bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary hydatidosis of the thyroid gland: A case report
Authors: Sathekge M. M. , Muthuphei M. N. , Mandiwana I.
Published: August 2019

Hydatid disease is caused by the parasitic tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus. This parasite in the larval stage can thrive in many parts of the body, most commonly in the liver and the lungs. Hydatid disease in the head and neck region is rare. An unusual location for hydatid disease in the thyroid gland is presented. The patient did not have other cysts postoperatively. The authors state the diagnostic difficulties caused by the omission of sonography during the diagnostic approach.
Vein of Galen aneurysmal formation
Authors: Corr P. , Sanyika C. , Royston D.
Published: August 2019

No abstract available.
CT features of rupture of the thoracic aorta and subsequent death
Authors: Van Gelderen F. , Packer A. M.
Published: August 2019

No abstract available.
An unusual wig masquerading as calcific neurocysticercosis
Authors: Van Gelderen W. F.C.
Published: August 2019

No abstract available.
A Reciprocidade entre Estrutura (organizacional) e os Agentes (líderes e liderados): um estudo sobre liderança relacional a partir da teoria da estruturação de Giddens
Authors: Lima Gustavo Simão , Carvalho Neto Antonio , Lima Marcelo Simão , Versiani Fernanda
Published: August 2019

Este artigo analisa as influências recíprocas da estrutura organizacional nos líderes e nos liderados e destes enquanto agentes na estrutura organizacional, levando em consideração os construtos das Teorias da Estruturação de Giddens e da Liderança Relacional. O referencial teórico destaca os construtos da teoria da estruturação (ações não/premeditadas; recursividade entre ação humana e estrutura social; dualidade da estrutura; rotinas e regras) e da liderança relacional (que mais se aproxima da teoria da estruturação). Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa que realizou entrevistas semiestruturadas com todos os 32 empregados de empresa do setor de infraestrutura. Os resultados indicam que a organização mudou devido à influência recíproca entre agente (líder-liderado) – estrutura (organização), como em Giddens e também de acordo com os pressupostos da liderança relacional, resultante das capacidades de: provocar mudanças; utilizar regras e recursos disponíveis; enfrentar consequências não premeditadas. Este artigo contribui com lacuna na literatura de liderança ao recorrer à teoria da estruturação.
Modelo de Defasagem Distribuída Polinominal para Teste de Estresse do Sistema Financeiro no Brasil
Authors: Zaniboni Natália Cordeiro , Montini Alessandra de Ávila
Published: August 2019

Este estudo objetiva propor um modelo de defasagem distribuída polinomial para prever a inadimplência do sistema financeiro brasileiro com base em variáveis macroeconômicas. O modelo estima coeficientes que consideram efeitos defasados das variáveis explicativas na inadimplência. Os modelos mais comumente utilizados em testes de estresse (regressão linear, séries temporais e dados em painel) não consideram que a mudança em uma variável tem um efeito distribuído pelos períodos posteriores. O modelo foi estimado para o período de janeiro de 2004 a fevereiro de 2016, em que a inadimplência foi prevista em função de variáveis macroeconômicas relacionadas a taxa de juros, produção industrial, desemprego e o índice Ibovespa de ações. O modelo proposto apresentou menor erro de estimação que os modelos mais comumente utilizados na literatura, indicando que é sua utilização é mais adequada.
Natural sea-salt emissions moderate the climate forcing of anthropogenic nitrate
Authors: Chen Ying , Cheng Yafang , Ma Nan , Wei Chao , Ran Liang , Wolke Ralf , Größ Johannes , Wang Qiaoqiao , Pozzer Andrea , Denier van der Gon Hugo A. C. , Spindler Gerald , Lelieveld Jos , Tegen Ina , Su Hang , Wiedensohler Alfred
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Natural sea-salt aerosols, when interacting with anthropogenic emissions, can enhance the formation of particulate nitrate. This enhancement has been suggested to increase the direct radiative forcing of nitrate, called mass-enhancement effect. Through a size-resolved dynamic mass transfer modelling approach, we show that interactions with sea-salt shift the nitrate from sub- to super-micron sizes (re-distribution effect), and hence lower its efficiency for light extinction and reduce its lifetime. The re-distribution effect overwhelms the mass-enhancement effect and significantly moderates nitrate cooling; e.g., the nitrate associated aerosol optical depth can be reduced by 10–20 % over European polluted regions during a typical sea-salt event, in contrast to an increase by ~ 10 % when only accounting for the mass-enhancement effect. Global model simulations indicate significant re-distribution over coastal and offshore regions world-wide. Our study suggests a strong buffering by natural sea-salt aerosols that reduces the climate forcing of anthropogenic nitrate, which had been expected to dominate the aerosol cooling by the end of the century. Comprehensive considerations of this re-distribution effect foster better understandings of climate change and nitrogen deposition.
Very high stratospheric influence observed in the free troposphere
over the Northern Alps – just a local phenomenon?
Authors: Trickl Thomas , Vogelmann Hannes , Ries Ludwig , Sprenger Michael
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The atmospheric composition is strongly influenced by a change in atmospheric dynamics, which is potentially related to climate change. A prominent example is the doubling of the stratospheric ozone component at the summit station Zugspitze (2962 m a.s.l., Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany) between the mid-seventies and 2005, roughly from 11 ppb to 23 ppb (43 %). Systematic efforts for identifying and quantifying this influence have been made since the late 1990s. Meanwhile, routine lidar measurements of ozone and water vapour carried out at Garmisch-Partenkirchen (German Alps) since 2007, combined with in-situ and radiosonde data and trajectory calculations, have revealed that stratospheric intrusion layers are present on 84 % of the yearly measurement days. At Alpine summit stations the frequency of intrusions exhibits a seasonal cycle with a pronounced summer minimum that is reproduced by the lidar measurements. The summer minimum disappears if one looks at the free troposphere as a whole. The mid- and upper-tropospheric intrusion layers seem to be dominated by very long descent on up to hemispheric scale in an altitude range starting at about 4.5 km a.s.l. Without interfering air flows, these layers remain very dry, typically with RH ≤ 5 % at the centre of the intrusion. Pronounced ozone maxima observed above Garmisch-Partenkirchen have been mostly related to a stratospheric origin rather than to long-range transport from remote boundary layers. Our findings and results for other latitudes seem to support the idea of a rather high contribution of ozone import from the stratosphere to tropospheric ozone.
Aerosol dynamics and gas-particle conversion in dry deposition of inorganic reactive nitrogen in a temperate forest
Authors: Katata Genki , Matsuda Kazuhide , Sorimachi Atsuyuki , Kajino Mizuo , Takagi Kentaro
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Although dry deposition has an impact on nitrogen status in the forest environments, the mechanism for high dry deposition rates of fine nitrate aerosols (NO3-) observed in forests remains unknown and is a potential source of error in chemical transport models. Here we developed a new multi-layer land surface model coupled with dry deposition and aerosol dynamics processes for a temperate mixed forest in Japan. The processes of thermodynamics, kinetics, and dry deposition for mixed inorganic aerosols are modeled by a triple-moment modal method. The new model overall reproduces observed turbulent fluxes above the canopy and vertical micrometeorological profiles, as well as inorganic mass and size-resolved total number concentrations within the canopy. Sensitivity tests revealed that the within-canopy evaporation of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) under dry conditions significantly enhances deposition flux for fine NO3- and NH4+ aerosols, while reducing deposition flux for nitric acid gas (HNO3). A dry deposition scheme coupled with aerosol dynamics may be required to improve the predictive accuracy of chemical transport models for the surface concentration of inorganic reactive nitrogen.
Sources of error in open-path FTIR measurements of N2O and CO2 emitted from agricultural fields
Authors: Lin Cheng-Hsien , Grant Richard H. , Heber Albert J. , Johnston Cliff T.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Open-path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (OP-FTIR) is susceptible to environmental variables which can become sources of errors for gas quantification. In this study, we assessed the effects of water vapour, temperature, path length, and wind speed on the uncertainty of nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations derived from OP-FTIR spectra. The presence of water vapour resulted in underestimating N2O in both lab (−3 %) and field (−12 %) experiments at 30 °C using a classical least squares (CLS) model. Differences in temperature between the sample and reference spectra also underestimated N2O concentrations due to temperature broadening and the increased interferences of water vapour in spectra of wet samples. Changes in path length resulted in a non-linear response of spectra and bias (e.g. N2O and CO2 concentrations were underestimated by 30 % and 7.5 %, respectively, at the optical path of 100-m using CLS models). For N2O quantification, partial least squares (PLS) models were less sensitive than CLS to the influence of water vapour, temperature, and path length, and provided more accurate estimations. Uncertainties in the path-averaged concentrations increased in low wind conditions (
Are seamounts refuge areas for fauna from polymetallic nodule fields?
Authors: Cuvelier Daphne , Ribeiro Pedro A. , Ramalho Sofia P. , Kersken Daniel , Martinez Arbizu Pedro , Colaço Ana
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Seamounts are abundant and prominent features on the deep-sea floor and intersperse with the nodule fields of the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ). There is a particular interest in characterising the fauna inhabiting seamounts in the CCZ because they are the only other ecosystem in the region to provide hard substrata besides the abundant nodules on the soft sediment abyssal plains. It has been hypothesised that seamounts could provide refuge for organisms during deep-sea mining actions or that they could play a role in the (re-)colonisation of the disturbed nodule fields. This hypothesis is tested by analysing video transects in both ecosystems, assessing megafauna composition and abundance. Nine video transects (ROV dives) from two different license areas and one Area of Particular Environmental Interest in the eastern CCZ were analysed. Four of these transects were carried out as exploratory dives on four different seamounts in order to gain first insights in megafauna composition. The five other dives were carried out in the neighbouring nodule fields in the same areas. Variation in community composition observed among and along the video transects was high, with little morphospecies overlap on intra-ecosystem transects. Despite these observations of considerable faunal variations within each ecosystem, differences between seamounts and nodule fields prevailed, showing significantly different species associations characterising them, thus questioning their use as a possible refuge area.
The effect of sediment thermal conductivity on vertical groundwater flux estimates
Authors: Sebok Eva , Müller Sascha
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Vertical sediment temperature profiles are frequently
used to estimate vertical fluid fluxes. In these applications using heat as
a tracer of groundwater flow, the thermal conductivity of saturated
sediments (ke) is often given as a standard literature value and assumed
to have a homogeneous distribution in the vertical space. In this study
vertical sediment temperature profiles were collected in both a high-flux
stream and a low-flux lagoon environment in sand- and peat-covered areas.
ke was measured at the location of each temperature profile at several
depths below the sediment–water interface up to 0.5 m with a measurement
spacing of 0.1 m. In general ke values measured in this study ranged
between 0.55 and 2.96 W m−1 ∘C−1 with an increase
with depth from the sediment–water interface. The effect of using a
vertically homogeneous or heterogeneous distribution of measured ke
values on vertical flux estimates was studied with a steady-state
HydroGeoSphere model. In the high-flux stream environment estimated fluxes
varied between 0.03 and 0.71 m d−1 and in the low-flux lagoon between
0.02 and 0.23 m d−1. We found that using a vertically
heterogeneous distribution of sediment thermal conductivity did not
considerably change the fit between observed and simulated temperature data
compared to a homogeneous distribution of ke. However, depending on the
choice of sediment thermal conductivities, flux estimates decreased by up to
64 % or increased by up to 75 % compared to using a standard ke
sediment thermal conductivity for sand, frequently assumed by previous local
studies. Hence, our study emphasizes the importance of using spatially
distributed thermal properties in heat flux applications in order to obtain
more precise flux estimates.
High accuracy coastal flood mapping for Norway using LiDAR data
Authors: Breili Kristian , Simpson Matthew James Ross , Klokkervold Erlend , Roaldsdotter Ravndal Oda
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Using new high accuracy Light Detection and Ranging elevation data we generate coastal flooding maps for Norway. Thus far, we have mapped ~ 80 % of the coast, for which we currently have data of sufficient accuracy to perform our analysis. Although Norway is generally at low risk from sea-level rise largely owing to its steep topography, the maps presented here show that on local scales, many parts of the coast are potentially vulnerable to flooding. There is a considerable amount of infrastructure at risk along the relatively long and complicated coastline. Nationwide we identify a total area of 400 km2, 105,000 buildings, and 510 km of roads that are at risk of flooding from a 200 year storm-surge event at present. These numbers will increase to 610 km2, 137,000, and 1340 km with projected sea-level rise to 2090 (95th percentile of RCP8.5 as recommended in planning). We find that some of our results are likely biased high owing to erroneous mapping (at least for lower water levels close to the tidal datum which delineates the coastline). A comparison of control points from different terrain types indicates that the elevation model has a root mean square error of 0.26 m and is the largest source of uncertainty in our mapping method. The coastal flooding maps and associated statistics are freely available, and alongside the development of coastal climate services, will help communicate the risks of sea-level rise and storm surge to stakeholders. This will in turn aid coastal management and climate adaption work in Norway.
Brief communication: On calculating the sea-level contribution in
marine ice-sheet models
Authors: Goelzer Heiko , Coulon Violaine , Pattyn Frank , de Boer Bas , van de Wal Roderik
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Estimating the contribution of marine ice sheets to sea-level rise is complicated by ice grounded below sea level that is replaced by ocean water when melted. The common approach is to only consider the ice volume above flotation, defined as the volume of ice to be removed from an ice column to become afloat. With isostatic adjustment of the bedrock and external sea-level forcing, this approach breaks down, because ice volume above flotation can be modified without actual changes of the sea-level contribution. We discuss a consistent and generalised approach for estimating the sea-level contribution from marine ice sheets.
Mediating Role of Work Engagement on the Impact of High Performance Work Practices, Service Recovery Performance and Life Satisfaction in Selected Restaurants in Turkish Republic of North Cyprus
Authors: Mbi Tarkang Mary Madgaline Enow , Yunji Ruth Nange , Alafeshat Rawan
Published: August 2019

Purpose – Drawing from social exchange theory, our study examine Work Engagement as a mediator of the impact of High Performance Work Practices on Service Recovery Performance and Life Satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach – Data obtained from the employees in restaurants in Famagusta region in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Structural Equation Modeling was used as the main instrument analysis to test the propose relationships.Findings – Work Engagement is one of the immediate outcomes of High performance work practices that engenders the performance of employee and effect on Service Recovery Performance and Life Satisfaction. The findings highlight the influence Work Engagement in the intermediate linkage between High performance work practices, Service Recovery Performance and Life Satisfaction.Practical implications – Work Engagement is a critical variable activating customer-contact employees and performance outcomes. As a suggestion, management need to attract and retain customer-contact employees who are energetic, dedicated, and are absorbed by their work.Originality/value – Most studies on service recovery has been done in Western countries, such as Asia and Australia but little known is in the Middle East, so North Cyprus was selected to be surveyed. Furthermore a comprehensive study of High performance work practices, Work Engagement, Service Recovery Performance and Life Satisfaction is yet to be investigated simultaneously in three cities in Turkish Republic of North Cyprus.
Implantes Óseo integrados en Traumatismo Dental: Reporte de un caso
Authors: Mejía G. William Moisés
Published: August 2019

Paciente de género femenino, de 22 años de edad con traumatismo dental en las piezas 12 y 11. Posterior a las evaluaciones de rutina y al diagnosticar la presencia de fracturas verticales y longitudinales por palatino hasta el tercio medio radicular, se le presentó a la paciente las diferentes opciones de tratamiento y esta se decidió por la exodoncia y colocación inmediata de implantes dentales Óseo-integrados. Se realizaron los modelos de estudio y un encerado de diagnóstico (Wax-up) para construir el provisional y la guía quirúrgica. Durante el acto quirúrgico de la exodoncia, se prepararon los alveolos para la colocación de los implantes seleccionados con anticipación. Después se colocó el hueso extraído durante la preparación, se suture y se cemente un provisional. A los 15 días el tejido blando cicatrizó favorablemente, el provisional fue rectificado y recementado con técnica adhesiva en los dientes adyacentes. Los controles clínicos y radiográficos posteriores, indican un pronóstico favorable para Ia total recuperación de la zona afectada.
Seismic earth forces against embedded retaining walls
Authors: Chin C.Y. , Kayser Claudia , Pender Michael
Published: August 2019

This paper provides results from carrying out two-dimensional dynamic finite element analyses to determine the applicability of simple pseudo-static analyses for assessing seismic earth forces acting on embedded cantilever and propped retaining walls appropriate for New Zealand. In particular, this study seeks to determine if the free-field Peak Ground Acceleration (PGAff) commonly used in these pseudo-static analyses can be optimized. The dynamic finite element analyses considered embedded cantilever and propped walls in shallow (Class C) and deep (Class D) soils (NZS 1170.5:2004). Three geographical zones in New Zealand were considered. A total of 946 finite element runs confirmed that optimized seismic coefficients based on fractions of PGAff can be used in pseudo-static analyses to provide moderately conservative estimates of seismic earth forces acting on retaining walls. Seismic earth forces were found to be sensitive to and dependent on wall displacements, geographical zones and soil classes. A reclassification of wall displacement ranges associated with different geographical zones, soil classes and each of the three pseudo-static methods of calculations (Rigid, Stiff and Flexible wall pseudo-static solutions) is presented. The use of different ensembles of acceleration-time histories appropriate for the different geographic zones resulted in significantly different calculated seismic earth forces, confirming the importance of using geographic-specific motions. The recommended location of the total dynamic active force (comprising both static and dynamic forces) for all cases is 0.7H from the top of the wall (where H is the retained soil height).
Quasi-static cyclic testing of emulative cast-in-place connections for Accelerated Bridge Construction in seismic regions
Authors: Mashal Mustafa , White Samuel , Palermo Alessandro
Published: August 2019

This paper presents findings from the first phase of testing at the University of Canterbury on seismic performance of emulative connections for Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) in regions of moderate to high seismicity. Emulative connections between precast concrete elements aim to target similar seismic behaviour as traditional ductile monolithic construction. The emulative solution in this research is called “High Damage Connection” (HDC). HDCs intend to achieve similar levels of seismic performance and ductility in a precast column as that can be expected of a monolithic one. HDC relies on formation of plastic hinges in the precast column during a design level earthquake to emulate monolithic ductile behaviour. Two types of HDCs, the grouted duct connection and member socket connection, were investigated in this research. Four half-scale precast segmental columns were constructed. Two columns featured grouted duct connections as the primary connection type. The other two columns used member socket connections. For a better understanding of the connection response under severe lateral loading, both uniaxial and biaxial testing of the columns was carried out. In this paper, an introduction to each connection type followed by design procedure, detailing considerations and construction methodology are explained in detail. Testing results and observations of seismic performance for each connection are thoroughly presented. The research concludes that High Damage Connections have good potential for ABC in regions of moderate to high seismicity. The connections that were tested achieved good levels of energy dissipation and ductility with similar performance to conventional monolithic connections.
Model BIM na poziomie
Authors: Wasilewski Łukasz
Published: August 2019

Z projektowaniem budowli z wykorzystaniem technologii BIM wiąże się kilka zagadnień, które nie występowały w projektowaniu z wykorzystaniem rysunków płaskich. Jednym z nich jest poziom zaawansowania modelu (ang. Level of Development). Skuteczne wykorzystanie technologii BIM wymaga jego znajomości, a decyzja o użyciu podczas modelowania wybranego poziomu wpływa na możliwość wykorzystania modelu w poszczególnych zadaniach procesów budowlanych. Przedmiotem artykułu jest wpływ różnic w modelach budynku, wynikających z modelowania na wybranym poziomie zaawansowania, na dokładność automatycznie wykonywanego przez oprogramowanie przedmiaru materiałowego. Różnice zostały omówione na zasadzie porównania modeli o różnych stopniach zaawansowania. W artykule omówione zostały również poziomy zaawansowania modelu określone przez American Institute of Architects.
When it comes to teaching and tenure it is time to walk the walk
Authors: Murray Andrew W , O'Dowd Diane K , Impey Chris D
Published: August 2019

Institutions should value teaching and service, and not just research, when considering faculty for promotion and tenure
Perfil sociodemográfico e acadêmico dos estudantes de Turismo em duas universidades públicas no sul do Brasil
Authors: Mello Simone Portella Teixeira de , Borges Gustavo da Rosa , Severo Patrícia Schneider , Becker Luís Felipe Freitas
Published: August 2019

O turismo é uma área do conhecimento atrativa. Muitos jovens veem na profissão de turismólogo ou bacharel em turismo uma oportunidade de ampliar horizontes, conhecer novas culturas, outros idiomas, de emprego e de geração de renda. Este estudo tem como objetivo conhecer o perfil sociodemográfico e acadêmico de alunos da graduação em Turismo no extremo sul do Brasil. Para tanto, realizou-se um estudo descritivo, predominantemente quantitativo, por meio de dados primários junto aos estudantes do curso superior em turismo vinculados à Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) e à Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA - Campus Jaguarão). Elaborou-se um questionário estruturado contendo questões referentes ao gênero, idade, renda familiar, naturalidade, forma de ingresso na universidade, semestre que estão cursando, estágios, trabalho, reprovação em disciplinas, previsão de conclusão e motivos de escolha e possível desistência do curso. O perfil traçado na pesquisa revela, entre outros aspectos, que mulheres jovens são predominantes. Parte dos estudantes são oriundos de escola pública e nasceram na mesma cidade onde estudam atualmente. Predomina aqueles que ingressaram na universidade por ampla concorrência, seguidos por cotistas com renda familiar bruta per capita igual ou inferior a 1,5 salário mínimo e posteriormente o por estudantes do estrato que cursaram integralmente o ensino médio em escolas públicas. De modo geral veem no curso de Turismo novas possibilidades de conhecimento, mas não necessariamente de empregabilidade. Os achados da pesquisa inferem que o ingresso no curso superior parece ser mais atrativo do que vislumbrar o ingresso no curso realmente desejado.
Evidência métrica de construto e invariância fatorial da escala de percepção de suporte organizacional em trabalhadores brasileiros
Authors: Formiga Nilton Soares , Fre Bruna Gonçalves de Oliveira , Fernandes Antonio
Published: August 2019

Os estudos sobre a qualidade da produtividade e inovação na relação indivíduo-organização tem recebido atenção em diversas perspectivas científicas (sociológica, psicológica, educacional, etc.). Mas, nos últimos dez anos, o tema sobre medida psicológica no ambiente do trabalho tem sido uma área muito produtiva, pois, tem o objetivo de mensurar dado fenômeno e seus impactos no âmbito individual e coletivo no ambiente de trabalho. Das muitas medidas administradas na área do trabalho e da organização, a escala de suporte organizacional é uma das mais promissoras, pois, avalia o quanto a empresa, na percepção do empregado, reconhece e valoriza sua atuação profissional. A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo verificar a qualidade psicométrica da estrutura fatorial da escala de percepção do suporte organizacional em trabalhadores. Para a realização dos estudos, duas amostras foram coletadas: a primeira, com 200 trabalhadores brasileiros, homens e mulheres, acima de 18 anos, do setor publico e privada do trabalho, destinada a análise exploratória; na segunda amostra, 201 trabalhadores, com mesmas características sociodemográficas da primeira amostra, a qual, destinou-se para análise confirmatória. Todos responderam, através do e-mail ou rede social, a Escala de Percepção de Suporte Organizacional (EPSO) e questões relativas aos dados sociodemográficos e profissionais. Os resultados na análise exploratória e confirmatória da medida EPSO revelaram uma organização fatorial reduzida com cinco itens e não nove itens, como vem sendo utilizado, estes, contemplaram itens que focaram mais nas questões positivas (de base social e humana) do comportamento organizacional.
Biochemical and Histological Changes Associated with Azo Food Dye (Tartrazine) in Male Albino Rats
Authors: Elekima Ibioku , Nwachuku Ogechi Edna , Nduka Nsirim , Nwanjo Harrison Ugo , Ukwukwu Damion
Published: August 2019

Aim: To study the effect of chronic exposure of tartarzine at ADI doses on some biochemical parameters of male albino rats.

Study Design: The design involved chronic study. In the study, the experiment was divided into phase 1, 2, and 3 which lasted for 30, 60 and 90 days respectively. In each phase, 40 rats were used and were divided into treatment and control groups. The treated groups were given 7.5 mg/kg of tartrazine orally on daily basis over the stipulated periods while the control groups were not treated with tartrazine.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria within a period of 12 months (December 2017 – December 2018).

Methodology: At the end of the chronic study, 5mls of whole blood specimens was collected by means of cardiac puncture into Lithium Heparin bottles and fluoride oxalate bottles (for glucose only). The collected specimens were spun, plasma collected and analyzed for glucose, Lipase, AST, ALT, ALP, total protein, albumin and globulin. Renal, hepatic, and pancreatic tissues collected were fixed in 10% formol saline and later examined histologically using H&E stain. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism version 5.03 (San Diego, California, USA).

Results: In the chronic treatment, glucose indicated significant increases after 30, 60, and 90 days of chronic treatment at ADI doses. Urea, AST, and ALT showed significantly higher values after 60 of treatment while creatinine, ALP, total protein, albumin and globulin indicated significantly higher values after 90 days of treatment. However, lipase did not show any significant difference after 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment. Histologically, hepatic distortions such as fatty degeneration, vacuolation, pcynosis, and compression of central vein were seen in the liver section. In the renal section, hyaline cast in proximal tubules, hypercellularity of messengial cells, and inflammation of the glomerulus were observed in the treated rats while the histology of the pancreas indicated mild vacuolation of the islet region. However, the pancreatic ducts and acinar cells were not distorted.

Conclusion: The administration of tartrazine over a period of 30 days at ADI dose did not indicate hepatocellullar and renal derangements as well histological distortions in liver, pancreas and kidneys.  However, after 60 and 90 days, mild hepatocellular, pancreatic, and renal derangements were seen.
Tetranacci and Tetranacci-Lucas Quaternions
Authors: Soykan Yüksel
Published: August 2019

The quaternions form a 4-dimensional Cayley-Dickson algebra. In this paper, we introduce the Tetranacci and Tetranacci-Lucas quaternions. Furthermore, we present some properties of these quaternions and derive relationships between them. We present the generating functions, Binet's formulas and sums formulas of these quaternions. Moreover, we give matrix formulation of Tetranacci and Tetranacci-Lucas quaternions.
Examining Our Laboratory Results Through Participation in Multinational Material Exchange Studies
Authors: Ebughe G. A.
Published: August 2019

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the quality of our tissue processing through participation a multicentre research programme as part of external quality control.

Study Design: A analytical retrospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pathology University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, July 2019.

Methodology: An analytical study reviewing the performance of lymphoma tissue contributed to a Sub-Saharan African Lymphoma consortium study commissioned in 2008/2009 for which results were published in 2012. Twelve formalin fixed paraffin embedded lymphoma tissue were tested with a panel of 40 immunohistochemistry antibodies. The tissues were cut into 480 cores placed on slides before the test.

Results: The tissues were from 5 women and 7 men. The mean age was 37years, median age 45 years and modal age was 60 years. Twenty six percent of the sectioned cores lifted at test and could not therefore produce results. The reason for the lift off was tissue brittleness. Seventy four percent (74%) had intact cores on slides and produced a staining reaction although fragile antibodies like Ki 67 and bcl6 produced non reliable results while hardy antibodies like CD20 were more reliable.

Conclusion: The quality of histopathology biopsy results in the Department of Pathology University of Calabar teaching hospital needs to be improved. The strategies to achieve this involves the institution of continuous quality control and quality assurance.
Obstetric Care Access at Rural and Urban Hospitals in the United States
Authors: Kozhimannil Katy B. , Interrante Julia D. , Carroll Caitlin , Sheffield Emily C. , Fritz Alyssa H. , McGregor Alecia J. , Handley Sara C.
Published: December 2024

This study quantifies losses and gains of obstetric care services at US rural and urban short-term acute care hospitals between 2010 and 2022.
Periarticular Cutaneous Nodules and Symmetric Polyarthralgia With an Insidious Onset
Authors: Sizemore J. Alexander , Selim Maria Angelica , Nicholas Matilda W.
Published: December 2024

A man in his early 50s presented to autoimmune dermatology clinic for 3 years of periarticular nodules on his fingers that were painful with manipulation or minor trauma and symmetric polyarthralgia. What is your diagnosis?
Subtype and Racial Erythema Variation for Cutaneous Lupus Trials
Authors: Xie Lillian , Faden Daniella Forman , Stone Caroline J. , Lopes Almeida Gomes Lais , Feng Rui , Werth Victoria P.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Regulatory guidance and standardization of disease outcome measures are essential to improve cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) trial design and enhance the diversity of trial participants.

Objective

To assess variability in erythema presentation across CLE subtypes and among race and ethnicity groups to determine whether these potential differences affect patient eligibility for erythema trials.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study included 377 patients with CLE enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Database from January 2007 to December 2023. Data analyses were performed from December 2023 to February 2024.

Exposure

Race and CLE subtype.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Mean erythema calculated per the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI)−Activity total score divided by areas affected; then, the result was categorized as pink (1.00-1.49) or red (≥1.50) as surrogate estimates of scores per the Cutaneous Lupus Activity Investigator Global Assessment (CLA-IGA).

Results

The total study cohort included 377 adult patients with CLE (mean [SD; range] age, 45.2 [14.8; 18.4-88.8] years; 305 females [80.9%] and 72 males [19.1%]; 115 Black [30.5%], 228 White [60.5%], 34 patients of other races [9.0%; Asian, multiple races, Native American/Pacific Islander, or unknown], and 11 of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity [2.9%]). The most common CLE subtype was chronic CLE (CCLE), affecting 243 patients (64.5%), followed by subacute CLE (SCLE) in 103 patients (27.3%) and acute CLE (ACLE) in 31 patients (8.2%). Significant differences were observed in average erythema across subtypes, with mean (SD) SCLE of 1.62 (0.39) and hypertrophic CCLE of 1.78 (0.25) as the only subtypes routinely classified as red. Significant differences were also observed by race and ethnicity: mean (SD) erythema score in White patients was red (1.58 [0.45]) more frequently than in Black patients (1.36 [0.40]) and patients of other races (1.30 [0.39]), in whom, on average, it was scored as pink. Importantly, among patients who would meet typical CLASI entry criteria (score ≥8) for clinical trials, erythema in more Black patients than in White patients was classified as pink (42% [96 patients] vs 24% [28 patients]), which suggests exclusion from trial participation when a baseline of red lesions is required.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that using average erythema scores per the CLA-IGA scale imposes substantial limitations on trial eligibility, specifically by race and subtype. Given the critical need to standardize CLE trial outcome measures and increase diverse representation in clinical trials, our findings support the use of the CLASI as the primary scoring tool to determine erythema trial eligibility.
Population Trends and Individual Fluidity of Sexual Identity Among Stockholm County Residents
Authors: Zhang Willi , Tynelius Per , Mathur Maya B. , Quartagno Matteo , Brandén Gunnar , Liljeros Fredrik , Kosidou Kyriaki
Published: December 2024

This survey study examines population trends in sexual identity and patterns of individual sexual identity fluidity in Stockholm County, Sweden, from 2010 to 2021.
Capturing the Full Range of Buprenorphine Treatment Response
Authors: Bailey Allen J. , Votaw Victoria R. , Weiss Roger D. , McHugh R. Kathryn
Published: December 2024

Importance

Reliance on abstinence-based treatment success rules may fail to capture the full continuum of treatment response to buprenorphine plus medical counseling (BUP+MC) for opioid use disorder (OUD).

Objective

To describe patterns of reduction in illicit opioid use of patients both labeled as a success and nonsuccess based on an abstinent-based treatment outcome rule.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study is a secondary data analysis of 4 harmonized randomized clinical trials on BUP+MC for OUD from multiple sites that included 869 patients with OUD. These data were analyzed on April 23, 2024. By week 12, 643 participants of the sample original remained (74%).

Intervention

All studies included patients randomized to BUP+MC or BUP plus enhanced MC (eg, delivered with adjunctive cognitive behavioral therapy).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Weekly self-reported days of illicit opioid use through 12 weeks of treatment. Abstinence was confirmed by urine drug screen.

Results

This study included 869 adults with OUD aged 18 to 69 (mean, 34.2 [SD, 10.45]) years; 287 patients were female (33%), 52 identified as Black (6%), 70 identified Hispanic (8%), 713 identified as White (82%), and 34 identified as other racial groups (4%). Only 377 patients (43%) would have been labeled a success using an abstinence-based success rule. However, the total sample reported a decrease from a mean baseline rate of illicit opioid use nearly every day (6.21 [SD, 1.50] days per week) to a mean of less than 1 day per week at week 12 (0.54 [SD, 1.28]). Importantly, even those who were labeled as nonsuccessful reported a substantial reduction in opioid use from a mean of 6.29 (SD, 1.42) days per week to 1.51 (SD, 1.76) days per week.

Conclusion and Relevance

In this study, about half of patients receiving BUP+MC achieved near complete abstinence; however, many more experienced a partial treatment response characterized by a substantial reduction in illicit opioid use that falls short of abstinence. Future studies are needed to characterize how these reductions are associated with functional and long-term outcomes. Dissemination of BUP+MC as part of standard buprenorphine prescribing practices is an essential next step given the robust average response of this intervention.
A two‐phase epigenome‐wide four‐way gene–smoking interaction study of overall survival for early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Leyi , Wang Xiang , Xie Ning , Zhang Zhongwen , Xu Xiaowen , Xue Maojie , Yang Yuqing , Liu Liya , Su Li , Bjaanæs Maria , Karlsson Anna , Planck Maria , Staaf Johan , Helland Åslaug , Esteller Manel , Christiani David C. , Chen Feng , Zhang Ruyang
Published: December 2024

High‐order interactions associated with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survival may elucidate underlying molecular mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets. Our previous work has identified a three‐way interaction among pack‐year of smoking (the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by the number of years the person has smoked) and two DNA methylation probes (cg05293407TRIM27 and cg00060500KIAA0226). However, whether a four‐way interaction exists remains unclear. Therefore, we adopted a two‐phase design to identify the four‐way gene–smoking interactions by a hill‐climbing strategy on the basis of the previously detected three‐way interaction. One CpG probe, cg16658473SHISA9, was identified with FDR‐q ≤ 0.05 in the discovery phase and P ≤ 0.05 in the validation phase. Meanwhile, the four‐way interaction improved the discrimination ability for the prognostic prediction model, as indicated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for both 3‐ and 5‐year survival. In summary, we identified a four‐way interaction associated with NSCLC survival among pack‐year of smoking, cg05293407TRIM27, cg00060500KIAA0226 and g16658473SHISA9, providing novel insights into the complex mechanisms underlying NSCLC progression.
Evaluation of circulating tumor DNA as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in BRAFV600E mutated colorectal cancer—results from the FIRE‐4.5 study
Authors: Klein‐Scory Susanne , Baraniskin Alexander , Schmiegel Wolff , Mika Thomas , Schroers Roland , Held Swantje , Heinrich Kathrin , Tougeron David , Modest Dominik P. , Schwaner Ingo , Eucker Jan , Pihusch Rudolf , Stauch Martina , Kaiser Florian , Kahl Christoph , Karthaus Meinolf , Müller Christian , Burkart Christof , Stintzing Sebastian , Heinemann Volker
Published: December 2024

The randomized FIRE‐4.5 (AIO KRK0116) trial compared first‐line therapy with FOLFOXIRI (folinic acid, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan) plus either cetuximab or bevacizumab in B‐Raf proto‐oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) V600E‐mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. This study was accompanied by a prospective translational project analyzing cell‐free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in plasma to test whether ctDNA analysis may help to guide clinical treatment decision making. FIRE‐4.5 included mCRC patients with BRAF V600E mutation detected by tissue‐based analyses. Liquid biopsies (LBs) were collected at baseline (pre‐treatment) and during therapy. Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) technology was applied for determination of BRAF mutations and the in vitro diagnostics (IVD)‐certified ONCOBEAM RAS procedure for analysis of RAS mutations. The BRAF V600E variants in ctDNA were analyzable in 66 patients at start of the therapy, at baseline. No BRAF V600E mutations were detected in 26% (17/66) of patients and was associated with a significantly longer progression‐free survival (PFS: 13.2 vs 6.5 months; HR 0.47; P = 0.014) and overall survival (OS: 36.8 vs 13.2 months; HR 0.35; P = 0.02) as compared to ctDNA mutant patients. Patients with detectable BRAF mutations showed a clear superiority of FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab with regard to PFS (10.4 vs 5.7 months; HR 0.4; P = 0.009) and OS (16.6 vs 11.6 months; HR 0.5; P = 0.15), while this was not the case for BRAF wild‐type patients. Follow‐up LBs were obtained from 51 patients. Patients converting from BRAF V600E mutant to a BRAF V600 wild‐type status (36%, N = 18) had a superior PFS (8.6 vs 2.3 months; P = 0.0002) and OS (17.4 vs 5.1 months; P < 0.0001) compared to patients with stable or increased mutational allele frequency (12%, N = 6). Those patients also achieved a significantly greater disease control rate (89% vs 20%; P = 0.008). In conclusion, LB evaluating ctDNA is informative and may help to guide treatment in patients with BRAF V600E‐mutated mCRC.
The Future of Nanomaterials Tackling the Challenge of Delivering Nucleic Acids to the Retina
Authors: Hurst José , Adams Friederike , Schnichels Sven
Published: December 2024

Ocular gene therapy targets eye diseases at the genetic level. Systemic transport of nucleic acids to ocular tissues poses a significant challenge, as the effectiveness of crossing the blood‐retina barrier limits nucleic acid penetration. Therefore, local administration, such as topical, periocular, or intraocular, can improve the outcome of in vivo gene therapy by bypassing the first‐pass effect and minimizing the systemic toxic effects. The eye is an immune‐privileged organ with limited local immune response, making it an ideal candidate for local gene therapy. Ocular gene therapy offers a promising solution for the treatment of a wide range of retinal diseases including age‐related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and Leber congenital amaurosis. Gene therapy enables replacement of mutated genes essential for visual function, delivery of genes expressing neurotrophic factors and anti‐apoptosis factors for retinal degeneration, and delivery of genes expressing anti‐angiogenic proteins for ocular neovascularization. This perspective discusses the potential of nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery to the retina, explores challenges, and evaluates different delivery methods, including non‐viral agents such as liposomes and polymers. These nonviral agents present advantages over traditional viral vectors, showing promise in overcoming limitations and offering a viable option for retinal gene therapy.
Improved Anchoring of Self‐Assembled Monolayer on Hydroxylated NiOx Film Surface for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: He Jinxing , Li Guanlin , Huang Guogen , Luo Zhiyang , Zhang Bingliang , Zhou Hang , Meng Aiyun , Li Shunpu , You Peng , Hu Yunfei
Published: December 2024

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) have significantly improved the device performance of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the inadequate chemical bonding affinity between SAMs and the substrate as well as the uneven SAM distribution can lead to the decrease in device performance. Herein, the study reports a bilayer NiOx hole transport layer (HTL), consisting of ultrathin NiOx buffer film prepared through atomic layer deposition (ALD‐NiOx) and spin‐coated NiOx film (Spin‐NiOx). The work function difference between the two NiOx films will facilitate the hole transfer from the ALD‐NiOx to the Spin‐NiOx in the ALD‐NiOx/Spin‐NiOx bilayer structure. These holes will undergo surface hydroxylation reactions with water molecules on the Spin‐NiOx film surface, generating additional hydroxyl groups covalently bonded to the Spin‐NiOx film, which can provide more anchoring sites for SAM molecules. Stable covalent bonds can be formed between the Spin‐NiOx film and the subsequently coated SAM film. As a result, SAM films with better coverage and molecular arrangement can be obtained. The ALD‐NiOx/Spin‐NiOx/SAM composite HTL also demonstrates superior charge transport capability and thermal stability. For small area PSCs (0.06 cm2) prepared by using the composite HTL, a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.25% is achieved, and the device stabilities are also significantly improved.