bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Current Concepts
Authors: Papatheodoridi Margarita , Cholongitas Evangelos
Published: January 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranges from simple hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
(NASH) and cirrhosis. The majority of NAFLD patients do not progress to NASH and their morbidity risk
is low. However, clinical and economic burden of the disease is considerable since the prevalence of the disease is
estimated as high as 25% of the general population. Liver biopsy remains the current gold standard for diagnosis,
despite limitations regarding sampling variability, invasive nature, and high cost. However, numerous non-invasive
biomarkers, including mainly serum markers or imaging modalities, intend to detect the presence of steatosis,
NASH or advanced fibrosis. To date, ultrasound is suggested as first-line screening tool for defining steatosis in a
selected population, while diagnosis of NAFLD requires exclusion of other chronic liver disease etiology or other
steatosis causes. A crucial step in the management of NAFLD patients is the identification of advanced fibrosis,
which may be reliably excluded by using NAFLD-Fibrosis score or FIB-4 score or by performing transient elastography.
The most robust modalities implement Magnetic Resonance technology and manage to accurately quantify
steatosis or identify fibrosis stage, but are not yet applicable in routine practice. The most challenging endpoint has
proved to be a non-invasive diagnosis of NASH since no reliable biomarkers have been found to detect or predict
inflammation in NAFLD. Lately, research focuses on validating existing markers as robust diagnostic tools for
clinical use and investigating novel experimental markers of disease. Current strategies concepts aim to safely diagnose
NAFLD patients, aid drug development and finally, guide personalised treatment.
Potential of Natural Biomaterials in Nano-scale Drug Delivery
Authors: Houacine Chahinez , Yousaf Sakib Saleem , Khan Iftikhar , Khurana Rajneet Kaur , Singh Kamalinder K.
Published: January 2019

Background: The usage of natural biomaterials or naturally derived materials intended for interface
with biological systems has steadily increased in response to the high demand of amenable materials, which are
suitable for purpose, biocompatible and biodegradable. There are many naturally derived polymers which overlap
in terms of purpose as biomaterials but are equally diverse in their applications.

Methods: This review examines the applications of the following naturally derived polymers; hyaluronic acid,
silk fibroin, chitosan, collagen and tamarind polysaccharide (TSP); further focusing on the biomedical applications
of each as well as emphasising on individual novel applications.

Results: Each of the polymers was found to demonstrate a wide variety of successful biomedical applications
fabricated as wound dressings, scaffolds, matrices, films, sponges, implants or hydrogels to suit the therapeutic
need. Interestingly, blending and amelioration of polymer structures were the two selection strategies to modify
the functionality of the polymers to suit the purpose. Further, these polymers have shown promise to deliver small
molecule drugs, proteins and genes as nano-scale delivery systems.

Conclusion: The review highlights the range of applications of the aforementioned polymers as biomaterials.
Hyaluronic acid, silk fibroin, chitosan, collagen and TSP have been successfully utilised as biomaterials in the
subfields of implant enhancement, wound management, drug delivery, tissue engineering and nanotechnology.
Whilst there are a number of associated advantages (i.e. biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxic, nonantigenic
as well as amenability) the selected disadvantages of each individual polymer provide significant scope
for their further exploration and overcoming challenges like feasibility of mass production at a relatively low cost.
Assessment of Quality of Life (QoL) in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Egypt
Authors: Behiry Mervat E. , Ahmed Sahar A. , Elsebaie Eman H.
Published: January 2019

:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has a profound impact on quality of life.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to explore the quality of life among Egyptian SLE patients and to assess its relationships with demographic and clinical features.

Methods:

One hundred sixty-four SLE patients were recruited for this study. Demographic information; clinical parameters; disease activity, as evaluated by the systemic lupus erythematosus Disease Activity Index; and organ damage, as assessed by the systemic lupus international Collaborative Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index, were reported. Quality of life was assessed with a quality of life questionnaire specifically designed for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus; the questions are grouped in the following six domains: physical function, sociooccupational activities, symptoms, treatment, mood, and self-image. Higher values indicate poorer quality of life.

Conclusion:

Poor quality of life among Egyptian SLE patients and disease activity are strongly related to impaired lifestyles in these patients.
Syrup from Common Date Variety (Phoenix dactylifera L.): Optimization of Sugars Extraction and their Quantification by High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Djaoud Kahina , Arkoub-Djermoune Lynda , Remini Hocine , Sait Sabrina , Tazarourte Myriam , Hadjal Samir , Romero Alberto , Madani Khodir , Boulekbache-Makhlouf Lila
Published: January 2019

Background:

In Algeria, important quantities of secondary date variety (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are generated in each campaign; their chemical composition is similar to that of commercial dates. The present work aims to valorize this common date variety (Degla-beida) which is often poorly exploited.

Methods:

In this context, we tried to prepare syrup from the secondary date variety and evaluate the effect of conventional extraction (CE) or water bath extraction (WBE) and alternative extraction (microwaves assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)) on its total sugar content (TSC), using response surface methodology (RSM). Then, the analysis of individual sugars was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results:

Maximum predicted TSC recoveries under the optimized conditions for MAE, UAE and CE were 233.248 ± 3.594 g/l, 202.889 ± 5.797 g/l and 233.535 ± 5.412 g/l, respectively, which were close to the experimental values: 233.796 ± 1.898 g/l; 202.037 ± 3.401 g/l and 234.380 ± 2.425 g/l. HPLC analysis revealed high similarity in the sugar composition of date juices obtained by MAE (60.11% sucrose, 16.64% glucose and 23.25% fructose) and CE (50.78% sucrose, 20.67% glucose and 28.55% fructose), although a large difference was detected for that obtained by UAE (0.00% sucrose, 46.94% glucose and 53.06% fructose).

Conclusion:

Microwave-assisted extraction was the best method for the preparation of date syrup with an optimal recovery of total sugar content. However, ultrasound-assisted extraction was the best one for the preparation of date syrup with high content of reducing sugars.
Extending the Shelf-life of Whole-wheat Flour by Gamma Irradiation and Organoleptic Characteristics of Cakes Made with Irradiated Flour
Authors: Ansari Fereshteh , Homayouni Aziz , Mohsennezhad Parvaneh , Alivand Alireza Mohammad , Pourjafar Hadi
Published: January 2019

Background:

Extending the shelf-life of food products is very important for food producers,
and one of its most significant methods is gamma irradiation.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to evaluate extending the shelf-life of whole-wheat flour using
gamma irradiation and to study the organoleptic and physical characteristics of the cakes made with
irradiated flour.

Methods:

900 g packed flour samples were irradiated with different doses of 0.2, 0.5, 2 and 5 kGy of
gamma irradiation using Caesium-137 source.

Results:

Based on the results, insect growth was not observed in any of the irradiated flour samples
up to 180 days after production. The total number of bacteria and the number of mold and yeast significantly
reduced during 180 days of storage. With increasing the irradiation dose, the height of the
baked cakes was significantly reduced, the size of the air bubbles inside the cake decreased, and the
color of the cakes became darker so that a dark and different color was observed at a dose of 5 kGy.

Conclusion:

By applying a dose of 5 kGy irradiation, the shelf-life of flour can be longer, with
inconsiderable organoleptic changes of baked cakes.
Prevalence of HTN in Iran: Meta-analysis of Published Studies in 2004-2018
Authors: Oori Mehdi Jafari , Mohammadi Farahnaz , Norozi Kian , Fallahi-Khoshknab Masoud , Ebadi Abbas , Gheshlagh Reza Ghanei
Published: January 2019

Introduction:

Prevalence of hypertension (HTN) is increasing in the developing countries
like Iran. Various studies have reported different rates of HTN in Iran. The purpose of this
study was to estimate an overall prevalence of HTN in Iran.

Methodology:

Using the English and Persian key derived from Mesh, the databases including
MagIran, Iran Medex, SID, Web of Sciences, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar as a
searching engine were reviewed: from 2004 to 2018. The overall prevalence of MA was estimated
using Random effect model. The I2 test was used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. Additionally,
the quality of studies was evaluated using a standard tool. Publication bias was conducted
with the Egger test. Meta-regression and analysis of subgroups were analyzed based on variables
such as age, marital status, region and tools. Data were analyzed using STATA 12 software.

Results:

Analysis of 58 primary articles with a sample size of 902580 showed that the prevalence of
HTN in Iran was 25% (with 95% CI of 22-28). The highest prevalence of HTN was related to elderly
(42%). The prevalence of HTN was 25% (95% CI: 19-31) in women and 24% (95% CI: 20-28)
in men with no significant difference (p = 0.758). The results also indicated that the prevalence of
HTN was not related to the year of studies (p = 0.708) or sample size (p = 769).

Conclusion:

Despite the advancements in science and technology, along with health and prevention
of diseases, the overall prevalence of HTN raised in Iran. Since HTN is a silent disease with significant
health consequences and economic burden, programs designed to better HTN control seem
vital to enhance community health.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators in Patients with ESRD: Complications, Management, and Literature Review
Authors: Mehdi Bayati , Kaveh Hosseini , Ali Vasheghani-Farahani
Published: January 2019

Background:

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among dialysis patients,
accounting for about 40% of all their mortalities. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is culpable for
37.5% of all deaths among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Implantable cardioverterdefibrillators
(ICDs) should be considered in dialysis patients for the primary or secondary prevention
of SCD. Recent studies on the implementation of ICD/cardiac resynchronization therapy do
not exclude patients with ESRD; however, individualized decisions should be made in this group of
patients. A thorough evaluation of the benefits of ICD implementation in patients with ESRD requires
several large-scale mortality studies to compare and follow up patients with ESRD with and
without ICDs. In the present study, we sought to determine and clarify the complications associated
with ICD implementation and management thereof in patients suffering from ESRD.

Methods:

To assess the complications allied to the implementation of ICDs and their management
in patients with ESRD, we reviewed available related articles in the literature.

Results and Conclusions:

ICD implementation in dialysis patients has several complications,
which has limited its usage. Based on our literature review, the complications of ICD implementation
can be categorized as follows: (1) Related to implantation procedures, hematoma, and pneumothorax;
(2) Related to the device/lead such as lead fracture and lead dislodgment; (3) Infection;
and (4) Central vein thrombosis. Hence, the management of the complications of ICDs in this specific
group of patients is of vital importance.
Chiral Separation of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones and 3,4-di -hydropyrimidin- 2(1H)-thiones Enantiomers by HPLC on Chiralcel®OD-H
Authors: Kichou Noura , Rahou Ismahan , Elamin Zaid M. , Sekkoum Khaled , Belboukhari Nasser , Bechki Lazhar , Aboul-Enein Hassan Y.
Published: January 2019

Objective:

Ten racemic 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones and 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-
2(1H)-thiones were separated by liquid chromatography on Chiralcel®OD-H column containing cellulose
tris(3, 5-dimethylphenylcarbamate).

Methods:

The enantioseparation was carried out using Chiralcel®OD-H polysaccharide-type chiral
stationary phase to resolve such enantiomers under normal-phase mode.

Results:

Complete separations of the 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones and 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-
2(1H)-thiones derivatives with good resolution (RS= 1.04-2.80) were achieved within a short time
(10-15 min).

Conclusion:

An optimal baseline separation (Rs> 1.5) was achieved using Chiralcel®OD-H under
normal-phase mode. Structure-retention relationships have also been discussed.
Laccase Electrochemical Biosensor Based on Graphene-Gold/Chitosan Nanocomposite Film for Bisphenol A Detection
Authors: Fartas Fuzi M. , Abdullah Jaafar , Yusof Nor A. , Sulaiman Yusran , Saiman Mohd I. , Zaid Mohd H.M.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Bisphenol A (BPA) is considered one of the most common chemicals that could cause environmental endocrine disrupting. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for simple, rapid and sensitive methods for BPA detection that result from BPA leaching into foods and beverages from storage containers. Herein, a simple laccase electrochemical biosensor was developed for the determination of BPA based on Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode (SPCE) modified graphenegold/ chitosan. The synergic effect of graphene-gold/chitosan nanocomposite as electrode modifier greatly facilitates electron-transfer processes between the electrolyte and laccase enzyme, thus leads to a remarkably improved sensitivity for bisphenol A detection.

Methods:

In this study, laccase enzyme is immobilized onto the Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode (SPCE) modified Graphene-Decorated Gold Nanoparticles (Gr-AuNPs) with Chitosan (Chit). The surface structure of nanocomposite was studied using different techniques including Field Emission Scanning Microscopy (FESEM), TRANSMISSION Electron Microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). Meanwhile, the electrochemical performances of the modified electrodes were studied using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV).

Results:

The developed laccase biosensor offered excellent analytical performance for the detection of BPA with a sensitivity of 0.271 μA/μM and Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.023 μM, respectively. Moreover, the constructed biosensor showed good reproducibility, selectivity and stability towards BPA. The sensor has been used to detect BPA in a different type of commercial plastic products as a real sample and satisfactory result was obtained when compared with the HPLC method.

Conclusion:

The proposed electrochemical laccase biosensor exhibits good result which is considered as a promising candidate for a simple, rapid and sensitive method especially in the resource- limited condition.
Nano-engineered Adsorbent for the Removal of Dyes from Water: A Review
Authors: Tara Nusrat , Siddiqui Sharf Ilahi , Rathi Geetanjali , Chaudhry Saif Ali , Inamuddin  , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: January 2019

Background:

The huge quantity of wastewater, containing poisonous and hazardous dyes,
is released by various industries which pollute water in direct and indirect ways. Most of the dyes are
a dangerous class of water contaminants which have affected the environment drastically. Some dyes
such as congo red, rhodamine B, methylene blue, methyl violet, and crystal violet are a serious threat
to human beings.

Remediation Method:

Numerous methods are available for the removal of dyes from water.
Adsorption, being a superior and eco-friendly technique, has advantage of eliminating organic dyes
because of the availability of materials as adsorbents. The inexpensive nanomaterials are a more attractive
choice for remediation of various dyes due to their unique properties and offer an adequate
pathway to adsorb any organic dye from water to overcome its hazardous effects on human health.

Results:

In this review, we have discussed the latest literature related to various types of synthesis,
characterization and uses as adsorbent for highly adsorptive removal capacity of nanoparticles for organic
dyes.

Conclusion:

Adsorption technology provides an attractive pathway for further research and improvement
in more efficient nanoparticles, with higher adsorption capacity, for numerous dyes to
eliminate the dyes discharged from various industries and thus reduce the contamination of water.
Therefore, nanocomposites may contribute to future prospective water treatment process.
Cutaneous Adverse Events of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Summarized Overview
Authors: Plachouri Kerasia-Maria , Vryzaki Eleftheria , Georgiou Sophia
Published: January 2019

Background:

The introduction of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in the recent years has resulted in high response rates and extended survival in patients with metastatic/advanced malignancies. Their mechanism of action is the indirect activation of cytotoxic T-cells through the blockade of inhibitory receptors of immunomodulatory pathways, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1). Despite their impressive therapeutic results, they can also induce immune-related toxicity, affecting various organs, including the skin.

Objective:

To provide an updated summarized overview of the most common immune-mediated cutaneous side effects and their management.

Method:

English articles derived from the databases PubMed and SCOPUS and published between 2009 and 2018, were analyzed for this narrative review.

Results:

The most common adverse cutaneous reactions include maculopapular rash, lichenoid reactions, vitiligo and pruritus, with severity Grade 1 or 2. Less frequent but eventually life-threatening skin side effects, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms and Toxic Epidermal necrolysis, have also been reported.

Conclusion:

Basic knowledge of the Immune-Checkpoint-Inhibitors-induced skin toxicity is necessary in order to recognize these treatment-related complications. The most frequent skin side effects, such as maculopapular rash, vitiligo and pruritus, tend to subside under symptomatic treatment so that permanent discontinuation of therapy is not commonly necessary. In the case of life-threatening side effects, apart from the necessary symptomatic treatment, the immunotherapy should be permanently stopped. Information concerning the management of ICIs-mediated skin toxicity can be obtained from the literature as well as from the Summary of Product Characteristics of each agent.
Adenosine Analogues as Opposite Modulators of the Cisplatin Resistance of Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Bednarska-Szczepaniak Katarzyna , Krzyżanowski Damian , Klink Magdalena , Nowak Marek
Published: January 2019

Background:

Adenosine released by cancer cells in high amounts in the tumour microenvironment is
one of the main immunosuppressive agents responsible for the escape of cancer cells from immunological
control. Blocking adenosine receptors with adenosine analogues and restoring immune cell activity is one of the
methods considered to increase the effectiveness of anticancer therapy. However, their direct effects on cancer
cell biology remain unclear. Here, we determined the effect of adenosine analogues on the response of cisplatinsensitive
and cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin treatment.

Methods:

The effects of PSB 36, DPCPX, SCH58261, ZM 241385, PSB603 and PSB 36 on cisplatin
cytotoxicity were determined against A2780 and A2780cis cell lines. Quantification of the synergism/
antagonism of the compounds cytotoxicity was performed and their effects on the cell cycle, apoptosis/necrosis
events and cisplatin incorporation in cancer cells were determined.

Results:

PSB 36, an A1 receptor antagonist, sensitized cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin from
low to high micromolar concentrations. In contrast to PSB 36, the A2AR antagonist ZM 241385 had the
opposite effect and reduced the influence of cisplatin on cancer cells, increasing their resistance to cisplatin
cytotoxicity, decreasing cisplatin uptake, inhibiting cisplatin-induced cell cycle arrest, and partly restoring
mitochondrial and plasma membrane potentials that were disturbed by cisplatin.

Conclusion:

Adenosine analogues can modulate considerable sensitivity to cisplatin of ovarian cancer cells
resistant to cisplatin. The possible direct beneficial or adverse effects of adenosine analogues on cancer cell
biology should be considered in the context of supportive chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.
Hydroxyenone Derivatives: In vitro Anti-malarial and Docking Studies against P. falciparum
Authors: Dalal Aarti , Kumar Parvin , Khanna Radhika , Kumar Dinesh , Paliwal Deepika , Kamboj Ramesh C.
Published: January 2019

Methods:

A series of 1-2-(prop-2-ynyloxy)aryl-3-hydroxy-3-(4'-trifluoromethylphenyl) prop-2-en-1-ones obtained by photo-irradiation of 2-2-(prop-2-ynyloxy)benzoyl-3-(4- trifluorome-thyl-phenyl)oxiranes (that were characterized by spectral studies: FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Mass analysis) was screened for the anti-malarial activity by evaluating against chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum (CD7). The molecular docking studies using AutoDock Vina were also performed to further ascertain the efficacy of these compounds with PDB:4ORM.

Results:

Among these, the hydroxyenone derivatives 2b, 2c and 2a exhibited very potent antimalarial activity that was clearly evinced by the results of molecular docking. Binding energies of hydroxyenone compounds were calculated and found in the range of -10.4 to -9.0 kcal/mol.

Conclusion:

Compound 2b had the strongest binding affinity with docking score of -10.4 kcal/mol.
Biological Activities of Carlina Oxide Isolated from the Roots of Carthamus caeruleus
Authors: Mami Imane Rihab , Belabbes Rania , Amine Dib Mohammed El , Tabti Boufeldja , Costa Jean , Muselli Alain
Published: January 2019

Background:

Carthamus caeruleus belongs to the Asteraceae family. The roots are traditionally
used as healing agents. They help to heal burns and treat skin diseases. They are also used
against joint inflammation and are very effective against diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome
for cancer patients.

Objectives:

The purpose of this work was i) to study the chemical composition of i) the essential oil
and hydrosol extract of Carthamus caeruleus, ii) to isolate the major component of both extracts
and iii) to evaluate their antioxidant, antifungal and insecticidal activities.

Methods:

The essential oil and hydrosol extract obtained from the roots were studied by GC and
GC/MS. The antioxidant activities were performed using two different methods i) Radical scavenging
activity (DPPH) and ii) the Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), using BHT as a
positive control. Whereas, the antifungal activity of the essential oil and Carlina oxide was investigated
against plant fungi. The fumigation toxicity of C. caeruleus essential oil besides Carlina oxide
was evaluated against adults of Bactrocera oleae better known as the olive fly.

Results:

The essential oil and hydrosol extract were mainly represented by acetylenic compounds
such as carline oxide and 13-methoxy carline oxide. Carlina oxide was isolated and identified by 1H
and 13C NMR spectroscopic means. The results showed that Carlina oxide presented interesting antioxidant
and antifungal properties, while C. caeruleus root essential oil had better insecticidal activity.
Furthermore, Carlina oxide has demonstrated promising in vivo antifungal activity to control infection
of apples by Penicillium expansum.

Conclusion:

Carlina oxide can be used as a natural food preservative and alternative to chemical
fungicides to protect stored apple against Penicillium expansum.
Adverse Events Due to Insomnia Drugs Reported in a Regulatory Database and Online Patient Reviews: Comparative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Borchert Jill S , Wang Bo , Ramzanali Muzaina , Stein Amy B , Malaiyandi Latha M , Dineley Kirk E
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Patient online drug reviews are a resource for other patients seeking information about the practical benefits and drawbacks of drug therapies. Patient reviews may also serve as a source of postmarketing safety data that are more user-friendly than regulatory databases. However, the reliability of online reviews has been questioned, because they do not undergo professional review and lack means of verification.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated online reviews of hypnotic medications, because they are commonly used and their therapeutic efficacy is particularly amenable to patient self-evaluation. Our primary objective was to compare the types and frequencies of adverse events reported to the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) with analogous information in patient reviews on the consumer health website Drugs.com. The secondary objectives were to describe patient reports of efficacy and adverse events and assess the influence of medication cost, effectiveness, and adverse events on user ratings of hypnotic medications.

METHODS

Patient ratings and narratives were retrieved from 1407 reviews on Drugs.com between February 2007 and March 2018 for eszopiclone, ramelteon, suvorexant, zaleplon, and zolpidem. Reviews were coded to preferred terms in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. These reviews were compared to 5916 cases in the FAERS database from January 2015 to September 2017.

RESULTS

Similar adverse events were reported to both Drugs.com and FAERS. Both resources identified a lack of efficacy as a common complaint for all five drugs. Both resources revealed that amnesia commonly occurs with eszopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem, while nightmares commonly occur with suvorexant. Compared to FAERS, online reviews of zolpidem reported a much higher frequency of amnesia and partial sleep activities. User ratings were highest for zolpidem and lowest for suvorexant. Statistical analyses showed that patient ratings are influenced by considerations of efficacy and adverse events, while drug cost is unimportant.

CONCLUSIONS

For hypnotic medications, online patient reviews and FAERS emphasized similar adverse events. Online reviewers rated drugs based on perception of efficacy and adverse events. We conclude that online patient reviews of hypnotics are a valid source that can supplement traditional adverse event reporting systems.
Insight into the Dynamics and Menace of Cattle Rustling: A Case Study of Lake Chad Basin Area in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Ahmadu Hamman Jumba
Published: January 2019

The violent phenomenon of contemporary cattle rustling has in recent times constitute a menace which unabatedly continued to threaten peace and development among rural communities around the Lake Chad Basin and Northern Nigeria in general. More worrisome is the trends and dynamics of extant transformation of rustling from its tradition form to violence accentuated by militarized weapons, ruthless brutality and deadly crime and criminality. With the recent involvement of “Boko Haram” armed pundits in rustling led to several losses of human lives, destruction and displacement of several rural communities, and thousands of cattle rustled. Consequently, this development is also accompanied by security threats and anxiety among the inhabitants of the Basin. However, the primary focus of this paper is to provide an insight into the root causes, trends and dynamics of contemporary rustling and its implications on peace and development. The paper conclude that rustling in its current violent form gradually becomes militarized using illegally acquired arms prejudiced by actor rustlers insatiable desire for wealth accumulation at all cost syndrome. The paper explored and utilized content analysis of the existing literatures and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with some herdsmen victims of rustling in the study area.
El estado de la macroeconomía
Authors: Rochon y Sergio Rossi Louis-Philippe
Published: January 2019

“We have involved ourselves in a colossal muddle, having blundered in the control of a delicate machine, the working of which we do not understand. The result is that our possibilities of wealth may run to waste for a time –perhaps for a long time.”

(Keynes)

 

Este ensayo examina de cerca esta llamada "guerra civil", y si conlleva a alguna consecuencia para el desarrollo futuro de la macroeconomía, o si es solo una tormenta de microfundamentos en una tetera. Al hacerlo, se argumenta que si bien la crítica disidente es ciertamente bienvenida desde una perspectiva poskeynesiana, no equivale al rechazo del pensamiento o modelos actuales, sino a algunos ajustes alrededor de los bordes.

 

 
Igualdad de género en los modelos de bienestar de la Unión Europea
Authors: Vara y  Violeta De Vera María Jesús
Published: January 2019

 

Los indicadores de desigualdad de género elaborados por organismos internacionales permiten distinguir situaciones muy evidentes entre economías con estructuras productivas y niveles de desarrollo muy diferentes. Pero, resultan menos útiles cuando la comparación se realiza sobre países más homogéneos, como los de la Unión Europea (UE). El índice de Igualdad de Género (GEI) de la UE se ha construido con la intención de conocer en detalle las causas de la desigualdad de género de esa zona y, de esa manera, implementar políticas mejor dirigidas hacia su disminución.

En este artículo se conecta la evolución de dicho índice a lo largo del período en el que hasta ahora se ha calculado, 2005-2015, con la gama de modelos de bienestar presentes en la organización socioeconómica de los países de la UE.

 

 
La gran recesión 2007-2009 e impacto en las remesas en México
Authors: Zamora y  Selene Gaspar Olvera Rodolfo García
Published: January 2019

 

Este trabajo examina la evolución de las remesas del periodo 2000-2017 a la luz de la gran recesión económica acontecida a finales de 2007 y que de acuerdo con el Departamento de Estadísticas de Estados Unidos duró hasta junio de 2009, sus repercusiones con relación al empleo de los mexicanos en Estados Unidos y en el envío de remesas a México; la importancia de las remesas, aun en tiempos de contracción económica, como fuente de divisas a nivel nacional, estatal, regional y municipal. Las remesas disminuyen los impactos negativos en otras fuentes de divisas en contracción económica y son un alivio temporal en la reducción de la pobreza, pero genera vulnerabi-lidad ante sus fluctuaciones.

 

 
HIV DRUG RESISTANCE EARLY WARNING INDICATORS AND THEIR ASSESSMENT IN SOME REGIONS OF RUSSIA
Authors: Lebedeva N. N. , Zverev S. Ya. , Kulagin V. V. , Kurina N. V. , Pronin A. Yu. , Mikova O. E. , Milovanova I. I. , Polovitsa N. V. , Sandyreva T. P. , Sizova N. V. , Sklyar L. F. , Tertyshnaya Yu. N. , Belkina N. S. , Shemshura A. B. , Bobkova M. R.
Published: January 2019

The article describes the first limited experience of early warning indicators (EWIs) of HIV drug resistance recommended by WHO; information on their content and order of use is given. The results of EWIs survey performed in 2016 in nine Russian cities: Blagoveshchensk, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg, Izhevsk, Krasnodar, Perm, Saint-Petersburg, Khanty-Mansiysk, and the Moscow Region — are presented. The on-time pill pick up indicators were optimal, >90% in four centers (44,4%), all others showed intermediate resulеs (80–90%). The retention rate was over 85% in six of the nine regions (66,6%). Two of the nine regions (22,2%) reported the existence of stock-outs in the supply of antiretroviral drugs. Bi-and monotherapy with antiretroviral drugs was administered to patients in three regions (33,3%). Suppression of viral load to values less than 1000 copies RNA/ml in more than 85% of patients was achieved only in three regions (33,3%). The conclusion was made concerning the necessity to implement the monitoring of HIV drug resistance in Russia as soon as possible, including an analysis of the EWIs and other types of monitoring studies.
Los Hongos en la salud y la enfermedad. Parte I.
Authors: Ocara Miranda , Vieille Peggy , Carvajal Laura , Cruz Rodrigo
Published: January 2019

Los hongos son organismos eucariontes que tienen nutrición absortiva, con presencia en los más variados ambientes y sustratos. Han sido parte de la historia del hombre y su desarrollo, siendo útiles tanto en la alimentación como en la medicina, producción de enzimas, actividad industrial y silvicultura. Sin embargo, también tienen la capacidad de producir infecciones superficiales y profundas en humanos y animales, contaminar e infectar granos, frutas, plantas y generar verdaderos desastres ecológicos.
IN SITU: Sonic Greenhouse. Composing for the intersections between the sonic and the built
Authors: Otso Tapio Aavanranta  , Josué Moreno Prieto  , Daniel Adrian Malpica Gomez
Published: January 2019

This exposition presents and discusses a large-scale audio-architectural installation entitled "IN SITU: Sonic Greenhouse," which took place at the Helsinki City Winter Garden — or Talvipuutarha — in September and October 2016. Structure-borne audio transducers were employed to drive sound into the glass structure of the greenhouse in order to create an immersive sound experience emanating from the materiality of the building, transforming the site into a macro-scale musical instrument. Compositional strategies were developed in response to the context, emphasising the spatial dimension of composition more than the temporal and narrative ones, exploring an aural metaphor of transparency, as well as pointing towards the concepts of "sonic weather" and "sonic acupuncture." This exposition offers a reflective look at the work one year after its completion, fusing visual, audio, and textual elements to understand the piece’s aesthetic, theoretical, and experiential contributions.
Características de la disfagia en pacientes de un centro de gastroenterología en Bogotá D.C., Colombia
Authors: Frías Ordoñez Juan Sebastián , Martínez Marín Julián David
Published: January 2019

Introducción: la epidemiología de la disfagia está pobremente definida. Es un síntoma que se asocia con el envejecimiento, y en poblaciones jóvenes sigue siendo tema de incertidumbre. También es un problema que no siempre informan los pacientes y es poco comprendido en la población general. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la disfagia a partir de una muestra de pacientes adultos remitidos a un centro especializado en gastroenterología. Metodología: estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo, realizado en un centro especializado en gastroenterología en Bogotá D. C. durante 2016, en el cual se revisaron 3148 historias clínicas y se recopilaron aquellas de pacientes cuyo motivo de consulta fuera disfagia o la refirieran como síntoma asociado, y cuyo diagnóstico se confirmara con pruebas complementarias. Resultados: de 3148 historias clínicas, 85 (2,7 %) presentaron disfagia como motivo de consulta principal o síntoma asociado. La mayoría correspondió a mujeres (70,5 %). El grupo de edad más afectado fue entre 70 y 79 años. La enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE) representó el diagnóstico más frecuente. Conclusión: la prevalencia de disfagia encontrada es similar a la reportada en la literatura. La ERGE es causa frecuente de disfagia. La disfagia continúa siendo un problema predominantemente de adultos mayores.
Creencias y percepciones de los pacientes con estreñimiento crónico sobre etiología, complicaciones y eficacia de las medidas generales. Una encuesta en consulta externa de gastroenterología
Authors: Díaz-Mogollón Adrian , Otero-Regino William , Otero-Parra Lina
Published: January 2019

Introducción: el estreñimiento crónico (EC) afecta al 14 % de la población mundial y genera altos costos para los sistemas de salud por los diferentes tratamientos. Con frecuencia, pacientes y médicos tienen percepciones erróneas sobre la etiología, complicaciones y el tratamiento de la entidad con medidas generales.Materiales y métodos: se realizó una encuesta a pacientes con EC atendidos en la consulta externa de un servicio de gastroenterología de una institución universitaria. Con interrogantes todos falsos, se investigaron las creencias erróneas más frecuentes en los pacientes con diagnóstico de estreñimiento respecto a su enfermedad.Resultados: se encuestaron 278 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. El 98 % consideró que el EC es la causa de las hemorroides, mismo que produce intoxicación (86 %) y causa cáncer de colon (78 %). Otros conceptos erróneos fueron el bajo consumo de fibra (79 %) como causa de la enfermedad, al igual que la baja actividad física (52 %). No consideran útil para el tratamiento la dieta alta en fibra (55 %) ni realizar ejercicio de forma regular (69 %). La observación más frecuente fue el consumo abundante de fibra sin presentar mejoría.
Evaluación del riesgo quirúrgico en pacientes con cirrosis hepática
Authors: Santos-Sánchez Oscar Mauricio
Published: January 2019

Los pacientes cirróticos pueden requerir procedimientos quirúrgicos y están relacionados con mayor morbimortalidad que la población general. Los resultados adversos están asociados con múltiples factores, pero los más importantes son la severidad de la enfermedad hepática, la urgencia del procedimiento y el tipo de cirugía. El puntaje Child-Turcott-Pugh (CTP) y el puntaje MELD pueden ser usados para determinar la severidad de la enfermedad hepática y estratificar el riesgo. Se considera que la cirugía electiva se tolera bien en pacientes con CTP A, es permisible con una buena preparación preoperatoria en pacientes con CTP B o MELD <14 y está contraindicada en pacientes con CTP C o MELD >15 con albúmina <2,5 g/dL. Lo ideal son procedimientos electivos, mínimamente invasivos y que sean realizados en centros especializados y con médicos entrenados en el cuidado de este tipo de pacientes. La optimización preoperatoria después de la estratificación del riesgo y un cuidadoso manejo son obligatorios antes y después de la cirugía. Una aproximación multidisciplinaria, individualizada y especializada puede mejorar los resultados.
The problem of rural youth outflow in Belgorod region (Russia)
Authors: Shmigirilova Larisa
Published: January 2019

In this article, the author is exposing the problem of outflow of rural
youth, analyzing the results of a sociological survey conducted in one of
Russia?s regions. The article focuses on the fact that it is necessary to
make the rural areas attractive not only in terms of appearance, but also to
develop their infrastructure. In order to make the village an attractive
place to live in, it is necessary to fulfill at least three tasks: to raise
the material standard of living in rural areas, to improve cultural and
living conditions of villagers and to educate them about modern ways of
working in the field of agriculture. None of these problems could be solved
without the significant support of the state, so it is necessary to focus on
the search for additional mechanisms to support the rural youth while taking
into account the integrated development of municipalities. A comfortable,
modern way of life in the village and good communications could attract
young specialists and encourage graduates who got a professional education
to return to their native villages.
Litigation Risk and Voluntary Disclosure: Evidence from Legal Changes
Authors: Houston Joel F. , Lin Chen , Liu Sibo , Wei Lai
Published: January 2019

This paper documents that changes in litigation risk affect corporate voluntary disclosure practices. We make causal inferences by exploiting three legal events that generate exogenous variations in firms' litigation risk. Using a matching-based fixed-effect difference-in-differences design, we find that the treated firms tend to make fewer (more) management earnings forecasts relative to the control firms when they expect litigation risk to be lower (higher) following the legal event. The results are concentrated on the earnings forecasts conveying negative news and are robust to alternative specifications, samples, and outcome variables.

JEL Classifications: D80; G14; K22; K41; M41.
Large Shareholder Incentives and Auditor Choice
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Ye Kangtao , Cui Yijing , Zang Wenjiao
Published: January 2019

This study investigates the impact of large shareholder incentives on firms' auditor choice using a quasi-natural experiment setting provided by the split share structure reform in China. The reform converted the previously non-tradable shares held by large shareholders into tradable shares and thus enhanced the alignment of large shareholders' and outside investors' interests. We find that firms switch from large auditors to small auditors following the completion of the reform. The results are robust to the audit firm merging effect and the firm fixed effects. Further analyses reveal that the effect is more pronounced in firms with greater agency costs prior to the reform and in firms located in a weak legal environment. Taken together, these results suggest that a reduction in conflicts between large shareholders and outside investors leads to a declining demand for high-quality audits.

JEL Classifications: M42; G34.

Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text.
The Consequences of Providing Lower-Quality Audits at the Engagement Partner Level
Authors: Chi Wuchun , Lisic Ling Lei , Myers Linda A. , Pevzner Mikhail , Seidel Timothy A.
Published: January 2019

Using data from Taiwan, where a long history of engagement partner performance is available, we examine the reputational consequences that engagement partners suffer for having a recent history of past audit failures. We find that when an engagement partner's recent history of poor audit quality is observable to audit clients, they are more likely to lose clients and are less likely to be reassigned to serve other clients of the audit firm over the next five years. We also find that these engagement partners are more likely to stop serving as engagement partners in the next five years, and those who remain in client service experience a reallocation of assignments. Additionally, the clients that these partners continue to serve exhibit increased risk. Overall, our findings suggest that an engagement partner's prior audit quality influences clients' and audit firms' engagement partner selection.
O ensino por Projetos: explorando conceitos de geometria numa perspectiva interdisciplinar
Authors: Salemme Corrêa Cortela Beatriz
Published: January 2019

Trata-se do relato de uma experiência de ensino realizada com alunos de 3ª série do Ensino Médio da rede pública paulista, com duração de quatro meses. O projeto descrito foi elaborado visando atingir, de forma mais específica, as competências e habilidades da área de Matemática para a referida série, a partir de um trabalho interdisciplinar, dentro de uma abordagem Histórico-Crítica, explorando outras inteligências, além da lógico-matemática: a espacial, a linguística e interpessoal. A ideia foi a de propiciar o desenvolvimento de conteúdos ligados à construção dos sólidos geométricos e ao cálculo de suas áreas e volumes; a elaboração de artigos de opinião para produção de jornal da escola, e a produção de painéis artísticos para uma exposição de arte, utilizando a técnica de Assemblage , associada ao Cubismo. Esta dinâmica de trabalho permitiu que os alunos percebessem como os conhecimentos sobre a geometria foram se estruturando ao longo do tempo, como estão interligados numa espécie de rede que vai se expandindo, ligando assuntos e áreas de conhecimentos que se complementam. Permitiu também que os alunos trabalhassem em ritmos diferenciados, estabelecessem formas de trabalho em grupo e desenvolvessem diferentes habilidades, em comparação a uma abordagem mais tradicional do conteúdo matemático citado.
Casos de ensino na formação continuada de professores: reflexões sobre a prática orientada pela abordagem investigativa em aulas de Matemática
Authors: Da Silva Denise Knorst , Da Costa David Antonio
Published: January 2019

Este estudo é resultado de uma articulação entre o ensino, a pesquisa e a extensão na formação de professores. A problemática oriunda da formação inicial e da formação continuada de professores de Matemática refere-se a investigação sobre a abordagem a ser utilizada para os métodos de ensino de forma a potencializar a sua integração na prática docente. Daí, a pesquisa sobre a abordagem investigativa em aulas de Matemática e a realização de uma ação de formação de professores, articulada com a extensão, com o objetivo de promover reflexões sobre a prática docente a partir da análise e construção de casos de ensino orientados para a abordagem investigativa em aulas de Matemática. Os casos de ensino são tomados como instrumento pedagógico para a formação de professores com base nos estudos apresentados pela pesquisadora Maria da Graça Mizukami. O recorte, aqui apresentado, considera o desenvolvimento desses casos de ensino e a análise das suas potencialidades no processo do professor (re)pensar a prática de ensinar e aprender Matemática. As análises, sob tais perspectivas teóricas, consideraram dois encontros com casos de ensino, desenvolvidos em uma ação de formação de professores, envolvendo doze professores do Ensino Fundamental de uma Escola de Educação Básica Estadual. Os encontros foram gravados, transcritos e analisados segundo as perspectivas teóricas da na perspectiva do professor reflexivo, considerando a teoria de Donald Schön, e o desenvolvimento profissional docente.
Explorando o contexto histórico de uma ferrovia: uma proposta de ensino com professores de física do ensino médio
Authors: Schayder José Pontes , Junior Edmundo Rodrigues , Hygino Cassiana B. , Luna Fernando J. , Gualandi Jorge Henrique
Published: January 2019

A história da ciência tem sido considerada importante para propiciar uma formação cultural ampla para professores e alunos, reduzindo assim o ensino fragmentado ainda vigente nas escolas brasileiras. Buscou-se contribuir para a inserção da história da ciência no ensino de física, a partir de um episódio histórico sobre o desenvolvimento da ferrovia em Cachoeiro de Itapemirim-ES. O método de ensino aplicado foi o estudo de caso histórico e os instrumentos utilizados para a coleta de dados foram questionários. A pesquisa foi realizada com professores de física, matriculados num curso de formação continuada à distância. As atividades desenvolvidas contribuíram para a reflexão dos professores de física sobre a cultura científica local, ao tratar de um acontecimento passado em seu próprio município. Deseja-se que as discussões realizadas nesse trabalho possam incentivar a elaboração de atividades que integram as diferentes disciplinas do ensino básico e superior.