bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Capacity P2-Type NaxLi0.25Mn0.75O2 Cathode Enabled by Anionic Oxygen Redox
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Li Ning , Kedzie Elyse , McCloskey Bryan D. , Tang Haolin , Tong Wei
Published: May 2020

Sodium-ion battery technology has attracted significant attention due to its substantial cost advantage and similar operating mechanism to Li-ion batteries. P2-type sodium manganese oxide cathode is one of the most promising candidates, demonstrating both high capacity and good cycling stability. Here, we explore the lattice oxygen activity in layered sodium transition metal oxides. We synthesize a series of sodium lithium manganese oxides, NaxLi0.25Mn0.75O2 (x = 0.75 – 0.833), to optimize Na content. We further investigate the charge compensation mechanism for the best performing Na0.75Li0.25Mn0.75O2 over an extensive electrochemical cycling window. The large charge and discharge capacity is enabled by reversible lattice oxygen redox in the high voltage region (≥2.5 V), along with Mn redox at the voltages below 2.5 V. Additionally, we reveal a small amount of oxygen gas evolution, 0.04% of the total oxygen in Na0.25Li0.25Mn0.75O2. This initial study will trigger an interest in the lattice oxygen activity in layered sodium metal oxide cathode, therefore, leading to better understanding of its correlation with crystal structure and electrochemical performance.
Prokineticin 2 (PK2) Rescues Cardiomyocytes from High Glucose/High Palmitic Acid-Induced Damage by Regulating the AKT/GSK3β Pathway In Vitro
Authors: Yang Zhen , Wu Yin , Wang Linge , Qiu Peng , Zha Wenliang , Yu Wei
Published: May 2020

Prokineticin 2 (PK2) is a small 8 kDa protein that participates in many physiological processes, such as angiogenesis, inflammation, and neurogenesis. This experiment investigated the effect of PK2 on high glucose/high palmitic acid-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy in cardiomyocytes and the AKT/GSK3β signalling pathway. H9c2 cells were exposed to normal and high concentrations (33 mM) of glucose and palmitic acid (150 μM) with or without PK2 (10 nM) for 48 h. Reactive oxygen species were detected using the fluorescent probes DCFH-DA and DHE. Changes in apoptosis were assessed using flow cytometry, and autophagosomes were detected using Ad-GFP-LC3. Apoptotic proteins, such as Cleaved Caspase3, Bax, and Bcl-2; autophagy proteins, including Beclin-1 and LC3B; and PK2/PKR/AKT/GSK3β signals were evaluated using western blotting. Cardiomyocytes exposed to high glucose/high palmitic acid exhibited increases in intracellular ROS, apoptosis, and autophagosomes, and these increases were robustly prevented by PK2. In addition, high glucose/high palmitic acid remarkably suppressed PK2, PKR1, and PKR2 expression and p-AKT/AKT and p-GSK3β/GSK3β ratios, and these effects were significantly prevented by PK2. Moreover, an AKT1/2 kinase inhibitor (AKT inhibitor, 10 μM) blocked the effects of PK2 on the changes in cardiomyocyte exposure to high glucose/high palmitic acid. These results suggest that PK2 attenuates high glucose/high palmitic acid-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting oxidative stress and autophagosome accumulation and that this protective effect is most likely mediated by the AKT-related signalling pathway.
Ovariectomy Induces Microglial Cell Activation and Inflammatory Response in Rat Prefrontal Cortices to Accelerate the Chronic Unpredictable Stress‐Mediated Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Ge Fei , Yang Haoran , Lu Weiting , Shi Huilian , Chen Qinlei , Luo Yi , Liu Lina , Yan Jing
Published: May 2020

Perimenopausal women are associated with increased risks of depression and anxiety, which may be potentially related to the lack of ovarian hormone with antidepression activity in the body. However, the precise mechanism remains unclear so far. This study first adopted the Sprague‐Dawley (SD) female rats to construct the ovariectomy (OVX) combined with a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model. Then, a series of behavioral experimental results revealed that the ovariectomized rats receiving CUS had remarkably elevated anxiety and depression behaviors relative to those in sham group rats, and the sucrose preference rate in the sucrose preference test (SPT) was evidently reduced. In elevated plus maze test (EPM) experiment, the open arm entry time and open arm duration were decreased. In the open field test (OFT), the number of line crossings, rearing number, center square entries, and center square duration were reduced; the grooming time was extended; and the number of fecal particles in rats was increased. In the forced swimming test (FST), the rat immobility rate was increased, while the numbers of swimming and crawling were decreased. Afterwards, we discovered that OVX downregulated the serum levels of estradiol and corticosterone in rats. Thereafter, IF results suggested that OVX dramatically induced the increasing of the number of activated microglial cells in prefrontal cortices and the level of M1‐type marker iNOS. Finally, PCR results demonstrated that, compared with the sham group, the proinflammatory and prooxidative genes, such as IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, iNOS, and CX3CR1, were upregulated in the prefrontal cortices of OVX rats after CUS stimulation, whereas the anti‐inflammatory factor Arg1 and microglial cell negative regulatory factor CD200 were downregulated. To sum up, OVX enhances the CUS‐mediated anxiety and depression phenomena in rats, and its mechanism may be related to inducing the activation and polarization of microglial cells in the prefrontal cortex of animal and to accelerating the inflammatory response.
Pigment Identification of Ancient Wall Paintings Based on a Visible Spectral Image
Authors: Li Junfeng , Xie Dehong , Li Miaoxin , Liu Shiwei , Wei Chun’ao
Published: May 2020

Many ancient wall paintings are confronted with the threat of irreversible damages and in urgent requirement of restoration. This work provides the superpixel segmentation method and pigment identification method for the visible spectral image of ancient wall paintings to guide the scientific restoration of the paintings. The superpixel segmentation method for the visible spectral image is an extension of SLIC (Simple Linear Iterative Clustering) for the RGB image by redefining the feature of the visible spectral image. It can extract the outline of wall paintings and limit the pigment filling area in restoration of wall paintings. 44 kinds of commonly used pigments with size variations are selected to construct a visible spectral reference database for pigment identification. The pigment used in each superpixel is identified by searching the database in a specifically constructed feature space to find the nearest reference sample. This can provide guidance to pigment selection in restoration of wall paintings. At last, the methods are validated using the visible spectral image captured from Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang by using a multispectral imaging system.
The Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Polish Soldiers: The Results from the MIL-SCORE Program
Authors: Gielerak Grzegorz , Krzesiński Paweł , Piotrowicz Katarzyna , Murawski Piotr , Skrobowski Andrzej , Stańczyk Adam , Galas Agata , Uziębło-Życzkowska Beata , Kaźmierczak-Dziuk Anna , Maksimczuk Joanna , Miernik-Podleśko Sylwia , Grzęda Monika , Sopolińska Emilia , Kiliszek Marek , Wojda Lidia
Published: May 2020

The MIL-SCORE (Equalization of Accessibility to Cardiology Prophylaxis and Care for Professional Soldiers) program was designed to assess the prevalence and management of cardiovascular risk factors in a population of Polish soldiers. We aimed to describe the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the MIL-SCORE population with respect to age. This observational cross-sectional study enrolled 6440 soldiers (97% male) who underwent a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to assess cardiovascular risk. Almost half of the recruited soldiers were past or current smokers (46%). A sedentary lifestyle was reported in almost one-third of those over 40 years of age. The prevalence of hypertension in a subgroup over 50 years of age was almost 45%. However, the percentage of unsatisfactory blood pressure control was higher among soldiers below 40 years of age. The prevalence of overweight and obese soldiers increased with age and reached 58% and 27%, respectively, in those over 50 years of age. Total cholesterol was increased in over one-half of subjects, and the prevalence of abnormal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was even higher (60%). Triglycerides were increased in 36% of soldiers, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hyperglycemia were reported in 13% and 16% of soldiers, respectively. In the >50 years of age subgroup, high and very high cardiovascular risk scores were observed in almost one-third of soldiers. The relative risk assessed in younger subgroups was moderate or high. The results from the MIL-SCORE program suggest that Polish soldiers have multiple cardiovascular risk factors and mirror trends seen in the general population. Preventive programs aimed at early cardiovascular risk assessment and modification are strongly needed in this population.
New Method for Forest Resource Data Collection Based on Smartphone Fusion with Multiple Sensors
Authors: Fan Guangpeng , Dong Yanqi , Chen Danyu , Chen Feixiang
Published: May 2020

Tree parameter measurement is an important part of forest resource monitoring. Smartphones play an important role in forest resource surveys. Although sensors inside smartphones, such as gyroscopes and angle sensors, can meet the needs of the public for entertainment or games, the measurement accuracy in professional forest resource monitoring is slightly insufficient. In this paper, a method of collecting tree measurement factors based on personal smart space fusion with a variety of high-precision sensors is proposed. First of all, a high-precision attitude sensor measurement module and a laser ranging module are organically integrated and packaged in a black box. The smartphone is then connected to the sensor box using a magnet sheet, and the working personnel can determine key parameters in the forest stand by holding it. Finally, in order to verify the accuracy of the method, the measured values in this paper are compared with the reference values. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the tree position in the X and Y directions was 0.114 m and 0.147 m, the relative deviations (rBias) were 0.95% and 0.39%, and the average RMSE was 0.186 m. The RMSEs measured by tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH) were 0.98 m and 2.24 cm, the relative root mean square error (rRMSE) was 5.87% and 13.46%, and the relative deviations (rBias) were −1.40% and −1.06%, respectively. Therefore, the method of forest stand parameter measurement based on personal smart space fusion multitype sensors proposed in this paper can be effectively applied to forest resource data collection.
Auxiliary Medical Decision System for Prostate Cancer Based on Ensemble Method
Authors: Wu Jia , Zhuang Qinghe , Tan Yanlin
Published: May 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the main diseases that endanger men’s health worldwide. In developing countries, due to the large number of patients and the lack of medical resources, there is a big conflict between doctors and patients. To solve this problem, an auxiliary medical decision system for prostate cancer was constructed. The system used six relevant tumor markers as the input features and employed classical machine learning models (support vector machine and artificial neural network). Stacking method aimed at different ensemble models together was used for the reduction of overfitting. 1,933,535 patient information items had been collected from three first-class hospitals in the past five years to train the model. The result showed that the auxiliary medical system could make use of massive data. Its performance is continuously improved as the amount of data increases. Based on the system and collected data, statistics on the incidence of prostate cancer in the past five years were carried out. In the end, influence of diet habit and genetic inheritance for prostate cancer was analyzed. Results revealed the increasing prevalence of PCa and great negative impact caused by high-fat diet and genetic inheritance.
Hartman-Type and Lyapunov-Type Inequalities for a Fractional Differential Equation with Fractional Boundary Conditions
Authors: Bachar Imed , Eltayeb Hassan
Published: May 2020

We prove Hartman-type and Lyapunov-type inequalities for a class of Riemann–Liouville fractional boundary value problems with fractional boundary conditions. Some applications including a lower bound for the corresponding eigenvalue problem are obtained.
Diagnosis and Empirical Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections in Urologic Outpatients
Authors: Eisenhardt Andreas , Schneider Katharina , Hirche Herbert , Lax Hildegard , Hadaschik Boris , Rehme Christian , van Gool Jan D.
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Due to a continuing increase of bacterial resistance in common uropathogens, we wanted to revisit our standards for the diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract infections, in the setting of urological outpatient care in a conurbation in Germany. Patients and Methods: All subjects presenting with significant bacteriuria at our urology clinics in Mülheim, Germany, in 2011 were included. Comorbidity, bacterial species, urinary tract symptoms, and empirically prescribed antibiotics were taken from the patients’ records. Results: In 2011, a total of 1,324 patients were included (793 female, 531 male). Of the 771 patients with symptomatic bacteriuria, 647 received antibiotic treatment, as well as 116 of 409 patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria. Escherichia coli was identified in 60% of the included patients. In 427 E. coli infections, bacterial resistance was found in 14% of 316 cases treated with quinolone, in 21% of 53 cases treated with co-trimoxazole, and in only 3% of 58 cases treated with nitrofurantoin. Conclusions: We found a high use of fluoroquinolones for empirical first-line antibiotics in the treatment of lower urinary tract infections. In our regional setting, antibiotic stewardship needs to be promoted, along national and international guidelines, to avoid unnecessary prescription of fluoroquinolones for empirical treatment.
Extramammary Paget’s Disease and Melanoma: 2 Cases of Double Cancers
Authors: Lydrup Erika , Berg Jais Oliver , Hjorth Sofie Vetli , Hølmich Lisbet Rosenkrantz , Lock-Andersen Jørgen , Chakera Annette Hougaard
Published: May 2020

Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is a rare intraepidermal neoplastic disease. There is a well-known relationship between EMPD and underlying malignancy. However, only a few cases of EMPD and cutaneous melanoma have been reported previously. In this case report we present 2 cases of such double cancers: one as a collision tumor, the other at separate sites. We discuss the pathogenesis, treatment, and importance of a thorough clinical and radiological examination and review the literature.
Abnormal Dispersion of Ventricular Repolarization as a Risk Factor in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Tp-e Interval, Tp-e/QTc Ratio
Authors: Unal Evren Emine , Cekirdekci Elif Ijlal , Evren Hakan , Suer Kaya , Sarigul Yildirim Figen , Asan Ali , Bugan Baris
Published: May 2020

Objective: In recent years, there has been worldwide recognition of the problems associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the HIV-infected population is increasing. Repolarization abnormalities, the significant contributor to life-threatening arrhythmias and mortality, are the most frequent electrocardiographic changes in this population. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/corrected QT (QTc) ratios, and traditional electrocardiographic features of electrical dispersion in adults infected with HIV. Subjects and Methods: A total of 235 participants were selected in the current study. The HIV group consisted of 85 subjects (median age 36 years [25–48], and the control group included 150 individuals (median age 39 years [27–51]). Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were measured by the 12-lead electrocardiogram. Results: Tp-e interval, cTp-e interval, and Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were significantly higher in HIV patients compared to the control group (p = 0.006, p = 0.004, p = 0.003, and p = 0.002, respectively). In correlation analysis, there was inverse correlation between the mean cTp-e interval and CD4 count and Tp-e/QTc ratios and CD4 count (r = – 0.407, p < 0.001, r = – 0.416, p < 0.001, respectively). Besides, there was correlation between the mean cTp-e interval and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and Tp-e/QTc ratios and hsCRP (r = 0.403, p = 0.001, r = 0.406, p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Our study revealed that the cTp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and cTp-e/QT ratios were prolonged and correlated to the severity of the disease in HIV-infected patients. Our findings may shed light on the cTp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc ratio and lead to further studies showing a relationship with ventricular arrhythmias and mortality in HIV-infected individuals.
HYPOGLYCEMIC AND HYPOLIPIDEMIC ACTIVITY OF ARGININE CONTAINING BEARBERRY LEAVES EXTRACT IN INSULIN RESISTANT RATS
Authors: Kravchenko G. B. , Krasilnikova O. A. , Mazen M.
Published: May 2020

Introduction. In recent decades, diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) has become one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide. A number of studies confirmed the causal relationship between the development of insulin resistance (IR) and DM2. At the same time, traditionally and for many years the plants or substances isolated from them have been using in the DM2 treatment and correction of its complications.

The aim of the study – to find out the effect of ethanolic polyphenol Bearberry leaves (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) extract enriched with arginine (PE50_arg) on tolerance to glucose and lipid metabolism under experimental IR in rats.

Research Methods. Adult male outbred albino rats were used in the present study. Two experimental IR models were conducted: daily intraperitoneal administration of dexamethasone and a diet enriched with fructose. Treating was performed by oral administration of polyphenolic alcohol extract (PE50) and the corresponding extract with the addition of arginine (PE50_arg). IR was confirmed by measuring immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and plasma glucose levels. At the end of the experiment, the lipid profile was investigated in the obtained serum samples. The statistical processing of the data was carried out using the STATISTICA program (StatSoftInc., USA, version 6.0).

Results and Discussion. A diet for 7 weeks enriched with fructose caused IR in rats. Also we observed increased triacylglycerol (TAG), free fatty acids (FFA) and cholesterol (Ch) levels. Daily injections of dexamethasone, which maintained the hormone level for 5 weeks, led to the IR development. Under hormone-induced IR also FFA and TAG levels were elevated, but Ch concentration in blood plasma did not significantly change. Both extracts, PE50 and PE50_arg, improve cell sensitivity to insulin in experimental IR models. At the same time, PE50_arg has a more pronounced normalizing effect on the lipid parameters being investigated.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that PE50_arg may be a potentially promising anti-diabetic agent.
РОЗРОБКА МЕТОДИКИ ІДЕНТИФІКАЦІЇ ФЛАВОНОЇДІВ ТА ГІДРОКСИКОРИЧНИХ КИСЛОТ В ЕКСТРАКТАХ ЧЕБРЕЦЮ ПОВЗУЧОГО
Authors: Zarivna N. O. , Logoyda L. S.
Published: May 2020

Вступ. Одним із завдань сучасної фармації є пошук і розробка нових лікарських засобів (ЛЗ) на основі лікарської рослинної сировини. Перспективним джерелом біологічно активних речовин (БАР) є чебрець повзучий (ЧП). Лікарські засоби на його основі широко використовують у народній та науковій медицині. У попередніх дослідженнях розроблено технологію рідкого і густого екстрактів ЧП. При аналізі трави рослини з метою стандартизації як показник якості, серед інших, ми обрали склад флавоноїдів та гідроксикоричних кислот, тому доречним є вивчення якісного складу цих БАР і в одержаних екстрактах.

Мета дослідження – розробити методику ідентифікації флавоноїдів та гідроксикоричних кислот у рідкому і густому екстрактах чебрецю повзучого та обрати маркери їх якості.

Методи дослідження. Під час дослідження використовували метод тонкошарової хроматографії (ТШХ), хроматографічні пластинки Silica gel F254 фірми “Merck”, прилад для автоматичного нанесення проб на пластинку “CAMAG Linomat 5”, хроматографічну камеру “GAMAG”, рідкий, густий екстракти ЧП, гіперозид (ФСЗ ДФУ), апігенін (Fluka), лютеолін (Fluka), рутин (Sigma), лютеолін-7-О-глюкозид (ФСЗ), хлорогенову, кофейну, розмаринову кислоти (Fluka), УФ-лампу.

Результати й обговорення. Для стандартизації рідкого та густого екстрактів ЧП ми розглядали мож­ливість ідентифікації БАР, продовжуючи запропонований підхід у ланцюзі трава ЧП – рідкий екстракт ЧП – густий екстракт ЧП. Якісний склад флавоноїдів визначали методом ТШХ у системі розчинників етилацетат Р – кислота мурашина безводна Р – вода Р (90:6:9). Для розробки методики якісного визначення флавоноїдів і гідроксикоричних кислот у екстрактах ЧП враховували різні способи й умови хроматографування, які описано в ДФУ. У результаті експерименту було підібрано оптимальну систему розчинників з хорошою розділювальною здатністю, яка дозволила максимально провести ідентифікацію складних груп БАР, що наявні в цих екстрактах.

Висновки. Розроблено методику якісного аналізу поліфенольних сполук у екстрактах ЧП. У результаті проведено ідентифікацію флавоноїдів і гідроксикоричних кислот у рідкому та густому екстрактах ЧП, що дозволило обрати маркерами якості досліджуваних екстрактів розмаринову (головний представник), кофейну і хлорогенову кислоти, а також флавоноїди – лютеолін-7-О-глюкозид, апігенін-7-О-глюкозид, лютеолін, апігенін, рутин.
O Turismo em Ruínas e sua Relação com as Categorias do Método Geográfico
Authors: Carneiro José Ângelo , Guimarães Valéria Lima
Published: May 2020

Este artigo aborda as ruínas sob o ponto de vista das categorias do método geográfico, considerando os processos que levam à modificação de sua forma, função e estrutura. O objetivo foi entender as ruínas como elementos ativos na composição das paisagens e de que maneira elas interferem na dinâmica das cidades. Para tal, realizou-se um levantamento teórico-bibliográfico, cuja intenção foi provocar reflexões acerca do papel das ruínas no contexto urbano, vislumbrando novas possibilidades de usos; notadamente, o uso turístico. Sob a denominação de turismo em ruínas, este estudo apresenta uma forma diferenciada de olhar este tipo de patrimônio tão ameaçado e pouco valorizado nas cidades. Com o intuito de aclarar tais ideias, foram utilizados os conceitos sugeridos por Milton Santos sobre as categorias do método geográfico que abarcam forma, função, processo e estrutura, que alinhados à proposta estética de Walter Benjamim e à filosófica de Georg Simmel contribuem para a desmistificação das ruínas como meros restos de edificações sem valor no tecido urbano. Ilustrando este artigo, temos as ruínas da Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Homens Pretos, em Sabará-MG, como objeto empírico e elucidativo, que deu o suporte necessário para a compreensão das ruínas como elementos relevantes para o turismo no espaço urbano.
Emergências em saúde pública em Estados democráticos
Authors: Aith Fernando
Published: May 2020

A plena efetivação do direito à saúde exige das sociedades democráticas esforços permanentes e bastante criatividade para enfrentar os enormes desafios sanitários impostos pelas realidades global, nacionais e locais. Atualmente, o mundo assiste perplexo à disseminação em escala global de mais um vírus letal, o novo coronavírus SARS-CoV-2. Parte dessa perplexidade encontra-se justamente na percepção de que as sociedades modernas não possuem instrumentos jurídicos adequados para enfrentar uma pandemia dessa magnitude de forma democrática, transparente e eficaz. Como conciliar medidas clássicas de controle de pandemias, tais como o isolamento, a quarentena e o diagnóstico e tratamento compulsórios, aos princípios e regras de um Estado Democrático de Direito?
Longo caminho a percorrer na volta para a sociedade: o Ministério público e a desinstitucionalização em saúde mental
Authors: Viola Ana Clara , Pepe Vera Lúcia Edais , Ventura Miriam
Published: May 2020

A busca pela garantia dos direitos civis e sociais como direitos indissociáveis foi crescente a partir dos anos 1970, influenciando a reorganização dos modelos assistenciais à saúde diante do reconhecimento de novos sujeitos de direitos. Um dos aspectos mais evidentes desse cenário no Brasil foi a visibilidade da Reforma Psiquiátrica como parte estruturante da Reforma Sanitária Brasileira que acompanhou o movimento dos direitos humanos. Este estudo tem como elemento central contribuir com a qualificação do processo de monitoramento da política de saúde mental pelo Ministério Público Estadual a partir da observância dos principais aspectos debatidos academicamente em relação ao processo de desinstitucionalização de pessoas. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa constituída de busca sistemática de evidências nas literaturas técnica (normativas, portarias, leis, resoluções) e científica, a partir de dados eletrônicos da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e que utilizou como descritores: “desinstitucionalização” AND “saúde mental” OR “hospitais psiquiátricos”. Destaca-se que o Ministério Público é uma instituição permanente e essencial do Estado de Direito, incumbido por obrigação constitucional de atuar na defesa dos interesses sociais, da ordem jurídica e do regime democrático.
Contaminação das águas de abastecimento público por poluentes emergentes e o direito à saúde
Authors: Soares Alexandra Fátima Saraiva , Souza e Souza Luís Paulo
Published: May 2020

Poluentes emergentes são substâncias com potencial para causar câncer e infertilidade humana, mas seu monitoramento em águas de abastecimento público ainda é incipiente no Brasil. Corpos d’água contaminados podem se tornar mananciais de abastecimento público e técnicas convencionais para tratamento de esgoto e potabilização da água não são adequadas para propiciar a remoção desses poluentes emergentes, também denominados micropoluentes. Este trabalho objetiva discutir as vias de introdução dos micropoluentes nas águas de abastecimento público, as consequências dessas substâncias na saúde humana e os principais instrumentos jurídicos do Direito Sanitário que, se bem aplicados, podem contribuir para minimizar os danos à saúde coletiva decorrentes desses contaminantes. Trata-se de levantamento bibliográfico em livros, periódicos, banco de dados de instituições públicas, legislação e outras fontes pertinentes. Compreender as relações entre os determinantes socioambientais e a degradação da qualidade da água é de grande relevância para intervir na melhoria das condições de vida e de saúde da população em condições vulneráveis. Observou-se que o arcabouço normativo para tutelar o direito à água é vasto e deve ser mais bem considerado pelo poder público (Estado), impondo regras de conduta, e pela sociedade civil, monitorando o cumprimento das regras estabelecidas, de forma a preservar a qualidade ambiental e proteger a saúde da população, garantindo o direito à água de qualidade.
Autonomia universitária e a Empresa Brasileira de Serviços Hospitalares:
Authors: Andreazzi Maria de Fátima Siliansky de , Mesquita Lucas Isaac Soares
Published: May 2020

O texto discute a experiência de gestão de um hospital universitário federal sob gestão da Empresa Brasileira de Serviços Hospitalares entre 2016 e 2017, focando a observância dos princípios da autonomia universitária, da indissociabilidade entre ensino, pesquisa e extensão e da gestão democrática das universidades. O método utilizado foi a análise de alguns aspectos da gestão: o processo decisório, a participação da comunidade universitária nela e as formas de resolução de conflitos à luz da revisão narrativa da literatura sobre o tema e das peças que compuseram a Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade 4895/2012 da Lei n. 12.550/2011, que criou a Empresa Brasileira de Serviços Hospitalares. O caso confirmou as previsões contidas na ação quanto à retirada da universidade das decisões sobre prioridades de investimento e funcionamento do hospital universitário e sobre a gestão dos recursos humanos, com consequências importantes para o tripé universitário. Pesquisas adicionais devem ser efetuadas para avaliar esse processo no nível nacional.
Critical Role of Neprilysin in Kidney Angiotensin Metabolism
Authors: Kaltenecker Christopher C. , Domenig Oliver , Kopecky Chantal , Antlanger Marlies , Poglitsch Marko , Berlakovich Gabriela , Kain Renate , Stegbauer Johannes , Rahman Masudur , Hellinger Roland , Gruber Christian , Grobe Nadja , Fajkovic Harun , Eskandary Farsad , Böhmig Georg A. , Säemann Marcus D. , Kovarik Johannes J.
Published: May 2020

Rationale:

Kidney homeostasis is critically determined by the coordinated activity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), including the balanced synthesis of its main effector peptides Ang (angiotensin) II and Ang (1–7). The condition of enzymatic overproduction of Ang II relative to Ang (1–7) is termed RAS dysregulation and leads to cellular signals, which promote hypertension and organ damage, and ultimately progressive kidney failure. ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) and NEP (neprilysin) induce the alternative, and potentially reno-protective axis by enhancing Ang (1–7) production. However, their individual contribution to baseline RAS balance and whether their activities change in chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not yet been elucidated.

Objective:

To examine whether NEP-mediated Ang (1–7) generation exceeds Ang II formation in the healthy kidney compared with diseased kidney.

Methods and Results:

In this exploratory study, we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to measure Ang II and Ang (1–7) synthesis rates of ACE, chymase and NEP, ACE2, PEP (prolyl-endopeptidase), PCP (prolyl-carboxypeptidase) in kidney biopsy homogenates in 11 healthy living kidney donors, and 12 patients with CKD. The spatial expression of RAS enzymes was determined by immunohistochemistry. Healthy kidneys showed higher NEP-mediated Ang (1–7) synthesis than Ang II formation, thus displaying a strong preference towards the reno-protective alternative RAS axis. In contrast, in CKD kidneys higher levels of Ang II were recorded, which originated from mast cell chymase activity.

Conclusions:

Ang (1–7) is the dominant RAS peptide in healthy human kidneys with NEP rather than ACE2 being essential for its generation. Severe RAS dysregulation is present in CKD dictated by high chymase-mediated Ang II formation. Kidney RAS enzyme analysis might lead to novel therapeutic approaches for CKD.
ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibition Reverses Vasoconstriction and Impaired Dilation of Pial Collaterals in Chronic Hypertension
Authors: Li Zhaojin , Lindner Devon P. , Bishop Nicole M. , Cipolla Marilyn J.
Published: May 2020

Leptomeningeal anastomoses (LMAs) are pial collaterals that perfuse the penumbra and important for stroke outcome. We previously showed LMAs from SHRs (spontaneously hypertensive rats) were vasoconstricted compared with normotensive Wistar rats. Here, we investigated mechanisms by which hypertension causes LMA vasoconstriction. SHRs were treated with the ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor captopril, an Ang II (angiotensin II)–independent antihypertensive agent hydralazine, or vehicle for 5 weeks in drinking water (n=8/group). A group of Wistar rats (n=8) had regular drinking water served as controls. Blood pressure was measured twice weekly by tail-cuff. LMAs were isolated and studied under pressurized conditions. Vasoreactivity of LMAs, including myogenic responses, reactivity to Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632, and nitric oxide were measured. Both captopril and hydralazine lowered blood pressure in SHRs similar to Wistar. However, only captopril normalized LMA increased tone compared with untreated SHRs (15±2% versus 50±3%;
P
<0.01) that was similar to Wistar (16±2%) but not hydralazine (38±6%;
P
>0.05). Vasodilatory response of LMAs to Y-27632 was impaired in SHRs compared with Wistar (28±3% versus 81±4%;
P
<0.01) that was restored by captopril (84±5%;
P
<0.01) and partially hydralazine (59±4%). LMAs from all groups constricted similarly to NOS (NO synthase) inhibition; however, the vasodilatory response of LMAs to the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside was impaired in SHRs compared with Wistar rats (29±4% versus 80±2%;
P
<0.01) that was restored by captopril (84±4%;
P
<0.01), not hydralazine (38±8%;
P
>0.05). These results suggest that ACE inhibition during chronic hypertension reversed vascular dysfunction and hyperconstriction of LMAs that could improve stroke outcome by increasing collateral perfusion.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Blood Pressure in Older Adults
Authors: Drew David A. , Katz Ronit , Kritchevsky Stephen , Ix Joachim H. , Shlipak Michael G. , Newman Anne B. , Hoofnagle Andrew N. , Fried Linda F. , Sarnak Mark , Gutiérrez Orlando M.
Published: May 2020

FGF-23 (fibroblast growth factor 23) regulates phosphorus and vitamin D. Elevated FGF-23 is associated with incident hypertension in young- and middle-aged adults, but there is limited data in older adults. Serum FGF-23 was measured using an intact ELISA assay in 2496 participants of the Healthy Aging and Body Composition Study. The association between FGF-23 and prevalent hypertension (self-reported and confirmed by use of antihypertensive medications) and number of antihypertensive medications was determined. The associations between FGF-23 and incident hypertension, and diastolic and systolic blood pressure trajectories were evaluated over 10 years. Models were adjusted for demographics, estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and measures of mineral metabolism. The mean (SD) age was 75 (3) years, with 51% women, and 40% black participants. The prevalence of hypertension at baseline was 75% and the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 134 (21) mm Hg and 70 (12) mm Hg, respectively. The majority of participants without hypertension at baseline developed incident hypertension (576 of 1109 or 52%). In adjusted models, each 2-fold higher FGF-23 was associated with prevalent baseline hypertension (odds ratio=1.46 [1.24–1.73]) and greater number of blood pressure medications (IRR=1.14 [1.08–1.21]) but not with baseline diastolic or systolic blood pressure. In fully adjusted longitudinal analyses, a 2-fold higher FGF-23 was associated with incident hypertension (hazard ratio=1.18 [1.03–1.36]) and worsening systolic blood pressures (β=0.24 [0.08–0.40] mm Hg per year increase), but not with diastolic blood pressures (β=0.04 [−0.04 to 0.12] mm Hg per year increase). Higher FGF-23 concentrations are associated with prevalent and incident hypertension as well as rising systolic blood pressures in community-living older adults.
Neural and Behavioral Outcomes Differ Following Equivalent Bouts of Motor Imagery or Physical Practice
Authors: Kraeutner Sarah N. , Stratas Alexandra , McArthur Jennifer L. , Helmick Carl A. , Westwood David A. , Boe Shaun G.
Published: May 2020

Despite its reported effectiveness for the acquisition of motor skills, we know little about how motor imagery (MI)-based brain activation and performance evolves when MI (the imagined performance of a motor task) is used to learn a complex motor skill compared to physical practice (PP). The current study examined changes in MI-related brain activity and performance driven by an equivalent bout of MI- or PP-based training. Participants engaged in 5 days of either MI or PP of a dart-throwing task. Brain activity (via fMRI) and performance-related outcomes were obtained using a pre/post/retention design. Relative to PP, MI-based training did not drive robust changes in brain activation and was inferior for realizing improvements in performance: Greater activation in regions critical to refining the motor program was observed in the PP versus MI group posttraining, and relative to those driven via PP, MI led only to marginal improvements in performance. Findings indicate that the modality of practice (i.e., MI vs. PP) used to learn a complex motor skill manifests as differences in both resultant patterns of brain activity and performance. Ultimately, by directly comparing brain activity and behavioral outcomes after equivalent training through MI versus PP, this work provides unique knowledge regarding the neural mechanisms underlying learning through MI.
On the Presentation of Christianity in the Qurʾān and the Many Aspects of Qur’anic Rhetoric
Authors: Reynolds Gabriel Said
Published: May 2020

Many important western works on the Qurʾān are focused on the question of religious influences. The prototypical work of this genre is concerned with Judaism and the Qurʾān: Abraham’s Geiger’s 1833 Was hat Mohammed aus dem Judenthume aufgenommen, or “What Did Muhammad Acquire from Judaism?” In Geiger’s work – and the works of many who followed him – material in the Qurʾān is compared to similar material in Jewish or Christian literature in the hope of arriving at a better understanding of the Qurʾān’s origins.

In the present article I argue that these sorts of studies often include a simplistic perspective on Qur’anic rhetoric. In order to pursue this argument I focus on a common feature of these works, namely a comparison between material in the Qurʾān on Christ and Christianity with reports on the teachings of Christian heretical groups. Behind this feature is a conviction that heretical Christian groups existed in the Arabian peninsula at the time of Islam’s origins and that these groups influenced the Prophet. I will argue that once the Qurʾān’s creative use of rhetorical strategies such as hyperbole is appreciated, the need to search for Christian heretics disappears entirely.
The Nature of the Aims of Education: Quranic Perspectives
Authors: Nakib Omar
Published: May 2020

This study is concerned with analyzing the aims of education in the Qurʾān. It involves an investigation into relevant Quranic verses and their exegesis. Due to the nature of the research problem, a qualitative methodology has been adopted, and content analysis employed to examine the data when addressing the research questions. The questions addressed are: How does the Qurʾān treat the aims of education? What are the main aims of education that are treated by the Qurʾān? What are the practical implications of this on developing an Islamic education curriculum? The findings of this study show that the Qurʾān, as well as the Sunna, has prescribed a range of aims for education, distinguished into three important aspects: constancy, consistency, and universality through harmonizing, integrating, and encompassing the different dimensions of the human personality. The Qurʾān has a particular view of man since it deals with human nature from a realistic perspective, one which takes the human being as he really is, as regards all aspects of his personality: spiritual, material, and intellectual. To conclude, and to elucidate the implications of the findings on the development of an Islamic education curriculum, this study emphasizes the need to preserve the originality of Quranic teachings and their feasibility in order to actualize the meanings of the Qurʾān in human life. The curriculum should clearly reflect these aims in such a way that educational practitioners should be able to actualize the desired model of man as prescribed by the Qurʾān.
The Claim of Abdullah ibn Saad ibn Abi al-Sarh’s Distortion on the Qurʾan from the Perspective of the Books of Hadith
Authors: Spendari Abdulrehman Mohammad
Published: May 2020

This article investigates the claim of the Qurʾan’s distortion by ibn Abī Sarḥ, from the perspective of the books of Hadith. The historical approach, which is critically and analytically based, is used to analyse the narratives which are related to this issue in the books of Hadith. In addition, the author of this article has used the al-jarḥ wa al-taʿdīl. The conclusion is that there is no authentic (ṣaḥīḥ) hadith or even weak (daʿīf) in the books of Hadith that mentions ibn Abī Sarḥ’s distortion of the Qurʾan. All narratives which are mentioned in the books of Hadith and that are associated with him, do not refer to his distortion of the Qurʾan. Those narratives only indicate that Satan made ibn Abī Sarḥ turn his back on Islam, then later return to Islam. Narratives which indicate that ibn Abī Sarḥ altered the Qurʾan or that he was inspired by the final part of the 14th verses of Al-Muʾminun, are fabricated. Finally, the story of distortion of the Qurʾan had been imputed to more than one revelation scribe. This indicates that the whole story is a fabrication.
The Taqlīd al-Ijtihād Paradox: Challenges to Qurʾanic Hermeneutics
Authors: Galadari Abdulla
Published: May 2020

Ijtihād has been extremely important throughout Islamic history and seen as such by many Muslim scholars, both Sunni and Shiʿi, in early, medieval, and contemporary Islam. However, the phenomenon of ijtihad, in both traditional and contemporary Islam, is restricted to a set of rules that were outlined by earlier mujtahids. This poses a challenge in Qurʾanic hermeneutics as to whether contemporary mujtahids are performing ijtihād or merely imitating (taqlīd) the method of ijtihād. The purpose of this study is to investigate the following question: is ijtihād in the Qurʾanic Sciences today merely an imitation (taqlīd) of ijtihād? The paper opens with defining imitation (taqlīd) according to classical Muslim scholars, starting with the arguments that accepts imitation in Islam and then compares it with various scholars’ stances on ijtihād. The paper employs arguments from the Qurʾan, prophetic tradition (ḥadīth), and acts of the Companions (ṣaḥābah) that are typically used by Muslim scholars to argue in favor of ijtihād over imitation (taqlīd). It compares the stance of both Sunni and Shiʿi scholars on the roles of both mujtahids and sources of jurisprudence (marājiʿ) and muftīs. It shows that, in Qurʾanic Sciences, although the role of ijtihād is highly recommended, it continues to be part of a larger paradox, in which ijtihād may only be performed through a set of rules outlined by early scholars. This brings us to a paradox that to be a mujtahid, one needs to imitate (taqlīd) rules outlined by earlier mujtahids, which poses the challenging question on whether scholars today are truly performing ijtihād, or simply taqlīd al-ijtihād.
The Problems, Issues and Future Challenges of Automatic Speech Recognition for Quranic verse Recitation: A Review
Authors: Jamaliah Ibrahim Noor , Yamani Idna Idris Mohd , Zulkifli Mohd Yusoff M.Y. , Anuar Asma
Published: May 2020

Research into Automatic Speech Recognition (asr) software for the Arabic language has gained significance in recent years. Since the Qurʾan is in Arabic, the rendering of it into Arabic asr may appear difficult and quite challenging. Furthermore, the way in which any Qurʾanic verse is recited can differ from one person to another, as can even the same āya (verse), as this is totally dependent on the reciters’ level of understanding of tajwīd (pronunciation rules while reading the recitation of the Qurʾan) while delivering the āya. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the challenges for developing Qurʾanic verse recitation recognition software, focused on the tajwīd rules for checking features and language. Other related issues that fall under Qurʾanic linguistic aspects and properties, including recitation errors (common/possible mistakes made while reading) of passages, are also discussed in this paper. Further areas of potential expansion, new ideas, and new areas of research for supporting Qurʾanic learning for the Muslim community are also explored and identified. Thus, this paper will allow the field to be expanded and developed, all of which focusses on improving Qurʾanic learning process through a talaqqī and mushāfaha method of Qurʾan recitation.
The Application of Simons’ “Levers of Control” in the Quran and Sunna
Authors: Fatoni bin Mohd Balwi Mohd Abd Wahab , Sufian bin Che Abdullah Ahmad , Lubis Asmuliadi
Published: May 2020

Simons’1 “levers of control” is a strategy-based framework that takes into consideration the belief systems of and the functions and interactions within an organization. The purpose of this article is to discuss Simons’ levers of control from an Islamic viewpoint, based on the teachings of the Quran and Sunna. It demonstrates that the concept of “levers of control”, as posited by Simons, does not contradict the basic tenets of Islam. In fact, all the main components of the levers of control – belief system, boundary system, diagnostic control system, and interactive system – were actually emphasized and vigorously implemented by Prophet Muhammad SAW. However, these practices have never before been organized into well-arranged and systematic categories that can be used as guidelines by Islamic organizations. Such organizations should aspire to implement comprehensively the practices of Prophet Muhammad SAW in all aspects of organizational management functions, including those related to control. However, in the absence of clear and comprehensive guidelines, any implementation may not be appropriate or in accordance with the practices of Prophet Muhammad SAW. More importantly, incorrect implementation as a result of limited understanding or misunderstanding of the Prophet’s SAW practices can affect the overall perception of Islam. By properly utilizing the levers of control, organizations that strive to emulate the practices of Prophet Muhammad SAW in their operations can be successful.
On Biographical Dictionaries of Ḥadīṯ Transmitters: Rethinking Development in the Islamic Literature
Authors: Muhammad Yusoff Muhammad Fawwaz Bin
Published: May 2020

In general, the biographical dictionary is usually described as the purview of the history of a religion’s approach to encyclopaedic life-narratives. Biographies of the Prophet Muhammad, his Companions and other scholars have all been written with the intention of increasing Islamic faithfulness and piety. While illuminating or phenomenological studies of a few features of Islamic biographical writing exist, there is a need for a more analytical survey to show how biographical appearances evolved and developed. This article undertakes an exploratory analysis of ḥadīṯ scholars’ biographical dictionaries around the second/eight and third/ninth centuries as presented in their works. Apart from the scholarly trend and prevalent religious notions of the time, it will highlight this generation’s contribution and role to the field of Islamic scholarship as well as the influence upon the next generation. The many sub-genres of biographical dictionaries of ḥadīṯ transmitters that are presented in this article were composed over the first three Centuries of Islam and are celebrated as a result of this advancement in Islamic literature.
PUNICA GRANATUM BICARA AL-QURAN, AL-HADITH DAN SAINS PERUBATAN MODEN
Authors: Razzak Munirah Abd
Published: May 2020

Pomegranates are one of the oldest natural remedies known to human being. There are sayings “before there was medicine, there was food”, and pomegranates top the list when it comes to ancient healing benefits. In history, pomegranates are closely related with religious culture like Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism. Even these religions have their belief and practice when using pomegranates as food and medicine. Therefore, this article will discuss the pomegranates in the eye of al-Quran and its nutritional value. Apart from its nutritious value, the pomegranate also has medical benefits that can treating and preventing disease naturally.