bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone microarchitecture involvement and intervertebral disc alterations in patients with β-thalassemia: a retrospective study
Authors: De Sire Alessandro , Iolascon Giovanni
Published: October 2016

Background. Bone involvement in patients with β-thalassemia is well known, but only few studies have analyzed bone microarchitecture and the prevalence of intervertebral disc calcifications (IDCs) in these patients.Aim: to evaluate the bone involvement in a group of patients with β-thalassemia in terms of geometry and bone quality; moreover, we evaluated prevalence and site of IDCs in these patients.Methods. Our retrospective case-control study was conducted in a population of adults with β-thalassemia, aged between 18 and 50 years. The patients were divided, according with the International Society for Clinical Densitometry, into 2 groups: subjects with Zs ≤ -2.0, below the expected range for age, and subjects with Zs > -2.0, within the expected range for age. Assessment of proximal femur geometry was performed using the Hip Structural Analysis (HSA), that provides the following parameters: Hip Axis Length (HAL), Femoral Strength Index (FSI), Cross-Sectional Moment of Inertia (CSMI) Cross-Sectional Area (CSA), Section Modulus (Z), and buckling ratio (BR). Assessment of bone quality was performed using the Trabecular Bone Score (TBS), stratifying subjects into 3 groups: with abnormal (TBS ≤ 1.200), partially altered (TBS> 1.200 and <1.350), and normal (TBS ≥ 1.350) trabecular microarchitecture. Finally, we evaluated the prevalence of IDCs highlighted by images of Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA).Results. We evaluated 49 patients with β-thalassemia, mean aged 35.16 ± 9.59 years, divided into two groups: 25 patients with Zs ≤ -2.0 and 24 patients with Zs > -2.0. Results demonstrated all statistically significant differences (p<0.001) between the two groups in BMD, Ts and Zs (in all examined districts), and in number of fragility fractures (p=0.0339). HSA showed that there are significant differences between groups only in FSI (p=0.0068) and CSA (p=0.0041). Furthermore, TBS of patients with Zs ≤ -2.0 was significantly lower than individuals Zs > -2.0 (p=0.0006); there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in categorized TBS (p=0.0061). Finally, we evidenced in 7 patients (14.29%) the presence of at least one IDC.Conclusions. Our results showed that β-thalassemia is characterized not only by a reduction in BMD, but also by a geometric and qualitative bone microarchitecture involvement. HSA and even more TBS should be included in the assessment of individuals with β-thalassemia, in order to obtain a proper management and prevention of fragility fractures; furthermore, the presence of IDCs might be better investigated in these patients.
Evaluation of bone quality, measured by trabecular bone score in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Huguet Isabel , Sampedro-Núñez Miguel , Muñoz de Nova Jose Luis , Ramos-Levi Ana , Escolano Eugenio , Vicuña Alicia , Zelada Magaly , Marazuela Monica
Published: October 2016

Introduction. Evaluation of bone quality represents a clinical challenge. Analysis of bone mineral density (BMD) provides useful, but incomplete, information, and new tools are needed. Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) is emerging as a new surrogate marker of bone texture and microarchitecture and, may, therefore, be useful to potentially evaluate the risk of osteoporosis.Materials and methods. Retrospective study of 18 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Clinical, analytical and BMD data were collected form clinical records. TBS was calculated by reevaluating the already existing BMD images. Patients were classified into two different groups according to their treatment: 1) 10 patients who underwent surgery, in whom TBS was evaluated before (B-S) and after surgery (A-S), and 2) 8 patients who received standard medical treatment, in whom TBS was evaluated with a time-lapse of one year.Results. Basal age, body mass index (BMI), serum calcium, PTH and vitamin 25-OH-D levels, and T-Scores were not significantly different between the two groups. We observed a significant improvement of TBS one year after surgery in the first group (TBS B-S 1.24±0.13 vs TBS A-S 1.29±0.11,p=0.03). A subtle deterioration on TBS was observed one year after standard treatment in the second group (1.25±0.7 vs 1.22±0.7, p=0.29). Overall, surgical patients experienced a TBS increase 4.2%, whilst a decrease of 1.6% was observed in the second group (p=0.026)Conclusion. Bone microarchitecture, measured by TBS, improves after surgery in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. This parameter seems promising in the evaluation of bone status in primary hyperparathyroidism. Larger and longer follow-up studies deem necessary to better evaluate the potential utilities of using TBS in the assessment of bone quality.
Renal function: glomerular filtration rate and renal concentration capacity in mild primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Mirnaya Svetlana S. , Mokrysheva Natalya G.
Published: October 2016

Introduction. Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) run an increased risk of death, and in some studies cardiovascular diseases were inversely related to glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urine osmolality.Aim: to evaluate the renal filtration function and concentration capacity in patients with mild primary hyperparathyroidism.Materials and methods. The study included 100 patients with pHPT (median age 57 [52;61]), including 33 with mild form (median age 54 [45;60]). Changes in GFR and osmolality index were evaluated in 29 patients after surgery for pHPT. Follow-up period was up to 24 months.Osmolality index was calculated as urine osmolality to blood osmolality ratio. Renal concentration capacity impairment was diagnosed with osmolality index less than 2. Glomerular filtration rate was calculated by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) formula. Chronic kidney disease stage was estimated accordingly to current recommendations.Results. Osmolality index in patients with mild pHPT was low with median 1.65 [1.4; 2.43]. We found a high prevalence of renal concentration capacity impairment in patients with mild pHPT, that was 70%. Mean GFR was 90.9 [73.3; 95.6] ml/min/1,73 m2. Prevalence of chronic kidney disease stages 3-4 was 6% in patients with mild pHPT. Changes in renal concentration capacity in long-term period after surgery for pHPT were characterized by increase of osmolality index, also in patients with mild form (initially 1.75 [1.4; 2.14], after surgery 2.38 [1.84; 2.54]), changing Me was +12.4% in 6-24 months (p=0.012). Changes in renal function in long-term period after surgery for pHPT were characterized by decrease of GFR within the limits of chronic kidney disease stages 1-2, also in patients with mild form.Conclusions. Renal concentration capacity impairment is common in mild pHPT and is restorated after surgery for pHPT. The findings of this study add cause for measurement of urine osmolality or osmolality index in all patients with pHPT. Our results confirm the requirement of estimating GFR in pHPT patients not only while active disease, but also in remission after surgery for pHPT.
Subclinical Cushing’s Syndrome in women with adrenal incidentalomas is associated with adipose tissue dysfunction
Authors: Paschou Stavroula A. , Nezi Markella , Dimitropoulou Fotini , Ioannidis Dimitrios , Panagiotakou Argyro , Lilis Dimitrios , Karageorgos George , Kalogeris Nikolaos , Vryonidou Andromachi
Published: October 2016

Introduction. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a mathematical formula based on simple anthropometric and biochemical parameters and reflects the distribution and function of the adipose tissue.Aim: to investigate the possible association between the presence of subclinical Cushing’s syndrome (SCS) and VAI in patients with adrenal incidentalomas.Patients and methods. We studied 258 patients with adrenal incidentalomas. The diagnosis of SCS was based on a post-LDDST cortisol level ≥1.8 mg/dl combined with an abnormal result of at least one other test of the HPA axis, in the absence of clinical signs. The VAI index was calculated as following: Women VAI= [WC/36.58+(1.89×BMI)] ×(TG/0.81)×(1.52/HDL), Men VAI= [WC/39.68+(1.88×BMI)] ×(TG/1.03)×(1.31/HDL).Results. 122 patients were excluded from the analysis due to overt metabolic problems (8 with BMI>39, 82 with metabolic syndrome and 34 with type 2 diabetes). Among 136 patients who were included in the analysis (42M/94W, 56.9±9.7 y), SCS was diagnosed in 24 (17.6%). Patients with SCS presented with significantly higher levels of insulin (12.4±4.6 vs 9.9±3.2 μIU/ml, p=0.036) and triglycerides (114±36 vs 97±34 mg/dl, p=0.023), larger size of tumors (3.26±0.88 vs 2.28±1.06 cm, p<0.001) and higher calculated VAI (1.77±0.83 vs 1.39±0.69, p=0.045). Regression analysis revealed that the presence of SCS was positively associated with VAI [OR (95% CI) 1.888 (1.051–3.394), p=0.034] but when gender subgroup analysis followed, this was shown only in women [OR (95% CI) 2.284 (1.135–4.595), p=0.021]. Another important prognostic factor for the probability of SCS was the mass size [OR (95% CI) 2.237 (1.441–3.472), p<0.001].Conclusion. SCS in women with adrenal incidentalomas is associated with adipose tissue dysfunction.
Innapropriate TSH secretion: the challenging diagnosis
Authors: Cunha Nélson , Gomes Leonor , Cardoso Luís , Vicente Nuno , Martins Diana , Oliveira Diana , Lages Adriana , Ventura Mara , Lemos Manuel , Carrilho Francisco
Published: October 2016

Background. The elevation of thyroid hormone with a normal or elevated TSH occurs uncommonly. This has different causes and pose a diagnosis challenge namely between TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma (TSHoma) and resistance to thyroid hormone. The accurate diagnosis is essential, because delayed diagnosis of TSHoma can lead to tumour growth and poor surgical cure rates, whereas medical, surgical or radioablative treatments in patients with resistance to thyroid hormone are usually unnecessary and potentially harmful.Case Report. A 23-years-old women with palpitations, fatigue, insomnia and exophthalmia with elevated serum free T4 and TSH, medicated with methimazole 5mg 3id was sent to evaluation in endocrinology department. She did not report headaches or visual problems. Patient’s laboratory tests at admission: TSH 9,6 µUI/mL (0,4–4,0 µUI/mL), Free T4 2,1 pg/dL (0,8–1,9 pg/dL). After stopping anti-thyroid drug presented TSH 2,9 µUI/mL (0,4-4,0 µUI/mL), Free T4 3,7 pg/dL (0,8–1,9 pg/dL), Free T3 11 pg/mL (1,8–4,2 pg/mL); antithyroid peroxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies and thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin were undetectable; thyroid ultrasound revealed small heterogeneous goiter; thyroid technetium scintigraphy showed diffuse glandular hyperfunctioning; Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a microadenoma with 7,5mm in the left side of pituitary. Remaining anterior pituitary hormones were within normal ranges. The thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test was performed and revealed TSH at 0’ 1,7 µUI/mL, 20’ 14 µUI/mL and 60’ 11 µUI/mL, with free T4 2,3 pg/dL and free T3 5,9 pg/mL, which was consistent with thyroid hormone resistance syndrome. In this clinical setting genetic test was performed and revealed mutation in heterozygosity in THRβ gene: c.1030G>A, p.Gly344Arg. Patient’s mother was also tested and no mutation was found. Her father was not available to do the genetic test. No pituitary surgery or thyroidectomy was performed, nor were prescribed any anti-thyroid drugs.Conclusions. In this case, an innapropriate TSH secretion was identified and the clinical, biochemical and genetic investigations were consistent with resistance to thyroid hormone. Known that as many as 15% non-ill people may have a small, nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma, patients with thyroid hormone resistance may have incidentally abnormal imaging findings. The high level of clinical suspicion and the proper laboratory, genetic and radiological studies, conduct to a correct diagnosis and prevent unnecessary and potential harmful therapies.
Difficulties in the management of hypophosphatemic rickets in adulthood
Authors: Cima Luminita Nicoleta , Lambrescu Ioana Maria , Stejereanu Lavinia , Caracostea Luiza Madalina , Barbu Carmen Gabriela , Fica Simona
Published: October 2016

Introduction. The therapeutic management of hypophosphatemic rickets in adulthood aims to reduce bone pain, the extent of osteomalacia and improve fracture healing and surgical recovery, but clinicians need to stay alert as potential risks can sometimes exceed the benefits of treatment.Case report. We present the case of a 25 year old male patient who was admitted in our department for evaluation presenting severe bone pain. From his medical history we mention that he was diagnosed with rickets at the age of 3 years and received treatment with vitamin D and calcium with no clinical response. A corrective surgery for femur valgus was performed two years later. Because he received high doses of vitamin D without improvement of symptoms the suspicion of vitamin D-resistant rickets was raised at the age of 12 years and treatment with calcitriol 3 tb/day was started with a decline of alkaline phosphatase level from 1144 to 509 UI/l. Two years ago he was diagnosed with renal microlitiasis and left tibial fracture. At present admission he presented with disarmonic short stature, H=149.4 cm (-4.14 SD), W=59 kg, macrocephaly, dental dystrophy and leg bowing. He was under chronic treatment with active vitamin D analog 2 tb/day. Laboratory tests revealed low phosphate (P=2 mg/dl), low 25-OH-vitamin D (19 ng/ml) and 1,25-(OH)2-vitamin D (13.2 pg/ml), normal serum and urinary calcium, normal PTH, high beta crosslaps. In order to diagnose hypophosphatemic rickets, serum FGF23 analysis was performed and it was elevated , but the genetic testing for hypophosphatemic rickets was not available. Because the patient had severe bone pain, a tibial fracture and intented to perform a corrective osteotomy we decided to start medical treatment with elemental phosphorus for 9-12 months, at least 3-6 months before surgery with strict monitoring of serum and urinary calcium and phosphate level, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase and serum PTH.Conclusion. The key point of the case is the late diagnosis of hypophosphatemic rickets and the challenge in treating our patient in order to minimize the risks of combined treatment with calcitriol and phosphorus giving the fact that he was already diagnosed with nephromicrolitiasis.
Autoimmune thyroiditis due to treatment with beta interferon-1b for Multiple sclerosis
Authors: Davitadze Meri Z.
Published: October 2016

Introduction. Since introduction of IFN-β1b for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), it was identified that beta interferon-1b can induce multiple alterations in thyroid function; though thyroid dysfunction is generally subclinical and often transient. The frequency of biological thyroid dysfunction has been studied in patients treated with IFN-β1b and was evaluated between 8.3 and 33%. On the other hand, autoimmune thyroid disease, as well as other autoimmune diseases, can occur in MS patients not receiving interferon-β therapy. It is unclear whether the occurrence of these diseases is increased in MS patients. Case report. A 52-year-old female was diagnosed with a relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in 2012 in Lithuania. Beta interferon-1b was initiated. In 2014, after 2 years of treatment, the patient referred for evaluation of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid function tests revealed a TSH of 0.01 μIU/ml (normal range: 0.27-4.2), fT4 of 7.3 pmol/L (normal range: 12.0-22.0) and with positive TPO and TG antibodies. The patient was commenced on carbimazole 60 mg daily. After a month, because of the high level of TSH (45.3 μIU/ml), the dose of carbimazole was roughly decreased to 5 mg daily. Since then the dose of carbimazole varied from 2.5 to 10 mg daily according to the TSH levels. In September 2015 patient attended our clinic. Thyroid function tests demonstrated a TSH of 5.12 μIU/ml (normal range: 0.4-4.0), fT4 of 0.76 (normal range: 0.89-1.76) with positive TPO antibodies. An ultrasonographic study of the thyroid gland revealed multinodular goiter with decreased echogenicity. For the time being, patient was receiving 5 mg of carbimazole daily. The anti-thyroid drug was stopped and after 2 months the thyroid function tests were within normal ranges and, in addition, the patient showed no signs of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Certainly, further follow-up of the thyroid function is required. Conclusion It is now not arguable that among patients treated with IFN-β1b a thyroid dysfunction could be expected. This side effect is sometimes severe. Furthermore, MS itself may be an additional risk factor for developing an autoimmune thyroid disease. So it is crucial to systematically assess thyroid function in MS patients receiving IFN-β1b for treatment.
The Effect Of Intensive Keramba On The Presence Of Parasite Organisms In Rivers Of Lingsar Area
Authors: Supriadi Supriadi , Janah Maratun
Published: October 2016

The application of intensive keramba in rivers could affect the presence of parasite organisms throughout  the river downstream. The aims of this research are to find out the diversity of parasite species and the effect of intensive aquaculture method developed by the community on the presence of various parasitic organisms, particularly in the downstream area. A total of 65 Tilapia fish samples (O. niloticus) that was collected from 3 areas ( 15 samples from upstream, 25 samples in keramba and 25 samples from downstream areas) have been examined  in the laboratory of Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Science, University of Mataram. Methods employed  to identify parasites that  infected fish samples are native method and flotation method. This research has identified 7 species of parasites which were divided into 2 groups: ectoparasites (Trichodina sp., Amylodinium sp., Oogonium sp., Dactylogirus sp., Trematode) and endoparasites (Entamoeba sp. dan Camallanus sp.). Diversity index calculation  indicated that parasite organisms in upstream area were lower in number than that in the downstream and intensive karamba area (H’= (0,825; 1,596 dan 1.324 respectively).  These data has showed there was a difference in species diversity and evenness index of parasite organisms in the upstream, downstream and intensive keramba area. In conclusion, there was significant influence of the application of intensive keramba on the appearance of various parasite organisms that could affect the sustainability of  fish aquaculture.
Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber L) As Immunostimulant and Its Effect on Lymphocyte Differentiation in Mice BALB/C
Authors: Kelik Marmi
Published: October 2016

Tapak liman (Elephantopus scaber L) is one of the plants that have medicinal properties and has been used for maintenance and improvement of health and disease treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of extracts of Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber L) as immunostimulant to the development of lymphocytes in mice BALB / C. The procedure of this study was to test aqueous extracts in vivo with various treatments (control, treatment of 0.5 g / kg, 1.0 g/ kg, 2.0 g / kg) in healthy mice BALB / C for 2 weeks. After the treatment carried out analysis of the percentage and number of cells that express CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+ CD8 + in thymus organ, using flowcytometry. Analysis of data using one-way ANOVA followed Tukey's test with SPSS. From the analysis showed that the extract of Tapak liman at various doses showed no significant effect on the percentage expression of CD4 + CD8 + and CD4 + CD8 + in thymus organs. While the analysis of the number of cells, extracts of Tapak  liman show its effect on the number of cells that express CD4+, CD8 + and CD4 + CD8 + in thymus organs. Concentration of 1.0g / kg of mice showed a good effect on the increase in T helper cells (CD4 +), cytotoxic T cells (CD8 +) and Prothymosit cells (CD4 + CD8 +).
Educar en filosofía para saber estar en la realidad jurídica.
Authors: Rojas González Gregorio
Published: October 2016

Una pedagogía que no se fundamente sobre la reflexión rigurosa de lo que es la educación en su relación con la persona humana y del saber corre el riesgo de dejar por fuera aspectos importantes de orden metodológico y teleológico que falsean la ordenación de la conducta de la persona humana que el educador, el educando y la sociedad deben hacer mediante actos de razón. Por lo anterior, se emprende la presente reflexión en tres secciones: la primera recoge el estudio del primer eje de formación para el abogado que se propone como fundamento del proyecto educativo del Programa de Derecho (PEP) de la Universidad Católica de Colombia, denominada eje de formación filosófica; en la segunda parte, en línea con el pensamiento de Aristóteles, se muestra una reflexión sobre la Filosofía como un saber fundado en causas últimas mediante un método específico lógico-racional; en la tercera sección, se propone un método pedagógico para el proceso de formación del estudiante de la ciencia del Derecho.
Pluralismo jurídico, diversidad cultural, identidades, globalización y multiculturalismo : perspectiva desde la ciencia jurídica.
Authors: Llano Franco Jairo Vladimir
Published: October 2016

El fenómeno de globalización por medio de las nuevas tecnologías y los medios masivos de comunicación ha impulsado las relaciones de forma más directa entre los ciudadanos y los colectivos, situación que ha determinado un contexto pluralista en términos culturales. De él se desprende el pluralismo jurídico como concepto que explica las múltiples prácticas jurídicas actuales y que, a la vez, se involucran en análisis de deliberaciones de la Ciencia Jurídica como el reconocimiento de la diversidad cultural de los Estados contemporáneos. Este se expresa por medio de pronunciamientos de tribunales constitucionales, las identidades culturales esenciales para configurar la ciudadanía y las críticas al multiculturalismo, que se encuentra más aliado con los intereses del mercado y del consumo que con un reconocimiento real de la diversidad cultural. Estos análisis, deliberaciones y reflexiones serán expuestos en el artículo.
Einfluss von Trainingseffekten auf die Parameteradaption für Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstellen in der Medizintechnik
Authors: Reischl Markus , Tuga Michele Rene , Meister Lena , Alberg Eduard , Doneit Wolfgang , Liebetanz David , Rupp Rüdiger , Mikut Ralf
Published: October 2016

Mensch-Maschine Schnittstellen in medizinischen Assistenzsystemen erfordern oftmals eine Anpassung ihrer Parameter an den
Nutzer. Allerdings existiert kein einheitliches Vorgehen hinsichtlich der Art, Weise und Häufigkeit der
Anpassungen. Einfache Systeme werden händisch kalibriert, komplizierte multimodale Steuerungen passen sich mitunter im
laufenden Betrieb an ihre Träger an. Über die Auswirkungen veränderter Parameter auf das menschliche Bedienverhalten ist
nur wenig bekannt. Deshalb wurde eine Studie durchgeführt, die drei Arten der Parameteranpassung vergleicht und die
Performanz von 20 Probanden spielerisch erfasst und bewertet. Es zeigt sich, dass eine Anpassung notwendig für die
intuitive Bedienbarkeit ist, dass das menschliche Lernverhalten aber großen Einfluss auf die Performanz hat und zu häufige
Parameteranpassungen nicht förderlich sind.
Early Response of Defense Related Genes to Secondary Downy Mildew Infection in Sunflower Line with Pl6 Gene
Authors: Ćurčić Nataša , Prokić Ljiljana , Škorić Dragan , Panković Dejana M.
Published: October 2016

Sunflower line with resistance for downy mildew (Ha-26R) and susceptible line (Ha-26S) were inoculated with the suspension of
Synthesis, Acidity and Catalytic of the Rare Earth Ce Loaded on the Composite Pore Zeolite Catalyst for Hydrogenation Cracking
Authors: Shi Chunwei , Wu Wenyuan , Bian Xue , Pei Mingyuan , Zhao Shanlin , Chen Ping
Published: October 2016

Composite molecular sieve Y/SBA-15(C-Y) was prepared by microwave method, while Ce was loaded by ion exchange method to the composite molecular sieves (Ce-Y/SBA-15 (C-X)). Productive-type middle distillate hydrocracking catalyst was prepared from C-X and C-Y loaded. FI-IR, XPS, Pyridine IR, and TG-DTG had been used to characterize the C-X’s and C-Y’s structure and acidity. The results showed that Ce loaded not only had not broken the original structure of C-Y, but also improved silica alumina ratio of C-X, furthermore improved its total acid content. Through polarization and entrainment, Ce increased the skeleton and hydroxyl silicon aluminum hydroxy on electronic probability of migration to the cage, thus enhance the C-X’s B acid strength, make it more suitable for heavy oil processing. As compared with C-Y, the selectivity and yield of middle distillates over C-X was 0.7 % and 1.8 % higher, respectively. C-X have the greatest relief wax oil viscosity index, best once cracking selectivity, and lowest levels of diesel oil solidifying point in the three catalysts.
Kinetics of Extraction of Tributyl phosphate (TBP) from Aqueous Feed in Single Stage Air-sparged Mixing Unit
Authors: Lade Vikesh G. , Wankhede Prashil C. , Rathod Virendra K.
Published: October 2016

The mass transfer studies involving kinetics of extraction of Tributyl phosphate (TBP) saturated in 0.3 M nitric acid using different organic extractants viz. normal paraffinic hydrocarbon (NPH), kerosene, dodecane etc. have been performed in a novel air-sparged single stage mixing unit. Based on the mechanism, a simple kinetic model (analogous to first order) is proposed and experimental data was analyzed. The optimization studies including the effect of diluent, % TBP in NPH, Organic to Aqueous phase (O/A), air flowrate and the nitric acid concentration in aqueous phase have been performed. The experimental and modeled kinetic results suggest that the optimized conditions for the extraction of TBP (174 ppm to 65.5 ppm) from aqueous 0.3 M HNO3 feed are found to be, 3 % TBP in NPH as extracting solvent, O/A is 1/1 and volumetric air flowrate is 15 LPM. However, if pure NPH used as an extractant with these operating conditions 100 % removal can be obtained.
“Trolling is not stupid”: Internet trolling as the art of deception serving entertainment
Authors: Dynel Marta
Published: October 2016

This paper aims to distill the essence of Internet trolling, a prevalent intercultural online communicative phenomenon which appears in many forms and guises. However, the label “trolling” tends to be (mis)used in reference to communicative practices which are not trolling in the traditional sense. It is argued that trolling necessarily relies on deception performed in multi-party interactions, which is conducive to (humorous) entertainment of self and/or other participants, at the expense of the deceived target. Taking data from email communications of the “DontEvenReply” troll, this account not only draws on the literature addressing the focal phenomenon but also integrates findings from several other fields of investigation (the philosophy of deception, humor theory, and the pragmatics of interaction) in order to demystify trolling.
Increased oxidative stress parameters in children with moderate iodine deficiency
Authors: Kurku Huseyin , Gencer Ali , Pirgon Ozgur , Buyukinan Muammer , Aslan Nagehan
Published: October 2016

Background:

Iodine is a part of thyroid hormones and has been reported to act directly as an antioxidant or induce indirectly antioxidant enzymes. This study aimed to assess the urinary iodine concentration and its relationship between the antioxidant and oxidative stress capacity in healthy school-aged children.

Methods:

In total, 196 students from five primary schools, randomly selected between 9 and 12 years (mean age: 10.2±1.2 years), were enrolled in the study. Urinary iodine levels were measured by spectrophotometry with the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were analysed from urine samples. The ratio of TOS to TAS was regarded as an oxidative stress index (OSI), an indicator of the degree of oxidative status.

Results:

Fifty-four percentage (107) of the children had iodine deficiency (ID) and the majority of them (30%) had mild ID. There was no severe-ID child in the population (<20 μg/L). Urine TAS levels were significantly lower in the moderate-ID group than in the mild-ID group (6.5±4.1 vs. 11.3±4.1 mmol, p<0.001) and the iodine-sufficient group (11.0±5.3 μmol, p<0.001). TOS levels and OSI were found higher in the moderate-ID group than in the mild-ID group (4.8±2.1 vs. 3.7±2.1 μmol, p<0.001) and the iodine-sufficient group (4.8±2.1 vs. 3.4±2.5 mmol, p<0.001). In the moderate-ID group, low urine iodine levels exhibited significant negative correlations with OSI (r=−0.660) and TOS (r=−0.248) and a positive correlation with TAS (r=0.475).

Conclusions:

We found that children with moderate ID were exposed to more oxidative burden than children with mild ID or iodine sufficiency. Increased systemic oxidative stress induced by moderate ID could cause development of ID-related complications and diseases. Iodine supplementation could have a beneficial role in the prevention of oxidative stress.
Solving a case of allelic dropout in the GNPTAB gene: implications in the molecular diagnosis of mucolipidosis type III alpha/beta
Authors: Coutinho Maria Francisca , Encarnação Marisa , Laranjeira Francisco , Lacerda Lúcia , Prata Maria João , Alves Sandra
Published: October 2016

While being well known that the diagnosis of many genetic disorders relies on a combination of clinical suspicion and confirmatory genetic testing, not rarely, however, genetic testing needs much perseverance and cunning strategies to identify the causative mutation(s). Here we present a case of a thorny molecular diagnosis of mucolipidosis type III alpha/beta, which is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder, caused by a defect in the
Values of T/QRS ratio in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Fuchs Tomasz
Published: October 2016

Aims:

To evaluate values of T/QRS ratio in normal pregnancies and those complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) using non-invasive method with transabdominal electrodes. Assessment of fetal well-being in IUGR pregnancies.

Methods:

Fetal electrocardiograms were recorded and analyzed by KOMPOREL software from ITAM (Zabrze, Poland) and T/QRS ratios were automatically calculated. Doppler velocimetry of the middle cerebral artery and umbilical artery was carried out. The study group consisted of IUGR pregnancies with normal cerebroplacental ratios (CPRs) (n=110), IUGR pregnancies with decreased CPRs (n=29), and healthy controls (n=549). Analyses were performed between the study groups and by gestational age. T/QRS ratio variables and CPRs were calculated. Analysis of variance and linear regression were performed.

Results:

Maximum values, maximum minimal value differences, and standard deviations of T/QRS ratio were significantly different between the IUGR group with reduced CPRs and normal CPRs (P=0.0009, P=0.0000, P=0.0034, respectively) as well as between the IUGR group with reduced CPRs and healthy controls (P=0.0000, P=0.0001, P=0.0009, respectively). Mean maximum values in the IUGR group with reduced CPRs exceeded normal values.

Conclusions:

T/QRS ratio may be useful in assessing fetal well-being in IUGR pregnancies; however, future studies are needed to determine typical ranges of T/QRS ratio in pregnancies complicated by IUGR.
Das Immunsystem der Nukleinsäureerkennung
Authors: Hartmann Gunther
Published: October 2016

Zirkulierende Nukleinsäuren in den zellfreien Bestandteilen des Blutes, Exosomen und anderer Körperflüssigkeiten in Verbindung mit modernen Sequenzierungsmethoden eröffnen der Laboratoriumsmedizin ganz neue Möglichkeiten für die Diagnostik von Erkrankungen. Nukleinsäuren besitzen auch eine bedeutende Funktion im Immunsystem. Das Immunsystem besitzt Rezeptoren, die in der Lage sind, fremde Nukleinsäuren von eigenen Nukleinsäuren zu unterscheiden. Das Verständnis dieser Erkennungsmechanismen für Nukleinsäuren hat in den vergangenen Jahren erheblich zugenommen. Die Immunerkennung von Nukleinsäuren spielt eine zentrale Rolle bei der Abwehr von Viren und intrazellulären Bakterien. Ohne diese Mechanismen ist der Organismus nicht in der Lage, diese Pathogene zu erkennen und zu eliminieren. Dort wo die Immunerkennung von Nukleinsäuren von pathogenen Viren und Bakterien an ihre Grenzen stößt, oder die Prozesse nicht korrekt ablaufen, kommt es zu Infektionen und entzündlichen Erkrankungen. Mittlerweile sind eine Reihe von Erberkrankungen bekannt, die durch eine fehlerhafte Immunerkennung von Nukleinsäuren verursacht werden. Aus diesen Zusammenhängen hat sich ein neues Forschungsfeld etabliert, die Nukleinsäure-Immunität (nucleic acid immunity), mit großer Bedeutung für das Verständnis von Infektionen und entzündlichen Erkrankungen. Die neuen Erkenntnisse werden in den kommenden Jahren auch in der Immundiagnostik Eingang finden. Ziel dieser Übersicht ist es, in die Grundlagen der Immunerkennung von Nukleinsäuren einzuführen, um daraus mögliche Konsequenzen für eine verbesserte Immundiagnostik von Infektionen, Entzündung und Autoimmunität für die Laboratoriumsmedizin abzuleiten.
Potentials, challenges and limitations of a molecular characterization of circulating tumor DNA for the management of cancer patients
Authors: Ulz Peter , Gerger Armin , Belic Jelena , Heitzer Ellen
Published: October 2016

A liquid profiling, i.e. the analysis of cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), enables a continuous non-invasive monitoring of tumor-specific changes during the entire course of the disease with respect to early detection, identification of minimal residual disease, assessment of treatment response and monitoring tumor evolution. Technological improvements, advances in understanding the nature of ctDNA, the implementation of ctDNA analyses in clinical trials as well as efforts for the establishment of benchmarks, will bring an actual widespread clinic use within reach in the near future. However, despite this progress there are still hurdles that have to be overcome, which are discussed in this review. Moreover, present knowledge and new findings about the biology of ctDNA as well as selected potential clinical applications for metastatic cancer patients are pointed out.
Zwischen Verehrung und Entzauberung: Hans Kohns, Robert Weltschs und Hugo Bergmanns Wahrnehmung Martin Bubers im Spiegel ihrer Korrespondenz
Authors: Wiese Christian
Published: October 2016

Based on the published and unpublished correspondence between three prominent members of the Zionist Prague Student Association Bar Kochba, Hugo Bergmann, Hans Kohn and Robert Weltsch, the article explores their complex and fluctuating relationship with Martin Buber between 1910 and 1965. Fascinated as they were by Buber’s three Speeches on Judaism before World War I, the three intellectuals embraced his vision of a humanistic version of Jewish nationalism and became leading interpreters of his religious-political views both in Germany and Palestine. However, as their letters reveal, the political developments of the 1920s up to the 1940s, and in particular the conflict with the Arab population in Palestine and the National Socialist persecution in Europe, led them to a growing sense of disenchantment with Buber and their own youthful cultural Zionist convictions, which prompted all three of them to make divergent biographical choices.
Forming a Liberal Coalition of Reason: Political Theology in the Mendelssohn-Lavater Affair
Authors: Gillo Idan
Published: October 2016

Thus far, scholars have discussed the Mendelssohn-Lavater affair from a
The World of Yesterday versus The Turning Point: Art and the Politics of Recollection in the Autobiographical Narratives of Stefan Zweig and Klaus Mann
Authors: Ganani Uri , Issler Dani
Published: October 2016

This article revisits the world-views of Stefan Zweig and Klaus Mann by analyzing the diverse ways in which they shaped their literary careers as autobiographers. Particular focus is given to the crises they experienced while composing their respective autobiographical narratives, both published in 1942. Our re-evaluation of their complex discussions on literature and art reveals two distinctive approaches to the relationship between aesthetics and politics, as well as two alternative concepts of authorial autonomy within society. Simultaneously, we argue that in spite of their different approaches to political involvement, both authors shared a basic understanding of art as an enclave of humanistic existence at a time of oppressive political circumstances. However, their attitudes toward the autonomy of the artist under fascism differed greatly. This is demonstrated mainly through their contrasting portrayals of Richard Strauss, who appears in both autobiographies as an emblematic genius composer.
Horkheimer und Adorno über „jüdische Psychologie“. Ein vergessenes Theorieprogramm der 1940er Jahre
Authors: von Wussow Philipp
Published: October 2016

This article explores a forgotten theoretical program developed, and eventually dropped, by Max Horkheimer and Theodor W. Adorno in the 1940s. In letters, drafts and memorandums, but also in the chapter “Elements of Anti-Semitism” in the
Reading The Magic Mountain in Arizona: Susan Sontag’s Reflections on Thomas Mann
Authors: Sina Kai
Published: October 2016

Susan Sontag’s visit to Thomas Mann on December 28, 1949 has, until now, tended to be treated as a parenthetical anecdote, a biographical curiosity – or, indeed, to be ignored altogether. The truly interesting question of the consequences of Sontag’s encounter with Mann and his work has not even come close to being answered. This article explores how Sontag’s – often partially autobiographical – statements concerning Thomas Mann combine reflections on authorship and storytelling with thoughts about Germany and, in particular, about the Shoah. Building on this, a further, more general question emerges: what role do the essayist’s secular Jewish origins play in her encounter with the German writer?
A Man of Contention: Martin Plessner (1900–1973) and His Encounters with the Orient
Authors: Levy Amit
Published: October 2016

The case of German-Jewish orientalist Martin Meir Plessner (1900–1973) presents an opportunity to explore the transplant of Oriental Studies from Germany to Palestine/Israel in the wake of post-Saidian historiography of German Orientalism. Studying and teaching in Germany, the young Plessner’s encounter with the Orient, Arabs and Arabic was mainly a textual one. Following the Nazi rise to power in 1933, he immigrated to Palestine, transforming detached oriental scholarship into a physical encounter at the heart of the emerging Arab-Jewish conflict, on which Plessner held firm dovish-leftist views. This article examines how this spatial shift influenced Plessner’s personal political views; his scholarly and professional work; and above all, the link between the two. Science and politics, this article claims, continued to exist as two unchanging separate spheres for Plessner. Nevertheless, life in the Orient rendered collisions between the two worlds unavoidable, with ramifications on Plessner’s career and personal life. His refusal to let political considerations penetrate the professional sphere may be seen as an expression of his unwavering devotion to the German
A German Island in Israel: Lea Goldberg and Tuvia Rübner’s Republic of Letters
Authors: Ticotsky Giddon
Published: October 2016

This article focuses on the intellectual relationship between two leading Hebrew-European poets as revealed in their recently discovered extensive correspondence. Beyond the significant biographical revelations offered by their letters – among which is Tuvia Rübner’s transition from writing in German to Hebrew – their correspondence (mainly during the years 1949–1969) sheds light on the complexities of the two poets’ position as European artists in nascent Israeli culture. It raises questions of cultural homeland and exile, of the idealization of pre-war Central-Western European culture, and of the agency of the periphery in preserving the values of a declining cultural center. Lea Goldberg and Tuvia Rübner were migrants from the relatively close periphery of German culture who sought to reconstruct something of its intellectual center in the temporally and spatially distant periphery of postwar Israel. In their literary works, the two built bridges between the two cultures at a time when contacts between them were largely considered taboo. Among other aspects, Goldberg and Rübner’s correspondence reveals their nuanced attitudes toward German culture amid the complex multicultural milieu of the State of Israel’s formative years.
Non-anthropogenic mind and complexes of cultural codes
Authors: Kulikov Sergey
Published: October 2016

The object of research is to clarify the connections between non-anthropogenic mind and culture as sign systems. Investigation of such an object discloses the perspectives on construction of the generalized model of mind and can help to build the bridge between traditional and digital humanities. The subject of traditional humanities is natural human activity; the subject of digital humanities is computer-based forms of activity and communication. Finding signs created not only by human but also by natural circumstances helps to define the sign system that unites the natural (non-anthropogenic) and artificial kinds of mind. Methodology of research includes the principles of semiotics previously developed by Charles Peirce and Ferdinand de Saussure and expanded by Yuri Lotman and Boris Uspensky. Semiotic interpretation of mind as the object of culture allows the building of a generalized model of mind as one of textual constructions, presenting the history of mankind as the replacement of natural events by secondary models. The author concludes that the revealing of a generalized model of mind opens new opportunities for the construction of the intelligent activity strictly interpreted as special sign systems. Semiotic studies interpret culture as a rationality making machine, and activity of mind is caused by the work of such a machine. Because of that, if traditional meaning sign systems were estimated as human-made kinds of complex of primary signs, then modern statements help to see the absence of an irresistible limit to interpret such complex as a nature-made but non-anthropogenic phenomenon.
Towards a teleo-semiotic theory of individuation
Authors: Duits Rufus
Published: October 2016

This article attempts to develop a sketch or working model of a semiotic theory of individuation from a formalization of basic teleological structures. After caveats and provisional definitions, a formal apparatus is introduced that schematizes teleological structures by way of mathematical category theory. This is then combined with a commutation test for formal systems. Once the formal construction is sufficient, the extent to which the model can account for the operation by which objects, modes, kinds, and attributes become individuated from the “pure multiplicity” of indeterminate being is analyzed. Subsequently, the model is applied to a series of well-known problems in metaphysics and ontology – persistence, change, vagueness, coincidence, mereology, and universals – in order to demonstrate its effectiveness. The metaphysical picture that results from this application is positioned between the conventional extremes of realism and anti-realism: a semiotic anti-/realism. Empirical evidence is then also marshalled in support of the model by way of invocation and analysis of recent research into the development of the perceptual capacities of infants.
The Performance of the Self-Supplying Vortex Generator Jets on a High-Speed Compressor Cascade
Authors: Liu Huaping , Qin Yong , Wang Ruoyu , Zhang Dongfei , Lu Bingxiao
Published: October 2016

The self-supplying vortex generator jet (SVGJ) is introduced to the separation control of a high-speed compressor cascade with an inlet Mach number of 0.67. A parametric investigation concerning the jet location and the injection angle is conducted numerically. The effect mechanisms of SVGJ on the cascade performance are analyzed in detail. The potentials of SVGJ at off-design points are also discussed. The vortex generated by the jet utilizing the pressure difference between the pressure surface and suction surface could enhance the fluid exchange between the boundary layer and the mainstream, thus weakening the flow separation and reducing the flow loss effectively. With a hole of diameter 0.5 mm and a jet-to-inflow mass flow ratio less than 0.3‰, the maximum loss reductions are 5.2 % at the design point and 8.0 % at the off-design point, validating the high efficiency of SVGJ. In this work, the optimum performance is obtained by the SVGJ located at xj
/B=40 %, h/H=15 % with a skew angle of β=60°.
Distorted Coarse Axon Targeting and Reduced Dendrite Connectivity Underlie Dysosmia after Olfactory Axon Injury
Authors: Murai Aya , Iwata Ryo , Fujimoto Satoshi , Aihara Shuhei , Tsuboi Akio , Muroyama Yuko , Saito Tetsuichiro , Nishizaki Kazunori , Imai Takeshi
Published: October 2016

The glomerular map in the olfactory bulb (OB) is the basis for odor recognition. Once established during development, the glomerular map is stably maintained throughout the life of an animal despite the continuous turnover of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). However, traumatic damage to OSN axons in the adult often leads to dysosmia, a qualitative and quantitative change in olfaction in humans. A mouse model of dysosmia has previously indicated that there is an altered glomerular map in the OB after the OSN axon injury; however, the underlying mechanisms that cause the map distortion remain unknown. In this study, we examined how the glomerular map is disturbed and how the odor information processing in the OB is affected in the dysosmia model mice. We found that the anterior–posterior coarse targeting of OSN axons is disrupted after OSN axon injury, while the local axon sorting mechanisms remained. We also found that the connectivity of mitral/tufted cell dendrites is reduced after injury, leading to attenuated odor responses in mitral/tufted cells. These results suggest that existing OSN axons are an essential scaffold for maintaining the integrity of the olfactory circuit, both OSN axons and mitral/tufted cell dendrites, in the adult.
The Ekwe Collective
Authors: Cruz Joëlle M. , Okoh Oghenetoja , Gooden Amoaba , Spates Kamesha , Elue Chinasa A. , Rousseau Nicole
Published: October 2016

While making clear that black femininity exists and is located in multiple spaces, this essay brings out the intellectual and cultural presence and voices of black women in both national and international feminist communities. We engage black feminist thought (BFT) by offering the example of our community—the Ekwe Collective—a sisterhood of six feminist scholar–activists and their daughters. This essay offers insights on how BFT translates to the lived experience of communities of color in the twenty-first century. In particular, we draw upon and extend three dimensions of the theory: experience, generation, and space.