bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of peracetic acid-ethanol sterilisation on the biomechanical properties of human meniscus transplants
Authors: Eras Volker , Graffunder Josefine , Ahmed Norus , Brune Jan C.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) is a possible treatment for patients suffering with pain after meniscectomy. Here, peracetic acid (PAA) sterilised meniscus transplants were investigated on whether they would provide an adequate alternative to fresh-frozen transplants in their viscoelastic and mechanical properties.

Methods

In this analysis, 31 menisci donors (26 male and 5 female) were included. The average donor age was 49.87 years, ranging from 32 to 65 years. Menisci of matched pairs of knees underwent chemical sterilisation while counterparts were left fresh-frozen. Stiffness and load to failure were determined via suture retention. Further menisci were analysed while attached to the tibial bone block using a novel test device to mimic physiological load distribution. Meniscus relaxation, stiffness and failure loads were determined. Histology and biphasic properties of the menisci were examined and results were analysed using paired t-tests.

Results

A novel custom built test device allowed the application of physiological loads for suture retention testing and revealed no significant differences between PAA sterilised (14.85 ± 4.46 N/mm, 50.49 ± 17.01 N) and fresh-frozen (18.26 ± 4.46 N/mm, 59.49 ± 21.07 N) regarding stiffness and failure load, respectively. Furthermore, initial 200 N loading showed significantly higher strain in sterilised menisci (18.87 ± 1.56) compared to fresh frozen (13.81 ± 1.04). Load relaxation experiments demonstrated significantly lower relaxation for sterilised menisci (77.71 ± 1.62) compared to fresh-frozen (89.11 ± 1.00, p-value < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Peracetic acid sterilised human menisci performed equally to fresh-frozen counterparts in a suture retention test and in physiological failure testing providing an adequate alternative. However, meniscus relaxation, biphasic properties and strain were shown to be significantly different between the groups. A common problem of MAT is graft extrusion or shrinkage, therefore the parameters measured here should be considered and may influence meniscus extrusion after transplantation.

Level of evidence

n/a (experimental study)
Assessing subsidence of Mexico City from InSAR and LandSat ETM+ with CGPS and SVM
Authors: Poreh Davod , Pirasteh Saied , Cabral-Cano Enrique
Published: March 2021

This study presents an enhanced analysis of the subsidence rates and their effects on Mexico City. As a result of excess water withdrawal, Mexico City is experiencing subsidence. We integrated and analyzed Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), Continuous Global Positioning Systems (CGPS), and optical remote sensing data to analyze Mexico City’s subsidence. This study utilized 52 ENVISAT-ASAR, nine GPS stations, and one Landsat ETM+ image from the Mexico City area to understand better the subsidence rates and their effects on Mexico City’s community. The finding of this study reveals a high amount of correlation (up to 0.98) between two independent geodetic methods. We also implemented the Support Vector Machine (SVM) analysis method based on Landsat ETM+ image to classify Mexico City’s population density. We used SVM to compare Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) subsidence rates with the buildings’ distribution densities. This integrated study shows that the fastest subsidence zone (i.e., areas greater than 100 mm/yr), which falls into the above-mentioned temporal baseline, occurs in high and moderate building distribution density areas.
The role of Dickkopf-1 as a biomarker in systemic lupus erythematosus and active lupus nephritis
Authors: Abdelazeem Mervat E. , Abdelhaleem Marwa I. , Mohamed Rabab A. , Abdelaleem Enas A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disease which is mainly attributed to autoantibodies, cytokines, and immune complex deposition. Studies have demonstrated that cytokines and autoantibodies were strongly associated with renal diseases and can be used for the prediction of patients with lupus nephritis (LN). However, antibodies to dsDNA and the reduction of complements were also detected in non-LN patients as well as clinically non-active SLE patients. The current study was performed to detect the role of serum DKK-1 as a biomarker for the identification of SLE patients and patients with LN and its relation to disease activity and severity. The study was conducted on fifty clinically diagnosed SLE patients who were diagnosed according to Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria for SLE, in addition to thirty healthy control volunteers matched for age and sex. Assessment of SLE disease activity was done using Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Assessment of SLE disease severity was done using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborative Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) damage index. Serum levels of DKK-1 were measured for all participants by ELISA using commercially available kits.

Results

DKK-1 serum levels were significantly higher among active lupus nephritis cases as compared with SLE cases with no LN and with healthy controls (9197.60 μg/uL ± 2939.2 μg/uL vs. 6405.15 μg/uL ± 2018.91 μg/uL vs. 2790.33 μg/uL ± 833.49 μg/uL) respectively (p-values < 0.001). DKK-1 concentration was significantly higher among SLE patients with positive as compared with negative anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies (p-value < 0.001). According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, serum DKK-1 level diagnosed the SLE at a statistically significant level with a 98% sensitivity and 70% specificity and serum DKK-1 level also diagnosed active lupus nephritis at a 90% sensitivity and 63% specificity.

Conclusion

DKK-1 could diagnose SLE and lupus nephritis with high sensitivity and specificity. Serum DKK-1 is a reliable biomarker for the identification of SLE and patients with LN and could be used as a key molecule for the diagnosis of SLE and as a prognostic indicator of LN.
Tokens of Love
Authors: Mascetti Yaakov A.
Published: March 2021

Contextualist scholars working on the rhetoric of corporeal presence in seventeenth-century English religious lyrics have naturally focused their attention on sacramental discourse of the Reformation era. As part of the Common Knowledge symposium on the future of contextualism, this full-length monograph, serialized in installments, argues that the contextualist focus on a single and time-limited “epistemic field” has resulted in a less than adequately ramified understanding of the poetry of John Donne, George Herbert, Aemilia Lanyer, and John Milton. What the contextualist approach misses is that even the religious discourses of the period were tied to a long and in no way local epistemological debate about signs and their meaning, whose roots are to be found in Greek and Latin rhetorical theory. This first installment of “Tokens of Love” commences a discussion of the role of classical pagan sign-theory in the development of Reformation sacramental discourse.
The effects of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts as probiotics on the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune responses of broiler: A meta-analysis
Authors: Sjofjan Osfar , Adli Danung Nur , Harahap Rakhmad Perkasa , Jayanegara Anuraga , Utama Dicky Tri , Seruni Ainun Pizar
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The number of publications in Scopus on this topic increased from less than 50 in 1995 to more than 250 in 2015. In other hand, Inconsistency in results about the correlation between yeast and lactic acid bacteria as probiotics has been evident since the early publications on use in broilers.

Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted to determine relationship between lactic acid bacteria and yeast as probiotics to broiler diets on the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune response of the broiler.  A database was designed based on published data that reported the use of probiotics on the broiler. The method used for selecting articles was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Articles selected were taken from PubMed, Web of science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science direct databases as well as individual.

Results: The final database consists of 49 in vivo articles, 93 studies, and 225 treatments. The analysis statement in the system was a PROC MIXED procedure of SAS software. The level of probiotic increased (p <0.001) body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake of broiler. There was a reduction (p <0.01) on feed conversion ratio and mortality on the level probiotic given to broiler. Supplementation of probiotics in broiler diet increased (p <0.001) the weight of liver, spleen, gizzard, bursa of fabricius and carcass yield, while reduced (p<0.001) abdominal fat weight. The probiotic given increased the total of red and white blood cells (both at p < 0.001) but did not affect lymphocyte. 

Discussion: It can be concluded the yeast act as supporting agent that serves lactic acid bacteria as probiotic increases the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune response of the broiler.
Technical Note—Preservation of Additive Convexity and Its Applications in Stochastic Optimization Problems
Authors: Gong Xiting , Wang Tong
Published: March 2021

Preservation Results for Proving Additively Convex Value Functions for High-Dimensional Stochastic Optimization Problems
Airborne measurements in different clouds
Authors: CALCAN Andreea , STEFAN Sabina , VAJAIAC Sorin Nicolae , MOACA Denisa
Published: March 2021

The aim of this paper is to analyze different aspects of microphysical properties of mixed phase clouds, considering also the processes that are contributing to their formation. ATMOSLAB airborne laboratory, equipped with CAPS – Cloud, Aerosol and Precipitation Spectrometer sensors system was exploited to perform three flight research missions focused on cloud microphysics. For this purpose, there was analyzed the variation of 4 major parameters with high influence the cold clouds lifecycle (temperature, pressure, number concentration, effective diameter and 2D images of droplets and ice crystals) and was highlighted the occurrence of nucleation, accretion and droplet coalescence in cirrus and cirrostratus clouds.
Effects of ocean eddies on the tropical storm Roanu intensity in the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Liu Yujun , LÜ Haibin , Zhang Honghua , Cui Yusheng , Xing Xueting
Published: March 2021

A tropical storm (TS) Roanu occurred in northern Sri Lanka in 2016, which transported northwards along the west coast of the Bay of Bengal (BoB). During the development of the TS, ocean eddies on its track had an important effect on the intensity of Roanu. The dynamic mechanism was investigated with multisource reanalysis and Argo float data in this study. The results show that ocean eddies were the main reason why Roanu first enhanced, weakened, and then enhanced again. Warm eddy W1 supports the initial development of the TS, cold eddy C1 weakens Roanu, and warm eddy W2 continues to support Roanu. On May 19, 2016, the maximum average latent heat flux over W1 was 260.85 w/m2, while that of C1 was only 200.71 w/m2. After the passage of Roanu, the tropical cyclone heat potential (TCHP) of eddies significantly decreased. The TCHP of W1, W2, C1 and C2 decreased by 20.95 kJ/cm2, 11.07 kJ/cm2, 29.82 kJ/cm2, 9.31 kJ/cm2, respectively. The mixed layer of warm eddies deepened much more than that of cold eddies, supporting Roanu development. In addition, changes in potential vorticity (PV) values caused by the disturbance of eddies may also reflect changes in the TS intensity. This study offers new insights on the influence of ocean eddies in regulating the development of tropical cyclone (TC) in the BoB.
Systematic analysis of factors that improve homologous direct repair (HDR) efficiency in CRISPR/Cas9 technique
Authors: Di Stazio Mariateresa , Foschi Nicola , Athanasakis Emmanouil , Gasparini Paolo , d’Adamo Adamo Pio
Published: March 2021

The CRISPR/Cas9 bacterial system has proven to be an powerful tool for genetic manipulation in several organisms, but the efficiency of sequence replacement by homologous direct repair (HDR) is substantially lower than random indel creation. Many studies focused on improving HDR efficiency using double sgRNA, cell synchronization cycle, and the delivery of single-stranded oligo DNA nucleotides (ssODN) with a rational design. In this study, we evaluate these three methods’ synergistic effects to improve HDR efficiency. For our tests, we have chosen the TNFα gene (NM_000594) for its crucial role in various biological processes and diseases. For the first time, our results showed how the use of two sgRNA with asymmetric donor design and triple transfection events dramatically increase the HDR efficiency from an undetectable HDR event to 39% of HDR efficiency and provide a new strategy to facilitate CRISPR/Cas9-mediated human genome editing. Besides, we demonstrated that the TNFα locus could be edited with CRISPR/Cas9 methodology, an opportunity to safely correct, in the future, the specific mutations of each patient.
Prognostic significance of estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors’ status conversion following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer: Results from a tertiary Cancer Center in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Saleh Khalid , Salah Tareq , Arafah Maria , Husain Sufia , Al-Rikabi Ammar , Abd El-Aziz Nashwa
Published: March 2021

Background

The prognostic impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) on the receptor expression status in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is still not fully understood. We aimed to evaluate the changes in hormone (estrogen and progesterone) receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status post-NAC and their correlation with survival.

Methods

Patients with LABC who have received NAC between 2008 and 2015 and have been followed up till December 2019 at the Oncology Center, King Saud University, KSA were analyzed retrospectively. biomarker analysis of ER, PR & HER2 were done using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Fluorescent in situ hybridization.

Results

Ninety-one patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. HR status changed in 21(23.1%) patients, with a significant difference between patients with stable receptors and those with any receptor conversion; p = 0.000. Five (5.5%) initially HER2 negative tumors became HER2 positive and 10 (11%) initially HER2 positive tumors became HER2 negative after NAC. The difference in HER2 expression level before and after NAC was not statistically significant (p = 0.302). Univariate analysis relating patients’ characteristics and 10-years disease-free survival (DFS) showed only significant correlations with the expressions of ER, PR, and any receptor conversion, (ER and/or PR) p< 0.001, p< 0.001, and p = 0.001; respectively. In the univariate analysis, none of the clinicopathological features showed a significant correlation with the OS except for the molecular subtypes P<0.001.

Conclusions

Patients with LABC have significant changes in the ER and PR receptor status following NAC. Post-NAC expressions change of ER and PR (ER and/or PR) are correlated to DFS. Retesting of the hormone receptors should be considered after NAC in Saudi patients with LABC.
Effects of GABA/β-glucan supplements on melatonin and serotonin content extracted from natural resources
Authors: Dutta Sayan Deb , Patel Dinesh K. , Ganguly Keya , Lim Ki-Taek
Published: March 2021

Objective

This study aimed to monitor the secretion of serotonin and melatonin in the blood serum of rats in the presence of rice bran (RB), and Sarcodon aspratus (S) extracts for sleep promotion.

Background

Sleep is a natural physiological phenomenon, and sleep disorders may cause severe mental hazards leading to excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and β-glucan are the essential active ingredients of RB and mushroom, respectively, exhibited stress-reduction and nerve stabilizing potential through regulation of melatonin and serotonin hormones.

Methods

Cytotoxicity of the extracts (RBS) was evaluated through WST-1 assay. The melatonin and serotonin concentrations in the blood serum were measured through ELISA kits. The Ig ELISA kit measured the immunoglobulin’s (IgG, IgM, and IgA) concentrations.

Results

Improved cell viability was observed in RBS treated groups than control, indicating their biocompatibility. The melatonin and serotonin levels were high in RBS (5:5 and 7:3) treated groups compared to the control. Enhanced expression of immunoglobulin (Ig) A and G level was observed in RBS treated rats. The serotonergic genes (5-HTT, 5-HT 1B, and MAO-A) expression levels were upregulated in RBS treated groups vis-à-vis the control.

Conclusion

Based on these results, we anticipated that RBS supplements could promote the sleep phenomenon by elevating the serotonin/melatonin level in the blood through the serotonergic system. Therefore, RBS supplements can be utilized as functional food material for sleep promotion.
La crisis del coronavirus vista desde un diario de difusión nacional. Evolución enero-junio de 2020
Authors: Cantabrana Begoña , Cobián Natalia , Hidalgo-Cantabrana Claudio , Hidalgo Agustín
Published: March 2021

Los medios de comunicación son potencialmente útiles para la construcción social de acontecimientos de alto impacto, como es el caso de la actual crisis provocada por el coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) y la enfermedad COVID-19. Para evaluar su impacto hemos analizado la edición impresa del diario El País entre los meses de enero y junio de 2020, identificando los textos periodísticos que aludían al virus o a la enfermedad, cuantificando su distribución en las páginas y las secciones del diario, las fuentes que se citan en los textos y la evolución de los géneros periodísticos a lo largo del periodo. El número más elevado de textos alusivos se registró en el mes de abril con 1872, con una media diaria de 64,6±9,6. En este mismo mes, el número de páginas del diario en las que se alude a diferentes aspectos de la crisis supera el 70% del total. En la distribución por secciones, el mayor número de textos se alcanzó en Sociedad, seguidos de Economía, Opinión y España. Las noticias de ámbito nacional se mantienen a lo largo del periodo, mientras que las de ámbito internacional son elevadas al inicio de la crisis y luego descienden. Los géneros periodísticos de tipo interpretativo son frecuentes al inicio, pero luego dominan los informativos; los considerados de opinión alcanzan su punto álgido en abril. La fuente documental más abundante es la institucional. Aunque los textos relacionados con salud son cuantitativamente poco numerosos en comparación con los temas económicos y políticos, se ha encontrado información relevante referida a salud pública, gestión sanitaria, asistencia sanitaria y medicamentos.
Epidemias por ergotismo o fuego de San Antonio. Historia, ciencia y arte
Authors: Lozano Sánchez Francisco S.
Published: March 2021

El fuego de San Antonio, denominación popular del ergotismo, fue una epidemia que asoló la Europa medieval a consecuencia de una intoxicación alimentaria provocada al ingerir pan de centeno, cuya harina estaba contaminada por ergot, un hongo parásito denominado Claviceps purpurea que suplantaba los granos de algunos cereales, especialmente el centeno. El pan de centeno, negro o de los pobres, era bien diferente del pan blanco hecho con harina de trigo, y más caro (pan de los ricos). Desde el s. IX, Europa (fundamentalmente Francia y Alemania) padecieron frecuentes epidemias, cuya intoxicación producía convulsiones y delirios (ergotismo convulsivo) o pérdida de las extremidades (ergotismo gangrenoso), con una mortalidad de hasta el 20% de los afectados. En la actualidad, el ergotismo es anecdótico. Existen publicaciones de casos aislados, generalmente asociados al consumo crónico de fármacos que contienen ergotamina. El presente artículo repasa los aspectos históricos, científicos, y artísticos del fuego de San Antonio/ergotismo tanto clásicos como recientes. Se finaliza comentando el capítulo 6 (El Fuego de San Antonio) de la serie televisiva “Toledo cruce de destinos” (2012), que refleja con gran fidelidad esta epidemia mediante un supuesto brote del Fuego de San Antonio acaecido en la medieval ciudad de Toledo.
Una esperanza muy sanguínea para estos tiempos de pandemia
Authors: Bottasso Oscar
Published: March 2021

El artículo hace referencia al desarrollo histórico de las terapias de inmunidad pasiva en enfermedades infecciosas y su actual aplicabilidad a los pacientes afectados por COVID-19. En paralelo también realiza un enfoque desde el costado humanístico que involucra la donación de sangre, sumado al profundo simbolismo conferido por distintas culturas respecto a este elemento tan vital.
Epidemias al estilo Hollywood. Un pequeño catálogo
Authors: Sánchez-Angulo Manuel
Published: March 2021

Las epidemias causadas por microorganismos infecciosos han sido una constante fuente de inspiración para el cine comercial. Muchas películas sobre dicho tópico son bastante famosas y conocidas por el gran público, por lo que pueden ser unas buenas herramientas para explicar diversos conceptos epidemiológicos, inmunológicos y microbiológicos a los estudiantes de carreras biosanitarias. En este trabajo se han recopilado varias de ellas y se han comentado las secuencias más adecuadas para los fines docentes. Aunque una gran parte de las películas de temática epidemiológica suelen recrear situaciones poco plausibles y con escaso rigor científico, no por ello dejan de tener utilidad en su uso como herramientas docentes.
La visión artística de las pandemias
Authors: Alonso Lago Martina
Published: March 2021

Pensamos que la “nueva normalidad” que nos toca vivir por este estado de pandemia es algo muy moderno y excepcional. Hemos buscado en el arte ejemplos de la actitud en otras epidemias, desde la Edad Media hasta nuestros días, y hemos podido constatar que nuestras prácticas actuales ya tienen un referente previo.
5 películas para 5 pandemias
Authors: García Moro María , Astroza Rodríguez Matías , García Merino Enrique , García Sánchez Enrique , García Sánchez Jose Elías
Published: March 2021

A lo largo de la historia diferentes pandemias han asolado a la humanidad. De todas ellas, salvo de la Covid-19, pues aún no ha habido tiempo de llevarla a la gran pantalla, ha habido numerosas representaciones en el cine comercial, algunas muy relevantes desde el punto de vista de la calidad cinematográfica y de la calidad científica con la que están documentados los guiones. Sería inalcanzable enumerar todas y cada una de ellas. Por tanto, en este artículo se plantea ofrecer a los lectores un ejemplo de cada una de estas pandemias (Peste, Viruela, Cólera, Gripe y VIH) que pueden ser útiles para la docencia y para la educación sanitaria de la población.
Cinema in times of the pandemic COVID: movies helping to moderate emotions and supporting the health team
Authors: G. Blasco Pablo , C. de Benedetto Maria Auxiliadora , R. Levites Marcelo , Moreto Graziela
Published: March 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic emerges the need of taking care of the health team, not only physical, but also mental health. The crisis we are experiencing has a twofold component: on the one hand the biological threat and on the other to deal with anxiety, fear, and disordered emotions, which are a threat to mental balance and to maintain the serenity necessary to cope with such a great challenge. It is crucial to raise the morale of those who deal daily with this threat of unprecedented proportions. A discouraged doctor is an element of the crisis and causes insecurity in patients and families. SOBRAMFA - Medical Education and Humanism, has disseminated recommendations through short videos for helping professionals to maintain an objective view of the reality they are experiencing. Using cinema through movie clips from different films helps to clarify details of the commented recommendations. Sense of community, leadership, teamwork, holding the emotions on realistic basis, communication skills, educating through example, professionalism, objectivity and realism for redeeming the circumstances are the topics emphasized by the movie clips. Below we list some of the ethical and existential dilemmas as well as the corresponding movie scenes that can help with decisions.
E-közigazgatás Európában? Jelen és jövő (E-Government in Europe)
Authors: Tózsa István
Published: March 2021

A jövő közigazgatásában az ügyfélbarát ügyfélszolgálat több olyan elektronikus csatornán is jelen lesz, amelyek csoportját jelenleg az on-line internetkapcsolat, a mobiltelefon és az interaktív digitális televízió, a jövőben az on-line interaktív multimédia képviseli. Az európai elektronikus közigazgatási fejlődési trend arra mutat, hogy a jövőben internet, mobilinternet és/vagy intelligens kábel tv technológiát alkalmazva, egy virtuálisan élő ügyintézővel beszélgetve juthat az ügyfél információhoz, foglalhat időpontot és indíthat érdemi ügyintézést. ________ In the course of future’s customer friendly public administration there will be some info-communication channels which are represented today by the on-line Internet accessibility, mobile telephones, and interactive digital television and the forthcoming interactive multimedia. The European trend of the development of public administration relies on Internet mobile Internet and/or intelligent cable television technology employing virtual adminsitrators as real time partner sin obtaining office information, booking appointments or launching adminsitration workflow.
A közigazgatás informatizálásától a befogadó e-közigazgatásig
Authors: Molnár Szilárd
Published: March 2021

A közigazgatás fejlesztése a közszolgáltatások működésének színvonala, hatékonysága közvetlen és erős hatással van a reálgazdaság teljesítményére, az információs társadalom, azaz a modern információs- és kommunikációs technológiai eszközök tényleges felhasználói számának kiterjesztésére. Ennek felismerése az e-közigazgatás témakörét az európai stratégiai törekvések, a társadalmi integráció, a befogadó információs társadalom programok középpontjába emelte. Hazánkban szintén kiváló lehetőségek adódnak a társadalom nyitottsága és néhány innovatív, a társadalmi modernizációt segítő lehetőség térnyerése révén.
Correlation of Modified Computed Tomography Severity Index with Biochemical Markers in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: BR Joshi , S Kumar , UP Khanal
Published: March 2021

Introduction
Multislice computed tomography examinations performed 3 to 4 days after the onset of symptoms is the imaging procedure of choice in acute pancreatitis, which is mainly done for evaluating the complications. Due to radiation exposure and cost, alternative scoring systems like Ranson’s score and Glasgow’s score were devised but were cumbersome. The serum amylase and lipase were found to increase with progression of disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of acute pancreatitis by modified CT scoring system with the serum levels of amylase and lipase.

Material and Methods
In hundred patients presenting with acute pancreatitis, the severity of pancreatitis was recorded using the modified CT severity index. The serum amylase and lipase levels were recorded and correlated with modified CT severity index score.

Results
Among 100 patients studied, 46%, 40% and 14% had mild, moderate and severe grades of pancreatitis respectively by modified CTSI score. No significant correlation was found between the levels of serum amylase (r = -0.104, p = 0.301) and lipase (r = -0.177, p = 0.079) with the modified CT severity index in patients with acute pancreatitis.

Conclusion
The serum level of amylase and lipase had non-significant correlation with the modified CT severity index score and thus did not indicate severity of pancreatitis.
BENEFÍCIOS DOS ALIMENTOS FUNCIONAIS NO CONTROLE E TRATAMENTO DO DIABETES MELLITUS (DM) - REVISÃO DE LITERATURA
Authors: Conceição Isabela Silva Peres da , Borges Ana Carolina Lacerda
Published: March 2021

O Diabete Mellitus (DM) é uma doença ocasionada pela deficiência na ação ou produção da insulina no pâncreas, atingindo mais de 300 milhões de pessoas mundialmente. Acredita-se que os casos ultrapassem em 2035, mais de 19,2 milhões de pessoas somente no Brasil. Nesse contexto, sabe-se que a alimentação é fator primordial para o tratamento do DM, e que, juntamente com os medicamentos periódicos e atividades físicas, determinarão o controle e uma boa qualidade de vida para os indivíduos diabéticos. Assim, acredita-se que os alimentos funcionais realizem ações metabólicas no organismo, sendo responsáveis por auxiliar neste controle, principalmente na diminuição da glicose na corrente sanguínea. Portanto, esse trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar os benefícios dos alimentos funcionais no controle e tratamento do Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Foi desenvolvido um trabalho de revisão de literatura, iniciado no mês de maio de 2017 e finalizado em novembro de 2017, utilizando como palavras chaves: “Diabetes”, “Alimentos Funcionais” e “Tratamento”. Os benefícios dos alimentos funcionais no controle e no tratamento do DM estão vinculados à redução da absorção de glicose, da resistência à insulina, da destruição das células beta do pâncreas, contribuindo diretamente na manutenção da glicemia por meio dos compostos funcionais encontrados em diversos alimentos como a aveia, oleaginosas, probióticos, gorduras poli-insaturadas (Ômega 3) e soja. O Biólogo tem papel primordial no que diz respeito às pesquisas vinculadas a essa temática, sendo profissional de destaque, podendo contribuir de forma ativa para o crescimento da ciência.
Variables psicológicas positivas en pacientes con cáncer
Authors: Cerezo Guzmán Mª Victoria
Published: March 2021

La psicología positiva está emergiendo en la investigación actual y en este artículo se pretende hacer un recorrido por algunas de las variables contempladas desde esta perspectiva: bienestar, emociones positivas, inteligencia emocional, optimismo, resiliencia y autoestima. Se ha destacado la relación existente entre cada una de dichas variables en una población cada vez más numerosa: los pacientes oncológicos. Los resultados de las distintas investigaciones convergen en los beneficios de explorar y fomentar la salud positiva a través de intervenciones psicológicas específicas, de forma que se les pueda ayudar a mejorar aspectos relevantes para su salud tales como su estado de ánimo, incrementar la calidad de vida, disminuir el distrés emocional, o facilitar estrategias de afrontamiento más adaptativas a los pacientes oncológicos.
¿Por qué no soy un Terapeuta Mindfulness?
Authors: Martín Orgilés Mª Luisa , Sevilla Gascó Juan
Published: March 2021

En este trabajo se describe con detalle qué es el mindfulness, sus orígenes y evolución, proporcionando una posible explicación de su alta popularidad actual.
Igualmente, se revisa su estatus empírico, llegando a la conclusión de que la investigación no avala su desmesurado uso terapéutico.
Una Aproximación a la Psicologia Paraguaya como Disciplina, Ciencia y Profesión
Authors: Coppari Norma
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: Contribuir al número especial de Psicología en Iberoamérica con una aproximación a la Psicologia Paraguaya como Disciplina, Ciencia y Profesión. Método: Se recurrió, como fuente principal, a entrevistas y artículos publicados en los últimos años, por EUREKA, única Revista Científica de Psicologia en Paraguay, a la fecha. Académicos, egresados, profesionales, actores y conocedores de los distintos espacios de la psicología nacional, suplen con sus historias, el déficit de evidencia oficial y fiable. Resultados: Apelamos al registro de la memoria de estos protagonistas para reflexionar sobre el derrotero, que la misma ha tenido en sus más de 50 años de formación, y sobre, los desafíos por superar. Conclusión: Asistimos a un contexto globalizado de procesos de acreditación y certificación internacional, mediciones de la calidad y cantidad de la promoción y generación del conocimiento científico, su difusión y transferencia, en un país que no se ha caracterizado por “el cultivo de una cultura del pensamiento científico” en la enseñanza de las disciplinas en general, y de la Psicología, en particular, con un perfil profesional antes que el propio de la ciencia psicológica, siendo a futuro, el superarlo, su principal reto en el concurso de la internacionalización.
La psicología en Guatemala, un poco de historia y actualidad
Authors: Cárcamo Duarte Alma Guisela , Escobar Martínez Ana Cecilia
Published: March 2021

Una de cada cuatro personas entre 18 y 65 años en Guatemala refiere sufrir o haber sufrido alguna vez en su vida un trastorno mental. La atención de la salud mental en el país constituye un reto, más aún cuando a nivel presupuestario menos del 1% del presupuesto nacional en salud es destinado para ello. No obstante, Guatemala ha logrado avances importantes en cuanto a la formación de recurso humano y el ejercicio de la psicología se refiere. El país cuenta con 14 universidades, 13 de las cuales son privadas y 1 estatal, existiendo programa de psicología en 11 de ellas. Esto pone a disposición de la población la posibilidad de formación a través de diferentes programas técnicos y de formación profesional tanto a nivel de pregrado como de algunas especializaciones. La investigación, sin embargo, constituye aún un vacío por cubrir. La organización gremial se ha logrado a través de diferentes asociaciones profesionales y más recientemente el 25 de junio de 2007 con la constitución del Colegio de Psicólogos de Guatemala, cuerpo colegiado que agremia a los profesionales de las ciencias psicológicas, nacionales y extranjeros, que ejercen la profesión en el país. Los psicólogos en Guatemala realizan hoy un aporte profesional importante, desde diferentes espacios y sectores, más allá de la clínica privada y el sector académico, como tradicionalmente se venía dando. Existen retos importantes por desarrollar, tales como la investigación y la generación de conocimiento, asociado además a la mejora de la calidad en la formación académica. Otros desafíos lo constituyen la incidencia del psicólogo en el quehacer público y la proyección a los sectores en condición de mayor vulnerabilidad en el país.
Cruzando el puente entre realidad e imaginación: Terapia basada en la inferencia para el TOC
Authors: Llorens Aguilar Sara , Pozo Ángel
Published: March 2021

En este artículo se pretende exponer las líneas generales de la Terapia Basada en la Inferencia (TBI) para el Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo. Este tipo de intervención surge en función de algunas de las limitaciones que parecen presentar tanto los modelos cognitivo-conductuales como su aplicación práctica. La TBI no pretende sustituir a dichos modelos sino incidir en otros aspectos no considerados por los mismos. Así como estos últimos se han centrado en la modificación de las creencias disfuncionales y en la interpretación de los pensamientos intrusivos, junto con un fuerte componente de Exposición con Prevención de Respuesta, la TBI incide en el proceso de confusión inferencial que da lugar a la duda obsesiva inicial, la cual es considerada como un proceso de inferencia en sí misma. Se expondrán lo que desde el punto de vista de la TBI se consideran las limitaciones de los modelos clásicos y se hará referencia a los principios y fases de intervención de la TBI, finalizando con algún ejemplo práctico del enfoque inferencial que ilustre como aplicar en la práctica clínica el modelo explicado.
Fibromialgia: Discapacidad funcional, autoestima y perfil de personalidad
Authors: Garaigordobil Maite , Govilard Leila
Published: March 2021

El estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar el nivel de discapacidad funcional, dolor y agotamiento, el autoconcepto-autoestima, y grandes dimensiones de personalidad, en personas con y sin fibromialgia (FM). El estudio se realizó con 190 participantes, 140 afectados de FM y 50 no afectados, entre 28 y 75 años (M= 52,16; DT= 9,18), 10 varones y 180 mujeres. Se utilizaron 4 instrumentos de evaluación para medir las variables objeto de estudio: impacto de la fibromialgia, autoconcepto, autoestima y personalidad. Los resultados evidenciaron que las personas con FM, comparadas con las que no están afectadas por esta enfermedad, tienen significativamente un nivel superior de discapacidad funcional, dolor y agotamiento; un nivel inferior de autoestima; una capacidad superior de cooperación-empatía, de meticulosidad y amor por el orden, y un nivel inferior de control de emociones y de estabilidad emocional. En el resto de rasgos de personalidad (energía, afabilidad, tesón, apertura mental) no hubo diferencias significativas. Además, en las personas con FM no se han hallado indicios de sesgo o tendencia a ofrecer una imagen desfavorable, destacar dificultades, o presentar “conducta de enfermo”.
Incidence des programmes publics de vaccination contre le rotavirus sur les enfants canadiens
Authors: Muchaal Pia K , Hurst Matt , Desai Shalini
Published: March 2021

Contexte : En 2008, le Comité consultatif national de l’immunisation a recommandé la vaccination systématique contre le rotavirus chez les nourrissons canadiens en bonne santé. Au cours des sept années suivantes, huit provinces et deux territoires ont introduit le vaccin contre le rotavirus dans leurs programmes de vaccination financés par le secteur public. Objectif : Évaluer le fardeau des infections à rotavirus avant et après la mise en œuvre des programmes de vaccination financés par le secteur public. Méthodes : Nous avons analysé les cas communautaires confirmés en laboratoire de rotavirus signalés au Programme national de surveillance des maladies entériques et les hospitalisations d’enfants de moins de trois ans de 2007 à 2017 avec des codes CIM-10 propres au diagnostic du rotavirus. Les taux de maladie ont été calculés pour chaque province pour les deux années précédant et suivant la mise en œuvre du financement public du vaccin. L’année de mise en œuvre n’a pas été incluse pour tenir compte de la période d’adoption du vaccin. Les taux selon l’âge ont été évalués dans les provinces ou territoires où des données sur cinq ans étaient disponibles l’année suivant le financement public du vaccin. La méthode d’analyse de données avant et après la mise en œuvre et la méthode de « différence dans les différences » ont été appliquées aux données sur les congés hospitaliers afin d’évaluer les changements entre les provinces ou territoires qui financent un programme et ceux qui n’en financent pas. Résultats : Les cas communautaires d’infection à rotavirus confirmés en laboratoire signalés au Programme national de surveillance des maladies entériques ont diminué de 54 % entre 2010 et 2017. Les taux de congés hospitaliers ont diminué considérablement chez les enfants de six provinces après l’adoption du vaccin contre le rotavirus. Les taux de congés hospitaliers en Alberta, au Manitoba, en Ontario et à l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard ont chuté de 53 % à 71 %, et de 75 % en Colombie-Britannique et en Saskatchewan. Conclusion : Le financement public du vaccin contre le rotavirus semble avoir entraîné une réduction importante des cas de rotavirus confirmés en laboratoire qui ont été signalés au Programme national de surveillance des maladies entériques et des taux de congés hospitaliers liés à la gastro-entérite à rotavirus.
Effects of hyaluronic acid on bone graft healing: An experimental study on sheep.
Authors: Mustafa Muhammed , Omar Othman
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives: : Alloplastic is one of known materials have been used to treat bony defects in oral and maxillofacial region, but the healing is much more slower than auto graft . So many interpositional graft materials like hyaluronic acid and bone morphogenetic protein have been introduced to such material to induce osteoinductivity of graft material. This study aimed to evaluate the histological effect of Hyaluronic acid on bone graft substitute. Patients and methods: An experimental study carried out on 3 domestic sheep 2-4 years old. They divided into two groups, first group (study group): bone graft substitute mixed with hyaluronic acid introduced to the created cavities in the basal bone of mandible. Second group (control group): bone graft substitute were introduced into created cavities in the basal bone of mandible and the defects in both groups were covered with collagen membrane. The samples then sacrificed in deferent period interval 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks and the sample collected and sent for histological examination. Results: all animals survived till the end of study. Both groups were characterized by new bone formation in defects however the bone formation in group 1 significantly preceded. Conclusion: hyaluronic acid induces the onset of of Oral and Maxillofacial department. Keywords: hyaluronic acid, Bone graft, Alloplastic material, guided bone regeneration.
Automatic Voice-Based Recognition For Automotive Headlights Beam Control
Authors: Astuti W. , Tan S. , Solihin M.I. , Vincent R.S. , Michael B.
Published: March 2021

Driving comfort plays an important role in modern automotive technologies. One of the ways of comforting the driver is the voice-based recognition to control car headlights. The driver uttered a ‘specific word’ that is taken as an input to the proposed voice-based recognition system. The proposed mechanism then determines if the signal was either ‘high beam’ or ‘low beam’ to control the car headlights. To activate the headlight’s beam, this voice recognised signal is sent to a processing board. Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficient (MFCC) is used in the recognition mechanism to extract the uttered word before being fed into Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Support Vector Machines (SVM) as a classification engine. The proposed automatic voice-based recognition was evaluated via experimental work. The results show that the proposed automatic voice-based recognition for headlights activation control involving MFCC feature works effectively in which SVM gives slightly better performance accuracy when compared to ANN. In addition to a lesser training time, the resulting accuracy using SVM in the training and testing phase is 93.595% and 91.74% respectively. Meanwhile, ANN has an accuracy of 89.39% and 88.16% in the training and testing respectively.
Recognition of Moving Tracked and Wheeled Vehicles Based on Sound Analysis and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Jakubowski Jacek , Jackowski Jerzy
Published: March 2021

The paper presents results of a preliminary study on verification of the possibility to establish simple methods to process acquired sound signals that were generated by a vehicle in motion; to determine its characteristic features for classification as a wheeled or tracked one. The analysis covered 220 signals acquired from real experiment and pre-processed with the use of power spectral density estimation (PSD) and linear prediction coding (LPC). The signal processing methods were used to generate features for which applicability in the classification process was assessed using a statistical method. The set of features was then optimised to reduce the dimensionality of data. Results of recognition obtained with the proposed non-iterative procedures for solving linearly separable problems were compared with results from standard methods, including SVM and k-NN. The developed features as well as selected methods of classification were proposed with respect to the possibility to implement them in low computational power computers for embedded applications.
Scientific and technological approaches to improve SCNT efficiency in farm animals and pets
Authors: Loi Pasqualino , Palazzese Luca , Scapolo Pier Augusto , Fulka Josef , Fulka Helena , Czernik Marta
Published: March 2021

The birth of Dolly through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) was a major scientific breakthrough of the last century. Yet, while significant progress has been achieved across the technics required to reconstruct and in vitro culture nuclear transfer embryos, SCNT outcomes in terms of offspring production rates are still limited. Here we provide a snapshot of the practical application of SCNT in farm animals and pets. Moreover, we suggest a path to improve SCNT through alternative strategies inspired by the physiological reprogramming in male and female gametes in preparation for the totipotency required after fertilization. Almost all papers on SCNT focused on nuclear reprogramming in the somatic cells after nuclear transfer. We believe that this is misleading, and even if it works sometimes, it does so in an uncontrolled way. Physiologically, the oocyte cytoplasm deploys nuclear reprogramming machinery specifically designed to address the male chromosome, the maternal alleles are prepared for totipotency earlier, during oocyte nuclear maturation. Significant advances have been made in remodeling somatic nuclei in vitro through the expression of protamines, thanks to a plethora of data available on spermatozoa epigenetic modifications. Missing are the data on large-scale nuclear reprogramming of the oocyte chromosomes. The main message our article conveys is that the next generation nuclear reprogramming strategies should be guided by insights from in-depth studies on epigenetic modifications in the gametes in preparation for fertilization.
Money in Economic Activity and Language of the Old Believers of the South America
Authors: Rovnova Olga
Published: March 2021

The article investigates how lexemes within the lexical field “Money” are used in the Russian dialects of Old Believers spoken in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Uruguay. The study addresses the use of recently borrowed names for monetary units as well as of the original Russian nouns. The dialectal material is compared with the data from the Dictionary of Contemporary Russian Colloquial Language and from a variety of dialectal dictionaries. Special attention is given to the names for Russian monetary units rublʹ and kopejka. The word kopejka has retained some of the original Russian figurative meanings and developed a new one. The fact that kopejka has not fallen into disuse in the figurative meaning is not surprising given that original Russian idioms are very well preserved in the dialects in question, including those with kopejka (the latter are analysed in the article). The study has demonstrated significant similarity between the Old Believers’ dialects in South America and Russian varieties spoken in Russia with respect to the semantic field “Money”. At the same time, the analysis has revealed several properties which are unique to the Old Believers’ dialects. These include deviations in lexical meaning, in collocational and stylistic properties, and in usage.
Characterization of FC-groups where permutability condition is transitive
Authors: Turbai N.A.
Published: March 2021

We consider extension of important characteristics of finite solvable PT-groups to the class of periodic locally solvable FC-groups.
Inequalities of Jackson type for functions with values in Hilbert space
Authors: Babenko V.F. , Savela S.V.
Published: March 2021

We present the generalization of M.I. Chernykh's results about the estimate of the best $L_2$-approximation of periodic function $f$ by trigonometric polynomials by its $L_2$-modulus of continuity, in the case of functions with values in Hilbert space.
On the best relative nonsymmetric approximations of classes of periodic functions by splines
Authors: Karpova Ye.N. , Parfinovich N.V.
Published: March 2021

We find exact asymptotic equalities for the best nonsymmetric approximations of classes $W_1^r$ by splines with bounded higher derivative.
On the weakly-* dense subsets in $L^{\infty}(\Omega)$
Authors: Kogut P.I. , Rudyanova T.N.
Published: March 2021

In this paper we study the density property of the compactly supported smooth functions in the space $L^{\infty}(\Omega)$. We show that this set is dense with respect to the weak-* convergence in variable spaces.
Inequalities of Jackson-Stechkin type for $B^2$-almost periodic functions
Authors: Babenko V.F. , Savela S.V.
Published: March 2021

We obtain the exact inequalities of Jackson-Stechkin type for approximation of $B^2$-almost periodic functions.