bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ordem do sujeito e colocação de clíticos na escrita brasileira dos séculos XIX e XX
Authors: Martins Marco Antonio Rocha , Cavalcante Silvia Regina de Oliveira , Coelho Izete Lehmkuhl
Published: July 2020

No campo disciplinar da sintaxe diacrônica, analisamos, neste artigo, a mudança na ordem do sujeito e na colocação de clíticos em sentenças matrizes em ambientes neutros ([XP])[XP]V em textos de jornais brasileiros de diferentes estados e em cartas pessoais escritas por brasileiros, no curso dos séculos XIX e XX. O objetivo principal é apresentar evidências empíricas que justifiquem uma mesma mudança microparamétrica na gramática do Português Brasileiro (PB) correlacionada à evolução de dois fenômenos sobejamente descritos: (1) o enrijecimento da ordem Sujeito-Verbo em estruturas transitivas e (2) o aumento da próclise em ambientes neutros [(XP)XP-cl-Verbo]. Defendemos a hipótese de que a próclise gerada pela gramática do PB no contexto [XP]V aparece com mais robustez apenas em textos brasileiros oitocentistas da segunda metade do século XIX, momento em que reflexos de uma gramática do tipo-SV também se revela expressivamente nesses mesmos textos. Nessa direção, buscamos evidências de que a escrita da primeira metade do século XIX reflete, ainda, propriedades de uma gramática do tipo-V2, como o Português Clássico (PCl). Os resultados evidenciam diferentes forças linguísticas e diatópicas que mostram a escrita do Rio de Janeiro e da Bahia mais conservadora do que a dos estados do Ceará, de Pernambuco e de Santa Catarina, atuando no condicionamento da próclise em ambiente neutro ([XP])[XP]V. Esses resultados parecem validar a hipótese investigada: em textos da primeira metade do século XIX atuam, ainda, forças de uma gramática conservadora com sujeitos nulos e com propriedades de uma língua do tipo-V2 em que qualquer constituinte, inclusive o sujeito, pode estar numa posição anterior e contígua ao verbo, como o PCl; em textos da segunda metade do século XIX e do século XX atuam forças de uma gramática com sujeitos realizados em SV, como o PB.
Valoración del Podcasting en la enseñanza clínica en el área de odontología restauradora
Authors: Saravia Miguel , Orejuela Francisco , Fukuhara Mary
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: Describir la valoración del podcasting en el proceso de aprendizaje en estudiantes de odontología en una universidad privada. Material y métodos: La investigación fue de naturaleza cuantitativa, descriptiva, no experimental.  La muestra estuvo constituida por 47 estudiantes de una facultad de odontología de la ciudad de Lima, Perú. Para la experiencia se  tomaron artículos en PDF de las clases teóricas cuyo contenido  fueron  grabados usando unos audífonos  convencionales   y el aplicativo de Spreaker REC® , aplicativo gratuito que se instaló en un teléfono inteligente Iphone 8, se procedió a grabar producir y editar en un tiempo menor a 15 minutos el artículo en PDF usando dicho aplicativo. Ulteriormente se envió al grupo de WhatsApp® el link para que pudieran acceder al audio. Este podía ser repetido tantas veces como el estudiante lo desee escuchar. Se realizaron tres Podcast. Se recolectó la información mediante encuestas a través de un cuestionario utilizado la escala tipo Licker.Resultados: El 70,22% de los encuestados consideraron que el podcast compartido en el grupo de WhatsApp® tuvo un a alta y muy alta contribución en su desempeño clínico. Se encontró que el podcast fue considerado como una herramienta de fácil consulta (95,74%), facilitan el aprendizaje (75,74%) y contribuye a aprender en menos tiempo (93,62%). El 62,07% lo consideró un buen recurso para contenidos teóricos. Conclusiones: Los estudiantes consideran que el podcast es una herramienta que contribuye a su aprendizaje, sobretodo es muy útil para el aprendizaje de contenidos teóricos.
Reverse conductivity for water transport and related anatomy in fine roots of six temperate tree species – a potential limitation for hydraulic redistribution
Authors: Hesse Benjamin , Grams Thorsten , Hafner Benjamin
Published: July 2020

Hydraulic redistribution (HR), the passive reallocation of water along plant structures following a water potential gradient, is an important mechanism for plant survival under drought. For example, trees with deeper roots reallocate water from deeper moist to shallower, drier soil layers sustaining their upper fine root system. The relevance of HR for temperate forest ecosystems is hardly investigated. Both environmental and tree internal factors limiting the capacity for HR, such as low water potential gradients or root anatomy, respectively, are not well understood. Here we investigate fine root anatomy and related capacity for reverse flow of water of six temperate tree species, i.e. Acer pseudoplatanus, Castanea sativa, Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Pseudotsuga menziesii and Quercus robur both in forward and reverse flow direction. Additionally, anatomy of primary and secondary roots was analyzed, to test the hypotheses that root anatomy is similar in primary and secondary roots (H1) and conductivity for forward and reverse flow of water in fine roots is identical (H2). In contrast to the two gymnosperm species, most anatomical parameters, e.g. hydraulic conduit diameter and conduit density, were distinctly different between primary and secondary roots in the angiosperms. Therefore, H1 was rejected for angiosperm trees. The reverse flow of water in fine roots was reduced by approx. 40 % compared to the forward flow in angiosperms, while there was no difference in the gymnosperms. Thus, H2 was rejected for angiosperms. This reduction may be caused by vessel structure (e.g. tapering or secondary thickening elements), or perforation plate and pit architecture (e.g. width of aperture opening). Because of the reduced conductivity of reverse water flow, the ability of angiosperm trees to redistribute water along their root system might be lower than expected.
Effets des flores lactiques des produits laitiers fermentés : une base scientifique pour l’étude des probiotiques microbiens dans l’espèce porcine
Authors: RYCHEN G. , SIMOES NUNES C.
Published: July 2020

Les probiotiques microbiens sont des additifs alimentaires composés de micro-organismes vivants (genres "Lactobacillus, Streptococcus" ou "Bacillus"), incorporés aux aliments à raison de 1000 ppm. Les hypothèses sur leurs modes d’action ont souvent été empruntées aux résultats obtenus avec les flores lactiques des produits laitiers fermentés. Durant le transit intestinal, celles-ci exercent des effets de régulation de la microflore intestinale, des effets nutritionnels (stimulation de la digestion du lactose par exemple) ou encore des effets sur les fonctions immunitaires par le biais d’une stimulation de la production d’immunoglobulines ou d’interféron.
Les probiotiques microbiens, dont les mécanismes d’action n’ont jamais été clairement démontrés, ont fait l’objet de nombreux tests zootechniques chez le porcelet en post-sevrage dont l’équilibre microbien est particulièrement fragile. Toutefois, leurs effets sur les performances de croissance des jeunes animaux se sont révélés variables : une absence d’effets des probiotiques a été observée dans de nombreux essais zootechniques publiés.
Il apparaît donc indispensable d’envisager de nouvelles expérimentations physiologiques, microbiologiques ou immunologiques afin de pouvoir proposer un fondement moins empirique à ces nouveaux additifs alimentaires. Chez le porc, cette démarche a été initiée par quelques auteurs qui ont mis en évidence l’influence favorable des bactéries du genre "Lactobacillus" sur l’équilibre microbien intestinal, les effets d’un probiotique composé des espèces "Lactobacillus acidophilus", "Lactobacillus plantarum" et "Streptococcus faecium" ou d’un probiotique composé de germes "Sporolactobacillus" 44 sur certaines fonctions digestives dans le tube digestif, ou encore l’effet d’un probiotique à base de "Lactobacillus case" et "Lactobacillus bulgaricus" sur les fonctions immunitaires intestinales.
La viande de canard : production et principales caractéristiques
Authors: BAEZA E.
Published: July 2020

Après évaluation de l’importance économique de la viande de canard en France (production de 128 000 tonnes en 1993), les principales caractéristiques de cette viande de volaille sont décrites. Le canard de Barbarie représente l’essentiel de cette production, du fait d’un fort développement de ses masses musculaires et d’un engraissement moindre que le canard Pékin. La viande de canard est maigre, comme celle du poulet (2% de lipides dans le filet) et riche en acides gras polyinsaturés. Elle se distingue des autres viandes de volailles par sa couleur rouge. En effet, les muscles de canard sont constitués essentiellement de fibres musculaires rouges (70 à 90% dans le filet). Cette particularité structurale détermine en partie les caractéristiques technologiques et organoleptiques de la viande (pH, couleur, tendreté, jutosité, flaveur).
L’insémination artificielle chez l’oie grise des Landes : bilan et perspectives
Authors: SELLIER N. , ROUSSELOT-PAILLEY D. , De REVIERS M.
Published: July 2020

L’insémination artificielle chez l’oie, actuellement peu utilisée, pourrait permettre une amélioration de la productivité numérique de cette espèce. Une série de travaux a été réalisée à la Station Expérimentale des Palmipèdes à Foie Gras, visant à en établir les bases physiologiques et techniques.
La méthode de massage dorso-abdominale permet de récolter chez le jars gris des Landes en moyenne 0,3 ml de sperme renfermant 150 millions de spermatozoïdes. L’adaptabilité des mâles à la méthode de collecte est très variable (environ 40 % de "mauvais " ou non-donneurs), mais un tri en début de saison de reproduction pourrait permettre de ne garder que les bons donneurs. La fréquence de prélèvement optimale des mâles se situe entre 3 et 5 fois par semaine. Les taux de fécondation les plus élevés (80 % oeufs fécondés / incubés) sont obtenus avec deux inséminations hebdomadaires (espacées de 72 ou 96 heures) de 20 millions de spermatozoïdes.
L’emploi d’un dilueur adapté semble améliorer le pouvoir fécondant des spermatozoïdes, ce qui permet d’envisager la réduction du nombre de spermatozoïdes inséminés. Par ailleurs, la semence peut être diluée et conservée pendant une courte période (6 heures) sans entraîner une chute importante du taux de fertilité (71,9 % vs 75,1 % avec du sperme frais non dilué), assouplissant ainsi les "chantiers" d’insémination artificielle.
Réduction des rejets azotés des porcs par la voie alimentaire : évaluation économique et influence des changements de la Politique Agricole Commune
Authors: DOURMAD J.Y. , LE MOUEL C. , RAINELLI P.
Published: July 2020

Dans les régions de productions animales intensives, l’élimination des déjections constitue un problème crucial, en raison principalement des risques de pollution des eaux par les nitrates et de l’air par l’ammoniac. On a envisagé récemment, comme alternative ou en complément du traitement des effluents, des solutions préventives visant à réduire les rejets azotés à la source. Il s’agit principalement de mieux adapter l’apport protéique de l’aliment et d’améliorer les performances des animaux. Dans le contexte de la nouvelle politique agricole commune (PAC), nous avons tenté d’évaluer le coût de cette approche préventive. Les résultats montrent que la réforme de la PAC induit des modifications importantes dans la formulation des régimes. On constate ainsi une réduction de 1 à 1,5 point de la teneur en protéines des aliments qui s’accompagne d’une diminution de l’excrétion azotée de 0,2 à 0,4 kg/porc. Cependant, cette évolution est très sensible aux rapports de prix entre sources de protéines et d’énergie. La modification de la conduite de l’alimentation permet de réduire le rejet azoté jusqu’à 500 g/porc, tout en réduisant le coût “ matières premières ” de l’aliment de 8 à 13 F/porc (3 à 5%). Mais cette approche induit des investissements supplémentaires au niveau de l’élevage en terme de stockage et de distribution d’aliment.
L’amélioration de l’équilibre du régime en acides aminés s’accompagne d’une augmentation du coût alimentaire d’autant plus importante que l’on s’éloigne de la solution optimale. Une réduction du rejet azoté de 500 g/porc entraîne ainsi un coût supplémentaire de 2 à 4 F /porc. Si l’on combine l’amélioration de la stratégie d’alimentation et l’amélioration de l’équilibre protéique du régime, on peut réduire le rejet azoté d’environ 20 à 25 % sans augmenter significativement le coût matières premières de l’aliment.
Facteurs de variation génétiques de la prise alimentaire chez le porc en croissance : le point des connaissances
Authors: LABROUE F.
Published: July 2020

L’objectif de cet article est d’examiner les différents facteurs génétiques qui influencent la prise alimentaire, avant d’étudier la possibilité d’inclure un critère de comportement alimentaire dans les objectifs de sélection. Le type génétique peut entraîner des variations importantes (10 à 20%) du niveau de consommation et influencer les caractéristiques (fréquence, taille, durée) des repas. Les valeurs d’hétérosis pour la consommation moyenne journalière (5 à 10% de la moyenne parentale) sont du même ordre de grandeur que celles rapportées pour la vitesse de croissance ou l’efficacité alimentaire. Les écarts de consommation entre les trois génotypes pour le gène Hal varient entre 5 et 15%. La moyenne des estimées pour l’héritabilité de la consommation alimentaire en conditions réelles d’alimentation ad libitum est 0,32. Les corrélations génétiques moyennes entre la consommation moyenne journalière d’une part, le gain moyen quotidien, l’indice de consommation et le taux de muscle d’autre part, sont respectivement de l’ordre de 0,75, 0,40 et -0,45. Les répercussions économiques éventuelles de la prise en compte de l’appétit dans les objectifs de sélection sont discutées sur la base de ces paramètres génétiques moyens.
Innovative Building Forms Determined by Orthotropic Properties of Folded Sheets Transformed Into Roof Shells
Authors: Prokopska Aleksandra , Abramczyk Jacek
Published: July 2020

Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of geometrical and mechanical changes of nominally plane steel sheets folded in one direction, caused by big elastic shape transformations were invented on the basis of the authors' tests, analyzes and computational models of thin-walled
folded sheets transformed into shell shapes. Both geometrical and mechanical changes produce significant restrictions in using sheets for shell forms. The deliberate transformations and sheets' characteristics are required to obtain attractive and innovative forms of roof shells and their
consistent structures as well as entire buildings. The search for effective solutions related to free forms of buildings and shape transformations of sheets especially in the fields of: shape transformation, effort and stabilization of their walls is necessary due to the high sensitivity of
thin-walled open profiles to boundary conditions and loads. A method for shaping such free form buildings that effectively exploit specific orthotropic properties of the transformed sheeting is presented.
Sequência Didática sobre qualidade do ar: possibilidades para o Ensino de Química contextualizado
Authors: Marques José Francisco Zavaglia Marques , Canabarro Drehmer Marques Keiciane , Vantoir Roberto Brancher
Published: July 2020

As ações antropogênicas têm alterado a qualidade do ar, solo, água, flora e fauna e o ensino deve, quando possível, explorar os temas promovendo reflexões sobre esses com os estudantes, para que possam exercer as tomadas de decisões de forma consciente. Este trabalho apresenta uma Sequência Didática (SD) acerca da temática qualidade do ar no município de Cachoeira do Sul-RS. Com o desenvolvimento da SD, buscamos articular os conceitos da disciplina de química estudados no 1° ano do Ensino Médio. Dentre as atividades, foi proposto uma situação-problema sobre como está a qualidade do ar do município. Os estudantes realizaram pesquisas para auxiliar na resolução do problema, produzindo relatórios com as respostas. Entre os dados analisados nos relatórios, obtivemos informações por meio de entrevistas com pessoas da comunidade que descreveram o ar da cidade como de boa qualidade. As pesquisas em artigos, sites e documentos governamentais também forneceram dados aos estudantes, corroborando, assim, com a argumentação sobre a possível boa qualidade do ar.
Spread of infection with time-delay activation in a small world
Authors: Golovinski Pavel
Published: July 2020

A model of the spread of viruses in a network of cities is considered, taking into account a delay caused by the long incubation period of the viruses. The usual infection spread and dynamics with a delay are compared. A temporary asymmetry of the infection spread has been identified, when the time of the pandemic developing significantly exceeds the time for its completion. Numerical simulations of the spread of viruses in a network of interconnected large and small cities were carried out, and pandemic features in a small world were revealed, including the possibility of re-infection of the megalopolises.
ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ МАТЕМАТИЧЕСКОЙ МОДЕЛИ ДЛЯ ПРОГНОЗИРОВАНИЯ ЭПИДЕМИОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ СИТУАЦИИ ПО COVID-19 В РОСТОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ.
Authors: Алешукина Анна , Денисенко Виктор , Алешукин Геннадий , Голошва Елена
Published: July 2020

В работе представлены материалы проведения математического моделирования развития эпидемии COVID-19 в Ростовской области, основанного на данных за два различных периода. Первый прогноз составлен, исходя из данных, в условиях реализации в области жестких ограничительных мер и режима самоизоляции, второй – в условиях постепенного снятия ограничительных мер. В результате проведенного исследования с учетом данных на 20.07.2020 года приходится констатировать тот факт, что общее количество жителей Ростовской области, инфицированных новым короновирусом, значительно превосходит официальную статистику. Имеется значительное количество неучтенных случаев легкого и бессимптомного течения заболевания, оканчивающегося выздоровлением и формированием иммунитета к данной инфекции. Применение математического моделирования развития эпидемии COVID-19 в Ростовской области с учетом реалий сегодняшнего дня дает основание предполагать, что частичное снятие ограничительных мероприятий способно усугубить ситуацию по COVID-19 в Ростовской области. Для улучшения прогнозируемой ситуации необходимо продолжать осуществление комплекса мероприятий, направленных на реализацию в области ограничительных мер (масочного режима, социального дистанцирования граждан, проведения масштабных мероприятий по дезинфекции и пр.). Для определения более точного числа переболевших новой короновирусной инфекцией граждан необходимо существенно расширить масштабы проводимого в области серологического тестирования на антитела (увеличить популяционную выборку).
Proposed Texas Pipeline LTD Star 12,000-Foot-Long Power Transmission Line on University of Texas Lands, Ward County, Texas
Authors: Hogan Michael , Kimbell Jennifer
Published: July 2020

Terracon Consultants, Inc. (Terracon) was contracted by PNM Resources to conduct a Phase I archeological survey on lands owned by The University of Texas System in Ward County, Texas, the location of a proposed 12,000-foot-long power transmission line. Since the proposed undertaking will occur on land owned by a public institution of higher education, this project required compliance under the jurisdiction of the Antiquities Code of Texas (Natural Resources Code, Chapter 191) and its implementing rules (Texas Administrative Code, Title 13, Chapter 26).

The proposed project area comprises an easement approximately 12,000 feet (2.27 miles) long and approximately 30 feet wide. The total area covered is approximately 8.26 acres. Terracon archeologists excavated a total of forty (40) shovel tests to a depth of 80 centimeters (cm) below surface (bs), or to sediments predating human occupation in the area. The removed sediment was passed through ¼” hardware mesh to recover artifacts. One prehistoric archeological site, 41WR139, was recorded during the survey. The portion of the site that is within the project area is not eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or for designation as a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL). Jenni Hatchett Kimbell served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 8996. Fieldwork was conducted between July 16 and July 17, 2019 by Michael Hogan (Staff Archeologist) and Edgar Vazquez (Staff Archeologist). The report was authored by Michael Hogan and Jenni Hatchett Kimbell. Project records will be curated at the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL) at the University of Texas at Austin.

Given the absence of NRHP-eligible archeological sites within the proposed project area, Terracon recommends that the installation of the power transmission line proceed as planned. In the event that human remains, historic properties, or buried cultural materials are encountered during construction or disturbance activities, work should cease in the immediate area but can continue where no cultural materials are present. TNMP Environmental Services Department should be contacted.
Proposed Horsepen Bayou Conveyance Improvements City of Houston, Harris County, Texas
Authors: Jalbert Catherine , Kimbell Jennifer
Published: July 2020

Terracon Consultants, Inc. (Terracon) was retained by IDS Engineering Group (Client) to conduct an intensive pedestrian survey for the proposed Horsepen Bayou Conveyance Improvements project in Houston, Harris County, Texas. Terracon previously conducted a cultural resources desktop assessment for the Client, which was coordinated with the Texas Historical Commission (THC) on March 4, 2019. Since the proposed undertaking will occur on land owned or controlled by a political subdivision of the State of Texas (Harris County Flood Control District), this project was subject to the Antiquities Code of Texas (Texas Natural Resources Code, Title 9, Chapter 191). Additionally, since future phases of this project will trigger regulatory oversight through coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, it will be subject to provisions of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (54 USC § 306101). This project was conducted under Antiquities Permit #8974.

The project area comprises an approximate six-mile reach along Horsepen Bayou, and associated tributaries, and an approximate 73-acre undeveloped tract. Fieldwork, consisting of pedestrian survey and shovel testing, was conducted from July 22 to July 26, 2019 by Catherine Jalbert (Project Archeologist), Edgar Vazquez (Staff Archeologist), and Michael Hogan (Staff Archeologist), under the oversight of Jennifer Hatchett Kimbell, who served as the Principal Investigator. The report was authored by Catherine Jalbert and Jennifer Hatchett Kimbell. The proposed project area was investigated in compliance with Texas Historical Commission (THC) and Council of Texas Archeologists (CTA) guidelines for archeological survey. No cultural resources were observed within the project area.

One property, NASA’s Sonny Carter Training Facility/Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (Building 920) is adjacent to the project area and has been determined eligible for listing to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). However, the THC has determined that the project will have no adverse effect on this property. Considering the absence of other observed cultural resources eligible for inclusion on the NRHP within the project area, Terracon recommended that the proposed project be allowed to proceed as currently designed. The THC concurred with this recommendation on October 4, 2019, and consequently no additional work is required at this time. In the event that human remains or cultural features are discovered during construction, those activities should cease in the vicinity of the remains and Terracon, the THC’s Archeology Division, or other proper authorities should be contacted.
Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells improved core symptoms of genetically modified mice model of autism Shank3B
Authors: Perets Nisim , Oron Oded , Herman Shay , Elliott Evan , Offen Daniel
Published: July 2020

Background: Partial or an entire deletion of SHANK3 are considered as major drivers in the Phelan McDermid syndrome, in which 75% of patients are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During the recent years, there was an increasing interest in stem cell therapy in ASD, and specifically, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Moreover, it has been suggested that the therapeutic effect of the MSC is mediated mainly via the secretion of small extracellular-vesicle that contain important molecular information of the cell and are used for cell-to cell communication. Within the fraction of the extracellular-vesicles, exosomes were highlighted as the most effective ones to convey the therapeutic effect.Methods: Exosomes derived from MSC (MSC-exo) were purified, characterized and given via intranasal administration to Shank3B KO mice (in concentration of 107 particals/ml). Three weeks post treatment the mice were tested for behavioral scoring and their results were compared to control saline treated and to their wild type littermates. Results: Intranasal treatment with MSC-exo improves the social behavior deficit in multiple paradigms, increases vocalization and reduces repetitive behaviors. We also observed an increase of GABARB1 in the prefrontal cortex.Conclusions: Herein, we hypothesized that MSC-exo would have a direct beneficial effect on the behavioral autistic-like phenotype of the genetically modified Shank3B KO mice model of autism. Taken together, our data indicate that intranasal treatment with MSC-exo improves the core ASD-like deficits of this mouse model autism and therefore has the potential to treat ASD patients carrying the Shank3 mutation.
Physical therapy interventions for older people with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders addressing mobility and participation: a systematic review
Authors: Regauer Verena , Seckler Eva , Müller Martin , Bauer Petra
Published: July 2020

Background: Vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders (VDB) are among the most relevant contributors to the burden of disability among older adults living in the community and associated with immobility, limitations of activities of daily living and decreased participation. The aim of this study was to identify the quality of evidence of physical therapy interventions that address mobility and participation in older patients with VDB and to characterize the used primary and secondary outcomes.Methods: A systematic search via MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PEDro, forward citation tracing and hand search was conducted initially in 11/2017 and updated in 7/2019. We included individual and cluster-randomized controlled trials and trials with quasi-experimental design, published between 2007 and 2017/2019 and including individuals ≥ 65 years with VDB. Physical therapy and related interventions were reviewed with no restrictions to outcome measurement. Screening of titles, abstracts and full texts, data extraction and critical appraisal was conducted by two independent researchers. The included studies were heterogeneous in terms of interventions and outcome measures. Therefore, a narrative synthesis was conducted.Results: A total of 20 randomized and 2 non-randomized controlled trials with 1,876 patients met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were heterogeneous in terms of complexity of interventions, outcome measures and methodological quality. Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) was examined in twelve studies, computer-assisted VR (CAVR) in five, Tai Chi as VR (TCVR) in three, canal repositioning manoeuvres (CRM) in one and manual therapy (MT) in one study. Mixed effects were found regarding body structure/function and activities/participation. Quality of life and/or falls were assessed, with no differences between groups. VR is with moderate quality of evidence superior to usual care to improve balance, mobility and symptoms.Conclusion: To treat older individuals with VDB, VR in any variation and in addition to CRMs seems to be effective. High-quality randomized trials need to be conducted to inform clinical decision making.Trial Registration: PROSPERO 2017 CRD42017080291.
Differential diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 from community acquired - pneumonia by CT scan and follow-up
Authors: Liu Kai-Cai , Xu Ping , Lv Wei-Fu , Chen Lei , Qiu Xiao-hui , Yao Jin-Long , Gu Jin-Feng , Hu Bo , Wei Wei
Published: July 2020

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently the most serious infectious disease in the world. An accurate diagnosis of this disease in the clinic is very important. This study aims to improve the differential ability of computed tomography (CT) to diagnose COVID-19 and other community-acquired pneumonias (CAPs) and evaluate the short-term prognosis of these patients. Methods: The clinical and imaging data of 165 COVID-19 and 118 CAP patients diagnosed in seven hospitals in Anhui Province, China from January 21 to February 28, 2020 were retrospectively analysed. The CT manifestations of the two groups were recorded and compared. A correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between COVID-19 and age, size of lung lesions, number of involved lobes, and CT findings of patients. The factors that were helpful in diagnosing the two groups of patients were identified based on specificity and sensitivity. Results: The typical CT findings of COVID-19 are simple ground-glass opacities (GGO), GGO with consolidation or grid-like changes. The sensitivity and specificity of the combination of age, white blood cell count, and ground-glass opacity in the diagnosis of COVID-19 were 92.7% and 66.1%, respectively. Pulmonary consolidation, fibrous cords, and bronchial wall thickening were used as indicators to exclude COVID-19. The sensitivity and specificity of the combination of these findings were 78.0% and 63.6%, respectively. The follow-up results showed that 67.8% (112/165) of COVID-19 patients had abnormal changes in their lung parameters, and the severity of the pulmonary sequelae of patients over 60 years of age worsened with age.[A1] Conclusions: Age, white blood cell count and ground-glass opacity have high accuracy in the early diagnosis of COVID-19 and the differential diagnosis from CAP. Patients aged over 60 years with COVID-19 have a poor prognosis. This result provides certain significant guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of new coronavirus pneumonia.
Motivation factors affecting the job attitude of medical doctors and the organizational performance of public hospitals in Warsaw, Poland
Authors: Chmielewska Malgorzata , Stokwiszewski Jakub , Filip Justyna , Hermanowski Tomasz
Published: July 2020

Background: This paper examines the relationship between selected motivation factors that affect the attitude to work among medical doctors at public hospitals and the organizational performance of hospitals .Methods: This study was based on World Health Organization questionnaires designed to estimate motivation factors according to Herzberg’s motivation theory and to measure the level of organizational performance of hospitals by using the McKinsey model . A survey was conducted among physicians (n=249) with either surgical (operative) or nonsurgical (conservative) specialty in 22 departments/units of general public hospitals in Warsaw, Poland. The relationship between the chosen job motivation factors and organizational effectiveness was determined using Spearman’s rank correlation. Furthermore, 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The independent samples t-test was used to confirm statistically significant differences between the independent groups. Normality of the data was tested by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test.Results: The survey revealed that motivation factors related to “quality and style of supervision” have the highest effect on the organizational performance of hospitals (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient = 0.490; p<0.001), whereas “performance feedback” has the lowest effect on organizational performance according to the surveyed healthcare professionals (54% of physicians). Conclusion: The principles of Individual Performance Review should be incorporated into strategies designed to improve the organizational performance of hospitals (with NHS serving as a potential role model) in order to establish specific rules on how to share performance feedback with individual physicians. The present study contributes to literature on human resource management in the healthcare sector and highlights the importance of nonfinancial aspects in improving the organizational performance of hospitals.
Alexander Calder’s Half-Circle, Quarter-Circle, and Sphere (1932):A Complex History of Repainting Unraveled
Authors: Pozzi Federica , Arslanoglu Julie , Nagy Eleonora
Published: July 2020

The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, owns one of the largest motorized works made by the renowned American artist Alexander Calder, titled Half-Circle, Quarter-Circle, and Sphere. Created in 1932, and acquired by the Whitney in 1969, this seminal work was featured in an iconic exhibition held in 2017 and entitled Calder: Hypermobility. Prior to that, the object underwent a series of treatments in order to repair its main kinetic elements that had become compromised during its lifetime. While the work’s mechanism retained its creator’s ingenious engineering solutions, the motor, urethane belts, plug, and electrical wires turned out to be neither original, nor authentic to the period. The appearance of the piece had also been altered, as most surfaces displayed multiple layers of overpainting and, thus, did not deliver the proper gloss, hue, and texture. These observations prompted a first, comprehensive scientific study to investigate the stratigraphy of Calder’s painted surfaces on Half-Circle, Quarter-Circle, and Sphere, with the final goal to comprehend and restore its original appearance through careful removal of the overpaint. Non-invasive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis was carried out to gain initial insight into the paints’ composition. After that, extensive microscopic sampling was performed to assess the possible presence of original layers below the repainting throughout the object’s surface. Cross sections were examined with optical microscopy and analyzed with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies, as well as scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), in order to identify pigments, colorants, and extenders located in the various paint layers. Scrapings were also investigated with pyrolysis – gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) for a detailed characterization of the binding media. Scientific analysis revealed, in selected white and red areas, up to eleven layers of overpaint composed of a wide array of modern materials, including pigments (titanium white in the form of tetragonal rutile and a variety of synthetic organic red pigments) and binders (alkyd or late formulations of enamels based on ortho-phthalic acid / phthalic anhydride, glycerol and pentaerythritol, polyvinyl acetate with various plasticizers, and acrylics). On the other hand, the identification of materials that were available in the early 1930s, such as zinc white, calcite, and gypsum, as well as traditional drying oil binders, supported the hypothesis that a layer of original paint may still be present in certain areas. In addition to shedding new light on the stratigraphy of Calder’s painted surfaces, this study informed the optimization of a treatment plan tailored for the safe removal of the overpaint to uncover the original layer, wherever present.
Predicting COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia Using Modified Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Alharbi Nader
Published: July 2020

This research presents a modified Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) approach for the analysis of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. We have proposed this approach and developed it in [1–3] for separability and grouping step in SSA, which plays an important role for reconstruction and forecasting in the SSA. The modified SSA mainly enables us to identify the number of the interpretable components required for separability, signal extraction and noise reduction. The approach was examined using different number of simulated and real data with different structures and signal to noise ratio. In this study we examine its capability in analysing COVID-19 data. Then, we use Vector SSA for predicting new data points and the peak of this pandemic. The results shows that the approach can be used as a promising one in decomposing and forecasting the daily cases of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.
Impact of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in Children 5 to 10 Years in Kita and Bafoulabe Districts, Mali.
Authors: Diawara Sory Ibrahim , Mihigo Jules , Konate Drissa , Ndabamenye Protais , Swedberg Eric , Garg Lyndsey W. , Gamache Nathalie , Keita Bourama , Kamate Beh , Ndaruhutse Philbert , Kone Diakalia , Sanogo Vincent , Tounkara Moctar , Diakite Mahamadou , Doumbia Seydou , Eckert Erin
Published: July 2020

Background : Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is the administration of complete therapeutic courses of antimalarial to all children 3–59 months old during the malaria transmission season. This study measured coverage, impact and cost of adding SMC in children aged 5-10 years. Methods : A non-randomized, pre-post design, with an intervention (Kita) and control (Bafoulabe) district implemented SMC for children 5-10 years old through the health system in 2017 and 2018. SMC implementation consisted of the administration of SP + AQ at monthly intervals in children 5-10 years in July, August, September and October annually. Baseline and endline household surveys were conducted in both districts. Separate surveys to measure adherence and tolerance to treatment occurred annually in the intervention district (200 households) following each of the four treatment rounds. Routine data on malaria cases tested and treated and information on SMC campaign and treatment costs were collected. Results : A total of 310 and 323 children 5 to 10 years were included in Kita and Bafoulabe respectively in the baseline survey in July 2017, plasmodium infection prevalence was comparable in the two districts (p=0.07): 27.7% in the intervention district (Kita) against 21.7% in the comparison district (Bafoulabé). Mild anemia was found in 14.2% of children in Kita vs 10.5% in Bafoulabé. Household survey found 89.1% of SMC coverage rate, child’s mothers were interviewed with 93.3% during the SMC campaign in Kita. The most side effect reported by parents was vomiting with 9.3%. One year after SMC implementation in 5 to 10 years in Kita, three doses coverage was 81.2%, there was a reduction by 40% (OR=0.60, CI:0.41-0.89) of malaria parasite carriage; 21% and 62% reduction of simple malaria and severe malaria prevalence respectively in the pilot district vs control. Mild anemia and severe anemia were comparable in the two districts. The level of malaria molecular resistance rate remains below the threshold. Quintuple mutation (dhfr triple +dhps437+dhps540) remained <5% after intervention in both districts.Conclusion: The SMC strategy contributed to malaria prevention in 5-10 year old children and should be integrated to SMC for children 3-59 months. Keywords : Malaria, Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, Sulfadoxine-Pyriméthamine, Amodiaquine, Anemia.
Characteristics and prognostic outcome factors in elderly peritoneal dialysis patients:a prospective observational study
Authors: Ma Xiaoying , Xu HaiPing , Sun FuYun
Published: July 2020

Background This study aimed to analyze the characteristics, outcomes and prognosis factors of survival in elderly peritoneal dialysis patients, so as to better understand the status of elderly peritoneal dialysis patients and improve their quality of life.Methods This study was a prospective, observational study that included peritoneal dialysis (PD)patients.Categorizing by age, elderly group is aged ≥ 65, younger group is aged < 65. Clinical characteristics, survival and transferring to hemodialysis were compared between two groups.Meanwhile, risk factors of death in elderly PD patients were explored.Results A total of 202 PD patients were enrolled, including 61 in elderly group and 141 in younger group. The comparison of baseline data between two groups: in elderly group serum albumin and normalized protein catabolic rate(nPCR) decreased, the incidence of previous cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI) were higher, the major primary disease in elderly patients was diabetic nephropathy, significant differences were found between elderly and younger group(P < 0.01). The mortality in elderly group was substantially higher, 27 patients (44.3%) died in elderly group and 21 patients(14.3%) died in younger group .The 1-year,2-year,3-year,4-year survival rate were 81.97%, 70.49%, 60.66%, 55.74%,respectively. Cardiovascular disease was the main cause of death in elderly PD patients. Higher BMI 、CCI, and previous ischemic heart disease(IHD)were risk factors for long-term survival of elderly PD patients. Compared with the younger group, elderly patients were less likely to transfer to hemodialysis: 2 cases (3.3%) in elderly group and 23 cases (16.3%) in younger group. Peritonitis was primary reason for converting to hemodialysis(HD) in both two group.Conclusions Poor nutrition, more complications and diabetic nephropathy were characteristics of elderly PD patients. High BMI, CCI and previous IHD were independent predictors of death in elderly PD patients. Cardiovascular disease was the main cause of death in elderly PD patients,while the chief reason of transferring to hemodialysis was peritonitis.
Apoptosis-Induced Wnt2/β-Catenin Signaling Triggers Astrocytic Dedifferentiation and Facilitates Neurogenesis in Ischemic Cortex
Authors: Fan Hong , Yang Jialei , Xing Junling , Guo Baolin , Wang Wenting , Hu Yingzhou , Lin Wei , Huang Ying , Ding Jian , Sun Li , Wu Jing , Zhao Youyi , Deng Wenbin , Zhou Chengji , Qiu Mengsheng , Wu Shengxi , Ding Yu-Qiang , Wang Ya-Zhou
Published: July 2020

Background: Reactive astrogliosis is a common pathologic change of various neurological disorders and usually takes some properties of neural progenitors. This dedifferentiation response of reactive astrocytes to injury is thought as an endogenous cellular attempt for neuronal regeneration, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear. Methods: A focal cerebral ischemic model was adopted to assess the dedifferentiation of reactive astrocytes. Topgal mice (a Wnt signaling reporting mouse line) and Caspase-3-/- mice were used to evaluate the change and roles of Wnt signaling and apoptosis in this process. Virus mediated Wnt2, β-catenin, dnTCF4 and DAP5 manipulation was used to reveal the molecular mechanism of dedifferentiation. Ischemic cortical samples and Wnt2-5UTR sequences of macaca mulatta and human were analyzed to explore if the apoptosis-induced Wnt2 up-regulation was conserved. Results: Focal ischemia induces rapid up-regulation of Wnt2 protein in apoptotic neurons in mice, primates and human, and activation of canonical Wnt signaling in reactive astrocytes. Local delivery of Wnt2 shRNA abolished the dedifferentiation response of astrocytes while over-expressing Wnt2 promoted progenitor marker expression and neurogenesis. Both the activation of Wnt signaling and dedifferentiation of astrocytes was compromised in ischemic caspase-3-/- cortex. Over-expressing stabilized β-catenin not only facilitated neurogenesis but also promoted functional recovery in ischemic caspase-3-/- mice. Apoptotic neurons up-regulated Wnt2 protein via internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated translation. Knocking down death associated protein 5 (DAP5), a key protein in IRES-mediated protein translation, significantly diminished both Wnt activation and astrocyte dedifferentiation. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated a novel apoptosis-initiated Wnt-activating mechanism which triggers the dedifferentiation of reactive astrocytes and facilitates neurogenesis in adult cortex, revealing a “SOS” mechanism for inducing astrocyte dedifferentiation and indicating Wnt2/β-catenin signaling as a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Induced in Rheumatoid Arthritis Conditioned Animals are Inhibited Through Selenium Nanoparticles Supplementation
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhao Xiao-Xiong , Lin Yuan , Chen Tong , Shi-Xiang Ren
Published: July 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
WITHDRAWN: The extract of a Traditional Chinese Medicine alleviates Hepatic Fibrosis of Rats by inhibiting NF-κB activation and upregulating BAMBI in Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Liu Xudong , Tang You-Ming , Lv Ping , Zhao Zhuang-Zhi , Xu Xin-Jie , Tang Yan-Fang , Zhao Xiao-Fang
Published: July 2020

Background
DaHuangZheChong pill (DHZCP) is a formula of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been written into the guideline for the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis in China. The study was aim to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects and the potential mechanisms of DHZCP revolving around the TGF-β pseudo receptor, bone morphogenic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).
Materials and Methods
Wistar rats were given with CCL4 for four weeks to establish hepatic fibrosis model. Then the rats were given normal saline or DHZCP decoction six weeks. the pathology of liver tissue was analyzed, the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), BAMBI, and NF-κB were detected. In vitro, the associated signal molecules about LPS-activated NF-κB were also analyzed by immunohistochemistry, western blot, or electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) in cultured HSC-T6 cells .
Results
The DHZCP showed significant effects on improving fibrosis stage of liver tissue and inhibiting primary HSCs activation. The protein expression of TLR4/MyD88 was lower (P was both < 0.05), BAMBI was higher in DHZCP group than model control (MC) group (P < 0.05) in primary HSCs. In HSC-T6 cells, the activity of NF-κB was lower (P < 0.001), and BAMBI was higher (P < 0.05) in DHZCP added LPS group than in LPS group.
Conclusion
These results suggested that DHZCP alleviates hepatic fibrosis that was maybe associated with inhibiting activation of NF-κB induced by LPS, and upregulating BAMBI expression in HSCs.
Primary appendiceal adenocarcinoma presenting as advanced ovarian cancer: a case report
Authors: Cheng Kung-Chuan , Lee Ko-Chao , Chen Hong-Hwa , Ou YC
Published: July 2020

Background Account for less than 1% of all gastrointestinal tumors, primary appendiceal malignancies are rare and their diagnoses are usually made after exploratory laparotomy. Most of them present with nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal pain, abdominal fullness and huge pelvic mass, mimicking advanced stage ovarian cancer.Case Presentation We described two menopausal women who were referred to our institution under the impression of advanced stage of primary ovarian cancer. However, both patients were eventually found to have primary appendiceal adenocarcinoma with ovarian metastasis at laparotomy. Initial symptoms, intraoperative finding, pathology finding, and postoperative clinical courses were recorded.Conclusions Comparing with primary ovarian tumor, ovarian metastasis is relatively rare. The clinical picture can be misleading and the differential diagnoses of primary appendiceal cancer should be considered when preoperative workup is planned.