bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“I can’t live like that”: the experience of caregiver stress of caring for a relative with substance use disorder
Authors: Maina Geoffrey , Ogenchuk Marcella , Phaneuf Taryn , Kwame Abukari
Published: January 2021

Background

The impact of addiction extends beyond the individual using a substance. Caring for an individual with addiction creates persistent stressful circumstances that cause worry, anger, depression, shame, guilt, anxiety, and behavioral problems within the family unit.

The aim of the study

The paper aims to explore the experiences of caring for a relative with a substance use disorder (SUD) and self-care strategies caregivers employ.

Methods

The study adopted an exploratory qualitative design. To be included in the study, participants were required to have a relative with a (SUD) disorder and not be actively using the substance themselves. Individual interviews were conducted to gather their experiences, meanings, and how they made sense of caring for a relative with a SUD.

Results

Twenty one participants were involved in the study, of which 17 were women, and four were men of which there had a sister, four had a brother, eight had a parent, six had a dependent, and one participant had a grandparent with a SUD. Four themes, whose overarching focus is the pains of living and caring for a family with a SUD, caused the participants and how the participants mitigated these experiences

Conclusion

The stress associated with caring for individuals with a SUD impacts the caregiver’s physical and mental health. Specific care modalities targeting caregivers need to be developed to address the health impact and to support self-care.
Repair cell first, then regenerate the tissues and organs
Authors: Fu Xiao-Bing
Published: January 2021

Wound healing, tissue repair and regenerative medicine are in great demand, and great achievements in these fields have been made. The traditional strategy of tissue repair and regeneration has focused on the level of tissues and organs directly; however, the basic process of repair at the cell level is often neglected. Because the cell is the basic unit of organism structure and function; cell damage is caused first by ischemia or ischemia-reperfusion after severe trauma and injury. Then, damage to tissues and organs occurs with massive cell damage, apoptosis and even cell death. Thus, how to achieve the aim of perfect repair and regeneration? The basic process of tissue or organ repair and regeneration should involve repair of cells first, then tissues and organs. In this manuscript, it is my consideration about how to repair the cell first, then regenerate the tissues and organs.
A case report of mucinous adenocarcinoma derived from intra-ampullary papillary-tubular neoplasm with a malignant course
Authors: Fujita Hiroaki , Ishido Keinosuke , Kimura Norihisa , Wakiya Taiichi , Nagase Hayato , Yoshizawa Tadashi , Haga Toshihiro , Goto Shintaro , Kijima Hiroshi , Hakamada Kenichi
Published: January 2021

Background

Intra-ampullary papillary-tubular neoplasm (IAPN) has been classified as a Vater papillary tumor. The prognosis of IAPN is generally relatively good. Here, we describe a patient with a mucinous adenocarcinoma cluster in the Vater papilla of IAPN origin.

Clinical presentation

The patient was a 66-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital after a diagnosis of pancreatic head carcinoma based on a pancreatic duct dilatation found on abdominal ultrasound. CT showed a 40 mm lesion in the pancreatic head and expansion of the main pancreatic duct to a maximum diameter of 9 mm on the caudal side of the lesion. The extrahepatic bile duct had also expanded to a maximum diameter of 8 mm. PET/CT showed fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) accumulation of SUVmax 6.02 that corresponded to the tumor in the pancreatic head, though it did not suggest distant metastasis. The patient was diagnosed with pancreatic head carcinoma T3 N0 M0 Stage IIA and underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pathology indicated that the tumor in the pancreatic head was a benign inflammatory lesion. On the other hand, the papillotubular tumor pervading the lumen in the duodenal papillary common channel met the criteria for IAPN, and a mucinous adenocarcinoma cluster found in the surrounding stroma suggested malignant transformation of IAPN. No metastasis to lymph nodes was demonstrated. With regard to the mucus phenotype of each lesion, the IAPN was MUC2 and MUC5AC positive, while the mucinous adenocarcinoma was MUC2-positive and MUC5AC-negative. In addition, CD10 was negative in both lesions, suggesting that mucus transformation from the gastric type to the intestinal type was a key element. A blood test 10 months after surgery showed increased CA19-9 (105 U/mL) and CEA (7.1 ng/mL). Abdominal CT showed multiple cystoid nodes in the liver, which were diagnosed as multiple liver metastases of mucinous adenocarcinoma transformed from the IAPN.

Conclusions

We reported a case with IAPN that developed in the Vater papilla, which took an extremely malignant course. IAPN generally has a good prognosis, but it is important to understand that a malignant course may occur.
Diagnosis of Behçet’s disease: clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, and differential diagnoses
Authors: Kiafar Mina , Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh , Kasaeian Amir , Baghdadi Azarakhsh , Kakaei Sahar , Mousavi Seyed Ali , Nejadhosseinian Mohammad , Shahram Farhad , Ghodsi Seyedeh Zahra , Shams Hormoz , Davatchi Fereydoun
Published: January 2021

Background

The diagnosis of Behçet disease (BD) is challenging in many cases. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of patients at a referral BD clinic.

Methods

In a retrospective study, we collected data from patients at a national referral Behçet clinic from November 2018–August 2019. A BD diagnosis was confirmed (BD group) or ruled out (Non-BD group), and the two groups were compared for differences.

Results

A total of 238 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Forty patients (16.8%) were finally diagnosed with BD. Ocular and genital lesions were significantly more prevalent in the BD group. A positive pathergy test and HLA-B51 were also significantly more common in BD. However, oral lesions, articular involvement, and gastrointestinal manifestations were similar between groups. Also, patients with BD were significantly more likely to have multi-organ (≥2 organ systems) involvement.

Conclusions

Being the first study to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients who are visited at a referral BD clinic and are believed to have a high probability of Behçet, the results of this study are important from an epidemiological standpoint. Also, the findings of this study could be used by referral Behçet clinics, which evaluate and diagnose patients with a high pretest probability and atypical presentations of BD on a daily basis. The alternative diagnoses established in this study could be used as the list of the most common differential diagnoses for Behçet’s disease.
Lignocellulose aerogel and amorphous silica nanoparticles from rice husks
Authors: Wei Zichao , Smith Andrew T. , Tait William R. T. , Liu Jingjing , Ding Hao , Wang Hui , Wang Weixing , Sun Luyi
Published: January 2021

Rice Husks (RHs) are one of the most abundant sources of biomass in the world due to rice consumption. Lignocellulose and silica are two of the main components of RHs, which allow RHs to be applied in different areas. Lignocellulose can be partially dissolved in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl), which is a simple way of competing with the traditional extraction methods that suffer from high chemical consumption. A lignocellulose freeze gel is obtained via a cyclic liquid nitrogen freeze-thaw (NFT) process. Multi-functional self-assembled lignocellulose aerogel is obtained after CO2supercritical drying. Based on the aerogel’s special properties, two routes are developed for practical applications. On one hand, the aerogel is coated to exhibit a superhydrophobic property that can be applied as an absorbent for oil spills. On the other hand, a carbon aerogel is synthesized via a pyrolysis process, resulting in a porous amorphous carbon. The residue after partially dissolving lignocellulose in BMIMCl is further calcined to obtain amorphous silica nanoparticles, achieving a comprehensive application of RHs.

Graphical abstract
Five-Year Outcomes From the Randomized, Phase III Trials CheckMate 017 and 057: Nivolumab Versus Docetaxel in Previously Treated Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Borghaei Hossein , Gettinger Scott , Vokes Everett E. , Chow Laura Q. M. , Burgio Marco Angelo , de Castro Carpeno Javier , Pluzanski Adam , Arrieta Oscar , Frontera Osvaldo Arén , Chiari Rita , Butts Charles , Wójcik-Tomaszewska Joanna , Coudert Bruno , Garassino Marina Chiara , Ready Neal , Felip Enriqueta , García Miriam Alonso , Waterhouse David , Domine Manuel , Barlesi Fabrice , Antonia Scott , Wohlleber Markus , Gerber David E. , Czyzewicz Grzegorz , Spigel David R. , Crino Lucio , Eberhardt Wilfried Enst Erich , Li Ang , Marimuthu Sathiya , Brahmer Julie
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In two phase III trials (CheckMate 017 and CheckMate 057), nivolumab showed an improvement in overall survival (OS) and favorable safety versus docetaxel in patients with previously treated, advanced squamous and nonsquamous NSCLC, respectively. We report 5-year pooled efficacy and safety from these trials.

METHODS

Patients (N = 854; CheckMate 017/057 pooled) with advanced NSCLC, ECOG PS ≤ 1, and progression during or after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy were randomly assigned 1:1 to nivolumab (3 mg/kg once every 2 weeks) or docetaxel (75 mg/m2 once every 3 weeks) until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point for both trials was OS; secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS) and safety. Exploratory landmark analyses were investigated.

RESULTS

After the minimum follow-up of 64.2 and 64.5 months for CheckMate 017 and 057, respectively, 50 nivolumab-treated patients and nine docetaxel-treated patients were alive. Five-year pooled OS rates were 13.4% versus 2.6%, respectively; 5-year PFS rates were 8.0% versus 0%, respectively. Nivolumab-treated patients without disease progression at 2 and 3 years had an 82.0% and 93.0% chance of survival, respectively, and a 59.6% and 78.3% chance of remaining progression-free at 5 years, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in 8 of 31 (25.8%) nivolumab-treated patients between 3–5 years of follow-up, seven of whom experienced new events; one (3.2%) TRAE was grade 3, and there were no grade 4 TRAEs.

CONCLUSION

At 5 years, nivolumab continued to demonstrate a survival benefit versus docetaxel, exhibiting a five-fold increase in OS rate, with no new safety signals. These data represent the first report of 5-year outcomes from randomized phase III trials of a programmed death-1 inhibitor in previously treated, advanced NSCLC.
Current trends in the adoption and education of cone beam computed tomography and panoramic radiography machines across Australia
Authors: Lam May , Critchley Simon , Zhang Alyssa , Monsour Paul
Published: January 2021

Objectives:

This is a follow-up study to assess growth in the number of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiography (PR) machines in Australia. It is also the first study to evaluate the current status of both CBCT and PR education in Australia.

Methods:

CBCT and PR machine numbers were obtained from the radiation regulators across Australia. Australian dental schools were surveyed via email. The number of machines relative to population size and the number of dentists were calculated.

Results:

In 2020, there were 706 CBCT machines and 3,059 PR machines, representing a 204.3% increase in the number of CBCT machines and an 82.0% increase in the number of PR machines over six years. Majority of Australian dental schools owned PR and CBCT machines. Most taught PR acquisition and interpretation, however only one-third taught CBCT image acquisition and interpretation to predoctoral students.

Conclusions:

CBCT machine numbers increased by nearly three-fold while PR machines only increased by 1.6 times over a six-year period relative to population size and number of dentists. Only very few Australian dental schools provide CBCT education to predoctoral students, raising concern as to whether graduates are adequately trained upon program completion.
Qualidade nutricional de dietas da moda veiculadas em revistas não científicas
Authors: Da Silva Andreia Fátima , Santos Virgínia Souza
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: o presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar a qualidade nutricional de cardápios de dietas da moda veiculadas nas revistas de circulação não cientificas “Malu” e “7 Dias com você”. Métodos: tratou-se de um estudo quali-quantitativo que avaliou cardápios das revistas mencionadas anteriormente, publicadas entre 2015 e 2016. Para a análise do conteúdo nutricional, foi utilizado o software DietWin® para averiguar o valor energético, macronutrientes, o teor de fibra bruta e a quantidade de cálcio, ferro e folato; e para a análise qualitativa, utilizaram-se as recomendações do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira para oferta de frutas, hortaliças e a presença de alimentos ultraprocessados. Resultados: as dietas analisadas são hipocalóricas; os macronutrientes estão adequados segundo os intervalos de distribuição de macronutrientes para adultos, pois são deficientes em fibras, cálcio, folato e ferro. Em relação à Ingestão Dietética Recomendada, atendem às recomendações para o consumo de hortaliças, são inadequadas em relação ao consumo de frutas e prescrevem alimentos ultraprocessados. Conclusão: a inadequação do conteúdo nutricional das dietas leva a prejuízos nutricionais e estão relacionadas às carências e aos excessos alimentares. Portanto, faz-se necessária a prescrição de dietas individualizadas por meio de avaliação detalhada.
Realidad y ficción en el discurso informativo. Crímenes como inspiración para proyectos audiovisuales en España.
Authors: Román San Miguel Aránzazu , Elías Zambrano Rodrigo , Paredes Molina Marc
Published: January 2021

ASince its appearance, television has been nourished by the crime show to increase the audience. Currently, documentaries and fiction and non-fiction series inspired by real events have turned viewers into judge and part of those events. In Spain, the crime committed with girls from Alcàsser was a before and after in the use of this type of entertainment. From then on, numerous producers realized the value that real stories had on television and began to shape the genre on television.This work makes visible the audiovisual products to which crimes committed in Spain have taken place and are analysed to see if they use sensational elements. In addition, the different formats that can be adopted are revealed: documentary, reportage, docu-series, docudrama ...
Relatório Macbride: Releitura à luz de ameaças ao direito à comunicação nas plataformas digitais.
Authors:   ,  ,, Bartira Santos Silva Lilian , Azevedo de Aragão Carla , De Luca Pretto Nelson
Published: January 2021

With the digital network environments, the possibilities for interaction and participation have expanded significantly, inaugurating a significant and decentralized shift in the production and publication of narratives. The promise of horizontalization reveals the opening of communication channels pari passu to the idealization of a narrative counterpoint in the face of the centralization of traditional media, that is, a harbinger of the promotion of the human right to communication. However, the internet, which is born under the proposal of open architecture, is soon overtaken by business conglomerates. By appropriating digital networks, the proprietary capitalist policy complexifies the scenario, posing us with a question: would we be losing the possibilities of democratizing communication in digital spaces? Therefore, this work problematizes the (im) possibilities of promoting the right to communication on digital platforms. The theoretical discussion revisits the MacBride Report, prepared 40 years ago by UNESCO, which proposes the reduction of commercial influences in the organization of communications, defends national communication policies and ratifies communication as a human right, pointing out its prognoses about the impacts of technology and its setbacks in countries considered underdeveloped, demarcating congruences with theories of communication developed by leading Latin American authors in the debate on the human right to communication: Bordenave (1989), Freire (2005), Peruzzo (2005) and Marques de Melo ( 2008) and theorists of digital sociology, among them, Lupton (2015), Selwyn (2019), Morozov (2018) and Silveira (2019).
El uso de las nuevas tecnologías en la lucha contra los delitos urbanísticos.
Authors: Martín Ríos Pilar
Published: January 2021

In this work, the author analyzes how different technological means of investigation are especially useful in the fight against urban crimes. The author also analyzes how due respect for privacy collides with the possibilities of action offered by these modern and sophisticated means of intrusion. This is the case, for example, with digital orthophotography and the use of drones, which are particularly efficient in this field.
Inteligencia Artificial y Filosofía del bioderecho: una tesis crítica y una propuesta ética.
Authors: R. Juan Gabriel
Published: January 2021

This paper refers to a critical view about the Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this regards, it causes negative effects on the personal and relational autonomy of individuals. It also benefits the consolidation of certain currents of thought which defend a minimum right. In this way, it suggests a collaborative dimension between different ethics which allow direct a precise legal regulation of AI. This will enable the protection of human dignity as the center of gravity of the legal systems of the Constitutional States. The issue is analyzed taking into consideration a new interesting area for the Legal Philosophy that is called the Biolaw, which results from the crossing between Bioethics and Law.
Tectonics from topography: constraining spatial and temporal landscape response rates to Teton fault activity using low-T thermochronology, quantitative geomorphology, and limnogeologic analyses
Authors: Thigpen Ryan , McGlue Michael M. , Woolery Edward , Swallom Meredith
Published: January 2021

Understanding how landscapes respond to tectonic and climatic forcing over a range of timescales remains a top priority for studies in tectonics, geomorphology, and geodynamics. To examine this, we are attempting to separate signals that define uplift, drainage incision, and sediment flux at multiple timescales (107 to 102 yrs). The Teton Range serves as an ideal natural laboratory for filtering this interplay due to its comparatively small size and consistent along-strike climatic variation. Recent studies indicate that Teton fault motion first initiated near Mount Moran at ~13 Ma in the northern portion of the range and slip onset gets younger to the south. No major climatic variations occur along strike, so tectonic forcing is interpreted to be the primary driver of landscape evolution. To test this hypothesis, we are evaluating ‘lag’ between fault slip onset and incision of drainages using AHe techniques combined with quantitative landscape analysis to constrain long-term response and analyzing seismic reflection and core data from range front lakes to determine sediment volume flux over shorter intervals. Preliminary data from a seismic survey completed in August 2018 reveals multiple depocenters in Jackson Lake. Results from the seismic survey and AHe analysis should be available in Spring 2019.

 

Featured photo by Gideon Rosenblatt on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/2XjzYH
Effects of sagebrush restoration on plant and bird communities in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Chalfoun Anna D. , Johnson Tracey N.
Published: January 2021

Approximately half of sagebrush steppe range-wide has been converted to non-native grasslands, which has contributed to population declines of sagebrush-associated songbirds.  Removal of non-native grasses and restoration treatments are time-, resource- and energy-intensive, but could lead to the return of functional habitat for sagebrush wildlife. The extent to which restoration efforts repair the structure and functionality of sagebrush steppe for different types of wildlife, however, remains largely untested. To determine breeding songbird community responses to sagebrush restoration treatments, we are conducting a longitudinal study with sampling every 5 years within restoration units at different stages of restoration in the Kelly Hayfields restoration area in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Thus far, in 2013 and 2018 we compared bird and plant communities in unrestored (largely smooth brome [Bromus inermis]) units to those in various stages of restoration treatments, and to areas of native sagebrush. The sagebrush plots will serve as desired comparators for the endpoints of restoration efforts. The in-progress and recently replanted units were either dominated by bare ground (following herbicidal application) or native forbs with very little shrub cover (< 0.1%).  Native sagebrush units were dominated by shrubs and native bunchgrasses.  Bird community composition was distinct among the different unit types.  Abundance of grassland birds was highest in unrestored units, whereas the abundance of shrubland birds was highest in native sagebrush and positively associated with shrub cover.  There were very few detections of birds in recently re-seeded units. Restored areas may initially provide little breeding bird habitat, especially prior to the establishment of native bunch grasses and a mature shrub layer. Plant and bird sampling efforts will continue every five years to document how plant and bird assemblages shift over time in response to restoration efforts.

 

Featured photo by Matt Lavin on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/fh7UJz
Anmerkungen zu Bachs Kantate "Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis" (BWV 21)
Authors: Hofmann Klaus
Published: January 2021

Der Artikel setzt sich mit der Frage der Genese von BWV 21 auseinander - für welchen Anlass wurde die Kantate geschrieben und ist sie überhaupt als Ganzes entstanden? Verschiedene stilkritische und konzeptionelle Überlegungen lassen anderes vermuten und werden im Beitrag dargelegt.

 

Erwähnte Artikel: Reinhold Jauernig: Zur Kantate "Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis" (BWV Nr. 21). BJ 1954, S. 46-49

Helene Werthemann: Zum Text der Bach-Kantate 21 "Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis in meinem Herzen". BJ 1965, S. 135-143

Andreas Glöckner: Zur Chronologie der Weimarer Kantaten Johann Sebastian Bachs. BJ 1985. S. 159-164

Martin Petzoldt: "Die kräfftige Erquickung unter der schweren Angst=Last". Möglicherweise Neues zur Entstehung der Kantate BWV 21. BJ 1993, S. 31-46

Peter Wollny: Bachs Bewerbung um die Organistenstelle an der Marienkirche in Halle und ihr Kontex. BJ 1994, S. 25-39

Klaus Hofmann: Bachs Doppelchor "Nun ist das Heil und die Kraft" (BWV 50). Neue Überlegungen zur Werkgeschichte. BJ 1994, S. 59-73

Christoph Wolff: "Die betrübte und wieder getröstete Seele" Zum Dialog-Charakter der Kantate "Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis" BWV 21. BJ 1996, S. 139-145

Michael Maul, Peter Wollny: Quellenkundliches zu Bach-Aufführungen in Köthen, Ronneburg und Leipzig zwischen 1720 und 1760. BJ 2003, S. 97-141
Neue Erkenntnisse zu Robert Schumanns Bach-Rezeption
Authors: Stinson Russell
Published: January 2021

Der Artikel liefert einige Beobachtungen zum Verständnis der Rezeption von Bachs Musik im 19. Jahrhundert speziell in Bezug auf Robert Schumann und seinen Kreis. Den Ausgangspunkt bildet dabei ein erst vor wenigen Jahren veröffentlichtes Tagebuch des Komponsiten und Dirigenten Woldemar Bargiel, in dem er von einer Unterhaltung mit Schumann, unter anderem über dessen Haltung zu Bachs Passionen, berichtet.
Gottfried Albin de Wette als Gewährsmann für Orgeldispositionen der Bach-Zeit im Weimarer Landgebiet
Authors: Lobenstein Albrecht
Published: January 2021

Dieser Beitrag geht von den organologisch relevanten Überlieferungen einer bislang kaum genutzten Handschrift des weimarschen Chronisten aus. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit gilt den Orgeln, die vor oder während Bachs Weimarer Zeit im Landgebiet der ehemaligen Superintendentur Weimar gebaut oder verändert worden sind. Einblicke in die Entstehungsgeschichte, die bauzeitliche Gestalt, den Werdegang und Verbleib der Instrumente werden gewährt, mögliche Bezüge zum instrumentenkundlichen und kompositorischen Wirken Bachs hergestellt. Die Entdeckung, dass die Oßmannstedter Orgel über das Kontra-H verfügte, eröffnet die Möglichkeit, dass Kompositionen, die diesen Ton voraussetzen, mit diesem Ort in unmittelbarem Zusammenhang stehen. (Autor, Quelle: Bibliographie des Musikschrifttums online)

 

Erwähnte Artikel: Michael Maul: Johann Sebastian Bachs Besuche in der Residenzstadt Gera. BJ 2004, S. 101-119

Ludwig Häfner: Neue Erkenntnisse zur "Berkaer Bach-Orgel". BJ 2006, S. 291-193
Comparison of linear and nonlinear deconvolution algorithms for co-optimization of depth-of-field enhancing binary phase masks
Authors: Lévêque Olivier , Kulcsár Caroline , Goudail François
Published: January 2021

The depth-of-field of imaging systems can be enhanced by placing a phase mask in their aperture stop and deconvolving the image. In general, the mask is optimized using a closed-form image quality criterion assuming deconvolution with a Wiener filter. However, nonlinear deconvolution algorithms may have better performance, and the question remains as to whether a better co-designed system could be obtained from optimization with a criterion based on such algorithms. To investigate this issue, we compare optimization of phase masks with criteria based on the Wiener filter and on a nonlinear algorithm regularized by total variation. We show that the obtained optimal masks are identical, and propose a conjecture to explain this fact. This result is important since it supports the frequent co-design practice consisting of optimizing a system with a closed-form criterion based on linear deconvolution and deconvolving with a nonlinear algorithm.
Timing urinary tract reconstruction in rats to avoid hydronephrosis and fibrosis in the transplanted fetal metanephros as assessed using imaging
Authors: Nishi Kotaro , Haji Takafumi , Matsumoto Takuya , Hayakawa Chisato , Maeda Kenichi , Okano Shozo , Yokoo Takashi , Iwai Satomi
Published: January 2021

Chronic kidney disease leads to high morbidity rates among humans. Kidney transplantation is often necessary for severe symptoms; however, options for new curative treatments are desired because of donor shortage. For example, it has been established that the kidneys can efficiently generate urine after transplantation of the metanephros, ureter, and bladder as a group. After transplantation, the urine can indirectly flow into the recipient’s bladder using a stepwise peristaltic ureter system method where the anastomosis is created via the recipient’s ureter for urinary tract reconstruction. However, the growth of the regenerated metanephros varies significantly, whereas the time window for successful completion of the stepwise peristaltic ureter system that does not cause hydronephrosis of the metanephros with bladder (ureter) is quite narrow. Therefore, this study was conducted to periodically and noninvasively evaluate the growth of the transplanted metanephros, ureter, and bladder in rats through computed tomography and ultrasonography. The ultrasonographic findings highly correlated to the computed tomography findings and clearly showed the metanephros and bladder. We found that the degree of growth of the metanephros and the bladder after transplantation differed in each case. Most of the rats were ready for urinary tract reconstruction within 21 days after transplantation. Optimizing the urinary tract reconstruction using ultrasonography allowed for interventions to reduce long-term tubular dilation of the metanephros due to inhibited overdilation of the fetal bladder, thereby decreasing the fibrosis caused possibly by transforming growth factor-β1. These results may be significantly related to the long-term maturation of the fetal metanephros and can provide new insights into the physiology of transplant regeneration of the metanephros in higher animals. Thus, this study contributes to the evidence base for the possibility of kidney regeneration in human clinical trials.
Feeding habits and habitat use of barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) in Himalayan foothills, Pakistan
Authors: Habiba Ume , Anwar Maqsood , Khatoon Rukhsana , Hussain Majid , Khan Kamal Ahmed , Khalil Sangam , Bano Syeda Asma , Hussain Ahmed
Published: January 2021

Northern red muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis; “barking deer”) is a shy and small-sized cervid mammal, limited to the outer Himalayan foothill forests in Pakistan. Habitat characteristics were measured by locating direct and indirect signs. To quantify habitat utilization of barking deer, 80 field surveys were conducted in the study area along transects. 1200 Quadrats at 50 m intervals were deployed along these transect lines to determine microhabitat factors associated with seasonal distribution. The food composition of the barking deer was determined through fecal droppings analysis by micro-histological technique. Forty-five fecal samples of barking deer were collected from the study area (Murree-Kotli Sattian-Kahuta National Pak); summer (28) and winter (17). The micro-histological analysis revealed that more plant species are available in its habitat during the summer season (27) as compared to winter (19). Due to browsing nature barking deer mostly feed on trees in both seasons. While shrubs are slightly higher in winters. In summer barking deer consumed 10 Trees, 6 Shrubs, 5 Herbs, and 6 kinds of grass species. Dominant tree species werePhyllanthus emblicaandAcacia modesta. Dominant shrub species wereZiziphus nummulariaandJusticia adhatoda. In winter barking deer consumed 8 Trees, 7 Shrubs, 3 Herbs, and 1 Grass. Dominant tree species wereBauhinia variegataandAcacia modestawhile shrubs includedZiziphus nummulariaandCarissa opaca.
rfaRm: An R client-side interface to facilitate the analysis of the Rfam database of RNA families
Authors: Sellés Vidal Lara , Ayala Rafael , Stan Guy-Bart , Ledesma-Amaro Rodrigo
Published: January 2021

rfaRm is an R package providing a client-side interface for the Rfam database of non-coding RNA and other structured RNA elements. The package facilitates the search of the Rfam database by keywords or sequences, as well as the retrieval of all available information about specific Rfam families, such as member sequences, multiple sequence alignments, secondary structures and covariance models. By providing such programmatic access to the Rfam database, rfaRm enables genomic workflows to incorporate information about non-coding RNA, whose potential cannot be fully exploited just through interactive access to the database. The features of rfaRm are demonstrated by using it to analyze the SARS-CoV-2 genome as an example case.
Excessive sleepiness in patients with psychosis: An initial investigation
Authors: Reeve Sarah , Sheaves Bryony , Freeman Daniel
Published: January 2021

Clinical experience indicates that excessive sleepiness and hypersomnia may be a common issue for patients with psychosis. Excessive sleepiness is typically ascribed to the sedating effects of antipsychotic medications but there may be other potential contributors such as sleep disorders and depression. Furthermore, the impact of excessive sleepiness itself on patients’ symptoms and general wellbeing is yet to be examined. The current study reports an exploratory cross-sectional between-groups comparison of patients with early psychosis fulfilling criteria assessed in a diagnostic interview for problematic excessive sleepiness (n = 14), compared with those not reporting excessive sleepiness (n = 46). There were no differences between the groups in diagnosis, medication type, or antipsychotic medication dosage. There were no significant group differences in sleep duration. Significantly lower activity levels were found in the excessive sleepiness group. Insomnia and nightmares were common in those reporting excessive sleepiness. No significant differences were found in psychiatric symptoms, although data did indicate more severe cognitive disorganisation and grandiosity, but less severe paranoia and hallucinations, in the excessive sleepiness group. Wide confidence intervals and small sample size mean that care should be taken interpreting these results. Overall, this study indicates that excessive sleepiness may not be solely related to medication but also to low levels of activity and other sleep disorders. This is a novel finding that, if replicated, could indicate routes of intervention for this clinical issue. Future research should aim to disentangle directions of effect amongst sleepiness, mood, activity, and psychotic symptoms and investigate possible interventions for excessive sleepiness in psychosis.
Bronchial tree of the human embryo: Categorization of the branching mode as monopodial and dipodial
Authors: Fujii Sena , Muranaka Taiga , Matsubayashi Jun , Yamada Shigehito , Yoneyama Akio , Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: January 2021

Some human organs are composed of bifurcated structures. Two simple branching modes—monopodial and dipodial—have been proposed. With monopodial branching, child branches extend from the sidewall of the parent branch. With dipodial branching, the tip of the bronchus bifurcates. However, the branching modes of the human bronchial tree have not been elucidated precisely. A total of 48 samples between Carnegie stage (CS) 15 and CS23 belonging to the Kyoto Collection were used to acquire imaging data with phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography. Bronchial trees of all samples were three-dimensionally reconstructed from the image data. We analyzed the lobar bronchus, segmental bronchus, and subsegmental bronchus. After calculating each bronchus length, we categorized the branching mode of the analyzed bronchi based on whether the parent bronchus was divided after generation of the analyzed bronchi. All lobar bronchi were formed with monopodial branching. Twenty-five bifurcations were analyzed to categorize the branching mode of the segmental and subsegmental bronchi; 22 bifurcations were categorized as monopodial branching, two bifurcations were not categorized as any branching pattern, and the only lingular bronchus that bifurcated from the left superior lobar bronchus was categorized as dipodial branching. The left superior lobar bronchus did not shorten during the period from CS17 or CS18, when the child branch was generated, to CS23. All analyzed bronchi that could be categorized, except for one, were categorized as monopodial branching. The branching modes of the lobar bronchus and segmental bronchus were similar in the mouse lung and human lung; however, the modes of the subsegmental bronchi were different. Furthermore, remodeling, such as shrinkage of the bronchus, was not observed during the analysis period. Our three-dimensional reconstructions allowed precise calculation of the bronchus length, thereby improving the knowledge of branching morphogenesis in the human embryonic lung.
Association of digoxin with mortality in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Yang Lii-Jia , Hsu Shan-Min , Wu Ping-Hsun , Lin Ming-Yen , Huang Teng-Hui , Lin Yi-Ting , Kuo Hung-Tien , Chiu Yi-Wen , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Tsai Jer-Chia , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: January 2021

Digoxin is commonly prescribed for heart failure and atrial fibrillation, but there is limited data on its safety in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a population-based cohort study using the pre-end stage renal disease (ESRD) care program registry and the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Of advanced CKD patient cohort (N = 31,933), we identified the digoxin user group (N = 400) matched with age and sex non-user group (N = 2,220). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards and sub-distribution hazards models were used to evaluate the association between digoxin use and the risk of death, cardiovascular events (acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, or hemorrhagic stroke) and renal outcomes (ESRD, rapid decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate—eGFR, or acute kidney injury). Results showed that all-cause mortality was higher in the digoxin user group than in the non-user group, after adjusting for covariates (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR 1.63; 95% CI 1.23–2.17). The risk for acute coronary syndrome (sub-distribution hazard ratio, sHR 1.18; 95% CI 0.75–1.86), ischemic stroke (sHR 1.42; 95% CI 0.85–2.37), and rapid eGFR decline (sHR 1.00 95% CI 0.78–1.27) was not significantly different between two groups. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that digoxin use was associated with increased mortality, but not cardiovascular events or renal function decline in advanced CKD patients. This finding warns the safety of prescribing digoxin in this population. Future prospective studies are needed to overcome the limitations of cohort study design.
Hacia una nueva institucionalidad democrática en México
Authors: Valdés Zurita Leonardo
Published: January 2021

El artículo realiza un breve análisis sobre la dinámica de la reforma constitucional en México, sus implicaciones sobre el andamiaje normativo e institucional del país y aquellas que transformaron la organización de las elecciones federales, así como las condiciones de competencia política durante los últimos treinta y cinco años. Después de este recorrido histórico, el artículo aborda las preguntas que podrían ser consideradas dentro de una eventual reforma electoral previa al inicio del proceso electoral federal 2014-2015.
Las reglas del juego político en Chile: incentivos y restricciones para la gobernabilidad
Authors: Moreno Marco
Published: January 2021

RESUMEN: El propósito del artículo es explorar las instituciones y reglas del juego que rigen el comportamiento y las relaciones entre los actores políticos chilenos desde una perspectiva de gobernabilidad democrática. Se examina en qué forma las instituciones y reglas del juego –formales e informales– contribuyen positiva o negativamente a la gobernabilidad democrática en Chile. Se centrará la atención primero en las instituciones políticas de carácter formal y después, en las de carácter informal. Al examinar las instituciones de carácter formal se distinguirá a aquellas que se vinculan más estrechamente con la forma de gobierno, los mecanismos de pesos y contrapesos, el sistema electoral y el sistema de partidos. En las informales se repasarán brevemente aquellas más visibles: clientelismo, circuitos extrainstitucionales del poder y captura del Estado. El punto de partida para este análisis recoge la idea de que un criterio clave para determinar el nivel de la consolidación democrática en un país es el que resulta de una adecuación razonablemente cercana entre reglas formales y comportamientos y prácticas de los actores.ABSTRACT: The intention of this article is to explore the institutions and rules of the game that govern the behavior of and relations between Chilean political actors from a perspective of democratic governability. It examines the ways in which the institutions and rules of the game –both formal and informal– contribute positively or negatively to democratic governability in Chile. It first focuses its attention on formal political institutions and later examines those that are informal in nature. When examining formal institutions, a special emphasis is put on those most closely linked to the form of government, the mechanisms of weights and counterweights, the electoral system and the party system. The examination of informal institutions concentrates on the most visible such institutions: clientelism, extrainstitutional circuits of power and the capture of the State. The point of departure for this analysis is the idea that a key criterion for determining the level of democratic consolidation in a country is the relative fit between formal rules and the behavior and practices of political actors.
Participación ciudadana en el gobierno de Bachelet: consejos asesores presidenciales
Authors: Aguilera Carolina
Published: January 2021

RESUMEN: En el artículo se exponen los resultados preliminares de un estudio que analiza tres consejos asesores del gobierno de Michelle Bachelet (2006-2010) en Chile. Estos consejos tenían el mandato de formular políticas públicas en temas centrales del programa de gobierno: previsión, políticas de infancia y educación. Además, tenían el mandato de ser consejos que contaran con una amplia participación ciudadana. Desde el discurso político del gobierno estos consejos se presentaron como parte de una nueva práctica del ejercicio del poder político estatal para abrir espacios de participación ciudadana directa en el proceso de políticas públicas. El artículo argumenta (a) que en la práctica dichos mecanismos no operaron como foros participativos, sino como consejos de expertos con acotada amplitud ideológica (2 casos); y (b) que estas instancias presentan una relación Estado-sociedad vertical en el proceso de políticas públicas.ABSTRACT: This article presents the preliminary results of a study about three advisory boards appointed by Michelle Bachelet’s government (2006-2010) in Chile. Those boards were commanded to elaborate public policy proposals in key areas of her government plan: pension system, infant policies and education. The commissions were intended to include a broad participation of citizens. The political discourse of the government presented them as part of a new form to exercise political power by the State by opening spaces for direct citizen participation in policy making processes. The article argues that (a) those mechanisms did not function as participatory forums but as expert advisory boards with a narrow ideological scope (2 cases); and (b)that in terms of the relationship between State and society, these mechanisms produce a vertical relationship in the political process.
Democracia y autoritarismo en América Latina: en busca de la década pérdida (1995-2005)
Authors: Chinchón Álvarez Javier
Published: January 2021

RESUMEN: Los últimos datos ofrecidos por el «Latinobarómetro» permiten volver a reflexionar sobre un tema clave como es la compleja relación entre democracia y autoritarismo en América Latina. Con este trabajo se pretende realizar una lectura crítica de estos datos, presentando una línea de análisis que permita evaluar el desarrollo de la democracia en la región durante el último decenio (1995-2005), sin renunciar a aventurar algunas hipótesis sobre el devenir futuro de la democracia en el subcontinente americano.ABSTRACT: The last results gotten from «Latinobarómetro» allow as thinking again about a key issue like the complex link between democracy and authoritarism in Latin America. This paper will try to make a critical review about this data, presenting an analysis to evaluate the development of democracy in this region during the last ten years (1995-2005). Some hypothesis about the future in the Latin American democracy will be offered also.
Cuba: transición, sucesión, estabilidad, seguridad
Authors: Roy Joaquín
Published: January 2021

Este análisis trata de la relación entre la estabilidad del presente gobierno cubano y la necesidad de seguridad en su territorio y en la zona circundante. Este vínculo se produce en un momento político de Cuba, entre un primer paso de la sucesión de Fidel Castro a Raúl, sin que se den señales claras de una transición hacia otro tipo de sistema político. Mientras tanto, el gobierno de Estados Unidos ha declarado que su prioridad estriba en el reestablecimiento de la democracia en Cuba, tanto durante el último periodo de la administración de George W. Bush como con Barack Obama ya asentado en la Casa Blanca. Sin embargo, las delicadas circunstancias de Cuba (precariedad económica, desastres naturales, dependencia alimentaria y energética, etc.) señalan que la prioridad de los intereses nacionales de Estados Unidos se centran primero en la estabilidad del escenario. Incluso al precio del retraso de la evolución del régimen, un cierto grado de seguridad es necesario para enfrentarse a los riesgos de una emigración incontrolada y las hipotéticas tensiones internas que provoquen confrontaciones
La economía brasileña: su nuevo papel en el sistema financiero internacional
Authors: Moreira Cunha André , MagalhÃes Prates Daniela , Da Silva Bichara Julimar
Published: January 2021

RESUMEN: En abril de 2008, en medio de las perturbaciones internacionales de la crisis inmobiliaria de los EE.UU., la agencia de evaluación de riesgo Standard & Poors elevó la nota de la deuda externa brasileña para el grado de inversión. Esa nueva situación aproximó a Brasil a otras economías emergentes que ya disponían de este estatus de grado de inversión. Además, ha repercutido en los medios académicos, políticos y mediáticos como la confirmación de que, finalmente, el «gigante durmiente» de América del Sur habría despertado de un largo periodo de semiestancamiento, de problemas de solvencia externa y fiscal y, finalmente, de una debilidad institucional en el cumplimiento de compromisos financieros externos. Este artículo tiene por objetivo analizar las perspectivas de la economía brasileña, considerando este cambio de percepción de la comunidad financiera internacional. El punto de partida es la reciente economía política del desarrollo brasileño, buscando evaluar en qué medida el buen desempeño actual refleja cambios internos o transformaciones más estructurales de orden político y económico internacional. ABSTRACT: In April 2008, the agency of rating Standard & Poors raised the Brazilian debt to «investment grade». This new situation approached Brazil to other emerging economies that already had this status. In addition, it has had an impact on the academic, politics and media as a confirmation that, finally, the «sleeping giant» of South America would have awakened from a long time of semi-stagnation, problems of external and fiscal solvency and, an institutional weakness in the performance of external financial commitments. This article aims to analyze the prospects for the Brazilian economy, considering this change in perception of the international financial community. The starting point is the recent political economy of Brazilian development; seeking to assess to what extent the current good economic performance reflects internal changes or more structural transformation of international political and economic order.
Exilio político y democracia
Authors: Roniger Luis
Published: January 2021

El exilio es un mecanismo de exclusión institucional destinado a revocar el pleno uso de los derechos de ciudadanía y, más aún, prevenir la participación del exiliado/a en la arena política nacional. Por su carácter excluyente, la literatura tiende a atribuirlo a gobiernos autoritarios, así como se asume que los Estados receptores son países bajo gobiernos democráticos. Este trabajo destaca la existencia de una relación más compleja entre exilio y democracia. Con base en un análisis cualitativo de casos notorios de exilio masivo e individual y un análisis cuantitativo de exilio presidencial a lo largo de dos siglos, el artículo destaca que las democracias también generan exilio y que también los países autoritarios han constituido lugares de residencia y asilo para las personas que han tomado la ruta del exilio de sus países de origen.