bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Screening and Quantitative Determination of Illegal Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE-5i) in Herbal Dietary Supplements
Authors: Nguyen Thi Oanh , Tran Cao-Son , Do Thi Thu Hang , Nguyen Thi Minh Hoa , Bui Quang-Dong , Bui Cao-Tien , Nguyen Hong-Ngoc , Dang Thu-Hien , Dinh Viet-Chien , Nguyen Thi Anh Huong , Le Thi Hong Hao
Published: May 2021

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5i) are the first-line medication for oral erectile dysfunction, which are used according to the prescription of doctors. However, these substances have been found illegally in supplementary foods. The quality and safety of dietary supplements for enhancing male sexual performance have been questioned, raising the need for continual development of analytical methods. Liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry has become one of the most effective methods to identify and measure PDE-5i concentration. In this research, we focused on (i) developing and validating an effective screening and quantitation method for more than 53 PDE-5i in ingredients and supplementary products using LC-Q-Exactive after a simple sample extraction and (ii) assessing PDE-5i content in natural-based supplementary products available in Vietnam market. The extraction method used a small amount of organic solvent, which makes it more environmentally friendly (greener). The developed method has a limit of detection of 0.4 mg/kg, a limit of quantitation of 1.2 mg/kg, recoveries from 80 to 110%, and repeatability lower than 15%. Ninety-two herbal supplementary foods and ingredients used for enhancement of male sexual performance available in Vietnamese markets were collected. Fourteen PDE-5i including conventional and novel analogous were detected and measured in eighteen food supplements and two formulation ingredient samples.
Clinical Evaluation of Acute Pancreatitis Caused by SARS-CoV-2 Virus Infection
Authors: Vatansev Hulya , Yıldırım Mehmet Aykut , Kuccukturk Serkan , Karaselek Mehmet Ali , Kadiyoran Cengiz
Published: May 2021

Introduction. Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread to more than 200 countries worldwide. We aimed to present acute pancreatitis (AP) cases caused by SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. Methods. The study was conducted retrospectively between April 2020 and June 2020 in Necmettin Erbakan University Meram, Medical Faculty Hospital, and 150 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were included. The degree of acute pancreatitis was determined according to the Atlanta classification. Organ failures of the patients were evaluated in terms of respiratory, cardiovascular, and nephrology according to the modified Marshall scoring (MMS) system, and CTSI (Balthazar score) and Imrie score were determined.

Modified
 
Marshall
 
score
≥
2

was considered organ failure. Results. A total of 29 patients were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. All 29 patients with pancreatitis had respiratory failure during hospitalization. After the diagnosis of pancreatitis, there was no change in respiratory failure. According to the Atlanta classification, 19 patients had mild AP and 10 patients had moderate AP. Patients with acute pancreatitis were scored according to the CTSI (Balthazar score), and there were no patients with ≥6 severe pancreatitis. The CTSI score of 4 patients was 3. In addition, the Imrie score of the patients was determined and 8 patients with

Imrie
 
score
≥
3

were identified. Conclusion. The rate of pancreatic damage in SARS-CoV-2 infection was found to be 19% (

n
=
29

) in our study. In our study, we highlight acute pancreatitis as a complication associated with COVID-19 and the importance of pancreatic evaluation in patients with COVID-19 and abdominal pain is demonstrated.
Synthesis and Molecular Docking of Some Grossgemin Amino Derivatives as Tubulin Inhibitors Targeting Colchicine Binding Site
Authors: Jalmakhanbetova R. I. , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Eissa Ibrahim H. , Metwaly Ahmed M. , Suleimen Ye. M.
Published: May 2021

Six amino derivatives of grossgemin (2–7) were synthesized according to the reported essential pharmacophoric features of colchicine binding site inhibitors (CBSIs). The derivatives 4–6 were obtained for the first time. The pharmacophoric features of 2–7 as CBSIs were studied to be almost identical. Furthermore, the 3D-flexible alignment of compound 5 as a representative example with colchicine showed a very good overlapping. In agreement, compounds 2–7 docked into CBS with binding modes very similar to that of colchicine and exhibited binding free energies of −24.57, −25.05, −32.16, −29.34, −26.38, and −26.86 (kcal/mol), respectively. The binding free energies of 4–7 were better than that of colchicine (−26.13 kcal/mol) with a noticeable superiority to compound 4.
Influence of Temperature on the Bolt Loads and Variation in a Bolted Flange for Subsea Pipeline Connection
Authors: Wang Pengpeng , Zhang Lan , Wang Liquan
Published: May 2021

This article proposed an analytic and finite element-combined modelling method for the investigation of temperature effects on bolt loads and variation in a bolted flange for subsea pipeline connection. With this method, the preloads of bolt in the bolted flange assembly were investigated under different medium liquid temperatures in the pipeline. The simulation results illustrate that the deviation of bolt loads can be increased due to the medium liquid temperature increasing. The final bolt load deviation increases along with the increasing of the initial deviation of bolt preloads in a constant medium liquid temperature. The final distribution of bolt loads can be affected by the initial condition of the bolts. When bolt preloads are staggered, the variance of the final bolt loads is minimized; when the bolt preloads are axisymmetric, the final bolt load variance is the maximum.
Danggui Buxue Tang Rescues Folliculogenesis and Ovarian Cell Apoptosis in Rats with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Wang Lingdi , Liu Jian , Nie Guangning , Li Yang , Yang Hongyan
Published: May 2021

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a common female endocrine disease that is closely linked to ovarian function. Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine that is helpful for rescuing ovarian function. However, the mechanism by which DBT rescues ovarian function remains unclear. This study explored the molecular mechanism of DBT with respect to apoptosis and related signals in ovarian cells. The quality control of DBT was performed by HPLC. After DBT intervention in the POI rat model, serum AMH/FSH/LH/E2 levels were detected by ELISA, follicles at various developmental stages were observed by HE staining, apoptosis was detected by TUNEL, and the expression profiles of Bcl-2 family proteins and key proteins in the Jak2/Foxo3a signaling pathway were evaluated by western blot. The results demonstrated that DBT could encourage the development of primary/secondary/antral follicles and increase the secretion of AMH. Moreover, DBT might inhibit Foxo3a by upregulating Jak2, thereby mediating Bcl-2 family activities and inhibiting apoptosis in ovarian cells. In conclusion, DBT promotes follicular development and rescues ovarian function by regulating Bcl-2 family proteins to inhibit cell apoptosis, which could be related to the Jak2/Foxo3a signaling pathway.
Severity and Mortality Associated with Steroid Use among Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sahilu Tamiru , Sheleme Tadesse , Melaku Tsegaye
Published: May 2021

Background. There are controversial suggestions about steroid use to treat patients infected with COVID-19. Conclusive evidence regarding the use of steroids to treat COVID-19 is still lacking. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the mortality and severity associated with corticosteroid therapy compared to noncorticosteroid treatment in patients with COVID-19. Methods. The information was collected from electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, and Google scholar through January 30, 2021. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed using random effect models. Endnote citation manager software version X9 for Windows was utilized to collect and organize search outcomes (into relevant and irrelevant studies) and to remove duplicate articles. Results. Thirty-two studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 14,659 COVID-19 patients. No significant differences in mortality between the steroid and nonsteroid treatment groups (RR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.80–1.13;

p

 = 0.57). There was no significant reduction in mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients treated with corticosteroid (RR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.62–1.27;

p

 = 0.52). Significant differences were observed in severe disease conditions between the steroid and nonsteroid treatment groups (RR = 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03–1.19,

p

 = 0.007). Conclusion. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between the steroid and nonsteroid treatment users’ of COVID-19 patients. There was no significant reduction of all-cause mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients treated with corticosteroids.
A Rock Fracturing Method Using High‐Pressure Gas Expansion: Case Study on Its Application in Hangzhou‐Lin’an Intercity Railway
Authors: Liu Dunwen , Tang Yu , Cai Caiwu , Jian Yinghua
Published: May 2021

The use of explosives in cities is under strict control due to the risks associated with blasting. It is difficult to perform nonexplosive continuous excavation on hard rock connecting passage in crowded cities with dense high buildings and populations safely and rapidly. Therefore, a new method of rock fracturing through high‐pressure gas expansion is proposed. The method was applied for the excavation of a connecting passage on the Hangzhou‐Lin’an Intercity Railway in China. Analysis was conducted on the parameters of rock fracturing, rock fracturing effects of this method, and its impact on the vibration of surrounding buildings. Overall, when the compressive strength of rock reaches 100 MPa, and the surrounding rocks are dense, this method of rock fracturing can fully meet the requirements of rapid excavation in a connecting passage, and the vibration resulting from rock fracturing causes only a slight disturbance to the adjacent buildings. After optimizing the rock fracturing parameters, better, smoother rock fracturing effects are obtained, and a set of safe and efficient solutions to the excavation of hard rock in cities are created. It can provide a new approach for rock fracturing in similar projects.
Impact of National Economy and Policies on End-Stage Kidney Care in South Asia and Southeast Asia
Authors: Alexander Suceena , Jasuja Sanjiv , Gallieni Maurizio , Sahay Manisha , Rana Devender S. , Jha Vivekanand , Verma Shalini , Ramachandran Raja , Bhargava Vinant , Sagar Gaurav , Bahl Anupam , Mostafi Mamun , Pisharam Jayakrishnan K , Tang Sydney C. W. , Jacob Chakko , Gunawan Atma , Leong Goh B. , Thwin Khin T. , Agrawal Rajendra K , Vareesangthip Kriengsak , Tanchanco Roberto , Choong Lina H. L. , Herath Chula , Lin Chih C. , Cuong Nguyen T. , Haian Ha P. , Akhtar Syed F , Alsahow Ali , Rajapurkar Mohan M. , Kher Vijay , Mehta Hemant , Bhalla Anil K. , Khanna Umesh B. , Ray Deepak S. , Puri Sonika , Jain Himanshu , Lydia Aida , Vachharajani Tushar
Published: May 2021

Background. The association between economic status and kidney disease is incompletely explored even in countries with higher economy (HE); the situation is complex in lower economies (LE) of South Asia and Southeast Asia (SA and SEA). Methods. Fifteen countries of SA and SEA categorized as HE and LE, represented by the representatives of the national nephrology societies, participated in this questionnaire and interview-based assessment of the impact of economic status on renal care. Results. Average incidence and prevalence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) per million population (pmp) are 1.8 times and 3.3 times higher in HE. Hemodialysis is the main renal replacement therapy (RRT) (HE-68%, LE-63%). Funding of dialysis in HE is mainly by state (65%) or insurance bodies (30%); out of pocket expenses (OOPE) are high in LE (41%). Highest cost for hemodialysis is in Brunei and Singapore, and lowest in Myanmar and Nepal. Median number of dialysis machines/1000 ESKD population is 110 in HE and 53 in LE. Average number of machines/dialysis units in HE is 2.7 times higher than LE. The HE countries have 9 times more dialysis centers pmp (median HE-17, LE-02) and 16 times more nephrologist density (median HE-14.8 ppm, LE-0.94 ppm). Dialysis sessions >2/week is frequently followed in HE (84%) and <2/week in LE (64%). “On-demand” hemodialysis (<2 sessions/week) is prevalent in LE. Hemodialysis dropout rates at one year are lower in HE (12.3%; LE 53.4%), death being the major cause (HE-93.6%; LE-43.8%); renal transplants constitute 4% (Brunei) to 39% (Hong Kong) of the RRT in HE. ESKD burden is expected to increase >10% in all the HE countries except Taiwan, 10%–20% in the majority of LE countries. Conclusion. Economic disparity in SA and SEA is reflected by poor dialysis infrastructure and penetration, inadequate manpower, higher OOPE, higher dialysis dropout rates, and lesser renal transplantations in LE countries. Utility of RRT can be improved by state funding and better insurance coverage.
Kinematic Analysis of a Novel System for Paper Rewinding Machines
Authors: Gatti Gianluca , Lupi Lorenzo , Lupi Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Rewinding machines are used in the paper converting industrial sector to unroll paper veils from large source reels and wind them around smaller rolls, for the production of paper logs to be used in household activities. Many different types of rewinding machine exist, and they are mostly based on stapling devices which automatically unroll a large coil of paper, roll it up around a new log, stop the veil allowing it to be torn off, unload the completed paper log, and reload a new paper core to be rolled up. Winding units generally include a primary and a secondary roller, supplying the desired rotational speed for winding, and a pressure unit consisting of a pressure roller in contact with the paper log being rolled up, which assures adequate containment and avoids the paper log to escape. All known systems have some mechanical limitations, mainly due to the contact of the pressure roller with the paper log, causing instabilities and vibrations, particularly when working with soft paper veils. This limits the maximum possible winding speed. The aim of this paper is it to present a detailed kinematic analysis of a novel pressure unit which overcomes the aforementioned limitation.
Chromosome Abnormalities Related to Reproductive and Sexual Development Disorders: A 5‐Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Benchikh Sara , Bousfiha Amale , Razoki Lunda , Aboulfaraj Jamila , Zarouf Latifa , Elbakay Chadli , Rifai Lala Laila , El Hamouchi Adil , Nassereddine Sanaa
Published: May 2021

Chromosomal abnormalities are the main genetic risk factor associated with reproductive and sexual development disorders (DSD). The goal of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in Moroccan subjects with problems of procreation or sexual ambiguity. A total of 1005 individuals, including 170 infertile couples, underwent cytogenetic analysis in the Cytogenetic Laboratory of the Pasteur Institute of Morocco. Heparinized blood samples were processed according to the standard karyotype method. A total (81.5%) of the patients studied had a normal karyotype, while the remaining (18.5%) patients had an abnormal karyotype. Female patients had more chromosomal abnormalities (52%) than male patients (48%). These chromosomal aberrations included 154 cases (83%) of sex chromosomal abnormalities, the most common being Turner’s syndrome and Klinefelter’s syndrome, and 31 cases (17%) had autosomal aberrations, especially chromosome 9 reversal (inv(9)(p12;q13)). The present data shows that among 170 couples, 10.6% had chromosomal abnormalities mainly involved in the occurrence of recurrent miscarriages. Genotype‐phenotype correlations could not be made, and therefore, studies using more resolutive molecular biology techniques would be desirable.
Fabrication of Agglomerated Lactose Using Fluidized Bed for Good Compressibility
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Huijie , Xiang Jia , Zheng Jiao , Wang Junyan
Published: May 2021

In this work, a fluidized bed agglomeration process was used to produce agglomerated lactose with good compressibility. In the fluidized bed agglomeration, large lactose crystals were used as the core materials, fine-milled lactose particles were bound to the surface of large lactose cores, and lactose solution was used as the binder. A suspension of lactose solution is sprayed onto the fluidized lactose particles, forming liquid bridges among the large and small lactose particles to form agglomerated lactose. Good hardness of 75-88 N was achieved for the agglomerated lactose. The particle size and bulk density can be controlled. The effects of agglomeration parameters, including solution concentration and temperature, atomizing pressure, peristalsis speed, and material temperature, were investigated for the agglomeration result and the characteristics of the agglomerated lactose. The result also shows that high solution temperature and high solution concentration can improve fluidized bed agglomeration efficiency.
Tunisian Pistachio Hull Extracts: Phytochemical Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Foodborne Pathogen Inhibition
Authors: Elhadef Khaoula , Akermi Sarra , Ben Hlima Hajer , Ennouri Karim , Fourati Mariam , Ben Braïek Olfa , Mellouli Lotfi , Smaoui Slim
Published: May 2021

The present study aimed to discriminate pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) hulls belonging to three different Tunisian geographical origins and extracted separately by hexane, acetone, acetonitrile, and water in terms of phytochemicals and antioxidant and antibacterial activities using multivariate analysis. Significant differences (P<0.05) in the phytochemical content, antioxidant, and antifoodborne bacterial activities were detected among the pistachio hulls populations. Pearson correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and heat map were used to distinguish the relationship between the different regions on the basis of the biological activities. It was found that the twelve (4 extracts × 3 geographical sources) pistachio hulls extracts could be classified geographically into four distinct groups. To explore the mode of action of the aqueous pistachio hull extract against L. monocytogenes and S. enterica, polymyxin acriflavine lithium chloride ceftazidime aesculin mannitol (PALCAM) and xylose lysine deoxycholate (XLD) broth media were artificially contaminated at 104 CFU/mL. Using linear and general linear models, aqueous pistachio hull extract was demonstrated to control the two dominant food-borne pathogens by suppressing the bacterial growth.
Replacing Management or Not: Contract Renegotiation to Prevent Double Moral Hazards of Venture Capital Investments
Authors: Yin Linsen , Pan Ane
Published: May 2021

During the venture capital development, replacing the management work team or keeping up the status quo is a key strategy choice for venture capitalist and venture entrepreneur about the long-term development of enterprise and the control right transferring. In fact, the contract designing focuses on the distribution of cash flow to encourage both efforts in order to avoid double moral hazard, and the strategy behavior has similar effects according to the developing condition of venture enterprise. In this paper, we consider both contract design and strategic behavior, regarding this strategic behavior choice as a motivator and combining strategic behavior with financial instrument options. The main innovation is to redesign and optimize the contract based on dynamic perspective, which will analyze initial contract designed to motivate both sides’ effort if a venture enterprise is in good state, and then renegotiate whether to replace the management work team or keep up the status quo according to the venture enterprise’s development state in the process of venture investment cooperation. The paper also puts forward some conclusions: joint effort of both sides can be motivated through strategic behavior choice and then lead to increasing the overall value of the venture enterprise; after the venture enterprise has gained private benefits in the early stage, the venture capitalist needs to make appropriate assignments and demisability in benefits to remotivate the venture enterprise’s efforts, aiming to further balance venture enterprise’s private benefits and the earnings redistributed by venture capitalist.
Quadrant Asymmetric Design Contact Lens for Visual Rehabilitation after Eye Trauma
Authors: Erdinest Nir , Sabag Ortal Palatchi , London Naomi , Solomon Abraham
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate the efficacy of an asymmetric peripheral design scleral contact lens in a case of highly irregular corneal-scleral pattern due to trauma. A 63-year-old patient was involved in a jeep accident which caused a partial-thickness penetrating injury to the peripheral cornea of his left eye. The subsequent corneal irregularity extended beyond the limbus into the sclera which made it difficult to stabilize a contact lens. A quadrant specific peripheral curve (quadrant asymmetric periphery) scleral contact lens successfully resulted in improved comfort and visual acuity. This is the first known published case to use this lens design to correct a post-trauma irregular cornea-scleral relationship. Quadrant asymmetric periphery scleral contact lenses can be effective in cases of severe irregular corneal-scleral patterns.
Lymphogranuloma Venereum-Associated Proctitis Mimicking a Malignant Rectal Neoplasia: Searching for Diagnosis
Authors: Pimentel Raquel , Correia Catarina , Estorninho João , Gravito-Soares Elisa , Gravito-Soares Marta , Figueiredo Pedro
Published: May 2021

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis-lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and an uncommon cause of proctitis. The diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion, since the clinical, imaging, endoscopic, and histological findings can mimic multiple benign or malignant conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and rectal neoplasms. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 48-year-old Caucasian male with no significant previous medical history who was admitted due to the suspicion of a rectal neoplasia. He underwent an abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scan and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before admission due to complaints of anorectal pain, hematochezia, and constipation over the previous 2 weeks. The examination revealed a circumferential rectal wall thickening, infiltration of the perirectal fat and invasion of the mesorectal fascia, associated with perirectal fat lymphadenopathy. A radiological diagnosis of a rectal malignant neoplasia staged as T4N2MX was stated. Digital rectal examination identified a circumferential rectal tumor. Rectosigmoidoscopy showed an extensive and circumferential ulceration of the rectal mucosa, with elevated geographical borders, exudate, and aphthoid erosions at the proximal limit of the endoscopic mucosal ulceration. Biopsy specimens revealed acute ulcerative proctitis with lymphoplasmocytic inflammatory infiltrate but no evidence of dysplasia or malignancy. A STI screening was positive for HIV-1 (CD4+ 251/mm3; N = 700–1,100) and C. trachomatis, with an elevated IgA-specific antibody titer (52.000; N < 5.0), suggesting LGV disease. The diagnosis was confirmed by the identification of C. trachomatis DNA on rectal swab. Other infectious causes of acute proctitis were excluded. When faced with these results, the patient ended up mentioning that he had unprotected anal sex with men. He started treatment with doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for 21 days, with a drastic improvement. Rectosigmoidoscopy was repeated and showed clear signs of progressive resolution of the ulcerative proctitis. Discussion: LGV-associated proctitis, often undervalued, is a reemerging disease which should always be considered a benign cause of rectal mass, in order to avoid delay in diagnosis and development of complications. Diagnosis becomes more challenging in patients with unknown HIV status. A detailed clinical history, including sexual behaviors, is a vital step to achieve the final diagnosis.
Comparison of Pre-Amputation Evaluation in Patients with and without Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Subramanian Nivetha , Han Jialin , Leeper Nicholas J. , Ross Elsie G. , Montez-Rath Maria E. , Chang Tara I.
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) are more likely to undergo lower extremity amputation than patients with preserved kidney function. We sought to determine whether patients with CKD were less likely to receive pre-amputation care in the 1-year prior to lower extremity amputation compared to patients without CKD. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with PAD-related lower extremity amputation between January 2014 and December 2017 using a large commercial insurance database. The primary exposure was CKD identified using billing codes and laboratory values. The primary outcomes were receipt of pre-amputation care, defined as diagnostic evaluation (ankle-brachial index, duplex ultrasound, and computed tomographic angiography), specialty care (vascular surgery, cardiology, orthopedic surgery, and podiatry), and lower extremity revascularization in the 1-year prior to amputation. We conducted separate logistic regression models to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) among patients with and without CKD. We assessed for effect modification by age, sex, Black race, and diabetes status. Results: We identified 8,554 patients with PAD-related amputation. In fully adjusted models, patients with CKD were more likely to receive diagnostic evaluation (aOR 1.30; 95% CI 1.17–1.44) and specialty care (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.27–1.64) in the 1-year prior to amputation. There was no difference in odds of revascularization by CKD status (aOR 1.03, 0.90–1.19). Age, sex, Black race, and diabetes status did not modify these associations. Discussion/Conclusion: Patients with CKD had higher odds of receiving diagnostic testing and specialty care and similar odds of lower extremity revascularization in the 1-year prior to amputation than patients without CKD. Disparities in access to pre-amputation care do not appear to explain the higher amputation rates seen among patients with CKD.
A Systematic Review of the Association between Amyloid-β and τ Pathology with Functional Connectivity Alterations in the Alzheimer Dementia Spectrum Utilizing PET Scan and rsfMRI
Authors: Hasani Seyede Anis , Mayeli Mahsa , Salehi Mohammad Amin , Barzegar Parizi Rezvan
Published: May 2021

The association between functional connectivity (FC) alterations with amyloid-β (Aβ) and τ protein depositions in Alzheimer dementia is a subject of debate in the current literature. Although many studies have suggested a declining FC accompanying increased Aβ and τ concentrations, some investigations have contradicted this hypothesis. Therefore, this systematic review was conducted to sum up the current literature in this regard. The PROSPERO guideline for systematic reviews was applied for development of a research protocol, and this study was initiated after getting the protocol approval. Studies were screened, and those investigating FC measured by resting-state functional MRI and Aβ and τ protein depositions using amyloid and τ positron emission tomography were included. We categorized the included studies into 3 groups methodologically, addressing the question using global connectivity analysis (examining all regions of interest across the brain based on a functional atlas), seed-based connectivity analysis, or within-networks connectivity analysis. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Among 31 included studies, 14 found both positive and negative correlations depending on the brain region and stage of the investigated disease, while 7 showed an overall negative correlation, 8 indicated an overall positive correlation, and 2 found a nonsignificant association between protein deposition and FC. The investigated regions were illustrated using tables. The posterior default mode network, one of the first regions of amyloid accumulation, and the temporal lobe, the early τ deposition region, are the 2 most investigated regions where inconsistencies exist. In conclusion, our study indicates that transneuronal spreading of τ and the amyloid hypothesis can justify higher FC related to higher protein depositions when global connectivity analysis is applied. However, the discrepancies observed when investigating the brain locally could be due to the varying manifestations of the amyloid and τ overload compensatory mechanisms in the brain at different stages of the disease with hyper- and hypoconnectivity cycles that can occur repeatedly. Nevertheless, further studies investigating both amyloid and τ deposition simultaneously while considering the stage of Alzheimer dementia are required to assess the accuracy of this hypothesis.
BRCA1 Protein Expression Predicts Survival in Glioblastoma Patients from an NRG Oncology RTOG Cohort
Authors: Vassilakopoulou Maria , Won Minhee , Curran Walter J. , Souhami Luis , Prados Michael D. , Langer Corey J. , Rimm David L. , Hanna Jason A. , Neumeister Veronique M. , Melian Edward , Diaz Aidnag Z. , Atkins James N. , Komarnicky Lydia T. , Schultz Christopher J. , Howard Steven P. , Zhang Peixin , Dicker Adam P. , Knisely Jonathan P.S.
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Glioblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor, was associated with a median survival of <1 year in the pre-temozolomide (TMZ) era. Despite advances in molecular and genetic profiling studies identifying several predictive biomarkers, none has been translated into routine clinical use. Our aim was to investigate the prognostic significance of a panel of diverse cellular molecular markers of tumor formation and growth in an annotated glioblastoma tissue microarray (TMA). Methods and Materials: A TMA composed of archived glioblastoma tumors from patients treated with surgery, radiation, and non-TMZ chemother­apy, was provided by RTOG. RAD51, BRCA-1, phosphatase and tensin homolog tumor suppressor gene (PTEN), and miRNA-210 expression levels were assessed using quantitative in situ hybridization and automated quantitative protein analysis. The objectives of this analysis were to determine the association of each biomarker with overall survival (OS), using the Cox proportional hazard model. Event-time distributions were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. Results: A cohort of 66 patients was included in this study. Among the 4 biomarkers assessed, only BRCA1 expression had a statistically significant correlation with survival. From univariate analysis, patients with low BRCA1 protein expression showed a favorable outcome for OS (p = 0.04; hazard ratio = 0.56) in comparison with high expressors, with a median survival time of 18.9 versus 4.8 months. Conclusions: BRCA1 protein expression was an important survival predictor in our cohort of glioblastoma patients. This result may imply that low BRCA1 in the tumor and the consequent low level of DNA repair cause vulnerability of the cancer cells to treatment.
Mortality and Major Morbidities of Very Low Birth Weight Infants at a Teaching Hospital in Saudi Arabia: A Comparison of Two Periods
Authors: Altirkawi Khalid , Alyousef Nasser , Sobaih Badr , Alhadid Adnan J. , Shaiba Lana , Banoo Rozina , Fariss Amull
Published: May 2021

Objectives: To assess the status of care provided in the neonatal intensive care unit at our institution and to track the changes in rates of mortality and major morbidities of very low birth weight infants, delivered over two periods. Materials and Methods: We analyzed retrospectively the records of preterm infants, with birth weights <1,500 g and gestational age <33 weeks. Infants studied were born over two periods; the first extends from January 1999 to December 2007 and the second from January 2011 to December 2018. We compared the rates of survival to discharge and major morbidities of the infants in these two periods and, as a corollary, to the rates published in 2007 by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) neonatal research network. Results: Five hundred and twelve infants were included in the second period of this study. The survival-to-discharge rate was 84%, and it varied among infants based on their gestational ages. Generally, morbidities reported in the second period were less than their counterparts in the first one and comparable to NICHD ones. The most common morbidities were respiratory distress syndrome, 88.5%; retinopathy of prematurity, 28.3%; patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), 27.9%; and sepsis/meningitis, 25.6%. Conclusion: Most of the assessed morbidity rates have decreased over time, except for periventricular leukomalacia which increased. The survival-to-discharge rates have not improved as expected; this trend seems concerning and warrants further investigation.
Mobilidades e territórios impensáveis. Contranarrativas e afetos de cabo-verdianos nas roças de São Tomé e Príncipe
Authors: Semedo Carla Indira
Published: May 2021

Cabo Verde aparece na memória social e nas práticas de pessoas cabo-verdianas enquanto um território atravessado e costurado pelas mobilidades a outros territórios, desde Europa, Américas e África. Dos vários territórios possiveis, São Tomé e Principe foi e continua sendo narrado como um território impensável. As multiplas narrativas elaboradas sobre os cabo-verdianos em São Tomé e Principe, quer os que experimentaram o acontecimento do trabalho contratado, quer os descendentes dessa experiência atroz, foi inscrita numa chave de regime depreciativo, criando nesse processo de produção de verdades, tentativas de silenciamento de vidas e narrativas que não importam. Em recusa, esse coletivo mostra como, no seu quotidiano, cria múltiplas contranarrativas reversas às narrativas hegemónicas, sinalizando não somente que não cabe nessa história narrada e, que ainda se narra, como também vidas foram construídas. E, as artes culinárias constituem, também, um desses lugares onde tais contranarrativas são elaboradas.
Interações, trilhas e caminhos de uma cidade em fluxo: etnografia na Cracolândia
Authors: Alves Ygor Diego Delgado , Pereira Pedro Paulo Gomes
Published: May 2021

Uma antropologia da Cracolândia deve ser capaz de vincular os caminhos em torno do “fluxo” com as trajetórias tornadas possíveis pelos encontros de materiais e pessoas. Pouco se fala sobre o que move essas pessoas para formar conjuntos sui generis e sobre o que as atrai para o “fluxo”. Esta é a tarefa que procuramos empreender neste artigo. Para tal, empreendemos uma pesquisa de cunho etnográfico que nos aproximou da imaginação conceitual e das ações das próprias pessoas que habitam essas aglomerações urbanas. Pudemos então indagar sobre o que nos conta a categoria “fluxo”, sobre as relações ali estabelecidas que tornam aquele espaço habitável. Concluímos que no “fluxo”, e talvez isto o torne atraente, não há fato consumado, como um objeto, mas, acontecimentos, entrelaçamentos passageiros de materiais em movimento, coisas que, à medida que a vida prossegue, demandam esforço incessante para se manterem íntegras face aos ataques do meio.
Webcamming erótico comercial: nova face dos mercados do sexo nacionais
Authors: Caminhas Lorena Rúbia Pereira
Published: May 2021

Este texto se debruça sobre o universo do webcamming erótico comercial (WEC) desenvolvido recentemente no Brasil (mais especificamente a partir do ano de 2002), investigando sua organização e estruturação (construindo um perfil dessa atividade em contexto nacional). Mantendo diálogo constante com a empiria e a literatura sobre o tema, este texto aponta para a urgência de empreendimentos que busquem singularizar essa atividade, constantemente subsumida a ramos mais conhecidos dos mercados do sexo, tais como a pornografia e o strip-tease. A estratégia metodológica adotada se baseou na etnografia, realizada primordialmente em ambiente online, sobretudo nos espaços dos sites especializados em WEC e redes sociais (especialmente o Twitter e o Instagram). Entrevistas semiestruturadas foram efetuadas com 15 camgirls (mulheres que atuam nesse ramo), centradas em suas trajetórias de vida e suas carreiras no webcamming.
A perseguição ao povo Rohingya e o desrespeito aos direitos humanos em Myanmar
Authors: Lins Marcella , Ferraria Karina Victor
Published: May 2021

O presente material se configura como um estudo de caso da perseguição sofrida pelo povo Rohingya no estado de Myanmar. Historicamente oprimidos pela máquina estatal e marginalizados pela maioria da população birmanesa, investiga-se neste artigo as razões e motivações dessa perseguição e os embasamentos legais para sua condenação, tomando por base o relatório sobre o assunto do Conselho de Direitos Humanos das Nações Unidas, a Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos e a normativa e órgãos internacionais vigentes no regime internacional de direitos humanos. Em última instância, traçam-se perspectivas para a resolução do conflito a partir de dois caminhos: a intervenção da ASEAN e a secessão do território Rohingya, vista sobre uma ótica austro-libertária.
Pernambuco
Authors: Oliveira Fernando de
Published: May 2021

A cidade mais próxima é Jucati. A estrada que leva até lá é de terra, mas as diferenças do solo nordestino fazem com seja mais preciso se a gente falar que a terra é de areia. A paisagem é de poucas cores: o branco do chão refletindo a luz do sol, um pouco de verde das pequenas e das grandes plantações de mandioca que crescem devagar e um céu de azul e branco infinitos. O vento é constante e às vezes, cortante: apazigua a dor do calor. O som ao redor é quieto: qualquer barulho se faz percebido e se este barulho for um mais incomum, levanta dúvidas. Visita chega em casa sem aviso e isso ocorre todo dia. Não chega a ser incômodo, é o momento para se pôr a par as coisas da vida. De noite, o breu toma conta, a luz é rara, o céu brilha. De dia o tempo passa fazendo-se comida e alimentando os animais: tira-se mato do terreno, tira-se vagem do terreno vizinho. A chuva é pouca, a água é pouca, muita é a sua espera. Mares de plantações e a esperança de plantadoras e plantadores ficam no aguardo dessas águas.
Os locais das fotos rondam a casa de minha avó, localizada na zona rural da cidade de Jucati, interior de Pernambuco. A viagem foi realizada entre dezembro de 2018 e janeiro de 2019.
A pólis, o tirano, o santuário: o uso do culto políade como estratégia de legitimação em Samos
Authors: Porfirio Aline
Published: May 2021

Entre 532 e 522 a.C., Samos foi governada por Polícrates, um tirano. Por se tratar de um governo ilegítimo, sem base e apoio da aristocracia local, foi necessário então criar uma base de poder para legitimar seu governo. Para tanto, o tirano sâmio se vale de um extenso programa de construção e reformas de caráter monumental, cujo desenvolvimento este artigo pretende elucidar.
Trabalho e convívio cotidiano: a representação da vivência do tempo pela sociedade capitalista no curta-metragem El Empleo
Authors: Marinho Adriana Carneiro
Published: May 2021

O presente ensaio tem por finalidade uma análise do curta-metragem El Empleo (2008), de Patricio Plaza e Santigo Bou Grasso, partindo das perspectivas da temática do tempo imprimidas ao longo da trama. Com efeito, são explorados os elementos oferecidos pelo filme que nos remetem à questão do tempo do trabalho intrínseco ao modo de produção capitalista e suas ramificações na esfera cotidiana. Para tanto, parto de uma bibliografia pertinente às relações entre o tempo e o trabalho na modernidade, com destaque para a temática da reificação. Destarte, evidencia-se que o filme de Santiago Bou Grasso propicia uma relevante contribuição ao estudo do tempo e à identificação de suas manifestações na arte.
Por uma linguagem mais humana: coletivos ciberfeministas e críticas à abordagem das minorias em notícias na web
Authors: Caldeira Júnior Helvio de Araújo , Santos Luíza Martins dos , Leite Stéphani Júlia Sales
Published: May 2021

Como as mulheres tendem a ser representadas nos meios de comunicação? De que forma os recortes raciais, de gênero e de classe são evidenciados nas notícias? Quais são as consequências da má representação dos membros de comunidades marginalizadas para suas ascensões sociais? Partindo de questões como estas, o seguinte artigo se propõe a analisar notícias sobre mulheres e grupos minoritários veiculadas em portais populares, a fim de destacar como a linguagem pode colaborar para a manutenção de determinados estereótipos. Para isso, recorre ao fenômeno contemporâneo dos coletivos ciberfeministas de informação, sobretudo o portal brasileiro Think Olga e o projeto Minimanual do Jornalismo Humanizado, aplicando as recomendações de comunicólogas feministas para o desenvolvimento de um discurso jornalístico que fomente mudanças sociais.
O Movimento Escola Sem Partido: ascensão e discurso
Authors: Fernandes Lorena Ismael , Ferreira Camila Alves
Published: May 2021

Criado em 2004, o Escola Sem Partido ganhou notoriedade política no ano de 2014 por um projeto de lei federal. Os defensores do movimento atuam, principalmente, por meio da associação informal de pais, estudantes e professores que estão preocupados com a “contaminação” político-ideológica nas escolas. O presente estudo busca identificar as bases de atuação e os elementos teóricos que caracterizam o Escola Sem Partido para, assim, verificar como o discurso do movimento é efetivado no seu engajamento virtual. Com a apresentação teórica e uma breve análise de publicações e comentários de usuários no Facebook em sua página oficial, entende-se que há uma desqualificação do papel da escola e do educador, promovendo uma centralidade da figura familiar e desestimulando a pluralidade de ideias e de concepções pedagógicas — princípios promulgados pela Constituição Federal em 1988.
O messianismo sebastiânico no Reino da Pedra Bonita (1836-1838): discussões e interpretações a partir de uma bibliografia psicanalítica
Authors: Bote Davi Rodrigues
Published: May 2021

Este artigo analisa relações entre o sanguinário episódio do Reino da Pedra Bonita (1836-1838) — movimento sebastianista no sertão pernambucano, em São José do Belmonte (PE) — com leituras de matriz psicanalítica, a fim de caracterizar alguns pormenores deste movimento mítico profético segundo conceitos como intersubjetividade, massa e líder. O foco se encontra nas complexas relações intragrupais e o papel desempenhado pelos 1) fatores culturais e tradicionais que legaram a possibilidade da construção simbólica do movimento, 2) indivíduos comuns — embebidos da ideia do retorno do messias Sebastião, símbolo libertador e provedor — e 3) os líderes, ou reis, ou mediadores deste encontro, figuras controversas responsáveis pela organização e funcionamento do reino. Mostraremos como o episódio da Pedra Bonita evoluiu de um agrupamento com um fim delimitado a uma organização amorfa e violenta com traços da horda primitiva descrita por Sigmund Freud.
A forma da falta: o desejo na Fenomenologia do Espírito
Authors: Felizardo Marcus Vinicius da Conceição
Published: May 2021

O presente artigo pretende investigar o conceito de desejo (begiarde) em um momento central da obra de Hegel: o capítulo IV da Fenomenologia do Espírito. Entendemos que esse conceito possui grande amplitude na obra do autor, dando ensejo a discussão sobre temas maiores de sua filosofia, como, por exemplo, as concepções de “reconhecimento” (anerkennung), “consciência-de-si” (selbstbewusstsein) e “espírito” (geist). Assim, partindo dos problemas que Hegel enxerga na modernidade filosófica, sobretudo na filosofia kantiana, o primeiro passo será a reconstrução do aparecimento do conceito de desejo e sua inserção em outras problemáticas da filosofia hegeliana apresentadas no capítulo, tendo sempre em vista a repercussão da questão na experiência intelectual contemporânea.
Análise do Programa Bolsa Família para povos indígenas a partir da noção de desenvolvimento
Authors: Bozzetto Marina
Published: May 2021

A partir de revisões bibliográficas, este artigo busca discutir e problematizar a noção de desenvolvimento, mais especificamente os paradoxos que ela traz nas políticas para povos autóctones, exemplificados no Programa Bolsa Família dirigido para os indígenas e em suas condicionalidades de educação. No primeiro momento, se fará uma exposição das ideias da noção “desenvolvimento”; após, será contextualizada e exemplificada a prática dessa ideia de desenvolvimento pela concepção e aplicação do Programa Bolsa Família e de suas consequências, desenvolvendo uma de suas principais condicionalidades, a educação; e por fim, serão pontuadas brevemente algumas tentativas do antropólogo de se colocar diante dessa encruzilhada e paradoxo.
O diagnóstico de época de David Foster Wallace: uma introdução
Authors: Ferreira Icaro Gonçalez
Published: May 2021

O objetivo do artigo é constatar e exibir a presença de um diagnóstico de época na obra ensaística de David Foster Wallace, escritor norte-americano, além de indicar suas consequências para a prática literária e suas instâncias políticas. Em suma, esse diagnóstico é constituído por três eixos inter-relacionados – transformações na subjetividade, a ubiquidade de lógica de sedução da qual o modelo narrativo da televisão opera como paradigma e uma reconceituação da linguagem oriunda da filosofia europeia do século XX. Esse cenário acarreta, de um lado, a necessidade do experimentalismo formal para que o texto literário seja capaz de ressoar a experiência do presente; do outro, uma espécie de rarefação da matéria literária que decorre da textura própria a essa experiência. As mesmas linhas de força que enformam esse cenário são responsáveis pela generalização de processos de terceirização de tomada de decisão, que obrigam a um redimensionamento das noções de cidadania e soberania.
Experiências de famílias com a política de licença parental compartilhada do Reino Unido
Authors: Paiva Letícia
Published: May 2021

A partir de entrevistas com foco em vivências pessoais e familiares, foram observadas as experiências de famílias com a política de licença parental compartilhada do Reino Unido, cerca de dois anos após a implantação da medida, criada em 2015. O foco se dá em seu potencial de ampliar a participação dos pais no cuidado dos filhos e no trabalho doméstico, fomentando, desse modo, equidade de gênero. A política ainda é incipiente e, por enquanto, ainda não se mostra eficiente em atingir grande proporção de famílias, carecendo de incentivos para que mais homens decidam aderir. Entretanto, apresenta aspectos positivos para mulheres no mercado de trabalho e demonstra a disposição dos pais em participar.
Podcast Interlocuções
Authors: Gallian Alice Maria , Capani Carolina , Begname Lara , Bolorini Mariana , Marconi Morena , Feliz Ricardo
Published: May 2021

O podcast Interlocuções foi criado em 2020 com o intuito de ampliar a comunicação da Humanidades em diálogo com o público, e de debater as relações entre o conhecimento produzido no âmbito universitário e a recepção da ciência na sociedade. A primeira temporada foi publicada no segundo semestre de 2020, e nela tratamos o assunto da divulgação científica.