bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ACTUAL PROBLEMS OF COMBATING DRUG TRAFFICKING USING THE INTERNET AND WAYS TO SOLVE THEM
Authors: Starchenko V.V.
Published: April 2020

The relevance of the issue of combating drug trafficking did not begin to decline with the development ofthe Internet and electronic technologies; it would seem that new means of controlling and combating crimeappear. But as it turns out, all new tools appear with a significant delay as a reaction to the development ofmethods of committing a crime. The criminal world is not asleep and is always in search of new means ofcommitting a crime, the development of Internet technologies and the anonymity of Internet users renderconsiderable assistance to this for the criminal community. The openness of our modern society, in termsof the impact on culture and youth, of Western trends, such as the legalization of certain drugs and theirsanctification in the media, creates new consumers and potential customers for criminals organizing drugtrafficking. Which together gives disappointing forecasts, even on the moral development of modern youth.This article describes the current problems of combating drug trafficking using the Internet, the problemof the development of crime in the field of drug trafficking; the statistics of crimes committed in the AltaiTerritory is investigated; suggested ways to solve these problems.
Phosphorus sources residual effects on Tifton 85 production and nutritive value cultivated in a tropical weathered soil¹
Authors: Coutinho Junqueira Franco Henrique , Melo Montes Nogueira Borges Bernardo , Gustavo Quassi  de Castro Sergio , Megda Michele Xavier Vieira , Megda Marcio Mahmoud , Garside Alan L. , Luiz Mendes Coutinho Edson
Published: April 2020

Acid reactions and low available phosphorus in tropical soils limit forage yield. The aim was to evaluate soil chemical characteristics pH, P and Mg, forage nutritive values, critical soil and plant P levels and the residual effect of each source. The experiment was in a greenhouse with a Rhodic Haplustox, loam texture. Experimental design was a 5 x 4 factorial with five replicates which phosphate fertilizers were triple superphosphate, reactive rock phosphates Gafsa and Arad, and fused magnesium phosphate powder and coarse, applied at rates of 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg kg-1 P and a control treatment without P. The effectiveness of rock phosphates increased due to their residual effect. The coarse fused magnesium phosphate resulted in the lowest efficiency. The P critical level in soil and plant were 18 mg kg-1 and 2.4 g kg-1, respectively. The increase of phosphorus rates provided an increase in crude protein content.
Non-destructive identification of physical damage in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) seeds by X-ray image analysis
Authors: Machado Thiago Pulici Martins , Medeiros André Dantas de , Pinheiro Daniel Teixeira , Da Silva Laércio Junio , Dias Denise Cunha Fernandes dos Santos
Published: April 2020

Global demand for pulses such as the mung bean has grown in the last years. For successful production of these crops it is necessary to use high quality seeds. Methodologies based on X-ray image analysis have been used as a complementary tool to evaluate the physical quality of seeds due to their speed and potential for automation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of X-ray analysis for non-destructive evaluation of the physical quality of Vigna radiata seeds and to relate the variables obtained with their physiological potential. For this, seeds from eight lots were X-rayed and subsequently subject to germination test. In total, 18 physical and physiological parameters were determined. The X-ray image analysis was efficient for evaluating the internal morphology of Vigna radiata seeds and allowed the identification of various damage types. However, it was not possible to relate the physical variables to the seed quality as the lots presented similar germination percentage. Physical variables such as solidity and circularity are related to percentage of root protrusion and length of seedling hypocotyl. Low relative densities indicate deteriorated tissues, related to severe morphological damage and non-viable seeds.
Phytochemistry and antifungal potential of Datura inoxia Mill. on soil phytopathogen control
Authors: Matias Rosemary , Fernandes Valtecir , Corrêa Bianca Obes , Pereira Silvia Rahe , Oliveira Ademir Kleber Morbeck
Published: April 2020

The application of chemical pesticides for the control of fungal diseases results in impacts on the environment and human health. The use of vegetal extracts with antifungal properties for the proper management of crops becomes a viable alternative, mainly for organic and family farming. The objective of this study was to carry out the phytochemical evaluation of Datura inoxia, evaluating its antifungal potential against the mycelial growth of Fusarium solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The extracts, aqueous and ethanolic, obtained from the leaves of the plant collected in areas of the municipality of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, were submitted to phytochemical prospecting and quantification of flavonoids and total phenols. It was evaluated its antifungal activity at concentrations of 800, 1200, 1600, 2000, and 2400 μg 100 mL-1. Each concentration was separately incorporated into BDA agar, poured into Petri dishes, and inoculated with the mycelial disc of the fungus. The diameter of the colonies were measured daily. Two solutions were prepared as control, one containing the solvent added to PDA medium (ethanol solution), and another with only PDA medium (without D. inoxia extract, control). In both extracts were found the same diversity of secondary metabolites (nine classes). The ethanolic extract, a solvent of lower polarity than water, was more efficient in the extraction of these constituents. Alkaloids and phenolic compounds were the most frequent compounds (100%). In relation to antifungal activity, the ethanolic extract provided 100% inhibition of mycelial growth of Sclerotinia sclerotitorum in all concentrations, relative to the control. On the other hand, the growth of Fusarium solani was only negatively affected at the highest concentrations of 800 and 1200 μmL-1 100 mL-1. The antifungal potential of Datura inoxia was probably related to the abundance of alkaloids and phenolic compounds in its chemical constitution that negatively effects the development of the vegetative mycelium.
Association between obesity and knee osteoarthritis in users of brazilian unified national health system
Authors: Chacur Eduardo Paul , Fidale Thiago Montes , Limongi Jean Ezequiel , Diniz Fernando Leonardo , Pessoa Filho Dalton Muller , Mello Luciana da Silva , Oliveira Tarley Santos , Santee Kadija Mohamed , De Lima Fanny Gonçalves , Lizardo Frederico Balbino , Neiva Cassiano Merussi
Published: April 2020

Verify possible associations between obesity and knee OA in users of Brazilian Unified National Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS) of primary care network in Catalão-GO, Brazil. This is an observational study conducted in 2014 and 2015. A total of 81 volunteers from the Basic Attention Network in the city of Catalão, with body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2 in both sexes, age between 40 and 60 years, and OA on radiological examination of the knee. Obesity was classified according to BMI. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) was made clinically and by radiography according to Kellgren radiological classification. The level of physical activity was assessed using the Baecke questionnaire and the Gordon Functional Classification. The volunteers underwent an anthropometric evaluation and physical examination with inspection and palpation of the joint and subsequent radiological examination of the knee. The volunteers answered a questionnaire on the level of physical activity and functional classification. Data analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test or chi-square test was used for comparisons of two proportions. In comparisons of continuous variables, Student’s t-test or the nonparametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used. The level of significance was set to 5%. Practice of regular physical exercise decreases functional impairment in obese individuals with knee OA. The weight variable demonstrated a strong association with the severity of OA and degree of functionality of patients. Obesity and OA durations and lack of patient guidance are variables that may contribute to the progression of knee OA. Although the incidence among men is lower, they are more severely affected and anthropometric evaluation and physical examination are an efficacy implementations for Brazilian users of SUS.
Lentinus crinitus response to blue light on carbohydrate-active enzymes
Authors: Alberto Marim Renan , Vieira Avelino Katielle , Wietzikoski Halabura Marisangela Isabel , Lopes Araújo Nelma , Teodoro Santana Thiago , Linde Giani Andrea , Barros Colauto Nelson , Silveira do Valle Juliana
Published: April 2020

Fungi are capable of sensing light from ultraviolet to far-red and they use light as a source of information about the environment anticipating stress and adverse conditions. Lentinus crinitus is a lignin-degrading fungus which produces laccase and other enzymes of biotechnological interest. The effect of blue light on fungal enzymatic activity has been studied; however, it has not been found studies on the effect of the blue light on carbohydrate-active enzymes and on mycelial biomass production of L. crinitus. We aimed to investigate carbohydrate-active enzymes activity and mycelial biomass production of L. crinitus cultivated under continuous illumination with blue light. L. crinitus was cultivated in malt extract medium in the dark, without agitation, and under continuous illumination with blue light-emitting diodes. The blue light reduced the total cellulase, pectinase and xylanase activities but increased the endoglucanase activity. Blue light reduced the mycelial growth of L. crinitus in 26% and the enzymatic activity-to-mycelial biomass ratio (U mg-1 dry basis) increased in 10% total cellulase, 33% endoglucanase, and 16% pectinase activities. Also, it is suggested that L. crinitus has a photosensory system and it could lead to new process of obtaining enzymes of biotechnological interest.
Onomástica Ficcional
Authors: Kristensen de Camargo Amanda
Published: April 2020

Este artigo busca descrever o contexto atual das pesquisas em Onomástica Ficcional no Brasil, bem como ilustrar corpus inexplorados que seriam gratos à pesquisa contemporânea na área. Considerando as pesquisas do Léxico, a Onomástica Literária (ou Onomástica Ficcional) nos domínios científicos luso-brasileiros, ainda é uma disciplina em ascensão, cujos pressupostos teóricos – transformados ao longo de sua origem – precisam ser revisitados, restabelecidos e constantemente aplicados em corpus de linguagens ficcionais diversificadas. De acordo com Altman (1981), a Onomástica Literária seria uma especificidade do Criticismo concentrada nos níveis de significação do nome na Literatura; passados quase quarenta anos, Eckert e Röhrig (2018) e Camargo (2018) têm demonstrado em solos brasileiros que a Onomástica Literária não apenas auxilia na Análise Literária como possibilita meios de comparação da função e status do signo onomástico em sociedade e nas mais diversas linguagens ficcionais, contribuindo, pois, para a percepção de fenômenos sócio-onomásticos, estético-ficcionais e identitários.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Potential of Daldinia concentrica from North Eastern Region of India
Authors: Goswami Sewali , Rahman Imtiaz , Kishor Sumit , Dwivedi Sanjai Kumar
Published: April 2020

Morphological, bio-chemical and antibacterial potential of an ascomycetous fungus, Daldinia concentrica, was evaluated. It was collected from dead, decaying log of Mimusops elengi tree and isolated by plating in potato dextrose medium. Macroscopic and microscopic features of the stromata were studied. The crude methanol extract of the stromata (30 mg/ml)  exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (MTCC-40), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC-7093), Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC-661), Enterobacter aerogenes (MTCC-111) and Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC-7443), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC-121). Bacillus subtilis was the most sensitive organism to the methanol extract of this fungus with 41.33 mm zone of inhibition. Gas Chromatographic–Mass Spectral Analysis of stromatal methanol extract revealed the presence of 19 compounds. The present investigation indicated the potential antibacterial activity of native D. concentrica, which could be useful for pharmaceutical application.
Development and Standardisation of a Method for Inflicting Frostbite Injury in Rats and Formulation of Essential Oil in Treatment of Frostbite
Authors: Joshi Kumud , Goyary Danswrang , Mazumder Bhaskar , Kishor Sumit , Dey Piyali , Bhutia Yangchen Doma , Karmakar Sanjeev , Chattopadhyay Pronobesh , Dwivedi Sanjai Kumar
Published: April 2020

Frostbite is a cold induced injury which occurs due to exposure of a particular site of body to sub-zero temperature. One of the primary reasons for lack of proper studies about the underlying mechanism of frostbite injury is due to non-availability of any reliable animal model and method for inflicting frostbite. In our current research, a device was designed and standardised to inflict frostbite wound in wistar rat. A formulation comprising different combination of essential oils was also developed and its activity was assessed and found effective in the treatment of frostbite wound.
Adsorption Efficiency of Cement Impregnated Magnesium Oxide on the Removal of Fluoride
Authors: Umlong Iohborlang M. , Das Bodhaditya , Devi Rashmi Rekha
Published: April 2020

Presence of fluoride in drinking water above the prescribed limit may lead to a severe health complication. We present in this paper the fluoride removal capacity of cement impregnated MgO (MgO-cement) from drinking water. MgO-cement was prepared by adding magnesium oxide (MgO) into the cement slurry solution in the ratio of 1:10. Batch experiments were performed as a function of adsorbent dose, contact time, effect of pH and effect of co-ions. The percentage removal decreases with increasing initial fluoride concentration. Co-ions effect revealed that hydroxide ion was found to interfere more with fluoride removal followed by bicarbonate and least effect with sulphate. Reaction mechanism follows Freundlich isotherms. From the kinetic study we observed that uptake of fluoride ion is fast in the first sixty minutes and equilibrium time found to be independent of the initial fluoride concentration. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo second order model showing that the sorption of fluoride is a complex process. Surface as well as intraparticle diffusion contribute in the sorption process. No leaching of magnesium in the treated water was detected.
Analisis Distribusi Pemilikan Lahan Pertanian dan Pendapatan Usahatani di Kabupaten Karawang
Authors: Suprastyo Dwi , Siregar Hermanto , Mulatsih Sri
Published: April 2020

Salah satu isu strategis di bidang pertanahan adalah timpangnya pemilikan lahan pertanian. Hal ini terjadi karena semakin mengecilnya lahan yang dimiliki oleh petani. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis bagaimana struktur pemilikan lahan pertanian dan pendapatan petani di Kabupaten Karawang serta kebijakan yang dapat diambil untuk mengatasi timpangnya pemilikan lahan pertanian. Di samping itu juga menganalisis berapa kebutuhan lahan yang ideal agar petani dapat memenuhi kebutuhan hidup layak keluarganya. Penelitian melibatkan dua desa yang mewakili daerah subur dan kurang subur. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis dengan menggunakan indeks gini, analisis chi square dan metode AHP dalam penentuan  kebijakan. Hasil penelitian menyimpulkan bahwa masih terjadi ketimpangan pemilikan lahan serta pendapatan di antara petani. Terdapat dua kesimpulan mengenai hubungan luas lahan dengan pendapatan, di mana ada hubungan antara keduanya serta tidak ada hubungan antara keduanya. Upaya untuk mengatasi ketimpangan pemilikan lahan pertanian sekaligus pendapatan adalah salah satunya dengan mengeluarkan kebijakan pembatasan pemilikan lahan pertanian berdasarkan tingkat kehidupan layak.
MiR-542-3p suppresses neuroblastoma cell proliferation and invasion by downregulation of KDM1A and ZNF346
Authors: Wei Qiang , Guo Zhao , Chen Dong , Jia Xinjian
Published: April 2020

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common malignancies in infants and children. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported as significant regulators that play important roles in neuroblastoma development. This research aimed to analyze the functional mechanism of miR-542-3p in neuroblastoma. Here, we found that miR-542-3p was downregulated and KDM1A as well as ZNF346 were upregulated in neuroblastoma tissues and cells. Both overexpression of miR-542-3p and the knockdown of KDM1A suppressed cell proliferation and invasion in neuroblastomas. Moreover, miR-542-3p reduced the levels of KDM1A and ZNF346 through interaction. Both KDM1A overexpression and ZNF346 upregulation weakened the effect of miR-542-3p on neuroblastoma cells. Besides, miR-542-3p negatively regulated tumor growth in vivo. Our results suggested that miR-542-3p suppressed cell proliferation and invasion by targeting KDM1A and ZNF346 in neuroblastomas, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
Design and fabrication of functional polycaprolactone
Authors: Chen Tingting , Cai Tongjiang , Jin Qiao , Ji Jian
Published: April 2020

Functional polycaprolactone (PCL) has great potential for applications in biomedical areas. This review summarizes the recent progress in the chemical synthesis of functional PCL. The functional PCL can be synthesized by (a) homopolymerization or copolymerization of functional ε-caprolactone (ε-CL), (b) copolymerization of 2-methylene-1-3-dioxepane with functional vinyl monomers, or (c) copolymerization of ε-CL with functional carbonate monomers. This review presents the recent trends in the synthesis of functional PCL and its biomedical applications.
GENERAL AND SPECIFIC COMBINING ABILITY IN SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus L.) / APTITUD COMBINATORIA GENERAL Y ESPECÍFICA EN EL GIRASOL (Helianthus annuus L.) / APTITUDE À LA COMBINATION GENERAL ET SPECIFIQUE CHEZ LE TOURNESOL (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Laureti Domenico , Del Gatto Andrea
Published: April 2020

A total of 245 test cross progenies obtained by crossing cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines and restorer (RHA) lines were evaluated in replicated trials in 1995 and 1997. Experiments were carried out in two locations (Osimo, East Central Italy and Budrio, Northern Italy) in 1995, whereas in 1997 trials were conducted only in Osimo. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of the parents was evaluated to identify genotypes suitable to be used as testers for breeding programs and to verify the performance of hybrids. The results obtained in 1995 were used to make test crosses in 1996 to be evaluated in 1997. The GCA and SCA of RHA and CMS lines were nearly always significant for all the studied traits when lines were randomly taken in 1995. When selected testers were used on the basis of the results of the first year, the SCA of new RHA lines and GCA of new CMS lines were not significant for achene yield, but they were for the other traits.

The best GCA estimates for RHA were often higher than those of CMS, indicating that selection for RHA could be more useful than for CMS. As expected, GCA was always lower than SCA. CMS and RHA, with high variance among their test crosses for yield and many other traits, could be used as testers. The lack of a tester with high variance in all traits requires more than one tester in evaluating lines. The GCA of a line can change in function of the germplasm with which it is combined.
EFFECT OF MINERAL DEFICIENCY ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND ON SHOOT AND ROOT MINERAL PARTITIONING IN THREE SUNFLOWER VARIETIES / EFECTO DE LA FALTA DE ELEMENTOS MINERALAS SOBRE LOS PARAMENTROS MORFOLOGICOS Y FISIOLOGICOS Y REPARTICION DE ELEMENTOS MINERALES DE LA PARTE SOBRE EL SUELO Y DE LA RAIZ EN TRES VARIEDADES / INFLUENCE DE LA CARENCE D’ÉLÉMENTS MINÉRAUX SUR LES PARAMÈTRES MORPHOLOGIQUES ET PHYSIOLOGIQUES ET SUR LA DISTRIBUTION DES ÉLÉMENTS MINÉRAUX ENTRE LA PARTIE AÉRIENNE ET LA RACINE POUR TROIS SORTES DE TOURNESOL
Authors: El Midaoui Mohammed , Talouizte Ahmed , Mohamed Benbella , Hervé Serieys , Abdelhadi Ait Houssa , Bervillé André
Published: April 2020

An experiment has been carried out in order to study the behaviour under mineral deficiency of three sunflower genotypes, a population variety (Oro 9) and two hybrids (Mirasol and Albena). Sunflower seedlings were submitted to five treatments: N deficiency (N0), P deficiency (P0), K deficiency (K0), N and K deficiency (N0K0) and a control. Plants were harvested when they reached 3-4 true pairs of leaves. Growth parameters measured (height, total leaf area, root length, root and shoot dry mater) were all significantly reduced by mineral deficiency. Leaf area was most reduced by N0 (-61%) and P0 (-56%). Total dry matter was most affected by N0 (-63%) and by N0K0 (-66%). Genotype comparisons showed that Oro 9 had the highest shoot dry matter while Albena had the lowest root dry matter. Effect of mineral deficiency on content and partitioning of N, P, K, Ca and Na was significant and varied according to treatments and among plant parts. Shoot dry weight was significantly correlated with root N content (r2=0.81) and root K content (r2=-0.61) for N0 and K0.
A. Konstantinidis, P. Cornetti, N. Pugno and E.C. Aifantis, Application of Gradient Theory and Quantized Fracture Mechanics in Snow Avalanches, J. Mech. Behav. Mater. 19, 39–47, 2009
Authors: Pugno Nicola , Konstantinidis Avraam , Cornetti Pietro , Aifantis Elias C.
Published: April 2020

No abstract available.
The yield condition strongly influences the formation of Dugdale plastic strips ahead of crack tips under tensile plane stress loading conditions
Authors: Unger David J.
Published: April 2020

A finite element analysis indicates a good correlation between the Dugdale plastic strip model and a linear elastic/perfectly plastic material under plane stress loading conditions for a flow theory of plasticity based on the Tresca yield condition. A similar analysis under the von Mises yield condition reveals no plastic strip formation.
Superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Karapanagiotis Ioannis , Manoudis Panagiotis
Published: April 2020

Superhydrophobicity – also known as water repellency – has recently attracted considerable attention because of its numerous potential applications. However, the fundamental concepts and equations describing the wettability of superhydrophobic surfaces have been known since the 1940s. These concepts are reviewed and discussed in the present feature article in light of the recent developments. Furthermore, the potential use of water-repellent siloxane-nanoparticle composites for surface protection and consolidation of stones and mortars used in outdoor objects of cultural heritage is investigated. Finally, it is shown that the wettability of the composite surfaces can be predicted by the Cassie-Baxter equation.
Reaction-diffusion systems in natural sciences and new technology transfer
Authors: Keller André A.
Published: April 2020

Diffusion mechanisms in natural sciences and innovation management involve partial differential equations (PDEs). This is due to their spatio-temporal dimensions. Functional semi-discretized PDEs (with lattice spatial structures or time delays) may be even more adapted to real world problems. In the modeling process, PDEs can also formalize behaviors, such as the logistic growth of populations with migration, and the adopters’ dynamics of new products in innovation models. In biology, these events are related to variations in the environment, population densities and overcrowding, migration and spreading of humans, animals, plants and other cells and organisms. In chemical reactions, molecules of different species interact locally and diffuse. In the management of new technologies, the diffusion processes of innovations in the marketplace (e.g., the mobile phone) are a major subject. These innovation diffusion models refer mainly to epidemic models. This contribution introduces that modeling process by using PDEs and reviews the essential features of the dynamics and control in biological, chemical and new technology transfer. This paper is essentially user-oriented with basic nonlinear evolution equations, delay PDEs, several analytical and numerical methods for solving, different solutions, and with the use of mathematical packages, notebooks and codes. The computations are carried out by using the software Wolfram Mathematica®7, and C++ codes.
Torsional prestrain gradient and size dependence of initial yield for <100> Cu-Mn single crystals in tension
Authors: Eleftheriadis Iordanis , Neuhäuser Hartmut , Aifantis Elias C.
Published: April 2020

The effect of torsional prestrain gradient on the size dependence of initial yielding during subsequent tension of Cu-Mn single crystals is investigated experimentally.
Internationalization of Bulgarian Clusters
Authors: Ivanov Christo
Published: April 2020

A number of studies ascertain the role clusters play in increasing the competitive power, innovations and economic development of separate countries. The internationalization of clusters is among the factors which contribute to their future development. Small and medium enterprises, which operate on an international level as part of a cluster, manage to improve their economic results. The paper analyses the internationalization process of Bulgarian clusters.
Market Access and Home Market Effect
Authors: Karavidas Dionysios
Published: April 2020

Based on the standard Footloose Capital model developed by Martin and Rogers (1995), I consider an integrated model that consists of a system of two regions and a third external region, in order to study the impact of improved market access on the Home Market Effect within the system of the two regions. The concept of the Home Market Effect is well known in the literature, but once we extend the number of regions, many are unknown. The main finding of the model suggests that improved market access with respect to an external market enhances the Home Market Effect within the system of the two regions. Interestingly, I show that this finding comes from the fact that improved market access increases the Market Access Effect, while it has no impact on the Market Crowding Effect.
Solid-state Be-9 NMR of beryllium compounds
Authors: Eckert Hellmut
Published: April 2020

Despite the favorable NMR-spectroscopic features of the 9Be isotope, the exploration of solid Beryllium compounds by this method has been very limited, owing to safety concerns regarding their preparation and handling. The present review aims to be the first comprehensive one on this topic, summarizing the classical and modern methodologies available for determining the relevant 9Be NMR observables in the solid state. Results on molecular crystals, oxidic materials, and intermetallic systems will be discussed in terms of their informational content in relation to atomic and electronic structure and dynamics, leading to suggestions for future paths of investigation.
Health-related Quality of Life in 5-year Stroke Survivors Assessed with EQ-5D-3L
Authors: Grabowska- Fudala Barbara , Smelkowska Anna , Górna Krystyna , Jaracz Krystyna
Published: April 2020

Introduction. In recent decades prognoses for stroke survivors regarding the risk of death or serious disability have improved, primarily due to stroke units, thrombolytic therapy and mechanical thrombectomy. Long-term research concerning the course of recovery and the consequences of strokes, which apart from clinical and functional indices would also include the quality of life, is relatively scarce. For this reason it is necessary to constantly update our knowledge of various aspects of the long-term process of recovery of stroke survivors.Aim. The aim of the present study was to assess health-related quality of life in a prospective manner over a period of up to five years following a stroke.Material and Methods. The study sample consisted of 27 patients (18 men and 9 women) aged between 53 and 82, mean age of 68.77 years (SD 8.16), 3 months, 12 months and 5 years after suffering from an ischaemic stroke. Quality of life was assessed using the Euro-Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), which covers five quality of life dimensions, the summary quality of life index (EQ — index), and self-assessment of health using the VAS scale (EQ VAS).Results. Quality of life impairment in various dimensions and at various time points of the study concerned from 8% to 60% of patients. Problems occurred mainly in the “pain/discomfort” dimension, and applied to more than 40% of patients during the observation period. The lowest intensity of problems was found in the “self-care” dimension, these referred to from 7% to 14.8% of patients. Mean levels of the EQ index were rather high in all assessments (> 0.80), while those of EQ VAS were moderate (between 60 and 70 points). They did not changed significantly over the period of observation.Conclusions. The quality of life of the majority of stroke patients is relatively good, although it differs for various dimensions. The quality of life in the “non-physical” dimensions is lower than in the physical dimensions. Also the quality of life of patients 3 months after a stroke does not change significantly over the next few years. (JNNN 2019;8(2):62–68)
PP2A phosphatase is required for dendrite pruning via actin regulation in Drosophila
Authors: Wolterhoff Neele , Gigengack Ulrike , Rumpf Sebastian
Published: April 2020

Large‐scale pruning, the developmentally regulated degeneration of axons or dendrites, is an important specificity mechanism during neuronal circuit formation. The peripheral sensory class IV dendritic arborization (c4da) neurons of Drosophila larvae specifically prune their dendrites at the onset of metamorphosis in an ecdysone‐dependent manner. Dendrite pruning requires local cytoskeleton remodeling, and the actin‐severing enzyme Mical is an important ecdysone target. In a screen for pruning factors, we identified the protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A). PP2A interacts genetically with the actin‐severing enzymes Mical and cofilin as well as other actin regulators during pruning. Moreover, Drosophila cofilin undergoes a change in localization at the onset of metamorphosis indicative of a change in actin dynamics. This change is abolished both upon loss of Mical and PP2A. We conclude that PP2A regulates actin dynamics during dendrite pruning.
Suppression of Ca2+ signals by EGR4 controls Th1 differentiation and anti‐cancer immunity in vivo
Authors: Mookerjee‐Basu Jayati , Hooper Robert , Gross Scott , Schultz Bryant , Go Christina K , Samakai Elsie , Ladner Jonathan , Nicolas Emmanuelle , Tian Yuanyuan , Zhou Bo , Zaidi M Raza , Tourtellotte Warren , He Shan , Zhang Yi , Kappes Dietmar J , Soboloff Jonathan
Published: April 2020

While the zinc finger transcription factors EGR1, EGR2, and EGR3 are recognized as critical for T‐cell function, the role of EGR4 remains unstudied. Here, we show that EGR4 is rapidly upregulated upon TCR engagement, serving as a critical “brake” on T‐cell activation. Hence, TCR engagement of EGR4−/− T cells leads to enhanced Ca2+ responses, driving sustained NFAT activation and hyperproliferation. This causes profound increases in IFNγ production under resting and diverse polarizing conditions that could be reversed by pharmacological attenuation of Ca2+ entry. Finally, an in vivo melanoma lung colonization assay reveals enhanced anti‐tumor immunity in EGR4−/− mice, attributable to Th1 bias, Treg loss, and increased CTL generation in the tumor microenvironment. Overall, these observations reveal for the first time that EGR4 is a key regulator of T‐cell differentiation and function.
Distinct Notch1 and BCL11B requirements mediate human γδ/αβ T cell development
Authors: Dolens Anne‐Catherine , Durinck Kaat , Lavaert Marieke , Van der Meulen Joni , Velghe Imke , De Medts Jelle , Weening Karin , Roels Juliette , De Mulder Katrien , Volders Pieter‐Jan , De Preter Katleen , Kerre Tessa , Vandekerckhove Bart , Leclercq Georges , Vandesompele Jo , Mestdagh Pieter , Van Vlierberghe Pieter , Speleman Frank , Taghon Tom
Published: April 2020

γδ and αβ T cells have unique roles in immunity and both originate in the thymus from T‐lineage committed precursors through distinct but unclear mechanisms. Here, we show that Notch1 activation is more stringently required for human γδ development compared to αβ‐lineage differentiation and performed paired mRNA and miRNA profiling across 11 discrete developmental stages of human T cell development in an effort to identify the potential Notch1 downstream mechanism. Our data suggest that the miR‐17–92 cluster is a Notch1 target in immature thymocytes and that miR‐17 can restrict BCL11B expression in these Notch‐dependent T cell precursors. We show that enforced miR‐17 expression promotes human γδ T cell development and, consistently, that BCL11B is absolutely required for αβ but less for γδ T cell development. This study suggests that human γδ T cell development is mediated by a stage‐specific Notch‐driven negative feedback loop through which miR‐17 temporally restricts BCL11B expression and provides functional insights into the developmental role of the disease‐associated genes BCL11B and the miR‐17–92 cluster in a human context.
ENDOCRINOLOGY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: Management of Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Newell-Price John , Nieman Lynnette K , Reincke Martin , Tabarin Antoine
Published: April 2020

Clinical evaluation should guide those needing immediate investigation. Strict adherence to COVID-19 protection measures is necessary. Alternative ways of consultations (telephone, video) should be used. Early discussion with regional/national experts about investigation and management of potential and existing patients is strongly encouraged. Patients with moderate or severe clinical features need urgent investigation and management. Patients with active Cushing's syndrome, especially when severe, are immunocompromised and vigorous adherence to the principles of social isolation is recommended. In patients with mild features or in whom a diagnosis is less likely, clinical re-evaluation should be repeated at 3 and 6 months or deferred until the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 has significantly decreased; however, those individuals should be encouraged to maintain social distancing. Diagnostic pathways may need to be very different from usual recommendations in order to reduce possible exposure to SARS-CoV-2. When extensive differential diagnostic testing and/or surgery is not feasible, it should be deferred and medical treatment should be initiated. Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery should be delayed during high SARS-CoV-2 viral prevalence. Medical management rather than surgery will be the used for most patients, since the short- to mid-term prognosis depends in most cases on hypercortisolism rather than its cause; it should be initiated promptly to minimize the risk of infection in these immunosuppressed patients. The risk/benefit ratio of these recommendations will need re-evaluation every 2–3 months from April 2020 in each country (and possibly local areas) and will depend on the local health care structure and phase of pandemic.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Emergency Department Pain Management of Children With Fractures
Authors: Goyal Monika K. , Johnson Tiffani J. , Chamberlain James M. , Cook Lawrence , Webb Michael , Drendel Amy L. , Alessandrini Evaline , Bajaj Lalit , Lorch Scott , Grundmeier Robert W. , Alpern Elizabeth R. ,   PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE APPLIED RESEARCH NETWORK (PECARN)
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES:

To test the hypotheses that minority children with long-bone fractures are less likely to (1) receive analgesics, (2) receive opioid analgesics, and (3) achieve pain reduction.

METHODS:

We performed a 3-year retrospective cross-sectional study of children <18 years old with long-bone fractures using the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Registry (7 emergency departments). We performed bivariable and multivariable logistic regression to measure the association between patient race and ethnicity and (1) any analgesic, (2) opioid analgesic, (3) ≥2-point pain score reduction, and (4) optimal pain reduction (ie, to mild or no pain).

RESULTS:

In 21 069 visits with moderate-to-severe pain, 86.1% received an analgesic and 45.4% received opioids. Of 8533 patients with reassessment of pain, 89.2% experienced ≥2-point reduction in pain score and 62.2% experienced optimal pain reduction. In multivariable analyses, minority children, compared with non-Hispanic (NH) white children, were more likely to receive any analgesics (NH African American: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.72 [95% confidence interval 1.51–1.95]; Hispanic: 1.32 [1.16–1.51]) and achieve ≥2-point reduction in pain (NH African American: 1.42 [1.14–1.76]; Hispanic: 1.38 [1.04–1.83]) but were less likely to receive opioids (NH African American: aOR 0.86 [0.77–0.95]; Hispanic: aOR 0.86 [0.76–0.96]) or achieve optimal pain reduction (NH African American: aOR 0.78 [0.67–0.90]; Hispanic: aOR 0.80 [0.67–0.95]).

CONCLUSIONS:

There are differences in process and outcome measures by race and ethnicity in the emergency department management of pain among children with long-bone fractures. Although minority children are more likely to receive analgesics and achieve ≥2-point reduction in pain, they are less likely to receive opioids and achieve optimal pain reduction.
Editorial
Authors: Castañeda Victor
Published: April 2020

Si bien en algunos casos la ampliación de las relaciones socioeconómicas y políticas entre diversos países alrededor del mundo ha favorecido la identificación de oportunidades de innovación e intercambio comercial —por ejemplo, los procedimientos médicos a distancia a través de la utilización de herramientas como el Sistema Quirúrgico Da Vinci—, asimismo ha generado nuevos riesgos y desafíos, en particular para la salud pública. Este es el caso de los virus, que ahora más que nunca logran propagarse con rapidez, independiente de la zona en la que se originen, gracias a la creciente movilidad de personas. Por ejemplo, pasaron alrededor de tres meses para que el coronavirus de Wuhan (China), o covid-19, llegara a São Paulo (Brasil), aun cuando la distancia entre ambas ciudades es de aproximadamente 18.000 kilómetros.
Métricas para el diagnóstico de los estados financieros de las compañías del sector industrial manufacturero en Cuenca, Ecuador
Authors: Buele Nugra Irene Gisel , Cuesta Astudillo Fabián Leonardo , Chillogalli Peña Carlos Fernando
Published: April 2020

Los estados financieros reflejan la situación financiera de la empresa como resultado su gestión interna y externa. Esta investigación diagnostica los estados financieros del sector industrial manufacturero ecuatoriano, específicamente de la ciudad de Cuenca, mediante la aplicación de indicadores financieros y el método caso-control, con la finalidad de determinar las razones financieras de relevancia o de especial interés para este sector. El estudio aplica indicadores de liquidez, endeudamiento, actividad y rentabilidad, de cuyos resultados se comprobaron hipótesis que reflejan las causas de las deficiencias financieras entre los grupos establecidos como caso —compañías no auditadas— y control —compañías auditadas—. Los resultados muestran los indicadores endeudamiento al corto plazo, rotación del activo no corriente, rotación de inventarios y margen de utilidad neta como los más representativos. Se observa que las compañías no auditadas presentan mayores niveles de liquidez y rentabilidad; sin embargo, su endeudamiento al corto plazo es elevado con respecto a los resultados de las compañías auditadas.
Determinación del módulo de elasticidad de dos concretos autocompactantes de alta resistencia (70 MPa)
Authors: Murillo Chacón Minor Eduardo , Ramírez Castro Manfred
Published: April 2020

El módulo de elasticidad es una propiedad de gran importancia en el cálculo estructural, que permite entender la relación que existe entre el esfuerzo y la deformación del material evaluado, de tal manera que, una correcta predicción del módulo de elasticidad del concreto permite al Ingeniero Estructural diseñar elementos o estructuras que desempeñen el propósito para el cual fueron concebidas.

Esta investigación permitió determinar una ecuación para calcular el módulo de elasticidad de dos mezclas de concreto autocompactante (SCC por sus siglas en inglés) con resistencia nominal de 70 MPa a la edad de veintiocho días, siendo la única variable el tipo de cemento hidráulico: cemento modificado con caliza de alta resistencia inicial y cemento modificado con puzolana. Para el concreto en estado fresco se analizó comparativamente la temperatura (ASTM C1064), peso unitario (ASTM C138), contenido de aire (ASTM C231) y flujo sin restricción (ASTM C1611). Para el concreto endurecido se estudió su afectación en la resistencia a la compresión (ASTM C39), módulo de elasticidad, relación de Poisson y módulo de cortante (ASTM C469).
Determinación de propiedades últimas a tracción en geomallas según normativa ASTM
Authors: Campos Zeledón Jordan Josué
Published: April 2020

Recientemente se implementó en el Laboratorio Nacional de Materiales y Modelos Estructurales de la Universidad de Costa Rica (LANAMME UCR) el método de ensayo ASTM D6637 de la Asociación Americana de Ensayos de Materiales (ASTM por sus siglas en inglés).

En la etapa de verificación de la correcta implementación del método de ensayo, se trabajó con 2 tipos de geomallas utilizadas como refuerzo a nivel nacional; que fueron ensayadas para determinar sus propiedades mecánicas a la tracción (resistencia última y deformación última). Una vez obtenidas dichas características, se procedió a compararlas con los datos reportados en sus fichas técnicas. En dicha etapa se encontraron incongruencias entre los datos hallados a nivel de laboratorio y los reportados por el fabricante; lo cual dio indicios de posibles sobrevaloraciones en los datos reportados por los fabricantes y comercializadores de geomallas.

También se encontraron pruebas de reportes de datos en valores distintos a la especificación MARV, la cual es la que adopta ASTM en el tema de control de calidad.

Este documento se desprende medularmente del trabajo final de graduación: “Implementación de los métodos de ensayo para la determinación de las propiedades a tracción en geomallas y geotextiles según las normas ASTM D6637 y ASTM D4595” (ver referencia bibliográfica 6).
Autoantibody as markers of the heart state in patients with vibration disease burdened diabetes mellitus
Authors: Masnavieva L. B. , Kudaeva I. V. , Kuznetsova Yu. A.
Published: April 2020

Physical and chemical factors, obesity, lipid metabolism disorder, diabetes affect the state of the vascular endothelium, the processes of thrombus formation, fibrinolysis and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. It can be assumed that the development and course of pathological processes in the cardiovascular system, caused by vibration disease with the onset of diabetes, will undergo changes. The purpose of the study was to assess the state of heart condition according to the level of specific autoantibodies with the combined effect of vibration disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with vibration disease (group I), patients with type 2 diabetes (group II) and persons with vibration disease in combination with type 2 diabetes (group III) were examined. Individuals do not have a history of coronary heart disease, stroke, and myocardial infarction have been included in obsledrovanie. Serum levels of specific autoantibodies characterizing the state of the heart have been studied. It was revealed that the content of autoantibodies to 1-adrenoreceptors in patients of group I was higher than in individuals of group II. The relative content of autoantibodies to the components of the membrane and cytoplasm of myocardial cells in patients of groups I-III did not differ. It was found that elevated levels of autoantibodies to components of the membrane and cytoplasm of myocardial cells, cardiomyosin, 1-adrenoreceptors were observed more often in patients with vibration disease combined with diabetes and in persons with vibration disease than in people with diabetes. Persons with a reduced content of autoantibodies to 1-adrenergic receptors were not detected among patients of groups I and III. Changes in the levels of specific autoantibodies in persons with vibration disease may indicate the development of functional metabolic and structural changes in the heart, disorders of its electrical activity that have not yet been manifested in the form of a pathological process. Lower levels of 1-adrenoceptor autoantibodies in patients with type 2 diabetes without vibration disease can be caused by increased levels of catecholamines, which is characteristic of diabetics. Further research, including clinical data and indicators of functional diagnostics is necessary to confirm our assumptions.
EMERGENCIA, GESTIÓN, VULNERABILIDAD Y RESPUESTAS FRENTE AL IMPACTO DE LA PANDEMIA COVID-19 EN EL PERÚ
Authors: Llerena Renato , Sánchez Narvaez Cesar
Published: April 2020

La emergencia generada por la pandemia del COVID-19, evidencia las deficiencias en la gestión de los servicios de salud pública, la necesidad de su articulación desde el Ministerio de Salud con los diferentes organismos que componen los servicios sanitarios en el Perú, la articulación de la Investigación y desarrollo de tecnologías, nuestra legislación laboral y el sector productivo del país y su precariedad; el cuestionamiento a la gestión de las autoridades regionales sobre su labor frente a la emergencia, la visibilidad de los trabajos esenciales y su importancia imprescindible  en la cadena de sostén en la crisis, el desarrollo de alternativas de vigilancia, solidaridad y de cuestionamientos a todo el sistema, han levantado voces en varios sectores  sobre la necesidad de un cambio social, político, económico, cultural y organizacional, ¿cómo tendrán lugar la etapa de reestructuración de la “normalidad”?,  durante los siguientes meses la discusión sobre las decisiones que se vayan tomando configurarán quizás un nuevo enfoque sobre lo que debemos y podemos cambiar, en el presente análisis abordaremos  algunos de los problemas en el desarrollo de las acciones frente a la emergencia y el impacto en algunos grupos sociales.
Ergene Nehir Havzası Su Kalitesinin Çok Değişkenli İstatistik Analizler Kullanılarak Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: TOKATLI Cem
Published: April 2020

Ergene Nehri, Trakya bölgesinin en önemli sucul ekosistemidir. Fakat birçok akuatik sistemde olduğu gibi, Ergene Nehri’nin de, üzerindeki özellikle tarımsal ve endüstriyel baskı nedeniyle önemli derecede kirliliğe maruz kaldığı bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmada, bazı istatistiki teknikler kullanılarak, Ergene Nehir Havzası’nın su kalitesinin değerlendirilmesi ve Egene Nehri’nin, Meriç Nehri üzerindeki baskısının ortaya konulması amaçlanmaktadır. Bu amaç için, havzada belirlenen toplam 21 istasyondan su numuneleri toplanmıştır. Su numunelerinde sıcaklık, çözünmüş oksijen, oksijen doygunluğu, pH, iletkenlik, toplam çözünmüş katı madde, tuzluluk, bulanıklık, nitrat, nitrit, fosfat, sülfat, florür, kimyasal oksijen ihtiyacı ve biyolojik oksijen ihtiyacı olmak üzere toplam 15 su kalite parametresi tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler, Faktör Analizi (FA), Kümeleme Analizi (CA) ve Pearson Korelasyon İndeksi (PCI) kullanılarak istatistiki olarak değerlendirilmiş ve çeşitli ulusal ve uluslararası kuruluşlar tarafından bildirilen limit değerler ile karşılaştırılmıştır. FA sonuçlarına göre, üç faktör toplam varyansın %87'sini açıklamıştır. CA sonuçlarına göre, istatistiksel olarak anlamlı üç küme tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen verilere göre, Ergene Nehri'nin yüksek miktarda kirliliğe maruz kaldığı ve genel olarak 3. – 4. sınıf su kalitesinde olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca Çorlu Çayı'nın birçok parametre açısından 4. sınıf su kalitesine sahip olduğu ve havza için çok büyük risk teşkil ettiği belirlenmiştir.Anahtar kelimeler: Ergene Nehri Havzası, su kalitesi, istatistiki değerlendirme