bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humic Acid and Auxins Induced Metabolic Changes and Differential Gene Expression during Adventitious Root Development in Azalea Microshoots
Authors: Elmongy Mohamed S. , Wang Xiuyun , Zhou Hong , Xia Yiping
Published: May 2020

Auxins and humic acid (HA) were investigated for their roles in adventitious root induction in azalea microshoots in our previous study. To reveal the regulatory mechanisms of auxins and HA in this process, measurements of the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), carbohydrates, and phenolic compounds and gene expression during in vitro root development were performed. During the adventitious root induction process, ROS levels in shoots treated with auxins and HA increased compared to untreated shoots, especially during the earliest period after transfer to the media. Media supplemented with NAA experienced increases in H2O2 contents by 480%and 250%, respectively, after 7 and 14 days of culture. The phenolic compound levels were also enhanced in the shoots treated with auxins and HA, reflecting the different rooting-promoting abilities of both auxins and HA. The highest levels of total phenolic [68.6 mg·g−1 fresh weight (FW)], polyphenolic acids (121.72 μg caffic acid/g FW), and total flavonols (162.42 μg quercetin/g FW) were recorded after 21 days for NAA media, but the maximum levels of anthocyanins (49.76 μg cyanindin/g FW) were recorded after 21 days for IBA medium. Soluble carbohydrate, starch, and soluble protein levels were increased in the shoots treated with all treatments; however, the influence of NAA treatments was stronger than that of other treatments for most investigated parameters. The NAA significantly enhanced soluble carbohydrates by 30%, 37%, and 25%, respectively, at 14, 21, and 28 days compared with untreated microshoots. Expression of the POD1 gene increased in the shoots submitted to HA treatment media. Expression levels of auxin response factors (ARFs) increased with IBA- and NAA-treated explants, suggesting that ARFs may have diverse regulatory roles in adventitious root induction in evergreen azalea. Moreover, the profiles of the IAA1, IAA9, IAA14, and IAA27 transcripts were analyzed to reveal their roles in the adventitious rooting of evergreen azalea microshoots. These results indicate that auxins and HA promote adventitious root induction in Rhododendron plants through their impact on ROS, carbohydrate contents, phenolic compound levels, and expression levels of different genes related to root development in evergreen azalea plants.
METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING EXPLANATIONS FOR RECOMMENDER SYSTEMS BASED ON THE TEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF USER PREFERENCES
Authors: Chalyi Serhii , Leshchynskyi Volodymyr
Published: May 2020

The problem of constructing explanations for recommendations in situations of cold start and shilling attacks is considered. The first situation is characterized by incomplete information about the user's preferences, and the second is characterized by a distortion of the ratings of items in the recommendation system. A method for constructing explanations for the recommended list of subjects is proposed. The method uses weighted temporal dependencies to form explanations. Each such dependence reflects a change in sales of goods for two non-contiguous time intervals. These intervals are set according to a given level of detail of time, for example, day, week, month. The input is presented by a sales journal with time stamps. The method includes the steps of forming temporal rules, calculating the weights of the rules, building explanations. The weights of the rules reflect the degree of change in sales for a pair of intervals. The result of the method is a recommendation in the form of a numerical estimate of the change in user preferences with respect to the subject in the recommendation. The proposed method allows to increase sales efficiency due to the active selection of items by the user based on the explanations received
MITIGATING THE INFLUENCE OF DENSE OIL FIRES ON FREE-SPACE OPTICAL COMMUNICATION
Authors: Zaker Thoalfiqar Ali , Taban Talib Zeedan , Mohammed Firas S.
Published: May 2020

This study estimates the performance of a free space optical system (FSO) affected by air pollutants from oil fires. Simulations are performed to evaluate the reliability of optical propagation according to the length of the FSO channels under two beam angle angles. The proposed FSO system parameters such as the Q-factor, BER and reception capacity are successfully used to reduce channel loss. Results demonstrate that the proposed FSO link performs satisfactorily when the divergence angle is 1 mrad and the distance is from 0.5 km to 0.9 km. Q-factor and receiving power decrease when the divergence angle of beam increases to 2 mrad, and a link is achieved when the distance is from 0.5 km to 0.7 km. The eye diagram is used to evaluate and confirm the quality of received data. An eye opening is observed at 0.5 km for both divergence angles. Then, the eye completely closes at 1 km for 2 mrad, thereby degrading the performance. Therefore, these results can be conducted for similar systems optimization options by applying our analysis
Probing black hole microstate evolution with networks and random walks
Authors: Charles Anthony , Mayerson Daniel
Published: May 2020

We model black hole microstates and quantum tunneling transitions between them with networks and simulate their time evolution using well-established tools in network theory. In particular, we consider two models based on Bena-Warner three-charge multi-centered microstates and one model based on the D1-D5 system; we use network theory methods to determine how many centers (or D1-D5 string strands) we expect to see in a typical late-time state. We find three distinct possible phases in parameter space for the late-time behaviour of these networks, which we call ergodic, trapped, and amplified, depending on the relative importance and connectedness of microstates. We analyze in detail how these different phases of late-time behavior are related to the underlying physics of the black hole microstates. Our results indicate that the expected properties of microstates at late times cannot always be determined simply by entropic arguments; typicality is instead a highly non-trivial, emergent property of the full Hilbert space of microstates.
El enfoque de género y la no violencia contra la mujer
Authors: García Palomino Miriam
Published: May 2020

No tiene
Review of approaches for selection and ensembling of GCMs
Authors: Raju Komaragiri Srinivasa , Kumar Dasika Nagesh
Published: May 2020

Global climate models (GCMs) are developed to simulate past climate and produce projections of climate in future. Their roles in ascertaining regional issues and possible solutions in water resources planning/management are appreciated across the world. However, there is substantial uncertainty in the future projections of GCM(s) for practical and regional implementation which has attracted criticism by the water resources planners. The present paper aims at reviewing the selection of GCMs and focusing on performance indicators, ranking of GCMs and ensembling of GCMs and covering different geographical regions. In addition, this paper also proposes future research directions.
Produção e qualidade de frutos de genótipos de amoreira-preta
Authors: Oliboni do Amaral Leonardo , De Rossi Andrea , Ribeiro Ana Maria Alves de Souza , Serafim Hingrid , De Ross Marchioretto Lucas
Published: May 2020

Previamente ao lançamento de novas cultivares é importante a realização de estudos para observar o comportamento produtivo de plantas em cada condição edafoclimática. Este estudo teve como objetivo apresentar características de produção e qualidade físico-química de frutos de genótipos de amoreira-preta cultivados na região dos Campos de Cima da Serra do RS e indicar genótipos com potencial para serem lançados como cultivares ou seguirem no programa de melhoramento genético da cultura. O experimento foi conduzido em 2018, no município de Vacaria/RS, na Embrapa Uva e Vinho – Estação Experimental de Fruticultura de Clima Temperado. Foram avaliados os seguintes genótipos: Cultivares Tupy, Xingu e Xavante e seleções Black 112, Black 139, Black 145, Black 181, Black 198, Black 212, Black 216, Black 287 e Black 288. Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: Produção: Produção por planta, produção por hectare e número de frutos por planta. Pós-Colheita: Massa média, comprimento, diâmetro, relação comprimento/diâmetro dos frutos, sólidos solúveis, pH do suco e acidez total titulável. Observou-se que as seleções Black 145, Black 198 e Black 216, devido à elevada produção de frutos, têm potencial para serem lançadas como novas cultivares, superando a cv. Tupy e igualando a produção da cv. Xingu. Já as seleções Black 287, Black 288 e Black 212 possuem aptidão para consumo in natura, devido às características químicas dos frutos.
Correlations between Overexpression of SOX2OT Long Non-coding RNA and Susceptibility to Breast Cancer
Authors: Dehghani-Samani Mina , Hassanzadeh Naiemeh , Kabiri Hamidreza , Jafari Marzieh , Shahrokhi Matineh Rahmani G. , Chermahini Maryam J. , Akbari Arvand , Noshadi Esmat , Mahmoudi Esmaeil , Jusic Amela
Published: May 2020

Background and Objective:

The SOX2OT lcnRNA has been recognized as a positive
regulator in the transcription regulation of the SOX2 gene. Recent studies have approved the
dysregulation of SOX2OT lncRNA expression patterns in some common cancer types, including
esophageal, lung, and breast cancer. The objective of the present study was to investigate the
correlation between overexpression of SOX2OT lcnRNA and susceptibility to breast cancer.

Methods:

SOX2OT lncRNA expression profiling in 15 breast cancer and normal tumour-adjacent
breast tissue samples was performed by using qRT-PCR. To evaluate the diagnostic potential of
the SOX2OT lncRNA, we performed ROC curve analyses.

Results:

The expression of SOX2OT lncRNA in patients suffering from breast cancer revealed a
significant overexpression in comparison with the healthy group (P<0.001). Significantly, the
elevated circulating SOX2OT lncRNA was found specific to breast cancer and could differentiate
breast cancer from controls with 100% of both sensitivity and specificity. Based on the Kaplan-
Meier analysis, there was no significant correlation between SOX2OT lcnRNA expression and
overall survival.

Conclusion:

The results confirmed the association between breast cancer and higher SOX2OT
lncRNA expression. According to the ROC curve results, SOX2OT lcnRNA could be a new
measurable indicator of the breast cancer and a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer patients.
Role of Genetic Polymorphisms of Cytochrome P450 2C19 in Pantoprazole Metabolism and Pantoprazole-based Helicobacter pylori Eradication Regimens
Authors: Jonaitis Paulius , Jonaitis Laimas , Kupcinskas Juozas
Published: May 2020

Background:

Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes play an important role in the metabolism of 70-80%
of the currently used medications, including proton pump inhibitors. There are some data analyzing the impact of
gene polymorphisms of CYP450 enzymes on most widely used PPIs, such as omeprazole, however, the data on pantoprazole
are highly lacking.

Objective:

To summarize the most recent publications and studies on the role of polymorphisms of the genes encoding
CYP450 enzyme 2C19 in the metabolism of pantoprazole and pantoprazole based Helicobacter pylori eradication
regimens.

Methods:

We performed a non-systematic search of the available literature on the selected topic.

Results and conclusion:

The data on cytochrome P450 gene polymorphisms and their role in pantoprazole metabolism
and pantoprazole based Helicobacter pylori eradication remain conflicting. Individual differences in pantoprazole
metabolism might be partly related to genetic polymorphisms of CYP450 enzymes. Most of the studies support
the observation that cytochrome 2C19 polymorphisms have an impact on the pharmacokinetics of pantoprazole and
its therapeutic effects: poor metabolizers of PPIs are more likely to have a better response to pantoprazole therapy
and achieve better H. pylori eradication rates compared to rapid metabolizers. The determination of alleles that are
associated with decreased (e.g., *2, *3 alleles) or increased (e.g., *17 allele) cytochrome 2C19 enzyme activity might
be used as predictive factors for the potential of acid suppression and the success of Helicobacter pylori eradication.
Overall, currently available data do not provide robust evidence, therefore, the application of genetic polymorphisms
of cytochrome enzymes in clinical practice still cannot be recommended as routine practice for personalized pantoprazole
prescription strategies.
Influence of Rifampicin Pre-treatment on the In vivo Pharmacokinetics of Metoclopramide in Pakistani Healthy Volunteers Following Concurrent Oral Administration
Authors: Kaukab Iram , Shah Syed Nisar Hussain , Abrar Muhammad Asad , Anwer Naveed , Murtaza Ghulam
Published: May 2020

Background:

Metoclopramide is metabolized by various cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes such as
CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. Rifampicin is a non-selective inducer of P-glycoprotein
(P-gp) and CYP enzymes such as CYP3A4 and others.

Objective:

This study was aimed at the evaluation of rifampicin’s enzyme induction effect on the pharmacokinetic
parameters of orally administered metoclopramide.

Method:

This randomized, single-blind, two-phase cross-over pharmacokinetic study separated by a 4-week washout
period was conducted at a single center in Pakistan. It involved twelve Pakistani healthy male volunteers (nonsmokers)
divided into two groups. In the reference phase, each volunteer received a single oral dose of 20 mg
metoclopramide (Maxolon 10 mg, GlaxoSmithKline, Pakistan), while in the rifampicin-treated phase, each volunteer
received 600 mg rifampicin once daily for 6 days through oral route. On day 6, metoclopramide (20 mg) was
administered 2 hours after the last pretreatment dose of rifampicin. The serial blood samples were collected on
predetermined time points (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 18 h) and analyzed using a validated HPLC
method for the determination of pharmacokinetic parameters, i.e. Cmax, Tmax, and AUC0-∞ of metoclopramide. The
whole study was monitored by an unblinded clinician for the purpose of volunteer’s health safety.

Results:

All the volunteers participated in the study until the end. Twelve healthy Pakistani males having mean age
26.0 (range 20.6-34.1) years and body mass index 25.1 (range 16.2-31.5) kg/m2 were included in this study after
taking written informed consent. Rifampicin significantly (P<0.05) decreased the mean Cmax, AUC0-∞ and T1/2 of
metoclopramide by 35%, 68%, and 44%, respectively. The laboratory tests did not reveal any significant change in
the biochemical, physical, hematological, or urinalytical values before and after metoclopramide treatment. None of
the volunteers complained of any discomfort during the study.

Conclusion:

Rifampicin noticeably decreased the concentration of plasma metoclopramide. These results give in
vivo confirmation of the CYP3A4 involvement in the metoclopramide metabolism, in addition to CYP2D6.
Therefore, metoclopramide pharmacokinetics may be clinically affected by rifampicin and other potent enzyme
inducers.
Synthesis and Erythroid Induction Activity of New Thiourea Derivatives
Authors: Siddiqui Hina , Shafi Sarah , Ali Hamad , Musharraf Syed Ghulam
Published: May 2020

Background:

The use of medicinal agents to augment the fetal hemoglobin (HbF) accretion is
an important approach for the treatment of sickle-cell anemia and β-thalassemia. HbF inducers have the
potential to reduce the clinical symptoms and blood transfusion dependence in the patients of β-
hemoglobinopathies.

Objectives:

The current study was aimed to examine the erythroid induction potential of newly synthesized
thiourea derivatives.

Methods:

Thiourea derivatives 1-27 were synthesized by using environmentally friendly methods.
Compounds 3, 10 and 22 were found to be new. The structures of synthesized derivatives were deduced
by using various spectroscopic techniques. These derivatives were then evaluated for their
erythroid induction using the human erythroleukemic K562 cell line, as a model. The benzidine-H2O2
assay was used to evaluate erythroid induction, while HbF expression was studied through immunocytochemistry
using the Anti-HbF antibody. Cytotoxicity of compounds 1-27 was also evaluated on mouse
fibroblast 3T3 cell line and cancer Hela cell line using MTT assay.

Result:

All the compounds (1-27) have not been reported for their erythroid induction activity previously.
Compounds 1, 2, and 3 were found to be the potent erythroid inducing agents with % induction of
45± 6.9, 44± 5.9, and 41± 6.1, at 1.56, 0.78, and 0.78 μM concentrations, respectively, as compared to
untreated control (12 ± 1 % induction). Furthermore, compound 1, 2, and 3 significantly induced fetal
hemoglobin the expression up to 4.2-fold, 4.06-fold, and 3.52-fold, respectively, as compared to untreated
control. Moreover, the compounds 1-4, 6-9, 11, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 23, and 25 were found to be
non-cytotoxic against the 3T3 cell line.

Conclusion:

This study signifies that the compounds reported here may serve as the starting point for
the designing and development of new fetal hemoglobin inducers for the treatment of β-
hemoglobinopathies.
Are We Getting to All That Matters? The Need for Perceptual Guidance
Authors: Gregersen Anstein
Published: May 2020

Congenital deafblindness (CDB) profoundly affects perception of the environment. CDB can affect both which objects are perceived, and which features of the objects are experienced. In order to gain better access to the environment and the social world, it could therefore potentially be beneficial if a child with CDB was perceptually directed by a seeing and hearing person. However, such a form of intervention is not unproblematic. This article argues that such a perceptual guidance is only acceptable if the leading in perception is agency sensitive and contains three features: that of joint perception; a culturally sensitive organization of perceptual fields, and a dynamic back-and-forth mode of leading and exploring.
Message Appeals on an Instagram Account Promoting Seat Belt Use That Attract Adolescents and Young Adults: Elaboration-Likelihood Perspective Study
Authors: Zhang Ni , Drake Stacy A , Ding Kele
Published: May 2020

Background

Adolescents and young adults demonstrate the highest rate of unrestrained motor vehicle fatalities, making the promotion of seat belt restraint a priority for public health practitioners. Because social media use among adolescents and young adults has proliferated in recent years, it is critical to explore how to use this tool to promote seat belt use among this population. Social media posts can contain various types of information within each post and this information can be communicated using different modalities.

Objective

In this study, based on the elaboration likelihood model, we aimed to examine how adolescents and young adults reacted to different appeals in various components of posts in the pilot of a promotion intervention on the Instagram BuckleUp4Life account.

Methods

Using thematic analysis, we examined different appeals in 3 components (photo, text, and caption) of 199 posts in BuckleUp4Life and compared the number of likes for different appeals.

Results

We found that 6 appeals were used in the posts: rational, ego, social, fun, positive emotional, and fear appeals. The results of our study showed that in photos, fun appeals were the most popular. Rational and positive emotional appeals were the most appealing in text and captions. Regardless of the location of the components (photo, text, or captions), rational appeal was the most popular appeal.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of our study, we recommend that public health practitioners utilize fun photos with rational and positive emotional appeals in text and captions rather than fear or social appeals, when promoting seat belt use through social media, especially Instagram.
Innovation in Pediatric Medical Devices: Proceedings From The West Coast Consortium for Technology & Innovation in Pediatrics 2019 Annual Stakeholder Summit
Authors: Espinoza Juan , Cooper Kathryne , Afari Nadine , Shah Payal , Batchu Sriharinarayana , Bar-Cohen Yaniv
Published: May 2020

Pediatric medical devices cover a broad array of indications and risk profiles, and have helped to reduce disease burden and improve quality of life for numerous children. However, many of the devices used in pediatrics are not intended for or tested on children. Several barriers have been identified that pose difficulties in bringing pediatric medical devices to the market. These include a small market and small sample size; unique design considerations; regulatory complexities; lack of infrastructure for research, development, and evaluation; and low return on investment. In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created the Pediatric Device Consortia (PDC) Grants Program under the administration of the Office of Orphan Products Development. In 2018, the FDA awarded over US $30 million to five new PDCs. The West Coast Consortium for Technology & Innovation in Pediatrics (CTIP) is one of these PDCs and is centered at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. In February 2019, CTIP convened its primary stakeholders to discuss its priorities and activities for the new grant cycle. In this paper, we have presented a report of the summit proceedings to raise awareness and advocate for patients and pediatric medical device innovators as well as to inform the activities and priorities of other organizations and agencies engaged in pediatric medical device development.
Effect of Computer Debriefing on Acquisition and Retention of Learning After Screen-Based Simulation of Neonatal Resuscitation: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Michelet Daphne , Barre Jessy , Truchot Jennifer , Piot Marie-Aude , Cabon Philippe , Tesniere Antoine
Published: May 2020

Background

Debriefing is key in a simulation learning process.

Objective

This study focuses on the impact of computer debriefing on learning acquisition and retention after a screen-based simulation training on neonatal resuscitation designed for midwifery students.

Methods

Midwifery students participated in 2 screen-based simulation sessions, separated by 2 months, session 1 and session 2. They were randomized in 2 groups. Participants of the debriefing group underwent a computer debriefing focusing on technical skills and nontechnical skills at the end of each scenario, while the control group received no debriefing. In session 1, students participated in 2 scenarios of screen-based simulation on neonatal resuscitation. During session 2, the students participated in a third scenario. The 3 scenarios had an increasing level of difficulty, with the first representing the baseline level. Assessments included a knowledge questionnaire on neonatal resuscitation, a self-efficacy rating, and expert evaluation of technical skills as per the Neonatal Resuscitation Performance Evaluation (NRPE) score and of nontechnical skills as per the Anaesthetists’ Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) system. We compared the results of the groups using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

A total of 28 midwifery students participated in the study. The participants from the debriefing group reached higher ANTS scores than those from the control group during session 1 (13.25 vs 9; U=47.5; P=.02). Their scores remained higher, without statistical difference during session 2 (10 vs 7.75; P=.08). The debriefing group had higher self-efficacy ratings at session 2 (3 vs 2; U=52; P=.02). When comparing the knowledge questionnaires, the significant baseline difference (13 for debriefing group vs 14.5 for control group, P=.05) disappeared at the end of session 1 and in session 2. No difference was found for the assessment of technical skills between the groups or between sessions.

Conclusions

Computer debriefing seems to improve nontechnical skills, self-efficacy, and knowledge when compared to the absence of debriefing during a screen-based simulation. This study confirms the importance of debriefing after screen-based simulation.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03844009; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03844009
A Global Digital Citizen Science Policy to Tackle Pandemics Like COVID-19
Authors: Katapally Tarun R
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is an extremely complex existential threat that requires cohesive societal effort to address health system inefficiencies. When our society has faced existential crises in the past, we have banded together by using the technology at hand to overcome them. The COVID-19 pandemic is one such threat that requires not only a cohesive effort, but also enormous trust to follow public health guidelines, maintain social distance, and share necessities. However, are democratic societies with civil liberties capable of doing this? Mobile technology has immense potential for addressing pandemics like COVID-19, as it gives us access to big data in terms of volume, velocity, veracity, and variety. These data are particularly relevant to understand and mitigate the spread of pandemics such as COVID-19. In order for such intensive and potentially intrusive data collection measures to succeed, we need a cohesive societal effort with full buy-in from citizens and their representatives. This article outlines an evidence-based global digital citizen science policy that provides the theoretical and methodological foundation for ethically sourcing big data from citizens to tackle pandemics such as COVID-19.
The mediating role of mental vulnerability between negative life events and interaction anxiousness among undergraduate students in Liaoning, China (Preprint)
Authors: Gong Yuxin
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Interaction anxiousness is common among undergraduate students and adolescent, which could easily lead to a high risk for depression, substance use disorder and suicide among them. However, little is known about the influence factors on interaction anxiousness.Responses from 3 universities in Liaoning province indicate that social anxiety scores of college students are generally high. Mental vulnerability and negative life events have a great influence on the occurrence of interaction anxiety.
Mental vulnerability played a partial mediating role between negative life events and interaction anxiousness among undergraduate students, which has often been overlooked in the past.The finding suggest that important to expand the construction of college mental health team and change the previous education mode of mental health. Give students regular psychological tests, early detection of psychological problems, and timely intervention. This study has a further understanding about interaction anxiousness and its influencing factors. Adolescents also belong to the community care group, their mental health problems also need more attention from nursing professionals.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to analyze the relationships between mental vulnerability, negative life events and interaction anxiousness among undergraduate students in China and examine the mediating role of mental vulnerability on undergraduate students.

METHODS

Design and Methods: A cross-sectional survey target for undergraduate students in Liaoning province. Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression and structuralequation modeling method were applied to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Findings: The results suggest that mental vulnerability played a partial mediating role between negative life events and interaction anxiousness among undergraduate students.Negative life events had a significant indirect effect on the interaction anxiousness through mental vulnerability.

CONCLUSIONS

The study result will contribute to improve the physical and mental health development of undergraduate students.

CLINICALTRIAL

No
Using Wearable Devices to Monitor Physical Activity in Patients Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement: Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lorenzoni Giulia , Azzolina Danila , Fraccaro Chiara , Di Liberti Alessandro , D'Onofrio Augusto , Cavalli Chiara , Fabris Tommaso , D'Amico Gianpiero , Cibin Giorgia , Nai Fovino Luca , Ocagli Honoria , Gerosa Gino , Tarantini Giuseppe , Gregori Dario
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

In last few decades, several tools have been developed to measure physical function objectively; however, their use has not been well established in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the preoperative physical function and to assess and compare 6-month postoperative changes in the physical function of patients undergoing treatment for aortic stenosis with either surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The study also aims to evaluate the feasibility of wearable devices in assessing physical function in such patients.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study. The enrollment will be conducted 1 month before patients’ SAVR/TAVR. Patients will be provided with the wearable device at baseline (activity tracker device, Garmin vívoactive 3). They will be trained in the use of the device, and they will be requested to wear it on the wrist of their preferred hand until 12 months after SAVR/TAVR. After baseline assessment, they will undergo 4 follow-up assessments at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after SAVR/TAVR. At baseline and each follow-up, they will undergo a set of standard and validated tests to assess physical function, health-related quality of life, and sleep quality.

RESULTS

The ethics committee of Vicenza in Veneto Region in Italy approved the study (Protocol No. 943; January 4, 2019). As of October 2020, the enrollment of participants is ongoing.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the wearable devices for real-time monitoring of physical activity of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement is a promising opportunity for improving the clinical management and consequently, the health outcomes of such patients.

CLINICALTRIAL

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03843320; https://tinyurl.com/yyareu5y

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/20072
Voluntad de la ley o del legislador:
Authors: Pérez Lasserre Diego
Published: May 2020

The practical difficulties involved in the use of the concepts will of the law and the will of the legislator and then justifies that the use of this terms responds to an avoidance of the political responsibility inherent to the legal decision.
La postura unánime del Tribunal Constitucional Español (Sentencia Rol 259/2015, de 2 de diciembre)
Authors: Villanueva Turnes Alejandro
Published: May 2020

Spain, also known as State of Autonomies, is one of the most decentraliced countries, and some people have been questioning this model in the last years. This work is a comment of a sentence of the Constitutional Court from 2015. This sentence arises from a contestation against the Resolution 1/XI, of November 9th, of the Regional Parliament of Catalonia. This work details the positions of both sides and the final ruling of the Constitutional Court.
Teachers' self-efficacy and formative assessment of students: Moderating role of school goal structure
Authors: Xiang Xiaoqing , Yum Sichang , Lian Rong
Published: May 2020

Although the importance of formative assessment of student progress has been well covered in previous studies, implementing formative assessment in the classroom requires targeted tools and educational policies. Therefore, we examined the factors that affect teachers' use of formative
assessment practices and analyzed the moderating effect of the school's mastery goal structure in the relationship between teachers' self-efficacy and their use of formative assessment practices. Participants were 507 Chinese primary school teachers, who completed a survey. Structural equation
modeling results reveal that teachers' selfefficacy regarding formative assessment and perception of a school mastery goal structure each positively predicted the use of formative assessment practices. The moderating effect of the school mastery goal structure in the relationship between teachers'
self-efficacy and their use of formative assessment practices was also statistically significant. Our findings have implications for policy making and practice as well as for further studies regarding formative assessment of students.
Classical zero-knowledge arguments for quantum computations
Authors: Vidick Thomas , Zhang Tina
Published: May 2020

We show that every language in QMA admits a classical-verifier, quantum-prover zero-knowledge argument system which is sound against quantum polynomial-time provers and zero-knowledge for classical (and quantum) polynomial-time verifiers. The protocol builds upon two recent results: a computational zero-knowledge proof system for languages in QMA, with a quantum verifier, introduced by Broadbent et al. (FOCS 2016), and an argument system for languages in QMA, with a classical verifier, introduced by Mahadev (FOCS 2018).
Why are my hands in pain
Authors: Helgi Þorleiksson
Published: May 2020

This project focuses on how percussionists get injured while playing. Six percussionists were interviewed focusing on their injury history and practice habits. This information was brought to medical professionals who helped decipher how the percussionists or their decisions, led them to sustaining a playing related injury. Finally, we compare their stories to current recovery science to see if there are some things we can learn about recovery and preventing injuries.
Ti6Al4V Alaşımı Üzerine Sol-Jel Yöntemi ile Yapılan Hidroksiapatit Kaplamalarda Oksalik Asitin Korozyon Dayanımına Etkisi
Authors: GÜL Canser , MUTAF Serhat , DURMUŞ Hülya
Published: May 2020

Bu çalışmada biyomalzeme uygulamalarında kullanılmak üzere etkili bir biyomalzeme geliştirilmesi amaçlanmış ve sol-jel yöntemi kullanılarak Ti6Al4V altlık malzemeler üzerine hidroksiapatit kaplamalar yapılmıştır. Sol-jel yöntemi ile biyoaktifliği ve korozyon dayanımı yüksek, çatlaksız bir kaplama tabakası elde etmek amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla, hazırlanan hidroksiapatit çözeltilerine farklı oranlarda oksalik asit (OA, C2H2O4) eklenmiş ve OA’nın kaplama morfolojisinde oluşturduğu değişimler incelenmiştir. Analizlerde, enerji dispersif spektrumlu taramalı elektron mikroskobu (SEM-EDS) ve X-Işını kırınımı (XRD) kullanılmıştır. Kaplama yapılmış numunelerin korozyon özelliklerinde meydana gelen değişimler ise hazırlanan yapay vücut sıvısı içinde üç elektrotlu sistem kullanılarak gerçekleştirilen elektrokimyasal-potansiyodinamik korozyon testleri ile incelenmiştir. Çalışmanın sonucunda OA katkı oranının artması ile kaplama adacıkları arasındaki mesafelerin kapandığı, morfolojide gözlemlenen çatlakların azaldığı ve büyük ölçüde engellendiği gözlemlenmiştir. Korozyon hızları kıyaslandığında ise OA miktarının ağırlıkça % 0,001 olduğu ve 0,015 olduğu numunelerde korozyon hızının diğer katkılı numunelere göre 10 kat ve katkısız numuneye göre ise 5 kat daha az olduğu gözlemlenmiştir.
Fem spor i dødshjelpsdebatten
Authors: Horn Morten A. , Magelssen Morten
Published: May 2020

The assisted dying debate in the public square often involves talking past one another. Participants talk about what is important to themselves, without necessarily considering the other party’s arguments. Why is this so? We believe it is partly because the assisted dying debate actually consists of several more or less distinct “tracks”, all of which are important, but where not all are equally important to all participants. In this chapter, we outline the five main tracks of the assisted dying debate and show what characterises them and how they are expressed in the public debate.
Er det at blive gammel tilstrækkelig årsag til dødshjælp?
Authors: Holm Søren
Published: May 2020

A proposal put forth in the Dutch Parliament suggests that anyone over the age of 75 should have a legally guaranteed right to physician-assisted suicide if they wish to die, unless the wish is the result of a mental illness. This chapter discusses three questions about the relationship between age and entitlement to assisted dying: 1) are there good reasons to introduce a purely age-determined criterion for a right to assisted dying; 2) would such an age criterion lead to problematic discrimination against the elderly, or alternatively to discrimination against people who are too young to meet the criterion; and 3) what is the relationship between an age criterion and a postulated duty to choose assisted dying in specific situations. The discussion of these three issues shows that there are no good reasons for introducing an age criterion for the right to die, that an age criterion is potentially discriminatory to both the elderly and the young, and that introducing an age criterion could lead to problematic pressure against vulnerable elderly people.
En kritisk granskning av Oregonmodellen
Authors: Ekström Anne-Berit , Luthman Mikaela
Published: May 2020

The so-called Oregon model has been described as a more attractive and safer alternative for assisted dying than the controversial euthanasia laws in the Benelux countries. Many advocates of assisted dying believe that the Oregon model, which implies physician-assisted suicide, is better adapted to Swedish (Nordic) conditions. In order to be able to offer assisted dying according to the Oregon model, seven criteria must be met. In this chapter, we will analyse the criteria and examine whether the practices of the Oregon model meet them. Is it a safe model to help severely ill people from suffering during their very last stage of life? To what extent can the model guarantee security and justice for those involved? Finally, we want to investigate whether it can be a suitable model for the Nordic countries.
Språk og virkelighet i dødshjelpsdebatten
Authors: Magelssen Morten
Published: May 2020

Language describes reality. It also creates reality and perceptions. This is particularly evident in the assisted dying debate; there is a “battle for concepts” where both sides have their preferred words. But fruitful ethical debates require concepts and definitions that the debaters can agree on. This chapter therefore proposes a set of concepts and definitions for the Nordic assisted dying debate. Good concepts are concrete and precise, with simple and unambiguous language free from unnecessary use of imported terms; they have concise and normatively neutral definitions, and they are preferably already familiar to and in use by the public. The last part of the chapter asks whether the way we have linguistically drawn the most important distinction in the field of assisted dying – between euthanasia on the one hand and treatment-limiting decisions on the other – points to a real difference that is also ethically relevant. It is argued that the answer is yes, and that the healthcare provider’s intention is an ethically relevant difference: In euthanasia, the patient’s death is intended, while in treatment-limiting decisions the intentions are typically of quite another nature.
Dödshjälpsdebatten i Finland
Authors: Mäki Kalle
Published: May 2020

The citizens’ initiative to legalise euthanasia was addressed in the Finnish Parliament in 2017. The Parliament rejected the initiative and appointed an expert group to investigate the need for legislation regarding end-of-life care and the need for euthanasia. Thus, the debate continues. This chapter provides an overview of the public debate and the political process associated with the citizens’ initiative. The initiative is critically examined on the basis of expert opinions requested by the Parliament’s Social and Health Committee. In a vote, the MPs rejected the initiative. One of the central arguments has been that it is not appropriate to legalise euthanasia when end-of-life care is not sufficiently developed in Finland. From many quarters, opinions were raised against the legalisation of euthanasia, promoting support for legislation on end-of-life care instead.
Legalisering af dødshjælp – den indirekte afvisning
Authors: Hartling Ole
Published: May 2020

Legalisation of assisted dying is supported in particular by two arguments: 1) avoiding unbearable suffering and 2) respecting the right of self-determination (individual autonomy). This chapter raises objections to both. It is problematic that assisted dying aims to remove the suffering by eliminating the sufferer. The argument for respect for the right of self-determination is also analysed, with emphasis on autonomy in the sense that the Danish Health Care Act affords an unlimited right to refuse treatment, but not a right to demand a specific treatment. Whether autonomy is genuinely possible in connection with assisted dying is questioned, as autonomy will always be relative to an assessment of the patient’s quality of life. How assisted dying can affect the patient-physician relationship is also discussed. Finally, there is the conclusion that if the distressed and despairing person is met with the suggestion that now death is to be preferred, this also sends a message that the person is dispensable.
Fortellinger om død, verdsetting av liv
Authors: Grue Jan
Published: May 2020

Assisted dying is, almost by definition, a dramatic topic. Thus it can also be dramatised, both in fiction and in media coverage. Stories, whether they are bestseller books like Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You or newspaper articles that spread virally, can reach a large audience. Stories also serve as indirect arguments. By depicting how assisted dying might or ought to work, they also express a normative stance on reality. This chapter investigates the patterns of some culturally central narratives of assisted dying, and questions the value judgments expressed in them. It also raises the question of which premises for further debate are brought about by such stories – premises about the assessment and valuation of human life.
A epígrafe ou o letreiro na cruz: estudo literário e histórico-teológico do primeiro texto escrito sobre Jesus
Authors: Grenzer Matthias , Grenzer Francisca Antonia De Farias
Published: May 2020

Conforme o testemunho dos quatro Evangelhos neotestamentários, houve uma “epígrafe” (Mc 15,26; Lc 23,38) ou um “letreiro” (Jo 19,19.20) “acima da cabeça de Jesus” Crucificado (Mt 27,37). Historicamente, trata-se do primeiro texto “escrito” ou “epigrafado” sobre o nazareno (Mt 27,37; Mc 15,26; Jo 19,19.20.21.222x). Mais ainda, segundo o quarto Evangelho, tal texto, “escrito por Pilatos em hebraico, latim e grego” (Jo 19,20), além de “lido por muitos judeus” (Jo 19,20), logo provocou controvérsia entre as lideranças religiosas dos judeus e o governador romano (Jo 19,21-22). A intenção neste Artigo é investigar, de forma linguístico-literária e histórico-teológica, o que, conforme os quatro Evangelhos neotestamentários, se encontrava escrito na epígrafe ou no letreiro fixado na cruz de Jesus, sabendo-se que a tradição cristã, em suas representações iconográficas do Crucificado, acolhe o texto joanino.
O PROGRESSO DO PEREGRINO E A ÉTICA DA CONVERSÃO INDIVIDUALISTA
Authors: Ramos Saldanha Marcelo
Published: May 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar a alegoria religiosa The Pilgrim's Progress, do escritor inglês John Bunyan, buscando encontrar no enredo e no contexto histórico que se entrelaça à obra, alguns elementos que nos permitam compreender o ethos da vida peregrina desse indivíduo em busca da sua salvação. Assim, considerando que a obra foi escrita como resposta ao conturbado cenário religioso e político da Inglaterra do século XVII, analisaremos o enredo, os dogmas e os símbolos religiosos presentes no livro, buscando compreender a relação entre fé e vida “mundana”, indivíduo e comunidade e, principalmente, o valor das narrativas de devoção na experiência de conversão, para, então, entender como tais valores, expostos nas potentes alegorias de Bunyan, geraram um universo lúdico e concreto que validou uma ética  religiosa, profundamente individualista, que se tornou a marca do conversionismo puritano, e que continua a fazer sentido, mesmo para pessoas que não compartilham do contexto histórico e social do escritor.
O Desespero do Nada, o Niilismo Completo e Supremo: A Fenomenologia do Mal n’Os Demônios de Fiódor Dostoiévski
Authors: Pereira de Oliveira Victor Hugo
Published: May 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar a maneira como o literato russo Fiódor Dostoiévski abordou a problemática do mal no seu penúltimo livro intitulado Os Demônios. O Problema do Mal começara a ser discutido na chamada Idade Subapostólica do cristianismo, que consistiu no desenvolvimento teológico e filosófico desta religião a partir do contato de alguns dos discípulos dos Apóstolos do Cristo com grupos heterodoxos. E, uma vez que Deus, no cristianismo, é visto como o Sumo Bem, a resposta que os primeiros teólogos cristãos, especialmente Santo Agostinho, deram ao mal ficou conhecida como Teodicéia, apontando para uma resposta cristã à problemática do mal moral e metafísico. Além disso, sabendo que Dostoiévski foi bastante próximo do Cristianismo Ortodoxo Russo, pode-se pensar que o literato tivesse a pretensão de mesclar ao seu estilo literário as ideias mais diversas do cristianismo, em especial as respostas filosóficas e teológicas da Ortodoxia Russa relativas ao Problema do Mal. Valentin Tomberg, filósofo e autor das Meditações Sobre os 22 Arcanos Maiores do Tarô, ao propor uma meditação para o Arcano Maior XV (O Diabo), menciona, brevemente, a maneira como Dostoiévski abordou a problemática do mal em Os Demônios. Para Tomberg, a abordagem mais saudável a ser feita do mal é através da Fenomenologia que, de acordo com a definição de E. Husserl, consiste numa reflexão sistemática de um fenômeno que aparece e age na consciência. Desta forma, este trabalho pretende investigar, à luz da Teodicéia e da Fenomenologia, a problemática do mal na obra Os Demônios de Fiódor Dostoiévski. Por fim, será explorada a relação entre o Ateísmo, o Problema do Mal e a Desintegração da Pessoa Humana nas ações do personagem Nikolai Vsievolódovich Stavróguin.
“Nuvens são pássaros...” Jesus na obra “A arca da Aliança” de Carlos Nejar
Authors: Terra Kenner Roger Cazotto
Published: May 2020

Carlos Nejar é poeta, crítico literário, romancista e tradutor brasileiro. Membro da Academia Brasileira de Letras, o escritor gaúcho é listado pela crítica entre os trinta e sete poetas mais importantes do século. Sua poesia tem linguagem clássica, estética moderna e trata das questões humanas. O horizonte religioso em sua literatura pode ser identificado nas imagens e metáforas por ele desenvolvidas, as quais demonstram intensas relações intertextuais com a tradição judaico-cristã. Entre suas obras, no livro Os Viventes, em especial na segunda parte, A arca da Aliança, encontramos a reescritura de personagens do cânon bíblico, o que lhe serve como instrumento para descrever, nos lábios dos viventes, os dilemas humanos. Como um monumento das memórias da cultura, a obra preserva as narrativas canônicas relendo-as criativamente. Neste artigo, depois de uma discussão teórica a respeito da relação entre literatura e Bíblia e a apresentação de Nejar, será analisada a maneira como o vivente Jesus, citado ao lado de outros, é reescrito e as memórias da cultura judaico-cristãs são relidas intertextual e alegoricamente, o que possibilita apresentá-lo como ruptura, solidário à angustia humana e senhor cósmico, cuja criação é a expressão poética da palavra.