bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing unique inscriptions of a Nazi collaborator in Doodencel 601 of the Oranjehotel
Authors: Wempe Joost , Brink Rick van den , Mooldijk Esmee , Feirabend Nienke , Wiersma Ruben , Sietsma Jilt , Dik Joris
Published: April 2020

During the Second World War the German occupants of the Netherlands made ample use of the Scheveningen prison near The Hague, popularly nicknamed the Oranjehotel . One former death cell in this infamous prison ( Doodencel 601 ) has been preserved in its original condition, showing wartime inscriptions on the cell walls. Interestingly, a small section of the wall has been re-plastered, presumably covering inscriptions. Here, we report on the visualization of this enigmatic text, which so far had escaped the reach of historians. Our visualization methodology was threefold. First, we prepared a cross-section from a drill core to determine the cell-wall stratigraphy. Second, we prepared a physical model wall, mimicking the layering of the original cell wall. Third, we tested a combination of raking-light photography and infrared thermography on the model wall. Applying this methodology on the original wall revealed the inscriptions, including the author’s name Daniël de Blocq van Scheltinga , a prominent Nazi collaborator, as well as a calendar and an important date of his post-war trial in the fall of 1945. Our visualizations flawlessly dovetail with archival findings. Together, they offer an intimate view of an early post-war inmate of the Scheveningen prison, whose message was covered up once the cell was transformed into a war monument in 1946.
Performance of BioFire Array or QuickVue Influenza A+B Test versus a validation qPCR assay for detection of influenza A during a volunteer A/California/2009/H1N1 challenge study
Authors: McIlwain David R. , Chen Han , Apkarian Maria , Affrime Melton , Bock Bonnie , Kim Kenneth , Mukherjee Nilanjan , Nolan Garry P. , McNeal Monica M.
Published: April 2020

Background: Influenza places a significant burden on global health and economics. Individual case management and public health efforts to mitigate the spread of influenza are both strongly impacted by our ability to accurately and efficiently detect influenza viruses in clinical samples. Therefore, it is important to understand the performance characteristics of available assays to detect influenza in a variety of settings. We provide the first report of relative performance between two products marketed to streamline detection of influenza virus in the context of a highly controlled volunteer influenza challenge study. Methods: Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected during a controlled A/California/2009/H1N1 influenza challenge study and analyzed using for detection of virus shedding using a validated qRT-PCR (qPCR) assay, a sample-to-answer qRT-PCR device (BioMerieux BioFire FilmArray RP), and an immunoassay based rapid test kit (Quidel QuickVue Influenza A+B Test).Results: Relative to qPCR, the sensitivity and specificity of the BioFire assay was 72.1% (63.7%-79.5%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)) and 93.5% (89.3%-96.4%, 95% CI) respectively. For the QuickVue rapid test the sensitivity was 8.5% (4.8%-13.7%, 95% CI) and specificity was 99.2% (95.6%-100%, 95% CI).Conclusion: Relative to qPCR, the BioFire assay had superior performance compared to rapid test in the context of a controlled influenza challenge study.
A New Method to Better Measure and Interpret Non-Verbal Communication in Patient-Therapist Interactions
Authors: Datz Felicitas , Wong Guoruey , Löffler-Stastka Henriette
Published: April 2020

Objective(s): To develop a novel method of examining facial affects in psychotherapeutic settings and interpreting the subliminal microexpressions and emotions they represent.Results: Therapy sessions are videotaped, and verbal content is evaluated with computer assistance from ATLAS.ti. Visual content is screened for facial action units/micro-expressions using the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) and reevaluated using the Emotional Facial Action Coding System (EmFACS) in order to discern the underlying emotions. Working Alliance Inventory scores are compiled to assess their impact on the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Reliability of facial action unit coding is ensured by a training course and an independently evaluated standardized test at Innsbruck University. Interrater reliability was excellent (Cohen’s κ > 0.80). Application of this method on a small study population to measure non-verbal communication and affects demonstrated its feasibility and usability. We believe this methodology to be widely implementable. Its application in psychotherapy may provide greater insights in investigations into important aspects of therapeutic interaction (e.g. verbal/non-verbal communication between clinicians and patients in psychiatric contexts, quality of psychotherapeutic relationships, etc.), and may be exploitable in clinical psychotherapeutic settings to better understand mechanisms of change in therapy.
Determinants of Micro and Small Scale Enterprises’ financing preference in line with POH and Access to Credit: Empirical Evidence from Entrepreneurs in Ethiopia, Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State
Authors: Meressa Hayelom Abrha
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine factors that determine micro and small scale enterprises’ financing preference in line with pecking order theory and access to credit in Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State of Ethiopia.Design / Methodology / Approach: The study used primary data collected using cross sectional survey questionnaire followed by mixed research approach. The sample of this study was 296 enterprises selected using proportional stratified random sampling technique. The data was analyzed using descriptive and logistic regression analysis.Findings: The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that business experience, collateral, gender, motivation and enterprises’ sectoral engagement affect financing preference of enterprises in line with pecking order hypothesis. On the second step, only enterprises that need to raise capital through credit were considered to investigate access to credit determinants. Accordingly, the logistic regression result revealed that business experience, size, sectoral engagement, collateral, interest rate, loan repayment period, financial reporting, preparation of business plan, location and educational background of entrepreneurs affect access to credit of enterprises. Research limitations/Implications: More evidence is needed on enterprises’ financing preference and access to credit determinants before any generalization of the results can be made. In addition, the empirical tests were conducted only on 296 entrepreneurs since 2019. Therefore, the results of the study cannot be assumed to extend beyond this group of entrepreneurs to different study periods.Originality/value: This paper adds value to the literature on the determinants of micro and small scale enterprises’ financing preference in line with pecking order hypothesis and access to credit.
Incidence of Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Age, Sex, and Urbanization status stratified Analysis
Authors: Chen Hua-Fen , Chang Ya-Hui , Lo Hsien-Jung Lo , Li Chung-Yi
Published: April 2020

Background
There are limited data regarding epidemiology of diabetes and idiopathic cardiomyopathy. We investigated the overall and age, sex, and urbanization-specific incidence and relative hazard of idiopathic cardiomyopathy in association with type 2 diabetes in Taiwan.
Methods
A total of 474,268 type 2 diabetes patients were identified from ambulatory care and inpatient claims in 2007–2009 from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) database, and 474,266 age-, sex- and diagnosis date-matched controls were randomly selected from the registry of NHI beneficiaries. All study subjects were linked to ambulatory care and inpatient claims (up to the end of 2016) to identify possible diagnosis of idiopathic cardiomyopathy. The person-year approach with Poisson assumption was used to estimate the incidence; and Cox proportional hazard regression model with Fine and Gray’s method was used to estimate the relative hazards of idiopathic cardiomyopathy in relation to type 2 diabetes.
Results
The overall incidence of idiopathic cardiomyopathy for men and women patients, respectively, was 4.26 and 3.34/10,000 person-years, which were higher than the corresponding men and women controls (2.40 and 1.69 per 10,000 person-years). Compared with control group, type 2 diabetes patients were significantly associated with an increased hazard of idiopathic cardiomyopathy (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–1.51] in all age and sex stratifications except in those aged > 64 years. Type 2 diabetes aged < 45 years confronted the greatest increase in hazard of idiopathic cardiomyopathy, with an aHR of 2.36 (95% CI 1.68–3.32) and 3.72 (95% CI 1.86–7.44) for men and women, respectively. Patients living in rural areas tended to have higher HRs of idiopathic cardiomyopathy.
Conclusions
In Taiwan, diabetes increased the risk of idiopathic cardiomyopathy in both sexes as well as in all age groups except in those > 64 years. Younger patients and those living in rural areas were especially vulnerable to have higher HRs of idiopathic cardiomyopathy.
Pharmacokinetics comparison of four major bio-active components in normal and blood stasis rats after administration of Naoxintong Capsule by UPLC-TQ/MS
Authors: Li Wei-Xia , Chen Pan-pan , Zhang Shuqi , Li Man-man , Zhang Hui , Wang Xiaoyan , Niu Lu , Tang Jinfa , Li Xuelin
Published: April 2020

Background Blood stasis is one major cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Naoxintong capsule (NXTC), a Chinese patent medicine, has been widely employed in the prevention and treatment against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, the pharmacokinetics comparison of NXTC in normal and blood stasis rats were remain obscured. Methods Acute blood stasis rats were induced by being placed in ice-cold water during the interval between two injections of adrenaline hydrochloride. Normal and blood stasis rats were administrated of NXTC suspension at the dosage of 5 g⋅kg -1 , and blood was collected at different time points after then. Concentrations of four main components including caffeic acid, ferulic acid, formononetin and tanshinone IIA in rat plasma were quantified by UPLC-TQ/MS. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by Phoenix WinNonlin v6.2 software. Results It was found that C max , AUC all , AUC INF_obs , Vz_F_obs and MRT last of ferulic acid, AUC all, Vz_F_obs and MRT last of caffeic acid in blood stasis rats were significantly different ( P < 0.05) from normal rats. Compared with normal rats, C max of ferulic acid and formononetin decreased significantly in the plasma of acute blood stasis rats, AUC all of caffeic acid and ferulic acid decreased notably, AUC INF_obs of ferulic acid decreased remarkably, Vz_F_obs and MRT last of ferulic acid and caffeic acid increased reversely. It is suggested that the absorption of the four components of NXTC in acute blood stasis rats was weakened, and the elimination time was prolonged. Conclusions The significant difference in some different parameters of the 4 NXTC components in normal and blood stasis rats might be caused by increasing of blood viscosity and slowing down of blood flow in acute blood stasis rats. The pharmacokinetic study under pathological condition provided important information for more rational use of NXTC in clinical situations.
mir-23b: A New Molecular Marker For Neonatal Sepsis In Haemoculture
Authors: Fatmi Ahlam , Rebiahi Sid Ahmed , Chabni Nafissa , Zerrouki Hanane , Azzaoui Hafsa , Elhabiri Yamina , Benmassour Souheila , Ibáñez-Cabellos José Santiago , Aribi Mourad , García-Giménez José Luis , Pallardó Federico V
Published: April 2020

Background: Neonatal sepsis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The ability to quickly and accurately diagnose neonatal sepsis based on clinical assessments and laboratory blood tests remains difficult, where haemoculture is the gold standard for detecting bacterial sepsis in blood culture. It is also very difficult to study because neonatal samples are lacking. Methods : Fifty-four newborns suspected of sepsis admitted to the Neonatology Department of the Mother-Child Specialized Hospital of Tlemcen. From each newborn, a minimum of 1-2 ml of blood was drawn by standard sterile procedures for blood culture. The miRNA-23b level in haemoculture was evaluated by RT-qPCR. Results : miR-23b levels increased in premature and full-term newborns in early onset sepsis ( p < 0.001 and p < 0.005 respectively), but lowered in late onset sepsis in premature and full-term neonates ( p < 0.005) compared to the respective negative controls. miR-23b levels also increased in late sepsis negative versus early sepsis negative controls ( p < 0.05). miR-23b levels significantly lowered in the newborns who died from both sepsis types ( p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05 respectively). Conclusions : The drop in miR-23b levels is an important factor that favours sepsis development, which would confirm their vital protective role, and strongly suggest that they act as a good marker in both molecular diagnosis and patient monitoring.
Incomplete Staging in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Beltman Jogchum , Laven P , Bense JE , Aa Maaike van der , Vos MC , Boll D , Arts HGJ , Reesink N , Trimbos JB , Kruitwagen RFPM
Published: April 2020

Objective

Incomplete surgical staging of patients with early stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has been reported in up to 85% of cases, when based on the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FIGO) staging procedure. The aim of the present retrospective study was to clarify the reasons for incomplete staging.

Methods

The PRISMA (Prevention Recovery Information System for Monitoring and Analysis) technique was used to evaluate cases with FIGO I-IIa EOC based on incomplete staging from five gynecologic oncologic center hospitals in the Netherlands in the period 2010-2014.

Results

Fifty cases with an incomplete surgical staging of EOC according to national guidelines were included. The most common reasons for incomplete staging were insufficient random biopsies of the peritoneum (n=34, 68%), and less than ten lymph nodes being resected and/or found at pathology (n=16, 32%). The most mentioned reasons for not performing biopsies were forgetting to do so, and believing that after careful inspection and palpation, taking biopsies is irrelevant and/or already are being taken while performing a hysterectomy (cul-de-sac, bladder). The value of contralateral pelvic lymph node dissection in case of a unilateral ovarian malignancy was also doubted, influencing the number of lymph nodes resected.

Conclusion

The most important reasons for incomplete staging in EOC are, besides omitting elements by accident, questioning the importance of obligatory elements of the staging procedure. A structured list of staging steps during surgery and more evidence based consensus concerning these obligatory elements might increase the number of complete staging procedures in EOC.
Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and urine output as predictors of the successful discontinuation of continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury
Authors: Thomsen Josefine , Sprogøe Ulrik , Toft Palle
Published: April 2020

Background: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CCRT) is a frequently used modality for the support of intensive care patients with acute kidney failure (AKI). Nevertheless, there are no objective criteria for the discontinuation of CRRT. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) alone or in combination with urine output could be used as a diagnostic test for renal function recovery in ICU patients on CRRT.Methods: This was a single-centre prospective observational study including patients with acute kidney failure needing CRRT. Sixty-nine patients were enrolled, and 54 completed the study. Of the 54 patients, 22 recovered renal function (REC), defined as dialysis independency at 72 hours from discontinuation, while 32 patients did not (NREC). Urine NGAL was measured at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours after CRRT discontinuation. The cumulated urine output was measured for 24 hours prior to discontinuation and at 6, 12, and 24 hours after discontinuation. Logistic regression was used to calculate the missing 6-hour uNGAL values by interpolation. The Youden index was used to calculate cut-off values. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Baseline characteristics at CRRT initiation were similar between groups. Compared to the NREC group, REC patients had significantly higher urine output (p<0.0001) and lower uNGAL (p<0.001) at all time points, except for uNGAL at 24 hours (p<0.24). The best single predictor for renal recovery was the cumulated urine output 24 hours after discontinuation (predictive value 83%). Combining uNGAL at 6 hours (cut-off 1650 µg/L) with the cumulated urine output during the 24 hours prior to discontinuation (cut-off 210 ml) proved superior, with predictive values of 92% (CRRT dependency) and 93% (renal function recovery).Conclusions: With predictive values up to 93%, the combination of uNGAL at 6 hours and the cumulatated urine output during the 24 hours prior to CRRT cessation proved to be the best diagnostic test for renal function recovery in ICU patients.Clinical trial registration: N/A
Natural magmatic granite as matrix for immobilizing simulated An4+ waste
Authors: Li Lingshuang , Shu Xiaoyan , Tang Hexi , Chen Shunzhang , Huang Wenxiao , Wei Guilin , Shao Dadong , Xie Yi , Lu Xirui
Published: April 2020

In nature, many rocks contain radionuclides, and returning radioactive waste to nature is an environmentally friendly way. In this work, a natural magmatic granite rock has been studied as a host matrix for simulated An4+ waste disposal. The blank granite, in the form of powder, was firstly treated by muffle furnace heating in the temperature range of 800 °C to 1400 °C. It was found that the lowest crystallinity of the samples was obtained at 1300 °C. Moreover, 8 wt.% of simulated tetravalent actinides (CeO2) could be successfully immobilized in the natural granite at 1300 °C for 60 min. Raman results show the structure disordering in samples tends to increase with the increased amount of CeO2. SEM-EDS observation shows that the distribution of Ce was relatively uniform in the matrix. Moreover, the hardness of solidified body is comparable to traditional glasses and it decreases with the increase of CeO2 content.
Characterization of the immune cell infiltration landscape in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to aid immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Xinhai , Chen Tielou , Zhang Boxin
Published: April 2020

Background: The tumor microenvironment chiefly consists of tumor cells, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells admixed with the stromal component. The recent clinical trial has shown that the tumor immune cell infiltration is correlated with the sensitivity to immunotherapy and the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC). However, to date, the immune infiltrative landscape of HNSC has not yet been elucidated. Methods: We proposed two computational algorithms to unravel the immune infiltration landscape of 1029 HNSC patients. The Boruta algorithm and principal component algorithms (PCA) were employed to quantify three immune cell infiltration gene subtypes categorized as per the immune cell infiltrations pattern. Results: The high ICI score subtype was characterized by a higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) and the immune-activated signaling pathway. However, a low ICI score subtype was categorized as per the activation of immunosuppressive signaling pathways such as TGF-BETA, WNT signaling pathway, and lower TMB. Two immunotherapy cohorts confirmed patients with higher ICI score demonstrated significant therapeutic advantages and clinical benefits.Conclusions: This demonstrated that the ICI score could serve as an effective prognostic biomarker and predictive indicator for immunotherapy. A comprehensive understanding of the HNSC immune landscape might help in tailoring immunotherapeutic strategies for different patients.
Computed tomographic assessment of lung aeration at different positive end-expiratory pressures in a porcine model of intra-abdominal hypertension and lung injury
Authors: Regli Adrian , Ahmadi-Noorbakhsh Siavash , Mask Gabrielle Christine , Reese David Joseph , Herrmann Peter , Firth Martin Joseph , Pillow J Jane
Published: April 2020

Background
Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is common in critically ill patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. High positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) can reverse lung volume and oxygenation decline caused by IAH in the setting of injured lungs. The impact of high PEEP levels on alveolar overdistension in IAH and lung injury is unknown. We aimed to define an optimal PEEP range during IAH and lung injury that would be high enough to reduce atelectasis formation while low enough to minimize alveolar overdistention.
Methods
Five anesthetized pigs received standardized anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. Peritoneal insufflation of air was used to generate intra-abdominal pressure of 27cmH2O (20 mmHg). Lung injury was created by intravenous oleic acid. PEEP levels of 5, 12, 17, 22, and 27cmH2O were applied. We performed computed tomography and measured arterial oxygen levels, respiratory mechanics, and cardiac output 5 min after each new PEEP level. The proportion of overdistended, normally aerated, poorly aerated, and non-aerated atelectatic lung tissue was calculated based on Hounsfield units.
Results
PEEP decreased poorly aerated and atelectatic lung whilst increasing normally aerated lung. Overdistension increased with each incremental increase in applied PEEP.
Conclusions
Our findings in a large animal model suggest that an optimal PEEP level which maximally recruits atelectatic lung without causing overdistension or hemodynamic compromise may not exist.
Repeat induced abortion and associated factors among reproductive age women who seek abortion services in Debre Berhan Town Health Institutions, Central Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Behulu Geremew Kindie , Fenta Endegena Abebe , Aynalem Getie Lake
Published: April 2020

Objective: To assess the magnitude and associated factors of repeat induced abortion among women aged from 15-49 who seek abortion care services in the health institutions of Debre Berhan town, Central Ethiopia, 2019Results: This study shows that the prevalence of repeat induced abortion among 355 respondents was to be 20.3 %. Those who reported as they had more than one partner in the last 12 preceding months, (AOR= 7.3, 95%CI: 3.21, 16.46), Age of the first sexual intercourse less than 18 years (AOR= 6, 95% CI: 2.54, 13.95) and Perceiving abortion procedure as it was not painful (AOR= 7.7, 95% CI: 2.9, 20.6) were variables positively associated with the repeatedly induced abortion among women who sought abortion services.
SMN-deficiency disrupts SERCA2 expression and intracellular Ca2+ signaling in cardiomyocytes from SMA mice and patient-derived iPSCs
Authors: Khayrullina Guzal , Moritz Kasey E , Schooley James F. , Fatima Naheed , Viollet Coralie , McCormack Nikki , Smyth Jeremy T. , Doughty Martin L. , Dalgard Clifton L. , Flagg Thomas P. , Burnett Barrington G.
Published: April 2020

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of alpha motor neurons and skeletal muscle atrophy. The disease is caused by mutations of the SMN1 gene that result in reduced functional expression of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN is ubiquitously expressed and there have been reports of cardiovascular dysfunction in the most severe SMA patients and animal models of the disease. In this study, we directly assessed the function of cardiomyocytes isolated from a severe SMA model mouse and cardiomyocytes generated from patient-derived IPSCs. Consistent with impaired cardiovascular function at the very early disease stages in mice, heart failure markers such as brain natriuretic peptide were significantly elevated. Functionally, cardiomyocyte relaxation kinetics were markedly slowed and the T50 for Ca2+ sequestration increased to 146 ± 4 msec in SMN-deficient cardiomyocytes from 126 ± 4 msec in wild type cells. Reducing SMN levels in cardiomyocytes from control patient IPSCs slowed calcium reuptake similar to SMA patent derived cardiac cells. Importantly, restoring SMN increased calcium reuptake rate. Taken together, these results indicate that SMN deficiency impairs cardiomyocyte function at least partially through intracellular Ca2+ cycling dysregulation.
Flight of the COVID-19 patient: experience with aWuhan evacuee- a case report
Authors: Segar Sandeep , Bouland Daniel , Torriani Francesca , Kwak Kevin , Asudani Deepak , Taplitz Randy , Gupta Vineet
Published: April 2020

Background:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared a global pandemic by World Health Organization in March 2020. Case Presentation:We report a case of a 51-year-old Chinese woman who was evacuated from Wuhan, China and diagnosed with COVID-19 infection at a Southern California quarantine facility. Clinical course was notable for high fevers, night sweats, productive cough, transient leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis. Evolving hypoxia and infiltrates on chest imaging warranted the trial of an investigational antiviral drug - remdesivir. The patient recovered and was discharged after two weeks of hospitalization. Conclusion:This case highlights the patient’s clinical course including diagnostic work-up, medical management, and challenges in defining non-infectivity in a relatively unknown disease.
Evaluation of coagulation function by rotation thromboelastometry in critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Pavoni Vittorio , GIANESELLO LARA , Pazzi Maddalena , Stera Caterina , Meconi Tommaso , Frigieri Francesca Covani
Published: April 2020

Critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia suffered both high thrombotic and bleeding risk. The effect of SARS-CoV-2 on coagulation and fibrinolysis is not well known. We conducted a retrospective study of critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) a cause of severe COVID-19 pneumonia and we evaluated coagulation function using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) on day of admission (T0) and 5 (T5) and 10 (T10) days after admission to ICU. Coagulation standard parameters were also evaluated. Forty patients were enrolled into the study. The ICU and the hospital mortality were 10% and 12.5%, respectively. On ICU admission, prothrombin time was slightly reduced and it increased significantly at T10 (T0=65.1±9.8 vs T10=85.7±1.5, p=0.002), while activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen values were higher at T0 than T10 (32.2±2.9 vs 27.2±2.1, p=0.017 and 895.1±110 vs 332.5±50, p= 0.002, respectively); moreover, whole blood thromboelastometry profiles were consistent with hypercoagulability characterized by an acceleration of the propagation phase of blood clot formation [i.e., CFT below the lower limit in INTEM 16/40 patients (40%) and EXTEM 20/40 patients (50%)] and significant higher clot strength [MCF above the upper limit in INTEM 20/40 patients (50%), in EXTEM 28/40 patients (70%) and in FIBTEM 29/40 patients (72.5%)]; however, this hypercoagulable state persists in the first five days, but it decreases ten day after, without returning to normal values. No sign of secondary hyperfibrinolysis or sepsis induced coagulopathy (SIC) were found during the study period. In six patients (15%) a deep vein thrombosis and in 2 patients (5%) a thromboembolic event, were found; 12 patients (30%) had a catheter-related thrombosis. ROTEM analysis confirms that patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia had a hypercoagulation state that persisted over time.
Characterizing the U.S. Melon Market
Authors: Torres Ariana , Langenhoven Petrus , Behe Bridget K.
Published: April 2020

The domestic market for melons, Cucumis melo L., has not been well characterized. The 2011 cantaloupe-related foodborne illness outbreak reduced melon production by 32%, and per capita consumption of cantaloupe and honeydew melons has not recovered. Our objective was to profile and characterize consumer segments of individuals who purchased melons in the 3 months before the survey. Responses from 1718 participants were analyzed by consumption volume and subjected to cluster analysis based on importance of melon attributes. Heavy and moderate consumers preferred local melons over imported. The top four melon attributes were flavor, freshness, ripeness, and sweetness. As consumption increased, consumers placed more importance for their diets. The heaviest consumption group accounted for 22% of the market, and consumed nearly three times the melon servings per month compared with the moderate consumer, and nearly 10 times the servings of the light consumption group. Cluster analysis produced three distinct clusters. Cluster 1 was the most promelon in attitudes and consumption, as well as general health interest, craving sweet food, food pleasure, and variety seeking in foods. The largest segment was cluster 3 and was the ideal group for future targeting of marketing and advertising campaigns for increasing the melon market share with their intermediate consumption and promelon attitudes. Last, members of cluster 2 consumed the lowest amount of melons, spent the least on melons, and traveled the fewest number of miles to purchase them, relative to the other two segments.
Transformation of Social Insurance as an Instrument of Social Security
Authors: Miller Olga , Morozova Elena
Published: April 2020

he development of social insurance is a highly researched issue. However, its place and role in the system of social protection remains understudied, as well as its current transformations under the changing socio-economic conditions. The research objective was to analyze the development of social insurance as an instrument of social security in Russia and in the Siberian Federal District. The study featured the theoretical and practical aspects of the application of social insurance in the changing system of social security. The research was based on a systematic approach to social security and social insurance as one of its most important mechanisms. The article introduces a review of domestic and foreign researches. It also focuses on an analysis of related regulations and statistic data. The methods and materials made it possible to conduct a thorough analysis of the development of the compulsory social insurance in Russia as a governmental instrument. The authors also described the legal framework in the field of social insurance. The government supports the Social Security Funds. In the Siberian Federal District, the budget of the Social Security Funds increased due to the growing number of insurance premiums, e.g. taxes and penalties, as well as due to the state participation. The research revealed some changes processes in the sphere of social security in the Russian Federation. The changes proved to affect social insurance and the whole insurance industry.
Social Significance of Entrepreneurship in Different Countries
Authors: Pin'koveckaya Yuliya
Published: April 2020

The social values of entrepreneurship that have developed in different countries are largely determined by two factors: whether the population perceives the current conditions as favorable for starting business and whether the current situation stimulates business. The research objective was to assess the social values of entrepreneurship that have developed in different countries. The author conducted a sociological survey asking respondents to agree or disagree with the following four statements: 1) Entrepreneurship is a good career option; 2) Successful intrepreneurs have a high social status; 3) The media transmit a positive attitude to entrepreneurship; 4) It is easy to start your own business in your country. The study used information from a global entrepreneurship monitoring conducted in 48 countries in 2018. Three hypotheses were tested using mathematical models that represented the density functions of the normal distribution. Four indicators that characterize the social values of entrepreneurship were used to determine their average values for the countries under consideration. The survey made it possible to identify countries with high and low values of the indicators. The article includes a comparative analysis of these indicators for Russia and foreign countries. They appeared to differ significantly from country to country. The research proved that there was no correlation between the values of the indicators and such factors as the level of income and territorial location.
New Promotion Technologies and Business Management: the case of Airline Ticket Agencies
Authors: Emel'yanovich Anzhelika , Udartsev Alexander , Kravchenko Efim
Published: April 2020

The research objective was to study the effect of new technologies on service market using the case of airline ticket agencies. The study featured new marketing tools in the service sector and the effect of advanced technologies on the airline ticket market. Promotion instruments and methods are developing very fast. Nowadays, marketing relies on such concepts as cognitive marketing, cognitive technologies, behavioral marketing, SEO-promotion, and event-marketing. These approaches are different in nature but seek to satisfy and anticipate consumer expectations. Successful companies, e.g. Aeroflot and Sberbank, use effective combinations of these tools. A prompt adaptation to new technologies guarantees successful performance for small and medium-sized businesses. The research was based on such methods as observation, interview, scientific analysis, induction, and comparison. The empirical data were provided by the largest regional airline ticket agency. The authors used retrospective analysis of business documentation, interviewed the management, analyzed the client base, and conducted an express cost analysis. The research revealed both positive and negative consequences of digitalization. The airline ticket business proved to undergo serious changes during the digital transformation of the economy.
The impacts of Upper Blue Nile Dams construction on agricultural water availability of Sudan
Authors: Mulat Asegdew G. , Moges Semu A.
Published: April 2020

The objective of this research is assessing water resource availability in the Blue Nile River for different development scenarios using Mike Hydro modeling. The long term Blue Nile total irrigation water demand will be more than 46.67 × 109m3, which is nearly similar to the naturalized flow (around 48 × 109m3). In the phase II irrigation, water shortfalls increase to 0.38 × 109m3/year. There is up to 2.172 × 109m3/year irrigation water deficit at the full development level in Ethiopia. Due to flow regulation, there are no shortfalls in irrigation in Sudan in either the medium or the long-term. Dams located in Ethiopia give more advantage to the Sudanese schemes than that of Ethiopian regarding irrigation development.
Peculiarities of Dancers Training
Authors: Uspuriene Aiste Barbora , Martinaitis Mindaugas
Published: April 2020

For dancers to look mostly effective, they need to move as a single body, maintaining a smooth movement along with the music, despite changing directions. Each movement should be more amplified than usual, but with gentle footwork and elegant posture. The slightest deficiency in some ability due to fatigue is a determining factor in whether the dancers will enter the next round. Research aim is to analyze the literature and to reveal Latin American dancers training peculiarities.
Trabajadores agrícolas migrantes en Baja California. Vinculación con la migración internacional
Authors: Anguiano Téllez Ma. Eugenia
Published: April 2020

En este ensayo los jornaleros agrícolas migrantes son clasificados en dos estratos: el primero, considera la migración internacional, es decir, aquéllos que se internan en Estados Unidos con el propósito de conseguir empleo; y el segundo, corresponde a la migración interna de los trabajadores agrícolas que permanecen en Baja California para laborar en los valles de Mexicali y San Quintín.En este trabajo se señalan las diferencias entre estos dos estratos, tanto de carácter económico como en los niveles de educación; asimismo, se comparan las características de los jornaleros agrícolas migrantes que cruzan a Estados Unidos por Mexicali y por Tijuana, según su actividad económica de procedencia y su expectativa de empleo en los Estados Unidos.
Las colonias fronterizas
Authors: Brannon Jeffery
Published: April 2020

Este artículo examina el rápido crecimiento de las comunidades irregulares que son habitadas por población de escasos recursos, predominantemente hispana, localizadas en áreas desincorporadas de lado norteamericano de la frontera México-Estados Unidos durante la década de los ochenta. Alrededor de 175 o 200 mil personas actualmente viven en estas llamadas "colonias", mismas que frecuentemente están aisladas de las áreas urbanas cercanas y sin disponer de acceso adecuado a los servicios públicos básicos tales como agua, drenaje y transporte público. La inmigración de mexicanos a los Estados Unidos y la escasez de viviendas a precios módicos están identificados como los factores principales en la creación de estas comunidades. El Paso, Texas es utilizado como caso para el estudio de la dinámica social, política y económica del crecimiento de las "colonias". En este artículo se llega a la conclusión de que serán necesarias inciativas innovadoras, principalmente locales, para minimizar las consecuencias potenciales negativas del desarrollo irregular de anillos de pobreza alrededor de las áreas urbanas ubicadas en el lado norteamericano de la frontera.
Las elecciones en la frontera México-Estados Unidos. Revisando las tendencias
Authors: Schmidt Samuel
Published: April 2020

En este artículo se revisan las tendencias electorales en México de 1964 a 1988 y se comparan con las tendencias electorales registradas en el mismo periodo en los estados mexicanos que hacen frontera con los Estados Unidos.Tres tendencias son muy claras: dismimución de la votación a favor del PRI, aumento de la votación a favor del PAN y aumento de la abstención. Aun cuando en algunos casos en algunos estados la tendencia no es muy clara, no existe ningún elemento que haga ver la existencia de un comportamiento electoral en la frontera distinto al registrado en el resto del país.En la óptica anterior se hace una revisión rápida de las elecciones en 1989, incluido el triunfo panista en Baja California.
La configuración espacial del desarrollo regional fronterizo
Authors: Castillo Víctor M.
Published: April 2020

En este trabajo el autor plantea la idea de que, antes del periodo de consolidación (1960-1980), en la frontera norte de México ya se había configurado el modelo de desarrollo económico como una economía primaria-terciarizada; mientras que durante las décadas de los sesenta y setenta se consolidó el desanollo del sector secundarlo. Asimismo afirma que, contrariamente a algunas opiniones, la migración y el PIF no establecieron las condiciones necesarias para el desanollo, aunque sí fueron agentes que aceleraron dicho proceso.
A gente não quer só comer: Uma abordagem de marketing social para a alimentação saudável
Authors: de Oliveira Edilaine Samara Pascoal , Barboza Stephanie Ingrid Souza
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a percepção dos agentes dos níveis upstream e midstream do modelo ecológico de marketing social sobre o consumo alimentar dos jovens, adotando uma abordagem qualitativa de caráter exploratório. Método: Para a coleta de dados, foram realizadas entrevistas baseadas em um roteiro semiestruturado dividido em três dimensões: questões sobre as barreiras para uma alimentação saudável, a regulação alimentar e a consciência sobre saúde. A pesquisa foi realizada com dez sujeitos, sendo cinco secretários municipais de saúde (agentes upstream) e cinco nutricionistas vinculados ao setor público (agentes midstream). As entrevistas foram analisadas a partir da análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Os resultados indicaram que as principais barreiras para adoção de uma alimentação saudável se relacionam com: a questão midiática, os aspectos culturais e o fator tempo aliado ao acesso de alimentos não saudáveis. Implicações práticas e teóricas: Os agentes consideram necessário que haja uma conscientização, fazendo uso de ferramentas de marketing social apoiada pelo governo, com intuito de implantar ações para a reeducação alimentar e prevenção de doenças, além de explorar os benefícios e incentivos para a alimentação saudável.
Sem Grana, o Turista Vai para o Brejo?
Authors: de Medeiros Fabiana Gama , Moraes Thiago
Published: April 2020

Contexto: O Brejo paraibano tornou-se um destino turístico atraente por ser uma região de clima serrano no interior do estado da Paraíba e vem se configurando como um local ideal para quem busca sossego, atividades culturais e ar puro. A região conta com o Fórum Regional de Turismo Sustentável do Brejo Paraibano, que visa a estimular a Rota Cultural Caminhos do Frio, no entanto o evento enfrenta o dilema da redução dos recursos financeiros por parte do Governo do Estado, o que afeta a sua execução. Objetivos de ensino: Promover o debate entre os alunos sobre o dilema da escassez do recurso financeiro e impelir soluções de ação para o Fórum, considerando que as propostas podem afetar todos os agentes envolvidos e a credibilidade do Fórum. Fontes de dados: O caso é real e os dados do caso são oriundos de dados primários, obtidos a partir de entrevistas e observações em campo, bem como de dados secundários. Contudo, alguns diálogos foram simulados para ilustrar a situação. Aplicação: O caso pode ser utilizado em disciplinas de graduação e pós-graduação (latu sensu), nos cursos de Administração, Turismo e de Gestão Pública que discutam um ou mais dos seguintes temas: regionalização do turismo; planejamento do turismo (em circuitos turísticos regionais); turismo e desenvolvimento local e regional; marketing turístico e marketing de lugares.
The mediator role of sales force management capability on the relation between market orientation and financial performance
Authors: Rodrigues Graziela Perretto , de Brito Cecília Souto Maior , Moreno Renata Bárbara , Toaldo Ana Maria Machado , Prado Paulo Henrique Muller , Marchetti Renato Zancan
Published: April 2020

Purpose: This study demonstrates that sales force management capability (SFMC) is a driver to financial performance when influenced by marketing orientation. Wherefore, the researchers explore how each SFMC ́s dimension (salesforce structuring, talent management, and customer targeting) contributes on the relation between MO and financial performance. Methodology: A survey (n=223) was applied in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies in Brazil. Structural equation modeling allowed us to understand how the sales management forces capability ́s dimensions influence the relation between market orientation and financial performance intensity. Findings: It is demonstrated that MO influences the three SFMC capability dimensions (salesforce structuring, talent management, and customer targeting), mainly customer targeting and talent management. Furthermore, it is shown that the relation between MO and financial performance is mediated by SFMC capability. Theoretical contributions: This study contributes to the marketing literature by showing that MO may be applied jointly to SFMC in order to improve performance. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that SFMC to enhance financial performance. Consequently, this study promotes a better understanding of the process in which MO may be related to SFMC, and how each specific dimension of SFMC influences financial performance. Practical contributions: Marketing managers and sales managers should sharing information about the market to achieve better financial results and competitive advantage. Also, practitioners should use market information strategically to segmenting and positioning sales force. In addition to customers, competitors, and environmental forces, petitioners should make an effort to manage their organizational resources better. Firms should use market information to improve performance and engage marketing managers to support sales investment.
Bisphosphonates Can Maintain Periprosthetic Bone Mass Density after Total Hip Replacement, with Controversy in Region of Interest 5
Authors: Hao Dongsheng , Wang Junjie , Zuo Liyun
Published: April 2020

Background:

Total hip replacement (THR) is the standard surgical treatment of hip diseases. Periprosthetic
bone mass density (BMD) loss may be a cause for revision surgery. Bisphosphonates (BPs) are now the
principal class medications for osteoporosis.

Objectives:

To demonstrate the effect of BPs on treating periprosthetic osteoporosis after THR via a meta-analysis
of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods:

A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register
of Controlled Trials was performed for RCTs on the effect of BPs on treating periprosthetic osteoporosis after
THR and clinical outcomes relative to controls. The primary outcome measures were the change in BMD in each
region of interest (ROI), the change in serum bone turnover marker levels, the change in functional parameters
and the risk of adverse effects (AEs). The final search was performed in March, 2020.

Results:

Nine RCTs were included. A total of 359 patients met the inclusion criteria. BPs can clearly maintain
periprosthetic BMD in ROIs at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 at 6, 12 and 24 months. In addition, BPs can clearly decrease
serum procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) levels at 12 months. There was no significant difference
in the risk of AEs between the BP and control groups; however, BPs can cause more patients to decline participation.

Conclusion:

BPs can effectively maintain overall periprosthetic BMD, but BMD in ROI 5 remains controversial.
In addition, the safety of BPs is relatively high, but the compliance may be relatively low.