bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene-Set Enrichment Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes in the Transcriptome of the Human Corneal Endothelium in Association with Age Effecta
Authors: Saha Sarbojoy , Barmon Shampa
Published: June 2018

The eyes are the sense organs through we view the world around us, and the cornea is the transparent layer which covers the outer, visible part of the eye. It is known that the gene expression of corneal endothelium depends on age. And the expressed genes of the endothelium of cornea for pediatric samples is different than that of the adult samples. The purpose or objective of this study was to characterize human corneal endothelial cell (HCEnC) gene expression and differential gene expression and to detect the expressed genes mapped to chromosomal loci associated with some corneal endothelial dystrophies. Both upregulated and downregulated genes were analyzed. For this purpose, total RNA was isolated from ex vivo corneal endothelium taken from six pediatric and five adult corneas. The complementary DNA was hybridized to the Affymetrix GeneChip 1.1 ST array. The data analysis was performed using the Enrichr software for both upregulated and downregulated genes. These are described in more detail in the results and discussion section. This study uses bioinformatics tools to identify and analyse gene sets present in the transcriptome of the corneal endothelium, and tries to find out and observe the relation of the aging effect on the corneal endothelium gene expression. The human subjects had participated voluntarily and informed consent was obtained from all before carrying out any testing procedure. Proper guidelines from the hospital ethical committee were also followed and no harmful chemicals were used on the participants. This study simply aims to raise some awareness of the given topic among the local people so that they are better able to take informed choices about their health in the near future, and also so that they seek medical help when necessary and have no inhibitions in doing so.
Association Rules for Understanding Policyholder Lapses
Authors: Jeong Himchan , Gan Guojun , Valdez Emiliano A.
Published: June 2018

For automobile insurance, it has long been implied that when a policyholder made at least one claim in the prior year, the subsequent premium is likely to increase. When this happens, the policyholder may seek to switch to another insurance company to possibly avoid paying for a higher premium. In such situations, insurers may be faced with the challenges of policyholder retention by keeping premiums low in the face of competition. In this paper, we seek to find empirical evidence of possible association between policyholder switching after a claim and the associated change in premium. In accomplishing this goal, we employ the method of association rule learning, a data mining technique that has its origins in marketing for analyzing and understanding consumer purchase behavior. We apply this unique technique in two stages. In the first stage, we identify policyholder and vehicle characteristics that affect the size of the claim and resulting change in premium regardless of policy switch. In the second stage, together with policyholder and vehicle characteristics, we identify the association among the size of the claim, the level of premium increase and policy switch. This empirical process is often challenging to insurers because they are unable to observe the new premium for those policyholders who switched. However, we used a 9-year claims data for the entire Singapore automobile insurance market that allowed us to track information before and after the switch. Our results provide evidence of a strong association among the size of the claim, the level of premium increase and policy switch. We attribute this to the possible inefficiency of the insurance market because of the lack of sharing and exchange of claims history among the companies.
Special Issue on Cutting Edge of Drone Research and Development, and its Application
Authors: Nonami Kenzo , Suzuki Satoshi
Published: June 2018

Currently, drones have reached the stage of practical application, business, and social contribution from the stage of research and development. In fact, drones are now opening up a new market not only in the field of aerial photography and agricultural chemical spraying, which had traditionally been on the market, but also in the field of surveying. Furthermore, new markets are expected to be formed within several years in the field of infrastructure inspection and logistics.

Under these circumstances, research on drone application is becoming significant, along with research on drone design and control, which have been done conventionally. However, there are still only a few studies and journals focusing not only on drone development and design but also drone application. Therefore, in this special issue, we invited papers with comprehensive contents, including research focusing on drone application, and created a space to present cutting-edge research results.

By reading this special issue, we hope that readers will understand the latest information about the applications of drones and their cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, we also hope that readers will be able to proactively promote the use of drones in their own research and work, based on the information obtained from this special issue.
Research and Development of Drone and Roadmap to Evolution
Authors: Nonami Kenzo ,   Autonomous Control Systems Laboratory Ltd. WBG Marive West 32F, 2-6-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-city, Chiba 261-7132, Japan
Published: June 2018

The history of drone dates far back. Human in those days must have had a yearn for the sky. This article first gives an overview of the history of research and development of drone including fixed wing and rotary wing, followed by, in particular, the history of development of rotary wing drone with the following four periods: before 1990 when radio control is at its dawn period; 1990 to 2010 when drone is at its dawn period; 2010 to 2015 when hobby-use drone is at its spread period; and 2016 and after when industrial-use drone is at its dawn period to growth period. In addition, this article presents the Japanese government’s roadmap, followed by a five-stage class of drone in terms of flight level and autonomy. In particular, autonomy will be discussed from the points of view of guidance, navigation, and control. Then with reference to an ideal state of drone in future, the article will discuss importance of the guidance system by fault tolerant control and supervisor control with implementation of the AI technology and the like.
Velocity Estimation for UAVs by Using High-Speed Vision
Authors: Chuang Hsiu-Min , Wojtara Tytus , Bergström Niklas , Namiki Akio ,   Chiba University 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8522, Japan,   Autonomous Control Systems Laboratory Marive West 32F, 2-6-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-7132, Japan
Published: June 2018

In recent years, applications of high-speed visual systems have been well developed because of their high environmental recognition ability. These system help to improve the maneuverability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Thus, we herein propose a high-speed visual unit for UAVs. The unit is lightweight and compact, consisting of a 500 Hz high-speed camera and a graphic processing unit. We also propose an improved UAV velocity estimation algorithm using optical flows and a continuous homography constraint. By using the high-frequency sampling rate of the high-speed vision unit, the estimation accuracy is improved. The operation of our high-speed visual unit is verified in the experiments.
Self-Tuning Neuro-PID Controller for Indoor Entertainment Balloon Robot
Authors: Nagata Hiroya , Yokoyama Soichiro , Yamashita Tomohisa , Iizuka Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Masahito , Suzuki Keiji , Kawamura Hidenori ,   Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University Kita 14, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0814, Japan,   Complex and Intelligent Systems, Future University Hakodate 116-2 Kamedanakano-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-8655, Japan
Published: June 2018

Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers are a classical control algorithm that are still widely used owing to their simplicity and accuracy. However, tuning the three parameters is difficult. No methods have been known to determine the exact ideal combination of the P, I, and D gains. Moreover, controlling a system that contains dynamics changes over time using fixed parameters is difficult. A self-tuning neuro-PID controller is applied to a balloon robot for indoor entertainment to enhance its accuracy in following a target trajectory. Our experiment shows the effectiveness of the neuro-PID controller over conventional hand-tuned PID controller.
Controller Performance for Quad-Rotor Vehicles Based on Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Oba Takayoshi ,   Kyushu University 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan, Bando Mai , Hokamoto Shinji
Published: June 2018

This study applies a sliding mode control (SMC) strategy for a robust controller of a quad-rotor vehicle. First, a controller combined with a nested control loop and an SMC is introduced, because a quad-rotor vehicle has only four control inputs although the vehicle has six degrees of freedom. The control performance for the feedback gains in the nested loop is investigated in numerical simulations. Subsequently, the effects of practical system limitations (control cycle and rotor dynamics) on the control performance are examined. Finally, the robust performance of the SMC strategy on a quad-rotor vehicle is discussed.
Teleoperated Construction Robot Using Visual Support with Drones
Authors: Yamada Hironao , Bando Naoyuki , Ootsubo Katsutoshi , Hattori Yuji ,   Gifu University 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu City, Gifu 501-1193, Japan,   Gifu Prefectural Research Institute of Information Technology 1-21 Techno-Plaza, Kakamigahara, Gifu 509-0108, Japan,   Mitsubishi Electric Corporation 2-7-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8310, Japan
Published: June 2018

A teleoperation system for a construction robot works effectively in a hazardous environment. However, it has problems with work precision and mental workload. In this study, a moving visual support system using a drone is developed to solve these operability problems. The usability of the system is confirmed through a subjective experiment.
Wall Inspection Robot with Maneuvering Assist Control System Against Crosswind
Authors: Takada Yogo ,   Department of Mechanical and Physical Engineering, Osaka City University 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 558-8585, Japan, Tokura Yuhei , Matsumura Yodai , Tanaka Takahiro , Kanada Tatsuki
Published: June 2018

Many social infrastructures and buildings are aging. Therefore, inspections to find deteriorated parts to prevent accidents are important. However, significant costs and inspection time are required for the current technologies. Therefore, inspection methods using robots are attracting attention. As the most appropriate option to traverse freely on concrete bridges and building walls is by traversing with lift force from propellers, a robot called HORNET has been developed that can run along a wall with two rotors. However, the floating-type robot with propellers could drop from a wall if hit by strong wind. Therefore, a gyro sensor was installed in the robot to detect its posture and adopted a simple maneuvering assist control to reduce the above-mentioned issue. In this study, the motion of HORNET was analyzed and a simple control system was designed to realize the maneuvering assist control. It was confirmed that the resistance of HORNET to the crosswind was improved by adding the control system.
Development of an Accurate Video Shooting Method Using Multiple Drones Automatically Flying over Onuma Quasi-National Park
Authors: Yamauchi Sho , Ogata Kouki , Suzuki Keiji , Kawashima Toshio ,   Kitami Institute of Technology 165 Koencho, Kitami, Hokkaido 090-8507, Japan,   Future University Hakodate 116-2 Kamedanakano-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-8655, Japan
Published: June 2018

In recent years, promotional videos of mountains, seashores, and lakes have been created using drones. Shooting videos of natural landscapes with drones usually requires manual operation, and relies on the skill of the operator. However, if the intention is to shoot videos over a wide geographical area, manual operation is not sufficiently accurate. Therefore to accomplish this, and to take full advantage of the features of a drone, automatic operation is desirable. In this paper, we propose a method of safely modelling a video target and flight route. This includes planning for video shooting on the basis of a model, to realize accurate automatic video shooting of natural landscapes with drones. It was assumed that multiple drones would be operated simultaneously. Therefore, we developed an error verification method to compensate for performance differences between drones. To verify the usefulness of the method, it was used to shoot actual video images of Onuma quasi-national park in the south of Hokkaido Prefecture.
Differential Item and Differential Distractor Functioning Analyses on Turkish High School Entrance Exam
Authors: TERZİ Rağıp , YAKAR Levent
Published: June 2018

Test fairness is one of the most critical elements in
creating assessments. Differential item functioning (DIF) and differential
distractor functioning (DDF) analyses play complementary roles in justifying
test fairness. This study aims to investigate the correct (i.e., DIF) and
incorrect (i.e., DDF) response choices of students based on gender in a
standardized high-stakes test administered in Turkey. Given the purpose of this
study, the Math section of 2011 Turkish High School Entrance Exam was
investigated. For DIF analyses, Mantel Haenszel and Logistic Regression methods
were used. For DDF analyses, two odds ratio approaches under the two-parameter
logistic-nested logit model and nominal response model were used. According to
the findings, in 500 and 1,000 sample sizes, DIF was not detected, however, only
a 2,000 sample size indicated significant DIF results. Five DIF items were
observed among 20 items, where three out of those five DIF items also showed
DDF.
QUALIDADE DE MUDAS DE JACARANDA CUSPIDIFOLIA PRODUZIDAS EM DIFERENTES SUBSTRATOS
Authors: Bezerra Bandeira Sara , Fernandes Hallefy Elias , Hashimoto de Medeiros Gessica , Dotto Marciane Cristina , Barreira Gonçalves Flavia , Da Silva Ramos Nadia , Lemus Erasmo Eduardo Andrea
Published: June 2018

Os resíduos sólidos vêm se apresentando nos últimos anos como um dos maiores problemas ambientais no Brasil e no mundo. Todavia, a utilização destes resíduos como componentes de substratos para a produção florestal pode ser uma alternativa viável para destinação final desses materiais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o uso de diferentes combinações e proporções de resíduos orgânicos como alternativa para produzir mudas de qualidade. Foram formulados sete substratos utilizando-se fibra de coco (FC), casca de arroz carbonizada (CAC) e substrato comercial à base de casca de pínus e vermiculita (SC) utilizado para efeitos comparativos, conforme as seguintes composições: T1 - 100% SC; T2 - 80% FC + 20% CAC; T3 - 70% FC + 30% CAC; T4 - 60% FC + 40% CAC; T5 - 50% FC + 50% CAC; T6 - 40% FC + 60% CAC; T7 - 30% FC + 70% CAC; e T8 - 20% FC + 80% CAC. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, constituído de 8 tratamentos, com quatro repetições de quatro mudas respectivamente, totalizando 16 mudas para cada tratamento. A semeadura foi realizada em tubetes de polipropileno de 290 cm3. Após 90 dias da semeadura foram avaliadas as seguintes características nas mudas: altura; diâmetro; comprimento de raiz; massa seca total; relação entre a altura e o diâmetro; relação entre a altura e a massa seca da parte aérea; relação entre a massa seca da parte aérea e a massa seca do sistema radicular e índice de qualidade de Dickson. Diante dos resultados obtidos, observou-se que os tratamentos T7 (30% de fibra de coco adicionados a 70% de casca de arroz carbonizada) e T8 (20% de fibra de coco adicionados a 80% de arroz carbonizada) proporcionaram maior padrão de qualidade de mudas de Jacaranda cuspidifolia.
PD-1 Blockade with Nivolumab as a New Immunotherapy for Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: EA Elena Andreevna
Published: June 2018

During the last two decades individualization of programmed treatment combined with intensified chemotherapy has proven to be effective treatment for the majority of classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cHL) patients. However, in 10-30 % of cases relapses and resistance to therapy still occur. Further intensification of therapy induces toxicity that leads to decrease in overall survival and quality of life. The standard second-line treatment with high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) allows for the achievement of long-term 5-year progression-free survival only in 50-60 % of patients with relapsed disease and not more than 40-45 % of patients with refractory disease. Approximately 50 % of patients relapse after HDCT and auto-HSCT. The median overall survival of relapsed patients does not exceed 2 years. Allogeneic HSCT improves treatment results to some extent, but is not an optimal strategy in all patients. A search for new treatment options has been made to improve effectiveness of relapsed and refractory cHL treatment and to reduce toxicity of highly effective programs. А new CD30-targeted conjugate brentuximab vedotin was developed to use anti-CD30 monoclonal antibodies against a specific marker of tumor Reed-Sternberg cells allowing for the transfer of the highly effective antitumor compound of monomethyl auristatin E directly to tumor cells. This drug showed high effectiveness, although failed to provide a complete solution to the problem. The development of anti-PD1 antibody nivolumab opened up new opportunities for cHL treatment. This paper reviews literature information on pharmacological data and antitumor mechanisms of the drug as well as the results of significant international randomised studies.
Primary Mediastinal (Thymic) Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Diagnostics of Extramediastinal Lesions and Treatment Opportunities
Authors: Mangasarova Yana Konstantinovna , Magomedova A.U. , Kovrigina A.M. , Kostina I.E. , Nesterova E.S. , Gorenkova L.G. , Misyurina A.E. , Margolin O.V. , Kravchenko S.K.
Published: June 2018

Background. Current diagnostic methods and the introduction of molecular investigations into clinical practice allow to improve the understanding of classical primary mediastinal (thymic) large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL). Aim. To investigate clinical characteristics of PMBCL patients with extramediastinal lesions. Materials & Methods. The study was performed from 2007 to 2017 in the National Medical Hematology Research Center and included 157 PMBCL patients. The data of 16 (10.2 %; 4 men and 12 women) patients with extramediastinal lesions were analyzed; the median age was 27 years (range 23-69). Results. The extramediastinal lesions were found in pancreas (6; 37.5 %), kidneys (5; 31.2 %), ovaries (3; 18.7 %), liver (3; 18.7 %), bone marrow (3; 18.7 %), and breasts (2; 12 %); the lesions in stomach, bones, soft tissues, spleen, adrenals, and small pelvis were observed each in a single case. In 15 of 16 cases extramediastinal lesions were accompanied by involvement of superior mediastinum, and only 1 patient had an isolated lesion in thoracic soft tissues without mediastinal involvement. The samples of 8 out of 16 patients were analyzed using PCR. In all samples overexpression of 2 or more genes (JAK2, TRAF1, MAL, PDL1, PDL2) was determined which allowed to confirm, and in some cases to revise the diagnosis of PMBCL. Overall 5-year survival (93 %) of patients with classical PMBCL with thoracic involvement was similar to the cohort with extramediastinal lesions. All unfavourable events (progression/ relapse) were identified at an early stage, i.e. within a year after the completion of therapy. Conclusion. PMBCL patients can have not only superior mediastinum involvement, but extramediastinal lesions as well, including bone marrow. The spreading of the disease beyond superior mediastinum should be differentiated from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma using standard evaluation methods, and molecular analysis in some cases.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistance in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A 10-Year Study of BCR-ABL Gene Mutation Profile in Russia (2006-2016)
Authors: Tikhonova Vera Vyacheslavovna , Isakov M.A. , Misyurin V.A. , Finashutina Yu.P. , Kesaeva L.A. , Lyzhko N.A. , Soldatova I.N. , Kasatkina N.N. , Misyurina E.N. , Misyurin A.V.
Published: June 2018

Background. Kinase domain mutations of BCR-ABL gene is the most common cause of tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance. Aim. To present the data on prognostic value of BCR-ABL mutation burden in Russian patients over the last 10 years. Materials & Methods. The study included 1885 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients with tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance who were followed up from 2006 to 2016. BCR-ABL point mutations in mRNA samples were analyzed by means of polymerase chain reaction and subsequent Sanger sequencing. Results. In 1257 CML patients with signs of tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance BCR-ABL expression level was > 1 %. BCR-ABL mutations were detected in 31.8 % of patients. Total mutation count was 467 (70 mutation types). Total count of patients with mutation-associated tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance decreased from 36.6 % (2006-2008) to 24.95 % (2013-2016) and to marked decrease of 23.12 % in 2014. Detection rate of imatinib-resistant mutations and F359V mutation was shown to decrease within the period from 2010-2011 to 2014-2015. F317L level, which is responsible for dasatinib resistance, considerably increased in 2015. T315I frequency was the highest in 2014, afterwards it was gradually decreasing. Mutation-associated resistance rates varied by region of the Russian Federation. Conclusion. The analysis of trends of mutation incidence in patients with CML can be of extreme significance in longterm prognosis of resistance development and in improvement of treatment planning.
Results of Molecular Monitoring in Posttransplant Period by Means of Series Investigation of WT1 Gene Expression in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Gudozhnikova Ya.V. , Mamaev Nikolai Nikolaevich , Barkhatov I.M. , Katerina V.A. , Gindina T.L. , Shakirova A.I. , Bondarenko S.N. , Slesarchuk O.A. , Darskaya E.I. , Paina O.V. , Zubarovskaya L.S. , Afanas'ev B.V.
Published: June 2018

Aim. To demonstrate diagnostic and prognostic significance of series measurement of WT1 expression in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Materials & Methods. The clinical trial included 88 AML patients (38 females (43 %) and 50 males (57 %) aged 2-68, median 30 years). All the patients received allo-HSCT. Bone marrow was aspirated before (D0) and after HSCT (D+30, D+60, and D+100). Results. The univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in 2-year overall survival with respect to the following factors: with and without remission at the moment of HSCT (p < 0.001), with and without chronic graft vs. host disease (cGVHD) (p = 0.002), primary or secondary (MDS) AML (p = 0.028), WT1 gene expression < and > 250 copies before HSCT (p < 0.001) and at time points D+60 (p = 0.012), and D+100 (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed similar statistical significance of differences among patients transplanted in remission (p = 0.041) and with cGVHD (p = 0.03). In univariate analysis statistically significant differences in 2-year event-free survival (EFS) were found: a) in patients with allo-HSCT, either in remission or not (p < 0.001); b) using HSC, but not bone marrow, as transplant source (p < 0.026); c) with normal or high WT1 expression at the stage of HSCT (p < 0.001) and at time point D+100 (p < 0.001); d) using HSC from related or unrelated donor (p = 0.006); e) in patients with cGVHD (p = 0.05). In multivariate analysis independent positive effect on EFS was observed only in patients with normal WT1 expression at D+100 (p = 0.011) and with cGVHD (p = 0.038). Cumulative incidence of posttransplant relapse (PTR) in AML patients with normal or high WT1 expression at the stage of HSCT within the 2-year follow-up was significantly different (28.2 vs. 58.9 %; p = 0.002), also in measurements of this parameter at D+60 and D+100 (p = 0.015 and p < 0.001, respectively). In 1/4 of patients cytological relapses (cPTR) appeared considerably later than molecular relapses (mPTR), i.e. 13-489 days later (median 35 days), which is accounted for by early preventive therapy aimed at cPTR prophylaxis against the background of already recorded mPTR. According to our data, GVHD plays a crucial role in cPTR management. Conclusion. Phenomenon of WT1 expression normalization after allo-HSCT in AML patients proves to have a high diagnostic and prognostic significance. Introduction of this approach into clinical practice seems highly advisable for national oncohematological centers.
Correction of Anemia and Evaluation of Efficacy of Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Patients with Oncohematological Diseases
Authors: Romanenko Nikolai Aleksandrovich , Chechetkin A.V. , Zhiguleva L.Yu. , Grishina G.V. , Bondarchuk S.V. , Bessmel'tsev S.S.
Published: June 2018

Aim. To study the quality of life (QL) of patients with oncohematological diseases and anemia with respect to hemoglobin level and to evaluate the efficacy of red blood cell transfusion (RBCT). Materials & Methods. QL of patients (n = 326) was studied using FACT-An questionnaire. RBCT efficacy was evaluated in two groups. The first group included patients (n = 28; 13 men and 15 women) with oncohematological diseases and chronic anemia aged 23-80 (median 65) years, the second (control) group included patients (n = 12; 11 men and 1 woman) after severe blood loss after injury (acute anemia) aged 25-43 (median 36) years. The baseline levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht) were < 80 g/L and < 25 % in all patients, respectively. The target levels of Hb and Ht were > 80 g/L and > 25 %, respectively. Results. The association between the severity of anemia and QL was shown. The lowest QL was observed in patients with grade III-IV anemia (Hb < 80 g/L). Each patient in both groups received 1-8 units of blood cells (median 2) during the hospital stay. After RBCT the levels of Hb and Ht increased from 64.1 ± 2.7 g/L to 90.2 ± 1.7 g/L and from 20.1 ± 0.8 % to 28.9 ± 0.7 %, respectively. The levels of Hb and Ht in the second (control) group increased from 65.9 ± 3.0 g/L to 88.3 ± 3.2 g/L and from 19.6 ± 0.9 % to 26.7 ± 1.4 %, respectively. Venous blood oxygen saturation (SvO2) increased in the first group from 42.0 ± 3.3 % to 57.6 ± 4.1 %, and in the second group from 51.3 ± 1.9 % to 69.0 ± 1.3 %. However, after RBCT the SvO2 level reached > 60 % only in 67.9 % of patients in the first group and in all the patients (100 %) in the second group. In 32.1 % of patients with various forms of hematologic cancer and chronic anemia tissue hypoxia was still observed after RBCT despite increased Hb > 80 g/L and Ht > 25 %. Therefore, it was proposed to raise the target Hb and Ht threshold levels for patients with low SvO2. Conclusion. The effect of the severity of anemia on QL was demonstrated. The patients with Hb < 80 g/L were shown to have low quality of life.
Pure Red Cell Aplasia with M-Gradient: A Literature Review and Clinical Experience
Authors: Pivnik Aleksandr Vasil'evich , Petrenko A.A. , Kozhurin S.V. , Mar'ina S.A.
Published: June 2018

Background. Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare syndrome characterized by a decrease of erythroid progenitor cell count in the bone marrow. M-gradient with both a light and a heavy chain types in PRCA patients is a rare phenomenon which is considered to be a specific form of the disease. Aim. To review a clinical presentation, diagnostic capabilities, and treatment outcomes of PRCA with M-gradient. Materials & Methods. The analysis included 10 patients. The most effective empirically established treatment program was 200-400 g of cyclophosphamide 2-3 times a week to a total dose of 6-10 g and loading courses of 100-120 mg of oral and 180-240 mg of intravenous prednisone daily within 5 days. On the 6th day prednisone injections were discontinued, and from the 7th day the oral dose of prednisone was gradually reduced to permanent discontinuation in 2-3 days. This treatment course was repeated 1-3 times at intervals of a week. Targeted enzyme immunoassay of M-gradient was performed in 4 patients in order to determine whether M-gradient is the sum of two antibody types, i.e. erythrokaryocyte antibodies and secondary anti-idiotype antibodies against primary antibodies. Results. The total of 7 out of 10 PRCA patients reached complete remission within the period from 9 months to 22 years of follow-up, in 3 patients no remission was achieved. M-gradient contained IgG (n = 9) and IgA (n = 1) oligoclones. In typing it consisted of IgGA (n = 4), IgGK (n = 5) and IgAK (n = 1). M-gradient enzyme immunoassay showed no primary and secondary anti-idiotype antibodies. Conclusion. The obtained results allow to regard gammopathy in PRCA as an effect of oligoclonal hyper-immunoglobulin without any pathogenetic connection between M-gradient and PRCA.
Sevoflurane for the treatment of refractory status epilepticus in the critical care unit
Authors: Romagnoli Stefano , Villa Gianluca , Ricci Zaccaria , Marra Fabio , Amantini Aldo
Published: June 2018

A 50‐year‐old woman with liver failure was admitted to critical care for refractory status epilepticus (RSE). Following tracheal intubation, sevoflurane was administered via the MIRUSTM system (Pall Medical, Dreieich, Germany). Following incremental increases in minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) from 0.3 to 1.0, there was a suppression of motor activity and continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring revealed suppression of seizure activity. Sevoflurane was progressively reduced to 0.3 MAC and the EEG recovered. Forty‐eight hours later, sevoflurane was discontinued followed by extubation. The patient was discharged from hospital a further 48 hours later. We argue that volatile anaesthetics can be titrated to a continuously monitored EEG in cases of RSE. Moreover, there now exists technology to safely and accurately administer volatile anaesthetics, which may have certain advantages over intravenous agents, in the critical care environment.
Meta-analysis of corporate governance in Asia
Authors: Lukviarman Niki , Prima Johan Arief
Published: June 2018

Research on corporate governance has been conducted extensively over the past few decades. However, the result of various studies failed to produce conclusive insight. This study is aimed at identifying, classifying, analyzing and interpreting previous research on corporate governance in Asia by using meta-analytical approach. By using the HOMA (Hedges-Olkin Meta-Analytical) procedures, the current study collected eighty articles from journals ranging from 1999 until 2017. Data were gathered from empirical scientific papers. Through rigorous research process, the current study found that most previous research on corporate governance in Asia observed the patterns of influence of various types of ownership structure and board characteristics on corporate performance. Ownership by family, government, and management tend to have a negative impact on performance, whilst institutional ownership and foreign ownership show positive effect on performance. The study reveals inconsistent result for frequency of board meetings, existence of family members on board, outside director, and board independence towards performance. Similar finding appeared for the relationship of performance to women on board and CEO duality. CGPI as the Corporate Governance Perception index and board size were found to have a positive consistency on performance. Apart from limitations of the study, the result suggests that there exists institutional and environmental specificity in the study of corporate governance in Asia that may be different from other context of study so that future researcher need to take a precaution of this matter.
Testing efficient market hypothesis in developing Eastern European countries
Authors: Tokić Saša , Bolfek Berislav , Radman Peša Anita
Published: June 2018

This paper analyzes financial markets in four developing countries (Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia) using daily returns of their respective stock market indices from January 1, 2006 till December 31, 2016, timeframe which was rarely analyzed. Analysis was conducted by various statistical tests, more precisely serial correlation test, runs test, Augmented Dickey-Fuller test, unit root test, variance ratio test and test of January effect. Results suggest that all analyzed indices, except BelexLine (Serbia), confirm weak form of efficient market hypothesis, while the results on the index BelexLine are mixed and it can be concluded that it does not follow weak form of efficient market hypothesis. Given these results, it can be said that not only passive approach to portfolio management is more appropriate on all indices, except BelexLine, but also additional test and more complex models are necessary in order to confirm this conclusion.
Modelling of capital structure in relation to business performance maximization
Authors: Horvathova Jarmila , Mokrisova Martina , Dancisinova Lucia
Published: June 2018

The aim of the article was to find out the optimal capital structure of the companies in relation to their maximum performance. To reach this aim, the data of the companies operating in the field of heat industry of the Slovak Republic were used. As the first method, a correlation matrix was applied. It was found out that there is statistically significant relationship between capital structure indicators and performance of the companies. Due to the lack of data in time series, the authors were not able to apply multiple regression model to assess the impact of these indicators on performance. Therefore, a method of modelling was used to analyze the impact of the change in capital structure on performance. Modelling was based on the principle of a gradual change in the capital structure in favor of debt. By the increase in debt, it was confirmed that there was a change in the values of selected indicators. In the course of analysis, it was confirmed that the value of EVA equity increased with the rising indebtedness by which the proposition I of the modified MM theory was supported. The performance expressed by EVA entity indicator is at its minimum when the capital structure is 90:10 in favor of equity. By increasing the debt, EVA entity rises. Based on these results, it can be stated that the performance of selected companies increases when the share of debt also rises, even when taking into account the rising financial risks.
Groundwater capacity of a flysch-type aquifer feeding springs in the Outer Eastern Carpathians (Poland)
Authors: Płaczkowska Eliza , Siwek Janusz , Maciejczyk Karolina , Mostowik Karolina , Murawska Magdalena , Rzonca Bartłomiej
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study is to assess the capacity of the flysch aquifer feeding springs in the Outer Eastern Carpathians using spring recession curves. The four selected springs are located in an area generally believed to be poor in groundwater. However, the selected springs were characterized by remarkably high average discharge of 3.2–9.6 L s−1. Recession coefficients were estimated which enabled an aquifer capacity and groundwater residence time assessment. Despite similarities in elevation, precipitation, and lithology in the study area, a substantial variation in the recession coefficients and aquifer parameters was found. The average aquifer capacity of groundwater subsystems strongly varied in the small study area (4.9–49 m3 × 103). The mean groundwater residence time varied from 11 days to 50 days depending on the volume of groundwater drained by the springs. Differences in discharge, recession coefficients, groundwater capacity, and residence time were related to recharge areas of different size. Simple relationships between the topographic catchment areas of springs and their hydrologic parameters can become altered by local structural features: faults and fissures. The study demonstrates that tectonically produced structures may facilitate a larger supply of groundwater and the occurrence of high-discharge springs in a given area.
A questão prioritária de constitucionalidade do direito francês
Authors: Ferreira Lívia Da Silva
Published: June 2018

RESUMO:

 O modelo francês serviu por anos como único exemplo no qual o controle de constitucionalidade era realizado de maneira preventiva. Em 2008 foi aprovada uma Lei Constitucional com o intuito de modernizar as instituições políticas da França, na qual estava incluída a criação do controle de constitucionalidade a posteriori, que mais tarde foi chamado de Questão Prioritária de Constitucionalidade - QPC. Esse mecanismo tem com principal objetivo conferir aos particulares a prerrogativa de contestar a constitucionalidade de um dispositivo legal que julguem ser violador de seus direitos e liberdades garantidos constitucionalmente. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo efetuar uma breve análise dos fatores que antecederam e influenciaram a reforma supracitada, além apontar consequências e dos efeitos gerados pela criação da QPC no direito francês.

 

ABSTRACT:

 The French system of judicial review is very specific and for years was used as an example of the only system in which the compatibility exam between laws and the Constitution was performed preventively. In 2008 a constitutional amendment was approved in attempt to modernize the political institutions of France. One of its modernizing measures was the judicial review a posteriori, that later was called Priority Question of Constitutionality or priority preliminary rulings on the issue of constitutionality – QPC. This mechanism aims to confer on individuals the right to challenge the constitutionality of a legal provision they deem to be violating their constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms. The main goal of this essay is examine the factors that preceded and influenced this reform and the effects and consequences caused by QPC in French Law.

 
Entrevista com a Professora Ana Lúcia de Lyra Tavares
Authors: Dutra Deo Campos , Ribas Vieira José
Published: June 2018

 

RESUMO: Entrevista com a Professora Ana Lúcia de Lyra Tavares, professora assistente da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

 

ABSTRACT: Interview with Ana Lúcia de Lyra Tavares, assistant professor at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

 
Direito transnacional do trabalho e constituição global
Authors: Ojeda Avilés Antonio
Published: June 2018

RESUMO:

Trata-se de artigo que pretende enfrentar o surgimento do chamado Direito Transnacional do Trabalho, como ramo autônomo do Direito, a partir da análise de seus interlocutores e da vinculatividade de sua atuação. Para tanto, examinamse os fatores que culminaram no fenômeno sob análise, tais como a globalização digital e econômica e a repercussão e a violação mundial das violações aos direitos humanos. Os pontos de partida são diversos episódios de danos causados por transnacionais no último século. O estudo teve por objetivo lançar luz no fenômeno cada vez mais comum e forte decorrente da atuação das transnacionais em um mercado globalizado. 

 

ABSTRACT:

The present article intends to deal with the emergence of the so-called Transnational Labor Law, understood as an autonomous branch of the Law. The analysis is focused on transnational actors and the binding character of their actions. It is examined the factors that resulted in the phenomenon under analysis, such as digital and economic globalization and the repercussion and global violation of human rights. The points of departure are several instances of damages caused by transnational employers in the last century. The objective of this study was to shed light on the increasingly common phenomenon that result from the action of transnational actors on a globalized world.   

 

Errata: O artigo foi recebido em maio 17, 2018 e aceito em maio 18, 2018
The effects of a web-based educational intervention on total exercise amount, and self- efficacy for exercise in soon-to-be-aged adults with coronary heart disease (Preprint)
Authors: Wong Eliza Mi-Ling , Leung Doris Y.P.
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death globally, and e-health educational programmes have proven to be an effective support for patients. Considering the advantages of such programmes, as well as the growing number of soon-to-be aged patients with CHD, a study was conducted.

OBJECTIVE

It aims to investigate the effectiveness of a home-based interactive e-health educational intervention (eHEI) for patients with CHD in terms of improvements in their total amount of physical exercise, self-efficacy for exercise, and CHD risk factor profile.

METHODS

A prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT).
The study was conducted in two government cardiac clinics in Hong Kong. Using a block randomization method, 441 eligible CHD clients were randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group. All of the participants received standard care, which consisted of regular follow-ups with a doctor and medical prescriptions related to their CHD, while the intervention group received in addition the e-HEI, which consisted of a 20-minute individual educational session on the use of the web link. The web link contains general health information related to CHD and an individual member area with records of health measures and physical exercise data for six months. Data were collected at baseline, and at three-month and six-month intervals at the cardiac clinic. The primary outcome was the total amount of physical exercise, measured by the Godin–Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. The secondary outcomes were total exercise time, self-efficacy for exercise, and CHD risk profile (body weight, blood pressure, lipids profile). The data were analyzed using a generalized estimating equations model.

RESULTS

Patients in the intervention group who received the e-HEI intervention reported a statistically higher amount of physical exercise (P=0.02) over a three-month period. There were no statistical differences between the groups in their self-efficacy for exercise and CHD risk factor profile. The results indicated that the e-HEI intervention was feasible and safe to use by the participants in terms of supporting their exercise maintenance, and improving their exercise and health records.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated the effectiveness of the e-HEI intervention in meeting the challenge of boosting the amount of physical exercise that CHD patients engaged in over three months. The evidence may benefit healthcare professionals involved in efforts to devise strategic plans on how to apply e-health education and provide continual support to promote exercise initiation and maintenance among Chinese CHD patients in the community.

CLINICALTRIAL

Registered at Clinicaltrials.gov. (NCT02350192 ).
Біомеханічні особливості ходьби хворих на коксартроз за даними системи GAITRite Частина 1. Геометричні параметри ходьби
Authors: Strafun S.S. , Fischenko О.V. , Karpinska О.D.
Published: June 2018

Мета роботи: оцінити динаміку та особливості геометричних параметрів ходьби пацієнтів до тотального протезування кульшового суглоба та після нього при збереженні та зменшенні довжини плеча дії абдукторів (ДПДА) стегна після протезування у віддаленому періоді спостереження. Матеріали та методи. Аналізували геометричні параметри ходьби: довжина кроку (Step Length) або короткий крок; довжина довгого кроку (Stride Length); ширина опори (H-H Base Support) та величини кута розвороту стопи (Toe In/Toe Out), що були отримані за допомогою системи GAITRite. Було проаналізовано параметри ходьби 46 хворих на коксартроз. До І групи увійшло 26 хворих, у яких рентгенометрично після протезування кульшового суглоба довжина плеча дії абдукторів стегна не змінилася або різниця не перевищувала 10 мм у бік зменшення. До ІІ групи потрапили хворі (20 пацієнтів), у яких після протезування рентгенометрично було виявлено зменшення ДПДА стегна більше ніж на 10 мм. Обстеження проводили до протезування та у віддалені періоди спостереження — через 1–1,5 та 5–7 років після протезування. Результати. До протезування групи за параметрами ходьби були однаковими. Протезування у більшості хворих приводило до відновлення параметрів ходьби, хоча у більшості випадків нормалізація параметрів і не досягала середньостатистичної референтної норми, але практично відновлювало симетричність ходьби. Через 5–7 років у хворих спостерігали погіршення параметрів ходьби, а у деяких хворих погіршення показників досягало значень до ендопротезування. Особливо це було помітно у хворих зі зменшеною довжиною дії плеча абдукторів стегна. У цих хворих відбувалося постійне перенапруження означених м’язів, що у віддаленому періоді призводить до розвитку чи прогресування дегенеративних змін в інших суглобах нижньої кінцівки — колінному суглобі, гомілково-ступневому суглобі та поперековому відділі хребта, що й обумовлює погіршення ходьби у віддаленому періоді спостереження. Висновки. Проведений аналіз показав, що у хворих зі зменшенням довжини плеча дії абдукторів стегна внаслідок тривалого однобічного перенапруження м’язів протезованої кінцівки у віддаленому періоді спостерігається втрата опорності та надбаних після протезування навичок ходьби.
Рентгенологічна оцінка ефективності тілозамінних систем для вентрального субаксіального цервікоспондилодезу
Authors: Slynko E.I. , Nekhlopochin A.S.
Published: June 2018

Актуальність. На сьогодні вентральний цервікоспондилодез є найбільш поширеним методом хірургічної корекції більшості травматичних ушкоджень субаксіального відділу хребта. Незважаючи на широкий асортимент тілозамінних систем, у сучасній літературі відсутні дані про переваги застосування певного типу конструкцій при різних варіантах пошкодження остеолігаментозного апарата. Мета — рентгенологічна оцінка ефективності використання тілозамінностабілізуючих систем при різних варіантах травматичних ушкоджень шийного відділу хребта. Матеріали та методи. Проведено аналіз даних рентгенограм 70 пацієнтів, які перенесли вентральний субаксіальний цервікоспондилодез у зв’язку з травматичним пошкодженням шийного відділу хребта. Проведено дослідження ефективності відновлення сегментарного кіфозу оперованого сегмента і стабільності досягнутої корекції в післяопераційному періоді. Терміни спостереження: інтраопераційно, через 3–5 днів, 3, 6 і 12–18 місяців після оперативного втручання. Як система стабілізації використані комбінація «Mesh + вентральна пластина» і телескопічний тілозамінний імплант. Переломи класифіковані згідно з основними класами AOSpine subaxial cervical spine injury classification system. Результати. Інтраопераційні рентгенограми свідчать про більш дозовану корекцію сегментарного кіфозу оперованого сегмента при застосуванні тілозамінного імпланту. При цьому 87,5 % аналізованих випадків містяться в необхідному діапазоні значень. При застосуванні комбінації Mesh із вентральною пластиною цей показник становив 50 %. Аналіз динаміки втрати корекції свідчить про більшу стабільність досягнутого спондилодезу при застосуванні тілозамінного імпланту. На 3-тю — 5-ту добу післяопераційного періоду максимальне наростання сегментарного кіфозу зареєстроване при С-типі ушкодження і застосуванні комбінації Mesh із вентральною пластиною. Мінімальна деформація відзначена при використанні тілозамінного імпланту та при А-типі ушкодження. Аналогічна залежність спостерігається на всіх подальших термінах спостереження. Висновки. При виконанні вентрального субаксіального цервікоспондилодезу пошкодження типу А є найбільш стабільними, а пошкодження типу С проявляють максимальну схильність до втрати досягнутої інтраопераційної корекції. Застосування тілозамінного імпланту порівняно з комбінацією Mesh із вентральною пластиною забезпечує більше збереження сагітального контуру оперованого сегмента на всіх термінах спостереження.