bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Toxicity Study of Ethanolic Extracts of Evolvulus alsinoides & Centella asiatica in Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Yadav Mukesh Kumar , Singh Santosh Kumar , Singh Manish , Mishra Shashank Shekhar , Singh Anurag Kumar , Tripathi Jyoti Shankar , Tripathi Yamini Bhusan
Published: April 2019

AIM: We aimed to investigate several parameters after the in vivo acute and sub-acute administration of ethanolic extracts from E. alsinoides & C. asiatica.
METHODS: Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors for in vivo toxicity study guidelines 423 and 407 of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) were followed for acute and sub-acute toxicity assays respectively. For LD50 evaluation, a single dose of ethanolic extracts of Evolvulus alsinoides L. (EEA) and ethanolic extracts of Centella asiatica (ECA) was orally administered to mice at doses of 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 2000 mg/kg. Then the animals were observed for 72 hours. For acute toxicity evaluation, a single dose of both extracts was orally administered to mice at doses of 300, 600, 1200 and 2000 mg/kg and the animals were observed for 14 days. In the sub-acute study, the extracts were orally administered to mice for 28 days at doses of 300, 600, 1200 and 2000 mg/kg. To assess the toxicological effects, animals were closely observed on general behaviour, clinical signs of toxicity, body weight, food and water intake. At the end of the study, it was performed biochemical and hematological evaluations, as well as histopathological analysis from the following organs: brain, heart, liver, and kidney.
RESULTS: The oral administration of E. alsinoides and C. asiatica ethanolic extracts, i.e. EEA 300, EEA 600, EEA 1200, EEA 2000, ECA 300, ECA 600, ECA 1200 & ECA 2000 mg/kg doses showed no moral toxicity effect in LD50, acute and sub-acute toxicity parameters.
CONCLUSION: In this study, we had found that E. alsinoides & C. asiatica extract at different doses cause no mortality in acute and sub-acute toxicity study. Also, histopathology of kidney, liver, heart, and brain showed no alterations in tissues morphology.
Resistance Trend, Antibiotic Utilization and Mortality in Patients with E. coli Bacteraemia
Authors: Najmi Amirreza , Karimi Fateme , Kunhikatta Vijayanarayan , Varma Muralidhar , Nair Sreedharan
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: Incidence of bacteraemia and driving concerns about antibiotic resistance is increasing globally. Risk factors for developing antimicrobial resistance are antibiotic overuse, incorrect dosing and extended duration of administration.
AIM: This study was conducted to examine the prescription and susceptibility pattern of antibiotics in bacteraemia patients with ESBL producing and Non-ESBL-producing E. coli and their correlation with mortality.
METHODS: Data were collected from medical records of the patients aged 18 years and above, diagnosed with E. coli bacteremia from January 2013 through July 2017. Institutional ethics committee approval was obtained before the study (IEC 483/2017). Cumulative sensitivity/resistance pattern of isolated microorganisms and DDD/100 bed days of prescribed antibiotics were obtained.
RESULTS: 182 cases of E. coli bacteraemia were reviewed. 59.9% (n = 109) were male with an age range of 20-90 years. The mortality rate was 24.9% (n = 44). 55.5% (n = 101) of the isolated organisms were ESBL-producing. A high percentage of resistance to cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones were observed among the patients, and most of the identified isolates were sensitive to the aminoglycosides, carbapenems and β-lactam and β-lactamase inhibitor combinations (BLBLIs).
CONCLUSIONS: Frequent utilisation of the high-end antibiotics and increase in microorganism’s resistance to different antibiotics can lead to a worrisome level. Local antibiotic resistance data and consumption policy are essential to prevent and slow down this process. We observed a descending resistance trend for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid combination in our setting to both the ESBL producing and non-producing.
Real World Experience of a Biodegradable Polymer Sirolimus-Eluting Stent (Yukon Choice PC Elite) in Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Angioplasty: A Multicentric Observational Study (The Elite India Study)
Authors: Verma Bhupendra , Patel Akhilesh , Katyal Deepak , Singh Vivek Raj , Singh Avinash Kumar , Singh Amrita , Kumar Manu , Nagarkoti Pratap
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: The durable polymer drug-eluting stents (DPDES) reduce the risk of repeated target vessel revascularisation (TLR) compared with BMS, but are associated with increased risk of late adverse events. In broadly inclusive populations, the biodegradable-polymer drug-eluting stents (BPDES) have favourable results compared with DPDES in the long term. However, its use in primary angioplasty has not been adequately studied, and data of real-world clinical experience is lacking.
AIM: Aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of Yukon Choice PC Elite sirolimus-eluting stent (a novel BPDES) in STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty.
METHODS: We have presented here one-year clinical follow-up data of the Yukon Choice PC Elite sirolimus-eluting stent in patients undergoing primary angioplasty. A total of 636 patients were enrolled in this single arm, prospective observational study from five centres.
RESULTS: This multicentric observational study showed excellent safety and efficacy profile of the novel device at one year follow up. The device-oriented composite endpoint (DOCE) of cardiac death, target-vessel reinfarction, and target-lesion revascularisation (TLR) was 2.7%, and the patient-oriented composite endpoint (POCE) of all-cause death, any myocardial infarction, and any revascularisation was 4.2% at one year. Definite or probable stent thrombosis rate was 0.6%, and no events were recorded beyond 6 months of follow up.
CONCLUSIONS: In patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty, the use of Yukon Choice PC Elite (biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent) has excellent results at one year. It, therefore, represents an attractive alternative to second generation DES in this high-risk population.
Efficacy of Probiotic Therapy on Atopic Dermatitis in Adults Depends on the C-159T Polymorphism of the CD14 Receptor Gene - A Pilot Study
Authors: Litus Oleksandr , Derkach Nadiya , Litus Viktor , Bisyuk Yuriy , Lytvynenko Bohdan
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: The C-159T polymorphism of the CD14 receptor gene can be associated with the development of atopic dermatitis. Probiotics can modulate chronic inflammation through activation of the CD14 receptor. So, the efficacy of probiotic therapy can be dependent on this genetic polymorphism.
AIM: The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy of adding probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, LA-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, ВВ-12) to standard treatment (ointment of fluticasone propionate 0.005% and emollient) of atopic dermatitis in adults during 28 days, depending on the stratification of patients on CC or TT genotypes of the CD14 receptor gene.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 37 adult patients with AD. There were identified 19 patients with exogenous (IgE-dependent) and 18 with endogenous (IgE-dependent) AD. To evaluate the efficacy of the probiotics all patients were divided into three groups for both exogenous and endogenous AD. The first group was selected from patients with CC genotype (C-159T) who received standard therapy (ointment of fluticasone propionate 0.005% – 2 times a day, emollients – 2 times a day) and probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, LA-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, ВВ-12 - 1 capsule 2 times per day) The second group included patients with CC genotype, who received only standard therapy. The third group was presented by patients with TT genotype (C-159T) who received standard therapy and probiotic. The SCORAD and DLQI parameters were evaluated on Day 0, 14 and 28. The level of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, TGF-β cytokines was determined on Day 0 and Day 28.
RESULTS: The results of our study found that the addition of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, LA-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, ВВ-12) to standard treatment (ointment of fluticasone propionate 0.005%, emollient) significantly increased the effectiveness of treatment of atopic dermatitis in adults with exogenous form and CC genotype (C-159T), confirmed by clinical (a significant decrease of SCORAD and DLQI indices) and immunological criteria (a significant decrease of IL-4 and an increase of TGF-β).
CONCLUSION: Simultaneous determination of the exogenous or endogenous form, identification of the C-159T genotypes, evaluation of the serum level of IL-4 and TGF-β can serve as an algorithm for the personalised treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis.
Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Ketorolac versus Nalbuphine in Relieving Postoperative Pain after Tonsillectomy in Children
Authors: Eladl Islam Adel , Mourad Karim Hussein , Youssef Ahmed Nabih , Abdelrazek Abdelrazek Ahmed , Ramadan Mohamed Ahmed
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: Pain is a major postoperative complication worldwide, which in turn impairs normal body performance and increases postoperative morbidity, hospitalisation, and the susceptibility to infections which also lead to chronic pain development.
AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous ketorolac versus nalbuphine as analgesia after adenotonsillectomy surgery to determine the optimal procedure for pain control and postoperative reduction of analgesic use.
METHODS: A group of 100 pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy were assigned as follows to two equal groups: Group A: 50 patients received intravenous ketorolac 0.9 mg/Kg. Group B: 50 patients received intravenous nalbuphine 0.25 mg/Kg.
RESULTS: FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) pain score was measured after recovery from anaesthesia (postoperative). There was a statistically significant difference concerning pain score between group ‘A’ and group ‘B’ as pain score in 'A' (ranging from 3.18 ± 0.87 to 4.68 ± 0.74) is lower compared to 'B' (ranging from 3.90 ± 0.76 to 5.54 ± 0.73) and probability value < 0.05 except at 90 & 120 min which was observed statistically insignificant. There was no serious postoperative complication detected in either group.
CONCLUSION: It is concluded that intravenous ketorolac is more effective than intravenous nalbuphine in reducing pain intensity and postoperative analgesic requirements after adenotonsillectomy in children.
The The Effects of Cinnamaldehyde (Cinnamon Derivatives) and Nystatin on Candida Albicans and Candida Glabrata
Authors: Bakhtiari Sedigheh , Jafari Soudeh , Taheri Jamileh Bigom , Kashi Tahereh Sadat Jafarzadeh , Namazi Zahra , Iman Maryam , Poorberafeyi Mohammad
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: Candida species are the most common opportunistic fungal infections. Today, cinnamon plants have been considered for anti-Candida properties.
AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cinnamaldehyde extract (from cinnamon derivatives) on Candida albicans and Candida glabrata species and comparison with nystatin.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, cinnamaldehyde and nystatin were used. The specimens included Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were measured for each one by the microdilution method. This experiment was repeated three times.
RESULTS: Cinnamaldehyde extract at a concentration of 62.5 μl/ml was able to prevent the growth of Candida albicans, at a concentration of 93.7 μl/ml, causing Candida albicans to disappear, at 48.8 μl/ml, to prevent the growth of Candida glabrata, and in the concentration of 62.5 μl/ml, causes the loss of Candida glabrata. In comparison, nystatin at 0.5 μg/ml concentration prevented the growth of Candida albicans, at concentrations of 1 μg/ml causing Candida albicans to be destroyed, at 4 μg/ml concentration to prevent the growth of Candida glabrata, and at a concentration of 8 μg/ml causes the loss of Candida glabrata. The results were the same every three times.
CONCLUSIONS: Although cinnamaldehyde extract had an effect on fungal growth in both Candida albicans and Candida glabrata with a fatal effect; the effect on these two species was lower than nystatin.
Association between Malondialdehyde and Glutathione (L-gamma-Glutamyl-Cysteinyl-Glycine/GSH) Levels on Workers Exposed to Benzene in Indonesia
Authors: Tualeka Abdul Rohim , Martiana Tri , Ahsan Ahsan , Russeng Syamsiar S. , Meidikayanti Wulan
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: Chemicals that enter the body, especially benzene, will undergo a detoxification process. Unfortunately, at the detoxification process, sometimes benzene can produce free radicals. Free radical oxidation of lipids produces MDA compounds (malondialdehyde). To overcome these free radicals, the body will adapt to produce Glutathione (GSH) enzymes.
AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between benzene concentration, MDA levels and glutathione enzymes in Shoe-Maker Home Industry workers exposed to benzene for more than 10 years.
METHODS: Measurement of benzene concentration using a gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector (GC-FID). MDA levels used a modified spectrophotometric and GSH method of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test.
RESULT: The results showed that the majority of respondents had benzene concentrations still below the TLV value, mean of MDA levels were 6.94 mg/ml, while GSH was 4.54 mg/ml. Benzene concentration did not have a significant correlation with MDA and glutathione levels, whereas MDA levels had a strong correlation with glutathione levels (p = 0.000; r = -0.947).
CONCLUSION: Workers should always use PPE and always eat foods that contain lots of glutathione enzymes such as spinach or broccoli to reduce the impact of free radicals from benzene inhalation.
Management Comprehensive Multidisciplinary of Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors and Feto - Maternal Outcome: A Case Series Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ni Luh Lany Christina Prajawati , Mahendra I Nyoman Bayu , Suwiyoga Ketut , Budiana ING , Mayura IGP Mayun , Wiradnyana AAG Putra , Putra I Wayan Artana , Negara I Ketut Surya , Ariawati Ketut , Dewi IGA Sri Mahendra , Susraini AAA Ngurah , Sriwidyani Ni Putu , Wirawan Wahyudi , Vikananda Ida Ayu
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors (MOGCT) most commonly occur in young women in the reproductive age group. Timely antenatal diagnosis and treatment of the tumour to enhance maternal and perinatal outcomes are the main challenges confronting the obstetrician and the gyne-oncologist.
CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present three cases of pregnancy complicated with MOGCTs. The first case (immature teratoma) was complicated by maternal psychological symptoms consistent with stress and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of premature ovarian failure (POF). The second case (dysgerminoma) preterm labour occurred as an obstetric complication, but the baby was born in good condition without IUGR. The third case (yolk sac tumour) treated with docetaxel (brexel)-carboplatin chemotherapy administration there was no maternal or fetal complication. At the end of the pregnancy and delivery, complete surgical staging and cytoreduction were performed, and no metastases were found.
CONCLUSION: Optimal management strategies centre on a multi-disciplinary comprehensive team approach is critical resulting in better outcomes for the mother and the baby by avoiding complications.
Catheter Left Main Dissection Bailout Treatment with Stenting
Authors: Citaku Hajdin , Krasniqi Xhevdet
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic left main coronary artery dissection is a rare complication during invasive coronary procedures. Prompt action is needed avoiding acute pump failure followed with hemodynamic collapse and fatal results.
CASE REPORT: We report a 48-year-old woman who underwent bail-out stenting.
CONCLUSION: The best therapeutic strategy depends upon the prompt recognition of this complication, hemodynamic condition of the patient and operative skills. The therapeutic strategy by bail-out stenting should be performed in most cases of severe dissection toward good outcomes.
Factors Affecting Uncontrolled Blood Pressure among Elderly Hypertensive Patients in Pekanbaru City, Indonesia
Authors: Mitra Mitra , Wulandari Wulandari
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: The highest prevalence of hypertension is among older adults. Although older adults with hypertension have already controlled their blood pressure by taking antihypertensive drugs, hypertension will still occur when not balanced with a healthy lifestyle. Data from Pekanbaru Municipality Health Department in 2016 showed that hypertension was the most common disease in Pekanbaru City.
AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence uncontrolled blood pressure among elderly patients with hypertension at Harapan Raya Pekanbaru Health Center in 2017.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional design. The sample size comprised 116 elderly patients with hypertension who visited Harapan Raya Community Health Center. The sample criteria were patients aged ≥ 60 years and taking hypertension medication, and subjects were selected using consecutive sampling. The variables collected were demographic characteristics of elderly patients (age, education, sex, and occupation), physical activity, smoking habit, coffee and tea consumption and sodium intake. Statistical analysis involved the chi-square test and multiple logistic regressions.
RESULTS: The proportion of elderly hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure was 52.6%. The most influential variables concerning uncontrolled blood pressure were smoking habit (P-value: 0.004, OR: 5.2 95% CI: 1.71-15.8), no routine for taking antihypertensive drugs (P-value = 0.029 OR = 2.96 95% CI: 1.11-7.86) and sodium intake (P-value: 0.044 OR: 0.264 95% CI: 0.072-0.967).
CONCLUSION: The dominant factor influencing uncontrolled blood pressure among the elderly was smoking. Health workers at the Community Health Center are expected to provide education and counselling for elderly patients with hypertension to control their blood pressure by taking antihypertensive drugs regularly and quitting smoking.
Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG on Remineralization Using CPP - ACPF (MI - Paste Plus) after Enamel Erosion Caused by Carbonated Soft Drink in Primary Teeth: In-Vitro Study
Authors: Elwardani Ghada Ezzeldin , Harhash Tarek Abdel Hamid , Zaky Ahmed Abbas
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: Erosion is a widespread phenomenon with higher predilection in primary dentition.
AIM: The aim of the present study is to assess the remineralising effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser application combined with CPP-ACPF after erosive demineralisation by Coca-Cola in primary teeth.
METHODS: Fifty teeth (n = 10) were divided into; Group I: Artificial saliva, (Saliva natural, Medac, UK), Group II: CPP-ACPF (MI Paste Plus, GC Corp, USA), Group III: Er,Cr:YSGG (Waterlase iPlus, USA), Group IV: CPP-ACPF + Er,Cr:YSGG, Group V: Er,Cr:YSGG + CPP-ACPF. Teeth were immersed in Coca-Cola for 10 min, 5 times/day for 5 days. DIAGNOdent (DD) measurements were taken before and after the experiment.
RESULTS: There was a significant increase in DD readings after erosive-treatment cycles in all test groups. The highest reading was in samples immersed in artificial saliva, and the lowest was in those subjected to combined CPP-ACPF and Er,Cr:YSGG laser application, regardless of the sequence used. There was no significant difference between samples immersed in artificial saliva, and after CPP-ACPF application. Similarly, there was no significant difference between samples treated by combined treatment of CPP-ACPF and Er,Cr:YSGG application. However, there was a significant difference between samples immersed in artificial saliva or treated with CPP-ACPF application and those subjected to combined treatment CPP-ACPF along with Er,Cr:YSGG.
CONCLUSION: Combining Er,Cr:YSGG laser and CPP-ACPF paste significantly increased enamel remineralisation, regardless of the sequence implemented. Saliva naturally and CPP-ACPF application had a comparable effect on remineralisation.
Thyroid Hormone Profile in Children with Sepsis: Does Euthyroid Sick Syndrome Exist?
Authors: Yanni Gema Nazri , Destariani Cynthea Prima , Lubis Munar , Deliana Melda
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: Alterations in peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism play an eminent role in the development of the euthyroid sick syndrome. Altered solvation may also lead to changes in peripheral thyroid hormones. Data on thyroid hormones in critically ill children remain unclear.
AIM: This study was aimed to evaluate thyroid hormone profile in children with sepsis as well as to assess the association between thyroid level and sepsis outcome.
METHODS: An observational cohort study was conducted in 80 children with sepsis from October 2015 to January 2016 in Haji Adam Malik General Hospital. T3 and T4 level were measured on day 1 and after > 72 hours of sepsis diagnosed.
RESULTS: We recorded length of stay in PICU, patient outcome and analysed the relationship with the chi-square test. Level of T3 and T4 were decreased on day 1 in pediatric sepsis. Of 80 subjects, 57 (71.2%) with low-level T3 and 41 (51.2%) with low T4 were found. The relationship between T3 and T4 level on day 1 with the length of stay were not found (P = 0.500; P = 0.987). There were a significant relationship between level of T3 and T4 with outcome (P = 0.0001; OR 24.706; P = 0.014; OR 3.086). Subject with normal T3 and T4 level had 24 and 3 times life chances compare to lower level.
CONCLUSION: The Euthyroid Sick Syndrome in children with sepsis does exist. There was a significant relationship between T3 and T4 level on day 1 with patient outcome.
Hypertension after Kidney Transplantation: Clinical Significance and Therapeutical Aspects
Authors: Severova-Andreevska Galina , Danilovska Ilina , Sikole Aleksandar , Popov Zivko , Ivanovski Ninoslav
Published: April 2019

Most of the kidney transplanted patients develop arterial hypertension after renal transplantation. Together with very well-known and usual risk factors, post-transplant hypertension contributes to the whole cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the kidney transplant population. The reasons of post-transplant hypertension are factors related to donors and recipients, immunosuppressive therapy like Calcineurin Inhibitors (CNI) and surgery procedures (stenosis and kinking of the renal artery and ureteral obstruction). According to Eighth National Committee (JNC 8) recommendations, blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg is considered as hypertension. The usual antihypertensive drugs used for the control of hypertension are Calcium channel blockers (CCB), Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Angiotensin –II receptor blockers (ARB), B- blockers and diuretics. Follow the KDIGO guidelines the target blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg for patients without proteinuria and < 125/75 mmHg in patients with proteinuria is recommended. Better control of post-transplant hypertension improves the long-term graft and patient’s survival.
Clinical Evaluation of 660 nm Diode Laser Therapy on the Pain, Size and Functional Disorders of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
Authors: Soliman Hisham Abdelmonem , Mostafa Diana
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: Minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis (MiRAS) is one of the most common, recurrent, and painful mucosal pathological condition. It is characterised by round or shallow oval ulcers, less than 10 mm in diameter, surrounded by a thin erythematous halo. It involves non-keratinized mucosa such as the labial and buccal mucosa, the ventral surface or borders of the tongue and the floor of the mouth, but it is uncommon to occur on the keratinised mucosa. It heals spontaneously within 10-14 days without scarring. There is no curative remedy to prevent its recurrence; also, available modalities only reduce the symptoms and severity of the lesion.
AIM: Since these lesions may be extremely painful, we decided to estimate the pain-relieving and healing properties of low energy level laser therapy using diode laser 660 nm on MiRAS.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty healthy patients suffering from minor aphthous ulcers were randomly selected from the Out-Patient Clinic of Oral Medicine Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University. They were equally divided into two groups, study group who received 660 nm diode laser irradiation while the control group received placebo (sodium bicarbonate rinse). The visual analogue scale, size reduction, effectiveness indices and functional disorders were compared between the groups.
RESULTS: Both groups presented a statistically significant difference from baseline to follow up periods. But, diode laser 660 nm treatment showed more remarkable improvements in reduction of healing time, pain and lesion size.
CONCLUSION: We concluded that diode laser 660 nm should be further considered as an effective alternative therapeutic regimen to patients who suffer from recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
Chest Ultrasound in Predication of Weaning Failure
Authors: Soliman Soliman Belal , Ragab Faheem , Soliman Randa Aly , Gaber Ayman , Kamal Ahmed
Published: April 2019

AIM: Failure of weaning from mechanical ventilation (MV) is a common problem that faces the intensivist despite having some prediction indices. Application of chest ultrasonography (US) may help in weaning and prediction of its outcome.
METHODS: 100 patients on invasive MV fulfilling criteria of weaning shifted to spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) (using PSV 8 cm H2O) for 1 hour. Weaning failure was defined as; Failed SBT, reintubation and/or ventilation or death within 48 hours. Echocardiography was used to get Ejection fraction, E/A ratio, Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) &, lung ultrasound (LUS) was used to assess LUS score, diaphragm ultrasound was used to assess diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF).
RESULTS: Mean age 57.1 ± 14.5, 62% were males. Weaning was successful in 80% of patients. LUS score was significantly higher in the failed weaning group: (10.8 ± 4.2) vs (16.5 ± 4.2 cm), (p: 0.001). (DTF) Was significantly higher in the successful weaning group: (43.0 ± 10.7) vs (28.9 ± 2.8 cm), (p: 0.001). DTF can predict successful weaning using Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with the cutoff value: ≥ 29.5 with sensitivity 88.0% and specificity 80.0% with a p-value ˂ 0.001.LUS score can predict weaning failure by using a ROC curve with cutoff value: ≥ 15.5 with sensitivity 70.0% and specificity 82.5 % with a p-value ˂ 0.001.)
CONCLUSION: The use of bedside chest US (to assess lung and diaphragm) of great benefit throughout the weaning process.
Comparative Study Clarifying the Usage of PEEK as Suitable Material to Be Used as Partial Denture Attachment and Framework
Authors: Sadek Sherif Aly
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: Utilization of attachments in a removable partial denture is highly essential not only as a line of treatment but also as it has a remarkable impact on the denture’s durability during the function. The attachment should act as a stress breaking system preserving the abutment teeth.
AIM: This consideration aimed to verify the convention of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) material as an attachment.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four groups of different materials for both attachments and partial denture framework were fabricated and tested using strain gauges to compare between them according to the strains originated around both the abutment teeth and edentulous area.
RESULTS: PEEK material is one of the esthetic materials used for fabrication of the framework of the RPD. On using it as a precision attachement is shows favorable stress distribution decreasing the strains around the abutment teeth and the alveolar ridge especially distal to the abutment teeth that was significantly reduced in comparison with the other treatment options.
CONCLUSION: Utilization of PEEK material as both an attachment and framework decline the strains performed around the abutment teeth and over the edentulous ridge.
Contribution of hepatitis B virus X protein-induced aberrant microRNA expression to hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis
Authors: WEI Zhiyuan , SHEN Xiaohe , NI Bing , LUO Gaoxing , TIAN Yi , SUN Yi
Published: April 2019

The hepatitis B virus-encoded X (HBX) protein plays important roles in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies
have demonstrated that HBX can induce alterations in the expression of numerous microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the carcinogenesis
of various tumors. However, the global profile of liver miRNA changes induced by HBX has not been characterized. In this study, we
conducted a miRNA microarray analysis to investigate the influence of HBX on the expression of total miRNAs in liver in relation to
HCC. Comparative analysis of the data from human normal liver cells (L02) and human HCC cells (HepG2), with or without HBX,
identified 19 differentially expressed miRNAs, including 5 with known association to HBX. Target gene prediction for the aberrantly
expressed miRNAs identified a total of 304 potential target genes, involved in sundry pathways. Finally, pathway analysis of the HBXinduced
miRNAs pathway showed that 5 of the total miRNAs formed an internetwork, suggesting that HBX might exert its pathological
effects on hepatic cells through functional synergy with miRNAs that regulated common pathways in liver cells. Therefore, this work
provides new insights into the mechanisms of HCC as well as potential diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for use in clinical
management of HCC.
Petits arrangements avec le droit des usagers
Authors: Reymond Valérie
Published: April 2019

Une recherche-action effectuée dans le cadre d’un dheps sur les pratiques de travailleurs sociaux participant à différentes instances partenariales de prévention des expulsions locatives montre l’avènement de nouveaux modes d’intervention du travail social, faisant du partage d’informations un nouveau modèle de référence. Dans ce contexte émerge une mise en œuvre incertaine des droits des usagers. Cet article propose quelques éléments de réflexion à ce sujet.
Comprendre l’activité d’enseignant(e)s utilisant des formes pédagogiques coopératives nouvelles dans le secondaire
Authors: Leblanc Serge , Sauvaire-Maltrana Céline
Published: April 2019

Cette étude porte sur des formes pédagogiques coopératives, peu répandues dans l’enseignement du secondaire. Elles se veulent être une alternative aux deux formats pédagogiques anciens et très répandus : le cours dialogué et le travail individuel écrit. Conduite dans le cadre de l’anthropologie cognitive située, cette étude montre comment l’activité de trois enseignant(e)s expérimenté(e)s (histoire-géographie, français et mathématique) qui ont fait évoluer leurs pratiques pédagogiques dans cette orientation, se restructure au niveau de l’organisation de l’espace-temps, de l’exploitation des supports ou des artefacts et au niveau des modes d’interactions entre les élèves, mais aussi entre le groupe et l’enseignant. Elle met également en évidence des préoccupations communicationnelle et relationnelle très présentes et une posture d’accompagnement plus que d’enseignement qui éloignent ces enseignant(e)s de la culture scolaire traditionnelle. Dans un contexte éducatif français où les réformes successives débouchent sur des échecs tant au niveau de l’amélioration des résultats des élèves que du bien-être à l’école, comprendre les raisons d’agir de ces enseignant(e)s et identifier les conditions qui leur ont permis d’opérer des transformations effectives de leurs pratiques de classe semble très utile pour alimenter la formation initiale et continue.
Faire de la recherche fondamentale de terrain dans les établissements scolaires : orientations épistémologiques et implications méthodologiques
Authors: Moussay Sylvie , Escalié Guillaume , Chaliès Sébastien
Published: April 2019

Dans le présent article, l’objectif est de décrire la recherche fondamentale de terrain (Clot, 2008a, 2008b ; Wisner, 1995) telle que nous la concevons dans nos programmes de recherche et telle que nous la mettons en œuvre, dans les établissements scolaires avec les professionnels de l’enseignement. Sont présentés les orientations épistémologiques et théoriques ainsi que les choix méthodologiques que nos études à visées transformative et épistémique adoptent pour mener une recherche fondamentale de terrain. Dans ce contexte, l’article développe la problématique des relations chercheur(s) et professionnel(s) en décrivant les processus de co-construction de l’objet d’étude et d’élaboration collective des transformations de l’activité que la méthode d’entretien d’autoconfrontation permet de faire émerger au cours de la recherche. Trois études illustrent cette démarche de recherche fondamentale de terrain menée avec des enseignants en milieu scolaire. Une mise en discussion de ces trois études à propos des conditions du développement de l’activité des enseignants permet de souligner des points d’accord et de débat avec d’autres travaux qui se réclament d’une recherche fondamentale de terrain.
To Flip or Not to Flip?
Authors: Castedo Ricardo , López Lina M , Chiquito María , Martín José Daniel Cabrera
Published: April 2019

The use of flipped classroom in higher education has increased in recent years, but there are still few quantitative data on student achievement. In this chapter, a flipped classroom methodology has been applied during two consecutive academic years in an engineering degree. During the first year, one group was taught with traditional lecture (used as contrast group) while the other used the flipped classroom. In the second year, both groups were taught with the flipped methodology. The main objectives were to measure the impact of learning focusing on possible gender differences and on active students to increase the students' involvement and to study how the students view this new experience. The results show that the developed methodology has a direct impact on learning improving the final grades and decreasing their dispersion. The students tend to attend more to class and to exams with this methodology.
Development of a System Dynamic Model for Sawmill Safety System
Authors: Ajayeoba Abiola Olufemi , Raheem Wasiu Adewale , Adebiyi Kazeem Adekunle
Published: April 2019

Sawmill activities are characterized with different degrees of injuries and accidents due to indecorous handling of sawmill machineries, lack of necessary accident prevention facilities, skill, poor safety culture and practices. However, to guarantee safety in this kind of environment, it is highly imperative that the industry adopt and implement a range of effective occupational health and safety management measures in an efficient way that will lead to more favorable and safe environment for all stakeholders. The safety of stakeholders and facilities however necessitated this work. Two major sawmills were considered in two main towns or cities in each of the six southwestern states of Nigeria, namely: Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States, which formed part of the major wood producing rain forest areas in Nigeria. Some of the accidents causing activities identified were: human, deficiency in maintenance, environmental and Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) among others. Sawmill safety activities were classified as training, (PPE), safety awareness creation, accident investigation, motivation/incentives, machine/tools procurement and security/safety enforcement. Sixteen safety strategies were developed using combinatorial method with training, PPE and motivation/incentives as compulsory activities. System dynamics software (Vensim7.2) was then used to delineate the causal and flow diagrams. A system dynamic model was developed as valuable leading tool for effective safety planning and management in sawmill industry.
Static and Dynamic Behavior of Nanotubes-Reinforced Sandwich Plates Using (FSDT)
Authors: Draoui Aicha , Zidour Mohamed , Tounsi Abdelouahed , Adim Belkacem
Published: April 2019

Based on the first order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT) in the present studie, static and dynamic behavior of carbon nanotube-reinforced composite sandwich plates has been analysed. Two types of sandwich plates, namely, the sandwich with face sheet reinforced and homogeneous core and the sandwich with homogeneous face sheet and reinforced core are considered. The face sheet or core plates are reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes with two types of distributions of uniaxially aligned reinforcement material which uniformly (UD-CNT) and functionally graded (FG-CNT). The analytical equations are derived and the exact solutions for bending and vibration analyses of such type’s plates are obtained. The mathematical models provided and the present solutions are numerically validated by comparison with some available results in the literature. Inﬂuence of Various parameters of reinforced sandwich plates such as aspect ratios, volume fraction, types of reinforcement and plate thickness on the bending and vibration analyses of carbon nanotube-reinforced composite sandwich plates are studied and discussed. The findings suggest that the (FG-CNT) face sheet reinforced sandwich plate has a high resistance against deflections compared to other types of reinforcement. It is also revealed that the reduction in the dimensionless natural frequency is most pronounced in core reinforced sandwich plate.
A New Hyperbolic Two-Unknown Beam Model for Bending and Buckling Analysis of a Nonlocal Strain Gradient Nanobeams
Authors: Bedia Wafa Adda , Houari Mohammed Sid Ahmed , Bessaim Aicha , Bousahla Abdelmoumen Anis , Tounsi Abdelouahed , Saeed Tareq , Alhodaly Mohammed S.
Published: April 2019

In present paper, a novel two variable shear deformation beam theories are developed and applied to investigate the combined effects of nonlocal stress and strain gradient on the bending and buckling behaviors of nanobeams by using the nonlocal strain gradient theory. The advantage of this theory relies on its two-unknown displacement field as the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, and it is capable of accurately capturing shear deformation effects, instead of three as in the well-known first shear deformation theory and higher-order shear deformation theory. A shear correction factor is, therefore, not needed. Equations of motion are obtained via Hamilton’s principle. Analytical solutions for the bending and buckling analysis are given for simply supported beams. Efficacy of the proposed model is shown through illustrative examples for bending buckling of nanobeams. The numerical results obtained are compared with those of other higher-order shear deformation beam theory. The results obtained are found to be accurate. Verification studies show that the proposed theory is not only accurate and simple in solving the bending and buckling behaviour of nanobeams, but also comparable with the other shear deformation theories which contain more number of unknowns
Effect of Promoters and Calcination Temperature on Surface and Acidity of Modified Zirconia
Authors: Amin Amalia Kurnia , Trisunaryanti Wega , Wijaya Karna
Published: April 2019

The effect of sulfating agent concentration, calcination temperature, and Ni incorporation on commercial zirconia have been evaluated. Sulfation of commercial zirconia was prepared by wet impregnation with different amounts of sulfuric acid (0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 M) then calcined at 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and 900°C for 4 h. Ni was incorporated by refluxing over sulfated zirconia, followed by calcination-reduction process. All samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, ammonia sorption, SEM-EDX, TEM, and AAS. The presence of sulfate has been added to acidic strength of the sulfated zirconia, the more sulfuric acid were used the stronger the acidic property. There has been degradation of sulfate groups that was adrift in sulfated zirconia by calcination treatment above 600°C. The best physicochemical properties of sulfated zirconia were modification with 0.8 M sulfuric acid and on calcination at 400°C. The 0.8SZ-400 has exhibited the highest Brønsted acidic sites with total acidity of 1.71 mmol/g. The impregnation of Ni enhanced the Lewis acidic sites on the surface of the 0.8SZ-400 which NiSZ gave 2.71 mmol/g of total acidity. All prepared materials consisted of nearly spherical shape of nanocrystal with mostly aggregated particles.
Top-Down Fabrication Process of ZnO NWFETs
Authors: Ditshego Nonofo M.J. , Sultan Suhana Mohamed
Published: April 2019

ZnO NWFETs were fabricated with and without Al2O3passivation. This was done by developing a new recipe for depositing the thin film of ZnO. By using a high donor concentration of 1.7 x 1018cm-3for the thin film, contact resistance values were lowered (passivated device had Rcon= 2.5 x 104Ω; unpassivated device had Rcon= 3.0 x 105Ω). By depositing Zn first instead of O2, steep subthreshold slopes were obtained. The passivated device had a subthreshold slope of 225 mV/decade and the unpassivated device had a slope of 125 mV/decade. Well-behaved electrical characteristics have been obtained and the passivated device shows field effect mobility of 10.9 cm2/Vs and the un-passivated device shows a value of 31.4 cm2/Vs. To verify the results, 3D simulation was also carried out which shows that the obtained values of sub-threshold slope translate into interface state number densities of-1.86 x 1013cm-2for the unpassivated device and 3.35 x 1014cm-2for the passivated device. The passivated device is suitable for biosensing applications.
The Selective Expansion and Targeted Accumulation of Bone Marrow–Derived Macrophages Drive Cardiac Vasculitis
Authors: Stock Angus T. , Collins Nicholas , Smyth Gordon K. , Hu Yifang , Hansen Jacinta A. , D’Silva Damian B. , Jama Hamdi A. , Lew Andrew M. , Gebhardt Thomas , McLean Catriona A. , Wicks Ian P.
Published: April 2019

The adult heart contains macrophages derived from both embryonic and adult bone marrow (BM)-derived precursors. This population diversity prompted us to explore how distinct macrophage subsets localize within the heart, and their relative contributions in cardiac disease. In this study, using the reciprocal expression of Lyve-1 and Ccr2 to distinguish macrophages with distinct origins, we show that, in the steady state, both embryonic (Lyvepos) and BM-derived (Ccr2pos) macrophages populate the major vessels of the heart in mice and humans. However, cardiac macrophage populations are markedly perturbed by inflammation. In a mouse model of Kawasaki disease, BM-derived macrophages preferentially increase during acute cardiac inflammation and selectively accumulate around major cardiac vessels. The accumulation of BM-derived macrophages coincides with the loss of their embryonic counterparts and is an initiating, essential step in the emergence of subsequent cardiac vasculitis in this experimental model. Finally, we demonstrate that the accumulation of Ccr2pos macrophages (and the development of vasculitis) occurs in close proximity to a population of Ccr2 chemokine ligand–producing epicardial cells, suggesting that the epicardium may be involved in localizing inflammation to cardiac vessels. Collectively, our findings identify the perivascular accumulation of BM-derived macrophages as pivotal in the pathogenesis of cardiac vasculitis and provide evidence about the mechanisms governing their recruitment to the heart.
Linguistic features of the therapeutic alliance in the first session: a psychotherapy process study
Authors: Negri Attà , Christian Christopher , Mariani Rachele , Belotti Luca , Andreoli Giovanbattista , Danskin Kerri
Published: April 2019

Critical aspects of the therapeutic alliance appear to be established as early as the first session. Specifically, the affective bond between the therapeutic dyad appears to develop early in treatment and tends to remain stable over time, while agreements on goals and tasks tend to fluctuate over the course of treatment. Are there distinguishable early signs of a strong therapeutic alliance? In this study, we examined how some linguistic measures indicative of joint emotional elaboration correlated with a measure of the therapeutic alliance assessed within a single session. Initial intake sessions with 40 patients with varying diagnoses were videotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using linguistic measures of referential process and then scored with the Segmented Working Alliance Inventory-Observer form. Results showed that patients who were rated as more emotionally engaged in relating their experiences and then reflecting on them by mid-session also had higher scores in the therapeutic alliance by the final part of that same session. An implication of this study is that the interpersonal factors facilitating elaboration of inner experience, including elements of warmth, safety, and analytic trust, are related to the development of early therapeutic alliance. These findings did not appear to be dependent on the patient’s psychopathology. This study is one in a growing line of research exploring how patients speak rather than just the content of what they say.
Quantitative comparison between single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography imaging of lung ventilation with 99mTc-technegas and 68Ga-gallgas in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A pilot study
Authors: Cuna Enrique Gustavo , Gambini Juan Pablo , Servente Liliana , Savio Eduardo , Engler Henry William , González Gabriel Adrián , Alonso Omar
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was quantitative comparison between 68Ga-Gallgas positron emission tomography (PET) and 99mTc-Technegas single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for lung ventilation function assessment in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive pulmonary disease and to identify image-derived texture features correlating to the physiologic parameters. Five patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with PET and SPECT lung ventilation scans were selected for this study. Threshold-based segmentations were used to compare ventilated regions between both imaging techniques. Histograms of both scans were compared to reveal main differences in distributions of radiotracers. Volumes of segmentation as well as 50 textural features measured in the pulmonary region were correlated to the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) as the relevant physiological variable. A better peripheral distribution of the radiotracer was observed in PET scans for three out of five patients. A segmentation threshold of 27% and 31% for normalized scans, for PET and SPECT respectively, was found optimal for volume correlation with FEV1. A high correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient >0.9) was found between 16 texture features measured from SPECT and 7 features measured from PET and FEV1. Quantitative measurements revealed different tracer distribution in both techniques. These results suggest that tracer distribution patterns may depend on the cause of the pulmonary obstruction. We found several texture features measured from SPECT to correlate to FEV1.
Positron emission tomography-computed tomography in subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Bikkina Prathyusha , Reddy Kamala , Ali Zakir , Kumar Naveen
Published: April 2019

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare and poorly differentiated type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In this variant, the lymphoma cells infiltrate preferentially into the subcutaneous adipose tissue. It is an indolent type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and can be mistaken for panniculitis. Here, we describe the case of a 59-year-old female patient who presented with altered skin pigmentation with diffuse plaque-like patches in the skin around the thighs and legs. A skin biopsy revealed subcutaneous lobular panniculitis composed of lymphocytes, epithelioid histiocytes, and occasional giant cells admixed with atypical lymphoid cells, which were suggestive of cutaneous lymphoma. Immunohistochemistry showed CD3 positive, CD20 negative, CD8 positive, CD4 occasional cells positive, CD56 negative, and CD5 few cells positive, confirming the diagnosis of SPTCL. Therefore, cases with atypical and nonresolving dermatological lesions should raise a suspicion of SPTCL as diagnosis against other benign conditions.