bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conjugation of Phthalocyanine Photosensitizer with Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer: Improved Solubility, Disaggregation and Photoactivity Against HepG2 Cells
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Ye Jiqing , Yang Jingyi , Wang Jian , Jia Lee , Ho Rodney JY
Published: July 2018

Objective: To improve solubility and to reduce aggregation, ZnPcC4 was conjugated to a
third-generation poly-amidoamine dendrimer with amino end group (G3-PAMAM-NH2), which acts
as a novel photodynamic therapy (PDT) drug carrier system.

Methods:

The phthalocyanines were synthesized by construction reaction. The nano drug was obtained
from the conjugation of ZnPcC4 to G3-PAMAM-NH2, using EDC and NHS as coupling
agents. The ZnPcC4@G3-PAMAM-NH2 conjugation was characterized by UV-Vis and MS. The 1O2
quantum yield of ZnPcC4@G3-PAMAM-NH2 in water was measured by the chemiluminescence
method. The in vitro PDT responses of the studied photosensitizers were studied in hepatocellular
carcinoma cell line HepG2 by MTT assay.

Results:

At ZnPcC4/G3-PAMAM-NH2 raw ratio of 100/1, the ZnPcC4 conjugate had improved solubility
and reduced aggregation tendency in aqueous solution. At this optimum molar ratio, ZnPcC4-
G3-PAMAM-NH2 inhibited HepG2 cells, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 1.67
µg/mL upon infrared light exposure. The controls, including dark conditions, or media as well as
G3-PAMAM-NH2 exposure, exhibited no inhibitory response.

Conclusion:

The conjugation of phthalocyanine photosensitizer ZnPcC4 to poly-amidoamine dendrimer
G3-PAMAM-NH2 improved the PDT outcomes, in which the optimized binding ratio of
ZnPcC4 to G3-PAMAM-NH2 was 6:1.
Toward Reproducible Results from Targeted Metabolomic Studies: Perspectives for Data Pre-processing and a Basis for Analytic Pipeline Development
Authors: Gross Thomas , Mapstone Mark , Miramontes Ricardo , Padilla Robert , Cheema Amrita K. , Macciardi Fabio , Federoff Howard J. , Fiandaca Massimo S.
Published: July 2018

Contemporary metabolomics experiments generate a rich array of complex high-dimensional
data. Consequently, there have been concurrent efforts to develop methodological standards and analytical
workflows to streamline the generation of meaningful biochemical and clinical inferences from raw
data generated using an analytical platform like mass spectrometry. While such considerations have been
frequently addressed in untargeted metabolomics (i.e., the broad survey of all distinguishable metabolites
within a sample of interest), this methodological scrutiny has seldom been applied to data generated
using commercial, targeted metabolomics kits. We suggest that this may, in part, account for past and
more recent incomplete replications of previously specified biomarker panels. Herein, we identify common
impediments challenging the analysis of raw, targeted metabolomic abundance data from a commercial
kit and review methods to remedy these issues. In doing so, we propose an analytical pipeline
suitable for the pre-processing of data for downstream biomarker discovery. Operational and statistical
considerations for integrating targeted data sets across experimental sites and analytical batches are discussed,
as are best practices for developing predictive models relating pre-processed metabolomic data
to associated phenotypic information.
Inhibition of Biofilm and Virulence Factors of Candida albicans by Partially Purified Secondary Metabolites of Streptomyces chrestomyceticus Strain ADP4
Authors: Srivastava Vartika , Singla Rajeev K. , Dubey Ashok K.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Despite several advancements in antifungal drug discovery, fungal diseases like
Invasive Candidiasis (IC) still remain associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Thus there is an enormous need for anti-Candida drugs.

Objective:

The main objectives of the work included: 1. To investigate therapeutically significant classes
of secondary metabolites produced by S. chrestomyceticus strain ADP4. 2. To investigate and analyze
inhibition of significant virulence attributes of C. albicans, such as, biofilm and secretory hydrolytic enzymes
by ADP4 secondary metabolites. 3. Mechanistic analysis of probable compounds for their site of
action on Secretary Aspartyl Proteinase 3 (Sap3).

Methods:

Metabolite extract-SDB (MESDB) of S. chrestomyceticus strain ADP4 was fractionated on silica
gel column chromatography. Fractions were analyzed for anti-Candida activity by disc diffusion assay.
Active fractions were further purified by differential solvent treatment. MIC90 values were determined
by broth dilution method. MFC was based on counting viable cells. Inhibition of yeast to hyphae
transition and that of production of hydrolytic enzymes were estimated by plate assays. GC-MS of
MESDB and Partially Purified Metabolite preparations (PPMs) was done. GRIP docking studies with Sap
3 of C. albicans was done using VLife MDS 4.6 software.

Results:

Chemical profiling showed that ADP4 secondary metabolites contained alkaloids, flavonoids,
polyphenols, terpenoids and triterpenes. The MESDB and the PPMs showed low or no cytotoxicity but
were able to effectively contain virulence attributes of Candida pathogen. Docking studies revealed that
some of the probable compounds have affinity for aspartic acid residue in Sap3 enzyme of C. albicans.

Conclusion:

Secondary metabolite of strain ADP4 included important classes of therapeutically important
compounds. Their anti-Candida activity was mediated by inhibition of critical virulence factors of
the pathogen.
Mycological and Bacteriological Quality and Safety of Bottled Water in Ethiopia
Authors: Bedada Tesfaye L. , Dera Firehiwot A. , Edicho Redwan M. , Gebre Samson G. , Asefa Yosef B. , Sima Waktole G. , Maheder Rahel F. , Negassi Tigist Y. , Biegna Almaz G.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Safe water supply is vital and can result in significant benefits to health. However, contaminated bottled water poses a great health risk due to the poor microbiological quality of water.

Methods and Materials:

A retrospective study was conducted on 222 Bottled water samples collected from various regions of Ethiopia from January 2008 to December 2015, tested and recorded in Ethiopian Public Health Institute to determine heterotrophic plate count and Staphylococcus aureus by pour plate method; for coliforms using multiple tubes fermentation techniques; for mould and yeast count using spread method, and for Salmonellae and Shigella spp. using ES ISO 6579 and ES ISO 21567. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20 statistical package.

Results:

Among the total samples examined from 44 brands, detections of heterotrophic plate count, mould, yeast, total and thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were observed in 114 (51.4%), 33 (14.9%), 5 (2.3%), 2 (0.9%), 1 (0.5%), 1 (0.5%) and 1 (0.5%) samples respectively, but there were no detections of Salmonellae nor Shigellae species.

Conclusion:

About 40% of bottled water samples were mycologically and bacteriologically unsafe for human consumption. To prevent public health hazards, regular monitoring of bottled water using quality indicators should be a priority agenda.
Nursing Unit Communication During a US Public Health Emergency: Natural Experiment (Preprint)
Authors: Benham-Hutchins Marge , Carley Kathleen M , Brewer Barbara B , Effken Judith A , Reminga Jeffrey
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

In the second half of 2014, the first case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) was diagnosed in the United States. During this time period, we were collecting data for the Measuring Network Stability and Fit (NetFIT) longitudinal study, which used social network analysis (SNA) to study relationships between nursing staff communication patterns and patient outcomes. One of the data collection sites was a few blocks away from where the initial EVD diagnosis was made. The EVD public health emergency during the NetFIT data collection time period resulted in the occurrence of a natural experiment.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of the NetFIT study were to examine the structure of nursing unit decision-making and information-sharing networks, identify a parsimonious set of network metrics that can be used to measure the longitudinal stability of these networks, examine the relationship between the contextual features of a unit and network metrics, and identify relationships between key network measures and nursing-sensitive patient-safety and quality outcomes. This paper reports on unit communication and outcome changes that occurred during the EVD natural disaster time period on the 10 hospital units that had data collected before, during, and after the crisis period.

METHODS

For the NetFIT study, data were collected from nursing staff working on 25 patient care units, in three hospitals, and at four data collection points over a 7-month period: Baseline, Month 1, Month 4, and Month 7. Data collection was staggered by hospital and unit. To evaluate the influence of this public health emergency on nursing unit outcomes and communication characteristics, this paper focuses on a subsample of 10 units from two hospitals where data were collected before, during, and after the EVD crisis period. No data were collected from Hospital B during the crisis period. Network data from individual staff were aggregated to the nursing unit level to create 24-hour networks and three unit-level safety outcome measures—fall rate, medication errors, and hospital-acquired pressure ulcers—were collected.

RESULTS

This analysis includes 40 data collection points and 608 staff members who completed questionnaires. Participants (N=608) included registered nurses (431, 70.9%), licensed vocational nurses (3, 0.5%), patient care technicians (133, 21.9%), unit clerks (28, 4.6%), and monitor watchers (13, 2.1%). Changes in SNA metrics associated with communication (ie, average distance, diffusion, and density) were noted in units that had changes in patient safety outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Units in the hospital site in the same city as the EVD case exhibited multiple changes in patient outcomes, network communication metrics, and response rates. Future research using SNA to examine the influence of public health emergencies on hospital communication networks and relationships to patient outcomes is warranted.
Applied Status and Quality of Graphs in Five Academic Medical Journals in Shanghai (Preprint)
Authors: Ai Zisheng , Tang Yuhong , Zheng Jiaqi , Wu Sanyou , Wu Ying
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Figures are an important form of expressing results commonly found in medical papers and make data easy to read and compare. The quality of graphs in original papers has improved in western medical journals. However, some figures fail to correctly express the results of a paper. Additionally, graph quality and application has not been assessed in medical journals outside western countries.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency and types of data graphs used in Chinese academic medical journals and evaluate the quality of graphs used in original medical papers.

METHODS

A total of 783 papers were surveyed from the medical journals of five colleges and universities in Shanghai from 2011 to 2015. A cross-sectional study was used to analyse the applied status and graph quality. The evaluation criteria of graphs mainly included graph type, visual clarity, completeness, and special standards.

RESULTS

Most authors prefer to use simple charts, and bar charts with 95% CI were the most widely used. More than 60% of charts have problems with visual clarity, completeness, and special standards. Of 841 incorrect graphs, 10 (0.58%) graphs had three combined problems of graph characteristics, and 292 (34.72%) graphs had any two combined problems of graph characteristics. For detailed errors, the absence of variance description was the most substantial problem, especially in 2014 and in some academic medical journals.

CONCLUSIONS

Graphs are less commonly applied in the five university journals. However, the quality of papers using graphs was not properly controlled. Editors and journal quality management should strengthen the quality control of charts in papers. Authors should also avoid error bias and distorting their conclusions.
Cluster Detection Mechanisms for Syndromic Surveillance Systems: Systematic Review and Framework Development (Preprint)
Authors: Yeng Prosper Kandabongee , Woldaregay Ashenafi Zebene , Solvoll Terje , Hartvigsen Gunnar
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

The time lag in detecting disease outbreaks remains a threat to global health security. The advancement of technology has made health-related data and other indicator activities easily accessible for syndromic surveillance of various datasets. At the heart of disease surveillance lies the clustering algorithm, which groups data with similar characteristics (spatial, temporal, or both) to uncover significant disease outbreak. Despite these developments, there is a lack of updated reviews of trends and modelling options in cluster detection algorithms.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to systematically review practically implemented disease surveillance clustering algorithms relating to temporal, spatial, and spatiotemporal clustering mechanisms for their usage and performance efficacies, and to develop an efficient cluster detection mechanism framework.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review exploring Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and Scopus. Between January and March 2018, we conducted the literature search for articles published to date in English in peer-reviewed journals. The main eligibility criteria were studies that (1) examined a practically implemented syndromic surveillance system with cluster detection mechanisms, including over-the-counter medication, school and work absenteeism, and disease surveillance relating to the presymptomatic stage; and (2) focused on surveillance of infectious diseases. We identified relevant articles using the title, keywords, and abstracts as a preliminary filter with the inclusion criteria, and then conducted a full-text review of the relevant articles. We then developed a framework for cluster detection mechanisms for various syndromic surveillance systems based on the review.

RESULTS

The search identified a total of 5936 articles. Removal of duplicates resulted in 5839 articles. After an initial review of the titles, we excluded 4165 articles, with 1674 remaining. Reading of abstracts and keywords eliminated 1549 further records. An in-depth assessment of the remaining 125 articles resulted in a total of 27 articles for inclusion in the review. The result indicated that various clustering and aberration detection algorithms have been empirically implemented or assessed with real data and tested. Based on the findings of the review, we subsequently developed a framework to include data processing, clustering and aberration detection, visualization, and alerts and alarms.

CONCLUSIONS

The review identified various algorithms that have been practically implemented and tested. These results might foster the development of effective and efficient cluster detection mechanisms in empirical syndromic surveillance systems relating to a broad spectrum of space, time, or space-time.
A Comparison of Imputation Methods for Missing Risk Factor Data from Large Real-world Electronic Medical Records for Comparative Effectiveness Studies (Preprint)
Authors: Paul Sanjoy , Montvida Olga , Tropea Joanne , Tropea Joanne
Published: July 2018

UNSTRUCTURED

Background: Evaluation of appropriate methodologies for imputation of missing risk factor or outcome data from electronic medical records (EMRs) is crucial but lacking for comparative effectiveness studies. Robust imputation of missing data relies on the understanding of the predictors of missingness in the risk factor data, especially in patients with chronic diseases. These two aspects have not been explored simultaneously to support methodological developments in clinical epidemiological studies with real-world data.

Methods: Using disease-biomarker data (glycated haemoglobin, HbA1c) from large EMR database in patients with diabetes, exploratory analyses were conducted to ascertain the possible predictors of missingness. Three approaches based on multiple imputation (MI) technique, namely two-fold MI, MI by chained equations, and MI with Monte Carlo Markov Chain, were evaluated in terms of their robustness in imputing missing data. The value of using imputed data for drawing robust inferences on comparative effectiveness of two anti-diabetes therapies were compared with the complete-case analyses.

Results: Older patients and patients with higher disease-severity were less likely to have missing HbA1c data longitudinally over 12 months, while gender and pre-existing comorbidities were not associated with the likelihood of missingness. No significant differences in the distributions of follow-up imputed data with the three methods were observed.

Conclusion: While complete case analyses were prone to bias by indication, use of three MI techniques for large proportion of missing primary outcome data under unknown patterns of missingness appeared to be valid, and able to provide consistent and reliable clinical inferences.
Toxicidad de los nanomateriales de interés biomédico en los sistemas biológicos
Authors: Vazquez Muñoz Roberto , Huerta Saquero Alejandro
Published: July 2018

La nanotecnología ha pasado exitosamente del laboratorio a la vida cotidiana, particularmente en el campo de la medicina. Debido a sus propiedades únicas de los nanomateriales, es fundamental evaluar su toxicidad potencial, tanto en el ambiente como en los sistemas biológicos. Hay una gran diversidad de nanomateriales de interés biomédico, y estos tienen una amplia gama de aplicaciones. El aumento en su uso ha favorecido un incremento en la exposición a los mismos. La nanotoxicología estudia la toxicidad potencial de los nanomateriales en los sistemas biológicos A pesar de los esfuerzos, los riesgos que representan los nanomateriales en el entorno han sido difíciles de predecir, pues presentan desafíos únicos y, además, el debate sobre la correlación entre el tamaño y la forma de los nanomateriales y su toxicidad sigue vigente. En el ambiente y en los sistemas biológicos, la detección de los nanomateriales es todo un reto y además no sólo se consideran los modelos de interés biomédico, pero se omiten los indicadores ambientales. En cuanto a la regulación, el efecto de los nanomateriales en el entorno ha impulsado que se desarrollen estrategias para su evaluación y manejo. Pero a pesar de estas preocupaciones a nivel mundial, las regulaciones para la evaluación de la seguridad de las nanopartículas siguen siendo deficientes. Finalmente, es fundamental evaluar la toxicidad de los NMIB con base en estimaciones reales de la exposición, con la finalidad de evaluar con precisión tanto sus beneficios y como el riego que representan.
Nanotoxicidad: retos y oportunidades
Authors: Medina-Pérez Gabriela , Fernández-Luqueño Fabián
Published: July 2018

La nanotoxicología es un campo emergente que evalúa los peligros y riesgos humanos o medio ambientales causados por estructuras de menos de 100 nanómetros. El objetivo es documentar y discutir algunos aspectos sobre la toxicidad de materiales de dimensiones nanométricas en el ser humano, el medio ambiente y el sector agrícola. Los resultados indican que hay suficientes artículos científicos que documentan la toxicidad de esos materiales. Sin embargo, también se presenta una serie de ventajas y usos potenciales que en el corto tiempo podrá disfrutar el ser humano, siempre y cuando se tomen algunas consideraciones relevantes que fortalecerán las competencias de los científicos o tecnólogos jóvenes. Se debe continuar con la formación de recursos humanos y el desarrollo científico y tecnológico de estructuras nanométricas pero, se debe tener cuidado de no cometer errores históricos como aquellos en los que productos ‘evaluados científicamente’ como el DDT o el asbesto tuvieron que ser retirados del mercado por sus efectos secundarios, tóxicos o carcinogénicos.
Think-pair-square learning: Improving student’s collaborative skills and cognitive learning outcome on animal diversity course
Authors: Yaqin Mustafa Ainul , Indriwati Sri Endah , Susilo Herawati
Published: July 2018

Empowering collaborative skills and optimizing learning outcomes are essential goals in every course. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Think-Pair-Square (TPS) learning model on student collaborative skills and their cognitive learning outcomes. This study was Lesson-Study-based Classroom Action Research (CAR) carried out in two cycles. The subjects of this study consisted of 32 students who took Animal Diversity course. The CAR consisted of four phases i.e. planning, action, observation, and reflection. At the action phase, Lesson Study (LS) was conducted and consist of Plan, Do, and See. The instruments used were LS observation sheet, collaborative observation sheet, and cognitive test. The observation and test results of the both cycles were calculated and compared each other. There were improvements in the both student’s collaborative skills and cognitive learning outcome as high as 14% and 7.56, respectively. Therefore, TPS model can strengthen the student’s collaborative skills and cognitive learning outcome.
EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTY OF EXTRACT OF PUNICA GRANATUM (L.) ON ORAL PATHOGENS
Authors: DR.HEMANI K  , DR.GHEENA.S
Published: July 2018

The aim of the present research was the examination of the potential activity of various organic solvent extracts of Punica granatum on the important microbiota harbouring in the oral cavity. The dried peels and seeds of P. granatum were extracted using chloroform, methanol and nbutanol and their potential activity were studied. The inhibitory effect of crude extracts were observed on various microbial plates which were incubated with different bacterial species in terms of zone of inhibition as mm in diameter. The data was analysed by One Way Analysis of Variance for significance. The peel extract was more potent in inhibiting the microbial population growth as compared to seed extract. While all the four solvents were effective in case of peel extracts, the bioactivity was much higher in species such as Streptococcus mutants, Streptococcus sanguis, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Actinomyces viscosus, among 8 species evaluated in the present investigation. The peel extract of P. granatum contains active biomolecule(s) against important oral microbial pathogens and thus holds promise as a potential bioactive molecule against Dental Caries. Based on the bioactivity analysis, the peel extract of P. granatum may further be subjected to purification and characterization of the bioactive compound(s) for regulating oral microbial contamination.
As relações entre política externa e economia de defesa no Estado Novo (1937-1945)
Authors: Reisdoerfer Bruna Rohr , Sarti Josiane Simão
Published: July 2018

O artigo apresenta a importância da coesão entre Política Externa e de Defesa para o desenvolvimento nacional no Estado Novo. Nesse período, essa relação se deu por forte coesão e complementaridade entre ambas.
La gastronomía: herramienta de la diplomacia cultural en las Relaciones Internacionales
Authors: Villarroel Yetzy Urimar
Published: July 2018

La alimentación de una sociedad es más que satisfacer una necesidad biológica, implica la conjugación de hechos socio-culturales, económicos, ecológicos, filosóficos, políticos, religiosos, internacionales, entre otros. Los Estados realizan transacciones que involucran el intercambio de alimentos, costumbres y técnicas de producción, consumo y utilización de los mismos. Esto se ha intensificado con el fenómeno de la globalización, la proliferación de los medios de comunicación social, la permeabilización de las fronteras de los Estados y de las barreras interculturales; con lo cual se han modificado los hábitos alimentarios, los sistemas de producción de alimentos, el comercio y la cultura culinaria generando impactos importantes en la Seguridad Alimentaria mundial. En este sentido se pretende establecer el vínculo entre la Diplomacia cultural, Gastronomía y Relaciones Internacionales, determinando cómo la Gastronomía puede fungir de catalizador del intercambio cultural y del acercamiento de las naciones, analizando la Gastronomía como herramienta para promover avances en Seguridad Alimentaria, reflexionar sobre la diplomacia cultural como una alternativa de entendimiento pacífico ante un sistema internacional globalizado. Se hace uso del método cualitativo, realizando un análisis documental interdisciplinario de diversas fuentes, haciendo énfasis en el uso de las teorías reflectivistas de las Relaciones Internacionales.
Hiperplasia nodular linfoide asociada con colitis ulcerativa: descripción de un caso y revisión de la literatura
Authors: Benedetti Inés , Hoyos Julián , Carmona Rafael
Published: July 2018

La hiperplasia nodular linfoide es una patología del aparato gastrointestinal, poco frecuente en adultos. Se caracteriza por un crecimiento del tejido linfoide mucoso y submucoso como respuesta a diferentes tipos de estímulos nocivos. Se ha descrito asociada con otras patologías como infección por VIH/ Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida, giardiasis, infección por Helicobacter Pylori, enfermedad celíaca, y en pocos casos con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. No tiene una presentación clínica específica y su manejo aún no está claro.
Lesión de Dieulafoy de duodeno: hallazgo inusual
Authors: Rojas Angélica , Carvajal Germán David , Prieto Robin Germán , Aponte Diego Mauricio
Published: July 2018

La lesión de Dieulafoy es una causa poco frecuente de sangrado gastrointestinal alto, pero es una de las causas más frecuentes relacionadas con sangrado oculto y recurrente. La ubicación extragástrica de la lesión de Dieulafoy es rara. Por su localización la lesión de Dieulafoy duodenal es de difícil diagnóstico y manejo. La terapia endoscópica, combinada con inyección de adrenalina más terapia mecánica, reduce el riesgo de resangrado. En este artículo se presenta el caso de un paciente tratado en la Clínica Universitaria Colombia, así como la revisión del tema.
Infección oculta por el virus de la hepatitis B en pacientes sometidos a trasplante hepático
Authors: Duque-Jaramillo Alejandra , Rendón Julio , Cortés-Mancera Fabián , Correa Gonzalo , Restrepo Juan Carlos , Navas María Cristina
Published: July 2018

Introducción: la infección oculta por el virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) se caracteriza por la presencia del genoma viral en suero y/o tejido hepático de individuos negativos para el antígeno de superficie HBsAg. La infección oculta se ha asociado con el desarrollo de cirrosis y carcinoma hepatocelular. Objetivo: identificar casos de infección oculta por el VHB en pacientes con diagnóstico de cirrosis y carcinoma hepatocelular, sometidos a trasplante hepático. Materiales y métodos: entre febrero de 2013 y marzo de 2014 fueron obtenidas muestras de explante hepático provenientes de pacientes con diagnóstico de cirrosis y/o carcino- ma hepatocelular. Se detectó el genoma del VHB mediante amplificación de tres regiones del genoma viral (S, Core y X). Las muestras positivas se confirmaron por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) en tiempo real para la región S. Resultados: se analizaron 15 muestras de tejido hepático, y en dos (13,3%) se detectó el genoma del VHB mediante PCR anidada para la región S y por PCR semianidada para la región X, resultado confirmado por PCR en tiempo real. Estas muestras provenían de pacientes negativos para los marcadores serológicos de infección por el VHB, anti-HBc y anti-HBs. Conclusión: la frecuencia de infección oculta reportada en este estudio es similar a lo reportado en Brasil en muestras de biopsias obtenidas de pacientes con hepatitis crónica. Estudios adicionales son necesarios para estimar la frecuencia de infección oculta por VHB (OBI) en pacientes con hepatopatías terminales en Colombia.
Efectos adversos a largo plazo de los inhibidores de la bomba de protones. Perspectiva desde la medicina basada en la evidencia
Authors: Cardona-Ospina Jaime , Medina-Morales Diego Alejandro , Rodríguez-Morales Alfonso , Machado-Alba Jorge
Published: July 2018

Los inhibidores de la bomba de protones (IBP) son los supresores de la secreción gástrica más efectivos y se encuentran entre los medicamentos de mayor formulación y venta en Estados Unidos; en algunos casos son prescritos sin indicación justificada. En años recientes, el reporte de reacciones adversas importantes relacio- nadas con su uso ha suscitado preocupación. Sin embargo, la calidad de la evidencia no ha sido concluyente y, en algunos casos, la magnitud del riesgo no es de importancia clínica. El objetivo de esta revisión es pre- sentar la evidencia disponible frente a los eventos adversos de mayor importancia relacionados con los IBP.
Colestasis en pediatría
Authors: D’Amato Monica , Ruiz Patricia , Aguirre Karen , Gómez Rojas Susana
Published: July 2018

La colestasis indica siempre un proceso patológico que puede dejar secuelas como disfunción hepática cró- nica, necesidad de trasplante hepático o muerte (1). La colestasis es un proceso en el que existe disminución del flujo biliar, evidencia histológica de depósito de pigmentos biliares en los hepatocitos y conductos biliares, y aumento de la concentración sérica de los productos excretados en la bilis. La colestasis puede presentarse a cualquier edad y la causa es la alteración de la formación de bilis por el hepatocito o la obstrucción del flujo en la vía biliar intrahepática o extrahepática. Nos referimos a colestasis neonatal cuando se presenta en los primeros 3 meses de vida con elevación de niveles séricos de bilirrubina directa, colesterol y ácidos biliares (2). En nuestro medio la principal causa es la hepatitis neonatal idiopática, seguida de las causas infecciosas. Las causas obstructivas son las de peor pronóstico; dentro de estas la más común es la atresia de vías biliares, donde hay obliteración progresiva de la vía biliar extrahepática, daño del parénquima y vía biliar intrahepática, lo que causa cirrosis y muerte antes de los 3 años de vida (1-3). El pronóstico mejora con el manejo quirúrgico si este se realiza antes de los 45 a 60 días de vida (3). La forma de presentación más usual es en un recién nacido a término sano que entre las semanas 2 y 6 de vida presenta ictericia, hipocolia, hepatomegalia firme y esplenomegalia. El diagnóstico se apoya con la elevación de gamma glutamiltrans- ferasa como principal marcador sérico, la ecografía de hígado con ayuno que tiene la mayor sensibilidad y especificidad, siendo el único método confirmatorio la laparotomía exploratoria con visión directa de la vía biliar mediante la realización intraoperatoria de colangiografía (4). En el manejo de todo paciente con colestasis, además de corregir la causa y tratar la colestasis, está el manejo nutricional con una dieta que ofrezca alto aporte de triglicéridos de cadena media y de vitaminas liposolubles (5).
Pancreatitis aguda y elevación de aminotransferasas: ¿en qué pensar? Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura
Authors: Díaz Diana Carolina , Otero Regino William , Gómez Zuleta Martin
Published: July 2018

La litiasis biliar está asociada desarrollo de pancreatitis aguda en el 40% de los casos, sin embargo la sen- sibilidad diagnóstica de la ecografía abdominal y la tomografía es limitada para hallar esta etiología. En el presente caso se ejemplifica el uso de las enzimas hepáticas aminotransferasas para la predicción del origen biliar en paciente con colecistectomía y ecografía abdominal negativa para colelitiasis y coledocolitiasis. Se presenta un paciente de 55 años, con un cuadro característico de pancreatitis aguda de origen biliar, a quien se hizo el diagnóstico y el tratamiento endoscópico recomendado.
Hernia hiatal recidivante: la visión del cirujano. Revisión de la literatura
Authors: Arévalo Cáterin , Luna Rubén , Luna-Jaspe Carlos , Bernal Felipe , Borráez Segura Bernardo
Published: July 2018

Las hernias hiatales recidivantes constituyen una patología común que generan un reto diagnóstico y terapéu- tico para cirujanos y gastroenterólogos. Generalmente se presentan de forma asintomática o con síntomas atípicos y se asocian a factores fisiológicos, propios del paciente y de la técnica quirúrgica. Su tratamiento es complejo y dependiendo de la causa de los síntomas pueden requerir manejo médico o quirúrgico. En este artículo, se pretenden definir pautas para la identificación y manejo de esta patología, así como establecer claves para el tratamiento desde un enfoque quirúrgico.
Frecuencia de anticuerpos contra el virus de la hepatitis E en donantes de sangre del municipio de Yarumal, Antioquia
Authors: Duque Alejandra , Restrepo Luisa , Mantilla-Rojas Carolina , Toro Mónica , Olarte Juan Camilo , Mantilla-Rojas Alfredo , Cortés-Mancera Fabian , Navas María Cristina
Published: July 2018

Introducción: el virus de la Hepatitis E (VHE), transmitido por la ruta fecal-oral, causa enfermedad hepática aguda. En Colombia se han realizado algunos estudios en pacientes con diagnóstico de hepatitis viral, en trabajadores de fincas porcícolas, en población porcina y en muestras ambientales. Objetivo: evaluar la presencia de anticuerpos anti-VHE en muestras de donantes de sangre del municipio de Yarumal, departa- mento de Antioquia. Metodología: se obtuvieron muestras de suero de donantes de sangre colectadas por la Cruz Roja Colombiana en una campaña de donación voluntaria en el municipio de Yarumal. En las muestras se determinó la presencia de anticuerpos anti-VHE tipo IgM e IgG mediante estuche comercial de ELISA. Resultados: se analizaron 42 muestras de suero, 19 de las cuales (45,2%) fueron positivas para anticuerpos anti-VHE IgG. Ninguna de las muestras fue positiva para anticuerpos anti-VHE tipo IgM. Conclusiones: este es el primer reporte de anticuerpos anti-VHE en donantes de sangre en Colombia. La frecuencia de anti-VHE (45,2%) es mayor a lo reportado previamente en otros estudios realizados en el país y a lo reportado en do- nantes de sangre en otros países de América Latina. Esta frecuencia podría estar relacionada con el contacto con cerdos infectados, así como con la exposición a agua contaminada con el virus. Sin embargo, estudios adicionales deben ser realizados en otras poblaciones similares en el país para confirmar este hallazgo.
Performing Below the Targeted Level: An Investigation into KS3 Pupils’ Attitudes Towards Mathematics
Authors: Mirza Anusha , Hussain Nasreen
Published: July 2018

This study sets out to investigate the attitude KS3 pupils have towards mathematics and the factors that influence this attitude. A case study approach was used as the pupils were a unit of the school under study and a survey method was chosen to provide scope to the study.  Purposeful sampling was employed for the selection of 200 pupils from years 7 and 9 who were from target achiever and non target achiever groups.  Attitudes Toward Mathematics Inventory (Tapia, 1996) was administered to the participants to measure their attitude towards mathematics. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.  The result for the first hypothesis indicated that there is a significant difference on the variable of mathematics attitude of year 7 and 9 target achievers and non target achievers pupils (t=4.11, df =199, p <.05) and for the second hypothesis, the difference in the variety of attitudes is statistically significant in the pupuls from both groups (t=2.3, df =210, p <.05). The results of the research will enable teachers to understand the factors that effect attitude of pupils towards mathematics at secondary level and direct head teachers to establish effective teacher training and support system to help pupils to develop an interest in mathematics.
Phenomenology: A Philosophy and Method of Inquiry
Authors: Qutoshi Sadruddin Bahadur
Published: July 2018

 Phenomenology as a philosophy and a method of inquiry is not limited to an approach to knowing, it is rather an intellectual engagement in interpretations and meaning making that is used to understand the lived world of human beings at a conscious level. Historically, Husserl’ (1913/1962) perspective of phenomenology is a science of understanding human beings at a deeper level by gazing at the phenomenon. However, Heideggerian view of interpretive-hermeneutic phenomenology gives wider meaning to the lived experiences under study. Using this approach, a researcher uses bracketing as a taken for granted assumption in describing the natural way of appearance of phenomena to gain insights into lived experiences and interpret for meaning making. The data collection and analysis takes place side by side to illumine the specific experience to identify the phenomena that is perceived by the actors in a particular situation. The outcomes of a phenomenological study broadens the mind, improves the ways of thinking to see a phenomenon, and it enables to see ahead and define researchers’ posture through intentional study of lived experiences. However, the subjectivity and personal knowledge in perceiving and interpreting it from the research participant’s point of view has been central in phenomenological studies. To achieve such an objective, phenomenology could be used extensively in social sciences.
Opportunities and threats associated with an investment in shares of innovative companies ? evidence from Polish capital market
Authors: Nawrocki Tomasz L.
Published: July 2018

Research background: Since the Internet bubble, which took place at the turn of XX and XXI century, on the global capital markets, including Poland, one may note a growing interest in companies focusing on innovations and innovativeness. The main driver of this interest is the belief that in a longer term innovations and expenditures on research and development will translate into an increase in competitive advantage, financial results, and subsequently also the market value of companies. On the other hand, the attention should also be paid to the fact that innovative activity has also another, darker, side, which is identified with the far-reaching uncertainty about its final effects and the possibility of incurring losses, especially in financial dimension. At the same time, it should be noted that implementation of investment strategy regarding the shares of innovative companies is quite troublesome because of the lack of unified methodology for assessing corporate innovativeness and large information diversity in this area.

Purpose of the article: The investment efficiency analysis of investment strategy regarding shares of companies perceived to be innovative with simultaneous focusing on the different cases of situation development in time.

Methods: The research was carried out for companies listed on the main market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange, taking into consideration various time ranges of investment. The efficiency analysis of this investment strategy was conducted in the risk-return outlay with the use of such measures as: accumulated rate of return, arithmetic average rate of return, standard and semi-standard deviation, as well as coefficients of variation and semi-variation of rate of return and their inverses.

Findings & Value added: The obtained results show that in shorter periods of time, inves-tors buy expectations connected with innovative companies and therefore, the efficiency of investment in their shares is relatively high, but in the longer term expectations are revised by companies? financial results, which in turn often negatively affects the investment efficiency.
Characterization of Sn-Apatites and 99mTcO4 – anions removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Hamárová Andrea , Rosskopfová Oľga
Published: July 2018

Apatite is a natural mineral from the group of phosphate minerals. It originates primarily in rocks and converted limestones. It is also one of the few minerals produced and used by microeconomic systems. Due to its low solubility in water and high sorption capacity, apatite is a suitable sorbent for heavy metals and radionuclides removal from aqueous radioactive waste. Increasing amount of radioactive waste (RAW) has a negative impact on human health as well as on the environment. Production of RAW is constantly increasing because of the use of nuclear energy as well as by the development of nuclear medicine. The aim of this work was to study the effect of pH and various anions on the sorption of pertechnetate anions from aqueous solution to Sn-Apatite. Sn-Apatite samples used in the experiment were prepared by the wet precipitation method and adsorption of 99mTc was monitored by the radioisotope indication method. Sorption experiments were performed using the batch method. It was found that the sorption percentage was higher than 90 % in all Sn-Apatite samples and the dissociation constant, KD, indicated high affinity of pertechnetate anions to the solid Sn-Apatite particles. The presence of competing anions did not significantly influence the ability of Sn-Apatite materials to adsorb 99mTcO4 - from aqueous solutions.
Performance Assessment of Variational Integrators for Thermomechanical Problems
Authors: Kern Dominik , Romero Ignacio , Martín Sergio Conde , García-Orden Juan Carlos
Published: July 2018

Structure-preserving integrators are in the focus of ongoing research because of their distinguished features of robustness and long time stability. In particular, their formulation for coupled problems that include dissipative mechanisms is still an active topic. Conservative formulations, such as the thermo-elastic case without heat conduction, fit well into a variational framework and have been solved with variational integrators, whereas the inclusions of viscosity and heat conduction are still under investigation. To encompass viscous forces and the classical heat transfer (Fourier’s law), an extension of Hamilton’s principle is required. In this contribution we derive variational integrators for thermo-viscoelastic systems with classical heat transfer. Their results are compared for two discrete model problems vs. energy-entropy-momentum methods.
Microbial Contamination of a Diving Suit
Authors: Dąbrowiecki Zbigniew , Dąbrowiecka Małgorzata , Olszański Romuald , Siermontowski Piotr
Published: July 2018

Pathogenic micro-organisms can easily transfer from the surface of a diver’s skin onto the surfaces of a protective suit. A long-term stay in a hyperbaric chamber during a saturation dive increases the risk of infection if in the chamber there is even a single carrier of disease-causing pathogens.

The conducted research has confirmed that the diving equipment located in Diving Centres is a place of many different bacteria and fungi, including pathogenic ones. The vast majority of microbes found on the surfaces of wetsuits, etc. are commensals (with some being opportunistic organisms). This fact allows us to realise that the surfaces of diving equipment are an excellent “transmission route” for various dermatoses and other diseases. In order to reduce the risk of infection the diving equipment used by various people should be subject to the process of decontamination. The authors recommend decontamination with the use of gaseous hydrogen peroxide which does not cause damage to equipment.
Studies on Velocity Fields Around the Cavitation Vortices Generated by the Model of a Rotating Blade
Authors: Suchecki Witold
Published: July 2018

The elimination of hazards caused by cavitation phenomena is an important issue to be considered in the design of process equipment including flow machinery. These hazards are: cavitation erosion, efficiency decrease as well as vibration and noise. One of the most intensive and dangerous forms of cavitation is vortex cavitation that accompanies the operation of hydraulic machines in which components comprised of rotating blades are applied.

Velocity fields around cavitation vortices generated by the model of a propeller blade were experimentally studied in a cavitation tunnel. Flow images were recorded using a high-speed camera and processed using particle image velocimetry (PIV) complemented with computer-aided techniques that had been developed for the purpose of this research. These techniques included the removal of image distortions on the basis of a calibration mask, determination of instantaneous velocity distributions and removal of air-bubble traces from flow images.

Experimental studies result examples were presented in the form of velocity fields determined in the longitudinal plane as well as in three transverse planes remote from the blade. Instabilities of the cavitating vortex stream and of the local liquid-flow velocity in its surrounding were detected. The effect of the angle of attack of propeller blade on the instability of the vortex stream and the effect of the presence of the cavitating vortex kernel on the local velocities of the surrounding liquid, were determined.
Survey of Presence of Non-Indigenous Eurytemora Carolleeae in the Gulf of Riga (Baltic Sea) Five Years After its First Discovery
Authors: Astra Labuce , Anda Ikauniece , Solvita Strāķe , Anissa Souissi
Published: July 2018

In the brackish ecosystem of the Gulf of Riga, the calanoid copepod Eurytemora affinis is a key species, but recently a new non-indigenous species Eurytemora carolleeae was discovered in the region. In the present study, we aimed to validate the presence of E. carolleeae in the southern part of the Gulf of Riga five years after its first discovery. The study area is the closest region to the Rīga harbour — the main source of non-indigenous species arrival in the Gulf. Recent studies have predicted the possible potential of E. carolleeae invasion due to its physiological plasticity. Male and female specimens of Eurytemora were collected in spring, summer, and autumn of 2013, and analysed based on three morphological indicators. Despite the higher reproduction rate of E. carolleeae, this intrusive species does not seem to have succeeded in establishing during the five-year period after its first discovery in the Gulf of Riga, and hence does not present a threat to the native E. affinis population in the study area.
PENERAPAN METODE DEKONVOLUSI EULER UNTUK ESTIMASI KEDALAMAN SUMBER ANOMALI
Authors: Handyarso Accep , Mauluda A D
Published: July 2018

Metode gayaberat merupakan salah satu metode geofisika yang kerap digunakan dalam studi pendahuluan cekungan sedimen. Metode ini memiliki resolusi lateral yang baik namun tidak pada resolusi vertikalnya. Metode Dekonvolusi Euler merupakan salah satu metode estimasi kedalaman sumber anomali pada data gayaberat. Keberadaan lapisan New Guinea Limestone Group di Cekungan Bintuni menyebabkan berbagai permasalahan dalam proses interpretasi. Estimasi ketebalan New Guinea Limestone Group ini dapat dilakukan berdasarkan data anomali residual gayaberat dan algoritma inversi tertentu. Metode Dekonvolusi Euler diterapkan pada data sintetik dan data lapangan di Cekungan Bintuni (daerah Mogoi, Papua Barat). Hasil penerapan metode Dekonvolusi Euler pada data sintetik memberikan solusi kedalaman yang sesuai dengan model bawah permukaan. Penerapan metode Dekonvolusi Euler pada data lapangan menghasilkan kedalaman anomali antiklin dengan kelurusan Tenggara – Barat Laut pada 2513.95 m dan kedalaman anomali antiklin dengan kelurusan Barat Daya – Timur Laut pada 2860.31 m. Diduga terjadi penambahan kedalaman ke arah timur daerah penelitian, hal ini sesuai dengan pola konfigurasi basement di daerah penelitian yang semakin dalam ke arah Timur. Solusi Dekonvolusi Euler tersebut digunakan sebagai informasi awal pada saat melakukan inversi data gayaberat berdasarkan algoritma inversi planting density anomalies. Berdasarkan hasil inversi tersebut diperoleh ketebalan sumber anomali yang diinterpretasikan sebagai New Guinea Limestone Group sekitar ±2000.00 m.

Kata kunci: gayaberat, estimasi kedalaman sumber, Dekonvolusi Euler, inversi gayaberat, mogoi