bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initiatives driving accelerated access to medicines in Europe: Review of recent concepts and developments
Authors: Gannedahl Mia , Udechuku Amina , Bending Matthew W
Published: July 2018

Improving timely patient access to new medicines, particularly in areas with high unmet need, has been a healthcare priority during the past 5–10 years, with several new regulatory initiatives from the European Medicines Agency, as well as on national level within the European Union. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that medicines going through these regulatory initiatives experience variable reimbursement outcomes due to uncertainties in the clinical or economic evidence base. New initiatives, including the adaptive pathways concept, have therefore been introduced that embrace a holistic view of a medicine’s route to patient access. These involve expanded clusters of stakeholders working together to prospectively influence and design evidence generation strategies, including use of real-world evidence, to ensure that development plans meet the needs of multiple stakeholders including regulatory agencies and health technology assessment bodies. Multi-stakeholder dialogues, provided through scientific advice, are already available for medicines in Europe in various forms and are important tools for regulators, health technology assessment bodies and pharmaceutical companies to develop evidence generation plans optimised to support decision-making on marketing authorisation and reimbursement of new medicines. Multiple stakeholder groups have been actively engaged in advancing developments of initiatives driving timely access and it is likely to continue due to the need to balance this with affordability. The aim of this article is to provide a review of the latest, as well as a future perspective on, developments with respect to accelerated access of medicines in the European Union with a particular focus on procedures for formal scientific advice.
Mental health problems, benefits and tackling discrimination
Authors: Galloway Alexander , Boland Billy , Williams Gareth
Published: July 2018

Poverty is strongly associated with mental illness. Access to state benefits can be a lifeline for people with mental health problems in times of hardship and can assist them on their journey of recovery. However, benefit application processes can discriminate against those with mental illness and can result in individuals unjustly missing out on support. Clinical evidence from mental health professionals can ameliorate these challenges and ensure that people get access to financial help.

Declaration of interest

Dr Billy Boland is on the advisory board of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute.
Knowledge of Genetic Counseling Among Patients With Breast Cancer and Their Relatives at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Adejumo Prisca , Aniagwu Toyin , Oluwatosin Abimbola , Fagbenle Omolara , Ajayi Olubunmi , Ogungbade Dasola , Oluwamotemi Adeyoola , Olatoye-Wahab Funmilola , Oni Abiodun , Olajide Oluyemi , Adedokun Babatunde , Ogundiran Temidayo , Olopade Olufunmilayo
Published: July 2018

Breast cancer prevalence continues to increase globally, and a significant proportion of the disease has been linked to genetic susceptibility. As we enter the era of precision medicine, genetics knowledge and skills are increasingly essential for achieving optimal cancer prevention and care. However, in Nigeria, patients with breast cancer and their relatives are less knowledgeable about genetic susceptibility to chronic diseases. This pilot study collected qualitative data during in-depth interviews with 21 participants. Of these, 19 participants were patients with breast cancer and two were relatives of patients with breast cancer. Participants were asked questions regarding their knowledge of breast cancer, views on heredity and breast cancer, and views on genetic counseling. Participants’ family histories were used as a basis with which to assess their hereditary risk of breast cancer. Participant responses were audio recorded and transcribed manually. The study evaluated patients’ and relatives’ knowledge of genetic counseling and the use of family history for the assessment of familial risk of breast cancer. This will serve as a guide to the processes of establishing a cancer risk assessment clinic.
Eyeless/Pax6 initiates eye formation non-autonomously from the peripodial epithelium
Authors: Baker Luke R. , Weasner Bonnie M. , Nagel Athena , Neuman Sarah D. , Bashirullah Arash , Kumar Justin P.
Published: July 2018

The Pax6 transcription factor is considered the master control gene for eye formation because (1) it is present within the genomes and retina/lens in all seeing animals; (2) severe retinal defects accompany its loss; (2) Pax6 genes have the ability to substitute for one another across the animal kingdom; and (4) Pax6 genes are capable of inducing ectopic eye/lens in flies and mammals. Many roles of Pax6 were first elucidated in Drosophila through studies of the gene eyeless (ey), which controls both growth of the entire eye-antennal imaginal disc and fate specification of the eye. We show that Ey also plays a surprising role within cells of the peripodial epithelium to control pattern formation. It regulates the expression of decapentaplegic (dpp), which is required for the initiation of the morphogenetic furrow in the eye itself. Loss of Ey within the peripodial epithelium leads to the loss of dpp expression within the eye, the failure of the furrow to initiate, and the abrogation of retinal development. These findings reveal an unexpected mechanism for how Pax6 controls eye development in Drosophila.
An ancestral role for Semaphorin3F-Neuropilin signaling in patterning neural crest within the new vertebrate head
Authors: York Joshua R. , Yuan Tian , Lakiza Olga , McCauley David W.
Published: July 2018

The origin of the vertebrate head is one of the great unresolved issues in vertebrate evolutionary developmental biology. Although many of the novelties in the vertebrate head and pharynx derive from the neural crest, it is still unknown how early vertebrates patterned the neural crest within the ancestral body plan they inherited from invertebrate chordates. Here, using a basal vertebrate, the sea lamprey, we show that homologs of Semaphorin3F (Sema3F) ligand and its Neuropilin (Nrp) receptors show complementary and dynamic patterns of expression that correlate with key periods of neural crest development (migration and patterning of cranial neural crest-derived structures). Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis, we demonstrate that lamprey Sema3F is essential for patterning of neural crest-derived melanocytes, cranial ganglia and the head skeleton, but is not required for neural crest migration or patterning of trunk neural crest derivatives. Based on comparisons with jawed vertebrates, our results suggest that the deployment of Nrp-Sema3F signaling, along with other intercellular guidance cues, was pivotal in allowing early vertebrates to organize and pattern cranial neural crest cells into many of the hallmark structures that define the vertebrate head.
The enigmatic endosome – sorting the ins and outs of endocytic trafficking
Authors: Naslavsky Naava , Caplan Steve
Published: July 2018

The early endosome (EE), also known as the sorting endosome (SE) is a crucial station for the sorting of cargoes, such as receptors and lipids, through the endocytic pathways. The term endosome relates to the receptacle-like nature of this organelle, to which endocytosed cargoes are funneled upon internalization from the plasma membrane. Having been delivered by the fusion of internalized vesicles with the EE or SE, cargo molecules are then sorted to a variety of endocytic pathways, including the endo-lysosomal pathway for degradation, direct or rapid recycling to the plasma membrane, and to a slower recycling pathway that involves a specialized form of endosome known as a recycling endosome (RE), often localized to the perinuclear endocytic recycling compartment (ERC). It is striking that ‘the endosome’, which plays such essential cellular roles, has managed to avoid a precise description, and its characteristics remain ambiguous and heterogeneous. Moreover, despite the rapid advances in scientific methodologies, including breakthroughs in light microscopy, overall, the endosome remains poorly defined. This Review will attempt to collate key characteristics of the different types of endosomes and provide a platform for discussion of this unique and fascinating collection of organelles. Moreover, under-developed, poorly understood and important open questions will be discussed.
Direito do Consumidor em Perspectiva Comparada: uma Abordagem Jurimétrica
Authors: Figueiredo Filho Dalson Brito , Hayashi Renato , Oliveira Paulo Fernando de Lima , Vieira José Luiz
Published: July 2018

Este artigo analisa o sistema protecionista no âmbito do direito do consumidor em perspectiva comparada a partir de uma abordagem jurimétrica. Examinamos a legislação vigente e os mecanismos institucionais existentes na América Latina, focalizando nos seguintes países: Brasil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguai e Uruguai. O desenho de pesquisa utiliza a técnica de análise aninhada, combinando estatística descritiva com estudo de caso. Os principais resultados indicam que a maior parte dos países apresenta níveis elevados de proteção aos direitos do consumidor. Comparativamente, o ordenamento jurídico brasileiro apresenta grau máximo de proteção. Este trabalho espera contribuir para aperfeiçoar a efetividade do sistema protetivo, já que a adoção de práticas eficientes depende do conhecimento da legislação comparada. Além disso, esperamos difundir a jurimetria na pesquisa empírica em Direito.
Instrumentos Metodológicos da Análise Econômica do Direito e Eficiência das Políticas Públicas Executadas pelo Terceiro Setor
Authors: Repsold Max Brito , Tabak Benjamin Miranda
Published: July 2018

O presente artigo tem por objetivo apontar instrumentos metodológicos da Análise Econômica do Direito que podem contribuir para a execução de políticas públicas pelo Terceiro Setor, na busca pela respectiva eficiência. A pesquisa tem como objeto a Reforma do Estado brasileiro e o modelo de administração gerencial adotado na década de 90 (século XX) em substituição ao Estado patrimonialista e à administração burocrática. A globalização é referida como um processo paralelo que indica, em seu contexto, as chaves para o desenvolvimento. Instrumentos metodológicos da Análise Econômica do Direito, relativos à eficiência, são apresentados, bem como critérios que possibilitam a avaliação dos custos e dos benefícios sociais na implementação de políticas públicas.
A Contribuição da Advocacia Pública Local para a Superação da Baixa Dimensão Institucional dos Municípios Brasileiros
Authors: Oliveira Daniel Mitidieri Fernandes de , Bolonha Carlos Alberto Pereira das Neves
Published: July 2018

O objetivo do presente estudo é debater a importância da dimensão institucional dos entes públicos municipais no federalismo brasileiro. A promoção do município a ente federativo pelo Constituinte originário não foi acompanhada de um compromisso institucional consistente. Para minimizar essa questão, sustenta-se que a advocacia pública local pode assumir uma função central para os gestores públicos, contribuindo para um melhor incremento das políticas públicas municipais. A relevância do debate municipalista pode ser identificada no pensamento dos autores federalistas, para quem um bom governo se efetivaria não pelo plexo de competências que enfeixa, mas pela capacidade de distribuição de competências entre organizações políticas inferiores. Como unidades federativas, os Municípios demandam intensa reflexão. Isso porque não basta só entregar competências a eles, como fez o Constituinte brasileiro, é preciso também desenvolver mecanismos institucionais capazes de bem promover essas obrigações, com planejamento e alcance de resultados.
O direito à ancestralidade genética versus a prevenção ao abortamento e aos crimes contra os neonatos: análise com base no parto anônimo
Authors: Menezes Renata Oliveira Almeida , Beltrão Silvio Romero
Published: July 2018

O parto anônimo se trata da liberalidade atribuída à gestante de garantir o seu anonimato ao dar a luz a uma criança e colocá-la para a adoção, esquivando-se de qualquer dever ou direito sobre o seu descendente, de modo imediato, sem identificação da genitora. É instituto adotado em alguns países, mas não o é no Brasil. O presente artigo destinou-se a verificar a compatibilidade do parto anônimo com o ordenamento jurídico brasileiro, a fim de avaliar se é uma solução louvável e eficaz para evitar ou diminuir os casos de abortamento e crimes contra os neonatos, já que preserva a identidade da genitora. Para tanto, utilizou-se o método de estudo qualitativo, por meio de observação, colheita e análise de dados bibliográficos e documentais; o método indutivo-dedutivo e os métodos hermenêuticos teleológico, sistemático e sociológico.
A Atividade Legislativa e a Tese de Repercussão Geral para a Proteção do Domicílio Privado
Authors: Lima José Wilson Ferreira
Published: July 2018

O artigo desenvolve análise crítica em torno da sistematização sobre a adequada interpretação do crime de abuso de autoridade decorrente da violação de domicílio, do qual resulte prisão de pessoas e/ou apreensão de bens e objetos relacionados, em tese, com a prática de infrações penais. A abordagem coloca no centro da discussão a análise de conteúdo retórico de normas jurídicas criadas com a pretensão de garantir a satisfação plena de direitos fundamentais individuais em confronto com a política de combate à criminalidade, destacando-se o conflito de adequação e finalidade entre o PLS n. 85/2017 (Senado), o RE n. 603.616-RO (STF) e a Constituição Federal (CF). O estudo é oportuno e relevante, tendo em vista que contextualiza o atual cenário de indefinições que envolve toda a máquina política e administrativa do Estado brasileiro, quanto à tomada de decisões legislativas no âmbito da política criminal, e o descompasso entre a pretensão garantista dos direitos fundamentais, o controle da atividade policial e a nova definição do crime de abuso de autoridade, colocados como desafios da política legislativa penal.
Amykles Research Project: Excavation Works 2005-2010
Authors: Vlizos Stavros
Published: July 2018

Ο λόφος της Αγίας Κυριακής είχε διερευνηθεί ανασκαφικά σχεδόν στο σύνολό του κατά τις εργασίες των Χρ. Τσούντα, Ε. Fiechter και Ε. Buschor, το διάστημα 1890-1925, με αποτέλεσμα η στρωματογραφία στο μεγαλύτερο τμήμα του χώρου να είναι διαταραγμένη (ανάποδη). Στο πλαίσιο των εργασιών του νέου ερευνητικού προγράμματος κατά το διάστημα 2005-2010 αποκαλύφθηκαν κατασκευές που δεν αναφέρονται στις παλαιότερες δημοσιεύσεις, όπως: α) ο πρωιμότερος περίβολος (πρώτη μνημειακή φάση) και β) τα οικοδομήματα της ύστερης αρχαιότητας στο βόρειο τμήμα του ιερού (τελευταία μνημειακή φάση).Από τα σημαντικότερα αποτελέσματα των νέων ερευνών είναι η διαπίστωση ότι το σωζόμενο στην κορυφή του λόφου ερείπιο της κρηπίδας ανήκει πράγματι στον “Θρόνο” και ότι η θέση του μνημείου είναι πια βεβαιωμένη. Η αποκάλυψη καθαρού στρώματος κατά μήκος της ανατολικής πλευράς του περιβόλου επικυρώνει την παλαιότερη θεωρία πως η πρωιμότερη φάση χρήσης του λόφου ανάγεται στην Πρωτοελλαδική εποχή. Στην ίδια ανατολική πλευρά του λόφου αποκαλύφθηκε και η τεχνητά διαμορφωμένη επιφάνεια του φυσικού πορώδους πετρώματος όπου σχηματίζονται δύο άνδηρα.Από το περίπου 50% του ανεσκαμμένου σήμερα χώρου τα 2/3 των κινητών ευρημάτων είναι όστρακα γεωμετρικών χρόνων. Αποτυπώθηκαν όλα τα μνημεία και το μεγαλύτερο μέρος του αρχιτεκτονικού υλικού και συντηρήθηκε το σύνολο των μεταλλικών ευρημάτων και της κεραμικής στα εργαστήρια συντήρησης της Ε´ ΕΠΚΑ και του Μουσείου Μπενάκη αντίστοιχα.Για τις ανάγκες των άμεσων επεμβάσεων συντήρησης και στήριξης των μνημείων αλλά και του σχεδιασμού για ένα μελλοντικό αρχαιολογικό πάρκο, ο χώρος διευρύνθηκε προς τα ανατολικά μέσω της αγοράς αγρο-τεμαχίων συνολικής έκτασης 5 στρεμμάτων υπέρ του δημοσίου/ΥΠΠΟΑ. Τέλος, άρχισε η ψηφιοποίηση του υλικού το οποίο θα ενσωματωθεί σταδιακά στη νέα βάση δεδομένων, που θα αποτελέσει μια βασική μονάδα στην υπό διαμόρφωση εφαρμογή γεωγραφικών συστημάτων πληροφοριών (GIS). Στόχος είναι όλες αυτές οι πληροφορίες να είναι προσβάσιμες στο ερευνητικό κοινό μέσω της ιστοσελίδας του ερευνητικού προγράμματος.
The Early Cult at the Amyklaion: The Mycenaean Sanctuary
Authors: Demakopoulou Katie
Published: July 2018

Το Αμύκλαιον, στον λόφο της Αγίας Κυριακης στο κέντρο της σπαρτιατικής πεδιάδας, στη δυτική όχθη του Ευρώτα, είναι μια από τις σπουδαιότερες αρχαίες λακωνικές θέσεις. Μεγάλα πήλινα τροχήλατα ανθρωπόμορφα και ζωόμορφα ειδώλια, ακέραια ή σε θραυσματα, καθώς και πολυάριθμα άλλα μικρότερα χειροποίητα, μαρτυρούν την ύπαρξη, στον χώρο του φημισμένου αρχαϊκού Ιερού του Απόλλωνος και του Υακίνθου, ενός σημαντικού  Μυκηναϊκού Ιερού που χρονολογείται από την ΥΕ ΙΙΙΒ2 έως την Υπομυκηναϊκή περίοδο (τέλος 13ου -11ος αι. π.Χ.).
ΧΡΗΣΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΦΑΙΝΟΘΕΙΑΖΙΝΗΣ ΕΙΣ ΤΗΝ ΚΤΗΝΙΑΤΡΙΚΗΝ
Authors: ΠΑΝΕΤΣΟΣ ΑΧΙΛΛΕΑΣ
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Η ΚΑΙΣΑΡΙΚΗ ΤΟΜΗ ΕΙΣ ΤΑ ΜΗΡΥΚΑΣΤΙΚΑ
Authors: ΣΤΡΟΥΛΙΟΣ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣ
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Volatile compounds of some popular Mediterranean seafood species
Authors: GIOGIOS I. , KALOGEROPOULOS N. , GRIGORAKIS K.
Published: July 2018

The volatile compounds of highly commercialised fresh Mediterranean seafood species, including seven fish (sand-smelt Atherina boyeri, picarel Spicara smaris, hake Merluccius merluccius, pilchard Sardina pilchardus, bogue Boobps boops, anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus and striped-mullet Mullus barbatus), squid (Loligo vulgaris), shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) and mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), were evaluated by simultaneous steam distillation-extraction and subsequent GC-MS analysis. A total of 298 volatile compounds were detected. The mussels contained the highest total concentration of volatile compounds, while pilchard among fish species contained the highest number and concentrations of volatile compounds. Individual patterns of volatile compounds have been distinguished. The fish species when compared to the shellfish species studied, contained 6 to 30 times more 1-penten-3-ol, higher quantities of 2-ethylfuran, and 2,3-pentanedione, which was absent from the shellfish species. Pilchard is characterized by a high concentration of alcohols, shrimps by the high presence of amines and S-compounds, while mussels by high amounts of aldehydes, furans, and N-containing compounds (pyridine, pyrazines and pyrrols). The fatty acid-originating carbonyl compounds in fish seem to be related to the species’ fat content.
EFFECTS OF Q&P PROCESS PARAMETERS ON PROPERTIES OF 42SiCr STEEL
Authors: Rubešová Kateřina , Vorel Ivan , Jirková Hana , Jeníček Štěpán
Published: July 2018

The requirement for high strength and good ductility poses problems in today’s advanced steels. This problem can be tackled by appropriate heat treatment which produces suitable microstructures. By this means, ultimate strengths of about 2000 MPa and elongations of more than 10% can be obtained. One of such advanced heat treatment techniques is the Q&P (Quenching and Partitioning) process. It produces a mixture of martensite and retained austenite, where the latter is an important agent in raising the ductility of steel.

In this experiment, a low-alloy steel with 0.41% carbon and manganese, silicon and chromium was used. An air furnace and a salt bath were employed for heat treatment and quenching, respectively. In order to obtain the best ultimate strength and elongation levels, partitioning temperatures of 250°C and 300°C were applied. Partitioning involves carbon diffusion from super-saturated martensite into retained austenite, and tempering of hardening microstructure. Effects of the quenching temperatures of 200°C and 150°C were studied as well. To map the impact of the Q&P process on mechanical properties, an additional schedule with conventional quenching and tempering was carried out. Upon optimization of the parameters, the process produced martensite with a small amount of bainite and retained austenite. The ultimate strength was between 1930 and 2080 MPa and the elongation levels were from 9 to 16%.

 
PREPARATION OF TiAl15Si15 ALLOY BY HIGH PRESSURE SPARK PLASMA SINTERING
Authors: Knaislová Anna , Novák Pavel , Průša Filip , Cygan Sławomir , Jaworska Lucyna
Published: July 2018

This work deals with preparation of intermetallic alloy TiAl15Si15 (wt. %) by powder metallurgy using Spark Plasma Sintering method. Ti-Al-Si alloys are known as materials with low density, relatively good mechanical properties in comparison with their density and good oxidation and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures. Preparation of intermetallics by melting metallurgy is very problematic. Powder metallurgy using reactive sintering followed by suitable compaction seems to be a promising method. In this work, TiAl15Si15 alloy was prepared by reactive sintering, milling and by unique ultra-high pressure Spark Plasma Sintering within the framework of international cooperation in Krakow. For the comparison it was also prepared by conventional Spark Plasma Sintering. The results show that higher pressure of sintering decreases the porosity of compact sample and increases mechanical properties, especially hardness.
IRREVERSIBLE THERMAL EXPANSION OF REPLICATED ALUMINIUM FOAM
Authors: Finkelstein Arkady , Husnullin Dmitry
Published: July 2018

Irreversible thermal expansion of large items made of the replicated aluminium foam was detected during the extraction of soluble filler from Al-NaCl composite. Sources of the phenomenon were investigated The expansion discovered was caused by incomplete contraction of the porous metal due to the oxidation of its internal porous surface in air and water mediums during thermal cycling. Significant influence of oxide film defects on the expansion process was shown. The information about irreversible thermal expansion dependence on temperature of the extraction process and metal foam pore size was collected. Measurements of expansion dynamics showed its finite character. It was also noted that the expansion is limited by the thermal expansion coefficient of an alloy used. Finally, correction coefficients were obtained that, being applied to nominal sizes of a porous item, compensates the expansion.
Dynamic shear analysis: a novel method to determine mechanical integrity of normal and torn human acetabular labra
Authors: Woods A. K. , Broomfield J. , Monk P. , Vollrath F. , Glyn-Jones S.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the structural integrity of torn and non-torn human acetabular labral tissue.

Methods

A total of 47 human labral specimens were obtained from a biobank. These included 22 torn specimens and 25 control specimens from patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty with macroscopically normal labra. The specimens underwent dynamic shear analysis using a rheometer to measure storage modulus, as an indicator of structural integrity.

Results

There was a significant difference in the storage modulus between torn (mean modulus = 2144.08 Pa) and non-torn (3178.1 Pa) labra (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

The acetabular labrum of young patients with a tear has significantly reduced structural integrity compared with a non-torn labrum in older patients with end-stage osteoarthritis. This study contributes to the understanding of the biomechanics of labral tears, and the observation of reduced structural integrity in torn labra may explain why some repairs fail. Our data demonstrate that labral tears probably have a relatively narrow phenotype, presenting a basis for further investigations that will provide quantifiable data to support their classification and a means to develop a standardized surgical technique for their repair. This study also demonstrates the value of novel biomechanical testing methods in investigating pathological tissues of orthopaedic interest. Cite this article: A. K. Woods, J. Broomfield, P. Monk, F. Vollrath, S. Glyn-Jones. Dynamic shear analysis: a novel method to determine mechanical integrity of normal and torn human acetabular labra: Implications for prediction of outcome of repair. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:440–446. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.77.BJR-2017-0282.R2.
One World: Wendell Willkie’s Rhetoric of Globalism in the World War II Era
Authors: Stengrim Laura A.
Published: July 2018

During the World War II era, a time of civilizational uncertainty, globalism emerged as a rhetorical alternative both to the isolationism predominant before the war and to the Cold War bipolarity that would replace it. A primary advocate for globalism was Wendell Willkie, the failed 1940 Republican presidential candidate who went on to cooperate with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, serving as his former rival’s proxy and personal representative in two famous overseas trips. While scholarship in rhetorical studies has accounted for the Roosevelt presidency and other forces shaping public discourse during the war and early Cold War, it has generally overlooked the importance of Willkie’s globalism in providing a bipartisan vocabulary with which Americans could describe a postwar peace sustained by interpersonal economics of free trade, global human rights, and burgeoning domestic civil rights. Using Willkie’s 1943 book One World as well as materials from his archives at Indiana University, this essay reads a popular figure and his influential ideas back into our historical narrative, demonstrating how he established what Kenneth Burke termed identification through the use of the related rhetorical strategies of proximity, presence, and ethos, inviting ordinary Americans to imagine a globally interdependent postwar peace.
Letramento crítico e ensino de línguas
Authors: Tagata William
Published: July 2018

Apresentação
A importância do letramento crítico
Authors: Janks Hilary
Published: July 2018

Este artigo é dividido em três partes. Ele começa argumentando a favor da importância contínua do letramento crítico em um momento em que circulam rumores sobre o fato dele estar ultrapassado. A segunda parte do trabalho formula o argumento com o uso de textos ilustrativos. A terceira parte conclui com exemplos de atividades de letramento crítico, que eu alego ainda serem necessárias em salas de aula ao redor do mundo.
Impact of fast and slow desiccation on Garcinia imberti seed and seedling vigour
Authors: Anto M , Anilkumar C
Published: July 2018

Garcinia imberti Bourd. endemic to the southern Western Ghats is classified as endangered by the IUCN (2018). The seeds as the sole means of propagation with initial moisture content (MC) of 62.8% are sensitive to desiccation. Studies on the responses of the seed to drying require ascertaining of the critical moisture content (CMC) as a basic requisite for germplasm conservation. Responses of G. imberti seeds to fast drying with activated silica gel (25 ± 2 °C, 6 ± 1% RH) and to slow drying under laboratory conditions (28 ± 2°C, 60 ± 2% RH) were evaluated for seed and seedling vigour. When the MC was reduced to 56% by 48 hours of slow drying or 6 hours of fast drying, 75 to 90% normal seedlings were produced respectively. In the case of fast dried seed (6 hours), seed associated parameters except mean germination time showed peak values with maximum germination and enhanced root length. Below the CMCs of 16.4 and 26.3% (fast and slow drying respectively), half of the tested seeds become non viable. Thus for germplasm conservation the present study proposes 6 hour’s of fast drying to retain viability and normal seedling development of G. imberti.
Physical activity as a protective factor against development of liver steatosis in patients infected with hepatitis C
Authors: Simões e Silva Lucas de Lucena , Santos de Souza Fernandes Matheus , Autran de Lima Eline , Emídio de Lima Raul , Freire de Moura Patrícia Muniz Mendes
Published: July 2018

Study aim: Was to verify whether the regular practice of physical activity promotes some protective factor against the develop­ment of LS in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Materials and method: Clinical data were obtained through medical records available at the Pernambuco Liver Institute. Physi­cal activity levels were obtained through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form to classify the patients according to the guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Results: The sample consisted of patients of both genders, over 18 years of age, who had positive anti-HCV, HCV-RNA and confirmatory tests for presence or absence of liver steatosis. 126 patients were included in the study. Patients with liver steatosis (G1) were more frequently male (57%) compared to patients without liver steatosis (G2) (p = 0.02). Physical activity analysis showed significant differences for GGT (p = 0.04), HDL (p = 0.04), AF (p = 0.02), viral genotype 3 (p = 0.04) and waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.01) in anthropometric data. Correlation analysis showed a significant difference for GGT (r = -0.23; p = 0.01) and total bilirubin (BT) (r = -0.22; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Regular practice of physical activity generates a protective factor against the development of LS in patients in­fected by the hepatitis C virus and it is associated with the maintenance of variables related to hepatic and biochemical damage in patients infected with HCV.
Historical building dating: A multidisciplinary study of the Convento de São Francisco (Coimbra, Portugal)
Authors: Stella Giuseppe , Almeida Luis , Basílio Lilia , Pasquale Stefania , Dinis Jorge , Almeida Miguel , Gueli Anna M.
Published: July 2018

Cross-dating of bricks and mortars from historical building, through thermal (TL) and optically stimulated (OSL) luminescence have achieved good accuracy and precision. However this approach is, in many cases, not exhaustive especially for buildings with different construction phases closely temporally spaced to each other. The uncertainties of experimental data added to the reuse of old bricks and/or the presence of mortars applied on restorations represent the main limits to obtain the complete chronology. In the case of the Convento de S. Francisco (Coimbra, Portugal), the dating results were crossed with the stratigraphic study of the building, mineralogical characterization by XRD and colorimetric data of the mortar samples. Thanks to luminescence ages, mineralogical composition and color specification, two phases of construction were identified: the first from the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century and the second from the second half of the 18th century to the first half of the 19th century. These results were confirmed by mineralogical characterization and colorimetric measurements of mortars that identify two different types of materials in aggregate/binder ratio terms and superficial optical characteristics.
Preparation and characterization of PEO-based composite gel-polymer electrolytes complexed with lithium trifluoro methane sulfonate
Authors: Nagajothi A.J. , Kannan R. , Rajashabala S.
Published: July 2018

Chitosan has been successfully incorporated as a filler in a polyethylene oxide (PEO) and lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF3SO3) matrix with a combination of plasticizers, namely 1,3-dioxolane (DIOX) and tetraethylene glycol dimethylether (TEGDME). The composite gel-polymer electrolyte (CGPE) membranes were prepared by solution casting technique in an argon atmosphere. The prepared membranes were subjected to SEM, TG/DTA and FT-IR analyses. A Li/CGPE/Li symmetric cell was assembled and the variation of interfacial resistance was measured as a function of time. The lithium transference number (Li+t) was measured and the value was calculated as 0.6 which is sufficient for battery applications. The electrochemical stability window of the sample was studied by linear sweep voltammetry and the polymer electrolyte was found to be stable up to 5.2 V.
Groutability Enhancement Effect of Oscillatory Injection in Cement-Based Permeation Grouting
Authors: Kim Byung-Kyu , Park Jeong-Jun , Kwon Young-Sam , Jeong Ghang-Bok , Lee In-Mo
Published: July 2018

Cement-based permeation grouting is utilized in foundations and tunneling projects for waterproofing or ground improvement. The drawback of this method is that, because of the clogging phenomenon, the grout penetration depth is limited in most soil types. In order to overcome this drawback, an oscillatory injection method and equipment were proposed. Laboratory-scale oscillatory grout injection tests were performed with variation of the injection pressure, oscillation frequency, and water-cement (w/c) ratio. The enhancement effect of the groutability was theoretically studied using clogging theory and was assessed according to the Groutability Criterion. The results showed that the grout injection volume and penetration depth were increased by more than 30 % and up to 250 %, respectively, when utilizing the proposed oscillatory injection system. In particular, it was found that the enhancement of the permeation grouting that is due to the oscillatory injection is more dominant with lower injection pressure, oscillation frequency ranges of 5–10 Hz, higher vibration amplitude, and lower w/c ratio.
On reconciling disparate studies of the sea-ice floe size distribution
Authors: Stern Harry L. , Schweiger Axel J. , Zhang Jinlun , Steele Michael
Published: July 2018

The size distribution of sea-ice floes is an important descriptor of the sea-ice cover. Most studies report that floe sizes follow a power-law distribution over some size range, but the power-law exponents often differ substantially. Other studies report two power-law regimes over different size ranges, or more complicated behavior. We review the construction of power-law floe size distributions and compare the results of previous studies. Differences between studies may be due to spatial and temporal variability of the floe size distribution, sampling variability, inadequacy of the power-law model, or flaws in the mathematical analysis. For a power-law model, the most accurate method for determining the exponent from data is Maximum Likelihood Estimation; least-squares methods based on log-log plots of the data yield biased estimates. After calculating the power-law exponent from data, a goodness-of-fit test should be applied to determine whether or not the power-law model actually describes the distribution of the data. These analysis principles have been described in the literature but have not generally been applied to floe size distributions. Numerical ice-ocean models are beginning to simulate the floe size distribution, which should give further insight into the interpretation of observational studies.
An unusual cause of adrenal insufficiency and bilateral adrenal masses
Authors: Tee Su Ann , Gan Earn Hui , Kanaan Mohamad Zaher , Price David Ashley , Hoare Tim , Pearce Simon H S
Published: July 2018

Primary adrenal insufficiency secondary to syphilis is extremely rare, with only five cases being reported in the literature. We report a case of adrenal insufficiency as a manifestation of Treponema pallidum infection (tertiary syphilis). A 69-year-old, previously fit and well Caucasian male was found to have adrenal insufficiency after being admitted with weight loss, anorexia and postural dizziness resulting in a fall. Biochemical testing showed hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia, and an inadequate response to Synacthen testing, with a peak cortisol level of 302 nmol/L after administration of 250 µg Synacthen. Abdominal imaging revealed bilateral adrenal hyperplasia with inguinal and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. He was started on hydrocortisone replacement; however, it was not until he re-attended ophthalmology with a red eye and visual loss 1 month later, that further work-up revealed the diagnosis of tertiary syphilis. Following a course of penicillin, repeat imaging 5 months later showed resolution of the abnormal radiological appearances. However, adrenal function has not recovered and 3 years following initial presentation, the patient remains on both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement. In conclusion, this case highlights the importance of considering syphilis as a potential differential diagnosis in patients presenting with adrenal insufficiency and bilateral adrenal masses, given the recent re-emergence of this condition. The relative ease of treating infectious causes of adrenal lesions makes accurate and timely diagnosis crucial.

Learning points:

Infectious causes, including syphilis, should be excluded before considering adrenalectomy or biopsy for any patient presenting with an adrenal mass.

It is important to perform a full infection screen including tests for human immunodeficiency virus, other blood-borne viruses and concurrent sexually transmitted diseases in patients presenting with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia with primary adrenal insufficiency.

Awareness of syphilis as a potential differential diagnosis is important, as it not only has a wide range of clinical presentations, but its prevalence has been increasing in recent times.
65 YEARS OF THE DOUBLE HELIX: The advancements of gene editing and potential application to hereditary cancer
Authors: Tan Zi Ying , Huang Taosheng , Ngeow Joanne
Published: July 2018

Hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes are associated with germline mutations that lead to increased vulnerability for an individual to develop cancers. Such germline mutations in tumour suppressor genes, oncogenes and genes encoding for proteins essential in DNA repair pathways and cell cycle control can cause overall chromosomal instability in the genome and increase risk in developing cancers. Gene correction of these germline mutations to restore normal protein functions is anticipated as a new therapeutic option. This can be achieved through disruption of gain-of-function pathogenic mutation, restoration of loss-of-function mutation, addition of a transgene essential for cell function and single nucleotide changes. Genome editing tools are applicable to precise gene correction. Development of genome editing tools comes in two waves. The first wave focuses on improving targeting specificity and editing efficiency of nucleases, and the second wave of gene editing draws on innovative engineering of fusion proteins combining deactivated nucleases and other enzymes that are able to create limitless functional molecular tools. This gene editing advancement is going to impact medicine, particularly in hereditary cancers. In this review, we discuss the application of gene editing as an early intervention and possible treatment for hereditary cancers, by highlighting a selection of highly penetrant cancer syndromes as examples of how this may be achieved in clinical practice.
65 YEARS OF THE DOUBLE HELIX: Could Watson and Crick have envisioned the true impact of their discovery?
Authors: Sussman Ilene
Published: July 2018

Landmark scientific findings are applauded. However, at the time of discovery, the future impact that these types of new knowledge might have on patients is not foreseen. This article discusses how unraveling the structure of DNA has advanced medical treatment, particularly for patients with rare diseases. In addition, each new scientific discovery brings with it the emotion of hope for improved diagnosis and treatment, as well as enhanced outcomes and increased longevity for patients facing a life-long disease.
Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome: A Delayed Diagnosis of an Acquired Variant
Authors: Kumar T Seetam , Vipul Abhijit , Yadav Rohtas
Published: July 2018

Dyk-Davidof-Masson Syndrome (DDMS) is an important cause of intractable and drug-resistant seizures. It has varied clinical presentation and history with distinct neuroimaging features. Here, we describe a female patient presented with recurrent intractable convulsion, mental retardation, hemiparesis, and characteristic neuroimaging features of cerebral hemiatrophy, calvarial thickening, and ipsilateral hyperpneumatization of the frontal sinuses which is suggestive of DDMS. Early institution of neuroimaging in patients with intractable epilepsy will make early diagnosis and better outcome.
Study of Myocardial Dysfunction in Perinatal Asphyxia Field
Authors: Tanna Kushali , Mehariya K M , Munsi Suchita , Pujani Charul
Published: July 2018

Aims and Objectives: To study an incidence of myocardial dysfunction in neonates admitted with perinatal asphyxia, to find out its correlation with severity of birth asphyxia and its outcome.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted among 40 term neonates admitted in NICU of Civil Hospital Ahmedabad who had suffered with perinatal asphyxia (defined by WHO ), resuscitated as per NRP guidelines-2015 including both intramural and extramural admissions and who developed to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy as defined by Levene staging. Neonates with congenital heart diseases, major central nervous system malformations and neonatal sepsis were excluded. Myocardial involvement was assessed by clinical evaluation, ECG, Creatinine Kinase Total (25-200IU/L), CK-MB (0-25IU/L) and Troponin I (0-0.03ug/L) measurements.

Results: Among 40 cases, 10(25%) neonates had moderate birth asphyxia while 30(75%) had severe birth asphyxia. Respiratory distress was observed in 34(77.5%), poor spontaneous respiration 4(10%),shock in 14(35%),CCF 19(47.5%) while ECG was abnormal in 30(76.7%). Serum levels of CPK Total, CPK- MB and Troponin I were raised in 34(85%), 32(80%) and 28 (70%) neonates, respectively. 

Conclusion: There was a direct correlation between ECG changes and enzymatic levels which showed increasing abnormalities with increasing with severity of HIE.
Incidence of Cytological Abnormalities in Pap's Smear in HIV Positive Women
Authors: Jotva Suhana , Desai Hemani , Goswami Hansa
Published: July 2018

Aims and Objectives: The aim of present study is to estimate the frequency of abnormal PAP’s smears and mainly to detect precancerous and cancerous lesions as well as inflammatory lesions in HIV infected women.

Methodology: Our study was a retrospective study of total 130 cases and PAP’s smears were examined in cytology section in Department of Pathology, BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad from 1st March 2017 to 31st August 2017. Both HIV positive and HIV negative patients were included in the study. 80 patients were HIV negative and 50 patients were HIV positive. The clinical history and relevant parameters were noted. All the smears were processed by a conventional method using Papanicolaou stain. 

Results: Out of 130 cases, 118 cases were reported negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy (NILM). Five cases were positive for squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) out of which four were HIV positive. Seven cases were of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) out of which 5 were HIV positive. Three cases were showing bacterial vaginosis. 1 case was showing Trichomonas Vaginalis. 19 cases were showing changes of non-specific inflammation. 6 cases were showing atrophic changes. 

Conclusion: HIV infected women are at more risk to develop cervical cytological abnormalities. The study revealed a maximum number of non-specific inflammatory smears followed by smears showing atrophic changes. Smears suspicious for malignancy (ASCUS) and smears showing squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) were more common in HIV positive patients. Thus regular PAP’s smears screening as recommended by National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) will help in early detection of cervical abnormalities in HIV positive women.
To Determine the Relation Between Ankle-Brachial Index with Angiographic Stenosis and Major Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Patients With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease.
Authors: Agarwal Vivek , Patel Tejas , Shah Sanjay
Published: July 2018

Aims and Objectives: Prevalence of low Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) in patients with Ischaemic Heart Disease. To compare the relationship between various physiological parameters like age, sex, and BMI with ABI. To compare the relationship between low ABI and number of coronaries involved.

Methodology: Inclusion Criteria: All the 1423 patients aged 23-90 years including 1047 male and 376 female undergoing coronary angiography in VS hospital. Exclusion Criteria: Critically ill or who had severe limb ischemia or patients with amputation were excluded. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 20.0 version. Univariate analysis was performed by applying the Pearson chi-squared test.

Results: In this study, 1423 patients were evaluated out of which 66 (4.6%) patients had ABI<0.9. Out of 66 patients with low ABI 60 (91%) were male and 6 (9%) were female, showing high prevalence in the male. In patients having low ABI shows 12 (18.2%) have SVD, 11(16.7%) have DVD, 26(39.4%) have TVD, comparing this with patients having normal ABI, shows P value of 0.035 which is significant. 411 patients were diabetic including 40 (60.6%) patients having low ABI and 371 (27.3%) patients having normal ABI, shows P value of 0.000 which is highly significant.

Conclusion: ABI is helpful in identifying individuals at high risk of coronary involvement. Although the prevalence of low ABI in patients with IHD is 4.6% that is very low but is highly specific (91%). In patients with ischemic heart disease low ABI suggests the involvement of multivessel disease. Direct association between ABI and significant Coronary Artery Disease noted.
Reconsidering the Need for Reconsent at 18
Authors: Berkman Benjamin E. , Howard Dana , Wendler David
Published: July 2018

The prevalence of research with biological specimens has led to a debate over what type of consent is needed to obtain biological specimens from minors and store them for future studies. In most cases, parental permission is needed to obtain samples from minors. In addition, almost all commentators and guidelines maintain that researchers need the consent of the donors if they want to continue to store the samples and make them available for future studies after the donors reach the age of majority. In this Ethics Rounds, we argue that this near-consensus view is mistaken on the grounds that the agreement of the parents at the time of obtaining samples provides sufficient permission to store them and use them in research even after the donors turn 18 years old.
Research Consent at the Age of Majority: Preferable but not Obligatory
Authors: Brothers Kyle B. , Wilfond Benjamin S.
Published: July 2018

In this issue of Pediatrics, Berkman et al argue that parental permission to obtain samples is sufficient to continue storing them and using them for research after the pediatric participant reaches the age of majority. In this Ethics Rounds, we argue that there are important ethical reasons for obtaining consent from participants when they reach majority. However, these reasons must be balanced with the aim of efficiently and economically conducting research that benefits children. Given current guidance from the relevant regulatory bodies, it remains necessary to obtain consent for the continued use of identified pediatric samples when participants reach the age of majority unless the institutional review board grants a waiver of consent. However, we argue that waivers of consent should more frequently be granted by institutional review boards and used for this purpose.