3D Blood Vessels Reconstruction Based on Segmented CT Data for Further Simulations of Hemodynamic in Human Artery Branches
Authors: Polańczyk Andrzej , Strzelecki Michał , Woźniak Tomasz , Szubert Wojciech , Stefańczyk Ludomir
Published: December 2017

We aimed at the reconstruction of the branches of human aortic arch for blood perfusion analysis used later in the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD). The reconstruction was performed based on segmentation results obtained from CT data. Two segmentation algorithms, region growing and level set were implemented. Obtained binary segmentation results were next evaluated by the expert and corrected if needed. The final reconstruction was used for preparation of a numerical grid and for further calculation of blood hemodynamic. The collected data composed of blood velocity and blood flow rate in function of time were compared with USG-Doppler data. Results demonstrate that proposed algorithm may be useful for initial reconstruction of human cardiac system, however its accuracy needs to be improved as further manual corrections are still needed.