bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Математичне моделювання затухання температурної хвилі в контейнерах з підвищеною тепловою інерцією стінок при зберіганні і транспортуванні плодоовочевої продукції
Authors: Мирончук Ю. А. , Томчик О. М. , Хмельнюк М. Г.
Published: April 2020

Підтримання стабільної температури продукту під час холодильного зберігання та транспортування є основним чинником, що впливає на його якість. Для захисту продукту від коливань температури запропоновано використання охолоджуваних ємностей – контейнерів, стінки яких мають високу теплову інерційність. Ці стінки є тепловим буфером на шляху теплового потоку між продуктом і повітрям холодильної камери, який забезпечує згладжування амплітуди його коливань. Для проектування таких контейнерів є необхідним виконання розрахунків з використанням теорії затухання температурних хвиль. Аналітичні методи цієї теорії добре розроблені для випадку плоских температурних хвиль в плоских стінках при гармонічних коливаннях температур. При цьому слід зазначити, що реальний характер коливань температури повітря в холодильних камерах істотно відрізняється від гармонічного. Для проведення теоретичних досліджень розроблена чисельна модель для розв'язання нестаціонарної нелінійної задачі теплообміну методом кінцевих різниць за явною квазілінійною схемою. Розроблена чисельна модель спочатку була використана для розрахунків загасання температурних хвиль при гармонічних коливаннях температур. Порівняння чисельних і аналітичних розрахунків показало хороші стійкість, збіжність та апроксимаційні властивості чисельної моделі, що робить можливим її подальший розвиток для розрахунків при негармонічних коливаннях температур. При чисельному моделюванні встановлено, що на результат загасання температурної хвилі має значний вплив інтенсивність променевого переносу тепла через повітряний прошарок між внутрішньою поверхнею стінки контейнера і поверхнею продукту. При зниженні інтенсивності променевого теплообміну загасання температурних коливань покращується. Виділення рослинними продуктами теплоти дихання не впливає на інтенсивність загасання температурних хвиль. Але при цьому додатково виникає градієнт між середньою температурою продукту і середньою температурою повітря холодильної камери, який необхідний як рушійна сила для можливості відведення тепла дихання від продукту до повітря камери
Термодинамічний аналіз циклів машин когенерації комерційного призначення
Authors: Морозюк Л. І. , Соколовська-Єфименко В. В. , Гайдук С. В. , Бодюл О. С.
Published: April 2020

Економія енергетичних ресурсів та їх раціональне використання є головними умовами при створенні нових сучасних технологій і вдосконалення існуючих. В роботі розглянуто схемно-циклові рішення когенераційних машин комерційного призначення для підприємств торгівлі з двома температурними рівнями отримання холоду для короткострокового зберігання продуктів і одним рівням отримання тепла для опалення та гарячого водопостачання. Синтез схем і циклів, визначення енергетичної ефективності прийнятих рішень здійснено з залученням термодинамічного аналізу «методом циклів». Метод побудовано на поетапному переході від зворотного циклу-зразка до циклу дійсної машини шляхом нарощування незворотних втрат енергії в процесах з реальними робочими речовинами та/або інженерними обмеженнями. Трансформація циклів і схем має таку послідовність: зразок у вигляді двох зворотних циклів Карно з єдиним температурним рівнем відведення тепла та двома рівнями підведення тепла, об’єднання циклів в єдиний з ізоентропним одноступеневим стисненням, введення зовнішньої незворотності в процеси підведення і відведення тепла за умови зберігання циклу Карно. Перехід до реального циклу здійснено через вибір робочих речовин з різними критичними температурами відносно до температурного режиму машини, що розглядається. Синтез циклів одно- та двоступеневого стиснення надано з конденсацією або з транскритичним охолодженням газу в процесі відведення тепла на прикладі R404а та СО2 холодоагентів. На усіх етапах аналізу когенераційної машини розроблено способи оцінювання енергетичної ефективності циклів з трьома позитивними ефектами. На підставі проведеного термодинамічного аналізу «методом циклів» сформульовано рекомендації щодо синтезу схемно-циклових рішень з будь якою кількістю джерел холоду (тепла) з різним температурним потенціалом та визначення їх енергетичної ефективності
Експериментальні дослідження транспортного абсорбційного холодильного приладу
Authors: Очеретяний Ю. О. , Тітлов О. С.
Published: April 2020

Транспортні холодильні пристрої є невід’ємною частиною ланцюга безперервного холодильного обладнання та незамінні для туристів, мисливців та експедиційних працівників. Сучасні аналоги стиснення та термоелектрики транспортних абсорбційних холодильних пристроїв працюють від генераторів електроенергії або від акумуляторних батарей, що призводить до збільшення ваги автомобіля і, зрештою, до додаткових витрат палива. Актуальність досліджень транспортних абсорбційних х холодильних пристроїв пов'язана насамперед з можливістю їх роботи з неелектричними джерелами теплової енергії – пальними елементами. У пальниковому елементі 100% енергії згоряння викопного палива безпосередньо перетворюється на теплову енергію. При цьому коефіцієнт корисної дії сучасних генераторів електричної енергії не перевищує 20%. Тем не менш, для широкого використання транспортних абсорбційних холодильних пристроїв необхідно вживати заходів щодо зменшення споживання енергії, що сприятливо позначиться на вагових параметрах транспортного засобу. Через складність побудови тео­ретичних моделей експериментальним методом було обрано основний метод дослідження транспортних абсорбційних холодильних пристроїв. Об’єктом експериментальних досліджень став транспортний абсорбційний холодильний прилад «Київ» виробництва Васильківського холодильного заводу. У пальному елементі завдяки установці спеціального керамічного елемента каталізатора газ окислюється атмосферним киснем на поверхні каталізатора. Конструкція пальника дозволяє створити якісну суміш повітря-газ і рівномірно розподілити полум'я по всій поверхні каталізатора. Експериментальні дослідження показали, що: а) при роботі з етиловим спиртом і гасом необхідні умови охолодження досягаються в холодильнику; б) при рівних робочих умовах відсутність турбулайзера потоку продуктів згоряння у вентиляційному каналі генератора не дозволяє забезпечити необхідні режими охолодження. Для посилення режимів охолодження тепловіддаючих елементів холодильника (абсорбера та конденсатора) було проведено ряд експериментів із продуванням за допомогою повітряного вентилятора. При низьких температурах навколишнього середовища (16-21 ºС) ефект зовнішнього охолодження прак­тично непомітний – падіння температур в холодильній камері становить 0,8-1,2 ºС, при температурі 22-26 ºС ефект досягає 2,6 ºС, а при 30-33 ºС – 5,3 ºС
Protección de los derechos de las familias residentes en el barrio La Paz de Barranquilla, año 2010
Authors: Álvarez Pertuz Alicia
Published: April 2020

El presente artículo de refl exión tiene como fi nalidad efectuar un estudio y evaluación acerca de los organismos de orden público y privado encargados de la protección de la familia como célula fundamental de la sociedad. En consideración a lo anterior, el Constituyente de 1991 consagró el derecho que le asiste a toda persona a tener una familia y la protección constitucional que esta merece como núcleo esencial de la sociedad. Especial énfasis se da a la necesidad de mantener la armonía y la unidad familiar, fundamento de la convivencia social y de la paz. Para lograr este cometido el Estado cuenta con diversos programas, políticas y organismos especializados, donde cada uno de ellos ejecuta unos planes específi cos tendientes a proteger a la familia y a sus miembros, proporcionándoles los medios para su desarrollo integral, en virtud de lo cual se investigará si los organismos encargados de ejecutar esta labor los aplican y hacen efectivos respecto a los habitantes del barrio La Paz de la ciudad de Barranquilla durante el año 2010.
Editorial
Authors: Rodríguez Serpa Ferney Asdrubal
Published: April 2020

Editorial
Perspectivas y retos del sistema jurídico en Colombia. Una mirada al precedente constitucional como tendencia anti-formal y obligatoria
Authors: Palencia Ramos Eduardo Antonio
Published: April 2020

Este artículo de reflexión tiene como objetivo fundamental la contribución al ya dilatado y, siempre sustancial, debate referente al precedente constitucional, cuyo valor estriba en la consecución de un ordenamiento normativo signado por la función creadora del operador judicial. Surge entonces, como intención primera, el exhibir al precedente como fuente del Derecho y como tendencia antiformal que permite así mismo lograr la superación del sistema legalista, característico en los países de tradición jurídica continental europea. Por consiguiente se considera que la irrupción de la figura del precedente generó beneficios al Derecho colombiano, puesto que la igualdad y la coherencia son pilares esenciales en todo ordenamiento jurídico. Los conceptos emanados pretenden ser parte de la controversia jurídica nacional en torno al tema en cuestión, vista esta como único medio que le permite al estudioso de la ciencia jurídica, incrementar su cognición y ser partícipe propositivo del Derecho.

 

AbstractThis article’s main purpose reflection contribution to the already lengthy and always substantive debate concerning the constitutional precedent , whose value lies in achieving a regulatory system marked by the creative function of the judicial operator. Then arises as a first intention, the previous display as a source of law and as antiformal trend likewise allows overcoming achieve characteristic in countries of European continental legal tradition legalistic system. Therefore it is considered that the emergence of the figure of the previous generated benefits to Colombian law, since equality and consistency are essential pillars in all laws. The concepts emanating intended to be part of the national legal controversy surrounding the issue at hand, view this as the only way that allows the student of legal science, increase cognition and be proactive part right.
Kanoladan elde edilen biyodizelin performansa, emisyonlara ve yanma karakteristiğine etkilerinin NEDC ve sabit seyir hızlarında incelenmesi
Authors: KAYA Tolgahan , KUTLAR Osman Akın , TAŞKIRAN Özgür Oğuz
Published: April 2020

Bu çalışmada EURO 5 emisyon standartlarını sağlayan 1,5 litrelik dizel
motora sahip Ford Fiesta üzerinde biyodizelin emisyonlara, performansa ve yanma
karakteristiğine olan etkilerini incelemek için şasi dinaomometresinde deneyler
yapılmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında kanola yağından elde edilen biyodizel ile
harmanlanmış 4 farklı yakıt ve saf biyodizel kullanılmıştır. Deneyler esnasında
egzoz emisyonları, araç üstü hata denetleme portu üzerinden motor sensor
verileri, motorun ikinci silindirinden silindir içi basınç ve enjektör akım
sinyali bilgileri sürekli olarak ölçülmüştür. Biyodizelin yanma karakteristiği
üzerindeki etkisini inceleyebilmek için indikatör diagramı kullanılarak ısı
yayılım oranı, silindir içi ortalama sıcaklık, yanma başlangıç zamanı, tutuşma
gecikmesi ve yanma süresi hesaplanmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre biyodizel katkılı
yakıt saf dizele göre daha düşük sıcaklık ve basınç altında tutuşmaya başladığı
gözlemlenmiştir. Dizele biyodizel eklenmesi yanma tutuşma gecikmesini azaltmış
ve püskürtülen yakıtın daha erken yanmasına sebep olmuştur. Ek olarak biyodizel
katkısı HC, CO ve kurum emisyonlarını iyileştirmiştir,
ancak düşük ısıl değeri nedeniyle yakıt tüketiminin artmasına neden olmuştur.
Ayrıca artan biyodizel miktarı ile NOx emisyonlarında artış
gözlemlenmiştir.
THE DIGITAL ECONOMY AND ITS IMPACT ON THE FINANCIAL MARKET
Authors: Shevchenko N. A. , Kalinova V. D.
Published: April 2020

The article discusses the relevance of the introduction of digital technologies in the financial sector. Special attention is paid to the evolution of the stock market due to its digitalization. Various options for the practical use of digital technologies in the described area are shown by analyzing big data and identifying significant patterns. The authors ' proposals will improve the efficiency and validity of decision-making in the financial sector.
Subject and limits of examination evidence in the proceedings of the criminal case in the court of first instance
Authors: Yefimovykh Ilya N.
Published: April 2020

The article analyzes the norms of the criminal procedure law, the opinions of scientists, judicial practice materials related to the examination of evidence in criminal proceedings in the court of first instance, on the basis of which the author proposed definitions of the notions subject of examination evidence and limits of examination evidence they were compared with the concepts of subject of proof and limits of proof. The study used such research methods as logical, system-structural, statistical. As a result of a study of specific court decisions in criminal cases, differences in the understanding of evidence and the examination of evidence were revealed. A distinction has been made between the subject and the object of the study of evidence at the court hearing. The question of determining the subject matter and the limits of the examination of evidence was analyzed, including with regard to the consideration of the criminal case in a special order of judicial decision of the court, with the consent of the accused with the accusation. The rationale for the view that the examination of evidence takes place during the examination of a criminal case under a special court procedure is given, the circumstances that can be established during the court session, namely, the circumstances that may lead to exemption from punishment, as well as the postponement are analyzed. serving the sentence. These circumstances, if any, are mandatory to be established in court proceedings through the examination of evidence. According to the results of the analysis, proposed measures to improve the norms of the criminal procedure law governing the consideration of the criminal case in a special order of the trial. The question of the scope of the examination of evidence was considered in conjunction with the norms of the criminal procedure law, which established the grounds for the return of the criminal case to the prosecutor.
Três poemas de futebol
Authors: Carmona Kaio
Published: April 2020

Nestes três poemas, sem título, "Desmedida" e "Uma e outra", Caio Karmona liga o futebol ao erotismo (ludos e eros), não definindo precisas regras entre o jogo da bola e o jogo erótico, porque ambos movidos pelo prazer – “Se a uma me entrego nos carinhos / de mesa e cama, à outra me dou / nos fins de semana”.
O futebol brasileiro e a constituição de sujeitos trans: sob as lentes do cronotopo bakhtiniano
Authors: Marques Garcia Rafael , Fernandes de Santana Wilder Kleber
Published: April 2020

O presente trabalho delimitou como categoria para subsidiar a pesquisa o cronotopo, termo bakhtiniano que diz respeito a estudos literários e éticos (da cultura humana). Para tanto, fizemos um estudo sobre a constituição de sujeitos trans no futebol contemporâneo brasileiro, em que é preciso recorrer à História, reenunciando dizeres de Platão, Aristóteles dentre outros. O objetivo de nosso trabalho consiste em analisar a constituição de sujeitos trans no futebol contemporâneo brasileiro sob as lentes do cronotopo bakhtiniano, e isso nos impulsionou a traçar processos de (des)naturalização das concepções de sujeito no tempo e no espaço. Em aspectos temáticos, o presente manuscrito aborda o cronotopo e sua implicação para repensar o futebol e os sujeitos trans no futebol contemporâneo brasileiro, situando esse esporte enquanto um importante espaço histórico e simbólico, onde são perceptíveis mudanças nos sujeitos.
Credit-Based Insurance Scores: some Observations in the Light of the European General Data Protection Regulation
Authors: Mas Badia María Dolores
Published: April 2020

Despite the differences between credit risk and insurance risk, in many countries large insurance companies include credit history amongst the information to be taken into account when assigning consumers to risk pools and deciding whether or not to offer them an auto or homeowner insurance policy, or to determine the premium that they should pay. In this study, I will try to establish some conclusions concerning the requirements and limits that the use of credit history data by insurers in the European Union should be subject to. In order to do this, I shall focus my attention primarily on Regulation (EU) 2016/679. This regulation, that came into force on 24 May 2018, not only forms the backbone of personal data protection in the EU, but is also set to become a model for regulation beyond the borders of the Union. This article will concentrate on two main aspects: the lawful basis for the processing of credit history data by insurers, and the rules that should apply to decisions based solely on automated processing, including profiling.Received: 30 December 2019Accepted: 07 February 2020Published online: 02 April 2020
FEATURES OF EPISOTIC PROCESS AND MOLECULAR-GENETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF VIRUS ISOLATES OF RABIES IN TVER REGION
Authors: Gulukin A. M. , Shabejkin A. A. , Makarov V. V. , Zaykova O. N. , Grebennikova T. V. , Zaberezhny A. D. , Polyakova I. V. , Yuzhakov A. G.
Published: April 2020

Rabies epidemic situation in the Tver Region has been studied. Animals of different species that had confirmed clinical rabies were statistically analyzed. It was established that the features of the course of epizootics in the Tver region correspond to the regularities characteristic of rabies of the natural-focal type. As a result of sequencing of the rabies virus N gene and phylogenetic analysis, the isolates studied were assigned to the central phylogenetic group. With the help of the geoinformatic system, nosological maps of the Tver region were obtained and the spatial- temporal features of the course of the epizootic process of rabies infection were studied.
IMMUNOGENIC PROPERTIES OF RECOMBINANT MOZAIC PROTEINS BASED ON ANTIGENS NS4A AND NS4B OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS
Authors: Koupriyanov V. V. , Nikolaeva L. I. , Zykova A. A. , Makhnovskiy P. I. , Kotlyarov R. Y. , Vasilyev A. V. , Ravin N. V.
Published: April 2020

The aim of the study was to investigate immunogenic properties of mosaic recombinant proteins constructed on the data of hepatitis C virus NS4A and NS4B antigens. Four mosaic recombinant proteins, containing the T and B epitopes of the NS4A and NS4B antigens, were created by genetic engineering methods in the E. coli system. To enhance the immune response they were linked in different variations to the nucleotide sequences of murine interleukin-2 (IL-2), the Neisseria meningiditis lipopeptide, and the T helper epitope of the core protein of hepatitis C virus. The immunogenic properties of these recombinant proteins were analyzed by immunoblotting, ELISA and ELISpot using sera from immunized mice and patients infected with hepatitis C virus. Recombinant proteins specifically reacted with the sera of immunized mice and infected patients in immunoblotting. According to the ELISA data, the predominant formation of antibodies to NS4B was observed when mice were immunized with the recombinant proteins containing both antigens. Analysis of gamma-interferon production by T-lymphocytes upon contact with activated dendritic cells showed in ELISpot that the maximum production of this cytokine was detected when adjuvant components were located at the N- and C-ends of the recombinant protein. The highest level of gamma-interferon production during stimulation with this drug was detected in lymphocytes from the bone marrow and lymph nodes. The recombinant protein containing the T and B epitopes of NS4A and NS4B, murine IL-2 and the lipopeptide Neisseria meningiditis had the greatest immunostimulate effect among the four constructions. This recombinant protein formed nanoparticles of 100-120 nm in size.
UNDERESTIMATED INFECTION - ON THE QUESTION OF THE HUMAN ADENOVIRUS PATHOGENICITY FACTORS
Authors: Ageeva M. R. , Yatsyshina S. B.
Published: April 2020

Human adenoviruses cause different organ infections of varying severity, from asymptomatic to severe cases with lethal outcome, that are registered everywhere. Detailed and focused study of factors predisposing to a severe course of infection is required. The literature contains information indicating the association of severe adenoviral respiratory diseases with certain types of adenovirus, primarily type 7. This review highlights the possible causes of increased pathogenicity of some types of adenovirus and their association with severe forms of infection. Pathogenicity factors include the ability of adenovirus to bind the specific cellular receptors, the formation of subviral particles, the interaction with blood proteins, in particular the coagulation factor X, as well as the features of the early genes E1A, E1B, E3, E4. In addition, the severity of the disease may be affected by the presence or absence of pre-existing antibodies specific to certain types of adenoviruses. Chronic diseases or immunosuppression also increase the risk of severe adenovirus infection. The information presented in this review may elucidate the pathogenesis of adenovirus infection, and help to develop new features for prevention and treatment.
The utility of red cell distribution width to predict mortality of septic patients in a tertiary hospital of Nepal.
Authors: Ghimire Rajan , Shakya Yogendra Man , Shrestha Tirtha Man , Neupane Ram Prasad
Published: April 2020

Background: Sepsis is a common problem encountered in the emergency room which needs to be intervened early. Predicting prognosis is always a difficult task in busy emergency rooms using present scores, which has several variables to calculate. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is an easy, cheap, and efficacious score to predict the severity and mortality of patients with sepsis. Methods: This prospective analytical study was conducted in the emergency room of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital among the patients age ≥16 years and with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis using qSOFA score. 148 patients were analyzed in the study by using a non-probability purposive sampling method. Results: RDW has fair efficacy to predict the mortality in sepsis (Area under the Curve of 0.734; 95% C. I= 0.649-0.818; p-value=0.000) as APACHE II (AUC of 0.728; 95% C. I= 0.637 to 0.819; p-value=0.000) or SOFA (AUC of 0.680, 95% C.I =0.591-0.770; p-value=0.001). Youden Index was maximum (37%) at RDW value 14.75, which has a sensitivity of 83% (positive likelihood ratio=1.81) and specificity of 54% (negative likelihood ratio=0.32). Out of 44 patients with septic shock 16 died (36.4 %) and among 104 patients without septic shock, 24 died (22.9%) which had the odds ratio of 0.713 (p=0.555, 95% C. I= 0.231-2.194). Overall mortality was 27.02% (n=40). RDW group analysis showed no mortality in RDW <13.1 group, 3.6% mortality in 13.1 to 14 RDW group, 22.0% mortality in 14 to >15.6 RDW group and 45.9% mortality in >15.6 RDW group. Significant mortality difference was seen in 14 to >15.6 and >15.6 RDW subgroups with a p-value of 0.003 and 0.008 respectively. Conclusion: Area under the curve value for RDW is fair enough to use it as a good prognostic score to predict the mortality of patients with sepsis in the emergency room. Keywords: red cell distribution width, sepsis, emergency care, mortality
Vaginal repaired cesarean section diverticulum is beneficial in women with two prior cesarean sections
Authors: Wang Yizhi , Li Jiarui , New Husheng Wang , Wang Xipeng
Published: April 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vaginal repair in patients with cesarean section diverticulum (CSD) who had one or two previous cesarean sections (CSs). Methods : From January 2012 to December 2014, 248 women with CSD underwent vaginal repair surgery in Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital. These included 193 women with one previous cesarean section and 55 women with two previous cesarean sections. Excision and suture of CSD was performed through a vaginal approach. The duration of menstruation, the length, width and depth of the CSD and thickness of the remaining muscular layer (TRM) were evaluated before and after surgery by transvaginal three-dimensional (3D) color Doppler ultrasound. Results: A total of 221 (89.11%) women were followed-up for more than 3 months, and 168 (67.74%) women were followed-up for more than 6 months. There were significant differences in the average duration of menstruation (7.77±2.05 and 8.02±2.06 days VS 13.99±3.71 days), the average size of CSD (5.54*9.19*5.60 and 5.75*9.04*6.18 mm VS 7.99*12.43*6.62 mm) and the TRM (7.61±2.52 and 7.60±3.00 mm VS 2.51±1.02 mm) after surgery compared with those figures before surgery. The results of this study reveal that vaginal repair could shorten the duration of menstruation and improve anatomical defects (P< 0.05). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the effect of clinical repair between women with one or two previous cesarean sections (P> 0.05). Conclusion: In CSD patients, the clinical effectiveness of vaginal repair was equivalent between women with one or two previous cesarean sections.
The prevalence of cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) and benefits of pre-emptive antifungal treatment among HIV-infected persons with CD4+ T-cell counts < 200 cells/μL: Evidence based on a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yao , Huang Xiaojie , Chen Hui , Qin Yuanyuan , Hou Jianhua , Li Aixin , Wu Hao , Yan Xiaofeng , Chen Yaokai
Published: April 2020

Background: Current WHO guidelines (2018) recommend screening for cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) in HIV-infected persons with CD4<100 cells/μL, followed by pre-emptive antifungal therapy among CrAg positive (CrAg+) persons, to prevent Cryptococcal meningitis related deaths. The strategy may also be considered for those persons with a CD4 count of<200 cells/uL according the WHO guidelines. However, there remains little evidence for doing so in those HIV-infected persons with this CD4 cell count. Objective: We aimed to assess the necessity of CrAg screening and the efficacy of pre-emptive antifungal therapy in CrAg+ persons with CD4<200 cells/µL. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis using data obtained from randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and cohort studies found in Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EMBASE/MEDLINE . Results: The pooled prevalence of CrAg positivity in HIV-infected persons with CD4<200 cells/µL was 5% (95%CI: 3-6). The incidence of CM in CrAg+ persons was 7- fold (7%, 95%CI: 4-10) that of CrAg negative (CrAg-) persons (1%, 95%CI: 0-1). Among CrAg+ persons who did not receive any treatment or only received placebo, the incidence of CM was 9% (95%CI: 5-13), whereas the incidence of CM among those who received antifungal therapy was 2% (95%CI: 0-3), a highly statistically significant reduction of 78% (RR: 6.03, 95%CI: 2.74-13.24, p <0.00001). Conclusions: In our meta-analysis, the incidence of CM in CrAg+ persons were significantly higher than in CrAg- persons with CD4<200 cells/µL. Furthermore, the incidence of CM was significantly reduced by pre-emptive antifungal therapy in CrAg+ persons with CD4<200 cells/µL.
Clinical pictures, treatments and resource use of norovirus gastroenteritis in long-term care facilities: A survey with a chart review in Japan
Authors: Fujiki Saori , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Nakayama Takeo
Published: April 2020

Background Outbreaks of norovirus infection can have detrimental impacts on long-term care facilities. This study investigated the incidence, clinical picture, treatment, resource use, and costs of norovirus gastroenteritis in long-term care facilities. Methods Nineteen facilities in Osaka and Kyoto, Japan participated in questionnaire surveys conducted between 2009 and 2011 regarding the incidence of norovirus gastroenteritis. From clinical charts, the characteristics, symptoms, and treatment of infected residents were analyzed. Total drug cost per infected resident was calculated by multiplying the unit price for each drug by the daily dose and the number of days administered and summing the costs for each drug (USD 1 = JPY 100). Results Over the 3-year period, 8 outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis occurred in 6 facilities. The mean clinical course of 107 infected residents in five facilities that granted permission to examine patients’ medical records was 4 days, with all but one resident presenting with vomiting and/or diarrhea, and 84 (79%) also presenting with associated symptoms. Of 107 infected residents, 72 (67%) were isolated. The proportion of infected residents isolated varied from 50% to 100% depending on the facility. Of the infected residents, 81 (76%) received some type of medication, the most common being infusion (67 patients, 63%) and antibiotics (30 patients, 28%). The median total cost of all drugs administered was USD 4.4, and the median drug cost per infected resident per day was USD 2.0. Total drug cost over the entire treatment period was the highest for antibiotics, at USD 8.6. Conclusion Clinical course was similar to those of norovirus cases examined at other facilities. The majority of infected residents received some type of medication. Although the economic burden was not large, not a few infected residents were given antibiotics, which are ineffective for norovirus.
Missed Opportunities for Family Planning Counselling among HIV-Positive Women Receiving HIV Care in Uganda
Authors: Author) JULIET NABIRYE(Former Corresponding , Author) Joseph KB Matovu(New Corresponding , Bwanika John Baptist , Makumbi Fredrick , Wanyenze Rhoda K.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

HIV-positive women who are still in the reproductive years need adequate sexual and reproductive health information to make informed reproductive health choices. However, many HIV-positive women who interface with the health system continue to miss out on this information. We sought to: a) determine the proportion of HIV-positive women enrolled in HIV care who missed family planning (FP) counselling; and b) assess if any association existed between FP counseling and current use of modern contraception to inform programming.

Methods

Data were drawn from a quantitative national cross-sectional survey of 5,198 HIV-positive women receiving HIV care at 245 HIV clinics in Uganda; conducted between August and November 2016. Family planning counseling was defined as receipt of FP information by an HIV-positive woman during ANC, at the time of delivery or at the PNC visit. Analyses on receipt of FP counseling were done on 2,760 HIV-positive women aged 15-49 years who were not currently pregnant and did not intend to have children in the future. We used a modified Poisson regression model to determine the Prevalence Ratio (PR) as a measure of association between receipt of any FP counseling and current use of modern contraception, controlling for potential confounders. Analyses were performed using STATA statistical software, version 14.1.

Results

Overall, 2,104 (76.2%) HIV-positive women reported that they received FP counseling at any of the three critical time-points. Of the 24% ( n =656) who did not, 37.9% missed FP counseling at ANC; 41% missed FP counseling during delivery; while 54% missed FP counseling at the post-natal care visit. HIV-positive women who received any FP counseling were significantly more likely to report current use of modern contraception than those who did not (adjusted PR [adj. PR] = 1.21; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.10, 1.33).

Conclusion

Nearly one-quarter of HIV-positive women did not receive any form of FP counseling when they interfaced with the healthcare system. This presents a missed opportunity for prevention of unintended pregnancies, and suggests a need for the integration of FP counseling into HIV care at all critical time-points.
Urinary angiotensinogen as a surrogate marker predicting the antiproteinuric effects of angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with overt proteinuria
Authors: Jeon Junseok , Kim Do Hee , Jang Hye Ryoun , Lee Jung Eun , Huh Wooseong , Kim Hye-Young , Kim Dae Joong , Kim Yoon-Goo
Published: April 2020

Background: Although urinary angiotensinogen (AGT) and renin reflect intrarenal renin-angiotensin system activity and are enhanced in proteinuric chronic kidney disease, the clinical value of urinary AGT and renin levels during antiproteinuric treatment has yet to be determined. We investigated the clinical usefulness of initial urinary AGT or renin to determine the antiproteinuric effects of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Methods: This multicenter, prospective, single-arm study included 205 patients with overt proteinuria (urinary protein/creatinine ratio [uPCR] ≥ 1 mg/mg) enrolled between April 2009 and December 2011. All patients were treated with valsartan. The urinary AGT/creatinine ratio (uAGT/Cr) was measured at the baseline and 24 weeks, and the renin/creatinine ratio (uR/Cr) was measured at the baseline. Fifty-six patients were followed-up for 5 years. Results: The mean age was 47.6 years and 51.2% were male. The mean uPCR was 2.32 mg/mg and the mean eGFR was 63.2 mL/min/1.73m 2 . Natural logarithms (ln) (uAGT/Cr), ln(uR/Cr), and diabetes mellitus were associated with proteinuria decrement (decrease in uPCR ≥ 1 mg/mg). Ln(uAGT/Cr) was an independent predictor for proteinuria decrement (OR 1.372, 95% CI, 1.068–1.762, P = 0.013). Among the 56 patients followed-up for 5 years, Δln(uAGT/Cr) at 24 weeks was an independent predictor for uPCR < 1 mg/mg at 5 years (OR 0.379, 95% CI, 0.20–0.715, P = 0.003). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the potential role of both baseline urinary AGT and changes in urinary AGT during the initial 24 weeks as surrogate markers predicting the antiproteinuric effects of ARBs in patients with overt proteinuria.
The loss of photosynthesis pathway and genomic locations of the lost plastid genes in a holoparasitic plant Aeginetia indica
Authors: Chen Jingfang , Yu Runxian , Dai Jinhong , Liu Ying , Zhou Renchao
Published: April 2020

Background: With three origins of holoparasitism, Orobanchaceae provides an ideal system to study the evolution of holoparasitic lifestyle in plants. The evolution of holoparasitism can be revealed by plastid genome degradation and coordinated changes in the nuclear genome, since holoparasitic plants lost the capability of photosynthesis. Among the three clades with holoparasitic plants in Orobanchaceae, only Clade VI has no available plastid genome sequences for holoparasitic plants. In this study, we sequenced the plastome and transcriptome of Aeginetia indica , a holoparasitic plant in Clade VI of Orobanchaceae, to study its plastome evolution and the corresponding changes in the nuclear genome as a response of the loss of photosynthetic function.
Results: The plastome of A. indica is reduced to 86,212 bp in size, and almost all photosynthesis-related genes were lost. Massive fragments of the lost plastid genes were transferred into the mitochondrial and/or nuclear genomes. These fragments could not be detected in its transcriptomes, suggesting that they were non-functional. Most protein coding genes in the plastome showed the signal of relaxation of purifying selection. Plastome and transcriptome analyses indicated that the photosynthesis pathway is completely lost, and that the porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism pathway is partially retained, although chlorophyll synthesis is not possible.
Conclusions: Our study suggests the loss of photosynthesis-related functions in A. indica in both the nuclear and plastid genomes. The lost plastid genes are transferred into its nuclear and/or mitochondrial genomes, and exist in very small fragments with no expression and are thus non-functional. The Aeginetia indica plastome also provides a resource for comparative studies on the repeated evolution of holoparasitism in Orobanchaceae.
Green Coffee Extract Modifies Body Weight, Serum Lipids and TNF-α in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats
Authors: Ilmiawati Cimi , Fitri Fajar , Rofinda Zelly Dia , Reza Mohamad
Published: April 2020

Objective: Currently, there are many efforts to find functional nutrients for obesity management, and the green coffee extract is a potential candidate. This study aimed to examine the effect of the green coffee extract on body weight, serum lipids, and TNF-α level in obese rats.
Results: Administration of green coffee extract to high-fat diet-induced male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) reduced body weight, total serum cholesterol, and triglyceride at the dose of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg BW/day; lowered LDL-cholesterol at the treatment of 20 mg/kg BW/day (p<0.05). The effective dose to decrease serum TNF-α level was 40 mg/kg BW/day, while the effective dose to improve the lipid profile was 10 mg/kg BW/day. These results supported the potential use of green coffee extract as a functional nutrient in the management of obesity
Making researchers responsible: Attributions of responsibility and ambiguous notions of culture in research codes of conduct
Authors: Valkenburg Govert , Dix Guus , Tijdink Joeri , de Rijcke Sarah
Published: April 2020

Background: Research codes of conduct offer guidance to researchers with respect to which values should be realized in research practices, how these values are to be realized, and what the respective responsibilities of the individual and the institution are in this. However, the question how the division between individual and institutional responsibilities is to be made, has hitherto received little attention. Therefore, we conduct an analysis of research codes of conduct, and investigate how responsibilities are positioned as individual or institutional ones and how the boundary between those two is shaped.
Method: We selected 12 institutional, national and international codes of conduct that apply to medical research in the Netherlands, and performed a close-reading content analysis of these codes of conduct. We first identify dominant themes, and then investigate how responsibility is attributed to individuals and institutions.
Results: We observe that in many cases, the attribution of the responsibility to either the individual or the institution is not entirely clear and that the notion of culture appears as a residual category for such attributions. This notion of responsible research cultures is deemed important as something that mediates between the individual and institutional level, but at the same time largely lacks substantiation.
Conclusions: While many attributions of individual and institutional responsibility are clear, the exact boundary between individual and institutional responsibility is often problematic. We suggest two possible avenues for improvement in codes of conduct: either clearly attribute responsibilities to individuals or institutions and depend less less on the notion of culture, or make culture a more explicit concern and articulate what it is and how it could be fostered.
An immunoinformatic approach driven by experimental proteomics: in silico design of a subunit candidate vaccine targeting secretory proteins of Leishmania donovani amastigotes
Authors: Khan Md Anik Ashfaq , Ami Jenifar Quaiyum , Faisal Khaledul , Chowdhury Rajashree , Ghosh Prakash , Hossain Faria , Wahed Ahmed Abd El , Mondal Dinesh
Published: April 2020

Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by dimorphic Leishmania species is a parasitic disease with high socioeconomic burden in endemic areas worldwide. Sustaining control of VL in terms of proper and prevailing immunity development is a global necessity amid unavailability of a prophylactic vaccine. Screening of experimental proteome of the human disease propagating form of Leishmania donovani (amastigote) can be more pragmatic for in silico mining of novel vaccine candidates. Methods By using an immunoinformatic approach, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-specific epitopes from experimentally reported L. donovani proteins having secretory potential and increased abundance in amastigotes were screened. A chimera linked with a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) peptide adjuvant was constructed and evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, binding interaction with TLR4 in simulated physiological condition and the trend of immune response following hypothetical immunization. Results Selected epitopes from physiologically important L. donovani proteins were found mostly conserved in L. infantum , covering theoretically more than 98% of the global population. The multi-epitope chimeric vaccine was predicted as stable, antigenic and non-allergenic. Structural analysis of vaccine-TLR4 receptor docked complex and its molecular dynamics simulation suggest sufficiently stable binding interface along with prospect of non-canonical receptor activation. Simulation dynamics of immune response following hypothetical immunization indicate active and memory B as well as CD4+ T cell generation potential, and likely chance of a more Th1 polarized response. Conclusions The methodological approach and results from this study could facilitate more informed screening and selection of candidate antigenic proteins for entry into vaccine production pipeline in future to control human VL.
Effects of Kinesio Tape on kinesiophobia, balance and functional performance of athletes with post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A Pilot Trial
Authors: Gholami Milad , Kamali Fahimeh , Mirzaei Maryam , Motealleh Alireza , Shamsi MohammadBagher
Published: April 2020

Background : This study aimed to investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping on Kinesiophobia (fear of re-injury), balance and functional performance in athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Methods: This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 20 athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (mean age 32.35 ± 6.25 years) at the time of return to sport. The participants were selected using purposive sampling approach and they were randomly assigned to kinesio tape group (n=10) or placebo kinesio tape group (n=10).
While subjects under taped, the following outcomes were measured at baseline, ten minutes after the intervention, and two days later. Kinesiophobia, balance, strength, functional / agility performance was assessed by Tampa Scale, Y balance test (YBT), single leg hops and 10-yard extremity functional test, respectively. Data were analyzed using the repeated measure analysis of variance (RMANOVA) in the SPSS v.23.
Results: Two days after Kinesio taping, the difference between the scores obtained in the first and the second measurements for all variables in the kinesio tape group was not significantly different rather than placebo kinesio tape group (all P> 0.05). The difference between scores of the third and the first measurements of all variables was also not significantly different in the kinesio tape group compared to the placebo kinesio tape group (all P> 0.05).
In the kinesio tape and placebo kinesio tape groups, RMANOVA indicated that the differences in all variables scores were significant over time (P < 0.001), Sidak post-hoc test indicated that the differences between the first and the second measurements, as well as between the first and the third measurements were significant (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: This study gives no support for any beneficial effect of kinesio taping on reduction of kinesiophobi or improvement of balance score and functional performance in athletes with post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Trial registration: This study was registered in the Iranian Clinical Trial Center with the code IRCT20190130042556N1, https://www.irct.ir/trial/37312, registered 12 February 2019.
Psychiatric, Cognitive Functioning and Socio-cultural Views of Menstrual Psychosis in Oman: An Idiographic Approach
Authors: Al-Sibani Nasser , Al-Maqbali Mandhar , Mahadevan Sangeetha , Al-Huseni Salim , Al-Muzeni Muna , Al-Adawi Samir
Published: April 2020

Background : Most documented cases of menstrual psychosis have been from Euro-American populations with reports from cross-cultural populations being only a few.
Objective : To determine whether the cyclical/episodic nature of menstrual psychosis among case series observed at a tertiary care unit in Oman fulfills the diagnosis criteria of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and diverge into Brockington’s sub-types (World Psychiatry. 2005;4(1):9-17). Related aims were to solicit measures of psychometric functioning of those with menstrual psychosis and narrated idioms of distress .
Results : The spectrum of distress in people with menstrual psychosis does not fit into existing psychiatric nosology. Evaluations revealed that a majority of the participants displayed something akin to morbid phenomenon related to manic and psychotic symptoms or, in the parlance of Omani society, spirit possession. In terms of classification by timing within the menstrual cycle as expounded by Brockington, the present case series in Oman fulfilled the definition of catamenial psychosis and paramenstrual psychosis. With regard to psychometric function, all participants performed adequately on indices of intellectual functioning but appeared to have impairments in neuropsychological functioning, including dimensions of processing speed, episodic memory, and executive functioning. Within the given society, the periodicity of mind alteration has been attributed to spirit possession.
Conclusions : This is one of the first case series of its kind in the country elucidating whether the manifestation of menstrual psychosis among individuals in Oman fulfills the subtypes postulated by Brockington. The present case series suggests that menstrual psychosis is marked with neuropsychological impairments that were previously observed in other phasic manic episodes or brief psychotic disorders.