bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myrcene enhances the cardioprotective effect through matrix remodelling in an experimental model of heart failure
Authors: Tian Jiawei , Zhang Rui , Weng Yunqi , Qin Qiaoji , Zhang Xuezhi , Liu Aiguo , Lin Nan
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Myrcene, a terpene found in essential oils sourced from plants, is known to elicit various biological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic, and hepatoprotective activities. However, reports on the protective effect of myrcene against heart failure are still not clear. Hence, in the present study, the experimental model of heart failure was induced using isoproterenol in rats.

Material and methods

Wistar male rats were divided into four groups: group I – Control; group II – ISO-induced heart failure; group III – Myrcene pre-treated (1.0 mg/kg/day and ISO); and group IV – Myrcene drug control for the experimental period of 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment, infarct size, cardiac markers, cell stress enzymes such as creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, inflammatory markers, matrix proteins, and microRNA signatures were elucidated using RT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry analysis.

Results

Rats with induced heart failure demonstrated abnormality in cardiac functions and marker gene expressions, while myrcene pre-treated rats prevented cardiac failure significantly (p < 0.001) with restoration of cellular functions. Also, myrcene pre-treatment abrogated the inflammatory signals with restored matrix proteins. Furthermore, the microRNA of matrix signalling pathways were also found to be prominently reduced compared to heart failure rats.

Conclusions

Myrcene protected hearts from ISO-induced failure in rats and provided a cardioprotective effect via restoring the matrix signalling, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effect, which suggests a possible drug candidature for the treatment of cardiac failure.
Comparative tolerability of targeted therapies in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Jasińska-Stroschein Magdalena , Stawarczyk Karolina , Stępień Anna , Orszulak-Michalak Daria
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The objective of this study was to estimate the safety profile of pulmonary hypertension-specific therapies using placebo-controlled and active comparator trials.

Material and methods

The search corpus comprised Medline, Scopus, Embase and Clinical Trials databases. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the relative risk of severe events and discontinuations as well as of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) classified into 26 categories and 21 subcategories defined by the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedRA).

Results

Pulmonary hypertension-specific therapies had the greatest effect on such events as flushing and headache as well as jaw pain, limb pain and myalgia or gastrointestinal disorders. The relative risk for ADRs in patients receiving monotherapy (vs. placebo/supportive therapies) and combined regimens (vs. monotherapy) was significantly increased. The risk of cessation for the combined regimen was slightly higher (Qinter-group, p = 0.0778). Such ADRs as blood and lymphatic system disorders with the anemia subgroup, gastrointestinal disorders with diarrhea and nausea subgroups, respiratory and thoracic diseases or nervous system disorders with headache tended to occur more often in combination regimens as compared to monotherapy.

Conclusions

About half of the main categories and subcategories of adverse reactions according to MedRA were associated with a relatively high frequency and hazard ratio. Their risk can be increased when combination regimens are used, especially.
Revisiting the Relationship between Atlantic Dust and Tropical
Cyclone Activity using Aerosol Optical Depth Reanalyses: 2003–2018
Authors: Xian Peng , Klotzbach Philip J. , Dunion Jason P. , Janiga Matthew A. , Reid Jeffrey S. , Colarco Peter R. , Kipling Zak
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Previous studies have noted a relationship between African dust and Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity. However, due to the limitations of past dust analyses, the strength of this relationship remains uncertain. The emergence of aerosol reanalyses, including the Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System (NAAPS) Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) reanalysis, NASA Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version-2 (MERRA-2) and ECMWF Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service reanalysis (CAMSRA) enable an investigation of the relationship between African dust and TC activity over the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean in a consistent temporal and spatial manner for 2003–2018. Although June-July-August (JJA) 550 nm dust AOD (DAOD) from all three reanalysis products correlate significantly over the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean, the difference in DAOD magnitude between products can be as large as 60 % over the Caribbean and 20 % over the tropical North Atlantic. Based on the three individual reanalyses, we have created an aerosol multi-reanalysis-consensus (MRC). The MRC presents overall better root mean square error over the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean compared to individual reanalyses when verified with ground-based AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) AOD measurements. Each of the three individual reanalyses and the MRC have significant negative correlations between JJA Caribbean DAOD and seasonal Atlantic Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE), while the correlation between JJA tropical North Atlantic DAOD and seasonal ACE is weaker. Possible reasons for this regional difference are provided. A composite analysis of three high versus three low JJA Caribbean DAOD years reveals large differences in overall Atlantic TC activity. We also show that JJA Caribbean DAOD is significantly correlated with large-scale fields associated with variability in interannual Atlantic TC activity including zonal wind shear, mid-level moisture and SST, as well as ENSO and the Atlantic Meridional Mode (AMM), implying confounding effects of these factors on the dust-TC relationship. Further analysis indicates that seasonal Atlantic DAOD and the AMM, the leading mode of coupled Atlantic variability, are inversely related and intertwined in the dust-TC relationship.
Validation of TROPOMI Surface UV Radiation Product
Authors: Lakkala Kaisa , Kujanpää Jukka , Brogniez Colette , Henriot Nicolas , Arola Antti , Aun Margit , Auriol Frédérique , Bais Alkiviadis F. , Bernhard Germar , De Bock Veerle , Catalfamo Maxime , Deroo Christine , Diémoz Henri , Egli Luca , Forestier Jean-Baptiste , Fountoulakis Ilias , Garcia Rosa Delia , Gröbner Julian , Hassinen Seppo , Heikkilä Anu , Henderson Stuart , Hülsen Gregor , Johnsen Bjørn , Kalakoski Niilo , Karanikolas Angelos , Karppinen Tomi , Lamy Kevin , León-Luis Sergio F. , Lindfors Anders V. , Metzger Jean-Marc , Minvielle Fanny , Muskatel Harel B. , Portafaix Thierry , Redondas Alberto , Sanchez Ricardo , Siani Anna Maria , Svendby Tove , Tamminen Johanna
Published: June 2020

Abstract. The TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) onboard the Sentinel-5 Precursor (S5P) satellite was launched on 13 October 2017 to provide the atmospheric composition for atmosphere and climate research. The S5P is a sun-synchronous polar-orbiting satellite providing global daily coverage. The TROPOMI swath is 2600 km wide, and the ground resolution for most data products is 7.2 x 3.5 km2 (5.6 x 3.5 km2 since 6 August 2019) at nadir. The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) is responsible for the development and processing of the TROPOMI Surface Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation Product which includes 36 UV parameters in total. Ground-based data from 25 sites located in arctic, subarctic, temperate, equatorial and antarctic areas were used for validation of TROPOMI overpass irradiance at 305, 310, 324 and 380 nm, overpass erythemally weighted dose rate/UV index and erythemally weighted daily dose for the period from 1 January 2018 to 31 August 2019. The validation results showed that for most sites 60–80 % of TROPOMI data was within ±20 % from ground-based data for snow free surface conditions. The median relative differences to ground-based measurements of TROPOMI snow free surface daily doses were within ±10 % and ±5 % at two thirds and at half of the sites, respectively. At several sites more than 90 % of clear sky TROPOMI data were within ±20 % from ground-based measurements. Generally median relative differences between TROPOMI data and ground-based measurements were a little biased towards negative values, but at high latitudes where non-homogeneous topography and albedo/snow conditions occurred, the negative bias was exceptionally high, from −30 % to −65 %. Positive biases of 10–15 % were also found for mountainous sites due to challenging topography. The TROPOMI Surface UV Radiation Product includes quality flags to detect increased uncertainties in the data due to heterogeneous surface albedo and rough terrain which can be used to filter the data retrieved under challenging conditions.
The Flat Earth satire, using science theatre to debunk absurd theories
Authors: França George Sand , Ribeiro Ricardo Cruccioli , Soares Luana Rosa , Soares João de Oliveira , de França Gabriel Brito , Brito Paulo Eduardo
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Science needs everything, and art must feed on it for its actions. With the growing popularity of social media, absurd theories have been gaining consensus without any criticism, and, even worse, they have consolidated. Thus, in order to find solutions for a better understanding of our theories, it was created the project "The Earth is Flat! Now What?", that uses performing art as the main communicator to spread science. The first step was a meeting for promoting integration among Geophysicists, Art-educators, Artists, Astronomers, clowns and all the different expertise participating in the project. The meeting was also the occasion for planning the show. The second step was the dramaturgy along with the creative process, which involved discussions of the scenes and lessons about the theme to be presented. And the third step was the performance. The bibliographical review, which is the same method named the “table's work” for artists, was not based on indexed journals, but rather on social networks and classes for understanding the shape of the Earth. The show impacts the community in a fun way offering the opportunity of a new experience to the population.
Climate-scale changes of the semidiurnal tide over the North
Atlantic coasts from 1846 to 2018
Authors: Pineau-Guillou Lucia , Lazure Pascal , Wöppelmann Guy
Published: June 2020

Abstract. We investigated the long-term changes of the principal tidal component M2 over the North Atlantic coasts, from 1846 to 2018. We analysed 9 tide gauges with time series starting no later than 1920. The longest is Brest with 165 years of observations. We carefully processed the data, particularly to remove the 18.6-year nodal modulation. We found that M2 variations are consistent at all the stations in the North East Atlantic (Newlyn, Brest, Cuxhaven), whereas some discrepancies appear in the North West Atlantic. The changes started long before the XXth century, and are not linear. The trends vary from a station to another; they are overall positive, up to 0.7 mm/yr. Since 1990, the trends switch from positive to negative values. Concerning the possible causes of the observed changes, the similarity between the North Atlantic Oscillation and M2 variations in the North East Atlantic suggests a possible influence of the large-scale atmospheric circulation on the tide. We discuss a possible underlying mechanism. A different spatial distribution of water heights from one year to another, depending on the low-frequency sea-level pressure patterns, could impact the propagation of the tide in the North Atlantic basin. However, the hypothesis is at present unproven.
Addressing the issue of naturalism in autopoietic enactivism through genetic and material phenomenology
Authors: Gionnotta Andrea
Published: June 2020

A central idea in autopoietic enactivism is that the living organism is an autonomous system that “enacts” or “brings forth” its environment. In this paper, I connect this thesis to the general philosophical framework developed by Varela, Thompson and Rosch in The Embodied Mind, which is centred on the concept of the co-determination of subject and object of cognition, and I liken this notion to the kind of correlationism that is found in Husserl’s transcendental phenomenology. However, I argue that there is a tension in autopoietic enactivism between its search for the biological basis of cognition, which seems to be oriented towards a metaphysics of Nature, and the concept of groundlessness, which seems to imply the renunciation of metaphysics. As a consequence, the concepts of Nature and naturalism in autopoietic enactivism turn out to be problematic. A similar problem arises in Husserl’s transcendental phenomenology in relation to its metaphysical implications and, in particular, to the possibility of a “legitimate naturalization of consciousness”. I find a way out of this issue by combining the genetic development of phenomenology with Henry’s material phenomenology. In the light of the investigation of the temporality of experience in these views, I suggest conceiving of Nature as the qualitative process that grounds the subject-object correlation, and I conceive of the resulting view as a form of neutral monism.
Fuentes para el estudio de la violencia política durante los años de la Unidad Popular en Chile (1970-1973)
Authors: Morales Aguilera Francisco Javier
Published: June 2020

A diferencia de otros periodos y acontecimientos históricos en Chile -que concitan un trabajo más sistemático de interpretación, revisión y recopilación de fuentes documentales- el problema de la violencia política durante los años de la Unidad Popular acusa un desarrollo desigual e insuficiente. Como una forma de subsanar tal vacío, este artículo propone reexaminar una serie de archivos documentales que hasta la fecha han sido escasamente trabajados y que pueden aportar nuevos datos y perspectivas de estudio. La mayor parte de estos documentos está centrada en una dimensión individual de la violencia política de aquellos años, particularmente respecto a los actores sociales que la materializaron o padecieron. A partir de estos documentos se puede reconstruir una parte significativa de algunos de los problemas más críticos por los que atravesó la vía chilena al socialismo. La exposición de los archivos y documentos reseñados es precedida por una contextualización y discusión bibliográfica que proporciona un marco de análisis más pertinente para entender el aporte y utilidad de dichos recursos.
Trace Elements and Radionuclides in Brazil Nuts from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Kluczkovski Ariane , Martins Maristela , Lobo Ellon , M. Junior José G. de , Campelo Pedro H. , Oliveira Tamires , Martins Vinícius D. G. T.
Published: June 2020

The Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) is an accumulating plant and, as such, absorbs metals from the soil according to the different geographic regions in which it is found. In this context, some Brazil nuts can exceed the safe level of certain trace elements and thus become toxic to consumers. To provide risk assessment information, the aim of this study was to evaluate trace elements and radionuclides found in Brazil nuts from the Brazilian Amazon. Trace elements were evaluated using ICP-MS, however As, Ca, Cr, Mg, Hg and Pb were not detected. The levels of Fe, Zn and Ti were within the maximum levels stipulated for Dietary Reference Intake. The results provide preliminary data concerning the surveillance of antimony (Sb) in the samples analyzed. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the bioavailability of Sb and other metals, and the Se mechanisms for detoxifying Sb. Concerning radionuclides, the committed effective dose was below the established limits by UNSCEAR (2000). In conclusion, the levels of trace elements and radionuclides in the samples did not levels that could be considered toxic to human health.
"Life stand still here": Time, epiphany and art in To the Lighthouse
Authors: Santos Ana
Published: June 2020

Este artigo apresenta um breve estudo do romance To the Lighthouse, de Virginia Woolf. O texto está organizado em três seções principais: na primeira delas, tecem-se comentários acerca de aspectos formais da obra; na segunda, são analisados momentos epifânicos vividos pela protagonista (Mrs Ramsay) e a relação desses momentos com os temas centrais do romance, sobretudo com o desejo de permanência; a terceira seção aborda o processo criativo da pintora Lily Briscoe, que também culmina, por sua vez, em uma epifania. Reforça-se assim a noção de que, em To the Lighthouse, experiência artística e experiência epifânica são equivalentes, na medida em que ambas visam a interromper a passagem do tempo.
Statistical Issues on Analysis of Censored Data Due to Detection Limit
Authors: He Hua , Mi Xuenan , Cornell Jerry , Tang Wan , Kelly Tanika , Shen Hui , Deng Hongwen , Du Yan
Published: June 2020

Measures of substance concentration in urine, serum or other biological matrices often have an assay limit of detection. When concentration levels fall below the limit, the exact measures cannot be obtained, and thus are left censored. Common practice for addressing the censoring issue is to delete or 'fill-in' the censored observations in data analysis, which often results in biased or non-efficient estimates. Assuming the concentration or transformed concentration follows a normal distribution, a Tobit regression model can be applied. When the study population is heterogeneous, for example due to the existence of a latent group of subjects who lack the substance, the problem becomes more challenging. In this paper, we conduct intensive simulation studies to investigate the statistical issues in analyzing censored data and compare different methods in which the data are treated either as a dependent variable or an independent variable. We also analyze triclosan data in the NHANES study and metabolites data in the Bogalusa Heart Study to illustrate the issues. Some guidelines for analyzing such censored data are provided.
De wachtlijstproblematiek ‘knaagt’ aan de rechten van kinderen in gesloten jeugdhulp
Authors: de Jong-de Kruijf M.P.
Published: June 2020

De wachtlijstproblematiek ‘knaagt’ aan de rechten van kinderen in gesloten jeugdhulp

Er is sprake van een forse wachtlijstproblematiek in de gesloten jeugdhulp. Het gebrek aan een passende (doorstoom)plek voor kinderen in gesloten jeugdhulp is soms zo nijpend dat kinderrechters een machtiging voor gesloten jeugdhulp verlengen in weerwil van het ontbreken van een materiële rechtsgrond of formele rechtswaarborgen uit de Jeugdwet. Er wordt daarbij een beroep gedaan op art. 3 lid 1 IVRK. Het is maar zeer de vraag of dit een wenselijke praktijk is. Er worden handvatten aangereikt vanuit General Comment no. 14 van het VN-Kinderrechtencomité.
SELF-GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS 2018 (EXAMPLE OF THE DĄBROWA GÓRNICZA CITY)
Authors: Rokicki Jarosław
Published: June 2020

The issue of choosing the commune executive body is important both from a democratic, and a social point of view. In the theoretical-practical article, an attempt was made to:
− cataloging the most important legal acts and other regulations focused on local government elections (from the perspective of choosing the commune executive body);
− indication of changes in the electoral law made in 2018 that are the background to the practical part of the article
− defining the role of local government as the organizer of local government elections among other entities involved in the preparation and conduct of the elections.
In addition, using the example of the city of Dąbrowa Górnicza, organizations of local government elections were presented from the point of view of the selection of the commune executive body (in particular, its organizational aspect against the results)
Determining attitudes of a group of nurses working in the northern region of
Turkey towards LGBT individuals
Authors: Soner Güven , Altay B
Published: June 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the
attitudes of a group of nurses towards lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender individuals.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study
was carried out with 358 nurses working in a hospital
in the northern region of Turkey between December
2016- February 2017. The data were collected using
the personal information form and the Hudson and
Ricketts Homophobia Scale. Kruskal Wallis, Mann
Whitney U test, Single Factor Variance Analysis, ttest and correlation were used in the analysis of the
data. Ethical approval was obtained from the Clinical
Research Ethics Committee of an university.
Results: The mean score of the scale of the nurses
was found as 111.5±20.7. Nurses who stated that
they did not want to communicate with lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender people were found to be
more homophobic than the nurses who stated that
they wanted to communicate with them. It was also
found that the nurses who define themselves as
‘traditional’ were more homophobic than those who
define themselves as ‘not traditional’ (p <0.05).The
relationship between the nurses' knowledge towards
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual individuals
and their attitudes towards these individuals was
found to be significant similar to the previous
international studies.
Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that
the level of education, the level of acquaintance with
LGBT individuals and the knowledge of LGBT
individuals has an effect on the homophobic attitude
Systemic inflammation markers in blood samples of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Grudzińska M , Jakubowska Katarzyna , Koda M , Koda L , Kisielewski W , Smereczański N , Rogoz-Jezierska N , Famulski W
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the
most common cancers in Poland. The aim of this
study was to investigate the clinical significance of
absolute monocyte count, neutrophil-to-monocyte
ratio (NMR) and monocyte­to­lymphocyte ratio
(MLR) in pre- and postoperative blood samples of
patients with CRC.
Materials and Methods: We retrospectively
reviewed medical records of 160 patients diagnosed
with CRC who underwent surgery. Blood samples
were obtained within 3 days before and after the
surgical treatment. Venous blood samples were also
obtained from 42 healthy controls.
Results: Pre- and postoperative NMR were
significantly higher than healthy controls (p<0.0001;
p<0.0001). Moreover, MLR in pre-and postoperative blood samples were higher than voluntaries
(p<0.001; p<0.001). The area under the ROC curve
for pre and postNMR showed that the parameter
exhibits strong diagnostic power (1.000). Pre- and
postMLR had moderate diagnostic power amount
0.751 and 0.746. There is also correlation between
monocyte count in samples obtained before and after
surgery and, lymph node metastasis and size of
lymph node metastasis in both cases. PreNMR value
was significantly associated with venous and
lymphatic invasion and the presence of cancer
deposits. PostNMR was found to correlate with
presence of distant metastasis and cancer cell
deposits (R=0.633, p<0.001; R=0.158, p=0.040).
Moreover, preMLR value was correlated with only
perineural invasion.
Conclusions: Analyzed hematologic markers may
be useful as simply obtained parameters, next to
histopathological examination, that determine a
systemic immune response
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Infertility in a Southern Port City of Iran
Authors: Sharif Seyedeh Nazanin , Azizi Kutenaee Maryam , Darsareh Fatemeh , Roozbeh Nasibeh
Published: June 2020

Background: Infertility is a universal problem with very limited scientific information relating to the factors that place men and women at risk of infertility. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of infertility in Bandar Abbas, a Southern port city of Iran. Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study using a face-to-face questionnaire survey from September 2017 to March 2018 among 1,500 women at childbearing age. Results: Data from 1469 valid questionnaires were finally assessed. There were 224 cases of current infertility with an incidence of 15.24% (95% CI, 14.79% - 15.44%), including 151 primary (10.27%; 95% CI, 10.09% - 11.14%) and 73 secondary (4.96%; 95% CI, 4.76% - 5.09%) infertilities. According to the univariate logistic regression analysis, age of men and women, women’s occupation, men engaged in high-temperature professions, age at marriage, menstrual cycle pattern, previous contraceptive usage, history of infertility in family, previous abortions, previous cesarean sections, number of pregnancies, previous vaginal delivery, smoking, physical activity, and BMI were significantly associated with infertility (all P ≤ 0.05). To determine the independent risk factors for infertility, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Advanced age, heavy physical activity, obesity, men engaged in high-temperature professions, previous abortions, and previous cesarean sections were the risk factors for infertility. The number of pregnancies and previous vaginal deliveries were protective factors. Conclusions: Although infertility risk factors are complex and multiple, and the investigated region does not represent all areas of Iran, the results can contribute to the overall reproductive health improvement among Iranians.
Toxoplasmosis Among HIV Patients and Healthy Volunteers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Onosakponome Evelyn O , Abah Austin E , Wogu Michael
Published: June 2020

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a serious infection, especially among the immune-compromised people such as HIV/AIDS patients. Objectives: This study assessed the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxoplasmosis among HIV patients and healthy volunteers or immuno-competent persons (IP) in Port Harcourt. Methods: A total of 400 (200 per group) randomly-selected sera were tested for IgG and IgM T. gondii antibodies using ELISA technique. CD4 cell counts were also determined. Demographic and risk factors were determined using a well-structured questionnaire. Results: Overall seroprevalence for HIV and IP using IgG and IgM toxoplasma antibodies was 36.0%, 21.5%, and 1.5%, 7.0%, respectively. The age group f 40 years and above had the highest seroprevalence of 25.3% among the HIV positive persons, while the age groups 25 - 29 years had the highest seroprevalence of 20.0% among the IP. Traders’ positive with HIV had the highest seroprevalence of 30.0% and 0.9% for IgG and IgM toxoplasma antibodies, respectively. HIV subjects with a secondary education showed the highest seroprevalence of 20.0%. More HIV positive females were infected with toxoplasmosis 18.5%. In all, 6.7% (P > 0.05) of the seropositive patients had CD4 cell counts of less than 200 cells/µL, indicating no correlation between seroprevalence and CD4 cell counts of HIV/AIDS patients. Risk factors in this study included the history of living with pets, farming and eating improperly-washed fruits and vegetables. Conclusions: Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis was high among HIV patients in Port Harcourt. It is suggested that the institutions included the Toxoplasmosis test as one of the routine tests for HIV patients.
Biochemical Alterations in Patients with Oxalocalcic Lithiasis, the Influence of Sex, Age, and Body Mass Index
Authors: Laso-Garcia Ines Maria , Gomez-Dos-Santos Victoria , Sanchez-Herranz Antonio , Avila-Padilla Sergio , Arias-Funez Fernando , Burgos-Revilla Francisco Javier
Published: June 2020

Background: Urolithiasis is a disorder that has a high prevalence in the population. Also, lithiasic patients have biochemical alterations that predispose them to the formation of stones. The knowledge of these alterations may be useful for future preventive interventions. Objectives: The objectives were to describe the metabolic characteristics of patients with oxalocalcic lithiasis, identifying the most frequent biochemical alterations, and their variation with different demographic variables. In this way, we can prevent the formation of the lithiasis before it appears, instead of treating it once established. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of serum and 24 hour-urine parameters in patients with oxalocalcic lithiasis was performed. The most frequent biochemical alterations were described, and their association with age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed. Results: In this study, 100% of the 151 patients had biochemical alterations, the most frequent being hypocitraturia (84.7%), hypercalciuria (51.7%), and urinary pH decrease (44.4%). There were differences according to sex, age, and BMI with regard to the biochemical alterations. Hypouricemia, hypouricosuria, hypophosphaturia and hypomagnesuria were more frequent in women. Men had a higher percentage of hyperzinquemia, hyperphosphaturia, and excess of urinary urea. Urine density in men was slightly higher than in women. A higher percentage of hyperphosphaturia, excess urinary urea, and excess of serum urea was found in overweight patients. Patients not overweight showed a higher percentage of hypouricemia and hypomagnesuria. Urinary density was slightly higher in overweight patients. Urinary volume was higher in middle-aged subjects. Conclusions: Patients with oxalocalcic lithiasis have biochemical alterations that may predispose to stone formation. These alterations vary with sex, age, and BMI.
Evaluation of Pregnant Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Embolism: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fallahi Mohammad Javad , Dalfardi Behnam , Jalli Reza , Masoompour Seyed Masoom , Momeni Behrouz , Ghayumi Seiyed Mohammad Ali
Published: June 2020

Background: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a leading cause of maternal mortality. However, diagnosis of PTE can be challenging during pregnancy, and there is no consensus regarding the best diagnostic approach. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the applicability of clinical symptoms and diagnostic tests in ruling in or ruling out PTE during pregnancy. Methods: In this one-year, cross-sectional, descriptive study, we evaluated pregnant or postpartum (six weeks postpartum) women suspected of PTE, who were admitted to the internal medicine intensive care units (ICUs) of hospitals (Namazi and Shahid Faghihi hospitals), affiliated with Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, during August 2016-July 2017. The participants underwent electrocardiography (ECG), serum troponin-I and D-dimer measurements, chest X-ray, color-doppler sonography (CDS) of the lower extremity venous system, transthoracic echocardiography, pulmonary perfusion scan, or pulmonary computed tomography angiography (CTA). The participants’ clinical manifestations were also assessed. Results: A total of 103 women, with the mean age of 30.37 ± 5.35 years, were included in this study. Seventy-seven women underwent pulmonary CTA or pulmonary perfusion scan. PTE was documented in nine cases. Dyspnea was the most common symptom. The respiratory rate, cough, dizziness, and fever on admission had significant correlations with the final diagnosis of PTE (P = 0.01, 0.03, 0.007, and 0.04, respectively). The ECG study of one case with PTE showed right axis deviation, while the ECG findings of the other eight cases showed no specific pattern. The chest X-ray findings had no significant correlation with the final diagnosis of PTE. Overall, 38 women underwent CDS, one of whom presented with deep vein thrombosis. The serum D-dimer level was positive in three cases with documented PTE (normal in one patient with PTE), and the serum troponin-I level was positive in one case with the final diagnosis of PTE (normal level in two patients with PTE). Conclusions: Based on the findings, clinical symptoms and biochemical tests alone are not reliable for ruling in or ruling out PTE during pregnancy, and CTA and pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan should be performed for these cases.
Clinical and Pharmacological Evaluation of Pistacia atlantica Nut Extract on Septic Arthritis Caused by Staphylococcus aureus: An Experimental Study
Authors: Namazi Hamid , Emami Mohammad Jafar , Dehghani Nazhvani Fatemeh , Nazifi Saeed , Dehghanian Amirreza , Kazemi-Moghaddam Ehsan
Published: June 2020

Background: Today, the incidence of septic arthritis by Staphylococcus aureus has increased due to intra-articular injections, prosthetic joints, and underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and immunosuppression. Pistacia atlantica has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. Objectives: Considering S. aureus as the most important etiology of septic arthritis, this experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of P. atlantica on septic arthritis. Methods: Septic arthritis was induced by intra-articular injection of S. aureus suspension in left stifles of rats, which were divided randomly into eight groups, containing ten per group, including normal: no intervention; control: septic arthritis was induced but not treated; Oral Placebo (OP): 14 days daily P.O.; Local Injected Placebo (LIP): a single dose intra-articular (IA injection) of normal saline; Oral P. atlantica (OPa): 14 days daily P.O. P. atlantica extract; Local Injected P.atlantica (LIPa): a single-dose IA injection of P. atlantica extract; Prophylactic Oral P. atlantica (ProOPa): prophylactic P.O. P. atlantica extract daily one week before the induction for 21 days; Prophylactic Local Injected P. atlantica (ProLIPa): a prophylactic single-dose IA injection of P. atlantica extract one week before the induction. For further evaluations, blood and histopathological samples were obtained. Results: Pistacia atlantica oral medication reduced the physical symptoms of inflammation. Although hematological analysis showed a fall in the control group compared to the normal group, all medicated groups increased. The OPa group showed the closest WBC count (9.46 ± 4.12 × 109/L) to the normal group (P = 0.073). All histopathological parameters had significantly higher scores in the control group compared to the normal group. Although the scores increased in the groups that received P. atlantica, they decreased in the groups that received placebo, except for synovitis degree. The OPa group demonstrated a lower degree of synovitis (1.40 ± 0.51) than the control group; however, it was not significant (P = 0.690). Local injections revealed higher erosion scores (2.80 ± 0.63 for the LIPa group and 2.70 ± 0.48 for the ProLIPa group) than the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Oral administration of P. atlantica alleviated the clinical symptoms. Cellular immunity activation and systemic benefits of oral P. atlantica were assessed. Histopathology confirmed the immune system involvement and antibacterial activity of P. atlantica. More erosion may be due to more bacterial debris with arthritogenic properties. Meanwhile, the probability of the stimulatory effect of P. atlantica extract for synovial content should not be ignored.
“Ex nihilo nihil fit”
Authors: Lenzen Wolfgang ,   The Leibniz Society of North America
Published: June 2020

In the essay “Principia Calculi rationalis” Leibniz attempts to prove the theory of the syllogism within his own logic of concepts. This task would be quite easy if one made unrestricted use of the fundamental laws discovered by Leibniz, e.g., in the “General Inquiries” of 1686. In the essays of August 1690, Leibniz had developed some similar proofs which, however, he considered as unsatisfactory because they presupposed the unproven law of contraposition: “If concept A contains concept B, then conversely Non-B contains Non-A”. The proof in “Principia Calculi rationalis” appears to reach its goal without resorting to this law. However, it contains a subtle flaw which results from failing to postulate that the ingredient concepts have to be “possible”, i.e. self-consistent. Once this flaw is corrected, it turns out that the proof – though formally valid – would not have been approved by Leibniz because, again, it rests on an unproven principle even stronger than the law of contraposition.
Improvement in childhood cancer survival in Lithuania over three decades
Authors: Rascon Jelena , Smailytė Giedrė
Published: June 2020

Background. Population-based EUROCARE-5 studies demonstrated that childhood cancer survival rates in Lithuania were 10–20% lower than the European mean. We aimed to analyse the change in the outcome of treatment of paediatric malignancies in Lithuania over 30 years. Methods. A single-centre retrospective analysis of children below 18 years of age treated for cancer at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos between 1982 and 2011 was carried out. The minimal requirement of 5-year follow-up after diagnosis was specified for survival estimation. The vital status was assessed using data from the population-based Lithuanian Cancer Registry. To evaluate changes over time, the entire cohort was split into three groups according to the time of diagnosis: 1982–1991, 1992–2001, and 2002–2011. Results. A total of 1268 children met the inclusion criteria. The shortest median follow-up was 8.9 (IQR 6.4–11.5) years for patients treated in the third decade. The 5-year overall survival of the entire cohort increased from 37.3% (95% CI 30.2–44.3) in 1982–1991 to 70.7% (95% CI 66.4–74.1) in 2002–2011 (p < 0.0001). The same trend was evident when calculated separately for leukaemia (p < 0.0001), lymphoma (p < 0.0005), and solid tumours (p < 0.004). The percentage of cure rose from zero in the early years of the period analysed to 80% in 2010 and 2011. The improvement in the treatment outcome was attributable to the reduction of treatment-related mortality from 45.8% in 1982–1991 to 12.4% in 2002–2011 and disease recurrence from 30.4% to 19.6% for the same periods, respectively. Conclusions. Significant progress in the cure rate of children treated for cancer at our institution was observed over 30 years. Collaborative national and international clinical and research efforts are crucial to ensure further advances in care and cure.
Structural and functional analysis of the network of protected areas of the Vinnytsia region as the basis of a regional ecological network
Authors: Kucher Tetiana , Ovchinnikova Yulia
Published: June 2020

Planning an ecological network requires special attention to the functionality of the created elements. Thus, in the case of the Vinnytsia Regional Ecological Network (REN), protection and restoration of typical landscape complexes are needed. The structure of the ecological network is branched, but heterogeneous; it is potentially capable of expansion and optimization. As the development of the REN of the Vinnytsia region is based on objects and territories of the Nature Reserve Fund (NRF), the structural and functional optimization of the eco-network requires optimization of the structure of the NRF. The purpose of the research is to study the spatial structure of the ecological network for the functional completeness and the effectiveness of ensuring the conservation of biodiversity. This paper analyses the structure and functions of the Vinnytsia REN, demonstrates dynamics of the formation of the NRF network and the distribution of protected objects among administrative regions, and proposes ways for its optimization. The results showed the necessity of a revision of the current structure and creation of new zoological and landscape reserves in order to improve the functional efficiency of the network. The results suggest paying more attention to providing multifunctionality to eco-network elements, as well as avoiding the creation of island objects.
Prevalence and co-infection of mosquito- and tick-borne pathogens in domestic dogs suspected for canine babesiosis in Lithuania
Authors: Radzijevskaja Jana , Tamoliūnaitė Dovilė , Sabūnas Vytautas , Aleksandravičienė Asta , Paulauskas Algimantas
Published: June 2020

During the past decade, vector-borne diseases (VBDs) have been continuously spreading in Europe, including Lithuania. VBDs are caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses transmitted by the bite of hematophagous arthropods (mainly ticks and mosquitoes). Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are a growing global threat. Since the majority of these diseases have a zoonotic potential, their management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Global warming and simplified rules for travelling with animal companions provide ideal conditions for the circulation and spreading of vector-borne pathogens in non-endemic geographical regions. Information on CVBD agents at the local and regional levels allows veterinarians to better recognize the pathogens that can affect dogs, thus facilitating diagnosis and treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and co-infection of mosquito- and tick-borne pathogens in domestic dogs using molecular DNA analysis methods. Blood samples were collected from dogs presented at different veterinary clinics in six regions of Lithuania. A total of 100 blood samples from dogs suspected for canine babesiosis were screened for the presence of tick-borne pathogens Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp., Babesia canis and mosquito-borne pathogens Dirofilaria spp. Results of real-time PCR analysis demonstrated the presence of D. repens in 23.0%, A. phagocytophilum in 35.0%, Babesia spp. in 81.0%, and Borrelia spp. in 19.0% of examined dogs. Double, triple, or even quadruple co-infections were detected. The present study is the first investigation of multiple vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Lithuania using molecular detection methods. Our findings demonstrate a high infection rate of vector-borne pathogens in dogs and suggest that co-infections with anaplasmosis, borreliosis, babesiosis, and dirofilariosis in dogs are expected in Lithuania.
Effects of UVA and its simultaneous action with blue light on the growth and phototropism of cress leaves under various gravity conditions
Authors: Losinska-Sičiūnienė Regina , Stanevičienė Ramunė , Švegždienė Danguolė
Published: June 2020

The gravity of the Earth (1g) and phototropic active components of the light spectrum are the stimuli regulating the directional growth of plants. In this study, the role of combined light and gravity effects on plant leaves (Lepidium sativum L.) was tested. Treatment with UVA (370 nm) or UVA combined with blue light together with the gravity in the slow clinostat (clinorotated 3 rpm), or Earth’s gravity (1g), was applied. A custom-built clinostat with LEDs allowed unidirectional illumination of cress leaves. UVA or UVA with blue light was directed laterally at cress leaves for a 3 h exposure. Responses of cotyledons and true leaves, both under 1g and clinorotation conditions, were compared. The obtained data show that UVA (370 nm) suppresses the elongation of cotyledons and true leaves under changed gravity of the Earth. Clinorotation suppresses the growth of cotyledons but not of the true leaves under UVA with blue light. Comparison of leaf phototropism induced by different illuminations under1g and changed gravity conditions revealed that phototropism was induced by clinorotation but suppressed by Earth’s gravity. Phototropic responses of true leaves under clinorotation were stronger than those of cotyledons.
El PSOE y la cuestión nacional: la definición de España como una nación de naciones
Authors: Payero López Lucía
Published: June 2020

Este artículo analizará la concepción nacional de España defendida por el PSOE en el 39º Congreso federal, donde se definió España como un Estado plural y se echó mano de la fórmula nación de naciones. Se tratará de determinar si esta manera de conceptualizar España supone una modificación de la idea nacional defendida por el Partido Socialista desde 1977 y, en caso afirmativo, qué extensión y alcance presenta dicha variación.
El Derecho al disfrute del más alto nivel posible de salud en las políticas contra el tabaquismo
Authors: Lema Añón Carlos
Published: June 2020

El esfuerzo internacional para el control del tabaco incorporó el marco de los derechos humanos de forma tardía y –paradójicamente- después de que los derechos se alegaran frente a las medidas antitabaco. A pesar de lo avanzado, el marco de derechos humanos todavía tiene potencialidades por explorar en este ámbito. Así, cabría pensar en un uso no defensivo sino proactivo de los derechos, especialmente para la protección de grupos especialmente vulnerables. Además, combinado con el marco de los determinantes sociales de la salud, habría que afrontar que, en diferentes contextos, la mortalidad y morbilidad asociada al tabaco se reparte de forma inequitativa.
Identidad, sometimiento y exclusión. Vicisitudes de la tolerancia en el mundo antiguo.
Authors: Escamilla Castillo Manuel
Published: June 2020

La tolerancia es un rasgo definitorio de la sociedad moderna que surge como reacción a una situación anterior contraria a ella y que, a su vez, definió a las sociedades humanas desde el principio de los tiempos. Esta situación anterior y contraria a la tolerancia es la de sociedades definidas por identidades colectivas. Estudiar el colectivismo identitario es una buena manera de conocer la idea, exigencias y límites de la tolerancia en nuestras sociedades. Este trabajo pretende hacerlo analizándolo en las primeras sociedades históricas del ámbito europeo.
КОНТРАСТИВНОЛИНГВИСТИЧКА ИСТРАЖИВАЊА МЕЂУЈЕЗИКА
Authors: Бабић Жељка Љ.
Published: June 2020

Монографија Кроз призму контрастивне анализе међујезика ау-торке др Јелене М. Марковић, објављена недавно у издању Филозофскогфакултета Пале, представља заокруживање једне цјелине у истражива-њима ауторке у оквиру контрастивне анализе међујезика, чији је онауједно и покретач на нашим просторима. Монографија садржи 139страна текста, а састоји од сљедећих дијелова: предговор, први дио, којисадржи прво поглавље, други дио, који садржи друго и треће поглавље,закључно поглавље, одабрану библиографију и ауторски индекс. Библи-ографске јединице дате су посебно, послије прва три поглавља(91+30+35), уз завршни преглед одабране библиографије. Садржеукупно 8 аутоцитата.
The transition state and regulation of γ-TuRC-mediated microtubule nucleation revealed by single molecule microscopy
Authors: Thawani Akanksha , Rale Michael J , Coudray Nicolas , Bhabha Gira , Stone Howard A , Shaevitz Joshua W , Petry Sabine
Published: June 2020

Determining how microtubules (MTs) are nucleated is essential for understanding how the cytoskeleton assembles. While the MT nucleator, γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC) has been identified, precisely how γ-TuRC nucleates a MT remains poorly understood. Here, we developed a single molecule assay to directly visualize nucleation of a MT from purified Xenopus laevis γ-TuRC. We reveal a high γ-/αβ-tubulin affinity, which facilitates assembly of a MT from γ-TuRC. Whereas spontaneous nucleation requires assembly of 8 αβ-tubulins, nucleation from γ-TuRC occurs efficiently with a cooperativity of 4 αβ-tubulin dimers. This is distinct from pre-assembled MT seeds, where a single dimer is sufficient to initiate growth. A computational model predicts our kinetic measurements and reveals the rate-limiting transition where laterally associated αβ-tubulins drive γ-TuRC into a closed conformation. NME7, TPX2, and the putative activation domain of CDK5RAP2 do not enhance γ-TuRC-mediated nucleation, while XMAP215 drastically increases the nucleation efficiency by strengthening the longitudinal γ-/αβ-tubulin interaction.