bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensory Adaptation Training or Escitalopram for IBS With Constipation and Rectal Hypersensitivity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rao Satish S.C. , Coss-Adame Enrique , Yan Yun , Erdogan Askin , Valestin Jessica , Ayyala Deepak Nag
Published: July 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Rectal hypersensitivity is an important pathophysiological dysfunction in irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation (IBS-C), whose treatment remains challenging. In a randomized controlled trial, we compared the efficacy and safety of a novel sensori-behavioral treatment, sensory adaptation training (SAT) with escitalopram.

METHODS:

Patients with IBS-C (Rome III) with rectal hypersensitivity received 6 biweekly sessions of SAT or escitalopram 10 mg daily for 3 months. SAT was performed by repetitive gradual distension of 10-cm long highly compliant rectal balloon above tolerability thresholds using barostat. Treatment effects on sensory thresholds and symptoms were compared. Coprimary outcome measures were those achieving improvements in rectal hypersensitivity (≥20% increase in ≥2/3 sensory thresholds) and pain (≥30% decrease).

RESULTS:

We randomized 49 patients; 26 received SAT and 23 escitalopram. SAT significantly improved desire to defecate (Δ 13.5 ± 2.3 vs 2.2 ± 1.1 mm Hg, P = 0.0006) and maximum tolerability (Δ 14.8 ± 1.9 vs 1.6 ± 0.9 mm Hg, P < 0.0001) thresholds compared with escitalopram. There were significantly greater percentage of hypersensitivity responders with SAT than escitalopram (69% vs 17%, P < 0.001), but not pain responders (58% vs 44%, P = 0.4). Daily pain scores did not differ between groups (P = 0.8) or escitalopram (P = 0.06) but decreased with SAT (P = 0.0046) compared with baseline. SAT significantly increased rectal compliance (P < 0.019) and complete spontaneous bowel movements per week than escitalopram (P = 0.04). Five withdrew from adverse events with escitalopram and none with SAT.

DISCUSSION:

SAT was significantly more efficacious in improving hypersensitivity and bowel symptoms in IBS-C than escitalopram. SAT is a promising novel treatment for IBS with rectal hypersensitivity.
O sucesso na Endodontia
Authors: Duarte Marco Antônio Húngaro , Vivan Rodrigo Ricci
Published: July 2021

O sucesso na Endodontia
Entrevista com Giulio Gavini
Authors: Alcalde Murilo Priori
Published: July 2021

Professor Titular de Endodontia da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo (FOUSP) e da Universidade Santa Cecília (UNISANTA).
Orientador da Área de Endodontia do Programa de Pós-graduação da FOUSP.
Coordenador dos Cursos de Especialização em Endodontia da FOUSP e da UNISANTA.
Vice-diretor da FOUSP.
E-mail para contato: ggavini@usp.br
Ação da clorexidina e do hipoclorito de sódio sobre a microdureza dentinária
Authors: Dalla-Lana Daniel , Hanauer Priscila Daiane Schneider
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: Avaliar a microdureza do tecido dentinário bovino após a exposição a soluções irrigantes em Endodontia. Métodos: Amostras de dentina bovina foram divididas aleatoriamente em seis grupos (n=10) e submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: soro (60 min); NaOCl a 2,5% (hipoclorito de sódio) (60 min); CHX gel a 2% (clorexidina) (60 min); EDTA a 17% (ácido etilenodiaminotetracético) (1 min); NaOCl a 2,5% + EDTA a 17% (60 + 1 min) e CHX gel a 2% + EDTA a 17% (60 + 1 min). A microdureza Knoop foi utilizada para as medidas. Os dados foram avaliados pelo teste ANOVA, seguido pelo método de Duncan, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: A solução de NaOCl a 2,5%, seguida ou não de EDTA a 17%, reduziu significativamente a microdureza dentinária (p<0,05). A exposição à clorexidina gel a 2%, seguida ou não de EDTA a 17%, não resultou em alterações na microdureza dentinária (p>0,05). Conclusão: NaOCl a 2,5% reduziu significativamente a microdureza da dentina bovina após 60 minutos de exposição.
Estudo ex vivo da elevação do pH em superfície radicular externa após agitação ultrassônica de diferentes pastas de hidróxido de cálcio
Authors: Aguiar Bernardo Almeida , Vitoriano Marcelo de Morais , Viana Luiz Carlos Trévia Morais Correa , Gurgel Filho Eduardo Diogo , Gomes Fábio de Almeida , Vasconcelos Bruno Carvalho de , Ferreira Claudio Maniglia
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar, ex vivo, a capacidade de elevação do pH da superfície radicular externa de diferentes pastas de hidróxido de cálcio (HC) utilizadas como medicação intracanal, além da influência da ativação ultrassônica (AUS) durante aplicação no interior do canal radicular. Métodos: Foram utilizados 100 incisivos humanos superiores unirradiculares, que tiveram os canais radiculares modelados e divididos aleatoriamente em seis grupos experimentais (n=15), de acordo com a pasta de HC, tendo como variáveis as medicações utilizadas e a ativação da pasta com AUS no momento da aplicação, além de um grupo controle (n=10): Pasta Calen; HC+clorexidina 2% gel (CX2%); e HC + água destilada. Os dentes foram mantidos imersos em água deionizada e as medidas do pH, verificadas nos períodos de 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias, com auxílio de pHmetro. Resultados: De acordo com os dados obtidos, verificou-se elevação do pH nos períodos de 7 e 14 dias em todos os grupos. Apenas os grupos em que foi utilizada a associação do HC com CX2% apresentou evolução com aumento significativo do pH ao longo dos períodos analisados (p<0,05). A ativação das pastas com AUS proporcionou incremento significativo dos valores de pH (p<0,05). Conclusão: De acordo com a metodologia empregada, pode-se concluir que todas as pastas utilizadas promovem elevação do pH no tecido dentinário, e a ativação das pastas com AUS influencia significativamente na elevação do pH no tecido dentinário.
Cones de guta-percha: propriedades para a clínica endodôntica atual
Authors: Zanatta Julia Niero , Kopper Patricia , Vassen Anarela Bernardi
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo é revisar a literatura sobre os tipos de guta-percha para obturação, as suas formas de apresentação e as características físico-químicas e biológicas do material. Métodos: Artigos publicados entre 1973 e 2016 foram selecionados nas bases de dados PubMed e Science Direct. Foram utilizados como descritores na língua inglesa “gutta-percha and obturation”; “cones of gutta-percha” e “obturation cones and endodontic”. Revisão: A guta-percha é um material de origem orgânica que pode ser encontrado em duas formas cristalinas. Encontra-se, geralmente, na forma de cones compostos de guta-percha associada a outras substâncias. A guta-percha é considerada inerte e biocompatível, porque causa pouca reação alérgica e possui biodegradação lenta. Pode sofrer alterações físico-químicas quando utilizada em técnicas de termo-obturação, nas quais as altas temperaturas aceleram a sua degradação, comprometendo a sua função. Além disso, a sua degrada- ção precoce é também afetada pela presença ou ausência de lesões periapicais. Conclusão: Os cones de guta-percha ainda são considerados o material mais adequado e acessí- vel para o preenchimento de canais radiculares.
Tratamento endodôntico de incisivo central inferior permanente com dilaceração radicular incomum, após trauma no predecessor decíduo: relato de caso
Authors: Nunes Eduardo , Duarte Graziele , Tonelli Stéphanie Quadros , Soares Janir Alves , Silveira Frank Ferreira
Published: July 2021

Introdução: Alterações morfológicas na cavidade pulpar e na anatomia radicular podem constituir um desafio ao tratamento endodôntico. A dilaceração pode ser resultado de trauma na dentição decídua, na época da formação das raízes, provocando acentuada curvatura da raiz ou da coroa em um dente permanente. Objetivo: O presente relato de caso teve por objetivo descrever o tratamento endodôntico de um dente #41 com acentuada dilaceração radicular. Radiograficamente, a região periapical do dente #41 mostrou extensa área radiolúcida, sugestiva de osteólise periapical em decorrência de necrose pulpar, que foi confirmada pela ausência de resposta aos testes pulpares. O tratamento endodôntico foi realizado. Conclusão: Após 90 meses de acompanhamento, constatou-se ausência de sinais ou sintomas, e o exame radiográfico forneceu evidências de cicatrização óssea periapical.
Cimento biocerâmico no tratamento conservador de perfuração radicular em molar inferior
Authors: Santiago Marcos Coelho , De-Oliveira Laudimar Alves , Carvalho-Junior Jacy Ribeiro , Salles Loise Pedrosa
Published: July 2021

Introdução: A perfuração radicular é um acidente técnico-operatório que resulta em comunicação da cavidade pulpar com os tecidos periodontais. Esse tipo de acidente pode apresentar prognóstico desfavorável, por afetar significativamente o soalho da câmara coronária ou os terços cervical, médio e apical do canal radicular. Entre os fatores que interferem no prognóstico das perfurações radiculares, destacam-se: localização, extensão, presença ou ausência de bolsa periodontal; tempo decorrido entre a perfuração e o tratamento; e tipo de material obturador. Nesse contexto, os cimentos obturadores de canais denominados biocerâmicos surgiram como uma proposta inovadora para tratamento de perfurações antes consideradas de prognóstico desfavorável. Objetivo: O presente trabalho teve por objetivo relatar o tratamento de uma perfuração radicular em molar inferior com o cimento biocerâmico EndoSequence BC Sealer, com três anos de acompanhamento. Resultados: As imagens radiográficas e os dados clínicos do paciente evidenciaram o sucesso no tratamento da perfuração, com reparo da lesão perirradicular. Conclusão: O cimento endodôntico biocerâmico EndoSequence BC Sealer associado com a retomada do trajeto original do conduto e sua instrumentação favoreceram o reparo dos tecidos perirradiculares, sugerindo propriedades biológicas promissoras de compatibilidade e bioatividade.
Retratamento endodôntico e complementação cirúrgica em dente com fístula persistente: relato de caso
Authors: Santana Flávia Carvalho , Alves Ricardo Silva , Pereira Renato Piai , Souza Salatiel Ferraz Alves de , Melo Silvia Santos , Silva Rogério Vieira
Published: July 2021

Introdução: O preparo químico-mecânico representa uma etapa fundamental, pois promove a antissepsia do complexo sistema de canais radiculares, viabilizando um ambiente biológico favorável para o processo de cura e reparo dos tecidos periapicais. Porém, insucessos podem acontecer em dentes tratados e retratados endodonticamente, sendo a intervenção cirúrgica frequentemente indicada nesses casos. Relato do caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, 32 anos de idade, melanoderma, apresentou-se à clínica-escola de uma faculdade de Odontologia em um município baiano, com queixa principal de “aparecimento de bolha na gengiva e gosto amargo na boca”. Ao exame clínico, visualizou-se presença de restauração de resina composta nas faces mesial e palatina, bem como fístula intrabucal ativa na região de fundo de vestíbulo, próximo ao ápice do elemento #22. Por meio de exames clínico e radiográfico, testes de sensibilidade pulpar e rastreamento da fístula, foi estabelecido diagnóstico de tratamento endodôntico concluído, e periapical de abscesso apical crônico. Em seguida, houve indicação de retratamento endodôntico e duas sessões de medicação intracanal com hidróxido de cálcio, seguidas de uma intervenção cirúrgica exploratória. Resultados: O protocolo de tratamento proposto foi eficaz. Constatou-se sucesso clínico, com cicatrização da fístula intrabucal ativa, e radiográfico, com reparação dos tecidos periapicais, além do restabelecimento da estética e função dentária, com acompanhamento de 26 meses. O paciente encontra-se sob acompanhamento semestral. Conclusão: é necessário salientar a relevância de efetuar com segurança um planejamento e prognóstico endodôntico confiável e, igualmente, o acompanhamento do caso, com supervisão clínica e radiográfica periódica.
Biofilm Formation and Bio Corrosion of Carbon Steel in Diesel-Biodiesel Storage Tank
Authors: Ramadhani Aida Nur , Harimawan Ardiyan , Devianto Hary
Published: July 2021

Biodiesel is potential to blend with petroleum diesel as an alternative blended fuel. Biodiesel is usually stored in carbon steel storage tank which easily corroded by microorganisms. Microorganisms can use blended fuels as carbon source and water from biodiesel which is hygroscopic for growth and metabolism. Thus, degradation of fuel may occur and lead to biocorrosion by microorganisms such as Bacillus megaterium. This research was conducted to determine the effect of biodiesel concentration of blended fuel on biofilm formation and biocorrosion by Bacillus megaterium. The experiments were carried out by immersing carbon steel specimens in immersion medium for 21 days with variation of biodiesel concentration (B0, B20, B30, and B100). Biofilms that form on the metal surface cause areas with non-uniform oxygen concentrations and form anodic/cathodic conditions, raised to potential differences and biocorrosion occurred. The average corrosion rates were 0,035 ± 0,03; 0,533 ± 0,33; 0,642 ± 0,28; 0,109 ± 0,04 mm/year achieved by B0, B20, B30 and B100 respectively. These rates increased when compared to the control medium. Microorganism activity also caused damage to the metal surface by forming pitting corrosion on B30 and B100.
The effect on student behaviour and achievement of removing incentives to complete online formative assessments
Authors: Agnew Stephen , Kerr Jane , Watt Richard
Published: July 2021

This research explored the effect of incentives to complete online quizzes during a course. When a 1% weighting incentive per quiz was removed, student engagement dropped dramatically. There is also evidence that students who continued to complete quizzes did so with less vigour, spending less time on each quiz, starting them later in the week and having fewer attempts per quiz on average. The average mark per quiz was also lower once an incentive to complete them was removed. There was no significant difference in examination performance based on how many quizzes a student continued to attempt after incentives were removed. However, a comparison to a control group of students who sat the same invigilated assessments showed that, relative to term test performance, final exam mean score was 7% lower for the cohort who had the incentive to complete online quizzes removed. This differed from the control group, who showed no difference between term test and final examination mean scores when quiz incentives were maintained for the entire course. Building on previous research, this study demonstrates that a binary variable representing engagement in online quizzes did not capture the quality of that online engagement.

Implications for practice or policy:

Completion of online formative assessments by students is reduced if course leaders remove small-stakes incentives.

The removal of small-stakes incentives by course leaders harms student motivation and achievement. Specifically, students who complete formative online assessment without incentives have fewer attempts, start them later in the availability window, spend less time completing them and record a lower mean score than those with incentives.

Average final examination achievement is lower when incentives to complete online formative assessments are removed by course leaders.
Corona an der Universitätsbibliothek Basel: Die zwei Seiten der Digitalisierungsmedaille
Authors: Tréfás David
Published: July 2021

Die Maßnahmen, die in der Schweiz landesweit zur Bewältigung der Corona-Pandemie eingeführt wurden, betrafen auch die Universitätsbibliothek Basel. Auf den ersten Schock folgte während der ersten Welle eine regelrechte Digitalisierungseuphorie, die während der zweiten Welle einer Digitalisierungsmüdigkeit wich. In einer Erholungsphase im Sommer 2020 wurden die Mitarbeitenden über ihre Erfahrungen befragt, Lehren gezogen und Maßnahmen beschlossen. Es zeigte sich vor allem, dass die Bewältigung einer Krise vor allem nach guter Führung verlangt.
Wissenschaftliche Weiterbildung während und nach der COVID-19-Pandemie – der Versuch einer theoretischen Annäherung
Authors: Georgy Ursula
Published: July 2021

Die wissenschaftliche Weiterbildung hat sich durch die COVID-19-Pandemie grundlegend verändert. Dies betrifft zum einen die Formate, aber auch die Zielgruppen und vor allem die Anforderungen in der Zukunft. Für das ZBIW und auch für andere Weiterbildungsanbieter stellt dies in den meisten Fällen eine große Herausforderung dar. Der Beitrag stellt die Veränderungen in einen theoretischen Kontext, um herauszustellen, wie wichtig strategisches Vorgehen ist, um erfolgreich durch eine Krise zu kommen.
Wenn das Leben Dir Zitronen gibt … Pandemie als Chance?
Authors: Bodem Claudia , Ellis Rachel , Kabitzke Katrin
Published: July 2021

Wie alle anderen Bibliotheken stand auch die SuUB am Anfang der Pandemie von einem Tag auf den anderen vor zahlreichen neuen Herausforderungen. Entscheidungen mussten innerhalb kürzester Zeit gefällt und Angebote kurzfristig angepasst werden. Die Auswirkungen der Pandemie betrafen und betreffen alle Bereiche der Bibliothek. Der Fokus dieses Beitrags liegt jedoch auf den Kundenservices und der internen Zusammenarbeit. Die Ausführungen beschränken sich auf den größten Standort, die Zentrale auf dem Campus der Universität Bremen.
Effect of yoga on cardiovascular functions and psychological aspects of people on public service-related work: an exploratory study
Authors: Deepa Y. , Mooventhan A. , Christa Edmin , Kayelarasi C.A.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Yoga is increasingly being introduced in workplace settings to improve health and well-being. However, there is a lack of studies reporting the effect of yoga in people on public service-related work, who are at high risk for various health-related problems. Thus, the objective of this study was to find the effect of yoga on cardiovascular functions and psychological (stress, anxiety, and depression) aspects of people on public service-related work.

Methods

A single-group pre-test and post-test experimental study design was adopted. Eighty-two participants aged 41.52 ± 7.44 years who are working in the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission were undergone 1-h of yoga (under the supervision of a yoga & naturopathy doctor) a day, 5-days a week for a period of 1-month at their office. Cardiovascular functions such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse rate (PR) were measured using an automatic BP monitor. Psychological variables such as stress, anxiety, and depression were measured using Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS) before and after the intervention.

Results

Results of this study showed a significant reduction in body mass index, SBP, DBP, PR, mean arterial pressure, rate pressure product, and double product. Though results showed insignificant (just missed the statistical significance [p=0.056]) reduction in anxiety, it showed clinical improvement (i.e. the mean anxiety score has reduced from moderate category to mild category). However, there is neither statistically significant nor clinical difference in stress and depression. None of the participants reported any untoward events during the study period.

Conclusions

Results suggest that yoga might improve the cardiovascular functions and anxiety of people in public service-related work. However, no such significant improvement was noted in their stress and depression levels. However, a randomized controlled trial is required to warrant the results of this study.
An optimization of color halftone visual cryptography scheme based on Bat algorithm
Authors: Aswad Firas Mohammed , Salman Ihsan , Mostafa Salama A.
Published: July 2021

Visual cryptography is a cryptographic technique that allows visual information to be encrypted so that the human optical system can perform the decryption without any cryptographic computation. The halftone visual cryptography scheme (HVCS) is a type of visual cryptography (VC) that encodes the secret image into halftone images to produce secure and meaningful shares. However, the HVC scheme has many unsolved problems, such as pixel expansion, low contrast, cross-interference problem, and difficulty in managing share images. This article aims to enhance the visual quality and avoid the problems of cross-interference and pixel expansion of the share images. It introduces a novel optimization of color halftone visual cryptography (OCHVC) scheme by using two proposed techniques: hash codebook and construction techniques. The new techniques distribute the information pixels of a secret image into a halftone cover image randomly based on a bat optimization algorithm. The results show that these techniques have enhanced security levels and make the proposed OCHVC scheme more robust against different attacks. The OCHVC scheme achieves mean squared error (MSE) of 95.0%, peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 28.3%, normalized cross correlation (NCC) of 99.4%, and universal quality index (UQI) of 99.3% on average for the six shares. Subsequently, the experiment results based on image quality metrics show improvement in size, visual quality, and security for retrieved secret images and meaningful share images of the OCHVC scheme. Comparing the proposed OCHVC with some related works shows that the OCHVC scheme is more effective and secure.
The Ahmadiyya, Blasphemy and Religious Freedom: The Institutional Discourse Analysis of Religious Discrimination in Indonesia
Authors: Irawan Andi Muhammad , Adnan Zifirdaus
Published: July 2021

The article investigates the development of discourses related to freedom of religion and discrimination against religious minority in current Indonesia by identifying the discourse constructions of Ahmadiyya in various texts and talks produced and disseminated by government institution and the Indonesian Council of Ulama (the MUI). This study aims to reveal these institutions’ views and perspectives on Ahmadiyya issue using various discourse strategies. The data analysed are some legal proclamations issued and personal views delivered by the officials of these two institutions. The CDA theoretical framework employed is to examine the positive-self and negative-other presentations. The finding reveals that the issue of Ahmadiyya is addressed through discourses related to Indonesian national interest and discourses related to religious matters. in these discourses, the two institutions and their officials present themselves positively and portray the Ahmadiyya sect negatively. The sect followers are negatively presented as the troublemaker, blasphemer, and the destroyer of religious harmony and social order.
What can women’s networks do to close the gender gap in STEM?
Authors: Kim Jung Sun
Published: July 2021

Despite the efforts of the Korean government to implement gender mainstreaming in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the gender gap remains intact. The low rank of Gender Gap Indices (GGI) of Korea is mainly due to the low economic participation of women, especially in STEM. However, Korea has been steadily advancing in terms of government policies for women in STEM. The enactment of the law on fostering and supporting women in science and technology in 2002 is attributed to the collective efforts of women scientists and engineers through a women in STEM organization. The next task for women’s networks would be to identify the barriers of gender disparities by gathering the voices of women in STEM.
TOTAD interface: A review of its application for LVI and LC-GC
Authors: Espinosa Francisco J. , Toledano Rosa M. , Villén Jesús , Cortés Jose M. , Vázquez Ana M.
Published: July 2021

Large volume injection (LVI) in gas chromatography (GC) and online liquid chromatography-gas chromatography (LC-GC) are useful techniques for analyzing the compounds present at very low concentrations in complex samples since they substantially increase the sensitivity of the analysis and simplify sample preparation. LVI avoids the need to concentrate the extract and even the extraction step itself by directly injecting the sample. In online LC-GC, the liquid chromatography (LC) step acts as the sample preparation and/or fractionation step. The main problem in both techniques is the selective elimination of the large volume of solvent without losing the analytes. The TOTAD (through oven transfer adsorption–desorption) interface, based on a widely modified PTV (programmed temperature vaporizer) injector, allows large volumes to be injected into the gas chromatograph using both nonpolar and polar solvents, including water. Consequently, online LC-GC can be carried out whether the LC step is in the normal phase or the reversed phase. Various methods for analyzing trace compounds in food and environmental samples have been developed for LVI and online LC-GC using the TOTAD interface. Such analysis methods require the optimization of several variables common to LVI and online LC-GC and specific variables involved in online LC-GC, which must be optimized by taking into account the nature of the analytes and the characteristics of the sample matrix. This article reviews how each of these variables affects the performance of the analysis.
Evaluation of the applicability of different viscoelasticity constitutive models in bamboo scrimber short-term tensile creep property research
Authors: Songsong Sun , Maosong Wan
Published: July 2021

Bamboo scrimber is a new natural fiber-reinforced composite material in modern industry. In this paper, the tensile creep characteristics of this material were chosen as the object of the study. First, axial tensile fracture experiments were conducted on different test specimens to determine the corresponding strength data. Then six sets of standard tensile creep experiments were conducted under different given stress levels. Finally, the Maxwell constitutive model was applied in fitting the relationship between strain and time. The results showed that the traditional Maxwell viscoelasticity constitutive model will result in some errors in the fitting results, while the combined fractional and Maxwell model can provide much higher accuracy in this study, thus it is more suitable for engineering applications. This paper provides a solid foundation for a better understanding of the mechanism of the bamboo scrimber creep behavior.
Prejudice Towards Sex Workers Depends on the Sexual Activity and Autonomy of Their Work, Hobbies and Daily Activities
Authors: Kellie Dax J. , Blake Khandis R. , Brooks Robert C.
Published: July 2021

Women are more likely than men to be sexualized, objectified and dehumanized. Female sex workers experience stigma and violence associated with these judgements at far higher rates than other women. Here, we use a pre-registered experimental design to consider which aspects of sex work – the level of sexual activity, earned income, or perceived autonomy of the work – drive dehumanization. A first group of participants (N = 217) rated 80 vignettes of women varying by full-time employment, hobbies and interests on humanness. These ratings were subtracted from the ratings of a second group of participants (N = 774) who rated these same vignettes which additionally described a part-time job, hobby or activity that varied in sexual activity, income earned and autonomy over one’s actions. We find that women and especially men dehumanize women they believe are engaging in penetrative sex. We also find that women’s autonomy of, but not their income from, their sexual activity increases dehumanization. Our findings suggest that opposition to women’s ability to pursue casual sex and generalizations about the exploitative conditions of sex work may drive the harshest negative prejudice towards female sex workers and, by similar mechanisms, women’s sexuality in general.
Acromegaly with empty sella syndrome
Authors: Daya Reyna , Seedat Faheem , Purbhoo Khushica , Bulbulia Saajidah , Bayat Zaheer
Published: July 2021

Acromegaly is a rare, chronic progressive disorder with characteristic clinical features caused by persistent hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH), mostly from a pituitary adenoma (95%). Occasionally, ectopic production of GH or growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with resultant GH hypersecretion may lead to acromegaly. Sometimes localizing the source of GH hypersecretion may prove difficult. Rarely, acromegaly has been found in patients with an empty sella (ES) secondary to prior pituitary radiation and/or surgery. However, acromegaly in patients with primary empty sella (PES) is exceeding rarely and has only been described in a few cases. We describe a 47-year-old male who presented with overt features of acromegaly (macroglossia, prognathism, increased hand and feet size). Biochemically, both the serum GH (21.6 μg/L) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (635 μg/L) were elevated. In addition, there was a paradoxical elevation of GH following a 75 g oral glucose load. Pituitary MRI demonstrated an ES. In order to exclude an ectopic source of GH hypersecretion, further biochemical tests and imaging were done, which were unremarkable. Notably, increased uptake in the sella turcica on the 68Gallium DOTATATE PET/CT confirmed the ES as the likely source of GH secretion. As no overt lesion was noted, medical treatment (octreotide acetate) was initiated with a good clinical and biochemical response. At his 3 month follow-up, he reported an improvement in symptoms (fatigue and headache), however he still complained of low libido. Due to a persistently low testosterone level at follow-up, a long-acting testosterone was initiated. His GH level normalised, and IGF-1 has significantly reduced.

Learning points

The commonest cause of acromegaly is due to GH hypersecretion from pituitary adenomas (95%).

Acromegaly has rarely been found in patients with ES.

It is important to exclude a past history suggestive of pituitary apoplexy.

Extra-pituitary source of GH such as ectopic production of GHRH with resultant GH hypersecretion needs to be excluded.

In such cases, since there is no resectable mass, medical therapy is the primary treatment option.
La teoría del reconocimiento de Axel Honneth: un bosquejo moral de las formas de menosprecio social
Authors: Espiter Villa Víctor Manuel
Published: July 2021

En este artículo se establecen los criterios conceptuales que le permiten a Honneth dilucidar la idea de la reificación como un olvido de reconocimiento manifestado en formas de menosprecio que, al develar el sometimiento de individuos a situaciones la violencia, desposesión de derechos y deshonra, conducen hacia la necesidad  de emprender una lucha por el reconocimiento que, enmarcado en unos horizontes morales  de carácter normativos, conlleven la praxis del amor, el derecho y la solidaridad como esferas imprescindible para lograr la resignificación humana.
Descolonizar la ética y otros problemas geopolíticos-pedagógicos del conocimiento
Authors: Giuliano Facundo
Published: July 2021

El presente ensayo muestra cómo opera la colonialidad en la configuración contemporánea de la geopolítica del conocimiento, en la naturalización de determinadas posiciones o lugares de enunciación y en la oclusión de otros generalmente reducidos al orden de “lo conocible”. Este escenario plantea problemas inaplazables en un contexto donde, en nombre de la Ilustración europea y sus reversiones, se imponen algunas herencias de pensamiento en detrimento de otras locales, así como pueden promoverse antropofagias fallidas o asimilaciones excesivas por mal digestión. Así, se torna importante el intento de esbozar una ética descolonizadora desde la cual interpelar y responder a las problemáticas que traen consigo aquellas posiciones que pretenden reconducir el debate epistémico al paso impuesto por el legado europeo. En esta búsqueda, se anuda lo ético, lo político y lo educativo en un gesto subversivo que se trama entre luchas necesariamente abiertas frente al panorama que ofrece el pensamiento contemporáneo.
The Nature of Ethics of indigenous peoples of Colombia
Authors: Silva Prada Diego Fernando , Gutiérrez Ojeda Patricia , García Serrano Saúl Ernesto , Mosquera Claudia Judith
Published: July 2021

This work aims to show the ancestral thinking, specifically what has been called by the West an “Environmental”, or “Natural” ethic, from the integrity and concern of natural forces and gods to the biocentric conception of life and reality, and cyclical representations of time and space. In ancestral communities such as the Pastos, Arhuacos and Nukak Maku we can find ontological conceptions which are related to the cultural modalities and ways of life underlining highs ethics for all living beings of the Planet. This legacy, which is still a living heritage in many places of our America, have social and cultural functions, and should not only be treated as antique objects, but also as systems of values (moral) that open an intercultural dialogue and illustrate different lifestyles, ways of being, and alternative paths through the decolonization process. These kinds of ethics belongs to a matrix which accepts diversity and differences as basic constituents of reality. Life, in its amplitude (not just human life), as a central articulator of the social, cultural and political dimensions of the community of origin is one of the primary proposals of Natural Ethics. In spite of the differences among the native communities considered in this article, the results of the research have found shared significant themes that result from the research which constitute the central elements of that ethic: life, death, space, time, responsibility, nature and ancestrally.
Expression of serpins by Clostridium thermocellum and simultaneous saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass to enhance ethanol production
Authors: Mushtaq Maria , Asad Muhammad Javaid , Hyder Muhammad Zeeshan , Naqvi Syed Muhammad Saqlan , Malik Saad Imran , Mahmood Raja Tahir
Published: July 2021

Utilization of biomass for production of second generation bioethanol was considered as a way to reduce burdens of fossil fuel in Pakistan. The materials wheat straw, rice straw, cotton stalk, corn stover, and peel wastes were used in this experiment. Various parameters, such as acidic and alkali pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis by cellulases, and effect of proteases inhibitors on ethanol production, were examined. Fermentation was completed by the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Clostridium thermocellum separately, and their ethanol production were compared and maximum ethanol yield was obtained with wheat straw i.e.,11.3 g/L by S. cerevisiae and 8.5 g/L by C. thermocellum. Results indicated that a higher quantity of sugar was obtained from wheat straw (19.6 ± 1.6 g/L) followed by rice straw (17.6 ± 0.6 g/L) and corn stover (16.1 ± 0.9 g/L) compared to the other evaluated biomass samples. A higher yield of ethanol (11.3 g/L) was observed when a glucose concentration of 21.7 g/L was used, for which yeast fermentation efficiency was 92%. Results also revealed the increased in ethanol production (93%) by using celluases in combination with recombinant Serine protease inhibitors from C. thermocellum. It is expected that the use of recombinant serpins with cellulases will play a major role in the biofuel production by using agricultural biomass. This will also help in the economics of the biofuel.
Adsorption behavior and mechanism of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol on nut shell activated carbon
Authors: Cao Liming , Li Yan , Mo Xiaorong , Li Jing , Wu Qin , Yao Shuangquan
Published: July 2021

The adsorbable organic halides (AOX) produced during chlorine dioxide bleaching are highly toxic and difficult to degrade. Currently, AOX generation is mainly reduced by controlling conditions during bleaching. Studies on AOX removal in the natural environment are rarely reported. In this study, the adsorption of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) on nut shell activated carbon was investigated. The effects of activated carbon dosage, adsorption time, and temperature on the removal of 2,4,6-TCP were examined. The optimal adsorption conditions was activated carbon dosage 0.20 g × L-1, adsorption time 130 min, and temperature 25 °C. The removal efficiency of 2,4,6-TCP was 91.5%. The adsorption kinetics and isothermal adsorption were studied, and a thermodynamic equation was established. The adsorption was more consistent with a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich adsorption isotherm model. Thermodynamic studies showed that the adsorption of 2,4,6-TCP on activated carbon was a spontaneous exothermic process. These findings provide a new method for AOX removal in natural environments.
β-globin variants present in Western Sudan
Authors: Mohammed Abderahman Nahla Ahmed , Abdelrahman Adam, Nassreldeen Khalid , Ibrahim Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed
Published: July 2021

Objective: A variety of observations of the hemoglobin D (Hgb D) phenotype has occurred in association with family studies of patients with sickle cell disease. Very little is known about the occurrence and prevalence of the Hgb D variant and its impact on blood profiles among Sudanese. This study was aimed at determining the percentage of Hb D in North Darfur State, West Sudan, whose population has been shown to have hemoglobin-S (Hb S) disease. Methods: From December 2017 to August 2018, this descriptive community-based investigation was conducted. Six hundred and sixty-six (666) people were randomly selected to participate in this study. With each participant's there was verbal consent. A questionnaire was designed to collect personal details. 5 mL of venous blood was gathered in EDTA containers. The Hb D variant was checked using Sebia Minicap Automated Capillary Electrophoresis System- USA and frequency was calculated using version 21.0 of the software package for social science (SPSS). Result: The prevalence of Hb variants was as follows: AD=0.6%, SS=2%, AS=10.5 %, and AA=86.9%. Conclusion: The prevalence of Hb D variant was 4 (0.6 %) in 666 participants from four western Sudanese tribes, beside reported of Hb SS and Hb AS.
Isotopic composition of rainfall in Baja California Sur, México
Authors: Hita Luis González- , Mejía-González Miguel Angel , Martinez Blanca Carteño- , Aparicio-González Juan Carlos , Flores Dustin Mañón-
Published: July 2021

The study of the connection between precipitation and groundwater recharge/discharge using stable isotopes has been limited in México. One of the main limitations is the lack of local stable isotopes monitoring for rainfall. Indeed, only two stations of the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation operated in Mexico from 1962 to 1988. This study reports temporal characterization of stable isotopes in meteoric waters in the northwest of Mexico that has been lacking up to the present. Stable isotope analyses of the rain collected in the city of Loreto, state of Baja California Sur, from 2018 to 2021 were conducted using laser water isotope analyzers Picarro L2110-i and Los Gatos Research LWIA-45EP. A least squares regression of the isotope data was used to obtain the local meteoric water line: δ2H =8 δ18O + 9.4 (r2=0.98). The average value of winter rain is δ18O=-2.46 ‰ and δ2H=-10.2 ‰, monsoon rain δ18O=-4.93 ‰ y δ2H=-30.3 ‰, atmospheric river rain δ18O=-5.35 ‰ and δ2H=-33.3 ‰ and tropical cyclones rain δ18O= -10.7 ‰ y δ2H=-76.3. Isotope data indicated that tropical cyclones are the main source of recharge for the coastal aquifers of Baja California, Sur.
Is Atlantis related to the green Sahara?
Authors: ZHANG Hong-Quan
Published: July 2021

Most scholars take Atlantis as Plato’s invention to promote his political ideal articulated in his masterwork The Republic. This paper points out that the green Sahara period encompasses the time of Atlantis according to Plato’s records. The transitions between the green Sahara and desert Sahara were controlled by the water cycle stability in the Atlas Basin, an area fitting all the features of the Atlas Empire as described in Plato’s Timaeus and Critias. The historical account of Atlantis by Plato is compared with the newly identified site, the timelines of climate changes, a likely hydrological process, and the geographical profiles in the Atlas Basin.
Readiness for implementation of preconception care in Uganda; a review on the current policy, health system barriers, opportunities and way forward
Authors: Nathan Isabirye , Nyabigambo Agnes , Kayego Agnes , Waiswa Peter , Moley Kele , Walani Salimah
Published: July 2021

Background: Uganda like other low-income countries, preconception health has received no attention. Communications in this article are derived from preliminary findings of an ongoing preconception baseline pilot in Luuka-a rural eastern district of Uganda. This is a phased study, including a desk review of literature and a short baseline pilot. Methods: The review followed the methodology of systematic reviews. Key electronic databases were searched including PUBMED/MEDLINE and google scholar. Also, reports from ministries/academic institution libraries and views from experts were done. English articles published post 2000, covering preconception care, barriers, facilitators and policies were included in the review. Out of 110 shortlisted abstracts, 28 were included. Studies were extracted onto structured formats and analysed using the narrative synthesis approach. Results: There exist unstructured preconception health and service guidelines in Uganda. Barriers to preconception service integration into the district’s health system include; lack of a clear policy, careworn health system and care seeker related factors. Opportunities for preconception service integration include; poor maternal and neonatal health indicators, positive change in health seeking behaviour, existence of a gap in the care continuum, functional VHT system to link the community to services, anticipated roll out of key family care practises by Ministry of Health Uganda, and improved access to radio & mobile phones. Conclusion: Formulation of clear preconception guidelines, testing health system integration approaches, stakeholders’ engagement, awareness creation and strengthening the supply side is recommended as a way forward
Genomic analysis of a decapod Penstylidensovirus 1 isolated from Penaeus semisulcatus
Authors: Megahed Mohamed E
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to identify the genomic characteristics of Penaeus stylirostris densovirus (PstDNV 1) affected farming of the green tiger shrimp Penaeus semisulcatus. Shrimp samples tested positive for PstDNV 1 by PCR and showing pathognomonic lesions were taken for cloning. Genomic DNA from infected shrimp was digested with restriction enzymes and plasmid libraries made before taking recombinant clones for shotgun sequencing. Altogether, 11 PstDNV1 contigs 3,530 to 3,912 nucleotides (nt) long were generated from P. semisulcatus. Each sequence contained ORFs encoding nonstructural (NS) proteins NS1 and NS2 and coat protein. The genome length of the isolates ranged from 3,598 to 3,912 bases. The GC content of the isolates varied from 42.5 % to 43.2%. These eleven PstDNV 1 isolates shared a pairwise identity of 96.4%. The phylogenetic analysis of the eleven PstDNV 1 isolates and the previously reported sequences showed the formation of 5 groups. Group 1 contains isolates from China, Brazil, California, Hawaii and 4 sequences from Egypt (KT316255.1, KT316260.1, KT316256.1 and KT316256.1). The second group contains sequences from Australia and 4 sequences from Egypt (KT316253.1, KT316252.1, KT316251.1 and KT316250.1). The third group clusters sequences from Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan and two sequences from Egypt (KT316257.1 and KT316259.1). The appearance of PstDNV 1 in Egypt occurred after the introduction of Litopenaeus vannamei and Fenneropenaeus indicus. The complete genomes characterized in this study suggest that PstDNV was introduced to Egypt via movement of infected animals from distinct parts of the world. These finding serve as evidence that stricter monitoring protocols for the movement of shrimp species are fundamental as biosecurity measures to avoid the spread of pathogens that could potentially compromise the growth of the shrimp industry in Egypt.
Do stranded sand dollars indicate hydrodynamic conditions of sandy beaches?
Authors: Barrella Walter
Published: July 2021

This article aimed to evaluate sand dollars' distribution (Mellitaquinquiesperforata) by relating it to hydrodynamic variations on Santos Beach (Brazil). Twenty-nine samplings were carried out between March 2015 and July 2018, through 6 transects in the seawater limit, along 5.5km of the beach. The survey of data consisted of two processes: counting and biometrics of the whole individuals present. We noted the wind's direction, the height of the tide, the lunar phase, and the seasons. Canonical Correspondence Analysis and 2way ANOVAs showed that the season, the direction of the prevailing winds, and the moon phase significantly influenced the cookies' spatial distribution, results that coincide with the existing models for erosion and sedimentation. We only registered adult individuals (>4cm). The largest and heaviest individuals occurred in late summer and early autumn (March-April), which suggests that this is the species' breeding season.
Severe weight loss during, but not before, simultaneous chemotherapy and radiation therapy for stage III and IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is associated with increased survival
Authors: Tamburrini Danielle , Gene Sheck Casey , Sheck Gene , Montana Mckenzie , Tyrrell Jessica , Davis DO Michael A , Darminio Jill , J Slotman Gus , Head and Neck Cancer the Southern New Jersey
Published: July 2021

Background: Severe weight loss commonly occurs before and during chemo-irradiation for Stage III and IV SCCHN. Nevertheless, the effects of severe weight loss on short and long term outcomes are unknown. Objective: To evaluate effects of pre-treatment weight loss versus weight loss during chemotherapy/radiation for advanced operable SCCHN on toxicity, tumor response, recurrent tumor and survival. Methods: Records of 52 patients with Stage III and IV, clinically operable SCCHN who underwent primary high-dose radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy (cisplatin, 20mg/M2/four consecutive days during weeks 1, 4, and 7 of radiotherapy) (CTRT) were examined retrospectively in two groups: <7.5% weight loss in three months during CTRT (NON-SEVERE; n=12) and >7.5% weight loss (SEVERE; n=41). Data included tumor site, grade, stage, pre-CTRT weight loss, CTRT toxicity, response (CCR = Clinical Complete; HCR = Histologic Complete without residual tumor), surgeries, recurrence, and overall and disease-free survival. Statistical analysis: Chi-square, ANOVA, and Kaplan-Meier. Results: Per study design, weight loss was greater in the SEVERE group versus NON-SEVERE (-17.3% +- 7.9% versus -2.9% +- 4.2%, p<0.0001). Pre-CTRT weight loss, age, stage, grade, toxicity of CTRT and post-CTRT surgery did not vary significantly. SEVERE tongue/hypopharynx primary site was increased (66% versus 18%, p<0.05). CCR and HCR were achieved in 5/11 (45%) of NON-SEVERE and 29/41 (71%) SEVERE. SCCHN recurred in 1/11 (9%) NON-SEVERE and 12/41 (29%) SEVERE patients. Kaplan-Meier Overall 60 month survival was 56% SEVERE and 14% NON-SEVERE (p<0.001). Disease-Free survival was 65% SEVERE and 22% NON-SEVERE (p<0.001). Conclusions: In spite of greater tongue/hypopharynx primaries and independent of pre-treatment weight loss, SEVERE Stage III/IV SCCHN CTRT toxicity, post-CTRT operations, and tumor recurrence did not increase. SEVERE CCR/HCR was excellent and SEVERE overall and disease-free survivals exceeded NON-SEVERE significantly. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these new and clinically important findings are not clear from the data.