bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated circulating levels of monocyte activation markers among tuberculosis patients with diabetes co‐morbidity
Authors: Kumar Nathella P. , Moideen Kadar , Bhootra Yukthi , Nancy Arul , Viswanathan Vijay , Shruthi Basavaradhya S. , Sivakumar Shanmugam , Natarajan Mohan , Kornfeld Hardy , Babu Subash 
Published: November 2018

SummaryAlteration in the frequency of monocyte subsets is a hallmark of tuberculosis–diabetes co‐morbidity (TB‐DM). To study this association, we examined the plasma levels of sCD14, sCD163, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and soluble tissue factor (sTF) in individuals with TB‐DM, TB or diabetes mellitus (DM), and in healthy controls (HC). Circulating levels of sCD14, sCD163 and sTF were significantly increased in TB‐DM and DM compared with TB and HC; however, CRP was significantly increased in TB‐DM and TB compared with DM and HC. During longitudinal follow up, sCD14, CRP and sTF levels remained significantly increased in TB‐DM compared with TB from baseline (pre‐treatment), during treatment (2nd month) and at the completion (6th month) of anti‐TB treatment (ATT), whereas sCD163 was significantly higher in TB‐DM compared with TB only at baseline. Moreover, the levels of sCD14 and sCD163 were significantly higher in TB‐DM individuals with bilateral and cavitary disease and exhibited a significant positive relationship with bacterial burden. Levels of sCD14, sCD163 and CRP exhibited a positive relationship with HbA1c levels. Within the TB‐DM group, those with known diabetes before incident TB (KDM) exhibited significantly higher levels of sCD14 and sCD163 compared with individuals with newly diagnosed DM with TB (NDM). Finally, KDM individuals on metformin treatment exhibited significantly lower levels of sCD14, sCD163 and CRP compared with those on non‐metformin‐containing regimens. Our data demonstrate that systemic monocyte activation marker levels reflect baseline disease severity and extent in TB‐DM, differentiate KDM from NDM and are modulated by ATT and metformin therapy.
Momentum Trading with theℓ1‐Filter: Are the Markets Efficient?*
Authors: Mitra Subrata K. , Rohit Abhishek 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper explores the possibility of generating consistent momentum profits by trading on nine major indices across the globe using theℓ1‐filter. This methodology penalizes slope reversion of the filtered trend and identifies piecewise linear trends in the asset prices. We find the buy strategy to offer considerably higher momentum returns compared to the sell strategy. Our strategy beats the buy‐and‐hold (BH) strategy on all fronts and, thus, highlights the inefficiencies in financial markets in recent years (2000–2016). Comparing the momentum profits across a set of advanced economies (AEs) and emerging market economies (EMEs), we find that the developed and efficient financial markets of the AEs provide lower opportunities for momentum profits. The momentum profits are more than double in the EMEs as compared to the AEs. Highlighting the instability of the momentum strategy in different market states by using the global financial crisis (GFC) as a turning point, we further find that considerable opportunity exists for momentum strategies in the bullish runs that precede the crisis, as happened before the GFC. However, the momentum profits reduce significantly as the crisis sets in, increasing the degree of market uncertainty, fear, and risk‐aversiveness.
Composition dependence of the electro‐optic properties of iron‐doped lithium niobate crystals mounted as bulk modulator
Authors: Danielyan Anush , Kokanyan Ninel , Kostritskii Sergey , Kokanyan Edvard , Aillerie Michel 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this contribution, we report a complete set of electro‐optic coefficients of iron‐doped lithium niobate as function of the composition varying from sub‐congruent to near‐stoichiometric in a series of four crystals. The concentration of iron is constant for all crystals of the series. The electro‐optic measurements of the r22 and rc coefficients were performed on a Sènarmont ellipsometric setup while those of r13 and r33 were performed on a Mach‐Zehnder interferometric setup, by adaptation of the same frequency doubling electro‐optic modulation and the MDM methods implemented in both electro‐optical arrangements. The corresponding dielectric permittivities ε11 and ε33 as a function of composition were also determined. All electro‐optic coefficients reveal a small change with composition, but significant above the experimental error. The nonmonotonous dependences of all electro‐optic coefficients are found to be closely linked to their corresponding dielectric permittivities.
Corrosion mechanism of lightweight microporous alumina‐based refractory by molten steel
Authors: Fu Lvping , Zou Yongshun , Huang Ao , Gu Huazhi , Ni Hongwei 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLightweight refractory linings for industrial furnaces have become important subjects of development in high‐temperature industries. The reaction mechanism between a lightweight microporous alumina‐based refractory material and molten steel was investigated in this study. The main mechanism of refractory damage was structural spalling, caused by steel penetrating the pores. The many micropores in lightweight microporous alumina have high specific surface area and reactivity, inducing the formation of FeO–Fe2O3–Al2O3 phases. This impeded the further penetration of molten steel and the direct dissolution of refractory oxides, promoting greater resistance to molten steel than that shown by common tabular alumina‐based refractories, in which Fe does not react and steel penetration through the pores cannot be retarded.
Phase stability and weak metallic bonding within ternary‐layered borides CrAlB, Cr2AlB2, Cr3AlB4, and Cr4AlB6
Authors: Bai Yuelei , Qi Xinxin , He Xiaodong , Sun Dongdong , Kong Fanyu , Zheng Yongting , Wang Rongguo , Duff Andrew Ian 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTo explore the potential for use of the Cr–Al–B borides, Cr2AlB2, Cr3AlB4, and Cr4AlB6 as well as hypothetical CrAlB are investigated using density functional theory. In the CrAl(CrB2)n series strong covalent bonding is present between the B and Cr atoms with, significantly, much weaker metallic Cr–Al and B–Al bonds, suggesting similar unusual properties to the MAX phases. The relative stiffness of the weakest and strongest bonds hint at similar unusual properties to the MAX phases with superior damage tolerance expected for hypothetical CrAlB, as evidenced in the lowest Al1–Al2 bond stiffness. The layered nature and metallic bonding are expected to result in high fracture toughness and damage tolerance. Anisotropic compression is demonstrated, with the stiffest axes along the direction of the B–B zigzag‐/hexagonal‐chains and the softest axes determined by an interplay between the soft metallic interlayers and the rigid covalent bonds. In general the elastic moduli in CrAl(CrB2)n increase as a function of n, however, without the price of an increase in density.
Mechanical and microstructural analysis of geopolymer composites based on metakaolin and recycled silica
Authors: Villaquirán‐Caicedo Mónica A. , Mejía de Gutiérrez Ruby 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper evaluated mechanical and thermal stability of alkali‐activated materials obtained from metakaolin and alternative silica sources, such as rice husk ash (RHA) and silica fume (SF), and were reinforced with recycled ceramic particles (RP) obtained by grinding bricks. Specimens were produced, and after 7 days of curing, they were exposed to temperatures between 300 and 1200°C to determine the influence that different percentages of RP had on the mechanical behavior and microstructure of the produced composites. The results showed a reduction in the linear contraction by 10.22% with 20 wt% RP and that the reinforcing materials improved the mechanical performance of the geopolymers after exposure to high temperatures; the compressive strengths reached 137.7 (±11.4) MPa after being exposed to 1200°C for the matrix based on RHA and 180.6 (±19.15) MPa after being reinforced with 20 wt% RP. The improvement was mainly due to densification and the formation of crystalline products such as leucite, kalsilite, and mullite.
Relationships between residual blood pressure variability and cognitive function in the general population of the PAMELA study
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Cuspidi Cesare , Bombelli Michele , Facchetti Rita , Mancia Giuseppe , Grassi Guido 
Published: November 2018

The present study was aimed at assessing the relationships between absolute and individual residual blood pressure (BP) variability and cognitive function in a general population. This cross‐sectional study evaluated cognitive function using minimental state evaluation (MMSE) in 471 subjects enrolled in the PAMELA study. MMSE was calculated 10 years after initial enrollment of the subjects in the PAMELA study. Measurements included office, home, and 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring. BP variability was obtained by calculating: (a) 24‐hour standard deviation (SD) for systolic and diastolic BP and (b) individual residual BP variability. Mean age (±SD) of the subjects enrolled was 63 ± 5.7 years at the initial evaluation, with a 10‐year increase when MMSE was performed. There was no significant difference in BP or heart rate values measured at office, home, or during 24‐h BP monitoring between subjects with MMSE < 24 and those with ≥24. BP variability measured by SBP and DBP SD was also similar between these two groups. However, individual residual BP variability was significantly greater in subjects with lower MMSE and this difference became more pronounced when the study population was divided in three groups according to MMSE score (10‐20, 21‐23, 24‐30). Individual residual SBP and DBP variability gradually decreased with the increase in MMSE score. Our data show that a sensitive parameter for the development of cognitive impairment is not BP or absolute BP variability but rather its short‐term erratic component, which has been previously shown to be an important prognostic marker for organ damage, cardiovascular, and all‐cause mortality.
Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide potentially attenuates diabetic retinal injury in a diabetic rat model
Authors: Wang Yi , Lan Changjun , Liao Xuan , Chen Di , Song Wengang , Zhang Qiuling 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo investigate the protective effect of Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PSP) on the retina in diabetic rats.Materials and MethodsA total of 120 Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank control, control model (meaning diabetes mellitus), and diabetes mellitus with PSP intervention of high, medium and low doses groups. The difference of retinal vascularization between groups was evaluated by fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran perfusion. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling staining was used to assess apoptosis in the retinal ganglion cells; reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were utilized to evaluate the expression of Bcl2‐associated X protein, B‐cell lymphoma‐2 factor, epidermal growth factor, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases, transforming growth factor‐β and vascular endothelial growth factor at the messenger ribonucleic acid and protein level.ResultsFluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran perfusion showed retinal vascular anomaly in diabetes mellitus rats, but vascular tortuosity and leakage were relatively alleviated after PSP intervention. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling staining showed numerous terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling‐positive retinal cells in the diabetes mellitus group, which then were reduced by PSP treatment. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction showed that PSP intervention decreased Bcl2‐associated X protein, epidermal growth factor, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases, vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor‐β messenger ribonucleic acid expression, but increased B‐cell lymphoma‐2 factor messenger ribonucleic acid expression. Western blot showed that PSP intervention upregulated the expression of B‐cell lymphoma‐2 factor, and downregulated the expression of Bcl2‐associated X protein, epidermal growth factor, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases, vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor‐β proteins.ConclusionsPolygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide shows a protective effect against diabetes‐induced retinal injury in a dose‐dependent manner. The mechanism of action deserves further study and exploration.
Ectopic pregnancy rate in Iranian midwifery clients and infertile patients treated by assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Mokhtari Zanjani Pouran , Ahmadnia Elahe , Kharaghani Roghieh 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveThere are some studies on the prevalence of ectopic pregnancy (EP) in a different population of Iranian women. This study aimed to estimate the ectopic pregnancy prevalence in obstetrical clients and infertile patients treated by assisted reproductive technologies in Iran.MethodsInternational and national databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Magiran, Iran doc, and Iran Medex were searched up to January 2016. Also, conference databases were searched. All studies in which, the ectopic pregnancy prevalence in Iranian obstetrical clients and infertile patients treated by assisted reproductive technologies were reported, included and reviewed. Data of studies were extracted into a standard data sheet. Meta‐analysis was conducted by a random‐effects model with 95% confidence interval.ResultsEight studies were included, involving overall 571 826 women of whom 1446 had an ectopic pregnancy. The overall prevalence of ectopic pregnancy in obstetrical units of the hospitals and assisted reproductive technologies patients was 2.9 (95% CI: 2.1, 3.7) and 53 (95% CI: 20.4, 85.6) per 1000 clients, respectively.ConclusionThere is limited evidence on the ectopic pregnancy prevalence in Iranian obstetrical clients and assisted reproductive technologies patients. Furthermore, a significant heterogeneity existed between the results. So, more population‐based studies on national data are needed for the exact estimation of the ectopic pregnancy prevalence in Iran.
Development and evaluation of the Adaptation Support Program in Early Pregnancy after the use of assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Sakiyama Takayo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimTo evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and outcome of the Adaptation Support Program in Early Pregnancy after the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART).MethodsThe participants were 57 primiparas who had undergone ART and had received the Adaptation Support Program. The data were gathered by using questionnaires before (Time 1), immediately after (Time 2), and 8 weeks after (Time 3) the intervention between August, 2014 and March, 2015. The data for the 40 women who gave valid answers were analyzed statistically.ResultsOf the respondents, 75% gave a positive evaluation that the program met their expectations and >80% positively evaluated it for its convenience, problem‐solving intentionality, satisfaction, and usefulness. The Anticipatory Anxiety for Loss Scale (AALS) and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI‐J) scores decreased significantly at Times 2 and 3 and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores at Time 3. The Post‐traumatic Growth Inventory‐Japanese (PTGI‐J) scores, showing growth as a result of infertility experience, increased significantly at Time 3. The Care Need Satisfaction Scale (CNSS) scores showed a positive correlation with the PTGI‐J scores and negative correlations with the AALS and STAI‐J, but did not correlate with the EPDS.ConclusionThis program was evaluated positively. The AALS, PTGI‐J, EPDS, and STAI showed significant change after the program and the AALS, PTGI‐J, and STAI‐J showed significant correlations with the CNSS.
Nurses’ identification and reporting of medication errors
Authors: Dirik Hasan Fehmi , Samur Menevse , Seren Intepeler Seyda , Hewison Alistair 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAims and objectivesTo investigate hospital nurses’ involvement in the identification and reporting of medication errors in Turkey.BackgroundMedication safety is an international priority, and medication error identification and reporting are essential for patient safety.DesignA descriptive survey design consistent with the STROBE guidelines was used.MethodsThe participants were 135 nurses employed in a university hospital in Turkey. The survey instrument included 18 sample cases and respondents identified whether errors had been made and how they should be reported. Descriptive statistics were analysed using the chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests.ResultsThe sample case of “Patient given 10 mg morphine sulphate instead of 1.0 mg of morphine sulphate” was defined as a medication error by 97% of respondents, whereas the sample case of “Omitting oral/IV antibiotics because of the need to take the patient out for X‐rays for 3 hr” was defined as a medication error by only 32.1%. It was found that eight sample cases (omitting antibiotics, diluting norodol drops with saline, giving aspirin preprandially, injecting clexane before colonoscopy, giving an analgesic at the nurse's discretion, dispensing undiluted morphine, preparing dobutamine instead of dopamine and administering enteral nutrition intravenously) were assessed as errors and reported, although there were significant statistical differences between the identification and reporting of these errors.ConclusionNurses are able to identify medication errors, but are reluctant to report them. Fear of the consequences was the main reason given for not reporting medication errors. When errors are reported, it is likely to be to physicians.Relevance to clinical practiceThe development of a commonly agreed definition of a medication error, along with clear and robust reporting mechanisms, would be a positive step towards increasing patient safety. Staff reporting medication errors should be supported, not punished, and the information provided used to improve the system.
Accuracy of Three Digitization Methods for the Dental Arch with Various Tooth Preparation Designs: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Oh Kyung Chul , Lee Bora , Park Young‐Bum , Moon Hong Seok 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the accuracy of three digitization methods for the maxillary dental arch.Materials and MethodsA maxillary typodont with various tooth preparation designs was used as the reference model. The scanned data were classified into direct scanning (DS), cast scanning (CS), and impression scanning (IS) groups according to the techniques applied for digitization (n = 10/group). An intraoral scanner was used for the DS group. Impressions obtained with polyether impression material were scanned with a tabletop scanner for the IS group. For the CS group, the definitive casts fabricated from the obtained impressions were scanned with the same tabletop scanner. The accuracy (trueness and precision) of the produced virtual dental casts was evaluated with specialized software. The full‐arch and individual abutment deviations were measured with regard to root mean square error (RMSE) values. Data were analyzed with statistical software with an .ResultsThe RMSE values for both trueness and precision were lowest in the IS group, followed by the CS and DS groups, with statistically significant differences among the groups (p < 0.05). The trueness of individual abutments was significantly higher in the IS group than in the DS group. In addition, the trueness of individual abutments was affected by the location of the abutments in the DS group, whereas it did not differ between individual abutments in the CS and IS groups.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the IS method is an accurate digitization technique for the creation of a virtual dental cast.
Metabolic factors affecting hepatocellular carcinoma in steatohepatitis
Authors: Zarrinpar Ali , Faltermeier Claire M. , Agopian Vatche G. , Naini Bita V. , Harlander‐Locke Michael P. , Kaldas Fady M. , Farmer Douglas G. , Busuttil Ronald W. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsWith the rising prevalence of alcoholism, obesity and metabolic syndrome, steatohepatitis will become the leading cause of end‐stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States by 2025. Patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic liver disease have similar clinical and histopathological presentations, whether these similarities persist in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic liver disease patients with hepatocellular carcinoma remains unknown.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the clinical features of adult patients from a large transplant center who underwent liver transplantation for steatohepatitis due to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic causes (alcoholic liver disease) between 1/1/02 and 1/1/12 was performed. Clinical features, explant histopathology, and clinical outcomes were compared.ResultsHepatocellular carcinoma was present in 80 of 317 patients, who underwent liver transplantation for steatohepatitis with equivalent distribution in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic liver disease patients (24% vs 26%; P = 0.8). On multivariate analysis, significant predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma included age, ethnicity (Hispanic), and diabetes, but not BMI, hypertension or smoking. A lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma was associated with a clinical history of hyperlipidemia. Clinical parameters were similar between patients with alcoholic liver disease ‐ hepatocellular carcinoma and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis‐hepatocellular carcinoma, except sex and presence of metabolic syndrome. non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis‐hepatocellular carcinoma livers retained histopathological features of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis such as ballooning and Mallory bodies, while alcoholic liver disease‐hepatocellular carcinoma livers did not. There were no significant differences in hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence rates or post‐transplant overall survival.ConclusionsWe report the largest single‐center study evaluating clinical, histopathological and outcome measures of patients undergoing liver transplantation for steatohepatitis. Older patients, diabetics, and Hispanics may warrant more frequent cancer screening due to increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.