bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ARCHÉOLOGIE ET MISE EN VALEUR DE L’ÎLE SAINT-BARNABÉ (RIMOUSKI, QUÉBEC) : DE LA MATÉRIALISATION D’UN MYTHE À LA PERFORMANCE ARCHÉOLOGIQUE
Authors: Savard Manon , Beaudry Nicolas
Published: August 2018

Este artigo estuda a evolução dos objetivos, das expectativas e dos interesses dos diferentes atores de uma experiência de intervenção arqueológica de longo prazo realizada no contexto universitário. A intervenção conciliava pesquisa, ensino e valorização, buscando equilibrar estas três dimensões que alimentavam reciprocamente. Este equilíbrio permitiu responder aos interesses de cada um dos atores: os da universidade, dos professores-pesquisadores e dos estudantes, os da municipalidade e do seu órgão de promoção turística, e os do publico em geral. Ao longo do tempo, o ensino assumiu uma importância cada vez maior e a valorização progressivamente assumiu a forma de uma performance arqueológica. Os autores questionam-se sobre a viabilidade à longo prazo deste tipo de valorização.
CHEROKEE ARCHAEOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES AS COMMUNITY ACTION
Authors: Sampeck Kathryn , Griffin Jr Johi D.
Published: August 2018

Um programa de pesquisa e educação atualmente desenvolvido pelos próprios autores e outros membros do Tribal Historic Preservation Office of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians contribui diretamente para o desenvolvimento econômico, para a educação, e para a criação de identidades e comunidades. De fato, a arqueologia da paisagem revela como os Cherokees atravessaram o fundamental e tumultuado período entre o século dezesseis e o inicio do século dezoito, um passado silenciado nos programas de educação atuais e nos livros de história. Do ponto de vista Cherokee, as nossas origens são ligadas aos princípios de gadugi, traduzido por ‘cidade’ ou ‘comunidade,’ e tohi, ‘equilibro.’ Gadugi e tohi juntos são os pilares da identidade Cherokee. Estes princípios aparentemente abstratos são arqueologicamente perceptíveis: gadugi se entende claramente pelo estudo das relações espaciais da organização interna da comunidade, a rede de relações entre cidades e recursos regionais, artefatos e ecofatos ligados às atividades, e elementos de grande escala “não sítios”, como os caminhos e os campos agrícolas. Nossa pesquisa está concentrada sobre um tempo histórico essencial ainda que pouco estudado: os encontros coloniais do século dezesseis até o inicio do século dezoito. A arqueologia tem um papel capital em termos de justiça social e ética da gestão da paisagem cultural, fornecendo às Primeiras Nações um acesso equipável aos benefícios potenciais de paisagens culturais assim como à uma participação significativa nos planos e ações a respeito deles.
Antecedents of Innovation Capability: The Role of Transformational Leadership and Organizational Learning
Authors: Van Nguyen ThiThuy , Phong Le Ba , Loan Luu Thi
Published: August 2018

The paper aims to test the mediating role of organizational learning (OL) between transformational leadership (TL) and innovation. Based on the literature review, we developed a research model proposing that TL enhances innovation capability through its positive effects on four components of OL: Knowledge acquisition, knowledge dissemination, knowledge interpretation, and organization memory. Structural equations modeling (SEM) is applied to examine the influence of independent factors on dependent ones via data collected from 76 Chinese firms. The results indicated that aspects of OL act as the mediators between TL and innovation capability. Especially, the findings highlight the important role of TL practice to enhance OL and the knowledge dissemination’s significant impacts on innovation capability. The paper has provided theoretical and managerial initiatives on theory of leadership and innovation that might help firms identify a right pathway to promote their innovation capability aimed at adapting more effectively to the changes of business environment.
Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems to Measure Linear and Areal Features into Undergraduate Forestry Education
Authors: Viegut Reid , Kulhavy David L. , Unger Daniel R , Hung I-Kuai , Humphreys Brian
Published: August 2018

The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in undergraduate forestry education continues to expand and develop. Accuracy of data collection is an important aspect of preparation for “society-ready” foresters to meet the complex sustainable environment managing for ecological, social and economic interests.  Hands-on use of a DJI Phantom 4 Pro UAS by undergraduates to measure the length and area of 30 linear features and areal features on Earth’s surface were estimated.  These measurements were compared (measured within the ArcMap 10.5.2 interface) to hyperspectral Pictometry imagery measured on the web-based interface and the Google Earth Pro interface. Each remotely estimated measurement was verified with the actual ground measurements and the methods compared. An analysis of variance, conducted on the absolute length errors resulting in a p-value of 0.000057, concluded that the three length estimating techniques were statistically different at a 95% confidence interval. A Tukey pair-wise test found that the remotely sensed DJI Phantom 4 Pro data was statistically less accurate than the Pictometry and Google Earth Pro data, while both of which were found to be not different statistically in terms of accuracy. The areal feature area measurements were not normally distributed and therefore tested for equal medians using a Kruskal-Wallis test. The test found that there was no significant difference between sample medians, indicating that all three methods of estimating area are statistically equal in accuracy. The results indicate that Pictometry and Google Earth Pro could both be used to accurately estimate linear feature lengths remotely in lieu of in situ linear measurements while all three remote sensing techniques can be used to accurately estimate areal feature areas remotely in lieu of in situ areal measurements.
Student Produced Videos - An Innovative and Creative Approach to Assessment
Authors: Speed Caroline Jane , Lucarelli Giuseppe Andrea , Macaulay Janet Olwyn
Published: August 2018

The ability to think critically and creatively are essential graduate attributes for science students yet many science graduates lack these skills and may struggle to gain employment. As undergraduate science educators, we are aiming to improve critical thinking, creativity and the promotion of deeper learning in our students. We have designed and implemented an innovative and creative approach to assessment to engage students with laboratory practicals, which are a core component of the biomedical sciences at Monash University.  Through the introduction of an innovative approach to assessment using small group student produced videos, we aim to improve skills in theoretical understanding, data analysis and presentation.This paper details the design of instructional guidelines for small group student produced video assessment, the implementation of the video assessment into 2nd and 3rd year biochemistry laboratory practical classes and the generation of research outcomes and evaluation of this novel assessment technique. Observation of student behaviour during the laboratory classes found students were filming/photographing their experiments and appeared far more engaged with the actual experiments than in previous years. In addition, many student videos demonstrated high levels of creativity and critical thinking. The student produced video assessment did provide an opportunity for creative and critical thinking in students but there are still aspects to be improved.
Priorities of National Food Security Policy in the Russian Federation
Authors: Barkhatova Tatiana Viktorovna , Melnikov Alexander B. , Trysyachny Vladimir I. , Kotenev Alexander D. , Shirov Petr N. , Molodykh Vladimir A.
Published: August 2018

The influence of the globalization process on the world food market as a basic element of ensuring the domestic needs of the national economic system and affecting the level of economic security of individual states is analyzed. It is shown that the effectiveness of the import substitution policy pursued in the Russian Federation is related to the sanctions pressure and the devaluation of the national currency, while increasing the level of food security associated with self-sufficiency in basic food products is accompanied by a drop in the quality of domestic producers' products. Formation of a quality and safety management system for food products is possible within the framework of the creation of regional agro-industrial clusters, the use of which will also make it possible to apply the available technological, human and scientific and production potential more efficiently through more optimal interaction between economic agents.
Superlinear Robin problems with indefinite linear part
Authors: Gasiński Leszek , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S.
Published: August 2018

We consider a semilinear Robin problem driven by the Laplacian plus an indefinite and unbounded potential and a superlinear reaction term which need not satisfy the Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz condition. Using variational tools we prove two theorems. An existence theorem producing a nontrivial smooth solution and a multiplicity theorem producing a whole unbounded sequence of nontrivial smooth solutions.
Computer-Aided Locomotive Simulator
Authors: Witek Maciej
Published: August 2018

This article is an application note of hardware implementation the train simulator driver stand based on own electronic devices and open software platform MaSzyna. Main electronic controller is based on Atmel ATMega2560 8-bit microcontroller. This type of simulators can be used to train drivers. This is confirmed by train drivers who tested the simulator and teachers of the profession. The developed communication protocol has been used for several locomotive pulpits projects.
Thin Film Hybrid Structures Perovskite and Silicon Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Kołodziej Andrzej , Kołodziej Michał , Kołodziej Tomasz
Published: August 2018

The world economy needs new breakthrough in the technological and material efficiency and costs in the manufactured solar cells. The authors present new studies on triple junction photo voltaic structures using nano-technological solutions. The system of the amorphous a-Si:H sandwich with the scattered light particles, the plasmonic nano Si in the a-Si:H matrix structure and the silicon-germanium sandwich on the multi ZnO layer electrode- reflector was made and studied in detail.
Pomnik przyrody i przekraczanie antropocentryzmu
Authors: Salwa Mateusz
Published: August 2018

The aim of the article is to analyze the concept of a natural monument as a category that may be useful in non-anthropocentric humanities. A theory of nature conservation based on this concept is discussed as an approach that undermines the culture – nature dichotomy by claiming that a “culture of nature” should be developed. The idea of a natural monument makes it also possible to offer an interpretation of the natural environment that may withstand standard views of nature as an economic resource, tourist attraction or a sphere which humans should not interfere with. The ideas of certain Polish pioneers of ecology are also shortly discussed.
Czyim dziedzictwem są brzozy? Wokół pracy Berlin-Birkenau Łukasza Surowca
Authors: Herczyńska Sara
Published: August 2018

The article discusses Łukasz Surowiec’s Berlin-Birkenau project under which the artist planted in Berlin several hundred birches from the area around the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. The goal of the work defined by the artist was to create living monuments of the Holocaust and to propose the changes in the dynamics of Polish-German relations. In the article, I propose interpreting Surowiec’s work through the symbolic role of birches in the history of Polish culture and environmental history of the Holocaust. Such interpretation reveals the ambiguity of the gesture of replanting trees, the inability to classify it as an act of giving responsibility to the Germans or Polish-German reconciliation.
ALBI and PALBI Grades Are Associated with the Outcome of Patients with Stable Decompensated Cirrhosis
Authors: Oikonomou Theodora , Goulis Ioannis , Doumtsis Petros , Tzoumari Theodora , Akriviadis Evangelos , Cholongitas Evangelos
Published: August 2018

Introduction and aim. Studies carried out mainly in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), have shown the prognostic significance of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade. Recently, another predictive score incorporating platelet count into ALBI, PALBI grade, was introduced in patients with HCC. Aim of the study. We evaluated the ability of ALBI and PALBI grades in predicting the outcome (mortality/ liver transplantation) of patients with stable decompensated cirrhosis with various etiology of liver diseases. Materials and methods. We prospectively studied 325 patients with stable decompensated cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation. Their clinical and laboratory characteristics were recorded including albumin, bilirubin levels, platelets. We estimated ALBI and PALBI grades for every patient. Conventional prognostic scores were also evaluated; Child-Pugh (CTP), Model for End stage Liver Disease (MELD). We followed them up and recorded their outcome. Results. Beyond MELD and CTP, ALBI and PALBI grades proved significant factors associated with the outcome (HR: 2.13, 95%CI [1.59, 2.85], p<0.001 and HR: 2.06, 95%CI [1.47, 2.9], p<0.001, respectively), and their predictive capability was established (ROC analysis; AUC: 0.695, 95% CI [0.634, 0.755] and AUC: 0.683, 95% CI [0.621, 0.744], respectively). ALBI and PALBI performed better than CTP score (p=0.0044 and p=0.014, respectively). Categorization of our patients into three ALBI groups detected statistically different survival times. Accordingly, PALBI grade 3 compared to those with PALBI grade 1 and 2 patients, had worse outcome and significantly higher frequency of cirrhosis-related complications. Conclusions. ALBI and PALBI grades were validated and can be used to predict the outcome in patients with stable decompensated cirrhosis.
Metabolomics Discloses a New Non-invasive Method for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Patients with Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Michelena Javier , Alonso Cristina , Martínez-Arranz Ibon , Altamirano José , Mayo Rebeca , Sancho-Bru Pau , Bataller Ramón , Ginès Pere , Castro Azucena , Caballería Juan
Published: August 2018

Introduction and Aims: Alcoholic hepatitis is the most severe manifestation of alcoholic liver disease. Unfortunately, there are still some unresolved issues in the diagnosis and management of this disease, such as the need of histological diagnosis, an accurate prognostic stratification, and the development of novel targeted therapies. The present study aimed at addressing these issues by means of metabolomics, a novel high-throughput approach useful in other liver diseases. Methods: 64 patients with biopsy-proven alcoholic hepatitis were included and compared with 26 patients with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis without superimposed alcoholic hepatitis, which was ruled out by liver biopsy. Results: The comparison of the metabolic profiles of patients with alcoholic hepatitis and decompensated cirrhosis showed marked differences between both groups. Importantly, metabolic differences were found among alcoholic hepatitis patients when subjects were stratified according to 90-day survival. Based on these findings, two non-invasive signatures were developed. The first one allowed an accurate non-invasive diagnosis of alcoholic hepatitis (AUROC 0.932; 95% CI 0.901-0.963). The second signature showed a good performance in the prognostic stratification of patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AUROC 0.963; 95% CI 0.895-1.000). Conclusions: Signatures based on metabolomics allowed an accurate non-invasive diagnosis and prognostic stratification of alcoholic hepatitis. The differences observed in the metabolic profile of the patients according to the presence and severity of alcoholic hepatitis are related with different mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of alcoholic hepatitis such as peroxisomal activity, synthesis of inflammatory mediators or oxidation. This information could be useful for the development of novel targeted therapies.
Serum NGAL Is Superior to Cystatin C in Predicting the Prognosis of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Lu Jianchun , Lin Lin , Ye Chunyan , Tao Qian , Cui Manman , Zheng Shuqin , Zhu Dongmei , Liu Longgen , Xue Yuan
Published: August 2018

Introduction and aim. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a syndrome with high short-term mortality, and predicting the prognosis is challenging. This study aimed to compare the performance of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C (CysC) in predicting the 90-day mortality in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated ACLF (HBV-ACLF). Materials and methods. This prospective, observational study enrolled 54 patients with HBV-ACLF. The serum NGAL and CysC levels were determined. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors of mortality. Results. Serum NGAL, but not CysC, was found to significantly correlate with the total bilirubin, international normalized ratio, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD). Serum NGAL [odds ratio (OR), 1.008; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.004–1.012; P < 0.01], but not CysC, was an independent risk factor for developing hepatorenal syndrome. Moreover, NGAL (OR, 1.005; 95% CI, 1.001–1.010; P < 0.01) along with the MELD score was independently associated with the overall survival in patients with HBV-ACLF. Patients with HBV-ACLF were stratified into two groups according to the serum NGAL level at baseline (low risk: <217.11 ng/mL and high risk: ≥217.11 ng/mL). The 90-day mortality rate was 22.73% (5/22) in the low-risk group and 71.88% (23/32) in the high-risk group. Moreover, NGAL, but not CysC, significantly improved the MELD score in predicting the prognosis of HBV-ACLF. Conclusion. The serum NGAL might be superior to CysC in predicting the prognosis of HBV-ACLF with the normal creatinine level.
Synchronous Unicentric Castleman Disease and Inflammatory Hepatocellular Adenoma: a Case Report
Authors: De Vito Claudio , Papathomas G. Thomas , Pedica Federica , Kane Pauline , Amir Ali , Heaton Nigel , Quaglia Alberto
Published: August 2018

Systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue are non-specific manifestations spanning from inflammation to neoplasia. Here we report the case of a 34 year-old man who presented with systemic symptoms for four months. CT-scan and MRI revealed a 3.4 cm arterialized hepatic lesion and a 7 cm paraduodenal mass. Surgical resection of both lesions and histological examination revealed an inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma and a unicentric plasma cell type of Castleman disease. Moreover, a diffuse AA amyloid deposition in the liver was observed. Resection of both lesions was associated with an improvement of the symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a synchronous presentation of a unicentric plasma cell type of Castleman disease, inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma and AA amyloidosis.
Choosing Wisely Canada – Top Five List in Hepatology:
Official Position Statement of the Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver (CASL) and Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC)
Authors: Brahmania Mayur , Renner Eberhard L. , Coffin Carla , Yoshida Eric M. , Wong Phil , Zeman Marilyn , Shah Hemant
Published: August 2018

Introduction and aim: The prevalence and incidence of chronic liver disease is increasing resulting in substantial direct and indirect medical costs. Overuse of investigations, treatments and procedures contribute to rising health care costs and can expose patients to unnecessary harm and delay in receiving care. The Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) campaign has encouraged professional societies to develop statements that are directly actionable by their members in an effort to promote higher-value health care that will lead to downstream effect on how other practitioners make decisions. Methods: The Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver (CASL) established its Choosing Wisely top five list of recommendations using the framework put forward by CWC. CASL convened a task force that developed a list of draft recommendations and shared this with CASL membership electronically with eventual ranking of the top five recommendations by consensus at Canadian Digestives Disease Week (CDDW) 2017. Following revisions, the CASL Executive Committee endorsed the final list, which was disseminated online by CWC (July 2017). Results: The top five recommendations physicians and patients should question include: (1) Don’t order serum ammonia to diagnose or manage hepatic encephalopathy (HE); (2) Don’t routinely transfuse fresh frozen plasma, vitamin K, or platelets to reverse abnormal tests of coagulation in patients with cirrhosis prior to abdominal paracentesis, endoscopic variceal band ligation, or any other minor invasive procedures; (3) Don’t order HFE genotyping based on serum ferritin values alone to diagnose hereditary hemochromatosis; (4) Don’t perform computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) routinely to monitor benign focal liver lesions; (5) Don’t repeat hepatitis C viral load testing in an individual who has established chronic infection, outside of antiviral treatment. Conclusion: The Choosing Wisely recommendations will foster patient–physician discussions, reduce unnecessary treatment and testing, adverse effects from testing and treatment, and medical expenditure in hepatology.
Efficacy and Safety of Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir and Dasabuvir ± Ribavirin for HCV in Brazilian Adults with Advanced Fibrosis
Authors: Pessoa Mario G. , Ramalho-Madruga José V. , Alves Katia , Nunes Estevão P. , Cheinquer Hugo , Brandão-Mello Carlos E. , Mendes-Correa Maria C. , Ferraz Maria L. , Ferreira Paulo R. A. , Álvares-da-Silva Mário R. , Coelho Henrique S. , Affonso-de-Araújo Evaldo S. , Furtado Juvencio , Parana Raymundo , Silva Giovanni , Lari Sara A. , Liu Li , Tripathi Rakesh , Pilot-Matias Tami , Cohen Daniel E. , Shulman Nancy S. , Martinelli Ana
Published: August 2018

Introduction and aim: Approximately 650,000 people in Brazil have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of ombitasvir (OBV)/paritaprevir (PTV)/ritonavir (r) plus dasabuvir (DSV) with/without ribavirin (RBV) in an open-label multicenter phase 3b trial in treatment-naive or interferon (IFN) treatment-experienced Brazilian patients with advanced hepatic fibrosis (METAVIR F3/4) and HCV genotype (GT) 1 infection. Materials and methods: All patients received coformulated OBV/PTV/r daily + DSV twice daily (3-DAA). GT1a-infected patients received 3-DAA plus RBV for 12 weeks, except for prior pegIFN/RBV nonresponders with cirrhosis who were treated for 24 weeks. GT1b-infected patients received 3-DAA alone (F3) or in combination with RBV (F4) for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response (HCV RNA <15 IU/mL) at post-treatment Week 12 (SVR12). Results: The study enrolled 222 patients, 214 achieved an SVR12 (96.4%; 95% CI, 93.1–98.2%), one GT1a-infected patient experienced virologic breakthrough, six (5 GT1a) relapsed, and one was lost to follow-up. SVR12 was achieved in 111/112 (99.1%) GT1b-infected patients, including 42/43 (97.7%) noncirrhotic, and 69/69 (100%) cirrhotic patients; and in 103/110 (93.6%) GT1a-infected patients, including 44/46 (95.7%) noncirrhotic and 59/64 (92.2%) cirrhotic patients. Overall there was a low rate of serious adverse events (n = 6, 2.7%). One patient experienced a treatment-related serious adverse event and one patient discontinued treatment because of an adverse event. Conclusion: The results confirm that the 3-DAA regimen with/without RBV is well tolerated and had a favorable safety profile and is efficacious in GT1-infected patients with advanced fibrosis (METAVIR F3/4).
PUBLIC-CIVILIAN COMMUNICATIVE
NETWORK AS A PHENOMENON IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Romanenko Yevhen Akeksandrovych , Kozakov Volodymyr Nikolaevich , Chaplay Iryna Vіtalіivna
Published: August 2018

For many years, Ukraine is not entirely able to reverse the dangerous tendencies of growing distrust of the public to the activities of state authorities. In particular, the promises of public authorities regarding the improvement and development of information and communication technologies that are used both in the activities of state authorities, in narrow circles of specialists, and in everyday life of ordinary people are not fully fulfilled. The state-civil communicative network is one of the main directions of stimulating economic growth, employment, expansion of competition and, as a result, contributing to overcoming "digital isolation", both social and geographic. Without the state-civilian communicative network it is virtually impossible to execute management decisions, to make feedback and to correct the goals and stages of the activity of state authorities.
FOREIGN EXPERIENCES IN PROVIDING
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES: CONCLUSIONS FOR UKRAINE
Authors: Polishkevych Liubov
Published: August 2018

The article analyzes the foreign experiences in organizing and providing authorities’ public administrative services, identifies the elements of interaction between these institutions and proposes the most effective ones for possible introduction in Ukraine.
REPORT ON THE 5TH CONGRESS OF MODERN ECONOMY ORGANIZED BY KPH OIG ON NOVEMBER 22, 2017: POSTULATED LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AND DRAFT LAWS
Authors: Prokopowicz Dariusz , Rakowski Jan
Published: August 2018

As part of its activities, the Industrial and Commercial Congregation of the Polish Chamber of Commerce organizes periodically implemented meetings, conferences and congresses, during which debates regarding the need for systemic improvement of economic, normative, fiscal, etc. conditions are made to small and medium-sized companies in the trade sector operating in Poland. The main events integrating entrepreneurs, local government, economists, people of art and politicians organized periodically by the Industrial and Commercial Congregation of the Polish Chamber of Commerce include the Congresses of Polish Economy and the Congresses of Modern Economy. One of the last events of this type was organized by KPH OIG on November 22, 2017. The 5th Congress of Modern Economy. The issues discussed at the Congress debates continued the previous topics from the other KPH OIG congresses. Also draft laws and legislative changes were presented in the close connection with the legal regulations on the commercial business entities of the SME sector in Poland.
Heideggera fenomenologiczna metoda interpretacji Kantowskiej estetyki transcendentalnej
Authors: Borek Filip
Published: August 2018

The article is an attempt to extract the sense used by Heidegger to refer to the “phenomenological interpretation of the Critique of Pure Reason”. It is shown that Heidegger’s method of interpretation means primarily being guided by the “things themselves”, and thus it assumes going beyond the text. For this reason, it must take on the character of a “dispute”. Then, a general overview of Heidegger’s interpretation of the Critique is presented. The central part of the article discusses how this phenomenological method of interpretation “works” in concreto on the example of transcendental aesthetics, in particular with regard to the phenomena and things themselves and pure intuitions.
Perfil e evolução clínica dos pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 1
Authors: Souza Agma Leozina Viana , Soares Aleida Nazareth , Horta Tatiane Géa , Moreira Alexandra Dias , Reis Janice Sepúlveda
Published: August 2018

Evaluar el perfil y la evolución clínica de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) de un centro de referencia secundaria de Minas Gerais. Estudio longitudinal realizado con 174 pacientes en el período de 2010 a 2015. Se evaluaron variables sociodemográficas, tiempo de diabetes, tratamiento, comorbilidades, hemoglobina glucosa (A1c) y LDL colesterol. Se utilizó la prueba T pareado y de McNemar para las comparaciones anuales de la A1c y del LDL-c, con nivel de significancia inferior al 5%. 5,7% de los pacientes utilizaban continuamente la infusión de insulinas, 61,5% de NPH y 32,8% de glargina. El 47,1% de los pacientes usaba estatina; el 63,21% de los pacientes llegó al servicio con valores de A1c superior al 8% y, entre ellos, el 27,0% superior al 10%. Al final del primer año de seguimiento, este porcentaje se redujo al 49,9%, con mayor reducción entre aquéllos con A1c superior al 9%. Se pudo observar significativa disminución en los promedios de A1c (9,01 ± 2.46 en 2010 y 8,2 ± 1.74 en 2011, p <0,001), manteniéndose sin cambios en los demás años. Hubo reducción significativa del LDL-c a lo largo de todo el período (p <0,005). La atención multidisciplinaria de los pacientes con DM1 contribuyó a una mejora de los parámetros metabólicos ya en el primer año de seguimiento.
Influência de épocas de corte no acúmulo de fitomassa de forrageiras sob irrigação e sequeiro
Authors: Da Silva Ferreira Esvanio Edipo , Soares Keller Regina , Arantes Eurípedes Maximiano , Casadei Rodolpho Alexandre , Alves Caldeira Daniela Soares
Published: August 2018

A irrigação de pastagem tropical é tida como uma alternativa econômica para a produção de leite e carne, tornando-se uma técnica desejável por apresentar vantagens como a minimização da sazonalidade durante o ano, sendo o intervalo de cortes determinante para a produção e a qualidade de forrageiras. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a produção de fitomassa de espécies forrageiras, quando cultivadas em condições de sequeiro e irrigadas em três épocas de cortes. O experimento foi conduzido em uma propriedade, localizada nas coordenadas geográficas 15°36’55’’ de Latitude Sul e 58°46’43’’ de Longitude Oeste com atitude de 207m. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 5 x 3, sendo forrageiras: brizantha marandu (Brachiaria brizantha cv. marandu), capim mombaça (Panicum maximum cv. mombaça) cultivados sob condições de irrigação e sequeiro e tifton 85 (cynodon sp.) irrigado e as épocas de corte 25, 50 e 75 dias, com 5 repetições. A área experimental, de 5,5 ha-1, foi dividida em 25 piquetes de 0,22 ha-1, igualmente distribuídos entre os 5 tratamentos. A produção do Capim Mombaça (Panicum maximum cv. mombaça) quando cultivado com irrigação apresentou maior altura e produção fitomassa quando comparado com as demais forrageiras avaliadas. Após as investigações ficou evidente que a altura do relvado e produção de fitomassa não foram influenciadas pela época de corte.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) and sour jujube (Ziziphus acidojujuba Mill.) using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) Markers
Authors: Li Shipeng , Guo Mingxin , Fu Pengcheng , Liu Hongxia , Zhao Xusheng
Published: August 2018

The Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) originates from sour jujube (Ziziphus acidojujuba Mill.) and is an economically important genus in the Rhamnaceae family. However, little is known about the genetic relationship between jujube cultivars and wild species. In this study, we estimated the genetic variation and relationships between 85 jujube cultivars and 55 sour jujube individuals by ISSR markers. Of 216 ISSR primers, 110 were able produce amplified product(s) and 28 showed polymorphisms, accounting for 50.9% and 25.5% of total primers respectively. A total of 89 loci were amplified with 28 primers, of which 42 loci (47.2%) were polymorphic, and most of primers exhibited highly PIC values. Cluster analysis and population structure analysis roughly divided the 140 accessions into two major groups. One group included all jujube cultivars and some sour jujube individuals, and the other group included remaining sour jujube individuals. Most jujube cultivars have a certain correlation with their origin, and there are obvious gene exchanges between sour jujube and jujube cultivars. The results provide a useful basis for jujube germplasm conservation, genetic improvement and evolution research.
HNF1A is a novel oncogene that regulates human pancreatic cancer stem cell properties
Authors: Abel Ethan V , Goto Masashi , Magnuson Brian , Abraham Saji , Ramanathan Nikita , Hotaling Emily , Alaniz Anthony A , Kumar-Sinha Chandan , Dziubinski Michele L , Urs Sumithra , Wang Lidong , Shi Jiaqi , Waghray Meghna , Ljungman Mats , Crawford Howard C , Simeone Diane M
Published: August 2018

The biological properties of pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) remain incompletely defined and the central regulators are unknown. By bioinformatic analysis of a human PCSC-enriched gene signature, we identified the transcription factor HNF1A as a putative central regulator of PCSC function. Levels of HNF1A and its target genes were found to be elevated in PCSCs and tumorspheres, and depletion of HNF1A resulted in growth inhibition, apoptosis, impaired tumorsphere formation, decreased PCSC marker expression, and downregulation of POU5F1/OCT4 expression. Conversely, HNF1A overexpression increased PCSC marker expression and tumorsphere formation in pancreatic cancer cells and drove pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) cell growth. Importantly, depletion of HNF1A in xenografts impaired tumor growth and depleted PCSC marker-positive cells in vivo. Finally, we established an HNF1A-dependent gene signature in PDA cells that significantly correlated with reduced survivability in patients. These findings identify HNF1A as a central transcriptional regulator of PCSC properties and novel oncogene in PDA.
Re-evaluation of neuronal P2X7 expression using novel mouse models and a P2X7-specific nanobody
Authors: Kaczmarek-Hajek Karina , Zhang Jiong , Kopp Robin , Grosche Antje , Rissiek Björn , Saul Anika , Bruzzone Santina , Engel Tobias , Jooss Tina , Krautloher Anna , Schuster Stefanie , Magnus Tim , Stadelmann Christine , Sirko Swetlana , Koch-Nolte Friedrich , Eulenburg Volker , Nicke Annette
Published: August 2018

The P2X7 channel is involved in the pathogenesis of various CNS diseases. An increasing number of studies suggest its presence in neurons where its putative functions remain controversial for more than a decade. To resolve this issue and to provide a model for analysis of P2X7 functions, we generated P2X7 BAC transgenic mice that allow visualization of functional EGFP-tagged P2X7 receptors in vivo. Extensive characterization of these mice revealed dominant P2X7-EGFP protein expression in microglia, Bergmann glia, and oligodendrocytes, but not in neurons. These findings were further validated by microglia- and oligodendrocyte-specific P2X7 deletion and a novel P2X7-specific nanobody. In addition to the first quantitative analysis of P2X7 protein expression in the CNS, we show potential consequences of its overexpression in ischemic retina and post-traumatic cerebral cortex grey matter. This novel mouse model overcomes previous limitations in P2X7 research and will help to determine its physiological roles and contribution to diseases.
Model-based fMRI reveals dissimilarity processes underlying base rate neglect
Authors: O'Bryan Sean R , Worthy Darrell A , Livesey Evan J , Davis Tyler
Published: August 2018

Extensive evidence suggests that people use base rate information inconsistently in decision making. A classic example is the inverse base rate effect (IBRE), whereby participants classify ambiguous stimuli sharing features of both common and rare categories as members of the rare category. Computational models of the IBRE have either posited that it arises from associative similarity-based mechanisms or dissimilarity-based processes that may depend upon higher-level inference. Here we develop a hybrid model, which posits that similarity- and dissimilarity-based evidence both contribute to the IBRE, and test it using functional magnetic resonance imaging data collected from human subjects completing an IBRE task. Consistent with our model, multivoxel pattern analysis reveals that activation patterns on ambiguous test trials contain information consistent with dissimilarity-based processing. Further, trial-by-trial activation in left rostrolateral prefrontal cortex tracks model-based predictions for dissimilarity-based processing, consistent with theories positing a role for higher-level symbolic processing in the IBRE.
Feeding regimen modulates zebrafish behavior
Authors: Dametto Fernanda S. , Fior Débora , Idalencio Renan , Rosa João Gabriel S. , Fagundes Michele , Marqueze Alessandra , Barreto Rodrigo E. , Piato Angelo , Barcellos Leonardo J.G.
Published: August 2018

Here we show that the feeding regimen modulates zebrafish (Danio rerio) behavior. With regard to the time elapsed between feeding and behavioral evaluation, fish fed 3 h before behavioral evaluation in the novel tank test (NTT) showed decreased activity and a trend toward an anxiolytic reaction (increased use of the upper section of the aquarium) in comparison to fish fed 0.5, 6, 12, 24 or 48 h before testing, although differences were not statistically significant for all comparisons. Activity and use of the upper section of the aquarium did not differ significantly among the other treatments. Regarding feeding frequency, fish fed once a day showed higher anxiety-like behavior (decreased use of the upper section of the aquarium) in comparison to fish fed twice a day, but feeding four or six times per day or only every second day did not result in differences from feeding twice a day. Feeding frequency had no effect on activity level. Metabolically, fish fed once a day presented decreased levels of glucose and glycogen and increased lactate when compared to the regular feeding (fish fed twice a day), suggesting that feeding regimen may modulate carbohydrate metabolism. Mechanistically, we suggest that the metabolic changes caused by the feeding regimen may induce behavioral changes. Our results suggest that the high variability of the results among different laboratories might be related to different feeding protocols. Therefore, if issues pertaining to the feeding regimen are not considered during experiments with zebrafish, erroneous interpretations of datasets may occur.
Patterns in evolutionary origins of heme, chlorophyll a and isopentenyl diphosphate biosynthetic pathways suggest non-photosynthetic periods prior to plastid replacements in dinoflagellates
Authors: Matsuo Eriko , Inagaki Yuji
Published: August 2018

Background

The ancestral dinoflagellate most likely established a peridinin-containing plastid, which have been inherited in the extant photosynthetic descendants. However, kareniacean dinoflagellates and Lepidodinium species were known to bear “non-canonical” plastids lacking peridinin, which were established through haptophyte and green algal endosymbioses, respectively. For plastid function and maintenance, the aforementioned dinoflagellates were known to use nucleus-encoded proteins vertically inherited from the ancestral dinoflagellates (vertically inherited- or VI-type), and those acquired from non-dinoflagellate organisms (including the endosymbiont). These observations indicated that the proteomes of the non-canonical plastids derived from a haptophyte and a green alga were modified by “exogenous” genes acquired from non-dinoflagellate organisms. However, there was no systematic evaluation addressing how “exogenous” genes reshaped individual metabolic pathways localized in a non-canonical plastid.

Results

In this study, we surveyed transcriptomic data from two kareniacean species (Karenia brevis and Karlodinium veneficum) and Lepidodinium chlorophorum, and identified proteins involved in three plastid metabolic pathways synthesizing chlorophyll a (Chl a), heme and isoprene. The origins of the individual proteins of our interest were investigated, and we assessed how the three pathways were modified before and after the algal endosymbioses, which gave rise to the current non-canonical plastids. We observed a clear difference in the contribution of VI-type proteins across the three pathways. In both Karenia/Karlodinium and Lepidodinium, we observed a substantial contribution of VI-type proteins to the isoprene and heme biosynthesises. In sharp contrast, VI-type protein was barely detected in the Chl a biosynthesis in the three dinoflagellates.

Discussion

Pioneering works hypothesized that the ancestral kareniacean species had lost the photosynthetic activity prior to haptophyte endosymbiosis. The absence of VI-type proteins in the Chl a biosynthetic pathway in Karenia or Karlodinium is in good agreement with the putative non-photosynthetic nature proposed for their ancestor. The dominance of proteins with haptophyte origin in the Karenia/Karlodinium pathway suggests that their ancestor rebuilt the particular pathway by genes acquired from the endosymbiont. Likewise, we here propose that the ancestral Lepidodinium likely experienced a non-photosynthetic period and discarded the entire Chl a biosynthetic pathway prior to the green algal endosymbiosis. Nevertheless, Lepidodinium rebuilt the pathway by genes transferred from phylogenetically diverse organisms, rather than the green algal endosymbiont. We explore the reasons why green algal genes were barely utilized to reconstruct the Lepidodinium pathway.
Usefulness of miRNA-338-3p in the diagnosis of pemphigus and its correlation with disease severity
Authors: Lin Naiyu , Liu Qingxiu , Wang Menglei , Wang Qian , Zeng Kang
Published: August 2018

Background

Pemphigus is a common life-threatening, autoimmune bullous disease effecting both cutaneous and mucous membranes. Previous diagnosis of pemphigus is based on clinical presentations, histopathology, immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, no laboratory parameters could be used to indicate disease severity. MicroRNAs are endogenous small RNAs, which could be used as diagnostic biomarkers for some autoimmune diseases. Previously, miR-338-3p has been proven significantly up-regulated in pemphigus patients.

Methods

Pemphigus patients (including pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus) with active lesions and with remission, patients diagnosed as bullous pemphigoid and healthy volunteers were recruited, and miR-338-3p expression level was measured using reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Active pemphigus patients accepting treatment were followed up for at least 2 weeks to investigate the expression change of miR-338-3p during treatment period. Target genes of miR-338-3p were screened through computer-aided algorithm and verified by RT-qPCR, Western blot and Luciferase activity assay.

Results

MiR-338-3p was specifically increased in patients diagnosed as pemphigus with active lesions. The expression level of miR-338-3p gradually decreased after effective treatment. MiR-338-3p expression was independently correlated with disease severity defined by PDAI (Pemphigus Disease Area Index) or ABSIS (Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score) criteria. Up-regulation of miR-338-3p could significantly suppress RNF114 expression at mRNA and protein level in vitro.

Discussion

MiR-338-3p could be used as a diagnostic biomarker of pemphigus in addition to other traditional methods. Up-regulation of MiR-338-3p was associated with more severe condition in pemphigus. RNF114 is the target gene of miR-338-3p, which probably participates in the regulation of disease activity of pemphigus.
CD80 and CTLA-4 as diagnostic and prognostic markers in adult-onset minimal change disease: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Bing , Han Hui , Zhen Junhui , Yang Xiaowei , Shang Jin , Xu Liang , Wang Rong
Published: August 2018

Background

Minimal change disease (MCD) is a form of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Compared to children, adult-onset MCD patients are reported to have delayed responses to glucocorticoid treatment. Several studies of children have suggested detecting urinary CD80 levels to diagnose MCD. There are no effective diagnostic methods to distinguish steroid-sensitive MCD from steroid-resistant MCD unless treatments are used.

Methods

In a total of 55 patients with biopsy-proven MCD and 26 patients with biopsy-proven idiopathic membranous nephropathy, CD80 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) levels in serum, urine and renal tissue were analyzed.

Results

Steroid-sensitive MCD patients in remission had lower urinary CD80 levels and higher CTLA-4 levels than patients in relapse (156.65 ± 24.62 vs 1066.40 ± 176.76 ng/g creatinine; p < 0.0001), (728.73 ± 89.93 vs 151.70 ± 27.01 ng/g creatinine; p < 0.0001). For MCD patients in relapse, mean urinary CD80 level was higher, and CTLA-4 level was lower for those who were steroid-sensitive than those who were steroid-resistant (1066.40 ± 176.76 vs. 203.78 ± 30.65 ng/g creatinine; p < 0.0001), but the mean urinary CTLA-4 level was lower (151.70 ± 27.01 vs. 457.83 ± 99.45 ng/g creatinine; p < 0.0001). CD80 expression in glomeruli was a sensitive marker to diagnose MCD. The absent or minimal expression of CTLA-4 in glomeruli could distinguish steroid-sensitive MCD from steroid-resistant MCD.

Conclusions

Glucocorticoid treatment may result in complete remission for only MCD patients with strongly positive CD80 expression and negative CTLA-4 expression in glomeruli, or higher urinary CD80 level and lower CTLA-4 level.
Sustainable Dynamics: A framework for creative collaborations for sustainable development in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Calderon Kim Dyan , Nguyen Hai Dai
Published: August 2018

Communities respond to sustainable development in diverse ways. Using local wisdom and resources and accessing global networks, community members work together to sustain their economic and social wellbeing and regenerate their natural ecosystems. The Sustainable Dynamics Model captures the processes with which interdependent actors and stakeholders leverage each other's forces and capabilities to achieve their visions of a sustainable community. The exploratory study that aims to introduce and define the Sustainable Dynamics Model emanated from an observational case study of a sustainable community-based ecotourism project through the Asian Productivity Organization Workshop on Agritourism Development and Marketing in Bali, Indonesia. Later on, it evolved into interdisciplinary action research seeking to integrate sustainability solutions initiated by various stakeholders to the local community's vision of a global banjar (community). Focus group discussion and workshops, interviews and case studies propelled the gathering of information on the processes of implementing these solutions from local and international stakeholders. The main lesson that emerged from these local initiatives is that achieving social, economic and ecological balance within the community depends on the dynamics of the actors and stakeholders participating in the collaboration. Developing a sustainable community requires human-level (self) transformation: personal wellness and creative autonomy leading towards the creation of opportunities for social, economic, and environmental transformation.