bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of long-term low-dose sulodexide in diabetic and non-diabetic nephropathies
Authors: Zilişteanu Diana-Silvia , Atasie Teodora , Voiculescu M. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Background and Aims. Sulodexide has been reported to have antiproteinuric and nephroprotective properties. We investigated the effects of long-term low-dose Sulodexide on proteinuria and renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by diabetic nephropathy (DN), hypertensive nephropathy (HN) and primary glomerulonephritis (GN).

Material and Methods. 100 patients with CKD received low-dose Sulodexide 50 mg/day for 12 months. Treatment efficacy was evaluated as proteinuria reduction compared to baseline; response was defined as a decline in proteinuria below 0.3 g/d. Renal function evolution was assessed by eGFR variation from baseline.

Results. All patients presented reduction of proteinuria, with global mean value of proteinuria decrease of 0.85 ± 1.34 g/d (p<0.0001). Patients with HN had the highest mean percentage of proteinuria reduction (73±29%) and the lowest mean time period to achieve responder status (6.6±2.4 months), compared to patients with DN (57±29%, 8±2.9 months) and GN (63±24%, 10.7±1.2 months). Renal function as mean eGFR remained stable or improved during the study; significant increase was found only in HN group (3.41 ± 6.38 ml/min/1.73m2, p=0.043). Multivariate regression analysis identified that responder status was significantly associated with gender, baseline eGFR, baseline proteinuria and etiology of CKD. Concomitant administration of ACEIs or/and ARBs did not influence the response to Sulodexide therapy.

Conclusions. Independently of ACEIs or/and ARBs therapy, long-term low-dose Sulodexide is efficient as antiproteinuric and renoprotective therapy in patients with CKD caused by DN, GN and HN. Better response is achieved in patients with lower degree of renal dysfunction.
Anaphylactic shock: are we doing enough and with the right timing and order?
Authors: Bălan H. , Gurghean Adriana 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Anaphylactic shock became, unfortunately, a common presence in Romanian mass-media, due to some fatal cases in the last months. The coincidence that in December 2014 the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and the Joint Council of Allergy Asthma and Immunology released Practice parameters offers a good opportunity to renew for all practitioners what is now considered the “golden standard” of good practice.

Epinephrine must be considered the cornerstone and the most urgent measure to be applied in these cases, immediately after the diagnosis. A very important notice is to forget the administration of antihistamines or corticosteroids as first line therapy instead of epinephrine. Proper positioning of the subjects and quick fluid replacement (1-2 l of normal saline in a few minutes) are also mandatory.
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) in the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review
Authors: Kalogeraki Alexandra , Papadakis Georgios Z. , Tamiolakis Dimitrios , Karvela-Kalogeraki Iliana , Karvelas-Kalogerakis Mihailos , Segredakis John , Moustou Eleni 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth more common cause of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite advances in surgical and non surgical modalities in the treatment of HCC, a number of controversies regarding appropriate diagnostic procedures continue to evolve. A consensus statement from the European Association for the study of Liver Diseases (EASL) has been formulated to help clinicians standardize diagnostic approaches. In nodules greater than 2 cm diameter in size, diagnosis can be made if any 2 imaging studies (ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or hepatic arteriography) show increased vascularity. Alternatively only one imaging study with an Alpha fetoprotein level more than 400ng/mL is diagnostic. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) should be performed in cases of indeterminate radiology and in lesions sized between 1 and 2 cm. The aim of this review is to familiarize pathologists in the FNAB diagnosis of HCC in an appropriate and timely fashion.
Dual X-ray absorptiometry whole body composition of adipose tissue in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Popescu C. , Bojincă Violeta , Opriş Daniela , Ionescu Ruxandra 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Aim. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may influence not only abdominal fat, but also whole body adiposity, since it is associated with chronic inflammation and disability. The study aims to evaluate the whole body adiposity of RA patients and to assess potential influences of disease specific measures.

Methods. The study was designed to include Caucasian postmenopausal female RA patients and age-matched postmenopausal female controls. Each subject underwent on the same day clinical examination, laboratory tests, whole body dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) composition and physical activity estimation using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results. A total of 107 RA women and 104 matched controls were included. Compared to controls, the RA group had less physical activity and a higher prevalence of normal weight obesity. Overfat RA women had a significantly higher toll of inflammation, disease activity, glucocorticoid treatment and sedentary behavior. RA women with inflammation, glucocorticoid treatment and higher disease activity class had higher whole body and trunk adipose tissue indices and higher prevalence of overfat status. Glucocorticoid treatment, inflammation, disease duration and severity correlated with whole body adipose tissue and significantly predicted high adiposity content and overfat phenotypes.

Conclusions. RA disease duration and severity are associated with higher whole body and regional adiposity. Low-dose glucocorticoid treatment seems to contribute to adiposity gain and redistribution. Clinicians may need to assess body composition and physical activity in RA patients in order to fully manage cardiovascular outcomes and quality of life.
Drug Induced Lupus Erythematosus Due to Capecitabine and Bevacizumab Treatment Presenting with Prolonged Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Ozaslan Ersin , Eroglu Eray , Gok Kevser , Senel Soner , Baldane Suleyman , Akyol Lutfi , Ozkan Metin 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Drug induced lupus erythematosus (DILE) is a syndrome that is formed by lupus-like symptoms and laboratory characteristics. Capecitabine is an orally administered tumor-selective fluoropyrimidine that acts as a prodrug of 5-Fluorouracil and bevacizumab is an antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) antibody, both are used for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer. Herein we report the first case of DILE in a 68-year-old woman who presented with arthralgia, myalgia and prolonged thrombocytopenia after receiving capecitabine and bevacizumab combination treatment as palliative treatment for metastatic colon cancer. Platelet levels were increased and joint complaints disappeared in the first week of hydroxychloroquine and methylprednisolone treatment after chemotherapy had been discontinued. In conclusion, physicians should be alert to the possibility of DILE in patients presenting with thrombocytopenia under a capecitabine and bevacizumab chemotherapy regimen.
Influence of Hydrated Lime on the Properties and Permanent Deformation of the Asphalt Concrete Layers in Pavement
Authors: Al-Tameemi Ahmed F. , Wang Yu , Albayati Amjad 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Flexible or asphalt concrete pavement is the paving system most widely adopted all over the world. It has been recognized that there are many different types of the factors affecting the performance and durability of asphalt concrete pavement, including the service conditions, such as: the variation of temperature from mild to extremes and the repeated excessive axle loading as well as the inadequate quality of the raw materials. All of these when combined together are going to accelerate the occurrence of distresses in flexible pavement such as permanent deformation and fatigue cracking. As the result, there has an urgent need to enhance the ability of asphalt concrete mixture to resist distresses happened in pavement. Use of additives is one of the techniques adopted to improve pavement properties. It has been found that hydrated lime might be one of the effective additives because it is widely available and relatively cheap compared to other modifiers like polymers. This paper presents an experimental study of the hydrated-lime modified asphalt concrete mixtures. Five different percentages of the hydrated lime additive were investigated, namely (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 percent). The hydrated lime additive was used as partial replacement of limestone filler by total weight of the aggregate. The designed Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) concretes are for the application of three pavement courses, i.e. Surface, Leveling and Base. These mixtures are designed and tested following Marshall procedure and uniaxial repeated loading to evaluate permanent deformation at different temperatures of 20°C, 40°C and 60°C. The experimental results show that the addition of hydrated lime as a partial replacement of ordinary limestone mineral filler results a significant improvement on mechanical properties and the resistant to permanent deformation of the designed asphalt concrete mixtures.
Behavior Of A Confined Tension Lap Splice In High-Strength Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Abdel-Kareem Ahmed H. , Abousafa Hala , El-Hadidi Omaia S. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The results of an experimental program conducted on seventeen simply supported concrete beams to study the effect of transverse reinforcement on the behavior of the lap splice of a steel reinforcement in tension zones in high-strength concrete beams are presented. The parameters included in the experimental program were the concrete compressive strength, the lap splice length, the amount of transverse reinforcement provided within the splice region, and the shape of the transverse reinforcement around the spliced bars. The experimental results showed that the displacement ductility increased and the mode of failure changed from a splitting bond failure to a flexural failure when the amount of the transverse reinforcement in the splice region increased, and the compressive strength increased up to 100 MPa. The presence of the transverse reinforcement around the spliced bars had a pronounced effect on increasing the ultimate load, the ultimate deflection, and the displacement ductility. The prediction of maximum steel stresses for spliced bars using the ACI 318-05 building code was compared with the experimental results. The comparison showed that the effect of the transverse reinforcement around spliced bars has to be considered into the design equations for lap splice length in high-strength concrete beams.
Theoretical Examination Of The Longitudinal Behaviour Of Embedded Rails
Authors: Major Zoltán 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The longitudinal behaviour of embedded rails significantly differs from that of ballasted or slab tracks with direct rail fastenings. As the ambient temperature rises and falls, rails expand and contract, thereby imposing stress on the channel and embedding compound. In the article the author presents the creation of a method that makes the calculation and the inspection of embedded rails simpler and closer to the everyday engineering mentality. The design process includes an analysis of the displacement and normal forces along a rail axis.
Causative constructions in Ainu: A typological perspective with remarks on the diachrony
Authors: Bugaeva Anna 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThere are productive (-re/-e/-te, -yar/-ar) and non-productive(-V, -ke, -ka) causatives in Ainu. Non-productive causatives have traditionally been regarded as ‘transitives’, but proposing a revision of Tamura’s model of verbal structure in Ainu, this paper argues that they can be regarded as direct causatives, though causatives in-Vdo not have the same derivational status and should rather be regarded as lexical causatives. A cross-dialectal comparison shows that the causative function of-kais gradually being replaced by the productive causative-re/-e/-tewhich came to be used as a default causative marker of direct/indirect causation. Three of five causative morphemes originated in the verbs ‘make’ and ‘do’; all of them have also been attested with the denominal causative function, which suggests the following general pattern for the development of causatives in Ainu:do/make>denom>dir caus>(indir caus).
Agent prominence in symmetrical voice languages
Authors: Riesberg Sonja , Primus Beatrice 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
It has been argued in the literature that morpho-syntactically agents are universally more prominent than patients. At first sight, this claim seems to be challenged by so called symmetrical voice languages because these languages show no preference for agents to be the privileged syntactic argument (PSA). They do thus not display an obvious syntactic prominence of agents. However, this paper will argue that even symmetrical voice languages show instances of agent prominence. These instances are not reflected in a default linking of agents to PSA function, but rather in a slightly more subtle manner: First, agents always function as binders to reflexive pronouns, regardless of position or grammatical function. Second, agent properties like volitionality, ability and control are reflected in verbal morphology, even in undergoer voice construction in which the agent is not the PSA. This is the case in potentive, stative, and causative construction.
Reversible Deactivation of Motor Cortex Reveals Functional Connectivity with Posterior Parietal Cortex in the Prosimian Galago (Otolemur garnettii)
Authors: Cooke Dylan F. , Stepniewska Iwona , Miller Daniel J. , Kaas Jon H. , Krubitzer Leah 
Published: October 2015

We examined the functional macrocircuitry of frontoparietal networks in the neocortex of prosimian primates (Otolemur garnettii) using a microfluidic thermal regulator to reversibly deactivate selected regions of motor cortex (M1). During deactivation of either forelimb or mouth/face movement domains within M1, we used long-train intracortical microstimulation techniques to evoke movements from the rostral division of posterior parietal cortex (PPCr). We found that deactivation of M1 movement domains in most instances abolished movements evoked in PPCr. The most common effect of deactivating M1 was to abolish evoked movements in a homotopic domain in PPCr. For example, deactivating M1 forelimb lift domains resulted in loss of evoked movement in forelimb domains in PPCr. However, at some sites, we also observed heterotopic effects; deactivating a specific domain in M1 (e.g., forelimb lift) resulted in loss of evoked movement in a different movement domain in PPCr (e.g., hand-to-mouth or eye-blink). At most sites examined in PPCr, rewarming M1 resulted in a reestablishment of the baseline movement at the same amplitude as that observed before cooling. However, at some sites, reactivation did not result in a return to baseline movement or to the full amplitude of the baseline movement. We discuss our findings in the context of frontoparietal circuits and how they may subserve a repertoire of ecologically relevant behaviors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe posterior parietal cortex (PPC) of primates integrates sensory information used to guide movements. Different modules within PPC and motor cortex (M1) appear to control various motor behaviors (e.g., reaching, defense, and feeding). How these modules work together may vary across species and may explain differences in dexterity and even the capacity for tool use. We investigated the functional connectivity of these modules in galagos, a prosimian primate with relatively simple frontoparietal circuitry. By deactivating a reaching module in M1, we interfered with the function of similar PPC modules and occasionally unrelated PPC modules as well (e.g., eye blink). This circuitry in galagos, therefore, is more complex than in nonprimates, indicating that it has been altered with the expansion of primate PPC.
Metabolic Connection of Inflammatory Pain: Pivotal Role of a Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase-Pyruvate Dehydrogenase-Lactic Acid Axis
Authors: Jha Mithilesh Kumar , Song Gyun Jee , Lee Maan Gee , Jeoung Nam Ho , Go Younghoon , Harris Robert A. , Park Dong Ho , Kook Hyun , Lee In-Kyu , Suk Kyoungho 
Published: October 2015

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDK1–4) are mitochondrial metabolic regulators that serve as decision makers via modulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity to convert pyruvate either aerobically to acetyl-CoA or anaerobically to lactate. Metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory processes are two sides of the same coin in several pathophysiological conditions. The lactic acid surge associated with the metabolic shift has been implicated in diverse painful states. In this study, we investigated the role of PDK-PDH-lactic acid axis in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory pain. Deficiency ofPdk2and/orPdk4in mice attenuated complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced pain hypersensitivities. Likewise,Pdk2/4deficiency attenuated the localized lactic acid surge along with hallmarks of peripheral and central inflammation following intraplantar administration of CFA.In vitrostudies supported the role of PDK2/4 as promoters of classical proinflammatory activation of macrophages. Moreover, the pharmacological inhibition of PDKs or lactic acid production diminished CFA-induced inflammation and pain hypersensitivities. Thus, a PDK-PDH-lactic acid axis seems to mediate inflammation-driven chronic pain, establishing a connection between metabolism and inflammatory pain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) kinases (PDKs) and their substrate PDH orchestrate the conversion of pyruvate either aerobically to acetyl-CoA or anaerobically to lactate. Lactate, the predominant end product of glycolysis, has recently been identified as a signaling molecule for neuron-glia interactions and neuronal plasticity. Pathological metabolic shift and subsequent lactic acid production are thought to play an important role in diverse painful states; however, their contribution to inflammation-driven pain is still to be comprehended. Here, we report that the PDK-PDH-lactic acid axis constitutes a key component of inflammatory pain pathogenesis. Our findings establish an unanticipated link between metabolism and inflammatory pain. This study unlocks a previously ill-explored research avenue for the metabolic control of inflammatory pain pathogenesis.
„Flucht ins Dunkel“ – Bedarf an und Stand der transnationalen Regulierung des Schattenbanksektors. Auch ein Modell für islamic finance?
Authors: Manger-Nestler Cornelia , Gramlich Ludwig 
Published: October 2015

Zusammenfassung
Die Notwendigkeit zu angemessener Bewältigung von Risiken finanzieller Aktivitäten reicht weit über die klassische Banken- und Versicherungsaufsicht hinaus. Die Festlegung von Standards wie die immer intensivere Regulierung erstrecken sich zunehmend auf weitere Sektoren des Finanzwesens. Dabei zeigen sich durchaus Gemeinsamkeiten zwischen den Zielen und Instrumenten von Regelungen für shadow banking und für islamic finance.
La toma de rehenes como acto terrorista internacional. Análisis de la operación de rescate "Chavín de Huantar"
Authors: Álvarez Rubio Ariel 
Published: October 2015

La toma de rehenes es un fenómeno que afecta a muchos países, y donde se refleja la cambiante relación existente entre la política y la guerra contra el terrorismo. Para combatir esta amenaza, los gobiernos se ven obligados a actuar con todas las capacidades disponibles y en ocasiones, los grandes principios y los escrúpulos morales son obviados por los agentes del Estado encargados de la lucha contraterrorista. Por estos motivos, el presente artículo analiza la operación de rescate de rehenes “Chavín de Huantar”, destinada a liberar a 72 personas secuestradas por el Movimiento Revolucionario “Tupac Amaru” (MRTA). El objetivo del estudio es adentrarse en el complejo ‘dilema’ referido a si en una ‘democracia liberal’ se puede considerar aceptable ‘combatir el terror con una violencia sin límites’ y si en esta época de terrorismo, podemos resistirnos a la tentación de ‘no tener piedad’. A nivel metodológico, se realiza una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica y un estudio de campo cuyos resultados permiten comprobar que no se puede otorgar concesiones a los terroristas en materia de toma de rehenes, pero si se debe priorizar el empleo de los recursos más apropiados para que los ciudadanos víctimas de este flagelo salgan ilesos de esta condición.
La neutralidad activa, enfoque comparativo entre la política exterior colombiana y turca
Authors: Guerrero Turbay Marcela , Jaramillo Jassir Mauricio 
Published: October 2015

En lo corrido del siglo, los gobiernos de Colombia y Turquía han emprendido una agresiva campaña en política exterior con el objeto de lograr reconocimiento internacional y visibilidad como actores de relevancia. Esta proyección debe entenderse en sus debidas proporciones, pues ninguno pretende convertirse en potencia regional porque carecen de atributos de poder para acceder a tal status y porque quieren evitar las responsabilidades que eso conlleva. Por ende, la opción más viable para lograr el reconocimiento como líderes o potencia emergentes, consiste en la neutralidad, acompasada de las posibilidades de mediación, y en su carácter de economías en crecimiento. El presente artículo de reflexión busca, por tanto, observar las posibilidades de Ankara y Bogotá a la luz de la neutralidad activa como elemento de atracción, y que se ha venido convirtiendo en derrotero de sus políticas exteriores.
A New Iterative Solution Technique for Reservoir Simulation Equations on Locally Refined Grids
Authors: Brand C. , Heinemann Z. E. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
This paper presents an incomplete LU factorization (ILU) technique coupled with generalized conjugate gradient acceleration especially designed for linear equations resulting from locally refined grids. The factorization is based on a special ordering scheme. This repeated red black (RRB) ordering can cope with grid irregularities introduced by local refinement in a natural way. Moreover, it is a very effective scheme on regular grids. In this case, the condition number (measure for the rate of convergence) of the preconditioned linear system increases asymptotically more slowly with the number of grid blocks than for conventional ILU preconditionings. For large linear systems, this results in a smaller number of iterations necessary to reach convergence. This makes the method highly competitive compared with other techniques even on regular grids, although the new ordering scheme causes more overhead data handling than standard orderings.
Results for several idealized test cases (IMPES-type equations) are given showing the new method to be faster than standard iterative methods.