bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Evaluation of the Safety and Immunogenicity of an Antimalarial Vaccine Candidate Modified Peptide (IMPIPS) Mixture in a Murine Model
Authors: Lambraño Jennifer , Curtidor Hernando , Avendaño Catalina , Díaz-Arévalo Diana , Roa Leonardo , Vanegas Magnolia , Patarroyo Manuel E. , Patarroyo Manuel A.
Published: December 2019

Malaria continues being a high-impact disease regarding public health worldwide; the WHO report for malaria in 2018 estimated that ~219 million cases occurred in 2017, mostly caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The disease cost the lives of more than 400,000 people, mainly in Africa. In spite of great efforts aimed at developing better prevention (i.e., a highly effective vaccine), diagnosis, and treatment methods for malaria, no efficient solution to this disease has been advanced to date. The Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC) has been developing studies aimed at furthering the search for vaccine candidates for controlling P. falciparum malaria. However, vaccine development involves safety and immunogenicity studies regarding their formulation in animal models before proceeding to clinical studies. The present work has thus been aimed at evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of a mixture of 23 chemically synthesised, modified peptides (immune protection-inducing protein structure (IMPIPS)) derived from different P. falciparum proteins. Single and repeat dose assays were thus used with male and female BALB/c mice which were immunised with the IMPIPS mixture. It was found that single and repeat dose immunisation with the IMPIPS mixture was safe, both locally and systemically. It was observed that the antibodies so stimulated recognised the parasite’s native proteins and inhibited merozoite invasion of red blood cells in vitro when evaluating the humoral immune response induced by the IMPIPS mixture. Such results suggested that the IMPIPS peptide mixture could be a safe candidate to be tested during the next stage involved in developing an antimalarial vaccine, evaluating local safety, immunogenicity, and protection in a nonhuman primate model.
FibroAtlas: A Database for the Exploration of Fibrotic Diseases and Their Genes
Authors: Liu Jinying , Sun Dezhi , Liu Jiale , Xu Hao , Liu Yuan , Li Yang , Diao Lihong , Wang Xun , Wang Dan , Tian Lei , Zhang Huimin , Liu Zhongyang , Ren Weiquan , He Fuchu , Li Dong , Guo Shuzhen
Published: December 2019

Background. Fibrosis is a highly dynamic process caused by prolonged injury, deregulation of the normal processes of wound healing, and extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. During fibrosis process, multiple genes interact with environmental factors. Over recent decades, tons of fibrosis-related genes have been identified to shed light on the particular clinical manifestations of this complex process. However, the genetics information about fibrosis is dispersed in lots of extensive literature.Methods. We extracted data from literature abstracts in PubMed by text mining, and manually curated the literature and identified the evidence sentences.Results. We presented FibroAtlas, which included 1,439 well-annotated fibrosis-associated genes. FibroAtlas 1.0 is the first attempt to build a nonredundant and comprehensive catalog of fibrosis-related genes with supporting evidence derived from curated published literature and allows us to have an overview of human fibrosis-related genes.
Structural Strength Deterioration Characteristics and a Model of Undisturbed Loess under the Action of Wetting and Freeze‐Thaw Cycles
Authors: She Haicheng , Hu Zaiqiang , Qu Zhan , Li Hongru , Guo Hu , Ma Xiaoli
Published: December 2019

Undisturbed loess is affected by external environmental disturbances, such as wetting and freeze‐thaw cycles, which cause microstructural changes that have an important impact on the structural strength of the loess. These changes in turn affect the stability of structures such as embankments, slopes, and guards. This article takes the Q3 undisturbed loess in Lintong District, Xi’an, as an example. The effects of wetting and freeze‐thaw cycles on the loess expansion ratio and pore structure were studied by wetting tests, freeze‐thaw cycle tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The changes in the compression index and compression modulus were studied by a confined compression test. The loess e‐lgp compression curve was obtained according to the confined compression test, and the newly defined concepts of the loess structural strength, residual structural strength, and structural strength damage variable, in addition to the e‐lgp compression curve, were combined with the experimental data to calculate the damage value generated by the disturbance during the sampling and preparation of loess. The deterioration of the structural strength and damage variable of loess was analyzed. Based on the microscopic statistical damage theory and Weibull distribution, the model used the volume expansion ratio as a variable to establish a statistical damage model under wetting and freeze‐thaw cycles. Finally, on the basis of the test, the model parameters were determined. The models were verified by taking loess from a foundation pit in the northern suburbs of Xi’an and were in good agreement with the results of the test. Ultimately, the models have good practicability and can provide guidance for engineering design and construction.
Translational Difficulties in Querying Rats on “Orientation”
Authors: Ernyey Aliz Judit , Bögi Eszter , Kassai Ferenc , Plangár Imola , Gyertyán István
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to translate the “orientation” query of the ADAS-Cog inventory to rats and to investigate whether they can determine which time of the day they are. For this purpose, we established a modified Morris water-maze navigation task where the escape platform was placed onto various locations at different times of the day: “morning”, “noon” and “evening”. In each of these sessions rats swam a “query” trial and a “confirmatory” trial, 30 min apart. Lister Hooded rats randomly chose among the three possible target locations, while Long Evans rats partly followed a win-stay strategy by preferring to visit first to the platform position of the previous session. Despite simplifying the task to a morning–evening discrimination, Lister Hooded rats continued searching by chance, while Long Evans rats switched to the mentally less demanding random strategy. We then inserted a board into the pool which required longer swimming path from the animals when they were correcting an initial wrong choice, but this modification did not result in a change in the above strategies. Lastly, in a separate group of Long–Evans rats, the training conditions were modified inasmuch an incorrect choice was definitely punished by impeding the animals to correct it and confining them to a platform-free part of the maze for the whole trial period. However, even these stricter conditions were not sufficient to make the rats distinguish times of the day. The observed lack of time discrimination may source from an evolutionary built in mechanism characteristic for the rat species or this ability may have only been lost in laboratory rats.
Bone Tissue Regeneration in the Oral and Maxillofacial Region: A Review on the Application of Stem Cells and New Strategies to Improve Vascularization
Authors: Wu Vivian , Helder Marco N. , Bravenboer Nathalie , ten Bruggenkate Christiaan M. , Jin Jianfeng , Klein-Nulend Jenneke , Schulten Engelbert A. J. M.
Published: December 2019

Bone tissue engineering techniques are a promising alternative for the use of autologous bone grafts to reconstruct bone defects in the oral and maxillofacial region. However, for successful bone regeneration, adequate vascularization is a prerequisite. This review presents and discusses the application of stem cells and new strategies to improve vascularization, which may lead to feasible clinical applications. Multiple sources of stem cells have been investigated for bone tissue engineering. The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of human adipose tissue is considered a promising single source for a heterogeneous population of essential cells with, amongst others, osteogenic and angiogenic potential. Enhanced vascularization of tissue-engineered grafts can be achieved by different mechanisms: vascular ingrowth directed from the surrounding host tissue to the implanted graft, vice versa, or concomitantly. Vascular ingrowth into the implanted graft can be enhanced by (i) optimizing the material properties of scaffolds and (ii) their bioactivation by incorporation of growth factors or cell seeding. Vascular ingrowth directed from the implanted graft towards the host tissue can be achieved by incorporating the graft with either (i) preformed microvascular networks or (ii) microvascular fragments (MF). The latter may have stimulating actions on both vascular ingrowth and outgrowth, since they contain angiogenic stem cells like SVF, as well as vascularized matrix fragments. Both adipose tissue-derived SVF and MF are cell sources with clinical feasibility due to their large quantities that can be harvested and applied in a one-step surgical procedure. During the past years, important advancements of stem cell application and vascularization in bone tissue regeneration have been made. The development of engineered in vitro 3D models mimicking the bone defect environment would facilitate new strategies in bone tissue engineering. Successful clinical application requires innovative future investigations enhancing vascularization.
A Method of Reducing Flight Delay by Exploring Internal Mechanism of Flight Delays
Authors: Cao Yakun , Zhu Chenping , Wang Yanjun , Li Qingyun
Published: December 2019

This paper explores the internal mechanism of flight departure delay for the Delta Air Lines (IATA-Code: DL) from the viewpoint of statistical law. We roughly divide all of delay factors into two sorts: propagation factor (PF), and nonpropagation factors (NPF). From the statistical results, we find that the distribution of the flight departure delay caused by only NPF exhibits obvious power law (PL) feature, which can be explained by queuing model, while the original distribution of flight departure delay follows the shift power law (SPL). The mechanism of SPL distribution of flight departure delay is considered as the results of the aircraft queue for take-off due to the airports congestion and the propagation delay caused by late-arriving aircraft. Based on the above mechanism, we develop a specific measure for formulating flight planning from the perspective of mathematical statistics, which is easy to implement and reduces flight delays without increasing operational costs. We analyze the punctuality performance for 10 of the busiest and the highest delay ratio airports from 155 airports where DL took off and landed in the second half of 2017. Then, the scheduled turnaround time for all flights and the average scheduled turnaround time for all aircraft operated by DL has been counted. At last, the effectiveness and practicability of our method is verified by the flights operation data of the first half of 2018.
The Autonomic Regulation of Circulation and Adverse Events in Hypertensive Patients during Follow-Up Study
Authors: Mamontov Oleg V. , Kozlenok Andrey V. , Kamshilin Alexei A. , Shlyakhto Evgeny V.
Published: December 2019

Purpose. Comprehensive study of autonomic regulation assessed during follow-up could provide new detailed information about the risks stratification for hypertensive patients. Therefore, we investigated the associations of these indices with death, stroke, and revascularization during the follow-up observation of 55 patients. Methods. All patients were with target organ damage, and 27 of them had associated clinical conditions (ACC). Mean age of patients with and without ACC was 62.6 ± 4.2 and 51.9 ± 9.9 (mean ± SD) years, respectively. Follow-up was from 66 to 95 months. At entry, autonomic regulation was assessed by the tilt test, Valsalva maneuver, hand-grip test, and cold-stress vasoconstriction. Hemodynamic parameters were measured by continuous blood pressure monitoring, occlusion plethysmography, and electrocardiography. Re-examination of patients was carried out by questioning and physical and laboratory examination. Results. We found that fatal outcomes were associated with a lower Valsalva index (1.34 ± 0.16 vs. 1.69 ± 0.37, P<0.05) and depressed cold vasoconstriction (0.20 ± 0.02 vs. 0.39 ± 0.16%, P<0.05) but with higher peripheral resistance (1.36 ± 0.19 vs. 0.89 ± 0.25, P<0.001) and respiratory-range blood pressure variability (BPV) (18.2 ± 14.2 vs. 6.2 ± 4.2 mmHg, P<0.001). Higher total-range BPV (103 ± 51 vs. 65 ± 45 mmHg, P<0.05) in patients who had a stroke was observed. Initial diastolic orthostatic hypertension (6.6 ± 10.8 vs. 0.4 ± 6.3 mmHg, P<0.05) and lower Valsalva index (1.36 ± 0.11 vs. 1.82 ± 0.37, P<0.05) in patients who suffered a new ACC were important findings as well. Conclusions. This study shows that such autonomic regulation indices as Valsalva index, blood pressure dynamics in the tilt test, cold-stress vasomotor reactivity, and BPV are important for prognosis of hypertension course.
Panorama das neoplasias uterinas no período de 2007 a 2016 no estado de Alagoas – Brasil
Authors: Misael Jailton Rocha , Santos Júnior Claudio José dos , Silva Ilma Falcão , Santos Lídia Nathaly Gomes dos , Rocha Fernando Batista Chicuta da , Batista Marcicléa Macedo de Lima , Ferreira Amanda Maria Monteiro
Published: December 2019

Objetivo: Analisar a variação temporal das neoplasias uterinas na população feminina do estado de Alagoas. Método: Estudo quantitativo, transversal e retrospectivo. Os dados utilizados referem-se a internações e óbitos por neoplasias uterinas em Alagoas, no período de 2007 a 2016, disponíveis nos Sistemas de Informação de Saúde e analisados por estatística descritiva de frequências absoluta e relativa. Resultados: Em Alagoas, de 2007 a 2016, identificou-se 3.525 mulheres diagnosticadas com neoplasias de útero, com média anual de 352,5 casos novos (± 64,3), que foram responsáveis por 4.540 registros de internações hospitalares nas instituições assistenciais de saúde estadual, cuja média foi de 454 internações/ano (± 77,2), e 1.391 óbitos, com média de 139 óbitos anuais (± 13,99). Verificou-se que a população adulta apresentou maior número de óbitos, com 822 registros (57,97%). Notou-se também elevada prevalência no público idoso, com 594 óbitos (41,89%). Quanto à procedência, constatou-se que a 1ª e a 7ª microrregiões de saúde concentram 58,51% dos óbitos locais (830 registros). Conclusão: Em Alagoas, observa-se a necessidade de políticas pública de saúde da mulher efetivas, que aperfeiçoem o acesso precoce para o diagnóstico e o tratamento do câncer de colo uterino, visando à redução dos índices de morbimortalidade.
Epidemiologia dos transtornos de ansiedade em regiões do Brasil
Authors: Mangolini Vitor Iglesias , Andrade Laura Helena , Wang Yuan-Pang
Published: December 2019

Objetivo: Identificar a frequência, os fatores determinantes e o uso de serviços de saúde disponíveis para o tratamento dos transtornos ansiosos no Brasil. Métodos: As buscas foram realizadas nas seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, LILACS e Google Acadêmico, cobrindo os 10 últimos anos. Os descritores foram: “epidemiologia”, “transtornos de ansiedade”, “prevalência” e “Brasil”. Foram selecionados os artigos com dados originais, de amostras representativas da comunidade. Critérios de inclusão: os transtornos de ansiedade devem ter sido avaliados por meio de entrevistas diagnósticas padronizadas. Resultados: A prevalência-ano de transtornos ansiosos em algumas regiões do Brasil (principalmente regiões sudeste e sul) foi elevada, chegando a 19,9% e prevalência-vida de 28,1% na região metropolitana de São Paulo. A razão de prevalência, ou a relação entre a taxa no último ano e ao longo da vida, foi de 0,71, mostrando a alta persistência dos transtornos ansiosos. Alguns fatores sociodemográficos e a comorbidade com outros transtornos mentais (principalmente com a depressão) e fïsicos foram associados com a ansiedade. Os quadros mais persistentes foram os mais associados com a comorbidade física e doenças crônicas. Somente 23% dos indivíduos entrevistados (com a maior procura entre os pacientes com transtorno do pânico) obtiveram alguma forma de tratamento de saúde no ano anterior à entrevista. Discussão: Nas regiões incluídas na presente revisão, os transtornos ansiosos representam a condição psiquiátrica mais prevalente entre os estudos que avaliaram outros transtornos mentais, cujo curso apresentou alta persistência ou cronicidade. Em comparação com países de alta renda, há alguns indícios que a proporção de indivíduos que obtiveram alguma forma de tratamento no nosso meio seja menor. Com base nos dados levantados, constatou-se que grande parte dos estudos avaliados comenta sobre a importância de implementar serviços públicos abrangentes, a fim de fornecer uma rede de apoio para as necessidades da população.
Nevo melanocítico intradérmico em meato acústico externo
Authors: Borburema Rodrigo Marques , Costa Diego Fernando , Gomes Lorena Cristina Peres Rodrigues , Hay Bruno Amaral , Duarte Juliana Cristina Mesti , Bergonse Gilberto Da Fontoura Rey , Zardo Luiza Pellissari
Published: December 2019

Introdução: Nevos são neoplasias melanocíticas benignas e são os tipos mais comuns de tumores de pele. Podem ocorrer em qualquer parte da pele, mas o aparecimento no meato acústico externo é muito raro. Há pouco menos de 50 casos descritos na literatura inglesa sobre nevo melanocítico em meato acústico e, no Brasil, foi encontrado apenas um caso relatado em 2005. Objetivo: Apresentar um caso de nevo melanocítico intradérmico em meato acústico externo e discutir uma conduta conservadora, diferente dos demais casos já relatados na literatura após uma revisão desta. Importância do problema: Alertar à comunidade científica sobre os possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais das lesões em meato acústico externo e riscos da manipulação deste, frente a uma lesão benigna e assintomática. Comentários: Ressaltamos a possibilidade em conduzir de forma conservadora uma lesão assintomática ou minimamente sintomática, desde que seja descartada qualquer suspeita de malignidade, transformação maligna ou excluídos diagnósticos diferenciais que necessitem de uma intervenção mais invasiva, visto que uma meatoplastia poderia trazer mais danos (estenose meatal) do que benefícios para os pacientes, inclusive para o apresentado neste relato.
EL INFITNO FAÚSTICO: SPINOZA, GOETHE EN LA CONCIENCIA DE LA MODERNIDAD
Authors: Pineda Santoyo Víctor Manuel
Published: December 2019

La obra de Spinoza expresa la tentativa de demostración más radical de la existencia de Dios y, de manera no menos enfática, de la refutación de la existencia del diablo. El sello de su obra se reconoce de inmediato en esta cuestión y, aunque su perspectiva es claramente diferenciable del resto de los llamados “argumentos ontológicos”, en razón del segundo tópico, inaugura una especie de  “argumento antiontológico” que cumplía con una tarea indispensable en la historia del pensamiento:  la confirmación de la existencia de aquello que expresa una perfección absoluta y la refutación de aquello que expresa la negación. El elenco formulado en función de esta negación forma parte de un programa ilustrado de su filosofía y  se empeñaba en encontrar causas inmanentes que explicaran  la presencia del mal, o de lo malo, en el orden de las cosas. Orientada hacia la destrucción de los fundamentos de la ficción del mal, su filosofía combatió enfáticamente la superstición, la voluntad como atributo de un Dios revelado, el antropomorfismo que ampara a todos nuestros prejuicios sobre el bien y el mal. No conocemos otra preocupación semejante en la historia de la filosofía. ¿Para qué refutar la existencia del diablo y para qué demostrar la de Dios?
DELEUZE Y EL PROBLEMA DE LA EXPRESIÓN
Authors: Ferreyra Julián
Published: December 2019

Este artículo se propone estudiar la noción de expresión en los dos libros que Deleuze publica en 1968: Spinoza y el problema de la expresión y Diferencia y repetición. Se trazarán las correspondencias entre las formas de expresión en el primero y los planos ontológicos del segundo, para luego considerar en qué consiste el renversement (inversión, destrucción) del spinozismo que Deleuze propone. Se mostrará que este no consiste en invertir el rol del fundamento entre lo Uno y lo múltiple, sino en liberar las formas de expresión del cuádruple cepo de la razón suficiente, y darle a cada una su lógica y potencia propias.
AS NATUREZAS SIMPLES E A METAFÍSICA CARTESIANA: UMA CRÍTICA A JEAN-LUC MARION
Authors: Teixeira William De Jesus
Published: December 2019

O objetivo desse artigo é analisar e refutar a opinião de Jean-Luc Marion acerca da relação entre a doutrina das naturezas simples e a metafísica cartesiana. Em primeiro lugar, apontaremos alguns problemas com o método estruturalista empregado por Marion. A seguir, mostraremos a impossiblidade de se converter noções epistemológicas (naturezas simples) em noções ontológicas (cogito). Por fim, sugerimos que o método empregado por Descartes na conversão das naturezas simples em sua metafísica das Meditações foi o introspectivismo ou disciplina da interioridade tomada emprestada de Agostinho. Esta constatação reforçara nossa convicção na recusa da interpretação estruturalista da obra de Descartes.
ANTONIO NEGRI REVISITA SEU LIVRO "A ANOMALIA SELVAGEM"
Authors: Marino Mario , Santiago Homero
Published: December 2019

Entrevista concedida por Antonio Negri a Homero Santiago e Mario Marino por ocasião do lançamento da segunda edição da tradução brasileira de A anomalia selvagem: poder e potência em Espinosa.
NOTÍCIAS
Authors: Espinosanos Cadernos
Published: December 2019

Notícias do segundo semestre de 2019
APRESENTAÇÃO
Authors: Espinosanos Cadernos
Published: December 2019

Apresentação da edição do segundo semestre de 2019
Implementation of High-Intensity Stepping Training During Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Improves Functional Outcomes
Authors: Moore Jennifer L. , Nordvik Jan E. , Erichsen Anne , Rosseland Ingvild , Bø Elisabeth , Hornby T. George ,   for the FIRST-Oslo Team, Barkenæs Tonje , Bratlie Hanne , Byhring Miriam , Grimstad Ingvild , Hågå Magnus , Halvorsen Joakim , Henderson Chris , Mbalilaki Julia-Aneth , Rimehaug Stein-Arne , Sæther Kirsten , Tomren Thomas , Vergoossen Karen
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

Therapeutic strategies that capitalize on the intrinsic capacity for neurological recovery early poststroke to improve locomotion are uncertain. Emerging data suggest that task-specific stepping practice provided at higher cardiovascular intensities may be critical dosage parameters that could maximize locomotor recovery. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the comparative effectiveness of providing high-intensity training on locomotor capacity early poststroke as compared with usual care.

Methods—

A quasi-experimental design was used to compare changes in stepping activity (StepWatch), walking, and balance outcomes during usual care (n=56) versus high-intensity stepping intervention (n=54) in inpatient stroke patients. Primary outcomes assessed weekly included self-selected and fastest gait speed, 6-minute walk test, and the Berg Balance Scale, with secondary outcomes of Swedish Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke-Norwegian version, Functional Ambulation Category, 30-s sit-to-stand, strength (average manual muscle testing), and Barthel Index. Regression analyses identified relationships between demographics, baseline function, and training activities (steps per day; duration achieved, 70%–85% maximum heart rates) and primary outcomes at discharge.

Results—

Following implementation of high-intensity stepping, average steps per day (5777±2784) were significantly greater than during usual care (3917±2656;
P
<0.001). Statistically different and clinically meaningful changes in self-selected speed (0.39±0.28 versus 0.16±0.26 m/s) and fastest gait speed (0.47±0.41 versus 0.17±0.38 m/s; both
P
<0.001) were observed following high-intensity interventions versus usual care and at every assessment throughout the length of stay. Changes in Berg Balance Scale and 6-minute walk test were also statistically and clinically different between groups, while secondary measures of Functional Ambulation Category and strength were also different at discharge. Primary predictors of improved walking capacity were steps per day, baseline impairments, and age.

Conclusions—

Provision of high-intensity stepping training applied during inpatient rehabilitation resulted in significantly greater walking and balance outcomes. This training paradigm should be further tested in other contexts to determine the generalizability to real-world and community settings.
Synopsis of the genus Phlegmariurus (Lycopodiaceae) in Colombia

Authors: ØLLGAARD BENJAMIN
Published: December 2019

This article  presents the results of a study of a large material of Colombian Lycopodiaceae, describing 75 species of the genus Phlegmariurus, some of them subdivided into several varieties. Their nomenclature, distribution and habitats are indicated, and problems of species delimitation and infraspecific variation are discussed. All species are illustrated, and studied specimens are cited. An attempt has been made to group the species, mainly following the clades of recent molecular studies. The following taxa are described as new to science: Phlegmariurus cocuyensis, P. cruentus var. exilis, P. cruentus var. illimitatus, P. idroboi, and P. josesantae.
Crassothonna agaatbergensis (Asteraceae), a new species from the Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Authors: SWANEPOEL WESSEL , DE CAUWER VERA
Published: December 2019

Crassothonna agaatbergensis, here described as a new species, is known only from the northern part of the Skeleton Coast (part of the Namib Desert) in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia. These perennial shrublets grow on basalt of the Agaatberg Mountain under harsh desert conditions. Diagnostic characters for C. agaatbergensis include the partially buried, globose, obovoid or ampulliform caudex and the inconspicuous rays which are much shorter than the involucre. A comparison of some of the more prominent morphological features to differentiate between C. agaatbergensis and its possible nearest relatives, C. clavifolia and C. protecta, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria, a conservation assessment of Endangered (EN D) is recommended for the new species.
A Targeted Literature Review of the Disease Burden in Patients With Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Bauersachs Rupert , Debus Sebastian , Nehler Mark , Huelsebeck Maria , Balradj Janita , Bowrin Kevin , Briere Jean-Baptiste
Published: December 2019

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) and limb events, but the disease is frequently underdiagnosed and treatment options are limited. This review examines the disease burden of symptomatic PAD as well as key guideline recommendations. Publications were identified using the ProQuest portal to access the Medline, Medline In-Process, and Embase databases. Search terms for symptomatic PAD were combined with terms relevant to epidemiology, burden, treatment practice, and physiopathology. Articles in English published between January 2001 and September 2016 were screened according to the population, interventions, comparator, outcomes, and study design criteria. Relevant publications (n = 200) were identified. The reported incidence and prevalence of PAD varied depending on the definitions used and the study populations. Patients generally had a poor prognosis, with an increased risk of mortality, CV, and limb events and decreased quality of life. Guideline recommendations included ankle–brachial index measurements, exercise testing, and angiography for diagnosis and risk factor modification, antiplatelets, cilostazol, exercise therapy, or surgical interventions for treatment, depending on the patient profile. The clinical, humanistic, and economic burden of disease in patients with symptomatic PAD is substantial and needs to be reduced through improved PAD management.
Impacts of School Racial Composition on the Mathematics and Reading Achievement Gap in Post Unitary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Authors: Wang Chuang , Fan Xitao , Pugalee David K.
Published: December 2019

This is a longitudinal study of the change in the academic achievement gap between African American and European American students from elementary to high schools with large administrative data from a school district in the United States. Analysis of variance between eight tracks of students defined by the school environment of isolated schools or diverse schools indicated that middle school is a critical period for closing the achievement gap and that students who stayed in diverse schools from elementary to high schools benefited the most in both reading and mathematics standardized test scores. Multilevel linear growth models show that staying in isolated elementary and middle schools has a negative impact on the students’ reading achievement and their annual growth rate in mathematics for all students regardless of race.
Free Trade Agreements in the World Trade System: Substance and Semantics
Authors: Athukorala Prema-chandra
Published: December 2019

Over the past three decades, free trade agreements (FTAs) have become an integral and enduring part of the global trading system. The number of FTAs notified to the World Trade Organization increased from 19 in 1990 to 292 by January 2019.1 However, debate on the economic case for following the FTA path as an alternative to multilateral and unilateral trade liberalisation is far from settled. The purpose of this note is to assess key themes of this policy debate. The focus is solely on the economic rationale of FTAs, even though political considerations play a key role in the proliferation of FTAs.

JEL Codes: F13, F15, F55
Disability among patients with schizophrenia: A hospital-based study
Authors: Fakorede Omokehinde O , Ogunwale Adegboyega , Akinhanmi Akinwande O
Published: December 2019

Background:

Schizophrenia has been described as the most disabling mental disorder, and patients with schizophrenia have been said to be disabled mostly in self-care, occupation, sexual relation and social relationship domains. Previous authors have studied disability among this study population. However, the limitations of these previous works include non-report of the prevalence rates of disability, report on disability limited to only a particular domain of life and the utilization of disability instruments fraught with significant weaknesses.

Aim:

To determine the prevalence, severity, domains and correlates of disability among outpatients with schizophrenia at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methods:

It was a cross-sectional study conducted among three hundred consenting adult outpatients with schizophrenia attending the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Each participant was interviewed with the sociodemographic questionnaire, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the 36-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule.

Results:

The prevalence of disability was 78% (with 22% having no disability in any of the domains). Most were disabled in the mild to moderate range. Seventy-seven percent (77%) had mild to moderate disability while only 1% had severe disability. Excluding those free of disability, 98.7% of those with disability had mild to moderate form while only 1.3% had severe form. Highest prevalence rates for disability were reported in the ‘participation in society’ and ‘getting along’ domains while the lowest rates were reported in the ‘activities’ (household, work, school) and ‘self-care’ domains. Of all the sociodemographic and clinical variables explored, only the PANSS positive, negative and total scores demonstrated significant relationships with disability.

Conclusion:

Consistent with existing literature, disability is very prevalent among patients with schizophrenia and it is associated with higher levels of illness severity. Clinicians have a role in limiting disability by focusing on early and comprehensive treatment approaches.
Priestly People of God
Authors: Beinert Wolfgang , Burkhard John J.
Published: December 2019

The Church faces a crisis of identity today because it has not addressed the conflict inherited from Vatican II between the Church as a society and as communion. The author argues for the priority of the image of the people of God in ecclesiology and draws out some implications for the Church’s self-understanding. He calls the Church to clarify the place and meaning of the laity and their charisms, and challenges the Church to rethink her ministry to better express her underlying identity. Practical implications of this effort are presented, including the role of the sensus fidelium.
A case report of pancreatitis-panniculitis-polyarthritis syndrome – an unusual but serious presentation of pancreatic disease
Authors: Castro João Paulo , Atanásio Gabriel , Canelas Maria Ana , Ferreira André , Barbosa Ana Rita , Barbedo Marta , Abreu Regina
Published: December 2019

The clinical triad of peripheral cutaneous erythematous nodules, oligo or polyarthritis with intraosseous fat necrosis in the setting of pancreatic disease defines a rare entity called pancreatitis-panniculitis-polyarthritis syndrome. The early recognition of this triad is critical due to its high mortality rate and the rapid onset of osseous and articular disabilities. We describe the clinical course of a 54-year-old patient with complaints of weight loss and fever who presented to our hospital with signs of polyarthritis and appendicular erythematous cutaneous nodules. Clinical investigation revealed high inflammatory and pancreatic enzymes levels. Cutaneous biopsy and articular MRI showed evidence of peripheral necrosis. After a thorough investigation, a diagnosis of panniculitis-polyarthritis-pancreatitis syndrome was established. Treatment was initiated, and a slow but steady improvement was observed. Further complications of the disease process were observed. This case highlights the importance of recognising the association between panniculitis and polyarthritis with pancreatic disease in order to improve outcomes.
Parent Encouragement and Young Adult Voting Behavior: A Potential Outcomes Approach
Authors: Siegel-Stechler Kelly
Published: December 2019

Although previous research consistently finds a strong relationship between parent and child voting, the role of parent encouragement, or verbal instruction, remains less clear. In addition, few studies in this area have attempted to determine the causal mechanisms which drive this association. This study models a potential outcomes approach to causality and investigates the causal relationship between parent encouragement to vote and young adult turnout and informed voting behaviors. Results indicate that, after conditioning on factors that determine selection into treatment, parent encouragement leads to an increase of 30% in likelihood of voting and increases scores on a 6-point informed voting index by 1.04. This demonstrates the large role that parents play in determining youth engagement, while beginning to develop a more complete causal framework for how and why young people come to be active participants in public life.
Influence of Health Literacy on Medication Adherence Among Elderly Females With Type 2 Diabetes in Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Nadia , Said Amira S. A. , Khan Zainab
Published: December 2019

Health literacy is how well the patients are able to attain, deal with, and understand basic health information. This is particularly important when it comes to comprehending prescribed medication instructions. To improve the communication strategies for health-care professionals during patient counseling, our study aimed to assess the influence of health literacy and medication adherence in older patients. The objectives of the study were to evaluate associations that occur between the level of health literacy and medication adherence. This study used a convenience sampling method of females (older than 60 years) attending the diabetic clinic in two hospital settings ( N = 524). All study participants filled three validated questionnaires: these were the Literacy Assessment for Diabetes, the Diabetes Numeracy Test, and a modified Brief Adherence Rating Scale. To assess the spectrum of health literacy differences, we used χ2 analysis and linear regression analysis. Individuals with adequate health literacy were more likely to remember to take their medications compared with those with inadequate health literacy, χ2(4) = 11.6, p = .04. Adequate literacy level study participants were more likely to not change the dose of their medications without medical advice (12.3%) compared with those individuals with inadequate health literacy (2.8%), χ2(4) = 11.13, p = .03. The results in our study suggest that health-care professionals should focus on appropriate communication attuned to the assessment of health literacy levels particularly in older female patients when discussing medication instructions.
Female financial advisers: Where art thou?
Authors: Richards Daniel W , Roberts Helen , Whiting Rosalind H
Published: December 2019

We investigate the gender imbalance in the financial advising industry by analysing 32 in-depth qualitative interviews of female and male financial advisers in Australia and New Zealand. Using the framework of organisational structures, advisers’ preferences and stereotypical discrimination, we identify barriers for women and the adaptive strategies they employ to overcome them. Findings show that sales-based structures, servicing client needs, difficulties networking, a dominant masculine management culture and the gendered nature of flexible work inhibit women’s careers in financial advice. Strategies to overcome these barriers are finding the ‘right’ manager, receiving mentoring, selective networking and establishing a partnership arrangement with another adviser.

JEL Classification: M12, M14
Review of Cerliponase Alfa: Recombinant Human Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Late-Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis Type 2
Authors: Lewis Grace , Morrill Amanda M. , Conway-Allen Stephanie L. , Kim Bernard
Published: December 2019

The objective of this review is to summarize the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of cerliponase alfa for the treatment of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2). Cerliponase alfa is recombinant human tripeptidyl peptidase 1 enzyme replacement therapy. A phase 1/2 trial established the efficacy and safety of cerliponase alfa for treatment of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2. Treatment with intracerebroventricular cerliponase alfa resulted in slower decline of motor and language functions compared with natural history controls. Common adverse events include convulsions, electrocardiography abnormalities, pyrexia, vomiting, and upper respiratory tract infections. Intracerebroventricular device–related adverse events also occur. Cerliponase alfa is the first therapy for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 that targets the disease etiology. Cerliponase alfa is effective in delaying the progression of motor language decline for patients with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2.
Parallel lines? Childhood discourses emphasized by the children’s rights movement and the emerging field of children’s rights studies
Authors: Bendo Daniella
Published: December 2019

This article is a response to Karl Hanson’s call for the emancipation of children’s rights studies from the children’s rights movement. It explores the emergence of the children’s rights movement and children’s rights studies and analyzes some of the key childhood discourses that are emphasized by these two different approaches. As a way to understand why Hanson calls for emancipation, and in an attempt to begin to emancipate children’s rights studies, the article works to deepen current and future spaces for discussion in the field.
Hysteresis modeling of piezoelectric actuators with the frequency-dependent behavior using a hybrid model
Authors: Qian Cheng , Ouyang Qing , Song Yulai , Zhao Wei
Published: December 2019

In order to overcome the problem of positioning inaccuracy caused by nonlinear hysteresis of piezoelectric actuators, a hybrid model based on least-squares support vector machine and Bouc–Wen model is proposed to model the rate-dependent hysteresis of piezoelectric actuators. A rate-independent Bouc–Wen model and its parameters identification method is established as the basis of least-squares Bouc–Wen model. Least-squares support vector machine, which is optimized by particle swarm optimization, is introduced to improve the Bouc–Wen model into a rate-dependent model by adjusting parameters of Bouc–Wen dynamically. Experiment is carried out to validate both Bouc–Wen model and the proposed least-squares Bouc–Wen model. The results show that the proposed least-squares Bouc–Wen method is a valid and a more precise method compared to the rate-independent Bouc–Wen model.
Effect of interlayer hybridization of carbon, Kevlar, and glass fibers with oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers on the mechanical behaviors of hybrid composites
Authors: Ebrahimnezhad-Khaljiri Hossein , Eslami-Farsani Reza , Akbarzadeh Ebrahim
Published: December 2019

This study focuses on tensile and flexural behaviors of epoxy composites, which have been reinforced by oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers and high-performance fibers (carbon, glass, and Kevlar). In hybrid composites, the parameters of hybridization show positive or negative hybrid effects on its mechanical properties. The results of energy absorption achieved from the tensile test depicted that reinforced hybrid composites by two plies of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fiber and two plies of carbon, Kevlar, and glass fibers with energy absorption of 916, 700, and 899 kJ m–3 had the maximum hybridization parameter, which were 1.1, 0.64, and 1.54, respectively. Also, the mentioned hybrid composites with flexural stresses of 279.4, 198.5, and 167.3 MPa had the maximum hybridization parameter in a flexural test, which were 3.01, 2.68, and 1.80, respectively. Hybrid composites, which were reinforced by three plies of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fiber/one ply carbon fibers, three plies of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fiber/one ply of glass fibers, and two plies of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fiber/two plies of Kevlar fibers, had the maximum pseudo strain in their group, which were 0.12%, 0.65%, and 0.17%, respectively. The microstructure investigations depicted crossing cracks among oxidized polyacrylonitrile fiber and cutting the oxidized polyacrylonitrile fiber, which were caused to increase the hybridization parameters in mechanical tests. Also, it was found that as compared with carbon, glass, and Kevlar fibers, oxidized polyacrylonitrile fiber had a ductile fracture, which was the reason for the pseudo-ductility behavior in hybrid composites.
Substance Abuse: Trends, Primary Care and Sustainable Transformation
Authors: Dubey Charu , Bakhshi Priti
Published: December 2019

The increased consumption of drugs in India is alarming and literature reveals that there are many studies on substance abuse and on the current trends and factors responsible for its consumption across the globe but very few in the Indian context. Through this article, we intend to highlight the statistics of substance use in India in context of problem, causes, consequences, impact, intensity, solutions, measures taken and way forward. The study is useful to policy makers, common man and drug addicts. The study is based on compilation and analysis of secondary data collected from authentic sources. Through this study, we have made an attempt to cover A to Z of Substance abuse in India. Through this study, we found that the increased trend of Substance abuse is alarming and there is a severe need of interventions. The Narcotics department is seizing the drugs as and when they are getting the information but somehow the situation cannot be controlled only with the efforts of Narcotics department and the contribution of policy makers, parents, teachers, doctors, that is, of each and every one of us, is equally important to eradicate this evil from society and nation as a whole.
Impact of TVET on Labour Market Outcomes and Women’s Empowerment in Rural Areas: A Case Study from Cachar District, Assam
Authors: Dey Sagarika , Devi Priyanka
Published: December 2019

This article evaluates the impact of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), a state-sponsored skills training programme, on the scope and quality of employment, income and women’s empowerment among rural youths in Cachar district of Assam. Using a Heckman two-step approach, we find that training does enhance labour market outcomes of rural youths and has a particularly potent effect in securing women’s empowerment. However, the study reveals that employment generation under the programme is heavily biased in favour of wage employment. It is therefore suggested that due attention should be given to promote self-employment ventures by ensuring credit availability and logistical support by tying up with financial institutions and other agencies. Besides, peripheral issues such as level of trainee satisfaction, workplace-related problems and skill mismatch in training and job requirements also need to be addressed for increasing programme efficacy.
Abnormal Rich Club Organization in Hemispheric White Matter Networks of ADHD
Authors: Li Dandan , Cui Xiaohong , Yan Ting , Liu Bo , Zhang Hui , Xiang Jie , Wang Bing
Published: December 2019

Objective: Brain network studies have revealed abnormal topology asymmetry of white matter (WM) in ADHD. Recently, rich club organization was proposed to be a key feature of brain network topology. However, abnormalities in the rich club organization of hemispheric WM networks in ADHD remain unclear. Method: Forty ADHD patients and 51 normal controls participated in this study. Structural networks were reconstructed based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and analyzed with graph theory. Results: The two groups exhibited different patterns of asymmetry in connectivity measures of rich club connections. ADHD patients showed more feeder connections than normal controls. Reduced rightward asymmetry was observed in connectivity measures of local connections involving several peripheral regions of the ADHD patients. In addition, abnormal regional asymmetry scores were associated with ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: The topological changes in rich club organization provide a novel insight into the alteration of WM connections in ADHD.