bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preferred selenium incorporation and unexpected interlayer bonding in the layered structure of Sb2Te3−

x
Se
x
Authors: Küpers Michael , Stoffel Ralf Peter , Bong Barbara , Herrmann Markus G. , Li Zikang , Meledin Alexander , Mayer Joachim , Friese Karen , Dronskowski Richard
Published: September 2019

We have performed a detailed structural analysis of several crystals from the Sb2Te3
−

x
Se
x
solid solution (with x = 0–1.55) using a combination of single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction and high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope imaging combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic mapping. The experimental study was supported by quantum-chemical calculations. All compounds crystallize in the rhombohedral tetradymite structure type in which the atoms occupy three symmetrically independent crystallographic sites; the two chalcogenide sites A1 and A2, and the antimony site Sb. They form quintuple A2–Sb–A1–Sb–A2 layers perpendicular to the [001] direction, held together via A2–A2 chalcogenide-chalcogenide interactions. The results of our experimental study show unambiguously, and in agreement with quantum-chemical calculations, a preferred incorporation of selenium into the A2 position inside the layers. An unexpected increase of the van-der-Waals inter-layer distances is observed for low Se contents (x < 1) and discussed with the help of DFT calculations.
Relationship Between Interlimb Asymmetries and Speed and Change of Direction Speed in Youth Handball Players
Authors: Madruga-Parera Marc , Bishop Chris , Beato Marco , Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe Azahara , Gonzalo-Skok Oliver , Romero-Rodríguez Daniel
Published: September 2019

Madruga-Parera, M, Bishop, C, Beato, M, Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe, A, Gonzalo-Skok, O, and Romero-Rodríguez, D. Relationship between inter-limb asymmetries and speed and change of direction speed in youth handball players. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3482–3490, 2021—The aims of the present study were to quantify interlimb asymmetry from jumping, change of direction speed (CODS), and iso-inertial tests and to establish the association between those asymmetry scores and performance during speed and CODS tests in youth handball athletes. Twenty-six youth handball players (age: 16.2 ± 0.9 years) volunteered to participate in this study and performed single-leg countermovement jumps, single-leg broad jumps, single-leg lateral jumps, CODS tests at 180° (CODS180) and 90° (CODS90), change of direction actions with iso-inertial overload (crossover step [CRO] and lateral shuffle step), and a 20-m sprint test. Excellent intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were found for all tests (ICC = 0.96–1.00) with the exception of the dominant limb during the CODS90 test (ICC = 0.69). Interlimb asymmetry scores ranged from 3.66 to 12.67%. Iso-inertial asymmetry values were higher than those found during jumping tasks (9.8–12.7% vs. 3.66–8.76%). Spearman's r correlations showed significant relationships between CRO asymmetry and CODS90 performance on both limbs (r = 0.48–0.51; p < 0.05) and CODS180 (r = 0.41–0.51; p < 0.05) and a sprint test (r = 0.46; p < 0.05). These results show the test-specific nature of asymmetries in youth handball players, with iso-inertial device and CODS deficit presenting the greatest magnitude of asymmetries. Furthermore, interlimb differences during iso-inertial device (CRO) were associated with reduced CODS and sprint performance. These results suggest that the use of iso-inertial devices for the detection of interlimb asymmetry may be more effective than the total time during traditional CODS tests and that larger imbalances are associated with reduced athletic performance in youth handball players.
Spurious HbA1c results in patients with diabetes treated with dapsone
Authors: Aljenaee Khaled , Hakami Osamah , Davenport Colin , Farrell Gemma , Tun Tommy Kyaw , Pazderska Agnieszka , Phelan Niamh , Healy Marie-Louise , Sreenan Seamus , McDermott John H
Published: September 2019

Measurement of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) has been utilised in assessing long-term control of blood glucose in patients with diabetes, as well as diagnosing diabetes and identifying patients at increased risk of developing diabetes in the future. HbA1c reflects the level of blood glucose to which the erythrocyte has been exposed during its lifespan, and there are a number of clinical situations affecting the erythrocyte life span in which HbA1c values may be spuriously high or low and therefore not reflective of the true level of glucose control. In the present case series, we describe the particulars of three patients with diabetes who had spuriously low HbA1c levels as a result of dapsone usage. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of HbA1c testing and the mechanisms by which it may be affected by dapsone in particular.

Learning points:

Various conditions and medications can result in falsely low HbA1c.

Dapsone can lead to falsely low HbA1c by inducing haemolysis and by forming methaemoglobin.

Capillary glucose measurement, urine glucose measurements and fructosamine levels should be used as alternatives to HbA1c for monitoring glycaemic control if it was falsely low or high.
Fulminant hepatitis and elevated levels of sIL-2R in thyroid storm
Authors: Tanaka Yuri , Uchida Taisuke , Yamaguchi Hideki , Kudo Yohei , Yonekawa Tadato , Nakazato Masamitsu
Published: September 2019

We report the case of a 48-year-old man with thyroid storm associated with fulminant hepatitis and elevated levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R). Fatigue, low-grade fever, shortness of breath, and weight loss developed over several months. The patient was admitted to the hospital because of tachycardia-induced heart failure and liver dysfunction. Graves’ disease with heart failure was diagnosed. He was treated with methimazole, inorganic iodide, and a β-blocker. On the day after admission, he became unconscious with a high fever and was transferred to the intensive care unit. Cardiogenic shock with atrial flutter was treated with intra-aortic balloon pumping and cardioversion. Hyperthyroidism decreased over 10 days, but hepatic failure developed. He was diagnosed with thyroid storm accompanied by fulminant hepatitis. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated levels of sIL-2R (9770 U/mL). The fulminant hepatitis was refractory to plasma exchange and plasma filtration with dialysis, and no donors for liver transplantation were available. He died of hemoperitoneum and gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to fulminant hepatitis 62 days after admission. Elevated circulating levels of sIL-2R might be a marker of poor prognosis in thyroid storm with fulminant hepatitis.

Learning points:

The prognosis of thyroid storm when fulminant hepatitis occurs is poor.

Liver transplantation is the preferred treatment for fulminant hepatitis induced by thyroid storm refractory to plasma exchange.

Elevated levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor might be a marker of poor prognosis in patients with thyroid storm.
The Linked Selection Signature of Rapid Adaptation in Temporal Genomic Data
Authors: Buffalo Vince , Coop Graham
Published: September 2019

Populations adapt to selection on polygenic traits through subtle allele frequency changes scattered throughout the genome. Detecting such changes from population genomic data is quite difficult, as these small changes can look like genetic drift. Buffalo...

The majority of empirical population genetic studies have tried to understand the evolutionary processes that have shaped genetic variation in a single sample taken from a present-day population. However, genomic data collected over tens of generations in both natural and laboratory populations are increasingly used to find selected loci underpinning adaptation over these short timescales. Although these studies have been quite successful in detecting selection on large-effect loci, the fitness differences between individuals are often polygenic, such that selection leads to allele frequency changes that are difficult to distinguish from genetic drift. However, one promising signal comes from polygenic selection’s effect on neutral sites that become stochastically associated with the genetic backgrounds that lead to fitness differences between individuals. Previous theoretical work has established that the random associations between a neutral allele and heritable fitness backgrounds act to reduce the effective population size experienced by this neutral allele. These associations perturb neutral allele frequency trajectories, creating autocovariance in the allele frequency changes across generations. Here, we show how temporal genomic data allow us to measure the temporal autocovariance in allele frequency changes and characterize the genome-wide impact of polygenic selection. We develop expressions for these temporal autocovariances, showing that their magnitude is determined by the level of additive genetic variation, recombination, and linkage disequilibria in a region. Furthermore, by using analytic expressions for the temporal variances and autocovariances in allele frequency, we demonstrate that one can estimate the additive genetic variation for fitness and the drift-effective population size from temporal genomic data. We also show how the proportion of total variation in allele frequency change due to linked selection can be estimated from temporal data. Overall, we demonstrate that temporal genomic data offer opportunities to identify the role of linked selection on genome-wide diversity over short timescales, and can help bridge population genetic and quantitative genetic studies of adaptation.
Sécheresse oculaire
Authors: Machan Carolyn M. , Hrynchak Patricia K. , Irving Elizabeth L.
Published: September 2019

Cette étude canadienne a permis de déterminer la prévalence des symptômes de la sécheresse oculaire (SO) et le diagnostic clinique au cours de la vie humaine, la corrélation des symptômes avec un diagnostic et les facteurs associés à la SO. Les données ont été tirées de WatES, un examen rétrospectif des dossiers (n=6 397) d’examens de patients à la clinique d’optométrie de l’Université de Waterloo. La prévalence des symptômes et du diagnostic de la SO a été déterminée globalement, dans les groupes d’âge de cinq ans et pour les symptômes individuels. Chaque symptôme a été analysé par régression logistique afin de déterminer s’il y avait un lien significatif avec un diagnostic de SO. On a analysé les facteurs oculaires et systémiques ainsi que les médicaments courants en vue de déterminer leur association avec les symptômes ou le diagnostic de la SO. Parmi tous les patients (0 à 93 ans), 543 (8,5 %) présentaient des symptômes de SO. En ce qui concerne les groupes d’âge, la prévalence la plus élevée a été observée chez les patients de 30 à 35 ans (11,4 %) et de 75 à 80 ans (13,7 %). La SO a été diagnostiquée chez 1 140 patients (17,8 %). La prévalence augmentait de 3,0 % par année d’âge. Aucune différence liée au sexe dans le dysfonctionnement des glandes de Meibomius en fonction de l’âge n’a été décelée. Moins de la moitié (43,5 %) des patients symptomatiques ont reçu un diagnostic de SO. Les symptômes suivants ont été associés à un diagnostic de SO : sécheresse (RC = 7,56, 5,30-10,77 IC à 95 %), yeux rouges (RC = 3,62, 2,04-6,43 IC à 95 %), brûlure/piqûre/douleur (RC = 2,67, 1,69-4,23 IC à 95 %) et larmoiement des yeux (RC = 1,66, 1,12-2,45 IC). La blépharite antérieure (RC=2,46, 2,05-2,95), les femmes (RC=1,24, 1,06-1,40 IC à 95 %), le port de lentilles de contact (RC=1,34, 1,06-1,70 IC à 95 %) et les allergies environnementales (RC=1,18, 1,00-1,41 IC à 95 %) étaient associés de façon significative à un diagnostic de SO. Cette étude est unique en ce sens qu’elle couvre toute la durée de vie humaine pour le diagnostic de la sécheresse oculaire, les symptômes et le dysfonctionnement des glandes de Meibomius (DGM) et qu’elle fournit des données sur la prévalence de la sécheresse oculaire au Canada.
PROBLEMS OF DEFINITION OF CONCEPT «LEGAL PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT»
Authors: Tkachenko O. M.
Published: September 2019

The article is devoted to the legal analysis of the term «environment». It is established that these concepts are to a large extent synonymous and, in contrast to the ecological science, which embraces the designation of the external world surrounding the living entities to the extent that it is perceived by the organs of sensation and organs of animal movement and induces them to certain behavior, the
domestic legislation and ecological-legal literature consider them mainly from the standpoint of the environment of a person, whichlargely narrows their essence.
For example, in one case, the term “environment” covers, for some reason, only the living conditions of a person and other objectsof artificial origin, and on the other – all natural objects with which the society interacts and which predetermine its existence andwell-being. It is believed that natural objects that are beyond human influence do not belong to protected objects and that in reality thereare no natural resources that exist in the surroundings of a person.
In addition, there is a problem of legal definition of these legal terms. The conducted research showed that all of these terms donot have their legislative definition, especially since they all are the result of the translation of a single foreign term – “environment”.
It was clarified that the legislation indirectly deals only with separate legal features of the above concepts, which allow distinguishingfrom the above-mentioned terms only someone in connection with their identical interpretation. At the same time, in Russianlegislation and literature, the term «environment» has several different meanings, which have their ownlegislatively defined notions
and do not have their confirmation in the legislation of most other countries of the world. In this regard, itis proposed to make a legaladjustment of these terms and to legislate only the necessary ones. Such terms can be «environment» and «natural environment».
SECURITY OF SPACE INFRASTRUCTURE AS A COURSE OF THE STATE INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY OF UKRAINE
Authors: Zubko H. Yu.
Published: September 2019

The article forms a scientific argument regarding the allocation of a particular type of infrastructure – space infrastructure. The justification about the need to develop relevant directions of the state infrastructure policy is presented. The foreign experience of forming a state policy on the protection of space infrastructural facilities is analysed.
The organic connection between the effective protection of space infrastructure and the functioning of the infrastructure system in the other four spaces is proved. The militarization of space infrastructure is argued. Proposals on improving the legislation of Ukraine regulating relations in the field of infrastructure are made. The need to create infrastructure legislation is demonstrated. The necessity
of consolidation of such kind of infrastructure as space infrastructure at the level of legislation is substantiated.
Threats to the national security of Ukraine in the area of critical infrastructure are identified. It is emphasized that the efficient functioning of space infrastructure will be a guarantee of the effectiveness of the infrastructure system in general in all dimensions: land, air, water, cyberspace, and space. The conclusion is substantiated that Ukraine should develop space infrastructure, launch its satellites
into orbit, and create a powerful space infrastructure. Noted that in order to achieve the set goal and tasks, it is necessary to develop appropriate directions of the state policy in this field and adequate directions of their administrative and legal support.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN UKRAINE AS A CRIMINOLOGICAL PROBLEM
Authors: Bohatyrov I. H. , Kuznetsov M. H.
Published: September 2019

The problem of domestic violence remains an urgent problem for all countries of the world, Ukraine is no exception. Unfortunately, the political and economic processes that take place in the 21st century in our state negatively affect the family and its derivative institutions. This includes an increase in the number of families who find themselves below the poverty line, regular fights and quarrels that create conflicts in the family, the spread of alcoholism, drug addiction and prostitution, a decrease in the role and influence of the state, and a change in social standards for itself Institute of the family. Among the main signs of domestic violence is the intentionality of committing and causing physical, psychological, economic harm and the like. In addition, there are reasons that prevent the victim of violence from leaving the offender, among which are: the lack of alternatives to another residence; property and financial dependence; desire to save a family; acquired helplessness syndrome; unwillingness to stop destructive marriage and more.
Domestic violence is the result of deliberate actions of the person who commits it and which is supported by aggression and the desire to do harm, and not by the desire to unleash the domestic conflict through reconciliation.
In 2017, the VerkhovnaRada of Ukraine adopted the new Law of Ukraine “On the Prevention and Counteraction of Domestic Violence” normatively enshrined the definition of domestic violence, according to which act (action or inaction) of physical, sexual, psychological or economic violence that occurs in the family or within the place of residence or between relatives, or between former or current spouses, or between other persons who together live (lived) the same family, but are not (were not) in the family wearing or married to each other, regardless of whether the person who committed domestic violence lives in the same place as the injured person, as well as the threat of such acts.
The article notes that the latest in the country’s legislation is sexual violence. Legislative innovations, in particular, reinforce an updated approach to crimes against sexual freedom and integrity: the concept of “voluntary consent” and the fact of “penetration” are introduced – the distinction between rape and other forms of sexual violence.
The law provides for consent to intimacy even from a man or wife. It is proved that violence, of course, under any conditions, is a crime. And therefore, the lack of a clear definition in the law causes incorrect qualifications and, accordingly, inappropriate responses of state bodies to criminal acts.
Role of pentraxin-3 in risk assessment of patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Zlibut A , Bocsan IC , Pop RM , Vesa SC , Bheecarry K , Revnic R , Cojan-Minzat B , Lupu S , Buzoianu AD , Agoston-Coldea L
Published: September 2019

Background

Inflammation plays a major role in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its progression. Recent studies have shown that pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), osteoprogerin (OPG), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are key factors in MetS pathophysiology, but evidence for endorsing their clinical use is currently unclear and insufficient.

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate the association between the inflammatory biomarkers’ levels and the severity of MetS.

Methods

The study was observational, transversal, prospective, cohort, and analytical type. We enrolled 80 patients (M:F = 1, mean age = 55 ± 10.77 years) who met MetS criteria. The study protocol included: medical history, physical examination, 6-min walk test distance (6MWTD), biochemical tests, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and carotid ultrasonography. We also performed plasmatic measurement of PTX-3, OPG, and TNF-α, in addition to standard biochemical tests.

Results

Subjects with severe MetS had higher values of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (p < 0.001, p = 0.001). PTX-3 levels were significantly higher in patients with severe MetS (p = 0.03) and the values were not influenced by age or gender. OPG positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.264, p = 0.018). 6MWTD was lower in patients with severe MetS (p = 0.005), whereas CCA-IMT was higher in this group of patients (p = 0.005). In addition, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for PTX-3 identified a cut-off value of 10.7 ng/dl that differentiates between mild and severe MetS [AUC 0.656; sensitivity =47.1% (95% CI = 36.1%–62.3%); specificity = 78.9% (95% CI = 54.4%–93.9%)].

Conclusion

PTX-3 was correlated with the severity of MetS, with other inflammatory parameters and cardiovascular tests. CCA-IMT and 6MWTD are useful in differentiating between mild and severe MetS.
Pristimantis tinguichaca Brito, Ojala-Barbour, Batallas & Almendariz, 2016 (Anura, Strabomantidae): range extension and notes on variation in color pattern
Authors: Franco-Mena Daniela , Reyes-Puig Juan Pablo , Yánez-Muñoz Mario H.
Published: September 2019

In this paper we extend the known distribution of the endemic and recently described Pristimantis tinguichaca Brito et al. 2016, a terrestrial robber frog characterized by its beige and brown to dark-brown dorsal coloration, flanks with longitudinal or diagonal cream-coloured bands which are separated by brown, and reddish iris. The new records, based on two specimens collected from the Cerro Candelaria and Cerro Mayordomo reserves of Fundación Ecominga in the upper Pastaza River watershed, Tungurahua province, east-central Ecuador, represent the northern limit of the species and extend this species to the Llanganates–Sangay ecological corridor.
First record of Gymnosiphon tenellus (Benth.) Urb. (Burmanniaceae) in Paraná state and southern Brazil
Authors: de Souza Inti , Blum Christopher Thomas , Brotto Marcelo Leandro
Published: September 2019

Gymnosiphon tenellus (Bentham) Urban is recorded for the first time in the state of Paraná and in southern Brazil. Until now it has only been known to occur in Central America, the Amazonian Rainforest, and in the Atlantic Rainforest of the state of Rio de Janeiro in southeastern Brazil. An updated description is provided, along with original, detailed pictures of the species.
A Short Review on Properties and Applications of Zinc Oxide Based Thin Films and Devices
Authors: Vyas Sumit
Published: September 2019

Zinc oxide has emerged as an attractive material for various applications in electronics, optoelectronics, biomedical and sensing. The large excitonic binding energy of 60 meV at room temperature as compared to 25 meV of gallium nitride, an III-V compound makes ZnO an efficient light emitter in the ultraviolet (UV) spectral region and hence favourable for optoelectronic applications. The high conductivity and transparency of ZnO makes it important for applications like transparent conducting oxides (TCO) and thin-film transistors (TFT). In this paper, the optoelectronic, electronic and other properties that make ZnO attractive for a variety of applications are discussed. Various applications of ZnO thin film and its devices such as light-emitting diodes (LED), UV sensors, biosensors, photodetectors and TFT that have been described by various research groups are presented.
A theoretical model for total suction effects by tree roots
Authors: Pathirage Udeshini , Indraratna Buddhima , Pallewattha Muditha , Heitor Ana
Published: September 2019

Strengthening soft and weak soil by way of root reinforcement is a well-known strategy that is adopted worldwide. In Australia, native gum trees remain evergreen throughout the year and have been utilised to stabilise transportation corridors by way of reinforcement provided by the roots and the suction generated within the root domain as a function of evapotranspiration through the canopy. A mature gum tree can induce a missive total suction pressure exceeding 30 MPa through its root water and solute uptake in terms of matric plus osmotic suction. This cumulative effect of matric and osmotic suctions contributes to the overall shear strength of the soil, but the significant osmotic suction is often ignored in classical geotechnical engineering that does not consider the presence of trees. This study is an attempt to demonstrate the important role of osmotic suction, because it is directly proportional to the solute concentration in the soil and the solute uptake mechanisms of the surrounding vegetated ground.
Beneath Ebola ruins
Authors: Roth Emmanuelle
Published: September 2019

n/a
Introduction
Authors: McKay Ramah , Biruk Cal (Crystal)
Published: September 2019

As an emerging subfield of medical anthropology with roots in histories and geographies of colonial and international health, critical global health studies reflects both changing modes of health practice and the centering of critique as a core anthropological endeavor. This special section seeks to analyze and reflect on the meanings, valences, affects, and entailments of anthropological critique, taking the rise of global health and flourishing of global health ethnography as key sites of investigation. Each of the contributing pieces is oriented around a global health object or technology.
Rationalized aging
Authors: Glaser Alana Lee
Published: September 2019

There are approximately 4.4 million direct-care workers in the United States. Comprising the labor of nurses, home health aides, certified nursing assistants, personal attendants, and companions to the elderly, direct-care work constitutes one of the fastest-growing labor niches in the United States. Within the commodified caregiving sector, cost-cutting imperatives to subdivide care labor introduce insalubrious complications for patients by cleaving – or attempting to do so – their physical needs from their emotional and relational needs, a process that I label ‘rationalized aging’. In this essay, I reflect on my experiences as a paid elder companion in New York City to argue that this process of subdivision combines earlier nineteenth-century rationalization strategies with neoliberal regimes of flexible accumulation and to highlight the consequences of subdivision in this sector both for care workers and for the patients in their care.
Is Expired Air Carbon Monoxide Testing Effective for Screening of Cigarette Use in Orthopaedic Patients? v1
Authors: Sterrenberg Sean , Gallacher David , Schmidt Melissa , Rugel Rebecca , Gerke Summer , R Gundle Kenneth , Wallenberg Ryan
Published: September 2019

Background: Tobacco use is associated with increased post-operative complications and is often underreported by patients. Traditional biochemical testing methods, including serum and urine cotinine assays, do not differentiate active smoking from nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This study intends to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel point-of-care carbon monoxide (CO) breath test to verify smoking status and differentiate active smoking from NRT pre-operatively in a cohort of veteran orthopaedic patients. Methods: This is a single-institution, prospective cohort study of adult orthopaedic patients at the Portland VA Medical Center to implement and evaluate a point-of-care CO breath test, the Smokerlyzer® Micro EC50, for pre-operative smoking status verification. Patients who are indicated for orthopaedic surgery in the pre-operative clinic will be offered inclusion. Self-reported smoking status will be obtained pre-operatively to categorize patients as non-smoker, quitters, or active smokers. Exhaled CO and serum cotinine levels will be obtained at the initial clinic visit, pre-operative visit, and day of surgery. Primary endpoints are concordance between self-reported smoking status and CO levels, and concordance between exhaled CO and serum cotinine levels. Discussion: Pre-operative smoking cessation interventions have been shown to decrease smoking rates on the day of surgery and promote abstinence 30 days post-operatively. NRTs are commonly used to promote smoking cessation, however their effect on surgical outcomes are not known. This study aims to validate the use of point-of-care testing that differentiates active smoking from NRT, and identify patients at risk for smoking status misclassification. Results would provide preliminary data to directly test NRT use, separate from tobacco use, and surgical outcomes. Specific Aims: 1. To determine if expired air CO levels can be used to identify patients that are at risk of smoking status misclassification pre-operatively, including patients that are on nicotine replacement therapy. 2. To evaluate the concordance between self-reported smoking and expired air CO levels in the veteran orthopedic population. 3. To evaluate the concordance between pre-operative expired air CO and typical serum levels in the orthopedic population. Hypotheses: 1. Expired air CO testing will allow for differentiation between active smokers and those on nicotine replacement therapy compared to serum cotinine testing. 2. Self-reported “quitters” will have lower agreement between self-reported smoking status and biological testing compared to self-reported “non-smokers” and “active smokers.” 3. Compared to serum cotinine testing, expired air CO testing will allow for non-inferior accuracy in verifying smoking status.
Portland Pivot Kick Study: Can a novel physical exam maneuver for medial meniscus tears predict improvement after partial medial meniscectomy? v1
Authors: Moulton Samuel , Sterrenberg Sean , R Gundle Kenneth , Berkson Mark
Published: September 2019

Specific Aims/Purpose This study aims to evaluate patients with symptomatic medial meniscus tear verified by MRI using a novel physical exam maneuver, the Portland Pivot Kick (PPK). The goal is to assess whether patients with symptomatic medical meniscus tears have a change in the PPK before and after arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy. This physical exam maneuver may help predict the potential benefit of arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy in treating mechanical symptoms, even in the setting of degenerative joint disease. Hypothesis: Patients with a positive preoperative PPK will have improvement of mechanical symptoms and significantly improved subjective outcomes scores following arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy. Scientific Rationale and Significance Medial meniscal tears are common and they are often associated with osteoarthritis in elderly patients presenting with knee pain. One study reported a prevalence of 86% of medial meniscal tears in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis. Management of medial meniscal tears include structured physical therapy and arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, with 700,000 partial meniscectomies performed annually in the United States. Multiple randomized control trials have evaluated the efficacy of partial meniscectomies in patients with osteoarthritis by comparing surgery to physical therapy. Three of the 4 studies found no benefit to partial meniscectomy, while one study found a significant benefit to surgical treatment. However, up to one third of patients in the randomized control trials crossed over from physical therapy to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. A follow up analysis found that patients who crossed over to surgery after starting a course of physical therapy had a higher acute level of pain and similar outcome scores to patients who initially underwent surgery. These findings suggest that a subset of patients with meniscal tears and osteoarthritis elect for surgery even after physical therapy, leading to an improvement in symptoms. Mechanical symptoms of catching or locking are often attributed to meniscal tears and used as evidence to recommend partial meniscectomy. However, there is no consensus on what exactly are mechanical symptoms specific to meniscal tears. Prior studies have evaluated mechanical symptoms solely based on subjective patient reports of knee catching and/or locking. There is a paucity of objective measures of mechanical symptoms of meniscal tears. This study will investigate the efficacy of the PPK in identifying medial meniscal tears that may improve with surgical intervention. Medial meniscal tears are a common finding amongst the veteran population with knee pain, with a prevalence approaching 50% in older patients. This study will help provide a more objective measurement of symptomatic medial meniscal tears for both veterans and the general population.
Agarose gel electrophoresis v2
Authors: Riccio Cristian
Published: September 2019

Agarose gel for DNA electrophoresis This protocol is useful to check the approximate size of a mixture of DNA fragments. For example, after a HMW gDNA extraction, it is good to check that the DNA we extracted is actually high-molecular weight. Another use is for separating PCR amplicons when checking for a mutation. Primers can be designed in such a way that PCR will yield two fragments of different sizes depending on whether a sequence is present or not. If a deletion is present, then the amplified fragment will be smaller than for the DNA where there is no deletion.
Neuropathy Phentoyping Protocols - Immunohistochemistry for Tissue Sections v2
Authors: Feldman Eva
Published: September 2019

Summary: Phenotyping of Rodents for the Presence of Diabetic Neuropathy In man, the development of diabetic neuropathy is dependent on both the degree of glycemic control and the duration of diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is a progressive disorder, with signs and symptoms that parallel the loss of nerve fibers over time. Consequently, assessments of neuropathy in mice are not performed at one time point, but are characterized at multiple time points during a 6 month period of diabetes. The degree of diabetes is evaluated in 2 ways: tail blood glucose measured following a 6 hour fast and glycated hemoglobin levels. The initial degree of neuropathy is screened using the methods discussed below. Detailed measures of neuropathy are employed when the initial screening instruments indicate a profound or unique phenotypic difference. This document contains protocols used by the DiaComp staff to examine and measure diabetic neuropathy at the whole animal, tissue and cellular levels. Diabetic Complication:
Morphometry: Mouse v2
Authors: Leiter Ed
Published: September 2019

Summary: This protocol describes a number of the measurements that are made on the mouse anatomy. Edited by: DiaComp Membership Diabetic Complications:
New version of protocol 2 images pokipoki v1
Authors: Darja Darja
Published: September 2019

Between May and June 1993, Slovenia competed in the qualifiers for the EuroBasket 1993, where the team won all seven games and therefore qualified for its first EuroBasket. At the main tournament, held in Germany, Slovenia finished in 14th place out of 16 teams with one win and two defeats. Between May and June 1993, Slovenia competed in the qualifiers for the EuroBasket 1993, where the team won all seven games and therefore qualified for its first EuroBasket. At the main tournament, held in Germany, Slovenia finished in 14th place out of 16 teams with one win and two defeats. Protocol Repository and Exporting Once protocols are created, they can be exported for use in other sciNote projects and/or copied directly to the sciNote Protocol Repository, where they are versioned and accessible to designated users.
Hidden Caries: A Case Report of a 17 Years Old Male with Two Affected Mandibular Premolars
Authors: Alkhodier Haifa A , Abudawood Shahad N , Donly Kevin J
Published: September 2019

Hidden caries is the term used to describe carious lesions that are not visualized clinically on erupted teeth but can be detected radiographically. The exact etiology remains an area of controversy. The purpose of the current case report was to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of two mandibular premolars with hidden caries. After diagnosis was established, both premolars were treated with indirect pulp caps and resin-based composite restorations. A one year follow up appointment revealed both teeth to be free from signs and symptoms of inflammation.
ANALYSIS OF THE VISCERAL PERFUSION STRATEGIES DURING INFANT AORTIC ARCH RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: Kulyabin Yu. Yu. , Omelchenko A. Yu. , Soynov I. A. , Zubritskiy A. V. , Voytov A. V. , Gorbatykh A. V. , Gorbatykh Yu. N.
Published: September 2019

Aim To compare the effects of continuous regional perfusion methods for infant aortic arch repair on the incidence of acute renal dysfunction and mortality in the early postoperative period.

Methods A total of 121 infants who underwent aortic arch reconstruction in the period from June 2007 to December 2017 were included in the study. Patients were 1:1 propensity score matched using the nearest-neighbor methodology. Sixty-two patients (median age 14 (interquartile range (IQR) [8; 23]) days) were selected for the retrospective analysis and divided in two groups: those who underwent repair with selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP) (SACP group, 31 patients) at 23–26°C and those who received whole brain perfusion and additional lower body perfusion (double arterial cannulation (DAC) group, 31 patients) at 28–32°C.

Results In-hospital mortality was 3.2% in the DAC group (3.2%) and 12.8% in the SACP group, respectively (p = 0.03). More patients from the SACP group required an open chest after operation (p = 0.013). Patients from the DAC group had shorter open chest duration (p = 0.002) and shorter length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) (p = 0.035). There were no differences in the need for renal replacement therapy (p = 0.20) and rate of creatinine level progression during the first three postoperative days between the groups (p = 0.53). The body mass of less than 2 kilos predisposes patients to the onset of acute renal dysfunction (p = 0.013), which was found to be a predictor of early mortality (p = 0.038).

Conclusion Lower body perfusion reported similar results to SACP in terms of the onset of acute renal dysfunction, but was superior in terms of lower mortality and shorter lengths of stay in the ICU.
HEART VALUES (HISTORICAL MILESTONES OF THE KUZBASS CARDIOLOGY CENTER)
Authors: Makarov S. A.
Published: September 2019

The article outlines historical milestones of the Kuzbass Cardiology Center. It presents the areas of expertise, stages of development and the main achievements.
INVESTIGATION OF LORENTZ FORCE EFFECT ON STEADY NANOFLUID FLOW AND HEAT TRANSFER THROUGH PARALLEL PLATES
Authors: AKİNSHİLO Akinbowale
Published: September 2019

In this paper
Lorentz force effect on steady fluid flow and heat transfer of nanofluid is
examined. The nanofluid is transported through horizontal parallel plates with
magnetic flux of uniform density acting perpendicular to the plates. The effects
of thermo-fluidic parameters such as Schmidt number, viscosity and magnetic
parameter on flow and heat transfer are presented. Other important heat and
mass transfer parameters such as Nusselt and Sherwood numbers practically
relevant were also studied. Obtained results from analytical solutions shows
quantitative increase of Magnetic parameter varied within the range of 1-4
depicts increasing temperature distribution. Also results when compared with
past literatures forms good agreement. Therefore study provides a good emphasis
for the advancements of Nano fluidics such as micro mixing, friction reduction,
energy conservation, and biological samples.
Role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of chronic ulcers of the foot in patients with type II diabetes mellitus
Authors: El Mallah Said , Fareed Abd El Moniem , Ghaly Omar M. Abd Al-Halim
Published: September 2019

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in healing of chronic foot ulcers in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.Methods: A case control study included 40 type II diabetic patients with chronic foot ulcers not healing for more than 4 weeks. It has been conducted at Naser Institute for Research and Treatment and Menoufia University Hospital during the period between April 2017 and September 2018. Patients with non-healing diabetic foot ulcers were referred by physicians and were also identified through a number of wound care clinics in various hospitals.Results: Most ulcers were observed in the sole and heel in both groups A and B (n=14 and 9 respectively), while the rest of ulcers were distributed in other areas of the foot, namely the medial and lateral malleoli, dorsum and toes. On comparing the wound related complications developing during the treatment period, no statistically significant difference was found between both groups (p=0.147). As regards Wagner's grade, 7 patients (17.5%) had grade 4 ulcers, 18 patients (45%) had grade 3 ulcers and 15 patients (37.5%) had grade 2 ulcers, showing no statistically significant difference between both groups before treatment (p=0.259).Conclusions: HBOT is a useful adjunct in the treatment of non-healing diabetic foot ulcers, and that the cost of HBOT itself will be reduced as it becomes more widely available in the clinical setting, and as further knowledge of its other advantages, such as limited side effects and relative safety, become more widely appreciated.
Predict cardiac death after withdrawal of life-supporting treatment in the neurocritical patients: a neurological score
Authors: Xu Guixing , Liu Hua , Zheng Donghua
Published: September 2019

Background: Accurate prediction the time of death after withdrawal of life-supporting treatment (WLST) in the neurocritical patients is important for donation after cardiac death. We aimed to establish a new neurological scoring system to predict the probability of death within 60 minutes after WLST.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data from a cohort of 231 neurocritical patients from June 2016 to July 2018. The patients were divided into training and external validation sets. In the training set, we used univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to assess associations between death within 60 minutes after WLST and these variables. Points attributed to each variable were summed to create a predictive score for cardiac death. We assessed performance of the score using ROC analysis. Finally, we validated the predictive ability of the score in an external validation set.Results: Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that absent corneal reflexes, absent cough reflexes, extensor or absent motor response and anisocoric or bilaterally dilated pupil were associated with death within 60 minutes in training set (all p<0.05). The area under curve for the score was 0.839 (95% CI 0.763-0.916) for prediction of death within 60 minutes. A score of 4-6 had a sensitivity of 95.88% and a specificity of 69.05% to predict death within 60 minutes after WSLT. In external validation set, the prevalence of these predictors was similar with training sample.Conclusions: The neurological score may be useful to predict time of death after WLST in neurocritical patients.
Laparoscopy in acute abdomen between encouragement and inhibition
Authors: Helmy Mena Zarif , Aldardeer Ahmed Abdel Kahaar
Published: September 2019

Background: Laparoscopy has been a valuable technique in the treatment of acute abdominal diseases and can be considered either to diagnose or to treat selected cases.Methods: Here, we randomly select patients with acute abdominal pain in whom the diagnosis was not clear after ultrasonography and plain X-ray, we did diagnostic laparoscopy and according to its findings, we proceeded to surgical intervention. 50 cases with acute abdomen were included in this study in order to clarify the role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of acute abdomen.Results: From the 50 patients, the main complaint was abdominal pain and presented in (100%) of patients, 38 of patients had vomiting, fever in 29 patients and 14 patients had abdominal distension, 7 patients had alteration in bowel habits and burning micturition in 6 patients. In this study, 10 patients had past history of previous surgery. By laparoscopy we could see the pathology in 46 patients and complete the management in all of patients but failed to reach the diagnosis in 2 cases and conversion to laparotomy in other 2 cases. Laparoscopic surgery mean was 47.9±12.4 minutes. Hospital stay mean was (1.851) days. Morbidity was 10%. No mortality was found in our study.Conclusions: Laparoscopy can be considered safe for diagnosis and effective in the treatment of patients with acute abdomen. It may be useful to avoid the unnecessary laparotomies in a large number of patients presented with acute abdominal pain.
Neck trauma: a profile of experience from otorhinolaryngology unit of a referral hospital in North West Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu Daniel , Iseh R. Kufre , Stephen S. Yikawe , Baba S. Amutta , M. Abdullahi , Mercy Adeyeye , Joseph H. Solomon , Manya Caleb
Published: September 2019

Background: Neck trauma is a potentially life threatening clinical condition often presenting as a challenging surgical emergency to otolaryngologist due to high concentration of vital structures in the neck that are at risk. We aimed to study the clinical profile and management challenges of neck trauma in our environment.Methods: This is a retrospective study in which case records of patients diagnosed with neck trauma over 6 years (January 2013 to December 2018) were reviewed. Data extracted included the demography, etiology, presenting symptoms, nature of trauma, surgical intervention and their complications.Results: A total of 28 cases of neck trauma 15 (53.6%) males and 13 (46.4%) females with an M: F ratio of 1.2:1 was analyzed. Age range 8 years to 60 years with a mean age of 30.2 years. The highest incidence was 39.3% in patients within the age group 21-30years. Hoarseness and difficulty in breathing were the commonest presenting symptoms. The commonest etiology of neck trauma in this study is accidental 17 (60.7%) followed by homicidal 6 (21.4%) with zone II site of the neck being the commonest site of injury. Most cases presented to the hospital 2-8 hours of trauma except 5 patients that took more than 24 hours. Nineteen of the patient had emergency tracheostomy and Neck exploration. Most common complication was supraglottic stenosis 12 (42.8%). No mortality recorded in this study.Conclusions: Neck trauma is a potentially life threatening surgical emergency requiring timely multi-disciplinary management thereby reducing complications and postoperative morbidity.
Efficacy of the P-POSSUM scoring system as a prognostic indicator in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy
Authors: Anbarasu Karthic , Chandak Rohit
Published: September 2019

Background: Continuous audit of surgical practice is essential in enhancing patient care and lowering health care cost. This prospective study aimed to assess the validity of the Portsmouth- physiologic and operative severity score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (P-POSSUM) score in predicting the risk of morbidity and mortality and to identify the risk factors for poor outcome at a tertiary care teaching hospital in India.Methods: A prospective study of 100 patients (70 emergency and 30 elective) undergoing exploratory laparotomy admitted in Department of General Surgery over a 10 months period at Rabindranath Tagore Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, were included in the study group. The risks of mortality and morbidity were calculated by using P-POSSUM equation. The predicted risks were compared with the observed risks of mortality and morbidity and statistically analysed.Results: The overall mortality rate of 11% with (O:E=0.85, p=0.59) and morbidity rate of 41% with (O:E=0.78, p=0.089). Higher percentage of mortality and morbidity were found with patients not able to be resuscitated successfully before surgery. Chest infections (18%), pyrexia (15%) and wound infections (14%) are areas requiring prompt care to minimize mortality rate.Conclusions: Even though P-POSSUM over predicted mortality it was not statistically significant as concluded by other studies. With P-POSSUM outcome of the patient and operative risk can be predicted and pre-operative counselling, optimization, implementing resuscitative measures and adequate care in specific high risk groups can be given with targeted interventions; improving quality of care and cost reduction.