bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thyroid Hormone Action and Energy Expenditure
Authors: Yavuz Sahzene , Salgado Nunez del Prado Silvia , Celi Francesco S 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEnergy metabolism is one of the most recognized targets of thyroid hormone action, which indeed plays a critical role in modulating energy expenditure in all of its components. This is because thyroid hormone receptors are ubiquitous, and thyroid hormones interact and influence most metabolic pathways in virtually all systems throughout the entire life of the organism. The pleiotropic actions of thyroid hormone are the results of interaction between the local availability of T3 and the signal transduction machinery, which confer in physiologic conditions time and tissue specificity of the hormonal signal despite negligible variations in circulating levels. Historically, the measurement of energy expenditure has been used as the gold standard for the clinical assessment of the hormonal action until the advent of the immunoassays for TSH and thyroid hormone, which have since been used as proxy for measurement of thyroid hormone action. Although the clinical correlates between thyroid hormone action and energy expenditure in cases of extreme dysfunction (florid hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) are well recognized, there is still controversy on the effects of moderate, subclinical thyroid dysfunction on energy expenditure and, ultimately, on body weight trajectory. Moreover, little information is available on the effects of thyroid hormone replacement therapy on energy expenditure. This mini review is aimed to define the clinical relevance of thyroid hormone action in normal physiology and functional disorders, as well the effects of thyroid hormone therapy on energy expenditure and the effects of changes in energy status on the thyroid hormone axis.
Pubertal and Adult Testicular Functions in Nonclassic Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Case Series and Review
Authors: Ishii Tomohiro , Hori Naoaki , Amano Naoko , Aya Misaki , Shibata Hirotaka , Katsumata Noriyuki , Hasegawa Tomonobu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractLipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH) is caused by mutations in STAR and characterized by a defect in steroidogenesis and lipid droplet accumulation in steroidogenic cells. Patients with 46,XY and classic LCAH will typically present with female-type external genitalia. However, those with nonclassic LCAH will have masculinized external genitalia. The rarity of the nonclassic form has precluded the clarification of the long-term outcomes of testicular function in nonclassic LCAH. We report the cases of three adult males with nonclassic LCAH in whom primary adrenal insufficiency had been diagnosed at 5 days, 4 years, and 5 years of age. All exhibited complete male external genitalia and had completed pubertal development without androgen replacement. The endocrinological data showed preserved gonadal function in patients 1 and 2 and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in patient 3. Semen analyses showed normozoospermia in patient 1 and mild oligozoospermia in patient 2. Electron microscopic analysis of a testicular biopsy specimen from patient 2 at 13 years of age revealed prominent lipid accumulation in the cytosol of Leydig cells. Patients 1 and 2 shared the same compound heterozygous mutations in STAR (p.Glu258* and p.Arg272Cys). Patient 3 possessed a heterozygous dominant-negative mutation in STAR (p.Gly22_Leu59del). A functional assay of a variant STAR-Arg272Cys determined the residual activity as 35% of the wild-type STAR. The results from the present case series and a review of four previously reported adult cases indicate that testosterone synthesis can be preserved in most males with nonclassic LCAH to complete pubertal development and induce germ cell maturation despite lipid accumulation in the Leydig cells.
Lateralizing Asymmetry of Adrenal Imaging and Adrenal Vein Sampling in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Wada Norio , Shibayama Yui , Yoneda Takashi , Katabami Takuyuki , Kurihara Isao , Tsuiki Mika , Ichijo Takamasa , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Kawashima Junji , Sone Masakatsu , Yoshimoto Takanobu , Matsuda Yuichi , Fujita Megumi , Kobayashi Hiroki , Tamura Kouichi , Kamemura Kohei , Otsuki Michio , Okamura Shintaro , Naruse Mitsuhide ,   JPAS/JRAS Study Group
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Context
In patients with primary aldosteronism (PA), it remains unclear whether aldosterone-producing adenomas are likely to develop in the left or right adrenal gland.

Objective
To investigate left-right differences of PA laterality diagnoses via CT imaging and adrenal vein sampling (AVS).

Design
Retrospective, observational study.

Patients
From the Japan Primary Aldosteronism Study, 1493 patients with PA were enrolled who underwent CT and ACTH-stimulated AVS.

Measurements
Left or right adrenal nodular lesion distribution and laterality observed on CT scans and from AVS were noted.

Results
Both on CT scans and AVS, unilateral results were observed more frequently on the left side than on the right side (25.1% vs 15.4% and 17.3% vs 13.5%, respectively; P < 0.01for both diagnostic techniques). There was no significant difference in the concordance rate for CT and AVS between patients with left and right unilateral nodular lesions observed on CT scans (44.1% and 50.9%, respectively; P = 0.15). In patients with nodules <20 mm, the concordance rate was significantly greater on the right side than the left side (45.8% vs 56.4%; P = 0.03). In patients with bilateral results of AVS, unilateral nodular lesions were detected more frequently on the left side than the right side (17.8% vs 9.4%; P < 0.01).

Conclusion
These results suggest aldosterone-producing adenomas and nonfunctioning tumors are more likely to develop on the left side in patients with PA and that misdiagnosis of CT-based lateralization may occur more frequently on the left side.
Gene expression of Interleukin-18 in rheumatoid arthritis patients on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy
Authors: Khalid Sabeen , Yousaf Muhammad Javad , Rashid Amir , Khan Saleem Ahmad 
Published: May 2019

Background & Objectives: The hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis is the inflammation that is mediated by the macrophages and monocytes that cause release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-18. It is highly expressed in serum of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and has a positive association with disease activity. The aim of this study was to analyze the gene expression of interleukin-18 in rheumatoid arthritis patients on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy.
Methods: The cross sectional comparative study is conducted at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Center for Research in Experimental and Applied Medicine (CREAM-1Lab), Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with Rheumatology Department, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. Study was conducted on two groups consisting of Group-I of rheumatoid arthritis patients on diseases modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and control Group-II comprising of normal healthy individuals. Non-probability purposive sampling was done from patients and controls. The duration of study was one year i-e from November 2015 to November 2016. Relative quantification of gene expression of interleukin-18 was done by Real time PCR using ∆∆CT method.
Results: Expression analysis for interleukin-18 showed down regulation of gene in rheumatoid arthritis patients as compared to controls.
Conclusion: Interleukin-18 gene shows down regulation in rheumatoid arthritis patients on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs therapy.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.1070
How to cite this:Khalid S, Yousaf MJ, Rashid A, Khan SA. Gene expression of Interleukin-18 in rheumatoid arthritis patients on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(3):802-806. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.1070
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Effects of whole body vibration on cardiac autonomic function and exercise capacity in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Maia Tuíra O , Paiva Dulciane N , Filho Dário C Sobral , Cavalcanti Frederico CB , Rocha Livia G , Macedo Júnior Aluísio RA , de Melo Marinho Patrícia Érika 
Published: May 2019

Background/Aims Whole body vibration is an exercise alternative that can be used in the rehabilitation of renal transplant recipients with the aim of reducing cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of whole body vibration training on heart rate variability, cardiorespiratory parameters and functional capacity on five renal transplant recipients. Methods Renal transplant recipients underwent whole body vibration exercise twice a week for a total of 12 weeks. All participants were monitored using the 24-hour Holter to evaluate the heart rate variability domains. An exercise test to evaluate maximal oxygen consumption and the distance walked in the Six-Minute Walk Test to evaluate functional capacity were also recorded. Results Overall, two of the five transplant recipients improved sympathovagal balance at the end of the study. Maximal oxygen consumption improved in three transplanted patients, and the distance walked improved for two patients. The results showed that whole body vibration training improved heart rate variability and maximal and submaximal test performance in some transplanted recipients. Conclusion The 12-week training protocol with twice weekly whole body vibration sessions was sufficient to improve heart rate variability and the performance of maximal and submaximal tests in some renal transplant recipients, although the responses were heterogeneous for the considered variables. Whole body vibration may be an alternative to conventional means of physical exercise because it causes minimal cardiovascular stress, which could be especially indicated for this population given the risk presence of arrhythmias and sudden death; therefore studies with better designs need to be developed in order to verify the effectiveness of this intervention.
Reshaping representation of race relations in the age of new media: A case study of Chapeltown in Leeds, UK
Authors: Raja Irfan 
Published: May 2019

This study examines the role and the impact of new media in the Chapeltown area of Leeds in the North of England. Drawing on in-depth interviews and personal observations, it traces incredible illustrations of mutual cooperation among people of different faiths and ethnicities who come together to celebrate Carnival and Vaisakhi and enjoy food during Ramadan in the local mosques. Also, it finds that despite the differences among communities of various cultural and religious backgrounds, the takeaway lesson here in Chapeltown is that communities can be united for a common goal. For instance, people can struggle side-by-side to overcome social ills and challenge negative press by effectively using new media technologies.
This study argues that most sections of the British press need to review their attitude towards ethnic minorities that is to change the reporting approach and practice investigative journalism.
Review of the history of Chapeltown’s early migrants, the British Jews, suggests that high levels of education and becoming part of the mainstream literacy circles in both universities and mainstream media can improve the representation of ethnic minorities. Furthermore, unless members of the ethnic minorities become part of the mainstream media it will be difficult for them to improve their media representation.
Práticas Abusivas em face do Consumidor Endividado
Authors: Neto Luiz Mesquita de Almeida 
Published: May 2019

O presente artigo estuda o tema das cláusulas gerais do Direito Civil, especialmente a boa-fé objetiva e a vedação ao abuso de direito. Como método, propõe uma abordagem indutiva, a partir da coleta de dados por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica. O objetivo é fundamentar teoricamente o combate às práticas abusivas em face do consumidor endividado e, por outro lado, verificar quais são as principais práticas abusivas documentadas nesse contexto. O artigo propõe a hipótese, que se confirma ao final, de que o superendividamento tem alterado o preenchimento da cláusula geral da boa-fé objetiva, com a criação de novos deveres anexos ao fornecedor na contratação do crédito, bem como modificando o conteúdo efetivo da vedação ao abuso de direito, com o reconhecimento de novas práticas abusivas em face do consumidor endividado.
TRADISI LITERASI DI PERGURUAN TINGGI ISLAM: PANDANGAN DAN MOTIVASI PARA PENULIS JURNAL AL-AHWAL UIN SUNAN KALIJAGA YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Syafei Ermi Suhasti , Hadi Samsul , Habudin Ihab 
Published: May 2019

This article discusses the level of literacy traditions in Indonesia, especially with regard to the publication of comparatively low scientific journal articles. Psychologically, one that affects the level of scientific journal publications relates to the motivation of the authors. This article describes the views and motivations of authors of the Al-Ahwal Journal: Journal of Islamic Family Law, one of the nationally accredited journals (Rank two), published by Islamic Family Law Study Program, Syari'ah Faculty and Law, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. Sources of research data were 30 respondents as article writers and 2 speakers. The data is analyzed through a psychological perspective, using motivational theories developed by Abraham Maslow and Alderfer. The study revealed that the motivation to write articles in journals is not based on the fulfillment of physiological needs and the need for security as in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, nor is it driven by the existence needs in Alderfer's theory. The writing tradition in Al-Ahwal's journal was motivated more by social needs and self-actualization in Maslow's theory, or based on factors to meet the needs of social relations and self-development as found in Alderfer's theory. [Artikel ini membahas tingkat tradisi literasi di Indonesia, khususnya yang berkaitan dengan publikasi artikel jurnal ilmiah yang relatif rendah. Secara psikologis, yang mempengaruhi tingkat publikasi jurnal ilmiah berkaitan dengan motivasi penulis. Artikel ini menjelaskan pandangan dan motivasi penulis Jurnal Al-Ahwal: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Islam, salah satu jurnal terakreditasi nasional (Peringkat dua), yang diterbitkan oleh Program Studi Hukum Keluarga Islam, Fakultas Syari'ah dan Hukum, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. Sumber data penelitian adalah 30 responden sebagai penulis artikel dan 2 pembicara. Data dianalisis melalui perspektif psikologis, menggunakan teori motivasi yang dikembangkan oleh Abraham Maslow dan Alderfer. Studi ini mengungkapkan bahwa motivasi untuk menulis artikel di jurnal tidak didasarkan pada pemenuhan kebutuhan fisiologis dan kebutuhan akan keamanan seperti dalam hierarki kebutuhan Maslow, juga tidak didorong oleh kebutuhan yang ada dalam teori Alderfer. Tradisi penulisan dalam jurnal Al-Ahwal lebih termotivasi oleh kebutuhan sosial dan aktualisasi diri dalam teori Maslow, atau berdasarkan faktor untuk memenuhi kebutuhan hubungan sosial dan pengembangan diri seperti yang ditemukan dalam teori Alderfer.]
Dynamic D-Vine Copula Model with Applications to Value-at-Risk (VaR)
Authors: Tófoli Paula V. , Ziegelmann Flávio A. , Candido Osvaldo , Valls Pereira Pedro L. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Vine copulas are multivariate dependence models constructed from pair-copulas (bivariate copulas). In this paper, we allow the dependence parameters of the pair-copulas in a D-vine decomposition to be potentially time-varying, following a restricted ARMA(1, m) process, in order to obtain a very flexible dependence model for applications to multivariate financial return data. We investigate the dependence among the broad stock market indexes from Germany (DAX), France (CAC 40), Britain (FTSE 100), the United States (S&P 500) and Brazil (IBOVESPA) both in a crisis and in a non-crisis period. We find evidence of stronger dependence among the indexes in bear markets. Surprisingly, though, the dynamic D-vine copula indicates the occurrence of a sharp decrease in dependence between the indexes FTSE and CAC in the beginning of 2011, and also between CAC and DAX during mid-2011 and in the beginning of 2008, suggesting the absence of contagion in these cases. We evaluate the dynamic D-vine copula with respect to Value-at-Risk (VaR) forecasting accuracy in crisis periods. The dynamic D-vine outperforms the static D-vine in terms of predictive accuracy for our real data sets. We also investigate the dynamic D-vine copula in a simulation study and the overall results of the Monte Carlo experiments are quite favorable to the dynamic D-vine copula in comparison with a static D-vine copula.
Analysis of a non-Markovian queueing model: Bayesian statistics and MCMC methods
Authors: Braham Hayette , Berdjoudj Louiza , Boualem Mohamed , Rahmania Nadji 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe stationary distribution is the key of any queueing system; its determination is sufficient to infer the corresponding characteristics. This paper deals with theEr/M/1{\mathrm{Er}/M/1}queue. Bayesian inference is developed to estimate the system parameters, specially the root of the relative equation which allows the determination of the stationary distribution. A numerical study is performed with MCMC methods to support the results, and a comparison with another existing method in the literature (moments method) is provided.
On solving stochastic differential equations
Authors: Ermakov Sergej M. , Pogosian Anna A. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
This paper proposes a new approach to solving Ito stochastic differential equations.
It is based on the well-known Monte Carlo methods for solving integral equations (Neumann–Ulam scheme, Markov chain Monte Carlo).
The estimates of the solution for a wide class of equations do not have a bias, which distinguishes them from estimates based on difference approximations (Euler, Milstein methods, etc.).
Modification of the gut microbiome to combat neurodegeneration
Authors: Sasmita Andrew Octavian 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The gut microbiome was extensively researched for its biological variety and its potential role in propagating diseases outside of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Recently, a lot of effort was focused on comprehending the gut-brain axis and the bizarre communication between the GI system and the nervous system. Ample amount of studies being carried out also revealed the involvement of the gut microbiome in enhancing the degree of many neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. It was widely observed that there were distinct microbiome profiles and dysbiosis within patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. Various approaches to re-establish the balance of the gut microbiome, from antibiotic therapy, fecal microbiota transplant, or ingestion of psychobiotics, are discussed within this review within the specific context of combating neurodegenerative diseases. Present studies and clinical trials indicate that although there is an immense potential of gut microbiome modification to be preventive or therapeutic, there are still many intercalated components of the gut-brain axis at play and thus, more research needs to be carried out to delineate microbiome factors that may potentially alleviate symptoms of neurodegeneration.
Signizing: The root of the functions of the intentional sign
Authors: Jin Yiqiang , Cao Liqin 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Studies on the functions of the sign to date have been inadequate in that they leave unanswered a basic question of semiotics: What are the functions of a simple sign that consists essentially in the relation between two relata? The answer to this question is to be found in the phenomenon called “signize.” For intentional signs at least, all the mental entities can be signized, but only certain kinds of them have a strong signizing value. When these mental entities are signized, they tend to be signized into certain kinds of images. The advantages of these images over those mental entities give rise to certain benefits that, in turn, result in the basic functions of simple intentional signs. These basic functions are the starting point of a systematic study of the hierarchy of functions of intentional sign.
Semiotic and discursive consequences of the cybertextual condition: The case of tragedy
Authors: Vargas-Iglesias Juan J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn recognition of the central place that the concept of tragedy holds in the historical understanding of culture and society, this paper features an analysis of its presence, current state, and value in the digital environments of the postmodern era, with special attention to videogames. Thus, the overcoming of a classic model of tragedy in the cybertextual condition is first determined, along with the discursive dimension underlying said overcoming. To this end a theoretical statement to the issue of tragedy is proposed, from the perspective of the cybertext as procedural rhetoric. This will establish the formulation of a semiotic analytical model that problematizes Greimas’ actantial system under the light of the digital and interactive reality of videogames. To avoid this constraint, we propose to attach a new variable to the base of the generative trajectory: the “configurative synthesis,” product of the so-called “gaming/playing function.” This addition will integrate the figures of the game and the player in the dynamic distinction of the “quasi-Actant.” Finally, a sample of 79 cases will be observed in regards to the implications of the cybertextual notion of tragedy to the narrative and discourse of videogames.
Effect of Welding Processes on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Duplex Stainless Steel Weld Joints
Authors: Korra Nanda Naik , Maduraimuthu V. , Vasudevan M. , Balasubramanian K. R. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The objective of the present investigation involves studying the microstructure and mechanical properties of duplex stainless steel (DSS) alloy 2205 and super DSS (SDSS) alloy 2507 weld joints fabricated by tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and its variant, activated TIG (A-TIG) welding. Square butt weld joints were fabricated from 10-mm-thick plates of DSS and SDSS using single pass A-TIG and multi-pass TIG welding processes. The filler wire ER2209 was used for multi-pass TIG welding of DSS 2205, and ER2594 filler wire was used for multi-pass TIG welding of SDSS 2507. The microstructure in the A-TIG weld metals was found to be coarser, which was caused by high peak temperatures during A-TIG welding. The microstructures exhibited different forms of austenite, including grain boundary allotriomorphs, Widmanstätten side plates, and intragranular precipitates in the weld metal. In the A-TIG weld metals, the microstructure exhibited a balanced ferrite-to-austenite ratio. The hardness values of multi-pass TIG weld joints were higher compared to A-TIG weld joints. The tensile and yield strengths of multi-pass TIG weld joints were higher compared to A-TIG weld joints, which was mainly due to higher delta ferrite content and finer microstructure. The toughness values obtained by Charpy impact testing were higher in A-TIG weld joints compared with multi-pass TIG weld joints at room temperature, which was mainly due to the balanced ferrite-to-austenite ratio in the weld microstructure. However, at subzero temperatures, the A-TIG weld joints exhibit lower impact toughness because of their coarser weld metal structure.