bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthocyanin content and composition in four red winegrape cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.) under variable irrigation
Authors: Theodorou Nikolaos , Nikolaou Nikolaos , Zioziou Eleftheria , Kyraleou Maria , Kallithraka Stamatina , Kotseridis Yorgos , Koundouras Stefanos
Published: March 2019

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine and compare anthocyanin content and profile under variable irrigation regimes in four red grape cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.), the Greek indigenous cvs. Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro, alongside Syrah and Grenache noir.Methods and results: Three irrigation treatments were applied in a 6-year-old vineyard comprising all four varieties in a block design, starting at bunch closure (E-L 32) through harvest of 2012 and 2013: full irrigation (FI) at 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), deficit irrigation (DI) at 50% of ETc and non-irrigated (NI). The identification of the compounds was performed by HPLC. Results showed that, under the hot summer conditions of the Greek climate, the four cultivars had a similar response regarding vigor and yield parameters, with values increasing with water supply. Anthocyanin concentration was maximized under non-irrigated conditions in all cultivars, but anthocyanin profile and relative distribution of individual anthocyanins among irrigation treatments showed a strong cultivar effect.Conclusion: Xinomavro seemed to favor the synthesis of more stable forms of anthocyanins under limited water supply (acylated over non-acylated and tri-oxygenated & methoxylated on the B-ring over di-oxygenated & hydroxylated) while Agiorgitiko had an opposite behavior, which might imply a need for a different irrigation strategy.Significance and impact of the study: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comparative report of anthocyanin composition and profile in berry skin, under contrasting water status, for the two most important red winegrapes of Greece.
A Secure and Optimal Method of Steganography Using Bit Combination and Dynamical Rotation over Addresses
Authors: Okello Moses
Published: March 2019

Steganography is the branch of cryptology that deals with concealing information inside another information. it’s prefer over cryptography as it hides a message inside another innocent looking message, while cryptography shows scrambled message that might arouse attention of an attacker, however the challenges in steganography is the modification of carrier that causes some abnormalities which is detectable and often the methods are not optimize. This paper presents a novel approach in cryptography and steganography, which utilizes mathematical concept of bits combination to optimize time of transmission using sets of multiple transmitter, and receiver’s addresses where each abstractly represents a bits combination without itself modified. In addition, the paper introduces a concept of dynamical clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation of bits combination over addresses after every transmission to reinforce resistivity against steganalysis.
Scshool in Earthquake Threat: School Based Disaster Preparedness Model in Indonesia
Authors: Leonardo Sari Avid
Published: March 2019

This research was conducted on the Maribaya Timur school community in Lembang Subdistrict, West Bandung Regency, Indonesia, which is an active community in the area that is threatened by the potential for earthquake disasters due to the active Lembang fault. Disaster risk reduction efforts are pursued through increasing school-based preparedness that involves members of the school community, surrounding communities and various institutions that are associated with reducing the risk of school-based earthquake. Increasing preparedness against earthquakes focuses more on aspects of capacity building of school communities in reducing disaster risk, while aspects of vulnerability and threats have not been the focus of disaster risk reduction. The steps taken refer to the element of preparedness by aligning with the conditions, needs and potential that exist in the school community. Theoretically, if the school community has preparedness to face an earthquake disaster, the risk of earthquake disaster in the school community will be reduced so that it can minimize losses, victims and suffering that will be caused by the earthquake disaster.
Bayesian Structural Equation Modeling for Examining the Relationship between Multidimensional Factors and Construction Project Cost
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Liu Zhansheng , Mbachu Jasper
Published: March 2019

Construction projects are usually operating in a complex and dynamic environment in which the accumulation of many interrelated factors causes high uncertainty. Construction projects are complex and frequently involve substantial uncertainties including process complicatedness, intricate organization structure, dynamic environment, and financial strain. The study aims to categorize the influencing factors into three groups, namely construction project system, economic-market climate, and external environment. It attempts to adopt a novel analysis tool to examine the relationship between the project cost and multiple influencing factors by using Bayesian SEM. While the Bayesian SEM method has been receiving increasing attention in exploring the relationship between latent variables, construction studies still heavily rely on the covariance-based SEM approach. This study introduces several advantages of Bayesian SEM that make it more flexible and powerful than covariance-based SEM and provides the foundation of Bayesian SEM estimation and inference by illustrating this method in a project cost application.
Finding the Optimal Regimen for Oral Tranexamic Acid Administration in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Duan , Wang Hao-Yang , Luo Ze-Yu , Pei Fu-Xing , Zhou Zong-Ke , Zeng Wei-Nan
Published: March 2019

Background:

Previous studies have confirmed that, compared with intravenous and intra-articular formulations, oral tranexamic acid (TXA) provides equivalent reduction in blood loss, at a substantially reduced cost and greater ease of administration. However, the optimal oral dosage regimen to achieve maximum blood-loss reduction remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a regimen of multiple doses of oral TXA on blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty.

Methods:

In this randomized controlled trial, 200 patients were randomized to 1 of 4 interventions. Group A received a single dose of 2.0 g of TXA orally at 2 hours preoperatively. In addition to this same preoperative dose, Group B received 1.0 g of TXA orally at 3 hours postoperatively, Group C received 1.0 g of TXA orally at 3 and 9 hours postoperatively, and Group D received 1.0 g of TXA orally at 3, 9, and 15 hours postoperatively. All patients received a 1.0-g topical dose of TXA. The primary outcome was total blood loss. Secondary outcomes included hemoglobin reduction, transfusion rate, thromboembolic complications, and adverse events.

Results:

The mean total blood loss (and standard deviation) was significantly less in Groups B, C, and D (792.2 ± 293.0, 630.8 ± 229.9, and 553.0 ± 186.1 mL, respectively) than in Group A (983.6 ± 286.7 mL) (p < 0.001). Moreover, Groups C and D had a lower mean reduction in hemoglobin than did Groups A and B. However, no differences were identified between Groups C and D for blood loss and hemoglobin reduction. Additionally, no differences were observed among the groups regarding thromboembolic complications and transfusions.

Conclusions:

The multiple postoperative doses of oral TXA further reduced blood loss compared with a single preoperative bolus. The regimen of a preoperative dose and 3 postoperative doses of oral TXA produced maximum effective reduction of blood loss in total hip arthroplasty.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Role of Periarticular Soft Tissues in Persistent Motion Loss in a Rat Model of Posttraumatic Elbow Contracture
Authors: Dunham Chelsey L. , Castile Ryan M. , Chamberlain Aaron M. , Lake Spencer P.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Elbow injuries disrupt the surrounding periarticular soft tissues, which include the muscles, tendons, capsule, ligaments, and cartilage. Damage to these tissues as a result of elbow trauma causes clinically significant contracture in 50% of patients. However, it is unclear which of these tissues is primarily responsible for the decreased range of motion. We hypothesized that all tissues would substantially contribute to elbow contracture after immobilization, but only the capsule, ligaments, and cartilage would contribute after free mobilization, with the capsule as the primary contributor at all time points.

Methods:

Utilizing a rat model of posttraumatic elbow contracture, a unilateral soft-tissue injury was surgically induced to replicate the damage that commonly occurs during elbow joint dislocation. After surgery, the injured limb was immobilized for 42 days. Animals were evaluated after either 42 days of immobilization (42 IM) or 42 days of immobilization with an additional 21 or 42 days of free mobilization (42/21 or 42/42 IM-FM). For each group of animals, elbow mechanical testing in flexion-extension was completed post-mortem with (1) all soft tissues intact, (2) muscles/tendons removed, and (3) muscle/tendons and anterior capsule removed. Total extension was assessed to determine the relative contributions of muscles/tendons, capsule, and the remaining intact tissues (i.e., ligaments and cartilage).

Results:

After immobilization, the muscles/tendons and anterior capsule contributed 10% and 90% to elbow contracture, respectively. After each free mobilization period, the muscles/tendons did not significantly contribute to contracture. The capsule and ligaments/cartilage were responsible for 47% and 52% of the motion lost at 42/21 IM-FM, respectively, and 26% and 74% at 42/42 IM-FM, respectively.

Conclusions:

Overall, data demonstrated a time-dependent response of periarticular tissue contribution to elbow contracture, with the capsule, ligaments, and cartilage as the primary long-term contributors.

Clinical Relevance:

The capsule, ligaments, and cartilage were primarily responsible for persistent motion loss and should be considered during development of tissue-targeted treatment strategies to inhibit elbow contracture following injury.
Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Tan Timothy L. , Shohat Noam , Rondon Alexander J. , Foltz Carol , Goswami Karan , Ryan Sean P. , Seyler Thorsten M. , Parvizi Javad
Published: March 2019

Background:

Recent surgical site infection prevention guidelines recommend that no additional prophylactic antibiotics be administered after the surgical incision is closed in clean-contaminated procedures. Although there is ample evidence to support this recommendation in non-arthroplasty surgery, there is concern about extending these guidelines to surgical procedures with an implant such as total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a single dose of prophylactic antibiotics with that of multiple doses of antibiotics for prevention of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients undergoing TJA.

Methods:

A retrospective study of 20,682 primary TJAs carried out from 2006 to 2017 was performed. Patients who received a single dose of prophylactic antibiotics (n = 4,523) were compared with patients who received multiple doses of antibiotics (n = 16,159). A previously validated PJI risk score was assigned to each patient. Patients who developed PJI within 1 year were identified, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to control for potential confounders. Analyses using propensity score matching and regression adjustment were also performed.

Results:

The overall PJI rate was 0.60% (27 of 4,523) for patients who received a single dose of antibiotics compared with 0.88% (142 of 16,159) for those who received multiple doses. There was no difference in the PJI rate between patients who received a single dose of antibiotics and those who received multiple doses in the univariate (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.674, p = 0.064), multivariate (OR = 0.755, p = 0.205), or propensity score matched analysis (OR = 0.746, p = 0.277). Furthermore, multiple doses did not demonstrate any additional benefit for patients with a high preoperative risk of PJI (p = 0.136).

Conclusions:

This study supports the notion that the administration of additional antibiotics following skin closure may not be required for primary TJA, regardless of the patient’s preoperative risk of PJI. The findings of this large retrospective study highlight the need for a randomized, prospective study on which to base guidelines.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Usually, Selectively, or Rarely Resurfacing the Patella During Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Maney Alistair J. , Koh Chuan K. , Frampton Christopher M. , Young Simon W.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Surgeons may “usually” resurface the patella during total knee arthroplasty (TKA), “rarely” resurface, or “selectively” resurface on the basis of certain criteria. It is unknown which of these 3 strategies yields superior outcomes. Utilizing New Zealand Joint Registry data, we investigated (1) what proportion of surgeons employs each of the 3 patellar resurfacing strategies, (2) which strategy is associated with the lowest overall revision rate, and (3) which strategy is associated with the highest 6-month and 5-year Oxford Knee Score (OKS).

Methods:

Two hundred and three surgeons who performed a total of 57,766 primary TKAs from 1999 to 2015 were categorized into the 3 surgeon strategies on the basis of how often they resurfaced the patella during primary total knee arthroplasty; with “rarely” defined as <10% of the time, “selectively” as ≥10% to ≤90%, and “usually” as >90%. For each strategy, the cumulative incidence of all-cause revision was calculated and utilized to construct Kaplan-Meier survival curves. The mean 6-month and 5-year postoperative OKS for each group were utilized for comparison.

Results:

Overall, 57% of surgeons selectively resurfaced, 37% rarely resurfaced, and 7% usually resurfaced. The usually resurfacing group was associated with the highest mean OKS at both 6 months (38.57; p < 0.001) and 5 years postoperatively (41.34; p = 0.029), followed by the selectively resurfacing group (6-month OKS, 37.79; 5-year OKS, 40.87) and the rarely resurfacing group (6-month OKS, 36.92; 5-year OKS, 40.02). Overall, there was no difference in the revision rate per 100 component years among the rarely (0.46), selectively (0.52), or usually (0.46) resurfacing groups (p = 0.587). Posterior-stabilized TKAs that were performed by surgeons who selectively resurfaced had a lower revision rate (0.54) than those by surgeons who usually resurfaced (0.64) or rarely resurfaced (0.74; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Usually resurfacing the patella was associated with improved patient-reported outcomes, but there was no difference in overall revision rates among the 3 strategies.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Autophagy Involvement in Aseptic Loosening of Arthroplasty Components
Authors: Camuzard Olivier , Breuil Véronique , Carle Georges F. , Pierrefite-Carle Valérie
Published: March 2019

➤ Aseptic loosening, the most common cause of arthroplasty component failure, is due to implant wear and subsequent release of biomaterial wear particles to the bone microenvironment, leading to a chronic inflammatory response.

➤ Autophagy, a cell-cleaning process allowing the degradation of damaged material, can be upregulated in response to various stresses in which it acts primarily as a survival mechanism. In addition to the classic role of autophagy in the degradation pathway, autophagy can be involved in some secretion processes.

➤ Autophagy seems to be triggered by the presence of wear debris in the 3 main cell types involved in aseptic loosening, i.e., osteocytes, osteoblasts, and macrophages.

➤ Autophagy can mediate the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 or the danger signal protein HMGB1 (high mobility group box 1). All of these proteins have been implicated in the pathogenesis of aseptic loosening.

➤ Recent studies using animal models have demonstrated that autophagy inhibition can decrease the severity of osteolysis, suggesting that transient and local autophagy modulation could be a potential therapeutic option to prevent wear debris-induced osteolysis.
Polyethylene Liner and Femoral Head Exchange in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Petis Stephen M. , Kubista Bernd , Hartzler Robert U. , Abdel Matthew P. , Berry Daniel J.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Polyethylene (PE) liner and femoral head exchange is commonly used to treat periprosthetic osteolysis associated with PE wear after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of our study was to determine long-term implant survivorship, risk factors for mechanical failure, clinical outcomes, and complications following PE liner and head exchange.

Methods:

We identified 116 hips in 110 patients treated with PE liner and head exchange from 1993 to 2004. There were 64 women (58%) in the series, the mean age at revision surgery was 58 years, and the mean follow-up was 11 years (range, 2 to 23 years). Radiographic review determined the location and size of osteolytic defects before the revision surgery. Implant survivorship was determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Cox regression analysis was used to determine factors that were predictive of failure.

Results:

Implant survivorship free of repeat revision for any cause was 91% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 86% to 96%) at 5 years, 81% (95% CI = 74% to 90%) at 10 years, and 69% (95% CI = 55% to 84%) at 15 years. Reasons for repeat revision included aseptic acetabular loosening in 5 hips (4%) and subsequent wear of conventional PE with osteolysis in 5 hips (4%). No patient who underwent revision with highly cross-linked PE subsequently had a repeat revision due to wear. The absolute risk of acetabular component loosening was 23% for patients with osteolysis in 3 zones, 40% for those with osteolysis involving more than half the cup circumference, and 21% for those with osteolytic defects of >600 mm2. The mean Harris hip score improved from 77 before the PE liner and head exchange to 87 after it (p < 0.001). The most common complication was dislocation, which occurred in 19 hips (16%).

Conclusions:

PE liner and head exchange provides acceptable long-term implant survivorship with good clinical outcomes. Complications are not uncommon, and steps should be taken to mitigate hip instability. Acetabular revision may be considered when in situ components have a poor track record or are malpositioned, or when preoperative radiographs demonstrate large osteolytic defects threatening cup fixation. Use of highly cross-linked PE at revision was protective against subsequent PE wear and osteolysis, although this did not reach significance.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Implementing a Scientifically Valid, Cost-Effective, and Scalable Data Collection System at Point of Care
Authors:   OME Cleveland Clinic Orthopaedics1
Published: March 2019

Background:

Improving outcomes after surgical procedures and determining the value of health care can be facilitated by a scientifically valid, cost-effective, and scalable data outcome collection system. We hypothesized that such a system could be constructed in orthopaedic surgery to (1) capture >95% of baseline validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for patients undergoing elective surgery, (2) capture >95% of surgeon-entered data on disease severity and treatment, and (3) be implemented as standard clinical care in daily practice.

Methods:

A modified Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) system was developed and was implemented at the time of surgery in a prospective cohort to collect demographic data, general health PROMs, joint-specific PROMs, and disease severity and treatments from patients and surgeons. All elective knee, hip, and shoulder orthopaedic surgical procedures performed in the Cleveland Clinic system at 7 hospitals were included.

Results:

Of 16,021 consecutive eligible patients (February 18, 2015, to July 31, 2017), 2% (320) were excluded because of language or physical barriers, and 0.6% (91) of the remaining 15,701 patients refused to participate. Of the remaining 15,610 patients, 97.4% (15,202) completed PROMs, and surgeons provided details on the disease severity and treatment for 99.9% (15,592) of the 15,610 patients. Overall, 97.3% (15,185) of the 15,610 patients had complete patient-reported and surgeon-reported baseline enrollment. The median completion time was 11.5 minutes for the patients and 1.6 minutes for the surgeons. The overall complete 1-year follow-up rate was 72.5% (9,354 of 12,896).

Conclusions:

A data collection system with validated measures with >97% baseline completion of PROMs and surgeon forms regarding disease severity and treatments, across elective knee, hip, and shoulder orthopaedic surgical procedures, was successfully implemented at 7 hospitals. The system is potentially scalable to the entire orthopaedic community and could serve as a template for all procedural-based specialties during routine patient care.
Biosorption of crystal violet dye using inactive biomass of the fungus Diaporthe schini
Authors: Grassi Patrícia , Reis Caroline , Drumm Fernanda C. , Georgin Jordana , Tonato Denise , Escudero Leticia B. , Kuhn Raquel , Jahn Sérgio L. , Dotto Guilherme L.
Published: March 2019

An inactive biomass of a new fungus recently discovered, Diaporthe schini, was evaluated for the biosorption of crystal violet (CV) in simulated textile effluents. The characterization assays were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. The influences of pH and biosorbent dosage on the biosorption capacity were evaluated. Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies were also carried out. Characterization techniques showed an amorphous biosorbent, with a rough surface containing irregular particles and surface area of 6.5 m2 g−1. The most adequate values of pH and biosorbent dosage were 7.5 and 0.4 g L−1, respectively. The Elovich kinetic model and the Sips equilibrium model were suitable to fit the experimental data. The biosorption capacity increased with temperature, reaching a maximum biosorption capacity of 642.3 mg g−1 at 328 K. The biosorption was a spontaneous and endothermic process. Diaporthe schini inactive biomass was an interesting biosorbent to treat colored effluents, presenting efficiency of 87% in the decolorization of a simulated dye house effluent.
Um estudo sobre os fatores que influenciam no desenvolvimento de competências empreendedoras
Authors: Campos Teodoro Malta , Lima Edmilson de Oliveira
Published: March 2019

Este estudo tem por finalidade identificar e compreender os fatores que favorecem o desenvolvimento das competências empreendedoras de proprietários-dirigentes em pequenas empresas. Na literatura revisada, identificaram-se três fatores pertinentes ligados ao comportamento empreendedor e três fatores pertinentes ligados à cognição do empreendedor. O método de pesquisa usado foi a pesquisa-ação, realizando uma intervenção de coaching junto a sete empreendedores ao longo de quatro meses. O objetivo da intervenção foi prover estímulos que favorecessem o desenvolvimento de competências empreendedoras. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com os empreendedores antes e após a intervenção. Tanto as entrevistas quanto as sessões de coaching foram gravadas e, depois, analisadas com técnicas de análise de dados qualitativos (Miles e Huberman, 1994). Os resultados revelaram que os fatores cognitivos favoreceram mais o desenvolvimento das competências empreendedoras do que os fatores de comportamento empreendedor. O estudo contribui ampliando a literatura útil para o entendimento detalhado do desenvolvimento de competências empreendedoras e o de seu caráter multifacetado.
Comparison of the Full-Length and 152~528 Truncate of Human Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase 4B2 for the Characterization of Inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Xiang , He Shu , Hu Xiaolei , Wu Jing , Li Xinpeng , Liao Fei , Yang Xiaolan
Published: March 2019

Aim and Objective:

Human full-length cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase isozyme
4B2 (hPDE4B2) as the target for screening and characterizing inhibitors suffers from low activity
yield and the coexistence of two conformational states bearing different affinities for (R)-rolipram.
Hence, the 152~528 truncate of hPDE4B2 existing only in the low-affinity conformation state for
(R)-rolipram was compared against the full-length hPDE4B2 to characterize inhibitors.

Materials and Methods:

With 6His-SUMO tag at the N-terminus, both the full-length hPDE 4B2
(SF-hPDE4B2) and the 152~528 truncate (ST-hPDE4B2) were expressed in Escherichia coli cells,
purified through Ni-NTA column and compared for the characterization of inhibitors. The
inhibition constants (Ki) of some synthesized rolipram analogues against both targets were
determined with 96-well microplate through the coupled action of monophosphatase on AMP and
spectrophotometric assay of phosphate with malachite green.

Results:

After affinity purification with Ni2+-NTA column, ST-hPDE4B2 showed about 30-fold
higher specific activity and 100-fold higher activity yield than SF-hPDE4B2; Ki of (R)-rolipram on
ST-hPDE4B2 was consistent with that on the low-affinity state of the untagged full-length
hPDE4B2 expressed in insect cells. Of some representative rolipram analogues as inhibitors, a
dual-logarithm model quantitatively described their monotonic association, and Ki from 0.010 mM
to 8.5 mM against SF-hPDE4B2 was predicted from Ki against ST-hPDE4B2, supporting the
discovery of consistent hits by the use of both targets with a pair of properly-set cutoffs.

Conclusion:

ST-hPDE4B2 with much higher activity yield may be a favorable alternative target to
characterize/screen rolipram analogues as hPDE4B inhibitors in high-throughput mode.
The Immune System Regulation in Sepsis: From Innate to Adaptive
Authors: Qiu Yue , Tu Guo-wei , Ju Min-jie , Yang Cheng , Luo Zhe
Published: March 2019

Sepsis, which is a highly heterogeneous syndrome, can result in death as a consequence of a
systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The activation and regulation of the immune system play a
key role in the initiation, development and prognosis of sepsis. Due to the different periods of sepsis
when the objects investigated were incorporated, clinical trials often exhibit negative or even contrary
results. Thus, in this review we aim to sort out the current knowledge in how immune cells play a role
during sepsis.
Hypertriglyceridemia: An Infrequent, Difficult-to-predict, Severe Metabolic and Vascular Problem Associated with Estrogen Administration
Authors: Whayne Thomas F.
Published: March 2019

Supplementary estrogen plays important roles for female patients as convenient birth control,
relief of postmenopausal symptoms, and in the management of other selected problems. However, as is
the case for essentially all medications, there are side effects. Short of a major pulmonary embolus, the
most severe side effect of estrogen would appear to be sporadic, rare, and severe hypertriglyceridemia
associated with acute pancreatitis. The occurrence of this fortunately rare problem usually happens in
the presence of some preexisting and usually mild increase in triglycerides (TG). A case of chronic and
severe recurrent acute pancreatitis is described in the introduction and the management was complete
estrogen avoidance. Started close to menopause and continued for a relatively short period, estrogens
may have some cardiovascular (CV) benefit but the general recommendation is not to prescribe them for
CV disease prevention. Estrogens may contribute to decreased diabetes mellitus (DM) risk and control.
Administration of estrogens by the transdermal route may decrease some problems such as venous
thromboembolism (VTE) and elevation of TG. Administration of estrogen in the right situation brings
significant benefit to the female patient but skillful, careful, and knowledgeable use is essential.
Induction of a Robust Humoral Response using HIV-1 VLPMPER-V3as a Novel Candidate Vaccine in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Tohidi Fatemeh , Sadat Seyed Mehdi , Bolhassani Azam , Yaghobi Ramin , Larijani Mona Sadat
Published: March 2019

Background:

Several approaches have not been successful to suppress HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) infection among infected individuals or to prevent it yet. In order to expand strong HIV specific humoral and cellular responses, Virus-like particles (VLPs) as potential vaccines show significant increase in neutralizing antibodies secretion, T-cell count and also secretion of cytokines.

Objective:

This study aimed at immunological evaluation of VLPs harboring high copy of MPERV3 in BALB/c mice.

Methods:

Female BALB/c mice were immunized with homologous and heterologous primeboosting regimens of HIV-1 VLPMPER-V3. Their immune responses were evaluated for humoral responses (Total IgG and IgG isotyping) and cellular responses (IFN-γ, IL-5 secretion, in vitro CTL assay and T cell proliferation) and compared in immunized mice.

Results:

The data showed robust induction of humoral response in mice groups which received different regimens of VLP. Furthermore, analysis of cytokine profile indicated that the highest IL-5 secretion was related to VLP+M50 group and confirmed the dominance of Th2 immunity in this group.

Conclusion:

This study showed that VLP MPER-V3 as a potential vaccine candidate has the potency as an effective prophylactic vaccine and this finding guarantees further investigations to achieve a promising HIV-1 vaccine candidate.
Prediction of CD4+ Cells Counts in HIV/AIDS Patients based on Sets and Probability Theories
Authors: Rodriguez Javier , Prieto Signed , Correa Catalina , Melo Martha , Dominguez Dario , Olarte Nancy , Suárez Daniela , Aragón Laura , Torres Fernando , Santacruz Fernando
Published: March 2019

Background:

Previous studies have developed methodologies for predicting the number of CD4+ cells from the total leukocyte and lymphocytes count based on mathematical methodologies, obtaining percentages of effectiveness prediction higher than 90% with a value of less than 5000 leukocytes.

Objective:

To improve the methodology probabilities prediction in 5000-9000 leukocytes ranges.

Method:

from sets A, B, C and D defined in a previous study, and based on CD4+ prediction established on the total number of leukocytes and lymphocytes, induction was performed using data from 10 patients with HIV, redefining the sets A and C that describe the lymphocytes behavior relative to leukocytes. Subsequently, we evaluated with previous research prediction probabilities parameters from a sample of 100 patients, calculating the belonging probability to each sample and organized in predetermined ranges leukocytes, of each of the sets defined, their unions and intersections. Then the same procedure was performed with the new sets and the probability values obtained with the refined method were compared with respect to previously defined, by measures of sensitivity (SENS) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) for each range.

Results:

probabilities with values greater than 0.83 were found in five of the nine ranges inside the new sets. The probability for the set A∪C increased from 0.06 to 0.18 which means increases between 0.06 and 0.09 for the intersection (A∪C) ∩ (B∪D), making evident the prediction improvement with new sets defined.

Conclusion:

The results show that the new defined sets achieved a higher percentage of effectiveness to predict the CD4+ value cells, which represents a useful tool that can be proposed as a substitute for clinical values obtained by the flow cytometry.
Challenges and Prospects of Converting Nigeria Illegal Refineries to Modular Refineries
Authors: Angela Mamudu , Emeka Okoro , Kevin Igwilo , Oluwasanmi Olabode , Francis Elehinafe , Olayemi Odunlami
Published: March 2019

The sub-optimum conditions of Nigeria conventional refineries remains a drastic setback since all other industries are intertwined with its outputs. It is noted that amidst all other glaring contributing factors as listed in the study, insufficient large capital funds on the part of private investors and vandalization of pipelines seems to be conspicuous. The stolen crude oil got from the pipelines serve as the beginning point for illegal refining. Asides the issue of quality control of products, their sub-standard operation also affects Nigerians environmentally and economically. The more the Government invest time and resources to stop their operation; the more they spring up like mushrooms. This paper reflects the authors view on achieving a win-win scenario. The upgrading of existing illegal refineries at strategic locations within the country to standard modular refineries seems to be a more feasible and friendly approach. The issue of channeling of intermediate products can be solved through the introduction of clusters, where final products of one become raw material for the other. Intermediate products can also be channeled to Government owned conventional refineries for further processing. From analysis, it is deduced that overall design capacities from clusters have optimum effect on the intermediate environment in terms of meeting demand. Extensive operational training on crude oil refining will help buttress the point while Transfer of Knowledge from official vendors to Nigerian Engineers on how to fabricate modular refining units locally will also help to reduce overall cost.
Acculturation Process and Life Domains: Different Perceptions of Native and Immigrant Adults in Italy
Authors: Rania Nadia , Rebora Stefania , Migliorini Laura , Navas Maria Soledad
Published: March 2019

Background:

Acculturation process has taken up a relevant place in cross-cultural psychology by demonstrating the strong relationships between cultural context and individual behavioral development.

Aim:

The purpose of this study is to analyse acculturation strategies and attitudes in different life domains of native and immigrant adults living in Italy, following the Relative Acculturation Extended Model (RAEM).

Methods:

The participants were 250 Italian native and 100 immigrant adults who completed a questionnaire with items to measure their acculturation strategies (real plane) and attitudes (ideal plane), in general and related to different life domains (peripheral and central).

Results:

Results revealed that the acculturation attitude of immigrants is integration, whereas Italians prefer their assimilation.

Conclusion:

However, when different life domains are taken into account, immigrants claim to put in practice and prefer integration in most of the domains, whereas Italians perceive immigrants are separated but they prefer their assimilation or integration, depending on the specific domain.
Effects and control of metal nutrients and species on Microcystis aeruginosa growth and bloom
Authors: Zhou Haidong , Chen Xiaomeng , Liu Xiaojing , Xuan Yumei , Hu Tao
Published: March 2019

The effects and control of typical metal nutrients, copper, iron, and zinc, on the growth and bloom of Microcystis aeruginosa were investigated with a series of flask‐shaking tests. The optimal concentrations of copper, iron, and zinc for algal growth were 0.001, 3–12, and 0.05 mg/L, respectively. The order of toxicity to the alga was Cu > Zn > Fe. The effects of the species, for a trace metal at the same concentrations, on the growth of M. aeruginosa were relatively remarkable. Ionic and complexation species induced more algal growth than the carbonate and sulfide‐bound species. Changes in copper concentration and iron species were adopted to adjust and control the bloom of M. aeruginosa. Increases in copper concentrations significantly suppressed the M. aeruginosa bloom. The growth rate of M. aeruginosa slowed significantly when ionic iron was replaced with sulfide‐bound iron, and the control of bloom was remarkable.

Practitioner points

Using trace metal nutrient species and concentration to regulate and control algal growth and bloom may pave another way for the management of cyanobacterial bloom.
Pulse Rate Variability in Emergency Physicians During Shifts: Pilot Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Peters Gregory Andrew , Wong Matthew L , Joseph Joshua W , Sanchez Leon D
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The high prevalence of physician burnout, particularly in emergency medicine, has garnered national attention in recent years. Objective means of measuring stress while at work can facilitate research into stress reduction interventions, and wearable photoplethysmography (PPG) technology has been proposed as a potential solution. However, the use of low-burden wearable biosensors to study training and clinical practice among emergency physicians (EP) remains untested.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study aimed to (1) determine the feasibility of recording on-shift photoplethysmographic data from EP, (2) assess the quality of these data, and (3) calculate standard pulse rate variability (PRV) metrics from the acquired dataset and examine patterns in these variables over the course of an academic year.

METHODS

A total of 21 EP wore PPG biosensors on their wrists during clinical work in the emergency department during a 9-hour shift. Recordings were collected during the first quarter of the academic year, then again during the fourth quarter of the same year for comparison. The overall rate of usable data collection per time was computed. Standard pulse rate (PR) and PRV metrics from these two time points were calculated and entered into Student t tests.

RESULTS

More than 400 hours of data were entered into these analyses. Interpretable data were captured during 8.54% of the total recording time overall. In the fourth quarter of the academic year compared with the first quarter, there was no significant difference in median PR (75.8 vs 76.8; P=.57), mean R-R interval (0.81 vs 0.80; P=.32), SD of R-R interval (0.11 vs 0.11; P=.93), root mean square of successive difference of R-R interval (0.81 vs 0.80; P=.96), low-frequency power (3.5×103 vs 3.4×103; P=.79), high-frequency power (8.5×103 vs 8.3×103; P=.91), or low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (0.42 vs 0.41; P=.43), respectively. Power estimates for each of these tests exceeded .90. A secondary analysis of the resident-only subgroup similarly showed no significant differences over time, despite power estimates greater than .80.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the use of PPG biosensors to record real-time physiological data from EP while providing clinical care seems operationally feasible, this study fails to support the notion that such an approach can efficiently provide reliable estimates of metrics of interest. No significant differences in PR or PRV metrics were found at the end of the year compared with the beginning. Although these methods may offer useful applications to other domains, it may currently have limited utility in the contexts of physician training and wellness.
Atitude, hábitos de estudo e rendimento académico: Abordagem desde a teoria da ação racional
Authors: Andrade-Valles I. , Facio-Arciniega S. , Quiroz –Guerra A. , Alemán-de la Torre L. , Flores-Ramírez M. , Rosales-González M
Published: March 2019

Introdução: As atitudes e os hábitos em direção ao estudo e à aprendizagem são um fator de suma importância na determinação do desempenho académico. Objetivo: Analisar a correlação entre atitude e hábitos de estudo com o desempenho académico em estudantes universitários.

Metodologia: É uma pesquisa de corte quantitativo, transversal, correlacional e analítico, participaram 286 estudantes de maneira voluntária. Para medir as variáveis utilizaram-se o Inventario de hábitos de estudo e o Questionário de Avaliação de Atitudes ante a Aprendizagem em Estudantes Universitários. Os dados analisaram-se mediante o programa estatístico STATA v.11.1, realizaram-se provas de comparação de frequências (chi-quadrado), de correlação (r de Pearson) e análise de regressão logística.

Resultados: Do total dos participantes (n=286), 75.8% foram do sexo feminino; 43.7% (n=125) tiveram alto rendimento académico, com média geral de 9 ou mais. A respeito dos hábitos de estudo, 66.4% (n=190) obtiveram pontuações na classificação de adequados, 25.2% (n=72) apresentaram atitudes positivas para o estudo; obteve-se uma associação altamente significativa (p=0.001,) entre hábitos e atitudes ante o estudo mediante uma prova de chi-quadrado. A correlação entre hábitos de estudo e atitudes para o estudo foi moderada, mas significativa (r=0.461, p<0.05); a análise de regressão logística, revelou associações positivas entre atitudes e rendimento académico.

Conclusões: Este estudo demonstra que as atitudes e os hábitos de estudo, tem um forte impacto no desempenho académico.
A Strategy for Using Bias and RMSE as Outcomes in Monte Carlo Studies in Statistics
Authors: Harwell Michael
Published: March 2019

To help ensure important patterns of bias and accuracy are detected in Monte Carlo studies in statistics this paper proposes conditioning bias and root mean square error (RMSE) measures on estimated Type I and Type II error rates. A small Monte Carlo study is used to illustrate this argument.
Trends in the Internet of Things
Authors: Botero Valencia Juan , Castaño Londoño Luis , Marquez Viloria David
Published: March 2019

The Internet of Things continues to set the pace of many aspects of the scientific and technological development worldwide. Moreover, it is expected to do so, at least, for the next ten years, according to forecasts that predict trillions of devices connected to the Internet [1]. In addition to influencing different factors of people’s daily lives, this new vision of the world poses a series of challenges and opportunities that have an effect on general aspects of the economy and politics.
Urrets-Zavalia syndrome following posterior segment surgery: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Vukovic Dragan , Adzic Antoaneta , Petrovic-Pajic Sanja
Published: March 2019

Introduction. Urrets-Zavalia syndrome (UZS) has been defined as a fixed and dilated pupil accompanied by iris atrophy and occasionally secondary glaucoma. The precise cause of the syndrome is uncertain. Most often it has been described following anterior segment surgery. The objective of this article is to present how to successfully handle patients with UZS after posterior segment surgery. We present all the dilemmas and difficulties we encountered during the diagnostic process. Case outline. This is a case presentation of a patient with UZS following scleral buckle procedure. To our knowledge, this is the first case of UZS following this type of posterior segment surgery. The delay in treatment was mostly due to the lack of knowledge about the linkage of this syndrome with posterior segment surgery. Once the diagnosis was confirmed, parasympathomimetic drops were administered. The patient responded well to the therapy and partial reduction of mydriasis and restoration of pupillary kinetics was observed. Conclusion. Two months after surgery, the treatment of UZS resulted in slight residual anisocoria with signs of iris atrophy. This could indicate reversible mechanism of UZS after posterior segment surgery with iris atrophy as the only permanent consequence.
KEEFEKTIFAN PEMBELAJARAN IPA MATERI PESAWAT SEDERHANA MENGGUNAKAN MODEL PAIR CHECK BERBANTU QUESTION CARD PADA SISWA KELAS V SDN SUKOHARJO 01 PATI
Authors: Oktaviana Bela , Saputra Henry Januar , Arifin Zaenal
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of science learning in simple aircraft material using Pair Check assisted learning questions. Question Card for fifth grade students of SDN Sukoharjo 01 Pati. This research is quantitative. The research method using one group pretest-posttest design. Based on the results of the analysis data obtained the initial test or pre-test conducted by researchers obtained data on average class 60.59259 there were 25 students did not complete KKM 75 with students who completed only 2 students. Then the class was given treatment, namely Natural Science learning about Simple Aircraft material using the Pair Check assisted Question Card model. Learning outcomes obtained by students after the treatment of post-test scores showed that class V obtained an average of 78.81481 with students completing 22 and who had not completed 5 students. In the final analysis of calculations using t test is obtained if α = 0.05 and db = N-1 = 27-1 = 26 obtained t table = 2.056 and thitung = 14.578. If thitung> t table, then Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted, so Pair Check is assisted with an effective Question Card towards the learning outcomes of class V students of SDN Sukoharjo 01 Pati.
Application of Color and Size Measurement in Food Products Inspection
Authors: Siswantoro Joko
Published: March 2019

Color and size are external aspects considered by consumers in purchasing a food product and are used in food product inspection using computer vision. This paper reviews recent applications of color and size measurement in food product inspection using computer vision. RGB, HSI, HSL, HSV, La*b spaces and color index are widely used to measure color in food product inspection. Color features, including value, mean, variance, and standard deviation of each channel in a color space are widely used in food product inspection. The applications of color measurement in food product inspection are for grading, detection of anomaly or damage, detection of specific content and evaluation of color changes. Length, width, thickness, average radius, Feret’s diameter, area, perimeter, volume, and surface area are common size measurements in food product inspection. The applications of size measurement in food product inspection are for estimating size, sorting, grading, detect unwanted objects or defects, and measurement of physical properties.
Customer Acceptance Analysis of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems in Automotive Company using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) 2
Authors: Caesar Wenston Ngangi Stephano , Joko Santoso Albertus
Published: March 2019

The technological era in business competition requires creativity and innovation to create a successful company. CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a system that aims, among others, to provide improving relations between the company and customers, so that the realization of integrated information is used to produce optimal services and obtain useful customer information so that customer needs can be met and encouraged to loyalty. In addition, CRM can be useful to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs of PT. Hasjrat Abadi (Tendean Branch). To support the success of PT. Hasjrat Abadi (Tendean Branch), this study will examine a CRM system to be applied to PT. Hasjrat Abadi (Tendean Branch) by integrating it into the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a model that can be analyzed and understood so that later it can influence customers in the use of technology as an information system by using informational system variables. In this research, user acceptance has been reviewed based on 4 variables in TAM itself. PT. Hasjrat Abadi (Tendean Branch) has a problem where there is still a lack of customer demand for TOYOTA products. Therefore, the implementation of the TAM system for CRM will be pursued so that it can identify the customers of PT. Hasjrat Abadi (Tendean Branch) Manado who want to buy products from PT Hasjrat Abadi (Tendean Branch) Manado, and increase the selling value of the product.