bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International Randomised Controlled Trial for the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumours – EURO EWING 2012
Authors: Birmingham Jennifer Anne , Moroz Veronica , Marec-Berard Perrine , Gaspar Nathalie , Laurence Valerie , Martin-Broto Javier , Sastre Ana , Gelderblom Hans , Owens Cormac , kaiser Sophie , Fernández-Pinto Melissa , Fenwick Nicola , Evans Abigail , Strauss Sandra , Whelan Jeremy , Wheatley Keith , Brennan Bernadette
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background Despite multiple randomised trials in newly diagnosed Ewing sarcoma family of tumours (ESFT), over many years, and involving many international co-operative groups, the outcomes for all stages of disease have plateaued. Internationally, the standard treatment of ESFT is not defined, and there is a need to add new agents other than conventional chemotherapy to improve outcomes. This trial will compare two different induction/consolidation chemotherapy regimens vincristine, ifosfamide, doxorubicin and etoposide (VIDE) induction and vincristine, actinomycin D, ifosfamide or cyclophosphamide, or Busulfan and Mephalan (VAI/VAC/BuMel) consolidation compared with vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and etoposide (VDC/IE) induction and ifosfamide and etoposide, vincristine and cyclophosphamide, vincristine, actinomycin D and ifosfamide, or Busulfan and Mephalan (IE/VC/VAI/ BuMel) consolidation- randomisation 1 (R1). A second randomisation (R2) will determine whether the addition of zoledronic acid to consolidation chemotherapy, as assigned at R1, is associated with improved clinical outcome.
Methods EURO EWING 2012 is an international, multicentre, phase III, open-label randomised controlled trial. There are two randomisations: R1 and R2. Patients are randomised at two different time points, at entry to the trial (R1) and following local control therapy (R2). The primary outcome measure is event-free survival. The secondary outcome measures include overall survival, adverse events and toxicity, histological response of the primary tumour, response of the primary tumour, regional lymph nodes and/or metastases, and achievement of local control at the end of treatment.
Discussion This study will establish which is the "standard regimen" of chemotherapy, taking into account both clinical outcomes and toxicity. This will form the chemotherapy backbone for future interventional studies where we may want to add new targeted agents. It will also determine the role of zoledronic acid, in conjunction with the separate EE2008 trial. Any trial in ESFT needs to take into account the rarity of the tumour and that international co-operation is needed to provide answers in a timely manner.
Trial registration Registered with EudraCT number 2012-002107-17 on 26th February 2012. Registered with ISRCTN number 54540667 on 4th November 2013.
Sensory processing of women diagnosed with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder: a research proposal
Authors: Labuschagne Elsie , Niekerk Matty van
Published: July 2019

Objectives: The study’s purpose is to investigate a possible link between Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and sexual pain in females diagnosed with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD). Study objectives are to determine sensory processing patterns of women diagnosed with GPPPD, to explore the level of anxiety when both GPPPD and SPD are present and to investigate participants’ perception of participating in a sensory-based home programme.

Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed method two-phased study design will be used. Phase one is a quantitative, cross sectional non-experimental descriptive study, using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory History (AASH) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS) to obtain data from purposive sampling.
Phase two is an exploratory qualitative study involving participants who were identified with SPD in phase one. They will participate in a sensory based-home programme and their perception thereof will be established during semi-structured interviews.

Outcomes: This study could improve practitioners’ understanding of GPPPD and SPD and make alternative, non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment options available to better assist these patients. The study could further clarify the role of the occupational therapist in sexuality. Exploring participants’ anxiety has important implications for treatment protocols in occupational therapy and assisting in describing the signs and symptoms of GPPPD.
Febrile neutropenia management in pediatric cancer patients at Ethiopian Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Bedewi Husnia , Berihun Malede , Mulu Atalay , Assefa Tamrat
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aimed at assessing the management practice of febrile neutropenia (FN) in pediatric cancer patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Ethiopia by reviewing patients’ charts from 135 participants retrospectively. Data was entered into Epi-info 7 and exported to SPSS 20 for analysis.

Results

Empiric antibiotics therapy (EAT) was given to all patients in which ceftriaxone with gentamycin constituted of 71.9% followed by ceftriaxone monotherapy. EATs were converted to others in 20 (14.8%) and 2(1.5%) patients for the first and second times respectively, mainly based on poor clinical response without conducting culture and sensitivity tests. These tests were done only for 13 (9.6%) participants and growth was seen in 5 patients; and definitive therapy was given for 2 patients. ANC value was above 500 cell/mm3 in 80.7% of patients and 98.5% of study participants were afebrile after completion FN treatment. Most of them (70.4%) were treated for FN and 7 of patients died due to all case mortality. The hospital should not rely mainly only on ceftriaxone with gentamycin as EAT and also should do culture and sensitivity test to optimize therapy based on susceptibility result before conversion and modification of therapy in management of FN.
The efficacy and safety of acupuncture for alleviating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer patients: study protocol for a pilot single-blinded, randomized sham-controlled trial
Authors: Chan Kaiyin , Lui Louisa , Yu Kaling , Lau Kwongwai , Lai Manchi , Lau Waiwai , Ng Bacon , Zhong Linda LD , Bian ZhaoXiang
Published: July 2019

Background: Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Hong Kong. Oxaliplatin based chemotherapy is a major first-line conventional therapy for advanced and metastatic colorectal cancer. However, oxaliplatin causes chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Acupuncture has been recognized as one of the effective intervention for preventing CIPN. This study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for preventing CIPN in colorectal cancer patients in Hong Kong.
Methods/Design: This is a pilot single-blinded, randomized, sham- controlled trial. Eighty-four eligible patients, who are Hong Kong Chinese aged ≥18 years and are diagnosed as colorectal cancer undergoing oxaliplatin based chemotherapy, will be randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to acupuncture group and sham-controlled group. During 12-weektreatment period, patients in acupuncture group will undergo acupuncture once a week from the first cycle of chemotherapy, patients in control group will receive sham-acupuncture, and the patients in both groupswill be followed up for twelve weeks. The primary outcome measure is the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOC-Ntx) questionnaire. The secondary outcome measures include numerical rating scale (NRS), vibration and light touch sense test, quality of life questionnaire-C30 of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EQRTC) (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Constitution of Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ).
Discussion: The study will compare acupuncture with sham acupuncture and will obtain evidence for utilizing acupuncture for chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.
Multimodal cardio protective strategy in cardiac surgery (The PROCCARD trial): Study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chiari Pascal , Durand Michel , Desebbe Olivier , Fischer Marc-Olivier , Lena-Quintard Diane , Palao Jean-Charles , Mercier Catherine , Samson Géraldine , Varillon Yvonne , Pozzi Matteo , Mewton Nathan , Maucort-Boulch Delphine , Ovize Michel , Fellahi Jean-Luc
Published: July 2019

Background

Myocardial damage in patients undergoing cardiac surgery increases both morbidity and mortality. Different protective strategies dealing either with preconditioning or postconditioning or assessing a single aspect of cardioprotection showed conflicting results. We tested the hypothesis that a multimodal approach would improve cardioprotection and limit myocardial damage following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Methods

This study is a pragmatic multicenter (six French institutions), prospective, randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial. The randomization is stratified by centers. 210 patients scheduled for aortic valve surgery with or without coronary artery bypass grafting will be assigned to a control or a treated group (105 patients in each group). In the control group, patients receive total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and liberal intraoperative blood glucose management (initiation of insulin infusion when blood glucose, measured every 60 min, is greater than 180 mg/dl), as a standard of care. The treated group receives a bundle of care combining five techniques of cardioprotection: (1) Remote ischemic preconditioning applied before aortic cross-clamping; (2) Maintenance of anesthesia with sevoflurane; (3) Tight intraoperative blood glucose management (initiation of insulin infusion when blood glucose, measured every 30 min, is greater than 140 mg/dl); (4) Moderate respiratory acidosis (pH: 7.30) at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass; and (5) A gentle reperfusion protocol following aortic unclamping. The primary outcome is the myocardial damage measured by postoperative 72-h area under the curve of high-sensitive cardiac troponin I.

Discussion

The ProCCard study will be the first multicenter randomized controlled trial aiming to assess the role of a bundle of care combining several cardio protective strategies to reduce myocardial damage in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Fast Track Recovery Surgery with A Whey Protein Infused Carbohydrate Loading Drink Pre-Operatively and Early Oral Feeding Post-Operatively among Surgical Gynaecologic Cancer Patients: Study Protocol of an Open Labelled Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Ho Chiou Yi , Ibrahim Zuriati , Zaid Zalina Abu , Daud Zulfitri 'Azuan Mat , Yu Nor Baizura Md
Published: July 2019

Introduction: There has been growing evidence on the favourable outcomes of fast tract recovery (FTR) surgery; expedite recovery, minimise complications, reduce length of hospital stay on surgical patients. However, there is lack of evidence on the effectiveness of FTR in surgical gynaecologic cancer patients. Most of previous study did not focus on feeding composition in FTR surgery protocol. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of FTR feeding with whey protein infused carbohydrate loading drink pre-operatively and early oral feeding post-operatively on post-operative outcomes among surgical gynaecologic cancer patients.

Methods and analysis: This open labelled RCT will randomly allocate patients into intervention and control group. Ambulated Malaysian aged over 18 years and scheduled for elective surgery for (suspected) GC, will be included in this study. Intervention group will be given whey protein infused carbohydrate loading drinks evening before operation and 3 hours before operation as well as started on early oral feeding 4 hours post-operatively. Control group will be fasted overnight pre-operation and only allowed plain water, and the diet transition fashion is followed when there is bowel sound post-operatively. Primary outcomes of study are length of post-operative hospital stay, length of clear fluid toleration, solid food toleration and bowel function. Additional outcome measures are changes in nutritional status, biochemical profile and functional status. Data will be analysed on an intention-to-treat basis.

Trial Registration Number: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03667755. Registered 12 September 2018 – Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03667755
Combined use of apatinib mesylate and vinorelbine versus single use of vinorelbine in recurrent or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wu Shuo , Zhang Liang , Li Huan , Xu Junnan , Jiang Cui , Sun Tao
Published: July 2019

Background: The emergence of new molecular targeted drugs provides new prospects for the treatment of advanced breast cancer; the future therapeutic trend includes chemotherapy combined with molecular targeted therapy. Apatinib mesylate, a novel small anti-angiogenic agent, highly selectively inhibits the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 tyrosine kinase. Apatinib mesylate also blocks the signaling of vascular endothelial growth factor binding to its receptor, thereby, strongly inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and exerting an anti-tumor effect. However, a randomized controlled clinical trial of apatinib combined with vinorelbine for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has not been reported. We attempted to compare the therapeutic effect of vinorelbine alone or in combination with apatinib mesylate for patients with recurrent or metastatic TNBC who have received at least two drug treatments with anthracyclines and taxanes.
Methods/analysis: This study is a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. We plan to include 184 female patients with locally recurrent or metastatic TNBC admitted at the Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, in Northeast China. All enrolled patients will be randomized to orally take vinorelbine alone (40 mg orally, thrice a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) in each 3-week cycle) or combined with apatinib mesylate (500 mg orally, once daily of each 3-week cycle). Radiographic assessment will be performed every 6 weeks for 36 weeks, and every 9 weeks thereafter. The primary outcome is measurement of progression-free survival and secondary outcomes include overall survival, disease control rate, objective response rate, and incidence of adverse events at grades 3 and 4 as defined by the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria [NCI-CTC] Version 4.0. Outcome measures will be evaluated at baseline (< 2 weeks before starting treatment), every 6 weeks during treatment, and at 4 weeks and every 3 months after treatment discontinuation.
Discussion: Based on the data from this trial, we hope to identify a treatment plan that is suitable for female TNBC patients in Northeast China who have been treated with anthracyclines and taxanes.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT03932526). Registered on April 30, 2019.
Anais VIII Encontro de Pós-Graduação e V Encontro de Egressos do Mestrado em Odontologia da Universidade Ibirapuera (UNIB)
Authors: Shinohara Elio Hitoshi , Moreira Maria Stella
Published: July 2019

EditorialCaro(a) Leitor(a)Em 11 de abril de 2019, aconteceu o VIII Encontro de Pesquisa e Bioética e V Jornada de Egressos do Mestrado em Odontologia da Universidade Ibirapuera (UNIB), um evento que contou com especialistas que discutiram questões científicas, éticas e metodológicas pertinentes à pesquisa científica, promovendo a atualização e aprofundamento no conhecimento para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas clínicas e laboratoriais, de boas práticas clínicas e rigor no delineamento metodológico. Além disso, foram abordados temas de interesse direto ao Programa de Mestrado em Ciências Odontológicas, como produção científica e a internacionalizaçãoParticiparam alunos de graduação envolvidos em TCC e iniciação científica, alunos de pós-graduação/egressos (stricto e latu sensu), profissionais vinculados ao ensino e pesquisa, professores da pós-graduação e graduação (áreas de saúde, exata e humanas).Prof. Dr. Elio  Hitoshi Shinohara - PresidenteVIII Encontro de Pesquisa e Bioética - V Jornada dos Egressos do Mestrado em Odontologia
Economic efficiency and soybean yield due to the use of different fungicide combinations
Authors: Knebel Daniel Franke , Silva Diecson Ruy Oroslin da , Demari Gustavo Henrique , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Szareski Vinícius Jardel , Santos Lucian Alex dos , Pelegrin Alan Junior de , Muraro Dionei Schmidt , Barbosa Mauricio Horbach , Silva Antonio David Bortoluzzi da , Lautenchleger Francine , Pimentel João Roberto , Troyjack Cristian , Villela Francisco Amaral , Souza Velci Queiróz de
Published: July 2019

In Brazil, Asian rust is the main disease that affects the soybean crop, which is responsible for the great inventiveness of financial resources with fungicides to control this pathogen. The objective of this work was to evaluate the grain yield and economic viability of the different combinations of fungicides used in the soybean crop. The experiment was conducted in the 2014/2015 agricultural year in the experimental field located in the municipality of Campo Novo-RS, Brazil. The treatments used correspond to 15 combinations of fungicides, and these were applied at different times during the soybean cycle. The characters measured weremass of 1000 seeds, grain yield, gross income, fungicide cost, total cost, net income, income gain and profitability. The grain yield of soybeans was reduced by 35% due to the absence of fungicide applications. Combinations of fungicides that provide the highest yields and profitability for soybean are based on the use of different active principles such asstrobilurins and carboxamides.
Proteome of germinating and dormant axillary buds of sugarcane and analysis of sprouting-related proteins
Authors: Benez Mariana Mancini , Maranho Rone Charles , Maranho Gustavo Barizon , Neiverth Adeline , Santos Marise Fonseca dos , Carvalho Ana Lúcia de Oliveira , Gonela Adriana , Mangolin Claudete Aparecida , Machado Maria de Fátima Pires da Silva
Published: July 2019

The germination potential of the axillary buds is crucial for the installation of new sugarcane crop and is highly relevant for the maintenance of the crop during the regrowth cycles. In this way, 1-DE-UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF system of mass spectrometry in a shotgun approach evaluated total and differential proteome of germinating and dormant axillary buds of cultivar RB867515 in second ratoon. The current paper investigates whether differently expressed proteins can be detected in germinating axillary buds or not. The proteome of germinative and dormant axillary buds were obtained using TCA/acetone in triplicates with subsequent proteins and polypeptides pre-separation by SDS-PAGE and UPLC. Mass spectra were obtained via MS/MS and were confronted with Viridiplante mass spectra from NCBIprot, SwissProt and UniProtKB databases, using Mascot tool from Matrix Science. A total of 159 proteins were identified. In total, 46 proteins were exclusively detected in the germinating buds, while 41 proteins were exclusively reported in the dormant buds and 72 proteins were common in germinating and dormant buds. Different proteins, involved with biotic and abiotic stress, were detected at equivalent proportions in germinating (29.5%) and dormant (31.7%) buds, while contrasting proportions of proteins involved with energy metabolism were detected in germinating (22.7%) and dormant (12%) buds. Budding potential in the third cut seems to be determined by specific proteins related to energy metabolism and steps of the biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites for shoot growth and development. Seven enzymes (Aconitase, Succinate dehydrogenase, Pyruvate dehydrogenase, Fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransgerase, Chacone synthase, Chalcone isomerase, and Monodehydroascorbate), one protein subunits (RuBisCo large subunit-binding protein) and one protein of Argonaute protein family (Tudor-Sn) supposedly involved with germinating potential of axillary buds and two enzymes (Hexokinase and Aldehyde dehydrogenase) supposedly involved with non-budding were highlighted.
Molecular cloning and expression analysis of a stress-responsive WRKY transcription factor gene, BnWRKY57, from Brassica napus
Authors: Shirazi Fatemeh Atashi , Razi Hooman , Niazi Ali , Alemzadeh Abbas
Published: July 2019

WRKY transcription factors play important roles in regulation of various plant biological processes, including response to abiotic stresses. WRKY genes might be potential targets for transgenic breeding to enhance stress tolerance in rapeseed (Brassica napus). The present study aimed to clone and characterize WRKY57 (BnWRKY57) gene derived from B. napus and to analyze patterns of BnWRKY57 expression under drought and salt stresses in two B. napus cultivars with different levels of tolerance to drought and salt. The full-length coding region of BnWRKY57 gene with 882bp long (GenBank Accession Number: MG699908) was cloned and sequenced. BnWRKY57 gene encodes a hydrophilic polypeptide of 293 amino acids. It shared high homology with other known WRKY57s from Brassicaceae family. The promoter of BnWRKY57 gene contained cis regulatory elements involved in response to phytohormones, light, biotic and abiotic stresses suggesting this gene may play a role to modulate different signaling pathways. Real time quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that BnWRKY57 expression was responsive to drought and salt stresses. BnWRKY57 gene showed different expression patterns between leaves and roots and also between the B. napus cultivars under stress conditions. Overall, the findings suggest that BnWRKY57 gene may contribute to adaptive responses to drought and salt stresses in B. napus.
Path analysis and canonical variables of intervarietal maize hybrids
Authors: Barbosa Mauricio Horbach , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Szareski Vinícius Jardel , Szareski Vinícius Jardel , Conte Giordano Gelain , Pelegrin Alan Junior de , Ferrari Mauricio , Rosa Tiago Corazza da , Mambrin Ritieli Baptista , Nardino Maicon , Oliveira Antonio Costa de , Maia Luciano Carlos da , Souza Velci Queiróz de
Published: July 2019

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the cereal most produced in the world, due to its wide scope and utilization in human and animal diet. This study aims to evaluate the agronomic performance of intervarietal maize hybrids, as well as the linear associations, interrelations of cause and effect, and the genotypes dispersion through canonical variates. The experiment was conducted in the agricultural year of 2014/2015. The crosses that originated the hybrids were carried out on the growing season of 2013/2014 and hybrids evaluated on 2014/2015. The hybrids were arranged in randomized blocks, being 13 treatments with five repetitions. The measured characters were: plant height, spike insertion height, stem diameter, spike diameter, spike length, spike mass, number of rows of grains per spike, number of grains per row, cob diameter, cob mass, spike grains mass, mass of a thousand grains, grain length and grain yield. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and mean values compared by the Tukey test at 5% of probability. The Pearson’s linear correlation analysis and path analysis were performed using grain yield as a dependent character. Furthermore, the analysis of canonical variables was carried out. The hybrid H5: G3 X G4 revealed higher grain yield, spike grains mass, number of grains per row and spike diameter. Grain yield of intervarietal hybrids presented positive correlations with the traits such as stem diameter, spike diameter, spike length, number of grains per row, mass of a thousand grains, grain length and spike grains mass. Spike diameter and spike length presented higher direct effects on grain yield of intervarietal hybrids. The canonical variates revealed the formation of five phenotypically distinct groups of intervarietal hybrids.
The role of knowledge management in institutional strategy development and competitiveness at leading African universities
Authors: Suknunan Sachin , Maharaj Manoj
Published: July 2019

The role of knowledge management as a strategic intervention in higher education in developing economies has not been studied extensively. Higher education plays a central role in a country’s economy through knowledge creation and dissemination to its stakeholders. The main purpose of this article was to examine the role and influence of knowledge management in decision-making and strategy formulation at leading universities in Africa and to establish if knowledge management was adding value and competitiveness to the institutions. A survey across 20 leading African universities was conducted in 2014. A mixed method of quantitative and qualitative approaches was adopted. The results show that knowledge management does have the potential to positively influence institutional strategy formulation, but should ideally be represented at executive level for its potential to be fully realized. More knowledge management practice is needed in the areas of academic teaching and learning, and research. There was a lack of sophisticated and powerful knowledge management Information Systems in most of Africa’s leading institutions. Those institutions that utilized KM more strategically, inclusive of specialized KM Information Systems were the higher ranked institutions. This suggests that knowledge management could play a crucial role in a University’s success and competitiveness.
Quadrinhos, leitura e discurso da interdição em espaços oficiais de educação
Authors: Costa Felipe de Souza
Published: July 2019

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar as estratégias linguístico-discursivas que legitimaram, em espaços oficiais de educação, a interdição dos quadrinhos como uma prática de leitura. Para tanto, foi selecionado um capítulo do livro “Literatura Infanto-Juvenil”, publicado no ano de 1969, para compor o corpus da pesquisa resultante deste artigo. Tal obra fez parte da “Coleção Didática do Brasil”, cujos objetivos eram difundir e, de algum modo, prescrever princípios e práticas relativos a diversos temas que envolvessem a educação. De posse desse corpus, orientamo-nos pelas contribuições advindas da análise do discurso de linha francesa, sobretudo tendo como exponentes os estudos de Michel Pêcheux (2009 e 2015) acerca de memória e discurso. Guia-nos, neste artigo, a seguinte questão de pesquisa: quais estratégias linguístico-discursivas articulam leitura, quadrinhos e sanção? Finalmente, encontramos as análises que demonstram as seguintes estratégias linguístico-discursivas, com vistas à interdição dos quadrinhos: memória, interdiscurso, argumentação por autoridade, discurso científico e discurso oficial.

Palavras-chave: Análise do discurso. Quadrinhos. Discurso da interdição. Educação.
Complete Unsteady One-Dimensional Model of the Net Aortic Pressure Drop
Authors: Susin Francesca M.
Published: July 2019

Background:

A large amount of engineering and medical research has been devoted to the assessment of aortic valve stenosis severity in the past decades. The net transvalvular pressure drop has been recognized as one of the parameters that better reflect stenosis effects on left ventricle overload, and its adoption in clinical assessment of stenosis has been proposed. Flow unsteadiness has been shown to have a non-negligible impact on the net drop; however, a simple formulation for net drop calculation that includes not only flow pulsatility but also the effects of valve dynamics is still lacking.

Objective:

The present contribution is hence aimed at developing a complete unsteady one-dimensional model of the net aortic transvalvular pressure drop that just requires non-invasive data to be implemented.

Methods:

Transvalvular flow is described as a jet of incompressible viscous fluid through a circular orifice placed in a concentric rigid circular tube. The classical one-dimensional mass and total head conservation equations are applied. The effective orifice area and transvalvular flow rate are assumed to vary with time throughout the ejection period.

Results:

The model is found to capture pressure drop oscillations occurring when the valve opens/closes and/or leaflets flutter, thanks to the inclusion of valve dynamics effects. The model is also proposed as a numerical tool for the calculation of the instantaneous effective orifice area once net pressure drop and flow rate are known.

Conclusion:

The model may contribute to the improvement of non-invasive aortic stenosis assessment.
In vitro Micro Propagation of Soybean (Glycine max) BARI-5 Variety
Authors: Begum Nadira , Zenat Elina A. , Sarkar Mohammad K.I. , K. Roy Chapol , Munshi John L. , A. Jahan Miskat A.
Published: July 2019

Introduction:

The present research work was undertaken with a view to developing a suitable protocol forin vitroplant regeneration of economically important plant (Glycine max) (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute BARI- 5) variety,viaboth direct and indirect organogenesis fromin vitrogrown seedlings.

Methods:

For micropropagation explants were cultured on MS and half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various plant growth regulators (cytokinins and auxins). In the present study for inducting of callus, among 3 different hormone combinations, the suitable medium was 3.32 mg/L 2, 4-D containing MS medium and the callus was deep green in color. Different type of media like MS, 1/2 MS and MS with different (6-Benzyl Amino Purine) BAP concentration was used for seed germination ofGlycine max. 100% of seed germination was observed in MS +1 mg/L BAP containing the medium.

Results:

In the present investigation, different concentration of cytokinins and auxins{BAP, 2, 4-D, and Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA)} were used individually or in combinations with MS medium to observe their effect on multiple shoot regeneration from the cotyledonary nodal segment. 100% shoot formation from cotyledonary nodal segment was recorded in 1.5 mg/L BAP and 0.15 mg/L BAP + 0.025 mg/L NAA containing MS medium, the best number of shoot was 10.9±2.0 found in MS + 1.5 mg/L BAP containing medium and highest length of shoot was 2 cm recorded in 1.5 mg/L BAP + 0.3 mg/L (different concentrations of Giberrellic acid) GA3containing MS medium. In addition, for root inductionin vitroraised well developed and elongated shoots were excised and cultured on MS and 1/2 MS medium supplemented with various concentration of Indole-3-Butyric acid (IBA). It was observed that MS medium containing 0.1 mg/L IBA and 1/2 MS medium containing 0.25 mg/L IBA was optimal for root induction. In which 100% shoots rooted well within 13 days of culture. The highest average number of roots per shoot was 6 recorded in MS +0.5 mg/L IBA containing the medium and highest average length of root was 8 cm recorded in 0.1 mg/L IBA containing MS medium.

Conclusion:

The most effective surface sterilization treatment for explants ofGlycine maxhas been found in 0.1% HgCl2solution for 15 minutes.
Use of Xpert MTB/RIF for the Identification of TB and Drug Resistance Among Smear-Negative and Re-Treatment Cases in Rural Areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Worku Mesfin , Agonafir Mulualem , Yassin Mubarek A. , Yassin Mohammed A. , Datiko Daniel G. , Theobald Sally , Cuevas Luis E.
Published: July 2019

Introduction:

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading infectious cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A key contributor to this burden is poor diagnosis as only 60% of new pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) cases in Africa are ever detected. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the feasibility of Xpert MTB/RIF test implementation in the region, and the performance of the assay to increase case detection on the selected rural health care setting.

Objective:

To assess the feasibility of Xpert MTB/RIF test implementation in the rural health care setting in Southern Ethiopia.

Methods:

Two Xpert MTB/RIF machines were brought in 2012 through TB REACH project. It was placed at Yirgalem hospital and at Aletawondo health centre. The instruments were installed after formal training was provided to laboratory technologists for three days. We collected sputum sample from participants who repeatedly had negative smear microscopy and those who had not responded to first-line anti-TB drugs.

Result:

Of the total participants tested, 1828 have valid result (MTB-, MTB+/RIF-, MTB+/RIF+, MTB+/RIF Indeterminate). From the participants with valid results, 217 (11.9%) were Xpert-positive of which were 165 (9.0%) RIF-negative, 6 (0.3%) RIF-indeterminate and 46 (2.5%) RIF-positive. Among TB suspects with previous treatment history and positive by Xpert, RIF resistance was detected in 10 (2.2%). From the new TB suspects with positive Xpert, RIF resistance was detected in 29 (2.7%). All cases identified were linked with TB/MDR-TB treatment centers.

Conclusion:

Xpert provides an additional tool for the diagnosis of TB and drug resistance, with almost 12% of new and retreatment cases obtaining information that is useful for clinical management. To enhance its efficient utilisation, operational challenges should be minimized particularly in relation to availing robust alternative power source.
Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Determinants in Rural Pondicherry, India-A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kumar P Ravi , Dongre Amol , Muruganandham R. , Deshmukh Pradeep , Rajagovindan D.
Published: July 2019

Introduction:

The burden of CKD is on the rise globally and in India. There are scarce population based studies based in rural industrialized settings in India and elsewhere.

Objective:

To find out the prevalence and determinants of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) among adults in rural Pondicherry, India

Methods:

It was a community-based cross-sectional study in 13 villages of a Primary Health Centre in rural Pondicherry. A representative sample of 422 adults more than or equal to 50 years of both genders was selected by population proportional to size methods. All the participants were screened by SCORED questionnaire to get the potential cases of CKD. We did serum creatinine, urine examination, blood pressure and anthropometric measurement for the potential cases. CKD was diagnosed by estimation of glomerular filtration rate and presence of protienuria. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 24. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of SMCMCH, Pondicherry.

Results:

The prevalence of CKD was found to be 24.2% in the study sample of respondents 50 years or more. Most (73.5%) of the CKD cases were at stage 2, Stage 3a had 15% and stage 3b had 2% of the cases. The determinants of CKD were (60-69 years, PR: 2.36,CI:1.36-4.07), poor nutrition(underweight, overweight and obesity)poor nutritional status (underweight:PR: 2.26,CI:1.05-4.89), (overweight:PR: 2.19,CI:1.06-4.52), (obese:PR: 2.13 CI: 1.13-4.01) and presence of at least one chronic co-morbidity(PR:5.85,CI:1.38-24.78). Majority of the patients in the CKD group had minimal proteinuria 87.25%. And 42.15% of the CKD group had no k.w:5 or k.w:6.

Conclusion and Recommendation:

Considering the higher prevalence of CKD in the study area, targeted screening of adult population should be undertaken as means of early detection, diagnosis, treatment and follow up of at-risk individuals to prevent further progression of CKD. Further research is required to look at the aetiology of CKD.
Evaluation of Fucosylated Haptoglobin as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Egypt
Authors: Shalably Nahla M. , Badawi Rehab , Hawash Nehad , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , Elkhalawany Walaa , Hameed Amal Abd EI , Alkassas Galal El-Din
Published: July 2019

Background:

Most Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCCs) are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therefore, there is citation-type an urgent need for better methods of detection and surveillance of patients at risk of HCC. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has a suboptimal diagnostic performance for HCC surveillance, so novel and reliable diagnostic biomarkers are required.

Objective:

The aim of this work is to evaluate fucosylated haptoglobin as a diagnostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients.

Materials and Methods:

This case-control study was carried out on 60 patients classified into 3 groups (20 patients on each); group I (HCC group), group II (Cirrhotic group) and group III (Control group). Diagnosis of liver cirrhosis was done by clinical, biochemical and ultrasound (US), whereas the diagnosis of HCC was done by percutaneous biopsy or radiological (by US and triphasic Computerized Tomography (CT) based on the guidelines of the American-Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. HCC stage was clinically defined according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system. AFP & fucosylated haptoglobin levels were estimated in all groups.

Results:

There was a statistically significant positive correlation between serum fucosylated haptoglobin and tumor size in the HCC group. Serum fucosylated haptoglobin (at 116 U/ ml) showed sensitivity 80%, specificity 65%, positive predictive value 53% and negative predictive value 87% with AUC 0.786. Combination of serum fucosylated haptoglobin and serum AFP at (200 ng/ ml) increased sensitivity that reached 95%.

Conclusion:

Serum fucosylated haptoglobin may serve as a novel diagnostic biomarker for the detection of HCC with higher sensitivity than AFP.
As retextualizações literárias no ensino de Português Língua Estrangeira. Resultados de uma primeira experiência
Authors: Machado Ana Maria , Fernandes Anabela
Published: July 2019

O projeto “Literatura no ensino de Português língua estrangeira” (LEPLE) estuda o lugar da literatura no nível inicial do ensino de Português Língua Estrangeira. A par da seleção de textos literários adequados aos níveis de Iniciação e Elementar (A1 e A2, respetivamente) do Quadro Europeu Comum de Referência para as Línguas (Conselho de Europa 2001), o projeto procede à retextualização de contos ou novelas que, por razões patrimoniais ou por manifesta interculturalidade, são relevantes neste contexto de ensino. Operando nos níveis A1 e A2, o processo de retextualização não se pode limitar à adaptação literária, pelo que a retextualização tomou como referência os critérios dos graded readers de longa tradição no espaço anglófono e os das escassas adaptações já feitas em Portugal. Face à exiguidade de material literário retextualizado no ensino de Português daqueles níveis, importa partilhar e discutir a experiência adquirida com a retextualização da novela O Senhor Ventura, de Miguel Torga (1943/1985), refletindo sobre os resultados da sua aplicação em diferentes contextos de ensino formal e das suas implicações na aferição dos critérios de retextualização.
Português Língua de Herança e Português Língua Não Materna. (Re)construção de identidades através da experiência de ensino-aprendizagem no curso intensivo de verão para lusodescendentes da Universidade da Madeira
Authors: Camacho Idalina , Nunes Naidea
Published: July 2019

Este artigo enquadra-se no tópico “Experiências de ensino-aprendizagem de PL2/PLE/PLH”. A (re)construção de identidades dos lusodescendentes e outros participantes do Curso Intensivo de Verão para Lusodescendentes (CIVLD), antes e após a frequência do curso, foi objeto de estudo, por meio de inquéritos e da realização de entrevistas para o registo das respetivas Histórias de Vida. Para isso, foram elaborados dois inquéritos, um para os alunos preencherem no início do curso e o outro, na última aula do mesmo, sendo que a reconstrução identitária foi ocorrendo ao longo da experiência de ensino-aprendizagem. Recolheram-se dados sobre a sua motivação para a frequência do curso, as suas expectativas em relação ao mesmo e à aprendizagem da Língua Portuguesa (LP), as suas visões da Madeira e da sua cultura, antes e após o curso, bem como as principais dificuldades sentidas, quer a nível de integração linguística, quer a nível social. Destes lusodescendentes, os que têm o Português como Língua de Herança expressam-se com muitas interferências fonéticas, lexicais e morfossintáticas do Espanhol da Venezuela ou do Inglês da África do Sul. O curso integra também seis venezuelanos (não-lusodes-cendentes), casados com lusodescendentes madeirenses. Estes sentem a sua vinda para a Madeira como uma oportunidade de criar um novo lar, tendo também o desafio de (re)construírem a sua identidade, em contacto com a Língua e a Cultura Portuguesas.
A literatura nas aulas de PLE. Para aprender e comunicar sobre a memória cultural portuguesa
Authors: Gonzalez Iolanda Ogando
Published: July 2019

Apesar de a tendência dominante banir a literatura da educação, tanto no campo científico como no humanístico, existem inúmeros estudos que recusaram esta situação e propuseram ideias para a permanência do texto literário nas aulas, nomeadamente de línguas (materna e estrangeira). O aparecimento da abordagem intercultural nas últimas décadas tem sido crucial na tentativa de recuperação do discurso literário como estratégia inovadora que permite tornar as aulas de língua em janelas abertas ao mundo e, muito especialmente, a uma determinada cultura. Tendo como base esta perspetiva intercultural, no presente trabalho queremos rever as razões arguidas na defesa da utilização da literatura nas aulas de língua, para assim podermos justificar e contextualizar uma estratégia de uso do texto literário no âmbito do ensino do Português como Língua Estrangeira (PLE), quese baseia na aprendizagem e reconhecimento de padrões linguísticos e culturais. Pensamos que esta será mais uma via para conseguir que os estudantes de PLE estejam conscientes de uma série de motivos que continuam vigentes no imaginário linguístico e cultural luso, e desse modo, torná-los melhores falantes e mediadores entre a cultura de origem e a cultura portuguesa.
Tradução de 'conceitos culturais específicos' no contexto da tradução indireta. O caso da obra "O Assassino", de Joe Tang
Authors: Mengyuan Zhou
Published: July 2019

Os contatos entre as línguas portuguesa e chinesa datam do século XVI. Com efeito, com o desenvolvimento das relações entre a China e os países de língua portuguesa, as traduções entre as duas línguas têm florescido, o que muito contribui para a divulgação das respetivas literaturas. No campo da atividade tradutológica, além da tradução direta, há a considerar o método indireto. Tanto os países lusófonos como a China têm recorrido à tradução indireta ao longo dos tempos e, no século XXI, esta continua a ser utilizada pelos tradutores do par chinês-português. A obra que analisamos aqui, O Assassino, de Joe Tang, foi originalmente escrita em chinês e depois traduzida para o inglês. Posteriormente, surgiu uma versão portuguesa por via indireta, a partir da tradução inglesa. A obra ficciona a morte do governador português Ferreira do Amaral em Macau, e envolve vários elementos da cultura chinesa. O presente trabalho analisa as versões em inglês e português numa perspetiva comparativa, discutindo a questão da tradução de conceitos culturais específicos (Culture-Specific Concepts) no contexto de tradução indireta.
A Facebook R.I.P. Group and Charlotte Eades' Video Diary
Authors: Giaxoglou Korina
Published: July 2019

The public Facebook R.I.P. group was created in 2012 as a tribute to a young adult aged 18, who died in a car crash just eleven days before his school graduation. His classmates created this Facebook memorial group as a way of extending socially, spatially and temporally the memorials and vigils held in the community immediately after his passing. The different tributes flooding the memorial wall attest to individual moments of remembrance in the here-and-now, recording personal reactions, thoughts and feelings about their loss; in the process, this community of mourners is collectively (re)writing the life of their dead friend as a life worthy of being mourned and celebrated.  

Charlotte Eades' Video Diary:  this compelling video diary of living with terminal illness renders tellable and visible not only the ‘small’ and ‘big’ battles with cancer, but also the everydayness of life with and despite dying.
“Under Construction” Lives: Restorative Nostalgia and the GeoCities Archive
Authors: McRae Sarah
Published: July 2019

A website called the “Geocities-izer” appeared in 2010, presaging the new decade’s growing appetite for 1990s-era cultural artifacts, an appetite that encompasses the digital aesthetic from that era.
“Unspeakable Suffering”: Women’s Experience of Trauma in Lynn Nottage’s Ruined
Authors: Muhi Maysoon Taher
Published: July 2019

Lynn Nottage's Ruined, a Pulitzer Prize play, tackles the plight of women’s survival during the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The play is a loud scream for the whole world to view the physical violence of women and hear their traumatic memories, hoping that this attempt might save them from their disastrous lives resulting from the brutalities of civil war. In this play, women are portrayed beyond victims of the political and armed conflicts as they serve as a reflection of a serious issue that threatens the human race in general: the continuing dehumanization whereby women are considered minorities and the “others,” even within their own society. By applying a critical analysis technique, the current paper aims to shed light on women's experience of their violated bodies and their unspeakable suffering in the context of their trauma.