bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical outcomes are hampered after endoscopic ultrasonography-guided ethanol lavage and/or Taxol injection in cystic lesions of the pancreas
Authors: Kim Seong-Ryong , Park Kwang-Min , Hwang Dae Wook , Lee Jae Hoon , Shin Sang Hyun , Lee Young-Joo , Kim Song Cheol , Song Ki Byung , Kwak Bong Jun
Published: January 2021

Background and Aims

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided ethanol lavage and Taxol injection (EUS-ELTI) in pancreatic cystic lesions have been recently performed in some medical centers. This study aimed to optimize the patient selection and analyze the outcomes in patients who underwent surgery after EUS-ELTI in pancreatic cystic lesions.
Methods

Among 310 patients who underwent EUS-ELTI between January 2007 and December 2014, 23 underwent surgery after EUS-ELTI owing to incomplete treatment and/or adverse events. We evaluated the surgical outcomes in patients who underwent surgery after EUS-ELTI. Then, we retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes of the patients who underwent the surgery after EUS-ELTI with those of patients who underwent upfront surgery for left-sided pancreatic lesions without the EUS-ELTI procedure.
Results

The pathology revealed degenerated cysts in 12 patients, mucinous cyst neoplasms in five patients, neuroendocrine tumors in two patients, and one intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), one solid pseudopapillary tumor, one pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma arising from an IPMN, and one hepatoid carcinoma. Twelve patients underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and five patients underwent open distal pancreatectomy. All six patients who had lesions in the pancreatic head underwent open pancreaticoduodenectomy. When we retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes between patients who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy after EUS-ELTI and those who did not receive the EUS-ELTI procedure, the spleen-preserving rate was 0% in the EUS-ELTI group and 61.7% (365/592) in the non-EUS-ELTI group (P < 0.001). Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas occurred in 33.3% of patients in the EUS-ELTI group and in 6.8% of patients in the non-EUS-ELTI group (P = 0.025). The mean postoperative hospital stay was also shorter in the non-EUS-ELTI group than in the EUS-ELTI group (8.66 ± 5.66 and 13.56 ± 7.20, P = 0.032).
Conclusion

Surgical outcomes are compromised after EUS-ELTI in the cystic tumor of the pancreas. Further investigations are needed for investigation of the efficacy and safety of the EUS-ELTI procedure.
The core genome M5C plays an important role in methylation modification and immune infiltration of acute myelocytic leukemia samples
Authors: Wen Qiang , Wang ShouJun , Hong Lili , Sheng Xianfu , Zhuang Xiaofen , Chen Yu , zhuang haifeng
Published: January 2021

Currently, the pathogenesis of acute myelocytic leukemia(AML) is still unclear. We found the core genome M5C plays a vital role in methylation modification and immune infiltration of AML. At the same time, we created a new M5C score model to define the high and low-risk groups of AML.Our research showed the expression levels of the three molecular subtypes of M5C (C1, C2 and C3);as well as different clinical features ,the results showed significant differences in age\RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion, but not in RUNX1 mutation group.We constructed a prognostic risk model based on m5C phenotype from 417 samples in the GSE37642 data set and found 5 differential genes using lasso regression method. And the prognostic KM curve of the 5-gene signature was obtained, from which it can be seen that: all the five genes could significantly reduce the high and low risk of GSE37642 training set samples (P < 0.05).Finally, the robustness of M5C related 5-gene signature for AML prediction was verified by internal and external data using single factor and multifactor COX regression analysis.5-gene signature has strong robustness and can play a stable prediction performance in external validation data sets (GSE12417, TCGA-LAML).
The 3-Month Efficacy of Visual Art Training on Observational and Diagnostic Skills Among Nursing Students - A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Guo Jia , Zhong Qinyi , Tang Ying , Luo Jiaxin , Wang Hongjuan , Qin Xiaofen , Wang Xiuhua , Wiley James
Published: January 2021

Background: Visual art training is a student-led approach using Western art pieces as the main teaching resources. It has been developed and applied in nursing and medical education in the United States. This study aimed to adapt visual art training to Chinese cultural context, then to compare the efficacy of the culturally-tailored visual art training versus traditional education on observational and diagnostic skills at 3-month follow-up among Chinese nursing students in master program. Methods: This study included Phase 1 (cultural adaptation) and Phase 2 (3-month efficacy evaluation). It was conducted from June to September, 2019. In Phase 1, cultural barriers were identified and cultural adaptation strategy were made based on two focus group interviews. Phase 2 was a randomized controlled trial in a local museum. A total of 106 first-year nursing students in master program were randomized to the intervention group (visual art training composed of a field-guided museum visit with observation and debriefing of Chinese oil paintings and clinical images, plus traditional education) or the control group (traditional education). Data were collected for both groups at baseline and 3-month follow-up on the observational and diagnostic skills measured by clinical image tests. Satisfaction with the visual art training was investigated among staff and students respectively. Results: Observational skills of the intervention group increased significantly compared with the control group three months after the training (p < .001). A trend towards the improvement of diagnostic skills was indicated with increment of 2.92 points of the intervention group vs. 0.39 of the control group (p > .05). In general, all participants and staff were satisfied with the visual art training, especially the selected Chinese oil paintings and the student-led teaching process, but 34% (n = 18) were not satisfied with the long distance from the museum. Conclusions: A culturally-tailored visual art training with great acceptability and feasibility was implemented in China. It had a sustained positive effect on improving the observational skills of Chinese nursing students. This study can be used for a reference to introduce visual art training to nursing students or nurses from other cultures.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000037956) on 4th September, 2020.
H3K36 Methylation Reprograms Gene Expression to Drive Early Gametocyte Development in Plasmodium Falciparum
Authors: Connacher Jessica , Josling Gabrielle A , Orchard Lindsey M , Reader Janette , Llinas Manuel , Birkholtz Lyn-Marie
Published: January 2021

Background: The Plasmodium sexual gametocyte stages are the only transmissible form of the malaria parasite and are thus responsible for the continued transmission of the disease. Gametocytes undergo extensive functional and morphological changes from commitment to maturity, directed by an equally extensive control program. Several interconnected mechanisms governing sexual commitment have been described. However, the processes that drive the subsequent differentiation and development of the gametocyte remain largely unexplored. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing we describe an association between H3K36 di- and tri-methylation (H3K36me2&3) and the global changes in the transcriptional program driving gametocyte development post-commitment. Results: Here, we show that in stage II gametocytes, H3K36me2&3 are associated with an active repression of genes involved in asexual proliferation and sexual commitment, linking H3K36me2&3 to the transition from early gametocyte differentiation to intermediate development. Specifically, we establish a link between H3K36me2&3 and the repression of genes that are upregulated during commitment once terminal differentiation renders their protein products obsolete in developing gametocytes, thereby securing an appropriate transcriptional environment for intermediate gametocyte development. Lastly, we associate the enhanced potency of JIB-04 in gametocytes with the inhibition of H3K36me2&3 demethylation and a disruption of normal transcriptional programs.Conclusions: Taken together, our results provide the first description of an association between global gene expression reprogramming and histone post-translational modifications during P. falciparum sexual development. In addition to fulfilling the same role in virulence gene regulation as in asexual parasites, the stage II gametocyte-specific abundance of H3K36me2/3 manifests as a largely interdependent enrichment of the two modifications targeted towards genes whose functions become obsolete in post-commitment gametocytes. This contrasts with the broad repression associated with wide-spread H3K36me2 occupancy in asexual parasites, highlighting H3K36me2/3 enrichment as a marker of directed transcriptional repression specific to early gametocytes. The importance of such histone methylation during gametocyte development is underscored by the transcriptional disruption associated with histone demethylase inhibition in P. falciparum gametocytes. By demonstrating the participation of H3K36me2&3 in gametocyte development, we provide a more thorough understanding of the link between epigenetic mechanisms and gene expression in the transmissible stages of the malaria parasite.
Identification of Aberrantly Methylated-differentially Expressed Genes and Potential Agents for Ewing’s Sarcoma
Authors: Gao Shijie , Li Guowang , Yu Hao , Yuan Shiyang , Li Wenxiang , Xiang Ziqian , Zhao Yajie , Ruan Wendong , Xu Baoshan , Ning Guangzhi
Published: January 2021

Background: DNA methylation is a common epigenetic regulatory way, and it plays a critical role in various human diseases. However, the potential role of how DNA methylation impacts Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) is not clear. This study aimed to explore the regulatory role of DNA methylation in ES.Methods: The microarray data of gene expression and methylation were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and analyzed via GEO2R. Venn analysis was then applied to identify aberrantly methylated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Subsequently, Function and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Hub genes were determined. Besides, a connectivity map (CMap) analysis was performed to screen bioactive compounds for ES treatment.Results: A total of 135 hypomethylated high expression genes and 523 hypermethylated low expression genes were identified. The hypomethylated high expression genes were enriched in signal transduction and the apoptosis process. Meanwhile, hypermethylated low expression genes were related to DNA replication and transcription regulation. We next determined 10 hub genes through PPI analysis, among them, C3, TF, and TCEB1 might serve as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Furthermore, CMap analysis revealed 6 chemicals as potential options for ES treatment. Conclusions: For the first time, we jointly analyzed gene profiling and methylation data about ES. The introduction of DNA methylation characteristics over DEGs is helpful to understand the pathogenesis of ES. The identified hub aberrantly methylated DEGs and chemicals might provide some novel insights on ES treatment.
Risk Factors for Nonischemic St-segment Elevation in Patients With Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Guo Haisen , Zhang Weidai , Zhang Jiawei , Ni Chumin , Cai Zhixiong , Chen Songming , Huang Xiansheng
Published: January 2021

Background ST-segment elevation (STE) is not a specific change for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This may lead to a mistaken diagnosis of STEMI and false-positive cardiac catheterization laboratory activation. We aimed to investigate risk factors for STE secondary to electrocardiographic LVH in order to provide more information for differential diagnosis.Methods A total of 1,590 inpatients with electrocardiographic LVH without confounding factors (such as myocardial infarction) were enrolled in this study. Data on potential risk factors and patient characteristics were collected. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were used to identify the risk of STE in patients with LVH.Results After reviewing the ECGs, 1590 cases of electrocardiographic LVH were divided into an ST-segment elevation group (STE group, 81 cases) and non-ST segment elevation group (1509 cases). Eighty-seven cases were randomly selected from the non-ST segment elevation group to form a new non-ST segment elevation group (non-STE group, 87 cases) for further analysis. The mean age of the 168 participants (119 men, 70.83%) was 62.33 ± 16.27. Multivariate analysis showed that stroke, infection, and the value of SV1+RV5 were significantly associated with STE secondary to LVH. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the optimal value of SV1+RV5 cut-off for predicting STE was 4.805 (sensitivity: 40.74%; specificity: 80.46%; AUC: 0.634; 95% CI: 0.550–0.719; P < 0.05).Conclusions A value of SV1+RV5 larger than 4.8 mV, stroke, and infection are independent risk factors for STE in patients with electrocardiographic LVH.
Investigating the Prevalence of Unsafe Behaviors and the Factors Affecting It Using a Cross-sectional Study in a Steel Company in Iran
Authors: Rabiei Hadiseh , Malakoutikhah Mahdi , Karimi Ali , Zare Asma , Saberi Hamidreza
Published: January 2021

Background: Unsafe behaviors (UBs) are the most important cause of accidents (98 %). Therefore, identifying the cause of UBs is also significant. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of UBs among the workers of a steel company in Iran and also to identify the factors affecting these behaviors.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 270 people from the employees of a steel company in Iran in 2016. The present study consists of two parts. 1) investigate the prevalence of UBs of workers using safety behavior sampling method, 2) identify the factors affecting UBs using a questionnaire (demographic sections, general health questionnaire, work-family conflict questionnaire, and UK's HSE job stress questionnaire). The data from the questionnaires were analyzed by SPSS 16. Results: The frequency of observed UBs showed that out of 1310 observed behaviors, 531 cases (40.5%) were unsafe. Also, UB among the sample group was significantly higher than the control group (P < .05). The correlation between general health, work-family conflict, job stress, and UBs showed that general health had a significant relationship with UBs (P < .05).Conclusions: The relationship between support scale in job stress and accident showed that organizational factors such as organizational climate, safety culture, management and cooperation between people are among the factors affecting the accident and with optimal management of these factors can play a significant role in future accidents.
Differential Brain Tissue Proteins in Ovariectomized Hyperlipemia Rats After Intervention Using Erxian Extract
Authors: Wu Hongjin , Dai Weiwei , Zhang Jie , Wang Chenglong , Wang Libo
Published: January 2021

Background: Erxiantang (EXT) is a popular traditional Chinese medicine formula that has phytoestrogens with protective effects on the nervous system, hypertension, menopausal syndrome. We aimed to explore the effects of EXT on differential brain tissue proteins in ovariectomized (OVX) hyperlipemia rats using label-free high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS).Methods: We randomly divided 40 eight-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats into four groups: (1) SHAM (sham-operation, equal volume ddH2O); (2) OVX (ovariectomized, equal volume ddH2O); (3) EXT (ovariectomized, Erxian extract: 5.46 g/kg body weight); and (4) EV groups (ovariectomized, estradiol valerate: 0.1 mg/kg body weight). After administration for 6 weeks, we measured body weight, serum lipid, and estrogen. Rat brain tissues were analyzed using HPLC-MS/MS. Subsequently, we performed bioinformatics analysis and screened differential proteins for detection and verification through western blot analysis.Results: We identified 4678 proteins. There were 87 differential proteins in the SHAM and OVX group; 50 were up-regulated and 37 were down-regulated. There were 242 differential proteins in the EXT and OVX groups; 95 were up-regulated and 147 were down-regulated. Proteins in the EXT, EV, and SHAM groups that showed a similar trend to the OVX group were ApoE, slc6a1, gpd1, eno3, hmgcs1, u2af2, march5, mcam, actl6b, tmc2, coq3, dctn5, seleno, tmem109, derl1, syvn1, rbm39, cnpy2, bcl-2, acsf2, dc42ep4, and mapk8. These proteins were mainly involved in lipid metabolism, biological oxidation, signal transduction, cholesterol metabolism, immune response, stress response, and cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis of ApoE, GAT1, JNK, and p-JNK proteins showed that their expression in the EXT group was lower than in the OVX group, which was consistent with the proteomics analysis results.Conclusions: EXT may protect the OVX hyperlipemia rats by exerting an effect on lipid metabolism, immune response, stress response, and apoptosis. Moreover, the identified differential proteins may be related to the occurrence and development of hyperlipemia-related diseases.
Directional Decremental Abundance of (GA)9 and (GA)11 Blocks in Primate Speciation
Authors: Khamse Safoura , Arabfard Masoud , Salesi M , Behmard E , Khazaei Mona , Najafipour Reza , Jafarian Zahra , Afshar Hossein , Delbari Ahmad , Ohadi Mina
Published: January 2021

Background: Recent evidence indicates that expansion of a number of short tandem repeats (STRs) may be a result of natural selection. The human neuron-specific genes, RIT2 and GPM6B, contain two of the longest GA-STRs at 11 and 9-repeats, respectively, the length ranges of which are functional, and exceedingly rare repeats at the extreme end of those STRs occur with major human disorders. To examine the evolutionary trend of (GA)11 and (GA)9 blocks, two sets of chromosomal regions (each spanning 10 Mb of genomic DNA) across all chromosomes, were searched for those blocks across rodent and primate orders. We also sequenced the RIT2 and GPM6B STRs in 600 human subjects, consisting of late-onset neurocognitive disorder (n=200), multiple sclerosis (n=100), and controls (n=200). Results: We detected a directional decremental abundance of (GA)11 and (GA)9 blocks, matching the phylogenetic distance of the selected species as follows: mouse>macaque>great apes (p=0.000006). The RIT2 and GPM6B GA-repeats were at strict lengths of 11 and 9-repeats in human, respectively, and were predominantly human-specific in formula. Exception included a 9/11 genotype of the RIT2 GA-STR in an isolate case of multiple sclerosis. Conclusion: We report the first evidence of massive directional trend of STRs linking to speciation. Genes such as RIT2 and GPM6B may be suitable candidates to explore the evolutionary impact of STR blocks.
Hepatic Progenitor Cells Promote the Repair of Schistosomiasis Liver Injury Through Inhibiting IL-33 Secretion 
Authors: Zhang Beibei , Wu Xiaoying , Li Jing , Ning An , Zhang Bo , Liu Jiahua , Song Langui , Yan Chao , Sun Xi , Zheng Kuiyang , Wu Zhongdao
Published: January 2021

Background: Hepatic schistosomiasis, a chronic liver injury induced by long-term Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) infection, is characterized by egg granulomas and fibrotic pathology. Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), which are nearly absent and quiescent in normal liver, play vital roles in chronic and severe liver injury. But their role in the progression of liver injury during infection remained unknown.Methods: In this study, the hepatic egg granulomas, fibrosis and proliferation of HPCs were analyzed in S. japonicum infection mice model at different infection stages. For validating the role of HPCs in hepatic injury, TNF­related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and TWEAK blocking antibody were used to manipulate the proliferation of HPCs. Histologic pathology and the expression of IL-33 were examined. Results: We found that the proliferation of HPCs paralleled with inflammatory granulomas and fibrosis formation. Promoting HPCs expansion promote the liver regeneration and inhibit the hepatocytes injury, the inflammatory eggs granulomas and the deposition of fibrotic collagen. Interestingly, the expression of IL-33 decreased when HPCs were manipulated to proliferate. Thus, IL-33 might be involved in the liver repair dominated by HPCs. Conclusions: Collectively, our data uncovered a protective role of HPCs in hepatic schistosomiasis in an IL-33 related manner, which might provide a promising progenitor cell therapy for hepatic schistosomiasis.
The Relationship Between Physical Activity and the Presence of Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A Taiwanese Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ko Yun-Chen , Chie Wei-Chu , Wu Tai-Yin , Ho Chin-Yu , Yu Wen-Ruey
Published: January 2021

To the best of our knowledge, none of Taiwanese studies on the relationship between physical activity (PA) and sarcopenia by the latest 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) cutoff points of sarcopenia has been published. We used the Taiwan version of international physical activity questionnaire-short version and the 2019 AWGS diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia to examine the relationship between PA and sarcopenia in older adults. Volunteers in this cross-sectional study were recruited from those attending senior health checkup program held at a regional hospital in Taipei City from May 2019 to Sep 2019. Muscle strength was assessed by grip strength, physical performance was assessed by usual gait speed on a 6-meter course, and muscle mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between PA and sarcopenia. 565 participants were recruited and data from 500 participants were used. 138 (27.6%) participants were classified as having sarcopenia, which included 87 women and 51 men. Among women, compared with those with low PA, moderate to high PA protected against the risk of sarcopenia with the adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.52 (95% CI: 0.27-0.98, p-value=0.043). As for men, the aOR was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.12-0.95, p-value=0.039). A significant protective effect of PA on sarcopenia was found among the older adults after adjusting for confounders, especially for the male participants.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Alleviate Arsenic Toxicity in Sophora Viciifolia Hance. by Improving The Growth, Photosynthesis, Reactive Oxygen Species and Gene Expression of Phytochelatin Synthase
Authors: Zhang QiaoMing , Gong Minggui , Xu Shanshan , Zhang Angran , Yuan Jiangfeng , Chang Qingshan
Published: January 2021

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can protect host plants against arsenic (As) toxicity. However, knowledge on the response of woody leguminous under As stress is limited so far. In this study, Sophora viciifolia seedlings were inoculated with/without AMF Rhizophagus intraradices, and S. viciifolia were grown in three levels (0, 50, and 100 mg As kg−1 soil) of As-polluted soil though the potted experiments. The objective of this study was to investigate the influences of AMF symbiosis on woody leguminous under As stress. Some physiological and biochemical parameters of S. viciifolia, which included the plant growth, photosynthesis, oxidative damage, antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression of phytochelatins (PCs), were analyzed. The results showed that As toxicity in soils inhibited the AM colonization rate, plant growth, photosynthesis, increased the oxidative damage and antioxidant enzyme activities, and up-regulated the gene expression of SvPCS1 in the leaves and roots of S. viciifolia seedlings. However, compared with non-inoculated S. viciifolia at the same As level, R. intraradices-inoculated S. viciifolia had higher shoot and root dry weight, plant height, root length, photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), actual quantum yield (ΦPSII), and photochemical quenching values (qP), as well as lower intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and non-photochemical quenching values (NPQ). R. intraradices inoculation inhibited the malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2, and O2•– concentrations, but improved the activities of antioxidative enzymes (SOD, POD, and CAT) in S. viciifolia leaves and roots. The gene expression of SvPCS1 in the leaves and roots was obviously up-regulated by R. intraradices inoculation. These results demonstrated that R. intraradices inoculation enhanced the As tolerance of S. viciifolia seedlings, owing to the beneficial effects of AMF symbiosis on improving the plant growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, antioxidant enzymes, reactive oxygen species and gene expression of SvPCS1 in S. viciifolia seedlings. R. intraradices is possible to get involved in the defence response of S. viciifolia seedlings against. As toxicity stress. This investigation got more profound insights into As tolerance mechanisms of woody leguminous associated with AMF symbiosis.
Number of parity/live birth(s) and cardiovascular disease among Iranian women and men: Results of over 15 years of follow-up.
Authors: Moazzeni Seyyed Saeed , Toreyhi Hossein , Asgari Samaneh , Azizi Fereidoun , Tehrani Fahimeh Ramezani , Hadaegh Farzad
Published: January 2021

Background: Most previous studies conducted in non-Middle Eastern populations have suggested that an increase in the number of parity/live birth(s) leads to cardiovascular disease (CVD) development, although their findings were inconclusive on this issue for both sexes. Biologic and socioeconomic pathways were suggested to explain this association. We studied this issue among urban Iranian men and women.Methods: In this population-based cohort study, which included 3929 women and 2571 men aged ≥ 30 years, data for the number of parity/live birth(s) were obtained by a standard questionnaire. Participants were then annually followed for CVD events. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the number of parity/live birth(s) and other traditional CVD risk factors.Results: During more than 15 years of follow-up, 456 and 524 CVD events have occurred among women and men, respectively. Among women, a J-shaped association was found between the number of live births and incident CVD with the lowest risk for women with two live births. Among women in multivariate analyses, each unit increase in parity had a HR of 1.05 (CI: 1.01-1.10), and having ≥4 parity was associated with a HR of 1.86 (0.97-3.56, p-value=0.061). Among men, in comparison with participants who had 1 child, multivariate HRs of having 2, 3, and ≥4 children were 1.97 (1.24-3.12), 2.08 (1.31-3.31), and 2.08 (1.30-3.34), respectively.Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first report on this issue in the Middle East and North Africa region, a region with a high burden of CVD. It can now be suggested that the number of parity/live birth(s) is linked to CVD among the Iranian population, with this issue being more prominent among men. Further research is needed to support our results and clarify the pathways between the number of parity/live birth(s) and CVD development among Iranian populations by considering potential risk factors, especially psycho-socio-economic risk factors.
Association of the plasma xanthine oxidoreductase activity with the metabolic parameters and vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Okuyama Tomoko , Shirakawa Jun , Nakamura Takashi , Murase Takayo , Miyashita Daisuke , Inoue Ryota , Kyohara Mayu , Togashi Yu , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: January 2021

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) catalyzes the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine, and of xanthine to uric acid. XOR also enhances the production of reactive oxygen species and causes endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated the association of XOR and its substrate with the vascular complications in 94 Japanese inpatients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The plasma XOR activity and plasma xanthine levels were positively correlated with the body mass index, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-GTP, fasting plasma insulin, and the homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and negatively correlated with the high density lipoprotein cholesterol. The plasma XOR activity also showed a positive correlation with the serum triglyceride. Multivariate analyses identified AST, ALT, fasting plasma insulin and HOMA-IR as being independently associated with the plasma XOR activity. The plasma XOR activity negatively correlated with the duration of diabetes, and positively correlated with the coefficient of variation of the R-R interval and sensory nerve conduction velocity. Furthermore, the plasma XOR activity was significantly decreased in patients with coronary artery disease. Thus, the plasma XOR activity might be a surrogate marker for the development of vascular complications, as well as liver dysfunction and insulin resistance, in T2DM. Trial registration: This study is registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000029970; https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm). The study was conducted from Nov 15, 2017.
Prognostic factors affecting the short-term efficacy of non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis: a multilevel modelling analysis
Authors: Liu Hui-Jie , Wang Bo , Wang Ao-Chen , Zhang Dan-Hong , Mao Cui , Li Qiu-Hong
Published: January 2021

Background: This current study is aimed to analyze the prognostic factors affecting the short-term efficacy of non-surgical treatment of patients in periodontitis from stage Ⅱ to stage Ⅳ by the multilevel modelling analysis.Materials and Methods: A total of 58 patients with chronic periodontitis were included in this study. Patients were clinically explored before and 3 months after the treatment and the difference in probing depth was determined [ Reduction of probing depth (Δ PD) = baseline PD - finial probing depth (FPD)]. Three different levels were analyzed: patients, teeth and sites to construct a multi-layer linear model.Results: Probing depth (PD) improved significantly compared with that before treatment (p < 0.05), in which FPD was (3.90±1.39) mm, and the ΔPD was (1.79±0.97) mm. Compared with the mesial sites and distal sites of the multi-rooted teeth, the number of PD ≥ 5mm or PD < 5mm after the treatment was significantly different (P < 0.05), and the proportion of PD < 5mm was higher in mesial sites. The null model showed that Δ PD varied greatly between groups at various levels (P <0.001), with prediction variable of site level, tooth level, and patient level accounted for 66%, 18%, and 16% of the overall difference, respectively. The complete model showed that the Δ PD of smokers was significantly lower than that of non-smokers (P < 0.001). The Δ PD of the mesial and distal sites was larger than that of the buccolingual central site (P < 0.001). The Δ PD of single-rooted teeth was larger than that of multi-rooted teeth (P < 0.001). The baseline PD, tooth mobility (TM), bleeding index (BI), clinical attachment loss (CAL) were significantly negatively correlated with Δ PD (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with periodontitis from stage Ⅱ to stage Ⅳ, who are non-smoking, have good compliance, good awareness of oral health, and low percentage sites with PD ≥ 5mm at baseline, single rooted teeth with hypomobility, less clinical attachment loss and lower bleeding index and sites of mesial or distal can obtain an ideal short-term efficacy of non-surgical treatment.
New Mineral Names*,†
Authors: Belakovskiy Dmitriy I. , Cámara Fernando , Uvarova Yulia
Published: January 2021

In this issue

This New Mineral Names has entries for 14 new species, including amamoorite, ammoniomathesiusite, aravaite, arsenowagnerite, fluorarrojadite-(BaNa), fluorcarmoite-(BaNa), folvikite, gadolinite-(Nd), goryainovite, kruijenite, natrowalentaite, nollmotzite, qatranaite, and triazolite.
LUGAR QUE A ESCOLA OCUPA PARA ALUNOS DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL: MOTIVOS PARA SUA PERMANÊNCIA NESSE ESPAÇO
Authors: Tessaro Mônica , Trevisol Maria Teresa Ceron , Bernardi Luci Dos Santos
Published: January 2021

Analisando o contexto da modernidade líquida, é possível observar que a escola vem recebendo um grupo de alunos cada vez mais heterogêneo, caracterizados pelas diversidades sociais, culturais, econômicas, políticas, étnicas e de gênero. É nesse local marcado por diferenças que os jovens passam parte de seu tempo, estabelecem laços afetivos e compartilham experiências, concedendo motivos por permanecerem ali.  Considerando que a educação é destacada por muitos jovens como um meio para ultrapassar as fronteiras sociais e econômicas, objetiva-se com esse artigo analisar os motivos, atribuídos por alunos que frequentam o ensino fundamental, para sua permanência na escola. O artigo possui como base empírica uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa. A coleta dos dados se deu por meio da técnica do Grupo Focal, e na análise utilizou-se a metodologia da Análise Textual Discursiva. Os dados revelaram que os principais incentivos listados pelos jovens sobre a permanência na escola são os bons professores e os pais.
Origen y desarrollo del Castillo de Irulegi (Valle de Aranguren, Navarra). Periodización y arquitectura de una fortaleza medieval en el prepirineo
Authors: Aiestaran Mattin , Buces Javier , Ruiz-Gonzalez Daniel , Ponce-Antón Graciela , Pescador Aitor , Moraza Alfredo , Sesma Jesús , García Jesús , Mujika-Alustiza Jose Antonio , Agirre-Mauleon Juantxo
Published: January 2021

El castillo de Irulegi es uno de los ejemplos más destacados de castillos medievales del Reino de Navarra, localizado en la cima del monte que le dio nombre (Irulegi o Peña de Lakidain, Valle de Aranguren). El castillo se erigió con fines defensivos y de control del territorio circundante entre el siglo XI y principios del XII. Desde entonces presenta una ocupación ininterrumpida hasta finales del siglo XV. En cuanto a la evolución arquitectónica, destaca desde su origen la Torre del Homenaje pentagonal en proa. En la segunda mitad del siglo XIV fue objeto de una remodelación que transformó el castillo dotándolo de una planta rectangular con cinco torretas circulares ubicadas en sus esquinas que cambió la distribución interna de las estancias anexas a las murallas. Finalmente el castillo fue desmochado por Orden Real en 1494.
Water, sanitation and hygiene coverage and practices of a semi-arid county in the Eastern region of Kenya
Authors: Kithuki Kioko , Opanga Yvonne , Watulo Elda , Marita Enock
Published: January 2021

Despite substantial progress in sanitation and hygiene in Kenya, its semi-arid regions still experience poor environmental conditions. Kitui County, a semi-arid region, is characterized by water supply shortages, poor sanitation and poor hygiene coverage. This study covers water, sanitation and hygiene coverage and practices in two subcounties of Kitui County. A cross-sectional survey using mixed methods of data collection was adopted. Seven hundred and fifty-seven households were included and household heads were interviewed. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Five focused group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted and data analyzed thematically. These revealed that a majority of people obtain their water from rivers (39.9%), with 57.4% walking more than 2 km to water sources. Only 11.9% of all water sources were available throughout the year. A total of 47.4% of people use 13.3 liters/capita/day with an average cost of Ksh. 35 per 20 liter jerry can, which was reported as costly. A total of 43.6% of people felt that the water they collected was not enough to meet their requirements. Filtering was the most common form of water purification, with a majority of people perceiving clear water as safe for drinking. Latrine coverage stood at 56.4% and open defecation at 8.5%. Access to safe and adequate water supply, hygiene and sanitation services to the community continues to be poor and hence WASH interventions need to be scaled up for meeting recommended national standards.
Experimental analysis of a novel helical air gap membrane distillation system
Authors: Shahu Vandita T. , Thombre S. B.
Published: January 2021

Membrane distillation presents one of the feasible solutions to fresh water problems. The present study aims to develop an innovative helical air gap membrane distillation (HAGMD) system and to analyze its behavior under different operating conditions. In this design the condenser is made up of a cylindrical copper tube with continuous helical fins over it, that increases the total available condensation area by almost 45% and enhances the overall heat transfer throughout the module. The presence of fins in the gap also reduces the total air gap width by almost 64% and therefore improves the flux production. A detailed experimental analysis is carried out for a better understanding of the underlying phenomenon. The effect of feed water temperature, feed flow rate, cold flow rate, coolant temperature and feed salinity on the performance of HAGMD is investigated experimentally. The analysis shows that the finned condenser results in very high flux. The maximum flux obtained from the system was 20 kg/m2 hr with feed of 5 g/liter salinity and a diving force temperature difference of 45 °C.
Screening of two freshwater green microalgae in pulp and paper mill wastewater effluents in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Bhatti Shabana , Richards Robert , McGinn Patrick
Published: January 2021

In recent years, the use of microalgae as feedstock for many marketable products, such as animal/aqua feeds, bioplastics and fertilizers, has gained renewed interest due to their fast growth potential coupled with relatively high lipid, carbohydrate and nutrient content. An algal biorefinery at an industrial site has the potential to sustainably and profitably convert carbon dioxide emissions into microalgal biomass and concomitantly reduce nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewaters. Industrial wastewaters are a potential alternative to traditional media used for large-scale microalgal cultivation. Pulp and paper mills are major consumers of water resources and discharge a huge amount of water to nearby lakes or rivers. This study investigated whether pulp and paper mill waste water is suitable for microalgal cultivation with the aim of achieving significant biomass production. Six different process waters from one Canadian pulp and paper mill were tested with two freshwater green microalgae. All of these waters were unable to support growth of microalgae due to inadequate nutrient concentrations, colour, turbidity and possible toxicity issues.
Effects of algal bloom (AB) on sediment microorganisms with special functions at different AB stages in Chaohu Lake
Authors: Bao Hongfu , Li Yiwei , Diao Xiaojun , Wang Shuguang
Published: January 2021

Algal bloom (AB) is a serious water environment problem in China, but it is still unclear how AB affects microorganisms with special functions (such as nitrogen-, phosphorus-, sulfur- and iron-related bacteria) at different AB stages. Samples of water and sediment were taken in the AB region and free algal bloom (FAB) region of Chaohu Lake at different AB stages, and the numbers of N-, P-, S- and Fe-related bacteria were determined by culture-dependent methods. Results showed that during the whole experiment, numbers of N-, P-, S-, and Fe-related bacteria in the AB region were significantly higher than those in the FAB region, especially at the AB outbreak stage. In the FAB region, numbers of above bacteria showed little variation with time. In the AB region, however, numbers of N-, S-, and Fe-related bacteria evidently changed as ‘Λ’-type with AB process. They presented an upward trend at the AB formation stage and the initial stage of AB outbreak, and then showed a downward trend. Numbers of P-related bacteria also showed a similar trend as the above bacteria, but they kept high level for long time at the AB outbreak stage. This study indicated that AB produced different effects on microorganisms with special functions at different AB stages.
Value relevance: efeitos das especificidades contábeis das empresas brasileiras do segmento de construção civil e incorporação imobiliária
Authors: Braga Paula Graciely da Silva , Silva do Carmo Carlos Henrique , Ferreira da Cunha Moisés
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: Analisar se a relevância da informação contábil, em relação ao valor de mercado, possui características diferentes nas empresas do segmento de construção civil e incorporação imobiliária em comparação com entidades dos demais segmentos.

Metodologia: A janela temporal da pesquisa abrangeu o período de 2011 a 2017, sendo a amostra final composta por 182 empresas listadas na Bovespa, das quais 20 são do setor de construção civil e incorporação imobiliária. Foi estimada regressão com dados em painel de efeitos fixos com base no modelo econométrico desenvolvido por Barth, Clinch e Israeli (2016).

Resultados: Os resultados apontam que, em relação às empresas que não são do segmento de construção civil, o mercado atribui relevância a todas as variáveis contábeis presentes no modelo. Já em relação às empresas do setor de construção civil e incorporação imobiliária os resultados trazem evidências estatísticas de que, em relação ao valor de mercado, os números contábeis das entidades do setor de construção civil e incorporação imobiliária possuem relevância informacional diferente das entidades brasileiras dos demais segmentos. Os resultados também indicam que os métodos de reconhecimento de receitas específicos adotados pelo setor de construção civil e incorporação refletem na relevância de seus números contábeis em relação ao valor de mercado das empresas.

Contribuições do Estudo: O estudo contribui com a literatura atual ao analisar a o poder informacional dos relatórios financeiros em um setor específico. Os resultados contribuem com os profissionais que elaboram as demonstrações financeira pois sinaliza a necessidade de melhoria da qualidade informacional. Também sinaliza aos agentes normatizadores que as normas destinadas especificamente a estes setores, podem estar acarretando a redução da qualidade informacional das demonstrações financeiras.
Balanced scorecard e a questão ambiental: um estudo sobre a percepção dos controllers
Authors: Maria do Rosário da Silva  , Cunha Callado Antônio André
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: A presente pesquisa objetivou analisar a percepção dos controllers sobre o Balanced Scorecard e a questão ambiental e descrever o perfil destes profissionais.
 Metodologia: Metodologicamente, é uma pesquisa exploratória-descritiva de abordagem quantitativa, com procedimento do tipo survey. O tratamento dos dados foi feito por meio da estatística descritiva. O período de coleta foi de novembro de 2018 a janeiro de 2019 ao qual foram enviados 343 questionários para um grupo de profissionais controllers que fazem parte na rede sociais LinkedIn do Brasil que atuam ou atuaram nesta função, logrando êxito em 27 questionários respondidos.  
 Resultados: Os respondentes tem idade entre 35 e 44 anos. 77,78% tem formação em Ciências Contábeis, 62,96% possui especialização. Possuem em média 11 anos de formação e 16 anos de atuação profissional como controller. Sobre a percepção dos respondentes em relação ao Balanced Scorecard e a questão ambiental, constatou-se que duas nomenclaturas foram bem aceitas, sendo elas: Balanced Scorecard Sustentável e Green Balanced Scorecard. Tendo estes, uma estrutura composta por indicadores ambientais inseridos em suas quatro perspectivas tradicionais.
Contribuições do Estudo: é um tema atual e relevante dentro do contexto da gestão e contabilidade e também das ferramentas de gestão empresarial. Uma vez que o BSC é explorado em sua forma tradicional. A partir da revisão bibliográfica identificaram-se poucos estudos sobre o BSC e a questão ambiental. Com isto, a pesquisa buscou contribuiu de forma empírica evidenciando o que os profissionais da área de controladoria entendem sobre o BSC Ambiental, e a melhor forma que este poderá ser aplicado nas organizações.
Resenha do livro: Fraudes documentais e contábeis. Timi, S. R. R. & Heimoski, V. T. M. (2020). (1ª ed). Curitiba, PR: Editora Intersaberes, 194 páginas, ISBN: 978-8522702626
Authors: Lorena Layza Pimenta Oliveira
Published: January 2021

Esta resenha tem por intuito apresentar as principais ideias e percepções discutidas no livro de Sônia Regina Ribas Timi e Vanya Trevisan Marcon Heimoski lançado no ano de 2020, pela Editora Intersaberes.
A study about the determinant factors of the capital structure of Brazilian companies: a quantile regression analysis
Authors: Osvaldo Martins Quintella Junior  , Claudio Ulysses Ferreira Coelho
Published: January 2021

Purpose: The present paper aims to analyses the determinants of capital structure of ninety-four organizations from the five hundred largest Brazilian companies according to 2018 Exame magazine yearbook.

Methodology: For this research we used information from financial statements of the five hundred largest Brazilian companies.  Data inference was made through descriptive statistical analysis and quantile regression analysis. The data was obtained through the companies’ websites and through economática software. The descriptive and econometric analysis were performed using Stata 12 software.

Results: The results indicate that the variables such as size and structure of the assets are significant in some quantiles to determine how companies adopt a particular capital structure. In addition, the results indicate the relationship between firm size and total debt level is positive for 25th quantile of the sample. Another point to note is that the asset structure variable has a positive relationship with the long-term debt variable for the 75th and 95th quantiles.

Contributions of the study: This research is an important contribution for finance literature considering that the quantile regression method was used. The scarcity of research using this method is notorious. Moreover, the results obtained in other works on the subject are not yet convergent about the relevant variables to determine the capital structure.