bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identity processes in smokers who want to quit smoking: A longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Meijer Eline , Vangeli Eleni , Gebhardt Winifred A , van Laar Colette
Published: December 2018

The importance of identity in smoking cessation is increasingly becoming recognized by researchers. This study is the first in-depth longitudinal qualitative investigation of identity change processes among smokers who intend to quit. Participants’ accounts of smoking, attempts to quit and sense of identity were explored over time to examine identity continuity and change. Ten smokers with a quit intention were interviewed three times, approximately 1 month apart, and approached for follow-up 2 years later. Data from 30 in-depth interviews were analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Two themes of identity change processes are presented: “Identity transition makes it easier to quit” and “Identity conflict resolution is needed when quitting is unsuccessful or not attempted.” Identity transition toward the identity of nonsmoker appeared to be facilitated by permeable identity boundaries, a continuous sense of identity, and a sense of mastery of quitting. Conflicted smoker identities were observed among participants who continued to smoke, along with barriers that appeared to prevent them from identifying with nonsmoking. Among these participants psychological (e.g. using downward comparisons with worse-off smokers) and behavioral strategies (e.g. hiding smoking from others) were seen that may serve to resolve identity conflict and protect a positive sense of identity. Our findings suggest that transition toward a nonsmoker identity may be necessary for successful quitting. Future research investigating ways to help smokers to perceive themselves increasingly as nonsmokers appears indicated.
Smartphones as digital companions: Characterizing the relationship between users and their phones
Authors: Carolus Astrid , Binder Jens F , Muench Ricardo , Schmidt Catharina , Schneider Florian , Buglass Sarah L
Published: December 2018

Based on the idea of computers constituting social agents and referring to core characteristics of human–human relationships, this study introduces the concept of a digital companionship between smartphone users and their devices. Constituting characteristics (closeness, trust, preoccupation) and outcomes (stress, coping with stress) of social relationships were adapted to yield a model of human–smartphone relationships for empirical testing. A cross-national sample of participants ( n = 1156) completed an online study, which included self-report measures as well as a newly developed instrument (Positioning Others and Devices [POD]) assessing the closeness to technical devices and social actors. Results showed the smartphone to be the closest device. Furthermore, structural equation modeling lent support for the theoretical model indicating that trust and preoccupation mediate the relationship between closeness to the smartphone and stress and coping. Findings support the concept of companionship as a fruitful approach to explain smartphone-related behaviors.
‘Going the extra mile’ for older people with dementia: Exploring the voluntary labour of homecare workers
Authors: Turner Nicola , Schneider Justine , Pollock Kristian , Travers Cheryl , Perry-Young Lucy , Wilkinson Samantha
Published: December 2018

Homecare workers provide essential physical, social and emotional support to growing numbers of older people with dementia in the UK. Although it is acknowledged that the work can sometimes be demanding, some homecare workers regularly ‘go the extra mile’ for service users, working above and beyond the usual remit of the job. This form of voluntarism has been interpreted as an expression of an essentially caring nature, but also as the product of a work environment structured to tacitly endorse the provision of unpaid labour. This paper draws on a qualitative study of what constitutes ‘good’ homecare for older people with dementia. Using homecare workers’ reflexive diaries ( n = 11) and interviews with homecare workers ( n = 14) and managers ( n = 6), we explore manifestations of, and motivations for, homecare workers going the extra mile in their everyday work. We describe three modes of voluntary labour based on these accounts which we characterise as affective, performative and pragmatic. Our study highlights the complex relationships between job satisfaction, social benefit and commercial gain in the homecare work sector. Further research is needed to define the full range of affective and technical skills necessary to deliver good homecare, and to ensure that homecare work is appropriately credited.
Does Facial Width-to-Height Ratio Predict Aggressive Behavior in Association Football?
Authors: Krenn Bjoern , Meier Julius
Published: December 2018

A growing body of research has emphasized the role of facial structures in affecting human social behavior. In particular, the facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) was found to predict aggressive behavior, most notably in men of low social status. The current study aimed at broadening the insights into the role of fWHR in sports regarding the indicators of aggressive behavior and performance. We questioned the impact of fWHR in association football by analyzing fouls committed by players, their (yellow and red) cards received, and their goals scored and assists in the German ( n = 278) and Austrian ( n = 194) first division in the 2016–2017 season (306/180 matches). The market values of players were used as a measure of social status. Generalized estimating equation models taking negative binomial distribution into account did not reveal any significant impact of fWHR on fouls committed, yellow and red cards received, or assists and goals scored. Even the consideration of players’ field positions, players’ body mass index (BMI), their market value, and the interactional term of players’ fWHR and players’ market value did not affect the results. The analyses refuted any impact of fWHR in association football both on parameters of aggressive behavior (fouls and cards received) and performance (goals and assists). Merely, players’ market value was found to predict players’ goals and assists. The current study adds to the empirical evidence encouraging a critical assessment and discussion of fWHR research in sports.
Best lighting for jeans, part 1: Optimising colour preference and colour discrimination with multiple correlated colour temperatures
Authors: Huang Z , Liu Q , Liu Y , Pointer MR , Luo MR , Wang Q , Wu B
Published: December 2018

In this study, two psychophysical experiments, one on colour preference and the other on colour discrimination, were conducted. To investigate the colour preference for blue jeans, 27 subjects with normal colour vision were asked to rate their visual appreciation of seven pairs of jeans with a colour gradient pattern. Nine LEDs, with uniformly sampled correlated colour temperature (CCT) values ranging from 2500 K to 6500 K, were used to illuminate the jeans. These lights produced a constant illuminance of approximately 200 lux, and their colour rendering indexes were between 79 and 91. In addition, using a Farnsworth-Munsell (FM)-100 Hue Test, the blue-region colour discrimination of 42 observers was assessed for five LEDs of the same type but with different CCTs (2500 K–6500 K, 1000 K interval). The results indicate that there is an optimum CCT of 5500 K for jeans, at which observers were found to exhibit the greatest capability for colour discrimination and the highest rating for colour preference. Interestingly, a significant gender difference was found in this study, which had not been observed in our previous work with quite similar experimental settings but different experimental objects. The findings of this study should provide a deeper understanding for the lighting design of shopping malls for jeans.
Unsupervised high-intensity interval training improves glycaemic control but not cardiovascular autonomic function in type 2 diabetes patients: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cassidy Sophie , Vaidya Vivek , Houghton David , Zalewski Pawel , Seferovic Jelena P , Hallsworth Kate , MacGowan Guy A , Trenell Michael I , Jakovljevic Djordje G
Published: December 2018

Background:

This is the first randomised controlled trial to assess the impact of unsupervised high-intensity interval training on cardiovascular autonomic function in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

A total of 22 individuals with type 2 diabetes (age 60 ± 2 years, 17 males) lay in a supine position for 20 min for evaluation of cardiovascular autonomic function, which included (1) time domain measures of heart rate variability, (2) frequency domain measures of heart rate variability and blood pressure variability and (3) baroreflex receptor sensitivity. Participants were randomised into 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (3 sessions/week) or standard care control group.

Results:

After 12 weeks, the between-group change in HbA1c (%) was significant (high-intensity interval training: 7.13 ± 0.31 to 6.87 ± 0.29 vs Control: 7.18 ± 0.17 to 7.36 ± 0.21, p = 0.03). There were no significant changes in measures of heart rate variability; R-R interval (ms) (high-intensity interval training: 954 ± 49 to 973 ± 53 vs Control: 920 ± 6 to 930 ± 32, p = 0.672), low frequency/high frequency (high-intensity interval training: 0.90 ± 0.21 to 0.73 ± 0.07 vs Control: 1.20 ± 0.29 to 1.00 ± 0.17, p = 0.203), or blood pressure variability; systolic blood pressure low frequency/high frequency (high-intensity interval training: 0.86 ± 0.21 to 0.73 ± 0.10 vs Control: 1.06 ± 0.26 to 0.91 ± 0.14, p = 0.169). At baseline, HbA1c was negatively correlated with baroreflex receptor sensitivity ( r = –0.592, p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

High-intensity interval training improves glycaemic control but has limited effect on cardiovascular autonomic regulation in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Tissue transglutaminase activity in human gastric mucosa according to Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Pina Dore Maria , Pes Giovanni Mario , Errigo Alessandra , Manca Alessandra , Realdi Giuseppe
Published: December 2018

Tissue transglutaminase (t-TG) is a multifunctional protein involved in the healing of gastric erosions and ulcers in animal models. The aim of this study was to measure gastric t-TG activity in patients with dyspepsia according to Helicobacter pylori infection and cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin (vacA) subtype status. Patients undergoing upper endoscopy not taking any medications were enrolled. Tissue-TG activity was determined in homogenates of antral specimens using a radiometric assay and was expressed in pmol/mg. The cagA and vacA genotypes were determined by PCR amplification using gene-specific oligoprimers. Data from 46 patients were available (17 of them were positive for H. pylori). Antral t-TG activity was significantly increased in H. pylori positive patients compared to H. pylori negative patients (6437 ± 3691 vs. 3773 ± 1530 pmol/mg; P = 0.001) according to Mann–Whitney U test. Patients with H. pylori negative gastritis had higher t-TG activity than patients with normal gastric mucosa. The specimens infected with cagA positive strains (72%) displayed greater t-TG activity than cagA negative samples (7358 ± 4318 vs. 4895 ± 1062 pmol/mg; P = 0.237). Similarly, t-TG activity was higher in H. pylori vacA s1/m1 strains vs. vacA s1/m2 (7429 vs. 5045 pmol/mg; P = 0.744), and vacA s1/m1 vs. s2/m2 (7429 vs. 4489 pmol/mg; P = 0.651) but the results were not significant. No differences were found between histology, endoscopy features and t-TG activity. These results show that t-TG activity is significantly greater in gastritis associated with H. pylori infection, suggesting that this enzyme is induced by inflammation and may have an important role in the natural history of human gastritis.

Impact statement

Tissue transglutaminase (t-TG) is unique among TG enzymes because of its additional role in several physiological and pathological activities, including inflammation, fibrosis, and wound healing. The presence of t-TG has previously been described in the intestine of human and animal models, yet studies on t-TG activity in human gastric mucosa are missing. Helicobacter pylori infection is the major cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers. For the first time, our results show that t-TG activity was significantly higher in antral specimens of patients with chronic active gastritis associated with H. pylori infection compared to H. pylori negative chronic gastritis and normal antral mucosa. These findings suggest that t-TG has a role in the natural history of human gastritis, which requires further investigation but may be an avenue for new therapeutic options.
Pathophysiology of the right ventricle and of the pulmonary circulation in pulmonary hypertension: an update
Authors: Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , Chin Kelly Marie , Haddad François , Hassoun Paul M. , Hemnes Anna R. , Hopkins Susan Roberta , Kawut Steven Mark , Langleben David , Lumens Joost , Naeije Robert
Published: December 2018

The function of the right ventricle determines the fate of patients with pulmonary hypertension. Since right heart failure is the consequence of increased afterload, a full physiological description of the cardiopulmonary unit consisting of both the right ventricle and pulmonary vascular system is required to interpret clinical data correctly. Here, we provide such a description of the unit and its components, including the functional interactions between the right ventricle and its load. This physiological description is used to provide a framework for the interpretation of right heart catheterisation data as well as imaging data of the right ventricle obtained by echocardiography or magnetic resonance imaging. Finally, an update is provided on the latest insights in the pathobiology of right ventricular failure, including key pathways of molecular adaptation of the pressure overloaded right ventricle. Based on these outcomes, future directions for research are proposed.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Long non-coding RNA HIF1A-AS2 facilitates adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) osteogenic differentiation through miR-665/IL6 axis via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Ruoyu , Ruan Jihao , Sun Yongjin , Liu Mengyu , Sha Zhuang , Fan Cunyi , Wu Qingkai
Published: December 2018

Background

This study was aimed to investigate the role and specific molecular mechanism of HIF1A-AS2/miR-665/IL6 axis in regulating osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Methods

RNAs’ expression profile in normal/osteogenic differentiation-induced ASCs (osteogenic group) was from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The analysis was carried out using Bioconductor of R. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes dataset were applied to identify up- and downregulated signaling pathways. Co-expression network of specific lncRNAs and mRNAs was structured by Cytoscape, while binding sites amongst lncRNA, mRNA, and miRNA were predicted by TargetScan and miRanda. ASCs were derived from human adipose tissue and were authenticated by flow cytometry. ASC cell function was surveyed by alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. Molecular mechanism of HIF1A-AS2/miR-665/IL6 axis was investigated by RNAi, cell transfection, western blot, and qRT-PCR. RNA target relationships were validated by dual-luciferase assay.

Results

HIF1A-AS2 and IL6 were highly expressed while miR-665 was lowly expressed in induced ASCs. HIF1A-AS2 and IL6 improved the expression level of osteoblast markers Runx2, Osterix, and Osteocalcin and also accelerated the formation of calcium nodule and ALP activity, yet miR-665 had opposite effects. HIF1A-AS2 directly targeted miR-665, whereas miR-665 repressed IL6 expression. Moreover, the HIF1A-AS2/miR-665/IL6 regulating axis activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusions

LncRNA HIF1A-AS2 could sponge miR-665 and hence upregulate IL6, activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and ultimately promote ASC osteogenic differentiation.
Cultural engagement and incident depression in older adults: evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Fancourt Daisy , Tymoszuk Urszula
Published: December 2018

Background

There is a recognised need for the identification of factors that might be protective against the development of depression in older adults. Over the past decade, there has been growing research demonstrating the effects of cultural engagement (which combines a number of protective factors including social interaction, cognitive stimulation and gentle physical activity) on the treatment of depression, but as yet not on its prevention.

Aims

To explore whether cultural engagement in older adults is associated with a reduced risk of developing depression over the following decade.

Method

Working with data from 2148 adults in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing who were free from depression at baseline, we used logistic regression models to explore associations between frequency of cultural engagement (including going to museums, theatre and cinema) and the risk of developing depression over the following 10 years using a combined index of the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and physician-diagnosed depression.

Results

There was a dose–response relationship between frequency of cultural engagement and the risk of developing depression independent of sociodemographic, health-related and social confounders. This equated to a 32% lower risk of developing depression for people who attended every few months (odds ratio (OR) = 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–0.99, P = 0.046) and a 48% lower risk for people who attended once a month or more (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.34–0.80, P = 0.003). Results were robust to sensitivity analyses exploring reverse causality, subclinical depressive symptoms and alternative CES-D thresholds.

Conclusions

Cultural engagement appears to be an independent risk-reducing factor for the development of depression in older age.

Declaration of interest

None.
Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) evaluation of infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy
Authors: Fujiwara Takuya , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Tanaka Hisashi , Takahashi Hiroto , Nabatame Shin , Yi Wang , Tomiyama Noriyuki
Published: December 2018

We present the first case of twins with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy evaluating brain iron deposition using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). A 6-year-old boy who was normal at birth had psychomotor regression and hypotonia from 2-years-old. Brain MRI showed low intensity areas in globus pallidus (GP) and substantia nigra (SN) on T2* weighted imaging. QSM values of GP and SN were 0.19 and 0.29 ppm, respectively. His twin brother showed almost the same imaging findings. Follow-up MRI revealed increase of QSM value in GP and SN.
Transvenous salvage of coil migration with intraprocedural pulmonary circulation protection and successful transvenous coil embolization for the treatment of giant high-flow renal arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Lee Ka Yin Gregory , Lai Yee Tak Alta , Leung Kam Wing Warren
Published: December 2018

Transcatheter embolization is a well-established treatment for renal arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in selected cases. Transarterial approach has been the conventional route of access of the AVF. In large arteriovenous shunts, however, transarterial approach inherits the risk of distal migration of embolization material with subsequent pulmonary embolism. We report a case of giant high-flow renal arteriovenous fistula treated with coil embolization. Arterial approach was attempted with double catheter technique, however complicated with coil mass dislodgement. We have retrieved the coil mass via transvenous route with simultaneous pulmonary circulatory protection and subsequent successful transvenous coil embolization with complete obliteration of the AVF was performed.
A systematic review and critical evaluation of inflammatory cytokine associations in hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Frew John W. , Hawkes Jason E. , Krueger James G.
Published: December 2018

Background: The pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) remains unclear. In order to develop effective treatment strategies, a deeper understanding of pathophysiology is needed. This is impaired by multiple small studies with inconsistent methodologies and the impact of co-occurring pro-inflammatory conditions such as smoking and obesity.

Methods: This systematic review aimed to collate all published reports of cytokine studies in tissue, blood, serum and exudate. It was registered with PROSPERO (Registration number CRD42018104664) performed in line with the PRISMA checklist.

Results: 19 studies were identified comprising 564 individual HS patients and 198 control patients examining 81 discrete cytokines. Methodology was highly varied and the quality of studies was generally low. There was a large degree of variance between the measured levels of cytokines. 78.2% of cytokines demonstrated heterogeneity by the chi-squared test for homogeneity and hence meta-analysis was not deemed appropriate. However, a strong and significant IL-17 signalling component was identified.

Conclusions: Cytokines consistently elevated in lesional, peri-lesional and unaffected tissue are identified and discussed. Areas for further investigation include the role of dendritic cells in HS; the contribution of obesity, smoking, diabetes and the microbiome to cytokine profiles in HS; and examining the natural history of this disease through longitudinal measurements of cytokines over time.
METHOD FOR ASTHMA PREDICTION IN PATIENTS WITH POLYPOUS RHINOSINUSITIS
Authors: Самсонов Владимир , Samsonov Vladimir , Перельман Юлий , Perelman Yuliy , Захарова Элла , Zaharova Ella , Нахамчен Леонид , Nakhamchen Leonid , Пинегина Елена , Pinegina Elena
Published: December 2018

The method for prediction of asthma in patients with polypous rhinosinusitis was developed. It consists of determination of the average mass molecules (AMM, optical density units), measurement of exhaled and inhaled air temperature (T exh, ºC), and (T inh, ºC), and determination of the temperature difference (ΔT, ºC) between the inhaled and exhaled air temperatures and with the help of the discriminant equation: D = +5.028 × T exh - 0.405×ΔT - 8.910 × AMM, where the discriminant function (D) boundary value is 152.16. At D greater than or equal to the discriminant function boundary value, the absence of asthma in patients with polypous rhinosinusitis is predicted; at D less than the discriminant function boundary value, the development of asthma is predicted.
LUNG DAMAGE IN SYSTEMIC SCLERODERMA
Authors: Войцеховский Валерий , Voytsekhovskiy Valeriy , Гоборов Николай , Goborov Nikolay , Погребная Марина , Pogrebnaya Marina , Горячева Светлана , Goryacheva Svetlana , Фомина Оксана , Fomina Oksana , Приходько Ольга , Prikhodko Olga , Филиппова М , Filippova M , Крымцев А , Krymcev A , Анисенков Владимир , Anisenkov Vladimir
Published: December 2018

A brief review on respiratory damages in systemic scleroderma (SDS) is presented. The characteristic of the most frequent pathology – interstitial lung injury (ILI) is given. Pulmonary hypertension, pleural lesions, tuberculosis, secondary tumors are also described. Multispiral computed tomography in patients with SDS allows not only to identify the characteristic symptoms of ILI, but also to assess the extent of the lesion and the stage of development of the pathological process in the lungs for the timely treatment of ILI. In the two given clinical observations, lung involvement or ILI was the debut of systemic scleroderma and was ahead of other clinical symptoms of the disease; the course of alveolitis was progressive in nature, there was a significant decrease of lung volumes and an increase of fibrosis.
ROLE OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (REVIEW)
Authors: Целуйко Сергей , Tseluyko Sergey , Яценко А , Yacenko A , Устинов Е , Ustinov E , Леонов Д , Leonov D , Кушнарев Владимир , Kushnarev Vladimir
Published: December 2018

Current methods of treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are not effective enough and lead to the progression of the disease and disability of the patient. One of the promising methods of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapy is the use of the possibilities of regenerative medicine, in particular, mesenchymal stem cells. The review demonstrates the achievements of research groups developing approaches to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapy based on mesenchymal stem cells. Our attention was focused on the problems and possible ways to show the mechanism of action of mesenchymal stem cells. The issues of safety of mesenchymal stem cells application are also discussed.
Universalidad y derechos sociales: para una revisión constitucional de las políticas sociales en Argentina
Authors: Etchichury Horacio Javier
Published: December 2018

ResumenEl texto analiza el alcance de la noción de universalidad en la titularidad de los derechos sociales contenidos en la Constitución argentina. Tras revisar la formulación de esa noción en el texto constitucional argentino y en los tratados de derechos humanos de igual jerarquía, el texto explora sus consecuencias respecto del diseño de políticas públicas, ponderando las modalidades focalizadas y condicionadas. Se propone revisar las políticas según su compatibilidad con el principio de universalidad. AbstractThe article analyzes the notion of universality in social rights entitlements under Argentina’s Constitution. After reviewing how this notion is phrased in the Constitution and binding human rights treaties endowed with constitutional rank, the article looks into the effects of universality in public policy design, implementation and appraisal. In particular, the article assesses targeted and conditional policies. Finally, the text advocates a policy revision according to consistency with the principle of universality.
Tecnología, relaciones laborales y Derecho del Trabajo: acerca de la tensión entre la técnica y la persona
Authors: Ambesi Leonardo
Published: December 2018

El presente artículo tiene por objeto analizar el impacto que la revolución tecnológica provoca en el trabajador, sujeto protegido por el Derecho del Trabajo.  A partir de la tensión entre las nociones de técnica y persona que la rama jurídica laboral porta desde su nacimiento, y con la ayuda de otras disciplinas, como la Historia, la Filosofía o la Sociología, se analiza el recorrido que ambos conceptos han transitado hasta la actualidad. En particular, se reflexiona sobre el modo en que el cambio tecnológico afecta el lugar privilegiado asignado normativamente al sujeto más débil de la relación productiva. En este contexto, se identifican algunas respuestas institucionales y judiciales que ya ofrece el ámbito internacional, para concluir en la necesidad de actualizar las herramientas interpretativas del Derecho del Trabajo con la finalidad de mantener su función compensadora, a la vez de permitir su convivencia armónica con el progreso técnico y económico.
Assimilação teórica e prática da violência doméstica: profissionais de enfermagem atendendo vítimas na atenção primária
Authors: Amarijo Cristiane Lopes , Barlem Edison Luiz Devos , Acosta Daniele Ferreira , Marques Sérgio Correa
Published: December 2018

Objetivo: analisar a assimilação teórica e prática acerca da violência doméstica contra a mulher (VDCM) entre profissionais de enfermagem, considerando o atendimento às vítimas em unidade de saúde da família. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, fundamentada na Teoria das Representações Sociais, realizada com 25 profissionais de enfermagem. Os dados foram coletados através de entrevista semiestruturada, inseridos no software Nvivo 10 e tratados a partir da análise de conteúdo. Resultados: foram elaboradas duas categorias analíticas: Os componentes da VDCM: conceito, imagem e atitude e Detecção dos casos de VDCM. Conclusão: a representação estruturada contendo imagem, conceito e atitude expõe a influência do contexto profissional. Acredita-se que a articulação, em rede, dos serviços de proteção e assistência às vítimas, tornariam o atendimento mais efetivo, resolutivo e integral às mulheres assistidas na atenção básica.
Impacto de uma intervenção educativa sobre Enfermagem dos Sistemas Familiares nas atitudes dos enfermeiros
Authors: Cruz Andréia Cascaes , Angelo Margareth
Published: December 2018

Objetivo: avaliar o impacto de uma intervenção educativa sobre Enfermagem dos Sistemas Familiares nas atitudes dos enfermeiros. Método: pesquisa quase experimental realizada com 37 enfermeiros que atuavam no contexto neonatal/pediátrico de um hospital universitário. A etapa de intervenção, realizada em dezembro de 2014, consistiu de um treinamento com etapas teórica e prática. Os dados coletados por meio do autopreenchimento da escala “A Importância das Famílias nos Cuidados de En­fermagem – Atitudes dos Enfermeiros” foram analisados por dos testes de Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney, Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman e o teste Steel-Dwass-Critchlow-Fligner. Resultados: os enfermeiros que apresentavam escores mais baixos na fase pré-intervenção foram os que evidenciaram maior diferença positiva após, passando a apresentar escores indicativos de atitudes favoráveis à inclusão das famílias nos cuidados. Conclusão: constatou-se impacto positivo nas atitudes dos enfermeiros em relação à importância que atribuem à inclusão das famílias nos cuidados de enfermagem após a intervenção educativa.
Increased utilization of external beam radiotherapy relative to cystectomy for localized, muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a SEER analysis
Authors: Wilhite Tyler J. , Routman David , Arnett Andrea L. , Glasgow Amy E. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Pisansky Thomas M. , Boorjian Stephen A. , Jethwa Krishan R. , Mynderse Lance A. , Roberts Kristofer W. , Frank Igor , Choo Richard , Davis Brian J. , Stish Bradley J.
Published: December 2018

Objective: To assess recent utilization patterns of radiotherapy (RT) relative to cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and evaluate survival trends over time in patients receiving RT.
Materials and Methods: The surveillance, epidemiology, and end results program (SEER) was used to identify patients diagnosed between 1992 and 2013 with localized MIBC. Patients with a prior history of non-bladder malignancy, who received no treatment, or did not have available treatment information, were excluded. Treatment utilization patterns were assessed using Cochran-Armitage tests for trend, and patient characteristics were compared using chi-square tests. Overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. All-cause (ACM) and cause-specific mortality (CSM) were evaluated with multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.
Results: Of 16175 patients analyzed, 11917 (74%) underwent cystectomy, and 4258 (26%) were treated with RT. Patients who received RT were older (median age 79 vs. 68, P < 0.01). Over time, the proportion of patients receiving RT relative to cystectomy increased (24% 1992–2002 vs. 28% 2003–2013, P < 0.01), despite median patient age throughout the study period remaining unchanged (71 for each 1992–2002 and 2003–2013, P = 0.41). For RT, compared with patients diagnosed earlier, those diagnosed from 2010–2013 showed improved OS (64% vs. 60% at 1 year, P < 0.01; 38% vs. 29% at 3 years, P < 0.01) and CSS (71% vs. 67% at 1 year, P = 0.01; 51% vs. 40% at 3 years, P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, diagnosis from 2010–2013 was associated with a lower estimated risk of ACM (hazard ratio 0.77; 95% confidence interval 0.66–0.89, P < 0.001) and CSM (hazard ratio 0.81; 95% confidence interval 0.67–0.97, P = 0.02).
Conclusion: Utilization of RT for localized MIBC increased relative to cystectomy from 1992 to 2013, despite the median age of treated patients remaining unchanged. More recent survival outcomes for patients receiving RT were improved, supporting continued use of bladder preservation strategies utilizing RT.
A model for the detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma circulating tumor cells
Authors: S. Alexander Matthew , R. O’Leary Brianne , Moose Devon , Du Juan , D. Henry Michael , J. Cullen Joseph
Published: December 2018

Metastatic disease is the leading cause of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) associated death. PDAC cells invade and enter the bloodstream early, before frank malignancy can be detected. Our objective was to develop an in vivo assay enabling the identification and quantification of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from primary orthotopic PDAC tumors. Human PDAC cells expressing luciferase and green fluorescent protein were orthotopically injected into the pancreas of mice utilizing ultrasound guidance. Bioluminescent imaging was conducted to identify and track tumor growth. CTCs were then isolated and analyzed by flow cytometry to detect GFP-expressing cancer cells. Tumor growth as measured by bioluminescent imaging increased over time. The concentration of CTCs correlated with the strength of bioluminescent imaging signal. In addition, livers bearing macroscopic disease were harvested for further imaging under fluorescence stereomicroscopy and confocal microscopy, which confirmed the presence of metastases. This study represents an orthotopic animal model that reliably detects the presence of CTCs from PDAC. There is a positive correlation between the concentrations of CTCs with overall tumor burden.
Preloading budding yeast with all-in-one CRISPR/Cas9 vectors for easy and high-efficient genome editing
Authors: Degreif Daniel , Kremenovic Milana , Geiger Thomas , Bertl Adam
Published: December 2018

The CRISPR/Cas9 technology has greatly improved genome editing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae over recent years. However, several current CRISPR/Cas9 systems suffer from work-intensive cloning procedures and/or the requirement of co-transforming target cells with multiple system components simultaneously which can reduce the effectivity of such applications. Here, we present a new set of all-in-one CRISPR/Cas9 vectors that combine unique benefits of different already existent systems in order to further expand the technology’s design possibilities. Our vectors mediate constitutive gRNA expression whereas Cas9 expression is either driven from a constitutive or an inducible promoter. The introduction of desired gRNA targeting sequences into our inducible single gRNA vector relies just on in vivo homologous recombination-mediated assembly of overlapping single-stranded oligonucleotides, thus reducing efforts of plasmid cloning to an absolute minimum. By employing the inducible system, yeast cells can be easily preloaded with plasmids encoding for a functional CRISPR/Cas9 system, thereby chronologically separating the cloning procedure from the genome editing step. Gene knockouts could be achieved with high efficiency and effectivity by simply transforming preloaded cells with a selectable disruption cassette without the need of co-introducing any CRISPR/Cas9 system component. We also show the feasibility of efficient gene knockouts even when multiple gene copies were present such as in non-haploid strain backgrounds as well as the simultaneous deletion of two different genes in a haploid genetic background by using a multiplex variant of our inducible vector. The versatile applicability of our inducible vector system was further demonstrated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mating type switching of yeast.
Conditioned contextual fear memory to assess natural forgetting and cognitive enhancement in rats
Authors: Schuette Sven RM , Hobson Scott
Published: December 2018

Aversively established contextual fear memory manifests itself in robust freezing behavior, often lasting several weeks or months. Therefore, this approach is amenable to investigate the underlying neural circuitries by lesion or inactivation of specific brain regions or to test efficacy of substances that disrupt either the ability to acquire the association or to retrieve memories. In contrast, investigation of memory enhancement using this technique is time intensive since the non-treated control group naturally forgets the learned association only weeks after acquisition. Pharmacological interventions have been used to overcome this time span by disrupting memory at any time point, however, limiting it a mechanistic model of reversal of impairments instead of studying memory enhancement. Here, we investigated several parameters of the cued and contextual fear conditioning (CFC) protocol such that, while memory acquisition is established, loss of fear association occurs within a shorter time frame, allowing studies of memory enhancement in the context of natural forgetting. We found that three predictive tone-cues, each separated from a 0.3 mA foot shock by an interstimulus interval of 2 s and a pre-exposure to the context enables the investigation of enhanced contextual memory 7 d post training without the necessity of inducing pharmacological lesions.
Improved production of monoclonal antibodies against the LcrV antigen of Yersinia pestis using FACS-aided hybridoma selection
Authors: Sittner Assa , Mechaly Adva , Vitner Einat , Aftalion Moshe , Levy Yinon , Levy Haim , Mamroud Emanuelle , Fisher Morly
Published: December 2018

 For about four decades, hybridoma technologies have been the “work horse” of monoclonal antibody production. These techniques proved to be robust and reliable, albeit laborious. Over the years, several major improvements have been introduced into the field, but yet, antibody production still requires many hours of labor and considerable resources. In this work, we present a leap forward in the advancement of hybridoma-based monoclonal antibody production, which saves labor and time and increases yield, by combining hybridoma technology, fluorescent particles and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). By taking advantage of the hybridomas’ cell-surface associated antibodies, we can differentiate between antigen-specific and non-specific cells, based on their ability to bind the particles. The speed and efficiency of antibody discovery, and subsequent cell cloning, are of high importance in the field of infectious diseases. Therefore, as a model system, we chose the protein LcrV, a major virulence factor of the plague pathogen Yersinia pestis, an important re-emerging pathogen and a possible bioterror agent.
Rapid identification of wood species by near-infrared spatially resolved spectroscopy (NIR-SRS) based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI)
Authors: Ma Te , Inagaki Tetsuya , Ban Mayuka , Tsuchikawa Satoru
Published: December 2018

Conventional near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has shown its potential to separate wood species nondestructively based on the aggregate effect of light absorption and scattering values. However, wood has an aligned microstructure, and there is a large refractive index (RI) mismatch between the wood cell wall substance (n≈1.55) and the cell lumen (air≈1.0, water≈1.33). Light scattering is dominant over absorption

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in wood, and this fact can be utilized for complex classification purposes. In this study, an NIR hyperspectral imaging (HSI) camera combined with one focused halogen light source (Ø 1 mm) was designed to evaluate the light scattering patterns of five softwood (SW) and 10 hardwood (HW) species in the wavelength range from 1002 to 2130 nm. Several parameters were combined to improve the data quality, such as image histogram plots of defined spaced bins (associated with diffuse reflectance values of light), variance calculation on the frequency (the number of pixels in each bin) of each histogram and the principal component analysis (PCA) of all the variance values at each wavelength. The identification accuracy of the quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) under the five-fold cross-validation method was 94.1%, based on the first three principal component (PC) scores.
Microwave-Assisted Molten-Salt Facile Synthesis of Chromium Carbide (Cr3C2) Coatings on the Diamond Particles
Authors: Xu Lei , Wei Chenlong , Li Wei , Zhang Libo , Peng Jinhui
Published: December 2018

Chromium carbide (Cr3C2) coatings on the diamond were fabricated using the mixtures of molten salt of NaCl and BaCl2, powders of metallic chromium and diamond as raw materials in the temperature range of 750–900 °C by the microwave-assisted molten-salt synthesis. The morphology, microstructure and phase composition of the surface layer were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-dispersive Spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the surface of the diamond particles could be coated with Cr, forming a uniform and continuous Cr3C2-coated layer. The coatings thickness on the diamond can be controlled by adjusting the heating temperature and time. The coating thickness expanded from 0.73 to 2.30 µm when the temperature was increased from 750 °C to 900 °C, and increasing rapidly during the temperature range of 800  °C–850  °C, the coating thickness expanded from 1.30 to 2.80 µm when the holding time was increased from 0.5 h to 4 h. The results illustrate that the microwave-assisted molten salt synthesis plays a positive role in chromium coatings on the diamond, offering a potent method for the surface metallization of diamond.
Traducción y comentario sociológico de un artículo de Fred Petersen (1925-1968) sobre la novela "El túnel" de Ernesto Sábato
Authors: Allones Pérez Carlos
Published: December 2018

En esta contribución ofrezco al lector dos cosas: en primer lugar, una traducción al castellano del artículo “Sábato’s ‘El Túnel’: More Freud than Sartre” -publicado por Fred Petersen en mayo de 1967 en la revista Hispania, el prestigioso órgano de expresión de la American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese.Dicha Asociación, que generosamente concedió a la revista RIPS el derecho a publicar mi traducción, no es naturalmente en ningún sentido responsable de los errores que yo pudiera haber cometido realizando ésta.En segundo lugar, y ya por mi cuenta, ofrezco al lector un brevísimo comentario sociológico, que aprovecha la novela de Sábato y el artículo de Petersen para llamar la atención sobre una posible reorientación epistemológica para las investigaciones sobre violencia de género. Ese es el verdadero motivo por el que me decidí a traducirlo.
A A Novel Risk Score to Predict New Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Lin Sophie Z , Crawford Todd C , Suarez-Pierre Alejandro , Magruder J Trent , Carter Michael V , Cameron Duke E , Whitman Glenn J , Lawton Jennifer , Baumgartner William A , Mandal Kaushik
Published: December 2018

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common after cardiac surgery and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to derive and validate a predictive model for AF after CABG in patients, incorporating novel echocardiographic and laboratory values.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients at our institution without preexisting dysrhythmia who underwent on-pump, isolated CABG from 2011-2015. The primary outcome was new onset AF lasting >1 hour on continuous telemetry or requiring medical treatment. Patients with a preoperative echocardiographic measurement of left atrial diameter were included in a risk model, and were randomly divided into derivation (80%) and validation (20%) cohorts. The predictors of AF after CABG (PAFAC) score was derived from a multivariable logistic regression model by multiplying the adjusted odds ratios of significant risk factors (P < .05) by a factor of 4 to derive an integer point system.

Results: 1307 patients underwent isolated CABG, including 762/1307 patients with a preoperative left atrial diameter measurement. 209/762 patients (27%) developed new onset AF including 165/611 (27%) in the derivation cohort. We identified four risk factors independently associated with postoperative AF which comprised the PAFAC score: age > 60 years (5 points), White race (5 points), baseline GFR < 90 mL/min (4 points) and left atrial diameter > 4.5 cm (4 points). Scores ranged from 0-18. The PAFAC score was then applied to the validation cohort and predicted incidence of AF strongly correlated with observed incidence (r = 0.92).

Conclusion: The PAFAC score is easy to calculate and can be used upon ICU admission to reliably identify patients at high risk of developing AF after isolated CABG.
Prisión perpetua revisable: El caso colombiano desde la perspectiva constitucional
Authors: Montero Zendejas Daniel , Maldonado Arcón María Fernanda , Manrique Molina Filiberto Eduardo R.
Published: December 2018

El presente artículo se ocupa del análisis de la figura jurídica de la prisión perpetua revisable, de acuerdo con sus antecedentes doctrinarios y su aplicabilidad en el derecho comparado, específicamente en países como Inglaterra, España, China, EE.UU., entre otros. Adicionalmente, se hace un estudio jurisprudencial de los casos más relevantes sometidos a consideración de Cortes internacionales, tal es el caso del Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos y los Altos Tribunales de Austria, Suiza y Alemania, donde es sujeto de revisión la pena de prisión perpetua después de cumplida la condena por un determinado tiempo. Por último, se estudia la prohibición dentro del ordenamiento jurídico colombiano de la cadena perpetua por mandato constitucional y por disposición de tratados internacionales ratificados en Colombia, junto con el  recedente jurisprudencial establecido por la Corte Constitucional y la Corte Suprema de Justicia.
Presencia de caries dental en pacientes con labio y paladar hendido: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Barrero Lizcano Daniela , Pinto Pabón María Alejandra , Flórez Meneses Luisa Teresa
Published: December 2018

Objetivo: realizar revisión sistemática de estudios publicados sobre la presencia, susceptibilidad y prevalencia de caries dental en pacientes con labio y paladar hendido (LPH) y en individuos sin esta condición.Materiales y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda en tres bases de datos (Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus) para identificar artículos con estudios de casos y controles que reportaran la presencia de caries dental en pacientes con y sin este evento. Del estudio hicieron parte artículos texto completo y publicados entre el 2002 y el segundo período del 2015.Resultados: en la revisión se evaluaron 12 publicaciones de casos y controles, se encontró que diez de estos artículos concluyen que los pacientes con LPH, tienen mayor susceptibilidad de desarrollar caries dental en contraste con los pacientes controles, de igual manera se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas para varios estudios.Conclusión: puede decirse que los individuos con esta condición están en mayor riesgo de desarrollar lesiones cariosas, puesto que aquellos sometidos a cirugía de LPH, por ejemplo, podrían tener miedo y dolor al momento de realizar la higiene bucal por las características del tejido cicatrizal, entre otras razones.
Exercícios filosóficos em Epicteto
Authors: Da Luz Diogo
Published: December 2018

O presente artigo trata do pensamento de Epicteto pelo viés do exercício (áskēsis), ou seja, por meio de práticas que conduzem ao aperfeiçoamento de quem elege para si o ofício de filósofo. Para tal, inicialmente esclarecemos o que significam os exercícios na filosofia antiga, tendo como subsídio as teses de Pierre Hadot. Logo depois, exploramos seis exercícios que consideramos centrais para o filósofo de Nicópolis, contextualizando com os ensinamentos que estão envolvidos e descrevendo as principais características de seu método. Por fim, defendemos que a importância deste artigo está em esclarecer a áskēsis em Epicteto de maneira a evitar possíveis anacronismos.