bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of rheumatoid arthritis in Poland – where daily practice might not always meet evidence-based guidelines
Authors: Batko Bogdan , Korkosz Mariusz , Juś Anna , Wiland Piotr
Published: April 2019

Introduction

International recommendations are intended to help rheumatologists in the effective management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through an evidence-based approach. This research aimed to evaluate management patterns and associated difficulties encountered by rheumatologists in daily practice.

Material and methods

Interviewers recruited 101 Polish rheumatologists in a random quota-based, nationwide sample of outpatient clinics. Quantitative data were input online using a computer-assisted web interview tool.

Results

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are not initiated at the time of diagnosis in 15% of RA patients, most often due to difficulties in patient-provider communication. The RA activity is assessed every 4 to 6 months by 30% of rheumatologists, and 64% of patients are reported to never achieve remission. Composite indices are the most reliable indicators of remission only for 38% of responders. Despite inadequate disease control with ≥ 2 treatment schedules with synthetic DMARDs, 34% of these patients are not considered for biological DMARDs (bDMARDs). Contraindications and reimbursement barriers are the most frequently stated reasons. Therapy with glucocorticoid (GC) lasting over 3 months is reported by 70% of rheumatologists. International recommendations are stated as the most common basis for treatment decisions.

Conclusions

Awareness of recommendations is not sufficient to ensure their application in clinical practice. Inadequate management of RA is quite prevalent, with a substantial contribution of non-medical factors. Daily practice mainly deviates from guidelines regarding frequency and mode of monitoring measures, time to DMARD initiation, and duration of GC treatment. Education programs and policy changes may significantly narrow the gap between evidence and practice.
Usefulness of three-dimensional echocardiography for assessment of left and right ventricular volumes in children, verified by cardiac magnetic resonance. Can we overcome the discrepancy?
Authors: Kamińska Halszka , A. Małek Łukasz , Barczuk-Falęcka Marzena , Werner Bożena
Published: April 2019

Introduction

The role of three-dimensional echocardiography (3D-ECHO) chamber quantification in children is still underestimated.

Material and methods

In 43 children 3D-ECHO measurements of end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic ventricular volumes (ESV) were compared to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) using Bland-Altman analysis and linear regression. The values of left and right ventricular volumes calculated in 3D-ECHO were compared with each other and verified by CMR.

Results

The values of LV-EDV and LV-ESV measured in 3D-ECHO showed highly significant correlations with CMR (for LV-EDV r = 0.892, p < 0.00001; for LV-ESV r = 0.896, p < 0.00001). In the case of the right ventricle the correlation of 3D-ECHO results with CMR was still high (RV-EDV r = 0.848, p < 0.00001, RV-ESV r = 0.914, p < 0.00001), although mean RV-EDV and RV-ESV in 3D-ECHO were underestimated compared to CMR (by 38% for RV-EDV and 45% for RV-ESV). Correction of 3D-ECHO results using the coefficient of 1.38 and 1.45 for RV-EDV and RV-ESV, respectively, significantly improved the consistency of the results with CMR. 3D-ECHO offered lower mean values of right ventricular volumes compared to the left ventricle. The discrepancy was again reduced by the calculated coefficients.

Conclusions

3D-ECHO is a valuable tool for assessment of left ventricular volume, which strongly correlates and agrees with CMR. The right ventricular volumes calculated in 3D-ECHO tend to be significantly underestimated in comparison to CMR and corresponding left ventricular volumes obtained from 3D-ECHO. The use of coefficients developed by the study improves the consistency of right ventricular volumes measured by 3D-ECHO with results obtained by CMR and reduces the volumetric discrepancy between ventricles in 3D-ECHO.
Use of O-arm with neuronavigation in percutaneous vertebroplasty reduces the surgeon’s exposure to intraoperative radiation
Authors: Wojdyn Maciej , Pierzak Olaf , Zapałowicz Krzysztof , Radek Maciej
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is commonly used to treat spinal fractures. The authors compare radiation exposure as potential risk for the surgical team during vertebroplasty guided by O-arm combined with neuronavigation versus vertebroplasty guided by C-arm fluoroscopy.

Material and methods

The clinical material consisted of a group of 29 patients (44 vertebrae) with fractures of the thoracolumbar spine treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty guided by O-arm with neuronavigation. In this new method, the operating room staff leaves the operating room for the duration of the 3D scan of the appropriate spine section using the O-arm. In the next stage, the needle of the vertebroplasty system is introduced using only neuronavigation without the need for a radiological view. Finally, the cement injection was made under O-arm fluoroscopic control. The comparison group consisted of a group of 35 patients (40 vertebrae) treated with the classical method using C-arm fluoroscopy. The two methods were compared in terms of the average dose of emitted ionizing radiation through the device (O-arm vs. C-arm) to which surgeons are exposed during percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Results

As a result of vertebroplasty procedures guided by neuronavigation, a statistically significant difference between the values of mean dose of radiation emitted by O-arm and C-arm systems was noted. The O-arm emitted 912 cGy/cm2 vs. 1722 cGy/cm2 emitted by the C-arm during fluoroscopically assisted procedures and 601.28 cGy/cm2 vs. 1506.86 cGy/cm2 per vertebrae.

Conclusions

During vertebroplasty with the O-arm combined with neuronavigation the radiation dose is significantly lower as compared with the C-arm used for fluoroscopic guidance, minimizing the potential risk of radiation exposure to surgeons.
KIR2DL2/S2 and KIR2DS5 in alcoholic cirrhotic patients undergoing liver transplantation
Authors: Legaz Isabel , Bolarín Jose Miguel , Navarro Elena , Campillo Jose Antonio , Moya Rosa , Pérez-Cárceles María Dolores , Luna Aurelio , Osuna Eduardo , Miras Manuel , Muro Manuel , Minguela Alfredo , Alvarez López Rocio
Published: April 2019

Introduction

The molecular mechanisms underlying alcoholic liver fibrosis and cirrhosis are not completely understood. Hepatic fibrosis involves the interplay of diverse cells and factors, including hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), Kupffer, NK cells, and T-lymphocyte subsets. Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are membrane receptors involved in mediation between NK and activated HSCs, regulating NK cell function through their interaction with HLA-I molecules. The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic association between KIR genes and the susceptibility to or protection from alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) in a cohort of male AC patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) with and without concomitant viral infections.

Material and methods

KIR genotyping was performed in nuclear DNA extracted from 281 AC patients and compared with 319 male controls.

Results

Significant differences between total AC patients and healthy controls were only found in the case of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS5. KIR2DL2 was significantly underrepresented in non-viral AC patients (52.6% vs. 63.3%; p = 0.015), while patients heterozygous for KIR2DL2 were also underrepresented in the non-viral AC group compared with controls (p = 0.034). KIR2DS5 was overrepresented in this group compared with healthy controls (p = 0.002). All these observations were only evident in AC patients older than 54 years old.

Conclusions

Our data suggest a contrary effect of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS5 in AC patients older than 54 years, in whom the presence of KIR2DL2 appears to be protective against AC, whereas the presence of KIR2DS5 seems to promote the fibrotic process, particularly in patients with no associated viral infection.
Evaluation of vertebral bone mineral density in scoliosis by using quantitative computed tomography
Authors: Sarioglu Orkun , Gezer Sinem , Sarioglu Fatme Ceren , Koremezli Nevin , Kara Tolga , Akcali Omer , Ozaksoy Dinc , Balci Ali
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Scoliosis is described as a lateral curvature of the spine. We aimed to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with scoliosis by using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and compare the BMD of idiopathic and congenital scoliosis patients.

Material and methods

Forty-three patients aged 1 to 40 years with idiopathic, congenital, or neuromuscular scoliosis and 41 matched controls of the same sex and approximate age were included in the study. Measurements of BMD were performed by QCT analysis for each vertebral body from T12 to L5, and mean BMD was calculated for each case.

Results

Twenty-two of the patients with scoliosis were idiopathic, 15 were congenital, four were neuromuscular, and two were neurofibromatosis. The mean BMD values of patients with scoliosis were significantly lower compared with the control group (106.8 ± 33.4 mg/cm3 vs. 124.9 ± 29.1 mg/cm3, p = 0.009). No significant difference in BMD values was found between idiopathic and congenital scoliosis patients (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

This study illustrated that the vertebral body BMD values of the patients with scoliosis were significantly lower than those seen in the control group.
Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) as a new method
of signal obtainment in magnetic resonance molecular imaging
in clinical and research practice
Authors: Pankowska Anna , Kochalska Katarzyna , Łazorczyk Artur , Dyndor Katarzyna , Kozioł Paulina , Zieńczuk Bartosz , Toborek Michał , Pietura Radosław
Published: April 2019

The work describes the physical basis of the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) technique; it presents the beginnings of the implementation of the method and its possible applications. The principles of correct data acquisition and possible solutions used during the design of the CEST sequence are shown. The main problems related to data analysis are indicated, and an example Z-spectrum from in vivo study of the rat brain is introduced. Furthermore, the parameters related to spectrum analyses such as magnetisation transfer asymmetry (MTRasym) and amide proton transfer asymmetry (APTasym) are presented. In the following part, different types of the CEST method often mentioned in the literature are discussed. Subsequently, the possible applications of the CEST method in both clinical and experimental practice are described.
Comparison of chest X-ray lesion characteristics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection
Authors: Majdawati Ana , Ghanie Icksan Aziza , Lolong Dina
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This research aimed to compared chest radiographic characteristics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection, which can be used in early diagnostic screening.

Material and methods

The method of this study was cross-sectional to obtain the relationship between radiographic findings.

Results

Among 538 subjects who were positive for TB during screening, 11 (2.04%) had MDR-TB, 147 (27.32%) had drug-sensitive TB, and 380 (70.63%) had NTM infection. The radiographic findings that correlated with MDR-TB were infiltrates (p = 0.010), cavities (p = 0.021), nodules (p = 0.001), and fibrosis (p = 0.010), with the best predictor of MDR-TB lesions being the presence of a nodule. The lesion locations related to MDR-TB were the upper right and left lung (p = 0.00). There were no specific lesions present in NTM infection (p < 0.05) because almost all had a meaningful correlation (p < 0.05), except the presence of a mass. The lesion location related to NTM infection was the medial aspect of the left lung (p = 0.01), and the lesion extent was also correlated (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Chest X-ray lesion characteristics of MDR-TB show significant correlation among cavities, nodules, and fibrosis. There were no specific lesions that could differentiate NTM infection from MDR-TB; however, the most common lesion location in NTM infection was the medial aspect of the left lung.
Evaluating the Relative Importance of Northern African Mineral Dust Sources Using Remote Sensing
Authors: Bakker Natalie L. , Drake Nick A. , Bristow Charlie S.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Mineral dust from the Sahara and Sahel provides the Amazon Basin with essential nutrients, although the process is still poorly understood. There is little understanding where the dust is coming from, and thus what the concentration of nutrients in the dust is. This information, however, is vital to assess the impact it will have on the Amazon. This study analyses northern African dust sources of the boreal winter dust seasons between the years 2015–2017. It utilises high spatio-temporal resolution remote sensing data from SEVIRI, MODIS, VIIRS and Sentinel-2 to identify dust sources, classify them according to a geomorphic dust source scheme, and quantify the relative importance of source regions by calculating the total dust mass they produce. Results indicate that paleolakes emit the most dust, with the Bodélé Depression as the single largest dust source region, however, that alluvial deposits also produce a substantial amount of dust. During the boreal winter dust seasons of 2015–2017, ~ 36 % of the total dust mass emitted from northern Africa was associated to alluvial deposits, yet this geomorphic category has been relatively understudied to date. Furthermore, sand deposits were found to produce relatively little dust, in contrast to the results of other recent studies.
Role of Base Strength, Cluster Structure and Charge in Sulfuric Acid-Driven Particle Formation
Authors: Myllys Nanna , Kubečka Jakub , Besel Vitus , Alfaouri Dina , Olenius Tinja , Smith James N. , Passananti Monica
Published: April 2019

Abstract. In atmospheric sulfuric acid-driven particle formation, bases are able to stabilize the initial molecular clusters, and thus enhance particle formation. The enhancing potential of a stabilizing base is affected by different factors, such as the basicity and abundance. Here we use weak (ammonia), medium strong (dimethylamine) and very strong (guanidine) bases as representative atmospheric base compounds, and systematically investigate their ability to stabilize sulfuric acid clusters. Using quantum chemistry, we study proton transfer as well as intermolecular interactions and symmetry in clusters, of which the former is directly related to the base strength and the latter to the structural effects. Based on the theoretical cluster stabilities and cluster population kinetics modeling, we provide molecular-level mechanisms of cluster growth and show that in electrically neutral particle formation, guanidine can dominate formation events even at relatively low concentrations. However, when ions are involved, charge effects can stabilize small clusters also for weaker bases. In this case the atmospheric abundance of the bases becomes more important, and thus ammonia is likely to play a key role. The theoretical findings are validated by cluster distribution experiments, as well as comparisons to previously reported particle formation rates, showing a good agreement.
Global sounding of F region irregularities by COSMIC during a geomagnetic storm
Authors: Hocke Klemens , Liu Huixin , Pedatella Nicholas , Ma Guanyi
Published: April 2019

Abstract. We analyse reprocessed electron density profiles and total
electron content (TEC) profiles of the ionosphere in September 2008 (around
solar minimum) and September 2013 (around solar maximum) obtained by the
Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate
(COSMIC/FORMOSAT-3). The TEC profiles describe the total electron content
along the ray path from the GPS satellite to the low Earth orbit as function
of the tangent point of the ray. Some of the profiles in the magnetic polar
regions show small-scale fluctuations on spatial scales <50 km. Possibly
the trajectory of the tangent point intersects spatial electron density
irregularities in the magnetic polar region. For derivation of the morphology
of the electron density and TEC fluctuations, a 50 km high-pass filter is
applied in the s domain, where s is the distance between a reference
point (bottom tangent point) and the tangent point. For each profile, the
mean of the fluctuations is calculated for tangent point altitudes between
400 and 500 km. At first glance, the global maps of ΔNe
and ΔTEC are quite similar. However, ΔTEC
might be more reliable since it is based on fewer retrieval assumptions. We
find a significant difference if the arithmetic mean or the median is applied
to the global map of September 2013. In agreement with literature,
ΔTEC is enhanced during the post-sunset rise of the equatorial
ionosphere in September 2013, which is associated with spread F and
equatorial plasma bubbles. The global map of ΔTEC at solar maximum
(September 2013) has stronger fluctuations than those at solar minimum
(September 2008). We obtained new results when we compare the global maps of
the quiet phase and the storm phase of the geomagnetic storm of 15 July 2012.
It is evident that the TEC fluctuations are increased and extended over the
southern magnetic polar region at the day of the geomagnetic storm. The
north–south asymmetry of the storm response is more pronounced in the upper
ionosphere (ray tangent points h = 400–500 km) than in the lower
ionosphere (ray tangent points h = 200–300 km).
STEAD: A high-resolution daily gridded temperature dataset for Spain
Authors: Serrano-Notivoli Roberto , Beguería Santiago , De Luis Martín
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Using the full total of available 5520 observatories covering the whole territory of Spain, a daily gridded maximum and minimum temperature was built covering a period from 1901 to 2014 in peninsular Spain and 1971–2014 in Balearic and Canary Islands. A comprehensive quality control was applied to the original data and the gaps were filled on each day and location independently. Using the filled data series, a grid of 5 × 5 km spatial resolution was created by estimating daily temperatures and their corresponding uncertainties at each grid point. Four daily temperature indices were calculated to describe the spatial distribution of absolute maximum and minimum temperature, number of frost days and number of summer days in Spain. The southern plateau showed the maximum values of maximum absolute temperature and summer days, while the minimum absolute temperature and frost days reached their maximums at northern plateau. The use of all the available information, the complete quality control and the high spatial resolution of the grid allowed for an accurate estimate of temperature that represents a precise spatial and temporal distribution of daily temperatures in Spain. STEAD dataset is publicly available at http://dx.doi.org/10.20350/digitalCSIC/8622.
IASPEI: its origins and the promotion of global seismology
Authors: Schweitzer Johannes , Lay Thorne
Published: April 2019

Abstract. International cooperation in seismology emerged rapidly at the beginning of the 20th century following the successful recording of earthquakes at great distances. The International Seismological Association (ISA) founded in 1904 was dissolved in 1922 and evolved into the Seismology Section of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), ultimately becoming the International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth's Interior (IASPEI) to recognize the important role of the structure and physical properties of the Earth. Through the last hundred years, the commissions and working groups of the association have played a major role in setting international standards in such areas as the naming of seismic phases, data exchanges, travel-time tables, magnitude scales, and reference Earth models. The activities of IASPEI continue to have a focus on the societal impacts of earthquakes and tsunamis, with four regional commissions playing a major role in promoting high standards of seismological education, outreach, and international scientific cooperation.
IAVCEI: from small beginnings to a vibrant international association
Authors: Cas Raymond A. F.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The International Association for Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI) was formed following the end of World War I at the inaugural general assembly (GA) of the International Research Council in Brussels in 1919, where the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) was constituted. IAVCEI was then known as the Section for Volcanology (SV) and was one of six scientific disciplines that made up IUGG. The first president of IAVCEI (or SV) was Annibale Riccò (Italy), its first two vice presidents were Alfred Lacroix (France) and Henry Washington (USA), and the first secretary-general (SG) was Alessandro Malladra (Italy). A secretariat office for SV was established in Naples, Italy, following the first IUGG and SV General Assembly in 1922, in Rome, Italy. At that meeting SV established its own scientific journal called Bulletin volcanologique, the first edition of which was published in 1924 with Alessandro Malladra as the editor. SV officially became the International Association for Volcanology (IAV) in 1933 at the 5th IUGG General Assembly in Lisbon, Portugal. At the 14th IUGG General Assembly in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1967, IAV was renamed IAVCEI in recognition of the importance of geochemistry and geochronology in understanding volcanic processes. Bulletin volcanologique was renamed the Bulletin of Volcanology in 1986, at the time that its editorial board was restructured to be more representative of the international community. IAVCEI became a fully democratic association in 1995 with the introduction of individual membership, which entitled members to nominate, be nominated and vote in the election of the IAVCEI Executive Committee. Although the IUGG By-Laws allowed scientists only from the union's member countries to hold various positions within IUGG, in 2015, the IUGG Council removed this restriction, and now a scientist who is a member of IAVCEI from any country can hold any position in IAVCEI, except the position of the president.
IUGG: beginning, establishment, and early development (1919–1939)
Authors: Ismail-Zadeh Alik , Joselyn Jo Ann
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics
(IUGG) was established in 1919 to promote activities of already-existing
international scientific societies dealing with geodesy, terrestrial
magnetism and electricity, meteorology, physical oceanography, seismology,
and volcanology. At the first General Assembly a Section of scientific
hydrology was added, making a total of seven Sections of the Union. This
paper introduces IUGG by presenting its current mission, structure, partners,
and programs; discussing various international geophysical efforts before its
origin; and describing the Union's development from the end of World War I to
the beginning of World War II. During this period (1919–1939), the number of
member countries increased from the 9 founding Member countries to 35; seven
General Assemblies were held, each in a different international venue; and
the number of delegates attending the assemblies increased from a few dozen
to more than 800 scientists. At the Fifth General Assembly in 1933, the term
“section” was replaced by “international association”. Each General
Assembly of the Union, since the First General Assembly in Rome, Italy, in
1922 to the VII General Assembly in Washington, DC, USA, in 1939, is
summarized, and the distinguished scientists who contributed to the Union's
formation and it early development are introduced.
IUGG evolves (1940–2000)
Authors: Joselyn Jo Ann , Ismail-Zadeh Alik
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) began
anew after World War II with a new governance and membership structure. The
technologies developed during the war were brought to bear in the
extraordinary global scientific effort that was the International Geophysical
Year (1957–1958). Major changes in the geopolitical landscape have brought
about further changes in IUGG's structure. International scientific campaigns
encompassing multiple disciplines became commonplace, and international
scientific bodies were organized and networked. During this time period
(1940–1999), 15 general assemblies and 2 extraordinary general assemblies
were held, each in a different international venue. Summaries of each general
assembly are presented, as well as overviews of the changes in IUGG's
structure, finances, membership, and publications. The scientists, who led
the Union and contributed to the development of the Union, are also
presented.
SOCIALINIAI EKONOMINIAI VEIKSNIAI, TURINTYS ĮTAKOS NEPAKALTINAMŲ ASMENŲ GYVENIMO KOKYBEI
Authors: Navickienė Jolanta , Vaitiekus Edmundas
Published: April 2019

Su elgesiu ir bendrai su sveikata susijusios gyvenimo kokybės tyrimai yra svarbūs ir reikšmingi, nes padeda įvertinti sveikatos gerinimo programas bei gydymo (pagalbos) metodų efektyvumą. Gyvenimo kokybė perteikia ne vien sąlygas, kuriomis gyvena žmonės ir paskirsto išteklius, daug svarbesnis tampa subjekty­vus savo gyvenimo kokybės vertinimas, apimantis fi­zinę, psichinę sveikatą, jausmus, vertybes, prioritetus.

Objektyvūs socialiniai ir ekonominiai veiksniai yra svarbūs ir paveikūs psichikos sutrikimų turinčių as­menų gyvenimo kokybei, tačiau ne mažiau svarbūs yra ir asmens gebėjimas kurti savo gyvenimą, gebėji­mas realizuoti savo tikslus. Straipsnyje analizuojama subjektyvi gyvenimo kokybė – subjektyvi asmens sa­vivoka apie jo gyvenimo kokybę skirtingose srityse.

Straipsnio tikslas – pristatyti apibendrintus socialinių ekonominių veiksnių, turinčių įtakos nepakaltinamų asmenų gyvenimo kokybei, tyrimo rezultatus. Gyve­nimo kokybė tyrime vertinama individo lygmeniu, tyrimo metodas – anketinė apklausa, naudojant pri­taikius Lietuvos statistikos departamento gyvenimo kokybės rodiklių rinkinį, Eurostato rekomenduojamus gyvenimo kokybės rodiklius bei PSO klausimyną.

Tyrimo rezultatai patvirtino, jog materialinės gyve­nimo sąlygos, darbas, sveikata ir socialiniai ryšiai veikia nepakaltinamų asmenų gyvenimo kokybę. Pa­stebėta koreliacija tarp sveikatos ir gyvenimo kokybės vertinimo – sveikatos būklė ir subjektyvus gyvenimo kokybės vertinimas yra susiję, o šių ryšių išvada – geresnė psichikos sveikata įtaki nepakaltinamų as­menų pasitenkinimui gyvenimu, taip pat ir elgesiui.
NERIMO IR DEPRESIJOS SIMPTOMŲ RYŠYS SU GYDYMO REŽIMO LAIKYMUSI, SERGANT ŪMINIU MIOKARDO INFARKTU
Authors: Juočytė Rugilė , Šepetauskienė Eglė , Adomaitienė Virginija
Published: April 2019

Tikslas. Nustatyti ir įvertinti nerimo ir depresijos simptomų ryšį su gydymo režimo laikymusi sergant ūminiu miokardo infarktu su ST segmento pakilimu.

Tyrimo metodai. Tiriamieji apklausti naudojantis au­torių sudarytu sociodemografiniu klausimynu, stan­dartizuotu gydymosi režimo laikymosi klausimynu (angl. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, san­trumpa – MMAS-8) ir ligoninės nerimo ir depresijos vertinimo skale (angl. Hospital Anxiety and Depres­sion Scale, santrumpa – HADS). Statistinė duomenų analizė atlikta naudojant SPSS20 ir Microsoft Office Excel 2010. Nagrinėjami požymiai vertinti skaičiuo­jant aritmetinį vidurkį ir standartinį nuokrypį. Tikrinat statistines hipotezes, reikšmingumo lygmuo pasirink­tas kai p lygus 0,05.

Rezultatai. Nustatyta, kad blogai gydymo režimo lai­kėsi 47,2 proc., vidutiniškai – 31,5 proc., gerai – 21,3 proc. tiriamųjų, sergančių miokardo infarktu su ST segmento pakilimu. Nežymūs nerimo simptomai nu­statyti 28,4 proc., vidutiniai – 10,2 proc., sunkūs – 1 proc. tiriamųjų, sergančių miokardo infarktu su ST segmento pakilimu, o reikšmingo ryšio tarp gydymo režimo laikymosi ir nerimo simptomų raiškos nenu­statyta. Blogas gydymo režimo laikymasis, sergant miokardo infarktu su ST segmento pakilimu, reikš­mingai susijęs su lengva nerimo simptomų raiška tarp nedirbančių/esančių pensijoje tiriamųjų ir moterų. Lengvi depresijos simptomai nustatyti 16,2 proc., vidutiniai – 2,0 proc., sunkūs – 0,5 proc. tiriamųjų. Depresijos simptomai statistiškai reikšmingai susiję su gydymo režimo laikymusi. Nustatyta, kad blogai gydymo režimo laikėsi lengvus depresijos simpto­mus patiriantys ≥ 65 metų amžiaus, nedirbantys bei aukštesnio išsimokslinimo tiriamieji.
HIPNOZĖ TEISMINĖJE PRAKTIKOJE
Authors: Lazauskas Liudvikas , Lazauskaitė Rūta
Published: April 2019

Darbo tikslas. Išanalizuoti ir įvertinti hipnozės kaip atmintį galinčios atgaivinti priemonės taikymą už­sienio ir Lietuvos teisminėje praktikoje. Medžiaga ir metodai: buvo atlikta aprašomoji lyginamoji ana­lizė. Hipnozės taikymo užsienio teisminėje praktikoje analizei buvo naudoti užsienio autorių literatūroje ap­rašyti praktiniai pavyzdžiai. Hipnozės taikymo teisi­niuose procesuose Lietuvoje buvo naudojami straips­nio autoriaus 1997-2012 m. medicininėje praktikoje pasitaikę atvejai. Rezultatai. Iš vis dar negausios prak­tikos atvejų analizės galima spręsti, kad hipnozė Lie­tuvos teisminiuose procesuose šiuo metu naudojama ne kaip įrankis tiesioginiams įrodymams gauti, o kaip priemonė gauti užuominų, kur ir kaip būtų galima su­rinkti tiesioginius įrodymus, kad hipnozės taikymo metu gauti liudytojų ar nukentėjusiųjų parodymai/ paaiškinimai nėra naudojami kaip įrodymas teisme. Hipnozė naudojama tik kaip priemonė sužadinti liu­dytojo ar nukentėjusiojo prisiminimus apie tiriamą įvykį, tad teismo procese naudojami ne hipnozės taikymo metu gauti asmens paaiškinimai, o asmens parodymai, kuriuos jis duoda po to, kai hipnozės pa­galba sužadinami jo prisiminimai apie tam tikrą įvykį.
AUTIZMO SPEKTRO SUTRIKIMAI: ELGESIO BEI EMOCIJŲ IŠRAIŠKOS YPATUMAI PAAUGLYSTĖS LAIKOTARPIU
Authors: Vėlavičienė Dalia , Adomaitienė Virginija , Bulanovaitė Elena
Published: April 2019

Vaikams ir paaugliams, kuriems diagnozuotas au­tizmo spektro sutrikimas, dažniau nei normalios rai­dos bendraamžiams pasireiškia internalūs (nerimas, depresinė simptomatika, somatiniai skundai) ir eks­ternalūs (agresija, taisyklių laužymas) simptomai. Į tyrimą įtraukti 35 protinio atsilikimo neturintys paau­gliai, kuriems diagnozuotas įvairiapusis raidos sutri­kimas, bei 70 fizinių ar psichikos sutrikimų neturinčių paauglių. Pagrindinis tyrimo instrumentas – vaiko elgesio klausimynas, kurį pildė vienas iš tėvų. Sta­tistinei duomenų analizei naudotas statistinis pake­tas SPSS, versija 22.0. Tėvų vertinimu, tiriamosios grupės paaugliai patyrė daugiau tiek internalių, tiek eksternalių bei bendrų sunkumų nei jų bendraamžiai, neturintys fizinių ar psichikos sutrikimų. Autizmo spektro sutrikimą turintys grupės vaikinai turėjo dau­giau socialinių (p=0,021), dėmesio (p=0,048), tai­syklių laužymo (p=0,019) bei eksternalių sunkumų (p=0,027).
IŠEMINĖS ŠIRDIES LIGOS IR SAVIŽUDYBIŲ PAPLITIMO SĄSAJA EUROPOS SĄJUNGOJE
Authors: Navickas Petras , Lukavičiūtė Laura , Šerpytis Pranas , Benošis Alvydas , Šerpytis Rokas , Daškevičius Konstantinas , Navickas Alvydas
Published: April 2019

Darbo tikslas. Įvertinti mirtingumo dėl kraujotakos sistemos ligų ir savižudybių ryšį Europos Sąjungos (toliau – ES) valstybėse. Darbo metodika. Atliktas epidemiologinis analitinis mirtingumo dėl išeminės širdies ligos (I20-I25, TLK- 10AM) bei kitų širdies ligų formų (I30-I52, TLK- 10AM) ir mirtingumo dėl savižudybių (X60-X84, TLK-10AM) tyrimas. Atlikta analizė apėmė 1994 – 2015 metų standartizuotus duomenis iš 30 (ES28, Norvegija, Šveicarija) Europos valstybių. Duomenys taip pat vertinti pagal amžiaus grupes: <65 metų bei ≥65 metų ir pagal lytį. Rezultatai. Mirtingumas dėl išeminės širdies ligos ir savižudybių statistiškai reikšmingai tiesiogiai ko­reliavo 23 valstybėse: 9 – labai stipriai; 7 – stipriai; 4 – vidutiniškai ir 3 – silpnai. Vyrų rodikliai reikš­mingai koreliavo taip pat 23 valstybėse: 8 – labai stipriai; 10 – stipriai; 3 – vidutiniškai ir 2 – silpnai. Moterų rodikliai – 19 valstybių: 4 – labai stipriai; 9 – stipriai ir 6 – vidutiniškai. Iki 65 metų amžiaus grupėje mirtingumas reikšmingai tiesiogiai kore­liavo 23 valstybėse: 7 – labai stipriai; 9 – stipriai; 4 – vidutiniškai ir 3 – silpnai, o ≥65 metų amžiaus grupėje reikšmingai tiesiogiai koreliavo 21 valsty­bėse: 6 – labai stipriai; 9 – stipriai; 5 – vidutiniškai ir 1 – silpnai. Lietuvoje šis ryšys buvo reikšmingas tarp abiejų lyčių (Rho: bendrai–0,798, p≤0,001; vy­rai–0,717, p≤0,001; moterys–0,799, p≤0,001) bei amžiaus grupių (<65 metų: bendrai–0,462, p=0,03; vyrai–0,489, p=0,021; moterys–0,385, p=0,077; ≥65 metų: bendrai–0,814, p≤0,001; vyrai–0,638, p=0,001; moterys–0,785, p≤0,001). Pabrėžtina, kad analizuo­jant ryšį tarp mirtingumo dėl kitų širdies ligų ir dėl savižudybių nustatytas ženkliai silpnesnis tiesioginis ryšys: reikšminga tiesioginė koreliacija stebėta 13 valstybių, tarp vyrų – 12, tarp moterų – 9, o priešin­gas ryšys nustatytas netgi 7 valstybėse. Išvados. Nustatytas reikšmingas tiesioginis ryšys tarp mirtingumo dėl išeminės širdies ligos ir savižudy­bių daugelyje Europos Sąjungos valstybių bei išlieka reikšmingas tiek tarp vyrų ir moterų bei asmenų, jau­nesnių ir vyresnių nei 65 metai. Tikėtina, kad psichi­nės sveikatos įtaka šioms dviem problemoms yra la­bai reikšminga. Ypač Lietuvoje šių problemų didžiulis mastas ir jų reikšmingas ryšys reikalauja efektyvesnių psichinės sveikatos priežiūros metodų plėtros.
Disrupting Fintech: Key Factors for Adopting Bitcoin
Authors: Zouhair Ahmed , Kasraie Noah
Published: April 2019

Bitcoin is one of the original cryptocurrencies. It was introduced by an anonymous author who goes by the pseudonym of Satoshi Nakamoto (Nakamoto, n.d.). His genius proposal was based on the premise of user anonymity and decentralization (Barber, Boyen, Shi, Uzun, 2012). Bitcoin started out as a payment system among a small group of enthused users and was then mass-adopted. Most users employ it for legal activities such as investments and purchases, while some use it for illegal activities, products, and services like gambling, money laundering, tax evasion, kidnap ransoms, drugs, and prostitution (Kristoufek, 2015). In regard to reasons for using Bitcoin, studies have shown that the majority of Bitcoin owners view it as an investment rather than a currency for purchases or other financial transactions (Henry, Huynh, & Nicholls, 2018; Glaser, Zimmermann, Haferkorn, Weber & Siering, 2014). The purpose of this study was to determine what attracts and motivates consumers to own Bitcoin cryptocurrency and to fill a gap in the academic literature. The findings indicate that there is a strong relationship between owning Bitcoin and a desire for financial profit. This study concludes that the main motivation is of course profit which was driven by both finances and innovative technology led Bitcoin users to mining and installing Bitcoin clients, and then investing and trading afterwards.
The Impact of Emotional Advertising on Consumer Buying Behavior for Home Appliance Products in Pakistan
Authors: Kamran Qaswa , Siddiqui Danish Ahmed
Published: April 2019

This study was conducted to identify the impact of emotional advertising on consumer buying behavior. The research is limited to high involvement products specifically home appliance brands. It also aims to assess the most influential advertising appeal that impacts the buying decision of the consumers. A quantitative approach was used, and the questionnaire-based survey was conducted using a sample size of 200 respondents and their response to different appeals like love, humor, happiness and excitement were recorded. The hypothesized model has been tested using factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results show a positive impact of emotions like love, humor and happiness in influencing the purchase intention of the consumers. The paper confirms the positive relationship between emotional advertising and consumer buying behavior with respect to the home appliance brands.
Evaluating the Yield Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Rice (Oryza sativa L.) to Future Climate Variability in The Gambia
Authors: Sonko Ebrima , Agodzo Sampson K. , Antwi-Agyei Philip
Published: April 2019

Climate change and variability impact on staple food crops present a daunting challenge in the 21st century. The study assesses future climate variability on maize and rice yield over a 30-year period by comparing the outcomes under two GCM models, namely, CSIRO_RCP4.5 and NOAA_RCP4.5 of Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration respectively. Historical climate data and yield data were used to establish correlations and then subsequently used to project future yields between 2021 and 2050. Using the average yield data for the period 1987-2016 as baseline yield data, future yield predictions for 2021-2030, 2031-2040 and 2041-2050 were then compared with the baseline data. The results showed that the future maize and rice yield would be vulnerable to climate variability with CSIRO_RCP4.5 showing increase in maize yield whilst CSIRO_RCP4.5 gives a better projection for rice yield. Furthermore, the results estimated the percentage mean yield gain for maize under CSIRO_RCP4.5 and NOAA_ RCP4.5 by about 17 %, 31 % and 48 % for the period 2021-2030, 2031-2040 and 2041-2050 respectively. Mean rice yield lossess of -23 %, -19 % and -23 % were expected for the same period respectively. The study recommended the use of improved rice and maize cultivars to offset the negative effects of climate variability in future.
Biodiversity study of endophytic fungi associated with two Quercus species in Iran
Authors: Ghasemi Saied , Khodaei Sima , Karimi Kaivan , Tavakoli Majid , Pertot Illaria , Arzanlou Mahdi
Published: April 2019

Aim of study: In this study, frequency and diversity of fungal endophyte communities inhabiting twigs and branches of apparently healthy Q. macranthera and Q. brantii in East Azerbaijan and Lorestan provinces of Iran is presented.Area of study: East Azerbaijan and Lorestan provinces in Iran.Materials and methods: Culturable fungal endophytes were recovered from wood tissues using routine technique for isolation of fungal endophytes. The identity of fungal isolates were determined based on morphological characteristics and sequences data of ITS-rDNA region and Beta-tubulin gene. Frequency and diversity among fungal communities were analyzed using chi-square test and biodiversity indices.Main results: The highest frequency and diversity was detected for fungal endophyte community recovered from Q. macranthera and East Azerbaijan province. The assemblage of endophytic fungi characterized in this study in healthy tissues of oak trees indicates that some of the fungi are possible latent pathogens such as Biscogniauxia mediterranea with 18.28% frequency followed by Alternaria alternata and Trichothecium roseum respectively. Two fungal taxa of Pyronema domesticum and Valsa persoonii are reported for the first time in Iran. Overall, the results of this study show that the plant species and growth location influence frequency and diversity of culturable fungal endophytic communities of Quercus in Iran.Keywords: Quercus macranthera, Quercus brantii, Fungal endophytes, Molecular identification.Abbreviations used: CBS (Centraal Bureau voor Schimmelcultures); CCTU (Culture Collection of University of Tabriz); GTR (General Time Reversible); HKY (Hasegawa Kishino Yano); ITS-rDNA (Internal Transcribed Space); km (kilometer) ; PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar); TUB (Tubulin).
Connecting critical thinking, caring, and curiosity in nurse education: Exploring the beliefs and practices of nurse educators
Authors: Nadelson Sandie G. , Nadelson Louis S.
Published: April 2019

A theoretical association exists between caring, critical thinking, and curiosity. We wanted to gain a deeper understanding about how the relationships translated to the perceptions and practices of nurse educators. We developed a survey of selected and free response items to gather a combination of quantitative and qualitative data related to nurse educators’ perceptions and practices related to caring, critical thinking, and curiosity. We distributed an invitation to participate in our online survey research project through direct communication with a sample of nurse educators and posted the request to a handful of nurse educator social media sites and listservs. Forty-six nurse educators fully completed our survey. Findings include a mixture of positive perceptions about learning caring and curiosity, insights about the importance of caring and curiosity in nursing, and practices that included promoting critical thinking and curiosity among nurses. We follow the results with a discussion of implications for nurse education.
Strafrecht Allgemeiner Teil
Authors: Puppe Ingeborg
Published: April 2019

Anhand von über 100 systematisch geordneten BGH- und OLG-Entscheidungen werden die Probleme des Allgemeinen Teils des Strafrechts anschaulich dargestellt und analysiert. Jede Entscheidungsbesprechung beginnt mit einer kurzen Darstellung des Sachverhalts, gefolgt von einem wörtlichen Zitat der entscheidenden Passage der Gründe. So kann sich der Leser selbst ein Bild machen, ehe er die anschließende Analyse der Entscheidung und des Problems zur Kenntnis nimmt. Klausurhinweise vervollständigen den Band.
Subclinical oral involvement in patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus
Authors: Abreu-Velez Ana Maria , Howard Michael S. , Lambraño Padilla Hector Jose , Tobon-Arroyave Sergio
Published: April 2019

Background: We have described a variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) in El Bagre area known as pemphigus Abreu-Manu. Our previous study suggested that Colombian EPF seemed to react with various plakin family proteins, such as desmoplakins, envoplakin, periplakin BP230, MYZAP, ARVCF, p0071 as well as desmoglein 1.
Objectives: To explore whether patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus (El Bagre-EPF) demonstrated oral involvement.
 
Materials and Methods: A case-control study was done by searching for oral changes in 45 patients affected by El Bagre-EPF, as well as 45 epidemiologically matched controls from the endemic area matched by demographics, oral hygiene habits, comorbidities, smoking habits, place of residence, age, sex, and work activity. Oral biopsies were taken and evaluated via hematoxylin and eosin staining, direct immunofluorescence, indirect immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and immunohistochemistry.
 
Results: Radicular pieces and loss of teeth were seen in in 43 of the 45 El Bagre-EPF patients and 20 of the 45 controls (P < 0.001) (confidence interval [CI] 98%). Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed 23 of 45 El Bagre-EPF patients had corneal/subcorneal blistering and lymphohistiocytic infiltrates under the basement membrane zone and around the salivary glands, the periodontal ligament, and the neurovascular bundles in all cell junction structures in the oral cavity; these findings were not seen in the controls (P < 0.001) (CI 98%). The direct immunofluorescence, indirect immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and microarray staining displayed autoantibodies to the salivary glands, including their serous acini and the excretory duct cell junctions, the periodontal ligament, the neurovascular bundles and their cell junctions, striated muscle and their cell junctions, neuroreceptors, and connective tissue cell junctions. The autoantibodies were polyclonal. IgA autoantibodies were found in neuroreceptors in the glands and were positive in 41 of 45 patients and 3 of 45 controls.
Conclusions: Patients affected by El Bagre-EPF have some oral anomalies and an immune response, primarily to cell junctions. The intrinsic oral mucosal immune system, including IgA and secretory IgA, play an important role in this autoimmunity. Our data contradict the hypothesis that pemphigus foliaceus does not affect the oral mucosa due to the desmoglein 1-desmoglein 3 compensation.
Short certificates for chromatic equivalence
Authors: Bukovac Zoe , Farr Graham , Morgan Kerri
Published: April 2019

The chromatic polynomial gives the number of proper colourings of a graph in terms of
the number of available colours. In general, calculating chromatic polynomials is #P-hard.
Two graphs are chromatically equivalent if they have the same chromatic polynomial.
At present, determining if two graphs are chromatically equivalent involves computation and
comparison of their chromatic polynomials, or similar computational effort. In this paper we
investigate a new approach, certificates of chromatic equivalence, first proposed by
Morgan and Farr. These give proofs of chromatic equivalence, without directly computing the
polynomials. The lengths of these proofs may provide insight into the computational complexity
of chromatic equivalence and related problems including chromatic factorisation and chromatic
uniqueness. For example, if the lengths of shortest certificates of chromatic
equivalence are bounded above by a polynomial in the size of the graphs, then chromatic
equivalence belongs to NP. After establishing some links of this type
between certificate length and
computational complexity, we give some theoretical and computational results on certificate length.
We prove that, if the number of different chromatic polynomials falls well short of the number of
different graphs, then for all sufficiently large $n$ there are pairs of chromatically equivalent
graphs on $n$ vertices with certificate of chromatic equivalence of length $\Omega(n^2/\log n)$.
We give a linear upper bound on shortest certificate length for trees.
We designed and implemented a program for finding short certificates of equivalence using a
minimal set of certificate steps. This program was used to find the shortest certificates of
equivalence for all pairs of chromatically equivalent graphs of order $n\leq 7$.
Construction and Local Routing for Angle-Monotone Graphs
Authors: Lubiw Anna , Mondal Debajyoti
Published: April 2019

A geometric graph in the plane is angle-monotone of width $\gamma$ if every pair of vertices is connected by an angle-monotone path of width $\gamma$, a path such that the angles of any two edges in the path differ by at most $\gamma$. Angle-monotone graphs have good spanning properties.

We prove that every point set in the plane admits an angle-monotone graph of width $90^\circ$, hence with spanning ratio $\sqrt 2$, and a subquadratic number of edges. This answers an open question posed by Dehkordi, Frati and Gudmundsson.

We show how to construct, for any point set of size $n$ and any angle $\alpha$, $0 < \alpha < 45^\circ$, an angle-monotone graph of width $(90^\circ+\alpha)$ with $O(\frac{n}{\alpha})$ edges.
Furthermore, we give a local routing algorithm to find angle-monotone paths of width $(90^\circ+\alpha)$ in these graphs.
The \emph{routing ratio}, which is the ratio of path length to Euclidean distance, is at most $1/\cos(45^\circ + \frac{\alpha}{2})$, i.e., ranging from $\sqrt 2 \approx 1.414$ to $2.613$. For the special case $\alpha = 30^\circ$, we obtain the full-$\Theta_6$-graph and our routing algorithm achieves the known routing ratio 2 while finding angle-monotone paths of width $120^\circ$.