bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Nutritional Supplementation and a Psychomotor Program on Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Vicente de Sousa Odete , Soares Guerra Rita , Sousa Ana Sofia , Pais Henriques Bebiana , Pereira Monteiro Anabela , Amaral TF
Published: April 2017

This study aims to evaluate the impact of oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) and a psychomotor rehabilitation program on nutritional and functional status of community-dwelling patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A 21-day prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted and third intervention group performed a psychomotor rehabilitation program. Patients were followed up for 180 days. Mean (standard deviation) score of Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) increased both in the nutritional supplementation group (NSG; n = 25), 0.4 (0.8), and in the nutritional supplementation psychomotor rehabilitation program group (NSPRG; n = 11), 1.5 (1.0), versus −0.1 (1.1) in the control group (CG; n = 43), P < .05. Further improvements at 90-day follow-up for MNA in NSG: 1.3 (1.2) and NSPRG: 1.6 (1.0) versus 0.3 (1.7) in CG ( P < .05) were observed. General linear model analysis showed that the NSG and NSPRG ▵MNA score improved after intervention, at 21 days and 90 days, was independent of the MNA and Mini-Mental State Examination scores at baseline ( Ps > .05). The ONS and a psychomotor rehabilitation program have a positive impact on long-term nutritional and functional status of patients with AD.
Open Repair of Hepatic Artery and Celiac Artery Aneurysms in a Patient With Prior Aortic Dissection With an Iliac to Hepatic Artery Bypass
Authors: Joshi Seema , Halak Moshe , Ariche Arie , Silverberg Daniel
Published: April 2017

A 67-year-old male with a history of an aortic dissection was found to have a large hepatic and celiac artery aneurysm. Due to the extent of the dissection within the aorta, a bypass was performed from his iliac artery to the hepatic bifurcation, followed by exclusion and ligation of the aneurysms.
Cutting Through False Dualisms
Authors: Beshara Robert K.
Published: April 2017

In this article, I will use the two truths doctrine from Buddhism to explicate transformative social change as a transmodern moral framework for critical psychological research. The two truths doctrine, a teaching from the Madhyamaka, or Middle Way, school of Mahāyāna Buddhism founded by Nāgārjuna, nondualistically collapses the ontology of transformation (absolute truth) and the epistemology of social change (relative truth) in the name of soteriology. At their core, dualistic problems and reductionist solutions are based upon the reification of concepts, which can result in devastating effects, such as the objectification (and oppression) of research participants—not mentioning moral relativism. This article attempts to offer a transmodern moral framework for qualitative and theoretical researchers in critical psychology outside the confines of the modern–postmodern debate.
Transcranial Doppler screening for stroke risk in children with sickle cell disease: a systematic review
Authors: Mazzucco Sara , Diomedi Marina , Qureshi Amrana , Sainati Laura , Padayachee Soundrie T
Published: April 2017

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common causes of stroke in children worldwide. Based on the results of the Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP), annual transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) screening for affected children is standard practice. However, the need for TCD surveillance programs could override the accuracy of the screening, affecting the correct stratification of stroke risk and subsequent clinical management of the target population.

Aims

To shed light on this issue, a systematic review of the literature on TCD screening for children and adolescents with SCD was carried out (CRD42016050549), according to a list of clinically relevant questions, with a particular focus on screening practices in European countries. Quality of the evidence was rated using the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation.

Summary of review

Thirty-three studies published in English or French were included (5 randomized controlled trials, 8 experimental non-randomized, and 20 observational studies). The quality of the retrieved evidence ranged between low and high, but was rated as moderate or high most of the times. TCD is effective as a screening tool for the primary prevention of stroke in SCD children. There is no high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of alternative screening methods, such as imaging-TCD with or without angle correction or magnetic resonance angiography. No evidence was found on effectiveness of the screening on children on hydroxyurea and with genotypes other than HbSS and HbS/β0. No European data were found on screening rates or adherence of screening practices to the STOP protocol.

Conclusions

High-quality studies on alternative screening methods that are currently used in real-world practice, and on screening applicability to specific subgroups of patients are urgently needed. Considering the low awareness of the disease in European countries and the lack of data on screening practices and adherence, clinicians need up-to-date guidelines for more uniform and evidence-based surveillance of children with SCD.
The use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following thrombolysis for massive pulmonary embolism
Authors: Seaton Alister , Hodgson Luke E , Creagh-Brown Ben , Pakavakis Adrian , Wyncoll Duncan LA , Doyle JF James F
Published: April 2017

A 59-year-old man was diagnosed with a massive pulmonary embolism. Despite thrombolysis there were two episodes of cardiac arrest and following recovery of spontaneous circulation profound cardiorespiratory failure ensued. An extracorporeal membrane oxygenation retrieval team initiated veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on site to facilitate transfer to the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centre. An excellent outcome is reported in the short term. This represents one of the few published cases of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for a massive pulmonary embolism following thrombolysis.
A randomized, double-blind study to evaluate the acid-inhibitory effect of vonoprazan (20 mg and 40 mg) in patients with proton-pump inhibitor-resistant erosive esophagitis
Authors: Iwakiri Katsuhiko , Sakurai Yuuichi , Shiino Madoka , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Kudou Kentaro , Nishimura Akira , Hiramatsu Naoki , Umegaki Eiji , Ashida Kiyoshi
Published: April 2017

Background:

Standard treatment for patients with erosive esophagitis (EE) is proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), but some patients are resistant to PPIs. We aimed to evaluate the acid-inhibitory effects and efficacy of a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker (vonoprazan) in patients with PPI-resistant EE.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, multicenter study of vonoprazan evaluated gastric and esophageal pH over a 24-hour period as the primary endpoint and EE healing rate as the secondary endpoint. Following a 7 to 14-day run-in period (lansoprazole 30 mg treatment), patients with endoscopically confirmed PPI-resistant EE received vonoprazan 20 mg or 40 mg for 8 weeks.

Results

Patients were randomized to receive vonoprazan 20 mg ( n = 9) or 40 mg ( n = 10). Over a 24-hour period; both groups showed a significant increase from baseline in the percentage of time gastric pH ≥ 4, referred to as pH 4 holding time ratio (HTR): an increase from 73.21% to 96.46% in the 20 mg group, and from 69.97% to 100.00% in the 40 mg group. Increases from baseline in esophageal pH 4 HTRs were not significant. The 40 mg group showed greater increases in gastric and esophageal pH 4 HTRs compared with the 20 mg group, but differences between groups were not significant. After 8 weeks’ treatment, the healing rate in subjects with baseline EE grades A–D was 60.0% (3/5 patients) in the 20 mg group and 71.4% (5/7 patients) in the 40 mg group. Vonoprazan was generally well tolerated. One patient (40 mg group) experienced four treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (unrelated to study drug), leading to study discontinuation.

Conclusions

Vonoprazan 20 mg and 40 mg effectively inhibited gastric acid secretion over a 24-hour period with significantly increased gastric pH 4 HTR, and resulted in an EE healing rate > 60.0% in this study. Vonoprazan treatment may be valuable for patients with PPI-resistant EE
Which Fecal Immunochemical Test Should I Choose?
Authors: Daly Jeanette M. , Xu Yinghui , Levy Barcey T.
Published: April 2017

Objectives: To summarize the fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) available in the United States, the 2014 pathology proficiency testing (PT) program FIT results, and the literature related to the test characteristics of FITs available in the United States to detect advanced adenomatous polyps (AAP) and/or colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: Detailed review of the Food and Drug Administration’s Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) database of fecal occult blood tests, the 2014 FIT PT program results, and the literature related to FIT accuracy. Results: A search of the CLIA database identified 65 FITs, with 26 FITs available for purchase in the United States. Thirteen of these FITs were evaluated on a regular basis by PT programs, with an overall sensitivity of 99.1% and specificity of 99.2% for samples spiked with hemoglobin. Automated FITs had better sensitivity and specificity than CLIA-waived FITs for detection of AAP and CRC in human studies using colonoscopy as the gold standard. Conclusion: Although many FITs are available in the United States, few have been tested in proficiency testing programs. Even fewer have data in humans on sensitivity and specificity for AAP or CRC. Our review indicates that automated FITs have the best test characteristics for AAP and CRC.
Rape, Race, and Capital Punishment: An Enduring Cultural Legacy of Lethal Vengeance?
Authors: Cochran John K. , Marier Christopher J. , Jennings Wesley G. , Smith M. Dwayne , Bjerregaard Beth , Fogel Sondra J.
Published: April 2017

Historical analyses of southern statutes (i.e., Slave Codes, Black Codes, “Jim Crow,” etc.) and their enforcement reveals evidence of an enduring cultural legacy prescribing lethal vengeance to Blacks who violate White sensibilities, especially for Black males accused of sexually assaulting White females. Using a population of official data on capital murder trials in North Carolina (1977–2009), this study examines the degree to which this cultural legacy endures to the present by examining the joint effects of offender’s race and rape/sexual assault on the capital sentencing outcomes of capital murder trial involving White female victims. Our findings reveal support for the continuing endurance of this cultural legacy of lethal vengeance.
Five-Year Outcomes After Treatment for Acute Instability of the Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Using a Suture-Button Fixation System
Authors: Förschner Paul F. , Beitzel Knut , Imhoff Andreas B. , Buchmann Stefan , Feuerriegel Georg , Hofmann Felix , Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Jungmann Pia , Pogorzelski Jonas
Published: April 2017

Background:

Suture-button repair is a widely accepted surgical treatment for acute and isolated ankle syndesmosis injuries. To our knowledge, midterm results have not previously been reported.

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical, qualitative, and quantitative radiological midterm outcomes of suture-button repair after acute isolated ankle syndesmosis injuries.

Study Design:

Retrospective case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Clinical outcomes were measured using the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Three-tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed bilaterally at the ankle. Besides morphological sequences for evaluation of the syndesmosis and degenerative changes of the ankle using the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scoring System (AOSS), the MR protocol included a coronal 2-dimensional multislice multiecho sequence for quantitative cartilage T2-weighted mapping. Spearman correlations and paired t tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

This retrospective study included 19 consecutive patients (mean age, 29.7 ± 11.5 years) with acute isolated syndesmosis injuries treated with a suture-button system between January 2006 and June 2014, with a mean follow-up of 5.1 ± 2.6 years. Postoperatively, the median FADI score was 136 (range, 78-136), and the median AOFAS score was 100 (range, 87-100). Seventeen (89.5%) patients reported to have reached their preinjury level of sports activities. MRIs of 16 patients were obtained and all showed intact anterior and posterior syndesmotic ligaments; however, in most patients, the previously injured syndesmotic ligament was thickened compared with the uninjured ankle. Average width of the anterior ( P = .81) and posterior ( P = .60) syndesmosis was not significantly different between the ipsilateral (3.2 ± 1.2 and 4.4 ± 0.9 mm) and contralateral ankles (3.0 ± 0.6 and 4.2 ± 0.7 mm). The median AOSS score was 1.5 (range, 0-11) for the ipsilateral ankle and 0 (range, 0-6) for the contralateral ankle. T2 values of articular cartilage did not significantly differ between the involved and the uninjured ankle ( P = .68). Five patients needed hardware removal due to persistent skin irritation, and 1 patient suffered from reinstability of the ankle resulting in revision surgery 2 years after the index surgery.

Conclusion:

Suture-button fixation is an excellent treatment for acute and isolated syndesmosis injuries, resulting in stable ankles without early or advanced osteoarthritic changes at midterm follow-up.
The Coracoacromial Ligament: Anatomy, Function, and Clinical Significance
Authors: Rothenberg Adam , Gasbarro Gregory , Chlebeck Jesse , Lin Albert
Published: April 2017

The coracoacromial ligament (CAL) was first described as a pain generator by Dr Charles Neer in the early 1970s. Since that time, considerable controversy regarding CAL management during acromioplasty has persisted. This review aims to better understand the role of the CAL in shoulder physiology and pathology. Sixty-six articles from 1958 to 2016 were identified using an electronic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, AccessMedicine, and MD Consult for case series as well as cohort and prospective studies. The authors used “coracoacromial ligament” and “coracoacromial veil” as medical subject headings (MeSH). In addition, reference lists from all identified articles were reviewed for studies that the search terms may have omitted. The CAL plays an important role in shoulder biomechanics, joint stability, and proprioception. Morphological variance of the CAL is evident throughout the literature. Age-dependent changes due to chronic stress and cellular degradation cause thickening and stiffening of the CAL that may contribute to a spectrum of shoulder pathology from capsular tightness to rotator cuff tear arthropathy and impingement syndrome. The CAL is an integral component of the coracoacromial arch. CAL release during acromioplasty remains controversial. Future clinical outcomes research should endeavor to advance the understanding of the CAL to refine clinical and intraoperative decision making regarding its management.
Enhancing Simulation Learning With Team Mental Model Mapping
Authors: Goltz Sonia M.
Published: April 2017

Simulations have been developed for many business courses because of enhanced student engagement and learning. A challenge for instructors using simulations is how to take this learning to the next level since student reflection and learning can vary. This article describes how to use a conceptual mapping game at the beginning and end of a simulation as an instructional scaffold that encourages students to reflect on the connections between their decisions and the outcomes in the simulation. Asking student simulation teams to create team mental maps enhances discovery and learner-directed learning and is supported by research finding that group debriefing methods are best for group-level activities.
Multiple Tooth Fractures in Posterior Teeth Diagnosed Following Emergency Intubation
Authors: Elbahary Shlomo , Breslauer Salmon , Rosen Eyal
Published: April 2017

Background

This report presents a case of a patient with multiple tooth fractures in posterior teeth that were diagnosed several months following an emergency intubation.

Findings

A 68-year-old woman, with a history of an emergency intubation during ascending aorta dissection repair performed 7 months ago, presented with a complaint of long lasting pain in the right side of her face, and a recent pain evoked by mastication and cold stimuli, located in her right mandibular area. Upon clinical examination, the 1st mandibular molar was diagnosed with chronic apical abscess associated with a vertical root fracture (VRF); the 2nd mandibular molar was diagnosed with extensive cracks across the floor of the pulp chamber, extending apically deep into the distal root. Both teeth were extracted, and the symptoms were resolved.

Conclusions

Multiple posterior teeth may fracture as a result of emergency intubation procedure and the diagnosis of such fractures may be delayed and complicated. A thorough dental evaluation and follow-up after the emergency procedures is indicated. Additional clinical studies are warranted in order to shed light on this complication.
Characteristics and generation mechanism of gullies and mega-pockmarks in the Zhongjiannan Basin, western South China Sea
Authors: Geng Minghui , Song Haibin , Guan Yongxian , Chen Jiang Xin , Bai Yang
Published: April 2017

The paleoceanography and deep-water circulation process of the South China Sea (SCS) is still poorly understood. We have evaluated multibeam bathymetry and multichannel seismic reflection data acquired by Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey in recent years, and we investigate the characteristics, distribution, and generation mechanism of submarine seabed gullies and mega-pockmarks in the northern Zhongjiannan Basin of the SCS. Our data reveal that there are northwest–southeast-trending gullies and randomly or linearly arraying mega-pockmarks in the northern depression of the Zhongjiannan Basin. Gullies are 1 km or more in width and tens of kilometers in length. The long-axis diameter for the largest mega-pockmarks can reach up to 4293 m. The mega-pockmarks found in the west block of the northern depression are the manifestation of focused fluid flow migrating along shallow inclined faults induced by slumps that reached the seabed. Gullies are trending southeast and perpendicular to the contours of the continental slope, suggesting that gravity flows have played an important role in the evolution of gullies. Our data demonstrate that the gullies have a close relationship with mega-pockmarks, and that they were formed through the interaction of intense focused fluid flow and gravity flows. The pockmarks formed first, subsequently growing in size and number under the effect of subsurface fluid flows. The southeastward moving gravity flow caused discrete pockmarks to coalesce and form immature gullies. After being fully converged, gullies finally become smooth-bottomed and matured. Because gullies and mega-pockmarks are the manifestation of the geologic process of fluid escape at the seabed, they should be taken into account when assessing the potential for gas hydrates and seafloor instability.
Effects of the US Food and Drug Administration Boxed Warning of Erythropoietin-Stimulating Agents on Utilization and Adverse Outcome
Authors: Bian John , Chen Brian , Hershman Dawn L. , Marks Norman , Norris LeAnn , Schulz Richard , Bennett Charles L.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

In March 2007, a US Food and Drug Administration boxed warning was issued for erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) regarding serious adverse events, such as venous thromboembolism (VTE). We evaluated the US Food and Drug Administration’s boxed warning of ESAs used to treat chemotherapy-induced anemia because evidence on the effectiveness of boxed warnings remains inconclusive.

Patients and Methods

Using 2004 to 2009 SEER-Medicare data, we exploited a natural experiment to examine the effects of ESA boxed warnings on utilization and risk of VTE. The intervention group included Medicare fee-for-services patients diagnosed with colorectal, breast, or lung cancers targeted by this warning and undergoing chemotherapy; the control group included patients with myelodysplastic syndromes not targeted by this warning. The period from January 2004 to September 2006 was used as the prewarning period; the period from April 2007 to September 2009 was used as the postwarning period. The two binary dependent variables included ESA use and hospitalized VTE. Linear probability models with a difference-in-differences specification were used for estimation.

Results

Our sample consisted of 45,319 unique patients between 2004 and 2009. The trends in ESA use remained similar between the intervention and control groups before the warning, but started declining sharply in the intervention group only after the warning. The trends in hospitalized VTE were relatively stable. Regressions showed that the ESA boxed warning was associated with a 20.2-percentage-point reduction ( P < .001) in the likelihood of ESAs being used to treat cancers targeted by the warning, but not significantly associated with the likelihood of hospitalized VTE.

Conclusion

Our study showed that the warning was effective in reducing ESA utilization. Future studies should examine other regulatory drug safety actions, such as the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy initiative, whose effectiveness remains unknown.
On Hu Shih's Coattails: Reflections on and Prognostications for Research on Chan Buddhism
Authors: Zhaoguang Ge
Published: April 2017

This article surveys the legacy of Hu Shih in order to assess the current state of the field of Chan studies in mainland China. Though the work of Hu Shih was long neglected in the mainland, his work has enjoyed renewed popularity since the 1980s and the dynamics of “culture fever” in Chinese intellectual communities. The article demonstrates that the strengths of Chinese scholarship today are particularly indebted to the methodological advances achieved by Hu Shih in the last century. Comparisons with Japanese and Euro-American scholarship underscore the particular contributions of Chinese scholars. The article concludes with a few prognostications regarding the field of Chan history in Chinese academia as well as a defense of Hu Shih's legacy.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis
Authors: Sureka Binit , Rastogi Archana
Published: April 2017

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare and underdiagnosed fibrosclerosing inflammatory variant of chronic pancreatitis. Its true incidence and prevalence in the general population is still not confirmed despite advances in medicine. Differentiating it from pancreatic cancer is of paramount importance. In this imaging review, we highlight the imaging findings of this intriguing entity.
Fundamental Bonding Properties of Douglas-Fir and Southern Yellow Pine Wood
Authors: Mirabile Kyle V. , Zink-Sharp Audrey
Published: April 2017

Bonding properties of southern yellow pine (Pinus spp.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) were compared in terms of density, chemical composition, surface energy, shear stress, percent wood failure, and delamination. Specimens were taken from two trees of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and one tree of Douglas-fir. Density measurements showed that for mature wood, southern pine exhibited a higher average density than Douglas-fir, but for juvenile wood, southern pine showed a lower average density than Douglas-fir. Chemical analysis determined that southern yellow pine contained higher percent hemicellulose, lignin, and extractives, whereas Douglas-fir had higher percent cellulose. Static sessile drop contact angle measurements revealed that southern yellow pine specimens exhibited a lower average contact angle than Douglas-fir and, accordingly, higher average surface energy. Shear strength, percent wood failure, and delamination due to accelerated weathering were measured for bonded specimens constructed with either a one-part moisture-cure polyurethane (PUR) or a two-part ambient-curing phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde (PRF) and three different assembly time combinations. Shear strength for southern yellow pine was affected the most by assembly time, whereas Douglas-fir shear strength was affected by the type of adhesive and interaction with the growth region at the bond. Delamination results showed that southern yellow pine exhibited less delamination than Douglas-fir when using PRF. Delamination measurements from the PUR bonds were similar and extremely high for both wood types. Although statistically significant differences were found in a few wood factors, limited differences were found in shear strengths, percent wood failure, and delamination due to accelerated testing for the two wood types.
Food, research, design: What can food studies bring to food design education?
Authors: Parasecoli Fabio
Published: April 2017

As the presence and visibility of food design grows in academia, synergies are particularly promising with food studies, which promotes and practises the analysis of cultural, social and political issues concerning the production, distribution and consumption of food in its material and cultural aspects, as well as in its social and political implications. The analytical tools developed in food studies have the potential to inform and integrate the practical applications that food design focuses on, while food design methods can help food studies scholars to include applied approaches in their work. The article presents three cases in which food studies analysis and methods were introduced in educational formats otherwise focussed – explicitly or not explicitly – on design.
Food as a system and a material for the creative process in design education
Authors: Perrone Raffaella , Fuster Albert
Published: April 2017

The aim of this article is to explore how food and gastronomy can be integrated within the discipline of design. The first part of the study explores the parallel between gastronomy and design from two perspectives: as system and as sciences. The second part focuses on the special context of Catalonia, where the work of the chef Ferran Adrià has radically transformed gastronomy and, as a consequence, created a network of institutions, designers and studios centered on food.

The last part describes several projects carried out at ELISAVA, which were based on three areas of study: understanding food as a system on the basis of its life cycle and its semantic value; understanding the sensory dimension of food as a material in the context of the Mediterranean culture and studying the creative process of design in parallel with the creative process of gastronomy.
Reseña: Díaz Barriga, Ángel & José María García Garduño (Coords.) (2014). Desarrollo del curriculum en América Latina. Experiencia de diez países. Buenos Aires: Miño y Dávila, 384 pp.
Authors: Linare Cecilia
Published: April 2017

Díaz Barriga, Ángel & José María García Garduño (Coords.) (2014).Desarrollo del curriculum en América Latina. Experiencia de diez países.Buenos Aires: Miño y Dávila, 384 pp.
Use of the interleukin-17A inhibitor secukinumab in psoriatic arthritis: a subanalysis of the Russian population in the international randomized clinical trials FUTURE 1 and FUTURE 2
Authors: Korotaeva T. V. , Zotkin E. G. , Nesmeyanova O. B. , Vezikova N. N. , Ershova O. B. , Izmozzherova N. V. , Petrova M. S. , Kastanyan A. A. , Yakupova S. P. , Agafina A. S. , Stanislav M. L. , Novoderezhkina E. A. , Nasonov E. L. , Mease P. J.
Published: April 2017

The investigators carried out an analysis of the efficacy and safety of secukinumab (SEC) in the randomized placebocontrolled trials (RPCTs) FUTURE 1 and FUTURE 2, as well as a subanalysis of the data obtained in the Russian population of patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The FUTURE 1 and FUTURE 2 trials enrolled a total of 1003 patients with active PsA. They received SEC (n = 703) or placebo (PL) (n = 300). The use of SEC 300 or 150 mg without previous intravenous (IV) loading dose or either 150 or 75 mg with the IV loading dose led to a significant improvement in patients with PsA. The positive changes in the main clinical manifestations of PsA at 24 weeks persisted until 52 weeks of therapy. SEC was effective in both the patients who had not previously received tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors and those who had previously taken these drugs, and the result of therapy did not depend on concomitant methotrexate use.

The incidence of cancer was low and comparable in the SEC and PL groups. Analysis of the combined data on the safety of the two RPCTs showed that the treatment duration-adjusted incidence of malignant neoplasms was 0.5 per 100 patient-years in the SEC groups and 0.9 in the PL groups. The safety profile of SEC in these RPCTs corresponds to that in the previous studies of the drug.

The data from the pooled analysis of the Russian subpopulation of patients with PsA fully agree with the results obtained in the evaluation of all the patients included in FUTURE 1 and FUTURE 2 and confirm the most important role of IL-17А in the pathogenesis of PsA.
Isolated Tricuspid Valve Libman-Sacks Endocarditis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Secondary Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Unic Daniel , Planinc Mislav , Baric Davor , Rudez Igor , Blazekovic Robert , Senjug Petar , Sutlic Zeljko
Published: April 2017

Libman-Sacks endocarditis, one of the most prevalent cardiac presentations of systemic lupus erythematosus, typically affects the aortic or mitral valve; tricuspid valve involvement is highly unusual. Secondary antiphospholipid syndrome increases the frequency and severity of cardiac valvular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus. We present the case of a 47-year-old woman with lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome whose massive tricuspid regurgitation was caused by Libman-Sacks endocarditis isolated to the tricuspid valve. In addition, we discuss this rare case in the context of the relevant medical literature.
An investigation of postpartum mothers’ readiness for hospital discharge and the affecting factors
Authors: Kaya Şenol Derya , Aydın Özkan Semiha , Hotun Şahin Nevin
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Postpartum period which contains important changes in the woman’s and newborn’s life, WHO recommends monitoring the mother and newborn in health care system, encouraging breastfeeding, monitoring the newborn’s development, and supporting and empowering parents about newborn care.Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify postpartum mothers’ readiness for hospital discharge and the affecting factors. Method and material: The study was conducted with 190 mothers who gave birth between May and July, 2014 in a Maternity and Children Hospital located in Mersin. The data were collected through the Identification Form developed by the researcher in line with the related literature and Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Postpartum Mother Form (RHDS-PMF).Results: Of all the participants, 84.7% were ready for discharge, 69.4% received information from midwives or nurses about their own care, and 68.7% received information about the baby’s care. Mean scores for the participants’ Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale was found 50.47±12.16 for Personal State, 45.08±12.33 for Knowledge, 21.0±75.68 for Ability, 28.13± 8.91 for Expected Support and 144.76±30.15 for total score. The scores were found to be significantly higher for mothers who reported to be ready for discharge, who stated to have received information about their own care and the baby’s care, who were multiparous, and who would receive support for their care and the baby’s care after hospital discharge (p<0.05).Conclusion: Majority of the participants in this study were found to be ready for hospital discharge and factors affecting readiness for hospital discharge were identifed as informing mothers about their care and the baby’s care after delivery, mothers’ being multiparous, and receiving support about their care and the baby’s care after hospital discarge.
Methods of Assessing the Economic Efficiency of Small and Medium Farms
Authors: Panagoret Dragos , Panagoret Ioana , Panagoret Andreea
Published: April 2017

Farm profitability assessment is of particular importance, displaying its economic character. There are simple procedures for small farmers to carry out a correct analysis of the mode of land use and exploitation of animals, so that, by reorganizing the holding and proper management, to become profitable.

Methodologically, this analysis consists of: identifying the factors influencing the level of yields per hectare; measure the influence of each factor on results achieved; establish critical points of the technical system of production; establishing the measures

necessary to eliminate the weak elements of the system and design a new improved technical system for production for each crop; new design of new productions per hectare and of production costs, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of the extra production costs.
Determinant Factors of Cow’s Milk Production in the Mountain Area
Authors: Manea Roger Catalin
Published: April 2017

The production of milk, the quantity of fat respectively constitute the main criterion of assessment of dairy cows in the mountain area and downhill. The average performance in the succession of eight lactations per total lactation is 3420.67 kg, and per normal lactation is 3209.20 kg milk. The limits vary between 1506 kg of milk and 8835 kg milk recorded for lactation and 1506 kg of milk and 7322 kg milk for normal lactation. The study of statistical parameters of index of the total duration of lactation allows us to affirm that the cows from the herd studied have the genetic potential to increase lactation beyond the limits of normal lactation of 305 per days. Milk production per day is higher with + 0.45 kg per total lactation than normal lactation. Extension of lactation and breast resting shortening represents loss of milk production in both current lactation and the next lactation. To estimate the effect of localities was used the analysis of variance within samples. Raw data tables have been processed to create tables of variances between herds of the 6 localities and within the herd in each locality. The influence of the locality on the milk production is null.

The output production of milk cows has as enablers: daily output and duration of lactation on her. The raise of the productive cows milk level in the mountain area and hence income breeders is achievable through the integration and expansion of biotechnology.
Issues on the Food and Feed Quality of Rye Crop in Sothern Hilly Area
Authors: Nitu Iulia
Published: April 2017

Rye is an important cereal because it is a very good alternative for wheat in harsh conditions of culture (less productive agricultural land, dry area). This cereal could be used as row material in food industry processing and for animal feed. From this point of view, this project was aimed to identifying the culture area of rye in Southern Hilly Area of Romania and assess yield in terms of quality. The activity was held during 4 years of study, period which we found that the rye was grown only in some years of study and not all counties of the region. Considering the potential and importance of this cereal, required that making some studies of the crop rye quality in different regions of Romania.
Nature and Environment in Collective Perception. Study on the Plain Countryside of the Northern Half Crisana Province, Romania
Authors: Dărăbăneanu Dragoș , Dincă Iulian
Published: April 2017

The main objective of this study is geared toward how the public understands the nature and the environment, and relates to them. The research universe is represented by the inhabitants of the plain step in the northern half of Crisana Province (north-western Romania). It started from the idea that social representations generate attitudinal and behavioral patterns and the way in which people interact with the environment and nature has a significant influence on quality of life and social development. Therefore, the social representations about the environment and nature have direct effects on our future and can be oriented towards the active participation to the efforts to protect the environment and the nature in general. There were 671 residents of 34 villages questioned and their answers have set a certain socio-geographical pattern on the specifics of life environment belonging to plain. The life environment was perceived by us as a way of reporting to the nature and the environment. The rural respondents from the plain come up with the most common answers, even identical in content, drawing the nature and the environment as ambience, as the space around them.
Population Structure in the Ialomiţa Subcarpathians
Authors: Baltălungă Monica Carmen
Published: April 2017

The analyisis of the demographic structures along with that of the main geo-demographic indicators is obligatory in any human geography study regarding a physical-geographic or administrative-territorial unit. The relation between various age groups, the dynamics of the ethnic, linguistic, or confessional structures, the variation of the socio-economic structure offers essential milestones for explaining the social, economic and cultural evolution of a region. Several specific indicators that can be calculated based on these types of structures lay at the basis of the demographic policies and of the identification of the most opportune development programs. This works aims to present a synoptic view of these aspects, of the dynamics of these indicators in the Ialomiţa Subcarpathians after the year 1990, and explain the factors that have influenced these processes and phenomena. This approach is important in the present conditions, when this zone (which holds a very diverse array of natural resources) is faced with a significant demographic and economic decline, which has determined, on the one hand, changes within these structures, and, on the other hand, implicitly, substantial changes on all the levels of the social and economic life.
Assessing Perception of Floods within the Framework of VULMIN Project: Methodological Remarks
Authors: Costache Andra , Comănescu Laura , Nedelea Alexandru
Published: April 2017

The paper emphasizes the methodological steps undertaken in the assessment of floods perception, which was conducted in tree study areas from Romania (Banat Plain, Bend Subcarpathians and Siret river basin). The reasons behind the design of the questionnaire and interview guide are explained, in relation with the research objectives. The research endeavor allows not only to better understand the local context of vulnerability to floods and flash floods, but also to incorporate the results in a broader framework of vulnerability assessment, enhancing the quality of scientific services provided to stakeholders.
A new in vitro spine test rig to track multiple vertebral motions under physiological conditions
Authors: Beckmann Agnes , Herren Christian , Mundt Marion , Siewe Jan , Kobbe Philipp , Sobottke Rolf , Pape Hans-Christoph , Stoffel Marcus , Markert Bernd
Published: April 2017

In vitro pure moment spine tests are commonly used to analyse surgical implants in cadaveric models. Most of the tests are performed at room temperature. However, some new dynamic instrumentation devices and soft tissues show temperature-dependent material properties. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a new test rig, which allows applying pure moments on lumbar spine specimens in a vapour-filled chamber at body temperature. As no direct sight is given in the vapour-filled closed chamber, a magnetic tracking (MT) system with implantable receivers was used. Four human cadaveric lumbar spines (L2–L5) were tested in a vapour atmosphere at body temperature with a native and rigid instrumented group. In conclusion, the experimental set-up allows vertebral motion tracking of multiple functional spinal units (FSUs) in a moisture environment at body temperature.
The Role of Deposit Financial Institutions in the Development of Real Sector in the Republic of Srpska
Authors: Starčević Vitomir , Subotić Slobodan , Đalić Irena
Published: April 2017

Deposit financial institutions are known for a wide range of providing traditional financial services, from current accounts and systems of planning of savings, to granting loans to companies, clients and countries. At the present time, deposit financial institutions do not limit their services only to those traditional, but quickly begin providing general financial services, such as: securities trading, protection insurance, financial planning, management of pension systems, the provision of advisory services to companies that are in the process of fusion, and other new services. The objective of the paper is to present the deposit financial institutions which operate in the Republic of Srpska and determine their role in the development of the real sector. Research work should show whether the deposit financial institutions, such as financing sources, are the development drivers of the real sector in the Republic of Srpska or limiting factor in the development of this sector.
Platform Business: From Resources to Relationships
Authors: Van Alstyne Marshall , Parker Geoffrey
Published: April 2017

The driving force behind our internet economy is demand-side economies of scale, also known as network effects. These arise when users create value for other users and are enhanced by technologies that create efficiencies in social networking. While resource control and supply side efficiency used to be key success factors in the past, building platforms, orchestrating networks and managing relationships determine success in an increasingly digital world.
Successful platforms seek to maximize the overall value of the whole system in a circular, revolving and feedback-driven process. By attracting more platform participants they are able to offer a higher value. The larger the network, the better the matches between supply and demand and the richer the data that can be used to find matches.
Successful platforms put companies that use traditional business models at risk. Many companies are still highly competitive, but when platforms enter the same marketplace, the platforms usually win. Companies that fail to create platforms on their own or to integrate their business into existing platforms will be unable to compete for long.
Structures of Turbulent Vortices in Floodplains of Compound Channels
Authors: Rimkus Alfonsas
Published: April 2017

In turbulent flows, several kinds of vortices and their structures are developed. After physical summation al velocities created by them, they intertwine, and the picture obtained from their measurement chronograms is mostly chaotic. Consequently, these structures become masked. It is therefore very difficult to investigate them and despite many studies performed so far, they have not been sufficiently explored. Favorable conditions for investigations of velocity measurement chronograms occurred when sufficient long intervals were observed, in which the above mentioned masking is minimal. In such intervals, the investigation of turbulent vortices and their structures becomes possible, and it has been performed to some degree. The results of these investigations of the compound channel were already discussed in two previously published articles. The first describes all vortices and their structures in the whole water flow of the compound channel. The second contains a detailed analysis of vortices and their structures in the central vertical of the main channel. This article, discuss investigations of coherent structures formed in the floodplain.
Colour, Texture, Microstructure and Nutrient Retention of Kiwifruit Slices Subjected to Combined Air-Impingement Jet Drying and Freeze Drying
Authors: Huang Di , Li Wenfeng , Shao Hongjun , Gao Anning , Yang Xingbin
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to select an appropriate drying technique from air-impingement jet drying (AIJD), hot air drying (HAD) and microwave drying (MWD) which can be combined with freeze drying (FD). Results showed that AIJD with relatively high efficiency, low energy consumption and good drying quality was suitable to be combined with FD. To further improve the drying technology of kiwifruits, the energy consumption and quality of dried kiwifruit with different conversion point during combined FD and AIJD were also tested. The energy consumption obtained for AIJD+FD and FD+AIJD was lower than that obtained for FD alone. Among the products, the kiwifruit processed by AIJD+FD not only showed better attractive green colour and higher sweetness perception, but also revealed higher rehydration ratio than FD and FD+AIJD kiwifruits, which was positively related to microstructure changes. The best AIJD+FD process, from nutrient retention and antioxidant activity considerations, was the combination of 65 min AIJD pre-drying and FD finish drying. Therefore, AIJD pre-drying and FD finish drying as a promising way with short drying time and strong nutrient retention capacity may be applied to the drying processing of agricultural products.
Detection of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus in apparently healthy sheep by real-time TaqMan PCR in comparison with histopathological findings
Authors: Bahari Aliasghar , Ghannad Masoud Sabouri , Dezfoulian Omid , Rezazadeh Fereydon , Sadeghi-Nasab Ali
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The aim of this study was to use TaqMan real-time PCR technique to investigate Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) proviral DNA in whole blood samples of sheep, and compare the results to those of histopathological examinations. Material and Methods: Eighty blood samples from clinically healthy sheep were randomly collected before the animals were slaughtered. Ten tissue samples from each lung and associated caudal mediastinal lymph node were taken. Results: Fifteen (18.75%) blood samples were found to contain proviral DNA, and 11 (13.75%) corresponding lung samples showed microscopic changes consistent with ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma. None of the samples displayed metastases to the caudal mediastinal lymph nodes. The prominent pattern of neoplastic nodules consisted of acinar (alveolar) form. Conclusion: The results indicated the higher sensitivity of real-time PCR compared to histopathological examinations in detection of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
Chinese herbal Jin-Ying-Tang attenuates the inflammatory response by inhibiting the activation of TLR4/MyD88/TRAF-6/NIK pathway at the mRNA level in LPS-stimulated mouse mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Yi Qiong , Li Xin , Li Yuan-Fang , Yang Hang , Zhang Xiao-Yi , Ma Zhe , Wang Lu
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The effects of Jin-Ying-Tang (JYT) on Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling transduction of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse mammary epithelial cells (MECs) in vitro were examined. Material and Methods: The cytotoxicity of JYT (0.06-62.50 mg/mL) on mouse MECs was determined by MTT assay. The MECs were co-cultured with LPS in the presence or absence of JYT (39.10 μg/mL, 391 μg/mL, 3910 μg/mL). The concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the culture supernatants were detected by ELISA. The mRNA expression of TLR4 and downstream TLR4 signalling molecules such as myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), tumour necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF-6), inhibitor κB (IκB), and nuclear factor κB inducing kinase (NIK) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: The results showed that the IC50 of JYT on MECs was 12.25 mg/mL and JYT could significantly decrease the concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated MECs (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF-6, IκB, and NIK was also significantly decreased when the LPS-stimulated MECs were cocultured at appropriate concentrations of JYT (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Conclusion: These observations indicate a potential mechanism through which JYT attenuates the systemic inflammatory response to LPS-stimulated mouse mammary epithelial cells by inhibiting the activation of TLR4/MyD88/ TRAF-6/NIK pathway at the mRNA level.