bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Very Early Cytomegalovirus Infection After Renal Transplantation: A Single-Center 20-Year Perspective
Authors: Jorgenson MR , Descourouez JL , Astor BC , Smith JA , Aziz F , Redfield RR , Mandelbrot DA
Published: April 2019

Background:

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection risk in the first month after transplantation is felt to be minimal; however, the epidemiology has not been specifically investigated, particularly in the modern era of potent immunosuppressive regimens and universal CMV prophylaxis.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of and risk factors associated with CMV occurring less than 30 days after transplant and evaluate the effect of very early CMV on outcomes.

Methods:

Retrospective, single-center study of adult renal transplant (RTX) recipients between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 2014.

Results:

A total of 5225 patients who received a renal transplant in the study time period were reviewed for the presence of CMV infection occurring less than 30 days after transplant. Of these, only 14 patients demonstrated this finding for an overall incidence of 0.27%. Half of these patients were considered to be at heightened risk due to being a recipient of a non-primary transplant or on chronic immunosuppression. This left seven patients without known risk factors for very early CMV to evaluate. In this group, time from transplant to CMV infection was 13.5 ± 7 days. The majority (57.1%, n = 4) were high-risk serostatus (CMV D+/R−) and occurred in the valganciclovir era (71.4%, n = 5). Lymphocyte-depleting induction predominated (57.1%, n = 4). Average cold ischemic time (CIT) was 19.7 ± 7.7 hours. Three patients had post-operative complications, two required exploratory-laparotomy for hemorrhage. When evaluating outcomes, 43% (n = 3) had subsequent episodes of CMV infection, 28.6% (n = 2) developed rejection, and 28.6% (n = 2) died. Outcomes between patients with CMV infection less than 30 days and those with CMV infection more than 30 days after transplant were not significantly different.

Conclusions:

In our review of over 5000 kidney transplants, the incidence of CMV infection in the first 30 days after renal transplant is 0.2%. Notable common patient characteristics include hemorrhage requiring re-operation and prolonged CIT. Outcomes were similar to CMV occurring more than 30 days after transplant. This study should provide the clinician with some reassurance; despite potent immunosuppressive therapy, CMV infection in the first 30 days is unlikely.
Preparation and characterization of electrodeposited Ni–TiC, Ni–TiN, and Ni–TiC–TiN composite coatings on tungsten carbide cutting tool
Authors: Saini Abhineet , Pabla BS , Dhami SS
Published: April 2019

Electrodeposition technique for developing functionally graded composite coatings is an economical and versatile method, used for depositing metal-based coatings. This paper presents a comparison of microstructural and mechanical properties of Ni–TiC, Ni–TiN, and Ni–TiC–TiN composite coatings deposited through electrodeposition technique on tungsten carbide cutting inserts. The variable coatings deposited at optimized current and pH value were analyzed and compared in terms of microhardness and adhesion of electrodeposited specimens. The microstructure analysis of the deposited coatings was carried out using scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, while the adhesion strength was analyzed using scratch test. All the three composite coatings showed improved mechanical characteristics and stable microstructure over uncoated tungsten carbide inserts, with Ni–TiC–TiN coating showing maximum microhardness, and Ni–TiN coating showing maximum adhesion among the three types.
Effect of incisor retraction on facial aesthetics
Authors: Hodgkinson Danielle , Firth Fiona A , Farella Mauro
Published: April 2019

Incisor retraction may result in lip retraction, interlabial gap closure and increase of the nasolabial angle but a clear consensus on the effect of incisor retraction on facial aesthetics has not yet been achieved. Despite current evidence being weak, it seems to indicate that in a well-managed orthodontic case, with or without extractions, the soft-tissue and facial aesthetic changes are generally favourable or clinically insignificant.
Employee Adaptive Performance and Its Antecedents: Review and Synthesis
Authors: Park Sohee , Park Sunyoung
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this article is to critically review current studies on employees’ adaptive performance and to integrate the findings to provide insights on how to develop employees’ adaptability. It also aims to identify gaps in the research to guide future studies on adaptive performance in the field of human resource development. By reviewing 34 empirical studies on adaptive performance published between 1999 and 2016, we identified 22 antecedents of adaptive performance at the individual (nine), job (six), group (three), and organizational (four) levels. Our analyses reveal that a significant amount of research has focused more on individual characteristics than on other aspects affecting employees’ high adaptive performance. Discussion, implications, and recommendations for future research are elaborated.
Therapeutic Role of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Alzheimer Disease Patients: Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Khedr Eman M. , Salama Ragaa H. , Abdel Hameed Mohamed , Abo Elfetoh Noha , Seif Peater
Published: April 2019

Objective. To explore the neuropsychological effects and levels of tau protein (TAU), amyloid β 1-42 (Aβ 1-42), and lipid peroxidase after 10 sessions of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease (AD). Patients and methods. A total of 46 consecutive patients with probable AD participated in this study. They were classified randomly into 2 equal groups: active versus sham. Each patient received 10 sessions of anodal tDCS over the left and right temporoparietal region for 20 minutes for each side with the cathode on the left arm. Patients were assessed using the Modified Mini Mental State Examination (MMMSE), clock drawing test, Montreal Cognitive Scale (MoCA), and the Cornell Scale for depression. Serum TAU, Aβ 1-42, and lipid peroxidase were measured before and after the 10th session. Results. There was a significant improvement in the total score of each cognitive rating scale (MMMSE, clock drawing test, and MoCA) in the real group, whereas no such change was observed in the sham group. The Cornell depression score improved significantly in both groups. There was a significant increase in serum Aβ 1-42 ( P = .02) in the real but not in the sham group, with a significant Treatment condition × Time interaction ( P = .009). There was no significant effect on tau or lipid peroxidase in either group but a significant positive correlation between changes of Aβ1-42 and MMMSE ( P = .005) and MoCA ( P = .02). Conclusion. The observed cognitive improvements were complemented by parallel changes in serum levels of Aβ 1-42.
When Schools Change and Teachers Do Not: The Principal’s Use of Evaluation and Feedback to Impact Veteran Teacher Effectiveness
Authors: Leggett Stacy , Smith Kandy C.
Published: April 2019

Effective principals provide teachers with feedback on the edges of their growth moving beyond compliance-driven teacher evaluations to meaningful cycles of observation and feedback. This case focuses on preparing principal candidates to address equity issues related to teacher practices that positively impact student achievement with a veteran high school teacher who is failing to respond to her school’s shifting demographics. Embedded in the case are additional challenges of leading a rural school. The principal, who is a new principal but previously taught with the teacher, now needs to provide research-based, culturally responsive, actionable feedback aligned to principles of adult learning theory and research-based instructional practices.
Club and Intramural Sports Participation and College Student Academic Success
Authors: Vasold Kerri L. , Deere Samantha J. , Pivarnik James M.
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between university club and intramural sports participation and student grades via the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey, while controlling for confounding variables. Data were obtained from the NCHA for the fall 2008, spring 2009, fall 2009, and fall 2010 time periods. The original sample included 178,091 respondents. After inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final analytic sample included 85,316 respondents. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the role of participation in club and/or intramural sports on self-reported grade averages. Analyses were adjusted for significant covariates that have been identified as potentially impacting academic success. In general, sport participants were more likely to report higher grade averages than nonparticipants. The strongest relationships were found for participants of club sports. Future research should investigate relationships between club and intramural sports and other indicators of academic success.
Flexor Tenosynovectomy for Recurrent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Retrospective Case Series of 108 Hands
Authors: Kluemper Chase T. , Swafford Rachel E. , Hankins Michael J. , Davis Caleb M. , Brzezienski Mark A. , Jemison Marshall D.
Published: April 2019

Background: The etiology of recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is unclear, and outcomes following secondary surgery in this demographic have been poorer than primary surgery. Fibrosis and hypertrophy have been identified in the flexor tenosynovium in these patients. The authors use flexor tenosynovectomy (FTS) for recurrent CTS after primary carpal tunnel release and present a review of these patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of 108 cases of FTS for recurrent CTS from 1995 to 2015 by 4 attending surgeons at one institution. Demographic information, symptoms, and outcomes were among the data recorded. A phone survey was conducted on available patients where the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH) and satisfaction were assessed. Results: Average office follow-up was 12 months. Average age was 57.5 years. A total of 104 (96%) reported symptom improvement and 48 (44%) reported complete symptom resolution. Forty patients were available for long-term follow-up at an average 6.75 years postoperatively via phone interview. Average QuickDASH score was 31.2 in these patients. Thirty-six (90%) of 40 patients were initially satisfied at last office visit, and 31 (78%) of 40 were satisfied at average 6.9 years, a maintenance of satisfaction of 86%. Satisfied patients were older (58 years) than unsatisfied patients (51 years). Conclusion: Both long-term satisfaction and QuickDASH scores in our cohort are consistent with or better than published results from nerve-shielding procedures. The authors believe a decrease in both carpal tunnel volume and potential adhesions of fibrotic or inflammatory synovium contributes to the benefits of this procedure. This remains our procedure of choice for recurrent CTS.
Adaptive compensate control for uncertain robot system with input constraints
Authors: Deng Guiyang , Cheng Lianglun
Published: April 2019

In practical robot control systems, the input constraints problem, caused by a limited actuator output amplitude, is due to its own physical characteristics. In traditional control methods, this nonlinear problem is not paid enough attention, especially for robot systems with unknown disturbance. To handle this problem, adaptive compensate control for uncertain robot system with input constraints is proposed. It is combined with adaptive compensate control and hyperbolic tangent function to ensure that the uncertain robot system with input constraints is stable. The simulation results showed that the proposed method can make the uncertain robot system reach a stable state.
Test and prediction of shear strength for the steel fiber–reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Xue Xingwei , Hua Xudong , Zhou Junlong
Published: April 2019

The ultimate load capacities of steel fiber–reinforced concrete beams were determined by experiments conducted on steel fiber–reinforced concrete beams under the action of a two-point symmetrical concentrated load. Accordingly, failure modes and experimental data were obtained for 19 sets of test beams with varying concrete strength, longitudinal reinforcing bars, shear span ratio, and steel fiber volume content to determine their effects on steel fiber–reinforced concrete beam behavior. An optimization model reflecting the contributions of all tested factors to the shear capacity of a steel fiber–reinforced concrete beam is then derived and its accuracy is demonstrated by a comparison against the test results.
A posture measurement approach for an articulated manipulator by RGB-D cameras
Authors: Shi Haobin , Xu Meng , Hwang Kao-Shing , Hung Chia-Hung
Published: April 2019

The objective of this article aims at the safety problems where robots and operators are highly coupled in a working space. A method to model an articulated robot manipulator by cylindrical geometries based on partial cloud points is proposed in this article. Firstly, images with point cloud data containing the posture of a robot with five resolution links are captured by a pair of RGB-D cameras. Secondly, the process of point cloud clustering and Gaussian noise filtering is applied to the images to separate the point cloud data of three links from the combined images. Thirdly, an ideal cylindrical model fits the processed point cloud data are segmented by the random sample consensus method such that three joint angles corresponding to three major links are computed. The original method for calculating the normal vector of point cloud data is the cylindrical model segmentation method, but the accuracy of posture measurement is low when the point cloud data is incomplete. To solve this problem, a principal axis compensation method is proposed, which is not affected by number of point cloud cluster data. The original method and the proposed method are used to estimate the three joint angular of the manipulator system in experiments. Experimental results show that the average error is reduced by 27.97%, and the sample standard deviation of the error is reduced by 54.21% compared with the original method for posture measurement. The proposed method is 0.971 piece/s slower than the original method in terms of the image processing velocity. But the proposed method is still feasible, and the purpose of posture measurement is achieved.
Access denied: Research on sex in prison and the subjugation of ‘deviant knowledge’
Authors: Stevens Alisa
Published: April 2019

Despite the fundamental necessity of gaining gatekeeper approval for prisons fieldwork, researchers rarely publicly acknowledge and analyse their failures to secure access. Drawing upon the Foucauldian-inspired literatures on the production and policing of new criminological knowledge, this article presents as a case study the Sex in Prison research project, instigated by the Howard League for Penal Reform, and for which permission to interview serving prisoners was refused. This denial of access, it is argued, resulted from a politically motivated attempt to prevent the acquisition of knowledge perceived as likely to be unfavourable to and critical of prison authorities, emanating from ‘deviant’ informants, using ‘deviant’ methods and obtained on behalf of ‘deviant’ penal reformers. The troubling implications for prisons researchers are explored. The article concludes by highlighting the potential of formerly imprisoned people, as participants in research, to circumvent the limits to knowledge imposed by prison authorities.
‘When you are a data collector you must expect anything’. Barriers, boundaries and breakthroughs: insights from the South African data-collection experience
Authors: Roberts Kathryn , Gordon Sarah , Sherr Lorraine , Stewart Jackie , Skeen Sarah , Macedo Ana , Tomlinson Mark
Published: April 2019

The impact of the research process on the researcher is an emerging topic of interest. Data collection in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is often the responsibility of community members who are identified and trained specifically for data collection. When research involves data on mental health and social well-being, data collectors may have specific competency needs and the task of data gathering may impact data collectors. This study aims to explore the experiences and needs of data collectors within South Africa using qualitative methods to examine the impact of data collection on data collectors. Nineteen data collectors, involved in face-to-face data collection, completed semi-structured interviews exploring their insights, attitudes and experiences. Thematic analysis revealed barriers and challenges associated with research, complexities regarding boundaries within the participant-data collector relationship and the benefits of being involved with research for the individual and the community. Numerous challenges and opportunities are outlined. Findings expose the beneficial and often overlooked contribution of data collectors and warrants key considerations in the planning and implementation of future research to ensure adequate support and standardization of practice.
Subsidiarity in the EU: Reflections on a centre–right agenda
Authors: Reho Federico Ottavio
Published: April 2019

This article re-examines the problem of EU subsidiarity in the light of the political economy of federalism and centre–right thinking. It argues that if Christian Democratic, conservative and liberal parties are serious about strengthening subsidiarity, they should urge the EU to take steps in the direction of scenario four of the European Commission’s White Paper on the Future of Europe. Misleadingly titled ‘Doing less more efficiently’, this scenario is in fact about ‘delivering more and faster in selected policy areas, while doing less elsewhere’, as the subtitle correctly states. A new compact combining the targeted strengthening of key federal policies at the EU level with the EU’s gradual disengagement from other policy areas seems the most promising way to take the Union out of the doldrums and strike a compromise between Eurosceptics and Europhiles.
HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in the Emergency Department: a perspective from Singapore
Authors: Wong Gloria Ngoi Lei , Fua Tzay-Ping , Pek Jen Heng
Published: April 2019

Background:

Exposures to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) commonly arrive at the Emergency Department (ED) for evaluation of transmission risk and the necessity for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP aims to prevent HIV after exposure. International recommendations exist to guide eligibility assessment and standardise prescribing practices.

Objective:

The primary objective was to describe the patient cohort receiving HIV PEP at the ED. The secondary objective was to assess the ED physicians’ adherence to the 2005 guidelines provided by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for HIV PEP.

Methods:

This retrospective study identified patients prescribed with PEP after presenting with potential HIV exposure to a tertiary hospital ED in Singapore over 2 years. The exposure type and characteristics, source patient characteristics, indications for PEP, HIV status on presentation and on follow-up were assessed. Institutional guidelines recommended tenofovir/emtricitabine (Truvada) and raltegravir as HIV PEP.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients received HIV PEP during the study period. The majority (81.5%) presented after occupational exposure, with fresh needlestick injury (44.4%) being the most common cause. Amongst all recipients, PEP was indicated in 22.2% and not in 18.5%.

Conclusions:

With international guidelines simplifying eligibility assessment and prescribing practices, accurate and evidence-based PEP provision should be implemented at the frontline in the ED. These may be encouraged by enforcement of specific workflows and physician education.
Hepatitis E: an underestimated emerging threat
Authors: Webb Glynn W. , Dalton Harry R.
Published: April 2019

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of viral hepatitis in the world. It is estimated that millions of people are infected every year, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. However, these estimates do not include industrialized regions and are based on studies which employ assays now known to have inferior sensitivity. As such, this is likely to represent a massive underestimate of the true global burden of disease. In the developing world, HEV causes large outbreaks and presents a significant public-health problem. Until recently HEV was thought to be uncommon in industrialized countries, and of little relevance to clinicians in these settings. We now know that this is incorrect, and that HEV is actually very common in developed regions. HEV has proved difficult to study in vitro, with reliable models only recently becoming available. Our understanding of the lifecycle of HEV is therefore incomplete. Routes of transmission vary by genotype and location: endemic regions experience large waterborne epidemics, while sporadic cases in industrialized regions are zoonotic infections likely spread via the food chain. Both acute and chronic infection has been observed, and a wide range of extrahepatic manifestations have been reported. This includes neurological, haematological and renal conditions. As the complete clinical phenotype of HEV infection is yet to be characterized, a large proportion of cases go unrecognized or misdiagnosed. In many cases HEV infection does not feature in the differential diagnosis due to a lack of knowledge and awareness of the disease amongst clinicians. In combination, these factors have contributed to an underestimation of the threat posed by HEV. Improvements are required in terms of recognition and diagnosis of HEV infection if we are to understand the natural history of the disease, improve management and reduce the burden of disease around the world.
Development of a national automated endoscopy database: The United Kingdom National Endoscopy Database (NED)
Authors: Lee Thomas JW , Siau Keith , Esmaily Shiran , Docherty James , Stebbing John , Brookes Matthew J , Broughton Raphael , Rogers Peter , Dunckley Paul , Rutter Matthew D
Published: April 2019

Background

The National Endoscopy Database (NED) project commenced in 2013 under the auspices of the Joint Advisory Group. The aim is to upload endoscopy procedure data from all units across the United Kingdom to a centralised database. The database can be used to facilitate quality assurance, research and training in endoscopy.

Objective

This article describes the development and implementation process of NED from its inception to date.

Methods

NED utilises automated data uploading of a minimum dataset from local endoscopy reporting systems to a central national database via the internet. Currently all data are anonymised. Key performance indicators are presented to endoscopists and organisations on a web‐based platform for quality assurance purposes.

Results

As of October 2018, 295 endoscopy services out of a total of 529 known services in the UK (56%) are actively uploading to NED. Data from more than 400,000 endoscopic procedures have been uploaded.

Conclusion

UK‐wide data collection from endoscopy units to a central database is feasible using an automated upload system. This has the potential to facilitate endoscopy quality assurance and research.
Not Just Mind Over Matter: Reviewing With Patients How Mindfulness Relieves Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Morone Natalia E.
Published: April 2019

The current opioid crisis has spurred the need for nonpharmacological therapies for chronic low back pain. In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, we reported that in 282 older adults with chronic low back pain, an 8-week mind-body group program modeled on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) decreased long-term pain and increased short-term function. Barriers to uptake remain such as patient resistance to accepting the benefits of nonpharmacological treatments for chronic low back pain. They may fear the clinician does not believe their pain complaint because they are not being offered a pain pill. By not appreciating the value of the therapy in helping their chronic low back pain, the patient may not be compliant with recommendations. Resistance likely derives from lack of understanding how a mind-body approach like MBSR can help relieve the sensation of pain as well as help increase function. Clinicians can help break through this barrier by educating their patients about the different ways in which MBSR works to reduce pain and improve function. In this commentary, we will discuss how our findings can inform the discussion clinicians have with their patients regarding the ways MBSR can relieve back pain. Pain processing is complex and top-down regulation is not fully engaged when pain is treated with pharmacotherapy alone. We share that our study showed a clinically meaningful reduction in pain and improvement in function and discuss some of the possible underlying mechanisms of MBSR’s effect.
Azurite in medieval illuminated manuscripts: a reflection-FTIR study concerning the characterization of binding media
Authors: Vetter Wilfried , Latini Irene , Schreiner Manfred
Published: April 2019

In illuminated manuscripts, a reliable identification of oxyanion pigments such as azurite by rFTIR is simple, as several combination and overtone bands are strongly enhanced compared to transmission mode. However, the characterization of the used binding media is rather difficult, as the analysis of four medieval manuscripts from the late thirteenth to the fifteenth century (e.g. Cod. slav. 8 in the collection of the Austrian National Library), as well as the earliest known map of Vienna (Albertinischer Plan from 1421, Wien Museum) showed. According to the literature, mainly glair (egg white) and plant gums were applied as binding media for azurite. Moreover, both were used in many cases also as “varnishes” in order to improve optical and mechanical properties of the paint layer. In order to assess the possibilities and to distinguish between proteinaceous and carbohydrate binders, mock-ups with azurite were prepared on parchment support with various quantities of binders. Additionally, some of the specimen were varnished using the binders mentioned above. Furthermore, mock-ups on aluminium foil were prepared to evaluate the influence of the support on the reflection spectra. The results showed that the binding medium content in the mock-ups usually was too low for a reliable determination by rFTIR (except the ones with the highest contents), whereas it was possible to characterize the varnish materials. Only an insignificant influence of the support on the spectra from the mock-ups was observed. However, the spectra obtained from three manuscripts suggested a certain influence of the parchment support, which indicates thinner paint layers.
Detection of Early Human Papillomavirus–Associated Cancers by Liquid Biopsy
Authors: Damerla Rama R. , Lee Nancy Y. , You Daoqui , Soni Rekha , Shah Rachna , Reyngold Marsha , Katabi Nora , Wu Vanessa , McBride Sean M. , Tsai Chiaojung Jillian , Riaz Nadeem , Powell Simon N. , Babady N. Esther , Viale Agnes , Higginson Daniel S.
Published: April 2019

PURPOSE

A circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test to detect plasma Epstein-Barr viral DNA can be used to screen for early nasopharyngeal cancers; however, the reported sensitivity of viral ctDNA tests to detect human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated cancers is modest. We assessed the utility of droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) to detect early-stage HPV-associated cancers using sequential HPV16 and HPV33 assays that account for HPV subtype distribution and subtype sequence variants.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We collected plasma specimens from 97 HPV-positive patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and eight patients with HPV-positive anal squamous cell carcinoma, each with locoregionally confined disease. Negative controls included samples from seven patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancers and 20 individuals without cancer.

RESULTS

Of 97 patients with nonmetastatic, locoregionally confined oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, 90 patients had detectable HPV16 ctDNA and three patients had HPV33 ctDNA, indicating an overall sensitivity of 95.6%. Seven of eight patients with early anal cancer were HPV16 ctDNA positive. No HPV ctDNA was detected in 27 negative controls, indicating 100% specificity. HPV16 ctDNA was detected in 19 of 19 patients with low-volume disease, defined as patients with a single, asymptomatic positive lymph node (N1) or an isolated T1-2 asymptomatic primary tumor. HPV16 ctDNA levels directly corresponded to tumor responses to chemoradiation and surgery.

CONCLUSION

With an updated understanding of HPV subtypes and sequence variation, HPV ctDNA by ddPCR is highly sensitive and specific, identifying HPV16 and HPV33 subtypes in a similar distribution as reported in major genomic profiling studies. The detection of small tumors indicates that HPV16 and HPV33 ctDNA ddPCR could be readily used in early detection screening trials and in disease response monitoring, analogous to Epstein-Barr virus DNA.
Yap and its subcellular localization have distinct compartment-specific roles in the developing lung
Authors: van Soldt Benjamin J. , Qian Jun , Li Jiao , Tang Nan , Lu Jining , Cardoso Wellington V.
Published: April 2019

Although the Hippo–yes-associated protein (Yap) pathway has been implicated in lung development, the specific roles for Yap and its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling in the developing airway and alveolar compartments remain elusive. Moreover, conflicting results from expression studies and differences in the lung phenotypes of Yap and Hippo kinase null mutants caused controversy over the dynamics and significance of Yap subcellular localization in the developing lung. Here, we show that the aberrant morphogenesis of Yap-deficient lungs results from the disruption of developmental events specifically in distal epithelial progenitors. We also show that activation of nuclear Yap is enough to fulfill the Yap requirements to rescue abnormalities in these lungs. Remarkably, we found that Yap nucleocytoplasmic shuttling is largely dispensable in epithelial progenitors for both branching morphogenesis and sacculation. However, if maintained transcriptionally active in airways, nuclear Yap profoundly alters proximal-distal identity and halts epithelial differentiation. Taken together, these observations provide novel insights into the crucial importance of Hippo-Yap signaling in the lung prenatally.
Relação entre a qualidade da gestão fiscal e a transparência dos municípios brasileiros
Authors: Leite Filho Geraldo Alemandro , Cruz Claudia Ferreira , Silva Tatiane Gomes , Nascimento João Paulo de Brito
Published: April 2019

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a relação entre a qualidade da gestão fiscal e a transparência nos municípios brasileiros. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de caráter descritivo e quantitativo. Os dados foram secundários dos anos de 2015 e 2016. O indicador de qualidade da gestão fiscal utilizado foi o Índice Firjan de Gestão Fiscal (IFGF); para transparência, foi utilizado o índice de transparência do Ranking Nacional de Transparência divulgado pelo Ministério Público Federal. As variáveis de controle foram Índice de Desenvolvimento Municipal, população, receita orçamentária bruta per capita, bem como dummies de tamanho e produtividade e arrecadação. A análise descritiva das variáveis de interesse da pesquisa identificou indicadores de gestão fiscal em níveis de dificuldade e transparência médios, heterogeneidade no tamanho, receita per capita e na transparência municipal. Por meio do modelo de regressão de mínimos quadrados generalizados (MQG), foi evidenciada uma relação positiva e significativa entre o indicador de qualidade de gestão pública municipal (IFGF) com todas as variáveis do modelo, validando o argumento teórico de que há influência dessas variáveis no indicador de qualidade de gestão pública municipal do Brasil. Portanto, aceita-se a hipótese geral da pesquisa ao se afirmar que a qualidade na gestão fiscal (IFGF) apresentou relação com a transparência dos municípios brasileiros e que a transparência municipal, Índice de Desenvolvimento Municipal, população, receita orçamentária bruta per capita, bem como dummies de tamanho e produtividade e arrecadação, estão relacionados com as variações do indicador de gestão fiscal.
Dietary patterns and their association with the components of metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional study of adults from northeast Thailand
Authors: Chupanit Pornpimon , Muktabhant Benja , Schelp Frank Peter
Published: April 2019

Background:Nutritional transition influences a shift in eating behaviour that is associated with a rise in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a set of NCD risk factors. This study aimed to investigate dietary patterns and to determine the relationship between dietary patterns and MetS and its components.

Methods:An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 468 adults aged 35–60 years who were residents of a semi-urban district of one of the central provinces in the northeast of Thailand. A factor analysis identified dietary patterns based on the consumption of 21 food groups, which were assessed by using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. MetS was identified by using the harmonized criteria that were stipulated by six leading international organisations. The association between dietary patterns and MetS and its components were evaluated by multiple logistic regressions. The confounding factors adjusted in the model were age, sex, smoking status, physical activity, and medication intake.

Results:Two dietary patterns were identified: a traditional pattern characterised by high intakes of sticky rice and animal source foods; a mixed pattern included high intakes of white rice and a variety of food groups. The two dietary patterns did not show any association with MetS. Participants in the highest tertile of the traditional pattern was significantly related to high triglycerides (adjusted OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.10–2.88), in comparison to those from the lowest tertile, whereas participants in the highest tertile of the mixed pattern was inversely associated with abdominal obesity (adjusted OR= 0.49, 95% CI: 0.30–0.81) than those in the lowest tertile.

Conclusions:Adherence to a traditional dietary pattern among the northeast Thai adults, in the context of nutrition transition, was associated with high triglyceride levels while the mixed dietary pattern was inversely related to abdominal obesity.
Recent advances in managing/understanding the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Aguilar-Salinas Carlos A. , Viveros-Ruiz Tannia
Published: April 2019

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) concept gathers in a single entity a set of metabolic abnormalities that have in common a close relationship with ectopic deposit of lipids, insulin resistance, and chronic low-grade inflammation. It is a valuable teaching tool to help health professionals to understand and integrate the consequences of lipotoxicity and the adverse metabolic consequences of insulin resistance. Also, it is useful to identify subjects with a high risk for having incident type 2 diabetes. Systems biology studies have gained a prominent role in understanding the interaction between adipose tissue dysfunction, insulin action, and the MetS traits and co-morbidities (that is, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH). This approach may allow the identification of new therapeutic targets (that is, de novo lipogenesis inhibitors for NASH). Treatment targets on MetS are the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, weight loss, and the control of the co-morbidities (hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, among others). The long-term goals are the prevention of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular events, and other MetS-related outcomes. In the last few decades, new drugs derived from the identification of innovative treatment targets have come on the market. These drugs have positive effects on more than one MetS component (that is, hyperglycemia and weight control). New potential treatment targets are under study.
How Do New School Standards Affect the Content of a Textbook?
Authors: Кузнецов А. , Kuznetsov A. , Ниматулаев Магомедан , Nimatulaev Magomedhan
Published: April 2019

This article discusses issues related to the purpose and functions of the educational standard. It is noted that the planned results of mastering the basic educational program formulated in the standards of the second generation are too general, vague and ambiguous. As a result of analyzing the content of the new school standard, a number of important conclusions were made to substantiate the new requirements for educational literature: FSES introduced the new meaning of the concept of “educational results “; The new FSES does not set up a ready-made version of the content of education for schools, but puts forward only a number of requirements for the content of educational programs; the standard is built according to the scheme “from the planned educational results to the content of training and types of educational activities that are necessary for its mastering”; the methodological basis of the new educational standard is a system-activity approach; determining the content of the textbook, the author must take into account the possibilities of the new information and educational environment in which the educational process on the subject will be carried out; the FSES opens up broad opportunities for new organizational forms of education.
Education Standards of Foreign Countries and Their Features
Authors: Козырева Ольга , Kozyreva Ol'ga , Артюхова Т. , Artyuhova T.
Published: April 2019

The education system in any state is aimed at solving the strategic tasks of its development. The content of education in many respects must meet the needs of the customer — the state, the region, the specifi c organization. For a more systematic and meaningful understanding of the standards of education in the Russian Federation, it is necessary to navigate and know the features of the educational standards of foreign countries. This paper presents a vision of the features of the standards of both European and Eastern states, as well as the USA, Canada.
New Forms of Interaction with Parents (Parent-Child Karaoke Club «Children’s Songs about the Main Things»)
Authors: Кузьменко Л. , Kuz'menko L.
Published: April 2019

The article reveals new forms of cooperation with the families of pupils of preschool educational institutions, which create optimal conditions for the development of joint song creation of children and parents. The possibilities of creating and functioning of the child-parent karaoke club “Children’s songs about the main things” are revealed. The author shows how to build musical and creative relationships with parents and pupils from the modern karaoke trend, which, unlike the activities of ordinary karaoke clubs, are built on the basis of the educational process and in close relationship with it.
Informative Value Estimation of the Basic Statements of the School Math Course
Authors: Майер Роберт , Mayer Robert
Published: April 2019

The diffi culty of understanding an educational text primarily depends on the degree of the information concentration in its constituent sentences and mathematical statements. The article analyzes the problem of assessing the density of educational information for the theoretical component of mathematics textbooks in various classes of secondary schools. The purpose of research consists in: 1) developing objective methods for measuring the quantity semantic information in educational text; 2) in determining the information density in theoretical reasoning (defi nitions, theorems, conclusions, etc.) presented in school math textbooks. To determine the density of theoretical information in math textbooks the thesaurus approach and the content analysis method, based on automated counting of words (terms) in the text with the account of their complexity with help of computer, are used. More 15 textbooks and manuals on mathematics were subjected to the analysis of content. At this the sentences and formulas, corresponding 1st, 2nd, ..., 11th grades, were chosen. The dictionary of using terms is created; their complexity is determined by the method of the complex concepts (terms) decomposition into simple ones and by the method of pair comparison. With the help of special computer program, the automatic analysis of the corresponding text fi les was carried out, their informative value is determined, the average values of information density in various classes are calculated, and a graph is presented.
Objetividade mais forte para ciências exercidas a partir de baixo de Sandra Harding
Authors: Harding Sandra
Published: April 2019

Este artigo (com exceção do “posfácio”) foi publicado como o segundo capítulo do livro Objectivity and Diversity: Another Logic of Scientific Research [Objetividade e Diversidade: outra lógica para a pesquisa científica]. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2015. Autora: Sandra HardingTradução: Rebeca Furtado de MeloRevisão: Ana Carolina Dantas
Xylitol toxicosis in dogs
Authors: Bates Nicola
Published: April 2019

Xylitol is toxic to dogs, causing hypoglycaemia and, in some cases, liver failure. This sweetener is found in many foods, medicines and confectionary, particularly chewing gums, because it has anticaries properties and a low glycaemic index. The most common source of xylitol poisoning in dogs is chewing gum, in which the xylitol content can vary enormously. In addition, granulated xylitol is available as a sugar substitute for baking. Xylitol-induced hypoglycaemia may be rapid in onset or, as is often the case with chewing gums, delayed for several hours. Elevated liver enzymes may be apparent within a few hours in some cases. Treatment is aimed at monitoring blood glucose and correcting hypoglycaemia, and protecting the liver. Dogs can survive high doses of xylitol with prompt aggressive treatment. In contrast, xylitol-induced hypoglycaemia and liver failure is not seen in cats, rabbits or rodents, but poisoning has been reported in birds.
Cutaneous sun damage and skin protection: a focus on FiltaClear
Authors: Paterson Sue
Published: April 2019

Phototoxicity (sunburn) and photosensitivity are the two most important forms of sunlight induced disease recognised by veterinary surgeons in the dog, cat and horse. Phototoxicity is mediated by UVB radiation and has a spectrum of presentations, ranging from sunburn to more severe actinic damage and squamous cell carcinoma. Phototoxicity is usually seen on white or non-pigmented skin especially where there is little hair covering and is recognised in all three species. Photosensitisation is most commonly seen in the horse and represents an abnormal reaction of the skin to light, caused by photodynamic agents in or on the skin. Sun avoidance and sun protection are important in all of the domestic species to prevent sunlight induced disease.
Hip dysplasia: understanding the options (conservative management)
Authors: Witte Philip Georg
Published: April 2019

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a common cause of hind limb lameness in dogs, and may be managed either conservatively or surgically. There is no single treatment option that is appropriate for every dog. This article looks at the evidence for the usefulness of conservative management, and discusses the different options within conservative management: optimisation of body weight; modulation of exercise; physiotherapy; and medical management, including use of analgesics, the prostaglandin receptor antagonist grapiprant, and various supplements. Conservative management should be multimodal, employing various of these options in combination as appropriate for the individual patient.
Matter, man, universe: the ontology of human openness to the cosmic holism
Authors: Monserrat Javier
Published: April 2019

El universo que conocemos es un producto de la mente humana. En la experiencia fenomenológica primordial, que el hombre tiene de si mismo, se imponen dos hechos fenomenológicos: la experiencia de un mundo estable de objetos y la experiencia de un mundo de campos de realidad. El ejercicio de la razón, que le viene dada al hombre evolutivamente, lleva a preguntar cuáles son las causas reales que producen esos dos mundos. Igualmente, cuál es la verdad última del universo. La ciencia moderna produce un conocimiento racional (científico) que ofrece la base para responder esas preguntas. La mecánica clásica explica qué es y cómo se produce un mundo macroscópico de objetos estables. La mecánica cuántica qué son y cómo se producen los campos de realidad, a los que accede el hombre desde su psique humana. Todo ello nos lleva a entender que el universo tiene una ontología (un modo de ser real) holístico. El hombre, ya por su auto-experiencia primordial, pero también por los resultados de la ciencia, queda abierto al conocimiento del holismo cósmico. La naturaleza holística del universo es la clave para abordar las preguntas en torno a su verdad última. El holismo sigue haciendo posible la hipótesis atea de un universo sin Dios. Pero también es verdad que, más allá del reduccionismo decimonónico, el holismo hace hoy mucho más verosímil la hipótesis de la existencia de Dios. A modo de sugerencia, el artículo concluye con una referencia a la imagen de Dios, y de la creación del universo en Dios, según el discurso alegórico de la kabala judía.
La «Big History» como síntesis de la Cosmo-Bio-Antropoevolución: comienzo del universo y la emergencia de la vida
Authors: Casadesús Castro Ricard
Published: April 2019

En este artículo tratamos eun tema de moda, la Big History (Mega-Historia), haciendo una descripción sintética de la evolución: desde la evolución cósmica a la evolución biológica. Presentamos aquí una síntesis de la evolución cósmica y la evolución biológica, así como la descripción científica y la reflexión filosófica de diversas teorías que intentan explicarlas, subrayando el carácter emergente y complejo, que creemos es efecto estructural del proceso evolutivo. A esta evolución global la denominamos cosmo-bio-antropo-evolución. Cabe destacar también la exposición que hacemos de los recientes descubrimientos científicos que corroboran experimentalmente la Teoría del Big Bang, y, por tanto, afirman el inicio temporal del universo.
«Mecanópolis»: una distopía de Miguel de Unamuno
Authors: Villar Ezcurra Alicia , Ramos Vera Mario
Published: April 2019

Este artículo, dedicado al cuento de Miguel de Unamuno titulado Mecanópolis, analiza el contenido y significación del escrito y su relación con la evolución intelectual de su autor a propósito de las consecuencias preocupantes de un mundo regido por la presencia de las máquinas. Advierte el autor sobre la creciente idolatría a la mecanización y un sentido del progreso y del cientificismo errados en su concepción de la condición humana. También se destacan algunos de los rasgos de las distopías tecnológicas y cientificistas, de las que Unamuno se hará eco en este relato, homologable con el género especulativo del pensamiento utópico. Por medio de imágenes y símbolos con valor poético recurrentes en su obra, entre otros, el desierto, el oasis, la sed y el vergel, Unamuno apuesta por recuperar la centralidad de la cuestión antropológica