bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic arguments in migrant health policymaking: proposing a research agenda
Authors: Gottlieb Nora , Trummer Ursula , Davidovitch Nadav , Krasnik Allan , Juárez Sol P. , Rostila Mikael , Biddle Louise , Bozorgmehr Kayvan
Published: November 2020

Welfare states around the world restrict access to public healthcare for some migrant groups. Formal restrictions on migrants’ healthcare access are often justified with economic arguments; for example, as a means to prevent excess costs and safeguard scarce resources. However, existing studies on the economics of migrant health policies suggest that restrictive policies increase rather than decrease costs. This evidence has largely been ignored in migration debates. Amplifying the relationship between welfare state transformations and the production of inequalities, the Covid-19 pandemic may fuel exclusionary rhetoric and politics; or it may serve as an impetus to reconsider the costs that one group’s exclusion from health can entail for all members of society.

The public health community has a responsibility to promote evidence-informed health policies that are ethically and economically sound, and to counter anti-migrant and racial discrimination (whether overt or masked with economic reasoning). Toward this end, we propose a research agenda which includes 1) the generation of a comprehensive body of evidence on economic aspects of migrant health policies, 2) the clarification of the role of economic arguments in migration debates, 3) (self-)critical reflection on the ethics and politics of the production of economic evidence, 4) the introduction of evidence into migrant health policymaking processes, and 5) the endorsement of inter- and transdisciplinary approaches. With the Covid-19 pandemic and surrounding events rendering the suggested research agenda more topical than ever, we invite individuals and groups to join forces toward a (self-)critical examination of economic arguments in migration and health, and in public health generally.
Short-term effect of kinesiology taping on pain, functional disability and lumbar proprioception in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain: a double-blinded, randomized trial
Authors: Abbasi Soheila , Hadian Rasanani Mohammad-Reza , Ghotbi Nastaran , Olyaei Gholam Reza , Bozorgmehr Ali , Rasouli Omid
Published: November 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of kinesiology taping (KT) on lumbar proprioception, pain, and functional disability in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Methods

Thirty individuals with nonspecific CLBP participated in this double-blinded, randomized clinical trial from July 2017 to September 2018. The participants were randomized into two groups: KT (n = 15) and placebo group (n = 15). KT was applied with 15–25% tension for 72 h, and placebo taping was used without tension. Lumbar repositioning error was measured by a bubble inclinometer at three different angles (45° and 60° flexion, and 15° extension) in upright standing. Pain and disability were assessed by the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index, respectively. All measurements were recorded at baseline and 3 days after taping.

Results

Pain and disability scores reduced 3 days after taping in the KT group with large effect sizes (p < 0.05). Only the total score of pain was significantly different between the groups 3 days after taping and improved more in the KT group with a large effect size (p < 0.05). However, lumbar repositioning errors were similar between the groups after 3 days (p > 0.05). Also, only constant error of 15° extension showed a moderate correlation with disability (r = 0.39, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

KT can decrease pain and disability scores after 3 days of application. Although placebo taping can reduce pain, the effect of KT is higher than placebo taping. The findings do not support the therapeutic effect of KT and placebo taping as a tool to enhance lumbar proprioception in patients with nonspecific CLBP.

Trial registration

The study prospectively registered on 21.05.2018 at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20090301001722N20.
Gut microbiome signature of Viliuisk encephalomyelitis in Yakuts includes an increase in microbes linked to lean body mass and eating behaviour
Authors: Kuznetsova Veronika , Tyakht Alexander , Akhmadishina Lyudmila , Odintsova Vera , Klimenko Natalia , Kostryukova Elena , Vakhitova Maria , Grigoryeva Tatyana , Malanin Sergey , Vladimirtsev Vsevolod , Nikitina Raisa , Volok Viktor , Osakovskiy Vladimir , Sivtseva Tatiana , Platonov Fyodor , Alexeev Dmitry , Karganova Galina
Published: November 2020

Background

Viliuisk encephalomyelitis (VE) is a rare endemic neurodegenerative disease occurring in the Yakut population of Northeastern Siberia. The main clinical features of VE are spasticity, dysarthria, dementia, central paresis and paralysis, and cortical atrophy observed via MRI. Many hypotheses have been proposed regarding its etiology, including infectious agents, genetics, environmental factors, and immunopathology. Each of these hypotheses has been supported to some extent by epidemiological and experimental data. Nevertheless, none of them has been decisively proven. Gut microbiome is one of the factors that might be involved in VE pathogenesis.

Results

Here we performed a pilot survey of the stool microbiomes of Yakut subjects with VE (n = 6) and without VE (n = 11). 16S rRNA sequencing showed that in comparison with the control group, the Yakuts with VE had increased proportions of Methanobrevibacter and Christensenella, which are reported to be linked to body mass index, metabolism, dietary habits and potentially to neurodegenerative disorders. The identified associations suggest that the microbiome may be involved in VE. Overall, the Yakut microbiome was quite specific in comparison with other populations, such as metropolitan Russians and native inhabitants of the Canadian Arctic.

Conclusions

Describing the gut microbiome of indigenous human populations will help to elucidate the impact of dietary and environmental factors on microbial community structure and identify risks linked to the lifestyles of such groups as well as endemic diseases.
Food labour, consumption hierarchies, and diet decision-making in Sri Lankan households: a qualitative study
Authors: Renzella J. , Fernando S. , Kalupahana B. , Scarborough P. , Rayner M. , Townsend N.
Published: November 2020

Background

Sri Lanka faces the double burden of over- and undernutrition. To tackle this dual challenge, double duty interventions that improve the quality of the Sri Lankan diet in line with national dietary guidelines have been suggested. The success of these interventions depends upon an understanding of the context-specific factors that impact their uptake within the population. The purpose of this study was threefold: explore household responsibility for food-related labour; understand food decision-making influences; and investigate consumption hierarchies that might impact the distribution of intervention benefits.

Methods

We conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 93 Sri Lankan adults residing in urban Colombo (n = 56), and urban and rural sectors in Kalutara (n = 29) and Trincomalee (n = 8). Interview data were analysed thematically.

Results

Findings from this study suggest that women in Sri Lanka continue to shoulder the burden of food-related labour disproportionately to men but that this responsibility is not always a proxy for dietary decision-making power. While men are often absent from the kitchen, their role in food purchasing and payment is prominent in many households. Despite these observed gender differences in food labour and provisioning,“traditional”age- and gender-based consumption hierarchies with negative nutrition consequences for women and children are not common, indicating that Sri Lankan ‘table culture’ may be changing.

Conclusion

Dietary interventions with the aim of influencing day-to-day practice should be developed with an awareness of who is responsible for, who is able to perform, and who influences targeted behaviours.
Assessment of emergency contraceptives utilization and associated factors among female college students at Debre Tabor town
Authors: Demissie Tadesse Wuletaw , Nigatu Araya Mesfin , Beyene Getnet Mihretie
Published: November 2020

Background

Unwanted pregnancy is a significant public health problem worldwide. In higher education, students are exposed to the risk of unintended pregnancy, abortion, and its related negative consequences.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of emergency contraceptives and factors associated with its utilization among college female students at Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional, institutional-based study was conducted from June to October 2017. A multi-stage stratified sampling technique was applied to select the study participants. Data were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi info 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the association between the use of emergency contraception and the predictor variables. The P-value less than 0.05 at 95% CI was taken as statistical significance.

Results

A total of 821 respondents participated with a response rate of 97.6%. The finding showed that 33.3% of them have used emergency contraceptives following unprotected sex. Female students’ knowledge about emergency contraceptive [AOR: 2.3; 95% CI 1.20, 4.25], age with 20–24 years category [AOR: 2.3; 95% CI 1.21, 4.49] and married [AOR: 2.8; 95% CI 1.22, 6.21] and divorced [AOR: 4.9; 95% CI 1.12, 21.08] students were found to be significant predictors of EC utilization.

Conclusions

This study revealed that the level of emergency contraceptive utilization was low. Students’ level of knowledge about an emergency contraceptive, age at present, and marital status were found to be the major predictor for emergency contraceptive utilization. Therefore, responsible bodies should develop strategies that enhance the knowledge level of students at the college level on the effective utilization of emergency contraceptive methods.
Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of Cucumis melo var. momordica fruit extract on experimental animals
Authors: Srivastava Arvind Kumar , Mukerjee Alok , Tripathi Abhishek
Published: November 2020

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue related to the irregular metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. It occurs due to insufficient insulin production and insulin action.Cucumis melopossesses several biological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antihypothyroidism, and antiangiogenic activities. The objective of the present study was to determine the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities ofCucumis melovar.momordicafruit extract on experimental animals.

Result

Results show that treatment withC. melofruit extract and fraction caused a reduction in blood glucose levels.Cucumis melotoluene fraction (CMTF) exhibited a significant (*P< 0.05) reduction of blood glucose level on the 28th day, i.e., 122 mg/dL, in comparison with the positive control group (streptozotocin (STZ)). However, the extract ofC. meloshowed less significant results in comparison with CMTF. Triglyceride, LDL, and VLDL levels were increased chronically due to STZ and were significantly (*P< 0.05) restored to 84.16, 86.97, and 19.73, respectively, by CMTF in comparison with the positive control group (STZ in the dose of 55 mg/kg). The extract-treated groups also showed similar results as CMTF, but their efficacy was lesser than CMTF.

Conclusion

It is can be concluded thatC. melofruits can be used as an effective antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic drug.

Graphical abstract
Does the Match between Gender and Race of Graduate Teaching Assistants and Undergraduates Improve Student Performance in Introductory Biology?
Authors: Lee Star W. , Ing Marsha
Published: November 2020

This study evaluated the academic performance of students who shared their graduate teaching assistant’s demographic characteristics, including gender, race/ethnicity, and low-income or first-generation status. The study focused on underrepresented students in STEM, including female and Latinx students, at a Hispanic-serving institution.
An exploration of young carers’ experiences of school and their perceptions regarding their future career - a scoping review protocol
Authors: Moloney Breda , Kroll Thilo , Lafferty Attracta
Published: November 2020

Background: Young carers are young people who care for a relative or a friend with an illness, disability, frailty, a mental health issue or addiction. Across the world, it is challenging to calculate the exact numbers due to the invisible nature of their role that can exist due to stigmatisation and fear of authoritative intrusion. As young carers reach 16 years and over, future career prospects become more significant. Young carers are more likely than their peers not to be in education, employment, or training and are more likely to do poorly at school or college than their non-caregiving peers due to the demands of caring. Recognising that positive engagement at school is a vital correlate of positive employment outcomes, young carers are at risk as their caring role can limit the range of employment opportunities open to them.

This paper outlines the protocol for a robust synthesis of the literature surrounding young carers and their career perceptions. The scoping review will address the research question ‘What is known from the literature about young carers in school and their career perceptions?’

The overall aim of this paper is to present a protocol for the scoping review to map the key concepts, types of evidence, and gaps in research related to young carers in school and their future careers.

Methods: The review will follow Arksey and O’Malley (2005) and Levac et al.’s, (2010) scoping review framework. The steps involved include: (1) research question identification; (2) relevant studies identification; (3) selection of studies; (4) data charting; (5) collating, summarising and reporting the results; and (6) stakeholders' consultation.

Conclusions: The scoping review is an appropriate first step to employ in presenting the literature to inform a larger research study on young carers’ experiences in school and their perceptions regarding their future careers.
Diffraction analysis of multiple-disk occulters in external coronagraphs based on uniform boundary wave diffraction theory
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Xin , Meng Qingyu , Wang Dong
Published: November 2020

Occulters with multiple-disk structure are commonly used for mitigating the diffraction light from specific incident angles in external coronagraphs. In the design phase of coronagraphs, it is of great importance to calculate the diffraction propagation of the occulters with high accuracy and high efficiency. In this paper, an analytical method is proposed for the diffraction analysis of multiple-disk occulters based on uniform boundary wave (BDW) diffraction theory. First, an analytical propagator with Fresnel functions is derived for single-disk case, of which the accuracy and efficiency are demonstrated by a numerical example. Then it is proved that the propagator in multiple-disk case was just the iterative use of the single-disk one when neglecting the gradient diffraction term. The analytical propagator presents much improvement on simplification and efficiency compared to former numerical propagators, and hence, is of great significance to future external coronagraph design and analysis.
Anomalous redshift of graphene absorption induced by plasmon-cavity competition
Authors: Yao Wei , Tang Linlong , Wang Jun , Jiang Yadong , Wei Xingzhan
Published: November 2020

Anomalous redshift of the absorption peak of graphene in the cavity system is numerically and experimentally demonstrated. It is observed that the absorption peak exhibits a redshift as the Fermi level of graphene increases, which is contrary to the ordinary trend of graphene plasmons. The influencing factors, including the electron mobility of graphene, the cavity length, and the ribbon width, are comprehensively analyzed. Such anomalous redshift can be explained by the competition between the graphene plasmon mode and the optical cavity mode. The study herein could be beneficial for the design of graphene-based plasmonic devices.
Polarization-differentiated band dynamics of resonant leaky modes at the lattice Γ point
Authors: Lee Sun-Goo , Kim Seong-Han , Kee Chul-Sik , Magnusson Robert
Published: November 2020

In the physical description of photonic lattices, leaky-mode resonance and bound states in the continuum are central concepts. Understanding of their existence conditions and dependence on lattice parameters is of fundamental interest. Primary leaky-wave effects are associated with the second stop band at the photonic lattice Γ point. The pertinent band gap is defined by the frequency difference between the leaky-mode band edge and the bound-state edge. This paper address the polarization properties of the band gaps resident in laterally periodic one-dimensional photonic lattices. We show that the band gaps pertinent to TM and TE leaky modes exhibit significantly differentiated evolution as the lattice parameters vary. This is because the TM band gap is governed by a surface effect due to the discontinuity of the dielectric constant at the interfaces of the photonic lattice as well as by a Bragg effect due to the periodic in-plane dielectric constant modulation. We find that when the lattice is thin (thick), the surface (Bragg) effect dominates the Bragg (surface) effect in the formation of the TM band. This leads to complex TM band dynamics with multiple band closures possible under parametric variation. In complete contrast, the TE band gap is governed only by the Bragg effect thus exhibiting simpler band dynamics. This research elucidates the important effect of polarization on resonant leaky-mode band dynamics whose explanation has heretofore not been available.
3D diffractive imaging of nanoparticle ensembles using an x-ray laser
Authors: Ayyer Kartik , Xavier P. Lourdu , Bielecki Johan , Shen Zhou , Daurer Benedikt J. , Samanta Amit K. , Awel Salah , Bean Richard , Barty Anton , Bergemann Martin , Ekeberg Tomas , Estillore Armando D. , Fangohr Hans , Giewekemeyer Klaus , Hunter Mark S. , Karnevskiy Mikhail , Kirian Richard A. , Kirkwood Henry , Kim Yoonhee , Koliyadu Jayanath , Lange Holger , Letrun Romain , Lübke Jannik , Michelat Thomas , Morgan Andrew J. , Roth Nils , Sato Tokushi , Sikorski Marcin , Schulz Florian , Spence John C. H. , Vagovic Patrik , Wollweber Tamme , Worbs Lena , Yefanov Oleksandr , Zhuang Yulong , Maia Filipe R. N. C. , Horke Daniel A. , Küpper Jochen , Loh N. Duane , Mancuso Adrian P. , Chapman Henry N.
Published: November 2020

Single particle imaging at x-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) has the potential to determine the structure and dynamics of single biomolecules at room temperature. Two major hurdles have prevented this potential from being reached, namely, the collection of sufficient high-quality diffraction patterns and robust computational purification to overcome structural heterogeneity. We report the breaking of both of these barriers using gold nanoparticle test samples, recording around 10 million diffraction patterns at the European XFEL and structurally and orientationally sorting the patterns to obtain better than 3-nm-resolution 3D reconstructions for each of four samples. With these new developments, integrating advancements in x-ray sources, fast-framing detectors, efficient sample delivery, and data analysis algorithms, we illuminate the path towards sub-nanometer biomolecular imaging. The methods developed here can also be extended to characterize ensembles that are inherently diverse to obtain their full structural landscape.
Intraday reliability, sensitivity, and minimum detectable change of national physical fitness measurement for preschool children in China
Authors: Fang Hua , Ho Indy Man Kit
Published: November 2020

China General Administration of Sport has published and adopted the National Physical Fitness Measurement (NPFM—preschool children version) since 2000. However, studies on intraday reliability, sensitivity, and minimum detectable change (MDC) are lacking. This study aimed to investigate and compare the reliability, sensitivity, and MDC values of NPFM in preschool children between the ages of 3.5 to 6 years. Six items of NPFM including 10-m shuttle run, standing long jump, balance beam walking, sit-and-reach, tennis throwing, and double-leg timed hop, were tested for 209 Chinese kindergarten children in Beijing in the morning. Intraday relative reliability was tested using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1) with a 95% confidence interval while absolute reliability was expressed in standard error of measurement (SEM) and percentage of coefficient of variation (CV%). Test sensitivity was assessed by comparing the smallest worthwhile change (SWC) with SEM, while MDC values with 95% confidence interval (MDC95) were established. Measurements in most groups, except 10-m shuttle run test (ICC3,1: 0.56 to 0.74 [moderate]) in the 3.5 to 5.5-year-old groups, balance beam test in 4- and 5-year-old (ICC3,1: 0.33 to 0.35 [poor]) and 5.5-year-old (ICC3,1= 0.68 [moderate]) groups, and double-leg timed hop test (ICC3,1= 0.67 [moderate]) in the 4.5-year-old group, demonstrated good to excellent relative reliability (ICC3,1: 0.77 to 0.97). The balance beam walking test showed poor absolute reliability in all the groups (SEM%: 11.76 to 22.28 and CV%: 15.40 to 24.78). Both standing long jump and sit-and-reach tests demonstrated good sensitivity (SWC > SEM) in all subjects group, boys, and girls. Pairwise comparison revealed systematic bias with significantly better performance in the second trial (p<0.01) of all the tests with moderate to large effect size.
Anti-poverty policy and health: Attributes and diffusion of state earned income tax credits across U.S. states from 1980 to 2020
Authors: Komro Kelli A. , Dunlap Phenesse , Sroczynski Nolan , Livingston Melvin D. , Kelly Megan A. , Pepin Dawn , Markowitz Sara , Rentmeester Shelby , Wagenaar Alexander C.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The U.S. federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is often considered the most effective antipoverty program for families in the U.S., leading to a variety of improved outcomes such as educational attainment, work incentives, economic activity, income, and health benefits for mothers, infants and children. State EITC supplements to the federal credit can significantly enhance the magnitude of this intervention. In this paper we advance EITC and health research by: 1) describing the diffusion of state EITC policies over 40 years, 2) presenting patterns in important EITC policy dimensions across space and time, and 3) disseminating a robust data set to advance future research by policy analysts and scientists.

Methods

We used current public health law research methods to systematically collect, conduct textual legal analysis, and numerically code all EITC legislative changes from 1980 through 2020 in the 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Results

First, the pattern of diffusion across states and time shows initial introductions during the 1990s in the Midwest, then spreading to the Northeast, with more recent expansions in the West and South. Second, differences by state and time of important policy dimensions are evident, including size of credit and refundability. Third, state EITC benefits vary considerably by household structure.

Conclusion

Continued research on health outcomes is warranted to capture the full range of potential beneficial effects of EITCs on family and child wellbeing. Lawyers and policy analysts can collaborate with epidemiologists and economists on other high-quality empirical studies to assess the many dimensions of policy and law that potentially affect the social determinants of health.
Effectiveness of infection-containment measures on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and circulation from May to July 2020, in Milan, Italy
Authors: Cento Valeria , Alteri Claudia , Merli Marco , Di Ruscio Federica , Tartaglione Livia , Rossotti Roberto , Travi Giovanna , Vecchi Marta , Raimondi Alessandro , Nava Alice , Colagrossi Luna , Fumagalli Roberto , Ughi Nicola , Epis Oscar Massimiliano , Fanti Diana , Beretta Andrea , Galbiati Filippo , Scaglione Francesco , Vismara Chiara , Puoti Massimo , Campisi Daniela , Perno Carlo Federico
Published: November 2020

Objective

Through a hospital-based SARS-CoV-2 molecular and serological screening, we evaluated the effectiveness of two months of lockdown and two of surveillance, in Milan, Lombardy, the first to be overwhelmed by COVID-19 pandemics during March-April 2020.

Methods

All subjects presenting at the major hospital of Milan from May-11 to July-5, 2020, underwent a serological screening by chemiluminescent assays. Those admitted were further tested by RT-PCR.

Results

The cumulative anti-N IgG seroprevalence in the 2753 subjects analyzed was of 5.1% (95%CI = 4.3%-6.0%), with a peak of 8.4% (6.1%-11.4%) 60–63 days since the peak of diagnoses (March-20). 31/106 (29.2%) anti-N reactive subjects had anti-S1/S2 titers >80 AU/mL. Being tested from May-18 to June-5, or residing in the provinces with higher SARS-CoV-2 circulation, were positively and independently associated with anti-N IgG reactivity (OR [95%CI]: 2.179[1.455–3.264] and 3.127[1.18–8.29], respectively). In the 18 RT-PCR positive, symptomatic subjects, anti-N seroprevalence was 33.3% (95% CI: 14.8%-56.3%).

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Milan is low, and in a downward trend after only 60–63 days since the peak of diagnoses. Italian confinement measures were effective, but the risk of contagion remains concrete. In hospital-settings, the performance of molecular and serological screenings upon admission remains highly advisable.
Structural insights into loss of function of a pore forming toxin and its role in pneumococcal adaptation to an intracellular lifestyle
Authors: Badgujar Dilip C. , Anil Anjali , Green Angharad E. , Surve Manalee Vishnu , Madhavan Shilpa , Beckett Alison , Prior Ian A. , Godsora Barsa K. , Patil Sanket B. , More Prachi Kadam , Sarkar Shruti Guha , Mitchell Andrea , Banerjee Rinti , Phale Prashant S. , Mitchell Timothy J. , Neill Daniel R. , Bhaumik Prasenjit , Banerjee Anirban
Published: November 2020

The opportunistic pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae has dual lifestyles: one of an asymptomatic colonizer in the human nasopharynx and the other of a deadly pathogen invading sterile host compartments. The latter triggers an overwhelming inflammatory response, partly driven via pore forming activity of the cholesterol dependent cytolysin (CDC), pneumolysin. Although pneumolysin-induced inflammation drives person-to-person transmission from nasopharynx, the primary reservoir for pneumococcus, it also contributes to high mortality rates, creating a bottleneck that hampers widespread bacterial dissemination, thus acting as a double-edged sword. Serotype 1 ST306, a widespread pneumococcal clone, harbours a non-hemolytic variant of pneumolysin (Ply-NH). Performing crystal structure analysis of Ply-NH, we identified Y150H and T172I as key substitutions responsible for loss of its pore forming activity. We uncovered a novel inter-molecular cation-π interaction, governing formation of the transmembrane β-hairpins (TMH) in the pore state of Ply, which can be extended to other CDCs. H150 in Ply-NH disrupts this interaction, while I172 provides structural rigidity to domain-3, through hydrophobic interactions, inhibiting TMH formation. Loss of pore forming activity enabled improved cellular invasion and autophagy evasion, promoting an atypical intracellular lifestyle for pneumococcus, a finding that was corroborated in in vivo infection models. Attenuation of inflammatory responses and tissue damage promoted tolerance of Ply-NH-expressing pneumococcus in the lower respiratory tract. Adoption of this altered lifestyle may be necessary for ST306 due to its limited nasopharyngeal carriage, with Ply-NH, aided partly by loss of its pore forming ability, facilitating a benign association of SPN in an alternative, intracellular host niche.
Musical moments and numbers in Austrian silent cinema
Authors: Tieber Claus , Windisch Anna K.
Published: November 2020

Although the film musical as a genre came into its own with the sound film technologies of the late 1920s and early 1930s, several characteristic features did not originate solely with the sound film. The ‘musical number’ as the epitome of the genre, can already be found in different forms and shapes in silent films. This article looks at two Austrian silent films, Sonnige Träume (1921) and Seine Hoheit, der Eintänzer (1926), as case studies for how music is represented without a fixed sound source, highlighting the differences and similarities of musical numbers in silent and sound films. The chosen films are analysed in the contexts of their historical exhibition and accompaniment practices, Austria’s film industry as well as the country’s cultural-political situation after the end of the monarchy. These two examples demonstrate that several characteristics of the film musical are based on the creative endeavours made by filmmakers during the silent era, who struggled, failed and succeeded in ‘visualizing’ music and musical performances in the so-called ‘silent’ films. In reconstructing their problems and analysing their solutions, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of musical numbers during the silent era and on a more general level.
Reivindicando uma identidade historicamente plural
Authors: Eleotério Pereira de Souza Alexsandro
Published: November 2020

A implementação de políticas de ação afirmativa no contexto do ensino superior público brasileiro, especificamente aquelas direcionadas a estudantes que se autodeclaram negros, tem suscitado desde seu surgimento, no início dos anos 2000, uma série de discussões que abrangem distintas esferas da vida nacional. A análise sobre as experiências suscitadas a partir da inclusão universitária, disponibilizadas pelos relatos dos estudantes beneficiados por essas políticas, nos permite o entendimento de que no âmbito das experiências e subjetividades, a implementação das ações afirmativas fez emergir uma nova categoria identitária: os cotistas. Esse texto tem por objetivo abordar algumas das consequências do racismo na vida cotidiana desses sujeitos.
Bairros negros, a forma urbana das populações negras no Brasil
Authors: Cunha Junior Henrique
Published: November 2020

A história do urbanismo brasileiro e a urbanização brasileira possuem inúmeros marcadores da especificidade da forma urbana das populações negras. O racismo antinegro é um problema estrutural da sociedade brasileira e se concretiza no espaço urbano e nos territórios de maioria de população negra. Com este enfoque histórico geográfico urbano é que se propõe a disciplina de “Bairros negros: A forma urbana das populações negras no Brasil”. Esse artigo apresenta o contexto da criação dessa disciplina e a importância dela  como ruptura conceitual e epistemológica dentro da forma que tradicionalmente foi tratada a teoria urbana brasileira e que não refletia a especificidade das populações negras nas cidades brasileira.  O artigo explica o enfoque conceitual da disciplina com base nas propostas do movimento social e político do Pan africanismo e dos conceitos de complexidade sistêmica e transdisciplinaridade
As religiões de matriz africana e intolerância religiosa
Authors: Munanga Kabengele
Published: November 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é fazer alguma reflexão crítica sobre as violências que permeiam a trajetória da população negra no Brasil, desde o tráfico humano transatlântico até os dias atuais, tendo como principal enfoque a discriminação religiosa embutida no racismo à brasileira, que impacta as religiões de matriz africana, em diferentes contextos, tornando-as alvo de perseguições e campanhas de destruição. Surpreendentemente, essas religiões resistiram, sobreviveram e se tornaram religiões brasileiras aceitas e frequentadas por cidadãs e cidadãos brasileiros de todas as cores. A questão que se coloca é saber como conseguiram resistir, sobreviver para se tornarem um dos patrimônios culturais brasileiro, cubano, haitiano, colombiano, venezuelano, entre outros. Onde estaria escondido o segredo dessa resistência, que surpreende o mundo diante de tanta força opressiva e destruidora pela qual passaram os africanos escravizados e seus descendentes de hoje?  Tudo deixa crer que, apesar da violência da qual foram vítimas, eles não abriram mão da defesa de sua dignidade humana, de sua liberdade e identidade.
Scanner intrabucal versus técnicas convencionais de moldagem. Satisfação e outros desfechos relatados pelo paciente: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Salazar Jon , Boquete-Castro Ana , Gimeno Vicente , Kina Sidney
Published: November 2020

Objetivo: O objetivo da presente revisão sistemática foi analisar se há diferenças com relação a preferência, satisfação e conforto dos pacientes, quando realizam, no consultório, moldagens convencionais ou digitais. Métodos: Foi realizada um pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Central e Clinical Trials, de acordo com a estratégia PICO. O risco de viés foi avaliado utilizando uma ferramenta da colaboração Cochrane, e o protocolo foi registrado no PROSPERO. Resultados: A busca sistemática inicial encontrou 79 artigos. Após a remoção dos duplicados e daqueles que não preenchiam os critérios de inclusão, restaram 10 estudos. Sete estudos incluídos demonstraram resultados mais favoráveis para a moldagem digital com relação ao conforto, satisfação e preferência; enquanto dois apresentaram resultados mais favoráveis para as moldagens convencionais. Um dos estudos não apresentou informações conclusivas entre a intervenção e a comparação. Foram realizadas duas metanálises de subgrupos com quatro artigos, de acordo com a marca do scanner e o tipo de randomização. Conclusões: houve alta heterogeneidade nos métodos utilizados nos ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECRs) disponíveis. A maioria não contribuiu com informação suficiente para analisar e integrar a estatística. Embora as conclusões devam ser interpretadas com cautela, a evidência científica atual sugere que a percepção dos pacientes com relação ao conforto, preferência e satisfação é favorável aos scanners intrabucais. É necessário realizar mais ECRs que incluam medidas do desfecho relatado pelo paciente.
HK Clinic Hasse e Klein
Authors: Monteiro Edgar
Published: November 2020

O principal desafio do projeto arquitetônico, para que a clínica atendesse às necessidades dos proprietários, foi unir três fatores primordiais: o desnível do terreno, a orientação solar e a bela vista para o Lago Aratimbó, uma das mais belas paisagens de Umuarama, município localizado na região noroeste do Paraná. Por meio de diálogo rápido com os clientes, foi possível estabelecer o conceito do projeto a ser seguido: linhas retilíneas, traços contemporâneos e circulação com fluidez. A aplicação de materiais nobres para composição da volumetria da fachada principal da edificação — como placas de aço corten recortadas a laser — vai muito além da estética; são elementos de barreira visual e solar para as quatro salas de atendimento voltadas para a fachada.
Sex-Specific Role for Dopamine Receptor D2 in Dorsal Raphe Serotonergic Neuron Modulation of Defensive Acoustic Startle and Dominance Behavior
Authors: Lyon Krissy A. , Rood Benjamin D. , Wu Lorna , Senft Rebecca A. , Goodrich Lisa V. , Dymecki Susan M.
Published: November 2020

Brain networks underlying states of social and sensory alertness are normally adaptive, influenced by serotonin and dopamine (DA), and abnormal in neuropsychiatric disorders, often with sex-specific manifestations. Underlying circuits, cells, and molecules are just beginning to be delineated. Implicated is a subtype of serotonergic neuron denotedDrd2-Pet1, distinguished by expression of the type-2 DA receptor (Drd2) gene, inhibited cell-autonomously by DRD2 agonism in slice, and, when constitutively silenced in male mice, affects levels of defensive and exploratory behaviors (Niederkofler et al., 2016). Unknown has been whether DRD2 signaling in thesePet1neurons contributes to their capacity for shaping defensive behaviors. To address this, we generated mice in whichDrd2gene sequences were deleted selectively inPet1neurons. We found thatDrd2Pet1-CKOmales, but not females, demonstrated increased winning against sex-matched controls in a social dominance assay.Drd2Pet1-CKOfemales, but not males, exhibited blunting of the acoustic startle response, a protective, defensive reflex. Indistinguishable from controls were auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), locomotion, cognition, and anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors. Analyzing wild-typeDrd2-Pet1neurons, we found sex-specific differences in the proportional distribution of axonal collaterals, in action potential (AP) duration, and in transcript levels ofGad2,important for GABA synthesis.Drd2Pet1-CKOcells displayed sex-specific differences in the percentage of cells harboringGad2transcripts. Our results suggest that DRD2 function inDrd2-Pet1neurons is required for normal defensive/protective behaviors in a sex-specific manner, which may be influenced by the identified sex-specific molecular and cellular features. Related behaviors in humans too show sex differences, suggesting translational relevance.
RFamide-Related Peptide Neurons Modulate Reproductive Function and Stress Responses
Authors: Mamgain Asha , Sawyer India L. , Timajo David A.M. , Rizwan Mohammed Z. , Evans Maggie C. , Ancel Caroline M. , Inglis Megan A. , Anderson Greg M.
Published: November 2020

RF-amide related peptide 3 (RFRP-3) is a neuropeptide thought to inhibit central regulation of fertility. We investigated whether alterations in RFRP neuronal activity led to changes in puberty onset, fertility, and stress responses, including stress and glucocorticoid-induced suppression of pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion. We first validated a novel RFRP-Cre mouse line, which we then used in combination with Cre-dependent neuronal ablation and DREADD technology to selectively ablate, stimulate, and inhibit RFRP neurons to interrogate their physiological roles in the regulation of fertility and stress responses. Chronic RFRP neuronal activation delayed male puberty onset and female reproductive cycle progression, but RFRP-activated and ablated mice exhibited apparently normal fertility. When subjected to either restraint- or glucocorticoid-induced stress paradigms. However, we observed a critical sex-specific role for RFRP neurons in mediating acute and chronic stress-induced reproductive suppression. Female mice exhibiting RFRP neuron ablation or silencing did not exhibit the stress-induced suppression in pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion observed in control mice. Furthermore, RFRP neuronal activation markedly stimulated glucocorticoid secretion, demonstrating a feedback loop whereby stressful stimuli activate RFRP neurons, which in turn further activate the stress axis. These data provide evidence for a neuronal link between the stress and reproductive axes.
Assessing the Role of Corticothalamic and Thalamo-Accumbens Projections in the Augmentation of Heroin Seeking in Chronically Food-Restricted Rats
Authors: Chisholm Alexandra , Rizzo Damaris , Fortin Émilie , Moman Vanessa , Quteishat Nour , Romano Assunta , Capolicchio Tanya , Shalev Uri
Published: November 2020

Drug addiction is a chronic disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, and involves repetitive cycles of compulsive drug use, abstinence, and relapse. In both human and animal models of addiction, chronic food restriction increases rates of relapse. Our laboratory has reported a robust increase in drug seeking following a period of withdrawal in chronically food-restricted rats compared with sated controls. Recently, we reported that activation of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) abolished heroin seeking in chronically food-restricted rats. However, the precise inputs and outputs of the PVT that mediate this effect remain elusive. The goal of the current study was to determine the role of corticothalamic and thalamo-accumbens projections in the augmentation of heroin seeking induced by chronic food restriction. Male Long–Evans rats were trained to self-administer heroin for 10 d. Next, rats were removed from the self-administration chambers and were subjected to a 14 d withdrawal period while sated (unlimited access to food) or mildly food-restricted (FDR). On day 14, rats were returned to the self-administration context for a 3 h heroin-seeking test under extinction conditions during which corticothalamic and thalamo-accumbens neural activity was altered using chemogenetics. Surprisingly, chemogenetic activation or inhibition of corticothalamic projections did not alter heroin-seeking behavior. Chemogenetic activation of thalamo-accumbens shell, but not core, projectors attenuated heroin seeking in FDR rats. The results indicate an important role for the PVT to nucleus accumbens shell projections in the augmentation of heroin seeking induced by chronic food restriction.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRelapse to heroin use is one of the major obstacles in the treatment of opiate addiction. Triggers for relapse are modulated by environmental challenges such as caloric restriction. Elucidating the brain mechanisms that underlie relapse is critical for evidence-based treatment development. Here we demonstrate a critical role for the input from the paraventricular thalamus (PVT), a hub for cortical, sensory, and limbic information, to the nucleus accumbens shell (an area known to be important for reward and motivation) in the augmentation of heroin seeking in food-restricted rats. Our findings highlight a previously unknown role for the PVT in heroin seeking following a period of abstinence.
Sistema progresivo penitenciario en Colombia: tratamiento y resocialización
Authors: Mendieta Pineda Luz Mireya , Molina Carrión Blanca Melania , Huertas Díaz Omar
Published: November 2020

El objetivo del presente estudio es explorar el sistema progresivo en Colombia teniendo en cuenta lo contemplado en los artículos 142, 143 y 144 de la Ley 65 de 1993. En este contexto, se analiza si el sistema progresivo introducido en la legislación penal desde 1936 ha tenido eficacia, o si este debe ser replanteado. La metodología de investigación es documental y pretende, a través de la consulta doctrinaria, jurisprudencial, normatividad e informes del inpec, recoger datos sobre el tema que sustentan la investigación para un análisis de aproximación al objeto de estudio y concluir sobre su ineficacia. Entre los hallazgos se destaca su fracaso.
Responsabilidad estatal del gobierno legislador en el marco del COVID-19
Authors: Ulloa Castrillón Luis Fernando
Published: November 2020

Los estados de excepción por los cuales se decreta la emergencia económica, social y ecológica, para atender una pandemia global como el Covid-19, nos lleva a revisar la capacidad de respuesta que tiene Colombia para conjurar una crisis con repercusiones en el sistema democrático, jurisdiccional y político, en el marco del respeto irrestricto a los derechos humanos, toda vez que el centro de la preocupación para el derecho deriva en la concentración de los poderes públicos en cabeza del ejecutivo, obviando convocar un gran diálogo democrático nacional en el seno del Congreso para revisar y aprobar las salidas a la crisis mediante una legislación especial para estos casos de pandemia, más allá de decretos excepcionales con fuerza de ley de larga duración amparados en normas para cortos periodos, lo que es gravoso para el Estado de derecho, previendo que el Gobierno, en su condición de legislador, abarque muchos temas sin los adecuados controles y sin convocar a todos los poderes representativos del Estado.

Igualmente se profundizará en el estudio de los derechos fundamentales y los controles, así como la responsabilidad del Gobierno Legislador cuando ostenta supra poderes y finalmente se abordará la imputación objetiva basada en el daño especial en concordancia con los mecanismos de protección de los derechos fundamentales de la cidh y los derechos humanos.
Evaluación de indicadores de desempeño universitario y sus efectos modeladores bajo el método de ecuaciones estructurales. VIII Congreso Iberoamericano de Investigación sobre Gobernanza Universitaria
Authors: Francisco Aníbal Ganga Contreras , Beatriz Llamas Aréchiga
Published: November 2020

La evaluación de la calidad de la educación superior sustenta su medición fundamentalmente en lineamientos e indicadores definidos por organismos internacionales, que promueven el cumplimiento de estándares de eficiencia y excelencia; aspectos que desestiman en gran medida las marcadas diferencias y condiciones de oportunidad de desempeño de algunas zonas y países. Lo cual ha llevado a los diferentes actores de la educación, a la construcción de listados de indicadores que se aproximen a una modelización aceptable de la calidad y desempeño universitario. En ese sentido, los rankings universitarios emergen conceptualmente como sistemas de gestión de calidad que identifican, describen, evalúan y miden indicadores de desempeño a partir de la definición de variables objetivas y subjetivas, como métrica de comparación académica. En consecuencia, el objetivo de este estudio radica en evaluar de acuerdo a su nivel de importancia (pertinencia), una lista de indicadores de desempeño universitario (infraestructura, investigación, vinculación con la comunidad, internacionalización, percepción de calidad, cuerpo académico, estudiantes, gestión de la universidad y forma de gobierno universitario); los cuales se utilizan para rankear las universidades; considerando adicionalmente variables de contexto (territorialidad, tamaño de la universidad, presupuesto, concentración de universidades), contrastando su efecto modelador a partir del método de ecuaciones estructurales.
Constitución del grupo de investigación: legitimidad y jerarquía en el àmbito universitario. VIII Congreso Iberoamericano de Investigación sobre Gobernanza Universitaria
Authors: Douglas Fonseca Campos , Gabrielly Da Boit de Oliveira , July Helen Valle da Silva , Joanah Dal Mas dos Santos , Luciana Backes
Published: November 2020

El tema emerge de la problematización: ¿cómo se percibe, bajo la mirada de bolsistas de iniciación científica, la legitimidad y el tensionamiento de la estructura jerárquica en el grupo de investigación que pertenecen? El objetivo es comprender las formas innovadoras de constituir las relaciones entre los participantes a partir de la percepción de los autores en el GI COTEDIC UNILASALLE/Cnpq. El trabajo se configura como relato de experiencia, de enfoque cualitativo y del tipo descriptivo. Los resultados apuntan: una organización jerárquica surge en la ausencia del liderazgo original; la jerarquía interfiere en las reglas construidas con el liderazgo deslegitimando a los participantes. Se concluye la necesidad del carácter innovador en la postura de los investigadores, para potenciar el sentimiento de pertenencia de los participantes a los GP repensando la estructura jerárquica, tradicionalmente instituida en la academia. Es importante que los investigadores instiguen la aceptación mutua para legitimar a los participantes de modo que comprendan el significado de su acción para la construcción del conocimiento científico