bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Dynamic Stall Control of Rotor Airfoil Based on Coflow Jet
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Chen Rongqian , Qiu Ruofan , You Yancheng , Zhang Weiguo
Published: December 2020

In this study, a dynamic stall control strategy, called the co-flow jet (CFJ), is applied to the rotor airfoil. The effect of the CFJ on the unsteady dynamic stall characteristics of the rotor airfoil is numerically investigated via numerical simulations of the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) equations coupled with the Spalart-Allmaras (S-A) turbulence model. The numerical methods are validated by a NACA0012 pitching airfoil case and a NACA6415 airfoil case based on the CFJ, and good agreement with experiments is found. Via the study of the typical conditions of CFJ control to suppress the dynamic stall of the OA212 rotor airfoil, it is verified that this method has a good effect on dynamic stall suppression. The diffusion and blending of the turbulent shear layer between the CFJ injection jet and the main flow excite the main flow and enhance its ability to resist the reverse pressure gradient; this suppresses the generation and development of the separation vortex, thereby enhancing the aerodynamic characteristics, improving the hysteresis effect, and increasing the system stability. On this basis, the control parameters of the CFJ are further studied, including the influences of the jet momentum coefficient and the positions and sizes of the injection and suction slots on suppressing the dynamic stall of the rotor airfoil. It is found that there is a jet momentum coefficient that optimizes the suppression effect of the dynamic stall of the rotor airfoil. Moreover, the position of the injection slot is found to have a greater effect on the dynamic stall suppression, while the size of the injection slot and the position and size of the suction slot have little effect.
Evaluation of Serum and Gene Expression of Galectin‐4, Interleukin‐27, and Complement‐7 in Hepatitis C Virus‐Infected Egyptian Patients
Authors: Abdel-Tawab Marwa S. , Fouad Hanan H. , Omran Dalia A. , Abdou Aml E. , Zaied Shaimaa Mohamed , Mohamed Alaa A.
Published: December 2020

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is considered a major global public health problem. Recently, there are great advances in HCV therapy, but there are some limitations that are creating an urgent need for assessment of some cytokines that have a potent antiviral effect in the immune system and anti‐inflammatory effects to provide a potential novel immunotherapeutic target in HCV infection. Objective. This study was directed to assess the serum levels and gene expression levels of Galectin‐4 (LEG4), Interleukin‐27 (IL‐27), and Complement‐7 (C‐7) and their correlation with the viral load in HCV infection. Subjects and Methods. This work was conducted on 80 subjects, Group 1 (n = 40) early detected HCV patients and Group 2 (n = 40) healthy controls. LEG4, IL‐27, and C‐7 were assessed at the protein levels by ELISA, and their gene expression was assessed by RT‐qPCR. The viral load was measured by PCR. Results. There were significant elevations in the mean levels of gene expression and serum levels of all studied parameters LEG4, IL‐27, and C‐7 in the HCV group compared to the control group. Significant negative correlations between the viral load and each of the serum proteins and gene expressions of both LEG4 and IL‐27 in HCV patients were found. The gene expression levels of LEG4, IL‐27, and C‐7 were positively correlated with their corresponding serum proteins in HCV patients.Conclusion. LEG4 and IL‐27 showed significant negative correlations with the viral load, which could be an immune response to the control of the extent of hepatic inflammation, thus creating a potential novel immunotherapeutic approach in HCV infection for further studies or therapeutic clinical trials.
Physicochemical and Mechanical Characterization of Raffia vinifera Pith
Authors: Sikame Tagne N. R. , Mbou T. E. , Harzallah O. , Ndapeu D. , Huisken W. , Nkemaja D. , Njeugna E. , Fogue M. , Drean J-Y.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the physicochemical and mechanical properties of Raffia vinifera pith (RVP) are discussed. Microscopic observations have shown that the structure of the RVP is similar to that of a composite consisting of natural fibers. The effective area ratio of Raffia vinifera (RV) fibers was evaluated along the raffia stem using ImageJ software, and it decreases from the periphery to the center. Energy dispersion spectrometer (EDS) analysis shows that RVP is essentially composed of carbon and oxygen. Densities of RVP and its matrix were determined using Archimedes’ principle and law of mixtures, respectively; from the results obtained, they can be considered as one of the lightest materials. Young’s modulus of RVP has been obtained from tensile and bending tests, while that of matrix has been obtained using the law of mixtures during tensile tests. RVP has better specific properties, and the results of the matrix properties show that we can easily select another matrix which has better properties than the case studied during the elaboration of composites.
A Comprehensive Toxicological Assessment of Fulvic Acid
Authors: Dai Chongshan , Xiao Xilong , Yuan Yonglei , Sharma Gaurav , Tang Shusheng
Published: December 2020

Fulvic acid (FA), a humic substance, has several nutraceutical properties, including anti‐inflammation, antimicrobial, and immune regulation abilities. However, systematic safety assessment remains insufficient. In the present study, a battery of toxicological studies was conducted per internationally accepted standards to investigate the genotoxicity and repeated‐dose oral toxicity of FA. Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats or ICR mice were used. Compared to the control group, there were no significant changes (all p > 0.05) in all FA treatment groups in the bacterial reverse mutation test, in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test, in vivo sperm shape abnormality assay, and in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. The acute toxicity test showed that no mortality or toxic effect was observed following oral administration of the maximum dose of 5,000 mg/kg BW/day to mice or rats. A 60‐day subchronic study was conducted at 0 (control), 200, 1,000, and 5,000 mg/kg/day. Compared to the control group, there were no significant changes (all p > 0.05) in the body weights, feed consumption, clinical signs, hematology, clinical chemistry, organ weights, or histopathology examinations. In conclusion, the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level (NOAEL) of FA supplementation from the 60‐day study was determined to be 5,000 mg/kg body weight/day, the highest dose tested. Our findings suggest that the oral administration of FA may have higher safety.
Prediction of All-Cause Mortality Using an Echocardiography-Based Risk Score in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Zhu Jing , Tang Chao , Ouyang Han , Shen Huaying , You Tao , Hu Ji
Published: December 2020

Aim: To derive an echocardiography-based prognostic score for a 3-year risk of mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Methods: 173 ESRD patients hospitalized in the second affiliated hospital of Soochow University from January 1, 2010, to July 31, 2016, were enrolled and followed up for 3 years. All subjects began to receive HD from recruitment. Baseline clinical and echocardiographic parameters were collected and screened for risk factors using univariate and multivariate analysis. The prognostic value of echocardiographic indexes was determined by concordance indexes and reclassification assay. Restricted cubic spline models (RCS) and forest plots were employed to visualize the association between risk factors and all-cause mortality. A multivariate nomogram including the identified factors was developed to estimate the prognosis. Results: After multivariate adjustment for advanced age, hypertension, diabetes, and decreased hemoglobin (Hb), echocardiographic indexes including left atrial diameter index (LADI), cardiac valvular calcification, and moderate to severe cardiac valve regurgitation were independently associated with the risk of 3-year mortality in HD patients. RCS showed that age, Hb, and LADI were positively associated with the risk of mortality. Adding multiple echocardiographic indexes to a basic model containing age, hypertension, diabetes, and Hb increased the concordance index and improved reclassification. A multivariate Cox model-derived nomogram showed the association between each factor and mortality by the end of follow-up. Conclusions: Echocardiographic indexes showed independent predictive power for mortality in ESRD patients and may constitute a promising prognostic tool in this population.
Pembrolizumab-Induced Severe Neuropathy in a Patient with Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma after Achieving Complete Response: Guillain-Barré Syndrome-Like Onset
Authors: Aoki Shuntaro , Yasui Masato , Tajirika Hironao , Terao Hideyuki , Funahashi Makoto , Ohta Junichi
Published: December 2020

An 85-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for left ureteral cancer and para-aortic lymph node metastasis. To control hematuria, a laparoscopic retroperitoneal nephroureterectomy was performed, and papillary urothelial carcinoma (pT3b) was found. To treat para-aortic lymph node metastasis, she received chemotherapy with gemcitabine and nedaplatin. After 2 cycles, a computed tomography scan revealed its disappearance; however, bilateral lung metastases appeared. The patient was administered second-line therapy with pembrolizumab every 3 weeks. After 3 courses, lung metastases disappeared and she achieved a complete response. After the fifth administration of pembrolizumab, she was readmitted with right upper limb pain and weakness in both lower extremities. She was diagnosed with pembrolizumab-induced grade 3 peripheral neuropathy with Guillain-Barré syndrome-like onset. High-dose monocorticotherapy was initiated for treatment. Three weeks later, the pain and weakness of the limbs improved. After discharge, the dose of prednisolone was tapered and there was no relapse of adverse events. Pembrolizumab was discontinued at the onset of neuropathy, but she maintained a complete response.
Availability and Affordability of Kidney Health Laboratory Tests around the Globe
Authors: Tummalapalli Sri Lekha , Shlipak Michael G. , Damster Sandrine , Jha Vivekanand , Malik Charu , Levin Adeera , Johnson David W. , Bello Aminu K.
Published: December 2020

Background: Kidney disease is a major global public health problem, and laboratory testing of kidney health measures is essential for diagnosis and monitoring. The availability and affordability of kidney health laboratory tests across countries has not been systematically described. Methods: The International Society of Nephrology (ISN), in partnership with leaders of a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference, surveyed a representative subset of ISN-Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) respondents from April to June 2020. We assessed the association between country gross national income (GNI) per capita and laboratory testing availability and affordability. Results: Of 33 regional expert nephrologists invited, 24 (73%) responded, representing all 10 ISN regions around the world. Availability of kidney health laboratory tests was as follows: serum Cr (100%), serum cystatin C (67%), urine albumin (96%), urine Cr (100%), and dipstick urinalysis (100%). Median (IQR) reimbursement values in international dollars were as follows: serum Cr Int$ 6.61 (3.42–8.84), serum cystatin C Int$ 31.51 (17.36–46.25), urine albumin Int$ 10.22 (5.90–15.42), urine Cr Int$ 7.50 (1.66–8.84), and dipstick urinalysis Int$ 6.26 (2.56–8.40). Reimbursement values did not differ significantly by World Bank income group or by GNI per capita. Conclusion: There was widespread availability of kidney health laboratory tests and substantial variation in reimbursement values. To achieve meaningful progress across nations in mitigating the growth of kidney disease, access to affordable diagnostic technology is essential. Our results are highly relevant to policymakers and researchers as countries increasingly consider national strategies for kidney disease detection and management.
Occipital Fibrosing Alopecia in a Young Male: A Case Report
Authors: Doche Isabella , Rebeis Marina , Valente Neusa , Rivitti-Machado Maria Cecília
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia with 3 recognized clinical variants. Lately, LPP clinical spectrum has expanded with new and overlapping clinical variants. First considered as a subtype of LPP affecting postmenopausal women, the increasing worldwide incidence of FFA including atypical lesions in young female and male suggests a different pathomechanism for this disease. Although LPP-spectrum disorders may share similar histopathological findings, clinical features and prognosis are different. Case Report: A 26-year-old Caucasian male presented with occipital scarring alopecia and pruritus for the last 6 months. The patient had been treated for an associated androgenetic alopecia and superficial recurrent scalp folliculitis over the vertex scalp for the last 5 years. Trichoscopy of the occipital scalp showed mild diffuse erythema, moderate peripilar scaling, and absence of follicular openings, suggestive of a scarring process. The patient underwent an occipital scalp biopsy that confirmed the diagnosis of a LPP-spectrum disorder. Discussion/Conclusion: Both LPP and FFA mostly affect the anterior-mid scalp of females. However, recent reports on FFA also in premenopausal women and men should make physicians aware of atypical features of this disease and unusual clinical presentation.
Classification of Male Breast Lesions According to the IAC Yokohama System for Reporting Breast Cytopathology
Authors: Oosthuizen Melissa , Razack Rubina , Edge Jenny , Schubert Pawel Tomasz
Published: December 2020

Objective: This study aims to determine the diagnostic utility of the International Academy of Cytology (IAC) Yokohama System for reporting breast cytopathology in lesions of the male breast. Study Design: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) reports between 2015 and 2019 were retrospectively recategorized according to the 5-tiered IAC Yokohama Reporting System. Our database yielded a total of 1,532 FNAB reports from breast lesions, obtained from 1,350 male patients. The risk of malignancy (ROM) and diagnostic performance of FNAB were determined using follow-up histopathological diagnosis and/or clinical follow-up, where available, for each category. Results: The category distribution were as follows: inadequate, 40%; benign, 57%; atypical, 0.6%; suspicious for malignancy, 0.7%; and malignant, 1.6%. The ROM in each category was nondiagnostic, 11%; benign, 3%; atypical, 28%; suspicious for malignancy, 56%; and malignant, 100%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were recorded as 63, 100, 100, and 84.6% respectively, when only malignant cases were considered as positive tests. Conclusion: This study validates the IAC Yokohama System for reporting male breast cytopathology. In accordance with the aim of the Yokohama System to establish best practice guidelines for reporting breast cytopathology, this comprehensive scheme facilitates comparisons between local and international institutions. The ROM acts as an internal audit for quality assurance within one’s own laboratory and provides guidance for clinical management. It highlights inefficiencies such as high inadequacy rates for category 1 and also features strengths with impressive specificity for categories 4 and 5.
Thromboembolic Events in Patients with Testicular Germ Cell Tumours Are Predominantly Triggered by Advanced Disease and by Central Venous Access Systems
Authors: Dieckmann Klaus-Peter , Marghawal David , Pichlmeier Uwe , Wülfing Christian
Published: December 2020

Background: Thromboembolic events (TEEs) may significantly complicate the clinical management of patients with testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs). We analysed a cohort of GCT patients for the occurrence of TEEs and looked to possible pathogenetic factors. Patients, Methods: TEEs occurring within 6 months after diagnosis were retrospectively analysed in 317 consecutive patients with testicular GCT (median age 37 years, 198 seminoma, 119 nonseminoma). The following factors were analysed for association with TEE: histology, age, clinical stage (CS), chemotherapy, use of a central venous access device (CVA). Data analysis involved descriptive statistical methods with multivariable analysis to identify independent risk factors. Results: Twenty-three TEEs (7.3%) were observed, 18 deep vein thromboses, 4 pulmonary embolisms, and 1 myocardial infarction. Univariable risk calculation yielded the following odds ratios (ORs) : >CS1 OR = 43.7 (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 9.9–191.6); chemotherapy OR = 7.8 (95% CI 2.3–26.6); CVA OR = 30.5 (95% CI 11.0–84.3). Multivariable analysis identified only CS > 1 (OR = 16.9; 95% CI 3.5–82.4) and CVA (OR = 9.0; 95% CI 2.9–27.5) as independent risk factors. Conclusions: Patients with CSs >CS1 are at significantly increased risk of TEEs even without chemotherapy. Particular high risk is associated with the use of CVA devices for chemotherapy. Caregivers of GCT patients must be aware of the particular risk of TEEs.
Mansoura Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Residue Rating Scale (MFRRS): An Anatomically Based Tool – A Preliminary Study
Authors: Sabry Aliaa , Coyle James L. , Abou-Elsaad Tamer
Published: December 2020

Objective: The aim of this work was to design an anatomically based scale for judging post-swallow residue in the pharyngeal cavities, for use during the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in patients with dysphagia, and to assess its feasibility. Methods: Two 7-point ordinal scales (one for vallecular residue and one for pyriform sinus residue), were developed using detailed anatomic landmarks to denote residue levels. Hard copy color images of a specified frame, from 210 videos of 30 adult FEES evaluations demonstrating the range of all possible residue patterns, were selected (n = 56 valleculae, 62 pyriform sinuses). Half of these images were used to train 4 raters. The remaining half of the images were randomly ordered and rated by the trained raters. Two weeks later the same images were randomized again, and each rater re-analyzed them. The inter- and intra-rater reliability and criterion validity were determined using the kappa statistics and their standard errors. The internal consistency of the items in MFRRS was examined. Results: MFRRS showed strong inter-rater reliability (valleculae, κ = 0.832 ± 0.038; pyriform sinus, κ = 0.855 ± 0.034), almost perfect intra-rater reliability (valleculae, κ = 0.964 ± 0.018; pyriform sinus, κ = 0.962 ± 0.02), almost perfect concurrent validity (valleculae, κ = 0.968 ± 0.020; pyriform sinus, κ = 0.0971 ± 0.017), and excellent internal consistency (valleculae, Cronbach’s α = 0.990; pyriform sinus, Cronbach’s α = 0.985). Conclusion: MFRRS is a feasible and reliable, anatomically based tool that can provide more accurate pharyngeal residue judgments. The optimized description of residue accumulation patterns can contribute to a better overall description of the functional problem and future description of dysphagia phenotypes.
Helminth Antigen Exposure Enhances Early Immune Control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Monocytes and Macrophages
Authors: Togarsimalemath Shambhuprasad Kotresh , Pushpamithran Giggil , Schön Thomas , Stendahl Olle , Blomgran Robert
Published: December 2020

Helminth and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) coinfection is common and suggested to influence the risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB). It is known that helminths in contrast to TB induce a strong Th2 response in the host. However, the direct impact of helminth antigen exposure on host immunity against TB is largely unknown. Our aim was to explore the effects of helminth antigen exposure on the early immune control of Mtb in monocytes and macrophages. Ascaris lumbricoides (ASC) and Schistosoma mansoni (SM) protein antigens were used to study the immediate effect of helminth antigen exposure in monocytes, on monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation, or mature macrophages, in the control of virulent Mtb H37Rv. Pre-exposure of peripheral blood mononuclear cells reduced Mtb growth in monocytes, especially with SM, but no Th1/Th2 cytokines or activation markers indicated involvement of T cells. Monocytes exposed before maturing into macrophages reduced Mtb growth in macrophages (ASC), and pre-exposure of mature macrophages reduced (ASC) or kept Mtb growth at control levels (SM). This in vitro model shows how helminth infection directly affects the monocyte-macrophage axis at an early stage before cell-mediated immunity develops. During acute helminth coinfection or when helminth antigen concentration is elevated at the site of Mtb infection, these helminths provide an enhanced control and killing of Mtb owing to the direct stimulatory effect of helminth antigens on phagocytic cells.
Intra-Arterial Infusion of Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Theragnostic Agent to Treat Colorectal Cancer Liver Implants in Rats
Authors: Herrero de la Parte Borja , Irazola Duñabeitia Mireia , Carrero Jose Antonio , Etxebarria Loizate Nestor , García-Alonso Ignacio , Echevarria-Uraga Jose Javier
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Nowadays, surgical excision remains the gold standard to treat liver metastases of colorectal cancer (CRCLM). However, as more than 50% of patients are not eligible for surgery, other alternatives such as percutaneous or intravascular interventional therapies (thermal ablation, chemoembolization, or radioembolization), are quite relevant. Recently, the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has been suggested as an adjuvant for these therapies, as they could increase their necrotising effect on the tumour while reducing doses and exposure times of thermal therapies. To investigate the potential curative effect of these compounds, animal models are needed, both for the development of experimental interventional procedures and for MNPs toxicity and distribution assessment. Herein, we describe both an experimental infusion procedure in CRCLM-bearing rats and analytical and histological methods to evaluate MNPs deposits in the tissue. Methods: Eighteen male WAG/RijHsd rats were subjected to intrahepatic injection of 250,000 colorectal cancer cells. Twenty-eight days later, half of the tumour-positive animals (n = 6) were administered with MNPs while the other half (n = 6) did not receive any injection and were used as control. Under microscope magnification, the splenic artery was carefully and completely dissected, and a catheter was inserted through the splenic artery to the common hepatic artery where 1 mL MNPs suspension was administered in 5 min; then STIR, DP*, and T2 MRI sequences were obtained (and signal intensity measured) and both tumour and liver tissue samples were collected for elemental and histological analyses. Conclusion: Our method for selective administration of MNPs is reproducible and well-tolerated and it fairly mimics the approach used in clinical practice when intravascular interventional therapies are applied.
Stress Management during the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycle May Slow Down First Embryo Cleavage and Accelerate Embryo Compaction: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Raad Georges , Tanios Judy , Kerbaj Simone , Mourad Youmna , Fakih Fadi , Shamas Fatmeh , Azouri Joseph , Fakih Chadi
Published: December 2020

Introduction: A firm consensus on the effectiveness of psychological interventions during infertility treatment has not been reached yet in terms of mental health and pregnancy rates. Moreover, the influence of these interventions on embryo cleavage kinetics has not been investigated. Objective: The aim of this work was to study whether stress management in couples undergoing an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle influences stress levels, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in granulosa cells, and cleavage-stage embryos. Methods: Infertile couples were randomized into a treatment as usual (TAU) group (n = 30) and stress management program (SMP) group (n = 29) at the beginning of an ICSI cycle. Couples in the SMP group attended education and relaxation sessions at each visit to the clinic for folliculometry. The perceived stress scale (PSS) was used to assess stress levels at the beginning and end of the cycle. Moreover, mtDNA levels of granulosa cells and embryo morphokinetics were evaluated. Results: Post-intervention, women in the SMP group had significantly lower PSS scores than their initial PSS (p < 0.001; effect size, ES = 0.5) and than the final PSS of the TAU group (p = 0.02; ES = 0.09). Additionally, mtDNA levels were significantly lower in luteal granulosa cells of the SMP group than the TAU group (p = 0.02). An earlier time of pronuclei appearance (p = 0.03) and time to 2 cells (p = 0.015) and a faster time to full compaction (p = 0.045) were detected in the embryos of the SMP group compared with the TAU group. Conclusion(s): The implemented program may reduce stress levels, retard first embryo cleavage, and accelerate embryo compaction. Further studies with an active control group are needed to confirm these results.
High-risk human papillomavirus infection and associated factors in the anal canal of HIV-positive patients in Medellín, 2017–2018
Authors: Posada Daniela Herrera , Acevedo Lucia Stella Tamayo , Arredondo Marleny Valencia , Vásquez Gloria Inéz Sánchez
Published: December 2020

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) anal infection and associated factors in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients in Medellín. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study in 300 HIV-positive patients, adults, with history of anal intercourse, treated in two health care services of Medellín 2017–2018. We conducted a structured survey on sociodemographics, sexual behavior and medical history. HPV was detected in anal swabs tested by the COBAS 4800 system. Exploratory data analysis of risk factors associated with HR-HPV was conducted by chi-square test of independence and both raw and adjusted prevalence ratios used the Poisson regression model, at a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The high-risk HPV had a prevalence of 82.7%; HPV16 had a prevalence of 32.7%, HPV18 a prevalence of 21.7% and other HPV types scored 78.3%. The high-risk HPV prevalence in women was of 68.2% and 83.8% in men. The risk factors associated with high-risk HPV after adjustment were age under 30 years, elementary education, casual sex partners, and first sexual activity before 18 years old. CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of high-risk HPV, along with the occurrence of coinfections by multiple types in the study population shows their susceptibility to develop some type of anal intra-epithelial neoplasia. It is important to establish sexual health programs focused on primary health care.
Effect of implementation intention on walking in people with diabetes
Authors: Silva Marco Antonio Vieira da , São-João Thaís Moreira , Cornelio Marilia Estevam , Mialhe Fábio Luiz
Published: December 2020

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of implementation intentions as an intervention strategy to promote walking in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: We conducted a controlled and randomized trial, with 12 months of follow-up, involving 65 people with T2DM recruited from primary health care units and allocated them in the control group (CG, n = 32) and intervention group (IG, n = 33). The IG received the implementation intention strategy to promote walking and the CG remained in follow-up for conventional treatment in primary health care. The researchers were blinded by anthropometric measurements and the filling of the instruments. RESULTS: After twelve months of follow up, the IG presented a statistically significant increase in the leisure time physical activity when compared with the CG (p = 0.0413) and showed a significant decrease in waist circumference (p = 0.0061). No significant difference was observed regarding body mass index and glycated hemoglobin among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation intention was effective in promoting walking and improving clinical indicators in adults with T2DM.
Dias potenciais de gravidez perdidos: uma medida inovadora da idade gestacional
Authors: Diniz Carmen Simone G. , Reis-Queiroz Jessica , Kawai Carlos A. , Queiroz Marcel Reis , Bonilha Eliana de Aquino , Niy Denise Yoshie , Lansky Sonia , Sena Brena
Published: December 2020

No Brasil, o excesso de intervenções que antecipam o parto, como cesarianas e induções, tem resultado no encurtamento da gestação, com consequências negativas nos desfechos maternoinfantis. Neste comentário apresentamos uma medida inovadora da idade gestacional que estamos desenvolvendo: a variável contínua “dias potenciais de gravidez perdidos”. Utilizando dados do Sistema de Informações de Nascidos Vivos, contamos, quando possível, os dias faltantes entre o período até o nascimento e a duração média da gestação (280 dias), ou então as semanas perdidas. Essa medida pode ser usada como variável desfecho (de características socioeconômico-demográficos da mãe, do tipo de parto, de financiamento etc.) ou de exposição (para desfechos neonatais, infantis e maternos). O indicador pode ser usado em coortes municipais e nacionais e em estudos de intervenção, para analisar hospitais e territórios. Discutimos os limites e alcances das medidas de idade gestacional e, diante de suas imprecisões, a importância de estudar suas tendências.
DESCRITORES: Idade Gestacional. Recém-Nascido, crescimento & desenvolvimento. Trabalho de Parto Induzido, efeitos adversos. Cesárea. Doença Iatrogênica. Estatísticas Vitais.
Conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas de adolescentes universitários sobre sífilis
Authors: Carvalho Rodolfo Xavier da Costa , Araújo Telma Maria Evangelista de
Published: December 2020

OBJETIVO: Analisar conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas de adolescentes universitários sobre a sífilis. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, analítico, do tipo censitário, desenvolvido com o universo de adolescentes de 18 e 19 anos (n = 598), matriculados em três instituições de ensino superior presencial em município do Piauí (n = 598), que juntas totalizam 20 cursos nas áreas de Ciências da Saúde, Sociais Aplicadas, Exatas e da Terra, Engenharias e Linguística, Letras e Arte. A coleta de dados ocorreu de março a maio de 2019, a partir de um questionário adaptado da Pesquisa de Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Práticas da População Brasileira de 2013, do Ministério da Saúde, constituído por perguntas referentes a variáveis sociodemográficas (sexo, idade, arranjo familiar, escolaridade dos pais, cor ou raça, atividade remunerada e renda familiar), conhecimento, atitude e prática em relação à doença, sendo as três últimas classificadas por escores. As variáveis que apresentaram valor de p ≤ 0,20 na análise bivariada, por meio do teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson, foram incluídas em três modelos logísticos multivariados, e os desfechos em cada modelo foram o conhecimento, a atitude e a prática, respectivamente; permanecendo ao final aquelas a nível de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: O sexo masculino possui chance 39,6% menor de ter conhecimento adequado/regular (ORa = 0,604; IC95% 0,415–0,878), enquanto as maiores chances estão associadas a “morar sozinho, com parentes e amigos” (ORa = 4,567; IC95% 1,417–14,719) e a ter atitude muito positiva/positiva (ORa = 6,937; IC95% 4,562–10,550). Menores chances de prática adequada estão associadas ao sexo masculino (ORa = 0,480; IC95% 0,301–0,766) e à menor escolaridade paterna (ORa = 0,440; IC95% 0,241–0,806). CONCLUSÃO: O conhecimento e a atitude da maioria dos participantes do estudo em relação à sífilis não foram suficientes para adoção de uma prática sexual adequada para a prevenção da doença, revelando a necessidade de se investigar outras variáveis que possam estar implicadas nesta incoerência cognitiva.
Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 among blood donors in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Amorim Filho Luiz , Szwarcwald Célia Landmann , Mateos Sheila de Oliveira Garcia , Ponce de Leon Antonio Carlos Monteiro , Medronho Roberto de Andrade , Veloso Valdiléa Gonçalves , Lopes Josiane Iole França , Porto Luis Cristovão de Moraes Sobrino , Chieppe Alexandre , Werneck Guilherme Loureiro
Published: December 2020

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among blood donors in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: Data were collected on 2,857 blood donors from April 14 to 27, 2020. This study reports crude prevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, population weighted prevalence for the state, and prevalence adjusted for test sensitivity and specificity. Logistic regression models were used to establish the correlates of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence. For the analysis, we considered collection period and site, sociodemographic characteristics, and place of residence. RESULTS: The proportion of positive tests for SARS-Cov-2, without any adjustment, was 4.0% (95%CI 3.3–4.7%), and the weighted prevalence was 3.8% (95%CI 3.1–4.5%). We found lower estimates after adjusting for test sensitivity and specificity: 3.6% (95%CI 2.7–4.4%) for the non-weighted prevalence, and 3.3% (95%CI 2.6–4.1%) for the weighted prevalence. Collection period was the variable most significantly associated with crude prevalence: the later the period, the higher the prevalence. Regarding sociodemographic characteristics, the younger the blood donor, the higher the prevalence, and the lower the education level, the higher the odds of testing positive for SARS-Cov-2 antibody. We found similar results for weighted prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings comply with some basic premises: the increasing trend over time, as the epidemic curve in the state is still on the rise; and the higher prevalence among both the youngest, for moving around more than older age groups, and the less educated, for encountering more difficulties in following social distancing recommendations. Despite the study limitations, we may infer that Rio de Janeiro is far from reaching the required levels of herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
Covid-19 telescreening in SUS users with risk conditions
Authors: Soares Daniela Arruda , Medeiros Danielle Souto , Kochergin Clavdia Nicolaevna , Cortes Matheus Lopes , Mistro Sostenes , Oliveira Márcio Galvão , Louzado José Andrade , Bezerra Vanessa Moraes , Amaro Jr Edson , Guimarães Hélio Penna , Silva Juliede Rosa da , Oliveira Maria Tânia Silva , Sousa Jéssica de Oliveira , Carvalho Vivian Carla Honorato dos Santos de
Published: December 2020

This case report aims to describe the conception and preliminary data of the implementation of a telescreening and telemonitoring program of covid-19 for users of the Unified Health System with risk conditions. A system of telerscreening was implemented through which undergraduate students in the health area contact patients by telephone, according to periodicity and predefined criteria, to monitor the evolution of the condition. In eight weeks, 2,190 attempts at remote contact were made with individuals from five health units. The effective number of individuals monitored at the time this writing is 802.
Journey to a Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Connection in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection
Authors: Roy Divya , Ramasamy Ravichandran , Schmidt Ann Marie
Published: December 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected millions of people worldwide and the pandemic has yet to wane. Despite its associated significant morbidity and mortality, there are no definitive cures and no fully preventative measures to combat SARS-CoV-2. Hence, the urgency to identify the pathobiological mechanisms underlying increased risk for and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection is mounting. One contributing factor, the accumulation of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules, is a leading trigger for the activation of nuclear factor-kB and the IRF (interferon regulatory factors), such as IRF7. Activation of these pathways, particularly in the lung and other organs, such as the heart, contributes to a burst of cytokine release, which predisposes to significant tissue damage, loss of function, and mortality. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) binds damage-associated molecular patterns is expressed in the lung and heart, and in priming organs, such as the blood vessels (in diabetes) and adipose tissue (in obesity), and transduces the pathological signals emitted by damage-associated molecular patterns. It is proposed that damage-associated molecular pattern-RAGE enrichment in these priming tissues, and in the lungs and heart during active infection, contributes to the widespread tissue damage induced by SARS-CoV-2. Accordingly, the RAGE axis might play seminal roles in and be a target for therapeutic intervention in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Otto Catherine M. , Nishimura Rick A. , Bonow Robert O. , Carabello Blase A. , Erwin John P. , Gentile Federico , Jneid Hani , Krieger Eric V. , Mack Michael , McLeod Christopher , O’Gara Patrick T. , Rigolin Vera H. , Sundt Thoralf M. , Thompson Annemarie , Toly Christopher
Published: December 2020

Aim:

This executive summary of the valvular heart disease guideline provides recommendations for clinicians to diagnose and manage valvular heart disease as well as supporting documentation to encourage their use.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 1, 2010, to March 1, 2020, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Reports, and other selected database relevant to this guideline.

Structure:

Many recommendations from the earlier valvular heart disease guidelines have been updated with new evidence and provides newer options for diagnosis and treatment of valvular heart disease. This summary includes only the recommendations from the full guideline which focus on diagnostic work-up, the timing and choice of surgical and catheter interventions, and recommendations for medical therapy. The reader is referred to the full guideline for graphical flow charts, text, and tables with additional details about the rationale for and implementation of each recommendation, and the evidence tables detailing the data considered in developing these guidelines.
Sexual Differences in Genetic Predisposition of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Huang Yunfeng , Hui Qin , Gwinn Marta , Hu Yi-Juan , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Vaccarino Viola , Sun Yan V.
Published: December 2020

Background:

The genomic structure that contributes to the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) can be evaluated as a risk score of multiple variants. However, sex differences have not been fully examined in applications of genetic risk score (GRS) of CAD.

Methods:

Using data from the UK Biobank, we constructed a CAD-GRS based on all known loci, 3 mediating trait-based (blood pressure, lipids, and body mass index) subscores, and a genome-wide polygenic risk score based on 1.1 million variants. The differences in genetic associations with prevalent and incident CAD between men and women were investigated among 317 509 unrelated individuals of the European ancestry. We also assessed interactions with sex for 161 individual loci included in the comprehensive GRS.

Results:

For both prevalent and incident CAD, the associations of comprehensive and genome-wide GRSs were stronger among men than women. Using a score of 161 loci, we observed a 2.4× higher risk for incident CAD comparing men with high genetic risk to men with low genetic risk but an 80% greater risk comparing women with high genetic risk to women with low genetic risk (interaction
P
=0.002). Of the 3 subscores, the blood pressure–associated subscore exhibited sex differences (interaction
P
=0.0004 per SD increase in subscore). Analysis of individual variants identified a novel gene-sex interaction at locus
21q22.11
.

Conclusions:

Sexual differences in genetic predisposition should be considered in future studies of CAD, and GRSs should not be assumed to perform equally well in men and women.
Ethnic Essentialism or Conciliatory Multiculturalism? The People’s Republic of China
Authors: Scupin Raymond U.
Published: December 2020

Numerous scholars from different fields ranging from history, political science, ethnic and cultural studies, sociology, and anthropology have discussed ethnic and racial identity issues in the People’s Republic of China. Most have noted that there are competing narratives regarding the conceptions of race and ethnicity. Much of the scholarship has been based on social constructivist orientations. This essay is directed towards a merger between social constructivist and cognitive science approaches on essentialism that may open the doors for further research and investigation of this important topic.
China’s Efforts at Influence in Europe, Targeting the Media and Public Opinion
Authors: Sydoruk Tetiana , Tymeichuk Iryna , Kukalets Oksana
Published: December 2020

Since 2008, a negative image of China has prevailed in Europe, leading to the country’s image crisis in the region. The state has implemented several policies to improve such a perception. This paper aims to examine the major tools of China’s attempts at influence in Europe, targeting the media and public opinion. Applying the concept of soft power and public diplomacy, we analyse the tools China uses to modify and shape public opinion about itself in Europe. The research framework comprises secondary resources on China’s foreign policy, soft power, public diplomacy and media strategy in Europe. We distinguish four primary influence tools: China buys European media outlets to prevent negative information about itself; it pays for inserts in leading European newspapers; it signs cooperation agreements with media organisations and holds media forums; and it limits access to its market to affect media, film and academic content.
Bacon or Beef? ‘Fake’ Halal Scandals in the Russian Federation
Authors: Serrano Silvia
Published: December 2020

This article aims at analyzing how the penetration of a commercial rational into the religious field impacts the relations between the State and the Muslim religion in the case of post-Soviet Russia. Here, the rise of a ‘halal market’ – that is the market for halal products and the market of halal certification – was punctuated by scandals. This research scrutinizes one of them, linked with halal meat products containing pork dna. This scandal is studied as it reveals the pre-existing order and is considered per se, as a critical test when common values and norms are either abandoned or strengthened, and previously established relations are transformed.

First, the article presents how Islam is organized and regulated in the Russian Federation; then it analyzes the ‘scandalization strategy,’ which leads to the reconfiguration of the game of actors. Lastly, it examines how the scandal, through the use of law and court decisions, contributes to the extension, legitimization and consolidation of the certificated ‘halal’ norm beyond the circles of pious Muslims.

This research is based on empirical data gathered in Moscow and Kazan in 2018: the observation of a court trial and the analysis of documents relating to the legal proceedings, semi-structured interviews and online research.
Bivalent Writing: Hebrew and English Alphabets in Jewish English
Authors: Benor Sarah Bunin
Published: December 2020

Jewish English writing uses multiple combinations of the Hebrew and English alphabets. This paper demonstrates those uses, giving examples from rabbinic literature, Yiddish and Ladino newspapers, handwritten notes, pedagogical materials, organizations’ and restaurants’ logos, and regalia advertising sports teams, universities, and political candidates. The analysis demonstrates that hybrid combinations of Hebrew and English writing serve four functions: 1) Translanguaging: Enabling people who have access to (elements of) English and a traditionally Hebrew-script language (Yiddish, Ladino, Modern Hebrew, Textual Hebrew, Textual Jewish Aramaic) to represent both languages in the same text; 2) Symbolism: Highlighting English-speaking Jews’ Jewish and other identities simultaneously; 3) Code: Communicating coded messages to other Jews; and 4) Pedagogy: Teaching Hebrew decoding to English speakers or teaching English to readers of Yiddish or Ladino. Digraphic texts are bivalent, seen as part of multiple languages simultaneously.
“The Last Confucian” in the Rice Paddy of Java
Authors: Chen Yong
Published: December 2020

This article engages in theoretical reflections on an anthropology of Confucianism by tackling two critical issues: the visibility of the Confucian tradition in modern times and the conceptualization of “popular Confucianism” in anthropological terms. Through a case study of an ethnographic document about Agama Khonghucu, as the Confucian religion is known in Indonesia, the article argues that, via the construction of an anthropology of Confucianism, scholars can better understand the customs, behaviors, and values of Chinese communities under their specific sociopolitical and cultural conditions across the globe.
From Female Daoist Rationality to Kundao Practice
Authors: Wang Robin R.
Published: December 2020

By presenting Cao Wenyi (1039–1119), a female Daoist in the Song dynasty, and Kundao Academy 坤道学院, a training center for female Daoists in contemporary China, this essay challenges Max Weber’s description of Daoism. This analysis criticizes two aspects of Weber’s basic position on Daoism, namely, his claims that it is irrational and egoistical. The essay argues that Weber’s account of “magical and irrational” features in Daoism is due to a deep-seated philosophical framework that fails to appreciate Daoism’s relational rationality, which takes one part in relation to many other parts, as shown in Cao’s work. Weber’s inadequate treatment of Daoism leads him not only to ignore or dismiss the roles of female Daoists in Chinese society but also to describe Daoism as egoistical and lacking in social functions. The investigation of Kundao Academy reveals a living reality in which female Daoists have a deep and immediate commitment and goal to serve the community. The study of past and present female Daoist voices invites us to rethink the very notions of man/male/masculinity and woman/female/femininity and offers a path for investigating relationships between the hegemonic power of social structures and female subjective agency through the interface of classical texts and contemporary contexts.
Two new species of yellow-tailed Hemidactylus Goldfuss, 1820 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from rocky outcrops on the Telangana Plateau, India
Authors: LAJMI APARNA , GIRI VARAD B. , SINGH TANERAW , AGARWAL ISHAN
Published: December 2020

Two distinct species of the gekkonid genus Hemidactylus are described from the dry zone of peninsular India from the state of Telangana. The two sister species, Hemidactylus flavicaudus sp. nov. and H. xericolus sp. nov., are nested within the morphologically cryptic H. brookii group, but are clearly distinguishable from all known species in having a bright yellow tail and yellow markings on the head, besides unique combinations of meristic characters and small body size (< 45 mm snout to vent length). The two new species are also deeply divergent from each other and other members of the H. brookii group in mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 2 and cytochrome b sequences. Hemidactylus flavicaudus sp. nov. can be diagnosed from H. xericolus sp. nov. based on the number of dorsal tubercle rows at midbody (11–14 versus 6–8). These descriptions of evolutionarily and morphologically distinct species highlight the dearth of studies carried out in the dry zone of peninsular India and the urgent need to assess biodiversity in the face of rapid land-use changes in this landscape.