bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HYPOPHOSPHATASIA IN ADULTS: CLINICAL CASES AND LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Rodionova S S , Zakharova E Yu , Buklemishev Yu V , Khakimov U R , Lapkina S V
Published: January 2018

Hypophosphatasia is a rare inborn error of metabolism caused by mutations in the gene encoding tissue-nonspecific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase. Inexpressive clinical picture of the disease in adults is often difficult to diagnose. We present two clinical observations: in one case, the patient was treated for a long time with alfacalcidol and calcium supplementation due to misdiagnosis of systemic osteoporosis with pathologic fractures of the vertebras, although at the presentation the patient had a typical for hypophosphatasia decrease of alkaline phosphatase. In another case, a patient with diagnosis of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head had a sharp decrease in alkaline phosphatase levels at presurgical evaluation. In both cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by genetic testing. For patients with aseptic necrosis the confirmation of the diagnosis of hypophosphatasia determines the need for treatment with asfotase alfa in the postoperative period to preserve the stability of the endoprosthesis.
Cognitive distortion, translation distortion and poetic distortion as semiotic shifts
Authors: Osimo Sofia , Osimo Bruno
Published: January 2018

Both interlingual translation shifts and poetic production can be seen from a semiotic perspective in terms of mental filtering. The shared ground of the three processes - cognition, translation, versification - is to be found in the semiotic perspective: signs (prototext, reality, perception) are interpreted and worked through (mind, interpretants, cognition) and give as an output an object (metatext, poem, worldview). By trying to classify the shifts resulting from such processes - distortions - with a semiotically shared grid of categories, the hypothesis is that the categories themselves - already existing within the separate fields - can be reciprocally fine-tuned. The very notion of “shift” - derived from translation criticism, and in particular from the prototext-metatext comparison - becomes in this hypothesis a connection transforming the shifts possible in the other mentioned fields into mutual benchmarks.
Ethnotextual mental translation and self-translation in African literature
Authors: Benabed Fella
Published: January 2018

Interest in African literature and translation is relatively new; it mainly emerged in the 1990s with the postcolonial turn in translation studies, under the influence of the cultural turn, the polysystems theory and the “Manipulation School”. Many African writers describe themselves as intercultural translators; they hover over the following questions: Is it a form of selfdenigration not to use one’s mother tongue as a medium of literary creation? How can their literary creations account for their postcolonial experience in the languages of former colonizers? Can these languages render the specificities of their distinct cultural worldviews? The linguistic choice made by African writers is hence highly political because it involves a compromise that rests on power relations. Their writing often involves a sort of translation from Source Language (SL) to Target Language (TL) whether through ethnotextual mental translation or self-translation.
Genotype-by-environment interaction and yield stability analysis in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) genotypes in North Shewa, Ethiopia
Authors: Admas Sintayehu , Tesfaye Kassahun
Published: January 2018

A multi-environment sorghum variety trial comprised of nine genotypes along with one standard check, “yeju”, was carried out in the main cropping seasons of the period of 2006–2008. The objective of this research was to identify a stable and better-yielding sorghum variety under the conditions of the sorghum-growing area of North Shewa, Ethiopia. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design replicated three times within an experiment. AMMI analysis based on grain yield data revealed that genotypes ICSV 1112BF, 82 LPYT-2 # 5x81ESIP 46, and PGRC/E #222880 were superior to the standard check both in grain yield and stability, and hence these genotypes have been verified, and the genotype PGRC/E #222880 has been registered by the national variety-releasing technical and standing committee by the given name “Chare” for commercial production for the North Shewa sorghum-growing areas.
Performance, Luck and Equality: An Experimental Analysis of Subjects’ Preferences for Different Allocation Criteria
Authors: Becchetti Leonardo , Antoni Giacomo Degli , Ottone Stefania , Solferino Nazaria
Published: January 2018

We perform an experimental analysis to investigate participants’ choices of allocative criteria under different conditions. We document that performance-based criteria guaranteeing a minimal egalitarian base are widely preferred by both neutral spectators and stakeholders without information on relative payoffs, although popularity among stakeholders is mostly due to self-interest considerations and optimism concerning their expected performance. Information regarding the distribution of payoffs under different criteria dramatically reduces such choice because the self-interest motive directly emerges, and most players opt to revise their decision in favor of the criterion maximizing their own payoff.
Systematic comparison of routine laboratory measurements with in-hospital mortality: ICU-Labome, a large cohort study of critically ill patients
Authors: Alkozai Edris M. , Mahmoodi Bakhtawar K. , Decruyenaere Johan , Porte Robert J. , Oude Lansink-Hartgring Annemieke , Lisman Ton , Nijsten Maarten W.
Published: January 2018

Background:

In intensive care unit (ICU) patients, many laboratory measurements can be deranged when compared with the standard reference interval (RI). The assumption that larger derangements are associated with worse outcome may not always be correct. The ICU-Labome study systematically evaluated the univariate association of routine laboratory measurements with outcome.

Methods:

We studied the 35 most frequent blood-based measurements in adults admitted ≥6 h to our ICU between 1992 and 2013. Measurements were from the first 14 ICU days and before ICU admission. Various metrics, including variability, were related with hospital survival. ICU- based RIs were derived from measurements obtained at ICU discharge in patients who were not readmitted to the ICU and survived for >1 year.

Results:

In 49,464 patients (cardiothoracic surgery 43%), we assessed >20·106measurements. ICU readmissions, in-hospital and 1-year mortality were 13%, 14% and 19%, respectively. On ICU admission, lactate had the strongest relation with hospital mortality. Variability was independently related with hospital mortality in 30 of 35 measurements, and 16 of 35 measurements displayed a U-shaped outcome-relation. Medians of 14 of 35 ICU-based ranges were outside the standard RI. Remarkably, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) had a paradoxical relation with hospital mortality in the second ICU week because more abnormal GGT-levels were observed in hospital survivors.

Conclusions:

ICU-based RIs for may be more useful than standard RIs in identifying ICU patients at risk. The association of variability with outcome for most of the measurements suggests this is a consequence and not a cause of a worse ICU outcome. Late elevation of GGT may confer protection to ICU patients.
Diagnosis of acute pediatric appendicitis from children with inflammatory diseases by combination of metabolic markers and inflammatory response variables
Authors: Yu Mengjie , Xiang Tianxin , Wu Xiaoping , Zhang Shouhua , Yang Wenlong , Zhang Yu , Chen Qiang , Sun Shuilin , Xie Baogang
Published: January 2018

Background:

The discovery of new metabolic markers may be helpful for early diagnosis of acute pediatric appendicitis (APA). However, no studies have been reported regarding identification of potential metabolic markers for the APA diagnosis by metabonomics.

Methods:

Serum samples of APA (n=32), non-appendicitis inflammation (NAI, n=32) and healthy children (HS, n=65) were analyzed by the 1H NMR-based metabonomics. A logistic regression model was established to screen the most efficient markers combinations for classification. Forty double-blind samples were further validated the model.

Results:

Nine blood metabolites that were different in the APA group from other groups were identified. To differentiate APA from HS, single variable of acetate, formate, white blood cell (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) showed a high diagnostic value (area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC]<0.92), while they had a weak diagnostic value (AUROC<0.77) for identifying the APA and NAI. By contrast, the AUROC values of leucine (0.799) were higher than that of WBC and CRP. A combination of five variables, i.e. leucine, lactate, betaine, WBC and CRP, showed a high diagnostic value (AUROC=0.973) for the APA discriminating from the NAI, and the sensitivity and specificity were 93.8% and 93.7%, respectively. Further double-blind sample prediction showed that the accuracy of the model was 85% for 40 unknown samples.

Conclusions:

The current study provides useful information in our understanding of the metabolic alterations associated with APA and indicates that measurement of these metabolites in serum effectively aids in the clinical identification of APA.
Screening for connective tissue disease-associated antibodies by automated immunoassay
Authors: Willems Philippe , De Langhe Ellen , Claessens Jolien , Westhovens René , Van Hoeyveld Erna , Poesen Koen , Vanderschueren Steven , Blockmans Daniel , Bossuyt Xavier
Published: January 2018

Background:

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are useful for the diagnosis of ANA-associated systemic rheumatic disease (AASRD). The objective of this study was the evaluation of an immunoassay that detects antibodies to a mixture of 17 antigens as an alternative to indirect immunofluorescence (IIF).

Methods:

Nine thousand eight hundred and fifty-six consecutive patients tested for ANAs were tested by IIF and EliA connective tissue disease screen (Thermo-Fisher). Medical records were reviewed for 2475 patients, including all patients that tested positive/equivocal by either test and a selection of 500 patients that tested negative.

Results:

Concordance between IIF and EliA was 83.1%. AASRD was found in 12.8% of IIF-positive patients, 30.2% of EliA-positive patients and 0.4%, 46.6%, 5.8% and 3.0% of patients that tested, respectively, double negative, double positive, single positive for EliA and single positive for IIF. The association with AASRD increased with increasing antibody level. IIF and EliA were positive in, respectively, 90.4% and 69.9% of systemic lupus erythematosus (n=83), 100% and 84.1% of systemic sclerosis (n=63), 86.7% and 93.3% of Sjögren’s syndrome (n=45), 88.2% and 52.9% of polymyositis/dermatomyositis (n=17), and in all cases of mixed connective tissue disease (n=8). The specificity was projected to be 94%–96% for EliA and 86% for IIF. When all AASRDs were taken together, the areas under the curve of receiver operator curves were similar between IIF and EliA.

Conclusions:

The positive predictive value for AASRD was higher for EliA than for IIF, but, depending on the disease, EliA might fail to detect antibodies that are detected by IIF. Combining immunoassay with IIF adds value.
The free-boundary Brakke flow
Authors: Edelen Nick
Published: January 2018

We develop the notion of Brakke flow with free-boundary in a barrier surface. Unlike the classical free-boundary mean curvature flow, the free-boundary Brakke flow must “pop” upon tangential contact with the barrier. We prove a compactness theorem for free-boundary Brakke flows, define a Gaussian monotonicity formula valid at all points, and use this to adapt the local regularity theorem of White [23] to the free-boundary setting. Using Ilmanen’s elliptic regularization procedure [10], we prove existence of free-boundary Brakke flows.
A bio-inspired approach to proline-derived 2,4-disubstituted oxazoles
Authors: Slobodyanyuk Evgeniy Y. , Artamonov Oleksiy S. , Kulik Irene B. , Rusanov Eduard , Volochnyuk Dmitriy M. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: January 2018

A convenient four-step approach to the synthesis of (S)-4-alkyl-2-(pyrrolidin-2-yl)oxazoles starting from l-Boc-proline inspired by naturally occurring oxazole-containing peptidomimetics is described. The key step is the cyclization of 1-Boc-N-(1-oxoalkan-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamides – aldehyde intermediates which demonstrate low to moderate stability – under Appel reaction conditions. This method furnishes the target compounds with more than 98% ee and in a 17–51% overall yield and has been used at up to a 45-g scale.
Crop Yield and the Quality of Sunflower Seeds in the Use of Fertilizers and Growth Regulation Substances
Authors: Kvashin A. A. , Neshchadim N. N. , Yablonskay E. K. , Gorpinchenko K. N.
Published: January 2018

In the Russian Federation the most favorable area for high and stable yields of sunflower crop is the Northern zone of Krasnodar region. The research was conducted in multivariate experience of long-term stationary monitoring. We researched the effect of doses of mineral fertilizers and furolan on sunflower yield and seed quality. It was found that it is expedient and cost-effective to use small doses of nitrogen fertilizers for sunflower. The expediency of application of plant growth regulator (Furolan) during vegetation is shown. We found that the use of mineral fertilizers and the use of furolan contributed to the activation of growth processes of sunflower plants which led to the formation of optimal plant density. Improving the nutritional status of plants has provided an increase in the leaf area unit. The treatment of sunflower crops on the background of fertilizers N20P30 and the furolan has had a positive impact on the value of photosynthetic potential. Under the influence of mineral fertilizers there was an increase in the dissemination of the sunflower head, weight of seeds and weight of 1000 seeds, which has a positive impact on productivity. With the increase of fertilizer doses, the oil content of seeds increased when compared to the unfertilized variant. The treatment of plants with furolan has not violated the process of accumulation of protein and fat.
Zero-inflated Conway-Maxwell Poisson Distribution to Analyze Discrete Data
Authors: Sim Shin Zhu , Gupta Ramesh C. , Ong Seng Huat
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we study the zero-inflated Conway-Maxwell Poisson (ZICMP) distribution and develop a regression model. Score and likelihood ratio tests are also implemented for testing the inflation/deflation parameter. Simulation studies are carried out to examine the performance of these tests. A data example is presented to illustrate the concepts. In this example, the proposed model is compared to the well-known zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) and the zero- inflated generalized Poisson (ZIGP) regression models. It is shown that the fit by ZICMP is comparable or better than these models.
Building A High Quality Oncology Nursing Workforce Through Lifelong Learning: The De Souza Model
Authors: Esplen Mary Jane , Wong Jiahui , Green Esther , Richards Joy , Li Jane
Published: January 2018

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Along with increased new cases, cancer care has become increasingly complex due to advances in diagnostics and treatments, greater survival, and new models of palliative care. Nurses are a critical resource for cancer patients and their families. Their roles and responsibilities are expanding across the cancer care continuum, calling for specialized training and support. Formal education prepares nurses for entry level of practice, however, it does not provide the specialized competencies required for quality care of cancer patients. There is urgent need to align the educational system to the demands of the health care system, ease transition from formal academic systems to care settings, and to instill a philosophy of lifelong learning. We describe a model of education developed by de Souza Institute in Canada, based on the Novice to Expert specialty training framework, and its success in offering structured oncology continuing education training to nurses, from undergraduate levels to continued career development in the clinical setting. This model may have global relevance, given the challenge in managing the demand for high quality care in all disease areas and in keeping pace with the emerging advances in technologies.
Perceived Stress Mediates the Associations between Sleep Quality and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression among College Nursing Students
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Peters Anya , Chen Guanling
Published: January 2018

Mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, are top concerns among college students. Poor sleep quality intensifies the risk of mental illnesses. However, the mechanism for the associations between sleep quality and mental illnesses in college students is not well understood. Online surveys were collected with 242 undergraduate nursing students at a public university in the northeast United States. Multivariate linear regression models suggested that poor sleep quality was associated with an increased risk of symptoms of anxiety (β = 1.08, p < 0.01) and depression (β = 1.00, p < 0.01). Perceived stress mediated the association between sleep quality and symptoms of anxiety by 85.3 %, and mediated the association between sleep quality and symptoms of depression by 60.0 %. This study suggested that in addition to sleep promotion, effective interventions to identify unique stressors in nursing students and facilitate the development of appropriate coping strategies are needed to enhance their mental health and well-being.
Graduate Students’ Experiences: Developing Self-efficacy
Authors: Laurencelle Francine , Scanlan Judith
Published: January 2018

The nurse educator shortage continues without an increase in the numbers of graduate prepared nurses. Studies identified challenges in recruitment of nursing graduate students. No studies explore the experiences of nurses during graduate education. The framework used was Bandura’s self-efficacy theory. The population for this study included 15 nurse educators with a master’s or doctoral degree currently teaching in an undergraduate or graduate program in a western Canadian city. In semi-structured interviews, participants shared their experiences. Two themes emerged from the data: i) the hurdles of learning and ii) being a graduate student. The purpose of this article is to report the findings of faculty members’ experiences as graduate students. Understanding these experiences will help graduate faculty understand how graduate students develop self-efficacy throughout their graduate programs. Moreover, findings of this study will help graduate students succeed in a graduate program. Finally, issues related to recruitment and retention are addressed.
Educating Aboriginal Nursing Students: Responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Report
Authors: Lane Annette , Petrovic Kristin
Published: January 2018

A 2015 Canadian report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued two calls for action that specifically challenge nursing education programs: a call to incorporate indigenous knowledge and learning, and a call to reduce health disparities between aboriginals and non-aboriginals. These calls to action raise questions for nurse educators regarding how best to recruit, retain, and educate aboriginal nursing students. A literature review was conducted to examine issues faced by aboriginal students in nursing programs, as well as cultural competence with nurse educators working with aboriginal students. While there is some literature that addresses the need for aboriginal students to successfully complete nursing programs and thus be able to provide effective health care to aboriginal people, the emphasis is largely upon strategies. Although there are some exceptions, these have largely been ineffective. We argue the need to think about thinking in order to improve the effectiveness of these strategies within Canadian programs, as well as nursing programs abroad.
Calcium sensitization mechanisms in detrusor smooth muscles
Authors: Anjum Irfan
Published: January 2018

The contraction of detrusor smooth muscles depends on the increase in intracellular calcium. The influx of calcium from the plasma membrane calcium channels and calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum give rise to intracellular calcium. Under the pathophysiological conditions, the increased sensitivity of regulatory and contractile proteins to calcium also plays an important role in maintaining the spontaneous detrusor smooth muscle activity. Many proteins have been identified to play a role in calcium sensitization. Both the protein kinase C (PKC) and Rho-kinase (ROCK) signaling pathways are responsible for the induction of calcium sensitization in the detrusor smooth muscles. The balance between the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) regulates the intracellular calcium-contractile force relationship. The inhibition of MLCP by PKC-mediated phosphatase inhibitor (CPI-17) and myosin phosphatase target subunit (MYPT-1) phosphorylation by both the PKC and ROCK are responsible for calcium sensitization in the detrusor smooth muscles. However, the ROCK pathway predominantly participates in the calcium sensitization induction under pathophysiological situations. Many kinases are well known nowadays to play a role in calcium sensitization. This review aims to enlighten the current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of calcium sensitization with special reference to the PKC and ROCK pathways in the detrusor smooth muscles. It will also aid in the development of new pharmacological strategies to prevent and treat bladder diseases.
A fundamental flaw in the ++AE authenticated encryption mode
Authors: Qahur Al Mahri Hassan , Simpson Leonie , Bartlett Harry , Dawson Ed , Wong Kenneth Koon-Ho
Published: January 2018

In this article, we analyse a block cipher mode of operation for authenticated encryption known as ++AE (plus-plus-AE). We show that this mode has a fundamental flaw: the scheme does not verify the most significant bit of any block in the plaintext message. This flaw can be exploited by choosing a plaintext message and then constructing multiple forged messages in which the most significant bit of certain blocks is flipped. All of these plaintext messages will generate the same authentication tag. This forgery attack is deterministic and guaranteed to pass the ++AE integrity check. The success of the attack is independent of the underlying block cipher, key or public message number. We outline the mathematical proofs for the flaw in the ++AE algorithm. We conclude that ++AE is insecure as an authenticated encryption mode of operation.
An Optical Five Channel Demultiplexer-Based Simple Photonic Crystal Ring Resonator for WDM Applications
Authors: Naghizade S. , Sattari-Esfahlan S. M.
Published: January 2018

We have proposed simple ring resonator 5-channel demultiplexer based on optical channel drop filter analysis that is applicable at third communication window (1550 nm) range. Our proposed base filter is the important part in designing the demultiplexer, inclusive one ring resonator contains one square dielectric rod at core. Demultiplexer structure introduced by arranging five filter with different ring core refractive index. Insomuch every ring core have individual refractive index, thus each ring have diverse resonant wavelength. Numerical results by the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method show quality factor (Q) and transmission efficiency of fundamental channel drop filter are 1038 and 93 %, respectively. It is found that transmission efficiency in designed demultiplexer is more than 90 % for each channel; channel spacing is less than 4.2 nm. The average crosstalk value, total footprint of demutiplexer is −17.85 dB, 689.61 μm2, respectively. Small size with a very simple ring design can be benefit in photonic integrated circuit.
Reference centile curves for wrist circumference for Indian children aged 3–18 years
Authors: Khadilkar Vaman , Chiplonkar Shashi , Ekbote Veena , Kajale Neha , Mandlik Rubina , Khadilkar Anuradha
Published: January 2018

Background:

Childhood obesity and its consequences have reached alarming proportions worldwide and in India. Wrist circumference is emerging as an easily measurable reproducible parameter for screening children at risk of obesity-related morbidities such as hypertension and insulin resistance. The objectives of this study were: (1) to compute age and gender-specific wrist circumference percentiles for 3–18-year-old apparently healthy Indian children and adolescents; (2) to assess the relationship of wrist circumference with measures of obesity and adiposity such as body mass index (BMI), fat percentage and blood pressure (BP) and (3) to suggest age and gender-specific cut-offs for wrist circumference percentile for the risk of hypertension in Indian children and adolescents.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study on samples of 10,199 3–18-year-old children (5703 boys) from randomly selected schools from five major cities in India. Height, weight, waist and wrist circumference and BP were recorded. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Wrist circumference percentiles were computed using the LMS method.

Results:

The average wrist circumference of boys and girls was 10.4 cm and 10.0 cm at 3 years and increased to 15.1 cm and 13.9 cm, respectively, at 18 years. Compared to their Caucasian counterparts, Indian children’s wrists were smaller. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis derived the 70th percentile of wrist circumference as the cut-off for identifying the risk of hypertension.

Conclusions:

Contemporary cross-sectional reference percentile curves for wrist circumference for 3–18-year-old Indian children are presented. The 70th percentile of the current study is proposed as the cut-off to screen children for cardiometabolic risk factors such as hypertension.
A rare unbalanced Y:autosome translocation in a Turner syndrome patient
Authors: Yao Ruen , Yu Ding , Wang Jian , Wang Xiumin , Shen Yiping
Published: January 2018

Background:

Y:autosome translocations are reported to be associated with male infertility and azoospermia. Female cases with Y:autosome translocation are extremely rare.

Case presentation:

We report a unique case of a rare unbalanced translocation t(Y;13) in a 12-year-old girl with Turner syndrome. Combined cytogenetic testing helped to demonstrate the detail of rare chromosomal structural rearrangement in this patient.

Conclusions:

The presented case showed femaleness phenotype and failure of masculinization with presence of Y chromosome and the SRY gene. She was treated with growth hormone (GH) therapy after confirming the presence of only female internal gonad with laparoscopy.
Four novel mutations of the BCKDHA, BCKDHB and DBT genes in Iranian patients with maple syrup urine disease
Authors: Zeynalzadeh Monica , Tafazoli Alireza , Aarabi Azadeh , Moghaddassian Morteza , Ashrafzadeh Farah , Houshmand Massoud , Taghehchian Negin , Abbaszadegan Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2018

Background:

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare metabolic autosomal recessive disorder caused by dysfunction of the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex. Mutations in the BCKDHA, BCKDHB and DBT genes are responsible for MSUD. The current study analyzed seven Iranian MSUD patients genetically and explored probable correlations between their genotype and phenotype.

Methods:

The panel of genes, including BCKDHA, BCKDHB and DBT, was evaluated, using routine the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing method. In addition, protein modeling (homology and threading modeling) of the deduced novel mutations was performed. The resulting structures were then analyzed, using state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools to better understand the structural and functional effects caused by mutations.

Results:

Seven mutations were detected in seven patients, including four novel pathogenic mutations in BCKDHA (c.1198delA, c.629C>T), BCKDHB (c.652C>T) and DBT (c.1150A>G) genes. Molecular modeling of the novel mutations revealed clear changes in the molecular energy levels and stereochemical traits of the modeled proteins, which may be indicative of strong correlations with the functional modifications of the genes. Structural deficiencies were compatible with the observed phenotypes.

Conclusions:

Any type of MSUD can show heterogeneous clinical manifestations in different ethnic groups. Comprehensive molecular investigations would be necessary for differential diagnosis.
Comparison between two inhibin B ELISA assays in 46,XY testicular disorders of sex development (DSD) with normal testosterone secretion
Authors: Guaragna-Filho Guilherme , Calixto Antônio Ramos , De Paula Georgette Beatriz , De Oliveira Laurione Cândido , Morcillo André Moreno , De Mello Maricilda Palandi , Maciel-Guerra Andrea Trevas , Guerra-Junior Gil
Published: January 2018

Background:

Inhibin B is a hormone produced by the Sertoli cells that can provide important information for the investigation of disorders of sex development (DSD) with 46,XY karyotype. The aim of this study is to compare two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays for dosage of serum inhibin B in patients with 46,XY DSD with normal testosterone secretion.

Methods:

Twenty-nine patients with 46,XY DSD and normal testosterone secretion (partial androgen insensitivity syndrome [PAIS] [n=8]; 5α-reductase deficiency [n=7] and idiopathic 46,XY DSD [n=14]) were included. Molecular analysis of the AR and SRD5A2 genes were performed in all patients and the NR5A1 gene analysis in the idiopathic group. Measurements of inhibin B were performed by two second-generation ELISA assays (Beckman-Coulter and AnshLabs). Assays were compared using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman method.

Results:

ICC was 0.915 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.828–0.959], however, a discrepancy was observed between trials, which is more evident among higher values when analyzed by the Bland-Altman method.

Conclusions:

It is recommended to perform the inhibin B measurement always using the same ELISA kit when several evaluations are required for a specific patient.
Management of thyrotoxicosis in children and adolescents: 35 years’ experience in 304 patients
Authors: Azizi Fereidoun , Amouzegar Atieh
Published: January 2018

Background:

Diffuse toxic goiter accounts for about 15% of all childhood thyroid diseases. There is great controversy over the management of Graves’ disease in children and adolescents. This article reports our experience in 304 children and juvenile patients with Graves’ disease.

Methods:

Between 1981 and 2015, 304 patients aged 5–19 years with diffuse toxic goiter were studied, of whom 296 patients were treated with antithyroid drugs (ATD) for 18 months. Patients with persistent or relapsed hyperthyroidism who refused ablative therapy with surgery or radioiodine were managed with continuous methimazole (MMI) treatment.

Results:

In 304 patients (245 females and 59 males), the mean age was 15.6±2.6 years. After 18 months of ATD therapy, 37 remained in remission and of the 128 who relapsed, two, 29 and 97 patients chose surgery, continuous ATD and radioiodine therapy, respectively. Of the 136 patients who received radioiodine, 66.2% became hypothyroid. Twenty-nine patients received continuous ATD therapy for 5.7±2.4 years. The mean MMI dose was 4.6±12 mg daily, no serious complications occurred and all of them remained euthyroid during the follow-up. Less abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values were observed in these patients, as compared to patients who were on a maintenance dose of levothyroxine after radioiodine induced hypothyroidism.

Conclusions:

Original treatment with ATD and subsequent radioiodine therapy remain the mainstay of treatment for juvenile hyperthyroidism. Continuous ATD administration may be considered as another treatment modality for hyperthyroidism.
Decrease in serum chemerin through aerobic exercise plus dieting and its association with mitigation of cardio-metabolic risk in obese female adolescents
Authors: Liu Min , Lin Xiaojing , Wang Xiaohui
Published: January 2018

Background:

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a 4-week aerobic exercise plus dieting intervention on serum chemerin in obese female adolescents and its possible role in mitigating cardio-metabolic risk including glucose and lipid metabolism, central fat and inflammation.

Methods:

Fifty obese female adolescents were randomly divided into two groups: exercise plus dieting group (n=30) and dieting group (n=20). The participants in the exercise plus dieting group completed 4 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise combined with dieting, while the subjects in the dieting group undertook only dieting. Before and after the experiments, anthropometric index, parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism, serum chemerin and classic inflammatory indicators (C-reactive protein [CRP], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin-1β [IL-1β], IL-6, leptin and adiponectin) were measured.

Results:

Compared with the dieting group, a decrease in serum chemerin was found in the exercise plus dieting group, accompanied by significant improvements in anthropometric index, glucose and lipid metabolism and inflammatory factors. In addition, a higher serum chemerin level was found in obese adolescents with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and the disappearance of MetS induced by exercise plus dieting might be related to the decrease in chemerin. Correlation analysis showed the correlations of the decrease in chemerin with the changes in body fat, glucose and lipid metabolic index, leptin and adiponectin/leptin ratio.

Conclusions:

This is the first report that as short a duration as 4-week aerobic exercise plus dieting decreased serum chemerin in obese female adolescents, which might be associated with the improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism, mitigation of inflammation and decrease in MetS incidence, thus lowering cardio-metabolic risk, while no health benefit resulted from slight dieting.
Landform values for rural sustainability: Recognition and assessment in a Spanish–Portuguese border region case study
Authors: De Uña-Álvarez Elena , Álvarez-Vázquez Miguel Ángel , Cuquejo-Bello María del Carmen
Published: January 2018

Landform assemblages may be used to define sites of geomorphological interest which are resources for rural sustainability. This paper focuses on the valuation and significance of such sites in the context of one European internal border region, illustrated using a case study from the inland mountains of the Spanish-Portuguese border: the Serra do Larouco. The theoretical and methodological approach used includes the recognition, inventory and assessment of a preliminary list of twenty-eight sites. They comprise diverse granitic landforms which characterise the rural inland landscapes in the North West of the Iberian Peninsula. The results from the qualitative and quantitative assessments were the basis for a final selection of nine sites as significant land resources. An analysis of their key values supports the proposal of different use and management options to promote rural sustainability. A review of the methodology applied and the consideration of other case studies provide a means to interpret and discuss the regional and local significance of the selected sites. The conclusions emphasise the crucial role that values linked to landforms can play in little-known mountainous and rural border regions, suggesting a future research agenda.
Effects of light pollution on tree phenology in the urban environment
Authors: Škvareninová Jana , Tuhárska Mária , Škvarenina Jaroslav , Babálová Darina , Slobodníková Lenka , Slobodník Branko , Středová Hana , Minďaš Jozef
Published: January 2018

Research on urban climates has been an important topic in recent years, given the growing number of city inhabitants and significant influences of climate on health. Nevertheless, far less research has focused on the impacts of light pollution, not only on humans, but also on plants and animals in the landscape. This paper reports a study measuring the intensity of light pollution and its impact on the autumn phenological phases of tree species in the town of Zvolen (Slovakia). The research was carried out at two housing estates and in the central part of the town in the period 2013–2016. The intensity of ambient nocturnal light at 18 measurement points was greater under cloudy weather than in clear weather conditions. Comparison with the ecological standard for Slovakia showed that average night light values in the town centre and in the housing estate with an older type of public lighting, exceeded the threshold value by 5 lux. Two tree species, sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina L.), demonstrated sensitivity to light pollution. The average onset of the autumn phenophases in the crown parts situated next to the light sources was delayed by 13 to 22 days, and their duration was prolonged by 6 to 9 days. There are three major results: (i) the effects of light pollution on organisms in the urban environment are documented; (ii) the results provide support for a theoretical and practical basis for better urban planning policies to mitigate light pollution effects on organisms; and (iii) some limits of the use of plant phenology as a bioindicator of climate change are presented.
Experimental realization of an optical digital comparator using silicon microring resonators
Authors: Tian Yonghui , Xiao Huifu , Wu Xiaosuo , Liu Zilong , Meng Yinghao , Deng Lin , Guo Xiaonan , Liu Guipeng , Yang Jianhong
Published: January 2018

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a silicon photonic circuit that can perform the comparison operation of two-bit digital signals based on microring resonators (MRRs). Two binary electrical signals regarded as two operands of desired comparison digital signals are applied to three MRRs to modulate their resonances through the microheaters fabricated on the top of MRRs, respectively (here, one binary electrical signal is applied to two MRRs by a 1×2 electrical power splitter, which means that the two MRRs are modulated by the same binary electrical signal). The comparison results of two binary electrical signals can be obtained at two output ports in the form of light. The proposed device is fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator substrate using the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor fabrication process, and the dynamic characterization of the device with the operation speed of 10 kbps is demonstrated successfully.
Definition of the mole (IUPAC Recommendation 2017)
Authors: Marquardt Roberto , Meija Juris , Mester Zoltán , Towns Marcy , Weir Ron , Davis Richard , Stohner Jürgen
Published: January 2018

In 2011 the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) noted the intention of the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) to revise the entire International System of Units (SI) by linking all seven base units to seven fundamental physical constants. Of particular interest to chemists, new definitions for the kilogram and the mole have been proposed. A recent IUPAC Technical Report discussed these new definitions in relation to immediate consequences for the chemical community. This IUPAC Recommendation on the preferred definition of the mole follows from this Technical Report. It supports a definition of the mole based on a specified number of elementary entities, in contrast to the present 1971 definition.
Molecular iodine as a mild catalyst for cross-coupling of alkenes and alcohols
Authors: Čebular Klara , Stavber Stojan
Published: January 2018

C–C bond formation is one of the most fundamental approaches toward molecular diversity in organic synthesis. In pursuit of environmentally friendlier chemical approaches to organic chemistry, we present a new metal-free method for direct dehydrative cross-coupling of alcohols and alkenes using molecular iodine as a Lewis acid catalyst under solvent-free reaction conditions. The reaction is atom-economical, tolerant to air and allows simple synthetic procedure, furnishing Csp
3–Csp
2 coupling products with yields up to 97%. The method has proved efficient for coupling of secondary benzyl alcohols with phenyl-substituted alkenes.
Green multicomponent synthesis of four different classes of six-membered N-containing and O-containing heterocycles catalyzed by an efficient chitosan-based magnetic bionanocomposite
Authors: Maleki Ali , Ghassemi Mina , Firouzi-Haji Razieh
Published: January 2018

In this work, an efficient chitosan-based magnetic bionanocomposite was synthesized via a two-step method and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Then, it was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the one-pot multicomponent syntheses of a variety of heterocyclic compounds including 2-amino-4H-pyrans, 2-amino-4H-chromens and polyhydroquinoline derivatives in ethanol at room temperature. The catalyst was simply separated from the reaction mixture by an external magnet and reused several times. The products were isolated from the reaction mixtures, without any need of column chromatography, in high-to-excellent yields. A reusable and easily recoverable catalyst, use of a green solvent, room temperature and mild reaction conditions are some advantages of the present work.
Three-dimensional computer models of electrospinning systems
Authors: Smółka Krzysztof , Firych-Nowacka Anna , Lefik Marcin
Published: January 2018

Electrospinning is a very interesting method that allows the fabrication of continuous fibers with diameters down to a few nanometers. This paper presents an overview of electrospinning systems as well as their comparison using proposed three-dimensional parameterized numerical models. The presented solutions allow an analysis of the electric field distribution.
The effect of perinatal antibiotic prophylaxis on an early onset of symptomatic infections in newborns
Authors: Szymański Sławomir , Szczerba Katarzyna , Konstanty-Kurkiewicz Violetta
Published: January 2018

Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive perinatal antibiotic therapy on the occurrence of an earlysymptomatic infections in newborns. Material and Methods. The studied material consisted of data obtained from medical records of 1,328 born alive infants and their mothers. Advanced parameters were described with appropriate numbers, arithmetic means, standard deviation, median as well as minimum and maximum values. The level of statistical significance was p<0.05. Results. When it comes to 6.62% of newborns, they demonstrated the presence of early signs of infection. The Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection was found in 14 cases, but only in 5 of them pure GBS strains were isolated. E. coli bacteria was reported in 33 neonates, while the other bacteria naming: Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacteriaceae, taphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from 42 newborns. Among 24 newborns showing clinical signs of infection and positive indicators of inflammation in laboratory tests, simultaneously negative results of bacteriological cultures were reported. Conclusions. In connection with the introduction of an obligation to perform tests for GBS, amount of used antibiotics is increasing. However, the effectiveness of intrapartum antibiotic therapy and its prevalence appear to be unsatisfactory. The color of amniotic fluid may have an impact on the occurrence of intrauterine infection, including early symptoms of the GBS infection.
Extraction, characterization and biological activity of citrus flavonoids
Authors: Sharma Kavita , Mahato Neelima , Lee Yong Rok
Published: January 2018

Citrus is one of the largest and most popular fruit crops commercially grown across the globe. It is not only important in terms of economy but is also popular for its nutritional benefits to human and farm animals. Citrus is available in several varieties, all with attractive colors. It is consumed either fresh or in processed form. After processing, approximately 50% of the fruit remains unconsumed and discarded as waste. The latter includes fruit pith residue, peels and seeds. Direct disposal of these wastes to the environment causes serious problems as these contain bioactive compounds. Release of these bioactive compounds to the open landfills cause bad odor and spread of diseases, and disposal to water bodies or seepage to the underground water table deteriorates water quality and harms aquatic life. In this regard, a number of research are being focused on the development of better reuse methods to obtain value-added phytochemicals as well as for safe disposal. The important phytochemicals obtained from citrus include essential oils, flavonoids, citric acid, pectin, etc., which have now become popular topics in industrial research, food and synthetic chemistry. The present article reviews recent advances in exploring the effects of flavonoids obtained from citrus wastes, the extraction procedure and their usage in view of various health benefits.
Advances in coagulation technique for treatment of fluoride-contaminated water: a critical review
Authors: Dubey Swati , Agrawal Madhu , Gupta Akhilendra Bhushan
Published: January 2018

Fluoride contamination of groundwater has become a major concern worldwide, resulting in serious medical conditions such as dental and skeletal fluorosis. Consequently, the WHO recommends that drinking water should not contain more than 1.5 mg/l of fluoride. Various defluoridation techniques such as coagulation, reverse osmosis, activated alumina adsorption, and biosorbent adsorption have been developed. Adsorption through the activated alumina and biosorbent process is not cost effective and has regeneration problems, and the reverse osmosis process has the high initial cost which makes it unacceptable for developing countries. Coagulation is a commonly employed field technology for defluoridation, which involves the addition of aluminum salts, lime, and bleaching powder followed by rapid mixing, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration but suffers from a limitation of high residual aluminum in treated water. This paper critically reviews the recent developments in the coagulation technique for defluoridation along with its comparison to other defluoridation techniques. The review describes the pertinent gaps in the process and throws open suggestions for extending research by citing the recent studies which may lead to the revival of the process. The description about the suspension of alumino-fluoro complexes that constitute a substantial part of the residual aluminum after alum treatment has been narrated in the paper that helps in a deeper understanding of the defluoridation mechanism. To make the process highly suitable for communities, appropriate technological interventions, such as converting it to a continuous mode of operation, replacing alum with poly-aluminum chloride (PAC), and attaching a micro-filtration unit in series of the existing process, can be done. Also, using PAC as a coagulant with sand filtration has to be considered for making the process more efficient.