bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives effectively promotes liver regeneration to attenuate acetaminophen-induced liver injury
Authors: Hu Chenxia , Zhao Lingfei , Wu Zhongwen , Li Lanjuan
Published: February 2020

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced injury is a common clinical phenomenon that not only occurs in a dose-dependent manner but also occurs in some idiosyncratic individuals in a dose-independent manner. APAP overdose generally results in acute liver injury via the initiation of oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy, liver inflammation, and microcirculatory dysfunction. Liver transplantation is the only effective strategy for treating APAP-induced liver failure, but liver transplantation is inhibited by scarce availability of donor liver grafts, acute graft rejection, lifelong immunosuppression, and unbearable costs. Currently, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) effectively restores liver functions early after APAP intake, but it does not protect against APAP-induced injury at the late stage. An increasing number of animal studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) significantly attenuate acute liver injury through their migratory capacity, hepatogenic differentiation, immunoregulatory capacity, and paracrine effects in acute liver failure (ALF). In this review, we comprehensively discuss the mechanisms of APAP overdose-induced liver injury and current therapies for treating APAP-induced liver injury. We then comprehensively summarize recent studies about transplantation of MSC and MSC derivatives for treating APAP-induced liver injury. We firmly believe that MSCs and their derivatives will effectively promote liver regeneration and liver injury repair in APAP overdose-treated animals and patients. To this end, MSC-based therapies may serve as an effective strategy for patients who are waiting for liver transplantation during the early and late stages of APAP-induced ALF in the near future.
On the existence of solutions for a multi-singular pointwise defined fractional q-integro-differential equation
Authors: Rezapour Shahram , Samei Mohammad Esmael
Published: February 2020

By using the Caputo type and the Riemann–Liouville type fractionalq-derivative, we investigate the existence of solutions for a multi-term pointwise defined fractionalq-integro-differential equation with some boundary value conditions. In fact, we give some results by considering different conditions and using some classical fixed point techniques and the Lebesgue dominated convergence theorem.
Potential exploitation of Bacillus flexus biofilm against the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)
Authors: Reda Fifi M. , Hassanein Wesam A. , Moabed Shahera , El-Shafiey Samah N.
Published: February 2020

The present study aimed to investigate new insecticidal compounds used as environmentally safe alternative to synthetic insecticides. A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the effects of Bacillus biofilms and their extracellular matrix (ECM) on the adult’s mortality and reproduction of the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Among 30 bacterial isolates, only 4 exhibited high abilities to form biofilm and showed potentials against the pest at different concentrations 5, 10 and 20%. Results showed that the mortality percentage of C. maculatus adults ranged between 13.36 and 63.43% overall and it increased significantly with raising the concentration of ECMs. While the latent larval mortality did not exceed 31.42%, which was recorded with ECM of isolate no. 13 at the highest concentration (20%). Further, all tested concentrations reduced female fecundity and egg hatchability. The most potent biofilm-producing isolate having the highest adverse activity of ECM extract was identified as Bacillus flexus S13, using 16S rDNA gene sequence and submitted in GenBank under accession number MK292147. These results demonstrated that B. flexus S13 biofilm is a good strategy for the development of new biocontrol agents against C. maculatus.
Electron-transport properties of degenerate ZnSnN2 doped with oxygen
Authors: Cao Xiang , Kawamura Fumio , Taniguchi Takashi , Yamada Naoomi
Published: February 2020

In this study, analysis of the electron mobility in ZnSnN2 epilayers that were unintentionally doped with oxygen (ZnSnN2−xOx) was performed to elucidate the reason for the low mobilities of ~ 20 cm2 V−1 s−1. While roughly 30% of the incorporated oxygen donated electrons, the rest existed as neutral impurities. Seebeck-effect measurements revealed that scattering by neutral impurities governed the electron transport. The theoretical mobility calculated taking into account the scattering by neutral impurities and ionized impurities reproduced the experimental Hall mobility. We concluded that the low electron mobility is attributed to the presence of the neutral oxygen impurities in high concentration.
The impact of thyroid autoantibodies on the cycle outcome and embryo quality in women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Tokgoz Vehbi Yavuz , Isim Berker , Tekin Ahmet Basar
Published: February 2020

Background

The influence of thyroid autoimmunity in in–vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles is still a controversial issue. Although some women are euthyroid, some studies found thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity increased the incidence of infertility. We aimed to evaluate the impact of anti-thyroid antibodies on the cycle parameters, embryo quality, and pregnancy outcomes in women who underwent ICSI cycles.

Results

Fertilization rate was significantly higher in anti-thyroid antibody-negative patients than in anti-thyroid antibody-positive patients (97.1 ± 10.5 vs. 91.5 ± 19.8, respectively, p = 0.003). Clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and ongoing pregnancy rates were not different among study groups. The presence of top-quality embryo was lower in anti-thyroid antibody-positive patients but it did not reach any statistical significance (56.5% vs. 67.8%, p = 0.09). In the subgroup analysis, there were no significant differences except for the miscarriage rate according to the TSH threshold.

Conclusion

The clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy were not affected by the positivity of anti-thyroid antibodies. We showed that thyroid autoimmunity may have an impact on fertilization rate and embryo quality in patients undergoing ICSI cycles. Miscarriage rate also increases with thyroid autoimmunity and TSH levels above 2.5 μIU/L.
Molecular and genetic regulation of pig pancreatic islet cell development
Authors: Kim Seokho , Whitener Robert L. , Peiris Heshan , Gu Xueying , Chang Charles A. , Lam Jonathan Y. , Camunas-Soler Joan , Park Insung , Bevacqua Romina J. , Tellez Krissie , Quake Stephen R. , Lakey Jonathan R. T. , Bottino Rita , Ross Pablo J. , Kim Seung K.
Published: February 2020

Reliance on rodents for understanding pancreatic genetics, development and islet function could limit progress in developing interventions for human diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Similarities of pancreas morphology and function suggest that porcine and human pancreas developmental biology may have useful homologies. However, little is known about pig pancreas development. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated fetal and neonatal pig pancreas at multiple, crucial developmental stages using modern experimental approaches. Purification of islet β-, α- and δ-cells followed by transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) and immunohistology identified cell- and stage-specific regulation, and revealed that pig and human islet cells share characteristic features that are not observed in mice. Morphometric analysis also revealed endocrine cell allocation and architectural similarities between pig and human islets. Our analysis unveiled scores of signaling pathways linked to native islet β-cell functional maturation, including evidence of fetal α-cell GLP-1 production and signaling to β-cells. Thus, the findings and resources detailed here show how pig pancreatic islet studies complement other systems for understanding the developmental programs that generate functional islet cells, and that are relevant to human pancreatic diseases.
STIM1 interacts with termini of Orai channels in a sequential manner
Authors: Niu Liling , Wu Fuyun , Li Kaili , Li Jing , Zhang Shenyuan L. , Hu Junjie , Wang Qian
Published: February 2020

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is critical for numerous Ca2+-related processes. The activation of SOCE requires engagement between stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) molecules on the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ release-activated channel (CRAC) Orai on the plasma membrane. However, the molecular details of their interactions remain elusive. Here, we analyzed STIM1-Orai interactions using synthetic peptides derived from the N- and C-termini of Orai channels (Orai-NT and Orai-CT, respectively) and purified fragments of STIM1. The binding of STIM1 to Orai-NT is hydrophilic based, whereas binding to the Orai-CT is mostly hydrophobic. STIM1 decreases its affinity for Orai-CT when Orai-NT is present, supporting a stepwise interaction. Orai3-CT exhibits stronger binding to STIM1 than Orai1-CT, largely due to the shortness of one helical turn. The role of newly identified residues was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and Ca2+ imaging using full-length molecules. Our results provide important insight into CRAC gating by STIM1.
Risk-Based Loan Pricing: Portfolio Optimization Approach with Marginal Risk Contribution
Authors: Chun So Yeon , Lejeune Miguel A.
Published: February 2020

We consider a lender (bank) that determines the optimal loan price (interest rate) to offer to prospective borrowers under uncertain borrower response and default risk. A borrower may or may not accept the loan at the price offered, and both the principal loaned and the interest income become uncertain because of the risk of default. We present a risk-based loan pricing optimization framework that explicitly takes into account the marginal risk contribution, the portfolio risk, and a borrower’s acceptance probability. Marginal risk assesses the incremental risk contribution of a prospective loan to the bank’s overall portfolio risk by capturing the dependencies between the prospective loan and the existing portfolio and is evaluated with respect to the value-at-risk and conditional value-at-risk measures. We examine the properties and computational challenges of the formulations. We design a reformulation method based on the concavifiability concept to transform the nonlinear objective functions and to derive equivalent mixed-integer nonlinear reformulations with convex continuous relaxations. We also extend the approach to multiloan pricing problems, which feature explicit loan selection decisions in addition to pricing decisions. We derive formulations with multiple loans that take the form of mixed-integer nonlinear problems with nonconvex continuous relaxations and develop a computationally efficient algorithmic method. We provide numerical evidence demonstrating the value of the proposed framework, test the computational tractability, and discuss managerial implications.

This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, optimization.
Fragile alliances: culture, funding and sustainability in police–academic partnerships
Authors: Bacon Matthew , Shapland Joanna , Skinns Layla , White Adam
Published: February 2020

Background

Police–academic partnerships have developed significantly over the past decade or so, spurred on by the expansion of the evidence-based policing movement, the increasing value attached to impactful research in the academy, the ascendance of the professionalisation agenda in the police, and the growing necessity of cross-sectoral collaborations under conditions of post-financial crisis austerity. This trend has given rise to a burgeoning literature in the discipline of criminology which is concerned with charting the progress of these partnerships and setting out the ideal conditions for their future expansion.

Aims and objectives

we advance a sympathetic critique of this literature, adding a note of caution to its largely optimistic outlook.

Methods

we do this by combining a narrative review of the literature on police–academic partnerships with insights from elsewhere in the social sciences and observations from our experience of running the International Strand of the N8 Policing Research Partnership.

Findings and discussion

while we recognise that police–academic partnerships have certainly come a long way, and have the capacity to make important contributions to police work, we argue that they remain ‘fragile’ alliances, beset with fractious occupational cultures, unreliable funding streams and unsustainable inter-institutional relationships. We also reason that the structures underpinning this ‘fragility’ do not represent problems to be overcome, for they help to protect the integrity of the two professions.

Conclusion

we conclude by offering pragmatic measures for sustaining police–academic partnerships during those difficult periods characterised by cultural dissonance, a paucity of funding and the turnover of key personnel.
Effective Technology Supported Writing Strategies for Learners With Disabilities
Authors: Smith Sean J. , Lowrey K. Alisa , Rowland Amber L. , Frey Bruce
Published: February 2020

Recent literature has shown the positive impact of supporting writing instruction with technology for students who struggle with writing, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Based on a yearlong study involving general and special education teachers serving students in inclusive classrooms, we identified specific learning strategies that, when supported with efficient and effective technology, enhance writing outcomes for students with and without disabilities in inclusive settings. To facilitate data collection and assist teachers in identifying needed strategies and technology tools, we integrated a progress monitoring tool. With teachers collecting periodic data on classwide writing progress, instructors were able to offer more responsive instruction to meet the individualized needs of each learner, including those with IDD. These outcomes align with the recent American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and The Arc joint position statement promoting placement in the least restrictive environment, high expectations for all learners, academic integration into general education, the utilization of the Universal Design for Learning framework in designing curriculum and instructional supports, the use of evidence-based practices, increased student participation, and appropriate use of technology. Results of this yearlong study are shared and recommendations for inclusive writing instruction are provided.
Amar la vida / Wit (2001); un caso donde el arte de cuidar aparece desdibujado
Authors: Bottasso Oscar
Published: February 2020

Versada como pocos en los sonetos metafísicos de John Donne y los intrincados vericuetos de la dupla vida y muerte, Vivian Bearing debe enfrentarse de buenas a primeras a un cáncer de ovario avanzado. Inmersa en una vida académica jalonada de logros medulares en su existencia, la enfermedad irrumpe intempestivamente y la traspone desde aquella zona de confort al terreno de las incertidumbres donde los hechos se rigen por designios ajenos a nuestros deseos y especulaciones racionales. Como un aprendizaje física y mentalmente doloroso, la protagonista va tomando conciencia de su enfermedad, el destrato de los médicos para con ella, a la par de efectuar un examen de las decisiones adoptadas a lo largo de sus años, su relación con los demás y la dura lección de empezar a descubrir que ante el momento más trascendente del acontecer humano el andamiaje teórico y su lógica más refinada son insuficientes.
Blockchain Research a Scientometric Assessment of Global Literature during 2010 to 2018
Authors: Gupta B. M. , Dhawan S. M.
Published: February 2020

The paper analyzes global publications in blockchain research on a series of quantitative and qualitative indicators, using Scopus database. Blockchain research published a total of 4629 research publications in 9-year period during 2010-18. The publications registered a fast growth of 150.24 per cent and registered average citation impact per paper of 5.04. The paper profiles most productive countries, organisation, authors and journals on select bibliometric indicators. The top 29 highly-cited papers in this area are also analysed.
Obcy Albert Camus? Przechwycenie jako postkolonialna strategia pisania na przykładzie Sprawy Meursaulta Kamela Daouda
Authors: Bryja Izabela
Published: February 2020

W oparciu o literaturę poświęconą kategorii przechwycenia autorka przeprowadza komparatystyczną analizę Sprawy Meursaulta Kamela Daouda oraz dzieł Alberta Camusa (zwłaszcza Obcego i Upadku). Teoria przechwycenia zrekonstruowana na podstawie pism Guy Deborda, Jacquesa Derridy oraz Judith Butler staje się podstawą dla interpretacji literatury postkolonialnej. Celem artykułu jest wskazanie przechwycenia jako jednej z postkolonialnych strategii tworzenia narracji. Według autorki jej istotą jest renegocjacja struktury kanonu i miejsca twórców wyłączonych – ze względu na ekonomiczne, polityczne i kulturowe uwarunkowania – z pełnego udziału w jego współtworzeniu. W pierwszej części artykułu autorka przedstawia podstawowe wyróżniki przechwycenia oraz struktury kanonu literackiego sformułowanej przez Davida Damroscha. Dalej przeanalizowane zostały dwie dialogujące ze sobą narracje literackie. Porównanie usankcjonowanej w kanonie opowieści o morderstwie i procesie Meursaulta Camusa oraz Sprawy Meursaulta Daouda ujawnia ścisłe związki między dwiema powieściami. W opowieści Daouda odwrócona została narracja o wydarzeniach – w książce dominuje perspektywa ofiary, której wyrazicielem jest brat zabitego przez Meursaulta bezimiennego Araba. Przeprowadzona analiza prowadzi do wniosku, że przechwycenie utworu kanonicznego i jego rekontekstualizacja jest bardziej rewolucyjnym gestem pisarzy postkolonialnych, pragnących wynegocjować własne miejsce w obrębie kanonu, niż natywistyczne, utopijne odtwarzanie przedkolonialnej przeszłości. Wybór tej strategii pisania świadczy o autorskiej świadomości dwojakiego rodzaju: każda literatura jest iterowalna, a każda rewolucja jest tylko pozornym zerwaniem.
Planetary Boundaries and Corporate Reporting: The Role of the Conceptual Basis of the Corporation
Authors: Veldman Jeroen , Jansson Andreas
Published: February 2020

There is a broad call to integrate planetary boundaries and life-cycle based reporting into accounting theory and reporting standards. Although many practitioners back this call, including insurers, shareholders with a long-term orientation, and company law specialists who suggest that the inclusion of long-term stakeholder interests is necessary to counter both corporate and systemic risks, it remains unanswered. We argue that dominant assumptions about the status and architecture of corporations in corporate governance theory stand at the centre of this unanswered call in accounting theory and practice. As the status of the public corporation is interpreted as a nexus of contracts and its architecture as a restricted dyadic relation between ‘principals’ and ‘agents’, the object and audience for corporate reports are restricted to a very specific set of actors, interests and time-horizons. We argue that this conceptual setup unduly restricts notions of accountability and is connected to a specific notion of political economy. A broadening of reporting standards needs, therefore, to be accompanied by a critical assessment of the assumed object and audience of reporting in corporate governance theory.
Anaximenes’ ἀήρ as Generating Mist and Generated Air
Authors: Hobza Pavel
Published: February 2020

Anaximenes is usually considered to be a material monist recognizing transparent atmospheric air as a principle (ἀρχή). In the cosmogonic explanation of the origin of the earth and the heavenly bodies, the Greek term ἀήρ turns out to mean rather ‘opaque damp mist’. However, Not only does it accord with archaic usage, but also with how it was used in his mentor, Anaximander. Yet, in cosmology ἀήρ means ‘air’ serving as stuff on which the earth and the heavenly bodies float. Hence, in keeping with contemporary usage, Anaximenes recognised two kinds of ἀήρ, distinguishing them functionally. Whereas mist is conceived of as ageneratingsubstance, air functions only ascarryingstuff.
The influence of the cargo weight and its position on the braking characteristics of light commercial vehicles
Authors: Skrucany Tomas , Vrabel Jan , Kazimir Patrik
Published: February 2020

The influence of the cargo weight loaded on the vehicle and the total gross mass of the vehicle on the braking characteristics is often researched from the road safety reason. However, there is not enough knowledge about the influence of weight and load distribution on the loading area of small trucks or vans on their braking characteristics. This article presents the results of measurements of braking decelerations of the van of N1 category and the braking characteristics of a vehicle loaded with different cargo mass with different cargo locations on the loading area. The impact of the longitudinal cargo position on the loading area on the load of the individual axles and thus on the braking deceleration of the vehicle was investigated. The influence of the height of the center of gravity on the dynamic axle load during braking was also determined. Method of direct vehicle deceleration measurement was used by a decelerometer. There were calculated cargo weight and cargo position influences on the dynamic axle load during braking according to the vehicle deceleration.
Are the Goals of Sustainability Interconnected? A Sociological Analysis of the Three E’s of Sustainable Development Using Cross-Lagged Models with Reciprocal Effects
Authors: Clement Matthew Thomas , Pino Nathan , Greiner Patrick , McGee Julius
Published: February 2020

Conceptual discussions of sustainability emphasize the interdependent relationship between relevant social and environmental factors. Yet, traditional quantitative analyses of the topic have tended to estimate the exogenous or direct/indirect effects a predictor variable has on a particular measure of sustainability. We examine the endogenous, interdependent relationship between the three E’s of sustainability (economy, equity, and ecology), incorporating country-level data for 1990 through 2015 into cross-lagged structural equation models with reciprocal and fixed effects. Results from these longitudinal models suggest that over time, at the country level, increasing economic inequality reduces renewable energy consumption, with no evidence of reciprocal feedback. Keeping in mind the limitations of the analysis, we tentatively argue that the modern form of development has constrained the potential for the sustainability goals to feed back into each other.
Glucocorticoids regulate AKR1D1 activity in human liver in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Nikolaou Nikolaos , Arvaniti Anastasia , Appanna Nathan , Sharp Anna , Hughes Beverly A , Digweed Dena , Whitaker Martin J , Ross Richard , Arlt Wiebke , Penning Trevor M , Morris Karen , George Sherly , Keevil Brian G , Hodson Leanne , Gathercole Laura L , Tomlinson Jeremy W
Published: February 2020

Steroid 5β-reductase (AKR1D1) is highly expressed in human liver where it inactivates endogenous glucocorticoids and catalyses an important step in bile acid synthesis. Endogenous and synthetic glucocorticoids are potent regulators of metabolic phenotype and play a crucial role in hepatic glucose metabolism. However, the potential of synthetic glucocorticoids to be metabolised by AKR1D1 as well as to regulate its expression and activity has not been investigated. The impact of glucocorticoids on AKR1D1 activity was assessed in human liver HepG2 and Huh7 cells; AKR1D1 expression was assessed by qPCR and Western blotting. Genetic manipulation of AKR1D1 expression was conducted in HepG2 and Huh7 cells and metabolic assessments were made using qPCR. Urinary steroid metabolite profiling in healthy volunteers was performed pre- and post-dexamethasone treatment, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. AKR1D1 metabolised endogenous cortisol, but cleared prednisolone and dexamethasone less efficiently. In vitro and in vivo, dexamethasone decreased AKR1D1 expression and activity, further limiting glucocorticoid clearance and augmenting action. Dexamethasone enhanced gluconeogenic and glycogen synthesis gene expression in liver cell models and these changes were mirrored by genetic knockdown of AKR1D1 expression. The effects of AKR1D1 knockdown were mediated through multiple nuclear hormone receptors, including the glucocorticoid, pregnane X and farnesoid X receptors. Glucocorticoids down-regulate AKR1D1 expression and activity and thereby reduce glucocorticoid clearance. In addition, AKR1D1 down-regulation alters the activation of multiple nuclear hormone receptors to drive changes in gluconeogenic and glycogen synthesis gene expression profiles, which may exacerbate the adverse impact of exogenous glucocorticoids.
Maternal peri-conceptional undernourishment perturbs offspring sperm methylome
Authors: Toschi Paola , Capra Emanuele , Anzalone Debora A , Lazzari Barbara , Turri Federica , Pizzi Flavia , Scapolo Pier A , Stella Alessandra , Williams John L , Ajmone Marsan Paolo , Loi Pasqualino
Published: February 2020

The genotype of an organism is stable throughout its life; however, its epigenome is dynamic and can be altered in response to environmental factors, such as diet. Inheritance of acquired epigenetic modifications by the next generation occurs through the germline, although the precise mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Here, we used a sheep model to evaluate if modification of the maternal diet (CTR; control, UND: undernutrition; FA: undernutrition and folic acid supplementation) during the peri-conceptional period affects the genome-wide methylation status of the gametes of male offspring. Sperm DNA methylation, measured by Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS), identified Differentially Methylated Regions (DMR) in offspring that experienced in utero undernutrition, both in UND (244) and FA (240), compared with CTR. Gene ontology (GO) analysis identified DMRs in categories related to sperm function, therefore we investigated whether the fertilizing capacity of the semen from the three groups differed in an in vitro fertilization assay. Spermatozoa from the undernourished groups showed lower motility and sperm chromatin structure abnormalities, represented by a higher percentage of DNA fragmentation and an increased number of immature cells, compared with CTR. While good quality blastocysts were obtained from all three groups, the proportion of embryos reaching the blastocyst stage was reduced in the UND vs CTR, an effect partially rescued by the FA treatment. The data reported here show that nutritional stress during early pregnancy leads to epigenetic modifications in the semen of the resulting offspring, the effects of which in next generation remain to be elucidated.
Sternal Wound Complications: Objective Reclassification and Surgical Reconsideration
Authors: Elassal Ahmed Abdelrahman , Al-Ebrahim Khalid Ebrahim , Al-Radi Osman Osama , Jabbad Husain Hamza , Eldib Osama Saber
Published: February 2020

Backgroundː Sternal wound complications pose a tremendous challenge post cardiac surgery and still no consensus or clear guidelines to deal with them, so we propose simple and more objective classification helps in organising the range of sternal wound complications and suggests a relevant treatment strategy.
Methodsː 116 cases of sternal wound complications were reviewed retrospectively out of 2391 adult patients underwent full sternotomy for almost cardiac surgery indications from 2006 to 2018. 86 cases of them were managed conservatively and the other 30 required surgical intervention. More objective classification was proposed and less invasive fasciocutaneous flap was reconsidered for almost reconstructive indications.
Resultsː The incidence of Sternal wound complications was 4.8%. Conservative management was adopted for 86 cases, mean duration was 11.19±9.8 days. Surgical management was performed in 30 patients (25.86%), twenty eight (93.3%) of them recovered with good outcomes of less invasive fasciocutaneous flap done for 13 cases. Two cases had recurrence, one was managed conservatively and other was reoperated and healed well. The commonest organisms in recurrent infections were N. coagulase (29.8%) Klebsiella (12.5%), pseudomonas (10.5%), and MRSA (10.5%). We had 4 mortalities; all are not related to sternal wound complications and one related to the cardiac surgery.
Conclusionsː Sternal wound complications are grave events, objective classification and selecting proper management are warranted to gain better outcomes.
Ten-Year Clinical Experience on Chylothorax after Cardiovascular Surgery
Authors: Kahraman Doğan , Keskin Gökhan , Khalil Emced , Dogan Omer Faruk
Published: February 2020

Background: Chylothorax or pseudo-chylothorax is a serious complication after adult and pediatric cardiac surgery. This study presents our 10-year clinical experience of chylothorax after cardiac surgery.
Methods: Between January 2008 and February 2019, 4896 cardiovascular surgeries were performed in 2 tertiary clinics, with 416 patients in the pediatric age group (8.4%). Chylothorax and pseudo-chylothorax were detected in 47 patients (22 adult and 20 pediatric patients, 4.8%). Pseudo-chylothorax was seen in 5 adult patients. In 27 patients, a pleural effusion developed on the left side (64.2%). Quantities of chylomicron in pleural effusion were significant in all patients. In addition, protein and lactate dehydrogenase levels were >2.9 g/dL. The cholesterol level in the pleural effusion was >2.49 mmol/L in all patients. The mean latency period was 8 days (range 3.1 to 63.1). For the management of chylothorax, somatostatin or octreotide as a somatostatin analog was administered in 23 patients (15 adult and 8 pediatric) in the intensive care unit. Somatostatin or octreotide was administered intravenously or subcutaneously at a dose of 0.3 to 4 µg/(kg · h–1). We used dexamethasone as a steroid combined with somatostatin in patients who were resistant to medical treatment before pleurodesis or ductus closure. Classic chemical pleurodesis combined with fibrin glue was performed in 11 patients (8 adult and 3 pediatric). Surgical duct ligation, as the last option, was performed in 7 patients.
Results: No mortality or morbidity was observed. Chylothorax improved with the medical approach in 23 patients within 24.2 ± 11.3 days (48.9%). We successfully performed the pleurodesis procedure using fibrin glue in addition to the classic method. The mean duration of conservative treatment was 27.1 days (range 11 to 39). After discharge from the hospital, 2 children had recurrence of chylothorax, and the ductus thoracicus was surgically ligated. No complication was seen during or after ductus ligation.
Conclusions: According to our clinical experience, chylothorax is not an extremely rare complication after cardiac surgery in pediatric cardiovascular surgery. A number of patients with chylothorax may be treated medically and with diet adjustment. Medical treatment including steroid administration may be the first treatment strategy immediately after diagnosis. Classic chemical pleurodesis combined with fibrin glue may be applied in the early stages. Surgical ligation of the ductus thoracicus should be considered the last treatment option.
Diagnóstico ergonómico de los cambios posturales y evaluación de riesgo ergonómico de un operario zurdo en el manejo de un taladro de pedestal, con el uso de los métodos REBA, RULA y OCRA Checklist
Authors: Obando Herrera Fabio Eduardo , Maldonado Dávila Carlos Iván
Published: February 2020

This investigation is a study aimed at assessing posture and evaluating the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in upper limbs of mechanical engineering students at the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana in Quito, Ecuador. Through a descriptive study of ten students with an average age of 19.8 ±1.23 years and average drill-use experience of 1.9 ±1.3 months, ergonomic risk was assessed using REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment), RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment), and OCRA (Occupational Repetitive Action) Checklist methods. Previously, Harris and Edinburgh tests were used to evaluate laterality, which resulted in a 100% consistently left-handed population (p<0.05). Upper limb joint angles were measured using photometry and the free software Ruler, establishing a database for ergonomic risk assessment. Next, Pearson’s correlation was used to compare the operator’s laterality with each ergonomic evaluation method. Additionally, other variables analyzed were the operators’ age and their experience using the drill press, which do not contribute to the risk of MSI. In conclusion, a high risk of MSI exists for left-handed users when they operate a drill press, and this risk increases with their degree of laterality.
Modelo de gestión por procesos para mejorar el desempeño en el área Agri-Food
Authors: Delgado Seclén Juan Gabriel , Calsina Miramira Willy
Published: February 2020

This research proposes improvements for the agri-food sector, which presents problems including: complaints from customers, who state that auditors and inspectors do not arrive at agreed-upon times; lack of procedures, which confuses clients since inspectors complete different operations for the same service; and finally, lack of input and output control of stored materials, so material required by all organizational personnel is frequently missing. After explaining the problems in the agri-food sector, this study aims to mitigate these directly-related problems, given that the client currently has a bad impression about the service. Likewise, the investigation was performed on a company that provides inspection, audit, testing and food certification services. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of a business process management model on the performance of the agri-food sector, with the aim of reducing complaints, standardizing activities carried out by the inspectors in the field and accounting for the materials required by all collaborators. The design of this research is time-series quasi-experimental; descriptive and inferential statistics have also been applied. Finally, the results obtained were: reduction of complaints, standardization of fieldwork and order fulfillment, all of which can be seen in the hypothesis testing.
Concordancia diagnóstica intraoperador de dos métodos cuantitativos de necesidad de tratamiento ortodóncico en niños
Authors: Berenice Olivera Paola , Yohana Meza Edna , Silvina Dho María , Noelia Peláez Alina
Published: February 2020

Objetivo. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la concordancia diagnóstica intraoperador, aplicando dos métodos cuantitativos como lo son el índice estético dental (DAI) y el índice de necesidad de tratamiento ortodóncico (IONT) en niños con dentición mixta. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional correlacional de corte transversal, con una muestra seleccionada de 20 pacientes que concurrieron para su atención integral al Módulo de atención integral del niño y el adolescente de la Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (FOUNNE). Sobre los mismos pacientes se midieron las variables incluidas en ambos índices en una primera medición y con una diferencia de tiempo de 15 días una segunda medición, para evaluar la concordancia diagnóstica intraoperador y para evitar el sesgo por la memoria de este. Resultados. Se realizó un análisis de correlación de Spearman, encontrándose para el IONT un coeficiente r=1 lo que indica una correlación perfecta y para el DAI un r=0,99, ambos significativos. Conclusiones. Se comprobó una correcta concordancia diagnóstica intraoperador de necesidad de tratamiento ortodóncico en la aplicación de dos métodos cuantitativos, el índice estético dental y el índice de necesidad de tratamiento, sobre los mismos niños con dentición mixta.
Relación entre autoconcepto y ansiedad estado-rasgo en universitarios peruanos
Authors: Guevara-Cordero Claudia Karina , Rodas-Vera Nikolai Martin , Varas-Loli Roxana Patricia
Published: February 2020

La ansiedad es un problema de salud pública que debe ser investigado. Teóricamente, el autoconcepto está relacionado con la ansiedad. Por este motivo, el presente estudio se planteó el objetivo de encontrar la relación entre estas dos variables. Para ello, se diseñó una investigación no experimental, transversal y correlacional simple, en la cual se utilizó la Escala de Ansiedad Estado-Rasgo y el Cuestionario de Autoconcepto de Garley, el cual fue adaptado para universitarios. La muestra estuvo conformada por 150 jóvenes universitarios de Lima, entre los 17 y 27 años de edad, de ambos sexos. Los resultados indican relaciones significativas y con tamaños del efecto que oscilan entre bajo, moderado y grande entre ansiedad rasgo y las dimensiones de autoconcepto (físico, social, familiar, intelectual, personal y control), pero la ansiedad estado solo se relacionó de manera significativa con autoconcepto intelectual, personal y control. Finalmente, se discuten los hallazgos en función de los antecedentes, las bases teóricas y las limitaciones, elaborando recomendaciones para futuras investigaciones.
Diseño y validación de la escala de afrontamiento al estrés en padres de hijos con discapacidad
Authors: Tanta-Luyo Araseli Yaquelin , Quispe Fernández Marisela , Serpa Barrientos Antonio , Ardiles Guevara Daniella Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

El objetivo de este artículo consistió en determinar las evidencias psicométricas de la escala de afrontamiento en padres de hijos con discapacidad en Lima. El estudio fue un diseño no experimental, transversal y psicométrico. El muestreo fue no probabilístico y a conveniencia de los investigadores con una muestra de 246 padres de tres centros de educación básica especial, en un rango de edades de 20 a 57 años. El desarrollo de validación se desarrolló con la validez fundamentada en el contenido a través de juicio de expertos y evaluación psicométrica en dos estudios. Los resultados presentaron apropiadas evidencias empíricas de validez por estructura interna, basado en “el modelo unidimensional - Centrado en el problema de 10 ítems (SB-X2/gl=1.79, CFI=.92, SRMR=.06, RMSEA=.06)” y una consistencia interna, mediante omega compuesto ω=.79. En conclusión, la escala de afrontamiento para padres de hijos con discapacidad evidenció adecuadas propiedades psicométricas, confirmando la dimensión centrado en el problema de la teoría de Lazarus y Folkman (1986).
Diversidad genética en ovinos (Ovis aries) Asblack de Lima, Perú, utilizando marcadores microsatélites
Authors: Morón Barraza Jonathan Alejandro , Yalta C. , Gutiérrez G. , Veli E.
Published: February 2020

El ovino Asblack es el resultado del cruce de los ovinos Assaf y Blackbelly con fines de formar una raza sintética. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la diversidad genética de los ovinos Asblack y su relación con los ovinos Assaf y Blackbelly. Se colectaron muestras de sangre a 103 ovinos no emparentados de la región Lima, Perú. Los ovinos fueron genotipados para 17 marcadores microsatélites. Se halló una alta diversidad en las poblaciones, identificándose un total de 146 alelos, donde la población de ovinos Asblack tuvo el mayor número de alelos. La heterocigosidad esperada fue mayor a la observada en los ovinos Asblack con respecto al ovino Assaf y Blackbelly, lo que indica una tendencia al déficit de heterocigotos en el cruce. Además, se observó nueve locus que no están en equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg, bajo la hipótesis nula de unión aleatoria de gametos en el cruce Asblack. La variación molecular entre las poblaciones fue 11.4% y la variación entre individuos dentro de las poblaciones fue de 6.8%; sin embargo, al analizar la estructura poblacional, el flujo genético fue de 0.03, lo que indica una diferenciación genética. Los valores de FIS (0.077) reflejaron bajo niveles de endogamia y el FST (0,115) indicó una moderada diferenciación genética entre las poblaciones. Las poblaciones se separaron en tres grupos (K=3), resultado soportado por el análisis factorial de correspondencia. En conclusión, se evidencia una alta diversidad genética en las poblaciones estudiadas por raza e individuos, con una moderada diferenciación de ovinos Asblack con respecto a sus razas progenitoras.
Dispersión del amoníaco proveniente de una granja avícola en Santa Bárbara (Cundinamarca, Colombia) y su valoración cualitativa
Authors: Ruíz Katherine , Trilleras Motha Jenny Maritza , Sanjuanelo Danny
Published: February 2020

Se hizo un análisis de la dispersión del amoníaco proveniente de una granja avícola en la vereda de Santa Bárbara, municipio de Tena (Cundinamarca, Colombia). Se utilizaron cuatro galpones de ambiente no controlado en el que se hicieron mediciones de las concentraciones de amoníaco en el centro de los galpones y cada 250 m siguiendo las orientaciones de acuerdo con las direcciones cardinales (norte, sur, este y oeste). Las mediciones se hicieron durante un ciclo productivo de 50 días, con tres lecturas al día (08:00, 12:00, 18:00). También se hizo una valoración cualitativa de percepciones sociales a las personas que viven en un radio de 1 km de la granja avícola. Se encontró que las emisiones de amoníaco estuvieron relacionadas con el ciclo reproductivo y no con las horas del día. Así mismo, la concentración de amoníaco estuvo relacionada con la temperatura, pero no con la velocidad del viento. La distancia máxima con concentraciones relevantes de amoníaco fue de 361 m, lo cual no representa una amenaza para la población aledaña; sin embargo, la población percibe impactos a la calidad de vida asociados a olores ofensivos provenientes de la granja.
Edad al primer parto y productividad lechera del ganado bovino Holstein en la costa central del Perú
Authors: Sessarego D. Emmanuel , Chávez C. Juan , Barrón L. Alberto , Vásquez R. Angel , López C. Manuel
Published: February 2020

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el efecto de la edad al primer parto (EPP) sobre la producción estandarizada de leche (PEL) de la primera y segunda lactación e intervalo entre los primeros dos partos (IEP) en vacas Holstein de la cuenca lechera de Lima, Perú. Se analizaron registros de 4215 vacas provenientes de nueve establos, registrados en el Servicio de Productividad Lechera de la Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, entre enero de 2003 y diciembre de 2012. La información se analizó mediante estadística descriptiva y un modelo lineal mixto, utilizando el paquete SAS 9.4. La EPP promedio fue de 24.9 ± 2.3 meses. La EPP influyó en la PEL (p=0.0008), pero no en el IEP (p=0.3969). Asimismo, se encontraron diferencias significativas (p<0.01) entre las dos lactaciones, entre las cuatro estaciones del año y entre los 10 años evaluados, para las dos variables en estudio. En conclusión, se observaron mayores PEL y menores IEP a edades intermedias (22-30 meses), por lo que la EPP óptima estaría alrededor de los 22 meses para lograr maximizar el rendimiento productivo.
Efecto de un complejo vitamínico-mineral sobre la preñez pos-inseminación artificial a tiempo fijo
Authors: Leonetti Unzué Tomas , Chayer Ricardo , González Chaves Santiago , Cabodevila Jorge , Callejas Santiago
Published: February 2020

El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar en vaquillonas el efecto de un tratamiento inyectable con vitaminas y minerales sobre el porcentaje de preñez luego de una inseminación artificial a tiempo fijo (IATF), así como determinar una posible relación entre la respuesta al tratamiento y el Grado de Desarrollo Reproductivo (GDR). Se emplearon 360 vaquillonas, pertenecientes a tres establecimientos (A, B y C). En el día 0, los animales fueron divididos en dos grupos según el GDR. Un grupo fue suplementado vía i.m. con un complejo vitamínico-mineral comercial (Grupo V+M) y el otro quedó como grupo control. Simultáneamente, se colocó un dispositivo intravaginal con 0.5 g de progesterona y se inyectó 2 mg de benzoato de estradiol. En el día 7 se retiró el dispositivo y se inyectó 500 µg de D(+) cloprostenol y 1 mg de cipionato de estradiol. La IATF se realizó entre las 48 y 56 h de retirado el dispositivo, utilizando semen congelado en A y C, y de dos toros en B. El diagnóstico de gestación se realizó por ultrasonografía a los 32 días de la IATF. El porcentaje de preñez fue de 56.9% en A y de 52.0% en C, sin diferencia significativa entre tratamientos, pero en B fue de 76.6% para V+M y de 57.8% para el control (p=0.03). No hubo efecto del GDR y de la interacción GDR-Tratamiento. En conclusión, la suplementación vitamínica/mineral aplicada por vía parenteral al inicio de un protocolo de IATF en vaquillonas de 15 meses presenta resultados variables.
Variaciones de la composición bioquímica del fluido folicular de la alpaca según el estado de crecimiento del folículo ovárico
Authors: Pacheco Joel Iván , Coila Pedro U. , Olivera Macoly , Quispe Andrés
Published: February 2020

Se determinaron las concentraciones de proteínas totales, glucosa, colesterol, triglicéridos, fosfolípidos, calcio, fósforo, magnesio, fosfatasa alcalina (ALP), aspartato transaminasa (AST), alanina transaminasa (ALT) y 17-β-estradiol en el líquido de folículos ováricos de alpacas Huacaya vacías en edad reproductiva de acuerdo con el desarrollo del folículo ovárico (tamaño). Se utilizaron 60 alpacas beneficiadas en el camal local y se tomaron muestras de folículos pequeños (<4 mm), medianos (5-7 mm) y grandes (>7 mm) (n=20 por tamaño). El diámetro de los folículos se midió con un calibrador vernier y el líquido folicular fue aspirado. Los análisis de las muestras se realizaron en el Laboratorio de Bioquímica de la Universidad Nacional del Altiplano (Puno, Perú) utilizando técnicas colorimétricas y espectrofotométricas. Los resultados de concentración para los folículos pequeños, medianos y grandes fueron: proteínas totales (5.03, 5.68 y 7.25 g/dl), glucosa (45.8, 56.4 y 69.0 mg/dl), colesterol (3.96, 5.33 y 6.18 mg/dl), triglicéridos (17.91, 14.91 y 12.0 mg/dl), fosfolípidos (8.99, 6.0 y 6.11 mg/l), calcio (5.76, 8.19 y 9.58 mg/dl), fósforo (15.69, 10.61 y 10.71 mg/dl), magnesio (2.91, 2.85 y 2.59 mg/dl), ALP (84.6, 75.4 y 75.59 UI/l), AST (238.17, 174.83 y 152.06 UI/l), ALT (24.24, 18.0 y 11.72 UI/l) y 17-β-estradiol (0.80, 1.91 y 2.39 ng/ml). Se concluye que los niveles de calcio se incrementan y los niveles de magnesio y fosfatasa alcalina disminuyen conforme se desarrolla el ovocito, mientras que los niveles de fósforo y fosfolípidos disminuyen de folículos pequeños a folículos medianos, para luego incrementarse ligeramente en folículos grandes. Además, el contenido de estradiol está en relación directa con su tamaño.
Análisis de la producción de fibra de vicuñas en semicautiverio y silvestría en Apurímac, Perú
Authors: Valenzuela Pinares Miguel Angel , Ramos De la Riva Víctor Alberto , Cárdenas Villanueva Ludwing Angel , Pezo Carreón Sergio Danilo
Published: February 2020

El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la producción de fibra de vicuña (Vicugna mensalis mensalis) en semicautiverio y silvestría entre 2008 y 2016 en la región Apurímac, Perú, así como determinar la población de vicuñas capturadas y esquiladas y el efecto del sexo, edad y sistema de manejo en la producción de fibra. La producción de fibra de vicuña en los nueve años del estudio fue de 2 623 kg, promedio anual de 295.7 kg, rendimiento de 152.76 g/vicuña esquilada y un rango de variación de 54-426 g. La producción de fibra tuvo una tasa de crecimiento anual de 9.45% y una tasa de captura de 10.34%. Al análisis factorial se encontró diferencia significativa (p<0.05) para las interacciones años, edad, sexo y efectos simples.