bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La prevención del VIH en las informaciones periodísticas relacionadas con Barcelona = HIV prevention in journalistic information related to Barcelona
Authors: Terrón Blanco José Luis , García Sedó Ramón
Published: November 2019

Resumen: Introducción: La prevención del VIH o del sida ha de consistir en una estrategia en la que se tengan en cuenta los enfoques biomédicos, comportamentales y estructurales atendiendo a la población la que se dirija; es lo que se denomina prevención combinada (PC). Objetivos: Esta investigación pretende saber si los medios generalistas hablan de prevención o de PC cuando tratan sobre las informaciones relacionadas con el VIH o el sida y la ciudad de Barcelona. Metodología: El estudio es un análisis de contenido cuantitativo de todas las informaciones, sin importar el medio, que hablan sobre VIH o sida y Barcelona en el periodo comprendido entre el 1 de septiembre de 2017 y el 1 de septiembre de 2018; para ello se ha usado la plataforma de análisis y seguimiento de medios Kantar Media a partir de una serie de palabras clave. Resultados: La mayoría de las informaciones no tratan explícitamente de prevención (13,82%) y que prevalecen los enfoques biomédicos, siendo prácticamente inexistentes los estructurales. Por otro lado, del análisis de los datos se desprende que los informadores no manejan el concepto de PC. Conclusiones: Consideramos que los medios deberían hablar con más frecuencia de la prevención, manejar el concepto PC y tratar con más frecuencia los enfoques comportamentales y estructurales.Palabras clave: VIH; sida; prevención; prevención combinada; Barcelona.Abstract: Introduction: The prevention of HIV or AIDS must consist in a strategy that takes into account the biomedical, behavioral and structural approaches to the population that is directed; it is what is called combined prevention (CP). Objectives: This research aims to know if generalist media talk about prevention or PC when they deal with information related to HIV or AIDS and the city of Barcelona. Methodology: The study is an analysis of quantitative content of all the information, regardless of the medium, that speak about HIV or AIDS and Barcelona in the period between September 1, 2017 and September 1, 2018; for this issue, the Kantar Media analysis and monitoring platform has been used from a series of key words. Results: Most of the information does not explicitly talks about prevention (13,82%) and that biomedical approaches prevail, being structurally nonexistent. On the other hand, the analysis of the data shows that the informants do not handle the CP concept. Conclusion: We believe that the media should talk more frequently about prevention, handle the CP concept and deal more often with behavioral and structural approaches.Keywords: HIV; AIDS; prevention; combined prevention; Barcelona.
Hablando de VIH y otros temas en la formación curricular de Ciencias Químicas = Addressingg HIV and other issues for Chemistry students at College
Authors: González Martínez Adriana , Bañuelos Ramírez David Dagoberto , Ramírez-Palma María Magdalena , Bañuelos-González David
Published: November 2019

Resumen: Introducción: La comunicación, la educación y la comunicación en salud están estrechamente relacionadas. Objetivos: Compartir la experiencia en aulas universitarias impartiendo temas sensibles y la visión de los estudiantes acerca del HIV. Metodología: Recopilación de la experiencia de 10 años del tratamiento de los temas sensibles. En cada grupo se fijaban reglas previas a la exposición. La principal: quien no desee exponer una experiencia cercana al HIV no permanecerá en el aula a escuchar a los demás expositores; discreción y respeto de lo ahí expuesto; ajustarse a tiempos precisos a fin de optimizar dinámica y no se permite grabar. Resultados: En los 10 años del tratamiento del tema del HIV la técnica de grupos focales y la discusión en forma circular fue más aceptable una vez que los grupos experimentan las diferentes maneras de abordaje. En la exposición los grupos son de 52 en promedio; en la discusión son de 12 a 15; aún hay aspectos desconocidos biológicos, sociales y las repercusiones del HIV. Conclusiones: La recopilación permitió extraer dos conclusiones principales: a). Hay desconocimiento y subestimación; b). El enfoque de focus group cumple aquello que es la comunicación: poner algo en común.Palabras clave: HIV; estudio de caso; focus group; aulas universitarias.Abstract: Introduction: Communication, education and communication regarding health issues are closely related. Aims: to share the experience of imparting delicate issues in universities, as well as the students’s perspective on HIV. Methodology: ten year experiences compilation of approaches to HIV issues. Each group of students defined rules before the topics were presented. Such rules were: whoever did not want to expose a experience related to HIV could not stay in the classroom nor listen to his/her classmates; discretion on the exposed experiences was requested; adjustment to the defined time for exposition; recording was forbidden. Results: along the ten years adressing HIV issues, the most suitable methodological techniques were focus group and circular discussion. Presentations were performed for groups of 50 students; discussions were performed with groups from 12 to 15 students. There are still biological and social aspects, as well as unknown consequences about HIV. Conclusions: compilation allowed to establish two main conclusions: a) there is ignorance and underestimation about HIV; b) focus group approach fulfills communication’s essence: to put something in common.Keywords: HIV; groups; 10 years; discussion; students.
Nadir
Authors: Choupina António
Published: November 2019

Arquitectura sobre tela é um tema curioso, porque sintetiza o binómio fundamental de uma vida passada do espaço para a tela e da tela para o espaço. A arquitectura diz aqui respeito à componente pessoal de Nadir Afonso — talvez até mais que profissional —, enquanto a tela nos remete para o universo material e conceptual do autor e da sua obra.
Nadir Afonso, biografia, bibliografia, obra
Authors: Ferreira António Quadros
Published: November 2019

Nadir Afonso, filho oriundo das terras de Barroso, nasce em Chaves no dia 4 de Dezembro de 1920. Os seus antepassados repartiam-se entre os concelhos de Boticas, Chaves e Montalegre. A mãe, Palmira Rodrigues Afonso (1891-1975), tinha ascendência em Chaves e Boticas, e o pai, Artur Maria Afonso (1882-1961), em Montalegre. Nadir Afonso esteve destinado a chamar-se Orlando. Mas, e em resultado de um encontro inesperado com um cigano, este sugere o nome de Nadir. Com efeito Nadir estava destinado a chamar-se Nadir. « – Muito Orlando será ele», advertiu o cigano. Assim, «Nadir Afonso (...) assinou com um nome ditado pelas estrelas», como escreveu Rui Mário Gonçalves, já que o nome Nadir tanto pode ter o significado de raro e auspicioso, como designar um ponto de referência astronómica.
Determinant of using clouds based systems with dual factor theory approach
Authors: Putri Nindia Nur Arifiana , Rosidi Rosidi , Baridwan Zaki
Published: November 2019

This research is the use of cloud-based regional information management system (IT) by applying existing theories. The purpose of this study is to investigate enablers and inhibitors including the dual factor theory of the use of cloud-based regional management information systems. This research directly empirical tests in Jember Regency, include: IT infrastructure problem variables on the perceived of usefulness, IT infrastructure problem variables on the perceived ease of use, IT infrastructure problem variables on the use of cloud-based regional management information systems, perceived usefulness of cloud-based regional management information systems and perceived ease of use of using regional management information systems cloud based. The sample selection technique in this study uses purposive sampling and data analysis uses multiple regression. The data that has been analyzed using smartPLS version 2. The results show, first the IT infrastructure problems negatively affect the perceived usefulness. Second, IT infrastructure problems negatively affect perceived ease of use. Third, IT infrastructure problems negatively affect the use of cloud-based regional information systems. Fourth, perceived usefulness has a positive effect on the use of cloud-based regional information systems. Fifth, the perceived ease of use for the use of cloud-based regional information systems.
On-farm Verification of Potassium Fertilization for Major Cereal Crops under Balanced Fertilizers in North Shew Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassie Kenzemed , Shewangizaw Beza , Lema Getachew , Getaneh Lisanu , Taye Genet , Tigabie Abiro
Published: November 2019

The present study was conducted to investigate the response of major cereal crops to application of potassium with balanced fertilizers as well as to validate newly released soil fertility map of Amhara Region. A field experiment was carried out with different districts of North Shewa of Amhara region: Kewet (Sorghum), Basona warana (Food Barley) Moretena jiru and Mojana wedera (Bread wheat. A randomized complete block design was used, with three replications. The treatments were consisted of NPS, NPS+K, NPSBZn, and NPSBZn+K. The required amount of nitrogen and phosphorus were adjusted to crop and site specific recommendation. The rate of K was 150 kg ha-1 K2O and applied as a straight fertilizer at planting in the form of potassium chloride (KCl).The highest grain yield of sorghum (4301.9 kg ha-1) was recorded under the treatment of NPSBZn and followed by NPS fertilizer application respectively, while lower grain yields (3017.7 and 3186.9 kg ha-1) were recorded under the treatments of NPSBZn and NPS with potassium fertilizer application. Even though statically insignificance both NPS and NPSBZn, application of NPSBZn had gave 5.3% of sorghum grain yield advantage as compared to sole NPS and N fertilizer application. The highest grain yield of barley (4411 kg ha-1) also was recorded under the treatment of NPS and followed by NPS+K respectively, while lower grain yield (3960.6 kg ha-1) was recorded under the treatments of NPSBZn. Grain yield of bread also showed similar trend as grain yield of food barley at Moretena jiru and Mojana wedera districts. Generally the results of this experiment did not showed agronomical viable options due to utilization of potassium with recommended NP nutrient sources and micronutrients. The soil was deficient in organic matter, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus and adequate in available potassium. Thus it can be concluded that potassium is not a yield limiting nutrient but soil nitrogen and phosphorus management need especial attention.
Residential neighbourhoods: utopia and sustainability
Authors: De Biase Claudia , Petrella Bianca
Published: November 2019

Urban planning is the science that, at different scales, deals with the organization of territories; the goal is to allow the community to carry out the different activities of urban and territorial life.Since the beginning of time, people had to give themselves rules of coexistence, including the rules for use of all public areas. Therefore, in other words, before we had the modern urban planning discipline, people have always practiced urban planning, both spontaneously and applying theories but also working off utopias.After recalling the foundation cities of ancient history, the production of ideal urban models and cities built in the Fascist period, this contribution focuses on the “foundation of the city in the city”, or the “invention” of the neighborhood residential and, in particular, the Italian economic and popular housing neighborhood.The foundation of the new residential areas, that is, of “small cities” realized ex-novo, triggers, inter alia, the break with the historic city and the new process of urban expansion and establishes the concept of suburbs.The case studies examined in the Italian production of Edilizia Residenziale Pubblica –ERP (i.e., Public Residential Housing) neighborhood and, more recently, of the requalification and recovery interventions that concerned them, are also addressed in terms of neighborhood, comparing them to international case studies. In particular, we explore the dimensions of sustainable development, capable of effectively activating both natural capital and functional and social mixité.
Votive altars: domestic signals to inhabit the Sacred
Authors: Gambardella Claudio , Sapio Valentina
Published: November 2019

“Sacred” is an Indo-European word meaning “separate”. The Sacred, therefore, [. . . is] a quality that is inherent in that which has relation and contact with powers that man, not being able to dominate, perceives as superior to himself, and as such attributable to a dimension [. . . ] thought however as ”separate” and ”other” with respect to the human world » Galimberti, (2000). The so-called votive altar, autonomous or attached to a major building often present in the Mediterranean countries, belong to the dimension of the Sacred.Votive altars - present in an old neighborhood of peasant origin in the suburbs of Naples called Ponticelli - are almost always placed in the interstices between street and courtyard (a self-built residential typology modeled over time by the inhabitants and which often forms the matrix of many neighborhoods popular Neapolitan). They keep and exhibit little sculptures and drawings of Jesus, Madonnas, and Saints of the Catholic religion, mixed with ancestors portraits and photos of relatives dead of the inhabitants, drawing on the ancient domestic cult of the Romans of Lari and Penati; it is certainly not a consciously cultured reference, but a mysterious ”feeling” that is common among primitive and popular cultures and that unravels through the centuries unscathed. Placed at the entrance of the living space, the altar expresses the sign of a difference, of a territorial change, separates ”ours” from ”yours”, welcomes, does not reject, but marks an open and inclusive threshold.With the paper, we want to study this phenomenon of ”primitive” culture and not regulated by laws, a mix of diffuse sacredness and popular magic, deepening the ”design” aspects of it, building an abacus in which to highlight potential and free references to the visual arts of these ”design works without designers”, and finding out new signs of the Sacred in the City in our time.
Liturgical renovation of modern churches in Rome (Italy)
Authors: Concas Daniela
Published: November 2019

At the beginning of the first half of the twentieth century the bond between ars-venustas and cultus-pietas has produced many churches of Roman Catholic cult.It’s between the 20s and 60s of the twentieth century that the experiments of the Liturgical Movement in Germany lead to the evolution of the liturgical space, which, even today, we see engraving in modern churches in Rome (Italy).The Council of Trent (1545-1563) constitutes the precedent historical moment, in which the Church recognised the need for major liturgical renovation of its churches. In comparison with this, the Second Vatican Council (1959-65) introduced some radical changes within the church architectural spaces.The observations come from the direct reading of the present architectural space and the interventions already realised in modern churches in Rome. The most significant churches from an historical-artistic point of view were selected (1924-1965). Significantly, although every single architecture is unique for dimensions, architectural language and used materials, a comparison, in order to gather the discovered characteristics and to compare the restrictions regarding the different operations, would extremely effective, as demonstrated below.Since the matter is considerably vast, in this work, only some brief notes regarding the liturgical renovation of the Presbytery area will be outlined.
Innovative methods of the representation: in painting, in sculpture and in cinematographic direction
Authors: Izzo Luca
Published: November 2019

The object of study is a search for the strategies of representation of the four dimensions, three spatial and one temporal, when these dimensions become particular “media-conceptual”, creating “space-time” experiments, sometimes sacred and sometimes profane. The research recognizes cases in which the four dimensions have been realized with innovative methodologies, different from the traditional geometric-perspective methodologies. The research analyzes the transformation of “sacred space” into “profane space” in Gustave Courbet's painting, then the “sacred space-time” dimension in Michelangelo Buonarroti's Vatican Pietà, while, in the second part of the research, the reflection on “places of images”, through the cinema of Charlie Chaplin, the film Memento by Christopher Nolan, the spiritual minimalism of Kasimir Malevic and the sculpture by Piero Manzoni.The study focuses on the contemporary age, with only one opening on the fifteenth century, modern age, thanks to the exceptional “contemporaneity” of Michelangelo Buonarroti.
The "Holy Houses" of the SS. Annunziata in Terra di Lavoro.
Authors: Fiorillo Raffaela
Published: November 2019

The main objective of the study is to verify the existence of specific architectural models and on this basis, subsequently establish the possible transmission channels of the architectural types, as well as the architects involved and the workers engaged in the service of the Confraternities of A.G.P.This paper constitues an anticipation of a large study on the territory in the Terra di Lavoro and in particular of the foundations attributed to the Institute of the Lay Confraternity of Ave Gratia Plena (A.G.P), churches consecrated to the Santissima Annunziata. At first analysis, the territory appears chatacterized by the presence of several and extensive monastic complexes dedicated to the SS. Annunziata, which, following precisely the conventual model, are usually set based on a structure often endowed by cloister, sometimes from a hospital and a pawn shop. The recurrence of these structures suggests that, despite being of lay Confraternities, the foundations of the A.G.P. behave similary contemporary monastic orders, with general rules and similar types of architecture. This first reflection was reflected in the documented participation of the same architects to build headquartes employees by the Institute. Characteristic of the buildings that belong to confraternities of Ave Gratia Plena turned out to be the localization at the margins of the urban mesh. A feature of the existing buildings of the Ave Grazia Plena Confraternities was found to be the location at the edge of the urban jets, which are often separated by a wall that defines the foundation perimeter of the confraternites. The main objective of the study is to verify the existence of specific architectural models and on this basis, subsequently establish the possible transmission channels of the architectural types, as well as the architects involved and the workers engaged in the service of the Confraternities of A.G.P.
The role of cloisters in historical cities
Authors: Maffei Luigi , Masullo Massimiliano , Toma Roxana Adina , Jacazzi Danila
Published: November 2019

Over the centuries religious architecture had a significant role in social and cultural life of people. In the past sacred architectures with their silent spaces were symbolic sites were the “voice” of God was invoked by religious who dedicated most of their life to prayer and spiritual readings.Among them, the cloisters, with their typical architectural conformation of open-air space protected by galleries or corridors, enriched by fountains and gardens had a relevant role also for their restorativeness' capability. They were used as healing places where body, mind and spirit could benefit from the surrounding environment.Nowadays they are still attended by men of faith, pilgrims and religious believers but also, simply, by people in searching of quietness. Their sight on the sky, the greenery and the water, and their cultural elements still affects strongly the physiological and emotional restoration process of the people and, in overcrowded cities where green areas misses, they can represent a new resource. Recent studies highlighted the possibility to use them as pockets of quiet. The paper describes their diffusion in the urban tissue of some cities in Campania and their main characteristics.
Visual culture in the sacred spaces figurative representation. The Duccio di Buoninsegna’s Majesty cycle of stories
Authors: Cirillo Vincenzo
Published: November 2019

Starting from the XIII century the figurative arts underwent a profound transformation. In fact, we can note the gradual passage of the use of mosaic to the pictorial representation on the table and then on the wall, initially used for the altar paintings and then in all the sacred works. The figurative arts begin to break away from a predominantly symbolic conception to arrive to a narrative communication. Therefore, one of the first elements of representative experimentation begins to be the architectural space (interior and/or exterior) where to set up scenes of a sacred nature. The present contribution offers the graphic analysis of the cycle of stories present on the back of the large table depicting the Majesty of Duccio di Buoninsegna (1255-1318) which constitutes the triumphal epilogue of the Siena artist itinerary.The ‘putting into shape’ of any iconographic apparatus (pictorial, engraved or graphical) depends fundamentally on the point of view from which one chooses to represent it. The determination of the latter is a function of distance from the representation framework; the direction of observation of the observer's height with respect to the station plan. With respect to this assumption, the present paper examines both the similarities and the differences that distinguish themselves in the use of different geometrical representation modalities for the staging of different spatial configurations that extract or immerse the observer in the context. Furthermore, graphic artifices designed to resolve points of incongruity obtained by the incorrect application of such codified methodologies which only in the following centuries are identified.The research has currently obtained the graphic analysis and the identification of the different methods of geometric representation.
Changes in bacterial composition during in vitro oil degradation experiments using activated sludge from different sources
Authors: Uyeno Yutaka , Matsumoto Akito
Published: November 2019

We monitored bacterial compositional changes during in vitro food oil degradation experiments, wherein activated sludge (AS) from different sources was employed as seed. Two AS samples were collected from different aeration processes at the same plant and one sample was collected from a different plant; these were used for the degradation of synthetic wastewater containing commercial food oil as the sole carbon source. A 16S rRNA gene-based next generation sequencing technique was applied to study the bacterial community in the seed AS samples and resultant water after in vitro degradation for two days. Out of the total assigned genera of 319, 153 were present in all three AS seed samples, while the remaining 166 genera, observed in one or two AS seed samples, accounted for only 5% of the total operational taxonomic units. We found that different bacterial groups of each AS capable of oil degradation were present in the samples after two days' incubation. This suggests that the oil degradation process differently affected the key microbial groups from different sources. Therefore, monitoring of the AS seed and optimizing the degradation condition may be required to achieve efficient degradation performance.
La idea de América en el Club Palósfilo
Authors: Cagiao-Vila Pilar , Márquez-Macías Rosario
Published: November 2019

El Club Palósfilo, que surgió a comienzos del siglo XX en la localidad onubense de Palos de la Frontera, ejemplifica el rumbo que durante las primeras décadas del siglo XX irían tomando algunas asociaciones españolas nacidas al calor del regeneracionismo hispanoamericanista. Mediante la exaltación de valores locales y a través de la forja de diferentes tipos de redes, pretendió realizar su particular contribución a la idea simbólica de América. Para ello, concibió proyectos que, a pesar de su escaso grado de éxito, fueron interpretados por sus integrantes como el precedente de otros que, reformulados, llegarían a ver la luz en el tránsito a las tesis de la hispanidad más conservadora de la década de los veinte.
Ignacio Zarragoitía y Jáuregui y la defensa de la Cuba no azucarera
Authors: Cabrera-Prieto Gerardo
Published: November 2019

En 1811 el Real Consulado de La Habana solicitó una evaluación del estado de los territorios de la isla. Desde Puerto Príncipe, Ignacio Zarragoitía y Jáuregui, enviaba un informe donde se reflejaban los problemas de la región y de la zona centro oriental en general. Jáuregui solicitaba reformas en que eran administrados y  una mayor libertad de comercio, similar a la que ya disfrutaba el occidente de la isla.Nuestra propuesta se centra en el análisis de las ideas económicas de Zarragoitía y Jáuregui, quien en su doble condición de hacendado y funcionario del gobierno colonial -administrador de rentas-, puso al descubierto las principales dificultades por las que atravesaba la región centro oriental y adelantó soluciones desde un ángulo no azucarero, que venían a servir de ejemplo del enfrentamiento entre los dos modelos de desarrollo: azúcar versus ganadería. Dos modelos que Juan Pérez de la Riva sintetizaba en la Cuba A -el occidente de la isla- donde predominaba la plantación esclavista y se concentraba la riqueza de la isla frente a la Cuba B, -la zona oriental- cuya actividad fundamental era la ganadería y se caracterizaba por su grado de atraso.
La inserción del Antropólogo en la dirección de pueblos originarios, municipalidad de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina: relaciones de fusión y fisión
Authors: Valdata Marcela
Published: November 2019

En el presente artículo nos proponemos exponer las políticas de gestión de gobierno relacionadas a Pueblos Originarios, en la ciudad de Rosario, Provincia de Santa Fe, República Argentina. Se abordará las relaciones intra e interétnicas, la conformación de los grupos, sus particularidades y procedencia. Expondremos mecanismos de fisión y fusión como principios estructurantes de las mismas en su punto de contacto con otros grupos y/o con el Estado.

Palabras claves: Pueblos Originarios, Gobierno, Fusión/Fisión.
De la investigación participante a la acción política en la trasformación del Estado
Authors: Cáceres Domínguez Claudia Teresa
Published: November 2019

A finales del año 2008, cuando supe que tenía la oportunidad de entrar a trabajar en el Ministerio del Interior y de Justicia de Colombia, no dude en llamar para hacer llegar mi hoja de vida. Tuve la suerte (buena o mala según la mirada) de ser aceptada.
Una carta inoportuna para el destinatario equivocado
Authors: Aguilera Toro Camilo , Figueroa Isabela , Moreno Salazar Felipe
Published: November 2019

La que sigue es una de ellas. Fue redactada durante los últimos días del mes de septiembre de 2018 a propósito del proceso de movilización estudiantil de la Universidad del Magdalena, proceso que continúa hasta hoy. Un día antes de remitirla al Consejo Académico de la Universidad, hubo señales de conciliación entre estudiantes y directivas, por los que se juzgó extemporáneo hacerlo. Publicarla hoy podría ser aún menos oportuno, pero hacerlo tal vez pueda aportar a la memoria de la peculiar historia política de la Universidad del Magdalena, “la única que no entró en paro”.
An Overview of Bioinformatics Methods for Analyzing Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Nakashima Shogo , Nacher Jose C. , Song Jiangning , Akutsu Tatsuya
Published: November 2019

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders and are well recognized
to be biologically heterogeneous in which various factors are associated, including genetic, metabolic, and
environmental ones. Despite its high prevalence, only a few drugs have been approved for the treatment of ASD.
Therefore, extensive studies have been conducted to identify ASD risk genes and novel drug targets. Since many
genes and many other factors are associated with ASD, various bioinformatics methods have also been developed
for the analysis of ASD. In this paper, we review bioinformatics methods for analyzing ASD data with the focus
on computational aspects. We classify existing methods into two categories: (i) methods based on genomic variants
and gene expression data, and (ii) methods using biological networks, which include gene co-expression
networks and protein-protein interaction networks. Next, for each method, we provide an overall flow and elaborate
on the computational techniques used. We also briefly review other approaches and discuss possible future
directions and strategies for developing bioinformatics approaches to analyze ASD.
Classical and New Pharmaceutical Uses of Bacterial Penicillin G Acylase
Authors: Cobos-Puc Luis , Rodríguez-Herrera Raúl , Cano-Cabrera Juan C. , Aguayo-Morales Hilda , Silva-Belmares Sonia Y. , Gallegos Adriana C.F. , Hernández José L.M.
Published: November 2019

Background:

β-lactam antibiotics are the most used worldwide for the treatment of bacterial
infections. The consumption of these classes of drugs is high, and it is increasing around the world.
To date, the best way to produce them is using penicillin G Acylase (PGA) as a biocatalyst.

Objective:

This manuscript offers an overview of the most recent advances in the current tools to improve
the activity of the PGA and its pharmaceutical application.

Results:

Several microorganisms produce PGA, but some bacterial strains represent the primary source
of this enzyme. The activity of bacterial PGA depends on its adequate expression and carbon or nitrogen
source, as well as a specific pH or temperature depending on the nature of the PGA. Additionally,
the PGA activity can be enhanced by immobilizing it to a solid support to recycle it for a prolonged
time. Likewise, PGAs more stable and with higher activity are obtained from bacterial hosts genetically
modified.

Conclusion:

PGA is used to produce b-lactam antibiotics. However, this enzyme has pharmaceutical
potential to be used to obtain critical molecules for the synthesis of anti-tumor, antiplatelet, antiemetic,
antidepressive, anti-retroviral, antioxidant, and antimutagenic drugs.
MicroRNA-212-3p Attenuates Neuropathic Pain via Targeting Sodium Voltage-gated Channel Alpha Subunit 3 (NaV 1.3)
Authors: Li Yingda , Zhang Xizhe , Fu Zhimei , Zhou Qi
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

To explore the role and potential mechanism of miR-212-3p in neuropathic
pain regulation.

Methods:

Adult male rats were used to establish chronic constriction injury (CCI) model to mimic
the neuropathic pain. Then, paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal thermal latency
(PWL) were determined. The concentrations of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and
tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured with enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay
(ELISA) kit and the expression of miR-212-3p was measured by real time quantitative PCR (RTqPCR).
Besides, miR-212-3p agomir was intrathecally injected into CCI rats and the expression of
key apoptotic proteins was determined by western blot. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assay
was used to determine the binding of miR-212-3p and 3’ untranslated regions (3’UTR) of NaV1.3
and the expression levels of NaV1.3 were measured by western blot and RT-qPCR.

Results:

In the CCI group, the PWT and PWL were significantly decreased and IL-1β, IL-6 and
TNF-α were increased. miR-212-3p was decreased in response to CCI. The intrathecal injection of
miR-212-3p agomir into CCI rats improved the PWT and PWL, decreased the IL-1β, IL-6 and
TNF-α, decreased the expression levels of BCL2 associated X, apoptosis regulator (Bax), cleaved
caspase-3 and increased the expression levels of BCL2 apoptosis regulator (Bcl-2). The results of
dual--luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-212-3p could directly bind with 3’UTR of NaV1.3.
The expression of NaV1.3 was up-regulated in CCI rats who were intrathecally injected with miRctrl,
whereas it decreased in CCI rats intrathecally injected with miR-212-3p agomir.

Conclusion:

The expression of miR-212a-3p attenuates neuropathic pain by targeting NaV1.3.
Papillary Tumor of the Pineal Region with Parinaud Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Damgacı Lale , Hayat Büşra , Güreşçi Servet
Published: November 2019

Background:

Less than 1% of all intracranial tumors are in the pineal region. Papillary
tumor of the pineal region is considered one of four pineal parenchymal tumors according to the
2007 World Health Organisation classification of central nervous system tumors. It is mostly seen
in the middle age and it is rare under the age of 17 in the literature. In this report, we aim to present
a case with papillary tumor of the pineal region with both CT and MRI findings, and discuss the
differential diagnosis.

Case report:

A 17-year-old female patient who underwent a treatment of ventriculoperitoneal shunt
due to hydrocephalus 18 months ago applied to the neurosurgery clinic with nausea, vomiting, sensorineural
hearing loss and Parinaud syndrome continuing through 1 month. Computed tomography
(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been applied. A 58x31x38 mm mass with cystic
and mild hyperdense soft tissue components was observed in the localization of pineal gland and
posterior comissure on non-enhanced CT. MRI examination revealed that the mass filled the pineal
region, contained solid and large cystic components, and hyperintense on T1-weighted images.
After intravenous contrast media injection, the mass enhanced more peripherally. DW-MRI showed
that there is a diffusion restriction in some parts of the soft tissue components. The mass was totally
resected, and pathology report revealed that it is a papillary tumor of the pineal region.

Conclusion:

When a T1-weighted hyperintense and CT hyperdense mass with cystic and solid
components is seen in the pineal region, even if it is rare, papillary tumor should also be considered
in the differential diagnosis after exclusion of other hyperintense lesions in T1-weighted imaging.
A Review: Synthesis and Medicinal Importance of Coumarins and their Analogues (Part II)
Authors: Gouda Moustafa A. , Hussein Belal H.M. , El-Demerdash Amr , Ibrahim Mona E. , Salem Mohammed A. , Helal Mohamed H. , Hamama Wafaa S.
Published: November 2019

Coumarins are a set of polyphenolic compounds isolated from plant product tonka bean, coumarou in 1820. They belong to the family of benzopyrones, which includes benzene ring joined with the aid of a pyrone ring. Coumarins have attracted great attention of medicinal chemists and pharmacologists in recent years as they been confirmed to bear diverse pharmacological activities like antiinflammatory and analgesic, anti oxidant, anticancer, etc. This review highlights the method of preparation, chemical reactivity, and organic properties such as anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antioxidant, anticancer and analgesic activities, of coumarins and their analogues.
Effects of Probiotics in the Management of Infected Chronic Wounds: From Cell Culture to Human Studies
Authors: Brognara Lorenzo , Salmaso Luca , Mazzotti Antonio , Di Martino Alberto , Faldini Cesare , Cauli Omar
Published: November 2019

Background:

Chronic wounds are commonly associated with polymicrobial biofilm
infections. In the last years, the extensive use of antibiotics has generated several antibiotic-resistant
variants. To overcome this issue, alternative natural treatments have been proposed, including the
use of microorganisms like probiotics. The aim of this manuscript was to review current literature
concerning the application of probiotics for the treatment of infected chronic wounds.

Methods:

Relevant articles were searched in the Medline database using PubMed and Scholar,
using the keywords “probiotics” and “wound” and “injuries”, “probiotics” and “wound” and
“ulcer”, “biofilm” and “probiotics” and “wound”, “biofilm” and “ulcer” and “probiotics”, “biofilm”
and “ulcer” and “probiotics”, “probiotics” and “wound”.

Results:

The research initially included 253 articles. After removal of duplicate studies, and
selection according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 research articles were included
and reviewed, accounting for 12 in vitro, 8 in vivo studies and 2 human studies (three articles
dealing with animal experiments included also in vitro testing). Most of the published studies about
the effects of probiotics for the treatment of infected chronic wounds reported a partial inhibition of
microbial growth, biofilm formation and quorum sensing.

Discussion:

The application of probiotics represents an intriguing option in the treatment of
infected chronic wounds with multidrug-resistant bacteria; however, current results are difficult to
compare due to the heterogeneity in methodology, laboratory techniques, and applied clinical
protocols. Lactobacillus plantarum currently represents the most studied strain, showing a positive
application in burns compared to guideline treatments, and an additional mean in chronic wound
infections.

Conclusions:

Although preliminary evidence supports the use of specific strains of probiotics in
certain clinical settings such as infected chronic wounds, large, long-term clinical trials are still
lacking, and further research is needed.
LC-MS/MS Profiling of 37 Fingerprint Phytochemicals in Oenanthe fistulosa L. and its Biological Activities
Authors: Souilah Nabila , Bendif Hamdi , Ullah Zain , Miara Mohamed Djamel , Laib Messaoud , Öztürk Mehmet , Akkal Salah , Medjroubi Kamel , Mustafa Ahmed M.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Oenanthe fistulosa L. (Apiaceae) is often associated with damp soils. Its
underground parts and the young leaves are mainly cooked with other vegetables.

Objective:

The aim of the current work was to investigate the chemical profile of dichloromethane
(DCM), Ethyl Acetate (EA) and n-butanol (BuOH) fractions of O. fistulosa through analysis of 37
phytochemicals by LC-MS/MS and to evaluate their biological activities such as antioxidant, anticholinesterase
and antityrosinase for the first time.

Methods:

Analysis of 37 phytochemicals was performed by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
(LC-MS/MS). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using five in vitro assays, while anticholinesterase
and anti-tyrosinase activities were performed using Ellman and Dopachrome methods,
respectively.

Results:

The number of phenolic compounds detected in DCM, EA and BuOH fractions was found
to be 9, 15, and 12; respectively. More specifically, 9 phenolic acids were detected and among them,
chlorogenic, tr-ferulic and p-coumaric acids were the most abundant. While 8 flavonoids were detected
and apigetrin, rutin, and quercitrin were the most abundant. In addition, 3 non-phenolic organic
acids (quinic, malic and fumaric acids) were detected in large quantities. Furthermore, the tested
plant fractions demonstrated a noteworthy and strong antioxidant action. The plant displayed very
strong action against Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes; and
BuOH fraction was the most potent one. Finally, BuOH and DCM fractions showed good tyrosinase
inhibitory activity.

Conclusion:

According to the obtained results, O. fistulosa might be a promising candidate for the
alleviation of oxidative stress, neurodegenerative (such as Alzheimer’s disease) and hyperpigmentation
disorders.
Antioxidative and Hepatoprotective Effects of Rubus canescens DC. Growing Wild in Lebanon
Authors: Salim Ghaydaa Mohamad , El-Dakdouki Mohammad H. , Abdallah Hiba , Nasser Hatem M. , Arnold-Apostolides Nelly
Published: November 2019

Background:

Plants of the genus Rubus (family Rosaceae) have been used for diverse
medicinal purposes for centuries. We hypothesized that the scarcely investigated R. canescens DC.,
like other species of the genus Rubus, exhibit prominent antioxidant activity.

Objective:

The present study investigates the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of fruit juice as
well as aqueous and methanolic extracts of the areal parts of Rubus canescens DC., and deciphers
the phytochemical profile of the methanolic extracts by GC-MS.

Methods:

The in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging assay and β-
carotene bleaching assays. The in vivo antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by measuring
ALT, AST, CAT, and SOD levels in CCl4-challenged mice in two experimental models (chronic
exposure and preventive). Histological analysis was conducted on H&E stained liver sections, and
the phytochemical profile of methanolic extracts was investigated by GC-MS.

Results:

DPPH radical scavenging assay revealed that the methanolic leaves extract exhibited the
highest activity, while the juice was the most active in terms of the β-carotene bleaching assay. The
in vivo experiments suggested that the extracts have promising antioxidant potential and hepatoprotective
effects capable of promoting liver functions. Histological analysis of liver sections revealed
that administrating juice extract regenerated hepatocytes while reducing inflammation. GC-MS
analysis indicated the presence of squalene, β-amyrin, and γ-sitosterol that may have contributed to
the observed activity.

Conclusion:

The current study provided the first in vivo evidence supporting the antioxidative and
hepatoprotective effects of R. canescens DC. growing wild in Lebanon.
Optimal Power Delivery from Hybrid Micro-grid to Provide Frequency Regulation
Authors: Mohammad Nur , Debnath Kowshik , Rahman Mahfuzur , Arifin Md. Shamsul
Published: November 2019

Background:

This paper presents an optimal power delivery system for a hybrid microgrid
consisting of a solar PV, wind farm, battery storage and diesel generator. The fuzzy logicbased
control approach is used to match the generation and consumers’ demand.

Methods:

The load demand is assumed to vary hourly in a day and season to season in a year. The
frequency of AC (alternating current) bus may deviate from standard frequency due to supplydemand
imbalance and thus make the system unstable.

Results:

To overcome the situation, the controller actuates a control signal to maintain system frequency.
Frequency deviation is an indication of the load change and battery voltage (state of charge)
is taken as input. In case of excessive generation, the extra power will be absorbed in the dump load
for an isolated system.

Conclusion:

Whereas, for a grid-connected system, the surplus generation is fed into the grid. This
cost-effective control method ensures the balance between generation and load demand at all times.
Cost Per Participant Recruited From Rural and Remote Areas Into a Smoking Cessation Trial Via Online or Traditional Strategies: Observational Study
Authors: Byaruhanga Judith , Tzelepis Flora , Paul Christine , Wiggers John , Byrnes Emma , Lecathelinais Christophe
Published: November 2019

Background

Rural and remote residents are more likely to smoke than those who live in major cities; however, recruitment of research participants from rural and remote areas can be challenging. The cost per participant recruited from rural and remote areas via online (eg, social media) and traditional strategies (eg, print) has implications for researchers on how to allocate resources to maximize the number of participants recruited. Participant characteristics such as demographics, financial stress, mental health, and smoking-related factors may be associated with recruitment method (ie, online vs traditional), and so it is important to understand whether certain subgroups are more likely to be recruited via a particular strategy.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the cost per participant recruited and examine whether characteristics such as demographics, financial stress, mental health, and smoking-related factors may be associated with the recruitment method (ie, online vs traditional).

Methods

Participants were recruited into a randomized trial that provided smoking cessation support. Eligible participants were aged 18 years or older; used tobacco daily; had access to video communication software, internet, and telephone; had an email address; and lived in a rural or remote area of New South Wales, Australia. This study describes the natural (observed) experience of recruiting participants via online and traditional methods into a smoking cessation trial.

Results

Over 17 months, 655 participants were recruited into the smoking cessation trial. A total of 88.7% (581/655) of the participants were recruited via online methods. Moreover, 1.8% (12/655) of the participants were recruited from remote locations and none from very remote areas. The cost per participant recruited by the various online strategies ranged from Aus $7.29 (US $4.96, £4.09, and €4.43) for Gumtree, a local online classified website, to Aus $128.67 (US $87.63, £72.20, and €78.28) for email. The cost per participant recruited using traditional strategies ranged from Aus $0 (US $0, £0, and €0) for word of mouth to Aus $3990.84 (US $2757.67, £2227.85, and €2477.11) for telephone. Women had greater odds of being recruited via online methods than men (odds ratio 2.50, 95% CI 1.42-4.40). No other characteristics were associated with the recruitment method.

Conclusions

The cost per participant recruited via online and traditional strategies varied, with the range being smaller for online than traditional recruitment strategies. Women have greater odds of being recruited via online strategies into rural smoking cessation trials.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12617000514303; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372584&isReview=true
The Real Era of the Art of Medicine Begins with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Meskó Bertalan
Published: November 2019

Physicians have been performing the art of medicine for hundreds of years, and since the ancient era, patients have turned to physicians for help, advice, and cures. When the fathers of medicine started writing down their experience, knowledge, and observations, treating medical conditions became a structured process, with textbooks and professors sharing their methods over generations. After evidence-based medicine was established as the new form of medical science, the art and science of medicine had to be connected. As a result, by the end of the 20th century, health care had become highly dependent on technology. From electronic medical records, telemedicine, three-dimensional printing, algorithms, and sensors, technology has started to influence medical decisions and the lives of patients. While digital health technologies might be considered a threat to the art of medicine, I argue that advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, will initiate the real era of the art of medicine. Through the use of reinforcement learning, artificial intelligence could become the stethoscope of the 21st century. If we embrace these tools, the real art of medicine will begin now with the era of artificial intelligence.