bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotypic characterization and antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella isolated from chicken, pork and the environment at abattoirs and supermarkets in Chongqing, China
Authors: Chen Tingting , Jiang Jiali , Ye Chao , Xie Jianhua , Chen Xia , Xu Dongyi , Zeng Zheng , Peng Yuanyi , Hu Dong-Liang , Fang Rendong
Published: December 2019

Background

Salmonella is one of the most important foodborne pathogens, causing outbreaks of human salmonellosis worldwide. Owing to large scales of consumption markets, pork and poultry that contaminated by Salmonella could pose a tremendous threat to public health. The aim of this study was to investigate the contamination of Salmonella from chicken, pork and the environment in slaughtering and retail processes in Chongqing, China.

Results

A total of 115 Salmonella isolates were recovered from 1112 samples collected from pork, chicken and the environment. Compared with the isolation rate of samples from chicken (9.50%) and the environment (6.23%), samples from pork had a significant higher isolation rate (44.00%). The isolation rates in slaughterhouses (10.76%) and in supermarkets (10.07%) showed no statistical difference. Thirty different serotypes were identified among all the isolates. S. Derby (n = 26), S. London (n = 16) and S. Rissen (n = 12) were the dominant serotypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 73.04% isolates were resistant to tetracycline, followed by 66.96% to ampicillin and 59.13% to doxycycline. More than half (50.43%) of the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), and most of the MDR isolates were from supermarkets. Multilocus sequence typing results showed 24 out of 115 isolates were ST40, which was the most prevalent. Furthermore, isolates from supermarkets had 20 different sequence types while isolates from slaughterhouses only had 8 different sequence types.

Conclusion

Our study highlighted that Salmonella was more frequently isolated in pork production chain than that in chicken. Compared with isolates from slaughterhouses, isolates from supermarkets had more MDR profiles and represented a wider range of serotypes and sequence types, indicating that the retail process had more diverse sources of Salmonella contamination than that of slaughtering process.
Identification of the complete coding cDNAs and expression analysis of B4GALT1, LALBA, ST3GAL5, ST6GAL1 in the colostrum and milk of the Garganica and Maltese goat breeds to reveal possible implications for oligosaccharide biosynthesis
Authors: Crisà Alessandra , Claps Salvatore , Moioli Bianca , Marchitelli Cinzia
Published: December 2019

Background

Milk sialylated oligosaccharides (SOS) play crucial roles in many biological processes. The most abundant free SOS in goat’s milk are 3’sialyllactose (3′-SL), 6’sialyllactose (6′-SL) and disialyllactose (DSL). The production of these molecules is determined genetically by the expression of glycosyltransferases and by the availability of nucleotide sugar substrates, but the precise mechanisms regulating the differential patterns of milk oligosaccharides are not known. We aimed to identify the complete cDNAs of candidate genes implicated in SOS biosynthesis (B4GALT1, LALBA, ST3GAL5, ST6GAL1) and to analyse their expression during lactation in the Garganica and Maltese goat breeds. Moreover, we analysed the colostrum and milk contents of 3′-SL, 6′-SL and disialyllactose (DSL) and the possible correlations between expressed genes and SOS.

Results

We identified the complete coding cDNAs of B4GALT1 (HQ700335.1), ST3GAL5 (KF055858.2), and ST6GAL1 (HQ709167.1), the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of these genes and 2 splicing variants of the ST6GAL1 cDNA. RT-qPCR analysis showed that LALBA and ST6GAL1 were the genes with the highest and lowest expression in both breeds, respectively. The interaction effects of the breeds and sampling times were associated with higher levels of B4GALT1 and ST3GAL5 gene expression in Garganica than in Maltese goats at kidding. B4GALT1, LALBA, and ST3GAL5 gene expression changed from kidding to 60 and 120 days in Maltese goats, while in Garganica goats, a difference was observed only for the LALBA gene. Breed and lactation effects were also found for SOS contents. Positive correlations of B4GALT1, LALBA, ST3GAL5, and ST6GAL1 with 3′-SL/6′SL and DSL were found.

Conclusions

The genetic effect on the oligosaccharide content of milk was previously highlighted in bovines, and this study is the first to investigate this effect in two goat breeds (Garganica and Maltese) during lactation. The genetic variability of candidate genes involved in SOS biosynthesis highlights their potential role in affecting gene expression and ultimately biological function. The investigation of gene regulatory regions as well as the examination of other sialyltransferase genes will be needed to identify the genetic pattern leading to a higher SOS content in the autochtonous Garganica breed and to protect it using a focused breeding strategy.
A prospective study of erectile dysfunction in men after pelvic surgical procedures and its association with non-modifiable risk factors
Authors: Artemi S. , Vassiliu P. , Arkadopoulos N. , Smyrnioti Maria-Eleni , Sarafis P. , Smyrniotis V.
Published: December 2019

Objective

A pelvic surgery can cause erectile dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate erectile function at various times after pelvic surgery in male patients; to search the non-modifiable risk factors associated with the presence and intensity of sexuality in these patients. This prospective study used the erectile dysfunction IIEF scale.

Results

The study population comprised of 106 male patients who had undergone minor pelvic surgery at least 9 months before and during the 2010–2016 period in the 4th Surgical Clinic. A control group of healthy males (N = 106) who underwent no pelvic surgery matched for age was also used for reference values. The main age of the participants was 66.16 ± 13.07 years old. A history of colectomy was present in 36.8%, 18.9% had undergone sigmoidectomy, and 33% inguinal hernia repair. The percentage of severe erectile function increased from 38.7% before surgery to 48.1% (25% increase) after surgery, at the end of the follow-up period (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis model, age emerged as an independent predictor of erectile function (p < 0.001). Age was the most important determinant of the IIEF score, which was aggravated by 25% from the first to the last assessment of patients.
A de novo transcriptome assembly for the bath sponge Spongia officinalis, adjusting for microsymbionts
Authors: Manousaki Tereza , Koutsouveli Vasiliki , Lagnel Jacques , Kollias Spyridon , Tsigenopoulos Costas S. , Arvanitidis Christos , Magoulas Antonios , Dounas Costas , Dailianis Thanos
Published: December 2019

Objectives

We report a transcriptome acquisition for the bath sponge Spongia officinalis, a non-model marine organism that hosts rich symbiotic microbial communities. To this end, a pipeline was developed to efficiently separate between bacterial expressed genes from those of eukaryotic origin. The transcriptome was produced to support the assessment of gene expression and, thus, the response of the sponge, to elevated temperatures, replicating conditions currently occurring in its native habitat.

Data description

We describe the assembled transcriptome along with the bioinformatic pipeline used to discriminate between signals of metazoan and prokaryotic origin. The pipeline involves standard read pre-processing steps and incorporates extra analyses to identify and filter prokaryotic reads out of the analysis. The proposed pipeline can be followed to overcome the technical RNASeq problems characteristic for symbiont-rich metazoan organisms with low or non-existent tissue differentiation, such as sponges and cnidarians. At the same time, it can be valuable towards the development of approaches for parallel transcriptomic studies of symbiotic communities and the host.
Gulf War Illness-associated increases in blood levels of interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein: biomarker evidence of inflammation
Authors: Butterick Tammy A. , Trembley Janeen H. , Hocum Stone Laura L. , Muller Clemma J. , Rudquist Rebecca R. , Bach Ronald R.
Published: December 2019

Objective

Gulf War Illness is a chronic multisymptom disorder severely impacting the health and well-being of many Veterans of the 1990–1991 Gulf War. Symptoms that define the disease include pain, fatigue, mood and memory impairments, gastrointestinal problems, lung disorders, and skin rashes. In our previous biomarker study, we discovered Gulf War Illness-associated proinflammatory blood biomarkers. Therefore, we hypothesized that chronic inflammation causes the symptoms that define this disorder. Testing the chronic inflammation hypothesis is the objective of this study.

Results

The biomarker fingerprint of Gulf War Illness is the end-product of a cascade of proinflammatory cytokine signals. In particular, the observed increase in C-reactive protein predicts a corresponding increase in interleukin 6, the cytokine that stimulates hepatocytes to produce C-reactive protein. Therefore, in this study we measured potential upstream cytokine signals in plasma samples from Gulf War Veterans. As predicted, a positive correlation between interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein was observed.
Emergency imaging in paediatric oncology: a pictorial review
Authors: Gaunt Trevor , D’Arco Felice , Smets Anne M. , McHugh Kieran , Shelmerdine Susan C.
Published: December 2019

Despite the decline in mortality rates over the last 20 years, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in children worldwide. Early recognition and treatment for acute oncological emergencies are vital in preventing mortality and poor outcomes, such as irreversible end-organ damage and a compromised quality of life.

Imaging plays a pivotal and adjunctive role to clinical examination, and a high level of interpretative acumen by the radiologist can make the difference between life and death. In contrast to adults, the most accessible cross-sectional imaging tool in children typically involves ultrasound. The excellent soft tissue differentiation allows for careful delineation of malignant masses and along with colour Doppler imaging, thromboses and large haematomas can be easily identified. Neurological imaging, particularly in older children is an exception. Here, computed tomography (CT) is required for acute intracranial pathologies, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) providing more definitive results later.

This review is divided into a ‘body systems’ format covering a range of pathologies including neurological complications (brainstem herniation, hydrocephalus, spinal cord compression), thoracic complications (airway obstruction, superior vena cava syndrome, cardiac tamponade), intra-abdominal complications (bowel obstruction and perforation, hydronephrosis, abdominal compartment syndrome) and haematological-related emergencies (thrombosis, infection, massive haemorrhage). Within each subsection, we highlight pertinent clinical and imaging considerations.

The overall objective of this pictorial review is to illustrate how primary childhood malignancies may present with life-threatening complications, and emphasise the need for imminent patient management.
Intruding implements: a pictorial review of retained surgical foreign objects in neuroradiology
Authors: D’Amico Alessandra , Perillo Teresa , Ugga Lorenzo , Cuocolo Renato , Brunetti Arturo
Published: December 2019

Intra-cranial and spinal foreign body reactions represent potential complications of medical procedures. Their diagnosis may be challenging as they frequently show an insidious clinical presentation and can mimic other life-threatening conditions. Their pathophysiological mechanism is represented by a local inflammatory response due to retained or migrated surgical elements. Cranial interventions may be responsible for the presence of retained foreign objects represented by surgical materials (such as sponges, bone wax, and Teflon). Spinal diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including myelography, chordotomy, vertebroplasty, and device implantation, are another potential source of foreign bodies. These reactions can also follow material migration or embolization, for example in the case of Lipiodol, Teflon, and cement vertebroplasty. Imaging exams, especially CT and MRI, have a central role in the differential diagnosis of these conditions together with patient history. Neuroradiological findings are dependent on the type of material that has been left in or migrated from the surgical area. Knowledge of these entities is relevant for clinical practice as the correct identification of foreign bodies and related inflammatory reactions, material embolisms, or migrations can be difficult. This pictorial review reports neuroradiological semeiotics and differential diagnosis of foreign body-related imaging abnormalities in the brain and spine.
Extracellular matrix derived from human urine-derived stem cells enhances the expansion, adhesion, spreading, and differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Xiong Xue , Yang Xiao , Dai Hongwei , Feng Gang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhou Jianping , Zhou Wenwen
Published: December 2019

Background

Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) are one of the most promising types of seed cells in periodontal tissue regeneration. Suitable biomaterials are additional essential components that must cooperate with seed cells for in vivo expansion or in vitro implantation. Extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was recently reported to be a promising substrate with which to culture MSCs that could be applied in biomaterial scaffolds or bioink. Human urine-derived stem cells (hUSCs) have several advantages; their collection is non-invasive and easy, and hUSCs are low in cost, potentially making them a suitable and efficient source of ECM. The purpose of this study was to characterize the biological properties of ECM derived from hUSCs (UECM) and evaluate the effects of UECM on hPDLSCs.

Methods

hPDLSCs grown on ECM derived from hPDLSCs (PECM) and fibronectin-coated tissue culture plastic (TCP) served as control groups. Both hUSCs and hPDLSCs were seeded on TCP and stimulated to produce ECM. After 8 days of stimulation, the samples were decellularized, leaving only ECM. Then, hPDLSCs were seeded onto UECM-, PECM-, and fibronectin-coated TCP and untreated TCP.

Results

UECM consists of dense bundles of fibers which contain abundant fibronectin. Both UECM and PECM promoted hPDLSC proliferation, attachment, spreading, and differentiation. Between UECM and PECM, UECM enhanced proliferation, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis to a greater extent. Though fibronectin appeared to be the abundant component of UECM, its performance was inferior to that of UECM.

Conclusions

Our study provides an original perspective on different cell-specific ECMs and suggests UECM as a suitable biomaterial in which to culture hPDLSCs as UECM enhances their biological functions.
Sex differences in the ability of corticostriatal oscillations to predict rodent alcohol consumption
Authors: Henricks Angela M. , Sullivan Emily D. K. , Dwiel Lucas L. , Keus Karina M. , Adner Ethan D. , Green Alan I. , Doucette Wilder T.
Published: December 2019

Background

Although male and female rats differ in their patterns of alcohol use, little is known regarding the neural circuit activity that underlies these differences in behavior. The current study used a machine learning approach to characterize sex differences in local field potential (LFP) oscillations that may relate to sex differences in alcohol-drinking behavior.

Methods

LFP oscillations were recorded from the nucleus accumbens shell and the rodent medial prefrontal cortex of adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Recordings occurred before rats were exposed to alcohol (n = 10/sex × 2 recordings/rat) and during sessions of limited access to alcohol (n = 5/sex × 5 recordings/rat). Oscillations were also recorded from each female rat in each phase of estrous prior to alcohol exposure. Using machine learning, we built predictive models with oscillation data to classify rats based on: (1) biological sex, (2) phase of estrous, and (3) alcohol intake levels. We evaluated model performance from real data by comparing it to the performance of models built and tested on permutations of the data.

Results

Our data demonstrate that corticostriatal oscillations were able to predict alcohol intake levels in males (p < 0.01), but not in females (p = 0.45). The accuracies of models predicting biological sex and phase of estrous were related to fluctuations observed in alcohol drinking levels; females in diestrus drank more alcohol than males (p = 0.052), and the male vs. diestrus female model had the highest accuracy (71.01%) compared to chance estimates. Conversely, females in estrus drank very similar amounts of alcohol to males (p = 0.702), and the male vs. estrus female model had the lowest accuracy (56.14%) compared to chance estimates.

Conclusions

The current data demonstrate that oscillations recorded from corticostriatal circuits contain significant information regarding alcohol drinking in males, but not alcohol drinking in females. Future work will focus on identifying where to record LFP oscillations in order to predict alcohol drinking in females, which may help elucidate sex-specific neural targets for future therapeutic development.
Nature conservation as a driver in wind energy scenarios
Authors: Gauglitz Philip , Schicketanz Sven , Pape Carsten
Published: December 2019

Background

Germany has set ambitious goals for the reduction of greenhouse gases. The decarbonisation of the energy system has been in focus. An important means to achieve this is the increased utilisation of wind energy. The growth of wind power entails changes not only in the electrical system but also in the landscape and environment. Prospectively, scenarios will have to consider a wide range of aspects, not only economics and technology but also nature conservation and social affairs. The authors are participating in the research study “Szenarien für den Ausbau der erneuerbaren Energien aus Naturschutzsicht”, funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, which examines the possibilities of integrating nature conservation into the development of scenarios.

Methods

For aspects of nature conservation to be taken into account in scenario development, a multi-stage methodology has been developed to assess the conflict risk of wind energy and nature conservation throughout Germany. To ensure comparability of the scenarios, all of them are based on the same general framework consisting of fixed excluded areas, the same method of detail allocation and the same overall expected energy output. The “nature conservation” driver is integrated in the form of a nationwide comparative assessment of risk levels. The mapping of spatially differentiated risk levels for wind energy has been achieved in a GIS-based and discursive process.

Results

The results show that nature conservation can be addressed properly in scenario-building. Here, the method of multi-criterion scenario-building itself, with its focus on including nature conservation as one of several drivers determining the spatial distribution of wind turbines, is a major result. The authors have developed specific scenarios that mainly address questions of landscape and nature conservation. Out of the four generic scenarios presented for the year 2035, two have nature conservation as their main driver, whereas the other two consider energy-economic drivers only. Examining these scenarios provides insight into the influence of each driver. For example, adding nature conservation as the main driver (highest priority) reduces the specific conflict risk by 26.1%, while at the same time only a relatively small increase in wind turbines is required (+12.5% in numbers, +2.3% in installed power capacity).

Conclusion

The methods developed here provide a driver for allocating wind power plants to reduce conflicts in high-risk areas. Furthermore, using the same spatial distribution of risk levels makes it possible to subsequently rate the scenarios from a conservation perspective. The method developed here provides the means to analyse trade-offs between relevant drivers. The “nature conservation” scenarios show a relatively small additional demand for wind turbines but a greater amount of avoided conflict risk.
Boron neutron capture therapy: moving towards targeted therapy for locally recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sun Ying
Published: December 2019

Locally recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is often unresectable, and a repeat course of radiotherapy is associated with incremental toxicities. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a novel targeted radiotherapy modality that can achieve a high dose gradient between cancerous and adjacent normal tissues. However, the relationships among the dose resulting from BNCT, tumor response to BNCT, and survival are not completely understood. Recently, a study published in Radiotherapy and Oncology investigated the efficacy of BNCT in the treatment of patients with locally recurrent HNSCC and the factors associated with favorable treatment response and survival. In this article, the findings, strengths and limitations of this study are discussed in depth, and the significance of the study and motivations for future research are highlighted.
A bibliometric analysis of human strongyloidiasis research (1968 to 2017)
Authors: Sweileh Waleed M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD). It is commonly associated with poverty and poor hygiene. Strongyloidiasis poses an unseen global public health problem. The aim of this study was to assess and analyze peer-reviewed literature on human strongyloidiasis to shed light on the evolution, volume, important topics, and key players in the field of human strongyloidiasis.

Methods

A validated bibliometric method was implemented using Scopus database for the study period from 1968 to 2017. The search strategy was developed based on keywords related to strongyloidiasis. Bibliometric indicators and visualization maps were presented.

Results

In total, 1947 documents were found. Retrieved documents received 32,382 citations, an average of approximately 16.6 per document, and anh-index of 76. The most frequently encountered keywords in the retrieved literature focused on hyperinfection, diagnosis, prevalence, and ivermectin. The USA led with 540 (27.7%) documents followed by Brazil (139; 7.1%) and Japan (137; 7.0%). When research output was standardized by income and population size, India ranked first (12.4 documents per GDP/capita) followed by the USA (9.1 documents per GDP/capita). The most active journal involved in publishing articles was theAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene(95; 4.8%). In terms of institutions, theUniversity of Ryukyus(Japan) was the most active with 62 (3.2%) publications, followed by theUniversity of Pennsylvaniawith 54 (2.8%) publications.

Conclusion

The volume, growth, and international research collaboration in human strongyloidiasis were inadequate given the long history of the disease, the large number of affected people, and the results obtained for other NTDs. Research in human strongyloidiasis needs to be strengthened and encouraged in endemic regions in Southeast Asia and Latin America. International research networking needs to be established to achieve the goals of Sustainable Development Goals in fighting and eradicating NTDs by 2030.
Increased pore size of scaffolds improves coating efficiency with sulfated hyaluronan and mineralization capacity of osteoblasts
Authors: Krieghoff Jan , Picke Ann-Kristin , Salbach-Hirsch Juliane , Rother Sandra , Heinemann Christiane , Bernhardt Ricardo , Kascholke Christian , Möller Stephanie , Rauner Martina , Schnabelrauch Matthias , Hintze Vera , Scharnweber Dieter , Schulz-Siegmund Michaela , Hacker Michael C. , Hofbauer Lorenz C. , Hofbauer Christine
Published: December 2019

Background

Delayed bone regeneration of fractures in osteoporosis patients or of critical-size bone defects after tumor resection are a major medical and socio-economic challenge. Therefore, the development of more effective and osteoinductive biomaterials is crucial.

Methods

We examined the osteogenic potential of macroporous scaffolds with varying pore sizes after biofunctionalization with a collagen/high-sulfated hyaluronan (sHA3) coating in vitro
.
The three-dimensional scaffolds were made up from a biodegradable three-armed lactic acid-based macromer (TriLA) by cross-polymerization. Templating with solid lipid particles that melt during fabrication generates a continuous pore network. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) cultivated on the functionalized scaffolds in vitro were investigated for cell viability, production of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone matrix formation. Statistical analysis was performed using student’s t-test or two-way ANOVA.

Results

We succeeded in generating scaffolds that feature a significantly higher average pore size and a broader distribution of individual pore sizes (HiPo) by modifying composition and relative amount of lipid particles, macromer concentration and temperature for cross-polymerization during scaffold fabrication. Overall porosity was retained, while the scaffolds showed a 25% decrease in compressive modulus compared to the initial TriLA scaffolds with a lower pore size (LoPo). These HiPo scaffolds were more readily coated as shown by higher amounts of immobilized collagen (+ 44%) and sHA3 (+ 25%) compared to LoPo scaffolds. In vitro, culture of hMSCs on collagen and/or sHA3-coated HiPo scaffolds demonstrated unaltered cell viability. Furthermore, the production of ALP, an early marker of osteogenesis (+ 3-fold), and formation of new bone matrix (+ 2.5-fold) was enhanced by the functionalization with sHA3 of both scaffold types. Nevertheless, effects were more pronounced on HiPo scaffolds about 112%.

Conclusion

In summary, we showed that the improvement of scaffold pore sizes enhanced the coating efficiency with collagen and sHA3, which had a significant positive effect on bone formation markers, underlining the promise of using this material approach for in vivo studies.
Context or culture: what is the difference?
Authors: Savard Isabelle , Mizoguchi Riichiro
Published: December 2019

Literature can sometimes tend to present context and culture almost as synonyms. This creates ambiguity, which can complicate the consideration of contextual and cultural variables in instructional design, learning, and teaching. From an ontological point of view, some clarification of these two concepts is essential as each may influence learning and teaching in different ways. Moreover, since context and culture are interconnected to a certain degree, one may influence the other. It is crucial to make a clear distinction between these two concepts in the knowledge models used in intelligent tutoring systems and distance education systems if we want to facilitate (1) their consideration in pedagogical scenarios, and (2) the accumulation of knowledge about different contexts and cultures. This article offers an interpretation of the difference between these two concepts, presenting context as a substrate of culture. Contextual issues in the learning ecology are also discussed, based on this distinction.
Cerebral hemodynamics among non-diabetic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Behairy Maha Abdelmoneim , ElSadek Ahmed , Sadek Mahmoud , El Shaarawy Abdelbassit
Published: December 2019

Background

Cerebrovascular accidents and cognitive impairment is a frequent complication of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on regular hemodialysis (HD).

Objective

To evaluate cerebral circulation hemodynamics in non-diabetic prevalent hemodialysis patients by transcranial Doppler (TCD).

Patients and methods

The cross-sectional study included 50 ESRD patients on regular hemodialysis > 6 months in Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. Diabetic patients; chronic liver disease patients Child-Pugh class B or C; smokers; history of evident of cardiac, peripheral, or cerebrovascular insult; uncontrolled hypertension; anemia; collagen disease; and active infection were excluded from the study. An assessment of cerebral circulation hemodynamics by TCD in non-dialysis day to examine mean flow velocity (MFV) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA).

Results

An assessment of cerebral circulation hemodynamics revealed that 16 (32%) of the patients showed decrease MFV in MCA and 30 (60%) were normal. Regarding MFVs in PCA, 13 (26%) of the patients showed decrease MFVs, 33 (66%) were normal, and 4 (8%) of the patients failed due to poor bone window, significant reduction of MCV and PCA velocities in HD with urea reduction ratio < 65%, and a significantly negative correlation of MFV, PCA, and hemoglobin level (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

There is a high frequency rate of decreased MCA and PCA MFV (32%, 28%), respectively, among non-diabetic prevalent hemodialysis patients with significant correlation to hemodialysis adequacy.
Hydatid cyst of the lumbar plexus: case report with review of literature
Authors: Mohammed Ayad Ahmad , Aldohuky Wan
Published: December 2019

Background

Hydatid disease is widely distributed worldwide; it is caused by a parasite belonging to the Echinococcus species. It mostly affects the liver and the lungs, involvement of the spinal canal is reported to be around 0.2%, but affection of the peripheral nerves is extremely rare.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old lady was complaining from left loin pain and backache, with pain in the outer aspect of the left thigh for the last 5 years. During clinical examination, the ankle and the knee reflexes were normal and there was no muscle wasting. There was hyperesthesia on the outer aspect of the left leg.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the back demonstrated a cystic lesion between the 4th and the 5th lumbar vertebrae which was pushing the psoas muscle anteriorly and causing atrophy of the muscle. The patient received anthelminthic medications for 1 month before surgery with little improvement of the clinical and the radiological condition.

During surgery the cyst was found to arise from the lumbar nerve sheath and was apparent to be hydatid cyst because it was containing small daughter cysts. Isolation of the cyst was done and complete evacuation with deroofing of the cyst was done. The cavity of the cyst was irrigated with a solution of chlorhexidine as a scolicidal agent. The patient was discharged home after 3 days with no post-operative complications, anthelminthic medications prescribed for 3 months.

Conclusion

The treatment options vary depending on the region affected by the cyst; it may be treated by complete cyst excision, evacuation, and deroofing. Preventing spillage of the contents of the cyst during surgery and the use of scolicidal agents are mandatory to decrease the rate of recurrence. It is very important to exclude other organ involvement particularly pulmonary involvement before surgery.
Investigation of the effect of coffee on body weight, serum glucose, uric acid and lipid profile levels in male albino Wistar rats feeding on high-fructose diet
Authors: Feyisa Teka Obsa , Melka Daniel Seifu , Menon Menakath , Labisso Wajana Lako , Habte Mezgebu Legesse
Published: December 2019

Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the worldwide and is assumed to have protective effects against metabolic syndrome. The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of coffee on body weight, serum glucose, uric acid and lipid profile levels in male albino Wistar rats feeding on high fructose diet. A post-test experimental study was conducted on a total of 30 (9–10 weeks old) male albino Wistar rats. The rats were divided into 6 groups: group I (normal control)-fed on standard chow and plain tap water only; group II (fructose control)-fed on standard chow and 20% of fructose solution; group III–VI (treatment groups)-fed on standard chow, 20% of fructose solution and treated with 71, 142, 213 and 284 mg/kg body weight/day of coffee respectively for six weeks. At the end, body weight, serum glucose, uric acid and lipid profile levels were investigated. Data was entered and cleared by epi-data software version 3.1 and analyzed by one way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc multiple comparison tests using SPSS V. 23.00. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. The results showed that body weight, fasting serum glucose and uric acid levels significantly lowered in rats treated with 213 (p = 0.047; 0.049; 0.026) and 284 (p = 0.035; 0.029; 0.010) mg/kg body weight/day of coffee compared to fructose control group. Fasting serum triglycide (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels showed significant reduction in rats treated with 284 mg/kg body weight/day of coffee as compared to fructose control group (p = 0.031; 0.046) respectively. In conclusion, treating rats with coffee decreased body weight, fasting serum glucose, uric acid, TC, TG and LDL-C, and increased HDL-C in a dose dependent manner in rats feeding on high fructose diet, suggesting that coffee consumption may be helpful in ameliorating metabolic syndrome.
Functionalization of hydroxyapatite derived from cockle (Anadara granosa) shells into hydroxyapatite–nano TiO2 for photocatalytic degradation of methyl violet
Authors: Fatimah Is , Fahrani Della , Harmawantika Tia , Sahroni Imam , Kamari Azlan , Sa’bana Rahmatillah Cecep , Nurillahi Rico
Published: December 2019

Photocatalyst of hydroxyapatite–nano TiO2 (HAp-nTiO2) was prepared from phosphatation of calcined cockle (Anadara granosa) shells followed by dispersion of nano TiO2 powder into HAp precipitate and calcination at 400 °C for 2 h. The prepared material was characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometry, gas sorption analysis, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry. The photocatalytic activity of the material was evaluated for methyl violet degradation over photocatalysis and photooxidation mechanism. The results showed that the homogeneous dispersion of TiO2 in the HAp-nTiO2 composite was achieved, as seen in the X-ray diffraction analysis, diffuse reflectance UV-Vis, and gas sorption analyses. The physicochemical and photocatalytic character of the composite exhibited the positive role of HAp as TiO2 support in enhancing the photocatalytic activity with a higher turnover number and reusability property than that of pure TiO2. It was also noted that the HAp-nTiO2 composite demonstrated rapid methyl violet degradation over photooxidation rather than by photocatalytic mechanism.
Using well-log data to modeling factors influencing the amount of adsorbed gas in transitional shale reservoirs
Authors: Liu Rui , Guo Shaobin , Ji Kun
Published: December 2019

Traditional isothermal adsorption experiments often fail to accurately estimate the adsorption capacity of reservoirs with rapidly changing lithology. Temperature, pressure, and mineral composition can influence the adsorption capacity of shale reservoirs. We have examined the influence of these factors on the amount of gas adsorbed in samples from well Yu-88. Samples consist of marine-continental transitional coal-bearing strata from the Upper Paleozoic Shanxi-Taiyuan Formation of the Ordos Basin of China. Shales occur as frequently interbedded, thin, and single layers that exhibit large cumulative thickness and rapid changes in mineral composition. Our experiments on samples B1 and B2 indicated that Langmuir constant [Formula: see text] varied inversely with temperature, but Langmuir pressure [Formula: see text] did not. The [Formula: see text] exhibits good correlation with illite as well as illite/smectite content but did not clearly correlate with the total organic carbon (TOC). The [Formula: see text] correlated positively with TOC and negatively with illite/smectite content. These relationships enabled modeling of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and mineral composition. Novel step-by-step modeling methods of well logs generated optimized estimates for well-log parameters including mineral composition. According to the actual temperature of the reservoir, we corrected the Langmuir constant [Formula: see text]. We calculated a profile for the amount of gas adsorbed in shale intervals of well Yu-88. Comparisons with experimental values indicate relatively high reference values.
Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin in NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Early Results From the Prospective Randomized AMLSG 09-09 Phase III Study
Authors: Schlenk Richard F. , Paschka Peter , Krzykalla Julia , Weber Daniela , Kapp-Schwoerer Silke , Gaidzik Verena I. , Leis Claudia , Fiedler Walter , Kindler Thomas , Schroeder Thomas , Mayer Karin , Lübbert Michael , Wattad Mohammed , Götze Katharina , Horst Heinz A. , Koller Elisabeth , Wulf Gerald , Schleicher Jan , Bentz Martin , Greil Richard , Hertenstein Bernd , Krauter Jürgen , Martens Uwe , Nachbaur David , Abu Samra Maisun , Girschikofsky Michael , Basara Nadezda , Benner Axel , Thol Felicitas , Heuser Michael , Ganser Arnold , Döhner Konstanze , Döhner Hartmut
Published: December 2019

PURPOSE

High CD33 expression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with mutated NPM1 provides a rationale for the evaluation of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) in this AML entity. We conducted a randomized trial to evaluate GO in combination with intensive induction and consolidation therapy in NPM1-mutated AML.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between May 2010 and September 2017, patients ≥ 18 years old and considered eligible for intensive therapy were randomly assigned up front for induction therapy with idarubicin, cytarabine, etoposide, and all- trans-retinoic acid with or without GO. The early ( P = .02) primary end point of event-free survival (EFS) was evaluated 6 months after completion of patient recruitment.

RESULTS

Five hundred eighty-eight patients were randomly assigned (standard arm, n = 296; GO arm, n = 292). EFS in the GO arm was not significantly different compared with that in the standard arm (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.04; P = .10). The early death rate during induction therapy was 10.3% in the GO arm and 5.7% in the standard arm ( P = .05). Causes of death in both arms were mainly infections. The cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) in patients achieving a complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi) was significantly reduced in the GO arm compared with the standard arm ( P = .005), with no difference in the cumulative incidence of death ( P = .80). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant beneficial effect of GO in female, younger (≤ 70 years), and FLT3 internal tandem duplication–negative patients with respect to EFS and CIR.

CONCLUSION

The trial did not meet its early primary end point of EFS, mainly as a result of a higher early death rate in the GO arm. However, in patients achieving CR/CRi after induction therapy, significantly fewer relapses occurred in the GO compared with the standard arm.
Commentary: Considerations in the Measurement of Glass Transition Temperatures of Pharmaceutical Amorphous Solids
Authors: Newman Ann , Zografi George
Published: December 2019

An increased interest in using amorphous solid forms in pharmaceutical applications to increase solubility, dissolution, and bioavailability has generated a need for better characterization of key properties, such as the glass transition (Tg) temperature. Although many laboratories measure and report this value, the details around these measurements are often vague or misunderstood. In this article, we attempt to highlight and compare various aspects of the two most common methods used to measure pharmaceutical Tg values, conventional and modulated differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Issues that directly impact the Tg, such as instrumental parameters, sample preparation methods, data analysis, and “wet” vs. “dry” measurements, are discussed.
Simultaneous Occurrence of Germline Mutations of SDHB and TP53 in a Patient with Metastatic Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Gniado Ewa , Carracher Colin P , Sharma Sona
Published: December 2019

Context

We describe a patient with metastatic malignant pheochromocytoma who was found to have germline SDHB and TP53 mutations occurring together.

Case Description

A 39-year-old male presented with neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the neck revealed a C3 vertebral body collapse and an underlying C3 lesion. Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis showed multiple skeletal lesions, a sternal mass, bilateral pulmonary nodules, bilateral adrenal masses, and an aortocaval lymph node conglomerate. He underwent biopsy of the sternal mass, which revealed metastatic pheochromocytoma and subsequent blood work showed serum epinephrine levels of 200 pg/mL (normal 10–200 pg/mL), norepinephrine 28 241 pg/mL (normal 80–520 pg/mL), and dopamine 250 pg/mL (normal 0–20 pg/mL). Genetic testing revealed both SDHB and TP53 germline mutations. He was started on α- and β-blockers and calcium channel blockers to control hypertension and tachycardia. Two months after the diagnosis, a CT of the abdomen and pelvis showed progression of disease, with enlargement of the right adrenal mass as well as the aortocaval conglomeration. His plasma metanephrines were significantly elevated. He was started on systemic chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, dacarbazine, and vincristine. He required several antihypertensive agents, including metyrosine, to control his blood pressure in preparation for chemotherapy.

Conclusion

This is the first reported case of simultaneous SDHB and TP53 germline mutations occurring in an individual with a highly aggressive clinical course of pheochromocytoma. We speculate that the simultaneous occurrence of these 2 oncogenic mutations may have led to an aggressive tumor progression.
Radical Interdisciplinarity
Authors: King Rosamond S.
Published: December 2019

This essay delineates the concept of radical interdisciplinarity, the use of methodologies that combine traditional scholarship with that which is not traditionally considered either scholarship or even part of an academic discipline—specifically poetry and other creative arts. The author describes radical interdisciplinarity as building on the hybrid methodologies of women of color authors such as Gloria Anzaldúa, Audre Lorde, Leslie Marmon Silko, and Michelle Cliff, who often combined memoir with fiction or poetry. The essay itself includes examples of radical interdisciplinarity in the form of a critical biomythography that weaves together scholarly analysis and poetry related to the author’s current research on the jamette women of nineteenth-century Trinidad.
Οι επιδράσεις του νέου δημόσιου μάνατζμεντ στην εκπαίδευση
Authors: Σταύρου Δημήτριος
Published: December 2019

Το Νέο Δημόσιο Μάνατζμεντ χαρακτηρίζεται από τη φιλοσοφία της μεταρρύθμισης του δημόσιου τομέα προς την κατεύθυνση της αποκέντρωσης και της λειτουργίας με ιδιωτικοοικονομικά κριτήρια. Αν και οι εκπαιδευτικές πολιτικές που απορρέουν από το ΝΔΜ παρουσιάζουν κοινά χαρακτηριστικά σε όλο τον κόσμο, οι επιδράσεις τους μετριάζονται, μεταξύ άλλων παραγόντων, από την τοπική ιστορία, τις κοινωνικοπολιτικές και ιδεολογικές συνθήκες και την περίπλοκη αλληλεπίδραση των διεθνών και των τοπικών δυναμικών. Σημείο αιχμής για τις πολιτικές αυτές είναι η παιδαγωγική, διοικητική και οικονομική αυτονομία της σχολικής μονάδας, ενώ ο ρόλος των διευθυντών έχει επηρεαστεί σε πολύ σημαντικό βαθμό από τις παραπάνω εξελίξεις με αποτέλεσμα να έχει διευρυνθεί το περιεχόμενο των αρμοδιοτήτων τους καθώς και η απαίτηση για απόδοση λόγου (accountability). Η μεταφορά των γενικών αρχών του ΝΔΜ στον χώρο της εκπαίδευσης έχει αποτελέσει αντικείμενο αντιπαραθέσεων και έντονων συζητήσεων, με αποτέλεσμα η κριτική που του ασκείται να είναι τόσο επικριτική όσο και υποστηρικτική. Είναι βέβαιο ότι το ΝΔΜ έχει οδηγήσει στην ανάδυση νέων εκπαιδευτικών διαδικασιών  προς κατευθύνσεις που δεν θα ήταν εύκολο να προβλεφθούν.
Επαναπροσδιορίζοντας τον ρόλο της σχεδιαστικής δραστηριότητας στη μάθηση των μικρών παιδιών: Ένα συνεργατικό πρόγραμμα επαγγελματικής ανάπτυξης
Authors: Παπανδρέου Μαρία
Published: December 2019

Στην παρούσα εργασία παρουσιάζεται ένα πρόγραμμα επαγγελματικής ανάπτυξης με στόχο την ενδυνάμωση 12 εκπαιδευτικών προσχολικής ηλικίας στο σχεδιασμό του εκπαιδευτικού τους έργου λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τις δυνατότητες που προσφέρει για σκέψη, επικοινωνία και μάθηση η σχεδιαστική δραστηριότητα. Εφαρμόζοντας διαδικασίες συστηματικής παρατήρησης και καταγραφής στις τάξεις τους και αναλύοντας τις σχεδιαστικές προσπάθειες των παιδιών μέσω συλλογικού αναστοχασμού στο υποστηρικτικό περιβάλλον των ομαδικών συναντήσεων, οι εκπαιδευτικοί συν-διαμόρφωσαν, υλοποίησαν και αξιολόγησαν καινοτόμες δράσεις αξιοποίησης και ενίσχυσης της σχεδιαστικής δραστηριότητας των παιδιών.
Η σχεδιαστική δραστηριότητα ως μέσο ανάπτυξης της πολυτροπικής επικοινωνίας σε μία τάξη με παιδιά ηλικίας 2,5 ετών
Authors: Ηρακλειώτη Ευαγγελία , Παπαζαχαρίου Φωτεινή
Published: December 2019

Στην παρούσα εργασία παρουσιάζεται ένα πρόγραμμα ενίσχυσης της πολυτροπικής έκφρασης των παιδιών μια τάξης με μικρά παιδιά (2,5 ετών). Παρατηρώντας και καταγράφοντας συστηματικά τις αυθόρμητες σχεδιαστικές προσπάθειες των παιδιών οι εκπαιδευτικοί προσπάθησαν αρχικά να κατανοήσουν πως χρησιμοποιούν το σχέδιο για να εκφράσουν τη σκέψη τους, αλλά και πως τα μικρά παιδιά επικοινωνούν το περιεχόμενο των σχεδίων τους προς τρίτους. Παρέχοντας στα παιδιά πολλαπλές ευκαιρίες να εκφράζονται μέσα από σχέδια και κατασκευές διαμορφώθηκε μια νέα κουλτούρα επικοινωνίας στην τάξη, ενώ φάνηκε ότι η πολυτροπική τους έκφραση βελτιώθηκε σημαντικά περιλαμβάνοντας ton προφορικό λόγο, τη γλώσσα του σώματος, χειρονομίες, σχέδια και κατασκευές.
The use of POCT in community health care
Authors: Stergiannis Pantelis
Published: December 2019

No abstract available
Quality of life in patients after brain meningioma resection
Authors: Pavlatou Niki , Marvaki Christina , Kotanidou Anastasia , Ouzouni Christina
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Lately it has been noticed an increasing interest about the quality of life that is related to theperformance - effectiveness indicators and also to the objective and subjective state of patients’ health.Psychosocial problems are detected by quality questionnaires which may bother the healing process and help tothe disability rate and diagnosis of the disability. Meningioma is concerned as a benign tumor which is growingslowly .Usually the relapse rates are low in total surgical excision.Aim: The aim of the present review was to explore quality of life of patients surgically treated for brainmeningioma, in order to improve disease outcomes.Methodology: The methodology that was used included the review of the Greek and international literature of thelast fifteen years in the databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar,medline). The keywords that were used tosearch for the study were: “meningioma", “quality of life”, “SF36”, “patients” Health related quality of life”.Results: Literature review has shown that the quality of life of patients with brain meningioma depends on variousfactors among others the most important are location and accessibility of the tumor. The best of the treatment isnot limited only to the surgical part required but it is a combination of radiation treatment for better results. Whenmeningioma is totally surgical resected displays minimal relaplse rates in contrast to the partial resection where itreoccurs in percentage 48% during the next five years. Meningiomas that cannot be petroclival surgically such asindicate high morbidity, mortality and poor physical function. Intraventricular meningiomas remain malfuctions ofvision, etc. Furthermore, a significant sign is the edema which may be associated with the aggressiveness of thetumor. Finally a possibility of reoccurrence factor is the number of mitoses in the pathological analysis.Conclusions: The quality of life of patients that had been operated with brain meningioma vary at relatively lowlevels and is directly related to the tumor’s localization and the choice of treatment.