bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LASERTERAPIA ASSOCIADA AO GUARANÁ: UMA ESTRATÉGIA TERAPÊUTICA ALTERNATIVA NA PREVENÇÃO DE LESÕES DE PELE
Authors: Bonotto Nathália Cardoso de Afonso , Azzolin Verônica Farina , Maldaner Daíse Raquel , Cruz Ivana Beatrice Mânica da , Duarte Marta Medeiros Frescura , Barbisan Fernanda
Published: February 2020

Introdução: O envelhecimento celular pode ser explicado pela teoria das espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROS). Essa teoria é baseada no envelhecimento induzido por efeitos deletérios na célula causados pelas EROS, as quais são consideradas um pré-requisito para o processo inflamatório e apoptótico. Dessa forma, o estresse oxidativo teria um papel central nos processos de envelhecimento celular da pele fortemente relacionado a queda na síntese de colágeno e elastina por parte dos fibroblastos, assim com o envelhecimento há uma maior propensão ao surgimento de lesões de pele, que são hoje um grave problema de saúde pública no Brasil. Alternativas de prevenção as lesões são relevantes de serem estudadas e podem impactar o cenário social, de saúde e econômico. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito in vitro da laserterapia de baixa potência associada ao guaraná em fibroblastos humanos envelhecidos. Metodologia: Fibroblastos dérmicos humanos (HFF-1) foram adquiridos comercialmente, cultivados em condições ideias de cultura celular. Inicialmente as células foram envelhecidas através de cultivo, e então expostas a guaraná na concentração de 5µg / mL e após 2 horas ao laser de baixa potência (LBP) usando um Endophoton LLT 0107 KLD® a 660 nm como fonte de irradiação, potência de saída de 35 mW , frequência 16 Hz, modo de onda contínua pontual, dose administrada de 4 J / cm2 com tempo de exposição de 14 s. Após 72 horas de exposição foram analisados marcadores oxidativos (dano ao DNA, dano a lípideos) e níveis proteicos dos fatores de crescimento FGF-1 e KGF relacionados a sintese de colageno e elastina. A análise estatistica através do programa Graph Pad Prism 5.0, por Anova de 2 vias seguida de teste Post-Hoc de Tukey. Foram considerados significativos os resultados com p < que 0.05. Resultados: O tratamento combinado com guaraná e LBP diminuiu significativamente a oxidação de lipideos e do DNA, bem como modulou positivamente os níveis de FGF-1 e KGF. Algumas dessas alterações também foram observadas após o tratamento com guaraná ou LBT isoladamente. Conclusões: Apesar das limitações inerentes aos estudos in vitro, estes resultados podem ser considerados significativos, podendo ter relevância tanto na clínica médica como estética, uma vez que esta pode ser uma alternativa importante na prevençaõ de lesões de pele, bem como na questão de rejuvenescimento. Entretanto, mais estudos precisam ser realizados para confirmação destes resultados.
DIRETIVAS ANTECIPADAS E AUTONOMIA DO IDOSO
Authors: Silva Caroline Oliveira da , Crippa Anelise , Bonhemberger Marcelo
Published: February 2020

Considerando o crescimento da população idosa no contexto mundial e que a questão do envelhecimento também preocupa o fim da vida, visa a bioética tratar as diretivas antecipadas de vontade em seu modelo principialista. Desta forma, à luz dos princípios do respeito à autonomia, justiça, beneficência e não-maleficência analisa-se a finitude do idoso de forma autônoma e justa. O objetivo do presente trabalho é analisar as diretivas antecipadas de vontade sob o prisma dos princípios bioéticos. Para a realização deste trabalho foi feito uma análise da Resolução 1.995/12 do Conselho Federal de Medicina, bem como da doutrina que embasa o principialismo bioético. Ademais, foi feita uma busca em artigos publicados com a temática de idoso/gerontologia/geriatria e as diretivas antecipadas/testamento vital, nas bases de dados SciELO, Google Acadêmico e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) que comporta bases de dados como LILACS e BDENF. Pode-se perceber que a Diretiva Antecipada de Vontade é a expressão máxima do princípio do respeito à autonomia. Com ela, a vontade do paciente terminal que não mais consiga se manifestar, fica preservada. Para tanto, será necessário que a pessoa, enquanto lúcida e capaz, realize a sua diretivae leve à conhecimento de alguém (procurador), para que se cumpra, posteriormente, sua vontade. Os idosos, são a parcela da sociedade que, por estarem mais perto da finitude, devem ter ciência da existência das diretivas e usá-las, para que sua vontade prevaleça.
ASSUNTOS ABORDADOS COM LONGEVOS POR PROFISSIONAIS DA SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA
Authors: Sulzbach Cíntia Cristina , Dallepiane Loiva Beatriz
Published: February 2020

Introdução: A Atenção Primária à Saúde tem papel fundamental na saúde do idoso longevo, sendo que esta população merece atenção especial por se tratar do segmento que mais tem crescido no Brasil1,2. Objetivo: Verificar quais são os assuntos abordados na atenção de idosos longevos por profissionais de Saúde da Família. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo e exploratório com 10 profissionais, utilizando entrevista semi-estruturada, em Estratégias de Saúde da Família no município de Palmeira das Missões-RS. Após transcrição, realizou-se análise temática de conteúdo. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, parecer nº 1.868.174. Resultados: A maioria dos profissionais afirmou abordar sobre a relação com problemas de saúde dos longevos, como o uso de medicamentos, alimentação, atividade física, prevenção, tratamento e cuidado. Mencionou-se também a importância de uma escuta qualificada, da necessidade do trabalho com a saúde mental, sendo evidenciado o sentimento de solidão dos idosos, da relação com a família, de situações de violência e da demanda por um cuidador ou familiar de referência. Não houve a menção de abordagem considerando a avaliação geriátrica ampla, ou capacidades funcionais, tampouco de cuidados diferenciados ou específicos destinados aos idosos com mais de 80 anos. Conclusões: Percebeu-se que a maioria dos discursos referia-se a uma abordagem biomédica, baseando-se nas queixas. Contudo, o trabalho com longevos na saúde da família demanda por uma abordagem ampliada, destacando-se a importância da educação permanente focada no cuidado e na atenção para esta população. A percepção dos profissionais de saúde é relevante para a qualificação do cuidado aos longevos, uma população que apresenta maior vulnerabilidade, e pode qualificar o trabalho dos profissionais da saúde da família e para a constituição e desenvolvimento de instrumentais teórico-práticos e de linhas de cuidado integraisrelacionadas à população com 80 ou mais anos.
TUG SIMPLES E TUG DUPLA-TAREFA COGNITIVO-MOTORA COMO PREDITORES DO HISTÓRICO DE QUEDAS EM LONGEVOS: UM ESTUDO CASO CONTROLE
Authors: Brauner Fabiane De Oliveira , Jaques Eliana Da Silva , Urbanetto Matheus De Souza , Schiavo Aniuska , Da Costa Marcos Silveira , Mestriner Régis Gemerasca
Published: February 2020

Indrodução: Embora o teste do Timed Up and Go (TUG) seja amplamente utilizado em idosos, sua utilidade para a predição de quedas em longevos ainda não é bem estabelecida. Objetivo: avaliar a capacidade de predição dos testes Timed Up and Go (TUG) simples e em DT cognitivo-motora para o histórico de quedas em longevos não-institucionalizados. Metódos: estudo tipo caso-controle, a pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da PUCRS (099196/2017).As avaliações ocorreram nas residências dos longevos, onde realizou-se 06 tentativas válidas do teste TUG, sendo 03 em modo simples e 3 em DT, com o auxílio do sensor inercial G-Walk e um smartphone Motorola para filmagem dos testes. A amostra foi composta por 60 longevos com idade ≤85 anos, (85-101) residentes na cidade de Porto Alegre. Dados sociodemográficos, níveis de atividade física, estado mental, presença de sintomas depressivos, preocupação com a ocorrência de quedas, fármacos em uso, autopercepção de equilíbrio funcional e o teste do alcance funcional também foram avaliados por instrumentos específicos. A caracterização da amostra deu-se por meio da estatística descritiva. A comparação de desempenho entre as modalidades do TUG S e DT)foi realizada pela ANOVA de medidas repetidas. Por fim, a predição da chance de quedas foi realizada com o emprego da regressão logística binária. Todas as análises foram realizadas no pacote estatístico SPSS 22.0. Resultados: os resultados demonstram que a maioria dos idosos incluídos na amostra eram fisicamente ativos e não possuíam alterações significatoivas no estado cognitivo conforme avaliação realizada pelo questionário do Mini Exame de Estado Mental. A realização do TUG em DT, embora reduza o desempenho dos idosos durante a realização do teste, não confere uma maior capacidade preditiva ao teste para diferenciar sujeitos caidores e não caidores. No entanto, a marcha não-linear composta pelo giro 1800 (fase de transição entre a marcha de ida ede volta) mostrou-se superior ao tempo total do TUG para a predição da chance de quedas, tanto em tarefa simples quanto em DT. Ser fisicamente ativo foi o principal fator protetor independente para a ocorrência de quedas. Conclusão: A adição de uma tarefa cognitiva ao TUG não melhora o valor preditivo do teste ao detectar a história de quedas em pessoas não institucionalizadas com 85 anos ou mais.
SEXUALIDADES (DES)COBERTAS
Authors: Razeira Tatiane Rocha , Jaeger Angelita Alice
Published: February 2020

INTRODUÇÃO: Dentre as mudanças que ocorrem no processo de envelhecimento, incluem-se as referentes às sexualidades, possíveis em todas as idades e expressas de forma singular e diversa. A gerontologia e outras áreas do conhecimento corroboram que esse decréscimo é substituído por uma intensidade ampliada do prazer sexual¹. A sexualidade na velhice possui uma conduta sexual bastante intrincada, abrange aspectos físicos e emocionais. Assim como outros órgãos do sistema, na velhice, os órgãos sexuais sofrem mudanças, o que não extingue sua função. Envelhecer não é sinônimo de adoecer². OBJETIVO: identificar a percepção de pessoas idosas institucionalizadas sobre sexualidade. MÉTODO: pesquisa etnográfica, realizada em uma instituição privada de Santa Maria - RS. RESULTADOS: participaram da pesquisa 15 pessoas idosas de ambos os sexos, com média de idade de 71 anos. As respostas mostraram concepções diferentes, mas que se originam e convergem, da/na mesma direção. As quais são frutos de uma educação conservadora e dentro da normalidade heterossexual e conjugal. A sexualidade mostra-se como um aspecto de foro íntimo e privado, ela se faz presente, mas encoberta, e esse disfarce é atravessado por conceitos preestabelecidos e pela ideia persistente de velhice assexuada. Essas alusões advêm tanto da parte da pessoa idosa como dos profissionais que trabalham na instituição e familiares. Esses aspectos demonstram a necessidade de discutir a temática da sexualidade na velhice com a equipe de profissionais e com as próprias pessoas idosas. CONCLUSÃO: Faz-se necessário compreender a sexualidade na velhice como algo natural. As pessoas idosas conseguem se adaptar e conviver com as transformações físicas e podem manter uma vida sexual prazerosa, permitindo-se novas vivências amorosas, nas quais valorizam mais o companheirismo, o afeto e o cuidado do que a relação sexual propriamente dita. O conhecimento sobre os diferentes aspectos da sexualidade que constituem o sujeito idoso proporcionará qualidade no atendimento e proposições que objetivam o bem-estar integral da pessoa idosa.
CAUSAS BÁSICAS DE ÓBITO EM LONGEVOS DIABÉTICOS NO RS: DADOS DO DATASUS 2017
Authors: Ulrich Vivian , Martins Renata Breda , Goulart Luana De Souza , Bós Ângelo José Gonçalves
Published: February 2020

Introdução: Idosos diabéticos apresentam risco elevado de morte prematura e elevada predisposição a comorbidades1, sendo os longevos (80 anos ou mais) os mais vulneráveis. As causas de óbitos são consideradas umas das informações de maior relevância para o conhecimento da situação de saúde de uma população, subsidiando o planejamento e a administração de programas2. A causa básica revela a doença inicial da sequência que levou ao falecimento e, portanto, ela deve orientar as ações em saúde no sentido de sua prevenção3. Objetivos: Investigar as principais causas básicas de óbito em longevos com diabetes mellitus tipo II. Métodos: Foram analisados os dados do Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade (SIM) do Departamento de Informática do SUS(DATASUS) referentes às principais causas de óbito em longevos do Rio Grande do Sul. Foi utilizado os capítulos E10-E14 diabetes da Classificação Internacional de Doenças versão 10 (CID 10) para identificar os diabéticos. Os dados foram analisados com o programa Epi Info versão 7.2. Resultados: Dos 27.205 longevos cadastrados, 9,6% (n=2.573) eram diabéticos. Observou-se maior frequência de diabetes em mulheres (66,3% n=1.706), indivíduos com 4 anos ou mais de estudo(40,0% n=929), brancos (92,2% n=2.289) e viúvos 57,2%(n=1.404). Dentre as quatro principais causas básicas de mortes em longevos diabéticos estão: a própria diabetes (50,4% n=1.295); doenças do aparelho circulatório (22,7% n=583); doenças do aparelho respiratório (10,0% n=256); neoplasias (6,3% n=162); e outras causas (10,6% n=276). Conclusões: Os dados levam a concluir que os longevos diabéticos não estão recebendo tratamento adequado.
AUTÓPSIA PSICOLÓGICA DE UM IDOSO SUICIDA: RELATO DE CASO
Authors: Lindemann Wallauer Kauana , Rigo Laura , Ritter Maureen Fernanda , Consoni Paulo Robertol Cardoso
Published: February 2020

O suicídio, segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde, é um problema de saúde pública, acometendo cerca de 800.000 indivíduos ao ano, sendo que a população idosa é a que mais comete o suicídio. A autópsia psicológica é um tipo de avaliação realizada para investigar retrospectivamente uma morte, visando compreender as razões e circunstâncias que levaram o idoso a tirar a própria vida. Neste estudo foi realizada uma entrevista qualitativa com um familiar, sobre um suicídio, por meio do Roteiro de Entrevista Semiestruturada para Autópsias Psicológicas e Psicossociais (RESAPP), que contém 44 perguntas simples e compostas, possuindo questionamentos específicos para esta faixa etária. Na velhice as características de personalidade tendem a se acentuar no idoso e, no caso da pessoa estudada, apresentou-se com transtorno de humor do tipo Bipolar e de personalidade com característica narcisista. Na família, após o ocorrido, é comum o surgimento de transtornos emocionais devido à perda e muitas vezes ao sentimento de culpa atrelada a impotência em mudar o fato. Na família em questão, a esposa desenvolveu transtorno depressivo e de ansiedade e a filha mais nova aflorou o transtorno de personalidade do tipo esquizofrenia paranoica e depressão. As doenças psiquiátricas que o idoso era portador, associadas com o desenvolvimento de agressividade, são consideradas fatores importantes de risco para o suicídio, principalmente quando as doenças em questão não são tratadas. A utilização de arma de fogo é considerada um dos meios mais comuns para prática do suicídio e o idoso em estudo cometeu o ato com a sua própria arma. Neste 6 estudo, a autópsia psicológica revelou a importância do tratamento das doenças psiquiátricas na velhice e que ignorar a ameaça de suicídio pode levar a tragédia que ocorreu na família deste. O suicídio pode ser evitado se for manejado e orientado da maneira correta. Por isso, é importante que sejam criadas ações de prevenção, alertando as pessoas idosas e seus familiares sobre fatores de risco e a necessidade de tratamento.
Comparative Analysis of Platelet-rich Plasma Effect on Tenocytes from Normal Human Rotator Cuff Tendon and Human Rotator Cuff Tendon with Degenerative Tears
Authors: Yoon Jeong Yong , Lee Seung Yeon , Shin Sue , Yoon Kang Sup , Jo Chris Hyunchul
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) stimulates cell proliferation and enhances matrix gene expression and synthesis. However, there have been no comparative study of the PRP effect on the normal and degenerative tenocytes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of PRP on tenocytes from normal and degenerative tendon.METHODS: Tendon tissues were obtained from patients undergoing arthroscopic repair (n=9) and from healthy donors (n=3). Tenocytes were cultured with 10% (vol/vol) platelet-poor plasma, PRP activated with calcium, and PRP activated with calcium and thrombin. The total cell number was assessed at days 7 and 14. The expressions of type I and III collagen, decorin, tenascin-C, and scleraxis were evaluated by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The total collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis was evaluated at days 7 and 14.RESULTS: No differences were observed between the groups at day 7, but cell proliferation was remarkably increased in tenocytes from the degenerative tendon at day 14. In both tenocyte groups, the gene expressions of type I and III collagen were up-regulated. GAG synthesis was greater in the normal tendon, whereas the expressions of decorin and tenascin-C were increased in tenocytes from the degenerative tendon. Tenocytes from the degenerative tendon had higher fold-change of GAG synthesis and a lower collagen III/I ratio than normal tenocytes.CONCLUSIONS: PRP promoted the cell proliferation and enhanced the synthesis of tendon matrix in both groups. PRP has a greater positive effect on cell proliferation, matrix gene expression and synthesis in tenocytes from degenerative tendon.
Is the Frozen Shoulder Classification a Reliable Assessment?
Authors: Gwark Ji Yong , Gahlot Nitesh , Kam Mincheol , Park Hyung Bin
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND: Although a common shoulder disease, there are no accepted classification criteria for frozen shoulder (FS). This study therefore aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the conventionally used FS classification system.METHODS: Primary FS patients (n=168) who visited our clinic from January 2010 to July 2015 were included in the study. After confirming restrictions of the glenohumeral joint motion and absence of history of systemic disease, trauma, shoulder surgery, shoulder muscle weakness, or specific x-ray abnormalities, the Zuckerman and Rokito's classification was employed for diagnosing primary FS. Following clinical diagnosis, each patient underwent a shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and blood tests (lipid profile, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and thyroid function). Based on the results of the blood tests and MRIs, the patients were reclassified, using the criteria proposed by Zuckerman and Rokito.RESULTS: New diagnoses were ascertained including blood test results (16 patients with diabetes, 43 with thyroid abnormalities, and 149 with dyslipidemia), and MRI revealed intra-articular lesions in 81 patients (48.2%). After re-categorization based on the above findings, only 5 patients (3.0%) were classified having primary FS. The remaining 163 patients (97.0%) had either undiagnosed systemic or intrinsic abnormalities (89 patients), whereas 74 patients had both.CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that most patients clinically diagnosed with primary FS had undiagnosed systemic abnormalities and/or intra-articular pathologies. Therefore, a modification of the Zuckerman and Rokito's classification system for FS may be required to include the frequent combinations, rather than having a separate representation of systemic abnormalities and intrinsic causes.
Delayed Lateral Row Anchor Failure in Suture Bridge Rotator Cuff Repair: A Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Jeong Jae Jung , Ji Jong Hun , Park Seok Jae
Published: February 2020

Compared to single row repair, use of lateral row anchors in suture bridge rotator cuff repair enhances repair strength and increases footprint contact area. If a lateral knotless anchor (push-in design) is inserted into osteoporotic bone, pull-out of the lateral row anchor can developed. However, failures of lateral row anchors have been reported at several months after surgery. In our cases, even though complete cuff healing occurred, delayed pull-out of the lateral row anchor in the suture bridge repair occurred. In comparison to a conventional medial anchor, further biomechanical evaluation of the pull-out force, design, and insertion angle of the lateral anchor is needed in future studies. We report three cases with delayed pull-out of lateral row anchor in suture bridge rotator cuff repair with a literature review.
The Ageing Population and the Challenges of Health Management: A Study of Retirees of Public Institutions in South East Nigeria
Authors: Okafor Samuel O. , Ugwuibe Christopher O.
Published: February 2020

While life expectancy will continue to improve owing to the domestic humanitarian improvement, proxy-policy influence on the sub-Saharan African nations [Nigeria included] by the United Nations and other developed nations, the ageing population will continue to increase making it more or less policy imperative among the nations within this region. Among other things, public health policy occupies the most important position in the web of policy approach to the needs and care for the aged. In the light of the above, the present paper investigated the realities of public health policy outcome [1988 to 2016], as it affects the ageing populations via public health facilities and health packages for the aged. 600 retirees of public institutions from southeast Nigeria were involved in the study, which adopted survey design and modified random sampling techniques. In view of the substantive issues of the study, less than 25% of the respondents go for regular medical checkups and self-health maintenance, more than 80% depended on self-support for medical upkeep; the regression model adopted in the study proved [p< .05], the factors affecting regular health upkeep and satisfaction with services at the public health facilities among the retirees.
Investigating Determinants of Knowledge about HIV Prevention among Young in Ethiopia
Authors: Dessie Dereje Bekele
Published: February 2020

Knowledge about HIV prevention means knowing that consistent use of condoms during sexual intercourse, having one uninfected faithful partner can reduce chance of getting HIV, knowing that a healthy-looking person can have HIV, rejecting the two most common local misconceptions (HIV can be transmitted by mosquito bites and a person can become infected by sharing food with a person who has HIV). The study objective was to assess and identify determinants of comprehensive knowledge about HIV prevention among young in Ethiopia. The data used for analysis was 2016 EDHS. The dependent variable was comprehensive knowledge about HIV prevention and Descriptive statistics and Binary logistic regression used to identify determinants of comprehensive knowledge about HIV prevention among young. The study conducted on 10,520 young, of which 41.9% were male and 58.1% female. The significant determinants of comprehensive knowledge about HIV prevention among young were age, residence, education, occupation, marital status, wealth index, sex, region and media exposure. In conclusion, Young with low income, single, male without formal education were less likely to have comprehensive knowledge while the knowledge status is different from region to region. Education for low income, single and male on HIV prevention must be expanded to improve knowledge of the disease in Ethiopia.
A Sociopragmatic Analysis of Women and Gender Roles in John Galsworthy’s Forsyte Saga and Naguib Mahfouz’s Cairo Trilogy
Authors: Omar Abdulfattah , Alhassan Musa Ahmed Musa
Published: February 2020

This study is concerned with investigating the treatment of women and gender roles in Glasworthy’s Forsyte Saga and Naguib Mahfouz’s Cairo Trilogy from a sociopragmatic perspective. The texts studied for this paper have not been evaluated to socio-pragmatic analysis that reflects the little application of this approach to literary works. As thus, the goal of this paper is to advance sociopragmatic analysis to these novels—there is salience from the style, narrative techniques, and language utilized by both writers in their books, which indeed points to pragmatic undercurrents that must be explored. The results indicate that social and political aspects are key elements for understanding women and gender issues in the selected texts. The integration of these contextual elements revealed how the two authors manipulated literary discourse to reflect on the power relations and struggles between men and women of their age. It can be claimed that sociopragmatic approaches provide opportunities for understanding the hidden layers within the selected texts in terms of social practices and interactions among characters. It is finally suggested that sociopragmatic approaches should be integrated into literary studies for a better and deeper understanding of literary discourse in general and crosscultural issues in particular.
Speculative Taxonomies
Authors: Palmer Helen ,   DePaul University
Published: February 2020

Why might alternative taxonomies be needed in contemporary life, and how might the notion of categorisation or anti-categorisation be thought speculatively? This essay considers some of the ways that life and matter have been historically divided and segmented and asks how this might be rendered mobile, offering new divisions and definitions for those who exist outside hegemonic segments or scales.
Expanding the Context of Moral Decision-Making
Authors: Rehwaldt Jeremy ,   Society for Ethics Across the Curriculum
Published: February 2020

Many introductory ethics courses focus narrowly on the cultivation of moral reasoning. A review of introductory ethics textbooks, for example, finds that most focus either on exploring moral theories and approaches in detail or on describing moral theories and then applying them to contemporary issues. I argue that these approaches fail to recognize humans as biologically driven, psychologically shaped, and sociologically constrained beings. I examine the factors influencing thinking and action in each of three areas—the role of emotion in moral decision-making, the problem of unconscious bias, and the influence of social structures—and argue for a broader approach to teaching introductory ethics that takes these factors into consideration. The article describes some classroom approaches for fostering understanding of these factors, as well as strategies students can use to act more effectively.
Comparison of the Psychometric Properties of Three Fatigue Scales in Persian-Speaking Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Behrangrad Shabnam , Yoosefinejad Amin Kordi
Published: February 2020

Background:

Fatigue is the most disabling symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Although there is no standard tool to evaluate fatigue in clinical settings, the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) scale are popular instruments for this purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the psychometric properties of the Persian versions of these scales.

Methods:

One hundred thirty adult patients with MS and 60 controls participated in this study. They completed the scales on two occasions 3 days apart. Reproducibility and internal consistency were evaluated as intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Cronbach α. Convergent validity was assessed by evaluating the association of the fatigue scales with age, sex, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, disease duration, and sleep quality. Dimensionality was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. Acceptability and known-group validity were investigated. The effect size of each scale was computed.

Results:

The ICC of all instruments was 0.99. Internal consistency was 0.97 for the MAF scale, 0.93 for FSS, and 0.83 for FIS. The instruments showed moderate-to-good correlations with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, EDSS score, and disease duration. Acceptability was acceptable. The FIS had three dimensions, and the FSS and MAF scale were unidimensional. All scales were able to discriminate patients with MS from controls.

Conclusions:

The Persian version of the MAF scale seems to be the most suitable instrument to evaluate fatigue in patients with MS based on its time efficiency, effect size, and detailed data about various aspects of fatigue.
Social Cognitive Theory and Physical Activity in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Baird Jessica F. , Silveira Stephanie L. , Motl Robert W.
Published: February 2020

Background:

The expanding population of older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) likely experiences many of the same benefits of physical activity (PA) as younger and middle-aged adults with MS. However, participation in PA is exceedingly low in this segment of the MS population. This study examined variables from social cognitive theory (SCT) as correlates of PA in older adults with MS to inform the subsequent development of behavioral interventions.

Methods:

Older adults with MS (≥60 years of age, N = 180) completed an online survey including demographic and clinical characteristics, SCT variables (exercise self-efficacy, exercise goal setting, social support, and outcome expectations), and PA (total PA [TPA] and moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA]).

Results:

Bivariate correlation analyses indicated that all SCT variables were significantly associated with TPA and MVPA (all P ≤ .001). Hierarchical linear regression analyses indicated that disability status was a significant correlate of TPA (β = −0.48, R2 = 0.23) and MVPA (β = −0.44, R2 = 0.19) in step 1; disability and self-efficacy were significant correlates of TPA (disability β = −0.20, self-efficacy β = 0.59, R2 = 0.50) and MVPA (disability β = −0.16, self-efficacy β = 0.60, R2 = 0.47) in step 2; and disability, self-efficacy, and exercise goal setting were significant correlates of TPA (disability β = −0.21, self-efficacy β = 0.50, exercise goal setting β = 0.14, R2 = 0.55) and MVPA (disability β = −0.17, self-efficacy β = 0.51, exercise goal setting β = 0.15, R2 = 0.51) in step 3.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that behavioral interventions focusing on self-efficacy and exercise goal setting as targets from SCT may be appropriate for increasing PA in older adults with MS.
Using Congestion Zones for Solving the Time Dependent Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Carić Tonči , Fosin Juraj
Published: February 2020

This paper provides a framework for solving the Time Dependent Vehicle Routing Problem (TDVRP) by using historical data. The data are used to predict travel times during certain times of the day and derive zones of congestion that can be used by optimization algorithms. A combination of well-known algorithms was adapted to the time dependent setting and used to solve the real-world problems. The adapted algorithm outperforms the best-known results for TDVRP benchmarks. The proposed framework was applied to a real-world problem and results show a reduction in time delays in serving customers compared to the time independent case.
Mediterranean nekton traits: distribution, relationships and significance for marine ecology monitoring and management
Authors: Tzanatos Evangelos , Moukas Catherine , Koutsidi Martha
Published: February 2020

Biological traits are increasingly used in order to study aspects of ecology as they are related to the organisms’ fitness. Here we analyze a dataset of 23 traits regarding the life cycle, distribution, ecology and behavior of 235 nektonic species of the Mediterranean Sea in order to evaluate the distribution of traits, identify rare ones, detect relationships between trait pairs and identify species functional groups. Trait relationships were tested using correlation and non-linear regression for continuous traits, parametric and non-parametric inference tests for pairs of continuous-categorical traits and cooccurrence testing for categorical traits. The findings have significant implications concerning the potential effects of climate change (e.g., through the relationships of the trait of optimal temperature), fisheries or habitat loss (from the relationships of traits related to tolerance ranges). Furthermore, some unexpected relationships are documented, like the inversely proportional relationship between longevity and age at maturity as a percentage of life span. Associations between functional traits show affinities derived from phylogenetic constraints or life strategies; however, relationships among functional and ecological traits can indicate the potential environmental filtering that acts on functional traits. In total, 18 functional groups were identified by Hill-Smith ordination and hierarchical clustering and were characterized by their dominant traits. For the assessment of the results, we first evaluate the importance of each trait at the level of population, community, ecosystem and landscape and then propose the traits that should be monitored for the regulation and resilience of ecosystem functioning and the management of the marine ecosystems.
Population Pressure on Land Resources in Nigeria: The Past and Projected Outcome
Authors: Eririogu H. I. , Echebiri R. N. , Ebukiba E. S.
Published: February 2020

Aims: This paper assesses the population pressure on land resources in Nigeria: The past and projected outcome.

Study Design: 1967 to 2068 time series data were used. The data sets were resorted to due to lack of complete national data.

Place and Duration of Study: Past (1967-2017) and projected (2018-2068) five decades in Nigeria.

Methodology: The time series data were obtained from the United Nations Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, National Population Commission, International Energy Statistics and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on population levels, renewable and non renewable resources in Nigeria. Others such as transformity were adapted from Odum (1996) and Odum (2000) for specific objectives. Data collected were analyzed using modified ecological footprint/carrying capacity approach, descriptive statistics and Z-statistics.

Results: Results showed that the mean annual pressure on land resources in the past five decades (1967-2017) was 9.323 hectares per capita, while the projected pressure in the next five decades (2018-2068) was 213.178 hectares per capita. Results also showed that about 73.08 percent of the pressure per capita in the past five decades emanated from arable land consumption (6.813ha), while 75.91percent of the pressure is expected to emanate from fossil land in the next projected five decades due to crude oil and mineral resource exploration and exploitation. The carrying capacity of land resources in the past five decades was 6.4091 hectares per capita, while that of the projected five decades was 1.667 hectares per capita, an indication of ecological overshoot in both periods.

Conclusion: Population pressures on land resources per capita in the past and projected five decades are higher than the carrying capacity of these resources in the country. Citizens lived and are expected to live unsustainably by depleting and degrading available land resources. Arable land consumption is the major contributor to the total pressure on land resources in the past five decades, while the consumption of fossil land due to exploration and exploitation of crude oil and mineral resources is expected to contribute majorly to the total pressure on land resources in the next five decades. Limiting affluence (per capita consumption of resources) and improving technology will not only ensure sustainable use of arable and fossil lands but place consumption within the limits of these resources for a sustainable future.
Nonmercaptalbumin as an oxidative stress marker in Parkinson’s and PARK2 disease
Authors: Ueno Shin‐Ichi , Hatano Taku , Okuzumi Ayami , Saiki Shinji , Oji Yutaka , Mori Akio , Koinuma Takahiro , Fujimaki Motoki , Takeshige‐Amano Haruka , Kondo Akihide , Yoshikawa Naoyuki , Nojiri Takahiro , Kurano Makoto , Yasukawa Keiko , Yatomi Yutaka , Ikeda Hitoshi , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: February 2020

Objective

To investigate the oxidized albumin ratio, which is the redox ratio of human nonmercaptalbumin (HNA) to serum albumin (%HNA), as a biomarker in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (iPD) and related neurodegenerative disorders.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 216 iPD patients, 15 patients with autosomal recessive familial PD due to parkin mutations (PARK2), 30 multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients, 32 progressive nuclear palsy (PSP) patients, and 143 healthy controls. HNA was analyzed using modified high‐performance liquid chromatography and was evaluated alongside other parameters.

Results

iPD and PARK2 patients had a higher %HNA than controls (iPD vs. controls: odds ratio (OR) 1.325, P < 0.001; PARK2 vs. controls: OR 1.712, P < 0.001). Even iPD patients at an early Hoehn & Yahr stage (I and II) showed a higher %HNA than controls. iPD patients had a higher %HNA than MSA and PSP patients (iPD vs. MSA: OR 1.249, P < 0.001, iPD vs. PSP: OR 1.288, P < 0.05). When discriminating iPD patients from controls, %HNA corrected by age achieved an AUC of 0.750; when discriminating iPD patients from MSA and PSP patients, an AUC of 0.747 was achieved. Furthermore, uric acid, an antioxidant compound, was decreased in iPD patients, similar to the change in %HNA.

Interpretation

%HNA was significantly increased in iPD and PARK2 patients compared with controls, regardless of disease course and severity. Oxidative stress might be increased from the early stages of iPD and PARK2 and play an important role in their pathomechanisms.
Cell‐Instructive Multiphasic Gel‐in‐Gel Materials
Authors: Kühn Sebastian , Sievers Jana , Stoppa Aukha , Träber Nicole , Zimmermann Ralf , Welzel Petra B. , Werner Carsten
Published: February 2020

Developing tissue is typically soft, highly hydrated, dynamic, and increasingly heterogeneous matter. Recapitulating such characteristics in engineered cell‐instructive materials holds the promise of maximizing the options to direct tissue formation. Accordingly, progress in the design of multiphasic hydrogel materials is expected to expand the therapeutic capabilities of tissue engineering approaches and the relevance of human 3D in vitro tissue and disease models. Recently pioneered methodologies allow for the creation of multiphasic hydrogel systems suitable to template and guide the dynamic formation of tissue‐ and organ‐specific structures across scales, in vitro and in vivo. The related approaches include the assembly of distinct gel phases, the embedding of gels in other gel materials and the patterning of preformed gel materials. Herein, the capabilities and limitations of the respective methods are summarized and discussed and their potential is highlighted with some selected examples of the recent literature. As the modularity of the related methodologies facilitates combinatorial and individualized solutions, it is envisioned that multiphasic gel‐in‐gel materials will become a versatile morphogenetic toolbox expanding the scope and the power of bioengineering technologies.
Out‐of‐Time‐Order Correlators and Quantum Phase Transitions in the Rabi and Dicke Models
Authors: Sun Zheng‐Hang , Cai Jia‐Qi , Tang Qi‐Cheng , Hu Yong , Fan Heng
Published: February 2020

The out‐of‐time‐order correlators (OTOCs) is used to study the quantum phase transitions (QPTs) between the normal phase and the superradiant phase in the Rabi and few‐body Dicke models with large frequency ratio of the atomic level splitting to the single‐mode electromagnetic radiation field frequency. The focus is on the OTOC thermally averaged with infinite temperature, which is an experimentally feasible quantity. It is shown that the critical points can be identified by long‐time averaging of the OTOC via observing its local minimum behavior. More importantly, the scaling laws of the OTOC for QPTs are revealed by studying the experimentally accessible conditions with finite frequency ratio and finite number of atoms in the studied models. The critical exponents extracted from the scaling laws of OTOC indicate that the QPTs in the Rabi and Dicke models belong to the same universality class.
Green biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles using Croton sparsiflorus leaves extract and evaluation of UV protection, antibacterial and anticancer applications
Authors: Boomi Pandi , Poorani Gurumallesh Prabu , Selvam Samayanan , Palanisamy Subramanian , Jegatheeswaran Sonamuthu , Anand Krishnan , Balakumar Chandrasekaran , Premkumar Kumpati , Prabu Halliah Gurumallesh
Published: February 2020

Our study reports greener synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) tethered to the extract of Croton sparsiflorus and in vitro evaluation of UV‐protection, antibacterial and anticancer activities. Sophisticated instrumental analytical techniques such as UV–vis spectrophotometer, FT‐IR, XRD, FE‐SEM, and TEM were employed for the existence and confirmation of the nanoparticles. FT‐IR and HPLC analysis were executed in the identification of the plausible functional groups implicated in the reduction of gold ions to AuNPs. UV protection property and antibacterial action of AuNPs‐coated cotton fabric were also presented. Moreover, in vitro anticancer evaluation against HepG2 cell line was conducted by MTT assay for Croton sparsiflorus extract derived AuNPs in different concentrations (50 to 150 μg/ml). Thus, the results of this work revealed that greener synthesized AuNPs exhibited good therapeutic applications as UV‐protection, antibacterial and anticancer agents.
The replacement of maize (Zea mays L.) by cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) as biogas substrate and its implications for the energy and material flows of a large biogas plant
Authors: von Cossel Moritz , Amarysti Canesia , Wilhelm Hanna , Priya Nishu , Winkler Bastian , Hoerner Lucia
Published: February 2020

Excessive cultivation of maize (Zea mays L.) as a biogas substrate has fired debate about potential land‐use change effects of bioenergy cropping systems. Cup plant (
Silphium perfoliatum
L.) is a perennial biogas crop that provides more environmental services than maize. This study investigated (i) how to replace maize with cup plant as a biogas substrate in a large‐scale biogas plant located in southwest Germany, and (ii) how to optimize the energy and material cycles of such a biogas plant given the new feedstock. The biogas plant produces 1000 m3 biogas per hour with plans for it to be combined with a large dairy farm (1000 dairy units). It was found that the substitution of maize with cup plant as a biogas substrate results in a methane yield reduction of 10% to 20% due to lower biomass yields. However, there exists a strong potential to increase both biomass yields and biogas substrate quality of cup plant by optimizing establishment procedures and better genotypes. Furthermore, cup plant provides food and shelter for open land animals, including birds and insects, and could hence be a suitable alternative to maize for large biogas plants, being more environmentally beneficial. Extracting proteins from cup‐plant biomass could also help replace soy with locally produced protein for feeding cattle. Hydrothermal carbonization is a promising tool for closing nutrient cycles and for extracting phosphate from digestate, but more research is needed before it can be put into practice. © 2020 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thinking about decisions: An integrative approach of person and task factors
Authors: McElroy Todd , Dickinson David L. , Levin Irwin P.
Published: February 2020

Decisions vary. They may vary in both content and complexity. People also vary. An important way that people vary is how much they think. Some prior research investigating thinking and decision making largely conflicts with most traditional decision theories. For example, if considering an array of products to choose from, thinking more about the alternative's attributes should lead to a better decision. However, some research indicates that thinking more may also lead to focusing on irrelevant aspects of the decision and a less optimal outcome. We propose that this conflict in the literature exists because of a failure to consider the interaction between the individual and the decision task. To test this, we used separate methodologies that enhance or attenuate a person's thinking. In Study 1, we selected people who were especially high or low in need for cognition and had them complete a robust decision‐making inventory, which included both complex and simple tasks. In Study 2, we manipulated participant's level of glucose, which acts as the brain's fuel to enhance or attenuate thinking ability. Both studies provide insight for understanding our central tenant that more thought leads to better decisions in complex tasks but does not influence simple decisions. These findings show how the individual's thinking can interact with the constructive elements of the task to shape decision choice.
Volatile organic compounds in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma—An in vitro pilot study
Authors: Kulas Philipp , Seidel Martin , Bozzato Alessandro , Schick Bernhard , Sessler Daniel I. , Kreuer Sascha , Hüppe Tobias
Published: February 2020

Owing to the lack of specific symptoms, diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) may be delayed. We evaluated volatile organic compounds in tumor samples from patients suffering from HNSCC and tested the hypothesis that there is a characteristic altered composition in the headspace of HNSCC compared with control samples from the same patient with normal squamous epithelium. These results provide the basis for future noninvasive breath analysis in HNSCC. Headspace air of suspected tumor and contralateral control samples in 20 patients were analyzed using ion‐mobility spectrometry. Squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in 16 patients. In total, we observed 93 different signals in headspace measurements. Squamous cell carcinomas revealed significantly higher levels of volatile cyclohexanol (0.54 ppbv, 25th to 75th percentiles 0.35–0.86) compared with healthy squamous epithelium (0.24 ppbv, 25th to 75th percentiles 0.12–0.3; p < 0.001). In conclusion, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma emitted significantly higher levels of volatile cyclohexanol in headspace compared with normal squamous epithelium. These findings form the basis for future breath analysis for diagnosis, therapy control and the follow‐up of HNSSC to improve therapy and aftercare.
New Director of Campus Safety builds community with student lunches, joint trainings
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2020

Tara Simmelink brought more than two decades of law enforcement experience to Pacific Lutheran University when she started the contract Director of Campus Safety position at the university. When she was with the Pierce County sheriff's unit, Simmelink worked with patrol, field training officers, specialty assignments, narcotics, domestic violence, the special assault unit, child abuse, homicide, and others. Simmelink's ability to work with various groups of constituents is valuable for her position at PLU. The Director of Campus Safety is a contract position with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, ensuring a close working relationship between the Sheriff's Department and the university. “I know some universities struggle to get a response from local law enforcement, but [because of the contract nature of the Director position] everyone here knows they can just call me and say, ‘Hey, here's a concern I have, or I need a report on this.’ That relationship is pretty unique,” Simmelink said.
Title IX lawsuits related to sexual assault investigations have exponentially increased
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2020

Students suing colleges and universities for allegedly botching sexual assault investigations has dramatically increased in recent years, according to an analysis of recent Title IX lawsuits. The analysis published in the New York University Journal of Legislation and Public Policy reviewed federal and state rulings in lawsuits since the 2011 “Dear Colleague Letter” that provided guidance on adjudicating allegations of sexual assault. The analysis found that in fewer than 50% of rulings, the courts sided with the higher education institution.