bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of fine needle aspiration cytology in the early diagnosis of different head and neck malignancies: a hospital based prospective study
Authors: Chowdhury Bonapart
Published: February 2020

Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a very useful diagnostic modality for early diagnosis of cancers in the head and neck region where large majority of the lesions are in the form of cervical lymphadenopathy, thus FNAC is easily feasible. This can be used as a significant screening tool if sensitivity is found to be high.

Methods: A hospital based prospective study to find the accuracy of FNAC in correctly diagnosing malignant lesions in patients with visible or palpable mass lesions in the head and neck area where both FNAC and histopathological examination (HPE) is possible taking HPE as gold standard.  

Results: FNAC is a very effective tool in the early diagnosis of different head and neck malignancies with sensitivity of 91.37% and specificity of 97.62%.

Conclusions: FNAC is a simple, quick and safe diagnostic modality for different head and neck malignancies with significant sensitivity and specificity, thus can be used as a screening tool effectively. 
Recent trends in bacteriological and antibiogram profile of isolates from ear, nose and throat in a tertiary care hospital in coastal Karnataka
Authors: . Jyoti , Bhat S. Ravishankara , Srinivasan Madhumitha
Published: February 2020

Background: The objectives were to study the bacterial pathogens of ear, nose and throat (ENT), to determine the culture and sensitivity pattern of ENT infections in coastal Karnataka.

Methods: A retrospective culture and sensitivity profiling study of 109 samples from September 2018 to September 2019 was done in Department of ENT in KVG Medical College and Hospital.  

Results: Among the pure growth, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in majority of samples (27.77%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (22.9%). Klebsiella sp., Acinetobacter sp., Citrobacter, Non enterococcus, Escherichia coli, Proteus sp. and Streptococcus pneumoniae were responsible for remaining samples. Among S. aureus majority was MRSA accounting for 18.51%. P. aeruginosa was most sensitive to amikacin, ceftazidime, meropenem and piperacillin- tazobactam and least sensitive to cotrimoxazole and colistin and most resistant to sparfloxacin, cefaperazone-sulbactam, ceftriaxone-tazobactam and clindamycin. MRSA was most sensitive to gentamicin, amikacin and clindamycin and most resistant to cephalexin, ampicillin and ciprofloxacin. Klebsiella sp. was most sensitive to amikacin and cotrimoxazole and most resistant to sparfloxacin and ceftriaxone. E. coli was most sensitive to gentamicin and cotrimoxazole and most resistant to sparfloxacin.

Conclusions: P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and Klebsiella sp. represent majority of culture samples. With ever changing culture & sensitivity pattern and rising antibiotic resistance, a simple step of sending pus samples for the same will help in personalizing the treatment, thereby reducing the disease burden. 
Functional and radiological outcome of surgical treatment of distal tibial fracture by minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique
Authors: H.P. Shobha , S. Karthik , Dhanda Akshay , K. Lingaraju , Kumar Giridhar
Published: February 2020

Background: Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) is an established technique for fixation of fractures of the distal third tibia. Aim of our study was to manage extraarticular fractures of the distal third tibia by the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique and follow them prospectively. Clinical and radiological outcomes were studied and clinical indications & efficacy of the procedure reviewed.

Methods: From June 2018 to June 2019,25 patients of closed distal tibial fractures were operated by MIPPO technique with a distal tibial anatomical locking plate having 4.5 out of 5 proximal and 3.5 out of 4 distal screw holes. The follow up duration was for 1 year.

Results: The mean fracture healing time was 17 weeks (range 16 to 32 weeks) and average The American orthopedic foot and ankle score was 88.2 out of a total possible 100 points. At last follow up, superficial infection occurred in 3 patients, deep infection in 1 patient, ankle stiffness in 1 patient, limb length discrepancy <1 cm in 1 patient and malunion in 2 patients.

Conclusions: MIPPO technique provides good bone healing and decreases incidence of non-union and need for bone grafting. This technique should be used in distal tibia fractures where locked nailing cannot be done like fractures with small distal metaphyseal fragments, vertical splits, markedly comminute fractures.
Prospective study of management of long bone fracture by intra-medullary elastic nailing in children
Authors: Raut Saijyot , Jain Deepak , Gohil Pratik , Malviya Parimal , Vieira Alfven , Agrawal Tushar
Published: February 2020

Background: The treatment of long bone fractures in children from 6 to 14 years is a challenging scenario. Titanium elastic nail (TEN) fixation was originally meant as a gold standard treatment method for femoral fractures, but was gradually applied to other long bone fractures in children, because it represents a middle path between conservative and surgical modality.

Methods: In the present study paediatric patients in the age group of 6 to 14 year with long bone fractures to be treated with TEN in the Department of Orthopaedics were admitted to MGM Hospital (Kamothe) were selected. A total of 30 patients consenting to undergo this study were subjected for treatment after screening using the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 9.67±2.68 years. There was male preponderance (63.3%). In our study, RTA was observed to be the main cause of fracture (80%) whereas 20% fractures were due to fall. In our study, 50% patients had fracture of radius ulna followed by fracture of tibia 23.3%, femur (23.3%), and humerus (3.3%). The mean time to union was 5.30±1.06 weeks.

Conclusions: TEN seems to be simple, biocompatible, more physiological, reliable and effective method of treatment of all long bone shaft fractures in 6 to 14 years old children. It is a rapid, safe and simple procedure with advantages of short operative time, minimal blood loss, shorter hospital stays early union, allowing early mobilization and early return to function with minimal complications.
Perioperative management of geriatric patients for orthopedic surgeries
Authors: Krishna Bhavya , Pathak Nidhi
Published: February 2020

With increasing life expectancy, the mean age of patient orthopedicians and anesthesiologists have to deal with is increasing. In this review article, we discuss the case management of three centurions aged 110, 105 and 102 years respectively who underwent lower limb orthopedic surgery under nerve block, general anesthesia and neuraxial blockade, and elaborate on the various issues faced perioperatively by the treating team. The challenges and differences faced in perioperative period in geriatric anesthesia were discussed and literature reviewed for the benefit of the operating surgeons.
“Dziennik wojenny” by Leopold Buczkowski. A challenge for a (young) editor
Authors: Buryła Sławomir
Published: February 2020

The paper discussed Dziennik wojenny [War Journal] by Leopold Buczkowski. It posed a question concerning the origins of the text and the subsequent stages of its development. That is a challenging task since the original version of the work is not available. Additionally, the lack of the first version makes it difficult to examine the so-called material sphere of the journal. It can be reconstructed only based on the surviving manuscript version. The author of the paper also discussed Dziennik wojenny against the background of other early works by Buczkowski (Wertepy and Czarny potok, a collection of a few dozen poems), from the perspective of editorial and philological problems. He also demonstrated the need for a new edition of Dziennik wojenny, and indicated the errors committed in the existing edition.
Brr, Bereza. Polish literature towards the Confinement Centre in Bereza Kartuska. 1934–1939
Authors: Morawiec Arkadiusz
Published: February 2020

The article concerns the presence of the theme and motif of the Place of Isolation at Bereza Kartuska in broadly understood Polish literature. It presents the most important facts pertaining to this institution and the controversy related to its name (considered a euphemism) and the similarity of the “place of isolation” to other places of repression, such as the Russian Katorga, the communist Solovetsky Special Purpose Camp, or the Nazi Dachau concentration camp. The disputes that took place around the Place of Isolation during its functioning (1934–1939) are discussed, in which the writers also participated. Information on writers imprisoned at Bereza (Stanisław Mackiewicz, Leon Pasternak, Andrzej Wolica et al.) and poetry (also non-Polish) created there are also included. The subject of consideration are also literary works created outside the Place of Isolation during its functioning.
Conversation Analysis as a Discourse Approach to Teaching Speaking Skill
Authors: Dipta Dinar
Published: February 2020

Conversation comes as two ways communication used in daily activities. The large numbers of conversations lead some researchers to analyze it. Conversation has been the primary interest to language researchers since natural, unplanned, everyday conversation is the most commonly occurring and universal language genre (Riggenbach, 1999). Conversation is a speech activity in which all members of a community routinely participate. Among other approaches to discourse analysis used in teaching speaking, conversation analysis (CA) is one of the convenient practical devices in teaching oral English in the classroom. This paper aims to explore the theoretical basis for conversational analysis and examine the techniques applying a discourse approach to teaching speaking in the classroom.
A Pragmatic Analysis of Efl Learners’ Social Media Interaction
Authors: Khasanah Yunita Uswatun
Published: February 2020

As a new and emerging venue of interaction, social media provide an ample opportunity for EFL learners to practice their English mastery and to enhance their socio-pragmatic awareness. However, even though some social media attempt to accommodate and mimic offline communications through their features, there are still technological and platform affordance and constraints that limit what users can do to get their message across. This situation makes a pragmatic analysis of online communication using offline measure a naïve endeavor. To confirm this notion, this paper borrows concepts from relevance theory pertaining to L1 and L2 pragmatics to reveal the patterns of online communication of 43 EFL learners in their social media interaction. The results show that there is a different pattern between online and offline interaction where they share a non-prototypical model of communication, the process of context and meaning construction, as well as their attempt to compensate for what the platform is lacking in accommodating their communication need.
El fenómeno de la belleza como construcción social en El prestigio de la belleza, de Piedad Bonnett
Authors: González Rallón Jéssica Ivón Renata
Published: February 2020

El siguiente artículo presenta un análisis de la representación discursiva de la belleza, desde la terminología bajtiniana, que incluye el ideologema, la palabra autoritaria, la palabra intrínsecamente convincente, la polifonía y el dialogismo, en torno a la teoría literaria; además, expone, a su vez, algunos hallazgos que se dan en cuanto a las relaciones de poder, las ideologías y las cargas axiológicas que se entretejen alrededor del fenómeno de la belleza como concepción estética y construcción social en dos personajes de la novela autobiográfica colombiana: El prestigio de la belleza de Piedad Bonnett, publicada en 2010, en la que se percibe una representación de la belleza basada en el cuerpo y otra basada en el intelecto.
THE PROFILE OF DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURE COLLES’ TYPE AT DR. SOETOMO HOSPITAL IN 2013
Authors: Nugroho Devina Gabriella , Bayusentono Sulis , Rehatta Nancy Margaritta
Published: February 2020

The fracture cases become increase because the rapid development of transportation and human mobility today is not offset by good vigilance in conducting the activity. One of the most common location is in the hand and involves distal radius part, named Colles’ fracture. Colles’ fracture is the most common wrist fracture (almost 80% of the forearm fractures and the incidence rise in elderly people especially woman. The adequate distribution data of Colles’ Fracture is not available yet. If this situation keeps going, it will have impacts on the lack of preventive measures and recovery methods. The study was design as descriptive and used secondary data from medical records in Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of Dr. Soetomo Hospital Surabaya. Total 37 patients that included in inclusion criteria. Distal radius fracture Colles’ type was common in woman. The most common age was 45-64 years old. Most common causes of fracture was traffic accidents. Left forearm become major affected side. The incidence dominantly occurred at the street. The incidence often occurred at 12.00-18.00. The onset of admission from the incidence place to hospital was less than 8 hours.
THE EFFECT OF PLATELET RICH PLASMA ON MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLs (MSCs) DIFFERENTIATION INTO CHONDROBLAST
Authors: Utomo Dwikora Novembri , Widiastana I Gde Adi
Published: February 2020

The addition of platelet rich plasma to mesenchymal stem cell culture on growth  media and  chondrogenic  media  had  any effect  on stem cell’s proliferation and differentiation into chondroblast has not been determined. This research is to find  out  the  effect  of  platelet  rich  plasma  on  mesenchymal  stem  cell’s differentiation and proliferation into chondroblast on in vitro media. Randomized control group posttest only design. Blood was taken from the rabbit’s vein to be processed into platelet rich plasma (PRP). Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) was harvested from the bone marrow of the rabbit to be cultured. The MSC’s culture were divided into three groups of modification. The first group was combination of MSC added with Complete Culture Medium (CCM) and Chondrogenic Diferentation Medium (CDM) without PRP as control group. The second group had the same combination as the first group with extra 5% PRP. The third group had the same combination as the first group with extra 10% PRP. The results were evaluated in the following 21 days. The group that received extra 5% PRP had significant increase of chondroblast count compared to the group without PRP addition (p=0,033). The same result also occured on the groups that received extra 10% PRP compared to the group without PRP addition (p=0,028). There were no significant diferences between both the second and the third groupchondroblast count (p=0,203). There was a significant effect of platelet rich plasma on mesenchymal stem cell’s diferentiation and proliferation into chondroblast on invitro media.
Archivos de Zootecnia. Informe Editorial 2019
Authors: Navas González F.J. , Delgado Bermejo J.V.
Published: February 2020

Archivos de Zootecnia alcanzó su número 264 en 2019. En el presente Informe Editorial se recogen los hechos y cifras derivadas del proceso editorial durante el pasado ciclo editorial anual. Archivos de Zootecnia querría mostrar su más sincera gratitud hacia los Editores Sectoriales involucrados en el proceso editorial y los Revisores sin cuya labor nuestro trabajo no sería de otro modo posible. Se recibieron un total de 544 manuscritos. Aunque Brasil fue aún el país que contribuyó con el mayor número de manuscritos, los envíos notablemente descendieron (52.56%) en favor de un aumento de los envíos por parte de autores de otros países. Por tanto, el idioma más frecuentemente utilizado fue el portugués, seguido del español y el inglés. 79 trabajos fueron publicados en 2019: 66 artículos, 10 notas cortas y 3 revisiones. Los trabajos publicados procedían de 15 países. Los dos temas principales objeto de publicación fueron “Nutrición y Alimentación” (30.77%) y “Razas y Genética” (14.10%); mientras que la principal especie sobre la que se publicó fue la especie bovina en su aplicación cárnica (14.10%). Los tiempos editoriales entre la recepción y publicación de los trabajos han seguido reduciendo con respecto a los últimos años de acuerdo a los resultados mostrados en informes editoriales previos. El índice Citescore alcanzó un valor de 0.44, situando a la revista en un Q3 del repositorio Scopus.
Índices de selección para la mejora genética de vacas Siboney de Cuba
Authors: Hernández A. , Ponce de León R.
Published: February 2020

Se utilizaron los datos fenotípicos y genealógicos de vacas Siboney de Cuba (5/8 Hostein 3/8 Cebú) con partos de los años 1984 al 2016. El objetivo del estudio fue estimar los parámetros y valores genéticos (VG) de rasgos de producción, reproducción y longevidad, y construir índices de selección (IS) mediante el análisis de componentes principales (CP). Se estimaron los VG de 6 425 vacas para la producción de leche acumulada hasta los 305 días (VGL305), duración de la lactancia (VGDL), edad al primer parto (VGEp1), intervalo parto gestación (VGIPG), leche acumulada por vida (VGLTV) y vida productiva (VGVP). Las h2 para L305, DL, EP1, IPG, LTV y VP fueron de 0.16±0.01, 0.04±0.01, 0.04±0.01, 0.44±0.02, 0.05±0.01 y 0.01±0.01, respectivamente. La correlación genética entre L305 y DL fue de 0.36, entre EP1, IPG y LTV de 0.36, -0.42 y -0.36, y de VP con los otros rasgos fueron bajas (-0.24 a 0.11). El 70.8 % de la varianza total de los VG fue explicada por los CP1-3, siendo el CP1 el de mayor aporte (32.4 %). Los CP permitieron seleccionar por los CP1 y CP2, en lugar de seis VG. Se concluye que en el Siboney de Cuba es posible construir IS basados en los CP. La selección para VGL305 y VGDL podría realizarse mediante el índice PC1, otro IS (PC2) consideraría los VGIPG, VGEP1 y VGLTV; mientras que la VP podría mejorarse independientemente de los otros rasgos utilizando su VG.
Maturação oocitária: Eventos que suportam etapas subsequentes do desenvolvimento
Authors: Adona P.R. , Bosso A. , Leal C.L.V.
Published: February 2020

A competência de desenvolvimento do oócito há estádio embrionário avançado é dependente das transformações ocorridas durante a maturação oocitária. Em bovino a maturação oocitária in vivo inicia-se na fase que precede a ovulação e é caracterizada por uma série de mudanças morfológicas, moleculares e bioquímicas no oócito e nas células somáticas que o envolvem. Estas mudanças vão tornar o oócito apto a ser fecundado e ter um desenvolvimento embrionário subsequente. Esta revisão enfoca os princípios básicos da maturação nuclear e citoplasmática de oócitos, através dos quais eles adquirem competência meiótica e capacidade para o subsequente desenvolvimento embrionário.
The Conduction of Heat Incident to the Flow of Vaporizing Fluids in Porous Media
Authors: Miller Frank G. , Seban Ralph A.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 282–284.

Introduction and Purpose

Problems relating to thermal methods of oil recovery have been given increasing attention during the past year. The nature of the physical and chemical processes underlying thermal recovery are not yet well understood. The need for pertinent basic information is recognized generally. One of the processes involved is the transfer of heat by conduction in oil reservoir rocks containing moving reservoir fluids. This technical note deals with heat conduction in a laboratory sand column filled with a moving hydrocarbon and therefore should be contributory to the presently inadequate fund of knowledge on the over-all subject.

In an analysis of the flow of vaporizing propane through a horizontal column of sand, one of the present authors demonstrated correspondence between the measured values of pressure along the length of the column and those predicted by a theory which postulated that the enthalpy of the propane was invariable along the length of the column. This postulate was implied as a deduction from the principle of conservation of energy but the details of the deduction were not given. The specific purpose of this technical note is the presentation of these details both as an adjunct to the earlier analysis and to supply some additional details on the processes involved in this type of flow. Results disclose that rates of heat transfer by conduction, in the direction of fluid motion, generally would be small for systems of the type studied.

Fundamental Energy Equation

The principle of conservation of energy may be applied to a section of the porous material on the basis that heat transfer, like fluid flow, is possible in the x direction only. Transfer of heat in the y and z directions is prevented by suitable insulation or by taking the medium as infinite in directions perpendicular to the x axis. For steady state heat conduction and conditions of steady fluid flow the principle of conservation of energy specifies that any reduction in the enthalpy rate increases the flow of heat in the same proportion.
A Subsurface Flowmeter
Authors: Rumble R.C.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 258–261.

To meet the need for a subsurface flowmeter capable of measuring low rates of flow, a new type flowmeter has been built and tested in the field. This instrument is self-contained, can be run on a wire measuring line, and may be run through 2-in tubing. It consists of a rotameter flow-measuring assembly used in conjunction with a conventional subsurface instrument clock and chart. Integral with the tool is an inflatable packer which, by effecting a seal between casing and tool, diverts all fluid through the metering assembly. Packers of different size adapt the tool to different sizes of casing or liner. The flowmeter is capable of measuring rates of flow as low as 4 B/D.

The flowmeter has been run experimentally in seven wells. It has yielded satisfactory results in five of the wells, and in the other two it failed to operate because of loose sand in the hole.

Introduction

One of the oldest problems facing the producing branch of the petroleum industry is the location of depths of entry of fluid into a wellbore and the determination of the amount of fluid entering at each depth. This problem is often encountered in oil and gas wells completed in single producing horizons as well as in multiple pays; it is a common problem in oil wells which produce excessive volumes of gas.

Several subsurface instruments designed to detect and meter flow in the producing interval of wells have been described in the literature. Most of these, however, were apparently intended for use in wells producing at relatively high rates of flow, and consequently lack sensitivity to low flow rates. Because of this and of other possible disadvantages inherent in these instruments, development of the subsurface flowmeter described in this report was undertaken.
Metastable Equilibrium in the Dew Point Determination of Natural Gases in the Hydrate Region
Authors: Kobayashi Riki , Katz Donald L.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 262–263.

Introduction

The dew point of natural gas which has been in equilibrium with gas hydrates has been reported to be lower than that obtained for natural gas in equilibrium with water. Hammerschmidt reports a lowering of the dew point of 13° F for a natural gas in equilibrium with hydrate at 38° F and 525 psi. Records and Seely likewise show that the dew point of gas leaving hydrate separators is as much as 15° F below the separator temperature.

This paper presents the reasons for the observed differences between the equilibrium temperatures and the dew point temperatures. Descriptions of the dew point determination by the Bureau of Mines and ASTM tester indicate that the dew point is taken as the temperature at which liquid water droplets first begin to appear on the cooled mirror surface even though the temperatures involved are below that required for the formation of gas hydrates or ice.

Pressure-Temperature Diagram for Methane-Water System

Fig. 1 presents a schematic pressure-temperature diagram for the methane-water system for some constant pressure between the critical pressures of pure methane and pure water i.e., pressures frequently encountered in pipeline operations. The possible equilibrium relations are shown by the heavy solid lines. Curve AE represents the saturated water content or dew point of gas in equilibrium with a water-rich liquid solution while curve EF represents the dew point of gas in equilibrium with hydrates. In addition the dotted line DE labelled "metastable dew point" is introduced to explain the apparent discrepancy between the dew point determination and gas-hydrate equilibria.
Statin prescription among patients with type 2 diabetes in Botswana: findings and implications
Authors: Mwita Julius Chacha , Godman Brian , Esterhuizen Tonya M
Published: February 2020

Background
There is evidence of statin benefit among patients with diabetes regardless of cholesterol levels or prior cardiovascular disease history. Despite the evidence, there is under-prescription of statins in clinical practice. This study aimed to assess statin prescriptions and associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes in Botswana.
Methods
The study was a secondary data analysis of 500 randomly selected type 2 diabetes patients at a specialised diabetes clinic at Gaborone, Botswana. We assessed the proportion of statin-eligible patients who are prescribed statins and evaluated the adjusted associations between various factors and statin prescriptions.
Results
Overall, 477 (95.4%) participants were eligible for a statin prescription. Clinicians prescribed statins in 217 (45.5%) of eligible participants, and only one (4.4%) ineligible participant. The probability of a statin prescription was higher in participants with high baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (risk ratio [RR]: 1.49; 95%CI: 1.17-1.89), increasing duration of diabetes (RR: 1.01; 95%CI 1.00-1.03) and the presence of chronic kidney disease (RR: 1.35; 95%CI: 1.06-1.74).
Conclusion
A large proportion with type 2 diabetes in Gaborone is not receiving statins. Clinicians did not consider most guideline-recommended indications for statin prescriptions. The findings call for improvement in diabetes quality of care by implementing evidence-based guideline recommendations.

Keywords: statin, type 2 diabetes mellitus, prescription and Botswana
Comparison of the effects of empagliflozin and glimepiride on endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Tamura Haruka , Kondo Yoshinobu , Ito Kohei , Hasebe Masanori , Satoh Shinobu , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background : Among patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, those receiving empagliflozin have a lower rate of primary composite cardiovascular outcome and death from any cause. While treatment with sulfonylurea reduces microvascular complications in diabetes, it increases cardiovascular hospitalization or mortality in combination with metformin. In the present study, we assessed the effects of empagliflozin and glimepiride, a commonly prescribed sulfonylurea, on endothelial function using flow–mediated dilation (FMD) to estimate arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods : In this prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel-group study, 58 patients with type 2 diabetes received metformin and glargine before bedtime for 12 weeks. This was followed by additional treatment with either 10 mg empagliflozin or 0.5 mg glimepiride for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the FMD measurement (DFMDs), measured prior to and after 12 weeks of additional treatment. Secondary outcomes comprised changes in metabolic markers and body composition.
Results : Analysis of the empagliflozin group ( n = 30) and glimepiride group ( n = 28) showed no significant differences in DFMDs (empagliflozin, −0.19 ± 2.34%; glimepiride, −0.37 ± 2.77%; P = 0.79). Similarly, changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were similar between the two groups. However, significant difference in body weight changes were observed between the two groups (empagliflozin, –0.59 ± 2.5 kg; glimepiride, 1.2 ± 3.0 kg; P = 0.02). In addition, an analysis of the body composition revealed that body fluid volume significantly decreased after empagliflozin treatment (baseline, 35.8 ± 6.8 L; after 12 weeks, –0.33 ± 0.72 L; P = 0.03).
Conclusions : Empagliflozin did not improve endothelial function when compared to glimepiride in patients with type 2 diabetes but decreased their body fluid volume. This suggested that the coronary protective effect of empagliflozin is not derived by protection of the endothelial function but rather from reduction in the risk of heart failure.
Trial Registration : This trial was registered on September 13, 2016; UMIN000024001 .
Keywords: Empagliflozin, Endothelial function, Glimepiride, Diabetes, Flow–mediated dilation
The mutational spectrum of Hunter syndrome reveals correlation between biochemical and clinical profiles in Tunisian patients
Authors: Chkioua Latifa , Grissa Oussama , Leban Nadia , Gribaa Moez , Boudabous Hela , Turkia Hadhami Ben , Ferchichi Salima , Tebib Neji , Laradi Sandrine
Published: February 2020

Background: Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) or Hunter syndrome is an X-linked recessive lysosomal storage disorder resulting from deficient activity of iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS) and the progressive lysosomal accumulation of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Methods: A diagnosis of MPS II or Hunter syndrome was performed based on the following approach after a clinical and paraclinical suspicion. Two biochemical and molecular tests were carried out separately and according to the availability of the biological material. Results: All patients in this cohort presented the most common MPS II clinical features. Electrophoresis of GAGs on a cellulose acetate plate in the presence of a high concentration of heparane sulfate showed an abnormal dermatan sulfate band in the patients compared with that in a control case. Furthermore, leukocyte IDS activity ranged from 0.00 to 0.75 nmol/h/mg of leukocyte protein in patients. Five previously reported mutations were identified in this study patients: one splice site mutation, c.240+1G>A; two missense mutations, p.R88P and p.G94D; a large deletion of exon 1 to exon 7; and one nonsense mutation, p.Q396*. In addition, two novel alterations were identified in the MPS II patients: one frame shift mutation, p.D450Nfs*95 and one nonsense mutation, p.Q204*. Additionally, five known IDS polymorphisms were identified in the patients: IVS3-16 (c.419-16 delT), p.T214M (c.641C>T), p.T146T (c.438 C>T), IVS5-87 (c.709-87G>A), and IVS7+38 (c.1006+38T>C). Conclusions: The high level of urine GAGs and the deficiency of iduronate 2-sulfatase activity was associated with the phenotype expression of Hunter syndrome. Molecular testing was useful for the patients’ phenotypic classification and the detection of carriers.
Characteristics of sleep/wake problems and delivery outcomes among pregnant Japanese women without gestational complications
Authors: Umeno Shiho , Kato Chiho , Nagaura Yuki , Kondo Hideaki , Eto Hiromi
Published: February 2020

Background: Frequently observed sleep/wake problems among pregnant women need comprehensive evaluation. This study was conducted to clarify the sleep/wake problems among pregnant women without gestational complications during the second and third trimester and the effects of sleep/wake problems on delivery outcomes. Methods: A total of 88 Japanese pregnant women participated in this study. In their second and third trimester, subjective sleep quality, insomnia severity, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED) were assessed using questionnaires; also, sleep disordered breathing (SDB) was screened using a pulse oximeter. Results: From the second to the third trimester, an increasing tendency of sleep/wake problems was observed. During the third trimester, the percentages of women experiencing decreased subjective sleep quality, difficulty maintaining sleep (DMS), EDS, RLS/WED, and 3% oxygen desaturation index (ODI) values ≥ 5/hour were 62.5%, 45.5%, 48.9%, 9.1%, and 29.5%, respectively. In a logistic regression analysis for EDS in the third trimester, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of total sleep duration < 6 hours, moderate to severe DMS, and 3% ODI values ≥ 5/hour were 3.25 (1.16–9.10), 4.74 (1.60–14.00), and 0.90 (0.28–2.89), respectively. Although short sleep durations, decreased subjective sleep quality, EDS, and SDB did not affect delivery outcomes or the infant’s condition, the percentage of women undergoing cesarean sections in the severe insomnia group was significantly higher (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Sleep/wake problems were frequent during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. EDS among pregnant women was associated with shorter sleep durations and DMS rather than SDB. The effect of factors related to insomnia on delivery outcomes should thus be considered a crucial problem among pregnant Japanese women without gestational complications in clinical practice.
Overexpression of GmNFYA5 confers drought tolerance to transgenic Arabidopsis and soybean plants
Authors: Ma Xiao-Jun , Yu Tai-Fei , Li Xiao-Hui , Cao Xin-You , Ma Jian , Chen Jun , Zhou Yong-Bin , Chen Ming , Ma You-Zhi , Zhang Jun-Hua , Xu Zhao-Shi
Published: February 2020

Background: Crop productivity is challenged by abiotic stresses, among which drought stress is the most common. NF-Y genes, especially NF-YA genes, regulate tolerance to abiotic stress. Results: Soybean NF-Y gene GmNFYA5 was identified to have the highest transcript level among all 21 NF-YA genes in soybean ( Glycine max L.) under drought stress. Drought-induced transcript of GmNFYA5 was suppressed by the ABA synthesis inhibitor naproxen (NAP). GmNFYA5 transcript was detected in various tissues at vegetative and reproductive growth stages with higher levels in roots and leaves than in other tissues, which was consist with the GmNFYA5 promoter:GUS fusion assay. Overexpression of GmNFYA5 in transgenic Arabidopsis plants caused enhanced drought tolerance in seedlings by decreasing stomatal aperture and water loss from leaves. Overexpression and suppression of GmNFYA5 in soybean resulted in increased and decreased drought tolerance, respectively, relative to plants with an empty vector (EV). Transcript levels of ABA-dependent genes ( ABI2 , ABI3 , NCED3 , LEA3 , RD29A , P5CS1 , GmWRKY46 , GmNCED2 and GmbZIP1 ) and ABA-independent genes ( DREB1A , DREB2A , DREB2B , GmDREB1 , GmDREB2 and GmDREB3 ) in transgenic plants overexpressing GmNFYA5 were higher than those of wild-type plants under drought stress; suppression of GmNFYA5 transcript produced opposite results. GmNFYA5 probably regulated the transcript abundance of GmDREB2 and GmbZIP1 by binding to the promoters in vivo. Conclusions: Our results suggested that overexpression of GmNFYA5 improved drought tolerance in soybean via both ABA-dependent and ABA-independent pathways.
Structure and Permeability Characterization of Sinojackia xylocarpa Hu drupe, based on High-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Paraffin Section Detection
Authors: WU YU , Shen Bao
Published: February 2020

Sinojackia xylocarpa Hu is an endangered plant species endemic to China. In this study, we observed the permeability of Sinojackia xylocarpa Hu drupe in the imbibition phase by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dynamics, and obtained the spatial representation of the water distribution in the drupe. At the same time, the structure of the drupe, the permeability of the seed coat and the endosperm were monitored through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and paraffin section detection (PSD) .
Identification and analysis of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) associated co-expression and ceRNA regulatory networks in esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Haigen , Zhuang Jing , Yang Xi , Wu Wei , Dai Siqi , Qi Quang , Han Shuwen
Published: February 2020

Background: This study aimed to investigate the role of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and their host genes (SNHGs) in tumorigenesis and progression of esophageal carcinoma (EC). Methods: RNA-seq data and clinical information for EC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Differentially expressed snoRNAs (DE-snoRNAs) and SNHGs (DE-SNHGs) between EC samples and normal controls were screened with the edgeR package, followed by the trend analysis with STEM. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method with the log-rank test. Identification of co-expressed genes and functional enrichment analyses were performed with Pearson’s correlation analysis and enrichment analysis, respectively. Lastly, the co-expression and ceRNA networks were constructed. Results: A total of 19 DE-snoRNAs and nine DE-SNHGs were identified between EC samples and normal controls. Moreover, two snoRNA clusters related to the clinic stage were identified through trend analysis. Survival analysis results demonstrated that SNORA70D was significantly associated with the overall survival of EC patients (P=0.034). In addition, a co-regulation network that included six snoRNAs and 29 mRNAs was constructed. A ceRNA network comprised of five SNHGs, 11 mRNAs, and 38 miRNAs was constructed based on the top 50 relationship pairs. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that SNORA14B, SNORA47, SNORA71C, SNORD12B, and SNORD14E in the co-expression network were mainly enriched in the NOD−like receptor signaling pathway, and neuroactive ligand−receptor interaction pathway. SNHG23, SNHG3, SNHG17, SNHG4, and SNHG8 in the ceRNA regulation network were mainly enriched in calcium signaling pathway, cytokine−cytokine receptor interaction, and the extracellular matrix−receptor interaction pathway. Conclusion: The data revealed a series of snoRNAs, SNHGs, and pathways involved in EC carcinogenesis, which will provide a basis for understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of EC development.
Propofol inhibits inflammatory response by regulating the miR-494/ Nrdp1 pathway in ICH mice model
Authors: Shi Hui , Xiong Qijiang , Huang Zhongyan , yang zhao
Published: February 2020

Background: Propofol is an anesthetic agent with neuro-protective effect in neuronal injury. However, the mechanism of propofol in M1 macrophage polarization following ICH has not been well studied. Ubiquitination mediated M1/M2 macrophage polarization plays important roles in pathogenesis of immune disease. The experiment analyzed anti-inflammatory effects of propofol in macrophages following ICH. Methods: In the experiment, macrophages were administrated with erythrocyte lysates, and then miR-494, Nrdp1 and M1 related markers were analyzed. In addition, brain inflammatory response, brain edema, and neurological functions of ICH mice were also assessed. Results: We found that propofol decreased miR-494 levels while increased Nrdp1 levels in macrophages after ICH. We also demonstrated that miR-494 inhibited Nrdp1 expression by directly binding its 3′-untranslated region. MiR-494 attenuated Nrdp1 levels and downstream proinflammatory factors production. Upregulation of Nrdp1 in macrophages significantly decreased M1 macrophage polarization. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that propofol can attenuate the neuroinflammatory response of macrophages after ICH through regulation of the miR-494/Nrdp1 pathway.
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Glucocorticoid Resistance in Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Prospective Study
Authors: Owen Claire , McMaster Christopher , Liew David FL , Leung Jessica L , Scott Andrew M , Buchanan Russell RC
Published: February 2020

Background Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been found to correlate with disease activity in several rheumatic diseases, however their clinical and prognostic utility in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) remains unclear. This study evaluated the relationship between NLR and PLR, and disease activity and glucocorticoid resistance in PMR. Methods Data for disease activity (PMR-AS) and full blood examination was obtained from a prospective observational cohort comprising newly diagnosed (2012 EULAR/ACR classification criteria), steroid-naïve PMR patients treated with low-dose glucocorticoid therapy (BSR guideline). Glucocorticoid resistance was defined as non-response to initial prednisolone dose (15mg/day) or initial response followed by flare (PMR-AS ≥9.35 or ∆≥6.6) upon weaning prednisolone to 5mg/day. Univariable Bayesian linear regression analysis of the relationship between PMR-AS (baseline and mean) and NLR and PLR was performed. Predictors of glucocorticoid resistance were identified using a multivariable outcome model, with variables chosen based upon Bayesian model selection. Results Of the 32 included patients, 16 (50%) fulfilled the primary outcome measure of glucocorticoid resistance. These participants were older, typically female, and had higher baseline CRP than their glucocorticoid-responsive counterparts. A statistically significant relationship was identified between PMR-AS and both NLR (OR 28.1 [95% CI 1.6 – 54.7]) and PLR (OR 40.6 [95% CI 10.1 – 71.4]) at baseline, with PLR also found to correlate with disease activity during follow-up (OR 15.6 [95% CI 2.7 – 28.2]). Baseline NLR proved to be a statistically significant predictor of glucocorticoid-resistant PMR (OR 14.01 [95% CI 1.49 – 278.06]). Conclusion Baseline NLR can predict glucocorticoid resistance in newly diagnosed PMR patients. Both NLR and PLR may be reliable biomarkers of disease activity in PMR.
Laparoscopic surgery management of Hydronephrosis secondary to Left Paraduodenal Hernia in cryptorchid: Case report and a literature review
Authors: Wang xin , Guan Yong , Wu Yong , Meng QingYa
Published: February 2020

Rationale

Left paraduodenal hernia (PDH) is a mesenterico-parietal hernia with retroperitoneal retrocolic herniation of the small bowel into a sac formed by a peritoneal fold located near the fourth portion of the duodenum. It’s a rare cause of hydronephrosis by compressed the upper left ureter. Traditionally, PDH are treated by laparotomy.

Patient concerns

An 8-year-old boy’s primary purpose was the treatment of cryptorchidism. But hydronephrosis was detected and it was induced by left paraduodenal hernia.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic laparoscopic exploration confirmed the diagnosis left paraduodenal hernia secondary hydronephrosis. Cryptorchidism was the primary purpose of treatment.

Interventions

The patient was treated with laparoscopic surgery, fixed left paraduodenal hernia, released the ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and treated hydronephrosis.

Out comes

Secondary surgery for treating cryptorchidism would be performed and the long-term follow up was necessary.

Lessons

This case suggests us a rare cause of hydronephrosis in children. Every why has a wherefore. We must pay much attention to any unusual details in our medical work even though these details aren’t related to our primary objects.
Multi-criteria food products identification by fuzzy logic methods
Authors: Oganesyants Lev , Semipyatniy Vladislav , Galstyan Aram , Vafin Ramil , Khurshudyan Sergey , Ryabova Anastasia
Published: February 2020

The paper deals with the theory of fuzzy sets as applied to food industry products. The fuzzy indicator function is shown as a criterion for determining the properties of the product. We compared the approach of fuzzy and probabilistic classifiers, their fundamental differences and areas of applicability. As an example, a linear fuzzy classifier of the product according to one-dimensional criterion was given and an algorithm for its origination as well as approximation is considered, the latter being sufficient for the food industry for the most common case with one truth interval where the indicator function takes the form of a trapezoid. The results section contains exhaustive, reproducible, sequentially stated examples of fuzzy logic methods application for properties authentication and group affiliation of food products. Exemplified by measurements of the criterion with an error, we gave recommendations for determining the boundaries of interval identification for foods of mixed composition. Harrington’s desirability function is considered as a suitable indicator function of determining deterioration rate of a food product over time. Applying the fuzzy logic framework, identification areas of a product for the safety index by the time interval in which the counterparty selling this product should send it for processing, hedging their possible risks connected with the expiry date expand. In the example of multi-criteria evaluation of a food product consumer attractiveness, Harrington’s desirability function, acting as a quality function, was combined with Weibull probability density function, accounting for the product’s taste properties. The convex combination of these two criteria was assumed to be the decision-making function of the seller, by which identification areas of the food product are established.
Comparative assessment of sorbic and benzoic acid via express biotest
Authors: Samoylov Artem , Suraeva Natal’ya , Zaytseva Mariya , Rachkova Vera , Kurbanova Madinat , Petrov Andrey
Published: February 2020

Negative physiological and biochemical effects of chronic and subchronic doses of benzoates and sorbates may pose a certain risk to human health. Identifying new biomarkers responsible for the body’s response to these compounds could provide significant details in determining the mechanism of their toxicity. To assess comparatively physiological, cytological, cytogenetic, and biochemical parameters in onion roots cells we used an Allium test. The roots were previously treated with sorbic and benzoic acids. The study recorded the dose-dependent toxic effect of these preservatives on the root mass growth. The EC50 values obtained for benzoic and sorbic acids (10 mg/L and 110 mg/L respectively) were significantly lower than the regulated concentrations prescribed by the standards for their content in certain types of food products. With an increase in concentrations of these acids, the mitotic index of meristematic cells decreased in experimental groups compared to control groups. The data obtained confirmed the necessity of estimating the mitotic index when choosing onion for the Allium test. The necessity resulted from the fact that low proliferative activity could cause false positive results. Sorbic and benzoic acids in concentrations below the corresponding EC50 increased the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in apical meristematic cells of the roots compared to control. Thus, benzoic and sorbic acids had reliable mitodepressive and genotoxic effects on the dividing cells of onion roots. The study explored the dynamics of lipid oxidation biomarker accumulation (malon dialdehyde, MDA) after exposure to benzoic and sorbic acids. The toxic effect of benzoic acid appeared not to be associated with oxidative damage to root cell lipids, whereas sorbic acid in concentrations from 20 to 200 mg/L resulted in a multiple increase in MDA concentration in the test samples compared to control. At the same time, lipid peroxidation showed a higher level of sensitivity compared to other indicators of this test. Further, the data obtained on the toxic influence of sorbic and benzoic acids can be used in express methods to assess food and ecological security of these acids.