bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of Angkak and a toxic dose of erythrosine on histopathology of mice (Mus musculus) kidney
Authors: Esa R T , Sari D K , Jamaluddin A W
Published: October 2020

Angkak was a traditional fermented natural product originating from China. Some advantages of Angkak as food coloring were a more consistent and stable color, the ability of pigments to dissolve in water, the colors could be mixed with other pigments and were safe for consumption. Erythrosine was one of the synthetic dyes used as a food coloring. The compound was known to cause thyroid tumors, nerve disorders, and damage to chromosomes. Erythrosine was usually used in animal products as a dye in the sausage wrap. This study aimed to determine the effect of Angkak and Erythrosine on the histopathological features of mice kidneys. This study used 15 male mice, which were divided into five groups. The control group was given NaCMC, the treatment group 1 (KP1) was given Angkak at a dose of 0.0523 g, the treatment group 2 (KP2) was given Angkak at a dose of 0.523 g, the treatment group 3 (KP3) was given Angkak at a dose of 5.230 g, and treatment group 4 (KP4) was given erythrosine at a dose of 13.227 g for 30 days. All treatments were given peroral. On the day-31, all mice were necropsied, and the kidneys were taken for histopathological preparations with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining. The histopathological features were analyzed descriptively. The results showed the narrowing of the lumen, congestion, hemorrhage, necrosis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells were most commonly found in treatment KP4 given a toxic dose of erythrosine. In KP1, KP2, and KP3 given Angkak, there was no severe damage compared to KP4.
Values of urinalysis dipstick in evaluating high-protein, low-carbohydrate, low-fat diets in male wistar rats
Authors: Masrika Nur Upik En , Arsyad Aryadi , Yustisia Ika , Djabir Yulia Y
Published: October 2020

One popular diet pattern currently recommends a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet as a weight-loss strategy in obese patients. Diets high in protein appear to reduce appetite, energy intake, body weight, and fat buildup. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of long-term high-protein, low-carbohydrate and low-fat (TPRKRL) diets on body function. With a focus on urine analysis using the urinalysis dipstick and the Urine Analyzer Verify U120 tool from 22 samples of male Wistar rats that were given the standard diet and the TPRKRL diet for 8 weeks. The results showed that the TPRKRL diet on 8 variables had lower mean values than standard rats and there were significant differences in leukocyte counts, pH, specific gravity, ketones and bilirubin between the two groups. Whereas in the urobilinogen, protein and blood variables there were no significant differences. As well as other parameters namely nitrite and glucose abnormal abnormalities were not found.
Evaluation on reproductive and productivity characters of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes grown in the lowlands
Authors: Farid BDR M , Nasaruddin  , Anshori M F , Chaerunnisa A N J
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study is to obtain mutant and convergent wheat breeding lines adapted to lowlands with high productivity and high heritability characters. This research was carried out in Bonto Parang, Tolo Selatan Village, Kelara District, Jeneponto Regency with coordinates 5°24′58.0″S 119°54′58.2″E at 135 m above sea level (asl). This research took place from May to September 2019. This study was arranged with Randomized Complete Block Design with 20 genotypes and 4 control varieties (Dewata, Guri-3, Selayar, and Nias). The study was conducted with 3 replications so that there were 72 experimental units. The results show that adaptive mutant lines and convergent wheat breeding in lowlands with high productivity were shown by genotype N 250 4.6.2 (2.27 t ha−1), S 300 7.9.1 (2.29 t ha−1), S 300 8.3. 1 (2.35 t ha−1), N 200 2.5.2 (2.27 t ha−1), S 300 2.1 (2.29 t ha−1), CBF6-110 (2, 31 t ha−1), and CBF6-192 (2.37 t ha−1). Characters that have high heritability values were panicle length, the number of spikelets per panicle, seed weight per panicle, the potential yield per plant, and productivity.
Method of dna extraction of local maize (Zea mays l.) Tana Toraja, South sulawesi, Indonesia using modification of buffer ctab (cethyl trimethyl ammonium bromide) without liquid nitrogen
Authors: Ramlah  , Aziz I R , Pabendon M B , Daryono B S
Published: October 2020

Maize is one of the cereals strategic with economic value as well as having the opportunity to be developed due to its position as the main source of carbohydrates and protein after rice. The purpose of this research is to get the efficiency method of DNA extraction which contains good quality and quality through modification of extraction buffer CTAB without using liquid nitrogen. DNA extraction was the initial part of the molecular analysis process. The extract of DNA was important, it need to be maintained for its quality and quantity by using an appropriate and efficient method. The results showed that DNA extracted from maize using modification of buffer CTAB was efficient method, have good quality and quantity. The product of PCR amplification in local maize using phi032 primers showed clear and thick appearance of DNA bands. Six alleles detected ranging from 175.5 to 369 bp. The accuracy and efficiency of the methods need to be adapted to several things, such as sample form, type of the organism, sample origin, sample condition, and the character of the sample. The description of DNA extraction method was indispensable, regarding to support the maize genetic breeding program in the future.
Developing a new Software for increasing knowledge about nutritional needs during pregnancy
Authors: Sunarti  , Salina  , Tahira  , Syarif Syafruddin , Ahmad Mardiana , Manapa Esther Sanda , Jibril  , Usman Andi Nilawati
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to increase the knowledge of pregnant women about nutritional needs during pregnancy through an Android-based learning media. This study was an experimental study that intends to innovate in the form of an application called Mattampu in pregnant women for all trimesters to increase their knowledge about nutrition during pregnancy. Research sites are the Kanjilo Health Center and Pallangga Health Center in Gowa Regency as long as one month. Measurement of knowledge is carried out twice, namely before and after the provision of education with the application. Before providing education, training was held in advance on how to use the application by the research team. Knowledge of nutrition of pregnant women regarding nutrition during pregnancy at all trimester levels shows that the category is less before education was given through the application of mattampu, and after that, the knowledge of pregnant women at all trimester levels increases to be good. Android-based educational application is able to improve knowledge about nutrition in mothers both in the first, second, and third trimesters.
Identification of endoparasites in Spotted deer (Axis axis) gastrointestinal tract conserved in Hasanuddin University entrance park, Makassar
Authors: Gandong Z B , Sari D K , Wirawan H P , Ris A
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to identify endoparasite in the Spotted deers’ (Axis axis) gastrointestinal tract conserved in Taman Pintu Satu (Park entrance) Hasanuddin University, Makassar. The study was conducted from October to December 2014 and continued in February 2015. Thirty-three samples were collected randomly and examined by the fluid method. Results showed that endoparasites were found in one of 25 samples in the dry season and three of eight samples in the wet season. The endoparasites were identified as Oesophagostomum spp, Haemonchus sp, Eimeria spp. The season, geographical location, and temperature were considered as the most critical factors of the occurrence of parasites in one place. This finding indicates that some factors could lead to the occurrence of endoparasites in animals, especially in Spotted deer.
Review of green supply chain management in manufacturing: A case study
Authors: Sahar D P , Afifudin M T , Indah A B R
Published: October 2020

Abstrak

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a series of activities related to the flow of goods, information, and finance from suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, distributors, and retailers to end customers (users). Whereas Green Supply Chain (GSCM) is an environmental innovation that integrates environmental issues and SCM to improve the organization’s sustainable performance. Some literature uses qualitative, quantitative, and a combination of the two methods in analyzing the positive impact of GSCM. Literature study was conducted to determine the impact felt by the company if implementing GSCM in its organization. So that it can be a reference for the manager in deciding the application of GSCM processes in the organization. There are four green processes in GSCM, namely: green design, green manufacturing, green logistics, reconditioning and core disposal. Some positive impacts that can be felt by the company, such as increasing organizational productivity (financially and efficiency), improving environmental performance, and to identify trends in organizational development. This practice can be implemented well if it is supported by pressures from various interests and pressures of the organization (management). Thus forcing companies to perfect the organization’s business model.
Traditional conservation on Chinese Metal Coins (Kepeng) from sangkulu-kulu underwater archaeological sites, Selayar Regency
Authors: Nurfadli  , Rosmawati  , Yusriana  , Muda K T , Sumantri I
Published: October 2020

This study aims to carry out conservation using a traditional approach to the artifacts of Chinese metal coins (kepeng) that are raised from the Sangkulu-kulu Selayar underwater site. The natural ingredients used are a solution of wuluh starfruit (Averrhoa Bilimbi), maja fruit solution (Aegle Marmelos (L) Correa), lime juice (Citrus Aurantifolia), tamarind juice (Tamarindus Indica) and coconut water (Cocoa nutifera). The methods used include identification of weathering. The second stage is of XRF analysis. The third stage is immersion with a conservative ingredients solution. The results showed that of the five solutions used in the cleaning of 3 types of weathering in the coin sample, the lime solution was faster in removing three types of weathering (chemistry, physical and biotic), especially for the types of chemical and biotic weathering. Acidic solutions are used to remove active patina; a tamarind solution is the most effective solution in eliminating physical weathering by a process that lasts slowly or little by little.
Invariance and Controlled Invariance in Switching Structured Systems with Application to Disturbance Decoupling
Authors: Conte G , Perdon A M , Zattoni E , Moog C H , Scharbarg E
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we consider dynamical systems where the graph of the relations between state, input and output variables switches between different configurations, according to the action of a switching time signal. Moreover, in each configuration the relations between the variables are known only for being zero or nonzero. Switching structured systems of this kind are described by families of simple, directed graphs. They can be used to model complex networks of systems as well as systems of systems for which the only available information consists in the patterns that the set of the interconnections between the components, or agents, may assume in different situations. Using an approach that is conceptually similar to the geometric approach developed for linear time-invariant systems, suitable notions of invariance and controlled invariance are introduced and related to the action of feedback. These notions are used to provide general solvability conditions for the disturbance decoupling problem expressed in graph-theoretic terms.
Design and development of an automated fluid management system for endoscopy aided gynaecological surgeries
Authors: Hettiarachchi S P , Pathirana G C K , Perera M R , Amarasinghe Y W R , Jayawardane M A M M , Dau V T
Published: October 2020

In this research, a novel Automated Fluid Management System (AFMS) was designed, analysed and fabricated for endoscopy aided gynaecological surgeries in order to prevent complications arise due to fluid overload. The proposed system consists of a peristaltic pump, suction mechanism and fluid measurement system integrated with a graphical user interface which can also control and monitor through a wireless network system. The device serves functionalities such as regulating saline flow rate, limiting saline suction rate, setting saline absorption limits for different patients and indicating real-time fluid deficit. This paper discusses designing of a non-contact pump for gynaecological surgeries, development of the control system for AFMS and the comparison of experimental results of the fabricated non-contact pump with theoretical pump characteristics.
The Application of Harmonic Analysis Methods to Modeling and Simulating the Deformation of the Ring Shell of a Rotating Furnace under High Temperature Influence
Authors: Pankratov V.M. , Golikov A.V. , Barulina M.A. , Pankratova E.V. , Markelova O.V.
Published: October 2020

In the paper, the problem of calculating the deformed state of the inner ring shell of a rotating furnace under high temperature is solved by using harmonic analysis methods. The constructed mathematical model allows us to obtain parameters of furnace’s shell deformation based on an array of displacement, which is measured at the reference points. The reference points define the shape of the shell in the polar coordinate system in a discrete way. The results of the work allow automated processing of the metrological data in order to develop practical recommendations of the constructive and methodological way for the complementation of structural elements and equipment units or thermal control systems, if necessary.
Eccentric Interaction between Strong and Weak Axes in the Design of Asymmetric Angle Steel Strength
Authors: Hsu W T , Chung S T , Liu R Y
Published: October 2020

Steel structural members use many types of material sections and a wide range of sizes. Among them, Angle steel is more economical than I-type due to the use of materials, and is usually used for beam web support and diagonal support. Therefore, this study will analyze the eccentric axis strength change of L-shaped angle steel under the action of biaxial bending moment. The angle steel is divided into equilateral angle steel and unequal angle steel, and the calculation of unequal angle steel is the most complicated. Due to the asymmetry of the axial force, when the angle steel bears an axial force, it will cause eccentric load, which makes it the bending moment caused by the angle steel will change the structure. Therefore, in this study, an unequal-sided angle steel with a length of 10 ft. L8 × 4 × 7/16 was selected as the research object, and the eccentric strength changes of the strong and weak axial forces of the angle steel were analyzed.
Multipoint intermittent fault detection of electronic interconnections using channel sounding techniques
Authors: Kanchwala Husain , Ahmad Syed Wakil
Published: October 2020

Intermittent faults (IFs) in electrical interconnection are short duration transients. These faults are random, non-predictable and non-stationary in nature making them hard to troubleshoot using traditional equipment. They can be detected only if the test equipment has test coverage both in time and area at that instant. This paper proposes a novel approach of intermittent fault detection by injecting a wideband signal and using channel-sounding techniques. A novel Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DS-SS) technique is presented for multipoint IF detection and health monitoring. Digital communication sounding technology and its methods devised for detection and classification of an IF, and channel characterisation by its transfer function is discussed in detail. A combination of transmitter and receiver provide an effective tool for continuously monitoring of the multi-point interconnect. The proposed method has been tested using a functional prototype having pre-induced IFs. Intermittent signal is generated by applying external vibration on the connector and intermittency is detected by acquiring and processing the propagated signal. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in detection and classification of intermittent interconnections.
Optimization and effect of load, sliding velocity, and time on wear behavior of AA8011- 8 wt.% fly-ash composites
Authors: S Magibalan , C Senthilkumar , M Prabu , S Yuvaraj , A V Balan
Published: October 2020

This research work was undertaken to study the effect of dry sliding wear process parameters such as load, time, and sliding velocity on the wear rate and coefficient of friction of AA8011 with 8 wt.% fly-ash composites. The response surface methodology was used to determine the most important criteria to maximize the wear rate and minimize the coefficient of friction. The experimental procedure was designed based on second-order rotatable central composite design. The optimization studies were carried out on dry sliding wear process parameter with multi-response characteristics, including the wear rate, coefficient of friction, based on multi-criteria decision-making using the TOPSIS approach. Sensitivity analysis was used to identify the important criteria and classify them by their order of importance in model validation. A confirmation test was carried out to validate the results, and the obtained optimal parameter levels were found to be very close to an ideal solution.
Thermomechanical properties of honeycomb lattices from internal-coordinates potentials: the case of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Libbi Francesco , Bonini Nicola , Marzari Nicola
Published: October 2020

Lattice dynamics in low-dimensional materials and, in particular, the quadratic behaviour of the flexural acoustic modes play a fundamental role in their thermomechanical properties. A first-principles evaluation of these can be very demanding, and can be affected by numerical noise that breaks translational or rotational invariance. In order to overcome these challenges, we study the Gartstein internal-coordinate potential and tune its 13 parameters on the first-principles interatomic force constants for graphene. We show that the resulting potential not only reproduces very well the phonon dispersions of graphene, but also those of carbon nanotubes of any diameter and chirality. The addition of a cubic term allows also to reproduce the dominant anharmonic terms, leading to a very good estimate of the lattice thermal conductivity. Finally, this potential form works very well also for boron nitride, provided it is fitted on the short-range (analytical) part of the interatomic force constants, and augmented thereafter with the long-range dielectric contribution. This consideration underscores how potentials based on short-ranged descriptors should be fit, in polar materials, to the short-range part of the first-principles interactions, and complemented by long-range analytical dielectric models parametrized on the same first-principles calculations.
The magnetic, optical and electronic properties of Mn–X(X = O, Se, Te, Po) co-doped MoS2 monolayers via first principle calculation
Authors: Lang Qi-Zhi , Huang Yan-Bin , Wei Jie-Min , Wang Yi , Guo Xiang , Luo Zi-Jiang , Ding Zhao
Published: October 2020

The magnetic and optical properties studies in monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides have attracted attention because of the manufacture spintronic, electronic and photonic devices. This paper reported the magnetism and optical properties of Mn–O, Mn–Se, Mn–Te, Mn–Po co-doped MoS2 monolayer systems via first principle calculation, results show Mn-X(X = O, Se, Te and Po) co-doped MoS2 monolayer systems appear half-metal (HM) ferromagnet, their corresponding magnetic moments are 1.06 μ
B, 1.04 μ
B, 1.04 μ
B, 1.03 μ
B, respectively. Co-doped systems have smaller band gaps due to effective charge compensation among Mn–O, Mn–Se, Mn–Te and Mn–Po atoms. According to calculation, we find Mn–O co-doped MoS2 monolayer has the lowest formation energy in four co-doping systems. Thus the Mn–O co-doped MoS2 monolayer has the best stability. The Mn–Se co-doped MoS2 monolayer has the highest static dielectric constants

ε

1

ω

and

ε

2

ω

,

refractive index

n

ω

and

k

ω

.

In energy range of 0 to 1.5 eV, the transmittance of intrinsic MoS2 system is higher than that of all co-doped MoS2 systems obtained by absorption coefficient

α

ω

.
Study on high speed impact deformation behaviors of Mg-1Al-4Y by SHPB
Authors: Wang Jinhui , Dong Ningning , Ma Hongbin
Published: October 2020

This study aims to investigate the deformation behaviours of Mg-1Al-4Y alloy by SHPB apparatus under different strain rates at room temperature. Texture evolution analysis of Mg-1Al-4Y specimens were carried out by X-ray diffraction and electron back-scattered diffraction technology. The macro-texture of the specimen in the transverse direction was gradually biased towards [20–21] with the increasing of the strain rate. Furthermore, a large amount of {10–12} extension twins formed in the grains at low strain rate, and partial twin-shaped nuclei grew up to meet, resulting in formation of boundaries with ∼60° misorientation. The grain boundary orientation distribution indicated that the grain size of Mg matrix became smaller and smaller with the growth of twins, which was not conducive to the continued nucleation of twins. Meanwhile, the rotation of grains decreased the Schmid factor of the twins, which led to an obviously reduction in the fraction of the twin nucleation. Therefore, the dynamic deformation mode of Mg-1Al-4Y gradually changed from twin deformation to twin deformation and dislocation slip with the increasing of strain rate.
Measurement of strain in the rod for lumbar pedicle screw fixation: An experimental and finite element study
Authors: Rana Masud , Biswas Jayanta Kumar , Roy Sandipan , Ghosh Niloy , Bhattacharya Shambo , Karmakar Santanu Kumar , Roychowdhury Amit
Published: October 2020

Spinal fusion with pedicle-screw-rod is being used widely for treating spinal deformities diseases. Several biomechanical studies on screw rod based implant failure through screw pullout, bending, screw breakage have been performed. But few studies are available regarding the effect of strain for breakage of rod. So, the purpose of the present study is to observe strain at the rod connected with the pedicle screw for different loading condition. The strain in stainless steel (SS) connecting rods for pedicle screw fixation were measured using strain gauge. In order to investigate the bio-mechanical response of lumbar spine with reference to strain in the rod, a simple experimental setup was developed using a specimen of L1-S spine segment. SS rods were used for pedicle screw implant on prototyped lumbar Spine. Prior to testing with pedicle screw, the lumbar spine specimen was also compared with FE results. The strain measured using strain gauges at L3-L4 level on SS rod were within a range of 85 to 310 microstrain under 6, 8, 10 Nm flexion and extension, and for L4-L5 level, these values were within a range of 95 to 440 microstrain. It was found that FE result was higher than the strain gauge result and the error varied between 10.5% to 33% with average error of 22.8%. However similar stain behavior was observed by the FE analysis. The proposed method, as well as the qualitative data, might be helpful for the researchers to understand biomechanical behavior of pedicle-screw implanted spine.
Electro-chemo-mechanically coupled computational modelling of structural batteries
Authors: Carlstedt David , Runesson Kenneth , Larsson Fredrik , Xu Johanna , Asp Leif E
Published: October 2020

Structural batteries are multifunctional composites that combine load-bearing capacity with electro-chemical energy storage capability. The laminated architecture is considered in this paper, whereby restriction is made to a so called half-cell in order to focus on the main characteristics and provide a computational tool for future parameter studies. A thermodynamically consistent modelling approach is exploited for the relevant electro-chemo-mechanical system. We consider effects of lithium insertion in the carbon fibres, leading to insertion strains, while assuming transverse isotropy. Further, stress-assisted ionic transport is accounted for in addition to standard diffusion and migration. The relevant space-variational problems that result from time discretisation are established and evaluated in some detail. The proposed model framework is applied to a generic/idealized material representation to demonstrate its functionality and the importance of accounting for the electro-chemo-mechanical coupling effects. As a proof of concept, the numerical studies reveal that it is vital to account for two-way coupling in order to predict the multifunctional (i.e. combined electro-chemo-mechanical) performance of structural batteries.
Bias stability of solution-processed In2O3 thin film transistors
Authors: Abdullah Isam , Emyr Macdonald J , Lin Yen-Hung , Anthopoulos Thomas D , Salah Nasih Hma , Anwar Kakil Shaida , Muhammadsharif Fahmi F
Published: October 2020

We report the effect of bias stress on the drain current and threshold voltage of n-channel thin-film transistors based on solution processed In2O3 layers. Application of a positive gate bias for variable time-periods led to displacements of the transfer curves in the positive gate bias direction. On switching off the gate bias, the transfer curves returned close to their pre-stress state on a timescale similar to that when the gate bias was switched on. The time dependence of the threshold voltage shift is described well by a stretched-exponential model. The temporal behaviour of the threshold voltage shifts is consistent with charge trapping as the dominant effect, although some defect formation cannot be ruled out.
An automated approach for determining the number of components in non-negative matrix factorization with application to mutational signature learning
Authors: Gilad Gal , Sason Itay , Sharan Roded
Published: October 2020

Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) is a popular method for finding a low rank approximation of a matrix, thereby revealing the latent components behind it. In genomics, NMF is widely used to interpret mutation data and derive the underlying mutational processes and their activities. A key challenge in the use of NMF is determining the number of components, or rank of the factorization. Here we propose a novel method, CV2K, to choose this number automatically from data that is based on a detailed cross validation procedure combined with a parsimony consideration. We apply our method for mutational signature analysis and demonstrate its utility on both simulated and real data sets. In comparison to previous approaches, some of which involve human assessment, CV2K leads to improved predictions across a wide range of data sets.
How I Diagnose Minimal/Measurable Residual Disease in B Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Cherian Sindhu , Soma Lorinda A
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Assessment for minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) is a powerful prognostic factor in B lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (B-LL/L) that is quickly becoming standard of care in assessing patients with B-LL/L posttherapy. MRD can be assessed using methodologies including flow cytometry and molecular genetics, with the former being rapid, relatively inexpensive, and widely applicable in many hematopathology/flow cytometry laboratories.

Methods

This article presents an approach to MRD detection in B-LL/L by flow cytometry through case presentations with illustration of several potential pitfalls. We review normal maturation patterns, antigens used for assessment, flow panels that can be utilized, considerations to be made during therapy, and clinical impact. The benefits and drawbacks when using the “different from normal” and “leukemia associated phenotype” approaches are considered.

Results

Evaluation for MRD in B-LL/L by flow cytometry relies on a knowledge of normal immunophenotypic patterns associated with B-cell maturation in states of rest and marrow regeneration so that one can identify patterns of antigen expression that differentiate abnormal, leukemic populations from regenerating hematogones or B-cell precursors. The nature of therapy can affect normal patterns, a phenomenon especially important to take into consideration given the increased use of targeted therapies in the treatment of B-LL/L.

Conclusions

Flow cytometry is widely available in many laboratories and is a cost-effective way to evaluate for B-LL/L MRD. However, panel validation and interpreter education are crucial for accurate assessment.
Why formal objections to the error theory fail
Authors: Streumer Bart , Wodak Daniel
Published: October 2020

Many philosophers argue that the error theory should be rejected because it is incompatible with standard deontic logic and semantics. We argue that such formal objections to the theory fail. Our discussion has two upshots. First, it increases the dialectical weight that must be borne by objections to the error theory that target its content rather than its form. Second, it shows that standard deontic logic and semantics should be revised.
Occupational Asbestos Exposure and Kidney Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies
Authors: Pang Chris C Y , Phan Kevin , Karim Md Nazmul , Afroz Afsana , Winter Matthew , Glass Deborah C
Published: October 2020

Objectives

An estimated 125 million workers are exposed to asbestos worldwide. Asbestos is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 1 carcinogen. The association between occupational asbestos exposure and kidney cancer is not well established however. This study aimed to determine the mortality and incidence of kidney cancer in workers who have been exposed to asbestos. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between occupational asbestos exposure and kidney cancer.

Methods

Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for articles on occupational asbestos exposure and kidney cancer. The studies reported the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) or standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of kidney cancer in workers exposed to asbestos. SMRs or SIRs with its 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled using a fixed-effect model.

Results

Forty-nine cohort studies involving 335 492 workers were selected for analysis. These studies included 468 kidney cancer deaths and 160 incident cases. The overall pooled-SMR of kidney cancer was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.86–1.05), with no significant heterogeneity (PQ = 0.09, I2 = 24.87%). The overall pooled-SIR of kidney cancer was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.79–1.11), with no significant heterogeneity (PQ = 0.68, I2 = 0.00%). Subgroup analysis did not find any increased association with occupational asbestos exposure. There was no evidence of publication bias with Egger’s test P values of 0.08 for mortality studies and 0.99 for incidence studies.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis did not show evidence of association between occupational asbestos exposure and kidney cancer mortality or incidence.
Strategies for asymmetrical triacetate dialyser heparin-free effective haemodialysis: the SAFE study
Authors: Vandenbosch Ines , Dejongh Sander , Claes Kathleen , Bammens Bert , De Vusser Katrien , Van Craenenbroeck Amaryllis , Kuypers Dirk , Evenepoel Pieter , Meijers Björn
Published: October 2020

Background

In haemodialysis, maintaining patency of the extracorporeal circuit requires the use of anticoagulants. Although (low molecular weight) heparins are the mainstay, these are not well tolerated in all patients. Alternative approaches include saline infusion, citrate-containing dialysate, regional citrate anticoagulation or the use of heparin-coated membranes. Asymmetric cellulose triacetate (ATA) dialysers have a low degree of platelet contact activation and might be an alternative to heparin-coated dialysers. The aim of this study was to test the clotting propensity of ATA when used without systemic anticoagulation.

Methods

We performed a Phase II pilot study in maintenance dialysis patients. The ‘Strategies for Asymmetrical Triacetate dialyzer heparin-Free Effective hemodialysis’ (SAFE) study was a two-arm open-label crossover study. In Arm A, patients were dialysed using 1.9 m2 ATA membranes in combination with a citrate-containing dialysate (1 mM). In Arm B, the ATA membrane was combined with high-volume predilution haemodiafiltration (HDF) without any other anticoagulation. The primary endpoint was the success rate to complete 4 h of haemodialysis without preterm clotting. Secondary endpoints included time to clotting and measures of dialysis adequacy.

Results

We scheduled 240 dialysis sessions (120/arm) in 20 patients. Patients were randomized 1:1 to start with Arm A or B. All patients crossed to the other arm halfway through the study. A total of 232 (96.7%) study treatments were delivered. Overall, 23 clotting events occurred, 7 in Arm A and 16 in Arm B. The success rate in Arm A (ATA + citrate-containing dialysate) was 90.8/94.0% [intention to treat (ITT)/as treated]. The success rate in Arm B (ATA + predilution HDF) was 83.3/86.2% (ITT/as treated). Time to clotting was borderline significantly better in Arm A (Mantel-Cox log rank P = 0.05).

Conclusion

ATA dialysers have a low clotting propensity and both predilution HDF and a citrate-containing dialysate resulted in high rates of completed dialysis sessions.
Endoscopic Stricturotomy Is an Efficacious Option for Management of Strictures in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Mohy-ud-din Nabeeha , Kochhar Gursimran S
Published: October 2020

Background

Strictures are a common complication for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Endoscopic stricturotomy (ESt) is a novel procedure for treatment of these strictures.

Methods

A chart review was performed for patients with strictures who underwent ESt.

Results

Eleven patients were included in the study and the total number of strictures treated was 12. The mean length of the strictures was 10.25 ± 4.36 mm. Technical success was achieved in 92% (n = 11) of the procedures. Postprocedural bleeding occurred in 9% (n = 1) of patients, and none of the patients had complications of infection or perforation.

Conclusions

ESt is a safe technique with high technical success rate.
Testosterone Reduces Growth and Hepatic IGF-1 mRNA in a Female-Larger Lizard, Sceloporus undulatus: Evidence of an Evolutionary Reversal in Growth Regulation
Authors: Duncan Christine A , Cohick Wendie S , John-Alder Henry B
Published: October 2020

Synopsis

Previous research has demonstrated that testosterone (T) can inhibit growth in female-larger species and stimulate growth in male-larger species, but the underlying mechanisms of this regulatory bipotentiality have not been investigated. In this study, we investigated the effects of T on the expression of hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA and circulating IGF-1 hormone in Sceloporus undulatus, a species of lizard in which females grow faster to become larger than males and in which T inhibits growth. Experiments were performed in captivity on mature female and male adults in the asymptotic phase of their growth curve and on actively growing, pre-reproductive juveniles. In adult males, the expression of hepatic IGF-1 mRNA increased following surgical castration and returned to control levels with T replacement; in intact adult females, exogenous T had no effect on IGF-1 mRNA expression. In juveniles, T significantly reduced both growth and the expression of hepatic IGF-1 mRNA to similar extents in intact females and in castrated males. The relative inhibitory effects of T on mRNA expression were greater in juveniles than in adults. Plasma IGF-1 hormone was about four times higher in juveniles than in adults, but T had no significant effect on IGF-1 hormone in either sex or in either age group. Our finding of inhibition of the expression of hepatic IGF-1 mRNA stands in contrast to the stimulatory effects of T in the published body of literature. We attribute our novel finding to our use of a species in which T inhibits rather than stimulates growth. Our findings begin to explain how T has the regulatory bipotentiality to be stimulatory in some species and inhibitory in others, requiring only an evolutionary reversal in the molecular regulation of growth-regulatory genes including IGF-1. Further comparative transcriptomic studies will be required to fully resolve the molecular mechanism of growth inhibition.
Impact of antibiotic timing on mortality from Gram-negative bacteraemia in an English district general hospital: the importance of getting it right every time
Authors: Baltas Ioannis , Stockdale Thomas , Tausan Matija , Kashif Areeba , Anwar Javeria , Anvar Junaid , Koutoumanou Eirini , Sidebottom David , Garcia-Arias Veronica , Wright Melanie , Democratis Jane
Published: October 2020

Objectives

There is limited evidence that empirical antimicrobials affect patient-oriented outcomes in Gram-negative bacteraemia. We aimed to establish the impact of effective antibiotics at four consecutive timepoints on 30 day all-cause mortality and length of stay in hospital.

Methods

We performed a multivariable survival analysis on 789 patients with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemias. Antibiotic choices at the time of the blood culture (BC), the time of medical clerking and 24 and 48 h post-BC were reviewed.

Results

Patients that received ineffective empirical antibiotics at the time of the BC had higher risk of mortality before 30 days (HR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.19–2.38, P = 0.004). Mortality was higher if an ineffective antimicrobial was continued by the clerking doctor (HR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.58–4.73, P < 0.001) or at 24 h from the BC (HR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.05–3.20, P = 0.033) when compared with patients who received effective therapy throughout. Hospital-onset infections, ‘high inoculum’ infections and elevated C-reactive protein, lactate and Charlson comorbidity index were independent predictors of mortality. Effective initial antibiotics did not statistically significantly reduce length of stay in hospital (−2.98 days, 95% CI = −6.08–0.11, P = 0.058). The primary reasons for incorrect treatment were in vitro antimicrobial resistance (48.6%), initial misdiagnosis of infection source (22.7%) and non-adherence to hospital guidelines (15.7%).

Conclusions

Consecutive prescribing decisions affect mortality from Gram-negative bacteraemia.
Psychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Diseases During the Diagnostic Workup of Suspected Prostate Cancer
Authors: Shen Qing , Ma Yuanjun , Jöud Anna , Schelin Maria E C , Fall Katja , Andrén Ove , Fang Fang
Published: October 2020

Background

It is unknown whether the rate of psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular disease increases during the diagnostic workup of suspected prostate cancer.

Methods

We designed a population-based cohort study including 579 992 men living during 2005-2014 in Skåne, Sweden, according to the Swedish Total Population Register and the Skåne Healthcare Register (SHR). We used the Swedish Cancer Register and the SHR to identify all men with a new diagnosis of prostate cancer (N = 10 996), and all men underwent a prostate biopsy without receiving a cancer diagnosis (biopsy group, N = 20 482) as exposed to a diagnostic workup. Using Poisson regression, we compared the rates of psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular disease during the period before diagnosis or biopsy of exposed men with the corresponding rates of unexposed men.

Results

We found an increased rate of psychiatric disorders during the period before diagnosis or biopsy among men with prostate cancer (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.67 to 2.10) and men in the biopsy group (IRR = 2.22, 95% CI = 2.08 to 2.37). The rate of cardiovascular disease increased during the period before diagnosis or biopsy among men with prostate cancer (IRR = 2.22, 95% CI = 2.12 to 2.32) and men in the biopsy group (IRR = 2.56, 95% CI = 2.49 to 2.63). Greater rate increases were noted for a diagnostic workup due to symptoms than due to other reasons.

Conclusions

There was an increased risk of psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular disease during the diagnostic workup of suspected prostate cancer regardless of the final cancer diagnosis.
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis masquerading as unilateral heterogeneous emphysema
Authors: Srinivasan Lakshmi , Mohamed Saifullah , Patel Akshay , Mazhar Khurum , Ghosh Shilajit
Published: October 2020

Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, well-described pathology and usually is exclusive to females of a reproductive age. We present a 45 year-old lady who presented to the surgeons 1 year after an admission with acute dyspnoea following influenza infection. Initial computed tomography imaging findings demonstrated severe, heterogenous right-sided bullous emphysematous changes, but histopathological analysis of the post-operative specimen favoured a diagnosis of LAM. This case demonstrates the importance of considering LAM as a differential diagnosis for findings of unilateral emphysema or lobar emphysema, in which alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency has been excluded and in those without a significant smoking history.
Digital methods in cartographic source editing
Authors: Panecki Tomasz
Published: October 2020

The following article discusses current trends in digital methods used in historical cartographic source editing. Maps are often used not only by scholars interested in spatial history, but also by the general public. Due to increasing popularity of ‘maps online’, it is crucial to discuss, evaluate and classify current solutions and applications used in cartographic source editing. In the article the ‘edition’ is understood as the ‘critical representation of a historical documents’, and many types of map editions are considered. The level of map transformation: from raw image, through georeferenced map to spatial database constitutes the main axis of the division between various types of editions. On the very basic level (maps as images: digital libraries and collections), we only have a raster representation of a historic map, often supplemented by bibliographic metadata and the possibility to download it. The second level is geoportals with georeferenced maps, i.e. with spatial adjustment to modern geographic coordinates. The third, most complex level, includes elaboration of the spatial database with most important features (e.g. settlements, roads, land cover, etc.), which serves as the geographic index. The higher the map transformation level, the more useful the edition becomes. Nevertheless, more complex methods in map processing also should include more documentation about this process which is not always present within discussed projects. The main result of the article, apart from classifying existing applications and proposing their general types is to identify functionality and components of the so-called model edition of a historic map.
Serial Rapists and Wrongful Conviction
Authors: Johnson Matthew Barry
Published: October 2020

This chapter describes a common pattern where innocent defendants are tried and convicted of crimes committed by serial rapists. These cases account for a significant portion not only of the wrongful convictions in sexual assaults, but also of all confirmed wrongful convictions. The chapter presents 67 defendants wrongfully convicted with this set of case facts. This chapter identifies the difficulty encountered by law enforcement in the investigation of “stranger rapes” despite the expanding literature on crime scene investigation and offender profiling. This chapter also highlights the law enforcement focus on ruling out false rape charges, while less attention is paid to the matter of unreliable identification.
Family Accommodation
Authors: Lebowitz Eli R.
Published: October 2020

This chapter focuses on family accommodation, which is the term used by psychologists to describe the changes that parents make in their own behavior to help their children avoid or lessen feelings of anxiety. The variety of forms that family accommodation can take is limitless, but it can be useful to group these forms into two main categories: (1) participation in anxiety-driven behavior and (2) modification of family routines and schedules. Participation in anxiety-driven behavior occurs when parents are actively engaging in a behavior with the aim of avoiding or reducing the child’s anxiety. These active participation accommodations can take up a significant amount of time each day; they can also be costly. Modification of family routines and schedules happens when parents make changes to the patterns of daily life because of their child’s anxiety. Modification accommodation can impact the entire family; siblings may be impacted as their own needs or plans shift to accommodate their sibling’s anxiety. Over time, accommodations actually can be unhelpful, maintaining rather than reducing the child’s anxiety. An important job for parents of anxious children is to instill in their children the knowledge that they are capable of coping with anxiety. The chapter then differentiates between helpful and unhelpful accommodations. It also addresses why it is difficult for parents not to accommodate.
Mapping Accommodation
Authors: Lebowitz Eli R.
Published: October 2020

This chapter details the process of creating an accommodation map and monitoring accommodation. Most parents provide many different forms of accommodation, and it is important to make a choice about which to focus on first. If the behavior is something the parents do because of the child’s anxiety and the child becomes more anxious if the parents do not do it, it is likely that it is an accommodation. Knowing as much as possible about the various accommodations parents have been providing will mean they have the most options to choose from, and this will make it more likely that they select the best accommodation to reduce first. After completing an accommodation map, it will be much easier for parents to keep track of the accommodations they continue to provide in the coming days and weeks. Once the parents start actively reducing the accommodation, the log will be a useful way to keep track of changes in the parents’ overall accommodation, alongside the more specific focus on the accommodation they choose to reduce.
Which Accommodation Should You Reduce First?
Authors: Lebowitz Eli R.
Published: October 2020

This chapter explains why it is important for parents beginning the process of reducing family accommodation of their child’s anxiety to choose a target accommodation on which to focus. One reason is that parents may find it impossible to stop accommodating all at once. There may be too many accommodations, and even if the parents could stop them all, doing so would likely make the process needlessly difficult for the child. Adjusting to change in the parents’ behavior is not easy for the child, and reducing one accommodation at a time will allow the child to adjust to the new behavior without being overwhelmed. Moreover, the child’s anxiety will improve more rapidly if the parents are able to be consistent in one area, even if they continue to accommodate in other ways, than if they behave inconsistently across a variety of situations. The chapter then provides some suggestions for picking a good target accommodation to reduce. It also discusses what accommodations are not good candidates for this focus.