bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Parietal-Insular-Striatal Cortex Stroke with New-Onset Hallucinations: Supporting the Salience Network Model of Schizophrenia
Authors: Nanda Saheba , Priya Krishna , Khan Tasmia , Patel Puja , Azizi Heela , Nuthalapati Deepa , Paul Christen , Sippy Rabina , Simsam Abdulkader Hmidan , Abraham Jesslin , Singh Gurjinder , Goodarzi Alireza , Ojimba Chiedozie , Jolayemi Ayodeji
Published: January 2020

Brain imaging studies have identified multiple neuronal networks and circuits in the brain with altered functioning in patients with schizophrenia. These include the hippocampo-cerebello-cortical circuit, the prefrontal-thalamic-cerebellar circuit, functional integration in the bilateral caudate nucleus, and the salience network consisting of the insular cortex, parietal anterior cingulate cortex, and striatum, as well as limbic structures. Attributing psychotic symptoms to any of these networks in schizophrenia is confounded by the disruption of these networks in schizophrenic patients. Such attribution can be done with isolated dysfunction in any of these networks with concurrent psychotic symptoms. We present the case of a patient who presents with new-onset hallucinations and a stroke in brain regions similar to the salience network (insular cortex, parietal cortex, and striatum). The implication of these findings in isolating psychotic symptoms of the salience network is discussed.
Emission and Performance Optimization of Marine Four-Stroke Dual-Fuel Engine Based on Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Wang Huaiyu , Gan Huibing , Wang Guanjie , Zhong Guoqiang
Published: January 2020

As the emissions regulations have become more stringent, reducing NOX emissions is of great importance to the shipping industry. Due to the price and emissions advantages of natural gas, the diesel-natural gas engines have become an attractive solution for engine manufacturers. Firstly, in this paper, the NOX emissions prediction model of a large marine four-stroke dual-fuel engine is built by using AVL-BOOST. In addition, the model is further calibrated to calculate the performance and emissions of the engine. Then, the influences of boost pressure, compression ratio, and the timing of intake valve closing on engine performance and emissions are analyzed. Finally, the response surface methodology is used to optimize the emissions and performance to obtain the optimal setting parameters of the engine. The results indicate that the response surface method is a highly desirable optimization method, which can save a lot of repeated research. Compared with the results from manufactured data, the power is increased by 0.55% and the BSFC, the NOX emissions, and the peak combustion pressure are decreased by 0.60%, 13.21%, and 1.51%, respectively, at low load.
Supercritical CO2 Brayton Cycle Design for Small Modular Reactor with a Thermodynamic Analysis Solver
Authors: Wu Pan , Gao Chuntian , Huang Yanping , Zhang Dan , Shan Jianqiang
Published: January 2020

Coupling supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton cycle with Gen-IV reactor concepts could bring advantages of high compactness and efficiency. This study aims to design proper simple and recompression S-CO2 Brayton cycles working as the indirect cooling system for a mediate-temperature lead fast reactor and quantify the Brayton cycle performance with different heat rejection temperatures (from 32°C to 55°C) to investigate its potential use in different scenarios, like arid desert areas or areas with abundant water supply. High-efficiency S-CO2 Brayton cycle could offset the power conversion efficiency decrease caused by low core outlet temperature (which is 480°C in this study) and high compressor inlet temperature (which varies from 32°C to 55°C in this study). A thermodynamic analysis solver is developed to provide the analysis tool. The solver includes turbomachinery models for compressor and turbine and heat exchanger models for recuperator and precooler. The optimal design of simple Brayton cycle and recompression Brayton cycle for the lead fast reactor under water-cooled and dry-cooled conditions are carried out with consideration of recuperator temperature difference constraints and cycle efficiency. Optimal cycle efficiencies of 40.48% and 35.9% can be achieved for the recompression Brayton cycle and simple Brayton cycle under water-cooled condition. Optimal cycle efficiencies of 34.36% and 32.6% can be achieved for the recompression Brayton cycle and simple Brayton cycle under dry-cooled condition (compressor inlet temperature equals to 55°C). Increasing the dry cooling flow rate will be helpful to decrease the compressor inlet temperature. Every 5°C decrease in the compressor inlet temperature will bring 1.2% cycle efficiency increase for the recompression Brayton cycle and 0.7% cycle efficiency increase for the simple Brayton cycle. Helpful conclusions and advises are proposed for designing the Brayton cycle for mediate-temperature nuclear applications in this paper.
Mechanical and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Sandstone through Triaxial Unloading Test after Cyclic Freezing‐Thawing Treatment
Authors: Ni Xiaohui , Shen Xiaomei , Zhu Zhende
Published: January 2020

The dynamic failure behaviour of tunneling rock in the cold region where freezing‐thawing frequently occurs is unclear. This study aimed to test and understand the damage characteristics of tunneling sandstone samples in the cold region via triaxial unloading test and acoustic emission (AE) technique. The sandstone samples were first subject to different cycles of freezing‐thawing. Their stress‐strain curves, deformation modulus, and the AE characteristics were then measured under triaxial unloading conditions and through the AE test. The results showed that the freezing‐thawing treatment with less than 60 freezing‐thawing cycles caused rather less damage compared to the triaxial unloading condition. For the samples subject to more severe freezing‐thawing treatment, more cracks were produced. These cracks were not closed under small confining pressure during the triaxial test, causing weaker mechanical properties of samples. We also found that the freezing‐thawing treatment had a significant deterioration on the mechanical properties of the sandstone samples when the number of freezing‐thawing cycles exceeded a certain threshold (between 60 and 80 in this study). As the AE characteristics matched well with the key stages of the measured axial stress‐strain curves and the deformation modulus that varied with the decreasing confining pressure, the AE characteristics can be potentially used to quantify the released energy of rock cracking and identify the critical damage phases during the tunneling engineering process.
Research on the Reinforcement Mechanism and Safety Monitoring of Heavy‐Duty Concrete‐Encased CFST Columns
Authors: Guo Xiu-Hua , Jiao Jin-Feng , Wu Zhi-An , Zhang Jian-Li
Published: January 2020

With the reinforcement project of a heavy‐duty concrete‐encased concrete‐filled steel tube (CFST) column as the background, the mechanism of column reinforcement with supporting beams is proposed. The key mechanisms include the following: (1) designing the upper and lower corbel‐shaped temporary support columns, (2) crack repairing the inner steel pipe using patch‐shaped steel plates, and (3) replacing microwound concrete inside the steel pipe, which are all innovative and effective methods. Moreover, a system is developed for monitoring the safety during the reinforcement process and recovering the bearing capacity of the concrete‐encased CFST column. The monitoring results indicate that the load conversion process of the temporary support columns lasts for 50 days, that the sum of the axial forces of the four supporting columns is 7,966.0 kN, accounting for 65% of the standard load, and that during the whole process, the structural components are safe and reliable. Finally, the construction simulation is in agreement with the field test results, which proves that the construction simulation developed based on the theory of slow time‐dependent mechanics and the method of static nonlinear analysis is accurate.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in IFN-γSignaling Pathway Associated with Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Chinese Children
Authors: Zhuo Yang , Yang Yalan , Zhang Mingjun , Xu Ying , Chen Zhongping , Mu Lihong , Tang Xiaojun , Zhong Zhaohui , Chen Juan , Zhou Li
Published: January 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a challenging public health problem in China and worldwide. Mother-to-child transmission is one of the main transmission routes of HBV in highly endemic regions. However, the mechanisms of HBV perinatal transmission in children have not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IFN-γsignaling pathway and HBV infection or breakthrough infection in children. Two hundred and seventy-four HBV-infected children defined as test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and 353 controls defined as negative for HBsAg in China were recruited from October 2013 to May 2015. SNPs in IFN-γsignaling pathway including IFNG, IFNGR1, IFNGR2, and IL12B were genotyped. Rs2234711 in IFNGR1 was significantly associated with HBV infection in children (OR = 0.641, 95% CI: 0.450–0.913). In addition, rs2234711 was also significantly associated with HBV breakthrough infection in children born to HBsAg-positive mothers (OR = 0.452, 95% CI: 0.205–0.998). Our study confirmed that genetic variants in IFN-γsignaling pathway have significant associations with HBV infection, especially with HBV breakthrough in children. This study provides insight into HBV infection in children and could be used to help design effective strategies for reducing immunoprophylaxis failure.
Renal Function Assessment Gap in Clinical Practice: An Awkward Truth
Authors: Trevisani Francesco , Di Marco Federico , Capitanio Umberto , Larcher Alessandro , Bettiga Arianna , Dosio Flaviano , Ghidini Michele , Del Conte Gianluca , Vago Riccardo , Cinque Alessandra , Gianolli Luigi , Salonia Andrea , Briganti Alberto , Luis-Lima Sergio , Negrín-Mena Natalia , Montorsi Francesco , Porrini Esteban
Published: January 2020

Introduction: An accurate assessment of renal function is needed in the majority of clinical settings. Unfortunately, the most used estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) formulas are affected by significant errors in comparison to gold standards methods of measured GFR (mGFR). Objective: The objective of the study is to determine the extent of the error of eGFR formulas compared to the mGFR in different specific clinical settings. Methods: A total retrospectively consecutive cohort of 1,320 patients (pts) enrolled in 2 different European Hospitals (Center 1: 470 pts; Center 2: 850 pts) was collected in order to compare the most common eGFR formulas used by physicians with the most widespread mGFR methods in daily clinical practice (Iohexol Plasma Clearance -Center 1 [mGFR-iox] and Renal Scintigraphy -Center 2 [mGFR-scnt]). The study cohort was composed by urological, oncological, and nephrological pts. The agreement between eGFR and mGFR was evaluated using bias (as median of difference), precision (as interquartile range of difference) accuracy (as P30), and total deviation index. Results: The most accurate eGFR formula in the comparison with gold standard method (Iohexol plasma clearance) in Center 1 was represented by s-creatinine and cystatin C combined Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration-cr-cy, even though the P30 is reduced (84%) under the threshold of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Similar results were found in Center 2, with a wider discrepancy between mGFR-scnt and eGFR formulas due to the minor accuracy of the nuclear tool in respect to the mGFR-iox. Conclusions: The loss of accuracy observed for the formulas at lower values of GFR suggests the mandatory use of gold standards methods as Iohexol Plasma Clearance to assess the correct status of renal function for critical cases. The center 2 showed lower levels of agreement between mGFR and eGFR suggesting that the errors are partially accounted for the Renal Scintigraphy technique too. In particular, we suggest the use of mGFR-iox in oncological urological and nephrological pts with an eGFR lower than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.
Lung Metastasectomy Improves Survival in Patients Affected by Grade 2 and 3 Chondrosarcoma
Authors: Sambri Andrea , Rocca Michele , Tuzzato Gianmarco , Donati Davide Maria , Bianchi Giuseppe
Published: January 2020

Aims: The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the role of pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) in patients affected by lung metastasis (LM) of grade 2 and 3 chondrosarcoma (CS). Patients and Methods: The study included 61 patients affected by LM. Patients unfit for PM were treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Results: The patients’ mean age was 51 years, ranging from 17 to 84 years; 44 (66.7%) patients had grade 2 CS, while 17 (25.8%) patients had grade 3 CS. Fifty-one patients presented multiple nodules: 44 of those cases were bilateral LM (72.1%). Twenty-nine (47.5%) patients underwent PM, whereas 32 (52.5%) patients underwent chemotherapy and stereotactic radiotherapy alone. At the final follow-up (average of 83 months, range 13–298), 47 (77.0%) patients had died of the disease. A better post-relapse survival rate was observed in patients who underwent PM (55.1 vs. 13.1% at 5-year follow-up, p < 0.001) and in patients with unilateral LM (60.4 vs. 25.6% at 5-year follow-up, p = 0.016). The number of LM also played a prognostic role. Conclusions: Until significant improvements in chemotherapy can be made, PM can be a valid option in the attempt to improve post-metastatic survival.
Combined Congenital Hypodysfibrinogemia and Factor XI Deficiency in a Chinese Family
Authors: Peng Yan , Nie Longjian , Qin Cong , Wan Lagen , Zhou Puhui
Published: January 2020

Both congenital hypodysfibrinogenemia and factor XI deficiency are rare coagulopathies caused by mutations within the fibrinogen and F11 genes, respectively. To investigate the pathogenesis of combined congenital hypodysfibrinogenemia with factor XI (FXI) deficiency in a Chinese family, coagulation assays, FXI activity (the 1-stage method), fibrinogen activity (the Clauss method), and antigen (prothrombin time [PT]-derived method) were performed. The sequences of fibrinogen genes and F11 were amplified by PCR and analyzed by direct sequencing. The proband as well as his grandmother, father, aunt, and sister showed a low plasma concentration of fibrinogen measured by the Clauss method and a slightly decreased result by the PT-derived method; finally, c.1097A>G in exon 8 of FGG was detected in the pedigree, which caused His340Arg mutation. His grandfather had a slightly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) due to low FXI activity. FXI deficiency was a compound heterozygote inherited with missense mutations of c.434A>G in exon 5 as well as c.1253G>T in exon 11 which caused HGV p.His145Arg and Gly400Val mutations, respectively. The grandfather had no qualitative or quantitative defect in fibrinogen. The proband and his father and aunt had c.434A>G at the exon 5 mutation site and no decrease in FXI activity. His mother had no fibrinogen or F11 gene mutations. Plasma fibrin polymerization was delayed. The proband in our study showed typical changes of congenital hypodysfibrinogemia in the clotting analyses with delayed fibrin polymerization, but although he was a heterozygous carrier of the c.434A>G variant in the F11 gene, he had no decrease in FXI activity and no bleeding tendency, thus questioning the pathogenicity of the identified variant in the F11 gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of combined hypodysfibrinogenemia and FXI deficiency confirmed by molecular genetic tests.
MicroRNA-144 Regulates Cardiomyocyte Proliferation and Apoptosis by Targeting TBX1 through the JAK2/STAT1 Pathway
Authors: Cao Mei-Ling , Zhu Bin-Lu , Sun Yuan-Yuan , Qiu Guang-Rong , Fu Wei-Neng , Jiang Hong-Kun
Published: January 2020

It is currently believed that the TBX1 gene is one of the core genes of congenital heart disease (CHD). However, there are few studies on the abnormal regulation of TBX1 gene expression. The purpose of this work was to investigate the role of miR-144 and TBX1 in cardiac development by studying the regulatory relationship and mechanism of miR-144 on TBX1/JAK2/STAT1 in cardiomyocytes. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT and clone formation assay and cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry. The levels of miR-144 and TBX1 in H9c2 cells were assessed by qRT-PCR. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the direct targeting of TBX1 with miR-144. The protein expression levels of TBX1 and its downstream proteins were measured by Western blot analysis. miR-144 inhibited H9c2 cell proliferation by arresting cells in G1 phase. Furthermore, miR-144 induced H9c2 cell apoptosis and activated the JAK2/STAT1 signaling pathway. Bioinformatic predictions and luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-144 directly targets TBX1. Co-overexpression of miR-144 and TBX1 upregulated cell proliferation by accelerating G1 to S phase transition and downregulated cell apoptosis through inhibiting the JAK2/STAT1 signaling pathway. miR-144 acts as a proliferation inhibitor in cardiomyocytes via the TBX1/JAK2/STAT1 axis and is therefore a potential novel therapeutic target for CHD treatment.
Withaferin-A Protects the Nigral Dopamine Neuron and Recovers Motor Activity in Aged Rats
Authors: Raziya Banu Mohammad , Ibrahim Muhammed , Prabhu K. , Rajasankar Srinivasagam
Published: January 2020

Withaferin-A (WA) was evaluated for its neuroprotective efficacy on the dopamine (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum (ST) in aged rats. Wistar albino rats were divided into group I, young (3 months old); group II, aged (24 months old); group III, aged rats supplemented with WA (50 mg/kg bodyweight once per day for 30 days), and group IV, young rats supplemented with WA (50 mg/kg bodyweight). At the end of the experiment period, the animals were subjected to various motor behavior analyses, and were sacrificed by transcardial perfusion. The brains were dissected out and subjected to various analyses, including histological, histomorphometrical, and immunolocalization of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) enzyme. The data of rotarod analysis (p < 0.001) showed a significant motor impairment in aged rats (number of falls 10.2 ± 0.86) and reduction in retention time (31.23 ± 2.56 s) compared to young controls (2.41 ± 0.35 and 84.05 ± 5.15 s). The stride length was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in aged rats (4.21 ± 0.57 and 4.38 ± 0.61 cm) when compared to young control rats (6.98 ± 0.25 and 7.13 ± 0.70 cm). The histomorphometric data of the aged animals showed a significant reduction in the neuronal diameter (p < 0.001), density (p < 0.001), and volume (p < 0.001) in the SN of aged rats when compared to young rats. Immunohistology demonstrated a marked reduction in the levels of TH enzyme in both the SN and ST of aged animals when compared to young rats. Both structural and functional impairments were reversed in the aged animals after the supplementation of WA (p < 0.001). The present study clearly indicates that WA attenuates the ageing-mediated motor degenerative changes in the SN and ST of aged rats and ascertains its neuroprotective potential.
ABCA1 Variants rs1800977 (C69T) and rs9282541 (R230C) Are Associated with Susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Du Weiping , Hu Zhixi , Wang Li , Li Miaomiao , Zhao Dong , Li Hui , Wei Junsheng , Zhang Rui
Published: January 2020

Objective: Accumulated evidence suggests that ATP-binding cassette A1 transporter (ABCA1) contributes to secreting insulin in pancreatic β-cells and amyloid beta formation. This study aimed to investigate the association between three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ABCA1 and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a Han Chinese population. Methods: A total of 996 T2DM patients and 1,002 controls were included in the study. Three SNPs in the ABCA1 gene, i.e., rs2230806 (R219K), rs1800977 (C69T), and rs9282541 (R230C), were genotyped by SNaPshot. A genotype model, an allele model, a dominant model, and a recessive model were used to assess susceptibility to T2DM. Results: There were significant associations between rs1800977 and T2DM in different genetic models (TT vs. CC, OR = 0.591 [0.446–0.793], p < 0.001; T vs. C, OR = 0.835 [0.735–0.949], p = 0.006; recessive model, OR = 0.583 [0.449–0.756], p < 0.001). There were also significant associations between rs9282541 and T2DM in different genetic models (CT vs. CC, OR = 1.690 [0.807–1.005], p = 0.048; T vs. C, OR = 1.756 [0.694–1.060], p = 0.029; dominant model, OR = 1.735 [0.715–1.034], p = 0.037). Conclusion: Our case-control study showed that the two SNPs rs1800977 and rs9282541 in the ABCA1 gene are significantly associated with susceptibility to T2DM in our Han Chinese population. Study of further mechanisms should be performed before application to clinical therapy.
Quality of Life after Bilateral and Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy with Implant Reconstruction
Authors: Klapdor Rüdiger , Weiß Christina , Kuehnle Elna , Kohls Fabian , von Ehr Julia , Philippeit Anja , Hille-Betz Ursula
Published: January 2020

Background: Prophylactic mastectomy is an effective approach to breast cancer risk reduction in patients at high risk. Further studies using standardized measures for quality of life are needed to better understand the effect of prophylactic mastectomy on individual patients and, thereby, allow for better patient counseling and selection. Methods: In this prospective study patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy were asked to complete the BREAST-Q questionnaire before and 1 year after surgery. All patients underwent bilateral mastectomy with implant-based breast reconstruction. Patient- and surgery-related information was collected in a database. Results: In total, 48 patients underwent bilateral skin-sparing mastectomy. Of these, 29 (60.4%) suffered from breast cancer. A 2-stage reconstruction with intermediate expander implantation was conducted in 19 (39.6%) patients. All patients completed the BREAST-Q questionnaire. The domain “psychosocial well-being” was significantly improved from a mean score of 74.98 preoperatively to a postoperative score of 81.56 (p = 0.021). In contrast, the domain “physical well-being” dropped –8.38 points on average to a postoperative score of 74.96 (p < 0.001). Interestingly, patients with the lowest preoperative score in the domain “satisfaction with breast” showed the greatest increase after surgery (50.31 vs. 67.25, p < 0.001). On the contrary, patients with the highest preoperative values experienced the strongest decrease in satisfaction (91.60 vs. 75.27, p = 0.012). Conclusion: Implant-based prophylactic mastectomy leads to good quality-of-life results in patients at high risk for breast cancer. Especially, patients with a low preoperative satisfaction with their breasts have a significantly higher chance of experiencing substantial improvements in their quality of life.
Regulation of Central Nervous System Development by Class I Histone Deacetylases
Authors: D’Mello Santosh R.
Published: January 2020

Neurodevelopment is a highly complex process composed of several carefully regulated events starting from the proliferation of neuroepithelial cells and culminating with and refining of neural networks and synaptic transmission. Improper regulation of any of these neurodevelopmental events often results in severe brain dysfunction. Accumulating evidence indicates that epigenetic modifications of chromatin play a key role in neurodevelopmental regulation. Among these modifications are histone acetylation and deacetylation, which control access of transcription factors to DNA, thereby regulating gene transcription. Histone deacetylation, which restricts access of transcription factor repressing gene transcription, involves the action of members of a family of 18 enzymes, the histone deacetylases (HDAC), which are subdivided in 4 subgroups. This review focuses on the Group 1 HDACs – HDAC 1, 2, 3, and 8. Although much of the evidence for HDAC involvement in neurodevelopment has come from the use of pharmacological inhibitors, because these agents are generally nonselective with regard to their effects on individual members of the HDAC family, this review is limited to evidence garnered from the use of molecular genetic approaches. Our review describes that Class I HDACs play essential roles in all phases of neurodevelopment. Modulation of the activity of individual HDACs could be an important therapeutic approach for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
Anxiety Symptoms in Adult Celiac Patients and the Effect of a Gluten-Free Diet: An Iranian Nationwide Study
Authors: Rostami-Nejad Mohammad , Taraghikhah Nazanin , Ciacci Carolina , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Barzegar Farnoush , Rezaei-Tavirani Mostafa , Aldulaimi David , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Psychiatric disorders, especially anxiety, are considered extraintestinal manifestations of celiac disease (CD). Objective: This study aims to evaluate the level of anxiety in treated patients with CD in Iran. Methods: A total of 283 CD patients (190 female, 93 male) were enrolled in a study during 2016–2018 from 9 centers in Iran. The Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale questionnaire was completed. The anxiety index was calculated. Also, demographic data and the duration of treatment with a gluten-free diet (GFD) were recorded. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20. Results: Anxiety symptoms were reported in 67.8% of patients. Female patients had a higher anxiety index than male patients. Duration of treatment with a GFD did not influence the anxiety index (17.3% were on a GFD for <1 year, 33.6% for 1–2 years, and 49.1% had GFD for >2 years; p = 0.86). Conclusions: These results suggest that anxiety symptoms are common among patients, especially females, with CD in Iran and GFD duration has no effect on their improvement.
Conhecimento sobre HIV/aids segundo idosos de cidades da Serra Gaúcha/RS
Authors: Capellari Bruna , Vidor Amanda Oss , Pezzini Marina Ferri , Godoy Stefany , Maffei Virgínia , Poeta Julia
Published: January 2020

Objetivo: Devido à carência de pesquisas nessa área, este estudo buscou avaliar o conhecimento sobre HIV/aids dos participantes dos grupos de convivência de cidades da Serra Gaúcha - RS.

Métodos: O estudo foi delineado do tipo transversal (prevalência) e a amostra foi coletada por conveniência. Foram convidados a participar todos os integrantes de grupos de convivência de idosos de cidades da Serra Gaúcha, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, que aceitaram participar da pesquisa, respondendo totalmente o questionário e assinando o termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido. Foi aplicado o questionário validado QHIV3I com questões relativas ao HIV/AIDS. As questões estão organizadas nos domínios “conceito”, “transmissão”, “prevenção”, “vulnerabilidade”, “diagnóstico” e “tratamento”.

Resultados: Participaram do estudo 647 idosos, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (73,4%) com idade entre 60 a 92 anos. Mais da metade dos participantes possuía renda familiar de até três salários mínimos (89,8%). Dos entrevistados, 78,7% afirmaram ter como grau de escolaridade de um a sete anos e 74% sabiam que o HIV é o causador da AIDS. Em relação à transmissão, salienta-se que 23,8% afirmaram que o vírus pode ser transmitido por sabonetes, tolhas e assentos sanitários e 39,3% mencionaram que o vírus pode ser transmitido pelo mosquito. Quanto à prevenção, 87,3% declararam não utilizar camisinha nas relações sexuais e 88,2% nunca realizaram o teste para detecção do HIV.

Conclusão: Constatou-se que ainda há dúvidas a respeito desse assunto, demonstrando a necessidade de campanhas direcionadas à população idosa, constituindo um desafio para a saúde pública.
O desafio do manejo terapêutico do hemangioendotelioma epitelióide pleural primário
Authors: Amaral Marina de Matos Pereira Do , Madureira Augusto Santos Silveira , Azevedo Bruno , Amorim Rivadávio Fernandes Batista De
Published: January 2020

O Hemangioendotelioma epitelióide (HE) é um tumor maligno raro de origem endotelial vascular que pode atingir vários tecidos. Dentre as apresentações clínicas, o HE pleural primário (HEPP) é um subtipo pouco relatado com comportamento agressivo e imprevisível, mau prognóstico e baixa sobrevida. Relatamos um caso de HEPP em um homem de 51 anos, com queixa de dor torácica e abdominal, dispneia e perda de peso. Radiologicamente, apresentou derrame pleural. A histopatologia e a imunohistoquímica confirmaram o diagnóstico de HEPP. Após cinco ciclos de quimioterapia com carboplatina e paclitaxel, a doença se manteve estável e o paciente com sintomas melhorados, porém, permaneceu vivo por 10 meses desde o diagnóstico inicial. Por se tratar de uma patologia rara, com escassez de dados terapêuticos e científicos, torna-se necessário o melhor entendimento de seu comportamento biológico e o desenvolvimento de maiores estudos futuros que contribuam com manejos terapêuticos efetivos para melhora da sobrevida do paciente.
Impaired Frontal Brain Activity in Patients With Heart Failure Assessed by Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Ichijo Yasuhiro , Kono Soichi , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Misaka Tomofumi , Kaneshiro Takashi , Oikawa Masayoshi , Miura Itaru , Yabe Hirooki , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: January 2020

Background

The prevalence of depression and/or anxiety disorders is reported to be higher in patients with heart failure (
HF
) than in the general population, and patients with HF also have coexisting cognitive problems. Recently, the development of near‐infrared spectroscopy (
NIRS
) has enabled noninvasive measurements of regional cerebral blood volume and brain activity, in terms of cerebral oxyhemoglobin in the cerebral cortex, with a high time resolution. The aim of the current study was to determine the associations between frontal brain activity and depressive symptoms, anxiety status, and cognitive function in patients with
HF
.

Methods and Results

We measured and compared frontal brain activity determined by
NIRS
during a verbal fluency task in patients with HF (n=35) and control subjects (n=28). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for assessment of depressive symptoms, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory for assessment of anxiety status, Mini‐Mental State Examination for assessment of cognitive function, and
NIRS
were simultaneously conducted.
NIRS
showed that frontal brain activity was significantly lower in the
HF
group than in the control subjects (28.5 versus 88.0 mM·mm;
P
<0.001). Next, we examined the associations between frontal brain activity and the findings of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Mini‐Mental State Examination, and verbal fluency task. There were significant correlations between frontal brain activity and State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (
R
=−0.228,
P
=0.046), Mini‐Mental State Examination (
R
=0.414,
P
=0.017), and verbal fluency task (
R
=0.338,
P
=0.007), but not with Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (
R
=−0.160,
P
=0.233).

Conclusions

Frontal brain activity assessed by
NIRS
is reduced and is associated with high anxiety status and low cognitive function in patients with
HF
.
The Exegetical Character of 1QS 3:13–4:26
Authors: Schwartz Ethan
Published: January 2020

Pentateuchal source criticism has shown that the primordial narrative in Genesis 1–3 is a redactional juxtaposition of Priestly (Gen 1:1–2:3) and non-Priestly (Gen 2:4b–3:24) accounts. A wide variety of Second Temple literature appears to have detected this disunity, telescoping the two accounts into unified retellings. This essay argues that 1QS 3:13–4:26 (the “Treatise on the Two Spirits”) can be more fully understood within this pattern of ancient exegetical engagement with Genesis 1–3. The Treatise addresses the place of evil in the cosmos by framing the non-Priestly account of humanity’s lapse in terms of the Priestly emphasis on divine order in Gen 1:1–2:3 and other Priestly texts. It claims that the opposition of good and evil, manifest in the children of light and darkness, is part of God’s perfect creation. This exegetical approach has implications for the mutual relevance of Qumran studies and the study of pentateuchal composition.
Outcomes of Participation in a Service Dog Training Program for Veterans with PTSD
Authors: Scotland-Coogan Diane , Whitworth James D. , Wharton Tracy
Published: January 2020

Canine-assisted interventions have emerged as an increasingly popular means to engage and assist veterans coping with military-associated trauma responses. The present study evaluates the use of a 14-week service dog training program for these trauma-impacted veterans. The service dog program guides veterans in small group cohorts on how to train their own dog to be their personal service animal. All 71 veterans participating in this investigation had been diagnosed with PTSD. Fifty-five veterans (77%) finished the entire 14-week program and took all pretests and posttests. Compared to pretest scores, participants reported significant decreases in self-disturbance, posttraumatic stress, externalization, and somatization after completing the program. Participants experienced significant reductions in a broad scope of psychological impacts associated with their PTSD including interpersonal difficulties and suicidality. Findings provide evidence that service dog training programs may be an effective therapeutic alternative to traditional approaches that PTSD-impacted veterans are willing to utilize.
Literary-Stylistic Metathesis in the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Kalimi Isaac
Published: January 2020

Biblical scholarship has concentrated almost exclusively on cases of unintentional metathesis, particularly as a tool of textual criticism. But metathesis is not only a result of accidents and mistakes; it can also be deliberately employed as a literary-stylistic device. Accordingly, this study addresses all three of these categories of metathesis in the biblical literature, but focuses particularly on Literary-stylistic metathesis that is an intentional form of metathesis, in which an author or editor has deliberately chosen to use two or more words that share the same characters in inverse order.
Solving the Mystery of Genesis 49:10b? The Numerical Key
Authors: Knohl Israel
Published: January 2020

The four-words phrase עד כי יבא שילה in Gen 49:10b is a famous crux interpretum. I argue that the poem now contained in Genesis 49:2-27 had an elaborate numerical structure of verses, cola and words and that this structure can be fully appreciated only when we read this phrase as a five-words one: עד כי יבא שי לה.
From Thanksgiving to Lament: The Shape of Psalm 120
Authors: Villanueva Federico G.
Published: January 2020

Psalm 120 does not follow the usual form-critical view of the lament. Instead of moving from lament to praise, this psalm begins with thanksgiving and ends with lament. To make sense of Psalm 120, some scholars emphasize the thanksgiving part (v. 1) while viewing the lament (vv. 2-7) as a past recollection of the situation before the thanksgiving. Others opt to highlight the lament, interpreting the thanksgiving as a recollection of a past answer to prayer. This paper demonstrates that Psalm 120 represents in miniature form what we find in Psalms 9/10 and Psalm 40 where the lament is preceded by thanksgiving. It argues that Psalm 120 is a literary composition in which the thanksgiving and lament are deliberately juxtaposed, and in this sequence, to express a sense of the tragic.
Ritual or Military Action?: Interpreting Israel’s Muster at Mizpah in 1 Sam 7:2-17
Authors: Keimer Kyle H.
Published: January 2020

This article evaluates the historicity of 1 Sam 7:2-17 in light of renewed analysis of the archaeological remains from Tell en-Nasbeh, other Iron Age I sites in the region of Benjamin, broader literary considerations in 1 Sam 1-10, and the geography of the Central Hill Country. In so doing, a case is made that there is far more going on in vv. 6-7 than what appears to be a miscommunication between the Israelites, who have gathered at the site of Mizpah, and the Philistines, who send troops against the Israelites. A historical reconstruction that considers the narrative form of 1 Sam 7:2-17 and the archaeological remains is offered, as is a new proposal for the identification of the site of Gibeath-elohim.
Isaiah 13:18
Authors: Williamson H. G. M.
Published: January 2020

The first three words of Isa 13:18 have never been satisfactorily explained. The problems (especially semantic) that they raise are discussed before the proposal is made that their content fits much more closely with vv. 15-16. It is thus probable that they are some form of misplaced gloss or comment on those verses, now reworked (even if unsuccessfully) to try to make them fit their new setting.
The Description of Solomon’s Wedding: Song 3:6-11 as a Key to the Overall Understanding of the Song of Songs
Authors: Schellenberg Annette
Published: January 2020

This article argues that Song of Songs 3:7-11 is a mocking song about King Solomon and was not originally connected with 3:6. After presenting aspects of 3:7-11 that might convey criticism of Solomon, the thesis is further substantiated by observations showing that taking Solomon as a cipher for the nonroyal human lover or a divine lover does not work in this passage. The article concludes by pointing out some consequences of this analysis for the overall understanding of the Song.
On the Freedom and Control of the Press in China
Authors: Zhang Juxi , Wang Wenjuan
Published: January 2020

Over a considerable period of time, China has formulated a series of press freedom principles and guidelines for practice. These have their own distinctive features. China has also established its own legal system to regulate press freedom. By using the methods of literature analysis, text analysis, historical analysis and induction methods, this paper studies the origin, spiritual essence and core content of China’s press freedom. In addition, the current general framework and functions of China’s press laws, as well as the significance of press legislation, are discussed. The study finds that although China has established a relatively complete legal framework to govern the press, but with the rapid development of China’s social economy, the problems facing news dissemination will be more and more, the promulgation of specialized laws remains necessary and inevitable in the realization of the supervision of the press control. China needs to establish a perfect news law as soon as possible.
The Enneagram
Authors: Cusack Carole M.
Published: January 2020

The Enneagram, from the Greek ennea (nine) and grammos (written or drawn), is a nine-sided figure, presented as a triangle within a circle (connecting points 9, 3 and 6), that was taught by the esoteric teacher G.I. Gurdjieff and discussed in P.D. Ouspensky’s In Search of the Miraculous (1949). Gurdjieff stated that the Enneagram is “completely self-supporting and independent of other lines and it has been completely unknown up to the present time,” yet multiple origins have been claimed for the symbol (e.g., Christian, Sufi, Kabbalistic). This article situates the Enneagram in the Work context, and considers the post-Gurdjieffian Enneagram, which is chiefly used for personality analysis (indebted to Oscar Ichazo, founder of the Arica School).
‘The Master’s Voice’
Authors: Giudice Christian
Published: January 2020

Occultism has been present in popular music since the 1960s, but genuine occult content has been lacking in chart-topping bands, relegating more serious interactions between esoteric message and music to underground phenomena. An exception to this trend is Franco Battiato, who has sold in excess of three million records, one million of his masterpiece, La Voce del Padrone (The Voice of the Master, 1981), alone. This article analyses Battiato’s method of communicating occult lore through coded words, which couch esoteric meaning in exoteric forms of expressions. The article provides a substantial analysis of Battiato’s career, including his spiritual research through the works of Sufi masters, René Guénon and, especially, the teachings of the Armenian mystic G.I. Gurdjieff. Through a textual analysis of Battiato’s lyrics of his most mystical works (1979–1982), I aim to identify the Italian songwriter’s hidden references to the works of Gurdjieff and his disciple P.D. Ouspensky, proving that Battiato represents a rare case of a pop musician whose works are informed by occult knowledge, and who wants to communicate this hidden lore to listeners.
Studying Change in Religious Organizations: A Discourse-Centered Framework
Authors: Moberg Marcus
Published: January 2020

This article highlights the discourse-driven nature of contemporary processes of religious change. Drawing on the textually-oriented discourse theory and discourse analysis of Fairclough supplemented by additional perspectives from organizational discourse studies, the article outlines a discourse-centered analytic framework for the empirical study of the changing discursive practices and modus operandi of contemporary religious organizations. The framework consists of four analytic factors, each of which highlight the role that discourse plays at various levels of processes of religious organizational change. The article demonstrates the application of the framework in actual practice in relation to empirical examples from five traditional Christian churches in three different national contexts, thus bringing the tangible effects of changing discursive practices on the operations and practices of religious organizations into clear focus.
Alteration in the oxidative status of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) fed with a diet containing Centaurea depressa M. Bieb. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Güneş Eda
Published: January 2020

The aim of the this study was to evaluate the effects of fresh, dried and freeze-dried Centaurea depressa M. Bieb. (Asteraceae) on the oxidant and antioxidant status of the model organism D. melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) experimentally. The study was carried out from 2016 to 2019, and plant leaf extracts (0-50 mg/l) were added to insect standard artificial diets. The total protein, protein carbonyl content and glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were quantified at the insect’s third larval stage. Our data showed that protein carbonyl content varied from 2.70 nmol/mg protein in the control group to 59.11 nmol/mg protein in the group fed with fresh leaf extract signifying induction of oxidative stress. All extracts increased the levels of all antioxidant enzymes and decreased the amounts of total protein. Meanwhile, the group fed with the freeze-dried extract showed no significant difference in the levels of total protein and protein carbonyl content except at the 50 mg/l concentration of the extract. Moreover, this group had superoxide dismutase and catalase activities 4 to 5 times higher than in the control group. In conclusion, induction of oxidative stress indicates that the fresh form of C. depressa leaves may have potential as a natural pesticide, whereas induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes by the freeze-dried extract suggest its potential as an antioxidant.
New Horizons in Protecting Zanzibar’s Environment: an Examination of the Environmental Management Act, 2015
Authors: Majamba Hamudi Ismail
Published: January 2020

The promulgation of the Environmental Management Act, 2015 of Zanzibar is a relatively new development. It has ushered optimism in the environmental management and protection realm in Zanzibar. The Act repeals and replaces the framework Environmental Management and Sustainable Development Act of 1996. Ostensibly this development seeks to reflect the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar’s (RGZ) concerted effort to address the rampant environmental degradation on the Isles by taking into account a number of developments at the international and local levels. The article provides a critical analysis of the new Act by, inter alia, making some comparisons with the repealed framework law. Its main thesis posits that although the intention of the RGZ is plausible, the new law is not an inviolable recipe for addressing the major challenges of environmental degradation facing the Archipelago.
How Much of What We Learn in Virtual Reality Transfers to Real-World Navigation?
Authors: Hejtmanek Lukas , Starrett Michael , Ferrer Emilio , Ekstrom Arne D.
Published: January 2020

Past studies suggest that learning a spatial environment by navigating on a desktop computer can lead to significant acquisition of spatial knowledge, although typically less than navigating in the real world. Exactly how this might differ when learning in immersive virtual interfaces that offer a rich set of multisensory cues remains to be fully explored. In this study, participants learned a campus building environment by navigating (1) the real-world version, (2) an immersive version involving an omnidirectional treadmill and head-mounted display, or (3) a version navigated on a desktop computer with a mouse and a keyboard. Participants first navigated the building in one of the three different interfaces and, afterward, navigated the real-world building to assess information transfer. To determine how well they learned the spatial layout, we measured path length, visitation errors, and pointing errors. Both virtual conditions resulted in significant learning and transfer to the real world, suggesting their efficacy in mimicking some aspects of real-world navigation. Overall, real-world navigation outperformed both immersive and desktop navigation, effects particularly pronounced early in learning. This was also suggested in a second experiment involving transfer from the real world to immersive virtual reality (VR). Analysis of effect sizes of going from virtual conditions to the real world suggested a slight advantage for immersive VR compared to desktop in terms of transfer, although at the cost of increased likelihood of dropout. Our findings suggest that virtual navigation results in significant learning, regardless of the interface, with immersive VR providing some advantage when transferring to the real world.
Perspective on Canaletto’s Paintings of Piazza San Marco in Venice
Authors: Erkelens Casper J.
Published: January 2020

Perspective plays an important role in the creation and appreciation of depth on paper and canvas. Paintings of extant scenes are interesting objects for studying perspective, because such paintings provide insight into how painters apply different aspects of perspective in creating highly admired paintings. In this regard the paintings of the Piazza San Marco in Venice by Canaletto in the eighteenth century are of particular interest because of the Piazza’s extraordinary geometry, and the fact that Canaletto produced a number of paintings from similar but not identical viewing positions throughout his career. Canaletto is generally regarded as a great master of linear perspective. Analysis of nine paintings shows that Canaletto almost perfectly constructed perspective lines and vanishing points in his paintings. Accurate reconstruction is virtually impossible from observation alone because of the irregular quadrilateral shape of the Piazza. Use of constructive tools is discussed. The geometry of Piazza San Marco is misjudged in three paintings, questioning their authenticity. Sizes of buildings and human figures deviate from the rules of linear perspective in many of the analysed paintings. Shadows are stereotypical in all and even impossible in two of the analysed paintings. The precise perspective lines and vanishing points in combination with the variety of sizes for buildings and human figures may provide insight in the employed production method and the perceptual experience of a given scene.