bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective energy measurement using radiochromic film: application of a mobile scanner
Authors: Gotanda Tatsuhiro , Katsuda Toshizo , Gotanda Rumi , Kuwano Tadao , Akagawa Takuya , Tanki Nobuyoshi , Tabuchi Akihiko , Shimono Tetsunori , Kawaji Yasuyuki , Takeda Yoshihiro
Published: January 2017

The effective energy calculated using the half-value layer (HVL) is an important parameter for quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). However constant monitoring has not been performed because measurements using an ionization chamber (IC) are time-consuming and complicated. To solve these problems, a method using radiochromic film (GAFCHROMIC EBT2 dosimetry film (GAF-EBT2) with slight energy dependency errors), a mobile scanner and step-shaped aluminum (SSAl) filter is developed. The results of the method using a mobile scanner were compared with those of the recommended method using an IC in order to evaluate its applicability. The difference ratios of the effective energies by each method using a mobile scanner with GAF-EBT2 were less than 5% compared with results of an IC. It is considered that this method offers a simple means of determining HVL for QA and QC consistently and quickly without the need for an IC dosimeter.
A Hybrid Fuzzy-SVM classifier for automated lung diseases diagnosis
Authors: Ben Hassen Donia , Ben Zakour Sihem , Taleb Hassen
Published: January 2017

A novel scheme for lesions classification in chest radiographs is presented in this paper. Features are extracted from detected lesions from lung regions which are segmented automatically. Then, we needed to eliminate redundant variables from the subset extracted because they affect the performance of the classification. We used Stepwise Forward Selection and Principal Components Analysis. Then, we obtained two subsets of features. We finally experimented the Stepwise/FCM/SVM classification and the PCA/FCM/SVM one. The ROC curves show that the hybrid PCA/FCM/SVM has relatively better accuracy and remarkable higher efficiency. Experimental results suggest that this approach may be helpful to radiologists for reading chest images.
Do duties of students of medicine be cause for stress?
Authors: Lis-Sochocka Marta , Chylińska-Wrzos Patrycja , Wawryk-Gawda Ewelina , Bulak Kamila , Jodłowska-Jędrych Barbara
Published: January 2017

Introduction. For young adults, one of the sources of peer interaction problems is the fact that they are burdened with an increasing number of duties and their pace of life increases. Since they are usually burdened with huge amount of study material, medicine students are particularly vulnerable.

Aim. The aim of this work was to determine the relationship between their obligations, stress levels and their peer or family relationships.

Material and methods. The study involved 242 students (148 women and 94 men) of the first year of daily studies, aged 18-30 (median - 20 years). The assessment was performed in March 2016, and the research tool was an anonymous survey. This took into account, inter alia, data on the demands of their studies, and their peer and family affinities.

Results. Using the results, around 71% of all respondents consider themselves to be over-burdened with the obligations resulting from their choice of study. Among these, women were more likely to self-assess themselves as overburdened (65%). Moreover, out of all respondents, approx. 27% of all, considered excessive workload as a major source of stress. This, however, does not significantly affect their peer and family relationships, because approx. 95% of all respondents consider such these to be be either good or rather good.

Conclusions. Medical students are burdened with responsibilities. This can be a source of stress, but overall, does not affect social and family associations.
Do medical students have a positive outlook on the world?
Authors: Chylińska-Wrzos Patrycja , Lis-Sochocka Marta , Wawryk-Gawda Ewelina , Bulak Kamila , Jodłowska-Jędrych Barbara
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Upon entering diverse fields of medical science, young people are on the cusp of adulthood. They change their environment and take on new responsibilities, which often translates to stress and depression.

Aim. The main objective of the work was to assess the psychological health in students of Medical University of Lublin.

Material and Methods. The research tool was a questionnaire containing information regarding mental health of first-year students of medicine. The results were statistically analysed in Statistica 11.0, utilising Pearson’s Chi Squared test of independence, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results. Most respondents (55.79%), whether male or female, rarely feel sadness. About 43% of respondents replied that they employ different strategies of coping with stress. 33.47% of all students stated that whenever any problems appear they look for support from their families. Generally, around 47% of all students are happy with their lives. There were, statistical signification between the sex of the students and psychological well-being, and between the sex and the ways of dealing with depression.

Conclusions. Despite the significant stress to which these young people are exposed, they are relatively strong mentally and have a positive outlook towards the lives.
A comparison of anterior teeth color among Polish, Saudi and Taiwanese students of dentistry
Authors: Alrifai Mosa , Alharby Hassan , Zubrzycka-Wróbel Joanna , Chałas Renata
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Color of teeth is undoubtedly one of the most important factors considering patients’ satisfaction with the quality of their restoration, especially in the anterior region of the mouth. Therefore, the determination of color is an integral part of esthetic dentistry and therefore it should be given the highest importance in dentistry in order to achieve the esthetic requirements of patients.

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate tooth color in 3 different ethnic groups and its relationship with gender and type of tooth using a clinical spectrophotometer.

Material and methods. A total of 90 dental students of the Medical University of Lublin was divided into three groups of 30 each according to participant’s ethnicity, which was as follows: Polish, Saudi Arabian and Taiwanese. Then, different divisions were made according to gender as well as the type of teeth. The tooth color was identified by spectrophotometer. The data was statistically analyzed.

Results. For the Vita Classical shade guide, A3.5 shade was the most frequently chosen in Taiwanese and Saudi students’ teeth. However, the most common shade observed for the anterior teeth of Polish students was A3. The most common shade among males was A3.5 and in females A3 was the most frequent shade. In all 360 central incisors, overall, the most common shades noticed were A2, D3 and C1. In all 360 lateral incisors, D3, A3 and A2 were the most frequent shades for this group of teeth. In all 360 canines, A3.5 and A3 were the most common shade with almost half of the number of canines in this study was measured with A3.5.

Conclusions. Based on the performed preliminary research, it was observed that Polish students tend to have brighter teeth than Saudis which in turn have even brighter teeth than Taiwanese students. It was also noted that men are more likely to have darker shade values than women. Central incisors have higher values of tooth color than lateral incisors and canines.
Preserving fertility in pseudomyxoma peritonei, a novel approach
Authors: Sheehan Lisa A. , Mehta Akash M. , Sawan Saladin , Dayal Sanjeev P. , Mohamed Faheez , Moran Brendan J. , Cecil Tom D.
Published: January 2017

Background

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the gold standard treatment for patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) but involves routine bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Young women wishing to maintain fertility may be reluctant to pursue this. An alternative strategy in women with low-grade PMP has been explored in the form of laparoscopic evacuation of pelvic and ovarian mucin with resection of the appendiceal tumour.

Methods

Between January 2012 and January 2015, four young women (aged 28–35 years) with PMP seeking to maintain fertility underwent laparoscopy, appendicectomy and pelvic mucinous evacuation and washout. Data regarding intra-operative and histopathological findings were collected. Endpoints were fertility-related outcomes and oncological follow-up.

Results

Infertility was a presenting symptom in three of the four women. All four had significant pelvic mucinous disease on radiological imaging and were offered CRS and HIPEC as definitive treatment, but chose laparoscopy with appendicectomy and copious irrigation and washout of the pelvis with stripping of mucinous disease off the ovarian surfaces. Postoperative histology demonstrated a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) in all patients with acellular mucin or low-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei in the peritoneal cavity. All patients successfully conceived subsequently and gave birth to healthy babies. After 12–29 months follow-up, all women are well with no radiological or laparoscopic evidence of disease recurrence.

Conclusions

In patients with low-grade PMP, initial therapeutic laparoscopy can restore fertility, whilst providing short- to medium-term disease control. This modality in young women wishing to have children appears to be a feasible alternative to immediate CRS and HIPEC.
Obesity Influence on Insulin Activity and Resting Metabolic Rate in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Doros Rodica , Lixandru Daniela , Petcu Laura , Picu Ariana , Mitu Manuela , Tudosoiu Janeta , Ionescu-Tîrgoviste Constantin
Published: January 2017

Background and Aims. Diabetes mellitus and obesity modify the resting metabolic rate (RMR) in opposite directions. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between RMR, insulin activity and adipocytokines in type 2 diabetes patients with associated obesity. Material and Method. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements, bioimpedance body composition, C peptide, insulin, proinsulin, adiponectin, leptin, indirect calorimetry measured RMR were determined in 306 (53% male, 54.9% obese) diabetic patients. Results. RMR, C peptide, insulin, proinsulin, Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) IR, HOMA %B, leptin increased and adiponectin decreased with body mass index (BMI). BMI had a statistical significant higher effect size on fat mass (FM), leptin (0.652-0.339 eta squared), moderate positive effect size on fat-free mass (FFM), insulin, C peptide, RMR, HOMA %B (0.228 - 0.155 eta squared) and lower effect size on HOMA-IR, adiponectin, proinsulin-to-adiponectin ratio, proinsulin (0.098-0.062 eta squared). RMR had positive correlations with FFM (r=0.633), BMI (r=0.300), proinsulin-to-adiponectin ratio (r=0.218), HOMA1-IR (r=0.176), proinsulin (r=0.151), insulin (r=0.144), fasting plasma glucose (r=0.132), fat mass (r= 0.131), triglycerides (r = 0.119), proinsulin-to-insulin ratio (r= 0.117) and negative with age (r=-0.368), HDL cholesterol (r=-0.284), adiponectin(r=-0.282) and leptin (r=-0.178). Conclusions RMR was correlated with HOMA IR and insulin resistance biomarkers, but not with HOMA %B and C peptide.
The change in NT-pro-BNP and post-PTMC echocardiography parameters in patients with mitral stenosis. A pilot study
Authors: Safi Morteza , Bayat Fariba , Ahmadi Zahra , Shekarchizadeh Masood , Khaheshi Isa , Naderian Mohammadreza
Published: January 2017

Background. The change in the level of NT-pro-BNP (N-terminal-pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide) is now considered as a reflection of the hemodynamic alterations and its circulatory reductions reported early after successful PTMC (percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy). The present study aims to assess the change in the level of NT-pro BNP following PTMC in patients with mitral stenosis and also to determine the association between circulatory NT-pro-BNP reduction and post-PTMC echocardiography parameters.

Methods. Twenty five symptomatic consecutive patients with severe MS undergoing elective PTMC were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent echocardiography before and also 24 to 48 hours after PTMC. Peripheral blood samples were taken for measurement of NT-pro-BNP before as well as 24 to 48 hours after PTMC. The patients were also classified in group with normal sinus rhythm or having atrial fibrillation (AF) based on their 12-lead electrocardiogram.

Results. It was shown a significant decrease in the parameters of PPG (Peak Pressure Gradient), MPG (Mean Pressure Gradient), PHT (Pressure Half Time), PAP (Pulmonary Arterial Pressure), LAV (Left Atrial Volume), and also a significant increase in MVA (Mitral Valve Area) RVS (Right Ventricular S velocity), and strains of lateral, septal, inferior and anterior walls of LA following PTMC. The mean LVEF remained unchanged after PTMC. The mean NT-pro-BNP before PTMC was 309.20 ± 17.97 pg/lit that significantly diminished after PTMC to 235.72 ± 22.46 pg/lit (p = 0.009). Among all echocardiography parameters, only MPG was positively associated with the change in NT-pro-BNP after PTMC. Comparing the change in echocardiography indices between the patients with normal rhythm and those with AF, lower change in PAP was shown in the group with AF. However, more change in the level of NT-pro-BNP after PTMC was shown in the patients with AF compared to those without this arrhythmia.

Conclusion. PTMC procedure leads to reduce the level of NT-pro-BNP. The change in NT-pro-BNP is an indicator for change in MS severity indicated by decreasing MPG parameter. Lower change in PAP as well as higher change in NT-pro-BNP is predicted following PTMC in the group with AF compared to those with normal sinus rhythm.
Is the use of AGILE patency capsule prior to videocapsule endoscopy useful in all patients with spondyloarthritis?
Authors: Gheorghe Andrada , Zahiu Denise Carmen Mihaela , Voiosu Theodor Alexandru , Mateescu Bogdan Radu , Voiosu Mihail Radu , Rimbaş Mihai
Published: January 2017

Background and aims. As already known, spondyloarthritis patients present a striking resemblance in intestinal inflammation with early Crohn’s disease. Moreover, the frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is an important part of their treatment. Both conditions could lead to intestinal stenoses. Therefore we proposed to investigate the usefulness of the patency capsule test in patients with spondyloarthritis.

Material and methods. 64 consecutive patients (33 males; mean age 38 ± 11 years) that fulfilled the AMOR criteria for seronegative spondyloarthropathy (59.4% ankylosing spondylitis) lacking symptoms or signs of intestinal stenosis were enrolled and submitted to an AGILE™ capsule patency test followed by a video capsule endoscopy (PillCam SB2™), as part of a protocol investigating the presence of intestinal inflammatory lesions. After reviewing the VCE recordings, the Lewis score (of small bowel inflammatory involvement) was computed.

Results. In only 5 patients (7.8%) of the study group, the luminal patency test was negative. However, there was no retention of the videocapsule in any of the patients. From the 59 patients with a positive patency test, 3 patients presented single small bowel stenoses (two with ulcerated overlying inflamed mucosa, one cicatricial), all being traversed by the videocapsule along the length of the recording. None of the patients with a negative test had bowel stenoses. There was no correlation between the patency test and the Lewis score, the C reactive protein value, diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, or the family history of spondyloarthritis, psoriasis or inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusion. The AGILE patency capsule does not seem to be a useful tool for all patients with spondyloarthritis prior to small bowel videocapsule endoscopy (ClinicalTrial.gov ID NCT 00768950).
Greek civil society’s online alternative networks as emergent resilience strategies in time of crisis
Authors: Zafiropoulou Maria
Published: January 2017

The use of new communications technologies and social media, in Greece, during the time of crisis, has led to the development of numerous online informal Civil Society Networks (CSNs) (i.e. networking-building platforms, self - organized groups in Facebook, forums, exchange platforms) proposing a rethinking of the status quo of formal civil organizations. This research, utilizing the methodology of discourse analysis, aims at summarizing the rise of these networks in Greece that incorporates both solidarity initiatives and autonomous political/economic spaces and identify the indicative predictive factors of their survival and growth. Some basic conclusions that have been drawn through this research is that alternative online networks can be proven as indicative sign of the social dynamism of a given period but in order to be resilient and sustainable they should develop focal points of physical reference, pursue national representation, focus mainly on monothematic goods/services and cultivate, in several cases, links with relevant social movements and local or national NGOs. A general induction through this research is that a CSN, during this current crisis, stands between two classical models of reference in a society seeking modernity and flexibility and can be considered as a proposed type of effective experimentation and mobilization that can pursue common social goals and serve needs of deprived people. Some issues that still remain underexplored and need further elaboration are social and political identity of participants, the potential links with local, national and international communities, the functional balance between structure and flexibility as well as the efficient distribution of energy between solidarity and protest.
An Analysis of Media’s role: Case Study of Army public school (APS) Peshawar attac k
Authors: Qureshi Rameesha
Published: January 2017

The study aimed at analyzing the role of media during and after terrorist attacks by examining the media handling of APS Peshawar attack. The sample consisted of males and females selected on convenience basis from universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. It was hypothesized that (1) Extensive media coverage of terrorist attacks leads to greater publicity/recognition of terrorist groups (2) Media coverage of APS Peshawar attack increased fear and anxiety in public (3) Positive media handling/coverage of APS Peshawar attack led to public solidarity and peace. The results indicate that i) Media coverage of terrorist attacks does help terrorist groups to gain publicity and recognition amongst public ii) Media coverage of Aps Peshawar attack did not increase fear/anxiety in fact it directed the Pakistani nation towards public solidarity and peace
Selected biometric and mechanical properties of the common reed Phragmites australis and the reed sweet grass Glyceria maxima rhizomes
Authors: Kowalik Weronika , Pachuta Kinga , Jeznach Jerzy
Published: January 2017

The results on the selected biometric and mechanical properties of common reed Phragmites australis and reed sweet grass Glyceria maxima were presented. The experiments were conducted with the help of the universal testing machine Instron 5966. The underground biomasses, diameters, tensile forces, displacements and tensile strengths for summer and winter rhizomes of both species were assessed and compared. The final results indicate that rhizomes of common reed had higher values of the studied parameters of biometric and stretching than sweet reed grass rhizomes. Therefore, there are more opportunities to use them to protect the coastline.
The gymnastics program in the training of military structures of Serbia since 1850
Authors: Vukašinović Vladan , Strelić Dragan , Vajić Saša , Šiljak Violeta
Published: January 2017

Observing the development of physical training classes of the Army throughout history, from the Army of the Principality of Serbia to the Serbian Armed Forces of today, it can be said that, in addition to other program segments, gymnastics was the fundamental factor of physical exercise in the overall process of practical and military training. This development was accompanied by frequent changes in the realization of physical training (program contents, number of hours, methodical procedure, etc.), which again depended on the needs of the army, in other words, on the objective of the training - which was aimed at achieving optimal physical abilities for the performance of military duties in all circumstances. The first written facts about the use of gymnastics in the Army of the Principality of Serbia originate from the period of the founding of the Artillery School (in 1850, a predecessor of the Military Academy), where the basis of physical training consisted of the following contents: fighting, gymnastics, swimming, fencing and riding. A little later, in 1867, within the physical training, gymnastic exercises were performed and were the forerunners of today's morning workout, which is even today an integral part of the training of members of the Army of Serbia. The problem of this research work relates to the implementation of the development of gymnastics in the process of training from the Army of the Principality of Serbia to the Serbian Army. The aim of this paper is to indicate the permanent implementation of the contents of gymnastics in the educational process of military structures as well as temporary changes according to the specific requirements of the upgrading of military and professional-specialized skills of military personnel in view of research of relevant materials and data collected. A historical method was used in this study. Research results show the importance and role of gymnastics as a basis of physical exercise for the improvement of the physical abilities of soldiers as the basic element of combat readiness.
An apolog(y) of the profession
Authors: Živanović Nenad
Published: January 2017

The history of the development of mankind is filled with examples which confirm that not everything has failed when everything has failed (R. P. Nogo). And actually, in every sphere of social life we can find people, who in the given temporal and social circumstances, have brought about a kind of rebirth and have helped in the awakening of new dreams and new desires to move forward. These individuals, whose souls have borne all the wounds of their people (and the profession they once claimed as their own), have inspired hope and a new energy (both) to those who had already given up and abandoned themselves to a quiet self-destruction. These individuals, beacons of light of a particular time, with their words and deeds were an example of those who would not acquiesce to the existing order, but did not know how to move on. These beacons of light, raised high by Love, went forward and through their work mapped out the roads of further development and progress. One such man, who has shed his light and lit up our physical education, is certainly Milivoje Matić.
A History of Pebbles and Silt – Fluvial Sediment Transport, Hydropower and Technical Expertise at the Austrian Danube and its Tributaries
Authors: Schoder Angelika
Published: January 2017

The paper investigates experts’ perceptions of hydropower, sediment regime, and their interaction in the 20th century with an environmental historical approach, based on various case studies at both the Danube River and one of its tributaries, and on a review of contemporary literature authored by engineers. Results show that questions of sediment continuity have engaged planners of hydropower plants since the advent of this technology, and decisions were at any time influenced by multiple interests (navigation, electricity demand, nature conservation). In such an intricate fluvial landscape, phenomena like reservoir sedimentation and riverbed incision can be approached as “legacies” of past technical interventions, which limit the options of current and future river management.
Pair Correlations and Random Walks on the Integers
Authors: Nair Radhakrishnan , Nasr Entesar
Published: January 2017

The paper gives conditions for a sequence of fractional parts of real numbers({anx})n=1∞$\left( {\{ a_n x\} } \right)_{n = 1}^\infty $to satisfy a pair correlation estimate. Herexis a fixed nonzero real number and(an)n=1∞$\left( {a_n } \right)_{n = 1}^\infty $is a random walk on the integers.
Linear Recursive Odometers and Beta-Expansions
Authors: Iacò Maria Rita , Steiner Wolfgang , Tichy Robert F.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this paper is to study the connection between different properties related to β-expansions. In particular, the relation between two conditions, both ensuring purely discrete spectrum of the odometer, is analyzed. The first one is the so-called Hypothesis B for the G-odometers and the second one is denoted by (QM) and it has been introduced in the framework of tilings associated to Pisot β-numerations.
An Extremal Problem in Uniform Distribution Theory
Authors: Baláž Vladimír , Iacò Maria Rita , Strauch Oto , Thonhauser Stefan , Tichy Robert F.
Published: January 2017

In this paper we consider an optimization problem for Cesàro means of bivariate functions. We apply methods from uniform distribution theory, calculus of variations and ideas from the theory of optimal transport.
Sofic Measures and Densities of Level Sets
Authors: Thomas Alain
Published: January 2017

The Bernoulli convolution associated to the real β > 1 and the probability vector (p
0, . . . , pd

−1) is a probability measure ηβ,p
on ℝ, solution of the self-similarity relation

η
=

∑

k
=
0

d
−
1

p
k

⋅
η
○

S
k

−
1

$\eta = \sum\nolimits_{k = 0}^{d - 1} {p_k \cdot \eta \circ S_k^{ - 1} } $

, where

S
k

(
x
)
=

x
+
k

β

$S_k (x) = {{x + k} \over \beta }$

. If β is an integer or a Pisot algebraic number with finite Rényi expansion, ηβ,p
is sofic and a Markov chain is naturally associated. If β = b ∈ ℕ and

p
0

=
⋯
=

p

d
−
1

=

1
d

$p_0 = \cdots = p_{d - 1} = {1 \over d}$

, the study of ηb,p
is close to the study of the order of growth of the number of representations in base b with digits in {0, 1, . . . , d − 1}. In the case b = 2 and d = 3 it has also something to do with the metric properties of the continued fractions.
Les Huit Premiers Travaux de Pierre Liardet
Authors: Waldschmidt Michel
Published: January 2017

Ce texte est une présentation résumée des huit premiers travaux de Pierre Liardet. Il reprend l’exposé donné à l’Université de Savoie Mont Blanc (Le Bourget-du-Lac) lors du colloque Théorie des Nombres, Systèmes de Numération, Théorie Ergodique les 28 et 29 septembre 2015, un colloque inspiré par les mathématiques de Pierre Liardet.

Le premier texte publié par Pierre Liardet l’a été en 1969 dans les Comptes Rendus de l’Académie des Sciences de Paris, il est intitulé “Transformations rationnelles laissant stables certains ensembles de nombres algébriques”, avec Madeleine Ventadoux comme coauteur. Ils étendent des résultats de Gérard Rauzy.

Dans la lignée de ces premiers travaux, il s’est attaqué à une conjecture de Władysław Narkiewicz sur les transformations polynomiales et rationnelles. En 1976, avec Ken K. Kubota, il a finalement réfuté cette conjecture.

Il a ensuite obtenu des résultats précurseurs sur une conjecture de Serge Lang, qui sont très souvent cités. Nous donnerons un bref survol des résultats qui ont suivi cette percée significative.
Association of triiodothyronine levels with future development of metabolic syndrome in euthyroid middle-aged subjects: a 6-year retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Kim Hye Jeong , Bae Ji Cheol , Park Hyeong Kyu , Byun Dong Won , Suh Kyoil , Yoo Myung Hi , Jae Hwan Jee , Kim Jae Hyeon , Min Yong-Ki , Kim Sun Wook , Chung Jae Hoon
Published: January 2017

Background

Several cross-sectional studies have reported that thyroid hormone levels are associated with cardiovascular risk markers and metabolic syndrome (MetS) even in euthyroid subjects. However, the prognostic role of serum thyroid hormone levels in the risk of incident MetS has not been elucidated.

Aim

We aimed to investigate the associations of baseline serum thyroid hormone levels with the development of MetS in healthy subjects.

Methods

This 6-year, cross-sectional, longitudinal and follow-up study was conducted in 12 037 euthyroid middle-aged subjects without MetS subjected to comprehensive health examinations. Subjects were grouped according to total triiodothyronine (T3) quartiles. The hazard ratio (HR) for the development of MetS according to T3 quartiles was estimated using Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

During the 6-year period, 3544 incident cases of MetS (29%) were identified. The proportion of subjects with incident MetS increased across the T3 quartiles (Pfor trend <0.001). The HR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the development of MetS were significantly higher in the highest T3 quartile compared with the lowest T3 quartile even after adjusting for confounding variables including gender, age and smoking (HR: 1.238, 95% CI: 1.128–1.358,P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In euthyroid middle-aged subjects, serum T3 levels are associated with increased risk for future development of MetS.
A multivariable prediction model for pegvisomant dosing: monotherapy and in combination with long-acting somatostatin analogues
Authors: Franck S E , Korevaar T I M , Petrossians P , Daly A F , Chanson P , Jaffrain-Réa M L , Brue T , Stalla G K , Carvalho D , Colao A , Hána V , Delemer B , Fajardo C , van der Lely A J , Beckers A , Neggers S J C M M
Published: January 2017

Background

Effective treatment of acromegaly with pegvisomant (PEGV), a growth hormone receptor antagonist, requires an appropriate dose titration. PEGV doses vary widely among individual patients, and various covariates may affect its dosing and pharmacokinetics.

Objective

To identify predictors of the PEGV dose required to normalize insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels during PEGV monotherapy and in combination with long-acting somatostatin analogues (LA-SSAs).

Design

Two retrospective cohorts (Rotterdam + Liège Acromegaly Survey (LAS), total n = 188) were meta-analyzed as a form of external replication to study the predictors of PEGV dosing in addition to LA-SSA, the LAS (n = 83) was used to study the predictors of PEGV monotherapy dosing. Multivariable regression models were used to identify predictors of the PEGV dose required to normalize IGF-I levels.

Results

For PEGV dosing in combination with LA-SSA, IGF-I levels, weight, height and age, were associated with the PEGV normalization dosage (P ≤ 0.001, P ≤ 0.001, P = 0.028 and P = 0.047 respectively). Taken together, these characteristics predicted the PEGV normalization dose correctly in 63.3% of all patients within a range of ±60 mg/week (21.3% within a range of ±20 mg/week). For monotherapy, only weight was associated with the PEGV normalization dose (P ≤ 0.001) and predicted this dosage correctly in 77.1% of all patients within a range of ±60 mg/week (31.3% within a range of ±20 mg/week).

Conclusion

In this study, we show that IGF-I levels, weight, height and age can contribute to define the optimal PEGV dose to normalize IGF-I levels in addition to LA-SSA. For PEGV monotherapy, only the patient’s weight was associated with the IGF-I normalization PEGV dosage.
Zanthoxylum alkylamides ameliorate protein metabolism disorder in STZ-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Ren Tingyuan , Zhu Yuping , Xia Xuejuan , Ding Yongbo , Guo Jing , Kan Jianquan
Published: January 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the protein metabolism effect of Zanthoxylum alkylamides and to explore the potential mechanism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were orally treated with 2, 4 and 8 mg per kg bw of alkylamides daily for 28 days. Alkylamides decreased the relative weight of the liver and food intake, significantly increased the relative skeletal muscle weight and significantly decreased the blood urea nitrogen levels. Insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB), globular proteins and ALB proteins/globulin protein levels in serum significantly increased. TP, RNA content and RNA/DNA ratio significantly increased in the skeletal muscle of diabetic rats. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction results indicated that alkylamides significantly increased the mRNA expression of insulin receptor (InR), IGF1 and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) in the liver and skeletal muscle. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression levels of PI3K, PKB and mTOR significantly increased, whereas those of atrogin-1, muscle ring finger 1 and FOXO in the skeletal muscle significantly decreased. Alkylamides may advance protein synthesis by the PI3K/PKB/mTOR signalling pathway and attenuate the catabolism of protein through the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Therefore, it was possible that alkylamides ameliorate protein metabolism disorders in diabetic rats by activating the mTOR pathway.
Efficient Estimation of Realized Kinship from Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotypes
Authors: Wang Bowen , Sverdlov Serge , Thompson Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

Realized kinship is a key statistic in analyses of genetic data involving relatedness of individuals or structure of populations. There are several...

Realized kinship is a key statistic in analyses of genetic data involving relatedness of individuals or structure of populations. There are several estimators of kinship that make use of dense SNP genotypes. We introduce a class of estimators, of which some existing estimators are special cases. Within this class, we derive properties of the estimators and determine an optimal estimator. Additionally, we introduce an alternative marker weighting that takes allelic associations [linkage disequilibrium (LD)] into account, and apply this weighting to several estimators. In a simulation study, we show that improved estimators are obtained (1) by optimal weighting of markers, (2) by taking physical contiguity of genome into account, and (3) by weighting on the basis of LD.
Atidėliojimas, saviveiksmingumas ir laiko valdymas akademinėje veikloje
Authors: Koncevičienė Jolanta
Published: January 2017

Straipsnyje siekiama įvertinti akademinio saviveiksmingumo ir akademinio laiko valdymo gebėjimų są­veiką su akademiniu atidėliojimu. Tyrime dalyvavo 153 patogiuoju būdu atrinkti Vilniaus miesto univer­sitetų studentai, kurių amžiaus vidurkis 20,2 metų (SD = 1,21). Atlikus tyrimą paaiškėjo, kad didėjantis akademinis saviveiksmingumas siejasi su mažėjančiu akademiniu atidėliojimu, bet pernelyg stiprus tikė­jimas savo gebėjimais – didėjančiu akademiniu atidėliojimu. Taip pat aptikta, kad, gerėjant akademinio laiko valdymo gebėjimams, akademinio atidėliojimo ir akademinio saviveiksmingumo ryšys silpnėja.
THIRST RESPONSE TO POST-EXERCISE FLUID REPLACEMENT NEEDS AND CONTROLLED DRINKING
Authors: Capitán-Jiménez Catalina , Aragón-Vargas Luis Fernando
Published: January 2017

Perceived thirst (TP) was evaluated as a dependent variable: can it distinguish among several levels of acute dehydration, is it reliable, and how does it respond to the ingestion of a fixed water volume post exercise? In a repeated-measures design, eight physically active students (24.5±3.6 years, mean±SD), reported to the laboratory on four non-consecutive days. They remained at rest or exercised at 32±3°C db and 65±6% rh to a randomly assigned dehydration equivalent to 1, 2, and 3% of body mass (BM). Following exercise, participants ingested a fixed water volume of 1.20% BM in 30 minutes; urine output, TP and plasma volume changes were assessed every 30 minutes over 3 hours. Post-exercise TP was not different before and after showering (p = 0.860), but it was significantly different among conditions (TP = 2.50 ± 0.45, 4.44 ± 0.72, 6.38 ± 0.82, and 8.63 ± 0.18 for 0, 1, 2, and 3% BM, p = 0.001). TP was associated with net fluid balance (rpart = -0.62, p < 0.0001) but, soon after drinking, TP was the same regardless of dehydration (p>0.05). Thirst perception is valid and reliable in the absence of drinking but it responds inappropriately to water intake.
LA RESPUESTA DE LA SED A LAS NECESIDADES DE REPOSICIÓN DE LÍQUIDO Y A LA INGESTA CONTROLADA DESPUÉS DEL EJERCICIO
Authors: Capitán-Jiménez Catalina , Aragón-Vargas Luis Fernando
Published: January 2017

Se evaluó la percepción de la sed (PS) como variable dependiente: ¿puede ésta distinguir entre distintos niveles de deshidratación aguda? ¿Es confiable? ¿Cómo responde a la ingesta de un volumen fijo de agua después del ejercicio? Conforme a un diseño de medidas repetidas, ocho estudiantes físicamente activos (24.5±3.6 años, media±DE) se reportaron al laboratorio en cuatro días no consecutivos. Se mantuvieron en reposo o se ejercitaron a 32±3°C bs y 65±6% hr hasta alcanzar una deshidratación equivalente a 1, 2 o 3% de la masa corporal (MC); el orden de las pruebas fue asignado aleatoriamente. Después del ejercicio, los participantes ingirieron un volumen fijo de agua equivalente a 1.20% MC en 30 minutos. Se midió la eliminación de orina, la PS y los cambios en el volumen plasmático cada 30 minutos a lo largo de tres horas. No hubo diferencia entre la PS postejercicio antes de ducharse y la PS después de ducharse (p = 0.860), pero la PS sí fue distinta entre condiciones (PS = 2.50 ± 0.45, 4.44 ± 0.72, 6.38 ± 0.82, y 8.63 ± 0.18 para 0, 1, 2 y 3% MC, p = 0.001). Se observó una asociación entre PS y el equilibrio neto de líquido (rpar = -0.62, p < 0.0001), sin embargo, poco después de beber, la PS fue igual sin importar la deshidratación (p>0.05). La percepción de la sed es válida y confiable mientras no se bebe, pero responde inadecuadamente a la ingesta de agua.
El envejecimiento desde la percepción de enfermería
Authors: Guerrero-Castañeeda Raúl Fernando , Ojeda-Vargas Ma Guadalupe
Published: January 2017

Introducción. El proceso de envejecimiento se concibe como un proceso heterogéneo, irreversible, universal que conlleva una disminución en las capacidades físicas. Al ser el envejecimiento objetivo de estudio de la enfermería, es necesario analizar cómo la enfermera y los estudiantes de la carrera perciben el envejecimiento.Método. Se elaboró  una revisión integrativa sobre el proceso de envejecimiento desde la perspectiva de la enfermería. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de artículos en las bases de datos SCIELO, LILACS, EBSCO, CUIDEN y REDALYC con los descriptores “envejecimiento” “enfermería” “percepción”, en inglés, portugués e inglés, a partir de enero de 2011 a noviembre de 2015. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: artículos originales en texto completo en inglés, español y/o portugués, mientras que se excluyó editoriales, cartas, artículos de opinión, reflexión o ensayo y tesis. Se encontró 388 artículos de los cuales se obtuvo una muestra de 10 que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Se detectó artículos originales (100%), cualitativos (90%),  descriptivos, exploratorios (70%), utilizando entrevistas abiertas (90%) y análisis de contenido (70%).Resultado. Respecto de los profesionales encontrar la dirección de la percepción en el ejercicio profesional, es una manera de fomentar la formación y las relaciones extra-académicas (creencias, valores) respecto del envejecimiento.Conclusión. Para explorar la percepción respecto de un fenómeno se utiliza el estudio cualitativo. Por otra parte,  la relación enfermera-adulto mayor es dada por valores y por conocimiento teórico.
Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en pacientes con diálisis peritoneal continua ambulatoria. Eje cafetero colombiano 2015
Authors: Martinez Tautiva Santiago , Muñoz Astudillo Maria Nelcy , Isaza Moreno Diana Catalina
Published: January 2017

Introducción. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) en pacientes con diálisis peritoneal continua ambulatoria (DPCA), en tres unidades renales del eje cafetero de Colombia, en  2015. Método. La metodología de este trabajo está sustentada en un diseño descriptivo transversal. Participaron voluntariamente 185 personas del Programa de DPCA. Se aplicó encuesta y cuestionario SF-36, [Alfa de Cronbach >0,7] y análisis binominal y multinominal. En escalas de 0 a 100 puntos de peor a mejor CVRS, se calculó medias por dimensión. Se utilizó el software SPSS-v21.Resultados. Población con alta vulnerabilidad socioeconómica. Comorbilidad con hipertensión y diabetes. Percepción de mejor CVRS en dolor corporal (Me=87,2) y función social, (Me=76,8). Peor CVRS en Rol físico (Me=52,1) y Rol emocional (Me= 57,3). Sin diferencias por género, la CVRS empeora con la edad.Conclusión. El cuidado de pacientes con DPCA requiere más investigación por enfermería. Intervenciones y evaluaciones de seguimiento en autocuidado domiciliario y apoyo social en roles físico y emocional. Se deben controlar eventos precursores de ERC.
El dispositivo trans: sobre realidades, complejidades y subversiones al aparato cisheterosexual
Authors: Caravaca Morera Jaime Alonso
Published: January 2017

Introducción: En la actualidad el análisis de las relaciones e interacciones entre sexos, cuerpos, géneros y sexualidades se centra en la discusión sobre la despatologización y despsiquiatrización de algunas conductas consideradas como ininteligibles.Desarrollo: Ante este escenario, el presente artículo objetivó analizar las singularidades, complejidades y realidades del dispositivo trans de acuerdo con la (i)lógica cisheterosexual. Las reflexiones aquí planteadas giran en torno de la noción de dispositivo surgida del pensamiento foucaultiano y revelan el impacto que las redes de intervención de saber y poder (panóptico) psiquiátrico han tenido en la consolidación de la patologización de una de las polisémicas y multidimensionales condiciones humanas, como lo es la transexualidad.Conclusión: A través de este recorrido sucinto es posible (re)pensar el proceso de patologización del dispositivo trans, entendiéndolo como una posibilidad de resistencia y contestación al imperativo cisheteronormativo y a la medicalización de condiciones diversas y por veces inefables.
Comparación entre ciprofloxacina y antibióticos de otros grupos farmacológicos para el tratamiento de infecciones del tracto urinario
Authors: Arias Porras José
Published: January 2017

Introducción. Las infecciones de tracto urinario son un tema común en los servicios de consulta externa y emergencias de los centros de salud.  El uso inadecuado e irracional de antibióticos puede favorecer la aparición de cepas resistentes y limitar la capacidad de respuesta de estos fármacos. Este artículo busca revisar el uso de quinolonas (específicamente ciprofloxacina) con antibióticos de otros grupos farmacológicos y comparar efectividad y resistencia bacteriana.Método. A partir de la metodología que señala la práctica clínica basada en la evidencia para las revisiones rápidas, se estableció una pregunta clínica a la que se le procuró responder mediante la búsqueda de investigaciones primarias en bases de datos electrónicas como MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library Plus y el Journal of Infection.Resultado. Según el tipo de bacteria y cepa analizada, hay presencia de resistencia a diversos antibióticos.  Las infecciones de origen comunitario han sido tratadas con betalactámicos, nitrofurantoína, trimetoprim-sulfametoxasol y fluoroquinolonas (especialmente ciprofloxacina).Conclusión. No se determinó si las quinolonas son más efectivas que los antibióticos que pertenecen a otros grupos farmacológicos
Heathrow Terminal 2B: delivering the biggest airside basement at Britain’s largest airport
Authors: Shanghavi Haresh , Straw James , Patel Rohit , Winsor Derek
Published: January 2017

Terminal 2B at Heathrow Airport in London was the largest airside construction project ever undertaken at the UK’s biggest airport. Completed in 2014, it is the first of a series of satellite piers planned for the new Terminal 2 building. Likened to an iceberg, there is far more to the pier underground than above, with large spaces for passenger circulation, baggage handling and a future tracked transit system. The paper describes the design and construction challenges of quickly and safely creating such a large basement structure in a live airport environment. The work involved building a 2 km diaphragm wall, the longest in Europe, and extensive use of temporary ground anchors to free up construction space. This and other design efficiencies led to substantial savings in excavation and materials, helping to ensure the project was delivered within programme and budget.
ICOLD technical tours
Authors: Williamson Tracey , Hughes Andy , Hope Ian , Monroy Rafael
Published: January 2017

The ICOLD programme kicked off with an opportunity to attend a technical tour on Sunday, 15 May, 2016. There was also an opportunity to attend these tours again on 19 May 2016, discussed in the technical tours paper.
Technical committee meetings
Authors: Hughes Andy , Williamson Tracey , Monroy Rafael , Hope Ian , Scott Craig , Grubb Ken
Published: January 2017

ICOLD presently has 26 technical committees. The committees met on 16 and 17 May 2016 and the Regional Club Meeting was held on the evening of 17 May 2016.
Limit analysis of ground anchor forces
Authors: Xiao Shiguo , Guo Wei Dong
Published: January 2017

An anchored sheet wall is commonly used in retaining deep excavations. Anchor force is one of the critical design parameters in practice. Based on the kinematical admissible failure mechanism, a limit analysis approach to determine the anchor force is presented. The explicit formula for the anchor force is given, which makes it easy to calculate using a simple calculation program such as MS Office Excel. Anchor force is mainly influenced by seven parameters: the internal friction angle; cohesion of the soil; wall friction angle; surcharge on the ground surface; dip angle of the anchor; penetration depth of the wall; and depth from the anchor force action point on the wall to the ground surface. The relevant quantitative calculation can be performed by the proposed method. In addition, the design anchor force under a specified design safety factor and the anchor forces of multiple rows of anchors are also illustrated in this paper. To verify that the method is reasonable, the predicted and measured anchor forces are compared in two classical soil-nailed wall experiments. The result shows that the presented method is applicable.
Lateral response of piles in cemented sand
Authors: Lehane B. M. , Guo F.
Published: January 2017

The paper presents results from a centrifuge-scale study of the lateral response of piles in variably cemented sands. These sands were characterised using in situ cone penetration tests (CPTs) as well as laboratory element tests. Experimental results and numerical back-analysis of the centrifuge tests confirm that the lateral ground stiffness and capacity correlate well with the CPT end resistance (qc). The centrifuge data are combined with measurements made in other field-scale tests obtained in a strongly cemented sand, enabling development of a CPT-based formulation for load transfer curves that is consistent with observations and numerical analyses. The formulation is shown to provide reasonable predictions of lateral load response in a number of cemented sands with qc values in the range 2–50 MPa.