bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis Induced by HBV Infection and Combined with Mild Alcohol Intake
Authors: Xiaerfuhazi Ha-lida , Ma Hai-lin , Shi Xiu-jiang , Fan Xiao-tang , Abuduheilili Xi-ernayi , He Fang-ping 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objective To investigate the differences of clinical and biochemical characteristics between patients with liver cirrhosis induced by HBV infection combined with and without mild alcohol intake.
Methods Data of patients with liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized in the First Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups: patients with liver cirrhosis induced by HBV infection and combined with mild alcohol intake, patients with HBV-related cirrhosis, and patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis. Biochemical detections including liver function, fasting lipid profiles, lipoprotein, kidney function, glucose, uric acid and regular blood tests were carried out and results were compared among three groups. Data were analyzed through STATA software and co-variant analysis.
Results Total of 2 350 patients with liver cirrhosis were included, 732 patients had cirrhosis induced by HBV infection combined with mild alcohol intake, 1 316 patients had HBV-related liver cirrhosis, 302 patients had alcohol-related cirrhosis. The highest mean level of white cell count, mean corpuscular volume, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase and uric acid were observed in HBV infection combined with mild alcohol intake group. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that HBV infection, excessive alcohol intake, male and age were risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Conclusions HBV infection combined with mild alcoholic-related liver cirrhosis group showed the highest oxidative stress compared with alcoholic liver cirrhosis group, which suggested that mild alcohol intake may increase the incidence of liver cirrhosis in HBV infected patients and may not increase the incidence of HCC.
Pathogenesis of Secretory Otitis Media
Authors: Wen Chao , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Taisheng , Ruan Hongying , Lin Peng 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Secretory otitis media (SOM) is a common and frequently occurring disease featured by middle ear cavity exudant, ear nausea, and hearing loss. Morbidity of children is higher than that of adults. The pathogenesis and etiology of SOM are clear so far. Previous reports concluded that the mechanical obstruction and dysfunction of the eustachian tube are among the important causes of infection. The mechanism of infection and immune response in the pathogenesis of SOM is currently becoming a research hot spot, providing a reference for further study.
Relationship between human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer progression
Authors: Ai Meichang 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors that threaten women’s life and health in both developed and developing countries. Diet and smoking are independent etiological factors of cervical cancer. Among many independent etiological factors, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most important one. HPV infection is universal among women of appropriate ages, and only persistent HPV infection is considered necessary to cause cervical cancer.
Effect of pre-treatment on the generation of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV- and prolyl endopeptidase-inhibitory hydrolysates from bovine lung
Authors: Lafarga T. , Hayes M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe aim of this work was to study the effect of two different pre-treatments, high temperature (100 °C, 5 min) and high pressure (600 MPa, 3 min), on the potential of the enzymes papain, collagenase and Alcalase® to generate bioactive hydrolysates containing dipeptidyl peptidase-IV- (DPP-IV; EC 3.4.14.5) and prolyl endopeptidase- (PEP; EC 3.4.21.26) inhibitory peptides from bovine lung. Both pre-treatments resulted in an increase in the degree of hydrolysis over a 24 h period (P< 0.001) and significantly increased the DPP-IV- and PEP-inhibitory activities of the generated hydrolysates (P< 0.001). Generated hydrolysates included an Alcalase hydrolysate of pressure-treated bovine lung, which was the most active, and showed DPP-IV and PEP half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 1.43 ± 0.06 and 3.62 ± 0.07 mg/ mL, respectively. The major peptides contained in this hydrolysate were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and results demonstrated that bovine lung is a good substrate for the release of bioactive peptides when proper pre-treatment and enzymatic treatment are applied.
Illicit substance use among Tunisian college students: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Chekib Zedini , Zammit Nawel , Manel Limam , Menel Mellouli , Elghardallou Meriam , Jihen Sahli , Ali Mtiraoui , Thouraya Ajmi 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background
Illicit substance use among college students represents one of the most complicated social problems. Studying its predictors could help deal with this problem more efficiently.

Aims
To determine the prevalence of life time illicit substance use and its predictors among Tunisian college students.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in five colleges in the region of Sousse, Tunisia in the 2012–2013 school year. A sample of 556 college students responded to an anonymous self-administrated questionnaire. Collected data concerned socio-demographic characteristics and substances use.

Results
The mean age of students was 21.8 ± 2.2 years. Females represented 51.8% of participants. Among respondents: 31 (5.6%) had used illicit substance at least once. Cannabis was the main substance used by 26 (4.7%) students. The average age of the illicit substance use initiation was 19 (±2.5) years while it was almost 17 (±3) years for both tobacco and alcohol use initiations.
Proportions of male students and academic failure were significantly more important among illicit substance users than among non users. While the most influential factors on illicit substance use were: alcohol use, tobacco use and low socioeconomic level.

Conclusion
This study highlights the strong association between the other risk behaviors and illicit drug use. Future interventions should focus on the whole risk behaviors simultaneously at late adolescence with regard to the environmental context.
The effects of a low-dose physical activity intervention on physical activity and body mass index in severely obese adolescents
Authors: Currie Jessica , Collier David , Raedeke Thomas D. , Lutes Lesley D. , Kemble C. David , DuBose Katrina D. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background
While severe obesity in childhood poses the greatest long-term health risks, access to treatment is a common barrier. The present pilot study examined the effect of a 7-week low-dose physical activity (PA) intervention on PA and body mass index (BMI) in severe obese adolescents delivered via telephone and mail.

Methods
Adolescents (n = 64) receiving care from a pediatric obesity medical clinic were randomized to a control (n = 30) or intervention (n = 34) group. Height and weight were measured and BMI z-scores were calculated. PA was assessed by a pedometer. All measurements were completed pre- and post-intervention. The intervention group received weekly newsletters and telephone calls discussing various PA topics based on motivational interviewing for 7 weeks. The control group received no contact. A series of 2 × 2 (group by time) repeated measures analysis of covariances (ANCOVAs) adjusting for length of time between visits were performed to examine the effect of the intervention on PA and BMI z-scores.

Results
The majority of adolescents were severely obese (77%, BMI: > 99th percentile). Intention-to-treat analysis revealed intervention effects were not observed for either pedometer steps or BMI z-score (p > 0.05). Among those with complete data, adolescents who successfully changed their BMI z-score had larger BMI z-score changes than those who did not change their BMI z-score (p = 0.0001). This improvement was due to something other than PA as the change in BMI z-score was similar among those who did and did not successfully increase PA levels (p > 0.05).

Conclusions
More intensive, comprehensive, and longer-term treatment is needed in this high risk population.
Zn2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, H+ Ion-exchanged and Raw Clinoptilolite Zeolite Catalytic Performance in the Propane-SCR-NOx Process: A Comparative Study
Authors: Ghasemian Naser , Falamaki Cavus 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
An investigation on the catalytic performance of various transition-metal ions-exchanged clinoptilolite zeolites in the propane selective catalytic reduction process of NOx (NO+NO2) is reported for the first time. The metallic ions include Zn2+, Fe2+, Cu2+ and Mn2+. The catalytic performance of these materials was compared with the proton form and natural clinoptilolite zeolites. Compared with the raw and H-form clinoptilolite, the ion-exchanged zeolites shift the temperature corresponding to the maximum conversion around 50 °C towards lower temperatures, irrespective of the type of used transition-metal used. The maximum conversion is substantially enhanced especially in the case of Cu2+ and Mn2+-exchanged zeolite. The enhanced activity is attributed to the creation of strong acidic sites, redox centers, enhanced specific surface area and residual extra framework Fe species. Ion-exchange with transition metals results in a distinct effect on the reduction of the CO concentration in the product gas stream. Cu2+ exchanged clinoptilolite resulted in the smallest outlet concentration of CO, i. e. about 81 % reduction with respect to the protonated zeolite form.
Implementation of Photovoltaic Panel MPPT Through Robust Feedback Linearization Controller
Authors: Fesharaki Vahid Jafari , Sheikholeslam Farid , Motlagh Mohammad Reza Jahed 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBecause of nonlinear I-V curves of photovoltaic panels, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique is necessary to absorb maximum power. In this article state-space averaging method is utilized to express behavior of boost chopper converter. To generate the best operating point (PV panel desired voltage), incremental conductance is used. A Robust feedback linearization controller is proposed to deliver the PV panel to maximum power point. The controller is robust to environment variations, load uncertainties and load voltage disturbances. Stability of proposed controller is proved based on Lyapunov theorem. A boost chopper is used between PV panel and load to realize proposed MPPT technique. Boost chopper parameters are designed properly to operate converter in continues conduction mode (CCM). To evaluate MPPT technique some simulations in irradiance variation, temperature variation, load variation and load voltage disturbance are presented and discussed.
Effect of long-term fertilizer application in maize crop growing on chemical element leaching in Fluvisol
Authors: Simeonova Tsetska , Stoicheva Dimitranka , Koleva Venelina , Sokołowska Zofia , Hajnos Mieczysław 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The study characterized the regime of nutrient leaching under different nitrogen and phosphorus supply of irrigated maize grown as monoculture on Fluvisol for the period 1999-2008 and additionally studied in the years 2009, 2010, and 2011. The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of longterm fertilizer application on the leaching of nutrients from the soil under maize grown as monoculture. The experiment design included four nitrogen fertilizer rates (B1-control, B5, B4, B3, B2) calculated to compensate 50, 75, 100, and 125% from the plant N uptake, respectively. The field plots were equipped with lysimeters (at 50 and 100 cm depth) for studying the relationship between the applied fertilizer rates and the nutrient concentrations in the lysimetric water. The greatest nitrogen concentration in lysimetric water was observed under variant (B3-N200 P150) throughout the study period and the highest N losses were registered (36 kg ha-1) in 2010 under the same treatment (B3). A very good correlation was found between the N rates, calcium, and magnesium losses. Lysimetric water component compensation shows that agricultural activities have only influenced the speed of weathering and had no significant effect on the rates.
Orginal Article. Nephritic cell damage and antioxidant status in rats exposed to leachate from battery recycling industry
Authors: Akintunde Jacob K. , Oboh Ganiyu 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Limited studies have assessed the toxic effect of sub-acute and sub-chronic exposure of leachate (mixture of metals) in mammalian kidney. The sub-acute and sub-chronic exposure of mature male Wistar-strain albino rats (200-220 g) were given by oral administration with leachate from Elewi Odo municipal battery recycling industry (EOMABRIL) for period of 7 and 60 days respectively, at different concentrations (20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%). This was to evaluate its toxic effects on male renal functions using biomarkers of oxidative stress and nephro-cellular damage. Control groups were treated equally, but given distilled water instead of the leachate. All the groups were fed with the same standard food and had free access to drinking water. Following the exposure, results showed that the treatment induced systemic toxicity at the doses tested by causing a significant (p<0.05) alteration in enzymatic antioxidantscatalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the kidneys which resulted into elevated levels of malonaldehyde (MDA). Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were found to be significantly (p<0.05) depleted relative to the control group. Considerable renal cortical congestion and numerous tubules with protein casts were observed in the lumen of EOMABRIL-treated rats. These findings conclude that possible mechanism by which EOMABRIL at the investigated concentrations elicits nephrotoxicity could be linked to the individual, additive, synergistic or antagonistic interactions of this mixture of metals with the renal bio-molecules, alteration of kidney detoxifying enzymes and necrosis of nephritic tubular epithelial cells.
Case Report. The first report of pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning in a gazelle (Gazella Subgutturosa) – histopathologic diagnosis
Authors: Khordadmehr Monireh , Rezazadeh Fereydoon , Ashrafi-Helan Javad , Hosseini-Ghomi Mir Mohsen 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are natural phytotoxins found in thousands of plant species around the world. They are probably the most common poisonous plants affecting livestock, wildlife and humans. The disease occurs almost entirely as a consequence of chronic poisoning and in general ends fatally. In the present study, PAs poisoning was investigated in a gazelle with hepatic encephalopathy associated with severe neurologic signs. The main clinical signs included head pressing, progressive depression and weakness, ataxia and reluctance to move, turn the head to the left and to paddle, hyperesthesia and decreased food intake. Histopathological examination revealed major lesions in the liver consisting of severe hepatocyte megalocytosis and hypertrophy with nuclei enlargement, mild bile duct hyperplasia, centriacinar fatty change and hepatocellular necrosis. Moreover, pulmonary congestion and edema with endothelium necrosis and alveolar septa thickening, severe congestion in vessels of the brain and meninges, and myocardial necrosis were observed.
Review article. Adverse hematological effects of hexavalent chromium: an overview
Authors: Ray Rina Rani 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Workers of tanneries, welding industries, factories manufacturing chromate containing paints are exposed to hexavalent chromium that increas¬es the risk of developing serious adverse health effects. This review elucidates the mode of action of hexavalent chromium on blood and its adverse effects. Both leukocyte and erythrocyte counts of blood sharply decreased in Swiss mice after two weeks of intraperitoneal treatment with Cr (VI), with the erythrocytes transforming into echinocytes. The hexavalent chromium in the blood is readily reduced to trivalent form and the reductive capacity of erythrocytes is much greater than that of plasma. Excess Cr (VI), not reduced in plasma, may enter erythrocytes and lymphocytes and in rodents it induces microcytic anemia. The toxic effects of chromium (VI) include mitochondrial injury and DNA damage of blood cells that leads to carcinogenicity. Excess Cr (VI) increases cytosolic Ca2+ activity and ATP depletion thereby inducing eryptosis. Se, vitamin C, and quercetin are assumed to have some protective effect against hexavalent chromium induced hematological disorders.
Review Article. Organochlorine pesticides, their toxic effects on living organisms and their fate in the environment
Authors: Jayaraj Ravindran , Megha Pankajshan , Sreedev Puthur 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Organochlorine (OC) pesticides are synthetic pesticides widely used all over the world. They belong to the group of chlorinated hydrocarbon derivatives, which have vast application in the chemical industry and in agriculture. These compounds are known for their high toxicity, slow degradation and bioaccumulation. Even though many of the compounds which belong to OC were banned in developed countries, the use of these agents has been rising. This concerns particularly abuse of these chemicals which is in practice across the continents. Though pesticides have been developed with the concept of target organism toxicity, often non-target species are affected badly by their application. The purpose of this review is to list the major classes of pesticides, to understand organochlorine pesticides based on their activity and persistence, and also to understand their biochemical toxicity.
Original Article. Study of the cytotoxic/toxic potential of the novel anticancer selenodiazoloquinolone on fibroblast cells and 3D skin model
Authors: Jantová Soňa , Topoľská Dominika , Janošková Michaela , Pánik Miroslav , Milata Viktor 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The new synthetically prepared quinolone derivative 7-ethyl 9-ethyl-6-oxo-6,9-dihydro[1,2,5]selenadiazolo [3,4-h]quinoline-7-carboxylate (E2h) showed in our previous study cytotoxic effects towards tumor cells and immunomodulatory activities on RAW 264.7 cell line murine macrophages. E2h may have a potential use as a novel chemotherapeutic agent with immunomodulatory properties and the ability to induce apoptotic death of cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to examine the antiproliferative/cytotoxic activities of E2h on human non-cancer fibroblast BHNF-1 cells and reconstructed human epidermis EpiDerm™. Further the effects of E2h on tissue structure and morphology were examined. Cytotoxic/toxic studies showed that selenadiazoloquinolone is not toxic on normal human fibroblast cells BHNF-1 and dimensional skin constructs EpiDerm™. Evaluation of morphological changes in EpiDerm™ showed no change in the construction and morphology of skin tissue treated by E2h compared to control.
Risk factors of chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair: a systematic review
Authors: Reinpold Wolfgang 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIntroduction:Chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) is the most common complication after inguinal hernia operation. Eighteen percent (range, 0.7%–75%) of patients suffered from CPIP after open inguinal hernia repair and 6% (range, 1%–16%) reported CPIP after laparoendoscopic groin hernia repair. The incidence of clinically significant CPIP with impact on daily activities ranged between 10% and 12%. Debilitating CPIP with severe impact on normal daily activities or work was reported in 0.5%–6% of the cases.Materials and methods:PubMed, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Database were searched for studies on risk factors for chronic pain after open and endoscopic hernia repair. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations (GRADE) methodology.Results:Risk factors for CPIP with strong evidence include female gender, young age, high intensity of preoperative pain, high early postoperative pain intensity, history of chronic pain other than CPIP, operation for a recurrent hernia, and open repair technique. Risk factors for CPIP with moderate evidence include postoperative complications, neurolysis, and preservation of the ilioinguinal nerve in Lichtenstein repair. Risk factors for CPIP with low evidence include genetic predisposition (DQB1*03:02 HLA haplotype), lower preoperative optimism, high pain intensity to tonic heat stimulation, inadequate suture/staple/clip mesh fixation, ignorance of the inguinal nerves, less experienced surgeon, sensory dysfunction in the groin, and worker’s compensation.Conclusion:Detailed knowledge of the risk factors, meticulous operative technique with profound knowledge of the anatomy, proper nerve identification and handling, optimization of prosthetic materials, and careful fixation are of utmost importance for the prevention of CPIP.
Surgical management of rectal foreign bodies: a 10-year single-center experience
Authors: Kokemohr Pia , Haeder Lars , Frömling Fabian Joachim , Landwehr Peter , Jähne Joachim 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackground:Patients with a rectal foreign body (RFB) are still a rare entity in general surgery departments but with an increasing incidence over the last years. This case is sometimes difficult to treat, and due to a lack of standardized treatment options, the aim of the study was to present our clinical experiences with the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to RFBs and a review of the currently available literature.Materials and methods:Data were collected retrospectively from the patient’s records of 20 patients who were treated due to an RFB between 2006 and 2016. Patient’s demographics, circumstances of insertion, inserted objects, clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging results, as well as surgical treatment and duration of hospital stay were analyzed. Additionally, a review of the literature was performed with the search items “rectal foreign body” and “surgical therapy”. Because many publications were just case reports, we did not perform a meta-analysis or a systematic review.Results:Twenty-two cases in 20 patients (80% male) presented to the emergency room. The mean age was 38.5±13.7 years. In 68.2% of the cases, the cause of RFB was due to sexual preferences. The following objects were inserted: six dildos, three vibrators, two bottles, one glass, one deodorant, one apple, one fever thermometer, multiple glass fragments and razor blades in one patient and six unknown objects. For 18 RFBs, manual peranal removal without anesthesia was possible in the emergency room, but two patients required intravenous analgesia. Two patients were transferred to the operating room and the foreign body was removed via the anus under general anesthesia. Open surgery with a laparotomy was necessary for two complicated cases. One patient was in need of surgery due to a vacuum generated by the RFB, whereas the second patient suffered from a sigmoid perforation. In all cases, there was no morbidity or mortality.Conclusion:In most cases, the removal of an RFB can be performed peranally in the emergency room without further complications, therefore representing the therapy of choice for RFB. Only in cases with perforation, acute abdomen, or failed peranal approaches, surgery is indicated to remove the foreign body.
Best approximation in quotient probabilistic normed space
Authors: Sen Mausumi , Nath Soumitra , Tripathy Binod Chandra 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn this article, we study the best approximation in quotient probabilistic normed space. We define the notion of quotient space of a probabilistic normed space, then prove some theorems of approximation in quotient space are extended to quotient probabilistic normed space.