bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The gut microbiota of rural and urban individuals is shaped by geography and lifestyle
Authors: Kabwe Mubanga , Vikram Surendra , Mulaudzi Khodani , Jansson Janet , Makhalyane Thulani
Published: March 2020

Background Understanding the structure and drivers of gut microbiota remains a major ecological endeavour. Recent studies have shown that several factors including diet, lifestyle and geography may substantially shape the human gut microbiota. However, most of these studies have focused on the more abundant bacterial component and comparatively less is known regarding fungi in the human gut. This knowledge deficit is especially true for rural and urban African populations. Therefore, we assessed the structure and drivers of rural and urban gut mycobiota. Results Our participants (n=100) were balanced by geography and sex. The mycobiota of these geographically separated cohorts was characterized using amplicon analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene. We further assessed biomarker species specific to rural and urban cohorts. In addition to phyla which have been shown to be ubiquitous constituents of gut microbiota, Pichia were key constituents of the mycobiota. We found that several factors including geographic location and lifestyle factors such as the smoking status were major drivers of gut mycobiota. Linear discriminant and the linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis revealed several distinct urban and rural biomarkers. Conclusions Together, our analysis reveals distinct community structure in urban and rural South African individuals. Geography and lifestyle related factors were shown to be key drivers of rural and urban gut microbiota.
Loneliness among older adults in Latin America, China, and India: prevalence, correlates and association with mortality
Authors: Gao Qian , Prina A. Matthew , Prince Martin , Acosta Daisy , Sosa Ana Luisa , Guerra Mariella , Huang Yueqin , Jimenez-Velazquez Ivonne Z , Rodriguez Juan J. Llibre , Salas Aquiles , Williams Joseph D. , Liu Zhaorui , Castillo Isaac Acosta , Mayston Rosie
Published: March 2020

BackgroundResearch carried out in high income countries suggests that loneliness may be a common experience among older adults living in these settings. Loneliness is correlated with poor socioeconomic status, living alone, being widowed and is associated with adverse health outcomes, including mortality. There is still a lack of evidence about the epidemiology of loneliness among older adults living in low- and middle-income countries. This study was designed to explore prevalence and correlates of self-reported loneliness and to investigate whether loneliness predicts mortality in Latin America, China and India. MethodsThe study investigated population-based cross-sectional (2003-2007) and longitudinal surveys (follow-up 2007-2010) from the 10/66 Dementia Research Group project carried out among 16685 older adults in urban and rural catchment areas in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, China and India. Poisson regression and Cox regression analyses were conducted to analyse correlates of loneliness and its association with mortality. ResultsThe standardised prevalence of loneliness varied between 25.3% and 32.4% in Latin America and was 18.3% in India. China showed a low prevalence of loneliness (3.8%). In pooled meta-analyses, there was robust evidence to support an association between loneliness and mortality across Latin America (HR=1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.26, I2=10.1%) and China (HR=1.58, 95% CI 1.03-2.41), but there were no associations in India. ConclusionsOur findings suggest potential cultural variances may exist in the concept of loneliness in older age. The effect of loneliness upon mortality is consistent across different cultural settings excluding India. Loneliness should therefore be considered as a potential dimension of public health among older populations.
Application of Droplet Digital PCR for the Detection of Vector Copy Number in Clinical CAR/TCR T-Cell Products
Authors: Lu Alex , Liu Hui , Shi Rongye , Cai Yihua , Ma Jinxia , Shao Lipei , Rong Victor , Gkitsas Nikolaos , Lei Hong , Highfill Steven L. , Panch Sandhya , Stroncek David F. , Jin Ping
Published: March 2020

Background : Genetically engineered T cells have become an important therapy for B-cell malignancies. Measuring the efficiency of vector integration into the T cell genome is important for assessing the potency and safety of these cancer immunotherapies. Methods: A digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay was developed and evaluated for assessing the average number of lenti- and retroviral vectors integrated into Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) and T-Cell Receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells. Results: The ddPCR assay consistently measured the concentration of an empty vector in solution and the average number of CAR and TCR vectors integrated into T cell populations. There was a linear relationship between the average vector copy number per cell measured by ddPCR and the proportion of cells transduced as measured by flow cytometry. Similar vector copy number measurements were obtained by different staff using the ddPCR assay, highlighting the assays reproducibility among technicians. Analysis of fresh and cryopreserved CAR-T and TCR engineered T cells yielded similar results. Conclusions: ddPCR is a robust tool for accurate quantitation of average vector copy number in CAR and TCR engineered T-cells. The assay is also applicable to other types of genetically engineered cells including Natural Killer cells and hematopoietic stem cells.
PLEK2 and SCN7A: novel biomarkers of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Yongchang , Li Xi , Chang Ruimin , Chen Yufan , Gao Yang
Published: March 2020

Background Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death globally, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. However, the diagnosis and prognosis of NSCLC remain dim. Our team has focused on identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between NSCLC tissues and adjacent tissues, which may be useful as effective diagnostic markers that can better explain the progression of NSCLC.Methods The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to screen the Gene Expression Omnibus series, which records the information of a large number of patients with primary NSCLC (n > 50). Then, the DEGs were validated using Student’s t -test. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using DAVID. The prognosis information was analyzed separately using data obtained from three databases, Human Protein Atlas, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, and SurvExpress.Results A series of 180 DEGs (33 upregulated and 147 downregulated genes), mainly involving genes associated with extracellular exosomes, focal adhesion, and cell adhesion, were identified via GO analysis. Subsequently, KEGG analysis demonstrated that focal adhesion, cell adhesion molecules, and PPAR signaling pathway were the most enriched pathways. Then, we paid particular attention to pleckstrin 2 (PLEK2) and sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 7 (SCN7A), as they have not been investigated as cancer-related genes previously. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis illustrated that PLEK2 and SCN7A levels were significantly correlated with the prognosis of NSCLC.Conclusions Our research found that, as potential biomarkers, both PLEK2 and SCN7A are related to the development and prognosis of NSCLC. They may be used in disease screening and prognosis. The clinical significance of these two genes deserves further investigation.
Genome-wide DNA methylation can identify preterm birth-related genes in maternal blood
Authors: You Young-Ah , Kwon Eun Jin , Hwang Han-Sung , Choi Suk-Joo , Choi Sae Kyung , Kim Young Ju
Published: March 2020

Background Preterm birth is associated with an increased risk of neonatal complications and death, as well as poor health and disease later in life. Epigenetics could contribute to the mechanism underlying preterm birth. Results Genome-wide DNA methylation in whole blood cells from ten women was assessed using Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChips array. We identified 6,755 differentially methylated CpG sites between term and preterm birth. Although no differential methylation of these CpGs were found in correcting for multiple tests, seven VTRNA2-1 CpGs in promotor region of island were detected in top different methylation. We performed pyrosequencing validation with blood samples from the pregnant women. The methylation levels of VTRNA2-1 were either low (hypomethylated, 0–12.2%) or high (hypermethylated, 32.6–50.8%). Hypermethylation of VTRNA2-1 was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth after adjusting for maternal age, delivered season, parity and count of white blood cell. The mRNA expression of VTRNA2-1 was 0.51-fold lower in PTB delivered women compared with women with term deliveries. Conclusion This study suggests that change of VTRNA2-1 methylation is related to PTB in maternal blood. Further elucidate to underlay mechanisms of preterm birth and affect to future systems biology studies to predict preterm birth.
Evaluation of variation in D-dimer levels among COVID-19 and bacterial pneumonia: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Yu Bilian , Li Xin , Chen Jin , Ouyang Mingqi , Zhang Hong , Zhao Xinge , Tang Liang , Luo Qin , Xu Min , Yang Lizhen , Huang Guxiang , Liu Xianling , Tang Jianjun
Published: March 2020

Background：In the recent outbreak of novel coronavirus infection worldwide, the risk of thrombosis and bleeding should be concerned. Objectives: We aimed to observe the dynamic changes of D-dimer levels during disease progression to evaluate their value for thrombosis. Methods: In this study, we report the clinical and laboratory results of 57 patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia and 46 patients with confirmed community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CAP). And their concentrations of D-dimer, infection-related biomarkers, and conventional coagulation were retrospectively analyzed.Results: On admission, both in COVID-19 patients and CAP patients, D-dimer levels were significantly increased, and compared with CAP patients, D-Dimer levels were higher in COVID-19 patients (P<0.05). Besides, we found that in COVID-19 patients, D-dimer were related with markers of inflammation, especially with hsCRP (R=0.426, P<0.05), and after treatments, D-dimer levels decreased which was synchronous with hsCRP levels in patients with good clinical prognosis, but there were still some patients with anomalous increasing D-dimer levels after therapy.Conclusions: Elevated baseline D-dimer levels are associated with inflammation in COVID-19 patients, and the abnormal changes of D-dimer and inflammatory factors suggest that anticoagulant therapy might be needed.
Using CT texture analysis to differentiate between peripheral lung cancer and pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor
Authors: Liu Chenlu , Ma Changsheng , Duan Jinghao , Qiu Qingtao , Guo Yanluan , Zhang Zhenhua , Yin Yong
Published: March 2020

Background: Pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor (PIPT) usually presents as solitary peripheral well-defined nodules or masses, and CT features are complex and changeable, which are often confused with peripheral lung cancer. This study is to distinguish peripheral lung cancer and PIPT using CT-radiomics features extracted from PET/CT images.Methods: In this study, the standard 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (18 F-FDG PET/CT) images of 21 patients with pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor (PIPT) and 21 patients with peripheral lung cancer were retrospectively collected. The dataset was used to extract CT-radiomics features from regions of interest (ROI), Using, then, statistical methods to screen CT-radiomics features, which could distinguish peripheral lung cancer and PIPT. And the ability of radiomics features distinguished peripheral lung cancer and PIPT was estimated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and compared by Delong test.Results: A total of 435 radiomics features were extracted, of which 23 could difference between peripheral lung cancer and PIPT. these features were seen in 16 of 330 Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix features, 1 of 49 Intensity Histogram features, 1 of 5 Neighbor Intensity Difference features, 5 of 18 Shape features. area under the curve (AUC) of these features were 0.731 0.075, 0.717, 0.737, 0.748 0.038, respectively. The P values of statistical differences among ROC were 0.0499 (F11, F23), 0.0472 (F12, F13) and 0.0250 (F13, Mean4). The discrimination ability of forming new features(Parent Feature) after averaging the features extracted at different angles and distances was moderate compared to the previous features(Child features).Conclusions: Radiomics features extracted from non-contrast CT based on PET/CT images can help distinguish peripheral lung cancer and PIPT.
Phasor measuring unit calibration considering topology expansion of electric power utilities
Authors: Veeramuthu Shanmugam , Sivarajan Ganesan , Srikrishna Subramanian
Published: March 2020

Phasor Measuring Units (PMU) is considered as a feasible alternative for power system data communication and for the preparation of smart grid. To operate multiple PMUs in stable mode, synchronization is a much essential procedure. After examining the concise literature survey on topical PMU applications, this paper step ahead by considering prevailing objectives such as: extension of network topology and PMU calibration considering bias errors. The appropriate deployment of PMUs and intimidating situation influence the reliance on physical configuration. Hence, it is obligatory to extend the topology of the networks. Also, calibrating the PMUs in a definite trail is crucial as the phasor measurements will be corrupted by bias error. This paper proposes a novel framework for bias error detection and calibration of PMU while expanding the topology network. With a whale optimization algorithm based method to improve the accuracy of PMU measurements for enhancing power system state estimation, monitoring and control operations. Case studies on the standard test systems have been conducted to test the efficacy of the intended tool.
Dynamic analysis of the longitudinal vibration on bottom drilling tools
Authors: Yang Chunxu , Wang Rui He , Han Laiju , Xue Qilong
Published: March 2020

With extreme complexity, the drilling process is a dynamic process which is severely influenced by longitudinal vibration. Longitudinal vibration, as one of the most important reason, is directly generated by the fatigue failure of the bottom hole assembly. In this paper, the natural frequencies of longitudinal vibration along the drillstring are analyzed by the finite element method. The deformed plot, stress nephogram, and displacement contour map under 1 to 4 ordered the natural frequency of the longitudinal vibration are obtained. The analysis results show that the maximum deformation always appears in the central part of the string so that some technological process on these positions is required to reduce the collision between the string and wellbore wall. Additionally, a time series of longitudinal vibration of a bottom rotating drillstring is extracted from real-time field data, which is measured while drilling near the drill bit. Then the time-frequency and energy spectrum analysis of the longitudinal vibration is carried out. The results of the statistical analysis show that, when the drillstring uniformly rotates, the longitudinal vibration can be considered as a kind of random vibration. However, if the stick-slip phenomenon occurs during the drilling process, the energy concentration will appear in the time series spectrum of the longitudinal vibration, by which means the vibration could be regarded as random no longer.
Vibration investigation of rotor system with unbalance and blade-casing rubbing coupling faults
Authors: Ding Kunying , Wang Zhe , Lu Xin , Zhang Junhong , Ma Liang
Published: March 2020

In order to investigate the mechanism of a rotor system with unbalance and blade-casing rubbing coupling faults, the vibration and rub force in a rotor system resulting from unbalance and blade-casing rubbing coupling faults are simulated. At first, a dynamic model of 0-2-1 form rotor is established, and a blade-casing model, which considered blade number, clearance between the blade tip and stator, stiffness and size of the blade, is introduced to the rotor model. The characteristics of unbalance and blade-casing rubbing coupling faults are analyzed by waterfall plot, spectrum, time domain chart of vibration and rub force, and the effects of speed and clearance between the blade tip and stator. Secondly, a rotor system tester is established according to the model structure. The experimental test of rubbing is simulated by adjusting the Feeding Device to control the clearance between the blade and stator. After simulation and experimental results were compared, it was found that fraction frequencies and high integer frequencies were affected by a blade-casing rubbing fault, the clearance and speed had different influence on the dynamic characteristic of rotor system with blade-casing rubbing fault.
Investigation of dynamic properties of the microturbine with a maximum rotational speed of 120 krpm – predictions and experimental tests
Authors: Żywica Grzegorz , Kaczmarczyk Tomasz Z. , Breńkacz Łukasz , Bogulicz Małgorzata , Andrearczyk Artur , Bagiński Paweł
Published: March 2020

Advances in the development of analysis and design methods for fluid-flow machines have enabled both their multi-criteria optimisation and miniaturisation. To decrease the size of such a machine whilst, at the same time, maintaining its output power level, the rotor’s rotational speed needs to be increased. It is the reason for serious difficulties with respect to the rotor dynamics and the selection of a bearing system. This article discusses the simulation analysis and experimental research carried out on a prototypical microturbine, designed for use in a domestic ORC (organic Rankine cycle) cogeneration system. During the design process, the basic assumption was to develop a turbomachine, whose dimensions would have been as small as possible and whose output electric power would have been about 1 kilowatt. A supersonic impulse turbine, with a nominal rotational speed of 100,000 rpm, was used in order to obtain high flow efficiency. The maximum speed of the rotor was determined at a level of 120,000 rpm. The article presents the results of analyses made at the design stage and preliminary results of the experimental research. The numerical simulations covered the bearing system optimisation and the rotor dynamics analysis. Next, based on the outcomes of these analyses, a decision was made to use non-conventional gas bearings which are fed by the low-boiling medium’s vapour that comes from the ORC system. Within the framework of the experimental research, the dynamic behaviour of the turbogenerator was examined in terms of the rotational speed and produced energy. The performed measurements are proof of very good dynamic properties of the tested machine and after the research was over it was concluded that there were absolutely no signs of wear of the turbogenerator’s subassemblies.
A frequency slice wavelet transform based on wavelet de-noising using neighboring coefficients method and its application in feature extraction of rolling bearing’ early weak fault
Authors: Wang Hongchao
Published: March 2020

Extracting the characteristics of rolling bearings in early weak failure stage before the occurring of complete failure has important safety and economic significance in engineering application. The wavelet transform (WT) is the commonly used and effective time-frequency method for fault feature extraction of rotating machinery due to that it could reflect the fault feature in time and frequency domains synchronously. However, WT would not work effectively when the impulsive fault signal is buried by strong background noise, and the situation is particularly serious in the early weak fault stage of rolling bearing. A frequency slice wavelet transform based on wavelet de-noising using neighboring coefficients method is proposed in the paper by combing frequency slice wavelet transform with wavelet de-noising using neighboring coefficient to solve the above problem: Firstly, the vibration signal of rolling bearing is de-noised by wavelet de-noising using the neighboring coefficients method. Then the frequency slice wavelet transform is applied on the de-noised signal, and satisfactory analysis results could be obtained. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the vibration data of rolling bearing accelerated fatigue test. Besides, the analysis result of the same vibration data of rolling bearing accelerated fatigue test using Kurtogram method is also presented in the paper to verify the advantage of the proposed method.
Impact testing of hydro generators end-winding in different temperature state
Authors: Anachkova Maja , Jovanova Jovana , Petreski Zlatko
Published: March 2020

The fault detection of rotating electrical machines has become very attractive field of research from vibrational aspect, because these machines are susceptible to failure due to thermal, electrical, mechanical or environmental stresses. Therefore, the vibrational analysis of generators as rotating machines will be beneficial for the generator design in the initial stage and also for online monitoring and faults diagnostics during generator operation. This paper presents a novel methodology for hammer impact testing („bump-test“) of stators end-winding vibrations with an accent on the influence of the physical parameters such as temperature. Introductory, a brief survey of recent research in the area is presented. Furthermore, a detailed description of the used instrumentation and conducted testing methodology according to established standards is systematically exposed. The measurement methodology is implemented on two generators, a cold one in its‘ repairing phase and second identical, generator in a warm condition in order to detect the damaged elements and to investigate the influence of the temperature on the dynamic characteristics (natural frequencies and rigidity) of the structures. A year later, series of same measurements on one of the generators during a process of its’ cooling were conducted. This work provides graphical, as well as numerical results for the dynamical behaviour of the structures under different thermal conditions. Ultimately, a conclusion for the dependence between the temperature and the dynamics parameters of the generator is drawn.
Low-frequency vibration analysis of heavy vehicle suspension system under various operating conditions
Authors: Nguyen Vanliem , Le Vanquynh , Jiao Renqiang , Yuan Huan
Published: March 2020

To evaluate the acceleration-frequency characteristics of the suspension system of the heavy vehicles, a nonlinear dynamic model of two-axle heavy vehicles is established. A calculation method based on the complex domain is applied to solve the vibration equations of the heavy vehicle in the frequency domain instead of the traditional time domain. Matlab software is then used to calculate the vibration equations under various operating conditions. The research results show that the resonant frequency of the suspension system is not affected by the vehicle speed and the road surface, while it is clearly influenced by the weight of the vehicle and the stiffness of the suspension system. However, the acceleration-frequency characteristics of the vertical vehicle body, pitching vehicle body, and vertical front/read axles are greatly influenced under various operating conditions, especially at the high speed 30 m.s-1, a wavelength of the road surface 6 m, and 80 % of the vehicle load.
El poblamiento de Baja California y la influencia de la política de población en el periodo cardenista
Authors: Cruz González Norma del Carmen
Published: March 2020

Baja California creció de manera vertiginosa durante el siglo XX con un promedio anual de 5.8%, el más alto a nivel nacional. Para explicar el proceso de su poblamiento, existe la idea de que las políticas centrales no influyeron de manera directa, sino que éste se debió a procesos gestados desde mediados del siglo XIX, así como a las relaciones de dependencia e intercambio desigual con California, Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, aquí se analiza la implementación de la política de población por parte del Estado mexicano, particularmente en el régimen del presidente Lázaro Cárdenas, quien propugnó una “colonización” con mexicanos en Baja California. Se examina igualmente el impacto de dicha política en el crecimiento de la población.
Aculturación en las fronteras de América. Cabeza de Vaca: el primer mestizo cultural
Authors: Prieto Calixto Alberto
Published: March 2020

El presente artículo aborda el tema del cautiverio presente en los Naufragios de Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca (1542-1555). Los capítulos de cautiverio de Cabeza de Vaca se revelarán como la expresión de una pluralidad cultural que al mismo tiempo que humaniza al indígena, le concede voz, permitiéndole existir sin ser esclavo, bestia o cosa. Su narrativa cuestiona, por tanto, la voz autoritaria y autorizada del discurso colonial, llenando sus vacíos y omisiones, y remediando la visión reductora del indígena característica de la literatura de matiz imperialista.
Poverty and Inequality in Mexico after NAFTA: Challenges, Setbacks and Implications
Authors: Alvarado Emmanuel
Published: March 2020

This article analyzes the progress obtained in diminishing poverty and inequality in Mexico during the post-NAFTA years ranging from 1994 to 2007, and how it pertains to the broad critical debate surrounding poverty-gap reduction in the context of regional and international economic integration and trade liberalization. Specifically, the article discusses the evolution of Mexican rural and urban poverty, income and regional disparities, as well as the role of government spending after the enactment of NAFTA and within the framework of economic liberalization marked by expanded international trade and investment, particularly with the United States.
Religión, grupos étnicos y procesos de estratificación social en los Estados Unidos. El caso de los mexicanos y chinos desde una perspectiva comparativa
Authors: Arriaga Martínez Rafael
Published: March 2020

En este artículo hacemos una presentación breve y parcial de algunos resultados logrados en el marco de una tesis orientada a contribuir a la comprensión y explicación de la posición de los grupos étnicos de los Estados Unidos dentro de la jerarquía social. Abordamos el tema bajo un enfoque comparativo, considerando de manera particular los casos de los chinos y los mexicanos a partir de los siguientes postulados weberianos: a) el que considera la influencia de las ideas y creencias religiosas sobre el comportamiento económico de los individuos, y b) el que concibe las religiones como vehículos éticos susceptibles de inhibir o estimular los procesos de estratificación social. Se trata, en una palabra, de considerar la influencia de ciertos elementos de cultura religiosa en la formación de ciertas conductas económicas y contextos capaces de dinamizar o frenar los movimientos de los grupos dentro de la escala social. Dichas conductas se relacionan con los siguientes aspectos: a) el dinero en sus vertientes de gasto, ahorro y crédito; b) el trabajo y la iniciativa empresarial; c) la solidaridad familiar y comunitaria. Discutimos igualmente, y de manera no menos enfática, sobre problemas prácticos derivados de la aplicación del método y la teoría al fenómeno citado, procurando destacar la fecundidad de los conceptos y categorías de análisis propios al individualismo metodológico (IM) y el Modelo Racional General (MRG).
El Programa de Apoyo Financiero a Organismos de la Sociedad Civil en Tijuana: la construcción de la relación entre la sociedad civil y el gobierno municipal a partir de la alternancia política
Authors: Delhumeau Rivera Sheila
Published: March 2020

En el presente trabajo se analizan las relaciones entre el gobierno y la sociedad a partir del programa estatal de Apoyo Financiero a Organismos de la Sociedad Civil en Tijuana. Con esta finalidad, se presenta el proceso de descentralización de la política social a los municipios en México y el impulso que se ha dado a partir de la misma a la participación ciudadana. Posteriormente, se revisa la política social del Partido Acción Nacional en Baja California a partir de su llegada al gobierno del estado en 1989, reflexionando sobre los cambios que iniciativas como el Programa de Apoyo Financiero a Organismos de la Sociedad Civil han tenido en la relación estado-sociedad y los nuevos retos que presentan para el aparato gubernamental y las organizaciones sociales.
Artículos de investigación sobre comunicación y cultura en torno a Baja California, 1976-2007. Un compendio razonado
Authors: Vizcarra Fernando
Published: March 2020

Se presenta en este trabajo un recuento sistematizado de aquellos artículos publicados en revistas arbitradas de investigación, nacionales e internacionales, cuyos contenidos abordan la comunicación y la cultura con relación al ámbito bajacaliforniano. Inicia este ensayo con un breve panorama sobre el desarrollo del campo académico de la comunicación en la entidad y continúa con el análisis descriptivo derivado de un ejercicio de sistematización de las referencias hemerográficas.
Neutralização da acidez em substrato de casca de pinus com diferentes granulometrias
Authors: LUDWIG Fernanda , FERNANDES Dirceu Maximino , GUERRERO Amaralina Celoto , FERREIRA Guilherme Amaral , POHLMANN Valeria
Published: March 2020

Os substratos são utilizados na maioria dos cultivos em plantas ornamentais. Entre suas características essenciais, destaca-se o valor do potencial hidrogeniônico (pH), que pode influenciar a disponibilidade de nutrientes às plantas, podendo favorecer sua absorção, dificultar e ainda causar fitotoxidez. Apesar da sua importância, as informações que auxiliem na sua manutenção para adequar às necessidades das plantas são escassas. Desse modo, o presente trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a neutralização da acidez em substrato de casca de pinus com diferentes granulometrias. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso com 5 doses de calcário dolomítico (5, 10, 15, 20 e 25 g L-1), 5 granulometrias de casca de pinus (<4mm; 4-2mm; <2mm; 2-1mm; <1mm), 4 tempos de incubação (10, 20, 30 e 40 dias) e 4 repetições. Os valores de pH da solução do substrato foram determinados a cada 10 dias, utilizando o método de diluição do 1:5.Os valores de pH do substrato diferiram entre as diferentes granulometrias, doses de calcário e dias de incubação. As menores granulometrias, de <1mm e de 1-2mm apresentaram maiores valores de pH. O aumento das doses de calcário resultou em aumento do pH, enquanto o aumento do tempo de incubação, resultou em decréscimo do pH. Os substratos com diferentes granulometrias de casca de pinus devem receber quantidades de calcário distintas para adequar os valores de pH. Não se recomenda utilizar o substrato na primeira semana após a aplicação do calcário devido à instabilidade do pH, independente da granulometria.
On the method of risk synthesis in the safety management of structurally complex systems
Authors: Bochkov A. V.
Published: March 2020

The Aim of the paper is to show that the risk to critical infrastructure facilities (CIF) of structurally complex systems (SCS) should be considered as a multicomponent vector, whose set of parameters is subject to changes. Real safety estimation using the risk-oriented approach is impossible without a sufficient base of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of risk factors, as well as data on the status of facilities and processes that are exposed to such risk factors. Risk assessment always aims to estimate its quantitative indicators, which allows it to be used not only to assess industrial safety, but also to substantiate the economic efficiency of taken measures, conduct economic calculations of the required relief or compensation of lost health of workers and environmental damage.

Method. The author suggests a method of risk synthesis (with game definition of the problem of countering possible external effects of various nature on CIF SCS) as one of the foundations of the design of advanced systems for monitoring safety threats to SCS. A special attention must be given to the effect of risk factors on the system of balanced safety and risk indicators, as prediction based on single indicators does not create a holistic image of the systems’ status and development trends.

Result. Key methodological premises were formulated: from general problem definition of safety management through the synthesis the model of a controlled facility and its external and internal connections, solution to the problem of selection of priority protection facilities in terms of assuring efficient operation and general safety of SCS. As the basis of advanced systems for monitoring safety threats and risks, the paper suggests the concept of risk management aiming to create the mechanism, method and tools for the synthesis, analysis and prediction of emergency risks.

Conclusion. The proposed method can be applied to a wide range of tasks of primary analysis, synthesis and quantitative estimation of the CIF-related risks and safety management of SCS of various purpose.
ACESSIBILIDADE COMUNICACIONAL: a produção do Núcleo de Tecnologia Assistiva do IFAM em obras didáticas e paradidáticas
Authors: Oliveira Lucas Silva , Souza Dalmir Pacheco
Published: March 2020

Na incessante busca a contribuir com a discussão acerca do tema inclusão, aqui exposto de forma tácita, bem como de nossas experiências na formação continuada de professores em Educação Especial na Perspectiva da Educação Inclusiva, esta produção versa sobre a produção de materiais didáticos adaptados em Libras, narração, audiodescrição e legenda, por meio do Núcleo de Tecnologia Assistiva do Instituto Federal do Amazonas (APOEMA/ IFAM). A pesquisa deu-se por uma investigação qualitativa e descritiva, baseada teoricamente nos estudos de Galvão Filho (2009), Manzini (2014), Pacheco (2014) e Batista (2015), bem como da definição de acessibilidade, disposto no Decreto Federal Nº 5.296, de 02 de dezembro de 2004.Palavras-chave: Acessibilidade. Adaptação. Materiais Didáticos.
A importância do Lúdico no Contexto da Hospitalização
Authors: De Almeida Barbosa Graziela , Cristina Fernandes Crahim Suely
Published: March 2020

O artigo discorre acerca da importância da atividade lúdica, ou seja, do brincar nas unidades pediátricas das instituições hospitalares durante o período de hospitalização. Nele, busca-se mostrar de forma clara e simples de que forma a ludoterapia pode ajudar no enfrentamento da experiência da hospitalização e das vivências decorrentes da mesma, pois é sabido que a internação por vezes pode ser algo vivido de forma dolorosa, repleta de procedimentos invasivos e acarreta afastamento da rotina e dos entes queridos.
Os impactos da masculinidade tóxica no bem-estar do homem contemporâneo
Authors: Marques de Paula Raí Carlos , Niemeyer da Rocha Fátima
Published: March 2020

O presente artigo trata-se de uma pesquisa de revisão da literatura especializada no tema da masculinidade tóxica e do machismo, com o objetivo de analisar que impactos geram no bem-estar do homem contemporâneo. São abordados fatos históricos importantes que atravessam a problemática levantada, tais como a construção da masculinidade, o movimento feminista e a crise subjetiva do homem na atualidade. Foram utilizados os estudos da psicologia positiva como base teórica para avaliação dos aspectos pertinentes à sua qualidade de vida, principalmente em relação aos constructos que formam o modelo PERMA e o conceito de florescimento. Constata-se que esse homem, que ainda não se desprendeu do velho modelo de masculinidade, tem grandes perdas no que diz respeito ao seu bem-estar pessoal.
Transtornos alimentares e as contribuições da Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental para o tratamento
Authors: Pires Juliene Avila , Jordão Laport Tamires
Published: March 2020

A Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental (TCC) tem sido amplamente utilizada como tratamento para os transtornos alimentares, principalmente para a anorexia nervosa (AN) e a bulimia nervosa (BN). O presente artigo tem por objetivo discutir sobre os transtornos alimentares sob a ótica do tratamento cognitivo-comportamental. Para uma incursão a estes campos de investigação, a metodologia desse estudo foi uma revisão narrativa da literatura. A TCC tem se mostrado eficaz tanto para o tratamento da AN quanto da BN, principalmente em relação à modificação do sistema de crenças e dos pensamentos associados à alimentação, à imagem corporal, na melhoria da autoestima e no desenvolvimento das habilidades sociais, além de promover o aumento da adesão ao tratamento nutricional e clínico. Tendo em vista que a utilização da TCC como tratamento para os transtornos alimentares ainda é relativamente recente no Brasil se faz necessário mais estudos sobre a temática.

Palavras-chave: transtornos alimentares; anorexia nervosa; bulimia nervosa; terapia cognitivo-comportamental.
A romantização da maternidade e a culpabilização da mulher
Authors: Bernardes Ruane , Freitas Loures Amanda , Batista Silveira Andrade Barbara
Published: March 2020

Resumo

Este artigo busca apresentar uma revisão narrativa da literatura acerca da romantização da maternidade e seus reflexos num processo de culpabilização da mulher, através do qual a mesma passa a apresentar sentimentos ambíguos com relação à maternidade, uma vez que, por diversos motivos, sente-se dividida entre sua profissão, suas escolhas pessoais e a necessidade de oferecer cuidados integrais a seu filho, uma vez que este discurso é reforçado pela sociedade e pela mídia. Por outro lado, a mulher-mãe passa por um luto ao ter que abrir mão de parte da sua vida para cuidar da criança, que ocupará parte de seu espaço.Destaca-se, ainda, a naturalização da maternidade e a construção de uma representação do "instinto materno" que recai fortemente sobre as mulheres que não desejam ser mães.

Palavras-chave: Maternidade; Romantização; Culpabilização
Possibilidades de elaboração do desamparo infantil através do brincar
Authors: Carvalho de Oliveira Jéssica , Vieira Ferreira Santos Michele Mariana
Published: March 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é trazer a importância do brincar como recurso terapêutico, favorecendo a comunicação entre criança e analista, além de propiciar a elaboração do sentimento de angústia do desamparo. Tendo a psicanálise como base teórica, foi levantada a questão da importância do meio em que a criança está inserida, sendo este compreendido pela função materna ou figura de cuidado, além de propiciar levantamentos teóricos diante do desamparo, relação mãe-bebê e a importância de uma “mãe suficientemente boa” para o desenvolvimento infantil. A partir de revisão da literatura, conclui-se que o brincar torna-se ferramenta imprescindível na clínica com crianças, uma vez que ele se revela como instrumento benéfico para elaboração de traumas e ansiedades.
Effects of Drugs, Phytoestrogens, Nutrients and Probiotics on Endothelial Dysfunction in the Estrogen-Deficient State
Authors: Oliveira Phablo Wendell C. , Couto Mariana R. , de Sousa Glauciene J. , Peixoto Pollyana , Moraes Flávia S.A. , de Andrade Tadeu U. , Bissoli Nazaré S.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Endothelial dysfunction is commonly present in estrogen-deficient states, e.g., after menopause. In the search for alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), treatments based on phytoestrogens or in non-hormonal mechanisms have been under evaluation.

Objective:

Here we aim to present an overview of innovative potential treatments for endothelial dysfunction in estrogen-deficient states, introducing our own preliminary data about the probiotic kefir.

Methods:

We conducted a review based on a PubMed database search for keywords of interest (Menopause, Ovariectomy, Vascular dysfunction, Hot flashes, Metformin, Statins, Phytoestrogens, Omega-3, Vitamin D, Probiotics).

Results:

Vascular parameters were found to be improved by both metformin and statins through pleiotropic effects, being related to a decrease in oxidative stress and restoration of the nitric oxide pathway. Phytoestrogens such as genistein and resveratrol have also been shown to improve vascular dysfunction, which seems to involve their estrogenic-like actions. Omega-3, vitamin D and its analogues, as well as probiotics, have shown similar vascular beneficial effects in both postmenopausal women and an animal model of ovariectomy (OVX), which could be related to antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, our preliminary data on the probiotic kefir treatment in OVX rats suggested a vascular antioxidant effect. In particular, some evidence points to statins and vitamin D having anti-atherogenic effects.

Conclusion:

Pleiotropic effects of common medications and natural compounds could have therapeutic potential for endothelial dysfunction in estrogen-deficient states. They could, therefore, work as future complementary or alternative treatments to HRT.
Disposal Practices of Unused Medications Among Patients in Public Health Centers of Dessie Town, Northeast Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kassahun Haile , Tesfaye Dugessa
Published: March 2020

Background:

Disposal of pharmaceutical waste among patients is a global challenge especially
in developing countries like Ethiopia. Improper medication disposal can lead to health
problems and environmental contaminations. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess disposal
practices of unused medications among patients in public health centers of Dessie town, Northeast
Ethiopia.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 263 patients in four public
health centers of Dessie town, Ethiopia from March to June, 2019. Face-to-face interviews using
structured questionnaires were used to collect data from each study subject.

Results:

The majority of the respondents, 224 (85.17%) had unused medications at their home during
the study period. The most commonly reported disposal method in the present study was flushing
down into a toilet 66 (25.09%). None of the respondents practiced returning unused medications
to Pharmacy. Moreover, 85 (32.31%) of the respondents reported never disposing their medications
and believed that it is acceptable to store medications at home for future use.

Conclusion:

In the present study, there was a high practice of keeping medications at home and
most of the disposal practices were not recommended methods. In addition, most of the respondents
did not get advice from pharmacists and other health care professionals on how to dispose off unused
medications. Hence, there is a need for proper education and guidance of patients regarding
disposal practices of unused medications.
In Vitro Inhibitory Effect of Recombinant Human Calprotectin on Nalm6 Leukemia Cell Line
Authors: Charkhizadeh Samira , Imani Mehdi , Gheibi Nematollah , Shabaani Fateme , Nikpajouh Akbar , Rezvany Mohammad R.
Published: March 2020

Background & Purpose:

In evaluating new drugs for the treatment of various types of cancer, investigations have been made to discover a variety of anti-tumor compounds with less side effects on normal cells. Investigations have shown that the heterodimers S100A8 and S100A9 inhibit the enzyme casein kinase 2 and then prevent the activation of the E7 oncoprotein. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of calprotectin as an antitumor compound on the Nalm6 (B cell precursor leukemia cell line).

Material & Methods:

Transformation of genes encoding S100A8 and S100A9 human, designed in the pQE32 plasmid, was performed by the thermal shock method into E. coli M15 bacteria. After bacterial growth in LB medium, the expression of two S100A8 and S100A9 subunits, the solubility of the protein by SDS-PAGE method was determined. Finally, the S100A8 / A9 complex was equally placed in the microtube. In the next step, the cytotoxic effects of calprotectin produced on the Nalm6 cell line were evaluated using the wst1 test. Then, the apoptosis in these cells was measured using flow cytometry methods with Annexin-V coloration.

Results:

In the current study, the results showed that the cytotoxic effects of Calprotectin are time and concentration- dependent. Therefore, it can reduce the tumor expression and had a beneficial effect by induced apoptosis in Nalm6 cell line.

Conclusion:

Calprotectin has an anti-tumor effect on the Nalm6 cell line by increasing apoptosis.
The Potential Protective Effect of Orange Peel and Selenium against 17β-Estradiol- Induced Chronic Non-Bacterial Prostatitis in Rats
Authors: Almeer Rafa S. , Muhammad Nada A.E. , Othman Mohamed S. , Aref Ahmed M. , Elgamal Basma , Moneim Ahmed E. Abdel
Published: March 2020

Background:

Prostate Cancer (PCa) is defined as a major health problem faced by the male population.

Aim:

We aimed to investigate the protective effects of Orange Peel Extract (OPE) and/or Selenium (Se) on chronic non-bacterial prostatitis in a rat model.

Methods:

Fifty-six adult male Wistar albino rats were castrated; after 5 days, they were divided randomly into eight groups (n= 7). The control group received saline treatment; while 17β-estradiol (E2) (0.25mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously in rats from Groups V, VI, VII, and VIII to induce chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. They were then treated with OPE (400mg/kg body weight; Groups II, IV, VI, and VIII) and/or sodium selenite (0.5mg/kg body weight; Groups III, IV, VII, and VIII) for 30 days. Interleukin-2 (IL2) and Prostate Cancer Antigen 3 (PCA3) mRNA expressions were determined using qPCR; Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) protein expression was determined immunohistochemically. Prostate tissue histology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the levels of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes were measured.

Results:

E2 administration significantly increased IL2 and PCA3 mRNA expressions, and PSA protein expression. It also increased the prostate wet weight and body weight, and lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, TNF-., and IL-1β levels, decreased the glutathione and antioxidant enzyme levels and caused distinct histological alterations in the prostate gland. OPE and/or Se markedly improved all the studied parameters due to their antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects.

Conclusion:

OPE and Se showed protective effects against 17β-estradiol-induced chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. These results suggest that protection of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis by OPE+Se combination involves anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. Moreover, their synergistic mechanism was mostly achieved via the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation processes.