bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using a 10-Year Radar Archive for Nowcasting Precipitation Growth and Decay: A Probabilistic Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Foresti Loris , Sideris Ioannis V. , Nerini Daniele , Beusch Lea , Germann Urs 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMachine learning algorithms are trained on a 10-yr archive of composite weather radar images in the Swiss Alps to nowcast precipitation growth and decay in the next few hours in moving coordinates (Lagrangian frame). The hypothesis of this study is that growth and decay is more predictable in mountainous regions, which represent a potential source of practical predictability by machine learning methods. In this paper, artificial neural networks (ANN) are employed to learn the complex nonlinear dependence relating the growth and decay to the input predictors, which are geographical location, mesoscale motion vectors, freezing level height, and time of the day. The average long-term growth and decay patterns are effectively reproduced by the ANN, which allows exploring their climatology for any combination of predictors. Due to the low intrinsic predictability of growth and decay, its prediction in real time is more challenging, but is substantially improved when adding persistence information to the predictors, more precisely the growth and decay and precipitation intensity in the immediate past. The improvement is considerable in mountainous regions, where, depending on flow direction, the root-mean-square error of ANN predictions can be 20%–30% lower compared with persistence. Because large uncertainty is associated with precipitation forecasting, deterministic machine learning predictions should be coupled with a model for the predictive uncertainty. Therefore, we consider a probabilistic perspective by estimating prediction intervals based on a combination of quantile decision trees and ANNs. The probabilistic framework is an attempt to address the problem of conditional bias, which often characterizes deterministic machine learning predictions obtained by error minimization.
Limited Open Achilles Tendon Repair in Supine Position With Modified Ring Forceps: A Technique Tip
Authors: O’Donnell Seth W. , Velasco Brian , Whitehouse Brianna , Kwon John Y. , Miller Christopher P. 
Published: July 2019

We present a modification to prior Achilles tendon repair techniques that utilizes readily available noncommercial instrumentation, mini-open incisions, and supine positioning, thus maximizing surgical efficiencies and reducing complications. In our experience, this is a safe and effective technique that minimizes anesthetic requirements and operating room time. Levels of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion
Genetic determinants of VWF clearance and FVIII binding modify FVIII pharmacokinetics in pediatric hemophilia A patients
Authors: Swystun Laura L. , Ogiwara Kenichi , Rawley Orla , Brown Christine , Georgescu Ilinca , Hopman Wilma , Labarque Veerle , Male Christoph , Thom Katharina , Blanchette Victor S. , Carcao Manuel D. , Lillicrap David 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Factor VIII (FVIII) pharmacokinetic (PK) properties show high interpatient variability in hemophilia A patients. Although previous studies have determined that age, body mass index, von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag) levels, and ABO blood group status can influence FVIII PK, they do not account for all observed variability. In this study, we aim to describe the genetic determinants that modify the FVIII PK profile in a population of 43 pediatric hemophilia A patients. We observed that VWF:Ag and VWF propeptide (VWFpp)/VWF:Ag, but not VWFpp, were associated with FVIII half-life. VWFpp/VWF:Ag negatively correlated with FVIII half-life in patients with non-O blood type, but no correlation was observed for type O patients, suggesting that von Willebrand factor (VWF) half-life, as modified by the ABO blood group, is a strong regulator of FVIII PK. The FVIII-binding activity of VWF positively correlated with FVIII half-life, and the rare or low-frequency nonsynonymous VWF variants p.(Arg826Lys) and p.(Arg852Glu) were identified in patients with reduced VWF:FVIIIB but not VWF:Ag. Common variants at the VWF, CLEC4M, and STAB2 loci, which have been previously associated with plasma levels of VWF and FVIII, were associated with the FVIII PK profile. Together, these studies characterize the mechanistic basis by which VWF clearance and ABO glycosylation modify FVIII PK in a pediatric population. Moreover, this study is the first to identify non-VWF and non-ABO variants that modify FVIII PK in pediatric hemophilia A patients.
Differences in Steap3 expression are a mechanism of genetic variation of RBC storage and oxidative damage in mice
Authors: Howie Heather L. , Hay Ariel M. , de Wolski Karen , Waterman Hayley , Lebedev Jenna , Fu Xiaoyun , Culp-Hill Rachel , D’Alessandro Angelo , Gorham James D. , Ranson Matthew S. , Roback John D. , Thomson Peter C. , Zimring James C. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Red blood cells (RBCs) are the most numerous cell type in the body and serve a vital purpose of delivering oxygen to essentially all tissues. In addition to the central role of RBCs in health and disease, RBC storage is a requirement for the &gt;90 million units of RBC transfusions given to millions of recipients each year, worldwide. It is well known that there is genetic donor-to-donor variability in how human RBCs store, rendering blood a nonstandardized therapeutic with a wide range of biological properties from unit to unit, by the time it is transfused. As with humans, genetic variation exists in how murine RBCs, from different strains of mice, store and perform after transfusion. The genetic mechanisms for variation, in humans and mice, both remain obscure. Combining advanced metabolomics, genetics, and molecular and cellular biology approaches, we identify genetic variation in six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 3 (Steap3) expression as a critical and previously unrecognized mechanism of oxidative damage of RBCs during storage. Increased levels of Steap3 result in degradation of cellular membrane through lipid peroxidation, leading to failure of RBC homeostasis and hemolysis/clearance of RBCs. This article is the first report of a role of Steap3 in mature RBCs; it defines a new mechanism of redox biology in RBCs with a substantial effect upon RBC function and provides a novel mechanistic determinant of genetic variation of RBC storage.
Antenatal iron supplementation and birth weight in conditions of high exposure to infectious diseases
Authors: Verhoef Hans , Mwangi Martin N. , Cerami Carla , Prentice Andrew M. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
A recent cohort study among Papua New Guinean women surprisingly showed iron deficiency during pregnancy to be associated with increased birth weight. These findings seemingly contradict previous trial evidence that iron supplementation leads to increased birth weight, particularly in iron-deficient women, and hence require explanation.

Main text
We have re-analysed data from a previous trial in Kenya and demonstrated that, because women who were initially iron deficient respond better to iron supplementation, they show an increase in birthweight. There is evidence that this benefit is decreased in iron-replete women, possibly due to the adverse effects of haemoconcentration that can impair oxygen and nutrient transfer across the placenta. The Papua New Guinean results might be explained by a similar differential response to the iron supplements that they all received.

Conclusions
Antenatal iron supplementation should ideally be administered in conjunction with measures to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria given the propensity of pathogenic microorganisms to proliferate in iron-supplemented individuals. However, even where services to prevent and treat malaria are poor, current evidence supports the conclusion that the benefits of universal iron supplementation outweigh its risks.
Please see related article: https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-018-1146-z.
Please see related article: https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-019-1376-8.
Structure of Water and Silica in Ion Exchange Resins
Authors: Yamanaka Koji , Kawakami Masayuki , Kameda Yasuo , Nagasawa Akira 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Dynamic and static structures of water sorbed in ion exchange resins have been investigated by 17O NMR and X-ray diffraction. Rotational motion of water molecules sorbed in ion exchange resins is significantly slowed according mainly to the amount of cross-linkage of polymer which decides the size of micropore surrounded by hydrophobic polymer networks, and not crucially affected by the difference of hydration properties of ion exchange groups. Static structure of water sorbed in anion exchange resin is revealed to be similar to that of pure water, which indicates a clathrate like structure enclosing a hydrophobic tetramethylammonium group. On the other hand the structure of water in cation exchange resin is quite different from that of pure water, but resembles the structure found in aqueous sulfuric acid solution, which is strongly influenced by the highly acidic atmosphere. The structure of silica adsorbed in anion exchange resin has also been observed by X-ray diffraction. Obtained radial distribution function is quite similar to that of bulk silica, which requires the existence of Si-O-Si interaction in quantitative analysis. The present results evidence that silica adsorption in anion exchange resin is not simple ion exchange but combined processes of ion exchange and micro silica gel growth.
Gestante de baixo risco atendidas em um hospital de referência no SUS: quem são e quais as razões?
Authors: Gaioso Elaine Marcelle da Silva , Santos Felipe César Stabnow , Ferreira Adriana Gomes Nogueira , Santos Leonardo Hunaldo dos , Neto Marcelino Santos , Santos Floriacy Stabnow 
Published: July 2019

Justificativa: Toda gestante merece uma assistência pré-natal de qualidade. Objetivo: Traçar o perfil socioeconômico das gestantes de baixo risco atendidas em uma unidade hospitalar identificando os motivos para a não adesão ao pré-natal na Unidade Básica de Saúde. Método: Estudo descritivo com abordagem quantitativa realizado no Hospital Regional Materno Infantil de Imperatriz em Janeiro de 2012. Resultado: O perfil encontrado foi de mulheres brancas (51,5%), casadas (47%), entre 20 e 25 anos (32,5%), ensino médio completo (53%), residentes na zona urbana (90%), renda mensal de um salário mínimo (50%) e sem vínculo empregatício (53,5%).Alegaram não realizar o pré-natal na unidade básica devido a insegurança quanto ao cuidado recebido. Conclusão: Verificou-se a necessidade de medidas que visem à melhoria da qualidade da assistência pré-natal, proporcionando maior segurança no cuidado ao nível primário de atenção.Descritores: Gestação; Cuidado Pré-natal; Unidade Básica de Saúde
Medicamentos homeopáticos e o paradigma da evidência científica
Authors: Holandino Carla 
Published: July 2019

Medicamentos homeopáticos são toda forma farmacêutica de dispensação ministrada segundo o princípio da semelhança e/ou identidade, com finalidade curativa e/ou preventiva. O princípio hipocrático da semelhança foi experimentado por Hahnemann, que assim o definiu em 1796: “Toda substância que administrada em doses ponderais, até mesmo tóxica para o homem de boa saúde, desencadeia distúrbios precisos, torna-se, depois de diluída e agitada, capaz de induzir o desaparecimento desses mesmos distúrbios em indivíduos doentes”. Este é considerado até os dias de hoje o grande paradigma homeopático e, no presente estudo, o discutimos com base na literatura acadêmico-científica. Os trabalhos realizados com diferentes modelos evidenciam que as altas diluições homeopáticas são soluções que possuem atividade farmacológica e que, portanto, não podem ser consideradas placebos. O cenário atual é bastante promissor, uma vez que a qualidade metodológica, assim como a compreensão acerca dos alvos celulares e moleculares disparados pelo estímulo homeopático, têm conferido status científico a esta terapêutica baseada em evidências. O avanço na compreensãodos mecanismos de ação depende de alguns desafios que precisam ser superados, tais como: aumento do número de pesquisadores interessados na compreensão dos sistemas dinamizados; ampliação dos modelos experimentais capazes de registrar alterações físicas, químicas e biológicas disparadas pelos medicamentos homeopáticos; e reprodutibilidade dos resultados experimentais. Estes e outros aspectos devem ser estimulados no ambiente acadêmico e profissional, a fim de romper as barreiras e os paradigmas que se contrapõem ao avanço desta Prática Integrativa e Complementar de Saúde.
Comparative analysis of medical malpractice law
Authors: Nguyen Thi Bao Anh 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
This research presents the background of medical malpractice law, the tort of negligence with fault, tor of negligence without fault and wrongdoer’s in Vietnam in comparison with medical malpractice laws of some European countries. Vietnamese medical malpractice law has some similarities and noticeable differences to the other European countries. In particular, Vietnam has faced the lack of very important regulations in accurately determining the misconduct of medical practitioner such as standard of care, loss of chance, and strict liability. We propose future directions of possible amendments in the Vietnamese medical malpractice law.
Effect of Eucalyptus Oil Added Surfactants on the Rheology of Mucus Gel Simulants
Authors: Banerjee R. , Puniyani R. R. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Eucalyptus oil is a commonly used remedy for common colds. For a substance to be effective therapy in obstructive airway diseases, it must reduce the viscosity of respiratory mucus. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of eucalytpus oil added phospholipid mixtures as possible substitute therapies in diseases of altered mucus viscosity by studying their effect on the viscosity of mucus gel simulants in vitro. Test formulations of surfactants consisting of phospholipid-eucalyptus oil mixtures in the ratio of 1 part of oil to 9 parts of phospholipid were prepared. The phospholipids used were dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). The effects of these phospholipid-eucalyptus oil mixtures on the viscosity of Mucus Gel Simulant (MGS – a polymeric gel consisting mainly of gum tragacanth and simulating respiratory mucus) was studied by application of steady shear rates ranging from 0.512 to 51.2 s−1 in a concentric cylinder viscometer at 37°C. The change in MGS viscosity, after incubation with surfactants, with application of shear rates was found to have a Non-Newtonian flow and to follow the power law model with R2 values > 0.8. The addition of eucalyptus oil-phospholipid mixtures caused a decrease in the MGS viscosity when compared with the effect of the phospholipid alone at both low and high shear rates. The combination of PG with eucalyptus oil and of PG with eucalyptus oil and calcium caused ratios of change in MGS viscosity < 1, i.e. they caused a decrease in the MGS viscosity. Thus, the addition of eucalyptus oil improved the ability of the phospholipids to alter MGS viscosity. The combinations of PG with eucalyptus oil and PG with eucalyptus oil in the presence of calcium were even capable of lowering mucus gel viscosity and should be further researched as possible substitute therapies for diseases of altered mucus viscosity.
Agmatine prevents oxidative-nitrative stress in blood leukocytes under streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bila Ivanna , Dzydzan Olha , Brodyak Iryna , Sybirna Natalia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractChanges in cellular metabolism, development of oxidative-nitrative stress and intensification of glycation and lipid peroxidation (LPO), are significant processes that occur during diabetes mellitus (DM)-associated chronic hyperglycemia. These processes contribute to deviations in the structural organization and functional activity of leukocytes. The development of oxidative-nitrative stress in peripheral blood cells during DM can be prevented by agmatine, an endogenous metabolite of L-arginine, which is a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, and possesses hypoglycemic properties. The administration of agmatine to animals with DM lead to the inhibition of both constitutive and inducible NOS in leukocytes, which in turn decreased total nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels. Additionally, we observed corresponding increases in reduced glutathione content and activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR), along with decreased levels of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and advanced glycosylation end-products (AGEs) as compared to the non-treated diabetic group. Our results indicate that treatment of diabetic animals with agmatine restores redox homeostasis and a balances antioxidant defence system enzymes in leukocytes. This corrective effect on the functional capacity of leukocytes is exerted by preventing oxidative-nitrative stress in animals with DM.
An improved method to isolate primary human osteocytes from bone
Authors: Bernhardt Anne , Wolf Sophie , Weiser Emilia , Vater Corina , Gelinsky Michael 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Osteocytes are of high importance in bone metabolism as they orchestrate bone remodeling, react to mechanosensory stimuli and have endocrine functions. In vitro investigations with osteocytes are therefore of high relevance for biomaterial and drug testing. The application of primary human cells instead of rodent osteocyte cell lines like MLOY4 and IDG SW3 is desirable but provides the challenge of isolating these cells, which are deeply embedded into the mineralized bone matrix. The present study describes an improved protocol for the isolation of human primary osteocytes. In contrast to an already established protocol, resting steps between the demineralization /digestion steps of the bone particles considerably improved the yield of osteocytes. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed the expression of typical osteocyte markers like osteocalcin, E11/podoplanin and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1).
Nursing care and outcome in surgical patients – why do we have to care?
Authors: Nestler Nadja 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNurses have an important role in patient care. They continuously work in very close contact with patients and foster the realization of activities of daily living as well as ensure quality medical treatment. For both, a high educational level is needed. A large proportion of patients with complex health situations involving chronic illnesses and multimorbidities are treated in hospitals with shortened hospital lengths of stay, changing the caring needs and the demands on nursing. Nurses must handle complex nursing tasks for which a higher educational level is indispensable, including the ability to implement evidence-based practice. In addition, studies show a correlation between the educational level of nursing staff and the health outcomes of patients. If there are too few highly educated nurses, there is an increase in patient mortality as well as the risk of patient complications, such as falls. Also, a low number of nursing staff and a high proportion of admissions decrease the quality of nursing and result in unfavorable patient outcomes. Both developments call for the necessity of a changing nursing practice and the possibilities to transform interprofessional work.
Terminalia ferdinandiana, a traditional medicinal plant of Australia, alleviates hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative stress and inflammation, in vitro
Authors: Chaliha Mridusmita , Sultanbawa Yasmina 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Oxidative stress and inflammation are the underlying factors in many chronic debilitating diseases and commonly intertwined. Terminalia ferdinandiana is a traditional medicinal plant, endemic to Australia and is a rich source of many bioactive phytochemicals such as ellagic acid (EA) with known antioxidant capacity.

Methods
We investigated the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of an aqueous food grade EA enriched (EAE) extract of T. ferdinandiana. Caco-2 and KERTr cell lines were treated with EAE or pure EA (used as reference control), followed by the exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and gene expression of molecular markers associated with oxidative stress and inflammation were monitored.

Results
Significant reduction in ROS production was observed in both cell types treated with 100 or 200 µg/mL EA or EAE. Treatment of cells with EAE or EA showed upregulation of mRNA expression of the antioxidative gene superoxide dismutase (SOD)-2 and downregulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), soluble cell adhesion molecule (sICAM), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Neither EAE nor EA had any effect on the constitutively expressed COX1.

Conclusions
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of T. ferdinandiana extract on mammalian cells exposed to H2O2 suggests the potential of using this traditional medicinal plant in preventing oxidative damage and inflammation related diseases.
Prophylactic thyroidectomy in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A in children: a single centre experience
Authors: Garcés Visier Cristina , Espinoza Vega Manuel , Guillén Redondo Pilar , Ollero Fresno Juan Carlos , Souto Romero Henar , Luis Huertas Ana , Espinosa Góngora Rocío , Rico Espiñeira Clara , Bautista Francisco José , Alonso Calderón Jose Lorenzo 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
To describe the complications and long-term results in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A) syndrome in whom a prophylactic thyroidectomy was performed, in relation to the recommendations of the American Thyroid Association (ATA).

Methods
A retrospective study of 14 patients with MEN 2A thyroidectomized between 2000 and 2017. We reviewed demographic, clinical, analytical and radiological data. Postoperative complications and long-term follow-up were analyzed.

Results
We treated eight boys and six girls with a median age of 5 years old (range 2–10). The predominant genetic mutation belonged to codon 634 (8/14, 57.14%). Total thyroidectomy (TT) without cervical lymphadenectomy was performed in all patients. A right upper parathyroidectomy was performed in one patient due to intraoperative suspicion of increased volume. Histological study revealed no alterations. Two patients presented transient hypocalcemia postoperatively and no patient had permanent hypocalcemia or nerve damage. Pathological anatomy confirmed medullary thyroid microcarcinoma in 5/14 patients: all carrying codon 634 mutation and three of them with preoperative basal calcitonin levels <20 pg/mL. No recurrences or metastases have been detected after a mean follow-up of 8 years. A patient with codon 634 mutation developed a unilateral pheochromocytoma at 25 years of age. No patient has presented hyperparathyroidism.

Conclusions
Prophylactic thyroidectomy without cervical lymphadenectomy is an effective and safe preventive treatment in patients with MEN 2A syndrome when it is performed by experienced surgeons in reference centers.
Nuclear and chemical characterization of heavy actinides
Authors: Nagame Yuichiro 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Recent progress in the production of heavy nuclei far from stability and in the studies of nuclear and chemical properties of heavy actinides is briefly reviewed. Exotic nuclear decay properties including nuclear fission of heavy nuclei, measurements of first ionization potentials of heavy actinides, and redox studies of heavy actinides are described. Brief history of discovery of the transuranium elements is also presented.