bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic polymorphisms of UGT1A1 and susceptibility to anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver: A RUCAM-based case–control study
Authors: Tao Bilin , Chen Shixian , Lin Guancheng , Yang Miaomiao , Lu Lihuan , He Xiaomin , Pan Hongqiu , Tang Shaowen
Published: December 2018

Uridine 5’-diphospho-glucuronosyl-transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) plays an important role in the biliary excretion of bilirubin, suggesting genetic polymorphisms of UGT1A1 may have an impact on bile acid metabolism, which may be related to the development of anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury (ATLI). This study explores the associations between genetic polymorphisms of UGT1A1 and ATLI in a Chinese anti-tuberculosis population. A 1:2 matched case–control study was conducted among 290 ATLI cases and 580 controls, of which causality assessment of ATLI cases was based on the updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM). Conditional logistic regression was applied to calculate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with weight and use of hepatoprotectant as covariates. The Bonferroni correction was used to adjust P values for multiple testing. Compared with those carrying rs6719561 TT genotype, patients with TC genotype had lower risk of ATLI (adjusted OR = 0.723, 95% CI: 0.531–0.985, P = 0.040). The haplotype TAG (rs3755319-rs2003569-rs4148323) could marginally significantly increase the risk of ATLI (adjusted OR = 5.071, 95% CI: 1.007–25.531, P = 0.049), while haplotype TC (rs4148329-rs6719561) could reduce the risk of ATLI (adjusted OR = 0.719, 95% CI: 0.527–0.982, P = 0.038). Patients with polymorphisms at rs4148328 or rs3755319 were at a reduced risk of moderate and severe liver injury under different genetic models. Based on this case–control study, genetic polymorphisms of UGT1A1 may be associated with susceptibility to ATLI in the Chinese anti-tuberculosis population.
Complications and Readmissions After Total Knee Replacement in Octogenarians and Nonagenarians
Authors: Yohe Nicholas , Funk August , Ciminero Matthew , Erez Orry , Saleh Ahmed
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

From 2000 to 2010, the cohort of patients aged 85 to 94 years had the fastest growth rate increasing in size by approximately 30%. The need for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) continues to increase with a larger percentage of patients older than 80 years requiring TKA. The purpose of our study was to examine the rate and risks of 30-day complications and unplanned readmission in patients older than 80 years.

Materials and Methods:

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database for the years 2008 to 2014 was queried for patients older than 80 years undergoing TKA. The risks of major complications, minor complications, bleeding occurrences, unplanned readmissions, and deaths over a 30-day period were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:

Overall, 12 026 patients were included for analysis. In all, 422 (3.5%) experienced a major complication, 2316 (19.3%) experienced a minor complication, 2074 (17.2%) had a bleeding occurrence requiring transfusion, and 566 (4.7%) experienced an unplanned readmission. Thirty-eight (0.3%) deaths were recorded. There were no significant risk factors for major complications. Patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) >2 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.43 [1.239-1.651]), patients older than 84 years (OR: 1.240 [1.072-1.434]), and patients receiving general anesthesia (OR: 1.191 [1.035-1.370]) had increased risks of minor complications. Patients with a body mass index >30 (OR: 0.640 [0.532-0.770]) and men (OR: 0.815 [0.706-0.941]) had reduced rates of minor complications. Increased risk of unplanned readmission occurred in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 1.694 [1.007-2.850]) and congestive heart failure (OR: 3.030 [1.121-8.192]). Increased risk of death was seen in patients with an ASA >2 (OR: 8.9 [1.144-69.82]).

Discussion/Conclusion:

Elderly patients undergoing TKA have high complication and readmission rates. Surgeons should convey these increased risk factors and rates of complications in elective TKAs to their elderly patients and work with primary care physicians to mitigate these risks.
Childbearing in the Context of the Child Support Grant in a Rural Area in South Africa
Authors: Ngubane Nokuthula , Maharaj Pranitha
Published: December 2018

Although teenage pregnancy appears to be on the decline in South Africa, it is still high and a matter of heated debate. Some commentators argue that the child support grant is fuelling the high levels of childbearing among young women in South Africa. To investigate this relationship, qualitative data using in-depth interviews was conducted with women aged 18 to 24 years who were recipients of the child support grant. The study was conducted in Mtubatuba, which is located in northern KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The women in the study denied that they had children to access the grant. They pointed out that the grant is minimal and did not cover the cost of raising a child. The women identified a range of factors that contribute to childbearing including inadequate knowledge about sex, gender relations, lack of access to contraceptive services, and risky behaviors. Age appropriate and youth friendly health services should thus be a priority for government in tackling this problem.
Axillary Nerve Position in Humeral Avulsions of the Glenohumeral Ligament
Authors: Bokor Desmond J. , Raniga Sumit , Graham Petra L.
Published: December 2018

Background:

The axillary nerve is at risk during repair of a humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL).

Purpose:

To measure the distance between the axillary nerve and the free edge of a HAGL lesion on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and compare these findings to the actual intraoperative distance measured during open HAGL repair.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 25 patients with anterior instability were diagnosed as having a HAGL lesion on MRI and proceeded to open repair. The proximity of the axillary nerve to the free edge of the HAGL lesion was measured intraoperatively at the 6-o’clock position relative to the glenoid face. Preoperative MRI was then used to measure the distance between the axillary nerve and the free edge of the HAGL lesion at the same position. Distances were compared using paired t tests and Bland-Altman analyses.

Results:

The axillary nerve lay, on average, 5.60 ± 2.51 mm from the free edge of the HAGL lesion at the 6-o’clock position on preoperative MRI, while the mean actual intraoperative distance during open HAGL repair was 4.84 ± 2.56 mm, although this difference was not significant ( P = .154). In 52% (13/25) of patients, the actual intraoperative distance of the axillary nerve to the free edge of the HAGL lesion was overestimated by preoperative MRI. In 36% (9/25), this overestimation of distance was greater than 2 mm.

Conclusion:

The observed overestimations, although not significant in this study, suggest a smaller safety margin than might be expected and hence a substantially higher risk for potential damage. We recommend that shoulder surgeons exercise caution in placing capsular sutures in the lateral edge when contemplating arthroscopic repair of HAGL lesions, as the proximity of the nerve to the free edge of the HAGL tear is small enough to be injured by arthroscopic suture-passing instruments.
Commentary and Reflection Related to the Perspectives of Nurses Toward Telehealth Efficacy and Quality of Health Care
Authors: Bashir Ayisha
Published: December 2018

Telehealth nursing enabling communication with chronic disease patients has shown to improve medical outcomes for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic heart disease. Studies have been conducted to examine whether telehealth technology impacts the perceived level of internal service quality (SQ) delivered by nurses within a telehealth organization. Overall, the perspectives toward telehealth SQ researched through case studies showed positive results. The innovative role of telehealth nursing and related technology toward patient care was highlighted. Literature establishes how telehealth provides daily monitoring of patient health, which has the benefits of peace of mind, immediate feedback for patients, family, and caregivers, as well as the convenience of scheduling. This commentary not only reflects but also aims to analyze the effectiveness of the telehealth nursing interventions and reasons for the delayed implementation across United States. Improving and implementing telehealth methods in the case of chronic patients suffering from diabetes, COPD, and heart disease can lead to reductions in health-care errors and readmissions. Telehealth nursing has the potential of decreasing the length of hospital stay, at the same time improving satisfaction of care teams, while the patient management continues at home.
The development of antipsychotic drugs
Authors: Cunningham Owens David , Johnstone Eve C.
Published: December 2018

Antipsychotic drugs revolutionised psychiatric practice and provided a range of tools for exploring brain function in health and disease. Their development and introduction were largely empirical but based on long and honourable scientific credentials and remarkable powers of clinical observation. The class shares a common core action of attenuating central dopamine transmission, which underlies the major limitation to their use – high liability to disrupt extrapyramidal function – and also the most durable hypothesis of the basis of psychotic disorders, especially schizophrenia. However, the Dopamine Hypothesis, which has driven drug development for almost half a century, has become a straight-jacket, stifling innovation, resulting in a class of compounds that are largely derivative. Recent efforts only cemented this tendency as no clinical evidence supports the notion that newer compounds, modelled on clozapine, share that drug’s unique neurological tolerability and can be considered ‘atypical’. Patients and doctors alike must await a more profound understanding of central dopamine homeostasis and novel methods of maintaining it before they can again experience the intoxicating promise antipsychotics once held.
Modelling urban growth incorporating spatial interactions between the cities: The example of the Tehran metropolitan region
Authors: Alaei Moghadam Sanaz , Karimi Mohammad , Habibi Kyoumars
Published: December 2018

Interactions between cities play a significant role in the development of metropolitan regions. Although these interactions and their role in the urban growth modelling have already been investigated, there is still room for more studies. In this research, in addition to conventional urban growth factors, spatial interactions between the cities (SIBC) are incorporated into urban growth modelling. This causes directional trends in urban growth (DTUG). Therefore, first the DTUG of each city was measured using a developed indicator based on the history of urban growth that was extracted from satellite images and spatial statistics. The SIBC was then estimated by integrating the DTUG of the cities. Finally, the SIBC and other driving forces, including the physical suitability, accessibility and neighbourhood effects, were integrated using a cellular automata-based model. The accuracy of the model in the Tehran metropolitan region was increased by 6.44% after considering the SIBC. The analysis of the DTUG and SIBC in the Tehran metropolitan region during 1991–2000–2007–2014 revealed specific patterns as the spatial interactions intensified over time and usually peaked in the periphery of the central business districts and intense interactions existed between the metropolises and other major cities. These findings could help urban managers with strategic decision-making in the metropolitan regions and adjust the science and practice relation in this field.
The automatic classification of urban open space by a pattern-matching method of the viewshed at intersections
Authors: Leduc Thomas , Hartwell Kevin
Published: December 2018

This research focuses on the automatic classification of small urban fragments through a morphological analysis of cognitivist inspiration. The recognition algorithm is performed on observer-centric forms, constructed through the use of visibility assessment techniques over a series of individual points of view. These tools are (1) the isovist for its capacity to delineate and synthesize the visual properties of the immediate viewshed from a point, and (2) the automatic construction of a typology of intersection patterns. The aim is to assimilate the forms of the theoretical intersection patterns to those extracted from the isovist field generated by a group of strategically placed points. Three different matching methods are proposed, and the significance of the parameters needed for optimal calibration is discussed.
Bilateral Choroidal Osteomas in Rosai-Dorfman Disease
Authors: Storey Philip P. , de Koo Lisa Olmos , Berry Jesse
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

The purpose of this case report is to describe a case of bilateral choroidal osteomas in Rosai-Dorfman disease, a rare pseudolymphomatous disorder.

Methods:

A case report was conducted.

Results:

A middle-aged man with biopsy-proven Rosai-Dorfman disease presented with chronic poor vision of the left eye. Clinical examination showed bilateral white lesions with scalloped edges, and optical coherence tomography revealed hyporeflective choroidal lesions. Ultrasonography confirmed the lesions as choroidal osteomas. The patient was observed and remains stable after 9 months of follow-up.

Conclusions:

Bilateral choroidal osteomas in the setting of Rosai-Dorfman disease are an uncommon finding. While the best treatment for the disease remains unclear, observation is a reasonable option for stable patients.
Sonographic Confirmation of Intracapsular and Extracapsular Breast Implant Rupture
Authors: Oliver Hannah L. , Stormo Janell
Published: December 2018

Breast implant ruptures are a recognized complication associated with both cosmetic augmentation and breast reconstruction. After a breast implant has been placed, a fibrous capsule forms around the shell of the implant. If the shell of the implant ruptures but the fibrous capsule remains intact, the rupture is known as intracapsular. If both the implant shell and fibrous capsule have ruptured, the implant content is freely extravasated into surrounding tissue, and the rupture is defined as extracapsular. This case study reviews a silicone implant rupture. Following an initial routine mammogram, bilateral extracapsular rupture was suspected and subsequently confirmed sonographically. Sonography was able to target focal areas of extracapsular silicone implant rupture as well as intracapsular rupture. The use of both diagnostic imaging modalities allowed for a quick, accurate diagnosis, and helped to establish the next step in appropriate treatment for the patient.
Targeting Sirt-1 controls GVHD by inhibiting T-cell allo-response and promoting Treg stability in mice
Authors: Daenthanasanmak Anusara , Iamsawat Supinya , Chakraborty Paramita , Nguyen Hung D. , Bastian David , Liu Chen , Mehrotra Shikhar , Yu Xue-Zhong
Published: December 2018

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains one of the major complications after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT). Sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1) plays a crucial role in various biological processes including cellular senescence, metabolism, and inflammatory responses. Sirt-1 deacetylation regulates different transcription factors that are important for modulating immune responses. In the current study, we addressed the role of Sirt-1 in GVHD induction by employing Sirt-1 conditional knockout mice as well as a pharmacological Sirt-1 inhibitor. Using major histocompatibility complex (MHC)–mismatched and MHC-matched murine BMT models, we found that Sirt-1−/− T cells had a reduced ability to induce acute GVHD (aGVHD) via enhanced p53 acetylation. Sirt-1-deficient T cells also promoted induced regulatory T cell (iTreg) differentiation and inhibited interferon-γ production after allo-BMT. Sirt-1 deletion in iTregs increased Foxp3 stability and restrained iTreg conversion into pathogenic T cells. Furthermore, we found that administration with a Sirt-1 inhibitor, Ex-527, significantly improved recipient survival and clinical scores, with no signs of tumor relapse. These results indicate that Sirt-1 inhibition can attenuate GVHD while preserving the graft-versus-leukemia effect. Consistently, Sirt-1-deficient T cells also displayed a remarkably reduced ability to induce chronic GVHD (cGVHD). Mechanistic studies revealed that Sirt-1 deficiency in T cells enhanced splenic B-cell reconstitution and reduced follicular T helper cell development. Sirt-1 deficiency in T cells modulated donor B-cell responses reducing both B-cell activation and plasma cell differentiation. In addition, therapeutic Sirt-1 inhibition could both prevent cGVHD and reduce established cGVHD. In conclusion, Sirt-1 is a promising therapeutic target for the control of aGVHD and cGVHD pathogenesis and possesses high potential for clinical application.
Cerebral Edema and Elevated Intracranial Pressure
Authors: Koenig Matthew A.
Published: December 2018

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the management of cerebral edema, elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), and cerebral herniation syndromes in neurocritical care.

RECENT FINDINGS

While corticosteroids may be effective in reducing vasogenic edema around brain tumors, they are contraindicated in traumatic cerebral edema. Mannitol and hypertonic saline use should be tailored to patient characteristics including intravascular volume status. In patients with traumatic brain injury who are comatose, elevated ICP should be managed with an algorithmic, multitiered treatment protocol to maintain an ICP of 22 mm Hg or less. Third-line ICP treatments include anesthetic agents, induced hypothermia, and decompressive craniectomy. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that induced hypothermia and decompressive craniectomy are ineffective as early neuroprotective strategies and should be reserved for third-line management of refractory ICP elevation in severe traumatic brain injury. Monitoring for cerebral herniation should include bedside pupillometry in supratentorial space-occupying lesions and recognition of upward herniation in patients with posterior fossa lesions.

Although elevated ICP, cerebral edema, and cerebral herniation are interrelated, treatments should be based on the distinct pathophysiologic process. Focal lesions resulting in brain compression are primarily managed with surgical decompression, whereas global or multifocal brain injury requires a treatment protocol that includes medical and surgical interventions.
Coma and Brain Death
Authors: Rabinstein Alejandro A.
Published: December 2018

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to patients who are comatose and reviews the current knowledge on prognosis from various causes of coma. This article also provides an overview of the principles for determination of brain death as well as advice on how to avoid common pitfalls.

RECENT FINDINGS

Technologic advances have refined our understanding of the physiology of consciousness and the spectrum of disorders of consciousness; they also promise to improve our prognostic accuracy. Yet the clinical principles for the evaluation and treatment of coma remain unaltered. The clinical standards for determination of death by neurologic criteria (ie, brain death) are also well established, although variabilities in local protocols and legal requirements remain a problem to be resolved.

Effective evaluation of coma demands a systematic approach relying on clinical information to ensure rational use of laboratory and imaging tests. When the cause of coma is deemed irreversible in the setting of a catastrophic brain injury and no clinical evidence exists for brain and brainstem function, patients should be evaluated for the possibility of brain death by following the clinical criteria specified in the American Academy of Neurology guidelines.
Status Epilepticus, Refractory Status Epilepticus, and Super-refractory Status Epilepticus
Authors: Nelson Sarah E. , Varelas Panayiotis N.
Published: December 2018

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Status epilepticus, refractory status epilepticus, and super-refractory status epilepticus can be life-threatening conditions. This article presents an overview of the three conditions and discusses their management and outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Status epilepticus was previously defined as lasting for 30 minutes or longer but now is more often defined as lasting 5 minutes or longer. A variety of potential causes exist for status epilepticus, refractory status epilepticus, and super-refractory status epilepticus, but all three ultimately involve changes at the cellular and molecular level. Management of patients with status epilepticus generally requires several studies, with EEG of utmost importance given the pathophysiologic changes that can occur during the course of status epilepticus. Status epilepticus is treated with benzodiazepines as first-line antiepileptic drugs, followed by phenytoin, valproic acid, or levetiracetam. If status epilepticus does not resolve, these are followed by an IV anesthetic and then alternative therapies based on limited data/evidence, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, therapeutic hypothermia, immunomodulatory agents, and the ketogenic diet. Scores have been developed to help predict the outcome of status epilepticus. Neurologic injury and outcome seem to worsen as the duration of status epilepticus increases, with outcomes generally worse in super-refractory status epilepticus compared to status epilepticus and sometimes also to refractory status epilepticus.

Status epilepticus can be a life-threatening condition associated with multiple complications, including death, and can progress to refractory status epilepticus and super-refractory status epilepticus. More studies are needed to delineate the best management of these three entities.
Management of Stroke in the Neurocritical Care Unit
Authors: Venkatasubba Rao Chethan P. , Suarez Jose I.
Published: December 2018

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article provides updated information regarding the diagnosis and treatment (specifically critical care management) of acute ischemic stroke. This article also discusses the increased use of thrombolysis and thrombectomy in clinical practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States. A significant proportion of patients with acute ischemic stroke require critical care management. Much has changed in the early evaluation and treatment of patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke. The introduction of embolectomy in large vessel occlusions for up to 24 hours post–symptom onset has resulted in one in every three eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke with the potential to lead an independent lifestyle. These patients increasingly require recognition of complications and initiation of appropriate interventions as well as earlier admission to dedicated neurocritical care units to ensure better outcomes.

This article emphasizes issues related to the management of patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy and thrombolysis and addresses the complex physiologic changes affecting neurologic and other organ systems.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Ziai Wendy C. , Carhuapoma J. Ricardo
Published: December 2018

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article describes the advances in the management of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in adults.

RECENT FINDINGS

Therapeutic intervention in intracerebral hemorrhage has continued to focus on arresting hemorrhage expansion, with large randomized controlled trials addressing the effectiveness of rapidly lowering blood pressure, hemostatic therapy with platelet transfusion, and other clotting complexes and clot volume reduction both of intraventricular and parenchymal hematomas using minimally invasive techniques. Smaller studies targeting perihematomal edema and inflammation may also show promise.

The management of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, long relegated to the management and prevention of complications, is undergoing a recent evolution in large part owing to stereotactically guided clot evacuation techniques that have been shown to be safe and that may potentially improve outcomes.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Muehlschlegel Susanne
Published: December 2018

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). SAH is a type of hemorrhagic stroke and is a neurologic emergency with substantial morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the most common and potentially life-threatening neurologic and medical complications to promote their early recognition and prevent secondary brain injury.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the past 30 years, the incidence of SAH has remained stable; yet, likely because of improved care in specialized neurocritical care units, discharge mortality has considerably decreased. Two consensus guidelines by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and the Neurocritical Care Society have outlined best practices for the management of patients with SAH. The most important recommendations include admission of patients to high-volume centers (defined as more than 35 SAH admissions per year) under the management of a multidisciplinary, specialized team; expeditious identification and treatment of the bleeding source with evaluation by a multidisciplinary team consisting of cerebrovascular neurosurgeons, neuroendovascular specialists, and neurointensivists; management of patients in a neurocritical care unit with enteral nimodipine, blood pressure control, euvolemia, and close monitoring for neurologic and medical complications; and treatment of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm/delayed cerebral ischemia with induced hypertension and endovascular therapies. This article also highlights new insights of SAH pathophysiology and provides updates in the management approach.

SAH remains a neurologic emergency. Management of patients with SAH includes adherence to published guidelines, but some areas of SAH management remain understudied. Clinical trials are required to elucidate the role of these controversial management approaches in improving patient outcomes.
EGCG protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxia-reperfusion injury through inhibition of OMA1 activation
Authors: Nan Jinliang , Nan Cunjin , Ye Jian , Qian Lu , Geng Ya , Xing Dawei , Rahman Muhammad Saif Ur , Huang Mingyuan
Published: December 2018

Mitochondria are important for energy production and cardiomyocyte homeostasis. OMA1, a metalloendopeptidase, initiates the proteolytic process of the fusion-allowing protein OPA1, to deteriorate mitochondrial structure and function. In this study, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCMs) subjected to hypoxia-reperfusion injury (HRI) and/or H2O2 were used to mimic oxidative stress in the heart following ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). In vitro experiments demonstrated that HRI or stimulation with H2O2 induced self-cleavage of OMA1 and the subsequent conversion of OPA1 from its long form to its short form, leading to mitochondrial fragmentation, cytochrome c release and apoptosis. By using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software to simulate the binding interaction of 2295 phytochemicals against OMA1, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and betanin were selected as candidates of OMA1 inhibitor. We found that EGCG directly interacted with OMA1 and potently inhibited self-cleavage of OMA1, leading to attenuated OPA1 cleavage. This study, therefore, suggests to use OMA1 inhibition induced by EGCG to treat cardiac IRI.
The effect of osseodensification and different thread designs on the dental implant primary stability
Authors: Almutairi Abdullah Saleh , Walid Maher Abdullatif , Alkhodary Mohamed Ahmed
Published: December 2018

Background: It is difficult to achieve good primary stability of dental implants in soft bone, such as that in the posterior maxillae. Osseodensification (OD) burs, working in a non-subtractive fashion, condense the implant osteotomy bone in lateral direction and increase in the bone implant contact. Also, dental implants with deeper threads, and decreased thread pitch can increase initial bone implant anchorage.

Methods: This study utilized 48 custom-made machined surface dental implants that were 13 mm long, with a major diameter of 4.5 mm and a minor diameter of 3.5 mm, a thread pitch of 1 mm, a thread depth of 0.5 mm, and a 4 mm long cutting flute at the apex.  The implants were divided into 4 groups, each group was made of 12 implants with a different thread design; V-shaped, trapezoid, buttress, and reverse buttress. The implants were inserted in 4-mm thick cancellous bone slices obtained from the head of Cow femur bone. The ostoetomies were prepared by conventional drilling and by OD drilling. Each inserted implant was then tested for primary stability using the Periotest. The Periotest values (PTVs) for the implant stability were tabulated and analyzed using a chi square test at significance level p< 0.05.

Results: The results of this this study revealed no statistically significant difference between the Periotest readings for the implants in each category placed in either the OD or the regular osteotomies. However, it has been found that the implants placed in regular drilling ostoetomies had a significantly better primary stability than the implants placed in OD osteotomies.

Conclusions: It was concluded that OD is not necessary in situations where there is bone of good quality and quantity.
Psychological characteristics of professional activity of the investigator
Authors: Горач Николай , Gorach Nikolay , Селедников Никита , Sedel'nikov Nikita
Published: December 2018

The article analyzes the components of the psychological characteristics of investigative activities through the prism of compliance with the principles of criminal procedure legislation in the implementation of tactics in the production of investigative actions. High requirements to the level of training of employees of preliminary investigation bodies are emphasized, among which the necessity of formation of knowledge about professionally significant components of psychological characteristics of their further professional activity is highlighted. The authors analyze the main directions of professional activity of the investigator (social, search (cognitive), reconstructive, communicative, organizational and certification activities) during the preliminary investigation of criminal cases. It is noted that the high prestige of the investigator's profession has a positive role, encouraging law graduates to choose a profession that society needs. At the same time, if the graduate is guided solely by considerations of prestige, "romantic aura" of the profession, the prospects of promotion, the level of material security, his motivation can hardly be called positive.
SUBJETIVIDADES TRAVESTIS NO RIO DE JANEIRO, INÍCIO DA DÉCADA DE 1960. ALOMA DIVINA.
Authors: Lopes Fábio Henrique
Published: December 2018

Neste artigo focalizo narrativas autobiográficas e escritas de si de uma travesti da “primeira geração”, Aloma Divina, que viveu no Rio de Janeiro no início da década de 1960. Identifico e exploro o abandono de históricos modos de subjetivação, a renúncia de subjetividades já cristalizadas social e culturalmente, utilizadas para hierarquizar e nomear aqueles/as que fugiam da norma heterossexual e cisgênera. O exercício subjetivo focalizado para análise possibilitou a emergência histórica de novas subjetividades, como a de travesti, marcadas por múltiplos e históricos eixos de diferenciação, como o gênero, a sexualidade, a diversidade corporal e a raça.
Is it shift length or working practices that most affect midwives' wellbeing and ability to safely deliver care?
Authors: Dent Jackie
Published: December 2018

Midwives continue to experience high levels of work-related stress. Challenges in staffing and demands on services may contribute, but there are also indications that shift length or working practices may also be a factor, especially if midwives regularly work beyond their contracted hours or miss rest breaks. In the nursing literature, longer shifts have been associated with higher levels of fatigue, yet this has also been found in nurses working 8-hour shifts, due to the high number of consecutive shifts worked, suggesting that working practices also contribute to fatigue. Longer shifts have also been linked to poorer quality of care, yet this only appears significant when shifts exceed 12 hours. There are mixed views on job satisfaction, which may be due to personal preferences or the availability of flexible working. However, the findings of many studies are often limited by poor quality designs and cannot easily be applied to midwifery settings, where there continues to be a lack of research in this area. Further research is therefore required to understand the impact of shift length and working practices on the wellbeing of midwives and their ability to safely delivery care.
Home birth in Croatia: Is midwifery assistance potential ‘quackery’?
Authors: Symon Andrew
Published: December 2018

While home birth is supported as an option in the UK, in Croatia those who assist with home birth face possible criminal prosecution for ‘quackery’. Andrew Symon explains
Evaluating Native germplasm for extensive green roof systems for semiarid regions
Authors: Cáceres Natalia , Imhof Lelia , Suárez Mario , Hick Emmanuel , Galetto Leonardo
Published: December 2018

Extensive green roofs (EGR) spaces constitute harsh and stressful growing environments, and consequently a limited range of plants species that can be routinely used there. The habitat template hypothesis suggests that EGR can be analogous as natural environments, what makes native plants as an alternative for these conditions. This paper aimed to assess the potential use of 15 native plants from Córdoba Province (Argentina) for green roofs, based on cover ability, survived rates and health status observations during a period of 414 days. Sedum acre L. was used as the control. Glandularia x hybrid, Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene, Melica macra Nees, Eustachys retusa (Lag.) Kunth and Grindelia cabrerae Ariza kept up a 60% of coverage during all the period of study. The first two species had an outperformed green coverage (at 72th day; 95% and 98% respectively) in relation to the control species (Sedum acre; 87%). Eustachys retusa and Grindelia cabrerae grew progressively and kept their coverage constant proximally to 65%. Sedum acre, Grindelia cabrerae, Hysterionica jasionoides Willd, Melica macra, Phyla nodiflora, stood out in plant survival rates; but S. acre suffered changes in health status throughout the evaluation period, especially with low temperatures or at high humidity conditions. It is necessary to underline the reseeding potential of Eustachys retusa, a process that could guarantee perpetuation of the species on EGR.
Der Paratext in Immanuel Kants Metaphysik der Sitten und seine (tier-)ethischen Implikationen
Authors: Camenzind Samuel
Published: December 2018

Samuel Camenzinds Anliegen ist es, mittels paratextueller Analyse einer Entwicklung und Neuakzentuierung in Immanuel Kants Moralphilosophie nachzuspüren, der weder in der Ethik der Mensch-Tier-Beziehung noch in der Kantforschung viel Beachtung geschenkt wird. Die Entwicklung betrifft Kants Pflichtensystematik, in welcher die »Pflichten in Ansehung der Tiere« von den »Pflichten gegen andere« in der Vorlesung zur Moralphilosophie (1774/75) zu den »Pflichten gegen sich selbst als moralisches Wesen« in der Tugendlehre (1797) verschoben werden. Die Berücksichtigung dieser Entwicklung ist aus mindestens vier Gründen relevant: Erstens wird durch die Neusituierung der Pflichten in Ansehung der Tiere unter die höchste Pflichtenklasse der Stellenwert der Mensch-Tier-Beziehung in der Tugendlehre aufgewertet. Diese Aufwertung findet zwar innerhalb des kantischen Paradigmas statt, in welchem Tiere moralisch nicht berücksichtigt werden, dennoch ist sie in einer theorieimmanenten Analyse bedeutsam. Denn zweitens betreffen die Pflichten in Ansehung der Tiere in der Tugendlehre nicht mehr primär die zwischenmenschliche Ethik, sondern die Pflichten gegen sich selbst. Damit lässt sich Kants Position in der Tugendlehre von anderen sogenannten indirect duty views wie bestimmte Formen des Kontraktualismus oder anthropozentrischen Positionen unterscheiden. Drittens verwendet Kant in der Tugendlehre nicht mehr wie in der Vorlesung das klassische Verrohungsargument. Und viertens hat diese Verschiebung moralphilosophische Konsequenzen für unseren Umgang mit Tieren, die weitergehen, als es Kant selbst gesehen hat. Wobei auch hier die Grenzen durch das Paradigma der indirekten Berücksichtigung festgelegt sind.
»Tiere sind die besseren Menschen«
Authors: Steen Pamela
Published: December 2018

Pamela Steen widmet sich in ihrem Beitrag aus tierlinguistischer Perspektive der kommunikativen Konstruktion von Moral im Social Web. Sie untersucht am Beispiel eines Zoo-Videos, in dem ein Bär eine Krähe aus einem Wasserbecken »rettet«, inwiefern die User/innen in ihrer Anschlusskommunikation die Tiere im Video als »moral agents«, »moral patients« oder »moral subjects« konstruieren und welche Argumente sie aus ihrer »Position des Dritten« dafür anführen. An solchen Beispielen lässt sich zeigen, wie tief offizielle soziale Weltsichten in die alltäglich-pragmatischen Orientierungen der Menschen hineinreichen und mit welchen kommunikativen Mitteln die Grenzen des Sozialen konstruiert werden. Dabei sind derartige Tier-Präsentationen im Internet zeichenhafte Events, die aus den Tieren keine integrierten sozialen Akteure machen. Vielmehr werden sie zum Gegenstand einer unreflektierten, dekontextualisierten Ethik.
Bildung und Liebe - (k)ein Widerspruch(?)
Authors: Brenn Hubert
Published: December 2018

Hubert Brenn verweist in seinem Beitrag darauf, dass der Lernort Schule als Lebenswelt teilweise trotz als wesentlich erachteter prosozialer Bildungsziele und Lerninhalte sowie entsprechender Regulative im Spannungsfeld von Schulverwaltung, Lehrer/innenbildung und Schulwirklichkeit beeinträchtigende systemimmanente Aspekte beinhaltet, wie zahlreiche Ereignisse und Vorkommnisse belegen. Vielfach sind es insbesondere strukturelle Faktoren und Probleme, welche generell für Lernende, aber genauso auch für Lehrende durch die konkreten Gegebenheiten nicht nur förderliche, sondern durchaus auch hemmende und negative Wirkungsfolgen zeitigen können. Aufgrund zunehmender schulischer Krisen und Probleme kann davon ausgegangen werden, dass zwischen Bildung und Liebe in ihren verschiedenen Erscheinungsformen tatsächlich eine gewisse Unvereinbarkeit bzw. Widersprüchlichkeit besteht. Solche von Betroffenen weitgehend als lieblos empfundene Muster und Praktiken des sozialen Umgangs miteinander zeigen sich darüber hinaus ebenfalls im gesellschaftlichen Leben.
The Excess of Education, the Praxis of Love
Authors: Rocha Samuel D.
Published: December 2018

Samuel D. Rocha examines and meditates on two things: the amorous nature of education and the educational and ineffable nature of the act of loving.
Die Wüste als absolute Gegenmetapher der Quelle
Authors: Hildebrandt Toni
Published: December 2018

Als absolute Metapher verweist die Wüste seit dem 20. Jahrhundert sowohl auf den Entwurf einer Endzeit wie die Idee des posthistoire. Sie eröffnet damit nicht zuletzt Fragen nach der Umbesetzung, Profanierung oder Verschiebung eschatologischer, apokalyptischer und postapokalyptischer Narrative und ihrer Darstellbarkeit durch die Kunst. Damit stellt sich die Frage nach dem Verhältnis von Metaphorologie und Bildkritik, der absoluten Metapher als der kulturwissenschaftlichen Schlüsselfigur einer »Logik der Phantasie« und den Darstellungsmöglichkeiten der Künste, die es schließlich überhaupt erst nahelegen, einer Logik der Begriffe eine andere Denkweise ihrer »vorbegrifflichen« Metaphern zur Seite zu stellen. Was sich von der konkreten vegetationslosen oder vegetationsarmen, anökumenischen Geomorphologie der Wüste als Landschaft in die absolute Metapher einschreibt, lässt sich oft nicht leicht und sicher nicht abschließend beantworten. Denn was »die Wüste« für Kunst und Geschichte sein kann, lässt sich weder auf einen Begriff bringen noch von der Imagination lösen, die sich an der Metaphorizität bildlicher Vorstellungen entfaltet.
Erfahrungsbasiertes Kontextwissen in wissensintensiven Tätigkeiten am Beispiel teambasiert arbeitender junger IngenieurInnen
Authors: Sauer Stefan , Böhle Fritz , Bolte Annegret
Published: December 2018

Junge IngenieurInnen benötigen nicht nur Erfahrungswissen über die Tätigkeiten ihres Teams oder ihrer Abteilung. Sie brauchen auch erfahrungsbasiertes Wissen über Tätigkeiten und Vorgehenslogiken anderer Unternehmensbereiche. Das gilt vor allem im Betriebsmittelbau, der eine Brücke zwischen Produktentwicklung und Fertigung bildet. Um dieses Wissen erwerben zu können, sind Kooperationen über das Team bzw.die Abteilung hinaus erforderlich, die jedoch in der Praxis meist nicht gefördert, oft eher behindert werden. Der Beitrag entwickelt anhand einer empirischen Studie mit jungen IngenieurInnen im Betriebsmittelbau eines Automobil-Großkonzerns das Konzept des erfahrungsbasierten Kontextwissens für dieses Wissens- und Lernziel. Er unterscheidet gegenstandsbezogenes und kooperationsbezogenes Kontextwissen in jeweils vier Dimensionen: Produkt, Prozess, Kultur und Soziales.
Stable Matching with Double Infinity of Workers and Firms
Authors: Fuentes Matías , Tohmé Fernando
Published: December 2018

In this paper we analyze the existence of stable matchings in a two-sided large market in which workers are assigned to firms. The market has a continuum of workers while the set of firms is countably infinite. We show that, under certain reasonable assumptions on the preference correspondences, stable matchings not only exist but are also Pareto optimal.
Metalloproteinases in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and their behavior in liver fibrosis
Authors: Barchuk Magalí , Schreier Laura , Berg Gabriela , Miksztowicz Verónica
Published: December 2018

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinical entity of high prevalence in the world characterized by fatty infiltration of liver tissue in the absence of alcohol consumption. The natural history of the disease develops in successive phases reflected in different histological stages, with 10–20% of patients developing liver cirrhosis and fibrosis. Fibrosis is a basic connective tissue lesion defined by the increase of the fibrillary extracellular matrix (ECM) components in a tissue or organ. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) constitute a family of endopeptidases, which are involved in ECM and basement membranes components degradation. Fibrogenic process is characterized by altered ECM composition, associated with modifications in MMPs behavior. The active cross-talk between adipose tissue and liver can be altered in pathologies associated to insulin resistance (IR), such as NAFLD. The role of adipokines on MMPs behavior in the liver could be partly responsible of liver damage during IR. The aim of this revision is to describe the behavior of MMPs in NAFLD and its role in the associated fibrosis.
Direct observations of vertebrate killing and consumption by the endangered Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus)
Authors: Quaglietta Lorenzo , Beja Pedro
Published: December 2018

The Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) is a globally endangered semiaquatic mammal species restricted to Southwest Europe. It is thought to mostly predate on aquatic prey, particularly macroinvertebrates; yet anecdotal information and recent genetic-based findings suggest higher flexibility in its trophic niche. Here, we report on direct observations of wild-caught Pyrenean desmans attacking, killing and consuming live fish (trout – Salmo trutta fario) and amphibians (Iberian frog – Rana iberica) in semi-captivity conditions providing unquestionable evidence (photos and videos) of vertebrate attack, killing, handling and consumption by the species. This illustrates the species’ ability to kill and eat vertebrates, corroborating recent evidence on its trophic flexibility.
Confidence Region for Calibration Function Coefficients
Authors: Ráboňová Petra , Wimmer Gejza
Published: December 2018

The paper deals with the comparative calibration model, i.e. with a situation when both variables are subject to errors. The calibration function is supposed to be a polynomial. From the statistical point of view, the model after linearization could be represented by the linear errors-in-variables (EIV) model. There are two different ways of using the Kenward and Roger’s type approximation to obtain the confidence region for calibration function coefficients. These two confidence regions are compared on a small simulation study. Calibration process and process of measuring with calibrated device are described under the assumption that the measuring errors are normally distributed.
Crystal structure of (Z)-2-((adamantan-1-ylimino)methyl)-5-methoxyphenol, C18H23NO2
Authors: Zhong Qiong
Published: December 2018

C18H23NO2, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 21.057(3) Å, b = 6.5535(7) Å, c = 24.069(4) Å, β = 113.535(3)°, V = 2780.9(5) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0607 , wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1204, T = 293(2) K.
Reconfigurable and Permanent Wetting Patterns on Polymer Surfaces Obtained Using Plasma Oxidation and Laser Ablation
Authors: Kiraz A. , Rashid Z. , Morova B. , Yaman Ö. , Soydan S. , Birer Ö. , Yilgor I.
Published: December 2018

Smart surfaces with preferably reconfigurable wetting properties can lead to key applications in labon- a-chip analytical and preparative systems. In this paper, we present our recent results obtained using polymer surfaces whose wetting properties are modified in a permanent manner using laser ablation and in a reconfigurable manner using plasma oxidation. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) diluted in solvent is used as the polymeric material coated over microscope glass slides in our studies. In the first part, the tracks of ~ 70 μm width are defined over the surface by surface oxidation using cold plasma exposure through a microfluidic channel. In the second part, femtosecond laser micromachining is used for selective removal of polymer coating and uncovering the hydrophilic glass substrate. We experimentally demonstrate guiding of water in the form of filaments and droplets over the obtained hydrophilic tracks of ~ 110 μm. We also discuss preliminary experiments to coat light sensitive azobenzene over a glass substrate with the help of a silane in order to achieve reversible isomerization upon periodic exposure to UV/vis radiation. Furthermore, we elaborate advantages, challenges and the significant role of such patterned surfaces in future applications.
On the zagreb polynomials of benzenoid systems
Authors: Chel Kwun Young , Zahid Manzoor Ahmad , Nazeer Waqas , Ali Ashaq , Ahmad Maqbool , Kang Shin Min
Published: December 2018

Topological indices play significant role in determining properties of chemical compound. Algebraic polynomials help to compute topological indices of studied chemical compounds. Benzenoid systems are used mainly as an intermediate to make other chemicals. In this report we aim to compute Zagreb polynomials of zigzag, rhombic, triangular, hourglass and jagged-rectangle benzenoid systems.