bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Régions chromosomiques influençant les caractères de production et de qualité des oeufs de poule
Authors: ROMÉ H , LE ROY P.
Published: January 2020

La maîtrise des caractères de production et de qualité des oeufs représente un enjeu majeur pour les différents acteurs des filières avicoles. A ce jour, 41 études ont permis la détection de nombreuses régions chromosomiques influençant la production et la qualité des oeufs chez la poule. Ainsi, 442 " Quantitative Trait Loci " (QTL), répartis sur 26 chromosomes, ont été détectés par l’étude de 27 populations différentes. Certaines de ces régions ont des effets conjoints sur plusieurs caractères. Certaines ont des effets significatifs dans différentes populations, soulignant leur rôle essentiel dans l’établissement du niveau de performance des poules. Plusieurs gènes candidats ont été révélés par ces études, tel le gène RARRE1 qui affecte de nombreux caractères. Toutefois, la validation fonctionnelle des effets de ces gènes reste à entreprendre pour démontrer leur causalité. Dans l’avenir, l’existence de nombreuses données phénotypiques et génotypiques, de par l’émergence de la sélection génomique, permettra de préciser la localisation des polymorphismes causaux des effets observés et, probablement, la détection de nouvelles régions.
Effets des mycotoxines sur la santé et les performances des volailles
Authors: MAGNIN Michel , TRAVEL A. , BAILLY J.D. , GUERRE P.
Published: January 2020

Les mycotoxines sont des métabolites secondaires produits par des champignons, qui peuvent être présents sur une large variété de cultures et en particulier les céréales. Leur maitrise est considérée comme un enjeu majeur dans le monde agricole en raison de leurs effets nocifs sur la santé des Hommes et des animaux. Bien que plus de 400 mycotoxines aient été identifiées, seules quelques-unes sont préoccupantes en production avicole. L’Union Européenne applique ou recommande des teneurs maximales pour certaines mycotoxines dans les matières premières et les aliments pour volailles, afin de protéger les animaux et le consommateur humain. L’objectif de cette revue, est de présenter les effets d’expositions aiguës ou réitérées aux mycotoxines, sur la santé et les performances dans les principales espèces avicoles. Cette analyse est notamment réalisée, lorsque cela a été possible, en comparant les effets observés lors d’études récentes aux seuils réglementés/recommandés au niveau européen. Une attention particulière a été portée sur l’importance des facteurs d’espèces et stades de productions, quant à la sensibilité aux différentes toxines. Le dernier paragraphe est consacré à l’analyse des données disponibles en cas de multi-contaminations en termes d’effets additifs, synergiques ou antagonistes.
Diversité des relations affiliatives chez les ovins en situation d’élevage : mécanismes comportementaux et neurobiologiques
Authors: NOWAK R. , CHAILLOU E. , GAUDIN S. , GUESDON V. , LÉVY F.
Published: January 2020

Les ovins sont bien connus pour développer différentes formes d’attachement social. Le déclenchement de la motivation maternelle et le développement d’un lien mutuel entre la mère et son jeune sont sous l’influence combinée de stimulations hormonales et   somato-sensorielles périphériques. Ces stimulations sont fournies par la parturition chez la mère et par les premiers épisodes de tétée chez le nouveau-né. Des changements neurophysiologiques profonds sont observés dans les bulbes olfactifs principaux de la brebis, alors qu’ils sont exposés à des odeurs d’agneau nouveau-né. L’activation de l’hypothalamus consécutive à la mise bas contribue à l’expression de la motivation maternelle et à la mémorisation des odeurs de l’agneau. L’hypothalamus et l’amygdale sont également activés chez le nouveau-né suite à l’ingestion de colostrum. L’ocytocine, un neuropeptide connu pour jouer un rôle clé dans les comportements prosociaux, facilite la construction de la relation mère-jeune. Lorsque des agneaux nouveau-nés sont séparés de leur mère pour être artificiellement nourris, une pratique agricole très commune, ils sont profondément affectés. Les réponses neuroendocrinologiques suggèrent que les agneaux sont dans une situation de détresse. Cependant, si un humain prend soin d’eux, une liaison interspécifique se met en place, facilitée par des contacts sociaux positifs dans lesquels l’allaitement au biberon ou les caresses jouent un rôle clé. De tels contacts activent le système ocytocinergique, comme cela est observé dans la construction du lien mère-jeune. Ainsi, dans des conditions d’élevage artificiel, l’être humain devient une figure d’attachement saillante qui se substitue à la mère et qui peut faciliter la gestion des agneaux.
Du phénotype à la mutation causale : le cas des anomalies récessives bovines
Authors: DUCHESNE A. , GROHS C. , MICHOT P. , BERTAUD M. , BOICHARD D. , FLORIOT S. , CAPITAN A.
Published: January 2020

Cet article présente la méthodologie utilisée pour identifier la mutation responsable d’une anomalie génétique à partir de cas d’animaux affectés. Dans un premier temps, une collection de cas aussi homogènes que possible est constituée, de la même race et avec les mêmes signes cliniques, complétée par une population témoin apparentée mais non atteinte. Une analyse de pedigree est possible pour rechercher l’ancêtre commun qui a pu transmettre l’anomalie à chacun des cas. Le génotypage par puce permet de mettre en évidence très rapidement une petite région du génome homozygote et identique à tous les marqueurs qui contient la mutation recherchée. La mutation est ensuite identifiée par séquençage du génome de quelques cas, filtrage des variants observés sur la base d’une part, de leur présence chez d’autres animaux, et d’autre part, de leur annotation fonctionnelle. Une validation statistique est ensuite pratiquée par génotypage à grande échelle, pour vérifier l’association totale entre génotype et phénotype. Enfin, la causalité de la mutation est étudiée par analyse fonctionnelle, incluant l’analyse des ARN et des protéines, l’imagerie  cellulaire, voire la création de modèles transgéniques.
Internacionalização e linguagem institucional: estudo da equivalência do termo “faculdade” para o inglês internacional
Authors: Zacarias Regiani Aparecida Santos , Martins de Oliveira Dener
Published: January 2020

A internacionalização das Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) despontou na última década como fonte de oportunidades de cooperação para estudos, pesquisas e mobilidade, tornando-se, assim, condição para a projeção internacional, o que passa pela criação de um perfil institucional online em inglês. Nesse cenário, emerge a questão da precisão semântica na equivalência de termos do universo acadêmico institucional, na direção português-inglês. Para tratar dessa demanda, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo geral apresentar um estudo da questão da equivalência tradutória do termo “faculdade”, frequentemente traduzido nos sites em inglês das IES brasileiras por college, faculty ou school. Devido à falta de padronização conceitual dos termos equivalentes anglófonos, os objetivos específicos deste artigo buscaram (1) averiguar a relação de divergência na direção português-inglês do termo “faculdade” e (2) apresentar um estudo que possa servir como referência na escolha de um equivalente em inglês para o termo. Os resultados confirmaram a relação de divergência do termo “faculdade” na direção português-inglês e a não padronização dos termos em inglês. Como resultados, o estudo esclarece os conceitos de cada termo do inglês e as tendências de uso no cenário internacional, a fim de contribuir para o uso do equivalente adequado do termo “faculdade”.
Django livre: do cinema para os quadrinhos, uma tradução intersemiótica
Authors: Coutinho Mariana de Souza , Mancini Renata
Published: January 2020

A forte presença de adaptações no tecido cultural contemporâneo convida o olhar analítico a contemplar com mais atenção as estratégias subjacentes aos processos de adaptação, aqui entendidos como traduções intersemióticas. Este artigo se ocupa da adaptação de Django Livre (2012), do diretor Quentin Tarantino, para uma série de sete revistas em quadrinhos. Chama a atenção a direção pouco usual desse processo, que parte do cinema para as histórias em quadrinhos. Nossa análise aplica conceitos da semiótica francesa, especialmente em sua abordagem tensiva, para explorar questões rítmicas ligadas às estratégias de adaptação. Faremos uma análise comparativa das obras a partir de um parâmetro rítmico, que relaciona as transições de quadros (MCCLOUD, 1995) com a montagem da linguagem cinematográfica.
Semiótica e ideologia
Authors: Portela Jean Cristtus
Published: January 2020

A relação da semiótica com a noção de “ideologia”, tal como é concebida nas teorias do discurso de origem marxista, inexiste e pareceria inapropriadamente redundante, a depender do ponto de vista adotado. A recusa à ideologia é patente nos objetos de análise e nos problemas de pesquisa da primeira semiótica de A. J. Greimas. Essa primeira semiótica se interessou por objetos de análise literários desconectados, com raras exceções, de sua época e de uma dimensão sócio-política explicitada. Quando, sobretudo a partir dos anos 1980, a semiótica passou a se interessar mais sistematicamente por objetos da comunicação social, o termo “ideologia” já caíra em desuso, vítima de sua polissemia, em certas práticas de análise discursiva, sem nunca ter sido realmente operatório nos estudos semióticos, salvo por sua acepção como busca de um objeto-valor por parte dos sujeitos narrativos. Neste artigo, esboçamos uma breve história da relação da semiótica com a ideologia, refletindo sobre o modo como a semiótica brasileira precocemente (E. Lopes, J. L. Fiorin e D. P. de Barros) se ocupou dessa questão, antecipando preocupações que a semiótica europeia veio reencontrar em sua prática contemporânea mais recentemente.
Subject Index
Authors: GEL Revista do
Published: January 2020

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Índice de autores
Authors: GEL Revista do
Published: January 2020

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A recepção multimodal do texto literário
Authors: Gomes Carlos Magno
Published: January 2020

Este artigo propõe algumas reflexões sobre a importância dos multiletramentos e da recepção do texto literário por meio do livroclip, uma produção digital, que apresenta uma obra literária. Partimos do conceito de multiletramentos para a ampliação das abordagens sobre o horizonte de expectativa da leitura subjetiva, incluindo a acessibilidade em Libras. No campo teórico, abordamos questões sobre formação do leitor, intertextualidade e cultura digital de acordo com Umberto Eco, Anne Rouxel, Roxane Rojo e Roger Chartier.
Análise sintático-semântica das construções verbais locativas da língua portuguesa
Authors: Rodrigues Roana , Vale Oto , Baptista Jorge
Published: January 2020

Neste artigo nos propomos a: (i) descrever as propriedades sintático-semânticas das construções verbais locativas em língua portuguesa; (ii) descrever e analisar duas propostas de classificação sintático-semântica dessas construções para as variantes do português brasileiro (Catálogo) e do português europeu (ViPEr); e (iii) estabelecer os pontos comuns e divergentes entre as duas classificações selecionadas e contrastadas. Definimos os verbos locativos como aqueles que estabelecem uma relação de localização entre um nome, que designa um lugar, e outro nome, que designa o objeto desse lugar. Os complementos locativos podem ser essenciais para a construção do predicado verbal ou meros adjuntos adverbiais, cuja inserção na frase de base se faz por meio de um verbo-suporte de ocorrência. No que se refere à análise contrastiva do Catálogo e do ViPEr, pode-se afirmar que, ainda que sejam trabalhos que partam de bases teórico-metodológicas distintas, foi possível identificar uma elevada correspondência entre algumas das classes do Catálogo e as classes de construções locativas do ViPEr. As principais diferenças encontradas nas duas variantes da língua restringiram-se, sobretudo, a aspectos lexicais e a verbos marcados por processos diferenciados de derivação.
Eu sei o que é mas eu não sei falar
Authors: Coudry Maria Irma Hadler , Dias Júlia
Published: January 2020

Este texto focaliza o estudo da afasia como tradução, tomando o caso de uma mulher afásica (MP), com lesão nas regiões parieto-temporo-occipitais esquerdas do cérebro, que apresenta dificuldades de fala, leitura e escrita. Sei o que é, mas não sei falar, é como ela se refere à sua condição de afásica. Tem as palavras na cabeça e na ponta da língua, mas a afasia dificulta que as realize verbalmente. O objetivo do texto é (re)pensar o que se tem formulado como processos alternativos de significação que ocorrem no discurso do afásico, tomando a tradução inter e intrasemiótica para expressar a linguagem verbal. Para tanto, apresentaremos dados em que MP traduz fala por gesto, por desenho e por escrita, que são caminhos alternativos que encontra para dizer. A metodologia, de base heurística, tem o processo como foco da análise e, a partir desta, foi possível flagrar um conjunto representativo de dados-achados que iluminam o olhar do investigador sobre a linguagem na afasia e movimentam a teorização que se vislumbra.
Repeat Induced Abortion And Associated Factors Among Women Seeking Abortion Care Services At Debre Markos Town Health Institutions, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, 2017.
Authors: Waktola Mahlet Imana , Mekonen Dawit Gebeyehu , Nigussie Tewodros Seyoum , Cherkose Endeshaw Adimasu , Abate Addisu Taye
Published: January 2020

Objective the aim of this study was to assess the proportion and determinants of repeat induced abortion among women seeking abortion care services at Debremarkos town health institutions, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia, 2017. Result from the total 567-sample size, 547 women were participated in the study making a response rate of 96.5%. In this study 191 woman reported that they had at least one previous abortion, making the proportion of repeat induced abortion 34.9%. In multivariable logistic regression analysis; illiteracy (AOR=8.45, 95%CI; 1.85, 36.49), living in an urban area (AOR=5.14, 95%CI; 2.29, 11.53), having multiple sexual partner (AOR=6.16, 95%CI; 3.25, 11.68), consuming alcohol (AOR=2.77, 95%CI; 1.52, 5.05) and having a history of physical violence by a male partner (AOR=2.68, 95%CI; 1.45, 4.94) were significantly associated with repeat induced abortion at p value less than 0.05.
Impact of indoor residual spraying on malaria transmission in the Moïssala health district, Chad
Authors: KODINDO Israel DEMBA , Abel Diomba Dobar , Oumar Adoum Mahamat , Tchonfinet Moundai , Fadel Amen Nakebang , Elise Yangalbé-Kalnoné , Abba Brahim Adef , Belemel Djédion , Peka Mallaye , Clément Kerah-Hinzoumbe
Published: January 2020

Backgroud Malaria is a major public health and development problem in Africa. In Chad in 2016, with 720 765 confirmed cases and 1 686 deaths, malaria is the main cause of consultations, hospitalizations and deaths in health facilities. A longitudinal entomological study was carried out from 07 to 24 December 2016 in the Moïssala health district. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of malaria transmission one year after two cycles of indoor residual spraying of 80% bendiocarb wettable powder (Ficam WP 80 W). Methods Two areas were defined for the study: the town of Dembo, located in the sprayed area, was chosen as the test town and Moïssala, located in the untreated area, was chosen as the control town. Two sampling methods were used: collection of resting endophilic fauna and direct capture of aggressive mosquitoes from human subjects. Results A total of 16 sessions of catches on human subjects totalling 32 man-nights were conducted and 160 rooms were sprayed per site. For 160 sprayed chambers per site, two anopheles were captured in Dembo compared to 547 in Moïssala. Three anophelian species have been morphologically identified. In Moïssala, An gambiae sl ( An colluzzii : 96%, An gambiae : 4%), An funestus and An rufipes were captured at rest in the rooms and on human bait. In Dembo, the two anopheles, An colluzzii and An funestus were captured at rest in the rooms. On human bait as in endophilic fauna, An gambiae sp was the most common species in Moïssala. The aggressive anophelian density was zero in Dembo while it is 9 bites per man per night in Mosesala. Only Anopheles gambiae sp was found infected in aggressive wildlife. The sporozoite index of the aggressive fauna of An gambiae sp was 7.45%. Malaria transmission was estimated at 0.67 infected bites per man per night, or 244.55 infected bites per man per year. In endophilic fauna, An gambiae sp and An rufipes were the two species found infected in Moïssala with sporozoite indices of 6.70% (23/343) and 20% (2/10) respectively. However, in Dembo, neither of the two captured individuals was found infected. Conclusions The indoor residual spraying campaign in the eastern zone of the Moïssala health district has led to the collapse of the density and aggressiveness of malaria vectors. However, its evaluation over a short period of time is not sufficient to assess the impact of malaria transmission in this stable and highly endemic malaria zone.
Competencies for a healthy physically active lifestyle – Validation of an integrative model
Authors: Carl Johannes , Geidl Wolfgang , Sudeck Gorden , Schultz Konrad , Pfeifer Klaus
Published: January 2020

Purpose: The model of physical activity-related health competence (PAHCO) provides an integrative and interdisciplinary view on the multitude of competencies that are necessary when people want to lead a physically active lifestyle. For further validation of this framework, the goal of the present study was to extend first measurement models on PAHCO (Sudeck & Pfeifer, 2016) and thereby contribute to the development of a standardized assessment tool. Method: In Study 1, a measurement model with five predictors on PAHCO was tested with 341 COPD patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. In Study 2, data from 745 apprentices were used to create an extended eight-factor measurement model. We undertook reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the validity of the models. Results: The analyses showed good results for the reliability and discriminant validity of the factors. Accordingly, the CFA revealed satisfactory overall fits for the five-factor as well as for the extended eight-factor measurement model. In addition, the significant associations with physical activity and physical health parameters indicated criterion validity of almost all PAHCO factors. The explained variance of the multivariate models lay between 9.8% and 10.4% in Study 1 and between 9.5% and 21.3% in Study 2.Conclusion: In the present study, it was possible to extract a well-fitting eight-factor measurement model and accumulate further evidence on the validity of the PAHCO model. Future research should strive for a cross-validation of the measurement model and more deeply investigate the internal structure of the eight factors.
Increased frequency of myeloid-derived suppressor cells facilitating skin allograft survival in aged mice
Authors: Lee Weichen , Wang Yu-Chao , Hsu Hsiu-Ying , Hsu Pao-Yueh , Cheng Chih-Hsien , Lee Chen-Fang
Published: January 2020

Background More and more aged people have organ transplantation recently. Aging process may have an influence on immunity, which conducts an adjustment of immunosuppressive agents to prevent adverse effects. Understanding of aging effects on immunity will be helpful for post-transplant care of aged recipients. Results A mouse model using C3H mice as donors and aged/young C57BL/10J mice as recipients was employed to study the aging effects on immunity. The frequency of CD4 + , CD8 + and native CD4 + foxp3 + regulatory T-cells in the spleen were not different between aged and young mice. However, the frequency of CD11b + Gr-1 + myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) was higher in aged mice (4.4 ± 1.4% versus 1.6 ± 1.1%, p=0.026). To measure cytokines in the serum, the level of TGF-β was higher in aged mice than in young mice (21.04 ± 3.91ng/ml versus 15.26 ± 5.01ng/ml, p = 0.026). In vitro, enriched T-cells from aged mice had lower proliferation capacity (0.350±0.003 O.D. versus 0.430±0.017 O.D. at responders/stimulatory cells = 100/1) and lower Ag-specific cytotoxic ability (21.2 ± 3.0% versus 39.3 ± 4.8% at target cell/effector cells = 1/100, p=0.003) than T-cells from young mice. In vivo, the skin allografts survived on aged recipients was 19.7 ± 5.2 days, compared 11.9 ± 4.1 days on young mice (p = 0.005). When entinostat was applied to aged mice to block MDSC, the survival of skin allografts was shorten to 13.5 ± 4.7 days which was not different from the survival on young mice (p = 0.359). Conclusion The allogeneic immunity was lower in aged than in young mice evidenced by a higher frequency of MDSC, higher serum level of TGF-β, decreased function of T-cells, and easy-to-induced regulatory T-cells in aged mice. Blocking the function of MDSC reversed the low immunity in aged mice and cause skin allograft rejection similar to young recipients.
Decomposition analysis of modern contraceptive use among currently married women in Ethiopia: EDHS 2000-2016
Authors: Mengesha Endalekachew Worku , Zelellw Desalegne Amare , Fenta Haile Mekonnen
Published: January 2020

Background Contraceptive use is an essential care to reduce maternal and child mortality by preventing unwanted pregnancy and abortion. Despite different studies are conducted related to family planning services, difference in characteristics of changes and the effects of population behavior were not well addressed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the trend of modern contraceptive use, and investigate the difference in characteristics of changes and the effects of population behavior in the use of modern contraceptives.Methods The data source were from a four consecutive Ethiopia demographic and health surveys of women with complete interview file from 2000 -2016. The total sampled married women considered for this study were 9,380 (2000), 8,644(2005), 10,204(2011) and 9,824 (2016). Descriptive analysis was applied to describe socio demographic variables, fertility desire and media exposure. Multivariate decomposition analysis was carried out to investigate the changes in characteristics and effect of population behavior in modern contraceptive use.Results The trend of modern contraceptive use was steadily increased from 6% in 2000 to 35% in 2016. The overall decomposition change in modern contraceptive use among married women was 8.3% (2000 to 2016); due to difference in characteristics. Variables contribute for the change are religion, residence, women’s and partners’ education, women’s and partners’ occupation, head of house hold, history of abortion and media of exposure.Conclusion The trend of modern contraceptive use was steadily increased in all surveys. The change in contraceptive use was due to change in characteristics and population health behavior.
A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Screening Strategies involving Noninvasive Prenatal Testing for Trisomy 21
Authors: Wang Shuxian , Liu Kejun , Yang Huixia , Ma Jingmei
Published: January 2020

In the trends of increasing advanced maternal age (AMA) and decreasing cost of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), we investigated the benefits and cost effectiveness of NIPT as primary or contingent strategies for trisomy 21 (T21). A theoretical model involving 1,000,000 single pregnancies was established. We presented five screening scenarios, primary NIPT (Strategy 1), contingent NIPT after traditional triple serum screening higher than 1/300 or 1/1000 (Strategy 2-1 or Strategy 2-2) and age-based (Strategy 3). Strategy 3 was stratified, in which 1) for advanced maternal age (AMA) of 40 and more, prenatal diagnosis was offered, 2) for AMA of 35 to 39, NIPT was introduced, 3) if younger than 35, contingent strategy with screening risk higher than 1:300 (Strategy 3-1) or 1:1000 (Strategy 3-2) will be offered NIPT. Parameters were referred to publications or on-site verification. The primary outcome was incremental cost analysis for each strategy on baseline and alterative assumptions, which take aging society, reducing cost of NIPT and compliance into consideration. The second outcomes were total cost, cost-effect and cost-benefit analysis. If the incremental cost was less than 0.215 million US$, which was cost for raising one T21 child, or the benefit-to-cost ratio over 1, then the strategy was defined as “cost-effective”. The anticipated prenatal diagnosis was significantly reduced in Strategy 1 and 2, most notably in Strategy 2-1. For the incremental costs, strategy 2-1 was set as baseline. All other strategy costed more than raising one T21 except 3-1. In sensitivity analysis, strategy 1 costed the least when NIPT was lower than 47 US$. If NIPT less than 131 US$, the incremental cost of any strategy was less than 0.215 million US$. When the proportion of AMA accounted for more than 15% and 20% of population, incremental costs of strategy 3-1 and 3-2 were cost effective. In conclusion, contingent NIPT after traditional triple serum screening (risk higher than 1/300) was optimal in total cost (130 million US$), cost-effect (33.4 thousand US$) and cost-benefit (ratio=4.90) analysis of the model. Age-based strategy was optimal as AMA proportion and NIPT acceptance increased. The primary NIPT was most effective for certain price.
Anthropometric data before, during and after in-patient treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: Thigh circumference as reliable direct correlate to BMI and to prognosis.
Authors: Weber Dieter , Raimann Gustav , Wadlegger Silvia , Weber Waltraud , Smolle Josef , Egger Josef , Lahousen Theresa
Published: January 2020

Purpose The aim of the study was to determine the extent of changes in circumferential measurements taken at various localizations before, during and after in-patient treatment in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and their relation to BMI. Furthermore, we analyzed a possible impact of these values on long-term prognosis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data of 269 patients (258 females, 11 males) with anorexia nervosa treated between 1999 and 2013 at a single institution by a 6-weeks quick refeeding therapy cycle. A complete set of data was available from 230 patients. BMI and 13 circumferential measuring points at the trunk and the extremities were monitored every day and at follow-up. Results 229 out of the total collective (85.13 %) had a favourable outcome with restored, stable weight after a mean observation time of 138 +- 52 months. All measuring parameters showed a highly significant increase from admission to end of treatment cycle (p < 0.0001 for each parameter. The highest gain expressed as percent of the value at admission was achieved in BMI, followed by girth of thigh. Measurements at the end of term of thorax, waist, upper arm and thigh correlated with a favourable prognosis. A thigh circumference >50 cm was significantly connected to BMI>18 and a beneficial outcome. Conclusions The highest gain in circumference during refeeding was found at the thigh. A thigh circumference greater than 50 if achieved after the first refeeding cycle was significantly linked to BMI >=18 and was a predictor of a favourable long-term course. Level of evidence Level II, comparative study
Identifying adults with sepsis, bedside tools versus administrative data: a cohort study
Authors: Bateson Meghan , Marwick Charis A , Patton Andrea , Stewart Elaine , Rooney Kevin D
Published: January 2020

Background Our objective was to calculate how well the bedside severity scores qSOFA, NEWS, and SIRS predict 30-day mortality from onset of infection compared to the Sepsis-3 recommended diagnostic criteria of an increase in SOFA score of ≥2 as a consequence of infection. We then assessed the ability of routinely collected administrative data (ICD-10 codes and blood culture sampling) to identify patients with clinical sepsis. The overall purpose is to inform development of a robust proxy measure for sepsis surveillance at scale.Methods This single centre retrospective case note review was set in a district general hospital in Scotland. Adult admissions between 1 st October 2015 and 31 st March 2016 with a blood culture were matched to admissions without a blood culture. The performance characteristics of SOFA, qSOFA, NEWS and SIRS were calculated to predict 30 day mortality. The ability of routinely collected administrative data to identify people with sepsis was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.Results This cohort of 958 admissions comprised 479 patients with a blood culture sampled and 479 without. There were 269 (28%) patients with sepsis as per the Sepsis-3 definition, and 361 (37.7%) with infection. 30-day mortality from onset of infection was 19.0% and 7.2% in the sepsis and infection groups respectively (p<0.001). NEWS ≥7 (AUROC 0.71) was a more accurate predictor of 30-day mortality from onset of infection compared to SOFA ≥2 (or Δ2) (AUROC 0.63), qSOFA ≥ 2 (AUROC 0.64) and SIRS≥2 (AUROC 0.65). ICD-10 sepsis codes (A40, A41 & R57.2) were recorded in only 26 (9.4%) sepsis admissions. Blood culture sampling performed better at identifying patients with sepsis (AUROC 0.63) compared to ICD-10 sepsis codes (AURO 0.54) or positive blood cultures (AUROC 0.53).Conclusions NEWS ≥7 was a better predictor of 30-day mortality in patients with infection than SIRS, qSOFA or SOFA. ICD-10 sepsis codes lack sensitivity for reliable sepsis surveillance. Blood culture sampling showed potential for inclusion as part of a clinically relevant proxy marker for sepsis surveillance.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes of bloodstream infections due to multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and other Gram-negative bacteria in ICU patients
Authors: Qian Ying , Xie Yongpeng , Mao Haifeng , Li Jiguang , Gu Caihong , Liu Suxia , Liu Kexi
Published: January 2020

Background: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bloodstream infection (BSI) by Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) is an important cause of mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of some GNB BSIs and to analyze their drug resistance, with an emphasis on the analysis of prognostic risk factors related to MDR-Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) BSI.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the ICU of lianyungang hospital in China. Patients with BSIs due to MDR-A. baumannii, MDR-Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), MDR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and MDR-Escherichia coli (E. coli) were included.Results: The overall drug resistance rate to imipenem of A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae was significantly higher than that of P. aeruginosa and E. coli (95.8% and 75.5% vs 44.6% and 9.2% respectively). The mortality rates were 71.9%, 63.3%, 41.5% and 38.1%, respectively. The multivariate analysis of MDR-A. baumannii BSI, APACHE II score, hormone use, development of septic shock were associated with the 30-day mortality, while high albumin level with survival.Conclusion: The treatment of MDR-A. baumannii and MDR-K. pneumoniae infection resulted difficult due to their high drug resistance rate. However, the understanding of the clinical characteristics of different BSIs might be helpful to predict, to some extent, the pathogenic bacteria involved so as to proceed with an early sensitive antibiotic treatment. The high mortality rate due to BSI MDR-A. baumannii might be correlated with APACHE II score, nutritional status, and hormone therapy, while septic shock was a warning sign of poor prognosis.
Analysing the relationship between nutrition and the microbial composition of the oral biofilm - insights from the analysis of individual variability
Authors: Vach Kirstin , Al-Ahmad Ali , Anderson Annette , Woelber Johan Peter , Karygianni Lamprini , Wittmer Annette , Hellwig Elmar
Published: January 2020

Background : The influence of nutrition on the oral microbiota has been discussed in the literature, but usually only changes of the mean values are reported. This paper focuses on the variability of patients' reactions. Methods : Two types of inter-individual variability in such studies and statistical models to estimate them are introduced. Through smart presentation of the estimates from the studies, a better understanding of the data can be obtained. Random effects meta-analyses are used to analyse the heterogeneity in variability across different bacteria. Results : For the nutrition individually chosen by the participants, we observed an inter-individual variability of the bacterial concentration of three log steps. Given that we found no evidence of heterogeneity in variability across different bacteria, the results can be used to offer recommendations for future studies and compute the number of cases needed. Conclusions : For studies measuring the concentration change of bacteria as a reaction to nutrition change, the use of replications and analysis of the variability is recommended.
WITHDRAWN: A software tool for exploring the relation between diagnostic accuracy and measurement uncertainty
Authors: Chatzimichail Theodora , Hatjimihail Aristides T.
Published: January 2020

Background Screening and diagnostic tests are used to classify people with and without a disease. Diagnostic accuracy measures are used to evaluate the correctness of a classification in clinical research and practice. Although the correctness of a classification based on a measurand depends on the uncertainty of measurement, there has been limited research on their relation. The objective for this work is to develop an exploratory tool for the relation between diagnostic accuracy measures and measurement uncertainty, as diagnostic accuracy is fundamental to clinical decision making, while measurement uncertainty is critical to quality and risk management in laboratory medicine. Results For this reason, a freely available interactive program has been developed, written in Wolfram Language. The program provides four modules for calculating, optimizing, plotting and comparing various diagnostic accuracy measures and the corresponding risk of diagnostic or screening tests measuring a normally distributed measurand, applied at a single point in time in non-diseased and diseased populations. This is done for differing prevalence of the disease, mean and standard deviation of the measurand, diagnostic threshold, standard measurement uncertainty of the tests and expected loss. The application of the program is illustrated with a case study of glucose measurements in diabetic and non-diabetic populations, that demonstrates the relation between diagnostic accuracy measures and measurement uncertainty. Conclusion The presented interactive program is user-friendly and can be used as a flexible educational and research tool in medical decision making, to explore the relation between diagnostic accuracy measures and measurement uncertainty.
Family and peer effect on young and adolescent smoking in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Moin Uddin , Hashmi Rubayyat , Pulok Mohammad Habibullah , Tannous Kathy , Alam Khorshed
Published: January 2020

Background: Cigarette smoking among youth has become a major public health problem in many developing countries like Bangladesh. Many smokers start smoking in their teens; then they become addicted and deepen the dependency during early adulthood, maintaining their smoking behaviour. Current literature from Bangladesh has not examined how peer effect, family influence and smoking-related knowledge impact smoking behaviour of the adolescent and young adults from the urban areas of the country. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature by investigating the smoking patterns of urban male adolescents and young adults in Bangladesh. The study aims to examine the family and peer influence on the behaviour of smoking of this population group. The study also explores how knowledge on harmful effects of smoking affects the participation decision of smoking by young adults and adolescents. Methods: This study is an educational institution-based cross-sectional study within the framework of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS). Primary data has been collected from a sample of 995 urban male students aged between 10-24 years living in the seven divisional headquarters of Bangladesh. We use logistic regression and count data regression models to examine how smoking is associated with different factors. Results: Our results suggest that a person is 45% more prone to smoke a cigarette if any of the family members is a smoker. The likelihood of smoking is about six times higher if he is offered a cigarette by his friend, whereas the likelihood of being a smoker is 15-fold if he has a smoker friend, as the findings reveal. However, institutional and family awareness are not significantly related to smoking. Conclusion: Strong evidence of peer and family effect on smoking initiation indicates the need for effective smoking-prevention intervention at the national level, specifically targeted at family and educational institutions. The findings are also relevant for other countries which share the similar characteristics of Bangladesh in terms of adolescent smoking determinants.
The risk factors for linezolid-induced lactic acidosis in patients older than 85 years
Authors: Liu Tingting , Li Hongxia , Liu Miao , Wang Jiang , Fang Xiangqun
Published: January 2020

Background Lactate is considered a prognostic indicator in critically ill patients; however, studies on linezolid-induced lactic acidosis (LILA) are limited, and data from patients older than 85 are even more scarce, therefore we evaluated the risk factors for LILA in patients older than 85 years and established a risk prediction model. Methods In a retrospective cohort study, patients older than 85 years who were monitored for blood gas analysis and arterial lactate levels during the use of teicoplanin or linezolid were enrolled. After using propensity score-matched analyses we compared the incidence of lactic acidosis between teicoplanin or linezolid therapy and identified the risk factors of LILA. Results After propensity score-matched analyses, the incidence of lactic acidosis with teicoplanin therapy was significantly lower than that with linezolid therapy (0% vs 35.7%; p<0.0001). Duration of linezolid therapy ≥9 days (OR,3.541;95%CI,1.161-10.793; p=0.026), arterial blood glucose level ≥8 mmol/L (OR, 4.548; 95% CI, 1.507-13.725; p=0.007) and high sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (OR, 1.429; 95% CI, 1.213-1.685; p<0.0001) were risk factors for LILA. A risk model is predictive of LILA (area under the curve, 0.849; specificity, 65.1%; sensitivity, 91.4%, with a negative predictive value of 93.2% and a positive predictive value of 59.3%) with high stability. Conclusions LILA can occur in patients older than 85 years with a relatively shorter duration of linezolid; hence, the close monitoring of blood gas and arterial lactate levels during the use of linezolid in the super-elderly population is necessary.
Ukraine-EU: economic integration strategy
Authors: Babenko Vitalina , Biletska Yana , Pelyak Hanna
Published: January 2020

The practical aspects of Ukraine`s economic integration into the EU are still relevant, but are presented with insufficient formalization. The article aims to define the prospects of the Ukrainian integration strategy in the contemporary global space, in particular its Eurointegration strategy. The state and the prospects of the Ukraine’s economic integration into the EU were analyzed and the process of the Ukrainian foreign policy evolution in the European direction was studied. The possible potential membership of Ukraine in the EU was analyzed on the basis of characteristics of current state of the relationships between Ukraine and the member-states. The multi-vector integration course into the EU was stipulated with the aim to renovate the Ukrainian economy effectively; positive and negative aspects of Ukraine’s entrance into the integration association were analyzed. The article offers the measures for practical implementation of Ukraine’s integration intensions on the basis of the analysis of a variety of Ukrainian legislation documents in the field of foreign and domestic policy.
Purification of real car wash wastewater with complex coagulation/flocculation methods using polyaluminum chloride, polyelectrolyte, clay mineral and cationic surfactant
Authors: Veréb G. , Gayır V. E. , Santos E. N. , Fazekas Á. , Kertész Sz. , Hodúr C. , László Zs.
Published: January 2020

In the present study, real car wash wastewater was purified by different coagulation/flocculation methods. As coagulant, polyaluminum chloride (‘BOPAC’), conventional iron(III) chloride, iron(III) sulfate, and aluminum(III) chloride were used, while as flocculant non-ionic and anionic polyelectrolytes were investigated. The effects of added clay mineral (Na-bentonite) and cationic surfactant (hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide – ‘HTABr’) were also investigated. The use of BOPAC was significantly more effective than conventional coagulants. Extra addition of clay mineral was also beneficial in relation to both the sediment volume and sedimentation speed, while polyelectrolyte addition enhanced further the sedimentation. Moreover, the simultaneous addition of HTABr significantly enhanced the color removal efficiency due to the successful in-situ generation of organophilic bentonite. In summary, the application of 100 mg L−1 Na-bentonite with 20 mg L−1 Al3+ (from BOPAC) and 0.5 mg L−1 anionic polyelectrolyte resulted in the efficient reduction of the turbidity (4–6 NTU), the COD (158 mg L−1) and the extractable oil content (4 mg L−1) with efficiencies of 98%, 59%, and 85%, respectively. By applying organophilic bentonite in high concentration (500 mg L−1) with identical concentrations of BOPAC and anionic polyelectrolyte, significant color removal (5 times lower absorbance at λ = 400 nm) and 27% lower sediment volume were achieved.
The Renin-Angiotensin System in Huntington’s Disease: Villain or Hero?
Authors: Machado Thatiane C.G. , Guatimosim Cristina , Kangussu Lucas M.
Published: January 2020

Huntington’s Disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant, progressive neurodegenerative
disorder characterized by severe symptoms, including motor impairment, cognitive decline, and
psychiatric alterations. Several systems, molecules, and mediators have been associated with the
pathophysiology of HD. Among these, there is the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS), a peptide
hormone system that has been associated with the pathology of neuropsychiatric and
neurodegenerative disorders. Important alterations in this system have been demonstrated in HD.
However, the role of RAS components in HD is still unclear and needs further investigation.
Nonetheless, modulation of the RAS components may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for
the treatment of HD.
Protein Interaction Domains: Structural Features and Drug Discovery Applications (Part 2)
Authors: Vincenzi Marian , Mercurio Flavia Anna , Leone Marilisa
Published: January 2020

Background:

Proteins present a modular organization made up of several domains. Apart
from the domains playing catalytic functions, many others are crucial to recruit interactors. The
latter domains can be defined as "PIDs" (Protein Interaction Domains) and are responsible for pivotal
outcomes in signal transduction and a certain array of normal physiological and disease-related
pathways. Targeting such PIDs with small molecules and peptides able to modulate their interaction
networks, may represent a valuable route to discover novel therapeutics.

Objective:

This work represents a continuation of a very recent review describing PIDs able to
recognize post-translationally modified peptide segments. On the contrary, the second part concerns
with PIDs that interact with simple peptide sequences provided with standard amino acids.

Methods:

Crucial structural information on different domain subfamilies and their interactomes was
gained by a wide search in different online available databases (including the PDB (Protein Data
Bank), the Pfam (Protein family), and the SMART (Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool)).
Pubmed was also searched to explore the most recent literature related to the topic.

Results and Conclusion:

PIDs are multifaceted: they have all diverse structural features and can
recognize several consensus sequences. PIDs can be linked to different diseases onset and progression,
like cancer or viral infections and find applications in the personalized medicine field. Many
efforts have been centered on peptide/peptidomimetic inhibitors of PIDs mediated interactions but
much more work needs to be conducted to improve drug-likeness and interaction affinities of identified
compounds.
Lipid Vesicles and Nanoparticles for Non-invasive Topical and Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Shabbir Maryam , Nagra Uzair , Zaman Muhammad , Mahmood Asif , Barkat Kashif
Published: January 2020

The delivery of drugs, via different layers of skin, is challenging because it acts as a natural barrier and exerts hindrance against molecules to permeate into or through it. To overcome such obstacles, different noninvasive methods, like vehicle-drug interaction, modifications of the horny layer and nanoparticles have been suggested. The aim of the present review is to highlight some of the non-invasive methods for topical, diadermal and transdermal delivery of drugs. Special emphasis has been made on the information available in numerous research articles that put efforts in overcoming obstacles associated with barrier functions imposed by various layers of skin. Advances have been made in improving patient compliance that tends to avoid hitches involved in oral administration. Of particular interest is the use of lipid-based vesicles and nanoparticles for dermatological applications. These particulate systems can effectively interact and penetrate into the stratum corneum via lipid exchange and get distributed in epidermis and dermis. They also have the tendency to exert a systemic effect by facilitating the absorption of an active moiety into general circulation.
Neuroprotective and Neurorestorative Effects of Epo and VEGF: Perspectives for New Therapeutic Approaches to Neurological Diseases
Authors: Ureña-Guerrero Mónica E. , Castañeda-Cabral José L. , Rivera-Cervantes Martha C. , Macias-Velez Rafael J. , Jarero-Basulto José J. , Gudiño-Cabrera Graciela , Beas-Zárate Carlos
Published: January 2020

Background:

Erythropoietin (Epo) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are two vasoactive molecules with essential trophic effects for brain development. The expression and secretion of both molecules increase in response to neuronal damage and they exert protective and restorative effects, which may also be accompanied by adverse side effects.

Objective:

We review the most relevant evidence on the neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects of Epo and VEGF in three of the most frequent neurological disorders, namely, stroke, epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease, to develop new therapeutic approaches.

Method:

Several original scientific manuscripts and reviews that have discussed the evidence in critical way, considering both the beneficial and adverse effects of Epo and VEGF in the selected neurological disorders, were analysed. In addition, throughout this review, we propose several considerations to take into account in the design of therapeutic approaches based on Epo and VEGF signalling.

Results:

Although the three selected disorders are triggered by different mechanisms, they evolve through similar processes: excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuronal death, glial reactivity and vascular remodelling. Epo and VEGF exert neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects by acting on these processes due to their pleiotropism. In general, the evidence shows that both Epo and VEGF reduce neuronal death but that at the vascular level, their effects are contradictory.

Conclusion:

Because the Epo and VEGF signalling pathways are connected in several ways, we conclude that more experimental studies, primarily studies designed to thoroughly assess the functional interactions between Epo and VEGF in the brain under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, are needed.