bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modern approaches to the treatment of Cushing’s disease
Authors: Andreeva Anna V. , Markina Natal'ja V. , Antsiferov Mihail B.
Published: October 2016

Traditionally the Cushing’s disease (CD) is considered a rare disease. Since 2012 СD has the official status of an orphan disease in the Russian Federation. Now prevalence of this disease in the world are from 1,5 to 3,9 cases of CD on 1 million people of the population. The reason of CD is the adenoma of a hypophysis (сortiсotropinoma). The “gold” standard of therapeutic tactics of patients with CD is the transsphenoidal surgery. However in 20% of cases after the radical treatment  fail to achieve remission of pathological process. Now in an arsenal of the neuroendocrinologist we have various methods of  therapy, including various methods of drug therapy. The focus of  preparations are central type action:  analogs of a somatostatin. The representative of this group of preparations is Pasireotid who has proved the efficiency by results of the multicenter clinical trials. This review  focuses of the current   state of knowledge about methods of treatment of CD, about new therapeutic opportunities with application of analogs of a somatostatin.
The role of anti-Müllerian hormone in the diagnostics of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence (review)
Authors: Soboleva Elena L. , Vlasova Elena S. , Zazerskaya Irina E.
Published: October 2016

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of hyperandrogenism in women. The criteria for diagnosis in women of reproductive age at present are subject to dispute. At the same time, diagnosis in adolescent girls is associated with even greater challenges, since many of the manifestations of the disease are a manifestation of normal puberty. In the absence of clear criteria for diagnosis in adolescence, more attention is paid to the search for new markers PCOS, one of which may be anti-Müllerian hormone. However, data on its diagnostic value is currently controversial, which calls for more extensive research in order to develop specific criteria for the diagnosis PCOS in teenagers.
Role of p38 MAPK pathway in apoptosis induction by saturated fatty acid in human pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Šrámek Jan , Němcová-Fürstová Vlasta , Balušíková Kamila , Daniel Petr , Jelínek Michael , Kovář Jan
Published: October 2016

Background. Pancreatic β-cells failure and apoptosis in response to chronically elevated concentrations of saturated fatty acids in blood was considered as one of the main causes of type 2 diabetes mellitus development. Although precise molecular mechanisms of this process are still unclear, there are some indications that the p38 MAPK signaling pathway could be involved.Aim, materials and methods. Therefore, we tested the role of p38 MAPK signaling pathway activation in apoptosis induction by SA in human pancreatic β-cells NES2Y. Crosstalk between p38 MAPK pathway activation and accompanying ERK pathway inhibition after SA application was also tested.Results. We have found that saturated SA at apoptosis-inducing concentration (1 mM) activated the p38 MAPK signaling pathway MKK3/6→p38 MAPK→MAPKAPK-2 and inhibited the ERK signaling pathway c-Raf→MEK1/2→ERK1/2. The inhibition of p38 MAPK expression by siRNA silencing had no significant effect on cell viability or the level of phosphorylated ERK pathway members after SA administration. The inhibition of p38 MAPK activity by the specific inhibitor SB202190 resulted in noticeable activation of ERK pathway members after SA treatment but in no significant effect on cell viability. p38 MAPK overexpression by plasmid transfection produced no significant influence on cell viability or ERK pathway activation after SA exposure. The activation of p38 MAPK by the specific activator anisomycin led to apoptosis induction similar to application of SA (PARP cleavage and caspase-7, -8, and -9 activation) and in inhibition of ERK pathway members.Conclusions. We demonstrated that apoptosis-inducing concentrations of SA activate the p38 MAPK signaling pathway and that this activation could be involved in apoptosis induction by SA in the human pancreatic β-cells NES2Y. However, this involvement does not seem to play a key role. Crosstalk between p38 MAPK pathway activation and ERK pathway inhibition in NES2Y cells seems likely. Thus, the ERK pathway inhibition by p38 MAPK activation does not also seem to be essential for SA-induced apoptosis.
Short stature in association with Cornelia de Lange syndrome – it is useful to administrate rhgh?
Authors: Petre Oana Alexandra , Gheorghe Ivona , Albu Alice Ioana
Published: October 2016

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a very rare genetic disorder that is apparent at birth (congenital). Since children with CdLS are often compared to a typical child’s grow rate, many are incorrectly diagnosed.In the absence of the genotyping, the diagnosis would be clinical: a range of criteria would be required, such as the facial features and criteria related to at least one of the following : development, behaviour or growth. Short-stature associated with CdLS is usually due to GH deficiency or GH resistance. However the response to GH administration in patients with CdLS was reported in a limited number of cases.We present the case of a female child 4,11 years old reffered for endocrinological evaluation of short stature. From her medical history we mention: language delay and a pulmonary valve regurgitation. At the time of evaluation, she presented short stature (-2,32 SDS) with a -3 SDS growth velocity during the past year, bone age was more than 2 years delayed compared to the chronological age (2,5 years), weight and head circumference below 5th percentile for age, synophrys, oral dystrophy, micrognathism and thin upper lip, down-turned corners of mouth, hypertrichosis, pulmonary systolic murmur, partial elbow extension.Facial findings and criteria met for two major categories confirm the CdLS. The endocrinological evaluation revealed short-stature with GH deficiency based on two GH values below 10 ng/mL during two stimulation tests . The patient began treatment with somatropin 0,04 mg/kg/day and the patient grew 3,5 cm in 6 months (-2,7 SDS for height).This case suggests that adequate evaluation of patients with CdLS and short stature could identify patients that are good candidate for GH treatment in order to improve final height.
Clinical correlates of thrombodynamics in men with metabolic syndrome: the impact of insulin resistance
Authors: Baranova Anastasya A. , Pochinka Ilya G. , Strongin Leonid G. , Jurkova Ksenia N. , Dvornikova Maya I.
Published: October 2016

Background. Hypercoagulation is one of the cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). It results from various factors including hyperhomocysteinemia, endothelial dysfunction, non-enzymatic glycation of proteins etc.The aim of this study was to assess clinical correlates of thrombodynamics in insulin resistant and non insulin resistant men with metabolic syndrome.Methods. We investigated 79 patients with MS diagnosed in accordance with IDF criteria (2009). The main group consisted of 44 men with MS including insulin resistance. The control group consisted of 35 men with MS not including insulin resistance. In addition to routine clinical tests we performed thrombodynamics assay and measured serum levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and homocysteine. Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearmen’s correlation coefficient (rs) were used for statistical analysis.Results. There was no significant difference between thrombodynamics parameters, ADMA and homocysteine levels between the two groups. In both groups thrombodynamics parameters had no correlations with body mass index, hemoglobin level, platelet count and serum ADMA level. In patients with insulin resistance clot density correlated positively with serum level of C-reactive protein (rs=0.621, p=0.007); average and initial rates of clot growth correlated positively with homocysteine level (rs=0.539, p=0.017, and rs=0.554, p=0.014, respectively). In patients with insulin resistance clot density and rates of clot growth were not interrelated with the above mentioned parameters.Conclusions. The results of the study suggest that insulin resistant men with MS are characterized by clinical correlates between thrombodynamics parameters, homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels while patients without insulin resistance have other, unestablished determinants of clot density and rates of clot growth.
Prognostic determining factors outcome after PCI in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Grigoryan Marina V. , Ryabinina Maria N. , Bulaeva Naida I. , Golukhova Elena Z.
Published: October 2016

Aim. The present study was designed to evaluate the prognostic value of platelet reactivity, initial level of inflammation markers and endothelial dysfunction, as well as CYP2C19*2 allele carriage in clinical outcome after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).Methods. A prospective, single-center study included 94 patients with SCAD who underwent PCI with DES implantation, 20% had diabetes mellitus. Platelet reactivity was determined in all patients using light transmission aggregometry induced with 5μmol/L ADP (LTA-ADP) and VerifyNow before PCI, as well as CYP2C19 genotyping. In 74 patients were determined baseline levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, soluble P-selectin, soluble CD40 ligand, highly sensitive IL-6, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels and von Willebrand factor activity. Mean follow-up period was 28,2±15,5 months. Cumulative endpoint included major adverse cardiac event, stent thrombosis, angina recurrence or angiographically confirmed restenosis.Results. According to univariate regression analysis we revealed that diabetes mellitus [exp (B) 0,344 95% CI 0,118-1,004, p=0,049], PRU [exp (B) 1,009; 95% CI 1,002-1,017, p=0.01], number of stented arteries [exp (B) 4,00; 95% CI 1,475-10,848, p=0.01], number of implanted stents [exp (B) 3,672; 95% CI 1,366-9,872, p=0.01], baseline levels of PAI-1 [exp (B) 1,000, 95% CI 0,999-1,000, p=0.03] and von Willebrand activity [exp (B) 1,000, 95 1,000-1,000% CI, p=0.01]. The presence of CYP2C19*2 carriers revealed no significant impact on outcome after PCI. Using ROC-curve analysis to determine cutoff values for PRU was 202 (AUC 0,664; 95%CI 0,531-0,796, р=0,02), PAI-1 level - 75,95 ng/ml, (AUC 0,726, 95%CI 0,576-0,876, р=0,01), von Willebrand factor activity – 155,5% (AUC 0,724, 95%CI 0,561-0,887, р=0,01). Multivariate analysis revealed that concomitant diabetes mellitus, PRU ≥202, PAI-1 level ≥75.95 ng/ml, von Willebrand factor activity ≥155.15% are independent predictors of adverse cardiac events. Based on our findings we developed predictive models for risk stratifying of patients with CAD before PCI.Conclusions. Present study reveals following independent predictors of adverse cardiac events in patients with SCAD after PCI: concomitant diabetes mellitus, the value of PRU (≥202), the level of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (≥75.95 ng/ml) and von Willebrand factor activity (≥155.15%).
Placental lactogen, placental growth factor, insulin resistance in early pregnancy and risk for gestational diabetes
Authors: Popova Polina , Tkachuk Aleksandra , Dronova Aleksandra , Bolotko Yana , Grineva Elena
Published: October 2016

Background and aims. Placental hormones and proteins are important regulators of insulin resistance during pregnancy. However, the data concerning the assosiation between placental lactogen (PL) and placental growth factor (PLGF) level in early pregnancy and further development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are limited and incostintent. The aim of this study was to compare the level of these two placental proteins and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in early pregnancy among women diagnosed with and without GDM months later.Materials and methods. A nested case-control study was conducted in a prospective cohort of pregnant women. Among them, 78 incident GDM cases were identified and 95 women who were not diagnosed with GDM were randomly selected as a control group. Blood was sampled for measurements of PL, PLGF, fasting plasma glucose and insulin at 8-14 weeks of pregnancy. All the women underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-32 weeks. GDM was diagnosed according to the International Association of Diabetes In Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) recommendations (fasting glucose ≥5.1 mmol / l and / or 1 hour ≥10.0 mmol / l and / or 2 hours ≥8.5 mmol / L). The maternal and neonatal anthropometric parameters were also measured. Statistical analysis included Student's t-test, logistic regression and Pearson's correlation.Results. There was no difference between GDM and control groups in the mean levels of PL (0,70 +/- 0,53 vs 0,81 +/- 0,58 mg/L, р =0,215 ) and PLGF (60,7 +/- 169.6 vs 46,6+105,6 pg/ml, р=0,503). Women with GDM were older (30.2 +/- 3.9 vs 28.4 +/- 4.7 years, p = 0.008), had higher first trimester body mass index (BMI) (25.2 +/- 5.2 vs 23.1 +/- 4.6 kg/m2, р = 0.006), higher levels of insulin (10.3 +/- 5.5 vs 7.9 +/- 3.9 mU/L, p = 0,007) and HOMA-IR ( 2.17 +/- 1.1 vs 1.7 +/- 0.9, p = 0,007) compared to the control group. Women with GDM also had a higher level of fasting plasma glucose (4.8 + 0.6 and 4.6 + 0,5 mmol/L, p = 0.063), although the difference did not reach statistical significance. HOMA-IR was positively associated with the development of GDM (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.12 - 2.34, P = 0.01) and the association retained under a multivariable analysis controlling for age and BMI (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.04 - 2.45, P = 0.033). Maternal PL and PLGF were not related to the results of OGTT, HOMA-IR or neonatal anthropometry. A positive correlation between PL level and gestational age at the time of blood sampling was observed (r = 0.657, p <0.001).Conclusion. Serum concentrations of PL and PLGF in pregnant women at 8-14 weeks’ gestation were not associated with HOMA-IR and later development of GDM. Higher HOMA-IR score in early pregnancy is significantly associated with an elevated risk for GDM.
Chronic intense physical activity changes the hormonal asset in female volleyball players
Authors: De Vincentis Sara , Vezzani Silvia , Roli Laura , Simoni Manuela , Santi Daniele , Trenti Tommaso
Published: October 2016

Background. Intense physical exercise influences the secretion of hormones involved in several metabolic processes. In particular, an acute cortisol (C) and growth hormone (GH) increase after an acute physical activity is widely demonstrated in literature. Moreover, the testosterone (T)/C ratio was recently proposed as a performance index in male athletes. On the contrary, little is known about hormonal changes in women under physical activity and only few studies evaluated the hormonal trend in an extended period of time.Aim. To evaluate the hormonal changes during an annual volleyball female regular season.Methodology. A longitudinal, retrospective, observational clinical trial was carried out. 28 female professional volleyball players belonging to the same team were enrolled. For each subject, blood samples were collected after 36 hours of rest in four visits. Visit 1 was performed at the beginning of the training phase, visit 2 and 3 were performed during and Visit 4 were performed at the end of the regular season. GH, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, T and C were assessed by immunoenzimatic assays.Results. Both GH and IGF-1 were above the normal range at visit 1 (5.08 ± 5.22 ng/ml; 265.88 ± 105.85 ng/ml). In particular, five athletes had GH above the normal range (17.8%). No alterations of other hormones were found at Visit 1. C significantly changed during the regular season (p=0.009), with higher levels at Visit 2 (p=0.049), compared to visit 1 and the following visits. Similarly, T significantly changed during the season (p=0.013), even if a clear trend was not demonstrated. The post-hoc test showed two peaks of T at Visit 2 and Visit 4 (p=0.029 and p=0.024, respectively). Accordingly, the T/C ratio significantly changed during visits (p=0.009), decreasing of about 30% in the first phase of the regular season, suggesting an overreaching of subjects enrolled.Conclusion. Here we found that chronic intense physical activity influences hormonal levels in female volleyball players. In particular, C secretion is increased at the beginning of the regular season, whereas T serum levels shows a significant fluctuation during the regular season. Moreover, we suggest that T/C ratio could be useful in the evaluation of the training overload in female athletes.
Protocatechuic acids protects against high glucose- induced insulin resistance in human visceral adipose tissue
Authors: Ormazabal Paulina , Scazzocchio Beatrice , Varì Rosaria , Iacovelli Annunziata , Masella Roberta
Published: October 2016

Adipocytes exposed to high glucose concentrations exhibit impaired insulin signaling. Binding of insulin to its membrane receptor activates insulin metabolic pathway leading to IRS-1 and AKT phosphorylations. The accumulation of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) correlates with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Anthocyanins (ACN) are bioactive food compounds of great nutritional interest. We have shown that protocatechuic acid (PCA), a major metabolite of ACN, might exert insulin-sensitizer activities in human visceral adipose tissue. The aim of this work was to define the protective role of PCA against insulin-resistance induced by high glucose in VAT.Methodology: VAT obtained from control subject (BMI≤25) were separated in four experimental groups: i) PCA: samples treated for 24 h with 100 μM PCA, ii) GLU: VAT treated with 30 mM glucose for 24 h, iii) PCA+GLU: 1 hour incubation with 100 μM PCA before adding glucose (30 mM, 24 h), iv) CTR: vehicle. After treatment, VAT groups were (or not) acutely stimulated with insulin (20 nM, 20 min). Tyr-IRS-1 and Ser-Akt phosphorylations were assessed by Western blotting (WB) in basal or insulin stimulated tissues in all experimental groups. Samples were assessed for IRS-1, IR, Akt and GLUT4 protein content by WB. Results: No differences in protein contents between experimental groups were found. GLU tissues showed a lower increment in insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of IRS-1 and Akt compared to CTR and PCA samples. This impaired activation was completely reversed by the pretreatment with PCA.Conclusion: An in-vitro insulin-resistance condition induced by high glucose was established in biopsies of VAT. PCA restores the ability of GLU-tissues to fully respond to insulin by increasing IRS-1 and Akt phosphorylations. These results confirm the insulin-sensitizer effect of PCA on VAT previously reported by our group. An anthocyanin rich diet might help to protect against insulin-resistance in VAT.
Association of serum calcitonin levels with multinodular thyroid disease: 10-year single center experience
Authors: Simeakis George Konstantinou , Patinioti Ioanna , Anagnostou Elli , Zapanti Evangelia , Vasileiou Vasiliki , Polymeris Antonis , Saltiki Katerina , Anastasiou Eleni , Alevizaki Maria , Mitropoulou Marina
Published: October 2016

Background. From 2005 to 2015 routine calcitonin (CT) screening was performed in our department in all patients with multinodular goiter (MNG) using the same assay.Aim. We investigated possible associations between unstimulated serum CT levels and the presence of either thyroid autoimmunity (AITD) or thyroid neoplasia.Methods. This is a retrospective study of 648 patients (559 female [F] 86.3%, 89 male [M] 13.7%, age range 18-89, median 58 years,). CT≤4.6 pg/ml [F] and ≤11.5 pg/ml [M] was defined as normal. Patients were stratified into 4 groups according to CT. Group1: CT<0.05 (undetectable), Group2: CT [F&M] within normal range, Group3: CT:4.7-10 [F] & 11.6-20 [M], Group4: CT>10 [F] & >20 [M]. Furthermore patients were subcategorized in those with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (AITD) and those without (non-AITD).Results. The distribution of patients was: Group1: n=186 (28.7%), Group2: n=422 (65.1%), Group3: n=29 (4.5%), Group4: n=11 (1.7%). Of the patients with AITD history 23.4% belonged to Group1, 68.6% to Group2, 6.4% to Group3 and 1.6% to Group4 (x2, p=0.037). Forty seven patients (7.3%) underwent total thyroidectomy. Histopathological examination revealed: Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) n=3 (3/3 Group4), C-Cell Hyperplasia (CCH) n=5 (3/5 Group3, 2/5 Group4), Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) n=17 (7/17 Group1, 10/17 Group2), MNG n=22 (8/22 Group1, 10/22 Group2, 2/22 Group3, 2/22 Group4). 2/5 patients with CCH had PTC. 1/17 PTC patient had mixed PTC-MTC. Patients with MTC had remarkably higher CT levels (253-1222 pg/ml) compared to those with CCH (5.8-16.1 pg/ml).Conclusions. This study reaffirms the positive correlation between CT levels and the presence of MTC or CCH, clearly and conspicuously distinguished by the range of CT levels, albeit in a small number of patients with these diagnoses. Patients with AITD have more frequently detectable or slightly increased CT levels.
Immunochistochemical characteristics of blood vessels in non-visualized and visualized on MRI pituitary adenoma in patients with Cushing’s disease
Authors: Khandaeva Patimat M. , Voronkova Iya A. , Belaya Zhanna E. , Rozhinskaya Lyudmila Y. , Vorontsov Aleksandr V. , Grigoriev Andrey Y. , Melnichenko Galina A.
Published: October 2016

Backgraund. Regardless of improvements in MRI, up to 20% of ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors are only identified at surgical exploration.Aim: to estimate whether there is any difference in blood vessels and the subsequent ability to uptake contrast agent in visualized microadenoma as compared to non-visualized on MRI ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors.Materials and methods. retrospective evaluation of ACTH-positive pituitary tumors from patients with Cushing’s disease (n=39) with either non-visualized pituitary tumor on MRI (n=17) or pituitary tumor less then 25 mm (n=22). MRI was performed using Siemens Magnetom Harmony 1.0T with gadolinium. Selected tumors were stained with anty-СD34 antibody (clone QBEnd/10, RTU, Leica) and anty-D2-40 antibody (clone D2-40, RTU, Dako). We evaluated the microvessels density and measured the diameter of larger and smaller vessel.Results. The microvessels density were not different in subject with visualized (123 [77;136]) and non-visualized (112 [110,0;126,5]) pituitary adenomas as well as number of slit-shaped vessels (32 [5;50] in visualized vs 25 [5;50] in non-visualized pituitary adenoma). The diameter of these vessels also did not differ: the diameter of the largest vessels in patients without visualization 53 µm [32,5;63,5] vs 33 µm [30,0;51,5], the average diameter of the blood vessels 15 µm [14,5-26,0] against 13 µm [12;14].Conclusions. The diameter and microvessels density in ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma does not affect the visualization of adenoma on MRI in patients with Cushing 's disease.
Developing models to predict persistent disease after pituitary adenoma surgery
Authors: Sampedro-Nuñez Miguel Antonio , Martin Garcia Raquel , Martin Avila Guillermo , García Centeno Rogelio , Blanco Carrera Concepción , Álvarez-Escola Cristina , De Miguel Paz , Gutiérrez María Calatayud , Ramos-Leví Ana Maria , Marazuela Monica
Published: October 2016

Introduction. Pituitary adenomas are the most frequent intracranial tumors of the central nervous system. Except for prolactinomas, surgery is the treatment of choice.Aim: to assess the percentage of patients with persistent disease after surgery and to identify independent predictors of persistent disease.Material and methods. Ambispective multicenter observational study. Data were collected from The Molecular Registry of Pituitary Adenomas (REMAH). Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed in 128 patients with histologically confirmed adenomas who underwent transsphenoidal surgery between 2009 and 2015 in hospitals from Madrid, with at least one month of follow-up.Results. During follow-up, persistent disease was observed in 50.8% of patients (radiological 30.7%, biochemical 2.4%, both 14.2%), especially in nonfunctioning tumors. Factors significantly associated with persistent disease in the univariate analysis were age, male gender, previous hypopituitarism, large tumor diameter and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery (p <0.05). Independent predictors of persistent disease in multivariate analysis were: patients over 76 years old, a greater tumor diameter, multiple hypopituitarism and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery (p <0.05).Conclusion. Age, tumor size, previous hypopituitarism and the type of surgical technique were independent predictors of persistent disease. These factors could be useful for clinicians in the follow-up of patients to better establish monitoring and treatment algorithms.
Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin in Newly Diagnosed DM2 Patients after Blood Glucose Regulation
Authors: Berisha-Muharremi Venera , Kusec Vesna , Pavlic-Renar Ivana
Published: October 2016

Introduction. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested a role of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), not total (TOC) osteocalcin in glucose and energy metabolism.Aims: to investigate the relationship of ucOC level and blood glucose (BG) control in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and its change with BG control improvement.Subjects and methods. Fifty seven newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients with no history of bone metabolism disturbances had two visits3 months apart, with physical examination and blood sampling. The patients had consultation about life style changes, no medication was prescribed on visit 1. Weekly (first month) and biweekly telephone contacts were performed to enhance compliance. Samples for parameters of BG metabolism and bone turnover were collected on visit 1 and 2. Standard automated or semi-automated methods were used for measurements, for ucOC the only available commercial kit.Results. Forty seven patients completed the study. Thirty two (56%) patients reached the target HbA1c (≤7%). No correlation of ucOC and HbA1c and FBG was observed. Median HbA1c and FBG changed significantly (8.0 to 6.5%; 9.0 to 7.0 mmol/L resp.; Wilcoxon signed rank test p<0.001), ucOC was slightly but not significantly lower (2.0 to 1.4 mcg/L; p=0.465). No correlation between differences in HbA1c and ucOC between Visits 1 and 2 was revealed. There was a significant change in HOMA%B but not HOMA IR, not correlated to ucOC.Conclusion. This study failed to prove the relationship between blood glucose regulation and ucOC level. However, it does not exclude it, so further research is needed. A lack of robust essay for human ucOC might explain inconclusive results of clinical studies. The fact that as much as 56% patients achieved the target HbA1c with no medication, challenges most BG control guidelines.
Quality of life of patients with diabetes
Authors: Tsitlakidis Damianos , Sarafis P
Published: October 2016

Background. The quality of life is very important and continuously medicine gives more weight to how one intervention can improve the quality of life of patients. Diabetes mellitus is a disease of modern lifestyle and is a chronic metabolic disease that affects the level of health and quality of life.Aim of this study is to investigate the quality of life of patients with diabetes and the factors affecting it.Materials and methods. The questionnaire used consists of two parts. The first concerns demographic questions for the patient and the condition of diabetes mellitus and the second questionnaire on diabetes-related quality of life ADDQoL 19. The study included 140 patients and was conducted from October to March 2015 the hospital Carl Thiem Klinikum of Cottbus, Germany. The statistical analysis will be done with statistical software «Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) for Windows» and level of statistical significance was set to p = 0.05.Results. Statistical significant difference showed in the present quality of life (Overview I) by gender of patients with p = 0,011. Based on the presence of complications of the disease there is a statistical significant difference in the average of responses for the 19 areas of life (AWI: Average Weight Impact) with p = 0,033. The diabetes school also shows statistical significant difference in the AWI with p = 0,018. Furthermore based on the type of diabetes and the treatment showed a statistical significant difference in quality of life (Overview I) for type 2 by treating with pills (Overview I: 1,117) than insulin treatment (Overview I: 0,471) with p = 0,008.Conclusions. Educating patients appears to improve the quality of life of patients and the adoption of the Diabetes school should be followed by other countries. An important factor affecting the quality of life is the treatment followed and especially positive effect shows the use of treatment with pills which also support our results.
Krokot (Portulaca oleracea L) As a Natural Sensitizer for TiO2 Dye-sensitized Solar Cells: The Effect of Temperature Extract
Authors: Mufidah Reyza Anni , Khamidinal Khamidinal , Sedyadi Endaruji , Krisdiyanto Didik
Published: October 2016

The solar cell is formed by a sandwich structure, in which two electrodes flank the primary electrolyte that is containing redox I-/based on PEG (Polyethylene Glycol). The working-electrode which is TiO2 layer on an ITO glass substrate is sensitized with krokot dye as the electron donor. The counter electrode is a layer of carbon. The fabrication cell is immersed with the krokot dye with 40°C, 50°C, 60°C extract temperature. The result of the UV-Vis shows that the absorption of wave-length from dye extract of krokot is located in the visible region with the absorbance peak in 420,5 nm and 665,5 nm which are the peak of chlorophyll. For the UV-Vis solid system, there are the highest band gap  in  50°C extract temperature that make the capability of absorption toward UV spectrum is large. Furthermore, in the functional group analysed by FT-IR, there are shiften-carbonil and hydroxyl group after they are sensitized. From the current and voltage test with I-V meter keithley 2400 is resulted that on the 50°C extract temperature produces the highest efficiency of reaches which is 2.63 x 10-3 %.
Triôs, triên, trisô
Authors: Stock Markus
Published: October 2016

The rise of the new interdisciplinary field of Sound Studies coincides with a new attention to formal and sonic properties of medieval German lyric. Taking songs by thirteenth-century poets Wernher von Teufen and Gottfried von Neifen as points of departure, this article argues for a methodology that puts the aesthetics of sound at the centre of their interpretation.
Why frequency and morphological irregularity are not independent variables in Spanish: A response to Fratini et al. (2014)
Authors: Herce Calleja Borja
Published: October 2016

Fratini et al. (Fratini et al. 2014, Frequency and morphological irregularity are independent variables. Evidence from a corpus study of Spanish verbs.
Gas Separation in Nanoporous Graphene from Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Mohammad R. Gharibzahedi Sayyed , Karimi-Sabet Javad
Published: October 2016

Membrane separation processes are energetically efficient compared to the other techniques such as cryogenic distillation and gas adsorption techniques. It is well known that a membrane's permeance is inversely proportional to its thickness. Regard to its single atom thickness and its mechanical strength, nanoporous graphene has been proposed as a very promising candidate for highly efficient gas separation applications. In this work, using classical molecular dynamics, we report the separation performance of such membrane in a molecular-sieving process as a function of pore size and chemical functionalization of pore rim. To investigate the membrane separation capability, we have calculated the permeance of each gas molecule of the considered binary mixtures through the membranes and therefore the separation selectivity. We investigated the separation performance of nanoporous graphene for CO2/N2, H2/CH4 and He/CH4 with 50:50 proportions of each component and the separation selectivity has been calculated. We also calculated the potential of the mean force to characterize the energy profile for gas transmission. The separation selectivity reduced by increasing the pore size. However, presence of chemical functionally pores in the membrane increased the separation selectivity. Furthermore, the gas permeance through nanoporous graphene membranes is related not only to transport rate to the graphene surface as well as kinetic diameters but also to molecular adsorbed layer which is formed on the surface. The flux of molecules through the nanopores is also dependent on pore chemistry which is considered as gas-pore interactions in the molecular simulations and can be a sizable factor in simulation in contrast to experimental observations. This study suggests that nanoporous graphene could represent a suitable membrane for gas separation.
Simulation of Membrane Gas Separation Process Using Aspen Plus® V8.6
Authors: Sharifian Seyedmehdi , Harasek Michael , Haddadi Bahram
Published: October 2016

Implementing membrane gas separation systems have led to remarkable profits in both processes and products. This study presents the modeling and simulation of membrane gas separation systems using Aspen Plus® V8.6. A FORTRAN user model and a numerical solution procedure have been developed to characterize asymmetric hollow fiber membrane modules. The main benefit of this model is that it can be easily incorporated into a commercial simulator and used as a unit operation model in complex systems. A comparison between the model and the experimental cases at different operation conditions shows that calculated values are in good agreement with measured values. This model is suitable for future developments as well as design and performance analysis of multicomponent gas permeation systems prior to experimental realization.
The Effects of Cultural Differences on Bilateral Trade Patterns
Authors: MacDermott Raymond J. , Mornah Dekuwmini
Published: October 2016

We argue that using the aggregate of the Euclidian distance of different dimensions of culture to measure the impact of culture on bilateral trade patterns as is conventional in the literature is flawed. Using recent innovations in gravity model estimations and adopting the GLOBE team dimensions of culture, we confirm that the aggregate measure of culture imposes arbitrary functional forms, wrongly assumes symmetry in the effect of culture on bilateral trade, generalizes the effect of culture on trade and lacks policy relevancy. Our novel approach also allows us to determine which aspects of culture promote trade and which aspects do not.
Disgorgement, Compensation and Restitution: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Caggiano Ilaria Amelia
Published: October 2016

The article aims at defining the scope of disgorgement in Italian law, which draws on common law experience, and asks whether the Italian legal system can provide similar recourses. English and US law have conceived “disgorgement damages” as a distinctive concept. I verify whether a rule of disgorgement of profits is principled in the Italian legal system as a generally available private law remedy or is just applicable in certain specific cases. I propose 3 hypothetical cases to measure the attitude of different legal systems. The theoretical foundations of disgorgement as a private remedy are located in different branches of private law (compensation, restitution, property law). English and U.S. law place disgorgement in the more general framework of the law of unjust enrichment and restitution. However, disgorgement can be attracted to other branches of law, as I demonstrate with reference to the Italian legal system. By highlighting the functions that disgorgement may perform in each case proposed, I conclude whether disgorgement is applicable by Italian judges, in addition to the express provisions laid down by legislation.
Transient Liquid Phase Bonding of Nickel-Base Single Crystal Alloy with a Novel Ni-Cr-Co-Mo-W-Ta-Re-B Amorphous Interlayer
Authors: Guo Wei , Wang Haiyan , Jia Qiang , Peng Peng , Zhu Ying
Published: October 2016

A novel Ni-Cr-Co-W-Mo-Ta-Re-B alloy consisting of plate γ and M23B6 phases was prepared as interlayer for the transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding of Rene’ N5 nickel-base single crystal superalloy. The molten Ni-Cr-Co-W-Mo-Ta-Re-B alloy exhibited an excellent wettability on the nickel-base superalloy. The TLP bonding experiment has been carried out in vacuum furnace at 1,240 ℃ for 12 h and followed by post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) at 1,305 ℃ for 4 h. PWHT eliminated the intermetallic compounds and promoted the formation of γ´ precipitates in the bonding region. A more uniform microhardness profile of TLP joint was found after PWHT. The shear strength of the joint after PWHT significantly increased to 533.4 MPa compared with the value of 437.2 MPa without PWHT.
Harmonic Optimization in Voltage Source Inverter for PV Application using Heuristic Algorithms
Authors: Kandil Shaimaa A. , Ali A.A. , El Samahy Adel , Wasfi Sherif M. , Malik O.P.
Published: October 2016

Selective Harmonic Elimination (SHE) technique is the fundamental switching frequency scheme that is used to eliminate specific order harmonics. Its application to minimize low order harmonics in a three level inverter is proposed in this paper. The modulation strategy used here is SHEPWM and the nonlinear equations, that characterize the low order harmonics, are solved using Harmony Search Algorithm (HSA) to obtain the optimal switching angles that minimize the required harmonics and maintain the fundamental at the desired value. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the output voltage is minimized maintaining selected harmonics within allowable limits. A comparison has been drawn between HSA, Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Newton Raphson (NR) technique using MATLAB software to determine the effectiveness of getting optimized switching angles.
Enlarging the scope of metaphor studies
Authors: Xu Cihua , Zhang Chuanrui , Wu Yicheng
Published: October 2016

Many recent discussions about Deliberate Metaphor Theory (DMT) not only advance the research of metaphor theory, but also significantly contribute to a comprehensive understanding of metaphor, a ubiquitous yet complex phenomenon. In this paper we contend that DMT should not be regarded merely as a revitalization of traditional view of metaphor in rhetoric; rather, its contribution is undeniably significant and deserves its due attention. DMT is developed based on the integration of conceptual metaphor theory and discourse practice, and complements current studies of metaphor through its emphasis on consciousness and the communicative dimension, albeit there are also some inadequacies of DMT.
Maximum Work of Free-Piston Stirling Engine Generators
Authors: Kojima Shinji
Published: October 2016

Using the method of adjoint equations described in Ref. [1], we have calculated the maximum thermal efficiencies that are theoretically attainable by free-piston Stirling and Carnot engine generators by considering the work loss due to friction and Joule heat. The net work done by the Carnot cycle is negative even when the duration of heat addition is optimized to give the maximum amount of heat addition, which is the same situation for the Brayton cycle described in our previous paper. For the Stirling cycle, the net work done is positive, and the thermal efficiency is greater than that of the Otto cycle described in our previous paper by a factor of about 2.7–1.4 for compression ratios of 5–30. The Stirling cycle is much better than the Otto, Brayton, and Carnot cycles. We have found that the optimized piston trajectories of the isothermal, isobaric, and adiabatic processes are the same when the compression ratio and the maximum volume of the same working fluid of the three processes are the same, which has facilitated the present analysis because the optimized piston trajectories of the Carnot and Stirling cycles are the same as those of the Brayton and Otto cycles, respectively.
Pituitary volume in children with growth hormone deficiency, idiopathic short stature and controls
Authors: Kessler Marion , Tenner Michael , Frey Michael , Noto Richard
Published: October 2016

Background:

The objective of the study was to describe the pituitary volume (PV) in pediatric patients with isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD), idiopathic short stature (ISS) and normal controls.

Methods:

Sixty-nine patients (57 male, 12 female), with a mean age of 11.9 (±2.0), were determined to have IGHD. ISS was identified in 29 patients (20 male, 9 female), with a mean age of 12.7 (±3.7). Sixty-six controls (28 female, 38 male), mean age 9.8 (±4.7) were also included. Three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance images with contrast were obtained to accurately measure PV.

Results:

There was a significant difference in the mean PV among the three groups. The IGHD patients had a mean PV 230.8 (±89.6), for ISS patients it was 286.8 (±108.2) and for controls it was 343.7 (±145.9) (p<0.001). There was a normal increase in PV with age in the ISS patients and controls, but a minimal increase in the IGHD patients.

Conclusions:

Those patients with isolated GHD have the greatest reduction in PV compared to controls and the patients with ISS fall in between. We speculate that a possible cause for the slowed growth in some ISS patients might be related to diminished chronic secretion of growth hormone over time, albeit having adequate pituitary reserves to respond acutely to GH stimulation. Thus, what was called neurosecretory GHD in the past, might, in some patients, be relative pituitary hypoplasia and resultant diminished growth hormone secretion. Thus, PV determinations by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could assist in the diagnostic evaluation of the slowly growing child.
Maternal characteristics of pregnancies with intrauterine fetal demise
Authors: Walfisch Asnat , Brown Richard , Mallozzi Angela , Hallak Mordechai , Shrim Alon
Published: October 2016

Objective:

To identify maternal characteristics independently associated with pregnancies resulting in intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD).

Study design:

This was a population-based cohort study of all births taking place at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Canada, between 2001 and 2007, using the McGill University Obstetrics and Neonatal Database. Maternal characteristics were compared between pregnancies that resulted in IUFD and control pregnancies resulting in live newborns. A logistic regression analysis was constructed to identify parameters independently associated with IUFD.

Results:

We identified 20,744 births during the study period, 87 of which were complicated by IUFD. Mothers with IUFD were more likely to be younger, with less formal education, higher rates of smoking during pregnancy, and more fetal anomalies (42.5% vs. 7.5%, P<0.001). After exclusion of pregnancies with congenital and/or chromosomal abnormalities, less formal education (7 vs. 13.6 school years, P<0.001) and smoking during pregnancy (24% vs. 7.7%, P<0.001) remained significantly more common in pregnancies resulting in IUFD. In the multivariable regression analysis both smoking and number of maternal school years were independently associated with IUFD pregnancies (OR 2.22 for smoking, P=0.007 and OR 0.865 for number of school years, P<0.001).

Conclusion:

Lower levels of education and smoking during pregnancy are independent predictors of IUFD.
Crossing the Spectrum of Solitudes: Lea Goldberg’s Lyrical Conversation with Avraham Sonne
Authors: Gordinsky Natasha
Published: October 2016

This essay explores the as yet undiscovered lyrical conversation conducted by Lea Goldberg with Avraham Sonne. It traces the different stages in Goldberg’s writing on him, through a close reading of all poems in which she addressed Sonne over many years. The first section of the essay concentrates on the construction of Sonne as a poet figure. The second section discusses the internalization of Avraham Ben Yitzhak as a superaddresse within the cycle “Al Ha-Priha.” The final section reflects Goldberg’s attempt to address Sonne not as a poet but as a private individual.
„Mir verging die Sprache vor den Dingen, die ich kommen sah“ – Hermann Broch und Abraham Sonne in ihren Briefen
Authors: Lützeler Paul Michael
Published: October 2016

Hermann Broch and Abraham Sonne (Avraham Ben Yitzhak) met during the second half of the 1920s in Vienna. Broch had given up his career as co-owner of a textile factory and begun to study the Neo-Positivism of the Vienna Circle and to write his novel “The Sleepwalkers.” Sonne was the director of the Jewish Teachers College in Vienna. The two men took to each other and met in Viennese cafés on a regular basis. In 1938 (after the ‘Anschluss’) Broch emigrated to the United States, and Sonne to Palestine. The letters published here span the period between 1938 and 1950, the year of Sonne’s death. They are documents of friendship and of an intellectual exchange (in particular regarding Broch’s novel “The Death of Virgil,” which appeared in 1945 in New York).
Der Kanon im Archiv
Authors: Jessen Caroline
Published: October 2016

Significant materials produced by German-Jewish writers, artists and scholars have been preserved in public archives as well as in private family collections in Israel. Many of these materials were salvaged from Nazi Germany and brought to Israel with considerable difficulty during the years 1933-1945, or in the immediate aftermath of the Shoah. The Franz Rosenzweig Minerva Research Center, Bonn University and the Deutsches Literaturarchiv Marbach have begun a joint project to make these archival collections more accessible in Israel and to initiate new research based on them. Against this background, the article explores the role of archival processing in the construction of historical knowledge and the formation of cultural memory.
From Leipzig to Jerusalem: Erich Brauer, a Jewish Ethnographer in Search of a Field
Authors: Madar Vered , Schrire Dani
Published: October 2016

Erich Brauer (1895–1942) was born in Berlin, where he was active in the
Elisha Ben Abuya, the Hebrew Faust: On the First Hebrew Translation of Faust Within the Setting of the Maskilic Change in Self-Perception
Authors: Natkovich Svetlana
Published: October 2016

The publication of Meir ha-Levi Letteris’s translation-adaptation of Goethe’s
Rückkehr in den Elfenbeinturm: Deutsch an der Hebräischen Universität
Authors: Weiss Yfaat
Published: October 2016

German culture and language has played a significant part in the Hebrew University’s self-understanding since its founding in the 1920s. Almost half of its professors in the years 1925–1948 were trained in the German academic system and perceived themselves as part of the German scientific tradition. However, in 1934, as a reaction to National Socialist race politics in Germany, attitudes toward the German language changed and it was no longer taught at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This status quo was challenged at the end of the 1940s, as students and professors alike sought to reintroduce German as a language as part of the curriculum. Unsurprisingly, their initiative encountered strong opposition both within and outside the University. Based on documents kept at the Archive of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, this article reconstructs the arguments in the debate that took place in the early 1950s and which culminated in the reintroduction of the German language at the beginning of 1953, shortly after the signing of the reparations agreement between Israel and Germany.