bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoreceptor degeneration in microphthalmia (Mitf) mice: partial rescue by pigment epithelium-derived factor
Authors: Chen Yu , Yang Juan , Geng Huiqin , Li Liping , Li Jinyang , Cheng Bing , Ma Xiaoyin , Li Huirong , Hou Ling
Published: January 2019

Dysfunction and loss of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) are hallmarks of retinal degeneration, but the underlying pathogenetic processes are only partially understood. Using mice with a null mutation in the transcription factor gene Mitf, in which RPE deficiencies are associated with retinal degeneration, we evaluated the role of trophic factors secreted by the RPE in retinal homeostasis. In such mice, the thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) is as in wild type up to postnatal day 10, but then is progressively reduced, associated with a marked increase in the number of apoptotic cells and a decline in staining for rhodopsin. We show that retinal degeneration and decrease in rhodopsin staining can be prevented partially in three different ways: first, by recombining mutant-derived postnatal retina with postnatal wild-type RPE in tissue explant cultures; second, by adding to cultured mutant retina the trophic factor pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF; also known as SERPINF1), which is normally produced in RPE under the control of Mitf; and third, by treating the eyes of Mitf mutant mice in vivo with drops containing a bioactive PEDF 17-mer peptide. This latter treatment also led to marked increases in a number of rod and cone genes. The results indicate that RPE-derived trophic factors, in particular PEDF, are instrumental in retinal homeostasis, and suggest that PEDF or its bioactive fragments may have therapeutic potential in RPE deficiency-associated retinal degeneration.
Chk1-mediated Cdc25A degradation as a critical mechanism for normal cell cycle progression
Authors: Goto Hidemasa , Natsume Toyoaki , Kanemaki Masato T. , Kaito Aika , Wang Shujie , Gabazza Esteban C. , Inagaki Masaki , Mizoguchi Akira
Published: January 2019

Chk1 (encoded by CHEK1 in mammals) is an evolutionarily conserved protein kinase that transduces checkpoint signals from ATR to Cdc25A during the DNA damage response (DDR). In mammals, Chk1 also controls cellular proliferation even in the absence of exogenous DNA damage. However, little is known about how Chk1 regulates unperturbed cell cycle progression, and how this effect under physiological conditions differs from its regulatory role in DDR. Here, we have established near-diploid HCT116 cell lines containing endogenous Chk1 protein tagged with a minimum auxin-inducible degron (mAID) through CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing. Establishment of these cells enabled us to induce specific and rapid depletion of the endogenous Chk1 protein, which resulted in aberrant accumulation of DNA damage factors that induced cell cycle arrest at S or G2 phase. Cdc25A was stabilized upon Chk1 depletion before the accumulation of DNA damage factors. Simultaneous depletion of Chk1 and Cdc25A partially suppressed the defects caused by Chk1 single depletion. These results indicate that, similar to its function in DDR, Chk1 controls normal cell cycle progression mainly by inducing Cdc25A degradation.
Alexander Lee, Humanism and Empire, The Imperial Ideal in Fourteenth-Century Italy. Oxford University Press: Oxford 2018.
Authors: Steiris Georgios
Published: January 2019

Book review: Alexander Lee, Humanism and Empire, The Imperial Ideal in Fourteenth-Century Italy (Oxford University Press: Oxford 2018). By Georgios Steiris, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
From Dreams to Disillusionment: A Socio-Cultural History of the American Space Program
Authors: Kuś Rafał , Vaughan Patrick
Published: January 2019

This article offers an insight into the history of the U.S. space program, including its cultural and political aspects. Starting from the vision of space as a new field of peaceful and exciting exploration, predominant in the first half of the 20th century, moving through the period of the intensive and eventually fruitful Cold War competition between the two belligerent ideological blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union, and ending with the present-day cooling of the space enthusiasm, it focuses on the main actors and eventsof the century-long struggle for reaching the stars. The article is based in part on primary journalistic sources in order to capture the social atmosphere of the times it focuses on. It points out to the mid-1960s as the time when the noble aspirations and optimism of the early cosmic endeavors started to succumb to the pressure of reality, which caused the overwhelming stagnation of space initiatives, effectively ending the Golden Age of extraterrestrial exploration. This argument is backed by an analysis of historical developments leading to and following the American conquest of the Moon.
“I am aware of the difficulties and I do not get disheartened”: Wanda Dynowska’s Papers about India Collected in Tadeusz Pobożniak’s Archive
Authors: Dębicka-Borek Ewa
Published: January 2019

The aim of the present paper is to discuss the process of self-creation discernible in hitherto unpublished letters written by Wanda Dynowska-Umadevi to Tadeusz Szukiewicz, her literary representative in Poland, acting on her behalf in 1938–1939. Besides discussing the documentary value of the letters, which, for instance, shed some light on Dynowska’s relationship with Tadeusz Pobożniak and her other eminent contemporaries, or contextualize the origin of selected volumes published afterwards with Biblioteka Polsko-Indyjska (Polish-Indian Library), I also try to show that the manner of Dynowska’s self-creation in the personal documents that predominantly concern the efforts to publish her articles intended to popularize India in Poland could have been shaped by the particular addressee of her letters, and thus culminated in Dynowska projecting herself in her own writings.
Ār konakhāne / ‘Somewhere Else’: Utopian Resonances in Lila Majumdar’s Autobiographical Writing
Authors: Bagchi Barnita
Published: January 2019

This article examines the autobiographical writings of Lila Majumdar, 1908–2007, a writer most famous for zany, fantastical, defamiliarizing, speculative fiction for children and young adults. Majumdar was an influential maker of cultural history. While her natal Ray/Raychaudhuri family comprised master entertainers who simultaneously brought reformist, innovative values into the public sphere of the arts, the leading woman writer from this milieu, in her autobiographical and memoir-based volumes Ār konakhāne (‘Somewhere Else’, [1967] 1989), Pākdaṇḍī (‘Winding, Hilly Road’, [1986] 2001), and Kheror khātā (‘Miscellany’ or ‘Scrapbook’, [1982] 2009), imaginatively created utopias. These ‘otherwheres’, to use a word that captures utopian connotations that she creates in her writing, give voice to the marginal and the liminal. We find in her autobiographical writing the dual urge of longing for a utopian elsewhere, and a dissatisfaction with all the places one finds temporary mooring in.
Through the Lens of Time: The Partition in Krishna Sobti’s Autobiography, "From Gujrat, Pakistan, to Gujrat, India"
Authors: Skakuj-Puri Maria
Published: January 2019

In her latest book, Gujrāt Pakistān se Gujrāt Hindustān tak (2017), Krishna Sobti (b. 1925), one of the best-known writers active on the Hindi literary scene, presents the reader with an autobiographical account focused on the events of 1947, where her personal experience of the Partition is reworked and presented in the guise of a novel. This paper proposes to analyse the stylistic devises (double frame approach, switching between the third-person and the first-person narratives, use of the dialogue, etc.) employed by the author to achieve her aim by drawing on the vast body of academic work on partition, violence, trauma and memory both in the local as well the global context.
All about… storytelling
Authors: Medlicott Mary
Published: January 2019

Stories are especially important in the early years, explains Mary Medlicott, who offers advice on how to be an effective storyteller to groups of young children
Looking after our wellbeing
Authors: Barton Geoff
Published: January 2019

Talking about our mental health is key to tackling stress and anxiety. Geoff Barton looks at some simple ways of protecting school staff
The Simplest Modified Vacuum Assisted Closure to Treat Chronic Wound : Serial Case Report
Authors: Mahandaru Danu , Seswandhana Rosadi
Published: January 2019

Among the current adjunctive treatment modalities available for the treatment of chronic wounds, vacuum-assisted closure therapy showed promising results. However, the VAC Therapy system is expensive, requires extensive amounts of product and needs a power source at all times. In this article, the authors introduce and review their experience with simplest modified vacuum assisted closure (smVAC) for treatment of chronic wound. Three patients with chronic wound came to the plastic surgery division at Sardjito hospital in early 2010 and were treated using simplest modified vacuum assisted closure (smVAC). After the wound bed was ready, split thickness skin graft (STSG) were performed to close the wound and smVAC was used to assist the graft placement. All patients underwent successful healing and reported satisfaction with their results. There were no side effects from using this device, such as maceration, necrosis and bleeding. Through the serial cases, the smVAC had shown to serve its function in providing adequate vacuum pressure for wounds. It is an alternative to the original vacuum assisted closure.
Amniotic Band Sequence, Frequently Misdiagnosed in Cleft Patients
Authors: Putri Nandita Melati , Handayani Siti , Bangun Kristaninta
Published: January 2019

Background: Amniotic band sequence (ABS) is a set of congenital malformations attributed to amniotic bands that entangle fetal parts during intrauterine life. thiopatogenesis of this sequence is still unknown. Because of such a wide spectrum of possible anomalies and many combinations of their simultaneous appearance, there are no two identical cases of ABS. This diagnosis is often missed based on the secondary major defects.Patients and Methods : There are cases of cleft patients treated in Plastic Surgery Division Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital that has other congenital anomalies. The data is taken from the medical record and surgical photos (in our division from 2010-2011). Results : The patients presented had either facial cleft or cleft lip and palate. These patients had other congenital anomalies such as meningoencephalocele and constriction ring syndrome or other defects on the extremities.Summary : This diagnosis may not be often established because we often only see the secondary major defects such as meningoencephalocele or facial cleft. With this paper we hope that we could make this diagnosis known so we can make a multidisciplinary approach to this sequence.
The Difficulties of Reconstruction in The Achilles Area
Authors: Septrina Rani , Sudjatmiko Gentur
Published: January 2019

Background: Scar management on the achilles region is also challenging due to its anatomical position, bony prominences, relatively limited skin, less subcutaneous fat, and less vascularization. Primary suture cannot be performed on the wide defect, whilst serial excisions are inapplicable to be done on a thick and tough scar. Wound healing in the lower limbs also typically get impaired due the gravitational effect on the venous system and the unlimited joint movement.Patient and Methods: A 21-year-old woman presented with a hard and thick hypertrophic scar on the achilles area due to deep dermal burns caused by hot metal two years ago. The patient had pruritic chronic ulcer on her scar. Scar excision was performed. In order to reduce the tension, a V-Y advancement flap was used to close the defect primarily. Foreslab was applied to reduce mobilization, and then continued by pressure garment application. On her next visit to the clinic, wound dehiscent was found. 10 days after the first excision, debridement was performed, wound re-sutured and dressed using topical honey covered by gauze.Result: Follow up results after 8 weeks showed a fully epithelialized wound. Compression bandage and limited mobility by foreslab application prevented the vertical growth of scar effectively. Patient no longer complaints about itchiness nor movement limitation.Summary: Planning surgical procedures for achilles reconstruction must take consider the followings: (1) choice of skin graft or flap, (2) choice of donor sites, (3) type of excision (4) hemostasis (5) fixation of skin grafts and splinting, and (6) dressings. Adjuvant preventive measures must also be implemented postsurgery to prevent regrowth of hypertrophic scar.
The Non-denuded Mucoperiosteal Palatoplasty Technique in Precipitating Healing Process of Palatal Lateral Defect
Authors: Irwansyah Denny , Bangun Kristaninta , Sudjatmiko Gentur
Published: January 2019

Background: Conventional two-flap palatoplasty technique which is a very common technique used including in our center, will result in lateral defects without any periosteal coverage. In this conventional technique, epithelialization of lateral defect was achieved within 3-4 weeks. These denuded lateral defects are prone to contamination and infection. The wound healing process in these wound will involve wound contraction, trigger scar formation, and will result in maxillary growth impairment. In our center, the retrospective study showed that conventional two-flap palatoplasty technique resulted in a fair maxillary growth (mean Goslon score=3.5). Thus, we explore other technique, which is non-denuded mucoperiosteal palatoplasty technique. We intend not to elevate all layers of mucoperiosteal flap in order to gain lateral defect covered by a thin sub-mucosa and periosteal layer. We assume that this technique will precipitate the re-epithelialization process. Faster re-epithelialization is expected to decrease wound contraction thus reducing scar formation, and in the long run will result in good maxillary growth. Method: Total 48 patients with unilateral or bilateral cleft palate were divided into 2 groups. Twenty-four patients underwent the non-denuded mucoperiosteal technique (intervention group) and another 24 patients underwent the conventional two-flap palatoplasty technique (control group). Evaluation of lateral defect closure was done in both groups and compared statistically. Result: Faster epithelialization was significantly influenced by age, WBC count and non-denuded mucoperiosteal technique.Summary: The non-denuded mucoperiosteal technique, along with age and WBC count, significantly accelerate the process of epithelialization of lateral defect post palate repair.
Penile Reconstruction of Congenital Urogenital Malformation: Penile Duplication, Bifid Scrotum, Symphisiolysis, and Remnant Urachus
Authors: Harsono Anastasia Dessy , Budiman Budiman , Sukasah Chaula Luthfia
Published: January 2019

Background: This report describes the penile reconstruction of a congenital urogenital malformation.Patient and Method: A 12 year-old boy came to our hospital with ‘penile duplication’, bifid scrotum, symphisiolysis, and remnant urachus. The procedures were done by the urologist, pediatric surgeon, and plastic surgeon. Urethral evaluation done by the urologist determined which penis was tenable, pediatric surgeon then excised the remnant urachus, and we performed urethroplasty onto the chosen urethra. The medial side of the penis was deepithelialized and both penis were put within one skin covering.Results: Patient was able to control micturition, and has normal erectile function. In the future, we plan to do further reconstruction of the pubic symphisiolysis at pubertal age.Summary: Surgery was performed by a team dedicated to their specialties. There is no single standard procedure for urogenital malformation, and we must emphasize the functional and aesthetic results in reconstruction surgery. It is important to master the basic principles of plastic surgery.
The Effects of Wireless Micro Current Stimulation for Partial Thickness Burn Injury Treatment
Authors: Utama Defry , Wardhana Aditya
Published: January 2019

Backgrounds: The body has its own bioelectric system that influences wound healing. Wireless Micro Current Stimulation (WMCS) or Electrical Stimulation (ES) is defined as the use of an electrical current to transfer energy to a wound. The type of electricity transferred is controlled by the electrical source. Although scarce, there have been studies proposing that this type of electricity increased healing rate of various wounds. However the effect of this electrical stimulation on burn wounds has not yet been studied.Patient and Methods: We present case series of superficial and deep partial thickness burns treated with ES and examine its effect on healing process. Six cases of second degree burn admitted to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM) from March–May 2011. They were chosen randomly to be treated with WMCS/ES. We applied the stimulation on the wound one hour daily. The wound was cleansed conventionally with moist gauze before and after the stimulation.Results: All the patients reported that they feel comfort during and after the application. We found epithelialization within 6 to 9 days. However we cannot determined if the WCMS/ES induce faster wound healing, because we do not compare it with other treatment. Summary: From six cases that we studied, we concluded that, the use of this WCMS/ES could have an effect of the epithelialization within 6-9 days. All the patients reported that they feel comfort during and after the application of WMCS/ES.
Pitfalls in Rhinoplasty: Avoiding Mismatch Between Anatomy, Patient Expectation and Mastery of The Surgeon
Authors: Susanto Imam
Published: January 2019

Background: Aesthetic surgery is a component of Plastic Surgery which deals with a “normal” person with neither disease nor disfigurement. They seek surgery to enhance appearance, which is expected to boost confidence level and performance. Because aesthetic patient come with no physical deformity, their expectation for perfection is high. As plastic surgeons, we must be aware of the pitfalls in our works, how much can we deliver the expectations of patients as suited to our knowledge and our capability in mastering surgical technique including the implementation of new techniques combined with technology. Our awareness throughout each surgery, and the obsession for perfection must measure up to what the patient desire.
Patients and Method: A review of 3 augmentation rhinoplasty patient cases who come to my private practice between 2006-2012 with concern of postoperative results is presented, prior previous surgeries were done either by author or other surgeons. Result: All patients received surgical counseling and scheduled correctional surgeries, nearly all patient accepted the final results and were satisfied.
Summary: Pitfalls are common in aesthetic surgeries. To prevent this, we must be aware all aspects involved starting from the first consultation with patient, carefully assess the anatomy and anomaly of each case, master the surgical techniques used, and careful when implementing new techniques. Finally, have the wisdom to say ‘no’ to patients who are not good candidates for aesthetic surgery.
Immunopathogenetic changes at the women infected of the human papilloma virus
Authors: Semenov D.
Published: January 2019

Objective: study of immunological parameters in women infected with different types of HPV and the development of a comprehensive approach to the treatment of women with cervical disease caused by HPV infection. Materials and methods: The study involved 47 women with HPV infection and 20 healthy women. To evaluate the intensity of the cellular immune response to antigens (L1) HPV 6, 11, 16, 18 types of immunological tests performed: the reaction of blast transformation of lymphocytes (RBTL) on HPV antigens, RBTL HPV antigens, mixed culture blast interleukin-2 (IL-2) cells, determination immunophenotype lymphocytes CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD25+, CD22+, reaction lymphocyte sensitization to antigens, by definition they enhance the expression of the receptor for interleukin-2 under the influence of HPV antigens 6, 11, 16, 18 types, determination of serum immunoglobulins G, M, A. Main results: In article the analysis immunological changes at women of reproductive age at various clinical variants papillomavirus infection. Are formulated prognosis criteria defining a current of pathological process. Ways of increase of efficiency of treatment HPV of an infection are planned. Conclusion: HPV infection is determined by the decrease in CD2+, CD3+, CD4+ lymphocyte receptors, reducing immunoregulatory index CD4+ / CD8+. Defective helper T cell immunity in patients with HPV infection explains the long duration of infection and susceptibility to activation with the development of subclinical and clinical manifestations. High expression of IL2R-α (CD25+) and increase in the proliferation of T-lymphocyte blast cells in the cultures to AG HPV after addition of interleukin-2 in patients with HPV infection, indicating insufficient production of endogenous IL-2. Normalization of cellular immunity system and eliminate the deficit of endogenous production of IL-2 will facilitate an adequate immune response and, in the end, – the elimination of HPV.
Geologi dan Mineralisasi Logam Daerah Sangon, Kokap, Kulon Progo, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Authors: Pambudi Dyatmico , Winarno Tri , Aribowo Yoga
Published: January 2019

Daerah Sangon, Kokap, Kulon Progo, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta tersusun dari Formasi Andesit Tua. Vulkanisme tersier pegunungan Kulon Progo telah mengendapkan mineral logam, salah satunya di daerah Sangon. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui tipe alterasi, tipe mineralisasi, serta hubungan pola sebaran urat kuarsa dengan tipe alterasi dan tipe mineralisasi.Penelitian dilakukan pada kavling seluas 2 x 2 km2 dengan melakukan pemetaan geologi dan analisis laboratorium. Observasi lapangan mencakup pengambilan data struktur dan batuan. Analisis laboratorium yang dilakukan antara lain analisis petrografi, mineragrafi, dan XRD untuk mengetahui mineral primer, sekunder, dan logam.Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa stratigrafi daerah penelitian termasuk ke dalam Formasi Andesit Tua berupa batuan lava andesit dan andesit porfir. Struktur geologi yang berkembang berupa sesar geser cabang yang mempengaruhi mineralisasi logam. Kavling bagian utara mempunyai dimensi urat relatif kecil, tipe alterasi advance argilik dan inner propilitik, mineral logam emas, pirit, kalkopirit, arsenopirit, sfalerit dengan suhu yang rendah 50oC - 120oC. Kavling bagian tengah mempunyai dimensi urat relatif besar, tipe alterasi propilitik, mineral logam pirit, kalkopirit dengan suhu yang rendah 200oC - 340oC. Kavling bagian selatan mempunyai dimensi urat relatif kecil, tipe alterasi filik, mineral logam pirit, kalkopirit dengan suhu yang rendah 280oC - 400oC. Dengan demikian, dapat disimpulkan bahwa Daerah Sangon adalah lokasi endapan epitermal sulfida rendah.
Analisis Rembesan Pada Perencanaan Pembangunan Bendungan Logung, Kabupaten Kudus, Jawa Tengah
Authors: Setyawati Heni , Najib Najib , Hidayatillah Ahmad Syauqi
Published: January 2019

Bendungan termasuk kedalam heavy construction sehingga bendungan menyimpan potensi bahaya yang besar dan memiliki resiko kerusakan fisik serta kegagalan fungsi. Salah satu kerusakan fisik serta kegagalan fungsi pada bendungan adalah erosi akibat mengalirnya air melalui lubang-lubang pada pondasi (piping). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui debit air bendungan yang merembes melewati as bendungan pada keadaan muka air normal dan banjir, serta mengetahui nilai faktor keamanan bendungan dari bahaya piping. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode observasi lapangan meliputi pemetaan geologi, pengukuran geolistrik dan pemboran inti, serta perhitungan Faktor Keamanan (FK). Sampel inti batuan diuji di laboratorium untuk mengetahui sifat fisik dan mekanika tanah terutama nilai specific gravity dan void ratio. Perhitungan FK menggunakan simulasi dengan input muka air normal dan muka air banjir. Berdasarkan hasil dari pemetaan geologi, permukaan lokasi penelitian disusun oleh batupasir tuffan, tuff, dan breksi. Pengukuran geolistrik dan pemboran inti menunjukkan bahwa bagian bawah permukaan dari lokasi penelitian tersusun oleh tuff yang mendominasi bagian atas dan batupasir tuffan mendominasi bagian bawah. Debit rembesan sebelum grouting pada keadaan muka air normal adalah sebesar 14,33 m3/hari dan berubah menjadi 9,49 m3/hari, debit rembesan sebelum grouting pada kondisi muka air banjir sebesar 15,32 m3/hari dan berubah menjadi 10,17 m3/hari. Nilai faktor keamanan piping Bendungan Logung pada saat sebelum di grouting adalah 1,38 dan naik menjadi 4,77 setelah di grouting.
Organic green corrosion inhibitors (OGCIs): a critical review
Authors: Popoola Lekan Taofeek
Published: January 2019

Over the decades, corrosion has resulted in loss of lives accorded with damage costs in almost all engineering fields. Thus, it is seen as an environmental threat with catastrophic attributes, which calls for day-to-day research on its final resolution. Recent studies have proven organic green corrosion inhibitors (OGCIs) from plant extracts with biodegradable, environmentally accommodative, relatively cheap, and nonharmful features as the most perfect approach of tackling the problem. This review gives succinct discussion on the mechanisms, classifications, and active functional groups of OGCIs. Measuring ways and factors influencing their efficiency are presented. Also, various plant extracts used as OGCIs in preventing material corrosion in corrosive media coupled with their respective findings, applied characterization techniques, and future challenges are presented. The significance of values obtained from simulating presented mathematical models governing OGCI kinetics, adsorption isotherm, and adsorption thermodynamics is also included. In conclusion, recommendations that will broaden the usage of OGCIs from plant extracts for inhibiting corrosion of materials are presented for prospective researchers in the field of corrosion.
Serum tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 125 levels and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Sang Guo-Yao , Chen Zhao-Yun , Meng Cun-Ren , Tian Tian , Zhang Zhao-Xia
Published: January 2019

Objective

We assessed the correlation between serum carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

We collected 518 CAD patients from the cardiovascular disease center in our hospital, and all cIMT values were measured in patients with CAD.

Results

The serum CA125 concentrations were found to be increased in CAD patients with early carotid atherosclerosis compared with patients without early carotid atherosclerosis (20.1±7.72 vs. 17.7±6.41 U/mL, p<0.001). The cIMT values were increased in patients with higher serum CA-125 levels than those with lower serum CA-125 concentrations (1.16±0.32 vs. 0.98±0.29 mm, p<0.001). There was a positive correlation between serum CA125 and cIMT in CAD patients (r=0.262, p<0.001). Moreover, the serum CA125 concentrations also were positively correlated with cIMT in subjects with early carotid atherosclerosis and without early carotid atherosclerosis (r=0.255, p<0.001; r=0.189, p=0.002). We found that serum CA-125 concentrations were independently correlated with cIMT (beta = 0.293, p<0.001) in multiple linear regression analysis.

Conclusions

We found that serum CA125 concentrations were positively correlated with cIMT in CAD patients, serum CA125 might be a potential biochemical marker for the estimation of atherosclerosis in patients with CAD.
Critical review of different aspects of liquid-solid mixing operations
Authors: Mishra Prakash , Ein-Mozaffari Farhad
Published: January 2019

Mechanically stirred slurry tanks are utilized in several industries to perform various unit operations such as crystallization, adsorption, ion-exchange, suspensions polymerization, dispersion of solid particles, leaching and dissolution, and activated sludge processes. The major goal of this review paper is to critically and thoroughly analyse the different aspects of previous research works reported in the literature in the field of liquid-solid mixing. This paper sheds light on the advantages and limitations of various particle concentration measurement methods employed to assess the suspension quality and the extent of solid suspensions in slurry reactors. Attempts are being made to identify and compare various mathematical models and methods to quantify particle dispersion and distribution in slurry reactors. It has been shown that various factors such as geometric configurations, agitation conditions, and physical characteristics of liquid and solid have pronounced influence on local suspension quality and power consumption. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling can be extremely useful in assessing the suspension of solid particles in slurry tanks. A critical review of different scale-up procedures employed for solid suspension and distribution in liquid-solid systems is presented as well. The findings of this review paper can be useful for future research works in liquid-solid mixing.
PolyDis: simple quantification tool for distortion of polyhedra in crystalline solids
Authors: Stoiber Dominik , Niewa Rainer
Published: January 2019

A new simple approach to quantitative measures of coordination polyhedra distortions from ideal symmetry is provided with PolyDis. Within the mathematical basis, it minimizes the normalized displacements of given polyhedra to the ideal shape. Applications are discussed, where PolyDis was used to analyze the temperature dependent distortion of LaAlO3, rare earth metal radius dependent distortion of RMnO3 and the increasing structural distortion of (A
3N)As with varying alkaline earth metal, all being perovskites. Additionally, the more complex structures of SrCuRSe3 and CsCu3
R
2Se5 comprising trigonal prisms, octahedra and tetrahedra are treated with PolyDis.
Characterization of Effect of Aging on Polymer- and Polyphosphoric Acid-Modified Asphalt Binders Using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
Authors: Ali Syed Ashik , Ghabchi Rouzbeh , Rani Shivani , Zaman Musharraf
Published: January 2019

Over the last decade, modifying asphalt binders with polymers and Polyphosphoric Acid (PPA) has become an essential part of the asphalt industry. There is a need to study the effect of polymer and PPA on asphalt binders’ compositions and mechanical properties. Changes in the rheological properties of modified binders due to oxidative aging are another important concern for pavement engineers. Although significant efforts have been made to characterize the rheological properties of modified asphalt binders in the past, the influence of molecular structure on these properties is still unknown. In the present study, three different types of asphalt binders, namely unmodified, polymer-modified, and PPA-modified, were tested. The Dynamic Shear Rheometer and Rotational Viscosity test results indicate an increase in stiffness and viscosity due to polymer and PPA modifications. Aging was also found to increase the binder’s stiffness and viscosity, irrespective of the binder type. The effect of the molecular structure on the asphalt binder’s properties was investigated by the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) technique. The aromaticity and crystallite parameters for unaged, short-term aged, and long-term aged binders were determined from the XRD spectra. The XRD analysis was able to detect the change in molecular structure because of aging, but no specific trend for the change in crystallite parameters was observed. The aromaticity and crystallite parameters were found to increase with polymer modification and decrease with PPA modification when compared to the unmodified binder. It was also found that asphalt binder loses its aromatic characteristic upon the addition of PPA.
Gamma Oscillations in the Basolateral Amygdala: Biophysical Mechanisms and Computational Consequences
Authors: Feng Feng , Headley Drew B. , Amir Alon , Kanta Vasiliki , Chen Ziao , Paré Denis , Nair Satish S.
Published: January 2019

The basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BL) is thought to support numerous emotional behaviors through specific microcircuits. These are often thought to be comprised of feedforward networks of principal cells (PNs) and interneurons. Neither well-understood nor often considered are recurrent and feedback connections, which likely engender oscillatory dynamics within BL. Indeed, oscillations in the gamma frequency range (40 − 100 Hz) are known to occur in the BL, and yet their origin and effect on local circuits remains unknown. To address this, we constructed a biophysically and anatomically detailed model of the rat BL and its local field potential (LFP) based on the physiological and anatomical literature, along within vivoandin vitrodata we collected on the activities of neurons within the rat BL. Remarkably, the model produced intermittent gamma oscillations (∼50 − 70 Hz) whose properties matched those recordedin vivo, including their entrainment of spiking. BL gamma-band oscillations were generated by the intrinsic circuitry, depending upon reciprocal interactions between PNs and fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs), while connections within these cell types affected the rhythm’s frequency. The model allowed us to conduct experimentally impossible tests to characterize the synaptic and spatial properties of gamma. The entrainment of individual neurons to gamma depended on the number of afferent connections they received, and gamma bursts were spatially restricted in the BL. Importantly, the gamma rhythm synchronized PNs and mediated competition between ensembles. Together, these results indicate that the recurrent connectivity of BL expands its computational and communication repertoire.
The Severity of Menopausal Symptoms and its Relation to Obesity, Smoking, and Exercise in Middle-Aged Jordanian Women
Authors: Jaber Ruba M , Abu Hassan Hana H , Abuelayyan Malaak F , Yasin Jailan N , Jaber Heba M
Published: January 2019

Objectives: The present study aimed at finding the effect of menopausal transition, exercise, smoking, and obesity on menopausal transition. In addition, the impact of menopausal transition on women’s quality of life was investigated. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at family medicine clinics of Jordan University Hospital (JUH). Totally, 359 women whose age varied from 45 to 65 years old were included, Variables including sociodemographic, smoking exercise and obesity, menopause status and its symptoms, and quality of life were assessed by self-administered and validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 16. Results: The mean age at the menopause was 49.4 years. More than 38% of the participants practiced no or irregular exercise and slightly more than 92% had abnormal body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2 . Besides, women who practiced no or irregular exercise were significantly more likely to experience irritability, be mentally and physically exhausted, report sexual problems, and muscles and joint discomfort (P value of < 0.05). In addition, women with an abnormal waist to hip ratio were statistically at an increased risk of experiencing sexual problems. Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that normal body weight and regular and effective exercise were the key factors in alleviating menopausal symptoms during the menopausal transition, especially the psychological or mental symptoms and muscle and joint discomfort. Meanwhile, women in the midlife stage are recommended to be counseled about menopausal transition and its effect on mental and physical health. Moreover, they should be encouraged to maintain effective levels of exercise and to optimize their body weight whenever possible.
Oxidative Stress Markers in Early Pregnancy Loss: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Torkzahrani Shahnaz , Janati Ataei Padideh , Hedayati Mehdi , Khodakarim Soheila , Sheikhan Zohre , Khoramabadi Moniresadat , Sadraei Akramsadat
Published: January 2019

Objectives: Evidence suggests that oxidative stress (OS) plays a prominent role in the pathophysiology of pregnancy complications in women. The present study was conducted to determine the levels of OS markers in early pregnancy loss and to compare the results with those in healthy pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 women with early pregnancy loss and 32 healthy women in the first trimester of pregnancy, with similar demographic characteristics entered this study as the cases and controls. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), uric acid, and bilirubin levels were determined in both groups. The data obtained were then analyzed and compared between the groups using the independent samples t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The 2 groups matched in terms of personal-demographic characteristics including mother’s age, father’s age, gravidity, and body mass index (BMI). MDA levels increased significantly in the women with spontaneous abortion compared to the healthy pregnant women (4.35±1.47 vs. 3.42±1.68 µM/L; P=0.026) and TAC decreased significantly in the cases compared to the healthy controls (552.34±212.79 vs. 1003.23±1168.68 U/mL; P=0.040). Uric acid and bilirubin levels did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: The results of this study provides further evidence on the effect of increased OS on the incidence of early spontaneous abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy. High serum MDA levels and low TAC during pregnancy were 2 risk factors for spontaneous abortion. The present findings support the hypothesis that OS plays a key role in the etiopathogenesis of spontaneous abortion. Further studies are required for assessing the preventive role of antioxidant therapy in this complication.
The Serum Level of Vitamin D in Women With Urinary Incontinence Due to Pelvic Floor Disorder and Prolapse: A Regional Case-Control Study on Iranian Population
Authors: Barat Shahnaz , Bouzari Zinatossadat , Mehdinia Shabnam , Hajian-Tilaki Karimollah , Naeimi Rad Mojgan
Published: January 2019

Objectives: Vitamin D is important for the muscular tone and bone metabolism. Due to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Iranian women, this study aimed to investigate the difference in vitamin D levels between patients with and without pelvic floor disorder (PFD) to assess the possible effect of vitamin D on PFD. Materials and Methods: The present case-control study examined 209 women referring to Ayatollah Rouhani hospital of Babol in 2017. Patients were explored for prolapse and those with at least one disorder or without PFD were categorized as the case (n = 104) or control (n = 105) groups, respectively. Then, the serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D was compared between the groups. Results: The mean age and abdominal circumference of the patients were significantly higher in the case group (P < 0.001 & P = 0.046, respectively) as compared to the control group. Meanwhile, the total mean ± SD serum level of vitamin D was 20.03±17.88 ng/ mL and significantly higher in the case group (24.58 ± 20.75 ng/mL) than that of the control group (15.53±13.11 ng/mL), especially in patients with stress and urgency urinary incontinence (SIU/UIU) (both with a significance level of P < 0.001). Conclusions: As a result of PFD, the group with UI, especially the one with SIU or UIU had the highest vitamin D level compared to the control and other groups. Nonetheless, the mean age and educational level were significantly higher and lower in this group, respectively. These results could be due to the multifactorial nature of vitamin D level, that is, it varies based on nutrition, place of residence, and other factors.
Investigating Hysteroscopy Implementation in Infertile Women Candidate With a Normal Uterine Cavity for Laparoscopy in Hysterosalpingography
Authors: Amirian Maliheh , Darvish Mohammadabad Anis , Morovatdar Negar , Hafizi Leili
Published: January 2019

Objectives: Endometrial pathologies inside the cavity can occur simultaneously with gestational unpleasant consequences but are not always capable of being diagnosed by the hysterosalpingography (HSG). This study aimed to examine the value of performing diagnostic hysteroscopy beside diagnostic laparoscopy among infertile women with normal uterine cavities in HSG. Materials and Methods: A total of 103 infertile women with normal uterine cavities in the HSG and within the age range of 18-40 who referred to Imam Reza hospital for laparoscopy during 2016-2017 were included in this cross-sectional study. Hysteroscopy was performed simultaneously with diagnostic laparoscopy. Then, the existence of uterine pathologies like endometrial polyps, submucous myoma, and uterine endometrial adhesions and their relationship with the patient’s age, infertility type and duration, and cycle time were evaluated. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, 64 patients (63.1 %) had a normal uterine cavity in the hysteroscopy while 39 of them had an abnormal uterine cavity, the HSG false negative cases of whom were reported 37.9%. The pathologies found in the hysteroscopy were endometrial polyp (16 cases), submucous myoma (1 case), uterine septum (6 cases), asherman syndrome (7 cases), bicornuate uterus (4 cases), polyp + asherman (3 cases), polyp + submucous myoma (1 case), and septum + submucous myoma (1 case). Patients’ age, type of infertility, and menstruation time during performing hysteroscopy made no particular difference in diagnosing pathologies of the uterine cavity in the hysteroscopy. Conclusions: Based on the findings, conducting hysteroscopy in infertile women who are candidates of laparoscopy and have normal uterine cavities in HSG can result in recognizing some cases of uterine pathologies which influence the outcomes of future pregnancies is not dependent upon the patient’s age, menstruation time, type and duration of infertility, and result of laparoscopy.
Maternal-Fetal Attachment and its Sociodemographic Determinants in Women With Unplanned Pregnancy
Authors: Ekrami Fatemeh , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Mohammad-Alizadeh Charandabi Sakineh , Babapour  Kheyradin Jalil
Published: January 2019

Objectives: Attachment to the fetus is formed before the birth and stronger prenatal maternal-fetal attachment is related to more desirable prenatal and postpartum behaviors and cares as well as better acceptance of the parenting role. Therefore, this study aimed to determine maternal-fetal attachment and its socio-demographic determinants among women with an unplanned pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 200 women with unplanned pregnancies attending the maternity clinic of Alavi hospital (Ardebil, Iran) during 2016-2017. To collect the data, a socio-demographic questionnaire and the maternal-fetal attachment scale (MFAS) were completed through the interviews. Data were analyzed using independent t tests, one-way ANOVA, and the general linear model. Results: The mean (standard deviation) of maternal-fetal attachment score in women with an unplanned pregnancy was 79.2 (11.2) ranging from 23 to 115. The mean attachment score was significantly higher in women with a mistimed pregnancy [83.5 (9.0)] than in those with an unwanted pregnancy [72.9 (11.0)]. The highest and lowest mean scores were observed in the "interaction with the fetus" [14.2 (3.3)] and the "role-taking" [9.2 (3.0)] sub-domains, respectively. Based on the general linear model, only the type of unplanned pregnancy (mistimed or unwanted) indicated a significant relationship with maternal-fetal attachment (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Based on the results, the type of unplanned pregnancy had a significant association with maternal-fetal attachment. Moreover, mothers with unwanted pregnancies needed greater counseling and support compared to those with mistimed pregnancies.
A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Panax Ginseng on Menopausal Women’s Sexual Function
Authors: Ghorbani Zahra , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: January 2019

Objectives: An increase in life expectancy results in the aging population growth. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of ginseng that could be used as a herbal medicine in women with sexual dysfunction. Materials and Methods: The authors of this study searched Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Persian databases without a time limitation until May 2018 and examined all the randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared the effect of different types of ginseng on sexual function of menopausal women as compared to the placebo controls. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. The heterogeneity was determined using the I2 index. In addition, standardized mean difference (SMD) was used instead of mean differences (MD) and a random effect was reported instead of fixed effect in meta-analysis. Results: The eligibility criteria were found in five RCTs. All the included studies were placebo-controlled. Two trials had a parallel design while three studies used a crossover design. Although four trials indicated that ginseng significantly improved sexual function, they didn’t report any treatment effect compared to the placebo group. Based on the results of meta-analysis obtained from five studies including 531 women, there was no statistically significant effect of ginseng on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) compared to the placebo control group (SMD: 0.26; 95% CI: -0.26 to 0.76). Nonetheless, there was a considerable heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 81%; P < 0.0001). Moreover, all the included studies assessed adverse events, but in three of the RCTs, there was no significant difference between the placebo and ginseng groups. Conclusions: The evidence regarding ginseng as a therapeutic agent for sexual dysfunction is unjustifiable. Rigorous studies seem warranted in this respect.
GOBERNA-TRICAS, Josefina e BOLADERAS, Margarita (coords.): El concepto “Violencia obstétrica” y el debate actual sobre la atención al nacimiento, Tecnos, Madrid, 2018, 185p.
Authors: Fernández González Cruz
Published: January 2019

Rcensión da obraGOBERNA-TRICAS, Josefina e BOLADERAS, Margarita coords.: El concepto “Violencia obstétrica” y el debate actual sobre la atención al nacimiento. Tecnos, Madrid, 2018, 185 p.
Nuevos registros de Pucciniales sobre la familia Solanaceae en Colombia
Authors: Salazar Yepes Mauricio , González Diana
Published: January 2019

La familia Solanaceae cuenta con una gran diversidad de especies distribuidas desde zonas templadas, con excepción de la Antártida, hasta zonas tropicales y cálidas. Algunas de sus plantas de importancia económica como el ají, papa y tomate, se encuentran comúnmente parasitadas por royas, afectando su calidad y producción. El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar los Pucciniales de la familia Solanaceae en Colombia, depositados en el Museo Micológico de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Medellín (MMUNM). Se analizaron colecciones no identificadas de este grupo de plantas con presencia de síntomas de roya (Pucciniales, Basidiomycota) y colectadas en los últimos años en los departamentos de Antioquia, Caquetá, Caldas, Casanare, Cundinamarca, Huila, Magdalena y Nariño. El trabajo taxonómico de los Pucciniales encontrados se realizó a través de observaciones y mediciones de los estados espóricos, acompañados de una completa revisión de literatura especializada. Se describe a Uredo mirtoideae como una nueva especie para la ciencia y se registran diez nuevos hospedantes parasitados por royas. En Colombia se registran sobre la familia Solanaceae 23 especies de royas, equivalentes al 6 % del total de las reportadas en el país, encontradas parasitando un total de 43 especies hospedantes de esta importante familia.