bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Procalcitonin vs. the combination of micro-erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein for diagnosing neonatal bacterial sepsis
Authors: Ramadanti Afifa , Hiasinta Renya , Bermawi Herman , Bahar Erial 
Published: January 2018

Background Given the high rates of mortality and morbidity in neonatal sepsis, rapid, easy-to-use, and inexpensive biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity are needed to diagnose neonatal sepsis. Procalcitonin is often used as a predictor in identifying neonatal sepsis, but C-reactive protein (CRP) and micro-erythrocte sedimentation rate (m-ESR) may also be valid biomarkers of neonatal sepsis.Objective To compare the accuracy of procalcitonin to the combination of CRP and m-ESR, as well as to find cut-off points for the three tests, in diagnosing bacterial neonatal sepsis.Methods Subjects were neonates hospitalized from July to October 2016 in Mohammad Hoesin Hospital, Palembang with sepsis at clinical presentation and healthy neonates with sepsis risk factors. All subjects underwent complete blood counts, CRP, m-ESR, blood cultures, and procalcitonin examinations.Results Ninety-four infants were included, of whom 26 had proven sepsis. The combined values of m-ESR and CRP had 85% sensitivity, 59% specificity, and 66% accuracy. A procalcitonin (PCT) cut-off point of 9.7ng/mL showed 100% sensitivity, 96% specificity, and 97% accuracy level, which were significantly higher than the combined values of m-ESR and CRP.Conclusion The combined values of m-ESR (13 mm/hour) - CRP (17 mg/dL) and procalcitonin alone (2ng/mL) are both valid for the diagnosis of bacterial neonatal sepsis, but the accuracy of procalcitonin at 9.7ng/mL is significantly greater.
Circulating miR-21, miR-210 and miR-146a as potential biomarkers to differentiate acute tubular necrosis from hepatorenal syndrome in patients with liver cirrhosis: a pilot study
Authors: Watany Mona Mohamed , Hagag Rasha Youssef , Okda Hanaa Ibrahim 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Background:
Acute kidney injury (AKI) in cirrhotic patients may be functional (hepatorenal syndrome [HRS]) or structural (acute tubular necrosis [ATN]). The differentiation between these two conditions remains challenging; no definite biomarker with a clear cutoff value had been declared. miRNAs seem to be attractive innovative biomarkers to identify the nature of kidney injury in cirrhotic patients. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of using miR-21, miR-210 and miR-146a as differentiating markers between HRS and ATN.

Methods:
This pilot case control study included 50 patients with liver cirrhosis; 25 with HRS and another 25 with ATN beside 30 healthy controls. Real-time qPCR was used to measure the circulating miRNA tested.

Results:
Higher levels of miR-21 were observed in both ATN and HRS vs. controls with statistically significant difference between ATN and HRS. The means were 9.466±3.21 in ATN, 2.670±1.387 in HRS and 1.090±0.586 in controls. miR-146a and miR-210 were both significantly lower in ATN and HRS compared to controls with statistically significant differences between ATN and HRS. The means of miR-210 were 1.020±0.643, 1.640±0.605 and 3.0±0.532 in ATN, HRS and controls, respectively. The means of miR-146a were 2.543±1.929, 4.98±1.353 and 6.553±0.426 in ATN, HRS and controls, respectively. ROC analyses proved that the three studied mi-RNAs can be used as differentiating biomarkers between ATN and HRS with the best performance observed with mi-21 achieving specificity and sensitivity equal 96%.

Conclusions:
miR-21, miR-210 and miR-146a may be candidate differentiating markers between HRS and ATN in cirrhotic patients.
Detection of autoantibodies to the p200-epitope of SSA/Ro52 antigen. A comparison of two laboratory assays
Authors: Mattia Elena , Hoxha Ariela , Tonello Marta , Favaro Maria , Del Ross Teresa , Calligaro Antonia , Ghirardello Anna , Ruffatti Amelia 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Background:
Anti-p200 antibodies have been receiving growing interest in view of findings associating their presence to risk of fetal autoimmune congenital heart block (CHB). The study compares and evaluates the performance of two assays currently being used for their detection.

Methods:
One hundred and sixteen pregnant women positive for anti-SSA/Ro52 antibodies were considered as the study population. Fifty women negative for anti-SSA/Ro52 antibodies were considered as the control population. Anti-p200 antibodies were analyzed using two home-made ELISA assays: one with biotinylated antigen and the other with free antigen.

Results:
The specificity of the p200-free assay was significantly higher with respect to that of the p200-biotin assay (p=0.023). Both methods showed a high area under curve (AUC), thus, a good accuracy. There was a significant prevalence of anti-p200 antibodies when the p200-free assay was used to analyze the sera of the pregnant women with CHB fetuses (p=0.007). Cohen’s κ and Spearman’s ρ coefficients showed a good concordance (0.71) and a high correlation (0.93), respectively.

Conclusions:
The p200-free assay with respect to the biotin-based method was more specific in detecting p200 antibodies in women positive for anti-SSA/Ro52 antibodies. In addition, only the p200-free method significantly found p200 antibodies in patients with fetal CHB.
Reference intervals for biochemical, haemostatic and haematological parameters in healthy Chinese women during early and late pregnancy
Authors: Jin Yi , Lu Jie , Jin Hong , Fei Chunrong , Xie Xinyou , Zhang Jun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackground:Variations in maternal blood parameters, which are mostly induced by the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, have been reported in different gestational periods. The use of the established reference intervals for healthy adult females leads to the misclassification of healthy pregnant women as abnormal. Our aim was to establish appropriate reference intervals for biochemical, haematological and haemostatic parameters in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy.Methods:We included 565 healthy pregnant women with normal pregnancies. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses, complete blood counts and coagulation analyses at 8–12 and 28–37 weeks of gestation. The median and reference intervals (the 2.5th and 97.5th values) were calculated for each parameter during pregnancy and then compared to the established reference intervals for healthy adult females.Results:Significant increases in triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, white blood cell, mean platelet volume, fibrinogen and D-dimer reference intervals and clear decreases in total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, red blood cell, haemoglobin, haematocrit, platelet counts and thrombin time reference intervals were observed during pregnancy. According to the ‘n%’, most changes were observed beginning in the first trimester. Compared to the established reference intervals, the greatest misclassifications were observed for ALB, ALP and D-Di.Conclusions:Changes in maternal blood parameters during pregnancy were confirmed. We recommend that the reference intervals for most blood parameters be revised to account for the gestational period.
A location-based multiple point statistics method: modelling the reservoir with non-stationary characteristics
Authors: Yin Yanshu , Feng Wenjie 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this paper, a location-based multiple point statistics method is developed to model a non-stationary reservoir. The proposed method characterizes the relationship between the sedimentary pattern and the deposit location using the relative central position distance function, which alleviates the requirement that the training image and the simulated grids have the same dimension. The weights in every direction of the distance function can be changed to characterize the reservoir heterogeneity in various directions. The local integral replacements of data events, structured random path, distance tolerance and multi-grid strategy are applied to reproduce the sedimentary patterns and obtain a more realistic result. This method is compared with the traditional Snesim method using a synthesized 3-D training image of Poyang Lake and a reservoir model of Shengli Oilfield in China. The results indicate that the new method can reproduce the non-stationary characteristics better than the traditional method and is more suitable for simulation of delta-front deposits. These results show that the new method is a powerful tool for modelling a reservoir with non-stationary characteristics.
Selection for Some Functional Markers for Adaptability of Helianthus argophyllus × Helianthus annuus Derived Population under Abiotic Stress Conditions
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Mubashar , Kausar Maria , Rauf Saeed , Khan M. Farukh Zafar , Paderweski Jakub , Khan Maria , ul Haq Ikram , Raza Abu Bakar Muhammad 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAbiotic stresses including drought are major crop production constraints. However, specific functional phenotypic markers induce resistance against these stresses. Therefore, a study was initiated to study the variability, inheritance and selection of epicuticular waxes (EW) and leaf hairiness (LH) along with low cell membrane injuries (CMI) within F2 populations derived by crossing H. annuus×H. argophyllus lines. These traits have been shown to be associated with drought tolerance of Helianthus argophyllus and thus study aims to introgress these traits in Helinathus annuus. The studied parent populations showed contrasting values of the traits. The drought susceptible line CMS-14 and CMS-20 showed lower epicuticular waxes (0.79, 0.69 mg g−1), leaf hairiness (0.75, 1.53) and higher cell membrane injury (40.90, 55.76 %) respectively while drought resistant line Argo 1802 and 1806 showed higher epicuticular waxes (2.28, 3.18), leaf hairiness (3.71, 3.80) and lower cell membrane injury (14.22, 21.54 %) respectively. The F1 hybrids had mean values of the three studied parameters i. e. epicuticular waxes (1.50 mg g−1), cell membrance injury (32.54 %) and leaf hairiness (2.74) in the range of parent lines, but some of F2 individuals extend beyond this range (Parents and F1s). The two-step selections maintained high variability especially of LH for set of F2 individuals (H. annuus CMS-20×H. argophyllus 1806). Simultaneous selection of F2 individuals with high values of LH or EW with low CMI was possible. The selected plants were further studied for narrow leaf, high fertility and silver canopy color. Selected material was promoted as the candidate of inbred line. Plant (F4) having introgressed traits (silver canopy) showed lower yield (19 %) than green leafed plants (53 %) and commercial hybrids under drought stress (63 % and 53 %). The study could help to increase the abiotic stress tolerance, minimize the yield losses under drought stress and increase functional diversity within sunflower.
“All War is Contrary to the Mind of Christ:” The Bible and the Fellowship of Reconciliation
Authors: Randall Ian M. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
This article examines some of the stages in the engagement of members of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FoR) with the Bible. FoR was formed in 1914 and became the leading interdenominational pacifist Christian body in Britain. The article shows the influence of the Bible in the beginnings of FoR, traces the way biblical convictions shaped the views of conscientious objectors to military conscription, analyses pacifism and the Bible in the aftermath of war, and argues that FoR’s pacifist approach, with a focus on the teaching and example of Jesus, gained greater acceptance in the 1930s.
Does any convex quadrilateral have circumscribed ellipses?
Authors: Li Jia Hui , Wang Zhuo Qun , Shen Yi Xi , Dai Zhong Yuan 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The past decades have witnessed several well-known beautiful conclusions on four con-cyclic points. With highly promising research value, we profoundly studied circumscribed ellipses of convex quadrilaterals in this paper. Using tools of parallel projective transformation and analytic geometry, we derived several theorems including the proof of the existence of circumscribed ellipses of convex quadrilaterals, the properties of its minimal coverage area, and locus center, respectively. This simple approach lays a solid foundation for its application to three-dimensional situations, which is namely the circumscribed quadric surface of a solid figure and its wide-range utility in construction engineering. Meanwhile, we have a new insight into innate connection of conic sections as well as a taste of beauty and harmony of geometry.
Differential subordination and convexity criteria of integral operators
Authors: Chandrashekar R. , Keong Lee See , Subramanian K.G. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
A significant connection between certain second-order differential subordination and subordination of f′(z) is obtained. This fundamental result is next applied to investigate the convexity of analytic functions defined in the open unit disk. As a consequence, criteria for convexity of functions defined by integral operators are determined. Connections are also made to earlier known results.
Bell’s “Theorem”: loopholes vs. conceptual flaws
Authors: Kracklauer A. F. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
An historical overview and detailed explication of a critical analysis of what has become known as Bell’s Theorem to the effect that, it should be impossible to extend Quantum Theory with the addition of local, real variables so as to obtain a version free of the ambiguous and preternatural features of the currently accepted interpretations is presented. The central point on which this critical analysis, due originally to Edwin Jaynes, is that Bell incorrectly applied probabilistic formulas involving conditional probabilities. In addition, mathematical technicalities that have complicated the understanding of the logical or mathematical setting in which current theory and experimentation are embedded, are discussed. Finally, some historical speculations on the sociological environment, in particular misleading aspects, in which recent generations of physicists lived and worked are mentioned.
The problem of fouling in submerged membrane bioreactors – Model validation and experimental evidence
Authors: Tsibranska Irene , Vlaev Serafim , Tylkowski Bartosz 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntegrating biological treatment with membrane separation has found a broad area of applications and industrial attention. Submerged membrane bioreactors (SMBRs), based on membrane modules immersed in the bioreactor, or side stream ones connected in recycle have been employed in different biotechnological processes for separation of thermally unstable products. Fouling is one of the most important challenges in the integrated SMBRs. A number of works are devoted to fouling analysis and its treatment, especially exploring the opportunity for enhanced fouling control in SMBRs. The main goal of the review is to provide a comprehensive yet concise overview of modeling the fouling in SMBRs in view of the problematics of model validation, either by real system measurements at different scales or by analysis of the obtained theoretical results. The review is focused on the current state of research applying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling techniques.
2H NMR Studies on the Dynamics of Pure and Mixed Hydrogen-Bonded Liquids in Confinement
Authors: Demuth Dominik , Sattig Matthias , Steinrücken Elisa , Weigler Max , Vogel Michael 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

2H NMR is used to ascertain dynamical behaviors of pure and mixed hydrogen-bonded liquids in bulk and in confinement. Detailed comparisons of previous and new results in broad dynamic and temperature ranges reveal that confinement effects differ for various liquids and confinements. For water, molecular reorientation strongly depends on the confinement size, with much slower and less fragile structural relaxation under more severe geometrical restriction. Moreover, a dynamical crossover occurs when a fraction of solid water forms so that the dynamics of the fraction of liquid water becomes even more restricted and, as a consequence, changes from bulk-like to interface-dominated. For glycerol, by contrast, confinement has weak effects on the reorientation dynamics. Mixed hydrogen-bonded liquids show even more complex dynamical behaviors. For aqueous solutions, the temperature dependence of the structural relaxation becomes discontinuous when the concentration changes due to a freezing of water fractions. This tendency for partial crystallization is enhanced rather than reduced by confinement, because different liquid-matrix interactions of the molecular species induce micro-phase segregation, which facilitates ice formation in water-rich regions. In addition, dynamical couplings at solvent-protein interfaces are discussed. It is shown that, on the one hand, solvent dynamics are substantially slowed down at protein surfaces and, on the other hand, protein dynamics significantly depend on the composition and, thus, the viscosity of the solvent. Furthermore, a protein dynamical transition occurs when the amplitude of water-coupled restricted backbone dynamics vanishes upon cooling.
Thermal cis-to-trans Isomerization of Azobenzene Side Groups in Metal-Organic Frameworks investigated by Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhou Wencai , Grosjean Sylvain , Bräse Stefan , Heinke Lars 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The energy barrier for cis-to-trans isomerization is among the key parameters for photoswitchable molecules such as azobenzene. Recently, we introduced a well-defined model system based on thin films of crystalline, nanoporous metal-organic frameworks, MOFs. The system enables the precise investigation of the thermal cis-to-trans relaxation of virtually isolated azobenzene pendant groups by means of infrared spectroscopy in vacuum. Here, this approach is extended by using localized surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. This simple and relatively inexpensive setup enables the investigation of the thermal cis-to-trans isomerization in different environments, here in argon gas or in liquid butanediol. The energy barrier for the cis-to-trans-relaxation in argon, 1.17±0.20eV, is identical to the barrier in vacuum, while the energy barrier in liquid butanediol is slightly larger, 1.26±0.15eV.
Cortical Merging in S1 as a Substrate for Tactile Input Grouping
Authors: Corbo Julien , Zennou-Azogui Yoh’I , Xerri Christian , Catz Nicolas 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPerception is a reconstruction process guided by rules based on knowledge about the world. Little is known about the neural implementation of the rules of object formation in the tactile sensory system. When two close tactile stimuli are delivered simultaneously on the skin, subjects feel a unique sensation, spatially centered between the two stimuli. Voltage-sensitive dye imaging (VSDi) and electrophysiological recordings [local field potentials (LFPs) and single units] were used to extract the cortical representation of two-point tactile stimuli in the primary somatosensory cortex of anesthetized Long-Evans rats. Although layer 4 LFP responses to brief costimulation of the distal region of two digits resembled the sum of individual responses, approximately one-third of single units demonstrated merging-compatible changes. In contrast to previous intrinsic optical imaging studies, VSD activations reflecting layer 2/3 activity were centered between the representations of the digits stimulated alone. This merging was found for every tested distance between the stimulated digits. We discuss this laminar difference as evidence that merging occurs through a buildup stream and depends on the superposition of inputs, which increases with successive stages of sensory processing. These findings show that layers 2/3 are involved in the grouping of sensory inputs. This process that could be inscribed in the cortical computing routine and network organization is likely to promote object formation and implement perception rules.
Recurrent lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia with inadvertent metformin use: a case of look-alike pills
Authors: Jacob Tess , Garrick Renee , Goldberg Michael D 
Published: January 2018

Summary
Metformin is recommended as the first-line agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Although this drug has a generally good safety profile, rare but potentially serious adverse effects may occur. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis, although very uncommon, carries a significant risk of mortality. The relationship between metformin accumulation and lactic acidosis is complex and is affected by the presence of comorbid conditions such as renal and hepatic disease. Plasma metformin levels do not reliably correlate with the severity of lactic acidosis. We present a case of inadvertent metformin overdose in a patient with both renal failure and hepatic cirrhosis, leading to two episodes of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia. The patient was successfully treated with hemodialysis both times and did not develop any further lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia, after the identification of metformin tablets accidentally mixed in with his supply of sevelamer tablets. Early initiation of renal replacement therapy is key in decreasing lactic acidosis-associated mortality.

Learning points:

When a toxic ingestion is suspected, direct visualization of the patient’s pills is advised in order to rule out the possibility of patient- or pharmacist-related medication errors.

Though sending a specimen for determination of the plasma metformin concentration is important when a metformin-treated patient with diabetes presents with lactic acidosis, complex relationships exist between metformin accumulation, hyperlactatemia and acidosis, and the drug may not always be the precipitating factor.

Intermittent hemodialysis is recommended as the first-line treatment for metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA).

An investigational delayed-release form of metformin with reduced systemic absorption may carry a lower risk for MALA in patients with renal insufficiency, in whom metformin therapy may presently be contraindicated.
PERCURSOS DA SOCIOLOGIA NOS CURRICULOS DO ENSINO MEDIO NO BRASIL: o que dizem professores e alunos?
Authors: Sousa Maria Das Dôres , Barros Vieira Maria Alveni 
Published: January 2018

Resumo: O presente artigo faz parte de um projeto de pesquisa, em fase conclusiva e tem como objetivo contribuir com o debate da Sociologia no ensino médio, a partir dos dizeres dos professores e alunos participantes deste estudo. A imersão no campo empírico se constituiu na análise documental e aplicação de questionário. Os resultados apresentados foram obtidos por meio de uma metodologia de pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa. Inicialmente foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico que nos possibilitou construir um breve histórico da institucionalização da disciplina de Sociologia no currículo do ensino médio no Brasil. Em seguida fomos buscar nos dizeres dos professores e alunos pesquisados, elementos para uma a compreensão da institucionalização da Sociologia nos currículos das escolas do ensino médio brasileiro. Finalizando, apontamos elementos conclusivos do estudo que assinalam possíveis contribuições da Sociologias para a formação da percepção crítica dos alunos sobre a sociedade, os grupos, as leis e direitos, contribuindo assim, para a formação da cidadania dos jovens educandos do ensino médio. Palavras - chave: Disciplina de Sociologia. Ensino médio. Currículo. Professor. Aluno.