bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Brachial Plexus Injury Repair
Authors: Yang Lin , Li Yaxuan , Zhang Qianling , Jiang Mengnan , He Jia
Published: September 2021

Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is a type of peripheral nerve injury, which is mainly manifested as upper limb sensory and motor dysfunction. Although the injury will not endanger life, it can cause serious functional loss and high disability rate, and eventually lead to patients unable to live normally. At present, the treatment methods for BPI mainly include conservative treatment, such as limb massage, exercise, drug therapy, autonomous movement and strength training; In clinic, nerve repair, nerve transplantation and muscle transfer can also be used. Although surgical treatment can better restore the function of injured brachial plexus, there is a certain risk, so it is not the first choice of treatment. As a mature electrical stimulation method, functional electrical stimulation (FES) can play a good role in promoting injured nerve regeneration and preventing skeletal muscle denervation atrophy, so it can be widely used in the treatment and functional recovery of BPI. This article will review the research progress of FES in the treatment of BPI.
Strategies Used by UNISA Student Teachers in Teaching English First Additional Language
Authors: Malewaneng Maja Margaret , Motseke Masilonyana
Published: September 2021

The teaching of English to non-English speakers in historically disadvantaged areas of South Africa is a difficult task for student teachers. This study was conducted in the township schools at Ekurhuleni North District, in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which students at the University of South Africa (UNISA) used interactive teaching strategies in the teaching of English as a First Additional Language (EFAL). The study also intended to highlight the support provided by UNISA lecturers to these student teachers. The study was grounded in interpretivism with self-determination theory (SDT) informing it. The study was a qualitative descriptive case study with document analysis, observations and semi-structured interviews utilised to collect data. Purposive sampling assisted in selecting six student teachers, of which three were male and three were female. The student teachers were studying in their 3rd and 4th years of the Bachelor of Education degree (B.Ed.), specialising in English. Data collected were categorised into codes and themes. The findings reveal that student teachers only used pictures, charts and flashcards as interactive teaching strategies in teaching EFAL. It was concluded that student teachers were not well-prepared in the use of interactive teaching strategies in the teaching of EFAL and were not adequately supported by the university. It is recommended that UNISA lecturers should regularly visit student teachers during their teaching practice offering support, motivation and advice.
Circular and Lean Food Supply Chains
Authors: Despoudi Stella
Published: September 2021

Circular economy (CE) refers to the industrial economy that aims to achieve enriched sustainability through restorative objects and supply chain design. Many governments have put in place different initiatives in line with the CE. On the other hand, the term Lean operations refers to the reduction of the non-value adding activities and waste in a supply chain. The food sector has been criticized for its sustainability and circularity due to the high levels of food and packaging waste and at the same time the increasing costs. Although food supply chain entities have started to implement circular economy and lean practices, the current efforts do not seem to be sufficient to achieve a circular and lean food system. The aim of this chapter is to explore the possibility of a circular and at the same lean food supply chain.
Life Cycle Assessment of Flexible Electromagnetic Shields
Authors: Răzvan Rădulescu Ion , Surdu Lilioara , Visileanu Emilia , Mitu Bogdana , Morari Cristian
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, fiber based flexible electromagnetic shields have widespread applications in ensuring Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). Shielding is a solution of EMC, and the main methods to estimate shielding effectiveness are represented by the circuit method and the impedance method. Magnetron sputtering of metallic layers represents a novel technique to impart electric conductive properties to fabrics. Coating of fabrics represents a second main option to manufacture textile shields beside the insertion of conductive yarns in the fabric structure. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is often used to assess a comparatively modern with a classical manufacturing process in order to prove its eco-friendly character. This chapter comparatively assesses flexible EM shields manufactured of fabrics with inserted conductive yarns with and without magnetron plasma coating. The copper plasma coating of cotton fabrics with inserted silver yarns increases shielding effectiveness (EMSE) by 8–10 dB. In order to keep for the LCA study the same functional unit of 50 dB at 100 MHz for one sqm of fabric, the fabric structure is modeled with a reduced distance between the inserted conductive yarns. Results of the LCA study show a substantial impact on the environment for the plasma coated fabric upon using a laboratory scale deposition set-up.
Surgical Treatment of Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Vanaclocha Vicente , Saiz-Sapena Nieves , Vanaclocha Leyre
Published: September 2021

Moyamoya disease is a rare cerebrovascular disease most prevalent in East Asian Countries. Thanks to the new diagnostic capabilities, the number of cases discovered has been rising steadily in the latest years, including many asymptomatic patients. But asymptomatic from the clinical point of view does not necessarily mean that there are no subjacent problems and that there will be no disease progression. Indeed, many patients harbour cognitive decline long before they start with clinical or even radiological manifestations. The only effective treatment is surgical revascularization, with all its possibilities: direct, indirect, and combined. While direct techniques are more useful in adult moyamoya patients, children seem to benefit most from indirect techniques. Additionally, indirect or combined procedures can be used as salvage procedures in case of unsatisfactory outcomes. Thus, many surgeons posit that surgical treatment should be considered in moyamoya patients, even if asymptomatic, particularly in the paediatric age group.
Living with Uncertainty in Times of Pandemic: The View of Working Students in Higher Education
Authors: Dias Diana
Published: September 2021

Today we live in times of real uncertainty. All of us, young, old, adults or children, experience new ways of facing daily challenges. The education and health sectors are naturally the most affected and deserve to be assessed for the impacts of this pandemic. This chapter aims to focus its analysis on a specific group of students in higher education: working students. In fact, this population group has a distinct profile from “regular” students in higher education. Typically, the student role is not the predominant one in their lives, competing with their roles as active workers and as heads of their families. Choosing a quantitative scientific methodology, about a hundred working student were the target of a survey exploring not only their greatest anxieties and fears, but also the ways they choose to deal with it, namely their exposure to media coverage of the COVID-19. It is expected that the results will contribute to a critical reflection on the challenges that this pandemic poses to us, identifying clues to better manage and overcome them.
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics in Vineyards: A Review
Authors: K. Newlands Nathaniel
Published: September 2021

Advances in remote-sensing, sensor and robotic technology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) – smart algorithms that learn from patterns in complex data or big data - are rapidly transforming agriculture. This presents huge opportunities for sustainable viticulture, but also many challenges. This chapter provides a state-of-the-art review of the benefits and challenges of AI and big data, highlighting work in this domain being conducted around the world. A way forward, that incorporates the expert knowledge of wine-growers (i.e. human-in-the-loop) to augment the decision-making guidance of big data and automated algorithms, is outlined. Future work needs to explore the coupling of expert systems to AI models and algorithms to increase both the usefulness of AI, its benefits, and its ease of implementation across the vitiviniculture value-chain.
Seasonal Variability of Groundwater Quality in Kapas Island, Terengganu, Malaysia
Authors: Hashim Mohmadisa , Wardah Ahmad Arijatul , Mat Said Zahid , Nayan Nasir , Mahat Hanifah , Saleh Yazid , Liew See Koh
Published: September 2021

The chapter aims to evaluate the groundwater quality levels in Kapas Island, Terengganu, Malaysia during the monsoon changes of the Southwest Monsoon (SWM), Monsoon Transition (MT) and Northeast Monsoon (NEM) in 2018. Four locations were used for groundwater sampling namely, the Kapas Coral Beach Resort, Kapas Beach Chalet, Pak Ya Seaview Chalet, and Kapas Island Resort. Three water samplings at each station for every month in the monsoon. Six parameters of the Malaysian Water Quality Index (WQI), i.e., dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS) and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), were used to evaluate the water quality. The findings showed the groundwater quality parameters are in Class I and II. However, according to WQI Malaysia, the water quality status during the three monsoons is slightly polluted. During the SWM, the WQI value was 76 (Class III), the MT was 77 (Class II), and the NEM was WQI 71 (Class III). Given this status, it requires more intensive water treatment as it is not suitable for direct drinking water supply. The implications of the study show that the quality of groundwater in Kapas Island has to improve by the tour operators.
Phonological Deficit Traits in Verbal Language of Dyslexics
Authors: Adel Aya , Mahmoud Saleh Marwa
Published: September 2021

Developmental dyslexia is a common learning disorder which is defined as a specific deficit in reading acquisition that cannot be accounted for by low IQ , lack of typical educational opportunities, or an obvious sensory or neurological damage. Dyslexic children commonly present with delayed language development first, which selectively affects phonological processing more than other aspects of language. The problem at the level of phonological representations causes a range of typical symptoms which include problems of verbal short-term memory, non-word repetitions, phonological learning of new verbal information, word retrieval, and rapid naming. This chapter will address the picture of early oral language difficulties especially phonological deficits in dyslexia, and how reading problems are related to them.
Review of the Orphninae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) of Sri Lanka, with description of a new species of genus Orphnus Macleay, 1819
Authors: Frolov Andrey V. , Akhmetova Lilia A.
Published: September 2021

The scarab beetles of the subfamily Orphninae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from Sri Lanka are reviewed. Four species of the genus Orphnus Macleay, 1819, are recorded from the island: O. bicolor (Fabricius, 1801), O. parvus (Wiedemann, 1823), O. mysoriensis Westwood, 1845, and O. medvedevi sp. nov. Lectotypes are designated for the three former names. Synonymy of O. detegens Walker, 1859, and O. scitissimus Walker, 1859, is discussed. Keys, illustrations of habitus and male genitalia, and distributional record maps are given for all species.
A Sociological Investigation of Governance through a Mandatory Learning Management System and Practice in Danish Primary and Lower Secondary Schools
Authors:   , Laursen Ronni
Published: September 2021

Overall, the results of the studies in this dissertation show that political steering through the implementation of the LMS in real-world settings is challenging. First, the conflict and struggles reported in article 1 demonstrates a context characterized by mistrust between policymakers and teachers. This conflict and mistrust frame the context for the other three articles. Second, practitioners perceive the LMS and embedded governance differently. Although principals’ have a teachers’ habitus and thus mixed emotions regarding the conflict and mistrust by teachers, they act like an policymakers auxiliary arm and implement the LMS as expected and thus, in reality, support the embedded governance. Teachers are highly motivated to teach and report a high degree of wellbeing, despite the governance embedded in the LMS. To stay motivated in a context they believe opposes doing excellent teaching; they neither work around the LMS nor stay close to management to be part of management decisions. Third, if teachers are to use the platform, it requires an involving management that closely follows the implementation of the platform. The probability that teachers’ sense-make the platform is also increased by the fact that the management is close to teachers’ practice.
Forførelsens element. Når vi ser etnografiske film
Authors: Møhl Perle
Published: September 2021

Nar en rulle celloluid med kemiske monstre og et magnetisk band med polariserede

atomer sattes i en filmprojektor, sa fremstar der pa larredet og i rummet et spil af former,

farver, kontraster og lyde, som barer en vis lighed med den fysiske verden. Disse

sensoriske indtryk registreres af vores ojne og orer, og stimulerer nerveimpulser til

hjernen. Impulserne ordnes til monstre, som behaftes med mening ved at de sammenholdes

med kulturelt bestemte meningskoder, som vi hver isar rader over og genkender i de

nye informationer. Sadan kunne man kort resumere perceptionsprocessen hos en biografganger.

Hvis man havder, at i vores dagligdags perception af den fysiske verden, er det, vi

ser, ikke er verden selv, men et kulturelt kodificeret billede af den, sa er der egentlig ikke

nogen stor perceptiv forskel pa at se den fysiske verden og dens filmiske reprasentation.

Nar man sa tilfojer, at det, antropologer gor, nar de indvinder viden, netop er at

opleve, at se og lytte til den fysiske verden omkring dem - i overensstemmelse med en

positivistisk ide om, at hvis man ser/horer noget, sa eksisterer det - sa forstar man, at de

kan have en noget ambivalent holdning til filmmediet. Pa den ene side forekommer film

lige sa lydligt og visuelt virkelige som den fysiske verden de reprasenterer, og pa den

anden side er de kun reprasentationer af den.
Thomas Crump: The Anthropology of Numbers
Authors: Raahauge Kirsten Marie
Published: September 2021

Thomas Crump: The Anthropology of Numbers

Anmeldes af Kirsten Marie Raahauge
Kirsten Hastrup: Det antropologiske projekt: Om forbløffelse
Authors: Egger Geert
Published: September 2021

Kirsten Hastrup: Det antropologiske projekt: Om forbløffelse

Anmeldes af Geert Egger
Gina Buijs (ed.): Migrant Women - Crossing Boundaries and Changing Identities
Authors: Sørensen Ninna Nyberg
Published: September 2021

Gina Buijs (ed.): Migrant Women - Crossing Boundaries and Changing Identities

Anmeldes af Ninna Nyberg Sørensen
Miriam E. Cameron: Living with AIDS: Experiencing Ethical Problems
Authors: Jöhncke Steffen
Published: September 2021

Miriam E. Cameron: Living with AIDS: Experiencing Ethical Problems

Anmeldes af Steffen Jöhncke
G. A. Harrison (ed.): Human Adaptation
Authors: Munch-Petersen Nils Finn
Published: September 2021

G. A. Harrison (ed.): Human Adaptation

Anmeldes af Nils Finn Munch-Petersen
Directions of the Development of the Metallization of Iron Alloy Products
Authors: Szczęsny Andrzej , Kopyciński Dariusz , Guzik Edward
Published: September 2021

The article discusses the future of the production of protective coatings based on the hot-dip galvanizing of iron-carbon alloys, such as steel or cast iron. Currently exploited zinc deposits will be exhausted in the next two decades and it will be necessary to start the exploitation of new deposits in order to maintain the supply or quantity of Zn on the global market. In both cases, it will be related to the increasing cost of zinc on world markets. Zinc-based protective coatings (one of the best corrosion protection methods) constitute almost 50% of the world’s zinc consumption. Economic issues with the constant increase in the price of Zn will force the change or modification of hot-dip galvanizing technology. The article presents data on the production, consumption and development of zinc prices on the global market. Possible directions are presented which producers of zinc coatings will have to follow in order to maintain sales markets, such as the modification of chemical compositions of protective alloys which could be an alternative to pure zinc coatings and the possibility of limiting zinc consumption based on the influence of the surface of galvanized elements, i.e. its metal matrix, and surface roughness.
Multiplicative functions satisfying the functional equation κf(m^2+n^2) = f(κm^2) + f(κn^2)
Authors:   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Thammasat University, Suriyacharoen Wuttichai , Laohakosol Vichian ,   Department of Mathematics, Kasetsart University
Published: September 2021

For a fixed positive integer \kappa, the functional equation \kappa f(m^2 + n^2) = f(\kappa m^2) + \kappa f(n^2), (m,n\in\mathbb{N}) is solved for multiplicative functions f. This complements a 1996 result of Chung [2] which deals with the case \kappa=1. The method used relies on the sum of two squares theorem in number theory.
A Diophantine equation about polygonal numbers
Authors:   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Mathematical Modeling and Analysis in Engineering, Li Yangcheng
Published: September 2021

It is well known that the number P_k(x)=\frac{x((k-2)(x-1)+2)}{2} is called the x-th k-gonal number, where x\geq1,k\geq3. Many Diophantine equations about polygonal numbers have been studied. By the theory of Pell equation, we show that if G(k-2)(A(p-2)a^2+2Cab+B(q-2)b^2) is a positive integer but not a perfect square, (2A(p-2)\alpha-(p-4)A + 2C\beta+2D)a + (2B(q-2)\beta-(q-4)B+2C\alpha+2E)b>0, 2G(k-2)\gamma-(k-4)G+2H>0 and the Diophantine equation \[AP_p(x)+BP_q(y)+Cxy+Dx+Ey+F=GP_k(z)+Hz\] has a nonnegative integer solution (\alpha,\beta,\gamma), then it has infinitely many positive integer solutions of the form (at + \alpha,bt + \beta,z), where p, q, k \geq 3 and p,q,k,a,b,t,A,B,G\in\mathbb{Z^+}, C,D,E,F,H\in\mathbb{Z}.
Pauli–Fibonacci quaternions
Authors:   Yildiz Technical University, Aydın Fügen Torunbalcı
Published: September 2021

The aim of this work is to consider the Pauli–Fibonacci quaternions and to present some properties involving this sequence, including the Binet’s formula and generating functions. Furthermore, the Honsberger identity, the generating function, d’Ocagne’s identity, Cassini’s identity, Catalan’s identity for these quaternions are given. The matrix representations for Pauli–Fibonacci quaternions are introduced.
Fibonacci series from power series
Authors:   Department of Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Adegoke Kunle
Published: September 2021

We show how every power series gives rise to a Fibonacci series and a companion series involving Lucas numbers. For illustrative purposes, Fibonacci series arising from trigonometric functions, the gamma function and the digamma function are derived. Infinite series involving Fibonacci and Bernoulli numbers and Fibonacci and Euler numbers are also obtained.
LIN37-DREAM prevents DNA end resection and homologous recombination at DNA double-strand breaks in quiescent cells
Authors: Chen Bo-Ruei , Wang Yinan , Tubbs Anthony , Zong Dali , Fowler Faith C , Zolnerowich Nicholas , Wu Wei , Bennett Amelia , Chen Chun-Chin , Feng Wendy , Nussenzweig Andre , Tyler Jessica K , Sleckman Barry P
Published: September 2021

DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination (HR) is thought to be restricted to the S- and G2- phases of the cell cycle in part due to 53BP1 antagonizing DNA end resection in G1-phase and non-cycling quiescent (G0) cells. Here, we show that LIN37, a component of the DREAM transcriptional repressor, functions in a 53BP1-independent manner to prevent DNA end resection and HR in G0 cells. Loss of LIN37 leads to the expression of HR proteins, including BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, and RAD51, and promotes DNA end resection in G0 cells even in the presence of 53BP1. In contrast to 53BP1-deficiency, DNA end resection in LIN37-deficient G0 cells depends on BRCA1 and leads to RAD51 filament formation and HR. LIN37 is not required to protect DNA ends in cycling cells at G1-phase. Thus, LIN37 regulates a novel 53BP1-independent cell phase-specific DNA end protection pathway that functions uniquely in quiescent cells.
Sentinel surveillance for bacterial pneumonia and meningitis in children under the age of 5 in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Colombia - 2016
Authors: Camacho-Moreno Germán , Duarte Carolina , García Diego , Calderón Viviana , Maldonado Luz Yanet , Castellar Liliana , Moreno Jaime , Palacios Jacqueline , Gallego Ángela , Castillo Orlando , Sanabria Olga , Talavera Ivy , Montoya Rubén
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Bacterial pneumonia and meningitis are vaccine-preventable diseases. Sentinel surveillance provides relevant information about their behavior.Objective: To present the data from sentinel surveillance carried out at the Fundación HOMI, Fundación Hospital Pediátrico La Misericordia in 2016.Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive study from January 1 to December 31, 2016, on the daily surveillance of patients under 5 years of age diagnosed with pneumonia or bacterial meningitis according to PAHO’s definitions. We identified the microorganisms using the automated VITEKTM 2 system. Bacterial isolates were sent to the Microbiology Group at the Colombian Instituto Nacional de Salud for confirmation, serotyping, phenotypic, and genotypic characterization. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were established.Results: From 1,343 suspected cases of bacterial pneumonia, 654 (48.7%) were probable, 84% had complete Hib vaccination schedules, and 87% had complete pneumococcal vaccination schedules for age. Blood culture was taken in 619 (94.6%) and 41 (6.6%) were positive while S. pneumoniae was isolated in 17 (41%) of them. The most frequent serotype was 19A in five cases (29.4%), and four 19A serotypes were associated with the reference isolate ST320. The incidence rate of probable bacterial pneumonia was 7.3 cases/100 hospitalized patients, and lethality was 2.1%. As for bacterial meningitis, 22 suspected cases were reported, 12 (54%) were probable, four (33%) were confirmed: two by Escherichia coli and two by group C N. meningitidis. The incidence of probable bacterial meningitis was 0.14 cases/100 hospitalized patients.Conclusion: Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 19A and 3 were the most frequent cause of pneumonia. Spn19A is related to the multi-resistant clone ST320. Strengthening and continuing this strategy will allow understanding the impact of vaccination.
Bacteremia after Bacillus clausii administration for the treatment of acute diarrhea: A case report
Authors: García Juan Pablo , Hoyos Julián Andrés , Alzate John Alexander , Cristancho Edilberto
Published: September 2021

Bacillus clausii is a gram-positive rod used as a probiotic to treat diarrhea and the side effects of antibiotics such as pseudomembranous colitis. We report a case of B. clausii bacteremia in a non-immunocompromised patient with active peptic ulcer disease and acute diarrhea. The probiotic was administered during the patient´s hospitalization due to diarrhea of infectious origin. B. clausii was identified in the bloodstream of the patient through Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) days after her discharge.Given the wide use of probiotics, we alert clinicians to consider this microorganism as a causative agent when signs of systemic infection, metabolic compromise, and hemodynamic instability establish after its administration and no pathogens have been identified that could explain the clinical course.
Frecuencia de anticuerpos y seroconversión frente a Rickettsia spp. en pacientes atendidos en instituciones de salud del departamento de Caldas, Colombia, 2016-2019
Authors: Pérez Jorge Enrique , Estrada Gloria Inés , Zapata Yuliana , Hidalgo Marylin , Serna Cristian Camilo , Castro Diego Camilo , González Cristian
Published: September 2021

Introducción. Las rickettsiosis son enfermedades zoonóticas transmitidas por artrópodos que cumplen el papel de vectores y reservorios, y cuyos síntomas son inespecíficos, por lo que su diagnóstico clínico es difícil. La inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) es el método de referencia para el diagnóstico. En Colombia, ha resurgido el interés por su estudio por los casos de rickettsiosis detectados en el norte del departamento de Caldas a partir del 2001. Objetivo. Establecer la frecuencia de anticuerpos y la seroconversión contra Rickettsia spp. en pacientes atendidos en instituciones de salud del departamento de Caldas, Colombia, entre 2016 y 2019.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio de diseño cuantitativo, observacional y descriptivo, con una muestra no probabilística de 175 pacientes atendidos en diferentes municipios de Caldas, a quienes se les realizó IFI para la detección de anticuerpos en fase aguda y convaleciente contra Rickettsia rickettsii, R. typhi y R. felis. Resultados. El promedio de edad de los pacientes fue de 31 años. Los municipios con mayor proporción de seropositivos fueron Belalcázar, Chinchiná, Filadelfia, La Dorada, La Merced y Manizales. El 66 % tenía mascotas y el 12 % reportó picaduras por artrópodos. Los signos y síntomas más frecuentes fueron cefalea (69,7 %), artromialgia (60 %), y fiebre (58,2 %). La seroprevalencia por IgG fue de 60 % para R. rickettsii, 47,9 % para R. typhi y 24 % para R. felis. Ocho pacientes presentaron seroconversión.Conclusión. Se encontró evidencia de la circulación de rickettsias del grupo de las fiebres manchadas y del grupo del tifus asociada con casos humanos en el departamento de Caldas.
Hallazgos de tuberculosis extrapulmonar en imágenes de resonancia magnética en una paciente pediátrica
Authors: Delgado-Argote Hamilton , Leiva Luz Miriam , Rojas Christian
Published: September 2021

La tuberculosis pulmonar es la más común en niños y su forma extrapulmonar corresponde aproximadamente a 30 a 40 % de los casos.Se presenta el caso de una niña indígena con tuberculosis diseminada: pulmonar, cerebral, medular y musculoesquelética, con importantes secuelas en el neurodesarrollo.Este caso ilustra el espectro de la tuberculosis extrapulmonar pediátrica en países endémicos en desarrollo. Además, evidencia la gravedad de las complicaciones neurológicas causantes de grave discapacidad y resalta el valor de las imágenes radiológicas para orientar la sospecha diagnóstica de compromiso extrapulmonar.
Characterization of sexually transmitted infections, their pharmacological treatment, and recurrence in a Colombian population
Authors: Valladales-Restrepo Luis Fernando , Ospina-Cano Juan Alberto , Londoño-Serna María José , Machado-Alba Jorge Enrique
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections are a public health problem worldwide. Their inadequate antimicrobial management has been associated with a higher risk of recurrence.Objective: To characterize the main sexually transmitted infections, the adherence to clinical practice guidelines, and the factors associated with recurrence in Colombia.Materials and methods: We conducted an observational study to identify the main sexually transmitted infections, the sociodemographic variables, and the pharmacological management in a patient cohort from a population database of 6.5 million people affiliated with the Colombian health system. We made a multivariate analysis to identify the variables associated with recurrence.Results: We detected 3,158 patients with a mean age of 41.8 ± 14.5 years, of whom 63.1% were men. We found 4.030 episodes of sexually transmitted infections, predominantly urethral syndrome (27.5%). Only 13.6% of patients with urethral syndrome, ulcerative syndrome, or genital warts were managed in compliance with clinical practice guidelines and 20.6% were dispensed condoms; 16.7% of patients had recurrences and being male (OR=1.32; 95%CI 1.08-1.63), <30 years old (OR=1.72; 95%CI 1.40-2.13), being treated in municipalities other than capital cities (OR=1.43; 95%CI 1.06-1.94), and having received inadequate treatment for the first episode (OR=1.93; 95%CI 1.52-2.39) were associated with recurrence.Conclusions: The majority of patients with sexually transmitted infections were not treated in compliance with clinical practice guidelines and those who did not have adequate management had a higher risk of recurrence.
Prevalence of intestinal parasites in a cohort of HIVinfected patients from Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: Botero-Garcés Jorge , Villegas-Arbeláez Esteban , Giraldo Sofía , Urán-Velásquez Johanna , Arias-Agudelo Laura , Alzate-Ángell Juan Carlos , García-Montoya Gisela María , Galván-Díaz Ana Luz
Published: September 2021

Introduction: HIV infection is still a public health problem worldwide and co-infections with other infectious agents including intestinal parasites are of particular concern, mainly in developing countries like Colombia.Objective: To conduct a cross-sectional study in patients attending an HIV care program in Antioquia given that there have been few intestinal parasites prevalence studies among the HIV population in the country.Material and methods: We evaluated stool samples from 192 patients by direct wet mount and concentration, modified Ziehl Neelsen staining, and agar plate culture. Univariate and correlation analyses were done to explore the association between socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and parasitological data.Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in HIV-positive subjects was 29.2% (56/192; 95% CI: 22.8% - 35.6%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkosvkii with 13.0% (25/192; 95% CI: 8.2% - 17.8%) and Blastocystis with 12.0% (23/192; 95% CI: 7.4% - 16.6%) were the most frequent. Opportunistic parasites like Cryptosporidium spp. and Cystoisospora belli were less prevalent, each one with 0.5% of positive samples (1/192; 95% CI: 0.1% - 1.5%). Commensal protozoa were also detected with a prevalence of 18.8% (36/192; 95% CI: 13.3% - 24.3%). Most of the individuals in the study had a controlled viral load and an LTCD4 count greater than 200 cel/μL. A small percentage (9.3%) had diarrhea. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression showed that only age and having pets had a significant association with intestinal parasites in this cohort.Conclusions: Our results confirmed that the evaluated population is at high risk of intestinal parasite infection, which highlights the need for routine screening of gastrointestinal parasites to provide prompt treatment and reduce possible complications.
Características sociodemográficas y clínicas de la sífilis gestacional en Cali, 2018
Authors: Benítez Juliana , Yépez María Alejandra , Hernández-Carrillo Mauricio , Martínez Diana Milena , Cubides-Munevar Ángela , Holguín-Ruiz Jorge Alirio , Muñoz Martín Alonso
Published: September 2021

Introducción. La sífilis gestacional se considera de interés en salud pública por las repercusiones que tiene en la madre y el hijo. Pese a tener protocolos para su notificación, diagnóstico y manejo, en Colombia se siguen evidenciando limitaciones en su control.Objetivo. Describir las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y de distribución espacial de las pacientes con sífilis gestacional en Cali, Colombia, en el 2018.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal con 427 casos de sífilis gestacional reportados al Sistema de Vigilancia en Salud Pública (Sivigila). Para el procesamiento estadístico, se utilizó el programa R, versión 3.5.3. Las variables cualitativas se presentan como proporciones y, las cuantitativas, mediante medidas de tendencia central y dispersión, Para la distribución espacial, se usó el programa Qgis 3.0. Resultados. La razón de sífilis gestacional fue de 17 casos por 1.000 vivos (incluidos los mortinatos). El 57,1 % de las pacientes pertenecía al régimen subsidiado de salud y el 16,6 % no estaba asegurado. El 90,4 % de los casos se diagnosticó durante el embarazo; el 47,2 % recibió tres dosis de penicilina y el 57,6 % de los contactos recibió tratamiento.Conclusiones. La tasa de sífilis gestacional en Cali en el 2018 fue superior a la nacional y la enfermedad se presentó con mayor frecuencia en mujeres gestantes en condición de vulnerabilidad socioeconómica, lo que coincidió con la distribución espacial en general. Se evidenció la falta de oportunidad en la detección temprana y el manejo de la infección tanto en las pacientes como en sus contactos, lo cual dificulta el control de la enfermedad y refleja la inadecuada aplicación de la ruta integral de atención en salud materno-perinatal.
Beetle bombing always deters praying mantises
Authors: Sugiura Shinji
Published: September 2021

Some animals have evolved chemical weapons to deter predators. Bombardier beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Brachininae: Brachinini) can eject toxic chemicals at temperatures of 100 °C from the tips of their abdomens, ‘bombing’ the attackers. Although some bombardier beetles can reportedly deter predators, few studies have tested whether bombing is essential for successful defence. Praying mantises (Mantodea) are ambush predators that attack various arthropods. However, it is unclear whether bombardier beetles deter mantises. To test the defensive function of bombing against praying mantises, I observed three mantis species, Tenodera sinensis, Tenodera angustipennis, and Hierodula patellifera (Mantidae), attacking the bombardier beetle Pheropsophus jessoensis (Carabidae: Brachininae: Brachinini) under laboratory conditions. All mantises easily caught the beetles using their raptorial forelegs, but released them immediately after being bombed. All of the counterattacked mantises were observed to groom the body parts sprayed with hot chemicals after releasing the beetles. When treated P. jessoensis that were unable to eject hot chemicals were provided, all mantises successfully caught and devoured the treated beetles. Therefore, bombing is essential for the successful defence of P. jessoensis against praying mantises. Consequently, P. jessoensis can always deter mantises.
Downregulation of PPA2 expression correlates with poor prognosis of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Wenbiao , Jiang Huiming , Xie Shoucheng , Xiao Huanqin , Liu Qinghua , Chen Nanhui , Wan Pei , Lu Shanming
Published: September 2021

Background

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is the most common subtype of kidney cancer. Inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPA2) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate to inorganic phosphate; few studies have reported its significance in cancers. Therefore, we aimed to explore the prognostic value of PPA2 in KIRC.

Methods

PPA2 expression was detected via immunohistochemistry in a tissue chip containing specimens from 150 patients with KIRC. We evaluated the correlation between PPA2 expression, clinicopathological characteristics, and survival. Data from online databases and another cohort (paraffin-embedded specimens from 10 patients with KIRC) were used for external validation.

Results

PPA2 expression was significantly lower in KIRC tissues than in normal renal tissues (p < 0.0001). Low expression of PPA2 was significantly associated with a high histologic grade and poor prognosis. The differential expression of PPA2 was validated at the gene and protein levels. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that PPA2 expression was an independent prognostic factor in patients with KIRC. Gene set enrichment analysis suggested that decreased expression of PPA2 might be related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in KIRC.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that PPA2 is an important energy metabolism-associated biomarker correlated with a favorable prognosis in KIRC.
Comprehensive analysis of abnormal expression, prognostic value and oncogenic role of the hub gene FN1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via bioinformatic analysis and in vitro experiments
Authors: Lei Xiaohua , Chen Guodong , Li Jiangtao , Wen Wu , Gong Jian , Fu Jie
Published: September 2021

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers with a poor prognosis worldwide. Although the treatment of PDAC has made great progress in recent years, the therapeutic effects are still unsatisfactory. Methods. In this study, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PDAC and normal pancreatic tissues based on four Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE15471, GSE16515, GSE28735 and GSE71729). A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was established to evaluate the relationship between the DEGs and to screen hub genes. The expression levels of the hub genes were further validated through the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), ONCOMINE and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases, as well as the validation GEO dataset GSE62452. Additionally, the prognostic values of the hub genes were evaluated by Kaplan–Meier plotter and the validation GEO dataset GSE62452. Finally, the mechanistic roles of the most remarkable hub genes in PDAC were examined through in vitro experiments.

Results

We identified the following nine hub genes by performing an integrated bioinformatics analysis: COL1A1, COL1A2, FN1, ITGA2, KRT19, LCN2, MMP9, MUC1 and VCAN. All of the hub genes were significantly upregulated in PDAC tissues compared with normal pancreatic tissues. Two hub genes (FN1 and ITGA2) were associated with poor overall survival (OS) rates in PDAC patients. Finally, in vitro experiments indicated that FN1 plays vital roles in PDAC cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis and the cell cycle.

Conclusions

In summary, we identified two hub genes that are associated with the expression and prognosis of PDAC. The oncogenic role of FN1 in PDAC was first illustrated by performing an integrated bioinformatic analysis and in vitro experiments. Our results provide a fundamental contribution for further research aimed finding novel therapeutic targets for overcoming PDAC.
An evaluation of factors affecting pain during transrectal ultrasonographic prostate biopsy: a real-life scenario in a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cebeci Oğuz Özden , Ozkan Alp
Published: September 2021

Background

Periprostatic infiltration anesthesia (PPIA) and intrarectal topical anesthesia (IRTA) are recommended methods to control pain in transrectal ultrasonographic prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx). This study evaluates the factors affecting pain during TRUS-Bx, considering the pathologies involved in anorectal pain etiology and comparing the effectiveness of local anesthesia techniques in providing patient comfort.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 477 consecutive patients with TRUS-Bx for elevated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), abnormal rectal examination findings, or both. Patients were grouped as local anesthesia methods for pain control during TRUS-Bx. Both groups were compared in terms of age, body mass index, clinical T stage, PSA, prostate volume, number of biopsy cores, type of anesthesia, previous biopsy history, and presence of prostate cancer. We used a visual analog pain scale (VAS) to evaluate the patient’s pain status; pre-procedure (VAS-0), during probe insertion (VAS-I), administration of anesthetic (VAS-A), and simultaneous with the biopsy procedure itself (VAS-Bx). For PPIA and IRTA, 4 ml lidocaine 20 mg/ml injection and 5 g 5% prilocaine-5% lidocaine cream was used, respectively.

Results

The PPIA was used 74.2% (n = 354) and IRTA was used for 25.8% (n = 123) patients. VAS-0, VAS-I, and VAS-A scores are similar between groups. VAS-Bx was significantly higher in the IRTA than in the PPIA (3.37 ± 0.18 vs. 2.36 ± 0.12 p > 0.001). Clinical T stage (OR: 0.59), number of biopsy cores (OR: 1.80), and type of anesthesia application (OR: 2.65) were independent variables on TRUS-Bx for pain.

Conclusion

Three factors play roles as independent variables associated with the pain in TRUS-Bx; abnormal rectal examination findings, collection of more than twelve core samples during the biopsy, and the type of anesthesia used. Compared with PPIA, IRTA does not improve pain related to probe insertion, and using IRTA results in higher pain scores for biopsy-related pain. Thus, we recommend a PPIA to lower biopsy-related pain.
Vulnerabilidad social: Su persistencia en las ciudades de América Latina, de Rubén Kaztman
Authors:   Universidad de los Andes (Chile), Álvarez Rivadulla María José
Published: September 2021

Este libro compila algunos de los trabajos de Rubén Kaztman sobre pobreza, vulnerabilidad y segregación residencial y social en América Latina. Muestra el arte y el método de construir teoría desde la investigación social empírica y una inmensa creatividad para medir conceptos complejos. Así, el marco de activos y estructura de oportunidades es una poderosa forma de acercarse a una estructura social cambiante reconociendo la heterogeneidad de sus grupos sociales, y de comprenderla en su complejidad, más allá del mercado de trabajo. Anidados en ese marco, están los trabajos sobre la relevancia de la heterogeneidad de la escuela y el barrio para la movilidad social, que reconocen la prioridad de las grandes explicaciones estructurales, como la desindustrialización y la desigualdad económica, pero se adentran en mecanismos causales intermedios como el capital social (modelos de rol, recursos que circulan, influencia de pares) o la existencia de normas compartidas orientadoras del comportamiento. Esta obra contribuye a entender la profunda fragmentación social de nuestras sociedades latinoamericanas, más allá de vaivenes en los niveles de desigualdad de ingresos, así como las variaciones al interior de nuestra región. Su proyección es aún más amplia pues aporta a la teoría social sobre la relación entre desigualdad e integración social.
Modified Preston-Bennett Method for Estimation of Adult Mortality in Developing Countries
Authors: Nwogu Eleazar C. , Nwobi Felix N. , Okoro Chinonso O.
Published: September 2021

This study proposes a modified Preston-Bennett method for the estimation of adult mortality in developing countries. Unlike the previous method, the proposed method derives estimates of adult mortality directly from the 5-year age distribution at the mid-point of the inter-censal period. In other words, it does not convert the 5-year age distributions to single years before estimation. Results obtained from empirical studies compared favourably well with those from the original Preston-Bennett method and therefore, recommend for the estimation of adult mortality in developing countries.
Early Outcome of Cold Knife Ablation and Diathermy Fulguration of Posterior Urethral Valve; A Comparative Study
Authors: Reza Jiaul , Biswas Ipsita , Karim Sabbir , Alam Rashedul , Mamun Abdullah-Al-
Published: September 2021

Background: Posterior urethral valve (PUV) is the most common obstructive anomaly of the urethra. Urethral valves have a wide range of clinical and anatomical presentations and today most patients are diagnosed in the prenatal or early neonatal period. Cold knife and diathermy fulguration are two of the technique of PUV ablation.

Objective: To find out early outcome of posterior urethral valve ablation between cold knife and diathermy fulguration.

Methodology: This prospective comparative interventional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric surgery in Dhaka Shishu Hospital (DSH), Dhaka. 54 patients with PUV, admitted for valve ablation during study period were included in this study. Patients were divided in to two group. Among them, 27 were in Group-A, whose PUV ablation were done by cold knife and 27 were in Group-B whose PUV ablation were done by diathermy fulguration. Successful ablation was confirmed under endoscopic vision as well as with the demonstration of good stream following supra pubic compression, at the end of the procedure. All patients were kept with 72 hours of urethral catheterization (All silicon self retaining Foley’s catheter according to body texture ) .Post PUV ablation pt. were given discharged with prophylactic antibiotics on 4th POD.

Results: The mean age was found 18.37±16.13 months in cold knife ablation group and 12.70±11.03 months in diathermy fulguration group. Significant number (06/22.2%) of cases were associated with residual valve in diathermy fulguration group and non signicant number (301/3.7%) cases in cold knife ablation group . Significant number (04/14.8%) of cases were associated with post PUV ablation stricture urethra also in diathermy fulguration group and no stricture was found in cold knife ablation group . Significant hematuria. was present in 2(7.4%) in cold knife ablation group and 1(3.7%) in diathermy fulguration group.

Conclusion: This study concludes that use of cold knife in case of ablation of PUV causes less post ablation obstruction (residual valve and stricture urethra) than using diathermy fulguration and can be regarded a safe and better option for PUV treatment.
The Study of Impact of Tofu Industrial Waste Treatment Plant on Value of Chemical Oxygen Demand Level in Residents Well of Central Lamper Village, Semarang-Indonesia
Authors: Anugraheni Nabila Widya , Isworo Slamet
Published: September 2021

Background and Objective: The existence of a tofu waste treatment plant in residential areas and reports from the public about the unpleasant odor in several wells made residents worried about the impact of the intrusion of tofu waste treatment plant waste. This study aims to assess the impact of possible intrusion of waste from tofu waste treatment plants into residents' wells. 

Methods: This type of research is descriptive with a survey method. Samples from the research site were analyzed in the laboratory by the titration method based on the value of chemical oxygen demand, compared with Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 82 Th. 2001 concerning water quality management and water pollution control.

Results: The results of the measurement of the chemical oxygen demand value of the Bajak river were 51.8 mg/L (starting point) and 238 mg/L (end point). The value of chemical oxygen demand in resident wells is as follows: resident well 1 of 12.2 mg/L, resident well 2 of 9.12 mg/L, resident well 3 of 3.05 mg/L, residential well 4 mg/L of 33.05 mg/L. L, resident well 5 is 3.05 mg/L, resident well 6 is 15.2 mg/L, resident well 7 is 27.4 mg/L and resident well 8 is 3.05 mg/L.

Conclusion: The value of chemical oxygen demand in the Bajak river exceeds the quality standard, while the value of chemical oxygen demand in resident wells shows that the farther from the tofu waste treatment plant, the smaller the concentration value of chemical oxygen demand.