bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy and Reliability of The Visual Assessment of Patellar Tracking
Authors: Best Matthew , Tanaka Miho Jean , Demehri Shadpour , Cosgarea Andrew J.
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

Clinicians treating patients with patellar instability describe abnormal tracking as a “J sign” when the patella exhibits excessive lateral displacement as the knee is actively extended. The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy and reliability of the visual assessment of patellar tracking among patellofemoral experts when compared to objective radiographic measurements.

Methods:

Active knee extension was video recorded and a dynamic CT scan (4D CT) was obtained in study patients being evaluated for patellar instability. Patellar bisect offset (BO) was measured directly from the 4D CT at 10-degree increments from 0-50 degrees of flexion. The greatest BO value was used to determine quadrants of lateral translation. Practicing orthopedic surgeons from the International Patellofemoral Study Group (IPSG) were asked to view videos and determine the presence or absence of maltracking (2 or more quadrants of lateral translation) in 10 single-knee videos (qualitative analysis). Participants were then asked to grade patella tracking in 20 different single-knee videos (quantitative analysis). J-sign grade was defined as follows: grade 0 - less than 1 patellar quadrant of lateral translation; grade 1 - at least 1 but less than 2 quadrants; grade 2 - at least 2 but less than 3 quadrants; grade 3 - 3 or more quadrants lateral translation.

Results:

Thirty-two practicing orthopedic surgeon IPSG members completed the survey. In the qualitative analysis, the videos were correctly identified as demonstrating patellar maltracking 68% of the time (free marginal kappa= 0.44). In the quantitative analysis, 53% of survey participants identified grade 3 J sign correctly, 51% correctly identified grade 2, 48% correctly identified grade 1, and 68% correctly identified grade 0 (free marginal kappa= 0.42).

Conclusion:

This is the first study to compare visual assessment of patellar tracking with objective BO measurements from 4D CT. Using visual assessment alone, patellofemoral experts were able to correctly identify the presence of patellar maltracking in only two-thirds of the videos and were able to correctly grade patellar maltracking in only half. There is inadequate interobserver agreement (free marginal kappa<0.70) to support the use visual assessment alone in determining the presence or degree of patellar maltracking, reinforcing the importance of objective radiographic measurements.
An Exploratory Electrical Stimulation Protocol in the Management of an Infant With Spina Bifida: A Case Report
Authors: Motavalli Gerti , McElroy Jan J. , Alon Gad
Published: March 2019

An infant with myelomeningocele and underdevelopment of the thoracic spinal cord was treated with 2 protocols of electrical stimulation: functional electrical stimulation and transcutaneous spinal cord electrical stimulation. The protocols were incorporated into the infant’s outpatient early intervention home programs. Prior to initiation of electrical stimulation treatment at age 6 months, the infant exhibited complete loss of sensation below the level of T8 and muscular paralysis below the level of T10. The unexpected emergence of somatosensory responses and spontaneous movements in the trunk and lower extremities are described, focusing on the electrical stimulation protocols. Spinal cord electrical stimulation protocols were not previously described in the medical literature regarding the management of children with spina bifida. Both functional and spinal cord electrical stimulation protocols used with this infant proved safe and well tolerated. The experience gained over 12 months of treatment is the subject of this case report.
Neonatal Birthmarks: A Prospective Survey in 1000 Neonates
Authors: Techasatian Leelawadee , Sanaphay Vilounna , Paopongsawan Pongsatorn , Schachner Lawrence A.
Published: March 2019

The majority of neonatal cutaneous conditions are benign and self-limited. However, some skin infections and specific birthmarks are serious and require proper management approaches. This study was a prospective survey of 1000 consecutive newborns at a tertiary care center in Northeast Thailand from September 2015 to 2016, which aimed to identify various cutaneous findings in newborns during their first 5 days of life. The authors found that Mongolian spots (66.7%) and sebaceous gland hyperplasia (60.9%) were the 2 most common cutaneous conditions found in the Thai population. Salmon patches were the most frequent vascular birthmarks (36%), followed by infantile hemangiomas (1.1%) and port wine stains (0.7%). Although majority of the neonatal cutaneous conditions are benign and self-limited, there were 8 cases (0.8%) of bullous impetigo in which both systemic and topical antibiotics were promptly prescribed.
Gender Differences in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Using the Lung Information Needs Questionnaire
Authors: Wakabayashi Ritsuko , Motegi Takashi , Kida Kozui
Published: March 2019

Aim: To investigate gender-related information needs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using the Lung Information Needs Questionnaire (LINQ). Design: Cross-sectional, prospective cohort study. Methods: Patients with COPD receiving standardized self-management education including information regarding disease knowledge, medications, avoidance of exacerbation, smoking cessation, exercise, and nutrition were included. Gender differences were assessed by pulmonary function tests, 6-minute walking test, modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, and LINQ. Results: A total of 122 patients were enrolled. Females displayed significantly higher information needs for total LINQ score ( p < .001), avoidance of exacerbation ( p < .03), and nutrition ( p < .006). Significant correlations were seen between total LINQ score and gender ( p = .001), forced expiratory volume in 1 second, % predicted ( p = .003), and Mini-Mental State Examination ( p = .002) for male patients. In females, modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale was correlated with the total LINQ score ( p = .04).
PTENα promotes neutrophil chemotaxis through regulation of cell deformability
Authors: Li Yunqiao , Jin Yuan , Liu Bowen , Lu Dan , Zhu Minglu , Jin Yan , McNutt Michael A. , Yin Yuxin
Published: March 2019

Neutrophils are a major component of immune defense and are recruited through neutrophil chemotaxis in response to invading pathogens. However, the molecular mechanism that controls neutrophil chemotaxis remains unclear. Here, we report that PTENα, the first isoform identified in the PTEN family, regulates neutrophil deformability and promotes chemotaxis of neutrophils. A high level of PTENα is detected in neutrophils and lymphoreticular tissues. Homozygous deletion of PTENα impairs chemoattractant-induced migration of neutrophils. We show that PTENα physically interacts with cell membrane cross-linker moesin through its FERM domain and dephosphorylates moesin at Thr558, which disrupts the association of filamentous actin with the plasma membrane and subsequently induces morphologic changes in neutrophil pseudopodia. These results demonstrate that PTENα acts as a phosphatase of moesin and modulates neutrophil-mediated host immune defense. We propose that PTENα signaling is a potential target for the treatment of infections and immune diseases.
A novel protein encoded by a circular RNA circPPP1R12A promotes tumor pathogenesis and metastasis of colon cancer via Hippo-YAP signaling
Authors: Zheng Xiao , Chen Lujun , Zhou You , Wang Qi , Zheng Zhuojun , Xu Bin , Wu Chen , Zhou Qi , Hu Wenwei , Wu Changping , Jiang Jingting
Published: March 2019

Background

It has been well established that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important regulatory role during tumor progression. Recent studies have indicated that even though circRNAs generally regulate gene expression through miRNA sponges, they may encode small peptides in tumor pathogenesis. However, it remains largely unexplored whether circRNAs are involved in the tumorigenesis of colon cancer (CC).

Methods

The expression profiles of circRNAs in CC tissues were assessed by circRNA microarray. Quantitative real-time PCR, RNase R digestion assay and tissue microarray were used to confirm the existence and expression pattern of circPPP1R12A. The subcellular distribution of circPPP1R12A was analyzed by nuclear mass separation assay and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). SDS-PAGE and LC/MS were employed to evaluate the protein-coding ability of circPPP1R12A. CC cells were stably transfected with lentivirus approach, and cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as tumorigenesis and metastasis in nude mice were assessed to clarify the functional roles of circPPP1R12A and its encoded protein circPPP1R12A-73aa. RNA-sequencing and Western blotting analysis were furthered employed to identify the critical signaling pathway regulated by circPPP1R12A-73aa.

Results

We firstly screened the expression profiles of human circRNAs in CC tissues and found that the expression of hsa_circ_0000423 (termed as circPPP1R12A) was significantly increased in CC tissues. We also found that circPPP1R12A was mostly localized in the cytoplasm of CC cells. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with higher levels of circPPP1R12A had a significantly shorter overall survival. By gain- and loss-of-function approaches, the results suggested that circPPP1R12A played a critical role in proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells. Furthermore, we showed that circPPP1R12A carried an open reading frame (ORF), which encoded a functional protein (termed as circPPP1R12A-73aa). Next, we found that PPP1R12A-C, not circPPP1R12A, promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of CC in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we identified that circPPP1R12A-73aa promoted the growth and metastasis of CC via activating Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. In addition, the YAP specific inhibitor Peptide 17 dramatically alleviated the promotive effect of circPPP1R12A-73aa on CC cells.

Conclusions

In the present study, we illustrated the coding-potential of circRNA circPPP1R12A in the progression of CC. Moreover, we identified that circPPP1R12A-73aa promoted the tumor pathogenesis and metastasis of CC via activating Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. Our findings might provide valuable insights into the development of novel potential therapeutic targets for CC.
Seasonal variation in antidepressant prescriptions, environmental light and web queries for seasonal affective disorder
Authors: Lansdall-Welfare Thomas , Lightman Stafford , Cristianini Nello
Published: March 2019

The state of an individual's mental health depends on many factors. Determination of the importance of any particular factor within a population needs access to unbiased data. We used publicly available data-sets to investigate, at a population level, how surrogates of mental health covary with light exposure. We found strong seasonal patterns of antidepressant prescriptions, which show stronger correlations with day length than levels of solar energy. Levels of depression in a population can therefore be determined by proxy indicators such as web query logs. Furthermore, these proxies for depression correlate with day length rather than solar energy.

Declaration of interest

None.
A Simple Method for Estimating Hand Hygiene Use Among Anesthesia Personnel: Development, Validation, and Use in a Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Segal Scott , Harris Hannah M. , Gunawan Antonius , Schumann Roman
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND:

Frequent hand hygiene by anesthesia personnel may be an important factor in reducing contamination of IV lines and medication access ports and may reduce hospital-acquired infections. Measurement of hand hygiene frequency at the individual clinician level by direct observation or electronic devices is cumbersome and expensive. We developed and validated a simple method for estimating hand hygiene frequency by individual anesthesia providers and utilized it in a quality improvement initiative to increase hand hygiene use.

METHODS:

Pump-style, alcohol-based hand hygiene container weight at the anesthesia work station was measured before and after each surgical operation and converted to estimated number of accesses (pumps) per hour. Video observation was used to validate the estimated hand hygiene use. A quality improvement initiative utilized periodic measurement of hand hygiene frequency via the validated method, and incorporated individual provider feedback, email reminders, monthly departmental performance reports, and reminders in the electronic anesthesia record. Segmented linear regression was used to evaluate the effect of the intervention on hand hygiene use.

RESULTS:

Delivered product per pump was consistent for containers at least half-full and averaged (mean ± SD) 0.92 ± 0.13 g per pump. Video observation in 26 cases showed a strong correlation between observed hand hygiene episodes and estimated hand hygiene use frequency based on weight change of the container (linear regression, R
2 = 0.97, P < .0001). Median hand hygiene frequency was near 0 at baseline but increased progressively throughout the intervention period (segmented linear regression, overall R
2 = 0.76, P < .0001; change of intercept or mean hand hygiene after initiation of intervention [parameter estimate ± SE] [0.970 ± 0.29], P = .0008).

CONCLUSIONS:

A low-cost, simple method for measuring individual anesthesia clinician use of hand hygiene intraoperatively based on container weight change is feasible and sufficiently accurate to support a quality improvement initiative to increase its use.
Do You Really Mean It? Assessing the Strength, Frequency, and Reliability of Applicant Commitment Statements During the Anesthesiology Residency Match
Authors: Moran Kenneth R. , Schell Randall M. , Smith Kathleen A. , Abdel-Rasoul Mahmoud , Lekowski Robert W. , Rankin Demicha D. , DiLorenzo Amy , McEvoy Matthew D.
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND:

Despite the critical nature of the residency interview process, few metrics have been shown to adequately predict applicant success in matching to a given program. While evaluating and ranking potential candidates, bias can occur when applicants make commitment statements to a program. Survey data show that pressure to demonstrate commitment leads applicants to express commitment to multiple institutions including telling >1 program that they will rank them #1. The primary purpose of this cross-sectional observational study is to evaluate the frequency of commitment statements from applicants to 5 anesthesiology departments during a single interview season, report how often each statement is associated with a successful match, and identify how frequently candidates incorrectly represented commitments to rank a program #1.

METHODS:

During the 2014 interview season, 5 participating anesthesiology programs collected written and verbal communications from applicants. Three residency program directors independently reviewed the statements to classify them into 1 of 3 categories; guaranteed commitment, high rank commitment, or strong interest. Each institution provided a deidentified rank list with associated commitment statements, biographical data, whether candidates were ranked-to-match, and if they successfully matched.

RESULTS:

Program directors consistently differentiated among strong interest, high rank, and guaranteed commitment statements with κ coefficients of 0.9 (95% CI, 0.8–0.9) or greater between any pair of reviewers. Overall, 35.8% of applicants (226/632) provided a statement demonstrating at least strong interest and 5.4% (34/632) gave guaranteed commitment statements. Guaranteed commitment statements resulted in a 95.7% match rate to that program in comparison to statements of high rank (25.6%), strong interest (14.6%), and those who provided no statement (5.9%). For those providing guaranteed commitment statements, it can be assumed that the 1 candidate (4.3%) who did not match incorrectly represented himself. Variables such as couples match, “R” positions, and not being ranked-to-match on both advanced and categorical rank lists were eliminated because they can result in a nonmatch despite truthfully ranking a program #1.

CONCLUSIONS:

Each level of commitment statement resulted in a progressively increased frequency of a successful match to the recipient program. Only 5.4% of applicants committed to rank a program #1, but these statements were very reliable. These data can help program directors interpret commitment statements and assist accurate evaluation of the interest of candidates throughout the match process.
Comparative Study of TOF-Cuff, a New Neuromuscular Blockade Monitor, and TOF-Watch, an Acceleromyography
Authors: Kazuma Satoshi , Wakasugi Keiko , Hagiwara Hiroya , Yamakage Michiaki
Published: March 2019

Train-of-four ratios were recorded to assess the agreement between the TOF-Cuff and TOF-Watch, and residual paresis was assessed to evaluate the clinical utility of TOF-Cuff. Train-of-four ratios were evaluated using Lin concordance correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman analyses. Measured train-of-four ratios demonstrated high accuracy and precision over the entire range of train-of-four ratios. Although precision and Lin concordance correlation coefficients decreased with train-of-four ratios >0.7, none of the patients showed signs of residual paresis. Because TOF-Cuff underestimated train-of-four ratios in the recovery period, the clinical safety of train-of-four ratios >0.9 indicated by TOF-Cuff is unclear; the issue of residual paresis requires future research that rigorously evaluates outcomes.
Cortical mitochondria regulate insulin secretion by local Ca2+ buffering in rodent beta cells
Authors: Griesche Nadine , Sanchez Gonzalo , Hermans Cedric , Idevall-Hagren Olof
Published: March 2019

Mitochondria play an essential role in regulating insulin secretion from beta cells by providing the ATP needed for the membrane depolarization that results in voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx and subsequent insulin granule exocytosis. Ca2+, in turn, is also rapidly taken up by the mitochondria and exerts important feedback regulation of metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine whether the distribution of mitochondria within beta cells is important for the secretory capacity of these cells. We find that cortically localized mitochondria are abundant in rodent beta cells, and that these mitochondria redistribute towards the cell interior following depolarization. The redistribution requires Ca2+-induced remodeling of the cortical F-actin network. Using light-regulated motor proteins, we increased the cortical density of mitochondria twofold and found that this blunted the voltage-dependent increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and suppressed insulin secretion. The activity-dependent changes in mitochondria distribution are likely to be important for the generation of Ca2+ microdomains required for efficient insulin granule release.
Economic valuation from direct use of mangrove forest restoration in Balikpapan Bay, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Lahjie Abubakar M. , Nouval Bagus , Lahjie Annisa Abubakar , Ruslim Yosep , Kristiningrum Rochadi
Published: March 2019

Background: The mangrove forests in Balikpapan Bay, Indonesia, have been used as a source of livelihood for local community more than 150 years. Since the natural products of the mangrove forest, such as wood and seafood, are not able to meet the economic needs of the local community, some areas have been converted into brackish water ponds with traditional aquaculture systems. The growth of brackish water ponds over the last five decades has been identified as the main cause of ecosystem destruction. However, the mangrove ecosystem has been restored naturally through tidal action and seeds falling from mangrove trees.

Methods: This study focused on the mangrove tree species Rhizophora apiculata, with ages ranging from 3 to 40 years. Initially, the study site (area, 1 ha) was plotted. The study sample size included 30% of the local population, chosen by systematic random sampling. The data collection was undertaken as follows: 1) measurement of the diameter and height of mangrove trees; 2) observation of local fish auctions; and 3) interviewing of fishers and local communities regarding the direct use of the natural products of the mangrove ecosystem.

Results: It is suggested that the total income from wood production is IDR 742,425,000 year-1 or US $0.933 person-1 day-1. Furthermore, the total income from fishing is IDR 1,080,353,280 year-1 or US $1.43 person-1 day-1. Pre-thinning income level for wood harvesting is still low. The income difference between wood production and fishing resulted in the rate of overfishing reaching 45.5%. The highest observed wood production was reached at the age of 25 years, and the highest value of mean annual increment (MAI) is 5.39 m3 ha-1 at the age of 40 years.

Conclusions: This study showed that tree thinning, ranging from 90 to 350 trees ha-1, can increase the value of MAI by around 24.5%.
Expanding the Orthologous Matrix (OMA) programmatic interfaces: REST API and the OmaDB packages for R and Python
Authors: Kaleb Klara , Vesztrocy Alex Warwick , Altenhoff Adrian , Dessimoz Christophe
Published: March 2019

The Orthologous Matrix (OMA) is a well-established resource to identify orthologs among many genomes. Here, we present two recent additions to its programmatic interface, namely a REST API, and user-friendly R and Python packages called OmaDB. These should further facilitate the incorporation of OMA data into computational scripts and pipelines. The REST API can be freely accessed at https://omabrowser.org/api. The R OmaDB package is available as part of Bioconductor at http://bioconductor.org/packages/OmaDB/, and the omadb Python package is available from the Python Package Index (PyPI) at https://pypi.org/project/omadb/.
A narrative synthesis scoping review of life course domains within health service utilisation frameworks
Authors: O'Donovan Mary-Ann , McCallion Phillip , McCarron Mary , Lynch Louise , Mannan Hasheem , Byrne Elaine
Published: March 2019

Background: Current thinking in health recognises the influence of early life experiences (health and otherwise) on later life outcomes. The life course approach has been embedded in the work of the World Health Organisation since the Ageing and Health programme was established in 1995. Yet there has been limited debate on the relevancy of a life course lens to understanding health service utilisation.

Aim: The aim of the review was twofold. Firstly, identify existing healthcare utilisation frameworks other than the dominant Andersen’s behavioural model currently in use. Secondly, to identify if current frameworks incorporate the advocated life course perspective in understanding health service utilisation.    

Methods: A scoping review of PubMed, Cinahl Plus, Emerald, PsycINFO, Web of Knowledge and Scopus was conducted. Data extraction used a framework approach with meta-synthesis guided by the four domains of the life course proposed by Elder (1979): human agency, location, temporality and relationships, and interdependencies.

Results: A total of 551 papers were identified, with 70 unique frameworks (other than Andersen’s Behavioural Model) meeting the inclusion criteria and included in the review.

Conclusion: To date there has been limited explicit discussion of health service utilisation from a life course perspective. The current review highlights a range of frameworks that draw on aspects of the life course, but have been used with this perspective in mind. The life course approach highlights important gaps in understanding and assessing health service utilisation (HSU), such as utilisation over time. HSU is a complex phenomenon and applying a structured framework from a life course perspective would be of benefit to researchers, practitioners and policy makers.
Dynamic Online Pricing with Incomplete Information Using Multiarmed Bandit Experiments
Authors: Misra Kanishka , Schwartz Eric M. , Abernethy Jacob
Published: March 2019

We propose an alternative dynamic price experimentation policy that extends multiarmed bandit (MAB) algorithms from statistical machine learning to include microeconomic choice theory.
A review of compliance with pain assessments within a UK ICU
Authors: Melia Rachel , Morrell-Scott Nicola , Maine Norman
Published: March 2019

Background:

clinical audits highlight areas where care may not be of the desired quality; they are essential to ensure care is safe and effective. Effective assessment and management of pain have been shown to improve patient wellbeing and clinical outcomes.

Aim:

this audit aimed to identify compliance with pain assessment tools and documentation within intensive care and make recommendations to improve practice.

Discussion:

compliance with documenting pain assessments was poor, a finding that is consistent with the literature. Although a wealth of evidence has shown pain assessments are not being completed effectively, this continues to be a problem. Intensive care has significant areas for improvement in this area, which would improve patients' experiences and outcomes. Nurses should be educated in the use of pain assessment tools and compliance.

Conclusion:

providing patients in intensive care with appropriate analgesia benefits their physical and psychological health. Areas for improvement identified in this audit include that pain assessments need to be carried out and documented regularly. The audit has implications for practice in that it shows a need for reinforced education for staff, better communication and updates to promote pain assessment and the implementation of guidelines.
Proteção civil, incêndios rurais e forças armadas – reflexões
Authors: Pereira Francisco Grave
Published: March 2019

Os incêndios rurais de 2017 e as suas consequências vieram a relançar, mais uma vez, o debate sobre a matéria. Foram adoptadas as conclusões dos relatórios das duas Comissões Técnicas Independentes nomeadas pela Assembleia da República e decidido implementar um conjunto alargado de medidas. De entre essas medidas salientam-se a reestruturação da Autoridade Nacional de Proteção Civil, a criação de uma nova entidade responsável pela gestão integrada dos incêndios rurais e o reforço a intervenção das Forças Armadas no Apoio Militar de Emergência. No entanto, reestruturações tão relevantes mas que vão muito além de uma única tipologia de riscos devem ser avaliadas com atenção. A proteção civil vai muito para além dos incêndios rurais e a sua reestruturação vai muito para além de nova reestruturação da ANPC ou do reforço do papel das Forças Armadas. Será importante pensar um modelo e implementá-lo com uma base alargada de apoio para assegurar a sua estabilidade. Por outro lado, o apoio das Forças Armadas em situações de acidente grave ou de catástrofe é, há muito, rotina, sendo assegurado de acordo com o conceito de duplo-uso. Ainda assim, os níveis de ambição assumidos para esta tipologia de missões tornam necessária uma maior coordenação no planeamento, alguma formação e aquisição de equipamentos específicos, uma regeneração oportuna de materiais e equipamentos e um novo olhar para as potencialidades das Forças Armadas que podem ser melhor aproveitadas no domínio de uma prevenção mais estrutural. Porque, se possível, as catástrofes evitam-se antes de se combaterem.
Pb2+ Ion Sensing by Anthracenylimino Compound and its β-Cyclodextrin Complex: A Study by Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Sumithra M. , Sivaraj R. , Selvakumar P. Mosae , Enoch Israel V.M.V.
Published: March 2019

This paper describes the Pb2+ ion sensing of an anthacenylimino compound in the presence and absence of β-cyclodextrin in aqueous media. The chemosensor is prepared by a simple coupling reaction of an aldehyde and an amine. The compound is characterized using 1H NMR and mass spectrometric techniques. The host-guest complex of the β-cyclodextrin anthracenylimino compound is analyzed using 2D rotating-frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy and its structure is optimized. The stoichiometry of the complex is 1:1. The compound selectively binds Pb2+ ion in its free and cyclodextrin-bound forms. The ranges of sensing of the metal ion are calculated and they are similar in magnitude.
Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye Solution by Photoelectrocoagulation Treatment Techniques
Authors: Vijayakumar K. , Geetha S. , Govindaraj M.
Published: March 2019

Photoelectrocoagulation treatment of aqueous solution containing, rhodamine B has been studied. Three different supporting electrolytes such as NaCl, NaNO3 and Na2SO4 were used for electrolysis. Only NaCl was found to be effective for the removal of colour from rhodamine B dye. Effects of the process variables such as pH, applied current density, electrode material, supporting electrolytes types, different concentration of electrolyte and treatment time were explored in order to find the best conditions for the degradation of rhodamine B. The complete degradation was obtained in 35 min of operating time for Fe electrode at optimum conditions such as initial pH 7.0, supporting electrolyte of 0.05 M NaCl and applied current density of 10 mA/cm2 and treatment time of 35 min. Sludge characterization was analyzed by FT-IR spectra and the morphology of sludge was characterized by SEM were discussed. The SEM image confirmed the characteristics of phases, which are amorphous or poorly crystalline in nature.
Transesterification of Algae Oil using K2CO3/ZnO Heterogeneous Base Catalyst
Authors: Nair Jayashri N. , Satyanarayanamurthy Y.V.V. , Chaitanya N.S.C. , Ramesh M.
Published: March 2019

The objective of the present work was to develop a heterogeneous base catalyst K2CO3/ZnO for transesterification of algae oil. This catalyst was prepared by wet impregnation method calcinated at high temperature of 600 °C. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction technique. The crude algae oil was degummed and its free fatty acid was reduced to 2 % by methanol treatment. Methanol was used to convert triglycerides to biodiesel using K2CO3/ZnO. The doping of 30 % K2CO3 on ZnO calcined at 600 °C was studied on biodiesel yield. The reaction parameters such as temperature, stirring rate, amount of catalyst, methanol to oil molar ratio on the yield of fatty acid methyl ester were investigated. Highest yield was obtained for 7 % catalyst, 9:1 methanol to molar ratio at 80 °C for 30 % K2CO3/ZnO. This study proved that the catalyst loading less than 5 % was unsuccessful in biodiesel yield. The physio-chemical properties of the produced algae biodiesel was determined as per ASTM test procedures.
Chemical Composition and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Activity of Volatile Oil from Leaves of Arbutus unedo L. from Croatia
Authors: Politeo O. , Ercegovic I.
Published: March 2019

The volatile oil from leaves of Arbutus unedo L. from Croatia was subjected to chemical composition and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity. The tested volatile oil was dominated by nonterpene compounds, with (E)-2-decenal, nonanal, nonanoic acid and octanol as main compounds. Terpene compounds were identified in lower quantity, with linalool and α-terpineol as main ones. Results showed low to moderate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition potential of tested oil, for tested concentration of 1 mg/mL.
Unusual Cleavage of N-N Bond of 1-Arylamino-1,2,3-triazole Derivatives: A Simple and Alternate Approach to 4,5-Disubstituted-1H-1,2,3-triazoles
Authors: Nagarajan R. , Emmanuvel L.
Published: March 2019

In this communication, the authors described the synthesis of 1-arylamino-1,2,3-triazole derivatives via diazo transfer reaction on active methylene hydrazones. Further, we have observed the reduction of 1-arylamino-1,2,3-triazole using Pd/C, H2 to result in unusual N-N bond cleavage to give 4,5-disubstituted-1H-1,2,3-triazole.
Geranium wallichianum Leaf Extract Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Characterization and its Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Badoni P.P. , Kumar Goutam , Singh Mahender , Singh Navneet , Khajuria Arun K. , Bharti  , Dutt Sanjay
Published: March 2019

In present study, the Geranium wallichianum leaf extract (aqueous) and 1 mM silver nitrate solution (aqueous) were amalgamated to synthesize silver particles within the nanometer range. Initial colour changes and surface-plasmon-resonance (SPR) absorbance band observed in UV-visible spectroscopic study gave support to configuration of silver nano-particles. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, TEM and FTIR spectroscopy. Then antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) activities of silver nanoparticles against selected microbial strains were studied by well diffusion method. During this work, silver SPR absorption bands between 405-425 nm range were shown by Geranium wallichianum leaf extract mediated synthesized silver nanoparticles sample solutions at different intervals. X-ray diffraction pattern displayed the formation of face centred cubic phase silver nano-structures. TEM measurements confirmed that silver nanoparticles are spherically shaped and maximum particles in 9-16 nm size range having average diameter 12.5 nm. Important FT-IR peaks at 3314.11, 1710.60, 1587.11 and 1347.77 cm-1 were predicted for hydroxyl, carbonyls, unsaturated C-C bonds and phenolic groups respectively. Further from antimicrobial results, it has been found that values of diameter of zone of inhibition (mm) of synthesized silver nanoparticles against B. subtilis, S. aureus, L. plantarum, P. aeruginosa, A. niger and C. albicans strains were 32, 28, 25, 25 35 and not active, respectively. MIC-MLC (μL) values were also determined. At last, it can be concluded that antimicrobial agents of 9-16 nm size range and stabilized by polyhydroxy-bioactive-components present in extract, in the form of silver nanoparticles has been productively synthesized.
Witnessing Horrorism: The Piteşti Experiment
Authors: Ionescu Arleen
Published: March 2019

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This article presents an irrational, sadistic experiment based on cruelty and complete disregard of human values, carried out between 1949 and 1952 in Romania and known under the infamous name of the Piteşti experiment. Its agenda was based on ‘re-education’, metaphorically presented as a sort of ‘healing’, supposedly performed to eliminate the ‘rot’ from prisoners. In the light of existent theories on the process of witnessing and testifying, I explore Dumitru Bacu’s, Grigore Dumitrescu’s, Paul Goma’s and Virgil Ierunca’s accounts of this despicable experiment and discuss the different roles assumed by witnesses while writing about Piteşti. Using the notions of ‘terror’ and ‘horror’ as developed in the works of Hannah Arendt and Adriana Cavarero, as well as Judith Lewis Herman’s findings from Trauma and Recovery and Anne-Marie Roviello’s work on ‘the hidden violence of totalitarianism’, the article suggests how the Piteşti experiment can be compared to the Shoah. Through this comparison, I point out the ‘unnarratability’ of the events that happened in the Piteşti penitentiary and, explaining the positions of the victims, I discuss the elements that made this experiment a uniquely tragic event in the history of communist prisons: on the one hand, that any tortured prisoner was forced to become the torturer of his fellows, on the other hand, that no one was allowed to die.
Georgian Hero of the Soviet Era Against the Universe: Science Fiction as a Nation’s Coping Mechanism
Authors: Chartolani Keti
Published: March 2019

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This paper analyses the process of constructing the national identity in the Soviet Georgian science fiction. Using the postcolonial approach, I argue that the genre provided Georgian writes with the unique possibility to imagine the future of Georgia, independent from the Russian oppression. The article concentrates on three strategies that serve this very goal: the first strategy entails placing Georgia in the centre of the future communist society; the second strategy entails transforming the historical rival of Russia, Western Europe and the United States of America, into Georgia’s arch-enemy; while the third strategy concentrates on the critique of the imperialist worldview. In all three cases, the narratives containing nationalistic sentiments still manage to stay within the borders of socialist realism.
Aquarela (2018)
Authors: Dobriyanova Teodosia
Published: March 2019

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Article Review: Challenges and Opportunities for Establishing a Security Community in the Wider Black Sea Area by Mukhtar Hajizada (2018)
Authors: Ejiofor Promise
Published: March 2019

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A Short History of Imaginary Numbers
Authors:   Tehran International School (TIS), Tehran, Iran, Nikouravan Misha
Published: March 2019

This paper is discussing how and where imaginary numbers came to be and how their extension to our classic number line helped mathematics to grow even faster. We talk about the beginning of imaginary numbers and the set of rules that come with them. We show how an error that occurred in an equation started the discovery of these. These numbers also help us achieve a better perspective towards the parabolas we see every day. At the end, you can see how these new numbers found the perfect place on the number line and fit in well with different categories we all know.
Rational approach to patients treatment with type 2 diabetes and obesity: results of the All-Russian observational program «AURORA»
Authors: Dedov Ivan I. , Romantsova Tatiana I. , Shestakova Marina V.
Published: March 2019

Background: As in many other developed nations, the problem of obesity and type 2 diabetes is acute in Russia. In Russia, the only combination of sibutramine and metformine (ReduxinMet) is authorized to reduce body mass and prevention development of type 2 diabetes mellitus or its complication. The article presents the results of the observational program AVRORA.
Aim: Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of ReduxinMet (sibutramine + microcrystalline cellulose + Metformin) in patients with type 2 diabetes and alimentary obesity in routine clinical practice.
Materials methods: The observational program AVRORA was conducted from September 2016 to October 2017 under the auspices of the Endocrinological Scientific Center and the Russian Association of Endocrinologists. The AVRORA program was a multicenter, non-interventional study of patients to whom the attending physicians prescribed ReduxinMet, a set (tablets + capsules), in accordance with the instruction for medical use as part of routine clinical practice. The treated group included patients of both sexes, aged 1865 years, with an established diagnosis of obesity in combination with type 2 diabetes. The duration of the drug usage was determined by the attending physician and was up to 6 months. ReduxineMet was prescribed in addition to the existing glucose-lowering therapy, the dose of metformin was adjusted to the patient's needs.
Results: The AVRORA study was attended by 259 doctors and 5,812 patients in 240 medical institutions from 12 cities of the Russian Federation. The average age of patients was 46.6 10.5 years, the ratio of male / female -24% / 76%. The decreasing of BMI during 6 months of the therapy amounted to 5.4 2.3 kg / m2 (on average, 15.1 6.4 kg). After 3 months of the therapy 81.6% of patients achieved clinically significant weight loss of 10.6% or more. The average decrease in waist circumference during 6 months of therapy was 13.8 7.4 cm. A decrease of indicators of glycemic control and lipid metabolism right up to the target values was observed.
Conclusions: In AVRORA study it was shown that addition of ReduxineMet (sibutramine+ microcrystalline cellulose+metformine) to the complex therapy of the diabetes in combination with obesity according to approved indications is safe and effective for long-term treatment in regards to weight loss, regulation of lipemic index, glucose profile and quality of life.
Chronic hypoparathyroidism in adults: clinical features, diagnosis, management and treatment
Authors: Mokrysheva Natalia G. , Eremkina Anna K. , Kovaleva Elena V.
Published: March 2019

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare сalcium and phosphate metabolic disorder. Most often it develops after neck surgery. The recent studies show increased morbidity in thyroid and parathyroid pathology wich are the most common causes of hypoparathyroidism. Thus makes this problem more relevant and urgent. Management of a patient with chronic hypoparathyroidism is based on personalized treatment regimen, disease monitoring and prevention of therapy adverse events.
Beyond Compare: Art from Africa in the Bode Museum
Authors: Otto Kristin
Published: March 2019

This work is an exhibition review considering Beyond Compare: Art from Africa in the Bode Museum, a project of the Bode Museum.
Operational Identities for Circular and Hyperbolic Functions and Their Generalizations
Authors: Cassisa C. , Ricci P. E. , Tavkhelidze I.
Published: March 2019

Starting from the exponential, some classes of analytic functions of the derivative operator are studied, including pseudo-hyperbolic and pseudo-circular functions. Some formulas related to operational calculus are deduced, and the important role played in such a context by Hermite–Kampé de Fériet polynomials is underlined.
CD73 Promotes Glioblastoma Pathogenesis and Enhances Its Chemoresistance via A2BAdenosine Receptor Signaling
Authors: Yan Angela , Joachims Michelle L. , Thompson Linda F. , Miller Andrew D. , Canoll Peter D. , Bynoe Margaret S.
Published: March 2019

Glioblastoma (GB) is one of the deadliest brain cancers to afflict humans, and it has a very poor survival rate even with treatment. The extracellular adenosine-generating enzyme CD73 is involved in many cellular functions that can be usurped by tumors, including cell adhesion, proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. We set out to determine the role of CD73 in GB pathogenesis. To do this, we established a unique GB mouse model (CD73-FLK) in which we spatially expressed CD73 on endothelial cells in CD73−/−mice. This allowed us to elucidate the mechanism of host CD73 versus GB-expressed CD73 by comparing GB pathogenesis in WT, CD73−/−, and CD73-FLK mice. GB in CD73−/−mice had decreased tumor size, decreased tumor vessel density, and reduced tumor invasiveness compared with GB in WT mice. Interestingly, GBs in CD73-FLK mice were much more invasive and caused complete distortion of the brain morphology. We showed a 20-fold upregulation of A2BAR on GB compared with sham, and its activation induced matrix metalloproteinase-2, which enhanced GB pathogenesis. Inhibition of A2BAR signaling decreased multidrug resistance transporter protein expression, including permeability glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1). Further, we showed that blockade of A2BAR signaling potently increased GB cell death induced by the chemotherapeutic drug temozolomide. Together, these findings suggest that CD73 and A2BAR play a multifaceted role in GB pathogenesis and progression and that targeting the CD73–A2BAR axis can benefit GB patients and inform new approaches for therapy to treat GB patients.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTGlioblastoma (GB) is the most devastating primary brain tumor. GB patients' median survival is 16 months even with treatment. It is critical that we develop prophylaxes to advance GB treatment and improve patient survival. CD73-generated adenosine has been implicated in cancer pathogenesis, but its role in GB was not ascertained. Here, we demonstrated that host CD73 plays a prominent role in multiple areas of glioblastoma pathogenesis, including promoting GB growth, its angiogenesis, and its invasiveness. We found a 20-fold increase in A2Badenosine receptor (AR) expression on GB compared with sham, and its inhibition increased GB chemosensitivity to temozolomide. These findings strongly indicate that blockade or inhibition of CD73 and the A2BAR are prime targets for future GB therapy.
Maxilada Geniş Uzantılı Epidermoid Kist: Olgu Sunumu
Authors: Topan Cihan , Demirbaş Ahmet Emin , Karakaya Mustafa , Alkan Alper
Published: March 2019

Epidermoid
kistler ektoderm kaynaklı benign yumuşak doku malformasyonlarıdır ve baş boyun
bölgesinde ender olarak görülür. Dermoid ve epidermoid kistler oral kavitede
çoğunlukla submental bölge, dil, lateral faringeal duvar ve yumuşak damakta lokalize
olurlar. Bu lezyonlar kongenital olarak görülebilir veya travma sonrası
sonradan meydana gelebilir. Epidermoid kistler klinik olarak, yavaşça büyüyen,
ağrısız, sınırları düzenli, sert şişlikler şeklinde görülür. Bu olgu sunumunda,
anterior ve posterior sol maksiller bölgede oluşan, maksiller sinüs ve
infratemporal bölgeye kadar uzanan epidermoid kistin cerrahi tedavisi ile
birlikte ameliyat sonrası takibi sunulmaktadır.
Travmatik Dental Yaralanmalar Konusunda Hazırlanan Eğitici Broşürün Ebeveyn Bilgi Düzeyi ve Tutumu Üzerine Etkisinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: DELİKAN Ebru , KOÇAK Nazan
Published: March 2019

Amaç: Mersin ilinde yaşayan ebeveynlerin travmatik diş (dental) yaralanmaları konusunda bilgi düzeyinin belirlenmesi ve bu yaralanmalarda yapılması gereken acil müdahalelerle ilgili kolay ve anlaşılır olarak hazırlanmış bir eğitici broşürün bilgi düzeyine etkisinin değerlendirilmesidir. Gereç ve Yöntemler:Çalışmamıza, Mersin Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi Ağız Diş ve Çene Radyolojisi Anabilim Dalı’na rutin dental muayene için başvuran 114 ebeveyn dahil edildi. Araştırmacılar tarafından ebeveynlere 20 soruluk bir anket formu dağıtıldı ve cevaplamaları istendi. Anket sonrasında; ebeveynlerin travmatik dental yaralanmalar hakkında hazırlanan eğitici broşürleri incelemeleri ve daha sonrasında aynı anketi ikinci kez cevaplamaları sağlandı. Oneway Anova testi, Student t, Paired Sample t test ve McNemar testi kullanılarak istatistiksel analizler yapıldı. Bulgular:Travmatik dental yaralanmalar konusunda ebeveynlerin bilgi düzeyinde demografik verilerin farklılık oluşturmadığı görüldü. Ebeveynlerin çoğu (%60,6) dental travmalar hakkında eğitim almamıştı ve bu tür travmaların acil müdahale gerektirdiğini (%64,4) düşünmüşlerdi. Ebeveynlerin anketteki sorulara eğitici broşür öncesi ve sonrası doğru cevap verme oranları sırasıyla %38,89±15,17 ve %76±23,48’dir ve bu artış istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulundu (p<0.05). Diş yaralanmalarına müdahale edebileceklerini belirten ebeveynlerin oranı %39,4 oranındadır ancak bu oran eğitici broşür ile bilgilendirildikten sonra %71,2'ye yükselmiştir. TDY yönetimi sorularının yaklaşık olarak tümünde verilen doğru cevap sayısında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir artış görülürken, “Avülse süt dişleri yerine yerleştirilir mi?” sorusuna verilen doğru cevapta anlamlı derecede azalma bulunmuştur. (p<0.05) Sonuçlar:Mersin ilinde yaşayan ebeveynlerin eğitim öncesinde travmatik dental yaralanmalar konusunda bilgi düzeylerinin yeterli olmadığı görülmüştür. Ancak broşür ile yapılan bilgilendirme sonrasında bilgi düzeylerindeki artış oldukça memnuniyet vericidir.Anahtar Kelimeler:Anket, Broşür, Diş yaralanmaları, Ebeveyn
Niveles de hemoglobina de lactantes de 0 a 6 meses de edad hospitalizados en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño, 2015
Authors: Fernández-Oliva Justa D. , Mamani-Urrutia Víctor A.
Published: March 2019

Introducción. En el Perú, contamos con pocos estudios relacionados con anemia que abarque el primer año de vida. Existen aspectos en la forma de establecer los diagnósticos, tratamientos e intervenciones a nivel poblacional, que requieren planteamientos y enfoques especializados que ayuden a mejorar este problema de salud pública. Objetivo. Determinar los niveles de hemoglobina de lactantes de 0 a 6 meses de edad hospitalizados en los servicios de medicina del Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño en el año 2015. Métodos. Se revisaron 80 historias clínicas de pacientes hospitalizados. Se identificó a los lactantes cuya causa de hospitalización no estuviera relacionada a comorbilidades y que vivieran a nivel del mar. Resultados. El 55% de lactantes presentó anemia. El principal motivo de hospitalización fue bronquiolitis (36,3%) seguida de neumonía (20%). Conclusión. El 55% de lactantes de 0 a 6 meses hospitalizados presentaró anemia en nuestra investigación.