bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“It might be a statistic to me, but every death matters.”: An assessment of facility-level maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response systems in four sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Kinney Mary V. , Ajayi Gbaike , de Graft-Johnson Joseph , Hill Kathleen , Khadka Neena , Om’Iniabohs Alyssa , Mukora-Mutseyekwa Fadzai , Tayebwa Edwin , Shittu Oladapo , Lipingu Chrisostom , Kerber Kate , Nyakina Juma Daimon , Ibekwe Perpetus Chudi , Sayinzoga Felix , Madzima Bernard , George Asha S. , Thapa Kusum
Published: December 2020

Background

Maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR) systems aim to understand and address key contributors to maternal and perinatal deaths to prevent future deaths. From 2016–2017, the US Agency for International Development’s Maternal and Child Survival Program conducted an assessment of MPDSR implementation in Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

Methods

A cross-sectional, mixed-methods research design was used to assess MPDSR implementation. The study included a desk review, policy mapping, semistructured interviews with 41 subnational stakeholders, observations, and interviews with key informants at 55 purposefully selected facilities. Using a standardised tool with progress markers defined for six stages of implementation, each facility was assigned a score from 0–30. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed from the 47 facilities with a score above 10 (‘evidence of MPDSR practice’).

Results

The mean calculated MPDSR implementation progress score across 47 facilities was 18.98 out of 30 (range: 11.75–27.38). The team observed variation across the national MPDSR guidelines and tools, and inconsistent implementation of MPDSR at subnational and facility levels. Nearly all facilities had a designated MPDSR coordinator, but varied in their availability and use of standardised forms and the frequency of mortality audit meetings. Few facilities (9%) had mechanisms in place to promote a no-blame environment. Some facilities (44%) could demonstrate evidence that a change occurred due to MPDSR. Factors enabling implementation included clear support from leadership, commitment from staff, and regular occurrence of meetings. Barriers included lack of health worker capacity, limited staff time, and limited staff motivation.

Conclusion

This study was the first to apply a standardised scoring methodology to assess subnational- and facility-level MPDSR implementation progress. Structures and processes for implementing MPDSR existed in all four countries. Many implementation gaps were identified that can inform priorities and future research for strengthening MPDSR in low-capacity settings.
Periplasm-enriched fractions from Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri type A and X. fuscans subsp. aurantifolii type B present distinct proteomic profiles under in vitro pathogenicity induction
Authors: Zandonadi Flávia S. , Ferreira Sílvia P. , Alexandrino André V. , Carnielli Carolina M. , Artier Juliana , Barcelos Mariana P. , Nicolela Nicole C. S. , Prieto Evandro L. , Goto Leandro S. , Belasque José , Novo-Mansur Maria Teresa Marques
Published: December 2020

The causative agent of Asiatic citrus canker, the Gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (XAC), produces more severe symptoms and attacks a larger number of citric hosts than Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. aurantifolii XauB and XauC, the causative agents of cancrosis, a milder form of the disease. Here we report a comparative proteomic analysis of periplasmic-enriched fractions of XAC and XauB in XAM-M, a pathogenicity- inducing culture medium, for identification of differential proteins. Proteins were resolved by two-dimensional electrophoresis combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Among the 12 proteins identified from the 4 unique spots from XAC in XAM-M (p<0.05) were phosphoglucomutase (PGM), enolase, xylose isomerase (XI), transglycosylase, NAD(P)H-dependent glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, succinyl-CoA synthetase β subunit, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and conserved hypothetical proteins XAC0901 and XAC0223; most of them were not detected as differential for XAC when both bacteria were grown in NB medium, a pathogenicity non-inducing medium. XauB showed a very different profile from XAC in XAM-M, presenting 29 unique spots containing proteins related to a great diversity of metabolic pathways. Preponderant expression of PGM and XI in XAC was validated by Western Blot analysis in the periplasmic-enriched fractions of both bacteria. This work shows remarkable differences between the periplasmic-enriched proteomes of XAC and XauB, bacteria that cause symptoms with distinct degrees of severity during citrus infection. The results suggest that some proteins identified in XAC can have an important role in XAC pathogenicity.
High throughput mathematical modeling and multi-objective evolutionary algorithms for plant tissue culture media formulation: Case study of pear rootstocks
Authors: Jamshidi Saeid , Yadollahi Abbas , Arab Mohammad Mehdi , Soltani Mohammad , Eftekhari Maliheh , Shiri Jalal
Published: December 2020

Simplified prediction of the interactions of plant tissue culture media components is of critical importance to efficient development and optimization of new media. We applied two algorithms, gene expression programming (GEP) and M5’ model tree, to predict the effects of media components on in vitro proliferation rate (PR), shoot length (SL), shoot tip necrosis (STN), vitrification (Vitri) and quality index (QI) in pear rootstocks (Pyrodwarf and OHF 69). In order to optimize the selected prediction models, as well as achieving a precise multi-optimization method, multi-objective evolutionary optimization algorithms using genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) techniques were compared to the mono-objective GA optimization technique. A Gamma test (GT) was used to find the most important determinant input for optimizing each output factor. GEP had a higher prediction accuracy than M5’ model tree. GT results showed that BA (Γ = 4.0178), Mesos (Γ = 0.5482), Mesos (Γ = 184.0100), Micros (Γ = 136.6100) and Mesos (Γ = 1.1146), for PR, SL, STN, Vitri and QI respectively, were the most important factors in culturing OHF 69, while for Pyrodwarf culture, BA (Γ = 10.2920), Micros (Γ = 0.7874), NH4NO3(Γ = 166.410), KNO3(Γ = 168.4400), and Mesos (Γ = 1.4860) were the most important influences on PR, SL, STN, Vitri and QI respectively. The PSO optimized GEP models produced the best outputs for both rootstocks.
How medical education survives and evolves during COVID-19: Our experience and future direction
Authors: Kim Ju Whi , Myung Sun Jung , Yoon Hyun Bae , Moon Sang Hui , Ryu Hyunjin , Yim Jae-Joon
Published: December 2020

Background

Due to the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), school openings were postponed worldwide as a way to stop its spread. Most classes are moving online, and this includes medical school classes. The authors present their experience of running such online classes with offline clinical clerkship under pandemic conditions, and also present data on student satisfaction, academic performance, and preference.

Methods

The medical school changed every first-year to fourth-year course to an online format except the clinical clerkship, clinical skills training, and basic laboratory classes such as anatomy lab sessions. Online courses were pre-recorded video lectures or live-streamed using video communication software. At the end of each course, students and professors were asked to report their satisfaction with the online course and comment on it. The authors also compared students’ academic performance before and after the introduction of online courses.

Results

A total of 69.7% (318/456) of students and 35.2% (44/125) of professors answered the questionnaire. Students were generally satisfied with the online course and 62.2% of them preferred the online course to the offline course. The majority (84.3%) of the students wanted to maintain the online course after the end of COVID-19. In contrast, just 13.6% of professors preferred online lectures and half (52.3%) wanted to go back to the offline course. With the introduction of online classes, students' academic achievement did not change significantly in four subjects, but decreased in two subjects.

Conclusions

The inevitable transformation of medical education caused by COVID-19 is still ongoing. As the safety of students and the training of competent physicians are the responsibilities of medical schools, further research into how future physicians will be educated is needed.
ATM inhibition enhances Auranofin-induced oxidative stress and cell death in lung cell lines
Authors: Ehrenfeld Vanessa , Heusel Jan R. , Fulda Simone , van Wijk Sjoerd J. L.
Published: December 2020

Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T), a pleiotropic chromosomal breakage syndrome, is caused by the loss of the kinase Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM). ATM is not only involved in the response to DNA damage, but also in sensing and counteracting oxidative stress. Since a disturbed redox balance has been implicated in the pathophysiology of A-T lung disease, we aimed to further explore the interplay between ATM and oxidative stress in lung cells. Using a kinetic trapping approach, we could demonstrate an interaction between the trapping mutant TRX1-CS and ATM upon oxidative stress. We could further show that combined inhibition of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and ATM kinase activity, using Auranofin and KU55933 respectively, induced an increase in cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and protein oxidation in lung cells. Furthermore, ATM inhibition sensitized lung cells to Auranofin-induced cell death that could be rescued by ROS scavengers. As a consequence, targeted reduction of ATM by TRX1 could serve as a regulator of oxidative ATM activation and contribute to the maintenance of the cellular redox homeostasis. These results highlight the importance of the redox-active function of ATM in preventing ROS accumulation and cell death in lung cells.
Health care expenditure in the last five years of life is driven by morbidity, not age: A national study of spending trajectories in Danish decedents over age 65
Authors: Hansen Anne Vinkel , Mortensen Laust Hvas , Trompet Stella , Westendorp Rudi
Published: December 2020

Background

The high level of medical spending at the end of life is well-documented, but whether there is any real potential for cost reductions there is still in question, and studies have tended to overlook the costs of care.

Aim

To identify the most common health care spending trajectories over the last five years of life among older Danes, as well as the determinants of following a given trajectory.

Methods

We linked Danish health registries to obtain data on all health care expenditure (including hospital treatment, prescription drugs, primary care and costs of communal care) over the last five years of life for all Danish decedents above age 65 in the period 2013 through 2017. A latent class analysis identified the most common cost trajectories, which were then related to socio-economical characteristics and health status at five years before death.

Results

Total health care expenditures in the last five years of life were largely independent of age and cause of death. Costs of home care and residential care increased steeply with age at death whereas hospital costs decreased correspondingly. We found four main spending trajectories among decedents: 3 percent followed a late-rise trajectory, 11 percent had accelerating costs, and two groups of 43 percent each followed moderately or consistently high trajectories. The main predictor of total expenditure was the number of chronic diseases.

Interpretation

Spending at the end of life is largely determined by chronic disease, and age and cause of death only determine the distribution of expenses into care and cure.
COVID-19-related stigmatization among a sample of Egyptian healthcare workers
Authors: Mostafa Aya , Sabry Walaa , Mostafa Nayera S.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To explore coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related stigma and its associated factors among Egyptian physicians.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using an anonymous online questionnaire was conducted from 7 to 21 June 2020. The survey was distributed via social media and email to physicians working in Egypt through convenience sampling.

Results

509 physicians participated in the study (mean age: 41.5±10.2). 138 (27.1%) participants were directly involved in the care of COVID-19 patients. 159 (31.2%) participants reported severe level of COVID-19-related stigma. Participants’ mean overall COVID-19-related stigma score was 40.6±8.0. The mean subscale scores were: personalized stigma 26.0±5.7, disclosure concerns 9.3±2.2, negative self-image 6.9±1.6, and concern with public attitudes 24.4±4.9. In the multivariable regression analyses, the overall COVID-19-related stigma score was higher in participants with lower qualifications (β = -0.19, 95% CI: 2.32, -0.64, p = 0.001), and in those working in a quarantine hospital (β = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01, 7.14, p = 0.050).

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of Egyptian physicians in this exploratory study experienced COVID-19-related stigmatization. These preliminary findings highlight the need for specific research and targeted interventions particularly addressing COVID-19-related stigmatization among healthcare workers.
Self-criticism and self-esteem in early adolescence: Do they predict depression?
Authors: Gittins Catherine B. , Hunt Caroline
Published: December 2020

Beck’s theory suggests that forming negative self-cognitions is a key early step in the development of depression. However, others have suggested the reverse, arguing that depression leads to development of negative self-beliefs. As such, there is debate about whether these cognitions are precursors to, or alternatively are caused by, depression. Although Beck’s theory is supported in older adolescents, it has not been clearly seen in younger adolescents. This study aimed to assess the relation between two major self-cognitions (self-esteem and self-criticism) and depressive symptoms in early adolescence. Two-hundred and forty-three Australian adolescents (mean age = 12.08, 52% female) completed measures of self-esteem, self-criticism and depressive symptoms at baseline, then approximately 12- and 24-months later. Growth-curve modelling was used to assess changes in the variables. Cross-lagged analysis assessed whether either of the self-cognition variables predicted depressive symptoms, or if depressive symptoms predicted self-cognitions. Results indicated that self-criticism and depressive symptoms increased over the time period, while self-esteem decreased, and these changes were all related. Self-esteem predicted depressive symptoms from Time 2 to Time 3, while depressive symptoms predicted self-esteem from Time 1 to Time 2. Self-criticism did not predict depressive symptoms, nor did depressive symptoms predict self-criticism. These links appeared largely independent of gender. Self-esteem and depressive symptoms during the early adolescent period thus appear to have a somewhat reciprocal relation, while self-criticism does not appear to predict the development of depression. As such, while low self-esteem does appear to have an important role of in the development of depression in this age group, it is not strictly predictive, nor is this effect seen across all negative self-cognitions.
Association between the use of social networking sites, perceived social support, and life satisfaction: Evidence from a population-based survey in Japan
Authors: Oshio Takashi , Kimura Hiromi , Nishizaki Toshimi , Omori Takashi
Published: December 2020

This study examined the association between the use of social networking sites (SNS), perceived social support (PSS), and life satisfaction (LS), focusing on the mediating effect of PSS on the association between SNS use and LS. To this end, we used data (N = 15,574) obtained from a population-based, nationwide internet survey conducted in Japan. First, we confirmed that the number of SNS friends was positively associated with life satisfaction for all age groups: young (15–29 years), middle-aged (30–59 years), and old (60–86 years). However, the association was mixed if there were 100 or more SNS friends. Second, our structural equation modeling analysis underscored the mediating effect of PSS on the association between the number of SNS friends and LS for all age groups. Specifically, PSS mediated 36.5% (standard error [SE]: 8.6%), 39.8% (SE: 6.3%), and 40.3% (SE: 11.4%) of the association for the young, middle-aged, and old groups, respectively, if we defined SNS use as having 10 or more SNS friends. The mediating effect of PSS consistently contributed to the positive association between SNS use and LS regardless of the number of SNS friends, suggesting that SNS use has the potential to enhance subjective well-being via its positive impact on PSS.
Concordance within parent couples’ perception of parental stress symptoms among parents to 1-18-year-olds with physical or mental health problems
Authors: Rayce Signe Boe , Pontoppidan Maiken , Nielsen Tine
Published: December 2020

Parents of children with physical or mental health problems are at higher risk for experiencing parental stress. However, mothers and fathers may experience parental stress differently. The aim was to examine whether mothers and fathers of children with physical and/or mental health problems are equally inclined within the couples to experience different aspects of parental stress when considering child and parent couple characteristics. Single aspects of Parental stress were assessed with nine items from the Parental Stress Scale in 197 parent couples of children aged 1–18 years with physical and/or mental health problems. Agreement within parent couples for each item was tested using two tests of marginal homogeneity for dependent data: a nominal G2-test and an ordinal γ-test. Analyses were conditioned on child gender, child age, couple educational level, and overall parental stress. For seven aspects of parental stress, differences in agreement within the couples were found with at least one of the conditioning variables. For five aspects (item 3, 4, 9, 10, 13) addressing specific personal experience of daily stressors related to having children and feeling inadequate as a parent, the differences were systematic. Mothers were more inclined to experience these aspect of parental stress than fathers, specially mothers of boys, a younger child, in couples with an education above high school or with a higher stress level. Agreement was found for two aspects (item 14 and 16) of parental stress. This study suggests that mothers’ and fathers’ experience of most aspects of parental stress vary within the couples. Knowledge on systematic difference between parents’ experience of parental stress may inform future interventions. For aspects where mothers generally experience the highest degree of stress, fathers may be involved as support. Future studies may explore the role of diagnoses, coping strategies and examine concordance in parental stress symptoms in other subgroups.
Effect of cesarean section on initiation of breast feeding: Findings from 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Gedefaw Getnet , Goedert Martha H. , Abebe Eskeziaw , Demis Asmamaw
Published: December 2020

Background

Early initiation of breast feeding has great importance for both mothers and newborns. Despite, recommendations for exclusive and early initiation of breast feeding within one hour of birth, Ethiopia reports that 58% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Cesarean deliveries may affect timing of breastfeeding initiation, establishment of milk supply and infant breastfeeding interest compared to vaginal deliveries. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cesarean delivery on breastfeeding initiation.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 7115 study participants from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS). Both descriptive and analytical statistical analysis was employed. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify anyassociations between variables. Odds ratios with its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. During multivariable analysis, variables with p-value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of late initiation of breast feeding among women with their last live birth was 25.03% (95%CI; 20.5–32.2). Significant factors associated with late initiation of breastfeeding were cesarean delivery [AOR = 4.06 (95%CI, 2.66–6.2)], primipara mother [AOR = 1.45(95%CI, 1.13–1.7)], and having an unplanned pregnancy [AOR = 1.35(95%CI, 1.1–1.65)]. Positively associated with early initiation of breastfeeding was the mother’s age, for women between 20–34 years-old. This association, reported as a negative association of late initiation of breast feeding was [AOR = 0.77(95%CI, 0.61–0.98)].

Conclusion

Cesarean delivery adversely affects the initiation of breast feeding. Cesarean delivery, unplanned pregnancy, and being primiparous, were associated with late initiation of breastfeeding. Women between the ages of 20–34 years of age had a reduced chance of late initiation of breastfeeding. Providing counseling regarding the strategy and importance of early initiation of breast feeding, could have crucial importance for the mother and her newborn.
Mycolactone toxin induces an inflammatory response by targeting the IL-1β pathway: Mechanistic insight into Buruli ulcer pathophysiology
Authors: Foulon M. , Robbe-Saule M. , Manry J. , Esnault L. , Boucaud Y. , Alcaïs A. , Malloci M. , Fanton d’Andon M. , Beauvais T. , Labarriere N. , Jeannin P. , Abel L. , Saint-André J. P. , Croué A. , Delneste Y. , Boneca I. G. , Marsollier L. , Marion E.
Published: December 2020

Mycolactone, a lipid-like toxin, is the major virulence factor of Mycobacterium ulcerans, the etiological agent of Buruli ulcer. Its involvement in lesion development has been widely described in early stages of the disease, through its cytotoxic and immunosuppressive activities, but less is known about later stages. Here, we revisit the role of mycolactone in disease outcome and provide the first demonstration of the pro-inflammatory potential of this toxin. We found that the mycolactone-containing mycobacterial extracellular vesicles produced by M. ulcerans induced the production of IL-1β, a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine, in a TLR2-dependent manner, targeting NLRP3/1 inflammasomes. We show our data to be relevant in a physiological context. The in vivo injection of these mycolactone-containing vesicles induced a strong local inflammatory response and tissue damage, which were prevented by corticosteroids. Finally, several soluble pro-inflammatory factors, including IL-1β, were detected in infected tissues from mice and Buruli ulcer patients. Our results revisit Buruli ulcer pathophysiology by providing new insight, thus paving the way for the development of new therapeutic strategies taking the pro-inflammatory potential of mycolactone into account.
Biological notion of positional information/value in morphogenesis theory
Authors: Wang Yue , Kropp Jérémie , Morozova Nadya
Published: December 2020

The notions of positional information and positional value describe the role of cell position in cell development and pattern formation. Despite their frequent usage in literature, their definitions are blurry, and are interpreted differently by different researchers. Through reflection on previous definitions and usage, and analysis of related experiments, we propose three clear and verifiable criteria for positional information/value. Then we reviewed literature on molecular mechanisms of cell development and pattern formation, to search for a possible molecular basis of positional information/value, including those used in theoretical models. We conclude that although morphogen gradients and cell-to-cell contacts are involved in the pattern formation process, complete molecular explanations of positional information/value are still far from reality.
El impacto del coronavirus en la figura presidencial argentina
Authors: Klobovs Lucas
Published: December 2020

Alberto Fernández asumió la presidencia en diciembre de 2019 y el debate sobre si su liderazgo se encontraba eclipsado por la figura de la vicepresidenta Cristina Kirchner estaba instalado. En este contexto, el coronavirus estalla en Argentina y el presidente logra altos niveles de aprobación (incluso por encima de los que registró luego de su asunción) a medida que la preocupación social por la pandemia aumentaba. ¿Cuál es el impacto real del coronavirus sobre la figura del presidente? A su vez, este salto en la valoración de su gestión impulsa la consolidación de su autoridad, pero, al mismo tiempo, abre el interrogante sobre si se trata de una consolidación real o momentánea.
Gamifikáció hatásának vizsgálata vállalati és oktatási közegben
Authors:   , Barna Balázs
Published: December 2020

Az utóbbi évtized egyik legnépszerűbb hívószava a gamifikáció, mely megpróbálja a „szürke”, „komoly” munkát és feladatot élvezetesebbé tenni. A gamifikáció a célszemélyek adott képességének fejlesztésére, a munkavállalói és hallgatói hozzáállás módosítására, valamint tudásátadásra is használható. Kutatások során a gamifikáció által nyújtott lehetőségek kiaknázását vizsgálja az értekezés vállalati, valamint oktatási közegben, ily módon a munkák két, egymástól eltérő területet fognak át. Az első témakör a vállalati közegben, céges környezetben alkalmazott és alkalmazható lehetőségek vizsgálatát öleli fel. Mivel egy szervezet számára lényeges szempont, hogy meg tudják-e tartani a munkaerőt középtávon, ezért a fő cél a munkavállalók munkahelyükkel való megelégedettségének vizsgálata volt. Emellett a munkavállalók összetettségének elemzése történik meg egy célszoftver segítségével, melyet viselkedéselemzés és viselkedés-becslés követ. A kutatások során bizonyosságot nyertek az alábbi megállapítások: - A vizsgált gamifikált csapatépítő szolgáltatás pozitív hatással bír az észlelt munkahelyi légkörre, a munkavállalók kapcsolati hálójának kiterjedtségére és minőségére, valamint a munkavállalók sportolási szokásaira. - A felhasználók viselkedése alapján AHC-típusú klaszterelemzést használván a felhasználók között a BrainHex modellbe illeszkedő 3 játékostípust lehetett meghatározni: „Győztes”, „Társasági” és „Teljesítő”. - Kimutatható a „szervezői” faktor hatása az általános szervezeti aktivitásra. - Előzetesen feltett kérdések alapján bizonyos viselkedésminták előrejelezhetővé váltak a vizsgált szolgáltatásban. Az oktatással kapcsolatos kutatások három részterületből tevődnek össze. Először az egyetemek széles körében használt Moodle-rendszer gamifikációs szempontú használhatóságát jellemzi az értekezés. Ezt követően egy nagylétszámú kurzusátalakítás lépéseinek, valamint eredményességének jellemzését teszi meg, s végül az e-learning rendszerből kilépve egy sajátfejlesztésű platform megvalósítását ismerteti a dolgozat: - Az értekezés bemutat egy javasolt struktúrát, mely alapján egy megfelelően gamifikált kurzus állítható fel a Moodle rendszer keretein belül. - Az „Informatika” kurzus átalakításának vizsgálatából leszűrhetővé vált a gamifikáció hatása és a részvételi hajlandóság növekedése. - A sajátfejlesztésű gamifikált oktatóplatform első prototípusát ismerteti, amely alkalmas különböző témakörű tananyagok implementációját követően azok átadására.
Idiopathic Terminal Ileal Ulceration Mimicking Crohn's in the Setting of Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation
Authors: Nasir Umair M. , Paer Jeffrey , Jiang Yi , Mirani Neena M. , Ahlawat Sushil , Pergament Kathleen M.
Published: December 2020

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has precipitously decreased the morbidity associated with human immunodeficiency virus but can unmask and exacerbate opportunistic infections and autoimmune diseases. Various diseases have been reported in association with ART initiation, but there is scant literature describing inflammatory colitis in the setting of ART initiation. We present a 39-year-old man with chronic untreated human immunodeficiency virus and central nervous system toxoplasmosis who developed persistent diarrhea after initiation of ART. A comprehensive infectious workup was negative. Computed tomography demonstrated terminal ileum enteritis, which was confirmed by colonoscopy. Biopsy of the terminal ileum revealed fibrinous exudate and granulation tissue.
Multiresistant microorganism infection in newborns at an intermediate neonatal care unit and intensive care unit of reference: cross-sectional study
Authors: Lima Flávio Henrique Alves de , Paula Cácia Régia de , Pacheco Jade Alves de Souza , Pelazza Bruno Bordin , Mendonça Guilherme Silva de , Barbosa Maria Alves , Silva Marinésia Aparecida da
Published: December 2020

The objective was to describe the infection profile of multidrug-resistant organisms of newborns (NB), admitted to the neonatal intermediate care unit and the intensive care unit. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study of epidemiological nature, composed of 931 medical records and/or Hospital Infection Control Committee notification records, during the period of June to September 2012. Eight hundred and seventy newborns (NB) were admitted to the neonatal intensive care units and to intermediate care, with a final sample of 45 NB presenting bloodstream infections (BSI) caused by multiresistant microorganisms. From the analyses, the following results were highlighted: gestational age < 37 weeks in 42 (93.3%); low weight at birth between < 750g to 1.499g. The profile for resistance to enterobacteriaceae was 100% for cefepime and ceftazidime concerning non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria, it was found that (100%) of P.aeruginosa was resistant to aztreonam, (100%) of S. maltophilia resistant to ceftazidime and to gentamycin, however, (1.1%) of S. aureus isolates were resistant to oxacillin and (12.5%) of S. haemolyticus demonstrated a confirmed resistance to vancomycin. These results are worrying and express the importance of correct monitoring, and the need for producing a propaedeutic protocol in consensus with the multiprofessional team through the Hospital Infection Control Committee and managers, which is then implemented and regularly assessed by the service.
TERRITÓRIO: CONFLITOS E REPRODUÇÃO DO CAPITAL EM MOÇAMBIQUE
Authors: Macaringue Ernesto Jorge , De Melo Thiago Sebastiano
Published: December 2020

Em qual medida os processos de administração da terra, que se baseiam na concepção do território único, estão no centro dos conflitos pelo seu acesso, controle e gestão em Moçambique? As disputas pelo acesso, controle e gestão da terra como meio universal de criação de riqueza e bem-estar social, envolvem os sujeitos do campo que são os membros das comunidades locais, os agentes dos órgãos do governo que administram a terra e os que querem acumular ou ampliar seu dinheiro com ela. Nesse contexto, o nosso objetivo é problematizar a concepção do território único, que entendemos ofuscar e aniquilar a importância material da comunidade local, que pode ser resumida como uma categoria espacial vital na organização e reprodução social camponesa; subsidiando as vozes que sempre reivindicaram a necessidade de uma reforma agrária. Os dados usados no debate provêm de várias fontes: acervos dos órgãos do Estado, relatórios de pesquisas e fontes orais de diferentes personalidades. Ao sistematizar tais informações apontamos que a perda da sociobiodiversidade está atrelada ao moinho que tritura interações metabólicas nas quais a dignidade da vida é pilar (territórios campesinos) para subsumir a vida ao imperativo do capital.
Realizácia STEM aktivít v školských výchovno-vzdelávacích zariadeniach
Authors: Bieliková Michaela
Published: December 2020

Abstrakt: Predkladaná teoretická štúdia sa zameriava na možnosti realizácie STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) aktivít v neformálnom vzdelávaní, konkrétne v školských kluboch detí (SR) a školskej družine (školní družina – ČR). V príspevku sa zameriavame na spôsob realizácie a hodnotenia STEM aktivít v poškolských zariadeniach a programoch (afterschool clubs, out of school clubs, afterschool program), ktoré sa realizujú v zahraničí, ako aj na vplyv týchto aktivít na samotného žiaka (jeho prospech, správanie, socializáciu a pod.). Priestor, v ktorom vidíme uplatnenie týchto aktivít v našom (slovenskom a českom) prostredí, je v rámci viacerých režimových činností, t.j. v odpočinkových, záujmových 1 a pohybovo-rekreačných činnostiach, konkrétne však v prírodovedno-environmentálnej tematickej oblasti výchovy (zájmové činnosti přírodovědně-ekologické) a pracovno-technickej tematickej oblasti výchovy (zájmové činnosti pracovně-technické) zaraďovaných do spomenutých činností. V týchto zariadeniach vidíme rozšírené možnosti (priestorové aj časové) pri realizácii STEM aktivít v porovnaní s klasickým vyučovaním, kde je pedagóg obmedzený predovšetkým triednohodinovým systémom.

Kľúčové slová: hodnotenie, poškolské programy, STEM aktivity, školní družina, školský klub detí.
Translators and interpreters’ voice on the spread of English as a lingua franca in Italy
Authors: Bendazzoli Claudio
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the results of an online survey on the spread of ELF in the translation and interpreting (T&I) industry in Italy. It follows previous perception studies based on a limited number of ad-hoc interviews or broader surveys including unsolicited comments on ELF. This study is the first attempt to carry out a large-scale, online survey among professional translators and interpreters specifically to analyze how they perceive the effects of the increasing use of English by non-native speakers and the resulting consequences on their job. A total of 247 T&I professionals took part in the survey, answering questions about their professional profile, ELF-related features found in source texts, the resulting strategies and solutions adopted to deal with them, and the future developments of T&I. Overall, several challenges are voiced by survey participants, from greater comprehension difficulties to fewer jobs, thus confirming the results of previous studies. However, ELF use also seems to provide new opportunities in more specialized settings and enable better communication with a broader client base. In fact, opposite views can be highlighted in most survey items, pointing to the need to increase the awareness of both service users and providers about the positive and negative effects of the global language par excellence.
New insights into the links between anti-diabetes drugs and gut microbiota
Authors: Hu Ruixin , Yuan Yanting , Liu Chaolong , Zhou Ji , Ji Lixia , Jiang Guohui
Published: December 2020

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the intestinal flora is out of balance and accompanied by leaky gut. The flora is characterized by an increase in mucus-degrading bacteria and a decrease in fiber-degrading bacteria. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as the major fiber-degrading bacteria fermentation, not only ameliorate the leaky gut, but also activate GPR43 to increase the mass of functional pancreatic β-cells and exert anti-inflammation effect. At present, the gut microbiota is considered as the potential target for anti-diabetes drugs, and how to reverse the imbalance of gut microbiota has become a therapeutic strategy for T2DM. This review briefly summarizes the drugs or compounds that have direct or potential therapeutic effects on T2DM by modulating the gut microbiota, including biguanides, isoquinoline alkaloids, stilbene and C7N-aminocyclic alcohols.
SGLT2-i improves markers of islet endothelial cell function in db/db diabetic mice
Authors: Hogan Meghan F , Hackney Daryl J , Aplin Alfred C , Mundinger Thomas O , Larmore Megan J , Castillo Joseph J , Esser Nathalie , Zraika Sakeneh , Hull Rebecca L
Published: December 2020

Islet endothelial cells produce paracrine factors important for islet beta-cell function and survival. Under conditions of type 2 diabetes, islet endothelial cells exhibit a dysfunctional phenotype including increased expression of genes involved in cellular adhesion and inflammation. We sought to determine whether treatment of hyperglycemia with the sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin, either alone or in combination with metformin, would improve markers of endothelial cell function in islets, assessed ex vivo, and if such an improvement is associated with improved insulin secretion in a mouse model of diabetes in vivo. For these studies, db/db diabetic mice and non-diabetic littermate controls were treated for 6 weeks with empagliflozin or metformin, either alone or in combination. For each treatment group, expression of genes indicative of islet endothelial dysfunction was quantified. Islet endothelial and beta-cell area was assessed by morphometry of immunochemically stained pancreas sections. Measurements of plasma glucose and insulin secretion during an intravenous glucose tolerance test were performed on vehicle and drug treated diabetic animals. We found that expression of endothelial dysfunction marker genes is markedly increased in diabetic mice. Treatment with either empagliflozin or metformin lowered expression of the dysfunction marker genes ex vivo, which correlated with improved glycemic control, and increased insulin release in vivo. Empagliflozin treatment was more effective than metformin alone, with a combination of the two drugs demonstrating the greatest effects. Improving islet endothelial function through strategies such as empagliflozin/metformin treatment may provide an effective approach for improving insulin release in human type 2 diabetes.
Regulation of mineralisation in bone and vascular tissue: a comparative review
Authors: Bourne Lucie E , Wheeler-Jones Caroline PD , Orriss Isabel R
Published: December 2020

Biomineralisation, the deposition of mineral onto a matrix, can be both a physiological and pathological process. Bone formation involves the secretion of an extracellular matrix (ECM) by osteoblasts and subsequent mineralisation of that matrix. It is regulated by a number of local and systemic factors and is necessary for maintenance of normal bone health. Conversely, mineralisation (or calcification) of soft tissues, including the vasculature, is detrimental to that tissue, leading to diseases such as arterial medial calcification (AMC). The mechanisms underlying AMC development are not fully defined, though it is thought that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) drive this complex, cell-mediated process. Similarly, AMC is regulated by a variety of enzymes and molecules, many of which have already been implicated in the regulation of bone mineralisation. This review will provide an overview of the similar, and sometimes opposing effects of these signalling molecules on the regulation of bone mineralisation and AMC.
Fortalecimiento del proceso lector en niños de preescolar: una experiencia en el aula
Authors: Pinzón Barrero Norma Constanza
Published: December 2020

El presente artículo describe los resultados obtenidos con la implementación de una estrategia pedagógica para el fortalecimiento del proceso de lectura en los niños de grado cero del Instituto Promoción Social del Norte de Bucaramanga, mediante la implementación de una estrategia basada en los principios del método Doman. La investigación se realizó con un enfoque cualitativo, siguiendo las fases de la metodología de investigación acción. La población participante corresponde a 21 niños que iniciaron su formación básica y sus padres de familia. La técnica de recolección de información empleada en esta investigación fue la observación y el instrumento de registro el diario pedagógico, en el que se detallaron de todos los eventos relacionados con la ejecución de cada una de las fases del método, que aporta datos valiosos para la investigación. Los resultados alcanzados se evaluaron mediante una rejilla diseñada con base en los derechos básicos de aprendizaje y los estándares de competencias de lectura para grado cero. Estos resultados indican que.es posible fortalecer el proceso lector en los niños de preescolar por medio del empleo de métodos innovadores sustentados con fundamentos teóricos que reconocen el potencial de aprendizaje de los niños de preescolar y los principios que rigen el desarrollo del lenguaje en los primeros años de escolaridad. En este caso, se reafirma la pertinencia de los bits de lectura que propone el método Doman.
Retórica de la censura editorial: La edición en chino simplificado de "21 lecciones para el siglo XXI"
Authors: Li Cheng
Published: December 2020

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo investigar el fenómeno de la censura editorial desde la perspectiva de la Retórica cultural, la cual enfatiza la relación interactiva entre el discurso y la sociedad. Se basa principalmente en un estudio casuístico sobre la censura aplicada en la edición en chino simplificado del best seller mundial 21 lecciones para el siglo XXI.
El personaje de Muerte en la Dança general: ¿doble por fisión o doble por fusión?
Authors: Añua Tejedor Daniel
Published: December 2020

La Dança general de la muerte presenta la realidad indisoluble del ser humano fragmentada en dos personajes diferenciados coexistiendo en el mismo mundo ficcional. En la Dança, Muerte dialoga y baila sucesivamente con sus diferentes parejas de baile. La muerte que nos espera a todos los seres vivos se nos presenta como una entidad autónoma que habita fuera de nosotros y que –al final de nuestros días– vendrá a exterminarnos. ¿De dónde surge la necesidad de crear este personaje literario que comparte diégèse con el personaje de procedencia?, ¿los motivos que llevaron a su creación guardan alguna relación con los motivos que dieron lugar a los dobles románticos por fusión o fisión?, ¿es posible entablar conexiones intertextuales, por ejemplo, entre Goliadkin II de Dostoyevski y Muerte?
Revisitando os Chões de Alpompé com técnicas de deteção remota: novas evidências sobre os sistemas defensivos Romano-Republicanos
Authors: Fonte João , Pimenta João , Pereira Carlos , Margarida Arruda Ana
Published: December 2020

O planalto dos Chões de Alpompé, em Santarém, foi, pelo menos desde os anos 50 do século XX, alvo de numerosos trabalhos de prospeção e até de campanhas de escavação e acompanhamento de obras agrícolas. Tais trabalhos proporcionaram a recolha de inúmeros materiais arqueológicos, muitos dos quais já publicados, que deixam antever uma relevante ocupação humana durante a Idade do Ferro e época Romano-Republicana. Todavia, a definição dos seus sistemas defensivos foi sempre difícil, situação que resulta em grande parte da densa cobertura florestal que o cobre. A recente disponibilidade, para esta zona do baixo Vale do Tejo, de dados de laser aéreo, bem como a sua combinação com fotografia aérea histórica, permitiu identificar e mapear novas estruturas arqueológicas que autorizam uma visão renovada sobre as estruturas do sítio. Esta leitura tem também em consideração os recentes dados obtidos nas intervenções arqueológicas de escavação e acompanhamento decorridas entre 2015 e 2018, que permitiram esclarecer algumas questões relevantes sobre estes sistemas defensivos.
Nuevo terminus augustalis de Valencia del Ventoso (Badajoz, España), que confirma la prefectura emeritense meridional
Authors: Paniego Díaz Pablo , Ramírez Sádaba José Luis , Guillén Vázquez Nicolás
Published: December 2020

A mediados del siglo XIX fue descubierto en Solaparza, Valencia del Ventoso (Badajoz, España), un terminus augustalis de la Colonia Augusta Emerita. Recientemente, se ha encontrado un cipo de granito en la fuente de El Cañuelo, también en Valencia del Ventoso, cuya lectura, a pesar de su estado fragmentario, parece igual al localizado hace más de 150 años en Solaparza. La interpretación del nuevo epígrafe como un nuevo termino augustal, confirma que ambos termini, situados 20 km al sur del límite de la pertica emeritensis, delimitan una de las tres prefecturas asignadas a la Colonia Augusta Emerita.
El tesoro de la villa romana de Boca do Rio (Vila do Bispo, Algarve, Portugal): 90 años después de su descubrimiento
Authors: Conejo Delgado Noé
Published: December 2020

El tesoro de la villa romana de Boca do Rio (Vila do Bispo, Algarve, Portugal) es un conjunto monetario del siglo IV hallado en el interior de un anfora en los anos 30 del siglo XX. En su origen este tesoro contaba con mas de 1 000 monedas, sin embargo tan solo se conocen hoy 284 piezas, las cuales han sido estudiadas de manera parcial por algunos investigadores. Desde un planteamiento actual, se ha reunido toda la informacion disponible sobre las circunstancias que ocasionaron el descubrimiento de este tesoro, con la intencion de aportar mayor precision sobre cuando y porque fue ocultado. Asi mismo, se ha realizado un estudio pormenorizado de las 284 piezas con el objetivo de caracterizar mejor el conjunto; y se ha comparado este con otros tesoros coetaneos y similares documentados en villae lusitanas, con la intencion de aportar una nueva reflexion sobre el rol de la moneda en las economias rurales tardo-antiguas de Lusitania.
On the convergence of discrete optimum control process to its continuous analogue
Authors: Bistrickas V.
Published: December 2020

The abstracts (in two languages) can be found in the pdf file of the article.

Original author name(s) and title in Russian and Lithuanian:

В. Бистрицкас. К вопросу о сходимости дискретного процесса оптимального управления к непрерывному

V. Bistrickas. Diskretinio optimalaus valdymo proceso konvergencijos į tolydinį klausimu
On the accuracy of Gaussian approximation to the distribution of sum of independent identically distributed random variables
Authors: Bikelis A.
Published: December 2020

The abstracts (in two languages) can be found in the pdf file of the article.

Original author name(s) and title in Russian and Lithuanian:

А. Бикялис. О точности аппроксимации распределений сумм независимых одинаково распределенных случайных величин нормальным распределением

A. Bikelis. Apie nepriklausomų vienodai pasiskirsčiusių atsitiktinių dydžių pasiskirstymo aproksimavimo tikslumą normaliniu pasiskirstymu
Some equilibrium strategies in the games on the unit square
Authors: Sūdžiūtė D. , Gorelik L.
Published: December 2020

The abstracts (in two languages) can be found in the pdf file of the article.

Original author name(s) and title in Russian and Lithuanian:

Д. Суджюте, Л. Горелик. Некоторые уравновешенные пары стратегий в играх на единичном квадрате

D. Sūdžiūtė, L. Gorelik. Kai kurios pusiausvyros strategijos lošimuose vienetiniame kvadrate
On positional connections of central punctors space
Authors: Žiaukienė S.
Published: December 2020

The abstracts (in two languages) can be found in the pdf file of the article.

Original author name(s) and title in Russian and Lithuanian:

С. П. Жяукене. Связности в пространстве центральных пункторов

S. Žiaukienė. Centrinių punktorių erdvės sąryšiai
Coalitional differential three-person game
Authors: Skėrus S. , Jačiauskas J.
Published: December 2020

The abstracts (in two languages) can be found in the pdf file of the article.

Original author name(s) and title in Russian and Lithuanian:

С. Л. Скерус, И. П. Ячяускас. Коалиционная дифференциальная игра трех лиц

S. Skėrus, I. Jačiauskas. Koalicinis diferencialinis trijų asmenų lošimas
On the error of the estimate of the spectral function of a stationary process
Authors: Bentkus R.
Published: December 2020

The abstracts (in two languages) can be found in the pdf file of the article.

Original author name(s) and title in Russian and Lithuanian:

Р. Бенткус. Об ошибке оценки спектральной функции стационарного процесса

R. Bentkus. Apie stacionaraus proceso spektrinės funkcijos įvertinimo paklaidą
On weak convergence of the sums of multidimensional stochastic point processes
Authors: Grigelionis B.
Published: December 2020

The abstracts (in two languages) can be found in the pdf file of the article.

Original author name(s) and title in Russian and Lithuanian:

Б. Григелионис. О слабой сходимости сумм многомерных случайных точечных процессов

B. Grigelionis. Apie daugiamačių atsitiktinių taškinių procesų sumų silpną konvergenciją