bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aportes de los centros de investigación científica en ciencias biológicas al desarrollo sostenible de comunidades rurales mediante el turismo científico
Authors: Rojas-Carranza Alberth Humberto
Published: February 2019

Los centros de investigación en ciencias biológicas tienen una función muy importante en eldesarrollo científico y un impacto directo en la comunidad donde se asientan. Es claro, queen muchos casos ese impacto pasa desapercibido y no se valora la relación que existe entreambos agentes, centro y comunidad, y las posibilidades que en materia de turismo científicopueden existir. En este artículo se describe la realidad de dos centros de investigación, uno enBrasil y el otro en Costa Rica. Tanto los centros como las comunidades en donde se encuentran,muestran características relevantes de tomar en cuenta al momento de relacionarlos con unaactividad como el turismo científico. Aquí se describe en detalle y se pretende iniciar un procesoque llegue a una propuesta con fundamentación teórica más adelante, en el momento dedesarrollar una práctica profesional.
Diseño y validación de un instrumento para evaluar la actitud hacia la investigación formativa en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Castro Molinares Suly Patricia
Published: February 2019

This article describes, in technical terms, the design and validation of a Likert-type scale instrument to evaluate attitudes toward formative research (AFR) in university students. The study was carried out at a public university in the Colombian Orinoquia. Before the development of 75 preliminary items, a literature review was carried out on the theoretical and methodological foundations involved in the study. Content was validated through expert judgment and a pilot test with 95 university students who were not part of the sample. To apply the final version, a sample of 310 undergraduate students was selected from different academic programs. As a result of the exploratory factor analysis, a questionnaire was obtained with 26 items, which were grouped into five factors that explained 56% of the total variance, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.827 for the questionnaire as a whole. It is concluded that the study provides a reliable, valid, and useful tool for assessing AFR in university students.
Sequential medical therapy in renal carcinoma
Authors: Ratta Raffaele , Bamias Aristotelis
Published: February 2019

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the ninth most common cancer in humans. In the last decade, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, cell growth and proliferation, and the discovery of molecular alterations involved in RCC pathogenesis, have led to the identification of molecular targets of great clinical interest that have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic RCC (mRCC). Sunitinib, pazopanib and bevacizumab plus interferon-alpha remain the standard first-line treatments: these agents have significantly improved prognosis in mRCC. Everolimus, axitinib and sorafenib have demonstrated significant efficacy as second-line therapies. Nivolumab and cabozantinib are the most promising new-generation agents in the treatment of RCC. All of these agents, given in sequence, have extended life expectancy of RCC patients from 13 months in the cytokine era to over 20 months. Despite this improvement, it is not easy to establish the right sequence in which to administered different agents because there aren’t yet ways to identify or select patients likely to benefit or those who could be resistant to specific drugs. In this review we present clinical data on the sequential treatment in RCC and discuss key factors that need to be considered when physicians make treatment decisions for individual patients.
New treatment opportunities for patients with advanced and/or metastatic thyroid cancer
Authors: Locati Laura D. , Alfieri Salvatore , Licitra Lisa
Published: February 2019

No abstract available
Case 1 – Successful resection after FOLFIRI plus cetuximab therapy for unresectable colorectal cancer with multiple liver metastases
Authors: Nappi Anna , Romano Carmela , Nasti Gugliemo , Loupakis Fotios
Published: February 2019

This case report describes the outcome of a multidisciplinary approach which allowed successful resection in a patient diagnosed with unresectable colorectal cancer. The patient was a 66-year-old man with no important comorbidities. His main complaint was abdominal pain. The patient received a diagnosis of moderate differentiated sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma, RAS and BRAF wild type. Multiple liver metastases were detected. Conversion therapy was given and the patient received 8 therapy courses with FOLFIRI plus cetuximab. Grade 1 diarrhea and grade II skin toxicity were observed as adverse effects of the chemotherapy. The size of the tumor was reduced and the tumor was resected performing left colectomy, segment liver VI resection and performing intraoperative thermos-ablation with microwave. No recurrence was observed at 6 months after surgery.
Trial designs for the development of new drugs
Authors: Orbegoso Cecilia , Ghisoni Eleonora , Banerjee Susana
Published: February 2019

No abstract available
Analysing Conceptions of Social Pathology: Eight Questions
Authors: Laitinen Arto , Särkelä Arvi
Published: February 2019

Axel Honneth has suggested that the task of social philosophy can be defined as the diagnosisand therapy of social pathologies. He has developed that view in various writings (Honneth2007, 2009, 2014a, 2014b; cf. Zurn 2011; Freyenhagen 2015). In these different writings, he has in fact defended different conceptions of social pathology, as we try to show elsewhere(cf. Särkelä & Laitinen, ms). In so doing he has nonetheless brought the notion of social pathology to the centre of interest for researchers interested in Frankfurt School Critical Theory or the philosophy of social criticism more generally.In this short paper, we suggest some central questions for analysing and comparing conceptions of social pathology, which could be thought to be useful for social philosophy, especially for the tradition of Frankfurt School Critical Theory. Rival conceptions of socialpathology will give rival answers to these questions and the conceptions can be classifiedand compared with the help of these answers. Of course, any two conceptions can be compared in any of the details that either of them have, but our aim here is to map some of the central issues as stake in the philosophical discourse on social pathology. We discuss and compare in more detail four conceptions of social pathology with the help of these questions in Laitinen & Särkelä (2018) and in Honneth’s work in particular in Särkelä and Laitinen (2018). The questions we present in this paper are intended less as an a priori foranalysing conception of social pathology, than a potentially helpful a posteriori reflectionof the kind of questions one is confronted with when inquiring into the debate on social pathology. ’Pathology’ can mean both the science studying diseases and the object of inquiry, the disease itself. Unless otherwise indicated (as in subsection 7), we refer to the diseases themselves with ‘pathology’.
Walter Benjamin’s Zur Kritik der Gewalt (‘On the Critique of Violence’): reception, relevance, and a mis-diagnosis?
Authors: Whittington Valerie
Published: February 2019

Walter Benjamin’s early essay Zur Kritik der Gewalt [Zur Kritik] first published in 1921 is a notoriously difficult text, but its relevance tocontemporary politics makes it a text to which theorists repeatedly return. This reading takes issue with those critics, notably Axel Honneth, who see Benjamin’s project in Zur Kritik as fatally,dangerously flawed. It is suggested here that Benjamin’s text, despite the difficulties, still posits the possibility of a ‘lookout point’ - notprescriptive per se but in keeping with his abiding interest in literature, metaphorical and exegetical. There is no ground on which to standthat does not in effect constitute the lookout point of the place andtimes of the lookout, but this reading suggests that the Benjaminianlookout point is the lookout which is never fixed because it is not‘looking out’ on but towards others, and is not merely addressing and prescribing, but talking with itself and others. That Benjamin embracesreligious language to effect this move, perhaps suggesting, a lookout in judgment from a fixed point, from some ‘higher’ (transcendental)ground, certainly might be troubling for some, but it will be suggested these anxieties are misplaced.
Hegel and Spinoza: Substance and Negativity By Gregor Moder
Authors: Dunphy Robb
Published: February 2019

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Efficient Prediction of Liver Disease using Selected Attributes
Authors:   Mujtaba Hassan,   Maham Irfan,   Salah-u-Din Ayubi
Published: February 2019

Liver plays a vital role in the human body that performs several crucial life functions. A number of liver diseases exist and it is a challenging task to diagnose the liver disease at its early stage. In recent years, several data mining techniques have been used in medical field for prediction but there can be further improvements for quick and accurate diagnose of liver disease. In this paper, a variety of Classifiers have been experimented on Indian liver disease patients dataset which is publicly available on Kaggle. Attribute subset selection is performed to identify significant attributes and the resulting dataset is named as Selected Attributes Dataset (SAD). SAD provides more accuracy in less computation time using Random forest classification algorithm and improved system including these parameters i.e., the efficiency of the system can be increased, early decision making, less time and space required. This research work will provide help to predict liver disease with less amount of data, i.e., number of attributes.
Vitamin D deficiency and Depression: What Can We Do?
Authors: ERSOY Nesli , ERSOY Gülgün
Published: February 2019

Vitamin D deficiency is known to be widely in Western

populations. The implications of this in terms of bone health are increasingly understood,

yet its impact on other health areas, particularly mental health, is unclear. Although

recent data shown that vitamin D has an important impact on pathophysiology and

progression of serious chronic illness, vitamin D deficiency may be common,

especially in the risk groups who utilize limited sunshine such as elderly,

pregnant and children. Low vitamin D levels are associated with depression,

poor mood and other mental disorders. Most important data about relationship

between vitamin D and depression is determination of vitamin D receptors at

most area in brain and immüno reactivity of 1-alpha-hydroxylase that convert to

1.25(OH)D from 25(OH). Although there are a number of trials that have suggested

a role on lower serum vitamin D level and pathophysiology of depression, more

studies were need about vitamin D supplementation on treatment of depression.

Vitamin D deficiency is still major public health problem for our country. Primarycare

patients with a history of depression may be an important target for assessment

of vitamin D levels.
EFEITO DO HIDROTREINAMENTO NA FORÇA MUSCULAR E CAPACIDADES FUNCIONAIS EM IDOSAS ATIVAS
Authors: Da Silva Jose Carlos Gomes , Aboarrage Junior Antonio Michel
Published: February 2019

Contexto: O envelhecimento é um processo natural nas alterações fisiológicas e determinam mudanças na estrutura do corpo humano, modificando suas funções, e essas modificações são caracterizadas por fatores genéticos, estilo de vida sedentária e ambientais.Objetivos: Avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção de Hidro treinamento nas capacidades funcionais de idosas já treinadas no meio aquático.Método: Foram recrutadas 60 idosas, todas já experientes no meio aquático para que não houvesse interferência na hora de dividir os grupos em Hidro treinamento (n = 30) com intervenção, e grupo controle (n = 30) com hidroginástica convencional, e na divisão dos grupos, foi de maneira aleatória, já que todas eram experientes em atividades aquáticas. As intervenções aconteceram durante 12 semanas, com 3 vezes por semanas. Os dados antropométricos e capacidades funcionais, foram realizados pré e pós intervenção Resultados:  Houve diferença na força de preensão palmar hidro treinamento e o grupo controle com para mão dominante, e pós intervenção do hidro treinamento, e para o grupo controle para mão não-dominante. Para os testes funcionais, não houve diferença significativa nas variáveis de sentar e levantar, e levantar e caminhar.Conclusões: O presente estudo demostrou que a nossa hipótese de melhorar a força dos membros superiores e inferiores se confirmou, que uma intervenção de Hidro treinamento com exercícios específicos e bem orientados.
ACUTE EFFECTS OF COLD WATER IMMERSION ON CARDIOVASCULAR AND AUTONOMIC RESPONSES
Authors: Costa e Silva Gabriel , Rodrigues da Conceição Rodrigo , Herdy Carlos Vinicius , Silveira Anderson , Di Masi Fabrízio
Published: February 2019

Background: Immersion has been used for many years for therapeutic purposes, but more recently the cardiovascular and authonomic effects appear as an important change in the organism during immersion in the aquatic environment.Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of water immersion (22.6 °C) on heart rate, heart rate variability, body temperature, oxygen saturation, diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure in young apparently healthy men.Method: Nine apparently healthy males were randomly allocated to an experimental situation (SE) and one control (SC). The SE subjects had the variables measured after the 10 minutes immersion. The subject of the SC remained 10 minutes at rest in the terrestrial environment. After 48h, the procedures were performed the reverse manner to perform balanced input.Results: After 10 minutes of immersion in water was observed reduction in the values of heart rate, significant increases on the RR intervals. The values of RMSSD (ms) increased after immersion, as shown pNN50 (%) and HF index increased (p = 0.009). The ratio (LF / HF) decreased after immersion. Significant differences when comparing the SBP were observed.Conclusions: Thus, is concluded that the immersion in water (22.6º C) increases vagal activity and reduces modulation of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
RESPONSIVENESS OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM’S ITEMS OF KNEE INJURY AND OSTEOARTHRITIS OUTCOME SCORE (KOOS) TO THE AQUATIC EXER
Authors: Yázigi Flávia , Veiga Diogo , Marcos-Pardo Pablo J , Espanha Margarida
Published: February 2019

Background: Pain is the main symptom of Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) and aquatic exercise has been indicated as an effective non-pharmacological treatment for KOA symptoms. In general, KOA pain is assessed by simple scales or by multicomponent self-reported questionnaires, mainly the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index. Some studies had reported the effectiveness of aquatic exercise on KOOS pain dimension but not on each pain item.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate how pain items of KOOS questionnaire are affected by 3 months’ aquatic exercise program for overweight and obese individuals with KOA (PICO).Method: Eligibility criteria were 40 ≤ age ≤ 65 years; BMI ≥ 28kg/m²; clinical and radiographic KOA. Participants were randomized in aquatic exercise group (AEG) and control group (CG). Pain was assessed by KOOS. Descriptive statistics and Univariate Analyses of Covariance (ANCOVA) were used as primary analyses.Results: Final sample included 48 adults (BMI: 35.0±4.9 kg/m², age: 55±7 years), 23 in the CG and 25 in AEG. Table 1 presents ANCOVA analysis for each item of Pain dimension of KOOS. Significant group effect was found in all pain items (p <.05), except for pain frequency (P1) and pain on bending knee fully (P4). Better group effect was found in the item pain on walking (P5) (p <.001).Conclusions: PICO aquatic program was effective in improving knee pain in seven of nine activities in individuals with KOA.
ACONDICIONAMIENTO FÍSICO EN EL MEDIO ACUÁTICO
Authors: Marcos Pardo Pablo Jorge
Published: February 2019

Hablar de acondicionamiento físico en el medio acuático implica definir diversos términos como actividad física, ejercicio físico, condición física y estilo de vida por su estrecha relación con la salud. Se define actividad física (AF) como cualquier movimiento corporal producido por los músculos esqueléticos que requieren de un gasto energético; ejercicio físico (EF) es un tipo de actividad física en la que hay movimientos corporales repetitivos, planificados y estructurados, y que se hacen con un objetivo para mejorar o mantener uno o más componentes de la condición física (CF) (Caspersen, Powell, & Christenson, 1985). Se denomina estilo de vida al conjunto de hábitos cotidianos de comportamiento de una persona con los factores ambientales. Se asocia directamente el estado de salud con el estilo de vida saludable.  La AF y el EF a través del acondicionamiento físico es parte integral de cualquier plan para asegurar a las personas una vida saludable. Las personas deben integrar en su vida unos hábitos saludables que le permitan facilitar la pérdida de peso, disminuir la presión arterial, combatir las dislipidemias y en términos generales, reducir el riesgo de enfermedades crónicas y de todas las causas de mortalidad. La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS, 2002), define el término salud como “el estado completo de bienestar físico, mental y social y no la mera ausencia de enfermedad”.
Postoperative Analgesia for Pediatric Craniotomy Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Xing Fei , An LiXin , Xue FuShan , Zhao ChunMei , Bai YaFan
Published: February 2019

Background: Pain is often observed in pediatric patients after craniotomy procedures, which could lead to some serious postoperative complications. However, the optimal formula for postoperative analgesia for pediatric neurosurgery has not been well established. This study aimed to explore the optimal options and formulas for postoperative analgesia in pediatric neurosurgery.

Methods: Three hundred and twenty patients aged 1 to 12-years old who underwent craniotomy were randomly assigned to receive 4 different regimens of patient-controlled analgesia. The formulas used were as follows: Control group included normal saline 100 ml, with a background infusion of 2 ml/h, bolus 0.5 ml; Fentanyl group was used with a background infusion of 0.1-0.2 μg/k·h, bolus 0.1-0.2 μg/kg; Morphine group was used with a background infusion of 10-20 μg/kg·h, bolus 10-20 μg/kg; while Tramadol group was used with a background infusion of 100-400 μg/kg·h, bolus 100-200 μg/kg. Postoperative pain scores and analgesia-related complication were recorded respectively. Comparative analysis was performed between the four groups.

Results: In comparison of all groups with each other, lower pain scores were shown at 1 hour and 8 hour after surgery in Morphine group versus Tramadol, Fentanyl and Control groups (P<0.05). Both Tramadol and Fentanyl groups showed lower pain scores in comparison to Control group (P<0.05). Nausea and vomiting were observed more in Tramadol group in comparison to all other groups during the 48 hours of PCIA usage after operation (P=0.020). Much more rescue medicines including ibuprofen and morphine were used in Control group (CI=0.000-0.019). Changes in consciousness and respiratory depression were not observed in study groups. Moderate-to-severe pain was observed in a total of 56 (17.5%) of the study population. Multiple regression analysis for identifying risk factors for moderate-to-severe pain revealed that, younger children (OR=1.161, 1.027-1.312, P=0.017), occipital craniotomy (OR=0.374, 0.155-0.905, P=0.029), and morphine treatment (OR=0.077, 0.021-0.281, P<0.001) are the relevant factors.

Conclusions: Compared with other analgesic projects, PCIA or NCIA analgesia with morphine appears to be the safest and most effective postoperative analgesia program for pediatric patients who underwent neurosurgical operations.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. No: ChiCTR-IOC-15007676. Prospective registration. http://www.chictr.org.cn.
Blepharoptosis among Korean adults: Age-related prevalence and threshold age for evaluation
Authors: Paik Ji Sun , Han Kyungdo , Yang Suk-Woo , Park Yongku , Na Kyungsun , Cho Wonkyung , Jung Su-Kyung , Kim Seongeun
Published: February 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of blepharoptosis among Korean adults and the characteristics of blepharoptosis patients, and to determine an appropriate age threshold for recommending blepharoptosis evaluation.
Methods: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES-V) was conducted in 2010–2012. We extracted data on 17,878 Korean adults aged ≥ 19 years included in KNHANES-V, and determined blepharoptosis prevalence according to age to determine the cutoff age for recommending blepharoptosis evaluation. We also determined the possible association between blepharoptosis and obesity parameters, such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC).
Results: There was a strong association between older age and the prevalence of blepharoptosis. The cutoff age for recommending blepharoptosis evaluation was 63 years for males, 70 years for females, and 66 years for all patients. Patients with a high BMI and large WC had a higher prevalence of blepharoptosis in all age groups except for those aged > 80 years. The association of blepharoptosis with BMI according to age group showed that in the 50–59 and 60–69 years age groups, blepharoptosis prevalence and BMI were higher. However, in the 70–79 and 80–89 years age groups, extremely obese patients (BMI > 30) showed a decreased blepharoptosis prevalence.
Conclusions: Moderate to severe blepharoptosis can result in poor visual function and exacerbate headaches and depression, leading to decreased quality of life. This study proposed an appropriate age threshold for recommending evaluation of patients with blepharoptosis among the general population of Korea.
Online Social anxiety Cognitive therapy for Adolescents (OSCA): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Leigh Eleanor , Clark David M
Published: February 2019

Background Adolescent social anxiety disorder (SAD) is common, impairing and persistent. There is a need to intervene early to avert its long-term consequences. Cognitive Therapy for SAD is the leading treatment for adults and shows promise for adolescents. However, given the scale of the problem of adolescent SAD and the limited availability of psychological therapists in child and adolescent mental health services, there is a substantial gap in service provision. Delivering therapy via the Internet may provide part of the solution to this problem. An Internet version of adult Cognitive Therapy for SAD has been developed, with outcomes similar to face-to-face therapy. We have recently adapted this treatment for use with adolescents with SAD. Here, we describe a randomised controlled trial designed to test the efficacy of Internet Cognitive Therapy for adolescent SAD compared to waitlist. Methods and Design Forty adolescents aged 14-18 years old with a diagnosis of SAD will be recruited via schools. Participants will be randomly allocated to Internet Cognitive Therapy or to waitlist. All participants will be assessed three times during the study – at baseline (pretreatment/wait), midtreatment/wait (week 8), and at posttreatment/wait (week 15). Participants in the experimental arm will also complete weekly measures as part of the online program and they will be assessed at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Postwait, participants in the waitlist arm will be offered Internet Cognitive Therapy, and weekly and posttreatment data will also be collected for them. The trial aims to test whether Internet Cognitive Therapy is superior to waitlist in reducing social anxiety symptoms and in reducing the proportion of adolescents meeting criteria for SAD. Other outcomes of interest include depression and general anxiety symptoms. Acceptability of the online treatment will also be evaluated. Discussion This RCT will provide preliminary evidence on whether this intervention, requiring relatively low levels of therapist input, is safe and clinically effective. If this is shown to be the case, Internet Cognitive Therapy for adolescents has the potential to provide a service to the large population of adolescents with untreated SAD. Trial Registration: ISRCTN15079139 (version 1; dated: 06/02/2019), http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15079139
Effectiveness and implementation of evriMED with short messages service (SMS) reminders and tailored feedback compared to standard care on adherence to treatment among tuberculosis patients in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: proposal for a cluster Randomized Controlled Trial SMS reminders and tailored feedback through evriMED and adherence to TB treatment
Authors: Boer I. Marion Sumari-de , Pima Francis M , Ngowi Kennedy M , Chelangwa Geoffrey M , Mtesha Benson , Semvua Hadija H , Mpagama Stella , Mmbaga Blandina T , Nieuwkerk Pythia T , Aarnoutse Rob E
Published: February 2019

Background

Adherence to TB treatment is challenging because of many factors. WHO has recommended the use of digital adherence monitoring technologies in its End-TB-strategy. However, there is paucity on its evidence in improving adherence. EvriMED a real time medication monitoring (RTMM) which was found feasible and acceptable in few studies in Asia. However, in Tanzania, there may be challenges in implementing evriMED due to stigmatization, network and power access, accuracy and cost effectiveness which may have an implication for treatment outcomes. We propose a pragmatic cluster randomized trial, to investigate the effectiveness of evriMED with reminder cues and tailored feedback on adherence to TB treatment in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

Methods

We will create clusters in Kilimanjaro based on level of health care facility. Clusters will be randomized in an intervention arm, where evriMED will be implemented or a control arm, where standard practice DOTs will be followed. TB patients in intervention clusters will take their medication from the evriMED pillbox and receive tailored feedback. We will use the ‘Stages­of-change’­model, which assumes that a person has to go through the stages of pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and evaluation to change behaviour for tailored feedback on adherence reports from the device.

Discussion

If the intervention shows a significant effect on adherence and the devices are accepted, accurate and sustainable, the intervention can be scaled up within the National Tuberculosis Programmes.
The efficacy and safety of Shenzhu Guanxin Recipe Granules for treatment of patients with coronary artery disease: protocol for a double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: jin xiao , Wu Huanlin , Wu Bingxin , Li Yukai , Wang Xia , Liu Guoqing , Dang Xiaojing , Xu Danping
Published: February 2019

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common types of the cardiovascular diseases, previous pilot trials suggested that Traditional Chinese Medicine brought clinical benefits for patients with CAD. We will conduct this trial to determine the efficacy and safety of Shenzhu Guanxin Recipe Granules for treatment of patients with coronary artery disease.

Patients and Methods

This randomized controlled trial recruited 190 patients who were diagnosed CAD by clinical manifestations and examinations, in which coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) showed 50-70% of stenosis, with soft or mixed plaque. The included participants were randomly assigned to the case group and control group with a 1:1 allocation ratio; patients in the case group received SGR and usual care, and those in the control group received placebo (6 g/day for 6 months) and usual care. The endpoint of the study included calcium coverage score (CCS), C-Reactive protein (CRP), and the levels of blood lipids, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and ATP-binding membrane cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) were calculated before recruiting at6th month. The indicators were Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) and TCM syndrome questionnaire scores at 0th, 3rd, and 6th months.

Discussion

This clinical trial may provide a reliable evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness and safety of SGR therapy for patients with CAD by clinical manifestations and examinations, in which coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) showed 50-70% of stenosis, with soft or mixed plaque.
Non-atrial fibrillation was associated with early neurological improvement after intravenous thrombolysis with rt-PA in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Liu Jie , Huang Jiaqi , Xu Huimin , Dai Haibin
Published: February 2019

Background

To investigate the factors associated with early neurological improvement of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment to acute ischemic stroke (AIS) within 4.5 hours of onset.

Methods

Demographics onset to treatment time, risk factors, and clinical and laboratory data of 209 AIS patients undergoing intravenous rt-PA therapy at the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between January 2013 and August 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was recorded before thrombolytic therapy, 24 h after the treatment and 7 d after the treatment to evaluate the recovery of neurological function. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the outcomes.

Results

Of the 209 AIS patients treated by intravenous thrombolysis with rt-PA. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in patients with early neurological improvement. The multivariable analysis showed that non-atrial fibrillation (AF) was independently associated with early neurological improvement at 24 h and 7 d after thrombolysis. Onset to treatment time was an independent predictor (P < 0.05) for early neurological improvement at 7 d after thrombolysis. The NIHSS score and diastolic blood pressure on admission were associated with symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhagic (sICH) transformation.

Conclusions

Non-AF was independently associated with early neurological improvement after intravenous thrombolysis in AIS patients, but non-AF was not associated with the occurrence of sICH. Onset to treatment time was an independent predictor of early neurological improvement at 7 d after thrombolysis in AIS patients.
Ultra-high energy neutrinos searches with the Pierre Auger Observatory
Authors: Trini Marta
Published: February 2019

In the EeV range, neutrinos are expected to be produced by ultra-high
energy cosmic rays interactions with the Cosmic Microwave Background
during propagation in the Universe. We report on the search for
ultra-high energy neutrinos in data collected with the Surface Detector
of the Pierre Auger Observatory. The searches are most efficient in the
zenith angle range from 60 degrees to 95 degrees with tau neutrinos
skimming in the Earth playing a dominant role. The present non-detection
of UHE neutrinos in the Pierre Auger Observatory excludes the most
optimistic scenarios of neutrino production in terms of UHE cosmic rays
chemical composition and cosmological evolution of the acceleration
sites. We also report on the searches for neutrinos in coincidence with
the recent Gravitational Wave events detected by LIGO/Virgo.
Development of the detectors for the DeeMe experiment
Authors: Teshima Natsuki
Published: February 2019

In the DeeMe experiment, approximately 70\ \mathrm{GHz/mm^{2}}70GHz/mm2
prompt-charged particles will hit the multi-wire proportional chambers
(MWPCs) between signal read-out periods. To avoid the space charge
effect, we developed fast HV-switching MWPCs in order to control the gas
gain dynamically. Four such MWPCs have been manufactured. The circuit of
readout amplifiers is slightly modified to further improve the
efficiency of the detector, and we also started to investigate other
possible choices of the gas mixture. In this article, the development of
the detectors and results of performance tests will be presented.
Diversion and phylogenetic relatedness of filterable bacteria from Norwegian tap and bottled waters
Authors: Charnock Colin , Hagen Ralf Xue , Nguyen Theresa Ngoc-Thu , Vo Linh Thuy
Published: February 2019

Numerous articles have documented the existence of filterable bacteria. Where filtration is the chosen method of sterilization for medicinal or media components, these bacteria will by definition render products non-sterile. They may further represent a health hazard to the end user. A wide-range of bacterial genera were found in bottled and tap water filtrates from 0.2 μm filters, including genera housing opportunistic pathogens (e.g. Methylobacterium) and endospore formers (Paenibacillus). Two municipal tap water isolates were only distantly related to named species. One of these grew on agar, and could potentially provide hitherto unharvested useful biological products. The other grew only in water, and failed to produce colonies on media targeting either heterotrophs or autotrophs. The present study is one of very few looking at filterable bacteria in bottled waters intended for human consumption and the first identifying the filterable portion. It extends the range of known habitats of filterable bacteria and provides data on two new or novel species.
Pharmaceuticals and pesticides in rural community drinking waters of Quebec, Canada – a regional study on the susceptibility to source contamination
Authors: Husk Barry , Sanchez Juan Sebastian , Leduc Roland , Takser Larissa , Savary Olivier , Cabana Hubert
Published: February 2019

In Canada, the presence of pharmaceuticals and pesticides in municipal drinking water has been examined primarily in larger urban centres which draw their supplies from surface water. However, few studies have examined this issue in smaller and rural communities, which represent nearly one-third of the Canadian population and which draw their drinking water mainly from groundwater. This study presents a regional-scale assessment of the presence of these contaminants in the drinking waters of 17 smaller rural communities, compared with two larger urban communities, in south-central Quebec. From a total of 70 chemicals examined, 15 compounds (nine pharmaceuticals and six pesticides) were detected. The three most frequently detected contaminants were caffeine, atrazine and naproxen, respectively, in 29%, 24% and 21% of the samples. Detections reported here for the first time in Quebec drinking water include the known human carcinogen cyclophosphamide and the fungicide thiabendazole. Maximum concentrations of pharmaceuticals ranged from 30 to 1,848 ng L−1 and of pesticides from 21 to 856 ng L−1. This study provides direct evidence that drinking water in smaller, rural communities of Quebec, Canada, whether sourced from groundwater or surface water, can contain measurable levels of pharmaceuticals and pesticides, indicative of their susceptibility to source contamination.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the kind support of CAWQ/ACQE (https://www.cawq.ca).
La Importancia de la Generación de Confianza en el Contacto con la Población Privada de Libertad en Cárceles del Paraguay
Authors: Galeano Monti José Antonio
Published: February 2019

A partir de las actividades que realizan las distintas instituciones públicas y de la sociedad civil en las cárceles del Paraguay se analiza críticamente el tipo de acercamiento que se propicia desde las distintas instituciones al momento de contactar con las personas que viven en contextos de encierro y carcelario. Se ofrece un marco de referencias y se analizan las estrategias utilizadas por distintos investigadores que trabajaron con diversas poblaciones en situación vulnerabilidad, de manera a poder dimensionar la importancia de trabajar en la construcción de la confianza con los participantes de las investigaciones para contar con informantes e información de calidad. Se reflexiona críticamente algunas prácticas encontradas, y se ofrece una propuesta de trabajo y una estrategia de acercamiento respetuosa y cercana a las personas privadas de libertad.
Critical Discourse Analysis: Between Educational Sciences and Journalism
Authors: António Ana Sofia , Teodoro António
Published: February 2019

Abstract

This research, in which we used Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) applied to the field of Educational Sciences, was developed within the scope of the project of PhD in Education. We submit the question - what relations can be identified between opinion articles concerning Education published in two broadsheet newspapers and the values and aspirations defended by the new middle class?

A quantitative methodology was used, and the directors of the newspapers studied were interviewed, as well as parents and teachers. CDA was used on the 20 opinion articles chosen as corpus of this study.

It is our belief that it is essential to understand the intentions and the consequences of opinion articles related to the school.
Especificidades Regionais e Mudança Climática
Authors: Castro Joana D'arc Bardella , Nogueira Jorge Madeira
Published: February 2019

Alterações no sistema climático têm suscitado discussões, populares e acadêmicas, nas décadas recentes. Se intensas, essas alterações climáticas potencializam danos ao ser humano e ao meio que o cerca. Este artigo tem como objetivo verificar como as emissões de gases do efeito estufa - GEE se comportaram ao longo de quinze anos na região Centro-Oeste brasileira. Os procedimentos metodológicos basearam-se na análise comparativa de informações bibliográficas e empíricas de fontes secundárias. Observou-se que os efeitos do aquecimento global são espacialmente diferenciados no Brasil. As implicações das condições climáticas acentuam essas disparidades regionais. É necessário pensar políticas públicas específicas para regiões tão marcantes em suas diferenças. Para se obter o padrão ótimo de redução de emissões a curto prazo deve-se tentar diminuir quantidade de GEE nas categorias nas quais há maior variação positiva. E, redução a longo prazo, nas categorias as quais já se vê um avanço a favor das emissões de CO2 equivalente.
Efeitos Agudos e Crônicos Durante e Após a Exposição do Copepoda Tisbe biminiensis ao Cromo
Authors: Gomes Samara Silva , Carvallho Augusto César Cristo de , Araujo-Castro Cristiane Maria Varela
Published: February 2019

Fêmeas ovadas foram expostas a quatro diferentes concentrações de cromo durante 96 horas. Posteriormente, as fêmeas foram transferidas para água de cultivo (descontaminação) durante oito dias. Na exposição foram observados parâmetros reprodutivos e mortalidade. Na descontaminação foi avaliado o sucesso reprodutivo das fêmeas (tempo para produção de saco de ovos e número de náuplios), desenvolvimento da prole e parâmetros populacionais. Durante a exposição não foram observadas mudanças significativas nos parâmetros avaliados. No bioensaio de descontaminação, as fêmeas do grupo controle demonstraram normalidade no comportamento reprodutivo, enquanto que as fêmeas expostas ficaram desovadas por mais tempo reduzindo a produção de náuplios. Com relação ao desenvolvimento, observou-se um retardo nas transições dos estágios larvais, sobretudo de copepodito para adulto, demonstrando uma menor densidade populacional. Portanto, concentrações subletais de cromo podem prejudicar a fisiologia reprodutiva, retardar o desenvolvimento e diminuir a densidade populacional de Tisbe biminiens.
Qualitative Methodologies as a Vehicle for Understanding the Emotional Process in Soccer Players
Authors: Martins Carla Alexandra Ramalho de Sena , Brito António Paula
Published: February 2019

A descriptive-exploratory investigation with pre-experimental design tried to answer the question how sports performance in competition is influenced by emotions? Two assessing instruments were built – Questionário Emoção e Desempenho Desportivo (QEDD, study 1) and Sistema de Observação do Desempenho Desportivo - (SODD -1, study 3). Interviews were used to identify the emotions’ triggers and which sports performance factors were influenced by those emotions (study 2). Study 4 intended to answer the research question, with two football players. For both players different kinds of emotions were generated by the same trigger and by different triggers. For player 1, positive and negative emotions always had a functional effect in sports performance; for player 2, positive emotions had only a functional effect on sports performance, negative emotions had both effects in sports performance (functional and dysfunctional), and some of the studied emotions had no influence in sports performance.
Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship and Docking Studies on a series of H+/K+-ATPase inhibitors
Authors: Shaik Basheerulla , Gupta Satya Prakash , Sharma Shweta
Published: February 2019

Background:

The Gastric H+/K+-ATPase is also known as proton pump is the enzyme
responsible for the acidification of gastric juice. H+/K+ GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
and other acid related diseases mainly depend on the inhibition of the gastric H+/K+- ATPase which
will finally result in acid secretion in stomach. GERD is one of the diseases that have significant
effect on the quality of human life and are the major burden on health care systems is that leads to
heart burn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, epigastric pain, and respiratory conditions such as chronic
cough. Hence the study of the inhibitors of Gastric H+/K+-ATPase is desired.

Methods:

Research and online content related to imidazo [1, 2-a]pyrazine and heterocyclic ring analogues
(I) that were synthesized and evaluated for their Gastric H+/K+-ATPase inhibitory activity is
reviewed, and in order to design and develop still better and more effective H+/K+-ATPase inhibitors,
we have made Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR), docking and ADMET studies
on these compounds.

Results:

The best MLR equation based on four descriptors along with statistical parameters is obtained
using Statistica dataminer software. Using the model expressed by this study we predicted
some new compounds of high H+/K+-ATPase inhibition potency. Each predicted compound has very
high potency with which only a few compounds of existing series can match.

Conclusion:

The QSAR and molecular modelling studies suggested that still better compounds can
be designed if the flexibility of the molecules can be increased for which attempts can be made to
have more saturated atoms in the molecules. Such a compound predicted by us was found to have
interactions with the enzyme H+/K+-ATPase almost in the same manner as the FDA approved compounds,
lansoprazole, pantaprazole.
5-Nitrofuran-2-yl Thiohydrazones as Double Antibacterial Agents Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Lukin Alexey Yurjevich , Vedekhina Tatiana Sergeevna , Chudinov Mikhail Vassiljevich
Published: February 2019

Background:

Applying of "double-drug" strategy to 5-nitrofuran derivatives has been
proposed.

Methods:

A small library of 5-Nitrofuran-2-yl Thiohydrazones was developed, and initial screening demonstrated
good activity against bacteria and fungi of ESKAPE panel.

Results and Conclusion:

The synthesis of the desired thiohydrazones was carried out via condensation
of 5-nitrofuran-2-carbaldehyde with thiohydrazides of substituted oxamic acids.
The Antiviral Effects of Sodium Phenylbutyrate Against BoHV-1 Infection In Vitro
Authors: Chen Xinye , Zhu Guoqiang , Zhu Liqian
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

The alteration of histone acetylation is a known mechanism to regulate gene
expression, and thereby affecting various cellular processes. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are
known to regulate histone acetylation by removal of the acetyl group from lysines. HDAC inhibitor
such as Sodium Phenylbutyrate (PB) and Valproic Acid (VPA) have been reported to affect multiple
virus infection while whether they affect BoHV-1 infection is unknown.

Objective:

The aim of the study is to investigate whether PB and VPA effects BoHV-1 infection and
the virus induced inflammation related signaling including Erk1/2 and p38MAPK signaling.

Methods:

To assess the antiviral effects of PB and VPA on BoHV-1 infection, MDBK cells were
treated with these inhibitors at different concentrations. Then time addition was performed to pinpoint
which stages of virus infection was affected by the chemicals. In order to assess whether PB
affect viral gene expression, we detected the viral IE genes such as bICP0, bICP4 and bICP22 using
real-time PCR assay. The effects of PB had on the activation of inflammation related signaling including
Erk1/2 and p38MAPK in response to the virus infection were also detected.

Results:

Here, for the first time we reveals that PB but not VPA affects BoHV-1 infection at late
stages of infection. It affected the expression of IE genes such as bICP0, bICP4 and bICP22. Interestingly,
PB enhanced the activation of both Erk1/2 and p38MAPK signaling stimulated by BoHV-1
infection.

Conclusion:

HDAC inhibitor PB significantly inhibited BoHV-1 infection partially through the interruption
of certain viral IE gene expression. Though PB has been reported to have antiinflammatory
effects, we found that it enhanced the activation of inflammation pertinent signaling of
both Erk1/2 and p38MAPK stimulated by BoHV-1 infection.
Formulation and In vitro Evaluation of Gastroretentive Floating Bioadhesive Tablets of Nizatidine using Factorial Design
Authors: Sabale Vidya , Chaudhari Hardikkumar , Sabale Prafulla
Published: February 2019

Background:

The aim of the present study was to formulate and evaluate floating bioadhesive
tablets of Nizatidine which is a competitive, reversible H2-receptor antagonist. Floatingbioadhesive
drug delivery system exhibiting a unique combination of floatation and bioadhesion to prolong
gastric residence time was prepared.

Methods:

Polymers used were Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) K15M as matrix forming
water swellable release retarding polymer and carbopol 934P as bioadhesive polymer. The gas generating
agents used were sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. The prepared floating bioadhesive tablets of
Nizatidine were optimized by 32 factorial design to study independent variable X1 (concentration of CP
934P) and X2 (concentration of HPMC K15M) and dependent variables as floating lag time, cumulative
percentage drug release at 12h and swelling index. Tablets were evaluated for various parameters
such as hardness, friability, drug content, swelling behavior, floating lag time, bioadhesive strength,
drug release profile and stability.

Results:

All the formulations passed the test for weight variation, hardness, content uniformity and
showed acceptable results with respect to drug content (97.93 ± 0.57) and % friability. The tablet containing
25% HPMC K15M and 13.75 % Carbopol 934P was selected as optimized formulation which
showed the floating lag time of 74.34±2.08 seconds, drug release of 97.03±0.55% at 12 h (R12h,%), S.I
as 79.24±0.87 at 9 h and bioadhesive strength as 10.0023±21.47 g. Stability of the formulation was
proved using stability study.

Conclusion:

The formulated tablets have a potential for controlled release of the drug through floatation
and bioadhesion.