bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Soluble Metabolites and Compound-Specific δ13C in Response to Water Availability and Developmental Stages in Field Grown Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Dumschott Kathryn , Blessing Carola H. , Merchant Andrew
Published: July 2018

Developing biomarkers and bio-indicators that will better indicate stress tolerance is crucial for plant breeding to increase crop resilience and productivity. However, complex interactions between water availability, light intensity, and temperature fluctuations make it difficult to develop standardised properties to monitor performance under field conditions. Sugar alcohols have been shown to function as stress metabolites, demonstrating considerable promise for use as bio-indicators of stress tolerance. This experiment monitored the accumulation of metabolites, including that of the sugar alcohol D-pinitol, in 3 chickpea genotypes grown under field conditions during reproductive stages of development. Further, compound specific carbon isotope abundance (δ13C) of these compounds was quantified to investigate the influence on predictions of water use efficiency. It was found that the magnitude of water deficit did not instigate significant responses in metabolite abundance, however, concentrations of D-pinitol increased significantly over reproductive stages, indicating the accumulation of this sugar alcohol may be under significant developmental control. Significant differences in the δ13C of D-pinitol compared to other metabolites indicate this compound imparts a substantial effect over concentration-weighted predictions of water use efficiency obtained from the soluble fraction of leaves, especially as its proportion in the soluble fraction increases with plant development.
Utility of Two-Dimensional Difference Gel Electrophoresis in Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Auer Michael , Hegen Harald , Rudzki Dagmar , Golderer Georg , Deisenhammer Florian
Published: July 2018

Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) has been used for identification of possible biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However, in different studies inconsistent results have been obtained. We wanted to analyze the diagnostic value of 2D-DIGE in early MS patients by comparing protein patterns between single and pooled samples of MS patients and controls. CSF samples of 20 MS patients and 10 control subjects were processed with 2D-DIGE. The so obtained protein patterns were analyzed with DeCyder 6.5 software, whereby we described variation of patterns presented in one gel as well as between different gels. Even when running single samples of patients of the same group in one gel, variation of protein patterns was high. The number of identified spots with different protein level varied between 4 and 30, depending on which sample batches were compared. We did not find a consistent pattern throughout all possible batch combinations. The inter-individual variation of protein expression as well as the susceptibility of 2D-DIGE for methodological variations makes use of 2D-DIGE as a diagnostic tool for MS and for detection of possible candidate biomarkers difficult, since detected proteins vary depending on which samples are compared.
Pb Isotope Mapping of Paleoproterozoic Gneisses in the SW Grenville Province: Evidence for a Cryptic Continental Suture
Authors: Arcuri Gabriel A. , Dickin Alan P.
Published: July 2018

New whole-rock lead (Pb) isotope analyses are presented in this study for granitoid orthogneisses from the Southwest Grenville Province in Ontario and Western Quebec. These data are used to test the location of a cryptic Archean-Proterozoic suture proposed on the basis of neodymium (Nd) isotope mapping. Immediately south of the inferred suture boundary, Pb isotope results show a crustal component derived solely from a juvenile Paleoproterozoic mantle source. These data are distinctly different from the reworked Archean craton to the northwest and strongly support the boundary derived from Nd isotope data. Pb signatures in the Paleoproterozoic crust suggest a southerly increase in magmatic reworking due to intensive plutonism during the late Paleoproterozoic and early Mesoproterozoic periods. The accretion of a juvenile arc to the Archean margin during the Penokean event (ca. 1.85 Ga) would have triggered subduction-zone reversal and the development of a long-lived ensialic arc on the composite margin. This was expressed as a 1.75 Ga Killarnian magmatic event and subsequent early Mesoproterozoic magmatism. This tectonic model for the Southwest Grenville Province shows that its crustal evolution is consistent with the Paleoproterozoic Makkovik-Ketilidian Orogen of Labrador and Southern Greenland. Hence, the application of whole-rock Pb isotope data in conjunction with Nd model ages provides data useful for mapping the extent of crustal terranes of differing age, which is essential for modeling the tectonic evolution of complex ancient accretionary orogens.
Short-term and one-year prognosis of diabetic patients with a first-ever myocardial infarction
Authors: Jančaitytė Lina , Rastenytė Daiva
Published: July 2018

Objectives. To clarify the importance of clinical features and changes in the first electrocardiogram in 28-day and 1-year mortality in patients with diabetes. Material and methods. Men and women of Kaunas city aged 25–64 years with the first-ever myocardial infarction during 1983–1992 and with the first electrocardiogram were enrolled in the study. Electrocardiograms were coded using the WHO MONICA Project Protocol criteria and the Minnesota Code. The Kaunas Ischemic Heart Disease Register was the source of data; deaths from ischemic heart disease were identified via death register. Results. Diabetes was diagnosed in 124 patients: 65 (52.4%) men and 59 (47.6%) women. The 28-day (P=0.01) and 1-year mortality rates (P<0.001) were higher in diabetic than in nondiabetic patients with myocardial infarction. Among diabetic patients, who died during 28 days or one year, myocardial infarction was more often complicated by acute heart failure, and changes in ECG were more often detected than among those who were alive. Female gender (RR=30.2, P=0.02) was associated with an increased risk of death from a first-ever myocardial infarction during the first 28 days, while acute heart failure (RR=4.48, P=0.01) and anterior location of Q wave in the first ECG (RR=2.71, P=0.04) increased the risk of death from ischemic heart disease during one year after a first-ever myocardial infarction. Conclusions. Acute heart failure and Q-wave in derivations of the first electrocardiogram reflecting anterior site of myocardial infarction increased the risk of death from ischemic heart disease during the first year, and female gender – during the first 28 days in diabetic patients with myocardial infarction.
Models of intracranial aneurysms for angiographic imaging modalities. A technical note
Authors: Žurauskas Edvardas , Ušinskienė Jurgita , Gaigalaitė Virginija , Blanc Raphael , Ušinskas Andrius , Laurinavičius Arvydas
Published: July 2018

Objective. To delineate technical aspects of vascular models with intracranial aneurysm in vitro production, suitable for angiographic imaging. Material and methods. Wax (K2 exact, S-U-CERAMO-CAPS-WAX), Girtl’s mass, gelatin, and silicone (Silicone 10015 Den Braven, Elastosil 7683/25, Elite Double 32 Shore-A, Rema-Sil) were used for model production. Construction of models was based on T-shaped plastic tube connections and lost core techniques. Images of rotational angiography, glass tubes with aneurysm, and casts obtained in human specimen were used as samples of cerebral arteries. Results. Technical aspects of vascular models production were delineated in experience of eight silicone models produced. M1 was hand made with basilar tip aneurysm; M2 was obtained according to angiography images with internal carotid artery supraclinoid part bifurcation to anterior and middle cerebral artery aneurysm. BM1 and BM2 casts were made using glass tubes with lateral aneurysm, M3 – from T-shaped plastic tubes with lateral aneurysms. M4, M5, and M6 were formed using casts obtained in human specimen with basilar tip aneurysm. Conclusions. Silicone of two components is practical for casts of cerebral arteries in human specimen production. Gelatinous solution 50°C diluted 1:1 with water can be used for copies of arterial casts production. Wax materials are unsuitable for making casts in a human specimen.
ß-adrenergic receptor blocker poisoning
Authors: Reingardienė Dagmara
Published: July 2018

ß-adrenergic receptor blocking drugs are used in the treatment of hypertension, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiac dysrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, migraine headache, thyrotoxicosis, and glaucoma. ß-adrenergic receptor blocking agents are competitive antagonist at ß1, ß2, or both types of adrenergic receptors. Overdoses of ß-adrenergic receptor blockers are uncommon, but are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This review article discusses the properties of ß-adrenergic receptor blockers, presents the doses of these drugs causing toxicity and doses, after ingestion of which, referral to an emergency department is recommended. Clinical presentation of overdose (the cardiovascular, neurologic manifestations, pulmonary and other complications), diagnosis, and treatment (gastrointestinal decontamination; the usage of atropine, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, glucagon, insulin; indications for cardiac pacing, extracorporeal procedures of drug removal, etc.) are analyzed. In addition, this article focuses on clinical course and prognosis of beta-blocker overdose.
Effects of ß-glucans on the immune system
Authors: Akramienė Dalia , Kondrotas Anatolijus , Didžiapetrienė Janina , Kėvelaitis Egidijus
Published: July 2018

ß-Glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides. These glucose polymers are constituents of the cell wall of certain pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The healing and immunostimulating properties of mushrooms have been known for thousands of years in the Eastern countries. These mushrooms contain biologically active polysaccharides that mostly belong to group of ß-glucans. These substances increase host immune defense by activating complement system, enhancing macrophages and natural killer cell function. The induction of cellular responses by mushroom and other ß-glucans is likely to involve their specific interaction with several cell surface receptors, as complement receptor 3 (CR3; CD11b/CD18), lactosylceramide, selected scavenger receptors, and dectin-1 (ßGR). ß-Glucans also show anticarcinogenic activity. They can prevent oncogenesis due to the protective effect against potent genotoxic carcinogens. As immunostimulating agent, which acts through the activation of macrophages and NK cell cytotoxicity, ß-glucan can inhibit tumor growth in promotion stage too. Antiangiogenesis can be one of the pathways through which ß-glucans can reduce tumor proliferation, prevent tumor metastasis. ß-Glucan as adjuvant to cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy demonstrated the positive role in the restoration of hematopiesis following by bone marrow injury. Immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies is a novel strategy of cancer treatment. These antibodies activate complement system and opsonize tumor cells with iC3b fragment. In contrast to microorganisms, tumor cells, as well as other host cells, lack ß-glucan as a surface component and cannot trigger complement receptor 3-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and initiate tumor-killing activity. This mechanism could be induced in the presence of ß-glucans.
Changes of electrophysiological parameters in patients with atrial flutter
Authors: Žaliaduonytė-Pekšienė Diana , Kazakevičius Tomas , Zabiela Vytautas , Šileikis Vytautas , Vaičiulis Remigijus , Virketis Martynas , Puodžiukynas Aras
Published: July 2018

Objectives. The aim of the study was to study some anatomic and electrophysiological features of the right atrium, related to the presence of atrial flutter. Materials and methods. A total 23 patients with type I atrial flutter and 22 patients without atrial flutter were studied. Right atrium size was assessed using echocardiography before intracardiac examination and radiofrequency ablation. Results. Effective refractory periods of coronary sinus, high right atrium, low right atrium were different comparing with the control group (P<0.05). A stimulus–response time between high right atrium and low right atrium positions in anterograde and retrograde ways, an impulse propagation speed along the lateral wall of the right atrium were statistically different comparing both groups (P<0.05). There was a significant correlation among effective refractory periods measured in different sites of the right atrium (r²=0.64, 0.44, 0.44, respectively). All measured effective refractory periods also correlated with stimulus–response time in anterograde way (P<0.05) and impulse propagation speed (P<0.05). Right atrium dimensions were significantly larger in atrial flutter group. There was no correlation between the right atrium dimensions and measured electrophysiological parameters in both groups.Conclusions. The presence of atrial flutter associates with diffuse alterations of the right atrium, but not the focal or single changes of refractoriness.
Correlation between adolescents psychical disorders and their difficulties of psychosocial adaptation
Authors: Markevičiūtė Aurelija , Kalkytė Rūta , Adomaitienė Virginija , Gudienė Devika , Vėlavičienė Dalia
Published: July 2018

Objective. To study the correlation between adolescents’ psychical disorders and their difficulties of psychosocial adaptation. Methods and materials. There were 63 adolescent participants in our study (47 girls and 16 boys) who were hospitalized in Department of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital (Lithuania) during the period from September to December, 2005. Twenty-seven adolescents (19 girls and 8 boys) had suicidal and self-harming behavior. Psychical disorders were diagnosed according to ICD-10 diagnostic criterions. We used Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire SDQ-lit adapted for Lithuania. Results. While comparing the mean scores in both sexes of adolescents with diagnoses of depressive, behavioral and adaptation disturbances, we found a statistically significant difference only in emotionally disturbance scale results (P=0.016). Analyzing groups of girls and boys separately, girls showed to be worse psychosocially adapted and had more emotional problems. Girls who tried to commit suicide had more emotional (P=0.006) and psychosocial problems (P<0.001). Girls who were diagnosed with affective disorders had more expressed emotional (P<0.001) and general adaptation (P=0.031) difficulties. Parents noted that those who committed a suicide and had behavior disturbances had more expressed emotional (P=0.007) and general adaptation (P=0.053) problems. Conclusions. 1. Adolescent girls who were diagnosed depressive illnesses had more emotional and general adaptation problems than girls who were diagnosed behavior or adaptation disorders. 2. Adolescent girls who tried to commit suicide had more expressed behavior problems and difficulties of emotional, general adaptation. 3. Most expressed difficulties of emotional and general adaptation were typical to girls who were diagnosed with depression and who tried to commit a suicide.
The results of nucleic acid testing for viruses in individual donor test and its importance for the safety of blood
Authors: Kalibatas Vytenis
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of nucleic acid testing for viruses in an individual donor test in National Blood Center; the objectives – to analyze the prevalence of infectious disease markers per 100 seronegative remunerated and non-remunerated, first-time and regular whole-blood donations and to assess the odds ratio in detecting the infectious disease markers among remunerated and non-remunerated donations. Materials and methods. All seronegative (for compulsory hepatitis B surface antigen, antibodies against hepatitis C, and antibodies against HIV-1/2 tests) whole-blood donations were tested by Procleix Ultrio (Tigris, Chiron) system at the National Blood Center in 2005–2007 in order to identify HIV-1, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B viruses. Results. There were 152229 seronegative whole-blood donations tested by nucleic acid test of viruses in individual donor tests (ID-NAT). In 152146 cases, no infectious disease marker was found, and in 83 cases (or 0.05% of all seronegative whole blood donations), infectious disease markers were determined and confirmed. The prevalences of hepatitis C virus (determined by HCV-NAT method) per 100 seronegative blood donations were as follows: 0.061 among first-time remunerated donations and 0.042 among regular remunerated donations. The prevalences of hepatitis B virus (determined by HBV-NAT method) per 100 seronegative blood donations were as follows: 0.111 among first-time remunerated donations, 0.062 among regular remunerated donations, 0.014 among first-time non-remunerated donations, and 0.005 among regular non-remunerated donations. The remunerated donations showed the higher odds ratios in determining the infectious disease marker by ID-NAT test, comparing with non-remunerated ones. Conclusions. 1. The prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, determined by ID-NAT test, per 100 seronegative whole-blood donations is statistically significantly higher in remunerated donations. 2. The remunerated donations had the higher odds ratios in determining the infectious disease marker by ID-NAT test, comparing with non-remunerated ones. 3. In order to maximize the safety of blood and blood products, the continuity of promotion of non-remunerated whole-blood donations program should be ensured, and a compulsory blood donor testing for nucleic acids of viruses in an individual donor test should be introduced.
Calix[4]arene-Based Amino Extractants Containing n-Alkyl Moieties for Separation of Pd(II) and Pt(IV) from Leach Liquors of Automotive Catalysts
Authors: Yamada Manabu , Kaneta Yu , Rajiv Gandhi Muniyappan , Kunda Uma Maheswara Rao , Shibayama Atsushi
Published: July 2018

Pt, Pd, and Rh platinum group metals (PGMs) are utilized in automotive catalytic converters to reduce the level of harmful gas emissions. To evaluate the separation efficiencies of PGMs from the leach liquors of automotive catalysts, their extractabilities from both single-component solutions and leach liquors were determined using three p-dialkylaminomethylcalix[4]arenes (alkyl: n-hexyl~n-octyl; 3–5) as extractants, and the obtained results were compared with the data of acyclic p-di-n-octylaminomethyldimethylphenol (6) and those previously reported for macrocyclic calix[4]arene- and thiacalix[n]arene-based amine and amide extractants. Various extraction parameters, including the contact time, HCl concentration, and concentrations of Pd(II) and Pt(IV) ions, were examined, and the distributions and stoichiometry ratios of the recovered Pd(II) and Pt(IV) species were calculated. All macrocyclic extractants 3–5 exhibited high and selective extractabilities of Pd(II) and Pt(IV) ions contained in the leach liquors of automotive catalysts. The E% values of 3–5 from the leach liquors were 94.2, 93.0, and 97.7 for Pd(II) and 91.7, 94.0, and 92.5 for Pt(IV), respectively. Acyclic compound 6 did not perform well even though higher ratios of extractant used. Furthermore, the results of reusability testing demonstrated relatively large extractability values obtained for these two metals even after five extraction/stripping cycles.
Coating Dependent In Vitro Biocompatibility of New Fe-Si Nanoparticles
Authors: Balas Mihaela , Dumitrache Florian , Badea Madalina Andreea , Fleaca Claudiu , Badoi Anca , Tanasa Eugenia , Dinischiotu Anca
Published: July 2018

Magnetic nanoparticles offer multiple utilization possibilities in biomedicine. In this context, the interaction with cellular structures and their biological effects need to be understood and controlled for clinical safety. New magnetic nanoparticles containing metallic/carbidic iron and elemental silicon phases were synthesized by laser pyrolysis using Fe(CO)5 vapors and SiH4 gas as Fe and Si precursors, then passivated and coated with biocompatible agents, such as l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na). The resulting magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, EDS, and TEM techniques. To evaluate their biocompatibility, doses ranging from 0–200 µg/mL hybrid Fe-Si nanoparticles were exposed to Caco2 cells for 24 and 72 h. Doses below 50 μg/mL of both l-DOPA and CMC-Na-coated Fe-Si nanoparticles induced no significant changes of cellular viability or membrane integrity. The cellular internalization of nanoparticles was dependent on their dispersion in culture medium and caused some changes of F-actin filaments organization after 72 h. However, reactive oxygen species were generated after exposure to 25 and 50 μg/mL of both Fe-Si nanoparticles types, inducing the increase of intracellular glutathione level and activation of transcription factor Nrf2. At nanoparticles doses below 50 μg/mL, Caco2 cells were able to counteract the oxidative stress by activating the cellular protection mechanisms. We concluded that in vitro biological responses to coated hybrid Fe-Si nanoparticles depended on particle synthesis conditions, surface coating, doses and incubation time.
Carbon Emission Intensity, Economic Development and Energy Factors in 19 G20 Countries: Empirical Analysis Based on a Heterogeneous Panel from 1990 to 2015
Authors: Li Hongze , Li Fengyun , Shi Di , Yu Xinhua , Shen Jianfei
Published: July 2018

The increasing global climate problem caused by excessive carbon emissions results in global carbon emission reduction governance becoming a top priority and requires close international coordination. Group of Twenty (G20) is gradually becoming the leading agency of global carbon emission reduction governance, but the unbalanced development among G20 countries has hindered the full play of G20’s role. Thus, this paper aims to examine the interrelationships among economic development mode, economic development level, and energy factors including energy use efficiency and structure in 19 G20 countries over the period 1990–2015. Considering the panel heterogeneity and the endogeneity of variables, a series of heterogeneous panel analysis techniques are employed in this paper. The empirical findings suggest that for the panel, the improvement of energy use efficiency and the optimization of energy use structure can help to achieve a low-carbon development mode, implying that some international agreements such as the Copenhagen Accord and Paris Agreement on Climate Change are necessary, binding, and effective. However, for individuals, energy factors and development level influence development mode differently across countries, revealing that each country should formulate specific policies that are consistent with its own actual situation. Finally, this paper discusses the role that G20 can play in the global carbon emissions reduction governance, which provides a reference for global low-carbon and sustainable development.
Suivez le guide ! Le tour de France en musique (1852-1870)
Authors: Mayaud Isabelle
Published: July 2018

About the middle of the XIXth century, various agents, in the public as well as in the private field, contribute to determine the area covered by the term “popular songs and poetry” The Fortoul investigation gathers, from that point of view, the most important corpus dealing with the subject. This paper focuses on another group of agents, so far neglected, involved in this public collection. Specialised branch of publication, the printed travel guides give birth to a certain “tourist image” of the “musical France”. Generally considered as the main spreader of regional stereotypes that preexisted, the travel guides are considered here as contributing to the framing of the national heritage.
Completing the Data Pipeline: Collections Data Use in Research, Education and Outreach
Authors: Nelson Gil , Phillips Molly , Monfils Anna , MacFadden Bruce , Hogue Gabriela
Published: July 2018

Type of Submission: Symposium and Educational Share Fair

Themes: Digitisation and Collections Data, Collections Access and Use, Education, and Science Communications

Full Title: Completing the Data Pipeline: Collections Data Use in Research, Education and Outreach

Short Title: Joint SCNet/BLUE/iDigBio Symposium at SPNHC 2018

Organizers: Gil Nelson, Molly Phillips, Bruce MacFadden, Gabriela Hogue, and Anna Monfils

Sponsors: iDigBio, Small Collections Network (SCNet), and Biodiversity Literacy Litercy in Undergraduate Education (BLUE)

Contact information: Molly Phillips mphillips@flmnh.ufl.edu 352-672-2664 and Gil Nelson gnelson@bio.fsu.edu 850-766-2649

Symposium Abstract

Natural history collections around the world have been digitizing and making their data available online with the support of initiatives like GBIF, iDigBio, and ALA. Collections digitization and mobilization efforts are far from complete, but with hundreds of millions of specimen records now available online, natural history collections can safely claim the distinction of being a source of ‘big data”.

The purpose of this symposium is to highlight the diverse uses of digital collections resources for research, education, and outreach including activities that are currently underway around the globe with special focus on using collections data for: innovative research applications, inspiring outreach initiatives intended for new audiences, and educational resources and programs that are ensuring a new generation of competent collections data users. We anticipate this to be a full day event with up to 20 speakers. We will invite selected speakers to submit abstracts and depend on abstract submissions through the SPNHC abstract submission process.

Educational Share Fair

In addition to the symposium, we propose a one hour roundtable “share fair” session for educational materials. This is an opportunity for participants to get feedback on education or outreach materials that are in development. This differs from the normal SPNHC DemoCamp in both format and focus. During the one hour time period, we will offer two rounds of ten presentations simultaneously. Each presenter will be set up at a round table and be given 25 minutes to present their materials and collect feedback and generate discussion with the participants that sit at their table. These are intended as informal sessions so no AV will be provided, but presenters can bring a laptop and copies of any of their materials to share. Depending on turnout, we could offer 20 unique presentations or repeat the 10 presentation in both sessions to allow participants to give feedback to multiple presenters. We will advertise the share fair broadly through various listservs to generate presenters and participants.
Dancing Tables: Digitizing 11,000 Film-based Slides in Ten Days
Authors: Palmer Lisa
Published: July 2018

How long does it take to digitize 11,000 film-based slides? Converting film to a raster graphic may take a relatively short period of time, but what is needed to prepare for the process, and then once images are digitized, what work is required to push data out for public access? And how much does the entire conversion process cost? A case study of a rapid-capture digitization project at the Smithsonian Institution will be reviewed.

In early 2016, the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) Division of Fishes acquired 10,559 film-based slides from world-renown ichthyologist John (Jack) Randall. The first-generation slides contain images of color patterns of hundreds of fish species with locality information for each specimen written on the cardboard slide mount. When Jack began his photography in the 1960’s, his images were at the forefront of color photography for fishes. He also collected specimens in remote island archipelagos in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, thus many localities were, and continue to be, rare. The species represented on the slide are important to the scientific community, and the collection event data written on the slide mount makes the image and its metadata an invaluable package of information. Upon receipt of Jack’s significant donation, the Division of Fishes received multiple requests from ichthyologists for digital access to the slides. The Division of Fishes immediately implemented a plan to digitally capture data.

With many rapid-capture projects at the Smithsonian, the objects and specimens are digitized, and then at some later point, any associated data is transcribed. The Division approached this project differently in that the Randall collection was relatively small, and Smithsonian staff, primarily interns, were available to transcribe data before image conversion. Post-production work included hiring two contractors to import images and associated metadata into NMNH’s collections management system. This presentation will review our processes before, during, and after data conversion. Workflows include transcribing handwritten data, staging and digitizing film, and importing data into the EMu client as well as using redundancies to ensure quality of data.
Evaluation d’un dispositif d’aide au développement du langage dans des multi-accueils municipaux. Discussion d’une absence d’effet
Authors: Nocus Isabelle , Florin Agnès , Guimard Philippe , Lacroix Florence , Lainé Aurélie
Published: July 2018

Cette étude mesure l’impact d’un dispositif d’aide au développement du langage appliqué en multi-accueils (MAPE) sur l’acquisition de compétences langagières des enfants de plus de 20 mois. 181 enfants issus de 4 MAPE qui participent au dispositif et 113 enfants accueillis dans 4 MAPE non impliqués dans celui-ci ont été comparés à l’aide de mesures directes et indirectes de leur langage en début et fin d’année de MAPE. Les résultats concluent que le dispositif n’a pas permis d’améliorer significativement les compétences langagières. Plusieurs interprétations sont proposées, certaines tenant aux pratiques des professionnels, d’autres aux enfants et à leur développement.
Les nouvelles frontières de l’économie
Authors: Lamy Pascal
Published: July 2018

Dans l’ordre économique, les anciennes frontières s’estompent. Mais de nouvelles formes d’obstacles à l’échange apparaissent qu’il sera plus difficile de réduire, tandis que de brusques retours en arrière pour des raisons politiques demeurent possibles quoique peu probables.
Insomnia: Will Medication Bring Rest?
Authors: Limandri Barbara J.
Published: July 2018

Acute and chronic insomnia are common and difficult clinical problems that contribute to and are consequences of other mental and physical health problems. It is tempting to treat insomnia with medications for rapid relief; however, these medications have significant side effects that add health burden and may cause tolerance and dependency. First-line treatment for insomnia is cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I); however, this is less frequently prescribed than benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic agents. Prudent primary care and mental health clinicians should screen for insomnia using valid and reliable tools when clients report sleep difficulties. When screening is positive, further assessment with a sleep diary is warranted. The primary treatment for insomnia is CBT-I, and pharmacological treatment may provide temporary support for no more than 2 to 4 weeks. Non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agents, histamine blocking medications, dual orexin receptor antagonists, and over-the-counter herbal supplements may serve as adjuncts. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56
(7), 9–14.]
Resilience in Baccalaureate Nursing Students: An Exploration
Authors: Lekan Deborah A. , Ward Terry D. , Elliott Ashley A.
Published: July 2018

The purpose of the current study was to explore resilience in senior-level baccalaureate nursing students. Twenty-seven participants completed an online questionnaire assessing three stressors that pertained to marriage or divorce, death or loss of family members or close friends, and extreme financial hardship in the past 1 year. Resilience was measured using the 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25) and one open-ended question about the experience of resilience. Mean CD-RISC-25 score was 73.26 (
SD
= 10.7; range = 45 to 96); only 33.3% of the sample was considered resilient (score >80). Qualitative data described academic stressors and support resources for resilience. Study findings underscore the relevance of resilience in nursing students. Nurse educators must help nursing students develop resilience to better prepare them for academic success and ensure a smooth transition into their professional nursing role. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56
(7), 46–55.]
Women's Mental Health After Retirement
Authors: Sheppard Francine Hebert , Wallace Debra C.
Published: July 2018

The aim of the current study was to examine mental health outcomes in retired women and determine whether relationships existed among mental health outcomes, sociodemographic characteristics, and type of retirement (i.e., voluntary or forced). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 80 women ages 55 and older residing in five southeastern states. Women had retired at least part-time from working outside of the home. Sociodemographic variables, diagnosis of depression, diagnosis of cognitive impairment, and health-related quality of life were assessed. Women with forced retirement had worse mental health compared to those who retired voluntarily. Minority women had higher rates of forced retirement compared with White women. Poorer mental health outcomes for women with forced retirement suggest the need for careful consideration of this transition as a socially determined health factor for retired women, especially minority women. Clinicians need to assess women for mental health indicators during the transition to retirement and provide educational and therapeutic resources to promote mental health during the transition from working life to retirement. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56
(7), 37–45.]
Un pasaje autobiográfico en prosa rimada en la obra La forma del mundo de Isaac ibn LaṬif
Authors: González Diéguez Guadalupe
Published: July 2018

Este artículo analiza el pasaje autobiográfico en prosa rimada que constituye el capítulo quinto de la obra La forma del mundo, por el pensador judío del siglo XIII Isaac ibn Laṭif (ca. 1210-ca. 1280). En este pasaje, formulado en primera persona, el autor describe su búsqueda personal de iluminación entre expertos rabínicos tradicionales, aquellos que hoy día llamaríamos «cabalistas» (i.e., «los que han entrado en el jardín de las granadas»), y filósofos. Por último, el autor presenta su propia iluminación espiritual como una experiencia casi profética, resultado de su esfuerzo personal de exégesis sobre el texto bíblico.
Estudio y edición de una versión sefardí aljamiada del Ma‘asé Yehudit
Authors: Romeu Ferré Pilar
Published: July 2018

El propósito de esta contribución es presentar la edición crítica de la más antigua versión sefardí aljamiada del Ma‘asé Yehudit que conocemos. Apareció en Constantinopla en 1758 incluida en el libro Lúaḥ areź, publicada por Nisim ben Yoná Aškenaźí. El traductor de esta historia (del hebreo), Yiŝḥac Valero, dice en la portada que la copió en ladino. Efectivamente, la traducción de las numerosas citas bíblicas y de fragmentos de plegarias, lo son al estilo de los ladinamientos aljamiados en boga en la época y en los siglos precedentes. El relato sigue la tradición textual del contenido en la obra Ḥemdat yamim (Esmirna 1731-1732), pero no es literal, lo que después de algunos indicios nos lleva a pensar que se trata de una versión ecléctica, ya que no calca ninguna de las hasta ahora conocidas.
The sufficiency of 6 core sextant prostate biopsy in patients with prostate specific antigen (PSA) values over 20 ng/mL
Authors: Yücel Cem , Budak Salih , Kısa Erdem , Celik Orcun , Kozacıoglu Zafer
Published: July 2018

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate sufficiency of 6 core prostate biopsy in patients with PSA levels elevated above 20 ng/mL. Materials and methods: The medical record of the patients who received prostate biopsy at our institution between August 2011 to August 2016 who had serum total PSA values above 20 ng/mL, were reviewed retrospectively. In this study, we included 40 patients who received 6 core prostate biopsy and 40 patients who received 12 core prostate biopsy. A total number of 80 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups, a 6 core biopsy group and a 12 core biopsy group. These groups are compared according to age, total PSA, prostate volume and final pathological diagnosis.Results: Based on final pathological diagnosis, 2 patients (5%) had benign pathology and 38 patients (95%) had PCa in both group 1 and 2. The cancer detection rate in both groups was 95%. Although there were higher values of mean age, mean total PSA, and mean prostate volume in group 1, there was no statistically significantly difference at this variables in both groups. Conclusion: Although taking 6 core biopsies is not recently recommended, we proved that 6 core biopsy is adequate for patients with PSA values above 20 ng/mL.
Clinical comparison between conventional and microdissection testicular sperm extraction for non-obstructive azoospermia: Understanding which treatment works for which patient
Authors: Maglia Elia , Boeri Luca , Fontana Matteo , Gallioli Andrea , De Lorenzis Elisa , Palmisano Franco , Zanetti Stefano , Sampogna Gianluca , Restelli Liliana , Somigliana Edgardo , Serrago Mariapia , Gadda Franco , Montanari Emanuele
Published: July 2018

Objectives: The superiority of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) over conventional TESE (cTESE) for men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is debated. We aimed to compare the sperm retrieval rate (SRR) of mTESE to cTESE and to identify candidates who would most benefit from mTESE in a cohort of Caucasian-European men with primary couple’s infertility. Material and methods: Data from 49 mTESE and 96 cTESE patients were analysed. We collected demographic and clinical data, serum levels of LH, FSH and total testosterone. Patients with abnormal karyotyping were excluded from analysis. Age was categorized according to the median value of 35 years. FSH values were dichotomized according to multiples of the normal range (N) (N and 1.5 N: 1-18 mIU/mL, and > 18 mIU/mL). Testicular histology was recorded for each patient. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses tested the impact of potential predictors on positive SRR in both groups. Results: No differences were found between groups in terms of clinical and hormonal parameters with the exception of FSH values that were higher in mTESE patients (p = 0.004). SRR were comparable between mTESE and cTESE (49.0% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.40). SRRs were significantly higher after mTESE in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) (p = 0.038), in those older than 35 years (p = 0.03) and with FSH >1.5N (p < 0.001), as compared to men submitted to cTESE. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that mTESE was independent predictor of positive SR in patients older than 35 years (p = 0.002) and with FSH > 1.5N (p = 0.018). Moreover, increased FSH levels (p = 0.03) and both SCOS (p = 0.01) and MA histology (p = 0.04) were independent predictors of SRR failure. Conclusions: Microdissection and cTESE showed comparable success rates in our cohort of patients with NOA. mTESE seems beneficial for patients older than 35 years, with high FSH values, or when SCOS can be predicted. Given the high costs associated with the mTESE approach, the identification of candidates most likely to benefit from this procedure is a major clinical need.
Endovascular Management of Intracranial Pial Arteriovenous Fistulas: Experience of Largest Series at a Single Center Over Six Years
Authors: Zenteno Marco , Lee Angel , Satyarthee Guru Dutta , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Intracranial pial fistulas are an extremely uncommon type of vascular pathology consisting of one or multiple arterial connections to a single venous drainage channel without the presence of an intervening nidus. Due to its typical location and high-flow dynamics, its management is diffi cult and options include endovascular treatment and open surgical treatment. The arterial supply of these lesions is usually derived from pial or cortical vessels, and commonly such lesions are not localized in the dura mater. Materials and Methods: Authors report the experience of consecutive ten cases managed at the Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez” of México extending from 2007 to 2012 with endovascular technique, constituting one of the largest series in the Western literature. Discussion: Pial fistulas are associated with a poor natural history, and the selection of individualized therapeutic strategies can provide good outcomes. Conclusion: The neuroendovascular intervention is currently considered as safe, low cost, and effective management modality for such lesions.
Persistent Hypertensive Response Following Dexmedetomidine Infusion in a Patient with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Chavali Siddharth , Singh Shalendra , Kaushal Ashutosh , Khandelwal Ankur , Roy Hirok
Published: July 2018

We report a 19-year-old male patient, an operated case of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for traumatic C5–C6 vertebral injury, who developed persistent hypertension following dexmedetomidine infusion in the Intensive Care Unit to enable tolerance of noninvasive ventilation mask. This unusual side effect should be borne in mind when using this drug in patients with cervical spine injuries.
Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation Associated with a Cyst
Authors: Diyora Batuk , Patil Swapnil , Bhende Bhagyashri , Nayak Naren
Published: July 2018

An 11-year-old child presented with chronic occipital headache and vomiting. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a cystic mass lesion in the right occipital region. Magnetic resonance imaging brain revealed a cystic mass lesion which was hypointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. A mural nodule was noted in the inferolateral wall of the lesion. CT angiography revealed small arteriovenous malformations (AVM) related to the lesion. The AVM associated with the cyst was excised. The patient recovered well. Cystic AVM is a rare vascular lesion, and only five such cases have been reported in the past. AVMs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the brain, especially when associated with a mural nodule.
Prognostic Factors in Elderly Patients with High-grade Gliomas: A Retrospective Analysis of 24 Cases
Authors: Gupta Meenu , Bansal Saurabh , Pruthi Deep Shankar , Saini Manju , Shirazi Nadia , Ahmad Mushtaq
Published: July 2018

Background and Objectives: Due to the aging of the population, diagnosis of high-grade gliomas (HGGs) in the elderly is becoming more common. The purpose of this study was to report our experience in 24 elderly patients with HGGs and evaluate the value of different prognostic factors. Design and Setting: Retrospective analysis of 24 elderly patients of ≥60 years with newly diagnosed HGGs, who were treated at our department between January 2009 and December 2012, was done. Patients and Methods: Age, gender, Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score, extent of surgery, and use of temozolomide were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Survival was determined using the Kaplan–Meier method, and differences were compared using the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify the independent prognostic factors. Results: The median overall survival of the patient cohort was 10 months. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 45.8% and 16.6%, respectively. The analysis revealed that KPS score and use of concomitant chemotherapy were significant prognostic factors. Conclusion: The results of our analyses demonstrate that KPS score and use of concomitant chemotherapy yield encouraging outcomes in elderly patients with HGGs, validating the results published in research papers.
Impact of Spectral Severity of Alcoholism on Visual-Evoked Potentials: A Neuropsychiatric Perspective
Authors: Kothari Ruchi , Khairkar Praveen , Babhulkar Sneh , Bokariya Pradeep
Published: July 2018

Background: The deleterious effects of alcohol on the brain are replete in literature. Only a few neurophysiologic measures can pick up the neuronal dysfunctions, one of them being visual-evoked potential (VEP). A very limited amount of data exists on the progression of neural abnormalities related to the spectral severity of alcoholism. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the impact of spectral severity of alcoholism through VEP and to understand the emergence of any specific pattern or morphometric abnormalities related to alcohol-induced neuropsychiatric presentations. Methodology: A total of 90 cases were recruited in addition to 180 age- and sex-matched controls using purposive and random sampling. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, Clinician Version and Campbell Neuropsychiatric Inventory were used to evaluate alcohol disorders and its neuropsychiatric complications apart from the mandatory consultant-specific clinical evaluations of all the cases. Of 90 cases of alcohol dependence, 15 patients were currently abstinent for >6 months, 15 had alcohol intoxication, 15 had signs of alcohol withdrawal, 15 had physical complications, 15 had psychiatric comorbidity, and 15 had neurological complications such as epilepsy. VEP recordings were taken using an Evoked Potential Recorder (RMS EMG. EP MARK II) where the stimulus configuration consisted of transient pattern-reversal method in which a black and white checkerboard was generated full field. Results: Mean age of cases was 37.71 ± 11.49 years compared to 39.43 ± 10.67 years in controls (range 18–65 years). VEP abnormalities comprising of prolonged latencies (62.5%) with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) from the healthy controls was observed in cases of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Predominant amplitude reduction with normal latency was obtained in 37.5% cases of withdrawal. Severe VEP abnormalities, i.e., both latency delay and amplitude reduction, were found in 75% patients with psychiatric comorbidity, 66.67% patients with neurological complications, i.e., epilepsy, and 33.34% patients with physical complications. An explicit finding of prominent interocular differences was a prominent feature present in 25% of patients with complications.
On minimal Hölder gaps and Shannon entropy balance
Authors: Bomze Immanuel M.
Published: July 2018

When estimating a bilinear form in

x

and

y

by a product of two terms depending solely on

x

or

y

, the well known Hölder inequality which uses the product of a

p

-norm and its dual comes easily into play. However, if one can choose

p

freely, one could reduce this Hölder gap accordingly. This note addresses this elementary but apparently not too popular issue by using strict log-convexity of the

p

-norm in

\frac 1p

(sometimes called Littlewood's inequality). The optimal

p

is characterized by a balance condition on the Shannon entropies of distributions related to

x

and

y

.
Bitangents of non-smooth tropical quartics
Authors: Lee Heejong , Len Yoav
Published: July 2018

We study bitangents of non-smooth tropical plane quartics. Our main result is that with appropriate multiplicities, every such curve has 7 equivalence classes of bitangent lines. Moreover, the multiplicity of bitangent lines varies continuously in families of tropical plane curves.