bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supportive and palliative care indicators tool (SPICT™): content validity, feasibility and pre-test of the Italian version
Authors: Casale Giuseppe , Magnani Caterina , Fanelli Renato , Surdo Laura , Goletti Mauro , Boyd Kirsty , D’Angelo Daniela , Mastroianni Chiara ,   the SPICT-IT™ study group, Cancian Maurizio , Colotto Marco , Di Giacomo Antonella , Fucito Giuseppe , Gentili Giorgio , Latorre Patrizia , Aprile Pierangelo Lora , Massaro Michele , Pace Andrea , Savarese Antonella , Scarlata Simone , Stefanelli Maria Consiglia , Turriziani Adriana
Published: June 2020

Background

Difficulties in identifying patients at risk of clinical deterioration or death represent one of the main barriers to Palliative Care (PC) development in the community. Currently, no specific Italian tools aimed at identifying patients with PC needs are available. Of the different European tools available, the SPICT™ can be used easily in any kind of setting and does not include the Surprise Question. The purpose of the study was to translate, cross-culturally adapt and pre-test the Italian version of the SPICT™.

Methods

The Beaton recommendations for the cross-cultural adaptation of instruments were followed. Content validity was assessed using the Lynn method. A sample of Italian General Practitioners (GPs) assessed the SPICT-IT™ for feasibility and tested it.

Results

During the cross-cultural adaptation, some issues regarding semantic, experiential, idiomatic and conceptual equivalences were raised and resolved. The Scale-Content Validity Index/Ave was 0.86. Of the 907 GPs included in the sample, 71 (7.8%) agreed to test the SPICT-IT™ and to assess its feasibility. The participants provided care for 73,526 people in the community. Of these people, 1.7% (N = 1303) were identified as being in need of PC according to the SPICT-IT™. Sixty-six (93.0%) GPs stated they would use the SPICT-IT™ in their daily clinical practice.

Conclusions

The SPICT-IT™ demonstrated acceptable content validity. The percentage of patients identified through the SPICT-IT™ was comparable to findings from literature. The next phase of this project will investigate the impact of a proactive training programme aimed at supporting GPs in identifying patients with PC needs and delivering appropriate Primary Palliative Care (PPC).
Schedule feasibility and workflow for additive manufacturing of titanium plates for cranioplasty in canine skull tumors
Authors: James J. , Oblak M. L. , zur Linden A. R. , James F. M. K. , Phillips J. , Parkes M.
Published: June 2020

Background

Additive manufacturing has allowed for the creation of a patient-specific custom solution that can resolve many of the limitations previously reported for canine cranioplasty. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the schedule feasibility and workflow in manufacturing patient-specific titanium implants for canines undergoing cranioplasty immediately following craniectomy.

Results

Computed tomography scans from patients with tumors of the skull were considered and 3 cases were selected. Images were imported into a DICOM image processing software and tumor margins were determined based on agreement between a board-certified veterinary radiologist and veterinary surgical oncologist. Virtual surgical planning was performed and a bone safety margin was selected. A defect was created to simulate the planned intraoperative defect. Stereolithography format files of the skulls were then imported into a plate design software. In collaboration with a medical solution centre, a custom titanium plate was designed with the input of an applications engineer and veterinary surgery oncologist. Plates were printed in titanium and post-processed at the solution centre. Total planning time was approximately 2 h with a manufacturing time of 2 weeks.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of this study, with access to an advanced 3D metal printing medical solution centre that can provide advanced software and printing, patient-specific additive manufactured titanium implants can be planned, created, processed, shipped and sterilized for patient use within a 3-week turnaround.
Long noncoding RNA SNHG6 mainly functions as a competing endogenous RNA in human tumors
Authors: Wang Hui-shan , Zhang Wen , Zhu Han-long , Li Quan-peng , Miao Lin
Published: June 2020

Increased expression of the small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG6) has been reported in different cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. The high expression level of SNHG6 is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis. This paper provides an overview of recent studies on the oncogenic role and potential clinical utilities of SNHG6. Upregulated SNHG6 arrests tumor cell cycle and reduces apoptosis but promotes migration, invasion, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and chemoresistance in tumors. Mechanically, SNHG6 primarily sponges tumor suppressor microRNA (miRNA), functioning as a competing endogenous RNA. Once sponged, miRNA is unable to degrade, silence, or hamper the translation of its downstream, mostly oncogenic genes, ultimately driving cancer-related processes. Thus, SNHG6 might serve as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Nomogram to predict multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Wang Saibin , Tu Junwei
Published: June 2020

Background

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is burgeoning globally, and has been a serious challenge in TB management. Clinically, the ability to identify MDR-TB is still limited, especially in smear-negative TB. The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram for predicting MDR-TB.

Methods

Demographics and clinical characteristics of both MDR-TB and drug-susceptible TB patients were utilized to develop a nomogram for predicting MDR-TB. The LASSO regression method was applied to filter variables and select predictors, and multivariate logistic regression was used to construct a nomogram. The discriminatory ability of the model was determined by calculating the area under the curve (AUC). Moreover, calibration analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA) of the model were performed. This study involved a second analysis of a completed prospective cohort study conducted in a country with a high TB burden.

Results

Five variables of TB patients were selected through the LASSO regression method, and a nomogram was built based on these variables. The predictive model yielded an AUC of 0.759 (95% CI, 0.719–0.799), and in the internal validation, the AUC was 0.757 (95% CI, 0.715–0.793). The predictive model was well-calibrated, and DCA showed that if the threshold probability of MDR-TB was between 70 and 90%, using the proposed nomogram to predict MDR-TB would obtain a net benefit.

Conclusions

In this study, a nomogram was constructed that incorporated five demographic and clinical characteristics of TB patients. The nomogram may be of great value for the prediction of MDR-TB in patients with sputum-free or smear-negative TB.
Apolipoprotein B and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol reveal a high atherogenicity in individuals with type 2 diabetes and controlled low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol
Authors: Fonseca Liliana , Paredes Sílvia , Ramos Helena , Oliveira José Carlos , Palma Isabel
Published: June 2020

Background

Lipid-lowering therapy is guided by Low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels, although the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk could be better reflected by other lipid parameters. This study aimed at comparing a comprehensive lipid profile between patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with LDL-c concentration within and above target.

Methods

A comprehensive lipid profile was characterized in 96 T2DM patients. The European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society (ESC/EAS) 2016 and 2019 Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidemias were used to define LDL-c targets.

Results

In this population, only 28.1 and 16.7% of patients had mean LDL-c levels within target, as defined by the 2016 and 2019 guidelines, respectively. Applying the 2016 guidelines criteria, in patients with LDL-c within target, 22, 25 and 44% presented non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c), Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and oxidized LDL-c levels above the recommended range, respectively, whereas according to the 2019 guidelines criteria, 50, 39 and 44% of the patients with LDL-c within target had elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), ApoB and oxidized LDL-c levels, respectively. LDL-c was strongly correlated with non-HDL-c (r = 0.850), ApoB (r = 0.656) and oxidized LDL-c (r = 0.508). Similarly, there was a strong correlation between non-HDL-c with both ApoB (r = 0.808) and oxidized LDL-c (r = 0.588).

Conclusions

These findings emphasize the limitations of only considering LDL-c concentration for cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment. Targeting only LDL-c could result in missed opportunities for CV risk reduction in T2DM patients. These data suggest that non-HDL-c, ApoB and oxidized LDL-c levels could be considered as an important part of these patients’ evaluation allowing for a more accurate estimation of CV risk and hopefully better management of these high-risk patients.
The effects of social integration and hometown identity on the life satisfaction of Chinese rural migrants: the mediating and moderating effects of a sense of belonging in the host city
Authors: Chen Hongsheng , Zhu Zhenjun , Chang Jiang , Gao Yinbao
Published: June 2020

Background

Many developing countries are rapidly urbanising because of large migration flows from rural to urban areas. However, migrants’ socio-cultural transitions might be challenging, and their extent of social integration and sense of hometown identity might impede resettlement and quality of life. Although a sense of belonging in the host city and a sense of attachment to the hometown might be important to migrants’ ability to assimilate, adapt and succeed in a new place, these factors have not adequately been studied in China.

Methods

The data were derived from the 2014 China Migrants Dynamic Survey, a large-scale questionnaire survey of Chinese migrants. This study’s sample comprised 15,990 individuals in eight Chinese cities. Life satisfaction was measured with the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the key independent variables (social integration, sense of hometown identity and sense of belonging in the host city) were measured using multi-item constructs. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients on the four main variables were 0.76 to 0.90. A multivariable linear regression analysis was applied to a path model that assessed the mediating and moderating effects of sense of belonging in the host city on direct relationships with life satisfaction (social integration ⇢ life satisfaction and hometown identity ⇢ life satisfaction).

Results

Social integration positively related to life satisfaction (B = 0.267) and sense of belonging in the host city (B = 0.912). A weak hometown identity related to higher life satisfaction and stronger sense of belonging in the host city (B = 0.087 and B = 0.176, respectively). Sense of belonging in the host city significantly mediated the relationships between social integration and life satisfaction (B = 0.267 decreased to B = 0.085) and between hometown identity and life satisfaction (B = 0.087 decreased to B = 0.048). Last, sense of belonging in the host city significantly moderated the relationship between social integration and life satisfaction.

Conclusion

A sense of belonging to a place is important to migrants’ life satisfaction regarding the hometown and the host city. Promoting migrants’ sense that they are part of the new living environment is important to China’s sustainable urban development.
Disease propagation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): an interplay between genetics and environment
Authors: Schram Sarah , Loeb Jeffrey A. , Song Fei
Published: June 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal disease affecting the neuromuscular system. While there have been a number of important genetic discoveries, there are no therapeutics capable of stopping its insidious progression. Lessons from clinical histories reveal that ALS can start focally at a single limb, but then segmentally spread up and down the spinal cord as well as in the motor cortex and cortex of frontal and temporal lobes until respiratory muscles fail. With or without a clear genetic etiology, often there is no explanation as to why it starts in one region of the body versus another. Similarly, once the disease starts the mechanisms by which the neurodegenerative process spreads are not known. Here, we summarize recent work in animal models that support the hypothesis that critical environmental contributions, such as a nerve injury, can initiate the disease process. We also propose that pathological axoglial signaling by the glial growth factor neuregulin-1 leads to the slow propagation of neuroinflammation resulting in neurodegeneration up and down the spinal cord and that locally applied drugs that block neuregulin-1 signaling could slow or halt the spread of disease.
Neuroprotective effects of miR-142-5p downregulation against isoflurane-induced neurological impairment
Authors: Xie Cuili , Wang Hongyue , Zhang Yu , Wei Yanhua
Published: June 2020

Background

Isoflurane can lead to neuron damage to the developing brain, resulting in learning and memory disability. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-142-5p on isoflurane-induced neurological impairment.

Methods

The Morris water maze (MWM) test was performed to evaluate spatial learning and memory of rats. The expression level of miR-142-5p was measured using qRT-PCR. MTT assay was used to calculate the viability of hippocampal neuronal cells. The cell apoptosis was analyzed using Flow cytometric assay.

Results

Isoflurane treatment led to the increase of neurological function score and escape latency, and the reduction of time spent in the original quadrant in rats. The expression level of miR-142-5p was increased significantly in isoflurane-treated rats. MiR-142-5p downregulation protected against isoflurane-induced neurological impairment, which was reflected by the decrease of neurological function score and escape latency, and the increase of time spent in the original quadrant. In vitro, downregulation of miR-142-5p alleviated isoflurane-induced neuron cell viability inhibition, and relieved isoflurane-induced cell apoptosis.

Conclusions

MiR-142-5p downregulation plays a neuroprotective role in protecting against isoflurane-induced neurological impairment through regulating neuron cell viability and apoptosis. It provides a theoretical basis for the investigation of the mechanism underlying the effect on isoflurane-induced neurological impairment.
Maximum emergency department overcrowding is correlated with occurrence of unexpected cardiac arrest
Authors: Kim June-sung , Bae Hyun-Jin , Sohn Chang Hwan , Cho Sung-Eun , Hwang Jeongeun , Kim Won Young , Kim Namkug , Seo Dong-Woo
Published: June 2020

Background

Emergency department overcrowding negatively impacts critically ill patients and could lead to the occurrence of cardiac arrest. However, the association between emergency department crowding and the occurrence of in-hospital cardiac arrest has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between emergency department occupancy rates and the incidence of in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods

A single-center, observational, registry-based cohort study was performed including all consecutive adult, non-traumatic in-hospital cardiac arrest patients between January 2014 and June 2017. We used emergency department occupancy rates as a crowding index at the time of presentation of cardiac arrest and at the time of maximum crowding, and the average crowding rate for the duration of emergency department stay for each patient. To calculate incidence rate, we divided the number of arrest cases for each emergency department occupancy period by accumulated time. The primary outcome is the association between the incidence of in-hospital cardiac arrest and emergency department occupancy rates.

Results

During the study period, 629 adult, non-traumatic cardiac arrest patients were enrolled in our registry. Among these, 187 patients experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest. Overall survival discharge rate was 24.6%, and 20.3% of patients showed favorable neurologic outcomes at discharge. Emergency department occupancy rates were positively correlated with in-hospital cardiac arrest occurrence. Moreover, maximum emergency department occupancy in the critical zone had the strongest positive correlation with in-hospital cardiac arrest occurrence (Spearman rank correlation ρ = 1.0, P < .01). Meanwhile, occupancy rates were not associated with the ED mortality.

Conclusion

Maximum emergency department occupancy was strongly associated with in-hospital cardiac arrest occurrence. Adequate monitoring and managing the maximum occupancy rate would be important to reduce unexpected cardiac arrest.
Application of a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay and pilot field testing for Giardia duodenalis at Lake Albert, Uganda
Authors: Molina-Gonzalez Sandra J. , Bhattacharyya Tapan , AlShehri Hajri R. , Poulton Kate , Allen Stephen , Miles Michael A. , Arianitwe Moses , Tukahebwa Edridah M. , Webster Bonnie , Russell Stothard J. , Bustinduy Amaya L.
Published: June 2020

Background

Giardia duodenalis is a gastrointestinal protozoan causing 184 million cases of giardiasis worldwide annually. Detection is by microscopy or coproantigen assays, although sensitivity is often compromised by intermittent shedding of cysts or trophozoites, or operator expertise. Therefore, for enhanced surveillance field-applicable, point-of-care (POC), molecular assays are needed. Our aims were to: (i) optimise the recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay for the isothermal amplification of the G. duodenalis β-giardin gene from trophozoites and cysts, using published primer and probes; and (ii) perform a pilot field validation of RPA at a field station in a resource-poor setting, on DNA extracted from stool samples from schoolchildren in villages around Lake Albert, Uganda. Results were compared to an established laboratory small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rDNA) qPCR assay with additional testing using a qPCR targeting the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) DNA regions that can distinguish G. duodenalis of two different assemblages (A and B), which are human-specific.

Results

Initial optimisation resulted in the successful amplification of predicted RPA products from G. duodenalis-purified gDNA, producing a double-labelled amplicon detected using lateral flow strips. In the field setting, of 129 stool samples, 49 (37.9%) were positive using the Giardia/Cryptosporidium QuikChek coproantigen test; however, the RPA assay when conducted in the field was positive for a single stool sample. Subsequent molecular screening in the laboratory on a subset (n = 73) of the samples demonstrated better results with 21 (28.8%) RPA positive. The SSU rDNA qPCR assay resulted in 30/129 (23.3%) positive samples; 18 out of 73 (24.7%) were assemblage typed (9 assemblage A; 5 assemblage B; and 4 mixed A+B). Compared with the SSU rDNA qPCR, QuikChek was more sensitive than RPA (85.7 vs 61.9%), but with similar specificities (80.8 vs 84.6%). In comparison to QuikChek, RPA had 46.4% sensitivity and 82.2% specificity.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first in-field and comparative laboratory validation of RPA for giardiasis in low resource settings. Further refinement and technology transfer, specifically in relation to stool sample preparation, will be needed to implement this assay in the field, which could assist better detection of asymptomatic Giardia infections.
Generalization of Szász–Mirakjan–Kantorovich operators using multiple Appell polynomials
Authors: Swarup Chetan , Gupta Pooja , Dubey Ramu , Mishra Vishnu Narayan
Published: June 2020

The purpose of the present paper is to introduce and study a sequence of positive linear operators defined on suitable spaces of measurable functions on $[0,\infty )$[0,∞) and continuous function spaces with polynomial weights. These operators are Kantorovich type generalization of Jakimovski–Leviatan operators based on multiple Appell polynomials. Using these operators, we approximate suitable measurable functions by knowing their mean values on a sequence of subintervals of $[0,\infty )$[0,∞) that do not constitute a subdivision of it. We also discuss the rate of convergence of these operators using moduli of smoothness.
The measure of socio-economic status in PISA: a review and some suggested improvements
Authors: Avvisati Francesco
Published: June 2020

This article reviews the history of the measure of socio-economic status in PISA and identifies theoretical underpinnings of the index of economic, social and cultural status (ESCS). It then highlights multiple changes in the instruments and scaling methods used by PISA over time, and suggests ways of resolving the tensions behind some of these changes and thereby stabilise the measure of ESCS. A stable definition and operational procedure to derive the ESCS index appears essential to compare the ESCS-achievement relationship over time. Some of the suggestions included in this article were already implemented in the 2018 cycle.
Investigation of mechanical properties and surface roughness of friction stir welded AA6061-T651
Authors: Bhushan Rajesh Kumar , Sharma Deepak
Published: June 2020

Friction stir welding (FSW) of 6-mm-thick plates of AA6061-T651 was carried out using a simple cylindrical pin tool. The impact of welding factors (rotational speed, welding speed) on tensile properties, microhardness, and surface roughness of FSW joints was investigated. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength, and % elongation of AA6061-T651 base plate as well as FSW joints were found out using a universal testing machine (UTM). Maximum value of UTS and yield strength were achieved at rotational speed of 1400 rpm and welding speed of 20 mm/min. Minimum surface roughness was reached at rotational speeds of 1400 rpm and welding speed of 20 mm/min. Microstructural evolutions in the friction stir welded (FSWed) joint and microhardness profile were also determined. Maximum hardness of HV 120 was acquired for the stir zone (SZ). Hence, attainment of the maximum tensile strength, microhardness, and minimum surface roughness during FSW is a desired method to improve the service life and suitability of AA6061-T651.
Global Coagulation Assays in Transgender Women on Oral and Transdermal Estradiol Therapy
Authors: Lim Hui Yin , Leemaqz Shalem Y , Torkamani Niloufar , Grossmann Mathis , Zajac Jeffrey D , Nandurkar Harshal , Ho Prahlad , Cheung Ada S
Published: June 2020

Context

The thrombotic effects of estradiol therapy in transgender women are unclear. Global coagulation assays (GCA) may be better measures of hemostatic function compared with standard coagulation tests.

Objective

To assess the GCA profiles of transgender women in comparison to cisgender controls and to compare how GCA differ between routes of estradiol therapy in transgender women.

Design

Cross-sectional case-control study.

Setting

General community.

Participants

Transgender women, cisgender male and cisgender female controls.

Main outcome measures

Citrated blood samples were analyzed for (i) whole blood thromboelastography (TEG®5000), (ii) platelet-poor plasma thrombin generation (calibrated automated thrombogram); and (iii) platelet-poor plasma fibrin generation (overall hemostatic potential assay). Mean difference (95% confidence intervals) between groups are presented.

Results

Twenty-six transgender women (16 oral estradiol, 10 transdermal estradiol) were compared with 98 cisgender women and 55 cisgender men. There were no differences in serum estradiol concentration (P = 0.929) and duration of therapy (P = 0.496) between formulations. Transgender women demonstrated hypercoagulable parameters on both thromboelastography (maximum amplitude + 6.94 mm (3.55, 10.33); P < 0.001) and thrombin generation (endogenous thrombin potential + 192.62 nM.min (38.33, 326.91); P = 0.009; peak thrombin + 38.10 nM (2.27, 73.94); P = 0.034) but had increased overall fibrinolytic potential (+4.89% (0.52, 9.25); P = 0.024) compared with cisgender men. No significant changes were observed relative to cisgender women. Route of estradiol delivery or duration of use did not influence the GCA parameters.

Conclusion

Transgender women on estradiol therapy demonstrated hypercoagulable GCA parameters compared with cisgender men with a shift towards cisgender female parameters. Route of estradiol delivery did not influence the GCA parameters.
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Albumin, and Mortality Among Chinese Older Adults: A Population-based Longitudinal Study
Authors: Jin Xurui , Xiong Shangzhi , Ju Sang-Yhun , Zeng Yi , Yan Lijing L , Yao Yao
Published: June 2020

Context

The associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations [25(OH)D] and all-cause mortality have been inconsistent in existing literatures. One plausible reason is the interaction of intrinsic vitamin D with other biological conditions such as malnutrition and chronic inflammation.

Objective

To explore the associations between serum levels of 25(OH)D, albumin, and all-cause mortality and further evaluate their interactions in elderly people.

Design

Population-based longitudinal study.

Setting and Participants

Data were obtained from 1834 people aged 65 to 112 who had their serum 25(OH)D and albumin assayed at baseline in 2011. Participants’ survival status was ascertained at the 2014 and 2018 follow-up survey waves.

Main Outcome Measures

All-cause mortality.

Results

Among the 1834 participants, both serum 25(OH)D and albumin concentrations were inversely associated with all-cause mortality (Ps < 0.001). In addition, the interaction effect of 25(OH)D and albumin on all-cause mortality was observed among the participants (P = 0.001). In the group with a higher albumin level (≥40 g/L), participants with a lower level of 25(OH)D (<50 nmol/L) had higher risk of mortality than their counterparts (hazard ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-2.56), and the association was more pronounced in women. In the group with a lower albumin level (<40 g/L), the associations failed to reach statistical significance in all participants as well as in women and in men.

Conclusions

Serum 25(OH)D and albumin levels were inversely associated with all-cause mortality in Chinese older adults. The association between 25(OH)D and mortality was more pronounced in participants with higher albumin levels.
Sex Differences in Long-term Metabolic Effects of Maternal Resveratrol Intake in Adult Rat Offspring
Authors: Ros Purificación , Díaz Francisca , Freire-Regatillo Alejandra , Argente-Arizón Pilar , Barrios Vicente , Argente Jesús , Chowen Julie A
Published: June 2020

Maternal nutrition can affect the susceptibility of the offspring to metabolic disease later in life, suggesting that this period is a window of opportunity for intervention to reduce the risk of metabolic disease. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, has a wide range of beneficial properties including anti-obesogenic, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-diabetic effects. We previously reported that maternal resveratrol intake during pregnancy and lactation has early metabolic effects in the offspring with these effects at weaning depending on the type of diet ingested by the mother and the offspring’s sex. Here we analyzed whether these metabolic changes are maintained in the adult offspring and if they remain sex and maternal diet dependent. Wistar rats received a low-fat diet (LFD; 10.2% Kcal from fat) or high fat diet (HFD; 61.6% Kcal from fat) during pregnancy and lactation. Half of each group received resveratrol in their drinking water (50 mg/L). Offspring were weaned onto standard chow on postnatal day 21. Maternal resveratrol reduced serum cholesterol levels in all adult offspring from HFD mothers and increased it in adult female offspring from LFD mothers. Resveratrol increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in LFD offspring in both sexes but decreased it in male HFD offspring. Resveratrol shifted the distribution of VAT adipocyte size to a significantly higher incidence of large adipocytes, regardless of sex or maternal diet. These results clearly demonstrate that maternal resveratrol intake has long-lasting effects on metabolic health of offspring in a sex specific manner with these effects being highly dependent on the maternal diet.
Insulin and Proinsulin Dynamics Progressively Deteriorate From Within the Normal Range Toward Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Murai Norimitsu , Saito Naoko , Kodama Eriko , Iida Tatsuya , Mikura Kentaro , Imai Hideyuki , Kaji Mariko , Hashizume Mai , Kigawa Yasuyoshi , Koizumi Go , Tadokoro Rie , Sugisawa Chiho , Endo Kei , Iizaka Toru , Saiki Ryo , Otsuka Fumiko , Ishibashi Shun , Nagasaka Shoichiro
Published: June 2020

Context

Slight elevations in plasma glucose (PG) manifest in advance of diabetes onset, but abnormalities in immunoreactive insulin (IRI), proinsulin (Pro), and adiponectin dynamics during this stage remain poorly understood.

Objective

The objective of this work is to investigate whether IRI and Pro dynamics become abnormal as glucose tolerance deteriorates from within the normal range toward impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), as well as the relationship between PG, and these dynamics and serum adiponectin levels.

Design

A cross-sectional study was designed.

Setting

This study took place at Jichi Medical University in Japan.

Participants and Measurements

PG, IRI, and Pro levels were determined in 1311 young Japanese individuals (age < 40 years) with normal or IGT before and at 30, 60, and 120 minutes during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Participants were assigned to 4 groups according to glucose tolerance, and then background factors, adiponectin levels, insulin sensitivity (SI), and insulin secretion (β) indexes were determined.

Results

PG levels as well as IRI and Pro levels 60 and 120 minutes after glucose-loading increased incrementally with deteriorating glucose tolerance. All measures of β and the SI measure index of insulin sensitivity (ISI)-Matsuda decreased incrementally. Serum adiponectin levels were not significantly different among the glucose tolerance groups, but were independently and negatively correlated with fasting glucose.

Conclusions

Early β decreased and postloading Pro levels became excessive in a progressive manner as glucose tolerance deteriorated from within the normal range toward IGT.
Notes for an Anti-racist Feminism in the Wake of the Migrant Caravans
Authors: Huerta Amarela Varela
Published: June 2020

This essay presents a retrospective analysis of the experience of the migrant caravans that crossed Mesoamerica to the United States, using their bodies to defy the necropolitical border regime of states in the region. These caravans were a specific type of migrant struggle, led by families attempting to preserve life through their displacement. The text is an exercise of reflection based on accompanying the caravan on the ground and through cyber-ethnography, configuring what we call an “emergency anthropology.” Starting from questions that the march of these families provoked in us as we watched them cross Mexico, this essay calls on feminisms and women’s struggles from around the world to deploy a particular anti-racist feminism. This antiracist feminism embraces the migrant feminism of the women and children who, by migrating, materialize the horizon drawn by the Zapatistas when they challenge us to stay alive and to make our lives livable.
Prefoldin-like Bud27 influences the transcription of ribosomal components and ribosome biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Martínez-Fernández Verónica , Cuevas-Bermúdez Abel , Gutiérrez-Santiago Francisco , Garrido-Godino Ana I. , Rodríguez-Galán Olga , Jordán-Pla Antonio , Lois Sergio , Triviño Juan C. , de la Cruz Jesús , Navarro Francisco
Published: June 2020

Understanding the functional connection that occurs for the three nuclear RNA polymerases to synthesize ribosome components during the ribosome biogenesis process has been the focal point of extensive research. To preserve correct homeostasis on the production of ribosomal components, cells might require the existence of proteins that target a common subunit of these RNA polymerases to impact their respective activities. This work describes how the yeast prefoldin-like Bud27 protein, which physically interacts with the Rpb5 common subunit of the three RNA polymerases, is able to modulate the transcription mediated by the RNA polymerase I, likely by influencing transcription elongation, the transcription of the RNA polymerase III, and the processing of ribosomal RNA. Bud27 also regulates both RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription of ribosomal proteins and ribosome biogenesis regulon genes, likely by occupying their DNA ORFs, and the processing of the corresponding mRNAs. With RNA polymerase II, this association occurs in a transcription rate-dependent manner. Our data also indicate that Bud27 inactivation alters the phosphorylation kinetics of ribosomal protein S6, a readout of TORC1 activity. We conclude that Bud27 impacts the homeostasis of the ribosome biogenesis process by regulating the activity of the three RNA polymerases and, in this way, the synthesis of ribosomal components. This quite likely occurs through a functional connection of Bud27 with the TOR signaling pathway.
A Systemic Review of Supports for Participation in Faith Settings for People With Disabilities
Authors: Miller Valerie , Skubik-Peplaski Camille
Published: June 2020

People with disabilities participate in community settings less than peers. This occurs due to physical and psychosocial barriers. One area of regular community participation is in faith settings, however there is a lack of evidence on how to support inclusion in these settings. This systematic review identifies what supports people with disabilities and their caregivers reported that assists with participation in faith settings. A review was conducted and articles were evaluated. The studies were analyzed for specific supports and then compared to determine the frequency at which the supports were mentioned. It was concluded that physical accessibility and a welcoming, supportive attitude were the supports mentioned most often. Two out of the three top results represent low-to-no cost supports to increase inclusion.
Interactions With and Between Families and Professionals in College: Perspectives of Young Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Francis Grace L. , Reed Alexandra S. , Howard Maureen E.
Published: June 2020

Postsecondary education programs (PSEs) are becoming increasingly available for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the United States. Positive interactions between young adults and their families and professionals, and collaborative family-professional interactions can enhance transition outcomes for people with disabilities, including successful transition into and out of PSEs. However, there is limited research on the perspectives of the young adults who attend PSEs regarding these topics. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the retrospective perceptions of 10 PSE graduates regarding (a) interactions with their families, (b) interactions with PSE professionals, and (c) interactions between their families and PSE professionals. Participants reported negative and positive interactions with their families and PSE professionals, described how their families and PSE professionals interacted, and also provided recommendations for families and professionals to support young adults with disabilities. Implications and future research are discussed.
Academic Access and Progress for Students With Intellectual Disability in Inclusive Postsecondary Education: A Systematic Review of Research
Authors: Becht Kathleen , Blades Carley , Agarwal Rumi , Burke Shanna
Published: June 2020

The passage of the Higher Education Opportunity Act in 2008 extended the expectation of previous legislation (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and Individuals With Disabilities Education Act) regarding general education academic access for students with intellectual disability, from elementary to secondary and now through to postsecondary education. In light of this extension of academic access, the authors conducted a systematic research review of the studies that explored access to and progress in college academics for students with intellectual disability (ID) enrolled in inclusive postsecondary education (PSE) programs. Of the 43 studies that met criteria, between 1987 and 2017, less than half provided sufficient contextual information to confirm academically inclusive course attendance or participation. Findings and implications, regarding the lack of research exploring access to and progress in academically inclusive college course content for students with ID are discussed. Authors also discuss the need for consensus on academic expectations of students with ID enrolled in college courses and the timely use of compensatory technologies and strategies.
Effects of high pulse intensity and chirp in two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy of an atomic vapor
Authors: Binz Marcel , Bruder Lukas , Chen Lipeng , Gelin Maxim F. , Domcke Wolfgang , Stienkemeier Frank
Published: June 2020

The effects of high pulse intensity and chirp on two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy signals are experimentally investigated in the highly non-perturbative regime using atomic rubidium vapor as clean model system. Data analysis is performed based on higher-order Feynman diagrams and non-perturbative numerical simulations of the system response. It is shown that higher-order contributions may lead to a fundamental change of the static appearance and beating-maps of the 2D spectra and that chirped pulses enhance or suppress distinct higher-order pathways. We further give an estimate of the threshold intensity beyond which the high-intensity effects become visible for the system under consideration.
From Teen Angels to Vogue: The subcultural styles of the girl gang in Mi Vida Loca
Authors: Horrex Emma
Published: June 2020

Despite increasing sociological scholarship pertaining to girl gang membership in the last few decades, there continues to be a lack of engagement with the meaning of their stylistic practices and how this manifests on screen. As a corrective to this, this article considers the complexities, contradictions and ambiguities in girl gang styles and their 'symbolic meaning' for young Chicanas as represented in the first feature-length film to bring contemporary girl gang activity from the streets to the mainstream, . Examining Chola makeup, gang tattoos and dress, the article explores how the gang girl can produce meaning (political, feminist or other) and power through styles, and the tensions between 'authentic' agentic subcultural defiance and mainstream consumption, and the dualistic constructions of girlhood itself. Disadvantaged by intersecting forces, it is argued that gang girls do not necessarily have less opportunity, but greater difficulty in imposing meaning onto the world and resisting hegemonic forces through subcultural aesthetics.
Starke dresses the stars: Jean Simmons' 21st birthday wardrobe
Authors: Tregenza Liz
Published: June 2020

On 31 January 1950 British actress Jean Simmons turned twenty-one. At the time Simmons was one of the most popular and successful British film stars, voted actress of the year in the Daily Mail National Film awards the same year. Simmons twenty-first birthday was therefore viewed as international news. However, rather than choosing a birthday wardrobe from a haute couturier, as a film star of her status undeniably could have, Simmons chose garments designed by London ready-to-wear firm Frederick Starke.

This article questions why Simmons chose a wardrobe from Starke and investigates how these garments helped Simmons to project a certain image. It also considers how the outfits selected were later used as Simmons' costume in the Ealing Studios crime drama Cage of Gold (). The film credits Anthony Mendleson, Ealing Studios resident designer and wardrobe supervisor, for the costumes. However Starke designed the majority of the clothes worn by Simmons in the film. This is an intriguing example whereby Simmons' garments are, at once, both her personal clothing and her costume.
Sistema de monitoramento e avaliação dos serviços de acolhimento
Authors: Mendes Juliana Thimóteo , Rodrigues Derli Barbosa , Azeredo Luana Fernandes dos Santos
Published: June 2020

O objetivo deste texto é apresentar a experiência de implementação do sistema de monitoramento e avaliação dos serviços de acolhimento institucional de crianças e adolescentes no município de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, decorrente da parceria entre a Universidade Federal Fluminense, por meio de ação extensionista, o Centro de Referência da Criança e do Adolescente e o Setor de Vigilância Socioassistencial da Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Humano e Social, ambos ligados à Prefeitura Municipal de Campos dos Goytacazes. No primeiro momento, serão discutidas as principais concepções sobre avaliação e monitoramento que conduziram o trabalho para, em seguida, apresentar os marcos legais que orientam os serviços de acolhimento de crianças e adolescentes. Por fim, será apresentado o sistema de monitoramento e avaliação dos serviços.
Atividade de promoção à saúde em um grupo de idosos
Authors: Santos Maciela Ferreira dos , Silva Regiane Kelly Lopes , Costa José Henrique Rocha da , Teixeira Jeisabelly Adrianne Lima , Dias Ernandes Gonçalves
Published: June 2020

Atividades de promoção à saúde consistem em meios de buscar a melhoria da qualidade de vida de uma população. O objetivo deste texto é descrever a experiência de uma atividade realizada com um grupo de idosos, desenvolvida por acadêmicos dos cursos de bacharelado e licenciatura em Educação Física de uma faculdade particular. As atividades aconteceram em um distrito, zona rural da cidade de Porteirinha, Minas Gerais, em 2017, no Centro de Referência em Assistência Social. Foram desenvolvidas atividades físicas (alongamento dos membros superiores e inferiores, exercícios de trabalho com a coordenação fina, flexibilidade, entre outros), recreativas (músicas) e oficina de educação em saúde com abordagem do tema “Importância da atividade física para promoção do envelhecimento ativo e saudável”. A realização de atividades recreativas e educação em saúde em grupo para os idosos facilitou a socialização do conhecimento e das experiências de cada um, além da oportunidade de promover interação social entre os idosos. Ações nesse sentido devem ser incentivadas e valorizadas, pois ajudam os idosos a manterem sua autonomia.
Pagamento por serviços ambientais a catadores
Authors: Castro Ana Maria Rodrigues Costa de , Coimbra Eder Carlos Lopes , Jacovine Laércio Antônio Gonçalves
Published: June 2020

O Pagamento por Serviços Ambientais (PSA) é uma ferramenta econômica que pode ser utilizada na gestão de resíduos para incentivar o trabalho dos catadores e, consequentemente, a reciclagem. O pagamento pelo trabalho realizado é uma demanda de muitas organizações de catadores no Brasil que fazem um importante serviço à sociedade ao permitirem que materiais recicláveis voltem ao ciclo produtivo ao invés de serem aterrados. Essa era uma reivindicação das associações de catadores de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, e, para atendê-la, este trabalho elaborou uma proposta de política de PSA. Os resultados foram apresentados ao Fórum Lixo e Cidadania de Viçosa, em 2017, e embasaram discussões que culminaram na contratação de duas associações de catadores do município pelo Serviço Autônomo de Água e Esgoto de Viçosa em 2018. Conclui-se a importância de trabalhos da Universidade aplicáveis à realidade que a cerca, de modo a cumprir seu papel e provocar mudanças reais na sociedade.
Programação e robótica
Authors: Dantas Leonardo Henrique de Oliveira , Silva Ana Karina Vieira da , Carneiro Alexsandro Monteiro , Dantas Gabriel Henrique de Oliveira
Published: June 2020

O uso de sistemas robóticos no mundo moderno é crescente, pois permite desenvolver com eficiência e precisão tarefas complexas e até mesmo impossíveis para o ser humano. Ademais um sistema robótico é multidisciplinar com constante evolução, pois envolve diferentes áreas tecnológicas e de engenharias. Com o intuito de proporcionar um cenário de inclusão tecnológica, o projeto de extensão “Programação e Robótica da Universidade Católica Dom Bosco” tem por objetivo despertar o interesse nas áreas tecnológicas nos ensinos fundamental e médio. Para isso, proporciona aulas teóricas e práticas, há mais de 10 anos, em parceria com escolas públicas e particulares, desenvolvendo atividades de ensino e experimentos que disponibilizam na prática conceitos clássicos de engenharia, física, inglês, interpretação de texto, matemática e tecnologia da informação por meio de kits LEGO e linguagens de programação. Durante sua trajetória, o projeto alcançou mais de 1.000 estudantes de forma direta e indireta, auxiliando-os em escolhas profissionais e proporcionando oportunidades únicas, pois o ensino como este só é possível em escolas especializadas com custo relativamente inacessível. Com a disponibilidade de forma gratuita, o projeto atende a todos os estudantes de ensino fundamental e médio do município de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul.
Abordagem da temática Aedes aegypti nas escolas de ensino fundamental de Barreirinhas, Maranhão
Authors: Costa Breno Nunes , Costa Bruno Nunes , Carvalho Dâmaris Rebeca Soares da Silva , Costa Luiz Roberto
Published: June 2020

O presente relato de experiência tem por objetivo apresentar informações sobre a realização de um projeto de extensão do curso de Ciências Biológicas, do Instituto Federal do Maranhão, Campus Barreirinhas, que tem por título “Saúde em foco: o combate ao Aedes aegypti no município de Barreirinhas, Maranhão”, realizado com estudantes do 6º ao 9º do ensino fundamental de escolas municipais. As estratégias metodológicas utilizadas foram palestras, exposições educativas, peça teatral e confecção e distribuição (virtual) de cartilha. Foi alcançado um contingente total de 600 estudantes, sendo esse grupo dividido entre meninos, meninas e até pessoas com deficiências física e visual. Na visão dos educandos, toda a ação de extensão foi muito válida, proveitosa e trouxe muitos conhecimentos sobre o tema problematizado. A atividade de extensão se mostrou muito pertinente e necessária para o processo de formação cidadã dos indivíduos alvos, visto que foi possível apresentar, de uma forma mais diferenciada e dinâmica, um assunto que ainda gera muitas dúvidas aos educandos.
Sectorial analysis of liquefied petroleum gas
Authors: Rozo Álvarez Carlos Yezid , Álvarez Pomar Lindsay , Gómez Vargas Ernesto , Lizcano Caro Imelda
Published: June 2020

This article shows the results of the analysis performed to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sector, covering aspects related to its production and consumption, initially addressing the international scenario with countries such as Spain, Brazil, China, India and Ghana, to later make the analysis of the national scenario with a look at the participation of the sector within the energy matrix. Finally, a comparison of the international scenario with the national reality is made, concluding that the contribution of the sector to the economy of the country is quite small, it is not competitive despite having favorable environmental characteristics, making urgent its intervention in order to take it to be competitive within the basket of liquid fuels, in such a way that it becomes a viable alternative energy and is established from a public policy sector structure, allowing supply a market and meet social and economic needs.