bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating steroid levels as correlates of adipose tissue phenotype in premenopausal women
Authors: Marchand Geneviève B. , Carreau Anne-Marie , Laforest Sofia , Côté Julie-Anne , Daris Marleen , Cianflone Katherine , Prehn Cornelia , Adamski Jerzy , Tchernof André 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background
Obesity-related alterations in the circulating steroid hormone profile remain equivocal in women. Our objective was to identify circulating steroid levels that relate to increased adiposity and altered adipose phenotype in premenopausal women.

Materials and methods
In a sample of 42 premenopausal women [age 46 ± 3 years; body mass index (BMI) 27.1 ± 4.2 kg/m2], 19 plasma steroids were quantified by electrospray ionization-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (ESI-LC-MS/MS). Body composition and fat distribution were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and computed tomography (CT), respectively. Markers of adipose tissue function including adipocyte size distributions, radiological attenuation and macrophage infiltration were also analyzed in surgically obtained visceral and subcutaneous fat samples.

Results
Many negative correlations were observed between adiposity measurements such as BMI, body fat percentage or total abdominal adipose tissue area and plasma levels of androstenedione (Δ4) (r = −0.33 to −0.39, p ≤ 0.04), androsterone (ADT) (r = −0.30 to −0.38, p ≤ 0.05) and steroid precursor pregnenolone (PREG) (r = −0.36 to −0.46, p ≤ 0.02). Visceral adipocyte hypertrophy was observed in patients with low PREG concentrations (p < 0.05). Visceral adipose tissue radiologic attenuation, a potential marker of adipocyte size, was also positively correlated with PREG levels (r = 0.33, p < 0.05). Low levels of PREG were related to increased number of macrophages infiltrating visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
Plasma levels of androgens and their precursors are lower in women with increased adiposity and visceral adipocyte hypertrophy. Low circulating PREG concentration may represent a marker of adipose tissue dysfunction.
NOx process inhibition and energy efficiency improvement in new swirl modification device for steel slag based on coal combustion
Authors: Guo Junxiang , Zhang Lingling , Cang Daqiang , Qi Liying , Dai Wenbin , Wei Rufei 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this study, a novel swirl combustion modified device for steel slag was designed and enhanced with the objective of achieving highly efficient and clean coal combustion and also for achieving the whole elements utilization of coal. Coal ash and steel slag were melted in the combustion chamber and subsequently entered the slag chamber. The detrimental substances solidified and formed crystals, which allowed for the comprehensive utilization of the ash and slag. Our experiments mainly aimed to mitigate the formation of NOx, while using the heat and slag simultaneously during the coal combustion without a combustion efficiency penalty. The increase in the device’s energy efficiency and reduction in the NOx emissions are important requirements for industrialization.
The experiments were carried out in an optimized swirling combustion device, which had a different structure and various coal feeding conditions in comparison to previously reported devices. The fuel-staged and non-staged combustion experiments were compared under different coal ratios (bitumite:anthracite). For the fuel-staged combustion experiments, the NOx concentration in the flue gas was observed to decrease significantly when the coal ratio of 1:1, an excess air coefficient of 1.2, and a fuel-staged ratio of 15:85 were used. Under these conditions, the flue gas temperature was as high as 1,620°C, while the NOx concentration was as low as 320 mg/m3 at 6 % O2. The air-surrounding-fuel structure that formed in the furnace was very beneficial in reducing the formation of NOx. In comparison to other types of coal burners, the experimental combustion device designed in this study achieved a significant reduction of NOx emissions (approximately 80 %).
Exertional rhabdomyolysis in carbonic anhydrase 12 deficiency
Authors: Avital Dekel , Hershkovitz Eli , Loewenthal Neta 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
Carbonic anhydrase 12 (CA12) deficiency, a newly recognized rare disorder, has been described among Israeli Bedouin kindred as an autosomal recessive form of isolated salt wasting in sweat, which leads to severe infantile hyponatremic dehydration, visible salt precipitation after sweating, poor feeding and slow weight gain in infancy.

Case presentation:
We present two adolescents diagnosed with CA12 deficiency who developed severe rhabdomyolysis as a result of physical activity in a hot climate.

Conclusions:
This presentation highlights a previously unreported but significant clinical complication of this disorder and emphasizes the persistent risk of excessive salt loss via sweat and a need for certain precautions, such as increased salt intake and avoidance of prolonged and/or strenuous exercise.
Definition of reference ranges for β-isomerized carboxy-terminal telopeptide collagen type I for children and adolescents
Authors: de Melo Veronica C.P. , Ferreira Paulo R.S. , Ricardi Lucelia O. , Batista Marcelo C. , França Carolina N. , Ferreira Carlos E. dos S. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
Bone metabolism involves many complex pathways that are disturbed by several bone diseases. The literature shows some limitations concerning pediatric reference intervals to bone markers, mainly because of the low number of patients included in the studies, the heterogeneity of methods, beyond the fact that it is time-consuming and expensive. The aim of this study was to determine reference values for β-isomerized carboxy-terminal telopeptides collagen type I (β-CTX), a marker of bone resorption, for children and adolescents.

Methods:
Blood samples from 246 patients were collected and β-CTX was measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLI).

Results and conclusions:
We propose reference ranges for β-CTX concentration from the 2.5 percentile and 97.5 percentile for each age group. The reference values obtained, concerning children and adolescents, might be useful in the evaluation of diseases such as osteosarcoma and anorexia in both childhood as adolescence.
Risk of hypoglycemia in youth with type 2 diabetes on insulin
Authors: Shahid Madhia , Shaibi Gabriel Q. , Baines Hayley , Garcia-Filion Pamela , Gonzalez-Garcia Zoe , Olson Micah 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground:The objective of this study was to ascertain the risk of hypoglycemia among youth with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on insulin therapy.Methods:Twenty-two youth with T2D on insulin therapy (M=12, F=10, age=14.4±4.0 years) were enrolled from a single pediatric endocrine practice. They were followed-up for 3 months with weekly phone calls and monthly in-person visits to review blood glucose logs and document any signs or symptoms of hypoglycemia (defined as finger stick glucose of ≤70 mg/dL). Episodes of hypoglycemia were categorized into five categories: severe, documented symptomatic, asymptomatic, probable symptomatic and relative hypoglycemia. In addition to examining the risk of hypoglycemia, the degree to which hypoglycemia was associated with patient demographics (e.g. age, gender and body mass index [BMI]) or clinical factors (i.e. duration of diabetes, duration of insulin treatment, glycemic control or insulin dose and regimen) was determined.Results:Nine hypoglycemic events occurred during the study period in five patients with an incidence rate of nine events per 5.3 patient-years. Of the hypoglycemic events, five were symptomatic and four were asymptomatic. No severe hypoglycemic events occurred. Hypoglycemia was not associated with age, ethnicity, duration of insulin treatment, insulin dose or initial hemoglobin (HbA1c). However, a significant difference in BMI was noted, with T2D youth who experienced hypoglycemia having a lower BMI than those who did not experience hypoglycemia.Conclusions:The results of this study suggest that the risk of hypoglycemia in youth with T2D on insulin therapy is low.
Initial presentations and associated clinical findings in patients with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Milyani Asmaa Adel , Al-Agha Abdulmoein Eid , Al-zanbagi Mashael 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
The objective of this study was to investigate the initial presenting features of children with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

Methods:
This is a descriptive retrospective study over a period of 5 years. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science.

Results:
Ambiguous genitalia (AG) was the commonest initial presentation marking 50.7% of the patients. On the other hand, 33.3% presented with a salt-losing crisis, 4.1% of whom presented with shock, while 14.5% had a combined presentation of both AG and a salt-losing crisis.

Conclusions:
CAH should be highly suspected in all females born with AG. Contrarily, affected male newborns more frequently present with a salt-losing crisis, and considering the recent institution of newborn screening in Saudi Arabia, earlier detection in these children is anticipated.
Constacyclic codes over 𝔽pm[u1,u2,⋯,uk]/〈ui2=ui,uiuj=ujui〉
Authors: Zheng Xiying , Kong Bo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we study linear codes over ringRk= 𝔽pm[u1,u2,⋯,uk]/〈ui2$\begin{array}{} u^{2}_{i} \end{array} $=ui,uiuj=ujui〉 wherek≥ 1 and 1 ≤i,j≤k. We define a Gray map fromRkntoFpm2kn$\begin{array}{} R_{k}^n\,\,\text{to}\,\,{\mathbb F}_{p^m}^{2^kn} \end{array} $and give the generator polynomials of constacyclic codes overRk. We also study the MacWilliams identities of linear codes overRk.
Topological entropy for positively weak measure expansive shadowable maps
Authors: Lee Manseob , Oh Jumi 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this paper, we consider positively weak measure expansive homeomorphisms and flows with the shadowing property on a compact metric space X. Moreover, we prove that if a homeomorphism (or flow) has a positively weak expansive measure and the shadowing property on its nonwandering set, then its topological entropy is positive.
DFT computations on vibrational spectra: Scaling procedures to improve the wavenumbers
Authors: Palafox M. Alcolea 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The performance of ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) methods in calculating the vibrational wavenumbers in the isolated state was analyzed. To correct the calculated values, several scaling procedures were described in detail. The two linear scaling equation (TLSE) procedure leads to the lowest error and it is recommended for scaling. A comprehensive compendium of the main scale factors and scaling equations available to date for a good accurate prediction of the wavenumbers was also shown. Examples of each case were presented, with special attention to the benzene and uracil molecules and to some of their derivatives. Several DFT methods and basis sets were used. After scaling, the X3LYP/DFT method leads to the lowest error in these molecules. The B3LYP method appears closely in accuracy, and it is also recommended to be used. The accuracy of the results in the solid state was shown and several additional corrections are presented.
Potential thermally activated delayed fluorescence properties of a series of 2,3-dicyanopyrazine based compounds
Authors: Gümüş Ayşegül , Gümüş Selçuk 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
2,3-Dicyanopyrazine based acceptor was combined with a series of well studied donors to obtain donor-acceptor type potential thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters. Their structural and electronic properties were computed theoretically at the level of density functional theory and time dependent density functional theory with the application of two different hybrid functionals and various basis sets. Almost all of the designed structures were computed to have the potential of being TADF compounds since they possess very narrow singlet-triplet gaps. Indeed, acridine-pyrazine (9) derivative was calculated to be the best candidate for the purpose among them.
Wastes generated by automotive industry – Spent automotive catalysts
Authors: Rzelewska Martyna , Regel-Rosocka Magdalena 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, and platinum are classified as platinum group metals (PGM). A demand for PGM has increased in recent years. Their natural sources are limited, therefore it is important, and both from economical and environmental point of view, to develop effective process to recover PGM from waste/secondary sources, such as spent automotive catalysts. Pyrometallurgical methods have always been used for separation of PGM from various materials. However, recently, an increasing interest in hydrometallurgical techniques for the removal of precious metals from secondary sources has been noted. Among them, liquid-liquid extraction by contacting two liquid phases: aqueous solution of metal ions and organic solution of extractant is considered an efficient technique to separate valuable metal ions from solutions after leaching from spent catalysts.
Circulating microparticles in patients after ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Botao , Cai Wang , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Hui , Tang Ke , Zhang Qi , Wang Ximo 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Microparticles (MPs), a class of cell products with biological activities, have been found to participate in a series of vascular activities. The aim of this article is to investigate the changes in the concentrations of MPs after ischemic stroke by meta-analysis. According to pre-established criteria, a strict screening of articles was performed through the Medline and Embase databases. Subsequently, the included studies were subjected to quality assessment and data extraction. Finally, a meta-analysis was performed on seven major outcomes from 985 noncerebrovascular disease controls and 988 ischemic stroke patients. The pooled concentrations of total MPs (TMPs), endotheliocyte-derived MPs (EMPs), platelet-derived MPs (PMPs), erythrocyte-derived MPs (RMPs), leukocyte-derived MPs (LMPs), and monocyte-derived MPs (MMPs) were significantly increased in the ischemic stroke patients compared to the noncerebrovascular disease controls, with the results as follows: TMPs [standardized mean difference (SMD), 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.26–1.97; p=0.01], EMPs (SMD, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.67–1.13; p<0.00001), PMPs (SMD, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.69–1.60; p<0.00001), RMPs (SMD, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.57–1.71; p<0.0001), LMPs (SMD, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.74–2.10; p<0.0001), and MMPs (SMD, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.59–1.60; p<0.0001). However, the pooled concentration of lymphocyte-derived MPs (LyMPs) demonstrated no significant difference between the patients and the controls (SMD, 0.22; 95% CI, −0.19 to 0.63; p=0.29). The available data indicated that the circulating MPs, except for LyMPs, play an important role in the development and prognosis of ischemic stroke.
Lues Maligna as an Initial Presentation of Underlying HIV Infection in a Homosexual Man
Authors: Bjekić Milan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLues maligna is a rare ulcerative form of secondary syphilis. This clinical entity is predominantly found in patients living with HIV or AIDS. We report a case of a 32-year-old homosexual man with diffuse non-pruritic, papular skin lesions, ulcerated nodules and plaques disseminated on the face, trunk and extremities. The rash was followed by fever, malaise and joint pains. Serological tests for syphilis were positive. The patient was treated with intramuscular penicillin and the lesions resolved completely. Lues maligna was an initial presentation of underlying HIV infection. The HIV seropositivity was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Due to the increased number of syphilis cases and frequent HIV co-infection in Serbia, dermatologists must be able to recognize this condition based on clinical characteristics and risk factors and to diagnose and treat it promptly.
ThedominoSWI2/SNF2 Gene Product Represses Cell Death inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Ellis Kaitlyn , Wardwell-Ozgo Joanna , Moberg Kenneth H , Yedvobnick Barry 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe Drosophila domino locus encodes DNA-dependent ATPases of the SWI2/SNF2 class. This class of chromatin remodeler is associated with an array of cellular activities encompassing transcription, replication, repair and recombination. Moreover, domino was observed initially to maintain a repressive chromatin state via genetic interaction studies with homeotic genes. Although domino mutations were also characterized with a cell death phenotype, its association with a death pathway has not been investigated. Here we have used targeted RNA interference to depress domino function in the wing. Resultant wing damage phenotypes were found to be enhanced through overexpression of pro-apoptotic loci, and suppressed through loss of function of these loci. Loss of wing margin and blade tissue was correlated with activation of the effector Caspase Dcp-1, a marker for apoptosis. The affected wing regions also exhibited lower levels of the DIAP1 protein, an inhibitor of apoptosis. The lower level of DIAP1 protein was not correlated with an effect on the activity of a DIAP1 gene transgenic reporter (thread-LacZ), suggesting that loss of DIAP1 occurred post transcriptionally. In some cases excessive cell proliferation within the targeted tissue, measured through BrdU incorporation, was also observed. Finally, we used a transgenic reporter construct to monitor the chromatin state upstream of the proapoptotic reaper locus. In genotypes exhibiting targeted domino loss and wing phenotypes, we observed increased reporter activity only in the affected areas. These data support the conclusion that domino normally functions to maintain pro-apoptotic genes in a repressed state.
CLINICAL ASPECTS OF ETHYLMETHYLHYDROXYPYRIDINE SUCCINATE IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH CARDIOVASCULAR PATHOLOGY
Authors: Martemianova E. G. 
Published: May 2018

Aim. To evaluate efficacy and safety of original ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate (Mexidol) in cardiological patients ≥75 year old.Material and methods. In the observational study, according to ethical standards of Khelsinki Declaration, with informed consent, 24 patients participated, age 75­88 y. o. Inclusion criteria: age ≥75 y. o.; already diagnosed coronary heart disease (CHD) and/or chronic heart failure (CHF); Mexidol usage. Exclusion criteria: absent informed consent, severe comorbidities. Mean age of the patients at inclusion 80,33±4,06 y. o.; 16 (66,7%) females and 8 (33,3%) males. Patients consequently visited office of cardiologist with the diagnoses: chronic CHD (I25.0­I25.9), CHF with preserved systolic function (I50.0­I50.9). All patients were consulted by neurologist, had an established diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease (I65­67). To reduce the symptoms of frailty, among the neurologist recommendations, with accordance to routine clinical practice, the original Mexidol was included. Mexidol was prescribed by a scheme of manufacturer: intravenous infusions 500 mg x 5 days, then per os 125 mg t. i.d.; overall treatment — 8 weeks.Results. Statistically significant results were noted in 6 months from the study start. There was significant increase of 6 minute walking distance in men from 304,00±87,09 to 388,63±92,28 m (р=0,01), in women from 346,06±56,81 to 427,69±76,87 m (р=0,003); also there were less signs of frailty. No one patient showed significant worsening of the condition; during the overall follow­up, patients did not call emergency or primary care physicians and did not hospitalize.Conclusion. In comorbidity patients aged ≥75 y. o. at Mexidol treatment, there was increase of 6­minute walking test distance, decrease of asthenia signs, that witness for the medication efficacy. All patients showed good tolerability of the drug that witness for safety. Obviously, there are broad trials needed to sum up a gerontological algorithm of CHD and CHF patient management in outpatient setting.
A new genus of anthophorine bees from Brunei (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Engel Michael S. 
Published: May 2018

A new genus of anthophorine bees (Apinae: Anthophorini) is described and figured from a remarkable female collected in eastern Brunei (northern Borneo). Varthemapistra edentata Engel, new genus and species, is most similar to species of Habrophorula Lieftinck, which occur in southeastern China, and Elaphropoda Lieftinck, found broadly across Southeast Asia. Habrophorula and the new genus both have the third submarginal cell broad anteriorly and posteriorly. Unique among anthophorines, V. edentata has a simple female mandible, while other Anthophorini have bidentate or tridentate mandibles. The genus is described and figured, and a revised key to the genera of Anthophorini provided.
An Assessment of the Probability of Subsurface Contamination of Aquifers From Oil and Gas Wells in the Wattenberg Field, Modified for Water-Well Location
Authors: Stone C. H. , Fleckenstein W. W. , Eustes A. W. 
Published: May 2018

Summary
The United States National Science Foundation has funded a sustainability-research network focused on natural-gas development in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. The objective of this specific study is the assessment of the use of existing water wells to monitor the risk of contamination by the migration of fracturing fluids or hydrocarbons to freshwater aquifers. An additional objective of the study is to modify existing risk estimates using the spatial relationships between the existing water wells and producing oil wells. This will allow estimates of single-barrier failure and multiple-barrier failure, resulting in contamination projections for oil and gas wells in areas without surrounding water wells to detect migration, dependent on well-construction type.
Since 1970, the Wattenberg Field in Colorado has had a large number of oil and gas wells drilled. These wells are interspaced tightly with agricultural and urban development from the nearby Denver metropolitan area. This provides a setting with numerous water wells that have been drilled within this area of active petroleum development. Data from 17,948 wells drilled were collected and analyzed in Wattenberg Field, allowing wells to be classified by construction type and analyzed for barrier failure and source of aquifer contamination. The assessment confirms that although natural-gas migration occurring in poorly constructed wellbores is infrequent, it can happen, and the migration risk is determined by the well-construction standards. The assessment also confirms that there has been no occurrence of hydraulic-fracturing-fluid contamination of freshwater aquifers through wellbores. The assessment determines both the spatial proximity of oil and gas wells and surface-casing depth to water wells to then determine the utility of water wells to monitor migration in oil wells.