bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leucine-rich Diet Improved Muscle Function in Cachectic Walker 256 Tumor-bearing Wistar Rats
Authors: Viana Laís , Chiocchetti Gabriela , Oroy Lucas , Vieira Willians , Salgado Carla , Oliveira Alexandre , Viera André , Suarez Paula , Sousa Lizandra , Castelucci Bianca , Consonni Silvio , Gomes-Marcondes Maria
Published: June 2021

Background: Skeletal muscle atrophy occurs in several pathological conditions such as cancer, a condition termed cancer cachexia. This condition is associated with an increase in morbidity and poor treatment response, decreasing quality of life, and increased mortality in cancer patients. A leucine-rich diet could be used as a coadjutant therapy preventing muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia hosts. Besides muscle atrophy, muscle function loss is even more important to the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of leucine-rich diet on muscle function activity of cachectic Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats and to correlate such effects with molecular pathways of muscle atrophy. Methods: Adult Wistar rats were randomly distributed into four experimental groups. Two groups were fed with a control diet: Control (C) and Walker 256 tumor-bearing (W), and two other groups were fed with a leucine-rich diet: Leucine Control (L) and Leucine Walker 256 tumor-bearing (LW). The functional analysis (walking, behavior, and strength tests) was measured and before and after tumor inoculation. Cachexia parameters such as body weight loss, muscle and fat mass, pro-inflammatory cytokine profile, and molecular and morphological aspects of skeletal muscle were also performed. Results: Walker 256 tumor growth led to muscle function decline, cachexia manifestation symptoms, muscle fiber cross-section area reduction, associated with the altered morphological pattern and classical muscle protein degradation pathway activation, with up-regulation of FoXO1, MuRF1, and 20S proteins. On the other hand, a leucine-rich diet improved muscle strength while reducing the decline of walking and behavior, partially improving the cachexia manifestations and preventing muscle atrophy and protein degradation in Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats. Conclusions: A leucine-rich diet diminished muscle protein degradation and enhanced oxidative pathways, leading to better muscle functional performance.
Comparison of the Interaction Modes Between Cellulase and Bovine Serum Albumin /Lignosulfonate /Polyethylene Glycol in Promoting Lignocellulose Saccharification
Authors: Wang Peipei , Liu Tian , Guo Jiaqi , Jin Yongcan , Xiao Huining , Lin Jiuyou , song junlong
Published: June 2021

Background: Bovine serum albumin (BSA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and lignosulfonate (LS) have been extensively employed as synergistic agents in lignocellulose saccharification, albeit it has not been fully understood how they interact with enzymes from the perspectives of molecular interactions. Herein, we attempted to unveil the promotion mechanisms of BSA, PEG and LS for lignocellulose saccharification from the perspective of their respective interaction with cellulase using Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), and Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) to investigate their respective interaction and the complex formation. In the meanwhile, we compared the effects of adding these additives into the enzymatic hydrolysis of pure cellulose (Avicel) and green liquor-pretreated lignocellulose (GL).Results: The results showed that BSA and LS could bind to cellulase to form complexes, whereas PEG did not. However, PEG had a high affinity to lignin or lignin derivatives. In term for Avicel and GL substrates, the results showed that BSA and PEG promoted the enzymatic hydrolysis of both substrates, while LS had a promoting effect for GL only and inhibited some extent for Avicel. Conclusions: This study showed that synergistic agents of LS, BSA, and PEG have different interaction modes with cellulase. BSA and LS form complexes with cellulase and the formed complexes prevent from nonproductive binding by residue lignin; whereas PEG prevents from nonproductive binding by forming a thin layer on residue lignin which actually serve as steric hindrance. This investigation will help us to understand the sophisticated interactions among the components in the complicated enzymatic system, especially the interactions between enzymes and synergistic agents. It will be helpful in the design and utilization of synergistic additives in the lignocellulose biorefinery process as well.
Deformation Monitoring and Evaluation of Mountain Slope Stability Combined With Ground-based Radar and Spaceborne InSAR Methods
Authors: Wang Yanchao , Jiang Wenliang , Li Bingquan , Luo Yi , Li Yongsheng
Published: June 2021

In this paper, ground-based radar and spaceborne Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) images were combined to monitor slope stability and analyze the main deformation factors of an ancient landslide on the right bank of the Dajinchuan River in Danba County, Sichuan Province, China. We applied the short baseline set (SBAS) time series strategy with 656 scenes of ground-based radar between September 13-17, 2019, and 62 scenes of Sentinel-1 data from July 2018 to October 2020. Combined with high-resolution satellite images and digital elevation model (DEM) data, we acquired trace and quantitative deformation features and discussed the factors that contributed to slope instability, such as geological structure, topography, external environment and human activities. The largest deformation area detected by ground-based radar is located in the bedrock above the target area with a maximum cumulative deformation of more than 30 mm during the detection time. The maximum average annual deformation rate detected over the region by spaceborne InSAR is over 40 mm/a. We analyzed the differences between the ground-based radar and spaceborne InSAR and the reasons for the differences. This study provides references and suggestions for investigating potential landslide risks by combining ground-based radar and spaceborne InSAR technology.
A Subtype of Human Bocavirus Detected in Rattus Norvegicus Feces in China
Authors: You Fang-Fei , Zhang Min-Yi , Wu Fei , Li Qiu-Shuang , Chen Qing
Published: June 2021

Background Bocavirus is a typical zoonotic pathogen with a wide range of hosts. Here, we report the epidemiology of human bocavirus (HBoV) detected in Rattus norvegicus. Methods Between May 2015 and May 2017, 357 R. norvegicus were captured in four Chinese provinces. Polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the prevalence of HBoV in fecal samples. Phylogenetic analysis and sequencing of the entire viral genome were undertaken. Results HBoV was detected in 0.84% (3/357) of samples. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial VP1 region and near-full-sequence regions showed that HBoV obtained in R. norvegicus was genetically closely related to HBoV-2. One near-full‐length HBoV genome (named “GZ533”) was acquired, and phylogenetic analysis of the three positive sequences revealed that they shared very high identity in nucleotides and amino acids in the VP1 region (96.0%–99.1%). Comparison of GZ533 and other HBoVs revealed ~100% identity of amino acids in the VP1 region, whereas only 37.5% identity of amino acids when compared with R. norvegicus bocavirus.Conclusion HBoV-2 was detected in R. norvegicus in China. R. norvegicus may be a carrier of HBoV infection, and its impact on public health merits attention.
Capsular Blockage Syndrome: Clinical and Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Characteristics
Authors: Yang Hsin-Yu , Kao Sui-Ching , Tsai Chieh-Chih , Yu Wei-Kuang
Published: June 2021

Background:CBS is a rare phenomenon which is found during and after cataract surgery. The mechanism, OCT presentation and clinical characteristics are not well studied. Methods:Document patients with CBS who underwent examination, including refraction, best-corrected visual acuity, slit lamp, anterior segment OCT, and onset after cataract surgery. All patients underwent Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy and were prescribed a low-dose topical steroid for seven days. Post-capsulotomy refraction and visual acuity were recorded.Results:This study included 18 eyes. Patients’ mean age was 80 (range, 54–92). The duration between cataract surgery and CBS diagnosis ranged 15–136 months. According to anterior segment OCT findings, we subcategorized the patients into four types: minimally opaque (n=4, 22%), uniformly turbid (n=7, 39%), focally condensed (n=5, 28%), and diffused sparkling (n=2, 11%). After laser capsulotomy, mean visual acuity improved 0.18 ± 0.09 on the LogMar. A significant difference in absolute refraction changes between the groups was noted— maximum in the focally condensed and minimum in the uniformly turbid types. No patient developed complications or needed further treatment for CBS during mean follow-up of 80 months.Conclusion:High-resolution anterior segment OCT is useful for analyzing pathological changes in the CBS. Our study implies that these four types of CBS presentation indicate various causes of late-CBS formation, as well as distinct clinical presentation and post–laser capsulotomy outcome. In addition, YAG laser capsulotomy is a safe late-CBS treatment modality.
A New Method to Evaluate Acetabular Bone Defect in Patients With Crowe Type Ⅱ and Type Ⅲ Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Acetabular Reconstruction Based on Three-dimensional Reconstruction Images
Authors: Wen Xinggui , Zuo Jianlin , Liu Tong , Gao Zhongli , Xiao Jianlin
Published: June 2021

This study evaluated the cup coverage(CC) of acetabular cup models with different sizes in patients with Crowe type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ DDH by the high hip center technique(HHC), the results shows that the CC of cup sizes with 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm, 46mm, 48mm, and 50 mm increased by 21.24%, 21.58%, 20.86%, 20.04%, 18.62%, 17.18%, and 15.42% (P<0.001) respectively as the cups elevated from the true acetabula until the maximum coverage were achieved. What surprising is the mean CC at the true acetabula were 77.85%, 76.71%, 75.73%, 74.56%, 73.68%, 72.51%, and 71.75%, respectively. So, we draw a distribution frequency map of uncovered portion of all 44-mm cups at the true acetabula to illustrate the distribution of bone defects of the acetabulum. The map shows that 95% of type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ DDH acetabula had bone defects in posterosuperior, and 60% were located outside the force line of the hip joint.Here comes to a conclusion that acetabular cups can meet the CC of more than 70% at the true acetabulum, and 60% of Crowe type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ DDH patients can obtain satisfactory CC at the true acetabulum by using a 44-mm cup without additional operation.
Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells: The Enigma to Code Messages for Generation of Functionally Active Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Aleahmad Mehdi , Bozorgmehr Mahmood , Nikoo Shohreh , Ghanavatinejad Alireza , Shokri Mohammad-Reza , Montazeri Samaneh , Shokri Fazel , Zarnani Amir Hassan
Published: June 2021

Background

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in fine tuning immune responses and is pivotal for a successful pregnancy. Recently, the importance of mesenchymal stem cells in regulation of immune responses in general and Tregs in particular has been highlighted. Here, we hypothesized that menstrual stromal/stem cells (MenSCs) contribute to uterine immune system regulation through induction of functionally active Tregs.
Methods

MenSCs were collected from 18 apparently healthy women and characterized. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) served as a control. The effect of MenSCs on proliferation of anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated T CD4 + cells and generation of Tregs with and without pre-treatment with mitomycin C, IFN-γ and IL-1β was evaluated by flow cytometry. The potential role of IDO, PGE2, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β on proliferation of T CD4 + cells and generation of Tregs was assessed using blocking antibodies or agents. IDO activity was evaluated in MenSCs and BMSC culture supernatants by a colorimetric assay. IL-10 and IFN-γ production in MenSCs-primed T CD4 + was measured using intracellular staining. To investigate the functional properties of Tregs induced by MenSCs, Treg cells were isolated and their functional property to inhibit proliferation of anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated PBMCs was assessed by flow cytometry.
Results

According to the results, proliferation of T CD4 + lymphocytes were enhanced in the presence of MenSCs, while pre-treatment of MenSCs with pro-inflammatory reversed this effect. PGE2 and IDO were the major players in MenSCs-induced T cell proliferation. Non-treated MenSCs decreased frequency of Tregs, whereas after pre-treatment with IFN-γ and IL-1β they induced Tregs, which was mediated through IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β and IDO. IFN-γ/IL-1β-treated MenSCs induced IL-10 and IFN-γ production in CD4 + T cells.
Conclusion

Collectively, these finding indicates that immunomodulatory impact of menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs) on generation of Tregs and inhibition of T cells proliferation is largely dependent of pre-treatment with IFN-γ and IL-1β. This is the first report on immunomodulatory impact of MenSCs on Tregs and highlights the pivotal role of endometrial stem cells in regulation of local endometrial immune responses.
An Economic Analysis of the Environmental Impact of PM2.5 Exposure on Health Status in Three Northwestern Mexican Cities
Authors: Becerra-Pérez Luis Armando , Ramos-Álvarez Roberto A. , DelaCruz Juan J. , García-Páez Benjamín , Páez-Osuna Federico , Cedeño-Laurent Guillermo , Boldo Elena
Published: June 2021

Background
This study provides an assessment of the health effects due to exposure to particulate matter PM2.5 (diameter < 2.5 µm that cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated) in three medium size cities of north western Mexico (Los Mochis, Culiacan and Mazatlan). We computed the total avoidable premature mortality, avoidable cardiovascular disease, gains in life expectancy, as well as the economic costs by air contamination corresponding to PM2.5. To achieve this goal, the Health Impacts Assessment (HIA) methodology provided by the European Aphekom Project was used. People in these cities are exposed to high PM2.5 concentrations that exceed limits implemented in domestic and international guidelines.
Results
We determined the cost of the PM2.5 pollutant associated with health outcomes under two different scenarios: Official Mexican Standard (NOM, Spanish acronym) and World Health Organization (WHO). The mean PM2.5 concentrations in 2017 were 22.8, 22.4 y 14.1 µg/m3 for the cities Los Mochis, Mazatlan and Culiacan, respectively. The mean avoidable mortality for all causes associated to the exposure to PM2.5 in the three cities was 638 for the NOM scenario (i.e., with a reduction to 12 µg/m3) compared to 739 for the WHO scenario (reduction to 10 µg/m3). Complying with the WHO guideline of 10 µg/m3 in annual PM2.5 mean would add up to 15 months of life expectancy at age 30, depending on the city.
Conclusions
The mean economic cost per year of the PM2.5 effects on human life in these three cities was $600 (NOM scenario) and $695 million dollars (WHO scenario). Effective public health and industrial policy interventions are socially advantageous and cost-saving to promote better health.
Genome Mining, Phylogenetic and Structural Analysis of Bacterial Nitrilases for the Biodegradation of Nitrile Compounds
Authors: Salwan Richa , Sharma Vivek , Das Surajit
Published: June 2021

Microbial nitrilases play vital role in biodegradation of nitrile-containing contaminants in pollutant and effluents treatments in chemical and textile industries as well as the biosynthesis of IAA from tryptophan in plants. However, the lack of structural information hinders the correlation of its activity and substrate specificity. Here, we have identified bacterial genomes for nitrilases bearing unassigned functions including hypothetical, uncharacterized, or putative role. The genomic annotations revealed four predicted nitrilases encoding genes as uncharacterized subgroup of the nitrilase superfamily. Further, the annotation of these nitrilases revealed relatedness with nitrilase hydratases and cyanoalanine hydratases. The characterization of motif analysis of these protein sequences, predicted a single motif of 20-28 aa, and glutamate (E), lysine (K) and cysteine (C) residues as a part of catalytic triad along with several active site residues. The structural analysis of the modeled nitrilases revealed geometrical and close conformation of α-helices and β-sheets arranged in a sandwich structure. The catalytic residues constituted the substrate binding pocket and exhibited the wide nitrile substrate spectra for both aromatic and aliphatic nitriles containing compounds. The aromatic amino acid residues Y159 in active site were predicted to show importance for substrate specificity. The substitution of non-aromatic alanine residue in place of Y159 completely disrupted the catalytic activity for indole-3-acetonitrile. The present study reports several uncharacterized nitrilases which have not been reported so far for their role in the biodegradation of pollutants, xenobiotics which could find applications in industries.
Allometric Relationships for Interspecific Plant Biomass Allocations and Morphological Characteristics
Authors: Zhang ChunPing , Niu Decao , Zhang Lijing , Li Xudong , Fu Hua
Published: June 2021

Background The allometric relationships of plants and their changes assist with elucidating the adaptive responses of plants to the environment. However, it remains unclear whether different species of the life-form ‘shrubs’ have consistent or similar allometric relationships between modular characteristics (including morphological characteristics and biomass allocations). Here, we selected eight xerophytic shrubs as samples to investigate the morphological characteristics, biomass allocations and their allometric relationships. ResultsThe results showed that there were common allometric scaling exponents (αRMA) between modular characteristics with the exception of crown area (C)-belowground biomass (BGB) and C-plant height (H). Moreover, The BGB-total biomass (TGB) of the eight species accorded with the significant isometric relationships, and the isometric or allometric relationships of different species in aboveground biomass (AGB)-BGB and AGB-TGB were similar, which meant that the belowground biomass mainly determined the total biomass for xerophytic shrubs. ConclusionsOur results suggested that there were similar trends of collaborative changes between modular characteristics of eight xerophytic shrubs with the exception of C-BGB and C-H, which reflected the convergent adaptation of different species in the life-form ‘shrubs’ to arid environments.
Occupational Fire Safety in India: A Preliminary Study on Current Trends and Future Implications
Authors: Fernandes Glorita , Mulimani C. F.
Published: June 2021

Background

This study contributes to the area of applied forensic chemistry and fire safety and management. It focuses on the current trends of fire safety practices followed across four groups of workplaces in India. The motivation for this paper was to create awareness about existing lacunae in our current practices which lead to structural fire accidents; a large number of which are seen every year in India.
Results

The research helped to understand the current status of occupational fire safety practices in India and gain insight into lacunae for non-compliance. The relationship between fire safety training and employee confidence was also studied. This preliminary study found that compliance of workplace fire safety norms varied with the type of industry. Hence, suggestions for a more extensive industry based approach should be researched for better insight into this finding.
Conclusion

This research paper assessed awareness about the current loopholes in fire safety and suggested better management practices. Thus, it enables the management of industrial workforce to create better policies and employee safety strategies in cases of untoward fire disasters. This paper also highlighted the need for better risk identification and evaluation to mitigate future workplace fire incidents and promote occupational safety from fire hazards.
The Stochastic Modified Lundqvist-Korf Diffusion Process: Statistical and Computational Aspects and Application to Modeling of the CO2 Emission in Morocco
Authors: Nafidi Ahmed , azri Abdenbi El , Sanchez Ramón Gutiérrez
Published: June 2021

The main goal of this paper is to study the possibility of using a stochastic non-homogeneous (without exogenous factors) diffusion process to model the evolution of CO2 emissions in Morocco and concretely using a new process, in which the trend function is proportional to the modified Lundqvist-Korf growth curve. First, the main characteristics of the process are studied, then we establish a computational statistical methodology based on the maximum likelihood estimation method and the trend functions. When we are estimating the parameters of the process, a non-linear equation is obtained and the simulated annealing method is proposed to solve it after bounding the parametric space by a stagewise procedure. Also, to validate this methodology, we include the results obtained from several examples of simulation. Finally, the process and the methodology established are applied to real data corresponding to the evolution of CO2 emissions in Morocco.
Migrants’ Vulnerabilities and Their Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Mobile Shoe Shine Boys in the Cape Coast Metropolis
Authors: Dzirasah King David
Published: June 2021

Covid-19 pandemic has impacted socio-economic activities in sub-Saharan Africa and Ghana for that matter. Occupations in the informal sector such as shoe-shine business have been affected by the disease outbreak. This paper focuses on migrant vulnerabilities and their responses to Covid-19 with a specific focus on shoe-shine boys in Cape Coast Metropolis. The study is guided by the IOM determinants of migrant vulnerability model, empirical review on the shoe-shine business and conceptual framework on shoe-shine business within the informal sector. Using an interview guide, ten shoe-shine boys were interviewed in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Their responses were transcribed and a content analysis was employed to analyze the data. The main challenges caused by Covid-19 were the reduction in income, decrease in customer base and changes in the nature of work. The study concluded that the irregular nature of the shoe-shine business exacerbated the impact of the covid-19 on the occupation but individual coping strategies were key in ensuring the sustainability of the occupation.
COVID-19 in hospitalized patients and healthcare workers: what have changed after the first wave in a university hospital
Authors: Moreira Luiz , Barbosa Gabriela Rodrigues , Luna Luciano Kleber de Souza , Justo Alberto Fernando Oliveira , Chaves Ana Paula Cunha , Conte Danielle Dias , Carvalho Joseane Mayara Almeida , Perosa Ana Helena , Filho Klinger Soares Faico , Camargo Clarice Neves , Bellei Nancy
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the COVID-19 frequency rates in hospitalized patients (HP) and healthcare workers (HCW), viral load inference, and the impact of vaccination and variants of concern (VOC) during the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and methodWe evaluated the COVID-19 diagnostics at Hospital São Paulo, Brazil, from March 2020 to April 2021, in 10,202 samples (6,502 HP and 3,700 HCW) tested by RT-qPCR, inferring viral load by cycle threshold (Ct) values, and frequency rates.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 was detected in 31.27% of individuals (32.23% HP and 29.80% HCW). The mean age of HP positives was 57.26 ± 18.29 years (median = 59), with a mean Ct value of 25.55 ± 6.07. Neither age nor Ct values in both groups have significantly differed during the first and second waves or even since the predominance of VOC P.1 on March 2021.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 epidemic curves of HP and HCW accompanied the variations reported in São Paulo city, as well as the variation of hospitalization and occupancy of ICU beds. The VOC P.1 has no impact on the viral load, since its predominance in March 2021. The vaccination of HCW may have contributed to a decrease in the positivity rates, although more studies will provide a better understanding of the impact of immunization on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pre-operative limbic system functional connectivity distinguishes responders from non-responders to surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Danyluk Hayden , Lang Stefan , Monchi Oury , Sankar Tejas
Published: June 2021

Background

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe facial pain condition often requiring surgical treatment. Unfortunately, even technically successful surgery fails to achieve durable pain relief in many patients. The purpose of this study was to use resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to: 1) compare functional connectivity between limbic and accessory sensory networks in TN patients versus healthy controls; and 2) determine if pre-operative variability in these networks can distinguish responders and non-responders to surgery for TN.
Methods

We prospectively recruited 22 medically refractory classic or idiopathic TN patients undergoing surgical treatment over a 3-year period, and 19 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. fMRI was acquired within the month prior to surgery for all TN patients and at any time during the study period for controls. Functional connectivity analysis was restricted to six pain-relevant brain regions selected a priori: anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), posterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, and insula. Two comparisons were performed: 1) TN versus controls; and 2) responders versus non-responders to surgical treatment for TN. Functional connectivity was assessed with a two-sample t-test, using a statistical significance threshold of p < 0.050 with false discovery rate (FDR) correction for multiple comparisons.
Results

Functional connectivity was increased in TN patients compared to controls between the right insular cortex and both the left thalamus (t(39) = 3.67, p = 0.0007) and right thalamus (t(39) = 3.22, p = 0.0026). TN patients who were non-responders to surgery displayed increased functional connectivity between limbic structures, including between the left and right hippocampus (t(18) = 2.85, p = 0.0106), and decreased functional connectivity between the ACC and both the left amygdala (t(18) = 2.94, p = 0.0087) and right hippocampus (t(18) = 3.20, p = 0.0049). Across all TN patients, duration of illness was negatively correlated with connectivity between the ACC and left amygdala (r2 = 0.34, p = 0.00437) as well as the ACC and right hippocampus (r2 = 0.21, p = 0.0318).
Conclusions

TN patients show significant functional connectivity abnormalities in sensory-salience regions. However, variations in the strength of functional connectivity in limbic networks may explain why some TN patients fail to respond adequately to surgery.
Prevalence of Controlled Systemic Hypertension and Its Associated Risk Factors among Hypertensive Patients at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, Tanzania.
Authors: Mvandal Samson Peter , Mwinuka Victor Jastin
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of controlled systemic hypertension and its associated risk factors among the hypertensive patients who attended the clinic at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital in Tanzania.
Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was used determine the prevalence of co to 252 hypertensive patients were recruited during clinic visit from September to November 2020 and participant was randomly selected interviews using structured self-administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed using chi square test to find the risk factors associated with controlled hypertension.
Results

Among 252 participants, 94(39.7%) individuals with controlled hypertension giving the prevalence of controlled hypertension. The proportion of females with controlled hypertension was slightly higher than male (49 females to 45 males). The prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was 152(60.3%) participants. The prevalence of controlled hypertension was higher among patients who have regular clinic visit (p < .05) and have daily adherence to their anti-hypertensive medication. A similar trend was observed among participants without financial challenges to attend clinic, short duration of illness, higher level of education and there was no association between age, sex, marital status, smoking, alcohol consumption, having health insurance and having chronic illness.
Conclusion

Prevalence of controlled hypertension is higher among patients who have regular clinic visit and have daily adherence to their anti-hypertensive medication. Also, it is higher among participants without financial challenges to attend clinic so they can have regular clinic visit and checkup. Reinforcement on regular drug intake and clinic visit, good nutrition and reduced salt intake and modifying lifestyles of patient with hypertension is important.
Case Report: Tear liquid for diagnosis of Alzheimer disease.
Authors: Prete Salvatore Del , Marasco Daniela , Sabetta Rosalaura , Prete Antonio Del , Marino Federica Zito , Franco Renato , Troisi Salvatore , Troisi Mario , Cennamo Gilda
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The common approaches at the diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease(AD) is made with an analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid or the last techniques use the study of retinal fundus and the plaques formation, through OCT or more simply with a fundus camera. Tears’ analysis is widely discussed in literature as an essential method to describe molecular and biochemical alterations in different diseases. The aim of our study was the identification with Immunocytochemistry of Amyloid Beta-42 in tears from patients with or without familiarity for Alzheimer disease, in order to make the diagnosis earlier and more accessible compared to other invasive methods. Case presentation: Our study was performed on tears from three phenotypically healthy subjects: two of them were Caucasian with Alzheimer familiarity (48 and 55 years old) and the other one was Asian without Alzheimer familiarity ( 45 years old) and affected by an adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis at the moment of the withdrawal. Tears samples were collected from eye fornix and were examinated by immunocytochemistry (ICC) assay using anti-Amyloid Beta X-42 antibody. Two out of three tears samples showed positive Amyloid Beta-42. Conclusions: Considering that our patients were phenotypically healthy, the identification of Amyloid Beta-42 by ICC could be a candidable method to make the diagnosis of the disease earlier and more accessible and available then other current and invasive methods and it could be candidate to screening method too.
Perception and Experiences of the Front Line Health Workers (FLWs) Attending Suspected or Confirmed Covid-19 Patients in Bangladesh: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Islam Bushra Zarin , Islam Mir Raihanul , Tune Samiun Nazrin Bente Kamal , Ahmed Syed Masud
Published: June 2021

Background: Front-line health workers (FLWs) are always at a very high risk of being infected by COVID 19 due to their close contact with patients; thus, proper protection is critical. Concerning the FLWs' safety, Bangladesh's haphazard health system preparedness response on the eve of the pandemic triggered an uncoordinated management crisis, making the FLWs even more vulnerable. This study aims to elicit FLWs' perceptions and experiences regarding personal safety against COVID-19 while attending suspected/confirmed cases in the pandemic's early days. Methods: A mixed-methods quick telephone survey of a cross-sectional design was conducted during April and May 2020. 60 FLWs of various categories and levels from 14 districts and 43 institutions participated in the study in two rounds (initial and follow up) by four weeks apart. The participants were chosen using a combination of purposive sampling and the snowball sampling method and responded to a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done for quantitative data, and qualitative data were thematically analysed.Results: The FLWs were obvious about the necessity of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for suspected/confirmed COVID-19 cases with suspected/asymptomatic patients. All types and levels of FLWs did not get the needed formal training on COVID-19 management and prevention. During the initial round, only 75% and 57% FLWs received PPEs and training for their proper use, respectively. Concerns about spreading the infection to family members precipitated mental health problems for the FLWs, so they recommended some safety measures, e.g. separate accommodation, transport, modified duty roaster during COVID placement. After almost a month, the follow-up round showed that a total of 76% FLWs received PPEs, but only 20% received training about them during the last month. The recommended measures were found to be more beneficial for physicians than the other FLWs. Conclusion: COVID 19 highlighted the shortcomings of Bangladesh's health systems and the low priority given to public health. This hampered the COVID 19 response, which was late, fragmented, and poorly coordinated, putting the FLWs at risk even more. Nonetheless, a coordinated, integrated approach involving all relevant authorities is required, and the health ministry should direct an efficient and inclusive COVID response.
Synthesis and characterization of Fe(III)-Fe(II)-Mg-Al smectite solid solutions and implications for planetary science
Authors: Fox Valerie K. , Kupper Robert J. , Ehlmann Bethany L. , Catalano Jeffrey G. , Razzell-Hollis Joseph , Abbey William J. , Schild Dirk J. , Nickerson Ryan D. , Peters Jonas C. , Katz Sydney M. , White Annabelle C.
Published: June 2021

This study demonstrates the synergies and limits of multiple measurement types for the detection of smectite chemistry and oxidation state on planetary surfaces to infer past geochemical conditions. Smectite clay minerals are common products of water-rock interactions throughout the solar system, and their detection and characterization provides important clues about geochemical conditions and past environments if sufficient information about their composition can be discerned. Here, we synthesize and report on the spectroscopic properties of a suite of smectite samples that span the intermediate compositional range between Fe(II), Fe(III), Mg, and Al end-member species using bulk chemical analyses, X-ray diffraction, Vis/IR reflectance spectroscopy, UV and green-laser Raman spectroscopy, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Our data show that smectite composition and the oxidation state of octahedral Fe can be reliably identified in the near infrared on the basis of combination and fundamental metal-OH stretching modes between 2.1–2.9 μm, which vary systematically with chemistry. Smectites dominated by Mg or Fe(III) have spectrally distinct fundamental and combination stretches, whereas Al-rich and Fe(II)-rich smectites have similar fundamental minima near 2.76 μm, but have distinct combination M-OH features between 2.24 and 2.36 μm. We show that with expanded spectral libraries that include intermediate composition smectites and both Fe(III) and Fe(II) oxidation states, more refined characterization of smectites from MIR data is now possible, as the position of the 450 cm–1 absorption shifts systematically with octahedral Fe content, although detailed analysis is best accomplished in concert with other characterization methods. Our data also provide the first Raman spectral libraries of smectite clays as a function of chemistry, and we demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy at multiple excitation wavelengths can qualitatively distinguish smectite clays of different structures and can enhance interpretation by other types of analyses. Our sample set demonstrates how X-ray diffraction can distinguish between dioctahedral and trioctahedral smectites using either the (02,11) or (06,33) peaks, but auxiliary information about chemistry and oxidation state aids in specific identifications. Finally, the temperature-dependent isomer shift and quadrupole splitting in Mössbauer data are insensitive to changes in Fe content but reliability differentiates Fe within the smectite mineral structure.
Closed hierarchy of Heisenberg equations in integrable models with Onsager algebra
Authors: Lychkovskiy Oleg
Published: June 2021

Dynamics of a quantum system can be described by coupled Heisenberg equations. In a generic many-body system these equations form an exponentially large hierarchy that is intractable without approximations. In contrast, in an integrable system a small subset of operators can be closed with respect to commutation with the Hamiltonian. As a result, the Heisenberg equations for these operators can form a smaller closed system amenable to an analytical treatment. We demonstrate that this indeed happens in a class of integrable models where the Hamiltonian is an element of the Onsager algebra. We explicitly solve the system of Heisenberg equations for operators from this algebra. Two specific models are considered as examples: the transverse field Ising model and the superintegrable chiral 3-state Potts model.
Representación, significado e interacción en el acoso escolar juvenil
Authors: Gómez Cabrera Alejandra Patricia
Published: June 2021

El acoso escolar es una problemática que trasciende la violencia física y cuyas implicaciones afectan la convivencia de un modo sutil e implícito, en el que los alumnos son marginados al nivel de su afectividad e identidades. Comprender el acoso escolar como una forma de interacción fundada en el hostigamiento al que dan lugar los procesos de estigmatización y asimetrías emocionales entre alumnos, es una propuesta que trasciende la óptica de la mayoría de los trabajos que, desde el enfoque comunicacional, abordan el estudio de la violencia suscitada en los contenidos mediáticos, las políticas gubernamentales y el crimen organizado. En este escenario, autores como Goffman (2008) Foucault (2001) y Gaulejac (2009) destacan por sus aportaciones al estudio del estigma, mientras que para la noción de asimetría emocional se retoman aspectos tratados por Collins  (2008), Maturana (1997) y Elías (2008). Esta investigación es producto de un ejercicio de redes semánticas aplicado a 143 alumnos del Colegio de Ciencias y Humanidades, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, con el objetivo de comprender el significado del que los alumnos dotan al acoso escolar y sus implicaciones en la convivencia cotidiana a nivel de la afectividad y la identidad.
El capital social en universitarios de Cartagena: confianza, acción colectiva, empoderamiento y acción política
Authors: González Rocío M. , Palacio Jorge
Published: June 2021

El estudio indagó las características del capital social en universitarios (N=353) desde la Confianza, Acción colectiva, Empoderamiento y Acción política, mediante el instrumento Cuestionario integrado para la medición del capital social (INQUESOC) del Banco Mundial. El comportamiento predominante es no confiar en la mayoría de las personas, funcionarios del gobierno local y nacional, extendiéndose estos niveles de desconfianza hasta las relaciones en el barrio, mientras que confían más en Profesores y profesionales de la salud. La solidaridad es reflejada en la construcción de relaciones de intercambio recíprocas. Las relaciones colectivas son débiles para el trabajo conjunto y desinterés de un bien colectivo que les haga movilizar. Se evidenció una disminución para reconocerse como sujeto activo y de cambio, y poco compromiso en aspectos de la vida política.  Estos hallazgos añaden una contribución significativa, en cuanto a indicadores de baja asociatividad, conciencia política y empoderamiento colectivo, lo que hace que se vea disminuido el Capital Social.
Propuesta de incorporación de competencias de formación en ingeniería
Authors: Grass-Ramírez Beatriz Eugenia , Collazos Cesar A. , González Carina Soledad
Published: June 2021

El presente artículo presenta una propuesta a partir de un análisis sobre las competencias en Ingeniería que se proponen en diferentes modelos de competencias en Educación Superior, tales como el modelo norteamericano que propone ABET Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) y el modelo de competencias establecidas por El Ministerio de Educación Superior en España y se establece una comparación con las competencias que define el ICFES para las evaluaciones SABER PRO, a partir de las evaluaciones diseñadas para medir los logros y competencias de los próximos a graduarse de los diferentes programas académicos, a través de los diferentes módulos que se diseñan de acuerdo a la profesión de la Ingeniería de Sistemas, para identificar qué tanto se aproximan a los modelos más elaborados y conocidos en el mundo.
Consideraciones generativas de un pensamiento revolucionario
Authors: Aguirre Betancurt Daniel Andres
Published: June 2021

Apreciado doctor Chomsky

Es un gusto para mí dirigirme a uno de los pensadores más influyentes del siglo XX, si se consideran su obra en el campo de la lingüística y sus planteamientos críticos sobre política y filosofía. Para serle honesto, no era de mi conocimiento sus más de treinta publicaciones, sus debates sobre el mercado y la política de su país o las dis- cusiones con personajes tan importantes en la psicología como F. Skinner o Michel Foucault, además de su visita a Colombia donde recibió el doctorado honoris causa por la Universidad Nacional en el 2002. Estas situaciones de- muestran el punto de quiebre que ha generado su postura y las posibilidades de trabajar sobre el problema del hombre y su vasto desarrollo desde puntos de vista diferentes.
Estado actual de la educación y la cultura hídrica: un mapeo sistemático de literatura
Authors: Marles Betancourt Claritza , Correa Cruz Lucelly
Published: June 2021

Los problemas relacionados con el medioambiente, en especial con el recurso hídrico, cada vez son más evidentes. A lo largo de los años la problemática ha avanzado sin tener un punto de retorno y a partir de esto se ha empezado a visualizar la educación como un aspecto primordial para el desarrollo de una cultura hídrica y generar seres humanos más consistentes y comprometidos con el entorno. El presente artículo indaga sobre el estado actual de las investigaciones acerca de la educación y la cultura hídricas, por lo cual contiene los resultados de un mapeo sistemático de literatura para identificar los estudios relacionados con la educación y cultura hídricas. En este sentido, se plantearon seis preguntas organizadas en dos dimensiones (cultural y educativa). El mapeo permitió seleccionar 50 estudios de diferentes fuentes que incluyen aportes acerca de las necesidades educativas y curriculares y el fomento y la finalidad de la cultura hídrica como elementos para la construcción de seres más conscientes y comprometidos con el recurso hídrico. Se identificó la necesidad de incluir prácticas interdisciplinarias y vincular componentes de educación ambiental e hídrica en instituciones y comunidades para privilegiar la participación y el compromiso social con el ambiente.
Aprendizaje cooperativo y desarrollo de competencias sociales: ejemplos en una clase de lengua inglesa
Authors: Martínez Lirola María
Published: June 2021

Este artículo pretende ser una contribución a un proceso de enseñanza que fomente una metodología activa en la que el alumnado adquiere protagonismo y desarrolla distintos tipos de competencias. Los objetivos de esta investigación son hacer una propuesta de actividades cooperativas que contribuyan a la adquisición de competencias sociales y conocer la opinión del alumnado universitario sobre determinados aspectos del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje mediante una encuesta. La metodología es cualitativa-descriptiva. Se presentan algunas actividades cooperativas de temática social que contribuyen a la adquisición de competencias sociales, como la comunicación y la cooperación, y se señala la manera como estas actividades fomentan la adquisición de dichas competencias en el alumnado. Se explora cómo la metodología cooperativa que se propone en este trabajo implica cambios en los papeles del profesorado y del alumnado, pues ambos han de compartir el protagonismo y trabajar con las competencias mencionadas para que las prácticas docentes sean efectivas. Al final del cuatrimestre, el alumnado respondió a una encuesta con el fin de observar qué competencias habían adquirido y conocer lo que pensaban sobre la metodología planteada. Los resultados muestran que el alumnado valora el empleo de una metodología cooperativa que potencia la adquisición de competencias.
Entre el devenir y la desterritorialización: hacia una lectura experiencial de Kafka
Authors: Hernández Páez Helen Yulieth , Leal Gil Édgar Andrés , Monroy Zuluaga Leonardo Augusto
Published: June 2021

Pensar la lectura desde la experiencia, permite voltear la mirada y retornar hacia Kafka como un escritor que advierte potencias insospechadas en rutas menores. Esta lectura experiencial ofrece un recorrido por Gregorio Samsa, Josefina, Pedro El Rojo, Odradek, y el Perro investigador, personajes que posibilitan una reexistencia a los dispositivos de controlexpuestos en las narrativas mayores como El castillo y El proceso. Los cuestionamientos aquí desprendidos trazan caminos que dan cuenta no sólo de los devenires y de las desterritorializaciones (Gilles Deleuze y Félix Guattari) acontecidas por los personajes, sino que, además, de la acción de lectura como movimientos y fuerzas en la descentralización del orden de la significación, la enunciación y la representación.
Investment behavior of short-term versus long-term individual investors of PAN India – An empirical study
Authors: S. Kannadas
Published: June 2021

Investment activity, followed by household and external savings, often plays a decisive role in strengthening the financial status of individual investors, as it contributes to further increases in wealth. This study analyzes the investors’ investment motives and actions to find better investment strategies and to do a systematic review of the investment behavior available for both short- and long-term individual investors. The study is mainly focused on factors and priorities influencing investment decisions. The data were obtained using the questionnaire approach from 201 individual investors within the age group from 18 to 80 from different parts of India. Every individual investor’s risk-tolerant score has been calculated on the basis of the investors’ holistic behavior, namely, investors with high-risk appetite, investors with a moderate and low-risk appetite. Non-parametric tests are applied to evaluate the behavioral approach of investors that are differently correlated to these factors. T-test is used to distinguish between the population mean of short-term and long-term investors’ risk-taking ability and priority of safeguarding the principal over return preference, rather than identified investment factors. As a result of the study, the factors influencing the investors’ decisions were found: income level, market participation experience and risk-return proportions, rather than age, gender, risk-taking ability and investment priority. This study enhances the existing literature by analyzing income, risk-return proportion and investment experience factors that influence investment decisions.