bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory disorders during sleep in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Poluektov M. G. , Melnichenko G. A.
Published: October 2019

Forty patients with diabetes mellitus (7 with insulin-dependent and 33 with noninsulin-dependent condition) were examined in order to elucidate the factors contributing to development of sleep-related breathing disturbances (SKBD). Relationship between SRBD and features and complications of diabetes is studied. Special attention was paid to the role of the peripheral autonomic insufficiency in the development of these disorders in diabetics. We failed to detect a reliable correlation between the presence and severity of SRBD and autonomic regulation and other neurologic or vascular complications of diabetes. Age, body weight, and type of fatty tissue distribution affect the development of SRBD in diabetics, similarly as in the general population.
Specific features of steroidogenesis in hormally active and hormonally inactive tumors of the adrenal cortex
Authors: Kolesnikova G. S. , Goncharov N. P. , Katsiya G. V. , Todua T. N. , Malysheva N. M. , Golovkina N. A. , Kuznetsov N. S.
Published: October 2019

The papers examines the specific features ofsteroidogenesis in the adrenal cortex ofpatients with different types of tumors and analyzes the ratio of ∆4- to ∆5-pathways of corticosteroid biosynthesis, which is a governing factor in the development of adrenal cortical hyperfunction. The levels of all major corticosteroids (cortisol, aldosterone, androgens of the adrenals) and their precursors were studied in the peripheral blood of patients with corticosteroma, aldosteroma, androsteroma, and hormonally inactive tumors (in the morning and in the evening). Based on the calculation of the mean daily concentration of steroids and the ratio of product/substrate of an enzymatic reaction in the biosynthesis of corticosteroids, the authors determined the activity of some enzymes and analyzed the changes found in this activity as compared with the normal values.

The findings indicate that in corticosteroma, the higher activity of 11β-hydroxylase and the lower activity of 17,20-desmolase leads to a biosynthesis shift to ∆4-pathway; in virilizing tumor, the enhanced activity of Зβ-olsteroid dehydrogenase results in the same shift; in aldosteroma, the ratio of biosynthesis pathways does not differ from the normal values. The significant scatter in the individual values when the blood concentrations were determined in patients with hormonally inactive tumors fails to make an unambiguous conclusion about the activity of steroidogenic enzymes and about the direction of biosynthesis in these patients.
Syndrome "empty" Turkish saddle
Authors: Babarina M. B.
Published: October 2019

The syndrome of the "empty" Turkish saddle (PTS) is one of the poorly studied problems of neuroendocrinology. The urgency of this problem has increased at the present time with the widespread use in the diagnosis of the non-invasive method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as with the increase in the number of patients exposed to radiation, surgical, combined exposure due to pituitary adenoma.

The term "PTS syndrome" should be understood as the prolapse of the suprasellar tank into the cavity of the Turkish saddle with the pituitary gland spreading along the bottom and walls of the Turkish saddle, accompanied by endocrine, neurological and visual impairment. There are primary (idiopathic) and secondary PTS, which occurs after radiation, surgical and combined methods of treatment of diseases of the chiasm-sellar region. This review will focus mainly on primary PTS syndrome.
Induction and maintenance of remission of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in repeated courses of hyperbaric oxygenation
Authors: Dreval A. V. , Gubkina V. A. , Kiselev S. O. , Tishenin R. S. , Molchanov G. S. , Cheskidov G. F.
Published: October 2019

The efficacy of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) is studied in diabetics with newly detected or lasting for less than 1 year disease. The possibility of inducing and/or prolonging diabetes remission by HBO and the efficacy of repeated courses of HBO are evaluated. Fifty-three patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) (28 men and 25 women) aged 15-39 years, suffering from the disease for up to 12 month without apparent complications, were administered intensive insulin therapy with human insulin preparations and 10-day HBO courses. HBO courses repeated every 4 months promoted compensation of carbohydrate metabolism by stimulating residual insulin secretion in patients with IDDM lasting for up to one year, the effect of HBO progressively decreasing with each course. Manifest positive effect of HBO persisted for 2 months. After the first course of HBO, remission of IDDM ensued in 41.5% cases. Patients aged over 25 years with intact insulin secretion on an empty stomach were more disposed to remission. Remissions were equally incident in patients with diabetes duration of up to 6 months and in those with diabetes duration of 6-12 months. A history of ketoacidotic coma episodes does not rule out the induction of a remission.
The state of the reproductive and somatic cells of the testicles with primary hypogonadism in men
Authors: Ustinkina T. I.
Published: October 2019

The course of male hypogonadism is analyzed in the dynamic functional system including gametogenesis and the endocrine hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal cycle. Gametogenesis was assessed by the results of cytomorphological analysis of the ejaculate. The hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal cycle was assessed by measuring FSH, LH, testosterone, and prolactin in the blood. A total of 343 men were examined, 314 of these with spermatogenesis disorders. The continuity of changes in the gametogenesis hypothalamopituitary-gonadal cycle system in the pathogenesis of hypogonadal and primary testicular insufficiency is determined.
Features of metabolic disorders and hormone replacement therapy in pre- and postmenopausal patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
Authors: Stekolshchikova O. D.
Published: October 2019

Currently, the world is witnessing an aging population and an increase in the number of diseases characteristic of the elderly. These include cardiovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus - NIDDM). Increasing life expectancy requires improving the quality of life of patients. Given the angioprotective effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), there is an increasing interest in its use in postmenopausal women for the prevention and treatment of menopausal disorders, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis. Among the huge contingent of patients with hyperglycemia, almost 80% are patients with NIDDM, of which 65-70% are women. This fact provides a great scientific and practical interest in the features of metabolic disorders (hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia) in postmenopausal women.
The degree of reliability of data obtained using a computer registry of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dreval A. V. , Misnikova I. V. , Redkin Yu. A.
Published: October 2019

The main problem in analysis of the register of diabetes mellitus is evaluation of the reliability of data and the probability of extrapolating the results to a population of patients in the studied region. Our task was to assess the efficacy of diagnostic methods used in a region. Study of the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy by referent tests revealed poor sensitivity of methods for diagnosis of these complications in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in the Mytischi region; hence, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy might be higher than recorded in IDDM register.

Analysis confirmed the usefulness of active detection of early stages of complicated IDDM by screening (examination of the fundus oculi, detection of microalbuminuria and vibration sensitivity) for reflecting the true incidence of complications and timely therapy. Detection of numerous patients with IDDM at the phase of diabetes decompensation necessitates revision of preventive and therapeutic measures. High incidence of hypoglycemic reactions among IDDM patients necessitates their more active prevention, specifically, training IDDM patients to practice automonitoring methods.
Polymorphism of microsatellite markers of aldose reductase and catalase genes and a genetic predisposition to nephropathy in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
Authors: Turakulov R. I. , Chistyakov D. A. , Chugunova L. A. , Shamkhalova M. Sh. , Shestakova M. V. , Nosikov V. V. , Debabov V. G. , Dedov I. I.
Published: October 2019

Polymorphism of dinucleotide microsatellite in the aldose reductase (AR2) gene and two polymorphic microsatellite markers (DI 1S907 and DI IS2008) near catalase (CAT) gene were studied in insulin-dependent diabetics with and without diabetic nephropathy (DN). We formed the groups of patients to compare using the "extremephenotype"approach. Twenty-seven proteinuric patients with relatively short diabetes duration (<15 years) and 41 patients with a longer diabetes duration (>20years) without signs of DNserved as the "case"(DN+) and "control"(DN-) groups, respectively. Seven alleles of the AR2 gene ranging from 132 to 144 base pairs (bp) long were detected. For DI 1S907 and DI 1S2008, seven and eight alleles from 161 to 173 and from 120 to 148 bp long were found, respectively. No significant differences in the distribution of alleles and genotypes of AR2 and DI IS2008 loci in the DN+ and DN— groups were detected by Fisher's test. For D11S907, a significant increase in the frequency of both 15 (16.7% vs. 6.1%), p<0.05) and 18 (29.6%) vs. 15.9%, p<0.05) alleles was revealed in DNpatients in comparison with the controls, while the 17 allele of D11S907 was significantly rarer (9.3% vs. 30.5%, p<0.005) in the "nephropaths" than in diabetics without DN. Hence, the polymorphism of the AR2 gene is not associated with DN in IDDM, while a chromosome region near the CA T gene is likely to be linked with the disorder.
The effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on the functional state of the heart in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
Authors: Galenok V. A. , Ozernaya T. V. , Yasyuliunas Yu. Yu. , Potanina L. M.
Published: October 2019

Capotene is an effective drug for preventing and treating diabetic myocardiodystrophy. A two-month capotene therapy (12.5 mg daily) was carried out in 20 patients with IDDM aged 12-18 years with disease of different duration without clinical signs of cardiac insufficiency, with echocardiographic changes typical of diabetic myocardiodystrophy. Eight patients were administered 3 similar courses with 6-month intervals. The major hemodynamic parameters were investigated by echolocation, and exercise tolerance was evaluated by bicycle ergometry. The data indicate the efficacy of capotene therapy in patients with diabetic myocardiodystrophy, particularly of repeated courses, carried out under conditions of compensated carbohydrate metabolism. The diastolic parameters improved in comparison with those in patients administered no capotene; myocardial contractility and exercise tolerance increased. Capotene therapy did not involve changes in insulin protocols.
Indeks Pencemaran Lingkungan Secara Fisika-Kimia dan Biokonsentrasi Timbal (Pb) pada Kerang Hijau di Perairan Pesisir Semarang Utara
Authors: Khusnia Arsika Zuhrotul , Astorina Nikke , Rahardjo Mursid
Published: October 2019

The North Semarang ocean are functioned for high activity area also utilization in one site. The entry of waste into the waters or oceans caused the decrease of water quality.  Lead (Pb) entered to North Semarang oceans by kind of activities there. The aims of this researc are to describe pollution index and bioconcentration in the study location. This reasearch is descriptive observational with cross sectional study. Sampling location determined beside on zoonation.Twenty four (24) samples were determined purposively besed on location, wind direction and current type. The samples was measured in situ and laboratory test. The average of pH was 8,05 , temperature was  31,38°C, salinity was 28,4 ppt, DO was 4,07 mg/L and lead (Pb) was 0,99 mg/L. The average of dissolved oxygen not in accordance with quality standards (>5 mg/l) also lead (Pb) average is higher than standard (0,008 mg/l). Calculation of pollutan index in North Semarang ocean categorized as moderate polluted and the lead (Pb) bioconcentration on Perna viridis categorized as low accumulative with the value of BCF was 0,62 L/kg (BCF<100). All of samples classified as moderate polluted which caused bioconcentration and low bioacumulation on Perna viridis so that it is harmful for human health.
The Role of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Imaging Parameters to Predict Early Biochemical Recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Parizi Mehdi Kardoust , Razi Ali , Alizadeh Soheil , Kasaeian Amir
Published: October 2019

To evaluate the role of magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) parameters to predict early biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Between November 2010 and March 2012, 60 consecutive patients with clinically non-metastatic biopsy confirmed PCa underwent RP after MRSI assessment in a prospective study. Demographic, clinicopathological, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) staging, MRSI parameters, and postoperative serum prostate-specific antigen were recorded. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to assess the association between potential prognosticators and early BCR (BCR less than 12 months after RP). In univariate Cox regression, preoperative serum PSA (prostate-specific antigen) (HR – hazard ratio = 1.016, p=0.003), surgical Gleason score > 7 (HR = 5.034, p=0.006) and MRSI risk score (HR = 4.061, p=0.0001); and in multivariate model, preoperative serum PSA (HR = 1.012; p=0.046), surgical GS > 7 (HR = 4.196; p=0.017) and MRSI risk score (HR = 3.256; p=0.013) were associated with early BCR. The greatest AUC (area under the curve) was related to MRSI risk score (AUC = 0.733) and the AUC of the multivariate model was 0.776. MRI/MRSI parameters specially MRSI risk score might be acceptable predictors of early BCR. These parameters can improve the accuracy of predictive nomograms to assess the risk of BCR after RP.
Kinetics of Myristic Acid Following Accidentally Induced Septic Response
Authors: Zazula Roman , Průcha Miroslav , Pehal František , Dryahina Kseniya , Moravec Michal , Müller Martin , Nejtek Tomáš
Published: October 2019

Myristic acid was identified as a metabolite with the highest diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in the metabolome of patients with bacteraemia. Subsequently, its significant decrease was observed in patients in septic shock not responding to treatment. In our study we have captured myristic acid serum level kinetics in 96 hours following accidental intravenous self-administration of eubiotic Hylak forte causing infection-like systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). To our knowledge, this is the first time the kinetics of myristic acid levels is presented in a septic patient. Myristic acid was evaluated in comparison with other inflammatory biomarkers and with its level in a control group of healthy subjects. Myristic acid levels during septic response were significantly elevated in comparison with the control group. The peak level was recorded almost immediately after the insult with a gradual decrease within 96 hours. Myristic acid appears to be a promising biomarker in sepsis diagnostics, further research by our group into this topic is ongoing.
Assessing the use of multiple-choice translation items in English proficiency tests: The case of the national English proficiency test in Turkey
Authors: Dinçer Betül Hazal , Antonova-Unlu Elena , Kumcu Alper
Published: October 2019

The use of translation for language teaching and assessment, by and large, has been abandoned with the adoption of audio-lingual and communicative approaches in language teaching. As a result, nowadays translation items are not commonly used for measuring language proficiency in international language proficiency tests (e. g. TOEFL, IELTS).

However, there are several countries that still use translation items in their national language proficiency tests (e. g. Turkey, Japan, China, Romania among others). The present study aims to examine whether or not multiple-choice translation items are an appropriate tool for measuring proficiency in English. To this end, the perceived level of difficulty and validity of multiple-choice translation items in the National English Proficiency Test (YDS) in Turkey were examined. The findings revealed that the participants did significantly better on the translation items than on the rest of the test items. They also perceived the translation items as the easiest among all the rest items in YDS. Moreover, while YDS as a whole indicated a strong validity based on correlation with TOEFL PBT Reading Sample Test, the translation items indicated moderate validity. Importantly, there was a significant difference between the two correlations. These findings suggest that multiple-choice translation items are likely to lower the overall validity of YDS tests, inflate the scores of test-takers and, thus, might be considered as problematic for the quality of the tests.
Modified energy method and applications for the well-posedness for the higher-order Benjamin–Ono equation and the higher-order intermediate long wave equation
Authors: Guo Boling , Huo Zhaohui
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the well-posedness of the higher-order Benjamin–Ono equation

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Quasilinearization and boundary value problems at resonance
Authors: Alanazi Kareem , Alshammari Meshal , Eloe Paul
Published: October 2019

A quasilinearization algorithm is developed for boundary value problems at resonance.
To do so, a standard monotonicity condition is assumed to obtain the uniqueness of solutions for the boundary value problem at resonance.
Then the method of upper and lower solutions and the shift method are applied to obtain the existence of solutions.
A quasilinearization algorithm is developed and sequences of approximate solutions are constructed, which converge monotonically and quadratically to the unique solution of the boundary value problem at resonance.
Two examples are provided in which explicit upper and lower solutions are exhibited.
Novel box trainer for taTME – prospective evaluation among medical students
Authors: Mann Jakob , Rolinger Jens , Axt Steffen , Kirschniak Andreas , Wilhelm Peter
Published: October 2019

Background

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has been subject to extensive research and increasing clinical application. It allows further reduction of trauma by accessing via a natural orifice. Manifold platforms and instruments have been introduced and heterogeneity in surgical techniques exists. Because of the technique’s complexity there is a persistent need for dedicated training devices and concepts.

Materials and methods

The key steps of taTME were analyzed and a box trainer with three modules resembling these steps was designed and manufactured. Twenty-one surgically inexperienced medical students performed five repetitions of the three tasks with the new box trainer. Time and error count were analyzed for assessment of a learning curve.

Results

A significant reduction of processing time could be demonstrated for tasks 1–3 (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.001). The effect size was high for comparison of repetition 1 and 5 and decreased over the course (task 1: r = 0.88 vs. r = 0.21; task 2: r = 0.86 vs. r = 0.23; task 3: r = 0.74 vs. r = 0.44). Also, a significant reduction of errors was demonstrated for tasks 1 and 2. The decrease of effect size was analogously demonstrated.

Conclusions

The trainer might help to reduce the use of animal models for testing of platforms and instruments as well as gaining first-hand experience in transanal rectal resection.
Trehalose protects against spinal cord injury through regulating heat shock proteins 27 and 70 and caspase-3 genes expression
Authors: Nasouti Roya , Khaksari Mohammad , Mirzaee Moghaddameh , Nazari-Robati Mahdieh
Published: October 2019

Background

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a class of highly conserved proteins responsible for various functions critical to cell survival. Pharmacological induction of HSPs has been implicated in the regulation of neuronal loss and functional deficits in peripheral and central nervous system injuries. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of trehalose on spinal expression of HSP27, HSP70 and caspase-3 genes following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.

Methods

Male rats weighing 250–300 g underwent laminectomy and were divided into four groups including sham, SCI (received SCI), vehicle (received SCI and phosphate buffer saline intrathecally) and trehalose (received 10 mM trehalose intrathecally following SCI). On days 1, 3 and 7 after injury, HSP27, HSP70 and caspase-3 genes transcripts were quantified in spinal cord tissues via a real-time PCR technique. In addition, locomotor function was assessed using the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) rating scale.

Results

SCI induced the expression of HSP27, HSP70 and caspase-3 genes and BBB score at all time points. Trehalose treatment upregulated HSP27, HSP70 genes expression at 1 day after SCI. Interestingly, a significant reduction in the expression of HSP27 and HSP70 genes was observed on days 3 and 7 following trauma compared with the vehicle group (p < 0.01). Caspase-3 gene showed a decrease in expression in the trehalose-treated group at all times. In addition, neurological function revealed an improvement after treatment with trehalose.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the neuroprotective effect of trehalose is mediated via regulation of HSP27 and HSP70, which are involved in cytoprotection and functional recovery following SCI.
Subcutaneous fat necrosis, a rare but serious side effect of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and whole-body hypothermia
Authors: Alsaleem Mahdi , Saadeh Lina , Elberson Valerie , Kumar Vasantha H.S.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To describe the clinical characteristics and risk factors in infants with subcutaneous fat necrosis (SFN) following therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

Methods

A case-control study was performed by a retrospective chart review of infants with moderate or severe HIE admitted to a level IV regional perinatal center and who underwent whole-body cooling.

Results

A total of 14 (8.1%) of 171 infants with moderate or severe HIE who underwent whole-body cooling developed SFN during hospitalization. There were more females [71% (10/14)] and large-for-gestational age (LGA) infants [28% (4/14)] in the SFN group vs. 36% females (57/157) and 8% LGA infants (13/157) in the group without SFN (P-values of 0.009 and 0.015, respectively). The mean lowest platelet count was lower 108 ± 55 109/L vs. 146 ± 62 109/L and the mean highest calcium level was higher 11.3 ± 2.5 vs. 10.6 ± 0.8 mg/dL in infants with SFN vs. infants without SFN, respectively (P-values of 0.0078 and 0.006, respectively). Distribution of skin lesions followed distinctive patterns representing the areas with direct contact with the cooling blanket. One infant developed severe, life-threatening hypercalcemia that required aggressive management, including diuretics, corticosteroids and bisphosphonates.

Conclusion

Although SFN is a rare complication of therapeutic hypothermia, it can be a life-threatening condition if complicated by severe hypercalcemia. Infants who undergo therapeutic hypothermia for HIE need regular skin examinations to evaluate for SFN. If SFN is identified, monitoring of serum calcium levels to prevent life-threatening hypercalcemia is recommended.
The Phenomenology of Sacrifice in Marion, Patočka and Nancy
Authors: Kouba Petr
Published: October 2019

The phenomenon of sacrifice has been analyzed by Hegel, Kierkegaard, Bataille and many other philosophers. In my paper I intend to examine this phenomenon from the phenomenological point of view as outlined by Jan Patočka, Jean-Luc Nancy and Jean-Luc Marion. With their help I differentiate several kinds of sacrifice (strategic, moral, political, and religious), but above all, I am interested in the limits of sacrifice. Provided that the fields of morality, politics and religion are opened by sacrifice, is there any morality, politics and religion without one? And if so, what is the meaning of morality, politics and religion that are not based on some kind of sacrifice? These questions seem essential in our time, when the meaning of sacrifice is compromised by acts of terrorism. It is relatively easy to denounce terrorism and its propaganda, which uses the concept of martyrdom, as an inauthentic approach to the experience of sacrifice (Marion). But how can we break its spell if we believe that sacrifice brings our existence to completeness (Patočka)? How can we avoid inauthentic forms of sacrifice, if we believe that without sacrifice we must fall into nihilism and indifference?
Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy: “First Principles” analysis and simulations of electrical response in the classical range of frequencies below 1 THz and the resulting new role of Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy in electrical characterisation within Condensed Matter Physics
Authors: Viščor Petr , Viščor Martin
Published: October 2019

In order to investigate the full potential of the Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) when used to address various aspects of conductive and dielectric response within the field of Condensed Matter Physics and Electrochemistry, a new analysis of the electrical impedance experiments has been undertaken. Within the framework of quantum mechanical band structure and using the concept of electrochemical potential for each of the relevant energies, the problem of electrical response in condensed phase has been formulated, using augmented Maxwell equations of Classical Electrodynamics, as a boundary value problem of a set of coupled, non-linear parabolic equations in energy, space and time. The result of this numerical analysis is a principal possibility of a complete electrical characterisation of both monocrystals, glassy solids and liquids. The EIS has been put in this way on a new qualitative level and should be considered now as the most general electrical experimental characterisation tool available. In this article, a methodology of numerical simulations of electrical response in condensed matter systems at classical frequencies (from ~1 THz down to dc) is presented and the numerical simulation results are then discussed, using monocrystalline Silicon, chalcogenide glass ion conductor Agx(AsS2)1−x and simple aqueous chloride solution as experimental test cases. Some other unique results of the new EIS analysis will also be discussed. These include the possibility of a clear distinction between the contribution to the electrical response from bound and mobile electrical charges, the possibility of simultaneous and independent determination of the mobile electrical charges mobility and their density in one EIS experiment and incorporation of the interfacial regions of the system under test (SUT) as an essential part of the overall electrical response.
Graph cutting and its application to biological data
Authors: Ždímalová Mária , Major Ján , Kopáni Martin
Published: October 2019

In this paper we introduce the concept of segmentation based on mathematical approach using graph theory algorithms using the family of augmenting paths algorithms. We present a new program, an implementation, algorithms and obtained results devoted to segmentation of biomedical data. We implement our program for handling with segmentation, counting a measure of the existence of the minerals in the biomedical data. As a consequence we prove the existence of minerals in the data obtained from the brain of rabbits.
Exact solutions of equal-width equation and its conservation laws
Authors: Khalique Chaudry Masood , Plaatjie Karabo , Simbanefayi Innocent
Published: October 2019

In this work we investigate the equal-width equation, which is used for simulation of (1-D) wave propagation in non-linear medium with dispersion process. Firstly, Lie symmetries are determined and then used to establish an optimal system of one-dimensional subalgebras. Thereafter with its aid we perform symmetry reductions and compute new invariant solutions, which are snoidal and cnoidal waves. Additionally, the conservation laws for the aforementioned equation are established by invoking multiplier method and Noether’s theorem.
Review of muscle modelling methods from the point of view of motion biomechanics with particular emphasis on the shoulder
Authors: Bednarski Radosław , Bielak Adrianna , Wojciechowski Adam
Published: October 2019

Correct modelling of human muscle is very difficult issue. The digital model can be used for understandig, how the muscle works, what kinds of processes take places during their work. It can be also used for check correctness of animation synteze. Researchers have developed many methods for creating shoulder models. They differ not only in the approach to creating models, but also in applications. In this article, the authors reviewed the methods of modelling muscles and applied these models for possible application in biomechanics.
Challenges and implication of full solar spectrum-driven photocatalyst
Authors: Nawaz Ahmad , Kuila Aneek , Mishra Nirmalendu Sekhar , Leong Kah Hon , Sim Lan Ching , Saravanan Pichiah , Jang Min
Published: October 2019

Conventional metal oxide and its composites embrace the long-standing problem of using the combined visible and near-infrared (NIR) light. Doping with suitable impurities of metal, nonmetal, or its combinations for visible light enhancement is very well studied. However, the quantum efficiency of these photocatalysts does not produce an exciting appearance toward visible and NIR light when irradiated through either artificial or natural light. Furthermore, owing to the limited availability of solar light, challenges arise from the implication of these developed nano-photocatalysts. Therefore, the hybridized concept was developed for the effective use of either full or partial solar spectrum, even functioning in dark conditions. The present review focuses on the challenges of hybridized photocatalysts in storing and discharging the harvested photons obtained from the solar spectrum. The review vividly emphasizes the evolution of light-driven nanomaterials since its innovation and significant breakthroughs in brief, while a detailed presentation of the implications of hybrid photocatalysts for full solar applications, including the mechanistic features, charging-discharging characteristics, work function, charge carrier mobility, and interactions, follows. The article also delivers the substantial contribution of these materials in regard to energy and environmental application.
The effect of occupational exposure to petrol on pulmonary function parameters: a review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rahimi Moghadam Somayeh , Afshari Mahdi , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Khanjani Narges , Ganjali Ali
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Exposure to petrol and gasoline can have harmful effects on the lungs. This review aimed to summarize the reported effects of this exposure on pulmonary function parameters.

Methods

Relevant studies were identified by a comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases. Irrelevant studies were excluded. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa score (NOS). The standard mean difference of pulmonary parameters between exposed and unexposed petrol station attendants was pooled using random effects. Meta-regression was used to investigate factors probably related to heterogeneity. Studies affecting the total estimates were assessed during sensitivity analysis. The Egger test was performed to investigate any evidence of publication bias.

Results

Eventually, 26 studies entered the meta-analysis, and the pooled standard difference [95% confidence interval (CI)] of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, vital capacity (VC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) in the exposed minus unexposed groups was −1.08 L (95% CI: −1.38, −0.78), −0.92 L (−1.15, −0.69), −0.65 (−1.01, −0.30), −0.51 L (−0.96, −0.06), −0.96 L/s (−1.21, −0.69), −0.78 L/s (1.14, −0.42) and −0.58 L/min (−0.90, −0.27), respectively, and showed a decrease in all pulmonary parameters in the exposed group.

Conclusion

Occupational exposure to petrol fumes is a risk factor for lung function and there is a reverse relation between lung function and the duration of exposure.
Stability selection for lasso, ridge and elastic net implemented with AFT models
Authors: Khan Md Hasinur Rahaman , Bhadra Anamika , Howlader Tamanna
Published: October 2019

The instability in the selection of models is a major concern with data sets containing a large number of covariates. We focus on stability selection which is used as a technique to improve variable selection performance for a range of selection methods, based on aggregating the results of applying a selection procedure to sub-samples of the data where the observations are subject to right censoring. The accelerated failure time (AFT) models have proved useful in many contexts including the heavy censoring (as for example in cancer survival) and the high dimensionality (as for example in micro-array data). We implement the stability selection approach using three variable selection techniques—Lasso, ridge regression, and elastic net applied to censored data using AFT models. We compare the performances of these regularized techniques with and without stability selection approaches with simulation studies and two real data examples–a breast cancer data and a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma data. The results suggest that stability selection gives always stable scenario about the selection of variables and that as the dimension of data increases the performance of methods with stability selection also improves compared to methods without stability selection irrespective of the collinearity between the covariates.
Investigation of mesitylene-solvated group 13 mixed-metal halides: syntheses and crystal structures of bis(1,3,5-trimethylbenzene)gallium(I) tetrachlorido- and tetrabromidoaluminate(III) and (1,3,5-trimethylbenzene)gallium(I) tetraiodidoaluminate(III). Variation of the gallium-π-arene bond strength
Authors: Küppers Luca , Frank Walter
Published: October 2019

Bis(1,3,5-trimethylbenzene)gallium(I) tetra­chloridoaluminate(III), [(1,3,5-(CH3)3C6H3)2Ga][AlCl4] (1), bis(1,3,5-trimethylbenzene)gallium(I) tetrabromido­aluminate(III), [(1,3,5-(CH3)3C6H3)2Ga][AlBr4] (2) and (1,3,5-trimethylbenzene)gallium(I) tetraiodidoaluminate(III), [1,3,5-(CH3)3C6H3Ga][AlI4] (3) were synthesized from the corresponding subvalent GaI/AlIII mixed metal halides and characterized via C,H analysis, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric monoclinic space group Cc isotypic to [(1,3,5-(CH3)3C6H3)2Ga][GaCl4]. For 2 and 3 the monoclinic space group P21/n is found, however, they are neither isotypic nor homotypic. While 2 is isotypic to [(1,3,5-(CH3)3C6H3)2In][InBr4], 3 establishes a new structure type. In the solids of all three title compounds coordination polymeric chains are found, in 1 and 2 built up from bis(arene)-coordinated, in 3 from mono(arene)-coordinated Ga+ ions and the corresponding AlX
4
− anions in a 1κCl:2κCl′ (1), 1κCl,Cl′:2κCl″ (2) or 1κCl,Cl′:2κCl″:3κCl‴ (3) bridging mode. Taking into account the weaker coordinating character of the AlCl4
− as compared to the AlBr4
− anion, in line with expectations the number of gallium halogen contacts is increased and the strength of the π-arene bonding is reduced in the bromide 2 as compared to the chloride 1. Finally, with the even more strongly coordinating AlI4
− anion the arene coordination is limited to one molecule. Considering mesitylene complexes of gallium, the formation of a mono(arene) complex is unprecedented and even considering group 13 elements in general, the formation of a mono(mesitylene) complex like 3 is unusual. Furthermore, compound 3 is the first structurally characterized arene solvate of a main group metal tetraiodidometallate.
Combination Effect of Voluntary Exercise and Garlic (Allium sativum) on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Lipid Profile in Healthy Rats
Authors: Ghyasi Rafighe , Moslehi Azam , Naderi Roya
Published: October 2019

Background: We evaluated the combination effect of voluntary exercise and garlic on serum oxidative stress biomarkers and lipid profile in healthy rats. Methods: The rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=7): Control, Garlic, Exercise, and Garlic + Exercise. Rats were fed with raw fresh garlic homogenate by oral gavage (250 mg/kg) or were subjected to voluntary exercise using stainless steel running wheels alone or together for 6 weeks. The samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Results: After 6 weeks, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels improved in both garlic and exercise group, compared with the control group. We also found that serum glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Total antioxidant (TAC) levels enhanced significantly following the above-mentioned interventions. Furthermore, simultaneous treatment of rats with garlic and voluntary exercise had an additive effect on these parameters. However, malondialdehyde (MDA) level was not significantly different from control group during our protocol. Conclusion: The findings revealed that simultaneous treatment of rats with garlic and voluntary exercise improved antioxidant defense system and lipid profile in an additive manner in healthy rats.
Study of Combination of Nanoherbal Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium) and Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) Effects in the Expression of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Heat Shock Protein-70 (HSP70) and Placental Histology of Preeclamptic Rats
Authors: Situmorang Putri Cahaya , Ilyas Syafruddin , Hutahaean Salomo
Published: October 2019

Background: Pre-eclampsia (PE) contributes to the second cause of maternal death in Indonesia. Andaliman is a typical spice of the Batak ethnic in Northern Sumatera Province, Indonesia. This study aimed to explore the potential of novel herbal medicine compound of nanoherbal andaliman and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as PE treatment. Methods: Nanoherbal andaliman was generated using High-energy Milling (HEM). The treatments were divided into the following five groups: K- (control): pregnant rats; K+: PE model rats; P1: PE model rats + 0.45 g of EVOO/200 g BW on the 13th–19th day of pregnancy; P2: PE model rats + nanoherbal andaliman 100 mg/200 g BW on the 13th– 19th day of pregnancy; and P3: PE model rats + combination of 0.45 EVOO/200 g BW and nanoherbal andaliman 100 mg/200 g BW on the 13th–19th day of pregnancy. Rats were dissected on the 20th day of pregnancy. The observed parameters were blood pressure, proteinuria, malondialdehyde (MDA), Heat Shock Protein-70 HSP-70 and histology of placenta. Results: A significant difference was noticed (p<0.05) in blood pressure, proteinuria, foetal weight, haematocrit, erythrocytes and trophoblastic cells after the administration of combined nanoherbal andaliman and EVOO. No significant differences in placental weight, foetal number, leukocytes, MDA and HSP-70 were found (p>0.05). Conclusion: The combination of nanoherbal andaliman and EVOO decreased systolic blood pressure and induced the expression of MDA and HSP-70, as well as placental histology of pre-eclamptic rats.
Use of Lidocaine for Pain Management in the Emergency Medicine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ghojazadeh Morteza , Sanaie Sarvin , Parsian Zahra , Najafizadeh Roya , Soleimanpour Hassan
Published: October 2019

Background: Lidocaine is a well-known medium-acting local anesthetic with a short onset time. It is a valuable drug for managing both acute and chronic pains and is being used as a popular agent for pain control in the emergency department (ED). In this systematic review, we intended to define the effectiveness of lidocaine in pain management of the patients referring to ED. Methods: The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement was utilized for this Systematic Review (SR). We searched the databases of PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Medline (Ovid) from 1990 to August 2017 for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in which the study population was referred to the emergency department and received lidocaine. Full-texts of the studies that were published in English were reviewed for inclusion. Both authors individualistically evaluated all studies. Seven articles were eligible for the meta-analysis based on their common outcomes. Results: The total number of subjects was 671. The studies were categorized based on the type of drug and administration route. Mean pain, regardless of the drug administration method, in the placebo group was 0.69 units higher than the lidocaine group. Considering the administration route, mean pain in the placebo group was 0.35 units higher than the lidocaine group when administered topically, and it was lower in the subcutaneous method than the topical method by 1.41 units. Conclusion: Infiltration of lidocaine decreases pain of different procedures in the ED whereas the effect of topical lidocaine is controversial issue.
STUDI KUALITAS GARAM HASIL PRODUKSI DENGAN METODE PRISMA RUMAH KACA DI DESA SEDAYULAWAS, KABUPATEN LAMONGAN, JAWA TIMUR
Authors: Kurniawan Andi , Jaziri Abdul Aziz , Prihanto Asep Awaludin , Guntur Guntur
Published: October 2019

Desa  Sedayulawas  merupakan salah satu sentra produksi garam di Lamongan. Potensi tambak garam di desa Sedayulawas cukup besar; hanya saja belum tergarap dengan baik. Sebagian besar petani garam masih menggunakan teknologi tradisional dalam usaha produksinya. Selain itu, kelemahan teknologi produksi garam tradisional adalah kuantitas dan kualitas garam yang dihasilkan relatif rendah dimana proses produksi sangat tergantung iklim dan cuaca. Maka dari itu diperlukan inovasi dalam memproduksi garam rakyat yaitu dengan Prisma Rumah  Kaca.  Prisma  Rumah  Kaca  merupakan  inovasi  dalam  memproduksi garam rakyat dengan menggunakan rumah kaca dan plastik geomembran. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis penggunaan Prisma Rumah Kaca untuk meningkatkan kualitas dan kuantitas produksi garam rakyat. Parameter yang diukur adalah suhu, salinitas, Mg, Ca, NaCl dan kadar air. Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan, kadar salinitas air penggaraman dari kolam penampungan air muda adalah 23 ppt, 23 ppt dan 24 ppt dengan nilai rata-rata adalah 23 ppt. Salinitas air pada kolam penampungan air tua adalah 34 ppt, 40 ppt and 22 ppt dengan nilai rata-rata adalah 32 ppt. Hasil uji laboratorium kualitas air didapatkan nilai rata-rata NaCl, Mg dan Ca air muda pada tambak garam adalah 115.000 mg/L, 313,6 mg/L dan 202,3 mg/L. Sedangkan hasil pengujian air tua menunjukkan nilai rata-rata NaCl, Mg dan Ca adalah 129.333,3 mg/L, 313,6 mg/L dan 214,3 mg/L. Dari hasil uji laboratorium kualitas garam prisma, didapatkan kadar NaCl sebesar 87,56%, kadar Mg sebesar 2,15%, kadar Ca sebesar 3,45% dan kadar air sebesar 5,86%. Hasil tersebut mengindikasikan kalau kualitas garam prisma yang dihasilkan termasuk dalam kategori kualitas sedang dimana kadar NaCl garam prisma hanya 87,56%. Kualitas garam prisma juga belum memenuhi standart Nasional Indonesia (SNI 01-3556-2000) untuk garam konsumsi.
CARBON STORAGE OF MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM IN NORTH SULAWESI AND ITS IMPLICATIONS TO CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION ACTION
Authors: Kepel Terry Louise
Published: October 2019

North Sulawesi is one of the provinces that implements national / regional action plan (RAN / RAD) policies as part of a national effort to climate change mitigation. One of the land-based mitigation activities in North Sulawesi is to measure and monitore  biomass and carbon stocks in forests including coastal forests where the measurement area is still limited. In 2013-2015, Blue Carbon Research Group  conducted research in four locations in North Sulawesi, which aims to analyze the ecological conditions and the ability of coastal ecosystems, especially mangrove in sequestering carbon. Study sites situated in Ratatotok - Southeast Minahasa Regency, Kema - North Minahasa Regency, Lembeh Island – Bitung City and Sangihe Island – Sangihe Regency. A total of 17 species identified where B. gymnorrhiza, R. mucronata and S. alba found in all locations. Species diversity ranges from low to moderate, where species distribution is uneven. Carbon storage capacity is equal to 343.85 Mg C ha-1 in Ratatotok, 254,35 Mg C ha-1 in Lembeh, 387,95 Mg C ha-1 in Kema and 594,83 Mg C ha-1 in Sangihe. More than 59% of carbon storage are in the sediment. The average value of carbon storage in the four research sites is 456,86 Mg C ha-1 or 5,70 Tg C after converted to a total area of mangrove ecosystems in North Sulawesi. The value is equal to absorption of atmospheric CO2 by 20.70 Tg CO2e. Potential emission due to changes in mangrove conversion reach 0.42 Tg CO2e. Efforts to increase the contribution of reducing North Sulawesi emissions can be achieved by implementing emission reduction interventions through the rehabilitation and conservation of mangrove ecosystems.
The Implementation of Effective Modulation Schemes to Improve the Power and Harmonic Losses in Grid-Tied Solar NPC Inverter
Authors: YOUNAS Umair , BAKİR Hale , KULAKSİZ Ahmet Afsin
Published: October 2019

The growing energy demand, rising fossil fuel prices,
and exceeding greenhouse gas emissions require large-scale integration of clean
and renewable energy resources. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system is the potential
prospective energy resource to overcome the challenges of conventional grid.
Effective power conversion topologies are the prominent need of the PV system
to optimize the power and harmonic contents. Three level neutral point clamped
(NPC) inverter comparatively produces less harmonics and increases the power
delivery compared to the conventional and two-level inverters. Therefore, this
research presents the deployment of three level NPC inverter to optimize the
switching and power losses in grid connected 250 kW solar PV array. Moreover,
power generation, current and voltage characteristics, and fast Fourier
transform analysis is performed in MATLAB / Simulink directory with the help of
Simpowersystem and Simelectronics toolboxes. To optimize the switching and
power losses, sinusoidal PWM and space vector PWM are used to control the duty
cycle of IGBT power switches in the proposed NPC inverter. The grid side 3
phase AC output voltage of the proposed inverter is connected to 15 kV grid
with the help of 3 phase step up transformer. For 3 phase grid-tied system, the
performance evaluation section of the proposed research shows the effectiveness
of space vector PWM over sinusoidal PWM.