bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis-related groups and payments for the treatment of malignant neoplasms in the model of 2019
Authors: Fedyaev  D. V. , Omelyanovskiy  V. V. , Lazareva  M. L. , Seryapina Yu. V. , Ledovskikh Yu. A.
Published: October 2019

The article addresses the model of diagnosis-related groups (DRG) updated according to the new tariffs in the compulsory medical insurance. Especially emphasized are changes made in the DRG model of 2019, which resulted from the previous work on the development and revision of the clinical recommendations in oncology, as well as the regulation changes in the healthcare system. In addition, the article describes the functioning of the DRG model in 2018 and the payment for cancer care and also provides examples from the practice of chemotherapy. The modifications made in the 2019 model are carefully discussed in terms of: expanding the list of oncological diagnoses, creating and characterizing new DRG groups, updating the coding system and the structure of reference books, changing the Guidebook recommendations and the Instruction related to oncological groups. Clarifications are given regarding frequently asked questions on payments for the medical care in oncology within the current DRG model.
Retrospective Review of Oral Probiotic Therapy
Authors: Cannon Mark L , Vorachek Ashlee , Le Catherine , White Kevin
Published: October 2019

Purpose: There have been many in vitro studies reporting on the efficacy of probiotic bacteria in inhibiting pathogens, and there have been published studies reporting on the inhibitor effects of probiotic bacteria on the salivary levels of bacterial pathogens. However, there have not been but a few studies on the clinical benefits of oral probiotic therapy. Study design: Dental records of 60 patients that were enrolled in an Institutional Review Board approved study were reviewed as to current caries activity status with measurement of the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth index and by Caries Management By Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) determination. The current oral health status was compared to the prior-to-study enrollment status and then analyzed in respect to published national norms.

The data (without any identifiers) had a statistical analysis by a blinded biostatistician. The data was subjected to statistical analysis (Statsgraphic) before and after the probiotic therapy. Results: Of the 53 subjects available for follow up, only 4 had remained caries active with a grand total of 27 carious lesions being detected and subsequently restored in this group. Of the original total of 60 patients with 292 initial carious lesions, after probiotic therapy and dental restoration, 78 total restorations were placed in the subject group over the following three years. Approximately half of these restorations were required in teeth that had initially presented with smaller lesions and had been placed in a “watch” category. Two of the patients that developed further carious lesions had been randomly assigned to the probiotic PerioBalance, while the other two caries active patients were assigned EvoraKids probiotic.

Of the original group of caries active patients, 24 did not present with any further carious involvement. Another 25 could be categorized as caries static, as the restorations required were substantially less than before probiotic therapy had been begun. The F-ratio, which in this case equals 51.3313, is a ratio of the between-group estimate to the within-group estimate. Since the P-value of the F-test is less than 0.05, there is a statistically significant difference between the means of the 4 variables at the 95.0% confidence level. Conclusion: The tested probiotic supplements had a statistically significant effect on the caries experience of the enrolled subjects.
Observe a strange event: Timon of Athens, Seattle
Authors: Henry Sean
Published: October 2019

A review of Seattle Shakespeare Company's 2018 production of Timon of Athens.
Effect of Bastibaj, a Traditional Persian Formula, on Premature Ejaculation: Observation of a Traditional Treatment
Authors: Ahmadian-Attari Mohammad Mahdi , Moosavi-Asil Seyed Hamed , Taghizadeh Kashani Leila Mohammad , Shirzad Meysam
Published: October 2019

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the main sexual problems among the male population. There is a folk treatment for this ailment in a small town near Kashan, Iran. The treatment contains hydro-alcoholic extracts of Tribulus terrestris L., Rosa × damascena Herrm, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, and Crocus sativus L. in honey. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the effect of the syrup on premature ejaculation. The study population was 17 outpatients visited by a traditional healer. Each patient was diagnosed clinically based on the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT). Inclusion criteria included male participants between 20 to 60 years old, PE more than 6 months, PEDT score more than 11, IELT more than 1 minute, no severe organic disease. Exclusion criteria included taking any chemical drug during the intervention, and sexual contacts less than twice in 3 weeks. 17 male patients aged between 26-65 years old were eligible for the study according to the inclusion criteria. The patients enrolled in the study, filled out the written consent form and conditions of the research were explained. The medication (Bastibaj syrup) was administered for the patients 5 milliliters 3 times daily for 3 sequential weeks. The intravaginal ejaculatory latency time was recorded in all coitus. After the course of the intervention, the mean of IELTs before and after the intervention was compared via paired T-test. Results show that the mean IELT before the intervention (33.2 seconds) in comparison to after it (129.3 seconds) has been improved significantly (P < 0.01). According to the results, the study revealed that the traditional remedy prescribed in this study, i.e. Bastibaj, can be effective in patients with premature ejaculation, and can prolong the IELT significantly.
The Role of Enseraf-E- Tabiat (Nature Distraction) in Disease Treatment
Authors: Khalilzadeh Somayyeh
Published: October 2019

This article is a Letter to the Editor and does not include an Abstract.
Novel Thermal-Therapy Protocol (SINA1.2) from Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM): a Pilot on Diabetic Rats
Authors: Sarbaz Hoseini Zahra , Asghari Majid , Heidari Hamid , Mohammadbeigi Abolfazl , Alizadeh Vaghasloo Mahdi
Published: October 2019

One of guilty pathologies in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is ectopic fat accumulation in organs like pancreas, liver and skeletal muscles due to fatty acid’s bad digestion. This situation corresponds much with a spectrum of illnesses named the Soo ul Qinya & Estesgha in Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM). We renamed and redefined the concept as “The Bad-Anbaasht Syndrome” meaning bad-deposition. One of its basic treatments mentioned is thermal-therapy which interestingly also shown to benefit T2DM in recent studies. We designed a novel protocol named SINA therapy to treat T2DM including sauna’s benefits but reducing its side effects and then performed an animal pilot study. Five Wistar rats made diabetic by high fat diet and low dose streptozotocin, were treated daily by month long SINA 1.2 treatment protocol (1 cc Oxymel gavage and then 30 min thermal therapy in 37 ̊C dry sauna incubator). Weight and blood glucose were measured at beginning and at the end. Although Mean weights increased significantly from 296 to 321 (paired T test, p = 0.022) but surprisingly the mean blood glucose lowered significantly from 200mg/dl to 127mg/dl (p = 0.049). According to results of this pilot study, SINA therapy 1.2 is probable to have benefits in treatment of T2DM, but yet needs further experimental and clinical evidence.
Relapsing Sudden Hearing Loss Treated and Prevented with Principles of Persian Medicine: a Case Report
Authors: Khalilzadeh Somayyeh , Alizadeh Vaghasloo Mahdi
Published: October 2019

WHO has declared sudden hearing loss (SHL) as the third cause of disability. The mechanism of SHL remains unknown. Considering numerous complications of related medication, we decided to use non-medical therapeutic modalities derived from Persian Medicine (PM). A middle-aged female patient had a history of multiple attacks of SHL, she disliked to get injection again and preferred a traditional treatment. Therefore, she was advised to take a simple protocol in order to make rheological changes in and evacuation of the probable stagnant phlegmatic matter as it was diagnosed from the given oral history. The hearing loss recovered 60% after the first attempt and up to 100% after the second round and has not yet relapsed in the recent two and a half years of follow up despite its recurrences in the year before the trial. In this patient, by using safe user-friendly methods without any medications, we tried to increase the blood circulation to the affected organ, in order to change the consistency of the stagnated waste material so that it could be disposed from the auditory nerves and also out from the body.
Medicinal Herbs with Potential Anti-Hypertensive Properties: a Systematic Review of Human and Animal Studies
Authors: Isari Maryam , Namazi Nazli , Ayati Mohammad Hossein , Rahimi Roja
Published: October 2019

Blood pressure is one of the vital signs, and is the pressure of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. When the large arteries lose their natural elasticity and strength, and the smaller ones are narrowed, blood pressure rises and the pressure is exerted by blood on the walls of blood vessels. High blood pressure is dangerous and very harmful for the heart and blood vessels, and is a major cause of mortality in all nations. Many patients tend to use herbal products for controlling their blood pressure, as they are concerned of the side effects of the chemical drugs. There are huge amount of research work exploring the safety and efficacy of a single herb, or combined herbal products on lowering blood pressure, among which some have shown certain effects, and some are negative in results. Grape seed, Garlic, Saffron, Green and White Mulberry, Quince, and some other herbs have more scientific evidence in lowering blood pressure. In this study, we systematically reviewed the scientific literature of clinical trials and animal studies, in which the safety and effectiveness of herbs on lowering blood pressure were evaluated.
Imágenes, trauma, memoria: miradas del pasado reciente en obras de Patricio Guzmán, Adriana Lestido y Gustavo Germano
Authors: Fernández Bravo Álvaro
Published: October 2019

Este artículo propone comparar representaciones del pasado traumático reciente en Argentina y Chile a partir de los testimonios recogidos en el filme Nostalgia de la luz de Patricio Guzmán, en la serie de fotografías Lo que se ve (1979-2007) de Adriana Lestido y en dos fotomontajes de Gustavo Germano perteneciente a la serie Ausencias. Tanto el filme como las imágenes evocan los vestigios ausentes (los cuerpos ausentes), ejecutados por las dictaduras militares en Argentina y Chile, a partir de la evocación y presencia de los familiares sobrevivientes. El trabajo propone analizar el régimen temporal traumático de los cuerpos desaparecidos y su contraste con la memoria afectiva, examinar la condición temporal iterativa heterocrónica del trauma en los regímenes escópicos sudamericanos contemporáneos e interrogar los usos del archivo mnemónico como intervención-instalación visual.
Я. П. Полонский как предшественник русского символизма: поэтика лирического цикла ("Сны" Полонского и "Жизнь моего приятеля" Блока)
Authors: Федосеева Татьяна
Published: October 2019

Творческое наследие Я. П. Полонского мировоззренчески и чертами поэтики предшествовало русскому модернизму в целом и символизму в частности. В. С. Соловьев обосновывал эту общность романтической направленностью личности поэта и ее устремленностью к идеалу. Полонский предварил русский символизм тем, что, утверждал идеальное начало в формах действительной жизни. Органичность его творчества программе младших символистов состояла в абсолютном доверии художественному образу как «символу религиозной реальности» (А. А. Асоян). В лирических циклах Полонского и Блока показана драматическая разобщенность сообщества людей, утративших духовные смыслы бытия. Следствием этой утраты становится страдание и смерть (мотив Возмездия). Наиболее напряженным моментом в развитии лирического сюжета у Полонского является одиночество героя в абсолютной темноте и пустоте безжизненного мистериального пространства. У Блока одиночество героя показано в антитезе неподвижного «отменного порядка» обыденности стихийному движению порожденных сном воспоминаний, предчувствий, мыслей. Сны Полонского завершаются мотивом Преображения через обретение тайной книги. Цикл Блока – утверждением посмертного страдания богоотступника. Сюжетно-мотивный анализ двух циклов позволяет установить их родственность на уровне символического функционирования мотивного комплекса апокалиптического сюжета.
Поэзия Галины Кузнецовой в контексте творчества Ивана Бунина (тематический аспект)
Authors: Witczak Patryk
Published: October 2019

Галина Кузнецова – русская писательница, поэтесса, мемуаристка. Ее самым большим литературным достижением является Грасский дневник, в котором описывает жизнь с Иваном Буниным, который оказал сильное влияние на формирование художественной личности эмигрантки. В статье анализируются мотивы поэзии Кузнецовой (смерть, родина, любовь) в контексте лирики Бунина.
Монтаж как сюжетный прием в драматургии Вадима Леванова
Authors: Журчева Татьяна
Published: October 2019

Статья посвящена проблеме монтажа как сюжетообразующего приема, активно используемого в современной драматургии. Возможности монтажа рассматриваются на примере последних пьес Вадима Леванова. Он – один из наиболее известных представителей новейшей российской драмы рубежа XX–XXI веков, и в творчестве Леванова отразилось все многообразие идейных и художественных исканий современной драматургии. Драматургический диптих Святая блаженная Ксения Петербургская в житии и Кровавыя барыни Дарьи Салтыковой, московской столбовой дворянки правдоподобное и елико возможно достоверное жизнеописание, а также Пьеса про коров несомненно были программными произведениями Леванова, в которых отразились его философские искания. В статье показано, как использование приема монтажа позволило драматургу выразить свое отношение к извечной оппозиции добра и зла.
Виктор Шкловский в диалоге с Шекспиром
Authors: Мних Людмила
Published: October 2019

В статье рассмотрен шекспировский дискурс в работах видного представителя русского формализма Виктора Шкловского. Автор анализирует литературоведческие работы Шкловского, в которых интерпретируются тексты Шекспира. В ранних работах 1920–30-х годов В. Шкловский обращался к Шекспиру для обоснования новой терминологии русских формалистов, а более поздние работы ученого уже непосредственно посвящены изучению произведений Шекспира.
Рефлексия классической традиции „Прощаний с Петербургом” в неклассической лирике XXI века
Authors: Ляпина Лариса
Published: October 2019

В статье представлена традиция русской классической лирики, сложившаяся на основе мотива расставания лирического героя с Петербургом – и рефлексии этого события. Сюжеты и поэтика таких стихотворений в XIX–ХХ вв. эволюционировали и создали ряд типовых форм; в XXI в. они взаимодействуют и используются разными авторами. Анализируется лирический цикл Прощание с Петербургом Ф. Городова, сетевого поэта-любителя, успешно и интересно отображающего и сопрягающего в целое все основные разновидности жанра.
„Авиатор” Евгения Водолазкина как жанр дневника
Authors: Wojciechowska Magdalena
Published: October 2019

Целью настоящей статьи является представление творчества современного и самого популярного русского писателя Евгения Германовича Водолазкина в романе Авиатор, написанном в форме дневника. В статье представлен новаторский подход автора к жанру дневника, который сопоставлен с классической классификацией Елены Богдановой в ее научной статье Языковые особенности жанра дневника (2008).
Игра с драматургическими традициями в пьесе Анны Кашиной „Дума”
Authors: Sikora-Krizhevska Paulina
Published: October 2019

В статье анализируется сочетание классических и новаторских художественных приемов в пьесе Анны Кашиной Дума. Описывается игра с драматургической традицией, осуществляющаяся на уровнях: системы персонажей, изложенного в ремарках изобразительного ряда (введения видеопроекций, перенесения действия в зрительный зал), а также композиции произведения. Автор рассматривает пьесу А. Кашиной как произведение, поэтика которого детерминирована как эстетикой современных визуальных медиа, так и литературной традицией.
Interpretación de algunos tratados relacionados con las dos primeras guerras macedónicas
Authors: Martínez Lacy Ricardo
Published: October 2019

Generalmente se interpreta la expansión romana desde el punto de vista de Roma misma. Es posible proponer interpretaciones alternativas. Entre los testimonios legitimadores de las conquistas una especie importante son los tratados internacionales. Se presenta un análisis de los tratados entre Aníbal y Filipo V, entre Roma y la Confederación Etolio y entre Macedonia y el reino seléucida contra Ptolomeo V Epifanes.
“En medio del enclaustro, lugar tan acabado, / sediá un rico árbol en medio levantado”: contextos y funciones ecfrásticas del árbol autómata en el Libro de Alexandre
Authors: Altamirano Gerardo
Published: October 2019

Uno de los pasajes más interesantes en el Libro de Alexandre, texto que reactualiza para su época la vida de Alejandro magno y añade aspectos de literatura fantástica, es, sin duda, el hallazgo del protagonista, Alejandro Magno, con el Palacio del rey Poro. En este episodio, el rey macedonio encuentra un árbol construido en oro que constituye, al parecer, un autómata, es decir una especie de robot o ente que se mueve por ciertas energías físicas. En este artículo, el autor trata de ahondar en este pasaje, revelando sus funciones intra y extratextuales, así como su relación intertextual y extratextual con otras obras y episodios o aspectos históricos.
Aurelio González, Karla Xiomara Luna Mariscal y Axayácatl Campos García Rojas (eds.), Lisuarte de Grecia y sus libros: 500 años
Authors: Manzanilla Mancilla Nashielli
Published: October 2019

Aurelio González, Karla Xiomara Luna Mariscal y Axayácatl Campos García Rojas (eds.), Lisuarte de Grecia y sus libros: 500 años, México, El Colegio de México, 2017, 486 pp.
Pre-history and origins of the hero in El libro del cavallero Zifar and Amadís de Gaula
Authors: Campos García Rojas Axayácatl
Published: October 2019

This article studies the concept of pre-historyin the heroic and chivalric development of the main characters in El libro del Cavallero Zifar and Amadís de Gaula. In the narrative of this romances, the pre-history refers to the account of significant events prior to the gestation of the hero, and to the previous history of his origins. The analysis of the works and its structure allows us to understand two types of pre-history: One built with remote, mythical and legendary elements, brought to the knight’s present life as memories given by his ancestors; and the other given to the reader as part of the narrative and plot of the work; this one results more direct and closer in time.
Un dato más para la historia de la difusión de la leyenda de la destrucción de Jerusalén
Authors: Hook David
Published: October 2019

A la evidencia ya conocida para la difusión en Hispanoamérica de la leyenda medieval de la destrucción de Jerusalén por los romanos podemos añadir una referencia en un documento notarial de Lima, 1583, en el cual el librero Juan Ximénez del Río pide que le traigan desde España veinte ejemplares de dicho texto.
Priawan: Indonesian male transgenders
Authors: Prasetyo Dwi , Arimbi Diah Ariani , Davies Sharyn Graham , Suen Mein Woei , Artaria Myrtati Dyah
Published: October 2019

There have been cases of male transgender in Indonesia, yet there is a small study about them. Why do some biological females claim their identity as male transgender? How do they think of themselves as male transgender? The researcher study their life history and how they see themselves as male transgender. We have a total of six research subjects who acknowledged themselves as male transgender. This research used the in-depth interview for gathering data within six months. The results found that they became transgender based on their desire rather than coercion from others. Some of them were comfortable in coming out to their family, but most were considering how the society would judge them, and how they might bring shame to the family. Three research subjects were not able to show their true identity as transgender, because of several considerations, such as the fear of being ostracized by the society and the fear to be eliminated from their family. They took the gender role according to what would be accepted by the current environment. We conclude that the existence of transgender, who is biologically females to become males are very reluctant to open their sexual identity because of this reason.
Nasal Drug Delivery of Anticancer Drugs for the Treatment of Glioblastoma: Preclinical and Clinical Trials
Authors: Bruinsmann Franciele Aline , Richter Vaz Gustavo , de Cristo Soares Alves Aline , Aguirre Tanira , Raffin Pohlmann Adriana , Stanisçuaski Guterres Silvia , Sonvico Fabio
Published: October 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal form of brain tumor, characterized by rapid growth and surrounding tissue invasion. The current standard treatment is surgery followed by radiotherapy, and concurrent chemotherapy, typically with temozolomide. Although extensive research has been performed over the past years to develop an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of GBM, efforts have not provided major improvements in the overall survival of patients with GBM. Thus, new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. A major challenge in the development of therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders is overcoming the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In this context, the intranasal (IN) route of drug administration has been proposed as a non-invasive alternative route to directly targeting the CNS. In fact, this route of drug administration may bypass the blood-brain barrier and reduce systemic side effects. Recently, formulations have been developed to further enhance nose-to-brain transport, mainly with the use of nano-sized and nanostructured drug delivery systems. The focus of this review will be on the strategies developed to deliver a number of anticancer compounds for the treatment of GBM using the nasal administration. In particular, the specific properties of nanomedicines proposed for the nose-to-brain delivery will be critically evaluated. The number of preclinical and clinical data reviewed support the idea that nasal delivery of anticancer drugs might represent a breakthrough advancement in the fight against GBM.
Role of Charge Regulation and Fluctuations in the Conformational and Mechanical Properties of Weak Flexible Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Blanco Pablo M. , Madurga Sergio , Narambuena Claudio F. , Mas Francesc , Garcés Josep L.
Published: October 2019

This work addresses the role of charge regulation (CR) and the associated fluctuations in the conformational and mechanical properties of weak polyelectrolytes. Due to CR, changes in the pH-value modifies the average macromolecular charge and conformational equilibria. A second effect is that, for a given average charge per site, fluctuations can alter the intensity of the interactions by means of correlation between binding sites. We investigate both effects by means of Monte Carlo simulations at constant pH-value, so that the charge is a fluctuating quantity. Once the average charge per site is available, we turn off the fluctuations by assigning the same average charge to every site. A constant charge MC simulation is then performed. We make use of a model which accounts for the main fundamental aspects of a linear flexible polyelectrolyte i.e. proton binding, angle internal rotation, bond stretching and bending. Steric excluded volume and differentiated treatment for short-range and long-range interactions are also included in the model. It can be regarded as a kind of "minimal'' model in the sense that contains a minimum number of parameters but still preserving the atomistic detail. It is shown that, if fluctuations are activated, gauche state bond probabilities increase, and the persistence length decreases, so that the polymer becomes more folded. Macromolecular stretching is also analyzed in presence of CR (the charge depends on the applied force) and without CR (the charge is fixed to the value at zero force). The analysis of the low force scaling behavior concludes that Pincus exponent becomes pH-dependent. Both with and without CR, a transition from 1/2 at high pH-values (phantom chain) to 3/5 to low pH-values (Pincus regime), is observed. Finally, the intermediate force stretching regime is investigated. It is found that CR induces a moderate influence in the force-extension curves and persistence length (which in this force regime becomes force-dependent). It is thus concluded that the effect of CR on the stretching curves is mainly due to changes in the average charge at zero force. It is also found that, for the cases studied, the effect of steric excluded volume is almost irrelevant compared to electrostatic interactions.
Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Syanyonja, Busia Gold District, South Eastern Uganda: Impacts on the Mining Population and the Environment
Authors: Omara Timothy , Karungi Shakilah , Ssebulime Stephen , Kiplagat Kibet Mohamed , Bongomin Ocident , Ogwang Remish , Akaganyira Solomon
Published: October 2019

Syanyonja village in the gold district of Busia, South East of the Republic of Uganda contain geologically epigenetic gold quartz vein deposits in carbonate-altered mafic metavolcanic rocks, deposited as quartz reefs in mineralized shear zones. In supracrustal rocks, alluvial gold is obtained from weathered auriferous quartz veins, which are of late orogenic granitic activity. The Syanyonja gold deposits have long been subjected to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) by the locals for livelihood. This study determined the amount of mercury discharged with tailings into Namukombe stream, a major water body in Syanyonja village and investigated the impacts of ASGM on the mining population and the environment. Quantitation of mercury discharged with tailings was done by mass balance method. Field survey at the mining sites was done followed by administration of questionnaires to 50 stampeders in the village. The study indicates that about 8% of mercury mixed with auriferous materials are lost in tailings, accounting for an annual mercury release of about 1.757 kg into the environment. Socio-demographic results indicate that the majority of the mining population (64%) are male and ASGM have left health and environmental footprints, which directly or indirectly affects the population. The most common health problems among miners are malaria (36%) and abdominal pain (20%). The standard of living of the miners are evidently low, and most mines are characterized by school dropouts, prostitutes and thieves. Mining sites have deplorably poor hygiene, with evident burning of amalgams to recover gold. ASGM have been accompanied by wanton mowing down of vegetation, land degradation as well as mercuric pollution of water, air, land and aquatic ecosystems. It is suggested that the Ugandan government should re-enforce committees to follow up on ASGM activities, train artisans on sustainable gold mining using borax, magnets, sluice boxes as well as take up farming actively as an alternative.
Structure and Function of the Nuclear Receptor Superfamily and Current Targeted Therapies of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Porter Baylee , Ortiz Maria A. , Bratslavsky Gennady , Kotula Leszek
Published: October 2019

The nuclear receptor superfamily comprises a large group of proteins with functions essential for cell signaling, survival and proliferation. There are multiple distinctions between nuclear superfamily classes defined by hallmark differences in function, ligand binding, tissue specificity, and DNA binding. In this review, we utilize the initial classification system, which defines subfamilies based on structure and functional difference. The defining feature of the nuclear receptor superfamily is that these proteins function as transcription factors. The loss of transcriptional regulation or gain of functioning of these receptors is a hallmark in numerous diseases. For example, in prostate cancer the androgen receptor is a primary target for current prostate cancer therapies. Targeted cancer therapies for nuclear hormone receptors have been more feasible than others to develop due to ligand availability and cell permeability of hormones. To better target these receptors, it is critical to understand their structural and functional regulation. Given that late-stage cancers often develop hormone insensitivity, we will explore the strengths and pitfalls of targeting other transcription factors outside of the nuclear receptor superfamily such as the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT).
Virtual Reality in Biology: Can We Become Virtual Naturalists?
Authors: Morimoto Juliano , Ponton Fleur
Published: October 2019

Technological advances made Virtual and Mixed Reality (VMR) accessible at our fingertips. However, only recently VMR has been explored for the teaching of biology. Here, we highlight how VMR applications can be useful in biology education, discuss about caveats related to VMR use that can interfere with learning, and look into the future of VMR applications in the field. We then propose that the combination of VMR with Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence can provide unprecedented ways to visualise how species evolve in self-sustained immersive virtual worlds, thereby transforming VMR from an educational tool to the centre of biological interest.
Rethinking Discretization to Advance Limnology in a Rapidly Changing World
Authors: Kraemer Benjamin
Published: October 2019

Limnologists often adhere to a discretized view of waterbodies—they classify them, divide them into zones, promote discrete management targets, and use research tools, experimental designs, and statistical analyses focused on discretization. This approach to limnology has profoundly benefited the way we understand, manage, and communicate about waterbodies. But the research questions and the research tools in limnology are changing rapidly with consequences for the relevance of our current discretization schemes. Here, I examine how and why we discretize and argue that selectively rethinking the extent to which we must discretize gives us an exceptional chance to advance limnology in new ways.
Using Convolutional Networks and Satellite Imagery to Predict Disease Density in a Developing Country
Authors: Sanya Rahman , Maiga Gilbert , Mwebaze Ernest
Published: October 2019

Rapid increase in digital data coupled with advances in deep learning algorithms is opening unprecedented opportunities for incorporating multiple data sources for modeling spatial dynamics of human infectious diseases. We used Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) in conjunction with satellite imagery-based urban housing and socio-economic data to predict disease density in a developing country setting. We explored both single (uni) and multiple input (multimodality) network architectures for this purpose. We achieved maximum test set accuracy of 81.6 per cent using a single input CNN model built with one convolutional layer and trained using housing image data. However, this fairly good performance was biased in favor of specific disease density classes due to an unbalanced data set despite our use of methods to address the problem. These results suggest CNN are promising for modeling spatial dynamics of human infectious diseases, especially in a developing country setting. Urban housing signals extracted from satellite imagery seem suitable for this purpose, under the same context.
Tight coupling between the cyclicity of deep-water systems and rising-then-flat shelf-edge pairs along the submarine segment of the Qiongdongnan sediment-routing system
Authors: Gong Chenglin , Qi Kun , Ma Yuan , Li Dongwei , Feng Nan , Xu Hongxiang
Published: October 2019

On the basis of shelf-edge (SE) trajectory analysis, the present study demonstrates the tight coupling between the cyclicity of deep-water systems and contemporaneous SE trajectories with a paired rising-then-flat trajectory tendency (termed “SE pairs”) along the submarine segment of the mid-Pleistocene Qiongdongnan sediment-routing system, contributing to a better understanding of how to predict internal architecture and stacking patterns of deep-water systems. At the outlying deep-water reaches of the mid-Pleistocene Qiongdongnan sediment-routing system, Qiongdongnan deep-water systems are shown to have grown in a cyclic fashion that is stratigraphically manifested as the underlying mass-transport deposits (MTDs) systematically capped by submarine channels or sheet-like turbidites (i.e., MTD-channel and MTD-turbidite cycles, respectively). At the SE staging areas of the mid-Pleistocene Qiongdongnan sediment-routing system, Qiongdongnan shelf edges (SEs) have grown in a paired rising-then-flat fashion. The lower stratigraphic fill level of Qiongdongnan deep-water sedimentation cycles correlates to rising SE trajectories, during which the far shoreline to SE proximity (i.e., the long shoreline to SE distance of tens of kilometers) coupled to positive shelf accommodation [represented by positive SE trajectory angles () of 4.38° to 10.45°] most likely promoted passive sediment-transport agents and resultant MTDs. The upper stratigraphic fill level of mid-Pleistocene Qiongdongnan sedimentation cycles, in contrast, corresponds to flat SE trajectories, during which the close shoreline to SE proximity (i.e., the short shoreline to SE distance of < 5 km) coupled to negative shelf accommodation (represented by of –0.17° to –1.32°), in contrast, favored active sediment-transport agents and resultant submarine channels or sheet-like turbidites.
Laparoscopic Treatment Experience In Morgagni Hernia Repair In Children
Authors: Anadolulu Ali İhsan , Gerçel Gonca , Kocaman Osman Hakan
Published: October 2019

Background: We aimed to present our laparoscopic treatment experience in Morgagni hernia repair. Methods: The patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery with diagnosis of Morgagni hernia between 2016-2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Their mean age at diagnosis was 4,1±2,6 years (1 year-13 years). All patients were male. The presenting complaints were respiratory tract infection in 3 patients and vomiting in 3. Two patients were diagnosed incidentally. Associated Down’s Syndrome was detected in 3 (38%) cases. The defect was left-sided in 7 (87.5%) patients and bilateral in 1 (12,5%). Omentum was herniated in 2 patients, colon and omentum were in 6 and colon, omentum and stomach were in one. All patients underwent primary repair extracorporeally by removing sutures from single incision, without removal of the hernia sac. There were no complications or recurrence in the mean 19,2±15,8 months (6-42 months) follow-up period Conclusion: Minimal invasive repair of MH is efficient and safe. It should be the first choice because of fast recovery and better cosmetic results. In this series, it was seen that leaving the hernia sac had no effect on early and late complications. Leaving the hernia sac may prevent potential complications due to unnecessary dissection.
The change of collagen in rabbit conjunctiva after conjunctiva cross-linking
Authors: Mo Lijuan , Wang Hanmin , Huang Li , Gui Yanxiang , Li Qingsong
Published: October 2019

Background We aimed to determine the ultrastructural changes of collagen fibrils in the rabbit conjunctiva after conjunctiva cross-linking using riboflavin and UVA light of 45mW / cm 2 irradiation intensity. Conjunctiva cross-linking may increase conjunctiva stiffness. Methods The super-temporal quadrant of the right eyes of twenty-four adult rabbits were treated with topical riboflavin solution (0.25%) followed by irradiation with UVA light (45mW/cm 2 ) for 4 min. After 3 weeks, the collagen fibrils in fibril bundles were examined with electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to detect the expression of collagen I and III in the rabbits’ conjunctiva. Results The diameter of collagen fibrils in the fibril bundles varied slightly and ranged from 30 to 60 nm in control group conjunctival stroma. While in the treatment group, the diameter of collagen fibrils ranged from 60 to 90 nm. Thickest collagen fibrils were observed in the treatment group (fibril diameters up to 90 nm), whereas thickest collagen fibrils in control group conjunctival stroma are considerable smaller (up to 60 nm in diameter). However, both of the thickness of collagen fibrils displayed a unimodal distribution. Collagen I and collagen III were increased after treatment with riboflavin and UVA light of 45 mW/cm 2 .Conclusions The data indicate that in rabbits, conjunctiva cross-linking with riboflavin and UVA light of 45 mW/cm 2 for 4 min is relatively safe and does not induce ultrastructural alterations of conjunctiva cells. The conjunctiva cross-linking riboflavin and UVA light of 45 mW/cm 2 can increase the diameter of collagen fibrils, but the average density of collagen I and collagen III have no statistical significance.
Using a Situated Simulation-Based Program for Improving Students’ Interaction and Observation Skills with Children in Occupational Therapy
Authors: Hung Chia-Hui , Ho Tzu-Hua , Lin Chen-Yung
Published: October 2019

Background Occupational therapy education programs need to produce students who can confidently and safely deliver services for children. The study incorporated a simulation of a real situation into a clinical skill observation of a pediatric occupational therapy curriculum. The purpose of the study was to determine whether situated simulation-based program could increase students’ perceived knowledge and clinical skills to better prepare them for pediatric practice. Methods The authors introduced a situated simulation-based program with video-based simulation training and a situated simulation-based exam during a pediatric occupational therapy course for thirty-two students in their fourth year of study in occupational therapy. The simulation program was two video-based simulation training sessions, tasked students with observing, evaluating and managing the children play. The debriefings were provided to connect student’s observation and basic evaluation skills. A post- simulation performance evaluation, the situated simulation-based exam, was created by faculty. The exam was prepared in a situated simulation therapeutic room was held to assess students’ skills in communication and interaction and basic evaluation skills. The scores of the video-based simulation training and the situated simulation-based exam were collected and examined. Results The video-based simulation scores explained 33.3% of the variance of performance in the situated simulation-based exam. The overall passing rates were as follows: situated simulation-based exam, 65.6%; communication and interaction station, 53.1%; basic evaluation station, 68.8%. Conclusions The video-based simulation training enhanced students’ communication and interaction skills. More relationship building skills were facilitated within the situated simulation-based exam with a real environment. The strategies that assist successful implementation of a situated simulation program to facilitate learning include course plans, clear scenario training goals, evaluation quality, and situated simulation contexts. This study provides preliminary support for simulation-based programs as training for improving the clinical skills of interaction and observation before students’ internships.
Health Insurance for Universal Health Coverage in India: A Critical Analysis based on Coverage, Distribution and Predictors from National Family Health Survey – 4 Data
Authors: Keshri Vikash R , Ghosh Saswata
Published: October 2019

Background: The movement for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is gaining momentum. Health insurance is emerging as one of the favoured means to finance healthcare. The union government of India also started a health insurance scheme in 2018 in the spirit to leap towards UHC. Therefore, this study was carried out with the following objectives. To understand the coverage, distribution, and predictors of health insurance coverage in India. To examine the role of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) towards the goal of UHC in India. Methods: We analyzed unit-level data from the fourth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) to understand the coverage, distribution and predictors of health insurance. We categorized the health insurance schemes into four major categories based on standard categorization . The descriptive and bivariate analysis was conducted to understand the coverage and distribution and logit regression analysis was carried out to understand the predictors. Results: The overall health insurance coverage in India was around 25% out of which 22% is mandatory health insurance. Less than 2% of households reported having any voluntary health insurance. Household wealth and education of the head of households were found to be directly proportional to health insurance coverage. Overall, there was very wide inter-state and inter-class variation in health insurance coverage, which reflect a major void in the existing programmes. Conclusions: To achieve UHC in India, a definite policy direction is needed to protect those groups of citizens, who either not covered or are only partially covered from health insurance scheme. Either the PM-JAY scheme should be expanded for the larger population or an alternative health financing model is to be explored to expand the population coverage. Key-words: Health Insurance, Universal Health Coverage, India, Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, National Family Health Survey.
The roles of cost of capital, corporate governance, and corporate social responsibility in improving firm value: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Hendra Titisari Kartika , Moeljadi M. , Ratnawati Kusuma , Khusniyah Indrawati Nur
Published: October 2019

Corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are important subjects for corporate sustainability that affect firm value (FV). At the same time research results in several countries provide diverse empirical evidence. This study analyzes the impact of corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm value (FV) through the cost of capital (CoC) in public companies of Indonesia. The research sample includes 27 companies that publish sustainability reports and corporate governance reports, with an observation period from 2010 till 2016. This study presents the analysis of three firm value proxies (Tobin’s q (TQ), Price Earnings Ratio (PER), and Price to Book Value (PBV)). Results of hypotheses testing using Partial Least Squares (PLS) show that CG and CSR have both direct and indirect effects on FV. These findings are consistent for all three firm value assessments. According to direct testing, CG has a negative effect on FV, while CSR has a positive effect. The CoC acts as a mediating variable in this relationship. The CG and CSR have a negative effect on CoC, while CoC has a negative effect on FV. The findings show that CG and CSR can improve the company performance and corporate image internally and externally, thereby increasing the investors` confidence, and companies have the opportunity to obtain inexpensive funding sources that can reduce CoC. A decrease in CoC can increase profitability and have an impact on FV increasing.
Bioremediation of organic dyes using combination of plants ash
Authors: Harpreet Kaur , Harpreet Kaur , Kamboj Vandana , Kamboj Vandana
Published: October 2019

Water is the most crucial thing to mankind and so its contamination by various agencies is posing a threat to the natural balance. So, in the present work, the efficiency of various adsorbents derived from plant waste, to remove different dyes from aqueous solution was evaluated. Parameters for study were contact time, concentration and pH. Various combinations of plant ashes were used for the study. It was found that adsorbent prepared from the combination of orange peels, pomegranate and banana peels ashes, exhibited good adsorption capacity for methylene blue, congo red and crystal violet. All these dyes were completely removed from the aqueous solution while methyl orange was not removed. Congo red was removed completely within 40 min of contact with the adsorbent while methyl orange took 3 hrs to be removed to the extent of 48% only. The adsorption coefficient of congo red was found to be 2.33 while value for methylene blue and crystal violet was 1 and 1.66 respectively. The characterization of adsorbent was done by Scanning Electron Microscopy and IR spectroscopy. SEM image revealed the surface of adsorbent to be made of differential pores. From the results it became evident that the low-cost adsorbent could be used as a replacement for costly traditional methods of removing colorants from water.
Effects of encapsulated black caraway extract and sesame oil on kolompeh quality
Authors: Soltaninejad Fatemeh , Sekhavatizadeh Seyed Saeed
Published: October 2019

In this study, the physicochemical and sensory properties of kolompeh containing black caraway and sesame oil were investigated. Black caraway extract (BCE), encapsulated black caraway extract (EBCE), and black caraway powder (BCP) were added to kolompeh and compared to the sample without black caraway (FBC). All products contained sesame oil and were compared to control (without sesame oil). Among the samples, kolompeh with encapsulated extract demonstrated a higher oxidative stability (24.37 h), with a high IC50 of black caraway extract (124.1 μg·mL–1). In addition, the emulsion exhibited size distribution between 3.20 and 8.51 μm, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the well encapsulated extract. Gas chromatography identified oleic and linoleic acids as the main fatty acids in kolompeh with the black caraway encapsulated extract. Although, there were no significant differences in the colour parameters (L*, a* and b*) of the samples, kolompeh with EBCE had the highest score given by panelists. The control had a higher (2466 g) hardness compared to kolompeh containing EBCE (1688 g) at the end of storage. Therefore, the encapsulated extract of black caraway not only had no an adverse effect on the properties of kolompeh but also improved its quality.
A multi-criteria sensory assessment of Cucumis melo (L.) using fuzzy-Eckenrode and fuzzy-TOPSIS methods
Authors: Fadhil Rahmat , Agustina Raida
Published: October 2019

The paper introduces a multi-criteria assessment system that can be used for sensory analysis by fuzzy-Eckenrode and fuzzy-TOPSIS methods. Respondents evaluated the sensory characteristics of Cucumis melo (L.), which included aroma, colour, taste, texture, and overall acceptance, after six days of storage. The product was stored under three different temperature conditions: 10°C (B1), 14°C (B2), and room temperature (27–30°C) (B3). The product was also stored at three types of packaging: unpackaged stem (A1), packaged fruit with one layer of banana stem (A2), and packaged fruit with two layers of banana stem (A3). The best result was demonstrated by the Cucumis melo that was stored at 14°C and packaged in a two-layered banana stem (A3B2). Both fuzzy-Eckenrode and fuzzy-TOPSIS method provided an easy, fast, and unambiguous calculation of multi-criteria sensory assessment.