bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspergillus Flavus as a Surprise CNS Space Occupying Lesion in an Immunocompetent Pediatric Patient
Authors: Sajid Mir Ibrahim , Malik Noor , Balouch Samira Shabbir , Bari Ehsan
Published: July 2020

Background: Fungal infections of the CNS are almost always a clinical surprise. Aspergillus species although ubiquitous are more frequently observed in immuno-compromised individuals, upon inhalation of conidia. Most of the fungal infections which happen in humans are opportunistic- in an immunocompromised host. However, we report the case of CNS fungal infection in a healthy child, without any co-morbidities, trauma, or medico-surgical intervention- which could have been the nidus of infection. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 14 year old boy who presented to our institute’s emergency department with primary concern of right sided body hemiparesis since twenty-four hours. This was a rapid-onset condition which was associated with gait disturbances and multiple episodes of vomiting. An MRI of the head showed encapsulated Space Occupying Lesion in the left frontal lobe with surrounding edema. The patient was planned for craniotomy to remove the intracerebral abscess. Histopathology report revealed presence of chronic granulomatous inflammation with necrosis and numerous septate hyphae. A fungus culture was run which confirmed presence of heavy colonies of Aspergillus Flavus. Post-operatively the patient was kept on Voricoazole and anti-inflammatory medications. Conclusion: Fungal infections of the central nervous system are almost always a clinical surprise, and have subtle presentation. Any suspected lesion once removed should be sent for biopsy to rule out the presence of any fungal infection.
Health Impacts and Characteristics of Deprescribing Interventions in Older Adults – a Protocol of a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tremblay Zoé , Marcotte Martine , Mumbere-Bamusemba David , Laurin Danielle , Soliz-Urrutia Daniela Furrer , Poisblaud Lise , Farrell Barbara , Sirois Caroline , Giguère Anik MC , Tourigny André , Vedel Isabelle , Carmichael Pierre-Hugues , Morais José , Kröger Edeltraut
Published: July 2020

BackgroundDeprescribing, a relatively recent concept, has been proposed as a promising solution to the growing issues of polypharmacy and use of medications of questionable benefit among older adults. However, little is known about the health outcomes of deprescribing interventions. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge on deprescribing by adressing two specific objectives: 1) describe the impact of deprescribing in adults’ ≥60 years on health outcomes or quality of life; and 2) determine the characteristics of effective interventions in deprescribing.MethodsPrimary studies targeting three concepts (older adults, deprescribing, and health/quality of life outcomes) will be included in the review. The search will be performed using key international databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Ageline, PsycInfo) and a special effort will be made to identify grey literature. Two reviewers will independently screen the articles, extract the information and evaluate the quality of the selected studies. If methodologically feasible, meta-analyses will be performed for groups of intervention studies reporting on deprescribing interventions for similar medications, used for similar or identical indications and reporting on similar outcomes (for example benzodiazepines used against insomnia and reporting on quality of sleep or quality of life). Alternatively, results will be presented in bottom-line statements (Objectives 1) and a matrix outlining effective interventions (Objective 2).DiscussionThe knowledge synthesis may be limited by the availability of high-quality, clinical trials on deprescribing and its outcomes in older adults. Additionally, analyses will likely be affected by studies on the deprescribing of different types of molecules within the same indication, e.g. different pharmacological classes and medications to treat hypertension, and different measures of health and quality of life outcomes for the same indication.Systematic Review Registration Number: CRD42015020866
Analyzing the communication in social media of the main sustainable brands during COVID-19 crisis: the Spanish vs. Italian cases
Authors: Zarco Carmen , Cordón Oscar
Published: July 2020

Communication is now a valuable element to demonstrate the degree of commitment and transparency that organizations have towards Sustainability. In a critical moment such that experienced with the COVID-19 crisis, companies recognized facing the challenge of continuous and committed communication on social networks as a sustainable activity. All the latter raises the question whether the brands recognized as the most sustainable have actually succeed on being aware of communicating at the most critical moments of the COVID-19 crisis. In this context, an analysis is made of the activity maintained by the main sustainable companies, both Spanish and Italian, within two of the most popular social networks, Twitter and Instagram, at the very early stages of the crisis in both countries. Our results show that most companies have managed to rise to the occasion and show their commitment to the population through social networks.
‘Ray Ruby’ Grapefruit Affected by Huanglongbing I. Planting Density and Soil Nutrient Management
Authors: Phuyal Dinesh , Nogueira Thiago Assis Rodrigues , Jani Arun D. , Kadyampakeni Davie M. , Morgan Kelly T. , Ferrarezi Rhuanito Soranz
Published: July 2020

Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, affects practically all fruit-bearing trees in commercial citrus orchards in Florida with no cure identified yet. High-density plantings and enhanced nutritional programs such as application of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) with higher micronutrient levels can mitigate disease symptoms and extend the tree life span of sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tree planting density and application of CRF blends differing in N to K ratio and micronutrient content on grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) plant health, canopy volume, fruit yield, and fruit quality in an HLB-affected orchard. A study was conducted in Florida for two growing seasons (2017–18 and 2018–19) to evaluate the response of ‘Ray Ruby’ grapefruit on Kuharske citrange (Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata) to three planting densities (300, 440, and 975 trees per ha) and two CRF blends [12 nitrogen (N)–1.31 phosphorus (P)–7.47 potassium (K) and 16N–1.31P–16.6K] with different nutrient sources and composition. According to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction testing, all sampled trees tested positive for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the pathogen associated with HLB. Trees planted at 975 trees per ha had 33% lower canopy volume per tree but 160% greater fruit yield per hectare and 190% higher yield of solids compared with 300 trees per ha. Fruit produced in high-density planting (975 trees per ha) was 18% more acidic with higher soluble solid compared with low-density planting (300 trees per ha). The use of a CRF blend with higher amounts of micronutrients along with lower K increased canopy volume in both seasons and resulted in 24% and 29% reduction in fruit yield per hectare and yield of solids, respectively, in 2017–18. Our results indicate that high-density plantings increase fruit yield per area, and regardless of the N to K ratio, the use of CRF blends supplemented with micronutrients may not increase fruit yield in HLB-affected grapefruit.
‘Ray Ruby’ Grapefruit Affected by Huanglongbing II. Planting Density, Soil, and Foliar Nutrient Management
Authors: Phuyal Dinesh , Nogueira Thiago Assis Rodrigues , Jani Arun D. , Kadyampakeni Davie M. , Morgan Kelly T. , Ferrarezi Rhuanito Soranz
Published: July 2020

Since the arrival of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease in Florida, several management approaches, including modification of orchard architecture design and nutritional therapy, have been explored. High-density plantings anticipate early economic returns from HLB-affected orchards. With no cure available for HLB, balanced nutrient application through soil and foliar spraying can mitigate the disease. A 2-year study was conducted to investigate the effects of three grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) planting densities [single-row (300 and 440 trees per ha), and double-row high-density (975 trees per ha)], two controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) blends, and foliar-applied micronutrients (FAM) (a blend of B, Mn, and Zn at 0, 1.5, 3, and 6 times the recommended rates) on grapefruit growth and fruit yield, physiological parameters, and foliar nutrient concentrations in an HLB-affected orchard. All the trees tested positive for HLB based on real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test. The highest planting density resulted in the lowest trunk diameter and canopy volume. Despite lower yield per tree in 2019–20, 975 trees per ha planting induced the greatest fruit and solid yields per ha. Also, the fruit produced from 975 trees per ha planting tended to be acidic with the deposition of more soluble solids. Use of CRF with higher micronutrients increased canopy volume with the expense of reduced fruit number in 2019–20. FAM did not affect cycle threshold (Ct) value and tree growth parameters. Fruit yield, photosynthesis rate, and stomatal conductance (gS) decreased, and all leaf nutrient concentrations except B increased in 2019–20 with all FAM rates tested. In conclusion, our study showed that high-density planting optimizes yield under HLB-endemic conditions. In addition, supplemental soil and foliar micronutrient application do not enhance yield of HLB-affected trees over a 2-year timeframe, warranting further research for confirmation of results.
Atributos químicos e atividade microbiológica em Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo sob diferentes sistemas de manejo com e sem queima em condições de semiárido
Authors: Silva Tiago Cavalcante da , Viana Thales Vinícius de Araújo , Sousa Geocleber Gomes de , Blum Susana Churka , Sousa Alfredo Mendonça de , Azevedo Benito Moreira de
Published: July 2020

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de diferentes sistemas de manejo do solo sobre os atributos químicos e a atividade microbiológica do solo, no Maciço de Baturité, Estado do Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado (DIC) em arranjo fatorial do tipo 4 x 3, constituído de quatro sistemas de manejo, três profundidades e cinco repetições. Os sistemas avaliados foram mata nativa (MN), sistema agroflorestal (SAF), cultivo orgânico (CO) e área queimada (AQ). Amostras de solo foram coletadas nas profundidades de 0-10, 10-20 e 20-30 cm. Os atributos avaliados no solo foram N, P, K, Ca, Mg, carbono orgânico total (COT), carbono da biomassa microbiana (C-BMS), respiração basal do solo (RBS), quociente metabólico (qCO2) e o quociente microbiano (qMic). O sistema AQ proporcionou elevação dos macronutrientes P, K, Ca e Mg, além de elevar o pH do solo favorecendo a neutralização do Al. O solo sob MN apresentou menor qCO2 em comparação aos demais aos demais sistemas, demonstrando o poder de equilíbrio desse ambiente. A atividade microbiológica não apresentou alterações estatisticamente significativas para RBS, C-BMS e qMic. O manejo mais intensivo e exploratório do solo proporcionou elevação dos valores de qCO2.
Design of the competitiveness model in leather tanning industry
Authors: Dzikron Muhamad , Primiana Ina , Kaltum Umi , Wibisono Dermawan
Published: July 2020

The Indonesian leather industry has low competitiveness among ASEAN Countries. The government, entrepreneurs, and researchers are trying to find solutions to improve competitiveness. However, there are differences in understanding the dimensions of competitiveness. This research aims to con¬struct and validate the competitiveness model in the manufacturing industry. In general, the concept of competitiveness is more oriented to the final result than to the process dimension. To improve competitiveness, this study using a manufacturing strategy approach based on process capability. The design of the competitiveness model contains the relationship between exogenous and endogenous variables with formative patterns. Exogenous variables are dimensions that makeup competitiveness, consisting of resources, operational processes, and performance. The data were obtained from 42 leather tanning factories in Indonesia, which was analyzed using Partial Least Square. This study reveals that industrial competitiveness is influenced by the dimensions of resources, operational pro¬cesses, and performance, where the dimensions of operational processes have a greater influence. This research confirms that the government and entrepreneurs must prioritize process capabilities to improve their competitiveness.
ÍNDICE DE SALUBRIDADE AMBIENTAL DO DISTRITO DE RIO BONITO, MUNICÍPIO DE FRANCISCO ALVES/PR
Authors: Mora Edinei Aparecido , Soares Solano Ribeiro , Moriya Alex Issamu , Vicente Osmar Dias , Pereira Máriam Trierveiler , Barbado Norma
Published: July 2020

A busca por melhor qualidade de vida está promovendo movimentos migratórios para localidades mais salutares. A identificação desses locais é possível pelo uso de ferramentas analíticas, como o Índice de Salubridade Ambiental, capaz de quantificar indicadores que levam em consideração fatores intrinsecamente ligados ao tripé da sustentabilidade. Para contribuir com a gestão pública e com a população, este trabalho teve como objetivo calcular o Índice de Salubridade Ambiental do Distrito de Rio Bonito, município de Francisco Alves – PR, a partir de parâmetros socioambientais urbanos. Como resultado, obteve-se 65,5 pontos, que na metodologia proposta, classifica o local como de média salubridade. No estudo foram considerados dados secundários (informações institucionais) com posterior elaboração do Diagrama de Pareto, que aponta as principais necessidades para melhorar as condições locais e consequentemente, seu índice de salubridade.
Spatiotemporal variation and tendency analysis on rainfall erosivity in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Cui Yongsheng , Pan Chengzhong , Liu Chunlei , Luo Mingjie , Guo Yahui
Published: July 2020

Rainfall erosivity is an important factor to be considered when predicting soil erosion. Precipitation data for 1971–2010 from 39 stations located in the Loess Plateau of China were collected to calculate the spatiotemporal variability of rainfall erosivity, and the long-term tendency of the erosivity was predicted using data from the HadGEM2-ES model. Statistical analyses were done using Mann–Kendall statistic tests and ordinary Kriging interpolation. The results showed that the annual mean rainfall erosivity in the Loess Plateau decreased from 1,286.02 MJ mm hm−2 h−1 a−1 in 1971–1990 to 1,201.46 MJ mm hm−2 h−1 a−1 in 1991–2010 and mainly occurred in July to August. The rainfall erosivity decreased from the southeast to the northwest of the Loess Plateau and was closely related to the annual precipitation amount. However, the effect of annual precipitation on rainfall erosivity weakened under climate change: the annual precipitation increased and the rainfall erosivity decreased. Climate change, however, had little influence on the spatial variation in rainfall erosivity in the Loess Plateau. The results obtained can facilitate the prediction of spatial and temporal variations in soil erosion in the Loess Plateau.
Different runoff patterns determined by stable isotopes and multi-time runoff responses to precipitation in a seasonal frost area: a case study in the Songhua River basin, northeast China
Authors: Li Jie , Dai Wei , Sun Yang , Li Yihui , Wang Guoqiang , Zhai Yuanzheng
Published: July 2020

Runoff patterns are crucial to determine the hydrological response to climate change, especially in a seasonal frost area. In this study, multi-time runoff responses to meteoric precipitation for the period from July 2014 to June 2016 and the period from 1955 to 2010 were obtained to identify different runoff patterns in the Songhua River basin, northeast China, based on six stations. Two distinctly different runoff responses are exhibited: a periodic one in response to precipitation in the Nen River and a constant one in the Second Songhua River under different scales. Stable isotopes in the plain with diverse characteristics also supported these runoff patterns. What is more, gradual runoff relatively less sensitive to precipitation in the Second Songhua Rive was attributed to upstream dam constructions. Furthermore, the Second Songhua River contributes more water to the main stream during January to March at the seasonal scale and in the 2000s at the annual scale, with low precipitation during those periods. This study could have implications for water management in the Songhua River basin.
Age-dependent dose assessment of uranium intake from bottled water in Punjab state, India
Authors: Duggal Vikas
Published: July 2020

Uranium, both a radioactive material and a heavy metal, poses a health risk due to its radiological properties and chemical toxicity. In the present study, uranium concentration and relative age-dependent effective dose have been measured in 27 commercial brands of bottled waters collected randomly from different districts of Punjab, India. Uranium concentration varied from 0.19 to 9.29 μg l−1 with a mean value of 1.58 μg l−1, a standard deviation of 1.95 μg l−1 and a median of 0.82 μg l−1. Uranium concentrations in all the samples were found to be lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) prescribed limit of 30 μg l−1 and AERB India proposed a radiological based limit of 60 μg l−1. Based on permissible limits, all the samples were suitable for human consumption. The annual effective dose was determined by taking the recommended water intake values of different age groups. The mean annual effective dose for all age groups was well within the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommended reference dose level of 1 mSv y−1. The highest dose was calculated for infants, which makes them the most crucial group of the population.
In-situ synthesis of poly(m-phenylenediamine) on chitin bead for Cr(VI) removal
Authors: Wei Jinyu , Hu Huayu , Zhang Yanjuan , Huang Zuqiang , Liang Xingtang , Yin Yanzhen
Published: July 2020

In this work, a user-friendly chitin-based adsorbent (CT-PmPD) was synthesized by in-situ polymerization of m-phenylenediamine on chitin bead, which could effectively remove Cr(VI) from water. The structure and morphology of the CT-PmPD were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, zeta potential and XPS. Specifically, the effect of adsorbed dosage, pH, contact time, adsorption temperature and coexisting salt on the adsorption of Cr(VI) were studied. Besides, the adsorption mechanism of CT-PmPD toward Cr(VI) were also analyzed. Consequenlty, CT-PmPD exhibited a monolayer adsorption and the Langmuir model fitted a Cr(VI) adsorption capacity reaching 185.4 mg/g at 298 K. The high adsorption capacity was attributed to the abundant amino groups of CT-PmPD, which could be protonated to boost the electrostatic attraction of Cr(VI) oxyanions, thus providing electron to reduce Cr(VI). Additionally, the CT-PmPD revealed a good regeneration and reusability capacity, maintaining most of its adsorption capacity even after five cycles of adsorption-desorption. This high adsorption capacity and excellent regeneration performance highlighted the great potential of CT-PmPD for the removal of Cr(VI).
Removal of Ca2+, Mg2+, Ba2+ and Sr2+ from shale gas flowback water from the Sichuan Basin in China by chemical softening under the guidance of OLI Stream Analyzer: precipitation behaviors and optimization study
Authors: Liu Wenshi , Sun Lingru , Tao Sha
Published: July 2020

The disposal of flowback water is recognized as a key issue for the sustainable shale gas development and discharge after reasonable treatment is considered as a feasible pathway. One of the challenges during treatment is the severe mineral scaling potential in reverse osmosis desalination, especially with high amounts of Ca2+, Mg2+, Ba2+ and Sr2+ in flowback water. In this study, precipitation behaviors of Ca2+, Mg2+, Ba2+ and Sr2+ during traditional chemical softening was evaluated so as to achieve optimal chemical dosage. Both jar tests and OLI Stream Analyzer simulation revealed that the main precipitates were CaCO3, SrCO3 and BaSO4 during Na2CO3 addition, and Ba2+ could not be removed efficiently by Na2CO3 unless a high dosage was applied since Ba2+ would react after the precipitation of Ca2+ and Sr2+. Reverse Osmosis System Analysis simulation indicated that Ba2+ was a concern because Ba2+ would form tenacious BaSO4 scale on the reverse osmosis membranes. Finally, the Na2SO4-NaOH-Na2CO3 process was proposed for chemical softening as it has a high removal efficiency and low chemical cost. Overall, this study presents an effective chemical softening method and OLI Stream Analyzer could serve as a reliable tool for the calculation, which would finally improve the design and operation of shale gas flowback water treatment.
Osteoblast-n-Osteoclast: Making Headway to Osteoporosis Treatment
Authors: Kaur Malkiet , Nagpal Manju , Singh Manjinder
Published: July 2020

Background:

Bone is a dynamic tissue that continuously undergoes the modeling and remodeling
process to maintain its strength and firmness. Bone remodeling is determined by the functioning
of osteoblast and osteoclast cells. The imbalance between the functioning of osteoclast and osteoblast
cells leads to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is divided into primary and secondary osteoporosis.
Generally, osteoporosis is diagnosed by measuring bone mineral density (BMD) and various osteoblast
and osteoclast cell markers.

Methods:

Relevant literature reports have been studied and data has been collected using various
search engines like google scholar, scihub, sciencedirect, pubmed, etc. A thorough understanding of
the mechanism of bone targeting strategies has been discussed and related literature has been studied
and compiled.

Results:

Bone remodeling process has been described in detail including various approaches for targeting
bone. Several bone targeting moieties have been stated in detail along with their mechanisms.
Targeting of osteoclasts and osteoblasts using various nanocarriers has been discussed in separate sections.
The toxicity issues or Biosafety related to the use of nanomaterials have been covered.

Conclusion:

The treatment of osteoporosis targets the inhibition of bone resorption and the use of
agents that promote bone mineralization to slow disease progression. Current osteoporosis therapy involves
the use of targeting moieties such as bisphosphonates and tetracyclines for targeting various
drugs. Nanotechnology has been used for targeting various drug molecules such as RANKLinhibitors,
parathyroid hormone analogues, estrogen agonists and antagonists, Wnt signaling enhancer
and calcitonin specifically to bone tissue (osteoclast and osteoblasts). So, a multicomponent treatment
strategy targeting both the bone cells will be more effective rather than targeting only osteoclasts and
it will be a potential area of research in bone targeting used to treat osteoporosis.
The first section of the review article covers various aspects of bone targeting. Another section comprises
details of various targeting moieties such as bisphosphonates, tetracyclines; and various
nanocarriers developed to target osteoclast and osteoblast cells and summarized data on in vivo models
has been used for assessment of bone targeting, drawbacks of current strategies and future perspectives.
Study on the Plasma Protein Binding Rate and Compatibility Regularity of the Constituents Migrating to Blood of Simiao Yong’an Decoction
Authors: Yu Xiao , Jiao Qishu , Jiang Yanyan , Guo Shuzhen , Zhang Wei , Liu Bin
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To study the compatibility regularity of Simiao Yong’an decoction by determining the plasma
protein binding rate with the constituents in Simiao Yong’an decoction and to preliminarily clarify the effects of the
compatibility on the plasma protein binding rate of different components.

Methods:

Based on the equilibrium dialysis method, high-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine
the contents of six constituents, which were divided into a single group and combination groups, in Simiao Yong’an
decoction in the internal and external dialysis solutions. The obtained plasma protein binding rate through calculations
was an index to evaluate the binding of the above components to plasma protein in different conditions.

Results:

Harpagide, harpagoside, sweroside and loganin showed low plasma protein binding rates, ferulic acid exhibited
a moderate plasma protein binding rate, and glycyrrhizic acid showed a high plasma protein binding rate. The
compatibility study showed that glycyrrhizic acid promoted the binding of ferulic acid to plasma protein. Glycyrrhizic
acid and ferulic acid were the key compounds to promote the binding of harpagide to plasma protein. Glycyrrhizic
acid, harpagide, harpagoside and loganin had a significant inhibitory effects on the binding of sweroside to
plasma protein. The plasma protein binding capacities of harpagoside and loganin were reduced by the other five
constituents. Glycyrrhizic acid had the strongest plasma protein binding effect, and the binding effect was not affected
by other components.

Conclusions:

This study explores the effects of compound compatibility on effective components from the perspective
of plasma protein binding by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with the equilibrium dialysis
method, and lays a foundation for clarifying the compatibility rule of Simiao Yong’an decoction and also provides a
new idea for the study of the compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine formulas.
A Simple BF3•Et2O-mediated Cycloaddition Reaction to the Formation of Cyclic Monoterpenoid Pyrano[3,2-a]carbazole Alkaloids
Authors: Tan Siow-Ping , Nafiah Mohd Azlan
Published: July 2020

A Lewis acid BF3•Et2O-mediated intramolecular cycloaddition reaction of mahanimbine (1)
is described. Three cycloadducts, bicyclomahanimbine (2), cyclomahanimbine (3) and murrayazolinine
(4) were obtained. The structural characterization of these compounds was determined by 1D and 2D
NMR experiments. These compounds showed no cytotoxic activity against human MRC-5 cells (IC50 >
60 μg/mL). Compound 3 showed the highest inhibition cytotoxic effects against HeLa and HL-60
cancer cells with IC50 values of 10.0 and 28.7 μg/mL, respectively. This strategy opens a new approach
for the synthesis of biologically significant cyclic monoterpenoid pyrano[3,2-a]carbazole alkaloids.
Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Five Years Literature Review
Authors: Gkantaifi Areti , Vardas Emmanouil , Alongi Filippo , Tsoukalas Nikolaos , Saraireh Haytham Hamed , Charalampakis Nikolaos , Lövey Jozsef , Hajiioannou Jiannis , Kyrodimos Efthymios , Tsanadis Konstantinos , Mauri Davide , Christopoulos Christos , Iliadis George , Tolia Maria
Published: July 2020

Backround:

Radiation-induced oral mucositis consists of a series of relatively frequent
side effects after head and neck cancer radiotherapy and has an adverse impact on both regular
treatment process and the quality of life of patients.

Objective:

The purpose of the present review is to optimize the current management of radiation-induced
oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients.

Methods:

PubMed database research was performed on articles published since 2015 that demonstrated efficacy in the
management of radiation induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients.The study selection included observa-tional, prospective, comparative, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled or uncontrolled, and retrospective studies,
as well as systematic reviews and metanalyses.

Results:

From the 931 citations of our search only 94 articles met our inclusion criteria including mucosal protectants, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factors, and various miscellaneous and natural agents. Several methods including both
pharmacological and natural agents have been proposed for the management of oral mucositis. In addition to the already
known interventions with high evidence, according to Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer and International Society of Oral Oncology guidelines, further agents have been used. However, a great number of them are lacking of clear evidence, which surely requires the design of more controlled clinical trials for the better assessment of the
most ideal methods.

Conclusion:

The management of oral mucositis constitutes an active area of research. In the light of our results we aim to
illustrate those treatment strategies that are most effective regarding the treatment approach of oral mucositis.
Potentiality of Risk SNPs Identification Based on GSP Theory
Authors: Zhang Hengyi , Zhang Qinli
Published: July 2020

Background:

A large number of studies have shown that susceptibility to diseases may be related to some
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Therefore, the location of SNPs associated with diseases in genes can help us
understand the genetic mechanism of disease, intervene in risk SNPs and prevent some genetic diseases/

Method:

Based on Graph Signal Processing (GSP) theory, a novel method is proposed to locate the risk SNPs in this
paper. The proposed method first builds the graph signal model of all SNP loci, and then realizes the location of abnormal
SNPs (risk SNPs) based on the joint analysis of vertex domain and frequency domain of graph

Results:

The experimental results on two real Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) datasets, Agerelated
Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Genetic Disease A (GDA), show that our method not
only finds the risk SNPs found by several state-of-the-art methods, including RF, Chi-square Test
and LASSO regression, but also discovers three potential risk SNPs.

Conclusion:

Our method is suitable and effective for the identification of risk SNPs in GWAS.
Searching the Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin -1 in Septic Children with negative Cultures: A Comparative Study in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Noorbakhsh Samileh , Rabiei Ali Asghar , Rahbarimanesh Ali Akbar , Haghighi Morteza , Ashouri Sarvenaz
Published: July 2020

Background:

Bacteria induced sepsis is common in infants and children. Staphylococcus
aureus produces numerous exotoxins, like staphylococcal Toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-
1), which stimulate the immune system by T cell activation and inflammation in various organs. Recent
studies suggest that staphylococcal toxins, generally named super antigens (SAgs), may also
have a significant role in the pathogenesis of some pediatric disorders especially in the clinical presentation
of sepsis and septic shock. This study was carried out in order to compare staphylococcal
TSST- 1 (SAgs) in children with sepsis symptoms (and septic shock) with negative blood culture
versus a control group.

Materials & Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2 years (2014 -2016) in
two referral hospitals (Rasoul Akram and Bahrami hospitals) in Tehran, Iran. We selected 44 children)
mean age of 4 years) who were admitted in pediatrics and PICUs wards with sepsis symptoms-
/+septic shock. Forty-five children (mean age of 3.9 years) were selected as a control group. All
cases with blood samples were examined for TSST-1 (SAgs) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
method in both case and control groups and results were compared. Data were analyzed by
SPSS-16software. Chi-square or Fisher test was used to compare the variables. P-value < 0.05 was
considered as a valuable tool.

Results:

Positive blood cultures with other bacteria, Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, were detected in 5 cases with negative
TSST-1 in blood samples. S.aureus isolated from blood culture was detected in 2 cases with positive
TSST- 1.Positive TSST-1 (SAgs) was detected in 6 cases (14%) with negative blood culture for
S.aureus; it was significantly higher in cases (14% vs. 2%; P value = 0.05).

Conclusion:

This study indicates the probable role of TSST-1(SAgs) in the progression of sepsis
(and septic shock) in toxic children with negative blood culture for S.aureus. Anti-staphylococcal
treatment is immediately required, especially in toxic children with related clinical presentations,
even in cases with negative blood cultures. Indeed, the clinical use against SAgs suppressants of
downstream cell-destructive events might be helpful.
Chemical Composition and In-Vitro Antimicrobial Screening of Leaf Essential Oil of Plectranthus gerardianus Benth., and Isolation of the Major Constituents of the Oil
Authors: Bhatt Navadha , Joshi Navabha , Ghai Kapil , Prakash Om
Published: July 2020

Background:

The Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family is one of the most diverse and widespread
plant families in terms of ethnomedicine and its medicinal value is based on the concentration
of the volatile oil present in it. This family is important for flavor, fragrance and medicinal
properties. Many plants belonging to this family have indigenous value.

Methods:

The essential oil of Plectranthus gerardianus Benth. (Lamiaceae) was analyzed by GC
and GC-MS analyses, while the major components were isolated and confirmed by NMR spectroscopy.

Results:

The oil was found to be rich in oxygenated monoterpenes, which contribute around 62%
of the total oil. The major components identified were fenchone (22.90%) and carvenone oxide
(16.75%), besides other mono and sesquiterpenoids. The in-vitro antimicrobial activity of essential
oil was tested against three gram-negative bacteria including Pasteurella multocida, Escherichia
coli, and Salmonella enterica, two gram-positive bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus
subtilis and two fungi namely Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus. The antimicrobial activity
of the oil was also compared to the antimicrobial activity of leaf essential oil of another Himalayan
plant namely Nepetacoerulescens.

Conclusion:

The oil showed in-vitro antimicrobial activity against all the microbial strains and can
lessen the ever-growing demand for potentially hazardous antibiotics for treatment.
A Casa dos Estudantes do Império (CEI), as poetas africanas da década de 50 e os filmes de Sarah Maldoror
Authors: Passos Joana
Published: July 2020

Nos anos 50, em Lisboa, vários estudantes provenientes de diferentes colónias portuguesas em África encontraram-se na CEI –Casa dos Estudantes do Império, um centro cultural e de lazer para universitários e intelectuais vindos de África ou da Ásia. Sublinharia nomes como Amílcar Cabral (1924–1973), Mário Pinto de Andrade (1928–1990) e Agostinho Neto (1922–1979), famosos ativistas que, naquela altura, investiram em formas de resistência cultural contra o colonialismo, sendo a literatura um dos meios para despertar reflexão/ consciência política no meio estudantil. As mulheres que se destacaram neste meio cultural e académico foram Noémia de Sousa (1926–2002), Alda Lara (1930–1962) e Alda do Espírito Santo (1926–2010). Esta investigação reavalia o papel destas três mulheres na frente de intervenção cultural para a formação da consciência política coletiva que desembocou nas lutas de independência das colónias portuguesas. Estas três mulheres também são as primeiras autoras integradas nos respetivos sistemas literários nacionais, tornando-se figuras fundadoras numa genealogia do contributo literário das mulheres. No entanto, as suas obras também representam uma geração particular, enquadrada pela atmosfera da CEI. Como consequência do ativismo político desenvolvido nos corredores da CEI, alguns dos jovens intelectuais comprometidos tiveram de deixar Portugal, exilando-se em Paris, onde se reuniram em torno da revista Présence Africaine. Este artigo também explora a ligação da CEI a Paris, via Mário Pinto de Andrade e a sua mulher, a cineasta Sarah Maldoror (1938–),a qual adaptou textos de Luandino Vieiraao cinema(Monangambé, 1968,and Sambizanga, 1972). Na altura, o cinema de Maldoror foi um meio para divulgar internacionalmente o regime contra o qual o povo angolano lutava. O objetivo final desta investigação é explorar a articulação entre a obra destas quatro autoras e o ativismo política da CEI.
A luta feminista no período ditatorial brasileiro: Representações da mulher em Ave de Paraíso e Colheita de Nélida Piñon
Authors: Vieira Danielly Cristina Pereira
Published: July 2020

Intitulando-se feminista histórica por desde cedo aderir ao movimento feminista, Nélida Piñon utiliza sua escrita para tratar de diversos aspectos que envolvem a mulher. Iremos analisar os contos Ave de Paraíso e Colheita, que integram a obra Sala de Armas(Piñon 1973),relacionando-os com o movimento feminista das décadas de 1970 e 80 no Brasil, período no qual a luta feminista pela politização do cotidiano é expandida e consolidada, a fim de perceber e analisar a construção das personagens femininas desses contos como imagens de crítica à condição da mulher até então pautada no destino biológico e na vida privada. Para isso, destrincharemos, principalmente, a crescente valorização das atividades domésticas–ponto chave do conto Colheita–e a caracterização extremamente passiva das mulheres–ponto chave do conto Ave de Paraíso. Utilizaremos as perspectivas da crítica feminista, tais como Casagrande e Zolin (2007) e Cheri Register (1989), a fim de refletir acerca dos aspectos tradicionais em volta dessas representações. Além disso, traçaremos um paralelo entre as pautas feministas brasileiras no período determinado, através das teorias de Daniela Manini (1995–96),Céli Pinto (2003), Joana Maria Pedro (2006,2012),Constância Duarte (2003), dentre outras. Concluímos que Nélida Piñon vislumbrou aspectos nebulosos da condição da mulher da sua época que seriam fortalecidos nas pautas do movimento feminista anos depois da publicação desses contos, exibindo sua contemporaneidade (Agamben2009) transfigurada em maestria literária.
Onde estão os autores e autoras negras? A literatura afro-brasileira nos acervos das bibliotecas públicas brasileiras
Authors: Tanus Gabrielle Francinne de Souza Carvalho , Tanus Gustavo
Published: July 2020

As bibliotecas públicas são instituições sociais que têm como missão atender a todos da comunidade onde elasse inserem. Pensando na realidade brasileira (composta por maioria parda e negra), na importância da leitura literária para a formação do leitor e na representatividade dos acervos das bibliotecas públicas, esta pesquisa adentrou aos acervos das bibliotecas públicas estaduais brasileiras a fim de verificar as presenças dos autores e autoras negras de literatura afro-brasileira.
O disciplinar e o doméstico: Imagens domésticas nos vídeo-performances de Letícia Parente, 1975–1982
Authors: Sneed Gillian
Published: July 2020

Este ensaio centra-se em Letícia Parente (1930–1991), videoartista e cientista brasileira, cujos trabalhos associam imagens e espaços domésticos, bem como tarefas e objetos quotidianos, a violência, repressão e encarceramento. Ao longo das décadas de 1970 e 1980, Parente criou uma série de performances em vídeo, uma abordagem à performance arte na qual se apresentou perante uma câmara de filmar e não perante uma audiência ao vivo. Embora Parente não se identificasse como feminista, este ensaio interpreta o seu trabalho sob uma leitura feminista, argumentando que ela navegou pelas múltiplas pressões da maternidade, do trabalho doméstico e da sua carreira profissional, desenvolvendo trabalhos experimentais que exploram as tarefas domésticas e que testam os seus limites para abordar as divisões de gênero e raça no trabalho e a violência patrocinada pelo estado da ditadura militar brasileira (1964–1985). Esses trabalhos incluem In (1975), que se concentra no ato de pendurar roupas num armário, Marca Registrada(1975), que retrata a costura/bordado, e Tarefa I(1982), que aborda o acto de engomar, executado em sua própria casa. Nesses vídeos, Parente realiza ações quotidianas de formas que promovem a automutilação e o confinamento, com o objectivo de organizar uma resposta à opressão de gênero no quotidiano das mulheres, paralelamente à violência e ao aprisionamento sofridos pelos brasileiros sob a ditadura. Ao retratar ‘punições’ disciplinares (ou a ameaça de tais punições) sob o manto das tarefas domésticas, Letícia Parente demonstra como as mesmas forças que estruturam a sociedade pública disciplinada também configuram os espaços privados do lar.
Introdução
Authors: Macedo Ana Gabriela
Published: July 2020

O presente número da revista Diacrítica foi organizado como resultado editorial no âmbito do projeto financiado pela FCT Mulheres, Artes e Ditadura - Portugal, Brasil e Países Africanos de Língua Oficial Portuguesa (http://cehum.ilch.uminho.pt/womanart), atualmente desenvolvido pelo grupo de investigação em Género, Artes e Estudos Pós-Coloniais do CEHUM, Universidade do Minho (http://cehum.ilch.uminho.pt/default/gaps/en).
INCREASING SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS THROUGH PRINCIPALS’ LEADERSHIP AND TEACHERS’ TEACHING PERFORMANCE, IS IT POSSIBLE?
Authors: Mulyani Heni , Meirawan Danny , Rahmadani Annisa
Published: July 2020

Efforts to achieve educational goals can’t be separated from the performance of schools in realizing these goals, to achieve this involves many parties and factors that influence it. This study aims to describe the impact of principal’s leadership and teacher’s teaching performance in an effort to increase school effectiveness. This research uses a quantitative approach with a survey method. Population are 466 schools, samples of 210 schools were taken by proportionated stratified random sampling technique, and a total of 2,730 respondents consisted of principals, teachers, students, and school committees. The instrument used was a questionnaire, data processing techniques using the Structural Equation Model. The results indicate that principals’ leadership and teachers’ teaching performance positively and significantly influence school effectiveness, which means that school effectiveness directly determined by the presence of effective principal’s leadership and high teacher teaching performance. The principal's leadership as a driver variable is proven to be able to trigger the teaching performance of teachers to increase school effectiveness. The high effectiveness of this school is inseparable from the effective teacher’s teaching performance. Teachers' teaching performance must be continuously improved to improve school effectiveness. This teaching performance can be improved through the principal's leadership role.
ROBUST REGRESSION FOR ESTIMATING THE IMPACT OF STUDENT’S SOCIAL BEHAVIORS ON SCIENTIFIC LITERACY
Authors: Mahmudah Umi , Chamdani Muhamad , Tarmidzi Tarmidzi , Fatimah Siti
Published: July 2020

Scientific literacy is a vital program for current generation of students in the whole world. The purpose of this study is to estimate the impact of students’ social behaviors on scientific literacy by using robust regression. A robust approach is applied to overcome the weaknesses of the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model. The method is believed to produce better accuracy of estimation. This study applies a survey method conducted by using 200 research subjects which are randomly selected at a university in Indonesia. There are two instruments used, namely questionnaire sheets using a Likert scale and test sheets. There are four categories used in this study to measure the students’ social behaviors, which are cooperation (X1), assertiveness (X2), self-control (X3) and pro-social behaviors toward peers (X4). The analysis results reveal that all of independent variables have positive and significant impact on students’ scientific literacy (Y). Furthermore, the highest impact is collaboration (X1) and the lowest impact is pro-social behavior towards peers (X4), where the robust regression coefficients are .262 and .238, respectively.
Student communication skills from internalizing religious values to energy modules in life systems
Authors: Heliawati Leny , Permana Irvan , Kurniasih Elvi
Published: July 2020

This study aims to analyze the effect of energy modules in life systems on religious values and communication skills. This type of research is a quasi-experimental study with a population of 40 students in grade 7 in SMPN 1 Rumpin, Bogor district. The research design used was a one-group pre-test and post-test. The data obtained were then analyzed using quantitative descriptive. The finding shows that the application of energy modules in living systems effectively internalizes the religious values of students based on the average n-gain of 0.49 which is included in the medium category. Students’ communication skills reach a good category with a score of 78%. The study concludes that the energy module in living systems effectively internalizes religious values and students’ communication skills.
A Comprehensive App That Improves Tuberculosis Treatment Management Through Video-Observed Therapy: Usability Study
Authors: Guo Xujun , Yang Yarui , Takiff Howard E , Zhu Minmin , Ma Jianping , Zhong Tao , Fan Yuzheng , Wang Jian , Liu Shengyuan
Published: July 2020

Background

Treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) requires at least six months and is compromised by poor adherence. In the directly observed therapy (DOT) scheme recommended by the World Health Organization, the patient is directly observed taking their medications at a health post. An alternative to DOT is video-observed therapy (VOT), in which the patients take videos of themselves taking the medication and the video is uploaded into the app and reviewed by a health care worker. We developed a comprehensive TB management system by using VOT that is installed as an app on the smartphones of both patients and health care workers. It was implemented into the routine TB control program of the Nanshan District of Shenzhen, China.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of VOT with that of DOT in managing the treatment of patients with pulmonary TB and to evaluate the acceptance of VOT for TB management by patients and health care workers.

Methods

Patients beginning treatment between September 2017 and August 2018 were enrolled into the VOT group and their data were compared with the retrospective data of patients who began TB treatment and were managed with routine DOT between January 2016 and August 2017. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features, treatment adherence, positive findings of sputum smears, reporting of side effects, time and costs of transportation, and satisfaction were compared between the 2 treatment groups. The attitudes of the health care workers toward the VOT-based system were also analyzed.

Results

This study included 158 patients in the retrospective DOT group and 235 patients in the VOT group. The VOT group showed a significantly higher fraction of doses observed (P<.001), less missed observed doses (P<.001), and fewer treatment discontinuations (P<.05) than the DOT group. Over 79.1% (186/235) of the VOT patients had >85% of their doses observed, while only 16.4% (26/158) of the DOT patients had >85% of their doses observed. All patients were cured without recurrences. The VOT management required significantly (P<.001) less median patient time (300 minutes vs 1240 minutes, respectively) and transportation costs (¥53 [US $7.57] vs ¥276 [US $39.43], respectively; P<.001) than DOT. Significantly more patients (191/235, 81.3%) in the VOT group preferred their treatment method compared to those on DOT (37/131, 28.2%) (P<.001), and 92% (61/66) of the health care workers thought that the VOT method was more convenient than DOT for managing patients with TB.

Conclusions

Implementation of the VOT-based system into the routine program of TB management was simple and it significantly increased patient adherence to their drug regimens. Our study shows that a comprehensive VOT-based TB management represents a viable and improved evolution of DOT.