bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomy of unfolding: The site-specific fold stability of Yfh1 measured by 2D NMR
Authors: Puglisi Rita , Karunanithy Gogulan , Hansen Flemming , Pastore Annalisa , Temussi Piero
Published: May 2021

Most techniques allow detection of protein unfolding either by following the behaviour of single reporters or as an averaged all-or-none process. We recently added 2D NMR spectroscopy to the well-established techniques able to obtain information on the process of unfolding using resonances of residues in the hydrophobic core of a protein. Here, we questioned whether an analysis of the individual stability curves from each resonance could provide additional site-specific information. We used the Yfh1 protein that has the unique feature to undergo both cold and heat denaturation at temperatures above water freezing at low ionic strength. We show that stability curves inconsistent with the average NMR curve from hydrophobic core residues mainly comprise exposed outliers that do nevertheless provide precious information. By monitoring both cold and heat denaturation of individual residues we gain knowledge on the process of cold denaturation and convincingly demonstrate that the two unfolding processes are intrinsically different.
Second-line chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab after early disease progression during first-line chemotherapy containing bevacizumab for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: yamamoto shun , Nagashima Kengo , Kawakami Takeshi , Mitani Seiichiro , Komoda Masato , Tsuji Yasushi , Izawa Naoki , Kawakami Kentaro , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Makiyama Akitaka , Yamazaki Kentaro , Masuishi Toshiki , Esaki Taito , Nakajima Takako Eguchi , Okuda Hiroyuki , Moriwaki Toshikazu , Boku Narikazu
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe ML18174 study, which showed benefits of bevacizumab (BEV) continuation beyond progression (BBP) for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), excluded patients with first-line progression-free survival (PFS) shorter than 3 months. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of second-line chemotherapy after early disease progression during first-line chemotherapy containing bevacizumab.MethodsThe subjects of this study were mCRC patients who experienced disease progression <100 days from commencement of first-line chemotherapy containing BEV initiated between Apr 2007 and Dec 2016. Second-line chemotherapy regimens were classified into two groups with and without BEV (BBP and non-BBP) and efficacy and safety were compared using univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsSixty-one patients were identified as subjects of this study. Baseline characteristics were numerically different between BBP (n = 36) and non-BBP (n = 25) groups, such as performance status (0-1/>2: 89/11 and 56/44%), RAS status (wild/mutant/unknown: 28/56/16 and 76/16/8%). Response rate was 5.9% in BBP group and 9.1% in non-BBP group (p = 0.642). Median PFS was 3.7 months in BBP group and 2.8 months in non-BBP group (HR [95%CI]: 0.83 [0.49–1.41], p = 0.489, adjusted HR: 0.97 [0.48–1.96], p = 0.932). Median overall survival was 7.6 months in BBP group and 5.4 months in non-BBP group (HR 0.70 [0.41–1.19], p = 0.191, adjusted HR 0.65 [0.34–1.25], p = 0.195).ConclusionIn patients experienced early progression in first-line chemotherapy, their outcomes of second-line chemotherapy were poor regardless of whether they were in BBP or non-BBP group.
Synthesis, α-Glucosidase Inhibition, α-Amylase Inhibition and Molecular Docking Studies of 3,3-Di(Indolyl)Indolin-2-Ones
Authors: Santoso Mardi , Ong Li , Aijijiyah Nur , Wati First , Azminah Azminah , Annur Rose , Fadlan Arif , Mustikasari Kamilia , Huda Nila , Judeh Zaher
Published: May 2021

The synthesized 3,3-di(indoloyl)indolin-2-ones 1a - p showed desired higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activities and lower α-amylase inhibitory activities than standard drug acarbose. Particularly, compound 1i showed favourable higher α-glucosidase % inhibition of 67±13 and lower α-amylase % inhibition of 51±4 in comparison to acarbose with % inhibition activities of 19±5 and 90±2, respectively. Docking studies of selected 3,3-di(indoloyl)indolin-2-ones revealed key interactions with the active sites of both α-glucosidase and α-amylase, further supporting the observed % inhibitory activities. Furthermore, the binding energies are consistent with the % inhibition values. The results suggest that 3,3-di(indoloyl)indolin-2-ones may be developed as suitable Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors (AGIs) and the lower a-amylase activities should be advantageous to reduce the side effects exhibited by commercial AGIS.
Establishment and Resilience of Transplanted Gut Microbiota in Aged Mice
Authors: Wang Ying , Tang Jinhui , Lv Qingqing , Tan Yuxiang , Dong Xiaoxiao , Liu Hongbin , Zhao Nannan , He Zhen , Kou Yan , Tan Yan , Liu Xin-an , Wang Liping , Liu Yang-yu , Dai Lei
Published: May 2021

Background: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), a procedure in which fecal material is transferred from a donor to a recipient, has been increasingly used as a treatment to restore healthy gut microbiota. There is a substantial difference in the composition of gut microbiota between young and aged hosts, but little is known about whether age matching between the FMT donor and recipient affects microbiota restoration and long-term maintenance. In the present investigation, we aimed to study the establishment and resilience of transplanted gut microbiota in aged recipients. Results: We treated naturally aged mice (20 months old) with a broad-spectrum antibiotic cocktail and monitored the restoration of gut microbiota over 8 weeks. The diversity of gut microbiota in aged mice failed to reach the baseline level via spontaneous recovery; in contrast, FMT from either (age-)matched or unmatched donors facilitated the recovery of gut microbiota diversity. The microbiota transplanted from different donors successfully established in the aged recipients and had long-term effects on the gene expression profiles of the host colon. Finally, we evaluated the long-term maintenance of transplanted microbiota via intentional disruption of gut homeostasis. We found that lack of age matching between FMT donors and recipients may decrease the resilience of transplanted gut microbiota against colonic inflammation. Conclusions: The results from our study systematically examining the effects of FMT on the gut homeostasis of aged hosts suggest that the compatibility between donors and recipients should be taken into account when implementing FMT.
A Deep Learning Method for Estimating Patient Body Weight Using Computed Tomography Scout Images
Authors: Ichikawa Shota , Hamada Misaki , Sugimori Hiroyuki
Published: May 2021

Body weight is an indispensable parameter for determination of the dose of contrast media, appropriate drug dosing, or management of radiation dose. However, we cannot always determine the accurate patient body weight at the time of computed tomography (CT) scan, especially in emergency care. In this study, based on 1831 chest and 519 abdominal CT scout images with the corresponding body weight, we developed deep learning models capable of automatically predicting body weight from CT scout images. In the assessment of model performance, there were strong correlations between the actual and predicted body weight both in chest (r = 0.955, p < 0.001) and abdominal datasets (r = 0.901, p < 0.001). Mean absolute errors were 2.75 kg and 4.77 kg for chest and abdominal datasets, respectively. The proposed method was able to predict body weight from chest and abdominal CT scout images with high accuracy. Body weight derived from our method may show potential use in determination of the dose of contrast media and management of radiation dose in adult patients with unknown body weight.
Scrutiny Of Chemical Surfactants (n-Heptane, Polyimide, PVA, PVP, SDS) Based CdO Nanoparticles For The Application Of Solar Radiation Photocatalytic And Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Somasundaram Gopi , R Jayaprakash
Published: May 2021

The chemical surfactant-based synthesis route is the C-H-based aqueous method using to form the restrained shape of Cadmium Oxide (CdO) nanoparticles. The effect of different weight percentages of n-HEPTANE, POLYIMIDE, PVA, PVP, SDS in the preparation of CdO nanoparticles is studied. The surfactants are highly influenced by particle size variation and morphology gets changed. The role of surfactant is not produced any structural change apart from the particle size which is the advantageous part of the surfactant-based synthesis. The particle sizes from X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were found that there is a decrease in particle size from 54 to 92 nm when using the artificial chemical additives. The firmness of the CdO nanoparticles synthesized with help of chemical surfactants was characterized by UV-vis Diffused Reflectance Spectrometer (DRS), Fourier Transformer inferred (FT-IR), and photoluminescence studies. The photocatalytic activity and antimicrobial activity is investigated on using the chemical surfactant-based CdO nanoparticles as catalyst under Solar irradiation and zone inhibition method respectively.
Florfenicol-resistant, Rabbit-derived Providencia Rettgeri Isolate With 4 Copies of floR Genes in a Tandem-repeat Plasmid
Authors: Jiang Yi , Zhou Kexin , Zhang Peiyao , Dong Xu , sun Zhewei , Liang Jialei , Lin Hailong , Zhang Xueya , Li Qiaoling , Lu Junwan , Lin Xi , Lin Li , Li Kewei , Zhang Hailin , Xu Teng , Bao Qiyu
Published: May 2021

Background: This work aimed to investigate the resistance mechanism to antimicrobial agents (especially florfenicol) exhibited by Providencia isolates obtained from various sources.Methods: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the distribution of the florfenicol resistance genes. Conjugation, S1-PFGE (S1 nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis), sequencing and other molecular methods were employed to analyze the transferability and structure of the resistance gene-encoding plasmids. Results: It showed that the human pathogens exhibited a wider resistance spectrum, while the animal bacteria had higher MIC values for most antibiotics analyzed. Of the seven florfenicol resistance genes (floR, fexA, fexB, optrA, estDL136, cfr and pexA) screened, only floR was identified in both animal (5/10, 50%) and human bacteria (3/13, 23.1%), and none of them was detected in freshwater fish isolates (0/22). The floR-positive strains exhibited high MIC levels for florfenicol (≥ 64 mg/L). The whole genome sequencing of the multidrug-resistant Providencia rettgeri strain R39 demonstrated that it carried four plasmids, with two larger plasmids encoding 5 copies of the floR genes. The largest plasmid, pR39-33 (32,936 bp) with 4 floR genes, was composed of 4 copies of the second large plasmid pR39-8 which encoded 8 ORFs (open reading frames) including a floR and two mobilization genes (mobAC) in the form of tandem repeat. It indicated that the floR gene represented the primary mechanism underlying the florfenicol resistance of the Providencia isolates. Conclusions: This report is the first to describe an antibiotic-resistant plasmid composed of four copies of another plasmid sequence in the form of a tandem repeat.
HDAC Inhibitor 4SC-202 Increases Sensitivity to Epirubicin in Liver Cancer Cells by Inhibition of ATM
Authors: Cheng Zhixiang , Sun Quan , Jiang Ping , Liao Bo
Published: May 2021

Background: Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can enhance the anticancer effect of epirubicin in liver cancer. However, the molecular mechanism remains unknown. In our study, we aimed to examine the effect of the combination of HDAC inhibitor 4SC-202 and epirubicin and the underlying mechanism in liver cancer cells. Methods: Cell viability assay, flow cytometry, western blotting, colony formation assay, animal experiment, immunohistochemistry, PCR, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were conducted. Results: We found that 4SC-202 and epirubicin inhibited the growth and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in of HepG2 and Huh7 cells. The combination treatment also reduced tumorigenicity of liver cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, 4SC-202 promoted tumor protein D52 (TPD52) transcription and induced TPD52 expression by inhibiting HDAC1/2. TPD52 downregulated ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) expression caused by epirubicin, and liver cancer cells were more sensitive to epirubicin after ATM inhibition. Conclusions: Our results show that 4SC-202 enhances chemosensitivity to epirubicin in liver cancer cells via inhibiting ATM and suggest that the combination may serve as a novel strategy for treatment of liver cancer.
SARS-CoV-2 infections among neonates born to women with SARS-CoV-2 infection: maternal, pregnancy and birth characteristics
Authors: Olsen Emily O’Malley , Roth Nicole M. , Aveni Kathryn , Sizemore Lindsey , Nestoridi Eirini , Siebman Samantha , Santos Pauline , Halai Umme-Aiman , Barton Jerusha , Patrick Paul H. , Sowunmi Similoluwa , Chicchelly Sarah , Schlosser Levi , Read Jennifer S. , Ellington Sascha R. , Hall Aron , Gilboa Suzanne M. , Tong Van T. , Woodworth Kate R.
Published: May 2021

Among 10,011 neonates of SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers, 1448 (14%) underwent PCR testing (and 1347 (95%) had mothers with third trimester infections). Fifty-nine (4%) were PCR-positive. Neonates testing positive were born to both symptomatic and asymptomatic women, and nearly all were born to women with infection identified near delivery.
Metabolic Syndrome Diagnosis Changes and Psoriasis Risk: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Lee Hyun Ji , Han Kyung Do , Park Hae Eun , Han Ju Hee , Bang Chul Hwan , Park Young Min , Lee Ji Hyun
Published: May 2021

Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with psoriasis, but it remains unclear whether the risk of psoriasis remains in patients whose MetS diagnosis changes.
Objectives
To assess the associations between psoriasis risk and changes in MetS components.
Methods
We obtained data from the National Health Insurance Service of Korea and divided the participants into four groups: individuals without MetS (control); individuals with MetS in 2009 but without it in 2012 (pre-MetS); individuals without MetS in 2009, but with newly diagnosed MetS in 2012 (post-MetS); and individuals with MetS during the 2009–2012 period (continuous-MetS). We calculated the risk of psoriasis for each group.
Results
Psoriasis risks were similar in the control and pre-MetS groups, but were significantly higher in the post-MetS group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08495%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.045–1.124) and in the continuous-MetS group (HR, 1.106; 95% CI, 1.068–1.145) than in the control group. Among MetS components, waist circumference showed the strongest association with psoriasis, followed by high-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels.
Conclusion
Psoriasis risk was higher in patients with sustained or newly developed MetS than in those who did not have MetS (regardless of prior MetS status).
Development of a Prioritization Model to Compare Emergency Psychiatric Coverage Service Options
Authors: Sandling Jacqueline , Carrothers Kathleen , Svec David
Published: May 2021

Background: Reducing Length of Stay (LOS) is an important way for hospitals to improve emergency department (ED) costs and outcomes. Psychiatric patients represent a challenge to reducing LOS when the scarcity of psychiatric specialists leads to longer LOS. Previous literature describes the unique solutions different hospitals have employed across the US, but does not share methods for evaluating or selecting a solution that can be applied to other hospitals.Methods: We conducted a review of hospital ED case data, market research on psychiatry services, and interviews with hospital staff. This information, along with projected return on investment, was aggregated to create a holistic model for evaluating different service options and selecting the one with the best fit.Results: To develop a prioritization model that identifies the one psychiatric service improving psychiatric LOS and best fitting the hospital’s overall priorities and operations, our methodology identified 8 key factors that captured the overall difficulty of implementation and benefits associated with each service option.Conclusion: The Prioritization Model created in this study was instrumental in selecting the solution for reducing LOS in a way that best meets patients’ and the hospitals’ needs. This model may be applied to other hospitals and service evaluations to provide a holistic review and direct comparison of opportunities.
Diagnostic classification based on DNA methylation profiles using sequential machine learning approaches.
Authors: Wojewodzic Marcin W. , Lavender Jan P.
Published: May 2021

Aberrant methylation patterns in human DNA have great potential for the discovery of novel diagnostic and disease progression biomarkers. In this paper, we used machine learning algorithms to identify promising methylation sites for diagnosing cancerous tissue and to classify patients based on methylation values at these sites. We used genome-wide DNA methylation patterns from both cancerous and normal tissue samples, obtained from the Genomic Data Commons consortium and trialled our methods on three types of urological cancer. A decision tree was used to identify the methylation sites most useful for diagnosis. The identified locations were then used to train a neural network to classify samples as either cancerous or non-cancerous. Using this two-step approach we found strong indicative biomarker panels for each of the three cancer types. These methods could likely be translated to other cancers and improved by using non-invasive liquid methods such as blood instead of biopsy tissue.
Correlation of Clinicopathological Features and IL6 Expression in Tumor Budding of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Uehara Takeshi , Sato Koichi , Iwaya Mai , Nakajima Tomoyuki , Tobe Yosuke , Nagaya Tadanobu , Miyagawa Yusuke , Ota Hiroyoshi
Published: May 2021

Background: Interleukin-6 (IL6) is one of the main cytokines produced by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). IL6 is linked with cancer progression and poor prognosis by activating cancer cells and modifying the cancer microenvironment. However, little is known about the expression of IL6 in tumor budding (TB) and its association with TB in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Methods: The clinicopathological and prognostic significance of IL6 in TB was examined using a tissue microarray consisting of 36 patient samples of TB in CA. IL6 mRNA was detected by RNAscope kit. Patients were stratified into negative and positive IL6 expression groups. Results: IL6 expression was overwhelmingly observed in CAFs but was negligible in cancer cells. In the IL6-positive group in CAFs, TB grade was higher than in the IL6-negative group (P=0.0161). There was a significant difference in overall survival (OS) between CA cases in the IL6-positive group and the IL6-negative group (log rank test, P=0.0367). Cox proportional hazard regression model revealed that the IL6-negative group (OR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.05–0.96; P=0.0440) had better OS for CA than the IL6-positive group. Conclusions: TB may be affected by IL6 expression, and IL6 expression in CAFs at TB may make IL6 an important prognostic marker.
Exacerbation of hepatic damage in endothelial aquaporin 1 transgenic mice after experimental heatstroke.
Authors: Ohtaki Hirokazu , Miyamoto Kazuyuki , Suzuki Keisuke , Nakamura Motoyasu , Yamaga Hiroki , Miyazaki Takuro , Wakayama Yoshihiro , Honda Kazuho , Dohi Kenji , Arata Satoru
Published: May 2021

Background: Heatstroke is a life-threatening disease that causes body fluid loss and electrolyte abnormalities due to exposure to high ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH). Recently, global warming has increased the number of heatstroke patients worldwide. Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) is a water-selective protein that plays an important role in water homeostasis. However, the role of AQP1 in heatstroke has not been elucidated yet. Therefore, in this study, we examined the role of endothelial AQP1 using Tie2-Cre/LNL-AQP1 double transgenic (dTG) mice with an upregulation of aqp1 on endothelial cells. Methods: Tie2-Cre/LNL-AQP1 dTG mice were generated by breeding CAG-LNL(STOP)-AQP1 Tg and Tie2-Cre Tg mice. The transgenes were evaluated in the brain because brain vessels do not express aqp1. For production of experimental heatstroke, the mice were kept in a heatstroke chamber that was pre-heated at 41 °C AT and >99% RH for 1 h, and the blood, brain, kidney, and liver were collected 24 h later. Blood samples were analyzed for biochemical parameters such as electrolytes and tissue damage markers, and the organs were examined via morphological and immunohistological (3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), AQP1, and Iba-1) staining. Results: Although no difference was observed in aqp1 expression in the whole brain, aqp1 was detected only in Tie2-Cre/LNL-AQP1 dTG mice after capillary deprivation. Moreover, AQP1 immunostaining also revealed immunoreaction in blood vessels. After heat exposure, electrolyte abnormalities were observed in both the wild and Tie2-Cre/LNL-AQP1 dTG mice compared to non-heat stroke wild mice. Hepatic damage markers, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, were increased, and serum lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly higher in Tie2-Cre/LNL-AQP1 dTG mice than in wild mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and 3-NT immunoreactivity in the liver also supported hepatic damage. Moreover, the number of hepatic vasculature adherent Iba-1 positive cells was significantly higher in Tie2-Cre/LNL-AQP1 dTG mice than in wild mice. Conclusions: In the present study, for the first time, we suggested that endothelial AQP1 contributes to hepatic damage after heatstroke.
Comprehensive Mapping of Binding Hot Spots of SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific Neutralizing Antibodies for Tracking Immune Escape Variants
Authors: Yi Chunyan , Sun Xiaoyu , Lin Yixiao , Gu Chenjian , Ding Longfei , Lu Xiao , Yang Zhuo , Zhang Yaguang , Ma Liyan , Gu Wangpeng , Qu Aidong , Zhou Xu , Li Xiuling , Xu Jianqing , Ling Zhiyang , Xie Youhua , Lu Hongzhou , Sun Bing
Published: May 2021

The receptor-binding domain (RBD) variants of SARS-CoV-2 could impair antibody-mediated neutralization of the virus by host immunity; thus, prospective surveillance for such antibody escape mutants is urgently needed. Here, we comprehensively profiled four antigenic sites of the RBD and mapped the binding hot spots for a panel of RBD-specific monoclonal antibodies isolated from COVID-19 convalescents, especially dominant VH3-53/3–66 antibodies, which are valuable indicators of antigenic changes in the RBD. We further demonstrated that several natural mutations, namely, K417N, F486L, N450K, L452R, E484K, F490S and R346S, significantly decreased the neutralizing activity of multiple human monoclonal antibodies and of human convalescent plasma obtained in the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of note, among the natural escape mutations, L452R enhanced ACE2 binding affinity, indicating that it potentially increased virulence. Overall, the in-depth maps may have far-reaching value for surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 immune escape variants and guidance of vaccine design.
Metamaterial inspired triband offset feed rectangular monopole for wireless applications
Authors: S PRASAD JONES CHRISTYDASS , N Gunavathi
Published: May 2021

A rectangular monopole engraved with an open complementary split-ring resonator (OCSRR) metamaterial is designed and proposed for multiband radio applications. The proposed antenna has a rectangular monopole feed with offset microstrip feed, and the OCSRR designed at 3.14 GHz is engraved in the radiating element. The OCSRR is a special type of metamaterial with small electrical size. The OCSRR modifies the current direction due to its negative permittivity, which creates another resonance at 3.16 GHz. The left offset feed and abridged ground length creates another resonance at 3.82 GHz and responsible for good impedance matching are achieved in all the resonating bands. The entire antenna is designed and fabricated on the FR4 substrate with a complete measurement equal to 27.84 mm x 23.25 mm x 1.6 mm. The proposed structure shows the multiband characteristics at 3.16 GHz, 3.82 GHz, and 5.14 GHz with a S 11 of -19.83 dB, -17.90 dB, and -55.73 dB, respectively. The critical parameters of the OCSRR are decided using the parametric analysis, and the simulated results are presented. The OCSRR negative permittivity extraction is done with NRW wave guide extraction method, and the result is validated with the help of OCSRR resonant frequency calculation. The uniformity is well maintained between the measured and simulated results. The multiband characteristics, reasonable gain, compactness, low design complexity, and small size are the significant features of the proposed antenna
Analytical Solutions to Blocked Lubrication
Authors: Liu Shuangbiao
Published: May 2021

When mixed/boundary lubrication problems are studied, proper boundary conditions are needed to reflect the local physical reality that occurs between fluid lubrication and solid contacts. In order to improve understanding of such reality, often in a microscopic scale hidden from direct observation, simple lubrication problems with zero net exiting flow or blocked lubrication are identified, and several analytical solutions are derived for the first time based on one- and two-dimensional Reynolds equations.
Magnitude and determinants of unmet need for family planning in Ethiopia from 2013- March 2020: Meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Getahun Daniel Shitu , Habtegiorgis Samuel Derbie , Telayneh Anmut Tekele , Mazeingia Yohannes Teka
Published: May 2021

Unmet need for family planning is a major problem in developing countries. Millions of women want to delay or avoid pregnancy but are not using Contraception. Addressing the unmet need for family planning provides an opportunity for policymakers to respond to existing choice problems. Simultaneously improving maternal and child health, slowing the rate of population growth, and contributing to the achievement of national goals. This study aimed to determine the pooled Magnitude and determinants of unmet need for family planning in Ethiopia. Ten articles with 19312 study participants were identified through electronic search of reputable databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane library, MIDLINE, EMBASE, and Ovid Maternity and Infant Care Databases. 10 studies were selected based on a comprehensive list of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The analysis was done by using STATA 14 statistical software. To assess heterogeneity, the Cochrane Q test statistic and I2 tests were used and a random effect model was also used to estimate the pooled prevalence of perinatal mortality rate. The pooled prevalence of the unmet need of modern family planning among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia was 19.99,95% CI(16.53,23.45).Age at first marriage less than 18, OR = 1.37, 95 CI :( 1.04–1.18),discussion with husbands, OR = 0.24, 95%CI :( 0.12–0.49), having two and less children OR = 0.49,95CI:(0.35–0.67), illiterate partner OR = 3.61, 95 %( 2.63–4.95), good attitude of partner OR = 0.11,95% CI:(0.05–0.26), history of discussion with health care worker OR = 0.31,95%CI: (0.14–0.68), a poor knowledge OR = 3.15,95% CI:(1.75–5.69) were significantly associated with unmet need for family planning. Unmet need for planning in Ethiopia is high as compared to world unmet need according to the United Nations World family planning report of 2017 which states one in ten reproductive age women have an unmet need for family planning but this study revealed one in five the same age group women had an unmet need for it. Early marriage, women’s discussion with husbands and health care workers about family planning, having children greater than two, education status and attitudes of husband, and knowledge of women about family planning were significantly associated with unmet need for family planning. So great effort is needed from all stakeholders to involve males in family planning decisions, alleviate early marriages, and structured health education interventions for both husbands and women to reduce the unmet need for family planning.
Ein zu hoher Workload in der Germanistik? Das Online-Semester 2020 für Studierende der Universität Bielefeld
Authors: Lanius Karima
Published: May 2021

In diesem Beitrag wird der Versuch unternommen, dem hohen Workload der Germanistik-Studierenden im Online-Semester 2020 auf die Spur zu kommen. Die abschließende These ist, dass auch der mangelnde Austausch zwischen den Studierenden und den Dozenten*innen zu einem höheren Arbeitsaufwand führt. Diese These ist als Diskussionsgrundlage zu verstehen. Um zu diesem Gedanken hinzuführen, wird zum einen auf den offenen Brief "Zur Verteidigung der Präsenzlehre" und zum anderen auf die Studierendenbefragung zum Sommersemester 2020 der Universität Bielefeld Bezug genommen. Dabei fließen ebenfalls die Erfahrungen aus dem Bielefelder Kollegium der germanistischen Mediävistik ein. Ich werde demnach kurz auf die Definition der Universität, wie sie in dem offenen Brief dargestellt wird, eingehen, um dann zur Umfrage der Universität Bielefeld überzuleiten. Die Lehrerfahrungen aus der Mediävistik formen dann abschließend die eingangs erwähnte These.
Blended Learning vor und nach Corona: Germanistische Seminare in Amsterdam und Antwerpen
Authors: Ernst Thomas
Published: May 2021

Die Arbeitsbedingungen und fachlichen Strukturen der Germanistiken jenseits von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz sind anders - diese verschiedenen Voraussetzungen bringen sowohl andere Probleme als auch andere Potenziale mit sich. Mein Beitrag soll daher sowohl die Debatte über die digitale Lehre in der Germanistik in den DACH-Ländern um eine belgische sowie niederländische Außenperspektive befruchten als auch den Austausch mit anderen Germanistiken ermöglichen, die unter ähnlichen Bedingungen arbeiten. Vor diesen Hintergründen möchte der Beitrag zunächst darstellen, 1) wie sich die germanistische Lehre an der Universiteit van Amsterdam bereits vor der Covid-19-Pandemie gestaltete und inwiefern asynchrone und digitale Verfahren dabei eine wichtige Rolle spielten, sowie 2), welche positiven wie auch problematischen Effekte die spontan notwendige Umstellung vom Campus- auf den Online-Unterricht im März 2020 an der Universiteit Antwerpen mit sich brachte. Schließlich sollen daraus 3) Empfehlungen zu einem Blended Learning in der germanistischen Lehre nach der Covid-19-Pandemie sowie 4) Implikationen für die Bildungspolitik und für die Germanistik abgeleitet werden.
Kollaborative Textarbeit in der Mediävistik: Einsatzmöglichkeiten von Textbearbeitungstools bei der Erschließung von Texten in älteren Sprachstufen des Deutschen
Authors: Schultz-Balluff Simone
Published: May 2021

Das Teilfach Germanistische Mediävistik kann bei den Studienanfänger*innen auf keine nennenswerten Vorkenntnisse zurückgreifen, d.h. zu Studienbeginn muss sowohl in die historische Sprache (zumeist handelt es sich um das Mittelhochdeutsche) als auch die vormoderne Literatur (einschließlich der Kultur) grundlegend eingeführt werden. Zumeist geschieht dies auf "engem" Raum: I.d.R. werden innerhalb eines Semesters sprachliche bzw. sprachhistorische, literaturwissenschaftliche und kulturhistorische Grundlagen so vermittelt, dass in den folgenden thematischen Seminaren darauf aufgebaut werden kann. Der Einstieg in die Germanistische Mediävistik ist sehr sprachorientiert, Grammatik und Übersetzen bestimmen das Bild. Dabei wird zu wenig berücksichtigt, dass Übersetzen nicht mit Verstehen gleichzusetzen ist und es hier weiterführender Erschließungswege bedarf, allerdings werden Strategien zum Textverstehen ohne bzw. neben der Übersetzung kaum vermittelt (z.B. über Textverstehensfragen). In den ersten thematischen Seminaren wird ein deutlich literaturwissenschaftlicher Weg beschritten, bei dem Grammatik, sprachliche Formung und Übersetzen nur noch am Rande vorkommen. Die Auseinandersetzung mit dem nicht übersetzten Text erfolgt häufig nur punktuell, nicht selten wird nur noch mittels Übersetzungen über den Text gesprochen.
Studentische Kompetenzentwicklung fördern: Lehrerfahrungen einer digitalen literaturwissenschaftlichen Blockveranstaltung im Basismodul (Sommersemester 2020)
Authors: Lammer Christina
Published: May 2021

Als Lehrbeauftragte des Instituts für Deutsche Sprache und Literatur I habe ich eine Blockveranstaltung zu dem Thema "Was nun? – Literatur der Zwischenkriegszeit 1918–1933" an der Universität zu Köln abgehalten. In diesem Beitrag stelle ich drei Arbeitsaufgaben für dieses Proseminar vor, die Studierende niedriger Semester "abholen" und auf die Voraussetzung eines erfolgreichen (Lehramts-)Studiums vorbereiten sollen. Ziel der vorgestellten Arbeitsaufgaben ist es, den Studierenden eine selbstreflexive Haltung als akademische Schlüsselkompetenz zu vermitteln und ihnen zusätzlich zu verdeutlichen, wie ihre Sprachkompetenz auf akademische Leistungen einwirkt: der Erwerb von Bildungssprache wird neben literaturwissenschaftlichen Grundlagen als ein Lernziel der Veranstaltung präsentiert. Der Erfahrungsbericht ist repräsentativ für Lehrende, die vor den pandemiebedingten Einschränkungen digitale Methoden minimal genutzt haben und begrenzte technische Mittel zur Verfügung haben. Ich präsentiere Arbeitsaufgaben für eine digitale Lehrumgebung, die sich lediglich auf die Software Zoom und andere gängige, leicht zugängliche Software und Programme beschränkt. Es stehen daher nicht die digitalen Mittel im Vordergrund, sondern der Erwerb von Schlüsselkompetenzen während einer online-Veranstaltung.
Virtuelle statt realer Präsenz: Begriffe und Konzepte für die digitale Lehre in der Germanistik
Authors: Berg Gunhild
Published: May 2021

Angesichts der Neuheit und Vielfalt digitaler Lehr-Lernformate im Sommersemester 2020, dem sog. Corona-Semester, zielt der Beitrag auf einen Überblick über Begriffe, Konzepte und Formate von digitaler Lehre, der sowohl aktuelle Erfahrungen als auch frühere Entwicklungen des E-Learnings berücksichtigt und abschließend digitale Gestaltungsoptionen für virtuelle Präsenzphasen empfiehlt.
Kinematics analysis of a FLHL robot parallel-executed cylinder mechanical integration system with force/position hybrid control servo actuator
Authors: Wang Yongmei , Wang Xigui , Fu Baixue , Ruan Jiafu , An Siyuan
Published: May 2021

In this research subtopic, an electro-hydraulic servo four-legged heavy load (FLHL) robot has been designed and developed. This paper proposes an integration layout cylinder design scheme for a non-lightweight hydraulic servo four-legged robot with high loads and torques of hip joint, and derives the mathematical element analysis model for a parallel hydraulic servo cylinder system. The multiple inherent characteristics of the parallel-executed cylinder integration system model are further explored. Based on the controllable functional requirements of interconnected joints and weakening the influence of internal force coupling, a design idea of force/position hybrid control scheme for the parallel-executed cylinder is determined, and then the force/position signal module design unit is used to reversely solve the force/position hybrid control. Considering the inherent requirements of the servo-executed cylinder force control unit module, the implementation process of magnetic flux compensation and speed compensation is discussed in detail. The minimum amplitude controller is applied to the servo-executed cylinder force unit module, and the proportional integrated controller has been determined in the servo-executed cylinder position control unit module. A compound control strategy proposed in this paper is verified on a parallel hydraulic servo platform. The experimental verification results reveal that the values of position/force attenuation amplitude and lag phase are not greater than 9 % and 18°, respectively. In addition, the feasibility of the interconnected implementation of the hybrid control scheme proposed in this paper is further deepened. The effective conclusion of this research will be accepted in the application field of FLHL robot control system.
Papel de los microARN en la patogénesis del cáncer de próstata
Authors: Fernández Turizo María José , Galindo Quintero María Camila , Mosquera Lizcano Guillermo Andrés , Echavarría Cano Oriana , Gallo García Yuliana Marcela
Published: May 2021

El cáncer de próstata es una enfermedad prevalente, generadora de gran morbimortalidad y reportada como la quinta causa de muerte a nivel mundial. Según las estimaciones de GLOBOCAN (Global Cancer Observatory por sus siglas en inglés) para el año 2018 se reportaron 1 276 106 casos nuevos a nivel mundial. Recientemente, surgen los microARN como una posible estrategia futura como biomarcadores, tanto para el diagnóstico como para el tratamiento de la enfermedad. Los microARN son pequeñas moléculas de ARN que cumplen un papel en la regulación de la expresión génica, por lo que la expresión variable de estas moléculas tiene una función importante en la patogénesis del cáncer de próstata. La revisión de la literatura en diferentes bases de datos permitió evidenciar su papel en la patogénesis del cáncer de próstata. Se sugiere que la expresión diferencial de estas moléculas biológicas podría ser de utilidad en la práctica clínica. En Colombia se encuentra en investigación su utilidad en diferentes enfermedades, por lo cual esta revisión de tema podría contribuir a futuras investigaciones.
Encefalopatía posterior reversible en niño trasplantado de corazón
Authors: Zuluaga Aristizábal Isabel Cristina , Restrepo Bernal Diana Patricia , Zuluaga Restrepo Marcela , Zapata Sánchez Margarita María , Palomino Rodríguez Arnaldo Andres
Published: May 2021

La encefalopatía posterior reversible es un síndrome clínico-radiológico caracterizado por hipertensión arterial, cefalea, alteraciones visuales, convulsiones y delirium. Radiológicamente, se observa edema vasogénico en regiones subcorticales con predilección por los lóbulos posteriores del cerebro. Ha sido asociada con trasplante de órgano sólido, hipertensión arterial y uso de medicamentos inmunosupresores, como los anticalcineurínicos. Se reporta el caso de un niño de seis años quien inició con cefalea, cifras tensionales elevadas, irritabilidad, agresividad y por momentos agitado cinco días después de recibir un trasplante ortotópico de corazón y un día después de inicio de tacrolimus. El tratamiento incluyó manejo sintomático con antihipertensivos y anticonvulsivantes, además del aumento progresivo del inmunosupresor hasta niveles terapéuticos en sangre para disminuir el riesgo de rechazo del injerto. El síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible debe ser considerado en pacientes trasplantados de corazón que reciben inhibidores de la calcineurina y presentan síntomas neurológicos.
Comunicación interventricular post-infarto agudo de miocardio: una complicación inusual pero mortal
Authors: Cáceres Acosta Manuel Felipe , Castaño Cifuentes Orlando , Peláez Ramos Camilo Andrés , Naranjo Restrepo Sebastián , Duque Ramírez Mauricio
Published: May 2021

Introducción: la revascularización temprana ha reducido la presencia de complicaciones mecánicas del infarto agudo de miocardio; la comunicación interventricular suele ocurrir entre el tercer y quinto día después del infarto. Se presenta el caso de un paciente poco usual y en quien los síntomas predominantes fueron principalmente gástricos.
Descripción: paciente masculino de 65 años, con historia de hipertensión arterial, tabaquismo activo y consumo frecuente de alcohol, quien consultó por síntomas gastrointestinales y dolor torácico de características atípicas. En el examen físico se encontró un soplo holosistólico de predominio en los focos de la base. El electrocardiograma documentó QS en pared inferior, sin alteraciones del segmento ST-T, biomarcadores positivos y el ecocardiograma encontró disfunción sistólica, aneurisma del segmento basal y medio de la pared inferior con comunicación interventricular con flujo de izquierda a derecha. Fue llevado a coronariografía diagnóstica encontrándose enfermedad severa de dos vasos y luego fue intervenido quirúrgicamente para corrección de aneurisma ventricular, comunicación interventricular y bypass coronario.
Conclusión: reconocer las manifestaciones clínicas atípicas del infarto agudo de miocardio y un examen físico bien realizado permiten identificar problemas muy serios, como las complicaciones mecánicas del infarto.
Numerical study of hydro-environmental processes of Poyang Lake subject to engineering control
Authors: Ho Hinchung , Liang Dongfang , Huang Guoxian , Fu Shasha , Xu Xinfa
Published: May 2021

Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China, plays a key role in regulating the hydrology, water quality and ecosystem in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Recent industrialization and urbanization in Jiangxi province have led to rapid increase in water consumption and water quality deterioration. In this research, a numerical model is developed to simulate the hydrodynamics and water quality evolutions in Poyang Lake and its surrounding river network. The study links an in-house one-dimensional river network model with a MIKE multi-layered three-dimensional hydro-environmental model. The validated model is used to investigate the impact of a proposed downstream barrage on Poyang Lake's flow and ecosystem. All of the five considered barrage operation schemes demonstrate the capability of increasing the water level and inundation area during the dry period, especially in the lake's downstream region. The barrage schemes help reduce the lake's nutrient concentrations, due to the enhanced dilution at higher water levels. Nonetheless, the barrage leads to DO depletion which could pose a threat to the aquatic wildlife and habitats. This study's findings contribute to a better understanding of the hydro-environmental influence of the proposed barrage and thus the optimisation of its operation to mitigate the adverse influence.
Inhibition of the activated sludge-associated enzyme phosphatase by transition metal oxyanions
Authors: Böger Beatriz , Wacht Marion , Leuck Michaela , de O. Vilhena Raquel , Riese Maria , Fischer Klaus
Published: May 2021

Organic esters of phosphoric acid and other organophosphorous compounds are enzymatically hydrolyzed during wastewater treatment by microbial phosphoesterases, especially by phosphomonoesterase (phosphatase). For physiological reasons, the enzyme is inhibited by its main inorganic reaction product, ortho-phosphate. It is known that oxyanions of transition metals, resembling the molecular topology of ortho-phosphate, e.g. vanadate and tungstate, are more potent inhibitors for microbial alkaline phosphatase than phosphate. To proof this effect for activated sludge, a multitude of samples from a communal wastewater treatment plant was exposed at pH values from 7.00 to 8.50 to tungstate, vanadate, and molybdate. Inhibition effects were determined by a sensitive fluorimetric microplate assay and characteristic parameters (IC50 and IC20 concentrations) were deduced from modelled dose-response functions. Mean inhibitor concentrations (in brackets: ranges) causing 50% inactivation (IC50) at pH 7.50 were 2.5 (1.3–4.1) μM tungstate, 2.9 (1.6–5.5) μM vanadate, and 41.4 (33.6–56.7) μM molybdate. Vanadate and tungstate concentrations between 0.6 and 0.7 μM provoked a 20% (IC20) inhibition. The inhibition efficiency of tungstate and molybdate decreased with increasing pH, whereas vanadate reacted pH independently. These results underline the necessity to consider enzyme inhibition assessing the limitations and potentials of biological wastewater treatment processes.
A imagem estereotipada dos chineses em crónicas portuguesas
Authors: Costa Marta , Peixoto Bruna
Published: May 2021

Os estereótipos e preconceitos possibilitam a diferenciação e separação entre culturas, levando por vezes a problemas de aceitação e adaptação. Os meios de comunicação fazem parte da vida quotidiana, sendo, atualmente, indispensáveis para a transmissão de conhecimento dentro e entre comunidades. A transmissão de informação parece por vezes recorrer ao uso de estereótipos e preconceitos para influenciar o público para uma determinada opinião, ou, simplesmente, facilitar a compreensão de um evento. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste artigo é apurar se e de que modo os meios de comunicação portugueses, em particular a crónica jornalística, transmitem e conservam estereótipos e preconceitos sobre a China e os chineses. Deste modo, inicia-se o mesmo com uma breve base teórica para a análise de textos retirados de revistas portuguesas, procedendo-se ao levantamento de estereótipos e preconceitos sobre os chineses neles presentes. Propõe-se que a linguagem usada pelos autores de crónicas, influenciada pelos estereótipos sobre os chineses, contribui para a manutenção de ‘ideias feitas’ na sociedade.
A variação dos verbos existenciais 'haver' e 'ter' em situações de alto grau de monitoramento estilístico com dados do falar culto dos fortalezenses
Authors: Viana Rakel Beserra de Macedo , De Araújo Aluíza Alves
Published: May 2021

Com base na perspectiva da Sociolinguística Variacionista, analisamos a atuação de fatores linguísticos e sociais sobre a variação dos verbos existenciais haver e ter em entrevistas do tipo Elocução Formal oriundas do banco de dados do Projeto Português Oral Culto de Fortaleza - PORCUFORT Fase I. Para tanto, coletamos dados da fala de 15 indivíduos, a fim de analisarmos, dentre 12 variáveis linguísticas e extralinguísticas, quais são relevantes para a variação em pauta. Os resultados da análise estatística revelaram que, de 523 dados, 192 dados são do verbo haver (29,1%) e 331 do verbo ter (50,2%). Os grupos de fatores relevantes para a análise foram, nessa ordem de importância: Concordância entre o verbo e o SN, Sexo, Faixa etária, Tempo e modo verbal e Presença de elementos à esquerda do verbo.
Estrutura escalar em classes acionais As propriedades aspectuais visíveis para a gramática
Authors: Gomes Ana Paula Quadros , Gomes Ana Carla do Nascimento , Medeiros Bruno de Souza
Published: May 2021

Empregamos os fatos sobre o licenciamento de pouco, muito, bastante e bem (de maneira) em sintagmas verbais como ferramenta para identificar as dimensões de evento escalares projetadas pelas classes de Vendler (1957), cuja validade os fatos atestam. Adotamos, na linha da semântica formal, a teoria de graus de Kennedy e McNally (2005), e o Princípio da Economia Interpretativa (Kennedy 2007) para tratar da distribuição e interpretação desses advérbios modificadores de graus. Defendemos que pouco, muito e bastante selecionam semanticamente dimensões quantitativas de escala aberta, o que explica sua agramaticalidade com accomplishments e achievements, enquanto bem (de maneira) seleciona dimensões qualitativas, apresentando um comportamento peculiar com achievements.
O uso do imperfeito em português europeu e em espanhol europeu
Authors: Azevedo Bárbara
Published: May 2021

Este trabalho tem como principal objetivo analisar o uso do pretérito imperfeito do indicativo emduas línguas românicas, o português europeu e o espanhol europeu, de modo a verificar se os seususos, em determinados contextos, são equivalentes ou distintos. A análise baseia-se em dadosrecolhidos em dois repositórios linguísticos, um português (CETEMPúblico) e outro espanhol(CREA), assim como em jornais online portugueses e espanhóis. O estudo centra-se emconstruções condicionais com o intuito de verificar até que ponto as duas línguas convergem ounão quanto ao uso do imperfeito nestas construções. Depois da análise dos dados, observou-seque há algumas diferenças entre as duas línguas nestas construções, tendo por base as classesaspetuais com as quais o pretérito imperfeito se combina.
Sobre tempo e aspeto nas línguas românicas Palavras introdutórias
Authors: Barroso Henrique , Osório Paulo
Published: May 2021

Conquantotemático (“Tempo e aspeto nas línguas românicas: sincronia e diacronia”), o presente número (35.1) da revista Diacríticaé constituído portrês secções. Da primeira, a nuclear (por aí se inserirem os artigos subordinados à temática), fazem parte sete estudos que refletem sobre várias questões relativas ao tema proposto pelos editores, mais precisamente, sobreum conjunto detópicos cuja apresentação resumida1passamosa explicitar nos parágrafos que se seguem.