bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Tai Chi on Peripheral Neuropathy Revisited: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Hermanns Melinda , Haas Barbara K. , Rath Linda , Murley Brittany , Arce-Esquivel Arturo A. , Ballard Joyce E. , Wang Yong T.
Published: December 2018

Exercise may be beneficial to older persons living with peripheral neuropathy (PN), but maintaining an exercise program is challenging. After participating in a 12-week tai chi (TC) study, 12 participants requested classes continue. A mixed-methods design was used to explore long-term engagement of older persons with bilateral PN enrolled in a TC class for 18 months beyond the original 3-month study. Pre- and posttest measures of functional status and quality of life (QOL) were conducted. Focus groups were held after 18 months of twice-weekly classes. Psychosocial support was critical to participants’ long-term commitment to exercise. Participants reported, and objective assessments confirmed, increased strength, balance, and stamina beyond that experienced in the original 12-week study. Changes in QOL scores were nonsignificant; however, qualitative data supported clinical significance across QOL domains. Results from this study support psychosocial and physical benefits of TC to older persons.
Contested Urban Spaces in Delhi: Experiences of Discrimination of Women from Northeast India
Authors: Mukherjee Mala , Dutta Chandrani
Published: December 2018

Indian cities as the melting pot of cultural heterogeneity exhibits the idea of a complex urban society with problems of acceptance of cultural diversity that often leads to contest for space and exclusion of the ethnic minorities especially women from these communities. While such exclusion takes many forms of discrimination, this paper provides an account of discrimination faced by the women from the North-East in Delhi. It provides estimates of incidents which suggest that the most common form of discrimination is ‘treating’ them as foreigners. Name calling, and denial of services, especially rental accommodation on the ground of food habits are the most common forms of discrimination. Some of the respondents have also reported that washer men refuse to wash their clothes. Furthermore, women migrants often face physical abuses in forms of unwanted touching, especially in the crowded places like local markets and public buses. Men too are bantered for their hairstyle and dressing sense. Central university campuses are not even free from these discriminatory practices. North-East Helpline (1093) partially helps in lodging complains, but problem sustains. At the end, the authors come up with the idea of ethnic sensitization and establishing special units in various institutions for tackling these problems separately.
Rationale and design of the Registry of Acute Stroke Under Novel Oral Anticoagulants-prime (RASUNOA-prime)
Authors: Haas Kirsten , Purrucker Jan C , Rizos Timolaos , Heuschmann Peter U , Veltkamp Roland
Published: December 2018

Background

Anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists and non-vitamin K antagonists oral anticoagulants (NOAC) is effective in stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, anticoagulation also poses a major challenge for emergency treatment of patients suffering ischaemic stroke or intracerebral haemorrhage.

Aim

The registry RASUNOA-prime is designed to describe current patterns of emergency management, clinical course and outcome of patients with atrial fibrillation experiencing an acute ischaemic stroke or intracerebral haemorrhage under different anticoagulation schemes prior to stroke (NOAC, vitamin K antagonists or no anticoagulation).

Methods and design

RASUNOA-prime (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02533960) is a prospective, investigator-initiated, multicentre, observational cohort study aiming to recruit 3000 patients with acute ischaemic stroke and atrial fibrillation, and 1000 patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage and atrial fibrillation with different anticoagulation schemes pre-stroke. It is a non-interventional triple-armed study aiming at a balanced inclusion of ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage patients according to the different anticoagulation schemes. Patients will be followed up for clinical course, management and outcome up to three months after the event. Findings in ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage patients on NOAC will be compared with patients taking vitamin K antagonists or no anticoagulant pre-stroke.

Study outcomes

Primary endpoint for ischaemic stroke patients: occurrence of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage, for intracerebral haemorrhage patients: occurrence of secondary haematoma expansion. Secondary endpoints include assessment of coagulation, use of thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy, occurrence of complications, implementation of secondary prevention.

Describing the current patterns of early management as well as outcome of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation will help guide physicians to develop recommendations for emergency treatment of stroke patients under different anticoagulation schemes.
Leaching behaviour of rare earth elements from low-grade weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ore using magnesium sulfate
Authors: Chen Kaihua , Pei Jiannan , Yin Shaohua , Li Shiwei , Peng Jinhui , Zhang Libo
Published: December 2018

The present study investigates the use of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) instead of (NH4)2SO4 as a lixiviant in the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from clays. Experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of leaching conditions such as leaching time, lixiviant concentration and liquid:solid ratio on the leaching efficiency. The optimum leaching conditions, leading to 75.48% of total REE leaching efficiency, required a stirring speed of 500 rpm, a leaching time of 30 min, a lixiviant concentration of 3 wt.% and a liquid:solid ratio of 3:1. After extension of the leaching process by a second stage, the leaching efficiency may reach up to 96.19%, which is slightly higher than that obtained by (NH4)2SO4. Leaching varies from element to element, with Ce presenting the lowest leaching efficiency, and the partition in leaching solution is in agreement with that in raw ore other than for Ce. Based on these findings, MgSO4 lixiviant is an excellent alternative leaching agent for a sustainable REE industry because it reduces or eliminates NH4+–N pollution.
Development and Usability Testing of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia Pedi Crisis Mobile Application
Authors: Clebone Anna , Strupp Kim M. , Whitney Gina , Anderson Michael R. , Hottle Jeffrey , Fehr James , Yaster Myron , Schleelein Laura E. , Burian Barbara K.
Published: December 2018

When life-threatening, critical events occur in the operating room, the fast-paced, high-distraction atmosphere often leaves little time to think or deliberate about management options. Success depends on applying a team approach to quickly implement well-rehearsed, systematic, evidence-based assessment and treatment protocols. Mobile devices offer resources for readily accessible, easily updatable information that can be invaluable during perioperative critical events. We developed a mobile device version of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia 26 Pediatric Crisis paper checklists—the Pedi Crisis 2.0 application—as a resource to support clinician responses to pediatric perioperative life-threatening critical events. Human factors expertise and principles were applied to maximize usability, such as by clustering information into themes that clinicians utilize when accessing cognitive aids during critical events. The electronic environment allowed us to feature optional diagnostic support, optimized navigation, weight-based dosing, critical institution-specific phone numbers pertinent to emergency response, and accessibility for those who want larger font sizes. The design and functionality of the application were optimized for clinician use in real time during actual critical events, and it can also be used for self-study or review. Beta usability testing of the application was conducted with a convenience sample of clinicians at 9 institutions in 2 countries and showed that participants were able to find information quickly and as expected. In addition, clinicians rated the application as slightly above “excellent” overall on an established measure, the Systems Usability Scale, which is a 10-item, widely used and validated Likert scale created to assess usability for a variety of situations. The application can be downloaded, at no cost, for iOS devices from the Apple App Store and for Android devices from the Google Play Store. The processes and principles used in its development are readily applicable to the development of future mobile and electronic applications for the field of anesthesiology.
Anticoagulation Management and Heparin Resistance During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Survey of Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists Members
Authors: Sniecinski Roman M. , Bennett-Guerrero Elliott , Shore-Lesserson Linda
Published: December 2018

We surveyed Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists members regarding anticoagulation practices for cardiopulmonary bypass and attitudes on heparin resistance. Of 550 respondents (18.5% response rate), 74.9% (95% CI, 71.3%–78.5%) used empiric weight-based dosing of heparin, and 70.7% (95% CI, 66.9%–74.5%) targeted an activated clotting time of either 400 or 480 seconds to initiate cardiopulmonary bypass. Of note, 17.1% (95% CI, 13.9%–20.2%) of respondents reported activated clotting time targets lower than those recommended by recent 2018 Society of Thoracic Surgeons/Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists/American Society of Extracorporeal Technology guidelines or failed to monitor heparin effects at all. When heparin resistance was encountered, 54.2% of respondents (95% CI, 50.0%–58.4%) administered antithrombin concentrates as a first-line therapy.
Neuroligin tuning of pharyngeal pumping reveals an extrapharyngeal modulation ofCaenorhabditis elegansfeeding
Authors: Calahorro Fernando , Keefe Francesca , Dillon James , Holden-Dye Lindy , O'Connor Vincent
Published: December 2018

The integration of distinct sensory modalities is essential for behavioural decision making. In C. elegans this process is coordinated by neural circuits that integrate sensory cues from the environment to generate an appropriate behaviour at the appropriate output muscles. Food is a multimodal cue that impacts on the microcircuits to modulating feeding and foraging drivers at the level of the pharyngeal and body wall muscle respectively. When food triggers an upregulation in pharyngeal pumping it allows the effective ingestion of food. Here we show that a C. elegans mutant in the single orthologous gene of human neuroligins, nlg-1, is defective in food induced pumping. This is not explained by an inability to sense food, as nlg-1 mutants are not defective in chemotaxis towards bacteria. In addition, we show that neuroligin is widely expressed in the nervous system including AIY, ADE, ALA, URX and HSN neurones. Interestingly, despite the deficit in pharyngeal pumping neuroligin is not expressed within the pharyngeal neuromuscular network, which suggests an extrapharyngeal regulation of this circuit. We resolve electrophysiologically the neuroligin contribution to the pharyngeal circuit by mimicking a food-dependent pumping, and show that the nlg-1 phenotype is similar to mutants impaired in GABAergic and/or glutamatergic signalling. We suggest that neuroligin organizes extrapharyngeal circuits that regulate the pharynx. These observations based on the molecular and cellular determinants of feeding are consistent with the emerging role of neuroligin in discretely impacting functional circuits underpinning complex behaviours.
“It is not bilingualism. There is no communication”: Examining Greek teachers’ views towards refugee children’s bilingualism: A case study
Authors: Maligkoudi Christina , Tolakidou Pinelopi , Chiona Smaro
Published: December 2018

Τα τελευταία χρόνια, λόγω της μαζικής έλευσης προσφύγων στην Ελλάδα, οι εκπαιδευτικοί αντιμετωπίζουν νέες προκλήσεις, καθώς δημιουργούνται, όχι για πρώτη φορά, σε πολλά σχολεία της χώρας συνθήκες πολυπολιτισμικότητας και επαφής διαφόρων γλωσσών και πολιτισμών. Γίνεται αντιληπτό πως δημιουργείται η ανάγκη της όσο το δυνατόν αποτελεσματικότερης ανταπόκρισης των εκπαιδευτικών στις νέες απαιτήσεις μιας πολυπολιτισμικής σχολικής τάξης. Το παρόν άρθρο αναφέρεται σε μια μελέτη των απόψεων και των πρακτικών των εκπαιδευτικών σχετικά με τη γλωσσική ανάπτυξη των παιδιών προσφύγων. Οι εκπαιδευτικοί, αν και αναγνωρίζουν τα οφέλη της διγλωσσίας γενικά ή υποστηρίζουν το δικαίωμα των οικογενειών να μιλούν τη δική τους γλώσσα στο σπίτι, εξακολουθούν να εκφράζουν την ανησυχία τους ότι τέτοιες πρακτικές ενδέχεται να εμποδίσουν την κατάκτηση της γλώσσας της πλειοψηφίας και συχνά απαγορεύουν τις άλλες γλώσσες στο σχολείο (Chatzidaki & Maligkoudi, 2017∙ Gkaintartzi, Kiliari, & Tsokalidou, 2015∙ Young, 2014). Η μελέτη μας επικεντρώνεται στις απόψεις και τις πρακτικές εκπαιδευτικών πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης, όπως καταγράφηκαν σε συνεντεύξεις που διεξήχθησαν σε Δημοτικό σχολείο της κεντρικής Μακεδονίας στην Ελλάδα κατά την περίοδο Ιανουαρίου-Μαρτίου 2017. Το εν λόγω σχολείο είχε έξι πρόσφυγες μαθητές και μαθήτριες από τη Συρία. Τα ευρήματα που παρουσιάζονται εδώ σχετίζονται με τις απόψεις των εκπαιδευτικών σχετικά με τους/τις πρόσφυγες μαθητές/τριες και τη διγλωσσία τους καθώς και με τις διδακτικές πρακτικές που ακολουθούν στην τάξη για να διαχειριστούν αυτή τη διγλωσσία στη σχολική τάξη.
Κινητική ανάπτυξη μέσα από ένα διαθεματικό πρόγραμμα φυσικής αγωγής και παιδικής λογοτεχνίας στο νηπιαγωγείο
Authors: Παυλίδου Εύα , Χατζηγεωργιάδου Σοφία , Γκαλκανοπούλου Ουρανία
Published: December 2018

Σκοπός της έρευνας είναι η αξιολόγηση της επίδρασης ενός διαθεματικού προγράμματος Φυσικής Αγωγής (ΦΑ) μέσω της παιδικής λογοτεχνίας σε παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας. Η προσέγγιση αυτή στοχεύει στην ανάπτυξη βασικών κινητικών δεξιοτήτων μέσα από αφήγηση επιλεγμένων λογοτεχνικών κειμένων, ως ερεθισμάτων κινητικής  εξερεύνησης, έκφρασης και επικοινωνίας. Στην έρευνα έλαβαν μέρος 50 νήπια (29 αγόρια και 21 κορίτσια) χωρισμένα τυχαία σε τρεις ομάδες, μία ομάδα παρέμβασης και δύο ομάδες ελέγχου. Η ομάδα παρέμβασης περιελάμβανε 18 νήπια Μ.Ο.: 70.7 , η α’ ομάδα ελέγχου 16 νήπια Μ.Ο.:69.8 και η β’ ομάδα ελέγχου 16 νήπια Μ.Ο.:60.8. Το παρεμβατικό πρόγραμμα εφαρμόσθηκε στην ΟΠ, διήρκησε 2 μήνες με συχνότητα 2 φορές την εβδομάδα και περιελάμβανε 16 σαρανταπεντάλεπτες οργανωμένες δραστηριότητες. Η α΄ΟΕ παρακολούθησε 16 σαρανταπεντάλεπτες οργανωμένες δραστηριότητες ΦΑ, σύμφωνες με το αναλυτικό πρόγραμμα, ενώ η β’ ΟΕ δεν παρακολούθησε συγκεκριμένο πρόγραμμα, ενώ ασχολήθηκε με ελεύθερο κινητικό παιχνίδι αντίστοιχου χρόνου. Για την αξιολόγηση της κινητικής απόδοσης των παιδιών χρησιμοποιήθηκε, πριν και μετά την παρέμβαση η δέσμη Karlsruher Motorik – Screening 4 – 6 (Bös, Bappert, Tittlbach, & Woll, 2004). Η ανάλυση των αποτελεσμάτων ανέδειξε τη βελτίωση της ΟΠ και της α΄ ΟΕ  σε τρεις από τις τέσσερις μεταβλητές και της β΄ ΟΕ σε μία, αλλά η ΟΠ υπερείχε στατιστικά σημαντικά σε δύο μεταβλητές (στο άλμα χωρίς φόρα και στη δίπλωση κορμού) συγκριτικά, τόσο με την α΄ ΟΕ, όσο και με την β΄ ΟΕ. Συμπερασματικά, η βελτίωση των κινητικών δεξιοτήτων ήταν συνολικά μεγαλύτερη στην ΠΟ σε σύγκριση με τις δύο ΟΕ και το διαθεματικό πρόγραμμα αξιολογείται θετικά.
Πειραματική εφαρμογή των σωματικών πρακτικών του Θεόδωρου Τερζόπουλου στο Δημοτικό Σχολείο
Authors: Τσαλαπάτης Νικόλαος , Ρήγα Βασιλική
Published: December 2018

Στην παρούσα εργασία παρουσιάζεται μία απόπειρα εισαγωγής της μεθόδου του Θεόδωρου Τερζόπουλου ως θεατρικής τέχνης στην Α/-θμια εκπαίδευση, με σκοπό να διερευνηθεί αν αποτελεί χρήσιμη διδακτική πρακτική στο μάθημα της Θεατρικής Αγωγής. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, αυτό που μελετάται είναι, αν η καλλιτεχνική φιλοσοφία για τις έντονες σωματικές πρακτικές, τις οποίες υιοθετεί ο εν λόγω σκηνοθέτης για να προετοιμάσει τους ηθοποιούς στο έργο του, είναι εφικτό να προσομοιωθούν στις συνθήκες διδακτικής πράξης για μαθητές/-τριες εννέα με δέκα ετών. Για το εγχείρημα αυτό χρησιμοποιήσαμε ως μέθοδο έρευνας την έρευνα δράσης και ως βασική τεχνική για τη συλλογή των δεδομένων μας την παρατήρηση. Τα όσα διερευνήθηκαν, συλλέχθηκαν και αναλύθηκαν ως δεδομένα, μας οδήγησαν στη διαπίστωση πως τα παιδιά αντέδρασαν θετικά στις ιδιαίτερες αυτές σωματικές τεχνικές και κατάφεραν να εκφραστούν δημιουργικά με το σώμα τους, να χρησιμοποιούν σωστά τη διαφραγματική αναπνοή, να εκτελούν μία θεατρική δράση με ορθή εκφορά του λόγου και να δρουν ως ομάδα για την παραγωγή ενός καλλιτεχνικού αποτελέσματος.
Βιβλιοπαρουσίαση: Ράγκος, 2018
Authors: Κανατσούλη Μένη
Published: December 2018

Ράγκος, Γ. (2018). Στα μυστικά του βάλτου (Π. Πανταζής, Εικονογρ.). Αθήνα: Polaris - Διασκευάζοντας το μυθιστόρημα της Π. Δέλτα σε Graphic Novel.
Βιβλιοπαρουσίαση: Mclachlan, Fleer, & Edwards, 2017
Authors: Μπιρμπίλη Μαρία
Published: December 2018

Mclachlan, C., Fleer, M., & Edwards, S. (2017). Αναλυτικά προγράμματα προσχολικής και πρώτης σχολικής ηλικίας. Σχεδιασμός, αξιολόγηση και εφαρμογή. (Μ. Παπανδρέου, Επιμ.∙ Α. Γρίβα, Μτφρ.). Αθήνα: Gutenberg.
Βιβλιοπαρουσίαση: Fleer, 2018
Authors: Παπαδοπούλου Καλλιρρόη
Published: December 2018

Fleer, M. (2018). Το παιχνίδι στην προσχολική ηλικία. Από τις προσωπικές εμπειρίες στις σύγχρονες θεωρίες (Μ. Μπιρμπίλη, Επιμ.-Εισ.). Θεσσαλονίκη: Σοφία.
Creating an Employee Value Proposition within Personnel Marketing
Authors: Захаров Д. , Zaharov D.
Published: December 2018

In the modern conditions of globalization and turbulence of the economy, the basis of an organization’s competitiveness is its reputation, including its reputation on the labor market. At the same time, staff with their level of competence and loyalty is becoming a determining factor in the efficiency of a company. Involving talented employees in the organization is becoming increasingly difficult, and employers are constantly improving the personnel management system, making qualitative changes in the direction of attraction, development and retention of employees. The article reveals the essence of one of the approaches to the effective management of the organization’s personnel, which involves the formation of an employer’s value proposition.
Technical operation of buildings
Authors: Лебедев Владимир , Lebedev Vladimir
Published: December 2018

The training manual sets out the current provisions of the organization of technical operation of residential, public and industrial buildings. The basic requirements for the preservation of existing buildings — their proper operation, maintenance of premises, structures and equipment, organization of repair, duties of engineering and technical personnel responsible for the operation of buildings.
Meets the requirements of the Federal state educational standard of higher education of the last generation.
For students majoring in "Urban construction and economy", can be used for training and advanced training of engineering and technical personnel responsible for the operation of residential, public and industrial buildings.
Greek nurses' knowledge on the prevention of surgical site infection: an investigation
Authors: Balodimou Sofia A. , Papageorgiou Efstathia G. , Dokoutsidou Eleni E. , Papageorgiou Dimitris E. , Kaba Evridiki P. , Kelesi Martha N.
Published: December 2018

Objective:

The aim of the study was to investigate nurses' knowledge regarding the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI), and to examine the relationship between nurses' demographic characteristics and educational level and their level of knowledge in prevention of SSIs. A further aim was to examine the differences in nurses' knowledge with respect to selected variables and to identify the most significant predictors of nurses' knowledge regarding the prevention of SSIs, to support the provision of high-quality nursing care.

Method:

A prospective, observational study of a convenience sample of nurses and assistant nurses working in surgical departments, in a public general hospital for adults in Attica, during May to August 2016. For data collection, an anonymous self-completion questionnaire was developed and tested for comprehension and acceptability.

Results:

Data was collected from 148 nurses and assistant nurses, 121 (81.8%) were female, 73.6% were aged 36–50 years and 43.9% had 11–20 years of experience. With regards to educational level, 66.2% had a degree from a technological educational institute and 10.1% had a Master's degree. Furthermore, 18.2% had a surgical specialty and 59.5% had received special training on surgical infections. The majority of respondents did not chose the correct definition of the time of occurrence of SSIs. Several statistically significant correlations were observed between knowledge on safer hair removal and respndent age (p=0.037), educational level (p=0.003), professional experience (p=0.048), and training in SSIs (p=0.009).

Conclusion:

The results of this study revealed that the majority respondents had a high level of knowledge regarding the prevention of SSIs, which contrasted with a low level of knowledge regarding their full definition of the time of occurrence.
Does microbiota influence the risk of childhood obesity?
Authors: Sanches Oliveira Rita Cristina , Barata de Silva Coelho Pedro Miguel , Lozano Estevan María del Carmen
Published: December 2018

Childhood obesity is associated to incremented risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or cancer, later in life. Several factors affect infant weight gain such as genetics, maternal lifestyle, and other environmental factors. Perinatal period is considered to be the most important one to when defining metabolic programming of the future adult. Several previous researches have discussed the role that gut microbiota might play on obesity risk and its development between 3-5 years old. Again, perinatal period is crucial to define quantity and diversity of a healthy intestinal microbiota. Maternal diet/BMI, delivery mode, antibiotic exposure and breastfeeding are some of the processes that will determine a favorable gut microbiota. Functions of gut microbiota, mostly by producing short-chain fatty acids as metabolites, include regulation of metabolism and immune system of the host, which may be compromised in case of dysbiosis. This review pretends to evaluate the state of the art concerning infant obesity and the role of gut microbiota. Despite the large amount of scientific publications, there is still much work to do regarding the clarification of mechanisms and the possible therapy for childhood obesity.
Planificación dietético-nutricional para un ultra-trail de 115 km: estudio de un caso
Authors: Martínez Montes Noelia , Norte Aurora , Martínez-Sanz José Miguel
Published: December 2018

El ultra-trail es un deporte de resistencia que involucra caminar y correr un recorrido con cambios extremos de elevación por pistas y caminos no asfaltados, senderos, barrancos, etc. La importancia de la planificación dietético-nutricional radica en la prevención de problemas nutricionales como la deshidratación o hiponatremia, problemas gastrointestinales, fatiga e hipoglucemia. El objetivo es planificar e intervenir a nivel dietético-nutricional en un deportista para afrontar un ultra-trail de 115km. Se trata de un deportista de 26 años, con 3 años de experiencia deportiva. Acude al gabinete Alinua de la Universidad de Alicante, dónde se recopilaron datos para realizar una intervención dietético-nutricional para mejorar su composición corporal y afrontar el ultra-trail de Castelló-Penyagolosa el 21/04/2017. La planificación dietético-nutricional se dividió en tres fases: fase de acondicionamiento previo, fase de los días previos a la competición y fase del día de la competición, en las que se siguieron las recomendaciones dietético-nutricionales para deportistas de resistencia. El deportista realizó satisfactoriamente la prueba y se adhirió a la planificación, aunque realizó algunas modificaciones. Además, no manifestó ningún problema. El asesoramiento y planificación nutricional para afrontar la competición es clave para para cumplir el objetivo de finalizar la prueba sin poner en riesgo la salud del atleta. Se deben tener en cuenta factores como perfil del deportista, características del evento, avituallamientos, materiales deportivos, etc.
Caracterización del consumo de comida callejera según edad, estudio multicéntrico
Authors: Durán-Agüero Samuel , Arboleda Luz Marina , Velásquez Vargas John Edinson , Fretes Centurión Gabriela , Gonzalez Cespedes Laura Elizabeth , Rocha Ada , Lima João PM , Nessier María Celeste , Raimondo Emilia Elisabeth , Velásquez Valderrama Ángela María , Gonzalez Sanchez Juan Carlos , Ivankovich Guillén Sonia , Cordón Arrivillaga Karla Rosángel , Gonzalez Madden Elka Elein , Mauricio Alza Saby Marisol , León Cáceres Johanna , AGAZZI BEATRIZ , Ortiz Alfonsina , Cabanes Débora , Brasioli Marli , Torres Jairo Alonso
Published: December 2018

Introducción: El consumo de comida callejera se ha masificado en todos los países, sin embargo, se desconoce las razones de consumo y las percepciones por parte de los consumidores, sobre la higiene de dicha comida. Objetivo: describir el consumo, las razones del consumo y las percepciones de los consumidores sobre la comida callejera según grupo etario.Material y Métodos: Se elaboró una encuesta de 15 preguntas en formato google docs, adaptada a cada país, traducida en español o portugués y aplicada a 8.895 personas en 11 países de Iberoamérica (Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panamá, Paraguay, Perú, Portugal y Uruguay).Resultados: El 53,6% de los encuestados indica que consume comida callejera, el mayor consumo (63,6%) se presenta en el grupo de menor edad (18-30 años), y va disminuyendo a medida que aumenta la edad. La percepción ligada a la suciedad de los alimentos aumenta a medida que aumenta la edad. De otro lado, a medida que aumenta la edad se prefieren los alimentos por ser ricos y sabrosos, y por estar disponibles, en cambio entre los más jóvenes, se prefieren los alimentos por factores económicos y por falta de tiempo.Conclusiones: A medida que aumenta la edad disminuye el consumo de comida callejera, cambia la percepción de buena higiene de estos alimentos y se modifican las razones del consumo.
Aportes para la unificación monetaria en el Mercosur
Authors: Cammarata Martin , Sastre Felipe
Published: December 2018

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo el análisis de la posibilidad jurídica de constituir una moneda común para el Mercosur. En un primer momento, en busca de brindar una respuesta al interrogante planteado, se consideró la situación general del comercio internacional así como también de la creciente importancia del nuevo regionalismo. Posteriormente, se analizaron las experiencias en el derecho comparado, como así también los esfuerzos históricos que se llevaron adelante en el Mercosur para lograr una unificación monetaria. Finalmente, se evaluaron las nuevas posibilidades de avanzar en la materia, con especial referencia a factibilidad y conveniencia de diseñar un estadio intermedio entre la soberanía monetaria actual de los países miembros y aquella que resultaría del estrechamiento de las potestades públicas en caso de adoptar una moneda común. El estudio es de tinte cualitativo y no experimental, y se basó en el análisis de normativa perteneciente al derecho económico internacional, el derecho de la integración, legislación nacional y doctrina calificada al respecto. Los principales resultados obtenidos demuestran la inexistencia de obstáculos jurídicos insalvables para concretar la mencionada política. Así mismo, se pone en relevancia la conveniencia de diseñar una fase intermediaria materializado a través del establecimiento de un patrón de acuñación de oro común para todos los países. Esto, a su vez, podría verse reflejado en papel moneda en una relación de paridad derivada de la cotización del oro en dólares en los mercados internacionales. A modo de conclusión, y sobre la base del análisis de las experiencias pasadas y las condiciones actuales, se discute sobre la insuficiencia de un único criterio –en este caso jurídico- para la holística evaluación de una política macro con potencialidad de generar efectos políticos, sociales, económicos y culturales.
The survival rate of therapy with tumor necrosis factor-αinhibitors: main causes and drug substitution tactics
Authors: Igolkina E. V. , Chichasova N. V.
Published: December 2018

The paper gives data on the efficacy and safety of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) inhibitors used in first- and second-line therapy. It describes options to optimize treatment with TNF-αinhibitors in first-line therapy, by increasing the dose, which is accompanied by the greater effect only with infliximab; by changing the dose of concomitant disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, primarily methotrexate (MTX), the use of which increases the probability of achieving the effect of TNF-αinhibitors, the magnitude of the effect rises with the larger doses of MTX or with its parenteral formulation. There are data on the effectiveness of switching from the first TNF-αinhibitor to the second TNF-αinhibitor or to a biologic agent with another mechanism of action.
Drug-induced lupus
Authors: Klyukvina N. G. , Gunchikova V. M. , Novikova A. M.
Published: December 2018

Drug-induced lupus (DIL) is an autoimmune phenomenon that has similar clinical and laboratory manifestations with idiopathic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). About 100 drugs are now known to be associated with the development of DIL. Its diagnosis is verified in the presence of a chronological relationship between the long-term administration of drugs and the mandatory presence of one clinical and one laboratory diagnostic criteria for SLE.

The paper deals with the etiology, pathogenesis, and differential diagnosis of DIL. It presents a spectrum of drugs that can cause DIL and considers the features of its different forms.

Based on the recent data available in the literature, the authors analyze the occurrence of autoimmune responses due to the useof biologic agents (BAs), primarily tumor necrosis factor-αinhibitors. Therapeutic approaches for DIL are discussed. Recommendations are given for screening the patients in the use of BAs. Clinical examples are provided.
Needs and expectations of a new learning space: Research students’ perspectives
Authors: Zeivots Sandris , Schuck Sandra
Published: December 2018

Much of the literature on university learning spaces focuses on the undergraduate student experience, neglecting experiences of research students in new spaces. This article is concerned with research students’ needs and expectations of a learning space. It focuses on a recently opened shared activity-based learning space that was specifically built for research students. The methodological focus draws on case study methods and hermeneutic phenomenology to observe students’ lived experience in the new space and how they make sense of it. Twenty-six data sets, involving interviews, surveys and feedback, were collected from research students. The findings were analysed across three themes: physical, virtual, and hybrid space; a space free of distractions; and belonging to, and interaction with, university community. The article indicates the benefits of the new space for research students and articulates the particular needs of research students in such spaces.
Standardisation of eddy-covariance flux measurements of methane and nitrous oxide
Authors: Nemitz Eiko , Mammarella Ivan , Ibrom Andreas , Aurela Mika , Burba George G. , Dengel Sigrid , Gielen Bert , Grelle Achim , Heinesch Bernard , Herbst Mathias , Hörtnagl Lukas , Klemedtsson Leif , Lindroth Anders , Lohila Annalea , McDermitt Dayle K. , Meier Philip , Merbold Lutz , Nelson David , Nicolini Giacomo , Nilsson Mats B. , Peltola Olli , Rinne Janne , Zahniser Mark
Published: December 2018

Commercially available fast-response analysers for methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) have recently become more sensitive, more robust and easier to operate. This has made their application for long-term flux measurements with the eddy-covariance method more feasible. Unlike for carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapour (H2O), there have so far been no guidelines on how to optimise and standardise the measurements. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of the various steps of the measurements and discusses aspects such as instrument selection, setup and maintenance, data processing as well as the additional measurements needed to aid interpretation and gap-filling. It presents the methodological protocol for eddy covariance measurements of CH4 and N2O fluxes as agreed for the ecosystem station network of the pan-European Research Infrastructure Integrated Carbon Observation System and provides a first international standard that is suggested to be adopted more widely. Fluxes can be episodic and the processes controlling the fluxes are complex, preventing simple mechanistic gap-filling strategies. Fluxes are often near or below the detection limit, requiring additional care during data processing. The protocol sets out the best practice for these conditions to avoid biasing the results and long-term budgets. It summarises the current approach to gap-filling.
ICOS eddy covariance flux-station site setup: a review
Authors: Rebmann Corinna , Aubinet Marc , Schmid HaPe , Arriga Nicola , Aurela Mika , Burba George , Clement Robert , De Ligne Anne , Fratini Gerardo , Gielen Bert , Grace John , Graf Alexander , Gross Patrick , Haapanala Sami , Herbst Mathias , Hörtnagl Lukas , Ibrom Andreas , Joly Lilian , Kljun Natascha , Kolle Olaf , Kowalski Andrew , Lindroth Anders , Loustau Denis , Mammarella Ivan , Mauder Matthias , Merbold Lutz , Metzger Stefan , Mölder Meelis , Montagnani Leonardo , Papale Dario , Pavelka Marian , Peichl Matthias , Roland Marilyn , Serrano-Ortiz Penélope , Siebicke Lukas , Steinbrecher Rainer , Tuovinen Juha-Pekka , Vesala Timo , Wohlfahrt Georg , Franz Daniela
Published: December 2018

The Integrated Carbon Observation System Research Infrastructure aims to provide long-term, continuous observations of sources and sinks of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapour. At ICOS ecosystem stations, the principal technique for measurements of ecosystem-atmosphere exchange of GHGs is the eddy-covariance technique. The establishment and setup of an eddy-covariance tower have to be carefully reasoned to ensure high quality flux measurements being representative of the investigated ecosystem and comparable to measurements at other stations. To fulfill the requirements needed for flux determination with the eddy-covariance technique, variations in GHG concentrations have to be measured at high frequency, simultaneously with the wind velocity, in order to fully capture turbulent fluctuations. This requires the use of high-frequency gas analysers and ultrasonic anemometers. In addition, to analyse flux data with respect to environmental conditions but also to enable corrections in the post-processing procedures, it is necessary to measure additional abiotic variables in close vicinity to the flux measurements. Here we describe the standards the ICOS ecosystem station network has adopted for GHG flux measurements with respect to the setup of instrumentation on towers to maximize measurement precision and accuracy while allowing for flexibility in order to observe specific ecosystem features.
Patterns of Dendritic Basal Field Orientation of Pyramidal Neurons in the Rat Somatosensory Cortex
Authors: Leguey Ignacio , Benavides-Piccione Ruth , Rojo Concepción , Larrañaga Pedro , Bielza Concha , DeFelipe Javier
Published: December 2018

The study of neuronal dendritic orientation is of interest because it is related to how neurons grow dendrites to establish the synaptic input that neurons receive. The dendritic orientations of neurons in the nervous system vary, ranging from rather heterogeneously distributed (asymmetric) to homogeneously distributed (symmetric) dendritic arbors. Here, we analyze the dendritic orientation of the basal dendrites of intracellularly labeled pyramidal neurons from horizontal sections of Layers II–VI of the hindlimb somatosensory (S1HL) cortex of 14-d-old (P14) rats. We used circular statistics and proposed two new graphical descriptive representations of the neuron. We found that the dendritic pattern of most neurons was asymmetric. Furthermore, we found that there is a mixture of different types of orientations within any given group of neurons in any cortical layer. In addition, we investigated whether dendritic orientation was related to the physical location within the brain with respect to the anterior, dorsal, posterior and ventral directions. Generally, there was a preference towards the anterior orientation. A comparison between layers revealed that the preference for the anterior orientation was more pronounced in neurons located in Layers II, III, IV, and Va than for the neurons located in Layers Vb and VI. The dorsal orientation was the least preferred orientation in all layers, except for Layers IV and Va, where the ventral orientation had the lowest preference. Therefore, the orientation of basal dendritic arbors of pyramidal cells is variable and asymmetric, although a majority has a single orientation with a preference for the anterior direction in P14 rats.
Real-Time Neurofeedback to Modulate β-Band Power in the Subthalamic Nucleus in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Fukuma Ryohei , Yanagisawa Takufumi , Tanaka Masataka , Yoshida Fumiaki , Hosomi Koichi , Oshino Satoru , Tani Naoki , Kishima Haruhiko
Published: December 2018

The β-band oscillation in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease. Previous studies demonstrated thatl-DOPA decreases the β-band (13–30 Hz) oscillations with improvement of motor symptoms. However, it has not been elucidated whether patients with Parkinson’s disease are able to control the β-band oscillation voluntarily. Here, we hypothesized that neurofeedback training to control the β-band power in the STN induces plastic changes in the STN of individuals with Parkinson’s disease. We recorded the signals from STN deep-brain stimulation electrodes during operations to replace implantable pulse generators in eight human patients (3 male) with bilateral electrodes. Four patients were induced to decrease the β-band power during the feedback training (down-training condition), whereas the other patients were induced to increase (up-training condition). All patients were blinded to their assigned condition. Adjacent contacts that showed the highest β-band power were selected for the feedback. During the 10 min training, patients were shown a circle whose diameter was controlled by the β-band power of the selected contacts. Powers in the β-band during 5 min resting sessions recorded before and after the feedback were compared. In the down-training condition, the β-band power of the selected contacts decreased significantly after feedback in all four patients (p< 0.05). In contrast, the β-band power significantly increased after feedback in two of four patients in the up-training condition. Overall, the patients could voluntarily control the β-band power in STN in the instructed direction (p< 0.05) through neurofeedback.
Sleep Deprivation Selectively Upregulates an Amygdala–Hypothalamic Circuit Involved in Food Reward
Authors: Rihm Julia S. , Menz Mareike M. , Schultz Heidrun , Bruder Luca , Schilbach Leonhard , Schmid Sebastian M. , Peters Jan
Published: December 2018

Sleep loss is associated with increased obesity risk, as demonstrated by correlations between sleep duration and change in body mass index or body fat percentage. Whereas previous studies linked this weight gain to disturbed endocrine parameters after sleep deprivation or restriction, neuroimaging studies revealed upregulated neural processing of food rewards after sleep loss in reward-processing areas such as the anterior cingulate cortex, ventral striatum, and insula. To address this ongoing debate between hormonal versus hedonic factors underlying sleep-loss-associated weight gain, we rigorously tested the association between sleep deprivation and food cue processing using high-resolution fMRI and assessment of hormones. After taking blood samples from 32 lean, healthy, human male participants, they underwent fMRI while performing a neuroeconomic, value-based decision-making task with snack food and trinket rewards following a full night of habitual sleep and a night of sleep deprivation in a repeated-measures crossover design. We found that des-acyl ghrelin concentrations were increased after sleep deprivation compared with habitual sleep. Despite similar hunger ratings due to fasting in both conditions, participants were willing to spend more money on food items only after sleep deprivation. Furthermore, fMRI data paralleled this behavioral finding, revealing a food-reward-specific upregulation of hypothalamic valuation signals and amygdala–hypothalamic coupling after a single night of sleep deprivation. Behavioral and fMRI results were not significantly correlated with changes in acyl, des-acyl, or total ghrelin concentrations. Our results suggest that increased food valuation after sleep loss might be due to hedonic rather than hormonal mechanisms.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTEpidemiological studies suggest an association between overweight and reduced nocturnal sleep, but the relative contributions of hedonic and hormonal factors to overeating after sleep loss are a matter of ongoing controversy. Here, we tested the association between sleep deprivation and food cue processing in a repeated-measures crossover design using fMRI. We found that willingness to pay increased for food items only after sleep deprivation. fMRI data paralleled this behavioral finding, revealing a food-reward-specific upregulation of hypothalamic valuation signals and amygdala-hypothalamic coupling after a single night of sleep deprivation. However, there was no evidence for hormonal modulations of behavioral or fMRI findings. Our results suggest that increased food valuation after sleep loss is due to hedonic rather than hormonal mechanisms.
Microglia Promote Increased Pain Behavior through Enhanced Inflammation in the Spinal Cord during Repeated Social Defeat Stress
Authors: Sawicki Caroline M. , Kim January K. , Weber Michael D. , Faw Timothy D. , McKim Daniel B. , Madalena Kathryn M. , Lerch Jessica K. , Basso D. Michele , Humeidan Michelle L. , Godbout Jonathan P. , Sheridan John F.
Published: December 2018

Clinical studies indicate that psychosocial stress contributes to adverse chronic pain outcomes in patients, but it is unclear how this is initiated or amplified by stress. Repeated social defeat (RSD) is a mouse model of psychosocial stress that activates microglia, increases neuroinflammatory signaling, and augments pain and anxiety-like behaviors. We hypothesized that activated microglia within the spinal cord facilitate increased pain sensitivity following RSD. Here we show that mechanical allodynia in male mice was increased with exposure to RSD. This stress-induced behavior corresponded with increased mRNA expression of several inflammatory genes, including IL-1β, TNF-α, CCL2, and TLR4 in the lumbar spinal cord. While there were several adhesion and chemokine-related genes increased in the lumbar spinal cord after RSD, there was no accumulation of monocytes or neutrophils. Notably, there was evidence of microglial activation selectively within the nociceptive neurocircuitry of the dorsal horn of the lumbar cord. Elimination of microglia using the colony stimulating factor 1 receptor antagonist PLX5622 from the brain and spinal cord prevented the development of mechanical allodynia in RSD-exposed mice. Microglial elimination also attenuated RSD-induced IL-1β, CCR2, and TLR4 mRNA expression in the lumbar spinal cord. Together, RSD-induced allodynia was associated with microglia-mediated inflammation within the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMounting evidence indicates that psychological stress contributes to the onset and progression of adverse nociceptive conditions. We show here that repeated social defeat stress causes increased pain sensitivity due to inflammatory signaling within the nociceptive circuits of the spinal cord. Studies here mechanistically tested the role of microglia in the development of pain by stress. Pharmacological ablation of microglia prevented stress-induced pain sensitivity. These findings demonstrate that microglia are critical mediators in the induction of pain conditions by stress. Moreover, these studies provide a proof of principle that microglia can be targeted as a therapeutic strategy to mitigate adverse pain conditions.
Mechanisms for sex differences in energy homeostasis
Authors: Wang Chunmei , Xu Yong
Published: December 2018

Sex differences exist in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Better understanding of the underlying mechanisms for sexual dimorphism in energy balance may facilitate development of gender-specific therapies for human diseases, e.g. obesity. Multiple organs, including the brain, liver, fat and muscle, play important roles in the regulations of feeding behavior, energy expenditure and physical activity, which therefore contribute to the maintenance of energy balance. It has been increasingly appreciated that this multi-organ system is under different regulations in male vs female animals. Much of effort has been focused on roles of sex hormones (including androgens, estrogens and progesterone) and sex chromosomes in this sex-specific regulation of energy balance. Emerging evidence also indicates that other factors (not sex hormones/receptors and not encoded by the sex chromosomes) exist to regulate energy homeostasis differentially in males vs females. In this review, we summarize factors and signals that have been shown to regulate energy homeostasis in a sexually dimorphic fashion and propose a framework where these factors and signals may be integrated to mediate sex differences in energy homeostasis.
Colorectal cancer: evolution of screening strategies
Authors: Sur Daniel , Colceriu Marius , Sur Genel , Floca Emanuela , Dascal Loredana , Irimie Alexandru
Published: December 2018

Background and aim. Colorectal cancer is considered to be a major public health problem. It is the third most frequent cancer at a global level and also the fourth most frequent cause of death. Previous scientific findings have proved that a significant percentage of colorectal cancer deaths are due to the abscence of screening. The aim of this review is to present the evolution of the screening strategies by using the most recommended and recent colorectal cancer screening guidelines.

Methods. A systematic literature search on the scientific databases was performed, identifying some of the most important colorectal cancer screening guidelines publications.

Results. The most recent guidelines of American Cancer Society (2018) recommend that adults aged 45 years and older with an average risk of colorectal cancer should undergo regular screening. All the guidelines have considered fecal occult blood testing (annual or biennial), fecal immunochemical test (annual), flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years) and colonoscopy (every 10 years) as the most preferred screening options. However, there are discrepancies with regards to which tests should be preferred for screening.

Conclusion. Increased compliance with colorectal cancer screening recommendations has the potential to improve patients’ health and to reduce colorectal cancer morbidity and mortality rates. It is important for health care providers to have an understanding of the risk factors for colorectal cancer and various stages of disease development in order to recommend appropriate screening strategies.