bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TAFRO syndrome as a cause of glomerular microangiopathy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Nagayama Yoshikuni , Yamano Mizuki , Yagame Motoka , Nariyama Tomoyuki , Takahashi Mikiko , Kawamoto Masashi , Matsui Katsuyuki
Published: October 2019

Background

TAFRO syndrome is a systemic inflammatory disorder that manifests as thrombocytopenia (T), anasarca (A), fever (F), reticulin fibrosis (R), and organomegaly (O). Renal dysfunction is frequently complicated with TAFRO syndrome, however, it is challenging to perform kidney biopsy in patients with TAFRO syndrome in the presence of thrombocytopenia. Renal histology in TAFRO syndrome mainly shows membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN)-like lesions or thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)-like glomerulopathy. We review our case and previous reports of TAFRO syndrome with kidney biopsy findings and discuss the renal pathophysiology of TAFRO syndrome.

Case presentation

We describe a previously healthy 48- year-old woman with TAFRO syndrome. Kidney biopsy performed before the treatment showed diffuse global endocapillary proliferative changes with endothelial cell swelling, double contours of partial capillary walls, and mesangiolysis, consistent with TMA-like glomerulopathy. Glucocorticoid therapy including steroid pulse was ineffective and she developed anasarca, renal dysfunction and oliguria. Hemodialysis was required. However, the anti-Interleukin (IL)-6 receptor antibody (tocilizumab) therapy was very effective. An increase in urinary volume was achieved about 2 weeks after the tocilizumab therapy and hemodialysis was discontinued. To investigate the renal pathophysiology of TAFRO syndrome, we performed immunohistological staining of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, CD34, and D2–40, in our case and a normal control kidney. Glomerular VEGF-A was especially positive in podocytes both, in the control and in the case, with no significant difference and there was a significant increase of VEGF-A staining area in the cortical peritubular capillaries in the case. Both glomerular and renal cortical CD34 expression were significantly decreased in our case. D2–40 expression in cortex was not significantly different.

Conclusions

We reviewed our case and other 10 previous reports about renal biopsy findings in TAFRO syndrome and found that glomerular microangiopathy was a common finding. IL-6-VEGF-axis-induced glomerular microangiopathy may play a crucial role in developing acute kidney injury in TAFRO syndrome and the anti-IL-6 receptor antibody therapy may be useful for TAFRO syndrome refractory to glucocorticoids. About the pathophysiology of VEGF in TAFRO syndrome, VEGF balance in the glomerulus and perhaps in the peritubular capillary system as well may be critical. Further investigation is needed.
Mortality and severe morbidity of very preterm infants: comparison of two French cohort studies
Authors: Godeluck Anais , Gérardin Patrick , Lenclume Victorine , Mussard Corinne , Robillard Pierre-Yves , Sampériz Sylvain , Benhammou Valérie , Truffert Patrick , Ancel Pierre-Yves , Ramful Duksha
Published: October 2019

Background

In Reunion Island, a French overseas department, the burden of preterm birth and perinatal mortality exceed those observed in mainland France, despite similar access to standard perinatal care. The purpose of the study was to compare the outcome of two cohorts of NICU-admitted very preterm infants born between 24 and 31 weeks of gestation (WG): the registry-based OGP (Observatoire de la Grande Prématurité, Reunion Island, 2008–2013) cohort, and the nationwide EPIPAGE-2 (mainland France, 2011) observational cohort.

Methods

The primary outcome was adverse neonatal outcomes defined as a composite indicator of in-hospital mortality or any of three following severe morbidities: bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotising enterocolitis, or severe neurological injury (periventricular leukomalacia or grade III-IV intraventricular haemorrhages). Logistic regression modelling adjusting for confounders was performed.

Results

A total of 1272 very preterm infants from the Reunionese OGP cohort and 3669 peers from the mainland EPIPAGE-2 cohort were compared. Adverse neonatal outcomes were more likely observed in the OGP cohort (32.6% versus 26.6%, p <  0.001), as result of both increased in-hospital mortality across all gestational age strata and increased BPD among the survivors of the 29–31 WG stratum. After adjusting for gestational age, gender and multiple perinatal factors, the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes was higher in the OGP cohort than in the EPIPAGE-2 cohort across all gestational age strata.

Conclusions

Despite similar guidelines for standard perinatal care, very preterm infants born in Reunion Island have a higher risk for death or severe morbidity compared with those born in mainland France.
Modifying ankle foot orthosis stiffness in patients with calf muscle weakness: gait responses on group and individual level
Authors: Waterval Niels F. J. , Nollet Frans , Harlaar Jaap , Brehm Merel-Anne
Published: October 2019

Background

To improve gait, persons with calf muscle weakness can be provided with a dorsal leaf spring ankle foot orthosis (DLS-AFO). These AFOs can store energy during stance and return this energy during push-off, which, in turn, reduces walking energy cost. Simulations indicate that the effect of the DLS-AFO on walking energy cost and gait biomechanics depends on its stiffness and on patient characteristics. We therefore studied the effect of varying DLS-AFO stiffness on reducing walking energy cost, and improving gait biomechanics and AFO generated power in persons with non-spastic calf muscle weakness, and whether the optimal AFO stiffness for maximally reducing walking energy cost varies between persons.

Methods

Thirty-seven individuals with neuromuscular disorders and non-spastic calf muscle weakness were included. Participants were provided with a DLS-AFO of which the stiffness could be varied. For 5 stiffness configurations (ranging from 2.8 to 6.6 Nm/degree), walking energy cost (J/kg/m) was assessed using a 6-min comfortable walk test. Selected gait parameters, e.g. maximal dorsiflexion angle, ankle power, knee angle, knee moment and AFO generated power, were derived from 3D gait analysis.

Results

On group level, no significant effect of DLS-AFO stiffness on reducing walking energy cost was found (p = 0.059, largest difference: 0.14 J/kg/m). The AFO stiffness that reduced energy cost the most varied between persons. The difference in energy cost between the least and most efficient AFO stiffness was on average 10.7%. Regarding gait biomechanics, increasing AFO stiffness significantly decreased maximal ankle dorsiflexion angle (− 1.1 ± 0.1 degrees per 1 Nm/degree, p < 0.001) and peak ankle power (− 0.09 ± 0.01 W/kg, p < 0.001). The reduction in minimal knee angle (− 0.3 ± 0.1 degrees, p = 0.034), and increment in external knee extension moment in stance (− 0.01 ± 0.01 Nm/kg, p = 0.016) were small, although all stiffness’ substantially affected knee angle and knee moment compared to shoes only. No effect of stiffness on AFO generated power was found (p = 0.900).

Conclusions

The optimal efficient DLS-AFO stiffness varied largely between persons with non-spastic calf muscle weakness. Results indicate this is caused by an individual trade-off between ankle angle and ankle power affected differently by AFO stiffness. We therefore recommend that the AFO stiffness should be individually optimized to best improve gait.

Trial registration number

Nederlands Trial Register 5170. Registration date: May 7th 2015. http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=5170
Characterization of Cronartium ribicola dsRNAs reveals novel members of the family Totiviridae and viral association with fungal virulence
Authors: Liu Jun-Jun , Xiang Yu , Sniezko Richard A. , Schoettle Anna W. , Williams Holly , Zamany Arezoo
Published: October 2019

Background

Mycoviruses were recently discovered in the white pine blister rust (WPBR) fungusCronartium ribicola(J.C. Fisch.). Detection and characterization of their double stranded RNA (dsRNA) would facilitate understanding of pathogen virulence and disease pathogenesis in WPBR systems.

Methods

Full-length cDNAs were cloned from the dsRNAs purified from viral-infectedC. ribicola, and their cDNA sequences were determined by DNA sequencing. Evolutionary relationships of the dsRNAs with related mycoviruses were determined by phylogenetic analysis. Dynamic distributions of the viral RNAs within samples of their fungal hostC. ribicolawere investigated by measurement of viral genome prevalence and viral gene expression.

Results

In this study we identified and characterized five novel dsRNAs fromC. ribicola, designated asCronartium ribicolatotivirus 1–5 (CrTV1 to CrTV5). These dsRNA sequences encode capsid protein and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase with significant homologies to dsRNA viruses of the familyTotiviridae. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the CrTVs were grouped into two distinct clades. CrTV2 through CrTV5 clustered within the genusTotivirus. CrTV1 along with a few un-assigned dsRNAs constituted a distinct phyletic clade that is genetically distant from presently known genera in theTotiviridaefamily, indicating that CrTV1 represents a novel genus in theTotiviridaefamily. The CrTVs were prevalent in fungal samples obtained from infected western white pine, whitebark pine, and limber pines. Viral RNAs were generally expressed at higher levels duringin plantamycelium growth than in aeciospores and urediniospores. CrTV4 was significantly associated withC. ribicolavirulent pathotype and specificC. ribicolahost tree species, suggesting dsRNAs as potential tools for dissection of pathogenic mechanisms ofC. ribicolaand diagnosis ofC. ribicolapathotypes.

Conclusion

Phylogenetic and expression analyses of viruses in the WPBR pathogen,C. ribicola,have enchanced our understanding of virus diversity in the familyTotiviridae, and provided a potential strategy to utilize pathotype-associated mycoviruses to control fungal forest diseases.
Effect of modern high-dose versus standard-dose radiation in definitive concurrent chemo-radiotherapy on outcome of esophageal squamous cell cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Luo He-San , Huang He-Cheng , Lin Lian-Xing
Published: October 2019

Background and objectives

Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 94–05 has demonstrated that higher dose radiation didn’t improve outcome of patients with esophageal cancer (EC). However, several retrospective studies showed that a higher dose radiation based on modern radiotherapy techniques could improve overall survival (OS) and local control rate (LCR) of patients with EC, especially esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). As trials have provided updated and controversial data, we performed this updated meta-analysis to investigate whether high-dose (> = 60 Gy) radiotherapy in definitive concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) could yield benefit compared to standard dose radiotherapy.

Methods

A systematic literature search was carried out in the database of MEDLINE, PubMed and Embase. All studies published between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2018 on the association between radiation dose and curative efficiency in EC were included in this meta-analysis. The hazard ratio (HR) was used to evaluate the time-to-event data employing RevMan version 5.3.

Results

Eight articles with a total of 3736 patients were finally included. Results indicated that there was a significant benefit in favor of high dose radiotherapy (HD-RT) regarding OS (HR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.72–0.84, p < 0.001; 2-year OS risk ratio (RR) = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.14–1.37, p < 0.001), progression-free survival (PFS) (P = 0.001, HR = 0.7, 95%CI: 0.57–0.87) and LRFS (P < 0.001, HR = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.36–0.74) .

Conclusions

HD-RT (> = 60 Gy) based on modern radiotherapy techniques in definitive CCRT appears to improve OS, PFS amd LRFS compared to the SD-RT in patients with ESCC.
The development of a provincial multidisciplinary framework of consensus-based standards for Point of Care Ultrasound at the University of Saskatchewan
Authors: Olszynski Paul , Kim Daniel J. , Ma Irene W. Y. , Clunie Michelle , Lambos Peggy , Guzowski Tom , Butz Matthew , Thoma Brent
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The development and adoption of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) across disciplines have created challenges and opportunities in implementing training and utilization standards. Within the context of a large, geographically disparate province, we sought to develop a multidisciplinary POCUS framework outlining consensus-based standards.

Methods

A core working group of local POCUS leaders from Anesthesia, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Intensive Care, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Trauma, in collaboration with western Canadian colleagues, developed a list of key domains for the framework along with a range of potential standards for each area. The members of the working group and the registrants for a multidisciplinary Roundtable discussion at the University of Saskatchewan’s annual POCUS conference (SASKSONO19, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, March 2nd, 2019) were invited to complete a survey on POCUS standards for each domain. The survey results were presented to and discussed by participants at the Roundtable discussion at SASKSONO19 who reached consensus on modified standards for each domain. The modified standards were considered for endorsement by all conference attendees using an audience-response system.

Results

The working group proposed standards in eight domains: scope of use, credentialing and privileges, documentation, quality assurance, leadership and governance, teaching, research, and equipment maintenance. Consensus on modified standards was achieved in the 18 participant Roundtable. Each standard was then endorsed by > 90% of conference respondents.

Conclusion

The resulting framework will inform the utilization of POCUS within Saskatchewan. Both this process and its outcomes could inform the development of multidisciplinary POCUS standards within other jurisdictions.
Hopf bifurcation of a delayed worm model with two latent periods
Authors: Liu Juan , Zhang Zizhen
Published: October 2019

We investigate a delayed epidemic model for the propagation of worm in wireless sensor network with two latent periods. We derive sufficient conditions for local stability of the worm-induced equilibrium of the system and the existence of Hopf bifurcation by regarding different combination of two latent time delays as the bifurcation parameter and analyzing the distribution of roots of the associated characteristic equation. In particular, we investigate the direction and stability of the Hopf bifurcation by means of the normal form theory and center manifold theorem. To verify analytical results, we present numerical simulations. Also, the effect of some influential parameters of sensor network is properly executed so that the oscillations can be reduced and removed from the network.
Molecular mutations as a possible factor for determining extent of thyroid surgery
Authors: Krasner Joshua R. , Alyouha Nourah , Pusztaszeri Marc , Forest Veronique-Isabelle , Hier Michael P. , Avior Galit , Payne Richard J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Molecular testing of thyroid nodules is a diagnostic tool used to better understand the nature of thyroid nodules. The aim of this study is to better comprehend the relationship between specific mutations and aggressive behavior of the tumour as demonstrated on postoperative pathological analysis.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 103 cases was performed. Included were patients who had undergone molecular testing using a panel that tests for 9 mutations (ThyGenX®) and were found to have malignant tumours. The following gene alterations were found pre-operatively in the nodules: BRAF V600E ( n = 32), BRAF K601E ( n = 4), NRAS ( n = 11), HRAS ( n = 4), KRAS ( n = 3), RET/PTC1 rearrangement ( n = 1), TERT promoter ( n = 2), PAX8-PPARγ rearrangement ( n = 1), and 45 cases where no mutation was detected. Aggressive behavior was defined by extra-thyroidal extension (ETE), lymph node metastasis (LN+), and the following variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma: tall cell, solid, diffuse sclerosing, columnar cell and hobnail. Chi-squared testing was performed to compare groups.

Results

The group with BRAF V600E, RET/PTC1 rearrangement, and TERT promoter mutations was associated with ETE 37.1%, and LN+ 45.7% of the time compared to 4.3 and 13.0% in the group with other mutations, and 4.4 and 4.4% in the group with no mutations ( p-value 0.02, p-value < 0.001, p-value 0.006). In addition, the BRAF V600E, RET/PTC1 rearrangement, and TERT mutations group demonstrated tall cell variants (17.1%), columnar cell variants (5.7%), and hobnail variants (3%). The other mutations group demonstrated columnar cell variants (4.3%), and the no mutations group demonstrated solid variants (2.2%).

Conclusions

In this study, BRAF V600E, RET/PTC1 rearrangement, and TERT mutations were associated with aggressive behaving thyroid malignancies as defined above. Molecular testing may be a useful method to anticipate aggressive tumour types and therefore assist in planning the extent and timing of surgery.
A machine learning model for the prediction of survival and tumor subtype in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from preoperative diffusion-weighted imaging
Authors: Kaissis Georgios , Ziegelmayer Sebastian , Lohöfer Fabian , Algül Hana , Eiber Matthias , Weichert Wilko , Schmid Roland , Friess Helmut , Rummeny Ernst , Ankerst Donna , Siveke Jens , Braren Rickmer
Published: October 2019

Background

To develop a supervised machine learning (ML) algorithm predicting above- versus below-median overall survival (OS) from diffusion-weighted imaging-derived radiomic features in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods

One hundred two patients with histopathologically proven PDAC were retrospectively assessed as training cohort, and 30 prospectively accrued and retrospectively enrolled patients served as independent validation cohort (IVC). Tumors were segmented on preoperative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, and radiomic features were extracted. A random forest ML algorithm was fit to the training cohort and tested in the IVC. Histopathological subtype of tumor samples was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 21 IVC patients. Individual radiomic feature importance was evaluated by assessment of tree node Gini impurity decrease and recursive feature elimination. Fisher’s exact test, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC-AUC) were used.

Results

The ML algorithm achieved 87% sensitivity (95% IC 67.3–92.7), 80% specificity (95% CI 74.0–86.7), and ROC-AUC 90% for the prediction of above- versus below-median OS in the IVC. Heterogeneity-related features were highly ranked by the model. Of the 21 patients with determined histopathological subtype, 8/9 patients predicted to experience below-median OS exhibited the quasi-mesenchymal subtype, whilst 11/12 patients predicted to experience above-median OS exhibited a non-quasi-mesenchymal subtype (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

ML application to ADC radiomics allowed OS prediction with a high diagnostic accuracy in an IVC. The high overlap of clinically relevant histopathological subtypes with model predictions underlines the potential of quantitative imaging in PDAC pre-operative subtyping and prognosis.
Nutritional potentials and in vitro estimation of composite cocoa pod husk-based diets for ruminants
Authors: Omotoso Oluwatosin Bode
Published: October 2019

Background

The use of cocoa pod husk in livestock nutrition is being limited because of its fibrous nature and anti-nutrients, which have detrimental effect(s) on the animals. This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritive value and effects of replacing urea-treated ensiled cocoa pod husk meal (urea-treated CPHM) with cassava peel in a complete concentrate diet (CCD) on in vitro digestibility and methane (CH4) production.

Methods

Urea-treated CPHM was prepared by soaking the raw milled pod in 5% urea solution under anaerobic condition for 7 days, and decanted and the filtrates were further ensiled for 28 days, dried, and were replaced with cassava peel meal in CCD at 0, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15% on part basis. Feed samples (n = 3) were analyzed for chemical composition, and data generated from in vitro study were subjected to statistical analysis in a completely randomized design experiment.

Results

Results revealed that the treatment significantly reduced the crude fiber, fiber fraction contents, and anti-nutrients and improved the crude protein content of the pod by 71.84%. Dry matter and crude protein of the diets ranged from 89.34–89.71% and 10.52–12.84%, respectively. The in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) increased with increasing levels of urea-treated CPHM in the diets. With increasing levels of urea-treated CPHM, CH4 production relatively reduced as compared to diet E. Metabolizable energy (5.66 Kcal/g) of diet F was the highest. Therefore, the inclusion of urea-treated CPHM at 15% in CCDs has the potential for improving digestibility and reducing CH4 production in ruminants.
Genomic Characterization of ERBB2-Driven Biliary Cancer and a Case of Response to Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine
Authors: Mondaca Sebastian , Razavi Pedram , Xu Chongrui , Offin Michael , Myers Mackenzie , Scaltriti Maurizio , Hechtman Jaclyn F. , Bradley Mikaela , O’Reilly Eileen M. , Berger Michael F. , Solit David B. , Li Bob T. , Abou-Alfa Ghassan K.
Published: October 2019

PURPOSE

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs), which include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHC), and gallbladder cancer (GBC), have limited treatment options. We sought to comprehensively examine the clinical and molecular characteristics of BTCs with amplification or mutation of ERBB2.

METHODS

Demographic, outcome, and treatment response data were collected for patients with ERBB2-altered BTC identified by next-generation sequencing with Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets from 2014 to 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 517 patients with BTC underwent next-generation sequencing (ICC, n = 313; EHC, n = 93; GBC, n = 111). Twenty-eight patients (5.4%) had ERBB2 alterations, including 2.7% with ERBB2 gene amplification, 2.3% with ERBB2 mutation, and 0.4% with concurrent amplification and mutation. The prevalence of ERBB2 gene alterations was significantly higher in GBC (12.6%) than in ICC (2.2%) and EHC (7.5%; P < .001). In ERBB2-amplified tumors, the median fold change was 6.4 (range, 2.1 to 19.7), while in ERBB2-mutant tumors, the most frequent mutated domain was the extracellular domain (32%), with all mutations in this region involving the S310 codon. Frequent co-altered genes in this cohort were TP53 (54%), PIK3CA (21%), and CDKN2A (18%); KRAS amplification/mutation was found in 7% of patients. One patient with ERBB2-amplified EHC who enrolled in a basket trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02675829 ) had a partial response to the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–targeted antibody-drug conjugate ado-trastuzumab emtansine.

CONCLUSION

ERBB2 alterations are present in 5.4% of BTCs. When present, the degree of ERBB2 gene amplification is often high, and S310 codon mutations are the most common hotspot. These features, along with the presented case, support further development of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–targeted therapy in ERBB2-mutant and/or -amplified BTC.
Beyond the Confederacy
Authors: James-Chakraborty Kathleen
Published: October 2019

Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, contains the United States’ most comprehensive and controversial set of memorials commemorating the Confederacy. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, women as well as men from families that had formerly owned slaves enjoyed roles as public figures by working to keep the memory of the Confederacy alive, including by championing the erection of statues like these. This activism helped enable subsequent female family members to become public intellectuals and scholars. Scholarship on the origins of the approach enshrined in a celebrated series of memorials erected in Berlin following German reunification by one such woman suggests that Richmond’s series of monuments might be reconfigured to foster a more inclusive approach to the history of the Civil War by sharply contrasting fragments of the current memorials with new content that addresses African American and other Unionist perspectives on the conflict.
Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors: Consensus Statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable
Authors: CAMPBELL KRISTIN L. , WINTERS-STONE KERRI M. , WISKEMANN JOACHIM , MAY ANNE M. , SCHWARTZ ANNA L. , COURNEYA KERRY S. , ZUCKER DAVID S. , MATTHEWS CHARLES E. , LIGIBEL JENNIFER A. , GERBER LYNN H. , MORRIS G. STEPHEN , PATEL ALPA V. , HUE TRISHA F. , PERNA FRANK M. , SCHMITZ KATHRYN H.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The number of cancer survivors worldwide is growing, with over 15.5 million cancer survivors in the United States alone—a figure expected to double in the coming decades. Cancer survivors face unique health challenges as a result of their cancer diagnosis and the impact of treatments on their physical and mental well-being. For example, cancer survivors often experience declines in physical functioning and quality of life while facing an increased risk of cancer recurrence and all-cause mortality compared with persons without cancer. The 2010 American College of Sports Medicine Roundtable was among the first reports to conclude that cancer survivors could safely engage in enough exercise training to improve physical fitness and restore physical functioning, enhance quality of life, and mitigate cancer-related fatigue.

Methods

A second Roundtable was convened in 2018 to advance exercise recommendations beyond public health guidelines and toward prescriptive programs specific to cancer type, treatments, and/or outcomes.

Results

Overall findings retained the conclusions that exercise training and testing were generally safe for cancer survivors and that every survivor should “avoid inactivity.” Enough evidence was available to conclude that specific doses of aerobic, combined aerobic plus resistance training, and/or resistance training could improve common cancer-related health outcomes, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue, physical functioning, and health-related quality of life. Implications for other outcomes, such as peripheral neuropathy and cognitive functioning, remain uncertain.

Conclusions

The proposed recommendations should serve as a guide for the fitness and health care professional working with cancer survivors. More research is needed to fill remaining gaps in knowledge to better serve cancer survivors, as well as fitness and health care professionals, to improve clinical practice.
American College of Sports Medicine Roundtable Report on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Cancer Prevention and Control
Authors: PATEL ALPA V. , FRIEDENREICH CHRISTINE M. , MOORE STEVEN C. , HAYES SANDRA C. , SILVER JULIE K. , CAMPBELL KRISTIN L. , WINTERS-STONE KERRI , GERBER LYNN H. , GEORGE STEPHANIE M. , FULTON JANET E. , DENLINGER CRYSTAL , MORRIS G. STEPHEN , HUE TRISHA , SCHMITZ KATHRYN H. , MATTHEWS CHARLES E.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The American College of Sports Medicine convened an International Multidisciplinary Roundtable on Exercise and Cancer in March 2018 to evaluate and translate the evidence linking physical activity and cancer prevention, treatment, and control. This article discusses findings from the Roundtable in relation to the biologic and epidemiologic evidence for the role of physical activity in cancer prevention and survival.

Results

The evidence supports that there are a number of biologically plausible mechanisms, whereby physical activity can influence cancer risk, and that physical activity is beneficial for the prevention of several types of cancer including breast, colon, endometrial, kidney, bladder, esophageal, and stomach. Minimizing time spent in sedentary behavior may also lower risk of endometrial, colon and lung cancers. Conversely, physical activity is associated with higher risk of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Further, physical activity before and after a cancer diagnosis is also likely to be relevant for improved survival for those diagnosed with breast and colon cancer; with data suggesting that postdiagnosis physical activity provides greater mortality benefits than prediagnosis physical activity.

Conclusions

Collectively, there is consistent, compelling evidence that physical activity plays a role in preventing many types of cancer and for improving longevity among cancer survivors, although the evidence related to higher risk of melanoma demonstrates the importance of sun safe practices while being physically active. Together, these findings underscore the importance of physical activity in cancer prevention and control. Fitness and public health professionals and health care providers worldwide are encouraged to spread the message to the general population and cancer survivors to be physically active as their age, abilities, and cancer status will allow.
Histamine-1 Receptors Expression in Primary Pterygium Tissue is Higher than Normal Conjunctival Tissue
Authors: Yuliawati Putu , Dewi M Cynthia , Sukartini Djelantik A A A , Budhiastra Putu , Niti Susila N K
Published: October 2019

Pterygium is an eye disease with multifactorial etiopathogenesis. Molecular factors such as cell proliferation and inflammatory mediators are associated with increased calcium mobilization and activation of nuclear factor kβ mediated by histamine-1 receptors (H1R). This study aims to determine whether the expression of H1R primary pterygium tissue is higher than normal conjunctival tissue and the expression of H1R based on pterygium grades. This study was an analytic observational study with a case-control study approach at Sanglah General Hospital, Bali Mandara Eye Hospital, and Mangusada Hospital. The study was conducted from November 2017 to April 2018. The pterygium and conjunctival tissues obtained from 28 subjects in the same eye and examined for H1R expression by immunohistochemistry. The results of this study obtained 64.3% of women with a mean age of 54.2 ± 7.8 years. There was no difference in mean H1R expression between pterygium grades in the final score (P = 0.759). There was a mean difference of H1R between primary pterygium (42.50) and normal conjunctival tissue (14.50) with P <0.001. Only tissue types affected the expression of H1R in the final score (B = 4.893; 95% CI 4.363-5.423; P <0.001). It was concluded that the expression of H1R primary pterygium tissue was higher in primary pterygium than normal conjunctival tissue.
Effect of Piper Nigrum (L.) on Hepatotoxicity Induced by Ethionamide and Para Amino Salicylic Acid in Sprague- Dawley Rats
Authors: Zodape G. V. , Gaikwad V. S.
Published: October 2019

Fresh seeds of Piper nigrum were procured from the botanical garden of KokanKrushiVidyapeeth, Dapoli, Ratnagiri. The ethanolic extract of the seeds was carried out by soxhlate extraction method. Sixty four (64) Sprague- Dawley rats (average weight 150 - 240 g) of each sex were used for the experiment. The drugs ETH and PAS drug and Piper nigrum were given to respective groups daily for 28 days. At the end of study various biochemical parameters were analyzed from serum such as, ACP, ALP, SGOT (AST), SGPT (ALT), Bilirubin, Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, and TGL. Liver tissues were analyzed for Histopathology. The data was statistically analyzed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The value p< 0.05 considered as significant. Administration ETH and PAS in Sprague-Dawley rats showed hepatotoxicity in test groups which was confirmed by biochemical parameters and histoarchitecture examination of liver. Ethanolic extract of Piper nigrum (Linn.) seeds were administered to the test groups have ameliorated the toxic effect of the drugs. It is concluded that the Piper nigrum (Linn.) acts as hepato-protective agent hepato-toxicity caused by Ethionamide and Para amino salicylic acid in Sprague-Dawley rats .
Cancer immunotherapy and flow cytometry in immunotherapy monitoring
Authors: Khaira Rusdi Numlil , Adiwinata Pawitan Jeanne
Published: October 2019

Immunotherapy for cancer treatment continues to be developed and various strategies have been carried out including bioengineering. This endeavour requires development of technology, and efforts to find specific and sensitive tools to monitor immune responses during and after therapy. The purpose of this mini-review was to discuss cancer immunotherapy using T cell and immune checkpoint blockade therapy, as well as immunotherapy monitoring methods using flow cytometry (FCM). Bioengineering of T lymphocytes for immunotherapy and immune checkpoint blockades can be combined with nanoparticles as drug delivery carrier against cancer to increase drug distribution to tumor cells, as well as T cell stimulation regulation to reduce autoimmune effects. In addition, T cell engineering can also prevent Host versus Graft alloreactivity in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell administration. FCM is a monitoring method that is widely used in pre-clinical and clinical cancer immunotherapy studies.
ТРЕТЬЯ ФУНКЦИЯ УНИВЕРСИТЕТА: ПОТРЕБНОСТЬ ИЛИ ОБЯЗАННОСТЬ
Authors: Мальковец Наталья Владимировна
Published: October 2019

Статья посвящена третьей функции университета (вуза), связанной с взаимодействием с обществом, в том числе, местным сообществом, властью и бизнесом, дополняющей такие функции, как образовательная и научно- исследовательская. Автор поднимает такие проблемы, как непонимание сущности и важности третьей функции среди преподавателей и руководителей образовательных учреждений, отсутствие сформированной потребности и мотивации для развития взаимодействия, нормативных актов, обязывающих образовательное учреждение интегрироваться в местное сообщество, и другие. Между тем, реализация третьей функции открывает новые возможности для научной, исследовательской, педагогической и образовательной деятельности вуза. Научная и практическая работа автора позволили сформулировать рекомендации для дальнейшего развития третьей функции университета: создание центра, изучение успешного опыта, проведение проектных сессий,  объединение наиболее активных вузов для защиты своих прав и т.д.
A importância das cadeias da cana-de-açúcar: uma análise insumo-produto
Authors: Silva Augusto Frederico Maia Soares , Gomes Guilherme Nascimento , Bacchi Mirian Rumenos Piedade
Published: October 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o impacto que teria uma estagnação do setor de cana-de-açúcar no Brasil. Em específico, busca-se estudar, por meio do modelo de insumo-produto, pelo método de extração hipotética setorial, o qual se fundamenta na hipótese do desaparecimento de um determinado setor, o grau de dependência para trás e para frente e os impactos nos demais setores. O estudo foi feito considerando dados do ano de 2013. Os principais resultados revelam grande impacto em nível nacional com redução significativa de 0,93% do produto quando comparado à extração de setores de relevância.
Revisitando a "Teoria do Crescimento da Firma" sob as perspectivas de Penrose e Kirzner: conteúdos e divergências
Authors: Casonato Lucas , Dalla Costa Armando
Published: October 2019

Este artigo propõe uma releitura metodológica original das principais conclusões do livro “Teoria do Crescimento da Firma”, de Edith Penrose, sob a ótica da Escola Austríaca, com ênfase nas ideias de Israel Kirzner. Apresenta uma introdução da Teoria Neoclássica da firma, e discute como ela é entendida e criticada por Penrose e Kirzner. Com isso, faz uma revisão da teoria proposta no livro de Penrose, analisando como suas conclusões são consequências necessariamente dependentes dos caminhos metodológicos percorridos pela autora, ao antropomorfizar na firma as ações empresariais que são de caráter exclusivo do homo agens. Constata que Penrose, ao seguir uma metodologia não muito bem definida, e que nem mesmo é expressa por ela, ignora o subjetivismo e o individualismo defendidos pela Escola Austríaca, acabando por propor não mais que uma leitura unilateral da firma, em uma perspectiva gerencial que olha as empresas de dentro para fora, na busca de oportunidades de lucro, mas que incorre no erro de deixar de lado a característica essencial do processo de mercado, a competição empresarial.
Inovação e pesquisa no setor automotivo de Pernambuco: o caso do Centro de Pesquisa, Desenvolvimento, Inovação e Engenharia da FCA (FIAT-Chrysler Automobile)
Authors: Rodrigues Lima João Policarpo , Sicsú Abraham Benzaquen
Published: October 2019

A recente inauguração da fábrica de automóveis da FIAT-CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILE – FCA, no município de Goiana, abre enormes perspectivas de ampliação do setor industrial de Pernambuco para além da região situada no entorno mais próximo do distrito industrial portuário de Suape, bem como permite antever a possibilidade do estabelecimento de uma maior articulação do segmento automobilístico com outros segmentos e empresas pré-existentes e a serem atraídos para integração com o segmento motriz. Ao lado do segmento automobilístico de óbvia importância, já existe no território uma base significativa de pesquisadores e instituições de suporte tecnológico, além de um segmento de TI formado por um bom número de empresas aglomeradas no Porto Digital, no Recife, mas também em outros municípios, como é o caso de Olinda. Essa conjunção de uma base razoavelmente significativa de C, T&I já disponível no território com a instalação de uma montadora com tecnologia de ponta do ponto de vista mundial gerou expectativas de formação no Estado de Pernambuco de um polo dinâmico de desenvolvimento tecnológico, abrangendo as competências já existentes com a interação com a FCA e um Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico que se pretendia de Classe Mundial. Tal Centro, imaginava-se, seria um diferencial para um Estado do Nordeste subdesenvolvido num país ainda em vias de desenvolvimento. Essa expectativa otimista está sendo arrefecida pela crise da economia brasileira e mundial, além de mudanças no próprio quadro político e econômico do Estado, o que, no mínimo, poderá adiar a constituição plena do Centro referido e de seus efeitos dinâmicos. Cabe ressaltar que essa é uma estratégia de longo prazo, mas que, em tempos de crise, ocorrem retrocessos e pode haver uma tendência de concentração da pesquisa estratégica nos centros já consolidados. O que parece é que, com a ocorrência de crises, as economias periféricas, portanto mais frágeis, tornam-se menos atrativas para investimentos de maior risco. Reconhece-se a importância que o Centro vem tendo para o Estado e os impactos significativos em sua economia, mas, chama-se a atenção para mudanças significativas que o projeto inicial vem sofrendo.  Este trabalho objetiva avaliar a viabilidade da instalação do Centro de acordo com o previsto, encontrar possíveis explicações para a já detectada mudança de planos e mostrar as dificuldades e fragilidades de economias em desenvolvimento no sentido de avançar no quesito capacitação tecnológica e de vir a ter uma dinâmica tecnológica autônoma, a exemplo de alguns outros países fora do chamado “Centro” desenvolvido, que já superaram essas dificuldades.
Provision of Assistive Technology for Students with Visual Impairment in University Libraries in India
Authors: Dodamani Anand M , Dodamani Sukanya M
Published: October 2019

The use of advanced IT applications has enabled the university libraries to provide innovative library services to their patrons. While the general students are getting all required services from the libraries, the students with visual impairment have continued to face challenges in accessing the library collection. The technology to help overcome these challenges is available today in the form of assistive technology (AT). Unfortunately, a majority of the university libraries in the country do not have this technology in their libraries due to which a huge amount of information stored in the books and journals subscribed by them has become out of reach of the students with visual impairment. The present study was conducted to ascertain the status of AT to support students with visual impairment in university libraries. The study which has covered around 185 universities, provides the first systematic exploration of the status of AT in university libraries in India. The major findings of the study in context of university libraries in India are: 12.97 per cent having Braille Books in their collection; 22.70 per cent have made provision for AT for students with visual impairment; 22.70 per cent have accessible library websites; 21.08 per cent have designated staff members to serve the students with disabilities; 22.70 per cent have ‘written disability policy or ‘documented minutes’ related to the ‘library services for the students with disabilities’.
Awareness of Legal Issues Related to Libraries among Library Professionals of Gujarat
Authors: Hanumappa Anilkumar , Patel Hiral
Published: October 2019

The awareness of legal issues related to libraries among library professionals in Gujarat is discussed in the current study. The research is based on an online survey of library professionals of Gujarat. The major findings of the survey reveal that there is an acute need to improve the awareness and knowledge about legal issues and legal provisions among LIS professionals in Gujarat. The results also show that educational background, experience, or designation have no correlation with level of awareness or knowledge about legal aspects among library professionals. This study provides indications to major legal issues that affect the work of library professionals and what resources may be needed to enhance the level of awareness and knowledge about legal aspects related to libraries.The current study is limited to the study of library professionals in Gujarat, India and has potential to be conducted on national scale to check the level of awareness and knowledge about legal issues and legal provisions and may also provide important indications to address the issue of training and education of library professionals.
Total Radiated Power Measurement in an Uncalibrated Reverberation Chamber
Authors: Gururani Deepshikha , Rawat Harish S. , Dubey Satya K. , Ojha V.N.
Published: October 2019

With the increased use of wireless communication in recent years, the use of reverberation chamber (RC) has increased to a great extent. Reverberation chambers have been eminently used for EMC testing and shielding effectiveness. The environment it provides is very similar to the reverberant surroundings that antenna undergoes in real life use. An experiment to measure total radiated power of antenna, antenna efficiency and quality factor of chamber in indoor environment is proposed. This will make the measurement very simple and inexpensive as designing and calibration of chamber will not be needed. In this paper, we have used three different techniques to compare total radiated power, quality factor, Rician K factor and efficiency of a patch antenna measured in indoor environment with RC data. The three method used include plate stirring method and two time domain methods. The time domain methods use modulated pulse and Gaussian pulse respectively for the measurement. The antenna and chamber parameters are measured in the real time and the data matched well with the RC data for different techniques.
Sistema de encendido de combustible usando celdas Peltier
Authors: Orjuela R Santiago , Martínez S Fernando
Published: October 2019

El objetivo es diseñar un sistema de alimentación para un circuito de ignición por arco eléctrico, para una estufa domestica convencional, que utilice celdas Peltier como fuente de generación de energía eléctrica. Se replicaron las condiciones normales de funcionamiento de una estufa a gas doméstica, realizando mediciones de temperatura con una cámara termográfica sobre las superficies de la estufa, y con un medidor convencional sobre su espacio interno. Partiendo de las mediciones realizadas, se seleccionó el tipo de celda Peltier más adecuado, así como también su cantidad y posición óptima. Posteriormente, se procedió a realizar un diseño del circuito prototipo tanto para la carga del dispositivo de almacenamiento como para el sistema de ignición por arco eléctrico. Se obtuvo el diseño de un circuito de alimentación basado en una batería, cuya fuente de recarga de energía está basada en celdas Peltier, teniendo un consumo estimado de 650mW. En conclusión, es posible utilizar la energía térmica producida por una estufa o cualquier otro elemento disipador de energía en forma de calor para alimentar circuitos de baja potencia, aprovechando el efecto termoeléctrico.
Metodología para el aprovechamiento energético de desechos pecuarios - APRENDYSAGE
Authors: Ladino T Alexis F. , Martínez R Jeimy A. , Buriticá A Clara I.
Published: October 2019

En este documento se plantea la metodología denominada “APRENDYSAGE”, para el aprovechamiento de los recursos de biomasa residual pecuaria y su aplicación a partir de sistemas de autogeneración eléctrica. Por tanto, se realiza un análisis de investigaciones previas a nivel nacional e internacional para definir e identificar el potencial energético teórico y técnico asociado a este recurso, proporcionar la información que permita establecer una ruta y tecnología de conversión con el fin de generar electricidad a partir de Fuentes No Convencionales de Energía Renovable (FNCER), superando las limitaciones de otras técnicas y métodos propuestos y estableciendo un modelo que tenga en cuenta las características geográficas, culturales y normativas de Colombia. Se evidencia que el principal atributo de la metodología APRENDYSAGE es su facilidad de aplicación a diferentes escalas en regiones de la geografía colombiana donde se disponga del recurso de biomasa residual pecuaria
Arquitectura para la generación de consultas SQL usando lógica de conjuntos
Authors: Wanumen Silva Luis Felipe , Mosquera Palacios Darin Jairo
Published: October 2019

El presente artículo muestra, la arquitectura implementada en el desarrollo de una herramienta generadora de código SQL, concretamente código de consulta entre varias tablas, en donde se desean hacer operaciones que guardan relación con las operaciones de JOIN entre tablas. La herramienta explota el uso de LEFT JOIN, RIGHT JOIN, INNER JOIN Y FULL OUTHER JOIN. La arquitectura propuesta funciona para una gran cantidad de tablas, sin embargo, la herramienta por razones de eficiencia computacional en esta versión permite hasta tres tablas. La metáfora que sigue el generador de código SQL, es la metáfora impuesta por los diagramas de Venn, la cual es útil en múltiples aplicaciones computacionales y en este artículo se usó para la construcción de un generador de código en donde el usuario selecciona un diagrama de Venn concreto. Al final del artículo se muestran las modificaciones que se hace necesario implementar a la arquitectura para agregar otras funcionalidades.
Aprendizaje de nomenclatura orgánica con un ambiente híbrido
Authors: Díaz V. Luis Miguel , Prieto G Lynda Yohanna , Sánchez Olga Najar
Published: October 2019

Se analizaron las posibilidades de potenciar el aprendizaje de la nomenclatura orgánica mediante la implementación de un ambiente híbrido de aprendizaje en el cual las TIC se incorporan y usan como mediación y complemento a la presencialidad, generando así nuevas alternativas para el desarrollo del proceso de aprendizaje. El diseño metodológico implementado es de tipo descriptivo cuasi experimental, con un enfoque cuantitativo; se estableció una variable independiente que corresponde al ambiente híbrido y el aprendizaje de nomenclatura orgánica como variable dependiente, se tomaron grupos intactos de comparación ya existentes. Además de lo anterior, se planteó un ambiente híbrido de aprendizaje basado en la metodología ASSURE para el diseño instruccional, el cual permitió como resultado final identificar un nivel de significancia mínimo en relación con el aprendizaje de nomenclatura orgánica por parte del grupo experimental.