bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historia y memoria en el paisaje artístico contemporáneo
Authors: Sánchez Giner María Victoria , Fernández Díaz Manuel
Published: December 2020

La presente comunicación pretende abordar la relación entre Geografía, Historia y Arte. Una aproximación que enfocaremos desde el punto de vista del arte del paisaje pero que necesariamente necesita de un apoyo histórico y geográfico, para lo cual acudiremos a estudios recientes. El espacio geográfico físico no se puede entender sin un espacio cultural  e histórico asociado. La cultura y la historia son fruto de la adaptación de una sociedad concreta a un territorio concreto en un tiempo concreto. Para Munárriz (2005) La perspectiva antropológica parte del espacio físico pero lo supedita a su dimensión cultural, es decir, en cuanto componente básico del entorno vital en el que se desarrolla la historia, el lugar donde se desarrollan formas concretas y específicas de vida. Santacana y Mestre (2009) atribuyen al  paisaje la cualidad de histórico cuando muestra en uno o más elementos constitutivos del mismo, bien sean diacrónicos o sincrónicos, evocaciones o informaciones explícitas del pasado humano por lo que se convierten en un recurso para la conservación de la memoria colectiva de un hecho concreto y significativo. En este sentido dividen el paisaje histórico en diversas categorías, entre las que destacaremos el Paisaje con patrimonio histórico intangible y el Paisaje con patrimonio mítico.
Paisagem em metamorfose.
Authors: Loureiro Domingos
Published: December 2020

Este dossier, reunido a partir do tema da paisagem em metamorfose, pretende compreender a perspectiva de diferentes investigadores de campos diversificados do saber e do fazer, procurando valorizar o modo como, individualmente, contribuem para uma reflexão que se pretende abrangente e enriquecedora. Pretende ainda lançar dados para outras investigações no seio da prática, do pensamento e dos conceitos sobre a noção de paisagem, onde através dos aspetos, transitoriedade e paradigma das relações humanas com o território, procura o aprofundamento da interdependência do primeiro com o segundo, situação que frequentemente o Humano esquece, ou tenciona esquecer. O dossier divide-se em sete capítulos, organizados por temas que podem ser analisados isoladamente, mas partilhando um diálogo e reflexão conjuntos, havendo assuntos que se estendem de um artigo para o seguinte, em continuidade ou dissonância, quer entre os dados, quer agora pela participação do leitor.
Saúde de Mulheres Lésbicas e Bissexuais: Política, Movimento e Heteronormatividade
Authors: Guimarães Alves Isabela , Espíndula Moreira Lisandra , Máximo Prado Marco Aurélio
Published: December 2020

Este artigo objetiva discutir as políticas públicas de saúde voltadas para as mulheres lésbicas e bissexuais no Brasil, em diálogo com as demandas apresentadas pelo movimento em sua história. Percorremos brevemente o histórico de consolidação do movimento lésbico e resgatamos as políticas públicas voltadas para cuidado em saúde dessas mulheres. A partir das análises dos quinze documentos selecionados, buscamos compreender quais os discursos reproduzidos em suas elaborações e seus efeitos nas práticas de cuidado em saúde, e identificamos uma série de entraves em suas efetivas implementações. Refletimos sobre o processo de precarização dos corpos de mulheres lésbicas e bissexuais e as heteronormatividades reproduzidas nesse percurso de luta por direitos, produzindo uma série de invisibilidades dentro do movimento, como a invisibilidade de mulheres bissexuais e de mulheres negras. A análise documental e as mudanças recentes na política brasileira apontam para a necessidade de reformulação no cuidado oferecido a essas mulheres e criação de formas de resistência para manutenção dos direitos conquistados.
Saúde Mental de Crianças e Adolescentes: A Rede na Clínica-Escola
Authors: Braga de Souza Carla Renata , De Oliveira Saraiva Leão Lucas , Oliveira de Araújo Patrícia Régia , Borges Lima Lopes Matheus Tierry , Bleicher Tais
Published: December 2020

O presente trabalho objetiva compreender a configuração da rede de cuidado em saúde mental da infância e adolescência em Quixadá, Ceará, partindo dos pacientes atendidos na clínica-escola de psicologia do Centro Universitário Católica de Quixadá. Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental e de natureza quantitativo-exploratória. Os dados foram analisados a partir do modelo estatístico descritivo. A clientela é, predominantemente, de meninos, de 4 a 12 anos, residentes no município de Quixadá e que não estão e nem estiveram em outros serviços de saúde, educação ou assistência social para tratar da queixa apresentada. Diante disso, acreditamos que a clínica-escola tem um grande valor social, dando o suporte aos equipamentos da rede, uma vez que a rede formal de cuidados não possui uma instituição de referência nesse tipo de atendimento.
Awake minimally invasive surgery as a game changer in lung cancer
Authors: Elkhayat Hussein , Rivas Diego Gonzalez
Published: December 2020

Surgery still offers the best option for patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer that can tolerate surgery. With the increase in screening programs, more patients are diagnosed at early stages of cancer. Sadly, not all of them are fit for surgery, but with minimally invasive approaches, large number of those patients can be offered surgery and get a better overall survival. Awake non-intubated video assisted thoracic surgery resection is one of the most recent technique that we believe to be a game changer in this spectrum of patients who were previously classified as medically inoperable.
A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing intracorporeal anastomosis and extracorporeal anastomosis in minimally invasive colectomies
Authors: Sean S. W. Park , Daniel Feng , Stephen Smith
Published: December 2020

Aim: This systemic review aims to determine if intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) adds value to patient outcomes without compromising operative and oncological safety when compared to extracorporeal anastomosis (EA) in laparoscopic colectomies. This is the first systematic review with meta-analysis to evaluate the outcomes in a combined fashion including both laparoscopic right and left colectomies. Methods: A systematic review of Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PubMed was performed on studies analysing direct comparison between IA and EA. The primary outcome was anastomotic leakage. Quality assessment was carried out using a modified Institute of Health Economics appraisal tool. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Results: A total of 24 papers with 2,674 patients were included in the analysis. No significant difference was found in anastomotic leakage (OR = 0.84; 95%CI: 0.54-1.31; P = 0.44) and short-term mortality (OR = 0.56; 95%CI: 0.20-1.58; P = 0.27) between the IA and EA cohorts. The IA cohort was associated with faster return of bowel function [MD = -0.53 days; 95%CI: -0.67-(-0.39); P < 0.00001] and lower incidence of surgical site infection (OR = 0.52; 95%CI: 0.31-0.85; P = 0.009). The number of lymph nodes harvested was higher in IA (MD = 1.05; 95%CI: 0.19-1.91; P = 0.02; I2 = 83%) with considerable heterogeneity. Conclusion: Intracorporeal anastomosis can be considered a safe alternative technique in laparoscopic colectomies, with potential benefits in patient outcomes. A lack of randomised studies and heterogeneity need to be addressed by additional high-quality trials.
The COVID-19 pandemic as a factor of China’s foreign and domestic policies
Authors: Gamza L. , Zaklyazminskaya E.
Published: December 2020

The article analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Chinese foreign and domestic policies during 2020. The main provisions, approaches, and dynamics of Chinese foreign policy in its key regional directions – towards the United States, European Union, the Asia-Pacific region, Russia, and some developing countries – are considered. Against the background of China’s domestic success in suppressing the COVID-19 infection, Beijing also intentionally uses the coronavirus agenda to boost the nation’s foreign policy that is increasingly acquiring global character. As the China-U.S. relations remained in poor shape, the Chinese foreign policy has continued to shift its focus towards the EU and the Asia-Pacific region with the purpose of stepping up economic cooperation with these regions. The authors explore in detail the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on China’s economy and the key measures taken by the authorities to ensure economic stabilization and steady progress. These measures aim at searching for a new model of development based and centered on the domestic market. The effectiveness of these new approaches has so far allowed China to cope with the pandemic with minimum losses, as compared with other large countries, and to maintain positive dynamics of its development.
COVID-19 and mobilization of healthcare in the post-Soviet space
Authors: Sokolov D.
Published: December 2020

Those social changes that took place in the Spring and Summer of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic were mainly related to information pressures, lockdowns, economic collapses, and, in most cases, to civil and governmental solidarity focusing on the idea to save human lives. The political elites of Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, and Armenia largely shared European and North American ideas and practices of combatting the pandemic, sometimes successfully using media power and quarantines to solve their political problems. Belarus followed a different path that eventually proved to be costly for its leadership. The second wave turned out to be heavier than the first one: as early as October, hospital beds were typically filled completely. Even in Georgia that managed to cope with the first wave of the epidemic by the early summer, morbidity and mortality set records in November. The article explores political elites, health care management systems, medical teams, and volunteer and community networks in post-Soviet countries reacted to and changed institutionally during the two waves of the pandemic.
De norte a sul, de leste a oeste: mudança na identificação racial no Brasil
Authors: Gonçalves de Jesus Josimar , Hoffmann Rodolfo
Published: December 2020

Num primeiro momento, este estudo atualiza e reconstrói, sob alguns aspectos, a análise realizada por Soares (2008) sobre o fenômeno da mudança na identificação racial que vem ocorrendo no Brasil desde o início dos anos 2000. Num segundo momento, expandindo tal análise, investiga-se a existência de diferenças regionais nesse processo. Os resultados mostram que os aumentos observados na porcentagem de negros no total do país e nas suas cinco macrorregiões foram devidos quase que exclusivamente à mudança ocorrida no modo como as próprias pessoas se veem. Quanto ao efeito da mudança na identificação racial sobre o aumento no número de negros, verificou-se que este varia consideravelmente de região para região,sendo mais forte no Sul e Sudeste. Por fim, argumenta-se que qualquer análise intertemporal, a partir dos anos 2000, que envolva autodeclaração de cor ou raça, é potencialmente afetada por esse processo de mudança na identificação racial.
HISTORIA DE LA JUSTICIA MAYA EN LA PENÍNSULA DE YUCATÁN
Authors: Bolio Ortiz Héctor Joaquín , Bolio Ortiz Juan Pablo
Published: December 2020

El objetivo del presente artículo es presentar los cambios y continuidades de lo que se denomina justicia maya, como esas prácticas de solución de conflictos ancestrales que se han modificado con el paso de los años. La metodología que se emplea es de corte cualitativo y se sustenta en el método de la larga duración histórica en la cual traza una línea en el tiempo que va desde la época prehispánica hasta el Estado nacional. Esto ayuda a tener como hallazgos los cambios en la forma en que se ejerció la justicia maya en el tiempo, además de lo complejo que es comprender desde una sola perspectiva. Con ello se concluye que la justicia maya transitó por eventos que fueron coyunturales para su desarrollo, que se basa en usos y costumbres y que no escapa de la influencia de normas, códigos e instituciones que le imponen límites, la trastocan y muchas veces modifican sus prácticas
Los procesos de renovación urbana como mitigadores de situaciones de desfavorecimiento y vulnerabilidad: análisis en la ciudad de Sevilla
Authors: Del Valle Ramos Carolina , Egea Jiménez Carmen , Nieto Calmaestra José Antonio
Published: December 2020

Los procesos de renovación urbana implican cambios materiales e inmateriales que transforman la concepción de la ciudad y sus condiciones de habitabilidad, al tiempo que suponen una mejora en barrios desfavorecidos donde buena parte de la población, por su situación social y condiciones de habitabilidad, es vulnerable. Así, dichos procesos de renovación deben entenderse a un tiempo como mitigadores de situaciones de vulnerabilidad social y desventaja socio-habitacional, no tanto porque mejoren las características sociodemográficas de sus residentes sino porque al mejorar las condiciones de habitabilidad también lo hacen la dignidad y el sentimiento de autoestima individual y de barrio. Este estudio se basa en el análisis de datos de distintas fuentes: planeamiento urbano, catastro, censo de población y viviendas, padrón municipal de habitantes y renta familiar en tres sectores urbanos de Sevilla identificados como de elevada vulnerabilidad socio-habitacional. La investigación permite conocer y valorar las implicaciones sociales y habitacionales de los procesos de renovación urbana llevados a cabo en los mismos. Los resultados apuntan a que las actuaciones de renovación y gestión urbanas han mitigado situaciones de desventaja habitacional, aunque han tenido menor efectividad desde el punto de vista social, para lo cual hubieran sido necesarios proyectos de esta naturaleza y de carácter micro-sectorial y social.
Los procesos exogenéticos: una geo-ruta didáctica por la costa occidental del lago de Maracaibo (Venezuela)
Authors: Labarca Rincón Ramón José , Gouveia Edith Luz
Published: December 2020

La idea es proponer una geo-ruta por la costa occidental del Lago de Maracaibo para la enseñanza de procesos exogenéticos en el área de formación Ciencias de la Tierra. La investigación es descriptiva y proyectiva, con un diseño de campo y no experimental. En el diagnóstico de los recursos didácticos un promedio del 41,67% de los docentes encuestados manifiesta no utilizar “recursos naturales” en la enseñanza de procesos exogenéticos; y el 100% nunca incluye “recursos dirigidos” en la práctica pedagógica. Se propone una geo-ruta didáctica por la costa occidental del Lago de Maracaibo (Venezuela) que contempla cinco paradas para que el estudiante alcance a descubrir y describir procesos exogenéticos en el campo.
Changes in Determinants and Equity of Family Planning Utilization after the Implementation of a National Health Insurance Policy in Indonesia: A Secondary Analysis of The 2012-2016 National Socio-Economic Survey of Indonesia
Authors: Nasution Siti Khadijah , Mahendradhata Yodi , Trisnantoro Laksono
Published: December 2020

Background: The Indonesian government has been implementing the National Health Insurance Policy (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional-JKN) since 2014. The utilization of family planning service is one of the programs to increase maternal and child health status that is included in the benefit package in JKN. This study aimed to describe determinants and to evaluate JKN based on equity indicators, especially in family planning services. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2012-2016 National Socio-Economic Survey (SUSENAS) of Indonesia. Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) and Long-acting contraceptives (LACs) use were used as indicators to evaluate family planning utilization. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to analyze the data. Respondents were married women between 15 and 49 years of age. Results: There was no progress in CPR after the implementation of JKN. At the national level, CPR decreased within five years (2012-2016). Decreasing in urban areas and in the group that does not have health insurance were more than in rural areas and in the group that has health insurance. Utilization of non-LACs, especially injection (56%-57%) and pill (21%-24%), were still high within 2012-2016. At the national level, LACs use increased 3.18% between 2012-2016 (15.54%-18.72%). Increasing in urban areas and in the group that has subsidized health insurance were more than in rural areas and in the group that does not have subsidized. In 2016, the geography factor (rural-urban) and household economic status associated negatively with the use of overall contraceptive methods (p<0.05). Conversely, all the determinants were positively associated with LACs use (p<0.05). Conclusions: Up to 2016, the JKN program did not increase CPR. Conversely, the JKN program obtained only small increases in LACs use. LACs use in rural areas is less than in urban areas. JKN program can increase LACs use in the group that has subsidized health insurance. CPR and LACs coverage could increase through health system improvement, and the societal norms approach. Health system improvement is operationalized through improving supply-side and regulations, increasing coordination among multiple agencies in the family planning program.
Using Polio GIS Maps to Increase Coverage during Mass Immunization Campaigns in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Mahmud Mahmud Zubairu , Seaman Vincent , Mahmud Mustafa Zubairu , Touray Kebba Masireh
Published: December 2020

Background. Historically, vaccinators struggled to reach all settlements during mass polio campaigns in northern Nigeria because of poor micro plans. This made it difficult to attain the high immunization coverage necessary to interrupt transmission of polio virus in the region. The objective of this study was to devise a means to reach all settlements - Built-Up Areas (BUAs), Small Settlements (SSAs), and Hamlet Areas (HAs) - visible on satellite imagery and thereby significantly increase the overall coverage during mass polio immunization campaigns.Methods. The procedure by which geographic information system GIS drawn maps can be used to improve immunization coverage is presented, along with the extent to which the maps increase immunization coverage when incorporated into team micro plans in northern Nigeria. The method involves training on map comprehension to relevant health workers and vaccination campaign or Immunization Plus Days (IPDs) personnel - who are then able to use the GIS Ward maps to create clusters of settlements, roughly equal in population, commensurate with the total number of vaccination teams allocated to the ward. The maps were then used to guide IPDs personnel in providing polio immunization services to all households in the ward during the January 2019 mass polio immunization campaign. The study area was a distinct and homogeneous geographical area called Horserizum Ward in Hong Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa state, Nigeria. The study population was comprised of all resident households or members of the communities (totaling 19,698 persons by the recent local census) in the Ward.Results. At the conclusion of the January campaign, the number of settlements in the Ward unreached by health workers (as shown by the GIS dashboard, www.vts.eocng.org) was compared to previous polio immunization campaigns when no GIS maps were used to guide vaccination activities. Results revealed an immunization coverage for hamlet areas HAs (which is the main settlement type where coverage needed to be improved) of 82% (for January 2019 campaign) versus 43% during the previous campaign held in December 2018.Conclusions. The results were statistically significant (P< 0.0000001, t = 5.175.) and we conclude that, using GIS maps to guide vaccination activities (GIS micro planning) has a very significant positive impact on immunization coverage, especially in rural, hard-to-reach, or scattered settlements.
Beyond the carbon footprint: Virtual conferences increase diversity, equity, and inclusion
Authors: Skiles Matthew , Yang Euijin , Reshef Orad , Muñoz Diego , Cintron Diana , Lind Mary Laura , Rush Alexander , Armani Andrea , Faust Kasey , Kumar Manish
Published: December 2020

Among many roles, conferences disseminate research, grow professional networks, and train employees. They also significantly contribute to climate change due to their sizable carbon footprint. More recently, additional negative aspects have surfaced. Namely, they present significant barriers to achieving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Here, we perform a meta-analysis of events that transitioned to virtual formats during the COVID-19 pandemic and show that this approach may provide a solution. Our analysis compared demographic and travel data of the same scientific conferences. When evaluating DEI, we considered factors including cost, gender, career stage, and geographic location. Costs associated with attending in-person conferences varied between 3% to 142% of attendees’ regional annual per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP). An increase in the fractional make-up of 2020 virtual conference delegations was observed for students (29% to 43%). Notable increases in attendance were observed for women (66% to 253% increase) and non-research-intensive countries (29% to 482% increase).
Expectant mothers’ value drivers at the maternity hospital: evidences from a monocentric study.
Authors: Buccoliero Luca , Pitrelli Domenico , Bellio Elena , Saviane Chiara , Annovi Giulia , Scannapieco Gianluigi
Published: December 2020

Background – Patient experience is recognized as one of the key elements of quality control within healthcare organizations, becoming crucial for a competitive growth strategy. In fact, delivering patient-centered healthcare experiences is seen as one of the basic requirements of good quality care. Women have been largely invisible in patient centered satisfaction research, especially if considering women needs during pregnancy and labor. The aim of this paper is to understand the experiential value drivers of expectant mothers through a holistic experiential marketing perspective. This paper enlightens the elements of in-hospital stays from different perspectives, contributing to a better and more exhaustive understanding of the patient’s needs and preferences.Methods – Three studies were designed and conducted referring to a maternal and child health hospital: two focus groups involving expectant and new mothers (study 1), a qualitative analysis to understand the online overall sentiment regarding hospital experiences during pregnancy (study 2) and a survey with collected data analyzed through SEM to identify the most influential and significant factors affecting women’s overall satisfaction in the in-hospital stay (study 3).Results – The qualitative research returned some valuable insights on the role of interaction with staff, information quality and brand. Sentiment analysis revealed the relevance of online patient experience. Finally, the quantitative SEM analysis confirmed that the relationship between patients and staff and patient empowerment impact the most on the overall satisfaction. Furthermore, the brand value plays a mediating role in this positive relationship.Conclusions – Results suggest to prioritize the establishment of strong human relationships between clinical staff and patients, based on the availability of high quality clinical information. The conducted studies through their main finding, could support an improvement in the process of care based on expectant mothers’ needs and behaviours.
Multicenter Clinical Investigation of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus Infection
Authors: Lin Dongfang , Guo Yan , Yang Yang , Wu Shi , Zheng Yonggui , Zhu Demei , Hu Fupin
Published: December 2020

Background: To understand the clinical characteristics of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infection.Methods: The clinical characteristics of patients with VRE infection, members of CHINET Bacterial Drug Resistance Monitoring Network, in 2016, were analyzed and compared to patients with vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus (VSE) infection patients.Results: Urinary tract infection was the main type, followed by bloodstream infection and intraabdominal infection. Compared to VSE infection, VRE infection is observed in more patients who have intravenous catheterization and undergo dialysis. In addition, the proportion of patients complicated with shock, multiple organ failure, and other bacterial and fungal infections is high, the clinical outcome is poor, the hospitalization expenses are high, and the hospitalization duration is prolonged. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that intravenous catheterization was an independent risk factor for VRE infection.Conclusions: Intravenous catheterization is an independent risk factor for VRE infection. Thus, clinical measures should be strengthened to prevent VRE infection.
Concealing messages at the atomic-thin level by reaching the limit of writing
Authors: Hou Chao , Yang Qirong , Guan Jianxin , Deng Jingwen , Xu Zihan , Yu Zhihao , Zheng Junrong
Published: December 2020

The evolution of writing system reflects the development of civilization. Using single molecular layer “ink” to record invisible messages on an atomic-layered paper represents the ultimate thinness of classical writing system and steganography. A stable and convenient atomic-thin information steganography under ambient conditions is realized by using a monolayer of water as ink, an atomic layer of MoS2 as paper, and a laser as pen. Physically adsorbed monolayered water molecules produce p-type doping to the substrate MoS2 monolayer, leading to the enhancement of its photoluminescence (PL). Information is written on a monolayer of MoS2 by using laser to remove surface water with designed patterns and is read out by PL imaging. The information is transparent to visible light and can retain for many days until erased by a humidification treatment. The method reaches the thinnest limit of writing and achieves repeatable data storage on an atomic layer under ambient conditions, providing a promising approach to steganography and towards high-density storage media at the atomic-thin level.
Sorafenib-induced Aquaporin-3 Downregulation is Coupled With Proliferation Inhibition and Increased Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Malale Kija , Fu Jili , Qiu Liewang , Zhan Ke , Gan Xiuni , Mei Zhechuan
Published: December 2020

Background

Sorafenib is the only targeted therapy promising to improve the prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its long-term clinical efficacy is limited due to chemotherapy resistance. The lack of a full understanding of the anti-tumor mechanism of sorafenib in HCC is attributed to the difficulties in understanding the mechanism of drug resistance. In recent years, a large number of preclinical and clinical data have confirmed the catalytic role of aquaporin-3 (AQP3) in a variety of tumors including HCC, but none of the studies reported the regulatory mechanism of AQP3 during sorafenib treatment. This study examined the effect of sorafenib on the expression of AQP3 in HCC cells and determined whether the effect is associated with cell proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest, and increased apoptotic.
Methods

mRNA and protein levels of AQP3 in hepatoma cell lines exposed to sorafenib or UO126 were detected via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting, respectively. The effect of AQP3 expression changes on cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry. In addition, western blotting detected proteins involved in the regulation of proliferation and cell cycle progression.
Results

The results showed that AQP3 was down-regulated in all cell lines exposed to sorafenib or UO126 in a concentration dependent manner. The downregulation of AQP3 successfully inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest and increased cell apoptosis, while the reverse was true when AQP3 was overexpressed. Western blotting results showed that in AQP3 knockdown cells, the amounts of Erk, Akt, p53, p-Erk, p-Akt and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) decreased, while the amounts of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), p21 and p-p53 increased.
Conclusion

This study found that sorafenib may inhibit proliferation, induce cell cycle arrest, and increase apoptosis of HCC cells by regulating the expression of AQP3.
Changes in Drug Use Patterns During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: Monitoring a Vulnerable Group by Hair Analysis
Authors: Gili Alessio , Bacci Mauro , Aroni Kyriaki , Nicoletti Alessia , Gambelunghe Angela , Mercurio Isabella , Gambelunghe Cristiana
Published: December 2020

Background
From March 22 until May 18, 2020, a complete lockdown in Italy was ordered by the government as a drastic and unprecedented countermeasure against the COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation measures affect some populations more than others, and people with mental and drug and/or alcohol disorders are more likely to be adversely affected by home confinement. The literature on substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic is still nascent, but past research on other large-scale disasters suggests a modification in drug use patterns. This study presents for the first time experimental laboratory data on the use of alcohol and drugs in a high-risk population during Italy's first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Thirty subjects with substance use disorders were monitored for the use of traditional drugs and alcohol every 3 months before, during and after lockdown by the analysis of hair, a biological matrix that permits retrospective evaluations.
Results
There was a general decrease in the use of traditional drugs during the lockdown: the number of samples positive for heroin, cocaine, MDMA and cannabis fell considerably and then resumed to pre-lockdown levels when the period of confinement was over. Interestingly, the consumption of benzodiazepines and alcohol followed the opposite trend. The number of benzodiazepine-positive samples increased and remained high even at the end of the lockdown. Similarly, alcohol consumption underwent a significant increase during the period of confinement and remained high even after the lockdown restrictions were lifted.
Conclusions
Confinement measures produced significant changes in drug/alcohol use patterns with a shift towards the use of substances that are more easily accessible and used for the self-medication of stress, anxiety, irritability, depressive symptoms and insomnia. Furthermore, the combined use of alcohol and benzodiazepines can alleviate the negative effects of abstinence from drugs that are no longer easily available. It is concerning that the levels of alcohol and benzodiazepine consumption have remained high even after the lockdown. Mixing benzodiazepines and alcohol can result in a number of serious short-term and long-term effects, which inevitably place further pressure on drug addiction and health services during and after the pandemic.
One-Pot Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle for Bromophenol Blue Adsorption and Its Antifungal Activity Against Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Akpomie Kovo , Ghosh Soumya , Gryzenhout Marieka , Conradie Jeanet
Published: December 2020

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) have gained attention in recent years due to their multifunctional uses, potent adsorptive potential and effective antifungal activities. Despite these desirable characteristics, ZnONP has not been used for the adsorption of bromophenol blue (BRB) and tests as antifungal agents against certain important filamentous fungal strains have been limited. In this research, ZnONP was prepared via a facile one-pot synthetic approach and applied in the adsorption of BRB and as an antifungal agent against the filamentous fungi and plant pathogens; Alternaria alternata CGJM3078, Alternaria alternata CGJM3006 and Fusarium verticilliodes CGJM3823. The ZnONP was characterized by the UV, FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET, SEM, TEM, and EDX techniques, which showed efficient synthesis. The characteristics ZnO UV absorption band was observed at 375 nm, while the XRD showed an average ZnONP crystalline size of 47.2 nm. The SEM and TEM images showed an irregular shaped and aggregated porous structure of 65.3 nm average-sized ZnONPs. The Freundlich, pseudo-second-order, and intra-particle diffusion models showed R2 > 0.9494 and SSE < 0.7412, thus, exhibited the best fit to the isotherm and kinetics of adsorption. Adsorption thermodynamics revealed feasible, endothermic, random, and spontaneous adsorption of BRB onto the synthesized ZnONPs. The antifungal assay conducted, depicted strong antifungal activities against all three tested fungal cultures. A model was proposed on what causes this antifungal effect. This research demonstrated the potent use of ZnONP for the adsorption of BRB and as effective antifungal agents.
DRD2 Taq1A Polymorphism-Related Brain Volume Changes in Parkinson’s Disease: Voxel-Based Morphometry
Authors: Ohira Kenji , Yokota Hajime , Hirano Shigeki , Nishimura Motoi , Mukai Hiroki , Horikoshi Takuro , Sawai Setsu , Yamanaka Yoshitaka , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Kakeda Shingo , Kuwabara Satoshi , Tanaka Tomoaki , Uno Takashi
Published: December 2020

Taq1A polymorphism is a DRD2 gene variant located in an exon of the ANKK1 gene and has an important role in the brain’s dopaminergic functions. Some studies have indicated that A1 carriers have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) and show poorer clinical performance than A2 homo carriers. Previous studies have suggested that A1 carriers had fewer dopamine D2 receptors in the caudate and increased cortical activity as a compensatory mechanism. However, there is little information about morphological changes associated with this polymorphism in patients with PD. The study aim was to investigate the relationship between brain volume and Taq1A polymorphism in PD using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Based on Taq1A polymorphism, 103 patients with PD were divided into two groups: A1 carriers (A1/A1, A1/A2) and A2 homo carriers (A2/A2). The volume of the left prefrontal cortex (PFC) was significantly decreased in A2 homo carriers compared to A1 carriers. This finding supports the association between Taq1A polymorphism and brain volume in PD and may explain the compensation of cortical function in A1 carriers with PD.
The Effect of Gender on COVID-19 Infections and Mortality in Germany: Insights from Age- and Sex-Specific Modelling of Contact Rates, Infections, and Deaths
Authors: Dörre Achim , Doblhammer Gabriele
Published: December 2020

BackgroundRecent research points towards age- and sex-specific transmission of COVID-19 infections and their outcomes. The effect of sex, however, has been overlooked in past modelling approaches of COVID-19 infections. Aim: The aim of our study is to develop an age- and sex-specific model of COVID-19 transmission and to explore how contact changes effect COVID-19 infection and death rates. MethodWe consider a compartment model to establish forecasts of the COVID-19 epidemic, in which the compartments are subdivided into different age groups and genders. Estimated contact patterns, based on other studies, are incorporated to account for age- and sex-specific social behaviour. The model is fitted to real data and used for assessing hypothetical scenarios with regard to lockdown measures. ResultsUnder current mitigation measures as of mid-August, active COVID-19 cases will double by the end of October 2020. Infection rates will be highest among the young and working ages, but will also rise among the old. Sex ratios reveal higher infection risks among women than men at working ages; the opposite holds true at old age. Death rates in all age groups are twice as high among men as women. Small changes in contact rates at working and young ages may have a considerable effect on infections and mortality at old age, with elderly men being always at higher risk of infection and mortality. ConclusionsOur results underline the high importance of the non-pharmaceutical mitigation measures in low-infection phases of the pandemic to prevent that an increase in contact rates leads to higher mortality among the elderly. Gender differences in contact rates, in addition to biological mechanisms related to the immune system, may contribute to sex-specific infection rates and their mortality outcome. To further explore possible pathways, more data on COVID-19 transmission is needed which includes socio-demographic information.
Modulation of Tumor Microenvironment through Aurea Helianthus Extract and Induced Exosomes
Authors: Park Yoonjin , Lee Kyunghwa , Kim Suhng Wook , Lee Min woo , Kim Boyong , Lee Seung Gwan
Published: December 2020

Endometrial cancer (EC) cells metastasize to various regions, including ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, blood, liver, bone, and brain. Various carcinogens cause EC. Exosomes are released from several types of cells and contain different components depending on cellular types. Although tocopherol- α and rutin were high components in Aurea helianthus, the Aurea elianthus extract was enormously useful in modulating tumor microenvironment contrasted to the two substances. Notably, we established that the extract induced bioactive exosomes in EC cells, and profiling of miRNAs in the extract inducing exosomes (EIE) present potency to develop a biological drug. The extract and EIE contributed to the following five biological categories for EC cells: (1) suppressed migration and invasion; (2) activated cellular senescence by attenuating mitochondrial membrane potential and enhancing autophagy; (3) attenuated eproductive cancer activity; (4) activated drug susceptibility; and (5) EIE contained miRNA associated with decreasing inflammation.
Evidences of Intra-Group Orca Call Rate Modulation Using A Small-Aperture Four Hydrophone Array
Authors: Poupard Marion , Symonds Helena , Spong Paul , Glotin Hervé
Published: December 2020

Acoustic emissions are vital to orcas (Orcinus orca) to socialize, hunt, orient, and maintain spatial awareness. In order to better analyze their inter and intra-group communication, we propose a novel protocol that allows us to associate vocalizations with their emitter (individual/matriline). Our approach is based on a low cost small-aperture four hydrophone array fixed near the shore up to a few km away from the orcas’ path, operated in conjunction with visual identification. It was conducted in the summer of 2019 off northern Vancouver Island, Canada, at the research station OrcaLab. A total of 722 calls were extracted and localized in azimuth via the hydrophone array from 3 case studies in which different events took place.We then calculated the Call Rate (CR) for each individual/matriline in order to describe their acoustic activity. Results show that CR is modulated according to the distance of the signaler from the joint group, the presence of another group, and the anthropic pressure (nearby cruise ship). This shows evidence of intertwined calls. This protocol does not interfere with the animals and opens new perspectives towards inter and intra-group communication analysis.
Traditional Knowledge of Plant Dyeing, Sustainable Practices and Potential for Improved Techniques by Monpa in Tibet, China
Authors: Yang Rong , Zhang Yu , Ranjitkar Sailesh , Li Mingxiang , Guo Yongjie , Yan Xiuxiang , Wang Chuanfa , Stepp John Richard , Yang Lixin
Published: December 2020

BackgroundNatural dyes used since historic times for coloring food, leather, textile fibers, and paint body parts. The use of natural dyes has suffered drastically under the influence of modern technologies in the textile industry and socio-economic changes. Hence, ethnobotanical studies of indigenous dye plants and dyeing craft in local communities are urged to protect their potential ecological and economic value. MethodsWe conducted semi-structured surveys on dye plants and traditional craft in 11 Monpa villages of Mêdog County, South-east Tibet, China. The cultural significance of local dye plants was evaluated by an index of cultural importance (CI). Field research was conducted to record the indigenous madder (the root of Rubia wallichiana Decne.) dyeing craft. An experiment was performed with aqueous extract and ethyl alcohol extract of residue remained after water extraction. These two dye solutions were respectively used to dye two fabrics with two biomordants and two metallic mordants by three mordanting methods. We evaluated color properties that were characterized by physicochemical evaluations using UV-visible spectroscopy and FTIR analysis. The dyed fabrics were evaluated by indicators of color strength and fastness including washing, rubbing, and perspiration. ResultsAltogether 15 species belong to 12 families were listed as dye plants, which were used in cloth and food dyeing. The CI of R. wallichiana was highest. Monpa ethnic group used madder directly or with metallic mordants. It was found experimentally that biomordants and metallic mordants were comparable in improving the dyeing properties of indigenous madder. The dyeing properties of both extracts of madder were equal or ethyl alcohol extraction was marginally better.Conclusions﻿Use of dye plants and indigenous knowledge of dyeing still present in the Monpa ethnic group. Our experiment revealed the feasibility of enhancing the dyeing property and reuse of the residue from madder dyeing. The improved dyeing and reuse of residue can improve the ecological and economic benefits of local meanwhile provide basic application research for the subsequent commercialization of plant dyes.
Frequency and Source of Worries in An International Sample of Pregnant and Postpartum Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wyszynski Diego , Hernandez-Diaz Sonia , Gordon-Dseagu Vanessa , Ramiro Noemi , Basu Archana , Kim Hannah , Koenen Karestan
Published: December 2020

BackgroundPregnant and postpartum women face unique challenges and concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus far, no studies have explored the factors associated with increased levels of worry in this population globally. The current study sought to assess the frequency and sources of worry during the COVID-19 pandemic in an international sample of pregnant and postpartum women.MethodsWe conducted an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey in 64 countries between May and June 2020. The survey was available in 12 languages and hosted on the Pregistry platform for COVID-19 studies. Participants were sought mainly on social media platforms and online parenting forums. The survey included questions related to demographics, level of worry, support, stress, COVID-19 exposure, frequency of media usage, and mental health indicators.ResultsThe study included 7,561 participants. Eighty-three percent of all participants indicated that they were either ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ worried. Women 13-28 weeks pregnant were significantly more likely to indicate that they were ‘very worried’ compared to those who were postpartum or at other stages of pregnancy. When compared with women living in Europe, those in Africa, Asia and Pacific, North America and South/Latin America were more likely to have increased levels of worry, as were those who more frequently interacted with social media. Different forms of support and stress also had an impact upon level of worry, while indicators of stress and anxiety were positively associated with worry level.ConclusionPregnant and postpartum women are vulnerable to the changes in societal norms brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the factors associated with levels of worry within this population will enable society to address potential unmet needs and improve the current and future mental health of parents and children.
The Mediating Effects of Metabolic Traits on the Association between Abdominal Obesity and Renal Function in Older Adults
Authors: Xiao Lili , Zan Gaohui , Ge Xiaoting , Feng Xiuming , Bao Yu , Yang Xiaobo
Published: December 2020

Backgrounds: The deleterious effects of abdominal obesity and aging have grown into a global health issue. However, relationships between abdominal obesity and renal function with aging and underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to explore associations of abdominal obesity with renal function in older individuals and further investigate potential mechanisms of metabolic traits on them. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 4,086 participants aged 60-115 years. Generalized linear models were used to quantify dose-response relationships of abdominal obesity with metabolic traits and renal function. Mediation analysis was performed to assess mediating effects of metabolic traits in the associations between abdominal obesity and renal function. Results: We found negative dose-response relationships between waist circumstance and the estimated glomerular rate (eGFR) (P <0.05). Abdominal obesity was associated with a 1.615 (95%CI: 0.647, 2.582) decrease in the eGFR and the decline of renal function with aging was more evident among abdominal obese participants. Significant relationships were observed between abdominal obesity and metabolic traits as well as between metabolic traits and eGFR (all P <0.05). Mediation analysis suggested that triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol (TCHO) partially mediated the association between abdominal obesity and eGFR, with a mediation percentage of 3.80% by LDL-C, 25.80% by TG, and 6.00% by TCHO (P <0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest individuals of abdominal obesity are more susceptible to the nephrotoxic effect with aging, and highlight the metabolic pathways, especially TG, in the link of abdominal obesity with decreased renal function.
Public Health Insurance and Maternal Health Care Utilization in India: Evidence from a 2005-2012 Mothers’ Cohort Study
Authors: Gebremedhin Tesfaye , Mohanty Itismita , Niyonsenga Theo
Published: December 2020

Background: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), a conditional cash transfer program in India, incentivized women to deliver at institutions and resulted in a significant increase in institutional births. Another major health policy reform, which could have influenced maternal and child health care (MCH) utilisation, was the public health insurance scheme called Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) launched in 2008. However, there is lack of evidence on how RSBY impacted MCH utilisation in India. This study investigated the impact of health insurance (in particular, the public insurance scheme versus private insurance) on a continuum of MCH utilisation. We also investigated whether maternal empowerment was a significant correlate that affects MCH utilisation. Methods: The study used a multilevel mixed effect ordered logistic regression modelling, using a cohort of mothers whose delivery was captured in both the 2005 and 2011/12 rounds of the Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS). We derived indexes for women’s empowerment using Principal component analysis (PCA) technique applied to various indicators of women’s autonomy and socio-economic status. Results: Our results indicated, mothers’ MCH utilization levels vary by district, community and mother over time. The effect of the public insurance scheme (RSBY) on MCH utilisation was not as strong as privately available insurance. However, health insurance was only significant in models that did not control for household and mother level predictors. Our findings indicated that maternal empowerment indicators – in particular, maternal ability to go out of the house and complete chores and economic empowerment - were associated with higher utilization of MCH services. Among control variables, maternal age, education and household wealth were significant correlates that increase MCH service utilization over time. Conclusions: Change in women’s and societal attitude towards maternal care may have played a significant role in increasing MCH utilisation over the study period. There might be a need to increase the coverage of the public insurance scheme given the finding that it was less effective in increasing MCH utilisation. Importantly, policies that aim to improve health services for women need to take maternal autonomy and empowerment into consideration.