bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red cell distribution width in coronary heart disease: prediction of restenosis and its relationship with inflammatory markers and lipids
Authors: Qian Hang , Luo Zhihuan , Xiao Chunmei , Chen Jishun , Li Dongfeng , Xu Hao , He Peigen , Zhou Xintao , Zhang Tao , Min Xinwen
Published: October 2018

Background

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with a poor prognosis and adverse events in cardiovascular diseases. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between serum RDW levels and outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention and to identify potential novel laboratory markers for evaluating the risk of in-stent restenosis (ISR) with stable angina pectoris.

Methods

A total of 261 patients with coronary heart disease from Dongfeng General Hospital implanted with a coronary drug-eluting stent (DES) were enrolled in the study. We retrospectively analysed the role and prognosis values of serum parameters that were measured before angiography at the first admission. According to the results of the second angiogram, the patients were divided into two groups as follows: the non-ISR group (n=143) and the ISR group (n=118). The clinical characteristics and all laboratory data were considered for univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

The white cell count, RDW, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein (CRP), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), blood urea nitrogen and uric acid levels were higher in the ISR group than in the non-ISR group. There were no differences in the rates of hypertension, fasting plasma glucose, red cell count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet count, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and creatinine levels. In the univariate regression analysis, age, diabetes, white cell count, neutrophil count, RDW, CRP, total cholesterol, LDL-C, blood urea nitrogen, Gensini score and number of stents were predictors of ISR. According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, age, RDW and number of stents were independent predictors of ISR.

Conclusions

Preprocedural blood parameters can independently predict ISR. Our study results demonstrated that a high preprocedural RDW is an independent predictor of DES restenosis.
A long wait: barriers to discharge for long length of stay patients
Authors: Zhao Emma Jane , Yeluru Apurva , Manjunath Lakshman , Zhong Lei Ray , Hsu Hsiao-Tieh , Lee Charles K , Wong Anny C , Abramian Matthew , Manella Haley , Svec David , Shieh Lisa
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Reducing long length of stay (LLOS, or inpatient stays lasting over 30 days) is an important way for hospitals to improve cost efficiency, bed availability and health outcomes. Discharge delays can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per patient, and LLOS represents a burden on bed availability for other potential patients. However, most research studies investigating discharge barriers are not LLOS-specific. Of those that do, nearly all are limited by further patient subpopulation focus or small sample size. To our knowledge, our study is the first to describe LLOS discharge barriers in an entire Department of Medicine.

Methods

We conducted a chart review of 172 LLOS patients in the Department of Medicine at an academic tertiary care hospital and quantified the most frequent causes of delay as well as factors causing the greatest amount of delay time. We also interviewed healthcare staff for their perceptions on barriers to discharge.

Results

Discharge site coordination was the most frequent cause of delay, affecting 56% of patients and accounting for 80% of total non-medical postponement days. Goals of care issues and establishment of follow-up care were the next most frequent contributors to delay.

Conclusion

Together with perspectives from interviewed staff, these results highlight multiple different areas of opportunity for reducing LLOS and maximising the care capacity of inpatient hospitals.
Design of High Efficiency Linear Power Amplifier with a Continuous Broadband Based on Two-Tone Signal Analysis
Authors: Chen Lu , Li Gun
Published: October 2018

In this paper, an innovative approach to achieve broadband linear power amplifier (PA) with a continuous broadband is presented. The proposed method mainly depends on the theory of control of intermodulation products and harmonics. This method results in a continuous sweet spots over a wide bandwidth. Based on the continuous sweet spots, a suboptimal solution is derived for improving the efficiency and linearity of broadband PAs. To verify the effectiveness of this method, one broadband PA operating over 4.5–5.5[Formula: see text]GHz is developed and measured, it indicates that the peak output power of the PA is 35–57[Formula: see text]dBm for a small signal input with a gain of 12[Formula: see text]dB, and the peak drain efficiency (DE) of the PA is larger than 57% over the whole working band. However, when the PA is stimulated by a 5[Formula: see text]MHz two-tone signal input, we observe that the DE keeps above 38% under the condition of the measured third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD3) is not larger than [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dBc.
TRANSITION PROBABILITIES BETWEEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PHASES IN AFRICA’S EMERGING ECONOMIES: THE CASE OF NIGERIA AND SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: AKINYEMI FOLASHADE , OJAH KALU
Published: October 2018

Using cross-sectional data from 1148 structured questionnaires, administered in two key commercial hubs of Africa’s largest economies (609 from Lagos in Nigeria and 539 from Johannesburg in South Africa), we examine the volatility of venture firms, and particularly ascertain what life-cycle phases they are likely to transition out of quickly or sluggishly in the entrepreneurship process. Adopting GEM’s concept of entrepreneurship phases — conception, firm’s-birth, persistence, established and renowned phases — we find that the most volatile entrepreneurship phase in Nigeria is the conception phase while the conception and firm’s-birth phases are the most volatile in South Africa. The highest transition rate for start-ups in both countries occurs between the persistent and established phases. Overall, Nigeria’s start-ups have better prospects for progression than South Africa’s, and the transitioning differences between the two countries are attributable to differences in personality traits of the entrepreneurs. Therefore, governments seeking to influence likelihood of success at the more strategic phases of the entrepreneurship process should prioritize early phases while only channeling little of the scarce support funds to later-phases, especially when seeking to scale-up productive capabilities of emerging enterprises, in addition to encouraging personality traits that can compensate for inadequate environmental support for entrepreneurship.
Averages of arithmetic functions over principal ideals
Authors: Browning T. D. , Sofos E.
Published: October 2018

For a general class of non-negative functions defined on integral ideals of number fields, upper bounds are established for their average over the values of certain principal ideals that are associated to irreducible binary forms with integer coefficients.
Cardiovascular Pharmacogenomics: Does It Matter If You're Black or White?
Authors: De Tanima , Park C. Sehwan , Perera Minoli A.
Published: October 2018

Race and ancestry have long been associated with differential risk and outcomes to disease as well as responses to medications. These differences in drug response are multifactorial with some portion associated with genomic variation. The field of pharmacogenomics aims to predict drug response in patients prior to medication administration and to uncover the biological underpinnings of drug response. The field of human genetics has long recognized that genetic variation differs in frequency between ancestral populations, with some single nucleotide polymorphisms found solely in one population. Thus far, most pharmacogenomic studies have focused on individuals of European and East Asian ancestry, resulting in a substantial disparity in the clinical utility of genetic prediction for drug response in US minority populations. In this review, we discuss the genetic factors that underlie variability to drug response and known pharmacogenomic associations and how these differ between populations, with an emphasis on the current knowledge in cardiovascular pharmacogenomics.
Laparoscopic Resection of an Appendix Mucocele in a Breast Cancer Patient
Authors: Hao Scarlett , Lilly Roberta , Bonatti Hugo J. R.
Published: October 2018

Background. Acute appendicitis may be treated with antibiotics, but most surgeons offer laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). Appendiceal mucocele (AMC) is a rare disorder. Surgical removal is recommended due to the risk of pseudomyxoma peritonei. LA has been suggested for this condition. Although rare, breast cancer (BC) may metastasize to the appendix. An appendiceal mass in a breast cancer patient should be approached as a possible metastatic focus until proven otherwise. Case Presentation. A 45-year-old Caucasian woman with invasive lobular BC underwent bilateral mastectomy. An AMC was found on CT scan. LA was done with a strict minimal touch technique. The appendix was resected with a 1 cm margin of the cecal pole, and the specimen was removed from the abdomen in a retrieval bag. Pathology showed benign cystadenoma. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. Conclusion. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of an appendiceal mass in a BC patient. BC patients with AMC should undergo appendectomy to rule out metastatic disease and to prevent pseudomyxoma peritonei. LA can be performed safely in patients with AMC.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound Identifies Decompensated Heart Failure in a Young Male with Methamphetamine-Associated Cardiomyopathy Presenting in Severe Sepsis to the Emergency Department
Authors: Kinas David , Dalley Michael , Guidry Kayla , Newberry Mark A. , Farcy David A.
Published: October 2018

We describe a case of a young male who presents to the emergency department with severe sepsis and decompensated heart failure with underlying Methamphetamine-Associated Cardiomyopathy that was previously undiagnosed. This presentation is unique because Methamphetamine-Associated Cardiomyopathy is an uncommonly reported condition that presented in a complex clinical scenario of severe sepsis and decompensated congestive heart failure. We discuss how we used point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in this case to identify an unsuspected disease process and how it changed our initial resuscitation strategy and management. Emergency physicians can utilize point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to help identify these high-risk patients in the emergency department and guide appropriate resuscitation. Methamphetamine-Associated Cardiomyopathy (MAC) is an infrequently described complication of methamphetamine abuse, most commonly presented as a nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. With the rise in methamphetamine abuse in the United States, complications from methamphetamine use are more commonly presenting to the emergency department. Proper education and rehabilitation, with a goal of abstinence from amphetamine use, may allow patients to potentially regain normal cardiac function. Since the majority of patients present late with severe cardiac dysfunction, early detection is essential amongst critically ill patients since recognition may significantly influence ED management.
A Multiobjective Route Robust Optimization Model and Algorithm for Hazmat Transportation
Authors: Ma Changxi , Hao Wei , He Ruichun , Moghimi Bahman
Published: October 2018

Aiming at route optimization problem of hazardous materials transportation in uncertain environment, this paper presents a multiobjective robust optimization model by taking robust control parameters into consideration. The objective of the model is to minimize not only transportation risk but also transportation time, and a robust counterpart of the model is introduced through applying the Bertsimas-Sim robust optimization theory. Moreover, a fuzzy C-means clustering-particle swarm optimization (FCMC-PSO) algorithm is designed, and the FCMC algorithm is used to cluster the demand points. In addition the PSO algorithm with the adaptive archives grid is used to calculate the robust optimization route of hazmat transportation. Finally, the computational results show the multiobjective route robust optimization model with 3 centers and 20 demand points’ sample studied and FCMC-PSO algorithm for hazmat transportation can obtain different robustness Pareto solution sets. As a result, this study will provide basic theory support for hazmat transportation safeguarding.
The Surrogate Safety Appraisal of the Unconventional Elliptical and Turbo Roundabouts
Authors: Tesoriere Giovanni , Campisi Tiziana , Canale Antonino , Zgrablić Tedi
Published: October 2018

Double-lane roundabouts have been created in many European countries over the past few centuries and are now characterized by an unsafe geometric development and by a low sustainability capacity or level. In this regard, new double-lane geometries have been implemented to overcome to these critical points. This article shows a comparison of two nonconventional double-lane roundabout schemes defined as elliptical and turbo. Considering this research on the unsafe and congested conditions for each road schemes at grade, the microsimulation approach allows comparing schemes of intersections not yet realized in order to be able to evaluate the critical issues. A symmetric traffic distribution and an identical vehicle mix for both design solutions are considered. The research was conducted considering two different double-lane roundabout-turbo roundabout and the elliptical roundabout. By comparing their geometry and technical elements, this article assumes that turbo roundabout due to its physical separating traffic lanes in the central circulatory carriageway will enable potentially better traffic safety conditions. This article has the following main goal: a comparison of traffic safety using VISSIM microsimulator and SSAM tools. The results can provide to show safety level on investigated scenario considering level of service (LOS) and also the possibility of obtaining time to collision (TTC) and postencroachment time (PET) through the use of surrogate parameters obtained by SSAM tool. In fact, the surrogate safety parameters allows evaluating the possible collision scenarios between them, according to the trajectories of the single vehicles. This assessment is useful in order to be able to evaluate by the local authorities which of the examined schemes can provide greater negativity in the construction and operation phase. Therefore this comparative analysis allows reducing, in the preliminary phase, possible security impacts and also economic ones for the community.
Thrombophlebitis of the Right Renal Capsular Vein during the Early Postpartum Period
Authors: Nakamura Koji , Nakanishi Kensuke , Kubota Satoshi , Takahashi Ryoko , Tomiie Mari , Moriyama Akihiro
Published: October 2018

Venous thrombophlebitis is an uncommon cause of fever and lower abdominal pain during the early postpartum period. It mostly occurs in the right ovarian vein, and computed tomography (CT) is useful for diagnosis. We present a case of thrombophlebitis of the renal capsular vein. A 27-year-old postpartum woman presented with right lower abdominal pain and fever unresponsive to antibiotics. Contrast CT showed a ring-enhancing mass in the right retroperitoneum, which was distinct from the right ovarian vein. Exploratory laparoscopy revealed a retroperitoneal hematoma and normal appendix. Reconstruction of CT images revealed that the mass was connected to the right renal capsular vein. Anticoagulation therapy improved the patient’s symptoms. Postpartum thrombophlebitis can occur at locations other than the ovarian vein, such as the renal capsular vein. If a retroperitoneal mass is discovered during puerperium, a thorough investigation of the mass’s continuity with surrounding vessels is essential to avoid unnecessary surgery.
New Qualitative Results for Solutions of Functional Differential Equations of Second Order
Authors: Tunç Cemil , Erdur Sultan
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we are concerned with the existence of periodic solutions, stability of zero solution, asymptotic stability of zero solution, square integrability of the first derivative of solutions, and boundedness of solutions of nonlinear functional differential equations of second order by the second method of Lyapunov. We obtain sufficient conditions guaranteeing the existence of periodic solutions, stability of zero solution, asymptotic stability of zero solution, square integrability of the first derivative of solutions, and boundedness of solutions of the equations considered. We give an example for illustrations by MATLAB-Simulink, which shows the behaviors of the orbits. The findings of this paper extend and improve some results that can be found in the literature.
Electronic Spectra of ortho-Substituted Phenols: An Experimental and DFT Study
Authors: Tetteh Samuel , Zugle Ruphino , Adotey John Prosper Kwaku , Quashie Andrews
Published: October 2018

The electronic spectra of phenol, 2-chlorophenol, 2-aminophenol, and 2-nitrophenol have been studied both experimentally and computationally. The effect of the substituents on the solvatochromic behavior of the phenols were investigated in polar protic (methanol) and aprotic (dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)) solvents. The spectra of 2-nitrophenol recorded the highest red shift in methanol. The observed spectral changes were investigated computationally by means of density functional theory (DFT) methods. The gas phase compounds were fully optimized using B3LYP functionals with 6-31++G(d,p) bases set. The effects of the substituents on the electron distribution in the σ-bonds as well as the natural charge on the constituent atoms were analyzed by natural bond orbital (NBO) and natural population analysis (NPA). Second-order perturbation analyses also revealed substantial delocalization of nonbonding electrons on the substituents onto the phenyl ring, thereby increasing its electron density. Full interaction map (FIM) also showed regions of varying propensities for hydrogen and halogen bonding interactions on the phenols.
Broad Learning‐Based Optimization and Prediction of Questionnaire Survey: Application to Mind Status of College Students
Authors: Yu Lin , Ding Shejiao
Published: October 2018

The mind status of college students is important since it can reflect how the public opinion is going. Only with the accurate prediction, the corresponding actions can be conducted to prevent the situation from going worse. This paper focused on the data analysis using the recent developed broad learning method to obtain the learning model and then the prediction can be done. Firstly, the questionnaire related to the ideological state is designed. Secondly, the data are collected and classified using the typical questions and answers. Thirdly, for each pair of the question and the answer, the score is obtained and considered as data training of the system. Fourthly, the input and the output are selected according to the key questions and conclusions. Finally, the broad learning using flat network is employed for data analysis without deep structure. Tests show that the design using broad learning can efficiently deal with the regression problem and the learning network can be used for prediction.
Recovery of Boron from Underground Brine by Continuous Centrifugal Extraction with 2-Ethyl-1,3-hexanediol (EHD) and Its Mechanism
Authors: Fan Xuebing , Yu Xiaoping , Guo Yafei , Deng Tianlong
Published: October 2018

In order to economical and environmental-friendly recycle of boron from underground brine, the extraction of boron was carried out in this work by the continuous centrifugal technique using 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol (EHD) + sulfonated kerosene (SK) extraction system, and the extraction mechanism was also investigated by the combination of FT-IR with slope method. The results showed that boron can be effectively extracted from underground water with the concentration of boron 5.43 g·L−1 by five-stage centrifugal extraction using 30% EHD + 70% SK at pH = 2.0–3.0, R(O/A) = 1 : 2, and the extraction rate reached 98.46%. Boron in the organic phase can be well five-stage back-extracted by 1.0 mol·L−1·NaOH at R(O/A) = 1 : 1 with a back-extraction rate of 97.00%. About 88.32% boron in the aqueous phase obtained by back-extraction can be recycled in H3BO3 form by evaporation crystallization after acidified to pH < 2.5. The extraction mechanism indicated that the extraction is completed mainly based on the esterification reaction between alcoholic hydroxyl in EHD and -OH in B(OH)3 at the stoichiometric ratio 1 : 1 to generate a stable six-membered ring structure of boric acid ester.
Bu Shen Yang Xue Prescription Has Treating Effect on Endometrial Cancer through FSH/PI3K/AKT/Gankyrin/HIF‐α/cyclinD 1 Pathway in Ishikawa Cells
Authors: Chen Yue-qun , Fei Hua-li , Zhu Hong-li
Published: October 2018

Background. The formulation of Bu Shen Yang Xue (BSYX) has been clinically used in treating gynecologic disease in China, especially for the development of the endometrium. Endometrial carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the female genital tract in developed countries. And few studies have been reported on the antitumor activity of BSYX. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of BSYX on endometrial cancer and make an initial discussion of the underlining mechanisms in Ishikawa cells. Methods and Results. Firstly, 60 SPF female nude mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, BSYX group, and positive group. The models of subcutaneous tumor xenograft of nude mice were established by injection of human endometrial carcinoma cell line Ishikawa tumor cell suspension. Compared with model group, BSYX reduced effectively tumor volume and changed pathological feature in mice tumor issue. Meanwhile, proteins from tumor issues were detected by western blot analysis. The protein levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), p‐Akt/Akt, Gankyrin, and cyclinD1 in the model group were higher than those in control group but the expression in BSYX group was lower than that in the model group. The hypoxia inducible factor alpha (HIF‐α) protein level in the model group was lower than those in control group and upregulated in BSYX group. In addition, Ishikawa cells were cultured and then exposed to follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), LY294002, a highly selective PI3K inhibitor and serum containing BSYX, respectively. LY294002 and BSYX markedly decreased the cancer cell viability and migration ability and increased the apoptosis rate. FSH promoted the cancer cell ability and migration ability. LY294002 and BSYX evidently downregulated the proteins levels of FSHR, p‐Akt/Akt, Gankyrin, and cyclinD1 and upregulated the expression of HIF‐α protein, and FSH was on the opposite. Conclusions. Taken together, our results showed that the formulation of BSYX had antitumor effect on endometrial cancer in vivo and in vitro and was related with FSH/PI3K/AKT/Gankyrin/HIF‐α/cyclinD1 transduction pathway.
Late Recovery from Severe Streptococcus pneumoniae Comatose Meningitis with Concomitant Diffuse Subcortical Cytotoxic Edema and Cortical Hypometabolism
Authors: Hantson Philippe , Duprez Thierry
Published: October 2018

A 75-year-old woman was admitted to ICU with coma following Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis with bacteremia. Her Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score fluctuated around 4 to 6 over the next four weeks. There was no evidence of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed only diffuse aspecific slowing. Impaired cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation was suggested at transcranial Doppler (TCD). Repeated brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination failed to demonstrate venous thrombosis, arterial ischemic stroke, or brain abscesses but revealed diffuse but reversible cortical cytotoxic edema at diffusion-weighted (DW) sequences. The brain FDG-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) showed diffuse cortical hypometabolism. The patient unexpectedly experienced a complete neuropsychological recovery the next few weeks. The suggested hypothesis to explain this unusual disease course could be a transient alteration of CBF autoregulation due to some degree of diffuse subcortical microangiopathy. A concomitant reduction of brain metabolism probably prevented the progression towards cortical irreversible ischemic damage.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as Concurrent Treatment with Systemic Steroids for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Comparison of Three Different Steroid Treatments
Authors: Hosokawa Seiji , Hosokawa Kumiko , Takahashi Goro , Sugiyama Ken-ichi , Nakanishi Hiroshi , Takebayashi Satoru , Mineta Hiroyuki
Published: October 2018

We analyzed 356 patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and systemic steroids (n = 161), systemic steroids alone (n = 160), or intratympanic and systemic steroids (n = 35). The main outcome measure was the hearing recovery rate. The effect of other variables, including the initial averaged 5-frequency hearing level, patient age, interval between the onset of symptoms and treatment, presence of vertigo as a complication, presence of diabetes mellitus, smoking history, and presence of hypertension, on the hearing recovery rate was also evaluated. The overall hearing recovery rate was significantly higher for the patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and systemic steroids than for those treated with systemic steroids alone (p < 0.001) or systemic and intratympanic steroids (p < 0.001). The presence of vertigo negatively affected hearing recovery. Our findings suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy confers a significant additional therapeutic benefit when used in combination with steroid therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Рентгенофлуоресцентний аналіз макро- та мікроелементного складу остеопоротично змінених альвеолярних відростків нижньої щелепи за фармакологічної корекції та кісткової ретенції
Authors: Martovlos A. I.
Published: October 2018

Резюме. Лікування зубощелепних аномалій та деформацій, зокрема у пацієнтів дорослого віку, становить актуальну проблему в сучасній стоматології. Переміщення зубів при ортодонтичному лікуванні супроводжується процесами резорбції та утворенням нової кісткової тканини, що оточує зуб. У дорослих пацієнтів значна частина зубощелепних аномалій супроводжується остеопоротичним процесом кісток скелета і кісткової тканини пародонта, зокрема зниженням рівня макро- і мікроелементів, поповнення дефіциту яких потенціюється остеотропними препаратами, що можуть проявляти індивідуальний вплив на різні кістки скелета.

Мета дослідження – вивчити перерозподіл життєво важливих для скелетних кісток макро- та мікроелементів до і після моделювання системного остеопорозу скелетних кісток, зокрема альвеолярного відростка щелеп та його фармакологічної корекції у порівнянні.

Матеріали і методи. У роботі використано 350 білих нелінійних щурів, яких поділили на 8 груп (перша – інтактні тварини, друга – щури, у яких в якості моделі змін кісткової тканини під час ортодонтичного переміщення зубів, змодельовано остеопороз, третя – тварини, яким до завершення експерименту продовжували застосовувати остеопорозомоделювальний фактор, четверта – тварини із змодельованим остеопорозом, які отримували  препарат «Остеогенон», п’ята – аналогічна група щурів, що отримувала  препарат  «Вітрум®Остеомаг», шоста – тварини, які отримували  препарат «Бівалос®», сьома – щури, що отримували  препарат  «Терафлекс®», восьма – плацебо). Ідентифікацію кількісного та якісного складу хімічних елементів (Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ca, P) проводили за допомогою рентгенофлуоресцентного аналізу в кістковій тканині нижньої щелепи, хребця хвостового відділу і стегнової кістки.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Виявлено різний рівень накопичення хімічних елементів у досліджуваних кістках після проведеного лікування. Встановлено, що препарат на основі глікозаміногліканів «Терафлекс®»  найефективніше сприяв достовірному поповненню дефіциту важливих хімічних елементів для функціонування кісткової тканини альвеолярних відростків щелеп.  Препарат «Вітрум®Остеомаг» ефективно впливав на показники хімічних елементів у хребцях, а «Остеогенон» – більшою мірою на показники стегнової кістки. Разом з тим, препарат «Бівалос®» – стронцію  ранелат, достовірно пригнічував показники усіх хімічних елементів, найбільше накопичуючись у стегновій кістці.

Висновки. Препарат «Терафлекс®» безумовно посилює оптимізацію репаративних процесів у забезпеченні «кісткової ретенції» як фактора профілактики рецидивів при лікуванні зубощелепних аномалій у пацієнтів дорослого віку.
Вивчення імунологічного статусу ротової рідини в дітей з основними стоматологічними захворюваннями, які страждають від олігофренії
Authors: Dutko H. Z.
Published: October 2018

Резюме. Високу інтенсивність та поширеність захворювань твердих тканин зубів і пародонта у дітей, обтяжених хронічною соматичною патологією, пов’язують із перебудовою імунобіологічного стану організму дитини. Особливо це стосується дітей із психоневрологічними відхиленнями у розвитку, оскільки поширеність соматичних захворювань у них досить висока. Відомо, що цитокіни відображають імунологічний статус людини, їм властива потужна прозапальна і катаболічна активність, від збалансованості цитокінової регуляції залежить стан імунітету організму.

Мета дослідження – вивчити цитокіновий профіль ротової рідини у дітей-олігофренів.  

Матеріали і методи. Вивчення імунологічного стану ротової рідини було проведено у 25 дітей-олігофренів, хворих на карієс і хронічний катаральний гінгівіт (основна група), і в 20 дітей із карієсом і хронічним катаральним гінгівітом без психоневрологічної патології (порівняльна група). Отримані дані порівнювали зі значеннями 20 здорових дітей, які увійшли у контрольну групу. В ротовій рідині дітей дослідних груп з’ясовували рівень прозапальних цитокінів IL-1β, IL-6, ФНП-α і протизапальних цитокінів IL-4, ТФР-β1, які відображали імунологічний статус обстежених дітей.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. У ротовій рідині дітей обох груп відзначали підвищення рівнів прозапальних цитокінів (IL-1β, IL-6, ФНП-α) на тлі зниження протизапальних цитокінів (IL-4, ТФР-β1). Необхідно зазначити, що найсуттєвішу різницю за середніми показниками виявлено ​​серед прозапальних цитокінів. Досліджено, що у здорових дітей без психоневрологічної та стоматологічної патології рівень протизапальних цитокінів у ротовій рідині був максимальним.

Висновки. Результати проведених досліджень імунологічного статусу ротової рідини за рівнем цитокінової регуляції у дітей-олігофренів з основними стоматологічними захворюваннями показали у них зміни в стані системного імунітету, що проявляються переважанням прозапальних цитокінів у ротовій рідині.
Immunological Oral Health Status of the Poultry Plants Employees
Authors: Kardashevska О. І.
Published: October 2018

Summary. Study of periodontal diseases gives us grounds for making a generalized conclusion that an appearance of abnormal changes in tissues holding teeth takes place on change of overall health and as a result of the influence of a set of internal and external factors, which define an approach to the treatment and prevention of these diseases. Despite automation and mechanization of poultry plants, much more poultry plants employees are influenced by adverse factors of production that leads to occupational diseases, partially to periodontal diseases.

The aim of the work – to investigate a condition of the local nonspecific immunity among poultry plants employees having periodontal diseases.

Materials and Methods. In research 50 poultry breeders having generalized periodontitis, who made a basic group, and 20 persons with generalized periodontitis forming a comparison group, who were not in contact with birds, took part. Findings were compared with data of 20 somatically healthy persons from the control group. In order to study a condition of the local resistance at generalized periodontitis under the influence of harmful factors of poultry production, certain immunity factors of capillary blood of gums and oral fluid were examined: IgM, IgG, IgA, SIgA, phagocytic index (PhI) and phagocytic number (PhN). The most significant changes in the local nonspecific protection factors were found among patients of the basic group: content of serum IgA was significantly below normal: (1.82±0.11) g/l. Increase in production of IgМ and IgG at decreasing content of IgA among persons from the basic group was indicative of functional tension of immunity humoral arm on antigen stimulation with streptococcal infection. A significant deficiency of SIgA in oral fluid (0.62±0.03) g/l) was detected that was two times less than values of the control group and by 1.3 less than in the comparison group. Phagocytosis percent, phagocytic number, and phagocytic index among the patients of the basic group were much higher comparing with the comparison and control groups. That was indicative of decrease in appropriate immune response among them. Thus, the findings have shown that permanent immunodysfunctions among the poultry plants employees having generalized periodontitis are increasing under the influence of the occupational pathogens related to poultry production.
The effectiveness of the use of anti-dysbiotic hepatoprotector in the complex treatment of patients with periodontal inflammatory diseases on the background of chronic non-calculous cholecystitis
Authors: Furdychko A. I. , Buchkovska A. Yu. , Pasichnyk M. A.
Published: October 2018

Summary. Inflammatory periodontal diseases continue to be one of the pressing problems of modern dentistry [1]. It is known that there is a close relationship between general-somatic pathology and diseases of the oral cavity [2].

The aim of the study – to learn the effectiveness of the use of anti-dysbiotic hepatoprotector in the complex treatment of patients with periodontal inflammatory diseases on the background of chronic non-calculous cholecystitis.

Materials and Methods. The main (group 1) group consisted of 106 people who suffered from inflammatory periodontal disease (IPD) with concomitant chronic non-calculous cholecystitis (CNC). The comparison group included 92 patients with IPD without concomitant pathology (group 2). To compare the research results of the patients with IPD, 30 healthy teethed individuals without periodontal pathology and without somatic diseases (group 3 or the control group) were involved. The state of the hepatobiliary system in patients of the main group was assessed by the doctors of the Gastroenterology Department of Zolochiv District Hospital of Lviv region.

Results and Discussion. The symptomatic HCG and the presence of solid and soft dental deposits were diagnosed in all patients. The Green-Vermillion’s index was the highest in patients from the main group (1.67±0.01); it was probably (p <0.05) higher than that in the comparison group (1.54±0.04), as well as in the control group (0.44±0.07). The PMA index in the subgroup 1A immediately after treatment decreased by 9.7 (p <0.001) times. The index of bleeding in the subgroup 1A decreased by 10.7 (p <0.001) times. The PMA index in the subgroup 1A immediately after treatment decreased by 10.4 (p <0.001) times. The index of bleeding in the subgroup 1A under the influence of the proposed therapy decreased by 6.5 (p <0.001) times.The difference regarding the data before treatment remained lower by 2.2 times and 2.0 (p <0.001) times, however, the difference between the subgroups 1A and 1B in 3 months and 6 months was already 2.1 times in both cases.

Conclusions. It was found that the clinical course of inflammatory periodontal diseases was much more difficult in these patients. The presence of pathology in the hepatobiliary system in patients increases the risk of periodontal disease. Therefore, in order to improve the efficacy of treatment, it is advisable to use this antidysbiotic drug in the complex treatment, and the results obtained in 3 and 6 months after treatment indicate a long-lasting positive effect.
Fixos e fluxos em cruzamento viário no Butantã, São Paulo
Authors: Gregori Márcia Sandoval
Published: October 2018

Este texto tem como objetivo apresentar como a noção de fixos e fluxos, formulada pelo geógrafo Milton Santos, se concretiza na materialidade de um lugar escolhido. Propõe-se a verificar como o par, depois redefinido e denominado sistemas de objetos e sistemas de ações, se expressa nas relações sociais e na constituição física de um cruzamento viário na centralidade da região do Butantã, Zona Oeste de São Paulo e como a mobilidade funciona como fluxo determinante de ações e disposições espaciais no meio urbano.
Territórios da Arte Latino-Americana
Authors: Ruggiero Amanda Saba
Published: October 2018

O Território, de acordo com o geográfo Milton Santos, apresenta-se de forma dinâmica, formado pela sobreposição de atividades e esferas da vida política, econômica e social, uma conjuntura de múltiplas forças, que atua em graus e poderes distintos, redesenhando-o constantemente, por meio das relações de horizontalidade e verticalidade. A partir destas definições, estruturam-se comparações e reflexões críticas sobre a arte na América Latina, por meio dos modos aplicados pelas artes. Tais práticas interpretadas por intelectuais, curadores e escritores em entrevistas, com a finalidade de apreender as dinâmicas atuais acerca do que se compreende por arte latino-americana, e questionar a natureza das ações neste campo, aparentemente norteada exclusivamente por práticas de mercado, em relações verticais.
Postmortem Genetic Testing for Cardiac Ion Channelopathies in Stillbirths
Authors: Munroe Patricia B. , Addison Shea , Abrams Dominic J. , Sebire Neil J. , Cartwright James , Donaldson Ian , Cohen Marta M. , Mein Charles , Tinker Andrew , Harmer Stephen C. , Aziz Qadeer , Terry Anna , Struebig Monika , Warren Helen R. , Vadgama Bhumita , Fowler Darren J. , Peebles Donald , Taylor Andrew M. , Lally Peter J. , Thayyil Sudhin
Published: October 2018

Background

Although stillbirth is a significant health problem worldwide, the definitive cause of death remains elusive in many cases, despite detailed autopsy. In this study of partly explained and unexplained stillbirths, we used next-generation sequencing to examine an extended panel of 35 candidate genes known to be associated with ion channel disorders and sudden cardiac death.

Methods and Results

We examined tissue from 242 stillbirths (≥22 weeks), including those where no definite cause of death could be confirmed after a full autopsy. We obtained high-quality DNA from 70 cases, which were then sequenced for a custom panel of 35 genes, 12 for inherited long- and short-QT syndrome genes (LQT1-LQT12 and SQT1-3), and 23 additional candidate genes derived from genome-wide association studies. We examined the functional significance of a selected variant by patch-clamp electrophysiological recording. No predicted damaging variants were identified in
KCNQ1
(LQT1) or
KCNH2
(LQT2). A rare putative pathogenic variant was found in
KCNJ2
(LQT7) in 1 case, and several novel variants of uncertain significance were observed. The
KCNJ2
variant (p. R40Q), when assessed by whole-cell patch clamp, affected the function of the channel. There was no significant evidence of enrichment of rare predicted damaging variants within any of the candidate genes.

Conclusions

Although a causative link is unclear, 1 putative pathogenic and variants of uncertain significance variant resulting in cardiac channelopathies was identified in some cases of otherwise unexplained stillbirth, and these variants may have a role in fetal demise.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinical
trials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01120886.
Coagulation Factors and the Risk of Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Zhao Jie V. , Schooling C. Mary
Published: October 2018

Background:

Coagulation plays a role in ischemic heart disease (IHD). However, which coagulation factors are targets of intervention is unclear. We assessed how genetically predicted vWF (von Willebrand factor), ETP (endogenous thrombin potential), FVIII (factor VIII),d-dimer, tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator), and PAI (plasminogen activator inhibitor)-1 affected IHD. We similarly estimated effects on lipids to determine whether any associations were independent of lipids.

Methods and Results:

Separate sample instrumental variable analysis with genetic instruments, that is, Mendelian randomization, was used to obtain unconfounded estimates of effects on IHD using extensively genotyped studies of coronary artery disease/myocardial infarction, CARDIoGRAMplusC4D Metabochip (64 374 cases, 130 681 controls) and CARDIoGRAMplusC4D 1000 Genomes (60 801 cases, 123 504 controls), and on lipids using the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium Results (n=196 475). Genetically predicted ETP was positively associated with IHD (odds ratio, 1.05 per log-transformed SD; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.07) based on 15 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, as were vWF (odds ratio, 1.05 per SD; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.08) and FVIII (odds ratio, 1.06 per SD; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.09) based on 16 and 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, respectively, but the latter associations were null after considering pleiotropy. vWF and FVIII were associated with higher LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, but not after considering pleiotropy. Genetically predictedd-dimer, tPA, and PAI-1 were not clearly associated with IHD or lipids based on 3, 3, and 5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, respectively.

Conclusions:

ETP may affect IHD. Assessing the role of its drivers in more precisely phenotyped studies of IHD could be worthwhile.
Genetic Regulation of PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9) Plasma Levels and Its Impact on Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease Phenotypes
Authors: Pott Janne , Schlegel Valentin , Teren Andrej , Horn Katrin , Kirsten Holger , Bluecher Christina , Kratzsch Juergen , Loeffler Markus , Thiery Joachim , Burkhardt Ralph , Scholz Markus
Published: October 2018

Background:

Inhibition of PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) is a novel strategy to treat hypercholesterolemia and reduce cardiovascular events. However, the potential role of circulating plasma PCSK9 concentrations as a diagnostic and predictive biomarker remains uncertain as of now. Here, we aimed to identify genetic variants associated with plasma PCSK9 and investigate possible causal effects on atherosclerotic vascular disease phenotypes.

Methods:

We performed the first genome-wide association study of plasma PCSK9 levels in a cohort of suspected and confirmed coronary artery disease (LIFE-Heart; n=3290).

Results:

Several independent variants at the
PCSK9
gene locus were associated with circulating PCSK9 levels at genome-wide significance (lead SNP rs11591147, PCSK9-R46L;
P
=1.94×10
−17
). We discovered 4 independent
PCSK9
SNPs explaining 4.4% of the variance of plasma PCSK9. In addition, we identified a genome-wide significant locus at chromosome 7p22.1 (rs6957201;
P
=7.01×10
−9
) and 7 suggestive hits (
P
<1×10
−6
). Using MR (Mendelian Randomization), we detected significant causal effects of circulating PCSK9 on coronary artery disease status and severity, carotid plaques, and intima-media thickness.

Conclusions:

Variants at the
PCSK9
gene locus seem to be the major genetic determinants of plasma PCSK9 levels with 4 independent variants at the
PCSK9
gene locus expressing allelic heterogeneity. The detected MR estimates support the hypothesis of a causal effect of PCSK9 on coronary artery disease and other vascular phenotypes. Other observed genetic associations for PCSK9 require validation in independent cohorts.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique Identifier: NCT00497887.
Genetic Control of Left Atrial Gene Expression Yields Insights into the Genetic Susceptibility for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hsu Jeffrey , Gore-Panter Shamone , Tchou Gregory , Castel Laurie , Lovano Beth , Moravec Christine S. , Pettersson Gosta B. , Roselli Eric E. , Gillinov A. Marc , McCurry Kenneth R. , Smedira Nicholas G. , Barnard John , Van Wagoner David R. , Chung Mina K. , Smith Jonathan D.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Genome-wide association studies have identified 23 loci for atrial fibrillation (AF), but the mechanisms responsible for these associations, as well as the causal genes and genetic variants, remain undefined.

Methods:

To identify the effect of common genetic variants on gene expression that might explain the mechanisms linking genome-wide association loci with AF risk, we performed RNA sequencing of left atrial appendages from a biracial cohort of 265 subjects.

Results:

Combining gene expression data with genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data, we found that approximately two-thirds of the expressed genes were regulated in
cis
by common genetic variants at a false discovery rate of <0.05, defined as cis-expression quantitative trait loci. Twelve of 23 reported AF genome-wide association loci displayed genome-wide significant
cis
-expression quantitative trait loci, at
PRRX1
(chromosome 1q24),
SNRNP27
(1q24),
CEP68
(2p14),
FKBP7
(2q31),
KCNN2
(5q22),
FAM13B
(5q31),
CAV1
(7q31),
ASAH1
(8p22),
MYOZ1
(10q22),
C11ORF45
(11q24),
TBX5
(12q24), and
SYNE2
(14q23), suggesting that altered expression of these genes plays a role in AF susceptibility. Allelic expression imbalance was used as an independent method to characterize the cis-control of gene expression. One thousand two hundred forty-eight of 5153 queried genes had
cis
-single nucleotide polymorphisms that significantly regulated allelic expression at a false discovery rate of <0.05.

Conclusions:

We provide a genome-wide catalog of the genetic control of gene expression in human left atrial appendage. These data can be used to confirm the relevance of genome-wide association loci and to direct future functional studies to identify the genes and genetic variants responsible for complex diseases such as AF.
Temporal Trends in Chronic Total Occlusion Interventions in Europe
Authors: Konstantinidis Nikolaos V. , Werner Gerald S. , Deftereos Spyridon , Di Mario Carlo , Galassi Alfredo R. , Buettner Joachim H. , Avran Alexandre , Reifart Nicolaus , Goktekin Omer , Garbo Roberto , Bufe Alexander , Mashayekhi Kambis , Boudou Nicolas , Meyer-Geßner Markus , Lauer Bernward , Elhadad Simon , Christiansen Evald H. , Escaned Javier , Hildick-Smith David , Carlino Mauro , Louvard Yves , Lefèvre Thierry , Angelis Lefteris , Giannopoulos Georgios , Sianos Georgios ,   on behalf of the Euro CTO Club
Published: October 2018

Background:

The study focuses on the evolution of practice, procedural outcomes, and in-hospital complications of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in Europe.

Methods and Results:

Data from 17 626 procedures enrolled in European Registry of Chronic Total Occlusion between January 2008 and June 2015 were assessed. The mean patient age was 63.9±10.9 years; 85% were men. Procedural success increased from 79.7% to 89.3% through the study period. Patients enrolled during the years had increasing comorbidities and lesion complexity (J-CTO score [Multicenter CTO Registry of Japan] increased from 1.76±1.03 in 2008 to 2.17±0.91 in 2015;
P
for trend, <0.001). Retrograde approach utilization steadily increased from 10.1% in 2008 to 29.9% in 2015 (
P
for trend, <0.001). Antegrade dissection reentry adoption was low, not exceeding 5.5%. In-hospital mortality decreased during the study period from 0.4% to 0.1% (
P
for trend, <0.001), whereas in-hospital complication rates remained essentially unchanged, in the range 4.4% to 5.2% (
P
for trend, 0.390).

Conclusions:

Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention has shown a steady increase in procedural success rate over time, with unchanged complication rates, despite the increasing complexity of the lesions attempted. The J-CTO score predictive value for procedural success was low for the entire registry and had no predictive ability for the retrograde approach.