bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Using Intrauterine Device in Women at High Risk for Pregnancy
Authors: Vakilian Katayoon , Molavi Sajedeh , Zamani Ahmad Reza , Goodarzi Masoumeh
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND: Reproductive health programs help women live healthier. Family planning consultation is an important component of reproductive health. A good family planning consultation can increase the use of effective birth control methods and improve the life quality of people, specifically of those at high risk. One of the most effective birth control techniques is an intrauterine device (IUD).AIM: This study was done to investigate the effect of motivational interviewing (MI) on the use of IUD in women at high risk for pregnancy.METHODS: This random educational trial was conducted in Isfahan on 44 women at high risk for pregnancy in 2015. Subjects were selected through random sampling. First, written informed consent of all samples was gathered, and then the intervention was made in five 45-minute motivational interviewing sessions by the researcher. For this study, a questionnaire was created to measure knowledge, attitude, acceptance, and performance. All the subjects filled this instrument prior and one month after the intervention. Data were then analysed using SPSS 20. The employed statistical tests included dependent t-test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, Fischer’s exact test, and McNemar's test.RESULTS: Results suggested that MI significantly improved the use of IUD in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Also, the mean knowledge (p < 0.001) and attitude (p < 0.001) scores significantly increased in the intervention group.CONCLUSION: Due to the role of MI in increasing the use of IUD, embedding this type of consultation in specific programs for changing health behaviours during pregnancy can be beneficial.
Diagnostic Efficacy of 24-hr Esophageal pH Monitoring in Patients with Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Gharib Atoosa , Forootan Mojgan , Sharifzadeh Marjan , Abdi Saied , Darvishi Mohammad , Eghbali Ahmad
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND: Gastric reflux is one of the most important causes of the referral of patients to the internal clinic, which in some cases causes problems for patients due to resistance to common treatments. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment of this group of patients are very important.AIM: The purpose of the present study was to determine the off-proton pump inhibitor (off-PPI) 24 h pH-impedance analyses in patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) attending to Taleghani Hospital since 2009 to 2017.METHODS: In this observational descriptive-comparative off-PPI study, 572 patients with refractory GERD who were referred to Taleghani Hospital in Tehran from 2009 to 2017 were selected, and the results of 24 h pH Impedance analysis were then assessed.RESULTS: The results of 24h pH-impedance indicated that 7% of cases belonged to Pure Acid Reflux followed by weakly Acid (1%), non-acid (0.3%), mixed & gas (5.2%), functional (58.4%) and oesophagal hypersensitivity (28%). Furthermore, weakly acid plus acid was also found to be 8% and Weakly Acid + Acid + Non-Acid were determined as 8.3%.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that nearly more than half of the patients with refractory GERD would have a functional disorder in the 24h pH-impedance analysis.
HER2 Positive Gastric Carcinomas and Their Clinico-Pathological Characteristics
Authors: Ognjenovikj Ljubomir , Trajkovski Gjorgji , Gjoshev Stojan , Shumkovski Aleksandar , Dzambaz Darko , Hadzi-Manchev Dragan , Volcevski Goce , Fildishevski Igor , Nikolova Dafina , Petrushevska Gordana , Janevska Vesna , Janevski Vlado
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND: HER2 protein expression in gastric carcinoma, in correlation with existing, acknowledged prognostic factors which include the parameters that determine the TNM stage of the disease, could become the basis for ongoing research in the field of molecular targeted and personalised therapy.AIM: To determine the expression of the HER2 protein in gastric carcinoma and to correlate the expression of a HER2 protein with clinicopathological characteristics of the disease.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of HER2 protein expression and the parameters of the TNM classification were obtained from the histopathological reports of the Institute of Pathology in Skopje, and for the clinical stage we used patient’s files from the University Clinic for Abdominal Surgery in Skopje.RESULTS: The analysis of the correlation of HER2 protein expression and TNM classification parameters pointed out a significant correlation between HER2 protein expression and intragastric localisation of gastric carcinoma (P = 0.005), and the tumour grade of differentiation (P = 0.034). There was also a positive correlation between HER2 protein expression pattern and positive lymph nodes in patients with gastric carcinoma (P = 0.03). The expression pattern of HER2 +++ was significantly more common registered in patients with positive lymph nodes (P = 0.03)CONCLUSION: The expression of HER2 protein could represent a biological marker with prognostic and predictive value in patients with gastric carcinoma. Considering the high mortality rate in patients with gastric carcinoma and lack of international standardised therapeutic approach, research of the role and significance of HER2 overexpression and Trastuzumab therapy may prove useful in the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Earthworms (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) of Interior Alaska
Authors: Booysen Megan , Sikes Derek , Bowser Matthew , Andrews Robin
Published: July 2018

Earthworms in the family Lumbricidae in Alaska, which are known from coastal regions, primarily in south-central and south-eastern Alaska, are thought to be entirely non-native and have been shown to negatively impact previously earthworm-free ecosystems in study regions outside of Alaska. Despite occasional collections by curious citizens, there had not been a standardised earthworm survey performed in Interior Alaska and no published records exist of earthworms species from this region. Mustard extraction was used to sample six locations that differed in elevation, mostly in the College region of Fairbanks, Alaska. Two of the six locations yielded earthworms. There was no relationship between earthworm abundance and elevation (p = 0.087), although our sample size was small. Our sampling, combined with specimens in the University of Alaska Museum, has documented four exotic species and one presumed native species of lumbricid earthworms in Interior Alaska.
Updated checklist of Poa in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands
Authors: Ortega-Olivencia Ana , Devesa Juan A.
Published: July 2018

Based on our study of 4,845 herbarium sheets of the genusPoafrom the area covered byFlora iberica, namely, the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, we recognise 24 taxa (17 species, 1 subspecies and 8 varieties), mostly perennials. Most of these taxa have wide global and/or European distributions, while two (P.legionensisand P.minorsubsp.nevadensis) are Spanish endemics and two have restricted distributions (P.ligulata, Iberia–North Africa;P.flaccidula, Iberia–North Africa and the Balearic Islands, extending to Provence, France). We have studied the original publications of more than 225 names considered as synonyms, with those more historically cited inFlora ibericataken into account in this paper; a total of 26 are new synonyms. The following names are typified: P.alpinavar.involucrata Lange, P.annuavar.lanuginosa Sennen, P.minorsubsp.nevadensis Nannf.,P.pauiFont Quer,P.sulcataLag. and P.trivialisvar.flaccida Willk. ex J.J. Rodr. We includeP.compressaL. in the flora of Portugal for the first time and present detailed illustrations of three very interesting taxa (P.legionensis, P.minorsubsp.nevadensis andP.ligulata). In addition to a general species key, we provide the following information for each taxon: synonyms, types, typification, the most relevant iconography, regional flowering time, regional and general distribution and, as supplementary material, the number of sheets examined and a list of selected materials.
Artivism: A new educative language for transformative social action
Authors: Aladro-Vico Eva , Jivkova-Semova Dimitrina , Bailey Olga
Published: July 2018

This study describes the concepts, historical precedents, language and fundamental experiences of artivism. It shows the research activities from two main universities (Complutense de Madrid in Spain and Nottingham Trent in UK) as well as other cultural institutions (Élan Interculturel from France and Artemiszio from Hungary), which have explored the educational potential of artivism as a new way of achieving social engagement using innovation and artistic creation. The paper defines precisely artivism as a new language which appears outside the museums and art academies, moving towards urban and social spaces. Artivism is a hybrid form of art and activism which has a semantic mechanism to use art as a means towards change and social transformation. The analysis collects some central experiences of the artivist phenomenon and applies semantic analysis, archiving artivist experiences, and using urban walks and situational research, analyses the educational and formative potential of artivists and their ability to break the classroom walls, and to remove the traditional roles of creator and receptor, student and professor, through workshop experiences. Finally, it reflects upon the usefulness of artivism as a new social language and an educational tool that breaks the traditional roles of social communication.

Este estudio describe los conceptos, antecedentes, lenguaje y experiencias fundamentales del artivismo, a partir de las actividades de estudio en la Universidad de Nottingham Trent y en la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, con la colaboración de otras entidades culturales como la francesa Élan Interculturel (Francia) y Artemiszio (Hungría), explorando la capacidad educativa de nuevas formas de compromiso social mediante la innovación y creación artística. El artículo acota y define el artivismo como un nuevo lenguaje que surge del desborde de la creación artística académica y museística, hacia los espacios y lugares sociales. El artivismo, hibridación del arte y del activismo, tiene un mecanismo semántico en el que se utiliza el arte como vía para comunicar una energía hacia el cambio y la transformación. El análisis recoge algunas de las principales experiencias en artivismo mediante diversas técnicas –estudio de ejemplos de artivismo mediante análisis semántico, realización de archivo de fenómenos artivistas siguiendo metodologías de paseos urbanos e investigación situacional, y estudio de la capacidad didáctica y formativa de los artivistas y sus trabajos por su facilidad para romper los muros de las aulas e invertir los roles de creador y espectador, alumno y profesor, mediante experiencias en talleres– para de esta manera reflexionar finalmente sobre la utilidad del artivismo como nuevo lenguaje social y como herramienta educativa, capaz de romper los roles tradicionales de la comunicación social.
Artivism and social conscience: Transforming teacher training from a sensibility standpoint
Authors: Mesías-Lema José-María
Published: July 2018

This article incorporates research involving artivist and pedagogical curatorships (200717) that were developed by contemporary artists, university professors, students from the Faculty of Education, practising teachers and students from nursery, elementary and secondary school. It intends to showcase a series of artistic research projects financed by public institutions, facing the challenge of transforming teacher training. These contemporary artivismbased projects have been able to break academic barriers and obsolete routines in teacher training. One of the results of this experimentation has been materialised in exhibitions at renowned museums and contemporary art centres. They have managed to expand teaching models beyond the classroom space, as the emergence of the collective and the educational interest in the commons. A/r/tography was used as a research methodology that unveils the three interconnected identities of the 'artist, researcher and teacher' as the person who, in his or her teaching practice, is capable of developing a creative practice with students through experimental processes in artistic research. A/r/tography generates a learning space where educational meanings can be broken. It is in this intermediate zone of intellectual incitement that curators propose artivist projects capable of generating tactics of proximity between two apparently separate fields: art and education.

Este artículo consiste en una investigación sobre comisariados de carácter artivista y pedagógico (200717) que ha sido desarrollada por artistas contemporáneos, profesores universitarios y estudiantes de la facultad de educación, docentes en activo y alumnado de infantil, primaria y secundaria. Pretende visibilizar una serie de proyectos de investigación artística financiados por instituciones públicas, con el reto de modificar la formación del profesorado. Uno de los resultados de esta experimentación se ha plasmado en exposiciones en museos y centros de arte contemporáneo de reconocido prestigio. Estos proyectos, basados en el artivismo contemporáneo, han conseguido romper las barreras académicas y las rutinas obsoletas en la formación del profesorado. Han conseguido expandir los modelos docentes más allá del espacio del aula, como emergencia de lo colectivo y del interés educativo en lo procomún. Se empleó la artografía como una metodología de investigación que desvela las tres identidades interconectadas del «artista, investigador y profesor», como aquella persona que, en su acción docente, es capaz de desarrollar una práctica creadora con su alumnado a través de procesos experimentales en la investigación artística. La artografía genera un espacio de aprendizaje para el quiebre de significados educativos. Es en esta zona intermedia de provocación intelectual, en donde los comisarios plantean proyectos artivistas capaces de generar tácticas de proximidad entre dos campos aparentemente separados, el del arte y la educación.
Video artivism: The poetics of symbolic conflict
Authors: Mateos Concha , Sedeño Ana
Published: July 2018

The relationship between signs and human action is one of the most widely studied theories in art and communications. Humans are constantly producing new discourse and new discursive devices and the issue of the relationship between signs / action not only remains open, but is branching off and forming hybrids with other matters. This work explores one of its branches. We performed theoretical research on the foundations of video artivism, with the aim of achieving a conceptual definition. Firstly, the purpose of the study is defined and the historical background and basic sources of influence described in order to trace a map of its fields of application in teaching practices and empirical research. The results therefore come from a bibliographic review of academic as well as artistic and activist sources, which were based on sections of the differentiating features they respectively recognize and self-recognize as artivist. Six identified features are described: the intervention function, the hybrid code, against domination, disruption, disavowal and subversion, which are aimed at establishing processes, procedures, subjects and the specific forms in which artivism has an impact on society. The article also refers to selected cases as a conceptual sample of the theoretical assumptions made and to describe their capacity of transformation.

La relación entre los signos y la acción humana representa uno de los asuntos más estudiados en el campo del arte y la comunicación. Y el ser humano no para de producir nuevos discursos y nuevos dispositivos discursivos, por lo cual, la pregunta sobre esa relación signos/acción no solo sigue abierta, sino que se ramifica e hibrida hacia otros materiales. Este trabajo explora una de sus ramas. Realizamos una indagación teórica de los fundamentos del videoartivismo, con el objetivo de realizar una delimitación conceptual. Para ello, se define el objeto de estudio, se describen los antecedentes históricos y fuentes básicas de influencia que permiten trazar un mapa de sus campos de aplicación en prácticas docentes o investigaciones empíricas. Se presentan resultados de una revisión bibliográfica de fuentes académicas, y también artísticas y activistas, a las que se ha interrogado a partir de una rúbrica sobre los rasgos diferenciales con los que respectivamente reconocen y se autorreconocen como artivistas. Se describen seis rasgos identificados: función de intervención, código híbrido, contra dominación, disruptividad, desautorización y subversión, que pretenden fijar los procesos, procedimientos, sujetos y forma específica en que el artivismo impacta en la sociedad. En paralelo, el texto remite casos seleccionados como muestra conceptual de ratificación de los supuestos teóricos, con los que describir su capacidad de transformación.
Digital natives: Online audiovisual content consumption, creation and dissemination
Authors: Fernández-de-Arroyabe-Olaortua Ainhoa , Lazkano-Arrillaga Iñaki , Eguskiza-Sesumaga Leyre
Published: July 2018

Teenagers inhabit a virtual universe with their own model of entertainment, learning and communication. This research work defines the consumption, creation and diffusion patterns of online audiovisual contents young students of Guipúzcoa have acquired in the fields of leisure and complementary information resources for school use, attending to three different variables: gender, grade (age) and type of educational institution (public or private). The research methodology focuses on a self-administered questionnaire filled out by 2,426 adolescents of secondary school (12 to 16 years old). The sample consists of a random selection of 120 student groups, which are distributed in 60 schools and 30 groups each course. The results verify the existence of monolithic and opposed male/female patterns in the way young people consume, create and diffuse leisure contents. Video games are the central backbone of male consumption and creation, as long as girls prefer to take pictures and videos of themselves using smartphones and to share them on social networks. These practices repeat gender stereotypes, transforming the education in equality into a relevant issue. Finally, sources of information that are complementary to formal education, especially Wikipedia, are the main references among adolescents. Consequently, it seems essential to guarantee their solvency for appropriate knowledge acquisition.

Los adolescentes viven inmersos en un universo virtual en el que han construido un modelo propio de entretenimiento, aprendizaje y comunicación. El objetivo de este trabajo es definir los patrones de consumo, creación y difusión de contenidos audiovisuales de Internet en los ámbitos del ocio y las fuentes de información complementarias para uso escolar de los jóvenes guipuzcoanos, atendiendo a las variables de género, curso y tipo de centro. La metodología partió del diseño de un cuestionario autorrellenable que cumplimentaron 2.426 adolescentes (de 12 a 16 años), estudiantes de los cuatro cursos de ESO. La muestra es una selección aleatoria de 60 centros de Guipúzcoa y un total de 120 grupos, 30 por cada curso. Los resultados corroboran que los patrones de consumo, creación y difusión de contenidos de ocio masculinos y femeninos son monolíticos y opuestos entre sí. Los videojuegos son el eje vertebrador del consumo y creación masculino, mientras que la toma y difusión de fotografías y vídeos de sí mismas es el de las chicas. Estas prácticas repiten los estereotipos de género, por lo que la formación en igualdad se perfila como en un aspecto relevante. Por último, las fuentes de información complementarias a la educación reglada, principalmente Wikipedia, se imponen como referencia entre los adolescentes, por lo que es imprescindible garantizar su solvencia para una adecuada adquisición de conocimientos.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Older Adults and Mainstream Long-Term Care Facilities: Integrative Review of Views and Experiences
Authors: Montayre Jed , Montayre Jasmine , Thaggard Sandra
Published: July 2018

Older adults from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are increasingly identified within mainstream aging populations. However, few studies have focused on CALD older adults' views and experiences in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). The current integrative review aimed to achieve a contemporary understanding through synthesized evidence from studies focusing on CALD older adults in mainstream LTCFs. Two major categories were identified—
Views About LTCFs
, which included two subcategories: (a) the last stop and no other choice and (b) reasons for admission or transfer; and
Experiences of Living in LTCFs
, which also included two subcategories: (a) desire to remain connected to personal routines and (b) maintaining identity through native language. CALD older adults have differing perspectives about LTCFs, which are influenced by their cultural backgrounds and values. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of ethno-specific LTCFs. Establishing culturally appropriate services for CALD older adults in LTCFs, particularly in mainstream facilities, should emphasize cultural accommodation among residents, health care providers, and staff.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2018; 11(5):265–276.]
Moroccan oil shale and coal waste as alternative raw materials in Portland cement clinker manufacture. Clinkerisation reactions and clinker characterisation
Authors: Chhaiba S. , Blanco-Varela M. T. , Diouri A.
Published: July 2018

For some time the cement industry has been seeking procedures to effectively lower the higher energy costs involved in cement manufacture. Timahdit oil shale and Jerada coal waste could potentially be used as alternative raw materials to produce clinker. This study explored the possibility of applying those materials to a greener use, based on the reactivity and burnability of raw mixes containing Moroccan oil shale and coal waste. The findings showed that, irrespective of particle size, oil shale mixes delivered higher reactivity than coal waste materials, although reactivity was highest in the oil shale clinker with a particle size < 45 μm. The clinkers bearing oil shale with a particle size < 90 μm or a blend of oil shale and coal waste with a size < 45 μm contained higher proportions of alite ( > 70 %).
A Mystery of "Sluggish Diffusion" in High-Entropy Alloys: The Truth or a Myth?
Authors: Divinski Sergiy V. , Pokoev Alexander V. , Esakkiraja Neelamegan , Paul Aloke
Published: July 2018

High entropy alloys (HEAs) are considered as a novel class of materials with a large number of components (five and more) available in equiatomic or nearly equatomic proportions. One of the characteristic properties of HEAs was believed to be so-called 'sluggish' diffusion that should be crucial for intended high-temperature technological applications. The faith on this myth instead of rigorous experimental analysis played such a dominant role that the first set of data on interdi usion, in fact based on an improper analysis, were cited in hundreds of articles to state the presence of sluggishness of di usion rates in high entropy alloys.
Effect of TIG-Welding on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of the Pseudo-β Titanium Alloy VT19 Welded Joints
Authors: Akhonin S.V. , Belous V.Yu. , Berezos V.A. , Selin R.V.
Published: July 2018

Analysis of the TIG-welding impact on the structure and mechanical properties of pseudo-β titanium alloy VT19 welded joints, obtained with different welding speed, different filler wire amount in welded joint, with and without flux layer. Microstructure of obtained welded joints were investigated. Using welded joints microsections approximate amount of β-phase in different parts of welds have been obtained. Mechanical properties of the obtained welded joints were analyzed and dependency of tensile strength and amount of β-phase were build.
Comparison of Two Methods of Cutting Temperature Calculation
Authors: Bibik Vladislav L. , Ivushkina Natalia , Bibik Andrey
Published: July 2018

In this article comparison of two methods of the cutting temperature calculation is made: according to the theory of A.N. Reznikov and the theory of S.S. Silin. The values of the cutting temperature calculated according to both methods are compared to the experimental data provided by various authors. It is determined that both methods can be used for cutting temperature calculation, however they have some limitations. In particular, when making the calculations according to S.S Silin’s theory the parameter, characterizing the degree of plastic deformation of the metal machined should be not less than 0.4. When calculating the cutting temperature by Reznikov’s theory it is necessary to take into account the nature of the physical processes of cutting.
Investigation of Thermal Cycle Effect on Hardening of Deposited High-Speed Metal
Authors: Solodsky S.A. , Malchik Aleksandra , Valuev Denis V.
Published: July 2018

The paper describes thermal and deformation effects of weld surfacing on properties of deposited metal for high-speed tools. The technological process, enabling optimal conditions for producing of deposited metal with high mechanical properties and quality, which significantly increases working capacity of welded parts, is given.
Formation and Utilization of Recyclable Wastes at Engineering Enterprise
Authors: Torosyan V.F. , Zeng Xian Lai , Torosyan E.S. , Lazareva А.N. , Tesleva Elena P.
Published: July 2018

Mechanical engineering is the leading business unit, capable of giving impetus to innovation development of all industry sectors virtually, so restructuring and development of innovative production in engineering industry is an objective and urgent problem of modern times.
Restoration of Agricultural Machines Surfaces by White Cast Iron with the Formation of Technological Repair Units
Authors: Afanasyev V.K. , Chernysh A.P. , Dolgova S.V.
Published: July 2018

This article develops a fundamentally new approach in the selection of optimal methods for restoring of worn surfaces of agricultural machines’ tools with the formation and application of technological repair units. Based on the systematization and linkage of modular worn-out surfaces, their operating conditions, technological environment and the choice of their optimal combinations, it found a low-cost method of restoring details with white cast iron to gain a necessary quality of a new surface layer.
Multi-Pass Laser and Hybrid Laser-Arc Narrow-Gap Welding of Steel Butt Joints
Authors: Shelyagin V. , Khaskin V. , Bernatskyi A. , Siora A. , Sydorets Volodymyr N. , Chinakhov Dmitry A.
Published: July 2018

Multi-pass laser and laser-arc narrow-gap welding make it possible to obtain high-quality butt joints of large-thickness pipe steels with hardness up to 2600...2800 MPa and toughness close to the base metal toughness at a temperature of 20°C. When multi-pass welding methods are used, the subsequent pass makes heat treatment of the previous ones, and reduces the rate of their cooling yet. This allows excluding heat treatment of the joint after welding, which significantly reduces the time and costs for manufacturing large-sized structures.
Material Wear Resistace Increase of Tillage Machine Working Tools with Electro-Sparkling Application o Coating Layer
Authors: Sankina O.V. , Afanasyev V.K.
Published: July 2018

The paper presents the method of metal wear resistance increasing of working surface of heavy loaded working tools of agricultural implements with white unalloyed cast iron by electro-sparkling application of coating layer. Considering experiment of scientist we proposed some ways to solve this problem in the conditions of the Russian Federation, conducted some research and experimental work to perform the data.
Not All Ankle Injuries Are Ankle Sprains—Case of an Isolated Cuboid Stress Fracture
Authors: Unnithan Sidharth , Thomas Joe
Published: July 2018

A 22-year old lady, had a twisting injury to her left ankle followed by pain on prolonged weight bearing and walking. Magnetic resonance imaging with computed tomography correlation was done which showed an isolated cuboid stress fracture. Isolated cuboid stress fractures are very rare and are usually misdiagnosed as ankle sprains.
The role of imaging in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kgoebane Kgomotso , Ally Mahmood M.T.M. , Duim-Beytell Martha C. , Suleman Farhana E.
Published: July 2018

Conventional radiographs of the hands and feet have traditionally been used in the diagnosis, management and monitoring of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, they are not sensitive enough to detect changes early in the disease process. Erosions may only be visible up to two years after the onset of disease, and soft tissue involvement may not be detected at all. Early diagnosis can also be made challenging as markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein may be normal in up to 20% – 25% of cases. The latest classification criteria (American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism [ACR/EULAR] Rheumatoid Arthritis Classification criteria 2010), often used to diagnose RA, incorporate the role of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging detection of synovitis, enabling earlier diagnosis and correct classification of patients. This article looks at the role of the various imaging modalities used in the diagnosis and management of RA.
Use of Over-the-Counter Topical Medications in Dermatophytosis
Authors: Dabas Rajeshwari , Janney Manasa Shettisara , Subramaniyan Radhakrishnan , Arora Sandeep , Lal V Sandeep , Donaparthi Navya
Published: July 2018

Background:

Dermatophytosis is a common, superficial fungal infection of the skin. In developing countries like India, casual attitude toward seeking medical attention and lax drug control policies lead to indiscriminate use of irrational over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Studies on OTC topical medication abuse in dermatophytosis are lacking despite its frequent occurrence.

Aims:

To assess the magnitude of OTC topical medication use in dermatophytosis by studying the demographic variables, source of prescription, and their adverse effects.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional, observational, questionnaire-based pilot study was carried out in a tertiary care center. One hundred consecutive, mycologically confirmed dermatophytosis patients were questioned about the use of OTC medications and examined for adverse effects of the preparations used. Results were documented in a predesigned pro forma and the data were expressed in terms of means and proportions.

Results:

The study population consisted of 75 males and 25 females. Tinea cruris was the most common pattern observed. Only 32% of the patients consulted a dermatologist on developing a rash, whereas the majority (68%) used medicines suggested by others. Clobetasol-based preparations were commonly misused, and 63.23% of the study population experienced adverse effects. Furthermore, majority (89%) of the study population were unaware of steroids and their adverse effects.

Conclusions:

The growing threat of OTC drug abuse in India is evident from this study. Stringent drug control policies and awareness of adverse effects of OTC topical medication abuse are truly the need of the hour to control this menace.
Erythrocyte membrane fatty acid profile & serum cytokine levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Amirkalali Bahareh , Sohrabi Masoud Reza , Esrafily Ali , Jalali Mahmoud , Gholami Ali , Hosseinzadeh Payam , Keyvani Hossein , Shidfar Farzad , Zamani Farhad
Published: July 2018

Background & objectives:

Fatty acids may affect the expression of genes, and this process is influenced by sex hormones. Cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), so this study was aimed to assess the association of erythrocyte membrane fatty acids with three cytokines and markers of hepatic injury in NAFLD patients and to explore whether these associations were the same in both sexes.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 62 consecutive patients (32 men and 30 women) with NAFLD during the study period. Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were measured in a fasting serum sample, and Fibroscan was conducted for each individual. Gas chromatography was used to measure erythrocyte membrane fatty acids. Univariate and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze data.

Results:

In men, IL-6 had a significant (P <0.05) positive association with total ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In women, TNF-α had a significant positive association with total ω-3 (P <0.05) and ω-6 (P <0.01) PUFAs, IL-6 had a significant (P <0.05) positive association with total monounsaturated fatty acids and MCP-1 had a significant positive association with total trans-fatty acids (P <0.05). No significant associations were observed between erythrocyte membrane fatty acids and liver enzymes or Fibroscan report in both sexes. In this study, women were significantly older than men [51 (42.75-55) vs 35.5 (29-52), P <0.01], so the associations were adjusted for age and other confounders.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Erythrocyte membrane fatty acid profile was not associated with serum liver enzymes or Fibroscan reports in NAFLD patients, but it had significant associations with serum TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1 and these associations were probably sex dependent.
Lymphopenia-induced proliferation of CD4 T-cells is associated with CD4 T-lymphocyte exhaustion in treated HIV-infected patients
Authors: Saidakova Evgeniya V. , Shmagel Konstantin V. , Korolevskaya Larisa B. , Shmagel Nadezhda G. , Chereshnev Valeriy A.
Published: July 2018

Background & objectives:

Under the lymphopenic condition, T-cells divide to maintain their peripheral pool size. Profound chronic lymphopenia in some treated HIV-infected patients, characterized by poor T-cell recovery, might result in intensive homeostatic proliferation and can cause T-cell exhaustion and/or senescence. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the homeostatic proliferation of CD4+ T-cells in treated HIV-infected individuals, and to determine the amount of phenotypically exhausted and senescent CD4 T-lymphocytes.

Methods:

Thirty seven treated HIV-infected patients with suppressed HIV viral load (<50 copies/ml) were studied. Patients were divided into two groups: immunological non-responders (INRs) with CD4+ T-cells <350/μl (n=16) and immunological responders (IRs) with CD4+ T-cells >350/μl (n=21). T-cell subsets [naïve, central memory (CM), and effector memory (EM)] and proportions of cycling (Ki-67+), senescent (CD57+) and exhausted (PD-1+) T-lymphocytes were assessed using flow cytometry.

Results:

CD4+ T-cell cycling rate was higher in INRs than in IRs due to more extensive proliferation of CM, 4.7 vs 2.7 per cent (P <0.01) and EM, 4.8 vs 3.2 per cent (P <0.05). The percentages of CD4+ Ki-67+ CM and EM T-lymphocytes were inversely related to the CD4+ T-cell counts in the appropriate subset, r=–0.584 (P <0.001) and r=–0.556, (P <0.001), respectively. Exhaustion [24.2 vs 16.7% (P <0.01)], but not senescence [7.1 vs 10.8% (P>0.05)] was more pronounced in the INR group than in the IR group. The frequency of CD4+ Ki-67+ CM T-cells was related to the proportion of CD4+ PD-1+ cells of the same subset, r=0.789 (P <0.001). The numbers of CD4+ Ki-67+ PD-1+ CM and EM T-cells were substantially higher in INRs than in IRs.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The present data indicated that intensive homeostatic proliferation contributed to the T-cell exhaustion in HIV-infection.
Association of furanone C-30 with biofilm formation & antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Zhao Jingming , Cheng Wei , He Xigang , Liu Yanli , Li Ji , Sun Jiaxing , Li Jinfeng , Wang Fangfang , Gao Yufang
Published: July 2018

Background & objectives:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause nosocomial bloodstream infections in humans. This study was aimed to explore the association of furanone C-30 with biofilm formation, quorum sensing (QS) system and antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa.

Methods:

An in vitro model of P. aeruginosa bacterial biofilm was established using the standard P. aeruginosa strain (PAO-1). After treatment with 2.5 and 5 μg/ml of furanone C-30, the change of biofilm morphology of PAO-1 was observed, and the expression levels of QS-regulated virulence genes (lasB, rhlA and phzA2), QS receptor genes (lasR, rhlR and pqsR) as well as QS signal molecule synthase genes (lasI, rhlI, pqsE and pqsH) were determined. Besides, the AmpC expression was quantified in planktonic and mature biofilm induced by antibiotics.

Results:

Furanone C-30 treatment significantly inhibited biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. With the increase of furanone C-30 concentration, the expression levels of lasB, rhlA, phzA2, pqsR, lasI, rhlI, pqsE and pqsH significantly decreased in mature biofilm bacteria while the expression levels of lasR and rhlR markedly increased. The AmpC expression was significantly decreased in both planktonic and biofilm bacteria induced by imipenem and ceftazidime.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Furanone C-30 may inhibit biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa through regulating QS genes. The inhibitory effect of furanone C-30 on las system appeared to be stronger than that on rhl system. Further studies need to be done with different strains of P. aeruginosa to confirm our findings.
AdeR-AdeS mutations & overexpression of the AdeABC efflux system in ciprofloxacin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates
Authors: Lari Abdolaziz Rastegar , Ardebili Abdollah , Hashemi Ali
Published: July 2018

Background & objectives:

Overexpression of efflux pumps is a cause of acquired resistance to fluoroquinolones in Acinetobacter baumannii. The present study was done to investigate the presence and overexpression of AdeABC efflux system and to analyze the sequences of AdeR-AdeS regulatory system in ciprofloxacin-resistant A. baumannii isolates.

Methods:

Susceptibility of 50 clinical A. baumannii isolates to ciprofloxacin, imipenem, ceftazidime, cefepime and gentamicin antimicrobials was evaluated by agar dilution method. Isolates were screened for the evidence of active efflux pump. Isolates were also examined for adeR-adeS and adeB efflux genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The adeR and adeS regulatory genes were sequenced to detect amino acid substitutions. Expression of adeB was evaluated by quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR.

Results:

There were high rates of resistance to ciprofloxacin (88%), ceftazidime (88%), cefepime (74%) and imipenem (72%) and less resistance rate to gentamicin (64%). Phenotypic assay showed involvement of active efflux in decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin among 16 isolates. The 12.27-fold increase and 4.25-fold increase were found in adeB expression in ciprofloxacin-full-resistant and ciprofloxacin-intermediate-resistant isolates, respectively. Several effective mutations, including A91V, A136V, L192R, A94V, G103D and G186V, were detected in some domains of AdeR-AdeS regulators in the overexpressed ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The results of this study indicated that overexpression of the AdeABC efflux pump was important to reduce susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and cefepime in A. baumannii that, in turn, could be triggered by alterations in the AdeR-AdeS two-component system. However, gene expression alone does not seem adequate to explain multidrug resistance phenomenon. These results could help plan improved active efflux pump inhibitors.
Plasma & urinary catecholamines & urinary vanillylmandelic acid levels in patients with generalized vitiligo
Authors: Basnet Binamra , Bhushan Aditya , Khan Rehan , Kumar Guresh , Sharma Vinod Kumar , Sharma Alpana , Gupta Somesh
Published: July 2018

Background & objectives:

Vitiligo is an acquired skin disease characterized by depigmented areas of the skin. Increased release of catecholamines from autonomic nerve endings in microenvironment of melanocytes in affected skin might be involved in the aetiopathogenesis of vitiligo. Levels of catecholamines are considered as being related to onset or worsening of the disease. Therefore, in this study, the role of catecholamines was evaluated in mapping disease stability and outcome of vitiligo patients undergoing melanocyte transfer.

Methods:

In this study, circulatory and urinary levels of catecholamine (CA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) were determined in 45 individuals (30 vitiligo patients and 15 healthy controls) using ELISA.

Results:

A significant increase for plasma and urinary catecholamines along with VMA was observed as compared to healthy controls. When the pre- and post-intervention levels were analyzed in responders and non-responders, respectively, only dopamine showed significant decline in urine, rest of the molecules in plasma as well as urine showed non-significant decline except VMA which showed insignificant increase.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Levels of plasma/urinary epinephrine, and plasma dopamine, could not be established as biomarkers for disease stability or successful outcome of autologous melanocyte transfer in generalized vitiligo patients. However, dopamine (urine) might be of help in determining the stability in patients with generalized vitiligo undergoing melanocyte transfer. Further studies need to be done on a large sample of patients to confirm our findings.
Study on preparation and photocatalytic properties of F-containing TiO2 nanopowders using wet-process from Ammonium Hexafluorotitanate
Authors: Lee Duk-Hee , Park Jae-Ryang , Lee Chan-Gi , Kim Hyeon-Mo , Park Kyung-Soo
Published: July 2018

F-containing TiO2 nanopowders are synthesized using simple wet processes (precipitation-based and hydrothermal) from ammonium hexafluorotitanate (AHFT, (NH4)2TiF6) as a precursor to apply as a photocatalyst for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB). The surface properties of the prepared samples are evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results confirm that the synthesized anatase TiO2 has sphere-like shapes, with numerous small nanoparticles containing fluorine on the surface. The photocatalytic activity of F-containing TiO2 compared with F-free TiO2 is characterized by measuring the degradation of RhB using a xenon lamp. The photocatalytic degradation of F-containing TiO2 exhibits improved photocatalytic activity, based on the positive effects of adsorbed F ions on the surface.
Study on the Recovery Silver and Nanoparticles Synthesis from LTCC By-products of Lowly Concentrated Silver
Authors: Joo Soyeong , Ahn Nak-Kyoon , Lee Chan Gi , Yoon Jin-Ho
Published: July 2018

In this paper, the recovery and nanoparticle synthesis of Ag from low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) by-products are studied. The effect of reaction behavior on Ag leaching conditions from the LTCC by-products is confirmed. The optimum leaching conditions are determined to be: 5 M HNO3, a reaction temperature of 75°C, and a pulp density of 50 g/L at 60 min. For the selective recovery of Ag, the [Cl]/[Ag] equivalence ratio experiment is performed using added HCl; most of the Ag (more than 99%) is recovered. The XRD and MP-AES results confirm that the powder is AgCl and that impurities are at less than 1%. Ag nanoparticles are synthesized using a chemical reduction process for recycling, NaBH4 and PVP are used as reducing agents and dispersion stabilizers. UV-vis and FE-SEM results show that AgCl powder is precipitated and that Ag nanoparticles are synthesized. Ag nanoparticles of 100% Ag are obtained under the chemical reaction conditions.
Pre-treatments of initial materials for controlling synthesized TaC characteristics in the SHS process
Authors: Sim Jae Jin , Choi Sang Hoon , Park Ji Hwan , Park Il Kyu , Lim Jae Hong , Park Kyoung Tae
Published: July 2018

We report the feasibility of TaC production via self-propagating high temperature synthesis, and the influence of the initial green compact density on the final composite particle size. Experiments are carried out from a minimum pressure of 0.3 MPa, the pressure at which the initial green body becomes self-standing, up to 3 MPa, the point at which no further combustion occurs. The green density of the pellets varies from 29.99% to 42.97%, as compared with the theoretical density. The increase in green density decreases the powder size of TaC, and the smallest particle size is observed with 1.5 MPa, at 10.36 μm. Phase analysis results confirm the presence of the TaC phase only. In the range of 0.3-0.5 MPa, traces of unreacted Ta and C residues are detected. However, results also show the presence of only C residue in the matrix within the pressure range of 0.6-3.0 MPa.
Relative Contribution of Schistosomiasis and Malaria to Anemia in Western Kenya
Authors: Valice Emily M. , Wiegand Ryan E. , Mwinzi Pauline N. M. , Karanja Diana M. S. , Williamson John M. , Ochola Elizabeth , Samuels Aaron , Verani Jennifer R. , Leon Juan S. , Secor W. Evan , Montgomery Susan P.
Published: July 2018

Because anemia is one of the markers of morbidity associated with schistosomiasis, it has been proposed as a potential measure to evaluate the impact of control programs. However, anemia is also a common consequence of malaria, and schistosomiasis and malaria are often co-endemic. To estimate the attributable fraction of anemia due to Schistosoma mansoni and Plasmodium falciparum infections, we applied a log-binomial model to four studies measuring these parameters of a combined 5,849 children in western Kenya. In our studies, malaria contributed 23.3%, schistosomiasis contributed 6.6%, and co-infection contributed 27.6% of the anemia. We conclude that in areas where S. mansoni and P. falciparum are co-endemic, the contribution of schistosomiasis to anemia is masked by anemia resulting from malaria, thus limiting anemia as a useful measure for schistosomiasis control programs in these settings.
Repetitive Negative Thinking in Social Anxiety Disorder 1: Anticipatory Processing
Authors: Sluis Rachel A. , Boschen Mark J. , Neumann David L. , Murphy Karen
Published: July 2018

Cognitive models of social anxiety disorder (SAD) emphasize anticipatory processing as a prominent maintaining factor that occurs before social-evaluative events. Anticipatory processing occurs when a socially anxious individual is expecting a social event and can be described as a mode of repetitive negative thinking dominated by past failures, negative images of oneself, predictions of poor performance and rejection. The present review examined the literature on anticipatory processing in social anxiety in an effort to highlight important findings pertaining to this construct. Correlational and experimental studies have investigated the relationship between anticipatory processing and the behavioural, physiological, cognitive and affective outcomes for socially anxious individuals. Studies investigating the characteristics, causes, and consequences of anticipatory processing according to models of social anxiety were included for review. The majority of study designs include those investigating anticipatory processing prior to social-evaluative threat. Directions for future research are discussed and an overview of a framework for explaining anticipatory processing biases in social anxiety is presented.