bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and natural course of pseudotumours after small-head metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Moon J-K. , Kim Y. , Hwang K-T. , Yang J-H. , Ryu J-A. , Kim Y-H.
Published: February 2019

Aims

The present study investigated the five-year interval changes in pseudotumours and measured serum metal ions at long-term follow-up of a previous report of 28 mm diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Patients and Methods

A total of 72 patients (mean age 46.6 years (37 to 55); 43 men, 29 women; 91 hips) who underwent cementless primary MoM THA with a 28 mm modular head were included. The mean follow-up duration was 20.3 years (18 to 24). All patients had CT scans at a mean 15.1 years (13 to 19) after the index operation and subsequent follow-up at a mean of 20.2 years (18 to 24). Pseudotumour volume, type of mass, and new-onset pseudotumours were evaluated using CT scanning. Clinical outcomes were assessed by Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the presence of groin pain. Serum metal ion (cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr)) levels were measured at the latest follow-up.

Results

At final follow-up, pseudotumours were observed in 26/91 hips (28.6%). There was an increase in volume of the pseudotumour in four hips (15.4%), no change in volume in 21 hips (80.8%), and a decrease in volume in one hip (3.8%). There were no new-onset pseudotumours. There was no significant difference in HHS between patients with and without pseudotumours. At final follow-up, mean serum Co ion levels and median Co:Cr ratios were significantly greater in patients with pseudotumours, but the serum Cr ion levels were not significantly different.

Conclusion

At a mean 20 years of follow-up, pseudotumours were observed in 26/91 hips (28.6%) with no new-onset pseudotumours during subsequent follow-up. Most pseudotumours in small-head MoM THA were static in volume and asymptomatic with normal serum metal ion levels. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:317–324.
NFAT1 protects articular cartilage against osteoarthritic degradation by directly regulating transcription of specific anabolic and catabolic genes
Authors: Zhang M. , Lu Q. , Budden T. , Wang J.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Adult mice lacking the transcription factor NFAT1 exhibit osteoarthritis (OA). The precise molecular mechanism for NFAT1 deficiency-induced osteoarthritic cartilage degradation remains to be clarified. This study aimed to investigate if NFAT1 protects articular cartilage (AC) against OA by directly regulating the transcription of specific catabolic and anabolic genes in articular chondrocytes.

Methods

Through a combined approach of gene expression analysis and web-based searching of NFAT1 binding sequences, 25 candidate target genes that displayed aberrant expression in Nfat1-/- AC at the initiation stage of OA, and possessed at least four NFAT1 binding sites in the promoter of each gene, were selected and tested for NFAT1 transcriptional activities by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and promoter luciferase reporter assays using chondrocytes isolated from the AC of three- to four-month-old wild-type mice or Nfat1-/- mice with early OA phenotype.

Results

Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that NFAT1 bound directly to the promoter of 21 of the 25 tested genes encoding cartilage-matrix proteins, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, matrix-degrading proteinases, and specific transcription factors. Promoter luciferase reporter assays of representative anabolic and catabolic genes demonstrated that NFAT1-DNA binding functionally regulated the luciferase activity of specific target genes in wild-type chondrocytes, but not in Nfat1-/- chondrocytes or in wild-type chondrocytes transfected with plasmids containing mutated NFAT1 binding sequences.

Conclusion

NFAT1 protects AC against degradation by directly regulating the transcription of target genes in articular chondrocytes. NFAT1 deficiency causes defective transcription of specific anabolic and catabolic genes in articular chondrocytes, leading to increased matrix catabolism and osteoarthritic cartilage degradation. Cite this article: M. Zhang, Q. Lu, T. Budden, J. Wang. NFAT1 protects articular cartilage against osteoarthritic degradation by directly regulating transcription of specific anabolic and catabolic genes. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:90–100. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.82.BJR-2018-0114.R1.
Professional regulation of modern surgical teams: time for a reboot
Authors: Briffa NP
Published: February 2019

How changes to the surgical care team now urgently call for a new regulator.
Penerapan suhu pemingsanan dalam transportasi sistem kering ikan baronang Siganus sp.
Authors: Hidayat Taufik , Bramantyo Muhammad Baiquni , Nurilmala Mala
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Rabbitfish (Siganus sp.) is an unfamiliar fish consumption in public. Demand of fresh fishes continue to increase every year. One method to maintain freshness of fish is fish transportation method. The research purpose was to determine the best rabbitfih immotilization temperature for filler media in transportation tools packaging, immotilization fish use 2 ppt of clove oil, and then fish conscious test was measured at , 14°C, dan 17°C, and 19°C of temperatures.  The experiments were the fish conscious time and water quality analyses. Test of water qualities were seawater before used, water plus anesteshia (water+clove oil), immotilization water (water+clove oil+fish), seawater for temperature treatment, and seawaterafter conscious fish. Water quality parameter analyses were DO (Dissolved oxygen),pH, CO2, TAN, KH, GH, NO3, NO2. The best temperature of fish conscious time test in this experiment was 17°C with 300 minutes of conscious time.Keywords: Immotilization;  Siganus sp.; Transportation; Water quality Abstrak. Ikan baronang (Siganus sp.) merupakan ikan konsumsi yang belum familiar di masyarakat luas. Ikan segar terus meningkat permintaannya setiap tahunnya. Salah satu metode untuk mempertahankan kesegaran ikan adalah dengan metode transportasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui suhu pemingsanan terbaik ikan baronang untuk media pengisi pada kemasan alat transportasi, ikan dipingsankan dengan minyak cengkeh 2 ppt kemudian di uji waktu sadar ikan dengan perlakuan suhu 19°C, 14°C, dan 17°C. Pengujian yang dilakukan adalah uji waktu sadar ikan dan uji kualitas air. Kualitas air yang diuji adalah air laut sebelum digunakan, air ditambah anestesi (air+minyak cengkeh), air proses pemingsanan (air+minyak cengkeh+ikan), air laut untuk perlakuan suhu, dan air setelah pembugaran.Parameter uji kualitas air adalah DO, pH, CO2, TAN, KH, GH, NO3, NO2. Pengujian waktu sadar ikan terbaik adalah dengan perlakuan suhu 17°C dengan waktu sadar sebesar 300 menit. Kata kunci:Transportasi;Siganussp.; Pemingsanan; Kualitas air
Akumulasi logam berat (Pb dan Cu) pada Akar dan daun mangrove Avicennia marina di Sungai Lamong, Jawa Timur
Authors: Awaliyah Hikmah Farda , Yona Defri , Pratiwi Dwi Candra
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Mangrove ecosystem of Lamong River is located in an area with dense human activities such as industrial, heavy traffic, settlements and harbour activities. These activities could triggered the input of heavy metals, especially Pb and Cu. Mangrove ecosystem can be developed as a control of heavy metal pollution and also as a pollutant trap. In this study, the analysis of heavy metals (Pb and Cu) in water, sediment and mangorve’s roots and leaves were measured. The  aim of this study was to determine the ability of Avicennia marina’s roots and leaves in absorbing heavy metals (Pb and Cu). Samples were obtained and then analysed by AAS (Atomic Absorbsion Spectrofotometer).The result showed that heavy metal concentrations of Pb were in the range of 0.11 mg/L - 16.87 mg/L and Cu in the range of 0.001 mg/L - 34.84 mg/L.Avicennia marina in the study site was categorized as excluder based on BCF1 and phytoextraction due to TF1. The results of this study indicate that Avicennia marina  can be developed into phytoremidiation agents because they was able to absorb and transfer heavy metals from the environment to their plant tissues.Keywords: BCF;  TF; Avicennia marina; Heavy metal;  Lamong River Abstrak. Ekosistem mangrove Sungai Lamong terletak di area yang padat aktivitas manusia seperti aktivitas industri, lalu lintas yang padat, pemukiman dan pelabuhan. Hal tersebut memicu masukan logam berat, khususnya Pb dan Cu. Ekosistem mangrove dapat dikembangkan sebagai pengendalian pencemaran logam berat dan dapat juga digunakan sebagai pollutant trap. Pada penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kemampuan Avicennia marinadalam menyerap logam berat Pb dan Cu dari lingkungannya. Sampel dianalisa menggunakan AAS (Atomic Absorbsion Spectrofotometer).Hasil konsentrasi logam berat Pb berkisar antara 0,11 mg/L – 16.87 mg/L dan Cu berkisar antara 0,001 mg/L  – 34,84 mg/L. Avicennia marinadi lokasi penelitian bersifat excluderkarena nilai BCF1 dan fitoekstraksi karena nilai TF1. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa mangrove Avicennia marinadapat dikembangkan menjadi agen fitoremidiasi karena mampu menyerap dan mentransfer logam berat dari lingkungan ke jaringan tubuh yang lain.Kata kunci:BCF; TF; Avicennia marina; Logam berat; Sungai Lamong
Pyridoxine in the Treatment of Tetanus Neonatorum
Authors: Caglar Musa Kazim
Published: February 2019

A prospective study has been conducted to assess the efficacy of oral pyridoxine in the treatment of neonatal tetanus. A little reduction in mortality was observed by adding pyridoxine to the conventional therapy. The mortality in this group was 50.0% as compared to 62.5% in controls. This result did not confirm the ones in the literature. This could be sourced from the fact that additional injection was 50.0%.
Investigation on Immunoglobulin Fortification in Preventing Infections in the Newborn
Authors: Monintja Hans Eldih
Published: February 2019

Observations in neonatal sepsis revealed that the lgG concentrations in septic newborns is significantly lower than in non septic infants. This condition lead the author to investigate the role of fortification of lgG in infants with intrapartum infections. For this purpose a prospective study was carried out, 35 newborn infants with intrapartum infections were treated with lgG Cutter 0,6 mg per Kg BW per week and 35 other infants with similar criteria served as control group. The result of the trial showed that /gG administration could help in prevention of minor infections.
Evaluation of Hexane Content in Edible Vegetable Oils Consumed in Iran
Authors: Yousefi Mojtaba , Yousefi Mojtaba , Hosseini Hedayat
Published: February 2019

Solvent residue such as hexane in foodstuff, especially edible oil could be considered as the undesirable substances when exceeds maximum residue limit (MRL). The aim of this study is to determine the hexane content in various brands of edible oils. Totally forty samples (23 brands) of different types of vegetable oils including frying oils (n=14), blended oils (n=13), sunflower oils (n=6), corn oils (n=5) and canola oils (n=2) from Iran´s market were analyzed for hexane content using solid phase microextraction gas chromatography equipped with a flame-ionization detector (SPME)-GC-(FID). The hexane residue was detected in thirty-six out of forty examined samples, ranged from lower than LOD to 42.6 µg/kg. However, in all of them hexane content were below the MRL of 1 mg/kg which set by the European Union.
Author(iz)ing Death: Medical Aid-in-Dying and the Morality of Suicide
Authors: Hannig Anita
Published: February 2019

In 2017, Oregon marked the twentieth anniversary of enacting the Death with Dignity Act, allowing terminally ill, mentally competent adult patients to end their life by ingesting a lethal medication prescribed by their physician. In U.S. public discourse, medical aid-in-dying is frequently equated with the terminology and morality of suicide, much to the frustration of those who use and administer the law. This article reflects on the stakes of maintaining a distinction between a medically assisted death and the most common cultural category for self-inflicted death—suicide. It uncovers the complicated dialectic between authorship and authorization that characterizes medical assistance in dying and attendant moralities of purposive death, speaking to broader disciplinary concerns in the cultural study of death and medicine. By stressing the primacy of debilitating, life-limiting illness in an aided death and by submitting such a death to the rationale and management of institutionalized medicine, advocates carve out a form of intentional death that occupies a category of its own. The diffusion of agency onto a patient’s fatal illness, medicine, and the state—both discursively and in practice—enhances the moral and social acceptability of an assisted death, which becomes an authorized form of dying that looks very different from the socially deviant act of suicide.
Perkembangan Open Access dan Kontribusinya bagi Komunikasi Ilmiah di Indonesia
Authors: Prasetyawan Yanuar Yoga
Published: February 2019

Fenomena Gold dan Green Open Access mulai tumbuh dan berkembang di Indonesia. Telah banyak perguruan tinggi di Indonesia yang menyediakan institusional repositori (institutional repositories) yang berfungsi sebagai media yang memfasilitasi kegiatan desiminasi, akses, penggunaan kembali dan pelestarian dari sebuah karya yang dihasilkan oleh civitas akademika perguruan tinggi tersebut (Green Open Access). Selain institusional repository, perguruan tinggi juga menerbitkan jurnal secara elektronik dengan lisensi terbuka (Gold Open Access) sehingga mampu memacu proses desiminasi ilmu pengetahuaan dan mengakselerasi dampak (impact) agar artikel ilmiah yang diterbitkan tersebut dapat disitasi oleh publkasi artikel ilmiah yang lain. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif. Penelitian ini menunjukan perkembangan open access dan kontribusinya bagi komunitas ilmiah di Indonesia, melalui pemaparan data baik secara kuantitatif maupun kualitatif mengenai jumlah dan pertumbuhan repositori institusi dan jurnal elektronik.
FRASA ENDOSENTRIS PADA BAHASA JEPANG
Authors: Rosliana Lina
Published: February 2019

Phrase is a combination word, which is consisting of two words or more and become part of a sentence. Phrase can not be said as a clause because the phrase does not exceed the limit function. Structure of phrase in Japanese has similarities with the clauses and compound words in Indonesian, so it is interesting to analyze and see the difference. This study discusses the definition of the phrase in Japanese, the difference with the clauses and compound words seen from the form, the structure of the phrase, and the category of phrase.
DAYA TARIK BUNGA SAKURA BAGI MASYARAKAT JEPANG
Authors: Hastuti Nur
Published: February 2019

Sakura is the pride flower of Japanese from the past.  Many person can enjoy the beauty of Sakura. Sakura usually blossoms in the spring season, begins from south Japan region in the middle of March and continue to the norh Japan ( in the middle of April up to end of April). During spring season, mass media reports about Zensen Sakura, that is prediction the growth of Sakura in many places in Japan, along with climate prediction. By that information, Japanese people are ready to welcome warmer air in the spring ( after winter) and holding Hanami feast. Based on that situation, writer interest to write this research by the title “ The Attraction of Sakura Flower for Japanese people”. The problem that will be analized is how is the attraction and the effect of Sakura flower for Japanese people. In this research, writer uses literary review from internet, article, and many other sources. The attraction of Sakura flower is Japanese people can enjoy Hanami with family, friends, and close person in the office and organization.  The effect of Sakura in Japanese life is very important, like to raise the affection in the family, make closer the friendship,and make better communication with partner or relation.
On viscosity and weak solutions for non-homogeneous p-Laplace equations
Authors: Medina Maria , Ochoa Pablo
Published: February 2019

In this manuscript, we study the relation between viscosity and weak solutions for non-homogeneous p-Laplace equations with lower-order term depending on x, u and

{\nabla u}

. More precisely, we prove that any locally bounded viscosity solution constitutes a weak solution, extending results presented in Juutinen, Lindqvist and Manfredi [9], and Julin and Juutinen [6]. Moreover, we provide a converse statement in the full case under extra assumptions on the data.
Integrating Bayesian reasoning into medical education using smartphone apps
Authors: Kinnear Benjamin , Hagedorn Philip A. , Kelleher Matthew , Ohlinger Courtney , Tolentino Jonathan
Published: February 2019

Background

Diagnostic reasoning is an important topic in medical education, and diagnostic errors are increasingly recognized as large contributors to patient morbidity and mortality. One way to improve learner understanding of the diagnostic process is to teach the concepts of Bayesian reasoning and to make these concepts practical for clinical use. Many clinician educators do not fully understand Bayesian concepts and they lack the tools to incorporate Bayesian reasoning into clinical practice and teaching.

Methods

The authors developed an interactive workshop using visual models of probabilities and thresholds, clinical cases, and available smartphone apps to teach learners about Bayesian concepts.

Results

Evaluations from 3 years of workshops at a national internal medicine chief resident conference showed high satisfaction, with narrative comments suggesting learners found the visual and smartphone tools useful for applying the concepts with future learners.

Conclusions

Visual models, clinical cases, and smartphone apps were well received by chief residents as a way to learn and teach Bayesian reasoning. Further study will be needed to understand if these tools can improve diagnostic accuracy or patient outcomes.
Cellulose Acetate Mixed Matrix Membranes Coated with PEG/TiO2 for Removal of Pb(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions: Combined Experimental and Quantum Chemical Modeling Investigation
Authors: Nouri Mohammad , Marjani Azam , Tajdari Majid
Published: February 2019

Porous cellulose acetate (CA) flat sheet membranes containing 8-hydroxyquinoline (as complexing agent) coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG)/TiO2 nanocomposite solution were fabricated. For the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions, retention data were measured experimentally. To analyze and examine the practical effect of the coating layer on the rejection of metal ions, a quantum chemical calculation and modeling approach was employed. The simulations were conducted on (1) coating layers and (2) a substrate layer. In each simulation, (i) the lowest energy sites on layers were searched against their affinity for metal ions by performing Metropolis Monte Carlo and configurational bias Monte Carlo search of the ion–membrane configurational space according to a simulated annealing schedule, and (ii) the evolution of ions in each layer was examined by the mean square displacement through molecular dynamics simulations. The coating layer showed a potential to significantly interact with ions with higher energy requirements for the detachment from the coating layer in comparison to the substrate layer. This suggested that the metal ions would increasingly accumulate on the coating layer and its lateral surface. The mean square displacement data showed smaller values in the coating layer rather than in the substrate layer, indicating that the coating layer efficiently inhibits ion transfer and provides higher retention values. Thus, greater metal ion retention is expected on and around the coating layer. This is in agreement with the determined attachment and detachment energies. Finally, acceptable agreement was found between numerical and experimental results.
Typical characteristics of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11β-hydroxylase deficiency: a single-centre experience and review of the literature
Authors: Breil Thomas , Yakovenko Vira , Inta Ioana , Choukair Daniela , Klose Daniela , Mittnacht Janna , Schulze Egbert , Alrajab Abdul , Grulich-Henn Jürgen , Bettendorf Markus
Published: February 2019

Background

11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11βOHD) is a rare disease representing the second most common cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) (5–8%) with an incidence of about 1:100,000. In contrast to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD), 11βOHD is not included in neonatal screening programmes. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the typical features of male patients with 11βOHD.

Methods

Clinical, biochemical and radiological data of patients with 11βOHD were analysed in this retrospective single-centre analysis.

Results

Six male patients of four unrelated families with 11βOHD were identified (0.1–13.5 years of chronological age [CA] at diagnosis). The predominant symptoms were arterial hypertension, tall stature and precocious pseudopuberty. Bone ages (BAs) were remarkably advanced at diagnosis in four index patients (median difference BA–CA: 5.5 years, range 1.5–9.2 years). Homozygous mutations were identified in exon 7 (c.1179_1180dupGA [p.Asn394Argfs*37]) and exon 8 (c.1398+2T>C) of the CYP11B1 gene leading both to a complete loss of function. The latter mutation has not yet been described in databases. 11βOHD was identified by the measurement of 11-deoxycortisol in a newborn screening card of one patient retrospectively. Testicular adrenal rest tumours (TARTs) were detected in three patients at 3.7 years, 11 years and 14.4 years.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of CAH due to 11βOHD is delayed and should be suspected in children with arterial hypertension, tall stature and precocious pseudopuberty. Patients may develop TARTs as early as infancy. 11βOHD should be included in newborn screening programmes, at least in newborns of index families, to allow early diagnosis and the start of treatment to reduce morbidity.
Evaluating the four most important salivary sex steroids during male puberty: testosterone best characterizes pubertal development
Authors: Krebs Andreas , Dickhuth Karoline , Mumm Rebekka , Stier Bernhard , Doerfer Jürgen , Grueninger Dirk , Wurm Michael , Brichta Corinna , Schwab Karl Otfried
Published: February 2019

Background

During pubertal development in healthy boys, increased levels of different sex steroids occur which are responsible for sexual maturation and physical changes. However, relationships between various sex hormones and pubertal development stages have not been sufficiently studied.

Methods

The investigation included 165 normal boys (mean age 12.7±2.8 years, mean body mass index [BMI] 19.6±4.2 kg/m2). Pubic hair (PH) stages were stratified by Tanner and testicular volume (TV) by means of the Prader orchidometer and assigned to the prepubertal, pubertal and postpubertal development phase. Four different sex steroids (testosterone [TE], dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]/dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate [DHEAS], androstenedione (AE), 17-hydroxyprogesterone [17-OHP]) were measured in saliva by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and as serum total steroids by different assays (radioimmunoassay [RIA], chemiluminescence immunoassay [CLIA], electrochemiluminescence immunoassay [ECLIA]). Validation of saliva-based ELISA tests included data related to inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation (CVs), recovery and linearity.

Results

Using Spearman rank correlation, salivary steroids significantly correlated (p<0.001) with pubertal development: TE (TV r=0.74 and PH stages r=0.72), DHEA (r=0.58 and 0.62), AE (r=0.38 and 0.45) and 17-OHP (r=0.42 and 0.43). Correlations between salivary and serum concentrations of steroids were also statistically significant (p<0.001). Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed significant correlations between salivary TE and pubertal maturation during the development phases of prepuberty-puberty and puberty-postpuberty. Inclusion of further salivary steroids did not improve analysis results.

Conclusions

Salivary TE permits a good non-invasive characterization of pubertal maturation stages. The consideration of further salivary sex steroids did not improve diagnostic accuracy.
Automatic event detection in basketball using HMM with energy based defensive assignment
Authors: Keshri Suraj , Oh Min-hwan , Zhang Sheng , Iyengar Garud
Published: February 2019

We propose a unsupervised learning framework for automatically labeling events in a basketball game. Our framework uses the the optical player tracking data in the NBA. We first learn the time series of defensive assignments using a novel player and location dependent attraction based model which uses hidden Markov models (HMMs), Gaussian processes, and a “bond breaking” model for changes in defensive assignments. Next, we use the learned defensive assignments as an input to a set of HMMs that automatically detect events such as ball screens, drives and post-ups. We show that our models provide significant improvements over existing benchmarks both on defensive assignments and event detection.
Interleukin-13 in the pathogenesis of pulmonary artery hypertension
Authors: Yuan Shi-Min
Published: February 2019

Background

Interleukin (IL)-13 is a regulatory factor of tissue remodeling and is involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). However, the implications of IL-13 in PAH remains uncertain. This article aims to describe the current knowledge on production and function of IL-13 and its receptors in the mechanisms of PAH.

Content

The study materials of this article were based on comprehensive literature retrieval of publications of IL-13 in PAH. These study materials were carefully reviewed, analyzed and discussed.

IL-13 levels in blood and lung tissue were elevated in both animal models of PAH and patients with PAH in comparison to non-PAH controls. Types I and II IL-13 receptors participate in pulmonary artery remodeling through signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)6 or through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), STAT3 and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Oxidant, arginase 2 (Arg2) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α are involved in the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells.

Outlook

Types I and II IL-13 receptors play an important role in the IL-13 signaling by STAT6 via Janus kinase kinases, and by PI3K, STAT3 and MAPK pathways, respectively. Alternative pathways, including oxidant, Arg2 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α might be also involved in the pathological process of PAH development. Investigational therapies by inflammatory suppression or thrombolytic and anticoagulant agents could inhibit intimal hyperplasia of the pulmonary arteries and suppress pulmonary vasculature remodeling. Drug research and development oriented by this hypothesis would confer benefits to the treatment of PAH.
Musculoskeletal clinical and imaging manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Sarbu Mihaela Ionela , Sarbu Nicolae
Published: February 2019

Rheumatic musculoskeletal manifestations are increasingly recognized as a major cause of morbidity and impaired quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). IBDs are associated with a variety of musculoskeletal pathologies, from peripheral arthritis to axial involvement, and from localized or regional pathologies to diffuse metabolic disorders. Recent advances, especially in imaging techniques, allow a better understanding of these pathologies, and assist their recognition even in the preclinical phase. This review aims to describe the musculoskeletal clinical and imaging manifestations in IBD with special emphasis on the current concepts and the updated radiological work-up.
Analysis of hormone receptor status in primary and recurrent breast cancer via data mining pathology reports
Authors: Chang Kai-Po , Chu Yen-Wei , Wang John
Published: February 2019

Background

Hormone receptors of breast cancer, such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2), are important prognostic factors for breast cancer.

Objective

The current study aimed to develop a method to retrieve the statistics of hormone receptor expression status, documented in pathology reports, given their importance in research for primary and recurrent breast cancer, and quality management of pathology laboratories.

Method

A two-stage text mining approach via regular expression-based word/phrase matching, was developed to retrieve the data.

Results

The method achieved a sensitivity of 98.8%, 98.7% and 98.4% for extraction of ER, PR, and Her-2 results. The hormone expression status from 3679 primary and 44 recurrent breast cancer cases was successfully retrieved with the method. Statistical analysis of these data showed that the recurrent disease had a significantly lower positivity rate for ER (54.5% vs 76.5%, p=0.001278) than primary breast cancer and a higher positivity rate for Her-2 (48.8% vs 16.2%, p=9.79e-8). These results corroborated the previous literature.

Conclusion

Text mining on pathology reports using the developed method may benefit research of primary and recurrent breast cancer.
The reliability of adjusting stepped care based on FeNO monitoring for patients with chronic persistent asthma
Authors: Wang Xiaoru , Wu Ling , Zhang Zhi , Kong Qinghua , Qi Hui , Lei Han
Published: February 2019

Objective

To examine the feasibility of fractional exhaled nitrous oxide (FeNO) guided stepped care in patients with chronic persistent asthma.

Methods

160 patients with asthma were enrolled and randomly divided into study and control groups, and were given standardized treatment according to GINA 2014. All patients were evaluated every 3 months and their medication was adjusted according to the results of evaluation. The control group was adjusted according to the recommended protocol from GINA, while the study group was adjusted on the basis of the control group and combined with the results of FeNO. The complete control rate, failure rate of stepwise treatment, ACQ score, lung function, and peripheral blood eosinophil count were compared between the two groups.

Results

In both study and control groups, the patient condition was effectively controlled. Strikingly, the failure rate of step therapy in study group was lower than that of control group (P<0.05), although there were no significant differences between the two groups on total control rate, ACQ score, lung function, and peripheral blood eosinophil count (P>0.05). Furthermore, the levels of FeNO positively correlated with ACQ scores and eosinophil counts or negatively with lung function.

Conclusions

The dynamic monitoring of FeNO could effectively guide the medication and reduce the rate of treatment failure, which could be used to inform standardized management of asthma.
Comparison of the clinical outcomes of two physiological ischemic training methods in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Chen Weihai , Ni Jun , Qiao Zhenguo , Wu Yanming , Lu Lijuan , Zheng Ju , Chen Rongrong , Lu Xiao
Published: February 2019

The aim of the present study was to verify the effectiveness of physiological ischemic training (PIT) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and compare differences in clinical outcomes between isometric exercise training (IET) and cuff inflation training (CIT).

Fifty-five CHD patients were randomized into three groups: IET group (n=19), CIT group (n=18), and no-exercise group (n=18). PIT was practiced in the IET and CIT groups. Changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded. The cardiac structure and function were evaluated and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) measured.

SBP and DBP decreased significantly in both PIT groups after 3-month training (P<0.01). Cardiac function and structure were significantly improved in both PIT groups after 3-month training (P<0.01). Cardiac structure and function in the IET group were both superior to those in the CIT group by the end of training (P<0.01). The VEGF level in both PIT groups increased significantly after 3-month training (P<0.01).

PIT was safe and feasible when performed in CHD patients. An appropriate period of PIT helped improve blood pressure and the cardiac structure and function, with the outcome more positive in the IET group.
The Protection of Human Rights in Transitional Tunisia
Authors: Saral Melek
Published: February 2019

This article looks at the human rights protection in transitional post-uprising Tunisia, from 2011 to 2017, offering insights into the willingness to both protect human rights and build capacity in Tunisia. It focuses on the establishment of an adequate legal framework in Tunisia, with particular attention being paid to the constitution-making process and, on the establishment, the strengthening of certain institutional capacities, such as the constitutional court and the Truth and Dignity Commission. The article first gives a brief historical overview of the human rights situation in Tunisia. This is followed by an analysis of the willingness and capacity to protect human rights in post-uprising transitional Tunisia, in both the 2011–2014 and 2014–2017 periods.This article is based on evidence from a series of semi-structured interviews I conducted with the key political actors from various political parties, and actors from NGOs working on human rights, during field research in Tunisia in October-November 2017, supplemented by secondary literature.
The crystal structure of poly[(μ5-2,5-dicarboxy-benzoato-κ4
O:O:O′:O′′,O′′′)silver(I)], C9H5AgO6
Authors: Tong Ling , Tian Dong
Published: February 2019

C9H5AgO6, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 3.7933(5) Å, b = 7.6762(11) Å, c = 15.534(2) Å, α = 79.109(2)°, β = 89.864(2)°, γ = 78.122(2)°, V = 434.35(10) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0302, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0650, T = 296(2) K.
Old and New Names. Afropolitanism, Failed-State Fiction and World Literature
Authors: Mari Lorenzo
Published: February 2019

Since its establishment more than a decade ago, the cultural and political debate on Afropolitanism has been characterized by several different positions. In particular, the Afropolitan opposition to any kind of essentialism (Eze 2014) has been counterweighed by the necessity of a connection to “knowable African communities, nations and traditions” (Gikandi 2011, 9). This debate has been reproducing a typical oscillation of postcolonial theory and criticism between the celebration of hybridity (Bhabha 1994) and the interpretation of postcolonial texts as “national allegories” (Jameson 1986). At the same time, Afropolitanism appears to be related to a more recent phenomenon, which has been defined as “national failure” in political analysis (Zartman 1995; Rotberg 2004) and “failed-state fiction” in literary criticism (Marx 2008). The latter sheds a different light on Afropolitanism, by showing its advantages and its limits both on a national and transnational level. In view of this, Afropolitan literature – including the paradigmatic works by Helon Habila (2002, 2007, 2010) and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2006, 2013) here analyzed – appears to be based on the persistence of “old names,” or categories, in an uneven but fruitful coexistence with the “new” ones (Eze 2016).
Combining nanoparticles grown by ALD and MOFs for gas separation and catalysis applications
Authors: Weber Matthieu , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: February 2019

Supported metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are essential for many important chemical processes. In order to implement precisely tuned NPs in miniaturized devices by compatible processes, novel nanoengineering routes must be explored. Atomic layer deposition (ALD), a scalable vapor phase technology typically used for the deposition of thin films, represents a promising new route for the synthesis of supported metallic NPs. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new exciting class of crystalline porous materials that have attracted much attention in the recent years. Since the size of their pores can be precisely adjusted, these nanomaterials permit highly selective separation and catalytic processes. The combination of NPs and MOF is an emerging area opening numbers of applications, which still faces considerable challenges, and new routes need to be explored for the synthesis of these NPs/MOF nanocomposites. The aim of this paper is double: first, it aims to briefly present the ALD route and its use for the synthesis of metallic NPs. Second, the combination of ALD-grown NPs and MOFs has been explored for the synthesis of Pd NPs/MOF ZIF-8, and several selected examples were ALD-grown NPs and MOFs have been combined and applied gas separation and catalysis will be presented.
Integrating Realist and Neoliberal Theories of War
Authors: Geller Daniel S. , Travlos Konstantinos
Published: February 2019

The requirements for global security and international stability vary according to the perspective brought to bear on the subject. Indeed, the structural realist and neoliberal paradigms present markedly different views on the sources of war and prescriptions for peace. Structural realism focuses on system-level capability distributions, alliances, and dyadic power balances as factors associated with the onset of war. Neoliberalism emphasizes the importance of international institutions, democracy, and economic interdependence in maintaining global security. This study develops an integrated model of war and peace based on system-level factors drawn from both paradigms and utilizes a new database reflecting the level of major power policy coordination. The findings for the period of 1816–2007 indicate that interaction effects of these realist and neoliberal variables complement their relationships with global patterns of interstate conflict. The basic conclusion to be drawn is that both concentrated power and managerial cooperation at the apex of the international system are required to produce a more peaceful world.
Implementation of partial slip boundary conditions in an open-source finite-volume-based computational library
Authors: Fernandes Célio , Ferrás Luís Lima , Habla Florian , Carneiro Olga Sousa , Nóbrega João Miguel
Published: February 2019

This paper reports the implementation of slip boundary conditions in the open-source computational library OpenFOAM. The linear and nonlinear Navier slip laws, which are newly implemented in this paper, can be used both for Newtonian and viscoelastic constitutive models. For the former case, the Couette flow assumption near the wall is employed, and for the latter, the cell-centered extra-stress tensor components are linearly extrapolated to the wall. The validation is performed by comparing the numerical results obtained for Newtonian and simplified Phan-Thien-Tanner constitutive model fluids in Couette and Poiseuille flows, with existing analytical solutions. The results obtained using different slip factors were shown to be in agreement with the analytical solutions, even for the most extreme cases where the slip factor is high enough to induce a plug flow pattern for the velocity field. The newly implemented boundary conditions are also used to study the influence of slip in polymer processing, namely in the production of an extruded profile. The results obtained show that the developed slip boundary conditions are able to deal with complex geometrical problems, and are an important tool to support the search of a balanced flow distribution in the design of profile extrusion dies.
Effect of temperature on the impact behavior of PVC/ASA binary blends with various ASA terpolymer contents
Authors: Zhang Xueqiang , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2019

Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic (ASA) terpolymer has a typical core-shell structure with poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) as the soft core and styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymer as the hard shell. The impact behavior of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/ASA binary blends with various ASA terpolymer contents was systematically investigated at three different temperatures (23°C, 0°C, and –30°C). With the addition of 30 phr ASA terpolymer, the impact strength of the blends increased by almost 45 times at 23°C and 29 times at 0°C compared with the neat PVC, respectively. Herein, ASA terpolymer particles were related to each other to form a percolation group and the stress field around the ASA particles was connected with each other, thereby more effectively served as the stress concentrators, exhibiting the highest toughening efficiency. In addition, the significantly improved toughness could also be attributed to the special core-shell structure of ASA terpolymer, as well as, a good miscibility between the PVC matrix and the SAN shell of the ASA terpolymer. However, the decreasing temperature limited the flexibility of the PBA chain, resulting in the insignificant role of ASA terpolymer in toughening PVC at –30°C. Moreover, the improvement in the toughness of the blends did not sacrifice its heat distortion temperature.
Development of a novel 68Ga-dextran carboxylate derivative for blood pool imaging
Authors: Gholipour Nazila , Akhlaghi Mehdi , Mokhtari Kheirabadi Amin , Fasihi Ramandi Mahdi , Farashahi Ali , Beiki Davood , Jalilian Amir R.
Published: February 2019

To develop a possible PET blood pool imaging agent, a series 68Ga-dextran carboxylate derivatives were prepared. Dextran carboxylates with different degree of oxidations (DO) were prepared through stepwise dextran oxidation using NaIO4 and CH3COOOH. The products were characterized by FT-IR and GPC, followed by solubility and toxicity tests on Hella cells (viability=98.6, 97.4 and 95.6% for 3 dextran carboxylates with DOs: 8.3, 24.6 and 39.8%, respectively. The products were labeled with 68Ga (radiochemical purity>98%; ITLC) followed by stability tests in final solution as well as in presence of cycteine and human serum. Two stable tracers (DOs; 24.6 and 39.8%) were adminstered intravenously into wild type rat tail vein separately demonstrating suitable retention in circulation as expected from blood pool imaging agents. Liver and spleen also contained activities. The major excretion was through urinary pathway esp. for derivative with DO. 39.8%. Unlike 68Ga-dextran, lungs showed lower uptake. The dextran carboxylate with the highest 39.8% showed the best characteristics for a blood pool agent, though more studies including PET imaging in larger mammals are required.
Ambient air pollution exposure and lung function assessment of filling station attendants in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Oni Toluwanimi Mobolade , Ana Godson R.E.E.
Published: February 2019

Background

There is an increasing range of adverse health effects associated with air pollution at very low concentrations. Few studies have assessed respiratory parameters among filling station attendants.

Objectives

This study assessed air pollutants; particulate matter (PM10) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) concentrations at filling stations as well as determined forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) levels among filling station attendants.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess PM10and TVOC concentrations at 20 systematically selected filling stations in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Ibadan for 2 months using a Thermo Scientific pDR 1500 PM10monitor and SF2000-TVOC meter. FEV1and PEFR levels were measured in order to assess the effect of exposure to PM10and TVOC on lung function of 100 filling station attendants using a PIKO-1 Electronic peakflow/FEV1meter.

Results

Total mean PM10concentrations (μg/m3) in the morning (43.7±16.5) and afternoon (27.8±7.9) were significantly lower (p<0.01) than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limit (50 μg/m3). Total mean TVOC concentrations (ppm) in the morning (12.0±3.4) and afternoon (5.6±2.4) were however significantly higher (p<0.01) than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guideline limit (3 ppm). Mean FEV1for filling station attendants was 1.63±0.39 and PEFR was 171.7±45.9.

Conclusion

Filling stations are hotspots for the emission of VOCs and PM10. However, filling station attendants in this study are at risk of exposure to high concentrations of VOCs but not PM10. FEV1and PEFR values among filling station attendants were very low which could possibly be attributed to extended exposure to air pollutants. Regular medical examinations should also be conducted on filling station attendants in order to aid early detection of deviations in their health status.
Expressions of habituality in Polish
Authors: Sawicki Lea
Published: February 2019

In this article, I discuss the strategies employed in Polish for expressing habituality in various contexts. It is also for Polish that I define habituality as a summarized presentation of similar events in the ‘actual world’ (or the ‘narrated world’) which occur over a relatively long stretch of time, on several separate occasions, with the number of occurrences not specified explicitly and with a clear interval between the occasions. Thus defined, habituality may be denoted in Polish by imperfective verb forms, specialized derived imperfective verb forms, periphrasis with the verbzwyknąć‘to be in a habit of’, and reflexive habitual forms.
Mg[(UO2)2(Ge2O6(OH)2]·(H2O)4.4, a novel compound with mixed germanium coordination: cation disordering and topological features of β-U3O8 type sheets
Authors: Dal Bo Fabrice , Aksenov Sergey M. , Burns Peter C.
Published: February 2019

A novel hydrated magnesium uranyl germanate, Mg[(UO2)2(Ge2O6(OH)2)]·(H2O)4.4, has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions at 200 °C. The orthorhombic unit-cell parameters are a=10.829(6), b=7.625(4), c=16.888(10) Å, V=1394.5(1) Å3, space group Cmcm, Z=4. The crystal structure is based on β-U3O8-type sheets of corner- and edge-sharing U6+O7 pentagonal bipyramids. The GeO3(OH) tetrahedra and GeO4(OH) trigonal bipyramids are linked to form [Ge2φ8] diortho groups that fill the hexagonal-shaped windows within the sheets. The uranyl germanate layers are connected through Mgφ6 octahedra. The disorder of the [Ge2φ8] diortho groups leads to different local structure types with layered- and framework-like characters. A review of the crystal structures of uranyl minerals and actinide-bearing synthetic compounds based on β-U3O8 topological-type sheets is provided. Structural complexity parameters (I
G,total=176.19 bits/unit cell) indicate that the title compound is one of the simplest actinyl compounds among this family.