bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties, thermal and crystallization behavior of different surface-modified silica nanoparticle-filled PA66 composites
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Xu Xiangmin , Wu Tao
Published: January 2017

In this study, two different surface-modified silica nanoparticles, amino-functionalized nanosilica (ATS) and methyl-functionalized nanosilica (HDS), were separately used as nanofillers to fabricate PA66-based nanocomposites by melt blending. The morphology and interface characteristics of the two nanofillers in the composite system and their influence on the mechanical properties, thermal decomposition behavior, and crystallization behavior of PA66 were investigated. The Avrami and Mo methods were applied to study the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of the nanocomposites. The results revealed that different surface modifications of silica nanoparticles can produce different influences on the mechanical properties and thermal decomposition behavior of the final nanocomposites. The addition of ATS helps increase the strength and stiffness of PA66/ATS nanocomposites, and in the meantime enhances the thermal stability of PA66. The case of HDS is opposite to that of ATS; however, its incorporation can improve the toughness of the material. In addition, the results also indicate that ATS possesses strong heterogeneous nucleation capability, the introduction of which can accelerate the crystallization rate and increase the crystallization temperature, as well as the degree of crystallinity of PA66, while HDS displays an obvious blocking effect on the crystallization process of PA66.
Assessment of surface reactivity of thorium oxide in conditions close to chemical equilibrium by isotope exchange 229Th/232Th method
Authors: Suzuki-Muresan Tomo , Perrigaud Katy , Vandenborre Johan , Ribet Solange , Takamasa Inai , Grambow Bernd
Published: January 2017

This work aims to assess the solubility and the surface reactivity of crystallized thorium at pH 3.0 in presence of three types of solids: synthesized powder at 1300°C, crushed kernel, and intact kernel. In this study, the kernel is composed by the core solid from high temperature reactors (HTR) sphere particles. The originality of this work consisted in following in a sequential order the kinetic of dissolution, the surface reactivity in presence of isotope tracer 229Th, and its desorption process. Long time experiments (634 days) allowed to get deeper understanding on the behavior of the surface reactivity in contact with the solution. Solubility values are ranging from 0.3×10−7 mol·L−1 to 3×10−7 mol·L−1 with a dissolution rate of 10−6–10−4 g·m−2 day−1. PHREEQC modeling showed that crystallized ThO2(cr, 20 nm) phase controls the equilibrium in solution. Isotope exchange between 229Th and 232Th indicated that well-crystallized phase exist as an inert surface regarding to the absence of exchange between surface solid and solution.
Free radical area needs a radical change
Authors: Acan N. Leyla
Published: January 2017

Oxidative stress is a quite popular subject among biochemists. With a key word search of Thomson Reuters Web of Science, a large number of entries were found starting from 1970. By using animal tissues, cell cultures or human subjects, scientists try to establish a relationship between reactive oxygen species and various situations including cancer and aging, and the protective effects of antioxidants in these cases. Some clinical trials of antioxidants are also on their way. There are several oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde, thiol status of the cells, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Although these markers are widely and continuously investigated in various laboratories, they still are not in the repertoire of a routine clinical laboratory as a biomarker of any disease. In this paper, various aspects of “oxidative stress” and antioxidants are investigated and a requirement of a radical change in the area is pointed out.
Automation in the clinical laboratory: integration of several analytical and intralaboratory pre- and post-analytical systems
Authors: Ebubekir Bakan , Nurinnisa Ozturk , Nurcan Kilic-Baygutalp
Published: January 2017

Clinical laboratory automation is very important to obtain reliable test results and to provide patient safety. There are some difficulties in implementing total automation to the clinical laboratories because they need a continuous, high quality customer service to keep their high quality serving, a questionable cost-affecting situation. It may be very difficult to keep the balance between the cost and the quality goals, patient safety, and demands. However, clinical laboratory automation may solve the dilemma and be implemented in clinical laboratories provided that it does not result in new bottlenecks in laboratory workflow. It is beyond the dispute that the minimal operator intervention benefited by total lab automation results in increased productivity, intra laboratory traceability of specimens, the decreased turnaround times, improvements in specimen handling, improved laboratory safety, and minimized errors. It has become very difficult, time-consuming, challenging task for the laboratories to decide to automate and which tests must be included in the analytical automation, to decide which one is more appropriate. First of all, a workflow and a workload analysis must be made for the present semi-automated laboratory. It would be focused in the present review that some strategies can be developed for this purpose.
Crystal and molecular structure of 1-picryl-2-phenyl-2-(4-picrylamidophenyl)-diazenium betaine: analogy between a picramido group and an oxygen atom
Authors: Balaban Alexandru T. , Constantinescu Titus , Caproiu Miron Teodor , Giorgi Michel , Balaban Teodor Silviu
Published: January 2017

The title compound is formed by a non-trivial reaction involving two molecules of the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl and one molecule of N-methoxy-picramide. We could now perform an X-ray diffraction experiment on a single crystal and can fully confirm the betaine structure which has a central quinonoid ring with alternating long and short bonds.
About the air- and water-stable copper(I) dicyanamide: synthesis, crystal structure, vibrational spectra and DSC/TG analysis of Cu[N(CN)2]
Authors: Reckeweg Olaf , Dinnebier Robert E. , Schulz Armin , Blaschkowski Björn , Schneck Christof , Schleid Thomas
Published: January 2017

Light-yellow microcrystalline samples of Cu[dca] ([dca]−≡[N(CN)2]−≡dicyanamide anion) were obtained by blending an in-situ generated aqueous Cu+ brine with stoichiometric amounts of Na[dca] dissolved in water. The crystal structure of Cu[dca] was solved and refined from powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data. Cu[dca] crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm (no. 63) with the lattice parameters of a=356.28(3), b=611.10(9) and c=1525.87(10) pm. The crystal structure contains undulated chains of alternating Cu+ and boomerang-shaped [N≡C–N–C≡N]− ions with C
2v
symmetry running along [100]. It is closely related to that of Ag[dca] crystallizing in space group Pnma (no. 62). The vibrational spectra for Cu[dca] and Cu[dca]2 were recorded exhibiting modes typical for the dicyanamide anion. Comparative DSC/TG measurements were performed for both copper dicyanamides and the cyanide Cu[CN].
Boxing Day: a Maya polychrome pot from southern Belize
Authors: Hammond Norman
Published: January 2017

The notion of ancient Maya ritual combat, beyond the well-known rubber-ball game played across Mesoamerica, was proposed 40 years ago on the basis of a polychrome vase from southern Belize and a series of Late Classic (AD 700–850) pottery figurines depicting similarly accoutred individuals, found at the site of Lubaantun (Hammond 1976: figs 4–6).
The MUP Zagros Project: tracking the Middle–Upper Palaeolithic transition in the Kermanshah region, west-central Zagros, Iran
Authors: Heydari-Guran Saman , Ghasidian Elham
Published: January 2017

In recent decades, the Eurasian Middle–Upper Palaeolithic (M–UP) transition has been a topic of major interest among palaeoanthropologists. Great progress has been made in several domains, particularly palaeogenetics, which have revealed the complex ancestry of early Eurasians. This progress—including the identification of a ghost lineage of Eurasians in the Middle East—is providing important new biogeographical hypotheses. A key region for such topics is the Iranian Plateau—an area that has so far not been subject to intensive research.
Predicting the survival of patients with small bowel neuroendocrine tumours: comparison of 3 systems
Authors: Clift Ashley K , Faiz Omar , Goldin Robert , Martin John , Wasan Harpreet , Liedke Marc-Olaf , Schloericke Erik , Malczewska Anna , Rindi Guido , Kidd Mark , Modlin Irvin M , Frilling Andrea
Published: January 2017

Neuroendocrine tumours (NET) are clinically challenging due to their unpredictable behaviour. Nomograms, grading and staging systems are predictive tools with multiple roles in clinical practice, including patient prognostication. The NET nomogram allocates scores for various clinicopathological parameters, calculating percentage estimates for 5- and 10-year disease-specific survival of patients with small bowel (SB) NET. We evaluated the clinical utility of three prognostic systems in 70 SB NET patients: the NET nomogram, the World Health Organisation (WHO)/European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (ENETS) grading system and the American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC)/Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC) TNM staging method. Using Kaplan–Meier methodology, neither the WHO/ENETS grade (P = 0.6) nor the AJCC/UICC stage (P = 0.276) systems demonstrated significant differences in patient survival in the cohort. The NET nomogram was well calibrated to our data set, displaying favourable prediction accuracy. Harrel’s C-index for the nomogram (a measure of predictive power) was 0.65, suggesting good prediction ability. On Kaplan–Meier analyses, there were significant differences in patient survival when stratified into nomogram score-based risk groups: low-, medium- and high-risk tumours were associated with median estimated survivals of 156, 129 and 112 months, respectively (P = 0.031). Our data suggest that a multivariable analysis-based NET nomogram may be clinically useful for patient survival prediction. This study identifies the limitations of the NET nomogram and the imperfections of other currently used single or binary parameter methodologies for assessing neuroendocrine disease prognosis. The future addition of other variables to the NET nomogram will likely amplify the accuracy of this personalised tool.
Copy number variations of E2F1: a new genetic risk factor for testicular cancer
Authors: Rocca Maria Santa , Di Nisio Andrea , Marchiori Arianna , Ghezzi Marco , Opocher Giuseppe , Foresta Carlo , Ferlin Alberto
Published: January 2017

Testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) is one of the most heritable forms of cancer. In last years, many evidence suggested that constitutional genetic factors, mainly single nucleotide polymorphisms, can increase its risk. However, the possible contribution of copy number variations (CNVs) in TGCT susceptibility has not been substantially addressed. Indeed, an increasing number of studies have focused on the effect of CNVs on gene expression and on the role of these structural genetic variations as risk factors for different forms of cancer. E2F1 is a transcription factor that plays an important role in regulating cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis and response to DNA damage. Therefore, deficiency or overexpression of this protein might significantly influence fundamental biological processes involved in cancer development and progression, including TGCT. We analyzed E2F1 CNVs in 261 cases with TGCT and 165 controls. We found no CNVs in controls, but 17/261 (6.5%) cases showed duplications in E2F1. Blot analysis demonstrated higher E2F1 expression in testicular samples of TGCT cases with three copies of the gene. Furthermore, we observed higher phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR in samples with E2F1 duplication. Interestingly, normal, non-tumoral testicular tissue in patient with E2F1 duplication showed lower expression of E2F1 and lower AKT/mTOR phosphorylation with respect to adjacent tumor tissue. Furthermore, increased expression of E2F1 obtained in vitro in NTERA-2 testicular cell line induced increased AKT/mTOR phosphorylation. This study suggests for the first time an involvement of E2F1 CNVs in TGCT susceptibility and supports previous preliminary data on the importance of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in this cancer.
El muto disenso en el Derecho francés. Especial referencia a la ruptura convencional del contrato de trabajo
Authors: Villalba Sánchez Alicia
Published: January 2017

Tras la reforma llevada a cabo por la loi du 25 juin 2008 portant la modernisation du marché du travail, el legislador francés ha regulado la extinción del contrato de trabajo por mutuo acuerdo de las partes a través de una novedosa figura: la ruptura convencional. Su finalidad consiste en canalizar el mutuo acuerdo extintivo a través de un procedimiento tendente a garantizar la veracidad del consentimiento de las partes, la conformidad a derecho de los términos acordados así como la indemnidad económica del trabajador, con el propósito de evitar la judicialización de un eventual conflicto surgido entre los firmantes. El creciente protagonismo de la autonomía individual en el sistema de fuentes del Derecho del Trabajo invita a estudiar las posibilidades que puede brindar la reformulación de la parca regulación del mutuo disenso en España. Sin embargo, la asimétrica posición de las partes en el contrato de trabajo impide admitir sin cortapisas la promoción de tal autonomía, dado que la exclusiva voluntad de aquéllas como medio idóneo para poner fin a la relación jurídica ?premisa de origen civilista de la que parte esta reforma? constituye una manifestación patente del paulatino proceso de descausalización que atañe a la extinción del contrato de trabajo.
Lack of Association of CD55 Receptor Genetic Variants and Severe Malaria in Ghanaian Children
Authors: Schuldt Kathrin , Ehmen Christa , Sievertsen Juergen , Evans Jennifer , May Juergen , Ansong Daniel , Muntau Birgit , Ruge Gerd , Timmann Christian , Agbenyega Tsiri , Horstmann Rolf D , Thye Thorsten
Published: January 2017

In a recent report, the cellular receptor CD55 was identified as a molecule essential for the invasion of human erythrocytes by Plasmodium falciparum, the causal agent of the most severe form of malaria. As this invasion process represents a critical step during infection with the parasite, it was hypothesized that genetic variants in the gene could affect severe malaria (SM) susceptibility. We performed high-resolution variant discovery of rare and common genetic variants in the human CD55 gene. Association testing of these variants in over 1700 SM cases and unaffected control individuals from the malaria-endemic Ashanti Region in Ghana, West Africa, were performed on the basis of single variants, combined rare variant analyses, and reconstructed haplotypes. A total of 26 genetic variants were detected in coding and regulatory regions of CD55. Five variants were previously unknown. None of the single variants, rare variants, or haplotypes showed evidence for association with SM or P. falciparum density. Here, we present the first comprehensive analysis of variation in the CD55 gene in the context of SM and show that genetic variants present in a Ghanaian study group appear not to influence susceptibility to the disease.
LI ZEHOU POŽIŪRIS Į KINIŠKĄJĄ MODERNIZACIJĄ IR ABEJOTINOS MARXO IR KONFUCIJAUS SĄSAJOS
Authors: Rošker Jana S. Rošker
Published: January 2017

Li Zehou yra vienas svarbiausių ir įtakingiausių šių laikų Kinijos filosofų, vienas iš nedaugelio Kinijos intelektualų, kurio darbai sulaukė gausių skaitytojų už Kinijos sienos. Jo interesų sritis apima protingo ir tinkamo būdo suderinti praeitį ir ateitį, tradiciją ir modernybę, Kiniją ir Vakarus paieškas. Tokiame kontekste jis mėgino sukurti ankstyvojo marksizmo ir klasikinio konfucianizmo sintezę. Straipsnyje kritiškai analizuojant šiuos bandymus atskleidžiamos tokioms pastangoms iškylančios teorinės problemos. Atsižvelgiant į tai, kad Konfucijaus ir Marxo filosofijos sąsajos yra šiuolaikinėje Kinijoje plačiai aptarinėjamas ir itin prieštaringas klausimas, šiuo straipsniu siekiama kiek praskaidrinti šią problemą.
APIE JULLIENO ATSAKYMĄ Į BILLETERIO KRITIKĄ: IŠĖJIMAS ANAPUS KARTEZIŠKOJO COGITO KAIP METODOLOGINIS INTERESAS
Authors: Carpanini Francesco
Published: January 2017

François Jullieno tyrinėjimus, apimančius Europos filosofiją ir sinologiją, vienoje publikacijoje kvestionavo Jean François Billeter, išprovokuodamas pirmojo atsakymą. Šiame straipsnyje gilinamasi į Jullieno atsakymą ir kontingentiškumu pasižymintį europietišką mąstymą, kurio karteziškasis cogito reprezentuoja diskutuojančių nuomonių išsiskyrimo tašką. Pagrindinis šio straipsnio tikslas yra paaiškinti, kaip sakinys „Mąstau, vadinasi, egzistuoju“ pavirsta fundamentaliu metodologiniu interesu Jullieno tyrinėjimuose. Jo samprotavimai apie karteziškąjį cogito verčia jį kvestionuoti grynojo mąstymo akto galimybę siekiant ištirti, kaip europietiškas mąstymas ir kiniškas mąstymas naudojasi skirtingomis savųjų kalbų, kaip intelektinių išteklių, savybėmis.
Relationship between non-standard work arrangements and work-related accident absence in Belgium
Authors: Alali Hanan , Braeckman Lutgart , Van Hecke Tanja , De Clercq Bart , Janssens Heidi , Wahab Magd Abdel
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between indicators of nonstandard work arrangements, including precarious contract, long working hours, multiple jobs, shift work, and work-related accident absence, using a representative Belgian sample and considering several sociodemographic and work characteristics.

Methods

This study was based on the data of the fifth European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS). For the analysis, the sample was restricted to 3343 respondents from Belgium who were all employed workers. The associations between non-standard work arrangements and workrelated accident absence were studied with multivariate logistic regression modeling techniques while adjusting for several confounders.

Results

During the last 12 months, about 11.7% of workers were absent from work because of work-related accident. A multivariate regression model showed an increased injury risk for those performing shift work (OR 1.546, 95% CI 1.074-2.224). The relationship between contract type and occupational injuries was not significant (OR 1.163, 95% CI 0.739-1.831). Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were observed for those performing long working hours (OR 1.217, 95% CI 0.638-2.321) and those performing multiple jobs (OR 1.361, 95% CI 0.827-2.240) in relation to work-related accident absence. Those who rated their health as bad, low educated workers, workers from the construction sector, and those exposed to biomechanical exposure (BM) were more frequent victims of workrelated accident absence. No significant gender difference was observed.

Conclusion

Indicators of nonstandard work arrangements under this study, except shift work, were not significantly associated with workrelated accident absence. To reduce the burden of occupational injuries, not only risk reduction strategies and interventions are needed but also policy efforts are to be undertaken to limit shift work. In general, preventive measures and more training on the job are needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all workers.
Reduced Emergency Department Utilization by Patients With Epilepsy Using QI Methodology
Authors: Patel Anup D. , Wood Eric G. , Cohen Daniel M.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND:

Epilepsy or seizure care is the most common neurologic condition that presents to an emergency department (ED) and accounts for a large number of annual cases. Our aim was to decrease seizure-related ED visits from our baseline of 17 ED visits per month per 1000 patients to 13.6 ED visits per month per 1000 patients (20%) by July 2014.

METHODS:

Our strategy was to develop a quality improvement (QI) project utilizing the Institute for Healthcare Improvement model. Our defined outcome was to decrease ED utilization for children with epilepsy. Rate of ED visits as well as unplanned hospitalizations for epilepsy patients and associated health care costs were determined. A QI team was developed for this project. Plan do study act cycles were used with adjustments made when needed.

RESULTS:

Nineteen months after implementation of the interventions, ED visits were reduced by 28% (from 17 visits per month per 1000 patients to 12.2 per month per 1000 patients) during the past year. The average number of inpatient hospitalizations per month was reduced by 43% from 7 admissions per month per 1000 patients to 4 admissions per month per 1000 patients. For both outcome measures, a 2-sample Poisson rate exact test yielded a P value < .0001. Health care claims paid were less with $115 200 reduction for ED visits and $1 951 137 reduction for hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Applying QI methodology was highly effective in reducing ED utilization and unplanned hospitalizations for children with epilepsy at a free-standing children’s hospital.
Chronic Conditions and Health Care Needs of Adolescents Born at 23 to 25 Weeks’ Gestation
Authors: Holsti Antti , Adamsson Marie , Hägglöf Bruno , Farooqi Aijaz , Serenius Fredrik
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

We examined chronic conditions, functional limitations, and special health care needs in extremely preterm children (EPT; 23–25 weeks’ gestation) born between 1992 and 1998 at 2 Swedish tertiary care centers that offered regional and active perinatal care to all live-born EPT infants.

METHODS:

Of 134 surviving EPT children, 132 (98%) were assessed at 10 to 15 years of age alongside 103 term-born controls. Identification of children with functional limitations and special health care needs was based on a questionnaire administered to parents. Categorization of medical diagnoses and developmental disabilities was based on child examinations, medical record reviews, and parent questionnaires.

RESULTS:

In logistic regression analyses adjusting for social risk factors and sex, the EPT children had significantly more chronic conditions than the term-born controls, including functional limitations (64% vs 6%; odds ratio [OR], 15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.1–37.2; P < .001), compensatory dependency needs (60% vs 29%; OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.2–6.6; P < .001), and services above those routinely required by children (64% vs 25%; OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 3.0–9.6; P < .001). Specific diagnoses and disabilities for the EPT group versus controls included cerebral palsy (9.1% vs 0%; P < .001), asthma (21.2% vs 6.8%; P = 001), IQ < –2 SD (31.1% vs 4.9%; P < .001), poor motor skills without neurosensory impairment (21.9% vs 1.9%; P < .001), and psychiatric conditions (15.2% vs 1.9%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Adolescents born EPT have considerable long-term health and educational needs. Few had severe impairments that curtailed major activities of daily life.
Estructura productiva, pobreza y problemas de empleo en las provincias pampeanas y norteñas de Argentina en los primeros años del siglo XXI
Authors: Longhi Fernando , Osatinsky Ariel
Published: January 2017

Argentina, históricamente, ha presentado profundas desigualdades socioeconómicas regionales. Las provincias del Noroeste mostraron notorias diferencias respecto a las pampeanas en la producción de riqueza. Así, a fines del siglo XX, mientras en las provincias pampeanas la pobreza alcanzaba al 32,9% de su población, en el norte estas privaciones se duplicaban. Este artículo tiene por objeto analizar comparativamente las características de estas privaciones —considerando escalas provinciales y departamentales—, vinculándolas a su vez con las transformaciones económicas y productivas y con los problemas de empleo a lo largo del siglo XX e inicios del XXI. Los resultados advierten un notorio proceso de fragmentación socioterritorial como corolario de la persistencia de la desigualdad. Se destaca el recrudecimiento de dicha fragmentación en determinadasprovincias y departamentos argentinos.
Isoinertial technology for rehabilitation and prevention of muscle injuries of soccer players: literature review
Authors: Prieto-Mondragón Laura Del Pilar , Camargo-Rojas Diana Alexandra , Quinceno Christian Alexander
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Soccer is the sport with the highest risk of muscle injury for players. Eccentric exercise is fundamental for reducing injury rates and isoinertial technology devices cause an increase in eccentric demands after a concentric contraction.Objective: To identify the use of isoinertial technology in the fields of physical activity and sports for rehabilitation and prevention of muscle injuries reported in scientific literature.Materials and methods: A search of scientific papers in PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and Science Direct data base was performed by using the following MeSH medical terms and search equations: [isoinertial AND technology AND flywheels] and [free weight AND sport AND humans AND soccer].Results: 23 references, classified into three approaches, were selected: isoinertial technology for rehabilitation, fitness and injury prevention. The use of this technology is fundamental due to the increase of the eccentric demand in muscle groups.Conclusions: Isoinertial technology is a useful tool for treating and preventing injuries, as well as for the development of physical qualities. However, it is necessary to work on protocols that allow unifying its usage parameters so that it can be included in prevention programs.
Molecular diagnosis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)
Authors: Serrano David , Arteaga Clara Eugenia
Published: January 2017

Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of inherited colorectal cancer, totaling 5 to 8% of all the cases with high susceptibility to this type of cancer and extracolonic cancer. It is related to germinal mutations taking place at mismatch repair genes. The diagnosis of Lynch syndrome is essential for both monitoring patients with this disease and detecting asymptomatic carriers, in order to establish appropriate clinical monitoring, preventive management and genetic counselingAlthough clinical criteria have been standardized by implementing Amsterdam I and II, as well as Bethesda guidelines, the detection rate of mutations in these genes only varies between 20% and 60%.The objective of this research was to review the state of the art regarding molecular diagnosis of Lynch syndrome; thus, a review of the literature published from 1995 to 2015 in PubMed database was performed by using the criteria “lynch syndrome molecular screening”. 19 articles were selected and reviewed, and the relevant bibliography related to such articles was also reviewed.This paper presents different approaches proposed by several researchers on molecular algorithms to improve the efficiency of Lynch syndrome diagnosis.
Malignant bone tumors in Pediatrics. Five year experience in a pediatric referral center
Authors: Barros Gisela , Trujillo Angela Maria , Jaramillo Lina , Ortiz Francy Helena , Contreras Agustin Dario
Published: January 2017

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing’s Sarcoma (ES) are the two most common malignant bone tumors in children. A retrospective review of the records of children diagnosed in a pediatric hospital over a five year period (2008-2013) was performed.Objective: To present the experiences acquired during the treatment of these types of tumors and to compare the results obtained with those reported in the literature.Methodology: The database of the Oncology and Pathology Service of Fundación Hospital de la Misericordia (HOMI) was reviewed to identify patients with primary bone tumors referred for histopathology analysis.Results: 22 patients were diagnosed with OS, with a mean age of 11.9 years. 96% of cases were located in the lower extremities. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 86% underwent surgical treatment; 13% survived. 15 patients were diagnosed with ES, with a mean age of 12.4 years. 67% of cases were located in flat bones, 53% of patients had metastasis when diagnosed, and all received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. 40% of patients received surgical intervention and 20% received radiotherapy. Survival at the completion of the reseearch was 33%.Conclusions: Cure and survival rates are lower than those reported in the literature despite efforts to improve treatments.Keywords: Osteosarcoma; Ewing’s Sarcoma; Disease Progression; Recurrence; Neoplasm Metastasis (MeSH).
Inference of the phenotypic resistance profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa through an interpretative reading of the antibiogram in a pediatric hospital. 2006-2014.
Authors: Arango Juan Jailer , Leal Aura Lucia , Montilla Maria Del Pilar , Camacho Moreno German
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa behaves as an opportunistic pathogen involved in hospital infections, with high capacity to generate resistance to antibiotic treatment. The interpretative reading of the antibiogram makes possible inferring these resistance mechanisms and establishing appropriate antibiotic treatment.Objective: The interpretative reading of the antibiogram seeks to infer the resistance phenotype of P. aeruginosa at Fundación Hospital de la Misericordia (HOMI, by its acronym in Spanish) between 2006 and 2014.Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study where a search of positive antibiogram reports for P. aeruginosa was performed. The resistance phenotype was deduced based on the interpretative reading of the antibiogram.Results: A sample of 463 positive antibiograms for P. aeruginosa was obtained; these samples were taken from children aged 0 to 17, showing a higher prevalence among infants and toddlers. The antibiograms mainly came from male subjects (62.2%). The most frequent hospitalization services were: PICU —pediatric intensive care unit— (30.2%) and general hospitalization (27.3%). The most common sources of isolation were: blood (24.4%) and urine (23.8%). 11 phenotypes were characterized, being the most common: natural phenotype (63.2%), loss of porin OprD (5.7%) and partial and full AmpC derepression (8.4% and 8.2%, respectively).Conclusion: Isolation of P. aeruginosa at HOMI predominantly shows a natural phenotype. The interpretative reading of the antibiogram allowed inferring 11 phenotypes.
Airway management by the general practitioner in trauma patients. Technical and non-technical skills
Authors: Dominguez-Sánchez Juan David , Sánchez-García Lorena , Navarro-Vargas José Ricardo
Published: January 2017

General practitioners must constantly face challenges imposed by their profession when performing interventions that are necessary for their patients. Many of these interventions not only require proper use of theoretical knowledge, but also putting into practice non-technical and psychomotor skills developed through professional training. Given the specific characteristics of each patient, the clinical setting in the which procedure takes place and the limited skills of the professional, the management of the airway of a patient with trauma injuries in the emergency room represents a major challenge for physicians.
Frequency of bullying perceived in clinical practices of last year interns of a medicine school: cross sectional study
Authors: Sánchez Nubia Fernanda , Bonilla Lina Paola , Rodríguez Martha Lucia , Sandoval Gisella , Alzate Juan Pablo , Murcia Natalia Valentina , Suárez María Cristina , Luque Silvia Catalina , Arteaga Juan Manuel , Galván José Fernando , Eslava-Schmalbach Javier
Published: January 2017

Introduction: During the medical internship year, students attend several hospitals and are observed and influenced by postgraduate students, general practitioners and other interns, who provide them with fundamental support regarding professional training. Bullying is defined as an aggressive behavior that occurs between a perpetrator and a victim in different scenarios and authority relationships, such as clinical practices at Medicine programs.Objective: To describe the perceived frequency of bullying among a group of interns of the Faculty of Medicine from Universidad Nacional de Colombia during internship.Materials and methods: A transversal analytical study was performed through a questionnaire applied to 82 medical interns of the School of Medicine from Universidad Nacional de Colombia.Results: The perceived frequency of bullying was 90%. Statistically significant differences were not found in the stratified analysis by sex or place of practice. In most cases, bullying was perpetrated by other interns, while residents and specialists showed a lower frequency.Conclusion: Perceived frequency of bullying was higher than expected according to the existing literature. These results can be used as a basis for new studies.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia as an initial manifestation of Hodgkin’s Disease: Case report
Authors: Urrego-Díaz José Augusto , Lozano-Triana Carlos Javier , Landínez-Millán Guillermo , Contreras-Acosta Agustín Darío
Published: January 2017

This paper presents the case of an 11 year-old male who attended the Internal Medicine Service at a high complexity pediatric hospital.Initially, the patient attended due to a clinical profile consisting of autoimmune hemolytic anemia that was partially responsive to steroid treatment and, after exhaustive complimentary analysis, was associated to a Hodgkin lymphoma. Similar cases found in the scientific literature were reviewed in order to analyze this case.Through this paper, the authors intend to remind the medical community about the importance of a prompt and deep study of all autoimmune hemolytic anemia cases found in pediatric patients, without overlooking possible malignant causes related to this condition such as a lymphoproliferative disorder. Thus, before diagnosing a hemolytic anemia as idiopathic, the practitioner must be certain that the condition is not a clinical manifestation of an underlying disease.
Use of EMG biofeedback for basic activities of daily living training in stroke patients. Pilot randomized clinical trial
Authors: Garrido-Montenegro Maricel , Álvarez-Espinoza Evelyn , Vergara-Ruiz Sebastián
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Sequels in stroke patients include hemiparesis and dependency for performing basic activities of daily living (BADL). EMG biofeedback has yielded some benefits but has been limited to repetitive movement, therefore, it is insufficient for current task-oriented neurorehabilitation paradigms.Objective: To assess whether the application of EMG biofeedback in upper limbs during BADL training improves motor, occupational and satisfaction performances compared to BADL training without this feedback.Materials and methods: A pilot randomized clinical trial was conducted with stroke patients of more than six months of evolution, who showed hemiparesis and no cognitive deterioration. These patients were randomly classified into two groups: control group, who underwent conventional occupational therapy (COT), and experimental group, who underwent COT+EMG-BF. Patients were given 10 therapy sessions. Entry, evaluation and data analysis were masked.Results: Seven patients were included in each group, showing the same initial clinical and demographic characteristics (p>0.05). The group that underwent COT+EMG-BF showed a significantly better performance in all assessments. For example, the Barthel scale obtained a median of 100 points [85-100] for the COT+EMG-BF group versus 85 [80-90] for the control group (p<0.05), whereas ARAT score was 42 [40-47] points versus 20 [15-38] (p=0.03), respectively.Conclusion: The combination of COT+EMG-BF for BADL may be considered as an alternative for treatment of stroke patients.
Effects of Humidity History on the Tensile Deformation Behaviour of Poly(methyl –methacrylate) (PMMA) Films
Authors: Ishiyama Chiemi , Yamamoto Yoshito , Higo Yakichi
Published: January 2017

Tensile testing of Poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA) films has been conducted to clarify the effects of humidity history upon their tensile properties. Prior to testing, PMMA film specimens were kept under three different humidity conditions for 3 days to adjust the water content to each condition. The conditions used in this study were 11%, 54% and 98% relative humidity (RH) respectively. The tensile strength of PMMA films at these storage humidities tends to decrease with increasing humidity. The tensile deformation behaviour is ductile at 11% and 54% RH although brittle at 98% RH. When tensile tests were performed for different storage terms at 98% RH using specimens which had been equilibrated to 11% RH before testing, the tensile strength decreased within a short storage term. The tensile deformation behaviour, however, remains ductile. The tensile deformation behaviour drastically changes to a brittle mode after a 3 day storage term at 98% RH. This suggests that the tensile strength is affected by moisture around the specimen surfaces. This is attributed to a reduction in the crazing stress as a result of surface moisture. Brittle failure, however, occurs after a long storage term at the high humidity levels tested. This suggests that the ductile manner is caused by both absorbed water and the moisture around the specimen surfaces.
MANAJEMEN PEMELIHARAAN LARVA IKAN BUBARA (Caranx sexfasciatus)
Authors: Darto La , Pietoyo Atiek , Ely Narulitta
Published: January 2017

Keberhasilan pemeliharaan larva ikan bubara (giant travelly), sebagai salah satu ikan dari family Carangidae, memberikan prospek masa depan yang cerah. Dengan keberhasilan ini, masyarakat akan disuguhkan alternatif pilihan pemeliharaan sebagai usaha di bidang budidaya. Di masyarakat, ikan ini memiliki tempat tersendiri bagi para penggemar makanan ikan. Balai Budidaya Laut, Ambon, sebagai salah satu Unit Pelaksana Teknis di bidang budidaya, telah berhasil melakukan pemeliharan larva ikan jenis ini.Telur yang telah dipanen, kemudian ditetaskan di dalam bak pemeliharaan, kapasitas 4 m3, sebanyak 10.000 butir/m3. Telur menetas sekitar 20-24 jam setelah pemijahan.Umur larva D-3-D-30, diberi plankton jenis Chlorella, dengan kepadatan berkisar antara 1-5 x 105 sel/mL. D-3-D-35 larva diberi pakan hidup awal, rotifer dari jenis Brachionus dengan kepadatan berkisar antara 5-8 ind./mL. Nauplii Artemia diberikan pada umur larva D-15. Dan mulai dilakukan pembelajaran pakan buatan pada umur D-13. Untuk menjaga kualitas air media, penyiponan dilakukan pada umur D-15 setiap 3-4 hari sekali. Penggantian air dilakukan sebanyak 10% dimulai pada umur D-15 secara bertahap sampai sekitar 100% pada umur larva D-35. Pengisian air dilakukan secara hati-hati,disesuaikan dengan kondisi larva. Larva pada umumnya tidak memiliki sifat kanibalisme selama dilakukan pemeliharaan. Panen dilakukan pada umur larva D-45, yang selanjutnya dipelihara di bak pendederan dengan kapasitas bak 2 m3. Dari hasil pelaksanaan, larva yang dipelihara baru mencapai sintasan (SR) sekitar 2,5%.
ANALISIS TANAH TAMBAK DI KABUPATEN KONAWE SELATAN PROVINSI SULAWESI TENGGARA
Authors: Sabang Rosiana , Rahmiyah Rahmiyah , Arnol Muhammad
Published: January 2017

Komoditas udang, ikan bandeng, dan rumput laut merupakan komoditas yang penting dikembangkan di Kabupaten Konawe Selatan Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara, karena permintaan pasar yang masih cukup besar. Lahan tambak harus diperhatikan karena merupakan media untuk hidup dan tumbuh bagi komoditas tersebut. Salah satu lingkungan fisik penyusun lahan adalah tanah. Dengan mengetahui kualitas tanah tambak maka perlakuan terhadap tambak tersebut dapat disesuaikan dengan teknologi yang akan diterapkan. Penelitian dengan contoh tanah tambak diambil pada 71 titik di 4 kecamatan yaitu Kecamatan Tinanggea, Pallangga Selatan, Laeya, dan Lainea padakedalaman 0-0,2 m dan 0,2-0,4 m dari permukaan. Hasil analisis tanah tambak adalah bahwa pHF tertinggi terdapat pada Kecamatan Tinanggea pada kedalaman 0-0,20 m yaitu 7,39 sedang pHFOX terendah didapatkan pada Kecamatan Laeya yaitu 0,74. Hasil pengukuran potensial redoks pada umumnya menunjukkan nilai negatif menandakan keadaan tanah tambak di kabupaten tersebut dalam keadaan tereduksi. Kandungan bahan organik tertinggi terdapat di Kecamatan Tinanggea adalah 30,63% dan terendah juga terdapat di Kecamatan Tinanggea yaitu < 0,01%. Kandungan N-total tertinggi terdapat di Kecamatan Tinanggea adalah 0,56% dan terendah juga terdapat di Kecamatan tersebut yaitu 0,03%. Kandungan fosfat tertinggi juga terdapat di KecamatanTinanggea yaitu 233,4 mg/L dan yang terendah pun di Kecamatan Tinanggea yaitu 7,49 mg/L.
Cloning of a Transglutaminase Gene from an Indonesian Streptomyces Strain
Authors: Chaniago Seprianto
Published: January 2017

Microbial Transglutaminase (MTGase, EC 2.3.2.13) is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of acyl group. Many microbial strains that produce MTGase belong to Streptomyces members. This research was aimed at cloning of a MTGase gene. PCR–based screening of ten MTGase-producing streptomyces isolates from soil in West Nusa Tenggara led to detection of one potential isolate, designated as TTA 02 SDS 14. The partial  MTGase-encoding gene (470 bp)  was amplified by PCR and sequenced. The sequence result indicate its similarity of 93 % with that of Streptomyces cinnamoneus. The 16S rRNA gene analysis showed its identity as Streptomyces thioleteus. Fosmid-based construction of a genomic library from the isolate  and subsequent screening led to the isolation of  a ~40-Kb fosmid harboring a MTGase gene.
In situ polymerization of 4-(methacryloylamino) phenyl-2-methylacrylate on the surface of silicagel
Authors: Yanovska Elina , Vretik Lyudmyla , Sternik Dariusz , Kychkiruk Olga , Nikolaeva Olena , Buriachenko Iana
Published: January 2017

Immobilization of 4-(methacryloylamino)phenyl-2-methylacrylate homopolymer on the silica gel surface has been carried out in situ. The structure and quantitative characteristics of immobilized polymer have been examined by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and mass spectrometry. Adsorption activity towards microquantitatives of Pb(II), Cu (II), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Fe(III) ions in the range of pH 6-8,5 has been observed. Quantitative adsorption of trace Pb(II) in neutral and slightly alkaline media has been reported.
The Perception and Expression of Emotions in Normative Teenagers and Those who Suffers from Schizophrenia
Authors: Zvereva N.V. , Kutyreva Y. , Kazakova M.V.
Published: January 2017

The article presents the results of a study of emotion perception and expression in adolescents without clinical diagnoses and in adolescents with schizophrenia. Literature gives conflicting data on the successfulness of emotion recognition and expression in adults. In adolescents, the distinctive character of emotional development has been shown, but the amount of empirical research is not sufficient. According to the descriptions given by clinicians, there is a characteristic affective flattening in patients with schizophrenia, with no direct relation to their age. It has been shown that adolescents with some types of schizophrenia approach patients without clinical diagnoses in terms of certain intellectual parameters (N.V. Zvereva, A.I. Khromov), however there is a relative scarcity of data regarding the emotional and personal functioning of adolescents with schizophrenia. These factors determined the setup of the problem of the study that dealt with certain issues of methodology and experimental psychology. We have examined 50 adolescents, divided into two groups: a clinical one (10 adolescent boys and 10 adolescent girls with schizophrenia, schizotypal disorder, and schizoaffective disorders) and a control one
(13 adolescent boys and 17 adolescent girls attending a regular general education school, 13 to 16 years). The average age of the participants in both groups – 14,5 years. The empirical research methodology included “Nonverbal Behaviour Adequate Interpretation Ability Development Level Diagnostics” (a technique devised by V.A. Labunskaya) and a modified graphical emotion representation technique (a modification of a
V.A. Labunskaya’s technique). The medical records of the participants and the observation data gathered during the examinations were also analyzed. The study has gathered new data on the applicability of the method of graphical representation of emotions in adolescents. The results indicate that adolescents with schizophrenia and adolescents without clinical diagnoses have similar specific features in their visual perception of simple emotive content and similar difficulties in emotion perception occurring after the complication of the task. The study has shown the distinctive character of emotionality in adolescents with schizophrenia that manifests itself in the disharmony of emotional components: though, their impressive emotional component is relatively safe, the impairments of expressive component are quite pronounced.
Coping Strategies in People with Disability and Differences in Level of Role Victimization
Authors: Kovaleva E.
Published: January 2017

The article analyzes the coping strategies of people with disabilities (HIA). The investigation was based on a survey of 34 individuals with disabilities of the musculoskeletal system undergoing a rehabilitation course in "Specialized spinal sanatorium named academician N.N. Burdenko" of the Autonomous Republic of the Crimea and in rehabilitation center "Overcoming" (Moscow). Also students of the Faculty of distance education at MSUPE (Moscow State University of Psychology and Education) with disabilities were surveyed because of violations of the musculoskeletal system. Significant differences in the coping strategies in people with perinatal, congenital and acquired adult disorders of the musculoskeletal system were found. In individuals with disorders of the musculoskeletal system, different level of victimization varied across the five strategies: search of social support, cautious action, impulsive actions, avoidance and antisocial actions.
Beneficios de los acolchados de paja y poda como prácticas para la gestión forestal de los montes mediterráneos
Authors: Hueso-González P. , Martínez-Murillo J.F. , Ruiz-Sinoga J.D.
Published: January 2017

En la mayoría de las propuestas forestales para ambientes semiáridos, la respuesta positiva de la recolonización vegetal se ve limitada por las condiciones climáticas y la escasez de agua y nutrientes presentes en el suelo. Es por ello que, en estos ambientes, se hace necesaria la búsqueda de métodos alternativos que, con bajo coste económico, garanticen el éxito de cualquier actuación forestal. Este estudio trata de analizar el efecto de dos tipos de acolchados orgánicos sobre la viabilidad de una reforestación bajo condiciones forestales semiáridas. Para el diseño experimental se ha establecido un set de 6 parcelas experimentales: (i) dos parcelas reforestadas y enmendadas con un mulch de paja (10 Mg ha-1) (SM); (ii) dos parcelas reforestadas y enmendadas con un mulch de restos de poda (Pinus halepensis Mill.) (10 Mg ha-1) (PM); y (iii) dos parcelas reforestadas sobre suelo desnudo, conjunto control (C). Todas las parcelas se han reforestado con el mismo número de plantas y patrón espacial de arbustos mediterráneos. Los resultados muestran que, 30 meses después de la reforestación, no se observan diferencias significativas en el contenido de carbono orgánico del suelo entre los suelos con acolchados orgánicos de paja o poda y el control. Sin embargo, sí se han observado diferencias en la cantidad y disponibilidad de agua útil para la vegetación. Esto se interpreta como una reducción del estrés hídrico post-transplante, que permite amortiguar la estacionalidad mediterránea, generando un efecto positivo para la supervivencia y crecimiento de las plantas reforestadas. De cara a la gestión forestal para ambientes semiáridos, podemos concluir que el tratamiento del suelo con acolchados orgánicos, paja o poda, se traduce en un aumento del éxito de los programas de reforestación.