bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community-based HIV testing in The Netherlands: experiences of lay providers and end users at a rapid HIV test checkpoint
Authors: Krabbenborg Nori , Spijker Ralph , Żakowicz Anna Maria , de Moraes Milo , Heijman Titia , de Coul Eline Op
Published: June 2021

Background

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF-Checkpoint) in The Netherlands offers rapid HIV testing for key populations by lay providers. We explored the experiences and needs of lay providers and end users of HIV testing at AHF-Checkpoint, taking into account the WHO 5C-(consent, confidentiality, counselling, correct-results, connection-to-care) criteria for HIV test services.

Methods

Qualitative evaluation with 15 semi-structured interviews conducted during 2020 with ten lay providers and five gay or bisexual end users. Recorded interviews were thematically analysed, taking data triangulation into account.

Results

Four domains were identified: (1) accessibility of HIV testing, (2) quality of test procedures, (3) bridging (transitional care), and (4) future strategies for service delivery. AHF-Checkpoint fills a gap for key populations including LGBTQ and refugees, who experience HIV testing barriers at sexual health centres or general practices. The level of trust between lay providers and end users was highly valued by end users. They appreciated the low threshold to test at no costs, and the absence of waiting lists or triaging. Needs expressed by lay providers included more preparedness for emotionally charged situations, and extra training to improve STI knowledge. End users expressed a need for a full STI test package. Of the 5Cs, consent, counselling, and correct results were realised but confidentiality was sometimes difficult to achieve at pop-up locations, and referral barriers for confirmation testing (connection-to-care) were occasionally experienced by lay providers during weekends.

Conclusion

AHF-Checkpoint was described as a convenient and easily accessible service by end users and lay providers. Of the WHO 5Cs, connection-to-care could be optimised to ensure HIV confirmation and STI testing through a liaison approach with professionals from the regular healthcare sector.
A precision medicine classification for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in older patients
Authors: Mims Alice S. , Kohlschmidt Jessica , Borate Uma , Blachly James S. , Orwick Shelley , Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin , Papaioannou Dimitrios , Nicolet Deedra , Mrόzek Krzysztof , Stein Eytan , Bhatnagar Bhavana , Stone Richard M. , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Wang Eunice S. , Powell Bayard L. , Burd Amy , Levine Ross L. , Druker Brian J. , Bloomfield Clara D. , Byrd John C.
Published: June 2021

Background

Older patients (≥ 60 years) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) often have multiple, sequentially acquired, somatic mutations that drive leukemogenesis and are associated with poor outcome. Beat AML is a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society-sponsored, multicenter umbrella study that algorithmically segregates AML patients based upon cytogenetic and dominant molecular abnormalities (variant allele frequencies (VAF) ≥ 0.2) into different cohorts to select for targeted therapies. During the conception of the Beat AML design, a historical dataset was needed to help in the design of the genomic algorithm for patient assignment and serve as the basis for the statistical design of individual genomic treatment substudies for the Beat AML study.

Methods

We classified 563 newly diagnosed older AML patients treated with standard intensive chemotherapy on trials conducted by Cancer and Leukemia Group B based on the same genomic algorithm and assessed clinical outcomes.

Results

Our classification identified core-binding factor and NPM1-mutated/FLT3-ITD-negative groups as having the best outcomes, with 30-day early death (ED) rates of 0 and 20%, respectively, and median overall survival (OS) of > 1 year and 3-year OS rates of ≥ 20%. All other genomic groups had ED rates of 17–42%, median OS ≤ 1 year and 3-year OS rates of ≤ 15%.

Conclusions

By classifying patients through this genomic algorithm, outcomes were poor and not unexpected from a non-algorithmic, non-dominant VAF approach. The exception is 30-day ED rate typically is not available for intensive induction for individual genomic groups and therefore difficult to compare outcomes with targeted therapeutics. This Alliance data supported the use of this algorithm for patient assignment at the initiation of the Beat AML study. This outcome data was also used for statistical design for Beat AML substudies for individual genomic groups to determine goals for improvement from intensive induction and hopefully lead to more rapid approval of new therapies.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT00048958 (CALGB 8461), NCT00900224 (CALGB 20202), NCT00003190 (CALGB 9720), NCT00085124 (CALGB 10201), NCT00742625 (CALGB 10502), NCT01420926 (CALGB 11002), NCT00039377 (CALGB 10801), and NCT01253070 (CALGB 11001).
TCP1 regulates PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to promote proliferation of ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Weng Huixi , Feng Xiushan , Lan Yu , Zheng Zhiqun
Published: June 2021

Objective

TCP1 is one of the eight subunits of the TCP1 ring complex (TRiC) or the multi-protein mammalian cytosolic chaperone complex. TRiC participates in protein folding and regulates the expression of multiple signaling proteins and cytoskeletal components in cells. Although the clinical importance of its subunits has been clarified in various carcinomas, the function of TCP1 in ovarian cancer (OC) remains unclear. We aimed to identify the association between the expression of TCP1 and the development of epithelial OC (EOC) and patient prognosis, and explore the underlying mechanisms of TCP1 on the tumor progression of OC cells.

Methods

TCP1 protein expression was tested in various ovarian tissues by immunohistochemistry, and the correlation between TCP1 expression and clinical physiologic or pathologic parameters of patients with EOC was analyzed. The relationship between TCP1 expression and the prognosis of patients with OC was investigated and analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier (KM) plotter online database. The expression level of TCP1 was then tested in different OC cell lines by Western blotting. Further, a model using OC cell line A2780 was constructed to study the functions of TCP1 in growth, migration, and invasion of human EOC cells. Finally, the possible regulating signaling pathways were discussed.

Results

TCP1 protein expression in OC or borderline tissues was significantly higher than that in benign ovarian tumors and normal ovarian tissue. The upregulated expression of TCP1 in OC was positively associated with the differentiation grade and FIGO stage of tumors and predicted poor clinical outcomes. Compared with IOSE-80 cells, TCP1 protein was overexpressed in A2780 cells. TCP1 knockdown using shRNA lentivirus inhibited the viability of A2780 cells. Western blotting showed that the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway was activated in the tumor invasion in EOC driven by TCP1.

Conclusion

Upregulated TCP1 is correlated with the poor prognosis of patients with OC. The mechanism of cancer progression promoted by TCP1 upregulation may be linked to the activation of the PI3K signaling pathway, and TCP1 may serve as a novel target for the treatment of OC.
Development of a method to rapidly assess resistance/susceptibility of Micro-Tom tomatoes to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus via agroinoculation of cotyledons
Authors: Mori Tomoaki , Takenaka Kosuke , Domoto Fumiya , Aoyama Yasuhiro , Sera Takashi
Published: June 2021

Objective

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is one of the pathogens severely damaging tomato crops. Therefore, methods to treat or prevent TYLCV infection need to be developed. For this purpose, a method to conveniently and quickly assess infection of tomatoes by TYLCV is desired. In the present study, we established a quick method to evaluate TYLCV infection using cotyledons of Micro-Tom, a miniature tomato cultivar.

Results

First, we constructed a binary plasmid harboring 1.5 copies of the TYLCV genome and transformed Agrobacterium with the plasmid. By injecting agroinoculum from the resulting transformant into the branches of Micro-Tom, we confirmed the susceptibility of Micro-Tom to TYLCV. To shorten the evaluation process of TYLCV infection further, we agroinoculated cotyledons of Micro-Tom 10 days after sowing seeds. We consistently observed typical symptoms of TYLCV infection on true leaves 10 days after agroinoculation. Molecular analysis detected TYLCV progeny DNA in all leaves demonstrating symptoms 6 days after agroinoculation. Therefore, our new protocol enabled assessment of TYLCV infection within 20 days after sowing seeds. Thus, agroinoculation of Micro-Tom cotyledons will accelerate the process of screening TYLCV-resistant Micro-Toms and enable screening of larger numbers of plants more quickly, contributing to the development of TYLCV-resistant tomatoes.
On solutions of nonlinear BVPs with general boundary conditions by using a generalized Riesz–Caputo operator
Authors: Aleem Muhammad , Ur Rehman Mujeeb , Alzabut Jehad , Etemad Sina , Rezapour Shahram
Published: June 2021

In this work, we study the existence, uniqueness, and continuous dependence of solutions for a class of fractional differential equations by using a generalized Riesz fractional operator. One can view the results of this work as a refinement for the existence theory of fractional differential equations with Riemann–Liouville, Caputo, and classical Riesz derivative. Some special cases can be derived to obtain corresponding existence results for fractional differential equations. We provide an illustrated example for the unique solution of our main result.
Analysis of factors contributing to occupational health inequality in Korea: a cross-sectional study using nationally representative survey data
Authors: Noh Eunjeong , Khang Young-Ho
Published: June 2021

Background

Despite the consensus that higher occupational classes tend to have better health and lower mortality rates, one study has reported reversed occupational gradients in mortality rates among Korean men after the economic crisis in the late 2000s. To examine these patterns of health inequality in more detail, we investigated the tendency of occupational gradients in socioeconomic position and multiple pathway indicators known to affect mortality in Korea.

Methods

We used data from 4176 men aged 35–64 in Korea derived from the 2007–2009 and 2013–2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. We compared the age-standardized prevalence and age-adjusted mean values of each contributing factor to health inequality among occupational groups, which are divided into upper non-manual workers, lower non-manual workers, manual workers, and others. Contributing factors included childhood and adulthood socioeconomic position indicators, biological risk factors, health behaviors, psychosocial factors, and work environment.

Results

Upper non-manual workers had prominently higher levels of education, income, parental education, and economic activity than lower non-manual and manual workers. The rates of smoking and high-risk alcohol consumption were lower, and the rate of weight control activities was higher, in the non-manual classes. Further, the rates of depression and suicidal ideation were lower, and perceptions of the work environment were more favorable, among non-manual workers than among their manual counterparts.

Conclusions

We detected occupational inequality in a wide range of socioeconomic positions and pathway indicators in Korea with consistently favorable patterns for upper non-manual workers. These occupational gradients do not support the previously reported reversed pattern of higher mortality rates in non-manual groups versus in the manual job class in Korea.
Effects of stand density on soil respiration and labile organic carbon in different aged Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations
Authors: Liu Tairui , Peng Daoli , Tan Zhijie , Guo Jinping , Zhang Yunxiang
Published: June 2021

Background

The carbon pools of forest soils play a vital role in global carbon sequestration and emissions. Forest management can regulate the sequestration and output of forest soil carbon pools to a certain extent; however, the kinetics of the effects of forest density on soil carbon pools require further investigation.

Methods

We established sample plots with stand density gradients in three different agedLarix principis-rupprechtiiplantations and quantified the soil respiration, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), light fraction organic carbon (LFOC), and readily oxidized carbon (ROC).

Results and conclusions

During the growth and development of plantations, stand density is an essential factor that impacts soil respiration and its associated elements. Moderate density was observed to promote both the soil and heterotrophic respiration rates and the sequestration of MBC and LFOC, whereas it inhibited the sequestration of ROC. The soil, heterotrophic, and autotrophic respiration rates of older forest stands were relatively rapid, whereas the contents of SOC, MBC, LFOC, DOC, and ROC were higher and more sensitive to changes in stand density. The MBC, LFOC, and ROC in soil labile organic carbon were closely related to both the soil and heterotrophic respiration, but not the SOC. Among them, the LFOC and MBC played the roles of “warehouse” and “tool” and were significantly correlated with soil and heterotrophic respiration. The ROC, as a “raw material”, exhibited a significantly negative correlation with the soil and heterotrophic respiration. When the soil and heterotrophic respiration rates were rapid, the ROC content in the soil maintained the low level of a “dynamically stabilized” state. The stand density regulated heterotrophic respiration by affecting the soil labile organic carbon, which provided an essential path for the stand density to regulate soil respiration.
Acute and sub-acute toxicity profile of crude extract and fractions of Gymnema sylvestre
Authors: Raji Rofiyat Omolara , Muhammad Hadiza Lami , Abubakar Abdulkadir , Maikai Sophia Shekwoyan , Raji Habibat Feyishara
Published: June 2021

Background

Gymnema sylvestre is a reputable medicinal plant commonly explore for the management of diabetes and other ailments in traditional medicine. In the present study, we investigated the phytochemical compositions and effect of crude extract, hexane, and ethyl-acetate fractions of Gymnema sylvestre on biochemical and hematological parameters of Wistar rats.

Methods

Albino rats were distributed randomly into a control group and nine treatment groups orally administered crude extract and fractions of Gymnema sylvestre (100, 300, and 600 mg/kg BW) for 21 days. Liver and kidney function indices, as well as hematological parameters, were monitored.

Results

Our results revealed that the crude methanol extract contains flavonoids (8.56 ± 0.50 mg/g), alkaloids (13.84 ± 0.67 mg/g), total phenol (1.98 ± 0.50 mg/g), saponins (23.85 ± 0.35 mg/g) and tannins (16.00 ± 0.34 mg/g). The crude methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions of Gymnema sylvestre had LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg BW in acute oral toxicity test. The extract and fractions at 300 and 600 mg/kg BW cause loss of body weight of the rats, significantly altered (p < 0.05) the levels of biochemical indices including the aspartate transaminases, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphates, bilirubin, proteins, urea, creatinine, and white blood cells (WBC) counts when compared with the non-treated control. However, the extract and fractions at 100 mg/kg BW did not cause any significant (p > 0.05) alterations to the levels of biochemical and hematological parameters when compared with the non-treated control.

Conclusion

Gymnema sylvestre at sub-acute doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg BW could compromise the functional integrity of the rats’ liver and kidney. The study, therefore, suggested the use of Gymnema sylvestre for oral remedy at a dose of 100 mg/kg or below.
Development of patient-reported outcomes item set to evaluate acute treatment toxicity to pelvic online magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy
Authors: Møller P. K. , Pappot H. , Bernchou U. , Schytte T. , Dieperink K. B.
Published: June 2021

Background

A new technology in cancer treatment, the MR-linac, provides online magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) that combines real-time visualization of the tumor and surrounding tissue with radiation therapy to deliver treatment more accurately. Online MRgRT makes it possible to minimize treatment volume, potentially reducing acute treatment toxicity. Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) add the patient perspective to evaluating treatment toxicity related to new technology. The objective of this mixed-methods study was to develop and explore the content validity of a set of PRO items to evaluate acute pelvic toxicity to radiotherapy including online MRgRT.

Methods

A literature review and chart audit were conducted to identify symptomatic adverse events (AEs) to be selected from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) library and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) item library. To validate the content, the item set was applied in a prospective pilot cohort of patients referred for primary pelvic RT with curative intent. Patients reported symptoms weekly during RT (4–8 weeks) and the subsequent 4 weeks. Follow-up reports were collected at 8, 12, and 24 weeks after RT. To ensure symptom coverage clinician-reported toxicity and individual patient interviews were conducted. The symptomatic AEs were included in the final item set if ≥20% of patients reported them.

Results

Eighteen acute symptomatic AEs were selected for the initial item set. Forty patients (32 prostate cancer, 8 cervical cancer) were included in the pilot study. Patients with prostate cancer and those with cervical cancer both reported all 18 acute AEs. However, vomiting was not reported by > 20% of patients thus excluded from the item set. Adding a few diagnosis-specific AEs to the final item set was required for both prostate and cervical cancer patients.

Conclusions

A PRO item set for patients with pelvic cancer treated with radiotherapy with a curative intent was developed and content validity explored. In the pilot study, the item set captured the most common acute symptomatic AEs for patients with prostate and cervical cancer related to pelvic RT including online MRgRT. Further validation of the content in broader disease sites would be needed in future studies.
Quantitative benchmarking of iodine imaging for two CT spectral imaging technologies: a phantom study
Authors: Harsaker Vanja , Jensen Kristin , Andersen Hilde Kjernlie , Martinsen Anne Catrine
Published: June 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to quantitatively benchmark iodine imaging across specific virtual monoenergetic energy levels, iodine maps and virtual non-contrast images with different phantom sizes and iodine concentrations, using a rapid switching dual-energy CT (DECT) and a dual source DECT, in order to investigate accuracy and potential differences between the technologies.

Methods

Solutions of iodine contrast (10, 20, 30, 50, and 100 mg/mL), sterile water and saline were scanned in a phantom on a rapid switching single-source and dual-source DECT scanners from two different vendors. The phantom was equipped with polyurethane rings simulating three body sizes. The datasets were reconstructed in virtual monoenergetic energy levels (70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, and 140 keV), virtual non-contrast images and iodine maps. HU and iodine concentrations were measured by placing ROIs in the iodine solutions.

Results

The iodine concentrations were reproduced with a high degree of accuracy for the single-source DECT (1.8–9.0%), showing a slight dependence on phantom size. The dual source DECT technique showed deviant values (error -33.8 to 12.0%) for high concentrations. In relation to the virtual non-contrast measurements, the images from both vendors were affected by the iodine concentration and phantom size (-127.8 to 539.1 HU). Phantom size did not affect the calculated monoenergetic attenuation values, but the attenuation values varied between the scanners.

Conclusions

Quantitative measurements of post-processed images are dependent on the concentration of iodine, the phantom size and different technologies. However, our study indicates that the iodine maps are reliable for quantification of iodine.
Central Aspects of Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis (CAP-RA): protocol for a prospective observational study
Authors: Ifesemen Onosi S. , McWilliams Daniel F. , Ferguson Eamonn , Wakefield Richard , Akin-Akinyosoye Kehinde , Wilson Deborah , Platts Dorothy , Ledbury Susan , Walsh David A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Pain and fatigue are persistent problems in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Central sensitisation (CS) may contribute to pain and fatigue, even when treatment has controlled inflammatory disease. This study aims to validate a self-report 8-item questionnaire, the Central Aspects of Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis (CAP-RA) questionnaire, developed to measure central pain mechanisms in RA, and to predict patient outcomes and response to treatment. A secondary objective is to explore mechanisms linking CS, pain and fatigue in people with RA.

Methods/design

This is a prospective observational cohort study recruiting 250 adults with active RA in secondary care. The CAP-RA questionnaire, demographic data, medical history, and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) of traits associated with central sensitization will be collected using validated questionnaires. Quantitative sensory testing modalities of pressure pain detection thresholds, temporal summation and conditioned pain modulation will be indices of central sensitization, and blood markers, swollen joints and ultrasound scans will be indices of inflammation. Primary data collection will be at baseline and 12 weeks. The test-retest reliability of CAP-RA questionnaire will be determined 1 week after the baseline visit. Pain and fatigue data will be collected weekly via text messages for 12 weeks. CAP-RA psychometric properties, and predictive validity for outcomes at 3 months will be evaluated.

Discussion

This study will validate a simple self-report questionnaire against psychophysical indices of central sensitization and patient reported outcome measures of traits associated with CS in a population of individuals with active RA. The application of this instrument in the clinical environment could provide a mechanism-based stratification tool to facilitate the provision of targeted therapy to individuals with pain and fatigue in RA, alongside treatments that target joint inflammation.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04515589. Date of registration 17 August 2020.
Identification of salt-tolerant barley genotypes using multiple-traits index and yield performance at the early growth and maturity stages
Authors: Pour-Aboughadareh Alireza , Sanjani Sara , Nikkhah-Chamanabad Hamidreza , Mehrvar Mohammad Reza , Asadi Ameneh , Amini Ashkboos
Published: June 2021

Background

Salinity is one of the major limiting abiotic stresses that decrease crop production worldwide. To recommend genotypes for cultivation under saline stress conditions, a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis and plant responses to this stress is needed. In the present study, a total of 20 barley genotypes were investigated to identify potential salt-tolerant genotypes, both at the early growth stage using a hydroponic system, and in adult plants under field conditions. For these purposes, the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was used to identify salt-tolerant barley genotypes at the seedling stage, and the weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB) index was used to identify the high-yielding and stable genotypes in adult plant stage. At the early growth stage, barley seedlings were treated with two salinity levels: 0 mM NaCl (as control conditions) and 200 mM NaCl (as stress conditions) for 30 days, and during this period different growth and physiological traits were measured. Besides, the yield performance and stability of the investigated barley genotypes were evaluated across five environments during the 2018–2020 cropping seasons.

Results

Salinity stress significantly decreased growth and physiological traits in all seedling plants; however, some salt-tolerant genotypes showed minimal reduction in the measured traits. Multivariate analysis grouped the measured traits and genotypes into different clusters. In the early growth stage, the G12, G14, G6, G7, and G16 were selected as the most salt-tolerant genotypes using MGIDI index. In the multi-environment trials experiment, AMMI analysis showed that grain yields of the tested barley genotypes were influenced by the environment (E), genotype (G), and GE interaction. Based on the weighted average of absolute scores of the genotype index (WAASB) and other stability statistics, G7, G8, G14, and G16 were selected as superior genotypes.

Conclusion

Together the MGIDI and WAASB indices revealed that three genotypes—G7, G14 and G16—can be recommended as new genetic resources for improving and stabilizing grain yield in barley programs for the moderate climate and saline regions of Iran. Our results suggest that using the MGIDI index in the early growth stage can accelerate screening nurseries in barley breeding programs. Besides, the WAASB index can be used as a useful stability measurement for identify high-yielding and stable genotypes in multi-environment trials.
Disparities in Breast Cancer Associated With African American Identity
Authors: Stringer-Reasor Erica M. , Elkhanany Ahmed , Khoury Katia , Simon Melissa A. , Newman Lisa A.
Published: June 2021

Persistent disparities in the burden of breast cancer between African Americans and White Americans have been documented over many decades. Features characterizing breast cancer in the African American community include a 40% higher mortality rate, younger age distribution, greater advanced-stage distribution, increased risk of biologically aggressive disease such as the triple-negative phenotype, and increased incidence of male breast cancer. Public health experts, genetics researchers, clinical trialists, multidisciplinary oncology teams, and advocates must collaborate to comprehensively address the multifactorial etiology of and remedies for breast cancer disparities. Efforts to achieve breast health equity through improved access to affordable, high-quality care are especially imperative in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its disproportionately high economic toll on African Americans.
Counting the Uncountable: Revisiting Urban Majorities
Authors: Simone AbdouMaliq , Rao Vyjayanthi
Published: June 2021

Sustainable urban transformation increasingly relies upon technicities of computation and interoperability among variegated registers and domains. In contrast, the notion of an “urban majority,” first introduced by the authors nearly a decade ago, points to a different “mathematics” of combination. Here the ways in which different economic practices, demeanors, behavioral tactics, forms of social organization, territory, and mobility intersect and detach, coalesce into enduring cultures of inhabitation or proliferate as momentary occupancies of short-lived situations make up a kind of algorithmic process that continuously produces new functions and new values for individual and collective capacities, backgrounds, and ways of doing things. This capacity, albeit facing new vulnerabilities and recalibration, will become increasingly important in shaping urban change in a post-pandemic era.
The Chinese Century and the City of Gold: Rethinking Race and Capitalism
Authors: Huang Mingwei
Published: June 2021

This article tells a story about the unfolding “Chinese Century” in South Africa centered on China Malls, wholesale shopping centers for Chinese goods that have cropped up along Johannesburg's old mining belt since the early 2000s. Based in ethnographic and historical analysis, the essay takes a palimpsestic approach to imagine how Chinese capital enters into a terrain profoundly shaped by race, labor, and migration and is entangled with the afterlives of gold. Chinese migrant traders in South Africa draw on legacies of migrant mine labor and refashion processes that devalue Black labor. Whereas these histories are lost upon Chinese newcomers, African workers experience working for “the Chinese” through the memory of the mines. With the aim of theorizing emergent formations of race and capital in the Chinese Century, the essay threads this new epoch through the history of colonial and racial capitalism of the City of Gold.
The Childhood of Politics
Authors: Devji Faisal
Published: June 2021

This article argues that the global emergence of children at the forefront of causes from climate change to education reveals a contradiction at the heart of politics. If politics is defined by the making of a future, the children who are meant to be its heirs are crucial to it. Yet they represent the last category of persons formally to be disallowed political agency, suggesting it is their very unfreedom that allows children to exercise power. Does their mobilization in contemporary politics signal the limits of its realm?
Playing through the Apocalypse: Preparing Children for Mass Disasters in Japan and Chile
Authors: Watanabe Chika
Published: June 2021

There is a growing trend to prepare children for future disasters. A Japanese nonprofit organization has developed an event called Iza! Kaeru Caravan, which includes games that teach children and their families how to survive disasters, from earthquakes to floods. Many disaster experts and government officials from other countries have now implemented the Caravan in their own contexts. Based on ethnographic research in Japan and Chile, this article shows how playful methods in disaster preparedness orient children, and by proxy their families, to accept an apocalyptic future, helping the neoliberal state buy time. Advocates of disaster preparedness in Japan and Chile accept that state actors will not come immediately to the rescue. Playful methods mobilize children and their families to take responsibility for their own survival through the subjunctive work of the “as if.” Ambiguously positioned between fun and education, playful methods of preparedness command attention from children and adults—what I call “attentive play”—as they frame and reframe the games to figure out, “Is this play?” Ultimately, the article shows that attentive play buys time for the state to temporarily defer its responsibilities to citizens, but the ambiguity of play can also exceed its ideological effects.
Loss of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase induces caspase-independent necrosis-like death of hair cells in zebrafish neuromasts
Authors: Santra Peu , Amack Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2021

The vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) is a multi-subunit proton pump that regulates cellular pH. V-ATPase activity modulates several cellular processes, but cell-type-specific functions remain poorly understood. Patients with mutations in specific V-ATPase subunits can develop sensorineural deafness, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we show that V-ATPase mutations disrupt the formation of zebrafish neuromasts, which serve as a model to investigate hearing loss. V-ATPase mutant neuromasts are small and contain pyknotic nuclei that denote dying cells. Molecular markers and live imaging show that loss of V-ATPase induces mechanosensory hair cells in neuromasts, but not neighboring support cells, to undergo caspase-independent necrosis-like cell death. This is the first demonstration that loss of V-ATPase can lead to necrosis-like cell death in a specific cell type in vivo. Mechanistically, loss of V-ATPase reduces mitochondrial membrane potential in hair cells. Modulating the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, which regulates mitochondrial membrane potential, improves hair cell survival. These results have implications for understanding the causes of sensorineural deafness, and more broadly, reveal functions for V-ATPase in promoting survival of a specific cell type in vivo.
Radiation protection perspective to recurrent medical imaging: what is known and what more is needed?
Authors: Vassileva Jenia , Holmberg Ola
Published: June 2021

This review summarises the current knowledge about recurrent radiological imaging and associated cumulative doses to patients. The recent conservative estimates are for around 0.9 million patients globally who cumulate radiation doses above 100 mSv, where evidence exists for cancer risk elevation. Around one in five is estimated to be under the age of 50. Recurrent imaging is used for managing various health conditions and chronic diseases such as malignancies, trauma, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, Crohn’s disease, urolithiasis, cystic pulmonary disease. More studies are needed from different parts of the world to understand the magnitude and appropriateness. The analysis identified areas of future work to improve radiation protection of individuals who are submitted to frequent imaging. These include access to dose saving imaging technologies; improved imaging strategies and appropriateness process; specific optimisation tailored to the clinical condition and patient habitus; wider utilisation of the automatic exposure monitoring systems with an integrated option for individual exposure tracking in standardised patient-specific risk metrics; improved training and communication. The integration of the clinical and exposure history data will support improved knowledge about radiation risks from low doses and individual radiosensitivity. The radiation protection framework will need to respond to the challenge of recurrent imaging and high individual doses. The radiation protection perspective complements the clinical perspective, and the risk to benefit analysis must account holistically for all incidental and long-term benefits and risks for patients, their clinical history and specific needs. This is a step toward the patient-centric health care.
Análise da implementação do Programa Mais Médicos: um olhar dos órgãos de controle
Authors: Macedo Alex dos Santos , Araújo Juliana Maria de , Faria Evandro Rodrigues de , Ferreira Marco Aurelio Marques
Published: June 2021

O estudo procurou identificar as principais barreiras à implementação do Programa Mais Médicos (PMM) no contexto dos municípios que aderiram à política pública. De um total de 200 relatórios de auditoria da Controladoria Geral da União (CGU), selecionou-se 197, de municípios de diversos estados e do Distrito Federal, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2015. Houve identificação de 461 ocorrências em 153 relatórios municipais. A maior parte delas eram de municípios com até 50 mil habitantes, de entes situados na região Nordeste do país e daqueles classificados no perfil do PMM 20% pobreza. Os achados identificaram que 70% das barreiras são de cunho organizacional, seguido das barreiras individuais. Elas indicam a necessidade de aprimoramentos na articulação e pactuação dos atores envolvidos no arranjo institucional para melhor implementação do PMM para que não comprometam o seu desempenho.
Além da reforma administrativa
Authors: Malik Ana Maria , Schiesari Laura , Carrera Mariana
Published: June 2021

O presente trabalho visa a discutir características da gestão de pessoas no setor público da saúde no Brasil na terceira década do século XXI. Com base na literatura da área foi desenvolvido um roteiro para entrevistas de gestores de organizações da administração direta e da indireta da saúde e aplicado a profissionais de nível central e local que concordaram em participar da pesquisa. Os achados foram discutidos e analisados, embora não tenha sido realizada comparação de sua eficácia em função de resultados obtidos. A conclusão deste trabalho evidencia a relevância do tema gestão de pessoas na saúde e as diferenças de instrumentos disponíveis na gestão direta e nas organizações sociais de saúde.
Por que é tão difícil montar um negócio convincente
Authors: Susteras Guilherme
Published: June 2021

Empreendedores de startups de tecnologia limpa mostram que raramente saem boas propostas de valor só de post-its e canvas. É preciso ir ao mercado, testar formas de oferecer o produto ou serviço e engajar clientes em um processo colaborativo de cocriação.
Inflação de volta?
Authors: Sandroni Paulo
Published: June 2021

As perspectivas não são boas para 2021: com a inflação voltando, as taxas de juros se elevarão. É possível, no entanto, que o surgimento de uma vacina eficaz contra a COVID-19 amenize esse impacto negativo.
Risco ambiental no setor financeiro: do discurso à prática
Authors: Schiozer Rafael
Published: June 2021

Investimentos na área ambiental não são umcusto para atender às demandas sociais ou uma obrigação moral, mas sim criadores de valor financeiro para os acionistas.
que será do varejo
Authors: Morgado Maurício
Published: June 2021

Pesquisa mostra que, em três anos, muito vai mudar: a competitividade ficará mais acirrada, a pandemia afetará a sociedade e o mercado de forma duradoura, mudanças na legislação trarão novos desafios, o consumidor exigirá mais coerência e seriedade das marcas e a tecnologia trará muitas novidades, como os superapps e o voice commerce.
Vendedores de portas abertas
Authors: Faber de Castro Caio , Sciencia do Prado Lucas , Angélica Freitas de Paula Verônica
Published: June 2021

Pesquisa mostra que o atendimento nas lojas é um fator essencial para o consumidor ficar ou não satisfeito com sua experiência de compra e, assim, varejistas precisam concentrar esforços em contratar, treinar, gerenciar e engajar sua equipe de vendas.
experiências das marcas mudaram
Authors: Venturini Brittes Luiza Helena , Lourenço Carlos Eduardo
Published: June 2021

Com a pandemia, ações de marketing como eventos, testes de produtos e interações presenciais migraram para o ambiente virtual.
Onde não há prevenção, sobra remediação
Authors: Lotta Gabriela
Published: June 2021

Esperar o crescimento do número de mortes por Covid-19 para agir demonstra como tem sido o enfrentamento à pandemia no Brasil: uma reação sempre tardia, com foco na remediação e sem estratégias de prevenção.
Protecionismo ou desindustrialização no novo milênio?
Authors: Migliora Neto Luiz Ernesto
Published: June 2021

O Brasil precisa decidir se tenderá para o lado americano, com potencial de se tornar polo exportador alternativo às indústrias chinesas, ou se seguirá como fornecedor de commodities e consumidor de produtos industrializados da China.
Revolução nos meios de pagamento digitais
Authors: Lima Herbert , De Rezende Francisco Eduardo
Published: June 2021

A pandemia e o Pix estão mudando rapidamente o mercado de transações financeiras, e os atuais players terão de se transformar para sobreviver.
Estratégia pós-Covid-19
Authors: Vilasboas Calixto Casnici Cyntia , Marlon Monticelli Jefferson
Published: June 2021

Em 2020, as organizações fizeram mudanças profundas nos negócios em tempo recorde. agora, devem aproveitar para institucionalizar o que deu certo, ampliar oportunidades e repensar o modelo de atuar.
Trabalho em tempos de pandemia: perspectivas para 2021
Authors: Guimarães Ferreira Renato
Published: June 2021

Os desafios nesses últimos meses fizeram com que o por que e o para que das atividades a que nos dedicamos se tornassem ainda mais acentuados.
Tendências pós-pandemia
Authors: Laczynski de Souza Miguel Priscila
Published: June 2021

Este é o momento de mostrar o poder da criação de valor e o impacto do setor na competitividade dos negócios.
2021 Incertezas
Authors: Sandroni Paulo
Published: June 2021

Agora, o caminho é evitar o pior e acelerar a vacinação para alcançar a imunidade de rebanho, condição fundamental para que a economia volte a crescer.
Radiation Survey in the Area of Peaceful Nuclear Explosion «Takhta-Kugulta»
Authors: Titov A. , Shandala N. , Isaev D. , Bel'skih Yu. , Semenova M. , Doronieva T , Starinskiy V. , Starinskaya R. , Seregin V. , Ostapchuk T. , Chernobaev A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Radiation survey in the area of peaceful nuclear explosion «Takhta-Kagylta» in the Stavropol Region.

Material and methods: Radiation survey was performed on the territory of the protected area and on the territory of the 30-km zone from the explosion site. Methods of pedestrian gamma survey with a portable spectrometric complex Multirad-M were used in the course of the survey, along with gamma spectrometric and radiochemical measurements of radionuclide activities in samples and radiochemical separation of 90Sr and 137Cs. The measurement of tritium activity concentration in water was carried out using a low-background liquid alpha-beta radiometer Quantulus-1220.

Results: The highest average value of gamma ambient dose equivalent rate was obtained in the area of the peaceful nuclear explosion site. A value of ambient dose equivalent rate at the area between the site and Kevsala village is lower than on the site, but higher than in Kevsala village and in other settlements. The mean value of the surface contamination of soil with 137Cs on the site was 0.43 kBq/m2, while that of 90Sr was 0.055 kBq/m2. Average values of soil surface contamination with radionuclides in the settlements located in the area of the explosion vary over the range between 0.16 and 0.37 kBq/m2 for 137Cs and between 0.035 and 0.066 kBq/m2 for 90Sr. 241Am specific activity values were below the minimum detectable activity (0.01 – 0.04 kBq/m2 at the time of the soil sample measurement of 10–30 h).

The contents of 3H, 90Sr and 137Cs radionuclides in drinking water and water of the surface water reservoirs is significantly lower than the intervention levels established in NRB-99/2009.

Conclusions: Radiation situation at the location of the technological well complies with the requirements of SanPiN 2.6.1.2819-10 “Radiation Safety and Protection of the Population Living in the Areas of Peaceful Nuclear Explosions (1965 – 1988)”, and does not pose a threat to the health of the population when staying there. It is necessary to arrange the territory of the protection area and technological (charging) well in accordance with the requirements of SanPiN 2.6.1.2819–10.

Within the framework of long-term radiation monitoring, it is necessary to provide for the monitoring of the tritium content in the produced gas and in the groundwater of the Krasnogvardeiskoe deposit (located in the direction of the spread of groundwater from the location of the peaceful nuclear explosion).
The Thyroid – a New Critical Body for Impacting Electromagnetic Fields Mobile Communications: Assessment of Possible Effects for Children and Adolescents
Authors: Grigor'ev Yuriy , Horseva N. , Grigor'ev Pavel
Published: June 2021

This publication provides an analysis of the studies of Russian and foreign scientists dealing with the problem of studying the effect of electromagnetic fields on the state of the thyroid gland as a new critical organ directly experiencing this type of exposure when using a new generation of mobile communications – smartphones. The review includes an introduction, five sections, and a conclusion.

In the section “Distribution of absorbed doses when using mobile phones” studies of the distribution and level of absorption of electromagnetic fields when using mobile communications, including the thyroid gland, are presented. The issues of modelling taking into account the size of the head and the properties of the tissues of children are discussed. “Epidemiological and statistical assessments of thyroid dysfunction” – this section summarizes the data on the incidence of the thyroid gland among the child population in Russia for the period 1990 – 2019. The section “Experimental studies” presents the experimental data of domestic and foreign scientists on morphological and hormonal changes in the thyroid gland of experimental animals when exposed to electromagnetic fields of cellular communication. Biomedical studies of the effects of their impact are described in the section “Changes in the functioning of the thyroid gland in mobile users”. The review is completed by the section “Possible long-term consequences of prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields on the thyroid gland in mobile communication users”.
About of the Necessary the Review of the Government Decision of the Russian Federation from October 19, 2012 No. 1069 for Classification of Radioactive Wastes
Authors: Serebryakov Boris
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Consideration of the shortcomings of the Government Decision of the Russian Federation of 19 October 2012 No. 1069 on the classification of radioactive waste. Development of recommendations to change the Regulations of radiation safety of current and future generations with the radioactive waste disposal.

Results: There was obtained the shortcomings of the Decree of the RF Government dated 19 October 2012, No. 1069 these deficiencies can lead to overexposure of present and future generations of people to unnecessary costs and mixed results in the classification of radioactive waste.

Conclusions: the developed proposals for the government’s decision:

1. Completely rework the requirements for waste include in radioactive waste.

2. To exclude from the solution of waste containing tritium.

3. To exclude from the resolution of solid and liquid wastes generated from implementation of the non-use of nuclear energy for mining and processing mineral and organic raw materials with high content of natural radionuclides.
Relevance and Objectives of Carrying Out Professional and Public Accreditation of Educational Programs in the Field of Human Resource Management
Authors: Vlasova O. , Konovalova Valeriya , Fedotova M.
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the development of the practice of applying the procedures of professional and public accreditation of educational programs in the field of human resource management. An overview of the regulatory and methodological framework for conducting accreditation examinations is presented. The key issues of interaction between the Council for Professional Qualifications, the accrediting and educational organization are identified, their content is disclosed and recommendations for educational organizations on preparing for the accreditation examination are presented. The article presents an analysis of the main advantages that educational organizations receive when conducting professional-public accreditation of educational programs and the reasons for their resistance, among which a low level of awareness of the accreditation procedure, the benefits of its implementation in the short and long term, is highlighted. A number of prospects for the development of professional-public accreditation and the use of its results have been substantiated, which can contribute to an increase in the interest of participants in the educational services market.