bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence des post-traitements sur la résistance à l’usure des dépôts en superalliage Ni-Cr-Al-Mo obtenus par projection thermique
Authors: Younes Rassim , Bradai Mohand Amokrane , Sadeddine Abdelhamid , Mouadji Youcef , Benabbas Abderrahim
Published: February 2019

Ce travail porte sur la caractérisation microstructurale, structurale et mécanique des dépôts métalliques à base Nickel déposés sous forme de poudres par la technique de projection thermique flamme-poudre sur un substrat type E335. Pour améliorer les propriétés de ces dépôts, des traitements thermiques sont préconisés en vue d’homogénéiser ces derniers et permettre d’obtenir de meilleures propriétés mécaniques. Ces post-traitements ont été réalisés à différentes températures 400, 600 et 800 °C avec un temps de maintien d’une heure et un refroidissement à l’air. La caractérisation structurale et microstructurale de la poudre et des dépôts est obtenue en utilisant le microscope électronique à balayage (MEB) et la diffraction X (DRX). Des relevés de micro duretés Vickers ont été également réalisés sur la surface de ces dépôts. Les essais tribologiques ont été réalisés avec une configuration pion-disque à différentes charges avec deux vitesses de glissement en vue de déterminer le taux d’usure. Les observations microstructurales ont montré que les traitements effectués aux températures de 400 et 600 °C ont réduit les porosités en rendant les microstructures plus homogènes et plus denses par le phénomène de colmatage. Par contre, le traitement à 800 °C a présenté un délaminage au niveau de l’interface substrat/dépôt. Les résultats d’usure ont révélé que la vitesse de glissement et la pression de contact appliquée influent sur la variation du taux d’usure et que les dépôts traités à 400 °C présentent une meilleure résistance à l’usure que ceux traités à 600 et 800 °C.
An environmentally friendly system for high efficient silver recovery from anode slime
Authors: Xiao Li , Qian Peng , Yu Yang , Han Peiwei , Wang Yongliang , Fu Guoyan , Sun Zhi , Ye Shufeng
Published: February 2019

Anode slime is an extremely valuable secondary resource for the recovery of silver and has attracted wide attentions. Effective metal recovery is usually constrained by either environmental hazards or high consumption of lixiviant for cyanide and non-cyanide leaching reagents. To tackle these issues in the process of silver recovery from anode slime, this research demonstrated a new leaching system with using an efficient oxidant which encapsulates cyanide into ferric complexes to ensure it not releasing into the environment while effective silver recovery was achieved. Comparing with the traditional tetra-amine copper oxidant, it was found that the dissolution rate of silver was significantly improved and leachate consumption was largely decreased. The effects of stirring speed, sodium thiosulfate concentration, oxidant concentration, solution pH and time on silver dissolution were investigated. When the novel system of iron-encapsulated cyanide was applied to extract silver from anode slime, the final conversion rates of silver was 97% after 60 minutes. This system has great potential in silver recovery from anode slime.
Analysis of V and Cr with various valence states in FeO-SiO2-MnO-TiO2-VOx-MgO-CrOx system by XPS method
Authors: Liu Deman , Diao Jiang , Wang Guang , Xie Bing
Published: February 2019

The valence states of vanadium and chromium in FeO-SiO2-MnO-TiO2-VOx-MgO-CrOx system were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicate that Cr(III) and V(III) are the dominant valence states in this slag system. The fractions of Cr(III) and V(III) are more than 93% and 92% respectively. The fractions of Cr(II) and V(IV) are in the range of 3% ∼ 6%. The fractions of Cr(VI) and V(V) are below 0.9% and 1.9% respectively. Oxygen potential Log(PO2) has great influence on the valence states of Cr and V. Cr2O3 content has little influence on the valence state of V. Similarly, V2O3 content has little influence on the valence state of Cr. The contents of toxic hexavalent Cr(VI) and pentavalent V(V) can be reduced by decreasing Log(PO2) or decreasing Cr2O3 content and V2O3 content.
Welche Präferenzen haben Menschen mit Diabetes mellitus in Bezug auf die Diabetesforschung? – Eine qualitative Studie
Authors: Bücker Bettina , Wilm Stefan , Arnolds Sabine , Icks Andrea , Lachmann Nicole , Verket Marlo , Spörkel Olaf
Published: February 2019

Einleitung Die Einbeziehung von Patientinnen und Patienten ist für die Entwicklung von Forschungsfragen und -vorhaben wesentlich. Bislang existieren nur wenige Informationen über die Wünsche und Präferenzen von Betroffenen bezüglich der Diabetesforschung.

Methoden Mit 26 Erwachsenen (17 Frauen) mit Typ-1-Diabetes mellitus (n = 16) oder Typ-2-Diabetes mellitus (n = 10) (Durchschnittsalter 59 Jahre ± 12,5 Jahre, durchschnittliche Diabetesdauer 21 ± 17,7 Jahre) aus Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW) wurden 5 moderierte Fokusgruppen durchgeführt und digital audiodokumentiert. 4 Gruppen fanden im städtischen, eine Gruppe fand im ländlichen Raum statt. Die Transkripte wurden in einem multidisziplinären Team inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Der Wunsch nach Entlastung im Alltag und nach Unabhängigkeit von Ernährung und Equipment wurde in allen Fokusgruppen thematisiert. Forschung zu technischen Geräten, selbstdenkenden Systemen und Messverfahren, die Blutglukosewerte einfach und jederzeit verlässlich liefern, wurde häufig angeregt. Forschung zu Therapieansätzen wurde in den Bereichen künstliche Bauchspeicheldrüse, medikamentöse Stabilisierung der Blutglukosewerte und Insulinapplikation ohne Spritze vorgeschlagen. Forschungen auf den Gebieten Zugänglichkeit von verständlichem Wissen und Prävention von Diabetes waren ebenso häufig genannte Themen. Verbesserung der Selbstmanagementfähigkeiten sowie Verhinderung von Folgeerkrankungen und auch Grundlagenforschung wurden seltener angesprochen.

Diskussion Betroffene haben – sichtbar an der Alltagsbetonung in den genannten Forschungsbereichen – eher kurzfristig umsetzbare Problemlösungen im Blick. Um die Nennung der Forschungsziele zu quantifizieren, bilden die Ergebnisse dieser Studie die Grundlage für die Entwicklung eines Fragebogens, der für eine repräsentative Befragung eingesetzt werden soll. Menschen mit Diabetes mellitus kann so die Möglichkeit gegeben werden, die aktuelle Forschung dahin gehend zu beeinflussen, dass diese sich gezielter auch an den Bedürfnissen der Betroffenen orientiert.
„Do it yourself“ (DIY) Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) Systems: Stand der Dinge
Authors: Heinemann Lutz , Lange Karin
Published: February 2019

Over the past few years, a group of dedicated people with an affinity for technology and type 1 diabetes has developed systems that enable automated insulin delivery (AID). Patients build these AID systems themselves (do it yourself; DIY). The quality of glucose control achieved with DIY AID systems is impressively good, but the effort for users in everyday life is considerable. So far, no results of clinical studies have been obtained that prove these individual experiences.

Main obstacles for the use (also by more patients) are legal questions, because DIY AID systems do not represent approved medical devices. They must be regarded as “experimental” systems. As long as patients build and use these systems for themselves and do not endanger other people, they act at their own risk. Legal questions are more complex and more difficult to answer if, for example, a traffic accident occurs. A legal assessment (in particular of the medical situation) of such systems, initiated by the German Diabetes Society (DDG) (see DDG homepage), comes to the following key statements:

– From the patient’s point of view, the assembly of a DIY AID system does not constitute a criminal offence. However, since the intended purpose of the devices is violated, there is no liability on the part of the manufacturers of the medical devices used for this purpose.

– Patients who assemble DIY AID systems and “sell” them to other patients are liable to prosecution under the Medical Devices Act (MPG).

– Doctors do not have to refer patients with type 1 diabetes to DIY AID systems.

If a patient expresses interest in such a system or is already using it, the attending physician must inform the patient about the improper use of the medical devices used and about the associated risks. He should document this information accordingly.

This overview presents the current status of this development from various points of view.
Rheuma und Trauma
Authors: Rehart Stefan
Published: February 2019

Unglaublich aber wahr: Patienten mit Erkrankungen des rheumatischen Formenkreises können genauso Traumata erleiden, wie „normale“ Menschen… Das erscheint deshalb so verwunderlich, weil „Rheumatiker“ durch die regelmäßige medizinische Supervision gewissermaßen gefeit zu sein haben, vor negativen Erlebnissen im Sinne von Verletzungen, die andere durchmachen. Auch erscheint es möglich, dass die Überzeugung von Betroffenen und medizinisch Betreuenden, entzündlich-systemisch Erkrankte gingen so vorsichtig mit sich um, dass Verletzung praktisch ausgeschlossen sind, einer gründlichen Revision bedarf! Aktive Teilnahme am Straßenverkehr oder gefährliche Betätigungen im Haushalt, sportliche Betätigung mit der Möglichkeit von Stürzen im höheren Lebensalter sollten bei diesen Patienten doch tabu sein… Zumindest war das die vorherrschende Meinung noch vor 2 Dekaden und fest verankerte Überzeugungen brauchen bekanntlich sehr lange, um zu verschwinden.
Rezidivprophylaxe der Zytomegalievirus-Uveitis mit topischem Ganciclovir
Authors: Hänsli Christof , Meier Fabio , Barthelmes Daniel , Böni Christian
Published: February 2019

Ziel Das Zytomegalievirus (CMV) kann bei immunkompetenten Patienten eine rezidivierende oder chronische hypertensive anteriore Uveitis verursachen. Antivirale Therapieoptionen beinhalten topisches Ganciclovir oder systemisches Valganciclovir. Allerdings sind Rezidive nach Therapiestopp häufig. Wir evaluierten die Effektivität einer topischen Langzeittherapie mit Ganciclovir als Rezidivprophylaxe.

Methoden und Patienten Retrospektive Analyse konsekutiver CMV-Uveitis-Patienten, die zwischen 2011 und 2018 in unserer Institution gesehen wurden. Einschlusskriterien waren die Präsenz einer anterioren Uveitis und CMV-Nachweis mittels PCR (polymerase chain reaction) aus der Vorderkammerpunktion. Bei CMV-Nachweis wurde topisch mit Ganciclovir-Gel 5 × täglich therapiert und die Dosis aktivitätsabhängig reduziert. Topische Steroide und drucksenkende Medikation wurden gemäß klinischer Notwendigkeit appliziert. Eine aktive Episode war definiert als Anstieg des Vorderkammerreizes und/oder ein Intraokulardruckanstieg über 25 mmHg. Die Episoden wurden vor und nach Beginn der Ganciclovir-Therapie analysiert.

Resultate Sechs Patienten, median 51 Jahre (Range 24 – 62), wurden eingeschlossen. Alle Patienten hatten eine hypertensive unilaterale anteriore Uveitis mit feinen bis mittelgroßen Endothelpräzipitaten und 0,5+ bis 2+ Vorderkammerzellreiz. Die mediane Tensio bei Vorstellung lag am betroffenen Auge bei 43 mmHg (Range 36 – 60). Die mediane Zeit zur Diagnose betrug 19,5 Monate (Range 5 – 193) mit median 4 (Range 2 – 20) aktiven Schüben und einer mittleren Häufigkeit von 3,04 jährlichen Episoden. Das mediane Follow-up betrug 26 Monate (Range 4 – 62), mit median 1 (Range 0 – 6) aktiven Schüben und einer mittleren Häufigkeit von 0,19 jährlichen Episoden (p = 0,04, 2-seitiger gepaarter t-Test). Die individuell ermittelte mediane prophylaktische Dosis betrug für Ganciclovir 2 × täglich (Range 0 – 4 ×) sowie für Steroide 1 × täglich (0 – 2 ×). Niedrigere Dosierungen führten bei 3 Patienten (50%) zu Rezidiven. Glaukom- und Kataraktoperationen waren bei 2 Patienten (33%) notwendig.

Konklusion Obwohl die CMV-Uveitis eine seltene Entität darstellt, ist sie aufgrund des hypertensiven und rezidivierenden Charakters bedeutend. In den aufgearbeiteten Fällen war topisches Ganciclovir eine wirksame Behandlung. Die Häufigkeit von Aktivitätsepisoden konnte durch eine langfristige niedrig dosierte topische Therapie reduziert werden. Größere Studien sind zur Beurteilung der Langzeitprophylaxe wünschenswert.
The Heimann-Bielschowsky Phenomenon: A Retrospective Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Nguyen Audrey , Borruat François-Xavier
Published: February 2019

Background The Heimann-Bielschowsky phenomenon (HBP) is an unusual form of monocular vertical pendular nystagmus and is usually asymptomatic. It always occurs in an eye with longstanding, profound visual loss. Reports of HBP are few and HBP is probably underdiagnosed. Recognition of HBP could prevent unnecessary and potentially harmful investigations. The purpose of this study was to report a series of patients with HBP and to summarise the international literature on the subject in order to better define the clinical presentation of HBP.

Patients and Methods The study was approved by the local ethics committee. Medical records of patients diagnosed with HBP and examined by one of us (F. X. B.) were retrieved. Eye movements were quantified, either from video or eye tracking recordings, in all patients. The international literature on HBP was reviewed using the keywords “Heimann-Bielschowsky” or “monocular nystagmus”.

Results From 2007 to 2017, we retrieved seven patients with HBP. In the literature, we found only 8 publications, accounting for 66 cases. In both our cases and those from the literature, VA was worse in the eye with HBP and was usually ≤ 20/200. Visual loss was either congenital or acquired and resulted from a variety of aetiologies. The eye movement was strictly monocular, pendular, mostly vertical, but sometimes oblique. Characteristically, its frequency was irregular but low (0.2 to 2.6 Hz in our cases, 0.05 to 5 Hz in the literature) and its amplitude very variable (1 to 9° and 1.5 to 50°, respectively). Extraocular movements were always preserved.

Conclusions HBP is a benign monocular eye movement disorder that is always secondary to severe visual loss. Being asymptomatic, HBP is still under-recognised and easily overlooked. Furthermore, both amplitude and frequency of HBP may be small and irregular. Recognition of HBP is mandatory in order to prevent costly, unnecessary, and potentially hazardous investigations, and caution is advised, as cataract surgery might be responsible for postoperative oscillopsia.
Unterlappenektomie acht Jahre nach Aspiration einer Pinnnadel
Authors: Herrmann D. , Volmerig J. , Wolf R. , Neuhaus G. , Schwamborn M. , Ewig S. , Hecker E.
Published: February 2019

Ein Patient entwickelt 8 Jahre nach Aspiration eines Fremdkörpers Hämoptysen. Die initiale Diagnostik des damals 14-Jährigen erfolgte in der Notaufnahme eines Hauses der Basisversorgung. Von einer Bronchoskopie und einer radiologischen Diagnostik wurde in dem Fall abgesehen.

Bronchoskopisch lässt sich ein Fremdkörper im rechten Unterlappenbronchus darstellen. Aufgrund der entstandenen Vernarbung waren die bronchoskopischen Versuche der Fremdkörper-Bergung frustran. Bei einer chronischen Atelektase des rechten Unterlappens und rezidivierenden bronchopulmonalen Infektionen in den letzten Jahren wurde die Indikation zur Lobektomie gestellt.
Disagreement between high confidence endoscopic adenoma prediction and histopathological diagnosis in colonic lesions ≤ 3 mm in size
Authors: Ponugoti Prasanna , Rastogi Amit , Kaltenbach Tonya , MacPhail Margaret , Sullivan Andrew , Thygesen John , Broadley Heather , Rex Douglas
Published: February 2019

Background Diminutive colorectal polyps resected during colonoscopy are sometimes histologically interpreted as normal tissue. The aim of this observational study was to explore whether errors in specimen handling or processing account in part for polyps ≤ 3 mm in size being interpreted as normal tissue by pathology when they were considered high confidence adenomas by an experienced endoscopist at colonoscopy.

Methods One endoscopist photographed 900 consecutive colorectal lesions that were ≤ 3 mm in size and considered endoscopically to be high confidence conventional adenomas. The photographs were reviewed blindly to eliminate poor quality images. The remaining 644 endoscopy images were reviewed by two external experts who predicted the histology while blinded to the pathology results.

Results Of 644 consecutive lesions ≤ 3 mm in size considered high confidence conventional adenomas by a single experienced colonoscopist, 15.4 % were reported as normal mucosa by pathology. The prevalence of reports of normal mucosa in polyps removed by cold snare and cold forceps were 15.2 % and 16.0 %, respectively. When endoscopy photographs were reviewed by two blinded outside experts, the lesions found pathologically to be adenomas and normal mucosa were interpreted as high confidence adenomas by endoscopic appearance in 96.9 % and 93.9 %, respectively, by Expert 1 (P = 0.15), and in 99.6 % and 100 %, respectively, by Expert 2 (P = 0.51).

Conclusion Retrieval and/or processing of tissue specimens of tiny colorectal polyps resulted in some lesions being diagnosed as normal tissue by pathology despite being considered endoscopically to be high confidence adenomas. These findings suggest that pathology interpretation is not a gold standard for lesion management when this phenomenon is observed.
Endoscopic surveillance after surgical or endoscopic resection for colorectal cancer: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Society of Digestive Oncology (ESDO) Guideline
Authors: Hassan Cesare , Wysocki Piotr , Fuccio Lorenzo , Seufferlein Thomas , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário , Brandão Catarina , Regula Jaroslaw , Frazzoni Leonardo , Pellise Maria , Alfieri Sergio , Dekker Evelien , Jover Rodrigo , Rosati Gerardo , Senore Carlo , Spada Cristiano , Gralnek Ian , Dumonceau Jean-Marc , van Hooft Jeanin , van Cutsem Eric , Ponchon Thierry
Published: February 2019

Main Recommendations

1 We recommend post-surgery endoscopic surveillance for CRC patients after intent-to-cure surgery and appropriate oncological treatment for both local and distant disease.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.

2 We recommend a high quality perioperative colonoscopy before surgery for CRC or within 6 months following surgery.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.

3 We recommend performing surveillance colonoscopy 1 year after CRC surgery.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.

4 We do not recommend an intensive endoscopic surveillance strategy, e. g. annual colonoscopy, because of a lack of proven benefit.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.

5 After the first surveillance colonoscopy following CRC surgery, we suggest the second colonoscopy should be performed 3 years later, and the third 5 years after the second. If additional high risk neoplastic lesions are detected, subsequent surveillance examinations at shorter intervals may be considered.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.

6 After the initial surveillance colonoscopy, we suggest halting post-surgery endoscopic surveillance at the age of 80 years, or earlier if life-expectancy is thought to be limited by comorbidities.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.

7 In patients with a low risk pT1 CRC treated by endoscopy with an R0 resection, we suggest the same endoscopic surveillance schedule as for any CRC.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.
Psychosomatische Urologie – wie therapiere ich chronische urologische Erkrankungen?
Authors: Hohenfellner Ulrike
Published: February 2019

In urologischen Facharztpraxen weisen 50 – 70 % der Patienten chronische urologische Erkrankungen auf, nämlich rezidivierende Harnwegsinfekte, die somatoforme überaktive Blase und die Enuresis des Erwachsenen und des Kindes, das chronische Beckenschmerzsyndrom und die psychosomatisch bedingte Form der Post-Prostatektomie-Harninkontinenz. Denn die 12-Monats-Prävalenz psychischer Störungen in der erwachsenen Allgemeinbevölkerung beträgt 28 % 1. Bereits 20 % der Kinder und Jugendlichen zeigen psychische Auffälligkeiten 2. Häufig findet sich eine begleitende somatoforme Beschwerdesymptomatik, oftmals eine psychosomatische Miktionsstörung mit konsekutiv komplexer Beckenboden-Dysfunktion 3
4
5
6. Die meisten Patienten berichten über einen langjährigen Leidensweg, da sowohl der funktionelle Charakter als auch die psychosoziale Belastung bisher unerkannt geblieben sind, aus denen die Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung der Beschwerden resultieren. So haben sie meist diverse Therapieversuche erlebt, die nicht indiziert waren, entsprechend frustran und evtl. gar von Komplikationen begleitet. Dadurch wurden die Somatisierung und die Symptomatik i. d. R. noch verstärkt.

Zur ursächlichen Behandlung ist die Beseitigung der zugrundeliegenden psychosomatischen Miktionsstörung und Beckenboden-Dysfunktion notwendig. Dieses erfordert eine multimodale Therapie wie z. B. PELVICFIT®, die ein körperorientiertes Training auf dem Boden der progressiven Muskelrelaxation mit Schulung der Körperwahrnehmung und eine ärztliche psychotherapeutische Begleitung miteinander vereint. Denn sowohl das (Wieder-)Erlernen der Willkürkontrolle über den externen urethralen Sphinkter und die Herstellung eines physiologischen Miktionsverhaltens als auch die Reduktion der psychosozialen Belastung sind erforderlich, um einen Therapieerfolg der so chronifizierten Symptomatik erreichen zu können 7
8
9.
Extralymphatischer Organbefall eines Hodgkin-Lymphoms
Authors: Einwaller Pierre
Published: February 2019

In dem vorliegenden Fallbericht wird der seltene Befund einer extralymphatischen Organmanifestation eines Hodgkin-Lymphoms beschrieben. Zum Ausschluss eines Zweitmalignoms führten wir urologischerseits eine TUR-B durch und sicherten zeitgleich den histologischen Befund. Der Patient erhielt nachfolgend onkologischerseits die leitliniengerechte Therapie.
Health Technology Assessments in Radiology in Germany: Lack of Demand, Lack of Supply
Authors: Winkelmann Carolin , Neumann Thomas , Zeidler Jan , Prenzler Anne , Vogt Bodo , Wacker Frank K.
Published: February 2019

Background Health technology assessments (HTAs) are an interdisciplinary method to support sustainable, evidence-based healthcare decisions. They systematically assess medical products, procedures, and technologies with respect to medical, economic, legal, social, and ethical aspects.

Method This review analyzes the current use of HTAs in radiology in Germany and discusses challenges associated with HTAs. In particular, incentive structures of various players in the healthcare field involved in HTA implementation are considered for both the inpatient and outpatient sectors. Taking into account that the Joint Federal Committee (G-BA) has different authority between sectors ("ban reservation” for inpatients and “authorization right” for outpatients), we focus on the repercussions on reimbursement for new diagnosis or treatment methods by statutory health insurance companies.

Results The G-BA’s authority implicitly creates a paradox in terms of incentives to implement and finance HTAs: in the outpatient sector HTAs are considered necessary to evaluate new medical services while players may not have sufficient incentive to implement and finance HTAs in the inpatient sector.

Conclusion Characteristics of HTAs differ widely with respect to the items to be assessed. Therefore, an HTA for drug effectiveness is not easily transferable to radiological procedures. Within radiology, each method must be assessed individually (e. g. according to tumor stage). Despite these challenges, systematic compilation and critical assessment (regarding both cost and medical effectiveness) of available evidence should be a basic component of evidence-based radiology. As companies in healthcare fail to invest in studies that advance evidence-based radiology and considering the lack of incentive for such investments, public funding institutions need to accept the challenge to support studies that assess the benefit of radiological procedures.

Key Points:

Citation Format
Biomechanical Comparison of Four Methods of Fixation of a Polymeric Cranial Cruciate Ligament in the Canine Femur and Tibia
Authors: Bufkin Brian , Litsky Alan , Barnhart Matthew
Published: February 2019

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of four different methods of artificial cranial cruciate ligament fixation in canine cadaveric tibias and femurs.

Methods Femurs and tibias from skeletally mature large breed canine cadavers were assigned into four fixation groups: group 1, 4.5-mm interference screw (IS); group 2, 4.5-mm IS and 4.0-mm screw and spiked washer (SW); group 3, 5.0-mm IS; group 4, 5.0-mm IS + SW.

Results The mean ultimate load was significantly greater for femur fixations than for tibias, when a SW was added, and for 5.0-mm IS compared with 4.5-mm sizes. There was also a significant interaction between SW and IS size. A SW significantly increased stiffness, a 5.0-mm IS in femurs provided more stiffness than 4.5-mm IS and was greater than 5.0-mm IS in tibias. In tibias, a 4.5-mm IS was stiffer than a 5.0-mm IS and a 4.5 IS + SW had greater stiffness than a 5.0-mm IS + SW. Groups 1 to 3 and tibias in group 4 failed by artificial ligament pullout. Nine femurs in group 4 failed by fracture, 5 by artificial ligament pullout, and 1 by artificial ligament tearing.

Clinical Significance A 5.0-mm IS + SW provided superior artificial ligament fixation strength in femurs and tibias compared with a 4.5-mm IS without SW. Overall, artificial ligament fixation with 5.0-mm IS in femurs had the mechanical characteristics that most closely matched those reported in normal canine cranial cruciate ligaments.
Percutaneous Tibial Fracture Reduction Using Computed Tomography Imaging, Computer Modelling and 3D Printed Alignment Constructs: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Davies John , Lynch Albert
Published: February 2019

Objective The main aim of this study was to evaluate a percutaneous method of bone alignment using a diaphyseal tibial fracture model.

Materials and Methods Mid-shaft diaphyseal fractures were created in 12 large-breed canine tibiae. Interaction pins were inserted into the proximal and distal bone segments. Computed tomography scans of the fractured tibiae and pins were imported into three-dimensional (3D) modelling software and the fractures were virtually reduced. A multi-component 3D printed alignment jig was created that encompassed the pins in their aligned configuration. Orthogonal radiographs were taken after alignment jig application. Intact and post-alignment tibial lengths and joint angles were compared. Rotational alignment was subjectively evaluated.

Results Post-alignment tibial lengths differed on the mediolateral and craniocaudal radiographs by an average of 1.55 and 1.43% respectively. Post-alignment mechanical medial proximal tibial angle, mechanical medial distal tibial angle and mechanical caudal proximal tibial angle had an average difference of 1.67°, 1.92° and 2.17° respectively. Differences in tibial length and joint angles were not significant (p > 0.05).

Clinical Significance While in vivo evaluation is necessary, this technique to align diaphyseal fractures percutaneously using computer modelling and 3D printing is technically feasible and may facilitate the clinical use of minimally invasive osteosynthesis techniques.
Intra-Abdominal Umbilical Vein Varix – A Case Report
Authors: Agrawal Sachin , Singhania Shraddha , Singhania Pooja , Vaibhav Kumar
Published: February 2019

The incidence of the fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix condition is very rare and has been associated with fetal hydrops, IUGR and still birth A 26-year-old primigravida was referred for routine antenatal scan. The scan at 30 weeks showed an intra-abdominal ovoid structure superior to the fetal bladder. Color flow Doppler revealed venous flow in continuity with the umbilical vein. A diagnosis of umbilical varix was made. The venous flow was present throughout the lesion, suggesting the absence of thrombi. There was no evidence of fetal hydrops. Subsequent scans at regular intervals showed no increase in size of the umbilical varix. The patient had an uneventful elective cesarean section at 39 weeks. Postnatal assessment and a follow-up neonatal cardiac echo scan were normal. Our case supports the new emerging evidence that pregnancy outcome in cases of isolated fetal umbilical vein varix is generally good. Caution must be exercised against unnecessary early induction and costly preterm births
Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) Measurement in Each Trimester of Pregnancy: A Screening Parameter for a Healthy Eye During Pregnancy : A Prospective Study!
Authors: G. Sruthi , Sundaram Lalith , TC Ranjakumar , Ashraf Rahana , Alex Nimesha
Published: February 2019

AIM: - To detect central corneal thickness (CCT) in each trimester of pregnancy.

Purpose: To evaluate difference in measurement of central corneal thickness due to corneal changes in each trimester of pregnancy.

METHOD: - 100 healthy pregnant women within age group ranging from 21 to 35 years were included in the study. Central corneal thickness (Ultrasound Pachymetry), Intra ocular pressure (Goldmann-Applanation Tonometer) was done. Changes in central corneal thickness (CCT) were calculated at 3 time periods: First trimester, Second trimester, Third trimester. Informed consent was taken from all patients. Patients had no systemic or ocular co-morbidities.

All of the patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations, including Refraction, Intraocular pressure (IOP), Anterior segment and Fundus examination.

RESULTS: - The mean age was 25 years in the study group. The mean CCT in the second trimester of pregnancy was measured to be higher than first trimester by 1.67% &3.13% by third trimester in right eye & increase of 1.91% in second trimester & 3.03% in third trimester left eye.

The results are statistically significant confirmed by ANOVA.

CONCLUSION: - Changes during pregnancy causes corneal edema, which is observed in pregnant women resulting from increased water retention during pregnancy. Changes in corneal curvature, central, corneal thickness and steeping may also occur during pregnancy particularly during the second and third trimester. Most of the changes are reversible and resolved in the postpartum period or after cessation of breastfeeding. Awareness of the changes during pregnancy and routine screening during antenatal period should be improvised.
Aspirin-Dependent Effects on Purinergic P2Y1 Receptor Expression
Authors: Massimi Isabella , Alemanno Laura , Guarino Maria , Guerriero Raffaella , Mancone Massimo , Ceccacci Andrea , Frati Luigi , Angiolillo Dominick , Pulcinelli Fabio
Published: February 2019

Chronic treatment with aspirin in healthy volunteers (HVs) is associated with recovery of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet activation. The purinergic P2Y1 receptor exerts its effects via a Gq-protein, which is the same biochemical pathway activated by thromboxane-A2 receptor. We hypothesized that recovery of ADP-induced platelet activation could be attributed to increased P2Y1 expression induced by chronic aspirin exposure. We performed a multi-phase investigation which embraced both in vitro and in vivo experiments conducted in (1) human megakaryoblastic DAMI cells, (2) human megakaryocytic progenitor cell cultures, (3) platelets obtained from HVs treated with aspirin and (4) platelets obtained from aspirin-treated patients. DAMI cells treated with aspirin or WY14643 (PPARα agonist) had a significant up-regulation of P2Y1 mRNA, which was shown to be a PPARα-dependent process. In human megakaryocytic progenitors, in the presence of aspirin or WY14643, P2Y1 mRNA expression was higher than in mock culture. P2Y1 expression increased in platelets obtained from HVs treated with aspirin for 8 weeks. Platelets obtained from patients who were on aspirin for more than 2 months had increased P2Y1 expression and ADP-induced aggregation compared with patients on aspirin treatment for less than a month. Overall, our results suggest that aspirin induces genomic changes in megakaryocytes leading to P2Y1 up-regulation and that PPARα is the nuclear receptor involved in this regulation. Since P2Y1 is coupled to the same Gq-protein of thromboxane-A2 receptor, platelet adaptation in response to pharmacological inhibition seems not to be receptor specific, but may involve other receptors with the same biochemical pathway.
Sports-Related Concussion: Neurometabolic Aspects
Authors: Banks Russell E. , Domínguez Delfina C.
Published: February 2019

Concussion is a transitory brain injury resulting from a blow to the head. Concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), which is self-limited. Repetitive mTBI has been associated with chronic, progressive neurological damage. Extreme biochemical changes occur in neuron cells as a result of mTBI. These metabolic disturbances may reflect the symptoms observed in patients who had suffered concussions. However, it has been difficult to correlate clinical signs and symptoms. Currently, there are no laboratory tests to diagnose concussion, though several biomarkers are being investigated. Further studies are needed to elucidate the biochemical details of the metabolic cascade and the associated time frame, which will help determine when an athlete can safely return to the game.
Auditory Brainstem Implantation: An Overview
Authors: Deep Nicholas , Choudhury Baishakhi , Roland J.
Published: February 2019

An auditory brainstem implant (ABI) is a surgically implanted central neural auditory prosthesis for the treatment of profound sensorineural hearing loss in children and adults who are not cochlear implant candidates due to a lack of anatomically intact cochlear nerves or implantable cochleae. The device consists of a multielectrode surface array which is placed within the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle along the brainstem and directly stimulates the cochlear nucleus, thereby bypassing the peripheral auditory system. In the United States, candidacy criteria for ABI include deaf patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) who are 12 years or older undergoing first- or second-side vestibular schwannoma resection. In recent years, several non-NF2 indications for ABI have been explored, including bilateral cochlear nerve avulsion from trauma, complete ossification of the cochlea due to meningitis, or a severe cochlear malformation not amenable to cochlear implantation. In addition, growing experience with ABI in infants and children has been documented with encouraging outcomes. While cochlear implantation generally remains the first-line option for hearing rehabilitation in NF2 patients with stable tumors or post hearing preservation surgery where hearing is lost but a cochlear nerve remains accessible for stimulation, an ABI is the next alternative in cases where the cochlear nerve is absent and/or if the cochlea cannot be implanted. Herein, we review ABI device design, clinical evaluation, indications, operative technique, and outcomes as it relates to lateral skull base pathology.
Solid-state nanopore hydrodynamics and transport
Authors: Ghosal Sandip , Sherwood John D. , Chang Hsueh-Chia
Published: February 2019

The resistive pulse method based on measuring the ion current trace as a biomolecule passing through a nanopore has become an important tool in biotechnology for characterizing molecules. A detailed physical understanding of the translocation process is essential if one is to extract the relevant molecular properties from the current signal. In this Perspective, we review some recent progress in our understanding of hydrodynamic flow and transport through nanometer sized pores. We assume that the problems of interest can be addressed through the use of the continuum version of the equations of hydrodynamic and ion transport. Thus, our discussion is restricted to pores of diameter greater than about ten nanometers: such pores are usually synthetic. We address the fundamental nanopore hydrodynamics and ion transport mechanisms and review the wealth of observed phenomena due to these mechanisms. We also suggest future ionic circuits that can be synthesized from different ionic modules based on these phenomena and their applications.
Social threat learning transfers to decision making in humans
Authors: Lindström Björn , Golkar Armita , Jangard Simon , Tobler Philippe N. , Olsson Andreas
Published: February 2019

Significance

In today’s world, indirect exposure to threatening situations is more common than ever, as illustrated by footage of terror and disaster in social media. How do such social threat learning experiences shape our decisions? We found that learning about threats from both observation and verbal information strongly influenced decision making. As with learning from our own experience, this influence could be either adaptive or maladaptive depending on whether the social information provided accurate expectations about the environment. Our findings can help explain both adaptive and pathological behaviors resulting from the indirect exposure to threatening events.
The status of punctuation marks in Cognitive Grammar
Authors: Hamawand Zeki
Published: February 2019

This paper seeks to provide a new analysis of punctuation marks in English. To do so, it substantiates two claims of Cognitive
Grammar. One claim is that the meaning of a linguistic expression is best understood in terms of the domain to which it belongs.
In light of this claim, the paper argues that punctuation marks form sets in which they highlight similarities in general but
differences in specifics. The other claim is that the use of a linguistic expression is governed by the particular construal
imposed on its content. In view of this claim, the paper argues that the use of a punctuation mark stems from the particular
construal the speaker chooses to describe a situation. The occurrence of two or more punctuation marks gives rise to semantic
contrast, in which each mark represents a different construal, and so a different meaning. The aim of the analysis is to emphasise
the roles which punctuation marks play in the interpretation of sentences, namely in conveying meaning.
Foodsemic metaphors of love in Gĩkũyũ: Insights from cognitive semantics
Authors: Gathigia Moses Gatambuki , Orwenjo Daniel Ochieng , Ndungu Ruth Wangeci
Published: February 2019

Using the Conceptual Metaphor Theory, this study discusses the transfer of semantic aspects of foodsemic metaphors upon the abstraction of love. An interview schedule was administered to 48 respondents of different gender by the researchers assisted by two research assistants. The data collected were subjected to the Metaphor Identification ProcedureVrije Universiteit(MIPVU). 12 foodsemic metaphors which play an indispensable role in the understanding of love in Gĩkũyũ were identified. In addition, the study noted that gender is a dominant variable that provides people with lens through which they view love in Gĩkũyũ. This study concludes that metaphor is an integral component of the way people conceptualize and embody love in Gĩkũyũ. Further, foodsemic metaphors provide a way of understanding the nexus between gender and love in Gĩkũyũ.
A cross-linguistic study of metaphors of death
Authors: Gathigia Moses Gatambuki , Wang Ruiming , Shen Manqiong , Tirado Carlos , Tsaregorodtseva Oksana , Khatin-Zadeh Omid , Minervino Ricardo , Marmolejo-Ramos Fernando
Published: February 2019

The avoidance of directly addressing human mortality indicates fear of death. This fear elicits psychological, social and religious interdictions in language such that people resort to the use of metaphors to avoid confronting death. Under the premise that metaphor is a conceptual mapping from a concrete source to an abstract target domain, this study aims to identify and categorize euphemistic metaphors of death in six languages: Chinese, Farsi, Gĩkũyũ, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish. Those metaphors are interpreted via the Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT). In doing so, 40 speakers in each of the languages were asked to complete a short questionnaire. Various metaphors of death were identified in each language and categorized into four conceptual metaphors:death is a journey; death is the end; death is a rest; anddeath is a summons. The key finding is that the most common metaphor of death isdeath is a journey. This holds across linguistic groups regardless of gender and age factors. This study also discusses the role of embodied cognition theories in accounting for how metaphors of death are created and their role within cognition in general.
Mental models, (de)compressions, and the actor’s process in body-swap movies
Authors: Abdel-Raheem Ahmed
Published: February 2019

The body-swap comedy, where someone finds themselves inhabiting an entirely different body, is a well-established Hollywood tradition. Crucially, American filmmakers have tried every twist and contortion of this genre premise at a point or another over the past few decades. And yet, other countries, such as Egypt, Japan, and South Africa, seem to have just now put different spins on the theme. Nevertheless, this genre is under-theorized and under-explored. Drawing on insights from blending theory (Fauconnier and Turner 2002), mental models (van Dijk 2014), and the actor’s process as described by, among others, Stanislavsky (1995,2008) and Brecht (1964,1970), this article provides cognitively plausible answers to the perennial questions: What is so funny in body-swap films? How do spectators make sense of this genre? How do blending processes operate in body-swap movies? Do spectators “live in the blend?” What patterns of compression or decompression are at work in body-swap templates? Can humor be a strong determiner of moral-political cognition? And what connections can be drawn between acting and cognitive neuroscience? A discussion of English and Arabic examples (i) points to some of the cultural concepts involved in body-swap films, (ii) shows how conceptual blending in humorous films serves to both perpetuate and modify culturally relevant concepts, and (iii) highlights the necessity to expand the current scope in compression, embodiment and identity research. More generally, then, this article presents a new cognitive theory of how cinema, television, or theatre communicates meaning. The most important aim of this study is thus to contribute to the small but growing number of publications that use the cognitive sciences to inform scholarly and practical explorations in theatre and performance studies, as well as to the study of Arab theatre and cinema, which are among the most neglected subjects in the field.
Laughter and identity construction in political interviews
Authors: Kantara Argyro
Published: February 2019

Previous conversation analytic work on the use and function of laughter in broadcast talk has mostly focused on itsaffiliativeuse as response to something the participants had constructed as humorous (Eriksson 2009,2010;Ekström 2009,2011;Baym 2013). Fewer studies have focused on itsdisaffiliativeuse as a response to something that hasnotbeen constructed as humorous (Clayman 1992;Romaniuk 2009,2013a,2013b). This paper contributes to this second line of research by investigating the use of laughter by a specific politician, namely Alexis Tsipras, in interview openings in three out of four one-on-one election campaign interviews he gave during the 2012 double Greek general elections campaigns. I will argue that Alexis Tsipras’ laughter is not only disaffiliative, undermining the journalists’ questions and projecting either an evasive answer or a counterchallenge, but that it also establishes a “cool but assertive” persona for the ears of the overhearing electorate.
Childcare deserts and distributional disadvantages: the legacies of split childcare policies and programmes in Canada
Authors: Prentice Susan , White Linda A.
Published: February 2019

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) policies and services in Canada exhibit marked gaps in access, creating ‘childcare deserts’ and distributional disadvantages. Cognate family policies that support children and families, such as parental leave and child benefits, are also underdeveloped. This article examines the current state of ECEC services in Canada and the reasons behind the uncoordinated array of services and policy, namely, a liberal welfare state tradition that historically has encouraged private and market-based care, a comparatively decentralised federal system that militates against coordinated policy-making, and a welfare state built on gendered assumptions about care work. The article assesses recent government initiatives, including the federal 2017 Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Child Care, concluding that existing federal and provincial initiatives have limited potential to bring about paradigmatic third-order change.
Compositional data network analysis via lasso penalized D-trace loss
Authors: Yuan Huili , He Shun , Deng Minghua
Published: February 2019

Motivation

With the development of high-throughput sequencing techniques for 16S-rRNA gene profiling, the analysis of microbial communities is becoming more and more attractive and reliable. Inferring the direct interaction network among microbial communities helps in the identification of mechanisms underlying community structure. However, the analysis of compositional data remains challenging by the relative information conveyed by such data, as well as its high dimensionality.

Results

In this article, we first propose a novel loss function for compositional data called CD-trace based on D-trace loss. A sparse matrix estimator for the direct interaction network is defined as the minimizer of lasso penalized CD-trace loss under positive-definite constraint. An efficient alternating direction algorithm is developed for numerical computation. Simulation results show that CD-trace compares favorably to gCoda and that it is better than sparse inverse covariance estimation for ecological association inference (SPIEC-EASI) (hereinafter S-E) in network recovery with compositional data. Finally, we test CD-trace and compare it to the other methods noted above using mouse skin microbiome data.

Availability and implementation

The CD-trace is open source and freely available from https://github.com/coamo2/CD-trace under GNU LGPL v3.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Bacterial Feature Finder (BaFF)—a system for extracting features overrepresented in sets of prokaryotic organisms
Authors: López-Ibáñez Javier , Martín Laura T , Chagoyen Mónica , Pazos Florencio
Published: February 2019

Motivation

The results of some experimental and computational techniques are given in terms of large sets of organisms, especially prokaryotic. While their distinctive features can provide useful data regarding specific phenomenon, there are no automated tools for extracting them.

Results

We present here the Bacterial Feature Finder web server, a tool to automatically interrogate sets of prokaryotic organisms provided by the user to evaluate their specific biological features. At the core of the system is a searchable database of qualitative and quantitative features compiled for more than 23 000 prokaryotic organisms. Both the input set of organisms and the background set used to calculate the enriched features can be directly provided by the user, or they can be obtained by searching the database. The results are presented via an interactive graphical interface, with links to external resources.

Availability and implementation

The web server is freely available at http://csbg.cnb.csic.es/BaFF. It has been tested in the main web browsers and does not require any especial plug-ins or additional software.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.