bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthcare utilisation and costs in the diagnosis and treatment of progressive-fibrosing interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Holtze Colin , Flaherty Kevin , Kreuter Michael , Luppi Fabrizio , Moua Teng , Vancheri Carlo , Scholand Mary B.
Published: December 2018

There are over 200 interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). In addition to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a percentage of patients with other ILDs also develop progressive fibrosis of the lung during their disease course. Patients with progressive-fibrosing ILDs may show limited response to immunomodulatory therapy, worsening symptoms and lung function and, ultimately, early mortality. There are few data for ILDs that may present a progressive fibrosing phenotype specifically, but we believe the burden and healthcare costs associated with these conditions may be comparable to those reported in IPF. This review discusses the burden of ILDs that may present a progressive fibrosing phenotype and the factors impacting healthcare utilisation.
Antimicrobial consumption in five adult intensive care units: a 33-month surveillance study
Authors: Balkhy Hanan H. , El-Saed Aiman , El-Metwally Ashraf , Arabi Yaseen M. , Aljohany Sameera M. , Al Zaibag Muayed , Baharoon Salim , Alothman Adel F.
Published: December 2018

Background

Estimating the baseline antimicrobial consumption is extremely important to monitor the impact of antimicrobial stewardship activities that aim to reduce the burden and cost of antimicrobial consumption.

Objectives

To quantify service-specific antimicrobial consumption using different metrics.

Methods

A surveillance study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between October 2012 and June 2015 in five adult intensive care units (ICUs). Consumption data were collected manually on a daily basis by infection control practitioners. Data were presented as defined daily dose (DDD), days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient days, and frequency of daily consumption.

Results

A total of 43,970 DDDs and 46,940 DOTs were monitored during 54,116 patient-days. For the most frequently consumed antimicrobials, the consumption of carbapenems, piperacillin/tazobactam, vancomycin, and colistin (respectively) in all ICUs combined were 255.9, 134.3, 98.2, and 13.6 DDDs per 1000 patient-days and 235.7, 145.9, 129.5, and 117.5 DOTs per 1000 patient-days. For the frequency of daily consumption, carbapenems were the most frequently consumed antimicrobial group in medical/surgical, burn, and step-down ICUs while piperacillin/tazobactam was the most frequently consumed antimicrobial in neuro-surgical and cardio-thoracic ICUs.

Conclusion

High consumption of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents such as meropenem and piperacillin/tazobactam is observed in multiple ICUs in a tertiary care hospital. Meropenem consumption is considerably higher than similar ICUs internationally. Future studies focusing on concurrent monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and identifying patient and physician characteristics associated with specific prescription patterns may help in improving judicious antimicrobial consumption.
Mental health presentations to acute psychiatric services: 3-year study of prevalence and readmission risk for personality disorders compared with psychotic, affective, substance or other disorders
Authors: Lewis Kate L. , Fanaian Mahnaz , Kotze Beth , Grenyer Brin F. S.
Published: December 2018

Background

The relative burden and risk of readmission for people with personality disorders in hospital settings is unknown.

Aims

To compare hospital use of people with personality disorder with that of people with other mental health diagnoses, such as psychoses and affective disorders.

Method

Naturalistic study of hospital presentations for mental health in a large community catchment. Mixed-effects Cox regression and survival curves were generated to examine risk of readmission for each group.

Results

Of 2894 people presenting to hospital, patients with personality disorder represented 20.5% of emergency and 26.6% of in-patients. Patients with personality disorder or psychoses were 2.3 times (95% CI 1.79–2.99) more likely than others to re-present within 28 days. Personality disorder diagnosis increases rate of readmission by a factor of 8.7 (s.e. = 0.31), marginally lower than psychotic disorders (10.02, s.e. = 0.31).

Conclusions

Personality disorders place significant demands on in-patient and emergency departments, similar to that of psychoses in terms of presentation and risk of readmission.

Declaration of interest

None.
Reducing Cancer Costs Through Symptom Management and Triage Pathways
Authors: Barkley Ronald , Soobader Mah-Jabeen , Wang Jun , Blau Sibel , Page Ray D.
Published: December 2018

Confounding Factor(S), Drawbacks:

Certain limitations to the study are acknowledged. We have attempted to identify events that did not actually occur, although we are confident that the methodology used to identify the ER nonevents was rigorous and highly reliable. Our study consists of a small sample size exacerbated by evaluating small (6% to 7%) changes in ER visits over a short study period, thus limiting our ability to confirm statistical significance in the reduction in ER events. Limitations inherent in the OCM claims data did not allow for rigorous risk adjustments for patient comorbidities, which can potentially impact findings. We have relied on the findings of others to determine the cost ratio of commercial costs to Medicare costs for the same service, which could impact the accuracy of the total savings among commercial patients. Finally, we recognize that medical practices incur operating expenses in providing these services and pathways and that such expenses would be a deduction from any economic gain to the practices resulting from their programs.

Real-Life Implications:

To demonstrate the value in value-based care, reliable quantification of economic impacts is a critical component. In this study, we have developed a methodology and approach to quantify the economic impacts of symptom management and triage pathways, which may have broader application in the continuing pursuit of value-based care and in the negotiation of the alternative payment models associated with such care.
Ultrasound-Assisted Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery in a Parturient With Currarino Triad: A Case Report
Authors: Kenevan Melissa R. , Smith Hugh M. , Olsen David A. , Sharpe Emily E.
Published: December 2018

Currarino triad is a rare hereditary condition characterized by anorectal malformation, sacral dysgenesis, and a presacral mass. Neuraxial anesthetic techniques pose increased risks to patients with spinal malformations. Ultrasound imaging improves accuracy of intervertebral level identification compared to clinical estimation. We present the case of a parturient with Currarino triad and a low conus medullaris undergoing cesarean delivery where preprocedural magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound imaging allowed for successful combined spinal-epidural anesthesia to be performed. Despite these measures, however, the patient did develop a high spinal and temporary postoperative dizziness.
Saved by the Massive Transfusion Protocol: A Case Report of an Obstetric Patient With Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelet Count (HELLP) Syndrome and Glisson Capsule Rupture
Authors: Horazeck Christian , Crockett Christy J.
Published: December 2018

A 31-year-old primigravid parturient with no pertinent medical history was admitted at 40 weeks and 4 days of gestation for postdate induction of labor. She was subsequently diagnosed with preeclampsia and developed hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and a low platelet count. An emergency cesarean delivery ensued owing to fetal bradycardia. Massive hemorrhage occurred on incision, and a diagnosis of ruptured subcapsular hepatic hematoma was made. The hemorrhage was managed using our institution’s massive transfusion protocol. Early transfusions and mobilization of necessary support stipulated in this protocol led to full recovery of the patient, with no significant morbidity.
Both kinds of RNase P in all domains of life: surprises galore
Authors: Daniels Charles J. , Lai Lien B. , Chen Tien-Hao , Gopalan Venkat
Published: December 2018

RNase P, an essential housekeeping endonuclease needed for 5′-processing of tRNAs, exists in two distinct forms: one with an RNA- and the other with a protein-based active site. The notion that the protein form of RNase P exists only in eukaryotes has been upended by the recent discovery of a protein-only variant in Bacteria and Archaea. The use of these two divergent scaffolds, shaped by convergent evolution, in all three domains of life inspires questions relating to the ancestral form of RNase P, as well as their origins and function(s) in vivo. Results from our analysis of publicly available bacterial and archaeal genomes suggest that the widespread RNA-based ribonucleoprotein variant is likely the ancient form. We also discuss the possible genetic origins and function of RNase P, including how the simultaneous presence of its variants may contribute to the fitness of their host organisms.
PinMol: Python application for designing molecular beacons for live cell imaging of endogenous mRNAs
Authors: Bayer Livia V. , Omar Omar S. , Bratu Diana P. , Catrina Irina E.
Published: December 2018

Molecular beacons are nucleic acid oligomers labeled with a fluorophore and a quencher that fold in a hairpin-shaped structure, which fluoresce only when bound to their target RNA. They are used for the visualization of endogenous mRNAs in live cells. Here, we report a Python program (PinMol) that designs molecular beacons best suited for live cell imaging by using structural information from secondary structures of the target RNA, predicted via energy minimization approaches. PinMol takes into account the accessibility of the targeted regions, as well as the inter- and intramolecular interactions of each selected probe. To demonstrate its applicability, we synthesized an oskar mRNA-specific molecular beacon (osk1236), which is selected by PinMol to target a more accessible region than a manually designed oskar-specific molecular beacon (osk2216). We previously demonstrated osk2216 to be efficient in detecting oskar mRNA in in vivo experiments. Here, we show that osk1236 outperformed osk2216 in live cell imaging experiments.
Barriers to the early initiation of Insulin therapy among diabetic patients coming to diabetic clinics of tertiary care hospitals
Authors: Arshad Iqra , Mohsin Sara , Iftikhar Sana , Kazmi Tahseen , Nagi Luqman F.
Published: December 2018

Background and Objective: Initiation of Insulin therapy during earlier stages has proved to significantly improve health outcomes among diabetics in comparison to oral medications. Not only patients but physicians are also often resistant to early initiation of insulin therapy. The objective was to assess misconceptions and barriers to early initiation of insulin therapy among diabetic patients coming to a diabetic clinic.

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 300 patients selected by convenience sampling arriving in Diabetes Outdoor Clinics of Mayo and Services Hospitals, Lahore during August 2017 to May 2018. The data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 17.

Results: Out of 300 patients included in study, 39% (n= 117) were males and 61% (n=183) were females. The mean age of the participants at presentation was 48.46±13.15 years with a range of 13 to 80 years. Study participants considered it embarrassing to inject insulin in public place (p-value 0.01). The fear associated with lifelong commitment to insulin therapy once it is started, was also found statistically significant (p-value 0.001)particularly in subjects who have long duration of DM (>5 years).

Conclusion: Perceptions of diabetic patients about insulin therapy are still barriers to early initiation of therapy and tend to prevail in Pakistan and around the globe.

How to cite this:Arshad I, Mohsin S, Iftikhar S, Kazmi T, Nagi LF. Barriers to the early initiation of Insulin therapy among diabetic patients coming to diabetic clinics of tertiary care hospitals. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(1):39-44. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.1.237

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Γυάλινο νομισματικό σταθμίο με παράσταση του Αγίου Νικολάου
Authors: ΣΙΝΑΚΟΣ Αναστάσιος
Published: December 2018

In the Museum of Byzantine Culture a glass numismatic weight (exagion) is kept. A bust of a bearded male figure, with a halo around his head, is depicted on the object. The bust is accompanied by an inscription on its both sides, which goes as follows: | ΝΙ | Κ, – Ο | Λ | Α, : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Νικόλα(ος). The saint is wearing the omophorion above phelonion, while he holds a book, probably the Gospel, with his left hand. Due to the depiction it carries, this exagion is unique. Research on this kind of objects is not aware of exagia with representations of saints. There are only exagia which carry the depiction of the bust of Christ. This weight can be dated to the end of 5th – mid-7th c. and it carries one of the oldest depictions of saint Nicholas. It is most probably connected to the eparch Nicholaos, who issued a lead seal with the depiction of saint Nicholas, published by Zacos-Veglery and dated to the 7th c., or to another eparch, with the same name. Of course,it is important to emphasize that only a future physicochemical examination of the composition of its material and a comparison with the composition of other weights will fully enlighten the question of its dating. If it is proved by this method that it does not belong to the first Byzantine era, then it is possible that this is a commemorative object from a pilgrimage of saint Nicholas.
Ἡ ἀνασύσταση τῆς ἐπισκοπής Γαρδικίου (1541/42)Συμβολή στην εκκλησιαστική ιστορία της Θεσσαλίας κατα την πρώιμη Οθωμανική περίοδο
Authors: AΓΟΡΙΤΣΑΣ Δημήτρης
Published: December 2018

In 1542 the Patriarch of Constantinople Jeremiah I decided to re-establish the bishopric of Gardikion (east of Trikala), proclaiming Neophytos as its first bishop, subject to the metropolitan of Larissa Neophytos I. The reestablishment was a request of the foretold metropolitan because of the ataxia and the many abnormalities that took place that time by the so called “gloater and rebel of Church” against the bishopric of Gardikion and against the will of the Patriarch. In our study, we try to examine this subject and we attempt to enlighten some obscure points such as the identity of all those who were potentially responsible for this turbulence in the ecclesiastical life of Thessaly in the beginning of 16th century, as well as the reasons behind all these.
Dissecting diffuse large B-cell lymphomas of the “not otherwise specified” type: the impact of molecular techniques
Authors: Pileri Stefano A , Derenzini Enrico , Melle Federica , Motta Giovanna , Calleri Angelica , Antoniotti Pierluigi , Maltoni Virginia , Spagnolo Sebastiano , Fiori Stefano , Tabanelli Valentina , Fabbri Marco
Published: December 2018

The updated edition of the Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues, published in September 2017 by the World Health Organization (WHO), presents many important changes to the document published in 2008. Most of these novelties are linked to the exceptional development of biomolecular techniques during the last 10 years. To illustrate how much new technologies have contributed to the better classification of single entities, as well as the discovery of new ones, would go beyond the objectives of this work. For this reason, we will take diffuse large B-cell lymphoma as an example of the cognitive improvement produced by high-yield technologies (such as the gene expression profile, the study of copy number variation, and the definition of the mutational spectrum). The acquisition of this knowledge not only has a speculative value but also represents the elements for effective application in daily practice. On the one hand, it would allow the development of personalised therapy programs, and on the other it would promote the transition from the bench of the researcher's laboratory to the patient's bedside.
Religious Conversion of the Ethnic Minorities in the South of Vietnam
Authors: Tam Truong Phan Chau
Published: December 2018

Religious conversion is a phenomenon that has frequently occurred in human history. As part of religious life, religious conversion reflects fluctuations and changes in social existence, especially changes in the economic, cultural, social, religious factors and one‟s own subjective religious convictions. Religious conversions are taking place in the ethnic communities in Southern Vietnam, but in a context that is space and time specific. So the process of evolution, the nature, dynamics and characteristics of the case of religious conversion here is different and unique. Currently, the study of religious conversion in Vietnam in general and the South in particular, is modest. There have not been many studies regarding case specific religious conversion of people and no studies have done a full assessment of the nature and characteristics of religious conversion on social life in Southern Vietnam as well as forecasted the evolution and impact of the same. This article is intended to present and describe three cases of religious conversion in the south of Vietnam. These are the conversion to Protestantism of ethnic communities Khmer (originating from Cambodia)
Bongitude and the Specification of Freedom
Authors: Dasgupta Probal
Published: December 2018

Both swaraj and swadeshi emerged in the context of nationalist discourses that set independence as a universal goal. This notion of independence derived its meaning from the empires that co-constituted modernity, and meant decolonization. Despite metaphors and other extensions, the little nationalisms within the Indian trans-nation have proved unable to postulate any sort of semi-sovereignty within the larger republic as a credible goal. This Bengal-focused study argues that sustainable autonomy cannot be promoted if all sub-nations are stampeded into ‘one size fits all’. Any ethnic community must take exonyms like ‘Bong’ on board and learn how to elude ethnographic museumization, how to fashion an explicitly contested interdependence with other stakeholders in a game of history that must go on even after the old nationalisms have crumbled. This paper’s interpretive methodology affirms the idiographic level, resists multiplying nomothetic moves beyond necessity, and targets positivism.
Similaridade na composição de espécies no espaço das coletas de imaturos dos Calliphoridae (Diptera, Brachycera) colonizadores de modelos natimortos de Sus scrofa L. (Suidae), em dois ambientes distintos, no Acre, Brasil
Authors: Martins-Silva Thiago , Morato Elder Ferreira
Published: December 2018

Resumo. A ecologia da decomposição de cadáveres não havia ainda sido estudada no Estado do Acre. Este estudo foi realizado em dois ambientes, Floresta e Pasto, entre 21 de dezembro de 2016 e 03 de março de 2017, e usou oito indivíduos de Sus scrofa L. natimortos como iscas para os imaturos de Calliphoridae colonizadores. Foram observados cinco estágios de decomposição (fresco, inchado, decomposição ativa, decomposição avançada e restos) em todas as carcaças. Foram identificadas, na Mata, Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Hemilucilia segmentaria (Fabricius), Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Rondani) e Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann); e, no Pasto, Ch. albiceps, Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), H. segmentaria e L. eximia. H. segmentaria foi presente em todo o processo de decomposição no ambiente de Mata. Ch. albiceps e L. eximia foram presentes em todo o processo de decomposição no ambiente de Pasto. No Estado do Acre, as pesquisas em ecologia da decomposição se iniciam com este estudo, o qual demonstrou estar presentes na região, pelo menos, algumas espécies amplamente distribuídas no Brasil, com poucas diferenças entre ambientes.Similarity in the species composition in the space of immature collections of Calliphoridae (Diptera, Brachycera) colonizers of stillborn models of Sus scrofa L. (Suidae), in two distinct environments, in Acre, Brazil Abstract. The ecology of corpse decomposition (carrion ecology) had never before been studied at State of Acre. This study was carried out within two different environments, Forest and Pasture, from December 21th of 2016 to March 03rd of 2017. Eight stillbirth individuals of Sus scrofa L. were observed, intentionally placed as trap to be hosted by Calliphoridae offspring. It was observed in all decomposing carrion, five stages of decomposition (fresh, bloated, active decay, advanced decay and remains). In the Forest were identified Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Hemilucilia segmentaria (Fabricius), Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Rondani) and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann); and in the Pasture Ch. albiceps, Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), H. segmentaria and L. eximia. H. segmentaria has been present in the whole process of decomposition into the Forest environment. Ch. albiceps and L. eximia were observed all the stages while decomposition has been taken in Pasture. In the State of Acre, research about carrion ecology starts from this study beginning, which has demonstrated being present at this region, at least, some species widely distributed in Brazil, with few differences observed between the two studied environments.
Netrin-1-like-immunoreactivity Coexpresses With DCC and Has a Differential Level in the Myenteric Cholinergic and Nitrergic Neurons of the Adult Mouse Colon
Authors: Ko Suh Youn , Price John T. , Blatch Gregory L. , Nurgali Kulmira
Published: December 2018

Netrin-1 is a potent axonal and neuronal guidance cue in the developing nervous system. Netrin-1 functions are mediated by its receptors, such as deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) present on axons and neurons. Localization of DCC and Netrin-1 on various types of enteric neurons and their role in the mature enteric nervous system is unknown. The results of our study revealed that almost all enteric neurons and processes express DCC and Netrin-1 in the adult mice. Netrin-1-like-immunoreactivity (IR) was detected in the cytoplasm of neurons with some showing strong or weak staining. The majority of Netrin-1-like-immunoreactive enteric neurons were choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-positive. However, ~19% of neurons were strongly Netrin-1-like-positive but ChAT-negative while ~8% of neurons were Netrin-1-like-negative but strongly ChAT-positive. In contrast, almost all nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-positive enteric neurons displayed strong Netrin-1-like-IR. This differential intensity of Netrin-1 expression in the myenteric neurons might determine major neuronal subtypes regulating intestinal motility, ChAT-IR excitatory, and nNOS-IR inhibitory muscle motor and interneurons. This is the first study demonstrating the localization of DCC and Netrin-1 in the colonic myenteric plexus of the adult mice and their expression level determining two major neuronal subtypes regulating intestinal motility.
Restraining the game-changer: A decade of uneven development in the petroleum sector
Authors: Jiyad Ahmed Mousa
Published: December 2018

The development of the Iraqi petroleum sector during the period 2008−18 represents, from all related aspects, a distinct phase in the sector and in its role in the national economy. The petroleum sector comprises three different but interrelated sub-sectors through critical forward-backward linkages: upstream (including exploration, field development and production); midstream (pipeline, storage, export terminals); and downstream (crude refining, gas processing, petroleum product distribution and petrochemicals).
Iraq must now take the path of healing and recovery
Authors: Kubba Juman
Published: December 2018

What is done is done. Iraq, over the past fifteen years, took huge leaps backwards. It is very important for politicians, historians, experts and judicial bodies to analyse what happened, why it happened, who is responsible and how to hold them accountable. But what is more important now is to ensure that Iraqi society recovers from the calamities of the past fifteen years and the preceding 30 years and that the country’s resources are used to serve Iraqis and provide them with good living conditions and never again be wasted and dissipated. This article focuses on the pathway of healing Iraqi society from the aftermath of decades of war, poverty and immense suffering. Restoring good education and health care is the first step on the pathway of healing and recovery and some aspects related to this will be discussed in this article. Also, neutralizing and reversing several dangerous post conflict societal problems that have arisen over the years such as traumatized war children, warinjured young men, drug abuse among youth and an alarming increase in neoplastic diseases just to name a few are a priority. Given the weakness of the government, corruption and contradictions between legislation and jurisdiction, one must consider new non-traditional approaches to solving these problems; a few focusing on health and well-being are presented in the article. The success of any future government should be measured by how much it can ameliorate the essential life-sustaining and life-enhancing services for ordinary citizens.
Exploring the networked image in ‘post’ art practices
Authors: Lynch Garrett
Published: December 2018

This article presents and discusses a series of four networked artworks undertaken since 2013. The artworks are performative, created within the web over a duration of time, are visible to an audience throughout their creation and as such can be considered as durational networked performances. Different in subject matter they overlap considerably in the themes, form and methods employed and constitute a body of research that explores the networked image in relation to a number of ‘post’ art practices. Specifically, this includes the questioning of media and form through postmedia, post-photographic, post-digital, post-Internet and post-screen practices in addition to addressing the manner in which the artist creates through postdisciplinary and postproduction methods.
Seminar Review
Authors: Mozelli Antônio
Published: December 2018

SAD 2018: 4TH Seminar of Digital Arts: Recurrence and Hybridization, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 25–27 April 2018
A INTERAÇÃO DO TRIBUNAL DE CONTAS DA UNIÃO COM O SISTEMA DE PRECEDENTES DO CPC/2015
Authors: Urquhart Cademartori Luiz Henrique , Santos Schramm Fernanda
Published: December 2018

O presente artigo possui como objeto avaliar a compatibilidade entre o sistema de precedentes introduzido pelo artigo 927 do Código de Processo Civil de 2015 e a atividade jurisdicional exercida pelos Tribunais de Contas, nos termos do artigo 71 da Constituição Federal. Para tanto, buscou-se avaliar se a força vinculante dos precedentes judiciais seria compatível com a lógica processual dos julgamentos de contas, tanto em relação à necessidade de submissão aos precedentes dos Tribunais Superiores, quanto à observância dos precedentes internos do próprio Tribunal de Contas em análise.
POLÍTICA AGRARIA Y ESTRATEGIA DE DESARROLLO CUBANAS. RETOS PARA EL COOPERATIVISMO
Authors: García Pedraza Lienny , García Ruiz Jaime , Donéstevez Sánchez Grizel
Published: December 2018

El cooperativismo en Cuba se vio potenciado a partir del triunfo de la Revolución el 1 de enero de 1959.  A pesar de que el país adoptó la vía de la estatalización como vía de socialización socialista.  Apostó por la unidad y cooperación del movimiento campesino cubano para la producción y la prestación de servicios. Por tanto el problema agrario fue siempre parte de la estrategia de desarrollo de Cuba. Los años recorridos por el cooperativismo agrario y la ampliación del cooperativismo a nuevas esferas de la producción y los servicios; complejizan el escenario actual y plantea nuevos retos. Esto último pone a la luz la necesidad de mirar el devenir del cooperativismo en Cuba y las políticas que han favorecido o dificultado su desarrollo; sin olvidar la importancia de la participación de los sujetos en la formulación de las mismas. Por ese motivo el presente trabajo pretende caracterizar las acciones del Estado cubano en la potenciación del cooperativismo e identificar sus principales retos en materia de Políticas Públicas. Lo anterior fue posible a partir de una revisión bibliográfica amplia y un análisis de documentos (Leyes, Decretos) que permiten validar el análisis bibliográfico realizado e identificar los retos para el cooperativismo en el nuevo contexto de actualización del modelo de desarrollo del país.
A Prática Estratégica de Pesquisa de Mercado no Processo de Internacionalização de uma Pequena Cervejaria do Sul do Brasil
Authors: Bellucci Christiane Ferreira , Lavarda Rosalia Barbosa , Roczanski Carla Regina Magagnin
Published: December 2018

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender como ocorre a integração entre os níveis intra e extraorganizacionais na prática estratégica de pesquisa de mercado no processo de internacionalização, considerando o diagrama de Whittington (2006). Foi adotada a metodologia qualitativa por meio do estudo de caso único. A seleção do caso ocorreu de forma não aleatória, por acessibilidade e intencional pelo fenômeno que se buscou analisar. Foi selecionada uma empresa do ramo cervejeiro localizada em Santa Catarina (SC), sul do Brasil, que contratou um serviço de consultoria para inserir-se no mercado internacional. As técnicas de coleta de dados incluíram entrevista semiestruturada, análise documental e observação direta, assegurando a triangulação para a interpretação dos dados. Os dados foram analisados por meio da análise da narrativa e técnica pattern matching. Os resultados confirmam que a integração entre os níveis intra e extraorganizacionais na prática estratégica ocorre por meio de práxis estratégicas pontuais e situadas, nos contatos frequentes e constante envolvimento entre os praticantes com a promoção de ações (dos consultores) que influenciam positivamente nas estratégias da organização, evidenciando que os praticantes são capazes de sintetizar novas práticas e abrirem novos horizontes, eles podem ainda introduzir mais praticantes e novas práxis, em linha com o que propõe Whittington (2006).
The effects of oxidative stress on the development of atherosclerosis
Authors: Khosravi Mohsen , Poursaleh Adeleh , Ghasempour Ghasem , Farhad Shaikhnia , Najafi Mohammad
Published: December 2018

Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) known widely world wide. Several hypothesizes are suggested to be involved in the narrowing of arteries during process of atherogenesis. The oxidative modification hypothesis is related to oxidative and anti-oxidative imbalance and is the most investigated. The aim of this study was to review the role of oxidative stress in atherosclerosis. Furthermore, it describes the roles of oxidative/anti-oxidative enzymes and compounds in the macromolecular and lipoprotein modifications and in triggering inflammatory events. The reactive oxygen (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are the most important endogenous sources produced by non-enzymatic and enzymatic [myeloperoxidase (MPO), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADH) oxidase and lipoxygenase (LO)] reactions that may be balanced with anti-oxidative compounds [glutathione (GSH), polyphenols and vitamins] and enzymes [glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), peroxiredoxins (Prdx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and paraoxonase (PON)]. However, the oxidative and anti-oxidative imbalance causes the involvement of cellular proliferation and migration signaling pathways and macrophage polarization leads to the formation of atherogenic plaques. On the other hand, the immune occurrences and the changes in extra cellular matrix remodeling can develop atherosclerosis process.
Multimodal Characterization of Neural Networks Using Highly Transparent Electrode Arrays
Authors: Donahue Mary J. , Kaszas Attila , Turi Gergely F. , Rózsa Balázs , Slézia Andrea , Vanzetta Ivo , Katona Gergely , Bernard Christophe , Malliaras George G. , Williamson Adam
Published: December 2018

Transparent and flexible materials are attractive for a wide range of emerging bioelectronic applications. These include neural interfacing devices for both recording and stimulation, where low electrochemical electrode impedance is valuable. Here the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is used to fabricate electrodes that are small enough to allow unencumbered optical access for imaging a large cell population with two-photon (2P) microscopy, yet provide low impedance for simultaneous high quality recordings of neural activityin vivo. To demonstrate this, pathophysiological activity was induced in the mouse cortex using 4-aminopyridine (4AP), and the resulting electrical activity was detected with the PEDOT:PSS-based probe while imaging calcium activity directly below the probe area. The induced calcium activity of the neuronal network as measured by the fluorescence change in the cells correlated well with the electrophysiological recordings from the cortical grid of PEDOT:PSS microelectrodes. Our approach provides a valuable vehicle for complementing classical high temporal resolution electrophysiological analysis with optical imaging.
Menthol Stereoisomers Exhibit Different Effects on α4β2 nAChR Upregulation and Dopamine Neuron Spontaneous Firing
Authors: Henderson Brandon J. , Grant Stephen , Wong Betty K. , Shahoei Rezvan , Huard Stephanie M. , Saladi Shyam S. M. , Tajkhorshid Emad , Dougherty Dennis A. , Lester Henry A.
Published: December 2018

Menthol contributes to poor cessation rates among smokers, in part because menthol enhances nicotine reward and reinforcement. Mentholated tobacco products contain (−)-menthol and (+)-menthol, in varying proportions. We examined these two menthol stereoisomers for their ability to upregulate α4β2 nAChRs and to alter dopamine neuron firing frequency using long-term, low-dose (≤500 nm) exposure that is pharmacologically relevant to smoking. We found that (−)-menthol upregulates α4β2 nAChRs while (+)-menthol does not. We also found that (−)-menthol decreases dopamine neuron baseline firing and dopamine neuron excitability, while (+)-menthol exhibits no effect. We then examined both stereoisomers for their ability to inhibit α4β2 nAChR function at higher concentrations (>10 µm) using theXenopusoocyte expression system. To probe for the potential binding site of menthol, we conducted flooding simulations and site-directed mutagenesis. We found that menthol likely binds to the 9´ position on the TM2 (transmembrane M2) helix. We found that menthol inhibition is dependent on the end-to-end distance of the side chain at the 9´ residue. Additionally, we have found that (−)-menthol is only modestly (∼25%) more potent than (+)-menthol at inhibiting wild-type α4β2 nAChRs and a series of L9´ mutant nAChRs. These data reveal that menthol exhibits a stereoselective effect on nAChRs and that the stereochemical effect is much greater for long-term, submicromolar exposure in mice than for acute, higher-level exposure. We hypothesize that of the two menthol stereoisomers, only (−)-menthol plays a role in enhancing nicotine reward through nAChRs on dopamine neurons.
Using Digital Organism Evolutionary Software in the Classroom
Authors: Appleton Luke , Mackie Joshua
Published: December 2018

We review software for exploring biological evolution from a fun and educational perspective. Our goal is to provide a background explanation of the methods used, terminology, and user experience, and learning outcomes of desktop and mobile evolutionary simulators. Freeware and commercial programs are detailed, with a discussion of how certain software packages can be used in introducing evolutionary theory.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGYEndocrine and immunological aspects of burnout: a narrative review
Authors: Jonsdottir Ingibjörg H , Sjörs Dahlman Anna
Published: December 2018

Burnout has several different definitions, and attempts have been made to discriminate between burnout as a psychological construct and burnout as a clinical entity. A large body of research has focused on elucidating the biological link between stress exposure and burnout and/or finding a clinically usable biomarker for burnout. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize the main endocrine and immune findings in relation to burnout. The literature has primarily focused on dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, albeit the large body of studies, it cannot be concluded that clear effects are seen on HPA axis function in people with burnout. The HPA axis and anabolic acute reactivity to stress might be affected in clinical burnout. Plausible, effects of chronic stress might rather be seen when measuring responses to acute stress rather than resting state hormonal levels. Studies on other hormones, including thyroid hormones, prolactin and growth hormone in burnout subjects are inconclusive. It is important to note that this field is faced with many methodological challenges, one being the diurnal and pulsatile nature of many of the hormones of interest, including cortisol, which is not always considered. Another challenge is the heterogeneity regarding definitions and measurements of stress and burnout. Existing studies on burnout and immune function are heterogeneous regarding the results and no firm conclusion can be made if clinically relevant immune changes are present in burnout subjects. An overall conclusion is that existing research cannot confirm any homogenous reliable endocrinological or immunological changes related to burnout.
Resistance to targeted treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Beyens Matthias , Vandamme Timon , Peeters Marc , Van Camp Guy , Op de Beeck Ken
Published: December 2018

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is part of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mTOR signaling. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway has a pivotal role in the oncogenesis of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). In addition, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) drive angiogenesis in NETs and therefore contributes to neuroendocrine tumor development. Hence, mTOR and angiogenesis inhibitors have been developed. Everolimus, a first-generation mTOR inhibitor, has shown significant survival benefit in advanced gastroenteropancreatic NETs. Sunitinib, a pan-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets the VEGF receptor, has proven to increase progression-free survival in advanced pancreatic NETs. Nevertheless, primary and acquired resistance to rapalogs and sunitinib has limited the clinical benefit for NET patients. Despite the identification of multiple molecular mechanisms of resistance, no predictive biomarker has made it to the clinic. This review is focused on the mTOR signaling and angiogenesis in NET, the molecular mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to everolimus and sunitinib and how to overcome this resistance by alternative drug compounds.
The cytoskeleton in spermatogenesis
Authors: Dunleavy Jessica E M , O’Bryan Moira K , Stanton Peter G , O’Donnell Liza
Published: December 2018

As germ cells progress through spermatogenesis, they undergo a dramatic transformation, wherein a single, diploid spermatogonial stem cell ultimately produces thousands of highly specialised, haploid spermatozoa. The cytoskeleton is an integral aspect of all eukaryotic cells. It concomitantly provides both structural support and functional pliability, performing key roles in many fundamental processes including, motility, intracellular trafficking, differentiation and cell division. Accordingly, cytoskeletal dynamics underlie many key spermatogenic processes. This review summarises the organisational and functional aspects of the four major cytoskeletal components (actin, microtubules, intermediate filaments and septins) during the various spermatogenic phases in mammals. We focus on the cytoskeletal machinery of both germ cells and Sertoli cells, and thus, highlight the critical importance of a dynamic and precisely regulated cytoskeleton for male fertility.
Niveles de nitrógeno ureico sanguíneo y su relación con la preñez en alpacas
Authors: Ancco G. Edith , Hinostroza G. Manuel , Quispe E. Carlos , Gómez B. Carlos
Published: December 2018

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las diferencias entre tres intervalos de clase obtenidos a partir de los niveles de nitrógeno ureico sanguíneo (NUS) y la tasa de preñez en alpacas durante la estación reproductiva. El estudio se realizó en una cooperativa comunal de Cerro de Pasco, Perú a una altitud de 4318 msnm en febrero de 2017. Se evaluaron 52 alpacas adultas con más de dos partos. Las muestras de sangre se tomaron en el día de la monta única. Los niveles de NUS se determinaron mediante un kit comercial por colorimetría y la preñez fue determinada mediante ultrasonografía a los 35 días de la monta. Los niveles de NUS variaron entre 15.07 y 46.88 mg/dl y la tasa de preñez fue de 59.6%. La tasa de preñez estuvo asociada a los niveles más bajos y más altos de nitrógeno ureico sanguíneo.
Caracterización de planteles de los sistemas de producción alpaquera de la sierra central del Perú
Authors: Barrantes C. Cecilio , Flores M. Enrique , Ruiz C. José
Published: December 2018

El propósito del estudio fue caracterizar los planteles de tres sistemas de producción alpaquera de la sierra central: empresas y cooperativas comunales (ECC), granjas comunales (GC) y asociaciones de ganaderos (AG). Se realizó del 2006 al 2008, comprendiendo el diagnóstico estático de 28 hatos alpaqueros, evaluación de 30 planteles comunales y estimación de parámetros productivos del núcleo central de reproductores de alpacas (NCRA), procedentes de 22 unidades ganaderas. Los resultados fueron: a) Diagnóstico estático: las ECC exhibieron mejores indicadores que los otros sistemas de producción, en manejo y producción de fibra (ECC 5.2, GC 4.9, AG 5.0 lb/alpaca), extensión de tierras dedicadas a la crianza de alpacas (ECC 3225, GC 1024, AG 195 ha), acceso al mercado (ECC nacional, GC y AG local) y porcentaje de animales registrados (ECC 10.5, GC 0.9, AG 0%); b) Evaluación de planteles: las ECC mostraron mejores indicadores que los demás sistemas de producción, en proporción de madres clase Súper (ECC 23, GC 5, AG 0%) y padres Súper (ECC 86, GC 52, AG 0%), conformación del animal (ECC buena, GC y AG regular), finura de vellón (ECC fina, GC y AG media a gruesa), pasto cultivado (ECC 100, GC y AG 0%) y condición de pastizal (ECC y GC regular, AG pobre); y c) Parámetros productivos del NCRA: las alpacas provenientes de planteles de ECC respondieron mejor que los otros sistemas de producción en proporción de alpacas madres de clase Súper (ECC 13, GC 8, AG 2%), peso vivo a la esquila (ECC 59.3, GC 58.9, AG 53.1 kg), vellón sucio (ECC 2.4, GC 2.2, AG 2.4 kg) y longitud de mecha (ECC 8.9, GC 6.9, AG 7.0 cm). Los resultados muestran que las ECC muestran mejores parámetros que los otros sistemas de producción evaluados en el estudio.
Identificación de bovinos persistentemente infectados y genotipo del virus de la diarrea viral en bovinos de Anta, Cusco, Perú
Authors: Valdez G. Edgar , Pacheco P. Ignasio , Vergara A. Walter , Pinto L. Juan , Fernández B. Fiorela , Guzmán F. Fiorela , Navarro M. Dennis , Rivera G. Hermelinda
Published: December 2018

El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar bovinos persistentemente infectados (PI) y el genotipo del virus de la diarrea viral (VDVB) en bovinos de pequeños ganaderos de cinco distritos de la provincia de Anta, Cusco, que resultaron negativos a anticuerpos contra el VDVB (n=558) en un estudio previo. La identificación de los animales PI se realizó en las 558 muestras de suero de bovinos Holstein, Brown Swiss y criollos hembras de varias edades, mediante la prueba de ELISA de captura. La identificación del genotipo viral fue realizada en cuatro muestras de bovinos PI mediante la prueba de RT-PCR en tiempo real. El 7.2% (40/558) de los bovinos resultaron positivos a antígeno viral en un primer análisis, donde el antígeno fue detectado en animales mayores a 6 meses hasta los 5 años en las tres razas. En el segundo análisis, realizado 30 días después, en los 40 positivos, 30% (12/40) continuaron siendo positivos a antígeno viral indicando que eran animales PI entre mayores a 6 meses y 4 años de cuatro de los cinco distritos de Anta. La prevalencia de los animales PI en la población bovina muestreada de la provincia de Anta fue de 2.2% (12/558). La prueba RT-PCR en tiempo real mostró la amplificación de un producto específico correspondiente al genotipo 1 (VDVB-1). No hubo amplificación de la secuencia objetivo del genotipo 2.
Efecto de un concentrado autólogo de plaquetas en colgajos cutáneos en conejos
Authors: Aragón-Urrego Catherine , Barbosa Irma Ximena , Aristizabal Omar Leonardo
Published: December 2018

El concentrado autólogo de plaquetas (CAP) ha sido utilizado como acelerador de la cicatrización cutánea en medicina veterinaria. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de un CAP en colgajos cutáneos en conejos (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Se utilizaron 10 conejos machos Nueva Zelanda divididos aleatoriamente en un grupo control y un grupo CAP. Se hizo un colgajo cutáneo de rotación en la región toraco-dorsal del miembro torácico derecho de los conejos. La mitad de los conejos recibieron CAP infiltrado bajo el colgajo. Se tomaron biopsias de la unión del colgajo con el lecho receptor a los 3, 7, 14 y 21 días posquirúrgico. Se hizo el análisis histológico del infiltrado inflamatorio y se determinó la proliferación de fibroblastos y tipo de colágeno formado. Se observó diferencia significativa en el recuento de neutrófilos, macrófagos y fibroblastos. El análisis histológico demostró que una única aplicación de CAP no reduce el tiempo de cicatrización en colgajos cutáneos; sin embargo, promueve la formación de vasos sanguíneos y reduce el infiltrado inflamatorio en conejos a lo largo del tiempo experimental.
Relación entre dos métodos de detección del celo y eficiencia reproductiva en vacas Holstein
Authors: Hidalgo V. Yaneline , Velásquez V. Carlomagno , Chagray A. Néstor , Llapapasca G. Nidia , Delgado C. Alfredo
Published: December 2018

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar dos métodos de detección del celo en dos épocas del año y su influencia sobre la eficiencia reproductiva de vacas Holstein. Se evaluaron 1445 registros de un establo comercial de explotación intensiva ubicada en el norte de Lima, Perú en 2014. Los métodos de detección de celo fueron un medidor de actividad comercial (T1), la observación visual (T2) y la combinación de ambos métodos (T3). Los parámetros reproductivos evaluados fueron la tasa de detección de celos, la tasa de concepción, el número de servicios por concepción, los días abiertos y el número de parto. El mayor número de celos fue detectado con T3 (52.2%) en comparación al 27.5% de T1 y al 20.2% de T2 (p<0.05). T1 fue más eficiente en la detección de celos durante el verano (34.7% de celos) en comparación con T2 (13.2%) (p<0.05). T1 detectó mayor número de celos en la primera y segunda lactación (30.3 y 26.5%, respectivamente) en comparación con T2 (20.0 y 19.7%, respectivamente) (p<0.05). No hubo diferencia significativa entre tratamientos con relación a la tasa de concepción y número de servicios por concepción; sin embargo, se encontró un menor número de días abiertos en servicios hechos en celos detectados por observación visual (117 días) en comparación con aquellos por el medidor de actividad (144 días). Se concluye que el medidor de actividad es más eficiente que la observación visual en la detección de celos; sin embargo, los mejores resultados se obtienen combinando ambos métodos.