bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who needs lobbying? The usefulness of interest representation in the European Union from the European Commission's point of view
Authors: Luber Sławomir
Published: June 2021

The article addresses issues related to the use of cooperation with lobbying groups for the European Commission. The main subject of the paper is the representation of interests in the European Union arena and the Commission’s exercise of its treaty competences. The analysis focuses on the use of expert knowledge and legitimacy provided by lobbying groups in the context of their usefulness in the process of fulfilling the Commission’s legal obligations. The arguments are classified into four groups: legislative, executive and supervisory, organisational, and legitimacy. In each of the groups, the Commission’s Treaty obligations are analysed, as well as the use of particular goods provided by lobbying groups in the course of their implementation, which allows to determine of the scope of benefits resulting from such cooperation. The purpose of this article is to examine the usefulness of lobbying in fulfilling the Commission’s Treaty functions.
La inteligencia inhumana. La evolución de los derechos humanos
Authors: Pérez Brito Raquel Lucía
Published: June 2021

El debate sobre los avances científicos y sus efectos supera las fronteras na­cionales. El poder real se ha desplazado desde los Estados hacia las empresas privadas que controlan globalmente el desarrollo tecnológico, la big data y la sociedad del conocimiento, interfiriendo, así, en la vida de las personas. Por ello es necesario un desarrollo legislativo con vocación universal y con códigos éticos que tengan en cuenta que el desarrollo de la Inteligencia Inhumana está creado por y para la mejora de la humanidad.El “derecho a la vida” debe situarse en un nivel ontológico superior a cual­quier otro derecho universal para garantizar la supervivencia del ser humano y alcanzar una “Era plenamente humana” en contraposición a las corrientes transhumanistas encaminadas a una “Era posthumama”.
Alexander TSESIS, Free speech in the balance
Authors: Pérez de la Fuente Oscar
Published: June 2021

Este artículo reseña: Alexander TSESIS, Free speech in the balance, Cambridge University Press, New York 2020, 234 pp.
Impacto na qualidade de vida de pacientes submetidos a otoplastia em um hospital universitário
Authors: Conceição Monique Barros Brito da , Matos Anna Caroline Rodrigues de Souza , Mota Randal Pompeu Clara , Viana Júnior Antonio Brazil , Silva Viviane Carvalho da , Jorge Rodolfo Borsaro Bueno , Borsaro Aline Almeida Figueiredo
Published: June 2021

Objetivos: analisar o impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes com orelhas proeminentes submetidos a otoplastia. Metodologia: foram selecionados 27 pacientes maiores de 15 anos. No pré-operatório: aplicado Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) para satisfação de aparência física. Após 2 meses: EVA e Escala de Resultados de Glasgow (ERG) para avaliar qualidade de vida pós-cirúrgica. Foi definido um Delta EVA (diferença entre pós e pré-operatório), relacionando-o com a ERG. Resultados: a mediana da EVA pré-operatória foi 50 e a pós-operatória, 100. Na ERG, a mediana da pontuação total foi 52,78 (saúde geral=75; relações sociais=16,67; saúde física=zero). Na análise de Delta EVA com ERG, o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman foi: pontuação total=0,599 (p=0,001), saúde geral=0,571 (p=0,002) e relações sociais=0,445 (p=0,02), evidenciando correlação positiva significativa. Conclusão: a Otoplastia mostrou-se importante na melhora da qualidade de vida de pacientes com orelhas proeminentes, principalmente na saúde geral e relações sociais. Comparando e analisando os resultados, foi possível concluir que a melhora na satisfação com a aparência física é fator preditor direto de mudança na qualidade de vida.
Tributo ao Professor Vietla Satyaranayana Rao
Authors: Viana Glauce Socorro de Barros
Published: June 2021

A sua temporada no Brasil foi toda ela intimamente associada ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia da Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Programa que teve início em 1978 e já contou com a participação do Prof. Rao, quatro anos depois (1982). Assim, o Prof. Rao acompanhou a evolução do Programa e dividiu conosco todos os problemas comuns a empreitadas como essa, tão importantes e fundamentais para toda Universidade no Brasil, especialmente para as Universidades Nordestinas. Lembro-me de que, nesse período, eu estava na Coordenação do Programa de Pós-graduação em Farmacologia da UFC e, como tal, batalhei junto às instituições em Brasília pela efetivação, em nosso programa, do Prof. Rao, então, Professor Visitante, posição que ocupou de 1982 até 1998. Em 1998, prestou concurso, sendo aprovado como Professor Adjunto, cargo que exerceu até 2005. À época, orientou vários estudantes de pós-graduação (PG) do nosso programa, dentre esses, a Professora Flávia de Almeida Santos que concluiu o Doutorado em 1999. A Profa. Flávia prestou concurso para o Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia da UFC, em 2004, tendo sido para o Professor Rao, desde então, uma importante colaboradora científica. Tal colaboração continuou, até mesmo após o regresso, em 2013, do Prof. Rao para a Índia, sua terra Natal.
Financial Socialisation of Accounting Students in South Africa
Authors: Nomlala Bomi
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the study is aimed at determining the financial socialisation of accounting students at South African universities and the factors that influence financial socialisation. The research used statistical techniques such as the structural equation modelling methodology to identify financial socialisation influencers and regression analysis to analyse associations between financial socialisation and socio-demographic variables among 1582 students. The study's results indicate that financial socialisation agents such as relatives, friends, and social media have little impact on most students' financial decisions. The majority of accounting students are often found to be financially socialised by their immediate family members rather than peers or social media factors. The regression analysis results confirmed this observation, revealing a statistically significant association between the parents' level of education and the students' financial socialisation. This study recommends that financial socialisation can be greatly improved by raising parents' educational levels and instilling financial education in university students' curricula, especially in South Africa.
The Afghan marathon: why no one is in a rush at the Doha talks
Authors: Nessar M.
Published: June 2021

The article analyzes the Afghan peace process, including the roles of internal and external players. It examines the impact of the national reconciliation policy on the domestic political process in Afghanistan and on the military and political situation in the country. The national program aimed at settling the armed conflict is interpreted as a response to changes in the U.S. policy for Afghanistan, including preparations for the withdrawal of the U.S. troops. The author also pays attention to the geopolitical dimension of the problem and to possible scenarios for the evolution of the peace process.
Pengamatan makroskopik dan mikroskopik membran melalui pengukuran konduktansi dan kapasitansi listrik dalam larutan elektrolit
Authors: Dahlan Kiagus
Published: June 2021

Telah dilakukan pengukuran konduktansi dan kapasitansi membran bawang bombay dan membran salak pondoh. Membran bawang bombay diberi dua perlakukan berbeda, yaitu direndam dalam air murni selama 12 jam, dan tanpa direndam. Pengukuran dilakukan secara langsung tanpa menggunakan larutan elektrolit dan dengan menggunakan larutan elektrolit. Pengukuran konduktansi membran dalam larutan elektrolit dilakukan pada berbagai frekuensi dan suhu, serta dengan variasi konsentrasi dan valensi ion larutan. Larutan elektrolit yang digunakan adalah MgCl2 dan NaCl. Hasilnya memperlihatkan bahwa membran bawang bombay yang direndam selama 12 jam mengalami peningkatan kapasitansi listrik dan penyempitan pori yang ditandai oleh naiknya energi aktivasi ion. Perhitungan yang dilakukan menunjukkan bahwa rataan radius pori membran tanpa direndam dan yang direndam berturut-turut adalah sekitar 2 nm dan 0.13 nm. Pengukuran konduktansi membran salak pondoh menggunakan berbagai konsentrasi dan valensi ion memperlihatkan bahwa konduktansi membran dalam larutan elektrolit meningkat sesuai dengan peningkatan konsentrasi dan valensi ion larutan.
Perubahan kalor jenis campuran bahan mortar dengan penambahan pasir besi
Authors: Hartono Hartono , Sugito Sugito , Abdullatif Farzand
Published: June 2021

Potensi energi matahari yang berupa kalor dapat digunakan untuk berbagai kebutuhan, antara lain untuk pengeringan, proses destilasi air laut, atau sebagai pamanas water heater. Optimalisasi media penyerap kalor perlu dilakukan guna meningkatkan kemampuannya. Salah satu variabel yang berpengaruh pada kemampuan penyerapan kalor adalah nilai kalor jenis (c). Keberadaan unsur logam di dalam pasir perlu diteliti untuk mengetahui kemampuannya dalam meningkatkan penyerapan kalor. Kehadiran pasir besi pada campuran bahan pembuat mortar sebagai media penyerap kalor perlu diteliti. Penelitian ini dilakukan secara eksperimental dengan membuat 10 kelompok sampel mortar. Kelompok sampel dibedakan oleh komposisi campuran pasir sungai dan pasir besi yang digunakan sebagai bahan utama. Variasi campuran dibuat dengan perbandingan massa antara pasir sungai dengan pasir besi sebagai berikut: 100:0; 90:10; 80:20; 70:30; 60:40: 50:50; 40:60; 30:70; 20:80 dan 10:90. Sampel mortar yang diuji dibuat dengan ukuran (2 x 1 x 1) cm3. Pengujian dilakukan menggunakan kalorimeter bomb. Hasil pengujian diperoleh nilai kalor jenis terendah sebesar 1359,08 J/kgoC pada sampel dengan perbandingan campuran pasir sungai dan pasir besi 60:40. Sementara nilai kalor jenis tertinggi pada sampel tanpa pasir besi (100:0) dengan nilai 3555,76 J/kgoC. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian, penambahan pasir besi dapat menurunkan kalor jenis pada media mortar.
Inferred predation of Fairy Tern eggs by Ruddy Turnstones at Rottnest Island, Western Australia, an internationally significant shorebird site
Authors:   Environmental and Conservation Sciences, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia, Greenwell C.N. ,   Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia
Published: June 2021

Ruddy Turnstones Arenaria interpres have been identified as egg-predators at seabird and shorebird colonies, including gull and tern colonies in the tropics and Northern Hemisphere. The Australian Fairy Tern Sternula nereis nereis is a threatened (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999: Vulnerable) coastal seabird, whose breeding behaviour and ecology expose it to a wide range of threats. This study describes inferred predation on Fairy Tern eggs at a small breeding colony on Rottnest Island, Western Australia, by Ruddy Turnstones, a previously unsuspected predator for thisspecies. Unlike the behavioural response shown towards Silver Gulls Larus novaehollandiae and Australian Ravens Corvus coronoides, which includes collective group defence and dive-bombing, Fairy Terns showed a lack of aggression towards Turnstones within the colony. The lack of a behavioural response suggests that the Terns did not recognise the Turnstones as predators, which may increase the risk of egg-predation. This study suggests that we should be alert to threats from unsuspected predators, which have the potential to reduce the breeding success of this Vulnerable tern.
Topical Triamcinolone Acetonide-Loaded Liposomes Formulation Used as an Adjuvant to Intravitreal Ranibizumab Therapy for Neovascular Age Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Navarro-Partida Jose , Altamirano-Vallejo Juan Carlos , Aceves Franco Luis Abraham , Gonzalez-Cortes Jesús , Hernandez Da Mota Sergio , García-Aguirre Jose Gerardo , Azuara-Galindo Carlos David , Castro-Castaneda Carlos Rodrigo , Armendariz-Borunda Juan , Santos Arturo
Published: June 2021

Novel strategies have been developed to reduce or to avoid the intravitreal injections (IVTs) of the antiangiogenic (ranibizumab; RBZ) and the anti-inflammatory (triamcinolone acetonide; TA) agents used to treat vitreoretinal diseases. One of the strategies include liposomes. In this study, it was evaluated the safety and efficacy of topical triamcinolone-loaded liposomes formulation (TALF) as an adjuvant to intravitreal RBZ therapy in treatment-naive patients with neovascular age related macular degeneration (nAMD). Subjects were randomly assigned to the RBZ-TALF or the RBZ-pro re nata (RBZ-PRN) group. Patients from the RBZ-TALF group were instructed to apply TALF for a 12-month period after a single dose of RBZ. Patients from the RBZ-PRN group received three monthly RBZ-IVTs. Retreatment with RBZ was considered in case of nAMD reactivation. Related to safety, non-ocular abnormalities were observed during TALF therapy. Owing to the efficacy, non-significant differences are identified in visual acuity or central foveal thickness when the RBZ-PRN and RBZ-TALF groups are compared. Importantly the average number of RBZ injections was significantly lower in the RBZ-TALF group (2.5 ± 1.4 vs 6.1 ± 1.3 IVTs; p=0004). Therefore, TALF used as an adjuvant to RBZ reduce the number of RBZ-IVTs retreatment with optimal visual and anatomic results.
Enhanced Recovery After Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Morrell Aidan T. , Layon Daniel R. , Scott Michael J. , Kates Stephen L. , Golladay Gregory J. , Patel Nirav K.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) has become increasingly implemented to reduce costs, to increase efficiency, and to optimize patient outcomes after a surgical procedure. This study aimed to systematically review the effect of ERAS after primary elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on hospital length of stay, total procedure-related morbidity, and readmission.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and with guidance from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception (1946 for MEDLINE and 1974 for Embase; Cochrane is a composite of multiple databases and thus does not report a standard inception date) until January 15, 2020. Prospective nonrandomized cohort studies and randomized controlled trials comparing adult patients undergoing elective primary THA or TKA with ERAS or traditional protocols were included. Articles examining outpatient, nonelective, or revision surgical procedures were excluded. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and extracted data. The primary outcome was length of stay. The secondary outcomes included total procedure-related morbidity and readmission.

Results:

Of the 1,018 references identified (1,017 identified through an electronic search and 1 identified through a manual search), 9 individual studies met inclusion criteria. Data were reported from 7,789 participants, with 2,428 receiving ERAS and 5,361 receiving traditional care. Narrative synthesis was performed instead of meta-analysis, given the presence of moderate to high risk of bias, wide variation of ERAS interventions, and inconsistent methods for assessing and reporting outcomes among included studies. Adherence to ERAS protocols consistently reduced hospital length of stay. Few studies demonstrated reduced total procedure-related morbidity, and there was no significant effect on readmission rates.

Conclusions:

ERAS likely reduced the length of stay after primary elective THA and TKA, with a more pronounced effect in selected healthier patient populations. We found minimal to no impact on perioperative morbidity or readmission. The quality of existing evidence was limited because of study heterogeneity and a significant risk of bias. Further high-quality research is needed to definitively assess the impact of ERAS on total joint arthroplasty.

Level of Evidence:

TherapeuticLevel II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Successful Limb Salvage Using an Orthoplastic Approach of Type IIIB Open Injuries of the Shoulder
Authors: Velmurugesan Purnaganapathi Sundaram , Devendra Agraharam , Ramkumar Sanjai , Dheenadhayalan Jayaramaraju , Rajasabapathy Shanmuganathan , Rajasekaran Shanmuganathan
Published: June 2021

Case:

We report 3 adult men (aged 28, 34, and 71 years) with successfully salvaged mangled injuries around the shoulder with high threshold for amputation. Assessment by Mangled Extremity Severity Score, Ganga Hospital Open Injury Severity Score, and Orthopaedic Trauma Association—Open Fracture Classification open injury scores predicted amputation. However, extended salvage was performed by orthoplastic approach. Two of them had superior shoulder suspensory complex (SSSC) injury. The QuickDASH score was high in 2 patients with SSSC injury and a good score in the third patient who achieved good shoulder motion.

Conclusion:

“Orthoplastic approach” achieves successful limb salvage in severely mangled shoulder injuries. Volume of muscle crush injury and double disruption of SSSC injury were the main determinants of outcome.
Introducing the “Bleeding Team”: Urgent Reconstruction of an Open Fracture in a Patient Receiving Acenocoumarol
Authors: Bareka Metaxia , Ntalouka Maria P. , Kolonia Konstantina , Koutalos Antonios A. , Hantes Michael , Arnaoutoglou Eleni
Published: June 2021

Case:

An elderly, polytrauma patient receiving vitamin K antagonist (VKA) for atrial fibrillation required immediate surgery for open distal tibial fracture. As the initial reversal with vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma by the trauma team was ineffective, the “Bleeding Team” was convened and administrated the appropriate four-factor prothrombin complex regimen, reversing the VKA in a timely manner. Surgery was performed under peripheral nerve blockade subsequently. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful.

Conclusion:

The individualized approach and the multidisciplinary experts' team guidance is of outmost importance in patients who are treated with anticoagulants and present for nonelective surgery.
Kegiatan Literasi pada Ibu PKK Dusun Bendan Sawangan Magelang dalam Rangka Meningkatkan Penggunaan Obat secara Rasional
Authors: Hapsari Widarika Santi , Yuliastuti Fitriana , Syarifuddin Alfian , Nila Septianingrum Ni Made Ayu
Published: June 2021

Self-medication activities are part of the community's efforts to take care of their health. Gevaarlijk and antibiotics are types of drugs that can only be obtained by prescription from a doctor. Both types of these drugs should not be stored because their use must be under the supervision and has the potential to cause bacterial resistance related to the use of antibiotics. Based on Riskesdas 2013, there are still many people who store gevaarlijk and antibiotics for self-medication. This shows the irrational use of drugs. Community service activities aim to improve knowledge and skills in the use of rational medicine. The method used is the Community-Based Interactive Approach method in which participants play an active role in activities. This participation is important to practice the ability and skill in solving problems. Activities carried out through counseling about the use of rational drugs and antibiotics, then continued with training and assistance for the rational use of drugs and antibiotics. End result of this activity is expected that the community will be able to apply rational drug use and disseminate this information to the wider community.
Pelatihan Mindset Sociopreneur dan Aqad Syari’ah Bagi Tenant Fakultas Teknologi Industri Universitas Ahmad Dahlan
Authors: Farid Ma'ruf Farid Ma'ruf , Fahana Jefree , Fitriani Syifa , Nurul Khairi Amalya
Published: June 2021

PPK FTI activities is a manifestation of the application of one of the faculty visions, namely entrepreneurship, which is then also supported by ristekbrin through a community service funding scheme. One of the outputs of this activity was to produce 6 viable tenants and became the essential thing in this PPK FTI activity. Several stages were passed, starting from administrative selection until 20 tenants were obtained to participate in the training which would later be selected again into 6 tenants. Sociopreneur mindset training is important in this KDP activity because, in addition to the spirit of empowerment, doing business must also provide benefits to others. In addition, sharia aqad is also a training material because buying and selling aqad is the key to the start of the business process where to be taken. In essence, doing business is about the benefits of the world and savings in the afterlife. Some obstacles were experienced during online training, such as signals and voices, but these did not dampen the tenant's enthusiasm for participating in the training. Most of the tenants were able to receive well and were satisfied with the training material so that it could be practiced in their entrepreneurial activities.
Národopisné oddělení Národního muzea v letech 1938–1948
Authors: Woitschová Klára
Published: June 2021

This text discusses the history of the Ethnographic Department during the 1938–1948 period, i.e., chiefly during the Second World War and the Third Czechoslovak Republic. There was the significant shift in the ideological concept of the National Museum, as the institution progressed from the ideology of Czechoslovakism to defence of the Czech nation, and it was also necessary to deal with the pervading Nazi ideology and its specific manifestations (e.g., Germanization and Aryanization). On a practical level, the department primarily had to cope with a lack of space, as well as the gradual loss of and the fluctuations in staff. The fate of Drahomíra Stránská, who was a key figure in the museum’s ethnography, is also discussed. On a conceptual level, the department did not advance much and remained at the level of descriptive or comparative ethnography with an emphasis on other Slavic nations and the domestic environment.
Do Latinské Ameriky se nestěhujte. Rady československého „globetrottera“ Václava Kotála
Authors: Perutka Lukáš
Published: June 2021

This study presents the activities of the Czechoslovak traveller Václav Kotál (1894–1976) in Latin America. Although, he is an obscure figure today, he was at the height of media fame in the 1920s on account of his walking journey from Buenos Aires to Chicago. Kotal made use of this popularity to put his compatriots off moving across the ocean. The aim of this work is therefore to present this intriguing historical figure, but, above all, conduct a critical qualitative analysis to evaluate: what motivated him to discourage his compatriots; whether his information was trustworthy; and how he influenced Czechoslovak interwar migration. The principal sources are contemporary newspaper articles and the Kotál’s own publishing activities. These are supplemented by archival materials and academic literature.
The trends of uveal melanoma research in the past two decades and future perspectives.
Authors: Elubous Khaled Ali , Alebous Ali Daoud , Abous Hebah Ali , Elubous Rawan Ali
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE Evaluation of the research trends in uveal melanoma in the past two decades.METHODS Data were extracted from the Web of Science database website. VOSviewer and Citespace software were used to analyze the retrieved data. RESULTS The leading country in terms of output and international collaboration is the United States. Research interest in genetic mutations, molecular pathways, and immunotherapy was remarkable in recent years. Most of the top ten journals are specialized in ophthalmology. In recent years the hotspots include future perspectives, BAB1 mutation, therapeutic target, and systematic reviews. The keywords with the strongest citation bursts are immunotherapy, outcome, and in situ hybridization. CONCLUSION The output of uveal melanoma research increased during the past two decades. Future research foci may include exploring different mutations role, immunotherapy, molecular alterations, and finding ideal clinical biomarkers.
The Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) In Acute Traumatic Complete (AIS A) And Incomplete (AIS B-D) Cross-Sectional Lesions On Motor And Sensory Function Within Six Months After Injury: A Two-Arm Three-Stage Adaptive, Prospective, Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Leister Iris , Mittermayr Rainer , Mattiassich Georg , Aigner Ludwig , Haider Thomas , Machegger Lukas , Kindermann Harald , Grazer-Horacek Anja , Holfeld Johannes , Schaden Wolfgang
Published: June 2021

Background: The pathological mechanism in acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is dual sequential: the primary mechanical lesion and the secondary injury due to a cascade of biochemical and pathological changes initiated by the primary lesion. Therapeutic approaches have focused on modulating the mechanisms of secondary injury. Despite extensive efforts in the treatment of SCI, there is yet no causal, curative treatment approach available.Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been successfully implemented in clinical use. Biological responses to therapeutic shock waves include altered metabolic activity of various cell types due to direct and indirect mechanotransduction leading to improved migration, proliferation, chemotaxis, modulation of the inflammatory response, angiogenesis and neovascularization thus inducing rather a regeneration than repair.Objective: The aim of this clinical study is to investigate the effect of ESWT in humans within the first 48 hours after an acute traumatic SCI, with the objective to intervene in the secondary injury phase in order to reduce the extent of neuronal loss.Study design: Two-arm three-stage adaptive, prospective, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Methods: The study has been initiated in July 2020 and a total of 82 patients with acute traumatic SCI will be recruited for the first stage in 15 participating hospitals as part of a two-armed three-stage adaptive trial design. The focused ESWT (energy flux density: 0.1 - 0.19 mJ/mm2, Frequency: 2-5 Hz) is applied once at the level of the lesion, five segments above / below and on the plantar surface of both feet within the first 48 hours after trauma.The degree of improvement between the follow-up examinations over six months in motor and sensory function is the primary endpoint of the study. Secondary endpoints include routine blood chemistry parameters, the degree of spasticity, the ability to walk, urological function, quality of life, and the independence in everyday life.Hypothesis: The application of ESWT activates the nervous tissue regeneration involving a multitude of various biochemical and cellular events and leads to a decreased neuronal loss. ESWT might contribute to an improvement in the treatment of acute traumatic SCI in future clinical use.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04474106
Differential Impacts of Ridesharing on Alcohol-related Crashes by Socioeconomic Municipalities: Rate of Technology Adoption Matters
Authors: Blazquez Carola , Laurent José Guillermo Cedeño , Nazif-Munoz José Ignacio
Published: June 2021

Background: With the introduction of ridesharing through cell phone applications, the shape of transport systems has changed dramatically. An emergent group of studies have examined the extent under which ridesharing may decrease alcohol-related crashes in countries such as United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Chile. Virtually all existent studies have assumed that ridesharing is equally distributed across socioeconomic groups, potentially masking differences across them. In this study, we exploit differences across different socioeconomic groups of municipalities in a highly segregated city such as Santiago, Chile to test whether, in the first year of Uber, this transport service was associated with changes in rates of fatal and injury alcohol-related crashes within municipalities. We used this period because Uber could only be paid with credit card. In Chile, this device is limited almost exclusively to high socioeconomic individuals.Methods: We apply spatial and rate ratio statistical analyses. Results: In both analyses, we find that the first year of Uber in Santiago is associated with significant rate ratio decreases (RR = 0.71 [95% Confidence Interval (C.I.) 0.56, 0.89]) in high socioeconomic municipalities in all alcohol-related crashes and null (RR = 1.10 [95% C.I. 0.97, 1.23]) increases in low socioeconomic municipalities. No concomitant associations were observed in fatal alcohol-related crashes regardless of the socioeconomic municipality group.Conclusions: One interpretation for the decline in alcohol-related crashes in high socioeconomic municipalities is that Uber may be a substitute form of transport for those individuals who have access to credit cards, and thus, could afford to pay for this service at the time they have consumed alcohol. Slight increases of alcohol-related crashes in low socioeconomic municipalities suggest that this association may be a function of alcohol consumption, in tandem with limited access to public transport alternatives within these territories.
Less Intensive 1 (LI1) Trial: A Randomized Phase II/III Clinical Trial in Approximately 1000 Elderly Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) Deemed Not Suitable for Intensive Chemotherapy
Authors: Thomas Ian , Dennis Mike , Upton Laura , Ariti Cono , Russell Nigel , Hills Robert , Copland Mhairi , Burnett Alan
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAcute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease where outcome is substantially influenced by age. Over the last 30-40 years, significant improvements have been made in survival for younger patients (those under 60). However, with the median age of the disease at diagnosis at 65 years, outcome in older patients has improved much less. Additionally, many elderly patients are not considered suitable for intensive chemotherapy and the current standard treatment is considered unsatisfactory. MethodsLI1 will evaluate several relevant therapeutic questions in AML patients over 60 years of age for whom intensive chemotherapy is not considered suitable. Patients are invited to enter a randomized comparison of standard therapy (LD Ara-C) versus a novel treatment. A number of different treatment options are available at any one time, but there is no comparison between novel agents. If, at initial review, a novel agent is deemed unlikely to demonstrate the required improvement, it may be removed from the protocol and replaced with another novel agent, via protocol amendment. Agents are initially entered into a phase II comparison against standard of care - where an agent is considered promising at interim review (based on remission rates), the randomisation may be extended to a fully powered phase III comparison based on survival. Agents which may prolong survival or improve remission rates will also be required to demonstrate equivalence or better of quality of life in patients – therefore, quality of life assessments are undertaken throughout, in each arm. DiscussionEven when less intensive treatment options are delivered, the outcomes are not satisfactory. The NCRI AML working group has a strong network, required for delivery of this trial program. The UK network is augmented by international collaborative groups, most notably from New Zealand and Denmark. The use of the Pick-a-Winner design improves efficiency and speed of review of the available novel agents with the aim of benefitting the increasing number of patients in this age group.Trial registration: ISCRTN40571019, EUDRACT2011-000479-19 (12th May 2011)
Elevated liver enzymes of newly-diagnosed pediatric celiac patients- a prospective-observational study
Authors: Regev Asaf , Ben-Tov Amir , Feler Anat Yerushalmy - , Weintraub Yael , Lev Hadar Moran , Cohen Shlomi , Amir Achiya
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesCeliac disease clinical presentation is constantly changing. We set to determine the prevalence of elevated transaminases in newly diagnosed celiac patients, and to evaluate this sub-group of patients for associated clinical and laboratory findings and assess their natural course of disease following therapeutic diet initiation.MethodsWe conducted a prospective-observational study of all newly-diagnosed pediatric celiac patients, between August 2016 – April 2018, in a pediatric gastroenterology clinic. Clinical data, anthropometrics and blood test results were recorded at diagnosis and at three, six and twelve months of follow-up. We compared patients with normal and elevated transaminases at diagnosis. ALT threshold was set at 24 U/l.ResultsOf 125 newly-diagnosed celiac patients, 31 (24.8%) had elevated ALT at diagnosis; two (1.6%) with over 3xULN. Patients with elevated ALT at diagnosis were significantly younger (mean age 5.5 (SD- 3.4) vs 7.3 (SD- 3.7) years, p < 0.01) and more commonly presented with diarrhea (32.3% vs. 14.9%, p = 0.03). 80% of patients with elevated ALT levels, normalized their ALT within 3 months and all within one year. Following gluten free diet initiation, patients with elevated ALT had similar clinical course, growth, serology normalization rate, and laboratory results, compared to patients with normal ALT over a one year follow up. A single patient was simultaneously co-diagnosed with celiac disease and auto-immune hepatitis.ConclusionsClinically significant ALT abnormalities are rare among newly diagnosed pediatric celiac patients. Significant elevations failing to normalize on gluten free diet, should raise concern of a concomitant primary liver disease and warrant further investigations.
The Impact of Intra-Uterine Manipulators on Outcome and Recurrence Patterns of Endometrial Cancer Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Laskov Ido , Michaan Nadav , Kogan Liron , Zeng Xing , Salvador Shannon , Jardon Kris , Lau Susie , Gilbert Lucy , Gotlieb Walter H. , Kessous Roy
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo evaluate the use of an intrauterine manipulator on the oncologic outcome of women who had minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer. MethodsRetrospective analysis of consecutive patients who were operated with or without the use of an intrauterine manipulator. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to adjust for possible confounders. Results699 patients were included, of whom 220 (32.8%) were operated with an intrauterine manipulator. The median follow-up was 44 months (range, 29-67). Disease-free survival was similar between groups. 19 (8.8%) patients had positive cytology in the manipulator group vs. 21 (4.4%) in the comparison group (p=0.02). Total recurrence rate was similar between the groups (12.3% vs. 11.9%; p = 0.8). Vaginal vault recurrence was the most common site of recurrence with higher incidence in the manipulator group (4.5% vs. 1.3%; p=0.007). Sub-group analysis of patients who did not receive adjuvant treatment showed higher recurrence rate (8.3% vs. 3%; p=0.023) and worse disease-free survival (p=0.01) for the manipulator group. After controlling for other variables, the use of a manipulator did not affect the risk of recurrence for the whole cohort (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.7-2.1, p=0.3) and for the sub-group of patients who did not receive adjuvant treatment (HR, 2.47; 95% CI, 0.8-7, p=0.08).ConclusionThe use of a manipulator during surgery for endometrial cancer increases the risk of positive cytology as well as vaginal vault recurrences, but it does not reduce the disease-free and overall survival of patients.
Assesment of prospective geological hazards in Torrevieja-La Mata coast (Western Mediterranean) based on Pleistocene and Holocene events
Authors: Torres Trinidad , Ortiz José E. , Mediavilla Rosa , Sánchez-Palencia Yolanda , Santisteban Juan Ignacio , Vega-Panizo Rogelio
Published: June 2021

The coastal zone in which the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja (Eastern Spain) developed can be described as a compilation of geo-hazards typical of the Mediterranean realm. This study has focused mainly on those linked to recent tectonics. Extensive use of the amino acid racemization dating method allowed us to establish the evolution of all the geomorphological units differentiated in the area, the most striking manifestation being at the La Mata Lagoon Bar, where MIS 5 deposits settled on MIS 7 sediments along a marked erosive unconformity, thereby attesting coastal uplift between these two stages. In addition, recent uplift processes were reflected on stepped abrasion platforms and, in some cases, enormous boulders were transported over these platforms by extreme surge waves. Furthermore, we obtained feasible evidence that, during the end of MIS 5, an earthquake with an offshore epicenter linked to Torrevieja Fault, Bajo Segura Fault or the set of faults linked to the former, was responsible for tsunami surge deposits represented in accumulations of randomly arranged and well preserved Glycymeris and Acanthocardia shells. Recent catastrophic effects linked to the earthquakes were also detected. In this regard, comparison of the paleontological and taphonomic analyses allowed us to discern between wave and tsunami surge deposits. Therefore, evidence of these hazards undoubtedly points to important future (and present) erosive and/or catastrophic processes, which are enhanced by the presence of tourist resorts and salt-mining industry. Thus, these sites are also threatened by future increases in sea level in the context of warmer episodes, attested by raised marine fossil deposits. At the north of Cervera Cape, beaches will be eroded, without any possibility of sediment input from the starved Segura River delta. South of this cape, waves (and tsunamis) will erode the soft rocks that built up the cliff, creating deep basal notches and causing rockfall and the collapse of the overlying buildings.
The Dicyano Compound Induces Autophagic or Apoptotic Cell Death Via Twıst/C-Myc Axis Depending on Metastatic Characteristics of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: ALVUR Ozge , KUCUKSAYAN Hakan , BAYGU Yasemin , KABAY Nilgun , GOK Yasar , AKCA Hakan
Published: June 2021

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease which has distinct subtypes and therefore development of novel targeting treatments to fight aganist breast cancer is needed. Although autophagy and apoptosis considered as the major programmed cell death mechanisms are among the current target mechanisms, there are some difficulties in clinical treatment such as the development of drug resistance and cancer recurrence. Therefore it is important that illumination of distinctive mechanisms between cancer types for development novel treatment strategies. In this study, we examined the anti-proliferative effects of the triazole linked galactose substituted dicyano compound (hereafter referred to as the dicyano compound (the DC)) on two different breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. We determined that response of each cell lines to the DC was different, since autophagy was induced in MDA-MB-231 and apoptosis was induced in MCF-7. For this reason, we hypothesized that these different responses may be due to the different characteristics of the cells and evaluated effects of aggresiveness degrees of both cell lines on response to the DC. As a result of our analysis, we determined that c-Myc regulation in both cell lines was different upon the DC treatment depending on expression of Twist, an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mediator. Therefore, we suggest that Twist/c-Myc axis may have a role in different response to the DC-induced cell death pathways in breast cancer subtypes.
Functional CeOx nanoglues for efficient and robust atomically dispersed catalysts
Authors: Liu Jingyue , Li Xu , Hernandez Xavier Isidro Pereira , Fang Chia-Yu , Chen Yizhen , Zeng Jie , Wang Yong , Gates Bruce
Published: June 2021

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) exhibit unique catalytic property and maximum atom efficiency of rare, expensive metals. A critical barrier to applications of SACs is sintering of active metal atoms under operating conditions. Anchoring metal atoms onto oxide supports via strong metal-support bonds may alleviate sintering. Such an approach, however, usually comes at a cost: stabilization results from passivation of metal sites by excessive oxygen ligation—too many open coordination sites taken up by the support, too few left for catalytic action. Furthermore, when such stabilized metal atoms are activated by reduction at elevated temperatures they become unlinked and so move and sinter, leading to loss of catalytic function. We report a new strategy, confining atomically dispersed metal atoms onto functional oxide nanoclusters (denoted as nanoglues) that are isolated and immobilized on a robust, high-surface-area support—so that metal atoms do not sinter under conditions of catalyst activation and/or operation. High-number-density, ultra-small and defective CeOx nanoclusters were grafted onto high-surface-area SiO2 as nanoglues to host atomically dispersed Pt. The Pt atoms remained on the CeOx nanoglue islands under both O2 and H2 environment at high temperatures. Activation of CeOx supported Pt atoms increased the turnover frequency for CO oxidation by 150 times. The exceptional stability under reductive conditions is attributed to the much stronger affinity of Pt atoms for CeOx than for SiO2—the Pt atoms can move but they are confined to their respective nanoglue islands, preventing formation of larger Pt particles. The strategy of using functional nanoglues to confine atomically dispersed metal atoms and simultaneously enhance catalytic performance of localized metal atoms is general and takes SACs one major step closer to practical applications as robust catalysts for a wide range of catalytic transformations
Molecular Mechanism of Staphylococcus Xylosus Resistance Against Tylosin and Florfenicol
Authors: liu Xin , li Shu , Cui Wenqiang , Zhou Yonghui , Chen Mo , Qu Qianwei , Che Ruixiang , Li Lu , Vogel Horst , Yuan Shuguang , Li Yanhua
Published: June 2021

As a result of evolution, certain microbes develop resistance against antimicrobial treatment. The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of severe infections caused by microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and other parasites. The resistance of Staphylococcus xylosus (S. xylosus) against antibiotic treatment is one of the major causes of the world-wide antibiotic crisis and has remained to be well understood at the molecular level. In order to fill this gap, we investigated various mutations in the sequence of ribosomal proteins involved cross resistance. We discovered that for the mutant containing the insertion L22 97KRTSAIN98 the minimum inhibitory concentration against both tylosin and florfenicol changed dramatically. To understand this effect on a molecular basis and to further elucidate the role of cross resistance, we computationally constructed the 3D model of the large ribosomal subunit from S. xylosus as well as its complexes with both tylosin and florfenicol. Using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we found that unique structural changes in the β hairpin of L22 played a central role of this variant in the development of antibiotic resistance in S. xylosus. In addition, the regulation of protein network also played an essential role in the development of cross resistance in S. xylosus. Our work provides insightful views into the mechanism of S. xylosus resistance which could be useful for the development of the next generation of antibiotics.
Development of A LC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneously Determining Nucleosides and Methy-Nucleosides in Mice Liver mRNA of Epimedin C-Induced Liver Injury Model​
Authors: Song Zhizhen , Li Zeyun , Wen Xueqian , Liu Ruijuan , Tian Xin
Published: June 2021

Background

Epimedium, the crude drug used in clinical, has been proved to have the potential to cause liver damage in patients. As one of the main active ingredient of Epimedium, Epimedin C is reported to have the potential hepatotoxicity. However, the mechanism of Epimedin C-induced mice liver injury has not been studied. mRNA methylation is implicated in the regulation of many biological processes and diseases. The study of mRNA methylation in Epimedin C-induced liver injury may contribute to clarify the liver toxicity mechanism of Epimedin C. Therefore, an analysis method needs to be established to determine liver mRNA nucleoside and methy-nucleoside levels in epigenetic studies.
Methods

The Epimedin C groups were intragastrically administered single doses of 10 and 40 mg/kg body weight of Epimedin C for four weeks, and the normal control group were given the same volume of saline. The results of hematoxylin and eosin staining of the liver and serum aminotransferase levels were used to evaluate liver injury. The nucleoside samples of the mice liver mRNA were prepared and separated on an UPLC column using 0.1% formic acid water and methanol after enzymatic digestion. Then the sample was detected by a Qtrap 6500 mass spectrometer.
Results

In this study, a selective, rapid and sensitive method was established using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of six nucleosides (adenosine, uridine, cytidine, guanosine, N6-methyladenosine and N5-methylcytidine) in mRNA. In this method, linear concentrations of adenosine, cytidine, N6-methyladenosine and N5-methylcytidine were 40-20000 pg/mL, guanosine was 0.2–100 ng/mL, and uridine was 2-1000 ng/mL. N6-methyladenosine and N5-methylcytidine modification levels of the mice liver mRNA increased after Epimedin C treatment. Epimedin C led to the elevation of serum aminotransferase levels, and increased the inflammatory cell infiltration and vacuolar degeneration in liver, indicated the liver injury in mice.
Conclusion

This method was successfully applied to the detection of six liver mRNA nucleosides levels in Epimedin C-induced liver injury with good precision and accuracy. The results indicated that mRNA methylation might be associated with Epimedin C-induced liver injury. This study offers a method for the research on the mechanism of Epimedin C-induced liver injury, and will facilitate the research on the hepatotoxicity of herbal medicine in epigenetic studies.
The T Allele of TCF7L2 Rs7903146 Predicts Increased Blood Glucose After Seven Days of Bed Rest in Nondiabetic Older Adults in a Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fry Jean L. , Thompson Katherine L. , Fry Christopher S. , Paddon-Jones Douglas , Arentson-Lantz Emily J.
Published: June 2021

Inpatient populations are at increased risk of hyperglycemia due to factors such as medications, physical inactivity and underlying illness, which increases morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, clinicians have limited tools available to prospectively identify those at greatest risk. We evaluated the ability of 10 common genetic variants associated with development of type 2 diabetes to predict impaired glucose metabolism. Our research model is a simulated hospital stay (7 day bed rest protocol, standardized diet, and physical inactivity) and included a cohort of healthy older adults (n = 31, 65 ± 8 years) with baseline fasting blood glucose < 100 mg/dL. Participants completed a standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at baseline and post-bed rest. In multiple regression modeling, the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) rs7903146 T allele predicted elevated 2-hour OGTT blood glucose (p = 0.03925). We show that the TCF7L2 rs7903146 T allele confers risk for elevated 2-hour OGTT blood glucose in nondiabetic older adults following 7 days of bed rest.