bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PAMAM Dendrimers Cross the Blood–Brain Barrier When Administered through the Carotid Artery in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Srinageshwar Bhairavi , Peruzzaro Sarah , Andrews Melissa , Johnson Kayla , Hietpas Allison , Clark Brittany , McGuire Crystal , Petersen Eric , Kippe Jordyn , Stewart Andrew , Lossia Olivia , Al-Gharaibeh Abeer , Antcliff Aaron , Culver Rebecca , Swanson Douglas , Dunbar Gary , Sharma Ajit , Rossignol Julien
Published: March 2017

Drug delivery into the central nervous system (CNS) is challenging due to the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and drug delivery into the brain overcoming the BBB can be achieved using nanoparticles such as dendrimers. The conventional cationic dendrimers used are highly toxic. Therefore, the present study investigates the role of novel mixed surface dendrimers, which have potentially less toxicity and can cross the BBB when administered through the carotid artery in mice. In vitro experiments investigated the uptake of amine dendrimers (G1-NH2 and G4-NH2) and novel dendrimers (G1-90/10 and G4-90/10) by primary cortical cultures. In vivo experiments involved transplantation of G4-90/10 into mice through (1) invasive intracranial injections into the striatum; and (2) less invasive carotid injections. The animals were sacrificed 24-h and 1-week post-transplantations and their brains were analyzed. In vivo experiments proved that the G4-90/10 can cross the BBB when injected through the carotid artery and localize within neurons and glial cells. The dendrimers were found to migrate through the corpus callosum 1-week post intracranial injection. Immunohistochemistry showed that the migrating cells are the dendrimer-infected glial cells. Overall, our results suggest that poly-amidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers may be used as a minimally invasive means to deliver biomolecules for treating neurological diseases or disorders
Treatment with 17β-Estradiol Reduced Body Weight and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in a High-Fat Diet-Induced Animal Model of Obesity
Authors: Ting Wei-Jen , Huang Chih-Yang , Jiang Chong-He , Lin Yueh-Min , Chung Li-Chin , Shen Chia-Yao , Pai Peiying , Lin Kuan-Ho , Viswanadha Vijaya , Liao Shih-Chieh
Published: March 2017

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) and estrogen receptor β (ERβ) play important roles in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Recently, these estrogen receptors were reconsidered as an important treatment target of obesity leading to CVD. In this study, 17β-estradiol (17β-E) replacement therapy applied to high-fat diet-induced obese C57B male mice and ovariectomized (OVX) rats were evaluated, and the protective effects against high-fat diet-induced obesity were assessed in C57B mouse hearts. The results showed that 17β-E treatment activated both ERα and ERβ, and ERβ levels increased in a dose-dependent manner in high-fat diet C57B mouse cardiomyocytes following 17β-E treatment. Notably, an almost 16% reduction in body weight was observed in the 17β-E-treated (12 μg/kg/day for 60 days) high-fat diet-induced obese C57B male mice. These results suggested that 17β-E supplements may reduce CVD risk due to obesity.
Profile of Polyphenol Compounds of Five Muscadine Grapes Cultivated in the United States and in Newly Adapted Locations in China
Authors: Wei Zheng , Luo Jianming , Huang Yu , Guo Wenfeng , Zhang Yali , Guan Huan , Xu Changmou , Lu Jiang
Published: March 2017

Polyphenol compositions and concentrations in skins and seeds of five muscadine grapes (cv. “Noble”, “Alachua”, “Carlos”, “Fry”, and “Granny Val”) cultivated in the United States (Tallahassee-Florida, TA-FL) and South China (Nanning-Guangxi, NN-GX and Pu’er-Yunnan, PE-YN) were investigated, using ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC Triple TOF MS/MS). Fourteen ellagitannins were newly identified in these muscadine grapes. The grapes grown in NN-GX accumulated higher levels of ellagic acid, methyl brevifolin carboxylate, and ellagic acid glucoside in skins, and penta-O-galloyl-glucose in seeds. In PE-YN, more flavonols were detected in skins, and higher contents of flavan-3-ols, ellagic acid, and methyl gallate were identified in seeds. Abundant seed gallic acid and flavonols were found among the grapes grown in TA-FL. Based on principal component analysis (PCA) of 54 evaluation parameters, various cultivars grown in different locations could be grouped together and vice versa for the same cultivar cultivated in different regions. This is the result of the interaction between genotype and environmental conditions, which apparently influences the polyphenol synthesis and accumulation.
Efforts and Challenges in Engineering the Genetic Code
Authors: Lin Xiao , Yu Allen Chi Shing , Chan Ting Fung
Published: March 2017

This year marks the 48th anniversary of Francis Crick’s seminal work on the origin of the genetic code, in which he first proposed the “frozen accident” hypothesis to describe evolutionary selection against changes to the genetic code that cause devastating global proteome modification. However, numerous efforts have demonstrated the viability of both natural and artificial genetic code variations. Recent advances in genetic engineering allow the creation of synthetic organisms that incorporate noncanonical, or even unnatural, amino acids into the proteome. Currently, successful genetic code engineering is mainly achieved by creating orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA/synthetase pairs to repurpose stop and rare codons or to induce quadruplet codons. In this review, we summarize the current progress in genetic code engineering and discuss the challenges, current understanding, and future perspectives regarding genetic code modification.
Synthesis, Characterization and Copper(2+) Coordination Chemistry of a Polytopic Paramagnetic Ligand
Authors: Bonanno Nico , Lough Alan , Poddutoori Prashanth , Lemaire Martin
Published: March 2017

We describe the synthesis of a new tetratopic phenoxyl radical ligand based on the previously reported ditopic “baqp” radical. The tetratopic ligand is prepared in five steps from 4-tert-butylphenol. Coordination of the ligand with Cu(OAc)2 produced a tetranuclear complex with an S = ½ ground state featuring a coordinated hexa-anion radical with very strong intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange coupling.
Anti-Allergic Compounds from the Deep-Sea-Derived Actinomycete Nesterenkonia flava MCCC 1K00610
Authors: Xie Chun-Lan , Liu Qingmei , Xia Jin-Mei , Gao Yuanyuan , Yang Quan , Shao Zong-Ze , Liu Guangming , Yang Xian-Wen
Published: March 2017

A novel cyclic ether, nesterenkoniane (1), was isolated from the deep-sea-derived actinomycete Nesterenkonia flava MCCC 1K00610, together with 12 known compounds, including two macrolides (2, 3), two diketopiperazines (4, 5), two nucleosides (6, 7), two indoles (8, 9), three phenolics (10–12), and one butanol derivate (13). Their structures were established mainly on detailed analysis of the NMR and MS spectroscopic data. All 13 compounds were tested for anti-allergic activities using immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated rat mast RBL-2H3 cell model. Under the concentration of 20 μg/mL, 1 exhibited moderate anti-allergic activity with inhibition rate of 9.86%, compared to that of 37.41% of the positive control, loratadine. While cyclo(d)-Pro-(d)-Leu (4) and indol-3-carbaldehyde (8) showed the most potent effects with the IC50 values of 69.95 and 57.12 μg/mL, respectively, which was comparable to that of loratadine (IC50 = 35.01 μg/mL). To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report on secondary metabolites from the genus of Nesterenkonia.
Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels: Influence of Value Chain on Quality Criteria and Marker Compounds Ferulic Acid and Z-Ligustilide
Authors: Giacomelli Nino , Yongping Yang , Huber Franz , Ankli Anita , Weckerle Caroline
Published: March 2017

Background: Dang gui (Apiaceae; Angelica sinensis radix) is among the most often used Chinese medicinal plants. However, hardly anything is known about its value chain and its influence on the main marker compounds of the drug. The aim of this study is to investigate the value chain of dang gui in Gansu and Yunnan, and the analysis of the marker compounds ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide concentration in relation to quality criteria such as the production area and size of the roots. Methods: During six months of field research in China, semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders of the value chain were undertaken and plant material was collected. High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) was used for semi-quantitative analysis of ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide. Results: Small-scale household cultivation prevails and in Gansu—in contrast to Yunnan—the cultivation of dang gui is often the main income source of farmers. Farmers and dealers use size and odor of the root as main quality criteria. For Chinese medicine doctors, Gansu as the production area is the main criterion. Higher amounts of ferulic acid in plant material from Yunnan compared to Gansu were found. Additionally, a negative relation of root length with both ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide as well as head diameter with ferulic acid were found. Conclusions: HPTLC is a valid method for semi-quantitative analysis of the marker compounds of dang gui. However, the two main marker compounds cannot explain why size and smell of the root or production area are seen as quality criteria. This hints at the inherent difficulty to correlate quality notions of medicinal plants with specific chemical compounds. With respect to this, more attention should be paid to quality in terms of cultivation and processing techniques.
The Food Production Environment and the Development of Antimicrobial Resistance in Human Pathogens of Animal Origin
Authors: Lekshmi Manjusha , Ammini Parvathi , Kumar Sanath , Varela Manuel F.
Published: March 2017

Food-borne pathogens are a serious human health concern worldwide, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant food pathogens has further confounded this problem. Once-highly-efficacious antibiotics are gradually becoming ineffective against many important pathogens, resulting in severe treatment crises. Among several reasons for the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance, their overuse in animal food production systems for purposes other than treatment of infections is prominent. Many pathogens of animals are zoonotic, and therefore any development of resistance in pathogens associated with food animals can spread to humans through the food chain. Human infections by antibiotic-resistant pathogens such as Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are increasing. Considering the human health risk due to emerging antibiotic resistance in food animal–associated bacteria, many countries have banned the use of antibiotic growth promoters and the application in animals of antibiotics critically important in human medicine. Concerted global efforts are necessary to minimize the use of antimicrobials in food animals in order to control the development of antibiotic resistance in these systems and their spread to humans via food and water.
Transcriptomic Complexity of Aspergillus terreus Velvet Gene Family under the Influence of Butyrolactone I
Authors: Palonen Elina , Raina Sheetal , Brandt Annika , Meriluoto Jussi , Keshavarz Tajalli , Soini Juhani
Published: March 2017

Filamentous fungi of the Ascomycota phylum are known to contain a family of conserved conidiation regulating proteins with distinctive velvet domains. In Aspergilli, this velvet family includes four proteins, VeA, VelB, VelC and VosA, and is involved in conidiation and secondary metabolism along with a global regulator LaeA. In A. terreus, the overexpression of LaeA has been observed to increase the biogenesis of the pharmaceutically-important secondary metabolite, lovastatin, while the role of the velvet family has not been studied. The secondary metabolism and conidiation of A. terreus have also been observed to be increased by butyrolactone I in a quorum-sensing manner. An enlightenment of the interplay of these regulators will give potential advancement to the industrial use of this fungus, as well as in resolving the pathogenic features. In this study, the Aspergillus terreus MUCL 38669 transcriptome was strand-specifically sequenced to enable an in-depth gene expression analysis to further investigate the transcriptional role of butyrolactone I in these processes. The sequenced transcriptome revealed intriguing properties of the velvet family transcripts, including the regulator laeA, and uncovered the velC gene in A. terreus. The reliability refining microarray gene expression analysis disclosed a positive regulatory role for butyrolactone I in laeA expression, as well as an influence on the expression of the canonical conidiation-regulating genes under submerged culture. All of this supports the suggested regulative role of butyrolactone I in A. terreus secondary metabolism, as well as conidiation.
Induction of G2M Arrest by Flavokawain A, a Kava Chalcone, Increases the Responsiveness of HER2-Overexpressing Breast Cancer Cells to Herceptin
Authors: Jandial Danielle , Krill Lauren , Chen Lixia , Wu Chunli , Ke Yu , Xie Jun , Hoang Bang , Zi Xiaolin
Published: March 2017

HER2/neu positive breast tumors predict a high mortality and comprise 25%–30% of breast cancer. We have shown that Flavokawain A (FKA) preferentially reduces the viabilities of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cell lines (i.e., SKBR3 and MCF7/HER2) versus those with less HER2 expression (i.e., MCF7 and MDA-MB-468). FKA at cytotoxic concentrations to breast cancer cell lines also has a minimal effect on the growth of non-malignant breast epithelial MCF10A cells. FKA induces G2M arrest in cell cycle progression of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cell lines through inhibition of Cdc2 and Cdc25C phosphorylation and downregulation of expression of Myt1 and Wee1 leading to increased Cdc2 kinase activities. In addition, FKA induces apoptosis in SKBR3 cells by increasing the protein expression of Bim and BAX and decreasing expression of Bcl2, BclX/L, XIAP, and survivin. FKA also downregulates the protein expression of HER-2 and inhibits AKT phosphorylation. Herceptin plus FKA treatment leads to an enhanced growth inhibitory effect on HER-2 overexpressing breast cancer cell lines through downregulation of Myt1, Wee1, Skp2, survivin, and XIAP. Our results suggest FKA as a promising and novel apoptosis inducer and G2 blocking agent that, in combination with Herceptin, enhances for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.
The Division of the Roman Catholic Church in Mainland China: History and Challenges
Authors: Zhu Rachel Xiaohong
Published: March 2017

The paper offers a historical perspective on the division within the Roman Catholic Church in mainland China, focusing on the appointment of bishops, the constitution of ecclesial provinces and dioceses, and the problematic establishment of the national church organization. The current state of Sino-Vatican relations both reflects this division and serves as a precondition to positive steps that might heal the division. An initial concordat on the appointment of bishops may serve as a primary step, but a larger challenge confronts the Chinese church in its movement toward reconciliation.
The Impact of Changes to the Unemployment Rate on Australian Disability Income Insurance Claim Incidence
Authors: Khemka Gaurav , Roberts Steven , Higgins Timothy
Published: March 2017

We explore the extent to which claim incidence in Disability Income Insurance (DII) is affected by changes in the unemployment rate in Australia. Using data from 1986 to 2001, we fit a hurdle model to explore the presence and magnitude of the effect of changes in unemployment rate on the incidence of DII claims, controlling for policy holder characteristics and seasonality. We find a clear positive association between unemployment and claim incidence, and we explore this further by gender, age, deferment period, and occupation. A multinomial logistic regression model is fitted to cause of claim data in order to explore the relationship further, and it is shown that the proportion of claims due to accident increases markedly with rising unemployment. The results suggest that during periods of rising unemployment, insurers may face increased claims from policy holders with shorter deferment periods for white-collar workers and for medium and heavy manual workers. Our findings indicate that moral hazard may have a material impact on DII claim incidence and insurer business in periods of declining economic conditions.
Photonic Low Cost Micro-Sensor for in-Line Wear Particle Detection in Flowing Lube Oils
Authors: Mabe Jon , Zubia Joseba , Gorritxategi Eneko
Published: March 2017

The presence of microscopic particles in suspension in industrial fluids is often an early warning of latent or imminent failures in the equipment or processes where they are being used. This manuscript describes work undertaken to integrate different photonic principles with a micro- mechanical fluidic structure and an embedded processor to develop a fully autonomous wear debris sensor for in-line monitoring of industrial fluids. Lens-less microscopy, stroboscopic illumination, a CMOS imager and embedded machine vision technologies have been merged to develop a sensor solution that is able to detect and quantify the number and size of micrometric particles suspended in a continuous flow of a fluid. A laboratory test-bench has been arranged for setting up the configuration of the optical components targeting a static oil sample and then a sensor prototype has been developed for migrating the measurement principles to real conditions in terms of operating pressure and flow rate of the oil. Imaging performance is quantified using micro calibrated samples, as well as by measuring real used lubricated oils. Sampling a large fluid volume with a decent 2D spatial resolution, this photonic micro sensor offers a powerful tool at very low cost and compacted size for in-line wear debris monitoring.
Age-Dependent Sexually-Dimorphic Asymmetric Development of the Ferret Cerebellar Cortex
Authors: Sawada Kazuhiko , Aoki Ichio
Published: March 2017

A three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 7-Tesla system was acquired with a high spatial resolution from fixed brains of male and female ferrets at postnatal days (PDs) 4 to 90, and their age-related sexual difference and laterality were evaluated by MRI-based ex vivo volumetry. The volume of both left and right sides of cerebellar cortex was larger in males than in females on PD 10 and thereafter. When the cerebellar cortex was divided into four transverse domains, i.e., anterior zone (AZ; lobules I–V), central zone (CZ; lobules VI and VII), posterior zone (PZ; lobules VIII–IXa), and nodular zone (NZ; lobules IXb and X), an age-related significantly greater volume in males than in females was detected on either side of all four domains on PD 42 and of the AZ on PD 90, but only on the left side of the PZ on PD 90. Regarding the volume laterality, significant leftward asymmetry was obtained in the CZ and PZ volumes in males, but not in females on PD 90. From asymmetry quotient (AQ) analysis, AQ scores were rightward in the AZ in both sexes already on PD 21, but gradually left-lateralized only in males in the CZ, PZ, and NZ during PDs 42 to 90. The present study suggests that a characteristic counterclockwise torque asymmetry (rostrally right-biased, and caudally left-biased or symmetrical) is acquired in both sexes of ferrets during PDs 42 to 90, although the leftward laterality of the posterior half of the cerebellum was more enhanced in males.
Research Challenges for the Internet of Things: What Role Can OR Play?
Authors: Ryan Peter , Watson Richard
Published: March 2017

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an extension of the Internet in which large numbers of “things”, including sensors, actuators and processors, in addition to human users, are networked and able to provide high resolution data on their environment and exercise a degree of control over it. It is still at an early stage of development, and many problems/research challenges must be solved before it is widely adopted. Many of these are technical, including interoperability and scalability, as billions of heterogeneous devices will be connected, but deciding on how to invest in the IoT is a challenge for business, and there are also major social, legal and ethical challenges, including security and privacy of data collection, which must be resolved. As the future IoT will be a multi-national, multi-industry, multi-technology infrastructure, the paper reviews the global standardization efforts that are underway to facilitate its worldwide creation and adoption. The main purpose of the paper is to give a broad survey, based on published literature, of the methods of Operations Research (OR), both the mathematical tools and techniques of “hard” OR, and the various approaches of Systems Thinking, including “soft” OR, which may assist in dealing with these problems. A subset of these is described in greater depth to better convey what might be involved in applying OR and Systems Thinking to the IoT. It is suggested that OR has a role to play in balancing the technical and non-technical research challenges which confront the IoT.
Felis Catus Gammaherpesvirus 1 DNAemia in Whole Blood from Therapeutically Immunosuppressed or Retrovirus-Infected Cats
Authors: McLuckie Alicia , Barrs Vanessa , Wilson Bethany , Westman Mark , Beatty Julia
Published: March 2017

Gammaherpesviruses are major co-pathogens of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, making the interactions between feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) pertinent to both human and veterinary medical research. FIV-infected cats are at increased risk of FcaGHV1 DNAemia and consistently harbor higher FcaGHV1 loads than FIV-uninfected cats. Whether immune deficiencies unrelated to FIV are associated with similar risks is unknown. Using whole blood FcaGHV1 qPCR, we found no difference in the frequency of DNAemia or DNA load in therapeutically immunosuppressed (P1, n = 18) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-infected (P2, n = 57) patients compared with age- and sex-matched controls (C1, n = 58; C2, n = 57). In contrast, FIV/FeLV-co-infected cats (P3, n = 5) were at increased risk of FcaGHV1 DNAemia compared to retrovirus uninfected controls (C3, n = 39; p = 0.0068), and had a higher median FcaGHV1 DNA load, although the latter was not significant. FIV/FeLV-co-infected cats (P3) had a similar frequency of FcaGHV1 DNAemia reported compared to FIV-infected controls (C4). In conclusion, we found no evidence that cats with therapeutic immunosuppression or FeLV infection were at greater risk of FcaGHV1 DNAemia or had higher FcaGHV1 DNA load in whole blood. The risk of DNAemia in FIV/FeLV-co-infected cats was similar to that documented previously in cats infected with FIV alone.
Trends in attractiveness of general practice as a career: surveys of views of UK-trained doctors
Authors: Lambert Trevor W , Smith Fay , Goldacre Michael J
Published: March 2017

Background

It is current UK policy to expand the numbers of newly qualified doctors entering training to become GPs, to meet increased demand.

Aim

To report on trends in young doctors’ views on the attractiveness of general practice as a career, compared with hospital practice.

Design and setting

Questionnaire surveys in the UK.

Method

Surveys of doctors, 3 years after graduation, conducted in successive year-of-qualification cohorts between 1999 and 2015.

Results

The overall response rate from contactable doctors was 55%. In response to the statement‘General practice is more attractive than hospital practice for doctors at present’, 59% of doctors agreed in the 1999 survey, 77% in 2005, and only 36% in 2015. One-third of doctors agreed that their exposure to general practice had been insufficient for them to assess it as a career option, but this improved over time: agreement fell from 39% in 1999 to 28% in 2015. As a factor influencing specialty choice, enthusiasm for, and commitment to, the specialty was rated as very important by 65% of intending GPs in 2015, up from 49% in 1999; the corresponding figures for intending hospital doctors were 91% in 2015, up from 61% in 1999.

Conclusion

Over the 16 years covered by this study, the attractiveness of general practice has fallen relative to hospital practice. This may not necessarily reflect a decline in attractiveness of general practice in absolute terms; rather, it may reflect a greater increase, over time, in the appeal of hospital practice.
Healing incisional surgical wounds using Rose Hip oil in rats
Authors: Da Costa Cavalcante Lainy Carollyne , Prado Pessôa Thyago Cezar , Gonçalves Ribeiro Júnior Rubens Fernando , Yasojima Edson Yuzur , De Figueiredo Chaves Soares Rosa Helena , Henriques Brito Marcus Vinicius , Herbster Gouveia Eduardo Henrique , Nascimento Galvão Lucas , Rodrigues Ramos Suzana , Almeida Carneiro Adan Kristian , Amaral Serruya Yuri Aarão , Malta de Moraes Mateus
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To evaluate incisional surgical wound healing in rats by using Rose Hip (Rosa rubiginosa L.) oil.

Methods: Twenty-one days after the oophorectomy procedure, twenty-seven female, adult, Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: Control group (wound treatment with distilled water); Collagenase group (treatment with collagenase ointment); and Rose Hip group (wound treatment with Rose Hip oil). Each group was distributed according to the date of euthanasia: 7, 14 and 21 days. The wound was evaluated considering the macroscopic and microscopic parameters.

Results: The results indicated differences in the healing of incisional wounds between treatments when compared to control group. Accelerated wound healing was observed in the group treated with Rose Hip oil in comparison to the control and collagenase, especially after the 14th day. Morphometric data confirmed the structural findings.

Conclusion: There was significant effect in topical application of Rose Hip oil on incisional surgical wound healing.
The Use Of Spikes Protocol In Cancer: An Integrative Review
Authors: De Sousa Fernando Henrique , Engrácia Valenti Vitor , P. Hamaji Mariana , De Sousa Carla Ap. P. , Garner David Matthew , Sawada Namie Okino
Published: March 2017

This is an integrative review which aimed to evaluate the use of the SPIKES protocol in Oncology. We selected articles published in Medline and CINAHL databases between 2005-2015, in English, with the descriptors defined by the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH):cancer, neoplasms, plus the uncontrolled descriptor: protocol spikes. 

Six articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in full, three thematic categories were established: aspects inherent to the health care professional; Aspects related to the patient and aspects related to the protocol. The main effects of the steps of SPIKES protocol can provide the strengthening of ties between health professionals and patients, and ensure the maintenance and quality of this relationship. 

The results indicate an important limiting factor for effective doctor-patient relationship, the little training provided to medical professionals communication of bad news, verified by the difficulty reported in this moment through interviews in the analyzed studies.
Portrait of leptospirosis in the State of Acre, Brazil
Authors: Cirilo Costa Eloizy Mariana Dias de Medeiros , Gomes Lucena Ivina , Alves de Medeiros Januário Kalina Ligia , Nunes Alves de Sousa Milena
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Leptospirosis is an acute bacterial disease, that has global distribution and manifests itself in subclinical or asymptomatic way, having mild or severe conditions that can lead to the death of the patient.

Objective: To identify, among the municipalities of the state of Acre, Brazil, those with the highest incidence of leptospirosis between 2010 and 2015, and in addition, to determine the prevalence of this disease between the sexes.

Methods: Descriptive study, of documentary character, with epidemiological base and quantitative approach. It was made by available documents through the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System of Brazil (DATASUS) and also by the Health Secretary of State of Acre (SESACRE). Variables were selected as sex, age and year of notification. Regarding the analysis, it is emphasized that it was quantitative and descriptive and the results were presented in tables built in Microsoft Word.

Results: It was found that the capital of the state of Acre, Rio Branco, led every year, contributing to the higher proportion of notifications related to leptospirosis. Regarding gender, there was a predilection for males and among age groups, the period of 20 to 39 years contributes to the greater number of cases of the disease.

Conclusion: Leptospirosis is a worldwide public health problem and in the state of Acre, the high rainfall, the agglomeration of low income combined with inadequate sanitation, collaborate to infestation of transmitters animals, providing high rates of the disease. Thus, it appears that these high numbers can probably be attributed to the ineffectiveness of preventive activities, as well as insufficient investment directed to social policies and infrastructure sectors.

Keywords: Infectious Disease. Leptospirosis. Prevalence. Incidence.
Sociodemographic profile and quality of life of active older adults belonging to a physical exercise program and sedentary elderly, linked to a basic health unit
Authors: Pereira Santos Francisco Dimitre Rodrigo , Lopes Nunes Simony Fabíola , Alves Coutinho Marluce , Gurgel do Amaral Leila Rute Oliveira , Stabnow Santos Floriacy , Sortênia Alves Guimarães Maria , Buttarello Mucari Talita , Tavares Cantuaria Poliene , Nascimento Silva Waueverton Bruno Wyllian , Almeida Machado Rafael , Silva de Santana Alves Veridiana , Soares Aragão Paulo
Published: March 2017

Objective: To identify the sociodemographic profile and to compare the quality of life of elderly people who practice physical exercises in a group with sedentary elderly.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, composed of two groups: Group I consisted of 50 elderly people practicing physical exercise in a group; and Group II composed of 50 sedentary elderlies. Data were collected through two questionnaires; one questionnaire focused on the sociodemographic data survey and the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire. The data were analyzed by the BioEstat 5.0 program using the Z-Test.

Results: Group I had better scores in the domains, limitations due to physical aspects and general health, in the other domains, group II had better scores. Factor that can be attributed to the modality of the physical exercise performed by group I that was in the group I and by the form of the allocation of the sample.

Conclusion: The women were mostly in group I, and both groups were comprised of seniors over 61 years old, widowers and retirees. Statistically, only the general state of health showed a significant difference between the two groups.
An alternative to the orthopaedic traction table (fracture table): A prototype of low cost, easy reproduction and good applicability
Authors: Ariel de Lima Diego , Coelho Raquel Autran , Dias Leite José Alberto , Lacerda de Lima Lana , Lima Luiz Lopes
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Background: Orthopaedic traction tables are used as an aid in numerous surgical procedures. The present paper aims to present a prototype of an external device of lower limb traction, which is portable, of simple construction, and can be installed on any operating table, with possible application in surgical and teaching practices. We will compare the quality of radiographic images obtained with the help of this prototype (PT) to those images obtained with the aid of the conventional traction table (CT).

Materials and methods: Cross-sectional, observational, and double blind study, approved by the Research Ethics Committee. On two occasions 36 randomly selected radiographs of the lower limbs, 18 of which obtained on the CT and the remaining on the PT, were evaluated by nine physicians. These radiographs were obtained from three volunteer and none of them presented musculoskeletal system disorders previously diagnosed in the study. Examiners rated each picture from 1 to 5, according to the quality of the image obtained. The responses were submitted to statistical analysis by SPSS ®, v23. Comparisons were considered significant when p <0.05, with a 95% confidence interval.

Results: The average ratings were similar and all significance tests between the averages were higher than 0.9. The intra-observer agreement was 76.13% for the PT and 82.69% for the CT. The inter-observer agreement was low for both models. Due to its lower weight and smaller size compared to the CT and the material used for prototyping, the production cost of the PT is quite affordable.

Conclusions: The PT presented in this paper is a good alternative to CT.

 

Keywords: Traction table, Fracture table, Orthopaedic surgery, Orthopaedic prototype, Lower limbs.
THE USE OF THE GRAVITY MODEL IN FORECASTING THE FLOWS OF EMIGRANTS IN EU COUNTRIES
Authors: IANCU Nicolaie , BADULESCU Alina , URZICEANU Ramona-Mihaela , IANCU Elena-Ana , SIMUT Ramona
Published: March 2017

Migration is a complex phenomenon with economic, social, political, cultural and human implications, and therefore, it is the locus of interest for many researchers from various fields. After 1989, migration in Romania became a social issue due to the large number of migrants searching for labour all around Europe. This paper focuses on investigating and forecasting labour migration from Romania and its geographical orientation. We analysed the gravity model, which simple and accurate, focused on the distance as a determinant of the length of the mobility and, thus, of the host country chosen by the migrant. Based on the proposed macroeconomic model, we discuss results for main destinations countries, i.e. Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany, as well as for EU as a whole.
DOES FIRM’S HIGHER INNOVATION POTENTIAL LEAD TO ITS SUPERIOR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE? CASE OF CEE COUNTRIES
Authors: BISTROVA Julia , LACE Natalja , TAMOŠIŪNIENĖ Rima , KOZLOVSKIS Konstatins
Published: March 2017

Innovation is one of the most commonly used word in the business and academic world. Naturally the firms are willing to innovate to leverage on future profits and growth generated by the new products and supported by temporary monopolistic positions on the market. However, the question is about how much the companies should invest to record higher profitability. The authors tried to answer this question analyzing the companies within the Central and Eastern European region taking intangible assets as innovation proxy. It was concluded that the companies having higher investments in the intangible assets are able to generate higher margins. However, positive effect of possibly higher innovation potential is seen only if investments in intangibles are substantial, i.e. over 10%.
FACTORS IMPACTING THE COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL OF TECHNOLOGIES: EXPERT APPROACH
Authors: ZEMLICKIENĖ Vaida , MAČIULIS Alminas , TVARONAVIČIENĖ Manuela
Published: March 2017

In order to ensure the harmonious activity of the institutions engaged in R&D and to reduce the uncertainty of the commercialization of technologies, an advanced tool for verifying decisions on technology development at early stages of commercialization, i.e. an instrument for assessing the commercial potential of technology, is needed. The article is aimed at defining the importance of factors in the commercial potential of technologies with the help of expert research. To achieve the goal, the following tasks have been approached: (1) on the basis of the created system for factors in the commercial potential of technologies, to conduct expert research aimed at collecting information on the importance of factors in technologies; (2) to apply the methods of mathematical statistics in order to determine the compatibility level of expert opinions and the significance of factors. The system of factors in the commercial potential of technologies and the identified significance of factors can be used as recommended guidelines for technology developers, investors and potential owners in the decision-making processes of commercialization, investment or purchase of technology as well as at the next stage of research on the development model for assessing the commercial potential of technologies.
Hydrogenation and Deuteration of C2H2 and C2H4 on Cold Grains: A Clue to the Formation Mechanism of C2H6 with Astronomical Interest
Authors: Kobayashi Hitomi , Hidaka Hiroshi , Lamberts Thanja , Hama Tetsuya , Kawakita Hideyo , Kästner Johannes , Watanabe Naoki
Published: March 2017

We quantitatively investigated the hydrogen addition reactions of acetylene (C2H2) and ethylene (C2H4) on amorphous solid water (ASW) at 10 and 20 K relevant to the formation of ethane (C2H6) on interstellar icy grains. We found that the ASW surface enhances the reaction rates for C2H2 and C2H4 by approximately a factor of 2 compared to those on the pure-solid C2H2 and C2H4 at 10 K, probably due to an increase in the sticking coefficient and adsorption energy of the H atoms on ASW. In contrast to the previous proposal that the hydrogenation rate of C2H4 is orders of magnitude larger than that of C2H2, the present results show that the difference in hydrogenation rates of C2H2 and C2H4 is only within a factor of 3 on both the surfaces of pure solids and ASW. In addition, we found the small kinetic isotope effect for hydrogenation/deuteration of C2H2 and C2H4 at 10 K, despite the requirement of quantum tunneling. At 20 K, the reaction rate of deuteration becomes even larger than that of hydrogenation. These unusual isotope effects might originate from a slightly larger number density of D atoms than H atoms on ASW at 20 K. The hydrogenation of C2H2 is four times faster than CO hydrogenation and can produce C2H6 efficiently through C2H4 even in the environment of a dark molecular cloud.
Which Stars Are Ionizing the Orion Nebula?
Authors: O’Dell C. R. , Kollatschny W. , Ferland G. J.
Published: March 2017

The common assumption that

is the dominant ionizing source for the Orion Nebula is critically examined. This assumption underlies much of the existing analysis of the nebula. In this paper we establish through comparison of the relative strengths of emission lines with expectations from Cloudy models and through the direction of the bright edges of proplyds that

, which lies beyond the Bright Bar, also plays an important role.

does dominate ionization in the inner part of the Orion Nebula, but outside of the Bright Bar as far as the southeast boundary of the Extended Orion Nebula,

is the dominant source. In addition to identifying the ionizing star in sample regions, we were able to locate those portions of the nebula in 3D. This analysis illustrates the power of MUSE spectral imaging observations to identify sources of ionization in extended regions.
The Compact, ∼1 kpc Host Galaxy of a Quasar at a Redshift of 7.1
Authors: Venemans Bram P. , Walter Fabian , Decarli Roberto , Bañados Eduardo , Hodge Jacqueline , Hewett Paul , McMahon Richard G. , Mortlock Daniel J. , Simpson Chris
Published: March 2017

We present Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of the [C ii] fine-structure line and the underlying far-infrared (FIR) dust continuum emission in J1120+0641, the most distant quasar currently known (

). We also present observations targeting the CO(2–1), CO(7–6), and [C i] 369 μm lines in the same source obtained at the Very Large Array and Plateau de Bure Interferometer. We find a [C ii] line flux of

Jy

and a continuum flux density of

mJy beam−1, consistent with previous unresolved measurements. No other source is detected in continuum or [C ii] emission in the field covered by ALMA (∼ 25″). At the resolution of our ALMA observations (0.″23, or 1.2 kpc, a factor of ∼70 smaller beam area compared to previous measurements), we find that the majority of the emission is very compact: a high fraction (∼80%) of the total line and continuum flux is associated with a region 1–1.5 kpc in diameter. The remaining ∼20% of the emission is distributed over a larger area with radius ≲4 kpc. The [C ii] emission does not exhibit ordered motion on kiloparsec scales: applying the virial theorem yields an upper limit on the dynamical mass of the host galaxy of

, only ∼20 × higher than the central black hole (BH). The other targeted lines (CO(2–1), CO(7–6), and [C i]) are not detected, but the limits of the line ratios with respect to the [C ii] emission imply that the heating in the quasar host is dominated by star formation, and not by the accreting BH. The star formation rate (SFR) implied by the FIR continuum is 105–340

, with a resulting SFR surface density of ∼100–350

kpc−2, well below the value for Eddington-accretion-limited star formation.
Association of Vitamin-D-Related Genetic Variations and Treatment Response to Pegylated Interferon in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Limothai Umaporn , Chuaypen Natthaya , Khlaiphuengsin Apichaya , Chittmittraprap Salyavit , Poovorawan Yong , Tangkijvanich Pisit
Published: March 2017

Background

Vitamin D, a potent immune-modulator, has been linked to the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study was aimed at investigating the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vitamin-D-related genes and treatment response to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) in patients with CHB.

Methods

A total of 275 Thai patients (122 hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg]-positive and 153 HBeAg-negative CHB) treated with 48-week PEG-IFN were recruited. Virological response (VR) at 48 weeks post-treatment was defined as HBeAg seroconversion plus HBV DNA <2,000 IU/ml for HBeAg-positive CHB and HBV DNA <2,000 IU/ml for HBeAg-negative CHB. The SNPs VDR (rs2228570), DBP (rs7041) and CYP27B1 (rs4646536) were analysed.

Results

The distribution of TT, CT and CC genotypes of rs4646536 in this cohort was 21.8%, 46.2% and 32.0%, respectively. There was no difference in its distribution according to HBeAg status. In HBeAg-positive CHB, patients with TT genotype, compared with non-TT genotype, achieved higher VR (53.3% versus 31.5%; P=0.032) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance (20.0% versus 5.4%; P=0.016). In HBeAg-negative CHB, the corresponding figures were 60.0% versus 30.9% ( P=0.003) and 16.7% versus 5.7% ( P=0.045), respectively. Patients with TT genotype had more rapid HBsAg decline than those with non-TT genotype. However, SNPs rs2228570 and rs7041were not associated with VR and HBsAg clearance. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that SNP rs4646536 and baseline HBsAg level were independent predictors of VR in both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-neg-ative CHB.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that SNP rs4646536 in the CYP27B1 gene is a predictive factor of response to PEG-IFN therapy in Thai patients with CHB.
Crise de l’Union européenne ou crises de la démocratie ?
Authors: Saurugger Sabine
Published: March 2017

Les institutions européennes sont régulièrement mises en cause pour leur déficit démocratique. Pourtant, depuis les années 1990, les traités successifs ont instauré différents instruments permettant de pallier ce déficit. Aujourd’hui, la crise de l’Union européenne est sans doute plus profonde et dépasse la question du fonctionnement des institutions. Elle touche la confiance même qu’ont les citoyens dans le projet d’intégration et dans la démocratie.
Orban et le souverainisme obsidional
Authors: Gradvohl Paul
Published: March 2017

Les régimes d’Europe centrale tentés par l’autoritarisme et le souverainisme s’appuient sur le retour à un passé mythique, qui s’articule paradoxalement à une reprise de certaines pratiques des temps communistes. D’autres dimensions caractérisent leur glissement hors de l’état de droit démocratique : rapport aux médias, à l’opposition… Ces régimes vont à l’impasse. Seules les sociétés civiles et l’Union européenne peuvent s’opposer à une dynamique dangereuse bien au-delà de ces pays.
Un renouvellement de la démocratie par le bas ? Les mouvements Indignés et Occupy
Authors: Nez Héloïse , Dufour Pascale
Published: March 2017

Depuis 2011, d’importantes mobilisations citoyennes dénoncent les politiques d’austérité et les dysfonctionnements de la démocratie représentative. Des mouvements comme les Indignés ou Occupy réclament la mise en place de nouvelles formes de pratiques démocratiques. Toutefois, pour pouvoir perdurer et se développer, ces mouvements sont obligés de s’insérer, au moins partiellement, dans le jeu politique traditionnel. L’émergence de Syriza en Grèce ou Podemos en Espagne en est l’illustration.
Vivre avec la Russie
Authors: David Dominique
Published: March 2017

La Russie puise en partie sa force dans les erreurs et les illusions de l’Occident de l’après guerre froide. Sa force, bruyante, est largement en trompe-l’œil, économiquement et militairement. Ni leader ni modèle, la Russie a besoin des nations occidentales. Et ces dernières ne peuvent négliger le poids de Moscou dans des zones stratégiques du monde. Il faut considérer la Russie comme une puissance nécessaire dans un monde de la puissance en pleine recomposition.
Faire face à la Russie
Authors: Gordadzé Thorniké
Published: March 2017

Moscou cherche à remettre en cause l’ordre international libéral dominé par les États-Unis. Le président Poutine multiplie les coups de force et tente de diviser les Occidentaux. Il promeut une « révolution conservatrice » et soutient les formations populistes en Europe. Pourtant, la Russie est plus faible qu’il n’y paraît. Son économie est chancelante et sa structure démographique problématique. Face aux coups de boutoir de Moscou, les capitales occidentales doivent faire preuve de fermeté.
Trump et l’avenir de la politique commerciale européenne
Authors: Solal-Arouet John , Tersen Denis
Published: March 2017

Les tentations protectionnistes de la nouvelle administration américaine doivent être prises au sérieux. L’Europe a tout intérêt à préserver les acquis du multilatéralisme commercial, en particulier via une adaptation des pratiques de l’OMC : concevoir des accords économiques globaux et inclusifs, garantir l’équilibre des normes et la gouvernance des accords conclus. Pour cela, l’Europe doit gagner en efficacité institutionnelle et en cohésion politique, bref reprendre l’initiative.
L’Euro-Asie selon Pékin
Authors: Foucher Michel
Published: March 2017

Projet géographique à portée économique, et porteur de lourdes conséquences politiques, la stratégie chinoise des Nouvelles routes de la soie vise une connectivité généralisée dans l’espace eurasiatique. Cherchant à désenclaver une partie du territoire chinois, elle entend doubler la mondialisation maritime d’un développement des circulations terrestres. Russes et Européens sont, entre autres, concernés par les effets de cette stratégie, déjà concrétisée par de multiples décisions.
Kissinger, ou le dernier diplomate
Authors: Moreau Defarges Philippe
Published: March 2017

Kissinger inspire, dans la deuxième moitié du xx e  siècle, les choix fondamentaux de la diplomatie américaine. Mais d’où viennent ses références dominantes ? Metternich et sa vision d’un ordre international conservateur, Bismarck et son relativisme démocratique y ont toute leur place. Quelle pertinence a aujourd’hui la conception kissingérienne, dans un monde marqué par la diversification des acteurs de la vie internationale et l’éclatement de l’ordre interétatique ?