bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Acute Tears. Spontaneus Healing, is True or False
Authors: Marangoni Lucas , Murillo Bernardo , Bustos Damián , Bertiche Pablo , Bitar Iván , Cabral Diego
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

To identify patients with a diagnosis of acute and complete ACL rupture that healed spontaneously, and to determine whether such healing is related to age, sex, type of rupture, resting time, and trauma mechanisms.

Materials and Methods:

30 patients with complete acute ACL rupture were evaluated by clinical diagnosis and Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI). Both Lysholm test and IKDC 2000 were used for subjective evaluation.

Results:

All patients improved from the first to the second consult, with the following results: Lachman (p <0.0406), pivot shift (p = 0.071), and anterior drawer (p <0.001). During the follow-up MRI, all patients showed signs of healing in ACL. With an average follow-up of 12 months for men (95% CI 6-17) and 13 months for women (95% CI 31 max.), a nearly complete clinical recovery could be inferred, as well as healing occurring independently of variables such as age, sex, or specific treatment (p = 0.795 and p = 0.841).

Discussion:

Despite this study size limitation, the objectives were achieved. There would be spontaneous ACL healing associated with a 3-month post-injury resting time, but it is unrelated to age, sex, specific physiotherapy treatments, or the use of immobilizers. Level of evidence: level of evidence IV
Osteochondral autograft of patella. Experience up to 10 years of follow-up
Authors: Poblete David Figueroa , Valdés Jaime Esteban Espinoza , Sotomayor Juan José , O´Conell Luis
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

The optimal treatment of an osteochondral patellar lesion remains controversial. Autologous osteochondral transplantation shows promising outcomes, although there is scarce evidence.

Objective:

Present a 10-year follow-up experience and outcomes of patients with a full-thickness defect of the patella at our institution.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of all the patients treated with autologous osteochondral transplantation between 2007-2018 for a patellar osteochondral lesion (ICRS IV). We analyzed the WOMAC score and demographic characteristics with IBM SPSS (IBM Corp. Released 2017. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp).

Results:

A total of 14 patients (age range 15-49 years) were included. The right knee, medial facet, and the medial patellofemoral ligament (69%) were the anatomical sections and associated injuries most frequently encountered. The mean lesion area was of 1.32 cm2, with 55% requiring 2 autologous osteochondral transplantations (size range 8-10 mm2). The mean WOMAC score was 97% (91% Pain, 87% Stiffness, 95% Physical function), with a tendency of an inverse relation with age (p=0.227).

Conclusion:

Full-thickness defects of patellar cartilage are seen frequently in young patients. These lesions affect their quality of life, sports activity, and physical functionality. However, our outcomes at medium-term follow-up (Mean WOMAC 97), despite it is a small cohort, are promising. Long-term follow-up studies on this topic are encouraged to suggest an optimal treatment based on high-quality evidence.
Arthroscopic Bankart Repair after Anterior Traumatic Shoulder Dislocation in Workers
Authors: Guala Agustín , Rial Pedro , Mendoza Luciano , RIal Walter , Perezlindo Lucas , De Azcuénaga Martín
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical results in workers after Arthroscopic Bankart repair for traumatic unidirectional shoulder dislocation.

Methods:

A total of 45 patients (42 male- 3 female) meet the inclusion criteria: traumatic anterior dislocation, workers´ compensation patient, minimum of 2 years follow-up and exclusion criteria: bony Bankart >25%, engaging Hill Sachs, previous surgery, rotator cuff injury. Number of dislocations were 1 in 35 patients, 2 in 7 patients and 3 in 3 patients. Artroscopic Bankart repair was performed by a single surgeon. UCLA shoulder Score and ROWE score for shoulder instability were scored for clinical assessment. The mean follow up was 64 (SD+- 21.6) month with a mean age of 30 (SD+-10) years. Type of work and workload was recorded according to Canadian classification and dictionary of occupations. Time to return to work was also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed at the center for biostatistics at Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral using SPSS 23.0-IBM.

Results:

The mean UCLA Shoulder Score was 33 (SD+-2) and ROWE Score 95 (SD +-7), none of the patients presented recurrent dislocation at the time of follow up. Time to return to work was mean 123 days (+-60 SD) of whom 52% were heavy workers, 39% medium and 9% light workers. All patients except one could return to his previous level of work. Pearsons bi variate correlation coefficient between days to return to work between heavy and medium/light workers was not significative (p>0,05) but in heavy workers return to work take more days than in medium/light workers. Age and return to work with 35 years as a cut point was not significative either.

Conclusion:

Workers treated with Arthroscopic Bankart repair after traumatic unilateral dislocation, presents good results and high rate of return to work at the previous level.
Evaluation of the Meniscal repair in Bucket handle. Systematic review
Authors: Bustos Damián , Marangoni Lucas , Bertiche Pablo , Núñez Javier , Bitar Iván , Murillo Bernardo
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

Faced with a bucket meniscal lesion we have two treatment options. A frequently practiced option is to remove the bucket handle, another is to repair it. Generally, they are associated with ligament injuries. In this context, it has been shown that meniscal repair has a good result, but the evolution of isolated meniscal repairs is not entirely clear. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the results after the repair of bucket handle injuries.

Materials and Methods:

A bibliographic search of the computerized database was carried out pubmed. Eight articles were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of interest included, level of evidence, number of patients, follow-up, average age, surgical technique,% cure,% failure, complications, associated injuries and average time from injury to surgical repair.

Results:

The works studied, on average, 43 patients, with ages between 16 and 33 years making 341 patients. The follow-up period was focused on 58 months. The percentage of cure varies from 52% to 98%.

Conclusion:

The isolated repair of this type of meniscal lesions has a good overall evolution associated with a low rate of failure and complications

Level of evidence:

IV

Type of study

systematic review
The Knee Magnetic Resonance Order: Can It Be Reduced by Specialists?
Authors: Bustos Damian , Ugarte César Orellana , Bitar Iván , Marangoni Lucas , Bertiche Pablo , Robles Cristian , Murillo Bernardo
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

Knee pain is one of the most common complications in the trauma clinic. It is common to find patients who come to the office with a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (MRI) who have a broken meniscus and who are looking for a lathe in the operating room. The majority of these patients are feasible for orthopedic treatment and it is sufficient to perform correct semiological maneuvers to determine it. Although there is a growing demand for knee MRI by members of the health team. The hypothesis of this work postulates that the NMR requested by the specialists in orthopedics and traumatology offer positive results both for the diagnoses and for the treatment plans.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to compare the usefulness in diagnosis and in the therapeutic definition of knee MRIs requested by medical specialists.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 1,186 knee MRI reports from January 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015, using the computerized clinical history system. These were classified according to the origin of the request for the images (specialists in orthopedics and traumatology, residents of traumatology and other medical specialties). This information was explored for its characterization. Retrospective study. Level of evidence IV

Results:

We obtained 33% (389) normal report of knee, significantly lower (p <0.001) to 67% reporting injuries. The proportion of studies requested was mostly by specialists in orthopedics and traumatology (59%), followed by the proportion required by different medical specialties (27%) and by those prescribed by traumatology residents (13%). The percentages of normal reports of those studies requested were different (p <0.05) 29, 42 and 32%, respectively.

Conclusions:

In primary care by physicians and residents of traumatology, the request for knee MRI reports a high percentage of normal reports. Specialists in orthopedics and traumatology request this exam with greater demand and present greater findings of injuries.
Autograft anatomic double bundle PCL reconstruction and functional outcome
Authors: Ponzo Nelson , Del Castillo Juan , Fregeiro José , Kennedy Mitchell I. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

it is well known that the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the main stabilizer to posterior tibial translation in the knee. Anatomic double-bundle reconstruction has recently been proposed to best restore posterior and rotational tibial instability, especially compared with a single-bundle PCL reconstruction (PCLR). Most publications in the peer-reviewed literature on double-bundle PCLR have used allografts. However, in many countries, allografts are not available.

Objective:

describe an all-autograft arthroscopic technique for PCLR using the quadriceps and semitendinosus tendons and evaluate it functional outcome.

Materials and Methods:

restrospective study of an all-autograft arthroscopic technique for PCLR using the quadriceps and semitendinosus tendons with a follow up of 15 months in 10 patients. Four patients with isolated PCL and 6 with multiligament injury 4 PLC; 1 ACL; (1ACL + PLC) Patients were evaluated preop with stress x rays and MRI and postop using Lysohlm and IKDC scores.

Results:

lysolhm score were good and excellent while IKDC was normal. No serious complications where found.

Conclusions:

anatomic PCL reconstruction with autograft is a useful technique with good functional outcomes especially when allograft is not available for economic or cultural causes.
Are We Trending to More or Less Between-Group Achievement Inequality Over the School Year and Summer? Comparing Across ECLS-K Cohorts
Authors: Quinn David M. , Le Q. Tien
Published: December 2018

Scholars have argued that schools are “equalizers” because inequalities in test scores by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) grow faster over summer vacation than over the school year. In this study, we use nationally representative data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten Classes of 1998–1999 and 2010–2011 to examine the extent to which such patterns have changed over time. Results suggest that more between-group equalizing by race/ethnicity and SES occurred over kindergarten in the recent cohort. However, this was often followed by more inequality widening over summer and more widening or less narrowing over first grade in the latter cohort. The net result was that in recent years, inequality tended to widen more (Black-White) or narrow less (SES and Hispanic-White) over the first 2 years of schooling.
Serial transplantation reveals a critical role for endoglin in hematopoietic stem cell quiescence
Authors: Borges Luciene , Oliveira Vanessa K. P. , Baik June , Bendall Sean C. , Perlingeiro Rita C. R.
Published: December 2018

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is well known for its important function in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quiescence. However, the molecular mechanism underlining this function remains obscure. Endoglin (Eng), a type III receptor for the TGF-β superfamily, has been shown to selectively mark long-term HSCs; however, its necessity in adult HSCs is unknown due to embryonic lethality. Using conditional deletion of Eng combined with serial transplantation, we show that this TGF-β receptor is critical to maintain the HSC pool. Transplantation of Eng-deleted whole bone marrow or purified HSCs into lethally irradiated mice results in a profound engraftment defect in tertiary and quaternary recipients. Cell cycle analysis of primary grafts revealed decreased frequency of HSCs in G0, suggesting that lack of Eng impairs reentry of HSCs to quiescence. Using cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) to evaluate the activity of signaling pathways in individual HSCs, we find that Eng is required within the Lin−Sca+Kit+–CD48− CD150+ fraction for canonical and noncanonical TGF-β signaling, as indicated by decreased phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 and the p38 MAPK-activated protein kinase 2, respectively. These findings support an essential role for Eng in positively modulating TGF-β signaling to ensure maintenance of HSC quiescence.
Recent advances of on-demand dissolution of hydrogel dressings
Authors: Lu Hao , Yuan Long , Yu Xunzhou , Wu Chengzhou , He Danfeng , Deng Jun
Published: December 2018

Wound management is a major global challenge and a big financial burden to the healthcare system due to the rapid growth of chronic diseases including the diabetes, obesity, and aging population. Modern solutions to wound management include hydrogels that dissolve on demand, and the development of such hydrogels is of keen research interest. The formation and subsequent on-demand dissolution of hydrogels is of keen interest to scientists and clinicians. These hydrogels have excellent properties such as tissue adhesion, swelling, and water absorption. In addition, these hydrogels have a distinctive capacity to form in situ and dissolve on-demand via physical or chemical reactions. Some of these hydrogels have been successfully used as a dressing to reduce bleeding in hepatic and aortal models, and the hydrogels remove easily afterwards. However, there is an extremely wide array of different ways to synthesize these hydrogels. Therefore, we summarize here the recent advances of hydrogels that dissolve on demand, covering both chemical cross-linking cases and physical cross-linking cases. We believe that continuous exploration of dissolution strategies will uncover new mechanisms of dissolution and extend the range of applications for hydrogel dressings.
TRK Fusion Cancers in Children: A Clinical Review and Recommendations for Screening
Authors: Albert Catherine M. , Davis Jessica L. , Federman Noah , Casanova Michela , Laetsch Theodore W.
Published: December 2018

Chromosomal translocations involving the NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3 genes (TRK fusions), which encode the neurotrophin tyrosine kinase receptors TRKA, TRKB, and TRKC, can result in constitutive activation and aberrant expression of TRK kinase. Certain cancers almost universally harbor TRK fusions, including infantile fibrosarcoma, cellular congenital mesoblastic nephroma, secretory breast cancer, and mammary analog secretory carcinoma of the salivary gland. TRK fusions have also been identified at lower frequencies across a broad range of other pediatric cancers, including undifferentiated sarcomas, gliomas, papillary thyroid cancers, spitzoid neoplasms, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, and acute leukemias. Here we review the prevalence and diseases associated with TRK fusions and methods of detection of these fusions in light of the recent development of selective TRK inhibitors, such as larotrectinib, which demonstrated a 75% response rate across children and adults with TRK fusion cancers. We provide recommendations for screening pediatric tumors for the presence of TRK fusions, including the use of immunohistochemistry or fluorescence in situ hybridization for patients with tumors likely to harbor TRK fusions. Further, we recommend next-generation sequencing for tumors that have a relatively low prevalence of TRK fusions, both to identify patients who may benefit from TRK inhibition and to identify other targetable oncogenic drivers that exist in the same tumor types.
Phosphorylated Progesterone Receptor Isoforms Mediate Opposing Stem Cell and Proliferative Breast Cancer Cell Fates
Authors: Truong Thu H , Dwyer Amy R , Diep Caroline H , Hu Hsiangyu , Hagen Kyla M , Lange Carol A
Published: December 2018

Progesterone receptors (PRs) are key modifiers of estrogen receptor (ER) target genes and drivers of luminal breast cancer progression. Total PR expression, rather than isoform-specific PR expression, is measured in breast tumors as an indicator of functional ER. We identified phenotypic differences between PR-A and PR-B in luminal breast cancer models with a focus on tumorsphere biology. Our findings indicated that PR-A is a dominant driver of cancer stem cell (CSC) expansion in T47D models, and PR-B is a potent driver of anchorage-independent proliferation. PR-A+ tumorspheres were enriched for aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, CD44+/CD24−, and CD49f+/CD24− cell populations relative to PR-B+ tumorspheres. Progestin promoted heightened expression of known CSC-associated target genes in PR-A+ but not PR-B+ cells cultured as tumorspheres. We report robust phosphorylation of PR-A relative to PR-B Ser294 and found that this residue is required for PR-A–induced expression of CSC-associated genes and CSC behavior. Cells expressing PR-A S294A exhibited impaired CSC phenotypes but heightened anchorage-independent cell proliferation. The PR target gene and coactivator, FOXO1, promoted PR phosphorylation and tumorsphere formation. The FOXO1 inhibitor (AS1842856) alone or combined with onapristone (PR antagonist), blunted phosphorylated PR, and tumorsphere formation in PR-A+ and PR-B+ T47D, MCF7, and BT474 models. Our data revealed unique isoform-specific functions of phosphorylated PRs as modulators of distinct and opposing pathways relevant to mechanisms of late recurrence. A clear understanding of PR isoforms, phosphorylation events, and the role of cofactors could lead to novel biomarkers of advanced tumor behavior and reveal new approaches to pharmacologically target CSCs in luminal breast cancer.
The dynamic side of the Warburg effect: glycolytic intermediate storage as buffer for fluctuating glucose and O2 supply in tumor cells
Authors: van Beek Johannes H.G.M.
Published: December 2018

Background: Tumor cells often show altered metabolism which supports uncontrolled proliferation. A classic example is the Warburg effect: high glucose uptake and lactate production despite sufficient oxygen supply. Remarkably, tumor cells can transiently take up glucose even an order of magnitude faster when glucose is reintroduced after depletion. Regulation and significance of this high glucose uptake are investigated here.

Methods: A new computational model was developed which reproduces two types of experimental data on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells: measurements by Otto Warburg of the average aerobic glycolytic rate during one hour (Warburg effect), and fast metabolic responses measured by others during the first minutes after reintroducing glucose. The model is subsequently extended with equations for glucose and O2 transport to predict the role of metabolism during fluctuations of blood flow in tumor tissue.

Results: Model analysis reveals dynamic regulation of the head section of glycolysis where glucose uptake and phosphorylation occur. The head section is disinhibited slowly when concentrations of glycolytic intermediates fall, causing glucose uptake rate to considerably exceed that found by Warburg. The head section is partially inhibited in about a minute when sufficient glucose has been taken up. Simulations predict that tumors greedily take up glucose when blood flow resumes after periods of low flow. The cells then store glucose as fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and other glycolytic intermediates. During subsequent periods of low flow that cause O2and glucose depletion these stores are used for ATP production and biomass.

Conclusions: The powerful glycolytic system in tumors not only synthesizes ATP at high steady rates, but can also store glycolytic intermediates to buffer temporary oxygen and nutrient shortages for up to 10 minutes. The head section of glycolysis in tumor cells, disinhibited during glucose shortages, becomes very efficient at stealing glucose from other cells, even at low glucose concentrations.
A bovine CD18 signal peptide variant with increased binding activity to Mannheimia hemolytica leukotoxin
Authors: Workman Aspen M. , Chitko-McKown Carol G. , Smith Timothy P. L. , Bennett Gary L. , Kalbfleisch Theodore S. , Basnayake Veronica , Heaton Michael P.
Published: December 2018

Background:Mannheimia haemolyticais the major bacterial infectious agent of bovine respiratory disease complex and causes severe morbidity and mortality during lung infections.M. haemolyticasecretes a protein leukotoxin (Lkt) that binds to the CD18 receptor on leukocytes, initiates lysis, induces inflammation, and causes acute fibrinous bronchopneumonia. Lkt binds the 22-amino acid CD18 signal peptide domain, which remains uncleaved in ruminant species. Our aim was to identify missense variation in the bovine CD18 signal peptide and measure the effects on Lkt binding.

Methods:Missense variants in the integrin beta 2 gene (ITGB2) encoding CD18 were identified by whole genome sequencing of 96 cattle from 19 breeds, and targeted Sanger sequencing of 1238 cattle from 46 breeds. The ability of different CD18 signal peptide variants to bind Lkt was evaluated by preincubating the toxin with synthetic peptides and applying the mixture to susceptible bovine cell cultures in cytotoxicity-blocking assays.

Results:We identified 14 missense variants encoded on 15 predicted haplotypes, including a rare signal peptide variant with a cysteine at position 5 (C5) instead of arginine (R5). Preincubating Lkt with synthetic signal peptides with C5blocked cytotoxicity significantly better than those with R5. The most potent synthetic peptide (C5PQLLLLAGLLA) had 30-fold more binding activity compared to that with R5.

Conclusions:The results suggest that missense variants in the CD18 signal peptide affect Lkt binding, and animals carrying the C5allele may be more susceptible to the effects of Lkt. The results also identify a potent class of non-antibiotic Lkt inhibitors that could potentially protect cattle from cytotoxic effects during acute lung infections.
Two parallel reporting systems for malaria surveillance in Pakistan, 2013–17: is exact burden reflected?
Authors: Habib Hammad , Fatima Razia , Achakzai Abdul Baseer , Wali Ahmad , Yaqoob Aashifa , Najmi Hina , Haq Mahboob Ul , Majeed Abdul
Published: December 2018

Background: Pakistan is facing challenges regarding the availability of reliable data for malaria surveillance. These include lack of coordination between different reporting systems and fragmented information system. This study aimed to compare the reporting of malaria surveillance systems in Pakistan.

Methods: There are two parallel reporting systems for malaria surveillance in Pakistan, the District Health Information System (DHIS) and Malaria Information System (MIS). DHIS reports on all morbidity at health facility level, while MIS is only used for malaria surveillance in the donor supported districts. A cross sectional study was conducted between July-September 2018 by using the retrospective records of DHIS and MIS data reported to the Directorate of Malaria Control (DOMC) Islamabad during 2013-17. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed to compare the coverage, outcome and impact indicators.

Results: During 2013-17, all districts (n=145, 100%) across Pakistan reported on the DHIS. The MIS reporting coverage has gradually increased from 21 (14.5%) to 72 (49.7%) districts. Reported number of suspected screened and confirmed malaria cases were compared. MIS reported twice the number of suspects screened for malaria (100.5%) and confirmed malaria cases (124.4%) as compared to the DHIS. The difference in the reported average annual blood examination rate (ABER) was 3.8, test positivity rate (TPR) was -0.9 and the annual parasite incidence (API) was 4.9/1000 population over five years between two systems. DHIS reported only half the ABER and API as compared to MIS.

Conclusion: There is huge under-reporting of suspected and confirmed malaria cases in the DHIS as compared to MIS. Urgent attention is needed to address this, as it is vital to have uniform reporting of true disease burden across the country. An integrated disease surveillance system, improved data validation systems, and use of the online DHIS-2 are potential options for better integrity and coherence of reported data.
Metabolic profiling of adolescent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hartley April , Santos Ferreira Diana L. , Anderson Emma L. , Lawlor Debbie A.
Published: December 2018

Background:Adolescent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. The association between adolescent NAFLD and a wide range of metabolic biomarkers is unclear. We have attempted to determine the differences in metabolic profile of adolescents with and without markers of NAFLD.

Methods:We performed cross-sectional analyses in a sample of 3,048 participants from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children at age 17. We used three indicators of NAFLD: ALT >40 U/l; AST >40 U/l and ultrasound scan-assessed steatosis. Associations between each measure of NAFLD and 154 metabolic traits, assessed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, were analyzed by multivariable linear regression, adjusting for age, sex and BMI.

Results:All three indicators of NAFLD were associated with ~0.5 standard deviation (SD) greater concentrations of all extremely large to small very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) measures. ALT >40U/l was associated with ~0.5SD greater concentrations of very small VLDLs, intermediate-density lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins. Concentrations of most cholesterols, including remnant cholesterol, all triglycerides and monounsaturated fatty acids, in addition to glycoprotein acetyls (inflammatory marker), were also higher in participants with NAFLD.

Conclusions:We have identified differing metabolic profiles between adolescents with and without indicators of NAFLD. These results provide the foundations for future research to determine whether these differences persist and result in adverse future cardiometabolic health.
Introduction to linguistics
Authors: Орлова Надежда , Orlova Nadezhda
Published: December 2018

The manual is compiled in accordance with the GEF of higher education and covers the main topics included in the course of traditional Introduction to linguistics".
In addition to General theoretical topics (the essence of language, the relationship of language and thinking, the origin of language, language classification, language universals, etc.), the manual discusses in detail the issues of phonetics, lexicology and grammar, as well as the problems of development and formation of different forms of written fixation of speech. The book contains rich illustrative material from different structural languages.
The textbook is intended for students majoring in "Pedagogy" and "Pedagogical education".
Connexive Conditional Logic. Part I
Authors: Wansing Heinrich , Unterhuber Matthias
Published: December 2018

In this paper, first some propositional conditional logics based on Belnap and Dunn’s useful four-valued logic of first-degree entailment are introduced semantically, which are then turned into systems of weakly and unrestrictedly connexive conditional logic. The general frame semantics for these logics makes use of a set of allowable (or admissible) extension/antiextension pairs. Next, sound and complete tableau calculi for these logics are presented. Moreover, an expansion of the basic conditional connexive logics by a constructive implication is considered, which gives an opportunity to discuss recent related work, motivated by the combination of indicative and counterfactual conditionals. Tableau calculi for the basic constructive connexive conditional logics are defined and shown to be sound and complete with respect to their semantics. This semantics has to ensure a persistence property with respect to the preorder that is used to interpret the constructive implication.
Book Reviews
Authors: Shen Wenjing
Published: December 2018

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. The editor will be pleased to receive an email from those willing to review a book, with an indication of specific areas of interest. If you are aware of a specific book that you would like to review, or that you think should be reviewed, please contact the editor. The following books are reviewed in this issue of Interfaces, 48(6), November–December: Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain Management, Valeria Belvedere and Alberto Grando; Taming the Sun: Innovations to Harness Solar Energy and Power the Planet, Varun Sivaram.
ECG of the month
Authors: Regan Martin
Published: December 2018

Martin Regan presents an ECG for you to analyse
Guidelines on prescribing psychotropic medication during the perinatal period
Authors: Romaine Eleanor , McAllister-Williams R Hamish
Published: December 2018

The use of psychotropic medication in pregnant and breastfeeding women is an area of great challenge for both women with mental health problems and clinicians. There are many uncertainties regarding risks of untreated illness to mother, fetus or infant as well as concerns over potential risks to the fetus or infant associated with use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The purpose of the British Association of Psychopharmacology guidelines is to provide advice regarding making decisions around treating mental illness in the perinatal period. This article provides a summary and explanation of the consensus guidance.
Ambulatory management of acute decompensation in heart failure
Authors: Lee Cheuk , Beleznai Timea , Hassan Salimah , Rawat Anju , Douglas Homeyra , Kanagala Prathap , Sankaranarayanan Rajiv
Published: December 2018

Heart failure is an increasingly prevalent chronic condition which causes substantial morbidity and mortality, placing an increasing economic burden on health care. Hospitalizations as a result of heart failure are projected to increase considerably over the next two decades. A robust restructuring of existing heart failure treatment models in the UK is needed to enable an integrated seamless transition of care across the community, primary care and hospital networks. This has to be achieved with the patient as a partner in health care as a part of a multidisciplinary approach. This uses innovative strategies such as ambulatory treatment (including intravenous diuretics, remote and telemonitoring) as well as shifting heart failure treatment to the community and to patients' homes. This article analyses the existing evidence for ambulatory management of acute decompensated heart failure and looks at future strategies for restructuring care.
Degenerative meniscal tears of the knee: evaluation and management
Authors: Matar Hosam E , Duckett Stephen P , Raut Videshnandan
Published: December 2018

Meniscal injuries are among the most common orthopaedic injuries seen in knee clinics. Meniscal tears can occur as a result of acute injuries or chronic degeneration. However, the exact incidence of meniscal tears is difficult to ascertain because of the high number of asymptomatic tears and the high rate of degenerative tears in patients with advanced degenerative joint disease. The management of patients with knee pain is non-operative both for degenerative meniscal tears and degenerative joint disease in its initial stages. Magnetic resonance imaging has little added value in the management of middle-aged and elderly patients with degenerative disease. Failure to respond to non-operative measures warrants orthopaedic assessment with radiographic studies and counselling on managing degenerative joint disease both non-operatively and operatively. This article focuses on assessment and management of degenerative meniscal tears.
Non-Invasive Heart State Monitoring an Article on Latest PPG Processing
Authors: Chatterjee Ayan , Kumar Roy Uttam
Published: December 2018

Health Monitoring has become one of the most important task of this century with a change in population demography to build a smart healthcare system to give proper treatment to the correct patient with reduced cost, more consistently for better living. Heart & it's related parameters are very important for good health condition. Statistics from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008, around 616K people died of heart disease and 25% cause of total death and in 2010 the percentage grew up to 31%. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, overweight are some of the real cause of heart disease. To determine heart state, ECG is a proven and well accepted system. But, the device is expensive and requires training. ECG sensor measures the bio-potential generated by the electrical signals that is responsible to control the expansion and contraction of heart chambers. In this article, we have focused literature review on Non-Invasive cardiovascular monitoring researches undertaken so far to provide new possibilities and research trends so that we can monitor our health better and take precautions earlier with the use and advancement of Computer Science & Technology. Here we have primarily focused on PPG signal and its application to measure important blood parameters like Glucose, HB, SP02 that indirectly or directly can provide us a status of our health when required. Recent report suggests that PPG is very useful for measuring heart rates, arterial age (with PPG derivatives), blood pressure, oxygen saturation, emotion detection, respiratory rate etc. Accurate measurement of PPG can open up new possibilities in non-invasive computer aided cardiac research for smart care-giving.
Prescribing Pattern of Drugs in Acute Respiratory Tract Infection in Children aged 1 To 5 Years At Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Jadhav Sujata , Khanwelkar Chitra
Published: December 2018

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) are very common in all age groups. Childhood respiratory tract infections are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. It is significant health problem in India also. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2 million children under five years of age die due to pneumonia. Majority of ARTIs have viral etiology. Rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, parainfluenza and influenza viruses, human metapneumovirus, and adenoviruses are main causative agents. Among bacteria, group A streptococci, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, N. meningitides, H. influenzae, pneumococcus and Staphylococcus aureus are responsible for ARTIs. Drug utilization studies help to understand the pattern of prescription in that particular area for specific conditions.We included children from one to five years of age, diagnosed as ARTI and evaluated 298 prescriptions given to these children. Analysis of these prescriptions was done as well as they are compared with WHO prescription indicators. Cough (96%), fever (93%) and rhinitis (82.5%) were common symptoms observed, but sore throat, earache and breathlessness were also present in these children. Average number of drugs prescribed was 4.1/patient. Following drugs were prescribed, Antipyretics 98.3%, antimicrobials 91.3%, antihistaminics and cough syrups in 75.2%, Leukotriene antagonist in 25.1% patients, Vitamin B complex 11% and glucocorticoids 4.6%. All drugs were prescribed by brand names and not by generic name. 97.3% prescribed drugs were from national list of essential medicine. We found overuse of antimicrobials in our study. Educational programs are needed in order to bring rational use of antimicrobials. At the same time awareness in parents also should be done regarding antimicrobial use.
The Emerging Role of Micro RNA21 in Oral Cancer
Authors: Narasimhan N. Sangeetha , Narasimhan N. Malathi
Published: December 2018

Oral cancer is one among the leading causes of death in developing countries of south Asia. A very high incidence of oral cancer in India has resulted due to the prevalence of tobacco use both in smokable and Chewable forms. Though molecular level changes that occur in the initiation and progression of oral cancer has been studied, the disease process is still poorly understood unlike other cancers. MicroRNAs are the trending name in cancer research. They are non-coding RNAs that control the genome by their complementarity and affect protein synthesis. Their role in various cancers have been well studied. This paper enlightens the role of MicroRNA21 in oral cancer.
A Questionnaire Survey on awareness of Clinical Trials Among Medical Students
Authors: Vittalrao Amberkar Mohanbabu , Kumari K. Meena , V. Bhat Seema , Gill Rupam , Thomson Serene Rose
Published: December 2018

There is an immense need to inculcate research in the medical curriculum of undergraduate medical students, which will help them to interpret the evidence based literature like journal articles, analyze, interpret & to help their decision making ability. Involvement in innovative research will help them develop a holistic attitude towards the patients especially in terms of informed consent and ethical decisions. This study a questionnaire survey was conducted on undergraduate medical students. It consists of statements spread over various aspects of clinical trials. The percentage of questions answered correctly in each group was graded as good, average and poor depending on scores. A total of 257 students participated in the study. Students had average knowledge about statements describing concept, need of clinical trial, participation, about Food and Drug Administration, informed consent had average knowledge. The response was poor for statements on Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). The medical undergraduates are future innovators, clinicians and scientific explorers. It would be better if they are trained at earlier days of learning about clinical trials/research and medical ethics these can be made a part of medical curriculum so that they can build their concrete future.
1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one Attenuates Oxidative Trauma and Recuperate Beam Walk and Adhesive Removal Behavior in MPTP Parkinsonian Mice Model
Authors: Ghanta Mohankrishna , Panchanathan Elango , Lakkakula Bhaskar V.K.S. , Narayanaswamy Anbumani , Murkunde Yogeshkumar , Tamrakar Shonam
Published: December 2018

Recent researches have suggested 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor may attenuate motor impairments in Parkinson's disease (PD). The antiparkinsonian activity of ODQ were studied on motor abnormalities induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to provide a better understanding of this drug group. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of ODQ on behavioral parameters such as Beam walk test, Adhesive removal test and to assess the biochemical changes due to ODQ against MPTP induced PD mice model. Eighteen C57BL/6J male mice were included in the study, divided into three groups of 6 each. Group A mice were treated with vehicle (Normal saline). Group B mice were subjected to MPTP sub acute protocol. Group C mice were treated with MPTP as according to sub acute protocol and administered with ODQ subcutaneous injection after final MPTP dose. Behavioral tests like Beam walk test, Adhesive removal test, along with Biochemical correlation were done using standard methods. Narrow beam walk and adhesive removal behavior were significantly reversed, and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were enhanced in ODQ treated group compared to MPTP intoxicated mice group. Soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ, could be a potential treatment for maintaining the balance of antioxidant and oxidant biochemical environment during oxidative stress which may be helpful for treating PD, targeting one or more factors of its multiple etiological factors.
Cervical Length and Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Level in Endocervix of Spontaneous Preterm Labor
Authors: TGA Suwardewa , Suwiyoga Ketut , Astawa Nyoman Mantik , Negara Ketut Surya
Published: December 2018

Preterm labor is one of the critical obstetrics issue until now, due to high risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and even death towards the preterm newborn babies. For those surviving preterm babies, they are facing lifetime disabilities such as blindness, deafness, mental retardation, and motor disabilities. Preterm labor is hard to prevent due to the unknown definite etiology. Early cervical maturation due to inflammation is hypothesized to be the triggering factor of preterm labor mechanism. To investigate the correlation between cervical length and matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) in the endocervix of spontaneous preterm labor case. This research was conducted with analytical cross-sectional study. Samples were pregnant women with gestational age between 20 until 36 weeks and 6 days with preterm labor in the Sanglah General Hospital Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, which were obtained in October, 1st 2014 until January 2015. Samples were collected consecutively. The length of the cervix was measured by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS), and the level of MMP-8 was evaluated with ELISA in the Veterinary Laboratory of Udayana University. This study shows that age, parity, gestational age, hemoglobin, white blood cell, platelet and neutrophile count were having p value > 0.05 for all parameters, which means that there was no significant difference between two groups. The high level of MMP-8 in the endocervix (≥4.3920 ng/ml) is the risk factor for short cervical length by 4 fold, compared to the low MMP-8 level (PR = 4,00; 95% CI = 1,07-14,90; p=0,006) . In the spontaneous preterm labor, the shorter cervical length has higher level of uterine endocervical MMP-8.
Segmentation of Lung Images using Region based Neural Networks
Authors: Faizal Khan Z.
Published: December 2018

In this article, a neural network-based segmentation approach for CT lung images was proposed using the combination of Neural Networks and region growing which combines the regions of different pixels. The proposed approach expresses a method for segmenting the lung region from lung Computer Tomography (CT) images. This method is proposed to obtain an optimal segmented region. The first step begins by the process of finding the area which represents the lung region. In order to achieve this, the regions of all the pixel present in the entire image is grown. Second step is, the grown region values are given as input to the Echo state neural networks in order to obtain the segmented lung region. The proposed algorithm is trained and tested for 1,361 CT lung slices for the process of evaluating segmentation accuracy. An average of 98.50% is obtained as the segmentation accuracy for the input lung CT images.
The Influence of Exams Stress on Brux Activity in Russian Dental Students
Authors: Medovnikova D. V. , Ytuzh A. S. , Soykher M. G. , Pisarenko I. K. , Onyanova A. S.
Published: December 2018

The study assessed stress and brux activity among dental students during exam (stress) and non-examination (non-stress) periods. The study was initiated as a single group design with the total number of participants 36 (25 females and 11 males). All the participants were examined twice (once in a stress period and once in a non-stress period) according to “Clinical Functional Analysis”, which includes questions about students’ medical and dental history, as well as muscle palpation results. Two «BruxCheckers» (BCs) were applied, one for the upper jaw, the other for the lower jaw, two times for examination and non-examination periods. After the use, the «BCs» were photographed according to the research protocol and the abraded facets area on «BCs» was calculated in square millimeters. The research showed that during a stress period students may have headaches, cramps and pain in shoulder and neck muscles. The research also revealed that during the stress situation the abraded area shifts from frontal teeth to chewing teeth and brux episodes can occur more frequently and with a higher load. Chewing teeth (premolars in our study) are more adapted and more useful for such a condition. Accordingly, our students shifted their brux behavior from teeth 33 and 31 to teeth 15 and 24. Therefore, exams are a strong stress factor for dental students. In turn, prolongated stress can be an indicator of risk factor and have a negative effect for health of the craniomandibular system.
Awareness and Disposal Practices of Unused and Expired Medication among Health Care Professionals and Students in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Raja Sangeetha , Mohapatra Satyajit , Kalaiselvi A. , Jamuna Rani R.
Published: December 2018

Medicines play a very significant role for treating many diseases and conditions, but at the end of the treatment it is very important to dispose them of properly. So, the knowledge and awareness of proper drug disposal are essential for safe environment. Lack of knowledge and practice can lead to various problems like environmental pollution and various health hazards directly or indirectly. Hence, the study was aimed to assess the knowledge, practice, and awareness towards disposal of unused / expired drugs among healthcare professionals such as doctor, medical students, pharmacy students and nurses. This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital. About 400 participants in each category were included in the study. The questionnaire consisted of three parts which included demography, and multiple choice questions related to knowledge and awareness of the drug disposal. The collected data was expressed in percentage. A total of 393 participants have completed the survey which includes 32% males and 68% females. It was found that the commonest discarding pattern of the expired/ unused medicines was through household trash (67%). A total of 349 (89%) were aware of the significance of improper disposal. It was observed that the participants 44(11.1%) had partial knowledge about proper drug disposal but there was a lack of practice 264 (67.1%) of safe disposal methods. This study aimed to create an awareness to bridge the lacunae between knowledge, practice of proper and environmental safe methods of disposing expired/ unused drugs among health care professionals.