bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low haemoglobin at admission is associated with mortality after hip fractures in elderly patients
Authors: Yombi Jean C. , Putineanu Dan C. , Cornu Olivier , Lavand’homme Patricia , Cornette Pascale , Castanares-Zapatero Diego 
Published: August 2019

Aims Low haemoglobin (Hb) at admission has been identified as a risk factor for mortality for elderly patients with hip fractures in some studies. However, this remains controversial. This study aims to analyze the association between Hb level at admission and mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture undergoing surgery. Patients and Methods All consecutive patients (prospective database) admitted with hip fracture operated in a tertiary hospital between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed. We collected patient characteristics, time to surgery, duration and type of surgery, comorbidities, Hb at admission, nadir of Hb after surgery, the use and amount of red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion products, postoperative complications, and death. The main outcome measures were mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and one year after surgery. Results We included 829 patients; the mean age was 81 years (sd 11). Mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and one year was 5.7%, 12.3%, 18.1%, and 23.5%, respectively. The highest mortality was observed in patients aged over 80 years (162/557, 29%) and in male patients (85/267, 32%). Survival at 90 days, 180 days, and one year after surgery was significantly lower in patients with a Hb level below 120 g/l at admission. In multivariate analysis, Hb level below 120 g/l at admission was found to be an independent factor associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.68 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22 to 2.31); p = 0.001), along with age (aHR 1.06 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.06); p < 0.001), male sex (aHR 2.19 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.96); p < 0.001), and need for RBC transfusions (aHR 1.10 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.19); p = 0.01). Conclusion Our results suggest that low Hb at admission along with age and RBC transfusions is significantly associated with short- and long-term mortality after hip fracture surgery, independently of comorbidity confounders. Further studies should be performed to understand how preoperative Hb could be taken into account in perioperative management. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1122–1128.
Gentiopicrin exerts anti-rheumatic effect in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes via inhibition of p38MAPK/NF-ÎºB pathway
Authors: Zhang Nian , Jiang Yi , Mu Fangxiang , Wu Hong , You Qingxia 
Published: August 2019

To investigate the effect of gentiopicrin on the expressions of inflammatory factors in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS) and the underlying mechanism. Human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS) were cultured in vitro at 37 °C in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 5 % fetal bovine serum (FBS) in a humidified incubator containing 5 % CO2. Cell viability was determined using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expressions of interleukin 1Î² (IL-1Î²) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) mRNAs. The expressions of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ÎºB) were determined using Western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of IL-1Î² and IL-6 in cell lysate. Treatment with 5-25 Î¼M gentiopicrin did not significantly affect the number of viable cells, when compared with control group (p > 0.05). However, at 50 and 100 Î¼M gentiopicrin, the number of viable cells were significantly increased, relative to control group (p < 0.05). Results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression levels of IL-1Î² and IL-6 mRNAs were significantly higher in TNF-Î± group than in control group (p < 0.05). However, treatment with gentiopicrin significantly and dose-dependently decreased their expression levels compared with TNF-Î± group (p < 0.05). Western blotting results showed that the expressions of p-p38MAPK and NF-ÎºB-p65 proteins were significantly upregulated in TNF-Î± group, when compared with control group (p < 0.05). However, treatment with gentiopicrin significantly and dose-dependently down-regulated the expression of these proteins compared with TNF-Î± group (p < 0.05). The levels of IL-1Î² and IL-6 in cell lysate were significantly higher in TNF-Î± group than in control group (p < 0.05). However, treatment with gentiopicrin, and p38MAPK/NF-ÎºB pathway inhibitors (SB203580 and BAY11-7082) significantly reduced the levels of these inflammatory factors compared with TNF-Î± group (p < 0.05). Gentiopicrin has therapeutic potential for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA ) through a mechanism involving the inhibition of p38MAPK/NF-ÎºB pathway.
Capsular Polysaccharide Biosynthesis from Recombinant E. coli and Chondroitin Sülfate Production
Authors: Erenler Ayse Sebnem 
Published: August 2019

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is an important biomedical product. CS is the basic structural component of the mammalian extracellular matrix and is widely used in many applications in the fields of medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. For CS production, mainly animal sources are used. However, in today's conditions, due to various risks and artificial synthesis, there has been an increase in alternative sources of production methods for CS, instead of using animal resources. In this study as a powerful alternative microbial production of CS has been targeted. By using recombinant E. coli strains to integrate VHb /vgb+ and kfo+ systems, the aim was to obtain high purity CS from reliable biotechnological processes. Plasmid pUC8:15 bearing the vgb gene region, and plasmid pETM6-PACF carrying the kfoA, kfoC and kfoF genes responsible for chondroitin synthesis, were transferred to E. coli bacteria. Microbial CS was obtained by adding sulfate groups to chondroitin acquired after the treatments. The results were confirmed by HPLC and NMR analyses. The product, compared to its counterparts, was found to be an effective drug, potentially with a low molecular weight value.
Prediction of Strength of Remixed Concrete by Application of Orthogonal Decomposition, Neural Analysis and Regression Analysis
Authors: Bidkar K.L. , Jadhao P.D. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Compressive strength is the foremost property of concrete which is influenced by a number of parameters. These parameters plays important role for the characteristics achieved by concrete. Orthogonal decomposition, neural analysis and regression analysis tools can be utilized where the dependence and independence of these parameters to be considered. In this paper these analyses are considered for remix concrete, in which apart from the cement contents, w/c ratio, proportions of C.A., F.A., the other parameters like blend ratio (r=Q
o
/Q
f
, Q
o
=quantity of old partially set concrete, Q
f
=quantity of fresh concrete) time lag ( time between preparation and placing of concrete) also plays the important role.
Direct coupling analysis improves the identification of beneficial amino acid mutations for the functional thermostabilization of a delicate decarboxylase
Authors: Peng Martin , Maier Manfred , Esch Jan , Schug Alexander , Rabe Kersten S. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The optimization of enzyme properties for specific reaction conditions enables their tailored use in biotechnology. Predictions using established computer-based methods, however, remain challenging, especially regarding physical parameters such as thermostability without concurrent loss of activity. Employing established computational methods such as energy calculations using FoldX can lead to the identification of beneficial single amino acid substitutions for the thermostabilization of enzymes. However, these methods require a three-dimensional (3D)-structure of the enzyme. In contrast, coevolutionary analysis is a computational method, which is solely based on sequence data. To enable a comparison, we employed coevolutionary analysis together with structure-based approaches to identify mutations, which stabilize an enzyme while retaining its activity. As an example, we used the delicate dimeric, thiamine pyrophosphate dependent enzyme ketoisovalerate decarboxylase (Kivd) and experimentally determined its stability represented by a T50 value indicating the temperature where 50% of enzymatic activity remained after incubation for 10 min. Coevolutionary analysis suggested 12 beneficial mutations, which were not identified by previously established methods, out of which four mutations led to a functional Kivd with an increased T50 value of up to 3.9°C.
Clinical, biochemical and gender characteristics of 97 prepubertal children with premature adrenarche
Authors: Santos-Silva Rita , Costa Carla , Castro-Correia Cíntia , Fontoura Manuel 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
Premature adrenarche (PA) is defined as the appearance of clinical signs of androgen action associated with levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) ≥40 μg/dL, before age 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys, without breast or testicular enlargement. The aim of this study was to characterize a population of prepubertal Caucasian children with PA and to compare them with regard to gender and body mass index (BMI) (normal BMI vs. overweight/obesity).

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study of Portuguese Caucasian prepubertal children followed, due to PA, in pediatric endocrinology clinics of a university hospital.

Results
Eighty-two girls and 15 boys were included (mean age at evaluation: 7.4 ± 1.3 years). The mean birth weight was 2990 ± 689 g; only two children were small for gestational age. Girls presented premature pubarche at a younger age (median [interquartile range (IQR)] 6 (5–6) years vs. 7 (7–8) years in boys; p < 0.001). No gender differences were found for gestational age, birth weight, maternal age at menarche, anthropometry, bone age advancement or androgen levels. The majority of the subjects were overweight or obese (59%). Overweight/obese PA children were taller and had a more advanced bone age than normal-BMI PA children. Overweight/obese children presented higher levels of DHEAS and androstenedione. Bone age advancement and DHEAS were correlated (r = 0.449; p = 0.05).

Conclusions
We found no evidence of reduced fetal growth. Girls presented premature pubarche at a younger age. No major gender differences in androgen levels were found in prepuberty. Obese and overweight PA children tend to be taller, have a more advanced bone age and higher levels of androgens than normal-BMI PA children.
Micro-RNA 196a2 expression and miR-196a2 (rs11614913) polymorphism in T1DM: a pilot study
Authors: Ibrahim Alshaymaa A. , Ramadan Abeer , Wahby Aliaa Ahmed , Hassan Mirhane , Soliman Hend M. , Abdel Hamid Tamer A. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
Recent emerging evidence supports the role of miR-196a2 in various human diseases. However, its role in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is still underestimated. We aimed, for the first time, to investigate the expression of miR-196a2 in T1DM and the association of miR-196a2 (rs11614913) polymorphism with susceptibility of T1DM in a sample of patients from Cairo, Egypt.

Methods
The study included 150 patients and 150 healthy subjects. Evaluation of rs11614913 genotypes and miR-196a2 expression was done using the allelic discrimination and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, respectively.

Results
The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium of single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) was detected among controls (p = 0.2). Our results revealed that the TT genotype was more frequent in patients (22.6%) than controls (10%) while the CC genotype was more frequent in controls (47.3%) than patients (39.3%) (p = 0.01). The frequency of the T allele was significantly higher in patients than in controls (41.7 vs. 31.3%), while the C allele was more frequent in controls (p = 0.008). After adjustment for traditional risk factors, the association of the TT genotype with T1DM remained significant (TT vs. CC, odds ration [OR] = 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–7.4, p = 0.005). Power analysis of the data yielded a statistical power of 80% for the miR-196a2 rs11614913 with T1DM. Relative expression of miR-196a2 showed significant decrease in patients compared to controls (median = 0.09, 0.5, interquartile range [IQR] = 0.03–1.6, 0.1–2.1). However, miR-196a2 expression showed no significant difference between different rs11614913 genotypes (p = 0.5).

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrated that miR-196a rs11614913 is associated with T1DM and decreased expression of miR-196a2 may play a role in pathogenesis of T1DM.
Phenylketonuric patients represent their disease
Authors: Iakovou Kostas , Schulpis Kleopatra 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder resulting in high phenylalanine (Phe) blood concentrations due to the deficiency of the hepatic enzyme Phe hydroxylase. High Phe levels are currently treated with diet, thus avoiding mental retardation, psychomotor delay, etc. The aim of this study was to find out the self-presentation of the disease by the patients.

Methods
A total number of 110 patients self-represented their disease: food allergy (Phe allergy) n = 34/110 (30.9%), health problems n = 31/110 (28.2%), severe health problems n = 26/110 (23.6%), very severe health problems n = 19/110 (17.3%). The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC III) psychometric test was utilized for the evaluation of IQ scores of each participant. A special questionnaire was used focusing on quality of life (QL), social discrimination (SD) and anxiety or depression (AD).

Results
IQ scores were found to be higher in food allergy self-represented patients than those of the other tested groups. The lowest IQ scores were observed in those who represented very severe disease. QL, SD and AD were not observed in the food allergy groups. On the contrary, those who self-presented as very severe diseased patients felt high a disturbance of QL, SD and AD.

Conclusions
The food allergy group seemed to be a very clever excuse for adhering to PKU treatment resulting in high IQ scores and absence of the mentioned upsets. In contrast, in the other groups of patients’ IQ scores were found to be lower than that of food allergy group. Damage of QL, SD, AD were also apparent.
Severe craniofacial trauma after multiple pistol shots
Authors: Haller Ingrid , Lederer Wolfgang , Glodny Bernhard , Wiedermann Franz J. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
A 48-year-old woman suffered from life-threatening injuries in head and chest caused by six pistol shots fired at close range in an attempted homicide. We report here on our successful airway management and bleeding control at the scene of crime and the multidisciplinary surgical treatment of the associated head and neurovascular injuries.
Modification of AC Thermal Properties to Mitigate UHI Effects
Authors: Papagiannakis A. T. , Kaphle R. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
An analysis of the asphalt concrete (AC) pavement material properties that affect surface temperatures is presented. These properties affect the contribution to the urban heat island effects. Its goal is to analyze the effect of various alternative aggregate materials, such as limestone, silica, polymer, glass, and graphite, on AC pavement surface temperatures under various environmental conditions. Pavement surface temperatures were analyzed for two extreme weather locations in the United States, namely South Texas and Northern Minnesota. Long-Term Pavement Performance weather data over a year-long period were analyzed for each location using the computer model Temperature Estimate Model for Pavement Structures. The average and range of pavement temperatures were compared at a depth of 0.01 m. It was concluded that the higher the coefficient of thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and albedo of the pavement surface layer, the lower the average and maximum surface temperatures are during the summer months. Graphite was shown as a promising limestone aggregate substitute producing significant reductions in AC surface temperatures. It reduced the peak daily surface temperatures by between 3.5°C and 5°C. On the other hand, the modified AC mixtures showed mechanical properties not quite at par with those of conventional ACs.
Discriminación LGTBI en las aulas
Authors: Martínez Gómez Naira , Giménez García C. , Enrique Nebot J. , Elipe Miravet M. , Ballester Arnal R. 
Published: August 2019

Introducción: A pesar de que los grandes avances sociales, legales y culturales realizados enalgunos países han facilitado una mayor aceptación de la diversidad sexual, el estigma asociado a la homosexualidad todavía juega un papel importante en el ajuste psicosocial de las personas con una orientación sexual alternativa a la heterosexual. Concretamente, estas personas se enfrentan todavía a múltiples barreras de la discriminación debido a su orientación sexual, tanto en el ámbito educativo como en el familiar. Por este motivo, el objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las actitudes homofóbicas entre los adolescentes, así como el grado de victimización debido a la orientación sexual. Método: A tal fin, 87 estudiantes de secundaria (49.4% chicas; 50.6% chicos) con edades entre los 13 y 16 años (M=13,34; D.T.=,567) cumplimentaron un cuestionario ad-hoc sobre discriminación hacía el colectivo LGTBI. Resultados: En primer lugar, se observan diferencias significativas en función del género en cuanto al nivel de discriminación homofóbica (t=2,47; p=,015): en concreto, los chicos muestran un mayor nivel de discriminación hacia personas LGTBI (M de57,56 en chicos frente a 49,34 en chicas [rango de 21 a 105]). En esta misma línea, ninguna de las chicas dijo haberse burlado de una persona LGTBI, frente al 13.2% de los chicos que afirmó haberlo hecho (X2=5,35; p=,040). Analizando en concreto las distintas formas de discriminación homofóbica, afirmaciones donde los participantes obtuvieron una media mayor fueron “la mayoría de hombres gays que son insultados lo provocan por la forma en la que hablan, actúan o se visten” y “uno de los problemas con la discriminación es que algunas mujeres lesbianas no pueden aguantar una broma” 2,70 y 2,24 respectivamente [rango de 1 a 5]). En el extremo contrario, un porcentaje también significativamente mayor de hombres reportó haber sufrido amenazas (15,2% hombres y 0% en mujeres [X2=5,41; p=,020]) o burlas (10,5% y 0% [X2=4,22; p=,040]) debido a su orientación sexual. Conclusiones: Teniendo en cuenta los resultados, se propone elaborar estrategias para concienciar a los jóvenes heterosexuales acerca de su responsabilidad como aliados en la lucha por el respeto hacia personas LGTBI; así como en la prevención de la discriminación. Asimismo, se evidencia también la necesidad de elaborar estrategias para promover espacios seguros en centros educativos y abordar las situaciones derivadas del bullying homofóbico
Violencia derivada de la orientación sexual en adultos mayores
Authors: Nebot Garcia Juan Enrique , Martínez Gómez Naiara , Castro Calvo Jesús , Gil Juliá Beatriz , Ballester Arnal Rafael 
Published: August 2019

Introducción: Las personas con una orientación sexual alternativa a la heterosexual han sufrido y siguen sufriendo discriminación por parte de sectores de la sociedad reacios a la aceptación de la diversidad, lo que en ciertos casos se traduce en agresiones verbales o físicas. La socialización y educación heteronormativa parecen estar detrás, lo que explicaría que las personas mayores (es decir, las que vivieron y se educaron en un momento histórico donde la sociedad era menos tolerante con la diversidad afectivo-sexual) hayan sido victimizadas en mayor medida. Sin embargo, la violencia hacia este colectivo permanece todavía silente y apenas disponemos de estadísticas que ofrezcan una imagen fidedigna de esta realidad. Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer qué porcentaje de personas mayores ha sufrido violencia debido a su orientación sexual. Metodología: 449 españoles de entre 40-70 años (M=47,21; DT=6,75) participaron en este estudio (51,7% hombres; 48,3% mujeres). En cuanto a la orientación, el 90,2% se autodefinía heterosexual, el 3,8% homosexual y el 6% bisexual. Todos ellos cumplimentaron un cuestionario ad hoc sobre orientación sexual y discriminación. En concreto, la discriminación se evaluó a través de dos preguntas: «¿Has sufrido alguna vez alguna agresión verbal debido a tu orientación sexual?» y «¿Has sufrido alguna vez alguna agresión física debido a tu orientación sexual?», ambas dicotómicas(«Sí» / «No»).Resultados: Entre homosexuales, un 85,7% de hombres y un 33,3% de mujeres ha sufrido violenciaverbal debido a su orientación sexual; asimismo, un 21,4% de hombres habría sufrido ademásagresiones físicas, frente al 0% de mujeres homosexuales. En cuanto a las personas bisexuales,un 18,8% de hombres y un 9,1% de mujeres habría recibido violencia verbal, pero ninguno referiríaagresiones físicas. Finalmente, el porcentaje de personas heterosexuales que refiere haber sufridoagresiones verbales por su orientación sexual es de apenas un 3,5% en hombres y un 1,5% enmujeres, y sólo un 1% de mujeres refiere agresiones físicas. Las diferencias en el porcentaje deagresiones físicas y verbales en función de la orientación sexual alcanzan en ambos casos el nivelp<.001.Conclusiones: Estos resultados confirman los importantes niveles de discriminación sufridospor las personas mayores con una orientación sexual alternativa a la heterosexual, sobre todo porlos hombres homosexuales. Así, de igual modo que instituciones y asociaciones desarrollan programaspara prevenir la violencia LGTBI en jóvenes, se debería abordar la victimización entre adultosmayores, lo que minimizaría el impacto psicosocial en este colectivo.
Signos y síntomas de adicción al cibersexo en adultos mayores
Authors: Castro Calvo Jesus , Gil Juliá B. , Enrique Nebot J.E. , Cervigón Carrasco V. , Ballester Arnal R. 
Published: August 2019

El uso de Internet con objetivos sexuales resulta una práctica cada vez más generalizada en cualquier etapa vital. Si bien en la mayoría de casos el consumo se realiza de forma recreativa, en ocasiones éste puede sobrevenir compulsivo, incontrolado y asociado a un deterioro funcional en diversos ámbitos (adicción al cibersexo). Conocer los síntomas que caracterizan este cuadro clínico constituye una prioridad; sin embargo, disponemos de un pobre conocimiento acerca de su expresión en adultos mayores. Así, este trabajo se planteó con un doble objetivo: 1) analizar la prevalencia de adultos mayores en riesgo de desarrollar o que muestran un perfil patológico de uso del cibersexo y 2) elaborar un perfil de signos y síntomas que lo caracterizan en esta población. Con este objetivo, 538 personas (77% hombres) mayores de 60 años (M=65.3) completaron a través de Internet una serie de escalas de conducta sexual online. El 73.2% afirmaba utilizar internet con objetivo sexual. Entre ellos, el 80.4% lo hacía de forma recreativa y el 19.6% restante mostró un consumo de riesgo. Entre los principales síntomas, destacó la percepción de interferencia (presente en el 50% de los pacientes), pasar >5 horas semanales en Internet con fin sexual (50%), reconocer que pueden estar haciéndolo excesivamente (51%) o la presencia de síntomas de abstinencia (ansiedad, irritabilidad, depresión, etc.) cuando no pueden acceder a contenidos sexuales (24%). Así, este trabajo destaca la necesidad de visibilizar la actividad sexual online de riesgo en un colectivo silente y normalmente al margen de cualquier intervención para la promoción de la salud sexual online.