bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping evidence on community-based clinical education models for undergraduate physiotherapy students: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Chemane Nomzamo Thobekile , Cobbing Saul , Chetty Verusia
Published: December 2019

Background: Community-based clinical training has been advocated as an excellent approach to transformation in clinical education. Clinical education for undergraduate physiotherapy students is a hands-on practical experience that aims to provide a student with skills to be fit to practice independently. However, in many countries, including South Africa, this training has been conducted in large urban academic hospitals. Such hospitals are not a true reflection of the environment that these students will be faced with as practicing healthcare professionals. The purpose of this scoping review was to map out existing evidence on community-based clinical education models for undergraduate physiotherapy students globally.Methods: A systematic scoping review will be based on the 2005 Arksey and O’Malley framework. Studies involving students and stakeholders in clinical education will be included. This review will not be limited by time. An electronic search of relevant literature, including peer-reviewed primary studies and grey literature, will be conducted from PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. The search strategy will include keywords such as “education,” “physiotherapy,” “undergraduate,” “community-based," "training," "decentralized," and "distributed." Boolean logic will be used for each search string. Two independent reviewers will conduct screening of titles, abstracts, and full text before extracting articles. A predesigned data-charting table will supplement the extraction of data. Version 12 NVIVO software will aide in the thematic analysis of data.Discussion: The evidence obtained from the extracted data will assist in the development of a model of community-based clinical education for undergraduate physiotherapy students in South Africa, and serve as a basis for future research. The discussion of this evidence will be guided by the research question utilizing a critical narrative approach to explore emerging themes. The enablers and barriers identified from the reviewed studies can guide the development of a community-based clinical education model.
Safety and Efficacy of Scleral Concave Pool Trabeculectomy Combined Phacoemulsification for Eyes with Coexisting Cataract and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.
Authors: Ye Xiangxiang , Qi Yongjun , Deng Jianhua , Yang Yang , Mo Ting , Xu Mao , Liu Wanjun
Published: December 2019

Purpose To investigate the safety and efficacy of scleral concave pool trabeculectomy (SCPT) combined phacoemulsification for eyes with coexisting cataract and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).Methods This was a retrospective, controlled, interventional case series. Thirty patients (30 eyes) were diagnosed with coexisting cataract and POAG between May 2015 and April 2018. Fourteen eyes underwent SCPT combined phacoemulsification were set as the study group, and 16 eyes received conventional phacotrabeculectomy were set as the control group. All patients were followed up for at least 6 months. The preoperative to postoperative changes in IOP, glaucoma medication requirements, BCVA, blebs functions, and adverse events were recorded.Results The groups were matched for baseline age, BCVA, IOP and types of IOP-lowering medications (all P>0.05). At 6-month visit, there were no significant difference between control and study group in the improvement of BCVA (0.22±0.24 versus 0.18±0.26, P=0.718), reduction of IOP (-11.21±8.61mmHg versus -9.19±9.18mmHg, P=0.540) and the number of eyes that needed IOP-lowering medications (2 versus 3, P=0.743). At the last visit, the rate of forming functioning blebs was significantly different between the study and control groups, (92.9% versus 68.7% respectively, P=0.007). In the study group, 5 eyes developed shallow anterior chamber,and 1 eye showed limited choroidal detachment, whereas in the control group 1 eye developed malignant glaucoma. All adverse events were successfully managed.Conclusion The SCPT combined phacoemulsification is a safe and effective alternative to conventional phacotrabeculectomy for patients with POAG and visually significant cataract.
2-methylacetoacetyl-coenzyme A thiolase (beta-ketothiolase) deficiency: one disease - two pathways
Authors: Grünert Sarah Catharina , Sass Jörn Oliver
Published: December 2019

Background: 2-methylacetoacetyl-coenzyme A thiolase deficiency (MATD; deficiency of mitochondrial acetoacetyl-coenzyme A thiolase T2/ “beta-ketothiolase”) is an autosomal recessive disorder of ketone body utilization and isoleucine degradation due to mutations in ACAT1. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search for all available clinical descriptions of patients with MATD. 244 patients were identified and included in this analysis. Clinical course and biochemical data are presented and discussed. Results: For 89.6 % of patients at least one acute metabolic decompensation was reported. Age at first symptoms ranged from 2 days to 8 years (median 12 months). More than 82% of patients presented in the first two years of life, while manifestation in the neonatal period was the exception (3.4%). 77.0% (157 of 204 patients) of patients showed normal psychomotor development without neurologic abnormalities.Conclusion: This comprehensive data analysis provides a systematic overview on all cases with MATD identified in the literature. It demonstrates that MATD is a rather benign disorder with often favourable outcome, when compared with many other organic acidurias.
Bone transport versus acute shortening for the management of infected tibial bone defects: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wen Hongjie , Zhu Shouyan , Li Canzhang , Xu Yongqing
Published: December 2019

Background The treatment for infected tibial bone defects can be a great challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety between bone transport (BT) and acute shortening technique (AST) in the treatment of infected tibial bone defects.Materials and Methods A literature survey was conducted by searching the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase together with China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang database for articles published as of August 9, 2019. NOS (Newcastle-Ottawa scale) and Cochrane's risk of bias tool were adapted to evaluated the bias and risk of each eligible study. The data of external fixation index (EFI), bone grafting, bone and functional results, complications, bone union time and characteristics of participants were extracted. RevMan V.5.3 was used to perform relevant statistical analyses. Relative risk (RR) were used for the binary variables and standard mean difference (SMD) for continuous variable. Each variable included its 95% confidence interval (CI).Results 5 studies, including a total of 199 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Statistical significance was observed in EFI (SMD = 0.63,95% CI:0.25,1.01,P=0.001) and Bone grafting (RR = 0.26,95%CI:0.15,0.46,P<0.00001), however, no significance was observed in bone union time (SMD = -0.02, 95% CI: -0.39, 0.35, P=0.92), bone results (RR = 0.97,95%CI:0.91,1.04,P=0.41),functional results (RR = 0.96,95%CI:0.86,1.08,P=0.50) and complication (RR = 0.76,95%CI:0.41,1.39,P=0.37).Conclusions AST is preferred on the aspect of minimizing treatment period, while BT is superior to AST for reducing bone grafting. Due to the limited number of trials, The meaning of this conclusion should be taken with caution for infected tibial bone defects.
Capacity building of health professionals on omics sciences: evaluation of the effectiveness of a distance learning training course for Italian physicians.
Authors: Calabrò Giovanna Elisa , Tognetto Alessia , Mazzaccara Alfonso , Barbina Donatella , Carbone Pietro , Guerrera Debora , Pucchio Alessandra Di , Federici Antonio , Ricciardi Walter , Boccia Stefania
Published: December 2019

Background. The rapid adoption of personalized medicine approaches in healthcare requires professionals to be able to manage the “omics revolution”. In this context, the genetics/genomics literacy of healthcare professionals should be in line with the continuous advances in this field, in order to implement its potential implications for the diagnosis, control and treatment of diseases. The present study investigates the effectiveness of a distance learning course on genetics and genomics targeted at medical doctors.Methods. In the context of a project funded by the Italian Ministry of Health in 2017, we had set up a distance learning course, entitled Genetics and Genomics practice. The contents of the course were identified from a core curriculum in genetics directed mainly to general practitioners, for physicians and healthcare professionals, previously published. The course focused on genetic/genomic testing in clinical practice, pharmacogenomics and oncogenomic and it was developed according to the main models of andragogical training (Problem-based Learning and Case-based Learning). We used a pre-test versus post-test study design to assess knowledge improvement on a set of 10 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). We analysed the proportion of correct answers for each question pre and post-test, as well as the mean score difference stratified by gender, age, professional status and medical discipline. Moreover, the same test was submitted to the participants eight months after the conclusion of the course, in order to assess the retained knowledge.Results. An important number of Italian physicians (N= 1637) completed the course, most of which were primary care physicians (20.8%), public health professionals (11.5%) and specialist paediatricians (10.6%). We reported an improvement in the proportion of correct answers for all of the 10 MCQs set at the post-test. The overall mean score to the questions significantly increased in the post-test, from 59.46 in the pre-test to 71.42 in the post-test (p-value < 0.0001). Conclusions. Genomic literacy among healthcare professionals is essential to ensure optimal translation to healthcare delivery of research. The results of this course suggest that distance-learning training in genetic/genomic practices represents an effective method to improve physicians’ knowledge in the immediate and mid-term time scale.
Pass Rate Set by Borderline Regression Method but not by Modified Angoff is Independent on Difficulty of Content in Objective Structured Clinical Exams
Authors: Waldauf Petr , Cockings Jerome , Sitzwohl Christian , Maggiorini Marco , Elbers Paul , Lindner Marcus , Brass Konstantin , Núñez Alexandra , Ballnus Sven , Roy Anne Le , Duška František
Published: December 2019

Background Standard setting is a method of determining the cut-off point on the scoring scale that separates the competent from the non-competent. This is a crucial feature of each exam. Pass rate should ideally be independent on the difficulty of exam content. Methods We compared the modified Angoff method (MAM) with the borderline regression method (BRM) of standard setting in 185 candidates examined by 137 examiners in the oral part of the European Diploma in Intensive Care exam, June 2018. We then compared the effect of removal of the hardest questions on the performance of the two techniques. The exam comprised 299 items in total across 6 OSCE stations. OSCE stations were of two types; short computer based OSCE stations (3 x 12 minutes), and longer structured discussion stations based on a clinical case (3 x 25 minutes). Our focus was the effect of item difficulty on the performance of the two standard setting techniques in determining the pass mark. Results MAM and BRM both led to similar pass rates overall for the shorter computer based 12 min OSCE stations. In the longer structured discussion 25 min stations MAM set a pass mark much higher than BRM, failing more of the candidates whose performance during the examination was judged by examiners on their global assessment as above the standard required to pass. Further analysis showed the exam items most affecting this were the more difficult items with lower discrimination; Angoff judges over-estimated the borderline candidates ability for these items. Elimination of these items led to convergence of pass marks achieved by the two methods. Conclusion Pass mark setting by Modified Angoff Method, but not by Borderline Regression Method, is influenced by the difficulty of exam content. This has practical implication for evaluating the results of OSCE exams.
A European Field Assessment of the efficacy of fluralaner (Bravecto®) chewable and spot-on formulations for treatment of client-owned dogs with generalized demodicosis
Authors: Petersen Ivo , Chiummo Rafael , Zschiesche Eva , Karas-Tecza Joanna , Rapti Dhimiter , Roepke Rainer , thomas emmanuel
Published: December 2019

Background: Generalized canine demodicosis is unlikely to resolve without therapy and has been traditionally difficult to cure, however there are recent reports of isoxazoline compounds providing safe and effective treatment. This field study compared the efficacy of either oral or topically administered of fluralaner, an isoxazoline, with multiple topical treatments (as often as weekly) with imidacloprid-moxidectin for the treatment of naturally infested dogs with generalized demodicosis. Methods: This study in 5 European countries included 134 dogs randomized for treatment with either fluralaner chewable tablets, fluralaner spot-on, or topical imidacloprid-moxidectin. Both fluralaner formulations were administered once at the approved dose on day 0, while imidacloprid-moxidectin was administered at the approved dose once every 4 weeks or more frequently if necessary. Dogs were monitored for mites, using deep skin scrapings, and clinical signs prior to treatment on day 0, and then on approximately 28, 56 and 84 days after initial treatment. Treatment was considered efficacious if more than 90% of the dogs were free of live mites at days 56 and 84.Results: Treatment with topical or oral fluralaner was 98.0% effective while imidacloprid-moxidectin treatment was 87.5% effective. All groups showed a marked reduction in skin lesions by day 28, with continuing improvement at each subsequent visit through the final assessment on day 84. There were no treatment-related adverse events.Conclusion: Fluralaner chewable tablets and fluralaner spot-on are highly effective for treating dogs affected with generalized canine demodicosis following a single administration. Topical imidacloprid-moxidectin at weekly to monthly intervals did not achieve the mite-free levels required for adequate efficacy over the 12 weeks study period.
Ethylene glycol and glycolic acid production from xylonic acid by Enterobacter cloacae
Authors: Zhang Zhongxi , Yang Yang , Wang Yike , Gu Jinjie , Lu Xiyang , Liao Xianyan , Shi Jiping , Kim Chulho , Lye Gary , Baganz Frank , Hao Jian
Published: December 2019

Background Biological routes of ethylene glycol production have been developed in recent years by constructing of the synthesis pathways in microorganisms. However, no microorganisms have been reported to produce ethylene glycol naturally.Results Xylonic acid utilizing microorganisms were screened from natural environments, and an Enterobacter cloacae strain was isolated. The major metabolites of this strain were ethylene glycol and glycolic acid. However, the metabolites were switched to 2,3-butanediol, acetoin or acetic acid when this strain was cultured with other carbon sources. The metabolic pathway of ethylene glycol and glycolic acid synthesis from xylonic acid in this bacterium was identified. Xylonic acid was converted to 2-dehydro-3-deoxy-D-pentonate with the catalysis of D-xylonic acid dehydratase. 2-Dehydro-3-deoxy-D-pentonate was converted to form pyruvate and glycolaldehyde, and this reaction was catalyzed by an aldolase. D-xylonic acid dehydratase and 2-dehydro-3-deoxy-D-pentonate aldolase were encoded by yjhG and yjhH , respectively. The two genes are part of the same operon and are located adjacent on the chromosome. Besides yjhG and yjhH , this operon contains four other genes. However, individually inactivation of these four genes had no effect on either ethylene glycol or glycolic acid production; both formed from glycolaldehyde. YqhD exhibits ethylene glycol dehydrogenase activity in vitro . However, a low level of ethylene glycol was still synthesized by E. cloacae Δ yqhD . Parameters for ethylene glycol and glycolic acid production by the E. cloacae strain were optimized, and aerobic cultivation at neutral pH were found to be optimal. In fed batch culture, 34 g/L of ethylene glycol and 13 g/L of glycolic acid were produced in 46 hours, with a total conversion ratio of 0.99 mol/mol xylonic acid.Conclusions A novel route of xylose biorefinery via xylonic acid as an intermediate has been established.
Production and the characterization of avian crypt-villus enteroids and the effect of chemicals
Authors: Acharya Mohan , Arsi Komala , Donoghue Annie , Liyanage Rohana , Rath Narayan C
Published: December 2019

Background: Three-dimensional models of cell culture such as organoids and mini organs accord better advantage over regular cell culture because of their ability to simulate organ functions hence, used for disease modeling, metabolic research, and the development of therapeutics strategies. However, most advances in this area are limited to mammalian species with little progress in others such as poultry where it can be deployed to study problems of agricultural importance. In the course of enterocyte culture in chicken, we observed that intestinal mucosal villus-crypts self-repair and lead to the formation of enteroid-like structures which appeared to be useful as ex vivo models to study enteric physiology and diseases. Results: The villus-crypts harvested from chicken intestinal mucosa were cultured to generate enteroids, purified by filtration then re cultured with different chemicals and growth factors to assess their response based on their morphological dispositions. Histochemical analyses using marker antibodies and probes showed the enteroids consisting different cells such as epithelial, goblet, and enteroendocrine cells typical to villi and retain functional characteristics of intestinal mucosa. Conclusions: The villus enteroids can simulate villus functions with their absorptive cells functionally positioned and exposed to culture medium thus, can help understand the mechanisms of nutrient uptake and their regulation, interactions with alien organisms, and amenable to assays of the factors that may affect gut health.
MDR/XDR Acinetobacter baumannii hospital infection associated with high mortality: A retrospective study in the PICU
Authors: Shi Jingyi , Sun Ting , Cui Yun , Wang Chunxia , Wang Fei , Zhou Yiping , Miao Huijie , Shan Yijun , Zhang Yucai
Published: December 2019

Background Multiple drug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii presents challenges for clinical treatment and causes high mortality in children. We aimed to assess the risk factors for MDR/XDR Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR/XDR-AB) infection and for 28-day mortality in this patient population.Methods This retrospective study included 102 pediatric patients who developed MDR/XDR-AB infection in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Shanghai Children’s Hospital in China from January 2015 to December 2017. Clinical presentations and outcome of the patients were analyzed.Results Of the 102 patients (63 males and 39 females; mean age: 51.79 months), There were 63 (61.77%) male in the case group. The 28-day mortality rate was 29.41%. 18(17.64%) had bloodstream infections;4(3.92%) for which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures were positive; 14(13.73%) of them got positive cultures in aseptic fluid; 10 (9.8%) had central line-associated bloodstream infections; lower respiratory isolates (56/102) accounted for 54.9% of all patients. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that high serum level of BUN (RR, 1.216, 95%CI, 1.27-2.616; P = 0.001) and high serum level of Cr (RR, 1.823, 95%CI, 0.902-0.980), were associated with high risk of mortality in MDR/XDR-AB infected patients.Conclusion MDR/XDR-Ab infection is a serious concern in pediatric patients with high mortality (29.41%). Mortality rate is higher in blood stream infection and central nervous system infection. Acute kidney injury is associated with high risk of mortality. Early use of tigarecycline might be involved in improving MDR/XDR-AB bacteremia.
Classifying Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes using Deep Clustering Approach
Authors: Rohani Narjes , Eslahchi Changiz
Published: December 2019

Background: Cancer is a complex disease with a high rate of mortality. The characteristics of tumor masses are very heterogeneous; thus, the appropriate classiﬁcation of tumors is a critical point in the correct treatment. A high level of heterogeneity has also been observed in breast cancer. Therefore, detecting the molecular subtypes of this disease is a worthwhile issue for medicine that could be facilitated using bioinformatics. Method: Numerous methods have already classiﬁed breast cancer based on gene expression data; however, they are not reliable due to the dynamic nature of these data. In contrast, gene mutation data are relatively stable and may lead to better classiﬁcation. The aim of this study is to introduce a novel method for detecting the molecular subtypes of breast cancer. In this study, somatic mutation proﬁles of tumors are used; nonetheless, the somatic mutation proﬁles are very sparse. To address this issue, we made use of the network propagation method on gene interaction network and made the mutation proﬁles dense. Afterward, we used deep embedded clustering (DEC) method to classify breast tumors into four subtypes. In the next step, gene signatures of each subtype obtained by Fisher exact test and Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. Results: Clinical and molecular analyses are executed, besides enrichment of results in numerous databases have shown that the proposed method, using mutation proﬁles can eﬃciently detect the molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Finally, a supervised classiﬁer is proposed based on discovered subtypes to predict the molecular subtype of a new patient.
Bacterial profile and drug resistance patterns in neonates admitted with sepsis to a tertiary teaching hospital in Ethiopia
Authors: Gashaw Mulatu , Ali Solomon , Tesfaw Getnet , Eshetu Beza , Workneh Netsanet , Berhane Melkamu , Bårnes Guro K. , Froeschl Guenter , Wieser Andreas , Gudina Esayas Kebede
Published: December 2019

Background : Tackling neonatal infections and antibiotic resistance remains a challenge in low-income countries where neonatal mortality is high and antibiotic resistance is growing. The aim of this study was to identify bacterial etiologies and their drug resistance patterns in neonates admitted with diagnosis of sepsis to neonatal intensive care unit at Jimma Medical Center in Ethiopia. Methods : A prospective longitudinal study was conducted from April to October 2018. A total of 313 clinical specimens (211 blood and 102 cerebrospinal fluid) were processed for 238 neonates suspected to have sepsis. Blood culture was done using BD BACTEC FX40 automated system. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were done according to standard microbiological techniques. Results : Bacterial etiologies were isolated from 62.1% (131/211) and 3.9% (4/102) of blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures respectively. The predominant bacteria isolated from blood were Coagulase negative Staphylococcus 27.5% (36/131), followed by S. aureus 20.6% (27/131), Klebsiella species 14.5% (19/131), and Acinetobacter species 10.7% (14/131). Nearly 85% of the isolates were multidrug resistant, predominantly observed in Gram-negative bacteria. Among locally available antibiotics, only meropenem for Gram-negatives and vancomycin for Gram-positives were found to be largely effective. Conclusion : Bacterial pathogens identified in the study were highly resistant to available antibiotics. Thus, an effort to reduce neonatal mortality in the setting should focus on improving diagnostics for neonatal infection and containment of antimicrobial resistance.
Primitive Reflexes in Very Low Birth Weight Infants Later Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Nagai Yukiyo , Nomura Kayo , Uemura Osamu
Published: December 2019

Background: As early screening and diagnosis is very important in treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, we investigated the relationship between primitive reflexes and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: Of 88 very low birth weight infants born from April 2010 to March 2012, subjects comprised 38 examined for 18 primitive reflexes between age 38 and 45 wks corrected age and followed-up over 6 yrs. ASD was diagnosed using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM-5) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition (ADOS-2). We compared the number of abnormal primitive reflexes between two groups (11 children with and 19 without ASD) after excluding eight children with cerebral palsy in this case-control study. Results: The number of abnormal primitive reflexes differed significantly between groups, with hypoactive reflexes markedly higher in the ASD group (p=0.001). Conclusion: The result suggests primitive reflexes can be one of the key elements to identify ASD in low birth weight infants. Abnormal primitive reflexes of low birth weight infants with ASD in very early infancy may inform future research of the pathogenesis of ASD.
Level of physical activity and its correlates among health care workers in Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Adane Tigist Demssew , Gebregiorgis Birhan Gebresillassie , Nigussie Elda Mekonnen , Wubetu Abate Dargie
Published: December 2019

Background These days, engaging at sufficient regular physical activity strongly recommended for good health and physical functioning. Physical activity can increase the self-confidence of the health professionals and they would become fit for daily activities with patients. Knowing the level of physical activity can help health care professionals to plan for physical activity programs. This study aimed to measure the level of physical activity and associated factors among adult health professionals at Tirunesh Beijing general hospital.Objective The aim of this study was to assess the level of physical activity and associated factors among health care workers in Ethiopia, 2019.Methods Institution based cross-sectional study conducted level of physical activity and associated factors among health care workers in Ethiopia, 2019. Two hundred nighty seven adult health professionals were participated, which was a 97.4% response rate. The global physical activity questionnaire used to measure the level of physical activity. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses was done to affirm the variables characteristics. A predictor variable with a p-value of less than 0.2 exported to multivariate analysis. During multivariate analysis, statistical significance declared at a p-value of < 0.05.Results In general, the majority of the study participants, 89.2% (95% CI: 85.9-92.6) were achieved recommended levels of physical activity. Regarding the intensity of the physical activity, the overall mean time score was 518.4 mints per week or 2352.6 MET/week. For moderate-intensity physical activity, 83.5% of the study participants were physically active, (≥150 minutes/week). In the case of vigorous activity, about 32.7% of the study participants were physically active and engaged in vigorous physical activity (≥75 minutes /week). The study participants, who had self-motivation for physical activity, had a BMI of less than 25 kg/m2 and aged < 40 years were physically active.Conclusions Health care providers’ habit of physical activity improved as compared with the previous studies. However, the current level of physical activity of health professionals is not adequate. Health care providers’ age, body mass index and self-motivation attribute to physical activity. The level of physical activity can increase by enhancing staff motivation towards physical activity.
Vitamin D3 controls TLR4- and TLR2-mediated inflammatory responses of endometrial cells
Authors: Ghanavatinejad Alireza , Rashidi Nesa , Mirahmadian Mahroo , Rezania Simin , Mosalaei Mahdokht , Ghasemi Jamileh , Zarnani Amir-Hassan
Published: December 2019

Background: There is a significant association between intrauterine infection-associated inflammatory responses and such pregnancy complications as abortion and preterm labor. Here, we aimed to investigate anti-inflammatory effects of 1,25 (OH)2 D3 on pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion and expression of TLR2, TLR4 and MyD88 in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and whole endometrial cells (WECs). Method: WECs were treated with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and ESCs were treated with LPS. IL-6, IL8 and TNF-α were quantified using ELISA technique. TLR2, TLR4 and MyD88 expression were assessed by RT-qPCR. TLR4 expression at the protein level was studied by Western blot technique. Results: 1,25 (OH)2 D3 significantly reduced TNF-α production in LPS-activated ESCs and TNF-α and IL-6 production by LTA-stimulated WECs. In contrast, 1,25 (OH)2 D3 pre-treatment increased production of IL-8 by LPS- and LTA-stimulated endometrial cells. 1,25 (OH)2 D3 pre-treatment markedly reduced LPS-induced TLR-4 protein expression by ESCs. LPS treatment of ESCs significantly induced MyD88 gene expression. This effect was reversed when these cells were pre-treated with 1,25 (OH)2 D3 before stimulation with LPS. Conclusion: 1,25 (OH)2 D3 is an immunomodulatory molecule essential for maintenance of endometrial immune homeostasis through controlling potentially harmful inflammatory responses associated with female reproductive tract infections. Key words: Vitamin D3, Endometrium, Inflammation, Toll like receptors, Pro-inflammatory cytokines
Do polystyrene microplastics affect juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) and modulate effects of the pesticide methiocarb?
Authors: Schmieg Hannah , Huppertsberg Sven , Knepper Thomas P. , Krais Stefanie , Reitter Katharina , Rezbach Felicitas , Ruhl Aki S. , Köhler Heinz R. , Triebskorn Rita
Published: December 2019

Background During the last decade, there has been rising interest of the scientific community and the public in the environmental risk related to the abundance of microplastics in aquatic environments. Besides potential effects of the particles themselves, also their interaction with organic micropollutants is of particular concern. Up to now, however, scientific knowledge in this context is scarce and insufficient for a reliable risk assessment. This is especially true for data on microplastics in freshwater ecosystems.Results Against the background of this shortage, we investigated possible adverse effects of polystyrene particles (10 4 particles/L) and the pesticide methiocarb (1 mg/L) both alone as well as in combination in juvenile brown trout ( Salmo trutta f. fario ) after a 96 h laboratory exposure. PS beads (density 1.05 g/mL) were cryogenically milled and fractionated resulting in irregular shaped particles (<50 µm). Besides body weight of the animals, biomarkers for proteotoxicity (stress protein family Hsp70), oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidation) and neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase, carboxylesterases) were analysed. As an indicator of overall health histopathological effects were studied in liver and gills of exposed fish. Polystyrene particles alone did not influence any of the investigated biomarkers. In contrast, the exposure to methiocarb led to a significant reduction of the activity of acetylcholinesterase and the two carboxylesterases. Moreover, the tissue integrity of liver and gills was impaired by the pesticide. Body weight, the oxidative stress and the stress protein levels were not influenced by methiocarb. Effects caused by the mixture of polystyrene microplastics and methiocarb were the same as those caused by methiocarb alone.Conclusions Overall, methiocarb led to strong effects in juvenile brown trout. In contrast, polystyrene microplastics in the tested concentration did not negatively affect the health of juvenile brown trout and did not modulate the toxicity of methiocarb in this fish species.
Macronutrients, immunoglobulin A and total antioxidant capacity of human milk during prolonged lactation
Authors: ongprasert krongporn , Ruangsuriya Jetsada , Malasao Rungnapa , Sapbamrer Ratana , Suppansan Pikul , Ayood Pisittawoot , Kittisakmontri Kulnipa , Siviroj Penprapa
Published: December 2019

Background: A longer duration of breastfeeding of up to two years is encouraged by many health authorities, but there is limited information regarding the composition of the milk after one year postpartum. The aim of the study was to determine the longitudinal changes in human milk macronutrients, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) during prolonged lactation. Methods: One hundred eighty-four breastfeeding mothers with full-term healthy children who had been lactating from 1 to 24 months were recruited from January 2019 to April 2019. Human milk was biochemically analyzed for protein and carbohydrate content by colorimetric assays. The fat content was determined by capillary centrifugation, and the energy content was calculated from the results of centrifugation. IgA levels and TAC were determined by ELISA and a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay, respectively.Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the association of milk composition with the month of lactation. Results: The concentrations of protein, fat, energy and IgA were positively correlated with the duration of lactation ( r = 0.15, p < 0.05; r = 0.23, p < 0.05; r = 0.23, p < 0.05 and r = 0.29, p < 0.05, respectively). No significant correlations of the carbohydrate concentrations or TAC with the duration of lactation was observed ( r = 0.10, p > 0.05 and r = -0.07, P > 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: We demonstrated that protein, fat, IgA and energy contents increasedduring prolonged lactation lasting up to twoyears postpartum, while carbohydrateconcentrationand TACwerenot related to lactation duration. Based on the results, lactating mothers should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding for at least two years postpartum.
Genome-wide identification of MAPKKK genes and their responses to phytoplasma infection in Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.)
Authors: Author) ZhiGuo Liu(Former Corresponding , Wang Lixin , Xue Chaoling , Chu Yuetong , Gao Weilin , Zhao Yitong , Zhao Jin , Author) Mengjun Liu(New Corresponding
Published: December 2019

Background Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play vital roles in signal transduction in response to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses. In a previous study we identified ten ZjMAPKs and five ZjMAPKKs in the Chinese jujube genome. We found some members of ZjMAPKs and ZjMAPKKs may play key roles in the plant’s response to phytoplasma infection. But how these ZjMAPKKs are modulated by ZjMAPKKKs during the response process remains uncertain. Little information is available regarding MAPKKKs in Chinese jujube. Results A total of 56 ZjMAPKKKs were identified in the jujube genome. All contain the key S-TKc (serine/threonine protein kinase) domain which is distributed among all 12 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analyses show these ZjMAPKKKs can be classified into two subfamilies. Of these, 41 belong to the Raf subfamily and 15 to the MEKK subfamily. In addition, the ZjMAPKKKs in each subfamily share the same conserved motifs and gene structures. Only one pair of ZjMAPKKKs (15/16, on Chromosome 5) was found to be tandem duplicated. Using qPCR, the expression profiles of these MAPKKKs were investigated in response to infection with phytoplasma. In the three main infected tissues (witches’ broom leaves, phyllody leaves, apparently normal leaves), ZjMAPKKK26 and 45 were significantly up-regulated and ZjMAPKKK3, 43 and 50 were significantly down-regulated. While the ZjMAPKKK4, 10, 25 and 44 were significantly and highly induced in sterile cultivated tissues infected by phytoplasma, while ZjMAPKKK6, 7, 17, 18, 30, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41, 43, 46, 52 and 46 53 were significantly down-regulated. Conclusions For the first time, we present an identification and classification analysis of ZjMAPKKKs. Some ZjMAPKKKs genes possibly play key roles in response to phytoplasma infection. This study provides an initial understanding for the mechanisms through which ZjMAPKKKs are involved in the response of Chinese jujube to phytoplasma infection.
Building a system of internal control of microfinance organizations in the field of AML / CFT
Authors: Botasheva L. H. , Tukhbatulina M. A. , Kunitsyna I. I.
Published: December 2019

The paper says the main characteristics of a microfinance market in the Russian Federation, reflects the main regulatory and legal framework for regulating the core activities of microfinance organizations and activities to counter money laundering and terrorist financing. Theworkshowsthe importance of internal control for AML / CFT. The purpose of the article is the development of a few activities that should be carried out by the internal control service in microfinance organizations for AML / CFT purposes.
Cost assessment of the bus fleet technical maintenance
Authors: Turgeneva V. V. , Sekerin V. D.
Published: December 2019

To assess the effectiveness of bus fleet technical maintenance, service cost evaluation should be organized. This cost analysis is essential for effective management at automobile operating company. The article describes the bus transport position in Moscow transport economy. The importance of technical maintenance in a bus transport system is defined. Special attention is given to the cost structure investigation.
Testing the fruitfulness of the institutional environment for the development of innovative-entrepreneurial universities in Ukraine
Authors: Stavytskyy Andriy , Dluhopolskyi Oleksandr , Kharlamova Ganna , Karpuk Anatolii , Osetskyi Valeriy
Published: December 2019

Strengthening the integration of higher education, research, and innovation is a crucial requirement of time. The entrepreneurial university today is considered and analyzed as a promising model for their combination. The educational and scientific systems of many countries are faced with the task of converging all vertices of the “knowledge triangle.” The problem of Ukrainian educational and scientific system is a necessity to implement the concept of formation of the innovation and entrepreneurial model of a modern university, which will enable the effective implementation of administrative reforms in this field. The article aims to analyze the impact of innovative environmental factors on the development of entrepreneurial universities in Ukraine, based on correlation and panel regression analysis. The method of quantitative analysis (panel regression) is used to formulate the key results of the article. The results show that the growth of government expenditures by 1% leads to an increase in the Global Innovation Index by 0.375 in 4 years. Also, every additional 1% of people working with new technologies increases the level of Global Innovation Index by 0.75 annually. Despite European trends, Ukrainian educational environment does not contribute to the development of innovation and entrepreneurial universities (the education expenditures are ineffective). The research provides a vector for understanding the implementation of the most effective strategies of promising innovation and investment development of education and science in Ukrainian universities, considering their existing potential and contemporary world trends of development.
REALISMO JURÍDICO E POSITIVISMO JURÍDICO: UMA CONEXÃO NECESSÁRIA
Authors: Moreira Mônica Emília
Published: December 2019

Através desta pesquisa bibliográfica busca-se, discutir se o Realismo Jurídico possui elementos que o conectam ao Positivismo Jurídico. Iniciamos apresentando os principais aspectos do Realismo Jurídico juntamente com seus teóricos, demonstrando sua forte característica antiformalista. Em um segundo momento, evidenciamos alguns pontos do Positivismo Jurídico alicerçados em alguns de seus teóricos. Ao final apresentamos os pontos de conexão entre as duas correntes de pensamento, esclarecendo assim sua aproximação.
A VULNERABILIDADE DO FIEL-CONSUMIDOR DIANTE DO PRINCÍPIO DA LIBERDADE RELIGIOSA
Authors: Pedrosa Morais Márcio Eduardo Senra Nogueira , Lopes Rayssa Rodrigues
Published: December 2019

O estudo analisa a polêmica da indústria cultural religiosa e os possíveis meios de assegurar o direito do fiel-consumidor quando da existência de algum abuso da autoridade religiosa tida como fornecedora de bens e serviços, contrariando o princípio da liberdade religiosa. Conclui ser o Código de Defesa do Consumidor (1990) a principal fonte legislativa por intermédio da qual o fiel-consumidor poderá recorrer para solucionar conflitos relacionados à falha na prestação de serviços religiosos prometidos, consistindo a oferta onerosa uma ofensa à liberdade religiosa. A pesquisa teórico-bibliográfica, utiliza o procedimento metodológico hipotético-dedutivo para se delimitar o problema teórico e no procedimento técnico, análises interpretativas, comparativas, históricas e temáticas, possibilitando discussão pautada sob o ponto de vista da crítica científica.
Representatividade das Mulheres na Hierarquia de Empresas: Estudo de caso com base no Women's Empowerment Principles
Authors: Meinhard Vera Regina , De Faria José Henrique
Published: December 2019

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar como as práticas preconizadas pelos Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs), inseridas no discurso do desenvolvimento sustentável, promovem a representatividade das mulheres no mundo corporativo. Uma vez que os WEPs utilizam como atratividade o slogan “Igualdade significa, de fato, negócios”, analisa-se como uma empresa do setor metalúrgico com mais de 5.000 trabalhadores faz conviver as práticas capitalistas que contribuíram para aprofundar a divisão sexual do trabalho com o objetivo de igualdade de gênero promovido pela agenda da ONU em prol do desenvolvimento sustentável. A realização de um estudo de caso a partir da análise de conteúdo de entrevistas e documentos visa produzir um conhecimento da realidade por meio das relações e das práticas enunciadas para construir uma compreensão sobre a situação da política de empoderamento das mulheres adotada pela empresa pesquisada. Este estudo permite colocar em evidência que, quando o foco é o eixo econômico do tripé do desenvolvimento sustentável, a consequência pode ser a perpetuação da desigualdade nas relações de gênero.
About the Ontology of Quantum Chemistry
Authors: Martínez González Juan Camilo
Published: December 2019

Quantum chemistry is the branch of chemistry whose primary focus is the application of quantum mechanics to chemical systems at the molecular level. Precisely due to its peculiar position between chemistry and physics, in the last times it has begun to engage the interest of the philosophers of chemistry. Nevertheless, in this philosophical field, quantum chemistry has been studied mainly from a historical viewpoint or from a perspective interested on methodological issues. By contrast, the question that will guide this article is: what kind of ontic items are those studied by quantum chemistry? In order to develop the argumentation, first the relevance of the ontological questions will be addressed. Then, it will be considered in what measure the Born-Oppenheimer approximation and the quantum-chemistry concept of electron fit in the quantum theoretical context. Finally, some issues about what quantum chemistry refers to will be discussed.
La existencia y el cielo. Observaciones acerca de la relación entre existencia y obediencia a partir del pensamiento de S. Kierkegaard
Authors: Garrido-Maturano Ángel Enrique
Published: December 2019

Resumen

 

El artículo analiza desde una perspectiva fenomenológico-hermenéutica tres aspectos de la concepción kierkegaardiana de la existencia: la existencia como libertad y devenir, como relación a un télos absoluto y como aceptación del propio ser. El análisis persigue dos objetivos.  Primero, mostrar cómo la existencia, que es elección  de sí y, por ello, acción finita, se consuma, paradójicamente, como pasión de lo infinito y obediencia a lo absoluto. Segundo, explicitar las dos dimensiones fundamentales de la obediencia: la inmanente como asentimiento al pathos que mueve nuestra existencia; y la trascendente como asunción de nuestra dependencia de un absoluto incierto e inalcanzable.
Los dilemas políticos de las transformaciones de México: una aproximación filosófica
Authors: Armella Virginia Aspe
Published: December 2019

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar los argumentos filosóficos que sustentan las cuatro transformaciones políticas de México. Dicho análisis, dará cuenta de las dificultades que ha habido en México para consolidar los principios de libertad e igualdad. En lo que sigue, rastreo el origen de la izquierda mexicana en siglo XIX, desde autores como Ignacio Ramírez, hasta los temas que aparecen en dos Cartillas morales contrastantes, a saber, la de Alfonso Reyes y la de Fourier, traída a México por Plotino Rhodakanaty. Posteriormente, propongo un posible vínculo entre el anarquismo y la filosofía política y moral que sustenta el ideario de Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Destacaré las tensiones existentes en el ideario de la cuarta transformación, especialmente, las que existen entre la centralización gubernamental y el debilitamiento de algunas instituciones, esta última, una premisa heredada del ideario anarquista.
ÇOCUKLARIN BOŞANMAYA VE EBEVEYNLERİNE İLİŞKİN ALGILARI
Authors: KOÇAK Orhan , DEMİREL Raziye , KIRLIOĞLU Mehmet
Published: December 2019

Bu
araştırmanın amacı boşanmış veya boşanma sürecinde olan ailelerin çocuklarının
boşanma eylemine ve anne-babalarına ilişkin algılarını mecazlar (metaforlar)
yardımıyla ortaya çıkarmak ve analiz etmektir. Boşanmış veya boşanma sürecinde
olan 10 çift ve bu çiftlerin 16 çocuğu ile yapılan görüşmeler 10.10.2017-29.11.2017
tarihleri arasında Bakırköy adliyesi görüşme odasında araştırmacılar tarafından
yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışmada "Boşanma/ayrılma kelimesini
duyunca aklına ilk  gelen şey nedir?
Annen ile babanın ayrılacağını nasıl/kimden öğrendin? Annen ile babanın
boşanmalarını mı yoksa beraber olmalarını mı isterdin? Sebebini öğrenebilir
miyim? Anneni, babanı, boşanma eylemini tanımlamak istesen hangi mecazları
kullanırsın? Anneni; bir nesne, bir şekil, bir varlık, bir
hayvan, bir bitki, bir şehir, bir masal ya da film kahramanına benzetmek
istesen neye benzetirdin? Neden? Babanı; bir nesne, bir şekil, bir varlık, bir
hayvan, bir bitki, bir şehir, bir masal ya da film kahramanına benzetmek
istesen neye benzetirdin? Neden? Boşanmayı ya da ayrılığı; bir nesne, bir
şekil, bir varlık, bir hayvan, bir bitki, bir şehir, bir masal ya da film kahramanına
benzetmek istesen neye benzetirdin? Neden?" gibi sorular sorulmuştur.
Görüşmeler sonunda elde edilen veriler bilgisayar ortamına kaydedilmiş ve
araştırmanın amacına yönelik temalara ayrılmıştır. Temaların uygunluğu
konusunda uzman görüşüne başvurulmuştur. Toplamda 3 ana tema ve 10 alt tema
oluşturulmuştur. Bunlardan “korku”, “koruyucu”, “iyilik” ve “nefret” alt
temaları anne ve babanın tanımlanmasına ilişkin; “dağılma”, “seçim” ve
“kurtulma” alt temaları boşanma eylemine ilişkin; ve “beraber”, “ayrı” ve
“kararsız” alt temaları anne-babalarının boşanmalarını mı yoksa beraber
olmalarını mı isteyip istemediklerine ilişkindir. Çalışmamızla benzer şekilde yapılan araştırmalar, çocukların
tartışmaların olduğu, sorunlu bir aileyi anne ve babalarının boşanmasına tercih
ettiğini ortaya koymaktadır.