bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PercepciÃ³n de los agentes educativos sobre la enseÃ±anza en contextos bilingÃ¼es
Authors: Pastor Marina DÃ­az , JimÃ©nez-JimÃ©nez M. Ãngeles
Published: January 2021

Esta investigaciÃ³n muestra la percepciÃ³n de los agentes educativos, concretamente la familia y el profesorado, sobre la educaciÃ³n en contextos bilingÃ¼es de los centros de EducaciÃ³n Primaria partiendo de la realidad social y lingÃ¼Ã­stica de la ciudad de Melilla.
La metodologÃ­a utilizada fue cuantitativa descriptiva ya que pretendÃ­amos mostrar y caracterizar una parte de la realidad social y educativa. La muestra se seleccionÃ³ siguiendo un muestreo no probabilÃ­stico de tipo intencional en el que quedaban recogidos, bajo el criterio de representatividad, todas las caracterÃ­sticas de centros de los seis distritos escolares a travÃ©s del estudio de cuatro de ellos. La muestra real estuvo compuesta por 162 familias y 78 profesores. En cuanto al instrumento utilizado, se diseÃ±Ã³ un cuestionario a travÃ©s de otros ya publicados, que posteriormente fue validado por un grupo de expertos formado por profesores y familias, resultando un cuestionario final de 26 preguntas. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados con el programa SPSS 25.
Con la informaciÃ³n obtenida se puede concluir que la comunidad educativa demanda la modificaciÃ³n de la normativa vigente con el fin de implantar un modelo que acentÃºe la importancia del aprendizaje de idiomas, es decir, un modelo basado en metodologÃ­as bilingÃ¼es similar al de otras comunidades.
This research shows the perception of educational agents, especially the family and the teaching staff, about education in bilingual context in Primary School based on the social and linguistic reality of the city of Melilla.
The methodology used was a quantitative descriptive analysis because the objective was to characterize a part of the social and educational reality. Participants were selected by an intentional non-probabilistic sampling based on a criterion of representativeness; thereby the features of the six school districts were included within the study of four of them. The real sample was composed of 162 families and 78 teachers. As regards the tool, a test was designed, based on other already published tests, which was later validated by an expert group formed by teachers and families; as a result the final test was composed of 26 questions. Data were analysed using the SPSS 25 programme.
According to the information obtained, the study concluded that the educational community demands the modification of current educational regulations with the aim of establishing a different model of education based on the importance of foreign language learning, that is to say, a bilingual system similar to other countries.
Psycopathia lascasiana: un “delirio paranoico”
Authors:   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Investigaciones Filológicas, México, Flores Esquivel Enrique
Published: January 2021

Within the framework of a broader investigation —“Conquest and cruelty”— which addresses some chronicles of the Conquest as propitious materials to document, from an “aesthetic” point of view, the living matter of genocide, this essay constructs a vision of what Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, in his Breve relación de la destrucción de las Indias, called “exquisite ways of cruelty.” And all that, starting with the detailed analysis of an article by Ramón Menéndez Pidal —“An abnormal norm of Father Las Casas”—, its psychiatric ramifications and some unexpectedly surrealist connections, from Jacques Lacan and Minotaure magazine to the “critical paranoia” of Salvador Dalí.
Mesures barymétriques chez le bétail Borgou dans le Nord-Est Bénin
Authors: Symoens C. , Hounsou Vé G.
Published: January 2021

Des mesures barymétriques ont été faites sur 115 animaux de la race trypanotolérante Borgou, dans la province du Borgou au Bénin. L'équation de régression du poids Y sur le périmètre thoracique X : In Y = -8,081 + 2,712 In X, avec un coefficient de détermination r puissance 2 = 98 %, en a été tirée et a permis de calculer une table d'estimation du poids à partir du périmètre thoracique. L'évolution du poids en fonction de l'âge est également présentée. Elle permet d'attribuer la valeur de 0,67 UBT par tête présente en élevage traditionnel.
Pathogénicité de Trypanosoma brucei brucei chez des porcs infectés expérimentalement
Authors: Otesile E.B. , Akpavie S.O. , Fagbemi B.O. , Ogunremi A.O.
Published: January 2021

Une infection expérimentale de porcs âgés de 4 à 5 mois avec une souche de Trypanosoma brucei brucei a entraîné une parasitémie élevée, de l'anorexie, de la fièvre et une diminution d'un tiers de l'hématocrite (PCV). Des manifestations nerveuses de tournis et de tremblement des antérieurs sont apparues chez l'un des animaux dont l'autopsie a révélé une méningo-encéphalite sévère et la présence de trypanosomes dans le cerveau. Ces résultats confirment que T. b. brucei est susceptible de causer une affection grave chez les porcs.
La lutte par piégeage contre Glossina fuscipes fuscipes pour la protection de l'élevage en République centrafricaine. I. Mise au point d'un piège adapté à un milieu d'éleveurs semi-nomades
Authors: Gouteux J.P. , Cuisance Dominique , Demba D. , Ndokoué F. , Le Gall François
Published: January 2021

La recherche d'un nouveau piège destiné à la prise en charge par les éleveurs centrafricains (Peuls) de la lutte contre Glossina fuscipes fuscipes a été réalisée en expérimentant séparément le système de capture, le corps du piège et les matériaux. Le résultat est la mise au point du piège bipyramidal en tulle et plastique bleu et noir. Il n'est pas imprégné d'insecticide mais utilise un système de capture à sec, tuant et conservant les glossines, dont le rendement est de deux à quatre fois celui de la cage Roubaud classiquement utilisée. Ce piège est plus efficace que les pièges biconiques, pyramidaux ou monoconiques essayés en RCA. Le pouvoir discriminant du protocole en carré latin et l'usage du piège avec ou sans insecticide sont discutés.
Digestibilité in vitro et dégradabilité in situ dans le rumen de ligneux fourragers disponibles sur pâturages naturels au Sénégal. Premiers résultats
Authors: Fall Safietou T.
Published: January 2021

Pour évaluer l'utilisation digestive des ligneux fourragers disponibles sur pâturages naturels des zones soudanienne et sahélienne du Sénégal, leur digestibilité in vitro (méthode de Tilley-Terry) et leur dégradabilité dans le rumen (méthode in situ) sont déterminées. Sur 58 échantillons analysés in vitro, la digestibilité in vitro de la matière sèche est en moyenne de 51 avec des extrêmes de 88 à 26 %. La digestibilité in vitro de la matière organique a varié de 84 à 15 avec une moyenne de 42 %. Trente-huit profils de dégradation dans le rumen sont réalisés sur 24 espèces. Les dégradabilités moyennes des matières azotées totales et de la matière sèche sont respectivement de 59 et 57 %. Des facteurs de variation liés à l'espèce, l'organe et l'âge ont été observés. Une hiérarchie provisoire des espèces étudiées est proposée.
Syndrome de la chute des pontes” (EDS ’76) chez les poules et autres volailles au Nigeria
Authors: Durojaiye O.A. , Ahmed A.S. , Adene D.F.
Published: January 2021

Une enquête séro-épidémiologique concernant les anticorps du syndrome "chute des pontes" (EDS '76) a été réalisée par hémagglutination en différents points du Nigeria sur les poulets, les pintades, les canards et les pigeons. Les taux suivants confirment la prédominance de la maladie selon les espèces : 67,43 p. 100 pour les poulets, 79,68 p. 100 pour les pintades, 73,91 p. 100 pour les canards, 86,66 p. 100 pour les pigeons. Les taux élevés observés sur les espèces autres que les poulets semblent indiquer qu'elles jouent un rôle important dans l'épidémiologie de ce syndrome. Une enquête exhaustive et la vaccination des volailles sont recommandées
Un nouveau cas de tuberculose pulmonaire à Mycobacterium bovis chez le dromadaire (Camelus dromedarius) en Mauritanie
Authors: Chartier F. , Chartier C. , Thorel M.F. , Crespeau François
Published: January 2021

Un cas de tuberculose pulmonaire est décrit chez le dromadaire à Nouakchott (Mauritanie). Les lésions macroscopiques concernent le parenchyme pulmonaire, la plèvre diaphragmatique, le péricarde et les noeuds lymphatiques : nodules caséo-calcaires, tubercules miliaires et pendeloques hémorragiques. Au plan histologique, les lésions sont de type granulomateux, épithélioïde et à centre nécrotique, mais ne présentent pas de cellules géantes de Langhans. Mycobacterium bovis est isolé des prélèvements.
Acquisition de nouvelles données sur l'équipement sensoriel des glossines (Diptera, Glossinidae)
Authors: D'Amico F. , Geoffroy B. , Cuisance Dominique , Bossy J.P.
Published: January 2021

Une étude conduite sur trois espèces de glossines (Glossina tachinoides, G. morsitans morsitans et G. fuscipes fuscipes) au moyen du microscope électronique à balayage (MEB) a permis d'acquérir de nouvelles données sur la morphologie et la localisation de certains organes sensoriels : les premières photographies illustrant la morphologie des soies proprioceptives de l'organe prothoracique sont présentées et, pour la première fois, est signalée l'existence de soies, probablement mécanoréceptrices, sur le ptilinum et de soies chimioréceptrices sur la nervure costale des ailes. Cette approche fine vise à mieux comprendre la perception de l'environnement par les glossines en vue d'une application plus efficace des moyens de lutte par piégeage.
Lutte contre Glossina fuscipes fuscipes par piégeage chez les éleveurs Mbororo de République Centrafricaine
Authors: Cuisance Dominique , Cailton P. , Kota Guinza A. , Ndokoué F. , Pounekrozou E. , Demba D.
Published: January 2021

Le "glissement" historique des éleveurs Mbororo d'ouest en est s'accélère sous divers facteurs, dont la sécheresse, et les pousse à s'installer plus loin et plus durablement dans les savanes humides infestées de glossines. Pour limiter l'usage important des trypanocides et trypanopréventifs dans une "zone d'action agropastorale" en création en RCA, un essai de lutte contre Glossina fuscipes fuscipes est mis en place par piépeage ponctuel à l'aide de deux pièges biconiques classiques (non imprégnés d'insecticide), installés à chaque abreuvoir (deux abreuvoirs par campement) dans 32 campements d'éleveurs sédentaires en saison des pluies et plus ou moins transhumants en saison sèche. L'éleveur collecte lui-même les glossines prises et surveille le bon état des pièges. Les réductions de densité apparente sont très fortes après un mois et en général supérieures à 90 p. 100 après deux mois. Elles sont plus rapides et homogènes en saison sèche qu'en saison des pluies. Dans cet essai, les éleveurs ont bien géré leurs pièges. Ils sont motivés et demandeurs de cette technique simple de lutte. Le problème de son application en milieu semi-sédentaire est posé. L'information et la formation données aux éleveurs devra s'intensifier par divers moyens (fiche technique, montage audiovisuel, stages).
Croissance pré-sevrage des chevreaux en Guadeloupe
Authors: Alexandre G.
Published: January 2021

La croissance des chevreaux dépend étroitement de la production laitière de leur mère, en particulier pendant les 40 premiers jours, où les coefficients de corrélation sont les plus élevés (0.7 à 0.9). En effet les chevreaux élevés par des mères recevant un haut niveau alimentaire (fourrage et complément) ont un GMQ (0-40 jours) supérieur (83 g/j + 18 vs 53 + 17, P < 0.001) à celui de ceux dont les mères ne recoivent que le fourrage vert. Pour un niveau d'alimentation lactée comparable, quelque que soit la saison d'élevage, les jeunes qui reçoivent en plus du lait et du fourrage, un aliment concentré (0.86 UFL et 115g PDIN/kg, distribué ad libitum à partir de la 3e semaine) ont une croissance (GMQ 40-85j) supérieure de l'ordre de 40 %, améliorent leur poids au sevrage de 16 à 20 % et réduisent leur taux de mortalité de 28 à 0 %. Les facteurs de variation liés au stade d'allaitement et à l'effet indirect de la saison sont présentés et discutés. Dans un troupeau expérimental en élevage semi-intensif sur prairie, deux conduites principales sont mises en parallèle. Les résultats montrent que le chevreau Créole présente un bon potentiel de production : son poids de naissance (1,5 kg) est multiplié par 4,6 à 5,7 au moment du sevrage à 85 jours.
Etude du pâturage mixte caprins, bovins en Martinique
Authors: Biquand S. , Biquand Guyot V.
Published: January 2021

L'étude du régime alimentaire de caprins et de bovins conduits en pâturage mixte sur des savanes naturelles plus ou moins dégradées, permet de montrer que la compétition avec les bovins pousse les caprins vers la consommation accrue des espèces indésirables sur les pâturages. La complémentarité alimentaire des deux espèces permet d'obtenir une charge plus élevée tout en évitant l'embroussaillement des parcelles.
Quelques aspects de la pathologie des petits ruminants en Guadeloupe et en Martinique
Authors: Petitclerc Martial , Lefèvre Pierre-Charles , Calvez D. , Couderc P. , Liabeuf Jean-Marie , Camus Emmanuel
Published: January 2021

Quelques résultats préliminaires provenant de diagnostics de laboratoire et d'enquêtes apportent les indications suivantes : la coccidiose joue vraisemblablement un rôle important dans le parasitisme gastro-intestinal des petits ruminants, jeunes et adultes; la toxoplasmose et la fièvre Q interviennent dans les avortements et les mortinatalités; si la dermatophilose des chèvres ne provoque que des lésions localisées en Guadeloupe, celle des moutons revêt un caractère extensif et mortel en Martinique; la fièvre catarrhale existe en Guadeloupe mais son impact n'est pas connu, ni celui de l'anaplasmose. Par contre la trypanosomose a disparu de Guadeloupe et de Martinique.
Arthropodes d'importance vétérinaire pour les petits ruminants des Antilles et de Guyane
Authors: Barré Nicolas
Published: January 2021

L'inventaire des ectoparasites des petits ruminants nécessite une mise à jour. Il semble cependant qu'aux Antilles la tique Amblyomma variegatum et en Guyane les taons et les diptères myiasigènes soient les arthropodes les plus néfastes à l'élevage. Des précautions doivent être prises pour éviter le transfert d'A. variegatum vers les îles saines des Antilles (Saintes, St-Barthélémy) et vers le continent (Guyane). Dans les zones infestées, une lutte systématique doit être menée par administration régulière d'acaricides aux petits ruminants comme aux bovins.
La cowdriose caprine et ovine en Guadeloupe
Authors: Camus Emmanuel
Published: January 2021

Les foyers de cowdriose caprine éclatent sur toute la Basse-Terre et la Grande-Terre, sans réelles fluctuations saisonnières. Le cycle épidémiologique de la maladie est caractérisé par un équilibre instable entre un stock de Cowdria très pathogène, une tique vectrice largement répandue mais très faiblement infectée et une population de chèvres créoles comprenant des lignées plus résistantes que d'autres. Les symptômes sont les suivants : fièvre élevée, symptômes nerveux suivis de la mort si un traitement antibiotique n'est pas administré rapidement. Le seul diagnostic de certitude repose sur l'examen microscopique du cerveau. La meilleure façon de lutter contre la cowdriose est de traiter régulièrement les animaux avec des acaricides.
Computational Modeling and Simulation to increase Laser Shooting Accuracy of Autonomous LEO Trackers
Authors: Gambi Jose M. , Garcia del Pino Maria L. , Mosser Jonathan , Weinmüller Ewa B.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we introduce a computational procedure that enables autonomous LEO laser trackers endowed with INSs to increase the current accuracy when shooting at middle distant medium-size LEO debris targets. The code is designed for the trackers to throw the targets into the Atmosphere by means of ablations. In case that the targets are eclipsed to the trackers by the Earth, the motions of the trackers and targets are modeled by equations that contain post-Newtonian terms accounting for the curvature of space. Otherwise, when the approaching targets become visible for the trackers, we additionally use more accurate equations, which allow to account for the local bending of the laser beams aimed at the targets. We observe that under certain circumstances the correct shooting configurations that allow to safely and efficiently shoot down the targets, differ from the current estimations by distances that may be larger than the size of many targets. In short, this procedure enables to estimate the optimal shooting instants for any middle distant medium-size LEO debris target.
Segmental Mandibular Resection for Conventional Ameloblastoma
Authors: Abi Khalil Georges , Aoun Georges , Khalifeh Banine , Zeinoun Toni
Published: January 2021

Ameloblastoma is an aggressive slow growing benign epithelial odontogenic tumor usually associated with an unerupted third molar. In this report, we present the case of a 71-year-old male with a large swelling on the left mandibular region causing a remarkable facial asymmetry. After clinical, radiological, and histopathological examinations the diagnosis of conventional ameloblastoma was made. To avoid probable recurrence our treatment choice was a segmental mandibular resection with the placement of a reconstructive titanium plate to maintain the space for subsequent bone graft.
A Low-Cost Air Flow Sensor/Transducer for Medical Applications: Design and Experimental Characterization
Authors: Calderón Jesús , Rincón Carlos , Agreda Bray , Calero Sebastián , Bornas Manuel , Jiménez de Cisneros Juan José
Published: January 2021

Mechanical ventilation systems, which are used for breathing support when a person is not able to do it by their own, requires a device for measuring the air flow to the patient in order to monitoring and a assure the magnitude establish by a medical staff. Flow sensors are the conventional devices used for the air flow measuring; however, there were not available in Peru, because of the international demand during COVID-19 pandemic. In this sense, a novel air flow sensor based on orifice plate and an intelligent transducer stage were developed as an integrated design. Advanced methodologies in simulations and experiments using specially designed equipment for this application were carried out. The obtained data was used for a mathematical characterization and dimensions validation of the integrated design. The device was tested in its real working conditions, it was implemented in a breathing circuit connected to a low-cost mechanical ventilation system based on cams. Results indicate that the designed air flow sensor/transducer is a low-cost complete medical device for mechanical ventilators able to provide satisfactorily all the ventilation parameters air flow, pressure and volume over time by measuring the air flow and calculating the others. Furthermore, this device provides directly a filtered equivalent electrical signal for a display or a computer.
Patient-Reported and Radiographic Outcomes of Joint-Preserving Surgery for Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformities
Authors: Yano Koichiro , Ikari Katsunori , Tobimatsu Haruki , Okazaki Ken
Published: January 2021

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder and a chronic inflammatory disease that can damage joints throughout the body. As dramatic improvements in medical treatment have contributed to reduced progression of joint destruction, surgical methods for the treatment of RA-related forefoot deformities have gradually changed from joint-sacrificing to joint-preserving. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes, including patient-reported outcomes, of joint-preserving surgery for forefoot deformities associated with RA.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 105 feet in 89 patients with RA who were treated during the period of January 2012 to May 2015 and had a minimum of 5 years of follow-up (mean, 6.0 ± 0.9 years). The patient-reported outcome measure used was the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q), which was completed preoperatively and at the latest follow-up (n = 53 feet). The hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and the position of the medial sesamoid were measured preoperatively, at 3 months postoperatively, and at the latest follow-up. Cases of delayed wound-healing, hallux valgus recurrence, nonunion at the osteotomy sites, and reoperation were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to determine the estimated survivorship, with reoperation as the end point.

Results:

Scores of all 5 subscales of the SAFE-Q demonstrated significant improvement at the latest follow-up. The average HVA and IMA decreased significantly 3 months postoperatively, and these measurements remained significantly lower than the preoperative values (p < 0.01). The position of the medial sesamoid at the latest follow-up improved significantly (p < 0.01). Delayed wound-healing was found at the site of surgery in 21 (20.0%) of the 105 feet. Recurrence of hallux valgus was observed in 11 (10.5%) of the feet. There was no case of nonunion at any osteotomy site. Eleven (10.5%) of the feet required reoperation. The estimated survivorship of the studied joint-preserving surgery at 7 years, with reoperation as the end point, was 89.5%.

Conclusions:

Satisfactory long-term patient-reported and radiographic outcomes after joint-preserving surgery for forefoot deformities associated with RA can be achieved.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Comparison of Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods with Other Distraction-Based Surgical Technologies for Early-Onset Scoliosis
Authors: Bednar E. Dimitra , Bergin Brad , Kishta Waleed
Published: January 2021

Background:

Severe and progressive early-onset scoliosis (EOS) has a serious prognosis including cardiopulmonary compromise. Growth-friendly technologies are the current surgical standard of care. Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) are newer implants with the potential for better quality of life and cost savings; however, they have not been well compared with the traditional distraction-based implants. The objective of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes, complications, metal ion levels, quality-of-life outcomes, and cost of MCGRs with other distraction-based surgical technologies for the treatment of EOS.

Methods:

The MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched. Record screening and data abstraction were completed in duplicate. Summary outcomes were calculated in a meta-analysis, if heterogeneity was appropriate, using a fixed-effects model.

Results:

This systematic review and meta-analysis included 18 studies. MCGRs were as clinically effective as other distraction-based technologies, with no significant difference in the Cobb angle at the latest follow-up (mean difference [MD], 1.20°; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.80° to 4.20°; p = 0.43) and a significantly lower complication rate (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.71; p = 0.001). Quality of life measured using the EOSQ-24 (24-Item Early-Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire) was better in the MCGR group compared with other technologies (MD, 2.18; 95% CI, 0.40 to 3.95; p = 0.02). Serum titanium levels were 2.98 ng/mL (95% CI, 1.41 to 4.55 ng/mL; p = 0.0002) greater in patients with MCGRs, but the clinical impact is unclear. MCGRs had greater cost for the device and insertion but became cost-neutral or cost-effective compared with other technologies by 4 years postoperatively.

Conclusions:

MCGRs are clinically equivalent and cost-effective in the long term compared with other distraction-based technologies for the treatment of EOS.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Correlation of Macular Sensitivity Measures and Visual Acuity to Vision-related Quality of Life in Patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Forshaw Thomas Richard Johansen , Parpounas Alexandra Kalia , Sørensen Torben Lykke
Published: January 2021

Background: Visual acuity is commonly used as a functional outcome measure in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), despite having a weak correlation with self-perceived visual quality of life. Microperimetry is a useful method of detecting loss of macular function. We wanted to investigate the relationship between these two objective visual outcome measures and subjective vision-related quality of life, finding out which objective measure is more patient-relevant. Methods: Fifty-one consecutive patients with AMD were recruited to the study. Participants were required to complete the Visual Function Questionnaire 39, the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity examination and a microperimetry assessment using the Micro Perimeter 3. One patient withdrew consent and seven patients dropped out due to cooperation difficulties under microperimetry. Forty-three patients with AMD were included in the study: twenty-eight patients with late AMD (exudative AMD) and fifteen patients with early (non-exudative) AMD. The right eye was included as standard, as was the eye with the best-corrected visual acuity.Results: There was a higher correlation between vision-related quality of life and macular sensitivity (r=0.458; p=0.014) than between vision-related quality of life and visual acuity (r=0.446; p=0.018) in patients with late AMD. There was a positive correlation between vision-related quality of life and macular sensitivity in patients with early AMD (r=0.542; p=0.037) while the correlation between vision-related quality of life and visual acuity in these patients was not statistically significant. Composite score (r=0.469; p=0.012) correlated highest with the nasal outer macular sub-region and near-distance activities score (r=0.652; p<0.001) correlated highest with the nasal inner macular sub-region in patients with late AMD. Correlations between composite score and macular sub-regions in patients with early AMD were not significant, but near-distance activities score correlated with the nasal outer macular sub-region in these patients (r=0.469; p=0.012). Conclusions: Macular sensitivity as measured using microperimetry correlates significantly better with vision-related quality of life than visual acuity, showing it to be a more patient-relevant outcome measure in patients with late AMD. Furthermore, the nasal sub-regions of the macula appear to be preferred retinal loci in patients with AMD.
Factors Influencing Pre-Hospital and In-Hospital Delays at Time-To-Treatment and Complications in Stroke: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ghadimi Neda , Hanifi Nasrin , Dinmohammadi Mohammadreza
Published: January 2021

Background: The results of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are highly affected by time-to-treatment. This study aimed at determining the factors influencing the in-hospital and pre-hospital delays in the complications and time-to-treatment in AIS. Methods: The present prospective study was carried out on 204 AIS patients referring to the stroke care unit in Zanjan, Iran (2019). To collected the required data, the patients and families were interviewed, as well as using the observations and records. The complication and mortality rates were recorded for 30 days after stroke via call follow-ups. Results: Based on the obtained results, the maximum delay was associated with the onset-to-arrival time (288.19 ±339.02 minutes). The logistic regression results indicated a statistically significant decline in the treatment via consultation after initiating the symptoms, transferring the patient to the hospital via emergency medical service, and the patients’ comprehension regarding the AIS symptoms. It was also found that an increase in the onset-to-treatment time (P <.001) and higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (P< .001) are the most critical factors related to the post-stroke complications. The higher age (P <.044) and NIHSS scores (P < .001) were considerably related to the mortality in AIS patients. Conclusion: It is essential to inform people regarding AIS indicators and referring to AIS treatment units to reduce the treatment time.
Local and Systemic Inflammation After Implantation of a Novel Iron Based Porous Degradable Bone Replacement Material in Sheep Model
Authors: Wegener Bernd , Behnke Maik , Milz Stefan , Jansson Volkmar , Redlich Christian , Hermanns Walter , Pieper Korbinian , Quadbeck Peter
Published: January 2021

Despite a high regenerative potential of healthy bone, replacement of large bone defects is an currently ongoing medical challenge. Due to a lack of mechanical stability of existing bone substitutes, recently developed degradable metallic alloys are an interesting alternative providing higher load bearing properties. Degradable iron-based alloys are an attractive innovation. Therefore, a degradable iron-based bone replacement material has been developed.To test the suitability of a newly designed iron-based alloy, an animal experiment was performed. Porous iron-based degradable implants with two different densities and a control group were tested. The implants were positioned in the proximal tibia. Over a period of 6 and 12 months, blood and histological parameters were monitored for signs of inflammation and degradation. Even if degradation at the desired rate was not achieved, in the histological evaluation of the implants` environment we found degraded particles, but no inflammatory reaction. Iron particles were also found within the popliteal lymph nodes on both sides. The serum blood levels of phosphorus, iron and ferritin in the long term groups were elevated. Other parameters did not show any changes.Iron-based degradable porous bone replacement implants showed a good biocompatibility in this experiment. For a clinical application, however, the rate of degradation would have to be significantly increased. Biocompatibility would then have to be re-evaluated.
Depletion of EREG Enhances the Osteo/Dentinogenic Differentiation Ability of Dental Pulp Stem Cells via P38 MAPK and Erk Pathway in Inflammatory Microenvironment
Authors: Ran Ran , Yang Haoqing , Cao Yangyang , Yan Wanhao , Zheng Ying , Jin Luyuan
Published: January 2021

Background Epiregulin (EREG) is an important component of EGF, which was demonstrated to promote the osteo/dentinogenic differentiation of stem cells from SCAPs. Whether it could stimulate the osteo/dentinogenic differentiation of DPSCs in inflammatory environment is not clear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of EREG on the DPSCs’ osteo/dentinogenic differentiation ability in inflammatory environment. Methods DPSCs were isolated from human third molars. Short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) was used to knock down the EREG expression in DPSCs. Recombinant human EREG protein (rhEREG) was adopted in the rescue experiment. TNF-α was employed to mimic the inflammatory environment in vitro. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin red staining, quantitative calcium analysis, and real time RT-PCR was used to detect the osteo/dentinogenic differentiation markers and related signaling pathways under normal and inflammatory environment. Results EREG depletion promoted ALP activity and mineralization ability of DPSCs. Expression of BSP, DMP-1, and DSPP were also enhanced. Besides, 50ng/ml rhEREG treatment weakened the osteo/dentinogenic differentiation potential. 10 ng/mL TNF-α treatment for 4h increased the expression of EREG in DPSCs. However, knockdown of EREG rescued the impaired osteo/dentinogenic differentiation ability caused by TNF-α treatment. Further mechanism study showed that, EREG depletion activated p38 MAPK and Erk signaling pathways in DPSCs under normal and inflammatory environment. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that EREG could inhibited the osteo/dentinogenic differentiation potential of DPSCs via p38 MAPK and Erk signaling pathways in normal and inflammatory environment.
Genetic Architecture and Dynamics of PfKelch13’s Propeller Domain in Plasmodium Falciparum Clinical Isolates Collected in Senegal.
Authors: Pouye Mariama , Diop Gora , Derbois celine , Mbengue Babacar , Ka oumar , Thiam Fatou , Thiam Alassane , Thiam Laty , Cabannes Eric , Olaso Robert , Menard Didier , Deleuze Jean-François , Mbengue Alassane , Dieye Alioune
Published: January 2021

Plasmodium resistance to Artemisinin Combination-based Therapies (ACT) in Southeast Asia is a major public health concern that is sporadically appearing in Africa. Senegal has shifted from malaria control to elimination plans. Given notable progresses obtained through robust strategic plans, it is still crucial to assess genetic variability of the Plasmodium falciparum artemisinin resistance gene marker Kelch13 (PfKelch13) in circulating field isolates. We here report an analysis of PfKelch13-propeller polymorphism in clinical isolates collected nine years after ACT introduction in five Senegalese regions with different malaria transmission settings. Sequencing of PfKelch13-propeller domain from 280 clinical isolates reveals that 16% (45/280) of the parasite population harbored variants. Dynamics of PfKelch13 variants reveals emerging, persistent but also disappearing mutations over time. In addition to the malaria epidemiology, our survey also shows the dynamics of PfKelch13 variants in different malaria transmission settings in Senegal. Despite the absence of PfKelch13 associated artemisinin resistance mutations, a shift from 86% to 68% of PfKelch13WT was observed when comparing parasites collected prior vs. post ACT intensive usage in Dakar a low malaria transmission area. All together, our data confirms the need to closely monitor PfKelch13 polymorphism to anticipate and or prevent emergence of P. falciparum resistance in Senegal.
Long -Term Persistence of Antibodies Against Varicella in Fully Immunized Healthcare Workers: An Italian Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bianchi Francesco , Tafuri Silvio , Larocca Angela , Germinario Cinzia , Stefanizzi Pasquale
Published: January 2021

Background. Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), and in infants, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised it can be serious. The best way to prevent chickenpox is immunization with the varicella vaccine. Protective levels of antibodies induced by the varicella vaccine decline over time, but there is currently no formal recommendation for testing anti-varicella zoster virus (VZV) IgG levels in immunized healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods. The aims of this study were to evaluate the seroprevalence of circulating anti-VZV IgG in a sample a sample of students and residents of the medical school of the University of Bari, the long-term immunogenicity of the varicella vaccine, and the effectiveness of a strategy consisting of a third vaccine booster dose. The study population was screened as part of a biological risk assessment conducted between April 2014 and October 2020. A strategy for the management of non-responders was also examined. Results. The 182 students and residents included in the study had a documented history of immunization (two doses of varicella vaccine). The absence of anti-VZV IgG was determined in 34% (62/182; 95%CI=27.2–41.4%), with serosusceptibility more common among males than females (p<0.05). After a third varicella dose, seroconversion was achieved in 100% of this previously seronegative group. No serious adverse events were recorded. Conclusions. One-third of the study population immunized against VZV lacked a protective antibody titer, but a third dose of vaccine restored protection. Since it is highly unlikely that VZV will be eliminated in the immediate future, the loss of immunity in a substantial portion of the population implies a risk of varicella outbreaks in the coming years. Screening for varicella immunity in routine assessments of the biological risk of medical students and HCWs may help to prevent nosocomial VZV infections.
Stakeholder-engaged Research: Strategies for the Prevention and Control of Overweight and Obesity in Kenya
Authors: Wanjau Mary , Kivuti-Bitok Lucy , Aminde Leopold , Veerman Lennert
Published: January 2021

Background: This study was done as part of a larger study that aims to identify the most impactful and cost-effective strategies for the prevention and control of overweight and obesity in Kenya. Our objective was to involve stakeholders in the identification of the strategies that would be included in our larger study. The results from the stakeholders engagement are analyzed and reported in this paper. Design: This was a qualitative study. A one day stakeholder workshop that followed a deliberative dialogue process was conducted.Participants: A sample of stakeholders who participate in the national level policymaking process for health in Kenya. Outcome Measure: Strategies for the prevention and control of overweight and obesity in Kenya. Results: Out of the twenty-three stakeholders who confirmed attendance, fifteen participants attended the one-day workshop. The stakeholders identified a total of 24 strategies for the prevention and control of overweight and obesity in Kenya. From the ranking process carried out the top six strategies identified were: a research-based strategy for the identification of the nutritional value of indigenous foods, implementation of health promotion strategies that focus on the creation of healthy environments, physical activity behavior such as gym attendance, jogging, walking, and running at the individual level, implementation of school curricula on nutrition and health promotion, integration of physical education into the new Competency-Based Education policy, and policies that increase use of public transport.Conclusion The stakeholders identified and ranked strategies for the prevention and control of overweight and obesity in Kenya. This informs future overweight and obesity prevention research and policy in Kenya and similar settings.
Thermal Index for Early Non-invasive Assessment of Brain Injury in Newborns Treated With Therapeutic Hypothermia – Preliminary Report of Non-invasive Thermal Measurements
Authors: Walas Wojciech , Mączko Anna , Halaba Zenon , Bekiesińska-Figatowska Monika , Miechowicz Iza , Bandoła Dominka , Ostrowski Ziemowit , Rojczyk Marek , Nowak Andrzej
Published: January 2021

Perinatal asphyxia (PA) is the 3rd most common cause of neonatal death and one of the most common causes of severe neurological impairments in children. Current tools and measurements mainly based on the analysis of clinical evaluation and laboratory and electrophysiological tests do not give consistent data allowing to predict the severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) until an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) score is performed. The aim of this work is to evaluate the usefulness of the new index, called Thermal Index (TI) in the assessment of the degree of brain damage in newborns in the course of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) due to PA.This was a prospective, observational, pilot study which did not require any changes in the applicable procedures. Analysis has been applied to six newborn babies treated with TH in Neonatal/Paediatric ICU in University Hospital in Opole in 2018 due to PA. They all met criteria for TH according to the current recommendations. Brain MRI was performed after the end of TH when the children were brought back to normal temperature, with the use of 1.5 T scanner, using T1-, T2-weighted images, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), inversion recovery (IR), susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The images were assessed using MRI score according to the scoring system proposed by Weeke et al. The Thermal Index assessing endogenous heat production was calculated according to the formula proposed in this paper. High, statistically significant positive correlation were found between MRI scores and TI values (0.98; p = 0.0003) in the 1st hour of therapy. High correlation with MRI assessment, the non-invasiveness of measurements and the availability of results within the first few hours of treatment, allow authors to propose the Thermal Index as a tool for early evaluating of the brain injury in newborns treated with TH. Further research is required to confirm the usefulness of the proposed method.
hiPSC-derived 3D Bioprinted Skeletal Muscle Tissue Implants Regenerate Skeletal Muscle Following Volumetric Muscle Loss
Authors: Jodat Yasamin A. , Zhang Ting , Tanoury Ziad Al , Kamperman Tom , Shi Kun , Huang Yike , Panayi Adriana , Endo Yori , Wang Xichi , Quint Jacob , Arnaout Adnan , Kiaee Kiavash , Hassan Shabir , Lee Junmin , Martinez Angel Flores Huidobro , Ochoa Sofia Lara , Lee KangJu , Calabrese Michelle , Carlucci Alessandro , Tamayol Ali , Sinha Indranil , Pourquié Olivier , Shin Su Ryon
Published: January 2021

Engineering of biomimetic tissue implants provides an opportunity for repairing volumetric muscle loss (VML), beyond a tissue’s innate repair capacity. Here, we present thick, suturable, and pre-vascularized 3D muscle implants containing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived myogenic precursor cells (hiPSC-MPCs), which can differentiate into skeletal muscle cells while maintaining a self-renewing pool. The formation of contractile myotubes and millimeter-long fibers from hiPSC-MPCs is achieved in chemically, mechanically, and structurally tailored extracellular matrix-based hydrogels, which can serve as scaffolds to ultimately organize the linear fusion of myoblasts. Embedded multi-material bioprinting is used to deposit complex patterns of perfusable vasculatures and aligned hiPSC-MPC channels within an endomysium-like supporting gel to recapitulate muscle architectural integrity in a facile yet highly rapid manner. Moreover, we demonstrate successful graft-host integration and de novo muscle formation upon in vivo implantation of pre-vascularized constructs within a VML model. This work pioneers the engineering of large pre-vascularized hiPSC-derived muscle tissues toward next generation VML regenerative therapies.
Incidence and Demographics of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Cheung Chau Island of Hong Kong – A Distinct Geographical area with Minimal Residential Mobility and Restricted Public Healthcare Referral Network
Authors: Chan Sik-Kwan , Chau Sze-Chun , Chan Sum-Yin , Tong Chi-Chung , Lam Ka-On , Kwong Dora , Leung To-Wai , Luk Mai-Yee , Lee Anne , Choi Horace , Lee Victor
Published: January 2021

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in Hong Kong with a skewed geographical and ethnic distribution. We performed an epidemiological study of NPC in Cheung Chau Island, a fishing village with very minimal residential mobility, and compared its demographics and survival with the rest of Hong Kong.Methods: NPC data in Cheung Chau and non-Cheung Chau residents between 2006 and 2017 treated in our tertiary center were collected. The incidence, stage distribution and mortality of Cheung Chau NPC residents were compared with those of their counterparts in the whole Hong Kong obtained from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed between Cheung Chau and non-Cheung Chau cases in a 1:4 ratio. Overall Survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were compared between these two cohorts by product limit estimation and log-rank tests.Results: Sixty-one patients residing in Cheung Chau were identified between 2006 and 2017. There was a significantly higher NPC incidence (P<0.001) but insignificant difference in mortality rate in Cheung Chau compared to the whole Hong Kong data. After PSM with 237 non-Cheung Chau patients, Cheung Chau cohort revealed a stronger NPC family history (P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in OS (P=0.170), PFS (P=0.053), and CSS (P=0.160) between these two cohorts.Conclusion: Our results revealed that Cheung Chau had a higher NPC incidence but similar survival outcomes compared to the whole Hong Kong. Cheung Chau can provide an excellent model for further studies on NPC oncogenesis and screening.
Tuberculosis forecasting and temporal trends by gender and age in a high endemic city of Northeast Brazil: Are we achieving the disease elimination stage?
Authors: Andrade Hamilton Leandro , Arroyo Luiz , Ramos Antônio Carlos , Neto Marcelino , Yamamura Melina , Crispim Juliane de , Palha Pedro , Monroe Aline , Gomes Dulce , Fuentealba Miguel , Arcêncio Ricardo
Published: January 2021

Objective: to describe the temporal trend of tuberculosis cases according to gender and age group and to make forecasts in an endemic municipality of northeast Brazil. Method: This was a Time Series study, carried out in a municipality in the northeast of Brazil. Population was composed of tuberculosis cases among residents of the municipality, reported between the years 2002 and 2018. An exploratory analysis of the monthly rates of tuberculosis detection, smoothed according to gender and age group, was performed. Subsequently, the progression of the trend and predictions of the disease were also characterized according to these aspects. For the trends forecast, the seasonal autoregressive linear integrated moving average – Seasonal ARIMA model and the usual Box-Jenkins method were used to choose the most appropriate models.Results: A total of 1,620 cases of tuberculosis were reported, with an incidence of 49.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in men and 34.0 per 100,000 in women. Regarding the incidence for both genders, there was a decreasing trend, which was similar for age. Evidence resulting from the application of the time series shows a decreasing trend between the years 2002–2018, however, it is unlikely that there will be a significant fall in the disease before 2022.
Thematic Research Clusters in Very Old Populations (≥ 80 Years): a Bibliometric Approach
Authors: González-Alcaide Gregorio , Palacios-Fernandez Sergio , Ramos-Rincon Jose-Manuel
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPopulation aging will be one of humanity’s major challenges in the decades to come. In addition to focusing on the pathologies causing the greatest mortality and morbidity in this population, such as dementia, health research in elderly people must consider a myriad of other interlinked factors, such as geriatric syndromes, social aspects, and factors related to preserving quality of life and promoting healthy aging. This study aims to identify the main subject areas attracting research attention with regard to very old (≥ 80 years) populations.MethodsDocuments assigned with the medical subject heading “Aged, 80 and over” were retrieved from MEDLINE and the Web of Science. This dataset was used to determine publication output by disease, geographic region, country, and discipline. A co-word analysis was undertaken to identify thematic research clusters.ResultsSince the mid-2000s, there has been a boom in scientific output focusing specifically on very old populations, especially in Europe (43.7% of the documents) but also in North America (30.5%) and Asia (26%); other regions made only nominal contributions (0.5% to 4.4%). The USA produced the most research, while the most growth over the study period occurred in Japan, Spain, and China. Four broad thematic clusters were identified: a) geriatric diseases, health services for the aged, and social and psychological issues of aging; b) cardiovascular diseases; c) neoplasms, and d) bacterial infections & anti-bacterial agents.ConclusionsScientific research in very old populations covers a wide variety of interrelated topics. In quantitative terms, the top subject areas have to do with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (including aortic valve stenosis and stroke), dementia, and neoplasms. However, other degenerative pathologies, geriatric syndromes, and different social and psychosocial aspects also attract considerable interest. It is necessary to promote more equal participation in global research on pathologies and topics related to very elderly populations, as the highest rates of population aging and the largest numbers of elderly people in the next decades will be in low- and middle-income countries.