bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RAB33B and PCNT variants in two Pakistani families with skeletal dysplasia and short stature
Authors: Ain Noor ul , Fatima Zunaira , Naz Sadaf , Makitie Outi
Published: July 2021

Background

Skeletal dysplasia is a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting from different genetic variants in humans. The current study was designed to identify the genetic causes of skeletal dysplasia and short stature in two consanguineous families from Pakistan, both comprised of multiple affected individuals. Patients in one family had proportionate short stature with reduced head circumference while affected individuals in the other family had disproportionate short stature.

Methods

Clinical data were obtained and radiological examinations of the index patients were completed. Whole genome sequencing for probands from both families were performed followed by Sanger sequencing to confirm segregation of identified variants in the respective families. In-silico pathogenicity score prediction for identified variant and amino acid conservation analysis was completed.

Results

Whole Genome Sequencing identified a known biallelic variant c.6176_6189delGTCAGCTGCCGAAG; p.(Gln2060ArgfsTer48) in PCNT gene and a novel biallelic variant c.174delC; p.(Asp60ThrfsTer7) in RAB33B gene respectively in affected members of the two families. Clinical imaging revealed platyspondyly and varus deformity in the legs of the affected members in the first family. Radiographs indicated severe platyspondyly, genu valgus deformity of legs and pectus carinatum for the patients in the second family.

Conclusion

In this study we report the phenotypes and genetic variants in two unrelated families with two distinct forms of skeletal dysplasia. This study strengthens the previous findings that patients harboring PCNT variants are phenotypically homogeneous and also extends the genotypic spectrum of RAB33B variants.
Repetitive brief ischemia accelerates tibial shaft fracture healing: a 5-years prospective preliminary clinical trial (PCT)
Authors: Wang Dong , Liu Yang , Lv Wenrui , Liang Wei , Zhou Xiaobin , Ding Yin , Zhou Junlin
Published: July 2021

Background

This study was to evaluate the effects of repetitive brief ischemia (RBI) on bone healing in patients with tibial shaft fractures.

Methods

In this prospective clinical trial, patients with tibia shaft fractures were enrolled between January 2016 and January 2021. The intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device was used to make RBI on the affected limb after surgical operation 24 h. The inflation pressure was the systolic pressure of patients + 50 mmHg. Patients were received 30 s inflation/30 s deflation 30 times twice a day for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was bone healing time and the secondary outcomes were the rates of delayed union and nonunion, the rates of venous thrombosis of lower limbs, Johner-Wruhs scores, Lysholm knee score, VAS scores, postoperative complications, serum BMP-2, osteocalcin (OC) and bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BS-ALP).

Results

A total of 32 patients were enrolled finally and all were completed with a 12 months follow-up. All the fractures were healed and the bone healing time was 3(1) months in RBI group. However, the bone healing time of control group was 4(1) and there was statistical difference between the two groups (p < 0.01). No patient with fracture delayed union, nonunion and venous thrombosis of lower limbs in RBI group. 2 patients were delayed union in the control group. In RBI group, the Lysholm knee score was 83(6) at 6 months and 100(8) at 12 months. In the control group, the score was 78(4) and 90.5(17), there was statistical difference between the two groups (p < 0.01, p = 0.014, respectively). VAS scores were postoperative 2 weeks 6(1) in RBI group and 7(0.5) in the control group, there was statistical difference between the two groups (p = 0.016). There were 2 patients with intramuscular venous thrombosis of lower extremity in control group. Besides, RBI treatment increased the serum BMP-2, OC and BS-ALP at postoperative 2 weeks and 1 month.

Conclusions

RBI is a new method to accelerate bone healing in tibia shaft fracture patients and is a simple and noninvasive method.

Trial registration

Chinese clinical trial registry, ChiCTR-INR-17014208. Registered 28 December 2017—Retrospectively registered.
Do the dimensions of the hard palate have a relationship with the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses? A CBCT study
Authors: Miranda-Viana Murilo , Freitas Deborah Queiroz , Machado Alessiana Helena , Gomes Amanda Farias , Nejaim Yuri
Published: July 2021

Background

As the hard palate is a central structure of the skull, and its close relationship with the nasal cavity, oral cavity, and maxillary sinuses, it would be of interest to study if there is a relationship between this bone and other structures of the stomatognathic system. Thus, this study aimed to assess the dimensions of the hard palate and associate them with sex, and skeletal and breathing patterns. Also, to investigate if there is a relationship between these dimensions and the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses.

Methods

Two hundred and ninety-eight CBCT scans of patients were classified according to sex, and skeletal and breathing patterns. Then, the linear dimensions of width and height of the hard palate at the regions of the first premolars and first molars, and the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses were measured using the CS 3D Imaging and ITK-SNAP software, respectively. Data were submitted to multi-way analysis of variance and linear regression, with a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05).

Results

Sex and facial type influenced the hard palate dimensions (p < 0.05). Males had greater width and height of the hard palate than females (p < 0.0001). It was observed greater width for brachycephalics at the first premolars region (p = 0.0032), and greater height for dolichocephalics at the first premolars (p = 0.0154) and first molars (p = 0.0038) regions. Skeletal malocclusion and breathing pattern did not influence the measurements of the hard palate (p > 0.05). There was a significant relationship between the width and height of the hard palate at the premolar’s region and the total volume of the upper airways (p = 0.018, and p = 0.038), and between both dimensions of the hard palate at the molar’s region and the total volume of the maxillary sinuses (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The hard palate dimensions are influenced by sex and facial type, but not by skeletal malocclusion or breathing pattern. Also, there is an association between these dimensions and the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses.
Effects of Stephania hainanensis alkaloids on MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis in mice
Authors: Fan Hao-fei , Fang Xing-yue , Wu Hao-lin , Xu Yi-qian , Gong Li-chong , Yu Dao-rui , Jia Hao , Tang Xiao-liang , Liu Qi-bing
Published: July 2021

Background

Gout is initiated by the precipitation of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals within the joints and soft tissues, and it can eventually cause acute or chronic arthritis. MSU crystals trigger, amplify, and maintain a strong inflammatory response through promoting proinflammatory activity. In this study, the therapeutic effects ofStephania hainanensis(S. hainanensis) total alkaloid (SHA) were tested and evaluated on MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis in a mouse model.

Methods

After oral administration of SHA (10 or 20 mg/kg) or the antigout medicine colchicine (0.5 mg/kg) once daily for 3 consecutive days, MSU crystals suspended in saline (2.5 mg/50 μl) were intradermally injected into the right paw of the mice. Then, SHA and colchicine were administered for another 2 days. During this period, swelling of the ankle and clinical scores were measured at 12, 24, and 48 h postinjection. After the mice were euthanized, inflammatory cytokine expression and paw tissue inflammation-related gene and protein expression, and a histopathological analysis was performed.

Results

SHA had obvious therapeutic effects on MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis in mice. SHA alleviated ankle swelling and inhibited the production of cytokines, such as IL-1β and TNF-α. In addition, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and IL-1β, which are activated by MSU were also suppressed by SHA. The histological evaluation showed that SHA relieved the infiltration of inflammation around the ankle.

Conclusions

These results suggest that SHA is capable of anti-inflammatory activities and may be useful for treating gouty arthritis.
Measuring patient-reported physical functioning and fatigue in myelodysplastic syndromes using a modular approach based on EORTC QLQ-C30
Authors: Regnault Antoine , Pompilus Farrah , Ciesluk Anna , Mazerolle Flora , Bejar Rafael , Fram Robert J. , Faller Douglas V. , Marquis Patrick , Bell Jill A.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Physical functioning and fatigue are key patient concerns in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The objective of this research was to generate supportive quantitative evidence for modular physical functioning and fatigue measures based on the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 items (QLQ-C30) and a customized selection of 10 supplemental items from the EORTC Item Library.

Methods

The 40 items were completed online cross-sectionally by 51 patients (higher risk [HR] MDS: 53%; CMML: 26%; AML: 10%). Psychometric analyses based on Rasch measurement theory (RMT) were conducted on the QLQ-C30 physical functioning and fatigue domains as well as measures combining QLQ-C30 and supplemental items. A measure of anemia-related symptoms composed of QLQ-C30 and supplemental items covering fatigue, dyspnea, and dizziness was also investigated.

Results

The QLQ-C30 physical functioning and fatigue domains showed good targeting to the sample and adequate reliability, with few conceptual gaps identified. Combining the QLQ-C30 and supplemental physical functioning and fatigue items improved the conceptual coverage and the reliability of the measures. The patient-reported anemia-related symptom measure showed good measurement performance, underpinned by a clinically meaningful characterization of severity of these symptoms over a spectrum, starting with fatigue, then dyspnea, and finally dizziness (most severe).

Conclusion

The modular measurement approach of combining EORTC QLQ-C30 and Item Library offers a promising pragmatic solution to the measurement of physical functioning and fatigue, as well as anemia-related symptoms in clinical trials conducted in HR MDS, CMML, and AML.
Quality of referrals to a rheumatology service before and after implementation of a triage system with telemedicine support
Authors: Piovesan Deise Marcela , Busato Vanessa Barrili , da Silveira Romulo Gomes , do Prado Aline Defaveri , Molina-Bastos Cynthia Goulart , Hickmann Sheila , Bongiorno Guilherme Kopik , de David Cruz Camila , Zamboni Sheron , Simon Julio César , Gonçalves Marcelo Rodrigues , Bredemeier Markus
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the quality of referrals for a first Rheumatology consultation at a tertiary care center in a southern Brazilian capital (Porto Alegre, RS), having as background findings from a similar survey performed in 2007/2008. Since then, our state has implemented referral protocols and a triage system with teleconsulting support exclusively for referrals from locations outside the capital, permitting a comparison between patients screened and not screened by the new system.

Methods

Physicians of the Rheumatology Service at Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição prospectively collected information regarding first visits over a 6-month period (Oct 2017 to March 2018). We recorded demographic characteristics, diagnostic hypotheses, date of referral, and the municipality of origin (within the state of Rio Grande do Sul). We considered adequate referrals from primary health care when a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease (SIRD) was suspected at first evaluation by the attending rheumatologist.

Results

Three hundred fifty-seven patients/appointments were eligible for analysis (193 from the capital and 164 from small and medium towns). In 2007/2008, suspected SIRD occurred in 76/260 (29.2%) and 73/222 (32.9%) among patients from the capital and outside counties, respectively (P = 0.387). In 2017/2018, suspected SIRD occurred in 75/193 (38.9%) and 111/164 (67.7%) in patients from the capital and outside counties, respectively (difference: 28.8, 95% CI: 19.0 to 38.9, P < 0.001), indicating a marked improvement in referrals submitted to the new triage system.

Conclusion

The quality of Rheumatology referrals in our state improved over the 10-year interval under study, particularly among patients from locations submitted to referral protocols and teleconsulting support.
Data-driven S-wave velocity prediction method via a deep-learning-based deep convolutional gated recurrent unit fusion network
Authors: Wang Jun , Cao Junxing
Published: July 2021

The S-wave velocity ([Formula: see text]) is a fundamental parameter in geophysical analysis, prestack seismic inversion, and reservoir prediction. For various reasons, the availability of directly measured values of [Formula: see text] is low, especially in old wells. Therefore, indirect estimations of [Formula: see text] data on the basis of available reservoir information are important, and the development of a high-efficiency and low-cost prediction method is necessary. We have developed a novel prediction method that combines the convolutional neural network (CNN) and the gated recurrent unit (GRU) algorithms, based on a deep convolutional GRU (DCGRU) approach. More specifically, a CNN structure is used to identify and memorize the complex relationship between [Formula: see text] and well-log data, whereas a GRU network is introduced to extract key features of the data series in the depth direction. Owing to its structure, the DCGRU approach can seamlessly account for data trends with depth, local correlations across data series, and the actual depth accumulation effect. This approach is tested on data sets from an actual reservoir; it provides more reliable and accurate [Formula: see text] predictions not only compared with empirical models but also compared with the CNN and GRU algorithms applied separately. Our approach has potential for accurately estimating [Formula: see text] from log data.
CBCT imaging: a simple approach for optimising and evaluating concomitant imaging doses, based on patient-specific attenuation, during radiotherapy pelvis treatment
Authors: Ordóñez-Sanz Caroline , Cowen Mark , Shiravand Neda , MacDougall Niall D
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

A simple, robust method, for optimising cone-beam CT (CBCT) dose and image quality for pelvis treatment, based on patient-specific attenuation.

Methods:

Methods were investigated for grouping patients into four imaging categories (small [S], medium [M], large [L], extra large [XL]), based on planning-CT CTDIvol, and phantoms constructed to represent each group. CBCTs with varying kV, mA and ms honed in on the best settings, with a bladder noise of 25 HU. A patient pilot study clinically verified the new imaging settings.

Results:

The planning CTDIvol is a reliable method for grouping patients. Phantom measurements from the S, M and L groups show doses significantly reduced (19–83% reduction), whilst the XL group required an increase of 39%. Phantom TLD measurements showed the number of scans needed to increase rectal organ at risk (OAR) dose by 1 Gy was 143 (S group) and 50 (M group). Images were qualitatively assessed as sufficient by clinicians.

Conclusion:

Patient-specific CBCT modes are in use clinically with dose reductions across all modes except Pelvis XL, keeping doses ALARP and images optimal. Consideration of OAR doses controls the number of CBCTs allowed to ensure adherence to OAR tolerance. Reporting CBCT doses in “scans per Gray” allows clinicians to make informed decisions regarding the imaging schedule and concomitant doses.

Advances in knowledge:

Patient grouping at planning CT, using CTDIvol, allows for CBCT imaging protocols to be selected based on patient specific attenuation. Reporting OAR doses in terms of “scans per Gray” allows translation of imaging dose risk to the Oncologist.
Assessment of mask efficiency for preventing transmission of airborne illness through aerosols and water vapor
Authors: Ringer Coral N. , Engberg Rebecca J. , Carlin Kristen E. , Micheletti Kellie J. , Shankland Dianna L. , DiBlasi Robert M.
Published: July 2021

Background: Currently the Center for Disease Control has advised the use of face coverings to prevent transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to those who are unvaccinated. This study seeks to evaluate if cloth masks have increased efficiency with the addition of a filter material.

Methods: An adult airway and test lung model were exposed to nebulized ‘coarse’ aerosol droplets (0.5-11 µm) and humidified ‘fine’ water vapor particles (0.03-0.05 µm). Aerosol was quantified based on particles deposited on the face, airway and lung model. Tracheal humidity levels characterized fine particle permeability. Both phases of testing were conducted by evaluating the following testing conditions: 1) no mask; 2) cloth mask; 3) cloth mask with Swiffer™ filter; 4) cloth mask with Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 15 filter; 4) cloth mask with PM2.5 filter 5) surgical mask and 6) N95 respirator.

Results: All mask conditions provided greater filtration from coarse particles when compared to no mask (P<0.05). All cloth mask with filter combinations were better at stopping fine particles in comparison to no mask. A cloth mask without a filter and surgical mask performed similarly to no mask with fine particles (P<0.05). The cloth mask with MERV 15 filter and the surgical mask performed similarly to the N95 with course particles, while the cloth mask with Swiffer™ performed similarly to the N95 with the fine particles (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza are spread through exposure to respiratory secretions that are aerosolized by infected individuals. The findings from this study suggest that a mask can filter these potentially infectious airborne particles.
Ethyl lactate production by reactive distillation – optimization of reaction kinetics and energy efficiency
Authors: Stipsitz Peter , Mandl Michael , Harasek Michael
Published: July 2021

Background: Ethyl lactate is an environmentally benign solvent, which could substitute petrol-based volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in many applications if production costs are reduced. It is usually produced by the esterification of lactic acid with ethanol – two important chemical building blocks of biorefineries that are available at industrial scale. Reactive distillation is a promising alternative production process, which utilises process intensification to increase energy efficiency and space-time yield by enhancing the reaction kinetics.

Methods: In this work, process intensification of ethyl lactate production by means of distillation was analysed with special focus on the efficient separation of water. The feedstock requirements were studied and the process was optimized regarding reaction kinetics in experiments on laboratory level. The preparation of anhydrous starting mixtures for ethyl lactate formation was tested in batch experiments and applied to reactive distillation. The simultaneous distillation was optimized to ensure that the by-product water was separated efficiently and the separation capacity was not limiting the reaction rate. Combined reactive distillation was compared to a serial setup of reactors and distillation steps.

Results: It was found that an optimized serial setup can offer similar process intensification at a lower distillate rate compared to simultaneous reactive distillation.

Conclusions: The serial setup is more flexible and straight-forward to regulate and scale-up. Based on the experimental results a continuous production process that uses process intensification to reach high ethyl lactate yield and purity was proposed.
Combination Therapy of Breast Cancer Patients after Skin-Sparing and Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with Immediate Implant Based Reconstruction. Literature Review
Authors: Zikiryahodjaev A. , Usov F. , Ermoshchenkova M. , Bagdasarova D. , Khmelevskiy E. , Duadze I. , Dzhabrailova D.
Published: July 2021

Introduction
Sections:
1) Lack of consensus in existing clinical guidelines.
2) In what cases to carry out radiation therapy after reconstructive plastic surgery using endoprosthesis?
Cooperation Beyond the Network
Authors: Burt Ronald S. , Opper Sonja , Holm Håkan J.
Published: July 2021

It is well known in economics, law, and sociology that reputation costs in a closed network give insiders a feeling of being protected from bad behavior in their relations with one another. A person accustomed to doing business within a closed network is, therefore, likely to feel at unusual risk when asked to cooperate beyond the network because of absent reputation-cost security. It follows that business leaders in more closed networks should be less likely to cooperate beyond their network (Hypothesis 1 ). Success reinforces the status quo. Business leaders successful with a closed network associate their success with the safety of their network, so they should be even less likely to cooperate with a stranger (Hypothesis 2 ). We combine network data from a heterogeneous area probability survey of Chinese CEOs with a behavioral measure of cooperation to show strong empirical support for the two hypotheses. CEOs in more closed networks are less likely to cooperate beyond their network, especially those running successful businesses: successful CEOs in closed networks are particularly likely to defect against people beyond their network. The work contributes to a growing literature linking network structure with behavior: here, the closure that facilitates trust and cooperation within a network simultaneously erodes the probability of cooperation beyond the network, thereby reinforcing a social boundary around the network. Taking our results as a baseline, we close sketching new research on personality, homophily, network dynamics, and variation in the meaning of “beyond the network.”
The Politics of Monologist Representation
Authors: Al-Halool Musa
Published: July 2021

This article proffers a deconstructionist reading of the dramatic monologue and
examines its rhetorical strategies and the politics of monologic representation,
by which the first-person speaker/monologist monopolizes discursive space and
over-represents himself, while silencing other voices in the text and refusing
them the freedom and space to express themselves. Through a close analysis of
monologist representation of the Other in various texts, including “Mending
Wall” by Robert Frost, “Devonshire Street W. 1” by John Betjeman, as well as Ron
Carlson’s short story “Bigfoot Stole My Wife” (albeit a dramatic monologue in
prose), this article seeks to expose the ways in which the
poetic persona is always partial, interested, and subjective, with not-so-subtle
an agenda, a speaker who passes value judgments on the human objects of his
overbearing tone. By examining the politics of monologist representation against
both Aristotelian ethos and Bakhtinian intonation, the article suggests that
readers and critics can give voice to the voiceless in this elastic genre and
abandon their sympathetic interpretations that practically absolve monologists
of any bias towards their absent enemies or any politics of representation.
Freeform construction method for illumination design by using two orthogonal tangent vectors based on ray mapping
Authors: Hou JinCheng , Zhou Yangui , Lin Kaibin , Li Yongyao
Published: July 2021

An illumination design problem can be transformed into an optimal mass transport problem based on ray mapping. To construct a freeform surface that best fits the normal field, an efficient numerical method is put forward in this paper. In this method, the normal vectors are constructed by two adjacent orthogonal tangent vectors at each point, and then the normal vectors are substituted into Snell’s law to obtain nonlinear equations describing the surface coordinates. Finally, the continuous and accurate freeform surface can be obtained by solving these nonlinear equations. The simulation results show that the proposed method not only provides lower relative standard deviation, but also significantly reduces the normal deviation more than the traditional one. It can be seen from the comparison results that different numerical integrations of a non-integrable normal field calculated by optimal mass transport can lead to different results, and the proposed method is more feasible than the traditional one, especially in the off-axis case. The simulation results of the illumination effect of some complex patterns also show that the freeform surface constructed by this method can restore the target pattern efficiently and control the normal vector error in a low range.
Lensless optical encryption with speckle-noise suppression and QR codes
Authors: Cheremkhin P. A. , Evtikhiev N. N. , Krasnov V. V. , Rodin V. G. , Ryabcev I. P. , Shifrina A. V. , Starikov R. S.
Published: July 2021

The majority of contemporary optical encryption techniques use coherent illumination
and suffer from speckle-noise pollution, which severely limits their
applicability even when information encoded into special “containers”
such as a QR code. Spatially incoherent encryption does not have this
drawback, but it suffers from reduced encryption strength due to
formation of an unobscured image right on top of the encrypted one by
undiffracted light from the encoding diffraction optical element (DOE)
in axial configuration. We present a new lensless encryption scheme,
experimentally implemented with two liquid crystal spatial light
modulators, that does not have this disadvantage because of a special
encoding DOE design, which forms desired light distribution in the
photosensor plane under spherically diverging illumination without a
converging lens. Results of optical experiments on encryption of QR
codes and successful information retrieval from decoded images are
presented. Conducted analysis of encryption strength demonstrates
sufficiently high key sensitivity and large enough key space to resist
any brute force attacks.
Terahertz waves generation using the isomorphs of PPKTP crystal: a theoretical investigation
Authors: Chen Guo-Qun , Zhao Hong-Yang , Wang Shun , Hao Xiangying , Du Hai-Wei , Jin Rui-Bo
Published: July 2021

Highly efficient terahertz (THz) wave sources based on the difference frequency generation (DFG) process in nonlinear optical crystals plays an important role for the applications of THz waves. In order to find more novel nonlinear crystals, here, we theoretically investigate the generation of THz waves using the isomorphs of periodically poled KTiOPO4 (PPKTP), including periodically poled RTP, KTA, RTA and CTA. By solving the cascaded difference frequency coupled wave equations, it is found that the intensities of the THz wave generated from the cascaded difference frequency processes are improved by 5.27, 2.87, 2.82, 3.03, and 2.76 times from the non-cascaded cases for KTP, RTP, KTA, RTA and CTA, respectively. The effects of the crystal absorption, the phase mismatch, and the pump intensity are also analyzed in detail. This study might help to provide a stronger THz radiation source based on nonlinear crystals.
Transcriptome and metabolome analysis of crGART, a novel cell model of de novo purine synthesis deficiency: Alterations in CD36 expression and activity
Authors: Mazzarino Randall C. , Baresova Veronika , Zikánová Marie , Duval Nathan , Wilkinson Terry G. , Patterson David , Vacano Guido N.
Published: July 2021

In humans, GART [phosphoribosylglycinamide formyltransferase (EC 2.1.2.2) / phosphoribosylglycinamide synthetase (EC 6.3.4.13) / phosphoribosylaminoimidazole synthetase (EC 6.3.3.1)] is a trifunctional protein which catalyzes the second, third, and fifth reactions of the ten step de novo purine synthesis (DNPS) pathway. The second step of DNPS is conversion of phosphoribosylamine (5-PRA) to glycineamide ribonucleotide (GAR). 5-PRA is extremely unstable under physiological conditions and is unlikely to accumulate in the absence of GART activity. Recently, a HeLa cell line null mutant for GART was constructed via CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis. This cell line, crGART, is an important cellular model of DNPS inactivation that does not accumulate DNPS pathway intermediates. In the current study, we characterized the crGART versus HeLa transcriptomes in purine-supplemented and purine-depleted growth conditions. We observed multiple transcriptome changes and discuss pathways and ontologies particularly relevant to Alzheimer disease and Down syndrome. We selected the Cluster of Differentiation (CD36) gene for initial analysis based on its elevated expression in crGART versus HeLa as well as its high basal expression, high log2 value, and minimal P-value.
Improved glycaemia during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown is sustained post-lockdown and during the “Eat Out to Help Out” Government Scheme, in adults with Type 1 diabetes in the United Kingdom
Authors: Avari Parizad , Unsworth Rebecca , Rilstone Siân , Uduku Chukwuma , Logan Karen M. , Hill Neil E. , Godsland Ian F. , Reddy Monika , Oliver Nick
Published: July 2021

Aims

The majority of studies report that the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown did not have a detrimental effect on glycaemia. We sought to explore the impact of lockdown on glycaemia and whether this is sustained following easing of restrictions.

Methods

Retrospective, observational analysis in adults and children with type 1 diabetes attending a UK specialist centre, using real-time or intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring. Data from the following 28-day time periods were collected: (i) pre-lockdown; (ii) during lockdown; (iii) immediately after lockdown; and (iv) a month following relaxation of restrictions (coinciding with Government-subsidised restaurant food). Data were analysed for times in glycaemic ranges and are expressed as median (IQR).

Results

145 adults aged 35.5 (25.8–51.3) years with diabetes duration of 19.0 (7.0–29.0) years on multiple daily injections of insulin (60%) and continuous insulin infusion (40%) were included. In adults, % time in range (70-180mg/dL) increased during lockdown (60.2 (45.2–69.3)%) compared to pre-lockdown (56.7 (43.5–65.3)%; p<0.001). This was maintained in the post-lockdown time periods. Similarly, % time above range (>180mg/dL) reduced in lockdown compared to pre-lockdown (p = 0.01), which was sustained thereafter. In children, no significant changes to glycaemia were observed during lockdown. In multivariable analysis, a greater increase in %TIR 3.9-10mmol/L (70-180mg/dL) during lockdown was associated with higher levels of deprivation (coefficient: 4.208, 95% CI 0.588 to 7.828; p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Glycaemia in adults improved during lockdown, with people from more deprived areas most likely to benefit. This effect was sustained after easing of restrictions, with government-subsidised restaurant eating having no adverse impact on glycaemia.
The not so universal hero’s journey
Authors: Hambly Glenda
Published: July 2021

Since the 1990s, Joseph Campbell’s research into mythology has become a cornerstone of the most influential and deeply entrenched model of screenwriting practised and taught internationally. Campbell’s finding that the quest myth, the hero’s journey, is ubiquitous around the globe, across human time, and therefore universal is constantly cited to prove the universality of what Robert McKee calls ‘classical design’; the story of a protagonist facing obstacles in pursuit of a goal. However, a close analysis of three of the myths and rituals, which Campbell cites to prove his theory, demonstrate he misinterpreted the meaning of the myths. Knowingly or not, he projected Anglo-Western storytelling and cultural values onto Indigenous mythic narratives, which in fact have very different storytelling norms and serve a very different purpose to the individualistic striving for self-fulfilment which he identified. Given this, it is time for practitioners and teachers to stop claiming that the hero’s journey and by default classical design are universal. Given the current struggle for inclusion of diverse, multi-cultural and marginalized voices into mainstream storytelling, this corrective is well overdue.
Screenwriting research in Australia: A truncated (pre)history
Authors: Maras Steven
Published: July 2021

Recent years have seen a growing interest in the history of fields of study and academic disciplines. While recognizing a number of limitations, this article explores the emergence of screenwriting research in Australia. It addresses the question of what were the cultural conditions that gave rise to contemporary screenwriting research in Australia. The article discusses three key factors: firstly, long-standing policy settings around cultural identity and content in film and television; secondly, active debates around ‘screen culture’ that have given discussions of the place of culture and story special prominence and contributed to awareness of questions of cultural ‘value’, and conventional separations of production and consumption; thirdly, the rise of film studies in the 1970s, which gave ferment to research into narrative and story forms. My goal is to capture some of the contextual features that are important to an understanding of screenwriting research in this period and geography, and to suggest that screenwriting research emerged as intellectual attitude and area of interest that eventually crystallized as part of a more formalized arena of study in the later 2000s.
Protección de la infancia y nuevas tecnologías de la comunicación: el código PEGI de regulación de los videojuegos y juegos on-line
Authors: Pérez Alonso-geta Petra Mª
Published: July 2021

Se ha dicho que el futuro de un pueblo reside en sus hijos, y no sólo porque ellos son el futuro, sino porque este será mejor si protege y educa bien a sus niños. Ya en 1959 la Organización de las Naciones Unidas redactó diez principios en la Declaración de los Derechos del Niño. El segundo de estos principios afirma que “el niño gozará de una protección especial para que pueda desarrollarse física, mental, moral, espiritual y socialmente”. Hoy, en un contexto de sociedad del conocimiento muy diferente al de 1959, el derecho a la protección debe también resolverse en los diversos ámbitos que definen las nuevas tecnologías de la comunicación. Sin embargo los actuales procedimientos establecidos por el código PEGI, aún siendo necesarios, no garantizan este derecho básico de la infancia.
"Con el dedo en la pantalla": el uso de un videojuego de estrategia en la mediación de aprendizajes curriculares
Authors: Gros Salvat Begoña , Grrido Miranda José M.
Published: July 2021

Un equipo multidisciplinario de carácter universitario (chileno-español) y profesoras de una escuela pública de la región de Valparaíso (Chile), llevaron a cabo una iniciativa destinada a diseñar y poner en práctica una secuencia formativa, que incorporando en sus actividades el uso del videojuego de estrategia “Age of Empire”, pudiera mediar aprendizajes curriculares correspondientes a los subsectores de “Comprensión de la Sociedad” y “Educación Matemática”. La aplicación de este diseño de clases implicó trabajar con 78 estudiantes de 7º años básico, los cuales realizaron tres tipos de uso del videojuego: nivelación, indagación y evaluación. A través de la metodología de Estudio de Caso de tipo Descriptivo se llevo a cabo la recopilación y análisis de datos que permitió caracterizar las prácticas e interacciones surgidas en la relación entre pares, el rol docente, y los aportes del videojuego. Los principales resultados muestran, por un lado, lo importante que es (i)qué los docentes aprendan a jugar, (ii)participen de una instancia de colaboración para poder diseñar nuevos ambientes de aprendizaje, y por otro lado, (iii)las tipologías de colaboración y cooperación surgidas entre los estudiantes, y (iv)las oportunidades ofrecidas por el videojuego para aproximarse a la realidad de los fenómenos
Una aproximación a la virtualidad educativa de los video-juegos
Authors: Sádaba Charo , Naval Concepción
Published: July 2021

¿Es posible que una plataforma que exige la continua participación del usuario pueda afectar a su actitud ante la participación entendida de un modo más amplio? ¿Se pueden adquirir actitudes y habilidades sociales y participativas a través de los videojuegos? Ninguna de estas preguntas tiene una respuesta sencilla; a lo largo de este artículo se plantean y discuten varios puntos de reflexión que tratan de darles respuesta en el marco de la concreta realidad que rodea a los adolescentes.
Recorridos de reflexión teórica y práctica para una valoración de las minorías culturales en el contexto de la globalización
Authors: Mongili Silvia
Published: July 2021

En este estudio se quieren presentar algunas reflexiones teóricas y practicas sobre la importancia de la valorización de las minorías culturales en el contexto de la globalización. En la primera parte se enfrenta el tema de la sostenibilidad a partir del debate contemporáneo sobre la crítica de la racionalidad separada y a favor de una racionalidad de tipo planetario. Se pone por lo tanto el problema del reconocimiento y de la valorización de las minorías lingu?ísticas y culturales cuál portadoras de importantes saberes locales que contribuyen a la construcción de la nueva forma de racionalidad. Se pasa así a analizar la educación sostenible como una modalidad específica de hacer educación que permite el lleno desarrollo de las personas y las equipa a afrontar de manera creativa las dificultades y los desafíos de la vida. Por fin, la atención se dirige hacia algunos proyectos internacionales que valorizan los saberes locales de las comunidades de la América Latina.
¿De la asimilación a la aceptación del otro? Política educativa para pueblos indígenas en América Latina y la política de “educación intercultural BilingüeILINGÜE” EN CHILE
Authors: Stiegler Ursula
Published: July 2021

Durante períodos largos en la historia de América Latina, la educación para la población indígena – generalmente marginalizada – intentaba integrar estos pueblos en y así asimilarlos a las naciones “europeas”, “blancas” o “mestizas”. Solamente al final del sigo veinte, gracias a las luchas de los pueblos indígenas mismos y a la emergencia de un concepto de nación “multicultural”, las estrategias educativas empezaron a cambiar. Ahora el objetivo de las políticas educativas es la preservación de las culturas y lenguas indígenas y la aceptación o el reconocimiento de estas. Como muchos otros países latinoamericanos, Chile, que generalmente no es considerado un “país indígena”, en los años noventa también adoptó una política de “Educación Intercultural Bilingu?e” con estos fines. Pero, a pesar de un discurso muy ambicionado y la implementación de una serie de medidas al respecto, la educación intercultural bilingu?e chilena todavía existe más bien en la teoría que en la práctica.
Universidad, interculturalidad y discurso público. La universidad en un contexto social democrático
Authors: Michelini Dorando
Published: July 2021

La universidad constituye el lugar privilegiado de la sociedad civil en el que los ciudadanos buscan nuevos conocimientos y se preparan para participar como expertos en la tematización, discusión y resolución de todas aquellas cuestiones teóricas y prácticas relevantes para la sociedad. La educación universitaria tiene que contribuir, por consiguiente, a la formación de docentes e investigadores, tecnólogos y expertos en las diversas esferas del saber, y a la capacitación para la reflexión crítica a través del desarrollo de competencias discursivas, éticas y culturales. En este sentido, los universitarios son -tendrían que ser- personas capacitadas no sólo para aumentar metódica y sistemáticamente el conocimiento, sino también para reflexionar críticamente sobre cuestiones centrales de la convivencia humana en un sistema democrático. Por ello, los universitarios tendrían que ser profesionales y expertos, a la vez que “personas de principios”, conocedoras de su propia cultura y del contexto histórico de aplicación.
Espacios transnacionales. Migración y globalización
Authors: Salazar Mauricio
Published: July 2021

Este artículo pretende hacer un esbozo de la migración dentro del proceso de la globalización, que por un lado fomenta la migración y depende de ella, como mano de obra barata y por el otro atrae a los inmigrantes como expertos altamente calificados. Al mismo tiempo es restrictiva con los procesos migratorios. En este proceso el concepto del estado monolocal se vuelve obsoleto, pues las formas de vida cambiaron totalmente. Ahora se vive y se trabaja en partes diferentes. Los inmigrantes viven e interactúan en diferentes espacios transnacionales. Su participación se vuelve multilocal con expresiones de organizaciones de inmigrantes transnacionales o a través de diferentes expresiones culturales, como son la música, religión y sus elementos transnacionales. La situación del inmigrante no puede ser reducida a lo político o al estigma social, se tiene que tomar en cuenta la parte emocional del inmigrante que requiere de espacios transnacionales. El artículo no quiere abrir una nueva área de investigación, sino hacer hincapié en algunos elementos que no han sido tomados en cuenta en la discusión sobre migración y el papel de los inmigrantes.
Una contribución para la construcción de un espacio superior educativo común: lecciones aprendidas acerca del logro de metaconocimiento estudiantil como consecuencia de la implementación de aprendizaje electrónico mixto
Authors: Fainholc Beatriz
Published: July 2021

A partir de una experiencia interinstitucional de un programa educativo uni-versitario electrónico, se extraen buenas prácticas para transferir adaptadamente a la construcción de espacios formativos comunes que impulsen entre variados elementos de mejoramiento de la calidad de la educación superior ofrecida, por el fortalecimiento de las estrategias metacognitivas de los estudiantes, como competencias centrales desea-bles de logro académico y profesional. El diseño e interacción con una propuesta curricular electrónica mixta (o blended learning), propiciada por los objetivos, contenidos, actividades didácticas y de evaluación planeadas y concurrentemente lideradas por orientaciones tutoriales de profesores formados a tal fin, demostró logros iluminadores para propuestas formativas no convencionales.
¿Existe una teoría educativa tras la convención de los derechos del niño?
Authors: García Gutiérrez Juan
Published: July 2021

La Convención de los Derechos del Niño es sin duda el instrumento jurídico más importante y complejo que existe sobre la infancia en el ámbito del Derecho Inter-nacional. Esta complejidad se acentuada por cuestiones de índole pedagógica y psicológica tales como el interés superior del niño o el concepto de evolución de las facultades del niño. En efecto, dichos conceptos no pueden ser interpretados, ni desarrollados únicamente desde una perspectiva jurídica. Así, el ámbito de la Teoría de la Educación se nos revela como un espacio pedagógico privilegiado no sólo para realizar una lectura educativa y crítica de la Convención, sino sobre todo para explorar el alcance de dichas nociones en relación a los principios de autonomía y cuidado implícitos a lo largo de la Convención y las posibles vías para su conciliación.
Experiencia metodológica en Universidad: uso del Campus Virtual y aprendizaje colaborativo
Authors: Civila Salas Amparo C.
Published: July 2021

En este artículo se presenta una experiencia metodológica en la enseñanza universitaria, combinando el aprendizaje colaborativo con el uso de los recursos virtuales. El uso del Campus Virtual es un aspecto fundamental de esta metodología, porque se emplea para facilitar el desarrollo del resto de las actividades propuestas en el pro-grama de la asignatura, pretendiendo con ello mejorar los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje, además para posibilitar nuevos canales de participación y de tutorización. Como objetivo siempre presente tenemos guiar al máximo la autonomía del alumno. Y como fin último plantear un sistema de evaluación continuo sin necesidad de un examen final. La evaluación se fundamenta en el trabajo constante, siempre supervisado, con la ayuda de las nuevas tecnologías.
Entrevista com Freda Indursky
Authors: Sommer Vera Sommer
Published: July 2021

O número diário de óbitos, em consequência do coronavírus, ainda gira em torno de dois mil no Brasil, enquanto o processo de imunização, iniciado tardiamente após um ano de pandemia no país, segue a passos lentos, atingindo cerca de 20% da população brasileira com a aplicação da primeira dose – principalmente das vacinas da Pfizer e Astrazeneca. Apesar dessa situação gravíssima, o presidente Jair Bolsonaro (sem partido) investe seu tempo e sua energia na campanha eleitoral para 2022. A imprensa nacional costuma expor a situação precária dos hospitais públicos no atendimento aos infectados, e vem acompanhando de perto o desenrolar da CPI da Pandemia, instaurada pelo Senado para investigar a (ir)responsabilidade do governo federal no agravamento da doença no Brasil. Sobre este contexto, a professora Vera Sommer conversa com Freda Indursky, professora titular e convidada que atua junto ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Letras, da UFRGS (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul), ministrando disciplinas e orientando doutorandos, cujos projetos se inscrevam na Linha de Pesquisa Análises Textuais e Discursivas. Nesta entrevista, realizada por e-mail entre os dias 26 e 31 de maio de 2021, Freda afirma que as redes sociais se tornaram um espaço propício para o gabinete de ódio, que divulga fake news, distorce fatos, incita os seguidores a manifestarem-se com violência, ataca as instituições, colocando a democracia permanentemente em perigo. A docente também adianta que, “com a política desse despresidente e de seus sucessivos ministros da Saúde, a mortandade que estão patrocinando servirá para diminuir os gastos com a aposentadoria dos idosos, inúteis para o deus mercado. [...] trata-se da implementação de uma necropolítica”.
A linguagem poética em Anne With An E
Authors: Bertolino Luise Mariano , Carlos Silva Míriam Cristina
Published: July 2021

O presente artigo tem como tema a linguagem poética na série de televisão Anne With An E (2017) adaptada por Moira Walley-Becket, a partir do livro Anne de Green Gables (1908), de Lucy Maud Montgomory. Para refletirmos sobre o poético, delimitamos como corpus o primeiro episódio da série, “Sua determinação dita seu destino”, dirigido por Niki Caro. Pretendemos identificar a linguagem poética construída a partir do olhar e da recriação de mundo da personagem Anne, e de que forma isso se apresenta na construção da narrativa por meio da fotografia e dos cenários.
Corea del Norte y Kim Jong-un tras el 8.º Congreso del Partido de Trabajo de Corea de 2021
Authors: Boltaina i Bosch Xavier
Published: July 2021

El artículo analiza las conclusiones más significativas del 8.º Congreso celebrado en Corea del Norte por el gobernante Partido del Trabajo, entre el 5 y 12 de enero de 2021 y otros actos políticos efectuados durante el primer semestre de 2021 y como ello puede influir en la política futura de Corea del Norte, la posición de su máximo dirigente Kim Jong-un y si es factible una evolución de la situación presente hacia nuevos planteamientos en el ámbito político, económico, militar y social, así como en la política internacional vinculada al desarrollo del arma nuclear.