bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of pendelluft under pressure support ventilation in patients who failed a spontaneous breathing trial: an observational study
Authors: Coppadoro Andrea , Grassi Alice , Giovannoni Cecilia , Rabboni Francesca , Eronia Nilde , Bronco Alfio , Foti Giuseppe , Fumagalli Roberto , Bellani Giacomo
Published: April 2020

Background

Pendelluft, the movement of gas within different lung regions, is present in animal models of assisted mechanical ventilation and associated with lung overstretching. Due to rebreathing of CO2 as compared to fresh gas, pendelluft might reduce ventilatory efficiency possibly exacerbating patient’s respiratory workload during weaning. Our aim was to measure pendelluft by electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in patients who failed a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT).

Methods

This is an observational study conducted in a general intensive care unit of a tertiary-level teaching hospital. EIT signal was recorded in 20 patients while pressure support (PS) ventilation was progressively reduced from clinical level (baseline) to 2 cmH2O, as in an SBT; four ventral-to-dorsal lung regions of interest were identified for pendelluft measurement. A regional gas movement (> 6 mL) occurring in a direction opposite to the global EIT signal was considered diagnostic for high pendelluft.

Results

Eight patients out of 20 (40%) were classified as high-pendelluft; baseline clinical characteristics did not differ between high- and low-pendelluft patients. At PS reduction, pendelluft and EtCO2 increased more in the high-pendelluft group (p < .001 and .011, respectively). The volume of gas subject to pendelluft moved almost completely from the ventral towards the dorsal lung regions, while the opposite movement was minimal (16.3 [10:32.8] vs. 0 [0:1.8] mL, p = .001). In a subgroup of patients, increased pendelluft volumes positively correlated with markers of respiratory distress such as increased respiratory rate, p0.1, and EtCO2.

Conclusions

Occult pendelluft can be measured by EIT, and is frequently present in patients failing an SBT. When present, pendelluft increases with the reduction of ventilator support and is associated with increased EtCO2, suggesting a reduction of the ability to eliminate CO2.
Knowledge and Self-use of Medicinal Plants by Health University Students in Brasília-Brazil
Authors: de Leão e Neves Eduardo Anna Maly , Pinheiro Guilherme Junio , Campos Caldas Rosa Erica Carine , Rodrigues Machado Eleuza , Fonseca Welker Alexis
Published: April 2020

Background: This article reports an experiment based on the measurement of the academic about the use of medicinal plants is increasing, this article aims to analyze the behavior of future health professionals regarding the use of medicinal plants, since they will be responsible for the orientation and education of patients and the population.

Methods: The present study involved 50 students of the academic health care Anhanguera College of Brasilia (Biological Sciences, Biomedicine, Nursing and Pharmacy), selected randomly. Questions about the use of medicinal plants were made and 96% confirmed having used medicinal plants. We used the Descriptive statistic to compare the answers.

Results: Most academics reported self-consumption of medicinal plants, with a positive result after use (*p<0.001). The most used medicinal plants were, in addition to the mixture of herbs, boldo and Mexican tea, for the treatment of stomach pains, headaches, coughs, and colds. Self-usage was mainly due to the recommendation of a family member and most of their knowledge of herbal medicine come from non-evidence based sources. The prevalence of plant use was higher among females(84%) in all undergraduate courses observed when purchased as males (22%).

Conclusions: The consumption of medicinal plants among academics is high, but it is within the literature. However, as the study was conducted among health professionals, they were expected to have greater knowledge of the adverse effects and on the plant to be used.
Placenta previa as a risk factor for antenatal- and peripartum periventricular leukomalacia resulting in cerebral palsy in Japan: a retrospective study
Authors: Suzuki Shunji
Published: April 2020

Intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring abnormalities had been reported to correlate with decreased umbilical artery base excess associated with neonatal seizures. After encountering a child born at 35 weeks of gestation diagnosed with cerebral palsy associated with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) without fetal heart rate monitoring abnormalities, a review and analysis of summary reports of PVL cases published on the home page of the Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy (JOCSC). Based on the case and the review of the reports of PVL cases from JOCSC, placenta previa may be a risk factor for antenatal- and peripartum PVL resulted in cerebral palsy in Japan.
Asset Management and Financial Conglomerates: Attention Through Stellar Funds
Authors: Zambrana Rafael
Published: April 2020

This paper provides evidence that stock returns of a financial conglomerate are affected by how successful certain funds of its asset-management division are. The results indicate a spillover effect between management companies with top-performing funds and the stocks of the parent firm. I find that the presence of star funds affects stock returns in ways consistent with investor attention, suggesting that the boost in returns is due not only to an increase in fee revenues accruing to the funds but also to an increase in firm visibility. Additional analyses suggest that managers tend to opportunistically adjust the odds of having star funds to exploit the return effect. These findings suggest that financial institutions can benefit from operating an asset-management unit as they create a brand reputation and benefit from spillover effects.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, finance.
We Have Always Been Biased
Authors: Donnelly Kevin
Published: April 2020

This paper aims to provide a historical context in which to appreciate the shared problems faced by social and computer scientists in using and creating biometric data. While historians of science are well aware of the trials (and errors) of previous attempts to quantify the human condition, this literature has not always made it into discussions of modern biometrics. Indeed, manuals for what are now called the computational social sciences often imagine that data mining and statistical averages are new, and that “Big Data” has only existed for the past decade. Such historical amnesia has led, this paper argues, to problems of modern bias emerging in the literature as a technical issue rather than a full-fledged conceptual barrier with long roots. Seen only in the light of present politics and practical concerns, I argue that these problems will remain intractable.
Biometric Algorithms as Border Infrastructures
Authors: Grondin David
Published: April 2020

Looking at the work performed by infrastructures when they become part and parcel of the security governance, in this paper, I contend that a closer look must be paid to the infrastructural context of emergence and possibility of algorithms applied in “smart border technologies”. I focus on the explanatory and productive power of an analytical concept derived from the practice: the “security/mobility nexus”, which refers to the stitching of security to mobility to make governance possible. I illustrate how through the security/mobility nexus the Canadian State has capitalized on the promises of infrastructures–such as biometric algorithms–to innovate and deploy the affordance power of the digital to connect people’s data to spaces and physical sites. To analytically reflect on how it comes to mediate bodies as a “border infrastructure” with the security/mobility nexus, I first focus on the algorithmic mediation before turning to the biometric imaginary and its limits.
Disenchantment
Authors: Mayer Marc
Published: April 2020

The author explores the idea of disenchantment through the lens of an adolescent anecdote about his introduction to the work of Friedrich Nietzsche.
Marnie Ellen Hertzler, Hi I Need To Be Loved
Authors: Achterbergh Irene
Published: April 2020

The Royal Cinema, Images Festival, Toronto, April 11 - 18, 2019

A review of Marnie Ellen Hertzler’s film Hi I Need To Be Loved (2018) at the 2019 Images Film Festival in Toronto.
Manuel DeLanda
Authors: Enns Clint
Published: April 2020

Edited by John Klacsmann and Andrew Lampert (New York: Anthology Film Archives and J&L Books, 2018), 152 pages.

Review of Manuel DeLanda: ISM ISM edited by John Klacsmann and Andrew Lampert. The book consists of a photo series, a short essay and an interview with DeLanda. Through the review, I demonstrate some of the ways in which DeLanda’s film ISM ISM, documented in the book as a photo series, form part of the foundations of his later philosophical explorations.
The Sunshine of Human Rights: Hubert Humphrey at the 1948 Democratic Convention
Authors: Murphy John M.
Published: April 2020

Mayor Hubert Humphrey’s “Sunshine of Human Rights” address, delivered to the 1948 Democratic Convention, is universally acknowledged to be a great speech. Historians and biographers credit it as the major reason why the party adopted a strong civil rights plank and committed itself to the struggle from that point forward. Yet rhetorical critics have generally ignored the speech. In this essay, I argue the rhetorical force of the address is best explained through the concept of copia, or an abundant style. Humphrey’s rhetorical extravagance, in turn, suggests that critics ought to develop a new appreciation for this ancient rhetorical concept.
A brief visit to the BeCl2/ZnCl2 system and the prediction of a new polymorph of ZnCl2
Authors: Deubner H. Lars , Bandemehr Jascha , Karttunen Antti J. , Kraus Florian
Published: April 2020

Reactions of zinc chloride with beryllium chloride in the molar ratios of 1:1 and 3:2 at T = 300°C in sealed ampoules lead to the formation of the two compounds Be1−

x
Zn
x
Cl2 (x = 0.563(2) and 0.489(3), respectively). Their composition and crystal structures were evidenced by single crystal X-ray structure analysis. Both compounds crystallize isotypic to β-BeCl2 in the tetragonal space group I41/acd, No. 142, tI96, with a = 10.7548(1), c = 19.4656(5) Å, V = 2251.50(7) Å3, Z = 32 at T = 100 K for the first and a = 10.7511(3), c = 19.2335(10) Å, V = 2223.1(2) Å3, Z = 32 at T = 100 K for the second compound. The positions of the Be atoms are mixed-occupied by Zn atoms. The compounds were additionally characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. Plots according to Vegard’s law allowed for extrapolation towards a neat ZnCl2 phase that would crystallize in the β-BeCl2 structure, which is the ZnI2 structure type. Quantum chemical calculations have confirmed that such a ZnCl2 modification would represent a true local minimum.
БІОГРАФІЧНИЙ МЕТОД У ДОСЛІДЖЕННІ ПРОБЛЕМНОЇ ХАРЧОВОЇ ПОВЕДІНКИ
Authors: Шебанова Віталія , Яблонська Тетяна
Published: April 2020

Метою статті є аналіз застосування біографічного методу у дослідженні формування проблемної харчової поведінки.

Дослідження здійснювалося за допомогою методики тематичного ретроспективного аналізу МТРА-їжа, що є варіантом біографічного методу (Шебанова, 2016). Дані було опрацьовано за допомогою контент-аналізу, застосовувався φ-критерій Фішера для порівняння відмінностей між групами досліджуваних.

Підтверджено ефективність біографічного методу в дослідженні проблемної харчової поведінки. В результаті дослідження уточнено особливості становлення харчової поведінки та її розладів. З’ясовано, що різноманітні форми харчового насильства, прямі й непрямі способи примусу до харчової активності або її блокування проявляються в ігноруванні дорослими смакових уподобань дитини, її бажання та готовності приймати їжу. Встановлено, що найчастіше батьки застосовували маніпулятивні техніки для впливу на харчову поведінку дітей (заохочення, спонукання, обіцянки винагороди, схвалення, визнання, застереження, переключення уваги), прямі засоби впливу – прийоми примусу (заборона, обмеження, відторгнення, деструк­тивна критика, залякування, позбавлення різноманітних форм задоволення). Статистично підтверджено, що застосування батьками засобів маніпуляції та/або прямого примусу щодо дитини в ситуації приймання їжі зумовлює формування патологічних процесів тілесності, специфічних настанов і психологічних механізмів, які є предумовою харчових розладів
The Effects of a Differentiated Diagnosis and Systematic Intervention of a Han Guel Reading Program by Pre Service Teachers on Studentswith Reading Difficulties in Community Child Centers
Authors: Shin Jaehyun , Lee Daesik , Kim Sooyoun , Lee Heeyeon , Lee Eunyoung ,   The Korean Society of Special Education
Published: April 2020

This study examined the effects of a differentiated diagnosis and systematic intervention of a Han Guel reading program taught by pre-service teachers on students with reading difficulties. Thirteen pre-service teachers of K university and two graduate school students(in-service teachers) diagnosed and presented a 12-session individualized reading intervention to struggling readers(from first graders of elementary school to first graders of high school) in community child centers. Before the intervention, the pre-service and in-service teachers received an 8-session workshop focusing on the diagnosis and intervention of students with dyslexia and helping students with emotional and behavioral issues. They also received seven sessions of supervision by faculty members during the intervention. Results showed that all the students' reading outcomes improved in the post-tests. Furthermore, the teachers' competency on instruction and guidance improved. Following the results, supporting systems for students with reading difficulties were discussed.
La política internacional de los gobiernos de Colombia y Venezuela y su impacto en el desarrollo económico
Authors: Ram Pilar Eugenia
Published: April 2020

El presente artículo de reflexión tiene como fin tratar el impacto económico que ha tenido la política internacional de Venezuela y Colombia durante los últimos años, así mismo se expondrán sus causas y consecuencias, ya que esto ha afectado la economía de los dos países latinoamericanos. Por lo anterior es importante reconocer que los conflictos políticos alejan a los pueblos, ocasionan crisis económicas y fomentan aptitudes de guerra entre las vecindades hermanas; hecho que se debe combatir desde la perspectiva pacifista y de apoyo mutuo, implementando estrategias entre los dos países, requiriendo para ello de un tratamiento especial basado en unas relaciones bilaterales de cooperación, diálogo y acuerdos.

 

AbstractThe present article of reflection has as end treat the economic impact that has had the international politics of Venezuela and Colombia during the last years, likewise his reasons and consequences will be exposed; since this has affected the economy of both Latin-American countries. For the previous thing it is important to admit that the political conflicts remove the villages, they cause economic crises and promote aptitudes of war between the vicinities you relate; fact that pacifist must fight from the perspective and of mutual support, implementing strategies between both countries, needing for it of a special treatment based on a few bilateral relations of cooperation, dialog and agreements.
Sanción a los negocios jurídicos en colombia: restitución vs indemnización
Authors: Sayas Contreras Rafaela , Mar Katleen
Published: April 2020

El presente artículo de reflexión analiza el actual contexto del Derecho Privado colombiano, en razón a la evolución de las negociaciones, donde se evidencian situaciones que escapan a lo normativo, como consecuencia de la antigüedad del Código Civil. Una de ellas, está en el Art. 1746 del Código en mención, que regula los efectos de la nulidad como sanción a los negocios jurídicos. En él, se plantea como consecuencia principal de la nulidad, la retrotracción del contrato, mediante un régimen de restituciones mutuas; además dispone lo relacionado con las mejoras y abonos hechos a la cosa objeto del negocio jurídico, pero no establece una directriz para el caso de la reparación de perjuicios derivados de la declaratoria de nulidad del negocio jurídico, al contratante que haya actuado de buena fe. Es precisamente por esta razón que el propósito de esta investigación es determinar si el texto del Art. 1746 del Código Civil es una herramienta eficaz para los contratantes que sufran algún tipo de perjuicio derivado de la nulidad o si por el contrario esto supone la necesidad de iniciar un nuevo proceso para reclamar esos perjuicios y elaborar una nueva propuesta normativa del artículo acorde con el contexto.

 

AbstractThe present article of reflection analyzes the current context of the private Colombian right, in reason to the evolution of the negotiations, where there are demonstrated situations that escape to the normative thing, as consequence of the antiquity of the Civil Code. One of them, it is in the Art. 1746 of the Code in mention, which regulates the effects of the nullity as sanction to the juridical business. In, it appears as principal consequence of the nullity, the retrotracción of the contract, by means of a regime of mutual restitutions, in addition he arranges the related thing to the improvements and credits done to the thing. I object of the juridical business, but it does not establish a directive for the case of the repair of prejudices derived from the declaration of nullity of the juridical business, to the contractor who has acted of good. It is precisely for this reason that the intention of this investigation is to determine if the text of the art. 1746 of the Civil Code is an effective tool for the contractors who suffer some type of prejudice derived from the nullity or if on the contrary this supposes the need to initiate a new process to claim these prejudices and to elaborate a new normative offer of the article according to the context.
IEEE 802.11 MAC Protokolünün VANET ağlardaki performans modellemesi ve analizi
Authors: KARABULUT Muhammet Ali , SHAH A.f.m. Shahen , İLHAN Hacı
Published: April 2020

IEEE 802.11 standardı, araçlar arası
geçici ağlar (Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks, VANETs) için ortam erişim kontrolü (Medium
Access Control, MAC) ve fiziksel (PHY) katmanının özelliklerini tanımlamaktadır.
IEEE 802.11 standardında, dağıtılmış koordinasyon işlevi (Distributed
Coordination Function, DCF) MAC katmanında kullanılan bir tekniktir. DCF,
ortama erişmek için çarpışmadan kaçınma ile taşıyıcı duyarlı çoklu erişim
(Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance, CSMA/CA) tekniğini kullanmaktadır.
Ayrıca, gönderim isteği (Request To Send, RTS)/ gönderime uygun (Clear To Send,
CTS) mekanizması gizli araç düğümleri problemlerinin üstesinden gelmek için
kullanılır. Bu makalede, VANET ağlarda önerilen CSMA/CA tabanlı protokolün
performansını değerlendirmek için araç hızı, araç yoğunluğu, çekişme penceresi
(Contention Window) ve yeniden iletim limiti (Maximum Retransmision Limit) gibi
parametreleri dikkate alan Markov zincir modeline dayalı bir analitik model
önerilmiştir. Performans ölçüleri ve parametreleri arasındaki ilişki
incelenmiştir. Veri hızı, paket bırakma oranı (Packet Dropping Rate, PDR) ve
gecikme ifadeleri elde edilmiştir. Ayrıca, benzetim sonuçları ile performans
analizi doğrulanmıştır. CSMA/CA ve RTS/CTS mekanizmalarının karşılaştırılması
sunulmuştur.
Could Unconventional Immunomodulatory Agents Help Alleviate COVID-19 Symptoms and Severity?
Authors: Mamber Stephen , Krakowka Steven , Osborn Jeffrey , Saberski Lloyd , Rhodes Ryan , Dahlberg Albert , Fitzgerald Kara , Wright Neal , Beseme Sarah , McMichael John
Published: April 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS coronavirus 2 or SARS-CoV2) is the cause of the respiratory infection known as COVID-19. From an immunopathological standpoint, coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV2 induce an increase in a variety of T-helper 1 (Th1) and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including interleukins IL-1, IL-6, CCL2 protein and CXCL10 protein. In the absence of proven antiviral agents or an effective vaccine, substances with immunomodulatory activity may be able to inhibit inflammatory and Th1 cytokines and/or yield an anti-inflammatory and/or Th2 immune response to counteract COVID-19 symptoms and severity. This report briefly describes four unconventional but commercially accessible immunomodulatory agents that could be employed in clinical trials to evaluate their effectiveness at alleviating disease symptoms and severity: Low-dose oral interferon-alpha, microdose DNA, low-dose thimerosal and phytocannabinoids.
Extending the Explanatory Scope of Evolutionary Theory: The Origin of Historical Kinds in Biology and Culture
Authors: Wagner Gunter , Tomlinson Gary
Published: April 2020

Since its inception, evolutionary theory has experienced a number of extensions. The most important of these took the forms of the Modern Evolutionary Synthesis (MES), embracing genetics and population biology in the early 20th century, and the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) of the last thirty years, embracing, among other factors, non-genetic forms of inheritance. While we appreciate the motivation for this recent extension, we argue that it does not go far enough, since it restricts itself to widening explanations of adaptation by adding mechanisms of inheritance and variation. Here we argue that a more thoroughgoing extension is needed, one that broadens the explanatory scope of evolutionary theory. In addition to adaptation and its various mechanisms, evolutionary theory must recognize as a distinct intellectual challenge the origin of what we call “historical kinds.” Under historical kinds we include any process that acquires a quasi-independent and traceable lineage-history in biological and cultural evolution. A limited number of historical kinds have been recognized in evolutionary biology, and corresponding research programs have been formed around them. The best characterized examples are biological species and genes. We propose that the conceptual category of historical kinds can and needs to be extended, and we develop the notion of a historical kind in a series of paradigmatic exemplars, from genes and cell types to rituals and music. The explanation of the origin of historical kinds should be a main objective of biological and cultural sciences.
Was School Closure Effective in Mitigating Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)? Time Series Analysis Using Bayesian Inference
Authors: Iwata Kentaro , Doi Asako , Miyakoshi Chisato
Published: April 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are causing significant damages to many nations. For mitigating its risk, Japan’s Prime Minister called on all elementary, junior high and high schools nationwide to close beginning March 1, 2020. However, its effectiveness in decreasing disease burden has not been investigated. Methods: We used daily data on the report of COVID-19 and coronavirus infection incidence in Japan until March 31, 2020. Time series analysis were conducted using Bayesian method. Local linear trend models with interventional effect were constructed for number of newly reported cases of COVID-19, including asymptomatic infections. We considered that the effects of intervention start to appear 9 days after the school closure; i.e., on March 9. Results: The intervention of school closure did not appear to decrease the incidence of coronavirus infection. If the effectiveness of school closure began on March 9, mean coefficient α for effectiveness of the measure was calculated to be 0.08 (95% credible interval -0.36 to 0.65), and the actual reported cases were more than predicted, yet with rather wide credible interval. Sensitivity analyses using different dates also showed similar results. Conclusions: School closure carried out in Japan did not show the effectiveness to mitigate the transmission of novel coronavirus infection.
Validation of the AUDIT Scale and Factors Associated with Alcohol Use Disorder in Adolescents: Results of a National Lebanese Study
Authors: Hallit Jennifer , Salameh Pascale , Haddad Chadia , Sacre Hala , Soufia Michel , Akel Marwan , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Rabih , Hallit Souheil
Published: April 2020

Background

This study objective was to evaluate the prevalence of AUD and related factors (smoking, internet addiction, social anxiety, child abuse, and bullying) among a representative sample of Lebanese adolescents, and to validate and confirm psychometric properties of the AUDIT scale.

Methods

A cross-sectional study, conducted between January and May 2019, enrolled 1810 adolescents aged between 14 and 17. Alcohol dependence was defined as a high AUDIT score (≥8; score range 0-40). A principal component analysis technique to confirm the validity of the construct of the AUDIT scale score was done and a confirmatory analysis to assess the structure of the instrument was conducted.

Results

The mean AUDIT score was 6.46 ± 8.44 and high risk of hazardous alcohol drinking was found in 507 (28.0%) adolescents [95% CI 0.259-0.301]. One factor solution of the AUDIT scale was found after running the factor analysis (α Cronbach =0.978). Higher cigarette (Beta=0.372; p<0.001) and waterpipe (Beta=0.319; p<0.001) dependence, higher child sexual (Beta=0.581; p<0.001) and neglect (Beta=0.106; p<0.001) abuse, higher internet addiction (Beta=0.088; p<0.001), separated parents compared to living together (Beta=3.202; p<0.001) and higher bullying victimization (Beta=0.143; p<0.001) were significantly associated with higher AUDIT scores.

Conclusion

Alcohol dependence among Lebanese adolescents seems to be influenced by several risk factors, such as cigarette and waterpipe dependence, parents’ divorce, higher internet addiction, bullying victimization, and childhood sexual abuse and neglect. Parents and healthcare professionals could use this data for early interventions.
Acute ultraviolet A exposure induces autophagy in RPE cells
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Aiyuan , Gui Dongmei , Yang Hongwei , Zhao Danxin , Pu Wei
Published: April 2020

Background The mechanism for ultraviolet A (UVA) involvement in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is unclear. We examined the levels of autophagy-related proteins and ubiquitination of cell proteins after acute UVA exposure and determined whether UVA causes AMD by affecting autophagy in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Methods Western blotting was used to determine the level of Beclin-1, LC3, and p62 in ARPE-19 cells exposed to UVA. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to detect the ubiquitination of proteins in cells. Cell viability was determined with a CGD1 assay. Results UVA irradiation increased the level of LC3 and the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II in ARPE-19 cells within 24 h, inhibition of autophagy by NH4CL reversed the effect of UVA, and suppression of proteasomes by Epoxomicin (EPO) did not enhance the effect of UVA. UVA irradiation did not affect the level of Beclin-1. UVA up-regulated the expression of p62 and the ubiquitination of proteins in cells, especially k63-linked ubiquitination. ARPE-19 cells were lost in a short- time under exposure to UVA. Conclusion UVA induces autophagy in ARPE-19 cells in a short period, and promotes protein degradation through the autophagy pathway. However, acute UVA irradiation leads to cell death. Therefore, while acute UVA irradiation cannot cause protein degeneration by impairing autophagy in RPE cells, it is still a risk factor for AMD occurrence due to its effect on reducing cells.
Bioinformatic gene analysis for potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets of kidney calculi-related renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lu Jun , Liu Qunlong , Liu Huan , Xu Yunfei
Published: April 2020

Kidney calculi (KC) is considered to be a potential cause of renal cell carcinoma（RCC）due to urinary retention, hydronephrosis, pyelonephritis, and carcinoma of renal pelvis. We searched co-expressed genes in order to explore the relationships between kidney calculi (KC) and renal cell carcinoma（RCC） and reveal potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets of kidney calculi-related renal cell carcinoma.KC-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified via bioinformatic analysis Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE73680 and GSE117518. Simultaneously, RCC-related DEGs were also identified via bioinformatic analysis GEO datasets GSE14994 and GSE40435. Subsequently, co-DEGs of KC-related RCC were found, and extensive target prediction and network analyses methods were used to assess protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks, Gene Ontology (GO) terms and pathway enrichment for DEGs, and co-expressed DEGs coupled with corresponding predicted miRNAs involved in KC and RCC were assessed as well.We identified 832 DEGs in KC and RCC samples. The co-DEGs of VIM，DCN，WNK1 and PXDN coupled with corresponding predicted miRNAs, especially miR-181c-5p and miR-181d-5p may be significantly associated with KC-related RCC. The Co-DEGs of VIM，DCN，WNK1 and PXDN link KC and RCC. Finally, the top 5 miRNAs for each Co-DEGs may be potential signaling pathways for KC-relate RCC, especially miR-181c-5p and miR-181d-5p. Therefore, there is an association between KC and RCC and expression of VIM，DCN，WNK1 and PXDN genes may favor KC-related RCC.
Dual-targeted cationic liposomes modified with hyaluronic acid and folic acid deliver siRNA Bcl-2 in the treatment of cervical cancer
Authors: Tong Yao , Wan Wen-jun , Yang Han , Wang Yu , Wang Dan-dan , Liu Yang , You Beng-gang , Zhang Xue-nong
Published: April 2020

Backgroud: Gene therapy has attracted widespread attention as a potential method of treating some autoimmune diseases, genetic diseases and cancer. It is critical to discover a new nanocarrier for the effectiveness of gene therapy. Reportedly, the dual-targed nano-delivery system as a novel strategy could improve targeting efficiency and deliver more drugs or genes to tumor sites over current single-targed nano-delivery delivery system.Methods: We synthesized and characterized the hyaluronic acid (HA)-folic acid (FA) polymer, and then prepared the cationic liposomes by ultrasonic dispersion . The liposome was coated with HA-FA to obtain HA-FA-Lip nanoparticles. HA-FA-Lip formed complexes with siRNA Bcl-2 (siBcl-2) through electrostatic adsorption for delivering siBcl-2 to the tumor site.Results: HA-FA-Lip showed stronger tumor accumulation and better targeting efficiency than HA-lip. Meanwhile, HA-FA-Lip delivered more siBcl-2 to tumor cells and played a role in down-regulating Bcl protein levels, thus inducing obvious apoptosis.Conclusions: As a new type of dual-targeted drug delivery system, HA-FA-Lip was expected to be an effective nanocarrier with high transfection efficiency and good biocompatibility.
Identification of a Three-gene Signature Acting as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Patients
Authors: Tang Zengwei , Hunag Xing , Li Enliang , Shen Yinan , Zhang Qi , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo
Published: April 2020

Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) patients have poor outcomes due to the lack of biomarkers for the selection of treatment options. The present study was conducted to find biomarkers with independent prognostic vaule in iCCA patients. Methods: Gene transcriptome profiles of E-MTAB-6389, TCGA-CHOL and GSE26566 were obtained from ArrayExpress, The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus databases, respectively. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to screen novel biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of iCCA patients. Using multivariate Cox regression analyses, a 3-gene signature (BTD-FER-COL12A1) with potential prognostic value was identified and validated in both a training cohort and two validation cohorts. Results: A total of 177 iCCA patients were included in this study. From the key gene modules significantly associated with liver cirrhosis and overall survival (OS) of iCCA patients, we identified 89 hub genes for functional analyses. Cox-regression analyses in both the training and validation cohort indicate that FER, COL12A1 and BTD were independent risk factors for iCCA patients. A 3-gene signature (BTD-FER-COL12A1) with independent prognostic value in iCCA patients was validated in the training cohort, as well as in two validation cohorts. In terms of predicting the prognosis of iCCA patients, the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves showed that this 3-gene signature had superior prediction power to BTD, FER, and COL12A1 alone, as well as known biomarkers (MUC1, MUC13) of iCCA. Immunohistochemical staining of samples from The Human Protein Atlas showed that FER and COL12A1 were positively expressed in iCCA tissue, although BTD was not, while none of these genes was detected in normal tissue. These findings were consistent with the expression status of BTD, FER and COL12A1 at the transcriptional level. In addition, we found that FER and COL12A1 were significantly associated with the degree of infiltration by tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Conclusion: We discovered a three-gene signature with independent prognostic value as a novel biomarker for prediction prognosis of iCCA patients. Our findings may help to find novel therapeutic targets for precision treatment of iCCA.
The Structural, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Vanadium Nitride Film Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Keleş Ayşenur , Aghdam Hossein Ahmad , Baran Özlem , Efeoğlu İhsan
Published: April 2020

In this work, vanadium nitride (VN) thin films deposited on 52100 steel substrates with magnetron sputtering system using two vanadium targets and Ar/N 2 gas atmosphere at different substrate pulse frequencies. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) were used to analyze the microstructure and elemental composition of the films. Adhesion and fatigue properties of films were analyzed a scratch tester. Pin-on-disc tribo-tester was carried out to determine tribological properties. It was observed from the test results that substrate pulse frequency has a significant effect on mechanical and tribological properties of VN films. According to XRD, all films have VN and V 2 N phases. The intensity of V 2 N (211) peak decreased with increasing frequency, whereas VN (111) peak intensity were increased. Also, the film thickness slightly changed depending on the pulse frequency. The best mechanical and tribological properties were found at 200kHz substrate pulse frequency.
Systemic RNA oxidation can be used as an index of clinical infection and prognosis in a Vibrio parahaemolyticus Challenge Rat Model
Authors: Pian Yaya , Nie Jing-Jing , Wang Chen-Chen , Liu Qian , Liu Zhen , Zhang Wei , Zhang Li-qun , Ou-Yang Qiu-geng , Fan Guo-Qing , Zeng Lv-Tao , Gao Zhen-Xiang , Hu Ji-Hong , Cai Jian-Ping
Published: April 2020

Background: More and more evidence supports the concept that RNA oxidation plays a substantial role in the progress of multiple diseases; however, only a few studies have reported RNA oxidation caused by microbial pathogens. Urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxo-Gsn) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dGsn), which are broadly used as indicators of oxidative damage of RNA and DNA, were analyzed in this study to determine which can be used as an index of clinical infection and prognosis in a Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge rat model. In this study, twenty-four speciﬁc-pathogen-free (SPF) male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups: an infection group and a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control group. An LC-MS/MS-based system was established to determine the 8-oxo-dGsn and 8-oxo-Gsn contents of urine samples. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to determine the 8-oxoguanine in nuclear DNA and in cellular RNA of different tissues of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) stain was used to analyze intestinal inflammation. Sysmex XS-1000i hematology was used to analyze WBCs in blood. Luminex and ELISA were used to detect the level of inflammatory factors in serum. In addition, body temperatures, body weights, bacterial burden of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were also detected. Results: The level of urinary and tissular 8-oxo-Gsn rather than 8-oxo-dGsn was significantly increased after infection with V. parahaemolyticus compared with PBS control. Stimultaneously, intestinal inflammation, the numbers of white blood cells (WBCs) and inflammatory factors (including CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-17A) were increased sharply. What is clinical significance is that the trend of urinary 8-oxo-Gsn was consistent with WBCs or inflammation. It is more important that the concentration of urinary 8-oxo-Gsn in the infection group was positively correlated with WBCs and inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that 8-oxo-Gsn can be used as a more effective biomarker of clinical infection and prognosis compared with classic clinical indicators such as IL-6 and TNF-α.
Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir safety and efficacy for HCV patients with haemodialysis and decompensated cirrhosis: a case series
Authors: Boushi Ebtisam , Kakaje Ameer , Heydar Noha , Almokdad Rasha
Published: April 2020

Background Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) combination is very effective against HCV. However, it was until recently approved for use in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and on haemodialysis. Furthermore, No much data available for SOF/LDV in compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. Aims To assess the effectiveness and side-effects of SOF/LDV in HCV patients with ESRD, on haemodialysis, and have no cirrhosis or have either compensated or decompensated cirrhosis. Methods Data of 21 HCV patients was collected and they were on haemodialysis and had different CTP and were assessed for HCV at end treatment after 12 weeks, and after 12 and 24 weeks of end treatment. Treatment consisted of 90g of SOF/ 400g of LDV once daily. Results The sample contained 16 males and 5 females with mean age of 40.9 years. Three patients had decompensated cirrhosis CTP B, and four chronic hepatitis with minor cirrhotic changes with CTP A. Full follow-up was for only 20 patients and they all had HCV resolved as one patient passed away. Other factors were assessed such as HCV genotypes, but they had the same results with no difference in symptoms development. Conclusion SOF/LDV combination is suggested to be effective even if the patient was on haemodialysis and had compensated, or decompensated cirrhosis without the need of dose adjustment or increase duration with no major complications in patients with HCV 1a, 1b, 4, and 5.
Оптические свойства соединений YFe-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=- и TbFe-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-
Authors: Князев Ю.В. , Кузьмин Ю.И.
Published: April 2020

Ellipsometric investigation of the optical properties of YFe2 and TbFe2 intermetalic compounds have been carried out in wavelength range of 0.22 –15 μm. A number of electronic and spectral characteristic was determined. Nature of interband light absorption in these materials is discussed on base of comparative analyses of experimental and theoretical optical conductivity spectra. Experimental optical conductivities of the compounds are shown to conform qualitatively to spectra calculated from densities of electronic states in the region of quantum electron transitions.
DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS AND RISK FACTORS OF DYSLIPIDEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN BOGOR, INDONESIA
Authors: PRADIPTA SARASWATI , WIBOWO HERI , HARBUWONO DANTE SAKSONO , RAHAJENG EKOWATI , LARASATI RAHMA AYU , KARTIKA RONA
Published: April 2020

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients tend to have abnormal lipid profiles, explaining the association between elevated cholesterol andtriglyceride levels in diabetic patients and coronary heart disease. This study aims to evaluate how the common risk factors for dyslipidemia affectthe lipid profile of diabetic patients and to determine which factors can be used as predictors for the occurrence of dyslipidemia in T2DM patients.Methods: A total of 238 diabetic patients (63 male and 175 female; age: 31–70 years) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All of them hadundergone regular examinations in cohort studies on risk factors for non-communicable diseases conducted by the Ministry of Health in Bogorbetween December 2017 and January 2018.Results: The result found that age differences did not affect lipid profile levels, and the females had higher mean values of body mass index (p<0.001),total cholesterol (TC) (p<0.05), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p<0.001) than the males. The most common occurrences of dyslipidemia werehigh TC level (57.1%), followed by high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level (47.1%), high triglyceride level (37.4%), and low HDL level (16.4%). Beingoverweight was found to be the best predictor of dyslipidemia.Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that in T2DM patients, sex affects TC and HDL levels, whereas age does not exert a significant effect onthe lipid profiles. In addition, poor glycemic control, hypertension, and obesity may serve as predictors of dyslipidemia in T2DM patients.
Enfoque diagnóstico del síndrome vestibular agudo en urgencias
Authors: Millán Pérez Sonia , Baracaldo Santamaría Iván Camilo , Avella Harold , Ocampo Navia María Isabel
Published: April 2020

El vértigo se define como una sensación rotacional de movimiento y es uno de los principales motivos de consulta en urgencias. Aproximadamente entre el 5 y 7% de los pacientes que asisten a consulta de Medicina General han presentado esta afección en el último año. Por este motivo, es necesario tener una adecuada orientación de los casos que permita identificar su causa y diferenciar entre la patología central y periférica lo que permitirá abordar los pacientes de una manera adecuada, que permita distinguir aquellos que requieran hospitalización para estudios complementarios de los que pueden ser manejados ambulatoriamente.
A continuación, revisaremos los principales síntomas clínicos, las pruebas semiológicas más utilizadas y las etiologías más relevantes para describir un abordaje sencillo de este síndrome.
ESTRATIFICAÇÃO EDUCACIONAL E DESIGUALDADES NO SUCESSO ACADÊMICO EM MEDICINA E EM SERVIÇO SOCIAL
Authors: Lima Lucinete Marques , Bianchini Angelo Rodrigo , Pantoja Ellen Patrícia Braga
Published: April 2020

O artigo discute a estratificação educacional no ensino superior por campo de estudo, tomando por objeto de análise os cursos de Medicina e Serviço Social, ofertados pela Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA), considerando critérios e percentuais de ingresso por categorias sociais em seis anos, a movimentação acadêmica no percurso estudantil e o perfil do estudante concluinte. Os resultados indicam a presença de estratificação vertical e horizontal, reforçada por diferenciações quanto às categorias sociais que tiveram acesso e sucesso acadêmico em Medicina e em Serviço Social.Palavras-chave: Estratificação educacional; Medicina; Serviço Social.
Chinese consumers’ willingness to pay for organic foods: a conceptual review
Authors: Li Rui , Lee Chien-Hsing , Lin Yu-Ting , Liu Chi-Wei
Published: April 2020

China has become one of the largest food markets in the world. Alone with its rising market power, we conceptually review relevant literature to discuss important issues on Chinese consumers’ willingness to pay for organic foods. Important factors that might determine consumer willingness to pay were discussed (i.e. culture, demography, attitudinal factors, health consciousness, individual norms, consumer knowledge, food safety, environmental concern, animal welfare, purchasing power, nutritional value). We then put forward a prospect of the future research on consumers’ willingness to pay for organic foods in China and other developing countries. Practical and policy implications are also elaborated.
Defining Politics in an ‘Apolitical City’: An Ethnographic study of Hong Kong
Authors: Lam-Knott Sonia Yue Chuen
Published: April 2020

Hong Kong has been described as a city that prioritises socio-economic stability at the expense of political engagement. Despite recent protests —such as the 2003 demonstration with half a million people taking to the streets—that seemingly dispel such statements, Hong Kong youth activists claim that the city remains apolitical. How can we make sense of this paradox of seeing the protests on the streets of the city, with what is being said by these youths? In attempting to unravel this puzzle, this paper highlights the importance for anthropologists of understanding how politics is conceptualised amongst their informants, which in turn determines the peculiar manifestations of political actions in that societal context. This paper argues that in Hong Kong, there are discrepancies between youth activists and the general population in how politics is framed and situated in relation to everyday life. It is then revealed that contemporary mainstream attitudes towards politics are actually a product of the city’s colonial history. Finally, this paper will explore the sentiments (of indifference, discomfort, or frustration) youth activists and non-political individuals respectively harbour towards politics and political actors, and the obstacles dominant attitudes towards politics pose for youth activists and for anthropologists alike.
Convivendo com o Câncer: narrativas de adoecimento de um grupo de pessoas idosas na cidade de São Paulo
Authors: Manso Maria Elisa Gonzalez , Mello Isabella Gonzalez Raposo de , Costa Nicolle De Souza Duarte , Costa Nicole Bueno
Published: April 2020

Esta pesquisa procurou apreender as narrativas de adoecimento de um grupo de pessoas idosas diagnosticadas com algum tipo de câncer, moradoras na cidade de São Paulo, SP, e vinculadas a planos de saúde na mesma cidade. Mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas, foram ouvidas 14 pessoas, paritariamente divididas entre homens e mulheres. Pelas falas, pode-se observar que o câncer ainda é uma doença estigmatizante, associada à morte. A importância de aspectos sociais, culturais, religiosos e psicológicos no enfrentamento da doença, bem como um rico itinerário terapêutico, foram destacados. Palavras-chave:
Perfil de funcionamento do SAD, Serviço de Apoio Domiciliário - caso de Braga, Portugal.
Authors: Barbosa Joana , Martín José Ignácio Guinaldo , Silva Domingos , Afonso Inês Filipa Sequeira
Published: April 2020

RESUMO: O SAD português carateriza-se por um perfil tradicional. Reúne como principais caraterísticas funcionar de segunda a sexta-feira, com uma intensidade considerada baixa, com a prestação de cuidados voltada para as AVD´S, Atividades de vida diária dos idosos. Objetivos deste estudo: (i) identificar a oferta da estrutura de cuidados existentes, prestada pelo SAD, nas Instituições Particulares de Solidariedade Social (IPSS) especificamente do distrito de Braga (Portugal); e (ii) analisar seu perfil de funcionamento, com base nos comportamentos de gestão e na existência ou não dos planos de cuidados no SAD. A metodologia utilizada foi a quantitativa, recorrendo-se à aplicação de inquéritos por questionário, por meio do instrumento de avaliação, Protocolo de Serviço de Apoio Domiciliário, versão 2. A amostra foi por conveniência, composta pelos 20 diretores técnicos das IPSS de Braga, Portugal. Como conclusões, o estudo aponta para um SAD tradicional, rural, com função assistencial, visando a satisfazer as AVD´S, com declínio funcional, muito idosos, ou com idade inferior aos 65 anos, havendo a necessidade de completar a avaliação multidimensional realizada, e distribuir as tarefas executadas ainda centralizadas na figura do diretor técnico. São apontadas três prioridades: pensar numa boa gestão e rentabilização de recursos humanos; trabalhar os planos de cuidados com a área da saúde e a retaguarda familiar como principal enfoque; e uniformizar os critérios de exclusão e inclusão de acesso ao SAD, os tão importantes critérios de elegibilidade, dando lugar à implementação de um modelo de SAD que se baseie nos cuidados pessoais individualizados com base na classificação do Rai Home Care.