bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autologous transplantation of ex vivo expanded bone marrow cells grown from small aliquots after high-dose chemotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Stiff Patrick , Chen Bohao , Franklin Wilbur , Oldenberg David , Hsi Eric , Bayer Robert , Shpall Elizabeth , Douville Judy , Mandalam Ramkumar , Malhotra Deepak , Muller Thomas , Armstrong R. Douglas , Smith Alan
Published: October 2019

The collection of small aliquots of bone marrow (BM), followed by ex vivo expansion for autologous transplantation may be less morbid, and more cost-effective, than typical BM or blood stem cell harvesting. Passive elimination of contaminating tumor cells during expansion could reduce reinoculation risks. Nineteen breast cancer patients underwent autotransplants exclusively using ex vivo expanded small aliquot BM cells (900-1200 × 106). BM was expanded in media containing recombinant flt3 ligand, erythropoietin, and PIXY321, using stromal-based perfusion bioreactors for 12 days, and infused after high-dose chemotherapy. Correlations between cell dose and engraftment times were determined, and immunocytochemical tumor cell assays were performed before and after expansion. The median volume of BM expanded was 36.7 mL (range 15.8-87.0). Engraftment of neutrophils greater than 500/μL and platelets greater than 20 000/μL were 16 (13-24) and 24 (19-45) days, respectively; 1 patient had delayed platelet engraftment, even after infusion of back-up BM. Hematopoiesis is maintained at 24 months, despite posttransplant radiotherapy in 18 of the 19 patients. Transplanted CD34+/Lin−(lineage negative) cell dose correlated with neutrophil and platelet engraftment, with patients receiving greater than 2.0 × 105 CD34+/Lin− cells per kilogram, engrafting by day 28. Tumor cells were observed in 1 of the 19 patients before expansion, and in none of the 19 patients after expansion. It is feasible to perform autotransplants solely with BM cells grown ex vivo in perfusion bioreactors from a small aliquot. Engraftment times are similar to those of a typical 1000 to 1500 mL BM autotransplant. If verified, this procedure could reduce the risk of tumor cell reinoculation with autotransplants and may be valuable in settings in which small stem cell doses are available, eg, cord blood transplants.
The effect of antiviral therapy on t(14;18) translocation and immunoglobulin gene rearrangement in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Zuckerman Eli , Zuckerman Tsila , Sahar Dvora , Streichman Sara , Attias Dina , Sabo Edmond , Yeshurun Daniel , Rowe Jacob M.
Published: October 2019

The mechanism of lymphomagenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV)–related B-cell lymphoma is unknown. Recently, it has been suggested that HCV may induce B-cell clonal proliferation and t(14;18) translocation in patients chronically infected with the virus. Thus, this study investigated the effect of antiviral treatment on immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene (IgH) rearrangement and t(14;18) translocation in HCV infected patients. Twenty-nine patients with chronic HCV infection were studied in whom IgH rearrangement and/or t(14;18) translocation were previously detected. The IgH rearrangement (FR3/JH) and t(14;18) translocation (MBR bcl2-JH) were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by polymerase chain reaction. Fifteen of 29 patients (8 with IgH rearrangement, 6 with t(14;18) translocation, and 1 with both) were treated with either interferon-α or by combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin for 6 to 12 months. IgH rearrangement became negative in 7 of 9 treated patients compared with only 1 of 8 of nontreated patients (P < .02). The t(14;18) translocation became negative in 6 of 7 treated patients compared with 1 of 6 nontreated patients (P = .03). Disappearance of IgH rearrangement or t(14;18) translocation was strongly associated with virologic response to treatment. Two t(14;18)+patients developed B-cell lymphoma during follow-up. Antiviral treatment appears to be effective in eliminating the clonal proliferation of B cells in patients with chronic HCV infection and may prevent the subsequent development of lymphoma. The mechanism can be related to a direct effect of interferon-α on the proliferating clone or to an indirect effect by eradicating the antigenic stimulus.
Characterization of Mpl mutants using primary megakaryocyte-lineage cells from mpl−/−mice: a new system for Mpl structure–function studies
Authors: Gaur Meenakshi , Murphy George J. , deSauvage Frederic J. , Leavitt Andrew D.
Published: October 2019

Mpl is the thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor. The current molecular understanding of how Mpl activation stimulates proliferation of megakaryocyte-lineage cells is based largely on the engineered expression of Mpl in nonmegakaryocyte-lineage cell lines. However, the relevance of these findings to Mpl signaling in primary megakaryocyte-lineage cells remains largely unknown. Therefore, a system was developed to study Mpl function in primarympl−/−megakaryocyte-lineage cells. Expressing avian retroviral receptors on the surfaces of mammalian cells overcomes their natural block to avian retroviral infection; 815 bp of human GPIIb regulatory sequence was used to generate transgenic mice with megakaryocyte-lineage expression of the subgroup A avian leukosis virus receptor, TVA. Avian retroviral infection of unfractionated bone marrow from these mice is restricted to megakaryocyte-lineage cells. The transgenic mice were crossed to anmpl−/−background generatingGPIIb-tva+mpl−/−mice. By using avian retroviruses to express wild-type or mutant Mpl on the surfaces of primary megakaryocyte-lineage cells, it was demonstrated that (1) the 10 membrane-proximal, cytoplasmic amino acids of Mpl are required for TPO-induced proliferation; (2) Y582F mutation confers a proliferative advantage over wild-type Mpl and imparts a constitutive anti-apoptotic signal; (3) truncating the 50 C-terminal Mpl amino acids reduces but does not eliminate TPO-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, yet it does not alter the synergistic effect of stem cell factor on TPO-induced proliferation; and (4) TPO-induced proliferation of early, primary megakaryocyte-lineage cells does not require Stat-5 phosphorylation. The system reported provides an improved approach for Mpl structure–function studies, and the method can be applied to any hematopoietic lineage.
Biomarkers of cereal food intake
Authors: Landberg Rikard , Hanhineva Kati , Tuohy Kieran , Garcia-Aloy Mar , Biskup Izabela , Llorach Rafael , Yin Xiaofei , Brennan Lorraine , Kolehmainen Marjukka
Published: October 2019

Background/objectives

Cereal foods are major contributors to the daily energy, protein, and dietary fiber intake all over the world. The role of cereals in human health is dependent on whether they are consumed as refined or whole grain and on cereal species. To unravel the underlying mechanisms of health effects attributed to specific cereal foods and to provide more precise dietary advice, there is a need for improved dietary assessment of whole-grain intake. Dietary biomarkers of specific cereals, different fractions or cereal-containing foods could offer such a possibility. The aim of this review was to summarize the current status on biomarkers of different cereals, fractions, and specific cereal foods.

Subjects and methods

A literature review was conducted and putative biomarkers of different cereals and pseudo-cereals (wheat, oats, rye, barley, rice, and quinoa) as well as for different grain fractions (whole grain, refined grain, bran) and foods were summarized and discussed.

Results

Several putative biomarkers have been suggested for different cereals, due to their unique presence in these grains. Among the biomarkers, odd-numbered alkylresorcinols are the most well-studied and -evaluated biomarkers and reflect whole-grain wheat and rye intake. Even-numbered alkylresorcinols have been suggested to reflect quinoa intake. Recent studies have also highlighted the potential of avenanthramides and avenacosides as specific biomarkers of oat intake, and a set of biomarkers have been suggested to reflect rice bran intake. However, there are yet no specific biomarkers of refined grains. Most biomarker candidates remain to be evaluated in controlled interventions and free-living populations before applied as biomarkers of intake in food and health studies.

Conclusion

Several putative biomarkers of different cereals have been suggested and should be validated in human studies using recently developed food intake biomarker validation criteria.
Growth parameters of Liberibacter crescens suggest ammonium and phosphate as essential molecules in the Liberibacter-plant host interface
Authors: Cruz-Munoz Maritsa , Munoz-Beristain Alam , Petrone Joseph R. , Robinson Matthew A. , Triplett Eric W.
Published: October 2019

Background

Liberibacter crescens is the closest cultured relative of four important uncultured crop pathogens. Candidatus. L. asiaticus, L. americanus, L. africanus cause citrus greening disease, while Ca. L. solanacearum causes potato Zebra chip disease. None of the pathogens grows in axenic culture. L. crescens grows in three media: a BM-7, a serum-free Hi® Grace’s Insect Medium (Hi-GI), and a chemically-defined medium called M15. To date, no optimal growth parameters of the model species L. crescens have been reported. Studying the main growth parameters of L. crescens in axenic culture will give us insights into the lifestyle of the Ca. Liberibacter pathogens.

Results

The evaluation of the growth parameters—pH, aeration, temperature, and buffering capacity—reflects the optimal living conditions of L. crescens. These variables revealed that L. crescens is an aerobic, neutrophilic bacterium, that grows optimally in broth in a pH range of 5.8 to 6.8, in a fully oxygenated environment (250 rpm), at 28 °C, and with monosodium phosphate (10 mM or 11.69 mM) as the preferred buffer for growth. The increase of pH in the external media likely results from the deamination activity within the cell, with the concomitant over-production of ammonium in the external medium.

Conclusion

L. crescens and the Ca. Liberibacter pathogens are metabolically similar and grow in similar environments—the phloem and the gut of their insect vectors. The evaluation of the growth parameters of L. crescens reveals the lifestyle of Liberibacter, elucidating ammonium and phosphate as essential molecules for colonization within the hosts. Ammonium is the main driver of pH modulation by active deamination of amino acids in the L. crescens amino acid rich media. In plants, excess ammonium induces ionic imbalances, oxidative stress, and pH disturbances across cell membranes, causing stunted root and shoot growth and chlorosis—the common symptoms of HLB-disease. Phosphate, which is also present in Ca. L. asiaticus hosts, is the preferred buffer for the growth of L. crescens. The interplay between ammonium, sucrose, potassium (K+), phosphate, nitrate (NO3−), light and other photosynthates might lead to develop better strategies for disease management.
Genomic changes and biochemical alterations of seed protein and oil content in a subset of fast neutron induced soybean mutants
Authors: Islam Nazrul , Stupar Robert M. , Qijian Song , Luthria Devanand L. , Garrett Wesley , Stec Adrian O. , Roessler Jeff , Natarajan Savithiry S.
Published: October 2019

Background

Soybean is subjected to genetic manipulation by breeding, mutation, and transgenic approaches to produce value-added quality traits. Among those genetic approaches, mutagenesis through fast neutrons radiation is intriguing because it yields a variety of mutations, including single/multiple gene deletions and/or duplications. Characterizing the seed composition of the fast neutron mutants and its relationship with gene mutation is useful towards understanding oil and protein traits in soybean.

Results

From a large population of fast neutron mutagenized plants, we selected ten mutants based on a screening of total oil and protein content using near infra-red spectroscopy. These ten mutants were regrown, and the seeds were analyzed for oil by GC-MS, protein profiling by SDS-PAGE and gene mapping by comparative genomic hybridization. The mutant 2R29C14Cladecr233cMN15 (nicknamed in this study as L10) showed higher protein and lower oil content compared to the wild type, followed by three other lines (nicknamed in this study as L03, L05, and L06). We characterized the fatty acid methyl esters profile of the trans-esterified oil and found the presence of five major fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids) at varying proportions among the mutants. Protein profile using SDS-PAGE of the ten mutants did exhibit discernable variation between storage (glycinin and β-conglycinin) and anti-nutritional factor (trypsin inhibitor) proteins. In addition, we physically mapped the position of the gene deletions or duplications in each mutant using comparative genomic hybridization.

Conclusion

Characterization of oil and protein profile in soybean fast neutron mutants will assist scientist and breeders to develop new value-added soybeans with improved protein and oil quality traits.
Reducing inappropriate psychotropic drug use in nursing home residents with dementia: protocol for participatory action research in a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial
Authors: Groot Kormelinck Claudia M. , van Teunenbroek Charlotte F. , Kollen Boudewijn J. , Reitsma Margreet , Gerritsen Debby L. , Smalbrugge Martin , Zuidema Sytse U.
Published: October 2019

Background

Psychotropic drugs are often prescribed to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms in nursing home residents with dementia, despite having limited efficacy and considerable side effects. To reduce the inappropriate prescribing of these psychotropic drugs, various non-pharmacological, psychosocial, person-centered, or multidisciplinary interventions are advocated. However, existing multidisciplinary interventions have shown variable effects, with limited effectiveness often resulting from suboptimal implementation. We hypothesize that an effective intervention needs to fit the local situation of a nursing home and that support should be offered during implementation.

Methods

We will embed participatory action research within a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial to study the effects of a tailored intervention and implementation plan to reduce inappropriate psychotropic drug prescribing. Nursing homes will be provided with tailored information about the perceived problems of managing neuropsychiatric symptoms and we will offer coaching support throughout. Alongside the participatory action research, we will perform a process evaluation to examine the quality of the study, the intervention, and the implementation. Our aim is to recruit 600 residents from 16 nursing homes throughout the Netherlands, with measurements taken at baseline, 8 months, and 16 months. Nursing homes will be randomly allocated to an intervention or a deferred intervention group. During each intervention stage, we will provide information about inappropriate psychotropic drug prescribing, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and difficulties in managing neuropsychiatric symptoms through collaboration with each nursing home. After this, a tailored intervention and implementation plan will be written and implemented, guided by a coach. The primary outcome will be the reduction of inappropriate prescribing, as measured by the Appropriate Psychotropic drug use In Dementia index. Secondary outcomes will be the frequency of psychotropic drug use and neuropsychiatric symptoms, plus quality of life. A mixed methods design will be used for the process evaluation. Effects will be assessed using multilevel analyses. The project leader of the nursing home and the coach will complete questionnaires and in-depth interviews.

Discussion

We anticipate that the proposed tailored intervention with coaching will reduce inappropriate psychotropic drug prescribing for nursing home residents with neuropsychiatric symptoms. This study should also provide insights into the barriers to, and facilitators of, implementation.

Trial registration

NTR5872, registered on July 2, 2016.
Daily stress as link between disadvantage and smoking: an ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Jahnel Tina , Ferguson Stuart G. , Shiffman Saul , Schüz Benjamin
Published: October 2019

Background

There is a well-established social gradient in smoking, but little is known about the underlying behavioral mechanisms. Here, we take a social-ecological perspective by examining daily stress experience as a process linking social disadvantage to smoking behavior.

Method

A sample of 194 daily smokers, who were not attempting to quit, recorded their smoking and information about situational and contextual factors for three weeks using an electronic diary. We tested whether socioeconomic disadvantage (indicated by educational attainment, income and race) exerts indirect effects on smoking (cigarettes per day) via daily stress. Stress experience was assessed at the end of each day using Ecological Momentary Assessment methods. Data were analyzed using random effects regression with a lower-level (2-1-1) mediation model.

Results

On the within-person level lower educated and African American smokers reported significantly more daily stress across the monitoring period, which in turn was associated with more smoking. This resulted in a small significant indirect effect of daily stress experience on social disadvantage and smoking when using education and race as indicator for social disadvantage. No such effects were found when for income as indicator for social disadvantage.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the potential for future studies investigating behavioral mechanisms underlying smoking disparities. Such information would aid in the development and improvement of interventions to reduce social inequality in smoking rates and smoking rates in general.
Preliminary insight into horse owners’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, exotic diseases in the United Kingdom
Authors: Spence Kelsey L. , Cardwell Jacqueline M. , Slater Josh , Rosanowski Sarah M.
Published: October 2019

Background

The potential for an exotic disease incursion is a significant concern for the United Kingdom (UK) equine industry. Horse owners’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, exotic diseases can influence decisions to adopt disease preparedness strategies. The objectives of this study were to describe horse owners’ 1) perceptions of the term ‘exotic disease’, and 2) attitudes towards their risk of being affected by an exotic disease. In order to address these objectives, qualitative content analysis was undertaken on data collected using two open-ended survey questions.

Results

Horse owners (n = 423) perceived exotic diseases as 1) belonging somewhere else, and 2) a dangerous threat to their horse(s). The term ‘exotic’ was associated with being foreign, non-native, and out-of-place in the UK. Attitudes towards exotic disease risk were summarised into four categories: 1) responsible horse owners prevent disease, 2) horse owners need support to stop disease spread, 3) risk depends on proximity to the ‘risky’ horse, and 4) some risk is inevitable. A ‘responsible’ owner was aware of health hazards and took actions to protect their horse from disease. Reliance on others, including stakeholders, to uphold disease prevention in the community led to feeling vulnerable to disease threats. When evaluating risk, horse owners considered which horses were the ‘riskiest’ to their horse’s health (horses that travelled, participated in competitions, or were simply unfamiliar) and avoided situations where they could interact. Despite undertaking disease prevention measures, the perceived uncontrollable nature of exotic diseases led some owners to feel an incursion was inevitable.

Conclusions

Without accounting for horse owners’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, exotic diseases, recommendations to increase preparedness may be ineffective. Improved communication among stakeholders in the industry may assist in clarifying expectations for exotic disease-specific prevention measures. A collaborative approach among horse owners and stakeholders is recommended to improve disease preparedness within the industry.
Comparing the burdens of opportunistic infections among patients with systemic rheumatic diseases: a nationally representative cohort study
Authors: Hsu Chung-Yuan , Ko Chi-Hua , Wang Jiun-Ling , Hsu Tsai-Ching , Lin Chun-Yu
Published: October 2019

Objective

To estimate and compare the burdens of opportunistic infections and herpes zoster in real-world practice among patients with various systemic rheumatic diseases.

Methods

This 13-year cohort study used national health insurance data to compare the incidence rates (IRs) of nine opportunistic infections among patients with five rheumatic diseases. The analyses were stratified according to follow-up duration using Poisson regression, and Cox models were used to compare the risk of first opportunistic infection.

Results

During 2000–2013, we identified 76,966 patients who had polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM, 2270 cases), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, 15,961 cases), systemic sclerosis (SSc, 2071 cases), rheumatoid arthritis (RA, 38,355 cases), or primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS, 18,309 cases). The IR of opportunistic infections was highest for PM/DM cases (61.3/1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval [CI] 56.6–66.2), followed by SLE cases (43.1/1000 person-years, 95% CI 41.7–44.5), SSc cases (31.6/1000 person-years, 95% CI 28.3–35.1), RA cases (25.0/1000 person-years, 95% CI 24.4–25.7), and pSS cases (24.1/1000 person-years, 95% CI 23.1–25.2). Multivariable Cox analysis revealed that, relative to SLE, PM/DM was associated with a significantly higher risk of opportunistic infections (hazard ratio 1.18, 95% CI 1.08–1.29). The risk of opportunistic infections was highest during the first year after the diagnosis of all five rheumatic diseases.

Conclusions

The risk of opportunistic infection was highest for PM/DM, followed by SLE, SSc, RA, and pSS. Careful observation and preventive therapy for opportunistic infections may be warranted in selected PM/DM patients, especially during the first year after the diagnosis.
Clinical use of DNA recombinant human growth hormone
Authors: Dedov I. I.
Published: October 2019

The article is devoted to the issue of the clinical use of DNA recombinant human growth hormone.
Pressing problems of dwarfism in children and adolescents: Classification, specificities in the clinical course of the disease variants
Authors: Kasatkina E. P.
Published: October 2019

The article is devoted to the pressing problems of dwarfism in children and adolescents, classification, specificities in the clinical course of the disease variants.
The hypothalamo-hypophyseal system in patients with multinodular colloid euthyroid goiter
Authors: Makarov A. D. , Keda Yu. M. , Kryukova I. V. , Goncharov N. P. , Pankova S. S. , Komolov I. S. , Bazarova E. N. , Artyomova A. M. , Serpukhovitin S. Yu. , Kozlov G. I. , Yanushevich Yu. S.
Published: October 2019

Eighty patients with multinodular colloidal euthyroid goiter were examined. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) test was carried out in 22 patients and 7 healthy women. The results of the test indicate a clear-cut tendency to reduction of hypophyseal TTH reserve in patients with multinodular euthyroid goiter with enlarged thyroid. In other words, clinical diagnosis of an euthyroid condition in the examinees appears to be groundless, particularly in patients with stage IV multinodular euthyroid goiter who may be referred to latent hyperthyrosis group on the basis of TRH test results. Three types of STH reaction were revealed by TRH test in these patients. The authors put forward a hypothesis on STH contribution as a growth factor to the pathogenesis of multinodular colloid euthyroid goiter.
Prolactinaldosterone humoral system in patients with postoperative hypothyrosis and arterial hypertension
Authors: Ustinova S. Ye. , Mychka V. B. , Gerasimov G. A.
Published: October 2019

Clarification of the possible pathogenetic relationship of hypothyroidism and arterial hypertension (AH) is relevant for the clinic in connection with two well-known observations: normalization of blood pressure in such patients on the background of thyroid hormone replacement therapy and the hypotensive effect of thyroid drugs in some patients with essential hypertension. AH, according to various authors, is detected in 10-50% of patients with hypothyroidism.

The literature discusses two possible mechanisms for the formation of hypertension in hypothyroidism: the presence of a volume factor and increased sympathetic activity. With the greatest constancy in such patients suppression of renin activity is detected, in some cases, an increased content of norepinephrine in the blood plasma and increased excretion of it in the urine are determined. Hyperprolactinemia, often observed in hypothyroidism, hyperaldosteronemia, detected in some cases in patients with hypothyroidism and hypertension, are of particular interest in connection with the known data on the inhibitory factor common to both hormones - the dopaminergic activity of the hypothalamus.

Given the general dopaminergic mechanism of regulation of prolactin (PRL) and aldosterone (A), it is logical to assume that the combined hyperproduction of both hormones may be due to a deficiency of dopaminergic activity.

According to our own preliminary observations, hypertension, which has developed or worsened due to postoperative hypothyroidism, is associated with low renin activity, hyperprolactinemia and hyperaldosteronemia, corrected by the dopaminergic receptor agonist - parlodel.

The aim of this work was to study the relationship in the PRL - A system in patients with hypertension that developed after resection of the thyroid gland.
Liberal diets in type I diabetes mellitus (Review of literature and authors’ data)
Authors: Starostina Ye. G. , Galstyan G. R. , Dedov I. I.
Published: October 2019

The treatment options for insulin-dependent (T1DM) and insulin-independent (T2DM) diabetes mellitus are significantly different, although they have a number of common goals (eliminating the symptoms of hyperglycemia, minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia, and preventing micro- and macroangiopathies). The main method for the correction of hyperglycemia in T2DM is the normalization of body weight (BW) with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity. With T1DM, the genesis of which is associated not with excess BW, but with autoimmune death of p-cells and insulin deficiency, insulin replacement therapy is the main treatment method, and dietary restrictions for T1DM patients, according to modern views, are auxiliary and should be prescribed only to the extent in which their insulin therapy is different from the physiological secretion of insulin.

The fundamental principles of traditional diet therapy for T1DM have been critically reviewed in recent years. The most important requirement of traditional dietetics is the so-called "calorie balance"; hence, with an excess BW, a hypocaloric diet is usually recommended, with a deficiency of BW, a diet with a high calorie content, and with normal BW, one that guarantees the maintenance of BW. However, it has recently been proven that with normal BW, the lowest rates of morbidity and mortality are by no means always observed. In contrast, the highest expected life expectancy was found in individuals with relatively small excess BW. Based on this, patients with T1DM are unlikely to strive at all costs for a true "ideal weight". A diet with a reduced number of calories compared to a healthy person with the same physical activity cannot provide a patient with T1DM with a normal weight of sufficient physical performance. A deficiency of carbohydrates leads to an insufficient supply of energy to the body. In adults, this is manifested by a decrease in working capacity, in children - by a lag in physical development. In addition, insufficient intake of carbohydrates is accompanied by the emptying of glycogen depots in the liver and an increased risk of hypoglycemia. With a deficiency of carbohydrates, endogenous fats begin to be consumed as an energy source, which leads to acetonuria.
Experience gained with application of the all-european program “DIABCARE”: summing up the studies and treatment of diabetics in Novosibirsk
Authors: Zhuk Ye. A. , Galenok V. A. , Selezneva N. I. , Anisimova T. A. , Mefodyeva T. A.
Published: October 2019

Analysis of clinical features of type I diabetes mellitus and of the status of health services using the chart of Diabcare, an All-European Program, demonstrated that the system of following up such patients is to be altered. The infrastructure of medicare is to be changed, schools are to be set up for training diabetics, diabetological centers organized, patients be provided for with means of automonitoring, and insulin supply be stable.
Myocardial involvement in diabetes mellitus: echocardiography data
Authors: Sokolov Ye. I. , Zayev A. P. , Olkha R. P. , Morozova T. P. , Zhizhina S. A. , Korolevskaya L. I.
Published: October 2019

Echocardiographic parameters of the central and intracardiac hemodynamics were analyzed in 67 patients with compensated diabetes mellitus of types I and II of 2 to 6 years standing. The control group consisted of 30 subjects. The increase of the minute volume, stroke volume, specific power of the left ventricle, and reduction of total peripheral resistance were revealed in both groups of patients. These shifts are characteristic of a hyperkinetic type of central hemodynamics. The hyperdynamic syndrome was due to left-ventricular hypertrophy in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes and due to increased heart rate and the rate of circulatory shortening of myocardial fibers in patients with the insulin-dependent condition. Impaired diastolic function presenting as an increase of the end diastolic volume and a reduced rate of relaxation of the left-ventricular posterior wall myocardium were observed in all the patients, no matter what the type of the condition. The above shifts are predictors of a reduction of myocardial contractility, responsible for the grave and atypical course of coronary disease in diabetics.
Craniopharyngioma in children: accelerated growth phenomenon after surgery for somatotropic hormone insufficiency
Authors: Mazerkina N. A. , Tyulpakov A. N. , Gorelyshev S. K. , Peterkova V. A. , Bulatov A. A. , Yelizarova G. P. , Goncharov N. P. , Kolesnikova G. S. , Pankova S. S.
Published: October 2019

Thirty-two children with craniopharyngiomas aged 3.6 to 18.9 were examined. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 16 children treated conservatively and group 2 of 16 children subjected to radical surgery. No release of growth hormone in response to clonidine stimulation (no more than 4,5 ng/ml) was observed in both groups; growth hormone release in response to administration of growth hormone releasing factor was reliably (p=0.003) higher in group 1 than in group 2 (7.5 3.9 and 2,5 5.1 ng/ml, respectively). At the same time, growth SDS was closer to the norm in group 2 than in group 1 (-1.27 1.3 and - 2.04 1.4, respectively), and growth rate in 8 out of 12 children in group 2, despite growth hormone insufficiency, was 6-12 cm/year. Comparison of the levels of serum prolactin in both groups showed no reliable differences, and the standard glucose tolerance test showed a high basal and stimulated level of insulin secretion in 8 children in group 2 and in 1 girl in group 1. The total, area under the curve representing insulin secretion (ACins) was 3016.0 4288.8 IU/l - min in group 1 and 5378.8 + 4511.2 IU/ 1 min in group 2, the correlation between ACins and growth SDS being 0.58 and between ACins and body weight index 0.61. Normal or high growth rate was observed in all the children with hyperinsulinism (ACins over 6000 IU/l min) and in 2 with normal insulin release after surgery, this permitting a conclusion on the principal role of insulin in growth stimulation in the presence of growth hormone insufficiency in these children.
M.I. Neimark, A.P. Kalinin. Anesthesia and Intensive Care in Endocrine Surgery
Authors: Lukiyanchikov V. S.
Published: October 2019

Anesthesia and surgery for endocrine diseases often cause endocrine-metabolic crises and com. Therefore, endocrine surgery is especially close to the goals and methods of anesthesiology and intensive care. This also determines the relevance of this monograph, the key idea of ​​which is that in the surgical treatment of diseases of the endocrine glands, intensive observation and treatment is not an episode, but a constant regimen, which is carried out before the operation, during and after it, and often for life.The originality and high level of the monograph is already evidenced by the 1st chapter. Pituitary surgery is the competence of neurosurgeons and neuroanesthesiologists. To the credit of the authors, when considering these questions, they almost never repeat the classical monograph of A. 3. Manevich and V. I. Salalykin and even supplement it from endocrinological positions.Of course, thyroid surgery remains at the center of endocrine surgery, but the authors exaggerate, considering the surgical method to be the main one in thyroidology. Contrary to themselves, they not only give many routine methods of conservative treatment of thyroid diseases, but also detail conditionally surgical methods such as acupuncture, plasmapheresis, UV and laser therapy.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of the renoretinal syndrome in diabetics
Authors: Balabolkin M. I. , Mamayeva G. G. , Evgrafov V. Yu. , Lyudina L. I. , Bishele N. A.
Published: October 2019

A total of 107 diabetics were examined using general clinical methods, assessment of microalbuminemia, Rehbergs test for renal function, coagulogram, thromboelastogram, lipid spectrum of the serum, and ophthalmological examination. The stages of diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy and degree of the major pathological changes in the retina were found to be in direct correlation. Initial diabetic retinopathy was found to develop earlier than nephropathy in the majority of patients, and preproliferative and proliferative retinopathy was appreciably more incident in the presence of diabetic nephropathy. Changes in the fundus oculi were more expressed in patients with type I diabetes and nephropathy than in those with type II condition. At the same time, the development of diabetic nephropathy was associated with deterioration of the fundus oculi parameters only in diabetics with type II condition, whereas in those with type I disease it influenced only the number of microaneurysms. The progress of diabetic nephropathy with increase of proteinuria may be caused by such risk factors as microcirculatory disorders and changes in the lipid spectrum of the blood serum.
TAFSIR PROGRESIF ATAS KISAH-KISAH DALAM AL-QUR’AN KARYA EKO PRASETYO
Authors: Rabbany T Al-Faiz M , Abror Indal
Published: October 2019

Kitab Pembebasan is Eko Prasetyo’s first work in the field of interpretation contains the stories of prophets and friends in the Qur'an. For him, the stories of the prophets no longer have the power to change circumstances, then progressive logic brings Eko to an interpretation of the stories of the prophet to the surrounding social problems. When many commentators who interpret the Quran relate to the social community, then interpreting the Quran leads to social criticism being unique to discuss. So this paper is focused on discussing social criticism in the Book of Liberation. In this paper, there are indications of the content of social criticism Eko Prasetyo then grouped them into five fields, namely economics, religion, education, politics and society. Then explained based on the theme specifically. Then develop social criticism based on each theme. Among them is a criticism of the economic system of capitalism, interpretation of the meaning of Satan, tyranny, seditious and idolatrous, religious and financiers, criticism of Suharto and the New Order, the case of the murderous activist Salim deer. Also, Eko's other works were reviewed to develop his criticisms. The interpretation for Eko through the Book of Liberation is the contextualization of the problems that occur around him, Eko does not care about the interpretation of the interpretation, because for Eko, the Qur'an is a book of movements that must be practiced.Keyword: Eko Prasetyo, Progressive Interpretations, Qissah, al-Qur’an
Comparative Review of Artificial Light Sources for Solar-Thermal Biomass Conversion Research Applications
Authors: Sobek Szymon , Werle Sebastian
Published: October 2019

In recent years solar-thermal methods of waste biomass conversion are promptly gaining on attention. For researchers working in areas that suffer from lack of natural solar power, the choice of proper solar simulator for the study is crucial. Solar simulator consist of artificial light source enclosed in proper housing with optical and cooling system, powered by dedicated power supply. Solar simulators are not only granting independence from external conditions, yet provide possibility of research expand due to tuneable output power and emissive spectrum. Over the years, solar simulators were powered by different types of lamps. Throughout the history, the solar simulators were used mainly in photovoltaic and space research, crystal growth industry, and the material testing. For mentioned purposes, the total thermal output power of simulator was playing secondary role in comparison to urgent need of spectral match, irradiance distribution and beam uniformity with terrestrial or extra-terrestrial sunlight. For thermal applications, solar simulators are facing the challenge of providing high output power, described by high radiant heat flux and high heat flux density over the specified target area. In presented paper the comparison of xenon arc, metal halide lams and tungsten halogen for thermal applications has been presented with emphasis on available thermal power, spectral match with natural sunlight and operational issues. The course of decision taken during the selection of artificial light source for construction of laboratory-scale solar pyrolytic reactor is proposed.
Post-Coagulation Sludge as an Adsorbent of Dyes from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Pieczykolan Barbara , Płonka Izabela
Published: October 2019

The main source of usable water supply in Poland is surface water. The most frequently used methods of surface water treatment are coagulation and filtration processes. During these processes post-coagulation sludge is generated, which is the main waste produced in water treatment plants. This sludge is characterized by an amorphous structure with a strongly developed specific surface, similar to sewage sludge. Dried and crushed post-coagulation sludge was used in the studies as an adsorbent of two acid dyes: Acid Red 18 (AR 18) and Acid Green 16 (AG 16). The most favourable pH of process and contact time as well as sorption isotherm were established. For both dyes the most favourable pH value was equal 2. The tests showed that in the case of AR 18 (180 min) a longer contact time was necessary to reach the equilibrium than for AG 16 (120 min). Moreover, based on the different isotherm two-parameter models, the sorption capacity, type of sorption and energy of sorption were calculated based on linear and non-linear regression. The tests showed that in the case of dye AG 16 monolayer sorption occurred - the analysis showed better fitting the results to Langmuir model. Moreover, for both dyes, physical adsorption took place - it was indicated by the values of parameter 1/n (computed from the Freundlich model).
Characterisation of Municipal Sewage Sludge as a Soil Improver and a Fertilizer Product
Authors: Pöykiö Risto , Watkins Gary , Dahl Olli
Published: October 2019

In this study, we have determined the main important physical and chemical properties of municipal sewage sludge and compared them to the requirements of the Finnish Fertilizer Product Act and Fertilizer Product Decree in order to assess the potential utilization of this by-product as a fertilizer. Except for Hg (1.4 mg/kg d.m.), the total concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cr and As in our sewage sludge were lower that the Finnish maximum permissible heavy metal concentrations for sewage sludge used as a fertilizer products. However, the sewage sludge may be utilized as a soil improver, a growing media or as a fertilizer product in landfill sites (e.g. surface structures) or in other closed industrial areas, because the above mentioned Finnish limit values are not applied at these sites. If the sewage sludge is to be utilized in these kinds of areas, an environmental permit may be needed. According to BCR-extraction, the lowest release potential (solubility) from the sample matrix was observed for sulphur (58.4 %) and the highest for Cd (100 %).
Shot-by-shot stochastic modeling of individual tennis points
Authors: Floyd Calvin Michael , Hoffman Matthew , Fokoue Ernest
Published: October 2019

Individual tennis points evolve over time and space, as each of the two opposing players are constantly reacting and positioning themselves in response to strikes of the ball. However, these reactions are diminished into simple tally statistics such as the amount of winners or unforced errors a player has. In this paper, a new way is proposed to evaluate how an individual tennis point is evolving, by measuring how many points a player can expect from each shot, given who struck the shot and where both players are located. This measurement, named “Expected Shot Value” (ESV), derives from stochastically modeling each shot of individual tennis points. The modeling will take place on multiple resolutions, differentiating between the continuous player movement and discrete events such as strikes occurring and duration of shots ending. Multi-resolution stochastic modeling allows for the incorporation of information-rich spatiotemporal player-tracking data, while allowing for computational tractability on large amounts of data. In addition to estimating ESV, this methodology will be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of specific players, which will have the ability to guide a player’s in-match strategy.
Globalizing Education in Times of Hyper-Nationalism, Rising Authoritarianism, and Shrinking Worldviews
Authors: Darian-Smith Eve
Published: October 2019

With the global political tide pushing increasingly narrow state-framed worldviews there is a retrenchment of how people understand their relational place in, and connection to, the world. This essay argues that precisely because of the rise of hyper-nationalism (and accompanying anti-democratic trends) there is an urgent need to pursue the globalizing of public education and the coproduction of global knowledge more generally. I suggest that the emerging field of Global Studies, which has been gaining ground in the United States and even more so around the world in recent decades, offers a pedagogical pathway to promoting critical interdisciplinary perspectives and fostering equality and respect for others. My basic claim is that Global Studies shares with liberal education a core mission to promote peace in a world of cultural diversity. But in calling for epistemological pluralism – and highlighting the American (western) epistemological underpinnings of the liberal arts that are deeply implicated in colonial histories of racism, oppression and silencing of non-western knowledge – Global Studies also highlights the inherent limitations of liberal education that as a new field of inquiry it seeks to overcome.
Bridging Connectionism and Relational Cognition through Bi-directional Affective-Associative Processing
Authors: Lowe Robert , Almér Alexander , Balkenius Christian
Published: October 2019

Connectionist architectures constitute a popular method for modelling animal associative learning processes in order to glean insights into the formation of cognitive capacities. Such approaches (based on purely feedforward activity) are considered limited in their ability to capture relational cognitive capacities. Pavlovian learning value-based models, being not based purely on fully connected feedforward structure, have demonstrated learning capabilities that often mimic those of ‘higher’ relational cognition. Capturing data using such models often reveals how associative mechanisms can exploit structure in the experimental setting, so that ‘explicit’ relational cognitive capacities are not, in fact, required. On the other hand, models of relational cognition, implemented as neural networks, permit formation and retrieval of relational representations of varying levels of complexity. The flexible processing capacities of such models are, however, are subject to constraints as to how offline relational versus online (real-time, real-world) processing may be mediated. In the current article, we review the potential for building a connectionist-relational cognitive architecture with reference to the representational rank view of cognitive capacity put forward by Halford et al. Through interfacing system 1-like (connectionist/associative learning) and system 2-like (relational-cognition) computations through a bidirectional affective processing approach, continuity between Halford et al’s cognitive systems may be operationalized according to real world/online constraints. By addressing i) and ii) in this manner, this paper puts forward a testable unifying framework for system 1-like and system 2-like cognition.
FRTB – eine unendliche Geschichte mit Happy End?
Authors: Mössinger Carina , Pfingsten Andreas
Published: October 2019

Handelsaktive Kreditinstitute verfolgen aufmerksam die seit 2012 andauernde Überarbeitung des regulatorischen Rahmenwerks zur Eigenmittelunterlegung von Marktpreisrisiken im Handelsbuch durch den Basler Ausschuss für Bankenaufsicht. Durch die zunächst prognostizierten hohen Eigenmittelanstiege im Handelsbuch infolge der Umsetzung des Fundamental Review of the Trading Book (FRTB) sprach sich ein Großteil des Marktes für eine Entschärfung der vom Basler Ausschuss vorgeschlagenen Anforderungen aus, wodurch sich die Finalisierung zunehmend verzögerte. Der Basler Ausschuss ist dieser Forderung des Marktes mit der Veröffentlichung eines erneuten Konsultationspapiers im März 2018 schließlich gefolgt. Die scheinbar unendliche Entwicklungsgeschichte des FRTB soll nun mit der im Januar 2019 veröffentlichten Neufassung des Marktrisikorahmenwerks abgeschlossen werden. Ob die zunächst prognostizierten hohen Eigenmittelanstiege durch die Umsetzung des FRTB tatsächlich eintreten oder ob es doch noch zu einer Entschärfung der Anforderungen und damit zu einem „Happy End“ für Kreditinstitute kommt, soll im Folgenden analysiert sowie anhand eines Beispielportfolios verdeutlicht werden.
Hubungan Ekspansi Jaringan Kantor dan Kinerja Keuangan Terhadap Pertumbuhan Aset Bank Syariah
Authors: Ihsan Dwi Nuraini
Published: October 2019

This study tests Islamic banks in Indonesia for the period 2015 – May 2019 which aims to prove the influence of bank office network expansion and bank financial performance which is proxied by the ratio of CAR, BOPO, NOM and ROA to the growth of Islamic bank assets. The strategy of expanding the bank office network and achieving the performance of Islamic banks will have an impact on the growth of assets owned by the bank. This relationship analysis is basically to examine the extent of the relationship between bank expansion and bank ratios to the growth rate of assets. With a 5% significance level, it is obtained that NOM and ROA do not have a significant effect on asset growth.