bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Інтеграція кримських татар в українське суспільство: історичний досвід кінця 1980-х – початку 2000-х рр.
Authors: Міронова І. С.
Published: August 2018

Проаналізовано процес інтеграції кримських татар в українське суспільство наприкінці 1980-х – на початку 2000-х рр. Розглянуто основні кроки і заходи українського уряду з цього питання, який взяв на себе повну відповідальність за долю репатріантів. Висвітлено суспільно-політичні, соціально-економічні, правові, земельні, освітні проблеми, з якими довелося зіштовхнутися кримським татарам після повернення на батьківщину.
Історична і соціальна пам’ять: спільне та особливе
Authors: Ковальська-Павелко І. М.
Published: August 2018

Встановлено, що на початкових етапах становлення меморіальних концептів історичну і соціальну пам’ять здебільшого ототожнювали, вважаючи їх зрізами колективної пам’яті, проте поступово почало викристалізовуватися розуміння можливості і потреби в проведенні демаркації між даними концептами.
Ставлення та дії верхівки Російської імперії щодо українських політичних партій у Наддніпрянщині наприкінці ХІХ – початку ХХ ст.
Authors: Сарнацький О. П.
Published: August 2018

Висвітлено ставлення та дії царя і центральної влади Російської імперії щодо діяльності політичних сил, які очолювали український національно-визвольний рух у Наддніпрянщині наприкінці ХІХ – початку ХХ ст.
Політика царського уряду щодо розвитку залізничного транспорту в Наддніпрянщині у другій половині ХІХ – на початку ХХ ст. (за матеріалами галузевої преси)
Authors: Перетокін А. Г.
Published: August 2018

Висвітлено проблему політики царського уряду щодо розвитку залізничного транспорту в Наддніпрянщині у другій половині ХІХ – на початку ХХ ст. У дослідженні широко використовуються матеріали галузевої преси.
Definitive Radiotherapy in Invasive Vaginal Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Guerri Sara , Perrone Anna M. , Buwenge Milly , Ferioli Martina , Macchia Gabriella , Tagliaferri Luca , Ferrandina Gabriella , Galuppi Andrea , Andrulli Angela D. , Frakulli Rezarta , Cammelli Silvia , Arcelli Alessandra , De Iaco Pierandrea , Morganti Alessio G.
Published: August 2018

Aim

This study systematically reviews the recent literature on the role of definitive radiotherapy (RT) in the management of vaginal cancer (VC) and presents comprehensive data on clinical outcomes and toxicity.

Methods

The authors performed a literature search using PubMed (2007–2016) to identify all prospective and retrospective studies that have been published on RT in invasive VC.

Results

Of the 199 identified studies, 13 met the inclusion criteria. All studies had a retrospective design. Overall, 793 patients (median, 45; range, 26–138) were included. A high heterogeneity was found across studies in terms of RT techniques, assessment criteria, and reported outcomes. The majority of the patients were treated with a combination of external beam RT and brachytherapy (74.2%). Acute and late grade ≥3 toxicity rates ranged from 0.0% to 24.4% (median, 8.7%) and from 0.0% to 22.5% (median, 12.8%), respectively. The 5-year local control rates ranged between 39% and 79%. The 5-year overall survival ranged between 34% and 71.0% (median, 63.5%). Early stage of the disease (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages I–II vs. III–IV), small tumor size (<4 cm), previous hysterectomy, high pretreatment/treatment hemoglobin levels (≥12/12.5 mg/dL), and patients’ age <70 or <64 years were correlated with better clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

Only retrospective studies, in a limited number, have been published on RT in VC in the past decade, with significant heterogeneity in terms of treatment characteristic and evaluation criteria. Clinical results were strongly influenced by tumor stage. Prospective randomized studies are needed to improve patients’ outcomes, especially in advanced-stage disease.

Implications for Practice

This study systematically reviews the recent literature on the role of definitive radiotherapy in the management of vaginal cancer and presents comprehensive data on clinical outcome and toxicity. The prognosis of patients is dismal, with a 5-year overall survival of approximately 50%. Early stage of the disease, small tumor size, previous hysterectomy, high pretreatment/treatment hemoglobin levels, and patients’ age were correlated with a better clinical outcome. A brachytherapy boost should be delivered, especially in patients with higher-stage disease. The addition of concurrent weekly cisplatin should be considered in most patients, and transfusion should be used to maintain high hemoglobin levels.
Retrospective Assessment of a Serum Proteomic Test in a Phase III Study Comparing Erlotinib plus Placebo with Erlotinib plus Tivantinib (MARQUEE) in Previously Treated Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Buttigliero Consuelo , Shepherd Frances A. , Barlesi Fabrice , Schwartz Brian , Orlov Sergey , Favaretto Adolfo G. , Santoro Armando , Hirsh Vera , Ramlau Rodryg , Blackler Adele R. , Roder Joanna , Spigel David , Novello Silvia , Akerley Wallace , Scagliotti Giorgio V.
Published: August 2018

Background

The VeriStrat test provides accurate predictions of outcomes in all lines of therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated the predictive and prognostic role of VeriStrat in patients enrolled on the MARQUEE phase III trial of tivantinib plus erlotinib (T+E) versus placebo plus erlotinib (P+E) in previously treated patients with advanced NSCLC.

Methods

Pretreatment plasma samples were available for 996 patients and were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry to generate VeriStrat labels (good, VS-G, or poor, VS-P).

Results

Overall, no significant benefit in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were observed for the addition of tivantinib to erlotinib. Regardless of treatment arm, patients who were classified as VS-G had significantly longer PFS (3.8 mo for T+E arm, 2.0 mo for P+E arm) and OS (11.6 mo for T+E, 10.2 mo for P+E arm) than patients classified as VS-P (PFS: 1.9 mo for both arms, hazard ratio [HR], 0.584; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.468–0.733; p < .0001 for T+E, HR, 0.686; 95% CI, 0.546–0.870; p = .0015 for P+E; OS: 4.0 mo for both arms, HR, 0.333; 95% CI, 0.264–0.422; p < .0001 for T+E; HR, 0.449; 95% CI, 0.353–0.576; p < .0001 for P+E). The VS-G population had higher OS than the VS-P population within Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score (PS) categories. VS-G patients on the T+E arm had longer PFS, but not OS, than VS-G patients on the P+E arm (p = .0108). Among EGFR mutation-positive patients, those with VS-G status had a median OS more than twice that of any other group (OS: 31.6 mo for T+E and 22.8 mo for P+E), whereas VS-P patients had similar survival rates as VS-G, EGFR-wild type patients (OS: 13.7 mo for T+E and 6.5 mo for P+E).

Conclusion

In these analyses, VeriStrat showed a prognostic role within EGOC PS categories and regardless of treatment arm and EGFR status, suggesting that VeriStrat could be used to identify EGFR mutation-positive patients who will have a poor response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Long-Term Survival of De Novo Stage IV Human Epidermal Growth Receptor 2 (HER2) Positive Breast Cancers Treated with HER2-Targeted Therapy
Authors: Wong Yao , Raghavendra Akshara Singareeka , Hatzis Christos , Irizarry Javier Perez , Vega Teresita , Horowitz Nina , Barcenas Carlos H. , Chavez-MacGregor Mariana , Valero Vicente , Tripathy Debu , Pusztai Lajos , Murthy Rashmi K.
Published: August 2018

Background

An increasing proportion of human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is diagnosed as de novo stage IV disease. We hypothesize that a subset of these patients who achieve no evidence of disease (NED) status after multimodality HER2-targeted treatments may have prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Materials and Methods

Patients with de novo stage IV, HER2+ MBC (n = 483) diagnosed between 1998 and 2015 were identified at two institutions (Yale and MD Anderson Cancer Centers). Clinical variables, treatment details, and survival outcomes were compared between those who achieved NED and those who did not.

Results

All patients received trastuzumab, and 20% also received pertuzumab as first-line therapy. The median OS was 5.5 years (95% confidence interval [Cl]: 4.8–6.2). Sixty-three patients (13.0%) achieved NED; their PFS and OS rates were 100% and 98% (95% CI: 94.6%–100%), respectively, at 5 years and remained the same at 10 years. For patients with no NED (n = 420), the PFS and OS rates were 12% (95% CI: 4.5%–30.4%) and 45% (95% CI: 38.4%–52.0%) at 5 years and 0% and 4% (95% CI, 1.3%–13.2%) at 10 years, respectively. NED patients more frequently had solitary metastasis (79% vs. 51%, p = .005) and surgery to resect cancer (59% vs. 22%, p ≤ .001). In multivariate analysis, NED status (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.014, p = .0002) and estrogen receptor positive status (HR: 0.72; p = .04) were associated with prolonged OS.

Conclusion

Among patients with de novo stage IV, HER2+ MBC, those who achieve NED status have a very high PFS and OS. Further randomized studies are required to fully understand the impact of systemic or locoregional therapy on achieving these excellent long-term outcomes.

Implications for Practice

In this retrospective review at two institutions, it was demonstrated that 13% of patients with de novo stage IV, human epidermal growth receptor 2 positive metastatic breast cancer achieved no evidence of disease (NED) status with trastuzumab-based therapy plus/minus local therapies, and these patients had a very high progression-free survival (100%) and overall survival (98%) at both the 5- and 10-year time points. Achieving NED status may be an important therapeutic goal. However, further randomized studies are required to fully understand the impact of systemic or locoregional therapy on achieving these excellent long-term outcomes.
DETERMINATION OF MAINTENANCE PRIORITY INDEX (MPI) FOR COMPONENTS ON RSG-GAS SAFETY SYSTEM
Authors: Hartini Entin , Dibyo Sukmanto , Pujiarta Santosa
Published: August 2018

Reliability management is an activity to ensure no failure of all equipment when operated. Reliability management can be optimized to minimize costs or eliminate failures and causes. Critical equipment is the condition of a potentially damaging component affecting the operational reliability of the system. The criticality level of each equipment determines its impact on the operating system and the direction of maintenance improvement. The research was conducted on the main system/component of the operating system and performed at the level of reliability improvement. The purpose of this research is to prioritize the reliability of systems and equipment for safety systems using System Equipment Reliability Prioritization (SERP). Determination of component criticality level on reliability management based on category rankings of frequency data and duration of interference with certain criteria as well as system aspects, safety, quality and cost. From the evaluation results it can be concluded that the MPI of the RSG-GAS system/ component for the top 5 if sorted are KBE01 AP-01-02, PA01-02 / CR001, KBE02 AA-01/ AA-02, JE-01 (AP01-02 ) and JNA10 / 20/30 BC001 with  MPI values 143,101, 95, 90 and 60.Keywords: Maintenance, priority, index, safety system, RSG-GAS PENENTUAN MAINTENANCE PRIORITY INDEX (MPI) UNTUK KOMPONEN PADA SISTEM KESELAMATAN RSG-GAS. Manajemen keandalan  merupakan suatu kegiatan untuk menjamin tidak terjadinya suatu kegagalan pada seluruh komponen saat dioperasikan. Dengan manajemen keandalan dapat dilakukan optimasi untuk meminimumkan biaya atau menghilangkan kegagalan dan penyebabnya. komponen kritis merupakan kondisi suatu komponen yang berpotensi mengalami kerusakan yang berpengaruh pada keandalan operasional sistem. Tingkat kekritisan dari setiap komponen menentukan dampaknya terhadap sistem operasi dan arah penyempurnaan pemeliharaan. Penelitian dilakukan pada sistem/komponen yang utama dari sistem operasi dan dilakukan pada level peningkatan keandalan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menentukan indeks prioritas pemeliharaan (MPI) untuk peringkat keandalan sitem/komponen pada system keselamatan menggunakan metode System Equipment Reliability Prioritization (SERP). Penentuan tingkat kekritisan komponen pada manajemen keandalan berdasarkan peringkat kategori dari data durasi dan frekuensi gangguan  dengan kriteria tertentu serta aspek sistem, keselamatan, kualitas dan biaya. Dari hasil evaluasi dapat disimpulkan bahwa MPI dari sistem/komponen RSG-GAS untuk 5 teratas jika diurutkan adalah: KBE01 AP-01-02, PA01-02 / CR001, KBE02 AA-01 / AA-02, JE-01 (AP01-02) dan JNA10 / 20/30 BC001 dengan nilai MPI berturut turut 143,101, 95, 90 dan 60.Kata kunci:         Pemeliharaan, prioritas, indeks, sistem keselamatan, RSG-GAS
CARBON DUST IN PRIMARY COOLANT OF RDE: ITS PROBLEM AND SOLUTION
Authors: Sriyono Sriyono , Setiadipura Topan , Sunaryo Geni Rina
Published: August 2018

There are two kinds of impurities in primary coolant of Reaktor Daya Eksperimental (RDE) i.e. gaseous and particulate impurities. Carbon dust as a particulate impurity is generated from abrasion of pebble friction in the core and friction between pebble and refueling pipelines. Due to negative impact to the system, structure and component (SCC), therefore carbon dust must be removed from primary coolant. This paper discusses the carbon dust removal in RDE. The objected of the research is to analyze the helium purification system (HPS) capability of removing carbon dust through particle size distribution analysis. The carbon dust size particle varies from 0.1 µm up to 10 µm regarding to the experiences of high temperature gas cooled reactor (HTGR) operation. Three models have been made by using ChemCAD. First model was using single filter, second model was using 2 filters in series and the last one was using both double filters in series and cyclone. The dust removal total efficiency of first model is 88.70 %, the second model is 98.10% and the last one is 98.89%. The highest efficiency of 98.98 % was achieved in the model that used both double filters and cyclone. The cyclone should be installed in HPS of RDE if there are coarse carbon dust particle, which was found in the primary coolant to increase its dust removal capability.Keywords: Carbon dust problem, primary coolant, particle size distribution, RDE DEBU KARBON PADA PENDINGIN PRIMER RDE: PERMASALAHAN DAN SOLUSINYA. Ada dua jenis pengotor pada pendingin primer RDE yaitu pengotor berbentuk gas dan partikel padat. Debu karbon adalah salah satu pengotor berbentuk partikel padat. Debu ini dihasilkan dari gesekan antara bahan bakar di teras dan gesekan antara bahan bakar dengan pipa pengisian bahan bakar. Karena berdampak negatif terhadap sistem, struktur dan komponen (SSK), maka debu karbon tersebut harus dibersihkan dari pendingin primer. Makalah ini membahas proses pembersihan debu karbon pada pendingin RDE. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk memahami kemampuan sistem pemurnian helium (SPH) dari RDE dalam menghilangkan debu karbon melalui analisis distribusi ukuran partikel. Ukuran distribusi debu karbon divariasikan dari 0,1 µm sampai dengan 10 µm berdasarkan pengalaman operasi HTGR. Tiga model telah dibuat menggunakan perangkat lunak ChemCAD. Model pertama menggunakan filter tunggal, model kedua menggunakan 2 filter yang disusun secara serial dan yang ketiga adalah model menggunakan 2 filter dan cyclone. Efisiensi total pembersihan debu karbon dari model yang pertama 88,70 %, model yang kedua adalah 98,10% and model yang terakhir adalah 98,89%.  Efisiensi pembersihan debu karbon tertinggi yaitu 98,98% diperoleh pada model yang menggunakan 2 filter dan cyclone. Untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pembersihan debu karbon, desain SPH RDE perlu ditambahkan cyclone jika ditemukan partikel debu karbon kasar pada saat beroperasi.Kata kunci: permasalahan debu karbon, pendingin primer RDE, distribusi ukuran partikel
Lessons from life: the role of the advanced nurse specialist in IBDs
Authors: Forsyth Kate
Published: August 2018

The role of the nurse has evolved enormously in recent years. By way of a descriptive case study, this article highlights the role of the advanced haemophilia nurse specialist. The case study serves as a focal point for discussion of how the extension of this role has enabled the provision of consistent and comprehensive care and support to patients with inherited bleeding disorders.
Oral health status in children with haemophilia - a comparative study
Authors: Babu N. S. Venkatesh , Shah Milind , Patel Purna
Published: August 2018

People with haemophilia may neglect their oral hygiene due to the fear of bleeding during brushing, leading to an increase in dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis in this group. The available literature shows very few studies on the oral health status of children with haemophilia. The aim of the current study, therefore, was to assess the oral health status of children with haemophilia in comparison with healthy children. Data were collected from a study and control groups of haemophilic and healthy children aged 6-16 years. All children were examined under standardised conditions by a single qualified examiner and Plaque Index (PI), Modified Gingival Index (MGI) and permanent decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and primary dmft index were recorded. A questionnaire distributed to the parents was analysed using Chi-Square and Kruskal-Wallis test, and showed a significant difference in GMI and DMFT and dmft scores between the study and control groups, a lower level of parental education level in the study group, a difference in the frequency of tooth brushing between the two groups, and a statistically higher frequency of sugar consumption among the children with haemophilia. The study concluded that children with haemophilia have poor oral health status compared to healthy children. Parental education levels, beliefs and attitude towards dental health have an impact on the child’s overall dental health. This indicates a need for early intervention by dental services as a preventive measure for children with haemophilia.
The use of tranexamic acid in reducing bleeding complications
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: August 2018

Tranexamic acid inhibits fibrinolysis by competitively blocking the lysine binding sites of plasminogen, inhibiting binding between fibrin and plasminogen, and activation of plasminogen. It also competitively inhibits tissue plasminogen activator and inhibits plasmininduced platelet activation. The synthesis of tranexamic acid was first reported in 1962. It is used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss from trauma, surgery, and in various medical conditions including haemophilia and heavy menstrual bleeding. As a medicine affecting coagulation, it is listed in the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. Tranexamic acid remains a versatile and inexpensive agent with potential benefit in health services from the lowest to highest income countries. This pharmacy review focuses on the evidence base to support the use of tranexamic acid in acquired and inherited bleeding disorders to reduce bleeding complications.
Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia: Working through cultural barriers
Authors: Tapia Colleen , Tovar-Herrera Maria
Published: August 2018

Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding syndrome characterised by a lack of platelet aggregation. This case study considers a young woman affected by this disease, integrating the role her culture plays in her medical management. Fatima (patient renamed for the purposes of this case study) is a 16-year-old girl with Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia and heterozygous factor XIII deficiency, complicated by menorrhagia and a history of packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion for symptomatic anemia, with subsequent development of red blood cell (RBC) antibodies. Management has included years of working on hormone control, as well as dealing with the side-effects of such treatment, and starting NovoSeven (Novo Nordisk) recombinant factor VII infusions along with factor XIII replacement (Corifact; CSL Behring) via the use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), following set-backs related to hormone control. Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia had its first true impact on Fatima at the onset of her menstrual cycle, just prior to the start of her teenage years. Her first menstrual cycle resulted in her admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), where emergency measures were required to save her life. When options to help Fatima began to diminish, Corifact was initiated to correct her factor XIII deficiency, thus allowing the cross-linking of fibrin to form a more stable clot. Fatima is Arab American of Palestinian descent. She has undergone HLA testing and evaluation for bone marrow transplant, however no matches have been identified to date. The family has had another child with intention of saving cord blood, but Fatima’s transplant team has determined that better matches are likely to be found in unrelated donors. Pregnancy for Fatima is very high risk and believed to be life-threatening for her, which plays a very significant role in her life as a young Arab American woman.
Hi-C library preparation for the Lateolabrax maculatus genome v1
Authors: Li Chang
Published: August 2018

This protocol is used to clarity the process of Hi-C library preparation for L.maculatus genome.
Institutionalizing Transformative Learning: The Trees, then the Forest, then the Realization
Authors: Cunliff Ed , King Jeff
Published: August 2018

The Challenge
Finding a sense of authentic self as an institution, a true sense of mission, and the means to live that mission were the central focus of a strategic planning process addressed by the University of Central Oklahoma about fifteen years ago. As the institution grew within a metropolitan-serving mission, the goal to transform students from adolescents to adults and find new potential in their lives led to an exciting journey that is still vibrant and relevant today.
Potential Consequences
The theoretical base provided within transformative learning has helped students, staff, and faculty align efforts.
Description
This case study provides replicable processes and specifics that may help others find a clearer path for fulfilling their mission. The study describes how the University of Central Oklahoma’s (UCO’s) transformative learning focus coalesced and became the point of distinction for a UCO education, helping to ensure that all activity supported our mission—helping students learn.
Reflection
The compelling, lived sense of mission developed from the initial strategic planning process has helped to strengthen the learner-centered culture of the campus while providing a structure that facilitates implementation and assessment.
The use of immunomodulators, antioxidants and hepatoprotectors for the correction of the liver, erythrocites and the immune system disorders in chronic ethanol intoxication
Authors: Dolgareva S.A. , Sorokin A.V. , Konoplya N.A. , Bushmina O.N. , Bystrova N.A. , Ovod A.I.
Published: August 2018

The effectiveness of three various combinations of an immunomodulator with an antioxidant and a membrane protector in the correction of metabolic and immune disorders has been studied in the experiment under 60-days ethanol intoxication. The development of such biochemical syndromes of the liver damage as cytolysis, intrahepatic, intracellular cholestasis, toxic liver damage by necrotic type, insufficiency of synthetic processes and inflammatory has been revealed. Oxidative stress development and the activation of lipid peroxidation on the systemic (blood plasma) and local level (erythrocytes) have been established. Suppression of adaptive immunity formation and phagocytic capabilities of neutrophils under the increase in their oxygen-dependent activity has been determined, which indicates the presence and possible progression of the inflammatory process at the systemic level. A disorder of erythrocytes metabolic activity, a decrease in stable metabolites of nitric oxide detected in blood plasma been revealed, indicating its uncompensated consumption, causing vasoconstriction and thrombosis, which can additionally arise due to the established increase in the prothrombin index. Combined use of “Longidasa”, “Mexicor”, “Essentiale forte N” or “Glutoxim”, “Mexidol”, “Heptral” was more effective in the correction of immune-metabolic disorders in chronic alcohol intoxication than “Hepon”, “Hypoxen” and “Phosphogliv”.
Evaluation of antidepressant activity of l-methylfolate per se and its interaction with escitalopram in mice
Authors: More Sapna A. , Mishra Pooja S. , Tiwari Ashutosh , Vyas Savita
Published: August 2018

Background: Depression is a worldwide illness in the current population. Low levels of L-methylfolate are linked to depression. Present study evaluates the anti-depressive activity of acute and chronic administration of L-methylfolate per se in forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) and its interaction with escitalopram in albino mice.Methods: For this 30 swiss albino mice were divided randomly into five groups (n=6) as group I (control,10ml/Kg, p.o) - 2% suspension of gum acacia, group II - escitalopram suspension (10mg/kg, p.o), group III- L-methylfolate suspension (3mg/kg, p.o), group IV- L-methylfolate (3mg/kg, p.o) plus escitalopram (5mg/kg, p.o), group V- L-methylfolate(3mg/kg, p.o) plus escitalopram(10mg/kg, p.o), for forced swimming test. In tail suspension test again, mice were divided in five groups as above except that the dose of L-methylfolate was reduced to 1.25mg/kg. The pharmacologically validated models forced swimming test and tail suspension test were performed in mice to evaluate acute and chronic antidepressant activity of L-methylfolate and its combination with escitalopram respectively, after performing an acute toxicity study.Results: L-methylfolate and L-methylfolate plus escitalopram (10mg/Kg and 5mg/Kg, p.o) showed acute and chronic antidepressant activity in albino mice in FST and TST respectively. In human L-methylfolate is only active form of folic acid that readily crosses the blood brain barrier and utilized by the CNS. It regulates the bioavailability of critical cofactor BH4, required by enzymes synthesizing monoamines whose deficiency leads to depression.Conclusions: Hence, this study suggests antidepresant activity of L-methylfolate per se and as adjuvant with escitalopram when initiated from initiation of antidepressant therapy. Also, L-methylfolate opens the possibility of reducing the dose of antidepressant when used as adjuvant.
Efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of levocetrizine and ebastine in allergic rhinitis: a comparative study
Authors: Rao Sharadashri , Pai Sunil , Vaidya Kuladeepa Ananda , Shanbhag Tara V.
Published: August 2018

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a ubiquitous aliment affecting a large population of individuals. The mainstay of treatment includes antihistamines and topical steroids. With a large assortment available, the choice of the drugs needs to be non-random and evidenced based. Hence this study was undertaken to compare Levocetrezine and Ebastine in terms of efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness in treatment of allergic rhinitis.Methods: Newly diagnosed patients with allergic rhinitis were categorized into two groups and treated with Levocetrizine 5mg and Ebastine 20mg per day respectively. Severity of the symptoms at the commencement and at the end of second and the fourth weeks of therapy were assessed using a four-point Likert scale and assigning a Total Nasal Symptoms Score (TNSS). The primary efficacy measure was mean change from baseline TNSS at each follow up visit. Change in TNSS was compared using Independent sample test. Adverse effects in both the groups were compared using Chi square test. Cost effectiveness was inferred by calculation of the Average Cost Effectiveness Ratio.Results: A total of 159 patients 84 from Levocetrizine group (L group) and 75 from the Ebastine group (E group) were available for study. At the end of second week, the E group showed a better reduction in TNSS(p-0.04). However, both the groups showed similar reduction in TNSS at the concluding visit (p-value of 0.09). The incidence of adverse effects was significantly higher in the L than in E. Levocetrezine was found to be more cost effective than Ebastine.Conclusions: Levocterezine and Ebastine are equally efficacious in treatment of allergic rhinitis. Hence treatment will have to be personalized to the individual patients based on other factors such as adverse drug effects and cost effectiveness.
Prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding self-medication among medical, dental and paramedical students in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Johnson Madhulika , Badyal Dinesh Kumar
Published: August 2018

Background: Self-medication is practiced universally. Having medical knowledge plays a vital role in its prevalence. It is more prevalent in higher education course students especially medical students. However, it is increasing in dental and paramedical students. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate self-medication among medical, dental and para-medical students in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted among 449 undergraduate students. They were divided into three groups. A questionnaire was developed based on literature. The questionnaire was validated and finalised. The paper questionnaire was administered to students. The data collected from questionnaires was analysed. The results were expressed as percentages and frequencies.Results: The male female ratio of students who filled questionnaire was 65:35. All the students (100%) reported that they practice self-medication. The most common reason for self-medication was prior experience (36%) in group A as well as in group B (46%), but in group C, 39% mentioned no serious problem. Main information source was family members in all the groups (A 57%, B 53%, C 29%) followed by advice from senior/friends. Fever was most common symptom reported (29%) by group A followed headache (28%) in group C and cough and cold (23%) in group B. The commonest group of drugs used is cough syrups (25%) in group B, followed by analgesics (23%) in group C and antipyretics (21%) in group A.Conclusions: Self-medication is growing among dental and paramedical students too. It is necessary to educate them about self-medication to prevent future disastrous consequences as well as to make them aware of appropriate use of self-medication.
Monitoring effects of atenolol versus olmesartan medoxomil on metabolic parameters
Authors: Singh Ranjodh Jeet , Kohli Kanika , Gupta Parveen , Gupta Ashwani Kumar
Published: August 2018

Background: The increase in CVS morbidity and mortality could be significantly reduced by control of SBP and DBP, as well as reduction in Hyperlipidemia.Methods: The patients of stage-1 HTN with either sex according to JNC VII criteria were included and were followed up every 2 weeks from baseline upto 12 weeks. The randomized patients were divided into two groups to receive beta blocker viz. Atenolol 50 mg (group A, N=50) and ARB Olmesartan medoxomil 40 mg (group B, N=50).Results: The average Total cholesterol measured among Group A subjects was significantly increased by 1.8% by the end of 12th week whereas the average cholesterol measured among Group B subjects at baseline period was reduced by 7.9% after 12 weeks therapy. The average HDL measured among Group A subjects at baseline period significantly reduces by 5.9% by the end of 12th week whereas the HDL levels measured among Group B subjects at baseline period was significantly increased by after 12 weeks therapy. The average Triglyceride (TG) levels measured among Group A subjects at baseline period was significantly increased by 12.4% by the end of 12th week whereas the Triglyceride (TG) levels measured among Group B subjects at baseline period was significantly reduced by 9.5% after 12 weeks therapy. The average LDL levels measured among Group A subjects at baseline period was significantly increased by 1.5% by the end of 12thweek whereas the average LDL measured among Group B subjects at baseline period was significantly reduced by 11.2% to after 12 weeks therapy. The average VLDL levels measured among Group A subjects at baseline period was significantly increased by 12.4% by the end of 12th week whereas the average VLDL measured among Group B subjects at baseline period was significantly reduced by 9.5% after 12 weeks therapy.Conclusions: ARB- Olmesartan medoxomil is a better drug than beta blocker-Atenolol as it leads to greater deduction in lipid profile.
Apalutamide: a better option for the treatment of non-metastatic castration resistant prostatic carcinoma
Authors: Ranjan Raushan Kumar , Chandra Akash
Published: August 2018

Prostate cancer is cancer of the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, some grow relatively quickly. The cancer cells may spread from the prostate to other area of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes. Factors that increase the risk of prostate cancer include older age, a family history of the disease, and race. About 99% of cases occur in males over the age of 50. Clinical features include hematuria, dysuria (painful urination),nocturia(urination at night). Lower blood levels of vitami D may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Infection with the sexually transmitted diseases, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and prostatitis seem to increase risk of prostate cancer. Diagnosis can be confirmed by digital rectal examination (DRE) with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, cystoscopy, transrectal ultrasonography and biopsy (The removal of small pieces of the prostate for microscopic examination). Medicines like 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) reduce the overall risk of prostate cancer. Apalutamide, sold under the brand name Erleada, is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen (NSAA) medication which is used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It is specifically indicated for use in conjunction with castration in the treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (NM-CRPC). It is taken by mouth. Apalutamide was first described in 2007 and was approved for the treatment of prostate cancer in February 2018. Apalutamide is used in conjunction with castration, either via bilateral orchiectomy or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRH analogue) therapy, as a method of androgen deprivation therapy in the treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (NM-CRPC).
A associação da disfunção temporomandibular à dor orofacial e cefaleia
Authors: Fehrenbach Julia , Gomes da Silva Betina Suziellen , Pradebon Brondani Lucas
Published: August 2018

A articulação temporomandibular (ATM) possibilita a mastigação, deglutição e a fonética, faz parte do sistema estomatognático, e é capaz de múltiplos movimentos. A DTM (disfunção temporomandibular) representa certas condições musculares e articulares na região crânio orofacial que podem causar problemas nos músculos da mastigação e na ATM e suas estruturas associadas, sendo a cefaleia e a dor orofacial alguns dos principais sintomas relatados pelos pacientes. Objetivo: analisar a relação da DTM à dor orofacial e cefaleia através de uma revisão narrativa. Métodos: para a realização deste estudo, foram feitas buscas nas bases de dados Scielo e Pubmed, utilizando as palavras chave: Dor Orofacial, Disfunção Temporomandibular, Articulação Temporomandibular, Dor de Cabeça e Cefaleia. Conclusão: a partir dos artigos analisados na presente revisão foi possível concluir que existe relação entre dor na região orofacial e cefaleia com a DTM, porém ainda não é claro o mecanismo dessa correlação, sendo necessários mais estudos para elucidar esse quadro clínico.
Das múltiplas faces da fertilidade: Pensando uma antropologia dos úteros
Authors: Fleischer Soraya Resende , Tempesta Giovana Acacia , Carneiro Rosamaria Giatti
Published: August 2018

Apresentação do dossiê Antropologia dos Úteros
Cacos de espíritos: aproximações entre antropologia e arqueologia no caso Karitiana em Rondônia
Authors: Velden Felipe Vander
Published: August 2018

Este artigo discute vestígios materiais – fragmentos cerâmicos e objetos industriais (de ferro e vidro) encontrados no território Karitiana, Rondônia, bem como as interpretações indígenas destes no processo de definição de sua territorialidade, algo que leva a consequências teóricas importantes para uma renovada reflexão sobre a história e a etnicidade na Amazônia indígena. A partir disso, especula algumas aproximações entre a Antropologia e a Arqueologia, na forma de uma crítica indígena aos vestígios arqueológicos e na reflexão acerca de uma mútua fertilização das disciplinas em contextos de pesquisa de campo.
Civilização e barbárie: sobre resistência e desobediência na América Latina
Authors: Ramiro Caio Henrique Lopes
Published: August 2018

O objetivo principal deste trabalho é desenvolver uma reflexão a respeito do direito de resistência e da desobediência justificável em perspectiva para a América Latina. Partindo de um método hermenêutico, foram analisados os textos de bibliografia primária e de autores que se dedicaram ao problema em análise.
Processos de referenciação no hipertexto
Authors: Xavier Antônio Carlos dos Santos
Published: August 2018

This article aims to examine the functioning of the hyperlinks in the hypertexts and to discuss how they help to do the semantic, cognitive and interactional references. Hyperlinks are the fundamental instruments of the eletronic texts; they allow to come to one’s mind the bigger interconnection of texts, informations and knowledges of the world. They are vetorial-deitic elements that move the reader to the other virtual pages and hypertexts so fastly and economically. They achieve a complex process of auto and hetero-referenciation: co-hypertext and pan-hypertext. Then, the hyperlinks present to browsers and readers one different way to make referenciation. How this happens in the hypertext? This paper will try to show it.
Valuing Recreation Benefits of Natural Springs in Florida
Authors: Wu Qianyan , Bi Xiang , Grogan Kelly , Borisova Tatiana
Published: August 2018

Fresh water springs are unique natural resources in Florida, currently under threat from increasing groundwater pumping and pollution resulting from a variety of sources. This paper estimates current recreation benefits from visiting springs using the travel cost method and elicits residents’ willingness to contribute for springs restoration using the contingent valuation method. It further compares the performance of count data models correcting for endogenous stratification and truncation, and finds that the annual consumer surplus per person per trip is between $20 and $43. Furthermore, visitors are willing to contribute $12 to $14 per person per trip for springs restoration without reducing trip demand.
Are Investments in Basic Infrastructure the Magic Wand to Boost the Local Economy of Rural Communities from Romania?
Authors: Pavel Alexandru , Moldovan Bogdan , Neamtu Bogdana , Hintea Cristina
Published: August 2018

This article investigates if public investments in rural basic infrastructure represent the best strategy for boosting the local economy of rural communities from Romania. The article focuses on one specific program implemented under the Cohesion policy in the framework of the National Plan for Rural Development called Measure 322. Geographically, the research included a sample of rural communes from the North-Western Region of Romania. Moreover, the study also looks at other determinants of local economic development (LED) than infrastructure investments, with a focus on certain feature characterizing Romanian rural communities such as population size, isolation from urban centers, connection with European and national roads networks, educational stock, etc. The research included three steps, namely the construction of the LED Index, a cvasi-experimental research, and a regression model. Our main findings seem to suggest that while investments in infrastructure help the development gap between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries remains relatively the same. In terms of determinants of LED, percentage of population with a university degree and connection to a European road are the most significant in the Romanian rural context.      
Determining Rainwater Harvesting Storage Capacity with Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Saplioglu Kemal , Kucukerdem Tulay Sugra , Senel Fatih Ahmet
Published: August 2018

Water is essential for living organisms. The increase in world population, global climate change and rapid growth in industrialization and urbanization have brought with them water issues around the world in recent years. Not only should existing water resources be used reasonably and efficiently but alternative water resources should also be explored and secured. Rainwater harvesting, which is one of the alternative water resources, can provide economic and environmental solutions. For rainwater harvesting, the size of reservoirs in which rainwater captured from roof catchments is stored should be determined. Determining the optimum tank capacity depending on precipitation and consumption rates allows us to make maximum use of rainwater tanks. The aim of this study is to determine the optimum tank capacity for the storage of rainwater captured from roof catchments in order to meet the water demand for agricultural production. Precipitation data were collected from the city of Isparta and its districts. Rainwater tank capacity was determined using the Rippl, residual mass curve, minimum flow and particle swarm optimization methods. Storage capacities varying according to roof areas and consumption rates are shown in a graph. Results show that particle swarm optimization is the best method.
AutoCloud+, a “Universal” Physical and Statistical Model-Based 2D Spatial Topology-Preserving Software Toolbox for Cloud/Cloud-Shadow Detection in Multi-Sensor Single-Date Earth Observation Multi-Spectral Imagery Eligible for Systematic ESA EO Level 2 Product Generation
Authors: Baraldi Andrea , Tiede Dirk
Published: August 2018

The European Space Agency (ESA) defines as Earth observation (EO) Level 2 information product a single-date multi-spectral (MS) image corrected for atmospheric, adjacency and topographic effects, stacked with its data-derived scene classification map (SCM), whose thematic map legend includes quality layers cloud and cloud-shadow. ESA EO Level 2 product generation is an inherently ill-posed computer vision (CV) problem never accomplished to date in operating mode by any EO data provider at the ground segment. Herein, it is considered: (I) necessary not sufficient pre-condition for the yet-unaccomplished dependent problems of semantic content-based image retrieval (SCBIR) and semantics-enabled information/knowledge discovery (SEIKD) in multi-source EO big data cubes. (II) Synonym of EO Analysis Ready Data (ARD) format. (III) Equivalent to a horizontal policy for background developments in Space Economy 4.0. In compliance with the GEO-CEOS Quality Assurance Framework for EO Calibration/Validation guidelines, to contribute toward filling an analytic and pragmatic information gap from multi-sensor EO big data to timely, comprehensive and operational EO value-adding information products and services, this work presents an innovative AutoCloud+ CV software toolbox for cloud and cloud-shadow quality layer detection in ESA EO Level 2 product. In vision, spatial information dominates color information. Inspired by this true-fact, the inherently ill-posed AutoCloud+ CV software was conditioned, designed and implemented to be “universal”, meaning fully automated (no human-machine interaction is required), near real-time, robust to changes in input data and scalable to changes in MS imaging sensor’s spatial and spectral resolution specifications.
Efficient delineation of nested depression hierarchy in digital elevation models for hydrological analysis using level-set method
Authors: Wu Qiusheng , Lane Charles R. , Wang Lei , Vanderhoof Melanie K. , Christensen Jay R. , Liu Hongxing
Published: August 2018

In terrain analysis and hydrological modeling, surface depressions (or sinks) in a digital elevation model (DEM) are commonly treated as artifacts and thus filled and removed to create a depressionless DEM. Various algorithms have been developed to identify and fill depressions in DEMs during the past decades. However, few studies have attempted to delineate and quantify the nested hierarchy of actual depressions, which can provide crucial information for characterizing surface hydrologic connectivity and simulating the fill-merge-spill hydrological process. In this paper, we present an innovative and efficient algorithm for delineating and quantifying nested depressions in DEMs using the level-set method based on graph theory. The proposed level-set method emulates water level decreasing from the spill point along the depression boundary to the lowest point at the bottom of a depression. By tracing the dynamic topological changes (i.e., depression splitting/merging) within a compound depression, the level-set method can construct topological graphs and derive geometric properties of the nested depressions. The experimental results of two fine-resolution LiDAR-derived DEMs show that the raster-based level-set algorithm is much more efficient (~150 times faster) than the vector-based contour tree method. The proposed level-set algorithm has great potential for being applied to large-scale ecohydrological analysis and watershed modeling.
Antenna Mutual Coupling Suppression Over Wideband Using Embedded Periphery Slot for Antenna Arrays
Authors: Alibakhshikenari Mohammad , Virdee Bal Singh , See Chan Hwang , Abd-Alhameed Raed , Falcone Francisco , Limiti Ernesto
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a new approach to suppress interference between neighbouring radiating elements resulting from surface wave currents. The proposed technique will enable the realization of low-profile implementation of highly dense antenna configuration necessary in SAR and MIMO communication systems. Unlike other conventional techniques of mutual coupling suppression where decoupling slab is located between the radiating antennas the proposed technique is simpler and only requires embedding linear slots near the periphery of the patch. Attributes of this technique are (i) significant improvement in the maximum isolation between the adjacent antennas by 26.7 dB in X-band, & >15 dB in Ku and K-bands; (ii) reduction in edge-to-edge gap between antennas to 10 mm (0.37λ); and (iii) improvement in gain by >40% over certain angular directions, which varies between 4.5 dBi to 8.2 dBi. The proposed technique is simple to implement at low-cost.