bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of temperature characteristics of ink fluid based on power law model in microchannel
Authors: Chu Hongyan , Lin Xuecong , Cai Ligang
Published: March 2019

In the offset press, ink flows in the microchannel made of two rotating rollers that are in the state of squeezing and contacting. The ink flow characteristics are not only influenced by the viscous dissipation effect, but also change with the heat transfer. First, by summarizing the common viscosity–shear rate models of non-Newtonian fluid, the power law model was chosen for describing offset ink through rheometer measuring. Combined with the experimental data, the viscosity–temperature relationship of the offset ink was described by the Arrhenius’s law. Then, the temperature characteristics of the offset ink fluid in the microchannel were studied using the fluid simulation software FLUENT. The ink fluid temperature field model considering viscous dissipation and heat transfer was established, and the temperature distributions of the ink fluid inside the microchannel and at the exit and entrance were obtained. The influence of the feature size on the ink temperature was also researched. Finally, the ink temperature and flow characteristics were compared with that under the condition without heat transfer. We got the influence of feature size and heat transfer on the ink temperature characteristics. As the feature size is smaller, the ink temperature increase from the microchannel entrance to the exit, increases first and then decreases, and keeps invariant at last. The heat transfer makes the viscous dissipation weaken relatively and then the ink temperature decreases. In a word, the heat transfer enhances as the feature size decreases. The results provide reference for improving the printing quality of offset press.
Pre natal evaluation of heterotaxy syndrome by fetal echocardiography and correlating with autopsy
Authors: Routhu Madhavilatha , Mohammad Imran Ali
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Heterotaxy syndrome/ isomerism is characterized by an abnormal symmetry of the viscera that are normally dissimilar due to abnormal lateralization of thoracic and abdominal viscera and is frequently associated with complex cardiac anomalies. Isomerism may be of right or left.

Materials and methods

This article describes the morphological characteristics of heterotaxy and suggests an approach in evaluating the spectrum of abnormalities associated with this syndrome. This study is based on 12 cases diagnosed on antenatal ultrasound as heterotaxy syndrome. Results of the examinations were re-evaluated and compared by fetal autopsy.

Result

Based on the following echocardiographic criteria, a diagnosis of left isomerism was made if there was viscerocardiac heterotaxy associated with an interruption of inferior vena cava or with bilateral finger-like atrial appendages or if it was associated with heart block. If there was evidence of viscerocardiac heterotaxy with complex cardiac anomalies then it was diagnosed as right atrial isomerism or visceral heterotaxy syndrome. We diagnosed 6/12 as left isomerism and rest of the cases as right isomerism/visceral heterotaxy syndrome. In Autopsy we evaluated visceral situs and morphology of the lungs and the main bronchi, the state of the liver, spleen, bowel, and the precise anatomy of the heart and confirmed 4/12 as left isomerism 4/12 as right isomerism and two cases as visceral heterotaxy syndrome (VHS). Rest of the two cases were included in the study despite missing autopsy data, as the combination of abnormal situs with interrupted inferior vena cava, and cardiac malformation allowed a diagnosis of left isomerism with high probability.

Conclusion

In this study, we aimed to find common features of heterotaxy syndrome on prenatal ultrasound as well as on fetal autopsy. This syndrome should be accurately diagnosed in the prenatal period in order to allow appropriate counseling of parents.
Measuring health information seeking challenges in chronic disease: A psychometric analysis of a brief scale
Authors: Paige Samantha R , Flood-Grady Elizabeth , Krieger Janice L , Stellefson Michael , Miller M David
Published: March 2019

Information seeking is a cornerstone of patient activation in chronic disease self-management. To date, there are few brief and literacy-sensitive tools to measure intrinsic barriers of health information seeking. The Health Information National Trends Survey includes four items from the Information Seeking Experiences scale to measure frustration, effort, concern, and comprehension of information sought during a recent medical/health information search. Limited evidence exists for its construct validity and use in primary data collection in chronic disease. This measurement study examines the psychometric properties of the scale. Qualtrics Panelists with at least one chronic disease ( N = 684) participated in an online survey. The average score was M = 12.85 ( SD = 3.97), indicating a moderate degree of health information seeking challenges. Confirmatory factor analysis of data collected using this scale supported unidimensionality (RMSEA = .03; CFI/TLI = .99/.99). There was adequate scale (ω = .83) and item (value = .98) reliabilities. Rasch analyses showed optimal measurement error and response predictability with item-fit (values = .80–1.20). Response option “agree” was less likely to be selected than any other response option, although not posing a threat to scale reliability. Results demonstrate that this brief scale has sufficient measurement properties for its use as a measure of intrinsic health information seeking barriers among patients with chronic disease.
Affective judgement of social touch on a hand associated with hand embodiment
Authors: Fahey Samira , Santana Chavelyn , Kitada Ryo , Zheng Zane
Published: March 2019

Social touch constitutes a critical component of human interactions. A gentle tap on the hand, for instance, can sometimes create emotional bonding and reduce interpersonal distance in social interactions. Evidence of tactile empathy suggests that touch can be experienced through both physical sensation and observation, yet vicarious perception of observed touch on an object as a function of the object’s conceptual representation (e.g., Is this object identified as mine? Does this object feel like part of me?) remains less explored. Here we examined the affective judgement of social touch when the illusory sense of ownership over a dummy hand was manipulated through the rubber-hand illusion. When the same social touch was performed on either the real or the dummy hand, we found a similar sense of perceived pleasantness between the felt and observed touch, but only when the dummy hand was embodied; when it was not, the perceived pleasantness of the observed touch was lesser (an “embodiment effect”; Experiment 1). In addition, we found that the embodiment effect associated with the observed touch was insensitive to the way in which embodiment was manipulated (Experiment 2), and that this effect was specific to social but not neutral touch (Experiment 3). Taken together, our findings suggest a role of embodiment in the affective component of observed social touch and contribute to our understanding of tactile empathy for objects.
Anorectal biofeedback: an effective therapy, but can we shorten the course to improve access to treatment?
Authors: Mazor Yoav , Kellow John E. , Prott Gillian M. , Jones Michael P. , Malcolm Allison
Published: March 2019

Background:

Instrumented anorectal biofeedback (BF) improves symptoms and quality of life in patients with faecal incontinence and defecation disorder-associated chronic constipation. However, demand for BF greatly outweighs availability, so refinement of the BF protocol, in terms of the time and resources required, is of importance. Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes of an abbreviated BF protocol in patients with defecation disorder-associated chronic constipation and/or faecal incontinence compared to standard BF.

Methods:

Data were collected from consecutive patients ( n = 31; age 54 ± 15; 29 females; 61% functional constipation) undergoing an intentionally abbreviated BF protocol, and compared in a 1:2 ratio with 62 age, gender and functional anorectal disorder-matched control patients undergoing a standard BF. Outcomes included change in symptoms, physiology, patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Results:

On intention to treat, patients in both protocols showed significant improvement in symptom scores and the magnitude did not differ between groups. Impact on quality of life, satisfaction and control over bowel movements improved in both protocols, but satisfaction improved to a greater extent in the standard BF protocol ( p = 0.009). Physiological parameters were unchanged after BF apart from improvement in rectal sensation in the standard BF group compared to abbreviated BF ( p ⩽ 0.002).

Conclusions:

Abbreviated anorectal BF offered to patients travelling from far away was not different to a standard BF in providing substantial, at least short term, improvements in symptoms of constipation and faecal incontinence, quality of life and feeling of control over bowel movements. Refinement of the standard BF protocol according to individual patient phenotypes and desired outcomes warrants further study in order to maximize efficacy and improve access for patients.
Care pathways are complex interventions in complex systems: New European Pathway Association framework
Authors: Seys D , Panella M , VanZelm R , Sermeus W , Aeyels D , Bruyneel L , Coeckelberghs E , Vanhaecht K
Published: March 2019

Care pathway implementation is characterised by a dual complexity. A care pathway itself represents a complex intervention with multiple interacting and interdependent intervention components and outcomes. The organisations in which care pathways are being implemented represent complex systems that need to be directed at change through an in-depth understanding of their external and internal context in which they are functioning in. This study sets out a new evidence-based and pragmatic framework that unpacks how intervention mechanisms, intervention fidelity and care context are converge and represent interacting processes that determine success or failure of the care pathway. We recommend researchers looking to increase the effectiveness of care pathway implementation and accelerate improvement of desired outcomes to adopt this framework from inception to implementation of the intervention.
Oligoclonal bands increase the specificity of MRI criteria to predict multiple sclerosis in children with radiologically isolated syndrome
Authors: Makhani Naila , Lebrun Christine , Siva Aksel , Narula Sona , Wassmer Evangeline , Brassat David , Brenton J Nicholas , Cabre Philippe , Carra Dallière Clarisse , de Seze Jérôme , Durand Dubief Francoise , Inglese Matilde , Langille Megan , Mathey Guillaume , Neuteboom Rinze F , Pelletier Jean , Pohl Daniela , Reich Daniel S , Ignacio Rojas Juan , Shabanova Veronika , Shapiro Eugene D , Stone Robert T , Tenembaum Silvia , Tintoré Mar , Uygunoglu Ugur , Vargas Wendy , Venkateswaren Sunita , Vermersch Patrick , Kantarci Orhun , Okuda Darin T , Pelletier Daniel ,   on behalf of Observatoire Francophone de la Sclérose en Plaques (OFSEP), Société Francophone de la Sclérose en Plaques (SFSEP), the Radiologically Isolated Syndrome Consortium (RISC) and the Pediatric Radiologically Isolated Syndrome Consortium (PARIS)
Published: March 2019

Background

Steps towards the development of diagnostic criteria are needed for children with the radiologically isolated syndrome to identify children at risk of clinical demyelination.

Objectives

To evaluate the 2005 and 2016 MAGNIMS magnetic resonance imaging criteria for dissemination in space for multiple sclerosis, both alone and with oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid added, as predictors of a first clinical event consistent with central nervous system demyelination in children with radiologically isolated syndrome.

Methods

We analysed an international historical cohort of 61 children with radiologically isolated syndrome (≤18 years), defined using the 2010 magnetic resonance imaging dissemination in space criteria (Ped-RIS) who were followed longitudinally (mean 4.2 ± 4.7 years). All index scans also met the 2017 magnetic resonance imaging dissemination in space criteria.

Results

Diagnostic indices (95% confidence intervals) for the 2005 dissemination in space criteria, with and without oligoclonal bands, were: sensitivity 66.7% (38.4–88.2%) versus 72.7% (49.8–89.3%); specificity 83.3% (58.6–96.4%) versus 53.9% (37.2–69.9%). For the 2016 MAGNIMS dissemination in space criteria diagnostic indices were: sensitivity 76.5% (50.1–93.2%) versus 100% (84.6–100%); specificity 72.7% (49.8–89.3%) versus 25.6% (13.0–42.1%).

Conclusions

Oligoclonal bands increased the specificity of magnetic resonance imaging criteria in children with Ped-RIS. Clinicians should consider testing cerebrospinal fluid to improve diagnostic certainty. There is rationale to include cerebrospinal fluid analysis for biomarkers including oligoclonal bands in planned prospective studies to develop optimal diagnostic criteria for radiologically isolated syndrome in children.
Changes in Parental Perceptions of Their Care of Their Children’s Oral Health From Age 1 to 4 Years
Authors: Daly Jeanette M. , Levy Steven M. , Xu Yinghui , Jackson Richard D. , Eckert George J. , Levy Barcey T. , Fontana Margherita
Published: March 2019

Introduction: In this 3-year longitudinal study, parent/child attended 3 dental visits and in between, parents were called every 4 months and asked if their child had visited the dentist and if fluoride varnish had been applied. Methods: Objectives were to assess changes in parents’ perceptions of how well they do in taking care of their children’s teeth and/or gums across these 3 time points (at age 1, 2.5, and 4 years), assess differences in parents’ perceptions of how well they do taking care of their children’s teeth and/or gums versus taking care of their children’s medical health, and determine factors associated with parental perceptions of how well they do in taking care of the children’s teeth and/or gums longitudinally. Results: Participant pairs (1325) were enrolled and over time there was a significant improvement in parental perceptions of their job taking care of their children’s teeth and/or gums, increasing from 86% perceiving it to be excellent/very good/good at their child’s 1 year of age to 92% at child’s age 4 years. The estimated odds of parents perceiving they provided excellent/very good/good versus fair/poor care for the children’s teeth and/or gums were higher for those who cleaned and checked inside the children’s mouth and/or gums daily (odds ratio 4.74) or took their children to the dentist yearly or twice yearly (odds ratio; 2.73). Conclusions: Parents’ perceptions of the care of their children’s teeth and/or gums improved over time. Parents consistently perceived that they provided better medical care than dental care for their child.
Casualty sensitivity in Japan: Information underlying certainty and uncertainty
Authors: Komiya Yoshitaka
Published: March 2019

Casualty sensitivity among the general public has long been studied and has obtained robust empirical support. Scholars have assumed that the general public receives confirmed information about the number of casualties in war; however, the public may receive uncertain casualty information. In some cases, they may obtain new information that changes their beliefs. To shed new light on how uncertainty and updating information on casualty numbers affect public attitudes toward the use of force, a two-stage survey experiment with 1657 respondents in Japan was conducted. Findings revealed that initial uncertain information on casualty numbers has a negative impact on public attitudes toward a peacekeeping operation. The two-stage experiment provides empirical evidence that while information updating from certainty to uncertainty on casualty numbers increases public anxiety, the effects of this information updating are not significant. In contrast, information on the number of casualties updating from uncertainty to certainty has a significant impact on public support for troop withdrawal.
New Missions with a New Generation: The Experiences of Korean American Churches and Missions
Authors: Kim Dae Sung
Published: March 2019

Korean immigrants have continued to form Protestant churches in the US and to contribute to overseas missions. As the American-born second generation grows, however, ethnic congregations of Koreans are experiencing generational struggles. These new challenges represent the potential for Korean American churches to broaden their missionary perspective and empower their missionary practices. Through gathering and witnessing with the second generation, immigrant churches can transform their churches into missionary communities that evangelize and cooperate with other Asian Americans. Second-generation Christians can also lead the immigrant churches to reach other ethnic groups in the US beyond their Korean enclaves.
Historical lead seals and the influence of disinfectants on the lead corrosion rate
Authors: Msallamova Sarka , Kouril Milan , Strachotova Kristyna Charllote , Stoulil Jan , Popova Kateryna , Dvorakova Pavla
Published: March 2019

Lead used to be a common material for setting seal to historical documents. Lead seals formed parts of historical documents as a guarantee of their legal validity. Disinfectants are commonly used during the restoration of historical documents. They successfully remove mould, bacteria and microscopic fungi from the surface of parchment documents. However, some disinfectants could also be a source of corrosion damage to lead seals. This work was carried out to examine possible corrosion damage to lead seals caused by disinfectants [a solution of carbethopendecinium bromide, a solution of glutaraldehyde, butanol (vapours), a solution of 1-propanol, 2-propanol + ethanol called Bacillol AF], which are commonly used during restoration of historical documents. The lead corrosion rates were determined by using lead resistometric probes. The solutions of carbethopendecinium bromide and glutaraldehyde increase the lead corrosion rate and corrosion products based on carbonates, nitrates and organic lead salts are formed on the lead surface. The most appropriate disinfectants for the restoration of historical documents with lead seals are alcohol-based solutions, such as butanol (vapours) and a solution of 1-propanol, 2-propanol and ethanol called Bacillol AF.
Least-squares Gaussian beam migration in elastic media
Authors: Yue Yubo , Sava Paul , Qian Zhongping , Yang Jidong , Zou Zhen
Published: March 2019

Gaussian beam migration (GBM) is an effective imaging method that has the ability to image multiple arrivals while preserving the advantages of ray-based methods. We have extended this method to linearized least-squares imaging for elastic waves in isotropic media. We have dynamically transformed the multicomponent data to the principal components of different wave modes using the polarization information available in the beam migration process, and then we use Gaussian beams as wavefield propagator to construct the forward modeling and adjoint migration operators. Based on the constructed operators, we formulate a least-squares migration scheme that is iteratively solved using a preconditioned conjugate gradient method. With this method, we can obtain crosstalk-attenuated multiwave images with better subsurface illumination and higher resolution than those of the conventional elastic Gaussian beam migration. This method also allows us to achieve a good balance between computational cost and imaging accuracy, which are both important requirements for iterative least-squares migrations. Numerical tests on two synthetic data sets demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of our proposed method.
Comparison of Population-Based Observational Studies With Randomized Trials in Oncology
Authors: Soni Payal D. , Hartman Holly E. , Dess Robert T. , Abugharib Ahmed , Allen Steven G. , Feng Felix Y. , Zietman Anthony L. , Jagsi Reshma , Schipper Matthew J. , Spratt Daniel E.
Published: March 2019

PURPOSE

Comparative efficacy research performed using population registries can be subject to significant bias. There is an absence of objective data demonstrating factors that can sufficiently reduce bias and provide accurate results.

METHODS

MEDLINE was searched from January 2000 to October 2016 for observational studies comparing two treatment regimens for any diagnosis of cancer, using SEER, SEER-Medicare, or the National Cancer Database. Reporting quality and statistical methods were assessed using components of the STROBE criteria. Randomized trials comparing the same treatment regimens were identified. Primary outcome was correlation between survival hazard ratio (HR) estimates provided by the observational studies and randomized trials. Secondary outcomes included agreement between matched pairs and predictors of agreement.

RESULTS

Of 3,657 studies reviewed, 350 treatment comparisons met eligibility criteria and were matched to 121 randomized trials. There was no significant correlation between the HR estimates reported by observational studies and randomized trials (concordance correlation coefficient, 0.083; 95% CI, −0.068 to 0.230). Forty percent of matched studies were in agreement regarding treatment effects (κ, 0.037; 95% CI, −0.027 to 0.1), and 62% of the observational study HRs fell within the 95% CIs of the randomized trials. Cancer type, data source, reporting quality, adjustment for age, stage, or comorbidities, use of propensity weighting, instrumental variable or sensitivity analysis, and well-matched study population did not predict agreement.

CONCLUSION

We were unable to identify any modifiable factor present in population-based observational studies that improved agreement with randomized trials. There was no agreement beyond what is expected by chance, regardless of reporting quality or statistical rigor of the observational study. Future work is needed to identify reliable methods for conducting population-based comparative efficacy research.
Defective Regulatory B Cells Are Associated With Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Chen Guo , Ding Yungang , Li Qian , Li Yanbing , Wen Xiaofeng , Ji Xian , Bi Shaowei , Chen Jingqiao , Xu Jianan , Chen Rongxin , Ye Huijing , Wei Lai , Yang Huasheng
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To investigate the change in IL-10–producing regulatory B cells (Breg), which suppress peripheral immune responses, in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from healthy controls (n = 54), patients with Graves disease (n = 26), and patients with TAO (N=125), and stimulated with CpG/CD40L. The frequency of IL-10–producing Bregs and the expression of IL-10 in response to TSH stimulation were measured by flow cytometry. CD4+ T cells were cultured with Breg-depleted PBMCs to elucidate the function of Bregs in patients with TAO. The potential immunoregulatory mechanism was also investigated by Western blot and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.

Results

Patients with active TAO had higher baseline levels of Bregs in their peripheral blood than both healthy controls and inactive patients. TSH promoted Bregs. Bregs from patients with TAO were defective in suppressing the activation of interferon (IFN)-γ+ and IL-17+ T cells in vitro.

Conclusions

Regulatory B cells in patients with TAO are functionally defective, suggesting that the defective Bregs might be responsible for the pathogenesis of TAO.
Novel GC-MS/MS Technique Reveals a Complex Steroid Fingerprint of Subclinical Hypercortisolism in Adrenal Incidentalomas
Authors: Hána Václav , Ježková Jana , Kosák Mikuláš , Kršek Michal , Hána Václav , Hill Martin
Published: March 2019

Context

Improvement of imaging methods has led to more incidental adrenal tumor findings, especially adenomas. Routine hormonal evaluation uses only a few steroids to evaluate possible hormonal hypersecretion of these adenomas, but a wide spectrum of serum steroid hormone changes has not been published.

Objective

To measure the serum levels of 83 steroids from patients with unilateral and bilateral adrenal incidentalomas to uncover full steroid profile changes in patients with subclinical hypercortisolism (SH).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted at a tertiary inpatient clinic.

Patients

Fifty-two patients with adrenal incidentalomas (unilateral, n = 29; bilateral, n = 23), including nonfunctioning (n = 11) vs SH (n = 41), and 26 age- and sex-matched controls from the general population were included.

Main Outcome Measures

Eighty-three serum steroids were measured by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) before and after 1 mg dexamethasone, ACTH, midnight serum cortisol, and urinary free cortisol/24 hour.

Results

Of 83 measured steroids, 10 were significantly decreased in patients with SH, including dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androsterone sulfate, epiandrosterone sulfate, androstenediol sulfate, conjugated 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol, and conjugated 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol. This finding was observed even when unilateral, bilateral, male, and female subgroups were analyzed separately. When we compared routine clinical methods and GC-MS/MS‒measured steroids, the most discriminatory was DHEAS followed by midnight serum cortisol, epiandrosterone sulfate, androsterone sulfate, ACTH, and 16α-hydroxypregnenolone.

Conclusions

SH was associated with decreased levels of adrenal androgens, their metabolites, and pregnenolone metabolite. GC-MS/MS is a powerful tool for measuring serum levels of these undescribed changes in steroid metabolism, which are characteristic of SH in adrenal incidentalomas.
Glycated Hemoglobin and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Among Adults With and Without Diabetes
Authors: Li Fu-Rong , Zhang Xi-Ru , Zhong Wen-Fang , Li Zhi-Hao , Gao Xiang , Kraus Virginia Byers , Lv Yue-Bin , Zou Meng-Chen , Chen Guo-Chong , Chen Pei-Liang , Zhang Min-Yi , Kur Akech Kuol Akech , Shi Xiao-Ming , Wu Xian-Bo , Mao Chen
Published: March 2019

Context

The patterns of associations between glycated Hb (HbA1c) and mortality are still unclear.

Objective

To explore the extent to which ranges of HbA1c levels are associated with the risk of mortality among participants with and without diabetes.

Design, Setting, and Patients

This was a nationwide, community-based prospective cohort study. Included were 15,869 participants (median age 64 years) of the Health and Retirement Study, with available HbA1c data and without a history of cancer. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios with 95% CIs for mortality.

Results

A total of 2133 participants died during a median follow-up of 5.8 years. In participants with diabetes, those with an HbA1c level of 6.5% were at the lowest risk of all-cause mortality. When HbA1c level was <5.6% or >7.4%, the increased all-cause mortality risk became statistically significant as compared with an HbA1c level of 6.5%. As for participants without diabetes, those with an HbA1c level of 5.4% were at the lowest risk of all-cause mortality. When the HbA1c level was <5.0%, the increased all-cause mortality risk became statistically significant as compared with an HbA1c level of 5.4%. However, we did not observe a statistically significant elevated risk of all-cause mortality above an HbA1c level of 5.4%.

Conclusions

A U-shaped and reverse J-shaped association for all-cause mortality was found among participants with and without diabetes. The corresponding optimal ranges for overall survival are predicted to be 5.6% and 7.4% and 5.0% and 6.5%, respectively.
Synthesis of Pyrrole-Containing Chiral Spiro Molecules and Their Optical and Chiroptical Properties
Authors: Takase Ko , Noguchi Keiichi , Nakano Koji
Published: March 2019

The pyrrole-containing chiral spiro π-conjugated compounds were successfully synthesized from 10,10′-spirobi[indeno[1,2-b][1]benzothiophene] 5,5-dioxide and 5,5,5′,5′-tetraoxide via a sequential inter/intramolecular nucleophilic aromatic substitution with arylamines. The enantiopure ones were also prepared from the enantiopure substrates. UV-vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopies and theoretical calculations revealed that the replacement of thiophene unit(s) of 10,10′-spirobi[indeno[1,2-b][1]benzothiophene] with pyrrole unit(s) has a great impact on photophysical properties. The pyrrole-containing chiral spiro π-conjugated compounds exhibited circularly polarized luminescence with a relatively large dissymmetry factor.
Activation of innate immunity by mitochondrial dsRNA in mouse cells lacking p53 protein
Authors: Wiatrek Dagmara M. , Candela Maria E. , Sedmík Jiří , Oppelt Jan , Keegan Liam P. , O'Connell Mary A.
Published: March 2019

Viral and cellular double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is recognized by cytosolic innate immune sensors, including RIG-I-like receptors. Some cytoplasmic dsRNA is commonly present in cells, and one source is mitochondrial dsRNA, which results from bidirectional transcription of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Here we demonstrate that Trp53 mutant mouse embryonic fibroblasts contain immune-stimulating endogenous dsRNA of mitochondrial origin. We show that the immune response induced by this dsRNA is mediated via RIG-I-like receptors and leads to the expression of type I interferon and proinflammatory cytokine genes. The mitochondrial dsRNA is cleaved by RNase L, which cleaves all cellular RNA including mitochondrial mRNAs, increasing activation of RIG-I-like receptors. When mitochondrial transcription is interrupted there is a subsequent decrease in this immune-stimulatory dsRNA. Our results reveal that the role of p53 in innate immunity is even more versatile and complex than previously anticipated. Our study, therefore, sheds new light on the role of endogenous RNA in diseases featuring aberrant immune responses.
Using pens as an incentive for trial recruitment of older adults: An embedded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Whiteside Katie , Flett Lydia , Mitchell Alex S. , Fairhurst Caroline , Cockayne Sarah , Rodgers Sara , Torgerson David J. ,   OTIS Study Group
Published: March 2019

Background: Meeting recruitment targets for randomised controlled trials is challenging.  This trial evaluated the effectiveness of including a pen within the trial invitation pack on the recruitment of older adults into a randomised controlled trial.

Methods: This trial was embedded within the Occupational Therapist Intervention Study, a falls-prevention randomised controlled trial.  Potential participants (n = 1862), who were posted an invitation pack from two General Practitioner practices, were randomised to either not receive a pen (n = 1295) or receive a pen (n = 648) with their invitation pack, using a 2:1 ratio.  The primary outcome was the likelihood of being randomised, and therefore fully recruited, to the host trial.  To be randomised to the host trial, participants had to: return a consent form and screening form; be eligible on their screening form; and return a baseline questionnaire and a monthly falls calendar.  Secondary outcomes were: the likelihood of returning (and time to return) a screening form; being eligible for the host trial; and remaining in the trial for at least 3 months.

Results: The likelihood of being randomised to the host trial did not differ between the pen group (4.5%) and no pen group (4.3%; odds ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval: 0.65 to 1.67; p = 0.86).  There were marginal differences in secondary outcomes in favour of the pen group, particularly in screening form return rates, though these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Pens may not be an effective incentive for the recruitment of older adults into randomised controlled trials, though future trials are required.

Registration: ISRCTN22202133; SWAT 37.
Agricultural sector of the Russian economy in the context of macroeconomic instability
Authors: Махмудова Мухаббат , Mahmudova Muhabbat , Королева Анна , Koroleva Anna
Published: March 2019

The aim of the present study is to determine the resource of growth of efficiency of agriculture in view of the new economic conditions prevailing in the national economy.
The monograph is devoted to the development of the agricultural sector of the Russian economy. The paper reveals the essence, content and factors of adaptation and functioning of the agricultural sector in difficult economic conditions.
Methods and methodology: in the course of the study, the authors used General scientific methods: on the basis of scientific abstraction, a retrospective analysis of the main indicators of the development of agricultural sectors in the national economy as a whole, and at the regional level; in addition, the method of expert assessments, the method of data comparison; through a graphical interpretation of the data and the method of their grouping, the dynamics and structure of the main indicators characterizing the key trends in the development and adaptation of the regional economy.
The difference of this publication from the Difference of this publication from the available literature is that in the present work the processes of adaptation of agricultural sectors to the new economic conditions formed as a result of macroeconomic instability and the introduction of sectoral restrictions are systematized. The monograph presents the results of social diagnostics and analysis of current trends in the agricultural sector of the Russian economy.
The scientific problem solved in the present work is not only a review of the current situation, but also allows to reveal the sectoral features of socio-economic processes in order to identify promising areas of development of the economic potential of the industry in the new economic conditions.
Administrative proceeding
Authors: Власенко Виктория , Vlasenko Viktoriya , Зиновьева Ольга , Zinov'eva Ol'ga , Невский Игорь , Nevskiy Igor' , Новикова Галина , Novikova Galina , Решетняк Владимир , Reshetnyak Vladimir , Симонян Софья , Simonyan Sof'ya , Смагина Елена , Smagina Elena , Чупилин Дмитрий , Chupilin Dmitriy
Published: March 2019

The textbook was prepared by the staff of the Department of civil procedure and labor law of the southern Federal University and is designed to study administrative proceedings, the legal regulation of which is carried out by the Code of administrative procedure of the Russian Federation, adopted in 2015. The book reveals both General issues of administrative proceedings and provisions on the proceedings at certain stages. The theoretical material is accompanied by diagrams and tables. Regulations, resolutions of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and judicial practice are given as of September 10, 2018. Meets the requirements of Federal state educational standards of higher education of the last generation.
Introduction to nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic relaxation
Authors: Полулях Сергей , Polulyakh Sergey
Published: March 2019

Textbook represents the basic principles of the magnetic resonance theory. Classical such well as quantum mechanicals approaches to describe magnetic resonance are bring. Magnetic relaxation mechanisms are considered taken into account fluctuations of local magnetic fields on nuclei. The influence of magnetic dipole interactions and influence of electric quadrupole interactions on the magnetic resonance spectra is described.
The text describes the fine structure of the magnetic resonance spectra that is caused by chemical shift. Significant attention is paid to the experimental methods of magnetic resonance including the peculiarities of spin-echo signals formation.
This is a textbook intended for undergraduate students and undergraduates in physical and physical-technical specialties of universities.
The nurse-led model of hospice care
Authors: Hickish Dinah , Roberts Debbie
Published: March 2019

Background:

Palliative care in the UK has become more medicalised over the last 50 years, and it was recognised as a medical speciality in 2004. However, out of financial expediency, an inpatient hospice in North Wales has become nurse-led.

Aims:

This article considers the history of care of the dying and discusses how nurses are best placed to be masters of care of the dying.

Methods:

The model of nurse-led care is described in terms of how this innovation in practice has developed, allowing the advanced nurse practitioner role to be extended to an autonomous level of hospice care not practised anywhere else in the UK.

Conclusion:

The innovation of nurse-led hospice care has secured the future of the hospice, making it fiscally robust and ensuring a sustainable service for the community that it serves.
Neuro-Behcet’s Disease Presented with One-and-a-Half Syndrome
Authors: Budak F. , Kaya H. , Özkara B.
Published: March 2019

One-and-a-half syndrome is characterized by conjugate horizontal gaze palsy in one direction side and internuclear ophtalmoplegia in the other side. This syndrome occurs with lesions in the dorsal pontine tegmentum involving the ipsilateral PPRF or the abducens nucleus and have to extend the ipsilateral MLF.
The report describes a patient with Behcet disease who developed one-and-a-half syndrome as a result of pontine tegmentum involvement.
Somatosensory Evoked Potentials in Assessment of Pathological Autorhythmicity in Patients with Chronic Myofascial Pain
Authors: Ovchinnikov A.V.
Published: March 2019

Objective: Objectivation of functional shifts in the nervous system through somatosensory evoked potentials at chronic nociceptive afferentation induced by the pathological neuronal autorhythmicity.
Methods: Pre- and post-treatment assessment of evoked potential component parameters in patients with muscular pain and myofacsial trigger points with different pain severity. The active pre-treatment autorhythmicity was treated as the amplitude increase and any component latency reduction. The autorhythmicity regression was treated as the amplitude reduction and the latency increase.
Results: Pain relief correlated with myofacsial trigger point transformation into the latent ones. As compared with the milder pain, the pronounced pain syndrome revealed more significant functional shifts (generators of autorhythmicity), prevailing at higher levels of the nervous system. However, in the milder pain, a number of low activity generators were detected that indicates an antinociceptive system under activity. After the treatment, the number of pathologically enhanced excitation generators decreased significantly with migration to caudal parts of the nerve system.
Such shifts may serve as a neurophysiological basis for further myofascial pain exacerbations.
High Sensitivity Quantitative Allele Specific RHOA G17V PCR for Diagnosis, Staging and Minimal Residual Disease Assessment in Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Sidorova Yu.V. , Chernova N.G. , Kovrigina A.M. , Sinitsyna M.N. , Moiseeva T.N. , Al- Radi L.S. , Aleksenko M.Yu , Glinshchikova O.A. , Smirnova S.Yu. , Ryzhikova N.V. , Nikulina E.E. , Zakharko E.I. , Rybkina E.B. , Dvirnyk V.N. , Sudarikov A.B.
Published: March 2019

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is a T-cell lymphoma, characterized by abundant polymorphocellular infiltrate of lymph nodes with the small number of tumor CD4+ Tfh-cells. AITL could often be misdiagnosed as reactive processes and other lymphomas, including Hodgkin's lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We used quantitative allele-specific PCR with LNA (locked nucleotide acid) modified primers (qAS-PCR-LNA) for RHOA G17V mutation assay. Sensitivity of determination (0.02%) was sufficient for minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring and evaluation of tumor cell number in different tissues. Method proposed demonstrated sensitivity superior to histology and PCR-based clonality determination. RHOA G17V mutation in lymph nodes was detected in 53% (32 of 62) patients with AITL. In control group (n-110) we have revealed RHOA G17V mutation in 3 patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and 1 patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Three patients with HL had clonal CD4+ T-lymphocytes population with aberrant immunophenotype in blood and clonal rearrangements of TCRG and/or TCRB genes in lymph nodes. We have shown that RHOA G17V can be used as a screening marker for patients with lymphadenopathy to exclude AITL or PTCL NOS. The persistence of tumor cells with RHOA G17V mutation was shown in most patients (12 of 16 -75%) with AITL after the induction chemotherapy and during the maintenance therapy (5 of 7 - 71.4%). Therefore qAS-PCR-LNA can be enrolled into standard protocols for management of patients with AITL to assess the effectiveness and the duration of antitumor therapy.
Coexistence of Femoroacetabular Impingement and Snapping Hip Due to Osteochondroma of the Femoral Neck - a Case Report
Authors: Loures Elmano de Araújo , Pereira Felipe Jader Coelho , Loures Daniel Naya , Mendes Júnior Adriano Fernando
Published: March 2019

Introduction and objectives: The aim of this report is to highlight the uncommon association of femoroacetabular impingement and snapping hip due to an osteochondroma of the femoral neck. Case report: a 41 years old male patient complaining progressive pain, limited range of motion and snapping hip with audible click for more than five years was diagnosed with an association of different conditions affecting his right hip joint and surgical treatment was indicated with good outcome in one year follow-up. Conclusion: The authors pointed out the rare association of these conditions in the same joint and the need of correct interpretation of radiological and clinical findings for diagnosis, surgical planning and satisfactory resolution of symptomatology, leading to recovery of the individual’s functional capability.
Attitudes of Italian Group Toward Homosexuality and Same-Sex Parenting
Authors: Rollè L. , Chinaglia L. , Curti L. , Magliano A. , Trombetta T. , Caldarera A.M. , Brustia P. , Gerino E.
Published: March 2019

The research investigated (a) the connection between attitudes toward homosexuality and same-sex parenting; (b) the socio-demographic and socio-cultural variables linked to such attitudes; and (c) the knowledge behind these attitudes. The 223 participants completed a self-report questionnaire including the Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scale (revised version), an attitudes toward same-sex parenting scale, and a personal data form, and answered some questions about their knowledge of homosexuality. The results showed an association between attitudes toward homosexuality and attitudes toward same-sex parenting, and a connection between socio-demographic variables, knowledge about homosexuality and same-sex parenting, and positivity/negativity levels of attitudes.
Impact of Caregiver Burden on Quality of Life for Parents of Adult Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Marsack-Topolewski Christina N. , Church Heather L.
Published: March 2019

This study sought to examine the impact of time, developmental, emotional, and financial burdens on the quality of life (QOL) for parents (aged 50+) of an adult child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants (N = 320) completed a web-based survey and could indicate interest in participating in one-on-one follow up interviews. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that two variables, developmental burden and impact of caregiving on finances, were statistically significant predictors of parents' QOL. Developmental burden was the strongest predictor of parental QOL, demonstrating an inverse relationship. Qualitatively, reported findings indicated that many parents were experiencing all four burdens. Findings highlighted the need to provide services and supports to alleviate burden among aging parents of adult children with ASD.
Characterization and comparison of strains of Pasteurella multocida associated with cases of progressive atrophic rhinitis and porcine pneumonia in Argentina
Authors: Bessone Fernando A. , Perez Maria Laura Soriano , Zielinski Gustavo , Dibarbora Marina , Conde M. B. , Cappuccio Javier , Alustiza Fabrisio
Published: March 2019

Background: Pasteurella multocida (Pm) is the causative agent of progressive atrophic rhinitis (PAR) and pneumonic pasteurellosis (PN) in pigs. Pm is a member of the porcine respiratory complex responsible for important economic loss in the pig industry. Aim: This study aimed to characterize the Pm strains recovered from clinical cases of PN and PAR and to elucidate the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the strains. Materials and Methods: Sixty strains were characterized molecularly by polymerase chain reaction to determine species-specific gene, capsular type (A or D), and toxin A production. The agar diffusion method was employed to evaluate antibiotic resistance profiles. Results: We found that 65% of strains belonged to capsular type A or D, and 15% of those were positive to toxA gene. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles found were sensitive in decreasing order to: Enrofloxacin, ceftiofur (CTF), ampicillin, tilmicosin (TIL), florfenicol (FFN), spectinomycin (SPC), gentamicin, oxytetracycline (OTC), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMS). Strains were resistant in decreasing order to: Lincomycin (LIN), tylosin (TYL), erythromycin (ERY), TMS, SPC, OTC, FFN, TIL, and CTF. Conclusion: The toxA gene was detected in many Pm isolates from pneumonic lungs. Capsule type A or D was the most frequently found among the collected isolates. LIN, TYL, and ERY are the drugs which showed higher percentages of resistant isolates.
Hubungan Profil Lipid dan Derajat Keparahan Penyakit berdasarkan Skor Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 pada Anak dengan Sepsis
Authors: Restiviona Rince , Yoel Chairul , Sianturi Pertin
Published: March 2019

Latar belakang. Sepsis adalah penyebab kematian terbanyak pada bayi dan anak di rumah sakit. Sepsis dan syok septik menyebabkan perubahan neuroendokrin dan metabolik termasuk konsentrasi dan komposisi lipid plasma serta lipoprotein. Namun hubungan profil lipid dan derajat keparahan penyakit pada anak dengan sepsis masih belum jelas.Tujuan. Mengetahui cut-off profil lipid pada pasien anak dengan sepsis dan hubungan profil lipid terhadap derajat keparahan penyakit pada anak dengan sepsis.Metode. Penelitian potong-lintang bulan Juli sampai Oktober 2017 di PICU, RSUP Haji Adam Malik. Sampel adalah anak usia 1 bulan sampai <18 tahun yang didiagnosis sepsis. Pasien yang menderita diabetes melitus, sindrom nefrotik, gizi lebih, gizi buruk, mendapatkan terapi statin dan insulin diekslusikan. Didapatkan 30 orang anak yang memenuhi kriteria. Derajat keparahan penyakit dinilai berdasarkan skor PELOD-2. Nilai cut-off masing-masing profil lipid berdasarkan kurva ROC. Hubungan antara profil lipid dan derajat keparahan penyakit dianalisis dengan uji chi-square atau Fisher exact. Nilai p < 0,05 dianggap bermakna secara statistik .Hasil. Dari kurva ROC didapatkan nilai cut-off kadar kolesterol total dan trigliserida 93,5 mg/dL dan 199 mg/dL, dan nilai cut-off untuk kadar HDL dan LDL adalah 20,5 mg/dL dan 48,5 mg/dL. Didapatkan hubungan profil lipid dan derajat keparahan penyakit (PELOD-2) dengan nilai p: kolesterol total 0,007, trigliserida 0,005, HDL 0,063 dan LDL 0,279.Kesimpulan. Terdapat hubungan bermakna antara kadar kolesterol total dan trigliserida dengan derajat keparahan penyakit berdasarkan skor PELOD-2. Tidak terdapat hubungan bermakna antara HDL dan LDL dengan derajat keparahan penyakit berdasarkan skor PELOD-2.