bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in non-menopausal and postmenopausal inpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China
Authors: Zhou Huanhuan , Zhang Chenghuan , Ni Jingyu , Han Xiaoyun
Published: October 2019

Background

To investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and assess the 10-year risk of CVD in non-menopausal and postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A total of 569 patients with T2DM at a Chinese tertiary hospital were investigated using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). We evaluated the 10-year risk of CVD, clinical and menopause characteristics in all subjects.

Results

Among the 569 diabetic patients, the incidence of smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, overweight or obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was 0.7, 36.2, 38.1 56.6 and 58.2%, respectively. The usage rate of hypoglycemic agents, antihypertensive agents, lipid modulators and antithrombotic drugs was 88.6, 78.3, 50.0 and 27.1%, respectively. However, only 1.2% of inpatients achieved the three target goals for the control of blood glucose (HbA1c < 7%), blood pressure (systolic blood pressure < 130 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure < 80 mmHg), and blood lipids (total cholesterol < 174 mg/dL). The 10-year risk of CVD was (1.6 ± 1.5%) and tended to increase along with age (F = 27.726, P <  0.001). For all subjects (n = 569), multiple linear regression analysis showed that menopause (β = 0.275, P <  0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (β = 0.212, P <  0.001), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (β = 0.093, P = 0.018) and waist-to-hip-ratio (β = − 0.078, P = 0.047) were risk factors of 10-year risk of CVD, which may explain the variance of 14.3%. In the postmenopausal group (n = 397), LDL-C (β = 0.227, P <  0.001), FPG (β = 0.139, P = 0.003) and time since menopause (β = 0.230, P <  0.001) were found to be associated with CVD, which may explain the variance of 14.6%.

Conclusion

The incidence of dyslipidmia, hypertension, overweight or obesity and NAFLD is high. The level of control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids was found to be extremely low and the treatment status was not ideal. Besides menopause, LDL-C, FPG and time since menopause were found to be independent risk factors for the 10-year risk of CVD. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on comprehensive control of multiple risk factors, such as plasma glucose, blood pressure and serum lipid.
Bacterial microcompartments: catalysis-enhancing metabolic modules for next generation metabolic and biomedical engineering
Authors: Kirst Henning , Kerfeld Cheryl A.
Published: October 2019

Bacterial cells have long been thought to be simple cells with little spatial organization, but recent research has shown that they exhibit a remarkable degree of subcellular differentiation. Indeed, bacteria even have organelles such as magnetosomes for sensing magnetic fields or gas vesicles controlling cell buoyancy. A functionally diverse group of bacterial organelles are the bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) that fulfill specialized metabolic needs. Modification and reengineering of these BMCs enable innovative approaches for metabolic engineering and nanomedicine.
Socioeconomic disparities in access to intensive insulin regimens for adults with type 1 diabetes: a qualitative study of patient and healthcare professional perspectives
Authors: Scott Anne , O’Cathain Alicia , Goyder Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

Background

Type 1 diabetes is a complex chronic condition which requires lifelong treatment with insulin. Health outcomes are dependent on ability to self-manage the condition. Socioeconomic inequalities have been demonstrated in access to treatment and health outcomes for adults with type 1 diabetes; however, there is a paucity of research exploring how these disparities occur. This study explores the influence of socioeconomic factors in gaining access to intensive insulin regimens for adults with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We undertook a qualitative descriptive study informed by a phenomenological perspective. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 28 patients and 6 healthcare professionals involved in their care. The interviews were analysed using a thematic approach. The Candidacy theory for access to healthcare for vulnerable groups framed the analysis.

Results

Access to intensive insulin regimens was through hospital-based specialist services in this sample. Patients from lower socioeconomic groups had difficulty accessing hospital-based services if they were in low paid work and because they lacked the ability to navigate the healthcare system. Once these patients were in the specialist system, access to intensive insulin regimens was limited by non-alignment with healthcare professional goals, poor health literacy, psychosocial problems and poor quality communication. These factors could also affect access to structured diabetes education which itself improved access to intensive insulin regimens. Contact with diabetes specialist nurses and attendance at structured diabetes education courses could ameliorate these barriers.

Conclusions

Access to intensive insulin regimens was hindered for people in lower socioeconomic groups by a complex mix of factors relating to the permeability of specialist services, ability to navigate the healthcare system and patient interactions with healthcare providers. Improving access to diabetes specialist nurses and structured diabetes education for vulnerable patients could lessen socioeconomic disparities in both access to services and health outcomes.
MetaCell: analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data using K-nn graph partitions
Authors: Baran Yael , Bercovich Akhiad , Sebe-Pedros Arnau , Lubling Yaniv , Giladi Amir , Chomsky Elad , Meir Zohar , Hoichman Michael , Lifshitz Aviezer , Tanay Amos
Published: October 2019

scRNA-seq profiles each represent a highly partial sample of mRNA molecules from a unique cell that can never be resampled, and robust analysis must separate the sampling effect from biological variance. We describe a methodology for partitioning scRNA-seq datasets into metacells: disjoint and homogenous groups of profiles that could have been resampled from the same cell. Unlike clustering analysis, our algorithm specializes at obtaining granular as opposed to maximal groups. We show how to use metacells as building blocks for complex quantitative transcriptional maps while avoiding data smoothing. Our algorithms are implemented in the MetaCell R/C++ software package.
Phylogenetics, patterns of genetic variation and population dynamics of Trypanosoma terrestris support both coevolution and ecological host-fitting as processes driving trypanosome evolution
Authors: Pérez Sergio D. , Grummer Jared A. , Fernandes-Santos Renata C. , José Caroline Testa , Medici Emília Patrícia , Marcili Arlei
Published: October 2019

Background

A considerable amount of evidence has favored ecological host-fitting, rather than coevolution, as the main mechanism responsible for trypanosome divergence. Nevertheless, beyond the study of human pathogenic trypanosomes, the genetic basis of host specificity among trypanosomes isolated from forest-inhabiting hosts remains largely unknown.

Methods

To test possible scenarios on ecological host-fitting and coevolution, we combined a host capture recapture strategy with parasite genetic data and studied the genetic variation, population dynamics and phylogenetic relationships ofTrypanosoma terrestris, a recently described trypanosome species isolated from lowland tapirs in the Brazilian Pantanal and Atlantic Forest biomes.

Results

We made inferences ofT. terrestrispopulation structure at three possible sources of genetic variation: geography, tapir hosts and ‘putative’ vectors. We found evidence of a bottleneck affecting the contemporary patterns of parasite genetic structure, resulting in little genetic diversity and no evidence of genetic structure among hosts or biomes. Despite this, a strongly divergent haplotype was recorded at a microgeographical scale in the landscape of Nhecolândia in the Pantanal. However, although tapirs are promoting the dispersion of the parasites through the landscape, neither geographical barriers nor tapir hosts were involved in the isolation of this haplotype. Taken together, these findings suggest that either host-switching promoted by putative vectors or declining tapir population densities are influencing the current parasite population dynamics and genetic structure. Similarly, phylogenetic analyses revealed thatT. terrestrisis strongly linked to the evolutionary history of its perissodactyl hosts, suggesting a coevolving scenario between Perissodactyla and their trypanosomes. Additionally,T. terrestrisandT. grayiare closely related, further indicating that host-switching is a common feature promoting trypanosome evolution.

Conclusions

This study provides two lines of evidence, both micro- and macroevolutionary, suggesting that both host-switching by ecological fitting and coevolution are two important and non-mutually-exclusive processes driving the evolution of trypanosomes. In line with other parasite systems, our results support that even in the face of host specialization and coevolution, host-switching may be common and is an important determinant of parasite diversification.
Effect of ethanol extract from Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10-fermented soymilk on wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat
Authors: Chuang Yu-Chun , Cheng Meng-Chun , Lee Chia-Chia , Chiou Tai-Ying , Tsai Tsung-Yu
Published: October 2019

Wound healing is a highly dynamic phenomenon comprising numerous coordinated steps including homeostasis/coagulation, inflammation, migration, proliferation, and remodeling. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multisystem chronic epidemic that prolongs inflammation in wounds and is associated with impaired healing. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an ethanol extract from Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10 (TWK10)-fermented soymilk on wound healing. The anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanol extract of TWK10-fermented soymilk on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells were examined. The ethanol extract of TWK10-fermented soymilk (100 µg/mL) significantly decreased nitric oxide production from 11.34 ± 0.74 μM to 8.24 ± 2.02 µM (p < 0.05) and enhanced proliferation in Detroit 551 cells cultured in high-glucose medium; the cell number peaked at 128.44 ± 7.67% (compared to the untreated control) at 600 µg/mL. An ethanol extract of TWK10-fermented soymilk + vaseline-treated rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic wounds was generated herein, and the following groups were formed herein: normal control (NC), blank control (BC), low dose group (LD, 0.24 mg/wound), intermediate dose (MD, 0.48 mg/wound), and high dose (HD, 2.40 mg/wound). On day 14 after wound infliction, the wound area in the LD, MD, and HD groups was significantly decreased to 10.2, 8.4, and 8.5% respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the LD, MD, and, HD groups, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were downregulated in the wounded skin. These results show that the topical application of the ethanol extract of TWK10-fermented soymilk is beneficial for enhancing wound healing and for the closure of diabetic wounds.
Effects of exogenous lipids and cold acclimation on lycopene production and fatty acid composition in Blakeslea trispora
Authors: Lingran Feng , Qiang Wang , Xiaobin Yu , Kwame Fred
Published: October 2019

Exogenous lipids serving as stimulators to improve lycopene production inBlakeslea trisporahave been widely reported. However, the selection basis of exogenous lipids and their effects on intracellular lipids are not very clear. In this study, five plant oils with different fatty acid compositions were selected to investigate their effects on lycopene production, fatty acid composition and the desaturation degree of intracellular lipids. Among the oils, soybean oil, with a fatty acid composition similar to that of mycelium, exhibited the best stimulating effect on lycopene formation (improvement of 82.1%). The plant oils enhanced the total content of intracellular lipids and the desaturation degree of reserve lipids due to the alteration of fatty acid composition, especially in neutral lipids. Lycopene production was increased with the improved desaturation degree of intracellular lipids, which may be attributed to the enhancement of storage capacity for lycopene in storage lipid, thus reducing the feedback regulation of free lycopene. In addition, the increase of the desaturation degree of reserve lipids through temperature-changing fermentation also enhanced lycopene production. The present study could serve as a basis for a better understanding of the relationship between the fatty acid composition of reserve lipids and lycopene production.
Income diversification strategies among pastoralists in Central Asia: Findings from Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Sabyrbekov Rahat
Published: October 2019

The loss of land productivity is one of the key challenges facing land use policy-makers worldwide. Pastoralist societies are particularly vulnerable to the loss of land productivity due to their dependence on pastures to raise livestock. Decreasing this dependence through the diversification of livelihood strategies could potentially reduce the vulnerabilities of such societies, with the added benefit of reducing livestock pressure on pastures. This study examines on-pasture income diversification strategies among Kyrgyz pastoralist societies and aims to identify which factors lead to tourism engagement as a non-livestock pasture-related income source. Both individual household and regional (rayon) features associated with diversification are investigated, as are factors such as the perceived high levels of pasture productivity loss. The results show that the income diversification among households differs depending on the number of head of livestock a household owns, regional differences and whether a household manages livestock belonging to others. In addition, the study found no statistically significant result that would show that high perception of pasture degradation would lead to adoption of non-livestock livelihoods, i.e. tourism.
Building feature extraction method based on double reflection imaging dictionary
Authors: Deng Honggao , Xu Tingfa , Liu Qinghua , Zhang Yuhan
Published: October 2019

In the technology of building feature extraction, multi-path virtual image appears in the imaging result because the imaging scene is composed of complex wall model and the observation distance of the through-wall radar is short. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a double reflection imaging dictionary algorithm to extract building scattering center. In this algorithm, the propagation models of direct path and double reflection path are established with the direct path imaging dictionary and the double reflection imaging dictionary, the corresponding optimization problems are constructed. Finally, the multi-perspective fusion imaging steps are taken to suppress the false image according to the non-correlation of false image from the different reflection path. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Effect of Polytetrafluoroethylene Particles in Cathode Catalyst Layer Based on Carbon Nanotube for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Weerathunga Don Terrence Dhammika , Jayawickrama Samindi Madhubha , Phua Yin Kan , Nobori Kazutaka , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko
Published: October 2019

Improvement of the utilization efficiency of Pt by improving the mass diffusion is key especially for carbon nanotube (CNT)-based electrocatalyst layers (CL) of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Here, we introduced hydrophobic spherical polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles into the CNT-based CL for the first time to improve the diffusion of oxygen and water. Catalyst-coated gas diffusion layers (CCG) were prepared by vacuum filtration method and membrane electrode assembles were prepared by hot pressing of CCGs with Nafion membrane. By incorporating PTFE particles specifically into the cathode CL, a large increase of power density was obtained mainly due to the improvement of hydrophobicity. Addition of the PTFE was effective especially during low humidity operations. Since the filtration process is simple and useful especially for CNT-based electrocatalysts, our findings are quite beneficial to realize CNT-based PEMFC, which is promising especially for the next generation PEMFCs operated under high-temperature and low humidity.
Interval Exercise Lowers Circulating CD105 Extracellular Vesicles in Prediabetes
Authors: EICHNER NATALIE Z. M. , GILBERTSON NICOLE M. , HEISTON EMILY M. , MUSANTE LUCA , LA SALVIA SABRINA , WELTMAN ARTHUR , ERDBRUGGER UTA , MALIN STEVEN K.
Published: October 2019

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are purported to mediate type 2 diabetes and CVD risk and development. Physical activity and a balanced diet reduce disease risk, but no study has tested the hypothesis that short-term interval (INT) training would reduce EV compared with continuous (CONT) exercise in adults with prediabetes.

Methods

Eighteen obese adults (age, 63.8 ± 1.5 yr; body mass index, 31.0 ± 1.3 kg·m−2) were screened for prediabetes using American Diabetes Association criteria (75 g oral glucose tolerance test). Subjects were randomized to INT (n = 10, alternating 3-min intervals at 90% and 50% HRpeak, respectively) or CONT (n = 8, 70% HRpeak) training for 12 supervised sessions over 13 d for 60 min·d−1. Cardiorespiratory fitness (V˙ O2peak), weight (kg), as well as ad libitum dietary intake were assessed and arterial stiffness (augmentation index via applanation tonometry) was calculated using total AUC during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test performed 24 h after the last exercise bout. Total EV, platelet EV (CD31+/CD41+), endothelial EV (CD105; CD31+/ CD41−), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) (CD31+), and leukocyte EV (CD45+; CD45+/CD41−) were analyzed via imaging flow cytometry preintervention/postintervention.

Results

The INT exercise increased V˙O2peak (P = 0.04) compared with CONT training. Although training had no effect on platelet or leukocyte EV, INT decreased Annexin V− endothelial EV CD105 compared with CONT (P = 0.04). However, after accounting for dietary sugar intake, the intensity effect was lost (P = 0.18). Increased ad libitum dietary sugar intake after training was linked to elevated AV+ CD105 (r = 0.49, P = 0.06) and AV− CD45+ (r = 0.59, P = 0.01). Nonetheless, increased V˙O2peak correlated with decreased AV+ CD105 (r = −0.60, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Interval exercise training decreases endothelial-derived EV in adults with prediabetes. Although increased sugar consumption may alter EV after a short-term exercise intervention, fitness modifies EV count.
Salt Loading Blunts Central and Peripheral Postexercise Hypotension
Authors: BABCOCK MATTHEW C. , ROBINSON AUSTIN T. , WATSO JOSEPH C. , MIGDAL KAMILA U. , MARTENS CHRISTOPHER R. , EDWARDS DAVID G. , PESCATELLO LINDA S. , FARQUHAR WILLIAM B.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

High salt intake is a widespread cardiovascular risk factor with systemic effects. These effects include an expansion of plasma volume, which may interfere with postexercise hypotension (PEH). However, the effects of high salt intake on central and peripheral indices of PEH remain unknown. We tested the hypothesis that high salt intake would attenuate central and peripheral PEH.

Methods

Nineteen healthy adults (7 female/12 male; age, 25 ± 4 yr; body mass index, 23.3 ± 2.2 kg·m−2; V̇O2peak, 41.6 ± 8.7 mL·min−1·kg−1; systolic blood pressure (BP), 112 ± 9 mm Hg; diastolic BP, 65 ± 9 mm Hg) participated in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study. Participants were asked to maintain a 2300 mg·d−1 sodium diet for 10 d on two occasions separated by ≥2 wk. Total salt intake was manipulated via ingestion of capsules containing either table salt (3900 mg·d−1) or placebo (dextrose) during each diet. On the 10th day, participants completed 50 min of cycling at 60% V̇O2peak. A subset of participants (n = 8) completed 60 min of seated rest (sham trial). Beat-to-beat BP was measured in-laboratory for 60 min after exercise via finger photoplethysmography. Brachial and central BPs were measured for 24 h after exercise via ambulatory BP monitor.

Results

Ten days of high salt intake increased urinary sodium excretion (134 ± 70 (dextrose) vs 284 ± 74 mmol per 24 h (salt), P < 0.001), expanded plasma volume (7.2% ± 10.8%), and abolished PEH during in-laboratory BP monitoring (main effect of diet, P < 0.001). Ambulatory systolic BPs were higher for 12 h after exercise during the salt and sham trials compared with the dextrose trial (average change, 3.6 ± 2.1 mm Hg (dextrose), 9.9 ± 1.4 mm Hg (salt), 9.8 ± 2.5 mm Hg (sham); P = 0.01). Ambulatory central systolic BP was also higher during the salt trial compared with dextrose trial.

Conclusion

High salt intake attenuates peripheral and central PEH, potentially reducing the beneficial cardiovascular effects of acute aerobic exercise.
Delayed response to proton beam treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Chee-Wai , Machtay Mitchell , Dorth Jennifer , Sergeeva Olga , Xia Hangsheng , manaspon chawan , wu Hanping , Iyer Renuka , Sexton Sandra , Xin Wei , Exner Agata A , Lee Zhenghong
Published: October 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. There has been anecdotal report regarding the effectiveness of proton beam treatment for HCC. In this pre-clinical investigation, the woodchuck model of viral hepatitis infection-induced HCC was used for proton beam treatment experiment. The radiopaque fiducial markers that are biodegradable were injected around the tumor under ultrasound guidance to facilitate positioning in sequential treatments. An α cradle mode was used to ensure reproducibility of animal positioning on the treatment couch. A CT scan was performed first for contouring by a radiation oncologist. The CT data set with contours was then exported for dose planning. Three fractionations, each 750 CcGyE, were applied every other day with a Mevion S250 passive scattering proton therapy system. Multiphase contrast-enhanced CT scans were performed after the treatment and at later times for follow-ups. 3 weeks post-treatment, shrinking of the HCC nodule was detected and constituted to a partial response (30% reduction along the long axis). By week nine after treatment, the nodule disappeared during the arterial phase of multiphase contrast-enhanced CT scan. Pathological evaluation corroborated with this imaging response. A delayed, but complete imaging response to proton beam treatment applied to HCC was achieved with this unique and clinically relevant animal model of HCC.
Salivary nitric oxide, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, and salivary flow rate in smokers and non-smokers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bachtiar Endang Winiati , Putri Atikah Cyntia , Bachtiar Boy Muchlis
Published: October 2019

Background: Salivary nitric oxide plays an important role as an antibacterial agent in the oral cavity. Here, we analyze salivary nitric oxide, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) scores and the salivary flow rate in smokers and non-smokers which has not been done previously.

Methods: A cross sectional study included 25 smokers and 25 non-smokers. Their OHI-S results were categorized as “good,” “medium,” or “bad.” Unstimulated saliva samples were collected, and their nitric oxide concentration was measured using the Griess method.

Results: The salivary flow rate in smokers was lower, at 0.30 ml/minute, compared to non-smokers who had a salivary flow rate of 0.33 ml/minute. This was statistically insignificant. There was a significant difference in the concentrations of nitric oxide between smokers and non-smokers (p < 0.05). Smokers had higher concentrations than non-smokers (185.4 µM Vs 114.60 µM). In addition, there was a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.305) between the concentration of salivary nitric oxide level and the OHI-S results.

Conclusions: It was concluded that salivary nitric oxide concentration was higher in smokers, and the oral hygiene condition of smokers was poor.
The Use of Information and Communication Technologies in the Training of Specialists in the Rear Profile of Institutions of the Penitentiary System
Authors: Кирьянов Александр , Kir'yanov Aleksandr , Рукавишников Максим , Rukavishnikov Maxim
Published: October 2019

The article is devoted to the problems of implementation of practical training of specialists for the rear services of institutions of IP in the learning process. The article reveals the role of practice-oriented methods of training in the formation of the competence of specialists of logistics services. Particular importance is attached to the use of simulation programs with a practical orientation in the training of cadets of rear specialties. As a practical implementation of the task, the author proposes the creation of simulators of various technological processes using the Flash package as an example of creating a simulator of the KPU-250 boiler.
Delivering chemotherapy at home: how much do we know?
Authors: Shereen Nabhani-Gebara , Salman Dahlia
Published: October 2019

Ambulatory chemotherapy offers many advantages from supporting a closer to home treatment approach to lowering the cost of care. Ambulatory devices such as elastomeric pumps can deliver prolonged infusions of a variety of chemotherapy agents. Elastomeric pumps are preferred by the patients, as they get them connected at the hospital or cancer centres, then go back home where they can have visits from the district nursing team. This minimises disruption to carers and families. Despite all the advantages, experiments carried out by the authors and others in the literature showed that the performance of these pumps varied depending on the temperature and/or viscosity of the diluent. Interestingly, a two-phase study that was carried out to observe and evaluate patients receiving ambulatory chemotherapy concluded that in 50% of the observed cases the infusion pump did not finish on time. This disrupted the patients' treatment schedule and, in some cases, resulted in sub-therapeutic dosing.
Social frailty: the importance of social and environmental factors in predicting frailty in older adults
Authors: Freer Karen , Wallington Sophie Louise
Published: October 2019

Frailty can have multifaceted contributors, including physical, psychological, social and environmental elements. There is a lack of clarity surrounding frailty as it lacks a universal common definition, multiple factors are attributed to frailty and no definitive assessment tool is available. The evidence suggests that there is a lack of research to indicate causal relationships between the various determinants of frailty in ageing individuals. This review discusses the important role that social and environmental factors play in predicting the risk of frailty in older adults, as well as discussing the various signs of frailty. Health professionals in primary and community care settings are well placed to prevent and identify social frailty in the persons they care for.
Phytoconstituents in the Management of Pesticide Induced Parkinson’s Disease- A Review
Authors: K Manasa , V Chitra
Published: October 2019

Recent studies have suggested that environmental factors have a crucial role in triggering and/ or propagating the pathological changes in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although many studies have been and being performed by utilizing MPTP like chemicals to study the effectiveness of new extracts and compounds in PD, a little focus was made on the role of pesticides. Since agricultural fields account for 37.7% of land area worldwide and the use of pesticides is an important risk factor in neurodegeneration, there is a crucial need to focus on the association between pesticides and PD. Benomyl, a benzimidazole fungicide is being widely used in India in cultivation of tropical crops. Studies prove the chronic exposure of benomyl leads to aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibition caused DOPAL toxicity, subsequently leading to dopamine degradation and Parkinson’s disease. Till date, there is no remedy for pesticide induced Parkinson’s disease. This review provides an insight of the pathophysiological aspects of pesticide induced Parkinson’s disease and also enlightens the importance of aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme in neuroprotection.
Radical social welfare and anti-authoritarian mutual aid
Authors: Izlar Joel
Published: October 2019

Current social welfare systems of the Global North are now questioned and privatisation is seen as a viable alternative. This article explores how neoliberal conditions of austerity and privatisation have indirectly created systems of mutual aid that concurrently function as forms of protest, organising and social care. Written from a social-anarchist perspective, the article draws from organising case examples and my own experiences in anti-authoritarian community organising and radical social services in the US. Prevailing models of social welfare and social work are questioned, and challenges in organising models that place emphasis on autonomy, solidarity, mutual aid and direct democracy are discussed. The article concludes that while radical alternatives may challenge institutionalised social welfare that protects against the state and capitalism, there is still room for reflection, critique and dialogue regarding radical practice.
Legitimising the illegitimate: a review of the libertarian accounts of taxation
Authors: Bekana Dejene Mamo
Published: October 2019

This article analyses the libertarian accounts of taxation. It discussed how libertarians view taxation and why (and where) they disagree on certain points. While anarchist libertarians advocate the idea that taxation is never acceptable because they believe that the state itself possesses no legitimacy, minarchist libertarians believe that the state can have a legitimate role, and therefore that taxation can be accepted to the extent that there is no alternative to fund the state’s legitimate activities. This article argues that anarchist-libertarian views of taxation are untenable, and suggests that the furtherance of libertarian ideals on taxation is possible through: (1) taking ideas from other non-libertarian schools, particularly from the social contract theory of the state; and (2) advancing the minarchist-libertarian perspective from within the libertarian paradigm.
Sociology, emotions and society in Latin America: a short systematisation
Authors: Scribano Adrián
Published: October 2019

The role of emotions in the processes of social structuring on a planetary scale is now undeniable, and is also the focus of numerous academic and political discussions. Latin America is no exception to the current geopolitics of emotions, and the momentum for the systematic study of emotions has been consolidated and increased in the last two decades.

This article aims to outline the current state of research for the sociology of emotions in the region. Despite the diversity and the preponderance of multidisciplinary approaches along with the difficulty in identifying and organising specific information, it aims to provide the reader with a first guide to what has been contributed from Latin America to this field of the discipline. First, the situation is outlined by country, indicating groups and/or well-known researchers as well as the topics being investigated and the corresponding publications. Second, an overview of investigations across the region is provided by using information from the Working Group of the Latin American Association of Sociology WG 26 ALAS on bodies and emotions. Third, a possible research agenda for the coming years is proposed. The article ends by emphasising the critical nature of the sociology of emotions in Latin America and by proposing creativity/expressiveness as a methodology, and love, beauty and hope as themes to be developed.
Surface chemistry of oil-sands clay minerals
Authors: Johnston Cliff T.
Published: October 2019

The oil-sand ores of northern Alberta provide a significant proportion of the overall energy portfolio for North America. Surprisingly, the presence of nano-sized clay minerals plays a defining role both in the extraction of bitumen and in tailings management. Although seemingly insignificant in size, naturally occurring clay minerals present in the oil sand ores of northern Alberta create significant challenges in all aspects of bitumen extraction and recovery, processing of oil sand ores, and management of tailings. Although a significant body of knowledge exists in relation to the characterization of ‘oil-sands clay minerals,’ much of this work has focused on the identification of the clay minerals present and not on their respective surface chemistries. This chapter focuses on some of the unique structural features of the clay minerals found in the oil sands and their respective surface chemistries.
A szocialista neveléslélektan megteremtése Magyarországon az 1960-as években
Authors: Darvai Tibor
Published: October 2019

A Sztálin halála utáni lassú enyhülésben a fokozatosan kiépülő és konszolidálódó Kádár-korszakban lehetőséget kínáltak a szocialista berendezkedést elfogadó, marxista – azaz a nem polgári – neveléslélektan felépítésére.E tényt támasztja alá, hogy a hatvanas évek végére és a hetvenes évek elejére a neveléstudomány és a lélektan metszetében elhelyezkedő speciális tudományterület már több akadémiai doktorral is rendelkezett, míg az ötvenes években eggyel sem. Kutatásunkban ennek a változásnak a történetét vázoljuk fel. Elsőként a korszakban végbemenő politikai és oktatásügyi előzményeket és változásokat, majd a neveléslélektani területtel foglalkozó kandidátusok és akadémiai doktorok mintázatát, végül pedig a szocialista neveléslélektan megteremtésének következményeit mutatjuk be.
Morphofunctional analysis of the status of some endocrine glands in candidiasis
Authors: Bykov V. L.
Published: October 2019

Morphometric analysis of the thyroid, parathyroid glands and adrenal cortex was carried out in mice with candidiasis. A grave systemic form of candidiasis, that eventuated in the death of the animals, was associated with a reduction of the functional activities of the thyroid and parathyroid glands and a drastic activation of the adrenal cortex. A benign course of the infection was parallelled by a moderate inhibition of the thyroid activity, followed by its activation and normalization. Changes of the parathyroid activity were negligible in such a case, and the adrenocortical activity is moderately growing at the peak of the infection and normalizes later.
Glucose metabolism and conception
Authors: Makhmudov E. S. , Khodzhimatov V. A.
Published: October 2019

The birth of a full-fledged viable offspring is directly dependent on the state of the mother's body. Since the earliest periods of pregnancy, many factors of the external and internal environment have an effect on the intrauterine development of the fetus. Successful completion of pregnancy and the birth of healthy offspring are possible with a balanced metabolism and the satisfaction of all the needs of the mother's body. In this process, a large role is played by carbohydrates, and in particular glucose, which is intensively used by the intrauterine developing embryo. Glucose deficiency in the mother's body can inhibit the development and even cause early death of the offspring. Therefore, given the importance of glucose for a developing organism, this review discusses issues related to its metabolism and regulation during pregnancy.
Donner forme aux forces
Authors: Fivet Corentin , Zastavni Denis
Published: October 2019

Un outil pour manipuler géométries et efforts au sein des structures architecturales

Citation : JCorentin Fivet et Denis Zastavni, "Donner forme aux forces", lieuxdits#1, juin 2011, pp.18-21.

Bibliographie

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La demeure et l'hospitalité
Authors: Stillemans Jean
Published: October 2019

Nous agissons en Belgique où certains médias cultivent la schizophrénie. Comment recevoir, sans vaciller, lors du journal télévisé d’une chaîne publique, les images de migrants qui attendent au parc Maximilien que l’État daigne les recevoir et, quelques minutes plus tard, celles de demeures idylliques présentées par des animateurs ‘bobo’ comme le standard à viser pour le commun des Belges ?
Modélisations des structures: Une science (in)exacte
Authors: Sgambi Luca
Published: October 2019

The paper deals with the process of structural modeling interpreted as a mathematical-numerical representation. The author, through a diagram of representation inspired by the reflections of Prof. Arielli (IUAV, Venice, Italy) on the process of representation, it tries to show how a real structure, even simple, can have different numerical representations. (Paper is in French).
Hans Scharoun
Authors: Mambella Laura
Published: October 2019

Après la 2eme guerre mondiale, l’architecte allemande Hans Scharoun est convaincu de la nécessité d'un lieu d'apprentissage où l'enfant pourrait développer ses compétences sans les contraintes imposées par la société. Selon l’architecte, l’école est un lieu de développement humain (individuel et communautaire) où se préparent ceux qui élaboreront un nouveau modèle de société démocratique.
Ce qui arrive
Authors: Haubruge Corentin
Published: October 2019

A partir d’une bande dessinée (Here, R. Mc Guire), le réalisme pictural et la réalité virtuelle sont les enjeux d’un exercice de représentation d’un lieu de mémoire. Les notions de forme du temps et de reconstruction émotionnelle sont empruntées P. Zumthor (architecte) et M. Lending (historienne d’art), afin d’enrichir la réflexion sur la représentation de l’atmosphère.
Manuel Aires Mateus
Authors: Van Overstraeten Eric , Accarain Pierre
Published: October 2019

Professeur invité à LOCITRN, Manuel Aires Mateus aborde l’évolution de sa conception architecturale, la liberté de ses choix, les intentions sous-jacentes. Il évoque des notions relatives à l’esthétique de la géométrie, l’espace des limites, l’architecture en tant qu’Art et les références qui meublent son imaginaire. Il dévoile son addiction au dessin à la main et plaide pour une architecture de la mémoire, un Art de la permanence.
Une cité des peintres en Uchronie
Authors: Claeys Damien , Cruysmans Benoît , Jungers Jean-Jacques , Puigjaner Anna , Raucent Marie-Christine
Published: October 2019

Un dispositif pédagogique d’apprentissage par projet a été organisé simultanément dans deux écoles d'architecture : à Barcelone dans l'Escola Tècnica Superior d'Arquitectura del Vallès (Etsav) et à Bruxelles dans la Faculté d'architecture, d'ingénierie architecturale, d'urbanisme (Loci). En rapport avec l'Utopia (1516) de Thomas Mores, un projet de cité des peintres en Uchronie a été proposé aux étudiants.
UCL Culture soutient les projets et l'expertise de la Faculté LOCI...
Authors: Blondiau Geneviève
Published: October 2019

L'édito présente les objectifs et le programme de la participation de la Faculté LOCI lors des manifestations d'Europalia Inde (12.10.2013 > 05.01.2014). La faculté a marqué cet événement en invitant des personnalités prestigieuses. Lieux-dits n°8 reprend les interventions des conférenciers et participants.
“Children’s Week” as one of the activities of the Polish Childcare Committee in the Second Polish Republic
Authors: Wróblewska Urszula , Gołko Joanna
Published: October 2019

The aim of this article is to discuss “the Children’s Week” event organised from 1926 by the Polish Childcare Committee, which was the prototype of today’s Children’s Day and Mother’s Day. This issue has not been the subject of scientific analysis. The aim, meaning and course of “the Children’s Week” in the Second Republic of Poland were analysed based on the interwar sources’ materials. This holiday was one of the social events organised by the Polish Childcare Committee, which, as a body of the Ministry of Labour and Social Care, was responsible for improving health and social conditions of children and teenagers. Therefore, it organised care units for mothers and children, published scientific papers, propagated tasks related to the care of children and teenagers, and organised and conducted exemplary care institutions. “The Children’s Week” was a social event, which aim was to make Poles more interested in the situation of children and teenagers. For seven days the importance of proper care of the youngest children in a rebuilding country was emphasised. Every day was devoted to education or upbringing issues as well as the functioning of schools and social centres. The Children’s Day was on the first day of the event, and the Mother’s Day on the last. “The Children’s Week” in the Second Republic of Poland proceeded in accordance with the programme prepared by the Polish Childcare Committee. Each Voivodeship office tailored the programme to their capabilities and regional conditions. Despite the criticism it attracted, “the Children’s Week” was an extremely important social event, which was supported by pedagogical authorities, among others, Janusz Korczak. Annually, the public attention was focused on childcarerelated issues for seven days. This event was in line with the European trends at that time, in which children’s rights and freedoms were gaining more and more supporters.
Radioactive iodine therapy for pediatric Graves’ disease: a single-center experience over a 10-year period
Authors: Kaplowitz Paul B. , Jiang Jiji , Vaidyanathan Priya
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Only about 30% of pediatric patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism achieve remission with medical therapy, and therefore radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is often used as a definitive treatment. Although the goal of RAI is permanent hypothyroidism, this is not consistently achieved. We conducted a chart review to determine the factors associated with the success of RAI. We also tried to determine optimal follow-up post RAI and if there was an optimal L-thyroxine dose that would normalize the hypothyroid state quickly.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of Graves’ patients who underwent RAI between 2008 and 2017. We included age, sex, time from diagnosis, thyroid gland size, total dose of I-131 and dose in μCi/g of thyroid tissue. Patients were grouped based on outcome and analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Follow-up thyroid levels post RAI and after starting l-thyroxine were analyzed.

Results

There were 78 ablations including six repeat ablations. Seventy-three percent became hypothyroid, 23% remained overtly or subclinically hyperthyroid, and 4% were euthyroid. Smaller thyroid size (36.5 vs. 47.4 g; p = 0.037) and higher dose of I-131 (242 vs. 212 μCi/g thyroid tissue; p = 0.013) were associated with a higher likelihood of hypothyroidism. Most patients remained hyperthyroid at 1 month post RAI, but by 3 months the majority became hypothyroid. There was no clear L-thyroxine dose that normalized hypothyroidism quickly.

Conclusions

An I-131 dose close to 250 μCi/g of thyroid tissue has a higher likelihood of achieving hypothyroidism. Testing at 2–3 months after RAI is most helpful to confirm response to RAI.
Levi’s Periodic System vs. Mendeleev’s Periodic System: two engaged views of chemistry between science and literature
Authors: Ghibaudi Elena
Published: October 2019

A comparison between the figures of Levi and Mendeleev is proposed, based on their peculiar ways of conceiving their professional role of chemist, their life experiences, their achievements and their thought. The Weltanschauung of these two figures, despite their having lived in distinct historical periods and their belonging to distinct cultures, was deeply influenced by the fact of being chemists: chemistry was – for both of them – a tool for interpreting the world around them and acting effectively in it. The chemistry Levi talks about in his writings is not just a narrative pretext: it is part of his vision of the world and a means of survival in the hellish context of the extermination camp. Similarly, Mendeleev’s idea of chemistry was always related to the life context and the human condition: this explains his pedagogical concerns and the attention payed to social, economic and cultural issues typical of his time. Both Levi and Mendeleev were chemists for whom chemistry was a means of civil engagement. Their writings show that chemistry was a source of inspiration for their ethics.
The National Strategy for Inner Areas: Innovation, Policy Transfer and Post-Earthquake Reconstruction
Authors: Baldi Brunetta
Published: October 2019

This article analyses the Italian National Strategy for Inner Areas (NSIA) as a new policy for local development only partially linked to the European cohesion policy. It focuses on its innovative contents (vision, governance and methodology), and mainly on the transfer of innovation to lower levels of government and between local administrations. As an empirical study of policy transfer and policy innovation in a system of multilevel governance it shows an unexpected transfer of the NSIA methodology to another policy field: that of post-earthquake reconstruction in Central Italy. The article concludes by applying the typology of policy transfer developed in its first part to the analysis of the case-study as a whole.
Closed-Loop Acoustic Stimulation Enhances Sleep Oscillations But Not Memory Performance
Authors: Henin Simon , Borges Helen , Shankar Anita , Sarac Cansu , Melloni Lucia , Friedman Daniel , Flinker Adeen , Parra Lucas C. , Buzsaki Gyorgy , Devinsky Orrin , Liu Anli
Published: October 2019

Slow oscillations and spindle activity during non-rapid eye movement sleep have been implicated in memory consolidation. Closed-loop acoustic stimulation has previously been shown to enhance slow oscillations and spindle activity during sleep and improve verbal associative memory. We assessed the effect of closed-loop acoustic stimulation during a daytime nap on a virtual reality spatial navigation task in 12 healthy human subjects in a randomized within-subject crossover design. We show robust enhancement of slow oscillation and spindle activity during sleep. However, no effects on behavioral performance were observed when comparing real versus sham stimulation. To explore whether memory enhancement effects were task specific and dependent on nocturnal sleep, in a second experiment with 19 healthy subjects, we aimed to replicate a previous study that used closed-loop acoustic stimulation to enhance memory for word pairs. The methods used were as close as possible to those used in the original study, except that we used a double-blind protocol, in which both subject and experimenter were unaware of the test condition. Again, we successfully enhanced slow oscillation and spindle power, but again did not strengthen associative memory performance with stimulation. We conclude that enhancement of sleep oscillations may be insufficient to enhance memory performance in spatial navigation or verbal association tasks, and provide possible explanations for lack of behavioral replication.
Static analysis of a high arch dam
Authors: Ghafoori Yaser , Kryžanowski Andrej , Zupan Dejan
Published: October 2019

The paper presents the design and static analysis of a high arch dam. A feasibility study was conducted on the dam in the 90s and a preliminary layout was designed. However, the dam’s construction phase has been never started. In this paper, the design and layout of the dam under consideration are in accordance with the US manuals for the design of arch dams. The structure’s three-dimensional model was entered into the program SAP2000 and three-dimensional solid finite elements were used to discretize the model. This paper considers the hydrostatic pressure of the water reservoir and concrete self-weight. The analysis was performed for both the maximum and the minimum designed water level and for the case when the reservoir is empty. Special attention is given to the boundary conditions of the dam at its abutments and foundation. The results show that the planned layout is good for the dam’s construction. The arch dam’s curve transfers the loads to the abutments. The significant role of the foundation rigidity and the reservoir water level in the stress distribution and nodal displacements within the arch dam is observed.