bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scutellarin Prevents Angiogenesis in Diabetic Retinopathy by Downregulating VEGF/ERK/FAK/Src Pathway Signaling
Authors: Long Lingli , Li Yubin , Yu Shuang , Li Xiang , Hu Yue , Long Tengfei , Wang Liqin , Li Wenwen , Ye Xiaoxin , Ke Zunfu , Xiao Haipeng
Published: December 2019

Background. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes. This study demonstrates the antiangiogenic effects of scutellarin (SCU) on high glucose- and hypoxia-stimulated human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) and on a diabetic rat model by oral administration. The antiangiogenic mechanisms of SCU in vitro and in vivo were investigated. Method. HRECs were cultured in high glucose- (30 mM D-glucose) and hypoxia (cobalt chloride-treated)-stimulated diabetic condition to evaluate the antiangiogenic effects of SCU by CCK-8 test, cell migration experiment (wound healing and transwell), and tube formation experiment. A streptozotocin-induced type II diabetic rat model was established to measure the effects of oral administration of SCU on protecting retinal microvascular dysfunction by Doppler waveforms and HE staining. We further used western blot, luciferase reporter assay, and immunofluorescence staining to study the antiangiogenic mechanism of SCU. The protein levels of phospho-ERK, phospho-FAK, phospho-Src, VEGF, and PEDF were examined in HRECs and retina of diabetic rats. Result. Our results indicated that SCU attenuated diabetes-induced HREC proliferation, migration, and tube formation and decreased neovascularization and resistive index in the retina of diabetic rats by oral administration. SCU suppressed the crosstalk of phospho-ERK, phospho-FAK, phospho-Src, and VEGF in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions. These results suggested that SCU can be an oral drug to alleviate microvascular dysfunction of DR and exerts its antiangiogenic effects by inhibiting the expression of the crosstalk of VEGF, p-ERK, p-FAK, and p-Src.
Application Value of Magnetic Resonance Perfusion Imaging in the Early Diagnosis of Rat Hepatic Fibrosis
Authors: Fan Guohua , Ya Yang , Ni Xiaoqiong , Hou Jinpeng , Yu Rui
Published: December 2019

Objective. To assess the application value of perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) in early diagnosis, quantitation, and hepatic fibrosis staging by analyzing the related parameters in hepatic fibrosis. Methods. A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into the hepatic fibrosis and control groups, and carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) was used to establish the liver fibrosis model. All rats underwent PWI examination, and the trend of the time-signal intensity curve (TIC, automatically generated by the software) was observed. Also, the perfusion parameters, maximum signal reduction ratio (SRRmax), time to peak (TTP), and mean transit time (MTT), were analyzed and compared with pathological staging. Results. The TIC curve was characterized by slow wash-in and wash-out with a low and wide peak. The PWI perfusion parameters were statistically significant in specific groups (P<0.05): SRRmax values (control group and F3, F4), TTP, and MTT values (control group and F2–F4, F1 and F3, F1 and F4, and F2 and F4 in addition to TTP values for F1 and F2). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a negative correlation of SRRmax with hepatic fibrosis stage (r = −0.439, P<0.05), while TTP and MTT values were positively correlated with hepatic fibrosis stage (TTP, r = 0.798; MTT, r = 0.647; all P<0.001). Conclusions. PWI perfusion parameters reflect the degree of hepatic fibrosis, especially TTP and MTT, and PWI is recommended for the early diagnosis of liver fibrosis for timely intervention and treatment of the disease and delaying its progression.
A New Iterative Algorithm Based on Correction of Sensitivity Matrix for Electrical Resistance Tomography
Authors: Chen Yutong , Han Yan , Yang Wuqiang , Li Kun
Published: December 2019

Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) is used to reconstruct the resistance/conductivity distribution. Usually, a uniform distribution is assumed as the initial condition to obtain a generic sensitivity matrix, which may be very different from a theoretical sensitivity matrix, resulting in a large error. The aim of this study is to analyse the difference between a generalized sensitivity matrix and a theoretical sensitivity matrix and to improve image reconstruction. The effect of the generic sensitivity matrix and theoretical sensitivity matrix on image reconstruction is analyzed. The error caused by the use of the generic sensitivity matrix is estimated. To reduce the error, an improved iterative image reconstruction algorithm is proposed, which is based on calculation of the error between the generic sensitivity matrix and the theoretical sensitivity matrix, and a correction coefficient with a penalty. During the iterative process, the resistivity distribution and sensitivity matrix are alternatively corrected. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can improve the quality of images, e.g., of two‐phase distributions.
Preventive and Therapeutic Roles of Berberine in Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Hu Siwang , Zhao Ruochi , Liu Yahui , Chen Junzheng , Zheng Zhijian , Wang Shuangshuang
Published: December 2019

Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from various types of plants, including those from the Berberidaceae, Ranunculaceae, and Papaveraceae families. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders. The medicinal properties of BBR include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, lipid-regulatory, and antidiabetic actions. Importantly, the efficacy of BBR against cancers has been assessed in several experimental studies and clinical trials. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a group of the most prevalent cancers worldwide that are associated with high morbidity and mortality, and their associated mortality has been increasing over the years. Thus, GI cancers have become a burden to the patients and health care systems. This review summarizes the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of BBR and explores its potential preventive and therapeutic applications against GI cancers.
An Institution-Based Assessment of Students’ Hand Washing Behavior
Authors: Mbouthieu Teumta Grace M. , Niba Loveline L. , Ncheuveu Nkwatoh Therese , Ghumbemsitia Mary-Teresia , Itor Paul O.B. , Chongwain Paul , Navti Lifoter K.
Published: December 2019

Background. Hand hygiene is cost-effective and has been recognized as an effective measure in the control of communicable diseases. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the hand washing knowledge, practices, and skills of students in both private and public institutions of higher learning.Methods. This was an institution-based cross-sectional study that included a mix of 577 university students from different disciplines (49.6% males and 50.4% females) with a mean age of 21.8 ± 3.5 years. Departments were selected at random, and the quota sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Hand washing knowledge, practices, and skills scores were assessed using a structured questionnaire. The differences in scores were further quantified across different factors using multiple quantile regression analysis.Results. The prevalence of hand washing with soap was 10.7%. Also, the majority of the study participants (75.2%) had a poor hand washing practices score. Age ≥29 years was associated with a 6.3% lower median hand washing knowledge score (p=0.039). Also, being in the public institution was significantly associated with 6.3%, 36.0%, and 10.0% lower median hand washing knowledge (p=0.021), practices (p<0.001), and skills (p=0.025) scores, respectively. In addition, being a medical student (p=0.029) and washing hands ≥ six times a day (p=0.008) were significantly associated with an increase in the median hand washing knowledge score of 6.3% and 18.7%, respectively.Conclusions. Educational interventions need to be carried out to create awareness of the importance of hand washing and also to enhance the hand washing knowledge, practices, and skills of university students.
Towards New Approaches to Evaluate Dynamic Mosaicism in Ring Chromosome 13 Syndrome
Authors: Petter Cristian , Moreira Lilia Maria Azevedo , Riegel Mariluce
Published: December 2019

Individuals with ring chromosome 13 may show characteristics observed in a deletion syndrome and could present a set of dismorphies along with intellectual disability, according to chromosomal segments involved in the genetic imbalance. Nevertheless, ring anomalies likewise is called “dynamic mosaicism”, phenomena triggered by the inner instability concerning the ring structure, thus leading to the establishment of different cell clones with secondary aberrations. Phenotypic features, such as growth failure and other anomalies in patients with this condition have been associated with an inherent ring chromosome mitotic instability, while recent studies offer evidence on a role played by the differential loss of genes implicated in development. Here, we observed similar mosaicism rates and specific gene loss profile among three individuals with ring chromosome 13 using GTW-banding karyotype analyses along with FISH and CGH-array approaches. Karyotypes results were: patient 1—r(13)(p13q32.3), patient 2—r(13)(p11q33.3), and patient 3—r(13)(p12q31.1). Array-CGH has revealed qualitative genetic differences among patients in this study and it was elusive in precise chromosomal loss statement, ranging from 13 Mb, 6.8 Mb, and 30 Mb in size. MIR17HG and ZIC2 loss was observed in a patient with digital anomalies, severe growth failure, microcephaly and corpus callosum agenesis while hemizygotic EFNB2 gene loss was identified in two patients, one of them with microphtalmia. According to these findings, it can be concluded that specific hemizygotic loss of genes related to development, more than dynamic mosaicism, may be causative of congenital anomalies shown in patients with ring 13 chromosome.
Network Pharmacology-Based Investigation into the Mechanisms of Quyushengxin Formula for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Yang Haojie , Li Ying , Shen Sichen , Gan Dan , Han Changpeng , Wu Jiong , Wang Zhenyi
Published: December 2019

Objective. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease whose treatment strategies remain unsatisfactory. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms of Quyushengxin formula acting on UC based on network pharmacology.Methods. Ingredients of the main herbs in Quyushengxin formula were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties of all ingredients were evaluated for screening out candidate bioactive compounds in Quyushengxin formula. Weighted ensemble similarity algorithm was applied for predicting direct targets of bioactive ingredients. Functional enrichment analyses were performed for the targets. In addition, compound-target network, target-disease network, and target-pathway network were established via Cytoscape 3.6.0 software.Results. A total of 41 bioactive compounds in Quyushengxin formula were selected out from the TCMSP database. These bioactive compounds were predicted to target 94 potential proteins by weighted ensemble similarity algorithm. Functional analysis suggested these targets were closely related with inflammatory- and immune-related biological progresses. Furthermore, the results of compound-target network, target-disease network, and target-pathway network indicated that the therapeutic effects of Quyushengxin on UC may be achieved through the synergistic and additive effects.Conclusion. Quyushengxin may act on immune and inflammation-related targets to suppress UC progression in a synergistic and additive manner.
Two Cases of Oculofaciocardiodental (OFCD) Syndrome due to X-Linked BCOR Mutations Presenting with Infantile Hemangiomas: Phenotypic Overlap with PHACE Syndrome
Authors: Morgan T. M. , Colazo J. M. , Duncan L. , Hamid R. , Joos K. M.
Published: December 2019

Background. Oculofaciocardiodental (OFCD) syndrome is due to mutations in BCOR (BCL-6 corepressor). OFCD has phenotypic overlaps with PHACE syndrome (Posterior fossa anomalies, Hemangioma, Arterial anomalies, Cardiac defects, Eye anomalies). Infantile hemangiomas are a key diagnostic criterion for PHACE, but not for OFCD. A previous study reported two cases of infantile hemangiomas in OFCD, but the authors could not exclude chance association. Case Presentation. We describe two novel cases of female patients (one initially diagnosed with PHACE syndrome), both of whom had infantile hemangiomas. Ophthalmological findings were consistent with oculofaciocardiodental (OFCD) syndrome. Upon genetic testing, these two females were determined to have X-linked BCOR mutations confirming OFCD syndrome diagnoses. Conclusion. These case reports add support to the hypothesis that infantile hemangiomas may be a feature of OFCD. BCOR may potentially be within a pathway of genes involved in PHACE syndrome and/or in infantile hemangioma formation.
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Rare Myxoid Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Authors: Johnson Grant , Thalody Kiran , Kapur Umesh , Nguyen Thai T.
Published: December 2019

Background. Surgical resection remains the standard treatment for adrenocortical carcinoma. Higher rates of local and peritoneal recurrence have been reported with the laparoscopic approach compared to open resection, although the evidence is limited. A dilemma occurs when tumors appear benign in nature, measure >5 cm, or when patients request a minimally invasive surgical approach. We describe the first reported case to date of successful robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy for myxoid variant adrenocortical carcinoma. Case Presentation. A 38 year old female presented with a large 8.0 cm enhancing left adrenal mass concerning for pheochromocytoma, given refractory hypertension and symptoms of palpitations and headaches. Functional work up was negative. The patient underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic left adrenalectomy after appropriate alpha and beta blockade. Histological sections demonstrated a cortical neoplasm with prominent myxoid changes consistent with myxoid adrenocortical carcinoma. The patient’s symptoms resolved and serial imaging demonstrated no recurrence three and nine months, post-operatively. Conclusion. Myxoid adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare and aggressive entity best managed with surgical resection. Though open resection for invasive adrenal cancer remains the gold standard, minimally invasive approaches are being increasingly used, whether deliberately or not. We describe the first reported robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy for invasive myxoid adrenocortical carcinoma.
Nonlinear Analysis of the Dynamics of Criminality and Victimisation: A Mathematical Model with Case Generation and Forwarding
Authors: Ugwuishiwu Chikodili Helen , Sarki D. S. , Mbah G. C. E.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a system of deterministic model is presented for the dynamical analysis of the interactional consequence of criminals and criminality on victimisation under two distinguishable forms of rehabilitation—the behavioural reformation of criminals and the emotional psychotherapy of victims. A threshold value, R0=maxRK,RV, responsible for the persistence of crime/criminality and victimisation, is obtained and, using it, stability analyses on the model performed. The impact of an effective implementation of the two forms of rehabilitation was found to be substantial on crime and criminality, while an ineffective implementation of same was observed to have a detrimental consequence. The prevention of repeat victimisation was seen to present a more viable option for containing crime than the noncriminalisation of victims. Further, the removal of criminals, either through quitting or death, among others, was also found to have a huge positive impact. Numerical simulations were performed for a variety of mixing criminal scenarios to verify the analytical results obtained.
Wnt-Induced Stabilization of KDM4C Is Required for Wnt/β-Catenin Target Gene Expression and Glioblastoma Tumorigenesis
Authors: Chen Yaohui , Fang Runping , Yue Chen , Chang Guoqiang , Li Peng , Guo Qing , Wang Jing , Zhou Aidong , Zhang Sicong , Fuller Gregory N. , Shi Xiaobing , Huang Suyun
Published: December 2019

Wnt/β-catenin signaling activates the transcription of target genes to regulate stem cells and cancer development. However, the contribution of epigenetic regulation to this process is unknown. Here, we report that Wnt activation stabilizes the epigenetic regulator KDM4C that promotes tumorigenesis and survival of human glioblastoma cells by epigenetically activating the transcription of Wnt target genes. KDM4C protein expression was upregulated in human glioblastomas, and its expression directly correlated with Wnt activity and Wnt target gene expression. KDM4C was essential for Wnt-induced gene expression and tumorigenesis of glioblastoma cells. In the absence of Wnt3a, protein kinase R phosphorylated KDM4C at Ser918, inducing KDM4C ubiquitination and degradation. Wnt3a stabilized KDM4C through inhibition of GSK3-dependent protein kinase R activity. Stabilized KDM4C accumulated in the nucleus and bound to and demethylated TCF4-associated histone H3K9 by interacting with β-catenin, promoting HP1γ removal and transcriptional activation. These findings reveal that Wnt–KDM4C–β-catenin signaling represents a novel mechanism for the transcription of Wnt target genes and regulation of tumorigenesis, with important clinical implications.

Significance:

These findings identify the Wnt–KDM4C–β-catenin signaling axis as a critical mechanism for glioma tumorigenesis that may serve as a new therapeutic target in glioblastoma.
Low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Furukawa Caio Nassuo , Fabri Leonardo André Hage , Hojaij Flávio Carneiro
Published: December 2019

Introduction: A epidemic increase in the incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has been happening within the last 25 years. The majority of those tumors are low-risk, and some studies reported low progression rates of low-risk PTC. It suggests that immediate surgery may not be the best option, specially when considering the intrinsic risk to a thyroidectomy and inconvenience of lifelong hormone replacement. In this systematic review we compare the outcomes of active surveillance for the primary management of low-risk PTC. Methods: The review was conducted based on three studies selected from specific databases. These studies followed up low-risk patients nonoperatively and surgery was performed if needed. Results: All studies reported low percentages of tumor growth and metastatic disease during active surveillance. Furthermore, no significant differences between immediate surgery and late rescue surgery were reported, and active surveillance appears to be cheaper than the tradicional conduct. Conclusions: Active surveillance seems to be a good alternative for low-risk PTC management, yet, more long-term and bigger research is still needed, specially outside of a japanese population.
Tratamento laparoscópico de hérnias femoral e obturadora concomitantes
Authors: Lima Diego Laurentino , Malcher Flavio , Ramos Roberto Pabst , Meira Marconi Roberto Lemos , Cordeiro Raquel Nogueira
Published: December 2019

Paciente sexo feminino, 68 anos, com história de dor abdominal em Fossa Ilíaca esquerda e tumoração em região inguinal ipsilateral foi submetida a tratamento laparoscópico (TAPP). Durante procedimento cirúrgico, foram identificadas hérnia femoral e obturadora esquerdas. O conteudo herniário foi reduzido e uma tela de polipropileno foi colocada cobrindo os defeitos. Paciente evoluiu bem, sem dor no pós-operatório, recebendo alta no dia seguinte.
Índice de fragilidade na avaliação pré-operatória do paciente idoso
Authors: Auler Junior Jose Otavio Costa
Published: December 2019

resumo
Curta-metragem em ação. Painel multimodal e discursivo
Authors: Amoêdo Rafael Seixas de , Soares Neiva Maria Machado
Published: December 2019

Na sociedade contemporânea híbrida (Chouliaraki, Fairclough, 1999), os gêneros estão cada vez mais multimodais (Kress, 2010) e presentes em todas as esferas, dentre essas: a escolar, a midiática, e a cinematográfica. As produções audiovisuais, tanto de longas quanto de curtas-metragens, cumprem importante papel no ensino, estabelecendo diálogo intermitente entre os processos de multiletramento, auxiliando no desenvolvimento de competências que vão além do letramento verbal. Contudo, ainda se verificam dificuldades quanto à interpretação dessas narrativas em sua composição global, um complexo de imagem, som, movimento, cor, grafismos, entre outros modos semiótico-discursivos. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o curta-metragem Os Fantásticos livros voadores do Sr. Morris Lessmore à luz da Teoria da Transcrição Multimodal (Baldry, Thibault, 2006) em diálogo com a Análise de Discurso Crítica (Fairclough, 2001). Enfatizamos, ainda, questões de intertextualidade, de ideologias, de prática discursiva, além de utilizarmos a Teoria Multimodal (Kress, van Leeuwen, 2006) para referência a participantes, ângulo, cores, distância, valores informativos e a Teoria Narrativa de Van Dijk (1992), desvelando práticas e ampliando perspectivas já existentes. O curta-metragem se utiliza de jogos semiótico-discursivos para estruturar sua narrativa e se encadeia a metáforas e práticas intertextuais, revelando e (des)construindo o tema de sua trama, o ato de ler e de escrever. Mais do que meramente o assistir, faz-se necessário desvelar, de forma crítico-reflexiva, as práticas sociais e discursivas.
Considerações semióticas sobre o uso da tecnologia digital em salas de aula
Authors: Noronha Ana Carolina Cortez
Published: December 2019

Este artigo percorre as prescrições de uso de tecnologia digital em salas de aula a partir dos documentos oficiais da educação brasileira (Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais, PCN, e Base Nacional Comum Curricular, BNCC) e busca refletir sobre o modo como conceitos semióticos podem ajudar a elaborar melhor esse uso. Pensa-se na sua problematização a partir do estabelecimento da ideia de verdade no discurso (Greimas, 2014) e dos efeitos do discurso exacerbado da internet (Barros, 2011, 2016). Recorre-se a Hannah Arendt (2014) para reflexões sobre a apresentação do mundo aos educandos, para que eles possam estabelecer sua percepção do mundo, físico e digital, a partir do que lhes é apresentado. Tem-se por objetivo apontar caminhos de reflexão para que a tecnologia seja utilizada, criada e compreendida de modo melhor, com ética, reflexão e pensamento crítico, como pede a BNCC.
O ensino de coerência textual em enunciados verbais e não-verbais. Uma abordagem alternativa
Authors: Shimoda Lucas Takeo , Ferreira Luiz Fernando
Published: December 2019

A coerência é comumente abordada no paradigma da linguística textual (Fávero, 1991; Koch; Travaglia, 1997). Propomos uma abordagem alternativa desse fenômeno em sala de aula estabelecendo um diálogo entre semiótica discursiva (Greimas, Courtés, 2012; Greimas, 2014 [1983]) e semântica dinâmica (Stalnaker, 1999; Portner, Partee, 2002). Da primeira disciplina, emprestaremos os conceitos de isotopias e contrato de veridicção; da segunda, contradição e common ground. A aproximação desses dois ferramentais analíticos permitirá distinguir incoerências internas e incoerências externas. As primeiras emergem quando há contradição entre ideias dentro de um mesmo texto, enquanto as segundas decorrem de uma contradição entre uma proposição do texto e o repositório de saberes comuns partilhado pelos sujeitos da enunciação. O rendimento de aplicação desses conceitos será demonstrado primeiramente na análise de textos mais simples extraídos de redes sociais, passando em seguida para textos visuais para, por fim, desembocar em textos verbais mais complexos. As atividades didáticas se pautam pelos princípios da aprendizagem ativa baseada em cooperação (Pilati, 2017; Johnson et al., 1998; Johnson, Johnson, 2008). A abordagem proposta permite reconhecer incoerências propositalmente empregadas com fins retóricos, argumentativos e estéticos.
LUCRETIUS AND SPINOZA OR CLINAMEN AND CONATUS
Authors: Dotto Pedro Mauricio Garcia
Published: December 2019

This paper compares and contrasts two philosophical concepts that stem from different lineages of thought: on the one hand, Lucretius’ clinamen; on the other, Spinoza’s conatus. What has motivated my research for this paper is a conflation between these two notions as suggested by Deleuze in the appendix to his Logique du sens. In this regard, the first section is oriented towards an elucidation of Lucretius’ philosophy – consequently, of Epicurus’ as well –and, specifically, of his view about the swerve of atoms, or clinamen, combined with the subject of freedom. The second section is dedicated to clarifying Spinoza’s metaphysics and the accommodation of the theme of freedom within his robust necessitarian framework, interwoven with the motif of conatus, or self-preserving striving. Against Deleuze’s reading, however, I argue that clinamen and conatus belong to metaphysical systems that are quite incompatible and that they support different understandings of both freedom and necessity.
A NECESSIDADE E O NECESSÁRIO NA ÉTICA I
Authors: Morais Matheus Romero de
Published: December 2019

O presente texto tem por intuito analisar e compreender o sentido da noção de necessidade elaborada por Espinosa ao longo da Ética I, pois ainda que não seja explicitamente definida em momento algum, ela permeia todo o percurso argumentativo do De Deo e, portanto, sua compreensão é essencial para o bom entendimento não apenas da primeira parte, mas da Ética como um todo. Para tanto, buscamos demonstrar através da distinção entre Natureza naturante e Natureza naturada a univocidade de sentido do substantivo ‘necessidade’, bem como a equivocidade do adjetivo ‘necessária’.
In Utero Antihypertensive Medication Exposure and Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Fitton Catherine A. , Fleming Michael , Steiner Markus F.C. , Aucott Lorna , Pell Jill P. , Mackay Daniel F. , Mclay James S.
Published: December 2019

Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are an important risk to mother and fetus, frequently necessitating antihypertensive treatment. Data describing the safety of in utero exposure to antihypertensive treatment is conflicting, with many studies suffering from significant methodological issues, such as inappropriate study design, small sample sizes, and no untreated control group. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using linked routinely collected healthcare records for 268 711 children born 2010–2014 in Scotland to assess outcomes following in utero exposure to antihypertensive medication. We identified a cohort of 265 488 eligible children born over the study period; of which, 2350 were exposed to in utero antihypertensive medication, 4391 exposed to treated late-onset hypertension, and 7971 exposed to untreated hypertension during pregnancy. Untreated hypertension was associated with increased risk of preterm birth (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.15 [99% CI, 1.01–1.30]), low birth weight (aRR, 2.01 [99% CI, 1.72–2.36]) and being small for gestational age (aRR, 1.50 [99% CI, 1.35–1.66]), while in utero antihypertensive exposure was also associated with preterm birth (aRR, 3.12 [99% CI, 2.68–3.64]), low birth weight (aRR, 2.23 [99% CI, 1.79–2.78]), and being small for gestational age (aRR, 2.13 [99% CI, 1.81–2.52]). Late-onset hypertension was also associated with preterm birth (aRR, 2.21 [99% CI, 1.86–2.62]), low birth weight (aRR, 2.06 [99% CI, 1.74–2.43]), and being small for gestational age (aRR, 1.90 [99% CI, 1.68–2.16]). Our results suggest that hypertension is a key risk factor for low birth weight and preterm birth. Although preterm birth may be associated with antihypertensive medication exposure during pregnancy, these associations may reflect increasing hypertension severity necessitating treatment.
Hemodynamic Patterns and Target Organ Damage in Adolescents With Ambulatory Prehypertension
Authors: Obrycki Łukasz , Feber Janusz , Derezinski Tadeusz , Lewandowska Weronika , Kułaga Zbigniew , Litwin Mieczysław
Published: December 2019

Although the importance of office prehypertension/high normal blood pressure (BP) has been well documented, the significance of ambulatory prehypertension (AmbPreHT) has not been determined. We analyzed markers of target organ damage and hemodynamics in adolescents with AmbPreHT in comparison with hypertensive and normotensive subjects. Out of 304 white patients aged 15.0±2.5 years with office hypertension, 30 children had AmbPreHT and were compared with 66 normotensive healthy children and 92 children with true hypertension (elevated office, ambulatory, and central BP), 22 had ambulatory hypertension (AmbHT), and 70 had severe AmbHT (SevAmbHT). Stroke volume and cardiac output were greater in AmbPreHT compared with patients with normotension but did not differ between AmbPreHT, AmbHT, and SevAmbHT. Similarly, AmbPreHT, AmbHT, and SevAmbHT had similar total peripheral resistance, lower than patients with normotension (
P
<0.05). Central systolic BP was higher in patients with AmbPreHT, AmbHT, and SevAmbHT compared with normotensives (
P
<0.01). In all 3 groups, the carotid intima-media thickness
Z
scores were significantly higher than in normotensive (
P
<0.001). AmbPreHT and AmbHT patients had higher left ventricular mass index and prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy compared with normotensive but lower compared with SevAmbHT (
P
<0.001). Pulse wave velocity
Z
scores were increased in patients with AmbPreHT, AmbHT, and SevAmbHT compared with patients with normotension (
P
<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that body mass index
Z
score, central systolic BP, and uric acid levels were significant independent predictors of left ventricular mass index. In conclusion, patients with AmbPreHT presented similar cardiovascular adaptations to those observed in patients with hypertensive and may be at risk of developing cardiovascular events.
New Endovascular Approach for Hypothermia With Intrajugular Cooling and Neuroprotective Effect in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Duan Yunxia , Wu Di , Huber Mitchell , Shi Jingfei , An Hong , Wei Wenjing , He Xiaoduo , Ding Yuchuan , Ji Xunming
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

Induction of hypothermia as a stroke therapy has been limited by logistical challenges. This study was designed to determine the hypothermic and neuroprotective efficacy of infusing cold saline directly into the internal jugular (IJ) vein and compare the effects of IJ hypothermia to those achieved by intracarotid artery hypothermia in an ischemic stroke model.

Methods—

The right middle cerebral artery was occluded in rats using an intraluminal filament. Immediately following reperfusion, hypothermia was achieved by infusing isotonic saline through microcatheter into the right IJ or right intracarotid over 30 minutes. Infarct sizes, neurological deficits, blood-brain barrier damage, edema volume, blood-brain barrier associated molecules (MMP-9 [matrix metallopeptidase 9] and AQP-4 [aquaporin 4]), and apoptosis-associated proteins (Bcl-2 and cleaved Caspase-3) were measured.

Results—

We found that both IJ- and intracarotid-based infusion cooled the brain robustly with a minimal effect on rectal temperatures. This brain cooling led to significantly reduced infarct volumes at 24 hours after reperfusion, as well as decreased expression of the proapoptotic protein cleaved Caspase-3 and increased expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Intracarotid and IJ cooling also aided in blood-brain barrier maintenance, as shown by decreased edema volumes, reduced Evans Blue leakage, and decreased expression of edema-facilitating proteins (MMP-9 and AQP-4). Both cooling methods then translated to preserved neurological function as determined by multiple functional tests over a 28-day observation period. Most importantly, the cooling and neuroprotective efficacy of IJ cooling was comparable to intracarotid cooling by almost every metric evaluated.

Conclusions—

Compared with intracarotid infusion, IJ infusion conferred a similar degree of hypothermia and neuroprotection following ischemic stroke. Given the ease of establishing vascular access via the internal jugular vein and the powerful neuroprotection that hypothermia provides, IJ brain cooling could be used as a promising hypothermia-induction modality going forward.
‘Does the upper house have the upper hand?’
Authors: Panao Rogelio Alicor
Published: December 2019

How does the Philippine Senate fare as an institutional check to the policy proposals made by the House of Representatives? The study examines a facet of bicameral policymaking by analyzing the type of measures likely to receive attention in the Philippine Senate, and the propensity by which these measures are passed into legislation. Contrary to views that portray deliberative processes in second chambers as redundant and time-consuming, the paper argues that this prerogative is institutionally functional as it affords a mechanism for checking the informational quality of legislative policies skewed by particularistic demands at the lower house. Analyzing the event histories of 10,885 bills filed and deliberated at the Philippine Senate between the 13th and the 16th Congresses, we find that policy proposals pertaining to education, health, and public works – the most frequent areas of particularistic legislative measures at the lower house – are less likely to be passed into law in the Senate even though overall they comprise the bulk of legislative proposals in the Philippine Congress. The findings are robust even when controlling for other political and institutional determinants of legislative attention.
The Archaeology of Nunge Site: An Ancient Salt Making Settlement and Trading Centre in Bagamoyo, Tanzania
Authors: Kessy Emanuel T.
Published: December 2019

The Bagamoyo area is among the Tanzanian coastal locations where evidence of intercontinental trade dates back to the last few centuries of the first millennium AD. Previous investigations have indicated that the region’s earliest settlement is represented by Early Triangular Incised Ware [TIW] around 600 to 700 AD, at Bwembweni site located two kilometres south of Kaole. During the Later TIW, the population shifted to Kaole Hill during the period noted by the use of Plain Ware, and later moved to the adjacent Kaole Ruins by the thirteenth century.

Traditionally, the majority of earlier investigations for such conclusions have been restricted to Bwembweni and Kaole sites, and to a limited extent to Bagamoyo Town itself and its vicinity. However, recent reconnaissance and excavation of Nunge, a single type pottery tradition site located to the north, suggests that although Bagamoyo’s involvement in intercontinental exchange dates back to the seventh century AD, the narrative is more complicated than previously assumed. It appears that between the subsequent ninth to eleventh centuries, the area lost such links, before resurfacing again in the twelfth to thirteenth centuries. Within that time frame, Nunge developed into an extensive urban centre whose prosperity was based on salt production for exchange.

This discovery suggests that the development to urbanism at (Later Iron Age phase) Nunge-Bagamoyo predates that of the Kaole town, when the area is known to have had a few links with the outside world. These findings contribute crucially to the debate regarding early urbanisation along the Swahili coast, by challenging the conventional view that Arab or Asian settlements were the earliest urban centres along the coast of East Africa.
Implicative Denotations of Cigogo Personal Names
Authors: Chipalo Amani J.
Published: December 2019

This study takes an onoma-pragmatic approach to investigating Cigogo personal names, in order to identify the determinants of the choices and the implications involved in naming. Personal names are considered here to be utterances like any other, whose understanding depends heavily upon their situational interpretation, based on both general and specific information shared by speakers and surrounding the utterance. Therefore the data in this study were analysed with general background information to retrieve the relevant etymologies, and with specific information to identify their possible implicatures. The findings have shown that Gogo personal names derive etymologically from lineage, seasons, socio-economic activities, calamities, surroundings, birth circumstances and celebrities. All these collectively carry two implicatures: either recording and recalling, or wishes and prayers. The sources of personal names reveal not only how this community reckoned time before the introduction of literacy, but also how they have worshiped. Of further interest is the recording of birthdays, family history and clan legacy by Cigogo speakers through personal names. Some of the names – particularly the ancestral ones – were used as good will prayers and wishes bestowed upon the younger generation. These observations may inspire further study of personal naming, a subject area of pragmatics which so far has not received sufficient systematic attention. Further, the pragmatics of African personal names illuminates one dimension in the complex transmission of cultural and historical information in oral knowledge traditions.
Using Art to Engage the Public in Hygiene and Sanitation Research
Authors: Kilonzo Kiagho
Published: December 2019

The twentieth century saw a huge increase worldwide in the presence of the arts in organisations and institutions involved in healthcare activities, including public health care research conducting in various countries. This article shows the impact of using art to engage literate and non-literate people in the pro-active translation of research outcomes into their own cultural practices and their personal decisions affecting their health status. The study demonstrates that art can be of use changing social behaviour and therefore to improve public health records in statistically significant ways. This work also demonstrates that the term ‘art’ refers to more than a means of entertainment and passive appreciation of aesthetics; the effectiveness of art is tangible and its impact is measurable as a mode of education, and as providing a deeply needed instructive incentive for hygienic and sanitation transformation.
One new Mexican Salacia with pedunculate inflorescences (Celastraceae, Salacioideae)

Authors: LOMBARDI JULIO ANTONIO
Published: December 2019

One new species of Salacia (Celastraceae, Salacioideae) with pedunculate inflorescences from Puebla, Mexico, is described: S. pueblana Lombardi. It is distinguished by its flat, canaliculate disc, papillose sepals, and flowers that dry yellowish-green. It resembles S. multiflora (Lam.) DC. subsp. multiflora by its slender branched inflorescence, but differs from it by its flower outline, disc, and sepals.
Oil-Bearing Capacity of the Great Depths of the East of the Caspian Depression and the Conditions for the Formation of Oil and Gas Accumulations
Authors: Obryadchikov O. S. , Taskinbaev K. M.
Published: December 2019

The features of the deep structure of the eastern part of the Caspian depression, the patterns of placement of large carbonate complexes, which are associated with the main accumulations of oil and gas, are considered. The discovery of industrial accumulation of oil in the Lower Permian
terrigenous sediments on the Akzhar Eastern area showed the possibility of carbonaceous carbonate deposits of carbon to be the object of prospecting and exploration. Oil deposits in the supersalt complex of sediments on the structures of Karatube South and Saigak are assumed to be formed due
to the vertical flow from subsalt clay-carbonate sediments, which also allows us to count on the expansion of prospecting works and to focus on the east of the Caspian depression a new direction geological exploration (DGE).
Using of Fractal Analysis and Artificial Neural Networks to Build a Mathematical Model for Determining Trends
Authors: Katz David B. , Makletsov Sergey V. , Opokina Nadezhda A.
Published: December 2019

In modern society, it is difficult to overestimate the impact of information on economic processes. Due to the evolution of global networks and communications, appearing of any information (including false) in the media, can have a significant impact on financial markets. Therefore,
the possession of correct and relevant data is important for all players on the burse. The more complete information about an asset will have a financial investor, the more accurate predictions for the future he can build. Forecasting, in turn, requires the use of various mathematical and
economic models, which based on both theoretical information on the mechanisms of market processes and practical knowledge of the market, obtained from experience. The methods of statistical analysis are the most common ways to study time and finance series. This paper contains a description
of the methodology to determine the state of the currency market based on the use of fractal and cluster analyzes. As an example, the quotes of the single European currency (euro) against the Russian ruble for the period from 2010 to 2017 were investigated. The authors reviewed the behavior
of the euro price and calculated the monthly fractal dimensions for the corresponding time series in order to identify their relationship with the trends. Then a cluster analysis was carried out using artificial neural network technology, which revealed various types of situations (trends)
emerging on the currency market: stability, pre-crisis period and crisis situations. Testing of the built mathematical model for determining the trends was carried out by using information about euro rates for the first 8 months of 2018 year. Theoretical studies in conjunction with the obtained
results made it possible to conclude, that the method proposed by the authors for determining the situation on the financial market is universal and can also be used to analyze the behavior of the securities rates.
The Essential and Content Characteristics of Methodical Competence of the Future Teacher of Mathematics
Authors: Akhmetzyanova Guliya Nailevna , Bagateeva Angelina Olegovna , Sirazov Fannur Samatovich
Published: December 2019

The article presents the results of the analysis of scientific, psychological and pedagogical sources devoted to the study of the problems of methodological competence formation. The problem of methodical competence formation of the future teacher of mathematics is particularly relevant
in the context of the implementation of the competence approach. Nowadays when the models of methodical competence as a professional and personal quality of the future teacher and methods of its effective formation are not sufficiently developed, it becomes of vital importance to solve the
problem of methodical competence formation. This is due to the requirements to improve the quality of mathematical training. The author’s interpretation of the essence of the concept of “methodological competence of the teacher of mathematics” is given, as well as the structural
components of the methodological competence of the future teacher of mathematics are defined. The analysis of the received results of experimental work are carried out.
Development of Methods and Tools for the Internal Combustion Engines Diagnostics
Authors: Galiullin Lenar Ajratovich , Galiullin Ilnar Ajratovich
Published: December 2019

Recently, research in the development of methods and tools for the diagnosis of internal combustion engines is conducted in the direction that determines the use of modern technical and information systems. A significant part of the work associated with the study of internal combustion
engines in transitional operating modes. At the same time, it is noted that it is difficult to carry out experimental studies related, as already noted, with the high cost of equipment, its low distribution and high labor costs for conducting experiments, and in some cases with insufficient
accuracy of measurement and data processing. High labor costs associated primarily with the need to install the engine in special stands and the use of special sensors. Systems based on the possibilities of self-diagnosis of an internal combustion engine with an electronic control system do
not allow obtaining engine characteristics in the whole range of rotational frequencies, i.e., have low information content. Thus, there is a need to develop a system for diagnosing internal combustion engines, which ensures sufficient accuracy and informational content of experimental studies,
has low cost and low labor costs, and allows to investigate the engine in various operating modes.
Promoting New Venture Creation in Thailand Through Entrepreneurship Education: Role of Entrepreneurial Awareness, Mindset and Skill Development
Authors: Somjai Sudawan , Girdwichai Luedech , Pongsiri Thaniya
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this paper was to analyze the impact of entrepreneurial education on venture creation along with the mediating roles of entrepreneurial awareness, entrepreneurial mindset, and entrepreneurial skill development. Entrepreneurial Education plays a key role in offering the
prospects for graduates to take in the attitude, approach, entrepreneurial mindset and skill development required for the creation of a new venture. For the current paper, the researcher selected the method of quantitative. The researcher of this paper collected data from the Thai students
of a few universities. The researcher collected data from those students who were convenient to take part in the study. The findings of this research paper demonstrate that entrepreneurial education is very crucial for students to start a new venture. In this paper, the writer of the paper
conducted a quantitative study and collected data from the students of the universities of Thailand. The results of the study depict that all the four hypotheses of this paper were accepted, the universities should provide educational training and education to their students so as to make
them aware and develop their mindsets which will assist them in the creation of the venture.
Mobilizing Business Opportunity Identification Through Entrepreneurial Education in Thailand with the Mediation of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Orientation
Authors: Somjai Sudawan , Rungsawanpho Duangsamorn , Thammasane Sittichai
Published: December 2019

This research emphasizes on mobilizing the business opportunity identification when the level of entrepreneurial education rises in Thailand. The study also focuses on the mediating impact of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial orientation on the connection between EE
and business opportunity identification. The current research is quantitative in nature and data was gathered by self-administrated questionnaire survey. Data of the research was collected from 318 respondents and examined through SPSS software by means of regression analysis. The regression
analyses showed that a high level of the EE also leads to greater business opportunity recognition. This study outcomes also demonstrated that self-efficacy and orientation fully mediates the link among both the variables. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy performs as an individual resource that
assists entrepreneurs to get high level of entrepreneurial education and business opportunity identification.