bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Performance of Detection of IgG and IgM Antibody Against Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 by a Rapid Kit in a Real-Life Hospital Setting
Authors: Irungbam Monica , Chitkara Anubhuti , Singh Vijay Kumar , Sonkar Subash Chandra , Dubey Abhisekh , Bansal Astha , Shrivastava Ritika , Goswami Binita , Manchanda Vikas , Saxena Sonal , Saxena Ritu , Garg Sandeep , Hussain Farrah , Talukdar Tanmaya , Kumar Dinesh , Koner Bidhan Chandra
Published: September 2021

Background

Antibody testing are often used for serosurveillance of COVID-19. ELISA and Chemiluminesence based antibody test are quiet sensitive and specific for such serological testing. Rapid antibody tests are developed and effectively used for this purpose. But their diagnostic efficiency needs to be evaluated. So, the present study was conducted in a dedicated COVID-19 hospital in Delhi, India to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of a Rapid antibody kit for COVID-19.
Material and Method

: Sixty COVID-19 confirmed cases by RT-PCR were recruited and categorized as early, intermediate and late cases based on the number of days of their first RT-PCR + ve tests, 20 subjects in each category. Twenty samples from pre-covid era were taken as controls. IgM and IgG antibodies against RBD of spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV2 virus were detected by Rapid antibody test and compared with total antibody against the nucleocapsid (N) antigen of SARS-CoV-2 by Electrochemiluminescence based Immunoassay (ECLIA).
Results

The detection IgM against Receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein by rapid kit was 0-37.5% sensitive and 0-100% specific for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, efficacy of detection of IgG by rapid kit was 87–89% sensitive and 75–100% specific when compared with total antibody against N antigen measured by ECLIA based immunoassay.
Conclusion

It can be concluded that detection of IgM against RBD of S protein by rapid kit is not effective but IgG detection can be used as an effective diagnostic tool for SARS-COV-2 infection.
Characterization of the Esophageal Microbiota in Patients with Esophagitis and Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zongdan Jiang , wang jun , shen ziyang , zhang zhenyu , Wang shukui
Published: September 2021

Background: Microbial imbalances have been well elucidated in esophageal adenocarcinoma, but few studies addressing the microbiota in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophagitis (ES). We aimed to explore the associations of esophageal microbiota with these patients.Results: A total of 68 individuals were enrolled (control = 21, ES=15, ESCC = 32). Microbial diversity was significant different between ESCC patients and healthy controls by Chao1 index, Shannon index and PLS-DA. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Fusobacteria were the five dominant bacterial phyla among three groups. Megamonas, Collinsella, Roseburia and Ruminococcus_2 showed a significantly continuous decreasing trend from Normal to ESCC at the genus level. When compared with control group, decreased Fusobacteria at phylum level and Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides, Curvibacter and Blautia at genus level were detected. ESCC samples also displayed a striking reduction of Bacteroidetes, Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides and Blautia in comparison with ES patients. LEfSe analysis indicated a greater abundance of Streptococcus, Actinobacillus, Peptostreptococcus, Fusobacterium, Prevotella in ESCC groups.Conclusions: Our study suggests a potential association between esophageal microbiome dysbiosis and ESCC and provides insights on a potential screening marker for esophageal cancer.
Social Segregation Cut Down the Prevalence of Acute Otitis Media in Children : Time-series Analyses From Non-pandemic and COVID-19 Period
Authors: Yu Huiqian , Gu Dantong , Li Huawei , Li Qingzhong
Published: September 2021

Background: Preventing or reducing the attacks of acute otitis media (AOM) is a major worldwide healthcare problem in children. It is therefore urgent to evaluate the additional, unintended benefits of social segregation in cutting down the prevalence of AOM in children of various ages, especially during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) periods.Methods: Children aged from 6 months to 12 years who suffer from AOM and attended the outpatient clinic of tertiary hospital in the Eye Ear Nose Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University in Shanghai were investigated from January 2015 to December 2020. The change in daily outpatient attendance for AOM and time-series analyses were estimated following both non-pandemic and COVID-19 period, and age and gender were taken into account. Results: 24543 outpatients (male:13529, female:11014) were enrolled in this clinic population. The epidemic trend of AOM in 2015-2019 was characterized by seasonal fluctuations, with a higher incidence in December and January but relatively lower outpatient records in winter and summer vacations (February, June and August). There was an estimated 63.6% (54.32%-70.36%) reduction in the daily outpatient attendance of AOM associated with the introduction of social segregation in COVID-19 period. When age was taken into account, children aged 4-6 who are in kindergarten were more vulnerable to AOM (66.2%), especially during the school period. Meanwhile, the outpatient attendance of AOM in preschoolers (before the age of three) was mainly in autumn and winter, with no significant relationship with semester change. And age structure of AOM in COVID-19 period broadly in line with that in non-pandemic period. Conclusions: Data from non-pandemic and COVID-19 periods indicated that AOM might spread into susceptible populations by close contact, and social segregation could effectively reduce the likelihood of catching AOM. In tandem with broader consequences, certain interpersonal distance, mask effects and good hand hygiene can significantly reduce the incidence of AOM, which provides a preventive and therapeutic point of view for AOM.
The Reduction of JunB Inhibits the Odontogenic Differentiation Potential of the DPSCs by Targeting PIN1 in Pulpitis
Authors: Li Lei , Jiang Chengfeng , Gu Yongchun , Jiang Rongrong , Han Jianpeng , Xu Zhiliang , Zhou Qiao , Bao Liuliu , Feng Yujie , Jiang Shenghua , Feng Xingmei
Published: September 2021

Pulpitis is an inflammatory condition that can lead to the loss of tooth vitality. The odontogenic differentiation potential of the dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) is significantly decreased in the pulpitis microenvironment. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism of the impaired odontogenic differentiation of the DPSCs in an inflammatory microenvironment. Overexpression and inhibition of the JunB were performed to evaluate its effect on the odontogenic differentiation potential of the DPSCs. The results showed that the JunB was positively correlated with the odontogenic differentiation ability of the DPSCs. The co-immunoprecipitation assay coupled with the mass spectrometry showed that peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans Isomerase NIMA-Interacting 1 (PIN1) was a downstream target of the JunB. Moreover, the expression of PIN1 was negatively correlated with the odontogenic differentiation potential of the DPSCs. Taken together, the decreased expression level of the JunB in an inflammatory state can impair the odontogenic differentiation ability of the DPSCs by upregulating the expression of the PIN1, a negative regulator of the odontogenic differentiation of the DPSCs.
The Association Between Habitual Sleep Duration and Hypertension Control in the United States (US) Adults With Hypertension
Authors: Ogugu Everlyne G. , Catz Sheryl L. , Bell Janice F. , Drake Christiana , Bidwell Julie T. , Gangwisch James E.
Published: September 2021

Although sleep duration has been identified as a significant factor in risk for hypertension, there is limited data on the relationship between sleep duration and hypertension control. This study examined the association between habitual sleep duration and hypertension control in United States of America (USA) adults with hypertension. A total of 5,163 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015 – 2018) were analyzed. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were fit to examine the association between habitual sleep duration (coded as <6, 6 - <7, 7 – 9 (reference), and >9 hours) and hypertension control (BP <130/80mmHg versus ≥130/80mmHg), adjusted for sociodemographic, sleep and health characteristics. In the fully adjusted model, habitual sleep duration of <6 hours/main sleep period was associated with reduced odds of hypertension control (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46 – 0.95, P = 0.027) when compared to 7 – 9 hours. No significant differences were noted in hypertension control between the reference group (7 - 9 hours) and the 6 - <7 or >9 hours groups. These findings suggest that measures to support adequate habitual sleep duration may help improve hypertension control in adults who habitually sleep for <6 hours/day.
Evaluating the Association Between Physical Activity and Neuroticism in UK Biobank Cohort
Authors: Meng Peilin , Cheng Bolun , Wu Cuiyan , Ye Jing , Cheng Shiqiang , Liu Li , Liang Chujun , Yang Xuena , Chu Xiaomeng , Yao Yao , Li Chun'e , Zhang Zhen , Chen Yujing , Pan Chujun , Zhang Jingxi , Zhang Huijie , Wen Yan , Wang Sen , Wang Xi , Ning Yujie , Jia Yumeng , Zhang Feng
Published: September 2021

Background: The association between physical activity (PA) and neuroticism has been established, but the genetic mechanism remains elusive now. Methods: In this study, 362,421 participants from UK Biobank were used to explore the associations between PA and neuroticism, using linear regression analysis. PA was measured as excess metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours per week, assessed from a combination of walking and moderate and vigorous PA. The Gene-environment-wide interaction analyses (GEWIS) was conducted by PLINK2.0 to evaluate gene×PA interacting effects on the risk of neuroticism. DAVID tool was then used to conduct gene ontology (GO) analysis of the observed PA-interacted genes. Results: We observed negative association between PA and neuroticism in total sample (b=−0.02, P=9.02×10−37), female sample (b=−0.02, P=5.74×10−28) and male sample (b=−0.02, P=6.17×10−14). GEWIS revealed multiple significant gene×PA interaction signals for neuroticism. 78 candidate genes were observed, such as ST18(rs76573348, P=6.45×10−16)，NRCAM (rs117655943, P=4.28×10-11) and RBFOX3(rs113329299, P=4.72×10-10) in total group, SYT1(rs151016298, P=1.56×10−11), S100B(rs80199493, P=8.56×10−11) and MYT1(rs111360063, P=1.53×10−10) in female group, and NOTCH3 (rs184928292, P=3.31×10-17), SLC24A2 (rs62563282, P=9.56×10-16), CSMD1(rs73177368, P=2.11×10-13) in male group. GO enrichment analysis identified 15, 11 and 38 GO terms for total, female and male samples, such as synapse assembly (Ptotal=1.37×10-2), calcium ion binding (Pfemale=3.33×10-2) and learning or memory (Pmale=1.14×10-2).Conclusion: This study suggested the influences of physical activity on neuroticism, and identified several neuroticism associated genes interacting with PA.
Unraveling the Therapeutic Potential of GANT61/Dactolisib Combination as a Novel Prostate Cancer Modality
Authors: youssef Mohamed , Moussa Nermine , Helmy Maged W. , Haroun Medhat
Published: September 2021

Aberrant activation of several signaling pathways has been implicated in prostate cancer (PCa) progression to castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Protein Kinase B/mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) and Hedgehog/GLI (Hh/GLI) pathways are major participants in progression to CRPC. In this sense, the current work aims to assess the potential antitumor effects resulting from co-targeting the aforementioned pathways in PC3 cells with Dactolisib as a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor and GANT61 as a GLI1 antagonist. Three replica of PC3 cells were assigned for four treatment groups; vehicle control, Dactolisib-treated, GANT61-treated, and combination-treated groups. GLI1 gene expression was determined by quantitative real-time PCR while active caspase-3 was determined colorimetrically. P-AKT, p70 ribosomal s6 protein kinase 1 (pS6K1), cyclin D1, vascular endothelial growth factor 1 (VEGF1), and Microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3 (LC3) protein levels were determined by ELISA technique. GLI1 gene expression was down-regulated as a result of Dactolisib, GANT61, and their combination. Additionally, both drugs significantly reduced p-AKT, pS6K1, cyclin D1, and VEGF1 protein levels. Dactolisib elevated LC3 protein levels and GANT61 augmented Dactolisib effect on LC3. Moreover, only Dactolisib/GANT61combination significantly increased active caspase-3 level. To sum up, Dactolisib/GANT61 combination was shown to be promising in PCa treatment. Further in-vitro and in-vivo studies are warranted to support our findings.
Recombinant TAT-Thymosin β-4 Promotes Angiogenesis by Activating VEGFR2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kim Chul Min , Jeong Yun-Mi , Kim Jae-Hun , Jin Guolong , Oh Hyeongkwon , Kim Jung Seok , Park Dal Yong , Jin Songwan , Shim Jin-Hyung , Yun Won-soo , Yun Seokhwan
Published: September 2021

Thymosin β-4 is a 43-amino acid intracellular polypeptide that was originally isolated from bovine thymus. Of the 16 known thymosin families, thymosin β-4 is the most common type found in all tissues. Thymosin β-4 regulates angiogenesis, cell differentiation, morphogenesis, migration, and organogenesis and is linked to a dynamic equilibrium between G-actin and F-actin. In particular, thymosin β-4 is well-known for its angiogenic and anti-apoptotic functions. In this study, we synthesized thymosin β-4 linked with the well-known cell-penetrating peptide TAT (YGRKKRRRQRRR). TAT-thymosin β-4 promotes angiogenesis and cell migration in vitro via the VEGFR2 signaling pathway and reduces apoptosis. To examine angiogenic potential in vivo, a Matrigel Plus assay was conducted that revealed the angiogenic effect of TAT-thymosin β-4. In conclusion, TAT-thymosin β-4 promotes blood vessels and is expected to be applicable in regenerative medicine for all organs requiring blood vessels.
A Qualitative Study Exploring Teachers’ Attitudes towards Breastfeeding Education in Family and Consumer Science Classrooms
Authors: Singletary Nicola , Bruce Jackie , Goodell L. Suzanne , Fogleman April
Published: September 2021

Background: Research shows that some school-aged children have considered infant feeding choices for when they become parents and are interested in learning about breastfeeding in school. Despite recommendations to include infant feeding education in secondary school classrooms, teachers’ practices and attitudes regarding this topic have been the subject of minimal research. The purpose of this study was to explore North Carolina (NC) family and consumer sciences (FCS) teachers’ infant feeding education practices and their views on incorporating breastfeeding education in the curriculum. Methods: The study used a purposeful sample of 19 teachers who participated in semi-structured qualitative telephone interviews exploring their attitudes and practices relating to infant feeding education. We transcribed and analyzed the interviews using the constant comparative method through the lens of the theory of planned behavior. Results: Teachers had predominantly positive attitudes towards the inclusion of breastfeeding education in high school parenting, child development, and nutrition courses, citing the need to normalize breastfeeding and support students’ ability to make informed choices when they become parents as justification. Teachers’ social norms included concerns about parents’ and administrators’ views on the appropriateness of the content and apprehension about negative student responses. Perceived behavioral controls included student maturity, teachers’ own experiences and comfort with infant feeding, and the view that curriculum guidelines limit content selection. Conclusions: The results of this study can be used in the development and implementation of secondary school education programs that increase knowledge about infant feeding and positive attitudes towards breastfeeding for all members of the community. Teachers’ concerns should be addressed in the implementation of these programs.
Synthesis of Lapachol-Based Glycosides and Glycosyl Triazoles with Antiproliferative Activity Against Several Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Ottoni Flaviano Melo , Marques Lucas Bonfim , Ribeiro Juliana Martins , Franco Lucas Lopardi , Filho José Dias Souza , Pádua Rodrigo Maia , Souza-Fagundes Elaine Maria , Alves Ricardo José
Published: September 2021

Lapachol (1), a natural naphthoquinone, presents several biological activities including antitumor activity, used as anticancer coadjuvant whose use was abandoned because of adverse effects. Herein, we reported the synthesis and cytotoxicity evaluation against cancer cell lines of a series of Oglycosides and glycosyl triazoles derived from lapachol. In addition to the determination of IC50, the DNA fragmentation and clonogenicity were also evaluated. The glycoside derived from D-glucose (5) was far more active than lapachol (1) and more active in tumor cell lines HL60, Jurkat, THP-1 and MDA-MB-231 than to the non-tumoral PBMC cell line, indicating an improvement in activity and selectivity as compared with lapachol (1). Compound 5 and the glycosides derived from D-galactose (14), D-N-acetylglucosamine (15) and L-fucose (16) showed good results in the DNA fragmentation and clonogenicity assays in the studies of subdiploid DNA content, indicating a pro-apoptotic potential and a good antiproliferative activity of these glycosides.
The Reduction of 1st Metatarsal Plantar Pressures With a Novel Offloading Device (the Mandakini) in a Singaporean Population
Authors: Lee Melissa Yan Ting , Kong Pui Wah , Tunprasert Thanaporn
Published: September 2021

AimsThere is an overall lack of affordable and accessible offloading modalities for diabetic foot ulceration. The Mandakini is a cheap offloading device made-up of gloves. This study aims to investigate its effectiveness in reducing plantar pressures compared to 7mm semi-compressed felt (SCF) and barefoot walking. Materials and methodsPlantar pressures of 30 healthy staff from a local hospital in Singapore were captured under three offloading conditions – the Mandakini, SCF and barefoot walking (control). Peak pressure (PP), pressure-time integral (PTI) and contact time (CT) at the 1st metatarsal and its surrounding regions were analysed. Participants rated their comfort levels in each condition on a visual analogue scale from 1 to 10.Results Statistically significant reductions in PP and PTI of 43 ± 12 kPa (14%) and 14 ± 4 kPa.s (16%) respectively were observed at the 1st metatarsal with the Mandakini compared to control (p=0.001, p=0.002). Reductions were however significantly lower than SCF which reduced PP and PTI by 83 ± 11 kPa (28%) and 28 ± 3 kPa.s (33%) respectively compared to control (p<0.001, p<0.001). No statistically significant difference in CT was observed with the Mandakini compared to control (p=0.499). Comfort levels were not significantly different between the Mandakini and SCF with means 5.7 ± 1.8 and 6.2 ± 2.1 respectively (p=0.257). Conclusion This study highlights the Mandakini’s potential in providing cost-effective offloading through pressure redistribution. Nonetheless, in barefoot conditions, SCF should remain the preferred modality. Future pressure studies on patients with diabetes will provide better representations of the Mandakini’s effectiveness on the target population.
Trends in Malaria Indicators After Scale-Up of Community-Based Malaria Management in Afghanistan
Authors: Mahmoodi Sayed Daoud , Atarud Abdul Alim , Sadiqi Ahmad Walid , Gallalee Sarah , McFarland Willi , Aynie Temesgen Birara , Nahzat Mohmmad Sami , Hamid Hamida , Qader Ghulam Qader , Tamim Shoaib , Mirzazadeh Ali
Published: September 2021

Objectives: The Community-Based Malaria Management (CBMM) strategy, introduced in 2013 and expanded to all health facilities and health posts in Afghanistan by 2016, aimed to deliver rapid diagnostic testing and more timely treatment to all communities nationwide. In this study, we compared the trends in several malaria outcome indicators before and after the expansion of the CBMM strategy.Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis of surveillance data Methods: Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models with a Poisson distribution were used to assess trends of three key outcomes before (2012-2015) and after (2016-2019) CBMM expansion. These outcomes were annual malaria incidence rate (both all and confirmed malaria incidence), malaria death rate, and malaria test positivity rate. Additional variables assessed included annual blood examination rates (ABER) and malaria confirmation rate.Results: Average malaria incidence rates decreased from 13.1 before CBMM expansion to 10.0 per 1000 persons per year after CBMM expansion (P<0.001). The time period after CBMM was expanded witnessed a 339% increase in confirmed malaria incidence as compared to the period before (IRR 3.39, 95% CI 2.18, 5.27; P<0.001). In the period since the expansion of CBMM (2016-2019), overall malaria incidence rate declined by 19% each year (IRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.71,0.92; P=0.001) and the malaria death rate declined by 85% each year (IRR 0.15, 95% CI 0.12, 0.20; P<0.001). In comparing the before period to the after period, the ABER increased from 2.3 to 3.5 per 100 person/year, the malaria test positivity rate increased from 12.2% to 20.5%, and the confirmation rate increased from 21% before to 71% after CBMM.Conclusions: Afghanistan’s CBMM expansion to introduce rapid diagnostic tests and provide more timely treatment for malaria through all levels of care temporally correlates with significant improvement in multiple indicators of malaria control.
Prognostic Significance of Tumor–infiltrating Lymphocytes and Androgen Receptors in Patients with Early Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Vuger Ana Tečić , Šeparović Robert , Šitić Sanda , Vazdar Ljubica , Pavlović Mirjana , Vrbanec Damir
Published: September 2021

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the association between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and androgen receptors (AR) and to assess their impact on early triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) prognosis. Previous studies analyzed only stromal TIL (sTIL) and intratumoral (ITIL), while this study includes an additional spatial analysis for TIL in central tumor (CT) and invasive margin (IM) compartments and correlation with AR expression and overall survival (OS).
Methods

A retrospective cohort study encompassing 152 early TNBC tissue samples from patients treated at a tertiary oncologic center between 2009 and 2012. TIL and AR were assessed using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples, using hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. AR-positive tumors were considered those with ≥ 1% nuclear-stained cells.
Results

High TIL indicators were found to be positive prognostic factors. Although AR was not an independent prognostic factor, its interactions with sTIL and ITIL at IM impacted OS. Positive AR along with high sTIL and ITIL in IM were associated with favorable OS (HR for sTIL 0.22; 95%CI 0.05–0.97; p = 0.045 and HR for ITIL 0.10; 95%CI 0.01–0.78; p = 0.028).
Conclusion

Spatial morphological analysis of TIL reveals an additional prognostic value when combined with AR status, and shows a clinically significant impact on OS in early TNBC.
UV-Visible Characterization of Zinc and Potassium Zinc Pyrophosphate
Authors: Said Rahma Ben , Moutia N. , Louati B. , Guidara K. , Khirouni K.
Published: September 2021

New Zn2P2O7, K2ZnP2O7 and KZn1.5P2O7 compounds were synthesized with conventional solid solid reaction method. The optical properties have been studied by using UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The optical band gaps (Eg) were found to be 3.76 eV, 3.39 eV and 3.59eV respectively. Optical parameters such as refractive index, Cauchy’s parameters and conductivity were deduced. The refractive index fitting in the visible range and the dispersion parameters (E0 and Ed) of these compounds were estimated using the Wemple–DiDomenico model.
Publication Trends Related to Social Capital and Governance: Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Baharuddin Tawakkal , Sairin Sjafri , Qodir Zuly , Jubba Hasse
Published: September 2021

This article analyzes the trend of publications related to social capital with governance. This study used bibliometric analysis with the data source coming from the research database, called Scopus. The analytical tool used was Vosviewer analysis software. Vosviewer assisted the process of determining the calculated weights and selection of relevant published documents. The findings of this study indicated that the concept of social capital was to analyze proper governance systems by assessing aspects of networking, collaboration, and trust in the relationship between the private sector, the community, and the government. Several new topics in research publications have been experiencing a reasonably good trend that is rarely studied, including conflict resolution and co-management. These two themes are relatively new, especially in social capital. In addition to these themes, general themes in research publications were found, including coastal protection, environmental, climate change, and network governance. These themes are rarely published but still considered important in influencing other research publication trends to date. The contribution of this research is deemed critical to the development of research on social capital with governance systems. A bibliometric analysis approach in this study can influence subsequent studies in compiling and shaping the contribution position.
Spatial distribution of heavy metals in surface sediments of Kalametiya Lagoon in southern Sri Lanka; insight towards pollution status and socio-economic interactions
Authors: Kodikara Sunanda , Tiemoory Hossein , De Silva Mangala Chathura , Ranasinghe Pathmasiri , Somasiri Sudarshana , Madarasinghe Sanduni K , Gunathilake Udara , Danaee M , LP Jayatissa , Julian Andruie , DAHDOUH-GUEBAS Farid
Published: September 2021

Heavy metal (HM) pollution has become a serious threat to coastal aquatic ecosystems. This study, therefore, aimed at assessing the spatial distribution of selected heavy metals/metalloids including Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), and Mercury (Hg) in surface sediment (0–15 cm) samples collected across Kalametiya Lagoon in southern Sri Lanka. Forty-one (41) grid points of the lagoon were sampled and the sediment samples were analyzed for HM content by using ICP-MS. A questionnaire survey was carried out to investigate the possible sources for HM pollution in Kalametiya Lagoon. Water pH and salinity showed significant variation across the lagoon. Overall mean value of pH and salinity were 6.68 ± 0.17 and 2.9 ± 2.2 PSU respectively. The spatial distribution of the heavy metals was not monotonic and showed a highly spatial variation. The kernel density maps of the measured heavy metals demarcated several different areas of the lagoon. The mean contents of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb were lower than that of threshold effect level (TEL) however, higher for Hg at the North Inlet. Nevertheless, it was still lower than potential effect level (PEL). Socio-economic interactions have dramatically reduced during the past two decades. Industrial sewage, river suspended sediments and agrochemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides were reportedly identified as the possible sources for heavy metal loads. Accumulation of toxic heavy metals can be minimized by detouring the water inflow to the lagoon.
Survival in critically ill pediatric surgical patients with elevated PYMS and caloric deficit
Authors: Morales Taymi Castro , Portelles Alfredo Carlos Rodriguez , Assa Alberto Ruben Piriz , Romulo Arianna Maite Cespedes
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The nutritional counseling of the critical surgical pediatric patient is complex, it requires nutritional monitoring tools to improve their survival. The Pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS) is highly valid for determining nutritional risk. In Cuba there are no comparative studies on survival and PYMS. Objective: To determine survival in pediatric surgical patients with high PYMS and caloric deficit. Methods: An observational, prospective, cross-sectional and survival study was carried out in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Octavio de la Concepción de la Pedraja Pediatric Hospital, Holguín, Cuba, in the period from January 2018 to January 2019. analyzed 21 demographic and nutritional variables. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for the bivariate variables. Kaplan Mier survival curves and ROC curves were created to determine optimal cut-off points for mortality. Results: All patients who did not survive presented high PYMS (p = 0.001) log Rank: X2 10.5, the patients with better caloric adequacy had better survival (p = 0.513) log Rank: X2 0.428 but without statistical significance. The area under the curve to determine mortality according to the PYMS score was higher (0.891) than caloric deficit (0.468) with a sensitivity of 1 and a specificity of 0.66. Conclusions: The survival of critical surgical pediatric patients with high PYMS and caloric deficit was determined. The non-survivors of the study had an elevated PYMS. The PYMS score is a better predictor of mortality than the caloric deficit. Demonstrating its excellent utility in advising nutritional risk in pediatric intensive care.
Prognostic Outcomes in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Without Standard Modifiable Risk Factors: A Multi-Ethnic Study Of 8680 Asian Patients
Authors: Kong Gwyneth , Chew Nicholas WS , Ng Cheng Han , Ho Yeung Jek , Mai Aaron ST , Lim Oliver ZH , Ambhore Anand , Ng Gavin , Kong William , Poh Kian-Keong , Foo Roger , Yip James , Yeo Tiong-Cheng , Low Adrian Fatt-Hoe , Lee Chi-Hang , Chan Mark Yan-Yee , Tan Huay-Cheem , Loh Poay-Huan
Published: September 2021

IMPORTANCEThere are growing concerns that patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs), including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and smoking, have increased mortality.OBJECTIVEThis study examined the outcomes of ACS in patients without SMuRFs (termed SMuRF-less) in a multi-ethnic Asian population which remains unknown.DESIGNThis retrospective study was conducted from 1st January 2011 to 31st March 2021.SETTINGThis study was conducted in a tertiary healthcare institution in Singapore.PARTICIPANTSConsecutive patients presenting with ACS disease were recruited in the study.EXPOSUREThe outcomes of SMuRF-less patients were compared with SMuRF patients.MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURESThe primary outcome was cardiovascular mortality. Secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, readmission, cardiogenic shock, stroke and heart failure. Multivariable regression analysis adjusted for covariates including age, sex, ethnicity, chronic kidney disease, ACS type, cardiac arrest, and left main and/or left anterior descending coronaryRESULTSOf the 8680 patients studied, 8.6% were SMuRF-less patients. SMuRF-less patients were significantly younger and had fewer comorbidities including stroke and chronic kidney disease, but higher rates of ventricular arrhythmias and inotropic or invasive ventilation requirement compared to the SMuRF group. Multivariable analysis showed higher rates of cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.09–1.86, p=0.048), cardiogenic shock (RR: 1.31, 95% CI 1.09–1.52, p=0.015) and stroke (RR: 2.51, 95% CI 1.67–3.34, p=0.030) in SMuRF-less patients compared to SMuRF patients. Both groups had similar readmission (RR: 1.10, 95% CI 0.87–1.39, p=0.413) and heart failure (RR: 0.82, 95% CI 0.56–1.21, p=0.326) rates. Kaplan-Meier curve showed higher 30-day cardiovascular mortality in the SMuRF-less group compared to SMuRF group (HR: 1.84, 95% CI 1.45-2.33, p<0.001), with similar significant trends found in men, STEMI patients, and the three Asian ethnicities. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCEAlthough the proportion of ACS patients without standard risk factors in our Asian population is lower than those reported in the West, they also have worse short-term mortality compared to those with SMuRF. This calls for a global focus on the management of this unexpectedly high-risk subgroup of patients.
Dexmedetomidine Reduces IL-4 and IgE Expression Through Downregulation of TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Alleviate Airway Hyperresponsiveness in OVA Mice
Authors: Zhi Juan , Duan Qirui , Wang Qian yu , Du Xiyu , Yang Dong
Published: September 2021

Background: Asthma is a disease that affects health worldwide. It is characterised by inflammation and airway hyperreactivity. Because airway hyperreactivity can occur in other diseases, perioperative airway hyperreactivity is more insidious and widespread than in asthma and has serious implications that need to be addressed urgently. The use of dexmedetomidine in acute asthma and lung protection has been reported, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and mechanisms associated with dexmedetomidine in airway hyperresponsiveness.Methods: Forty BALB/c female mice were randomly divided into five groups: group K (blank group), group A (asthma group), group HD (asthma + dexmedetomidine treatment group), group TH (asthma + yohimbine group) and group HT (asthma + dexmedetomidine + yohimbine group), and the airway resistance of group K, group A and group HD were analysed by invasive airway resistance assay, ELISA assay, immunohistochemistry and q-PCR, respectively. Airway resistance; IL-4 and IgE levels in serum and BLAF; and IL-4, IL-13, Muc5AC, NFκB, TLR2, TLR4 and TSLP1 protein levels in lung tissues of the 5 groups were analysed by invasive airway resistance assay, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Results: Compared with group A, there were statistical differences in airway resistance (P < 0.05); LIL-4 and IgE (P < 0.05) in serum and BLAF; and Muc5AC, TLR4 and NFκB protein contents (P < 0.05) in lung tissues in the HD group. Conclusion: 1. Dexmedetomidine can attenuate airway hyperresponsiveness in the OVA asthma model; 2. Dexmedetomidine reduced the production of IL-4 and IgE by down-regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing the lung inflammatory response and airway hyperresponsiveness in the OVA-induced asthma model.
Estudo de Caso sobre a Não Implementação do Trem de Alta Velocidade RJ-SP
Authors: Zouain Deborah Moraes , Azeredo Mário Cesar Rosa , Duarte André Luís Faria , Souza Luiz Alexandre Valadão
Published: September 2021

O presente artigo aborda a administração pública federal no contexto de um dos maiores projetos de infraestrutura já previstos no país, intitulado de Trem de Alta Velocidade RJ - Campinas (TAV Brasil). O trabalho não está direcionado a questões técnicas, relatando apenas detalhes que possam contribuir para um melhor entendimento acerca do avanço de tecnologia que o envolve. O foco encontra-se nas ações promovidas pelos atores envolvidos no empreendimento, bem como no contexto geral que inviabilizou o sucesso da sua concessão pública durante os dois mandatos do Presidente Lula e o primeiro mandato da Presidenta Dilma. O tema contemporâneo exigiu, na concepção deste estudo de caso, extensa pesquisa documental, realizada por meio de matérias disponíveis na internet, reportagens dos principais veículos da imprensa, artigos e textos publicados por especialistas no assunto. Entrevistas com pessoas que participaram, em algum momento, do ciclo dessa política pública enriqueceram os dados, visando à descrição de ações e da estrutura concebida para o projeto pelo Governo Federal. Os resultados giram em torno da grande complexidade do projeto e do fracasso dos leilões do TAV, durante o período de 2010 a 2014, agrupando as causas em dois grupos distintos: as originadas intragoverno e as originadas extragoverno.
As Escolhas Contábeis na Mensuração de Ativos Biológicos estão Associadas ao Perfil do Profissional Contábil?
Authors: Cavalheiro Rafael Todescato , Gimenes Régio Marcio Toesca , Binotto Erlaine
Published: September 2021

Com a entrada em vigor da IAS 41 no Brasil, a discricionariedade das escolhas contábeis relativas a mensuração de ativos biológicos se apresenta como um desafio para os profissionais contábeis e para  as entidades que atuam no setor do  agronegócio, sendo este, um enriquecido campo de pesquisa para a Contabilidade. Nesse sentido, esse estudo tem por objetivo identificar as escolhas contábeis no contexto da mensuração de ativos biológicos e verificar se tais escolhas estão associadas ao perfil dos profissionais que os mensuram. O levantamento das escolhas contábeis foi realizado mediante a aplicação de questionário enviado a uma amostra de empresas do setor sucroenergético brasileiro e a referida associação foi testada por meio do teste exato de Fisher com nível de significância fixado em 5%. Obteve-se 32 respostas válidas que permitem inferir uma associação significativa entre o tempo de experiência do profissional na mensuração de ativos biológicos e as escolhas contábeis relativas a avaliação desses ativos, especificamente quanto a definição do método de mensuração, da taxa de desconto, do horizonte de projeção dos fluxos de caixa, do coeficiente beta e da consideração ou não do risco país na definição do custo do capital próprio das empresas componentes da amostra. Essa associação contribui para o debate, no sentido de que, não só o background cultural individual dos profissionais, mas a experiência e o know-how, podem explicar as escolhas contábeis.
Relação do Afeto Percebido com o Desempenho de Acadêmicos de Ciências Contábeis e Características Individuais
Authors: Haveroth Juçara , Dos Santos Cleston Alexandre , Da Cunha Paulo Roberto
Published: September 2021

Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a influência do afeto no desempenho de acadêmicos de Ciências Contábeis de uma instituição de ensino superior do sul do Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, survey e de abordagem quantitativa, utilizando-se de coleta de dados por meio de questionário. O estudo foi desenvolvido no final do ano de 2016 e foi composto de 164 acadêmicos do curso de ciências contábeis. Os resultados foram alcançados por meio de testes de estatística descritiva, regressão linear simples e correlação canônica, que revelaram que o afeto tem relação significativa e positiva com o desempenho dos acadêmicos estudados. Os resultados sugerem que os acadêmicos de ciências contábeis indiferente da fase do curso em que se encontram são influenciados pelos afetos positivos de forma moderada e tem baixa sensação de afeto negativo, em média. O teste de regressão linear mostrou que há relação entre o afeto e o desempenho dos acadêmicos de ciências contábeis, evidenciando que quanto maior a presença de afeto positivo, maior é a tendência de o desempenho acadêmico ser melhor. Como sugestão de novas pesquisas, sugere-se estudo longitudinal, de acompanhamento do curso em todas as fases, de modo a compreender peculiaridades relacionadas a este. Sugere-se ainda estudos comparativos entre instituições de ensino superior para entender suas diferenças e contribuir na melhoria do ensino no país em análise, bem como a utilização de outras variáveis e técnicas estatísticas para novas análises e conclusões.
Systematic strong coupling expansion for out-of-equilibrium dynamics in the Lieb-Liniger model
Authors: Granet Etienne , Essler Fabian
Published: September 2021

We consider the time evolution of local observables after an
interaction quench in the repulsive Lieb-Liniger model. The system is
initialized in the ground state for vanishing interaction and then
time-evolved with the Lieb-Liniger Hamiltonian for large, finite
interacting strength c. We employ the Quench Action approach to
express the full time evolution of local observables in terms of sums
over energy eigenstates and then derive the leading terms of a 1/c
expansion for several one and two-point functions as a function of
time t>0 after the quantum quench. We observe delicate cancellations
of contributions to the spectral sums that depend on the details of
the choice of representative state in the Quench Action approach and
our final results are independent of this choice. Our results provide
a highly non-trivial confirmation of the typicality assumptions
underlying the Quench Action approach.
3D gravity in a box
Authors: Kraus Per , Monten Ruben , Myers Richard M.
Published: September 2021

The quantization of pure 3D gravity with Dirichlet boundary
conditions on a finite boundary is of interest both as a model of
quantum gravity in which one can compute quantities which are ``more
local" than S-matrices or asymptotic boundary correlators, and for
its proposed holographic duality to T\overline{T}TT¯-deformed
CFTs. In this work we apply covariant phase space methods to deduce the
Poisson bracket algebra of boundary observables. The result is a
one-parameter nonlinear deformation of the usual Virasoro algebra of
asymptotically AdS_33
gravity. This algebra should be obeyed by the stress tensor in any
T\overline{T}TT¯-deformed
holographic CFT. We next initiate quantization of this system within the
general framework of coadjoint orbits, obtaining — in perturbation
theory — a deformed version of the Alekseev-Shatashvili symplectic form
and its associated geometric action. The resulting energy spectrum is
consistent with the expected spectrum of T\overline{T}TT¯-deformed
theories, although we only carry out the explicit comparison to
\mathcal{O}(1/\sqrt{c})𝒪(1/c)
in the 1/c1/c
expansion.
Artesano de palabras
Authors:   Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Zuluaga Mesa David Esteban
Published: September 2021

Artesano de palabras es una apuesta literaria clasificada en la modalidad de libro álbum, que utiliza imagen y texto como vehículo para introducir al lector en un entresijo de situaciones cotidianas en las que el lenguaje y la creatividad son los principales protagonistas. El libro busca que el lector potencie procesos de lectura literal, abductiva, simbólica y visual dando lugar al decir de otros con los que se pueden bosquejar tramas y estrategias alternativas para potenciar el desarrollo, no solo de competencias lectoescriturales, sino también socioafectivas y creativas. La disposición del libro permite, una vez finalizada su lectura, el desarrollo de nuevas tramas según los intereses y motivaciones del lector o promotor de lectura que acompañe el proceso.
The impact of e-marketing orientation, technological orientation and learning capacity on online SME performance
Authors: Al Asheq Ahmed , Rahman Tanchi Khadiza , Kamruzzaman Md. , Mobarak Karim Md.
Published: September 2021

Currently, Internet penetration is accelerating across the country in Bangladesh, which, in particular, has led to the simultaneous development and growth of online businesses. Due to increased internet availability and accessibility, a number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) continue to operate using an Internet-driven online platform. This context requires a research effort to investigate the underlying factors that might influence the business performance of online SMEs. Thus, the aim of the study is to examine the impact of e-marketing orientation (EMO), technology orientation (TO), and learning capability (LC) on online SME performance in the context of Bangladesh. In this study, the dependent variable is online SME performance, whereas the independent variables are EMO, TO and LC. To achieve this objective, the study developed a questionnaire based on past literature. Following a non-probability random sampling approach, 320 survey forms were distributed among online SME owners using the online survey system (Google form), and finally 156 responses were realized as fully complete responses. Hence, the study sample size is n = 156. SPSS version no. 26 was used to analyze the correlation among independent and dependent variables and to test the hypotheses. During statistical analysis, the 5% significance level is used as a threshold value to accept hypotheses. The study results show that EMO, TO and LC have a statistical and significant impact on online SME performance. Finally, this paper seeks to outline several important implications for online SME owners, as well as suggest several directions for future research.
Лексичко-семантичко поље „породица” и словенске посесивне форме
Authors: Маројевић Рaдмило Н.
Published: September 2021

У овом раду  разматрају се посесивне форме у лексичко -семантичком пољу „породично -сроднички односи”, и то: а) посесивни суфикс -ьńь, б) атрибутивне посесивне категорије, посесиви у значењу припадања и посесиви у значењу посједовања, в) посесивне изведенице у кругу имена по мужу и г) посесивне изведенице у кругу женских патронима. Помоћу суфикса -ьńь лексичко -семантичко поље „породично -сроднички односи” добило је и специфично граматичко обиљежје.
Значај компаративног приступа у проучавању усмене књижевности
Authors: Митровић Данијела С.
Published: September 2021

У овом раду ћемо се бавити значајем компаративног приступа у проучавању усмене књижевности. Кроз осврт на развој компаративне књижевности од њених корена изнетих у Гетеовим писмима Екерману већ у 19. веку, као и теорија о настанку усмене књижевности, пратићемо како се мисао о компаративној књижевности развијала и на који је начин приањала уз проучавање усмене књижевности. Од романтичарске филозофије, преко различитих теорија (митолошка, миграциона, антрополошка) и метода (историјско-географски), па све до врло децидираног, аналитичког приступа теорије формуле Милмана Перија и Алберта Лорда, коју је изнедрило Хомерско питање на Балкану, указиваћемо на предности овог приступа у проучавању усмене књижевности, али и на потенцијалне недостатке и опасности од којих се треба правовремено оградити. Циљ овог рада јесте анализа начина на који се компаративна мисао развијала, у којем се стадијуму данас налази и какве то последице има по проучавање усмене књижевности.
Билдунгсроман као неопходност у наставном програму: осврт на роман Бакоња фра Брне Симе Матавуља
Authors: Вурдеља Милан Д.
Published: September 2021

Предмет истраживања је Бакоња фра Брне, чувени роман Симе Матавуља и, премда уз незанемарљива одступања те са јасним присуством пародијских елемената, један од најупечатљивијих примера наративног обрасца билдунгсромана у српској књижевности (реализма). У раду ће бити размотрен удео матрице која је одређена генеричким жанровским појмом колико и стилском формацијом за коју се роман везује. Првенствено ће овим циљем бити обухваћен сиже, карактеризација јунака и композиција у Матавуљевом тексту. Надаље, овакво опредељење ће са методолошког становишта условити преглед разноврсности коју – што је међу теоретичарима већ препознато – билдунгсроман нуди не само као збир жанровских спецификација него и као препознатљив романескни светоназор. Аутор рада посебну пажњу ће обратити на, методички речено, билдунгсроман као функционални појам који ученици успешно могу разумети, усвојити, али и преиспитивати на примеру романа Бакоња фра Брне. Најзад, биће образложена преимућства обраде овог романа у средњој школи, упркос „потешкоћама” када је реч о извесној језичкој баријери на коју ученици могу наићи приликом сусрета са дијалекатским цртама текста, односно са културолошки релативно удаљеним светом о ком он проговара. Третирајући ове изазове као плодоносне и мотивишуће у наставном процесу, аутор рада ће размотрити и питање обима у ком Матавуљево најпознатије дело треба да буде делом курикулума (одломак или целовити текст), то јест колико подробно жанровски проблем из наслова рада у тим случајевима ваља изучавати.