bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The United Kingdom's first NHS Endobarrier service for advanced diabesity: 1-year outcomes for all 62 treated patients
Authors: Ryder Robert EJ , Irwin Susan P , Burbridge Wyn , Gandhi Hardeep , Bashir Tahira , Allden Rachael A , Wilson Mordel , Wyres Melanie , Cull Melissa , Yadagiri Mahi , Bleasdale John P , Fogden Edward N , Anderson Mark R , Sen Gupta Piya
Published: December 2019

Aims: EndoBarrier is a 60 cm proximal intestinal liner, endoscopically implanted for up to 1 year, designed to mimic the bypass aspect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. We aimed to assess its safety and efficacy in patients with advanced diabesity.Methods: Since October 2014 we have implanted 62 Endo-Barriers in our NHS service. By November 2018 all were explanted. Outcomes were monitored in a registry.Results: In 61 of the 62 patients (98.4%) (age 51.4±7.2 years, 54.1% male, 57.4% Europid, diabetes duration 12.0 (8.0–19.5) years, 57.4% insulin-treated, BMI 41.9±7.4 kg/m2) with implant and explant data, mean±SD HbA1c fell by 23.7±21.4 mmol/mol from 80.2±22.5 to 56.5±11.5 mmol/mol (p<0.001), weight fell by 15.9±8.5 kg from 122.6±27.9 to 106.7±28.9 kg (p<0.001), systolic blood pressure from 138.5±15.0 to 125.8±14.6 mmHg (p<0.001), cholesterol from 4.7±1.4 to 3.9±0.9 mmol/L (p<0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (a marker for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) from 33.2±19.8 to 19.5±11.4 U/L (p<0.001). In the 35 insulin-treated patients, median (IQR) insulin dose reduced from 100 (54–140) to 40 (0–70) units (p<0.001), with 10/35 (28.6%) discontinuing insulin. There were significant falls (UKPDS Risk Engine v2) in the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, suggesting that EndoBarrier treatment in 100 such patients could prevent 8 events of CHD or stroke and save 6 lives over the 10 years. Ten of the 62 patients (16%) required early removal (4 for gastrointestinal haemorrhage, 2 for liver abscess, 1 for another intra-abdominal abscess and 3 for gastrointestinal symptoms). All made a full recovery following device removal and most derived benefit despite early removal.Conclusion: EndoBarrier was highly effective in this setting in patients with advanced diabetes and obesity. Given the high cardiovascular and microvascular risk of these patients, benefits might outweigh risks. As an endoscopic procedure it is relatively simple and non-invasive. Early removal rates require monitoring and there needs to be increased focus on preventing complications but, on balance, EndoBarrier deserves further investigation as a potential treatment for wider use.
Mebendazole inhibits tumor growth and prevents lung metastasis in models of advanced thyroid cancer
Authors: Williamson Tara , Mendes Thais Biude , Joe Natalie , Cerutti Janete M , Riggins Gregory J
Published: December 2019

The most common thyroid malignancy is papillary thyroid cancer. While a majority respond to therapy and have a favorable prognosis, some papillary thyroid cancers persist. This subset may dedifferentiate to anaplastic thyroid cancer, an aggressive, highly invasive and rapidly fatal cancer. Thyroid cancer patients at risk for disease progression and metastasis need earlier, safer and more effective therapies. The purpose of this translational study was to determine if mebendazole could be repurposed to effectively treat thyroid cancer, in particular before metastasis. In vitro, mebendazole potently inhibited the growth of a panel of human papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. In papillary (B-CPAP) and anaplastic (8505c) cell lines, mebendazole increased the percentage of cells in G2/M cell cycle arrest and induced late stage apoptosis by activation of the caspase-3 pathway. In aggressive 8505c cells, mebendazole significantly repressed migratory and invasive potential in a wound healing and transwell invasion assay and inhibited expression of phosphorylated Akt and Stat3 and reduced Gli1. In vivo, mebendazole treatment resulted in significant orthotopic thyroid tumor regression (B-CPAP) and growth arrest (8505c), with treated tumors displaying reduced expression of the proliferation maker KI67 and less vascular epithelium as indicated by CD31+ immunohistochemistry. Most importantly, daily oral mebendazole prevented established thyroid tumors from metastasizing to the lung. Given the low toxicity and published anticancer mechanisms of mebendazole, this novel preclinical study of mebendazole in thyroid cancer has promising therapeutic implications for patients with treatment refractory papillary or anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Activin-inhibitory action on lactotrophs is decreased in lactotroph hyperplasia
Authors: Faraoni E Y , Abeledo Machado A I , Pérez P A , Marcial López C A , Camilletti M A , Peña-Zanoni M , Rulli S B , Gutiérrez S , Díaz-Torga G
Published: December 2019

Among all the hormone-secreting pituitary tumours, prolactinomas are the most frequently found in the clinic. Since dopamine is the primary inhibitor of lactotroph function, dopamine agonists represent the first-line therapy. However, a subset of patients exhibits resistance to these drugs, and therefore, alternative treatments are desired. As activins inhibit prolactin gene expression through the inhibition of Pit-1 involving the p38MAPK pathway, in the present work, we studied the local activin system as an alternative inhibitory system for lactotroph hyperplasia treatment. We used two different mouse models of prolactinoma: transgenic mice with overexpression of the human chorionic gonadotropin β-subunit (hCGβ) and mice lacking dopamine receptor type 2. In both models, females, but not males, develop lactotroph hyperplasia from the fourth month of life. We found reduced expression of pituitary activin subunits and activin receptors in hyperplastic pituitaries from both models compared with wild-type counterparts. Consequently, hyperplastic pituitaries presented a reduced activin-inhibitory action on prolactin secretion. Additionally, while female wild-type lactotrophs presented high levels of phospho-p38MAPK, it was lost in prolactinomas, concomitant with decreased activin expression, increased Pit-1 expression and tumour development. In contrast, male pituitaries express higher mRNA levels of activin subunits βA and βB, which would suggest a stronger activin inhibitory function on lactotrophs, protecting this sex from tumour development, despite genotype. The present results highlight the importance of the activin inhibitory action on lactotroph function and place the local activin system as a new target for the treatment of dopamine agonist-resistant prolactinomas.
Genetic Analysis of the Transition from Wild to Domesticated Cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.)
Authors: Grover Corrinne E , Yoo Mi-Jeong , Lin Meng , Murphy Matthew D , Harker David B , Byers Robert L , Lipka Alexander E , Hu Guanjing , Yuan Daojun , Conover Justin L , Udall Joshua A , Paterson Andrew H , Gore Michael A , Wendel Jonathan F
Published: December 2019

The evolution and domestication of cotton is of great interest from both economic and evolutionary standpoints. Although many genetic and genomic resources have been generated for cotton, the genetic underpinnings of the transition from wild to domesticated cotton remain poorly known. Here we generated an intraspecific QTL mapping population specifically targeting domesticated cotton phenotypes. We used 466 F2 individuals derived from an intraspecific cross between the wild Gossypium hirsutum var. yucatanense (TX2094) and the elite cultivar G. hirsutum cv. Acala Maxxa, in two environments, to identify 120 QTL associated with phenotypic changes under domestication. While the number of QTL recovered in each subpopulation was similar, only 22 QTL were considered coincident (i.e., shared) between the two locations, eight of which shared peak markers. Although approximately half of QTL were located in the A-subgenome, many key fiber QTL were detected in the D-subgenome, which was derived from a species with unspinnable fiber. We found that many QTL are environment-specific, with few shared between the two environments, indicating that QTL associated with G. hirsutum domestication are genomically clustered but environmentally labile. Possible candidate genes were recovered and are discussed in the context of the phenotype. We conclude that the evolutionary forces that shape intraspecific divergence and domestication in cotton are complex, and that phenotypic transformations likely involved multiple interacting and environmentally responsive factors.
Utilizando un recurso inusual
Authors: Sánchez-Hernández Gibrán , Agustín-Sánchez Jonatan , Bueno-Villegas Julián , Gómez Benigno
Published: December 2019

Entre 2017 y 2018 se realizaron muestreos durante cuatro meses en un fragmento de bosque tropical perennifolio de un área natural protegida de Chiapas, México. Se instalaron trampas de caída ubicados a lo largo de un trayecto de aproximadamente 500 m. Las trampas fueron cebadas con individuos recién muertos de Messicobolus magnificus, un milpiés abundante en la reserva durante la temporada lluviosa. Se capturaron 108 individuos de cuatro especies de escarabajos: Canthon vazquezae (92), Deltochilum pseudoparile (13), Coprophanaeus corythus (2) y Ateuchus rodriguezi (1). Únicamente D. pseudoparile ha sido previamente recolectada con carroña de otras especies de milpiés. El uso de este tipo de recurso posiblemente sea una fuente alterna que permite reducir la competencia interespecífica por otros recursos efímeros entre los Scarabaeinae.
Reacción de comunidades rurales de la cordillera occidental de Perú en interacciones con el puma (Puma concolor), con y sin pérdida de animales domésticos
Authors: Mazzolli Marcelo
Published: December 2019

Entre los años 2013 y el 2017, siete (7) interacciones de pumas con comunidades rurales fueron registradas, cuatro (n= 4) de las cuales incluyeron ataques a animales domésticos, y donde la respuesta de la comunidad fue la persecución y muerte del puma. En los otros tres (n 3) registros, no se reportaron daños a rebaños, y los pumas fueron capturados, o por la comunidad, o por el servicio público, y translocados por el servicio público a una nueva área. A pesar del bajo número de muestras, los resultados revelan: (1) que existen casos en los que la población no elimina al felino inmediatamente sucedida la interacción, y solicitan asistencia de las autoridades; (2) aunque las autoridades reaccionan de la mejor manera posible para efectuar translocaciones, en una ocasión un puma silvestre fue enviado a un zoológico y en la otra el puma fue abatido, lo que demanda la implementación de un protocolo para ayudar a la toma de decisiones en estas situaciones. Los resultados también indicarían: (1) que los niveles de tolerancia de la población serían menores cuando hay pérdidas de rebaños domésticos; (2) que las interacciones en áreas residenciales rurales y el registro cerca del litoral desértico, zona distante de hábitats característicos de los pumas, serían indicios de una posible expansión de las poblaciones de pumas.
Entre o discurso e o vivido: la casa de los conejos, de laura alcoba
Authors: Heller Barbara , Vecchi Cristine Gleria , De Mello Lérida Gherardini Malagueta Marcondes
Published: December 2019

La casa de los conejos (2008), de Laura Alcoba, é uma narrativa em primeira pessoa sobre a repressão e a resistência ao governo ditatorial argentino pelos Montoneros, em 1976. No contexto dos estudos contemporâneos da memória, em que a subjetividade e os relatos das experiências de vida são cada vez mais valorizados, como compreendemos o movimento de a autora buscar fontes documentais em sua narrativa? Dada a grande categorização de tipos de memória, como podemos classificar as evocações da autora? Concluímos que a busca documental confirma a necessidade de a autora sustentar, pelo registro impresso, suas lembranças individuais que também são coletivas; que seu relato testemunhal transita entre a verdade, a subjetividade, a sacralização e, finalmente, que suas memórias se encontram entre pós-memória e memória herdada, configurando uma “memória híbrida”. Beatriz Sarlo, Marcio Seligmann-Silva, Maurice Halbwachs, Michael Pollak são alguns dos nossos referenciais teóricos.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Pasteurella multocida isolated from sheep and pigs in Spain – Short communication
Authors: Cid Dolores , Fernández-Garayzábal José Francisco , Pinto Chris , Domínguez Lucas , Vela Ana Isabel
Published: December 2019

Pasteurella multocidais responsible for economically important diseases in sheep and pigs. Antimicrobial susceptibility studies are essential for initiating rational and effective empirical therapy ofP. multocidainfections. In this study we investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility to 18 antimicrobial agents of 156 clinical isolates ofP. multocidafrom sheep (n = 87) and pigs (n = 69) using the microdilution method. Both sheep and pig isolates exhibited low levels of resistance (≤ 15%) to ceftiofur, gentamicin, neomycin, spectinomycin, chlortetracycline, tulathromycin, florfenicol, danofloxacin, and enrofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, high resistance rates (> 15% up to 50%) to oxytetracycline, tilmicosin, and tiamulin, and very high resistance rates (> 50%) to tylosin tartrate, clindamycin, and sulphadimethoxine. However, sheep isolates exhibited significantly lower percentages of resistance and lower MIC90values (P < 0.05) than pig isolates for most of the antimicrobials tested. In addition, sheep isolates exhibited also significantly lower phenotypic antimicrobial resistance diversity (8 resistotypes vs. 30 resistotypes). LAC-LIN-SUL-MAC was the resistotype most frequently detected in sheep (39.1%) and LIN-SUL-MAC in pig isolates (26.1%). The differences in susceptibility patterns could be influenced by the lower use of antimicrobials in the small ruminant industry compared with the pig farming industry.
Evaluation of Serious Postmarket Safety Signals Within 2 Years of FDA Approval for New Cancer Drugs
Authors: Kim Janice , Nair Abhilasha , Keegan Patricia , Beaver Julia A. , Kluetz Paul G. , Pazdur Richard , Chuk Meredith , Blumenthal Gideon M.
Published: December 2019

Background

We examined how often new serious safety signals were identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration within the first 2 years after approval for new molecular entities (NMEs) for treatment of cancer that required specific regulatory actions described here.

Methods

We identified, for all NMEs approved for treatment of cancer or malignant hematology indications between 2010 and 2016, substantial safety-related changes within the first 2 years after approval, which included a new Boxed Warning or Warning and Precaution; requirement for (or modification of existing) Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS); and withdrawal from the market because of safety concerns.

Results

Fifty-five NMEs were approved between 2010 and 2016: 32 (58%) under regular approval (RA) and 23 (42%) under accelerated approval (AA). Of these 55 NMEs, 9 (16%) had substantial safety-related changes after approval. Across all 55 NMEs, one was temporarily withdrawn from the market for safety reasons (1.8%); one (1.8%) required a new REMS; nine required labeling revisions—new Boxed Warnings were required for two NMEs (3.6%), and new Warnings and Precautions subsections were required for eight (14.6%). One drug (ponatinib) was responsible for several of the substantial safety-related changes (withdrawal, REMS, Boxed Warnings). One of 32 NMEs approved under RA required a new Warning and Precaution, whereas 7 of 23 NMEs approved under AA had substantial safety-related changes in the first 2 years after approval.

Conclusion

Based on our analysis we conclude that although there was a greater incidence of substantial safety-related changes to AA drugs versus RA drugs, the majority of these were changes to the Warnings and Precautions and did not substantially alter the benefit-risk profile of the drug.
Türkiye’de Kentsel Dönüşümün Uygulayıcı Aktörleri ve Yaptıkları Çalışmaların Sayısal Verileri
Authors: YILMAZ Onur
Published: December 2019

Kentsel dönüşüm uygulamaları her ülkenin ihtiyaç duyduğu bir kentsel müdahale biçimidir. Kamu

idaresinin kentlerin fiziksel, ekonomik, sosyal sorunlarını çözmeyi ve kenti günün koşullarına uydurmayı

istemesi, kentsel dönüşümün başlıca bir kentsel müdahale yöntemi olmasını sağlamaktadır. Burada

önemli olan nokta, kentsel dönüşümün hangi yöntem ve boyutlarda uygulanacağının ülkeden ülkeye

ve hatta şehirden şehre değişmesidir. Dolayısıyla her ülkenin kendi sosyal, kültürel ve ekonomik yapısı

kentsel dönüşümü şekillendirmektedir. Fakat bu süreçlerde kentsel dönüşümü uygulayan aktörler ön

plana çıkmaktadır. Söz konusu aktörlerin uygulamaları nasıl bir kentsel dönüşüm ortaya konulacağını

belirlemektedir. Konuyla ilgili olarak bu çalışma kapsamında Türkiye ölçeğinde kentsel dönüşümü uygulayan

aktörler hem dayandıkları yasal mevzuatlar hem de yaptıkları çalışmalar üzerinden açıklanmışlardır. Bu

çalışma ile amaçlanan, kentsel dönüşüm üzerine araştırma yapan taraflara derlenmiş veriler sunmaktır.

Dolayısıyla bir araştırma niteliği taşıyan bu çalışmada eleştirme, destekleme veya yorumlamaya yönelik bir

amaç güdülmemiş, sadece Türkiye ölçeğinde kentsel dönüşümün uygulayıcı aktörlerinin faaliyet sonuçları

sayısal olarak derlenmiştir. Bu kapsamda çalışmaya konu olan aktörler; belediyeler, halk, Çevre ve Şehircilik

Bakanlığı, Cumhurbaşkanlığı ve Toplu Konut İdaresi’dir. Bu aktörlerin yaptıkları çalışmaların sayısal verileri

derlenirken ilgili aktörlerin internet siteleri, Resmi Gazete ve Başbakanlık İletişim Merkezi’nden istifade

edilmiştir.
Spike in 2019Q1 Leverage Ratios: The Impact of Operating Leases
Authors: Palazzo Dino , Yang Jie
Published: December 2019

In this note, we show that the key driver of the 2019:Q1 increase in the leverage ratio appears to be a change in accounting rules – which requires the inclusion of operating leases as financial liabilities on U.S. corporations' balance sheets – and also provide a methodology for adjusting the leverage ratio to allow for cleaner historical comparisons.
Sorting, typing, classifying
Authors: Beaudevin Claire , Schramm Katharina
Published: December 2019

n/a
Marketization of Higher Education and University Branding. Review of: Papadimitrou A. (ed.) Competition in Higher Education Branding and Marketing: National and Global Perspectives
Authors: Demin Pavel
Published: December 2019

The volume reviewed provides a critical examination of contemporary trends in the marketization of higher education and university branding. Being bound to respond to external challenges, in particular seek additional sources of finance in the context of reduced public funding, universities are increasingly more likely to adopt governance and development practices from businesses. The book authors consider higher education as a highly competitive market in which universities compete in a very corporate way. In a competitive climate, university branding becomes an effective way of attracting partners and students. Examples of higher education systems in a number of countries (Belgium, Mozambique, Hong Kong, etc.) are used to investigate the strategies used by universities to create, promote and differentiate their brands. The book also explores specific aspects of private university branding, the role of rankings in brand building, government participation in the positioning of national universities in the global higher education market, and the current challenges in branding development and promotion faced by universities, such as the need to develop social capital, differentiate from other institutions, and deal with piggyback marketing.
Learning Design: Creating Powerful Learning Environments for Self-Regulation Skills
Authors: De Corte Erik
Published: December 2019

The interdisciplinary research in the learning sciences has and still does substantially contribute to meeting the current need for new environments for learning by developing and elaborating new perspectives on the ultimate goal of school education, and on the nature of learning to achieve this goal. The presentation start with a brief review of such a perspective. Against this background the article will focus on self-regulation as a major component of the goals of education. Findings about the positive relationship between self-regulation and student learning have lead researchers to design learning environments for improving students’ self-regulation skills. Several metacognitive methods have been designed especially for the math learning; as an example the IMPROVE model developed by Mevarech and Kramarski (2014) well briefly be presented. Research evidence will then be discussed showing that such learning environments are effective for developing and improving self-regulated learning in Kindergarten children and primary and secondary school students. Of course, realizing this potential requires in the classroom teachers pay explicit attention to the teaching of self-regulated activities. Therefore, a major challenge for teacher training and professional development consists in improving teachers’ awareness and knowledge of self-regulation and equipping them with effective strategies for developing self-regulation skills in students.
Kireç ve perlitle stabilize edilen yüksek plastisiteli kil zeminin geçirimliliği
Authors: ŞADOĞLU Erol , ÇALIK Ümit
Published: December 2019

Bina,
köprü, yol ve baraj gibi mühendislik yapılarının üzerinde inşa edileceği
zeminler her zaman uygun özelliklerde olmayabilir. Mühendislik yapılarının inşa
edileceği zayıf zeminlerin oluşturduğu ortamlarda
geoteknik mühendisleri, zayıf zemini ıslah etme şeklindeki bir çözümü sıklıkla
tercih eder. Çeşitli katkılarla kimyasal reaksiyonlar yaptırılarak zemin
mühendislik özelliklerinin değiştirilmesine  kimyasal stabilizasyon denir. Mekanik stabilizasyon
ile yeterli düzeyde ıslah edilemeyen zeminlere kimyasal stabilizasyon uygulanır.
Kimyasal stabilizasyon zeminin mukavemet, plastisite, kompaksiyon, durabilite
gibi özelliklerinde değişime yol açtığı gibi geçirimlilik özelliğinde de
değişime yol açmaktadır. Zeminlerin geçirimliliği, yeraltı suyu akımı ve sızma
problemlerinde önem arz etmektedir. Fakat, kimyasal stabilizasyonun
geçirimlilik üzerindeki etkisinin araştırıldığı çalışmalar oldukça azdır. Bu
çalışmada, yüksek plastisiteli kil zeminin kireç ve perlit kombinasyonları ile
kimyasal stabilizasyonunun, geçirimlilik üzerindeki etkisi araştırılmıştır. Yüksek plastisiteli kil zeminlerin
kireçle stabilizasyonunda, karışımın geçirimliliğinde 25 kata varan artışlar
meydana gelmektedir. Ayrıca bu tür zeminlerin stabilizasyonunda ikincil katkı
olarak kullanılabilen perlit geçirimlilikte ciddi azalmalara sebep olmaktadır.
Where Do We Draw the Line? Interlopers, (Ant)agonists, and an Unbounded Journalistic Field
Authors: Eldridge II Scott A.
Published: December 2019

Journalism’s once-neglected periphery has been a focus of academic research in recent years and the urge to make sense of interlopers from the periphery has brought about many approaches to understanding these changes. In this essay I reflect on an ongoing research agenda examining one particular category of interlopers: provocative media actors who have openly challenged the boundaries of the journalistic field. These actors raise questions as to how to account for interlopers at the edges of the journalistic field, including whether we should extend the field to include them. In this essay I argue we should continue to see the field as complex, and maybe now a bit more so. Reflecting on field and practice theories and understandings of boundaries, I reengage the complexity that is a core demand of conceptualizing the journalistic field, while offering ways to consider interlopers’ journalistic identities within its boundaries. Emphasizing similarities over differences, I argue we can move beyond binary distinctions between a field’s core members and interlopers on the periphery by focusing on the nature of interloper work.
Space for the Liminal
Authors: Belair-Gagnon Valerie , Holton Avery E. , Westlund Oscar
Published: December 2019

This essay considers how social actors in news have come to shape the contours of news and journalism and what these changes may suggest for other industries. It looks more specifically at the question of who does journalism and news and what that may signal for power dependencies, status, and norms formation. It examines how authors who contributed to this thematic issue define who gets to decide what is news and journalism, what forms of power are exerted amongst groups, who gets to claim status, and how norms and epistemologies are formed. Ultimately, this essay illustrates how conformity to groups and organizations varies with the investments that these social actors have to core and more peripheral journalism and media groups.
Improving the Amplitude Source Location (ASL) Method Using Multicomponent Seismic Data: An Assessment with Active Source Seismic Data
Authors: Walsh Braden , Procter Jonathan , Jolly Arthur
Published: December 2019

Here, all three components of the seismic signal are applied for use with the amplitude source location (ASL) method to investigate if using all three components yield more accurate results than using just the vertical component. Eight active source events along a debris flow channel on Te Maari Volcano, New Zealand, are used as known source locations to conduct the test. Both coda-wave normalization (CWN) and horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) ratio methods are used to calculate amplification factors for station corrections. Average location errors for all the active seismic sources varied between 0.47 km for the vertical component and 0.51 km for three components while using the CWN method, and 0.92 km (vertical) and 0.83 km (three component) using the H/V method. We also conduct statistical analysis through an F-test by calculating root mean square errors (RMSEs) to determine if the results were statistically different. The RMSE analysis for the active source events shows location results for event 1 and 7 producing errors of 2.18±1.33 and 2.37±1.29  km for the vertical-component results, and 2.06±1.16 and 2.33±1.24  km for the three-component results. The F-test indicates that active source events higher up the debris flow channel (centrally located relative to the network) are statistically the same, whereas events lower down the channel (away from the center of the network) are statistically different. Results show that using all three components with the ASL method may not necessarily yield more accurate locations, but nevertheless may average the components to eliminate the extreme error values or amplify the signals, producing more precise results.
Worry about eldercare in China: The role of family relations, socio-economic resources, and community services in 2000 and 2010
Authors: Sun Rongjun , Wang Haitao
Published: December 2019

Using the survey on aged population in urban/rural China from 2000 and 2010, we aim to achieve the following three objectives: First, to document the general trend in older adults’ worry about eldercare, their family relations, socio-economic resources, and the availability of community services; second, to assess if improving socio-economic resources and availability of community services reduce older adults’ worry about eldercare; and third, to examine if family relations are still important during such social changes. Results show that older adults’ improving socioeconomic conditions and expanding community services are associated with less worry about eldercare. Meanwhile, family relations, measured by the number of children, living arrangements, and children’s filial piety, remain important. Our findings demonstrate that while building social welfare programs, including providing community services, certainly alleviates older adults’ worry about eldercare; they are no substitute for family ties, which should be facilitated rather than overlooked by public policies.
DISTRIBUIÇÃO DO BENEFÍCIO DE PRESTAÇÃO CONTINUADA ENTRE AS REGIÕES BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Massuda Ely Mitie , Rudey Edson Luciano , Bernuci Marcelo Picinin , Bertolini Sonia Maria Marques Gomes , Antunes Mateus Dias , Oda Fabrício Hiroiuki , Yamaguchi Mirian Ueda
Published: December 2019

Este estudo apresenta a análise da distribuição das concessões do Benefício de Prestação Continuada entre as regiões brasileiras nos 20 anos desde sua implementação. Estudo descritivo, cujos dados foram obtidos no Ministério do Desenvolvimento Social e Combate à Fome. As concessões aumentaram em todas as regiões brasileiras ao longo do período, apresentando declínio no ritmo de crescimento com decalagem temporal entre as regiões. O maior número de concessões, em termos absolutos, ocorreu para as regiões mais populosas do país, Sudeste e Nordeste. O Nordeste apresentou a maior taxa de concessão para as pessoas com deficiência, e quanto aos idosos, as maiores taxas foram observadas no Norte, regiões que apresentam indicadores socioeconômicos inferiores. Os resultados indicaram um perfil distinto das concessões nas regiões brasileiras sugerindo a necessidade de se considerar suas diferenças para o enfrentamento das inequidades apontadas na presente pesquisa.
PROPORÇÃO DE CESARIANAS SEGUNDO COR DA PELE E ESCOLARIDADE MATERNA NAS DIFERENTES REGIÕES DO BRASIL: TENDÊNCIA TEMPORAL DE 2007 A 2016
Authors: Rothstein Joyce Ribeiro , Secco Ana Caroline , Souza Rafaela , Weber Larissa , D’Orsi Eleonora , Hallal Ana Luiza Curi , Soares Flávia Moreira
Published: December 2019

Este estudo ecológico de série temporal objetivou descrever a proporção de cesarianas segundo cor da pele e escolaridade maternas nas diferentes regiões do Brasil de 2007 a 2016. Os dados foram coletados no Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos e a proporção de cesarianas segundo cor da pele e escolaridade materna foram observadas segundo as macrorregiões. Observou-se aumento na proporção de cesarianas até o ano de 2014 (57,07%), com discreta diminuição nos anos de 2015 (55,55%) e 2016 (55,44%). Em todas as regiões, quanto maior o nível de escolaridade, maior a proporção de cesarianas. Em relação à cor da pele, a branca correspondeu a maior proporção em todas as regiões, especialmente na Centro Oeste e Sul. A indígena correspondeu a menor proporção de cesarianas, apesar de haver aumento principalmente no Sul, apontando para uma determinação da região de residência da mãe superior às demais variáveis como cor da pele e escolaridade.
O Movimento da Tecnologia Social: uma Revisão Sistemática de seus Elementos Estruturantes entre 2007 e 2017
Authors: Nascimento Daniel Teotonio , Binotto Erlaine , Benini Elcio Gustavo
Published: December 2019

A Tecnologia Social (TS) é um movimento em construção, que orienta o desenvolvimento de produtos, processos, técnicas ou metodologias, a partir da necessidade dos usuários, visando à inclusão social. Assim, este artigo teve como objetivo investigar as características dos Elementos Estruturantes da TS, por meio de uma Revisão Sistemática (RS) da produção científica dos últimos 10 anos. Foram analisados 24 artigos, da Science Direct e do Portal Periódicos CAPES. Os principais resultados evidenciaram que: (a) atores de diferentes áreas do conhecimento participam do movimento da TS; (b) a perspectiva teórica mais vinculada nas pesquisas foi a Abordagem Sociotécnica; (c) o princípio da “Aprendizagem e Participação como Processo” foi o atributo mais destacável; (d) a TS possibilita a inclusão social e contribui para o desenvolvimento local; (e) os limites da TS são devidos a falta de políticas públicas, dificuldades de gestão e financeira, e limitações teóricas; (f) há uma estreita relação entre a TS e a Economia Solidária, fato que não ocorre em relação à Inovação Social e à Responsabilidade Social Corporativa. Com esta pesquisa, pode-se constatar que o movimento da TS é multidisciplinar, tendo como orientação a emancipação e inclusão social por meio da crítica e reconstrução das tecnologias convencionais.
Influências da qualidade de vida laboral e motivação em uma empresa catarinense
Authors: Rodrigues Regiane , Mayer Rodrigo , Do Nascimento Iramar Baptistella , Fleig Raquel
Published: December 2019

Quando a empresa trabalha em prol da qualidade de vida de seus colaboradores é possível que se obtenha um clima organizacional favorável e um maior compromisso de todas as partes. Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de vida laboral dos trabalhadores e identificar as principais variáveis que podem apresentar associação com a motivação dos profissionais de uma empresa de chicotes elétricos situada ao norte do estado de Santa Catarina. Para tal, foram realizados os seguintes questionários: sócio econômico e o Quality of Working Life Questionnarie –Bref. A aplicação de 89 questionários ocorreu entre os meses de agosto e outubro de 2018. Consecutivamente, cinco variáveis foram verificadas relacionando as chances para o fator motivação. Foram tratadas estatisticamente por meio do software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), versão 21.0. Com base nos resultados obtidos com a pesquisa foi possível perceber que determinados aspectos tem potencial de melhoria, sendo o exemplo mais nítido a relação entre líderes e subordinados, principalmente no que se refere à igualdade de tratamento entre eles. O estudo sugere que o trabalhador casado e o homem que realiza atividade física 1 ou 2 vezes por semana apresenta chances de maior motivação no trabalho (OR=1,22; IC95% 1,09–1,48) e (OR=2,49; IC95% 1,27–10,4) respectivamente, (p<0,05).
Stan Lee e o legado do Capitão América
Authors: Andreotti Bruno Leonardo Ramos , Marangoni Adriano Jose
Published: December 2019

O Capitão América foi criado em 1941 por Joe Simon e Jack Kirby. No entanto, Stan Lee desempenha um papel fundamental para a relevância e permanência do personagem. O artigo busca expor as contribuições de Stan Lee para o legado do Capitão América, articulando-as com elementos de sua biografia e história dos Estados Unidos.
Novel approach to computer modeling of seven-helical transmembrane proteins: current progress in the test case of bacteriorhodopsin.
Authors: Nikiforovich G V , Galaktionov S , Balodis J , Marshall G R
Published: December 2019

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are thought to be proteins with 7-membered transmembrane helical bundles (7TM proteins). Recently, the X-ray structures have been solved for two such proteins, namely for bacteriorhodopsin (BR) and rhodopsin (Rh), the latter being a GPCR. Despite similarities, the structures are different enough to suggest that 3D models for different GPCRs cannot be obtained directly employing 3D structures of BR or Rh as a unique template. The approach to computer modeling of 7TM proteins developed in this work was capable of reproducing the experimental X-ray structure of BR with great accuracy. A combination of helical packing and low-energy conformers for loops most close to the X-ray structure possesses the r.m.s.d. value of 3.13 A. Such a level of accuracy for the 3D-structure prediction for a 216-residue protein has not been achieved, so far, by any available ab initio procedure of protein folding. The approach may produce also other energetically consistent combinations of helical bundles and loop conformers, creating a variety of possible templates for 3D structures of 7TM proteins, including GPCRs. These templates may provide experimentalists with various plausible options for 3D structure of a given GPCR; in our view, only experiments will determine the final choice of the most reasonable 3D template.
Monte carlo simulations of protein-like heteropolymers.
Authors: Sikorski A , Romiszowski P
Published: December 2019

Properties of a simple model of polypeptide chains were studied by the means of the Monte Carlo method. The chains were built on the (310) hybrid lattice. The residues interacted with long-range potential. There were two kinds of residues: hydrophobic and hydrophilic forming a typical helical pattern -HHPPHPP-. Short range potential was used to prefer helical conformations of the chain. It was found that at low temperatures the model chain formes dense and partially ordered structures (non-unique). The presence of the local potential led to an increase of helicity. The effect of the interplay between the two potentials was studied. After the collapse of the chain further annealing caused rearrangement of helical structures. Dynamic properties of the chain at low temperature depended strongly on the local chain ordering.
Protective action of vitamin C against DNA damage induced by selenium-cisplatin conjugate.
Authors: Błasiak J , Kowalik J
Published: December 2019

Genotoxicity of anticancer drugs is of a special interest due to the risk of inducing secondary malignancies. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a recognized antioxidant and, since human diet can be easily supplemented with vitamin C, it seems reasonable to check whether it can protect against DNA-damaging effects of antitumor drugs. In the present work the ability of vitamin C to modulate cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of a cisplatin analog, conjugate (NH3)2Pt(SeO3), in terms of cell viability, DNA damage and repair in human lymphocytes was examined using the trypan blue exclusion test and the alkaline comet assay, respectively. The conjugate evoked a concentration-dependent decrease in the cell viability, reaching nearly 50% at 250 microM. (NH3)2Pt(SeO3) at 1, 10 and 30 microM caused DNA strand breaks, measured as the increase in the comet tail moment of the lymphocytes. The treated cells were able to recover within a 30-min incubation in a drug-free medium at 37 degrees C. Vitamin C at 10 and 50 microM diminished the extent of DNA damage evoked by (NH3)2Pt(SeO3) but had no effect on the kinetics of DNA repair. The vitamin did not directly inactivate the conjugate. Lymphocytes treated with endonuclease III, which recognises oxidised pyrimidines, displayed a greater tail moment than those untreated with the enzyme, suggesting that the damages induced by the drug have, at least in part, an oxidative origin. Vitamin C can be considered a potential protective agent against side effects of antitumor drugs, but further research with both normal and cancer cells are needed to clarify this point.
Tritolylporphyrin dimer as a new potent hydrophobic sensitizer for photodynamic therapy of melanoma.
Authors: Drzewiecka A , Urbańska K , Matuszak Z , Pineiro M , Arnaut L G , Habdas J , Ratuszna A , Stochel G
Published: December 2019

We report the synthesis, photochemical and photophysical properties and preliminary studies on biological effect of a new tritolylporphyrin dimer (T-D). Absorption and emission properties of T-D suggest its possible use in photodynamic therapy. T-D is capable of singlet oxygen production with 0.8 quantum yield. It also has a high photostability. The photodynamic properties of the dimer were examined following the growth of SKMEL 188 (human melanoma) cells irradiated with red light (cut off < 630 nm). The surviving fraction of the cells decreased about 3-fold (vs. non-irradiated cells) for an 81 J/cm dose. Our results suggest that tritolylporphyrine dimer T-D may be an interesting hydrophobic sensitizer for photodynamic therapy.
A Critical Review of Arsenic Contamination in Sri Lankan Foods
Authors: Jinadasa B.K.K.K. , Fowler S.W.
Published: December 2019

Numerous studies have shown growing information indicating the contribution of food to the dietary exposure of arsenic (As) through consumption of different food items in many different regions over the world. However, few review papers with regard to As in Sri Lankan foods are available in databases. Thus, a critical review and assessment of a number of local studies on total As concentrations has been made in rice, fish and fisheries products, vegetables, and other food products from Sri Lanka. From a limited comparison of freshwater fish with two marine species, the tuna and rays have substantially higher total As concentrations than all the freshwater species analyzed. One of the more important findings is that rice, the staple food of the country, is a major contributor to total As exposure of the population. Hence, based on the assessment of available data for total As levels in the various foods analyzed, it is suggested that a shift in a staple food diet of rice to one of maize and multi-cereal grains could lead to a reduction in total As exposure to the general population. Furthermore, important information gaps were identified such as a total lack of corresponding data for total As in Sri Lankan fruit crops, and a major one being the present lack of any information on the various inorganic and organic As species in local foods. Finally, some suggestions are made for giving guidance in agricultural practices which will lead to a reduction in As inputs to the local farmlands. This data compilation and assessment serves as an initial baseline for comparison with As results from future monitoring and research studies in Sri Lanka.
Microbial Diversity and Sensorial Properties of Malga Cheese from Trentino (Italy) after Long-Term Ageing Period
Authors: Guzzon R. , Schiavon S. , Roman T.
Published: December 2019

Background: Malga cheeses are made in artisanal and seasonal dairies located in the Alps. This study was carried out to determine microbial diversity and sensorial properties of Malga cheese from Trentino (Italy) after long-term ageing period. The effects of adding the Fermalga Bacterial Pools (FBP) on microbiota biodiversity of cheese were also evaluated. Methods: Populations of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), mesophilic/thermophilic lactobacilli, mesophilic/thermophilic lactococci, coliforms, Enterococcus sp., and Streptococcus sp. was evaluated by plate count in 38 cheese samples after 6 and 16 months of ageing. Sensorial analysis of cheeses was performed by a panel of 30 expert judges. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using STATISTICA v. 8.0. Results: The total microbial count of medium-aged (6 months) cheeses was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of long-aged (16 months) cheeses. Coliforms as well as Staphylococcus sp. were not detected in all samples. Thermophilic LAB were the relevant (45%) population in cheese made by FBP; while mesophilic LAB, mainly lactobacilli were the relevant (87%) population in the non-inoculated cheeses. The sensorial scores of 16 months-aged cheeses were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of 6 months samples. However, there was no significant (p>0.05) difference between sensorial scores of Fermalga and non-Fermalga cheeses. Conclusion: The protection of traditional fermented foods can occur by innovative technologies, making them safe without altering their typical features. This preliminary investigation on the characteristics of Alpine Malga cheeses showed that the addition the FBP had no undesirable effect on the organoleptic characteristics of the cheeses.
ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICIENCY OF PREVENTION OF CHRONIC FLUORINE INTOXICATION WITH RHODIOLA ROSEA L. ADAPTOGEN
Authors: Mikhailova N. N. , Zhukova Anna G. , Gorokhova L. G. , Bugaeva M. S. , Yadykina T. K. , Kiseleva A. V.
Published: December 2019

Introduction. Fluorine and its compounds are industrial pollutants that cause the development of chronic fluorine intoxication (CFI) during long-term intake. It has been shown that in CFI there are disturbances in metabolic processes and morphological changes in various organs. Therefore, the search for organ protective prevention and correction of damage caused by CFI remains relevant in occupational health and medicine. The perspective direction is the assessment of the possibility of prevention and correction of CFI related disorders by means of the remedies of plant origin possessing adaptogenic action, one of which is Rhodiola Rosea L. The objective of the research. To evaluate the effectiveness of organ protective prevention of chronic fluoride intoxication with an adaptogenic drug-containing Rhodiola Rosea L in the experiment conditions Material and methods. The work was carried out on 45 white male rats weighing 200-250 g. Animals were divided into groups of 15 animals: control rats; rats with chronic exposure to sodium fluoride (NaF) for 12 weeks; rats who received NaF solution while administering of Rhodiola Rosea L. extract. Determination of biochemical indices of metabolism in blood serum and histologic studies of the organs (liver and kidneys) were performed. Results. The use of an adaptogenic drug-containing Rhodiola Rosea L. was shown to be effective in preventing the disorders caused by chronic exposure to fluorine compounds, since it normalizes oxidative metabolism in tissues, reduces the manifestation of degenerative, dystrophic and necrotic changes in the liver and kidneys, restores the synthetic and detoxication functions of the liver, and also preserves the homeostatic function of the kidneys. Conclusion. The use of an adaptogenic drug-containing Rhodiola Rosea L. for the prevention of damage caused by the chronic effects of fluorine compounds on the body is effective.
HYGIENIC ASPECTS OF THE INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL PERSON’S ADDICTION IN THE NEW REALITY
Authors: Druzhilov Sergey A.
Published: December 2019

The spread of information technologies leads to negative consequences associated with the impact on the health of the individual and public health. There are new behavioral addictions, namely information and technological ones. The objective reasons for their occurrence are in the changes taking place in society. They are associated with the informatization and globalization of the post-industrial society. The criteria for excessive use of the Internet are changing. Virtual space appears as a significant part of life reality. Ubiquitous is the regular use of the Internet. Imposed by information technologies lifestyle and worldview can be destructive for the individual. The task of hygienic science is to prevent the psychological distress of a person in new conditions. The purpose of the article is to consider the views of a person’s Internet addiction, the risks, as well as the possibility of psychological distress resulting from the impact of information technologies. Comparative analysis of the views of various authors and their theoretical generalization. A current understanding of the phenomenon of information and technological dependencies is presented. Two conceptual approaches to the consideration of the phenomenon are identified: as a mental pathology and as a person’s state in the continuum of his normal behavior in new life realities. Statistical data characterizing the penetration of social networks into Russian society and quantitative characteristics of the use of the Internet are given. Computer technologies can be a “mental retreat” for humans. However, social networks provide users with isolation in their own socio-cultural shells. The boundaries of the norms and pathologies of Internet use have changed. Indices of overgrowing of enthusiasm for the Internet in addiction are a change in the motives and goals of its use. A risk factor for the psychological well-being of a person is an exposure to manipulative informational influences on the Internet. Social networks are the space and means of such exposure. Conclusion. The difference between healthy and unhealthy use of the Network is given. The danger for the majority of Internet users was shown not to be an addiction, but exposure to information and psychological effects. It is revealed that in social networks there is a possibility of targeted impacts.