bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of international transport systems: infrastructure, ratings, transport corridors
Authors: Kvitko Katerina B.
Published: April 2020

The development of world transport depends on globalization and international integration, as well as other sectors of the economy. Therefore, the choice of the trajectory for the intensive development of the transport sector, clustering in transport is possible according to the results of a comparative analysis of transport systems around the world. The purpose of the article is to conduct a comparative analysis of the world-wide transport systems united by territorial criteria to identify similar and distinctive characteristics with the Russian transport system, which will become the prerequisites for the introduction of foreign experience in transport clustering. In the framework of this work, the transport systems of Europe, Asia, North America and Russia are analyzed for the study of infrastructure, the activities of transport and logistics enterprises and the prevalence of international transport corridors. The main results of the analysis were the characteristics of each integrated transport system and the RF system, by specialization and nature of the system (open and closed), the interest of foreign investors in supporting the country's transport industry. The results obtained in the course of work contribute to the development of research by Russian scientists in the field of transport and systematize world statistics on the transport systems of states united by territorial principle, which are elements of the global transport system. The study should be useful for scientists, researchers involved in issues and problems of the development of the transport industry, clustering in transport and transport system management.
Optimization method for calculating the geometrical dimensions of the tooth zone of the switched reluctance motor
Authors: Kashuba Alexander V.
Published: April 2020

Background: Switched reluctance motor (SRM) is a promising type of electromechanical energy converter. It is used in both motor and generator modes. SRM can be used not only in mechanisms with rotational motion, but also as linear motors, including maglev transport systems.
A lot of publications are devoted to SRM design issues. In development of this direction, further improvement of the SRM design process is proposed using the optimization method of forming the geometrical dimensions of the tooth zone.
Aim: Reducing of electromagnetic torque ripple SRM by optimizing the geometrical dimensions of the tooth zone.
Materials and Methods: To simulate magnetic fields, the FEMM 4.2 program was used. The implementation of the optimization algorithm and the processing of the results of field calculations, was carried out in the MATLAB program. The Monte Carlo optimization methods (they rely on random sampling) was taken as the basis for developing the optimization algorithm, and its improvement was achieved using mathematical methods based on probability theory.
Results: As a result of the optimization calculations, the tooth zone geometry was obtained, which provides a reduction in the pulsation of the SRM electromagnetic torque ripple from 122% to 40%.
Conclusion: The studies presented in the paper indicate the effectiveness of using the optimization algorithm in designing SRM, as well as the feasibility of removing restrictions on the shape of the tooth SRM and the use of a curved tooth shape, which is determined in the process of solving the optimization problem by a determined criterion.
AVALIAÇÃO DA QUALIDADE DA ÁGUA ARMAZENADA EM CISTERNAS NO SEMIÁRIDO CEARENSE
Authors: Da Silva J. P. , Bezerra C. E. , Ribeiro A. de A.
Published: April 2020

Diante da escassez hídrica que atinge a população do semiárido nordestino, tem-se criado políticas de convivência com a seca, como a construção de cisternas para captação da água da chuva. Contudo, diversos fatores podem afetar a qualidade da água armazenada nas cisternas. Neste contexto, o monitoramento da qualidade da água armazenada nas mesmas é imprescindível para avaliar sua potabilidade para o consumo humano. Com isso, objetivou-se com este estudo, avaliar a qualidade da água em cisternas em comunidade rural no semiárido cearense. A pesquisa foi realizada na comunidade Arraial de Cima, município de Missão Velha, localizado extremo Sul do estado do Ceará, Brasil. As amostras foram coletadas diretamente das cisternas em frascos esterilizados e após a sua coleta foram realizadas as análises no Laboratórios de Análises de Água e Efluentes (LAMAE) da Faculdade de Tecnologia Centec (Fatec Cariri), Juazeiro do Norte, CE. Realizou-se as análises dos parâmetros físicos-químicos e microbiológicos nas amostras de água coletadas. De posse dos resultados obtidos, verificou-se que apenas a água da cisterna 01 apresentou todos os parâmetros físicos-químicos dentro dos padrões estabelecidos pela legislação. Em todas as cisternas, constatou-se a presença de Coliformes totais e Escherichia coli. A presença destas bactérias demonstra que é preciso rever os hábitos da população local e conscientizá-la sobre a maneira correta de manejo das cisternas.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UM BIODIGESTOR DE BAIXO CUSTO APLICADO NA AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR
Authors: Lopes L. A. , Lourenzani A. E. B. S. , Dos Santos C. V. , Dos Santos P. S. B.
Published: April 2020

A biomassa residual da Agricultura Familiar (dejetos de animais, restos de alimentos, descartes de frutas e legumes, soro de leite, etc) pode ser aproveitada para a produção de biogás, o qual pode ser usado como fonte de calor para calefação de ambientes, cocção de alimentos, aquecimento de água e também como fonte de energia elétrica para acionar pequenos equipamentos para as atividades desenvolvidas na propriedade rural. A instalação de um biodigestor permite a autossuficiência energética, eletrificação de máquinas usadas nos processos produtivos, redução da contaminação de fontes hídricas, menor emissão de gases de efeito estufa e custo reduzido da produção resultando em melhor qualidade de vida, benefícios ambientais e viabilidade econômica das atividades produtivas rurais. Todavia, os biodigestores disponíveis no mercado são estruturas para média ou grande produção de biogás, com alto custo de implantação para o pequeno produtor rural, impossibilitando assim, que este tenha acesso à tecnologia de produção de energia renovável, diante do exposto, o presente projeto, tem como objetivo desenvolver um biodigestor de baixo custo com aproveitamento de resíduos da agricultura familiar, que possibilitarão aos microorganismos realizarem o processo de biodigestão anaeróbica, gerando biogás e biofertilizante.
Colombian Health System: integration for quality
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ PALMA HUGO , NIEBLES NÚÑEZ WILLIAM , JIMÉNEZ CÁRDENAS MEREDITH
Published: April 2020

The central objective of this document is to analyze the elements of integration and quality on the Colombian Health System and to verify their articulation in accordance with the postulates set forth by the national government in terms of quality. Based on a qualitative approach, supported by the bibliographic review as a tool for research and deepening, a matrix of documents associated with the research topic of the last five years is made. The results indicate that Colombia’s health model has been forged in recent decades and has incorporated elements such as universality, coverage and quality. The analysis of these aspects can facilitate or support research in the health sector at the national or international level.
Derechos humanos desde la diversidad lingüística e identitaria de las personas sordas
Authors: Jauregi Amaia , Bernarás Elena , Jaureguizar Joana
Published: April 2020

Este artículo pretende contribuir a la toma de conciencia sobre la diversidad lingüístico-cultural de las personas sordas y sus necesidades, así como sobre la situación de exclusión que vivencian en todas las áreas de la vida debido, por un lado, al desconocimiento social de sus características y necesidades y, por otro, a las barreras de comunicación y de acceso a la información. Las personas sordas se encuentran en una situación de discapacidad socialmente desapercibida. Para conocer su realidad, se muestran algunas pinceladas sobre sus características audiológicas y lingüístico-culturales, y se exponen algunos hechos y situaciones que explicitan las barreras sociales y actitudinales a las que se enfrentan en diversos ámbitos de su vida cotidiana. De esta manera se pretende evidenciar la vulneración de los derechos que recoge la legislación vigente y la situación de discriminación en la que viven.Recibido: 03 octubre 2019Aceptado: 24 febrero 2020Publicación en línea: Artículos en prensa 03 abril 2020; Núm. 5 (2020) 26 junio 2020
Catalytic performance of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) supported TiO2 additive at microwave conditions
Authors: GÜMÜŞ Hüseyin
Published: April 2020

TiO2 is widely used additive material
in order to improve properties of filtration membranes. As far as its
contribution to filtration performance, TiO2 acts as catalytic
agent.In this study, catalytic activity of TiO2 added PVDF flat
sheets (membranes) prepared by phase inversion method, and they were performed on
benzyl alcohol oxidation at microwave radiation. Structure, thermal behaviors
and morphology of samples were investigated by FTIR, TG-DTA and SEM analysis
respectively. Hydrophilicity was determined by contact angle measurements. Interaction
between TiO2and PVDF chain was
evidenced. TiO2 added PVDF membranes had improved filtration and
rejection performance. 32.4% BSA rejection was obtained with composites while
it was 7.5% of pristine membrane. 93.86% conversion and 56% selectivity were
obtained with composites in microwave-assisted batch reactor. Decomposition of polymer increased when 6% additive due
to catalytic effect of TiO2 then, it decreased with further loading.Detailed
evidences were obtained by activation energies (Ea) of decomposition
calculated by Kissinger method. Microwave-assisted catalytic effect of TiO2inside
polymeric matrix promise to obtain fast, high yielded and disposable membrane
materials for catalytic reactors to in-situ production of fine chemicals.
Develando el vínculo entre la desigualdad y la pobreza
Authors: Casas Herrera Julian Augusto
Published: April 2020

Este artículo intenta develar la relación entre desigualdad-pobreza a partir de la exposición de elementos empíricos y teóricos, que permite, por un lado, plantear que la aproximación a ambos fenómenos ha sido generalmente aislada, y por otro, presentar una propuesta que muestra la importancia de reconocer la relación entre desigualdad-pobreza para mejorar el bienestar de la sociedad. Para validar la propuesta se hizo una simulación en la que se involucró la instrumentalización del coeficiente de Gini y las líneas de pobreza, y que mostró como resultado la existencia de la relación y que al aplicar mecanismos de redistribución, como limitar el umbral de tolerancia de la desigualdad de ingresos, se reduce la pobreza. Por ende, es imprescindible defender el derecho a vivir en una sociedad más igualitaria, puesto que la pobreza persiste, fundamentalmente, por la desigualdad.
Analisis Penyerapan Tenaga Kerja Pada Sektor Industri Pengolahan di Provinsi Jawa Timur
Authors: Maghfiroh Alfizah Annisaul , Subagiarta I Wayan , Hanim Anifatul
Published: April 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh Investasi, Ekspor dan Produk Domestik Regional Bruto terhadap penyerapan tenaga kerja pada industri pengolahan di Jawa Timur Tahun 2000-2017, serta melihat hubungan variabel bebas yaitu hubungan investasi terhadap Produk Domestik Regional Bruto dan hubungan ekspor terhadap Produk Domestik Regional Bruto. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah data sekunder berupa data time series tahun 2000-2017 dengan menggunakan metode analisis jalur (path analysis).
Pengaruh Profitabilitas, Komite Audit dan Kepemilikan Asing Terhadap Kebijakan Dividen (Studi pada Perusahaan Properti, Real Estate dan Konstruksi Bangunan yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Tahun 2014-2018)
Authors: Fitriyani Awiah
Published: April 2020

This study aims to determine the effect of profitability as measured by return on equity, audit committee and foreign ownership on dividend policy as measured by dividend payout ratio. So sample used in research this as many as 45 samples, consistingfom 9 companies registered in the property, real estate, construction and building companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Excange with period years 2014-2018. The results of this study indicate that partially Return on Equity significantly influences the Dividend Payout Ratio, the Audit Committee does not significantly influence the Dividend Payout Ratio and Foreign Ownership has a significant effect on the Dividend Payout Ratio. In addition, the results of the simultaneous study that Return on Equity, Audit Committee and Foreign Ownership of Dividend Payout Ratio have a significant effect on Dividend Payout Ratio.
La economía después del neoliberalismo
Authors: Naidu Suresh , Rodrik Dani , Zucman Gabriel
Published: April 2020

Ante las evidentes desigualdades económicas que existen en los Estados Unidos y el mundo, surge la necesidad de repensar la economía desde nuevas perspectivas. De esta manera, para las circunstancias actuales, el mercado ya no puede ser el eje central de la economía, ni el neoliberalismo, el fundamento único en el que se base. Los autores proponen abrir el estudio de la economía más allá de los economistas y de lo cuantitativo, destacan la democracia y la equidad con el fin de lograr una prosperidad inclusiva.
La variabilité des performances animales en élevage porcin : description et implications pratiques
Authors: QUINIOU N. , BROSSARD L. , VAN MILGEN J. , SALAÜN Y. , QUESNEL H. , GONDRET F. , DOURMAD J.Y.
Published: April 2020

La variabilité de la prolificité est maîtrisable par l'éleveur tant que le nombre de porcelets nés vivants n'excède pas le nombre de tétines fonctionnelles dans la maternité : des adoptions entre portées permettent alors d'ajuster le nombre de porcelets allaités aux capacités laitières des truies. Quand la prolificité est très élevée, la gestion des porcelets devient plus compliquée et la variabilité de leurs poids de naissance pénalise les chances de survie des individus les plus petits. S’ensuit aussi une variabilité accrue des performances de croissance. Des solutions à court terme peuvent être mises en oeuvre, en particulier l'adaptation selon le poids des animaux des soins pratiqués aux porcelets à la naissance, la constitution de lots de porcs sur la base du poids au sevrage et à l'entrée en engraissement, et l'adaptation des transitions alimentaires en fonction du poids moyen de chaque lot. Malgré ces pratiques, la variabilité des poids au sein d'une bande persiste jusqu’en fin d'engraissement, compliquant l'organisation des départs pour l'abattoir. Ceux-ci sont généralement gérés au mieux de l'intérêt économique de l'éleveur en relation avec la grille de paiement basée en partie sur le poids de carcasse. Sans attendre les progrès de la sélection génétique pour limiter la variabilité des performances des truies et des porcelets, la prise en compte précoce des besoins individuels des truies au sein d'une bande permettrait de gérer l'évolution de l'adiposité maternelle pendant la gestation et faciliter le déroulement des mises bas. La prise en compte de l'évolution des besoins nutritionnels au cours de la gestation par des plans d'alimentation adaptés améliore la vitalité des nouveau-nés, mais jusque-là ne joue pas sur la variabilité des poids intra-portée. Ces améliorations sont obtenues le plus souvent dans des troupeaux expérimentaux, et restent à généraliser dans les élevages de production.
L'organisation du travail en exploitation d'élevage : analyse de 630 Bilans Travail réalisés dans huit filières animales
Authors: COURNUT S. , CHAUVAT S.
Published: April 2020

S’intéresser au travail des éleveurs et à la vivabilité des exploitations devient primordial dans le contexte actuel d’interrogations fortes sur le renouvellement des éleveurs. Dans cette étude, nous qualifions l’organisation du travail de 630 exploitations réparties dans huit filières animales (bovin laitier et à viande, ovin laitier et à viande, caprin laitier et fromager, porc et volaille), spécialisées ou mixtes. Nous utilisons la méthode Bilan Travail qui quantifie par catégorie de main-d’oeuvre, les temps de travaux relatifs à la conduite des troupeaux et des surfaces et évalue une marge de manoeuvre en temps des exploitants. Chaque filière a ses spécificités renvoyant à des modèles techniques mais aussi socioculturels différents. Des proximités inattendues dans les leviers d’organisation mobilisés ont été mises en évidence entre filières herbivores et monogastriques. L’évaluation de la marge de manoeuvre en temps montre que pour 30% des exploitations enquêtées, la vivabilité est questionnée. La description de la diversité des logiques d’organisation montre qu’il y a plusieurs façons de se libérer de l’astreinte et de se ménager du temps libre. Les quatre logiques d’organisation identifiées, associées à des marges de manoeuvre en temps différentes, correspondent à des équilibres particuliers entre choix d'une production, la combinaison éventuelle avec d'autres ateliers, la dimension de l’exploitation et la configuration du collectif de travail. Mobilisés dans l’accompagnement des éleveurs pour résoudre leurs problèmes de travail, ces résultats donnent des clés pour mieux appréhender la situation de chaque exploitation, améliorer l’évaluation des marges de progrès et la pertinence des solutions envisagées.
Métabolisme ruminal et digestion des acides gras longs chez le ruminant : le point des connaissances récentes
Authors: DOREAU M. , FIEVEZ V. , TROEGELER-MEYNADIER A. , GLASSER F.
Published: April 2020

La maîtrise de la composition en Acides Gras (AG) des produits animaux est l'une des composantes de l'amélioration de leur qualité nutritionnelle, passant par exemple par une diminution des AG saturés réputés athérogènes et une augmentation des AG polyinsaturés de la série n-3 (oméga-3) dans les produits de ruminants. Chez les ruminants, les AG longs ingérés subissent des transformations structurales importantes dans le rumen, principalement des réactions de saturation, trans isomérisation et conjugaison des doubles liaisons. La composition des AG arrivant dans l'intestin grêle puis absorbés est donc complètement différente de celle des AG ingérés, avec de plus l'apparition de très nombreux isomères issus de l'action du microbiote ruminal sur les AG. Ces phénomènes sont très étudiés depuis longtemps, mais les récents progrès dans l'analyse des AG d'une part et dans l'étude du microbiote ruminal d'autre part ont permis d'affiner les connaissances depuis quelques années. Cet article présente l'état des connaissances sur les mécanismes ruminaux de lipolyse et de biohydrogénation des AG insaturés alimentaires dans le rumen (y compris des données récentes sur les AG à 20 et 22 carbones), l'ampleur de la biohydrogénation et l'effet des facteurs alimentaires, les flux et la composition des AG arrivant dans l'intestin, la protection des lipides contre la biohydrogénation et l'absorption intestinale des AG. Ces connaissances permettent de mieux comprendre et prévoir le devenir des AG ingérés et donc potentiellement de mieux maîtriser la composition en AG des produits de ruminants.
Analyse comparée des écosystèmes digestifs du rumen de la vache et du caecum du lapin
Authors: MICHELLAND R. , COMBES S. , MONTEILS V. , BAYOURTHE C. , CAUQUIL L. , ENJALBERT F. , JULIEN C. , KIMSÉ M. , TROEGELER-MEYNADIER A. , ZENED A. , GIDENNE T. , FORTUN-LAMOTHE L.
Published: April 2020

Dans cette revue nous avons synthétisé les données obtenues dans notre équipe et celles de la bibliographie afin de contribuer à une meilleure connaissance de l’écologie des communautés bactériennes et archées des fermenteurs digestifs des mammifères herbivores. L’analyse a porté sur la comparaison des deux principales stratégies digestives rencontrées chez les mammifères herbivores actuels : un fermenteur en position proximale, le rumen, et un fermenteur en position distale, le caecum. Parmi les espèces d’intérêt agronomique, la vache et le lapin on été choisis comme animaux modèles. Après avoir rappelé les caractéristiques anatomiques et physicochimiques de ces fermenteurs digestifs, nous avons analysé les spécificités de leurs communautés procaryotiques liées à l’hôte, la variabilité individuelle, la structuration spatiale (inter- et intra- fermenteurs digestifs) et la dynamique temporelle (journalière et hebdomadaire) avec ou sans perturbation nutritionnelle induite.
Conduite et gestion des transitions alimentaires chez les oies destinées à la production de foie gras
Authors: ARROYO J. , FORTUN-LAMOTHE L. , DUBOIS J.P. , LAVIGNE F. , AUVERGNE A.
Published: April 2020

Le mode de conduite alimentaire des oies destinées à la production de foie gras nécessite de nombreux changements de rythme d’ingestion et de nature d’aliments. L’objectif de cette synthèse est, après avoir présenté l’anatomie, les besoins nutritionnels, la croissance et la conduite alimentaire, d’identifier les causes et les solutions envisageables pour affronter ces périodes sensibles. En effet, afin de préparer les oies à recevoir une forte quantité d’aliments dans une période courte (gavage), les oies sont soumises tout au long de leur vie à des changements d’aliments et de rythmes d’accès aux mangeoires afin d’augmenter leur capacité d’ingestion. Lors de chacune de ces phases de transitions, on observe fréquemment des baisses de consommation, ce qui entraine une hétérogénéité entre les lots et une réduction des performances des animaux. La gestion de ces transitions vient se confronter aux capacités d’adaptation comportementale et digestive des animaux face à des modifications des caractéristiques sensorielles et physico-chimiques des aliments : couleur, texture, taille des particules, capacité de rétention hydrique, composition nutritionnelle dont la nature de l’amidon (ratio amylopectine/amylose). La gestion de ces transitions consiste à trouver un compromis entre les préférences alimentaires des animaux et leur préparation à la période de gavage pour la production de foie gras.
Práticas Educativas no Museu Histórico Nacional da Argentina: exposição de memórias e construção de históricas
Authors: Gil Carmem Zeli de Vargas
Published: April 2020

O texto tem como foco o trabalho educativo do Museu Histórico Nacional da Argentina (MHN), desenvolvido com escolas, durante o ano de 2015. Nesse sentido, procura-se refletir sobre as escolhas do museu para efetivar sua proposta educativa entre o desafio de expor memórias ou instigar a produção de histórias. Observações, entrevistas e aplicação de um questionário com professores que acompanhavam seus alunos ao MHN são os documentos examinados para as reflexões aqui propostas. Ao final, as considerações apresentadas procuram caracterizar como o debate sobre museus e escola tem se renovado a partir das últimas décadas com os pressupostos teóricos da museologia e da educação de cunho mais social. O artigo é fruto dos estudos de pós-doutoramento desenvolvidos na Facultad de Filosofia y Letras da Universidad de Buenos Aires, entre março e novembro de 2015.
How does ageism influence frailty? A preliminary study using a structural equation model
Authors: Ye Bo , Gao Junling , Fu Hua , Chen Hao , Dong Wenjing , Gu Ming
Published: April 2020

Objectives: Based on the Stereotype Embodiment Theory (SET), this study aims to examine the mechanism of ageism on frailty through the proposed framework of "Experiences of Ageism (EA) → Age Stereotypes (AS) → Attitudes to ageing (AA) → Frailty" using a structural equation model (SEM). Methods: A community-based study involving 630 participants aged 60 years and older was conducted in Shanghai. EA, AS, AA and frailty status were assessed by validated scales. In particular, EA included three parts in this study, as the first part was the experiences of explicit prejudice or discrimination because of age, another two parts were the experiences of witnessed and encountered implicit negative age-based stereotypes. A SEM was performed to examine whether the proposed paths from EA to frailty were supported. Results: EA had a significant indirect effect (β'=.344×-.365×-.333=.023, p<.001) on frailty through the path of "EA → AS → AA → Frailty" after controlling for covariates. AA had a direct effect (β=-.337, p<.001) on frailty; AS fully mediated the association between EA and AA (indirect effect=.344×-.365=-.126, p<.001), and AA fully mediated the association between AS and frailty (indirect effect=-.365×-.333=.122, p<.001). Conclusions: These findings demonstrated a mechanism from ageism to frailty, and highlighted the potential threat of negative AS on health. Ageism and frailty are both great challenges for the process of healthy ageing.
Effect of Two Major Health Reforms on Health Care Cost and Utilization in Fars Province of Iran: Family Physician Program and Health Transformation Plan
Authors: Bayati Mohsen , Keshavarz Khosro , Lotfi Farhad , KebriaeeZadeh Abbas , Barati Omid , Zareian Shahram , Amiri Akbar , Delavari Sajad
Published: April 2020

Background: Family physician program (FPP) and health transformation plan (HTP) are two major reforms that have been implemented in Iran's health system in recent. The present study was aimed at evaluating the impact of these two reforms on the level of service utilization and cost of health care services.
Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted on people insured by social security organization in Fars province during 2009-2016. The data on the utilization of services and costs of general practitioner visits, specialist visits, medications, imaging, laboratory tests, and hospitalization were collected. Interrupted time series analysis was used to analyze the effect of the two mentioned reforms.
Results: FPP resulted in a significant reduction in the number of specialist visits, imaging, and laboratory tests in the short term, and in the number of radiology services, laboratory tests, and hospitalization in the long term. In contrast, HTP significantly increased the utilization of radiology services and laboratory tests both in the short term and long term. Concerning the costs, FPP resulted in a reduction in costs in short and long term except general practitioners' and specialist visit, and medication in long term. However, HTP resulted in an increase in health care costs in both of the studied time periods.
Conclusions: FPP has been successful in rationalizing the utilization of services. On the other hand, HTP has improved people’s access to services by increasing the utilization; but it has increased health care costs. Therefore, policymakers must adopt an agenda to revise and re-design the plan.
Screening for triazole resistance in clinically significant Aspergillus species; report from Pakistan
Authors: Moin Safia , Farooqi Joveria , Jabeen Kauser , Laiq Sidra , Zafar Afia
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background:
Burden of aspergillosis is reported to be significant from developing countries including those in South Asia. The estimated burden in Pakistan is also high on the background of tuberculosis and chronic lung diseases. There is concern for management of aspergillosis with the emergence of azole resistant Aspergillus species in neighbouring countries in Central and South Asia.
Hence the aim of this study was to screen significant Aspergillus species isolates at the Microbiology Section of Aga Khan Clinical Laboratories, Pakistan, for triazole resistance.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at the Aga Khan University Laboratories, Karachi, from September 2016-May 2019. One hundred and fourteen, clinically significant Aspergillus isolates [ A. fumigatus (38; 33.3%), A. flavus (64; 56.1%), A. niger (9; 7.9%) A. terreus (3; 2.6%)] were included. The clinical spectrum ranged from invasive aspergillosis (IA) (n=25; 21.9%), chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) (n=58; 50.9%), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) (n=4; 3.5%), severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) (n=4; 3.5%), saprophytic tracheobronchial aspergillosis (n=23; 20.2%). Screening for triazole resistance was performed by antifungal agar screening method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole against 41 isolates, a subset of the collection, were tested and interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute broth microdilution method.
Results:
All the isolates were triazole-susceptible on agar screening. MICs of all three azole antifungals for 41 tested isolates were found to be ≤1 ml/L; all isolates tested were categorized as triazole-susceptible, including 4 isolates from patients previously on triazole therapy for more than two weeks.
Conclusion:
Triazole resistance could not be detected amongst clinical Aspergillus isolates from Karachi. However, environmental strains remain to be tested for a holistic assessment of the situation. This study will set precedence for future periodic antifungal resistance surveillance in our region on Aspergillus isolates.
Keywords: Aspergillosis, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole.
Clinical audit in the Pediatric primary care office and overweight prevention in toddlers.
Authors: Limauro Raffaele , Gallo Patrizia , Cioffi Luigi , Antignani Angelo , Cioffi Valentina , Calella Patrizia , Valerio Giuliana
Published: April 2020

Background: Clinical audit is a process by which physicians or other health care professionals perform a regular and systematic review of their clinical practice and amend it, when necessary. An internal audit allows to review the activities carried out by professionals, in order to assess the appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency and safety of the services provided. Aim of this study was to apply the process of clinical audit to the obesity/overweight care in toddlers. After the correction of the nutritional errors that were considered potentially responsible for the excess weight gain, the effect of the changes of dietary advice s on the frequency of overweight/obesity was assessed in a cohort of children aged 24-36 months. Methods: Three Italian primary care pediatricians set up the audit strategy by recognizing the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the entire cohort of toddlers born in 2005, 2006 and 2007 (Pre-Audit group, age 24-36 months old) under their care. By reviewing their clinical practice, they changed the protocol of weaning and feeding up to 36 months, mainly reducing protein and sugar excess. The change involved the cohorts of toddlers born in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 (Post-Audit group). Results: Change in the approach of pediatricians to children’s diet yielded a reduction of the frequency of overweight/obesity in children between 24 and 36 months of life from 26.3% in the Pre-Audit group to 13.9% in the Post-Audit group (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Clinical audit revealed high rates of obesity/overweight among toddlers. The practice developed a new strategy for nutritional counseling, which was effective in reducing the frequency of overweight/obesity in young children. Keywords: Children; Clinical audit; Feeding; Overweight, Weaning.
Circulating betatrophin/ANGPTL8 levels correlate with body fat distribution in individuals with normal glucose tolerance but not those with glucose disorders
Authors: Zheng Jing , Liu Juan , Hong Beverly S , New Weijian Ke , New Minmin Huang , Li Yanbing
Published: April 2020

Background: The relationship between betatrophin/ANGPTL8 and obesity has been investigated using body mass index (BMI); however, since BMI reflects overall adiposity rather than body fat distribution, it remains unclear whether fat deposition in different areas of the body affects betatrophin expression. Here, we investigated the correlation between circulating betatrophin levels and body fat distribution in patients with different glucose tolerance. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in 128 participants with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; n = 64) or normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n = 64). Circulating betatrophin levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Body fat distribution (subcutaneous, visceral, and limb fat) was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a body fat meter. Results: After controlling for age, sex, and BMI, betatrophin was correlated positively with visceral adipose tissue-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio ( VAT/SAT ratio; r = 0.339, p = 0.009) and negatively with body fat ratio (BFR; r = -0.275, p = 0.035), left lower limb fat ratio (LLR; r = -0.330, p = 0.011), and right lower limb fat ratio (RLR; r = -0.288, p = 0.027) in the NGT group, with these correlations remaining after controlling for triglycerides. VAT/SAT ratio (standardized β = 0.419, p = 0.001) was independently associated with serum betatrophin levels; however, betatrophin was not associated with body fat distribution variables in the IGT group. Conclusions: Circulating betatrophin levels correlated positively with VAT/SAT ratio and negatively with lower limb fat, but not subcutaneous or upper limb fat, in individuals with normal glucose tolerance. Thus, betatrophin may be a poten­tial biomarker for body fat distribution in individuals without glucose disorders.
LncGBP9/miR-34a axis drives macrophages toward a phenotype conducive for spinal cord injury repair via STAT1/STAT6 and SOCS3
Authors: Zhou Jiahui , Li Zhiyue , Wu Tianding , Zhao Qun , Zhao Qiancheng , Cao Yong
Published: April 2020

Background: Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) could cause mainly two types of pathological sequelae, the primary mechanical injury, and the secondary injury. The macrophage in SCI are skewed toward the M1 phenotype that might cause the failure to post-SCI repair.
Methods: SCI model was established in Balb/c mice, and the changes in macrophage phenotypes after SCI were monitored. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to select factors that might regulate macrophage polarization after SCI. Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages ( BMDMs ) were isolated, identified, and induced for M1 or M2 polarization; the effects of lncRNA guanylate binding protein-9 (lnc GBP9 ) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS 3) on macrophages polarization were examined in vitro and in vivo . The predicted miR-34a binding to lncGBP9 and SOCS3 was validated; the dynamic effects of lncGBP9 and miR-34a on SOCS3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT 1) /STAT6 signaling, and macrophage polarization were examined. Finally, we investigated whether STAT6 could bind the miR-34a promoter to activate its transcription.
Results: In SCI Balb/c mice, macrophage skewing toward M1 phenotypes was observed after SCI. In M1 macrophages, lncGBP9 silencing significantly decreased p-STAT1 and SOCS3 expression and protein levels, as well as the production of Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-12; in M2 macrophages, lncGBP9 overexpression increased SOCS3 mRNA expression and protein levels while suppressed p-STAT6 levels and the production of IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1 ) , indicating that lncGBP9 overexpression promotes the M1 polarization of macrophages. In lncGBP9-silenced SCI mice, the M2 polarization was promoted on day 28 after the operation, further indicating that lncGBP9 silencing revised the predominance of M1 phenotype at the late stage of secondary injury after SCI, therefore improving the repair after SCI. IncGBP9 competed with SOCS3 for miR-34a binding to counteract miR-34a-mediated suppression on SOCS3 and then modulated STAT1/STAT6 signaling and the polarization of macrophages. STAT6 bound the promoter of miR-34a to activate its transcription.
Conclusions: In macrophages, lncGBP9 sponges miR-34a to rescue SOCS3 expression, therefore modulating macrophage polarization through STAT1/STAT6 signaling. STAT6 bound the promoter of miR-34a to activate its transcription, thus forming two different regulatory loops to modulate the phenotype of macrophages after SCI.
Comparison of Clinical Results of Anteromedial and Transtibial Femoral Tunnel Drilling in ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Metso Leena , Nyrhinen Kirsi-Maaria , Bister Ville , Sandelin Jerker , Harilainen Arsi
Published: April 2020

Background: This study compares long term results of femoral tunnel drilling between anteromedial (AM) and transtibial (TT) techniques in reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Methods: 300 patients with ACL reconstructions were chosen to this study from previously collected data of ACL reconstructions.They were divided into two groups: 150 patients with AM and 150 with TT drilling. In the AM group the reconstructions were performed using semitendinosus graft with Tape Locking Screw (TLS™) technique (n=87) or Retrobutton™ femoral and BioScrew™ tibial fixation with a semitendinosus-gracilis graft (n=63). In the TT group the fixation method used was Rigidfix™ femoral and Intrafix tibial fixation with a semitendinosus-gracilis graft. The evaluation methods were clinical examination, knee scores (Lysholm, Tegner, IKDC) and instrumented laxity measurements (KT-2000™). Our aim was to evaluate if there is a better rotational stability and therefore better clinical resultswhen using AM drilling compared to TT drilling.
Results: Revision procedures were excluded from the study. There were 132 patients in the AM group and 133 in the TT group for evaluation. In the two year follow-up there were 60 patients in the AM group (45,5 %) and 58 in the TT group (43,6 %). There were no statistically significant differences found between the groups.
Conclusion: Both drilling techniques resulted in improved patient performance and patient satisfaction. We found no data supporting the hypothesis that AM drilling technique provides better rotational stability to the knee.

Trial registration: ISRCTN registry with study ID ISRCTN16407730.

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; clinicaloutcome; anteromedial; transtibial
Low doses of Bisphenol S affect post-translational modifications of sperm proteins in male mice
Authors: Řimnáčová Hedvika , Štiavnická Miriam , Moravec Jiří , Chemek Marouane , Kolinko Yaroslav , García-Álvarez Olga , Mouton Peter R. , Trejo Azalia Mariel Carranza , Fenclová Tereza , Eretová Nikola , Hošek Petr , Klein Pavel , Králíčková Milena , Petr Jaroslav , Nevoral Jan
Published: April 2020

Background Bisphenol S (BPS) is increasingly used as a replacement for bisphenol A in the manufacture of products containing polycarbonates and epoxy resins. However, further studies of BPS exposure are needed for the assessment of health risks to humans. In this study we assessed the potential harmfulness of low-dose BPS on reproduction in male mice. Methods To simulate human exposure under experimental conditions, 8-week-old outbred ICR male mice received 8 weeks of drinking water containing a broad range of BPS doses [0.001, 1.0, or 100 µg/kg body weight (bw)/day, BPS1-3] or vehicle control. Mice were sacrificed and testicular tissue taken for histological analysis and protein identification by nano-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (MS) and sperm collected for immunodetection of acetylated lysine and phosphorylated tyrosine followed by protein characterisation using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight MS (MALDI-TOF MS). Results The results indicate that compared to vehicle, 100 µg/kg/day exposure (BPS3) leads to 1) significant histopathology in testicular tissue; and, 2) higher levels of the histone protein γH2AX, a reliable marker of DNA damage. There were fewer mature spermatozoa in the germ layer in the experimental group treated with 1 µg/kg bw (BPS2). Finally, Western blot and MALDI-TOF MS studies showed significant alterations in the sperm acetylome and phosphorylome in mice treated with the lowest (BPS1) exposure (0.001 µg/kg/day). Conclusions In summary, this range of qualitative and quantitative findings in young male mice raise the possibility that relatively low doses of BPS may impair mammalian reproduction through epigenetic modifications of sperm proteins.
Identification of Severities of Spinal Cord Injury during Acute Phase in Rats by Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Authors: Chen Beike , Tan Qiang , Zhao Weikang , Yang Qiming , Zhang Hongyan , Gao Fabao , Liu Xin , Feng Hua , Jiang Dianming
Published: April 2020

Background: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was an effective method to identify subtle changes to normal‐appearing white matter (WM). Here we analyzed the DTI data with other examinations, including motor evoked potentials (MEPs), histopathological images, and behavioral results, to reflect the lesion development in different degrees of spinal cord injury (SCI) in acute and subacute stage. Method: Except for 2 Sprague -Dawley rats died from anesthesia accident, the rest 42 female rats were randomized into 3 groups: control (n=6), moderate group (n=18), and severe group (n=18). Moderate (a 50-g aneurysm clip with 0.4-mm thickness spacer) or severe (a 50-g aneurysm clip with no spacer) contusion SCI at T8 vertebrae were induced. Then the electrophysiological assessments via MEPs, behavioral deterioration via the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnaha (BBB) scores, DTI data, and histopathology examination were analyzed. Results: In this study, we found that the damage of WM myelin, MEPs amplitude, BBB scores and the decreases in values of fractional anisotropy (FA) and axial diffusivity (AD) were more obvious in the severe injury group than that of the moderate group. Additionally, the FA and AD values could identify the extent of SCI in subacute and early acute SCI respectively, reﬂected in the robust correlations with MEPs and BBB scores. While the values of radial diffusivity (RD) showed no significant changes. Conclusions: Our data confirmed that DTI was a valuable in ex vivo imaging tool to identify damaged white matter tracts after graded SCI in rat, which may provide useful information for the early identification of the severity of SCI.
Development and Implementation of a Telenephrology Dashboard for Active Surveillance of Kidney Disease: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Swee Melissa L , Sanders M. Lee , Phisitkul Kantima , Bailey George , Thumann Angie , Neuzil Nikki , Kumar Bharat , O'Shea Amy MJ , Dixon Bradley S
Published: April 2020

Background : Kidney disease accounts for more than 50 billion dollars in healthcare expenditures annually. Early detection and intervention may reduce the burden of disease. We describe a quality improvement project to develop a telenephrology dashboard that proactively monitors kidney disease.
Methods : 184,000 Veterans within the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System were eligible for telenephrology consultation. The dashboard accessed the charts of 53,085 Veterans at risk for kidney disease. We utilized Lean-Six Sigma tools and principles and the Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control Framework to develop and deploy a telenephrology dashboard in 4 community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs). The primary measure was the number of days to complete consultation. Secondary measures included number of electronic consultations per month, distance and cost of Veteran travel saved, and number of steps for completion of consult.
Results : The data of 1,384 Veterans at the 4 CBOCs were analyzed by the telenephrology dashboard, of which 459 generated telenephrology consults. The number of days to complete any type of consultation was unchanged (48.9 days in 2019, compared to 41.6 days in 2017). The average Veteran saved between $21.60 to $63.90 per trip to Iowa City. Between March 2019 and August 2019, there were 27.3 telenephrology consults per month. The number of steps needed to complete the consult request was decreased from 13 to 9.
Conclusions : Utilization of the telenephrology dashboard system contributed to an increase in consultations completed through electronic means without decreasing face-to-face consults. Electronic consults now outnumber traditional face-to-face consultations at our institution. Telenephrology consultation improved early detection and identification of kidney disease and saved time and costs for Veterans in travel, but did not decrease the average number of days to complete consultation requests.
The Correlation of Online Health Information Seeking Experience with the Health Related Quality of Life: A Cross-sectional Study among Iranian Female Students
Authors: Kavosi Zahra , Vahedian Sara , tafti Arefeh Dehghani , Bahrami Mohammad Amin
Published: April 2020

Background: Given the increasing availability of internet, it has become a common source of health information for all population including students. However, the actual effect of this increased access to information on the health status and its different aspects needs to be studied more. This study aimed to investigate the correlations between online health information seeking behavior and health related quality of life in a sample of high school students of Iran. Methods: A survey was conducted among secondary school girl students of Yazd province, Iran in 2019. A total of 295 students participated in the study. The required data were gathered using two valid questionnaires including eHIQ (Kelly et al., 2015) to measure the online health information seeking experience and validated Persian version of SF-36 to measure the health related quality of life. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS version 23. Results: The mean score of eHIQ was 2.71±0.71. Mean scores for physical component summary and mental component summary of SF-36 were 72.90±16.20 and 63.19±22.26, respectively. eHIQ score showed no statistical correlations with physical component summary (P=.46) and mental component summary (P=.53). Conclusion: The findings suggest that seeking online health information does not improve the health related quality of life. The possible causes are discussed but this finding should be studied more.
The disparity of maternal childcare pressure and quality of life between children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and developmental delay in the Chinese culture context: Taiwan Birth Cohort pilot Study
Authors: Lung For-Wey , Shu Bih-Ching , Chiang Tung-Liang , Lin Shio-Jean
Published: April 2020

Background: Many studies have shown that parents express higher stress when taking care of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, cultural context should be taken into consideration when investigating children's diagnosis and parental quality of life (QOL). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the pathway relationship among parental QOL, child development, ASD and developmental delay (DD) risk at 3 years of age, and ASD or DD diagnosis 2.5 years later.Methods: A birth cohort study database collected at age 3 and 5.5 years was used (N=1618). The Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers, Taiwan Birth Cohort Study Developmental Instrument, and the Short Form-36 was used to assess ASD risk, developmental condition (DD risk), and parental QOL, respectively.Results: By structural equation modeling, an indirect influence was found between children's diagnosis and maternal health QOL. Mothers of children diagnosed with ASD perceived more family support, and those who perceived more family support had better health QOL. Conversely, mothers of children diagnosed with DD perceived higher childcare pressure, and mothers who perceived higher childcare pressure had worse health QOL.Conclusions: The differences in mother's experience when their children are diagnosed with DD and ASD can only be found in pathway analysis, showing the importance of structural equation models. Healthcare personnel should take into consideration the cultural context of the families we encounter, and the vital role family support plays should be taken into consideration when interacting with families from collectivism cultures.