bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analysis of 1,200 Transcriptomic Profiles Identifies a Prognostic Model for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sandhu Vandana , Labori Knut Jorgen , Borgida Ayelet , Lungu Ilinca , Bartlett John , Hafezi-Bakhtiari Sara , Denroche Robert E. , Jang Gun Ho , Pasternack Danielle , Mbaabali Faridah , Watson Matthew , Wilson Julie , Kure Elin H. , Gallinger Steven , Haibe-Kains Benjamin
Published: May 2019

PURPOSE

With a dismal 8% median 5-year overall survival, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy. Only 10% to 20% of patients are eligible for surgery, and more than 50% of these patients will die within 1 year of surgery. Building a molecular predictor of early death would enable the selection of patients with PDAC who are at high risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We developed the Pancreatic Cancer Overall Survival Predictor (PCOSP), a prognostic model built from a unique set of 89 PDAC tumors in which gene expression was profiled using both microarray and sequencing platforms. We used a meta-analysis framework that was based on the binary gene pair method to create gene expression barcodes that were robust to biases arising from heterogeneous profiling platforms and batch effects. Leveraging the largest compendium of PDAC transcriptomic data sets to date, we show that PCOSP is a robust single-sample predictor of early death—1 year or less—after surgery in a subset of 823 samples with available transcriptomics and survival data.

RESULTS

The PCOSP model was strongly and significantly prognostic, with a meta-estimate of the area under the receiver operating curve of 0.70 ( P = 2.6E−22) and d-index (robust hazard ratio) of 1.9 (range, 1.6 to 2.3; ( = 1.4E−04) for binary and survival predictions, respectively. The prognostic value of PCOSP was independent of clinicopathologic parameters and molecular subtypes. Over-representation analysis of the PCOSP 2,619 gene pairs—1,070 unique genes—unveiled pathways associated with Hedgehog signaling, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and extracellular matrix signaling.

CONCLUSION

PCOSP could improve treatment decisions by identifying patients who will not benefit from standard surgery/chemotherapy but who may benefit from a more aggressive treatment approach or enrollment in a clinical trial.
Ordered Structures in Liquid Water as Studied by Raman Spectroscopy and the Phonon Confinement Model
Authors: Korepanov Vitaly I , Hamaguchi Hiro-o
Published: May 2019

Raman spectroscopy and the phonon confinement model (PCM) have been used to study the two ordered structures in liquid water, “structured hydrogen bonded water” and “nano-ice”, whose existence has recently been confirmed by a hyperspectral analysis of 140 temperature dependent Raman spectra (−23 to 45 °C). The PCM spectral simulation based on the ice Ih structure indicates that vibrations are limited within a short range of few molecules in “structured hydrogen bonded water”, while they extend to about a 2–4 nm range in “Nano-ice”.
Health and saliva microbiomes of a semi-urbanized indigenous tribe in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Yeo Li-Fang , Aghakhanian Farhang F. , Tan James S. Y. , Gan Han Ming , Phipps Maude E.
Published: May 2019

Background: The indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, also known as Orang Asli, have gradually been urbanized. A shift towards non-communicable diseases commonly associated with sedentary lifestyles have been reported in many tribes. This study engaged with a semi-urbanized Temiar tribe from Kampong Pos Piah, Perak, who are experiencing an epidemiological transition.

Methods:  Weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, HbA1C and lipid levels were measured as indicators of cardio-metabolic health. DNA was extracted from saliva using salting-out method followed by PCR amplification of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and sequencing on Illumina MiSeq. Microbiome analysis was conducted on Qiime v1.9. Statistical analysis was conducted using Qiime v1.9 and R.  

Results: The study revealed that 60.4% of the Temiar community were overweight/obese, with a higher prevalence among women. HbA1C levels showed that 45% of Temiar had pre-diabetes. Insulin resistance was identified in 21% of Temiar by using a surrogate marker, TG/HDL. In total, 56.5% of Temiar were pre-hypertensive, and the condition was prevalent across all age-groups. The saliva microbiome profiles of Temiar revealed significant differences by gender, BMI, abdominal obesity as well as smoking status. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium was increased in men whereas Prevotella, Capnocytophaga, Leptotrichia, Neisseria and Streptococcus were increased in women. Proteobacteria was significantly depleted in smokers.

Conclusions: Temiar from Pos Piah had a high prevalence of cardio-metabolic risks, including general and abdominal obesity, pre-diabetes, prehypertension and hypertension. This phenomenon has not been previously reported in this tribe. The saliva microbiome profiles were significantly different for individuals of different gender, BMI scores, abdominal obesity and smoking status.
Rainfall Runoff Modeling Using MIKE 11 Nam Model
Authors: Kumar Pushpendra , Lohani A.K. , Nema A.K.
Published: May 2019

River basin planning and management are primarily based on the accurate assessment and prediction of catchment runoff. A continuous effort has been made by the various researchers to accurately assess the runoff generated from precipitation by developing various models. In this paper conceptual hydrological MIKE 11 NAM approach has been used for developing a runoff simulation model for Arpasub-basin of Seonath river basin in Chhattisgarh, India. NAM model has been calibrated and validated using discharge data at Kota gauging site on Arpa basin. The calibration and validation results show that this model is capable to define the rainfall runoff process of the basin and thus predicting daily runoff. The ability of the NAM model in rainfall runoff modelling of Arpa basin was assessed using Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency Index (EI), coefficient of determination (R2) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). This study demonstrates the usefulness of the developed model for the runoff prediction in the Arpa basin which acts as a useful input for the integrated water resources development and management at the basin scale.
EFFECTS OF HOOVERING ACTIVITIES ON BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS AND PARTICULATE MATTER LEVELS IN MAIN PRAYER HALLS OF MALAYSIAN MOSQUES
Authors: Azam Ramli Nor , Baitul Izati Rasli Nur , Rodzi Ismail Mohd , Shith Syabiha , Faizah Fitri Md Yusof Noor , Syadia Zainordin Nazatul , El-Bayoumi Maher , Umirah Mohamad Nazir Amni
Published: May 2019

In Malaysia, carpets are commonly used as finishing flooring material in the main prayer hall of mosques. In cleaning carpets, hoovering has been the most popular method, but it directly triggers the uplifting of dust that may contain bacteria and fungi. Hoovering activities and ventilation strategies (air conditioning split units (ACSUs) or by active ventilation (non-ACSUs)) can affect the prevalence of bacterial and fungal growth. This study aimed to establish the total bacterial counts, total fungal counts and also PM10 concentrations under different ventilation strategies (ACSUs and non-ACSUs) in the main prayer halls of mosques. Identification of bacterial and fungal species also took place in this study. Sampling was performed in 25 mosque buildings (17 ACSUs and 8 non-ACSUs) with carpeted flooring on Zohor-Asar and Friday-Asar prayer sessions at Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Results revealed that the total bacterial counts, total fungal counts and mean PM10 concentrations were higher in mosques with ACSUs than in mosques with non-ACSUs at concentrations ranging from 166cfu/m3 to 660 cfu/m3, from 118 cfu/m3 to 660 cfu/m3 and from 11.15 ± 9.32 µg/m3 to 49.30 ± 13.13 µg/m3, respectively. The total bacterial counts exceeded the acceptable guideline limit by the Industrial Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (ICOP), but the total fungal counts and PM10 concentrations did not. In some mosques, the total bacterial and fungal counts did not decrease even after hoovering activities were completed. The dominant types of bacteria found in the mosque buildings were Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp. and Micrococci spp., whilst the dominant fungal species was Aspergillus niger. Although the findings were not alarming, care should be taken by mosques authorities especially while and after hoovering, to ensure that, the indoor air quality in mosques are being maintained within the permissible limit to protect worshippers from being exposed to bacterial and fungal.
Effect of idol immersion activities on the water quality of urban lakes in Bengaluru, Karnataka
Authors: Gorain Bisweswar , Paul Srijita
Published: May 2019

Immersion of painted idols and dumping of organic wastes in the lakes, as a part of religious activities, are immensely adding to water quality deterioration. Incorporation of alkaline, alkali-earth metals and heavy metals through the idol-making paints are likely to promote the hardness and heavy metal concentration of water in these surface water bodies, and therefore, deteriorate the water quality. In this purview, periodic analysis of Nagavara and Ulsoor lake water was carried out to investigate the effect of idol immersion activities on the lake water quality. Water samples were collected before and after immersion activities randomly from different points of these lakes. In Nagavara lake, the maximum concentrations of calcium and magnesium were recorded to be 6.6 and 3.02 ppm, respectively after one month of immersion. The maximum concentrations of Na and K were 19.3and 42.8 ppm, respectively after seven days of immersion. In Ulsoor lake water, the EC had increased from 0.36 dSm-1 before immersion to1.22 dSm-1 after 14 days of immersion. The nitrate content of water before immersion was 1.51 ppm which increased to4.7 ppm, after 14 days of immersion in Ulsoor lake water. Higher BOD and COD values were recorded in lake water seven days after immersion activities. The concentrations of different inorganic ions including heavy metals (Cr, Cd and Pb) were found to increase in the post-immersion period. The water of these lakes is used for irrigation as well as other purposes. Thus, proper measures have to be adopted to restore and maintain water quality in these lakes.
Antenatal care: assessing Zambian midwives' knowledge and skills
Authors: Libingi Linda Muleya , Ngoma Catherine M , Banda Yolan
Published: May 2019

Background:

Antenatal care refers to the assessment and care of pregnant women. In southern Zambia, the high number of maternal deaths related to pregnancy complications could be prevented by high quality antenatal care.

Aims:

To explore midwives' knowledge of antenatal care and assess their skill levels.

Methods:

A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2016 and February 2017 with 89 midwives. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data test associations between variables.

Findings:

Knowledge levels were high, but 61.8% of respondents did not have the required clinical skills when observed. Overall, 70% of respondents had received supervision in the past 6 months before data collection.

Conclusions:

Knowledge levels of midwives were high compared to the skills levels. Intensive, onsite, supportive mentorship and supervision is recommended to improve midwives knowledge and skills in antenatal care.
Knowledge and acceptance of HPV vaccination among Lagos students
Authors: Ojeleye Olajumoke Adetoun , Adejumo Prisca Olabisi
Published: May 2019

Background:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 99.7% of cervical cancers, the fourth most common cancer in women. The introduction of a vaccine for HPV has been one of the most effective public health interventions for combating infectious diseases.

Aims:

To investigate the knowledge and acceptance of HPV vaccination among secondary school students in Lagos State, Nigeria

Methods:

The descriptive study was conducted among 500 male and female students from selected public and private schools located in Education District 1 of Lagos State between June and July 2016. A 44-item adapted questionnaire covering sociodemographic data; knowledge of cervical cancer, HPV and the HPV vaccine; and acceptance of HPV vaccine was used. Statistical analyses were both descriptive and inferential using the SPSS version 20.

Findings:

The mean age of respondents was 14.4±1.7 years. Students' overall knowledge about cervical cancer, HPV and the HPV vaccine was generally poor, as only 39.8% had good knowledge of the subject matter. Students in private schools (P=0.005), those in their mid-teens (P=0.000), female students (P=0.047) and students whose mothers had up to tertiary education (P=0.005) had better knowledge. Acceptance of the HPV vaccine was poor (40.0%) but this was found to increase (66.8%) if the vaccine were offered for free.

Conclusions:

It was recommended that strategies should be put in place to develop age-appropriate and socially and culturally sensitive educational interventions to improve HPV vaccine knowledge and acceptance. Significant uptake of the HPV vaccine will eventually reduce the future morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer.
Nurses' knowledge and women's awareness of pre-conception care
Authors: Akanbi Folashade OM , Oluwatosin Abimbola O
Published: May 2019

Background:

Pre-conception care is an intervention to optimise a woman's health before pregnancy to improve maternal and newborn outcomes.

Aims:

To determine the nurses' knowledge and pregnant women's awareness of pre-conception care in selected hospitals.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive survey was used. A total of 187 nurses and 298 pregnant women were selected using systematic random sampling.

Findings:

Results showed that 17% (n=50) of the pregnant women were aware of pre-conception care. A majority of nurses (n=123; 65.8%) had good knowledge of pre-conception care and 82.9% (n=155) agreed that it was a primary strategy that prevented adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions:

The study suggests the need for midwives and other health professionals to ensure that women are encouraged to register for pre-conception care as early as possible, so as to ensure proper maternity care, early identification of risk and early management.
Ludwig's angina: a multidisciplinary concern
Authors: Parker Emma , Mortimore Gerri
Published: May 2019

Although relatively uncommon, Ludwig's angina is a potentially life-threatening infection of the floor of the mouth and neck. There is a danger of airway obstruction by swelling in the area and displacement of the tongue, and patients are at risk of deterioration. There are many factors thought to place patients at an increased risk of developing the condition. These include recent dental treatment, dental caries or generally poor dentition, chronic disease such as diabetes, alcoholism and malnutrition, and patients with compromised immune systems (eg AIDS, organ transplantation). This article examines the aetiology of Ludwig's angina and considers the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of a patient who presented to an out-of-hours streaming area of a local emergency department, with an emphasis on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. It also considers the need for ongoing education and awareness of health professionals to ensure the successful diagnosis, management and treatment of this condition, particularly in the context of patients with poor access to dental care presenting first to the emergency department.
Benign acute childhood myositis: importance of early recognition
Authors: Steinson Amanda Catherine , Mubashar Tayyib , Janzen Alison Frances , Poulton Dawn , Paul Siba Prosad
Published: May 2019

Cases of children presenting with limb or joint pain are relatively common and are due mainly to benign conditions. Early diagnosis will help reduce unnecessary invasive investigations so, although a relatively rare condition, benign acute childhood myositis (BACM), which presents with acute lower limb pain and an isolated rise in creatine kinase, should be considered. BACM is characterised by an infiltration of viruses into calf muscle fibres, which may cause a subsequent inflammatory response leading to calf-muscle pain. Symptomatic and supportive management, along with explanation and reassurance, is all that is required in managing this condition. This article discusses the management of a 10-year-old boy with a classical presentation of BACM, alongside differentials and management for clinician consideration.
Leaders in health for everyone
Authors: May Ruth , McArdle Charlotte , McQueen Fiona , White Jean
Published: May 2019

The chief nursing officers for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales celebrate nurses' essential role in ensuring high-quality care for all
Nursing means putting the patient first, wherever we are in the world
Authors: Morton Sean
Published: May 2019

Sean Morton, Senior Lecturer, School of Health and Social Care at Lincoln University ( SMorton@lincoln.ac.uk ), describes what he has learned in 20 years of working with and teaching nurses from the UK, USA and Europe
Strategies to overcome the public's fear of vaccinations
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: May 2019

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, University of Southampton, reflects on media coverage of the use of vaccines and discusses a range of initiatives to address public fears around immunisation through vaccination
An introduction to the equine microbiome
Authors: Watson Rebecca
Published: May 2019

Rebecca Watson MSc RVN takes an in depth look at this vital bodily system
Performance enhancing or unnecessary pressure?
Authors: Curran Hannah , Chapman Stella
Published: May 2019

Hannah Curran and Stella Chapman BVSc(Hons) MSc MRCVS reveal the results of their recent research into the tightness of nosebannds in unaffiliated dressage horses
Good vibrations
Authors: Young Barbara
Published: May 2019

Barbara Young looks at the research into the benefits of cycloidal vibration therapy
PENGARUH PENYULUHAN GIZI TERHADAP PENGETAHUAN IBU TENTANG POLA MAKAN BALITA DI DESA SAMBIREJO KECAMATAN MANTINGAN KABUPATEN NGAWI
Authors: Sari Suci Arsita , Widardo Widardo , Cahyanto Erindra Budi
Published: May 2019

Latar Belakang: Status gizi menjadi salah satu indikator untuk menentukan derajat kesehatan anak. Pemberian gizi yang tidak tepat bagi balita dapat menyebabkan defisiensi nutrisi. Penyuluhan gizi menjadi salah satu upaya untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan ibu tentang pola makan balita. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penyuluhan gizi terhadap pengetahuan ibu tentang pola makan balita.

Metode Penelitian: Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif yang menggunakan desain quasi experiment dengan control group pretest-posttest. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Desa Sambirejo, Mantingan, Ngawi pada awal bulan Mei 2016. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah ibu balita sejumlah 70 responden yang diambil dengan teknik cluster random sampling. Instrumen penelitian menggunakan kuesioner. Teknik analisis data menggunakan uji mann whitney.

Hasil Penelitian: Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa rerata skor pre-test dan post-test pada kelompok perlakuan sebesar 47,9 dan 83,9. Rerata skor pre-test dan post-test pada kelompok kontrol sebesar 56,3 dan 56,5. Selisih rerata skor pre dan post-test kelompok perlakuan sebesar 36, lebih tinggi dibandingkan kelompok kontrol dengan selisih rerata sebesar 0,2.

Simpulan Penelitian: Terdapat pengaruh penyuluhan gizi terhadap pengetahuan ibu tentang pola makan balita di Desa Sambirejo, Kecamatan Mantingan, Kabupaten Ngawi secara signifikan (nilai P = 0,001).

Kata kunci: Penyuluhan gizi, pengetahuan, ibu balita
Computer usage of publıc and private primary school students at the secondary level in Şişli district of İstanbul
İstanbul Şişli ilçesi resmi ve özel ilköğretim okullarının ikinci basamağında öğrenim gören öğrencilerin bilgisayar kullanımı
Authors: Metreş Özlem , Savaşer Sevim
Published: May 2019

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the use of computers among secondary level students, and the impacts of demographical variables on computer usage.Method: Data for this descriptive and cross-sectional designed study was collected via surveys conducted by the researcher on a sample group of 2,304 students. The data was analyzed using percentage distribution, t-test, unilateral variance analysis and Tukey’s testsResults: The results of the analysis revealed that the average daily computer use of the students in the sample, 51.9 percent of whom are girls, is 107.33±134.98 mins/day. It has been determined that boys use computers more than girls, and the more time they spend on computers, the less successful they are academically. Eyestrain and tiredness are the most frequent adverse impacts of computer use in the student sample, followed by headaches, lack of sleep and eating too much junk food, as lesser adverse impacts.Conclusion: Nut just parents, but everybody should take an integrated approach to determining the risks related to the computer use, which have become an essential part of our lives, and to reducing such risks. School health nursing applications should gain momentum in order to ensure the conscious and controlled use of computers. Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file.ÖzetAmaç: Bu araştırmanın amacı ilköğretim ikinci basamakta öğrenim gören öğrencilerin bilgisayar kullanım durumlarını ve demografik değişkenlerin bilgisayar kullanımı üzerindeki etkisini belirlemektir. Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı ve kesitsel bir tasarım olan araştırma verileri araştırmacı tarafından uygulanan anket formu aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Örneklem grubu 2304 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Verilerin analizi yüzdelik dağılım, t-testi, bağımsız gruplarda tek yönlü varyans analizi ve tukey testi ile gerçekleştirilmiştir.Bulgular: Analiz sonuçlarına göre; %51.9’u kız olan öğrencilerin; günde ortalama bilgisayar kullanım süresi 107.33±134.98 dk/gündür. Erkek öğrencilerin kız öğrencilere göre daha uzun süre bilgisayar kullandığı, bilgisayar kullanım süresi arttıkça akademik başarılarının düştüğü belirlendi. Bilgisayar kullanımına bağlı öğrencilerin en fazla yaşadığı olumsuz etki göz yorgunluğu ve kendini yorgun hissetme iken baş ağrısı, uykusuz kalma ve fazla abur-cubur yeme diğer olumsuz etkilerdi.   Sonuç: Yaşamın vazgeçilmez bir parçası olan bilgisayar kullanımına bağlı risklerin belirlenmesi ve azaltılmasında toplumdan ebeveynlere kadar tüm bireylerin bütüncül bir yaklaşım içerisinde olmaları gerekmektedir. Bilgisayarın kontrollü kullanımının sağlanması amacıyla okul sağlığı hemşireliği uygulamaları ivme kazanmalıdır
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Preliminary Results
Authors: Conti C. Richard , Conti Jamie. B , Plasschaert Jeff
Published: May 2019

We have always thought that patients with cardiac disease are depressed and anxious. The plan for cardiac rehab begins with exercise 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Patients are usually elderly. Typical patients are 60+ years old, inactive but stable, smoke cigarettes, are stressed, hypertensive, and anxious. After several visits the staff for the program report that patients are confident with decreased anxiety and improved exercise ability. Challenges for a rehab program are parking, education and frailness. At present we have no data on outcome (mortality, morbidity) but most measurements are improved after rehab. Outcome data after discharge for rehab program must be obtained.
Foreword
Authors: Budoff Matthew J
Published: May 2019

We are at a considerable crossroads in medicine and cardiology. The Affordable Care Act may provide us with more coverage for needed preventive services and provide 35 million people with some form of healthcare coverage, but the overall ‘pie’ of healthcare dollars will be shrinking, in an attempt to forestall the failure of Medicare and the further debt spending of the US.
The Hospital to Home Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Allen Larry A , Rumsfield John S
Published: May 2019

Hospital to Home (H2H) is a national quality improvement initiative designed to support efforts to reduce unnecessary cardiovascular-related hospital readmissions. Launched in 2009 by the American College of Cardiology and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, H2H acts as a clearinghouse for clinical providers and healthcare institutions to share strategies for optimizing transitions of care from the inpatient to the outpatient setting. The program centers around three core concepts: patient understanding of, and access to, medications; routine early follow-up with a healthcare provider following discharge; and comprehension of signs and symptoms that require medical attention, and how to seek urgent care in a timely manner. H2H has begun to offer toolkits, instructional webinars, and surveys to further develop these core concepts; it is also launching ‘challenge projects’ such as ‘Mind Your Meds’ or ‘See You in 7’. To date, there are more than 1,000 unique hospitals enrolled from all 50 states. Individuals and institutions can learn more by registering online (at www.h2hquality.org).
The Cardiologist’s Role in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes—A Review
Authors: Eshelbrenner Carrie , Vasquez Karina , Yanze Liberty O , Oliveros Rene , Chilton Robert
Published: May 2019

Evidence-based medicine is key to the cardiologist’s role in the management of type 2 diabetes. Proven therapies that reduce cardiovascular (cV) events with few off-target effects are imperative. evidence from epidemiology studies supports the concept that increased blood sugar is correlated with increased cV events. unfortunately, the lowering of glucose with current agents shows limited benefit in reducing cV events. Metformin in the obese individual reduced cV events and is currently first-line therapy in most clinical practice guidelines. recently, a meta-analysis reported that current hypoglycemic agents did not improve cV outcomes and were possibly harmful. Possible exceptions come from the Prospective pioglitazone clinical trial in macrovascular events (Proactive), a secondary prevention trial in patients with prior myocardial infarction in which pioglitazone was found to reduce cV events. glucagon-like peptide-1 (gLP-1) agonists appear to be the most exciting new cV agents, but a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitor (sitagliptin) combined with a high-dose angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (Acei) (enalapril) may increase blood pressure and heart rate. Lifestyle modification and proven global risk reduction are still the number one ways to reduce cV events in type 2 diabetes.
Transvenous Phrenic Nerve Stimulation—A Novel Therapy for Central Sleep Apnea in Heart Failure
Authors: Emani Sitaramesh , Abraham William T
Published: May 2019

Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a prominent co-morbidity in heart failure (HF) resulting from dysregulated neurological responses to abnormal carbon dioxide levels. The presence of CSA in HF has been linked with deleterious physiological changes and is associated with increased mortality, yet treatment options for CSA in HF are currently lacking. This article briefly reviews the mechanisms of CSA in HF as well as the available evidence on present therapies, and describes phrenic nerve stimulation as a potential novel therapeutic approach.
Plasma Deposition, Plasma Coating, and Ion Implantation to Improve Metallic Implants and Prostheses
Authors: Muster Dominique , Hage-Ali Makram , Rie Kyong-Tschong , Stucky Thomas , Cornet Alain , Mainard Didier
Published: May 2019

In spite of the success of surgical implants such as artificial hip joints, the materials used to make them are not always quite up to the job. Even stainless steel and titanium alloys can break under the enormous stress on load-bearing joints and corrode in the salty environment of the body. Deposits of inorganic salts can scratch weight-bearing surfaces, making artificial joints stiff and awkward. As a result, the lifetime of an implant is, at most, 10–15 years.

Metallurgists and engineers often treat the surfaces of metal parts to improve their properties. The use of advanced surface-treatment techniques such as glow-discharge ion implantation, plasma deposition, and plasma coating can significantly improve the strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance of metal implants. At the same time, these methods should also improve the biocompati-bility of the implanted devices.

Cobalt-based alloys are widely used for joint replacements. However, other compounds, such as titanium alloys, have excellent potential biocompatibility and interesting but imperfect mechanical properties. Stainless steel, namely 316L, has a good price-to-mechanical-properties ratio, but has the lowest corrosion resistance of the most commonly used metallic biomaterials.
Bioactive Polymer Surface Modifications for Artificial Blood Vessels and Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Tietze L. , Handt S. , Sellhaus B. , Mittermayer C.
Published: May 2019

The use of artificial materials in medicine is increasing. The most important and common reason for their use is to replace tissue that has become damaged or destroyed through some pathological process, for example, destruction or degeneration of bones, joints, ocular lenses, heart valves, and arteries. Artificial materials are also indicated for medical applications that support or monitor more complex body functions, for example, cardiac pacemakers, dialysis membranes for extracorporeal gas or fluid exchange, and biosensors. The research for appropriate materials is determined by the desired function of the medical device (biofunctionality) and by the biological response to these materials o (biocompatibility).

According to different functional and biological requirements, a huge variety of different materials are currently in use. Metals and alloys-particularly stainless steel, titanium, and cobalt chromium alloys—and different ceramics, such as alumina and calcium phosphates, are used for bone and joint replacement. Different polymers, including polypropylene, poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), polyesters, and polyurethanes, are applied for sutures, soft tissue augmentation, and vascular prostheses. Silicones and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) are used for intraocular lenses. Membranes of regenerated cellulose were the most widely used hemodialysis membranes, but in the recent decades, several attempts were made to replace cellulose with alternative polymers in order to improve blood compatibility-particularly polyacrylonitrile, polycarbonate, PMMA, and polysulfone.

However, today there remain problems of both biocompatibility and biofunctionality. Clinically, the main problems emerge from interactions between materials and the local tissue environment, as summarized in Table I. To ensure a maximum of biocompatibility and functionality, the materialin vivoshould not evoke any of the reactions outlined in Table I. Today, none of the classical materials fulfills this high demand.
Is the Medium the Message?
Authors: Clynes Frances
Published: May 2019

While a large body of literature exists on the practice and validity of online religious activity and rituals, to date no literature exists investigating the validity of the online astrological consultation and whether or not the medium of the Internet can in?uence the connection between astrologer and client. My initial qualitative research with sixty-?ve astrologers, conducted between 2012 and 2014, revealed that over sixty percent of astrologers use the Internet for astrological consultations with clients. Taking this number as my dataset, my aim was then to investigate whether, when astrologers conducted consultations for clients online, the chart continued to have agency in creating a meaningful consultation space. My results showed that the online medium did not impact on the message or content of the consultation and that, as in face-to-face astrological consultations, the effectiveness and validity of the consultation was independent of the media used to hold it.
Todd LeVasseur and Anna Peterson (eds.), Religion and the Ecological Crisis: The ‘Lynn White Thesis' at Fifty
Authors: Veldman Robin
Published: May 2019

Todd LeVasseur and Anna Peterson (eds.), Religion and the Ecological Crisis: The ‘LynnWhite Thesis' at Fifty (New York and London: Routledge, 2017), 205 pp., $140.00 (hbk),ISBN: 978-1-138-64412-0.
The Investigation of Some Factors Influencing to the For-mation of Monocalcium Phosphate in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Ta Duc Hong , Nguyen Bac Quang
Published: May 2019

Some factors that influence to the formation of monocalcium phosphate in aqueous solution have been investigated in detail. The results show that reaction temperature, and initial concentration of phosphoric acid, as well as reaction duration determine the content of monocalcium phosphate in the processing mixture. The information in this report will be useful, and the basis for the design of the synthesis reactor in the monocalcium phosphate production
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF COMPACT METAMATERIAL MIMO ANTENNA FOR WLAN APPLICATIONS
Authors: Nguyen Thi Quynh Hoa , Tran Sy Tuan , Phan Huu Lam , Phan Duy Tung
Published: May 2019

A compact three-port metamaterial multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna using complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR) loaded ground have demonstrated in order to miniaturize the size and improve the antenna performance. The antenna is designed on FR4 material and simulated by HFSS software. By loading CSRRs in the ground plane, the size reduction of 77% of the individual patch antenna element is achieved, which appeared to be the major reason for the obtained the compact MIMO antenna. Furthermore, the simulated results show that the proposed MIMO antenna achieves the total gain higher than 5 dB, the isolation less than -11 dB, the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) value lower than 0.015, and the bandwidth of 100 MHz through the whole WLAN band from 2.4 GHz to 2.484 GHz, indicating promises for WLAN applications.
STRUCTURAL ELUCIDATION OF GLYCOSIDES FROM THE SEEDS OF Entada phaseoloides GROWING IN THUA THIEN HUE
Authors: Cuong Le Canh Viet , Lien Le Thi , Nhi Nguyen Phuc Khanh , Ha Tran Phuong , Anh Le Tuan , Arai Masayoshi
Published: May 2019

Entada phaseoloides (L.) Merr. belongs to Fabaceae family and widely distributes throughout Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, China, New Guinea, and Australia. In Vietnamese traditional medicine, the seeds of Entada phaseoloides were used for the treatment of stomachache, haemorrhoids, and hernia diseases. In this article, we report the isolation and structural elucidation of four glycosides from the water extract of seeds of E. phaseoloides including phaseoloideside C (1), phaseoloideside E (2), acanthoside D (3), and 1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)prop-7-en-9-ol-O-(6ʹʹ-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (4). To the best of our knowledge, compounds 3-4 were isolated from E. phaseoloides for the first time.
THE REAL-WORLD-SEMANTICS INTERPRETABILITY OF LINGUISTIC RULE BASES AND THE APPROXIMATE REASONING METHOD OF FUZZY SYSTEMS
Authors: Anh Nguyen Thu , Son Tran Thai
Published: May 2019

The real-world-semantics interpretability concept of fuzzy systems introduced in [1] is new for the both methodology and application and is necessary to meet the demand of establishing a mathematical basis to construct computational semantics of linguistic words so that a method developed based on handling the computational semantics of linguistic terms to simulate a human method immediately handling words can produce outputs similar to the one produced by the human method. As the real world of each application problem having its own structure which is described by certain linguistic expressions, this requirement can be ensured by imposing constraints on the interpretation assigning computational objects in the appropriate computational structure to the words so that the relationships between the computational semantics in the computational structure is the image of relationships between the real-world objects described by the word-expressions. This study will discuss more clearly the concept of real-world-semantics interpretability and point out that such requirement is a challenge to the study of the interpretability of fuzzy systems, especially for approaches within the fuzzy set framework. A methodological challenge is that it requires both the computational expression representing a given linguistic fuzzy rule base and an approximate reasoning method working on this computation expression must also preserve the real-world semantics of the application problem. Fortunately, the hedge algebra (HA) based approach demonstrates the expectation that the graphical representation of the rule of fuzzy systems and the interpolation reasoning method on them are able to preserve the real-world semantics of the real-world counterpart of the given application problem.
Towards an Adequate Anthropology
Authors: Jastrzębski Andrzej
Published: May 2019

An adequate anthropology is an anthropology that sees each human being as a person. It reveals fully our complexity and the fascinating dignity of human beings. ‘Adequate anthropology’ is a term proposed by John Paul II and based on three sources: The Bible, theology, and philosophy. Generally speaking, its aim consists in the defense of a large and holistic concept of our existence in opposition to all contemporary reductionistic accounts. Developing an adequate anthropology enables us to discover the very truth about ourselves. While considering the results of scientific research, it never loses sight of revelation. It is through revelation that the Creator of our being gives us the best insights into ourselves. An adequate anthropology begins by reflecting on our existential situation, which is the splintering of God’s image in us, and ends with the incarnate Word as the model of a perfect personhood.
Antropologiczne wątki rytu hiszpańsko-mozarabskiego z perspektywy euchologii In initio anni
Authors: Roszak Piotr
Published: May 2019

Teksty euchologiczne rytu hiszpańsko-mozarabskiego kryją w sobie wiele wątków antropologicznych, które są rezultatem okoliczności historycznych, w jakich kształtowała się liturgia na Półwyspie Iberyjskim (dyskusje z arianizmem, adapcjanizmem czy pryscylianizmem). Artykuł składa się z dwóch części: w pierwszej zostaje przeanalizowany formularz mszy na rozpoczęcie roku w rycie hiszpańskim, który wydobywa ramy chronozoficzne refleksji nad człowiekiem w dynamizmie stawania się i jego największych aspiracji. Następnie w drugiej części przywołuje się mozarabskie rozumienie natury ludzkiej i jej relacji do łaski Bożej, cielesności i duchowości, aby skupić się na wybranych kategoriach antropologicznych, takich jak affectio, devotio czy vota, wokół których konfiguruje się antropologia (indywidualna i wspólnotowa) rytu hiszpańskiego.
Kościół a ekologia ludzka
Authors: Dziedzic Jan
Published: May 2019

Artykuł omawia problematykę ekologii ludzkiej w kontekście nauczania Kościoła. Samo sformułowanie „ekologia ludzka” podkreśla, że człowiek ma naturę, którą winien szanować, i którą nie może manipulować według swego uznania. Kiedy mówimy więc o obowiązkach wobec przyrody, to musimy pamiętać, że są one związane z powinnościami wobec osoby ludzkiej. Człowiek jest bowiem odpowiedzialny za środowisko życia. Chodzi zasadniczo o poszanowanie godności osoby ludzkiej, która zakłada szacunek do życia od momentu poczęcia do naturalnej śmierci. Należy więc uznać godność wszystkich ludzi bez możliwości ich marginalizacji. Na szacunek zasługują wszyscy, niezależnie od zdrowia, pozycji społecznej czy wieku. Papież Franciszek apeluje więc o szacunek wobec ubogich, chorych i niepełnosprawnych, migrantów i osób starszych.Wypracowanie etosu ekologicznego wymaga edukacji. Należy w niej zwrócić uwagę na harmonię wewnętrzną z samym sobą oraz solidarność z innymi. Istotna jest tu postawa wstrzemięźliwości pomagająca żyć według paradygmatu „bardziej być”, niż „mieć”. W wychowaniu nieodzowne jest też formowanie wrażliwego sumienia pomagającego otaczać szacunkiem zarówno środowisko przyrodnicze, jak i środowisko ludzkie.
Ochrona życia człowieka w mieście. Refleksja nad wybranymi problemami encykliki papieża Franciszka Laudato si’
Authors: Ostrowski Maciej
Published: May 2019

Autor analizuje problem ochrony egzystencji człowieka żyjącego w mieście. Interesują go elementy środowiska miejskiego, które przyczyniają się do podnoszenia jakości życia człowieka. W szczególności odnosi się do nauczania Franciszka w encyklice Laudato si’. Na jakość życia według papieża ma wpływ nie tylko pomyślność materialna, ale głównie to, co mieści się w sferze niematerialnej. Komentując encyklikę, artykuł omawia wybrane elementy ludzkiego środowiska, które mają wpływ na jakość życia człowieka: czyste powietrze, światło, żywą przyrodę, otwartą i szeroką przestrzeń, sferę prywatności, otoczenie społeczne i religijne. Na tym tle autor wymienia niektóre współczesne zagrażenia dla jakości życia, zwłaszcza w miastach: skażenie powietrza, chaos wizualny, brzydotę, nadmierne zagęszczenie i ciasnotę osiedli, brak dostępu do żywej przyrody, złe warunki utrudniające wychowanie młodego pokolenia, niewłaściwe międzyludzkie relacje przyczyniające się do zmęczenia społecznego. Twórcy ludzkich osiedli i osoby kształtujące politykę społeczną powinny skuteczniej zwracać uwagę na dobro każdego człowieka, mieszkańca miast. Jest to także wychowawcze zadanie organizacji zajmujących się ekologią i ochroną przyrody oraz Kościoła. Chodzi zwłaszcza o przeciwstawianie się „kulturze konsumpcji”, egoizmowi, preferowaniu jedynie materialnego zysku. Z drugiej strony o kształtowanie w człowieku potrzeby kontaktu z naturą jako Bożym darem, wrażliwości estetycznej i odpowiedzialności za środowisko.
Holistyczny charakter duchowości chrześcijańskiej
Authors: Zyzak Wojciech
Published: May 2019

Autor artykułu omawia wpływ duchowości na zdrowie człowieka w ujęciu holistycznym. W tym celu rozwija holistyczne pojęcie duchowości, które bazuje na integralnej antropologii, ujmującej człowieka jako jedność duchowo-cielesną. Tekst podkreśla związek natury i łaski, wymiaru profanum i sacrum, a także in-dywiduum i wspólnoty.
Uma análise do conteúdo de Botânica sob o enfoque Ciência-Tecnologia-Sociedade (CTS) em livros didáticos de Biologia do Ensino Médio
Authors: Souza Cássia Luã Pires de , Garcia Rosane Nunes
Published: May 2019

Resumo: Este trabalho objetivou verificar os conteúdos de Botânica em livros didáticos de Biologia do Ensino Médio, analisando se o material segue o ensino sob o enfoque Ciência-Tecnologia-Sociedade (CTS). Pelo método da análise de conteúdo, categorias foram estabelecidas conforme documento avaliativo oficial dos livros e referencial teórico do ensino com enfoque CTS, para que excertos relacionados aos conteúdos inicial, principal, complementar e exercícios dos livros fossem classificados. Nesses livros didáticos, observou-se uma preocupação em adequar seu conteúdo a documentos oficiais e em apresentar aspectos relacionados ao ensino com enfoque CTS. Entretanto, o conteúdo principal ainda prioriza um ensino de caráter conceitual. É fundamental a reformulação na escrita desses livros, para que um ensino diferenciado, como é o ensino sob o enfoque CTS, voltado ao desenvolvimento da Alfabetização Científica dos estudantes, possa efetivamente contribuir para a formação de cidadãos críticos e atuantes na sociedade.
Percepção de educadores infantis sobre educação alimentar e nutricional
Authors: Magalhães Heloísa Helena Silva Rocha , Porte Luciana Helena Maia
Published: May 2019

Resumo: Este trabalho tem por objetivo conhecer a percepção sobre educação alimentar e nutricional dos educadores da educação infantil do município de Água Boa, Minas Gerais, a partir de uma abordagem qualitativa, embasada na Teoria das representações sociais. Todos os educadores são do sexo feminino e 86% possuem ensino superior completo. Estes consideram a educação alimentar e nutricional (EAN) importante para a promoção de hábitos alimentares saudáveis das crianças. Seus saberes sobre EAN estão pautados nos aspectos biológicos da alimentação, enquanto os aspectos culturais, sociais e psicológicos da alimentação não são reconhecidos pelos educadores. Conclui-se ser necessário realizar atividades pedagógicas e educativas com este grupo a respeito da existência das demais dimensões da EAN, com valorização da cultura alimentar e do sistema de produção de alimentos locais. É preciso incentivo para participação destes educadores no colegiado escolar, bem como para trabalhar a temática da EAN de forma transversal.
Percepções de universitários sobre as mudanças climáticas e seus impactos: estudo de caso no Distrito Federal
Authors: Mesquita Patrícia dos Santos , Braz Vívian da Silva , Morimura Michelle Midori , Bursztyn Marcel
Published: May 2019

Resumo As atividades humanas vêm alterando o meio ambiente e contribuindo para a aceleração das mudanças climáticas (MC). Diante disso, é necessária a compreensão de como novas percepções podem resultar em ações em prol do ambiente, além do papel da educação ambiental nessa equação. Logo, foram aplicados 1526 questionários objetivando compreender a percepção de universitários sobre os impactos das MC em diferentes setores da sociedade e extratos sociais, além de outras crenças pessoais. Observou-se a necessidade de maior abordagem de conhecimentos ambientais, com a inserção desses temas nos currículos de todos os níveis de ensino, em consonância com a lei 9795/99. Além disso, o limitado conhecimento sobre a ligação entre informação, percepção e ações de enfrentamento às mudanças no clima, indica a necessidade de desenvolvimento de mais pesquisas que possam explorar como a melhor qualidade de ensino na educação ambiental e climática pode auxiliar nas percepções e ações em prol das políticas públicas de adaptação e mitigação.
Sobre as origens das Leis de Fresnel
Authors: Lima M. C. de , Silva Lucas
Published: May 2019

Resumo Revisitamos o desenvolvimento da teoria ondulatória da luz, no período que se seguiu à hipótese de Fresnel de que o éter luminífero possuia natureza similar a de um sólido elástico. Examinamos como em tal teoria elástica da luz se produziu um legado presente, ainda hoje, nas entrelinhas do eletromagnetismo clássico, tomando as leis de Fresnel como baliza. Procuramos também indicar como as limitações desta abordagem contribuíram para criar um ambiente favorável à apropriação perpetrada por Maxwell, em favor de uma teoria eletromagnética da luz.
Alternative construction and demolition (C&D) waste characterization method proposal
Authors: Córdoba Rodrigo Eduardo , Marques Neto José da Costa , Santiago Cristine Diniz , Pugliesi Erica , Schalch Valdir
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT Construction and demolition waste generally represents the majority of solid waste generated in Brazilian cities, and characterization of this waste stream is still incipient. Therefore, to support managers in the process in the diagnostic phase, this study consisted in a proposal qualitative characterization method in field, that use of construction and demolition (C&D) waste generation indicators. For this, a survey which have been divided in two stages: quantitative characterization based on a three-indicator-analysis of C&D waste generation and qualitative characterization consists of an image analysis procedure on C&D waste samples. The qualitative characterization method has proved to be efficient for samples with high-volume parts. However, this method is limited to represent characterizations that contain residues which might cover the other C&D waste types, for example, plastic sheeting, cardboard and packaging. This method of image analysis is suitable for use in early diagnostics, which require fast results about C&D waste composition.