bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid replacement therapy effects on cardiac function in patients with hypothyroidism
Authors: Djenic Aleksandar , Obrenovic-Kircanski Biljana
Published: November 2020

Introduction/Objective. Hypothyroidism is a hypometabolic syndrome with insufficient production or inadequate action of thyroid hormones. It is characterized by hypercholesterolemia, elevated LDL-C. The most common echocardiographic changes are in left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of achieving adequate thyroid hormone replacement therapy in hypothyroid patients on improving systolic and diastolic cardiac function and correcting serum lipid profile. Methods. Prospective study was conducted on 42 patients with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism, both sexes, aged 18?60 years, without comorbidity. The determined blood tests before, six, 12, and 24 weeks after starting the therapy with L-thyroxine were: FT4, TSH, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides. The effects of thyroid hormone replacement therapy on systolic and diastolic cardiac function were assessed by echocardiography. Results. It was concluded that 25 (59.5%) patients had subclinical and 17 (40.5%) overt hypothyroidism. The LV end-systolic diameter decreased statistically highly significant (p < 0.01) after 12 weeks and enddiastolic diameter of the right ventricle after six months of therapy. There was no significant decrease in LV end-diastolic diameter after six months of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) values increased significantly (p < 0.01) after six weeks of therapy. Total cholesterol and LDL-C significantly decreased, HDL-C increased (p < 0.01) and there was no change in triglyceride concentrations after 24 weeks of therapy. Conclusions. Thyroid replacement therapy in hypothyroid subjects statistically significantly improves echocardiographic parameters of diastolic and systolic left and right ventricular function, reduces total serum cholesterol and LDL-C, and increases HDL-C.
Plasma vitamin C and type 2 diabetes: genome-wide association study and Mendelian randomization analysis in European populations
Authors: Zheng Ju-Sheng , Luan Jian’an , Sofianopoulou Eleni , Imamura Fumiaki , Stewart Isobel D , Day Felix R , Pietzner Maik , Wheeler Eleanor , Lotta Luca A , Gundersen Thomas E. , Amiano Pilar , Ardanaz Eva , Chirlaque María-Dolores , Fagherazzi Guy , Franks Paul W , Kaaks Rudolf , Laouali Nasser , Mancini Francesca Romana , Nilsson Peter M , Onland-Moret N. Charlotte , Olsen Anja , Overvad Kim , Panico Salvatore , Palli Domenico , Ricceri Fulvio , Rolandsson Olov , Spijkerman Annemieke MW , Sánchez María-José , Schulze Matthias B , Sala Núria , Sieri Sabina , Tjønneland Anne , Tumino Rosario , Schouw Yvonne T van der , Weiderpass Elisabete , Riboli Elio , Danesh John , Butterworth Adam S , Sharp Stephen J , Langenberg Claudia , Forouhi Nita G , Wareham Nicholas J
Published: November 2020

Objective
Higher plasma vitamin C levels are associated
with lower type 2 diabetes risk, but whether this association is causal is uncertain.
To investigate this, we studied the association of genetically predicted plasma
vitamin C with type 2 diabetes.

Research Design
and Methods We conducted genome-wide association
studies of plasma vitamin C among 52,018 individuals of European ancestry to
discover novel genetic variants. We performed Mendelian randomization analyses
to estimate the association of genetically predicted difference in plasma vitamin
C with type 2 diabetes in up-to 80,983 cases and 842,909 non-cases. We compared
this estimate with the observational association between plasma vitamin C and
incident type 2 diabetes, including 8,133 cases and 11,073 non-cases.

Results
We identified 11 genomic regions associated with plasma vitamin C (p<5×10-8),
with the strongest signal at SLC23A1,
and 10 novel genetic loci including SLC23A3,
CHPT1, BCAS3, SNRPF, RER1, MAF, GSTA5, RGS14, AKT1 and FADS1. Plasma
vitamin C was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio per
standard deviation, 0.88, 95%CI: 0.82, 0.94), but there
was no association between genetically predicted plasma vitamin C (excluding FADS1
variant due to its apparent pleiotropic effect) and type 2 diabetes (1.03,
95%CI: 0.96, 1.10).

Conclusions
These findings indicate discordance between
biochemically measured and genetically predicted plasma vitamin C levels in the
association with type 2 diabetes among European populations. The null Mendelian
randomization findings provide no strong evidence to suggest the use of vitamin
C supplementation for type 2 diabetes prevention.
circRNA_010383 acts as a sponge for miR-135a and its downregulated expression contributes to renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Admin Ada , Peng Fenfen , Gong Wangqiu , Li Shuting , Yin Bohui , Zhao Chen , Liu Wenting , Chen Xiaowen , Luo Congwei , Huang Qianying , Chen Ting , Sun Lingzhi , Fang Shun , Zhou Weidong , Li Zhijian , Long Haibo
Published: November 2020

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a vascular complication of diabetes mellitus,
is the leading cause of death in diabetic patients. The contribution of
aberrantly expressed circRNAs to diabetic nephropathy in vivo is poorly understood. Integrated comparative circRNA
microarray profiling was used to examine the expression of circRNAs in diabetic
kidney of db/db mice. We found that circRNA_010383 expression was markedly
downregulated in diabetic kidneys, mesangial cells and tubular
epithelial cells cultured in high-glucose conditions. circRNA_010383 colocalized
with microRNA-135a (miR-135a) and inhibited miR-135a function by directly binding to miR-135a. In vitro, the knockdown of
circRNA_010383 promoted the accumulation
of extracellular matrix (ECM)
proteins and downregulated the
expression of transient
receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member
(TRPC1), which is a target protein of
miR-135a. Furthermore, circRNA_010383 overexpression
effectively inhibited the high-glucose-induced accumulation of ECM and increased
TRPC1 levels in vitro. More importantly, the kidney-target
of circRNA_010383 overexpression inhibited proteinuria
and renal fibrosis in db/db mice. Mechanistically, we identified that a loss of
circRNA_010383 promoted proteinuria and renal fibrosis in DN by acting as a sponge
for miRNA-135a. This study reveals that circRNA_010383 may be a novel
therapeutic target for DN in the future.
ANÁLISIS ESTRUCTURAL PROSPECTIVO: VARIABLES CLAVE PARA EL DESARROLLO ORGANIZACIONAL DE FUNDACIÓN DE ACCIÓN SOCIAL CÁRITAS
Authors: Hernández Cristian Germán , Hurtado Joshua
Published: November 2020

El objetivo del presente estudio es desarrollar un análisis estructural prospectivo con el propósito de identificar las variables clave para el desarrollo organizacional de Fundación de Acción Social Cáritas, ubicada en la provincia de Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. Para este fin, se conformó un panel de expertos con el apoyo de coeficientes de competencia K. Una vez escogidos los 12 participantes, se desarrollaron diversos talleres de reflexión colectiva para crear un listado de variables de alta representación, validarlo y posteriormente procesarlo en el software especializado de la Escuela Francesa de Prospectiva denominado MICMAC (Matriz de Impactos Cruzados y Multiplicación Aplicada a una Clasificación). Como hallazgo principal, en el Plano de Influencias/dependencias Indirectas se encontraron 9 variables clave: alianzas estratégicas, capacidad de cobertura, capital tecnológico, complementariedad de los servicios, cuotas de recuperación, donaciones percibidas, estrategias de marketing social, formación del talento humano y sistema interno de comunicación. Por lo mencionado, se puede concluir que para el largo plazo la fundación requiere, en mayor medida, de una potenciación interna que puede abordarse de forma sistémica debido a la afinidad y complementariedad de las variables.
Perceived Organization Support Towards Employee Engagement and The Impact of Employee Job Satisfaction
Authors: Sulistyawati Upik Sri , Sufriadi Dedi
Published: November 2020

This study was to analyze the effect of perceived organizational support on employee engagement and its impact on employee job satisfaction. This type of research is explanatory research with a quantitative approach. Hypothesis testing using the hierarchical regression analysis method with the help of SPSS version 21. The results showed that: there was a positive influence on perceived organizational support on employee engagement. with the result Z = 0.628; t = 6,096; p <0.001; there is a positive effect of perceived organizational support on employee performance indicated by the result Y = 0.791; t = 12,022; p <0.001; There is a positive influence on employee engagement on employee performance as indicated by Y = 0.323; t = 2,766; p <0.01); and employee engagement can be proven as a mediating variable on the effect of perceived organizational support on the performance of administrative employees. So, there is an effect of perceived organizational support on employee engagement and its impact on employee job satisfaction. These findings are expected to evaluate employee performance and understand the process of implementing policies for employees.
Religião, Sentido e Dominação
Authors: Silva Ítalo da , Xavier Filho Jose Lindenberg Julião , Santos Elisabeth Cavalcante dos
Published: November 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é entender as bases que sustentam o exercício da liderança nas relações sociais presentes numa organização religiosa a partir da abordagem sociológica weberiana, compreendendo a noção de liderança como um tipo singular de dominação. A pesquisa assumiu caráter qualitativo com realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas e análise documental numa igreja católica. Ao material empírico foi aplicado a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Como principais resultados, destacamos a existência de uma rede de sentidos subjetivamente visados entre o dominador e dominados, bem como a multiplicidade de sentidos para a ação social, demonstrando a complexidade explicativa do fenômeno da liderança. A contribuição para a área dos estudos organizacionais reside na busca por explorar a intersecção entre organizações e religião, tencionando o elo entre poder, relações sociais e dominação.
Esterilización forzada de hombres indígenas: una faceta inexplorada
Authors: Gaussens Pierre
Published: November 2020

Este artículo tiene como objetivo explorar la problemática de la esterilización forzada en la población indígena, desde la perspectiva de la sociología política y en diálogo con la antropología médica, los estudios de género y los derechos humanos. Su metodología se basa en un estudio de caso en el que fueron esterilizados hombres indígenas mexicanos, y se complementa con una revisión documental que permitió la construcción de un caso teórico comparativo, a partir de lo ocurrido en Perú, ambos casos inscribiéndose en la década de 1990. El principal hallazgo radica en que la esterilización forzada, si bien obedece en gran medida a una política de control poblacional, en el caso particular de la población indígena, también se relaciona con la militarización que implicó la lucha contrainsurgente, desplegada desde el Estado frente a la actividad guerrillera que caracterizó en aquellos años a América Latina.
Role of cardiac imaging in patients undergoing catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Muser Daniele , Lavalle Carlo , Guarracini Fabrizio , Sassone Biagio , Conte Edoardo , Magnani Silvia , Notarstefano Pasquale , Barbato Gaetano , Sgarito Giuseppe , Grandinetti Giuseppe , Nucifora Gaetano , Ricci Renato P. , Boriani Giuseppe , De Ponti Roberto , Casella Michela
Published: November 2020

Ventricular tachycardia is a major health issue in patients with structural heart disease (SHD). Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy has significantly reduced the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in such patients, but on the other hand, it has led to frequent ICD shocks as an emerging problem, being associated with poor quality of life, frequent hospitalizations and increased mortality. Myocardial scar plays a central role in the genesis and maintenance of re-entrant arrhythmias, as the coexistence of surviving myocardial fibres within fibrotic tissue leads to the formation of slow conduction pathways and to a dispersion of activation and refractoriness that constitutes the milieu for ventricular tachycardia circuits. Catheter ablation has repeatedly proven to be well tolerated and highly effective in treating VT and in the last two decades has benefited from continuous efforts to determine ventricular tachycardia mechanisms by integration with a wide range of invasive and noninvasive imaging techniques such as intracardiac echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, multidetector computed tomography and nuclear imaging. Cardiovascular imaging has become a fundamental aid in planning and guiding catheter ablation procedures by integrating structural and electrophysiological information, enabling the ventricular tachycardia arrhythmogenic substrate to be characterized and effective ablation targets to be identified with increasing precision, and allowing the development of new ablation strategies with improved outcomes. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of cardiac imaging in patients undergoing catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia.
The progression rate of aortic stenosis: key to tailoring the management and potential target for treatment
Authors: Tafciu Elvin , Mandoli Giulia E. , Santoro Ciro , Setti Martina , d’Andrea Antonello , Esposito Roberta , Bandera Francesco , Evola Vincenzo , Malagoli Alessandro , Cameli Matteo , Benfari Giovanni
Published: November 2020

Aortic stenosis is the most frequent valvular disease to require intervention in the western world and has always been featured as a progressive disease. The rate of progression can be assessed by carefully performed Doppler echocardiography and can vary greatly between individuals with a profound impact on prognosis. Unfortunately, the determinants of disease progression had been insufficiently studied and remain challenging to define, particularly in the outpatient setting. Multiple factors have been proposed and tested, but at present, there are no proven therapies to slow the course of the stenotic process. Heart valve clinics may be particularly important to define the progression rate and tailor follow-up and management at an individual level. This review enlightens knowledge and gaps regarding the progression-rate of aortic valve stenosis, from the historical perspective to the molecular one.
Myocardial blood flow in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy receiving perindopril (CARAPaCE): a pilot study
Authors: De Gregorio Maria Grazia , Fumagalli Carlo , Tomberli Alessia , Baldini Katia , Puccini Giulia , d’Amati Giulia , Foglieni Chiara , Camici Paolo G. , Sciagrà Roberto , Olivotto Iacopo
Published: November 2020

Aims

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) represents a powerful independent predictor of adverse outcome in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). No treatment for CMD exists. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitor perindopril improves myocardial blood flow (MBF) in animal models of cardiac hypertrophy and in hypertensive patients. Whether HCM patients with CMD may benefit is unknown.

Methods

Fourteen HCM patients aged 18–60 years with CMD [MBF post 0.56 mg/kg dipyridamole (Dip) infusion <2.1 ml/min∗g] were included. Presence of left ventricular outflow obstruction, hypertension and coronary artery disease were exclusion criteria. Perindopril was administered after the initial Dip 13N-NH3 PET study at 10 mg for 6 months. After wash-out, a second PET was performed. MBF before and after treatment was compared.

Results

No relevant associations were found between baseline MBF values and sex, genetics, history of angina, type of HCM (apical/classic), maximum left ventricular thickness and left ventricular mass. No significant improvement in Dip-MBF was observed with treatment (1.79 ± 0.30 vs.1.76 ± 0.26 ml/min∗g at baseline; P = 0.59). A limited but significant improvement in Dip-MBF was seen only in the subset without evidence of fibrosis at cardiac MRI (n = 4; 28%; 2.03 ± 0.13 vs.1.77 ± 0.26 ml/min∗g at baseline; P = 0.014). The drug was generally well tolerated: only one patient temporarily stopped the drug, because of cough.

Conclusion

A 6-month perindopril treatment course in HCM patients with CMD was not associated with significant improvement in Dip-MBF. A limited but significant improvement was observed only in the subset of patients without myocardial fibrosis, suggesting potential utility in early disease stages.
Modelling and Simulation Analysis of High-Pressure Common Rail and Electronic Controlled Injection System for Diesel Engine
Authors: Chen Guojin , Chen Chang , Yuan Yiming , Zhu Lingjun
Published: November 2020

The electronically controlled fuel injection system of the diesel engine has multi-disciplinary characteristics and strong coupling. The programming method based on a mathematical model cannot be applied to the fuel system with a diversified structure arrangement. With the rapid development of hydrodynamics, more and more simulation software is applied in the actual research. Hydsim simulation platform is one of the best software for the simulation of the electronic control injection system. In this paper, the Hydsim simulation platform is used to simulate the electronic control injection system, and a test-bed for verification is built. Based on the experimental results, the injection characteristics of high-pressure common rail are studied. The validity and accuracy of the simulation model are verified by comparing the simulation value with the test value and the standard value. Finally, the influence of the structural parameters such as the inlet and outlet orifices and control pistons of the injection system on the injection characteristics is analysed, and the selection principle of each parameter in the system design is proposed, which provides a reliable basis for the structural optimisation.
Mixed-Mode Oscillations Based on Complex Canard Explosion in a Fractional-Order Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model.
Authors: Lozi René , Abdelouahab Mohammed-Salah , Chen Guanrong
Published: November 2020

This article highlights particular mixed-mode oscillations (MMO) based on canard explosion observed in a fractional-order Fitzhugh-Nagumo (FFHN) model. In order to rigorously analyze the dynamics of the FFHN model, a recently introduced mathematical notion, the Hopf-like bifurcation (HLB), which provides a precise definition for the change between a fixed point and an S−asymptotically T−periodic solution, is used. The existence of HLB in this FFHN model is proved and the appearance of MMO based on canard explosion in the neighborhoods of such HLB points are numerically investigated using a new algorithm: the global-local canard explosion search algorithm. This MMO is constituted of various patterns of solutions with an increasing number of small-amplitude oscillations when two key parameters of the FFHN model are varied simultaneously. On the basis of such numerical experiment, it is conjectured that chaos could occur in a two-dimensional fractional-order autonomous dynamical system, with the fractional-order close to one. Therefore, this very simple two-dimensional FFHN model, presents an incredible ability to mimic the complex dynamics of neurons.
Analysis of High - Strength Steel Pin Connection
Authors: Vičan Josef , Farbák Matúš
Published: November 2020

The paper presents analytical and numerical analysis of the pin connection resistance made of high-strength steel used in the temporary bridge ŽM 60. The assessment of the pin connection was performed according to standard [1] and also using numerical analysis by means of numerical sophisticated calculations based on FEM analyses.
Assessment of the Summer Thermal Stability of the Attic Room Using Two Different Software
Authors: Stejskalová Kateřina , Vavřínová Nikola
Published: November 2020

This paper presents the calculations of the summer thermal stability of a critical room of the given building. In this case, the critical room of the building is an attic room. Using two different software (SIMULACE and DesignBuilder), the summer thermal stability of the attic room was evaluated according to the Czech standard ČSN 73 0540-2 [1]. This standard compares the calculated and required value of the maximum internal temperature in the summer period. The results from both software were compared with the Czech standard and also with each other. The resulting temperature courses in the interior differ by a few Celsius degrees. In conclusion, the causes of different results are discussed as well as the advantages and disadvantages of both software.
Anchorage System in Old Post-Tensioned Precast Bridges
Authors: Bujňáková Petra
Published: November 2020

The first precast post-tensioned bridges in Slovakia are approaching 60 years of their service life. Facing an aging infrastructure, it is necessary to assess their present structural condition and residual life expectancy. Different types and methods of anchorage system were developed and available for first post-tensioned bridges around the world. The reliability and functionality of anchorages contribute to the proper behaviour of post-tensioning system. The considerable effect of aggressive environment (frost, chloride salts, humidity) and environmental load (CO2) leads to corrosion of anchorages and prestressing steel with the risk of a sudden unexpected damage to bridge. The research work deals into finding more details of this structural part. During the demolition of damaged post-tensioned bridges built in 1960s several anchorages were removed and analysed. The material properties, size parameters and performed tensile tests of a wedge anchorage system are summarised in this paper. The findings from this study can be used as input parameters for numerical simulation and durability assessment of similar aged existing post-tensioned bridges.
‘Big 4’ influence on audit market
Authors: Tache Marta
Published: November 2020

The main purpose of this paper is to determine the impact that Big 4 companies have had after the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) became mandatory on the audit market. Thus, after thorough research of the specialised studies, the impact of the financial reporting based on IFRS is analysed, while considering that Big 4 companies have created a strong monopoly that led to several changes on the audit market. All the companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange that traded premium shares from 2011 to 2019 were analysed. With the use of ANOVA analysis, this paper verifies if the profitability, shareholders’ funds, firm size and the size of the business group influence the choice of the audit firm. Our results confirm that the choice of an audit firm is influenced by the shareholders’ funds, number of employees and the size of the business group. Besides, this paper presents an analysis of the changes that have occurred from 2011–2019 on the audit market of Romania.
Is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) a New Alternative to Governance Challenges of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs)?3
Authors: Maisuradze Davit , Narmania Giorgi , Lazishvili Magda , Tkeshelashvili Mariam , Shakiashvili Irakli
Published: November 2020

This article aims to analyze the current theory of managing the State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) with the use of Single Ownership Entity and to suggest alternative solution, particularly, managing SOEs with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

After a thorough review of the literature analyzing the connection between CSR and SOEs, the article states that there are important missing points in the previous research and academic debate: (1) no scholar directly emphasizes CSR as the answer to the problems of SOEs; (2) there is no research conducted on the comparison of Single Ownership Entity and CSR, evaluating their potential positive effects on SOEs; (3) accordingly, academic literature does not discuss the ways and tools of implementation of CSR in SOEs.

The article aims to fill this gap and emphasize the links between CSR and SOEs. Due to the challenges, goals and ownership structure of SOEs, CSR is the most suitable corporate governance model for SOEs and its effective implementation is more vital than the execution of recommendations on creating the single ownership entity suggested by international organizations. The research question of the article is to compare managing the SOEs with the use of the CSR model (Alternative Theory) to single ownership mechanism established by OECD (Current Theory) and find out whether CSR is a better solution to the existing problems of SOEs.

Finally, the article discusses the institutional context of SOEs based on the examples of the countries of Eastern and Central Europe where the problems regarding SOEs remain remarkable; presents the balance of interests of stakeholders’ in SOEs in connection to Alternative and Current Theories; and combines analysis, research and recommendations of international organizations and academia towards the problems of SOEs.
Screening tea hybrid with abundant anthocyanins and investigating the effect of tea processing on foliar anthocyanins in tea
Authors: Hu Jian-Guang , Zhang Long-Jie , Sheng Yue-Yue , Wang Kai-Rong , Shi Yun-Long , Liang Yue-Rong , Zheng Xin-Qiang
Published: November 2020

Anthocyanins are important bioactive supplements that are consumed from multiple foods and beverage products. Screening tea cultivars producing a high level of anthocyanins can help to enrich the edible bioactive supplements. ‘Zijuan’ (ZJ) is a tea cultivar growing purple shoots rich in anthocyanins, but it is susceptible to freezing winter and sprouts late in spring. Hybridisation using ‘ZJ’ as the female parent and an early sprouting cultivar ‘Wuniuzao’ as the male parent was carried out, and four hybrids with purple leaves were obtained. The quality of anthocyanins, catechins, caffeine and amino acids in shoots with three leaves and a bud of the purple leaf hybrids obtained were determined based on the field investigation on sprouting time in spring, winter resistance and leaf yield. It showed that hybrid ‘B-2’ sprouted earlier in the spring, contained a higher level of anthocyanins and also showed good performance in winter resistance than its female parent ‘ZJ’. It also showed that black tea processing induced a marked decrease in foliar anthocyanins, but green tea processing had little effect on the foliar anthocyanins. Purple tea leaves should be prepared into unfermented green tea instead of fermented black tea to preserve the high level of anthocyanins in the final tea products.
The association between disclosures on control system over financial reporting and mechanisms of corporate governance: Empirical evidence from Germany and Poland
Authors: Gad Jacek
Published: November 2020

The aim of the research was to determine the impact of selected corporate governance mechanisms on the scope of disclosures related to control system over financial reporting in Poland and Germany. The research group comprised of companies from the Warsaw WIG 30 index and the German DAX index in 2013. The disclosures were measured by the number of detailed disclosures about control system over financial reporting presented by the surveyed companies. The research results indicate that selected corporate governance mechanisms affect the scope of disclosures regarding the system of control over financial reporting. It was found that the number of supervisory board committees and the number of meetings of the supervisory board have a significant positive influence on the scope of disclosures regarding control over financial reporting. But, the increase in number of meetings of the audit committee has a significant negative impact on the scope of disclosures regarding control over financial reporting. The results of the research also indicate the role of national determinants of the scope of disclosures. The study was a comparative one nature and was conducted among companies from developed and developing capital markets.
Atypical Variant of Guillain Barre Syndrome in a Patient with COVID-19
Authors: Lowery Megan M. , Taimur Malik Muhammad , Seemiller Joseph , Tsai Cynthia S.
Published: November 2020

Objective

A rare variant Miller Fisher Syndrome overlap with Guillain Barre Syndrome is described in an adult patient with SARS-COV-2 infection.

Case Presentation

The clinical course of a 45-year-old immunosuppressed man is summarized as a patient who developed ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, and areflexia after upper respiratory infection symptoms began. A nasopharyngeal swab was positive for COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction. He progressed to acute hypoxemic and hypercapnic respiratory failure requiring intubation and rapidly developed tetraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine was consistent with Guillain Barre Syndrome. However, the clinical symptoms, along with positive anti-GQ1B antibodies, were consistent with Miller Fisher Syndrome and Guillain Barre Syndrome overlap. The patient required tracheostomy and had limited improvement in his significant neurological symptoms after several months.

Conclusions

The case demonstrates the severe neurological implications, prolonged recovery and implications in the concomitant respiratory failure of COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms on the spectrum of disorders of Guillain Barre Syndrome.
Prognostic value of Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) when used as an adjunct to Colposcopy – a longitudinal study
Authors: Brown B. H. , Highfield P.E. , Tidy J. A.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Colposcopy can be used with Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) as an adjunct, to assess the presence of High Grade Cervical Intra-epithelial Neoplasia (CIN2+). This analysis of longitudinal data has used the results from women with a negative colposcopy, in order to see if the initial (index) EIS results were able to predict the women who subsequently developed CIN2+. A further objective was to investigate what tissue structural changes might be reflected in the electrical impedance spectra.

Methods

847 patients were referred with low grade cytologly. EIS measurements were made around the transformation zone of the cervix during colposcopy. Every EIS spectrum was matched to a template representing CIN2+ and the result was positive if the match exceeded a probability index threshold. The colposcopic impression was also recorded. All the women who developed biopsy proven CIN2+ within three years of the index colposcopy were identified.

Results

The median follow-up was 30.5 months. Where both CI and EIS were initially positive, there was an increased prevalence (8.13%) of CIN2+ developing as opposed to 3.45% in the remaining patients (p=0.0159). In addition, if three or more EIS spectra were positive there was a higher prevalence (9.62% as opposed to 3.56% p=0.0132) of CIN2+ at three years. The index spectra recorded from the women who developed CIN2+ showed EIS changes consistent with increases in the extracellular volume and in cell size inhomogeneity.

Conclusion

EIS does offer prognostic information on the risk of CIN2+ developing over the three-year period following the EIS measurements. The changes in EIS spectra are consistent with an increase in cell size diversity as pre-malignancy develops. These changes may be a consequence of increased genetic diversity as neoplasia develops.
Position Statement of the European Specialist Nurses Organisation (ESNO) in specialist nursing as advanced practice nursing towards 2030
Authors: Knap Małgorzata , Ozga Dorota , Krupa Sabina , Penar-Zadarko Beata , Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska Wioletta , Witt Paweł , Friganovic Adriano
Published: November 2020

Introduction. The nursing profession in Poland is subject to continuous transformations, but it should follow the directions based on the common framework for the development of specialist nursing, drawn up by international specialist nurses associations in Europe. A change in the nursing education system in Poland has provided an opportunity for progress based on consistent framework.

Summary. Nurse education organised in a system of first cycle and second cycle university courses was a milestone towards improving the status of the nursing profession. The improved position of Polish nurses paved the way for further advancements in this profession and in the related scientific research, which in the past was rarely conducted by Polish nurses; today more and more research teams are launched and operate both at universities and in nurses’ scientific associations.
Differential Impact Of Sound On Saccades Vergence And Combined Eye Movements: A Multiple Case Study
Authors:   University Of Paris, Kapoula Zoï
Published: November 2020

Most of the previous literature regarding eye movements use visual stimuli alone. However, in real life, visual and auditory stimuli occur together frequently. It has been shown that a sound presented just before or simultaneously with the visual target reduces the latency of the saccades. The present study investigates the effect of a sound presented shortly before the LED visual target for three types of eye movements: saccades, vergences and combined eye movements. Fourteen participants (6 women, mean age: 22.6 +/- 0.62 years) took part in the study. Each type of eye movements was tested in two conditions: one with visual LED targets alone, the other with a sound coming for a buzzer adjacent to the LED, and preceding by 50 ms the onset of the LED target (auditory-visual target). Eye movements were recorded at 220 Hz for each eye with the Eyeseecam binocular devicehttps://www.eyeseetec.de/eyeseecam-sci/). The results confirm that the sound significantly reduces the latency of the saccades. In contrast, for convergence or divergence the sound did not decrease the latency but it did increase the velocity and reduced the duration of such movements significantly. For combined saccade vergence movements particularly leftward, the sound had multiple effects on the saccade component: it decreased the duration of the saccade component and reciprocally increased its velocity but also reduced its latency. Such mixed effects on latency duration and velocity of the saccade component favor the hypothesis that saccade components of combined eye movements are subtended by a co-activation of both, saccade and vergence brainstem generators. The differential benefit from the sound according to the type of eye movements is of theoretical and clinical interest.
Restitution of Children Victims f Sexual Crime
Authors: Pertiwi Ratna
Published: November 2020

Indonesia as a constitutional state and has a state foundation, namely Pancasila, which is the basis for various countries in determining policies for the state. Protection of children as the nation's next generation should be improved considering that in the current era there are more and more cases of violence, sexual harassment, and other crimes that make children the object of violence itself. One form of prevention is by issuing policies in the form of laws and regulations that provide strict sanctions against the perpetrators. This study uses a Normative and Empirical Juridical approach. The normative approach is carried out on matters that are theoretical in legal principles, while the empirical approach is an attempt to obtain clarity and understanding of research problems based on existing realities or case studies. The results of the research obtained related to the implementation of the restitution rights of children victims of sexual crimes must go through 3 stages, namely the first, the formulation stages have been carried out properly with the passing of PP No.43 of 2017. The second stage of application has not been carried out optimally because many law enforcement officers do not understand Regarding the implementation of restitution and the limitation on the economic capacity of the perpetrator to pay restitution, it is also an obstacle in its execution. The three stages of execution are maximal because the execution by the prosecutor has been carried out after the decision has permanent legal force (incracht). The implication can be seen from the victim's point of view that their rights are fulfilled from the existence of this policy. The suggestions that can be conveyed in this research are that the restitution execution process should be regulated as well as the execution of replacement money in a Corruption Crime Case. So if the perpetrator who is determined to pay restitution does not want to voluntarily pay the restitution, the prosecutor's office can find assets owned by the perpetrator to be confiscated instead.
Pancasila Value in Natural Disaster Management Based on Disaster Management
Authors: Erlinawati Erlinawati
Published: November 2020

The implementation of natural disaster management cannot be separated from Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution which underlies it. The values of Pancasila are explored and found from the values that have grown and lived in society, namely the values of divinity, humanity, unity, society and justice. In society these values remain valid and constitute a unified whole, inseparable and referring to one goal. This study aims to determine whether the values of Pancasila contained in Law Number 24 of 2007 concerning Disaster Management, and how the implementation of the values of Pancasila in natural Disaster Management. The research method used is empirical normative legal research with statute approach, this paper is descriptive, using primary data and secondary data are qualitative. The results of data analysis are discussed using the statute approach and conceptual approach.
The result of the research is that Law Number 24 Year 2007 contains the values of Pancasila, namely the values of divinity, humanity, unity, society and justice. The values of humanity, society and justice, besides being explicitly mentioned in several articles, are also implicit in the articles. The value of God and unity is implied in several articles. The implementation of Pancasila values in natural disaster management in South Lampung Regency is manifested in the activities of disaster management, starting from pre-disaster, during emergency response and post-disaster.
Inovasi Pelayanan Publik di China: Suatu Pembelajaran bagi Pemerintah dalam Peningkatan Layanan Publik di Indonesia
Authors: Purwadi Purwadi , Asmara Anugerah Yuka , Nashihuddin Wahid , Pradana Aditya Wisnu , Dinaseviani Anggini , Jayanthi Ria
Published: November 2020

Innovation is becoming a warming issue to be often discussed by many actors like academician, politician, and business sectors at global world recently. Innovation is basically a better change of an organization, it is firstly applied in private sector. Development of current literature in public administration science, innovation emerges as a conceptual discourse stuff that is then sounded into public sector. Innovation practice in private sector is different to public sector. Innovation practice in public sector, particularly in public services is one of interesting things to be discussed in this study because China is one of economics superpower in the world that is able to innovate at midst totally strong political control from central government. Issue of public service innovation is critical issue which is linear with economic growth in China. This study is a research using qualitative-descriptive method with the source derived from secondary data, and this study is called as a desk research. This research finding is that innovation practices at public service which is successfully conducted by Government of China can be adopted by Government of Indonesia by adjusting key points for implementing innovation of public services in Indonesia. It is important that Government of Indonesia must seek an alternative way to find an appropriate model to implement best practices of public service innovation adopted from China.
Alienasi Kebijakan Anggaran Provinsi Riau dalam Pencegahan dan Pengendalian Kebakaran Hutan dan Lahan
Authors: Kabullah Muhammad Ichsan , Koeswara Hendri , Rahmadi Didi
Published: November 2020

This article departs from the weak commitment of the Riau Province Government in handling forest fires. Law Number 23 in 2014 stated that the forestry affairs has transferred from regencies/cities to provinces. In that sense, the Riau Province Government should be followed by budget support for fire forest prevention programs. In fact, the budget policies of the Riau Province Government have not shown maximum results for forest fire prevention programs. The research method used a qualitative with case study approach. We used several data collection techniques such as in-depth interviews, observation, documentation and focus group discussions. The findings show that policymakers are alienated from their obligation to prioritize forest fire issues in budgeting. Powerlessness and meaninglessness clearly injure the trust of the public, which often feels suffering when forest fires occur. In the future, it is necessary to make various strategies, including environmental-based budget planning and increasing public participation in monitoring budget planning.
Arah Kebijakan Sektor Pertanian di Indonesia untuk Menghadapi Era Revolusi Industri 4.0
Authors: Ikhsani Ismi Imania Imania , Tasya Feninda Eka , Sihidi Iradhad Taqwa , Roziqin Ali , Romadhan Ach Apriyanto
Published: November 2020

Agricultural policy is a government effort in regulating, controlling aspects of development in the agricultural sector with the aim of maintaining and increasing food yields. The great results of the objectives of agricultural policies will be able to be realized if they can be translated into concrete steps and can be implemented consistently in the field. Agricultural policy directions try to see the concept of policies developed and practices to realize the goals of agricultural policies in Indonesia. This study focuses on institutions, regulations and issues of inadequate budget allocation, human resources that are less qualified in the management of land and agricultural products. The purpose of this study is to describe the direction of Indonesian agricultural policy in facing the Industrial Revolution Era 4.0. This research uses qualitative research with a literature review approach. The results showed that there was no synchronization of agricultural policies at various levels of government, low budgets for agricultural development, spatial production practices at the expense of agricultural land in boosting regional income and the low utilization of technology and diversification in the use of agricultural technology showed that agricultural conditions in Indonesia were at an alarming level. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately synchronize agricultural policies at various levels of government and the allocation policies for agricultural development funds.
Sobre gênero neutro em português brasileiro e os limites do sistema linguístico
Authors: Schwindt Luiz Carlos
Published: November 2020

Neste texto, proponho uma abordagem de neutralização de gênero em português brasileiro na perspectiva do sistema linguístico. Para isso, parto de considerações sobre a caracterização de mudanças deliberadas e sobre os padrões de marcação e produtividade de gênero gramatical na língua. São avaliados, nessa perspectiva, quatro tipos de empregos correntes de gênero inclusivo: uso de feminino marcado no caso de substantivos comuns de dois gêneros (ex. a presidenta); emprego de formas femininas e masculinas, sobretudo em vocativos, em vez do uso genérico do masculino (ex. alunas e alunos); inclusão de novas marcas no final de nomes e adjetivos, como x e @ (ex. amigx, amig@), ou ampliação da função de marcas já existentes, como -e (ex. amigue); alteração na base de pronomes e artigos (ex. ile, le). Desses empregos, além do feminino marcado e do contraste entre formas femininas e masculinas, que já têm uso significativo na língua, proponho que, no domínio da palavra, -e encontra condições menos limitadas para expansão no sistema no subconjunto de substantivos e adjetivos sexuados.
Targeted therapy of psoriasis: inhibition of the IL-23 signaling pathway — evidence from clinical studies and real practice
Authors: Hotko Alkes A. , Pomazanova Marina Yu. , Kruglova Larisa
Published: November 2020

The article presents the results of clinical studies of the efficacy and safety of the use of a new drug of genetically engineered biological therapy guselkumab. Guselkumab is the first representative of the interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor class and has a number of advantages over existing therapy.
According to direct comparative randomized clinical trials, guselkumab is superior in the short-term and, most importantly, in the long-term to most genetically engineered biologic drugs, including TNF- inhibitors, secukinumab and ustekinumab.
In phase 3 studies (VOYAGE 1 and VOYAGE 2), the ECLIPSE study shows that guselkumab can achieve complete (PASI 100) and almost complete (PASI 90) skin cleansing by 16 weeks from the start of therapy in 37.4 and 73.3% of patients, respectively, with a subsequent increase in the proportion of patients with clean and almost clean skin by 24 weeks to 44.4 and 80.2%, respectively, and maintaining the achieved performance indicators for 4 years at the level of 51.7 and 84.0% respectively.
One of the potential advantages of IL-23 inhibitors is also the long-term maintenance of the achieved effect after treatment cessation. Guselkumab therapy is characterized by a favorable safety profile comparable to ustekinumab. During the follow-up period of patients in the course of randomized controlled trials of phase 3, data were obtained on the high safety of the drug and the absence of significant risks for serious infections, cardiovascular events, malignancies or suicidal tendencies. The drug is effective for insufficient response to adalimumab and ustekinumab.
The article presents 3 clinical cases of guselkumab use in patients with severe, including "problematic" psoriasis, comorbid pathology, with inefficiency or intolerance to systemic therapy, with secondary inefficiency of adalimumab. All patients managed to achieve a PASI of 90/100. No adverse events were observed.
Dermatovenerological service of the Republic of North Ossetia — Alania: legal, medical, social problems and their solutions
Authors: Bazaev Vitaliy T. , Kobaidze Lamara M.
Published: November 2020

Analysis of the legal framework of the dermatovenerological service showed that it needs some adjustment. In the republican KVD, beds were not used rationally; in 2017, an increase in the incidence of infectious dermatoses was noted.
Avoiding the “Twindemic” in India – Importance of the flu vaccine this winter
Authors: Rajakulasingam Ramanan , Giliyaru Sahana , Gulia Ashish , Botchu Rajesh
Published: November 2020

COVID-19 pandemic has had significant effect on almost everyone. Flu causes immense strain on the health service during winter. A combination of flu and COVID-19 can be disastrous. In this editorial, we discuss the importance of having flu vaccine to avoid the twindemic.