bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite disinfectants are more effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms than quaternary ammonium compounds
Authors: Lineback Caitlinn B. , Nkemngong Carine A. , Wu Sophie Tongyu , Li Xiaobao , Teska Peter J. , Oliver Haley F.
Published: December 2018

Background

Antimicrobial disinfectants are used as primary treatment options against pathogens on surfaces in healthcare facilities to help prevent healthcare associated infections (HAIs). On many surfaces, pathogenic microorganisms exist as biofilms and form an extracellular matrix that protects them from the antimicrobial effects of disinfectants. Disinfectants are used as all-purpose antimicrobials though very few specifically make biofilm efficacy claims. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of eight registered disinfectants (six registered by the Environmental Protection Agency and two products registered in by the European Chemical Agency) with general bactericidal claims, but currently no biofilm efficacy claims, againstStaphylococcus aureusATTC-6538 andPseudomonas aeruginosaATCC-15442 biofilms. We hypothesized that hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite disinfectant products would be more effective than quaternary ammonium chlorides.

Methods

This study tested the bactericidal efficacy of eight registered disinfectant products againstS. aureusATCC-6538 andP. aeruginosaATCC-15442 grown on glass coupons using a Center for Disease Control (CDC) biofilm reactor and EPA MLB SOP MB-19. Bactericidal efficacy was determined after treating coupons with disinfectants following standard EPA MLB SOP MB-20.

Results

Overall, sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide disinfectants had significantly higher bactericidal efficacies than quaternary ammonium chloride disinfectants. We also found that all tested disinfectants except for quaternary ammonium chloride disinfectants met and exceeded the EPA standard for bactericidal efficacy against biofilms.

Conclusion

In general, bactericidal efficacy against biofilms differed by active ingredient. The efficacies of sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide disinfectants did not vary between strains, but there were significant differences between strains treated with quaternary ammonium chloride disinfectants.
A new hypothesis on the mechanism of nano-filled elastomers reinforcement
Authors: Sokolov Alexander Konstantinovich , Garishin Oleg Konstantinovich , Svistkov Alexander L’vovich
Published: December 2018

Incorporation of active fillers to rubber markedly improves the strength properties and deformation characteristics of such materials. One possible explanation of this phenomenon is suggested in this work. It is based on the fact that for large deformations the binder (high-elastic, cross-linked elastomer) in the gaps between the filler particles (carbon black) is in a state close to the uniaxial extension. The greater part of polymer molecular chains are oriented along the loading axis in this situation. Therefore it can be assumed that the material in this state has a higher strength compared to other ones at the same intensity of deformation. In this paper, a new strength criterion is proposed, and a few examples are given to illustrate its possible use. It is shown that microscopic ruptures that occur during materials deformation happen not in the space between filler particles but at some distance around from it without breaking particle “interactions” through these gaps. The verification of this approach in modeling the stretching of a sample from an unfilled elastomer showed that in this case it works in full accordance with the classical strength criteria, where the presence in the material of a small defect (microscopic incision) leads to the appearance and catastrophic growth of the macrocrack.
Design and Evaluation of a Wireless Electrocardiogram Monitor in an Operating Room: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ariès Philippe , Bensafia Kahina , Mansour Ali , Clément Benoît , Vincent Jean-Louis , Nguyen Ba Vinh
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND:

Wired electrocardiogram monitors are an important component of current perioperative monitoring. Wireless monitoring units could help reduce the number of cables attached to patients and thus improve anesthesia ergonomics and patient management. However, there is concern that electromagnetic interference generated by electrosurgical units may prevent effective wireless signals in the operating room. To evaluate the extent of this problem, we developed a Bluetooth electrocardiogram prototype monitor and compared its electrocardiogram traces to those captured with a standard wired electrocardiogram monitor in our operating room.

METHODS:

Bluetooth electrocardiogram and standard electrocardiogram traces captured from 10 patients undergoing surgical procedures that required use of an electrosurgical unit were compared by analysis of the durations of the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave and the position of the ST segment from the isoelectric line. The impact of the electrosurgical units on the Bluetooth electrocardiogram and S-electrocardiogram recordings was also assessed.

RESULTS:

There were no clinically relevant differences in P wave, QRS complex, or T-wave durations (0.006, 0.004, and 0.017 seconds, respectively) between Bluetooth electrocardiogram and standard electrocardiogram or in the position of the ST segment from the isoelectric line (0.02 mV). Mean differences were near zero, and Bland–Altman limits of agreement for individual differences were narrow (−0.035 to 0.047, −0.03 to 0.038, and −0.112 to 0.078 seconds for P wave, QRS complex, and T-wave durations, respectively, and −0.13 to 0.17 mV for ST segment position). Electrosurgical units use electrically disrupted Bluetooth electrocardiogram and standard electrocardiogram signals, but there was no electromagnetic interference effect on the Bluetooth electrocardiogram signals.

CONCLUSIONS:

Wireless electrocardiogram using Bluetooth can be reliably used in the operating room. The electrosurgical unit induces electric rather than electromagnetic artifacts, thus affecting wired and wireless electrocardiogram in a similar fashion.
SUMOylation by SUMO2 is implicated in the degradation of misfolded ataxin-7 via RNF4 in SCA7 models
Authors: Marinello Martina , Werner Andreas , Giannone Mariagiovanna , Tahiri Khadija , Alves Sandro , Tesson Christelle , den Dunnen Wilfred , Seeler Jacob-S. , Brice Alexis , Sittler Annie
Published: December 2018

Perturbation of protein homeostasis and aggregation of misfolded proteins is a major cause of many human diseases. A hallmark of the neurodegenerative disease spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is the intranuclear accumulation of mutant, misfolded ataxin-7 (polyQ-ATXN7). Here, we show that endogenous ATXN7 is modified by SUMO proteins, thus also suggesting a physiological role for this modification under conditions of proteotoxic stress caused by the accumulation of polyQ-ATXN7. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments, immunofluorescence microscopy and proximity ligation assays confirmed the colocalization and interaction of polyQ-ATXN7 with SUMO2 in cells. Moreover, upon inhibition of the proteasome, both endogenous SUMO2/3 and the RNF4 ubiquitin ligase surround large polyQ-ATXN7 intranuclear inclusions. Overexpression of RNF4 and/or SUMO2 significantly decreased levels of polyQ-ATXN7 and, upon proteasomal inhibition, led to a marked increase in the polyubiquitination of polyQ-ATXN7. This provides a mechanism for the clearance of polyQ-ATXN7 from affected cells that involves the recruitment of RNF4 by SUMO2/3-modified polyQ-ATXN7, thus leading to its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. In a SCA7 knock-in mouse model, we similarly observed colocalization of SUMO2/3 with polyQ-ATXN7 inclusions in the cerebellum and retina. Furthermore, we detected accumulation of SUMO2/3 high-molecular-mass species in the cerebellum of SCA7 knock-in mice, compared with their wild-type littermates, and changes in SUMO-related transcripts. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the accumulation of SUMO proteins and RNF4 in the cerebellum of SCA7 patients. Taken together, our results show that the SUMO pathway contributes to the clearance of aggregated ATXN7 and suggest that its deregulation might be associated with SCA7 disease progression.
The Drosophila Dbf4 ortholog Chiffon forms a complex with Gcn5 that is necessary for histone acetylation and viability
Authors: Torres-Zelada Eliana F. , Stephenson Robert E. , Alpsoy Aktan , Anderson Benjamin D. , Swanson Selene K. , Florens Laurence , Dykhuizen Emily C. , Washburn Michael P. , Weake Vikki M.
Published: December 2018

Metazoans contain two homologs of the Gcn5-binding protein Ada2, Ada2a and Ada2b, which nucleate formation of the ATAC and SAGA complexes, respectively. In Drosophila melanogaster, there are two splice isoforms of Ada2b: Ada2b-PA and Ada2b-PB. Here, we show that only the Ada2b-PB isoform is in SAGA; in contrast, Ada2b-PA associates with Gcn5, Ada3, Sgf29 and Chiffon, forming the Chiffon histone acetyltransferase (CHAT) complex. Chiffon is the Drosophila ortholog of Dbf4, which binds and activates the cell cycle kinase Cdc7 to initiate DNA replication. In flies, Chiffon and Cdc7 are required in ovary follicle cells for gene amplification, a specialized form of DNA re-replication. Although chiffon was previously reported to be dispensable for viability, here, we find that Chiffon is required for both histone acetylation and viability in flies. Surprisingly, we show that chiffon is a dicistronic gene that encodes distinct Cdc7- and CHAT-binding polypeptides. Although the Cdc7-binding domain of Chiffon is not required for viability in flies, the CHAT-binding domain is essential for viability, but is not required for gene amplification, arguing against a role in DNA replication.
Perilipin-2 is critical for efficient lipoprotein and hepatitis C virus particle production
Authors: Lassen Susan , Grüttner Cordula , Nguyen-Dinh Van , Herker Eva
Published: December 2018

In hepatocytes, PLIN2 is the major protein coating lipid droplets (LDs), an organelle HCV hijacks for virion morphogenesis. We investigated the consequences of PLIN2 deficiency on LDs and on HCV infection. Knockdown of PLIN2 did not affect LD homeostasis, likely due to compensation by PLIN3, but severely impaired HCV particle production. PLIN2-knockdown cells had slightly larger LDs with altered protein composition, enhanced local lipase activity, and higher beta-oxidation capacity. Electron micrographs showed LDs and HCV-induced vesicular structures tightly surrounded by ER-derived double-membrane sacs after PLIN2 knockdown. Strikingly, LD access of HCV core and NS5A proteins was restricted in PLIN2-deficient cells and correlated with reduced formation of intracellular HCV particles that were less infectious and of higher density indicating defects in maturation. PLIN2 depletion also reduced protein levels and secretion of ApoE due to lysosomal degradation, but did not affect the density of ApoE-containing lipoproteins. However, ApoE overexpression in PLIN2-deficient cells did not restore HCV spreading. Thus, PLIN2 expression is required for trafficking of core and NS5A to LDs and for formation of functional low-density HCV particles prior ApoE incorporation.
ADAR2-mediated Q/R editing of GluK2 regulates kainate receptor upscaling in response to suppression of synaptic activity
Authors: Gurung Sonam , Evans Ashley J. , Wilkinson Kevin A. , Henley Jeremy M.
Published: December 2018

Kainate receptors (KARs) regulate neuronal excitability and network function. Most KARs contain the subunit GluK2 (also known as GRIK2), and the properties of these receptors are determined in part by ADAR2 (also known as ADARB1)-mediated mRNA editing of GluK2, which changes a genomically encoded glutamine residue into an arginine residue (Q/R editing). Suppression of synaptic activity reduces ADAR2-dependent Q/R editing of GluK2 with a consequential increase in GluK2-containing KAR surface expression. However, the mechanism underlying this reduction in GluK2 editing has not been addressed. Here, we show that induction of KAR upscaling, a phenomenon in which surface expression of receptors is increased in response to a chronic decrease in synaptic activity, results in proteasomal degradation of ADAR2, which reduces GluK2 Q/R editing. Because KARs incorporating unedited GluK2(Q) assemble and exit the ER more efficiently, this leads to an upscaling of KAR surface expression. Consistent with this, we demonstrate that partial ADAR2 knockdown phenocopies and occludes KAR upscaling. Moreover, we show that although the AMPA receptor (AMPAR) subunit GluA2 (also known as GRIA2) also undergoes ADAR2-dependent Q/R editing, this process does not mediate AMPAR upscaling. These data demonstrate that activity-dependent regulation of ADAR2 proteostasis and GluK2 Q/R editing are key determinants of KAR, but not AMPAR, trafficking and upscaling.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Specific protein 1, c-Abl, and ERK1/2 form a regulatory loop
Authors: Long Jiaoyue , Liao Guoning , Wang Yinna , Tang Dale D.
Published: December 2018

c-Abl tyrosine kinase participates in the regulation of various cellular functions including cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, smooth muscle contraction, and cancer progression. However, knowledge regarding transcriptional regulation of c-Abl is surprisingly limited. Sp1 is a founding member of the Sp1 transcription factor family that has been implicated in housekeeping gene expression, tumor cell proliferation, and differentiation. Here, knockdown and rescue of Sp1 affected growth factor-mediated c-Abl expression in cells. c-Abl promoter activity was also affected by Sp1 knockdown. This is the first evidence to suggest that Sp1 is an important transcription factor to regulate c-Abl expression. In addition, Sp1 phosphorylation at Thr-453 and Thr-739 has been proposed to regulate its activity in drosophila cells. We unexpectedly found that growth factors did not induce Sp1 phosphorylation at these two residues. In contrast, growth factor stimulation upregulated Sp1 expression. Intriguingly, ERK1/2 inhibition reduced expression of Sp1 and c-Abl. Furthermore, c-Abl knockdown diminished ERK1/2 phosphorylation and Sp1 expression. Taken together, these studies suggest that Sp1 can modulate c-Abl expression at transcription level. Conversely, c-Abl affects ERK1/2 activation and Sp1 expression in cells.
No experimental evidence of stress-induced hyperthermia in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Jones Nick A. R. , Mendo Tania , Broell Franziska , Webster Mike M.
Published: December 2018

Stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) is characterised by a rise in body temperature in response to a stressor. In endotherms SIH is mediated by the autonomic nervous system, whereas ectotherms must raise their body temperature via behavioural means by moving to warmer areas within their environment (behavioural thermoregulation). A recent study suggested that zebrafish (Danio rerio), an important model species, may move to warmer water in response to handling and confinement and thus exhibit SIH, which, if accepted, may have important practical and welfare implications. However an alternative hypothesis proposed that the observed movements may been produced by avoidance behaviour rather than behavioural thermoregulation. Investigating the claims for SIH in zebrafish further we conducted two experiments that extend the earlier study. The first experiment incorporated new conditions that considered fish behaviour in the absence of thermal variation, i.e. their null distribution, an important condition that was not performed in the original study. The second was a refined version of the experiment to reduce the numbers of fish and aid movement between areas for the fish. In contrast to the previous study, we saw no effect of handling or confinement on preference for warmer areas, and no evidence for SIH in either experiment. Instead we observed a short-lived reduction in preference for warmer areas immediately post stress. Our work suggests that zebrafish may not experience SIH and claims regarding fish consciousness based on SIH may need to be revised.
Nucleocytoplasmic distribution of S6K1 depends on the density and motility of MCF-7 cells in vitro
Authors: Kosach Viktoriia , Shkarina Kateryna , Kravchenko Anastasiia , Tereshchenko Yuliia , Kovalchuk Evelina , Skoroda Larysa , Krotevych Mykhailo , Khoruzhenko Antonina
Published: December 2018

Background:The ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) is one of the main components of the mTOR/S6K signal transduction pathway, which controls cellular metabolism, autophagy, growth, and proliferation. Overexpression of S6K1 was detected in tumors of different origin including breast cancer, and correlated with the worse disease outcome. In addition, significant accumulation of S6K1 was found in the nuclei of breast carcinoma cells suggesting the implication of kinase nuclear substrates in tumor progression. However, this aspect of S6K1 functioning is still poorly understood. The main aim of the present work was to study the subcellular localization of S6K1 in breast cancer cells with the focus on cell migration.

Methods:Multicellular spheroids of MCF-7 cells were generated using agarose-coated Petri dishes. Cell migration was induced by spheroids seeding onto adhesive growth surface and subsequent cultivation for 24 to 72 hours. The subcellular localization of S6K1 was studied in human normal breast and cancer tissue samples, 2D and 3D MCF-7 cell cultures using immunofluorescence analysis and confocal microscopy.

Results:Analysis of histological sections of human breast tissue samples revealed predominantly nuclear localization of S6K1 in breast malignant cells and its mainly cytoplasmic localization in conditionally normal cells.In vitrostudies of MCF-7 cells demonstrated that the subcellular localization of S6K1 depends on the cell density in the monolayer culture. S6K1 relocalization from the cytoplasm into the nucleus was detected in MCF-7 cells migrating from multicellular spheroids onto growth surface. Immunofluorescence analysis of S6K1 and immunocoprecipitation assay revealed the colocalization and interaction between S6K1 and transcription factor TBR2 (T-box brain protein 2) in MCF-7 cells.

Conclusions:Subcellular localization of S6K1 depends on the density and locomotor activity of the MCF-7 cells.
Cortical auditory evoked potentials and hemispheric specialization of speech in individuals with learning disability and healthy controls: A preliminary study
Authors: Bhat Mayur , Palaniswamy Hari Prakash , Pichaimuthu Arivudai Nambi , Thomas Nitha
Published: December 2018

Background: Dichotic listening (DL) technique is a behavioral non-invasive tool which is used in studying hemispheric lateralization. Previous studies using behavioral DL have hypothesized that individuals with learning disabilities (LD) exhibit a lack of cortical specialization for processing speech stimulus. However, there is no event related potential (ERP) evidence, hence the main objective of the study is to explore hemispheric asymmetry using cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEPs) in normal hearing adults and also to compare the same in children with LD and healthy controls.

Methods: CAEPs were recorded in 16 normal hearing young adults, eight right-handed children with LD and their age matched controls. Two stop constants (/Pa/ – voiceless, bilabial, stop: /Ta/ - voiceless, alveolar, stop) were chosen for this experiment and presented in each ear and dichotically in two different orders (/pa-ta/, /ta-pa/). ERPs were processed using a standard pipeline, and electrodes readings over the left and right hemispheres were averaged to create left and right regions of interest (ROI). The CAEPs were analyzed for mean amplitude and peak latency of P1-N1-P2 components.

Results: The current study results suggest no statistically significant difference between the two stimulus in monaural condition and absence of order effect in dichotic condition. In healthy controls the CAEP latencies were shorter over the left hemisphere in both monaural and dichotic conditions in adults and control children. However, it was very evident that such a difference was lacking in children with LD.

Conclusions: Hemispheric asymmetry can be detected using CAEPs for speech stimulus. The measures are consistent and void of stimulus or order effect. Taken together, the findings of current study, both monaural and dichotic condition illustrates the hemispheric differences in processing speech stimuli in normal hearers. Absence of latency differences between hemispheres in children with LD indicate a lack of hemispheric asymmetry.
The Role of the University in Human Resource Management in the Regional Labor Market: Challenges, Practice
Authors: Митрофанова Елена , Mitrofanova Elena , Дудкина Г. , Dudkina G. , Дудкин А. , Dudkin A.
Published: December 2018

Human resources are the main competitive advantage of the company in a market economy. The variety of forms of institutions and organizations becomes a factor of structuring and development of the regional economy. Special attention of scientists and practitioners in the fields of not only Economics, but also politics, law, sociology, psychology attracts collaboration as a poorly studied, but rapidly developing and effective form of relations between economic entities in order to increase competitiveness. The purpose of the article: to determine the features of collaborative interaction of the University in the management of human resources in the regional labor market. On the basis of the analysis of works of domestic and foreign scientists the essence and content of collaboration as process of joint labor, production or economic activity of two and more economic subjects for achievement of the General purposes is defined. It is revealed that the collaborative interaction is based on the principles of consent and trust, i.e. there is a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge, training of participants to improve their competencies, the production of innovative products with a significant intellectual component to promote to the market and achieve effects in the development of competitiveness of the regional economy. In the course of the pilot study, the cycle and a number of features of the formation of students ‘ competitiveness as a human resource of the regional market are highlighted. In this article, the collaboration is considered from the position of technology to increase the competitiveness of human resources. As a result, the features and effects of collaboration between the University and representatives of the regional market of Krasnoyarsk region are highlighted. The author’s position in the definition of collaboration for companies and the University from the position of the strategy of coordination of interests in the regional labor market is based on the results of a pilot study and has practical significance in the development of the efficiency of human resources management in the region.
Diabetic foot ulcer treatment with focused shockwave therapy: two multicentre, prospective, controlled, double-blinded, randomised phase III clinical trials
Authors: Snyder Robert , Galiano Robert , Mayer Perry , Rogers Lee C. , Alvarez Oscar ,   The Sanuwave Trial Investigators
Published: December 2018

Objective:

To investigate the efficacy of focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) as an adjunctive treatment for neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) (1A or 2A on the University of Texas grading scheme), compared with sham treatment.

Method:

We performed two multicentre, randomised, sham-controlled, double-blinded, phase III clinical trials using focused ESWT compared with sham examining DFUs that did not reduce in volume by ≥50% over 2 weeks' standard treatment immediately prior to randomisation. Patients were enrolled into the trials and randomised for either standard care and focused ESWT (pulsed acoustic cellular expression. dermaPACE System, SANUWAVE Health Inc.) active therapy, or standard care and sham therapy. Both active and sham therapy were administered four times in 2 weeks in study 1 and a maximum of eight times over 12 weeks in study 2. Standard care continued in both studies throughout the 12-week treatment phase. The proportion of DFUs that closed completely by 12, 20 and 24 weeks was measured.

Results:

The two studies evaluated 336 patients; 172 patients treated with active therapy and 164 managed with a sham device. The demographic characteristics of patients in the two arms of both studies were balanced and statistical comparison of the two studies justified pooling datasets for analysis. Statistically significantly more DFU healed at 20 (35.5% versus 24.4%; p=0.027) and 24 weeks (37.8% versus 26.2%; p=0.023) in the active treatment arm compared with the sham-controlled arm. At 12 weeks the active therapy arm trended to significance (22.7% versus 18.3%).

Conclusion:

The outcome of these two trials suggests that ESWT is an effective therapeutic modality in combination with standard care for neuropathic DFU that do not respond to standard care alone.
Investigation of galectin-3 levels in diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Gunes Ali Erdal , Eren Mehmet Ali , Koyuncu Ismail , Taskin Abdullah , Sabuncu Tevfik
Published: December 2018

Objective:

It has been shown that galectin-3 (Gal-3) promotes angiogenesis and new vessel formation. Serum Gal-3 is a risk factor for vascular complications in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to compare Gal-3 levels with a range of biochemical parameters.

Method:

A prospective study consisted of individuals as a control group (group 1), patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes without DFUs (group 2), and patients with type 2 diabetes with a DFU (group 3). Patient levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), nitric oxide (NO), and Gal-3 were measured.

Results:

In total, 91 patients participated, (28 male, 63 female with a mean age of 55.83±6.35 years) Mean ET-1 (39.0±16.9), NO (17.6±7.6), VEGF-A (33.5±13.4) and Gal-3 (535.1±420.5) levels were significantly higher in group 3 compared with the other two groups (p<0.01). Furthermore, the Gal-3 level was positively and statistically significantly correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ET-1 and NO levels in all groups.

Conclusion:

In our study, the level of Gal-3 was shown to be positively correlated with the VEGF-A level. Hence, Gal-3 can be considered as a defence mechanism against complications of diabetes, thus contributing to wound healing. Gal-3 may play a critical role in DFU formation and progression. Moreover, it could be suggested that Gal-3 may give an indication of prognosis, as it elevates VEGF-A levels and stimulates angiogenesis. Further studies are required to confirm the findings of this study.
Surgical site infections after craniotomy: a matched health-care cost and length of stay study
Authors: Hweidi Issa M. , Barbarawi Mohammed Al , Tawalbeh Loai Issa , Al-hassan Musa A. , Al-Ibraheem Saba W.
Published: December 2018

Objective:

To assess the extra health-care costs and length of stay resulting from surgical site infection (SSI), as well as to identify the most frequent aetiological microorganisms of SSIs among Jordanian craniotomy surgery patients.

Method:

A retrospective, descriptive, correlational and nested 1:1 matched case-control design was used. A computerised list of patients, who underwent surgery between May 2009 and March 2015, was generated in the targeted hospital. A final bill for every selected patient was also determined. Patients were divided equally into two groups: patients with an SSI and patients without an SSI.

Results:

A total of 64 patients were recruited. The SSI-group had a significant higher mean health-care cost of $7,899.08 (p=0.001) and a longer stay in hospital (mean additional days: 23.17) than the non-SSI group. Furthermore, Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus were determined as the most predominant causative agents of SSI, at 39.1% and 26.1% of SSI patients, respectively.

Conclusion:

The results of this study can be considered as a baseline for national benchmarking to evaluate the quality of care provided to targeted patients. This study should encourage nurse administrators to adopt protocols and strategies that promote infection control measures, as well as to develop new methods of surveillance on universal precautions adherence. This may limit pathogen contamination in the surgical wound, shorten length of stay and decrease health-care costs.
Management of tubes, lines and drains
Authors: Gray Katie
Published: December 2018

Infection control is of paramount importance when placing and maintaining tubes, lines and drains in veterinary patients. This article covers the most commonly placed instruments in veterinary patients and how to care for them at a high standard. Emphasis is placed on the importance of hand washing in practice. As veterinary professionals, nurses should ensure they are implementing the highest standards of cleanliness in their practices.
Modern band: A descriptive study of teacher perceptions
Authors: Randles Clint
Published: December 2018

This study is a descriptive evaluation of the work of Little Kids Rock, a US non-profit organization that provided at the time of data collection free music instruction and instruments to over 187,754 students, 1120 teachers, in 30 cities around the United States. Music teachers (N=62 of 1120, 68% response rate) completed an end-of-the-year assessment of their perceptions of the learning outcomes of students involved with the programme. According to teachers’ perceptions: a majority of the programmes around the country utilize the acoustic guitar (94%), students have performed a few songs that they choose (66%), and students appear to be more engaged (76%) in their music classes. However, teachers believe that a majority of students have not composed an original song (68%), and cannot improvise on an instrument (68%). Implications for the future of the programme include better equipping teachers to teach songwriting and improvisation.
Mediatización de las controversias públicas: a propósito de la campaña sobre prostitución Hola Putero
Authors: Saiz-Echezarreta Vanesa
Published: December 2018

Un problema público precisa ser discutido para alcanzar acuerdos y los medios de comunicación son actores y lugares de mediación claves en este proceso. Proponemos una reflexión teórico-metodológica sobre la mediatización de las controversias en el espacio público, mediante una aproximación etnográfica multisituada a la controversia sobre prostitución. Utilizamos un estudio de caso para observar cómo las lógicas de viralidad y silenciamiento mediático resultan significativas en la escenificación pública de un problema. Se selecciona la campaña viral HolaPutero publicada en Youtube por el colectivo Towanda Rebels como caso de estudio. Se aplica un análisis sociosemiótico de la campaña y de su cobertura mediática. El objetivo es indagar cómo los medios, desde su atención a los contenidos virales de redes sociales, intervienen en las polémicas públicas, incidiendo en su enmarcado, orientación y expectativas de solución. Encuadramos la prostitución como una cuestión de política moral en la que la mediatización es básica para obtener adhesiones, agregaciones y movilización de públicos en torno a los sistemas de sentido, argumentos, relatos y propuestas de acción política que caracterizan las perspectivas en conflicto.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Qasr-e Shirin, a border area in the west of Iran
Authors: Hamzavi Yazdan , Nazari Naser , Khademi Nahid , Hassani Keivan , Bozorgomid Arezoo
Published: December 2018

Aim: The prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is growing in Iran, and new sources of the disease have been found in the country. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of CL in Qasr-e Shirin County, Kermanshah Province, West of Iran. Qasr-e Shirin is located near the Iran-Iraq border, and several million pilgrims pass through this area to Iraq every year.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out for active case detection from April 1, 2014, to March 31, 2015. All individuals with suspicious lesions were identified through house-to-house visits in the aforementioned area. A questionnaire was filled out for everyone with clinical suspicion of CL. A diagnosis was made based on parasitological examination of the lesion exudate. The annual incidence and prevalence of CL were estimated.

Results: In total, 5277 individuals were randomly screened for the presence of active lesions or scars suspected of CL. The overall prevalence of CL in the County was 4.8% (60 cases had active lesions and 194 cases had scars). All age groups were affected, but the highest incidence of CL was seen in the age group 20-29 years (1.9%). The incidence and prevalence were higher in women than men (5.5% vs. 4%). Most cases (45.6%) had a single lesion or scar and 44 (17.4%) patients had five or more lesions or scars.

Conclusion: The incidence of CL in Qasr-e Shirin County is high. There is a need for further studies on reservoirs and vectors of leishmaniasis in this area. The results of such studies help to perform more efficient and timely spraying against phlebotomine sandfly or detect and decrease the animal reservoir population.
Eficacia de un programa de Entrenamiento de Intervalos de Alta Intensidad en la modificación de variables corporales en escolares preadolescentes de un colegio de la ciudad de Temuco, Chile
Authors: Pino Agurto Karla , Carrasco-Alarcón Vanessa , Martínez Salazar Cristian
Published: December 2018

Introducción: La alta ingesta calórica y la falta de actividad física están provocando alarmantes alzas en la cantidad de niños con sobrepeso y obesidad. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la eficacia de un programa de Entrenamiento de Intervalos de Alta Intensidad (HIIT, por sus siglas en inglés) en la disminución del porcentaje de grasa, mejorar el estado nutricional y las capacidades físicas de los escolares.Material y métodos: Se seleccionaron 153 escolares de edades entre los 7 y 10 años de un colegio particular subvencionado de la ciudad de Temuco (Chile), distribuidos en un grupo experimental (GE), a los que se les aplicó una intervención HIIT de 12 semanas en las clases de educación física, dos veces por semana y un grupo control. Se midió previa y posteriormente a la intervención el porcentaje de grasa por análisis de impedancia bioeléctrica, peso, talla, índice de masa corporal y la capacidad funcional mediante el test de caminata de 6 minutos. Resultados: En GE los parámetros que mostraron mejorías significativas (p<0,05), fueron el peso, porcentaje de grasa que disminuyeron mientras la cantidad de metros recorridos en el test de 6 minutos aumentó. Al comparar entre las edades 7-8 sólo muestran diferencias estadísticamente significativas el peso y el test de 6 minutos y para los 9-10 años sólo el peso y metros recorridos en el test de 6 minutos. Si bien solo en el GE todas las variables presentan una tendencia a la baja, excepto en la talla y en los metros recorridos en el test de 6 minutos, únicamente se obtuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los que se mencionan anteriormente. Conclusiones: El programa HIIT en escolares mostró mejorías en los parámetros relacionados con el sobrepeso y obesidad, lo que resalta la importancia de incluir intervenciones de este tipo en el currículo escolar de Chile.
Neoplasia mandibular y gastrostomía: a propósito de un caso nutricional
Authors: Castro-Vega Iciar , Veses Martin Silvia , Luna-Boquera Iris , Hernández-Mijares Antonio
Published: December 2018

Se expone el caso de un varón de 47 años con carcinoma epidermoide mandibular. Su evolución ocasiona la aparición de una desnutrición calórica severa que requiere una valoración nutricional completa con el método SENPE-SEDOM. Dicha situación se agrava con el tratamiento quirúrgico y oncológico, desarrollando una disfagia mecánica grave, valorada y diagnosticada con el Método de Exploración Clínica Volumen-Viscosidad (MECV-V). El paciente requiere progresivas adaptaciones dietéticas tanto de textura como de aporte nutricional, precisando el uso de sonda de alimentación por gastrostomía y de nutrición enteral a través de ella. La finalidad es mejorar el estado nutricional, que había empeorado como consecuencia de la enfermedad, de los tratamientos y de incorrectas indicaciones nutricionales por personal no experto en nutrición. Al finalizar el tratamiento oncológico, se produce una mejoría de la disfagia, y se modifica la intervención dietética y nutricional, por lo que se progresa de vía enteral a oral con nueva adaptación de textura y con suplementos dietético-nutricionales que permitan la recuperación del estado nutricional, manteniendo la sonda de alimentación por gastrostomía hasta que el paciente se encuentre libre de enfermedad.
Lei de Acesso à Informação (Lei 12.527/11): uma análise da utilização da lei e seu entendimento nos principais tribunais de justiça do país
Authors: Vidotto Monteiro Ricardo
Published: December 2018

No contexto dos aspectos referentes à aplicação da recente Lei de Acesso à Informação (Lei n.º 12.527/2011), do Brasil, o presente trabalho traz, como objetivo principal, uma pesquisa jurisprudencial a fim de revelar como funciona essa norma, junto a seus variados efeitos jurídicos, nos principais Tribunais de Justiça do país. O grande esforço deste mandamento legal é o de regulamentar os procedimentos a serem seguidos pelos entes a ela sujeitos. Assim, tal lei propõe-se a promover o máximo de acesso às informações públicas, quanto possível, pronta a inaugurar novos mecanismos de promoção ao exercício de uma cidadania mais ativa por parte dos administrados, no exercício do controle do Estado. Sobre a metodologia desenvolvida, o trabalho apresenta uma análise de cem acórdãos judiciais dos cinco maiores Tribunais de Justiça brasileiros, distribuído vinte para cada ente federativo. As conclusões finais extraídas da pesquisa revelam quais são os principais instrumentos processuais utilizados, os sujeitos (ativos e passivos) da relação jurídica formada com base na Lei de Acesso à Informação, quais as motivações mais relevantes ao se fazer uso desta Lei e, ainda, apresenta qual o índice de manifestações judiciais que determinaram o sigilo, constando todas essas decisões devidamente esmiuçadas.
Ministerio fiscal y división de poderes
Authors: Sendín García Miguel
Published: December 2018

En este trabajo se examina críticamente el régimen jurídico del Ministerio Fiscal, cuestionándose si su articulación es correcta, especialmente se plantea si cuenta con autonomía suficiente para desarrollar correctamente sus funciones.
Nuevo regionalismo italiano y relaciones con los gobiernos locales
Authors: Ferrari Giuseppe Franco
Published: December 2018

Se discute el nuevo regionalismo italiano y sus relaciones con los gobiernos locales, haciendo mención al compromiso originario de la Constitución italiana de 1948, analizando las reformas que ocurrieron en los años 1990 y, posteriormente, los entes locales a posteriori del nuevo título V después de 2001.
A 16-week multicenter observational study of the efficiency and safety of rheumatoid arthritis therapy with methotrexate
Authors: Balabanova R. M.
Published: December 2018

Objective: to evaluate the efficiency of combination therapy with methotrexate (MTX) and hydroxychloroquine (HC) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in real clinical practice.

Patients and methods. The investigation enrolled 430 patients with documented RA who had been followed up for 16 weeks by rheumatologists in different regions of the country. Individual schedules were filled out for the patients, by adding demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters that made it possible to assess the activity of the disease and to estimate the level of glucose, cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). The results of the investigation were evaluated at the inclusion of patients in it and then at 8 and 16 weeks. Taking into account the insufficient previous effect of MTX, the treatment was enhanced by HC.

Results and discussion. By the end of the investigation, the combination therapy with MTX + HC led to significant decreases in the number of swollen and tender joints, the duration of morning stiffness, the severity of pain, and the integrated DAS28 index. The therapy showed a positive effect on the levels of fasting glucose, cholesterol, and LDL. The quality of life improved in patients by Visit 3. The results obtained are in good agreement with the data by foreign and Russian investigators on the greater efficiency of combination therapy with MTX + HC than that of MTX monotherapy and on the pleiotropic (hypolipidemic and hypolipidemic) effect of HC.

Conclusion. It is concluded that in Russian practice when monotherapy with MTX shows an insufficient effect or its high doses cannot be administered to enhance the efficacy of RA therapy, it is possible to use a combination of MTX + HC, especially in older patients with comorbidity (hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia).
General principles in the treatment of lupus nephritis with the prevention of cardiovascular events
Authors: Panafidina Т. A. , Popkova Т. V.
Published: December 2018

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, which is characterized by the hyperproduction of organ-nonspecific autoantibodies to various components of the cell nucleus with the development of immunoinflammatory tissue and visceral damages. Kidney damage is one of the most common severe manifestations of SLE, which develops in 40–80% of patients and, in 15–20% of them, progresses to end-stage renal failure. A renal biopsy is recommended for all patients with lupus nephritis (LN) when choosing a successful treatment policy added by immunosuppressive therapy.

The paper presents treatments for LN according to its morphological class with a dosage detailed description, a route of administration, and the duration of intake of different drug groups in the induction and maintenance phases of treatment, as well as the specific features of therapy for refractory LN. Taking into account that patients with SLE in general and those with LN in particular have an increased rate of cardiovascular events, the authors have proposed exposures to traditional and specific risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
A sound approach to choosing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for osteoarthritis
Authors: Zonova E. V. , Karateev A. E.
Published: December 2018

The current guidelines for prescribing analgesic therapy for osteoarthritis (OA) are based on the latest knowledge about the pathogenesis of this disease and the mechanism of action of analgesics. The leading principle of choosing analgesics is to assess the nature of pain and the patient's condition, adverse drug reactions. This is directly related to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are now the most important class of painkillers used in OA. Among the drugs of this class, meloxicam, a representative of the oxicam group, which relatively equally inhibits cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 and also affects the activity of microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase 1, should be identified. This drug is characterized by a proven efficacy and a favorable safety profile. Nevertheless, the need for multifactorial evaluation of treatment-associated complications should be recognized as a priority when using any NSAIDs.
Facial agnosia in the clinical presentations of brain lesions
Authors: Grigoryeva V. N. , Mashkovich K. A.
Published: December 2018

Facial agnosia (prosopagnosia) is one of the causes of limitations in the life of patients with focal vascular, inflammatory, traumatic, and tumor lesions of the brain; however, the clinical significance of these lesions in neurological practice is often underestimated.

The review briefly presents the current understanding of the neurophysiological basis of facial gnosis and its neuroanatomic correlates. It discusses the clinical variants of prosopagnosia, the features of neuropsychological diagnosis, and adopted approaches to patient rehabilitation. It also highlights the importance of developing standardized methods for facial agnosia to improve the detection of prosopagnosia in focal brain lesions.
Impact of stimulating cognitive-motor training on neuropsychological status and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bykov Yu. N. , Bender T. B. , Vasiliev Yu. N. , Kalyagin A. N. , Maksikova Т. М. , Orlova G. M. , Kozlova N. M. , Ryzhkova O. V.
Published: December 2018

Motor and non-motor symptoms are identified in the clinical picture of Parkinson's disease (PD). Among its non-motor manifestations, cognitive impairment (CI) and emotional disorders play a special role in PD. It is important to search for new forms and methods of cognitive therapy in patients with PD.

Objective:to analyze neuropsychological status and quality of life (QOL) in PD patients and to evaluate the efficiency of personalized combination therapy with a stimulating cognitive motor training on computer and mobile devices in these patients.

Patients and methods. The investigation enrolled 112 patients with PD. A study group included 56 PD patients who received a cycle of combination therapy with cognitive-motor training on PC and mobile devices; a control group consisted of 56 PD patients who had only a drug therapy cycle. To evaluate neuropsychological status and QOL, the investigators used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the McNair and Kahn memory self-evaluation scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire.

Results and discussion. According to MoCA scores, CI of varying severity was diagnosed in the majority of patients: in 75 and 80.4% in the study and control groups, respectively. Depressive syndrome was detected in 53.6 and 64.3% in these groups, respectively. According to the SF-36, the physical status of patients had the greatest effect in reducing their QOL. There were treatment-induced statistically significant positive changes for the following domains: physical functioning (p<0.01), role-physical functioning (p<0.001), pain intensity (p<0.01), general health (p<0.01), role emotional (p<0.0001), and mental health (p<0.01).

Conclusion.The investigation has shown the efficiency of personalized therapy including stimulating cognitive-motor training on computer and mobile devices, which improves neuropsychological status and QOL in patients with PD.
Student perspectives of independent and collaborative learning in a flipped foundational engineering course
Authors: Fox Wendy H , Docherty Paul David
Published: December 2018

Flipped teaching and learning approaches are being increasingly used in higher education. Some advantages associated with the approach include providing opportunity for self-directed learning and enhanced collaboration between students. In this study, an implementation of a flipped approach in a first year foundational engineering dynamics course was researched to investigate student views on independent and collaborative learning inherent in flipped learning. Eighteen undergraduate students (11 male and 7 female) participated in this qualitative study. The flipped part of the course was designed to include self-paced independent learning and in-class learning, with opportunities to collaborate, ask questions, and work on examples. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The results of the study indicated that students universally enjoyed learning independently and appreciated the increased collaboration induced by the flipped approach. The flexibility of the approach enabled a range of approaches to independent learning and collaboration, and students were able to find learning styles that suited them. This article concludes with a range of recommendations for practice to further support independent and collaborative learning with the use of flipped approaches.