bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation Procedure for CP E. coli from Caeca Samples under Review towards an Increased Sensitivity
Authors: Pauly Natalie , Klaar Yvonne , Skladnikiewicz-Ziemer Tanja , Juraschek Katharina , Grobbel Mirjam , Hammerl Jens André , Hemmers Lukas , Käsbohrer Annemarie , Schwarz Stefan , Meemken Diana , Tenhagen Bernd-Alois , Irrgang Alexandra
Published: May 2021

Due to the increasing reports of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) from livestock in recent years, the European Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistances (EURL-AR) provided a protocol for their recovery from caecum and meat samples. This procedure exhibited limitations for the detection of CPE with low carbapenem MIC values. Therefore, it was modified by a second, selective enrichment in lysogeny broth with cefotaxime (CTX 1 mg/L) and with meropenem (MEM 0.125 mg/L) at 37 °C under microaerophilic conditions. By Real-time PCR, these enrichments are pre-screened for the most common carbapenemase genes. Another adaptation was the use of in-house prepared MacConkey agar with MEM and MEM+CTX instead of commercial selective agar. According to the EURL-method, we achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity using the in-house media instead of commercial agar, which decreased the sensitivity to ~75%. Comparing the method with and without the second enrichment, no substantial influence on sensitivity and specificity was detected. Nevertheless, this enrichment has simplified the CPE-isolation regarding the accompanying microbiota and the separation of putative colonies. In conclusion, the sensitivity of the method can be increased with slight modifications.
The Reception of Spinoza’s Theological-Political Treatise in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Mirzaei Sina
Published: May 2021

In the form of a case study and based upon novel material about the reception of Spinoza’s Theological–Political Treatise (TTP) in Iran, this paper studies issues with the interactions among political, theological and philosophical ideas in the reception of Spinoza’s TTP. The paper starts with the first Iranian encounters with Spinoza’s philosophy in the Qajar era in the nineteenth century and then focuses on the reception of the TTP in the period after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The first translation of the TTP was prepared in the 1990s by Muḥsin Jahāngīrī, but he withheld the manuscript from being published. I discuss the arguments that led him to withhold the publication of his translation; in this context, it will be important to consider the tumultuous religious and political debates, and broader questions as to the legitimacy of political power will also prove relevant. The first doctoral dissertation in Persian about the TTP will be described, followed by a description of a digital translation of the twentieth chapter of the TTP, which was published after the 2009 election protests. The article ends with discussing translator Ali Ferdowsi’s motivation to produce the first complete Persian translation of the TTP, published in Tehran in 2017. In conclusion, it will be discussed to which extent the theocratic political context in the country caused interest in the TTP.
Adaptive Gradient Estimation Stochastic Parallel Gradient Descent Algorithm for Laser Beam Cleanup
Authors: Ma Shiqing , Yang Ping , Lai Boheng , Su Chunxuan , Zhao Wang , Yang Kangjian , Jin Ruiyan , Cheng Tao , Xu Bing
Published: May 2021

For a high-power slab solid-state laser, obtaining high output power and high output beam quality are the most important indicators. Adaptive optics systems can significantly improve beam qualities by compensating for the phase distortions of the laser beams. In this paper, we developed an improved algorithm called Adaptive Gradient Estimation Stochastic Parallel Gradient Descent (AGESPGD) algorithm for beam cleanup of a solid-state laser. A second-order gradient of the search point was introduced to modify the gradient estimation, and it was introduced with the adaptive gain coefficient method into the classical Stochastic Parallel Gradient Descent (SPGD) algorithm. The improved algorithm accelerates the search for convergence and prevents it from falling into a local extremum. Simulation and experimental results show that this method reduces the number of iterations by 40%, and the algorithm stability is also improved compared with the original SPGD method.
A Modeling Application for GHG Fluxes Estimates in Betel Nuts Plantations in Taiwan
Authors: Palma Adriano , Chu Chen-Yeon , Petracchini Francesco , Yeh Mei-Ling , Wu Cheng-Ting , Lai Yu-Chen
Published: May 2021

Perennial woody crops could have a positive impact on carbon balance, absorbing carbon during growing season and storing it for several years, whereas annual crops do not have this particular effect. Usually, techniques for GHG (greenhouse gases) flux measurements have limited spatial representativeness, with some difficulties to extend leaf measurements to field scale. Models, especially if supported by remote sensing data, allow for upscaling the monitoring of these fluxes. The aim of this work was to evaluate the carbon fluxes (gross primary production, GPP; net ecosystem production, NEP) of the betel nut cultivars in Taiwan by a vegetation photosynthesis model (VPM). The model permitted estimating seasonal dynamics of GPP in a moist tropical evergreen forest. These plantations are very common in Taiwan and their role could be significant in environmental and development policies even though, until now, the consumption of the fruit of this tree is at the center of controversy due to their use and effects on the population. To obtain estimates of carbon fluxes on a large area that would appreciate its spatial variability, a model based on physiological processes was used. This model incorporated a series of procedures and monthly mean meteorological data, light use efficiency, and satellite enhanced vegetation index (EVI) were used as inputs. An additional purpose of this work was to compare the carbon uptake of different cultivars in Taiwan and Italy. Using a different model, always based on light use efficiency, a similar project was carried on Italian vineyards, with other climate conditions and different agricultural practices.
Offset-Free Economic MPC Based on Modifier Adaptation: Investigation of Several Gradient-Estimation Techniques
Authors: Vaccari Marco , Bonvin Dominique , Pelagagge Federico , Pannocchia Gabriele
Published: May 2021

Various offset-free economic model predictive control schemes that include a disturbance model and the modifier-adaptation principle have been proposed in recent years. These schemes are able to reach plant optimality asymptotically even in the presence of plant–model mismatch. All schemes are affected by a major issue that is common to all modifier-adaptation formulations, namely, plant optimality (note that convergence per se does not require perfect plant gradients) requires perfect knowledge of static plant gradients, which is a piece of information not known in most practical applications. To address this issue, we present two gradient-estimation techniques, one based on Broyden’s update and the other one on linear regression. We apply these techniques for the estimation of either the plant gradients or the modifiers directly. The resulting economic MPC schemes are tested in a simulation and compared on two benchmark examples of different complexity with respect to both convergence speed and robustness to measurement noise.
God’s Will as the Foundation of Morality: A Medieval Historical Perspective
Authors: Idziak Janine
Published: May 2021

Theological voluntarism places the foundation of morality in the will of God. The formulation of such a thesis warrants further refinement. Different formulations of theological voluntarism were put forward in medieval philosophical theology involving the relation of God’s will to the divine intellect (reason) in determining ethical status. The fourteenth century Franciscan Andrew of Neufchateau maintained a purely voluntaristic theory in which it is God’s will alone (and not the divine intellect) that determines ethical status. Subsequently Pierre d’Ailly worked with a divine will which is identical with the divine intellect in a strong sense while still maintaining that it is properly assigned to the divine will to be an obligatory law. Later, Jean Gerson, a student of Pierre d’Ailly, spoke explicitly of God’s will and reason together as involved in God’s activity in the ethical realm. In this paper, we set out these three different formulations of theological voluntarism, tracing the evolution of medieval formulations of theological voluntarism. Although the paper is historical in nature, we conclude with some reflections on how contemporary philosophers and theologians interested in theological voluntarism might profit from study of this historical literature.
Rapid Clinical and Radiological Improvement in a Patient with Severe COVID-19 Infection Treated with Convalescent Plasma
Authors: Malnick Stephen , Ghannam Waleed , Sharb Adam Abu , Alin Pavel
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 100 million people worldwide. One of the major presentations is pneumonia. Patients are classified as severe when they have an arterial oxygen saturation of less than 94% on breathing room air. We present a case of a healthy 29-year-old man who had severe COVID-19 pneumonia and responded dramatically to two doses of convalescent plasma. This case underlines the importance of administering the plasma in the first few days of the disease.
UAV Photogrammetry under Poor Lighting Conditions—Accuracy Considerations
Authors: Burdziakowski Pawel , Bobkowska Katarzyna
Published: May 2021

The use of low-level photogrammetry is very broad, and studies in this field are conducted in many aspects. Most research and applications are based on image data acquired during the day, which seems natural and obvious. However, the authors of this paper draw attention to the potential and possible use of UAV photogrammetry during the darker time of the day. The potential of night-time images has not been yet widely recognized, since correct scenery lighting or lack of scenery light sources is an obvious issue. The authors have developed typical day- and night-time photogrammetric models. They have also presented an extensive analysis of the geometry, indicated which process element had the greatest impact on degrading night-time photogrammetric product, as well as which measurable factor directly correlated with image accuracy. The reduction in geometry during night-time tests was greatly impacted by the non-uniform distribution of GCPs within the study area. The calibration of non-metric cameras is sensitive to poor lighting conditions, which leads to the generation of a higher determination error for each intrinsic orientation and distortion parameter. As evidenced, uniformly illuminated photos can be used to construct a model with lower reprojection error, and each tie point exhibits greater precision. Furthermore, they have evaluated whether commercial photogrammetric software enabled reaching acceptable image quality and whether the digital camera type impacted interpretative quality. The research paper is concluded with an extended discussion, conclusions, and recommendation on night-time studies.
Securing the Insecure: A First-Line-of-Defense for Body-Centric Nanoscale Communication Systems Operating in THz Band
Authors: Aman Waqas , Rahman Muhammad Mahboob Ur , Abbas Hasan T. , Khalid Muhammad Arslan , Imran Muhammad A. , Alomainy Akram , Abbasi Qammer H.
Published: May 2021

This manuscript presents a novel mechanism (at the physical layer) for authentication and transmitter identification in a body-centric nanoscale communication system operating in the terahertz (THz) band. The unique characteristics of the propagation medium in the THz band renders the existing techniques (say for impersonation detection in cellular networks) not applicable. In this work, we considered a body-centric network with multiple on-body nano-senor nodes (of which some nano-sensors have been compromised) who communicate their sensed data to a nearby gateway node. We proposed to protect the transmissions on the link between the legitimate nano-sensor nodes and the gateway by exploiting the path loss of the THz propagation medium as the fingerprint/feature of the sender node to carry out authentication at the gateway. Specifically, we proposed a two-step hypothesis testing mechanism at the gateway to counter the impersonation (false data injection) attacks by malicious nano-sensors. To this end, we computed the path loss of the THz link under consideration using the high-resolution transmission molecular absorption (HITRAN) database. Furthermore, to refine the outcome of the two-step hypothesis testing device, we modeled the impersonation attack detection problem as a hidden Markov model (HMM), which was then solved by the classical Viterbi algorithm. As a bye-product of the authentication problem, we performed transmitter identification (when the two-step hypothesis testing device decides no impersonation) using (i) the maximum likelihood (ML) method and (ii) the Gaussian mixture model (GMM), whose parameters are learned via the expectation–maximization algorithm. Our simulation results showed that the two error probabilities (missed detection and false alarm) were decreasing functions of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Specifically, at an SNR of 10 dB with a pre-specified false alarm rate of 0.2, the probability of correct detection was almost one. We further noticed that the HMM method outperformed the two-step hypothesis testing method at low SNRs (e.g., a 10% increase in accuracy was recorded at SNR = −5 dB), as expected. Finally, it was observed that the GMM method was useful when the ground truths (the true path loss values for all the legitimate THz links) were noisy.
High-Sensitivity Raman Gas Probe for In Situ Multi-Component Gas Detection
Authors: Guo Jinjia , Luo Zhao , Liu Qingsheng , Yang Dewang , Dong Hui , Huang Shuke , Kong Andong , Wu Lulu
Published: May 2021

Multiple reflection has been proven to be an effective method to enhance the gas detection sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy, while Raman gas probes based on the multiple reflection principle have been rarely reported on. In this paper, a multi-reflection, cavity enhanced Raman spectroscopy (CERS) probe was developed and used for in situ multi-component gas detection. Owing to signal transmission through optical fibers and the miniaturization of multi-reflection cavity, the CERS probe exhibited the advantages of in situ detection and higher detection sensitivity. Compared with the conventional, backscattering Raman layout, the CERS probe showed a better performance for the detection of weak signals with a relatively lower background. According to the 3σ criteria, the detection limits of this CERS probe for methane, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor are calculated to be 44.5 ppm, 192.9 ppm, 317.5 ppm and 0.67%, respectively. The results presented the development of this CERS probe as having great potential to provide a new method for industrial, multi-component online gas detection.
Seeing through Events: Real-Time Moving Object Sonification for Visually Impaired People Using Event-Based Camera
Authors: Ji Zihao , Hu Weijian , Wang Ze , Yang Kailun , Wang Kaiwei
Published: May 2021

Scene sonification is a powerful technique to help Visually Impaired People (VIP) understand their surroundings. Existing methods usually perform sonification on the entire images of the surrounding scene acquired by a standard camera or on the priori static obstacles acquired by image processing algorithms on the RGB image of the surrounding scene. However, if all the information in the scene are delivered to VIP simultaneously, it will cause information redundancy. In fact, biological vision is more sensitive to moving objects in the scene than static objects, which is also the original intention of the event-based camera. In this paper, we propose a real-time sonification framework to help VIP understand the moving objects in the scene. First, we capture the events in the scene using an event-based camera and cluster them into multiple moving objects without relying on any prior knowledge. Then, sonification based on MIDI is enabled on these objects synchronously. Finally, we conduct comprehensive experiments on the scene video with sonification audio attended by 20 VIP and 20 Sighted People (SP). The results show that our method allows both participants to clearly distinguish the number, size, motion speed, and motion trajectories of multiple objects. The results show that our method is more comfortable to hear than existing methods in terms of aesthetics.
Ultra-Highly Sensitive Hydrogen Chloride Detection Based on Quartz-Enhanced Photothermal Spectroscopy
Authors: Ma Yufei , Lang Ziting , He Ying , Qiao Shunda , Li Yu
Published: May 2021

Combining the merits of non-contact measurement and high sensitivity, the quartz-enhanced photothermal spectroscopy (QEPTS) technique is suitable for measuring acid gases such as hydrogen chloride (HCl). In this invited paper, we report, for the first time, on an ultra-highly sensitive HCl sensor based on the QEPTS technique. A continuous wave, distributed feedback (CW-DFB) fiber-coupled diode laser with emission wavelength of 1.74 µm was used as the excitation source. A certified mixture of 500 ppm HCl:N2 was adapted as the analyte. Wavelength modulation spectroscopy was used to simplify the data processing. The wavelength modulation depth was optimized. The relationships between the second harmonic (2f) amplitude of HCl-QEPTS signal and the laser power as well as HCl concentration were investigated. An Allan variance analysis was performed to prove that this sensor had good stability and high sensitivity. The proposed HCl-QEPTS sensor can achieve a minimum detection limit (MDL) of ~17 parts per billion (ppb) with an integration time of 130 s. Further improvement of such an HCl-QEPTS sensor performance was proposed.
Validation of Rayleigh Wave Theoretical Formulation with Single-Station Rotational Records of Mine Tremors in Lower Silesian Copper Basin
Authors: Pytel Witold , Fuławka Krzysztof , Mertuszka Piotr , Pałac-Walko Bogumiła
Published: May 2021

The classical Rayleigh surface rotational wave in terms of its theoretical notation and, resulting from this, properties associated with the induced seismic phenomena in mines are presented. This kind of seismic wave was analysed in-depth from the point of view of the parameters governing the form of its mathematical notation based on the similarity to the records obtained during the induced seismicity in near-field 6-DoF monitoring. Furthermore, conducted field measurements made it possible to relate the amount of the emitted seismic energy to the expected highest amplitude of rotational vibrations in the entire field of their impact on the rock mass. As a result, this made it possible to impose the completely defined R wave to the numerical models of given objects; the safety level, when subjected to the dynamic load induced by the rotational wave, would be an objective of the performed analyses. The conducted preliminary analyses were prepared for a plane strain state, for which the values of seismic rotations were evaluated concerning the energy and the distance of the seismic event’s source. As a result of the performed simulations, it was found that the results of the calculations matched with a satisfying degree with the field seismic measurements of the rotational ground motion induced by propagating the seismic wave. Such a verified analytical description of the theoretical formulas can be the basis for the implementation of R-wave characteristics into seismic codes and numerical analyses of object stability in the Lower Silesian Copper Basin region.
Evaluation of Anticonvulsant Activity of Dual COX-2/5-LOX Inhibitor Darbufelon and Its Novel Analogues
Authors: Mishchenko Mariia , Shtrygol’ Sergiy , Lozynskyi Andrii , Khomyak Semen , Novikov Volodymyr , Karpenko Olexandr , Holota Serhii , Lesyk Roman
Published: May 2021

Neuroinflammation is an integral part of epilepsy pathogenesis and other convulsive conditions, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) present a potent tool for the contemporary search and design of novel anticonvulsants. In the present paper, evaluation of the anticonvulsant activity of the potential NSAID dual COX-2/5-LOX inhibitor darbufelone methanesulfonate using an scPTZ model in mice in dose 100 mg/kg is reported. Darbufelone possesses anticonvulsant properties in the scPTZ model and presents interest for in-depth studies as a possible anticonvulsant multi-target agent with anti-inflammatory activity. The series of 4-thiazolidinone derivatives have been synthesized following the analogue-based drug design and hybrid-pharmacophore approach using a darbufelone matrix. The synthesized derivatives showed a significant protection level for animals in the scPTZ model and are promising compounds for the design of potential anticonvulsants with satisfactory drug-like parameters.
The Influence of Active Hamstring Stiffness on Markers of Isotonic Muscle Performance
Authors: Langan Sean P. , Murphy Thomas , Johnson Wayne M. , Carreker Jadeon D. , Riemann Bryan L.
Published: May 2021

Background: Previous research demonstrates hamstring muscle-tendon stiffness (HMTS) influences isometric strength, landing biomechanics and architectural tissue properties. However, the influence on kinetics & kinematics during other modes of strength testing (isotonic dynamometry) has yet to be established. Purpose: Investigate how HMTS influences kinetics and kinematics during a novel isotonic muscle performance test which has never been done for the hamstrings. Previous work using dynamometry has been limited to isometric or isokinetic contractions, so the novelty arises from our custom isotonic protocol which allows quantitative assessment of the stretch-shortening cycle. Methods: Twenty-six recreationally active individuals (15 males, 11 females, 23.8 ± 2.5 years) completed baseline testing for anthropometry and maximum isometric hamstring strength (MVIC). At least 48 h later, subjects completed a measure of HMTS (damped oscillation technique) followed by an isotonic knee flexion test (eccentric velocity 180°/s; concentric torque 25% of MVIC). Separate linear regression models with examination of residuals were conducted between HMTS and each muscle performance variable. Standardized coefficients determined the magnitude of the relationships. Results: Significance was found for all outcome variables tested. HMTS and rate of torque development demonstrated the strongest relationship followed by isotonic concentric peak torque. The weakest relationship observed was with isometric peak torque. Conclusions: These findings build off previous work quantifying HMTS by showing HMTS more strongly relates to dynamic versus static muscle testing and identifies the potential clinical utility of isotonic dynamometry.
Incidence and Outcome of Unexpected Non-Cardiac Abnormality on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Report from Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Chaosuwannakit Narumol , Makarawate Pattarapong
Published: May 2021

Objective: To ascertain non-cardiac abnormality (NCA) incidence in patients undergoing clinical cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and determine such patients’ clinical importance. Methods: Consecutive patients undertaking CMR study from January 2012 to June 2017 for various cardiovascular diseases were enrolled. To assess NCA’s therapeutic importance, all incidental findings that were not expected from the patient’s history were analyzed. A careful review of medical history determines the information on mortality. Results: Three hundred and eighty-two consecutive patients (mean age 58 ± 11 years) who underwent CMR for different clinical indications were enrolled in the present study. Potentially significant results have been identified as abnormalities that require further clinical or radiological follow-up or therapy. On CMR, 118 NCA (30.9%) were found. In 25 patients, potential clinically significant NCAs, such as aortic aneurysm (n = 3), aortic dissection (n = 2), pulmonary thromboembolism (n = 2), and malignancy (n = 18), were identified (6.54%). In terms of one-year mortality data, in a patient without NCA, we observed a significantly higher survival rate than those with NCA (p = 0.0085) and a higher mortality rate in a patient with clinically significant NCA than a patient with irrelevant NCA (p = 0.02). Survival, as assessed via Kaplan‒Meier analysis, disclosed significantly higher mortality in the patients with clinically significant NCA than patients with irrelevant NCA (HR = 11.20, CI = 4.71–26.60, p < 0.001). Conclusions: We concluded that it is vital for the CMR study to determine the relevance of NCA, especially in the cholangiocarcinoma endemic region such as northeastern Thailand. Eventually, to reorganize the patients according to appropriate management, clinical correlation and prognosis must be summarily established.
Sorption and Desorption Analysis of Nitrobenzene on Differently Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Implications on the Stability
Authors: Ji Zhanhua , Li Dengyu
Published: May 2021

The stability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) suspension is a key factor in determining their transport, fate, and toxicity in an aquatic environment, which is significantly influenced by CNTs’ nature and water chemistry. Macromolecular dissolved organic matter (DOM) is reported to influence the stability of CNTs aggregation. However, little is known on small polar dissolved organic compound’s effects on CNTs aggregation. Nitrobenzene was selected to investigate its interaction with three different functionalized multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs). Both the stability of CNTs aggregation and sorption hysteresis were affected by the initial concentration of nitrobenzene and the surface functionalization coverage of MWCNTs. At the initial concentration below 580 mg/L, the thermodynamic index of irreversibility (TII) and turbidity of CNTs suspension had the same tendency, indicating that the underlying mechanism is closely related. A conceptual adsorption–desorption model was proposed to further explain the relationship between the sorption hysteresis and stability of MWCNTs suspension under different initial concentrations of nitrobenzene. This provided data support to further clarify the environmental behaviors and risks of CNTs.
Research on the Coastal Marine Environment and Rural Sustainable Development Strategy of Island Countries—Taking the Penghu Islands as an Example
Authors: Wu Chien-Hung
Published: May 2021

In this study, we examined the keelboat industry on Penghu Island in Taiwan as an example to discuss sustainable development strategies for the marine environment and villages. First, three experts were consulted to compile questionnaires. A snowball sampling method was used to collect 278 samples of residents and tourists living in the coastal area. Opinions were collected from 8 residents, crew members, tourists, and scholars. The data were finally summarized and compared by triangulation method and then examined. We found that introducing the keelboat industry could preserve maritime culture, increase local popularity and leisure options for people, create business opportunities, and improve the economy. It could also lead to a loss of coastal architectural features, increased the amount of trash in the community, around the harbor, and on the sea, no improvement in public facilities and medical care, and decreased the willingness of young people to return to their hometowns. Encouraging men to work in tourism-related industries, assisting in balancing job opportunities, strengthening villagers’ communication, improving tourists’ environmental literacy, adding onboard guides, improving women’s professional knowledge of marine ecology and working opportunities for boat maintenance, as well as actively participating in community development planning, can improve the current situation and achieve the goal of sustainable development.
Cerebrasthenia and social disadaptation of cerebral-dysgemic genesis in the elderly of the Republic of Karelia
Authors: Khyanikyaynen Igor Viktorovich , Molchanova Ekaterina Vladimirovna , Burkin Mark Mikhaylovich
Published: May 2021

Using a bio-psycho-social approach, the correlations between neurological, psycho-pathological and social criteria were studied in elderly persons of the Republic of Karelia with stage I of dyscirculatory encephalopathy (DE) (n = 280; average age 62,4 ± 6,5; gender index 1:1). The control group included healthy persons (n = 32; average age 60,9 ± 8,1; gender index 1:1; p > 0,05). We used Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of Headache, Asthenia Assessment Scale — Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Mini-test of Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the social frustration test of L. I. Wasserman. It was found that patients with stage I of DE, in contrast to healthy individuals, were characterized by: the presence of cephalgia (according to VAS 5,06 ± 3,03 points); a higher level of asthenia (total points for MFI-20: 82,6 ± 1,2 and 36,7 ± 1,8; p < 0,05); anxiety/depression (scores for HADS: (11,3 ± 4,6/8,4 ± 3,8 and 3,7 ± 2,3/2,6 ± 1,9; p < 0,05); cognitive dysfunction (average MMSE score: 25,16 ± 1,39 and 28,69 ± 0,47; p < 0,05); social frustration (final index: 2,5 ± 0,6 and 1,0 ± 0,4 points; p < 0,05). A highly significant positive correlation of asthenic syndrome with the level of disadaptive social frustration (R = 0,931; p < 0,001) was found in such patients.
Coercion and violence in the provision of psychiatric care: legal and ethical aspects (cross-regional study)
Authors: Rzhevskaya Nataliya Konstantinovna , Ruzhenkov Viktor Aleksandrovich , Orudzhev Nazim Yasharovich , Shiryaev Oleg Yurievich
Published: May 2021

In accordance with international principles for the protection of persons with mental disorders, physical restraint and isolation of the patient are used only in compliance with the approved regulations of the psychiatric hospital in cases where this is the only available way to prevent direct harm to the patient or other persons. Nevertheless, in real practice, there are often cases of applying measures of physical restraint, feeding and administering drugs against the will of the patient. The attitude of psychiatrists of psychiatric hospitals of the Belgorod, Volgograd and Voronezh Regions to coercion and violence in the provision of psychiatric care was studied. It was found that the majority of psychiatrists (91.6%) consider coercion of people with mental disorders to be justified, and 60% delegate this right to nurses. More than 90% of psychiatrists consider justified the use of physical restraint to a patient admitted to hospital treatment on a voluntary basis, in the case of psychomotor agitation with heteroagression, and 20% allow their personal participation in its implementation. Almost 47% of psychiatrists allow other patients to be involved in a forced injection to a patient who refuses therapy. The majority of psychiatrists (71%) consider it common practice to force patients with mental disorders who tend to “lie in bed” to clean the ward, department, hospital grounds, regarding it as “rehabilitation” and “labor therapy”. To prevent the use of violence and coercion in a psychiatric hospital, a transition from the paternalistic to the contractual model of psychiatric care is necessary. It is important to develop standards for the provision of psychiatric care in involuntary hospitalization, taking into account the compliance, and also to increase the legal competence of psychiatrists.
Implementing social prescribing in primary care in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation: process evaluation of the ‘Deep End’ community Links Worker Programme
Authors: Chng Nai Rui , Hawkins Katie , Fitzpatrick Bridie , O’Donnell Catherine A , Mackenzie Mhairi , Wyke Sally , Mercer Stewart W
Published: May 2021

Background

Social prescribing involving primary care-based ‘link workers’ is a key UK health policy that aims to reduce health inequalities. However, the process of implementation of the link worker approach has received little attention despite this being central to the desired impact and outcomes.

Aim

To explore the implementation process of such an approach in practice.

Design and setting

Qualitative process evaluation of the ‘Deep End’ Links Worker Programme (LWP) over a 2-year period, in seven general practices in deprived areas of Glasgow.

Method

The study used thematic analysis to identify the extent of LWP integration in each practice and the key factors associated with implementation. Analysis was informed by normalisation process theory (NPT).

Results

Only three of the seven practices fully integrated the LWP into routine practice within 2 years, based on the NPT constructs of coherence, cognitive participation, and collective action. Compared with ‘partially integrated practices’, ‘fully integrated practices’ had better shared understanding of the programme among staff, higher staff engagement with the LWP, and were implementing all aspects of the LWP at patient, practice, and community levels of intervention. Successful implementation was associated with GP buy-in, collaborative leadership, good team dynamics, link worker support, and the absence of competing innovations.

Conclusion

Even in a well-resourced government-funded programme, the majority of practices involved had not fully integrated the LWP within the first 2 years. Implementing social prescribing and link workers within primary care at scale is unlikely to be a ‘quick fix’ for mitigating health inequalities in deprived areas.
Prevalencia de sarna demodécica en perros domésticos (Canis lupus familiaris) en Latacunga-Ecuador
Authors: Armas Cajas Jorge , Cueva Salazar Nancy , Chancusig Francisco , Molina Cuasapaz Gabriel
Published: May 2021

La sarna demodécica es el segundo tipo de sarna más común en perros. Por lo tanto, se planteó determinar la prevalencia de sarna demodécica en perros (Canis Lupus Familiaris) domésticos en los sectores de Eloy Alfaro, Ignacio Flores, Juan Montalvo y La Matriz, del cantón Latacunga. La metodología de la investigación incluyó el muestreo de 72 perros con problemas dermatológicos, de diferente sexo, edad, con o sin propietario, el método realizado fue mediante raspado cutáneos, los cuales se realizaron con hoja de bisturí hasta producir un leve sangrado capilar, estas muestras eran transportadas al laboratorio en refrigeración, para su observación se agregó aceite mineral y fueron observados al microscopio óptico a 10X. La prevalencia de Demodex canis fue de 16,67%. De esta manera se demuestra la existencia de este ácaro en el cantón de Latacunga, por lo cual los dueños deben llevar a sus mascotas a un médico veterinario para implementar un programa de control y prevención de la enfermedad. Una de las limitaciones que se presentaron durante la ejecución del presente estudio, radica en el hecho que la población del cantón de Latacunga no tiene conocimiento sobre los cuidados de sus mascotas y sobre la responsabilidad que adquieren al hacerse cargo de un animal. Por otra parte, los animales no contaban con un carnet de vacunas y los mismos dueños automedican a sus animales o son llevados para su medicación a centros no autorizados.
Contaminación agricolaación por uso de aguas residuales
Authors: Aguilar Sánchez Juan de Dios , Cubas Irigoin Napoleón
Published: May 2021

El objetivo de esta investigación fue mostrar el índice de contaminación de la producción agrícola por el uso de las aguas residuales. La metodología empleada fue una investigación experimental, de campo documental y descriptiva, se tomaron muestras de agua residual de las cuencas formadas por las quebradas San Mateo, Colpamayo, San Juan y Río Chotano. Se analizaron y se observó que las aguas residuales no llenan los requisitos adecuados para ser usado para riego. Se tomaron además muestras de verduras y hortalizas regadas con esas aguas y se les detecto contaminación por presencia de coliformes, estreptococos y salmonella. Como conclusión se puede mencionar que Se lograron identificar los parámetros físicos y de agregación para las aguas residuales sin tratamiento de quebradas San Mateo, Colpamayo, San Juan y Río Chotano provenientes de la ciudad de Chota, donde se establece que solo dos parámetros: el pH y los sólidos en suspendidos totales están entre los valores adecuados. La temperatura y la turbidez están fuera de rango por exceso en sus valores y el oxígeno disuelto, la conductividad eléctrica, los sólidos disueltos totales están fuera de rango por no alcanzar el mínimo valor. Entre los parámetros inorgánicos no metálicos que están en los valores aceptables están: la alcalinidad, los cloruros, la dureza, los nitratos, los nitritos, los sulfatos y la demanda química de oxígeno y quienes no están en los valores correctos son: los fosfatos, el amonio, y la demanda química de oxígeno.
Dissimilar responses of autonomic function and strength to different periodizations in aging adults/ Respostas dissimilares da função autônoma e força para diferentes periodizações em adultos idosos
Authors: Bezerra Ewertton de Souza , Agnol Cristiano Dall’ , Orssatto Lucas Bet da Rosa , Martins Thiago Cesar , Simão Roberto , Nakamura Fábio Yuzo , Moro Antônio Renato Pereira
Published: May 2021

Diferentes tipos de programas de treinamento resistido resultam em diferente estresse metabólico e demandas cardiovasculares, o que poderia influenciar adaptações na modulação autonômica cardíaca. O estímulo preciso do treinamento resistido e os mecanismos responsáveis por promover a melhora na variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) não são claros. Para examinar os efeitos na VFC após dois modelos de periodização de treinamento resistido em adultos idosos. Vinte e dois sujeitos foram divididos em dois grupos: periodização de sessão mista (MSP, n = 11) e periodização tradicional (TP, n = 11). Os sujeitos foram testados antes e após 24 sessões de treinamento resistido para VFC (tempo, frequência e análise não linear), cinco repetições máximas (5-RM) para o leg press e flexora senatada. Apenas o TP melhorou a VFC. O RR médio possivelmente aumentou com prováveis melhorias em RMSSD, SD1 e APEN. Muito provavelmente mudanças positivas foram observadas em HF. As diferenças foram associadas a tamanhos de efeito variando de 0,16 a 0,69. Para todos esses parâmetros autonômicos cardíacos no grupo MSP, a magnitude das mudanças foi classificada como trivial. A abordagem MSP resultou em prováveis ajustes autonômicos inferiores em RR, HF, RMSSD, HF, SD1 e APEN médios. Ambos os grupos provavelmente aumentaram o desempenho de força no leg press e na flexora sentada com possivelmente e provavelmente maiores melhorias observadas no grupo MSP, respectivamente. Aumentos graduais na intensidade prescrita pela abordagem TP podem fornecer melhores ajustes autonômicos do que as intensidades repentinamente mais altas sugeridas pelo MSP. TP parece ser mais eficaz para melhorias da função autonômica, enquanto MSP para força em adultos idosos.
Crown projection area of Licania tomentosa (Benth.) Fritsch (Chrysobalanaceae), estimated by linear regression / Área de projeção da copa de Licania tomentosa (Benth.) Fritsch (Chrysobalanaceae), estimada por regressão linear
Authors: Alves Luilla Lemes , Monteiro Eliseu Mendes , Ribeiro Júnia Laura Pêgo , Madureira Nívea Fransuelli da Silva , Penido Tamires Mousslech Andrade , Vieira Diego dos Santos , Lafetá Bruno Oliveira
Published: May 2021

Knowledge of the Crown Projection Area (CPA) allows to make inferences about the shading and to know space occupied by a tree. However, crown measurements are more time-consuming and laborious when compared to those of Circumference Breast Height (CBH). Thus, this work aimed to evaluate regression models and present the most suitable to CPA estimate of Licania tomentosa, in an urban area of São João Evangelista municipality, Brazil. Fifty trees distributed over 7 public roads were sampled. CBH and Crown Diameter (CD, m) were measured for later calculation of its projection area (CPA, m2). Four regression models were tested in order to estimate CPA as a function of CBH alone. The equation derived from of the model “” showed a homoscedastic distribution of the percentage residues, with closer deviations around the abscissa axis. It is concluded that the equation obtained with the adjustment of the simple linear model was the most efficient to estimate of the crown projection area of L. tomentosa. This projection area increased as the stem of the trees thickened.
Pain neuromodulation exerted by Ruta graveolens aqueous extract in experimental models of nociception/ Neuromodulação da dor exercida pela Ruta graveolens extrato aquoso em modelos experimentais de nocicepção
Authors: Kerppers Flávio Klinpovous , Cordeiro Maria Elvira Ribeiro , Mazur Tatiane Budniak , Bittencourt Heron , Luz Karoline Penteado da , Hosni Andressa Panegalli , Kerppers Ivo Ilvan , Bini Ana Carolina Dorigoni , Moreira Felipe Figueiredo , Suckow Patricia Pacheco Tyski , Fonseca Eliane Goncalves de Jesus , Julik Angela Dubiela
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes has been common practice since antiquity. Ruta graveolens L., commonly known as rue, has been shown to have antiparasitic, antioxidant, antibacterial and allelopathic activity. Objective: The objective was to investigate the antinociceptive effect of rue, as well as the mechanisms behind this effect. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 40 male Norvegicus (Wistar) rats, randomly divided into a positive control and three treatment groups administered Ruta graveolens L. aqueous extract at the following doses: 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg, p.o. The experimental models of nociception used in this study to assess effectiveness of the treatments were the formalin and capsaicin tests. Five days prior to nociceptive challenges, the tail immersion assay was conducted to determine baseline pain threshold. Results: Antinociceptive activity was observed at Ruta graveolens L. aqueous extract concentrations of 50 mg/kg and 100mg/kg. 500 mg/kg induced pro-nociceptive activity with activation of the L-arginine-oxide-nitric system. Conclusion: These results suggest Ruta graveolens L. aqueous extract antinociceptive activity, and possible antagonism towards receptors
Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2: incidência e seus impactos biopsicossociais na infância / Type 2 diabetes mellitus: incidence and its biopsychosocial impacts in childhood
Authors: Ferreira Ana Célia Guedes Roque , Oliva Anna Luiza Cardoso , Melo Reis Leonardo Bruno , Guerra Lucas Teles , Ferreira Maria Izabel de Azevedo , Pinho Kimberly Morais
Published: May 2021

A Diabetes Mellitus tipo dois é uma patologia crônica que atinge, em sua maioria, indivíduos adultos, causando resistência ou menor produção do hormônio insulina, culminando na diminuição do metabolismo da glicose. Isso, por sua vez, gera um acúmulo de glicose no organismo, causando a hiperglicemia, importante característica da doença. Em decorrência do estilo de vida da sociedade contemporânea, com predomínio do sedentarismo e alimentação inadequada, a incidência da Diabetes Mellitus tipo dois tem aumentado, afetando também crianças e adolescentes. Além disso, fatores biopsicossociais influenciam diretamente no desenvolvimento dessa patologia, como depressão e conflitos pessoais. O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a incidência da Diabetes Mellitus tipo dois em crianças e adolescentes, bem como as consequências biopsicossociais decorrentes dessa patologia. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, com revisão de literatura do tipo descritiva. São evidenciados os fatores que influenciam o desenvolvimento da doença no indivíduo, ressaltando hábitos alimentares e sedentarismo, bem como a esfera emocional e psicológica. Conclui-se que, jovens que possuem alimentação rica em gorduras e açúcares, e não realizam práticas rotineiras de exercícios físicos, tendem a desenvolver diabetes mellitus tipo dois.
Leptin’s and antigen-presenting cells’ functions in periodontitis – an overview / Leptin e as funções das células que apresentam antigénios na periodontite - uma visão geral
Authors: Favero Giovanna Ganem , Martin Isabela Lopes , Albino Fernanda Pereira da Silva , Fontana Carlos Eduardo , Pinheiro Sérgio Luiz , Degasperi Giovanna Rosa
Published: May 2021

Leptin is a hormone synthesized predominantly by white adipose tissue. Its production levels are directly proportional to the total mass of this tissue in an individual’s body. Apart from its classic role in the regulation of hunger and satiety, it also plays an important part in scenarios involving innate and adaptive immune responses. It has been discovered that leptin levels are altered in a variety of inflammatory responses, such as periodontitis, a condition which derives from a persistent inflammatory immune response from a host facing bacterial infection. The initial trigger for this reaction is the recognition of the pathogens by antigen presenting cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, whose actions can be influenced by leptin. This review aims to present the relationship between leptin, dendritic cells and macrophages in the context of periodontal disease. Thus, we have assembled the most important findings related to leptin’s role in the modulation of the immune response carried out by these cells in periodontitis.
Selección y caracterización de microorganismos con capacidad antifúngica y fertilizante aislados de la rizosfera de plantas de yerba mate de la provincia de Misiones para su aplicación como promotores del crecimiento vegetal
Authors:   , López Ana Clara
Published: May 2021

Argentina es el principal productor y exportador mundial de yerba mate y la mayor producción se concentra en la provincia de Misiones. Las plantas de yerba mate se caracterizan por tener un extenso período de germinación y por la necesidad de adaptarse gradualmente a las condiciones ambientales (rustificación) antes de pasar desde el vivero al campo. En este largo período en etapa de vivero es donde ocurren muchas enfermedades que son combatidas con el agregado de productos de síntesis química con todo lo que su utilización conlleva. Del vivero, las plantas deben salir en muy buenas condiciones de salud, y deben haber llevado un óptimo crecimiento relacionado, como ocurre con todos los cultivos, a una buena nutrición, para lo cual también es necesario el agregado de fertilizantes de síntesis química. Teniendo en cuenta la importancia del cultivo de yerba mate para la región, la necesidad de disminuir el uso de agroquímicos, y el conocimiento de las bondades de los bioinsumos a base de microorganismos del género Trichoderma aplicados en otros cultivos, este trabajo de Tesis Doctoral se orientó hacia la búsqueda de microorganismos pertenecientes a dicho género que puedan ser utilizados como bioinsumos microbianos para contribuir a la sustentabilidad del cultivo de yerba mate. También se postuló que la rizosfera de yerba mate alberga microorganismos endófitos del género Trichoderma con capacidades de promoción del crecimiento vegetal in vitro, y que pueden ejercer una acción tanto biocontroladora de hongos fitopatógenos del cultivo de yerba mate como biofertilizante. Considerando la escasa investigación sobre patógenos fúngicos causantes de enfermedades en yerba mate también se planteó la búsqueda e identificación de patógenos fúngicos asociados a hoja de estas plantas crecidas en condiciones de vivero, para poder evaluar los aislamientos de Trichoderma obtenidos en relación a su capacidad biocontroladora de enfermedades propias de la región.