bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote Ischemic Conditioning and Renal Protection
Authors: Giannopoulos Georgios , Vrachatis Dimitrios A. , Panagopoulou Vasiliki , Vavuranakis Manolis , Cleman Michael W. , Deftereos Spyridon
Published: April 2017

Over the course of the last 2 decades, the concept of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has attracted considerable research interest, because RIC, in most of its embodiments offers an inexpensive way of protecting tissues against ischemic damage inflicted by a number of medical conditions or procedures. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common side effect in the context of various medical procedures, and RIC has been suggested as a means of reducing its incidence. Outcomes regarding kidney function have been reported in numerous studies that evaluated the effects of RIC in a variety of settings (eg, cardiac surgery, interventions requiring intravenous administration of contrast media). Although several individual studies have implied a beneficial effect of RIC in preserving kidney function, 3 recently published randomized controlled trials evaluating more than 1000 patients each (Effect of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in the Cardiac Surgery, Remote Ischaemic Preconditioning for Heart Surgery, and ERICCA) were negative. However, AKI or any other index of renal function was not a stand-alone primary end point in any of these trials. On the other hand, a range of meta-analyses (each including thousands of participants) have reported mixed results, with the most recent among them showing benefit from RIC, pinpointing at the same time a number of shortcomings in published studies, adversely affecting the quality of available data. The present review provides a critical appraisal of the current state of this field of research. It is the opinion of the authors of this review that there is a clear need for a common clinical trial framework for ischemic conditioning studies. If the current babel of definitions, procedures, outcomes, and goals persists, it is most likely that soon ischemic conditioning will be “yesterday’s news” with no definitive conclusions having been reached in terms of its real clinical utility.
Factors influencing children’s use of urban green spaces
Authors: Kaymaz Isil , Oguz Dicle , Cengiz-Hergul Ozlem Candan
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate patterns and factors related to 6- to 12-year-old children’s and their parents’ green space use behaviours in Çayyolu neighbourhood of Ankara, Turkey. Data were collected through draw and write surveys and questionnaire surveys at selected schools, and direct observations in eight parks in the neighbourhood. A total of 418 children and 383 of their parents participated in the surveys. In all, 498 recordings were made during on-site observations. Findings suggest that there is an interaction between park visiting patterns of parents and their children. Taking children to parks was a major motivation for – particularly female (p < 0.05) – parents to go outdoors. Most children (75%) used only gardens of their houses or housing complexes. There was a positive association between parents’ and children’s duration of visit (p = 0.00). Principal component analysis revealed three factors (52% of the total variance) effecting parents’ influence on their children’s use of green spaces; benefits of spending time outdoors, safety concerns and design characteristics. Results indicate that environmental design is not solely a factor in use of green spaces; understanding and promoting children’s use of green spaces should involve a holistic approach that includes social, cultural and physical aspects of the environment.
Online brand community practices and the construction of brand legitimacy
Authors: Hakala Henri , Niemi Laura , Kohtamäki Marko
Published: April 2017

Contemporary marketers build online brand communities to communicate with the organization’s social surroundings, yet there is a lack of understanding of how brand legitimization unfolds in these platforms. To understand how legitimacy is constructed and contested every day, the current study adopts a practice-theoretical lens and discourse analysis to investigate two online communities. The contribution of the study is twofold: First, the insights from the discursive praxis, online community posts, comments and reactions illustrate the connections between multiple levels of legitimization discourse. Second, this study builds a theoretical framework for legitimization practice. Individual perceptions, judgements of the texts and actions on them in the online community intertwine with the organizational and societal context shaping the legitimacy of the brand in the community and beyond. This practice supports or challenges the brand as an institution and may legitimize or delegitimize the brand.
Fluid displacement from intraluminal thrombus of abdominal aortic aneurysm as a result of uniform compression
Authors: van Noort Kim , Schuurmann Richte CL , Wermelink Bryan , Slump Cornelis H , Kuijpers Karel C , de Vries Jean-Paul PM
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The results after aneurysm repair with an endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) system are dependent on the stability of the aneurysm sac and particularly the intraluminal abdominal aortic thrombus (ILT). The postprocedural ILT volume is decreased compared with preprocedural ILT volume in aortic aneurysm patients treated with EVAS. We hypothesize that ILT is not stable in all patients and pressurization of the ILT may result in displacement of fluids from the ILT, no differently than serum is displaced from whole blood when it settles. To date, the mechanism and quantification of fluid displacement from ILT are unknown.

Methods

The study included 21 patients who underwent elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The ILT was harvested as a routine procedure during the operation. After excision of a histologic sample of the ILT specimen in four patients, ILT volume was measured and the ILT was compressed in a dedicated compression setup designed to apply uniform compression of 200 mmHg for 5 min. After compression, the volumes of the remaining thrombus and the displaced fluid were measured.

Results

The median (interquartile-range) of ILT volume before compression was 60 (66) mL, and a median of 5.7 (8.4) mL of fluid was displaced from the ILT after compression, resulting in a median thrombus volume decrease of 11% (10%). Fluid components can be up to 31% of the entire ILT volume. Histologic examination of four ILT specimens showed a reduction of the medial layer of the ILT after compression, which was the result of compression of fluid-containing canaliculi.

Conclusions

Applying pressure of 200 mmHg to abdominal aortic aneurysm ILT resulted in the displacement of fluid, with a large variation among patients. Fluid displacement may result in decrease of ILT volume during and after EVAS, which might have implications on pre-EVAS volume planning and on stability of the endobags during follow-up which may lead to migration, endoleak or both.
Is oral squamous cell carcinoma unique in terms of intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity?
Authors: Sarode Gargi , Sarode Sachin C , Tupkari Jagdish , Patil Shankargouda
Published: April 2017

Tumoral heterogeneity has become one of the important issues in cancer research and carries outmost weightage in designing personalized cancer medicine. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is present in unique microenvironment of oral cavity attributed to site-specific diversified tissue compositions, microbial flora, diversified carcinogenic attacks, potentially malignant disorders, epithelial turnover rate, saliva, and closeness to external environment. Such microenvironment has potential to modulate the pathogenesis of many oral pathologies including OSCC. We believe that such factors and microenvironment are unique for OSCC and cannot be found in other carcinomas of the body. Methodologies such as multiregional sequencing, single-cell genomics, genomic landscape of bulk tumor sequencing, and so on, will help in understanding OSCC uniqueness in terms of heterogeneity. If explored, it will enable us to know the attributes of heterogeneity and their magnitude in OSCC, which will benefit in designing predictable biomarker and effective therapeutic strategy.
Management of Patients With Hepatitis C Virus, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance, and Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Hannaford Alisse , Del Bello David , Leng Siyang , Chari Ajai , Perumalswami Ponni , Dieterich Douglas , Branch Andrea
Published: April 2017

Background and Aim: The vast majority of the 2.7 million individuals in the United States who are currently infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) were born between 1945 and 1965. The median age of these patients in this particular generation at the time of this writing was 55 years. In the general population, older age is a risk factor for multiple myeloma (MM) and other monogammopathies. As the baby boomer population ages, HCV providers are increasingly likely to encounter HCV-infected patients with a monoclonal gammopathy. Guidelines for managing these patients are needed. Methods: We conducted a detailed case series investigation of 4 HCV-positive patients with MM or a monoclonal gammopathy disorder. Patients were followed at the Mount Sinai Faculty Practice liver clinic. We also performed a detailed review of the literature exploring if there is any known association between HCV, MM, and monoclonal gammopathy. Results and Conclusions: There is no convincing evidence of a causal association between HCV and MM. HCV is linked to type II and type III cryoglobulinemia, specific kinds of monoclonal gammopathies of determinable significance. Whether a link exists between HCV and MM or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance is unclear. Our case series provides the first evidence that modern HCV treatments with direct-acting antivirals can be safely and effectively co-administered with MM chemotherapy.
Child Support Queens and Disappointing Dads: Gender and Child Support Compliance
Authors: Cozzolino Elizabeth , Williams Christine L.
Published: April 2017

Despite increased spending on child support enforcement in the United States over the past 30 years, child support collections remain around 40 percent. Child support is a gendered phenomenon, typically involving a transfer of funds from noncustodial fathers to custodial mothers in most cases. We argue that new norms of separated fatherhood and motherhood may contribute to low rates of child support compliance. An analysis of 21 in-depth interviews with members of separated families about the meaning of child support payments reveals two controlling images of gendered parenting—the child support queen and the disappointing dad—that hold single mothers responsible for children’s economic as well as emotional well-being and evaluate separated fathers mostly on their emotional involvement with children. Because these gendered expectations downplay the importance of noncustodial fathers’ financial contributions and question custodial mothers’ entitlement to receive child support, they reinforce gender inequality in separated families and may contribute to low rates of child support collection.
Mapping the Politics of Shauchalaya in Dalit Localities: An Inquiry
Authors: Prasad Devi , Srihari G.
Published: April 2017

The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said, [ P] ehle shauchalaya, phir devalaya (Build toilet first and temples later). On the day of ‘Gandhi Jayanti’ (2 October) in 2014, ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ was launched officially. In this regard, this article attempts to understand the idea of ‘Nirmal Gram Puraskar’ (NGP) through a comparative analysis of drinking water and sanitary conditions as well as utilization of the fund between localities in Dalit and middle backward/higher castes. This article also covers historical–ethnographic details of the ‘cleanliness’ and the politics of ‘Swachh Bharat’ (clean India). Primary data are based on five (NGP awarded) villages namely Mukurala, Ankiraopally, Munimoksham, Polkampally and Thirumalam Pally of Mahabubnagar district in Telangana. The data show that the conditions of functional toilets in Dalit localities remain under very unhygienic conditions. It is also found that due to caste prejudice, the implementation of the programme (NGPs) is not much effective in Dalit localities in comparison to non-Dalit localities.
Legislative Framework of Governance and Tribal Development: Status of Forest Land Allotment for STs and TFDs under the Forest Rights Act
Authors: Singh Vikram
Published: April 2017

Democratic decentralization in the recent advancement dialogue emerged as a key instrument of administrative control with emphasizing people’s involvement in the decision-making processes, thus ensuring accountability and transparency in the execution of the development programmes. This article attempts to study the decentralization process, its elements, its conceptual and theoretical understanding under legislative frameworks of governance (i.e., evolution of Panchayati Raj Institutions under 73rd Constitutional Amendment and extension through the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas Act). It is also based on the assumption that legislative frameworks of governance which delegate powers from top–bottom have widened the scope of local self-governance relating to the establishment, powers, functions and responsibilities of Panchayati Raj Institution. Hence, it is transferred from central to local government as a way to promote broader values of pluralistic participatory democracy, but towards forest resources allotment and tribal development, legislative frameworks of governance leave a lot of scope for reforms. As the gaps prevail, they have weakened the implementation process of forest resources/lands among Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Tradition Forest Dwellers (TFDs) addressed under the Forest Rights Act. The article also aspires to look into the process towards forest land allotment for STs and TFDs and their linkages with governance institutions which have not been able to sufficiently create/address/promote the well-being and sustainable livelihood. It also looks into the distinctive nature of the Forest Rights Act as force of State and role of non-government organizations leading towards collective interests and norms that shape the quality and quantity of life among STs and other TFDs within society through social capital. Lastly, it discusses the employed methodological considerations, objectives, findings and conclusion.
Regional Socio-economic Scenario and Economic Upliftment of Dalits in India: What Does Contemporary Evidence Say?
Authors: John Raju
Published: April 2017

The unique development experience of the Indian state of Kerala has been getting considerable attention both within and outside India. Kerala’s level of social development is much higher than other Indian states. One of the major features of Kerala’s development experience is its egalitarian spirit. Even though studies do throw light on the socio-economic status of Dalit Christians in Kerala, contemporary evidence are scanty in this regard. This article tries to see if higher social development and better egalitarianism in a region are translated into better socio-economic conditions for Dalit Christians in India. The author compares the socio-economic status of Dalit Christians and Syrian Christians of contemporary Kerala. The variables used for comparison include incidence of poverty, educational attainment, extent of land holding, employment structure of workforce, housing quality and possession of consumer durables.
KLF1 directly activates expression of the novel fetal globin repressor ZBTB7A/LRF in erythroid cells
Authors: Norton Laura J. , Funnell Alister P. W. , Burdach Jon , Wienert Beeke , Kurita Ryo , Nakamura Yukio , Philipsen Sjaak , Pearson Richard C. M. , Quinlan Kate G. R. , Crossley Merlin
Published: April 2017

Key Points

KLF1 directly drives expression of ZBTB7A, a key repressor of fetal γ-globin gene expression, in erythroid cells. An erythroid-specific regulation mechanism allows upregulation of a novel ZBTB7A transcript in erythroid cells.
Can a search model predict the effects of an increase in the benefit duration? Evidence from the Portuguese unemployment insurance reform
Authors: Novo Álvaro A. , Silva André C.
Published: April 2017

We test the predictions of an equilibrium search model about the effects of an increase in the maximum duration of unemployment benefits. We use the 1999 unemployment insurance reform of Portugal, a quasi-natural experiment. The reform increased the maximum duration of benefits for three groups of agents and maintained all features of the unemployment insurance for two other groups. We isolate the effects of the increase in the maximum duration of benefits and test the model. The model successfully predicts the effects on the unemployment rate, the labor force participation, and the levels of unemployment and employment.
Nonlinear amplitude-variation-with-offset inversion for Lamé parameters using a direct inversion method
Authors: Cheng Guangsen , Yin Xingyao , Zong Zhaoyun
Published: April 2017

Prestack seismic inversion is widely used in fluid indication and reservoir prediction. Compared with linear inversion, nonlinear inversion is more precise and can be applied to high-contrast situations. The inversion results can be affected by the parameters’ sensitivity, so the parameterization of nonlinear equations is very significant. Considering the poor nonlinear amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) inversion results of impedance and velocity parameters, we adjust the parameters of the nonlinear equation, avoid the inaccuracy caused by parameters sensitivity and get the ideal nonlinear AVO inversion results of the Lamé parameters. The feasibility and stability of the nonlinear equation based on the Lamé parameters and method are verified by the model and the real data examples. The resolution and the lateral continuity of nonlinear inversion results are better compared with the linear inversion results.
Phase IIb, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Naldemedine for the Treatment of Opioid-Induced Constipation in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Katakami Nobuyuki , Oda Koji , Tauchi Katsunori , Nakata Ken , Shinozaki Katsunori , Yokota Takaaki , Suzuki Yura , Narabayashi Masaru , Boku Narikazu
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This randomized, double-blind, multicenter study aimed to determine the dose of naldemedine, a peripherally-acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist, for future trials by comparing the efficacy and safety of three doses of naldemedine versus placebo in patients with cancer and opioid-induced constipation.

Methods

Patients ≥ 18 years old with cancer, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤ 2, who had been receiving a stable regimen of opioid analgesics for ≥ 2 weeks, had at least one constipation symptom despite laxative use, and no more than five spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) during the past 14 days, were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to oral, once-daily naldemedine 0.1, 0.2, or 0.4 mg, or placebo, for 14 days. The primary end point was change in SBM frequency per week from baseline during the treatment period. Secondary end points included SBM responder rates, change from baseline in the frequency of SBM without straining, and complete SBM. Safety was also assessed.

Results

Of 227 patients who were randomly assigned, 225 were assessed for efficacy (naldemedine 0.1 mg, n = 55; 0.2 mg, n = 58; 0.4 mg, n = 56; placebo, n = 56) and 226 for safety. Change in SBM frequency (primary end point) was higher with all naldemedine doses versus placebo ( P < .05 for all comparisons), as were SBM responder rates and change in complete SBM frequency. Change in SBM frequency without straining was significantly improved with naldemedine 0.2 and 0.4 (but not 0.1) mg versus placebo (at least P < .05). Treatment-emergent adverse events were more common with naldemedine (0.1 mg: 66.1%; 0.2 mg: 67.2%; 0.4 mg: 78.6%) than placebo (51.8%); the most common treatment-emergent adverse event was diarrhea.

Conclusion

Fourteen-day treatment with naldemedine significantly improved opioid-induced constipation in patients with cancer and was generally well tolerated. Naldemedine 0.2 mg was selected for phase III studies.
Illegal Immigration, State Law, and Deterrence
Authors: Hoekstra Mark , Orozco-Aleman Sandra
Published: April 2017

A critical immigration policy question is whether state and federal policy can deter undocumented workers from entering the United States. We examine whether Arizona SB 1070, arguably the most restrictive and controversial state immigration law ever passed, deterred entry into Arizona. We do so by exploiting a unique dataset from a survey of undocumented workers passing through Mexican border towns on their way to the United States. Results indicate the bill's passage reduced the flow of undocumented immigrants into Arizona by 30 to 70 percent, suggesting that undocumented workers from Mexico are responsive to changes in state immigration policy. (JEL J15, J18, J61, K37)
Do Output Contractions Cause Investment in Fiscal Capacity?
Authors: Gillitzer Christian
Published: April 2017

This paper shows that an economic slump can induce a government to invest in fiscal capacity. Large negative income shocks stress the revenue-raising capability of narrow tax bases, making an increase in tax base breadth desirable relative to its fixed implementation cost. A broader tax base enables revenue to be raised at lower tax rates, and so lower deadweight loss. The behavior of US state governments during the Great Depression supports the model: states experiencing larger than average negative income shocks were more likely to adopt a retail sales tax than were states experiencing smaller than average income shocks. (JEL E32, E62, H25, H71, N42, N92)
Can Hiring Quotas Work? The Effect of the Nitaqat Program on the Saudi Private Sector
Authors: Peck Jennifer R.
Published: April 2017

This paper studies the effects of quota-based labor regulations on firms in the context of Saudi Arabia's Nitaqat program, which imposed quotas for Saudi hiring at private firms. I use a comprehensive firm-level administrative dataset and exploit kinks in hiring incentives generated by the quotas to estimate the effects of this policy. I find that the program increased native employment at substantial cost to firms, as demonstrated by increasing exit rates and decreasing total employment at surviving firms. Firms without any Saudi employees at the onset of the program appear to bear most of these costs. (JEL J08, J23, J68, K31, L25, O15, O17)
College on the Cheap: Consequences of Community College Tuition Reductions
Authors: Denning Jeffrey T.
Published: April 2017

This paper examines the effects of community college tuition on college enrollment. I exploit quasi-experimental variation from discounts for community college tuition in Texas that were expanded over time and across geography for identification. Community college enrollment in the first year after high school increased by 5.1 percentage points for each $1,000 decrease in tuition, which implies an elasticity of —0.29. Lower tuition also increased transfer from community colleges to universities. Marginal community college enrollees induced to attend by reduced tuition have similar graduation rates as average community college enrollees. (JEL H75, I22, I23, I28)
Recent advances in predicting gene–disease associations
Authors: Opap Kenneth , Mulder Nicola
Published: April 2017

Deciphering gene–disease association is a crucial step in designing therapeutic strategies against diseases. There are experimental methods for identifying gene–disease associations, such as genome-wide association studies and linkage analysis, but these can be expensive and time consuming. As a result, various in silico methods for predicting associations from these and other data have been developed using different approaches. In this article, we review some of the recent approaches to the computational prediction of gene–disease association. We look at recent advancements in algorithms, categorising them into those based on genome variation, networks, text mining, and crowdsourcing. We also look at some of the challenges faced in the computational prediction of gene–disease associations.
Investigating idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Thompson Simon D
Published: April 2017

Hydrocephalus is one of the most common neurosurgical conditions or complications. This is the second paper in the hydrocephalus series. Here, idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) will be discussed, focusing on the presenting symptoms, treatment options, risks, effects on care needs and gaps in the current literature.
The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework: the Kempen pilot
Authors: Lam Peter , Stanschus Soenke , Zaman Rizwana , Cichero Julie AY
Published: April 2017

One of the most common treatments for dysphagia is the provision of texture-modified food and thickened liquids. To improve patient safety, a standardised terminology has been advocated. In 2015, the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework was released. The IDDSI framework describes texture-modified food and thickened liquids for individuals of all ages, in all care settings and in all cultures. To put the IDDSI framework into operation, a pilot site in Kempen, Germany volunteered to conduct a quality assurance process to document IDDSI implementation. The process commenced on the neurology ward, with findings to inform roll-out to other wards and eventually other hospitals. Through wide stakeholder involvement using simultaneous top-down and bottom-up approaches and agreed timelines, the Kempen Pilot achieved implementation at ward level. Practical training, incorporating the IDDSI framework into a range of communication channels and inter-professional collaboration were key to successful implementation.
The harrowing stories behind the thousands who miss school
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: April 2017

With almost 15 000 children missing education, new research has shed light on the wide range of complex issues behind the statistics and the factors that help pull these children back into school. Pete Henshaw takes a look
Mineral waters, spas and therapeutics in seventeenth and eighteenth century Portugal
Authors: Dias José Pedro Sousa
Published: April 2017

This article presents a general outline of the growing interest in medicinal waters and spas in Portugal during the eighteenth century, with special emphasis on the theoretical attitude and practice of the medical community and the ruling classes regarding mineral waters and on the development of the main institutions dedicated to hydrotherapy, trying to interpret the obstacles that prevented a more general social acceptance of spas and a greater adherence of physicians to therapeutic use of mineral waters in Portugal in this period.
Programa mais médicos: revisão integrativa de literatura
Authors: PINHEIRO Bethina Luiza , DA CRUZ Illana Leonardi , KERKOSKI Edilaine , LIMA Rita de Cássia Gabrielli Souza , DA ROS Marco Aurelio , CHESANI Fabiola Hermes
Published: April 2017

Considerando o objetivo de enfrentar as históricas desigualdades distributivas de médicos na atenção básica e o alcance potencial do Programa Mais Médicos, em realizar equidade, bem como sua complexidade, surgiu o interesse em verificar a produção científica atual sobre o tema na área da saúde. Método: a revisão integrativa aconteceu nas bases Google Scholar, ScientificElectronic Library Online, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Literatura Internacional em Ciências da Saúde nos últimos 2 anos, correspondendo ao período de 2013 a 2015. Resultados: Após a busca utilizando as palavras “Programa Mais Médicos”, foram encontrados 1.249 documentos. Após aplicar os critérios de inclusão foram selecionados 12 documentos. Os documentos encontrados foram: artigos científicos, monografias, anais de eventos científicos, editoriais e trabalho de conclusão de especialização. As temáticas abordadas foram sobre a formação profissional no PMM, o programa para a atenção primária, a intersetorialidade, a qualidade e a satisfação no atendimento e a contribuição governamental no Programa Mais Médicos. Conclusão: a revisão integrativa possibilitou a construção de uma síntese da produção do conhecimento científico e a identificação das temáticas mais abordadas no Programa Mais Médicos.
Assessment of quantitative relationship between blood and PRF for periodontal surgeries
Authors: Indurkar Maya S , Bhailume Pallavi Sunil
Published: April 2017

Aim: The aim of study is to measure the amount of PRF obtained from different quantity of blood withdrawn from patients & the amount of PRF and its use in different periodontal surgical procedures.Materials and method: 15 subjects undergoing regenerative periodontal surgical therapy in whom use of PRF was indicated were included in the study. 15 subjects were divided into 3 three groups. In group A: 5ml of blood was withdrawn from 5 subjects. In group B: 10ml of blood was withdrawn from 5 subjects. In group C: 12ml of blood was withdrawn from 5 subjects. The steps involved were as follows:1)Â Â Â Â Â  Blood specimen was withdrawn from the patient,2)Â Â Â Â Â  The blood specimen was immediately placed in the centrifuge and was allowed to spin for 10mintes at 3000RPM,Weight of obtained PRF was measured by using weighing scale and also length, depth & width was measured by using UNC 15 probe.Result and Conclusion: The amount of PRF obtained depends upon the quantity of blood withdrawn. Thus, result of the present study is helpful to the operator to decide the quantity of blood to be withdrawn for particular patient to obtain desired amount of PRF.
Pentraxin 3 and atherosclerosis among type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Nabrdalik Katarzyna , Chodkowski Artur , Bartman Wojciech , Tomasik Andrzej , Kwiendacz Hanna , Sawczyn Tomasz , Kukla Michał , Grzeszczak Władysław , Gumprecht Janusz
Published: April 2017

Type 2 diabetes is contemporarily a major social and epidemiological problem and among others is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Pentraxin 3, a potential early biomarker of atherosclerosis, is an acute-phase reactant produced by the peripheral tissues where the inflammation takes place. In this study we examined a group of patients with type 2 diabetes with and without cardiovascular complications compared to persons with normal glucose tolerance (patients with cardiovascular complications and healthy volunteers). Plasma pentraxin 3 concentration as well as some basic biochemical blood analysis were performed. Moreover, transcranial and carotid Doppler ultrasound examination as well as transthoracic echocardiography were performed. It turned out that there was an association of plasma pentraxin 3 concentration and carotid atherosclerosis found in the control group of patients with cardiovascular complications but with normal glucose tolerance. In the group of patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications we have found an association of plasma pentraxin 3 concentration with diastolic left ventricular dysfunction. Additionally, in the group of patients with type 2 diabetes without cardiovascular disease plasma pentraxin 3 concentration was associated with elevated urinary albumin creatinine ratio. Further studies, on a larger group of patients, are required to confirm these observations.
Do you know what you eat? Students of the Medical University of Lublin and food consumption awareness
Authors: Chylinska-Wrzos Patrycja , Lis-Sochocka Marta , Wawryk-Gawda Ewelina , Bulak Kamila , Jodlowska-Jedrych Barbara
Published: April 2017

At the present time, consumers are paying more attention to the food items they purchase, and, hence, organic products, more and more, are a popular choice. Furthermore, there is an increased awareness of the ingredients added as fixatives and taste modifiers. Medical students are assumed to have greater health awareness, and to recognize that proper nutrition has a significant impact on the overall physical well-being. Moreover, they are thought to be aware of the chemical composition of consumed foods. The aim of our study was to truly assess the degree of consumer awareness amongst students of the Medical University of Lublin.

The research study consisted of 301 students of the I and II years, the work being performed at the turn of the year 2014/2015. The research tool was an anonymous questionnaire. This contained questions regarding their degree of healthy food awareness of retailed food products.

The results of this study revealed that about 44% of the respondents always or often pay attention to the composition of the food products which they buy. Indeed, the highest percentage of all respondents declared that their purchase of food products is guided by the declared (labeled) composition (48.84% of the students coming from urban settings, and 55.81% coming from rural districts). Of note, regarding products labeled organic, from both urban and rural origin, such items were chosen by approximately 50% of the respondents. Finally, only a small percentage of students (about 9% overall) stated that they avoid foods stated to contain preservatives.

In summary, despite the increasing availability of healthy foods, such items are not too often chosen by UM students - Indeed, despite the large biomedical knowledge purportedly held, medical students, in particular, do not avoid foods containing preservatives.
The international normalized ratio (INR) as seen in a population of patients with atrial fibrillation and cerebral infarction undergoing long-term treatment with vitamin K antagonists
Authors: Szczepańska-Szerej Anna , Wojtan Magdalena , Szajnoga Beata
Published: April 2017

It is estimated that nearly 20% of all cerebral infarctions in the total population are the result of a complication of atrial fibrillation (AF). While oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (AVKs) substantially reduces this risk, this requires regular monitoring of the international normalized ratio (INR) in order to achieve therapeutic levels (2,0-3,0). The aim of this study was to evaluate a group at high risk of cerebral infarction, among patients with AF undergoing long-term treatment with VKAs, taking into account the significance of therapeutic INR values. The analysed group consisted of 90 acute ischaemic stroke patients with paroxysmal or chronic “non-valvular” AF, receiving treatment with VKAs. As a result of the study, therapeutic INR values (≥ 2) were seen in thirty-five of these individuals (38,8%), while 55 (61,2%) showed non-therapeutic INR values. Moreover, there were no differences in demographics, vascular risk factors, biochemical and morphological blood parameters, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score and TOAST classification between either of the two groups. Furthermore, no additional factor that would increase their risk of cerebral infarction during the adequate treatment with VKAs was found. However, patients with non-therapeutic INR values had a statistically significantly higher frequency of concomitant moderate pathology of the bicuspid valve, p<0.05. Hence, a lack of proper control of INR can proved to be particularly dangerous for this subgroup of patients. Hence, this is a group with an elevated risk of cerebral infarction and therefore requires special oversight of VKA treatment or NOA treatment.
Brightness stability of eucalyptus-dissolving pulps: effect of the bleaching sequence
Authors: Perrin Jordan , Lachenal Dominique , Chirat Christine
Published: April 2017

The factors governing the brightness reversion (BR) of dissolving pulps under heat exposure are investigated. Carbonyl (CO) groups were artificially introduced on fully bleached pulp by sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) oxidation. It was demonstrated that the CO groups are responsible for loss of brightness stability (BS). These groups were partly eliminated by an alkaline extraction stage (E), which improved BS. However, an alkaline peroxide stage (P) was more efficient than E to improve BS, but without any additional CO loss. Moreover, an unbleached dissolving pulp was bleached in the laboratory by elemental chlorine free (ECF) and totally chlorine free (TCF) [ozone-based] sequences to the same brightness. The very low CO content was about the same in both cases. The ECF-bleached pulp showed substantially lower BS than the TCF pulp. These results are interpreted such that the chemistry of chromophores in the unbleached pulp also governs BS.In situdetection of phenolic and quinone chromophores in bleached dissolving pulp was performed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy. The content of these groups was bleaching-sequence-dependent, which may be related to the BS differences.
Testing for Nonlinearity in Conditional Covariances
Authors: Sanhaji Bilel
Published: April 2017

We propose two Lagrange multiplier tests for nonlinearity in conditional covariances in multivariate GARCH models. The null hypothesis is the scalar BEKK model in which covolatilities of time series are driven by a linear function of their own lags and lagged squared innovations. The alternative hypothesis is an extension of the model in which covolatilities are modeled by a nonlinear function of the lagged squared innovations, represented by an exponential or a logistic transition function. Moreover, on the same basis we develop two other tests that are robust to leverage effects. We investigate the size and power of these tests through Monte Carlo experiments, and we provide empirical illustrations in many of which cases these tests encourage the use of nonlinearity in conditional covariances.
Hopf bifurcations in a three-species food chain system with multiple delays
Authors: Xie Xiaoliang , Zhang Wen
Published: April 2017

This paper is concerned with a three-species Lotka-Volterra food chain system with multiple delays. By linearizing the system at the positive equilibrium and analyzing the associated characteristic equation, the stability of the positive equilibrium and existence of Hopf bifurcations are investigated. Furthermore, the direction of bifurcations and the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions are determined by the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem for functional differential equations. Finally, some numerical simulations are carried out for illustrating the theoretical results.
Growth functions for some uniformly amenable groups
Authors: Dronka Janusz , Wajnryb Bronislaw , Witowicz Paweł , Orzechowski Kamil
Published: April 2017

We present a simple constructive proof of the fact that every abelian discrete group is uniformly amenable. We improve the growth function obtained earlier and find the optimal growth function in a particular case. We also compute a growth function for some non-abelian uniformly amenable group.
Structural and morphological analysis of barium cerate electrolyte for SOFC application
Authors: Senthil Kumar A. , Balaji R. , Puviarasu P. , Jayakumar S.
Published: April 2017

Gadolinium doped barium cerate (BCG) electrolytes Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9+ xBaO (x = 0.1 and 0.4) were prepared by wet chemical method for the use in solid oxide fuel cells operating at intermediate temperatures (600 °C to 800 °C). The as-prepared powder sample was calcined at 900 °C. The calcination temperature was identified using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The orthorhombic perovskite phase formation was confirmed by XRD analysis. From TEM results, the particle size was found to be about 32 nm which is in a good agreement with XRD results. BCG nanoparticles were formed at lower sintering temperature due to using microwave furnace. By reducing the sintering temperature of solid electrolyte through microwave technique, the percentage of barium loss was successfully reduced and the prepared electrolyte can be a good choice for solid oxide fuel cells operating at intermediate temperatures.
Synthesis and characterization of γ-glycine – a nonlinear optical single crystal for optoelectronic and photonic applications
Authors: Latha A. Arputha , Anbuchezhiyan M. , Kanakam C. Charles , Selvarani K.
Published: April 2017

A single crystal of gamma-glycine (GG), a polymorph of glycine, was synthesized by crystallization. The single crystal of GG was grown from an aqueous solution. The morphology of GG was studied in order to assess its growth facets. The good quality single crystals were subjected to X-ray diffraction studies to reveal their structure. The FT-IR spectral analysis was carried out to confirm the presence of expected functional groups. The UV-Vis analysis was done for GG single crystals to determine the optical transparency and band gap. Simultaneous TG-DTA analysis was employed to understand the thermal and physicochemical stability of the title compound. The mechanical stability and laser stability of GG single crystal were studied using Vickers microhardness test and laser induced damage threshold on different planes of the crystal to reveal its anisotropic nature. The dielectric measurement was carried out as a function of frequency and the results were discussed. The existence of second harmonic generation (SHG) of the title compound was confirmed by Kurtz-Perry powder technique. The SHG effective nonlinearity and particle size dependence of GG powder sample were compared with a standard reference material: potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP).
Two dimensional kinematic surfaces with constant scalar curvature in Lorentz-Minkowski 7-space
Authors: Solouma E. M. , Wageeda M. M.
Published: April 2017

In this paper we analyzed the problem of studying locally the scalar curvature
Random walk-based similarity measure method for patterns in complex object
Authors: Liu Shihu , Chen Xiaozhou
Published: April 2017

This paper discusses the similarity of the patterns in complex objects. The complex object is composed both of the attribute information of patterns and the relational information between patterns. Bearing in mind the specificity of complex object, a random walk-based similarity measurement method for patterns is constructed. In this method, the reachability of any two patterns with respect to the relational information is fully studied, and in the case of similarity of patterns with respect to the relational information can be calculated. On this bases, an integrated similarity measurement method is proposed, and algorithms 1 and 2 show the performed calculation procedure. One can find that this method makes full use of the attribute information and relational information. Finally, a synthetic example shows that our proposed similarity measurement method is validated.
A Mathematical Study of Accessibility and Cohesion Degree in a High-Speed Rail Station Connected to an Urban Bus Transport Network
Authors: Mota Carmen , López Miguel A. , Martínez-Rodrigo Arturo
Published: April 2017

In the last twenty years, the implementation of High-Speed Rail (HSR) has been one of the major strategies for territorial structuring used by various countries. This model has enhanced the development of countries such as France, Spain, Germany and Japan. At present, the United States and China are also starting to implement this model. Nevertheless, the lack of social and economic profitability of several networks is being increasingly analysed. Many networks located in particular regions serve populations that are not large enough to recover the initial investment. For this reason, it is necessary to evaluate the population served by this transport mode, beyond the number of users. In this sense, it is essential to identify the deficiencies and potentials of implementing a network linked to other secondary networks in a specific territory which can compensate for the so-called tunnel effect. This article proposes to apply a mathematical approach based on graph theory to measure the Degree Accessibility Node (DAN) in a constrained Geographic Information System (GIS) model. Hence, it would be possible to compare regions, especially medium-sized cities, where the implementation of HSR could represent a qualitative leap due to incorporation into large transport networks. The DAN function uses static and dynamic studies to evaluate the level of connection of stations to secondary transport networks—local public transport in this case. Thus, the impact of high-speed trains could be spread to greater territorial and population ranges. Four cases have been studied, two in Germany (one of them, Fulda, is analysed in depth throughout this article) and two in Spain. These two countries were selected since HSR was implemented in the same relative period of time, in comparison with other European countries. Results show relevant differences, suggesting a review of inappropriate policies of transport integration in a city that could weaken the expansion of the positive effects of HSR integration.
Design and Simulation of the Integrated Navigation System based on Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Zhou Weidong , Hou Jiaxin , Liu Lu , Sun Tian , Liu Jing
Published: April 2017

The integrated navigation system is used to estimate the position, velocity, and attitude of a vehicle with the output of inertial sensors. This paper concentrates on the problem of the INS/GPS integrated navigation system design and simulation. The structure of the INS/GPS integrated navigation system is made up of four parts: 1) GPS receiver, 2) Inertial Navigation System, 3) Extended Kalman filter, and 4) Integrated navigation scheme. Afterwards, we illustrate how to simulate the integrated navigation system with the extended Kalman filter by measuring position, velocity and attitude. Particularly, the extended Kalman filter can estimate states of the nonlinear system in the noisy environment. In extended Kalman filter, the estimation of the state vector and the error covariance matrix are computed by steps: 1) time update and 2) measurement update. Finally, the simulation process is implemented by Matlab, and simulation results prove that the error rate of statement measuring is lower when applying the extended Kalman filter in the INS/GPS integrated navigation system.
Biochemical alterations in the leaves of different Desi and Kabuli type chickpea genotypes infected by phytoplasma
Authors: Nasir Faiza , Pervaiz Akhtar Khalid , Hameed Amjad , Yousaf Sumaira , Gulzar Tahsin , Sarwar Nighat , Shah Tariq Mahmud , Kiran Shumaila
Published: April 2017

Objective

Chickpea phyllody caused by phytoplasma occurs worldwide. However, the alterations in the host physiology and its associated biochemical components induced by the infection with phytoplasma in chickpea plant remain unknown.

Methods

In present study, the changes in phenolic compounds, protein contents, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and chlorophyll contents were analyzed in phytoplasma-symptomatic and non-symptomatic plants of two Kabuli and three Desi type chickpea genotypes.

Results

Total phenols were statistically at par in symptomatic plants of both Kabuli and one Desi (Bittle-98) genotype but significantly increased in genotype Aug-424 and decreased in C-727. Protein contents were significantly decreased in symptomatic plants of all genotypes except CM-2008. PAL activity was significantly increased in all Kabuli but decreased in all the Desi genotypes. POX activity was significantly increased in Noor-2009 and Aug-424 but decreased in CM-2008 and Bittle-98. PPO activity was increased in two genotypes but decreased in others. CAT activity and chlorophyll contents were decreased in all genotypes.

Conclusion

The present finding indicates that phytoplasma causes non-specific, general stress response by interfering with host metabolism and photosynthesis. The study also provided significant insights for better understanding the mechanisms of chickpea plant response to phytoplasma.