bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empyema, acute respiratory failure, and septic shock after aspiration of a soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) bone by an adult
Authors: Zhang Gensheng , Yu Yang , Zhang Shufang , Li Na , Xu Hao , Cui Wei
Published: August 2014

Introduction

The common late complications of foreign body aspiration include granulation formation, obstructive pneumonia, and atelectasis. However, a foreign body-induced pleural infection is very rare, and especially when it is not iatrogenic.

Case description

A 64-year-old Chinese man was admitted to our hospital with septic shock and acute respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Computed tomography revealed multiloculated pleural effusion on the whole right side and right lung atelectasis, with enhanced thickening and calcification of pleura and a foreign body in the right intermediate bronchus. The effusion appeared as a cloudy fluid consistent with pus. A bedside bronchoscopy revealed an irregular foreign body lodged in the right intermediate bronchus. The hard bone was removed and confirmed to be a soft-shelled turtle bone. A final diagnosis of foreign body-induced empyema, acute respiratory failure, and septic shock was confirmed. The patient showed good recovery after completing a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics and undergoing chest tube drainage.

Discussion and evaluation

Although empyema has been reported previously as a rare complication of long-term retention of an aspirated foreign body, no case has been observed that was as serious as our current patient. In addition, a foreign body aspiration by a soft-shelled turtle bone was never reported before.

Conclusions

For the first time, we describe the successful treatment of an adult patient presenting with empyema, accompanied by serious conditions of acute respiratory failure and septic shock induced by aspiration of a soft-shelled turtle bone. Clinicians should consider the possibility of non-iatrogenic foreign body-induced empyema with acute onset of respiratory failure, when a patient’s symptoms cannot be attributed to an alternative obvious cause.
Functional Analysis of Novel Genetic Variation in the Thyroid Hormone Activating Type 2 Deiodinase
Authors: Zevenbergen Chantal , Klootwijk Wim , Peeters Robin P. , Medici Marco , de Rijke Yolanda B. , Huisman Sylvia A. , Goeman Henk , Boot Erik , de Kuijper Gerda , de Waal K. Herman , Meima Marcel E. , Larsen P. Reed , Visser Theo J. , Visser W. Edward
Published: August 2014

Context:

Thyroid hormones (TH) are important for normal brain development and abnormal TH regulation in the brain results in neurocognitive impairments. The type 2 deiodinase (D2) is important for local TH control in the brain by generating the active hormone T3 from its precursor T4. Dysfunction of D2 likely results in a neurocognitive phenotype. No mutations in D2 have been reported yet.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to identify D2 mutations in patients with intellectual disability and to test their functional consequences.

Design, Setting, and Patients:

The patients were selected from the multicenter Thyroid Origin of Psychomotor Retardation study, which is a cohort of 946 subjects with unexplained intellectual disability. Based on characteristic serum TH values, the coding region of the DIO2 gene was sequenced in 387 patients. Functional consequences were assessed by in vitro D2 assays or intact cell metabolism studies using cells transfected with wild-type or mutant D2.

Results:

Sequence analysis revealed two heterozygous mutations: c.11T>A (p.L4H) in three subjects and c.305C>T (p.T102I) in one subject. Sequence analysis of family members revealed several carriers, but no segregation was observed with thyroid parameters or neurocognitive phenotype. Extensive tests with different in vitro D2 assays did not show differences between wild-type and mutant D2.

Conclusion:

This study describes the identification and functional consequences of novel genetic variation in TH activating enzyme D2. Family studies and functional tests suggest that these variants do not underlie the neurocognitive impairment. Altogether our data provide evidence of the existence of rare but apparently harmless genetic variants of D2.
A model for creep life prediction of thin tube using strain energy density as a function of stress triaxiality under quasi-static loading employing elastic-creep and elastic-plastic-creep deformation
Authors: Tahir Mahmood , Sangarapillai Kanapathipillai , Mahiuddin Chowdhury
Published: August 2014

This paper demonstrates the application of a new multiaxial creep damage model developed by authors using stress traixiality to predict the failure time of a component made of 0.5% Cr-0.5% Mo-0.25% V low alloy steel. The model employs strain energy density and assumes that the uniaxial strain energy density of a component can be easily calculated and can be converted to multi-axial strain energy density by multiplying it to a function of stress trixiality which is a ratio of mean stress to equivalent stress. For comparison, an elastic-creep and elastic-plastic-creep FEA analysis is performed to get multi-axial strain energy density of the component which is compared with the calculated strain energy density for both cases. The verification and application of the model are demonstrated by applying it to thin tube for which the experimental data are available. The predicted failure times by the model are compared with the experimental results. The results show that the proposed model is capable of predicting failure times of the component made of the above-mentioned material with an accuracy of 4.0%.
Hydromagnetics instability of non-Newtonian Walters' B' viscoelastic rotating fluid in porous medium
Authors: Thirumurugan K. , Vasanthakumari R.
Published: August 2014

The Hydromagnetics instability of non-Newtonian Walters'B' viscoelastic rotating fluid in porous medium is considered. By applying normal mode analysis method, the dispersion relation has been derived and solved analytically. For stationary convection, the Walters'B' viscoelastic fluid behaves like an ordinary (Newtonian) fluid. The magnetic fluid is found to have a stabilizing effect on the thermal convection of Walters'B' fluid in the absence of rotation whereas the medium permeability has a destabilizing effect on the thermal convection of Walters'B' fluid in the absence of rotation, Rotation always has a stabilizing effect. The magnetic field, the medium permeability and rotation introduce oscillatory modes in the systems, which were non-existent in their absence.
The impact of gasoline and synthesized ethanol blends on the emissions of a spark ignition engine
Authors: Kuburi Laminu , Obada David , Samotu Ibraheem , Jeremiah M. , Kashim Zainab
Published: August 2014

Considering pollution problems and the energy crisis today, investigations have been concentrated on lowering the concentration of toxic components in combustion products and decreasing fossil fuel consumption by using renewable alternative fuels. In this work, the effect of ethanol addition to gasoline on the exhaust emissions of a spark ignition engine at various speeds was established. Ethanol was extracted from groundnut seeds using fermentation method. Gasoline was blended with 20 - 80% of the extracted ethanol in an interval of 20%. Results of the engine test indicated that using ethanol-gasoline blended fuels decreased carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions as a result of the lean- burn effects caused by the ethanol, and the carbon dioxide (CO2) emission increased because of a near complete combustion. Finally, the results showed that blending ethanol in a proportion of 40% with gasoline can be used as a supplementary fuel in modern spark ignition engines as it is expected that the engine performs at its optimum in terms of air toxic pollutants reduction, by virtue of that mix.
Minimization of energy losses into a PWM chopper
Authors: Zaatri Abdelouahab , Azzizi Norelhouda , Rahmani Fouad
Published: August 2014

This paper initially presents the results of the analysis of a non linear on/off control system which is capable of generating a pulse width modulation (PWM). This technique can be used to design PWM choppers that can be dedicated to regulate fluctuating power supplies (photovoltaic, wind turbines, etc.). However, since the PWM losses mainly depend on the switching frequency, thus, the determination of an optimal frequency is required. Indeed, on the one hand, we seek to operate at high frequencies to reduce the residual noise by filtering. On the other hand, there is a limitation of the switching frequency due to the physical switching elements properties. Therefore, a compromise has to be made in order to determine an optimal switching frequency that minimizes the switching power losses. The main objective of this work is to present a technique that enables to sizing the chopper parameters based on the minimizing of the switching losses. An illustrative example of the proposed technique for sizing a PWM chopper is presented.
Cost for the treatment of actinic keratosis on the rise in Australia
Authors: Perera Eshini , McGuigan Sean , Sinclair Rodney
Published: August 2014

Objectives:To report the burden and cost of actinic keratosis (AK) treatment in Australia and to forecast the number of AK treatments and the associated costs to 2020.

Design and setting:A retrospective study of data obtained from medicare Australia for AK treated by cryotherapy between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 2012, by year and by state or territory.

Results:The total number of AK cryotherapy treatments increased from 247,515 in 1994 to 643,622 in 2012, and we estimate that the number of treatments will increase to 831,952 (95% CI 676,919 to 986,987) by 2020. The total Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) benefits paid out for AK in 2012 was $19.6 million and we forecast that this will increase to $24.7 million by 2020 (without inflation).

Conclusion:The number of AK cryotherapy treatments increased by 160% between 1994 and 2012. we forecast that the number of treatments will increase by 30% between 2012 and 2020. The rates of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and AK appear to be increasing at the same rate. During the period 2010 to 2015 AK is anticipated to increase by 17.8% which follows a similar trend to published data that forecasts an increase in NMSC treatments of 22.3%.
Cut-Generating Functions and S-Free Sets
Authors: Conforti Michele , Cornuéjols Gérard , Daniilidis Aris , Lemaréchal Claude , Malick Jérôme
Published: August 2014

We consider the separation problem for sets X that are pre-images of a given set S by a linear mapping. Classical examples occur in integer programming, as well as in other optimization problems such as complementarity. One would like to generate valid inequalities that cut off some point not lying in X, without reference to the linear mapping. To this aim, we introduce a concept: cut-generating functions (CGF) and we develop a formal theory for them, largely based on convex analysis. They are intimately related to S-free sets and we study this relation, disclosing several definitions for minimal CGF's and maximal S-free sets. Our work unifies and puts into perspective a number of existing works on S-free sets; in particular, we show how CGF's recover the celebrated Gomory cuts.
Device-related atypical pressure ulcer after cardiac surgery
Authors: Glasgow D. , Millen S. , Nzewi O.C. , Varadarajaran B.
Published: August 2014

Medical devices must be closely monitored to prevent harm to patients. Pressure ulcers secondary to medical devices present a significant health burden in terms of length of stay in hospital and cost. Intensivists, anaesthetists and other professionals involved in managing critically ill patients following cardiac surgery need to be aware that pressure ulcers may develop in atypical sites and present at a later stage of the hospital stay. This case report highlights the important issue of device-related pressure ulcers in the cardiac surgical intensive care setting, particularly when the clinical status of the patient may preclude routine assessment and prophylaxis. An algorithm for preventing such pressure ulcers is suggested.

Declaration of interest: No competing interests declared.
Effects of SertaSil on wound healing in the rat
Authors: Bilyayeva O. , Neshta V.V. , Golub A. , Sams-Dodd F.
Published: August 2014

Objective:

SertaSil is a novel product for the topical management of wound exudate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of SertaSil to promote wound healing in a pre-clinical wound model.

Methods:

An aseptic wound was induced in rats by administering 1ml 10% calcium chloride solution into the subcutaneous layer under local anaesthesia. Following opening of the abscess, animals were divided into a control group (no treatment) and either SertaSil or Gentaxane, which were applied topically to the wound every 24 hours until a clean wound was achieved, that is, free from necrosis, pus and fibrinogenous thickenings.

Results:

Rats (n=15 per group) receiving SertaSil reached the clean wound stage in 3.0±0.4 days compared to 7.0±0.4 days for Gentaxane and 10.0±0.4 days for the control. Time to wound closure was 13.9±0.3 days for SertaSil, 18.7±0.6 days for Gentaxane, and 23.0±0.4 days for the control. The surface area of the wounds were measured at day 1 and day 13. At day 1, the wound surface areas (mm2) were similar in all three groups (157.4±8.9), but at day 13 the SertaSil group had significantly smaller wound areas (5.2±1.7) compared to the Gentaxane (38.0±1.5) and control groups (95.7±11.3). The study was conducted in young rats that are still growing and gaining weight. At day 19, only the rats receiving SertaSil exhibited a weight increase (271±5g) indicating good recovery, whereas rats receiving Gentaxane did not gain weight (249±5g) and rats in the control group lost weight (242±16 g).

Conclusion:

The study found that SertaSil reduced the time to reaching a clean wound by 60% compared to Gentaxane and promoted faster wound closure and better recovery. These findings suggest that SertaSil may be valuable for use in the treatment of wounds in patients.

Declaration of interest:

r. Bilyayeva, Dr. Neshta and Dr. Golub are inventors of SertaSil and Dr. Sams-Dodd is from Willingsford Ltd.
Parents' Views of Psychological Services for Children With a Disability
Authors: Connell Tim , Hodges Violetta
Published: August 2014

The greater risk of mental health issues for all members of a family when a child has a physical disability is well established. Families' views of the type of psychological services that will be most helpful were surveyed. Parents of 69 children with physical disabilities (primarily cerebral palsy) completed a postal survey of psychological issues they had experienced in the past, value of any help received, and their descriptions of experiences with support workers that were either helpful or unhelpful to their psychological coping. Parents indicated strongly that the help for the psychological issues was helpful. Of all categories of support worker identified, the percentage of psychologists being helpful was highest. One distinctive quality of the parent-identified features of effective support services reported in this study is their simplicity. Parents want to be supported by workers who are caring, do their jobs well, provide good information about the issues and help them connect with other families.
Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy
Authors: Ovadia Adi , Dalal Ilan
Published: August 2014

Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy (THI) was first described as a distinct entity by Gitlin and Janeway in 1956. Although THI has been recognized for many years, and despite significant progress in understanding the molecular basis and identifying the genes involved in the pathogenesis of many other forms of humoral immunodeficiencies, not much is known about this specific entity. This article summarizes the definition of THI, possible etiologies, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis.
»Trasumanar significar per verba / non si poria «. Zu Dantes erstem Gesang des Paradiso
Authors: Guthmüller Bodo
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

L’esperienza più sublime che l’uomo possa fare, l’ascesa verso Dio, viene descritta da Dante nella terza cantica sulla base della propria esperienza personale. Al fine di evidenziare la straordinarietà dell’evento, Dante conia un nuovo concetto, »trasumanar«, andare al di là della natura umana‚ e lo colloca, per la sua importanza fondamentale, in posizione centrale nel primo canto, cioè nel verso 70, su un totale di 142 versi. Per la sua esperienza del »trasumanar« Dante si appella all’esempio mitologico di Glauco, tuttavia Glauco può valere soltanto come prefigurazione imperfetta dell’ascesa al Paradiso; il vero modello cristiano è nella narrazione di s. Paolo nella seconda lettera ai Corinzi. Il saggio presente si propone il fine di chiarire meglio il concetto di Dante, ricorrendo ai principali testi di cui il poeta si è ispirato (le Metamorfosi di Ovidio, le Epistole di s. Paolo, De consolatione Philosophiae di Boezio ...).
Petrarca, Dante, Cavalcanti: La formazione dell’auctoritas volgare
Authors: Barański Zygmunt G.
Published: August 2014

Das Verhältnis Petrarcas zu Dante ist kompliziert und vielschichtig. Die Widersprüchlichkeit der einzelnen Belege - wenige direkte Verweise, dafür jedoch sehr viele textuelle Anleihen - hat es der Forschung leicht gemacht, widerstreitende Erklärungen für die Haltung Petrarcas in Bezug auf Dante anzubieten. Gleichzeitig ist es geläufig, den Charakter des petrarkischen Dantismus innerhalb eines gewissen Leerraums zu untersuchen, indem nämlich sowohl die beiden Dichter als auch ihre Beziehung zueinander isoliert vom kulturellen Umfeld betrachtet werden. Das Hauptanliegen dieser Studie besteht dagegen darin, unter Betonung sowohl des historischen als auch des literarischen und des kulturellen Kontextes die Haltung Petrarcas gegenüber Dante einer erneuten Untersuchung zu unterziehen.
Bilder des Irdischen Paradieses im (französischen) Mittelalter und bei Dante
Authors: Wolfzettel Friedrich
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

La nozione di un paradiso terrestre costituisce un archetipo collettivo e non è limitato alla tradizione biblica e medievale; ma soltanto nel Medio Evo il motivo accenna alle origini perdute e ad un futuro eterno; e inoltre partecipa a entrambe le sfere di un mondo invisibile e di un luogo visibile e localizzabile. Un viaggio al paradiso terrestre diviene dunque possibile, e numerosi sono gli esempi di tali viaggi non solo nella letteratura religiosa, ma anche nella letteratura epica, romanzesca e allegorica, nonché nella letteratura di viaggio, sebbene pare opportuno fare una distinzione fra la visione reale e la trasposizione metaforica. Ma il paradiso terrestre descritto da Dante alla fine del Purgatorio (XXVII-XXXIII), invece di presentare una semplice sintesi di questa lunga tradizione, colpisce per il distacco dalla tradizione e i suoi tratti non convenzionali. Prima che Beatrice stabilisca il nesso del messaggio teologico collegando il paradiso terrestre con il paradiso, Dante riesce difatti a suggerire uno spazio intermedio pieno di connotazioni antiche. L’enigmatica Matelda, rappresentante del paradiso, prefigura Beatrice, ma allo stesso tempo è l’incarnazione più alta di una bellezza autonoma; cogliendo fiori, cantando e danzando, ci ricorda per un momento che il Purgatorio, collocato alla cima di un monte, è anche una specie di Parnaso delle muse, cosicché questo paradiso terrestre diventa quasi il simbolo della poesia perfetta.
Lectura Dantis: Paradiso XXIII
Authors: Weiand Christof
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

Il canto XXIII è destinato a mettere in scena con splendore ciò che il Dante poeta chiamerà la battaglia de’ deboli cigli (v 78) del suo protagonista. Infatti, gli occhi del viator non sopportano le luminosità dei due trionfi che si svolgono nell’ottavo cielo, celebrando la resurrezione di Cristo e l’assunzione nel Paradiso di Maria, sua madre; due momenti-chiave oscillanti tra visione e spettacolo che sono, però, di grandissima importanza escatologica, momenti che il viaggiatore, a prima vista, si mostra incapace di leggere adeguatamente. L’esperienza paradisiaca di Dante coinvolge, qui, concetti residuali dello stilnovo, un codice poetico ormai obsoleto che, sub specie aeternitatis, rivela la sua limitatezza gnoseologica. Beatrice, cicerone celeste di un Dante titubante gli assiste a vincere finalmente la sfida sublime, vittoria gloriosa del personaggio epico implicando un cambiamento significativo nella semantica stilnovista a favore dell’ermeneutica cristiana delle ultime cose.
Stefan George als Übersetzer Dantes
Authors: Schefold Bertram
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

L’orientamento e la vita stessa di Stefan George furono profondamente influenzate dalla sua lunga occupazione con la lettura e la traduzione della Divina Commedia; le poesie del primo poeta simbolista della Germania nel Siebenter Ring e in particolare quelle per Maximin sono impensabili senza questa sperienza. La traduzione (circa un quarto del originale), altamente artistica, tenta di riprodurre tanto la forma quanto il contenuto, presentando episodi che hanno ispirato visioni tipiche del cerchio intorno a George, per esempio quella di una convivenza, basata nè sullo scambio mercantile nè sull’autorità, ma sulla cortesia del cuore.
Hugo Daffner: Spuren jenseits der Lebensmitte »Ein Deutsches Requiem«
Authors: Rentz Ruppert
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

A Hugo Daffner si deve la rifondazione, nel 1914, della Deutsche Dante-Gesellschaft. Nato nel 1882 a Monaco, Daffner ebbe una formazione di pianista, studiò composizione con Max Reger e si laureò con una tesi di dottorato su Mozart. A partire dal 1914 visse a Berlino, dove ricoprì la maggior parte delle cariche della ricostituita Dante-Gesellschaft - fino al 1927, quando cessò ogni attività in seno alla società. A partire dal 1933 si dedicò esclusivamente alla composizione; fino ad ora è stata pubblicata solo una piccola parte delle sue opere. Diffamato dai nazionalsocialisti come »parassita del popolo«, nel 1936 fu deportato a Dachau; nello stesso anno morì in circostanze oscure. Il presente contributo si propone di far luce sull'ultimo periodo della vita di un uomo a cui la Deutsche Dante- Gesellschaft deve la propria rinascita.
Facetten des Verlangens. Desiderium in der christlichen Theologie vor 1300 und in Dantes Commedia
Authors: Leuker Tobias
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

Partendo da un saggio di Franco Ferrucci, l’articolo illustra le accezioni più rilevanti del termine disio nell’opera di Dante. Segue un’analisi del IV canto dell’Inferno, nella quale si misura la dimensione tragica del contrappasso escogitato da Dante per le anime del Limbo - l’essere travagliate da un »disio« »sanza speme« - in base a categorie sviluppate da una tradizione teologica che va da sant’Agostino ai mistici del XII secolo. Nell’ambito di quest’analisi, risulta particolarmente significativo il carattere polisemico del termine »sospesi« con cui sia Dante narratore sia il Virgilio della Commedia descrivono la situazione degli spiriti nobili pagani e delle anime dei bambini morti senza battesimo. Alla fine del contributo si concentra l’attenzione sulla contrapposizione, apparentemente ricercata dall’Alighieri, tra Inferno IV e Inferno V, cioè tra il disio degli abitanti del Limbo e quello che portò Paolo e Francesca al cerchio dei lussuriosi.
A TV Dante (1988) von Peter Greenaway und Tom Phillips – Eine ›strukturalistische‹ Fernseh-Adaption des Inferno
Authors: Kretschmann Tabea
Published: August 2014

Riassunto

In A TV Dante - Cantos I-VIII (1988) il regista Peter Greenaway e il pittore Tom Phillips adattavano i primi otto canti dell’Inferno di Dante per la televisione. Il film è basato su un livre d’artiste con illustrazioni e una nuova traduzione dell’Inferno di Tom Phillips (Dante’s Inferno, London 1985), del quale gli artisti volevano realizzare una ›nuova edizione televisiva‹. Allo stesso tempo Phillips e Greenaway cercavano modi per rinnovare la ›lingua televisiva‹ esistente. Questo articolo analizza la strategia dell’adattamento dell’Inferno nel film - strategia caratterizzata da un approccio ›strutturalistico‹.
Clinic attendance and health outcomes of youth with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pulgarón Elizabeth Rose , Hernandez Jennifer , Dehaan Heather , Patiño-Fernandez Anna Maria , Carrillo Adriana , Sanchez Janine , Delamater Alan M.
Published: August 2014

This study assessed whether clinic attendance was related to health outcomes for youth with type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM). Medical records of pediatric patients with type 2 DM were retrospectively reviewed. Clinic attendance was much more infrequent than recommended by physicians, and 42% of the sample withdrew from medical care. Patients who had a history of not showing during appointments had higher HbA1c levels than those who attended regularly scheduled visits; however, contrary to our hypotheses, average number of clinic visits was not associated with HbA1c levels or zBMI. Given the increased risk for health complications, new strategies are needed to keep patients engaged with medical care.
Phytodentistry: use of medicinal plants
Authors: Hotwani Kavita , Baliga Sudhindra , Sharma Krishna
Published: August 2014

Finding healing powers in plants is an ancient idea. Herbs have been used as a traditional form of medicine since time immemorial. The natural products derived from medicinal plants have proven to be an abundant source of biologically active compounds, many of which have been the basis for the development of new chemicals for pharmaceuticals. Phytodentistry implies the use of plants and their products in the process of treating disease directly or indirectly. A crucial role is played by phytotherapy in the treatment of stomatological problems. It started with the use of miswak (chewing stick), and it is still relevant today as herbal toothpaste in many parts of the country. India is the largest producer of medicinal herbs and is appropriately called the botanical garden of the world. The use of this readily available, natural and safe resource as a part of dental practice has great potential for a more “Natural and Green Dental Practice”. Plant products have long been used in dentistry as part of various dental materials right from impression materials to eugenol, which forms an integral part of the dental clinic. The use of herbs in dental practice is not limited to only material sciences. A single herb shows a variety of effects like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal activity and many more. Hence the incorporation of these herbs in dental practice will prove to be a valuable adjunct in dental treatment. This review is aimed at exploring the perspectives of this holistic treatment approach in dentistry and its benefits as an adjunctive therapy.
Identification of deletions in children with congenital hypothyroidism and thyroid dysgenesis with the use of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification
Authors: Kumorowicz-Czoch Malgorzata , Madetko-Talowska Anna , Tylek-Lemanska Dorota , Pietrzyk Jacek J. , Starzyk Jerzy
Published: August 2014

Thyroid dysgenesis (TD) is the most common cause of congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Important genetic factors possibly contributing to TD etiologies include mutations of thyroid transcription factors and TSHR-encoding genes.

Our objective was to determine multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) utility in detecting the copy number changes in patients with CH and TD.

: The study included 45 children from southeastern Poland selected via already established neonatal screening for CH. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and used in MLPA analysis. Genetic variations were analyzed within selected fragments of the

Three heterozygous deletion types in probe hybridization regions were identified for the following genes:

MLPA is a useful tool for copy number changes detection and might both improve and expand genetic analysis for CH and TD.
Characterization and application of methylcellulose and potato starch blended films in controlled release of urea
Authors: Babu Keshak , Bera Achinta , Kumari Kamlesh , Mandal Ajay , Saxena Vinod Kumar
Published: August 2014

Biodegradable blended films from methylcellulose (MC) and potato starch (PST) have been developed by the casting process. In the present work the influences of concentrations of MC and PST on rheological properties, swelling, mechanical properties such as tensile strength, percentage elongation at break and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the prepared blended films have been studied. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of pure MC, PST, their mixture and the mixture with glutaraldehyde and urea was performed to investigate the interactions in blended films. The blended films of MC and PST showed an increase in tensile strength due to the cross linking reactions of the amylopectin molecule of PST in the physical gel state. The change of percentage elongation at break increased with MC concentration and the opposite trend was found in the case of the WVTR due to the network structure of the blended films. The blended films showed a large improvement in the abovementioned properties compared with each single component, due to the interaction formed between hydroxyl groups of PST and the methoxy groups of MC. Experiments were also conducted to investigate the controlled urea release through blended films and the kinetics of the process. Interesting results were found with the prepared MC and PST blended films.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose–Coated Paper as Affected by Coating Weight and Coating Composition
Authors: Khwaldia Khaoula
Published: August 2014

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)–coated papers without plasticizer and plasticized with polyols were prepared, and the effects of coating weight, different plasticizers (glycerol (GLY), sorbitol (SOR), and polyethylene glycol (PEG)), and plasticizer contents (20% to 50%) on the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting biopolymer-coated papers were studied. Coating weight was the most important factor affecting mechanical properties. Conversely, increasing coating weight led to a decrease in gloss and to an increase in tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (%E), and tearing resistance of coated papers. The application of unplasticized HPMC coatings (3 g/m2) on paper reduced water vapor permeability (WVP) and water absorption capacity by 25% as compared with uncoated paper. All plasticizers significantly (p < 0.05) increased WVP and Cobb60 values of the films. With the exception of PEG, no effect was found with plasticizers on TS and %E of coated papers compared with those without plasticizer. HPMC-coated papers with PEG as a plasticizer showed significantly lower TS and higher %E and tearing resistance than the other plasticized films (p < 0.05). HPMC coating improved tensile properties and tearing resistance of paper and could be regarded as a reinforcement layer.
Micropillar Arrays for High Sensitivity Sensors
Authors: Kim Youngwoo , Goulbourne Nakhiah
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we report on a new micropillar sensor array that is stretchable, flexible, and has high sensitivity in the tactile sensing regime (<10 kPa). The sensor array is capable of detecting deformation modes other than pressure such as shear and planar extension. The capacitance-type sensor is fabricated using soft nanolithography whereby the micropillars are individually electroded using a sputtering technique. Buckled gold electrodes are used in this study to enable large sensor stretches up to 55%. Three micropillar aspect ratios were considered in this work (1:1, 1:2, 1:3). Here we present the highest reported sensitivity [0.8 kPa-1] of a capacitance type flexible/stretchable sensor. Our results show that this sensor is also able to detect very low pressures down to 5.4 Pa, which is in the range of ultra-low detection pressures recently reported. Finally, the microstructured sensor array naturally lends itself to the development of pixel-type pressure sensors. We present preliminary results for a 25 pixel array.
Flexible Fibrous Piezo-Electric Sensor on Printed Silver Electrode
Authors: Son Ho Yeon , Nam Yoon Sung , Kim Woo Soo
Published: August 2014

Here we introduce a facile method to fabricate a flexible piezoelectric sensor using one-dimensional (1-D) piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers directly produced onto flexible printed electrodes by electro-spinning without an additional poling process. The flexible silver electrodes are fabricated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using silver nanowires by easy and cost-effective spraying deposition. The electrospun PVDF nanofibers have uniaxially aligned arrays on the electrodes by using a rotating collector. The fabricated PVDF piezoelectric sensors demonstrate the piezoelectric responses with repeated mechanical stimuli with good flexibility and high sensitivity. We expect that the facile fabrication of PVDF piezoelectric sensors on flexible printed electrodes can be usefully exploited to integrate the piezoelectric sensors into flexible and stretchable functional electronic devices.
Modeling Chromophore Order: A Guide For Improving EO Performance
Authors: Tillack Andreas F , Johnson Lewis E , Rawal Meghana , Dalton Larry R , Robinson Bruce H
Published: August 2014

The use of organic nonlinear optical (ONLO) materials in electro-optic (EO) modulators requires that the active molecular components (chromophores) be acentrically oriented. The fundamental molecular constituents are in a condensed, glassy phase. Molecular orientation in such systems is typically achieved by applying a DC poling field to the glassy material. We are developing efficient coarse-grained classical Monte Carlo (MC) methods to simulate the order of such systems. The most challenging aspects of these simulations are convergence to an experimentally relevant equilibrium ensemble and verification of simulation accuracy. We use a variety of molecular descriptions and a variety of MC methods to achieve proper order in the shortest number of computational cycles possible. Herein, we illustrate a few examples of the types of calculations and compare with experimental results with representative amorphous organic materials, including electro-optic chromophores.
Bone disease after transplantation: osteoporosis and fractures risk
Authors: Kulak Carolina A. M. , Borba Victoria Z. C. , Kulak Júnior Jaime , Custódio Melani Ribeiro
Published: August 2014

Organ transplantation is the gold standard therapy for several end-stage diseases. Bone loss is a common complication that occurs in transplant recipients. Osteoporosis and fragility fractures are serious complication, mainly in the first year post transplantation. Many factors contribute to the pathogenesis of bone disease following organ transplantation. This review address the mechanisms of bone loss including the contribution of the immunosuppressive agents as well as the specific features to bone loss after kidney, lung, liver, cardiac and bone marrow transplantation. Prevention and management of bone loss in the transplant recipient should be included in their post transplant follow-up in order to prevent fractures.
Osteoporosis management in patient with renal function impairment
Authors: Lima Guilherme Alcantara Cunha , Paranhos Neto Francisco de Paula , Pereira Giselly Rosa Modesto , Gomes Carlos Perez , Farias Maria Lucia Fleiuss
Published: August 2014

Aging is associated with decreases in bone quality and in glomerular filtration. Consequently, osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common comorbid conditions in the elderly, and often coexist. Biochemical abnormalities in the homeostasis of calcium and phosphorus begin early in CKD, leading to an increase in fracture risk and cardiovascular complications since early stages of the disease. The ability of DXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) to diagnose osteoporosis and to predict fractures in this population remains unclear. The management of the disease is also controversial: calcium and vitamin D, although recommended, must be prescribed with caution, considering vascular calcification risk and the development of adynamic bone disease. Furthermore, safety and effectiveness of osteoporosis drugs are not established in patients with CKD. Thus, risks and benefits of antiosteoporosis treatment must be considered individually.
Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism: long-term follow-up associated with multiple adenomas
Authors: Pimentel Larissa , Portela Sirley , Loureiro Alyne , Bandeira Francisco
Published: August 2014

Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) is a condition characterized by elevation of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the presence of normal serum calcium and the absence of secondary causes. The case described illustrates the long-term follow-up of a postmenopausal woman with NPHPT patient who progressed with multiple adenomas. This case reports a 77-year-old female who has chronic generalized pain and osteoporosis. Her initial serum PTH was 105 pg/mL, with total serum calcium of 9.6 mg/dL, albumin 4.79 g/dL, phosphorus 2.8 mg/dL, and 25OHD after supplementation was 34.6 ng/mL. The bone densitometry (BMD) results were as follows: lumbar spine: T-score -3.0, femoral neck: T-score -2.6 and distal radius: -4.2. Other causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism were ruled out and cervical ultrasound and Tc-99-Sestamibi scan were negative. She used oral alendronate and three infusions of zoledronic acid for treatment of osteoporosis. In the 10th year of follow-up, after successive negative cervical imaging, ultrasound showed a nodule suggestive of an enlarged right inferior parathyroid gland. PTH levels in fluid which was obtained during fine-needle aspiration (FNA) were over 5,000 pg/mL and a Sestamibi scan was negative. The patient underwent parathyroidectomy, and a histological examination confirmed parathyroid adenoma. Post-operatively serum PTH remained elevated in the presence of normal serum calcium levels. A follow-up cervical ultrasound showed a new solid nodule suggestive of an enlarged right superior parathyroid gland. PTH levels in the aspiration fluid were remarkably high. A second parathyroidectomy was performed, with the excision of a histologically confirmed parathyroid adenoma. In conclusion, this is an unusual presentation of NPHPT and highlights the long-term complications.
Tratamento cirúrgico do hiperparatireoidismo secundário: revisão sistematizada da literatura
Authors: Magnabosco Felipe Ferraz , Tavares Marcos Roberto , Montenegro Fábio Luiz de Menezes
Published: August 2014

O hiperparatireoidismo (HPT) secundário tem prevalência elevada em doentes renais crônicos. Decorre de alterações na homeostase mineral, principalmente do cálcio, que estimulam as glândulas paratireoides, com aumento na secreção de paratormônio (PTH). O estímulo prolongado pode levar à autonomia na função paratireóidea. Inicialmente, o tratamento é clínico, mas a paratireoidectomia (PTx) pode ser necessária. A PTx pode ser total, subtotal e total seguida de autoimplante de tecido paratireóideo. Este trabalho compara as indicações e resultados dessas técnicas na literatura. Foi realizada revisão sistematizada dos trabalhos publicados entre janeiro de 2008 e março de 2014 sobre tratamento cirúrgico do hiperparatireoidismo secundário nas bases de dados MedLine e LILACS. Foram utilizados os termos: hiperparatireoidismo; hiperparatireoidismo secundário; glândulas paratireoides e paratireoidectomia. Foram restritos a pesquisas apenas em humanos; artigos disponíveis em meio eletrônico; publicados em português, espanhol, inglês ou francês. A amostra final foi constituída de 49 artigos. A PTx subtotal e a total mais autoimplante foram as técnicas mais utilizadas, sem consenso sobre a técnica mais efetiva. Embora haja certa preferência pela última, a escolha depende da experiência do cirurgião. Há consenso sobre a necessidade de identificar todas as paratireoides e sobre a criopreservação de tecido paratireóideo, quando possível, para enxerto em caso de hipoparatireoidismo. Exames de imagem podem ser úteis, especialmente nas recidivas. Tratamentos alternativos do HPT secundário, tanto intervencionistas quanto conservadores, carecem de estudos mais aprofundados.
Physical exercise and osteoporosis: effects of different types of exercises on bone and physical function of postmenopausal women
Authors: Moreira Linda Denise Fernandes , Oliveira Mônica Longo de , Lirani-Galvão Ana Paula , Marin-Mio Rosângela Villa , Santos Rodrigo Nolasco dos , Lazaretti-Castro Marise
Published: August 2014

Physical exercise is an important stimulus for osteoporosis prevention and treatment. However, it is not clear yet which modality would be better to stimulate bone metabolism and enhance physical function of postmenopausal women. This review paper aims to summarize and update present knowledge on the effects of different kinds of aquatic and ground physical exercises on bone metabolism and physical function of postmenopausal women. Moderate to intense exercises, performed in a high speed during short intervals of time, in water or on the ground, can be part of a program to prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. Mechanical vibration has proven to be beneficial for bone microarchitecture, improving bone density and bone strength, as well as increasing physical function. Although impact exercises are recognized as beneficial for the stimulation of bone tissue, other variables such as muscle strength, type of muscle contraction, duration and intensity of exercises are also determinants to induce changes in bone metabolism of postmenopausal women. Not only osteoanabolic exercises should be recommended; activities aimed to develop muscle strength and body balance and improve the proprioception should be encouraged to prevent falls and fractures.
Bone markers and osteoporosis therapy
Authors: Bandeira Francisco , Costa Aline G. , Soares Filho Manoel Aderson , Pimentel Larissa , Lima Lourena , Bilezikian John P.
Published: August 2014

Several factors are involved in determining bone quality including bone density, bone turnover, the extent of trabecular bone connectivity, cortical porosity and geometry. Metabolically active and in a continuous process of remodeling, approximately 20% of bone tissue is renewed annually. Bone turn over markers (BTM) are frequently used in clinical trials and to provide valid information about the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment, reflecting the state of bone metabolism and its response to treatment, although they are not useful alone to estimate bone loss. In this review the behavior of BTM from different clinical trials or different osteoporotic drugs will be addressed.
Trabecular bone score: perspectives of an imaging technology coming of age
Authors: Silva Barbara C. , Bilezikian John P.
Published: August 2014

The trabecular bone score (TBS) is a new method to describe skeletal microarchitecture from the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) image of the lumbar spine. While TBS is not a direct physical measurement of trabecular microarchitecture, it correlates with micro-computed tomography (µCT) measures of bone volume fraction, connectivity density, trabecular number, and trabecular separation, and with vertebral mechanical behavior in ex vivo studies. In human subjects, TBS has been shown to be associated with trabecular microarchitecture and bone strength by high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT). Cross-sectional and prospective studies, involving a large number of subjects, have both shown that TBS is associated with vertebral, femoral neck, and other types of osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women. Data in men, while much less extensive, show similar findings. TBS is also associated with fragility fractures in subjects with secondary causes of osteoporosis, and preliminary data suggest that TBS might improve fracture prediction when incorporated in the fracture risk assessment system known as FRAX. In this article, we review recent advances that have helped to establish this new imaging technology.
Estimação da razão de mortalidade materna no Brasil, 2008-2011
Authors: Szwarcwald Celia Landmann , Escalante Juan José Cortez , Rabello Neto Dácio de Lyra , Souza Junior Paulo Roberto Borges de , Victora César Gomes
Published: August 2014

Neste trabalho, propõe-se uma metodologia de estimação da razão de mortalidade materna (RMM), no Brasil, 2008-2011, por meio das informações do Ministério da Saúde. O método proposto leva em consideração, o sub-registro geral de óbitos, as proporções de investigação de mortes de mulheres em idade fértil, bem como as proporções de óbitos maternos que foram atribuídos, indevidamente, a outras causas antes da investigação. A RMM foi estimada por Unidade de Federação no triênio de 2009-2011. No Brasil, a RMM atinge o valor mínimo em 2011 (60,8/100 mil nascidos vivo) e o máximo em 2009 (73,1/100 mil nascidos vivos), explicado, provavelmente, pela epidemia de influenza A (H1N1). Os maiores valores da RMM foram encontrados no Maranhão e no Piauí, ultrapassando 100/100 mil nascidos vivos, e o menor foi apresentado por Santa Catarina, o único estado com magnitude inferior a 40/100 mil nascidos vivos. Os resultados indicaram valores superiores aos que deveriam ter sido alcançados de acordo com a quinta meta do milênio, mas apontaram para um decréscimo significativo no período de 1990-2011, se as estimativas anteriores da RMM forem consideradas.
Intervenções obstétricas durante o trabalho de parto e parto em mulheres brasileiras de risco habitual
Authors: Leal Maria do Carmo , Pereira Ana Paula Esteves , Domingues Rosa Maria Soares Madeira , Filha Mariza Miranda Theme , Dias Marcos Augusto Bastos , Nakamura-Pereira Marcos , Bastos Maria Helena , Gama Silvana Granado Nogueira da
Published: August 2014

Este artigo avaliou o uso das boas práticas (alimentação, deambulação, uso de métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor e de partograma) e de intervenções obstétricas na assistência ao trabalho de parto e parto de mulheres de risco obstétrico habitual. Foram utilizados dados da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil, estudo de base hospitalar realizada em 2011/2012, com entrevistas de 23.894 mulheres. As boas práticas durante o trabalho de parto ocorreram em menos de 50% das mulheres, sendo menos frequentes nas regiões Norte, Nordeste e Centro-oeste. O uso de ocitocina e amniotomia foi de 40%, sendo maior no setor público e nas mulheres com menor escolaridade. A manobra de Kristeller, episiotomia e litotomia foram utilizada, em 37%, 56% e 92% das mulheres, respectivamente. A cesariana foi menos frequente nas usuárias do setor público, não brancas, com menor escolaridade e multíparas. Para melhorar a saúde de mães e crianças e promover a qualidade de vida, o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e, sobretudo o setor privado, necessitam mudar o modelo de atenção obstétrica promovendo um cuidado baseado em evidências científicas.
A CONSTRUÇÃO TRANSITIVA EM PB: ASSOCIANDO A GRAMÁTICA DE CONSTRUÇÕES À DECOMPOSIÇÃO LEXICAL
Authors: CIRÍACO Larissa
Published: August 2014

Este artigo propõe mostrar como a teoria gramatical de construções (GOLDBERG, 1995, 2006) pode ser associada a uma metodologia semântico-lexical de análise de classes de verbos, a saber, a decomposição dos sentidos dos verbos em predicados semânticos primitivos. Em outras palavras, mostramos, principalmente, como a decomposição semântica de predicados pode ser uma ferramenta útil na descrição do significado de construções de estrutura argumental. Para exemplificar a proposta, fazemos uma análise da construção transitiva em português. Seis grandes classes de verbos do português brasileiro também são analisadas em suas respectivas elaborações da construção transitiva, tendo suas representações semânticas apresentadas. O objetivo é chegar ao significado da construção, que, como mostramos, não pode ser descrito em termos gerais, ou seja, não pode ser dado em função de um único significado esquemático, mas sim em função de uma rede de significados relacionados, que podem ser entendidos como extensões metafóricas a partir de um significado prototípico. Para completar a análise fornecemos uma representação da construção transitiva em seu significado prototípico.