bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solar urticaria, a disease with many dark sides: is omalizumab the right therapeutic response? Reflections from a clinical case report
Authors: De Martinis Massimo , Sirufo Maria Maddalena , Ginaldi Lia 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Solar urticaria is a rare type of photodermatosis that significantly reduces the quality of life of the subjects affected, with a risk of anaphylaxis should the entire body be exposed to the sun. Patients are forced to modify and limit their normal activities, and since the symptoms are triggered by exposure to sun, which is difficult if not impossible to avoid in everyday life, a safe and effective therapy appears to be essential.
Unfortunately, traditional therapies in a discrete number of patients are unable to provide adequate and safe answers.
We describe the case of an 18-year-old woman who began to manifest the first symptoms walking under the spring sunshine. A few minutes after sun exposure, itching and burning sensation began, followed immediately by erythema appearance in the photoexposed skin areas.
She was treated with non-sedating H1-blocking antihistamines and leukotriene antagonist with no success, so we decided to treat with omalizumab.
The satisfactory response after the failure of previous standard therapeutic strategies, confirms the effectiveness of this molecule in the treatment of solar urticaria, which despite what reported in several studies, has not yet been recognized and authorized by the competent Health Authorities in the treatment of this condition.
Binge eating disorder and related features in bariatric surgery candidates
Authors: Cella Stefania , Fei Landino , D’Amico Rosa , Giardiello Cristiano , Allaria Alfredo , Cotrufo Paolo 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Objective
The present study sought to: 1) assess the prevalence of Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and abnormal eating behaviors in bariatric surgery candidates; 2) compare patients with and without BED as regards to eating disturbances, psychological characteristics, and health status; 3) individuate which factors were significantly related to binge eating severity.

Methods
Sixty-three preoperative patients (17 males and 46 females) were screened by means of an ad hoc socio-demographic schedule, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Eating Disorders Inventory-3, the Binge Eating Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire-28. BED diagnosis was performed through a clinical interview.

Results
BED and disordered eating, such as episodes of binge eating, sense of lack of control over eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors, appear common in patients undergoing weight loss surgery. Significant differences between BED and non-BED subjects in relation to eating disturbances and psychological characteristics emerged. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only emotional dys-regulation significantly predicted binge eating vulnerability.

Conclusion
The recognition of factors involved in the development and maintenance of disordered eating in bariatric patients may support the choice of particular therapeutic strategies and improve bariatric surgery outcome. Further studies on this issue would be useful.
Correlation between iPTH levels on the first postoperative day after total thyroidectomy and permanent hypoparathyroidism: our experience
Authors: Canu Gian Luigi , Medas Fabio , Longheu Alessandro , Boi Francesco , Docimo Giovanni , Erdas Enrico , Calò Pietro Giorgio 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Permanent hypoparathyroidism is the most common long-term complication after thyroidectomy. We evaluated whether iPTH concentrations on the first postoperative day may be a good predictor of this complication.
Patients undergoing thyroidectomy in our Unit between January 2017 and February 2018 who developed postsurgical hypoparathyroidism were analysed. According to iPTH values on the first postoperative day and on the basis of the detection threshold of the iPTH test used, patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A (iPTH < 6.3 pg/mL, undetectable), Group B (iPTH ≥ 6.3 pg/mL).
Seventy-five patients were included in this study: 64 in Group A and 11 in Group B. Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 14 (21.88%) patients in Group A, while none developed this complication in Group B. When iPTH was < 6.3 pg/mL, the sensitivity for the prediction of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 100%, the specificity was 18.03%, the positive predictive value was 21.88% and the negative predictive value was 100%.
No patient with iPTH ≥ 6.3 pg/mL on the first postoperative day developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. On the other hand, iPTH concentrations < 6.3 pg/mL have not proved to be a strong predictor of this condition. However, this cut-off value can be useful to identify patients at risk of developing this complication.
Suffering from cerebral small vessel disease with and without metabolic syndrome
Authors: Matić Tatjana Bošković , Toncev Gordana , Gavrilović Aleksandar , Aleksić Dejan 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and metabolic syndrome were separately associated with cognitive impairment and depression. However, whether metabolic syndrome adds to cognitive impairment and depression in patients who already have CSVD remained unanswered.

Objective
The aim of our study was to investigate the association of metabolic syndrome with cognitive impairment and depression in patients with CSVD who have lacunar lesions or white matter hyperintensities.

Methods
This prospective cohort study was conducted at Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center, Kragujevac, Serbia. Main outcomes of the study were cognitive assessment, and assessment of depression among hospitalized patients with or without CSVD.

Results
The study included 74 inpatients, 25 of them having lacunary infarctions, 24 with the white matter hyperintensities, and 25 control patients without CSVD. The CSVD was accompanied by impairment of cognition and depression, the patients with lacunary lesions being more cognitively impaired and more depressive than the patients with the white matter hyperintensities. The patients with CSVD who also had metabolic syndrome were more cognitively impaired and depressed than the patients with CSVD alone.

Conclusions
In conclusion, our study showed that metabolic syndrome is associated with further worsening of already impaired cognition and existing depression in patients with CSVD.
A meta-analysis of robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy versus laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Qunsuo , Wang Songtao 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) for the treatment of localized prostate cancer.

Methods
Meta-analysis was applied using Review Manager V5.3 software and the retrieved clinical trials comparing RALP with LRP for the treatment of localized prostate cancer published from 2000 to 2018 in PubMed, Ovid, ScienceDirect, and EMBASE datasets were analyzed.

Results
This meta-analysis included 16 articles, totaling 7952 patients, with 5170 RALP patients and 2782 LRP patients. Meta-analysis showed that RALP postoperative complications were fewer (P=0.0007), and the postoperative urinary continence rate was better at 1 year after surgery (P<0.00001). There was no statistical significance between RALP and LRP with regards to the positive incidence of surgical margin (P = 0.18).

Conclusion
As an emerging technology, RALP is superior to LRP for localized prostate cancer treatment in terms of postoperative complications, and postoperative urinary continence rate.
Recent Advances in Squaraine Dyes for Bulk-Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Yao , Zhu Weigang , Wu Jianglin , Huang Yan , Facchetti Antonio , Marks Tobin J. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Squaraine (SQ) dyes are an important class of electron-donating (donors or p-type) semiconductors for organic solar cells (OSC) due to their facile synthetic access, broad optical absorption with high oscillator strengths, and chemical robustness. Blending them with compatible electron-acceptors (acceptors or n-type) yields OSC devices known as bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) small molecule donor organic solar cells (SMD-OSCs). Through extensive research on materials design, synthesis, characterization, and device optimization over the past ˝ve years, SMD-OSCs employing SQ-based structures have achieved remarkable increases in device power conversion e˚ciency (PCE), now approaching 8%. Although these PCEs have not yet equaled the performance of state- of-the art donor polymers and some other SMD semiconductors, SQ-based OSC progress highlights successful and generalizable strategies for small molecule solar cells that should lead to future advances. In this review, recent developments in SQ-based OSCs are discussed and analyzed.
The Problem of Causality in Object-Oriented Ontology
Authors: Davies C.J. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Object-oriented ontologists understand relations of cause and effect to be sensory or aesthetic in nature, not involving direct interaction between objects. Four major arguments are used to defend an indirect view of causation: 1) that there are analogies between perception and causation, 2) that the indirect view can account for cases of causation which a direct view cannot, 3) an Occasionalist argument that direct interaction would make causation impossible, and 4) that the view simply fits better with object-oriented ontology’s own premises. However, each argument is fallacious or otherwise unconvincing. The first affirms the consequent. The second fails because the relevant cases can easily be accounted for with a direct view. The third makes false assumptions about the relation between parts and wholes. And the fourth can also be used to argue against object-oriented ontology. Many of these problems can be traced to the methodological aspects of object-oriented ontology and might be avoided by emphasizing the role of non-argumentative justification in metaphysics.
Effects mediated by M2 muscarinic orthosteric agonist on cell growth in human neuroblastoma cell lines
Authors: Lucianò Anna Maria , Mattei Francesca , Damo Elisa , Panzarini Elisa , Dini Luciana , Tata Ada Maria 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The role of muscarinic receptors has been largely documented over the past few decades. Recently we demonstrated that the activation of M2 muscarinic receptors arrested cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in glioblastoma and in other tumour types. This paper aims to evaluate the expression of the M2 muscarinic receptor subtypes in different neuroblastoma cell lines and its role in the control of cell proliferation and survival. Neuroblastoma is the most common solid extracranial tumour, appearing during childhood and displaying a differentiated clinical behaviour. Considering the high homology between muscarinic receptor subtypes, we have identified Arecaidine Propargyl Ester (APE) as a selective orthosteric agonist for M2 muscarinic receptors. Using this agonist, we demonstrate how a selective activation of the M2 receptor subtype negatively modulates cell growth without affecting cell survival in different human neuroblastoma cell lines. As similarly demonstrated in other cell types, following the M2 receptor silencing by short-interference RNA, the effects of APE are completely abolished. We conclude by confirming the ability of APE to bind selectively M2 muscarinic receptor subtypes. Moreover, for the first time we demonstrate that M2 receptor activation inhibits cell growth also in human neuroblastoma cells, indicating that M2 receptors may be an interesting therapeutic target in several solid tumours.
Wave propagation time optimization for geodesic distances calculation using the Heat Method
Authors: Wróblewski Artur , Andrzejczak Jarosław 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Finding the geodesic path defined as the shortest paths between two points on three-dimensional surface P is a well known problem in differential and computational geometry. Surfaces are not differentiable in a discrete way, hence known geometry algorithms can’t be used directly - they have to be discretized first. Classic algorithms for geodesic distance calculation such as Mitchell-Mount-Papadimitriou method (MMP) are precise but slow. Therefore modern solutions are developed for fast calculations. One of them is Heat Method which approximates such paths with some accuracy. In this paper we propose the extension of Heat Method to reduce the approximation error. A new formula for calculating value of the parameter t (wave propagation time step) which outperforms the original one in terms of mean and median error is presented. Also, correlation between mesh properties and best wave propagation time step as well as influence of variable node spacing on heat map based method were thoroughly analysed.
Formulation of heat conduction and thermal conductivity of metals
Authors: Chebbi Rachid 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The well-known low-pressure monatomic gas thermal conductivity expression is based on the Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution and involves the mean particle velocity, the gas heat capacity at constant volume and the particle mean free path. The extension of the formula to a free electron Fermi gas, using the Fermi velocity along with the Sommerfeld electronic heat capacity, was demonstrated in the literature using the Boltzmann transport equation. A different formulation of heat conduction in sufficiently pure metals, yielding the same formula for the thermal conductivity, is provided in the present investigation using the free electron Fermi gas energy distribution with the thermal conductivity determined from the net heat transfer occurring due to random motions of the free electrons in the presence of temperature gradient. Potential applications of this approach include extension of the present kinetic model incorporating quantum effects to cases in which electron scattering occurs such as in nanowires and hollow nanowires.
Preparation of novel nano composite materials from biomass waste and their sorptive characteristics for certain radionuclides
Authors: Attallah Mohamed F. , Youssef Maha A. , Imam Diaa M. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The aim of this work is directed to prepare nanoparticles of egg shell hydroxyapatite-humic acid (ESHAP-HA) as a novel composite material. FTIR, EDX, TEM, XRD, and SEM identified it. Sorption characteristic studies on ESHAP-HA at different pH of solutions, shaking time, initial ion concentration and complexing agent were performed at 152,154Eu, 99Mo and 63Ni. The results were demonstrated that selectivity removal of 152,154Eu (~96 %) rather than 99Mo (8.5 %) and 63Ni (26.7 %). The sorption capacity of 152,154Eu(III), 63Ni(II) and 99Mo(VI) are 80.1, 12.5 and 2.3 mg/g, respectively, onto the ESHAP-HA nanoparticles. Application on the eclectic removal of 152,154Eu from mixed radionuclides (152,154Eu, 60Co, and 137Cs) solution has been evaluated. It concluded that the prepared ESHAP-HA composite material is a promising and recommended for separation of radio lanthanides and/or actinides (such as Am) from nuclear liquid waste and/or contaminated aquatic environmental.
Development of methods for the preparation of radiopure 82Se sources for the SuperNEMO neutrinoless double-beta decay experiment
Authors: Rakhimov Alimardon V. , Barabash A. S. , Basharina-Freshville A. , Blot S. , Bongrand M. , Bourgeois Ch. , Breton D. , Breier R. , Birdsall E. , Brudanin V. B. , Burešova H. , Busto J. , Calvez S. , Cascella M. , Cerna C. , Cesar J. P. , Chauveau E. , Chopra A. , Claverie G. , De Capua S. , Delalee F. , Duchesneau D. , Egorov V. G. , Eurin G. , Evans J. J. , Fajt L. , Filosofov D. V. , Flack R. , Garrido X. , Gomez H. , Guillon B. , Guzowski P. , Hodák R. , Holý K. , Huber A. , Hugon C. , Jeremie A. , Jullian S. , Karaivanov D. V. , Kauer M. , Klimenko A. A. , Kochetov O. I. , Konovalov S. I. , Kovalenko V. , Lang K. , Lemière Y. , Le Noblet T. , Liptak Z. , Liu X. R. , Loaiza P. , Lutter G. , Maalmi J. , Macko M. , Mamedov F. , Marquet C. , Mauger F. , Minotti A. , Mirsagatova A. A. , Mirzayev N. A. , Moreau I. , Morgan B. , Mott J. , Nemchenok I. B. , Nomachi M. , Nova F. , Ohsumi H. , Oliviero G. , Pahlka R. B. , Pater J. R. , Palušová V. , Perrot F. , Piquemal F. , Povinec P. , Pridal P. , Ramachers Y. A. , Rebii A. , Remoto A. , Richards B. , Ricol J. S. , Rukhadze E. , Rukhadze N. I. , Saakyan R. , Sadikov I. I. , Salazar R. , Sarazin X. , Sedgbeer J. , Shitov Yu. A. , Šimkovic F. , Simard L. , Smetana A. , Smolek K. , Smolnikov A. A. , Snow S. , Söldner-Rembold S. , Soulé B. , Špavorova M. , Štekl I. , Tashimova F. A. , Thomas J. , Timkin V. , Torre S. , Tretyak Vl. I. , Tretyak V. I. , Umatov V. I. , Vilela C. , Vorobel V. , Warot G. , Waters D. , Zampaolo M. , Žukauskas A. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
A radiochemical method for producing 82Se sources with an ultra-low level of contamination of natural radionuclides (40K, decay products of 232Th and 238U) has been developed based on cation-exchange chromatographic purification with reverse removal of impurities. It includes chromatographic separation (purification), reduction, conditioning (which includes decantation, centrifugation, washing, grinding, and drying), and 82Se foil production. The conditioning stage, during which highly dispersed elemental selenium is obtained by the reduction of purified selenious acid (H2SeO3) with sulfur dioxide (SO2) represents the crucial step in the preparation of radiopure 82Se samples. The natural selenium (600 g) was first produced in this procedure in order to refine the method. The technique developed was then used to produce 2.5 kg of radiopure enriched selenium (82Se). The produced 82Se samples were wrapped in polyethylene (12 μm thick) and radionuclides present in the sample were analyzed with the BiPo-3 detector. The radiopurity of the plastic materials (chromatographic column material and polypropylene chemical vessels), which were used at all stages, was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The radiopurity of the 82Se foils was checked by measurements with the BiPo-3 spectrometer, which confirmed the high purity of the final product. The measured contamination level for 208Tl was 8–54 μBq/kg, and for 214Bi the detection limit of 600 μBq/kg has been reached.
Quantitative Analysis of Historic Mortars by Digital Image Analysis of Thin Sections
Authors: Middendorf Bernhard , Schade Tim , Kraus Karin 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
In restoration work, the compatibility between old and new building material is the key point for sustainable repair of buildings or monuments. Consequently, conservation scientists are looking for an alternative method to the traditional procedures to determine the aggregate grading curve and the binder/aggregate-ratio of the historic material. The problem of using the traditional methods is the frequent major intervention in an existing building. These destructive methods are not allowed. Whereas, to get information about the historic mortar, a new technique, the digital image analysis (DIA), is applied in this paper. Moreover, small amounts of the historic material have already been prepared as thin sections and analysed with a microscope. Modern microscopy techniques allow investigations of quantitative and qualitative composition of historic material. Incentive of this work was to get all the required information to recreate the historic mortar by using the DIA with an open source program only at one thin section. In addition, to examine the accuracy and the significance of the DIA, all results were compared with a known mixture, and in a second test series, the results of the DIA were compared with the traditional methods. The results show that the DIA of thin sections of a historic mortar is highly effective for analysing decisive factors like the binder/aggregate-ratio and the grading curve of the aggregates. Furthermore, it is possible to analyse the mortar only by having one thin section using an open source program ImageJ. Especially in the case of carbonate rock as aggregate, DIA is the only method to analyse these characteristics of a mortar.
Suitability of Flash Media for the Long-Term Storage of Information
Authors: Iraci Joe 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Flash storage media such as memory cards and USB flash drives are now commonly used to transfer and store information. However, little is known about the long-term stability of this type of media and this is a concern for archives and other institutions as they begin to receive content stored on these devices. In this study, the stabilities of a variety of different flash media were examined. The evaluation was performed by using accelerated ageing at 85 °C and 85 % relative humidity (RH) and 125 °C for ageing intervals up to 2000 hours. Measurements were also performed on samples previously subjected to accelerated ageing and then naturally aged for five years to verify the results from the accelerated ageing experiments. Overall, the stability of flash media was very good. For many of the samples, no read errors were encountered after accelerated or natural ageing. However, for several of the high capacity flash card samples and USB flash drives, significant decreases in read speed were noted. This can be problematic because it will eventually lead to read errors. It was established that for the USB samples this instability was likely attributed to the use of the less stable TLC (triple-level cell) memory chip.
An overview on role of some trace elements in human reproductive health, sperm function and fertilization process
Authors: Mirnamniha Mahdiyeh , Faroughi Fereshteh , Tahmasbpour Eisa , Ebrahimi Pirooz , Beigi Harchegani Asghar 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHuman semen contains several trace elements such as calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) which are necessary for reproductive health, normal spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, motility and capacitation, as well as normal sperm function. In this review, the potential role of these trace elements in male reproductive health, normal function of spermatozoa and fertility potency were considered. We selected and reviewed articles that considered crucial roles of trace elements in human sperm function and fertility. Ca is essential for sperm motility and its hyperactivation, sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction, as well as sperm chemotaxis. Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are involved in sperm motility and capacitation. Mg is necessary for normal ejaculation, spermatogenesis and sperm motility. Zn is one of the most significant nutrients in human semen. Seminal deficiency of Zn can be associated with delayed testicular development, impaired spermatogenesis, deficiency of sex hormones, oxidative stress and inflammation, and apoptosis. Se is another significant element which has antioxidative properties and is essential for spermatogenesis and the maintenance of male fertility. Mn is a potent stimulator for sperm motility; however, increased level of seminal plasma Se can be toxic for sperm. Like Se, Cu has antioxidative properties and has a positive effect on sperm parameters. Decreased level of these trace elements can negatively affect human reproductive health, semen quality, sperm normal function and as the result, fertility potency in men. Measurement of these trace elements in men with idiopathic infertility is necessary.