A Discursive Approach to Understanding Dependencies between Design Acts

Design activity has a significant discursive component. Based on the well-established Hierarchical Task Analysis Method, which links human behavior to syntactic analysis and the hypothesis that design as a problem solving activity can be characterized by its discursive space, we attempt to identify dependencies between design features, defined by codifications based on pairings of nouns (tasks) and verbs (actions) in protocol data. This enables their integration into a complete solution, within a team design setting. Using the Service Learning dataset provided on the Purdue University Research Repository and focusing on the protocols corresponding to the requirement specification, preliminary design and design development stages of design delivery, we carried out macro-, midi- and micro-level analyses. In the macro-level data analysis, statistical tests showed significant correlation between major and minor nouns (tasks). In the midi-level we established similarities between the occurrence of nouns and verbs in protocols. We also observed that certain nouns were more prevalent during specific design stages. In the micro-level data analysis, we found correlations between nouns. Overall, the results show that design actions are anchored around a central task and discursive data can provide significant insight into the integration of successive design actions

Embedded Commissioning©

Embedded Commissioning (ECx) a new digital technology promises to transform capital project delivery (CPD) and its evaluation in the years to come. The primary strategy in ECx is to create an entirely new approach to building evaluation by merging building commissioning methods and information technologies into a new framework. The vision of such broad innovations must include not just new digital tools and techniques but also advances in AEC practices that utilize these innovations. We envision design and engineering practices that are in the service of sound economy, environmental conservation, improved value, greater efficiency, and satisfied occupants. CPD is no longer about competence in delivering just conventional services. Engineers and Architects have to rise to the challenges of our time and insure the best economy in providing the greatest value to stakeholders. Performance needs have to be optimized against first and lifecycle cost of designs. Value must be assessed not just for the bottom line but for other tangible (health, productivity) and intangible (comfort, happiness, recognition) stakeholders benefits. Last but not least, their products must meet the three pillars of the CPD market place: quality, cost, and  schedule

Procjena serumskoga srčanog troponina I u ovaca s akutnom mliječnokiselinskom acidozom buraga.

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is known to be a sensitive cardio biomarker to determine the myocardial damage in diseases affecting the cardiac muscles. However, there has not been sufficient research about cTnI concentration, which is the most sensitive indicator of myocardial damage in sheep with acute ruminal lactic acidosis (ARLA). For this reason this study aimed to evaluate the serum cTnI concentration in sheep with ARLA. Those diagnosed with ARLA (n = 20) from the total of 40 Akkaraman (White karaman) sheep, aged between 1-2 years used in this study comprised the affected group and the healthy ones (n = 20) comprised the control group. Ruminal fluid was obtained from the animals from both groups with the help of a stomach tube, and examined immediately. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of the sheep and the serum was separated. Serum cTnI concentration was measured with a commercial immunoassay system, using the one-step sandwich method. Serum enzyme (ALT, AST, CK-MB and LDH) activities were determined via a clinical biochemistry autoanalyzer. The average serum cTnI concentration was at the level of 0.035 ± 0.015 ng/mL (range; 0.02-0.06 ng/mL) in the control group sheep. It was determined that there was a substantial increase in the group with ARLA and the average concentration reached the level of 0.103 ± 0.080 ng/mL (range; 0.03-1.7 ng/mL) (P<0.0001). It was observed that another cardio marker, CK-MB, was found in the group with ARLA 454.50 ± 191.88 U/L (range; 214-861 U/L) and increased in comparison with the control group 224.35 ± 83.33 U/L (range; 133-421 U/L) (P<0.0001). An increase in LDH (P<0.001) and AST (P<0.001) from liver enzymes in the group with ARLA and ALT activities compared to the control group was identified (P<0.01). In conclusion, this present study determined that the serum cTnI concentration was high in sheep with ARLA and it was concluded that it could be useful to evaluate cTnI concentration as an important marker to determine the prognosis in sheep with ARLA.U bolestima koje zahvaćaju srčani mišić, srčani troponin I (cTnI) poznat je kao osjetljivi biomarker za određivanje oštećenja srčanog mišića. Ipak, nema puno istraživanja o koncentraciji cTnI kao najosjetljivijeg indikatora za oštećenje srčanog mišića kod ovaca s akutnom mliječno-kiselinskom acidozom buraga. Zbog navedenog, u ovom istraživanju namjera je bila procijeniti koncentraciju serumskog cTnI kod ovaca s akutnom mliječno-kiselinskom acidozom. Ovce s dijagosticiranom akutnom mliječno-kiselinskom acidozom (n = 20) u skupini od ukupno 40 akaraman (bijeli karaman) ovaca, u dobi od jedne do dvije godine, činile su pokusnu skupinu bolesnih jedinki. Preostale ovce (n = 20) činile su kontrolnu skupinu zdravih jedinki. Tekućina buraga od svih pretraženih životinja dobivena je sondiranjem i odmah analizirana. Uzorci krvi uzeti su iz jugularne vene te je iz njih izdvojen serum. Koncentracija serumskog cTnI mjerena je komercijalnim imunoenzimnim testom, sendvič postupkom. Aktivnosti serumskih enzima (ALT, AST, CK-MB i LDH) utvrđene su uporabom kliničkog biokemijskog autoanalizatora. Prosječna serumska koncentracija cTnI u kontrolnoj skupini ovaca bila je na razini 0,035 ± 0,015 ng/mL (raspon: 0,02 - 0,06 ng/mL). U skupini ovaca s acidozom utvrđeno je postojano povećanje koncentracije cTnI koja je dosegla razinu od 0,103 ± 0,080 ng/mL (raspon: 0,03 - 1,7 ng/mL) (P<0,0001). U pokusnoj skupini opaženo je povećanje i drugog srčanog markera CK-MB koji je u ovoj skupini iznosio 454,50 ± 191,88 U/I (raspon: 214 - 861 U/I), a u kontrolnoj 224,35 ± 83,33 U/I (raspon: 133 - 421 U/I) (P<0,0001). Također je ustanovljeno da su ovce s acidozom u odnosu na ovce kontrolne skupine imale povišene jetrene enzime LDH (P<0,001) i AST (P<0,001), odnosno ALT (P<0,01). Zaključeno je da ovce s acidozom imaju povećanu koncentraciju serumskog cTnI koji može poslužiti kao važan biljeg za prognozu bolesti

Tissue morphology and gene expression characterisation of transplantable adenocarcinoma bearing mice exposed to fluorodeoxyglucose-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles

Fluorodeoxyglucose-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles, designed to target cancer cells with high specificity when heated by an alternating magnetic field, could provide a low-cost, non-toxic treatment for cancer. However, it is essential that the in vivo impacts of such technologies on both tumour and healthy tissues are characterised fully. Profiling tissue gene expression by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time PCR can provide a sensitive measurement of tissue response to treatment. However, the accuracy of such analyses is dependent on the selection of stable reference genes. In this study, we determined the impact of fluorodeoxyglucose-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles on tumour and non-tumour tissue gene expression and morphology in MAC16 adenocarcinoma established male NMRI mice. Mice received an injection of 8mg / kg body weight fluorodeoxyglucose-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles either intravenously in to the tail vein, directly into the tumour or subcutaneously directly overlying the tumour. Tissues from mice were sampled between 70 minutes and 12 hours post injection. Using the bioinformatic geNorm tool, we established the stability of six candidate reference genes (Hprt, Pgk1, Ppib, Sdha, Tbp and Tuba); we observed Pgk1 and Ppib to be the most stable. We then characterised the expression profiles of several apoptosis genes of interest in our adenocarcinoma samples, observing differential expression in response to mode of administration and exposure duration. Using histological assessment and fluorescent TUNNEL staining, we observed no detrimental impact on either tumour or non-tumour tissue morphology or levels of apoptosis. These observations define the underlying efficacy of fluorodeoxyglucose-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles on tumour and non-tumour tissue morphology and gene expression, setting the basis for future studies

The efficacy of multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer

Aim: To investigate the accuracy of multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in determining the diagnosis and treatment options of prostate cancer (PCa), and its pathology correlation. Methods: Between October 2017 and January 2018, 73 patients were subjected to an mpMRI at our clinic. Of these patients, 11 were radical prostatectomy (RP) after treatment, and four were post- radiation therapy (RT) follow-up. The remaining 58 patients were assigned to the PSA elevation and / or positive digital rectal examination (DRE) patient group in this study and their outcomes were evaluated. Results: Of the 58 patients included in the study, 13 were found to have a PI-RADS 5 on mpMRI and in 9 (90%) of 10 patients undergoing simultaneous biopsy, PCa was detected. The biopsy results of all cases evaluated as PI-RADS 1 were benign. All of the patients who were ISUP 3 and above had a PI-RADS 5. Patients with a PI-RADS score of 4 and above being ISUP 2 and above was statistically significant (p=0.011). A case had undergone a previous radical prostatectomy assessment revealed that tPSA increased to 2 ng/ml during the follow-up, and so RT was added to the treatment; although LAP was identified in the left iliac region on an mpMRI performed upon the continued increase of tPSA. During the follow-ups of the patient who had regional RT, the tPSA dropped below 0.01 ng/ml. Conclusion: The results of our study show that mpMRI can gain a new and important place in urology due to the guidance it provides in biopsies, facilitating targeted biopsy, its effectiveness in determining treatment modalities and its importance in post-PCa treatment follow-ups

Epicardial adipose tissue and pericoronary fat thickness measured with 64-multidetector computed tomography: potential predictors of the severity of coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between pericoronary fat and the severity and extent of atherosclerosis, quantified using 64-multidetector computed tomography, in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. METHODS: The study population consisted of 131 patients who were clinically referred for noninvasive multislice computed tomography coronary angiography for the evaluation of coronary artery disease. Patients were classified as follows: no atherosclerosis, Group 1; nonobstructive atherosclerosis (luminal narrowin

Relationship between major depressive disorder and ACE gene I/D polymorphism in a Turkish population

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex disease and a significant health problem that is prevalent across the world. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has an important role in renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and converts inactive angiotensin I to a potent vasopressor and aldosterone-stimulating peptide angiotensin II. Levels of ACE in plasma vary according to the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of ACE gene. Objective The aim of the current study was to examine the influence ACE gene I/D variations on the risk of MDD. Methods In the present case-control study, we analyzed ACE I/D polymorphism in 346 MDD patients and 210 healthy subjects using polymerase chain reaction technique. Results Comparing the two groups, no significant difference was observed with regard to either genotype distributions or allele frequencies of the I/D polymorphism of ACE gene. Discussion Our findings suggest that the ACE I/D polymorphism is not associated with MDD in Turkish case-control study. Further studies are still needed

Procjena serumskoga srčanog troponina I u ovaca s akutnom mliječnokiselinskom acidozom buraga.

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is known to be a sensitive cardio biomarker to determine the myocardial damage in diseases affecting the cardiac muscles. However, there has not been sufficient research about cTnI concentration, which is the most sensitive indicator of myocardial damage in sheep with acute ruminal lactic acidosis (ARLA). For this reason this study aimed to evaluate the serum cTnI concentration in sheep with ARLA. Those diagnosed with ARLA (n = 20) from the total of 40 Akkaraman (White karaman) sheep, aged between 1-2 years used in this study comprised the affected group and the healthy ones (n = 20) comprised the control group. Ruminal fluid was obtained from the animals from both groups with the help of a stomach tube, and examined immediately. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of the sheep and the serum was separated. Serum cTnI concentration was measured with a commercial immunoassay system, using the one-step sandwich method. Serum enzyme (ALT, AST, CK-MB and LDH) activities were determined via a clinical biochemistry autoanalyzer. The average serum cTnI concentration was at the level of 0.035 ± 0.015 ng/mL (range; 0.02-0.06 ng/mL) in the control group sheep. It was determined that there was a substantial increase in the group with ARLA and the average concentration reached the level of 0.103 ± 0.080 ng/mL (range; 0.03-1.7 ng/mL) (P<0.0001). It was observed that another cardio marker, CK-MB, was found in the group with ARLA 454.50 ± 191.88 U/L (range; 214-861 U/L) and increased in comparison with the control group 224.35 ± 83.33 U/L (range; 133-421 U/L) (P<0.0001). An increase in LDH (P<0.001) and AST (P<0.001) from liver enzymes in the group with ARLA and ALT activities compared to the control group was identified (P<0.01). In conclusion, this present study determined that the serum cTnI concentration was high in sheep with ARLA and it was concluded that it could be useful to evaluate cTnI concentration as an important marker to determine the prognosis in sheep with ARLA.U bolestima koje zahvaćaju srčani mišić, srčani troponin I (cTnI) poznat je kao osjetljivi biomarker za određivanje oštećenja srčanog mišića. Ipak, nema puno istraživanja o koncentraciji cTnI kao najosjetljivijeg indikatora za oštećenje srčanog mišića kod ovaca s akutnom mliječno-kiselinskom acidozom buraga. Zbog navedenog, u ovom istraživanju namjera je bila procijeniti koncentraciju serumskog cTnI kod ovaca s akutnom mliječno-kiselinskom acidozom. Ovce s dijagosticiranom akutnom mliječno-kiselinskom acidozom (n = 20) u skupini od ukupno 40 akaraman (bijeli karaman) ovaca, u dobi od jedne do dvije godine, činile su pokusnu skupinu bolesnih jedinki. Preostale ovce (n = 20) činile su kontrolnu skupinu zdravih jedinki. Tekućina buraga od svih pretraženih životinja dobivena je sondiranjem i odmah analizirana. Uzorci krvi uzeti su iz jugularne vene te je iz njih izdvojen serum. Koncentracija serumskog cTnI mjerena je komercijalnim imunoenzimnim testom, sendvič postupkom. Aktivnosti serumskih enzima (ALT, AST, CK-MB i LDH) utvrđene su uporabom kliničkog biokemijskog autoanalizatora. Prosječna serumska koncentracija cTnI u kontrolnoj skupini ovaca bila je na razini 0,035 ± 0,015 ng/mL (raspon: 0,02 - 0,06 ng/mL). U skupini ovaca s acidozom utvrđeno je postojano povećanje koncentracije cTnI koja je dosegla razinu od 0,103 ± 0,080 ng/mL (raspon: 0,03 - 1,7 ng/mL) (P<0,0001). U pokusnoj skupini opaženo je povećanje i drugog srčanog markera CK-MB koji je u ovoj skupini iznosio 454,50 ± 191,88 U/I (raspon: 214 - 861 U/I), a u kontrolnoj 224,35 ± 83,33 U/I (raspon: 133 - 421 U/I) (P<0,0001). Također je ustanovljeno da su ovce s acidozom u odnosu na ovce kontrolne skupine imale povišene jetrene enzime LDH (P<0,001) i AST (P<0,001), odnosno ALT (P<0,01). Zaključeno je da ovce s acidozom imaju povećanu koncentraciju serumskog cTnI koji može poslužiti kao važan biljeg za prognozu bolesti

The relationship between glycemic control and BNP levels in diabetic patients

Background: Glycemic control affects cardiovascular risk factors positively. The purpose of this study was to assess B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with poorly controlled diabetes before and after glycemic regulation was achieved.Methods: The study was performed in a prospective design. The study population consisted of 79 consecutive diabetic patients with poor glycemic control. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Levels of fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid parameters, and BNP were measured before the onset of the treatment and after glycemic regulation was achieved.Results: A significant decrease in BNP (95.0 [4.0–1807] ng/L vs. 52.0 [2.1–987.0] ng/L, p &lt; 0.001) levels were observed, after improving glycemic control. The decrease in BNP levels was positively correlated with the decrease in HbA1c (r = 0.345, p = 0.003) and fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.366, p = 0.002). There was no correlation between the decrease in BNP levels and lipid parameters (p = NS).Conclusions: We conclude that poor glycemic control may cause high levels of BNP which maylead to overdiagnosis of congestive heart failure. We suggest that HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose should be checked in patients with high levels of BNP

An in-vivo pilot study into the effects of FDG-mNP in cancer in mice

Purpose Previously, fluorodeoxy glucose conjugated magnetite nanoparticles (FDG-mNPs) injected into cancer cells in conjunction with the application of magnetic hyperthermia have shown promise in new FDG-mNPs applications. The aim of this study was to determine potential toxic or unwanted effects involving both tumour cells and normal tissue in other organs when FDG-mNPs are administered intravenously or intratumourally in mice. Materials and methods FDG-mNPs were synthesized. A group of six prostate-tumour bearing mice were injected with 23.42 mg/ml FDG-mNPs (intravenous injection, n = 3; intratumoural injection into the prostate tumour, n = 3). Mice were euthanized and histological sampling of tissue was conducted for the prostate tumour, as well as for lungs, lymph nodes, liver, kidneys, spleen, and brain, at 1 hour (n = 2) and 7 days (n = 4) post-injection. A second group of two normal (non-cancerous) mice received the same injection intravenously into the tail vein and were euthanised at 3 and 6 months post-injection, respectively, to investigate if FDG-mNPs remained in organs at those time points. Results In prostate-tumour bearing mice, FDG-mNPs concentrated in the prostate tumour, while relatively small amounts were found in the organs of other tissues, particularly the spleen and the liver; FDG-mNP concentrations decreased over time in all tissues. In normal mice, no detrimental effects were found in either mouse at 3 or 6 months. Conclusion Intravenous or intratumoural FDG-mNPs can be safely administered for effective cancer cell destruction. Further research on the clinical utility of FDG-mNPs will be conducted by applying hyperthermia in conjunction with FDG-mNPs in mice