bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flotation Height Prediction under Stable and Vibration States in Air Cushion Furnace Based on Hard Division Method
Authors: Hou Shuai , Liu Jianhui , Lv Wu
Published: December 2019

Air cushion furnace is indispensable equipment for the production of high quality strip, and it is significant to national economy. The flotation height is a key factor to the quality and efficiency of the product. However, the current prediction models can merely predict the flotation height of strip in air cushion furnace at single working state. The precision of prediction model is inaccurate at the circumstance of low flotation height. To solve the above problem, firstly, this paper proposes a framework which can predict the flotation height of strip under both stable and vibration states. The framework is composed of the hard division model and prediction model. Secondly, a hard division method is proposed based on clustering which combines stacked denoising autoencoder and floating process knowledge. Thirdly, a parallel hybrid flotation height prediction model is proposed, which can provide desirable prediction results at the circumstance of low flotation height. Finally, the LSSVR model is used to predict the maximum and minimum flotation height of strip at vibration state. The experimental results show that the framework can accurately divide the stable and vibration states of the strip and can accurately predict the flotation height of the strip under the stable and vibration states. The research contents of this paper lay an important theoretical foundation for the precise process control in air cushion furnace.
Hepatoid Adenocarcinoma of Stomach: Emphasis on the Clinical Relationship with Alpha-Fetoprotein-Positive Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chen Er-Bao , Wei Yi-Chou , Liu Hai-Ning , Tang Cheng , Liu Meng-Ling , Peng Ke , Liu Tianshu
Published: December 2019

Aims. Both hepatoid adenocarcinoma of stomach (HAS) and alpha-fetoprotein-positive gastric cancer (AFPGC) are rare but aggressive subtypes of gastric cancer, but few studies focus on the clinicopathologic differences and prognostic factors between them because of their rarity and histologic overlap. And the significance of AFP level in HAS prognosis was not well studied. Methods. 41 patients with AFPGC and 52 patients with HAS were included in this study. The clinicopathologic features were compared by Chi-square analysis. Prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Results. The patients with HAS were of a younger age compared with AFPGC, and nearly 60% of tumor located in the gastric antrum and the gastric fundus of cardia. The OS of AFPGC was shorter than that of HAS, due to a higher rate of metastasis. Furthermore, the survival analysis showed that HAS with high AFP expression (AFPHigh HAS) had a significantly poorer OS compared to HAS with low AFP expression (AFPLow HAS) (P=0.046). Conclusions. Compared with AFPGC, the patients of HAS were of a younger age and had less rate of liver and other organ metastasis. The serum AFP level was a sensitive prognostic indicator for OS. Therefore, much attention should be paid to AFPHigh HAS in clinical practice.
Efficacy of 27-Gauge Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling for Epiretinal Membrane in Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Yoshida Masaaki , Kunikata Hiroshi , Kunimatsu-Sanuki Shiho , Nakazawa Toru
Published: December 2019

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery for patients with ERM and glaucoma.Methods. We reviewed the medical records of 20 consecutive ERM patients with glaucoma, who underwent 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery (27GMIVS) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. The preoperative and 6-month postoperative visual field was tested with the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) 24-2 program. Changes in threshold sensitivity in the HFA test points were analyzed point-by-point, with points classified into groups based on sensitivity as abnormal (less than 5th percentile in pattern deviation) or normal (all other points) and based on location as central (12 central points) or peripheral (all other points) with a linear mixed-effects model.Results. Visual acuity and mean deviation improved postoperatively (P<0.001for both) in all patients. Threshold sensitivity in central or peripheral points that were abnormal preoperatively improved postoperatively (P=0.006orP<0.001, respectively). Threshold sensitivity also improved in the central normal test points (P=0.03), but not in the peripheral normal points (P=0.12).Conclusion. Visual acuity improved, and there was no visual field progression, after ERM surgery in glaucomatous eyes during a 6-month postoperative follow-up, suggesting that ERM and ILM removal using 27GMIVS may be effective even in glaucomatous eyes.
The Effect of Berberine on Reproduction and Metabolism in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials
Authors: Xie Liangzhen , Zhang Duojia , Ma Hongli , He Hui , Xia Qing , Shen Wenjuan , Chang Hui , Deng Yingying , Wu Qi , Cong Jing , Wang Chi Chiu , Wu Xiaoke
Published: December 2019

Purpose. To assess the efficacy and safety of berberine on reproductive endocrine and metabolic outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods. PubMed (from 1950), the Cochrane Library, the CNKI (from 1979), the VIP (from 1989), and the Wanfang Data (from 1990) and the reference lists of the retrieved articles were searched for randomized controlled trials in human beings with the search terms including “polycystic ovary syndrome/PCOS” and “berberine/BBR/Huangliansu (in Chinese)/Xiao bojian (in Chinese)” till 30 May 2019. Relevant indicators were collected and the data were analyzed by using RevMan 5.3 software. Results. Eventually, a total of 12 randomized controlled trials were included in this systematic review. Our study suggested that berberine had similar live birth rates compared with placebo or metformin and lower live birth rates (RR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.82) compared with letrozole. There was a significant difference between berberine and placebo and between berberine and no treatment in terms of decreasing total testosterone and luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio (8 RCTs, 577 participants, MD: −0.34, 95% CI: −0.47 to −0.20; 3 RCTs, 179 participants, MD: −0.44, 95% CI: −0.68 to −0.21, respectively). Berberine was associated with decreasing total cholesterol (3 RCTs, 201 participants; MD: −0.44, 95% CI: −0.60 to −0.29), waist circumference (3 RCTs, 197 participants, MD: −2.74, 95% CI: −4.55 to −0.93), and waist-to-hip ratio (4 RCTs, 258 participants, MD: −0.04, 95% CI: −0.05 to −0.03) compared with metformin, but not with improved BMI (4 RCTs, 262 participants, MD: −0.03, 95% CI: −0.46 to 0.39). Berberine did not increase the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events (3 RCTs, 567 participants, RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.76 to 1.35) or serious events during pregnancy (RR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.70 to 1.37) compared with placebo. Conclusion. This review found no solid evidence that berberine could improve live birth or other clinical outcomes in women with PCOS. However, berberine appeared to be more efficacious for improving insulin resistance and dyslipidemia and decreasing androgen levels and LH/FSH ratio in women with PCOS when compared with metformin.
Solar Radiation, Air Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Dew Point Study: Damak, Jhapa, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Arun Kumar , Thapa Arati , Gautam Hima
Published: December 2019

Monitoring and prediction of the climatic phenomenon are of keen interest in recent years because it has great influence in the lives of people and their environments. This paper is aimed at reporting the variation of daily and monthly solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity (RH), and dew point over the year of 2013 based on the data obtained from the weather station situated in Damak, Nepal. The result shows that on a clear day, the variation of solar radiation and RH follows the Gaussian function in which the first one has an upward trend and the second one has a downward trend. However, the change in air temperature satisfies the sine function. The dew point temperature shows somewhat complex behavior. Monthly variation of solar radiation, air temperature, and dew point shows a similar pattern, lower at winter and higher in summer. Maximum solar radiation (331 Wm-2) was observed in May and minimum (170 Wm-2) in December. Air temperature and dew point had the highest value from June to September nearly at 29°C and 25°C, respectively. The lowest value of the relative humidity (55.4%) in April indicates the driest month of the year. Dew point was also calculated from the actual readings of air temperature and relative humidity using the online calculator, and the calculated value showed the exact linear relationship with the observed value. The diurnal and nocturnal temperature of each month showed that temperature difference was relatively lower (less than 10°C) at summer rather than in winter.
Electroacupuncture Improves the Survival Rate and Organ Function in a Rat Model of Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Zhong Yuxian , Xu Guochen , Wu Yushou , Zhang Huiping , Wang Haibin , Ma Liqian , Zhang Wenhua , Yao Yongming , Wang Lu , Hu Sen , Litscher Gerhard
Published: December 2019

Electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 can improve the survival rate in rats after hemorrhagic shock (HS). The current study investigated rats with 60% blood loss. 144 rats were divided into four groups: hemorrhage without fluid resuscitation (HS), EA after hemorrhage without fluid resuscitation (EA), hemorrhage with delayed resuscitation (DFR), and EA after hemorrhage with delayed resuscitation (EA + DFR). The survival rate and biological parameters 0, 3, 12, and 24 h after HS were investigated. The 24 h survival rate of EA + DFR was significantly higher than that of DFR. 12 h after hemorrhage, the level of mean arterial blood pressure of EA + DFR was significantly higher than that of DFR, and the levels of renal blood flow, intestinal mucosal blood flow, and hepatic blood flow of EA + DFR were also significantly higher than those of DFR. Three hours after hemorrhage, the levels of lactate, PaCO2, alanine aminotransferase, and creatinine of groups receiving EA were significantly lower than those of non-EA groups, and the levels of pH, PaO2, and diamine oxidase of groups receiving EA were significantly higher. EA at ST36 can improve the 24 h survival rate and produce the experimental antishock effects on tissue perfusion and organ protection from fatal HS.
Prognostic Factors in Dedifferentiated Chondrosarcoma: A Retrospective Analysis of a Large Series Treated at a Single Institution
Authors: Miao Ruoyu , Choy Edwin , Raskin Kevin A. , Schwab Joseph H. , Nielsen Gunnlaugur Petur , Deshpande Vikram , Chebib Ivan , DeLaney Thomas F. , Hornicek Francis J. , Cote Gregory M. , Chen Yen-Lin E.
Published: December 2019

Background. Dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas (DDCSs) are highly malignant tumors with a dismal prognosis and present a significant challenge in clinical management. Methods. In an IRB approved retrospective protocol, we identified 72 patients with DDCS treated at our institution between 1993 and 2017 and reviewed clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes to analyze prognostic factors. Results. Femur (44.4%), pelvis (22.2%), and humerus (12.5%) were most commonly involved sites. Twenty-three patients (31.9%) presented with distant metastasis, and 3 (4.2%) of them also had regional lymph node involvement. The median overall survival (OS) was 13.9 months. On multivariate analysis, pathological fracture, larger tumor size, lymph node involvement, metastasis at diagnosis, extraosseous extension, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma component correlated with worse OS, whereas surgical resection and chemotherapy were associated with improved OS. For progression-free survival (PFS), pathological fracture and metastasis at diagnosis showed increased risk, while chemotherapy was associated with decreased risk. Among patients who received chemotherapy, doxorubicin and cisplatin were significantly associated with improved PFS but not OS. Among patients without metastasis at diagnosis, 17 (34.7%) developed local recurrence. Thirty-one (63.3%) developed distant metastases at a median interval of 18.1 months. On multivariate analysis, R1/R2 resection was related with local recurrence, while macroscopic dedifferentiated component was associated with distant metastasis. Conclusions. The prognosis of DDCS is poor. Complete resection remains a significant prognostic factor for local control. Chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cisplatin seems to have better PFS. More prognostic, multicenter trials are warranted to further explore the effectiveness of chemotherapy in selected DDCS patients.
The Application of Nanotechnology in the Codelivery of Active Constituents of Plants and Chemotherapeutics for Overcoming Physiological Barriers during Antitumor Treatment
Authors: Li Qiushuang , Xiong Yang , Ji Conghua , Yan Zhiqiang
Published: December 2019

Antitumor therapy using a combination of drugs has shown increased clinical efficacy. Active constituents derived from plants can offer several advantages, such as high efficiacy, low toxicity, extensive effects, and multiple targets. At present, the combination of plants’ active constituents and chemotherapeutic drugs has attracted increased attention. Nanodrug delivery systems (NDDSs) have been widely used in tumor-targeted therapy because of their efficacy of delivering antitumor drugs. The in vivo process of tumor-targeted NDDSs has several steps. They include blood circulation, tumor accumulation and penetration, target cell internalization and uptake, and drug release and drug response. In each step, NDDSs encounter multiple barriers that prevent their effective delivery to target sites. Studies have been performed to find alternative strategies to overcome these barriers. We reviewed the recent progress of codelivery of active constituents of plants and chemotherapeutics using NDDSs. Progress into transversing the physiological barriers for more effective in vivo antitumor delivery will be discussed in this review.
Solar Radiation Partitioning and Surface Albedo Parameterization in the Hinterland of Taklimakan Desert
Authors: Meng Chunlei , Li Huoqing
Published: December 2019

Surface albedo is one of the key parameters of land surface radiation and energy balance. As surface albedoes for visible and near-infrared solar radiation are quite different, solar radiation partitioning is important to parameterize the total surface albedo and upward solar radiation. In this paper, a surface albedo parameterization scheme was introduced and a solar radiation partitioning method was developed to improve the simulation of the upward solar radiation. The simulation results were validated in a hinterland site of the Taklimakan Desert. The surface albedo is not only associated with the soil moisture, but associated with the solar zenith angle. The solar radiation partitioning method considers the joint influences of cloud cover, near-surface air pressure, and solar zenith angle and was compared with the method using the Simple Biosphere Model version 3 (SiB3). The total albedo depends on the partitioning of the total visible and near-infrared radiations. The results indicate the surface albedo parameterization scheme is important to parameterize the upward solar radiation. The new solar radiation partitioning method could improve the simulation result.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Polymorphisms and Cervical Cancer: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Yonghui , Yang Jie , Huang Jianhui , Tian Zhifeng
Published: December 2019

Background: Some previous studies already explored associations between tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) polymorphisms and cervical cancer, with conflicting findings. Objectives: Here, we aimed to better analyze the relationship between TNF-α polymorphisms and cervical cancer in a larger combined population by performing a meta-analysis. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI for related articles. We calculated OR and 95% CI to estimate whether there are genetic associations between TNF-α polymorphisms and cervical cancer. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included for this meta-analysis. TNF-α –308 G/A (dominant comparison: p = 0.0004, OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.58–0.86; recessive comparison: p = 0.0002, OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.19–1.79; overdominant comparison: p = 0.002, OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.12–1.68; allele comparison: p < 0.0001, OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.62–0.83) polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with cervical cancer in general population. Subgroup analyses showed similar positive findings for –308 G/A polymorphism in both Asians and Caucasians. Moreover, we found that –238 G/A polymorphism was also significantly associated with cervical cancer in Asians. Conclusions: This meta-analysis proved that TNF-α –238 and –308 G/A polymorphisms could be used to identity individual with elevated susceptibility to cervical cancer in certain populations.
Synergistic Ototoxicity of Gentamicin and Low-Dose Irradiation: Molecular Basis and Clinical Significance
Authors: Low Wong Kein , Teng Siaw Wei , Tan Michelle G.K.
Published: December 2019

Background: Inner ear structures may be included in the radiation fields when irradiation is used to treat patients with head and neck cancers. These patients may also have concurrent infections that require gentamicin treatment. Radiation and gentamicin are both potentially ototoxic, and their combined use has been shown to result in synergistic ototoxicity in animals. Objective: We aimed to confirm the synergistic ototoxicity of combined gentamicin and low-dose irradiation treatment and identify the underlying molecular mechanisms using an in vitro model. Method: We compared the ototoxic effects of gentamicin, low-dose irradiation, and their combination in the OC-k3 mouse cochlear cell line using cell viability assay, live/dead stain, apoptosis detection assay, oxidative stress detection, and studied the molecular mechanisms involved using immunoblot analysis. Results: Combined treatment led to prolonged oxidative stress, reduced cell viability, and synergistic apoptosis. Gentamicin induced the concurrent accumulation of LC3b-II and SQSTM1/p62, suggesting an impairment of autophagic flux. Low-dose irradiation induced transient p53 phosphorylation and persistent Akt phosphorylation in response to DNA damage. In combined treatment, gentamicin attenuated irradiation-induced Akt activation. Conclusions: Besides increased oxidative stress, synergistic apoptosis observed in combined treatment could be attributed to gentamicin-induced perturbation of autophagic flux and attenuation of Akt phosphorylation, which led to an impairment of radiation-induced DNA repair response.
An Overview of Systematic Reviews of Randomized-Controlled Trials for Preventing Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants
Authors: Xiong Tao , Maheshwari Akhil , Neu Josef , EI-Saie Ahmed , Pammi Mohan
Published: December 2019

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a major cause for neonatal mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. The purpose of this review was to summarize evidence from systematic reviews of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) regarding antenatal and postnatal interventions for preventing NEC. PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library Databases, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and Campbell Library were searched for meta-analyses in which NEC was reported as an outcome after antenatal or postnatal strategies. The AMSTAR instrument was used to evaluate quality of included reviews. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation assessment was used to evaluate certainty of evidence. We identified 98 meta-analyses of RCTs. The quality of included reviews was adequate, whereas the certainty of evidence was moderate to very low. Moderate certainty evidence showed a reduction in NEC following administration of a combination of species of probiotics, probiotics (any), antenatal corticosteroids in pregnant women at risk of preterm birth, and ibuprofen versus indomethacin for treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). For surgical NEC, moderate certainty evidence showed an increased risk with lower (85–89%) oxygen saturation target levels, compared with higher (91–95%) oxygen saturation target levels. In conclusion, decreased risk of NEC is observed with probiotics, antenatal corticosteroids for women at risk of preterm birth, and ibuprofen versus indomethacin for treatment of PDA. Targeting lower oxygen saturations may increase the risk of surgical NEC, compared to targeting higher saturations.
Increased Expressions and Roles of CC Chemokine Ligand 21 and CC Chemokine Ligand 25 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Liu Meng-Zhi , Chen Shi-Ming , Xu Yu , Kong Yong-Gang , Deng Yu-Qin , Li Fen , Tao Ze-Zhang
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a local inflammation of the nasal mucosa and sinus that persists for >12 weeks. As CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 19 expression is known to be elevated in CRS, and CCL 19, CCL21, and CCL25 share the same atypical chemokine receptor 4, so we focused on CCL21 and CCL25. Objectives: To investigate the expression of CCL21 and CCL25 in different types of CRS and their significance in CRS development. Methods: A total of 116 patients participated in the study, and uncinate process mucosa or nasal polyp (NP) specimens were collected during surgery. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the expression of CCL21 and CCL25, respectively, in the nasal mucosa. Immunofluorescence was used to determine their cellular localization in NPs, whereas macrophage culture was used to determine their relationships with macrophages. Results: Immunohistochemistry revealed that the expressions of CCL21 and CCL25 were increased in NPs only. Western blotting revealed that these expressions were gradually increased in control, CRS without NP and CRS with NP groups and were positively correlated with disease severity. Furthermore, increased expressions of CCL21 and CCL25 in NPs were not related to eosinophil infiltration. Immunofluorescence results demonstrated colocalization of CCL25+ cells and CD68+ macrophages. CCL25 expression was increased in macrophage culture, especially in M1 macrophages, while CCL21 expression was not significantly associated with macrophages. Conclusions: CCL21 and CCL25 were significantly upregulated in NPs and positively correlated with disease severity. CCL25 upregulation was related to M1 macrophages.
Brusatol Protects HepG2 Cells against Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation-Induced Injury via Inhibiting Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zhu Shajun , Liu Siyuan , Wang Lu , Ding Wangwang , Sha Jinqi , Qian Haixin , Lu Yapeng
Published: December 2019

Background: It has been reported that brusatol (BRU) reduces cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level under hypoxia; here the protective effect of BRU against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD-R)-induced injury in HepG2 cells and against anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R)-induced injury in rat liver mitochondria was investigated. Materials and Methods: OGD-R-induced HepG2 cell viability loss was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide and trypan blue staining. Mitochondrial ROS level in HepG2 cells was measured by MitoSOX staining. The cellular malondialdehyde and adenosine triphosphate level was measured by commercial kits. The mitochondrial membrane potential in HepG2 cells was measured by JC-1 staining. The protein level was detected by Western blotting. Rat liver mitochondria were separated by differential centrifugation. A/R-induced injury in isolated rat liver mitochondria was established by using a Clark oxygen electrode. The ROS generation in isolated mitochondria was evaluated using Amplex red/horseradish peroxidase. Results: BRU reduced mitochondrial ROS level and alleviated oxidative injury in HepG2 cells, thereby significantly inhibited OGD-R-induced cell death. During OGD-R, BRU improved mitochondrial function and inhibited the release of cytochrome c. Furthermore, BRU showed a clear protective effect against A/R-induced injury in isolated rat liver mitochondria. When isolated rat liver mitochondria were pretreated with BRU, A/R-induced ROS generation was significantly decreased, and mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction was ameliorated. Conclusions: BRU pretreatment attenuated OGD-R-induced injury in HepG2 cells and A/R-induced injury in isolated rat liver mitochondria by inhibiting mitochondrial ROS-induced oxidative stress.
Tapentadol Suppresses Glutamatergic Transmission and Neuronal Firing in Rat Hippocampal CA3 Pyramidal Neurons
Authors:   Lu, Kuei Huang Shu , Lin Tzu-Yu , Wang Su-Jane
Published: December 2019

Background: Tapentadol, a centrally acting oral analgesic, activates µ-opioid receptor and inhibits norepinephrine reuptake. Given that glutamate plays a crucial role in mediating pain, this study investigated the influence of tapentadol on spontaneous glutamatergic synaptic transmission and evoked neuronal excitability in rat hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons, which has been suggested to be involved in nociceptive perception. Methods: We used electrophysiological technique to determine the effect of tapentadol on spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSC), glutamate-activated currents, and neuronal excitability in CA3 pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampal slices. We also used isolated nerve terminals (synaptosomes) prepared from the rat hippocampus to examine the effect of tapentadol on glutamate release. Results: Whole-cell patch clamp recordings revealed that tapentadol effectively decreased the frequencies of sEPSCs and miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs) without changing their amplitudes in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons. However, glutamate-evoked inward currents were not affected by tapentadol. Further, tapentadol decreased 4-aminopyridine-induced glutamate release from hippocampal synaptosomes, and this effect was prevented by chelating the extracellular Ca2+ ions and blocking the N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. In addition, burst firing induced by 4-aminopyridine and tonic repetitive firing induced by depolarizing pulses were attenuated by tapentadol. Conclusions: We conclude that tapentadol inhibits glutamatergic synaptic transmission, without modifying postsynaptic receptor sensitivity, and that this decline of excitation consequently suppresses neuronal hyperexcitability in the hippocampal CA3 area.
СИНДРОМ ЕМОЦІЙНОГО ВИГОРАННЯ СЕРЕД МЕДИЧНИХ ПРАЦІВНИКІВ
Authors: Kosa T. V.
Published: December 2019

У статті проаналізовано  проблеми емоційного вигорання серед медичних працівників. Для повсякденної діяльності медичних працівників характерним є високий рівень стресу, який вони відчувають доволі часто. Актуальність проблеми емоційного вигорання видно з наукових публікацій і досліджень, які значно зросли за останнє десятиріччя.
La construcción social del “problema de la droga” en Argentina, 1919-2018
Authors: Corbelle Florencia
Published: December 2019

Este artículo analiza el modo en que se construyó el “problema de la droga” en Argentina desde principios del siglo XX hasta nuestros días. Su objetivo es dar cuenta del modo en que la sanción de ciertas leyes se ha entrelazado, en diversos contextos políticos, con determinadas instituciones, sus burocracias, normas, lógicas de funcionamiento y prácticas cotidianas. La reconstrucción de estas formas de intervención estatal es importante para comprender las actuales políticas públicas y debates parlamentarios en la materia, así como los modelos de atención vigentes y la forma en que, hoy en día, se aplica la actual normativa.
Polyvascular Disease
Authors: Gutierrez J. Antonio , Aday Aaron W. , Patel Manesh R. , Jones W. Schuyler
Published: December 2019

Atherosclerosis within 2 or more arterial beds has been termed polyvascular disease. Although polyvascular disease has long been associated with heightened cardiovascular risk, much is still unknown regarding its pathophysiology and management. In this past decade, the field of cardiovascular disease has experienced exponential growth in terms of antithrombotic and lipid-lowering therapies aimed at mitigating ischemic events. This review describes the inherent risk associated with polyvascular disease in contemporary observational and clinical trial populations and summarizes novel therapies in this high-risk population.
Chromogenic anti-FXa assay calibrated with low molecular weight heparin in patients treated with rivaroxaban and apixaban
Authors: Margetić Sandra , Ćelap Ivana , Bašić Kes Vanja , Lovrenčić-Huzjan Arijana , Kobasić Ivana , Šupraha Goreta Sandra , Pavlović Nikola , Delić Brkljačić Diana
Published: December 2019

Clinical application of rivaroxaban and apixaban does not require therapeutic monitoring. Commercial anti-activated factor X (anti-FXa) inhibition methods for all anti-FXa drugs are based on the same principle, so there are attempts to evaluate potential clinical application of heparin-calibrated anti-FXa assay as an alternative method for direct FXa inhibitors. We aimed to evaluate relationship between anti-FXa methods calibrated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and with drug specific calibrators, and to determine whether commercial LMWH anti-FXa assay can be used to exclude the presence of clinically relevant concentrations of rivaroxaban and apixaban.
Materials and methods: Low molecular weight heparin calibrated reagent (Siemens Healthineers, Marburg, Germany) was used for anti-FXa activity measurement. Innovance heparin (Siemens Healthineers, Marburg, Germany) calibrated with rivaroxaban and apixaban calibrators (Hyphen BioMed, Neuville-sur-Oise, France) was used for quantitative determination of FXa inhibitors.
Results: Analysis showed good agreement between LMWH calibrated and rivaroxaban calibrated activity (κ = 0.76) and very good agreement with apixaban calibrated anti-Xa activity (κ = 0.82), respectively. Low molecular weight heparin anti-FXa activity cut-off values of 0.05 IU/mL and 0.1 IU/mL are suitable for excluding the presence of clinically relevant concentrations (< 30 ng/mL) of rivaroxaban and apixaban, respectively. Concentrations above 300 ng/mL exceeded upper measurement range for LMWH anti-FXa assay and cannot be determined by this method.
Conclusion: Low molecular weight heparin anti-FXa assay can be used in emergency clinical conditions for ruling out the presence of clinically relevant concentrations of rivaroxaban and apixaban. However, use of LMWH anti-FXa assay is not appropriate for their quantitative determination as an interchangeable method.
Preanalytical issues related to routine and diagnostic glucose tests: Results from a survey in Spain
Authors: García-del-Pino Isabel , Ibarz Mercedes , Gómez-Rioja Rubén , Salas Paloma , Segovia Marta , Puente Juan J. , Marzana Itziar , Ventura Montserrat , Martínez Débora , Llopis María Antonia , Caballero Andrea , Gómez Carolina , Bauça Josep M.
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. The objective of this study was to find out under what preanalytical conditions routine and diagnostic glucose tests are performed across Spanish laboratories; and also what criteria are used for DM diagnosis. Materials and methods: An online survey was performed by the Commission on Quality Assurance in the Extra-Analytical Phase of the Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEQC-ML). Access to the questionnaire was available on the home page of the SEQC-ML website during the period April-July 2018. Data analysis was conducted with the IBM SPSS© Statistics (version 20.0) program. Results: A total of 96 valid surveys were obtained. Most laboratories were in public ownership, serving hospital and primary care patients, with high and medium workloads, and a predominance of mixed routine-urgent glucose testing. Serum tubes were the most used for routine glucose analysis (92%) and DM diagnosis (54%); followed by lithium-heparin plasma tubes (62%), intended primarily for urgent glucose testing; point-of care testing devices were used by 37%; and plasma tubes with a glycolysis inhibitor, mainly sodium fluoride, by 19%. Laboratories used the cut-off values and criteria recognized worldwide for DM diagnosis in adults and glucose-impaired tolerance, but diverged in terms of fasting plasma glucose and gestational DM criteria. Conclusion: Preanalytical processing of routine and DM diagnostic glucose testing in Spain does not allow a significant, non-quantified influence of glycolysis on the results to be ruled out. Possible adverse consequences include a delay in diagnosis and possible under-treatment.
High anion gap metabolic acidosis caused by D-lactate
Authors: Weemaes Matthias , Hiele Martin , Vermeersch Pieter
Published: December 2019

Introduction: D-lactic acidosis is an uncommon cause of high anion gap acidosis.
Materials and methods: A 35-year old woman was admitted to the emergency room with somnolence, drowsiness, dizziness, incoherent speech
and drunk appearance. Her past medical history included a Roux-en-Y bypass. Point-of-care venous blood analysis revealed a high anion gap acidosis.
Based on the clinical presentation, routine laboratory results and negative toxicology screening, D-lactate and 5-oxoprolinuria were considered
as the most likely causes of the high anion gap acidosis. Urine organic acid analysis revealed increased lactate, but no 5-oxoproline. Plasma D-lactate
was < 1.0 mmol/L and could not confirm D-lactic acidosis.
What happened: Further investigation revealed that the blood sample for D-lactate was drawn 12 hours after admission, which might explain the
false-negative result. Data regarding the half-life of D-lactate are, however, scarce. During a second admission, one month later, D-lactic acidosis
could be confirmed with an anion gap of 40.7 mmol/L and a D-lactate of 21.0 mmol/L measured in a sample collected at the time of admission.
Main lesson: The time of blood collection is of utmost importance to establish the diagnosis of D-lactic acidosis due to the fast clearance of D-lactate
in the human body
Flexural experimental study on reinforced concrete beams strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer laminates using anchorage systems
Authors: Zhuang Ning , Chen Junzhou , Zheng Miao , Chen Da
Published: December 2019

Flexural capacity of RC beams gets significant improvement with externally bonded Carbon Fiber-reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheet. The anchorage system is a valid means to restrain or delay debonding failure caused by stress concentration at the ends of CFRP sheets. In this paper, four
RC beams, measuring 150 × 200 × 1900 mm, were examined under four-point bending test. One beam was applied for contrast. And other three were CFRP strengthened with no anchorage, CF anchors (carbon fiber anchors) and U-wraps (U-shaped CFRP wraps). The primary purpose of the experiment
was to validate the effectiveness of CF anchors and U-wraps in improving the flexure character of beams strengthened with CFRP sheets. The experimental results revealed that the strengthened beams using anchorage systems performed remarkably in beam ductility, flexural capacity, load-deflection
response and failure mode compared with the contrast beam. The anchorage systems were more effective and necessary to enhance the flexural behavior of beams as using CFRP laminates for flexural strengthening.
Laser melting deposition of duplex stainless-steel coating on high strength low alloy pipeline steels for improving wear and corrosion resistance
Authors: Wang Xu , Du Kaiping , Zhou Qiongyu , Ou Ping , Zhang Derong , Yang Wubin , Yu Yueguang
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a duplex stainless steels coating was successfully prepared on high strength low alloy (HSLA) pipeline steels by laser melting deposition. The microstructure and phase identification of the obtained coating were identified by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray
diffraction (XRD). The tribological behavior and corrosion behavior were investigated by high-speed reciprocating friction and wear tester, polarization test, Eocp–t curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results show that the obtained coating
is bonded metallurgically with the substrate and comprises α, γ, M2B and (Fe, Cr)23C6 phase. In addition, the obtained coating shows nearly 22.5% improvement in wear resistance over the substrate and much better corrosion resistance due to its nobler
open circuit potential (Eocp), corrosion current density (i corr) and bigger impedance value than the substrate, confirming that the laser melting deposited duplex stainless steels coating can be a promising candidate for the protective coating of HSLA pipeline
steels.
Microstructure evolution of a Ti–Al–Sn–Zr based alloy during the hot compression deformation
Authors: Sheng Liyuan , Yang Yang , Lai Chen , Chen Xin , Xi Tingfei
Published: December 2019

The Ti–Al–Sn–Zr based alloy was fabricated and its deformation behavior was investigated with increasing of temperature and strain rate. Microstructure and phase of the as-fabricated, heat treated and deformed alloy was characterized by OM, XRD and TEM. The results
exhibited that the addition of Mo, Nb and Ta promoted the precipitate of β phase at relative low heat treatment temperature. And the β phase has relative good phase interface with the αphase. During the compression test, the compressive strength of the
alloy dropped with the strain rate decreasing and the testing temperature rising. When the compression deformation was preformed above α phase transformation temperature, the high strain rate would promote the phase transformation. When the alloy was compressed with strain rate
of 1 s–1, it almost had the similar compressive strengths at 960 °C and 940 °C. Moreover, the same phenomenon appeared when the compression was carried out at 960 °C and 980 °C with stain rate of 0.01 s–1. Such a phenomenon should be ascribed
to the existence of high amount of β phase which could contribute to the strength.
The Diverging Presence of Youth in Public Discourse: A Comparative Analysis of Youth-Related Debates Across Countries and Issue Fields
Authors: Lahusen Christian , Kiess Johannes
Published: December 2019

Youth is a recurrent topic of public debates, particularly because youth features in almost all issue fields discussed in mass media, ranging from educational and cultural to criminal matters. However, previous research has highlighted that youth is not necessarily actively involved in raising its own voice within the public sphere, which gives cause for concerns about the representation of youth in public discourses and thus in democratic opinion formation. This article wishes to critically assess the proposition that young people are objects of public discourses rather than active participants. For this purpose, it will analyze public statements reported in newspapers of nine countries (Germany, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom). The analysis makes conceptual use of claims-making analysis and tries to identify contextual factors that determine the extent to which youth actors actively participate in public discourses. In particular, we wish to assess whether discursive inclusion or exclusion of youth is patterned along countries and/or policy fields. Our findings show that policy fields are the most important contextual factors. Moreover, considering claims and actors, public debates about youth are rather similar between the nine countries. This indicates that public debates about youth are patterned by a similar, cross-national differentiation along policy domains.
Prevalence and Longevity of PTSD Symptoms Among Parents of NICU Infants Analyzed Across Gestational Age Categories
Authors: Schecter Rachel , Pham Tammy , Hua Alexandra , Spinazzola Regina , Sonnenklar Jill , Li Diana , Papaioannou Helen , Milanaik Ruth
Published: December 2019

Objective. This study aims to investigate whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms exist >1 year after neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience and whether PTSD symptomatology differs across parents of infants of different gestational age categories. Methods. A survey was given to parents at routine NICU follow-up visits. Parents completed the PTSD CheckList–Civilian (PCL-C), a standardized scale comprising 17 key symptoms of PTSD. Parents also rated how traumatic their birth experience, first day in the NICU, and first week in the NICU were from “Not Traumatic at All” to “Most Traumatic.” Fisher’s exact test was used to compare PCL-C responses across gestational age categories (Extremely Preterm, Very Preterm, Moderate to Late preterm, and Full Term). Results. Eighty parents participated. In total, 15% of parents had “Moderate to High Severity” PTSD symptoms. There were no statistical differences in PTSD prevalence between parents of children <1 year old and parents of children >1 year old ( P = .51). There was also no statistical difference in prevalence of “Moderate to High Severity” level of PTSD symptoms across gestational age ( P = .16). Overall, 38% of parents rated at least one experience as “Most traumatic.” Conclusion. A high percentage of parents who had a recent NICU experience and parents who had a NICU experience more than a year ago demonstrated PTSD symptoms. In light of these results, many parents of NICU graduates—both mothers and fathers—would benefit from access to long-term counseling services.
Urban sustainability policies in neoliberal Canada: Room for social equity?
Authors: Champagne David
Published: December 2019

A growing concern worldwide is whether or not urban sustainability policies promote social equity. In Western countries, sustainability policies are at the forefront of an emerging regime of urban governance. While some researchers have shown how such policies support, counter or ride along with predominant neoliberal trends, others suggest that they may form a beacon for progressive politics. However, these studies do not investigate whether the political economy of urban sustainability policies promotes equity on a national scale. The present article addresses this gap by investigating ‘sustainable city’ discourses in 11 Canadian municipalities. Contrary to recurring hopes, these policies do not fully embrace a return to social equity. Instead, they overwhelmingly privilege a form of ‘environmental neoliberalism’ by focusing on a creative, educated and professionalized urban community. The article examines how these policy discourses conceive social equity around the themes of economic growth, housing, income and democratic participation. Today’s urban compromise leaves little room for social equity.
Effects of a diabetes education intervention on diabetes-related factors among Mexican-origin Hispanics
Authors: Moyeda-Carabaza Ana Florencia , Murimi Mary W , Dawson John A , Carrales-Bruno Fabiola
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to assess diabetes-related factors, such as diabetes knowledge, positive attitudes towards the prevention of diabetes and its complications, self-efficacy for diabetes, dietary intake and level of food security, and to investigate the effects of a diabetes education intervention (DEI) on diabetes-related factors among Mexican-origin Hispanics with or without diabetes in Lubbock, Texas (USA), and Piedras Negras, Coahuila (Mexico).

Methods:

A one-sample pre–post design was used to evaluate the effect of a 4-week DEI designed using the Nutrition Education DESIGN Procedure, Mexican cultural features and Spanish language.

Results:

Participants from Piedras Negras, Coahuila had higher rates of food insecurity and a higher consumption of whole grains than those from Lubbock, Texas, while participants from Lubbock, Texas, had higher levels of diabetes knowledge and higher consumption of protein foods than those from Piedras Negras, Coahuila. Thirty-five participants from both locations started and completed the DEI. After the intervention, there was an increase in participants’ scores in diabetes knowledge, positive attitudes towards the prevention of diabetes and self-efficacy for diabetes, and a decrease in their intake of grains and fats. Participants in Piedras Negras, Coahuila had greater improvements in positive attitudes towards the diabetes score than those in Lubbock, Texas.

Conclusion:

Findings from this study suggest that a DEI that integrates the use of the Nutrition Education DESIGN Procedure, Mexican cultural features and Spanish language is effective in improving diabetes-related factors and dietary intakes among Mexican-origin Hispanics in both the USA and Mexico.
Beyond formalized plans: User involvement in support in daily living – users’ and support workers’ experiences
Authors: Matscheck David , Ljungberg Amanda , Topor Alain
Published: December 2019

Background:

User involvement, based on respect and carried out through dialogue, has been shown to lead to increased self-respect, self-confidence and positive identity. In Sweden, the Social Service Act requires that interventions be designed and implemented together with the individual concerned. The basic criterion for social support is prolonged severe mental illness (usually at least 6 months), with no criteria for specific diagnosis or institutional history. The most common form of social support is ‘support in daily living’, a community care intervention for people aged 18 years or older who have their own homes and living arrangements.

Aim:

This article aims to deepen our understanding of user involvement at the individual level in the provision of an ongoing social work intervention. What elements of user involvement can be found in users’ and support workers’ descriptions of helpful support in daily living?

Method:

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 users, who had experienced support in daily living as helpful, and 16 interviews with the users’ support workers.

Results:

Three major, interconnected themes emerged: Constant dialogue; Framing the flexibility, in relation to formalized intervention plans and regulations; The importance of ‘small things’, decisions concerning daily life.

Conclusion:

Both users and support workers described user involvement at the individual, micro-level to be an integral part of helpful support in daily living. It was possible to create a space for dialogue and co-creation in which users were involved in formulating and deciding the contents of their support at an informal level, to influence their own everyday lives. While a formal framework of rules, restrictions and plans surrounds meetings between users and professionals, a facilitating factor may be the absence of too detailed plans and regulations, leaving trust to users and professionals and their capacity to manage most of the choices they have to make.
Asa Hilliard: Conceptualizing and Constructing an African-Centered Pedagogy
Authors: Jamison DeReef F.
Published: December 2019

Asa G. Hilliard’s involvement in the education and re-Africanization process of African Americans serves as a prime example of an African-centered praxis that can be used to maximize the educational potential and possibilities of African people. As historian, psychologist, and teacher, Hilliard viewed education as one of the cornerstones in the African American quest for freedom and was committed to employing education as a tool to self-discovery and liberation. Hilliard’s work is explored through examining his perspectives on the relationship between history and psychology, the education of Black folk, the efforts to initiate paradigmatic shifts in intelligence testing, and the culture wars. This analysis of Hilliard highlights his theoretical and conceptual contributions to the formation of an African-centered pedagogy that functions as means for African descended people to affirm and assert their agency.