bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Model Test on the Soil Arching Effect of Pile-Supported Embankments Using Transparent Soil
Authors: Ding Xuanming , Wu Qi , Huang Yuhang , Zhang Yanling 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Pile-supported embankments have been widely used in subgrade engineering for highways and high-speed railways. Soil arching has an important effect on the deformation characteristics of pile-supported embankments. In this study, a new model testing apparatus and its test method for the soil arching effect were developed based on the transparent soil method and particle image velocimetry technique. The composition of the apparatus and the test steps were elaborated in detail. The development of the soil arch with the settlement of foundation soil was explored. The variations in the settlement of the embankment at different elevations and distances from the pile center were analyzed, and afterwards, the effect of pile spacing on the embankment settlement was discussed. The results revealed that a basin-shaped soil arch gradually formed in the embankment, with the settlement of the soil between the piles. The settlement below the arch boundary was larger, and the settlement above the arch boundary was relatively small. An equal settlement plane appeared in the embankment. The elevation of the equal settlement plane increased with increased pile spacing. The maximum settlement occurred at the center of the soil between the piles on the pile cap top plane. The settlement of the embankment increased as the pile spacing increased. This study provides a new solution for understanding the spatial effect of soil arching in pile-supported embankments.
Supercritical behavior of magnetic and liquid model systems
Authors: Galdina A. N. 
Published: June 2020

The supercritical transitions are widely occurring. They include the supercritical transitions in the liquid-vapor system, ferromagnetic transitions, transitions in polymers, many transitions in liquid crystals, and some structural transitions. In the paper it is emphasized that the nature of the critical and supercritical transitions is the same – these are continuous fluctuation transitions. Above the critical temperature the system passes through a region of lowered stability, which leads to increase of fluctuations of energy and external parameters of the system. From the point of view of thermodynamic stability this indicates the existence of a continuous supercritical transition between supercritical mesophases. Knowing the basic stability characteristics of a system, we derive the equation of these mesophase transitions. Depending on a thermal equation type, we can get one or several such equations, which may not coincide. This approves the fact that a supercritical transition occurs in a certain interval of thermodynamic forces.
In the paper the relations between the critical exponents of thermodynamic parameters of the system are obtained and the conditions of continuous conjugation of the lowered stability line to subcritical coexistence line are investigated. The results are applied to the Curie–Weiss and van der Waals models: we obtain the quasi-spinodal equation for these systems and analyze the critical and supercritical behavior of the stability characteristics.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Other Sleep Characteristics, and Risk of CKD in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Sleep Heart Health Study
Authors: Full Kelsie M. , Jackson Chandra L. , Rebholz Casey M. , Matsushita Kunihiro , Lutsey Pamela L. 
Published: June 2020

Significance Statement
Obstructive sleep apnea may be associated with development of CKD, but because individuals with this sleep disorder also are at increased risk for established CKD risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, more evidence is needed to clarify the relationship. To examine the association between this common sleep disorder and risk of incident CKD (stage ≥3) in late midlife, the authors leveraged polysomnography data from a prospective community-based cohort of 1525 adults who were free of CKD and followed for a median of 19 years. Although severe obstructive sleep apnea was associated with an increased risk of incident CKD, this association was not independent of obesity. Given the high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea, CKD, and obesity, further investigation in this area is needed.

Background
Obstructive sleep apnea may be associated with development of CKD through hypoxia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Individuals with this sleep disorder are also at increased risk for established CKD risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.

Methods
We examined the association between obstructive sleep apnea, other sleep characteristics, and risk of incident CKD (stage 3 or higher) in 1525 participants (mean age, 62.5 years; 52.4% women) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who completed in-home polysomnography assessments. We used the apnea-hypopnea index (events per hour) to define obstructive sleep apnea severity (normal, <5.0; mild, 5.0–14.9; moderate, 15.0–29.9; and severe, ≥30.0) and defined incident CKD (stage 3 or higher) as eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and ≥25% decline from baseline, CKD-related hospitalization or death, or ESKD. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate obstructive sleep apnea severity with risk of incident CKD, adjusting for demographics, lifestyle behaviors, and cardiometabolic conditions.

Results
During 19 years (median) of follow-up, 461 CKD events occurred. After adjustment for demographics and lifestyle behaviors, severe obstructive sleep apnea associated with increased risk of CKD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.08 to 2.10), which was attenuated after adjustment for body mass index (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.52). No other sleep characteristics associated with incident CKD.

Conclusions
We found a link between obstructive sleep apnea and an elevated risk of stage 3 CKD or higher, but this association was no longer significant after adjusting for obesity, a risk factor for both conditions. Given the high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea and CKD among adults, further investigation is warranted.
María del Mar López-Cabrales.“Alma gitana” y “Carmen y Lola”: dos miradas transversales a la violencia contra la mujer en la etnia gitana. Revista Comunicación y Género, vol. 2, nº. 2, pp. 223-232, 2019.
Authors: López-García-Torres Rocío , Saneleuterio Elia 
Published: June 2020

“Alma gitana” y “Carmen y Lola”: dos miradas transversales a la violencia contra la mujer en la etnia gitanaAutora: María del Mar López-Cabrales.Revista Comunicación y Género, vol. 2, nº. 2, pp. 223-232, 2019. ResumenEsta reseña muestra cómo el ensayo que analiza las películas Alma gitana (1996) de Chus Gutiérrez, y Carmen y Lola (2018) de Arantxa Echevarría, se cuestiona la violencia contra la mujer en la comunidad gitana y se propone la necesidad de que las generaciones más jóvenes vayan cambiando y construyendo sus vidas desde la igualdad, sin por ello tener que desestimar totalmente la cultura ni las tradiciones de sus ancestros. Tanto Chus Gutiérrez como Arantxa Echevarría son mujeres que, sin pertenecer a la etnia gitana y partiendo de un conocimiento profundo y con gran respeto, intentan articular en sus textos fílmicos posibles respuestas constructivas para enfrentar el tema de la violencia machista en la comunidad gitana.AbstractThis review shows how the essay that analyzes the films Alma gitana (1996) by Chus Gutiérrez, and Carmen and Lola (2018) by Arantxa Echevarría, addresses and questions violence against women in the gypsy community. The two films also call for younger generations to change and build their lives around equality, without totally dismissing the culture or traditions of their ancestors. Both film makers, Chus Gutiérrez and Arantxa Echevarría, are women who do not belong to the gypsy ethnic group but relying on deep knowledge and respect for it, articulate in their films constructive questions to the issue of gender violence in the gypsy community.
Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in women with abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive age
Authors: R. Hema K. , L. Girish B. , S. Dhananjaya B. , Kalaburgi Riyaj Ahmad 
Published: June 2020

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is one of the commonest presentations encountered in gynecological outpatient department. Menstruation is also regulated by many mechanisms, including thyroid hormone. So, for definitive management of AUB, it becomes imperative to assess thyroid status in those with abnormal uterine bleeding.Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted on all woman attending to OPD at Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumukuru, with complaints of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Thyroid test was done for those who were eligible under inclusion criteria. Incidence of thyroid disorders among AUB and type of abnormal menstrual pattern associated with specific type of thyroid dysfunction were noted in this study.Results: Total of 522 presented with AUB. AUB was most common among woman age >40 years at 49.23% (257 of total 522 cases). AUB was more common in Multipara at 61.49% (321 of 522 cases). Menorrhagia was commonest pattern in AUB accounting for 51.34% (268 of 522cases). Thyroid dysfunction was present in 12.27% (64 of 522) of cases with AUB. Among them hypothyroid was most common accounting for 8.81% (46 of 522 cases). Hyperthyroidism was present in 3.44% (18 of 522 cases). Menorrhagia was most common pattern in Hypothyroidism at 65.21% (30 of 46 cases, followed by polymenorrhea at 17.39% (8 of 46 cases). Oligomenorrhea was most common in hyperthyroid group at 55.54% (10 of 18 cases) closely followed by hypomenorrhea at 44.44% (8 of 18 cases).Conclusions: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is one of the commonest gynecological complaint at gynecological OPD. Thyroid dysfunction is noted consistently in cases of AUB. So, evaluation of thyroid profile should be part of evaluation of AUB, especially during perimenopause.
Comparative maternal outcomes of oral nifedipine and intravenous labetalol for severe hypertension during pregnancy: an open label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sharma Monika , Thakur Sita , Singh Kamal , Shekhar Shashank 
Published: June 2020

Background: Hypertensive diseases are commonly seen during pregnancy and remain one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Mostly commonly preferred drugs by health care providers for treatment of severe hypertension during pregnancy are labetalol and hydralazine. However, they require proper storage, intravenous access, and adequately trained staff for usage. Oral nifedipine in contrast is easier to use and widely available. Objective of this study was to report the efficacy and safety of oral nifedipine as compared to intravenous labetalol for treatment of severe hypertension during pregnancy.Methods: It was an open label randomized controlled trial in which 100 women with severe hypertension during pregnancy were enrolled. They were randomized to receive either incremental doses of intravenous labetalol every 20 minutes (total 300 mg) or 10 mg oral nifedipine every 20 minutes (up to 50 mg) to lower the blood pressure to safer levels.Results: Women receiving oral nifedipine took significantly less time to achieve target blood pressure [(37.6±23.3) minutes (SD) as compared to those receiving intravenous labetalol (52.0 minutes±27.95 (SD)]. Women receiving nifedipine for treatment also required significantly lesser doses to control the blood pressure [mean dose 1.8±1.1 (SD) versus 2.6±1.2 (SD) p=0.006]. There were two failures in labetalol group and one failure in nifedipine group. No serious adverse events were reported in either group.Conclusions: Oral nifedipine is equally efficacious to I.V. labetalol for treatment of severe hypertension during pregnancy and is easier to use in low resource settings.
Prophylactic use of tranexamic acid to reduces blood loss and transfusion requirements in caesarean section
Authors: Sunda Urmila , Bhadana Priyanka 
Published: June 2020

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is most dreaded complication which occurs worldwide, more prevalent in developing countries after both vaginal and caesarean delivery. Prophylactic administration of a uterotonics immediately after delivery is the only procedure that has been proved to reduce rates of postpartum haemorrhage. Tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic is recommended by WHO for management of PPH, its role to reduce blood loss in caesarean section as a prophylactic agent is not well studied.Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital at New Delhi total 100 pregnant women with age ≥18 and <35 years and singleton alive fetus who underwent caesarean section were included for this study. Study population was divided in two group. Women assigned to the study group received 1 gm tranexamic acid slowly intravenously over 10 minutes after delivery of the baby as per existing unit protocol. Those women who received tranexamic acid was compared with other group who did not received tranexamic acid. The primary outcomes were mean blood loss (ml) and mean fall in hemoglobin level within 48 hours after surgery.Results: Amount of blood loss was significantly low (mean 369 ml) in tranexamic acid group as compared to control group (488 ml), the difference was statistically significant (p value 0.001). Mean fall in haemoglobin level was also low (1.17 mg/dl) in group who received tranexamic acid as compared to control group (1.87 mg/dl), the difference was statistically significant (p value 0.001). Postpartum hemorrhage (blood loss more than 1000 ml) was observed in 1 patient in control group and no case of PPH was observed in study group.Conclusions: Tranexamic acid administration prior to caesarean section was effective in reducing the blood loss intra and postoperative period, without any immediate maternal and neonatal adverse events as well as reduces the need of blood transfusion.
Routine baseline serum carcinoembryonic antigen as a negative predictor of peritoneal metastasis in colorectal malignancies: a cost-effective tool in South India
Authors: Vinoth D. , Bhat Sunay N. , Samuel Joshua 
Published: June 2020

Background: Colorectal cancer, a formidable health problem worldwide has upto 8% synchronous peritoneal carcinomatosis. As only diagnostic laparoscopy can identify them, in countries with economic burden, selection of patients for laparoscopy is ideal. Our aim is to evaluate whether the baseline Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a good selection tool.Methods: A retrospective study of 125 patients, who were diagnosed to have colorectal malignancy (any stage) and underwent elective surgery at our institution from 2012 till 2019 were included. The baseline serum CEA was compared with the intraoperative findings. The threshold levels of serum CEA compared were 6.5 and 100 ng/dl. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for both thresholds were compared in 3 categories of patients, namely peritoneal metastasis (9 cases), metastasis to other organs (36 cases) and cases with no metastasis either in peritoneum or other organs (85 cases). The results were analysed using SPSS software.Results: The mean age was 65, sex ratio (male:female) was 72:53. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV) for CEA threshold of 6.5 ng/dl was 44.44%, 60.34%, 8% and 93.33% for category 1. For CEA threshold of 100 ng/dl, it was 33.33%, 97.41%, 50% and 94.95% for category 1. NPV was 96.55% for category 3 (the highest value).Conclusions: If the baseline CEA levels are less than 100 ng/dl, 96.55% of cases will not require a diagnostic laparoscopy. This hopefully will cut down the cost of unnecessary diagnostic laparoscopies, and reduce the morbidity of unnecessary laparotomies.
Our experience of arteriovenous fistula creation as vascular access for hemodialysis
Authors: Sharma Pradeep K. , Nagori Rupesh , Baweja Shekhar , Aggarwal Vikas , Katti Pawan , Chabbra M. K. 
Published: June 2020

Background: End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients depend on lifelong renal replacement therapy. The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred hemodialysis access. Cimino fistulas are currently accepted as the best mode of vascular access for hemodialysis (HD). The present study was planned to study for presence of on table bruit and thrill and to know postoperative outcome and patency.Methods: This single center, prospective study was carried out in department of Urology at SNMC, Jodhpur from November 2018 to May 2019. Dominance of hand was examined, and preference was given to non-dominant hand. Physical examination of the arterial system along with physical examination of the venous system was done. Preoperative color Doppler of upper limb veins and arteries was done in selected patients. End to side anastomosis was done between cephalic vein and radial artery.Results: In this study of 70 cases of AVFs, there were 53 (75.71%) successful cases and 17 (24.2%) were failures. End (vein) to side (artery) anastomosis was done in 70 (100%) cases. On table bruit was present in 63 (90%) and thrill in 58 (82.8%) cases. All patients with failed post-operative fistula were not doing ball exercise.Conclusions: Presence of on table thrill and bruit are indicators of successful AVF. Post-operative ball exercise should be done for better results.
A study on clinical grading and bacteriological profile of diabetic foot ulcers in tertiary care centre
Authors: Hamza Mohammed , Thomas Thomas K. 
Published: June 2020

Background: Diabetes is one of the commonest diseases worldwide and diabetic foot ulcer and its complications are associated with significant morbidity and even amputation. Early detection of colonizing agent of these ulcers help in reduced morbidity and hospital stay. We targeted this subgroup of patients to study Wagner’s grade, identify the bacterial agent and its antibiotic sensitivity and ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) assessment to detect PAD, for the best treatment outcome of diabetic foot ulcers.Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Surgery of SGMCRF, Venjaramoodu on 210 patients with diabetic foot ulcers between November 2017 and May 2019. Wagner’s grading of ulcer, culture and antibiotic sensitivity of microbe were done as well as ABPI was measured. Outcome of ulcers was compared to ABPI and ABPI was compared to time of healing.Results: Out of 210 patients 122 were males and 88 females, 62.9% had neuropathy and 66.7% had vasculopathy. Most patients presented with Wagner’s grade-II ulcers. Most common microbe isolated was pseudomonas aeruginosa which was most sensitive to piperacillin and tazobactam combination. Majority of lesions 62.9% had ABPI in range of 0.5-0.89.Conclusions: Wagner’s grading and presence of neuropathy are predictors of major amputation. Piperacillin and tazobactam should be empirical choice of antibiotic. ABPI was inversely related to time of healing and has got significant association with treatment outcome.
Contained rupture of a large right hepatic artery aneurysm: the ticking bomb within!
Authors: Kundil Byju , Mathews Mano Zac , Tony Tina , Kurian Robin 
Published: June 2020

Hepatic artery aneurysms (HAAs) are rare and represents one fifth of visceral aneurysms. We report a case of a 75 year old female who presented to the outpatient department with complaints of abdominal pain and anorexia for 2 weeks. On examination the patient was stable, she had mild tenderness in the right hypochondrial region. Ultrasound abdomen showed an intrahepatic cystic area with both arterial and venous flow, suggesting the possibility of an intrahepatic arteriovenous malformation. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen showed a large right HAA with contained rupture and intra hepatic extension. She was posted for emergency laparotomy and was found to have a contained rupture a contained rupture of the right HAA of size 10×8 cm with intra hepatic extension. Right hepatectomy was done and the resected margin of liver showed a dilated cystic space with blood clot. Histopathological examination showed intrahepatic aneurysm with atherosclerosis and laminated luminal thrombus. Contained rupture of HAAs with intrahepatic extension are rare. Even though the prevalence of HAAs is low, the risk of rupture is reported to be as high as 20-80% and the mortality following spontaneous rupture is 40%. Hence an aggressive approach to the management of HAA is required whenever detected.
Does tranexamic acid have role in controlling intraoperative blood loss in tonsillectomy?
Authors: Dutta Heempali Das , Rayamajhi Pabina , Ibrahim Nazeef 
Published: June 2020

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The study was done with the objective to assess the effect of tranexamic acid in controlling intraoperative bleeding in tonsillectomy.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Retrospective study was conducted in the Department of ENT and HNS, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal from August 2016 to July 2017. Patients more than 15 years who underwent bilateral tonsillectomy were included in the study. Whereas patients who underwent unilateral tonsillectomy and patients who had hypersensitivity to tranexamic acid were excluded from the study. The patients who received tranexamic acid during surgery were taken as study group whereas the patients who didn’t receive tranexamic acid were taken as control. The amount of the intraoperative blood loss, i.e. mean and the frequency of early post-operative bleeding were evaluated. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 48 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Among whom, 24 patients who received tranexamic acid during tonsillectomy were taken as study group and other 24 patients who did not received tranexamic acid were taken as control. The mean blood loss in study and control group were 92.85 ml and 91.40 ml respectively and the difference was statistically not significant (p=0.785). There were no cases of early postoperative bleeding recorded in either group within the first 24 hours of surgery.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> There is no significant role of tranexamic acid in controlling intraoperative bleeding in tonsillectomy. </p>
Reinforced temporalis fascia with conchal cartilage versus exclusive temporalis fascia grafting in type 1 tympanoplasty: a comparative study
Authors: Gosavi Rahul S. , Gosavi Shishir D. , Bandgar Digwijay A. , Gupta Akash D. , Naik Pradny S. , Narkhede Kshipra M. 
Published: June 2020

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Various grafting materials have been used for the repair of a tympanic membrane perforation over the years, with temporalis fascia and conchal cartilage being the most widely used. Our study is an attempt to compare and analyse the use of exclusive temporalis fascia as grafting material against a reinforced graft consisting of temporalis fascia and conchal cartilage.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This is a prospective study of 100 patients having inactive mucosal chronic otitis media with a dry central perforation with moderate conductive hearing loss, undergoing type 1 tympanoplasty using underlay technique. 50% of the subjects were grafted with temporalis fascia alone while a reinforced temporalis fascia graft along with conchal cartilage was used in the remaining 50% of the cases. The results were evaluated at an interval of 24 weeks after surgery on the basis of graft uptake and hearing restoration (closure of air-bone gap &lt;10 dB). </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Graft uptake in exclusive temporalis fascia grafting was 86% while it was 94% when a reinforced graft was used; the hearing restoration rates in both the groups were 82% and 80% respectively. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Reinforced temporalis fascia grafting along with conchal cartilage gives better results than grafting with temporalis fascia alone as regards to graft uptake, while the audiometric results are comparable in both the groups. </p>