bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ПЛАНУВАННЯ ПОЛОГІВ – СУЧАСНИЙ ПІДХІД В АКУШЕРСТВІ ПРИ ТАЗОВОМУ ПЕРЕДЛЕЖАННІ ПЛОДА
Authors: Kalanzhova O. M. , Galych S. R. , Shchurko M. I. , Shchurko D. M.
Published: June 2018

Мета дослідження – оцінити ефективність та обґрунтованість індивідуального планування пологів при тазовому передлежанні плода (ТПП).Матеріали та методи. Вагітні були розподілені на 2 групи: І – основна група (ОГ) (n=36), жінки з запланованими консервативними пологами при ТПП; ІІ – контрольна група (КГ) (n=33), жінки з запланованим кесаревим розтином при ТПП.Результати дослідження та їх обговорення. Завершення вагітності більшості пацієнток обох груп відбулося запланованим способом розродження: ОГ – 27 (75 %); КГ – 29 (87,8 %). Пацієнтки ОГ народжували у колінно-ліктьовій позиції – 11 (40,7 %) та за допомогою методу Цов’янова – 16 (59,3 %). А випадки кесаревого розтину – 9 (25 %) в ОГ – здебільшого І категорії ургентності – 5 (55,5 %). Потреба в ургентному кесаревому розтині в КГ виникала майже в два рази менше – 4 (12,2 %) та більшість випадків – 3 (75 %) мали ІІІ категорію ургентності. Серед малюків ОГ, яким надавалася ручна допомога під час народження, перинатальні ускладнення траплялися найчастіше: пологова травма – 8 (22,2 %), асфіксія – 3 (8,3 %), аспірація – 2 (5,55 %), гіпоксично-ішемічне ураження головного мозку – 3 (8,3 %).Висновок. Зазначене свідчить про відсутність високопрофесійних навичок, що потребує ретельного відпрацювання та вдосконалення пологодопоміжних маніпуляцій лікарів акушерів-гінекологів.
ДИФЕРЕНЦІЙОВАНИЙ АЛГОРИТМ ВЕДЕННЯ ПАЦІЄНТОК РЕПРОДУКТИВНОГО ВІКУ, ХВОРИХ НА ЛЕЙОМІОМУ МАТКИ З РІЗНИМ ТИПОМ БІОЦЕНОЗУ ПІХВИ
Authors: Zaporozhchenko M. B. , Parubina D. Yu. , Sidorenko A. V.
Published: June 2018

Мета дослідження – розробити алгоритм профілактики та терапії порушень біоценозу піхви жінок репродуктивного віку, хворих на лейоміому матки.Матеріали та методи. Обстежено 216 жінок репродуктивного віку, хворих на лейоміому матки. Бактеріологічно досліджено матеріал із піхви, цервікального каналу, уретри, тканин лейоматозних вузлів.Результати дослідження та їх обговорення. У хворих на лейоміому матки переважав ІІ ступінь «чистоти» піхви – «проміжний тип» мазка (46,8 %). Бактеріальний вагіноз діагностовано у 42,6 % випадках, вагініт – у 10,2 %. Встановлена достовірна різниця між частотою визначення Mycoplasma hominis у піхвовому вмісті, цервікальному каналі та тканинах лейоматозних вузлів, де частота визначення була на 28,9 % та 27,6 % вища, Ureaplasma urealyticum – на 30,2 % та 28,4 %,Virus papilloma homynis онкогенні типи – на 18,8 % та 18,2 % відповідно. Розроблено, удосконалено та застосовано алгоритми діагностики, профілактики та терапії порушень біоценозу піхви у жінок репродуктивного віку, хворих на лейоміому матки.Висновки. Диференційований алгоритм ведення жінок репродуктивного віку, хворих на лейоміому матки, полягав у проведенні моніторингу біоценозу піхви 2–3 рази на рік, профілактичному застосуванні пробіотиків. Етіотропну терапію дисбіозу піхви, вагініту слід розпочинати з 5-ї доби терапії пробіотиками. Перспективами подальших розробок будуть дослідження ретроспективного аналізу медичної документації жінок репродуктивного віку, хворих на лейоміому матки.
Вплив ураження ацетамінофеном на тлі цукрового діабету типу 2 на зміни показників глутатіонової системи
Authors: Furka O. B.
Published: June 2018

Introduction. The most important function of the liver in the body is neutralization and destruction of toxic substances. Metabolism and utilization of chemical and biological toxins are carried out by neutralizing the hepatocyte system, followed by the removal of harmful products from the body.The aim of the study – to investigate the effect of acetaminophen on the background of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the main parameters of the glutathione unit of the antioxidant system in rat liver homogenate in time dynamics.Research Methods. The experiments were carried out on white mature rats weighing 180–220 g, contained on a standard ration of the vivarium and free access to water. We conducted 2 series of experiments. In the first, toxic acetaminophen was caused by a single intraventricular injection of acetaminophen in 2 % starch solution at a dose of 1250 mg/kg body weight (1/2 LD50), in the second suspension of acetaminophen in a 2 % starch solution at a dose of 55 mg/kg, which corresponds to the highest therapeutic dose for 7 days. The non-genetic form of experimental type 2 diabetes mellitus was modeled according to the method of Islam S., Choi H. (2007) by a single intraperitoneal injection of a streptozotocin solution (“Sigma”, USA) at a body weight (200±20) g at a rate of 65 mg/kg, which diluted with citrated buffer (pH 4.5) with a preliminary (within 15 minutes) intraperitoneal administration of nicotinamide in a dose of 230 mg/kg. For the control group, rats with the same body weight were administered with a similar volume of solvent (citrate buffer pH 4.5).Results and discussion. Activation of lipid peroximation reactions is one of the fundamental biological mechanisms of damage to biostructures and the development of cellular pathology for the actions of damaging factors of various genesis, especially under the conditions of xenobiotics.Conclusion. Acetaminophen poisoning against type 2 diabetes mellitus causes a significant disruption of compensatory mechanisms, especially the state of the enzyme and non-enzyme links of the antioxidant system.
ТЕОРЕТИКО-МЕТОДИЧНІ ТА ПРАКТИЧНІ ЗАСАДИ ЩОДО РОЗРОБЛЕННЯ ТА ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ СПЕЦІАЛІЗОВАНИХ СКЛАДОВИХ МЕДИЧНОГО ЕЛЕКТРОННОГО ПАСПОРТА ЛЮДИНИ
Authors: Karlenko V. P. , Mintser O. P. , Sarkanych O. V. , Karlenko B. V.
Published: June 2018

The expediency and the possibility of creation of specialized passports of a person are considered. It is proposed bioenergy component of the medical electronic passport, which can be widely used in preventive and medical institutions of various profiles, at enterprises, at sports and other institutions, with an automated assessment of the functional status of individuals, as well as in statistical studies and the identification of different social genotypic populations by their physical, intellectual and professional abilities. The nine most effective indicators of power supply of muscular activity of the person were revealed, a five-point system of estimation of their parameters was developed and five bioenergetic groups were identified, which include people with significantly different individual levels of energy supply of the organism.
Considerações sobre os felinos do velho mundo tratados como "onças": notas históricas e etimológicas
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Museu de Zoologia, Papavero Nelson
Published: June 2018

Os autores europeus promoveram uma considerável confusão sobre a identidade do felino denominado onça (lonza e outras variantes). Sob este nome foram incluídos o leopardo ou pantera (Panthera pardus (Linnaeus, 1758)), a chita ou guepardo (Acinonyx jubatus (Schreber, 1775)), o lince (Lynx lynx (Linnaeus, 1758)) e o caracal (Caracal caracal (Schreber, 1776), sendo ainda incluída nessa lista a hiena (Hyaena hyaena (Linnaeus, 1758)). O leopardo foi considerado um híbrido entre o leão (leo) e um felino mítico, o pardo (pardus) e diferente da pantera. Por vezes a lonza foi tratada como uma quarta espécie distinta e, por sua vez, atribuída a mais um caso de hibridação. Um apanhado da literatura sobre esses vários animais, desde a Antiguidade, até o século XIX é apresentado. As hipóteses sobre a etimologia dos diversos nomes desses felinos são comentadas. As mais prováveis são as seguintes: (i) para pardo: do sânscrito pṛdākuh (पृदाकु); (ii) para leopardo: do latim leo + pardus, baseado na ideia errônea de ser este animal um híbrido dessas duas espécies; (iii) para pantera: do Sânscrito puṇḍarīka (पु'डर*क); (iv) para lonza: de leontia; a derivação de lynx, comumente aceita, deve ser descartada, por terem o leopardo (ou pantera) e o lince propriamente dito diferentes folclores e aparências; (v) o nome chita, para o Acinonyx, foi publicado pela primeira vez por Garcia d’Orta (1563), por ele registrado na Índia; (vi) para caracal: do turco qarah-qoulaq = orelha preta ( =preto, = orelha); (vii) finalmente, para guepardo - sua designação provém da Língua Franca Mediterrênea ou Sabir gattopardo, alterado para gapardus, gapar(d) e guépard, sendo esta última forma devida a Buffon (1765), que a obteve dos peleteiros parisienses; através da influência de Buffon, o vocábulo passou para as línguas latinas modernas. Palavras-chave: Leopardo, Pantera, Onça, Lince, Caracal, Chita ou Guepardo, Histórico, Hipóteses Etimológicas.
A população do Reino de Angola durante a era do tráfico de escravos: Um exercício de estimativa e interpretação (c. 1700-1850)
Authors: Menz Maximiliano M. , Lopes Gustavo Acioli
Published: June 2018

O artigo discute a evolução da população sob o domínio português na região que era chamada “Reino de Angola” pelas autoridades coloniais, desde o século XVIII à primeira metade do século XIX. Nosso objetivo foi responder a uma pergunta simples: a população sob o domínio português teria aumentado ou diminuído neste período? Para isto, analisamos e criticamos um número razoável de mapas de população e outros dados quantitativos como os dízimos e a contagem dos sobas. O resultado a que chegamos é que existem indícios de crescimento pelo alargamento da fronteira durante o século XVIII e que, entre o final do século XVIII e o início do XIX, ocorreu um colapso demográfico que parece estar associado às secas e ao aumento da pressão escravizadora.
Hegemonia romana e transformações culturais no mediterrâneo (séculos IV-II a. C.). Novas perspectivas da história global
Authors: Scopacasa Rafael
Published: June 2018

Este artigo discute a utilidade da história global para o estudo do Mediterrâneo durante a expansão romana inicial (séculos IV a II a. C.). No contexto cada vez mais interligado e dinâmico do Mediterrâneo romano, trocas e influências cultu- rais ocorriam a partir de diferentes pontos, em vários sentidos, gerando diversos resultados. Tais dinâmicas serão aqui exploradas a partir de estudos de casos da Itália e do mundo grego, através da análise combinada de fontes históricas e materiais. Serão examinados os efeitos da conectividade crescente (ou “glocali- zação”) em diferentes camadas sociais (elites e não elites), em vista de mudanças nas práticas sociais de culto, consumo e ostentação.
Basal Spontaneous Firing of Rabbit Sinoatrial Node Cells Is Regulated by Dual Activation of PDEs (Phosphodiesterases) 3 and 4
Authors: Vinogradova Tatiana M. , Sirenko Syevda , Lukyanenko Yevgeniya O. , Yang Dongmei , Tarasov Kirill V. , Lyashkov Alexey E. , Varghese Nevin J. , Li Yue , Chakir Khalid , Ziman Bruce , Lakatta Edward G.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Spontaneous firing of sinoatrial node cells (SANCs) is regulated by cAMP-mediated, PKA (protein kinase A)-dependent (cAMP/PKA) local subsarcolemmal Ca
2+
releases (LCRs) from RyRs (ryanodine receptors). LCRs occur during diastolic depolarization and activate an inward Na
+
/Ca
2+
exchange current that accelerates diastolic depolarization rate prompting the next action potential. PDEs (phosphodiesterases) regulate cAMP-mediated signaling; PDE3/PDE4 represent major PDE activities in SANC, but how they modulate LCRs and basal spontaneous SANC firing remains unknown.

Methods:

Real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunostaining, cellular perforated patch clamping, and confocal microscopy were used to elucidate mechanisms of PDE-dependent regulation of cardiac pacemaking.

RESULTS:

PDE3A, PDE4B, and PDE4D were the major PDE subtypes expressed in rabbit SANC, and PDE3A was colocalized with α-actinin, PDE4D, SERCA (sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
ATP-ase), and PLB (phospholamban) in Z-lines. Inhibition of PDE3 (cilostamide) or PDE4 (rolipram) alone increased spontaneous SANC firing by ≈20% (
P
<0.05) and ≈5% (
P
>0.05), respectively, but concurrent PDE3+PDE4 inhibition increased spontaneous firing by ≈45% (
P
<0.01), indicating synergistic effect. Inhibition of PDE3 or PDE4 alone increased L-type Ca
2+
current (I
Ca,L
) by ≈60% (
P
<0.01) or ≈5% (
P
>0.05), respectively, and PLB phosphorylation by ≈20% (
P
>0.05) each, but dual PDE3+PDE4 inhibition increased I
Ca,L
by ≈100% (
P
<0.01) and PLB phosphorylation by ≈110% (
P
<0.05). Dual PDE3+PDE4 inhibition increased the LCR number and size (
P
<0.01) and reduced the SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum) Ca
2+
refilling time (
P
<0.01) and the LCR period (time from action potential–induced Ca
2+
transient to subsequent LCR;
P
<0.01), leading to decrease in spontaneous SANC cycle length (
P
<0.01). When RyRs were disabled by ryanodine and LCRs ceased, dual PDE3+PDE4 inhibition failed to increase spontaneous SANC firing.

Conclusions:

Basal cardiac pacemaker function is regulated by concurrent PDE3+PDE4 activation which operates in a synergistic manner via decrease in cAMP/PKA phosphorylation, suppression of LCR parameters, and prolongation of the LCR period and spontaneous SANC cycle length.
NLRP3 Inflammasome and the IL-1 Pathway in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Grebe Alena , Hoss Florian , Latz Eicke
Published: June 2018

Inflammation is an important driver of atherosclerosis, the underlying pathology of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of inflammatory pathways is suggested to improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases. This concept was recently proven by CANTOS (Canakinumab Anti-Inflammatory Thrombosis Outcomes Study), which demonstrated the therapeutic potential of the monoclonal IL (interleukin)-1β–neutralizing antibody canakinumab. IL-1β and other IL-1 family cytokines are important vascular and systemic inflammatory mediators, which contribute to atherogenesis. The NLRP3 (NOD [nucleotide oligomerization domain]-, LRR [leucine-rich repeat]-, and PYD [pyrin domain]-containing protein 3) inflammasome, an innate immune signaling complex, is the key mediator of IL-1 family cytokine production in atherosclerosis. NLRP3 is activated by various endogenous danger signals abundantly present in atherosclerotic lesions, such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol crystals. Consequently, NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to the vascular inflammatory response driving atherosclerosis development and progression. Here, we review the mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and proinflammatory IL-1 family cytokine production in the context of atherosclerosis and discuss treatment possibilities in light of the positive outcomes of the CANTOS trial.
Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Matsubara Soichiro , Sato Shoichiro , Kodama Tomohiro , Egawa Satoshi , Nakamoto Hidetoshi , Toyoda Kazunori , Kubota Yuichi
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose—

Patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) often develop nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). We aimed to identify determinants and the prognostic significance of NCSE among patients with acute ICH.

Methods—

Consecutive patients with acute spontaneous ICH who were admitted to a comprehensive stroke center were enrolled. We diagnosed NCSE using the modified Salzburg Consensus Criteria. Factors associated with NCSE and their significance in relation to clinical outcomes were assessed using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results—

Of 228 patients (136 men; mean age, 68±14 years), 20 (8.8%) developed NCSE during their hospital stays. In logistic regression models, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for NCSE were 3.5 (1.2–10.7) for craniotomy and 7.0 (2.2–31.2) for lobar involvement. The patients with NCSE had higher modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge, but NCSE was not independently associated with poor functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 4–5) or mortality after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions—

NCSE is not a rare complication of acute ICH. Craniotomy and lobar involvement are independently associated with NCSE in patients with acute ICH.
Native Language Identification With Classifier Stacking and Ensembles
Authors: Malmasi Shervin , Dras Mark
Published: June 2018

Ensemble methods using multiple classifiers have proven to be among the most successful approaches for the task of Native Language Identification (NLI), achieving the current state of the art. However, a systematic examination of ensemble methods for NLI has yet to be conducted. Additionally, deeper ensemble architectures such as classifier stacking have not been closely evaluated. We present a set of experiments using three ensemble-based models, testing each with multiple configurations and algorithms. This includes a rigorous application of meta-classification models for NLI, achieving state-of-the-art results on several large data sets, evaluated in both intra-corpus and cross-corpus modes.
The Fusiform and Occipital Face Areas Can Process a Nonface Category Equivalently to Faces
Authors: Zachariou Valentinos , Safiullah Zaid N. , Ungerleider Leslie G.
Published: June 2018

The fusiform and occipital face areas (FFA and OFA) are functionally defined brain regions in human ventral occipitotemporal cortex associated with face perception. There is an ongoing debate, however, whether these regions are face-specific or whether they also facilitate the perception of nonface object categories. Here, we present evidence that, under certain conditions, bilateral FFA and OFA respond to a nonface category equivalently to faces. In two fMRI sessions, participants performed same–different judgments on two object categories (faces and chairs). In one session, participants differentiated between distinct exemplars of each category, and in the other session, participants differentiated between exemplars that differed only in the shape or spatial configuration of their features (featural/configural differences). During the latter session, the within-category similarity was comparable for both object categories. When differentiating between distinct exemplars of each category, bilateral FFA and OFA responded more strongly to faces than to chairs. In contrast, during featural/configural difference judgments, bilateral FFA and OFA responded equivalently to both object categories. Importantly, during featural/configural difference judgments, the magnitude of activity within FFA and OFA evoked by the chair task predicted the participants' behavioral performance. In contrast, when participants differentiated between distinct chair exemplars, activity within these face regions did not predict the behavioral performance of the chair task. We conclude that, when the within-category similarity of a face and a nonface category is comparable and when the same cognitive strategies used to process a face are applied to a nonface category, the FFA and OFA respond equivalently to that nonface category and faces.
From Believing to Belief: A General Theoretical Model
Authors: Seitz Rüdiger J. , Paloutzian Raymond F. , Angel Hans-Ferdinand
Published: June 2018

Cognitive neuroscience research has begun to explore the mental processes underlying what a belief and what believing are. Recent evidence suggests that believing involves fundamental brain functions that result in meaningful probabilistic representations, called beliefs. When relatively stable, these beliefs allow for guidance of behavior in individuals and social groups. However, they are also fluid and can be modified by new relevant information, interpersonal contact, social pressure, and situational demands. We present a theoretical model of believing that can account for the formation of both empirically grounded and metaphysical beliefs.
Age-related Decline of Visual Working Memory: Behavioral Results Simulated with a Dynamic Neural Field Model
Authors: Costello Matthew C. , Buss Aaron T.
Published: June 2018

Visual working memory (VWM) is essential for executive function and is known to be compromised in older adults. Yet, the cognitive and neural processes associated with these age-related changes remain inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to explore such factors with a dynamic neural field (DNF) model that was manipulated to replicate the behavioral performances of younger and older adults in a change detection task. Although previous work has successfully modeled children and younger adult VWM performance, this study represents the first attempt to model older adult VWM performance within the DNF architecture. In the behavioral task, older adults performed worse than younger adults and exhibited a characteristic response bias that favored “same” over “different” responses. The DNF model was modified to capture the age group differences, with three parameter manipulations producing the best fit for the behavioral performances. The best-fitting model suggests that older adults operate through altered excitatory and inhibitory coupling and decreased inhibitory signals, resulting in wider and weaker neural signals. These results support a dedifferentiation account of brain aging, with older adults operating with wider and weaker neural signals because of decreased intracortical inhibition rather than increased stochastic neural noise.
Ophioglossum gujaratense, a new species from Gujarat State, India
Authors: PATIL SACHIN M. , KACHHIYAPATEL RONAK N. , PATEL RAVI S. , RAJPUT KISHORE S.
Published: June 2018

A new species, Ophioglossum gujaratense, is described from Gujarat state (India). It resembles O. polyphyllum in the presence of sheathing rhizomorph and 1–4 (rarely 5) trophophylls. On the other hand, rhizomorph morphology, common stalk, trophophyll arrangement, leaf lamina and leaf base make it distinct from O. polyphyllum. Stoloniferous roots, trophophyll number and their arrangement of the new species also resemble O. parvifolium and O. nudicaule. However, both these species lack a sheath around the leaf-stem base. A comparative account of morphologically similar species, viz. O. gujaratense, O. polyphyllum, O. parvifolium and O. nudicaule is provided. The distinctness of the new taxon has been confirmed using molecular data from chloroplast genome markers viz rbcL, trnH-psbA, trnF-trnE and trnL-trnF.
A taxonomic review of the genus Hemiphractus (Anura: Hemiphractidae) in Panama: Description of Two New Species, Resurrection of Hemiphractus panamensis (Stejneger, 1917), and Discussion of Hemiphractus fasciatus Peters, 1862
Authors: HILL ROBERT L. , MARTIN KATHRYN G. , STANLEY EDWARD , MENDELSON JOSEPH R.  III
Published: June 2018

We reviewed the taxonomic status of populations of frogs in the genus Hemiphractus in Panama, which have all been referred to Hemiphractus fasciatus Peters, 1862 for over 40 years. Although relatively few specimens have been collected, mostly juveniles, it is clear that these frogs inhabit three separate upland regions of the country: The Cordillera de Talamanca in western Panama, the Chagres Highlands and Cordillera de San Blas in central Panama, and the Serranía de Pirre in the far eastern portion of the country. In accordance with previously published molecular data, we identified distinctive features of the skulls of frogs representing these three allopatric populations and herein revalidate H. panamensis (Stejneger, 1917), describe the new species Hemiphractus elioti sp. nov. from the Cordillera de Talamanca, and the new species Hemiphractus kaylockae sp. nov. from the Serranía de Pirre. We also propose that the taxon H. fasciatus is a South American species not occurring in Panama.
New data clarifying the taxonomy of European members of the Lepidocyrtus pallidus–serbicus group (Collembola, Entomobryidae)
Authors: MATEOS EDUARDO , WINKLER DANIEL
Published: June 2018

The genus Lepidocyrtus is fairly well explored in Hungary and was up to now represented by 18 species. Systematic mesofauna survey of a swamp woodland gave us the opportunity to describe the new species, L. florae sp. nov., characterized by the dark blue color, the dorsal macrochaetae formula A0A2aA2A3S3Pa5/00/0101+2 and the absence of scales on the antennae. Related species L. arrabonicus, L. pallidus, L. pseudosinelloides and L. weidneri were also revised with particular attention to clarify the interpretation of the dorsal chaetotaxy of the head. The observed variability in abdominal chaetotaxy of L. pallidus suggests that the only character differentiating between this species and L. weidneri is the labial chaetotaxy, with chaeta r (in L. pallidus) and chaeta R (in L. weidneri). An identification key to European Lepidocyrtus species with dorsal trunk macrochaetae formula 00/0101+2 is also provided.
Endovenous Management of Varicose Veins
Authors: Belramman Amjad , Bootun Roshan , Lane Tristan R. A. , Davies Alun H.
Published: June 2018

Varicose veins are a very common condition and have been the subject of a recent proliferation of treatment modalities. The advent of the endovenous treatment era has led to a confusing array of different techniques that can be daunting when making the transition from traditional surgery. All modalities offer excellent results in the right situation, and each has its own treatment profile. Thermal ablation techniques have matured and have a reassuring and reliable outcome, but the arrival of nonthermal techniques has delivered further options for both patient and surgeon. This article provides an overview of the different treatment devices and modalities available to the modern superficial vein surgeon and details the currently available evidence and summation analysis to help surgeons to make an appropriate treatment choice for their patients.
Improved testing for vitamin B12 deficiency: correcting MMA for eGFR reduces the number of patients classified as vitamin B12 deficient
Authors: van Loon Saskia LM , Wilbik Anna M , Kaymak Uzay , van den Heuvel Edwin R , Scharnhorst Volkher , Boer Arjen-Kars
Published: June 2018

Background

Methylmalonic acid (MMA) can detect functional vitamin B12 deficiencies as it accumulates early when intracellular deficits arise. However, impaired clearance of MMA from blood due to decreased glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) also results in elevated plasma MMA concentrations. Alternative to clinical trials, a data mining approach was chosen to quantify and compensate for the effect of decreased eGFR on MMA concentration.

Methods

Comprehensive data on patient’s vitamin B12, eGFR and MMA concentrations were collected ( n = 2906). The relationship between vitamin B12, renal function (eGFR) and MMA was modelled using weighted multiple linear regression. The obtained model was used to estimate the influence of decreased eGFR on MMA. Clinical impact was examined by comparing the number of patients labelled vitamin B12 deficient with and without adjustment in MMA.

Results

Adjusting measured MMA concentrations for eGFR in the group of patients with low-normal vitamin B12 concentrations (90–300 pmol/L) showed that the use of unadjusted MMA concentrations overestimates vitamin B12 deficiency by 40%.

Conclusions

Through a data mining approach, the influence of eGFR on the relation between MMA and vitamin B12 can be quantified and used to correct the measured MMA concentration for decreased eGFR. Especially in the elderly, eGFR-based correction of MMA may prevent over-diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency and corresponding treatment.
Graphene-modified carbon/epoxy nanocomposites: Electrical, thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Imran Kazi A , Shivakumar Kunigal N
Published: June 2018

A primary limitation of fiber-reinforced polymer composites in aircraft applications is susceptibility to lightning because of poor electrical, thermal and electromagnetic properties. The current methods to mitigate the lightning strike in aircraft have added weight and reduced the performance. Previous graphene-modified epon 828 epoxy matrix study showed that three-roll dispersion is effective, repeatable and potentially scalable to disperse graphene in to epoxy to increase the electrical conductivity. Percolation threshold of graphene was found to be about 1.0 wt.% that enhanced electrical conductivity of epon 828 epoxy matrix from 4.3 × 10−15 to 2.6 × 10−6 S/m, thermal conductivity doubled and fracture toughness increased by one-third. In the present study, the same graphene/epon 828 is reinforced by carbon fabric by hand lay-up followed by compression molding. The resulting composite laminate was tested for electrical, thermal and mechanical properties and results of this nanocomposite laminates were compared with base composite laminate.
Chinese Drug Users’ Abstinence Intentions: The Role of Perceived Social Support
Authors: Liu Liu , Wang Huimin , Chui Wing Hong , Cao Liqun
Published: June 2018

This study investigated the relationship between Chinese drug users’ perceived social support and their intentions for choosing abstinence. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed with 3,239 drug users, especially heroin (427) and methamphetamine (890) users. All participants were from multiple Chinese compulsory drug treatment institutions. Perceived support from friends was the factor that showed a strongest positive relationship with Chinese drug users’ abstinence intentions. The positive influence from family support on the willingness to seek and choose abstinence was not as great as scholars have suggested, which challenges previous research findings. Methamphetamine users had a significantly lower chance of pursuing abstinence, but their abstinence intentions were positively related to perceived support from friends. Comparatively, all types of perceived social support had no significant influence on heroin users’ abstinence intentions. This study highlights that, as China’s methamphetamine-addicted population rapidly expands, tailored treatment, especially facilitating positive peer support, is urgently needed.
Desorption characterization of methane and carbon dioxide in coal and its influence on outburst prediction
Authors: Liang Yunpei , Wang Fakai , Luo Yongjiang , Hu Qianting
Published: June 2018

Coal and gas outburst is a dynamic phenomenon with violent eruptions of coal and gas from the working coal seam. It has been proved that the rapid desorption within a short period is necessary for the occurrence of an outburst. Due to limitation of the present test condition, gas desorption characterization for the first 60 s has not been researched sufficiently. In the present study, an experimental apparatus with the ability of high-frequency data collection was developed. Initial desorption characterization of methane and carbon dioxide in coal was experimentally studied. Both the initial desorption characterization of methane and carbon dioxide were experimentally studied with different equilibrium pressures. The desorbed gas pressure was measured at desorption time phase of 0–10 and 45–60 s, besides the initial amount of desorbed gas and initial diffusion velocity of coal gas were calculated to assess their risk of outburst. The results show that the gas pressure for both methane and carbon dioxide increases sharply in the initial time and then levels off, and the total amount of desorbed gas increases with the increasing desorption time. Although the amount of desorption methane is slightly larger than that of carbon dioxide at the beginning, the total amount of desorbed carbon dioxide is significantly larger than that of methane at the desorption process. Therefore, it can be concluded that the coal and carbon dioxide outburst is more dangerous than the coal and methane outburst based on the obtained experimental results.
Extended Desired Safety Margin Car-Following Model That Considers Variation of Historical Perceived Risk and Acceptable Risk
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Wang Yunpeng , Lu Guangquan
Published: June 2018

In this paper, an extended desired safety margin (DSM) car-following model is proposed by accounting for the effect of the variation of historical perceived risk and acceptable risk in terms of the DSM model. By conducting gray correlation analysis, an investigation is carried out into whether the variation of historical perceived risk and acceptable risk has important effects on the acceleration or deceleration of a target vehicle based on a real-vehicle test platform. Through simulated results, the dynamic performance of an extended DSM model is investigated in comparison with the DSM model. Conclusions show that the extended DSM model can better reflect the characteristics of traffic flow compared with the DSM model, and can improve the performance of the vehicle in the start, stop, and car-following processes. Numerical simulations further demonstrate that the extended DSM model can improve traffic safety via the changes of time-to-collision and safety margin when external disturbance is introduced into the leading vehicle. Thus, historical information about target vehicles should be considered to improve the performance of car-following in adaptive cruise control (ACC) and automotive platoon driving.
Borderline Glenoid Bone Defect in Anterior Shoulder Instability: Latarjet Procedure Versus Bankart Repair
Authors: Jeon Yoon Sang , Jeong Ho Yeon , Lee Dong Ki , Rhee Yong Girl
Published: June 2018

Background:

The optimal procedure for anterior shoulder instability with a borderline (15%-20%) bone defect on the anterior rim of the glenoid is still controversial.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical outcome and recurrence rate between the arthroscopic Bankart repair and Latarjet procedure among patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability and a borderline glenoid bone defect.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively reviewed cases of arthroscopic Bankart repair and the Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability with a borderline (15%-20%) glenoid bone defect. Enrollment comprised 149 patients (Bankart group, n = 118; Latarjet group, n = 31). The mean follow-up and age at operation were 28.9 ± 7.3 months (range, 24-73 months) and 26 ± 5 years (range, 16-46 years), respectively.

Results:

Rowe and UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) shoulder scores significantly improved from 42.0 ± 14.3 and 22.9 ± 3.2 preoperatively to 90.9 ± 15.4 and 32.5 ± 3.3 postoperatively in the Bankart group ( P < .001) and from 41.0 ± 17.9 and 22.3 ± 3.4 to 91.1 ± 16.1 and 32.3 ± 3.4 in the Latarjet group ( P < .001), respectively. There were no significant between-group differences in Rowe ( P = .920) or UCLA ( P = .715) scores at the final follow-up. Mean postoperative loss of motion during forward flexion, external rotation in abduction, and internal rotation to the posterior was 3.0° ± 6.2°, 11.6° ± 10.2°, and 0.6 spinal segment in the Bankart group and 3.7° ± 9.8°, 10.3° ± 12.8°, and 0.9 spinal segment in the Latarjet group, respectively. These differences were not significant. However, the loss of external rotation at the side was significantly greater in the Bankart group (13.3° ± 12.9°) than in the Latarjet group (7.3° ± 18.1°, P = .034). The overall recurrence rate was significantly higher in the Bankart group (22.9%) than in the Latarjet group (6.5%), ( P = .040).

Conclusion:

The Latarjet procedure and arthroscopic Bankart repair both provided satisfactory clinical outcome scores and pain relief for anterior shoulder instability with a borderline glenoid bone defect. However, the Latarjet procedure resulted in significantly lower recurrences and less external rotation limitation than the arthroscopic Bankart repair. Therefore, the Latarjet procedure could be a more reliable surgical option in anterior recurrent instability with a borderline glenoid bone defect.
Equivalent linear stiffness and damping of a shape memory alloy bar operating at isothermal and non-isothermal condition
Authors: Jose Sebin , Chakraborty Goutam , Bhattacharyya Ranjan
Published: June 2018

Complex stiffness of shape memory alloy bar is evaluated for isothermal and non-isothermal operating conditions. Analytical, numerical, and graphical approaches are used to evaluate complex stiffness. Real part of complex stiffness provides a measure of storage modulus, while imaginary part provides that of loss modulus. Complex stiffness is described as a function of forcing amplitude. Thermomechanical coupling changes the complex stiffness of the shape memory alloy bar at different operating conditions. It even becomes a function of forcing frequency during non-isothermal operation.
When Ignorance Is Bliss: Exploring Perspective Taking, Negative State Affect and Performance
Authors: Beersma Bianca , Bechtoldt Myriam N. , Schouten Maartje E.
Published: June 2018

Whereas the positive relationship between positive affect in teams and team performance is well established, the relationship between team negative affect and team performance seems to be subject to moderating effects. We focus on the effects of perspective taking as one of these moderators, and posit that perspective taking impedes team performance when team state affect is negative because team members become preoccupied with others’ negative emotions. Results from 49 teams involved in a computerized interactive decision-making task support our hypothesis: Negative state affect was negatively related to performance for teams high in perspective taking, but not for teams low in perspective taking. This leads to the conclusion that when teams experience high negative affect, they benefit from low perspective taking.
An Educational Initiative for Dubai School Nurses and Physical Education Teachers on the Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries
Authors: Al Sari S. , Kowash M. , Hussein I. , Al-Halabi M.
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of school nurses and physical education teachers (SN and PE teachers) about the emergency management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in schools and to measure the impact of education on their knowledge. A longitudinal prospective study based on a questionnaire survey completed by 68 SN and PE teachers at three time periods (prior to, immediately after, and 3 months-post-educational intervention). Pre- and post t-test and repeated measures (analysis of variance) were used to compare the three group means for the same participants ( p < .05 was considered significant). Significant improvement in the knowledge score among participants was observed between the initial survey to immediately after the educational session and to 3 months after ( p = .047). Significant improvement in the choice of immediately seeking attention after tooth avulsion was observed ( p = .001). The initial knowledge deficiency about the emergency management of TDIs among SN and PE teachers was improved and sustained.
Feline large-cell lymphoma following previous treatment for small-cell gastrointestinal lymphoma: incidence, clinical signs, clinicopathologic data, treatment of a secondary malignancy, response and survival
Authors: Wright Katherine Z , Hohenhaus Ann E , Verrilli Ariana M , Vaughan-Wasser Savannah
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Lymphoma is a common and clinically important malignancy in cats. Development of a second malignancy has been reported previously in 7–14% of cats with small-cell gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma. The aim of our study was to describe the incidence, clinical signs, clinicopathologic data, response to therapy and outcomes in cats diagnosed with large-cell lymphoma following treatment for small-cell GI lymphoma.

Methods

Medical records from a single referral specialty hospital were reviewed for all cats with lymphoma diagnosed between 2008 and 2017. The cases with a diagnosis of small-cell GI lymphoma followed by a diagnosis of any large-cell lymphoma and complete outcome data were selected for further review.

Results

Seven hundred and forty cats with a diagnosis of lymphoma were identified. Twelve cats (12/121) treated for small-cell GI lymphoma followed by a diagnosis of any anatomic form of large cell lymphoma were identified. Nine cats met the study inclusion criteria and were used in analyses. Mean event-free survival time from small-cell GI lymphoma diagnosis until diagnosis of large-cell lymphoma was 543 days, with a median survival time of 615 days. Mean event-free survival time from large-cell lymphoma to death was 55 days, with a median survival time of 24.5 days. Hematocrit, albumin and total protein were significantly decreased when cats developed large-cell lymphoma compared with their values at the time of small-cell lymphoma diagnosis.

Conclusions and relevance

Large-cell lymphoma occurred in 9.9% (12/121) of cats treated for small-cell GI lymphoma. Feline practitioners should include large-cell lymphoma on their list of differential diagnoses in cats diagnosed with small-cell GI lymphoma developing weight loss, anemia, hypoalbuminemia and hypoproteinemia.
Family caregiving for older Aboriginal people in urban Australia: Disclosing worlds of meaning in the dementia experience
Authors: Arkles Rachelle , Jankelson Claire , Radford Kylie , Jackson Pulver Lisa
Published: June 2018

Dementia in Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is an area of significant health and community concern. In this article, we use a hermeneutic mode of interpretation to deepen understanding of experience and meaning in dementia for family carers of older Aboriginal people in urban Australia. Specifically, we draw from the hermeneutic concept of “world disclosure” to illuminate the dementia experience in three ways: through an artwork of the brain and dementia; through concrete description of the lived relation of caregiving; and through an epochal perspective on the significance of contemporary caregiving in dementia. Using narrative and visual knowledge, this three-fold approach brings to the forefront the importance of ontological and existential meanings which resonate for Aboriginal families in the dementia caregiving experience.
Personal information documents for people with dementia: Healthcare staff ’s perceptions and experiences
Authors: Baillie Lesley , Thomas Nicola
Published: June 2018

Person-centred care is internationally recognised as best practice for the care of people with dementia. Personal information documents for people with dementia are proposed as a way to support person-centred care in healthcare settings. However, there is little research about how they are used in practice. The aim of this study was to analyse healthcare staff ’s perceptions and experiences of using personal information documents, mainly Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘This is me’, for people with dementia in healthcare settings. The method comprised a secondary thematic analysis of data from a qualitative study, of how a dementia awareness initiative affected care for people with dementia in one healthcare organisation. The data were collected through 12 focus groups (n = 58 participants) and 1 individual interview, conducted with a range of healthcare staff, both clinical and non-clinical. There are four themes presented: understanding the rationale for personal information documents; completing personal information documents; location for personal information documents and transfer between settings; impact of personal information documents in practice. The findings illuminated how healthcare staff use personal information documents in practice in ways that support person-centred care. Practical issues about the use of personal information documents were revealed and these may affect the optimal use of the documents in practice. The study indicated the need to complete personal information documents at an early stage following diagnosis of dementia, and the importance of embedding their use across care settings, to support communication and integrated care.
Diabetes mellitus and abdominal aortic aneurysms: A review of the mechanisms underlying the negative relationship
Authors: Dattani Nikesh , Sayers Robert D , Bown Matthew J
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

Diabetes mellitus appears to be negatively associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm; however, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain poorly understood. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the currently understood biological pathways underlying this relationship.

Methods:

A review of the literature (‘diabetes’ OR ‘hyperglycaemia’ AND ‘aneurysm’) was performed and relevant studies grouped into biological pathways.

Results:

This review identified a number of biological pathways through which diabetes mellitus may limit the presence, growth and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms. These include those influencing extracellular matrix volume, extracellular matrix glycation, the formation of advanced glycation end-products, inflammation, oxidative stress and intraluminal thrombus biology. In addition, there is an increasing evidence to suggest that the medications used to treat diabetes can also limit the development and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Conclusion:

The negative association between diabetes and abdominal aortic aneurysm is robust. Future studies should attempt to target the pathways identified in this review to develop novel therapeutic agents aimed at slowing or even halting aneurysm progression.
Setting Precedent, an Interview with Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar
Authors: Bell Jeannine
Published: June 2018

Jeannine Bell interviews Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar about serving on California’s highest court.
Serial Killers & Their Easy Prey
Authors: Lee Jooyoung , Reid Sasha
Published: June 2018

How do serial killers get away with murder? For years, law enforcement, true crime writers, and journalists have portrayed serial killers as criminal masterminds. But, a closer look at serial homicide cases reveals a different story: Serial killers are opportunists who target marginalized and vulnerable populations. Specifically, they target street sex workers, who become “easy prey” because of their precarious legal status.
Rethinking How Low-Income Students Access Higher Ed
Authors: Warnock Debbie
Published: June 2018

Debbie Warnock reviews Paying the Price.
We Must Reinvigorate the Sociology of Education
Authors: Mehta Jal , Davies Scott
Published: June 2018

Jal Mehta and Scott Davies on expanding ed as a site of analysis.
NIWAS: A non-interactive watermark authentication scheme for industrial field-programmable gate array designs
Authors: Long Jing , Zhang Dafang , Liang Wei , Ning Zuoting , Zhang Qingyong
Published: June 2018

Except the network attacks, the industrial networked devices in Internet of things are also threatened by intellectual property infringement. Watermarking technique is a prevalent way to avoid this threat. Previous work on authenticating a watermark in industrial intellectual properties easily discloses sensitive information of real embedded watermarks. In this case, the evidence of identifying the ownership of industrial intellectual property may be attacked by the illegal verifiers. Although several watermark detection techniques can address the disclosure of sensitive information in detection procedure, the efficiency of detection is relatively low. Besides, it may yield large communication overhead of multiple authentication rounds. Motivated by the needs of robustness and efficiency, this work proposed a zero-knowledge approach to authenticate ownership of field-programmable gate array intellectual property design in industrial environment, named NIWAS. The prover can convince the verifier that he knows a secret in the suspected intellectual property design via only one interaction. Real locations of watermarks are concealed through location obfuscation. With the received authentication package from the prover, the verifier cannot obtain other useful information about the watermarks. The experiments show that NIWAS achieves high efficiency and robustness of watermark detection.