bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic and prognostic value of presepsin vs. established biomarkers in critically ill patients with sepsis or systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Brodska Helena , Valenta Jiri , Pelinkova Kveta , Stach Zdenek , Sachl Robert , Balik Martin , Zima Tomas , Drabek Tomas 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background:
Inflammatory biomarkers may aid to distinguish between systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) vs. sepsis. We tested the hypotheses that (1) presepsin, a novel biomarker, can distinguish between SIRS and sepsis, and (2) higher presepsin levels will be associated with increased severity of illness and (3) with 28-day mortality, outperforming traditional biomarkers.

Methods:
Procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), presepsin, and lactate were analyzed in 60 consecutive patients (sepsis and SIRS, n=30 per group) on day 1 (D1) to D3 (onset sepsis, or after cardiac surgery). The systemic organ failure assessment (SOFA) score was determined daily.

Results:
There was no difference in mortality in sepsis vs. SIRS (12/30 vs. 8/30). Patients with sepsis had higher SOFA score vs. patients with SIRS (11±4 vs. 8±5; p=0.023), higher presepsin (AUC=0.674; p<0.021), PCT (AUC=0.791; p<0.001), CRP (AUC=0.903; p<0.0001), but not lactate (AUC=0.506; p=0.941). Unlike other biomarkers, presepsin did not correlate with SOFA on D1. All biomarkers were associated with mortality on D1: presepsin (AUC=0.734; p=0.0006; best cutoff=1843 pg/mL), PCT (AUC=0.844; p<0.0001), CRP (AUC=0.701; p=0.0048), and lactate (AUC=0.778; p<0.0001). Multiple regression analyses showed independent associations of CRP with diagnosis of sepsis, and CRP and lactate with mortality. Increased neutrophils (p=0.002) and decreased lymphocytes (p=0.007) and monocytes (p=0.046) were also associated with mortality.

Conclusions:
Presepsin did not outperform traditional sepsis biomarkers in diagnosing sepsis from SIRS and in prognostication of mortality in critically ill patients. Presepsin may have a limited adjunct value for both diagnosis and an early risk stratification, performing independently of clinical illness severity.
Analysis of Control Degrees of Freedom in Batch and Cyclic Processes
Authors: Safari Ayoub , Eslamloueyan Reza 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Recently, we have proposed a new formulation approach for control degree of freedom (CDOF) analysis of process systems. This formula interrelates the CDOF and elements of a process flow diagram (PFD). The formulation is accurate, easily applicable by process engineers, and needs little prior knowledge of the process under study. This paper describes further about this new formulation and its advantages by applying it to batch and cyclic processes. The results demonstrate the correctness of the method in  determining CDOF for all case studies at both steady state and dynamic conditions. The CDOF for “reheat regenerative Rankine” and “vapor absorption refrigeration” cycles have been determined to be 9 and 8, respectively. The steady state CDOF values for the Rankine and refrigeration cycles have been calculated as 8 and 4, respectivley. Also the CDOF for the process of  “heat pump integrated with batch distillation column”  is 4 that verifies the suggested formula of CDOF. The method also gives beneficial insights about the manipulated variables (MVs) in a control system.
In vitro modulation of the cytochrome P450 and ABCB1/P-glycoprotein activities of the aqueous extract of Allophylus cominia (L) Sw. leaves
Authors: Pérez Carlos L. , Donato Maria T. , Hernández Ivones , Paz Lopes Miriam T. , Marrero Evangelina , Herrera Jose A. , Gómez-Lechón Maria J. , Rodeiro Idania 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:The aqueous extract of theMethods:Considering the herb–drug interaction, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of theResults:The extract did not decrease the cell viability after being assayed by the MTT test at up to 1500 μg/mL for 72 h. The exposure of the cultured rat hepatocytes to the product (up to 250 μg/mL) for 48 h increased the activities of CYP-1A2, 2C9, and 2E1 by 1.46-, 1.60-, and 1.51-fold, respectively, compared with the controls. The activities of CYP-2B6, 2D6, and 3A4 were not significantly altered, whereas the activity of P-gp decreased by 2- and 4-fold. In addition, the extracts at 100 and 200 μg/mL significantly increased doxorubicin cytotoxicity in these cells 24 h after treatment.Conclusions:The findings indicate that the
Static and non-linguistic quantitative indicators to evaluate Japanese comic dialogues of Manzai
Authors: Maeshiro Tetsuya 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper proposes the use of quantitative indicators to evaluate the comedic success of Japanese “Manzai” performances without using semantic processing or time sequence information. The validity of the proposed indicators was verified by predicting the rankings of the final rounds and decision matches of ten M1 Grand Prix, a national-level humor contest in Japan, using leave-one-out cross validation. The results demonstrate that the proposed indicators are able to predict the ranking of Manzai championships as the mean prediction precision was 0.58 (rank correlation) for final rounds, and 0.70 (champion prediction accuracy) for the decision matches.
Ammonia Leaching of Zinc from Low-grade Oxide Zinc Ores Using the Enhancement of the Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Li Shiwei , Li Haoyu , Chen Weiheng , Peng Jinhui , Ma Aiyuan , Yin Shaohua , Zhang Libo , Yang Kun 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Irradiated roast treatment and the ammonia leaching processing were conducted to deal with the low-grade oxide zinc ores. The ZnCO3 phase was hard to be attended, which was the reason for the low leaching rate of the complicated zinc ores. The mineral phase transformation of the ZnCO3 phase was generated after the ores irradiated in the microwave at the temperature of 673 K. The irradiated ores generated more small particles, it was the reason that the leaching rate of the complicated zinc ores was increased. When the leaching processing of the irradiated roasted ores was conducted under the conditions of the total ammonia concentration of 6 mol/L, the liquid to solid phase ratio of 11:1, the leaching temperature of 298 K, the leaching time of 150 min and the stirring speed of 400 rpm, 88.3 % of zinc could be achieved, which was the maximum leaching rate of the irradiated ores.
Voltage Sag due to Pollution Induced Flashover Across Ceramic Insulator Strings
Authors: Reddy B Subba , Goswami Arup Kumar 
Published: November 2017

AbstractVoltage sag or voltage dips are significant to industrial reliability. There is a necessity to characterize the feeder level power quality (PQ) and the PQ performance among various utility companies. Contamination/pollution induced flashover is the ultimate consequence of the creeping discharges across the insulator strings which induce voltage sag. These have a severe threat on the safe and reliable operation of power systems. In the present work an attempt has been made to experimentally investigate the occurrence of voltage sag/dips during pollution induced flashovers. Results show significant dip/sag in the voltage magnitude during the flashover process.
Blockchains and the crypto city
Authors: Potts Jason , Rennie Ellie , Goldenfein Jake 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Drawing on economic transaction
cost theory, this paper explores how blockchain and
distributed ledger technology could shift the smart city agenda by altering
transaction costs with implications for the coordination of infrastructures
and resources. Like the smart city the crypto city
utilizes data informatics, but can be coordinated
through distributed rather than centralized systems. The
data infrastructure of the crypto city can enable civil society to run local
public goods and services, and facilitate economic and
social entrepreneurship.
A self-portrayal of GI Junior Fellow Matthias Weidlich: Event-driven analysis of service processes
Authors: Weidlich Matthias 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In domains such as e-commerce, logistics, or healthcare, the conduct of
service processes is widely supported by information systems and event
data is generated continuously during process execution. Such event data
constitutes a valuable source of information to monitor and improve the
respective service processes.
My research focuses on models and methods to support event-driven analysis of
service processes. Specifically, I study how event
logs produced by information systems are used to automatically construct models
for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Aiming at online assessment and
predictive analysis of a process' behaviour, I develop monitoring techniques
that utilise streams of event data produced by diverse sources. Architectures
that enable efficient handling of event streams are another
focal point of my research. In this article, I outline some of the
related research questions and highlight my recent results in these areas.
Antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol extract from the Icacina senegalensis root bark
Authors: Akuodor Godwin C. , Nwobodo Ndubuisi N. , Megwas Anthony U. , Akpan Joseph L. , Nwachukwu Daniel C. , Asika Ebere C. , Chilaka Kingsley C. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background:
The Icacina senegalensis root bark is traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in Nigeria. To date, no scientific study has substantiated or refuted this claim.

Methods:
The antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol root bark extract were investigated in rats and against some selected diarrhea-causing microorganisms.

Results:
The extract significantly decreased the frequency of castor oil-induced diarrhea, and inhibited the masses and volumes of intestinal fluid accumulation in the castor oil-induced enteropooling method. The distance travelled by the charcoal meal was also decreased by the extract gastrointestinal transit method. The extract also strongly inhibited the growth of some selected microorganisms.

Conclusions:
The ethanol extract of the I. senegalensis root bark showed antidiarrheal activity, thus justifying its long folkloric use in diarrhea treatment. The extract also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against selected diarrheal causing organisms.
Efficacy and safety of percutaneous administration of dihydrotestosterone in children of different genetic backgrounds with micropenis
Authors: Xu Dan , Lu Liangsheng , Xi Li , Cheng Ruoqian , Pei Zhou , Bi Yunli , Ruan Shuangsui , Luo Feihong 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:Exogenous androgen supplement is an optional treatment for micropenis; however, its use in childhood is controversial due to potential side effects.Methods:Twenty-three children (mean age: 4.07±3.4 years) with micropenis of unknown causes harboring the 46,XY karyotype were recruited in an open prospective study. Androgen receptor (Results:Two patients were found withConclusions:Short term and local application of DHT at low doses in patients with micropenis could accelerate penile growth effectively without evident side effects; however, precautions still need be taken due to the paucity of long term study and the lack of ideal DHT dosage.
Mutation analysis of the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene and prenatal diagnosis of phenylketonuria in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Wang Lin , Wang Xiaobin , He Bin , Cai Na , Li Wei , Lou Chao , Xin Shuwen , Wu Qiuhua , Yu Wenwen , Qiang Rong 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:This study aims to investigate the spectrum and frequency of phenylalanine hydroxylase (Methods:Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing analyses were performed to examine theResults:Pedigree analysis suggested that the [c.158G>A([p.R53H)][IVS7+2T>A] mutation was located at the same chromatid. However, there was a controversial viewpoint that thought the c.158G>A(p.R53H) variant was a polymorphism in the Chinese. We also found one novel indel mutation and identified the c.59_60delAGinsCC mutation of theConclusions:gene analysis is a crucial method for PKU diagnosis and prenatal genetic prognosis, even though many uncommon mutations would affect the analysis and diagnosis of genetic abnormalities.
The role of enterovirus infections in type 1 diabetes in Tunisia
Authors: Boussaid Imen , Boumiza Asma , Zemni Ramzi , Chabchoub Elyes , Gueddah Latifa , Slim Ines , Ben Hadj Slama Foued 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:Enteroviral infections have long been suspected in having a role in β cell destruction and therefore leading to the onset of clinical type 1 diabetes (T1D). The frequency of enterovirus (EV)-related T1D in North Africa is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between infection with EV and T1D in Tunisia.Methods:A total of 95 T1D patients (41 children and 54 adults) and 141 healthy control subjects (57 children and 84 adults) were tested for the presence of EV-RNA by a highly sensitive nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method.Results:EV-RNA was detected more frequently in plasma from diabetic patients than in plasma of controls (31.6% vs. 7.8%, p<0.0001; OR=5.45; 95% CI 2.44–12.43). RT-PCR revealed positive in 53.7% of T1D children and 14.8% of T1D adults. There was a statistically significant difference between children and adults with T1D (p<0.0001). Positivity of EV-RNA according to the time after the occurrence of the disease did not show any significant difference (p=0.34). Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies were not associated with EV-RNA (p=0.65).Conclusions:EV-RNA is associated with T1D mellitus in the Tunisian population especially in children. These results support the hypothesis that EV act as environmental risk factors for T1D.
How often are clinicians performing genital exams in children with disorders of sex development?
Authors: Tica Stefani S. , Eugster Erica A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:We sought to determine the frequency with which genital exams (GEs) are performed in children with disorders of sex development (DSD) and ambiguous genitalia (AG) during routine visits to the pediatric endocrine clinic.Methods:Medical records of children with DSD and AG seen at one large academic center since 2007 were reviewed. Data analyzed included diagnosis, sex of rearing, age, initial or follow up visit, number of individuals present and sex of the pediatric endocrinologist. Repeated measures analysis was performed to evaluate associations between GEs and patient/physician factors.Results:Eighty-two children with DSD and AG who had a total of 632 visits were identified. Sex of rearing was female in 78% and the most common diagnosis was congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) (68%). GEs were performed in 35.6% of visits. GEs were more likely in patients with male sex of rearing (odds ratio [OR] 17.81, p=0.006), during initial vs. follow-up visits (OR 5.99, p=0.012), and when the examining endocrinologist was female (OR 3.71, p=0.014). As patients aged, GEs were less likely (OR 0.76, p<0.0001).Conclusions:GEs were performed in approximately one-third of clinic visits in children with DSD and AG. Male sex of rearing, initial visits and female pediatric endocrinologist were associated with more frequent GEs.
A newborn with combined pituitary hormone deficiency developing shock and sludge
Authors: Ueda Yasuhiro , Aoyagi Hayato , Tajima Toshihiro 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA male neonate was born at 41 weeks of gestation with a birth weight of 3320 g. Artificial respiratory management was required due to respiratory disturbance 1 h after birth, and subsequently catecholamine-refractory low cardiac output-induced shock occurred. Severe combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) was considered based on the presence of his respiratory disturbance, hypoglycemia and micropenis. After hydrocortisone (HDC) administration, circulatory dynamics rapidly improved. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed aplasia of the anterior pituitary gland and ectopic posterior gland. γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GTP) increased from day 10 after birth and direct bilirubin increased from day 18. On ultrasonography, sludge filling the common bile duct and gall bladder was observed. After initiating treatment with both ursodeoxycholic acid and recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), cholestasis improved and the sludge disappeared at 3 months after birth. In newborns with CPHD, severe central adrenal insufficiency might induce cardiogenic shock after birth. Early diagnosis and intervention are necessary.
The use of a radiolucent template to improve bone age X-ray quality (BASIC study)
Authors: Cockill Toby G. , Hewitt Amanda , Heafey Christopher , Wright Neil P. , Elder Charlotte J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:Left hand and wrist X-rays are conventionally used to assess skeletal maturity using methods such as Tanner-Whitehouse 3 (TW3). We noted a number were poor quality, caused by difficulty with hand placement. We introduced a simple radiolucent hand template to assist in hand positioning and assessed changes in X-ray quality and repeat X-ray rates.Methods:The position of fingers, thumb and overall clarity of bone age X-rays were prospectively scored. In the absence of a validated tool to assess quality a 1–3 scale (poor, borderline, good) was devised. A radiolucent hand template was introduced for use in the intervention group. Need for repeat X-ray was determined by set criteria.Results:The intervention improved scores. More patients scored 3 (good) for positioning of fingers (89.29% and 85.33%, p=0.38), thumb (98.21% and 89.96%, p=0.06) and overall clarity (76.79% and 70.27%, p=0.41) for the intervention (n=56) and control groups (n=259), respectively. No patient required repeat X-ray from the intervention group, compared with 28 in the control group (p=0.007).Conclusions:Achieving good quality bone age X-rays is more difficult than previously assumed. The use of a radiolucent hand template has been shown to improve hand position and significantly reduce the need for repeat X-ray.
Identification of a novel mutation of NR0B1 in a patient with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia and symptomatic treatment
Authors: Yang Jing , Lv Yuncheng , Zhou Ye , Xiao Xinhua 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:X-linked congenital adrenal hypoplasia (X-linked AHC) is characterized by acute onset of primary adrenal insufficiency in infancy or early childhood and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) at puberty. Mutations inMethods:The entire coding region of theResults:DNA sequencing revealed a missense mutation (c.383-384 insA) in exon 1, which resulted in a novel frameshift mutation, thereby resulting in a truncated protein (p.Leu129 Pro fs*137). The therapeutic trail with an observation period of 20 weeks showed an effective improvement in symptoms of hypogonadism with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) administration, including a rapid improvement of serum testosterone level, descending of testicles as well as enlargement of testicles and growth of penis.Conclusions:Our study identified a novel frameshift mutation of the
Higher phthalate concentrations are associated with precocious puberty in normal weight Thai girls
Authors: Srilanchakon Khomsak , Thadsri Thawiphark , Jantarat Chutima , Thengyai Suriyan , Nosoognoen Wichit , Supornsilchai Vichit 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:The cause of precocious puberty may be associated with genetics and other conditions such as central nervous system (CNS) insults, or the exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Phthalates is known to be one of the EDCs and have estrogenic and antiandrogenic activities, and may be associated with advanced puberty. The objective of the study was to determine the association between urinary phthalate metabolites and advanced puberty.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with precocious puberty (breast onset <8 years, n=42) and early puberty (breast onset 8–9 years, n=17), compared to age-matched controls (n=77). Anthropometric measurements, estradiol, basal and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-stimulated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, uterine sizes, ovarian diameters and bone ages (BA) were obtained. Urine samples were collected and mono-methyl phthalate (MMP) and mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and adjusted with urine creatinine.Results:The median adjusted-MEP concentration in girls with precocious puberty, was greater than in normal girls (6105.09 vs. 4633.98 μg/g Cr: p<0.05), and had the same trend among early puberty and normal puberty (5141.41 vs. 4633.98 μg/g Cr: p=0.4), but was not statistically significant.Conclusions:Precocious puberty girls had an association with increased MEP concentration. This is the first report of the association between urinary phthalate levels and precocious puberty in Thai girls.
Serum progranulin levels in relation to insulin resistance in childhood obesity
Authors: Alissa Eman M. , Sutaih Rima H. , Kamfar Hayat Z. , Alagha Abdulmoeen E. , Marzouki Zuhair M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:Progranulin is an adipokine that is involved in the inflammatory response, glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and may therefore be involved in chronic subclinical inflammation associated with the pathogenesis of childhood obesity. We aimed to investigate the association of circulating progranulin levels with metabolic parameters in children and to assess the importance of progranulin as a biomarker for metabolic diseases.Methods:A total of 150 children were consecutively recruited from the Pediatric Nutrition Clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Children were classified into four groups based on quartile for serum progranulin. Anthropometric variables were measured in all study subjects. Fasting blood samples were collected for measurement of blood glucose, insulin and lipid profile.Results:Children within the upper quartile for serum progranulin concentration were heavier, more insulin resistant and had higher concentrations of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin and high sensitivity C reactive protein compared to those in the lower quartile. On correlation analysis, serum progranulin concentrations were significantly related to general and central adiposity, metabolic parameters, markers of inflammation and insulin resistance. Stepwise multiple regression showed that 26.6% of the variability in serum progranulin could be explained by measures of adiposity.Conclusions:The increased serum progranulin concentrations were closely related to measures of adiposity, metabolic parameters, inflammatory marker and insulin resistance indices, suggesting that progranulin may be an excellent biomarker for obesity in childhood.
Zwei Formen des Ästhetischen, zwei Formen des Alltagsbezugs
Authors: Feige Daniel Martin 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Der Beitrag zielt auf eine Unterscheidung von zwei Formen des Alltagsbezugs im Ästhetischen. Unter Rückgriff auf Motive vor allem der Ästhetiken Adornos und Hegels argumentiert er dafür, dass wir den Alltagsbezug der Kunst vom Alltagsbezug des Designs kategorial unterscheiden sollten. Ist Design aufgrund der Tatsache, dass es in unserer Praxis bestimmte Funktionen erfüllt, von jeher auf unsere alltägliche Praxis bezogen, stellt die Kunst einen Bruch mit dieser Praxis dar. Der Beitrag zeigt jedoch zugleich, dass daraus nicht folgt, dass Kunst nicht auch auf unsere alltägliche Praxis rückwirken würde: Sind Kunsterfahrungen performative Transformationen unserer selbst, so formen und bestimmen sie die Praxis derjenigen, die sie machen.