bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ERS statement on chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Delcroix Marion , Torbicki Adam , Gopalan Deepa , Sitbon Olivier , Klok Frederikus A. , Lang Irene , Jenkins David , Kim Nick H. , Humbert Marc , Jais Xavier , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , Pepke-Zaba Joanna , Brénot Philippe , Dorfmuller Peter , Fadel Elie , Ghofrani Hossein-Ardeschir , Hoeper Marius M. , Jansa Pavel , Madani Michael , Matsubara Hiromi , Ogo Takeshi , Grünig Ekkehard , D'Armini Andrea , Galie Nazzareno , Meyer Bernhard , Corkery Patrick , Meszaros Gergely , Mayer Eckhard , Simonneau Gérald
Published: December 2020

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare complication of acute pulmonary embolism, either symptomatic or not. The occlusion of proximal pulmonary arteries by fibrotic intravascular material, in combination with a secondary microvasculopathy of vessels <500 µm, leads to increased pulmonary vascular resistance and progressive right heart failure. The mechanism responsible for the transformation of red clots into fibrotic material remnants has not yet been elucidated. In patients with pulmonary hypertension, the diagnosis is suspected when a ventilation/perfusion lung scan shows mismatched perfusion defects, and confirmed by right heart catheterisation and vascular imaging. Today, in addition to lifelong anticoagulation, treatment modalities include surgery, angioplasty and medical treatment according to the localisation and characteristics of the lesions.

This statement outlines a review of the literature and current practice concerning diagnosis and management of CTEPH. It covers the definitions, diagnosis, epidemiology, follow-up after acute pulmonary embolism, pathophysiology, treatment by pulmonary endarterectomy, balloon pulmonary angioplasty, drugs and their combination, rehabilitation and new lines of research in CTEPH.

It represents the first collaboration of the European Respiratory Society, the International CTEPH Association and the European Reference Network-Lung in the pulmonary hypertension domain. The statement summarises current knowledge, but does not make formal recommendations for clinical practice.
A randomised controlled trial of the effect of a connected inhaler system on medication adherence in uncontrolled asthmatic patients
Authors: Moore Alison , Preece Andrew , Sharma Raj , Heaney Liam G. , Costello Richard W. , Wise Robert A. , Ludwig-Sengpiel Andrea , Mosnaim Giselle , Rees Jamie , Tomlinson Ryan , Tal-Singer Ruth , Stempel David A. , Barnes Neil
Published: December 2020

Suboptimal adherence to maintenance therapy contributes to poor asthma control and exacerbations. This study evaluated the effect of different elements of a connected inhaler system (CIS), comprising clip-on inhaler sensors, a patient-facing app and a healthcare professional (HCP) dashboard, on adherence to asthma maintenance therapy.

This was an open-label, parallel-group, 6-month, randomised controlled trial in adults with uncontrolled asthma (asthma control test (ACT) score less than 20) on fixed-dose inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting β-agonist maintenance therapy (n=437). All subjects received fluticasone furoate/vilanterol ELLIPTA dry-powder inhalers for maintenance and salbutamol/albuterol metered-dose inhalers for rescue, with a sensor attached to each inhaler. Participants were randomised to one of five CIS study arms (allocation ratio 1:1:1:1:1) reflecting the recipient of the data feedback from the sensors, as follows: 1) maintenance use to participants and HCPs (n=87); 2) maintenance use to participants (n=88); 3) maintenance and rescue use to participants and HCPs (n=88); 4) maintenance and rescue use to participants (n=88); and 5) no feedback (control) (n=86).

For the primary endpoint, observed mean±sdadherence to maintenance therapy over months 4–6 was 82.2±16.58% (n=83) in the “maintenance to participants and HCPs” arm and 70.8±27.30% (n=85) in the control arm. The adjusted least squares mean±sewas 80.9±3.19% and 69.0±3.19%, respectively (study arm difference: 12.0%, 95% CI 5.2–18.8%; p<0.001). Adherence was also significantly greater in the other CIS armsversusthe control arm. The mean percentage of rescue medication free days (months 4–6) was significantly greater in participants receiving data on their rescue use compared with controls. ACT scores improved in all study arms with no significant differences between groups.

A CIS can improve adherence to maintenance medication and reduce rescue medication use in patients with uncontrolled asthma.
The effect of low-dose corticosteroids and theophylline on the risk of acute exacerbations of COPD: the TASCS randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jenkins Christine R. , Wen Fu-Qiang , Martin Allison , Barnes Peter J. , Celli Bartolome , Zhong Nan-Shan , Zheng Jin-Ping , Scaria Anish , Di Tanna Gian-Luca , Bradbury Thomas , Berend Norbert
Published: December 2020

Background

The highest burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) occurs in low- and middle-income countries. Low-cost oral medications, if effective, could enable affordable, accessible COPD treatment.

Methods

In this randomised, three-arm, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled study conducted in 37 centres in China, symptomatic patients with moderate to very severe COPD were randomised 1:1:1 to placebo twice daily plus placebo once daily, low-dose theophylline 100 mg twice daily plus placebo once daily or low-dose theophylline 100 mg twice daily plus low-dose oral prednisone 5 mg once daily for 48 weeks. The primary end-point was annualised exacerbation rate.

Results

1670 subjects were randomised and 1242 completed the study (1142 with acceptable data at week 48). Subjects (75.7% male) had a mean age of 64.4 years, with mean±sdbaseline post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 1.1±0.4 L (42.2% predicted) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score 45.8±20.1. There were negligible differences between annualised exacerbation rates across the three treatments: 0.89 (95% CI 0.78–1.02) on theophylline plus prednisone, 0.86 (95% CI 0.75–0.99) on theophylline plus placebo and 1.00 (95% CI 0.87–1.14) on placebo. The rate ratio for theophylline plus prednisoneversuspooled theophylline plus placebo and placebo was 0.96 (95% CI 0.83–1.12), for theophylline plus placeboversusplacebo was 0.87 (95% CI 0.73–1.03; p=0.101) and for theophylline plus prednisoneversusplacebo was 0.90 (95% CI 0.76–1.06; p=0.201). Secondary outcomes of hospitalisations, FEV1, SGRQ and COPD Assessment Test score showed no statistically significant difference between treatment arms. Serious adverse events other than exacerbations were <2% and did not differ between treatment arms.

Conclusions

Low-dose theophylline alone or in combination with prednisone did not reduce exacerbation rates or clinically important secondary end-points compared with placebo.
Ambulatory management of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Walker Steven P. , Keenan Emma , Bintcliffe Oliver , Stanton Andrew E. , Roberts Mark , Pepperell Justin , Fairbairn Ian , McKeown Edward , Goldring James , Maddekar Nadeem , Walters James , West Alex , Bhatta Amrithraj , Knight Matthew , Mercer Rachel , Hallifax Rob , White Paul , Miller Robert F. , Rahman Najib M. , Maskell Nick A.
Published: December 2020

Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) is traditionally managed with an intercostal chest tube attached to an underwater seal. We investigated whether use of a one-way flutter valve shortened patients’ length of stay (LoS).

This open-label randomised controlled trial enrolled patients presenting with SSP and randomised to either a chest tube and underwater seal (standard care: SC) or ambulatory care (AC) with a flutter valve. The type of flutter valve used depended on whether at randomisation the patient already had a chest tube in place: in those without a chest tube a pleural vent (PV) was used; in those with a chest tubein situ, an Atrium Pneumostat (AP) valve was attached. The primary end-point was LoS.

Between March 2017 and March 2020, 41 patients underwent randomisation: 20 to SC and 21 to AC (13=PV, 8=AP). There was no difference in LoS in the first 30 days following treatment intervention: AC (median=6 days, IQR 14.5) and SC (median=6 days, IQR 13.3). In patients treated with PV there was a high rate of early treatment failure (6/13; 46%), compared to patients receiving SC (3/20; 15%) (p=0.11) Patients treated with AP had no (0/8 0%) early treatment failures and a median LoS of 1.5 days (IQR 23.8).

There was no difference in LoS between ambulatory and standard care. Pleural Vents had high rates of treatment failure and should not be used in SSP. Atrium Pneumostats are a safer alternative, with a trend towards lower LoS.
Full-length and C-terminal neurogranin in Alzheimer’s disease cerebrospinal fluid analyzed by novel ultrasensitive immunoassays
Authors: Öhrfelt Annika , Dumurgier Julien , Zetterberg Henrik , Vrillon Agathe , Ashton Nicholas J. , Kvartsberg Hlin , Bouaziz-Amar Elodie , Hugon Jacques , Paquet Claire , Blennow Kaj
Published: December 2020

Background

Neurogranin (Ng) is a neuron-specific and postsynaptic protein that is abundantly expressed in the brain, particularly in the dendritic spine of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. The enzymatic cleavage of Ng produces fragments that are released into cerebrospinal (CSF), which have been shown to be elevated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and predict cognitive decline. Thus, quantification of distinctive cleavage products of Ng could elucidate different features of the disease.

Methods

In this study, we developed novel ultrasensitive single molecule array (Simoa) assays for measurement of full-length neurogranin (FL-Ng) and C-terminal neurogranin (CT-Ng) fragments in CSF. The Ng Simoa assays were evaluated in CSF samples from AD patients (N = 23), mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI-AD) (N = 18), and from neurological controls (N = 26).

Results

The intra-assay repeatability and inter-assay precision of the novel methods had coefficients of variation below 7% and 14%, respectively. CSF FL-Ng and CSF CT-Ng median concentrations were increased in AD patients (6.02 ng/L,P < 0.00001 and 452 ng/L,P = 0.00001, respectively) and in patients with MCI-AD (5.69 ng/L,P < 0.00001 and 566 ng/L,P < 0.00001) compared to neurological controls (0.644 ng/L and 145 ng/L). The median CSF ratio of CT-Ng/FL-Ng were decreased in AD patients (ratio = 101,P = 0.008) and in patients with MCI-AD (ratio = 115,P = 0.016) compared to neurological controls (ratio = 180). CSF of FL-Ng, CT-Ng, and ratio of CT-Ng/FL-Ng could each significantly differentiate AD patients from controls (FL-Ng, AUC = 0.907; CT-Ng, AUC = 0.913; CT-Ng/FL-Ng, AUC = 0.775) and patients with MCI-AD from controls (FL-Ng, AUC = 0.937; CT-Ng, AUC = 0.963; CT-Ng/FL-Ng, AUC = 0.785).

Conclusions

Assessments of the FL-Ng and CT-Ng levels in CSF with the novel sensitive immunoassays provide a high separation of AD from controls, even in early phase of the disease. The novel Ng assays are robust and highly sensitive and may be valuable tools to study synaptic alteration in AD, as well as to monitor the effect on synaptic integrity of novel drug candidates in clinical trials.
Pattern of kidney diseases in Northern India: an overview through histopathological findings in biopsy-proven cases
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Kumari Anita , Agrawal Satish C.
Published: December 2020

Background

A kidney biopsy is being increasingly performed for the diagnosis of renal diseases. It is a reasonably safe procedure that helps not only to reach the correct diagnosis based on histopathological findings but also helps in predicting the clinical course and outcome. The pattern of kidney diseases varies not only in far apart geographical regions but also in the same country. This study was done to evaluate the demographic pattern and spectrum of kidney diseases in renal biopsy-proven cases in an admitted patient of a tertiary care hospital of northern India.

Results

The mean age of patients was 41.3 years ± 18.39 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.7:1. The most common indication for biopsy in this study was nephrotic syndrome (40.5%). The primary glomerular disease was most common, accounting for 57.5% of cases. Membranous nephropathy (MN) was the most frequently observed histopathological diagnosis not only in the primary glomerular disease category (22.9%) but of all cases (13.2%) as well. Among secondary cases, diabetic nephropathy was most frequent, constituting 43.4% cases. Interstitial and vascular diseases accounted for 18.8% and 1.8% of total cases, respectively. While minimal change disease (MCD) was the most common diagnosis in < 18-year age group, membranous nephropathy was most common above this age. Regarding the gender factor, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis had an equal distribution among both genders, while MCD had a female preponderance.

Conclusions

Primary glomerular disease is the predominant kidney disease in northern India with MN being the most common histopathological diagnosis. The spectrum of kidney diseases varied with patient’s age and gender.
MicroRNA-9-5p inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts through targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β
Authors: Chai Chi-Yung , Tai I.-Chun , Zhou Rui , Song Junlong , Zhang Chaoying , Sun Shengrong
Published: December 2020

Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a dermal fibro-proliferative disorder result from abnormal wound healing after skin injury. MicroRNA-9-5p (miR-9-5p) has been reported to be upregulated and closely related to collagen proteins in human dermal fibroblasts. However, the correlation and possible mechanism between miR-9-5p and HS require further investigation. The expressions of miR-9-5p in HS tissues and HS fibroblasts were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β (PPARβ) was measured by RT-qPCR assay. The protein levels of PPARβ, α-SMA, Vimentin, COL1A, cyclin D1, bcl-2, and bax were detected by western blot assay. The effect of miR-9-5p and PPARβ on HS fibroblasts proliferation and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assays. The interaction between miR-9-5p and PPARβ was predicted by TargetScan, and then confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. MiR-9-5p expression was downregulated in HS tissues and HS fibroblasts. MiR-9-5p inhibited the levels of extracellular matrix-associated genes (α-SMA, Vimentin, COL1A) in HS fibroblasts. MiR-9-5p repressed proliferation and induced apoptosis of HS fibroblasts. PPARβ is a target gene of miR-9-5p. The silencing of PPARβ expression hindered proliferation and expedited apoptosis of HS fibroblasts. MiR-9-5p suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HS fibroblasts by targeting PPARβ. In this paper, we firstly disclosed that miR-9-5p hampered extracellular matrix deposition and proliferation, and induced apoptosis by targeting PPARβ in HS fibroblasts. Our findings provided a new role of miR-9-5p/PPARβ in the occurrence and development of HS fibroblasts, promising a new target for HS.
Αναθεωρώντας τη διαφοροποιημένη διδασκαλία στο νηπιαγωγείο
Authors: Μαβίδου Αναστασία
Published: December 2020

Η θεμελιώδης αποδοχή ότι κάθε παιδί είναι μοναδικό σημαίνει την ύπαρξη ποικίλων διαφορών σε γνωστικό και κοινωνικό επίπεδο μεταξύ των παιδιών. Δεδομένου ότι αυτά τα χαρακτηριστικά επηρεάζουν τη μάθηση, οι εκπαιδευτικοί καλούνται να ανταποκριθούν αποτελεσματικά στην αξιοποίηση αυτής της ετερογένειας. Η Διαφοροποιημένη Διδασκαλία (ΔΔ) θεωρείται μία καινοτόμα διδακτική προσέγγιση, η οποία στοχεύει στη μεγιστοποίηση της μάθησης για το κάθε παιδί, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τις ανάγκες του κάθε παιδιού στην οικοδόμηση της διδασκαλίας. Παρόλο, που υπάρχουν αρκετές έρευνες που να συνηγορούν στη θετική επίδραση της ΔΔ στα παιδιά, υπάρχει σημαντικό έλλειμα στην εφαρμογή της στο πεδίο της προσχολικής εκπαίδευσης, όπου προωθείται η Διαθεματική προσέγγιση της γνώσης. Για το λόγο αυτό, η παρούσα δημοσίευση συζητά τα αδύναμα σημεία της ΔΔ, στα οποία έχει ασκηθεί έντονη κριτική (π.χ. μαθησιακό προφίλ/μαθησιακό στυλ,  ερμηνεία των ενδιαφερόντων), η οποία αναπόφευκτα οδηγεί στην αναθεώρηση και τον εκσυγχρονισμό του πλαισίου της ΔΔ, προκειμένου να αυξηθεί η εφαρμοσιμότητά της στην προσχολική εκπαίδευση. Οι προτάσεις του αναθεωρημένου πλαισίου αφορούν την ένταξη της διαθεματικότητας, την έμφαση στην αυθεντική αξιολόγηση, την τοποθέτηση του μαθησιακού στυλ σε δευτερεύοντα ρόλο, την ερμηνεία των ενδιαφερόντων σύμφωνα με σύγχρονα ερευνητικά πορίσματα. Επίσης, συζητώνται οι εκπαιδευτικές προεκτάσεις, αλλά και η ανάγκη για περαιτέρω έρευνα και εφαρμογή, ώστε να αποδειχθεί η αποτελεσματικότητά του στην προσχολική τάξη.
Διαφοροποιημένη διδασκαλία στο νηπιαγωγείο: Αναδεικνύοντας τη σημασία της προαξιολόγησης και τη σύνδεσή της με διαδικασίες ανίχνευσης των ιδεών των παιδιών
Authors: Καμπεζά Μαρία
Published: December 2020

Η Διαφοροποιημένη Διδασκαλία (ΔΔ) είναι μια προσέγγιση η οποία αναγνωρίζει, σέβεται και αξιοποιεί διδακτικά την ποικιλομορφία που παρουσιάζει κάθε σχολική τάξη. Δίνει έμφαση όχι μόνο στις γνώσεις και τα ενδιαφέροντα των παιδιών αλλά και στους διαφορετικούς τρόπους, με τους οποίους επικοινωνούν και μαθαίνουν τα παιδιά. Σε αυτή την προοπτική η ΔΔ μπορεί και πρέπει να διεκδικήσει μια θέση στην εκπαιδευτική πρακτική στο νηπιαγωγείο. Στις διαστάσεις της αξιολόγησης που συνδέονται με τη ΔΔ σημαντική θέση έχει η προαξιολόγηση (preassessment) η οποία πραγματοποιείται πριν από την έναρξη της διδασκαλίας. Ανάμεσα στα στοιχεία που συλλέγει ο εκπαιδευτικός κατά τη διαδικασία της προαξιολόγησης είναι η σχέση που έχουν τα παιδιά με το διδακτικό περιεχόμενο που πρόκειται να διδαχθεί. Μια παρόμοια στρατηγική με στενότερη επικέντρωση κυρίως στη μαθησιακή ετοιμότητα των μαθητών ακολουθείται εδώ και πολλές δεκαετίες στο πλαίσιο της διδακτικής των επιστημών στην προσχολική εκπαίδευση. Στην παρούσα μελέτη επιχειρείται μια σύνδεση ανάμεσα στην προαξιολόγηση και την ανίχνευση των ιδεών των παιδιών μέσα από την αξιοποίηση κριτηρίων από τη ΔΔ σε διαδικασίες ανίχνευσης. Μέσα από την παρουσίαση ενδεικτικών παραδειγμάτων φαίνεται ότι μια τέτοια προοπτική μπορεί να διευρύνει την πρόσβαση στην παιδική σκέψη και να διευκολύνει τον εκπαιδευτικό να κάνει επιλογές οι οποίες θα ανταποκρίνονται περισσότερο στα χαρακτηριστικά και τις ανάγκες των παιδιών.
The impact of liver disease on mortality in cystic fibrosis - a systematic review protocol
Authors: Sasame Ao , Connolly Lucy , Fitzpatrick Emer , Stokes Diarmuid , Bourke Billy , Rowland Marion
Published: December 2020

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multiorgan disease affecting the lungs pancreas and gastrointestinal tract. Pulmonary complications are the most common manifestation of the disease. Recent advances in the treatment of pulmonary complications have resulted in substantial improvement in life expectancy. Less than 10% of persons with CF (PWCF) develop liver disease (CFLD). There is conflicting evidence about impact of liver disease on mortality in CF, with evidence suggesting that CFLD contributes to increased mortality in CF, while other studies suggest that the impact on mortality is limited. Understanding the contribution of liver disease to mortality in CF is essential if further improvements in life expectancy are to be achieved.

Objective: To document the impact of liver disease on life expectancy for PWCF.

Methods: This systematic review will be conducted in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P 2015). PubMed, Medline and Embase will be searched for English language publications (1949-2020). Studies reporting the outcome for CFLD will be included where the definition of CFLD is outlined clearly in a CF population. Studies with and without a comparator will be evaluated. Clinical trials of ursodeoxycholic acid will be excluded as well as organ transplantation outcome studies. We will examine all-cause and specific causes of mortality.We will include transplantation in our estimates of all-cause mortality. The Axis Risk of Bias Tool for Observational Studies will be used to evaluate the quality of studies. We will provide a narrative synthesis of our findings using tabular formats to highlight any impact of liver disease on mortality in CF.

Conclusion: It is anticipated that this review will bring clarity to the question of whether CFLD shortens life expectancy in PWCF and stimulate new approaches to the management of CFLD.
Domain estimators calibrated on information from another survey
Authors: Särndal Carl-Erik , Traat Imbi
Published: December 2020

We examine calibration estimation in a setting where two surveys are conducted on the same finite population. Some variables of study are common to the two surveys, but the second one requires greater detail in the statistics produced than the already published first one. More specifically, we require estimates for sub-populations, called domains, that are identified only in the second survey to add up consistently to known or estimated totals published for the common variables in the first survey. We outline and study several options for deriving calibration estimators for the domains identified in the second survey. We obtain explicit expressions showing how the calibration weights are related in the different approaches. The concluding section presents the results of a simulation study, comparing the precisions attained in the different options.
ФИНАНСОВОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ РОССИЙСКИХ РЕГИОНОВ: ИНДИВИДУАЛИЗАЦИЯ УГРОЗ
Authors: Pasynkov Aleksey Fyodorovich
Published: December 2020

Социально-экономическое развитие российских регионов крайне неоднородно, в настоящее время наблюдается сильная их дифференциация по различным параметрам. Одной из основных причин такого положения является значительный разрыв в регионах по уровню обеспеченности финансовыми ресурсами, предопределяя возможности региональных органов государственного и местного управления по регулированию угроз в социально-экономическом развитии территорий. В этих условиях оценка финансового состояния регионов и выявление возможных угроз в развитии становится актуальным в современных условиях нарастания кризисных явлений.Цель исследования – определить возможные угрозы социально-экономическому развитию регионов посредством оценки состояния финансовой сферы.Методы исследования: в работе использованы методы общенаучного анализа и сопоставления, применены математические методы ранжирования регионов на основе средних значений. При выделении угроз финансовому развитию регионов применены методы обобщения и группировки.Результаты: систематизированы факторы и индикаторы угроз, возникающих в финансовой сфере региона, характеризующие изменения в социально-экономическом развитии территории. Проведена типология российских регионов по уровню развития финансовой сферы, выделены три типа регионов по уровню развития финансовой сферы. Для каждого из типов регионов выделены наиболее явные угрозы в финансовой сфере в условиях ухудшения экономической ситуации.Область применения результатов: полученные результаты могут быть использованы в работе органов государственной власти при определении последствий финансовых кризисов для конкретных территорий или групп регионов.
DIAGNOSTICS OF THE STOCHASTIC IONOSPHERIC CHANNEL IN THE DECAMETER BAND OF RADIO WAVES
Authors: Afanasiev Nikolay , Chudaev Stanislav
Published: December 2020

We propose a method for direct diagnostics of a stochastic ionospheric radio channel. This method can recalculate probe signal characteristics into transmitted signal characteristics. We derive analytical equations of second-order statistical moments for trajectory characteristics of the main and probe signals propagating in a three-dimensional randomly inhomogeneous ionosphere. We take into account boundary conditions at signal transmission and reception points. As a model of random irregularities of permittivity of the ionosphere, we utilize the concept of a changing space-time correlation ellipsoid, which is self-consistent with spatial changes in the average ionosphere. Time fluctuations of random irregularities are taken into account by the hypothesis of frozen transfer. We use analytical relationships to calculate the expected statistical characteristics of decameter signals along oblique probing paths of the ionosphere. An operational numerical algorithmization of the formulas derived is proposed. We report results of numerical experiments to determine the expected phase variances, group delay, and Doppler frequency shift of the main signal on a given single-hop path, based on measurements of these characteristics of a probe signal on a secondary path. We demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method for diagnosing statistical trajectory characteristics of a decameter signal along single-hop paths under conditions when ground points of transmission and reception of the main and probe signals are outside the vicinity of focusing points of the wave field.
Tempo de prática de atividade física de intensidade moderada a vigorosa e marcadores de síndrome metabólica em adolescentes
Authors: Barbosa Sara Crosatti , Arruda Gustavo Aires , Stabelini Neto Antonio
Published: December 2020

Intervenções envolvendo aumento da atividade física em adolescentes mostram-se promissoras em relação à redução de fatores de risco para a síndrome metabólica (SM). Entretanto, ainda não está bem estabelecido o efeito decorrente do acúmulo da atividade nos dias de semana, final de semana e total. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a correlação da prática de atividade física de intensidade moderada à vigorosa (AFMV), nos dias de semana (AFMV-DS), final de semana (AFMV-FS) e total (AFMV-T), com a SM e seus fatores. Foram avaliados 109 adolescentes de 10 a 16 anos de idade (66% do sexo feminino). A SM foi definida pelos marcadores: circunferência da cintura (CC), pressão arterial (PA), triglicérides, HDL-C e glicemia em jejum. O tempo em AFMV foi mensurada por acelerômetros ActiGraph modelo GT3X (≥ 4 dias de uso, sendo ≥ 1 de final de semana, ³ 10 horas/dia de uso). O coeficiente de correlação de Spearman foi utilizado para a verificação da associação entre o escore “z” da prática de atividade física (AFMV-DS, AFMV-FS e AFMV-T) com o escore de cada fator da SM e o escore de SM (média dos fatores da SM). Foi verificada correlação inversa entre AFMV-FS e CC (rho = -0,20), PA sistólica (rho = -019) e SM (rho = -0,20). A AFMV-T apresentou correlação inversa com triglicerídeos (rho = -0,19). As magnitudes das correlações revelam pouco ou nenhum efeito. Conclui-se que de forma geral a AFMV parece apresentar pouca correlação com a SM e seus fatores, mas pode ter alguma contribuição em estratégias multifatoriais de tratamento ou prevenção.
Academia da Saúde, Academia da Cidade e Academia ao Ar Livre nas agendas política e governamental dos estados brasileiros
Authors: Silva Temistocles Damasceno , Souza Saú da Silva , Starepravo Fernando Augusto
Published: December 2020

A pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar a atenção dada aos programas Academia da Saúde, Academia da Cidade e Academia ao Ar Livre nas agendas política e governamental das unidades federativas brasileiras. Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental de caráter exploratório. Para organização dos dados, elencou-se três categorias analíticas: o quantitativo de pautas por partido político; a distribuição geográfica das pautas por unidade federativa e região; as prioridades elencadas pelos partidos políticos em relação aos programas abordados. O Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) do Ceará destacou-se pelo quantitativo de pautas correlatas ao tema investigado. Por outro lado, o Partido Social Cristão (PSC) do Rio de Janeiro propôs o maior número de construção de Academias ao Ar Livre. A maioria das pautas concentraram-se na região Nordeste e foram voltadas, prioritariamente, à oferta de espaços e equipamentos para prática regular de atividade física. Por fim, pode-se concluir que a atenção dada aos programas supracitados nas agendas analisadas se apresenta de maneira embrionária.
641. El bosque de la Pampa del Tamarugal y la industria salitrera: el problema de la deforestación, los proyectos para su manejo sustentable y el debate político (Tarapacá, Perú-Chile 1829-1941)
Authors: Castro Castro Luis
Published: December 2020

Mediante la revisión de documentación administrativa, informes impresos y periódicos, en este artículo se describe y analiza la problemática de la deforestación de la Pampa del Tamarugal ocasionada por las faenas mineras del salitre ocurrida entre inicios del siglo XIX y comienzos del XX, poniendo atención tanto en el debate político medioambiental como en los esfuerzos desplegados por algunos funcionarios gubernamentales, ciertos empresarios y una parte de la opinión pública para salvar los bosques de tamarugos y algarrobos mediante la implementación de precursoras medidas político-administrativas y técnico-legales de manejo y protección.
Real-time measurement method for the skin temperature of the human arm via large lateral shearing interferometry
Authors: Liu Huawei , Zhou Huaichun , Xu Chao
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a real-time measurement method for the skin temperature of the human arm. In this method, the air temperature close to the arm skin is measured via large lateral shearing interferometry, thus avoiding the possible influences of the different physical characteristics of different people, while maintaining the advantages of optical measurement, including its noncontact, noninvasive, and rapid features. The method captures the real-time fringe patterns generated using a parallel-sided plate when a collimated laser light beam transfers through the air surrounding the arm to be measured. Additionally, the phase difference distribution caused by the temperature difference is calculated in combination with the background fringe patterns. The phase difference in the light close to the arm skin is then estimated via a linear fitting method. Accordingly, based on the size parameters of the arm cross section and the ambient temperature monitored in real time, the air temperature close to the arm skin, which is considered equal to the arm skin temperature, is determined while considering the heat conduction effect. Experimental measurements of the temperature of human arm skin were conducted using the proposed method, and the axillary temperatures of the same person before and after the experiments were also measured using an electronic thermometer and a mercury thermometer. Good agreements were found, verifying the reliability of the proposed method. Moreover, based on this method, the possibility for the construction of a real-time body temperature measurement system is also discussed.
Effect of A-scan rate and interscan interval on optical coherence angiography
Authors: Chen Ting-Hao , Wu Yi-Chun , Tsai Ting-Yen , Chueh Chuan-Bor , Huang Bo-Huei , Huang Yin-Peng , Tsai Meng-Tsan , Yasuno Yoshiaki , Lee Hsiang-Chieh
Published: December 2020

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) can provide rapid, volumetric, and noninvasive imaging of tissue microvasculature without the requirement of exogenous contrast agents. To investigate how A-scan rate and interscan time affected the contrast and dynamic range of OCTA, we developed a 1.06-µm swept-source OCT system enabling 100-kHz or 200-kHz OCT using two light sources. After system settings were carefully adjusted, almost the same detection sensitivity was achieved between the 100-kHz and 200-kHz modalities. OCTA of ear skin was performed on five mice. We used the variable interscan time analysis algorithm (VISTA) and the designated scanning protocol with OCTA images reconstructed through the correlation mapping method. With a relatively long interscan time (e.g., 12.5 ms vs. 6.25 ms for 200-kHz OCT), OCTA can identify more intricate microvascular networks. OCTA image sets with the same interscan time (e.g., 12.5 ms) were compared. OCTA images acquired with a 100-kHz A-scan rate showed finer microvasculature than did other imaging modalities. We performed quantitative analysis on the contrast from OCTA images reconstructed with different A-scan rates and interscan time intervals in terms of vessel area, total vessel length, and junction density.
Performance comparisons between machine learning and analytical models for quality of transmission estimation in wavelength-division-multiplexed systems [Invited]
Authors: Lu Jianing , Zhou Gai , Fan Qirui , Zeng Dengke , Guo Changjian , Lu Linyue , Li Jianqiang , Xie Chongjin , Lu Chao , Khan Faisal Nadeem , Lau Alan Pak Tao
Published: December 2020

We conduct a comprehensive comparative study of quality-of-transmission (QoT) estimation for wavelength-division-multiplexed systems using artificial neural network (ANN)-based machine learning (ML) models and Gaussian noise (GN) model-based analytical models. To obtain the best performance for comparison, we optimize all the system parameters for GN-based models in a brute-force manner. For ML models, we optimize the number of neurons, activation function, and number of layers. In simulation settings with perfect knowledge of system parameters and communication channels, GN-based analytical models generally outperform ANN models even though GN models are less accurate on the side channels due to the local white-noise assumption. In experimental settings, however, inaccurate knowledge of various link parameters degrades GN-based models, and ML generally estimates the QoT with better accuracy. However, ML models are temporally less stable and less generalizable to different link configurations. We also briefly study potential network capacity gains resulting from improved QoT estimators and reduced operating margins.
Low-cost MIMO-RoF-PON architecture for next-generation integrated wired and wireless access networks
Authors: Dahawi T. H. , Yusoff Z. , Salleh M. S. , Senior J. M.
Published: December 2020

Next-generation integrated fiber-wireless access networks will require low-cost and high-capacity deployment to meet customer demand. A new configuration of radio over fiber–passive optical network (RoF-PON) architecture, including two 60 GHz multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) based on a 5G universal filtered multicarrier waveform and wired signal utilizing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), is described. At the optical line terminal, MIMO signals are integrated as upper and lower sidebands of the wired OFDM signal. This integration approach, employing single-sideband frequency translation, reduces the complexity of the transceiver design and provides high spectral efficiency because the two MIMO-RoF and wired signals transmit at the same frequency. Improved techniques are also employed to upconvert and downconvert the 60 GHz millimeter wave (MMW), being remote optical heterodyning and self-heterodyning, respectively. The MIMO-RoF signals are therefore transmitted at low frequency over the standard single-mode fiber to avoid the impairments induced at higher frequencies, and the remote optical local oscillator is reused to downconvert the two 60 GHz MMWs, producing a cost-effective system. Simulation results demonstrate very satisfactory network performance when using a downstream link over a 20 km span standard PON.
Amplitude and phase sorting of orbital angular momentum states at low light levels
Authors: Ariyawansa Ashan , Figueroa Edward J. , Brown Thomas G.
Published: December 2020

We present a method of photon orbital angular momentum selection at very low light levels using spatial interference between a strong local oscillator field and a weak beam. By using Fourier phase recovery techniques familiar in classical interferometry, we can experimentally obtain a quantum-limited

Q

distribution with a standard deviation consistent with the quantum noise floor. Further, by projecting the complex Fourier peak on a Laguerre–Gauss basis, we can distinguish states of different orbital angular momentum with high fidelity for small numbers of counts per acquisition frame. The noise equivalent photoelectron count for this measurement is

10

−
5

counts per pixel per frame.
Meningitis patients with Angiostrongylus cantonensis may present without eosinophilia in the cerebrospinal fluid in northern Vietnam
Authors: Hiraoka Tomoko , Cuong Ngo Chi , Hamaguchi Sugihiro , Kikuchi Mihoko , Katoh Shungo , Anh Le Kim , Anh Nguyen Thi Hien , Anh Dang Duc , Smith Chris , Maruyama Haruhiko , Yoshida Lay-Myint , Cuong Do Duy , Thuy Pham Thanh , Ariyoshi Koya
Published: December 2020

Background

Eosinophilic meningitis (EM) is a rare clinical syndrome caused by both infectious and noninfectious diseases. In tropical pacific countries, Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the most common cause. However, the EM definition varies in the literature, and its relation to parasitic meningitis (PM) remains unclear.

Methodology/Principal findings

Adult and adolescent patients of 13 years old or above with suspected central nervous system (CNS) infections with abnormal CSF findings were prospectively enrolled at a tertiary referral hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam from June 2012 to May 2014. Patients with EM or suspected PM (EM/PM) were defined by the presence of either ≥10% eosinophils or an absolute eosinophil cell counts of ≥10/mm3 in the CSF or blood eosinophilia (>16% of WBCs) without CSF eosinophils. In total 679 patients were enrolled: 7 (1.03%) had ≥10% CSF eosinophilia, 20 (2.95%) had ≥10/mm3 CSF eosinophilia, and 7 (1.03%) had >16% blood eosinophilia. The patients with ≥10% CSF eosinophilia were significantly younger (p = 0.017), had a lower body temperature (p = 0.036) than patients with ≥10/mm3 CSF eosinophilia among whom bacterial pathogens were detected in 72.2% (13/18) of those who were tested by culture and/or PCR. In contrast, the characteristics of the patients with >16% blood eosinophilia resembled those of patients with ≥10% CSF eosinophilia. We further conducted serological tests and real-time PCR to identify A. cantonensis. Serology or real-time PCR was positive in 3 (42.8%) patients with ≥10% CSF eosinophilia and 6 (85.7%) patients with >16% blood eosinophilia without CSF eosinophils but none of patients with ≥10/mm3 CSF eosinophilia.

Conclusions

The etiology of PM in northern Vietnam is A. cantonensis. The eosinophil percentage is a more reliable predictor of parasitic EM than absolute eosinophil count in the CSF. Patients with PM may present with a high percentage of eosinophils in the peripheral blood but not in the CSF.
Using WGCNA (weighted gene co-expression network analysis) to identify the hub genes of skin hair follicle development in fetus stage of Inner Mongolia cashmere goat
Authors: Wu Zhihong , Hai Erhan , Di Zhengyang , Ma Rong , Shang Fangzheng , Wang Yu , Wang Min , Liang Lili , Rong Youjun , Pan Jianfeng , Wu Wenbin , Su Rui , Wang Zhiying , Wang Ruijun , Zhang Yanjun , Li Jinquan
Published: December 2020

Objective

Mature hair follicles represent an important stage of hair follicle development, which determines the stability of hair follicle structure and its ability to enter the hair cycle. Here, we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify hub genes of mature skin and hair follicles in Inner Mongolian cashmere goats.

Methods

We used transcriptome sequencing data for the skin of Inner Mongolian cashmere goats from fetal days 45–135 days, and divided the co expressed genes into different modules by WGCNA. Characteristic values were used to screen out modules that were highly expressed in mature skin follicles. Module hub genes were then selected based on the correlation coefficients between the gene and module eigenvalue, gene connectivity, and Gene Ontology (GO)/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The results were confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

Ten modules were successfully defined, of which one, with a total of 3166 genes, was selected as a specific module through sample and gene expression pattern analyses. A total of 584 candidate hub genes in the module were screened by the correlation coefficients between the genes and module eigenvalue and gene connectivity. Finally, GO/KEGG functional enrichment analyses detected WNT10A as a key gene in the development and maturation of skin hair follicles in fetal Inner Mongolian cashmere goats. qPCR showed that the expression trends of 13 genes from seven fetal skin samples were consistent with the sequencing results, indicating that the sequencing results were reliable.n
Comprehensive periodontal treatment in generalized stage iv, grade c periodontitis: a clinical case report
Authors: Chokami Rafiei Sahar , Makdisi Jowel , Mohamad Mirzapour Samira
Published: December 2020

Generalized stage IV, grade C periodontitis results in rapid bone destruction in the periodontium and can lead to early tooth loss. Scaling and root planing (SRP) complemented by systemic antibiotics, access surgery, regenerative techniques and implant placement are among the treatments used for patients with this condition. The aim of this article is to report a comprehensive periodontal treatment in a 23-year-old male who was referred to the periodontology department due to complaints of tooth mobility and gum infections diagnosed with generalized stage IV, grade C periodontitis according to the clinical, systemic, and family history features observed. Thorough non-surgical periodontal treatment consisting of scaling and root planing was provided, followed by a series of regenerative periodontal surgeries including guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and guided bone regeneration(GBR) to manage advanced bone defects. Six months after periodontal therapy, all implants were inserted using a one-stage approach and Six months later, they were restored with porcelain fused to metal crowns. During the one and two-year follow-ups, the teeth and implants did not show any signs of instability, attachment loss or bone loss. This case report shows that within the limitations of this study a successful outcome can be achieved with an early diagnosis and treatment involving elimination of infectious microorganisms and meticulous long-term maintenance combined with regenerative techniques and implant placement to restore the masticatory function and improve the quality of life for the patient. However further investigation and clinical studies are required to confirm these results.
KEYWORDS
Stage IV grade C periodontitis; Aggressive periodontitis; Dental implants; Maintenance; Regeneration.
A Universidade na crise da modernidade: Contribuições de Boaventura de Sousa Santos à transição paradigmática
Authors: Pieper Daniela da Silva , Machado Carlos Roberto da Silva
Published: December 2020

Este estudo apresenta o pensamento de Boaventura Santos e suas contribuições para a pesquisa em educação, com foco na sustentabilidade socioambiental em universidades públicas do sul da América Latina. Assim, trazemos as ideias do autor sobre a transição entre a Regulação e a Emancipação social, pilares do paradigma da ciência moderna; as Epistemologias do Sul e a Ecologia dos Saberes, como proposta para a superação da crise desse paradigma, a partir das demandas do capitalismo e do colonialismo. Da mesma forma sua visão sobre a universidade do século XXI buscando uma aproximação com a temática de nossa tese de doutorado em Educação Ambiental.
A Educação Ambiental como ferramenta de sensibilização e construção do conhecimento sobre serpentes: um estudo no sul da Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Santos Lorena Nascimento , Profice Christiana Cabicieri , Schiavetti Alexandre
Published: December 2020

Os mitos envolvendo as serpentes, quando associados à falta de conhecimento sobre a importância ecológica e socioeconômica desse grupo, pode potencializar a biofobia, causando o extermínio da ofidiofauna, afetando assim a biodiversidade. Nesse contexto, a Educação Ambiental se destaca como ferramenta de construção do conhecimento e sensibilização na forma como as pessoas se relacionam com a fauna. A pesquisa investigou, por meio de questionários semiestruturados pré e pós intervenção de EA, aspectos no conhecimento sobre serpentes de adolescentes de instituições entre Itabuna e Ilhéus. Após análise dos primeiros questionários, um projeto de EA foi elaborado e aplicado objetivando informar sobre os equívocos nas respostas e promover a sensibilização dos sujeitos da pesquisa acerca desses répteis. O questionário foi redistribuído após o projeto e os resultados foram comparados em uma análise quali-quantitativa, demonstrando avanços positivos.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) As a Potential Tool for Organizational Effectiveness
Authors: Sheik P. Ashik , Sulphey M.M.
Published: December 2020

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is an application that guarantees seamless assimilation of information that flow throughout an organization. It helps in reducing cost, enhancement of productivity, increasing service quality, better decision making, etc. Implementing ERP helps in achieving competitive advantage, improvement in efficiency, profitability and business performances’ in various types and sizes of industries. Though ERP system have active roles in the ups and downs of organizations in an increasingly dynamic and competitive market, it cannot be considered as a panacea for all the ills facing organizations. However, careful and cautious implementation of ERP will help in bringing in breakthrough performance.
Zaynaddīn Ibn al-ʿAǧamī’s (591–674/1195–1276) Kitāb iʿǧāz al-munāǧī fī l-alġāz wa-l-aḥāǧī: A Thirteenth-Century Arabic Riddle Book
Authors: Papoutsakis Nefeli
Published: December 2020

This article presents a hitherto unnoted and unpublished thirteenth-century Arabic work on riddles. Zaynaddīn Ibn al-ʿAǧamī’s (591–674/1195–1276) Kitāb iʿǧāz al-munāǧī fī l-alġāz wa-l-aḥāǧī (The Confidant’s Bemusement: On Riddles and Charades) is the first surviving Arabic collection of literary riddles by a single author. The Aleppine littérateur and religious scholar Ibn al-ʿAǧamī composed this book for al-Malik an-Nāṣir Yūsuf, the last Ayyubid ruler of Aleppo and Damascus (r. 634–658/1236–1260). The work is an extensive collection of riddles in verse and prose. All the riddles were composed and subsequently solved and explained by Ibn al-ʿAǧamī himself. The book, which testifies to the popularity of this genre in Ayyubid Syria, survives in a unique manuscript that has been falsely catalogued as a copy of an earlier work on riddles. Despite its importance for the history of the Arabic literary riddle, its existence has therefore remained unknown.
History, piety and factional politics in the Arabic chronicle of the Maldives: Ḥasan Tāj al-Dīn’s Ta’rīkh and its continuations
Authors: Peacock Andrew C. S.
Published: December 2020

The Arabic chronicle (Ta’rīkh) of the Maldives composed by the qadi Ḥasan Tāj al-Dīn (d. 1139/1727) and continued by his nephew Muḥammad Muḥibb al-Dīn (1118/1706-1199/1785) and his grandson Ibrāhīm Sirāj al-Dīn (d. after 1243/1827) is major but unexploited source for not just Maldivian but also Indian Ocean history more broadly. Covering Maldivian history from the purported date of the islands’ conversion to Islam in 548/1143, the Ta’rīkh is also imbued with a specific pious and ethical agenda. It seeks to situate the Maldives in the broader context of Islamic history stretching back to the Rāshidūn Caliphs, while using the past to impart ethical lessons to its audience, ostensibly the Maldivian sultans. However, its authors were also deeply involved in the Maldives’ tumultuous political life, and their presentation of events is also influenced by their own personal experiences and factional affiliations. This article explores the pious, ethical and political agenda of the Ta’rīkh.