bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Lateral Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Cross-Sectional Area of Multifidus in Adults with and without Scoliosis
Authors: Rahmani Nahid
Published: December 2019

Background: Scoliosis is common in students with a prevalence of 1-2% in teenagers and more than 50% in adults ≥ 60 years. The aim was to compare the abdominal and multifidus muscles size in adults with and without scoliosis. Methods: Forty men with and without scoliosis were recruited. The Visual Analogue Scale and the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire were used to evaluate the pain intensity and functional disability in the patients’ group, respectively. Subjects were asked to lie down in a supine position with their knees bent to measure abdominal muscles using sonography. The linear transducer was placed vertically on the anterolateral abdominal wall to record images of the abdominal muscles (Transversus abdominis, internal oblique, external oblique). To assess the lumbar multifidus muscle size, the curvilinear head was used horizontally on the multifidus muscle at the L5-S1 level in a prone lying position. Results: No significant difference was found between the two groups for demographic variables. A significant difference was found between the healthy subjects and patients with scoliosis for right and left abdominal and multifidus muscles size (p<0.05). No significant difference was reported between the two sides of the convexity and concavity on muscles size in patients with scoliosis (p>0.05). Conclusions: According to the results, patients with scoliosis had smaller abdominal and lumbar multifidus muscles size, but no significant differences were found between the muscle size of the concave and convex sides in the scoliosis group. Future work is needed to support the findings of the current study.
Clinicopathological difference of gastric cancer between lesser and greater curvature
Authors: Li Guocai , Zhao Qing-Chuan , Zhang Hong-Wei , Yang Peng , Pang Fang-Ning , Xu Long-Long , Wu Xin-An
Published: December 2019

Background: Gastric cancer(GC) is heterogeneous disease, recent years has established a molecular classification and described distribution of molecular subtypes in stomach. However, the clinicopathological difference of gastric cancer between lesser and greater curvature is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the clinicopathological difference of gastric cancer between lesser and greater curvature. Methods: Between January 2010 and August 2014, 1249 consecutive patients with GC located at lesser or greater curvature were treated in our surgery department, the data of demographic, pathological type, differentiation, tumor size, TNM stage, tumor markers, operative methods, complications and follow-up data were analyzed by univariant analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis retrospectively. Results: We found the tumor size in lesser curvature was larger than in greater curvature (4.95±2.57 vs. 4.43±2.62cm, P=0.034); The patients with gastric cancer in lesser curvature had a higher incidence of total gastrectomy, but a lower incidence of distal gastrectomy than it in greater curvature (60.2% vs. 43.2%, and 34.8% vs. 49.2%, P=0.002); The 5-year survival rate of gastric cancer between the curvatures was not statically significant (62.6±0.02% vs.66.1±0.06%, P=0.496); The rate of EGFR expression in lesser curvature was 40.55%, which was significantly higher than that in greater curvature (25.92%，P=0.024), and the 5-year survival rate in patients with EGFR positive was 50.8±0.06%, which was significantly lower than that in patients with EGFR negative (64.8±0.03%，P=0.021). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the clinicopathological difference of gastric cancer is significant between lesser and greater curvature. Emphasizing the difference contribute to improve outcome of treatment.
Please pay attention to the competency of Chinese primary clinical medical workers in electrocardiogrophic interpretation skills
Authors: Gao Yu-lei , Li Yan-hua , Li Jie , Wang Chun-xue , Liu Yan-cun , Li Chen , Yao Ying , Shou Song-tao , Chai Yan-fen
Published: December 2019

Background: Improving the capacity of health care, disease diagnosis and treatment of primary medical workers was the key to hierarchical diagnosis and treatment services. Electrocardiogram (ECG) played an important role in the diagnosis of cardiac diseases and should be regarded as the most basic tool for primary clinical medical workers in China. Objectives: To investigate the competency of Chinese medical workers in electrocardiographic interpretation skills, especially in the primary care hospitals, to explore the insufficiency of electrocardiographic interpretation skills and the improvement methods. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted via the internet from March to October 2019. The questionnaire consists of 6 parts: basic information, equipping with an electrocardiograph, operating electrocardiograph, receiving electrocardiographic theory, testing of electrocardiographic interpretation, and improving electrocardiographic interpretation skills. Results: The effective quantity of this questionnaire was 2307, with an effective rate of 96.57%. The overall reliability was α=0.895. There were no significant differences among primary, private and class-Ⅲ hospitals in the aspects of equipping with an electrocardiograph (χ2=3.794, 3.104, P＞0.05), operating the electrocardiograph (χ2=1.857, P＞0.05) and receiving electrocardiographic theoretical study (χ2=6.701, P＞0.05). Medical workers in private and class-Ⅲ hospitals had a stronger interpretation competency of ECG, including common or life-threatening ECGs (P＜0.01). The development of talent echelon in primary hospitals affected the electrocardiographic interpretation skills of medical workers (P＜0.01). In primary hospitals, the age was mainly ≥ 40 years (79.0%), the education background was mainly bachelor and below degree (80.9%), the professional qualification was mainly physician assistant (58.6%) and primary physician (31.4%). The interpretation competency of ECG of medical workers in private or class-Ⅲ hospitals was higher than that in primary hospitals (P＜0.05 or 0.01). Conclusions: In China, the examination of electrocardiograph had been popularized. Due to the unreasonable development of talent echelon in primary hospitals, the electrocardiographic interpretation skills of primary medical workers were worrying. We should improve electrocardiographic teaching methods with the help of the internet, to enhance the electrocardiographic interpretation skills of primary medical workers.
From clinical guidelines to clinical care – does employee involvement make a difference to implementation?
Authors: Kleve Liv , Skarstein Line Setre , Elgen Irene
Published: December 2019

Background: Implementation of new knowledge into routine care is a complex endeavour that requires innumerable variables. Involving employees in the change process, good planning and communication as well as a commitment to training has been highlighted as important factors for successful implementation. Acknowledging change as a process may also be helpful. The aim of this paper was to describe the initial phase of the implementation process in changing practices within a child and adolescent mental health service.Method: Prior to the five-year project, an external service evaluation was carried out. The employees expressed a need for a clear direction from management to guide their clinical practice. A vision and strategy for the service was developed. Employees participated in the process of developing clinical standards during the first phase of implementation. Results: Fixsen’s four stage model and the PSDA circle were used to guide the implementation process. The employees developed a template for clinical standard based on national and international clinical guidelines. During the period, 17 clinical standards were established and 10 new evidence based methods were implemented. All service leads (13) and a group of senior clinicians (32) were invited to participate in an evaluation five years after the initial service evaluation. There was overall agreement that the mental health service was developing positively ensuring high quality services for children and adolescents. In addition, both groups agreed that the introduction of clinical standards was important in ensuring quality care.Conclusion: Involving employees in the implementation process seemed to be an important factor in successfully changing a mental health service.
Methodology quality and grading recommendations in cancer screening guidelines: a systematic review
Authors: Li Jiang , Ni Li , Pengtao Yao , Yajing Tong , Min Yang , Yaolong Chen , Xiaoshuang Feng , Zhangyan Lv , Xiaoqin Wang , Kehu Yang , Min Dai , Wanqing Chen
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Cancer prevention and screening guidelines are ideally suited to the task of providing high-quality and effective screening in clinical practice. We systematically reviewed cancer screening guidelines for recommended cancer prevention and screening interventions, in order to provide recommendations for development and implementation of high-quality guidelines. Methods: We included cancer screening and prevention recommendations mainly on lung, breast, gastric, liver, colorectal, and prostate from Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Data, SinoMed, and then searched in other organizations’ website and database such as the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the American Cancer Society, the American College of Physicians, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, European Society for Medical Oncology, and the National Guidelines Clearinghouse until June 30, 2018. An abstraction form to code information according to AGREE II was made and four researchers completed separately. The primary outcome was each recommendation’s quality; the second outcome was benefit-harm “comparability” rating, based on how benefits and harms were presented. Results: There are no high-quality guides in the 19 guides because each domain 3 didn’t reach 60 points, and only 2 guides scored above 50 points. 10 recommendations 9 guidelines were included, year from 2010 to 2018. The majority of guidelines (67%) were supported by a systematic review and that most guidelines had explicit criteria for rating the quality and strength of evidence (64% and 73%, respectively). 7 guidelines clearly mentioned benefits and harms, and 2 only mentioned relevant content. Four of the 55 recommendation statements we reviewed presented the benefits of the intervention in terms of a relative risk reduction (larger number) while presenting the harms in terms of an absolute risk reduction (smaller number). Conclusions：Our findings led us to consider potential contributors to the lack of clarity in guidelines. We recommend the use of “summary of findings” tables, an approach proposed in a series of papers from the GRADE guidelines group, as the best method of summarizing and presenting outcome information.
The prognostic value of IDO expression in solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Sen , Wu Jia , Wang Junjun
Published: December 2019

Background: Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolism of tryptophan into kynurenine. It is considered to be an immunosuppressive molecule that plays an important role in the development of tumors. However, the relationship between IDO and solid tumor prognosis remains unclear. Herein, we retrieved relevant published literature and analyzed the relationship between IDO expression and prognosis in solid tumors.Methods: Studies related to IDO expression and tumor prognosis were retrieved using PMC, EMbase and web of science database. Overall survival (OS) and other data in each study were extracted. Hazard ratio (HR) was used for analysis and calculation, while heterogeneity and publication bias between studies were also analyzed.Results: A total of 29 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, high expression of IDO was significantly associated with poor OS (HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.55–2.53) and TTP (HR 2.25 95% CI 1.58–3.22). Subgroup analysis suggested that the associations between IDO expression and poor OS were significant in the prospective studies without obvious heterogeneity.Conclusions: The high expression of IDO was significantly associated with the poor prognosis of solid tumors, suggesting that it can be used as a biomarker for tumor prognosis and as a potential target for tumor therapy.
Untreated dental caries prevalence and impact on the quality of life among11 to14-year-old Egyptian schoolchildren: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Elheeny Ahmad , Khattab Nagwa , Eid Samar
Published: December 2019

Background: This study aimed to assess caries prevalence and experience among 11-14 years schoolchildren, analyze demographic, socioeconomic, personal and professional dental care in relation to untreated carious lesions, and evaluates the effect of decayed teeth on early adolescents’ oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods: A cross-sectional analytical investigation conducted on 1020 preparatory schoolchildren selected on the basis of a multistage sampling technique. Caries status for the participants detected via recording their caries experience and untreated cavities using DMFT and DT indices. OHRQoL was determined using a validated Arabic CPQ11-14 short-form questionnaire. Statistical methods for descriptive analysis chi-square test, Independent-Samples T-Test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. Multilevel Poisson regression analysis through a hierarchical approach was used to detect the influence of independent variables on DT scores. To declare the association between independent variables and QoL, a step-by-step, multivariate regression analysis was conducted. Results: The average scores of DMFT and DT in this study were 2.97±1.29 and 1.66±1.24. Poisson regression analysis demonstrates that school children with untreated carious lesions are 2.51 times have poor OHRQoL than their peers without caries. Untreated cavities affected mainly by mother education, school type, family income, and regular dental appointments. Children with DMFT ≤ 3) or DT =0 recorded a statistically significant lower CPQ11-14 average scores (p ˂ 0.01) and (p ˂ 0.0001) respectively. Conclusions: Untreated carious cavities and caries experience were associated with lower socioeconomic, maternal education and tooth brushing, untreated carious cavities have a significant negative impact on schoolchildren’s QoL.
Alteration of S-nitrosothiols mediates seed shattering in rice
Authors: Mun Bong-Gyu , Shahid Muhammad , Lee Sang-Uk , Kim Hyun-Ho , Lee Gang-Seob , Hussain Adil , Yun Byung-Wook
Published: December 2019

Background
Seed shattering in rice (Oryza sativa) is considered as one of the major factors responsible for domestication of rice. The shattering trait of rice results in severe reduction in yield related parameters such as number of tillers and number of spikelets. A few genes have been characterized for their involvement in the regulation of seed shattering in rice, however, the importance of seed shattering from yield perspectives necessitates the exploration of novel genes responsible for seed shattering in field crops like rice.
Results
We identified the RICE HIGH SHATTERING 1 (RHS1) from a greenhouse screen involving 130 rice lines. High seed shattering phenomena was observed in rhs1 plants. Moreover, absence of RHS1 resulted in sensitivity to nitrosative stress. In addition, rhs1 plants demonstrated differential expression levels of genes responsible for nitric oxide (NO) production (OsNIA1, OsNIA2, OsNOA1 and OsGSNOR) and seed shattering (SHAT1, qSH1, qSH4 and CPL1). Of those, the CPL1 expression was correlated with S-nitrosothiol (SNO) alteration in rhs1. Interestingly noe1, rice mutant with high SNO levels, exhibited low seed shattering, whereas rhs1 resulted in low SNO level with high seed shattering.
Conclusion
This study reports the involvement of a novel gene RHS1 in seed shattering. Most of the seed shattering related genes or QTLs reported so far in the literature positively regulate seed shattering as their knockout or loss of function mutants exhibit non-shattering phenotypes. Whereas, RHS1 negatively regulates shattering as the loss of function rhs1 plants exhibit high seed shattering and perturbed SNO contents. The molecular and mechanistic control of RHS1 mediated regulation of seed shattering and its interaction with nitric oxide needs to be investigated further.
Food supplements to reduce stunting in Pakistan: a process evaluation of community dynamics shaping uptake
Authors: Zaidi Shehla , Das Jai Kumar , Khan Gul Nawaz , Najmi Rabia , Shah Mashal Murad , Soofi Sajid Bashir
Published: December 2019

BackgroundThere is an increasing interest in use of food supplements to prevent stunting, however evidence from trials remains inconclusive meriting qualitative examination of barriers and synergies for supplement use by targeted groups. We contribute evidence on factors influencing community uptake of food supplements to feed into the design of future food supplementation programs for countering stunting.MethodsA process evaluation was undertaken of a stunting prevention food supplementation pilot in rural Pakistan that distributed wheat soy blend (WSB) to pregnant & lactating women, and lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) and micronutrient powder (MNP) to <5 years children. We investigated community uptake applying five parameters: value, acceptability, receipt of supplement, usage by target group, correct dosage used. Mixed methods were used: survey of 800 households, 18 FGDs with male and female caregivers, 4 FGDs with community health workers (CHWs), 22 key informant interviews with district stakeholders.ResultsSurvey findings showed that proportionately few beneficiaries consumed the full dose of supplements –, despite reasonable knowledge levels amongst caregivers. Sharing of supplements with other household member was common, and full monthly stock was not received by several beneficiaries. Qualitative findings revealed caregivers did not associate food supplements with stunting reduction. WSB was well accepted as an extra ration, LNS was popular due its chocolaty taste and texture, whereas MNP sprinkles were perceived to be of little value and also mistrusted. Cultural food practices led to common sharing, whereas interaction with CHWs was minimal for nutrition counselling. Qualitative findings also indicated CHW related programmatic constraints of low motivation, multi-tasking, inadequate counselling skills and weak supervision.ConclusionWe conclude that community acceptability of food supplements does not translate into optimal consumption. Instead a greater emphasis is needed on demand creation amongst caregivers and moving from sole reliance on CHWs to a broadening of food delivery and behavioural change options.
Daily use of alcohol among persons in the Norwegian general population: Prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Bonsaksen Tore , Heir Trond , Skogstad Laila , Grimholt Tine Kristin , Ekeberg Øivind , Lerdal Anners , Schou-Bredal Inger
Published: December 2019

Background Harmful use of alcohol is a major public health problem. While harm is often researched in the context of heavy drinking episodes, high-frequency drinking, even when drinking moderate quantities, constitutes a health risk in a longer perspective. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of daily use of alcohol in the Norwegian general population, and to assess sociodemographic, mental health-related and personal resource variables associated with daily use of alcohol.Methods A cross-sectional survey concerned with health, illness and serious life events was distributed to 5,500 persons in the general population in Norway (response rate 36%). Sociodemographic variables, personal resource variables (general self-efficacy, optimism, and extraversion) and psychological distress (current anxiety and/or depression) were assessed with regards to their associations with daily drinking in unadjusted and adjusted regression models.ResultsDaily use of alcohol was reported by 39 persons (2.2%) in the sample (3.1% of men and 1.4% of women). While general self-efficacy, optimism and extraversion were unrelated to daily drinking, the adjusted model revealed that male gender (OR: 2.18, p < 0.05), being unemployed/not in education (OR: 3.10, p < 0.05) and reporting current anxiety and/or depression (OR: 3.12, p < 0.01) were associated with daily use of alcohol.Conclusions A proportion of 2.2% reported to drink alcohol on a daily basis, and compared to their counterparts, the odds of daily drinking were higher for men, unemployed persons and persons reporting current psychological distress. Public health initiatives aiming at reducing harmful use of alcohol may pay particular attention to these subsets of the population.
Effect of preoperative biliary drainage in patients with moderately severe obstructive jaundice on the outcomes of pancreatoduodenectomy: A meta-analysis study
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Meng Shanshan , Hu Yaowei , Duan Kehang , Wei Feng
Published: December 2019

Background The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the impact of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) on the perioperative outcomes of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in patients with total bilirubin >100 umol/L.Methods In this meta-analysis, studies that compared the perioperative outcomes of PBD and non-PBD patients with total bilirubin >100 umol/L, and were published in EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane library, Web of Science, VIP database, Wanfang data, Chinese biomedical literature and CNKI database from inception up to October 2019 were included. The odds ratios (OR) or mean differences were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results Nine trials with 744 patients, which compared PBD (267 patients) with non-PBD (477 patients), were included. There was no significant difference in perioperative mortality between these two groups (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.19 to 1.39; P =0.19). Postoperative hospital stay (mean difference: -2.35, 95% CI: -3.70 to -1.00; P =0.0007), operating time (mean difference: -33.03, 95% CI: -44.14 to 21.93; P <0.00001), estimated blood loss (mean difference: -141.18, 95% CI: -213.25 to -69.11; P =0.0001) and overall morbidity (OR: 0.68, CI: 0.48 to 0.95; P =0.02) were significantly lower in the PBD group than in the non-PBD group.Conclusion Patients who received PBD had similar perioperative mortality, but had decreased postoperative hospital stay, operating time, estimated blood loss and overall morbidity, when compared to patients without PBD. Therefore, PBD should be routinely performed for patients planned for PD with a total bilirubin of >100 umol/L.
Associations between physician supply levels and amenable mortality rates: A descriptive and panel data analysis of Taiwan over nearly four decades
Authors: Chen Brian , Jindal Dakshu , Yang Y. Tony , Hair Nicole , Yang Chun-Yuh
Published: December 2019

Background. Access to health care is an important determinant of health, but despite years of research, it remains unclear whether having more physicians reduces mortality. In this study, we investigate whether a greater supply of physicians in given administrative areas is associated with lowers rates of amenable mortality, defined as deaths that can be delayed with appropriate and timely medical treatment or public health measures.Methods. We use Taiwan’s population-level National Death Certification Registry data spanning nearly four decades to study the trend in age-standardized amenable mortality rates by area physician supply quartiles. We also conducted multivariate panel data regression analyses of the association between age-standardized amenable mortality rates and physician supply, controlling for mean household income, education attainment, urbanization levels, decade fixed effects, and the implementation of universal health care.Results. The trend analyses (adjusted for age and sex only) show that Taiwanese townships in the top quartile of physician supply consistently had the lowest age-standardized amenable mortality rates. However, in the panel data regression analyses, after controlling for at least mean household income, the negative association between physician supply and overall amenable mortality loses statistical significance, although it remains statistically significant for ischemic heart disease.Conclusions. These findings suggest that physician supply, while important, is but one input that contributes to population health and is likely confounded with other socioeconomic factors correlated with better health. Physician supply levels are not randomly distributed, and doctors likely choose to practice in higher income areas and areas with demonstrated medical need. More research is needed, but policy makers should consider broader social policies, not just healthcare resources, as means to promote population health once a critical mass of physicians is achieved.
Micro- and nano-size hydrogarnet clusters in calcium silicate garnet: Part II. Mineralogical, petrological, and geochemical aspects
Authors: Geiger Charles A. , Rossman George R.
Published: December 2019

The nominally anhydrous, calcium-silicate garnets, grossular (Ca3Al2Si3O12), andradite (Ca3Fe23+Si3O12), schorlomite (Ca3Ti24+[Si,Fe23+]O12), and their solid solutions can incorporate structural OH-, often termed “water.” The IR single-crystal spectra of several calcium silicate garnets were recorded between 3000 and 4000 cm–1. Spectroscopic results are also taken from the literature. All spectra show various OH- stretching modes between 3500 and 3700 cm–1 and they are analyzed. Following the conclusions of Part I of this study, the garnets appear to contain local microscopic- and nano-size Ca3Al2H12O12- and Ca3Fe23+H12O12-like domains and/or clusters dispersed throughout an anhydrous “matrix.” The substitution mechanism is the hydrogarnet one, where (H4O4)4– ↔ (SiO4)4–, and various local configurations containing different numbers of (H4O4)4– groups define the cluster type. A single (H4O4) group is roughly 3 Å across and most (H4O4)-clusters are between this and 15 Å in size. This model can explain the IR spectra and also other experimental results. Various hypothetical “defect” and cation substitutional mechanisms are not needed to account for OH- incorporation and behavior in garnet. New understanding at the atomic level into published dehydration and H-species diffusion results, as well as H2O-concentration and IR absorption-coefficient determinations, is now possible for the first time. End-member synthetic and natural grossular crystals can show similar OH- “band patterns,” as can different natural garnets, indicating that chemical equilibrium could have operated during their crystallization. Under this assumption, the hydrogarnet-cluster types and their concentrations can potentially be used to decipher petrologic (i.e., P-T-X) conditions under which a garnet crystal, and the rock in which it occurs, formed. Schorlomites from phonolites contain no or very minor amounts of H2O (0.0 to 0.02 wt%), whereas Ti-bearing andradites from chlorite schists can contain more H2O (∼0.3 wt%). Different hydrogarnet clusters and concentrations can occur in metamorphic grossulars from Asbestos, Quebec, Canada. IR absorption coefficients for H2O held in hydrogrossularand hydroandradite-like clusters should be different in magnitude and this work lays out how they can be best determined. Hydrogen diffusion behavior in garnet crystals at high temperatures is primarily governed by the thermal stability of the different local hydrogarnet clusters at 1 atm.
Development of a Preschool Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge Scale regarding Mathematics
Authors: DAĞLI Hatice , DAĞLIOĞLU Hacer Elif , ATALMIŞ Erkan Hasan
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to
develop a measurement tool in order to assess preschool teachers’ pedagogical
content knowledge regarding mathematics. The study was based on 300 preschool
teachers working in formal independent kindergartens and nursery classes of
primary/secondary schools in the Kahramanmaraş Province of Turkey. Among the
participants, 150 were chosen for pre-application and 150 for the main
application. The scale consists of five different case studies and a total of 35
items, including dialogues that focus on mathematical content and processes reflected
in children’s talk during their play. In calculating the reliability of the
scale, Cronbach Alpha was found to be .95 for the pre-application and .96 for
the main application. For the validity of the scale, exploratory and
confirmatory factor analyses were performed. The exploratory factor analysis
results revealed the scale to be a single-factor structure. When the factor
loads of each relevant item were examined, no item was found to exist with a
factor load value of less than .30. After confirmatory factor analysis was
performed, the model fit indices of CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and SRMR values were found
to be .91, .91, .06 and .06, respectively. These results show the model to be
reliable to an acceptable level. Based on the findings, it could be concluded
that the scale is an instrument that produces valid and reliable measures, and
that it can be used in order to determine the preschool teachers’ pedagogical content
knowledge regarding mathematics.
Associations between pigments, antioxidant activity and coloring of blackberry fruits (Rubus sp.) and jellies through storage
Authors: Souza Angela Vacaro de , Putti Fernando Ferrari , Vieira Marcos Ribeiro da Silva , Vieites Rogério Lopes
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate the relations between the amount of anthocyanins, carotenoids and the antioxidant activity measured by the FRAP and TEAC methods. Furthermore, pigments and the coloration of blackberry harvested fruits were measured at 3 different collection points then fruits stored in refrigerated environment and the jelly made from them, preserved in hermetically sealed glasses, without contact with light and temperature of 25ºC. In order to investigate the relations between the study variables (content of anthocyanins and carotenoids, antioxidant activity and coloration using digital colorimeter), Pearson’s correlation analysis was adopted, which indicates the existence of a positive or negative relation between two variables. The α = 5% (correlation coefficient) was used to verify the significance of the correlation. The Mahalanobis (D2) generalized distance for the clustering analysis by the mean linkage method between group of blackberry fruits and jellies was applied. Furthermore, the cophenetic correlation coefficient and multivariate analysis using major components were applied to verify the grouping of different responses of harvesting points of fresh blackberry fruit in natura and jellies. The results showed that there was correlation between the content of anthocyanins and carotenoids in fruits (0.99*) and between the same parameters in jellies. However, this behavior was not clearly observed between the pigments and the antioxidant activity. There was a positive correlation between the factors involved in the coloring of chroma fruits ‘L’, ‘a’, ‘b’ and ºHue in fruits and jellies. Blackberry jellies presented as good sources of anthocyanins and carotenoids.
Physiological quality of soybean seeds in fixed-bed dryer with air radial distribution
Authors: SILVÉRIO Séfora , ANTUNES Arlindo Modesto , FERREIRA Rafael Batista , CUNHA Daniel Antônio da , DEVILLA Ivano Alessandro , CONCEIÇÃO Rosilane Carvalho da
Published: December 2019

In recent years few countries have grown as much in international agribusiness trade as in Brazil, where soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is one of the economic activities that have contributed most. However, in order to increase or maintain the efficiency of the oilseed, it is necessary to increase the knowledge in the post-harvest techniques that are applied to the seeds to maintain their quality. This study aimed at evaluation of the physiological quality and the drying uniformity of soybean seeds in a commercial fixed-bed dryer of the brand Granfinale and industrial ventilator of the brand AeroMack with the radial distribution of air. Samples were collected at 4 vertical heights: 0.20, 1.40, 2.60 and 3.80 meters at the dryer base combined with 4 radial distances of 0.15, 0.30, 0.45 and 0.60 meters and central duct, through a 4x4 random factorial scheme. The following analyzes were performed on seeds: Water Content (WC), Germination Standard Test (GST), First count of Germination Standard Test (FCT), Accelerated Aging (AA), Electric Conductivity (EC) and Germination Velocity Index (GVI). The analysis of variance and regression analysis were performed, when applicable. We found a super drying in the lower layer and retardation in the upper layer of stationary drying. The seeds located at vertical heights of 0.20 and 1.40 m obtained the highest mean values of Germination Standard Test and Accelerated Aging. On the other hand, seeds located at vertical heights of 0.20 m, regardless of radial distances, showed less vigor according to Electric Conductivity test in relation to the other treatments. The variables First count of Germination Standard Test (FCT) and Germination Velocity Index (GVI) were not significantly influence by the evaluated treatments and their interaction.
“AVRUPA BİRLİĞİ ANAYASASI” VE DÜŞÜNDÜRDÜKLERİ: SİYASÎ ENTEGRASYON TEMELLİ BİR KAVRAMLAŞTIRMA DENEMESİ
Authors: KONTACI Ersoy
Published: December 2019

Anayasalar, hukukî işlevlerine ek olarak çeşitli siyasî işlevleri de bulunan temel belgelerdir. Bu bağlamda, anayasaların siyasî işlevlerinin en başta geleni; siyasî entegrasyon işlevidir. Bu çerçevede anayasaların siyasî entegrasyon işlevi; toplumda var olan tüm görüş farklılıklarını ve çıkar çatışmalarını aşan, toplumsal yaşamın devamı için gereken asgarî uyum ortamını yaratan ve bu yolla da belli bir siyasa altında yaşayan insanların kolektif kimliğini oluşturan ve onları bir arada tutan hukuk ötesi bir işlev olarak tanımlanabilir. Modern anayasalar, ortaya çıkış yüzyılları itibariyle ulus-devletler çağının ürünleri oldukları için, bugüne kadar söz konusu işlevi hep ulusal düzeyde gerçekleştirmişlerdir. Bu gelişmenin en büyük istisnası ise, ulusüstü bir anayasacılık denemesi olan “Avrupa Birliği Anayasası” girişimidir. Bu çalışmada, öncelikle söz konusu girişimin ortaya çıkışı, somutlaşması ve başarısızlığa uğraması süreçlerine yakından bakılmakta; sonrasında ise anılan girişimin altında yatan dinamiklerin, anayasaların siyasî entegrasyon işlevi temelinde açıklanabileceği ileri sürülmektedir. Çalışma, ulusaltı, ulusal ve ulusüstü düzeylerde ortaya çıkan yeni krizlerin de etkisiyle, önümüzdeki yıllarda, anayasaların her düzeydeki siyasî entegrasyonun gücünün ve işlevinin yeniden ve sıklıkla tartışılacağı öngörüsüyle noktalanmaktadır.
On the impact of seasonal solar activity on the progression of retinopathy of prematurity: preliminary research results
Authors: Epikhin A. N. , Epikhina U. N. , Ushnikova O. A. , Ushnikov A. N.
Published: December 2019

Purpose. To study the effect of bright sunlight on immature retina of a premature baby at different periods of solar activity.

Material and methods. The study involved two groups of premature babies: 32 babies (64 eyes) in 2016 and 50 babies (100 eyes) in 2017. Both groups were tested using a retinal camera (RetCam Shuttle, USA) on the 3rd or 4th week after birth. In cases of threshold stages of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) binocular ophthalmoscopy were performed. In such cases, laser coagulation of the retina was performed using "ALOD 01" (ALCOM Medica, Russia).

Results. The greatest number of ROP with the greatest number of surgical interventions and adverse outcomes that required vitreoretinal surgery were revealed in the second seasonal period (May — August), which experienced the highest solar activity. In 2016, the amount of ROP cases diagnosed in this period amounted to 59 %, which is comparable with the corresponding amount revealed in 2017 (61.1 %).

Conclusions. Stronger solar activity and its longer periods increase the risk of ROP; consequently, to prevent this pathology, the eyes of the newborn should be protected from the negative effects of daylight and artificial light, including that emitted by diagnostic equipment.
Traditional, unfairly forgotten, rarely used and promising drug delivery methods in ophthalmology: a clinical interpretation (Part 2)
Authors: Kuroyedov A. V. , Brzhesky V. V. , Nagornova Z. M.
Published: December 2019

The first part of the review [ROJ 2019; 12 (2): 83–95] presented a detailed description and clinical interpretation of traditional methods of drug delivery in ophthalmology, and offered an analysis of their advantages and disadvantages. This paper is a second part of the review, which focuses on rarely used and largely forgotten methods, as well as targeted means of drug delivery to the different structures of the eye.
Modern optical methods of peripheral defocus correction
Authors: Milash S. V. , Epishina M. V. , Toloraya R. R.
Published: December 2019

Experimental animal studies proved that by manipulating with the defocus one can slow down or speed up the eye growth. The leading mechanism among modern optical strategies of myopia progression treatment is to induce myopic defocus to retinal periphery or decrease the hyperopic defocus. This review sums up the data on peripheral refraction in orthokeratological, multifocal contact, and multifocal spectacle correction. The effectiveness of these methods in myopia control in children and teenagers is shown.
Accounting treatment analysis of rahn tasjily financing
Authors: Suhadak Suhadak
Published: December 2019

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to describe the accounting treatment of rahn tasjily financing transactions carried out by BMT UGT Sidogiri Malang with PSAK 107 and the suitability of the transaction application with Fatwa DSN MUI DSN No.68/DSN-MUI/III/2008.

Method - This study used descriptive qualitative method.

Result - The research shows that the recognition and measurement of Ijarah transactions are in accordance with PSAK 107, but the presentation and disclosure are not appropriate. Recognition, measurement, and presentation of rahn tasjily financing transactions are in accordance with PAPSI, but the disclosure is not yet appropriate, and accordance with the application of Fatwa DSN MUI DSN No.68/DSN-MUI/III/2008.

Implication - This study has an impact on the compliance of the institution in carrying out rahn tasjily financing of PSAK and Fatwa DSN MUI DSN No.68/DSN-MUI/III/2008.

Originality - The focus of this study is the application of the determination and accounting treatment of Ijarah costs in rahn gold according to PSAK 107 and Fatwa DSN MUI DSN No.68/DSN-MUI/III/2008.
Erythrocyte miRNA 144 and miRNA 451 as Cell Aging Biomarkers in African American Adults
Authors: Jafri Ibrahim , Alsharif Ghadi , Bland Gail Nun-lee , Gambhir Kanwal K.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are novel critical regulators of cell proliferation and human disease, including diabetes mellitus and cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of circulating erythrocytes (E) miRNA-144 and miRNA-451 expression in African Americans Adults (AAA) as a biomarker of cell aging.

Methods:

The blood samples were collected from healthy controls [n=9] following an 8-12 hours fast. Erythrocytes were purified twice by Boyum gradient. Erythrocytes were further sub-fractionated into young (y) (1.07-1.09 g/ml), mid (m) (1.09- 1.11 g/ml), and old (o) (1.11-1.12 g/ml) age cells by using discontinuous Percoll gradient (35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 65%, 80%, and 100%) and total RNA extracted. MiRNA-144 and miRNA-451 were quantified in y, m, and o age E sub-fractions by qRT-PCR.

Results:

MiRNA-451 expression was 82210.8271, 130922.476, and 149554.364 in y, m, and o cells, respectively. MiRNA-144 expression in y cells was 18.6641092, m cells was 32.4413621, and o cells was 57.8118394 These results showed that o cells expressed both miRNA-144 and miRNA-451 more than that of m, and y cells.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study showed that miRNAs expression differ in sub-fractionated erythrocytes. This study suggests that miRNA-144 and miRNA-451 have the potential to be used as biomarkers of RBC aging.
Arte vs. Ciência: no plano da investigação e na experiência artística
Authors: Portugal Pedro
Published: December 2019

Porque é que a Ciência nunca conseguirá ser Arte e como a Arte é uma muleta da Ciência para explicar quimeras. Sobre a menoridade do artístico e de toda a cultura face à investigação científica. Como é que pelo facto de a representação do mundo ter deixado de ser um exclusivo dos artistas no séc. XIX, universidades e museus passaram a recrutar técnicos e teóricos com formação científica para a academia e instituições museológicas? E como é que a produção artística de artistas-investigadores, tem um índice residual de valoração nas universidades?
Abstinência de Purpurina: A prática e a investigação
Authors: Faísco Cátia , Preussler Roberta
Published: December 2019

Abstinência de Purpurina é um espetáculo teatral desenvolvido pelo coletivo CASA com o propósito de conjugar a prática cénica com a investigação artística. Desde a sua génese, o projeto visou explorar em palco um pensamento teórico, bem como observar e desenvolver de que maneira é que o mesmo era integrado no corpo da atriz e na sua relação com o público. O espetáculo parte do conceito literário de autoficção (Doubrovsky), como forma de explorar três tipos de relação: atriz versus personagem; personagem versus espectador; espectador versus indivíduo. Através desta experiência teatral, a investigação teórica procurou revelar de que modo a atriz e o público se tornam (ou não) vulneráveis e reflexivos ao participar do evento. Numa perspetiva de multiplicação da fala dos seus interlocutores, Abstinência de Purpurina foi pensado e concretizado com base num processo de criação coletiva. Partindo do desenvolvimento do texto para a conceção do cenário, o coletivo CASA explorou a aplicabilidade da noção de hierarquias flutuantes. Procurando uma adequação à realidade do tecido teatral português, a investigação deslocou-se para o conceito de site specific, explorando espacialmente alternativas que conjugassem a visão estético-plástica do espetáculo.
A defense of artistic research
Authors: Alegria Pedro
Published: December 2019

In this article I will try to defend, first, that there is a sense in which research is not only possible but desirable in art. Second, that there is a minimal set of written/physical components that are the minimal conditions for something to be considered research for art (in Frayling’s sense). Third, that the epistemic value of the results is derived from the concept of exemplification as a retriever of value in a dense universe of artistic possibilities. And finally, that artistic research is a toolfor empowering the artist if it is done within a set of parameters that gives it some epistemic value.
5G: ВСЕ БЛИЖЕ МИНУТА БЛАЖЕНСТВА
Authors: Голышко А. , Шуб В.
Published: December 2019

Все прогрессивное человечество продолжает ожидать массового развертывания сетей 5G, которые должны перевернуть наши представления о мобильной связи, превратив ее в связь фактически вездесущую. Эта связь охватит всех людей и всех нелюдей, объединит под своим "зонтиком" все предыдущие поколения сотовой связи, включая доступ для Интернета вещей, задействует все радиочастоты, незадействованные ранее в диапазоне от 400 МГц до 80 ГГц и предоставит небывалую свободу различным креативщикам по части организации всевозможных новых услуг.
El liberalismo igualitario de John Rawls
Authors: Flores Imer B.
Published: December 2019

En el artículo se analiza el paradigma, tanto cognoscitivo como organizativo, de la Teoría de la Justicia de John Rawls, así como la trascendencia del pensamiento de este autor. Para tal efecto, el trabajo se divide en cinco apartados. El primero presenta el contexto de esta obra y la resonancia intelectual que ha tenido. El segundo expone la propuesta teórica de Rawls, examinando su inspiración kantiana, la crítica que hace del utilitarismo y la discusión propiamente dicha de la "justicia como imparcialidad". En esto último se incluyen aspectos como el de la sociedad bien ordenada, la concepción de la persona, la posición original y el velo de la ignorancia, los principios de la justicia, los bienes primarios, la prioridad de la libertad y, por último, el debate sobre la configuración del paradigma liberal "fundado en los derechos". El tercer apartado introduce algunas objeciones a Rawls que han sido formuladas por diversos autores desde la perspectiva del comunitarismo. El cuarto apartado examina las respuestas y concesiones de Rawls a sus críticos. Por último, el quinto apartado presenta algunas notas finales sobre el liberalismo igualitario y el porvenir de la polémica aquí reseñada.
Naming is framing: the effects of a technological name on the interpretation of a technology
Authors: Boersma Reginald , Poortvliet P. Marijn , Gremmen Bart
Published: December 2019

In this article, we follow up on food scientists' findings that people judge new food technologies and related products (un)favourably immediately after just hearing the name of the technology. From the reactions, it appears that people use their attitudes to technologies they know to evaluate new technologies. Using categorization theory, in this study we have found that, by triggering associations with a familiar technology, a name of the new technology can be enough to determine emerging attitudes. Comparison between the technology used for categorization and another familiar technology had a slight influence on the attitude formation process.
EL NUEVO PANORAMA EN LA SEGMENTACIÓN DE MERCADOS
Authors: Tamayo Yeisson Diego , Soto Orejuela Andrés Felipe , Almanza Junco Carlos Alberto
Published: December 2019

El proceso de investigación tiene como objetivo determinar cuál debería ser la segmentación de mercados más adecuada para un empresario colombiano teniendo en cuenta las características del contexto socioeconómico. Para lo cual se estudiaron las herramientas de caracterización de consumidores como lo son: La segmentación de mercados (Estratificación, Caracterización y Seguimientos de consumo), los estudios especializados (Neurociencia y Neuromarketing) y el análisis del comportamiento subcultural (Gentrificación y el Análisis histórico de variables contextuales), con el fin de desarrollar a partir de características similares un esquema tipo Diagrama de Venn, en el cual se evidencian los impactos más destacados de cada estudio, conformando así un grupo de interacciones específicas (SSG Segmentación Sociológica Geoespacial) con la cual se facilita la parametrización de consumidores y/o seguidores de la marca los llamados Lovemakers.