bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence based decision making and COVID-19: what a posteriori probability distributions speak.
Authors: Bhandari Sudhir , Tak Amit , Shukla Jyotsna , Patel Bhoopendra , Shaktawat Ajit Singh , Singhal Sanjay , Gupta Jitendra , Kakkar Shivankan , Dube Amitabh , Dia Sunita , Dia Mahendra , Wehner Todd C
Published: July 2020

Background: In the absence of a vaccine for coronavirus disease-19, the management of the current pandemic revolves around public health measures such as social distancing, lockdown, and contact tracing. A number of epidemiological models are used in decision making and for generating research intelligence. The models require information regarding the structures of social contact between different ages and genders. The present study fosters evidence-based decision making by estimating various a posteriori probability distributions from data of COVID-19 patients. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective observational study, 987 real-time RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 positive patients from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, India were enrolled after approval of the institutional ethics committee. The data regarding age, gender, and outcome were collected from case sheets. The univariate and bivariate distributions of COVID-19 cases with respect to age, gender, and outcome were estimated. The age distribution of COVID-19 cases was compared with the age distribution of general population using goodness of fit c2 test. The independence of attributes in bivariate distributions was evaluated using the chi square test for independence.Results: The age group ‘25-29’ has shown highest probability of COVID-19 cases (P[25-29] = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.12- 0.16). The men (P[Male] = 0.62, 95%CI: 0.59-0.65) were dominant sufferers. The most common outcome was recovery (P[Recovered] = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.76-0.81) followed by admitted cases (P[Active]= 0.13, 95%CI: 0.11-0.15) and death (P[Death] = 0.08, 95%CI: 0.06-0.10). The age distribution of COVID-19 cases differs significantly from the age distribution of the general population (c2 = 399.04, p < 0.001). The bivariate distribution of COVID-19 across age and outcome was not independent (c2 =106.21, df = 32, p < 0.001).Conclusion: The age, gender, and outcome distributions helps in evaluating disease dynamics and the social structure of the community. The knowledge of patterns of disease frequency helps in optimum allocation of limited resources and manpower. The study provides information for various epidemiological models, to decide the duration of lockdown.
Prognostic nomogram to predict overall survival for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: A population-based study of SEER database
Authors: Wang Chendong , Gong Huanyu , Zhang Zhiyuan , Fang Danzhou , Wu Huiqun
Published: July 2020

Background

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is a highly aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis. Accurate prediction is of great significance for patients’ survival outcome. The present study aimed to propose a prognostic nomogram for predicting the overall survival (OS) for patients with pCCA.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis in a total of 940 patients enrolled from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program and developed a nomogram based on the prognostic factors identified from the cox regression analysis. Concordance index (C-index), risk group stratification and calibration curves were adopted to test the discrimination and calibration ability of the nomogram with bootstrap method. Decision curves were also plotted to evaluate net benefits in clinical use against TNM staging system.

Results

On the basis of multivariate analysis, five independent prognostic factors including age, summary stage, surgery, chemotherapy, together with radiation were selected and entered into the nomogram model. The C-index of the model was significantly higher than TNM system in the training set (0.703 vs 0.572, P<0.001), which was also proved in the validation set (0.718 vs 0.588, p<0.001). The calibration curves for 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS probabilities exhibited good agreements between the nomogram-predicted and the actual observation. Decision curves displayed that the nomogram obtained more net benefits than TNM staging system in clinical context. The OS curves of two distinct risk groups stratified by nomogram-predicted survival outcome illustrated statistical difference.

Conclusions

We established and validated an easy-to-use prognostic nomogram, which can provide more accurate individualized prediction and assistance in decision making for pCCA patients.
Internal Metal(loid)s Are Potentially Involved in the Association Between Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Blood Pressure: A Repeated-Measurement Study in North China
Authors: Lan Changxin , Li Qi , Wang Bin , Xue Tao , Chen Junxi , Jiangtulu Bahabieke , Ge Shufang , Wang Xuepeng , Gao Miaomiao , Yu Yanxin , Xu Ying , Zhao Xiuge , Li Zhiwen
Published: July 2020

Background

The effects of ambient fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) exposure on blood pressure have been widely reported. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the underlying roles of particulate matter components. We aimed to investigate the association between ambient PM 2.5 exposure and blood pressure, as well as the potential mediating effects of trace metal(loid)s, in a repeated-measurement study that enrolled women of childbearing age.

Methods

Our study included 35 participants from Hebei Province, China, each of whom was visited five times. During each visit, questionnaire surveys were conducted, blood pressure was measured, and blood was collected. The daily PM 2.5 exposure for all participants was estimated according to their residential addresses using a spatiotemporal model that combined monitoring data with satellite measurements and chemical-transport model simulations. This model was used to calculate average PM 2.5 concentrations 1, 3, 7, 15, 30, and 60 days prior to each visit. Serum concentrations of various trace metal(loid)s were measured using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. A linear mixed-effects model was used to investigate associations among study variables.

Results

PM 2.5 concentration was positively associated with both systolic and diastolic blood pressures, with or without adjustments for potential confounders. Likewise, PM 2.5 concentration was positively associated with serum concentrations of manganese and arsenic, and negatively associated with serum concentrations of nickel, tin, and chromium. Only the serum concentration of molybdenum was negatively associated with systolic blood pressure.

Conclusion

Ambient PM 2.5 exposure may contribute to elevated blood pressure, potentially by interfering with internal metal(loid) intake in the human body.
Fear of COVID-19 and Mental Health: The Role of Mindfulness in During Time of Crisis
Authors: Belen Hacer
Published: July 2020

The novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is impactful on all aspects of individuals’ lives, particularly mental health due to the fear associated with the pandemic. Thus, current study explored the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and mental health aspects, namely anxiety and depression and whether this relationship is mediated by mindfulness. Data were collected from a student sample of 355 participants (71.5 % female and 28.5% males) ranged between in age 18 and 41 (M= 22.41±3.27) and participants completed Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale and anxiety and depression subscale of SCL-90-R. In terms of the results, correlational analyses indicated that fear of COVID-19 is reversely associated with mindfulness while positive correlations were found with anxiety and depression. Structural equation modeling analyses demonstrated that mindfulness mediated in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and depression and anxiety. Implications are further discussed.
Comparing the Neuroprotective Effects of Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Vernonia Amygdalina on the Cerebellum of Adult Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Aguwa Ugochukwu Samuel , Okeke Somadina M , Okeke Chijioke M , Eze Chinyere E , Obinwa Benedict Nzube , Izuogu Morris , Ovie Felix Ogbo , Onyejike Darlington Nnamdi , Ogbuokiri Doris Kasarachi , Ezejindu Damian N
Published: July 2020

The solvent of extraction determines the type and amount of phytochemicals extractible from a plant material. Reports have shown that numerous African herbs are rich is potent phytochemicals which have been used in folkloric and orthodox medicine in the prevention and treatment of ailments. This research is geared towards comparing the neuroprotective potency of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina on the cerebellum of mercury chloride intoxicated Wistar rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group A was the negative control and had food and water only. Group B was the positive control and was exposed to mercury chloride without treatment. Groups C1 and C2 received 200mg/kg bw of aqueous and methanolic extracts respectively while groups D1 and D2 received 400mg/kg bw of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina respectively. Result of phytochemical analysis shows that water extracted more flavonoids while methanol extracted more phenols. The results of antioxidant studies show that the methanolic extract conferred more protection against oxidative stress than the aqueous extract. Histological results show that aqueous extract conferred more protection than the methanolic extract. We therefore conclude from our report that both the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina confer neuroprotection on the cerebellum of Wistar rats.
Effect of Gamma- Irradiation on Structure, Morphology and Thermal Properties of Novel Polyamide Based Thermoset Obtained by Double Cycloaddition
Authors: Kalluraya Balakrishna , B R Kaushik , Somashekarappa H M
Published: July 2020

Cycloaddition reactions gained prominence in macromolecular chemistry for generating macromolecules because of high yields of these reactions, which is a key tool that drives polyaddition reactions. Cycloaddition reaction plays major role in extension of polymerisation or in other words high conversions of monomers to macromolecules of high molecular weights. Until the late 1990s, the major studies regarding cycloadditions in novel polymer synthesis were related to polyaddition reactions. Since then in the field of polymer synthesis the affirmative strengths of these cycloaddition reactions have been exhibited in multi fold polymer design and headway material architecture. Future demand exists in unlatching the capacity of these novel synthetic routes for advanced applications in catalysis, separation, optoelectronics, and analytical media. Thus, we have developed an able and productive synthetic podium for the preparation of a new class of polyimide based on the double 1, 3-dipolar cycloaddition of thiasydnone with bis-maleimide. This paper reports the effect of gamma irradiation on the changes in physico-chemical properties of the polyamide based thermoset synthesised by double cycloaddition approach. The thermoset synthesized by this exclusive approach were irradiated with gamma doses in the range 10- 300 kGy. The substantial effect of gamma radiation and the structural modifications induced on the thermoset have been studied as a function of dose using different characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry- thermo gravimetric analysis (DSC-TGA), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and UV-Vis Spectroscopy.
Modelling and Simulation of Below-the-Hook Lifting Device Balanced C-hook for Load to Investigate the Static and Model Analysis for Various Grades of Steels by Numerical Method
Authors: M R Mahanthesh , L Girisha , Deshpande Malteshkumar , Babu C Shreyas , DC Shivananda
Published: July 2020

Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices will enable easy loading, unloading and transportation of heavy metal coils. A balanced c-hook is one of the widely used Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices works by inserting its lower arm inside the hole of coil. Multiple variations of c hooks are being used based on different load requirements, and different applications like paper roll c hooks to transport heavy paper rolls, spring loaded c hooks to reduce weight by avoiding counter weights etc. Structural and mechanical lifters may be modified or re-assessed, provided that such alterations are analyzed and approved. Balanced c-Hook are to be designed by considering forces imposed by the lifted load, the weights of the device’s parts, since balanced c hooks are subjected repeated loading and unloading, there is probability of failure due stress concentration. To prevent chances of failure, Prior study is required on this; the materials which are generally used for the C hook are considered for a particular loading condition of 10 Tons, Design of the bellow the hooks is done by numerical method. Modeling and Simulations are carried to determine the various factors like deformation, stresses generated and mode shapes. The comparison among all the selected materials is done to check the suitability of the material to use as a balanced C hook. For the generation of CAD model of C -Hook various geometrical features and Dimensions are selected as per the specification from ASME B30.20 standard. To investigate statics stress results and model are obtained from Finite element Method.  from the results of the analysis it is observed that results obtained are in close match with each other and maximum stress concentration occurs at inner most surface.
Modeling of Moisture Crystallization of Bacterial Starter Cultures during Freezing
Authors: Korotkaya Elena , Korotkiy Igor , Vasil'ev Kirill I , Ostroumov L.
Published: July 2020

Introduction. The quality of fermented milk products directly depends on the bacterial starter cultures involved, which contain lactic acid microorganisms. One of the most effective ways to store bacterial ferments is freezing as it improves the survival rate and preserves the morphological and cultural properties. Changing the phase state of water affects the chemical and biochemical processes during freezing. The present research dealt with the issue of moisture crystallization during freezing of bacterial starter cultures.

Study objects and methods. The study featured bacterial starter cultures of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The authors used standard methods to determine their physical and chemical properties; the first buffer method of two temperature and time intervals made it possible to describe the thermal characteristics.

Results and discussion. A set of experiments helped to define the mass fractions of total protein and dry matter, the content of lactic acid, as well as cryoscopic temperatures and thermophysical characteristics of the bacterial cultures in question. The values of the thermophysical characteristics of bacterial ferments proved to depend on the amount of moisture in them. The authors constructed a model of moisture crystallization during freezing of bacterial starter cultures, taking into account the content of lactose and lactic acid. The model made it possible to define the cryoscopic temperatures. Their proved close to the experimental ones. The model of moisture crystallization also provided the freezing time and a method for calculating thermal characteristics and their values. The differences between the calculated and experimental values did not exceed 5.3 %.

Conclusion. The experimental and calculated values of the thermophysical characteristics appeared similar, which means that the proposed model of moisture crystallization during freezing of bacterial ferments proved effective. The model can be used in commercial freezing to calculate thermal characteristics and freezing time.
Plant- and Whey-Based Sustainable Technology: Development Potential
Authors: Maytakov A. , Sarafanov Aleksandr
Published: July 2020

Introduction. According to the Lighthouse research company, energy consumption in Russian industry exceeds the level of similar enterprises in other countries by 40–220%. In this regard, the urgent task is to find ways to improve the technological level of production in the country. The article features multi-assortment low-tonnage complex food technological in agriculture.

Study objects and methods. Industrial agro-complexes that implement agricultural production technologies, storage, and processing technologies can solve the problem of food security in Russia. The research focused on food technology of open-type system complexes. To design such complexes, one has to pay attention to the entire production chain, from production of raw materials with programmed quality indicators to finished products that meet particular requirements.

Results and discussion. The study summarized various data on the conditions of self-organization of system technological complexes and their main characteristics, e.g. openness, nonlinearity, instability, etc. The article describes the principles that underlie such complexes in agrifood industry, as well as the dialectic character of the synergy of several technologies united into one complex. The authors believe that agricultural industrialization is inevitable as industrial agro-complexes implement a new stage of the innovation revolution in agriculture. Therefore, priorities in agricultural development should be based on forecasts that rely on the current data and take into account the projection horizon.

Conclusion. Research organizations and universities should implement complex technological systems.
Editorial
Authors: Alves Carlos Alberto , Stefanini Claudio José , Cavenaghi Airton José
Published: July 2020

Editorial
Erratum: Treatment of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis with Bisphosphonates Alone, Vitamin D Alone or a Combination Treatment in Eastern Asians: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Junjie , Li Hongzhuo
Published: July 2020

Due to an overlook on the author's side, author’s affiliation in the article entitled as: “Treatment of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
with Bisphosphonates Alone, Vitamin D Alone or a Combination Treatment in Eastern Asians: A Meta-Analysis” by Dr. Junjie Wang
(Co-author) published in the journal “Current Pharmaceutical Design” Volume 25, No 14, Page no- 1653-1662 was incomplete.
Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics of Timosaponin A-III by a Sensitive HPLC-MS/MS Method: Low Bioavailability Resulting from Poor Permeability and Solubility
Authors: Wang Hai-Qiao , Gong Xiao-Mei , Lan Fen , Zhang Yi-Han , Xia Jin-Er , Zhang Hai , Guo Jia-Lin , Liu Min
Published: July 2020

Background:

Timosaponin A-III is one of the most promising active saponins from
Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. As an oral chemotherapeutic agent, there is an urgent need to clarify
its biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics to improve its development potential.

Objective:

This research explores the bioavailability of timosaponin A-III and clarifies its absorption
and metabolism mechanisms by a sensitive and specific HPLC-MS/MS method.

Methods:

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability studies of timosaponin A-III were performed in Sprague-
Dawley rats by oral (20 mg/kg) and intravenous administration (2 mg/kg). Control group was given
the same volume of normal saline. The absorption of timosaponin A-III was investigated in a rat
intestinal perfusion model in situ and a Caco-2 cell transport model in vitro. The metabolic rate of
timosaponin A-III was determined in a rat liver microsome incubation system.

Results:

After the oral administration, timosaponin A-III reached Cmax of 120.90 ± 24.97 ng/mL at 8 h,
and the t1/2 was 9.94 h. The absolute oral bioavailability of timosaponin A-III was 9.18%. The permeability
coefficients of timosaponin A-III in four intestinal segments ranged from 4.98 to 5.42 × 10-7
cm/s, indicating a difficult absorption. A strikingly high efflux transport of timosaponin A-III was found,
PappBA 3.27 ± 0.64 × 10−6 cm/s, which was abolished by a P-gp inhibitor. Rat liver microsome incubation
studies showed that timosaponin A-III could hardly be metabolized, with a t1/2 of over 12 h. In
addition, the solubility test showed a low solubility in PBS solution, i.e. 30.58 μg/mL.

Conclusion:

Timosaponin A-III exhibited low oral bioavailability by oral and intravenous administration,
which was probably caused by its low permeability and solubility. This study may provide a reference for
its rational clinical use and further study on the pharmacology or toxicology of timosaponin A-III.
Removal of Various Pollutants from Wastewater Using Plasma-Modified Lignocellulose-Derived as a Low-Cost Adsorbent: An Overview
Authors: Acayanka Elie , Tarkwa Jean-Baptiste , Takam Brice , Abia Daouda , Serge Nzali , Kamgang Georges Y. , Laminsi Samuel
Published: July 2020

In their search for an alternative to commercial adsorbents, much research is turned to the
local biomass-based materials such as agricultural residues and assimilated derivatives. However,
natural biomass due to its low specific surface area must first undergo several pre-treatments. Among
the newly emerging electric techniques for environmental applications, those who operate at atmospheric
pressure (Non-thermal plasma) have recently found many breakthrough applications arising
from their easy use with no extra additional reagents and their high reactivity. The Non-thermal
plasma treatment of biomass is one of the promising developed approaches mainly due to significant
effects including the formation of micro and macrospores, the increase of surface roughness, and surface
functionalization. The most used plasma is non-thermal, so as not to denature the biomass,
likewise the hot plasma can burn and/or destroy high contains carbon biomaterials. Especially, the
gliding arc plasma obtained using moisten air as feeding gas, which is known to induce acidifying
and oxidizing effects in an aqueous target. The primary species HO• radicals [E° (HO•/H2O) = 2.85
V/SHE] mainly formed in the arc will be with the dimer H2O2 [E°(H2O2/H2O) = 1.76 V/SHE] the determining
agents for the chemical reactions induced. Exposure of a target to this kind of environment
is likely to promote great surface transformations. This approach has some advantages: (i) the merit
of not using commercial chemical reagents, the reactive species being in situ generated; (ii) the risks
related to the manipulation of the products, the plasma reactor is robust and can be modulated to treat
large quantity; (iii) the efficiency of the bi-functionality of the plasma (acidifier and oxidative). In
this review, we will highlight the main changes induced by exposure of biomass to plasma treatment
and also make a comparative study between chemically and plasma-activated materials in the
removal of various pollutants from aqueous solution; and finally, we summarize the findings in the
existing literature.
Effect of provenances on wood properties of Balfourodendron riedelianum
Authors: Assad Amanda Aparecida Vianna , Ballarin Adriano Wagner , Freitas Miguel Luiz Menezes , Longui Eduardo Luiz
Published: July 2020

Wood is comparatively more conservative than other parts of trees, such as leaves, which present greater phenotypic plasticity. We studied the effect of seed origin on annual increment, physical-mechanical properties and anatomical characteristics of Balfourodendron riedelianum wood in a homogeneous plantation (Luiz Antônio Experimental Station (LAES)) from three natural provenances (Gália and Bauru in São Paulo State and Alvorada do Sul in Paraná State, Brazil). Because genotypic information is a determinant of wood formation, trees were expected to develop wood structure based on their provenances. Our results demostrate that variations in volume, properties and wood anatomy were influenced by provenance. Alvorada do Sul trees showed lower growth in volume and higher strength and homogeneity, compared to Gália and Bauru. Typical radial pattern was not observed for most characteristics, except modulus of elasticity and fiber length in Gália and compression parallel to the grain in Bauru that increased towards the bark. Based on the latter characteristc, B. riedelianum wood in a homogeneous planting has class C40 mechanical strength, as indicated for use in medium-sized structures, light civil construction and the manufacture of furniture.
The Present and Future Applications of Technology in Adapting Medical Education Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Remtulla Ridhaa
Published: July 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has not only been catastrophic toward patient health but has also proven to be incredibly disruptive to several industries and sectors, including medical education. However, many medical schools have employed various technological solutions in order to minimize the disruption to medical education during this unpredictable time. This viewpoint reviews the various current and potential applications of technology in order to adapt medical education amidst a global pandemic.
Requirements of Health Data Management Systems for Biomedical Care and Research: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Ismail Leila , Materwala Huned , Karduck Achim P , Adem Abdu
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Over the last century, disruptive incidents in the fields of clinical and biomedical research have yielded a tremendous change in health data management systems. This is due to a number of breakthroughs in the medical field and the need for big data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT) to be incorporated in a real-time smart health information management system. In addition, the requirements of patient care have evolved over time, allowing for more accurate prognoses and diagnoses. In this paper, we discuss the temporal evolution of health data management systems and capture the requirements that led to the development of a given system over a certain period of time. Consequently, we provide insights into those systems and give suggestions and research directions on how they can be improved for a better health care system.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to show that there is a need for a secure and efficient health data management system that will allow physicians and patients to update decentralized medical records and to analyze the medical data for supporting more precise diagnoses, prognoses, and public insights. Limitations of existing health data management systems were analyzed.

METHODS

To study the evolution and requirements of health data management systems over the years, a search was conducted to obtain research articles and information on medical lawsuits, health regulations, and acts. These materials were obtained from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Association for Computing Machinery, Elsevier, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.

RESULTS

Health data management systems have undergone a disruptive transformation over the years from paper to computer, web, cloud, IoT, big data analytics, and finally to blockchain. The requirements of a health data management system revealed from the evolving definitions of medical records and their management are (1) medical record data, (2) real-time data access, (3) patient participation, (4) data sharing, (5) data security, (6) patient identity privacy, and (7) public insights. This paper reviewed health data management systems based on these 7 requirements across studies conducted over the years. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis of the temporal evolution of health data management systems giving insights into the system requirements for better health care.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for a comprehensive real-time health data management system that allows physicians, patients, and external users to input their medical and lifestyle data into the system. The incorporation of big data analytics will aid in better prognosis or diagnosis of the diseases and the prediction of diseases. The prediction results will help in the development of an effective prevention plan.
Perspectiva de género, desafíos para su inclusión en las políticas públicas
Authors: Echeverría Cabrera Carmen
Published: July 2020

Alcanzar la igualdad sustantiva entre mujeres y hombres en México conlleva limitaciones y obstáculos de carácter cultural e institucional. Entre ellos está la resistencia a los cambios de paradigma de lo que significa ser mujer y ser hombre, expresados en los roles y estereotipos de género. El diseño e implementación de las políticas públicas tienen grandes desafíos para erradicar la violencia contra las mujeres, como máxima expresión de las desigualdades por razones de género.
La no revictimización de las mujeres en México
Authors: Carranco Arenas Dalia Berenice
Published: July 2020

La violencia contra las mujeres es, lamentablemente, una realidad muy activa en México. Una mujer víctima, aparte del daño que sufre por el delito, tiene dificultades para acceder a la justicia y sufre del perjuicio de la sociedad. En este artículo conoceremos más acerca de la rama que se encarga de estudiar la llamada revictimización y discutiremos cómo evitar hacer un doble, o incluso más, daño a las mujeres víctimas de un delito.
Modelos de predicción del impacto y evolución del COVID-19 en República Dominicana
Authors: F. Franco Edian , Calderón Víctor V. , Ramos Rommel T.
Published: July 2020

Después de su descubrimiento en China, en diciembre de 2019, el virus SARS-CoV-2 causante de la enfermedad COVID-19, comenzó a propagarse por la mayoría de los países del mundo, provocando una cantidad importante de infectados y muertos, situación que ha generado una gran presión en los sistemas de salud y gobiernos de los diferentes países, que en muchos casos no contaban con los recursos e infraestructuras para enfrentar una pandemia provocada por el virus, como fue el caso de República Dominicana. Usando los datos públicos del avance de la pandemia en la Republica Dominicana, desde el 1 de marzo hasta el 30 de abril, se modeló y pronosticó la posible evolución del COVID-19 en este país, utilizando de tres modelos matemáticos SIR, SEIR-Extendido y log-lineal. Estos modelos permitieron proyectar los diferentes escenarios de contagios y evolución de la enfermedad, además de pronosticar el pico y el descenso de la curva de casos. Según los resultados obtenidos, el país se encontraba en un proceso de crecimiento exponencial de los contagios; el pico de los contagios fue pronosticado ocurriría entre la segunda mitad del mes de mayo y la primera mitad del mes de junio, con un estimado de infectados entre 100,000 y 200,000 individuos. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio permiten obtener una idea de cuál podría ser el impacto humano y social del COVID-19 en la República Dominicana.
Genetic diversity and geographical genetic diversity in Colombian accessions of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown
Authors: Cardona Montoya José Omar , Muñoz Jaime Eduardo
Published: July 2020

Bushy matgrass (Lippia alba, Verbenaceae) is a promising plant genetic resource, by their active compounds. The present document studied the molecular genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of two contrasting populations of L. alba in Colombia. Eight RAM, evaluated total DNA of 59 accessions of non-cultivated plants collected in two Colombia regions, Chicamocha and Sumapaz. The expected average heterozygosity (or average heterozygosity genetic diversity of Nei) for the sample had low value (0.0≤He=0.2467≤0.5). The values of molecular diversity (MD) indicated values in the range of 0.1219 to 0.3425 for seven RAM. The frequency of variants is based on an effective number of alleles [Ae] and expected heterozygosity [He], genetic diversity by locus (hj=1-p2-q2) had maximum values (near 0.5) in the primers ACA, AG, CGA, and CEC. RAM suitably analyzed Lippia alba as an endemic genetic resource. A DNA bank composed of 59 Colombian accessions from Lippia alba was set up. The analysis of the spatial global structure shows that the subpopulation Sumapaz is structured, whilst the subpopulation Chicamocha, is in the structuring process. The results suggest in all cases the need for implementing: a) exchange of gene-seed, (b) gene banks with maximum genetic variability and c) induce genetic diversity.
Activity of nitrifying bacteria and productivity of crops under the use of green manure
Authors: Sosa R. Breno , García V. Yuly , Sosa R. Glauco
Published: July 2020

During the recycling of soil nitrogen, it is necessary to register the activity of nitrifying bacteria in nitrification. This process, in tropical conditions, is negatively affected by extreme variations in temperature, humidity, pH and organic matter during agronomic practices. Population changes of nitrifying bacteria in corn and soybean crops were evaluated under the use and management of green manure (GM). It was established as GM Mucuna pruriens var. utilis (CIAT No. 9349) - corn var. ICA 305. Ninety days later it was harvested and the residues were incorporated as LF or disposed on the soil surface as organic mulch (OM), the native weed Rottboellia cochinchinensis L. was managed as fallow (F). Then, corn-soybean crops were sown in an intercalated and monoculture system, each system was subject to organic fertilization (OF), chemical fertilization (CF) or no fertilization (NF). 11 treatments were structured under the design of Random Complete Blocks with 32 + 2 factorial arrangements with three repetitions. In the stage of blossoming and grain filling of the crops, the variables analyzed were; oxidizing bacteria of ammonium nitrate, volumetric humidity, temperature and yield. The populations of AOB and the production of NO3- did not vary significantly between treatments, but it did occur with soil temperature and humidity. The use of GM / OM promoted yields similar to those obtained with CF in corn, while in soybeans, when OM was added, yields exceeded CF.
A DIMENSÃO PATRIMONIAL DA FLORESTA: UMA SÍNTESE HISTÓRICA
Authors: Borba Denísia Martins , De Melo Júnior João Carlos Ferreira , Machado Gerson
Published: July 2020

A pesquisa bibliográfica sobre a floresta atlântica, passando evolução conceitual de proteção do bioma ao longo da história do Brasil, bem como o olhar das comunidades de Candomblé sobre a floresta, visando resolver problemática: entendendo a floresta como território sagrado das comunidades de Candomblé, como se expressa a dimensão patrimonial da floresta a partir das percepções dessas comunidades? O objetivo da pesquisa foi investigar a percepção, que as comunidades de Candomblé têm sobre a floresta, bem como o conceito de floresta por parte dos gestores públicos buscam protegê-la desde a chegada dos portugueses em solo brasileiro até 2019. Destaca-se a importância de identificar o processo de patrimonialização da floresta e como as comunidades de Candomblé se relacionam com esse território, fundamental para sua prática de fé, destacando a importância da memória e da ancestralidade como fundamento dessas comunidades. A metodologia foi baseada na seleção da literatura científica disponibilizadas nas bases de dados EBSCO, Google Acadêmico, SciELO, Portal de Periódicos CAPES. Foram selecionadas, apenas as produções escritas em português, espanhol. Optou-se pela busca booleana, usando os operadores “e” e “ou” para a combinação das palavras-chave nos dois idiomas da pesquisa. Como resultado apresenta-se um documento que sintetiza os movimentos de proteção da floresta ao longo da história brasileira. Conclui-se que, as políticas de proteção do patrimônio ambiental e cultural, no Brasil contemporâneo não mais se restringem ao âmbito do poder público, nem se esgotam na ação legal de tombamento ou dos inventários e registros em livros oficiais, mas é notável a ausência das comunidades de tradicionais na discussão e elaboração das políticas públicas na temática.
Excessive Belching: a Separate Syndrome or Another Symptom of Functional Dyspepsia?
Authors: Sheptulin A. A. , Storonova O. A.
Published: July 2020

Aim of review. Interpretation of published evidence on the relationship between the excessive belching syndrome and functional dyspepsia (FD) and their management in patient care.

Key points. According to the Rome IV criteria of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), excessive belching in the absence of other dyspeptic symptoms is to be considered a manifestation of the excessive belching syndrome, which can be of gastric or supragastric nature. Combination of high-resolution manometry and impedancemetry allows an accurate diagnosis of belching and selection of optimal treatment strategy. Belching complicated by other symptoms of dyspepsia is to be considered yet another FD symptom according to the Rome IV criteria of FGID. Prokinetics are recommended to relieve belching in such cases.

Conclusion. Understanding the relationship between the excessive belching syndrome and FD requires further research.
Recommendations of the Russian Gastroenterological Association on Clinical Use of High-Resolution Manometry in Diagnosis of Esophageal Disorders
Authors: Ivashkin V. T. , Mayev I. V. , Trukhmanov A. S. , Storonova O. A. , Abdulkhakov S. A. , Andreev D. N. , Bordin D. S. , Valitova E. R. , Klyaritskaya I. L. , Krivoy V. V. , Kucheryavyi Yu. A. , Lapina T. L. , Morozov S. V. , Sablin O. A. , Semenikhina E. V. , Uspenskiy Yu. P. , Sheptulin A. A.
Published: July 2020

Aim. Current recommendations of the Russian Gastroenterological Association on clinical use of high-resolution manometry in diagnosis of esophageal disorders are intended to assist in clinical decision making, terminology standardisation and interpretation of clinical data.

Key points. In 2018, a joint meeting of the Russian Gastroenterological Association and Russian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Group approved unified terminology and classification of esophageal motor function disorders for high-resolution manometry diagnosis.

Gastrointestinal patient complaints typically concern esophageal disorders such as dysphagia, regurgitation, heart-burn, chest pain or belching. To exclude erosive and ulcerative lesions, eosinophilic esophagitis and organic changes, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy are recommended in pre-treatment. Upon excluding mucosal lesions and esophageal lumen obstruction as causal for symptoms, use of high-resolution manometry is recommended. This method of esophageal examination has become the “gold standard” in diagnosis of motor disorders.

High-resolution manometry enables detailed investigation of integral quantitative and qualitative characteristics of esophagus motor function and specific related disorders, analysis of esophageal contractile propagation and strictly coordinated synchronous peristalsis of upper esophageal sphincter, esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter, which malfunction may provoke development of achalasia, esophagospasm, hiatal hernia, ineffective eso pha geal motility and other motor disorders.

Conclusion. High-resolution manometry is a relatively new method for study of esophagus motor function gaining increasingly wide application in clinical practice. It enables a medical professional to obtain evidence that may critically affect the choice of optimal patient care strategy and effective treatment. Current recommendations are based on an extensive review of up-to-date information and will be updated with new corpus of clinical data and assessment emerging in evidential medicine to provide gastroenterologists country-wide with latest scientific and practical guidelines.
Gestión de Aprovisionamiento adaptado a MyPEs Comercializadoras de Productos de Consumo Masivo para incrementar las Utilidades Operacionales en Lima, Perú
Authors: Aspilcueta Arias Alessandra Nicole
Published: July 2020

En el Perú, aproximadamente el 90% de las empresas son de pequeña escala, mejor conocidas como MYPES (Micro y Pequeñas Empresas), las cuales normalmente son dirigidas por personas con poco o nada de conocimiento en gestión. Por ello, esta investigación surge con el fin de apoyar a las MYPES comercializadoras de productos de consumo masivo (“bodegas”), evaluando la relación entre su gestión del aprovisionamiento y su utilidad operacional, para identificar cómo mejorar sus ganancias y hacerlas competitivas ante empresas de mayor tamaño (mercados o supermercados). La investigación tiene un enfoque cuantitativo, nivel correlacional, método descriptivo y diseño no experimental, usando como principales instrumentos de toma de datos los test, cuestionarios y matrices de análisis. Los resultados se obtuvieron evaluando una muestra de negocio representativo durante un periodo de 3 meses, analizando de forma semanal la Utilidad Operacional obtenida en función de la aplicación de buenas prácticas de Aprovisionamiento. Como principal conclusión, esta investigación demuestra que las Utilidades Operacionales mejoran al controlarse las siguientes variables: (i) Gestión de Compras (saber elegir a los proveedores), (ii) Almacenamiento (saber cómo y dónde guardar los productos), (iii) Control de Inventarios (conocer los productos más importantes, saber cuándo y cuánto deben comprarlos, y rotarlos).
Lipomatosis intestinal: reporte de dos casos
Authors: Arango Molano Lázaro Antonio , Díaz Claudia Patricia , Londoño Mónica , Ortiz Restrepo Pablo , Cano Méndez Laura María
Published: July 2020

La lipomatosis intestinal es un término utilizado para describir una proliferación de tejido graso, histológicamente normal, en el tracto gastrointestinal. Se caracteriza por la presencia de tumores benignos, asintomáticos, de crecimiento lento y de origen subepitelial. En raras ocasiones, estos tumores pueden ser sintomáticos y asociarse a complicaciones importantes como obstrucción y sangrado gastrointestinal.

Así, la lipomatosis intestinal es una patología rara, con pocos casos reportados en la literatura y ninguno registrado en Colombia. A continuación, presentamos dos casos evaluados y seguidos en nuestro servicio de Unión de Cirujanos S.A.S de la Universidad de Caldas.

El primero es el caso de un hombre de 70 años con historia de episodios de dolor abdominal tipo cólico, asociados a distensión y diarrea posprandial. La endoscopia digestiva alta inicial reportó múltiples lesiones amarillentas, submucosas, en el duodeno, con diagnóstico histológico de lipomas. En este caso, se realizó una videocápsula endoscópica para determinar la distribución y las características de las lesiones presentes en todo el tracto gastrointestinal, así como para valorar la presencia de complicaciones.

El otro caso es el de un hombre de 81 años, quien ingresó a la institución por lipotimia y sangrado rectal. Por tanto, se realizó una endoscopia alta y una colonoscopia, cuyos resultados fueron normales. Luego de ello, se efectuó una videocápsula endoscópica que mostró lesiones lipomatosas; una de ellas, con sangrado y angiodisplasia al lado. Estas lesiones se manejaron mediante enteroscopia de doble balón y terapia con argón plasma.
Hepatoblastoma del adulto
Authors: Pila-Pérez Rafael , Saurith Monterrosa Jaider Luis , Rosales-Torres Pedro , Pila-Peláez Rafael , Artola-González Javier Alberto
Published: July 2020

Fundamento: el hepatoblastoma del adulto (HBA) es un tumor hepático poco frecuente y con un mal pronóstico, lo cual contrasta con el hepatoblastoma infantil (HBI). Esta patología aún no ha sido comprendida completamente y hasta la fecha, no se han reportado de forma adecuada más de 50 casos en la literatura médica.

Objetivo: presentar el caso de un paciente que fue egresado de nuestro hospital con el diagnóstico de carcinoma hepatocelular, aproximadamente con 3 meses de anterioridad.

Caso clínico: paciente masculino de 60 años con historia de alcoholismo y de ser un fumador inveterado. Fue ingresado en nuestro hospital por dolor abdominal, en el momento del examen físico, puso de manifiesto un tumor palpable en la región del hipocondrio derecho. Este paciente había sido egresado aproximadamente 3 meses atrás, con el diagnóstico de carcinoma hepatocelular, en el curso de una cirrosis hepática. El hombre falleció por causa de la progresión de la enfermedad y la autopsia reveló la existencia de un HBA.

Conclusiones: el HBA es un tumor infrecuente, de grave pronóstico y muchos casos son asintomáticos hasta el momento del diagnóstico. Dicho tumor, por lo regular, presenta un gran tamaño. Las enzimas hepáticas, la alfafetoproteína y los estudios imagenológicos revelan el diagnóstico de un hepatocarcinoma, el cual es un tumor frecuente en los adultos. Asimismo, el estudio histológico confirma el diagnóstico. Debido a su mal pronóstico, y a las mejores perspectivas de tratamiento en niños, hoy en día es lógico utilizar el tratamiento pediátrico en los adultos. Se necesitan más estudios de investigación para el manejo óptimo del HBA.
Evaluación de la respuesta sostenida en pacientes con dolor crónico de la pared abdominal tratados con infiltración de anestésia local
Authors: Mayorga Ortíz Julian , Otero Regino William , Alzate Granados Juan , Marulanda Fernández Hernando
Published: July 2020

Introducción: el dolor abdominal crónico es frecuente en consulta externa. El enfoque tradicional es investigar patologías viscerales. El 50 % de esos pacientes finalmente tiene dolor crónico de la pared abdominal (DCPA), generalmente secundario a atrapamiento del nervio cutáneo anterior. Esta entidad se identifica con el signo de Carnett. El tratamiento de elección es infiltrar con lidocaína los puntos dolorosos. Con una postinfiltración hay una mejoría significativa en el 85 %-90 % de los pacientes. Se desconoce la duración de la mejoría postinfiltración. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la respuesta sostenida en seguimientos a 1 y 2 años.

Materiales y métodos: estudio de cohorte, retrospectivo, realizado en la unidad de gastroenterología de la Clínica Fundadores. Se incluyeron pacientes adultos mayores de 18 años que hubieran recibido tratamiento con inyección local con lidocaína al 2 % sin epinefrina y que hubieran respondido una encuesta telefónica para evaluar la intensidad del dolor en una escala análoga.

Resultados: se identificaron 360 elegibles y, finalmente, atendieron la entrevista telefónica 324 pacientes (90 %). El 87 % era de sexo femenino. La edad promedio de la población era de 57 años. En la preinfiltración el dolor promedio era 8,7 puntos. En la postinfiltración los pacientes tuvieron una mejoría con una intensidad promedio de 2,38 (p < 0,05). En el 71 % de los pacientes la intensidad del dolor en el seguimiento hasta 2 años tuvo una intensidad promedio de 1,65 (p < 0,05), que representa una mejoría del 81 % en la intensidad (p = 0,001). La fibromialgia tuvo una asociación positiva con la mejoría sostenida del dolor (p = 0,008).

Conclusiones: en los pacientes con DCPA, la infiltración de la pared con anestesia local produce una respuesta sostenida hasta 2 años después del tratamiento.
Student optimism – Grading of an experiential learning project
Authors: Ahmad Nawaz , Nauman Sarwat
Published: July 2020

In order to obtain good grades, students involve themselves in hard work according to the best of their ability, yet an experiential learning project makes it even harder to attain the grades that the students are aiming for. Researches have shown that students are generally optimistic about their grades, yet no research has been conducted in Pakistan to gauge student optimism in grades with regard to experiential learning projects. This study is an attempt to gauge an empirical attempt to gauge students’ optimism towards their grades in an experiential learning project. A sample of 106 students is obtained via purposive sampling technique enrolled in the same university and same course. After being involved in an experiential learning project, they were asked their expected marks which were compared later with their actually obtained marks. Pair sample t-test is applied to figure out whether the average of perceived marks is statistically different than the average of actually obtained marks. The average of expected marks exceeds by 2.14 which is statistically significant at 99.9% confidence interval.