bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mercury in the terrestrial environment: a review
Authors: Gworek Barbara , Dmuchowski Wojciech , Baczewska-Dąbrowska Aneta
Published: March 2020

Environmental contamination by mercury is and will continue to be a serious risk for human health. Pollution of the terrestrial environment is particularly important as it is a place of human life and food production. Publication presents a review of the literature on issues related to Hg pollution of the terrestrial environment: soil and plants and their transformations. Different forms of atmospheric Hg may be deposited on surfaces by way of wet and dry processes. These forms may be sequestered within terrestrial compartments or emitted back into the atmosphere, and the relative importance of these processes is dependent on the form of Hg, the surface chemistry, and the environmental conditions. On the land surface, Hg deposition mainly occurs in the oxidized form (Hg 2+ ), and its transformations are associated primarily with the oxidation-reduction potential of the environment and the biological and chemical processes of methylation. The deposition of Hg on ground with low vegetation as 3–5 times lower than that in forests. The estimation of Hg emissions from soil and plants, which occur mainly in the Hg 0 form, is very difficult. Generally, the largest amounts of Hg are emitted from tropical regions, and the lowest levels are from the polar regions.
Is post-operative non-weight-bearing necessary? Study protocol for a pragmatic randomised multicentre trial of operatively treated ankle fracture (DoWeCAST?).
Authors: Khojaly Ramy E , Niocaill Ruairí Mac , Shahab Muhammad , Vukanic Danilo , Nagle Matthew , Kearns Stephen , Taylor Colm , Rowan Fiachra E. , Cleary May
Published: March 2020

Background Post-operative management regimes vary following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of unstable ankle fractures. There is an evolving understanding that extended periods of immobilisation and limitation of weight-bearing may lead to poorer clinical outcomes. Traditional non-weight bearing cast immobilisation may prevent loss of fixation, and this practice continues in many centres. The purpose of this trial is to investigate the safety and efficacy of immediate weight-bearing (IWB) and range of motion (ROM) exercise regimes following ORIF of unstable ankle fractures with a particular focus on functional outcomes and complication rate. Methods A pragmatic randomised controlled multi-centre trial, comparing IWB in a walking boot and ROM within 24 hours versus non-weight bearing (NWB) and immobilisation in a cast for six weeks, following ORIF of all types of unstable adult ankle fractures (lateral malleolar, bimalleolar, trimalleolar with or without syndesmotic injury) is proposed. All patients presenting to three trauma units will be included. Exclusion criteria will be skeletal immaturity and tibial plafond fractures. The three institutional review boards have granted ethical approval. The primary outcome measure will be the functional Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Secondary outcomes include; Wound infection (deep and superficial), displacement of osteosynthesis, total arc of ankle motion (plantar flexion and dorsal-flection), RAND 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scoring, time to return to work and postoperative hospital length of stay. The trial will be reported in accordance with the CONSORT statement for reporting a pragmatic trial and this protocol follow the SPIRIT guidance. Discussion Traditional management of operatively treated ankle fractures includes an extended period of non-weight bearing. There is emerging evidence that earlier weight-bearing may have equivocal outcomes and favourable patient satisfaction but with higher wound-related complications. These studies often preclude more complicated fracture patterns or patient-related factors. To our knowledge, immediate weight-bearing (IWB) following ORIF of all types of unstable ankle fractures has not been investigated in a controlled prospective manner. This pragmatic randomised-controlled multi-centre trial will investigate immediate weight-bearing following ORIF of all ankle fractures pattern in the usual condition of care. It is hoped that these results will contribute towards the modern management of ankle fractures.
Effectivity of a joint didactic intervention by School for Patients on inappropriate control prothrombin time anticoagulated patients. Protocol for developing a randomized and controlled clinical trial.
Authors: Ginel-Mendoza Leovigildo , Hidalgo-Natera Alfonso Hidalgo , Reina-Gonzalez Rocio , Poyato-Ramos Rafael , Lupianez-Perez Inmaculada , Morales-Naranjo Juana , Baca-Osorio Antonio , Gutierrez-Jansen Miguel , Fernandez-Lara María Paz , Lozano-Noriega Diego , Salgado-Carvallo Ulises , Bandera-García Cristina , Navarro-Moya Francisco Javier
Published: March 2020

Background Oral anticoagulant drugs represent an essential tool in thrombo-embolic events prevention. Most used are vitamin K antagonists, whose plasma level is monitored by measuring prothrombin time using the International Normalized Ratio. If it takes values out of the recommended range, the patient will have a higher risk of suffering from thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications. Previous research has shown that about 33% of total patients keep values on inappropriate level. The purpose of the study is to improve International Normalized Ratio control figures by a joint didactic intervention based on the Junta de Andalucía School for Patients method that will be implemented by anticoagulated patients themselves. Methods A randomized clinical trial was carried out at primary care centers from one healthcare area in Málaga (Andalusia, Spain). Study population: patients included in an oral anticoagulant therapy program consisting in using vitamin K antagonists. First step detection of patients on oral anticoagulation program with International Normalized Ratio control on therapeutic level during 65% or less over total time. Second step: patients with inappropriate International Normalized Ratio control were included in two groups: Group 1 or Joint Intervention Group: patients were instructed a joint didactic intervention “from peer to peer”, by a previously trained and expert anticoagulated patient. Group 2 or Control Group: Control group performed usual clinical practice: people were schedule by nurses about one time per month, except cases in which controls were inappropriate; in those circumstances patients were schedule before that period expired. In order to built the study group and the control group, 312 individuals were required (156 in each group) to detect differences in INR figures equal or higher than 15% between both groups. Study variables time on therapeutic levels before and after intervention, sociodemographic variables, vital signs, existence of cardiovascular risk factors or accompanying diseases in the clinical records, laboratory test including complete blood count, bleeding time, and prothrombin time or partial thromboplastin time and blood chemistry, other prescribed drugs, and social support. Almost-experimental analytic study with before-after statistical analysis of the intervention were made. Lineal regression models were applied on main variables results (International Normalized Ratio value, time on therapeutic level) inputting sociodemographic variables, accompanying diseases and social support.
Long-term functional outcomes of diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee after synovectomy with or without adjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Chien Ju Chun , Wei Yi Ping , Chen Chun Yu , Hsiang Wei Hsin , Wang Yuan You , Liu Wen Shan , Chang Wei Ning , Yang Shan Wei
Published: March 2020

Background Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the knee is a rare benign disease that has a destructive clinical course. Reported treatment options include arthroscopic or open synovectomy with or without adjuvant radiotherapy of various doses. This study compared the long-term functional outcomes and disease control among treatment modalities and discussed 22 years of experience with radiotherapy (RT) as an adjuvant treatment for PVNS of knee.Methods A single-center database was searched for patients who received synovectomy of knee with the pathologic diagnosis of PVNS. General data, treatment modalities, and recurrent status were retrospectively collected from medical records. Functional outcomes were evaluated by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) through phone interviews by an independent orthopedist.Results From January 1995 to December 2017, 24 patients with diffuse PVNS of knee were identified, including 19 receiving open synovectomy (OP) and 5 undergoing arthroscopic surgery (AS). Adjuvant RT was performed on 14 patients with a median dose of 34.25 Gy (range 20-40 Gy). After median follow up of 6 years, clinically or radiographically confirmed recurrences were recorded in 10 cases. The local recurrence rate was significantly lower in the OP+RT group than the OP group (8.3% vs. 57.1%, p =0.038). Among those with preserved knee joints, there was no significant difference in the WOMAC score and stiffness score between patients in the OP+RT and OP groups.Conclusions In conclusion, for patients with diffuse PVNS of knee, the addition of moderate-dose adjuvant RT to open synovectomy provided excellent local control while maintaining good joint function with limited treatment-related morbidity. Our study emphasized the importance of moderate dose of RT in diffuse PVNS of knee joint.
Screening and identification of MSX1 for predicting progestin resistance in endometrial cancer
Authors: Yang Linlin , Cui Yunxia , Huang Ting , Sun Xiao , Wang Yudong
Published: March 2020

Background: Progestin resistance is a critical obstacle for endometrial conservative therapy. Therefore, the studies to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and specific biomarkers to predict progestin resistance are very important. However, the pivotal roles of essential molecules of progestin resistance are still unexplored. Methods: We downloaded GSE121367 with gene expression profiles of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) resistant and sensitive cell lines from the GEO database. The “limma” R language package was applied to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis was performed through the database of DAVID. Meanwhile, we conducted GSEA analysis to identify pathway enrichments. Protein–protein interaction construction of top genes was conducted to screen hub genes by STRING and visualized in Cytoscape. A high connectivity degree of hub genes were picked out to perform the differential expression, methylation validation and overall survival analysis in the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database, Human Protein Atlas database and Kaplan–Meier plotter online tool, respectively. In addition, microRNAs and upstream transcription factors of hub genes were predicted by miRTarBase and Network Analyst database. Results: A total number of 3282 differentially expressed genes were identified. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that these genes were mostly enriched in negative regulation of DNA binding, chronic inflammatory response and cell adhesion molecules pathway. We screened out ten hub genes including CDH1, JAG1, PTGES, EPCAM, CNTNAP2, TBX1, MSX1, KRT19, OAS1 and DAB2 among different groups. The genomic alteration rates of hub genes were low based on the current uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma sample sets. Their relevant microRNA and transcription factor were detected and has-miR-335-5p, has-miR-124-3p, MAZ and TFDP1 were the most prominent. The methylation status of CDH1, JAG1, EPCAM and MSX1 were decreased, corresponding to their high protein expression in endometrial cancers, which also indicated better overall survival. The homeobox protein of MSX1 showed significantly tissue specificity. Conclusions: Our study identified ten hub genes associated with progestin resistance of endometrial cancer and screened out the gene of MSX1 which promised to be the specific indicator. This would shed new light on the underlying biological marker to overcome the progestin resistance of endometrial cancer. Keywords : Bioinformatic analysis, Progestin resistance, Endometrial carcinoma, MSX1
Comprehensive analysis of pseudogene LDHAP5 expression level and its potential pathogenesis in ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma
Authors: Lin Shitong , Meng Yifan , Cao Canhui , Wu Ping , Gao Peipei , Zhi Wenhua , Peng Ting , Wu Peng
Published: March 2020

Background We aim to find out differentially expressed pseudogenes and explore their potential functions in four types of common gynecologic malignancies (cervical squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma and uterine carcinosarcoma) using bioinformatic technology. Materials & methods: We identify up-regulated or down-regulated pseudogenes and build the pseudogenes-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network through public datasets to explore their potential functions in carcinogenesis and cancer prognosis. Results LDHAP5 was selected as the most potential candidate pseudogene among 63 up-regulated pseudogenes for it was significantly associated with poor overall survival in ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that LDHAP5 was most enrichment in microRNAs in cancer, pathway in cancer and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Further analysis revealed that EGFR was the potential target mRNA of LDHAP5 which may play a great role in ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma. Conclusion LDHAP5 was first discovered to be associated with the occurrence and prognosis of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, and it may be used as a novel specifically therapeutic target against ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma.
Longitudinal relationships between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tics
Authors: Yagi Tomoko , Ando Shuntaro , Usami Satoshi , Yamasaki Syudo , Morita Masaya , Kiyono Tomoki , Hayashi Noriyuki , Endo Kaori , Iijima Yudai , Morimoto Yuko , Kanata Sho , Fujikawa Shinya , Koike Shinsuke , Kano Yukiko , Hiraiwa-Hasegawa Mariko , Nishida Atsushi , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: March 2020

Background Previous studies have revealed an association between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tics. However, the longitudinal relationship between these symptoms remains unclear. We examined the longitudinal relationships between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tics across early adolescence in a population-based sample. Methods Participants were 3,171 children and their mothers from the Tokyo Teen Cohort study (TTC), a population-representative longitudinal study launched in Tokyo in 2012. Maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tics were examined using self-report questionnaires at the ages of 10 (time 1, T1) and 12 (time 2, T2). A cross-lagged model was used to explore the relationships between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tics. Results As maternal depressive/anxious symptoms at T1 were greater, their children at T2 were more likely to have tics (β = .06, p = .001). Furthermore, the presence of tics at T1 was positively related to maternal depressive/anxious symptoms at T2 (β = .06, p = .001). Conclusions These findings suggest a longitudinal bidirectional relationship between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tics during early adolescence which may exacerbate each other over time and possibly create a vicious circle. When an early adolescent has tics, it might be important to identify and care for maternal depressive/anxious symptoms.
The Implementation & Sustainment Facilitation Strategy improved implementation effectiveness and intervention effectiveness: Results from a cluster-randomized type 2 hybrid trial
Authors: Garner Bryan , Gotham Heather , Chaple Michael , Martino Steve , Ford James , Roosa Mathew , Speck Kathryn , Vandersloot Denna , Bradshaw Michael , Ball Elizabeth , Toro Alyssa , Griggs Christopher , Tueller Stephen
Published: March 2020

Background Substance use disorders (SUD) among people with HIV are both prevalent and problematic. In 2014, the Substance Abuse Treatment to HIV care (SAT2HIV) Project was funded to test the team-focused Implementation & Sustainment Facilitation (ISF) strategy as an adjunct to the staff-focused Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) strategy for integrating a motivational interviewing-based brief intervention (MIBI) for SUD within HIV community-based organizations (CBOs). This article presents the main findings from the project.Methods Using a cluster-randomized, type 2 hybrid trial design, 39 HIV-CBOs were randomized to either: 1) ATTC (n = 19); or 2) ATTC+ISF (n = 20). HIV-CBOs identified two staff to be prepared to implement the MIBI (N = 78 MIBI staff). Subsequently, during the implementation phase, HIV-CBOs in each condition randomized client participants (N = 824 client participants) to one of two intervention conditions: 1) usual care (UC; n = 415); or 2) UC+MIBI (n = 409). Both staff-level outcomes and client-level outcomes were examined.Results The ISF strategy had a significant impact on implementation effectiveness (i.e., the consistency and quality of implementation; β = 0.65, p = 01), but not on time-to-proficiency (β = - 0.02) or level-of-sustainment (β = 0.09). Additionally, the ISF strategy was found to have a significant impact on intervention effectiveness (i.e., the effectiveness of the MIBI), at least in terms of significantly decreasing the odds (odds ratio = 0.11, p = .02) of clients using their primary substance daily during follow-up.Conclusions The ATTC strategy was sufficient for the preparation of HIV-CBO staff to implement a MIBI for SUDs, yet the ISF strategy was found to be an effective adjunct to the ATTC strategy in terms of implementation effectiveness and intervention effectiveness. Based on these findings, it is recommended future efforts to integrate the project’s MIBI for SUD within HIV-CBOs use the ATTC+ISF strategy. However, given the ISF strategy did not have a significant impact on level-of-sustainment, which was similarly low in both implementation conditions, implementation research testing the extent to which the ATTC+ISF strategy can be significantly enhanced via effective sustainment strategies is warranted.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02495402. Registered 7/6/2015. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03120598. Registered 4/18/2017, retrospectively registered.
Complement activating ABO IgM/IgG act synergistically to cause erythrophagocytosis: implications among minor ABO incompatible platelet transfusions
Authors: Pandey Priyanka , Anani Waseem Q. , Pugh Tina , Gottschall Jerome L. , Denomme Gregory A
Published: March 2020

Background Typically minor ABO incompatible platelet products are transfused without any incident, yet serious hemolytic transfusion reactions occur. To mitigate these events, ABO ‘low titer’ products are used for minor ABO incompatible transfusions. We sought to understand the role of IgG and complement activation by anti-A on extravascular hemolysis. Samples evaluated: i) Group O plasma from a blood donor whose apheresis platelet product resulted in an extravascular transfusion reaction, ii) Group O plasma from 12 healthy donors with matching titers that activated complement (N = 6) or not (N = 6), and iii) Group O sera from 10 patients with anti-A hemolysin activity. Monocytes from healthy donors were co-incubated with anti-A-sensitized fluorescently-labeled Group A1+ RBCs with and without fresh Group A serum, as a source of complement C3, and phagocytosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. The plasma and sera had variable direct agglutinating (IgM) and indirect (IgG) titers. Results None of 12 selected samples showed monocyte-dependent erythrophagocytosis with or without complement activation. The donor sample causing a hemolytic transfusion reaction and 2 of the 10 patient sera with hemolysin activity showed significant erythrophagocytosis (>10%) only when complement C3 was activated. The single donor plasma and two sera demonstrating significant erythrophagocytosis had high IgM (≥128) and IgG titers (>1024). The donor plasma anti-A was IgG1, while the patient sera were an IgG3 and an IgG1 plus IgG2. Conclusion High anti-A IgM/IgG titers act synergistically to cause significant monocyte erythrophagocytosis by activating complement C3, thus engaging both Fcγ- and CR1-receptors.
High susceptibility to collagen-induced arthritis in mice with progesterone receptors selectively inhibited in osteoprogenitor cells
Authors: Liu Lixian , Jia Junjing , Jiang Min , Liu Xueping , Dai Chenlin , Wise Barton , Lane Nancy , Yao Wei
Published: March 2020

Background. Progesterone receptor (PR) affects immunomodulation, and lack of PR in osteoprogenitor cells primarily affects pathways associated with immunomodulation, especially in the males. In this study, we selectively deleted PR from osteoprogenitor cells using Prx1-Cre to evaluate the tissue-specific effects of PR on inflammatory arthritis (IA). Methods. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was used as an IA animal model, which we induced in PR D Prx1 mice and their wild type (WT) littermates were immunized with collagen II (CII) emulsified incomplete Freund's adjuvant ( CFA ) in both sexes. Joint erosion, inflammation, and cartilage damages were assessed using a semiquantitative histologic scoring system. Bone volume and erosions in knee and ankle joints were quantitated using microCT. We found that knee and paw joint erosions developed in 37.5% and 41.7% of the WT and PR D Prx1 female mice, respectively, and in 45.4 and 100%, respectively, of the male mice. Also, both knee and ankle joint inflammation scores, joint damage scores, and subchondral bone erosions were significantly more severe in male PRcKO mice than in male WT mice. Although of lower severity than in male mice, female PR D Prx1 mice also developed higher inflammation scores and bone erosions than the KO-normal or WT-CIA females. Immunohistochemistry staining of the NLRP3 inflammasome revealed the male PR D Prx1 mice had significantly higher expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in the knee joints. Conclusion. Our observations indicate that the presence of PR in osteoprogenitor cells counteracts the development of collagen-induced arthritis and might help to explain the sex differences observed in human inflammatory arthritis.
ESCOLA DE MAGIA ALIMENTAR: UMA AÇÃO MÁGICA CONTRA EVASÃO
Authors: Sousa Karlucy Farias de , Cristino Ana Caroline Cabral , Matos Tatiana Régia Carneiro , Uchoa Maria Larisse Pinheiro , Moura Séfura Maria Assis , Silva Mayara Salgado
Published: March 2020

A Escola de Magia Alimentar (EMA) é uma proposta de uma prática educativa interdisciplinar com elementos regionais para a Educação Profissional e Tecnológica no Ensino Superior e adotada pela maioria dos professores do Curso de Tecnologia em Alimentos do IFCE Campus Limoeiro do Norte, cujo objetivo é dinamizar os primeiros semestres do curso e despertar o interesse dos estudantes para o aprendizado. Todos os alunos de Tecnologia em Alimentos participam da Escola de Magia Alimentar, tendo em vista que conta como pontuação ao longo do semestre letivo, além de ser uma forma de desenvolvimento de sua formação ética, profissional e de melhorar o trabalho em equipe. Portanto, todos os alunos participam da Cerimônia da Poção Seletora, sendo selecionados para cada uma das quatro tribos (Moon, Sand, Sky e Sun), não podendo haver troca de tribos. Frequentemente, são realizados planejamentos com os docentes para elaboração de atividades voltadas para a EMA, com intuito de inovar no ensino e facilitar a aprendizagem e, em contrapartida, acrescentando pontuações para as respectivas tribos dos discentes. Destarte, o objetivo deste trabalho é descrever essa experiência e fundamentar sua importância sob a ótica de pesquisadores que defendem que uma educação bem-sucedida promove o crescimento e desenvolvimento pessoal dos estudantes como cidadãos do mundo. Observa-se que os índices de evasão do curso têm se reduzido, além da convivência mais harmônica e colaborativa entre discentes e docentes. Existem relatos mais constantes dos estudantes envolvidos com a aprendizagem dos colegas. A experiência tem sido efetiva com o Curso e pode ser ampliada para outros cursos da instituição como alternativa de facilitar interação e aprendizado.
Hacia la eficiencia energética en la computación
Authors: Aebischeri Bernardo
Published: March 2020

Actualmente, casi todo el mundo es consciente del problema energético que enfrenta la humanidad: nuestras fuentes primarias de energía se están agotando, mientras que la demanda, tanto en entornos comerciales como en los domésticos, es cada vez mayor. Por otra parte, los efectos secundarios del uso de las fuentes tradicionales de energía traen importantes consideraciones ambientales globales. En este trabajo se ofrece una respuesta a la pregunta: ¿Qué papel juegan los equipos informáticos en la demanda de energía, y dónde debemos focalizarnos para reducir el consumo y mejorar la eficiencia energética?
Análisis a la eficiencia de las fuentes de energía renovable
Authors: Wangong Jennifer , Daniel Penelope
Published: March 2020

A pesar de tener el apoyo del público y numerosas ventajas sobre otras fuentes de energía, a las tecnologías renovables se les ha caracterizado repetidamente de no poder satisfacer nuestras necesidades energéticas, y se han presentado sólo como una opción entre los combustibles fósiles convencionales y la energía nuclear. En este trabajo se muestra que esto es una falsa opción, ya que la energía renovable puede generar de forma segura la misma energía que los combustibles convencionales, y puede hacerlo sin producir las emisiones de carbono o los residuos radiactivos que contaminan el medio ambiente.
Documentación e implementación de un sistema de seguridad industrial y salud ocupacional: una necesidad en las empresas colombianas
Authors: Gallego C. Jenny , Paeres R. Verónica , Gómez Beatriz L.
Published: March 2020

En este artículo se describen el procedimiento aplicado para documentar la Norma Técnica Colombiana OHSAS 18001 en una empresa dedicada a prestar servicios de empaque y manufactura en operaciones logísticas bajo techo, con el objetivo de ofrecer lineamientos a empresas, a personas interesadas en buscar información práctica acerca de la implementación de la norma, a estudiantes que requieran complementar con un punto de vista práctico dentro de sus asignaturas y a empresarios que deseen implementar la norma en sus propias empresas. En el artículo se analizan tres fases del desarrollo de aplicación para buscar la certificación: diagnostico, requisitos generales y documentación de la información.
La importancia de las personas en la preservación de la naturaleza
Authors: Linkies Mathew G.
Published: March 2020

La restauración del capital natural es una de las ideas más radicales que ha surgido en los últimos años, debido a que involucra dos conceptos cuyos exponentes han estado enfrentados por décadas. Por un lado, la necesidad de proteger la biodiversidad y conservar los recursos naturales, tal como lo proponen los conservacionistas y los ambientalistas, y por el otro, la demanda por recursos naturales, según lo proponen los economistas y gran parte de la sociedad. Es necesario trabajar juntos a través de las fronteras disciplinarias tradicionales y las posturas polémicas, con el fin de encontrar soluciones innovadoras que contrarresten la brecha ideológica prevaleciente que separa a la economía y a la ecología. En este trabajo se proponen cinco pilares y tres tareas principales para alcanzar una supervivencia sostenible, incluyendo a la conservación y a la restauración.
Análisis comparativo a las técnicas para modelar el funcionamiento de los sistemas de información
Authors: Madows Gloria G.
Published: March 2020

En este trabajo se analizan las técnicas propuestas en los métodos actuales para especificar los aspectos de diálogo usuario-sistema de un producto software en el paradigma de desarrollo Orientado por Objetos. Esos métodos no ofrecen suficientes directrices acerca de cómo modelar dichos aspectos, y las técnicas disponibles necesitan algún refinamiento y elaboración para adaptar esa tarea en el proceso de especificación del software. Primero, se compara una serie de enfoques acerca de la temática; luego se describen los elementos comunes de los enfoques, y posteriormente se aplican a un conjunto de técnicas en el análisis de los requisitos funcionales.
Análisis al futuro de las arquitecturas de internet
Authors: Latifis Shpetimi
Published: March 2020

Debatir acerca del futuro de los desarrollos más importantes de la ingeniería actual es necesario. Internet es uno de esos desarrollos, por lo tanto necesita discusiones continuas. En este artículo se discute acerca la investigación del futuro de la arquitectura de internet, básicamente en dos corrientes: la de borrón y cuenta nueva, en la que se propone crear una nueva arquitectura, y la de investigación evolutiva, que propone mejorar la arquitectura actual.
Arquitectura de software para los actuales Sistemas Ciber-Físicos
Authors: Ting Jeannette S.
Published: March 2020

La próxima generación de sistemas ciber-físicos –CPS– plantea grandes desafíos en el diseño de software. No se trata sólo de diseñar un sistema en torno a los plazos de ejecución, lo más importante es maximizar la utilización de recursos. En este artículo se propone un sistema de base para la arquitectura de software en el que los servicios se puedan diseñar e implementar y componer fácilmente de acuerdo con la demanda y mediante aplicaciones individuales, de manera que satisfagan requisitos específicos de confianza, seguridad, eficiencia, confiabilidad y previsibilidad, mientras que permanecen dentro de la límites de las capacidades del hardware determinado.
Un estudio al impacto de las iniciativas de mejora de las cadenas de suministro y de fabricación en empresas que aplican MTO y MTS
Authors: Anna Merdie Ariel L. Lituve
Published: March 2020

Las empresas manufactureras tienen como objetivo mejorar los procesos internos y externos para incrementar la ventaja competitiva. Estos procesos incluyen prácticas de manufactura esbelta, de racionalización de proveedores y de integración logística. En este trabajo, se analizan estas prácticas y su impacto en el desempeño del negocio y, en particular, se exploran las diferencias entre las empresas que aplican make-to-order –MTO– y make-to-stock –MTS–, con los datos recolectados de 216 empresas manufactureras de Australia. En los resultados se encontró una clara diferencia del enfoque de mejora entre las empresas MTO y las MTS. Las MTO muestran un impacto significativo de la integración logística en el desempeño empresarial, pero no de las prácticas de manufactura esbelta y de racionalización de proveedores. La situación se revierte completamente para las empresas MTS que, aunque logran efectos significativos en las prácticas internas de manufactura esbelta y en la racionalización de proveedores, no lo logran en la integración logística. Además, que la distinción entre empresas MTO y MTS es importante cuando se analizan las iniciativas para mejorar las cadenas de fabricación y de suministro.
Las fallas en la ingeniería de requisitos
Authors: Westfall Lindsey
Published: March 2020

Recientemente, la Ingeniería de Requisitos ha cobrado una importancia cada vez mayor en la academia y en la industria, debido a que se espera que los productos software de este siglo proporcionen funciones cada vez más centradas en el usuario y de mayor calidad y seguridad. Por lo tanto, es importante comprender las situaciones en las que la práctica actual de la Ingeniería de Requisitos –IR– no funciona adecuadamente. Este documento presenta los resultados de una investigación acerca de las prácticas de IR. Se realizó a través de encuesta web y se focalizó en las técnicas de elicitación de requisitos y en las técnicas de representación de requisitos que los encuestados utilizan. A pesar de que los resultados son el reporte acerca del estado del arte de la Ingeniería de Requisitos para la población que respondió la encuesta, es probable que también refleje el estado del arte de la IR en todo el mundo.
Propuesta de gestión de riesgos para Scada en sistemas eléctricos
Authors: Bernal Zuluaga María J. , Jimenez Mendoza Diego F.
Published: March 2020

En la actualidad los ataques cibernéticos son uno de los principales aspectos a considerar por parte de los entes gubernamentales y por las empresas prestadoras de servicios públicos, dado que dichas entidades son el blanco preferido para desestabilizar el normal desempeño de las actividades de un sector determinado. En particular, la prestación del servicio eléctrico es fundamental para la operación de la mayor parte de las actividades diarias a nivel comercial, industrial y social de nuestro país. Los centros de control eléctricos cuentan con el Sistema SCADA para tener información en tiempo real que facilite la supervisión, control y toma de decisiones necesarias para garantizar la seguridad y calidad en la prestación del servicio eléctrico. Este artículo trata de la gestión de riesgos del sistema SCADA y la definición de un plan de tratamiento en el cual se exponen las medidas de control que deben ser implementadas para la mitigación de los riesgos a los cuales está expuesto dicho sistema.
Sistema de evaluación cualitativa a través de dispositivos móviles
Authors: Parra Castrillón José Eucario
Published: March 2020

El Sistema PruebaL es un producto del proyecto Evaluación Cualitativa a Través de Dispositivos Móviles, cuyo objetivo es analizar e implementar un sistema para gestionar procesos de evaluación. La temática se enmarca dentro de los conceptos de mobile learnig y su desarrollo consistió en el análisis de requerimientos funcionales y no funcionales, la definición del sistema, el diseño para las relaciones modulares de profesor, estudiante, administrador y pruebas y la implementación utilizando tecnología de teléfonos celulares. Se alcanzaron dos logros fundamentales: un modelo de evaluación cualitativa automatizada con el sistema PruebaL y la notificación efectiva a los teléfonos celulares matriculados en las bases de datos de estudiantes, para la presentación de las evaluaciones y el acceso Web a estas.
Aplicación de los Sistemas de Información Geográfica para la gestión de la malla vial de la ciudad de Medellín
Authors: Zapata Duque Jaime A. , Cardona Londoño Gabriel J.
Published: March 2020

El estado de la malla vial depende fundamentalmente de factores tales como el tráfico, características estructurales y funcionales del pavimento y condiciones climatológicas locales, y su mantenimiento tiene importantes implicaciones espaciales. Este documento describe el proceso de implementación del sistema de gestión de pavimentos de la ciudad de Medellín, desarrollado en una plataforma SIG. El sistema está soportado en una geodatabase corporativa de inventario y diagnóstico, el cual alimenta un software de modelación del deterioro del pavimento y arroja recomendaciones de intervención en cada segmento vial. Este sistema sirve como apoyo a las autoridades encargadas a la toma de decisiones, con el fin de realizar la planeación del mantenimiento de la malla vial, optimizar los recursos disponibles y ofrecer un mejor servicio a la comunidad.
Hastane Yapıları Teknik ve Destek Hizmet Birimlerinin Mekânsal Büyüklük Analizi: Çukurova Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Balcalı Hastanesi Örneği
Authors: DURGUN ŞAHİN Yelda
Published: March 2020

Hastaneler büyük, karmaşık ve 24 saat kesintisiz sağlık hizmeti sağlayan yapılardır. Bu yapıların kesintisiz çalışmasında teknik ve destek hizmet birimleri önemli rol almaktadır. Bu birimlerde ortaya çıkacak aksamalar, hasta, hasta yakını ve personel güvenliğini tehlikeye atmakta, ortam konforlarının bozulmasını sağlamakta hatta hastalarda ölümle sonuçlanabilecek ciddi sonuçlar doğurabilmektedir. Bu doğrultuda böylesi öneme sahip olan teknik hizmet birimlerine dikkat çekmek amacıyla bu çalışmada Çukurova Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Balcalı Hastanesi‟nde yer alan teknik ve destek hizmet birimlerinin mekânsal büyüklüklerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmanın temel materyalleri, Balcalı Hastanesi 1/1.000 ölçekli hâlihazır haritası, 1/100 ölçekli mimari kat planları ve hastane yapısına yönelik saha tespit çalışmalarından elde edilen niceliksel ve niteliksel verilerinden oluşmaktadır. Araştırmanın yöntem kurgusu, hastane toplam kapalı alan nicel verileri ile teknik ve destek hizmet birimlerinin nicel verilerinin alansal büyüklük çerçevesinde irdelenmesine dayanmaktadır. Bu doğrultuda yapılan bu çalışmada, hastanenin toplam mekânsal büyüklüğü ile teknik ve destek hizmet birimlerinin mekânsal büyüklükleri belirlenmiştir. Ç.Ü. Tıp Fakültesi Balcalı Hastanesi örneği konulu araştırmada mekânsal büyüklükler Türkiye Sağlık Yapıları Asgari Tasarım Standartları 2010 Yılı Kılavuzunda yer alan standartlar çerçevesinde incelenerek değerlendirilmiş ve araştırmanın sonucunda teknik birimlerin, hastanenin toplam kapalı alanının yaklaşık %10‟unu oluşturduğu görülmüştür. Ayrıca asgari standartlar doğrultusunda, 1200 yataklı hastaneler için belirlenmiş olan, yatak başına asgari 130 m2 mekânsal alan büyüklüğünün, Balcalı hastanesinde bu değerin üzerinde olduğu ve yatak başına yaklaşık 159 m2 alan kullanıldığı tespit edilmiştir.

Bu çalışma ile hastane tasarımlarında ön planda tutulan mimari konfor şartlarının ve estetik düzeyin yanısıra, sisteme can veren teknik ve destek hizmet bölümlerinin önemine dikkat çekmek istenmiştir.
Systems thinking approach for analysing non-revenue water management reform in Malaysia
Authors: Lai Chee Hui , Tan David T. , Roy Ranjan , Chan Ngai Weng , Zakaria Nor Azazi
Published: March 2020

High volumes of non-revenue water (NRW) threaten water security in many developing countries. The traditional technocentric water management regime largely neglects social and systemic complexities that need to be addressed for successful reform. This paper explores the challenges of water sector reform and NRW reduction in Malaysia to identify possible drivers that can accelerate the NRW management reform. The analysis uses a system thinking approach, with key systemic relationships represented with causal loop diagrams (CLDs). Findings reveal that the NRW management reform is influenced by technical, environmental, economic, social, institutional, and corporate governance factors. Using the CLDs, leverage points that can accelerate NRW management reform are identified. Policies and strategies that can accelerate the NRW management reform in Malaysia are recommended: (1) water supply security and sustainable development must be emphasised as the main concern for water sector reform; (2) understanding of the socio-economic benefits of water tariff adjustment by stakeholders is necessary to build political alliances for water tariff increments; and (3) the newly privatised water services providers in Malaysia require an integrated NRW reduction plan to optimise the time taken for NRW reduction and at the same time, transforming their current human resources that were inherited from the previous public water utilities.
Tubulin Maytansine Site Binding Ligands and their Applications as MTAs and ADCs for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Cao Shuo , Dong Yue-Hui , Wang De-Feng , Liu Zhao-Peng
Published: March 2020

Background:

Microtubule Targeting Agents (MTAs) represent the most successful
anticancer drugs for cancer chemotherapy. Through interfering with the tubulin polymerization
and depolymerization dynamics, MTAs influence intracellular transport and cell signal pathways,
inhibit cell mitosis and cell proliferation, and induce cell apoptosis and death. The tubulin maytansine
site binding agents are natural or nature-derived products that represent one type of the
MTAs that inhibit tubulin polymerization and exhibit potent antitumor activity both in vitro and
in vivo. They are used as Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) in cancer chemotherapy.

Methods:

Using SciFinder® as a tool, the publications about maytansine, its derivatives, maytansine
binding site, maytansine site binding agents and their applications as MTAs for cancer
therapy were surveyed with an exclusion on those published as patents. The latest progresses in
clinical trials were obtained from the clinical trial web.

Results:

This article presents an introduction about MTAs, maytansine, maytansine binding site
and its ligands, the applications of these ligands as MTAs and ADCs in cancer therapy.

Conclusion:

The maytansine site binding agents are powerful MTAs for cancer chemotherapy.
The maytansine site ligands-based ADCs are used in clinic or under clinical trials as cancer targeted
therapy to improve their selectivity and to reduce their side effects. Further improvements
in the delivery efficiency of the ADCs will benefit the patients in cancer targeted therapy.
The Influence of Vitamin D on Neurodegeneration and Neurological Disorders: A Rationale for its Physio-pathological Actions
Authors: Morello Maria , Pieri Massimo , Zenobi Rossella , Talamo Alessandra , Stephan Delphine , Landel Verena , Féron François , Millet Pascal
Published: March 2020

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone implicated in the regulation of neuronal integrity and many brain functions. Its influence, as a nutrient and a hormone, on the physiopathology of the most common neurodegenerative diseases is continuously emphasized by new studies. This review addresses what is currently known about the action of vitamin D on the nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Further vitamin D research is necessary to understand how the action of this “neuroactive” steroid can help to optimize the prevention and treatment of several neurological diseases.
In Silico Transcriptomic Analysis of the Chloride Intracellular Channels (CLIC) Interactome Identifies a Molecular Panel of Seven Prognostic Markers in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Magouliotis Dimitrios E. , Sakellaridis Nikos , Dimas Konstantinos , Tasiopoulou Vasiliki S. , Svokos Konstantina A. , Svokos Alexis A. , Zacharoulis Dimitris
Published: March 2020

Background:

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with poor prognosis.
In this context, the identification of biomarkers regarding the PDAC diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis
is crucial.

Objectives:

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the differential gene expression profile
of the chloride intracellular channel (CLIC) gene family network in patients with PDAC, in order to
suggest novel biomarkers.

Methods:

In silico techniques were used to construct the interactome of the CLIC gene family, identify
the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PDAC as compared to healthy controls, and evaluate
their potential prognostic role.

Results:

Transcriptomic data of three microarray datasets were included, incorporating 114 tumor and
59 normal pancreatic samples. Twenty DEGs were identified; eight were up-regulated and twelve
were downregulated. A molecular signature of seven genes (Chloride Intracellular Channel 1 –
CLIC1; Chloride Intracellular Channel 3 – CLIC3; Chloride Intracellular Channel 4 – CLIC4; Ganglioside
Induced Differentiation Associated Protein 1 – GDAP1; Ganglioside Induced Differentiation
Associated Protein 1 Like 1 – GDAP1L1; Glutathione S-Transferase Pi 1 - GSTP1; Prostaglandin E
Synthase 2 – PTGES2) were identified as prognostic markers associated with overall survival. Positive
correlations were reported regarding the expression of CLIC1-CLIC3, CLIC4-CLIC5, and CLIC5-
CLIC6. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated the molecular functions and miRNA families
(hsa-miR-122, hsa-miR-618, hsa-miR-425, and hsa-miR-518) relevant to the seven prognostic
markers.

Conclusions:

These outcomes demonstrate a seven-gene molecular panel that predicts the patients’
prospective survival following pancreatic resection for PDAC.
The SNPs within 3'UTR of miRNA Target Genes Related to Multiple Sclerosis: A Computational Prediction
Authors: Zafarpiran Mina , Sharifi Roya , Shirvani-Farsani Zeinab
Published: March 2020

Background:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating
disease of the central nervous system, and genetic factors play an important role in its susceptibility.
The expressions of many inflammatory genes implicated in MS are regulated
by microRNA (miRNAs), whose function is to suppress the translation by pairing with
miRNA Recognition Elements (MREs) present in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of
target mRNA. Recently, it has been shown that the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
(SNPs) present within the 3'UTR of mRNAs can affect the miRNA-mediated gene regulation
and susceptibility to a variety of human diseases.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to analyze the SNPs within the 3'UTR of miRNA inflammatory
target genes related to multiple sclerosis.

Methods:

By DisGeNET, dbGaP, Ovid, DAVID, Web of knowledge, and SNPs databases,
3'UTR genetic variants were identified in all inflammatory genes associated with MS. Also,
miRNA's target prediction databases were used for predicting the miRNA binding sites.

Results:

We identified 125 SNPs with MAF>0.05 located in the binding site of the miRNA
of 35 genes among 59 inflammatory genes related to MS. Bioinformatics analysis
predicted 62 MRE-modulating SNPs and 59 MRE-creating SNPs in the 3'UTR of MSimplicated
inflammatory genes. These candidate SNPs within miRNA binding sites of inflammatory
genes can alter the miRNAs binding, and consequently lead to the mRNA
gene regulation.

Conclusion:

Therefore, these miRNA and MRE-SNPs may play important roles in personalized
medicine of MS, and hence, they would be valuable for further functional verification
investigations.
Aqueous Asteriscus graveolens Extract Exhibits Antidiabetic and Hepatoprotective Effects in Diabetic Rats
Authors: El-Ouady Fadwa , Eddouks Mohamed
Published: March 2020

Background:

Asteriscus graveolens (A. graveolens) is a medicinal plant with numerous applications in phytotherapy including diabetes management. However, the antidiabetic effect of this plant has never been investigated experimentally.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract prepared from the aerial part of Asteriscus graveolens (A. graveolens) in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Method:

The effect of a single dose and daily oral administration for 15 days of the aerial part aqueous extract of A. graveolens (AGAPE) (10 mg/kg) on blood glucose levels was evaluated. In addition, histopathological examination of the liver as well as the in vitro antioxidant activity AGAPE were performed.

Results:

The data illustrate that both single and repeated oral administration of AGAPE were able to reduce blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats. The extract ameliorated histopathological properties of liver in diabetic rats and it exhibited in vitro antioxidant activity.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the present investigation revealed for the first time that A. graveolens possesses potent antidiabetic and hepatoprotective activities which support the traditional claim of the plant.