bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Cultivation of Innovative Thinking and Ability of Graduate Students Based on the Model of "Discipline Construction-graduate Education"
Authors: Long Haifei , Chang Xuefeng , Li Shengbo
Published: December 2020

The integration of educating resources is a key part of education reform. Only when resources are fully utilized can the goal of nurturing outstanding talents be achieved. Among them, the inclusive model serves as an education method that integrates two or more resources, subverts the old state of educating resources and meets the practical needs of education reform. Based on the "discipline construction-postgraduate education" inclusive model, this article analyzes the innovative thinking of graduate students and their training strategies to improve the overall quality of graduate education reform.
Research on Teaching Reform of Electronic Information Major Driven by Professional Skill Competition
Authors: Dang Kun , Jiang Xiaolong
Published: December 2020

In the context of the current rapid innovation of electronic information technology, various schools have set up majors related to electronic information in order to cultivate high-quality talents required by social positions. As the electronic information course requires students to learn through knowledge, they can quickly grasp the content of the integration and processing of electronic systems and various types of information, and while having higher professional skills, they can participate in vocational skill competition activities and achieve better results. Results. Therefore, this article mainly discusses how to make the electronic information major innovate in the background of the current fierce development of vocational skill competitions, hoping that in the process of ensuring the high-efficiency development of teaching activities, students can be encouraged to participate in the competition activities and get more Good development.
Informatization Teaching Reform of "Tourism Policies and Regulations" Course Based on the New Tourism Industry
Authors: Song Zhaozhen
Published: December 2020

“Tourism Policies and Regulations” is a basic professional course for tourism majors, which aims to train students to abide by laws and regulations, improve professionalism, and protect tourism interests. This article explores the selection of informatization platform, informatization teaching design, and diversified evaluation system in the process of teaching practice, and uses informatization teaching methods to change the teaching methods and status of teachers, enrich the course content, and improve students’ class participation and so on, and then cultivate tourism professional informatization talents who can meet the development needs of new tourism industry.
Analyzing the Current Situation About the Constitution Protecting the Business Freedom Under The Background of the New Era
Authors: Wang Ying
Published: December 2020

With the continuous progress of the economy of China and the full integration with the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Chinese economy has been further developed and gradually tends to be improved. Under the background of the new era, there are great differences between the public economy and the non-public sector of the economy that is including the private economy and the individual economy. The non-public sector of the economy is mainly to pursue the maximization of operating profits. In fact, it defers to the intention of managers. Therefore, the planning of business freedom becomes a power to protect the business property and business freedom, which is the most important issue to be considered in the context of the new era.
On the Reform Strategy of Music Education in Primary and Middle Schools under the Background of Quality Education
Authors: Xie Weidong
Published: December 2020

The continuous and in-depth implementation of the education reform system in primary and secondary schools has made teachers pay more attention to the importance of quality education. Therefore, how to ensure the effective advancement of education reform has become a key issue that needs to be resolved. From different perspectives, this article explores the main ways of reforming music education in primary and secondary schools, hoping to provide other teachers with more valuable reference while ensuring the high-efficiency of music teaching activities.
The Practical Research of Project Teaching Method in the Teaching of Computer Specialty Courses in Universities
Authors: Zhang Guanhong
Published: December 2020

With the rapid development of computer technology, the society has higher and higher requirements for computer professionals. There are many problems in the existing computer teaching methods. The more typical one is the separation of theory and practice, which does not meet the current society's requirements for computer talents. . The application of project teaching method to computer teaching can effectively make up for the shortcomings of traditional teaching methods, effectively improve students' comprehensive ability, and greatly improve the efficiency and quality of college computer talent training. This article discusses the role of project teaching method in computer teaching in colleges and universities from multiple angles, and proposes the practical strategy of project teaching method in computer teaching.
The Causes of Fluctuations in the Value of Dollars: Since the 1980s
Authors: Li Shuai
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the essay is to explain why the dollar has fluctuated since the 1980s and present several elements that affect the dollar value. At the same time, the essay states in detail how the value of the dollar changes as these factors vary. It finds that interest rates, inflation, political and economic stability of the United States and debt level all impact the value of the dollar, and every fluctuation in value is affected by more than one factor.
Research on the Division of Internal Responsibilities and the Rationalization of Personnel Allocation in Financial Departments
Authors: Wang Xinxin
Published: December 2020

With the change of economic development mode, the market competition is more and more intense. As an important hub of enterprise management, how to adapt to the transformation and upgrading of enterprise management, realize the rational division of responsibilities and personnel within the financial department, and provide more valuable information and enterprise management, management decision-making has become an unprecedented challenge for the financial personnel of enterprises. This article puts forward the research on the division of responsibilities and the rationalization of personnel allocation in the financial department. In the research and analysis, this article selects 160 company leaders and financial personnel as the survey sample, and through the investigation of the financial department before and after the optimization of work efficiency, work quality and company profit analysis and comparison, the results show that the financial department after optimization has the advantages of improving work quality, work efficiency, increasing enterprise profit margin, which can promote the development of enterprises. Through the investigation, it is found that more than 85% of the company’s leaders and financial personnel think that the staffing of the company’s financial department is relatively reasonable, which provides a guarantee for the research on the internal responsibility division and personnel allocation of the financial department.
Analysis and Countermeasures of Financial Fraud of Listed Companies—Taking Greencool Incident as an Example
Authors: Ge Shumin
Published: December 2020

The sustainable development of China’s economy stimulates the continuous increase in the number of listed companies, and the competition among them is also intensifying. Financial fraud is used to cover up the real operation of the company, which has a serious impact on the order of economic development. So, it is necessary to analyze the causes of financial fraud of listed companies, and we need to deal with the behavior from the root. Therefore, this article selects one of the typical cases in this field, Greencool incident, and combines with the fraud triangle theory to explore the essential causes of financial fraud, and puts forward relevant governance countermeasures, so as to reduce the occurrence of financial fraud.
Research on Environmental Accounting Information Disclosure
Authors: Zhao Jialin , Ye Lei , Tao Silin
Published: December 2020

As far as China’s environmental accounting is concerned, it has the problems of late start and slow development, and the laws and regulations related to environmental accounting information disclosure have not been fully established, and the actual supervision strength is relatively small, and the relevant enterprises have relatively poor environmental awareness. Therefore, the overall situation of environmental accounting disclosure in China at the current stage is as follows. It’s not optimistic. Based on this, this article mainly carries on the thorough research and the discussion to the environmental accounting information disclosure question.
La memoria espacial, y los niveles de BDNF en el hipocampo, disminuyen en ratas adolescentes deprimidas farmacológicamente con reserpina
Authors: Ruiz Paul , Calliari Aldo , Genovese Patricia , Pautassi Ricardo
Published: December 2020

Los cuadros depresivos en humanos cursan con significativas alteraciones en la memoria espacial. Este trabajo estudió esta función en un modelo animal de depresión. Ratas Wistar (n=28), machos y hembras, fueron administradas con reserpina (0.0 o 1.0 mg/kg/cada 2 días por cuatro días). Luego del tratamiento se evaluó la función motora a través de la prueba de la barra y la respuesta de ansiedad a través de un laberinto elevado en cruz. Posteriormente, los animales fueron entrenados durante una semana (en sesiones diarias de 5 minutos) en un laberinto de múltiples T que indaga la memoria espacial. Luego se repitió la evaluación en el laberinto elevado en cruz y los animales fueron sacrificados para disecar el hipocampo y medir los niveles de BDNF a través de western blot. En la prueba de la barra los animales tratados con reserpina tuvieron una respuesta motora con igual agarre, pero menor movilidad, que los controles. En ambas tomas del laberinto elevado en cruz los animales tratados con reserpina pasaron significativamente menos tiempo en los brazos abiertos y exhibieron una latencia más elevada para entrar por primera vez en los brazos cerrados. Los animales tratados con reserpina tardaron significativamente más tiempo en resolver el laberinto de múltiples T que los controles, y cometieron más errores, efecto que estuvo asociado a niveles menores de BDNF en el hipocampo. Estos resultados sugieren que la reserpina indujo una depresión experimental, sin compromiso motor, que estuvo asociada a déficits en la adqui-sición de información espacial.
A reescrita remota de textos por alunos do ensino fundamental em tempos de pandemia
Authors: Lacerda Naziozênio Antonio , Da Silva Keyla Maria
Published: December 2020

A reescrita de textos compreende uma etapa importante na aprendizagem do processo de escrita no ensino fundamental. O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar a reescrita remota de textos por alunos do ensino fundamental em tempos da pandemia de covid-19. Busca-se fundamentação teórica em Antunes (2003), Suassuna (2011) e Gasparotto e Menegassi (2012). A metodologia da pesquisa segue uma abordagem qualitativa e adota o método da observação participante. Os instrumentos utilizados para geração de dados são ficha de observação e roteiro de entrevista estruturada. Os participantes da pesquisa são quinze alunos do 9º ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola em tempo integral, da rede pública estadual de ensino, localizada em Teresina-PI. Os resultados da análise mostram que os alunos fazem a reescrita remota de textos em tempos de pandemia com base nas orientações da professora pelo WhatsApp e pelos comentários postados no WhatsApp sobre a primeira versão do texto escrito
Pichação e moda: efervescências sociais sob forma de roupa
Authors: Paes Beatriz Ronchi , Kauling Graziela Brunhari
Published: December 2020

A sociedade contemporânea se caracteriza pelos tempos pósmodernos. Esse período consiste em uma nova forma do corpo social em que ocorre, segundo Maffesoli (2010), o fenômeno da tribalização. A pichação faz parte dessas efervescências sociais que se encontram à margem; e a moda, por sua vez, também reflete essa fluidez pós-moderna. Sendo assim, essa pesquisa propôs a criação de uma coleção cápsula nomeada “Pixo Reto” que traz, além do desenvolvimento de produtos, uma reflexão sobre a pichação como potência instituinte e o que ela pode representar socialmente, bem como entender a pichação como um fenômeno social repleto de simbolismos e efervescências. A sociologia compreensiva é a metodologia que guiará essa reflexão.
O grande poder transformador: música, poesia e amizade em Antonio Carlos Santos
Authors: Wolff Joca
Published: December 2020

Este é um texto dedicado a Antonio Carlos Santos, a propósito de sua trajetória poética, musical e intelectual do Rio de Janeiro a Florianópolis e a Frankfurt, em via de mão tripla. Versa sobre música, poesia, amizade e vice-versa. Para isso, faz da memória estória, e vê a poesia como som e sentido lá na casa do meu amigo.
High-Pressure Flow in Converging/Diverging Annulus with Cavitation under Near-Closing Conditions
Authors: Hao Yitong , Tang Yingjie , Wassar Taoufik , Franchek Matthew Albert , Pickett Jay
Published: December 2020

Presented is a steady-state computational-fluid-dynamics (CFD) analysis of flow through a thick sharp-edge annulus (i.e., an orifice integrated with a rigid concentric cylinder, creating annulus flow conditions). With the upstream Reynolds numbers up to 435,000, the fluid studied is water and the percentage of closure of the annulus system is bounded between 50 and 97%. The various annulus geometries necessary to quantify annulus flow are identified and investigated using CFD tools. For the flow entering the converging/diverging annulus, two parametric models are developed from CFD simulation results. The first model estimates the downstream/upstream-pressure ratio when choked flow is started. The second model estimates a discharge coefficient for the annulus system. Using these models, the annulus volumetric flow rate can be estimated for both choked- and unchoked-flow conditions. The utility of these models is later demonstrated on a pseudosteady-state annulus flow problem where the annular blowout preventer (BOP) is closing.
Modeling Urban Growth and Land Use Transition Using SLEUTH Model: The Case of Dilla City, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Yanit , Hailu Abel
Published: December 2020

Urban growth / urban sprawl are the extension of a residential region into the surrounding area. The negative face of urban development is urban sprawl, criticizing the cause of environmental deterioration, growing inequality and diminishing the viability of aesthetic and urban areas. An effective and efficient planning of urban development and changes in land use and its effects on the environment needs, among other important details, details on development trends and patterns. Over the years, several models of urban growth have been developed and used to predict trends of growth. SLEUTH models are used to simulate and predict urban growth and land use transition for 2020-2050 in the City of Dilla (Ethiopia) in the analysis of Geographic Information System (GIS). The word SLEUTH was derived from the model's input image specifications: slope, land cover, exclusion, urban, transport, and Hill shade. Input data preparation used a cumulative time series dataset of 30 years, i.e. 1989, 1999, 2009 and 2019, such as historical topographical maps and satellite imagery. The SLEUTH model uses the parameters of the best fit growth rule by narrowing coefficients in the calibration mode and passing them down to forecast potential urban growth trends, creating different probability maps and LULC maps. The models generated future urban growth pattern predicted in the 31 years' from 2019, there will be nearly 41.14% urban rise in 2020, 52.95% in 2030, 59.91% in 2040 and 64.30% in 2050. In general, the extension of the urban growth trend introduces new spreading centers that are indicative of urban growth.
Epicardial adipose tissue volume and coronary calcification among people living with diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cosson Emmanuel , Nguyen Minh Tuan , Rezgani Imen , Tatulashvili Sopio , Sal Meriem , Berkane Narimane , Allard Lucie , Brillet Pierre-Yves , Bihan Hélène
Published: December 2020

Background Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has anatomic and functional proximity to the heart and is considered a novel diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in cardiometabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether EAT volume was associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC) in people living with diabetes, independently of confounding factors.Methods We included all consecutive patients with diabetes whose EAT volume and CAC score were measured using computed tomography between January 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020 in the Department of Diabetology-Endocrinology-Nutrition at Avicenne Hospital, France. Determinants of EAT volume and a CAC score ≥ 100 Agatston units (AU) were evaluated.Results The study population comprised 409 patients (218 men). Mean (± standard deviation) age was 57 ± 12 years, and 318, 56 and 35, had type 2 (T2D), type 1 (T1D), or another type of diabetes, respectively. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 29 ± 6 kg/m², mean AET volume 93 ± 38 cm3. EAT volume was positively correlated with age, BMI, pack-year smoking history and triglyceridaemia, but negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol level. Furthermore, it was lower in people with retinopathy, but higher in men, in Caucasian people, in patients on antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medication, in people with nephropathy, and finally in individuals with a CAC ≥ 100 AU (CAC < 100 vs CAC ≥ 100: 89 ± 35 vs 109 ± 41 cm3, respectively, p < 0.05). In addition to EAT volume, other determinants of CAC ≥ 100 AU (n = 89, 22%) were age, T2D, ethnicity, antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medication, cumulative tobacco consumption, retinopathy, macular edema and macrovascular disease. Multivariable analysis considering all these determinants as well as gender and BMI, showed that EAT volume was independently associated with CAC ≥ 100 AU (per 10 cm3 increase: OR 1.11 [1.02–1.20]).Conclusions EAT volume was independently associated with CAC. As it may play a role in coronary atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes, reducing EAT volume through physical exercise, improved diet and pharmaceutical interventions may improve future cardiovascular risk outcomes in this population.
A Simple Method for Extraction of Ricinus Communis L Oil and its Application for Biodiesel Production by Ethylic Route
Authors: Vasco Jana , Sabite Paulino , Clavel Estevão , Bandali Esaú , Gueze Geraldo , João Domingos , Gomundanhe Almeida , Neuana Neuana
Published: December 2020

Biodiesel is a clean fuel, and an alternative to the environmental complications caused by fossil fuels. However, the forms of its production are still the object of research in the literature because some issues related to process improvement and economically viable remain a challenge. Therefore, this research aims to produce biodiesel by the ethylic route from Ricinus Communis L oil extracted with a simple solid liquid extraction method without the use of the soxhled extractor. In this sense, Ricinus Communis L was extracted by n-hexane as solvent, obtaining biodiesel through ethyl transesterification via alkaline catalysis. The characterization of biodiesel in terms of – acid value (AV), combustibility and corrosivity to copper. The results indicated that the yield of the extracted oil was 14% in relation to the mass of seeds used, the value of the AV was 0.96mgNaOH / g, showing in this case that the oil can be used in the transesterification process to obtain biodiesel. The biodiesel yield obtained was 37% and the AV was 1.98mgNaOH / g, being considered above the acceptable value for its use in diesel engines, and should be neutralized to at least 0.8mgNaOH / g. Based on this work, biodiesel was obtained via ethyl esterification of Ricinus Communis L oil extracted from a simple and easy method.
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage among apparently healthy University students
Authors: Olowo-okere Ahmed , Umar Maryam , Ibrahim Mus’ab , Shuaibu Adeiza Suleiman , Usman Mustapha , Sani Jamila , Larbi Zakaria Nabti , Yacouba Abdourahamane
Published: December 2020

Background Medical and paramedical students are often exposed to MRSA colonization and infection during clinical postings. They may serve as reservoirs or vector and occasionally as victims of MRSA cross-contamination. This study was designed to determine the rate of MRSA nasal carriage among apparently healthy undergraduate medical and paramedical students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto.Methods A questionnaire was administered to collect demographic data and health history of the recruited participants. Swab sticks pre-moistened with sterile physiological saline was used to collect samples from the nasal cavities of the participants. The collected samples were processed using standard microbiological techniques. The presence of MRSA was determined using the Oxacillin resistance screening agar base test (ORSAB). The susceptibility of the MRSA isolates to commonly prescribed antibiotics was carried out using the disc diffusion method.Result A total of 200 participants were recruited from medical and allied faculties. The participants comprise 120 clinical students and 80 pre-clinical students. The mean age of the study participants was 23.32 ± 1.76 years. Majority of the participants were males 119 (59.5%). Overall, 77 (38.5%) of the study participant were found to be nasally colonised with MRSA. The carrier rate was higher among the male (61.0%) and participants aged less than 20 years (79.2%). Equally, higher MRSA colonisation rate was observed among the students of faculties of medicine (27.3%) and nursing (22.1%) and predominantly among the clinical students (53.2%). Clinical students and students who visited to hospital more than four time in a month were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.394–1.328) and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.325–1.136) times more likely to carry MRSA, respectively. The MRSA isolates were highly resistant to all the tested antibiotics (72–100%).Conclusion The MRSA nasal carriage rate among medical and paramedical students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto is high. The finding of this study has important implication on public health. Thus, urgent steps should be taken to improve infection control practices in the study area.
Molecular characterization of a ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain found in Switzerland
Authors: Egli Konrad , Roditscheff Anna , Flückiger Ursula , Risch Martin , Risch Lorenz , Bodmer Thomas
Published: December 2020

Background: Resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to ceftriaxone is very rare in Switzerland. The underlying genotype is suspected to be novel. Generally, resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) involves a comprehensive set of genes with many different mutations causing resistance to different β-lactams and fluoroquinolones.Case presentation: A patient had a positive result with specific PCR for Ng. We routinely start culturing for all clinical specimens with a positive result with NG-PCR. In this particular case, we isolated such a strain with resistance to ceftriaxone in Switzerland. A total of 7 different genes in this strain were partially sequenced for comparison with phenotypic susceptibility testing. Interestingly, two different mutations in the porinB gene were observed, and data on this gene are limited. Information on the identified allele type of the penA gene is very limited as well. Three different mutations of parC and gyrA that correlate with ciprofloxacin resistance were found.Conclusion: The combined results for all genes show the appearance of new mutations in central Europe either due to worldwide spread or the emergence of new genetic combinations.
Pyridoxal-5'-Phosphate-Dependent Enzyme GenB3 Catalyzes C-3',4'-Dideoxygenation in Gentamicin Biosynthesis
Authors: Zhou Shaotong , Chen Xiaotang , Ni Xianpu , Liu Yu , Zhang Hui , Dong Min , Xia Huanzhang
Published: December 2020

Background: C-3',4'-dideoxygenation structure in gentamicin can prevent deactivation by aminoglycoside 3'-phosphotransferase (APH(3')) in drug-resistant pathogens. However, the enzyme catalyzing the dideoxygenation step in the gentamicin biosynthesis pathway remains unknown. Results: Here, we report GenP catalyzes 3′ phosphorylation of gentamicin biosynthesis intermediates JI-20A, JI-20Ba, and JI-20B. We further demonstrate that a pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme GenB3 uses these phosphorylated substrates to form 3',4'-dideoxy-4',5'-ene-6'-oxo products. The following C-6' transamination and GenB4 catalyzed reduction of 4',5' olefin lead to the formation of gentamicin C. To the best of our knowledge, GenB3 is the first PLP dependent enzyme catalyzing dideoxygenation in aminoglycoside biosynthesis. Conclusions: This discovery solves the long-standing puzzle in gentamicin biosynthesis, also enriches the chemistry of PLP dependent enzymes. Interestingly, these results demonstrate that to evade APH(3') deactivation from the pathogens, the gentamicin producers evolved a smart strategy, which utilized their own APH(3') to activate hydroxyls as leaving groups for the 3',4'-dideoxygenation in gentamicin biosynthesis.
A meta-analysis of the association between physical demands of unpaid domestic work and back pain among women
Authors: Osinuga Abisola Modupe , Hicks Chelsea , Ibitoye Segun E , Schweizer Marin , Fethke Nathan , Baker Kelly
Published: December 2020

Background: Back pain (BP) is among the most common musculoskeletal problems globally and is a leading contributor to disability among adults. Millions of women especially those in low-income settings, engage in strenuous domestic activities that may increase their risk of BP. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to estimate the association between physically demanding domestic work (PDDW) which is characterized as intensity, frequency, duration of work and biomechanical risk factors of work and BP among women. Methods: Five databases were searched for records published from January 1991 to March 2020; and results from 11studies were included in the meta-analysis. A random effects model and the generic inverse-variance method was used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and the degree of heterogeneity among studies (I2). Stratified and sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify the influence of outliers and identify the sources of heterogeneity. Results: Exposure to high physically demanding domestic work was significantly associated with BP (OR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.30, 2.04; I2 =70%). The odds of back pain were highest among the following groups: women performing domestic work in non-neutral postures (OR=2.30; 95% CI= 1.75 – 3.04; I2 = 0%; N= 4 studies) and among women from low and middle income countries (OR= 1.98; 95% CI = 1.58-2.49; I2=29%; N = 5 studies). We found no evidence of publication bias (Egger’s test p-value = 0.15).Discussion: PDDW may significantly increase a woman’s risk of experiencing BP, but larger prospective studies are needed to further investigate the association. Presenting data on how domestic work affects the musculoskeletal health of women will be important in designing future interventions (behavioral, infrastructural and ergonomic) that can reduce domestic work burden
No Significant Long-Term Complications From Inadvertent Exposure to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist During Early Pregnancy in Mothers and Offspring: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Wu Huan , Xu Xiaoyan , Ma Cong , Zhou Yiran , Pei Shanai , Geng Hao , He Ye , Xu Qianhua , Xu Yuping , He Xiaojin , Zhou Ping , Wei Zhaolian , Xu Xiaofeng , Cao Yunxia
Published: December 2020

Background: Administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in the luteal phase is commonly used for pituitary suppression during in vitro fertilisation (IVF). There is an ineluctable risk of inadvertent exposure of spontaneous pregnancy to GnRH-a. However, little is known about the pregnancy complications and repregnancy outcomes of the affected women and the neurodevelopmental outcomes of the GnRH-a-exposed children.Methods: Retrospective analysis was used to determine obstetric and repregnancy outcomes after natural conception in 114 women who naturally conceived while receiving GnRH-a during their early pregnancy over the past 17 years. The GnRH-a-exposed children were evaluated to determine their neonatal characteristics and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. The outcomes were compared to those of relevant age-matched control groups.Results: Sixty-five of the women gave 66 live births. The neonatal health outcomes and the incidence of maternal complications were similar in the GnRH-a-exposed and control groups. Thirty-one GnRH-a-exposed children, aged 2‒8 years, were available for the investigation of neurodevelopment. Except for one case of autism spectrum disorder, the full-scale intelligence quotient score was within the normal range and similar to that of the control group. Most mothers with successful pregnancies and about one-third of the women who had spontaneous abortion were subsequently able to conceive again, naturally. IVF is recommended for repregnancy in women who experienced ectopic pregnancies.Conclusions: Accidental exposure to GnRH-a in early pregnancy might be safe. Reproductive treatment suggestions for repregnancy should be made with consideration of the outcomes of the previously GnRH-a-exposed spontaneous pregnancy.
Rapid Spheroid Assays in a 3-Dimensional Cell Culture Chip
Authors: Teh Jia Lin , Rahman Siti Fairus Abdul , Domnic Gregory , Satiyasilan Lengishwarra , Chear Nelson Jeng Yeou , Singh Darshan , Kumaran Nethia Mohana
Published: December 2020

Objective: The spheroid model provides a physiological platform to study cancer cell biology and drug sensitivity. Usage of bovine collagen I for spheroid assays is costly especially when experiments are conducted in 24-well plates, as high volume of bovine collagen I is needed. The aim of the study was to downsize spheroid assays to a microfluidic 3D cell culture chip and compare the growth, invasion and response to drug/compound of spheroids embedded in the 3D chip to spheroids embedded in 24-well plates.Results: Spheroids generated from nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line HK-1 continuously grew and invaded into collagen matrix in a 24-well plate. Similar observations were noticed with spheroids embedded in the 3D chip. Large spheroids in both 24-well plate and the 3D chip disintegrated and invaded into the collagen matrix. Preliminary drug sensitivity assays showed that the growth and invasion of spheroids were inhibited when spheroids were treated with combination of cisplatin and paynantheine at high concentrations, in a 24-well plate. Comparable findings were obtained when spheroids were treated with the same drug combination in the 3D chip. Moving forward, spheroid assays could be performed in the 3D chip in a more high-throughput manner with minimal time and cost.
Combination the Gene Expression of Adjacent Normal and Tumor Makes more Robust Gene Signature as Cancer Prognosis Biomarker
Authors: Ma Wei , Li Dandan , Zhang Changjian , Xiong Ming , Qiao Yuanyuan
Published: December 2020

Purpose: We tried to explore new gene signature via the combination of tumor-derived expression profile and the adjacent normal-derived expression profile to find more robust cancer biomarker. Methods: Log2 transformed ratio of tumor tissue and the adjacent normal tissue (Log2TN) expression, tumor-derived expression, and normal-derived expression were used to do univariate Cox regression in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) respectively. Then, we used factor analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox (LASSO-Cox) to select gene signature in TCGA LUSC for Log2TN, tumor, and adjacent normal respectively.Results: By comparing Log2TN with tumor and adjacent normal in LUSC, we found that genes derived from Log2TN show more robust (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001) and have lower p-values (p < 0.001). Gene signature selected from Log2TN shows the best generalization in the three GEO datasets even though only tumor-derived expression profiles were available in the three datasets. Enrichment analysis showed that the tumor cells mainly focus on proliferation with losing functional of metabolism.Conclusions: These results indicate that (1) Log2TN could get more robust genes and gene signature than tumor-derived expression profiles used traditionally; (2) the adjacent-normal tissue may also play an important role in the progress and outcome of the tumor.Implications for Cancer Survivors: By combined of tumor-derived expression profile and the adjacent normal-derived expression profile, we could find more robust gene signature than traditionally method. Using these robust gene signatures, robust cancer biomarkers could be constructed and will do great help to improve cancer prognosis.
Ideal cardiovascular health at age 5-6 years and cardiometabolic outcomes in preadolescence
Authors: Westerink Hester Jaspers Faijer - , Stavnsbo Mette , Hutten Barbara A. , Chinapaw Mai , Vrijkotte Tanja GM
Published: December 2020

Background- The American Heart Association (AHA) developed a definition of ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) based on the presence of both ideal health behaviours (diet, physical activity, weight status and smoking) and ideal health factors (glucose, total cholesterol and blood pressure levels). However, research of ICH in the paediatric population is scarce. We aimed to study ICH at age 5-6 years by extending the original ICH score with the health behaviours: sleep duration, screen time and prenatal smoke exposure, and to evaluate its association with cardiometabolic outcomes at age 11-12.Methods- A total of 1,666 children aged 5-6 years were selected from the database of the ABCD-study, a prospective cohort study on the health and development of children born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Of these, 846 (50.8%) were boys and 1460 (87.6%) had a healthy weight. Data on self-reported health behaviours and health factors were used to calculate the ICH scores (original and extended) by adding the frequency of scoring ‘healthy’ on each indicator, based on international cut-offs. The children were followed up for 6 years and cardiometabolic outcomes (carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), blood pressure, glucose and lipids) were measured. Associations between ICH (both original and extended) and cardiometabolic outcomes were examined using multivariable regression models.Results- At age 5-6 years, 11% scored poor (score 1-5), 56% intermediate (score 6-7) and 33% good (score 8-9) on extended ICH. Healthy diet and normal total cholesterol concentrations were the least prevalent. Neither the original nor the extended ICH scores were associated with CIMT at age 11-12. A higher score on the extended ICH was associated with lower total cholesterol (p for trend <0.001), lower systolic (p for trend=0.012) and diastolic blood pressure (p for trend=0.011), and lower body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001) at age 11-12. The original ICH score was associated with lower total cholesterol (p<0.001) and BMI (p<0.001) only.Conclusion- Our findings suggest that extending the ICH score in young children with additional health behaviours improves prediction of some cardiometabolic outcomes, but not CIMT in preadolescence, compared to the original ICH score. We would recommend other researchers to incorporate objective measures of health behaviours and longer follow-up to find out whether associations persist into adulthood.
Geo-financial stability of the global banking system
Authors: Gospodarchuk Galina , Amosova Nataliya
Published: December 2020

The development of globalization creates a need for diagnosis of financial stability at the global level. This study aims to analyze the financial stability of the global banking system and identify threats to stability at the level of geographic regions and countries. The study uses the methods of a structured system, comparative and cluster analysis. The empirical study is based on World Bank data for 126 countries for the period 1998–2017. One of the key results of the study is the development of quantitative indicators of the financial stability of the world banking system. These indicators differ from the existing ones due to the predictive nature of the former. The study also proposes criteria of qualitative assessment of the level of financial stability of the world banking system and its individual elements in the form of regional and national banking systems. In addition, appropriate algorithms were developed to calculate the proposed indicators and criteria. The results helped to form clusters of countries in terms of the level of their banking system stability, compile maps of financial stability risks at the global level, and identify countries that are sources of potential threats to financial stability. The empirical part of the study confirms the practical applicability of the proposed analytical tools. The study shows that in 2017, the banking system of Asian countries moved to the high-risk zone. Potential threats to the financial stability of the global banking system come from the European and Asian banking systems, as well as from the Australian banking system. AcknowledgmentThe study was funded by the RFBR according to the research project No 18 010 00232 “A methodology of multilevel system of diagnostics and regulation of financial stability” year 2018–2020.
From the Andes to the Rocky Mountains: A Historical View of High-Altitude Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Chang Christopher H. , Robinson Jeffrey C.
Published: December 2020

The current understanding of high-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) is largely attributable to the work of a small cadre of international scientists. The present article discusses the discovery and early investigations into HAPH that now serve as the foundation of our modern understanding of the disease. Further, though HAPH is clearly a distinct entity, we highlight how this early work led to a broader understanding of pulmonary vascular disease—including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)—through the development of translational clinical models of disease, elucidation of hypoxic signaling, and therapeutics applicable to PAH.
Determining sedimentary material sources in a Brazilian urban lake using Zn stable isotope compositions of bottom sediments: a preliminary study
Authors: Araújo Daniel , Boaventura Geraldo , Mulholland Daniel , Garnier Jeremie , Machado Wilson , Babinski Marly , Dantas Elton
Published: December 2020

Zinc isotopes ratios provide qualitative and quantitative information about contributions from different Zn sources in the environment. Here we present the results of a preliminary study to identify the main sources controlling Zn isotope signatures of sediments from Lake Paranoá (Brazil), an urban water reservoir. The Zn isotope ratios were measured by MC-ICP-MS and expressed as δ66/64Zn notation relative to the JMC 3-0749-L solution. The studied sediments showed a narrow isotopic range (+0.00 to +0.13 ‰; n = 10) similar to that reported for intensely weathered soils worldwide (from -0.4 to +0.2‰). The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) also suggests low or negligible influence of Zn anthropogenic source. This research provides a baseline assessment of the Zn isotopes signatures in lake sedimentary environments under the influence of these weathered soils.
Relation of the Serum Levels of DKK-1 and Osteoprotegerin with Bone Mass in Tightly Controlled Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Gómez-Vaquero Carmen , Martín Irene , Zacarías Andrea , Alía Pedro , Loza Estíbaliz , Carmona Loreto , Narváez Javier
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To analyze the association between serum levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG)
and Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1) and the annual percent change (Δ%) in bone mineral density
(BMD) in patients with tightly controlled rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods:

Observational mixed-study. RA patients followed-up with a tight-control strategy were
included. Bone densitometries were performed at baseline (T0) and follow-up (T1) and serum levels
of OPG and DKK-1 were measured by ELISA also in T0 and T1; additional clinical variables
included disease activity measures, and treatment for RA and osteoporosis. Descriptive bivariate
and multivariate analyses, stratified by gender, were performed.

Results:

We included 97 RA patients (70% female, with a mean age of 53 years, and 76% with low
activity by DAS28); 95% were treated with DMARDs and 37% with anti-osteoporotic drugs. Mean
time between T0 and T1 was 2.7 years. Most patients had their BMD improved. The mean Δ%BMD
was +0.42% for lumbar spine, +0.15% for femoral neck and +0.91% for total femur. In men,
baseline OPG was significantly associated with higher BMD loss (β coefficient -0.64) at the femoral
neck. In women, DKK-1 was associated with higher BMD loss at the femoral neck (β coefficient
-0.09), and total femur (β coefficient -0.11); however, DKK-1 was associated with lower
BMD loss at the lumbar spine (β coefficient 0.06).

Conclusion:

In tightly controlled RA patients, we have found no evidence of bone loss. The role of
DKK1 and OPG seems small and might be related to sex and location.
Diretrizes para o Ensino Agrícola
Authors: De Castro Belleza Newton
Published: December 2020

Com as suas atribuições de caráter normativo para a educação aplicada à agricultura e a sua incumbência de ministrar diretamente, ou fiscalizar, êsse ramo de ensino, em tcdos os seus graus, e modalidades, é a Superintendência do Ensino Agrícola e Veterinário uma das mais complexas e diferenciadas dependências do Ministério da Agricultura. Além de submeter se às normas estabelecidas para a administração pública, desconhece limites quanto aos assuntos de interêsse agrícola uma vez que tôdas as especialidades estão dentro de seu âmbito, e tem de obedecer aos princípios que regem todo empreendimento educacional.
Assistência Técnica
Authors: Fischlowitz Estanislau
Published: December 2020

O principal fator responsável pela atual grave crise internacional é a distribuição acentuadamente desajustada entre várias regiões do globo dos recursos de capital e técnica que muito contrasta com a repartição entre as mesmas da população mundial. Evidentemente, tais contrastes entre as partes economicamente sub-desenvolvidas e evoluídas do mundo não constituem uma novidade, tendo acompanhado tôdas as etapas anteriores de evolução da humanidade.  No entanto, as distâncias entre os países “ricos” e “pobres”, ao invés de diminuir com o'correr do tempo, aumentaram nas últimas décadas cada vez mais, o que fica evidenciado de modo flagrante por dados comparativos a respeito das suas respectivas rendas nacionais per capita.
Sentidos de comunidad y construcción de paz
Authors: Durán Palacio Nicolasa María , Díaz Alzate Magda Victoria
Published: December 2020

Construir paz y convivencias pacíficas en las comunidades supone el reconocimiento de las graves violencias letales, visibles e invisibilizadas que, al conocerlas, nos dejan en la perplejidad y el desconcierto ante lo que ni siquiera podemos ponerle nombre. En este texto se presentan una serie de reflexiones, a partir de un proceso de acompañamiento psicosocial a líderes comunitarios en la Comuna 4 - Aranjuez de la ciudad de Medellín, sobre la reconstrucción de sentidos de comunidad, como condición de posibilidad para la edificación de paz en contextos comunitarios. El objetivo consiste en develar que algunas dinámicas de las violencias en la ciudad de Medellín, específicamente en la Comuna 4 - Aranjuez, reflejan lógicas y repertorios de las violencias sufridas, durante el conflicto armado colombiano. En este sentido, el énfasis de la reflexión no está en los fenómenos violentos y los obstáculos para la edificación de paz en la comunidad de los barrios de la Comuna, sino en cómo sus problemas sociales y políticos son el reflejo de una mentalidad guerrerista común a algunos ciudadanos, que revelan uno de los males mayores de la cultura en Colombia: la búsqueda de pacificación a través de triunfos militaristas y bélicos.
Variations in runoff, sediment load and their relationship for a major sediment source area of the Jialing River basin, southern China
Authors: Shao Yiting , Mu Xingmin , He Yi , Chen Kai
Published: December 2020

Investigation of the variations in runoff and sediment load as well as
their dynamic relation is conducive to understanding hydrological
regimes changes and supporting channel regulation and fluvial
management. This study was undertaken in the Xihanshui catchment, which
is known for its high sediment-laden in the Jialing River of the Yangtze
River basin, southern China, to evaluate the change characteristics of
runoff, sediment load and their relationship at multi-temporal scales
from 1966 to 2016. The results showed that the monthly runoff changed
significantly for more months whereas the significant changes in monthly
sediment load occurred from April to September. The contributions of
runoff in summer and autumn and sediment load in summer to their annual
value changes were greater. The annual runoff and sediment load in the
Xihanshui catchment both exhibited significant decreasing trends
(P<0.05) with significant mutation in 1993 (P<0.05).
The average annual runoff in the change period (1994-2016) decreased by
49.60% and annual sediment load displayed a substantial decline with a
reduction of 77.76% in comparison with the reference period
(1966-1993). The variation of the relationship between runoff and
sediment load in the catchment was time-dependent. The annual and
extreme monthly runoff-sediment relationship could be generally
expressed as power function, whereas the monthly runoff-sediment
relationships were changeable. Spatially, the relationship between
annual runoff and sediment load could be partly attributed to sediment
load changes in the upstream and runoff variations in the downstream and
it became weaker in the change period due to the impact of existing soil
and water conservation measures. Quantitative assessment showed that
human activity played a dominant role in annual runoff and sediment load
reduction, with the contributions of 67.07% and 87.64%, respectively.
The effects of volatility and changes in conditional correlations in the stock markets of Russia and developed countries
Authors: Salmanov Oleg , Babina Natalia , Samoshkina Marina , Drachena Irina , Salmanova Irina
Published: December 2020

The aim of this article is to identify patterns of profitability volatility
and to establish the degree of dynamic conditional correlation between the
stock markets of developed countries and those of Russia. This issue is
important for investment strategies and the international diversification of
investments. We use the BEKK-GARCH, CCC-GARCH, and DCCGARCH models and show
that the correlation between the Russian stock market and the markets of the
USA, UK, Germany, and France has decreased significantly in recent years. We
find that while the correlation between the Russian market and the mature
European markets is bidirectional, the relationship between the US market
and the Russian market is unidirectional. An assessment of the transfer of
volatility from all of the mature markets to the Russian market establishes
its statistical significance and shows that feedback from the Russian market
to the UK and German markets is insignificant. Diversification of
international portfolios in the Russian market is recommended.