bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community Nurse-Paramedics' Sphere of Practice in Primary Care; an ethnographic study
Authors: Rasku Tuija , Kaunonen Marja , Thyer Elizbeth , Paavilainen Eija , Joronen Katja
Published: November 2020

Background
Primary care, the principal function of the healthcare system, needs efforts from the local primary healthcare teams. Community Paramedicine has managed to reduce the use of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for non-emergent calls. For the paramedic to move from traditional emergency call outs to non-emergency care means new demands. There is a paucity of paramedics’ experiences and perceptions of their novel roles as community paramedics. This study aimed to explore the community nurse-paramedics experiences of their new sphere of practice.
Methods
A descriptive ethnographic research was conducted collecting data through participant observation (total 317 hours) and semi-structured interviews (N = 24) in three Hospital Districts where the community nurse-paramedics (CNP) have worked at least one year. Both data were combined, organized, and analyzed with inductive content analysis.
Results
From the inductive content analysis, five themes emerged: the CNP's new way of thinking, the broad group of patients, the demanding way to provide care, the diversity of multi-agency collaboration and management challenges. The CNP needs an appropriate attitude for the care and the broader way of thinking than before, taking care of the patient but also about the family members. The CNPs pointed out as enablers for the way of providing care as challenges for the management of the CNP model. The diversity of multiagency collaboration team can be sensitive while offering new possibilities.
Conclusion
The CNP's deep involvement in patients' and families' care needs and the challenges of CNPs’ skills and competences. Their professional attitudes and eagerness to develop and maintain the multi-agency collaboration can offer preventive and long-term caring solutions from which the citizens and allied health, safety, and social care providers benefit locally and globally.
Tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles enhance anti-Acanthamoeba activity without increasing cytotoxicity of three multipurpose contact lens solutions
Authors: Hendiger Edyta Beata , Padzik Marcin , Żochowska Agnieszka , Baltaza Wanda , Olędzka Gabriela , Zyskowska Diana , Bluszcz Julita , Jarzynka Sylwia , Chomicz Lidia , Grodzik Marta , Hendiger Jacek , Piñero Jose E. , Grobelny Jarosław , Ranoszek-Soliwoda Katarzyna , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob
Published: November 2020

Background: Free living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are cosmopolitan, widely distributed protozoans causing a severe, vision-threatening corneal infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). The majority of the increasing number of AK cases are associated with contact lenses use. Appropriate eye hygiene and effective contact lenses disinfection are crucial in prevention of this infection because of the lack of effective therapies against AK. Currently available multipurpose contact lens disinfection systems are not fully effective against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts. There is an urgent need to increase the disinfecting activity of these systems to prevent Acanthamoeba keratitis infections. Synthesized nanoparticles have been recently studied and proposed as a new generation of anti-microbial agents. It is also known that plant metabolites, including tannins, present anti-parasitic activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-amoebic activity and cytotoxicity of the tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles (AgTANPs) conjugated with the selected multipurpose contact lens solutions.Methods: The anti-amoebic activity of pure contact lens care solutions and nanoparticles conjugated with contact lens care solutions were examined in vitro by a colorimetric assay, based on the oxido-reduction of AlamarBlue. The cytotoxicity assays were performed using a fibroblast HS-5 (ATCC CRL-11882) cell line. The results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls tests using the P < 0.05 level of a statistical significance.Results: We show that nanoparticles enhanced anti-Acanthamoeba activity of the tested contact lens solutions without increasing their cytotoxicity profile. The activity is enhanced within the minimal disinfection time recommended by the manufacturer.Conclusions: The conjugation of the selected contact lens solutions with AgTANPs might be a novel and promising approach as a part of preventive actions of Acanthamoeba keratitis infections among contact lens users.
Emergency Department Use by Patients with End-stage Renal Disease in the United States
Authors: Wang Ningyuan , Pei Jiao , Fan Hui , Ali Yaseen , Zhao Jian , Zhang Xingyu
Published: November 2020

Background: We sought to describe the national characteristics of ED visits by patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States in order to improve the emergency treatment and screening of ESRD patients. Methods: We analyzed data from 2014-2016 ED visits provided by the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. We sampled adult (age ≥ 18 years) ED patients with ESRD. By proportion or means of weighted sample variables, we quantified annual ED visits by patients with ESRD. We investigated demographics, ED resource utilization, clinical characteristics, and disposition of patients with ESRD vs. those without ESRD. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between these characteristics and ESRD ED visits. Results: Approximately 722,692 (7.78%) out of 92,899,685 annual ED visits were ESRD patients. ED patients with ESRD were mostly non-Hispanic whites (51.5%) and males were more likely to be ESRD patients than females (aOR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.47–1.48). ED patients with ESRD were more likely to be admitted to the hospital (aOR: 2.22; 95% CI: 2.21–2.22) and intensive care unit (ICU) (aOR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.52–1.54) than patients without ESRD. ED patients with ESRD were more likely to receive blood tests, get medical imaging tests.Conclusion: We described the unique demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics of ED patients with ESRD, using the most comprehensive, nationally representative study to date. These patients’ higher hospital and ICU admission rates indicate that patients with ESRD require a higher level of emergency care.
Predictive values of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Liu Chao , Mao Zhi , Xiao Minglu , Wang Li , Qi Shuang , Zhou Feihu
Published: November 2020

Background：Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly infectious disease, has been rapidly spreading all over the world and remains a great threat to global public health. Patients diagnosed with severe or critical cases have a poor prognosis. Hence, it is crucial for us to identify potentially severe or critical cases early, and give timely treatments for targeted patients. In the clinical practice of treating patients with COVID-19, we have observed that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of severe patients is higher than that in mild patients. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the predictive values of NLR on disease severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang databases to identify eligible studies (up to August 11, 2020). Two authors independently screened studies and extracted data. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2).Results: Thirteen studies involving 1579 patients reported the predictive value of NLR on disease severity. The pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE) and area under curve (AUC) were 0.78 (95% CI 0.70-0.84), 0.78 (95% CI 0.73-0.83) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.81-0.88), respectively. Ten studies involving 2967 patients reported the predictive value of NLR on mortality. The pooled SEN, SPE and AUC were 0.83 (95% CI 0.75-0.89), 0.83 (95% CI 0.74-0.89) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.87-0.92), respectively. Conclusions: NLR has good predictive values on disease severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19 infection. Evaluating NLR can help clinicians identify potentially severe cases early, conduct early triage and initiate effective management in time, which may reduce the overall mortality of COVID-19. Trial registration: This meta-analysis was prospectively registered on PROSPERO database (Registration number: CRD42020203612).
Analysis of clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and therapy for 134 cases of COVID-19: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Jie , Chen Weining , Li Xiaolin , Chen Jiebing
Published: November 2020

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread worldwide. As of October 27th, 2020, the number of worldwide laboratory-confirmed cases had reached 43,340,710, with 1,157,496 deaths. We sought to analyze the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and therapy for a set of COVID-19 cases.Methods: For this retrospective study, we extracted data for 134 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 at our hospital from January 16th to April 24th, 2020. Cases were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR and abnormal radiologic findings. Outcomes were followed up until May 1st, 2020.Results: An outcome of death or severe COVID-19 was more likely to occur with coinfection and severe underlying diseases. Age above 60 years old, male sex and symptoms such as fever, cough, chest tightness, headaches and fatigue were also related to severe COVID-19 and an outcome of death. In addition, high temperature, high blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts, C-reactive protein and D-dimer levels, and alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activities were related to severe COVID-19 and an outcome of death, as was a low lymphocyte count. The administration of gamma globulin appeared to be helpful for reducing mortality in patients with severe COVID-19; however, as the P value was greater than 0.05 (P=0.180), studies of the same conditions with larger samples are needed.Conclusion: Multiple factors are related to severe COVID-19 and an outcome of death. The administration of gamma globulin seemed to be helpful for reducing mortality in severe cases. More related studies are needed in the future.Clinical trial registrationNot applicable
Facial Expressions of Pain Among Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Wang Kuo-Cheng , Seak Chen-June , Tsai Fu-Sheng , Chien Cheng-Yu , Lee Chi-Chun , Ng Chip-Jin , Wang Bo-Cyuan , Weng Yi-Ming
Published: November 2020

Objective: The use of facial expression tracking to measure pain in patients in an emergency clinical setting has not been used before. This study examined facial expressions via an action unit (AU)-based model to determine the pain levels of emergency department (ED) patients.Methods: Adult patients admitted to the ED due to complaints of headache, chest pain, abdominal pain, backache, or painful limbs at triage were included. Two assessments, each lasting at least 30 s, were performed for each participant. A basic description of the pain was acquired, including pain intensity, using a self-report numerical rating scale (NRS). To identify the characteristics of facial expressions of pain, 18 facial AUs were assessed. The model was developed according to analyses of the significantly correlated facial AUs. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) of the AU-based model for different pain severities was calculated.Results: 429 video recording sessions were enrolled for analysis. 57.7% were male and the mean age was 51.3 years. Abdominal pain (49.4%) was the most common complaint, followed by back/limb pain (12.3%). The initial and follow-up mean NRS scores were 6.4 and 3.7, respectively. Several AUs showed significant correlations with NRS scores, including AU 1 (brow raising, p=0.024), AU 4 (brow lowering, p<0.001), and AU 26 (jaw dropping, p=0.038). A model to predict pain severity that included AUs 1, 4, 5, 9, 26, and 45 was created. The AUC of the prediction model to identify severe pain and no pain from others showed a value of 0.633 and 0.645, respectively. Conclusions: Although this study identified several facial AUs correlated with patient self-report NRS pain scores, analysis of facial expressions alone failed to accurately predict pain among patients in the ED. Further studies should aim to develop a more comprehensive means of measuring pain via multiple behavioral measurements.
Macrophage activation in obese type 2 diabetes: an enhanced risk for COVID-19 and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
Authors: Moin Abu , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Diboun Ilhame , Atkin Stephen , Butler Alexandra
Published: November 2020

Objective Hyperactivation of the immune system through obesity and diabetes may enhance infection severity complicated by Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), the hallmark of severe COVID-19 disease. Objectives: to determine the circulatory biomarkers for macrophage activation at baseline and after serum glucose normalization in obese type 2 diabetes (OT2D) subjects.Methods A case-controlled interventional pilot study in OT2D (n=23) and control subjects (n=23). Subjects underwent hyperinsulinemic clamp normalizing serum glucose. Plasma macrophage-related proteins were determined using Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer (SOMA)-scan plasma protein measurement at baseline (control and OT2D subjects) and after 1-hour of insulin clamp (OT2D subjects only).Results. Basal M1 macrophage activation was characterized by elevated levels of M1 macrophage-specific surface proteins, CD80 and CD38, and cytokines or chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL5, RANTES) released by activated M1 macrophages. Two potent M1 macrophage activation markers CXCL9 and CXCL10 were decreased in OT2D. Activated M2 macrophages were characterized by elevated levels of plasma CD163, TFGβ-1, MMP7 and MMP9 in OT2D. Conventional mediators of both M1 and M2 macrophage activation markers (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-13) were not altered. No changes were observed in plasma levels of M1/M2 macrophage activation markers in OT2D in response to acute normalization of glycemia.Conclusion In the basal state, macrophage activation markers are elevated, and these reflect the expression of circulatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, that were not changed by glucose normalisation. These differences may predispose the diabetic individuals to ARDS reflecting in increased COVID-19 disease severity.
Generative Adversarial Network Based Rogue Device Identification Using Differential Constellation Trace Figure
Authors: Chen Zekun , Peng Linning , Hu Aiqun , Fu Hua
Published: November 2020

With the dramatic development of the internet of things (IoT), security issues such as identity authentication have received serious attention. The radio frequency (RF) fingerprint of IoT device is an inherent feature, which can hardly be imitated. In this paper, we propose a rogue device identification technique via RF fingerprinting using deep learning-based generative adversarial network (GAN). Being different from traditional classification problems in RF fingerprint identifications, this work focuses on unknown accessing device recognition without prior information. A differential constellation trace figure (DCTF) generation process is initially employed to transform RF fingerprint features from time-domain waveforms to 2-dimensional (2D) figures. Then, by using GAN, which is a kind of unsupervised learning algorithm, we can discriminate rogue devices without any prior information. An experimental verification system is built with 54 ZigBee devices regarded as recognized devices and accessing devices. A USRP receiver is used to capture the signal and identify the accessing devices. Experimental results show that the proposed rogue device identification method can achieve 95% identification accuracy in a real environment.
Factors Associated with the Effectiveness of National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program in HIV Infected Patients of Yi Nationality from Southwest China: Evidence from A Cohort Study to Provide Clues for Improvement
Authors: Chen Liyu , Kang Shuang , Du Lingyao , Ma Fanghua , Li Changmin , Bai Lang , Tang Hong
Published: November 2020

Background: Despite the current achievements of HIV management in the source-limited region of Liangshan Autonomous Prefecture, a small population remains with unsatisfactory virologic outcomes and suboptimal immune recovery. This cohort study aimed to identify potential risk factors of suboptimal clinical outcomes and to provide clues for improvement in people living with HIV (PLWH) from China’s National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program (NFATP) in Zhaojue County, Liangshan Autonomous Prefecture of Yi nationality. Results: A total of 608 HIV infected adult patients in NFATP at the median age of 35(31, 40) were enrolled for analysis. During the 2.15(1.54, 4.00)-year follow-up, 502 (82.6%) patients achieved the viral load of <1000 copies/mL after over 6 months of antiretroviral therapy(ART). Among them, 398 (65.5%) cases achieved complete viral suppression with viral load <50 copies/mL while 104 (17.1%) cases remained with low level viremia (LLV, 50≤ viral load ≤1000 copies/mL). Patients with longer infection duration (OR =1.017 [95%CI: 1.002-1.033], p = 0.026), male gender (OR =1.632 [95%CI: 1.053-2.53], p = 0.028), positive hepatitis C virus antibody (OR =1.687 [95%CI: 1.093-2.604], p = 0.018) or infection through injecting drug use (IDU) (OR =1.584 [95%CI: 1.022-2.455], p = 0.04) were more likely to experience the undesirable outcome of LLV. Moreover, 254 (63.8%) of 398 patients with viral suppression achieved optimal immune recovery with the CD4 count ≥ 350 cells/μL. Patients with lower body mass index (BMI) (21.00±2.94 Kg/m 2 , OR=0.921 [95%CI: 0.854-0.994], p = 0.034) and higher fasting blood glucose (4.99±1.01 mmol/L, OR=1.343 [95%CI: 1.087-1.658], p = 0.006) were less likely to achieve the CD4 count ≥ 350 cells/μL after viral suppression. Conclusions: In this long-term cohort study of PLWH from Zhaojue County, Liangshan, most patients achieved virologic success on ART provided by NFATP but optimal immune recovery was yet to be expected. Approaches including strict control of illegal drug deal, patient education, and nutritional status management could be conducive to better prognosis for this population.
The observed discordances in cosmology signaling new Physics
Authors: Zhang Haichao
Published: November 2020

The measured values for the cosmic expansion rate, the cosmic radius, the cosmic age, etc. vary with a direct or an indirect methodology. These discrepancies known as the cosmological crisis imply the existence of a new physical field. The coupling of matter to the ﬁeld causes the ratio between a being measured mass of matter and a reference mass to vary with the field. Any experiment can only measure the relative ratio rather than the absolute mass of matter. Apparently, there are two representations in describing the field dependence of the ratio: the reference (being measured) mass varies with the field while the being measured (reference) mass does not. Therefore, the measured value of every quantity depends on the choice of the representations. A representation is selected based on the conscious or unconscious assumptions in an experiment. This new field can resolve the discrepancies as well as drive the late-time cosmic acceleration. The new closed cosmic model here can remove the tensions in the standard cold dark matter model with Λ being the cosmological constant.
Yoghurt Consumption is Associated With Transient Changes in the Composition of the Human Gut Microbiome
Authors: Roy Caroline Ivanne Le , Kurilshikov Alexander , Leeming Emily , Visconti Alessia , Bowyer Ruth , Menni Cristina , Falchi Mario , Koutnikova Hana , Veiga Patrick , Alexandra Zhernakova , Derrien Mureil , Spector Tim
Published: November 2020

Background: Yoghurt contains live bacteria that could contribute via modulation of the gut microbiota to its reported beneficial effects such as reduced body weight gain and lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. To date, the association between yoghurt consumption and the composition of the gut microbiota is underexplored. Here we used clinical variables, metabolomics, 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenomic sequencing data collected on over 1000 predominantly female UK twins to define the link between the gut microbiota and yoghurt-associated health benefits. Results: According to food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), 73% of subjects consumed yoghurt. Consumers presented a healthier diet pattern (healthy eating index: beta = 2.17±0.34; P = 2.72x10-10) and improved metabolic health characterised by reduced visceral fat (beta = -28.18±11.71 g; P = 0.01). According to 16S rRNA gene analyses and whole shotgun metagenomic sequencing approach consistent taxonomic variations were observed with yoghurt consumption. More specifically, we identified higher abundance of species used as yoghurt starters Streptococcus thermophilus (beta = 0.41±0.051; P = 6.14x10-12) and sometimes added Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (beta = 0.30±0.052; P = 1.49x10-8) in the gut of yoghurt consumers. Replication in 1103 volunteers from the LifeLines-DEEP cohort confirmed the increase of S. thermophilus among yoghurt consumers. Using food records collected the day prior to faecal sampling we showed that increase in these two yoghurt bacteria could be transient. Metabolomics analysis revealed that B. animalis subsp. lactis was associated with 13 faecal metabolites including a 3-hydroxyoctanoic acid, known to be involved in the regulation of gut inflammation.Conclusions: Yoghurt consumption is associated with reduced visceral fat mass and changes in gut microbiome including transient increase of yoghurt-contained species (i.e. S. thermophilus and B. lactis).
Combined Effects of Simulated Microgravity, Low Pressure and Noise Environment on the Intestinal Flora of C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Sun Peiming , Yang Jiaqi , Wang Bo , Ma Huan , Zhang Yin , Guo Jinhu , Chen Xiaoping , Zhao Jianwei , Sun Hongwei , Yang Jianwu , Yang Heming , Cui Yan
Published: November 2020

Background: The composition and function of intestinal microbial communities are important for human health. However, these intestinal floras are sensitive to changes in the environment. Adverse changes to intestinal flora can affect the health of astronauts in complex space environments, resulting in difficulties of implementing space missions.Results: Under the influence of different space environmental factors, the species composition at the phylum and genus level were significantly affected by the combined effects environment. Furthermore, screening was conducted to identify biomarkers that could be regarded as environmental markers. And there have also been some noticeable changes in the function of intestinal floras. Moreover, the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were also found to be differently expressed under different environmental conditions.Conclusion: The combined effects environment could significantly affect the species composition, function and the expression of ARGs of intestinal flora which may provide a theoretical basis for space medical supervision and healthcare. Meanwhile, these changes require more attention because they may induce diseases that may further affect performance during space missions.
Supplementary Blue and Red LED Narrowband Wavelengths Improve Biomass Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Hydroponically Grown Basil
Authors: Hammock Hunter A. , Kopsell Dean A. , Sams Carl E.
Published: November 2020

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) can produce a wide range of narrowband wavelengths with varying intensities. Previous studies have demonstrated that supplemental blue (B) and red (R) wavelengths from LEDs impact plant development, physiology, and morphology. High-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting systems are commonly used in greenhouse production, but LEDs have gained popularity in recent years because of their improved energy efficiency and spectral control. Research is needed to determine the efficacy of supplementary B and R LED narrowband wavelengths compared with traditional lighting systems like HPS in terms of yield, quality, and energy consumption for a variety of greenhouse-grown high-value specialty crops. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of LED and HPS lighting on greenhouse hydroponic basil (Ocimum basilicum var. ‘Genovese’) biomass production and edible tissue nutrient concentrations across different growing seasons. Basil was chosen because of its high demand and value among restaurants and professional chefs. A total of eight treatments were used: one nonsupplemented natural light (NL) control; one HPS treatment; and six LED treatments (peaked at 447 nm/627 nm, ±20 nm) with progressive B/R ratios (10B/90R; 20B/80R; 30B/70R; 40B/60R; 50B/50R; and 60B/40R). Each supplemented light (SL) treatment provided 8.64 mol·m−2·d−1 (100 µmol·m−2·s−1, 24 h·d−1). The daily light integral (DLI) of the NL control averaged 9.5 mol·m−2·d−1 across all growing seasons (ranging from 4 to 18 mol·m−2·d−1). Relative humidity averaged 50%, with day/night temperatures averaging 27.4 °C/21.8 °C, respectively. LED treatments had the greatest total fresh biomass (FM) and dry biomass (DM) accumulation; biomass for LED treatments were 1.3 times greater on average than HPS, and 2 times greater than the NL control. Biomass partitioning revealed that the LED treatments had more FM and DM for the individual main stem, shoots, and leaves of each plant at varying levels. LED treatments resulted in greater height and main stem diameter. Some essential nutrient concentrations were impacted by SL treatments and growing season. An energy analysis revealed that on average, narrowband B/R LED treatments were 3 times more energy efficient at increasing biomass over HPS. LED treatments reduced SL energy cost per gram FM increase by 95% to 98% when compared with HPS. In addition, the rate of electricity consumption to biomass increase varied across LED treatments, which demonstrates that basil uses different B/R narrowband ratios at varying efficiencies. This experiment shows that spectral quality of both supplemental sources and natural sunlight impacts primary metabolic resource partitioning of basil. The application of LED lighting systems to supplement natural DLI and spectra during unfavorable growing seasons has the potential to increase overall biomass accumulation and nutrient concentrations in a variety of high-value specialty crops.
Morphological and molecular analyses of a Meloidogyne mali population with high intragenomic rRNA polymorphism
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , Fang Yiwu , Liu Lele
Published: November 2020

Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne mali can cause damage in trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, and was placed on the EPPO Alert List in 2014. In the present study, we report a population isolated from Japanese maple. The recovered population is described by detailed morphological and molecular approaches. The molecular phylogentic analysis based on 28S rRNA, ITS, and mitochondrial COI genes places the population in the clade together with other M. mali sequences available in GenBank. The cloned sequences of the 28S rRNA gene revealed a high intragenomic rRNA polymorphism where the polymorphic copies are spread across M. mali clade. Similarly, we also found high variation in the mitochondrial COI gene. Among four haplotypes in M. mali, three occur in the newly found population. Our study provides the first report of intragenomic polymorphism in M. mali, and the results suggest that intragenomic polymorphism maybe widespread in Meloidogyne.
COXSIYTEZ NANOCOMPOSITE MANUFACTURE BY SOLUTION COMBUSTION PROCESS ASSISTED BY MICRO-WAVE
Authors:   Physics Teacher, Federal Institute of Rondonia / RO-BRASIL., Guilherme Ferreira Bezerra Mauro , Sperandio Porto Alice ,   Biology Teacher, Federal Institute of Rondonia / RO-BRASIL., Gonçalves dos Santos Judes ,   Physics Teacher, Federal University of Rondonia / UNIR / Porto Velho-RO / BRAZIL.
Published: November 2020

A possible formation of the nanocomposite based on silicon, cobalt and tellurium was produced by the combustion synthesis process in solution (SCS) assisted by microwave in two stages, combustion using a conventional microwave oven and purification by means of calcination at 650 ºC in a muffle furnace. The new material was developed in different oxidant-fuel relationships where it observed the effects on the evolution of the phase and morphology of the powders, the structural, morphological and thermal properties were investigated by the X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) coupled to the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and TGA and DTG curves. Through the analysis it is possible to suggest the development of a new stable material in single phase, being isostructural to the Co8Te12O32 (ICDD-50702) of nanometric dimensions with interesting potentials due to the properties of the constituent elements.
O Impacto do Resultado do Banco Central do Brasil para o Cumprimento da Regra de Ouro
Authors: Nunes Andre , Falcão Patricia Garone Figueira , Monteiro Noemia , Almeida Alexandre Nascimento de , Souza Junior Celso Vila Nova de
Published: November 2020

A Regra de Ouro, estabelecida no Brasil pelo artigo 167 da Constituição Federal de 1988, teve como objetivo melhorar a qualidade do gasto público, evitando que haja aumento de despesas correntes financiadas com a assunção de operações de crédito. Até o ano de 2000 observa-se no país constante desequilíbrio fiscal, ou seja, os gastos permaneceram superiores às receitas, impactando diretamente no crescimento econômico. Nesse contexto, foi editada a Lei Complementar 101, conhecida como Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal (LRF), definindo critérios, condições e limites à gestão orçamentária, financeira e patrimonial e implantando novos mecanismos de controle dos gastos públicos. No entanto, a forma como a Regra de Ouro foi implantada no Brasil permite seu cumprimento mesmo com o endividamento crescendo acima dos investimentos públicos. Isso ocorre porque o volume elevado de receitas financeiras de que dispõe o governo federal brasileiro, dentre elas, o resultado positivo do Banco Central transferido ao Tesouro Nacional, contribuem para o seu cumprimento. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os impactos da transferência dos resultados do Banco Central, no período de 2008 a 2017, no cumprimento da Regra de Ouro no Brasil. As análises sugerem que, em especial a partir de 2010, o repasse do lucro operacional e o repasse decorrente das operações cambiais do Banco Central contribuíram para que o Tesouro Nacional cumprisse o mandamento Constitucional. No entanto, como consequência, o controle do endividamento público e do equilíbrio fiscal restou prejudicado.
Avaliação do Desempenho da Gestão Pública Municipal
Authors: Carvalho José Ribamar Marques de , Nóbrega Aila Katamara Queiroga , Kronbauer Clóvis Antônio
Published: November 2020

O presente estudo se propôs a desenvolver uma metodologia baseada na análise multicriterial composta por indicadores de desempenho capaz de avaliar a performance dos municípios quanto aos aspectos sociais, econômicos e ambientais. Para tanto, a classificação metodológica segue o seguinte raciocínio: pesquisa aplicada, exploratória e descritiva, bibliográfica e documental de natureza quantitativa. O recorte geográfico e o teste piloto para aplicação da metodologia foi realizado nos dezessete municípios localizados na microrregião de Sousa, PB. Os resultados demonstram que a aplicabilidade do modelo PROMETHEE II como método para definição de uma escala de avaliação – ou índice – das condições da gestão pública, a partir das dimensões econômica, social e ambiental, de municípios traz resultados relevantes a esse contexto. Entende-se que a ordenação obtida através do método enfatiza que existe desigualdade entre os municípios localizados nessa região necessitando de estratégias e políticas públicas alinhadas a cada realidade e ao contexto da temática estudada.
Jovem Aprendiz no Cenário das Políticas Públicas de Emprego
Authors: Juraszek Lucia , Gumbowsky Argos
Published: November 2020

O presente estudo teve por objetivo situar e debater a Lei da aprendizagem enquanto fator de inserção do jovem aprendiz no mercado de trabalho. Abordar a Lei da aprendizagem com a finalidade de estimular a reflexão sobre a importância da interação social para a transformação das relações de trabalho, contribuindo com o desenvolvimento regional. A fundamentação teórica trata, além do desenvolvimento econômico regional, da Lei da aprendizagem e seus aspectos relevantes, sabendo-se que o cumprimento das cotas se constitui numa política pública de prevenção e erradicação do trabalho infantil. Discorreu-se ainda sobre a qualificação para o trabalho, que passa pela educação, como formação profissional. Utilizou-se da pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e explicativa. Para embasar o presente estudo, fez-se uso da teoria de desenvolvimento de Frigotto (1989), que postula vínculo entre desenvolvimento e a superação da desigualdade social mediante a qualificação. A Lei da aprendizagem, como política pública, foi concebida para regular a formação técnico-profissional metódica de adolescentes e jovens, desenvolvida por meio de atividades teóricas e práticas. Em suma, o programa da aprendizagem pode suprir as dificuldades iniciais de inserção. Como política pública, é quesito que deveria passar por mudanças para melhorar sua abrangência. Uma vez implementada, garantirá a formação do aluno e contribuirá com a sua inserção no mercado de trabalho. Para o desenvolvimento do presente estudo, buscou-se o repositório de conceitos que exige a pesquisa teórica em documentos, livros e artigos científicos.
CHLORDECONE ADSORPTION ON FUNCTIONALIZED ACTIVATED CARBONS: COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY AS A TOOL FOR UNDERSTANDING THE ADSORPTION PROCESS
Authors: Melchor-Rodríguez Kenia , Gaspard Sarra , Jáuregui-Haza Ulises
Published: November 2020

Chlordecone (CLD) has been used as a pesticide for a long time to control the proliferation of various insects in tropical countries like the French West Indies. CLD was included in 2009 in the list of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) by the Stockholm Convention, prohibiting its production and use worldwide. Thus, its removal from water and soils is a sanitary emergency. With the purpose of limiting impregnation of the population by chlordecone in Martinique and Guadeloupe, since 1999 production and drinking water purification installations have been equipped with activated carbon filters without much knowledge on the adsorption mechanism of these pollutants on activated carbons (AC) surface. This article reviews the available information about how functionalized activated carbons can be used for improving the decontamination of polluted with CLD waters. The recent computational investigations about the CLD interactions with functionalized AC by molecular modeling are well-reviewed, considering geometrical and energetic features with the purpose of better understand the adsorption process. Finally, some aspects, trends, and perspectives on using computational tools for understanding the adsorption of CLD on AC and designing more efficient AC are also discussed.
Current Issues of Qualified Legal Assistance in the Post-Soviet Space
Authors: Gurbanova Nurana , Raspopin Semen , Iurtaev Nikolai , Bardokin Dmitrii
Published: November 2020

Modern processes of regulation of the legal market in Russia and other post-Soviet countries take place in the context of the right to qualified legal assistance. The authors used a set of such comparative legal methods as synchronous and intra-system comparison, as well as problem-chronological and formal legal methods. The paper focuses on the definition of qualified legal assistance and its criteria. The research involved a group of entities that provide qualified legal assistance: public authorities, civil society institutions, i.e. bar, notary, legal clinics, public associations, etc., commercial organizations, and individual lawyers. The comparative legal analysis featured qualified legal assistance in the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union. A key aspect of the right to qualified legal assistance is the state system of legal aid. The article describes Russian and Belarusian models. The authors believe that there is no appropriate definition of qualified legal aid and that the bar holds the dominant position in the professional lawyers' community. Some countries of the Eurasian Economic Union preserved Soviet experience of bar associations. These countries demonstrate some specific traits of advocacy activities. For instance, institutions of legal consultants function as an alternative to the bar. The Republic of Armenia declared legal practice a business activity. The Republic of Belarus legally regulates specialized bar associations, e.g. legal counseling and law firms that specialize in a particular branch of law. As for free legal assistance, Russian model proved to be more advanced than that of Belarus, as Russia has no statutory mechanisms for obliging legal firms to provide free legal assistance at their own expense. In addition, Russia has a wider range of population categories entitled to receive free legal aid. Another advantage of the Russian free legal aid system is a detailed regulation of the status of legal clinics.
Identifying feasible nonpoint source pollutant sampling intervals for watersheds with paddy field and urban land uses
Authors: Park Hyunkyu , Beom Jina , Jeung Minhyuk , Choi Woojung , Her Younggu , Shirmohammadi Adel , Yoon Kwangsik
Published: November 2020

Monitoring provides data and information necessary for water quality assessment, but often it is prohibitive, especially when frequent sampling is required. In this study, we explored feasible sampling intervals for improved efficiency of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution assessment. We compared NPS pollutant loads calculated with concentration samples collected at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6-hour intervals for the first 24 hours of 13 storm events and investigated the effect of different sampling intervals on load estimation for three watersheds that have different land uses. When compared to load estimates made from concentrations sampled at the reference (1-hour) interval, differences in load estimates were less than 10% in the cases of the 2-hour and 3-hour intervals in the urbanized and agricultural watersheds, respectively, except in the case of suspended solids (SS). When it comes to the total load estimation, up to 3-hour interval sampling provided load estimates with acceptable accuracy, except for SS. Thus, the 3-hour sampling interval was considered feasible for long-term pollutant load assessment, while the 2-hour sampling interval was suggested for SS. Such findings are expected to facilitate NPS pollution assessment by providing information required to improve monitoring efficiency.
The effect of sorptivity on cumulative infiltration
Authors: Angelaki A. , Sihag P. , Sakellariou-Makrantonaki M. , Tzimopoulos C.
Published: November 2020

Hydraulic parameters of the soil play a considerable role in the hydrological cycle, irrigation planning, drainage, groundwater recharge, and water resources management. One of the most important hydraulic parameters of the soil is sorptivity (S), yet there is insufficient research on how it affects the mechanism of infiltration. The main scope of this study is to investigate the effect(/significance) of sorptivity on the mechanism of infiltration of water, through various types of soil medium, from both mathematical and experimental perspectives. For this scope, the absolute sensitivity analysis factor of sorptivity was obtained, while two experimental procedures were carried out in the laboratory. Each soil sample was packed into a vertical column, while a constant head of 2 mm was applied at the surface of the soil. The incoming water was measured volumetrically and at the same time, soil moisture, at certain locations, was measured using the TDR method. Sorptivity of each soil was calculated using Parlange's equation. Absolute sensitivity analysis factor of sorptivity showed that for a longer duration/period of cumulative infiltration, sorptivity strongly affects the phenomenon the more synectic the soil type. Thus, estimating sorptivity of the soil could lead to better solutions for irrigation planning, flood prediction and water saving.
Preparation, characterization, and efficient chromium (VI) adsorption of phosphoric acid activated carbon from furfural residue: an industrial waste
Authors: Zhang Hao , Sun Yiming , Li Shen , Li Xihui , Zhou Haifeng , Tian Yuanyu
Published: November 2020

Furfural residue (FR) is an inevitable by-product of industrial furfural production. If FR is not managed properly, it will result in environmental problems. In this study, FR was used as a novel precursor for activated carbon (AC) production by H3PO4 activation under different conditions. Under optimum conditions, the prepared FRAC had high BET surface area (1,316.7 m2/g) and micro-mesoporous structures. The prepared FRAC was then used for the adsorption of Cr(VI). The effect of solution pH, contact time, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and temperature was systematically studied. Characterization of the adsorption process indicated that the experimental data were well-fitted by the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The maximum adsorption capacity of 454.6 mg/g was achieved at pH 2.0, which was highly comparable to the other ACs reported in the literatures. The preparation of FRAC using H3PO4 activation can make use of FR's characteristic acidity, which could make it preferable in practical industrial production.
Contemporary issues of femoropopliteal stenting
Authors: Malaev D. , Tarkova A. , Prokhorkhin A. , Merson D. , Vinogradov A. , Baystrukov V. , Boykov A. , Kretov E. , Pryamov M.
Published: November 2020

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases with serious sequelae. Every year, 120–500 amputations are performed per 1 million people worldwide. The severe consequences of amputation include the mental trauma caused by loss of a limb, disability and a real risk of death for the patient, since the mortality rate associated with the development of gangrene remains extremely high. PAD is most frequently located in the femoral-popliteal segment, which is the longest vascular segment in the human body. Over the past decade, the endovascular approach has become the main therapeutic strategy for PAD, given its lower risk of complications and comparable efficacy to open interventions. Femoral-popliteal stenting provides advantages over balloon angioplasty, preventing vessel wall recoil and providing necessary frame support.This review aims to describe the latest progress of endovascular surgery for the treatment of femoral-popliteal artery disease and to discuss its limitations.The introduction of nitinol stents and new drug coated stents into clinical practice has improved the results of femoral-popliteal endovascular treatment. Despite this, stent failure remains a pressing problem that significantly impacts the results of endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic lesions of lower limb arteries.Received 6 June 2019. Revised 8 October 2019. Accepted 10 October 2019.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.Author contributionsConception and design: D.U. Malaev, A.R. Tarkova, A.A. Prokhorkhin, A.A. BoykovDrafting the article: D.U. Malaev, A.A. Prokhorkhin, A.A. BoykovCritical revision of the article: D.L. Merson, A.Yu. Vinogradov, V.I. Baystrukov, E.I. KretovFinal approval of the version to be published: D.U. Malaev, A.R. Tarkova, A.A. Prokhorkhin, D.L. Merson, A.Yu. Vinogradov, V.I. Baystrukov, A.A. Boykov, E.I. Kretov, M.V. Pryamov
Impact of successful recanalisation of chronically occluded coronary arteries on clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Krestyaninov O. , Khelimskii D. , Badoian A. , Rzaeva K. , Ponomarev D. , Chernyavskiy A.
Published: November 2020

Background. Chronically occluded coronary arteries (CTO) are a common finding in coronary angiography. The technical success rate of endovascular recanalisation of CTO is high; however, the effect of technical success on long-term clinical results remains unclear.Aim. To evaluate long-term outcomes of CTO recanalisation according to technical success of the procedure.Methods. We evaluated 1073 patients who underwent endovascular recanalisation of CTO from 2013 to 2019. Assessment of clinical results was performed via phone call or follow-up visit at years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Survival was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared between the technical success and technical failure groups using the log-rank test. The initial clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural results of recanalisation were included as probable predictors of adverse cardiovascular events in uni- and multivariate regression analyses.Results. Mean follow-up was 2.7 ± 1.9 years. The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events, including death from all causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke and unplanned myocardial revascularisation was 11.4% in the technical success group and 24% in the technical failure group (p = 0.0001). The difference was mainly due to the higher prevalence of repeat revascularisation in the technical failure group (6.7% vs. 18.1%, p = 0.0001). Differences in mortality (2.7% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.38), stroke (0.6% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.99) and myocardial infarction (2% vs. 4%, p = 0.13) were not observed. Multivariate regression analysis found that ejection fraction of the left ventricle, calcification of the coronary arteries and technical success were independent predictors of adverse events.Conclusion. Successful recanalisation of CTO is associated with fewer adverse cardiovascular events over the long term. Technical failure, calcification and low ejection fraction are independent predictors of adverse events.
Received 10 June 2020. Revised 10 July 2020. Accepted 13 July 2020.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Author contributionsConception and design: O.V. Krestyaninov, A.M. ChernyavskiyData collection and analysis: O.V. Krestyaninov, D.A. Khelimskii, A.G. BadoianStatistical analysis: D.N. Ponomarev, A.G. Badoian, D.A. KhelimskiiDrafting the article: O.V. Krestyaninov, D.A. Khelimskii, K.A. RzaevaCritical revision of the article: O.V. Krestyaninov, A.M. ChernyavskiyFinal approval of the version to be published: O.V. Krestyaninov, D.A. Khelimskii, A.G. Badoian, K.A. Rzaeva, D.N. Ponomarev, A.M. Chernyavskiy