bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ЭРИТРОЦИТЫ ЛЫЖНИКОВ-ГОНЩИКОВ МУЖЧИН И ЖЕНЩИН В ГОДОВОМ ЦИКЛЕ
Authors: Mongalev Nikolay Petrovich , Rubtsova Lidiya Yurevna , Potolitsyna Natalya Nikolaevna 
Published: December 2019

Цель. Определение гендерных особенностей морфофункционального состояния красной крови у спортсменов в течение 10 месяцев годового мониторинга.Материалы и методы исследования. Морфофункциональный состав красной крови изучали у спортсменов высокой квалификации от первого разряда до мастеров спорта по лыжным гонкам, участников сборных команд Республики Коми – мужчин (n=87) в возрасте 23,1±0,57 и женщин (n=62) 20,9±0,61 лет в течение 10 месяцев годового цикла. Исследование проведено согласно протоколу, утвержденному локальным комитетом по биоэтике Федерального исследовательского центра «Коми научного цента УрО РАН». У спортсменов утром натощак производили фоновый забор крови из локтевой вены в вакутайнеры (Англия). На мазках крови, окрашенных по Романовскому-Гимза (Vital-Development), бриллиантовым крезиловым синим (Россия) измеряли диаметр по 50 эритроцитов и ретикулоцитов с помощью микроскопа МБ с масляной иммерсией, увеличение об. 100х ок. с градуированной шкалой 12х. Определение гематокрита проводили с помощью центрифуги MPW-310 (Poland), гемоглобина унифицированным гемиглобинцианидным методом (REF) (Россия), количество эритроцитов подсчитывали с помощью камеры Горяева в соответствии с требованиями клинико-гематологического обследования. Обработку результатов осуществляли методами параметрической статистики с использованием прикладных лицензионных программ Excel и Statistica for Windows 6.0., которые представлены в виде среднего арифметического (M), ошибки средней (m). Для сравнения различий применяли t-критерий Стьюдента с уровнем значимости от 0,05 до 0,001.Результаты. Показано наличие статистически значимых различий у спортсменов высокой квалификации между показателями мужчин и женщин в годовом цикле по уровню гематокрита, гемоглобина, количеству эритроцитов, объёму, диаметру эритроцитов и их поверхности, в том числе в литре крови (p<0,001). Выявлены гендерные особенности в характере изменения клеточного состава красной крови по величине эритроцитов окрашенных in vitro витальными красителями (p<0,05), диаметру и количеству ретикулоцитов, концентрации гемоглобина в эритроците (p<0,001).Заключение. Мониторинг обследования лыжников-гонщиков по половым признакам показал сохранение существующих различий в морфофункциональном состоянии красной крови у мужчин и женщин в годовом цикле, что может свидетельствовать об адекватном процессе подготовки спортсменов до уровня высокой квалификации.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Procalcitonin and C-reactive Protein Is Insufficient to Predict Proven Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Critically Ill Patients Fulfilling the Sepsis-3 Criteria
Authors: van Oers Jos A H , de Jong Evelien , Kemperman Hans , Girbes Armand R J , de Lange Dylan W 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundNew Sepsis-3 definitions facilitate early recognition of patients with sepsis. In this study we investigated whether a single initial determination of procalcitonin (PCT) or C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma can predict proven sepsis in Sepsis-3 criteria-positive critically ill patients. We also investigated whether a decline in serial PCT or CRP can predict outcome in 28-day mortality.MethodsPatients, ≥18 years of age, at the intensive care unit with a suspected infection, a Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of ≥2 points, and an index test PCT and CRP at admission were selected from a prospectively collected cohort. PCT and CRP were studied retrospectively with the Mann–Whitney U-test and ROC analysis.ResultsIn total, 157 patients were selected; 63 of the 157 had proven sepsis, and sepsis could not be detected in 94 of the 157. Neither a single PCT nor CRP at admission was able to discriminate proven sepsis from nonproven sepsis (PCT, 1.8 μg/L and 1.5 μg/L, respectively, P = 0.25; CRP, 198 mg/L and 186 mg/L, respectively, P = 0.53). Area under the curve for both PCT and CRP for detecting proven sepsis was low (0.55 and 0.53). Furthermore, neither a decline from baseline to day 5 PCT nor CRP could predict 28-day mortality (PCT, 50% vs 46%, P = 0.83; CRP, 30% vs 40%, P = 0.51).ConclusionPCT and CRP at admission were not able to discern patients with proven sepsis in Sepsis-3 criteria-positive critically ill patients. A decline of PCT and CRP in 5 days was not able to predict 28-day mortality.
Consultative Interpretation for Lupus Anticoagulant by Expert Pathologist Reduces False-Positive Rates in the Era of Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Vivero Angelica , Kitahara Sumire , Runge Alice , Volod Oksana 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
The diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome requires detection of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). A retrospective review of our testing practices revealed that societal recommendations for lupus anticoagulant (LA) testing as part of aPL testing are largely not followed by clinicians, and there was a high proportion of positive LA results. Increasing direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) usage creates additional challenges in identifying LA. This prompted us to establish an order set with pathologist consultation (“LA panel”) and testing algorithm to reduce false-positive LA and to ensure optimal LA identification and best practices for interpretation and follow-up.

Methods
The laboratory database was reviewed to determine the number of LA tests ordered and rate of LA positivity before and after the LA panel was instituted. We assessed the impact of pathologist consultation to minimize false-positive findings and on following diagnostic guidelines.

Results
LA panels were ordered for 1146 patients. LA was detected in 10% (111 of 1146) by dilute Russel viper venom time (dRVVT) normalized ratio [includes dRVVT screen (dRVVTs) positive/lupus-sensitive partial thromboplastin time (PTT-LA) positive and dRVVTs positive/PTT-LA negative] and 20% (228 of 1146) by Staclot-LA (includes dRVVTs negative/PTT-LA positive and dRVVTs positive/confirm negative). There was a reduction of false-positive LA by Staclot-LA; previously, 48% positive. We saw increased cancellation of LA testing for interfering anticoagulants [6.8% (16 of 236) vs 14.4% (55 of 383); P = 0.0061]. There was also increased adherence to follow-up LA testing [3% (8 of 236) vs 13.8% (53 of 383); P ≤ 0.001].

Conclusions
Creating a predetermined order set and testing algorithm with pathologist consultation improved LA testing interpretation and diagnostic follow-up testing.
Bad Tests Die Slowly: The Myelin Basic Protein Example
Authors: Johnson Lisa M , White Sandra K , Greene Dina N , Schmidt Robert L 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundOur national reference laboratory sought to improve stewardship for multiple sclerosis (MS) testing, which included orders for myelin basic protein (MBP) and oligoclonal bands (OCB). From 2011 to 2012, we performed 2 interventions for MS testing: one gentle-strength intervention of a publication designed to educate others about the lack of utility for MBP results and a second medium-strength intervention that included removal of MBP from the panel of MS tests. The ordering trends and practice variation were examined for OCB and MBP to retrospectively observe the effect of the interventions.MethodsData from clients within academic and community hospitals were examined (n = 1710 clients). Ordering patterns for OCB and MBP were investigated from 2008 to 2018 by calculating the %OCB: %OCB = (OCB)/(OCB + MBP). Practice variation was examined by comparing the distribution of clients with different %OCB statistics before and after the interventions in 5-year blocks (2008–2012 vs 2014–2018).ResultsFrom 2000 to 2011, the %OCB was approximately 50%, but gradually increased to 67% in 2018. For practice variation, analysis of the distribution of clients by %OCB also demonstrated a shift toward clients favoring OCB alone vs OCB + MBP for MS testing for the later time period of 2014–2018.ConclusionOur 2 interventions had a measurable, beneficial effect on ordering trends for MS testing over a 10-year period at a single reference laboratory. However, given that MBP has questionable clinical utility, stronger interventions are likely needed to bring about larger changes in ordering behavior.
Recovery of phosphates(V) from wastewaters of different chemical composition
Authors: Hutnik Nina , Stanclik Anna , Piotrowski Krzysztof , Matynia Andrzej 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPhosphate(V) ions were recovered from wastewaters of different chemical compositions in a continuous reaction crystallization of struvite. Two real wastewaters were represented by an effluent sample from the phosphorus mineral fertilizer industry and by liquid manure derived from a cattle-breeding farm. Two other wastewaters were prepared under laboratory conditions. Impurities present in the wastewaters caused the precipitation of solid products of distinctly different quality. The mean size of struvite crystals varied fromca. 18 toca. 40 μm. Homogeneity within their populations, quantified by the coefficient of variationCV, varied from satisfactory (CV ca. 75%) to unfavorable (CV ca. 100%), which resulted in the elongation of necessary filtration time. Calcium ions in wastewater precipitated as amorphous hydrated calcium phosphates ACP. Their content in the products varied from 33.4 up to 73.1 mass %. Also 28.32 – 32.74 mass % of P2O5, 6.35 – 14.12 mass % of MgO and 4.35 – 16.94 mass % of CaO were confirmed in the products, together with hydroxides of some metals and salts of other impurities. Based on the chemical composition of the products derived from the investigated wastewaters, their application in agriculture as valuable mineral fertilizers is recommended.
Interleukin-4, hemopexin, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 are significantly increased in patients with unstable carotid plaque
Authors: Stefanic Peter , Sihotsky Vladimir , Hertelyova Zdenka , Kopolovets Ivan , Mathews Abraham John , Toth Stefan , Kubikova Maria , Svajdler Peter , Mucha Rastislav , Vasko Lukas , Virag Michal , Pribula Vit , Pella Dominik , Frankovicova Maria 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the plasma levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), hemopexin (Hpx), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in patients with carotid artery atherosclerosis based on neurological symptoms and plaque histopathology and to find association between plaque stability and neurological symptoms. This single-center study included patients treated surgically for significant stenosis of the internal carotid artery. Serum levels of biomarkers were determined, and a histopathological analysis of the carotid plaques was performed. Within 70 patients, 40 asymptomatic and 30 symptomatic; 38 patients (54.3%) were diagnosed with unstable carotid plaque and 32 patients (45.7%) had a stable carotid plaque. Significantly higher incidence of unstable carotid plaque was detected in symptomatic patients (p <0.001). Compared to asymptomatic patients, higher expression of Lp-PLA2 (285.30 ± 2.05 μg/l), Hpx (0.38 ± 0.01 ng/l), and IL-4 (65.77 ± 3.78 ng/l) in plasma were detected in symptomatic patients. Subsequently, higher expression of Lp-PLA2 (297.34 ± 2.3 μg/l), Hpx (0.41 ± 0.02 ng/l), and IL-4 (64.74 ± 4.47 ng/l) in plasma was observed in patients with unstable plaques (n=38). Statistically significant (p <0.001) differences in expression of Lp-PLA2, Hpx, and IL-4 between patients with unstable and stable plaques were detected. Moreover, only the differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in the expression of Lp-PLA2 and IL-4 in plasma were statistically significant (p <0.001). This study showed that Lp-PLA2, IL-4, and Hpx levels are significantly increased in patients with an unstable carotid plaque.
British Exceptionalism Causes Brexit Conundrum
Authors: Ryan John 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This paper examines the shortcomings in the UK government’s Brexit negotiation strategy which reflected Prime Minister Theresa May’s weak political leadership which focused on securing the short-term political survival of her government amidst turbulent and fractious domestic politics, over negotiations with the EU27. Brexit negotiations were poorly planned, and the UK government was woefully unprepared. Brexit also threatened a serious re-opening of old wounds in Northern Ireland, as debate grows around the prospect of a united Ireland inside the EU. UK politics is in turmoil and in a chronic crisis. What route the Brexit saga takes next is uncertain. But the crossroads is approaching – either the UK leaves by 31 January 2020 with no deal or passes the deal the Boris Johnson has negotiated with the EU27. The Brexit process has revealed the weakness of Westminster’s insular politics seemingly incapable of running a modern economy and society. Westminster’s politics are becoming more not less dysfunctional. The phenomenon of British exceptionalism towards the EU is set to take a new dramatic turn, while the UK’s chaotic political divisions will not disappear any time in the foreseeable future. The result of the 12 December 2019 General Election may even complicate the Brexit Conundrum.
Cut-offs and co-occurring gestures: Similarities between speakers’ first and second languages
Authors: Lopez-Ozieblo Renia 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis paper explores cut-offs in the oral narrations of Spanish native speakers in their mother tongue (L1), and in their language-under-study, English (L2). Fluency in the L2 varies with proficiency, and so cut-offs offer a possible means of evaluating this. However, there are certain aspects of fluency which might be common to the L1 and the L2, suggesting that the L1 and L2 share cognitive factors that lead to similar disfluency patterns. To determine if cut-offs are reliable markers of L2 fluency, independent of those occurring in the L1, we assessed the cut-off patterns in the L1 and L2 narrations of this group of speakers, following a multimodal approach.We observed similarities in both languages, potentially indicating that speakers use comparable cut-off-gesture patterns in the L1 and L2. We conclude that using speakers’ cut-offs in an L2 to gauge proficiency is meaningful only if the L1 cut-off behaviour is known.
Defining Rome’s Pantheum
Authors: Siwicki Christopher 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Writing in the early third century AD, Julius Africanus claimed to have built a library “in the Pantheon” in Rome, the exact location of which remains elusive. In considering the competing possibilities for the site of the library, this paper argues that the building we commonly refer to as the Pantheon does not correspond to the ancient understanding of what the Pantheum was. The case is made that it was not a single building, but instead comprised a larger complex, of which the still-standing structure was only one part. This interpretation allows for a number of details associated with the Pantheon to be rethought within a wider context and alternative proposals advanced regarding the forecourt in front of porch, the “arch” in the centre of this space, the location of the now lost caryatids and bronze columns, the little understood Severan restoration, and the meanings of the much-discussed inscriptions on the façade.
Seeing the Caesar in Germanicus: Reading Tacitus’ Annals with Lucan’s Bellum Civile
Authors: Daly Megan M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe recognition of the similarities between Roman epic poetry and historiography have led to valuable studies such as Joseph’s analysis of the relationship between Lucan’s Bellum Civile and Tacitus’ Histories. Traces of Lucan’s Bellum Civile can also be observed in Tacitus’ Annals 1 and 2, causing the beginning of Tiberius’ reign to look like a civil war in the making. The charismatic Germanicus sits with a supportive army on the northern frontier, much like Caesar, causing fear for Tiberius at Rome. Germanicus denies his chance to become the next Caesar and march on the city, but he exhibits other similarities with Lucan’s Caesar, including an association with Alexander the Great. Although at some points Germanicus seems to be repeating the past and reliving episodes experienced by Caesar in Bellum Civile, he prevents himself from fully realizing a Caesarian fate and becoming Lucan’s bad tyrant. The similar images, events, and themes presented by both authors create messages that reflect experiences from the authors’ own lives during dangerous times.
Machine learning-based prediction of response to growth hormone treatment in Turner syndrome: the LG Growth Study
Authors: Jung Mo Kyung , Yu Jeesuk , Lee Ji-Eun , Kim Se Young , Kim Hae Soon , Yoo Eun-Gyong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Growth hormone (GH) treatment has become a common practice in Turner syndrome (TS). However, there are only a few studies on the response to GH treatment in TS. The aim of this study is to predict the responsiveness to GH treatment and to suggest a prediction model of height outcome in TS.

Methods
The clinical parameters of 105 TS patients registered in the LG Growth Study (LGS) were retrospectively reviewed. The prognostic factors for the good responders were identified, and the prediction of height response was investigated by the random forest (RF) method, and also, multiple regression models were applied.

Results
In the RF method, the most important predictive variable for the increment of height standard deviation score (SDS) during the first year of GH treatment was chronologic age (CA) at start of GH treatment. The RF method also showed that the increment of height SDS during the first year was the most important predictor in the increment of height SDS after 3 years of treatment. In a prediction model by multiple regression, younger CA was the significant predictor of height SDS gain during the first year (32.4% of the variability). After 3 years of treatment, mid-parental height (MPH) and the increment of height SDS during the first year were identified as significant predictors (76.6% of the variability).

Conclusions
Both the machine learning approach and the multiple regression model revealed that younger CA at the start of GH treatment was the most important factor related to height response in patients with TS.
The beneficial effect of psychological support on mothers with PKU children who suffer from social discrimination and damage of quality of life
Authors: Iakovou Kostas Konstantinos , Schulpis Kleopatra 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder of phenylalanine (phe) metabolism caused by the liver enzyme phe hydroxylase deficiency resulting in mental retardation. The only treatment for this disorder is the lifelong restriction of natural protein supplemented with phe-free amino acid formula. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the beneficial effect of psychological support in relation to the educational status on mothers with PKU children, who suffered from social discrimination (SD) and damage of quality of life (QLD).

Methods
A total number of 42 mothers with PKU children with a mean age of 26.8 years took part in this study. According to their educational status, they were divided into three groups: group a, primary school (n = 13); group b, high school (n = 15) and group c, university degree (n = 14). Psychological support was given once per week for 1 year.

Results
University degree mothers achieved the best results in ameliorating their symptoms and signs. Mothers who had completed high school felt a moderate amelioration of their SD and QL, whereas those who had finished primary school only felt a mild reduction of their symptoms. Educational status of the affected mothers should be always taken into account for the classification of the affected mothers into therapeutic groups. Familial and professional environment are very important for the success of psychological support.

Conclusions
Overall, the psychological support related to symptoms and signs of this metabolic disorder is in comparison with that in diabetic patients.
Survey of alongside midwifery-led care in North Rhine-Westfalia, Germany
Authors: Merz Waltraut M. , Heep Andrea , Kandeepan Pirathayini , Tietjen Sophia L. , Kocks Andreas 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Alongside midwifery-led care (AMC) was introduced in Germany in 2003. The aim of our study was to collect data about the utilization of AMC within North Rhine-Westfalia (NRW), Germany’s most populous state, and to collect information regarding the approach used for implementation of AMC and providers’ experiences in day-to-day work.

Methods
Quantitative data were collected by questionnaire, telephone interview and comparative analysis of documents created for use in AMC. Qualitative data were compiled by questionnaire and workshop.

Results
Seven obstetric departments offer AMC in NRW. On average, 3.4% of women gave birth in these AMC units, corresponding to 0.3% of all births in NRW. For the establishment of AMC, institutional, organizational, professional and formal arrangements were undertaken. An eligibility and transfer checklist was agreed upon between midwives and obstetricians. Both professions were faced with skepticism. Daily work in AMC resulted in improved teamwork between the two professions and increased job satisfaction for midwives. Acquisition of manual skills and time constraints were the major challenges.

Conclusion
The low utilization of AMC is not due to the concept of care itself or difficulties with its implementation, nor to a lack of eligible women. Reasons may be insufficient awareness about AMC or a lack of interest in this type of care.
Correlation between aneuploidy pregnancy and the concentration of various hormones and vascular endothelial factor in follicular fluid as well as the number of acquired oocytes
Authors: Liang Lin , Zhao Xiao-Xi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the correlation between aneuploidy pregnancy and the concentration of various hormones and vascular endothelial factor in follicular fluid as well as the number of acquired oocytes and to provide a scientific basis for improving ovulation induction programs.

Methods
In total, we collected 277 follicular fluid specimens from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in our hospital. Eighteen cases of aneuploidy embryos were identified. The follicular fluid of these aneuploidy embryos was used for the study. According to the case and control 1:5 paired design, we selected five age-matched controls with healthy births following IVF for each aneuploidy case. Concentrations of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen (E2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the follicular fluid were measured. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between aneuploidy pregnancy and the concentrations of various hormones and VEGF in the follicular fluid as well as the number of acquired oocytes.

Results
Multivariate conditional logistic regression showed that of all the factors analyzed, only FSH [odds ratio (OR) = 1.300, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.091–1.548, P = 0.003] level in the follicular fluid and the number of acquired oocytes (OR = 1.179, 95% CI, 1.070–1.299, P = 0.001) were closely related to aneuploidy pregnancy. No other factors were found to be associated with aneuploidy pregnancy.

Conclusion
FSH concentrations in the follicular fluid are risk factors for aneuploidy pregnancies. The higher the number of eggs, the higher the risk of aneuploidy. These findings may help improve ovulation induction programs.