bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An open-label phase Ib study of ORIC-101 in combination with enzalutamide in patients with metastatic prostate cancer progressing on enzalutamide.
Authors: Shore Neal D. , Efstathiou Eleni , Patel Rupal , Xu Rongda , Johnson Ann , Multani Pratik S. , Morris Michael J. , Abida Wassim
Published: February 2020

TPS253

Background: The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been identified as a potential antiandrogen bypass mechanism of resistance to enzalutamide treatment in prostate cancer. In an in vivo enzalutamide resistant prostate cancer model, GR activates a transcriptional program that is similar but distinguishable from AR and maintains the resistant phenotype (Arora et al 2013). In human prostate cancer cells, GR expression increases upon exposure to AR antagonists, and higher GR expression is associated with treatment resistance. These findings suggest that combined inhibition of both GR and AR may prolong the duration of response or restore sensitivity to AR antagonists such as enzalutamide or apalutamide. ORIC-101 is an oral small molecule GR antagonist that fully inhibits GR transcriptional activity and blocks proliferative and survival signals mediated by GR. Methods: This is an open-label, single arm, multicenter, dose escalation followed by dose expansion study to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary antitumor activity of ORIC-101 in combination with enzalutamide in patients with PSA progression on enzalutamide (NCT04033328). Escalating dose levels of ORIC-101 will be administered orally, once daily in combination with enzalutamide 160 mg on a 28-day cycle following a modified interval (i) 3+3 design. Parallel enrollment of up to 3 additional patients presenting with GR overexpressing tumors (determined in tissue via immunohistochemistry) may be performed at each dose level. Based on the i3+3 design, the target toxicity rate for the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is set at 25% (midpoint between 1 out of 3 and 1 out of 6) and any values between 20% and 30% can be considered as acceptable toxicity rates for the MTD. During dose expansion, patients will be stratified into 3 cohorts based on GR expression in tumor tissue: GR-high, GR-moderate, and GR-low. A Simon’s Two-Stage Optimal design will allow for early enrollment stopping in any cohort if PSA response rate is not sufficiently promising to warrant further development. Patients will continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Clinical trial information: NCT04033328.
A phase I clinical trial of PSMA-directed/TGFβ-insensitive CAR-T cells in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Authors: Narayan Vivek , Gladney Whitney , Plesa Gabriela , Vapiwala Neha , Carpenter Erica L. , Maude Shannon L. , Lal Priti , Lacey Simon F. , Melenhorst Jan J. , Fraietta Joseph , Sebro Ronnie , Farwell Michael , Moniak Michael , Gilmore Joan , Lledo Lester , Dengel Karen , Marshall Amy , Coughlin Christina Marie , June Carl H. , Haas Naomi B.
Published: February 2020

TPS269

Background: Adoptive immunotherapy with Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cells is a novel approach for the treatment of prostate cancer. However, the prostate cancer immunosuppressive microenvironment, including high levels of TGFβ, may limit the therapeutic potential of re-directed T cells upon tumor infiltration. The inhibition of TGFβ signaling via co-expression of a dominant negative TGFβ receptor (TGFβRdn) can enhance antitumor immunity. Co-expression of TGFβRdn on PSMA-redirected CAR-T cells in in vivo disseminated tumor models led to increased T cell proliferation, enhanced cytokine secretion, resistance to exhaustion, long-term persistence, and greater induction of tumor eradication. Methods: We are conducting a first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the safety and preliminary efficacy of lentivirally-transduced PSMA-redirected/TGFβ-insensitive CAR-T cells (CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn) in metastatic CRPC (NCT03089203). In a 3+3 dose-escalation design, patients received a single dose of 1-3 x 107/m2 (Cohort 1) or 1-3 x 108/m2 (Cohort 2) CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn cells without lymphodepleting chemotherapy. In Cohort 3, 1-3 x 108/m2 CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn cells are administered following a lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine (cy/flu). A currently accruing modified protocol seeks to optimize the therapeutic window with CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn (CAR-T dose of 1-3 x 107/m2 following lymphodepleting cy/flu). Eight patients have received a single dose of CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn. CAR-T expansion and persistence in peripheral blood and trafficking to target tissues is evaluated via quantitative PCR of CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn DNA. Bioactivity of CAR-T cells in peripheral blood is evaluated via multiplex immunoassays. Additional correlative analyses will interrogate the therapeutic contribution of TGFβRdn, as well as early markers of response and resistance to CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn therapy. Clinical trial information: NCT03089203.
Phase II study of avelumab plus intermittent axitinib in previously untreated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (Tide-A study).
Authors: Iacovelli Roberto , Atzori Francesco , Basso Umberto , Bersanelli Melissa , Bonomi Lucia , Bracarda Sergio , Buttigliero Consuelo , Fantinel Emanuela , Calabro Fabio , Chiuri Vincenzo Emanuele , Di Lorenzo Giuseppe , Fornarini Giuseppe , Massari Francesco , Naglieri Emanuele , Ortega Cinzia , Procopio Giuseppe , Milella Michele , Santoni Matteo , Vitale Maria Giuseppa , Zucali Paolo Andrea
Published: February 2020

TPS762

Background: The combination of avelumab plus axitinib has been recently reported to be superior than sunitinib alone for treatment of previously untreated mRCC patients (Motzer, NEJM 2019). The study reported a median PFS of 13.8 for the combination of avelumab plus axitinib compared to 8.4 months for sunitinib (p<0.001) with an ORR of 48% vs 24%, respectively. To improve treatment efficacy and safety, TKI discontinuation has been considered in patients treated with sunitinib leading to a longer definitive progression free survival (22.4 months) and overall survival (34.8 months) with a better safety profile (Ornstein, JCO 2017). Despite a new tumor response at TKI reintroduction, many patients progressed after the first months of treatment discontinuation suggesting the necessity to maintain the previous response. This study aims to test if patients achieving a tumor response with the combination of avelumab plus axitinib, can discontinue the TKI in order to delay the resistance and decrease the toxicity related to the combination of therapies. Methods: The single arm, phase II TIDE-A trial, aims to evaluate the activity of avelumab as maintenance therapy in patients with mRCC who achieved a tumor response after the induction phase of therapy with the combination of avelumab and axitinib. Eligible patients have clear cell carcinoma, ECOG performance status 0 or 1, measurable, no bulky disease without tumor-related symptoms or hepatic metastases. Eligible patient will receive the combination of avelumab plus axitinib for 36 weeks. Patients achieving RECIST 1.1 partial response discontinue the axitinib and continue avelumab. At tumor progression, the axitinib will be restarted for at least six months. If a new tumor response is achieved, axitinib will be discontinued again until tumor progression. Patients with RECIST 1.1 stable disease continue the combination of avelumab and axitinib until progression of disease. The primary endpoint is to evaluate the rate of patients free of progression after 8 weeks from axitinib discontinuation. The study is currently ongoing in twenty centres in Italy.
Cancer Mortality Patterns in Tanzania: A Retrospective Hospital-Based Study, 2006-2015
Authors: Lyimo Emanuel P. , Rumisha Susan F. , Mremi Irene R. , Mangu Chacha D. , Kishamawe Coleman , Chiduo Mercy G. , Matemba Lucas E. , Bwana Veneranda M. , Massawe Isolide S. , Mboera Leonard E.G.
Published: February 2020

PURPOSE

This retrospective study sought to determine the type, burden, and pattern of cancer deaths in public hospitals in Tanzania from 2006 to 2015.

METHODS

This study analyzed data on cancer mortality in 39 hospitals in Tanzania. Data on the age and sex of the deceased and type of cancer were extracted from hospital death registers and report forms. Cancer types were grouped according to the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Age-standardized mortality rates and cancer mortality patterns were analyzed. A χ2 test was used to examine the association between common cancers and selected covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 12,621 cancer-related deaths occurred during the 10-year period, which translates to an age-standardized hospital-based mortality rate of 47.8 per 100,000 population. Overall, the number of deaths was notably higher (56.5%) among individuals in the 15- to 59-year-old age category and disproportionately higher among females than males ( P = .0017). Cancers of the cervix, esophagus, and liver were the 3 major causes of death across all study hospitals in Tanzania. Cancers of the cervix, esophagus, and liver were the largest contributors to mortality burden among females. Among males, cancers of the esophagus, liver, and prostate were the leading cause of mortality.

CONCLUSION

There is an increasing trend in cancer mortality over recent years in Tanzania, which differs with respect to age, sex, and geographic zones. These findings provide a basis for additional studies to ascertain incidence rates and survival probabilities, and highlight the need to strengthen awareness campaigns for early detection, access to care, and improved diagnostic capabilities.
Double beta decay without invoking closure
Authors: Pantis G. , Vergados J. D.
Published: February 2020

The nuclear matrix elements of PU operators entering in the 0v ßß-decay of 76Ge-->76Se have been calculated explicitly  in the context of QRPA within the model space 0f7/2 - 0h11/2. T h e validity of the closure approximation has been tested and seems to be quite satisfactory for those matrix elements which are not usually suppressed. Our results indicate that they are dominated by multipoles other than 0+ and 1+ and that the matrix elements are comparable to those of shell model calculations.
The genome sequence of the Eurasian river otter, Lutra lutra Linnaeus 1758
Authors: Mead Dan , Hailer Frank , Chadwick Elisabeth , Portela Miguez Roberto , Smith Michelle , Corton Craig , Oliver Karen , Skelton Jason , Betteridge Emma , Doulcan Jale Doulcan , Dudchenko Olga , Omer Arina , Weisz David , Lieberman Aiden Erez , McCarthy Shane , Howe Kerstin , Sims Ying , Torrance James , Tracey Alan , Challis Richard , Durbin Richard , Blaxter Mark
Published: February 2020

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Lutra lutra (the Eurasian river otter; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Eutheria; Carnivora; Mustelidae). The genome sequence is 2.44 gigabases in span. The majority of the assembly is scaffolded into 20 chromosomal pseudomolecules, with both X and Y sex chromosomes assembled.
Capitalismo neoliberal: ¿continuidades, discontinuidades o transformaciones? Un análisis del caso chino
Authors: Ribeiro Rodrigues Fernanda Cristina , Ramos Leonardo , Maia Fernando
Published: February 2020

Este trabajo analiza las conductas político-económicas emprendidas por China posrreformas (1976-2015) a partir de la teoría y de la historia de los conceptos con base en Koselleck (2006) y Sartori (1970). La metodología fue cualitativa, enfocada en el análisis de contenido y en investigaciones bibliográfica y documental. Tal análisis sigue la evolución de los planos en el tiempo y su consecución vía planificación por medio de actos de habla y formalizados en políticas (policies). A partir de ahí, fue posible concluir que la innovación conceptual fue implementada de forma pragmática por la rpc (vía Partido Comunista Chino). Así, la rpc buscó el establecimiento de una relación amistosa entre Estado y mercado, inaugurando así un nuevo léxico en la economía política internacional contemporánea: la economía socialista de mercado.
Identifying Botnet on IoT by Using Supervised Learning Techniques
Authors: Rezaei Amirhossein
Published: February 2020

The security challenge on IoT (Internet of Things) is one of the hottest and most pertinent topics at the moment especially the several security challenges. The Botnet is one of the security challenges that most impact for several purposes. The network of private computers infected by malicious software and controlled as a group without the knowledge of owners and each of them running one or more bots is called Botnets. Normally, it is used for sending spam, stealing data, and performing DDoS attacks. One of the techniques that been used for detecting the Botnet is the Supervised Learning method. This study will examine several Supervised Learning methods such as; Linear Regression, Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Naive Bayes, k- Nearest Neighbors, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Machines, and Support Vector Machine for identifying the Botnet in IoT with the aim of finding which Supervised Learning technique can achieve the highest accuracy and fastest detection as well as with minimizing the dependent variable.
Cerebral palsy with dislocated hip and scoliosis: What to deal with first?
Authors: Helenius Ilkka J. , Viehweger Elke , Castelein Rene M.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Hip dislocation and scoliosis are common in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Hip dislocation develops in 15% and 20% of children with CP, mainly between three and six years of age and especially in the spastic and dyskinetic subtypes. The risk of scoliosis increases with age and increasing disability as expressed by the Gross Motor Function Score.

Methods

A hip surveillance programme and early surgical treatment have been shown to reduce the hip dislocation, but it remains unclear if a similar programme could reduce the need for neuromuscular scoliosis. When hip dislocation and neuromuscular scoliosis are co-existent, there appears to be no clear guidelines as to which of these deformities should be addressed first: hip or spine.

Results

Hip dislocation or windswept deformity may cause pelvic obliquity and initiate scoliosis, while neuromuscular scoliosis itself leads to pelvic obliquity and may increase the risk of hip dislocation especially on the high side. It remains unclear if treating imminent hip dislocation can prevent development of scoliosis and vice versa, but they may present at the same time for surgery. Current expert opinion suggests that when hip dislocation and scoliosis present at the same time, scoliosis associated pelvic obliquity should be corrected before hip reconstruction. If the patient is not presenting with pelvic obliquity the more symptomatic condition should be addressed first.

Conclusion

Early identification of hip displacement and neuromuscular scoliosis appears to be important for better surgical outcomes.
Spine deformities in patients with cerebral palsy; the role of the pelvis
Authors: Hasler Carol , Brunner Reinald , Grundshtein Alon , Ovadia Dror
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Progressive neuromuscular spinal deformities with pelvic obliquity and loss of sitting balance are typical features of severely affected patients with cerebral palsy. The pelvis represents the key bone between the spine and the lower extremity when it comes to deciding whether and when to operate and if spine or hip surgery first is beneficial. The pelvis can be looked at as the lowest vertebra and as the rooftop of the lower extremities.

Biomechanical considerations

To allow for a normal spinal shape, the pelvis needs to be horizontal in the frontal plane and mildly anterior tilted in the sagittal plane, less for sitting and more for standing. Any abnormal pelvic position requires spinal compensation and challenges the equilibrium control of the individual. Both anatomical neighbourhoods – the spine and the hip joints — have to be considered when spinal deformities, hip instability and contractures evolve, in conservative therapy (bracing, physiotherapy, seating in the wheelchair) and when surgical interventions are weighed out against each other.

Surgical considerations

Multiple anatomical factors such as sagittal profile and pelvic orientiation, pelvic transverse plane asymmetries and lumbosacral malformations have to be considered in case the pelvis is instrumented with sacral and iliac screws. Rotational deformities and asymmetries of the pelvic bones make the safe insertion of long screws challenging. Advantages of primary pelvic fixation include correction of pelvic obliquity, especially considering the lever arm of the whole spinal construct. The risk of revision surgery due to progression of distal curves is also reduced. Disadvantages of pelvic fixation include the complexity of the additional intervention, which may result in longer operating times, increased risk of blood loss, infection and hardware malpositioning.
What’s up with transmedia and education? A literature review
Authors: González-Martínez Juan , Esteban-Guitart Moisès , Rostan-Sanchez Carles , Serrat-Sellabona Elisabet , Estebanell-Minguell Meritxell
Published: February 2020

In the last few years, several works have emerged focusing on the cultural change that has to do with the simultaneous and sequential coexistence between different media. This is what is being called transmedia, and it is related to the new concepts of media convergence and participatory culture. All this new mediatic and cultural movement, of course, begins to have an echo in the educational world. However, what do we mean by this concept from an educational perspective? Through a systematic literature review, we analyse this transmedia concept in three meanings: transmedia as ability or literacy necessary to actively evolve in this movement of participatory culture; transmedia as the product resulting from that sequential jump between different analogical and digital media, conveyed by a narrative; and, lastly, transmedia as a didactic strategy that explores that narrative that is developed in different means to achieve concrete didactic objectives.
Revisió del "Método de Hidroterapia" de Kneipp i la seva connexió catalana amb la saga Santiveri
Authors: SABATÉ i FORT Jesús
Published: February 2020

REVIEW OF THE BOOK “MÉTODO DE HIDROTERAPIA” BY KNEIPP AND ITS CATALAN CONNECTION WITH THE SANTIVERI SAGA: Review of the book published in Barcelona in 1898 « Método de Hidroterapia» by Sebastian Kneipp, pioneer of the revival of hydrotherapy. This article emphasizes the first part of the book dedicated to water application and remarks the connection with Santiveri family saga and the imprint that left on them. The Catalan entrepreneurs Santiveri were the first to introduce the vegetarian and naturist concepts and products of Kneipp in our country.
Max-depth-range technique for faster full-color hologram generation
Authors: Sifatul Islam Md , Piao Yan-Ling , Zhao Yu , Kwon Ki-Chul , Cho Eunjin , Kim Nam
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a max-depth-range method is proposed to determine the optimum length of depth range for faster generation of full-color holograms. For each color channel, objects are divided by a fixed length to create a temporary depth range, and the wavefront recording plane (WRP) is placed in the middle of all layers within the temporary depth range. The proposed method is used to calculate full-color holograms significantly faster than a conventional multiple-WRP method but with almost the same reconstructed image quality. The feasibility of the proposed method was confirmed using numerical and optical experiments for various scenes containing multiple real objects.
Resolution-improved SPR sensor with a rotational modulation method
Authors: Wei Liuxia , Feng Chengcheng , Yuan Libo
Published: February 2020

A resolution-improved prism coupler-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor with a simple, effective rotational modulation method is proposed in this paper. For a conventional SPR sensor, the way to improve its measurement resolution is usually to use the rotating device with higher resolution. Measurement resolution depends on the modulation resolution of the incident angle; therefore, we propose a rotational modulation method that is implemented by rotating the prism horizontally to improve the modulation resolution of the incident angle, instead of using a more expensive rotating device with higher resolution. This scheme is validated both theoretically and experimentally. Furthermore, theoretical simulations show that the rotational modulation method can also be applied to long-range surface plasmon resonance sensors for better results.
WIDECARS multi-parameter measurements in premixed ethylene–air flames using a wavelength stable ultrabroadband dye laser
Authors: Rock Nicholas , Hsu Paul S. , Lauriola Daniel , Rahman Naveed , Estevadeordal Jordi , Grib Stephen W. , Jiang Naibo , Kearney Sean P. , Wrzesinski Paul
Published: February 2020

Width-increased dual-pump enhanced coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (WIDECARS) measurements were used to determine the temperature and major species mole fractions in laminar, premixed, ethylene–air flames operating at atmospheric pressure. Conventional ultrabroadband dye lasers for WIDECARS, which use Pyrromethene dyes, have historically suffered from day-to-day wavelength shifting. To overcome this problem, a new ultrabroadband dye laser was developed in this study to provide a stable wavelength and power generation. A new dye laser pumping scheme and a mixture of Sulforhodamine 640, Kiton Red 620, and Rhodamine 640, was used to generate the desired FWHM

∼

15

n
m

(

410

c
m

−
1

) bandwidth. The WIDECARS measured mole fraction ratios of

C
O

2

, CO, and

H

2

with

N

2

agreed well with chemical equilibrium calculations.
Mid-infrared chalcogenide microfiber knot resonators
Authors: Xie Yu , Cai Dawei , Wu Hao , Pan Jing , Zhou Ning , Xin Chenguang , Yu Shaoliang , Wang Pan , Jiang Xiaoshun , Qiu Jianrong , Guo Xin , Tong Limin
Published: February 2020

A novel type of mid-IR microresonator, the chalcogenide glass (ChG) microfiber knot resonator (MKR), is demonstrated, showing easy fabrication, fiber-compatible features, resonance tunability, and high robustness. ChG microfibers with typical diameters around 3 μm are taper-drawn from

As

2

S

3

glass fibers and assembled into MKRs in liquid without surface damage. The measured

Q

factor of a typical 824 μm diameter ChG MKR is about

2.84
×

10

4

at the wavelength of 4469.14 nm. The free spectral range (FSR) of the MKR can be tuned from 2.0 nm (28.4 GHz) to 9.6 nm (135.9 GHz) by tightening the knot structure in liquid. Benefitting from the high thermal expansion coefficient of

As

2

S

3

glass, the MKR exhibits a thermal tuning rate of

110
  
pm
·
°

C

−
1

at the resonance peak. When embedded in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) film, a 551 μm diameter MKR retains a

Q

factor of

1.1
×

10
4

. The ChG MKRs demonstrated here are highly promising for resonator-based optical technologies and applications in the mid-IR spectral range.
Homogeneous network embedding for massive graphs via reweighted personalized PageRank
Authors: Yang Renchi , Shi Jieming , Xiao Xiaokui , Yang Yin , Bhowmick Sourav S.
Published: February 2020

Given an input graph
G
and a node
v
∈
G
, homogeneous network embedding (HNE) maps the graph structure in the vicinity of
v
to a compact, fixed-dimensional feature vector. This paper focuses on HNE for massive graphs,
e.g.
, with billions of edges. On this scale, most existing approaches fail, as they incur either prohibitively high costs, or severely compromised result utility.

Our proposed solution, called Node-Reweighted PageRank (NRP), is based on a classic idea of deriving embedding vectors from pairwise personalized PageRank (PPR) values. Our contributions are twofold: first, we design a simple and efficient baseline HNE method based on PPR that is capable of handling billion-edge graphs on commodity hardware; second and more importantly, we identify an inherent drawback of vanilla PPR, and address it in our main proposal NRP. Specifically, PPR was designed for a very different purpose,
i.e.
, ranking nodes in
G
based on their
relative
importance from a source node's perspective. In contrast, HNE aims to build node embeddings considering the
whole
graph. Consequently, node embeddings derived directly from PPR are of suboptimal utility.

The proposed NRP approach overcomes the above deficiency through an effective and efficient node reweighting algorithm, which augments PPR values with node degree information, and iteratively adjusts embedding vectors accordingly. Overall, NRP takes
O
(
m
log
n
) time and
O
(
m
) space to compute all node embeddings for a graph with
m
edges and
n
nodes. Our extensive experiments that compare NRP against 18 existing solutions over 7 real graphs demonstrate that NRP achieves higher result utility than all the solutions for link prediction, graph reconstruction and node classification, while being up to orders of magnitude faster. In particular, on a billion-edge Twitter graph, NRP terminates within 4 hours, using a single CPU core.
Heterologous expression of a plant WRKY protein confers multiple stress tolerance in E. coli Bir bitkinin heterolog ifadesi WRKY proteini çoklu stres yaratır E. coli’de tolerans
Authors: Deeba Farah , Sultana Tasawar , Majeed Nadia , Naqvi Syed Muhammad Saqlan
Published: February 2020

Objective

OsWRKY71, a WRKY protein from rice, is reported to function during biotic stresses. It is requisite to further enquire the efficiency and mechanism of OsWRKY71 under various environmental stresses. Stress indicators such as salt, cold, heat, and drought were studied by overexpressing the OsWRKY71 in E. coli.

Materials and methods

DNA binding domain containing region of OsWRKY71 was cloned and expressed in E. coli followed by exposure to stress conditions. OsWRKY71 was also assessed for its role in abiotic stresses in rice by qPCR.

Results

Recombinant E. coli expressing OsWRKY71 was more tolerant to stresses such as heat, salt and drought in spot assay. The tolerance was further confirmed by monitoring the bacterial growth in liquid culture assay demonstrating that it encourages the E. coli growth under salt, drought, and heat stresses. This tolerance may be the consequence of OsWRKY71 interaction with the promoter of stress related genes or with other proteins in bacteria. The RT-qPCR analysis revealed the up-regulation of OsWRKY71 gene in rice upon interaction to cold, salt, drought and wounding with maximum up-regulation against salinity.

Conclusion

Thus, the defensive role of OsWRKY71 may accord to the development and survival of plants during different environmental stresses.
Modeling in Early Stages of Technology Development: Is an Iterative Approach Needed? Comment on "Problems and Promises of Health Technologies: The Role of Early Health Economic Modeling"
Authors: Drummond Michael F.
Published: February 2020

A recent paper by Grutters et al makes the case for early health economic modeling in the development of health technologies. A number of examples of the value of early modeling are given, with analyses being performed at different stages in the development of several non-drug health technologies. This commentary acknowledges the contribution of the paper by Grutters et al and argues for an iterative and integrated approach to early modeling, assessing the cost-effectiveness of the technology, the value of future research and the interaction with the manufacturer’s pricing and revenue expectations.
How Useful Are Early Economic Models? Comment on "Problems and Promises of Health Technologies: The Role of Early Health Economic Modelling"
Authors: Love-Koh James
Published: February 2020

Early economic modelling has long been recommended to aid research and development (R&D) decisions in medical innovation, although they are less frequently published and critically appraised. A review of 30 innovations by Grutters et al provides an opportunity to evaluate how early models are used in practice. The evidence of early models can be used to inform two types of decision: to continue development ("stop or go") or to alter future R&D activities. I argue that early models have limited use in stop or go decisions, as less resource and data undermine the reliability of the models’ indicative estimates of cost-effectiveness. Whilst they are far more useful for informing future R&D directions, the best techniques available from statistical decision science, such as value of information analysis, are not regularly used. It is highly recommended that early models adopt these methods to best deal with uncertainty, quantify the potential value of further research, identify areas of study with the greatest potential benefit and generate recommendations on study design and sample size.
Monitoring Sustainable Development Goals 3: Assessing the Readiness of Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Nabukalu Joy Belinda , Asamani James Avoka , Nabyonga-Orem Juliet
Published: February 2020

Background: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) availed opportunities for scaling up service coverage but called for stringent monitoring and evaluation (M&E) focusing mainly on MDG related programs. The Sustainable Development Goals 3 (SDGs) and the universal health coverage (UHC) agenda present a broader scope and require more sophisticated M&E systems. We assessed the readiness of low- and middle-income countries to monitor SDG 3. Methods: Employing mixed methods, we reviewed health sector M&E plans of 6 countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Region to assess the challenges to M&E, the indicator selection pattern and the extent of multisectoral collaboration. Qualitative data were analysed using content thematic analysis while quantitative data were analysed using Excel. Results: Challenges to monitoring SDG 3 include weak institutional capacity; fragmentation of M&E functions; inadequate domestic financing; inadequate data availability, dissemination and utilization of M&E products. The total number of indictors in the reviewed plans varied from 38 for Zimbabwe to 235 for Zanzibar. Sixty-nine percent of indicators for the Gambia and 89% for Zanzibar were not classified in any domain in the M&E results chain. Countries lay greater M&E emphasis on service delivery, health systems, maternal and child health as well as communicable diseases with a seeming neglect of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Inclusion of SDG 3 indicators only ranged from 48% for Zanzibar to 67% for Kenya. Although monitoring SDG 3 calls for multisectoral collaboration, consideration of the role of other sectors in the M&E plans was either absent or limited to the statistical departments. Conclusion: There are common challenges confronting M&E at county-level. Countries have omitted key indicators for monitoring components of the SDG 3 targets especially those on NCDs and injuries. The role of other sectors in monitoring SDG 3 targets is not adequately reflected. These could be bottlenecks to tracking progress towards SDG 3 if not addressed. Beyond providing compendium of indicators to guide countries, we advocate for a more binding minimum set of indicators for all countries to which they may add depending on their context. Ministries of Health (MoHs) should prioritise M&E as an important pillar for health service planning and implementation and not as an add-on activity.
Around the Tables – Contextual Factors in Healthcare Coverage Decisions Across Western Europe
Authors: Kleinhout-Vliek Tineke , de Bont Antoinette , Boysen Meindert , Perleth Matthias , van der Veen Romke , Zwaap Jacqueline , Boer Bert
Published: February 2020

Background: Across Western Europe, procedures and formalised criteria for taking decisions on the coverage (inclusion in the benefits basket or equivalent) of healthcare technologies vary substantially. In the decision documents, which display the justification of, the rationale for, these decisions, national healthcare institutes may employ ‘contextual factors,’ defined here as situation-specific considerations. Little is known about how the use of such contextual factors compares across countries. We describe and compare contextual factors as used in coverage decisions generally and 4 decision documents specifically in Belgium, England, Germany, and the Netherlands. Methods: Four group interviews with 3 experts from the national healthcare institute of each country, document and web site analysis, and a workshop with 1 to 2 of these experts per country were followed by the examination of the documents of 4 specific decisions taken in each of the 4 countries, sampled to vary widely in type of technology and decision outcome. Results: From the available decision documents, we conclude that in every country studied, contextual factors are established ‘around the table,’ ie, in deliberation. All documents examined feature contextual factors, with similar contextual factor patterns leading to similar decisions in different countries. The Dutch decisions employ the widest variety of factors, with the exception of the societal functioning of the patient, which is relatively common in Belgium, England, and Germany. Half of the final decisions were taken in another setting, with the consequence that no documentation was retrievable for 2 decisions. Conclusion: First, we conclude that in these countries, contextual factors are actively integrated in the decision document, and that this is achieved in deliberation. Conceptualising contextual factors as both situation-specific and actively-integrated affords insight into practices of contextualisation and provides an encouragement for exchange between decision-makers on more qualitative aspects of decisions. Second, the decisions that lacked a publicly accessible justification of the final decision document raised questions on the decisions’ legitimacy. Further research could address patterning of contextual factors, elucidate why some factors may remain implicit, and how decisions without a publicly available decision document may enable or restrain decision-making practice.
Gaussian Neighborhood-prime Labeling of Graphs Containing Hamiltonian Cycle
Authors: N P Shrimali  , S T Trivedi
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we examine Gaussian neighborhood-prime labeling of generalized Peterson graph and graphs which contain Hamiltonian cycle.
Factors Affecting Internship Students’ Speaking Anxiety
Authors: Muslem Asnawi , Fata Ika Apriani , Inayatullah Inayatullah
Published: February 2020

This study is sought to discover the English speaking anxiety factors in class of internship students and to investigate the students’ efforts to cope the problems. This research applied qualitative method in addition research subjects were 30 English internship students of Universitas Syiah Kuala in 2015. The data were collected through questionnaire and interview. Both of the instruments were adapted from (Tum Kunt, 2013). The study discovered that the major factors of students’ speaking anxiety divided into two interrelated groups; psychological and educational factors. Regarding to the psychological factors, the students were anxious and feeling fear of having misunderstanding teachers’ instruction and supervision. The educational factors were reflecting to the current bad performance of speaking skill aspects namely; inaccurate of fluency, inappropriate of vocabulary, inappropriate application of grammar rule, insufficient materials preparation and poor of pronunciation. Nevertheless, 16 internship students who were indicated high level of speaking anxiety used various efforts to solve the speaking anxiety such as; practicing, listening to native speaker’s utterance, reading English texts, memorizing words, keeping using English in class, learning grammar rule, making note, preparing the material and using audio dictionary. This study concludes that everyone has anxiety and it is common, yet this problem could be reduced by doing some efforts
Editorial
Authors: Maesta Nailza
Published: February 2020

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Dimorfismo sexual por meio de medidas lineares da escápula
Authors: Assis Vicentim Maria Julia , Ulbricht Viviane , Martins Schmidt Cristhiane , Carlos Groppo Francisco , Daruge Junior Eduardo , De Stefano Piedade Sônia Maria , Barbieri Bedran de Castro João Cesar , Sassi Etchegoyen Carlos Alberto , Francesquini Junior Luiz
Published: February 2020

A partir do paradigma de que a determinação do sexo post mortem pode ser realizada em qualquer osso humano, o presente estudo observacional analítico foi realizado em 191 ossadas de brasileiros, sendo 109 do sexo masculino e 86 do sexo feminino, existentes no Biobanco Osteológico e Tomográfico Prof. Dr. Eduardo Daruge da FOP/UNICAMP, que não apresentavam anomalias de crescimento e estão na faixa de idade de 18 a 100 anos. Teve como objetivo estudar sete medidas lineares na escápula direita (A - comprimento máximo da cavidade glenoidal, B -largura máxima da cavidade glenoidal, C - ângulo superior da escápula - ângulo inferior, D -ângulo superior - ângulo lateral da escápula, E - ângulo lateral - ângulo inferior da escápula, F - borda mais equidistante do acrômio - ângulo superior da escápula e G - comprimento do acrômio) visando verificar se as mesmas são dimórficas e construir um modelo matemático para a determinação do sexo post mortem. Os resultados indicaram que todas as medidas estudadas são dimórficas e foi possível estabelecer um modelo matemático com quatro medidas ( A - comprimento máximo da cavidade glenoidal, B - largura máxima da cavidade glenoidal, C - ângulo superior da escápula - ângulo inferior e D - ângulo superior - ângulo lateral da escápula) que permitiram índice de identificação do sexo em 88,1%.
Avaliação microbiológica de presunto fatiado comercializado no município de Pau Brasil-BA
Authors: Sena Adenilson Soares , Santana Marcel Vieira , Nascimento Gedeany Alves , Lima Marcio Amorim Tolentino , Carvalho Lucas Ribeiro
Published: February 2020

O Brasil destaca-se, dentre os países produtores e consumidores de carne suína, esta é destinada ao consumo in natura e também na fabricação de embutidos. O presunto é um alimento cozido, com elevado consumo no mundo. O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar as características microbiológicas de presunto fatiado comercializado no município de Pau Brasil, Bahia. As amostras de presunto fatiado foram coletadas em 3 supermercados do município, entre os meses de agosto e setembro de 2014. Para cada supermercado foram coletadas 3. Em cada coleta, realizou-se um esfregaço com swab estéril nas máquinas fatiadoras. Os resultados mostraram-se negativos para coliformes termotolerantes e E. coli, contudo verificou-se a presença de microrganismos aeróbios mesófilos, coliformes totais e enterobactérias com contagens que variaram de 1,3x10 a 6,3x103 UFC/g, <3,0 a >1100 NMP/g e <10 a 6,4x103 UFC/g, respectivamente. Constatou-se que as máquinas fatiadoras foram a provável fonte de contaminação do presunto por enterobactérias. Os resultados sugerem a presença de controle sanitário, evidenciando que as condições higiênicas durante o fatiamento, operações de limpeza e condições de armazenamento seguem um padrão de qualidade de acordo com a legislação vigente.
Surgical Skills Course for Fourth Year Medical Students Entering an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency
Authors: Meyer Lucy E. , Thakar Ocean V. , Brown Symone M. , Trojan Jeffrey D. , Mulcahey Mary K.
Published: February 2020

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Surgical skills training outside of the operating room is a critical component of surgical education. There has been little incorporation of these programs for medical students entering orthopaedic surgery residencies. As such, there is concern that incoming orthopaedic residents matriculate with skills below residency programs' expectations. This study aimed to assess the need for an orthopaedic surgical skills course during the 4th year of medical school.An anonymous electronic survey was emailed to 1457orthopaedic surgery residents and 732 current orthopaedic residency applicants using application data from a single orthopaedic residency program during the 2015-2016 through 2017-2018 cycles. 200 resident and 31 applicant emails were returned undeliverable, resulting in distribution to 1257 residents and 701 applicants. 135 junior residents (11% response rate) and 181 applicants (26% response rate) completed portions of the survey. 76 of 117 (65%) residents and 170 of 181 (94%) applicants did not participate in a formal orthopaedic surgical skills course. 110 of 118 (93%) residents and 160 of 171 (94%) applicants indicated that implementing such a course before entering residency would be beneficial. Applicants rated basic fracture reduction (95%; 171/180), casting/splinting (94%; 170/180), and reading basic x-rays (90%; 162/180) as the most important potential course components.Most respondents were not exposed to an orthopaedic skills course prior to residency. Participants indicated that such a course would be beneficial to incoming orthopaedic residents. Pilot programs should be developed to optimize an orthopaedic preparatory skills course for 4th year medical students pursuing careers in orthopaedic surgery.
Investigating the relationship between trenching practice and road deterioration
Authors: Eskandari Torbaghan Mehran , Curioni Giulio , Hayati Farzad , Royal Alexander C D , Chapman David N , Atkins Philip R , Rogers Christopher D F
Published: February 2020

The functioning of modern societies relies on the successful performance of their infrastructure. In the UK, much of the buried infrastructure is located below the road surface, and routine maintenance of these requires networks to be accessed, commonly by open-cut methods. The open-cut operation in roads is likely to change the performance of the pavement structure and potentially how loads are transmitted, thereby affecting the buried infrastructure. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of open-cut construction on the road, ground and buried infrastructure with the aim of improving the current associated guidelines. A fully instrumented site trial was undertaken where two pipes were installed using trenching in a road, with one reinstated according to the higher end of the UK specification and the other on the lower end of the specification. The trench reinstated according to the lower end of the specification experienced serviceability failure, where large settlements (approximately 70 mm) and deflections (up to 2000 μm) were observed. The other trench also experienced distress, although to a much reduced level. This demonstrates that trenching, even when reinstated according to the higher end of the specification, still weakens the existing road locally.
Las TIC y su influencia en el desarrollo psicosocial
Authors: Guzmán Huayamave Kennya , Arriaga Hachi Patricia , Cobos Díaz Alison
Published: February 2020

El presente artículo describe el valor de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) como recurso didáctico que abre oportunidades para el desarrollo del conocimiento. Al estar inmersos en una sociedad que los niños son nativos digitales, el docente requiere incorporar tecnología en sus procesos educativos a fin de potenciar el desarrollo psicosocial de sus alumnos. En este contexto, la investigación tiene como objetivo promover espacios de reflexión para que los escenarios pedagógicos sean cada vez más interactivos con el conocimiento y la socialización de los pares en la escuela “Camino al Espacio” de la ciudad de Guayaquil. Desde esta perspectiva, se utilizaron técnicas cualitativas-cuantitativas con un carácter descriptivo y exploratorio. La metodología considerada fue: observación, entrevista y encuesta. Como conclusión, el desempeño docente debe asumir en su formación el tema de las TIC y en este abordaje, repensar en las experiencias que se construyen en el proceso de enseñanza.
A Comparative Study of the Translation of Material Culture-loaded Words of Hongloumeng in the Light of Skopostheorie
Authors: Yu Ke
Published: February 2020

Hongloumeng, one of the masterpieces in China, a splendid history of classical literature, carries a large amount of Chinese traditional culture elements and culture-loaded words. This paper will apply skopos theory as the theoretical framework and analyze the translation of material culture-loaded words in Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yangs’ translation of A Dream of Red Mansions and The Story of the Stone by David Hawkes. And then the author will try to list some representative culture-loaded words and reveal that how the skopos influences the translators’ choice of translation methods and strategies in translation, and what effect or effects can be achieved. Some conclusions can be drawn.
Segurança alimentar: riscos e benefícios da ingestão dos alimentos transgênicos na saúde humana
Authors: Nobre Larissa Emanuely Silva , Santos Jenifer Mikaely Lima dos , Maciel Raíssa Medeiros , Rodrigues Yasmin Lima , Ladeira Silvânia Alves , Oliveira Matteus Freitas de , Pereira Jackson Belo
Published: February 2020

A pesquisa procurou discutir os impactos que os alimentos transgênicos trazem à população em decorrência dos seus efeitos positivos e negativos, além de fazer um estudo da oferta desses alimentos entre as escalas global e local, com ênfase em Batalha-Alagoas. Bartolomé (2001) discorre sobre o desenvolvimento de alergias causadas pelo consumo desses produtos. A numerosa utilização de vírus e bactérias, com alto potencial recombinatório, pode criar novas cepas patogênicas e novas enfermidades. Esta pesquisa tem caráter de prospecção bibliográfica, associada à realização de uma etapa de campo que se deu nos mercados da cidade. Associando essas fontes, realizou-se a produção de mapas e tabelas para a análise dos resultados. Notou-se que a oferta e o consumo de alimentos geneticamente modificados em escala mundo é enorme, assim como, em proporcionalidade, ocorre na escala local, fazendo com que as pessoas consumam mais alimentos geneticamente modificados do que alimentos orgânicos, devido à sua praticidade e seu custo.
O Papel das cooperativas dos catadores e a parceria com o poder público: estudo de caso na Cooperativa de Recicladores de Lixo Urbano de Maceió – COOPLUM
Authors: Melo Elder Henrique Silva Rodrigues de , Lima Conceição Maria Dias de
Published: February 2020

RESUMO: O artigo teve como finalidade mostrar o papel das cooperativas de recicladores de Alagoas, tendo especificamente como objeto de estudo de caso a Cooperativa de Recicladores de Lixo Urbano de Maceió – COOPLUM. O estudo partiu de uma revisão bibliográfica e análise documental. Nesse trabalho observou-se a relevância do papel desta cooperativa no processo de destinação, descarte consciente e reciclagem de parte dos resíduos sólidos em Maceió.
PALAVRAS–CHAVE: Cooperativismo; Coleta Seletiva; Catadores.
Educação com diversidade, sociedade com sustentabilidade
Authors: Cavalcante Ludmila Oliveira Holanda
Published: February 2020

RESUMO: O texto é uma expressão das reflexões realizadas a partir do convite para realizar uma palestra no IX Encontro Científico e Cultural (ENCCULT) em Maceió em agosto de 2019. O tema “Educação com diversidade, sociedade com sustentabilidade” foi dividido em duas partes, a primeira na provocativa questão da Educação para a Diversidade, levando em conta a nossa realidade desafiadora. A segunda parte, transita na perspectiva da constatação de que dentro deste cenário desafiador, a sustentabilidade torna-se uma meta de difícil alcance. Ao final do texto, questiono ser a sustentabilidade um sonho pouco possível neste universo enviesado de mercantilização da política e da educação hegemonizadora, a ela atrelada, mas falando de esperança, defendo ser a perspectiva transgressora da cultura e da educação um caminho possível mediante as estratégias de comunicação com o mundo do outro. Para encontrar as possibilidades de fortalecimentos de contra hegemonia, temos as pistas possíveis: na ciência socialmente referenciada, na educação de responsabilidade social, na cultura de reconhecimento da diversidade, nas organizações e lutas coletivas e ... na consolidação da democracia.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Educação, Diversidade, Sustentabilidade.