bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STIs in sex partners notified for chlamydia exposure: implications for expedited partner therapy
Authors: van Aar Fleur , van Benthem Birgit H B , van den Broek Ingrid V F , Götz Hannelore M
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Expedited partner therapy (EPT) may reduce chlamydia reinfection rates. However, the disadvantages of EPT for chlamydia include missing the opportunity to test for other STIs and unnecessary use of antibiotics among non-infected partners. As part of a larger study that investigated the feasibility of EPT in the Netherlands, we explored the frequency of STI among a potential EPT target population of chlamydia-notified heterosexual men and women attending STI clinics for testing.

Methods

Cross-sectional national STI/HIV surveillance data, which contain information on all consultations at STI clinics, were used to calculate STI positivity rates stratified by chlamydia notification and gender, and proportions of STI that were attributable to clients notified for chlamydia.

Results

Of all consultations in 2015 (n=101 710), 14 445 (14.4%) clients reported to be notified exclusively for chlamydia. Among chlamydia-notified clients, the chlamydia positivity rate was 34.2% (n=4947), and consequently 65.8% (n=9488) of them tested negative for chlamydia. Chlamydia-notified clients contributed to 10.2% of all gonorrhoea infections (n=174/1702) and 10.9% of all infectious syphilis, HIV and/or infectious hepatitis B infections (n=15/173).

Conclusion

Implementing EPT without additional STI testing for all partners of chlamydia-infected index patients implies that STIs other than chlamydia will be missed. Although the chlamydia positivity rate was high among chlamydia-notified partners, two-thirds would unnecessarily use azithromycin. An evaluation of EPT against the current partner treatment strategy is needed to carefully weigh the potential health gains against the potential health losses and to explore the characteristics of EPT-eligible partners.
Movement patterns and home ranges of male and female Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) wintering on the Canadian prairies
Authors: Chang Alexander M. , Wiebe Karen L.
Published: January 2018

Meeting energy requirements during the nonbreeding season is important for many animals and some defend winter territories to secure a food supply. In birds of prey, females, the larger and competitively dominant sex, may monopolize areas with higher prey abundance than males. We thus predicted that female Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758)), which might acquire the high-quality habitats and individuals in better body condition, would be able to persist on smaller home ranges, travel shorter distances, and spend proportionally more time on a home range than males, during the winter. On the prairies in central Saskatchewan, we deployed satellite transmitters on 11 male and 12 female Snowy Owls over two winters. There were no significant differences between the sexes in home-range size or the amount of travelling during the winter months. Mean first home range (95% minimum convex polygon) size was 54.4 km2 for males, 31.9 km2 (estimated marginal means) for females, and 53.8 km2 for the sexes combined. However, within sexes, home-range size was negatively correlated with body condition as predicted. A lack of defense of home-range perimeters against conspecifics could increase variation in home-range size and movement patterns and reduce differences between the sexes.
Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) adjust foraging behaviour in response to migratory moths
Authors: Krauel J.J. , Ratcliffe J.M. , Westbrook J.K. , McCracken G.F.
Published: January 2018

Insect migrations represent large movements of resources across a landscape, which are attractive to predators capable of detecting and catching them. Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis (I. Geoffroy, 1824)) consume migratory noctuid moths, which concentrate in favourable winds resulting in aggregations of prey that attract bats hundreds of metres above ground. Although T. brasiliensis are known to feed on these aggregations of migratory moths, changes in their foraging behaviours have not been linked to moth migration events. We investigated possible shifts in the bats’ foraging behaviours when moths are migrating with respect to altitude and moth abundance. We recorded 1104 echolocation call passes of T. brasiliensis at ground level and at altitudes of ∼100 and ∼200 m above ground level. We found proportionally more bat activity at higher altitudes when migratory moth abundance was high. We also found that bats decreased call frequency and bandwidth and increased call duration at higher altitudes and behaved similarly with increasing moth abundance even at ground level. Our results support predictions that bats change foraging behaviour in response to seasonal availability of migratory moths and document alterations in echolocation call parameters that are consistent with optimizing prey detection.
The influence of Co content on the luminescence properties of Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Guo Shuxia , Jiang Haitao
Published: January 2018

Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized by co-precipitation technique. Photoluminescence spectra change in the range from 350 nm to 600 nm and remain unchanged at about 690 nm with the Co content increase. The UV emission is assigned to exciton emission. The density of band-edge states increases with Co content. The blue emission could be ascribed to the recombination of electrons in Co[Formula: see text] ions and holes in the valence band, whose relative intensity and full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) increase with the increase of cobalt concentration. The red emission results from the intra-d-shell emission at Co, which is independent of Co content. The relative density and energy-level position of green emission centers are also influenced by Co content.
EFT study of critical properties of the mixed spin-2 and spin-3 2 Blume–Capel model on the honeycomb lattice
Authors: Yessoufou R. A. , Karimou M. , Hontinfinde F.
Published: January 2018

We use theoretical and numerical calculations in the framework of the effective-field theory to examine the rigorous effects of the crystal field interactions of the mixed spin-2 and spin-[Formula: see text] Blume–Capel model on the honeycomb lattice in the presence of an external magnetic field. The ground state phase diagram has been constructed. Thermal changes of the order parameters and other thermodynamic quantities of interest and their influence on the phase diagrams of the model have been thoroughly investigated. The system shows very interesting critical properties including continuous and discontinuous phase transitions, tricritical points and compensation temperatures which are revealed in specific ranges of the parameters space. Our numerical findings are compared to those obtained by other methods and reliable agreements are recovered.
CUTTING SELF-SIMILAR SPACE-FILLING SPHERE PACKINGS
Authors: STÄGER D. V. , HERRMANN H. J.
Published: January 2018

Any space-filling packing of spheres can be cut by a plane to obtain a space-filling packing of disks. Here, we deal with space-filling packings generated using inversive geometry leading to exactly self-similar fractal packings. First, we prove that cutting along a random hyperplane leads in general to a packing with a fractal dimension of the one of the uncut packing minus one. Second, we find special cuts which can be constructed themselves by inversive geometry. Such special cuts have specific fractal dimensions, which we demonstrate by cutting a three- and a four-dimensional packing. The increase in the number of found special cuts with respect to a cutoff parameter suggests the existence of infinitely many topologies with distinct fractal dimensions.
Vibration and Buckling Analysis of a Rotating Annular Plate Subjected to a Compressive Centrifugal Body Force
Authors: Yang Y. B. , Kang J. H.
Published: January 2018

The free vibration and buckling of a rotating annular plate with constant angular speed free at the inner edge and fixed at the outer edge subjected to a compressive centrifugal body force are analyzed using the Ritz method. Exact stress components and radial displacement of the rotating annular plate are obtained via the plane elasticity. Convergence studies in the frequencies and the critical buckling angular speed are made up to four significant figures. The natural frequencies and the corresponding mode shapes and the critical buckling angular speeds are presented for the rotating annular plates with various angular speeds and ratios of the inner radius to the outer radius.
Performing Locomotion Tasks in Immersive Computer Games with an Adapted Eye-Tracking Interface
Authors: Vickers Stephen , Istance Howell , Hyrskykari Aulikki
Published: January 2018

Young people with severe physical disabilities may benefit greatly from participating in immersive computer games. In-game tasks can be fun, engaging, educational, and socially interactive. But for those who are unable to use traditional methods of computer input such as a mouse and keyboard, there is a barrier to interaction that they must first overcome. Eye-gaze interaction is one method of input that can potentially achieve the levels of interaction required for these games. How we use eye-gaze or the gaze interaction technique depends upon the task being performed, the individual performing it, and the equipment available. To fully realize the impact of participation in these environments, techniques need to be adapted to the person’s abilities. We describe an approach to designing and adapting a gaze interaction technique to support locomotion, a task central to immersive game playing. This is evaluated by a group of young people with cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. The results show that by adapting the interaction technique, participants are able to significantly improve their in-game character control.
Why Is It Taking So Long to Secure Internet Routing?
Authors: Goldberg Sharon
Published: January 2018

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is the glue that sticks the Internet together, enabling data communications between large networks operated by different organizations. BGP makes Internet communications global by setting up routes for traffic between organizations - for example, from Boston University’s network, through larger ISPs (Internet service providers) such as Level3, Pakistan Telecom, and China Telecom, then on to residential networks such as Comcast or enterprise networks such as Bank of America.
Understanding and Identifying Rhetorical Questions in Social Media
Authors: Ranganath Suhas , Hu Xia , Tang Jiliang , Wang Suhang , Liu Huan
Published: January 2018

Social media provides a platform for seeking information from a large user base. Information seeking in social media, however, occurs simultaneously with users expressing their viewpoints by making statements. Rhetorical questions have the form of a question but serve the function of a statement and are an important tool employed by users to express their viewpoints. Therefore, rhetorical questions might mislead platforms assisting information seeking in social media. It becomes difficult to identify rhetorical questions as they are not syntactically different from other questions. In this article, we develop a framework to identify rhetorical questions by modeling some motivations of the users to post them. We focus on two motivations of the users drawing from linguistic theories to implicitly convey a message and to modify the strength of a statement previously made. We develop a quantitative framework from these motivations to identify rhetorical questions in social media. We evaluate the framework using two datasets of questions posted on a social media platform Twitter and demonstrate its effectiveness in identifying rhetorical questions. This is the first framework, to the best of our knowledge, to model the possible motivations for posting rhetorical questions to identify them on social media platforms.
Technologies for Measuring Pharmacokinetic Profiles
Authors: Heller A.A. , Lockwood S.Y. , Janes T.M. , Spence D.M.
Published: January 2018

The creation of a pharmacokinetic (PK) curve, which follows the plasma concentration of an administered drug as a function of time, is a critical aspect of the drug development process and includes such information as the drug's bioavailability, clearance, and elimination half-life. Prior to a drug of interest gaining clearance for use in human clinical trials, research is performed during the preclinical stages to establish drug safety and dosing metrics from data obtained from the PK studies. Both in vivo animal models and in vitro platforms have limitations in predicting human reaction to a drug due to differences in species and associated simplifications, respectively. As a result, in silico experiments using computer simulation have been implemented to accurately predict PK parameters in human studies. This review assesses these three approaches (in vitro, in vivo, and in silico) when establishing PK parameters and evaluates the potential for in silico studies to be the future gold standard of PK preclinical studies.
Proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, mediated by YAP and TAZ, contributes to liver repair and regeneration after liver ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Konishi Takanori , Schuster Rebecca M. , Lentsch Alex B.
Published: January 2018

Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are key regulators of cell proliferation and organ size; however, their physiological contribution after liver injury has not been fully understood. In this study, we sought to determine the role of YAP and TAZ during liver recovery after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). A murine model of partial (70%) I/R was used to induce liver injury and study the reparative and regenerative response. After liver injury, there was marked activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells. The Hippo pathway components, large tumor suppressor 1 (LATS1) and its adapter protein, Mps one binder 1 (MOB1), were inactivated during liver repair, and YAP and TAZ were activated selectively in hepatic stellate cells. Concurrently, the expression of connective tissue growth factor and survivin, both of which are YAP and TAZ target genes, were upregulated. Hepatic stellate cell expansion and concomitant activation of YAP and TAZ occurred only in the injured liver and were not observed in the nonischemic liver. Treatment of mice with verteporfin, an inhibitor of YAP and TAZ, decreased hepatic stellate cell proliferation, survivin, and cardiac ankyrin repeat protein expression. These changes were associated with a significant decrease in hepatocyte proliferation. The data suggest that liver repair and regeneration after I/R injury are dependent on hepatic stellate cell proliferation, which is mediated by YAP and TAZ.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to assess the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and their role in the reparative and regenerative process. Here we show that the Hippo pathway is inactivated after I/R and that Yes-associated protein/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) activation is detected in HSC. HSC proliferation and expansion are prominent during liver recovery after I/R injury. Inhibition of YAP/TAZ activation with verteporfin reduces HSC proliferation and target gene expression and attenuates hepatocyte proliferation.
The bile acids, deoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid, regulate colonic epithelial wound healing
Authors: Mroz Magdalena S. , Lajczak Natalia K. , Goggins Bridie J. , Keely Simon , Keely Stephen J.
Published: January 2018

The intestinal epithelium constitutes an innate barrier which, upon injury, undergoes self-repair processes known as restitution. Although bile acids are known as important regulators of epithelial function in health and disease, their effects on wound healing processes are not yet clear. Here we set out to investigate the effects of the colonic bile acids, deoxycholic acid (DCA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), on epithelial restitution. Wound healing in T84cell monolayers grown on transparent, permeable supports was assessed over 48 h with or without bile acids. Cell migration was measured in Boyden chambers. mRNA and protein expression were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting. DCA (50–150 µM) significantly inhibited wound closure in cultured epithelial monolayers and attenuated cell migration in Boyden chamber assays. DCA also induced nuclear accumulation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), whereas an FXR agonist, GW4064 (10 µM), inhibited wound closure. Both DCA and GW4064 attenuated the expression of CFTR Cl−channels, whereas inhibition of CFTR activity with either CFTR-inh-172 (10 µM) or GlyH-101 (25 µM) also prevented wound healing. Promoter/reporter assays revealed that FXR-induced downregulation of CFTR is mediated at the transcriptional level. In contrast, UDCA (50–150 µM) enhanced wound healing in vitro and prevented the effects of DCA. Finally, DCA inhibited and UDCA promoted mucosal healing in an in vivo mouse model. In conclusion, these studies suggest bile acids are important regulators of epithelial wound healing and are therefore good targets for development of new drugs to modulate intestinal barrier function in disease treatment.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The secondary bile acid, deoxycholic acid, inhibits colonic epithelial wound healing, an effect which appears to be mediated by activation of the nuclear bile acid receptor, FXR, with subsequent downregulation of CFTR expression and activity. In contrast, ursodeoxycholic acid promotes wound healing, suggesting it may provide an alternative approach to prevent the losses of barrier function that are associated with mucosal inflammation in IBD patients.
No evidence for direct effects of recombinant human erythropoietin on cerebral blood flow and metabolism in healthy humans
Authors: Vestergaard Mark Bitsch , Henriksen Otto Mølby , Lindberg Ulrich , Aachmann-Andersen Niels Jacob , Lisbjerg Kristian , Christensen Søren Just , Olsen Niels Vidiendal , Law Ian , Larsson Henrik Bo Wiberg , Rasmussen Peter
Published: January 2018

Erythropoietin (EPO) is expressed in human brain tissue, but its exact role is unknown. EPO may improve the efficiency of oxidative metabolism and has neuroprotective properties against hypoxic injuries in animal models. We aimed to investigate the effect of recombinant human EPO (rHuEPO) administration on healthy cerebral metabolism in humans during normoxia and during metabolic stress by inhalation of 10% O2hypoxic air. Twenty-four healthy men participated in a two-arm double-blind placebo-controlled trial. rHuEPO was administered as a low dose (5,000 IU) over 4 wk ( n = 12) or as a high dose (500 IU·kg body wt−1·day−1) for three consecutive days ( n = 12). Global cerebral blood flow (CBF) and metabolic rate of glucose (CMRglc) were measured with positron emission tomography. CBF, metabolic rate of oxygen ([Formula: see text]), and cerebral lactate concentration were measured by magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Low-dose treatment increased hemoglobin and was associated with a near-significant decrease in CBF during baseline normoxia. High-dose treatment caused no change in CBF. Neither treatment had an effect on normoxia CMRglc, [Formula: see text], or lactate concentration or an effect on the cerebral metabolic response to inhalation of hypoxic air. In conclusion, the study found no evidence for a direct effect of rHuEPO on cerebral metabolism.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate with magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography that administration of erythropoietin does not have a substantial direct effect on healthy human resting cerebral blood flow or effect on cerebral glucose and oxygen metabolism. Also, administration of erythropoietin did not have a direct effect on the metabolic response to acute hypoxic stress in healthy humans, and a suggested neuroprotective effect from erythropoietin is therefore likely not a direct effect of erythropoietin on cerebral metabolism.
Prior acetaminophen consumption impacts the early adaptive cellular response of human skeletal muscle to resistance exercise
Authors: D’Lugos Andrew C. , Patel Shivam H. , Ormsby Jordan C. , Curtis Donald P. , Fry Christopher S. , Carroll Chad C. , Dickinson Jared M.
Published: January 2018

Resistance exercise (RE) is a powerful stimulus for skeletal muscle adaptation. Previous data demonstrate that cyclooxygenase (COX)-inhibiting drugs alter the cellular mechanisms regulating the adaptive response of skeletal muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prior consumption of the COX inhibitor acetaminophen (APAP) alters the immediate adaptive cellular response in human skeletal muscle after RE. In a double-blinded, randomized, crossover design, healthy young men ( n = 8, 25 ± 1 yr) performed two trials of unilateral knee extension RE (8 sets, 10 reps, 65% max strength). Subjects ingested either APAP (1,000 mg/6 h) or placebo (PLA) for 24 h before RE (final dose consumed immediately after RE). Muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis) were collected at rest and 1 h and 3 h after exercise. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 signaling was assessed through immunoblot and immunohistochemistry, and mRNA expression of myogenic genes was examined via RT-qPCR. At 1 h p-rpS6Ser240/244was increased in both groups but to a greater extent in PLA. At 3 h p-S6K1Thr389was elevated only in PLA. Furthermore, localization of mTOR to the lysosome (LAMP2) in myosin heavy chain (MHC) II fibers increased 3 h after exercise only in PLA. mTOR-LAMP2 colocalization in MHC I fibers was greater in PLA vs. APAP 1 h after exercise. Myostatin mRNA expression was reduced 1 h after exercise only in PLA. MYF6 mRNA expression was increased 1 h and 3 h after exercise only in APAP. APAP consumption appears to alter the early adaptive cellular response of skeletal muscle to RE. These findings further highlight the mechanisms through which COX-inhibiting drugs impact the adaptive response of skeletal muscle to exercise.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The extent to which the cellular reaction to acetaminophen impacts the mechanisms regulating the adaptive response of human skeletal muscle to resistance exercise is not well understood. Consumption of acetaminophen before resistance exercise appears to suppress the early response of mTORC1 activity to acute resistance exercise. These data also demonstrate, for the first time, that resistance exercise elicits fiber type-specific changes in the intracellular colocalization of mTOR with the lysosome in human skeletal muscle.
The Importance of Assessing Nutritional Status to Ensure Optimal Recovery during the Chronic Phase of Stroke
Authors: Serra Monica C.
Published: January 2018

Background. Despite evidence that many of the consequences of stroke that hinder recovery (i.e., obesity, muscle atrophy, and functional declines) have nutritionally modifiable behavior components, little attention has been focused on the significance of nutrition beyond the acute phase of stroke.Objective. This literature review summarizes the evidence for and against the influence of nutrition on optimal recovery and rehabilitation in chronic (>6 months) stroke.Results. The literature, which is mainly limited to cross-sectional studies, suggests that a suboptimal nutritional status, including an excess caloric intake, reduced protein intake, and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly the B-vitamins, vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acids, may have deleterious effects on metabolic, physical, and psychological functioning in chronic stroke survivors.Conclusions. Careful evaluation of dietary intake, especially among those with eating disabilities and preexisting malnutrition, may aid in the identification of individuals at increased nutritional risk through which early intervention may benefit recovery and rehabilitation and prevent further complications after stroke.
Evaluation of Treatment Effect with Paired Failure Times in a Single-Arm Phase II Trial in Oncology
Authors: Texier Matthieu , Rotolo Federico , Ducreux Michel , Bouché Olivier , Pignon Jean-Pierre , Michiels Stefan
Published: January 2018

In early phase clinical trials of cytotoxic drugs in oncology, the efficacy is typically evaluated based on the tumor shrinkage. However, this criterion is not always appropriate for more recent cytostatic agents, and alternative endpoints have been proposed. The growth modulation index (GMI), defined as the ratio between the times to progression in two successive treatment lines, has been proposed for a single-arm phase II trials. The treatment effect is evaluated by estimating the rate of patients having a GMI superior to a given threshold. To estimate this rate, we investigated a parametric method based on the distribution of the times to progression and a nonparametric one based on a midrank estimator. Through simulations, we studied their operating characteristics and the impact of different design parameters (censoring, dependence, and distribution) on them. In these simulations, the nonparametric estimator slightly underestimated the rate and had slightly overconservative confidence intervals in some cases. Conversely, the parametric estimator overestimated the rate and had anticonservative confidence intervals in some cases. The nonparametric method appeared to be more robust to censoring than the parametric one. In conclusion, we recommend the nonparametric method, but the parametric method can be used as a supplementary tool.
Numerical Study of Random Periodic Lipschitz Shadowing of Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Zhan Qingyi , Xie Xiangdong
Published: January 2018

This paper is devoted to a new numerical approach for the possibility of(ω,Lδ)-periodic Lipschitz shadowing of a class of stochastic differential equations. The existence of(ω,Lδ)-periodic Lipschitz shadowing orbits and expression of shadowing distance are established. The numerical implementation approaches to the shadowing distance by the random Romberg algorithm are presented, and the convergence of this method is also proved to be mean-square. This ensures the feasibility of the numerical method. The practical use of these theorems and the associated algorithms is demonstrated in the numerical computations of the(ω,Lδ)-periodic Lipschitz shadowing orbits of the stochastic logistic equation.
Propofol Reversed Hypoxia-Induced Docetaxel Resistance in Prostate Cancer Cells by Preventing Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition by Inhibiting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α
Authors: Qian Jiang , Shen Sheliang , Chen Wei , Chen Nianping
Published: January 2018

Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. Hypoxia-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), driven by hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), is involved in cancer progression and metastasis. The present study was designed to explore the role of propofol in hypoxia-induced resistance of prostate cancer cells to docetaxel. We used the Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation assay to measure cell viability and cell proliferation, respectively, in prostate cancer cell lines. Then, we detected HIF-1α, E-cadherin, and vimentin expression using western blotting. Propofol reversed the hypoxia-induced docetaxel resistance in the prostate cancer cell lines. Propofol not only decreased hypoxia-induced HIF-1α expression, but also reversed hypoxia-induced EMT by suppressing HIF-1α. Furthermore, small interfering RNA–mediated silencing of HIF-1α reversed the hypoxia-induced docetaxel resistance, although there was little change in docetaxel sensitivity between the hypoxia group and propofol group. The induction of hypoxia did not affect E-cadherin and vimentin expression, and under the siRNA knockdown conditions, the effects of propofol were obviated. These data support a role for propofol in regulating EMT in prostate cancer cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that propofol plays an important role in hypoxia-induced docetaxel sensitivity and EMT in prostate cancer cells and that it is a potential drug for overcoming drug resistance in prostate cancer cells via HIF-1α suppression.
Long-Term Consequences of Fetal Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist Exposure
Authors: Wegleiter K. , Waltner-Romen M. , Trawoeger R. , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer U. , Griesmaier E.
Published: January 2018

Fetal angiotensin II receptor antagonist exposure is associated with major complications and even death when administered during pregnancy. Neonates frequently require intensive care treatment, and mortality is high. Despite this well-known risk potential, a considerable number of women still receive angiotensin II receptor antagonists during pregnancy to treat arterial hypertension. Although clinical symptoms in the neonatal period are well described, few reports address long-term follow-up after fetal exposure to angiotensin II receptor antagonists. We here report on a patient who was unwittingly exposed to olmesartan medoxomil during pregnancy. After birth, the neonate presented with mild clinical symptoms, mainly affecting the kidneys. However, neurodevelopmental follow-up revealed a delay in motor development with muscular hypotonia and failure to thrive at age 2 years. This case highlights the fact that, despite not causing neurological symptoms in the neonatal period, fetal angiotensin II receptor antagonist exposure during pregnancy might lead to neurodevelopmental impairment in later life.
Anterior Capsule of the Lens: Comparison of Morphological Properties and Apoptosis Induction following FLACS and Standard Phacoemulsification Surgery
Authors: Pisciotta Alessandra , De Maria Michele , Verdina Tommaso , Fornasari Elisa , de Pol Anto , Cavallini Gian Maria
Published: January 2018

Purpose. Comparative evaluation of morphological features of anterior capsules and apoptosis induction in epithelial cells after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and standard phacoemulsification surgery.Methods. Group 1: 30 FLACS anterior capsulotomies and Group 2: 30 manual anterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexes. All patients were operated on by the same experienced surgeon. Morphological features of the anterior capsules and apoptosis induction in epithelial cells were evaluated.Results. All patients revealed a significant mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement 3 months after surgery, and no major intraoperative nor postoperative complications occurred. The capsular epithelium appeared to be preserved in both groups. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed irregular saw-tooth shaped edges in capsules from Group 1 whereas capsules from Group 2 showed regular and smooth edges. A statistically significant higher expression of the downstream apoptotic effector cleaved caspase 3 was observed in Group 1.Conclusions. The saw-tooth appearance was likely due to the progressive sequence of laser pulses on the capsule. The low energy/high frequency properties of the laser pulse, combined with an overlapped pulse pattern, resulted in highly continuous morphology of capsule edges. The higher apoptosis induction in FLACS group might be due to photodisruption-dependent plasma generation and formation of cavitation bubbles.
Electrical Breakdown Properties of Clay-Based LDPE Blends and Nanocomposites
Authors: Eesaee Mostafa , David Eric , Demarquette Nicole R. , Fabiani Davide
Published: January 2018

Microstructure and electrical breakdown properties of blends and nanocomposites based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) have been discussed. A series of LDPE nanocomposites containing different amount of organomodified montmorillonite (clay) with and without compatibilizer have been prepared by means of melt compounding. Two sets of blends of LDPE with two grades of Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene block copolymers have been prepared to form cocontinuous structure and host the nanoreinforcement. A high degree of dispersion of oriented clay was observed through X-ray diffraction, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. This was confirmed by the solid-like behavior of storage modulus in low frequencies in rheological measurement results. An alteration in the morphology of blends was witnessed upon addition of clay where the transportation phenomenon to the copolymer phase resulted in a downsizing on the domain size of the constituents of the immiscible blends. The AC breakdown strength of nanocomposites significantly increased when clay was incorporated. The partially exfoliated and intercalated clay platelets are believed to distribute the electric stress and prolong the breakdown time by creating a tortuous path for charge carriers. However, the incorporation of clay has been shown to diminish the DC breakdown strength of nanocomposites, mostly due to the thermal instability brought by clay.
Liver Stiffness Measured by Two-Dimensional Shear-Wave Elastography: Prognostic Value after Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Dong Ho , Lee Jeong Min , Yoon Jung-Hwan , Kim Yoon Jun , Lee Jeong-Hoon , Yu Su Jong , Han Joon Koo
Published: January 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the prognostic value of liver stiffness (LS) measured using two-dimensional (2D) shear-wave elastography (SWE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods: The Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study and informed consent was obtained from all patients. A total of 134 patients with up to 3 HCCs ≤5 cm who had undergone pre-procedural 2D-SWE prior to RFA treatment between January 2012 and December 2013 were enrolled. LS values were measured using real-time 2D-SWE before RFA on the procedural day. After a mean follow-up of 33.8 ± 9.9 months, we analyzed the overall survival after RFA using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression model. The optimal cutoff LS value to predict overall survival was determined using the minimal p value approach. Results: During the follow-up period, 22 patients died, and the estimated 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 96.4 and 85.8%, respectively. LS measured by 2D-SWE was found to be a significant predictive factor for overall survival after RFA of HCCs, as was the presence of extrahepatic metastases. As for the optimal cutoff LS value for the prediction of overall survival, it was determined to be 13.3 kPa. In our study, 71 patients had LS values ≥13.3 kPa, and the estimated 3-year overall survival was 76.8% compared to 96.3% in 63 patients with LS values <13.3 kPa. This difference was statistically significant (hazard ratio = 4.30 [1.26-14.7]; p = 0.020). Conclusion: LS values measured by 2D-SWE was a significant predictive factor for overall survival after RFA for HCC.
Clinical and Radiographic Predictors of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Outcome
Authors: Al-Mufti Fawaz , Thabet Ahmad M. , Singh Tarundeep , El-Ghanem Mohammad , Amuluru Krishna , Gandhi Chirag D.
Published: January 2018

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) represents 10-15% of all stroke cases in the US annually. Fewer than 40% of these patients ever reach long-term functional independence, and mortality rate is roughly 40% at 1 month. Due to the high morbidity and mortality rates after ICH, early detection of high-risk patients would be beneficial in directing the management course and goals of care. This review aims to discuss relevant clinical and radiographic characteristics that can serve as predictors of poor prognosis and examine their efficacy in predicting patient outcomes after ICH. Summary: A literature review was conducted on various clinical and radiographic factors. They were examined for their predictive value in relation to ICH outcome. Studies that focused on each of these factors were included, and their results analyzed for trends with regard to incidence, patient outcome, and mortality rate. Key Message: In this review, we examined clinical and radiographic characteristics that have been found to be significantly associated to a varying degree with poor outcome. Clinical and radiographic predictors of poor patient outcome are invaluable when it comes to identifying high-risk patients and triaging accordingly as well as guiding decision-making.
Patient Selection for Transarterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Importance of Benefit/Risk Assessment
Authors: Piscaglia Fabio , Ogasawara Sadahisa
Published: January 2018

Background: Liver cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for most primary liver cancers and most commonly arising from a history of advanced chronic liver disease. Among the available therapies, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the most widely utilized and is considered the first-line treatment recommended for patients staged as intermediate HCC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B). If applied correctly, TACE can produce survival benefits without adversely affecting hepatic functional reserve. Summary: The aim of this nonsystematic review is to evaluate the evidence supporting TACE, with a special interest in intermediate HCC, for which this treatment is recommended in first line. However, intermediate HCC represents a broad and heterogeneous group of patients, not all of whom will benefit from TACE. This review highlights the importance of appropriate patient selection for initial TACE and for retreatment. It also evaluates evidence for the treatment of patients who become refractory to TACE. Some patients may, in fact, benefit from early switch (i.e., after 1 or 2 TACE treatments) to systemic therapies rather than continuing retreatments with TACE in order to preserve liver function, thus allowing sequential first- and second-line drug therapies. Key Messages: Careful assessment of an individual patient's benefit/risk ratio is recommended before any TACE session is considered to ensure optimal long-term outcomes in intermediate HCC.
ПРОБЛЕМНІ ПИТАННЯ ПРОВЕДЕННЯ АНТИРЕТРОВІРУСНОЇ ТЕРАПІЇ У ХВОРИХ НА ВІЛ-ІНФЕКЦІЮ
Authors: Shostakovych-Koretskaya L. R. , Sheveleva O. V. , Volikova O. O. , Lytvyn K. Y. , Kushnerova O. A.
Published: January 2018

Проведений аналіз на основі спостереження та моніторингу 450 хворих на ВІЛ-інфекцію у Дніпропетровському обласному центрі СНІДу, яким було призначено антиретровірусну терапію (АРТ) у 2010 році, на протязі 5 років. Виявлені додаткові фактори та недоліки які можуть впливати на результати АРТ.Матеріали і методи. Під нашим спостереженням в Дніпропетровському обласному центрі СНІДу перебувало 450 хворих, яким була призначена АРТ в 2010р. Спостереження проводилося протягом 5 років.Результати та обговорення. Проведений аналіз на основі спостереження і моніторингу 450 хворих на ВІЛ-інфекцію в Дніпропетровському обласному центрі СНІДу, яким було призначено антиретровірусну терапію (АРТ) в 2010 році, протягом 5 років. Виявлено додаткові чинники і недоліки, які можуть впливати на результати АРТ.Висновки. Більшість хворих початок терапію в терміни до 5 років встановлення діагнозу ВІЛ-інфекція, з яких 51% в стадії СНІД, що свідчить про певні недоліки щодо виявлення хворих на ВІЛ-інфекцію на перших стадіях захворювання, що може призводить до прогресування хвороби і смертності від проявів опортуністичних хвороб та СНІДу.
ОЦІНКА ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЙНИХ ЗАХОДІВ УЧАСНИКАМ АНТИТЕРОРИСТИЧНОЇ ОПЕРАЦІЇ, ЯКІ ОТРИМАЛИ ЧЕРЕПНО-МОЗКОВУ ТРАВМУ
Authors: Storozhuk L. O. , Dovgalyuk T. V. , Grinevich Yu. F. , Veremii L. G.
Published: January 2018

Стаття присвячена дослідженням визначення стану пацієнтів з наслідками черепно-мозкових травм, отриманих в зоні АТО, на етапах медико-соціальної реабілітації.Мета дослідження. Визначення ефективності реабілітаційних заходів, проведених учасникам АТО, які отримали черепно-мозкову травму, в залежності від класу функціональних розладів.Матеріали та методи. Обстежено 62 пацієнти, які знаходились в клініці Науково-дослідного інституту реабілітації інвалідів (НДІ РІ) і мали наслідки мінно-вибухових травм, ЗЧМТ, струсу головного мозку. Пацієнтам було проведено всебічне клінічне та нейропсихологічне обстеження, МРТ або СКТ, транскраніальну допплерографію. Вираженість неврологічних розладів оцінювали за шкалою NIHSS; обмеження життєдіяльності оцінювали за допомогою індексу Бартеля.Результати. За результатами інтеграційної оцінки обмеження життєдіяльності пацієнтів ми отримали 4 функціональні групи, які відрізнялись між собою за наявністю та ступенем важкості неврологічних ознак хвороби, психологічних розладів та супутніх захворювань, що ускладнюють проведення реабілітаційних заходів.Висновки. Результати дослідження показали, що критеріями ефективності медико-соціальної реабілітації пацієнтів, що мають в анамнезі ЧМТ, можуть бути такі чинники, як динаміка зворотного розвитку клінічних синдромів, повсякденна життєдіяльність та спроможність до трудової діяльності.
ДИНАМІКА ІНВАЛІДНОСТІ ХВОРИХ НА ГІПОТИРЕОЗ У ТЕРНОПІЛЬСЬКІЙ ОБЛАСТІ ЗА ПЕРІОД 2013-2015 РР
Authors: Vernigorodsky V. S. , Fetisova N. M. , Vernigorodskaya M. V. , Valentyev R. V. , Malchenko O. V.
Published: January 2018

Гіпотиреоз займає одне з основних місць в структурі ендокринних захворювань. Актуальність проблеми інвалідів внаслідок гіпотиреозу підкреслюється зростанням не тільки первинної, але й набутої інвалідності.Мета. Вивчити особливості динаміки інвалідності внаслідок гіпотиреозу у Тернопільській області за 2013-2015 рр.Матеріали і методи: Досліджувалась медико-експертна документація 692 хворих та інвалідів внаслідок гіпотиреозу, з них 474 – внаслідок післяопераційного гіпотиреозу та 218 – внаслідок ідіопатичного. Проведено аналіз офіційних статистичних даних інвалідності внаслідок гіпотиреозу дорослого працездатного населення.Результати та їх обговорення: Динаміка показника первинної інвалідності серед хворих та інвалідів з післяопераційним гіпотиреозом вагомо покращилась. Показники первинної інвалідності ідіопатичного гіпотиреозу мають негативну динаміку. Крім того вагомо зросла категорія інвалідів І та ІІ груп.Висновки:Враховуючи, що показники повної та часткової реабілітації при ідіопатичному гіпотиреозі залишаються низькими, основним принципом дії щодо інвалідів є їх реабілітація. Рекомендується впровадити в роботу лікувально-профілактичних закладів комплекс реабілітаційних заходів, відновне лікування в реабілітаційних центрах і санаторно-курортних умовах.
Напівемпіричний аналіз взаємодії алкоксипохідних 1,4-бенздіазепіну з ГАМКа-рецептором на підставі даних молекулярного докінгу та фармакологічного ефекту
Authors: Golovenko N. Ya. , Pavlovskiy V. I. , Valivodz I. P. , Larionov V. B.
Published: January 2018

Introduction. Pharmacological spectrum of 1.4-benzodiazepine 3-alkoxy derivatives, in contrast to classical substances, has more prominent analgesic properties, but even among the synthesized and studied molecules there are compounds with different magnitude of this effect.The aim of the study – to evaluate the molecular docking parameters of the theoretically generated structures of 1.4-benzodiazepine alkoxy derivatives with the GABA receptor complex and to compare these data with the pharmacological activity of the synthesized compounds.The molecular docking procedure was carried out using the iGEMDOCK v2.1 program, optimized structures of already synthesized and theoretically designed molecules with differing substituents in the ortho position of the phenyl radical and the "7" position of the condensed system are generated in the Avogadro program (v 1.2.0). The average effective doses of compounds (penthylenetetrazole-induced seizures, 120 mg/kg, subcutaneously 30 min after compounds administration) were studied in white mice.The binding energy of all the generated structures is within the ranges of 81.6–96.8 kcal/mol. Virtual docking data analysis of substituted alkoxy derivatives allows identifying several binding sites inherent for 7-chloro- or 7-bromo-substituted benzodiazepine derivatives. The greatest influence on the binding of chlorine-substituted alkoxy derivatives have regions with a high polarity amino acids (16-23 D) and similar hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity. The contribution of Van der Waals and hydrogen interactions to the total binding energy is determined by the presence of halogen (chlorine or bromine). In penthylenetetrazole-induced seizures test the compounds containing the chlorophenyl substituent in the hetero ring were most active (ED50 (0.42±0.10) μmol/kg for the propyloxy derivative and (0.51±0.17) μmol/kg for the ethyloxy derivative) while for the compounds with the phenyl radical, the ED50 value were much higher (5.1±2.7) μmol/kg and (17.75±1.93) μmol/kg, respectively). The analgesic effect is mainly due to the lkoxy derivatives possibility of binding to a center containing residues of basic amino acids.
Оптимізація аналітичного контролю залишкових кількостей фунгіцидів цифлуфенаміду та дифеноконазолу у воді
Authors: Stavnichenko P. V. , Antonenko A. M. , Vavrinevych O. P. , Stetsenko A. V. , Omelchuk. S. T. , Bardov V. G.
Published: January 2018

Introduction. Annually, the assortment and application rates of pesticides are supplemented with new compounds of various chemical classes. Methods for the determination of active substances in water by the method of gas-liquid chromatography are known to provide for the determination of only one fungicide, which is quite costly. Therefore, it remains an actual goal to develop a method that will simultaneously identify different substances in one sample. Such a technique allows significantly increasing the speed of one definition and reducing the cost of conducting it. Such a method has not only economic but also ecological significance, since it can be effectively used for monitoring environmental studies.The aim of the study – to development a technique for the analytical determination of cyflufenamide and difenoconazole microquantities in water simultaneously.Research Methods. Research includes extraction, concentration and chromatography of prepared water samples. The quantitative determination of cyflufenamide and difenoconazole was carried out by gas-liquid chromatography using an electron-capture detector.Results and Discussion. The best result of active substances extraction from water samples was achieved using chloroform as an extractant. Chromatography conditions were established under which the retention time is: for cyflufenamide – 3.19 minutes; difenoconazole – 12.58 minutes. Limit of the quantification of this method for cyflufenamide is 0.001 mg/dm3, difenoconazole – 0.001 mg/dm3.Conclusions. The conditions for simultaneous determination of cyflufenamide and difenoconazole by the method of gas-liquid chromatography are developed with their simultaneous presence in the water sample, which allows significantly speeding up the analysis and reducing the cost of conducting it.