bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profissionalização militar
Authors: Oliveira Ana Amélia Penido , Mathias Suzeley Kalil
Published: December 2020

Neste artigo, defende-se a educação militar como variável relevante para se pensar uma profissionalização que aumente a segurança da própria sociedade. Isso é perceptível nos trabalhos de Huntington (1996) e dos seus críticos. Para isso, o artigo é organizado em três partes. Na primeira, é realizada uma breve digressão histórica sobre as origens da discussão sobre profissionalização militar. O objetivo da segunda parte é avaliar a bibliografia que sustenta nossa posição de que a variável central da profissionalização militar é a educação. Por fim, na terceira e última parte, apresenta-se o sistema de ensino do Exército brasileiro e alguns de seus desafios para a profissionalização em uma democracia.
política de preservação do patrimônio imaterial do comando da Aeronáutica
Authors: Bueno Juliana Gois
Published: December 2020

A política de preservação do patrimônio histórico-cultural do Comando da Aeronáutica elaborada pelo Sistema de Cultura do Comando da Aeronáutica – SISCULT, vem se firmando como uma política de preservação marcada pelo debate dentro do entendimento do valor histórico do seu patrimônio cultural e seu significado para a Força Aérea Brasileira. Neste trabalho, abordaremos os questionamentos e estudos elencados pela equipe multidisciplinar que compõe o SISCULT, acerca do tema Patrimônio Imaterial e como a Força Aérea Brasileira desenvolve sua política preservacionista, seguindo os princípios da Constituição Brasileira, e publicações nacionais e internacionais sobre o tema.
Entrevista com os historiadores Renato Lemos e Cláudio Beserra de Vasconcelos
Authors: Santos Wagner Luiz Bueno dos , Robba Olívia Rocha , Dias Daniel de Almeida , Matta Jhonathan Ferreira da
Published: December 2020

Nos últimos anos assistimos no Brasil um novo envolvimento dos militares na política nacional, que se acentuou após a última eleição presidencial (2018). A entrada de setores militares no governo, sobretudo os ligados ao alto comando das Forças Armadas, provocou um acalorado debate que tomou as páginas dos principais jornais de grande circulação do país, e este debate também é presente no ambiente acadêmico. Como se sabe, a participação dos militares em momentos decisivos da política brasileira não é uma novidade e, por isso, podemos estabelecer fios entre passado e presente. Para entendermos alguns aspectos que envolvem o universo militar, entrevistamos Renato Luís do Couto Neto e Lemos e Cláudio Beserra de Vasconcelos, historiadores que, além de traçarem uma análise sobre a história da participação dos militares na vida política brasileira, contam um pouco sobre suas trajetórias intelectuais.
THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND SOCIAL SECURITY FOR INDONESIAN HOUSEHOLD OPPORTUNITIES TO OPENS BUSINESSES
Authors: Cahyono Eko Fajar
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to test Fahim Khan's model. The model states that the existence of government assistance and social security will increase one's chances of becoming entrepreneurs. The model has the argument that government assistance and social security will provide better risk protection for entrepreneurs. By analyzing more than 15.000 sample data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey, this study examines the proposed Fahim Khan model that Islamic economics encourages entrepreneurship with two important factors, financial and funding social security institutions. The results of this study are obtained from the logistic regression method stating that there are influences of social security and financial institution financing on the opportunity to open a business. Furthermore, this study produced several important findings, such as bank loans and social security have an impact to the opportunity for Indonesian household of opening a business. Either partially or simultaneously all independent variables (bank loans, pension security, insurance claims, national healthcare security membership, national accident care security membership, national pension care membership, national death care security membership) have a significant effect on the business. The results show that there are three variables that have a negative relationship with business, namely the national healthcare security membership variable, the national accident care security membership variable and the national pension care security membership variable.
A LIDERANÇA E A RETENÇÃO DE SERVIDORES NA GESTÃO PÚBLICA
Authors: Gomes Carlos Francisco Simões , Xavier Lucia Helena , Lemos Zilda
Published: December 2020

Organizações buscam promover em suas estruturas maior sustentabilidade e crescimento, sempre focando os seus esforços para melhorar o seu desempenho financeiro e a oferta de serviços. Os líderes/gestores e empregados são dois dos vetores mais determinantes na alocação de recursos nestas organizações. Nestes vetores identificam-se a importância de uma liderança eficaz e capaz de manter uma equipe motivada visando maximizar recursos e o potencial da equipe. Neste estudo, descritivo e quali-quantitativo, é usado um questionário para mensurar a relação afetiva, normativa e instrumental dos servidores de uma instituição, apresentando como resultado: a necessidade de desenvolvimento de liderança institucional, buscando verificar a existência de chefia com liderança; a correlação entre índice de servidores que objetivam sair da instituição; e o índice de chefes com estilo de liderança.
OS BENEFÍCIOS DA MULTIFUNCIONALIDADE
Authors: Longhi Jaqueline , Borges Gustavo Da Rosa , Da Silva Francielle Molon , Petry Jonas Fernando
Published: December 2020

A multifuncionalidade é uma forma de desempenho múltiplo de tarefas, contrariando a especialidade proposta por Taylor; no entanto, poucos trabalhos evidenciam seus benefícios. Buscando preencher esta lacuna, realizou-se uma pesquisa exploratória em uma indústria gaúcha. Percebeu-se que para a empresa em estudo, a multifuncionalidade contribui sob forma de redução do absenteísmo e disseminação do conhecimento. Para os colaboradores, a técnica ajuda a fazer com que eles saiam da zona de conforto, sintam-se motivados, sejam flexíveis, tenham capacidade de adaptação, obtenham um melhor relacionamento entre os colegas, sejam comprometidos e reconhecidos, e adquiram novos aprendizados.
Influence of Supplementing Sesbania Grandiflora Pod Meal at Two Dietary Crude Protein Levels on Feed Intake, Fermentation Characteristics, and Methane Mitigation in Thai Purebred Beef Cattle
Authors: Unnawong Narirat , Cherdthong Anusorn , So Sarong
Published: December 2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of crude protein (CP) levels in concentrate and Sesbania grandiflora pod meal (SG) supplementations on feed intake, rumen fermentation, and methane (CH4) mitigation in Thai purebred beef cattle. Four cattle with 100 ± 5.0 kg body weight were used in this study. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment in a 4 × 4 Latin square design were conducted, in which factor A was the CP contents in concentrate of 14, and 16% of dry matter (DM) and factor B was the supplement contents of SG at 0.4% and 0.6% DM intake, respectively. The results showed that the CP contents in concentrate and SG had no interaction effect on intake, digestibility, ruminal ecologies, ruminal fermentation products, and nitrogen utilization. Increasing CP contents in concentrate did not influence DM intake and nutrients’ digestibility, and SG supplementation at 0.6% significantly (P<0.05) decreased CP digestibility. Increasing CP content to 16% increased significantly (P<0.05) the ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration while decreased significantly (P<0.05) the NH3-N concentration, protozoal number, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) at 4 h post-feeding. The 0.6% supplementation of the SG increased significantly average total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and propionate (C3) concentration while decreased significantly average acetate (C2), C2:C3 ratio, and CH4 production, which was 2.71% for C2, 13.17% for C2:C3 ratio, and 4.37% for CH4 production lower than 0.4% supplementation. Fecal nitrogen excretion was significantly decreased when supplemented with 0.6% of the SG. In conclusion, 0.6% of the SG supplementation showed a greater effect on intake, rumen manipulation, and CH4 mitigation and would recommend supplementation to a concentrate-based diet containing either 14% or 16% CP content.
Evaluating the Role of Circulating Dendritic Cells in Methimazole-Treated Pediatric Graves’ Disease Patients
Authors: Starosz Aleksandra , Stozek Karolina , Moniuszko Marcin , Grubczak Kamil , Bossowski Artur
Published: December 2020

Graves’ disease (GD) is hyperthyroidism associated with organ-specific autoimmune inflammation. GD occurs more frequently in adults than in children, however, pediatric patients are a therapeutic challenge due to cycles of remissions and relapses requiring constant monitoring at every stage of treatment administered. Dendritic cells (DCs) are considered a link between innate and adaptive immunity. DCs as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are involved in antigen presentation to T lymphocytes, thereby, initiate shift towards effector cells. In accordance, DCs participates also in the modulation of tolerance to specific antigens. To date, the data on DC role in Graves’ pathological processes are scarce. Therefore, here we evaluated frequencies and role of circulating DCs in GD pediatric patients treated with methimazole. Flow cytometric analysis was implemented to evaluate mDC1, mDC2 and pDC cells and their correlation with clinical GD-related parameters. We found significantly higher levels of DC subsets in patients at admission. Furthermore, methimazole treatment seemed to effectively reduce subsets of DCs which, in addition, were found to differentialy correlate with thyroid function. Our study shed a new light on DCs role in pediatric GD pathomechanism. Further studies are required for mechanistic assessment of DCs exact role in disease progression and influence on thyroid function.
Ontario Public Library Websites and the Framing of Disability
Authors: Hill Heather
Published: December 2020

An environment may be technically accessible, in that it complies with accessibility legislation or makes space for those with disabilities, but that does not guarantee equality. A space or experience can be technically accessible according to a standard and still be unusable, difficult to use or not perceived to be inclusive of those with disabilities. This research takes this understanding of ‘technically accessible’ in order to examine a set of medium-sized Ontario public library websites. Overall, findings are promising as the websites use person-first language and provide a variety of information of value for those with disabilities. At the same time, there are opportunities for improvement.
Pengaruh Kualitas Jasa Perguruan Tinggi terhadap Loyalitas Mahasiswa Program Studi Ekonomi Syariah Universitas Dian Nuswantoro Semarang
Authors: Lewa Andi Hallang
Published: December 2020

Penelitian ini didasarkan pada permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh pihak universitas yang menunjukkan bahwa masih banyak mahasiswa yang tidak melakukan pendaftaran ulang pada semester I, II dan III yang menunjukkan ketidakloyalan mahasiswa pada Universitas Dian Nuswantoro Semarang, terutama pada Program Studi Ekonomi Syariah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui: (a) pengaruh kualitas jasa terhadap kepercayaan, (b) pengaruh kualitas jasa terhadap kepuasan mahasiswa, (c) pengaruh kepercayaan terhadap kepuasan mahasiswa, (d) pengaruh kualitas jasa terhadap loyalitas, (e) pengaruh kepercayaan terhadap loyalitas, (f) pengaruh kepuasan mahasiswa terhadap loyalitas. Sampel penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa di Program Studi Ekonomi Syariah berjumlah 119 orang. Seluruh data yang diperoleh selanjutnya digunakan untuk analisis data. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah purposive sampling dan pemilihan responden dengan random sampling. Populasi yang dipilih berdasarkan kriteria adalah mahasiswa aktif pada Program Studi Ekonomi Syariah Universitas Dian Nuswantoro Semarang yang telah melakukan registrasi semester 1 hingga semester 3. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengaruh kualitas jasa terhadap kepercayaan menunjukkan nilai koefisien positif dengan nilai C.R=2.490 dengan probabilitas 0.013, pengaruh kualitas jasa terhadap kepuasan dengan nilai C.R=2.788 dengan probabilitas 0.005, pengaruh kepercayaan terhadap kepuasan dengan nilai C.R=5.015, pengaruh kualitas jasa terhadap loyalitas dengan nilai C.R=2.649 dengan probabilitas 0.008, sedangkan pengaruh kepercayaan terhadap loyalitas dengan nilai C.R=2.030 dan probablitas 0.042, dan pengaruh kepuasan terhadap loyalitas adalah 2.723 dengan probabilitas 0.006. Bahwa kualitas jasa perguruan tinggi berpengaruh positif terhadap loyalitas mahasiswa Program Studi Ekonomi Syariah Universitas Dian Nuswantoro Semarang.
Desarrollo de la economía creativa en Argentina: ejemplo para el caso colombiano
Authors: Falkenstein-Ávila Hans David , Redondo-Méndez Andrea Carolina , Pinzón-Muñoz Carlos Andrés
Published: December 2020

El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar la aplicabilidad de las estrategias de crecimiento del sector cultural argentino para el caso colombiano, a partir de las teorías del desarrollo de Stiglitz y la neoshumpeteriana de innovación, todo esto mediante tres variables de análisis: legislación, institucionalidad y cooperación. Argentina se convierte en un gran factor a tener en cuenta para desarrollar políticas, en términos de know-how, educación, capacitación e infraestructura, lo que permitiría analizar si Colombia puede lograr ventajas competitivas en el mercado internacional para el sector cultural. Se utilizó una metodología de tipo cualitativo y con enfoque documental, utilizando fuentes secundarias que permitieron la identificación de las estrategias y el análisis de las posibilidades de aplicación. Como principal resultado se identifica el proceso endógeno de crecimiento del sector cultural argentino, al vincular la diversidad institucional y normativa, así como la educación y la integración de la sociedad civil en la construcción de ciudades creativas, como lo es el caso de Buenos Aires. Para el caso colombiano, se evidencia la necesidad de estrategias que vayan más allá de lo institucional y lo normativo para apoyar al sector cultural, de modo que vinculen mayores presupuestos y mayor inclusión, para integrar a todos los artistas y creadores colombianos en la toma de decisiones y la creación de políticas.
The first 100 days of the COVID-19 epidemic in Mali: a descriptive analysis
Authors: Ly Birama , Ahmed Mohamed Ag , Millimouno Tamba , Cissoko Yacouba , Faye Christophe , Traoré Fatoumata , Diarra Niélé , Berthé Ibrahima , Boly Ahmadou , Sangho Hamadoun , Doumbia Seydou
Published: December 2020

Background Since the detection of the first cases of COVID-19 in Mali, the ministry of health provides daily released of information and situation report including information on the number of testing, confirmed cases, case-contacts, recovered patients, COVID-19 related deaths; and the geographic locations affected by the epidemic. The objective of this study was to analyze this information and to examine the relation between the number of confirmed cases and the number of testing, case-contacts, recovered patients and COVID-19 related deaths. Method From the daily released of information and situation reports, the data related to the number of testing, confirmed cases, case-contacts, recovered patients, COVID-19 related deaths; and the affected geographic locations were extracted on an Excel file before being analyzed with SPSS 25 software. The analyses were essentially descriptive including Spearman correlation test and Chi 2 test for statistical significance (p≤0, 05).Results The analyses include 14,938 testing, 2,260 PCR confirmed cases, 12, 864 case-contacts, 1,502 recovered patients and 117 deaths reported during the first 100 days of the epidemic, particularly from March 25 to July 2, 2020. The results show low level of testing and demonstrate a positive correlation between the number of confirmed cases and the number of testing, case-contacts, recovered patients and deaths. These results suggest that Mali could have more confirmed cases by increasing testing, particularly among case-contacts.Conclusion The results can help to understand the evolution of the epidemic, call for more testing and contact tracing of COVID-19 cases. They can also contribute to improving data quality and response to COVID-19.
The short term burden of ambient gaseous air pollution on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Pudong New Area, China: A time-stratified case-crossover study with a distributed lag nonlinear model
Authors: Chen Yichen , Li Xiaopan , Chen Hanyi , Sun Lianghong , Lin Tao , Xiao Shaotan , Yang Minjuan , Zhao Genming , Peng Li , Zhou Yi
Published: December 2020

Background: Air pollution is a severe and dangerous public health problem. However, the effect of ambient gaseous air pollution exposure on years of life lost (YLL) attributable to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality has not been quantitatively verified.Methods: We collected the data of 12,781 COPD deaths and ambient gaseous air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3), during the years 2013-2019 in the Shanghai Pudong New Area (PNA). Then we performed a time-stratified case-crossover study combined with a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) to estimate the impact of those air pollutants on daily COPD deaths counts and YLL. The confounders including long-term trend and meteorological factors have been controlled for, and effects of age and educational attainment as effect modifiers have also been evaluated.Results: During the 2013-2019 time frame, increases of 10μg/m3 in SO2 and NO2 were associated with a 4.93% (95% CI: 1.47%, 8.50%) and 1.47% (95% CI: 0.14%, 2.82%) in daily COPD death counts at lag0-1day, respectively, a 2.52 (95% CI: 0.31, 4.72) YLL increase and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.01, 1.68) YLL increase at lag0-1day, respectively. A 1mg/m3 increase in CO was associated with a 9.46% (95% CI: 0.40%, 19.35%) at lag0 increase in daily COPD death counts. No significant impact from O3 on both daily COPD deaths counts and YLL (P>0.05). The impact of gaseous air pollutants on the daily COPD death count and YLL were significant in populations of older adults and the lower educated population, while an insignificant effect was observed in the younger population and higher educated population. The YLL due to COPD related to SO2 and CO for the lower educated population was significantly higher than those for the higher educated population.Conclusion: Reducing specific gaseous air pollutants will help to control COPD deaths and improve the population’s life expectancy.
Associations between Accessibility to Health Care Service, Social Support, and Korean Americans’ Mental Health Status Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Min Jihyun , Choi Shinwoo
Published: December 2020

Background: While previous studies have examined the relationships between social support and healthcare accessibility among ethnic minority populations, studies on Korean Americans remain scarce. Therefore, this study aims to assess the relationship between Korean Americans’ mental health, accessibility to healthcare, and how they perceive their level of social support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Result: We distributed online surveys to Korean Americans from May 24, 2020 to June 14, 2020, generating 790 responses from participants residing in 42 states. Binary Logistic and Ordinary Least Square regression analyses revealed that poor mental health was associated with language barriers inhibiting Korean Americans’ access to COVID-19-related information. Their perceived social support from family members and close friends was positively associated with mental health. Conclusion: Our findings recommend that equipping community healthcare services with translators or interpreters is necessary. Additionally, health practitioners and staff should be trained to utilize telehealth tools to effectively treat individuals with mental health problems. American policymakers and healthcare professionals need to understand and address the unique hardships Korean Americans experience amid COVID-19.
Tolerogenic dendritic cells induced by atorvastatin via inhibition of the TLR-4/NF-κB pathway improve cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhu Jianbing , Chen Hang , Ma Yuanji , Liu Haibo , Chen Zhaoyang
Published: December 2020

BackgroundNecrosis of ischemic cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction (MI) activates an intense inflammatory reaction. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in the repair process after MI. Tolerogenic DCs (tDCs) can inhibit inflammatory responses. Methods and resultsWe investigated the role of atorvastatin and supernatants of necrotic cardiomyocytes (SNC) on DCs. We found that SNC induced DCs maturation, activated TLR-4/NF-κB pathway, promoted inflammatory cytokines secretion and oxidative stress. Co-treatment with SNC and atorvastatin suppressed DC maturation and inflammatory response, which meant that atorvastatin induced DCs tolerate to SNC. Then, we investigated the effect of mDCs induced by SNC and tDCs induced by atorvastatin on ventricular remodeling after MI. tDCs treatment significantly improved the left ventricular systolic function, reduced the infiltration of MPO+ neutrophil, Mac3+ macrophages and CD3+ T cells, inhibited myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis, and decreased infarct size. Compared with PBS, treatment with mDCs did not showed beneficial effect on ventricular remodeling and inflammatory reaction after MI in mice.ConclusionAtorvastatin inactivated the TLR-4/NF-κB pathway, repressed the oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and immune maturity induced by SNC. Treatment with tDCs, induced by co-treated with atorvastatin, preserved left ventricular function, limited infarct size, suppressed the infiltration of inflammatory cells, and attenuated the severity of fibrosis, and reduced the number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes.
Pregnancy and Infant Development (PRIDE)— a longitudinal study of at-risk mother-infant dyads to understand the impact of maternal stress, adversity, and resilience on offspring development.
Authors: Bowers Katherine , Ding Lili , Ji Hong , Nidey Nichole , Meyer Jerrold , Ammerman Robert , Ginkel Judith Van , Folger Alonzo
Published: December 2020

Background Children from socioeconomically disadvantaged families have a markedly elevated risk for impaired cognitive and social-emotional development. Nearly 17.9% of children in poverty experience developmental delays relative to the 12.7% of other children. Poverty engenders disproportionate exposure to psychological adversity which may contribute to impaired offspring development; however the effect may be mitigated by social support and other aspects of resilience. Our objective was to determine the association between maternal stress, adversity and social support and early infant neurobehavior and child behavior at two and three years. Methods We conducted a longitudinal mother-infant cohort study nested within a regional home visiting program in Cincinnati, Ohio. Four home study visits were completed to collect measures of maternal stress, adversity and social support and infant and child behavior. A measure of infant neurobehavior (‘high-arousal’ infant) was derived from the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) at 1 month and externalizing and internalizing symptoms were measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) at 24 and 36 months. Linear and logistic regression identified associations between maternal risk/protective factors and infant and child behavioral measures. We used stratification and multiplicative interaction terms to examine potential interactions. Results We enrolled n=55 pregnant mothers and follow 53 mother-offspring dyads at 1 month, 40 dyads at 24 months and 27 dyads at 36 months. Maternal adversity and protective factors were not associated with neurobehavior at one month. However, maternal depression and measures of distress in pregnancy were significantly associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms and 24 and 36 months. Conclusions This pilot study established the feasibility of conducting longitudinal research within a community intervention program. In addition, although there were no statistically significant associations between maternal psychosocial factors in pregnancy and infant neurobehavior, there were several associations at 24 months, primarily internalizing symptoms, which persisted through 36 months. Future work will replicate findings within a larger study as well as explore mediators and modifiers of these associations. The goal of this research is to reduce developmental delays by informing home visiting programs as well as early intervention services more broadly.
Ex Vivo Comparison of A UV-Polymerizable Methacrylate Adhesive Versus an Inverting Pattern as the Second Layer of a Two-Layer Hand-Sewn Jejunal Anastomosis in Horses
Authors: Lenoir Augustin , Perrin Bertrand , Lepage Olivier
Published: December 2020

Background Jejunal anastomosis in horses with one- or two-layer conventional technique can lead to leaks at the anastomosis site and the possibility of severe septic peritonitis. The objective of this study was to compare the use of a recently designed UV-polymerizable methacrylate adhesive as the second layer of a two-layer anastomosis with a Cushing pattern.Fifteen fresh harvested jejunum segments were collected from horses euthanized for unrelated reasons and owner consent was obtained for research donation. Each segment was divided in 3 pieces, each assigned to 3 different groups. In 2L-CT group, resection and anastomosis was performed using a double-layer simple continuous/Cushing suture. In 1L-UV-PMA group, resection and anastomosis was performed using a single-layer continuous technique sealed with a UV-polymerizable methacrylate adhesive. Control group was left untouched. Anastomotic construction time of the second layer, Bursting Strength Pressure (BSP), Luminal Diameter Reduction (LDR), and mode of failure were measured and compared between groups.Results The construction time (Mean [95% CI]) was 3.02 min [2.50; 3.55] in 1L-UV-PMA group and 8.09 min [7.59; 8.61] in 2L-CT group. The difference was significant (P<0.001).The BSP (Mean [95% CI]) was 170.47 mmHg [146.29; 194.65] in 1L-UV-PMA group, 175.33 mmHg [156.83; 193.83] in 2L-CT group, and 189.93 mmHg [162.52; 217.34] in the control group. The difference was significant only between the 1L-UV-PMA group and the control group (P=0.04).The LDR (Mean [95% CI]) was 51% [47; 55] in 1L-UV-PMA group and 48% [43; 53] in 2L-CT group. The difference was not significant (P=0.26).Eight segments ruptured on the suture line in the 1L-UV-PMA group and six segments ruptured on the suture line in the 2L-CT group. The difference was not significant (P=0.36).On macroscopic evaluation, the 1L-UV-PMA anastomosis formed a tunnel-like anastomosis. After testing, some of the samples from the 1L-UV-PMA group showed shreds of glue detached from the serosa.Conclusions Complete covering of anastomosis with UV-PMA glue is comparable in terms of leaking pressure and Luminal Diameter Reduction but faster to perform than an inverting suture pattern. Modification of the technique is warranted to decrease tunneling at the anastomosis site.
HSPA9/Mortalin Mediates Axo-Protection by Modulating Mitochondrial Dynamics in Neurons
Authors: Ferré Cécile , Thouard Anne , Bétourné Alexandre , Belenguer Pascale , Miquel Marie-Christine , Peyrin Jean-Michel , Gonzalez-Dunia Daniel , Szelechowski Marion
Published: December 2020

Mortalin is a mitochondrial chaperone protein involved in quality control of proteins imported into the mitochondrial matrix, which was recently described as a sensor of neuronal stress. Mortalin is down-regulated in neurons of patients with neurodegenerative diseases and levels of Mortalin expression are correlated with neuronal fate in animal models of Alzheimer's disease or cerebral ischemia. To date, however, the links between Mortalin levels, its impact on mitochondrial function and morphology and, ultimately, the initiation of neurodegeneration, are still unclear. In the present study, we used lentiviral vectors to over- or under-express Mortalin in primary neuronal cultures. We first analyzed the early events of neurodegeneration in the axonal compartment, using oriented neuronal cultures grown in microfluidic-based devices. We observed that Mortalin down-regulation induced mitochondrial fragmentation and axonal damage, whereas its over-expression conferred protection against axonal degeneration mediated by oxidative stress. We next demonstrated that Mortalin levels modulated mitochondrial morphology by a direct action on DRP1 phosphorylation, thereby further illustrating the crucial implication of mitochondrial dynamics on neuronal fate in degenerative diseases.
Simple method for estimating daily and total COVID-19 deaths using a Gumbel model
Authors: Furutani Hiroshi , Hiroyasu Tomoyuki , Okuhara Yoshiyasu
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the present paper is to introduce a method for forecasting daily and total numbers of COVID-19-associated deaths. We apply the Gumbel distribution function for the analysis of time series data of the first wave. The Gumbel distribution function F(t) has a notable property of F(t) = 1/2.718 at the node (peak) point of the distribution. Therefore, we can forecast the number of total deaths N. In the present study, the Gumbel model gives the estimate N ≈ 2.718N1, where N1 is the partial sum of the daily numbers of deaths until the day of the peak. The proposed model can also forecast the daily numbers after the peak. We investigated the data of New York City, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The Gumbel model gives reasonable results for New York City, Belgium, and Switzerland. On the other hand, the proposed method underestimates N for Sweden and the United Kingdom. The proposed approach is very simple, and carrying out the analysis is easy. This method uses spreadsheet software for most of the calculations, and no special program is needed.
Amantadin has potential for the treatment of COVID-19 because it targets known and novel ion channels encoded by SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Jeppesen Mads Gravers , Toft-Bertelsen Trine Lisberg , Kledal Thomas Nitschke , Rosenkilde Mette Marie
Published: December 2020

The dire need for therapies against SARS-CoV-2 infections is obvious and inspires strategies of repurposing drugs approved for other indications. Current examples are remdesivir (originally developed for ebola treatment) and steroids (anti-inflammatory treatment). Here we propose to use amantadine (an anti-influenza A drug) as a novel, cheap, readily available and effective way to treat COVID-19 because of its ability to inhibit known (Protein E) and novel (Orf10) ion channels identified in the virus genome.
Prevention and recovery for peritoneal injury during totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: A single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nishiguchi Ryohei , Kojima Shigehiro , Asaka Shinichi , Maeda Hiroyuki , Usui Takebumi , Yokomizo Hajime , Shimakawa Takeshi , Katsube Takao , Shiozawa Shunichi
Published: December 2020

Background During totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair, peritoneal injury (PI) may result in technical difficulty due to the imparied working space inside the preperitoneal space. We aimed to clarify the factors causing PIs by focusing on the size of the hernia and to provide the prevention and recovery method for PI.Methods A total of 71 inguinal hernia with unilateral TEP repairs were classified by the size of hernia; Small group (<1cm, n=16) and Large group (≧1cm, n=55). Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. TEP procedure was broke down into five phases (e.g. Phase 3 was a period from starting the dissection to transection of hernia sac) in the PI cases of the Large group (n=21). Common site of PI, maneuver and recovery method were further analyzed.Results Operative time (P<0.0001) and PI rate (P=0.015) were higher in the Large group. PI cases in the Large group showed a higher PI rate in Phase 3 (P=0.036) and PI mostly occurred by a sharp dissection of the medial side of hernia sac with using an ultrasonically activated device. In terms of recovery methods, pre-tied suture loop ligation and endoscopic suturing tended to be faster than doing nothing and conversion to TAPP but showed no significance (P=0.059).Conclusions Hernia size and a sharp dissection during the medial side of the hernia sac may be important factors causing PIs. A careful dissection combined with an appropriate blunt dissection is required for the prevention of PI because of the strong adhesion at the medial side and thin peritoneum in most cases of large hernia sacs. In cases of PI, extension of operative time could be prevented by ligation or suturing of the peritoneal defect.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the mechanism of cross-protection against Verticillium wilt conferred on sunflower by hypovirulent strain Gibellulopsis nigrescens Vn-1
Authors: Zhao Xin , Dong Bao-Zhu , Zhao Ying-Jie , Wang Dong , Jing Lan , Zhou Hong-You
Published: December 2020

Background: Hypovirulent fungal strain Gibellulopsis nigrescens Vn-1 cross-protects sunflower against Verticillium wilt. To discover the mechanism of cross-protection by this hypovirulent strain, we analyzed defense enzyme activities and transcriptomes of root samples infected with virulent and hypovirulent strains.Results: Defense enzyme activities increased after inoculation, with the highest levels observed 24 h post-inoculation. At the same time, defense enzyme gene expressions were upregulated, and H2O2 accumulation decreased. A comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that three specific oxidoreductase-related GO terms were significantly enriched in the Vn-1 group compared with the control. In addition, 33 resistance genes and 160 susceptibility genes were predicted. Seven transcription factors (TFs), two phytohormone response factors, two E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases, two CCR4-associated factor 1 proteins, and two predicted leucine repeat rich (LRR) receptors were found to contribute to the conferral of resistance on sunflower.Conclusions: According to our results, hypovirulent strain G. nigrescens Vn-1 can reduce levels of reactive oxygen species in sunflower induced by infection with virulent strains such as V. dahliae V33 by regulating HaCAT expression. Furthermore, multiple resistance-related TFs, phytohormones, and receptors contribute to the formation of specific resistance against virulent strain V. dahliae V33.
Neighborhood-level Public Facilities and COVID-19 Transmission: A Nationwide Geospatial Study in China
Authors: Yan Lijing , Jin Xurui , Leng Yu , Gong Enying , Xiong Shangzhi , Yao Yao , Vedanthan Rajesh , Yang Zhenchun , Chen Keren , Wu Chenkai
Published: December 2020

Individual-level studies on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have proliferated, however, research on neighborhood-level factors associated with COVID-19 is limited. We gathered the geographic data of all publically released COVID-19 cases in China and the eight types of point-of-interests data from Gaode map. We used a case-control design (1:4 ratio; 4,329 cases vs. 17,316 controls) to investigate the association between having COVID-19 cases in the neighborhood and the number and types of public facilities nearby. In the multivariable logistics regression model, having more restaurants (high vs. low, OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.95, 2.25), shopping centers (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 2.12, 2.43), hotels (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 2.16, 2.48), living facilities (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.70, 1.95), recreational facilities (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 2.11, 2.43), public transit (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.41), educational institutions (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.83, 2.10), and health service facilities (OR: 4.12, 95% CI: 3.83, 4.44) was associated with higher odds of having COVID-19 cases in a neighborhood. The associations for restaurants, hotels, reactional and education facilities were more pronounced in cities with fewer than six million people than those in larger cities (Psinteraction <0.05). Our results have implications for designing targeted prevention strategies at the neighborhood level to reduce the burden of COVID-19.
Designing and Psychometrics of a Questionnaire to Access the Skills of Health-Workers in Providing Self-Care Program for Pre-diabetic Individuals by PRECEDE-PROCEED Model
Authors: Ghasemi Mahmoud , Ghofranipour Fazlollah , Shahbazi Hasan , Aminshokravi Farkhondeh
Published: December 2020

Aims. - This research aimed at designing and psychometric properties of a questionnaire for health-worker skills evaluation to obtain a self-care program for pre-diabetic patients. Materials. - The questionnaire items were first developed, utilizing reliable and specialized sources involving papers and scientific books and interviews with experts and specialists in diabetes and health education. The questionnaire's psychometric properties were evaluated utilizing face validity, content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and stability. Results. - Due to the results of investigating the texts and interviews, the initial questionnaire, including 54 phrases, was presented. In the face validity section, eight expressions were removed quantitatively. Then, in identifying content validity, three other words were deleted, and the questionnaire was reduced to 43 phrases in general. This questionnaire's exploratory factor analysis revealed four factors involving self-efficacy, attitude, reinforcing factors, and enabling factors. These four factors explained 57.51% of the total variance of the test. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed the factors of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. Cronbach's alpha and intra-cluster correlation index for questionnaire structures ranged from 0.87-0.88 and 0.87-0.88, respectively. Conclusion. - The designed questionnaire has good validity and reliability. It can be said that this questionnaire is a suitable and usable tool for prediabetes in similar research to evaluate health worker skills in obtaining a self-care program for prediabetes. Keywords: Psychometrics, Health-workers, Empowerment, Self-care, Pre-diabetes
Health Resources Allocation Analyzing of the Western China
Authors: Wang Zheng , He Haoyu , Liu Xi , Feng Qiming , Wei Bo
Published: December 2020

Background: To achieve the goal “health equity for all", equitable and reasonable allocation of health resources is the basic material guarantee. As an area which owns more developing provinces and minority nationality region than other regions in China, the western China should get more attention in the health resources allocation while there was not.Methods: Lorentz curve, Gini coefficient and Theil index were used to analyze the health resources allocation which including number of health institutions, number of beds, (assistant) medical practitioners, registered nurses in the western China from 2014 to 2018 from two dimension: population and geography. Results: The total health resources shows an increasing tendency from 2014-2018; The Gini coefficients for health resources by population dimension were ranged from 0.057 to 0.13, in geography dimension the Gini coefficients ranged between 0.61 and 0.64. Meanwhile, the Lorentz curve in population dimension had a smaller curvature than in geography dimension; In two dimensions, the intra-group contribution rate of the Theil index was higher than the inter-group. Conclusion: The equity of health resources allocation should be further improved, especially the allocation of health institutions. Moreover, the access to health resources should also by improve by a diversity method.
Development of the Mental Health Peer Support Questionnaire in Colleges and Vocational Schools in Singapore
Authors: Ma QianHui , Gallo Joseph , Parisi Jeanine , Joo Jin Hui
Published: December 2020

BackgroundA nation-wide mental health peer support initiative was established in college and vocational schools in Singapore. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to develop and validate a 20-item self-report instrument, the Mental Health Peer Support Questionnaire (MHPSQ), to assess young adults’ perceived knowledge and skills in mental health peer support. MethodsWe administered the questionnaire to 102 students who were trained as peer supporters, and 306 students who were not trained as peer supporters (denoted as non-peer supporters), in five college and vocational schools. Exploratory factor analysis and descriptive statistics were conducted. Cronbach’s α was used to assess reliability, and independent sample t-tests to assess criterion validity. ResultsExploratory factor analysis indicated a three-factor structure with adequate internal reliability (knowledge [α = .76], peer support skills [α = .77], skills in handling challenging interpersonal situations [α = .74]). Consistent with establishing criterion validity, peer supporters rated themselves as significantly more knowledgeable and skilled than non-peer supporters on all factors except two: (1) letting peer support recipients make their own mental health decisions, and (2) young adults’ self-awareness of feeling overwhelmed. Peer supporters who had served the role for a longer period of time had significantly higher perceived awareness of stigma affecting mental health help-seeking. Peer supporters who had reached out to more peer support recipients reported significantly higher perceived skills in handling challenging interpersonal situations, particularly in encouraging professional help-seeking and identifying warning signs of suicide. ConclusionsThe MHPSQ may be a useful tool for obtaining a baseline assessment of young adults’ perceived knowledge and skills in mental health peer support, prior to them being trained as peer supporters. This could facilitate tailoring of training programs based on young adults’ initial understanding of mental health peer support. Subsequent to young adults’ training and application of skills, the MHPSQ could also be applied to evaluate the effectiveness of peer programs and mental health training.
Comprehensive Analysis of Walking Characteristics of Patients with Parkinson’s disease: Impact of Freezing of Gait
Authors: Son Minji , Cheon Sang-Myung , Youm Changhong , Kim Jae
Published: December 2020

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) suffer from walking disturbances. This study was done to comprehensively analyze walking characteristics of PD, including forward and backward walking and turning. Impacts of freezing of gait (FoG) were also determined. Forward and backward walking and 360° turning was recorded at preferred speed in defined ‘off’ state. PD showed narrower step length, slower walking speed, and higher asymmetry index (AI) of step length during forward and backward walking. During turning, PD had more turning steps, longer turning time, and shorter step length than control. There was no difference at forward walking according to FoG, but freezer showed narrower step length and decreased range of motion in ankle joints at backward walking. Freezer showed longer step time and higher AI of step length at turning. The severity of FoG was correlated with step length and walking speed during forward and backward walking, total step count, total step time, and walking speed during turning. Comprehensive analysis showed that PD had narrower step length, slower walking speed, and increased asymmetry of step length. These features were the most prominent during turning, followed by backward and forward walking. Impacts of FoG were also the most prominent during turning.
Outcomes of Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma with Different Managements: Retrospective Investigation of 50 Patients
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Yang Zhiying
Published: December 2020

Background: Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a rare tumor and no standard treatment has been established. This study was aimed to retrospectively investigate the outcomes of different managements for HEHE patients Methods: From March 2017 to November 2019, a retrospective investigation was performed among 50 HEHE patients to summarize the outcomes of different managements. Their medical records were collected and the outcome of each management was evaluated based on radiological images. Results: For all the 50 HEHE patients, 80% were asymptomatic and 94% had multiple intrahepatic lesions. Extrahepatic metastases were detected in 54% patients and 82% patients were radiologically misdiagnosed. For 18 patients with initial observation, 16 (88.9%) of them had progressive disease (PD). For 12 patients with curative intent surgery or radiofrequency ablation (RF), 10 (83.3%) of them had recurrence. Six patients with interferon-α had results of 4 partial response (PR), one complete response (CR) and one stable disease (SD). For 6 patients with thalidomide, 4 patients had PD and 2 patients had SD. Four patients with chemotherapy had 3 PD and one SD. Five patients with targeted therapy had 2 PR (both with apatinib), 2 PD and one SD. Conclusions: HEHE patients had a high chance of PD during observation. The risk of recurrence after surgery or RF was high. Interferon-α and apatinib were the managements with tumor response (PR or CR). The encouraging result of interferon-α makes it a promising treatment for HEHE.
A Systematic Review of Hospital Efficiency and Productivity Studies: Lessons from Australia, UK and Canada.
Authors: Eklom Bonnie , Callander Emily
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAgeing populations, more expensive technology, growing rates of chronic disease and increasing consumer expectations are expected to lead to increased demand for health services and a rise in health expenditure within Australia. Productivity and efficiency analysis of Australia’s health system could provide valuable insight into the performance of the health system and assist stakeholders to reduce unnecessary growth in public hospital expenditure. This review describes efficiency and productivity analyses of hospitals in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review of efficiency and productivity analyses of hospitals in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. The search was conducted in two stages; (1) a search of the grey literature using a Google search engine; and (2) a traditional systematic review method search of academic databases. It is uncommon for grey literature to have abstracts, therefore, executive summaries, table of contents or subheadings were screened. Titles and Abstracts of journal articles were screened. DiscussionWithin Australia and key comparator nations, the number of efficiency and analysis studies is small. There is no clear consensus on the most suitable analysis technique to measure efficiency and productivity of hospitals. However, selection of inputs is similar across all studies identified in this review, consisting of measures of labour (most commonly relating to full time equivalent employees), goods and services (e.g. purchased consumables, such as drugs), and capital. Similarly, the majority of studies struggled to identify output measures that could capture improvements in patient outcomes, a key performance measure for any hospital. Instead, most studies utilised proxy measures relating to hospital throughputs (number of separations) or population health measurements. Of note, only one study demonstrated active engagement with the health sector in study development. Conclusion There is considerable scope for the further development of efficiency and productivity analysis techniques that can adequately capture relevant production factors, allow for robust comparisons across hospitals and time periods and which meaningfully engage with the health sector to inform improvements in efficiency and productivity.