bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guiding management of therapy in prostate cancer: time to switch from conventional imaging to PSMA PET?
Authors: Alipour Ramin , Azad Arun , Hofman Michael S.
Published: September 2019

Radiolabelled small molecules for imaging prostate cancer have rapidly emerged over the last few years with gallium-68-labelled prostate-specific-membrane-antigen-11 (68Ga-PSMA11), the most widely used. However, the current evidence-based guidelines for management of prostate cancer were established using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone scan, despite their limitations. Prostate-specific-membrane antigen (PSMA) positron-emission tomography (PET)/CT, however, has higher sensitivity and specificity and can lead to both upstaging and downstaging and subsequent changes in management of prostate cancer. The literature for PSMA PET/CT is mostly in the setting of biochemical recurrence and primary staging of intermediate-to-high-risk prostate cancer. Preliminary studies also suggest that there may be a role in nonmetastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and possibly response to therapy. Despite high sensitivity and specificity, PSMA PET/CT as a single modality for staging advanced prostate cancer is suboptimal, given the low PSMA expression in this subgroup and the complementary role of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT is required. This is also true in early-stage prostate adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation or small-/large-cell neuroendocrine tumours of the prostate. Lack of a globally accepted standardized reporting system for PSMA PET/CT is a current limitation. This is essential to pave the way to incorporating this invaluable molecular imaging modality in clinical trials to assess its impact on outcome, particularly when upstaging or downstaging conventionally imaged disease. This would then lead to recognition by healthcare providers, incorporation into guidelines for management of prostate cancer and routine use in clinical practice.
Rethinking the theoretical base of Peter L. Berger’s sociology of religion: Social construction, power, and discourse
Authors: Hjelm Titus
Published: September 2019

Peter L. Berger (1929–2017) was one of the most influential sociologists of the last sixty years. In the sociology of religion, his publications are among the key works of the discipline. This paper is a “positive critique” of three aspects of Berger’s theoretical work in the sociology of religion: (1) an inconsistent application of the idea of social construction, (2) a lack of focus on power and ideology, and (3) an insufficient operationalization of language as a vehicle of world-construction. Augmenting Berger’s field-defining work with insights from contemporary theories of ideology and discourse, the article provides an outline for a critical constructionist approach to the sociology of religion.
Rationalising bone scan usage in prostate cancer staging – A UK nationwide audit of the BAUS Radical Prostatectomy (RP) database
Authors: KandaSwamy Gokul Vignesh , Rai Bhavan Prasad , Narahari Krishna , Kynaston Howard
Published: September 2019

Objective:

With new evidence showing no need to perform staging bone scans (BS) in intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PC), we reviewed the practice and trends of performing BS in PC patients across the United Kingdom by analysing a cohort of PC patients from the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) radical prostatectomy (RP) database. We analysed the database as such for data entry and regional trends.

Materials and methods:

Between 2007 and 2016, patients who had BS were categorised according to D’Amico risk categories as low (LR), intermediate (IR) and high (HR). The IR group was subdivided into primary patterns 3 (IR3) and 4 (IR4). Subgroup analysis based on prostate-specific antigen and Gleason score was performed. Regional trends regarding data entry and no staging scans before RP were also analysed.

Results:

Over the study period, the database included 39,382 patients. The quality of data improved from 2011. A consistent drop in proportion of LR patients who had BS was noted over the study period which stood at less than 1% in 2016. This parallels an increase in proportion of HR patients, but the IR3 and IR4 proportion remained stable throughout the study. A large proportion of HR patients were deemed HR because of clinical T stage in the subgroup analysis. A progressive drop is noted in patients having no scan before RP, which stood at 3.66% in 2016. Out of 15 regions, 13 showed improvement in data completeness.

Conclusion:

In the United Kingdom, good adherence with guidelines to avoid BS in LR patients is noted but is still continued in IR. Updating the guidelines which are still not uniform and involvement of specialist multidisciplinary teams to reflect these would help reduce a considerable number of unnecessary BS being performed. Regional trends shown would help relevant centres to review their data entry process and potentially improve them.

Level of evidence:

not applicable for this multicentre audit.
Stakeholder perspectives on evidence for digital mental health interventions: Implications for accreditation systems
Authors: Batterham Philip J , Calear Alison L , O’Dea Bridianne , Larsen Mark E , J Kavanagh David , Titov Nickolai , March Sonja , Hickie Ian , Teesson Maree , Dear Blake F , Reynolds Julia , Lowinger Jocelyn , Thornton Louise , Gorman Patrick
Published: September 2019

Background

Digital mental health interventions can be effective for treating mental health problems, but uptake by consumers and clinicians is not optimal. The lack of an accreditation pathway for digital mental health interventions is a barrier to their uptake among clinicians and consumers. However, there are a number of factors that may contribute to whether a digital intervention is suitable for recommendation to the public. The aim of this study was to identify the types of evidence that would support the accreditation of digital interventions.

Method

An expert workshop was convened, including researcher, clinician, consumer (people with lived experience of a mental health condition) and policymaker representatives.

Results

Existing methods for assessing the evidence for digital mental health interventions were discussed by the stakeholders present at the workshop. Empirical evidence from randomised controlled trials was identified as a key component for evaluating digital interventions. However, information on the safety of users, data security, user ratings, and fidelity to clinical guidelines, along with data from routine care including adherence, engagement and clinical outcomes, were also identified as important considerations when evaluating an intervention. There are considerable challenges in weighing the evidence for a digital mental health intervention.

Conclusions

Empirical evidence should be the cornerstone of any accreditation system to identify appropriate digital mental health interventions. However, robust accreditation systems should also account for program and user safety, user engagement and experience, and fidelity to clinical treatment guidelines.
Total Hip Arthroplasty Outperforms Hemiarthroplasty in Patients Aged 65 Years and Older: A Propensity-Matched Study of Short-Term Outcomes
Authors: Warren Jared A. , Sundaram Kavin , Anis Hiba K. , Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Higuera Carlos A. , Kamath Atul F.
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

Displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly individuals may be treated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA). However, it is unclear what the short-term medical outcomes are related to these surgical options. The purpose of this study was to compare early postoperative outcomes in THA patients to those of HHA patients.

Methods:

In this study, we compared 30-day mortality, likelihood of still being in the hospital at 30 days, postoperative major and minor complications, discharge disposition, reoperation and readmission, length of stay, days from admission to surgery, and operative time between THA and HHA. Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database, hip fracture patients ≥65 years old from 2008 to 2016 were identified. After propensity score matching, there were 2795 THAs and 2795 HHAs. To assess the effect of THA on the above-mentioned outcomes, bivariate regression models were created.

Results:

The THA patients ≥65 years old were at reduced risk for mortality ( P = .029) and still being in the hospital at 30 days ( P = .017). The THA patients were at an increased risk for minor complications ( P = .011) and longer operative times ( P < .001). However, THA patients were more likely to have a home discharge ( P < .001).

Discussion:

Patients ≥65 years who underwent THA for hip fractures had reduced short-term mortality risk, were more likely to be discharged home, and had less likelihood of being in the hospital at 30 days. This is the first study to explore short-term outcomes in patients ≥65 and has direct implications for alternate payment and merit-based payment models.

Conclusion:

As hip fracture treatment has come under scrutiny with respect to alternate payment models and merit-based incentive payments, this analysis of short-term outcomes warrants consideration when evaluating treatment pathways.
Government Size and Economic Growth: A Review of International Literature
Authors: Nyasha Sheilla , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: September 2019

In this article, we survey the existing literature on the causal relationship between government size and economic growth, highlighting the theoretical and empirical evidence from topical work. To our knowledge, this study may well be the first study of its kind to survey, in detail, the existing literature on the causal relationship between government size and economic growth—in all the countries, whether developing or developed. By and large, our study shows that direction of causality between these two variables has four possible outcomes, and that all the outcomes have found empirical support, based on variations in the country or region under study, methodology, proxies, data set used, and time frame considered. However, of the four, the most prominent is the second view, which validates unidirectional Granger-causality from economic growth to government size, followed by the bidirectional Granger-causality category. The study, therefore, concludes that the causal relationship between government size and economic growth is far from being clear-cut.
Online Environmental Activism: The Case of Iğneada Floodplain Forest
Authors: Menteş Süleyman Ahmet
Published: September 2019

The Internet has changed the ways and conditions of activism. Especially over the last three decades, online activism has been prevalently used for sharing information, connecting people, and mobilizing crowds to express their discontent. The Internet is often referred to as a new form of public sphere, which demonstrates many distinctive and advantageous features compared with traditional types of public spheres. By following public sphere theory, this study examines online activism in the context of environmental activism and aims to understand the potential of the Internet within online activism practices. The studied website “Save the Floodplain Forest” ( www.longozukoru.org ) is an environmentalist activist platform dedicated to saving the Iğneada floodplain forest. The study employed the five-dimensional content analysis scale developed by Kavada to evaluate and analyze the campaign website. The results exhibit inadequacies and point out the potential rooms for improvement for the campaign website.
Sport-Related Concussion Education and the Elaboration Likelihood Model: Need for Cognition as Mediator Between Health Literacy and Concussion Education Efficacy
Authors: Turner Jacob S. , Tollison Andrew C. , Hopkins Birgid , Poloskey Leah , Fontaine Dennis
Published: September 2019

The current study examines the ways the elaboration likelihood model of persuasion can be applied to message design of concussion education programs. Results from a survey of collegiate athletes ( N = 353) illustrate that it is not only students’ generalized ability to understand health information (health literacy) that determines knowledge of concussion symptoms but also one’s motivation to think deeply about concussion protocols (need for cognition [NFC]). Current results show that NFC mediated the relationship between health literacy and the collegiate athletes’ knowledge of concussion symptoms. Collegiate athletes’ concussion protocols aimed at increasing concussion reportage rates should be multimodal (rather than standardized textual lecture-based approaches) to be better fitting individualized approaches to cognitive processing of complex health-related messages and to begin to address the sociocultural contexts and complexities associated with athletes’ stay-on-the-field bias, which makes the burden of behavioral change particularly difficult in concussion education efforts.
Intractable Generalized Epilepsy and Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcemia: A Case Report
Authors: Rossi Gian C. , Patterson Amy L. , McGregor Amy L. , Wheless James W.
Published: September 2019

Calcium-sensing receptor gain-of-function mutations are known to cause autosomal dominant hypocalcemia and independently an epilepsy syndrome. We report the unique case of a child with both intractable generalized epilepsy and a chronic abnormality in calcium homeostasis due to a calcium-sensing receptor gene mutation. She is a 16-year-old female who began having staring events around 3 years of age. After her first generalized convulsion at age 5 years, investigations revealed hypocalcemia, hypercalciuria, and central nervous system calcifications. Her electroencephalogram demonstrated generalized epileptiform discharges, a hyperventilation-induced electroclinical seizure, and a photoconvulsive response. She has since been diagnosed with intellectual impairment, behavior disorder, and intractable childhood-onset seizures, the latter of which include eyelid myoclonia with absences. We conclude that calcium-sensing receptor gain-of-function mutations may precipitate an intractable generalized epilepsy syndrome with a comorbid endocrinopathy and that further investigations should be pursued in children with seizures presumed to be provoked by hypocalcemia.
B-cell–specific IRF4 deletion accelerates chronic lymphocytic leukemia development by enhanced tumor immune evasion
Authors: Asslaber Daniela , Qi Yuan , Maeding Nicole , Steiner Markus , Denk Ursula , Höpner Jan Philip , Hartmann Tanja Nicole , Zaborsky Nadja , Greil Richard , Egle Alexander
Published: September 2019

Key Points

IRF4 deletion in Tcl-1 tg mice and IRF4low CLL patients enhances disease progression due to increased tumor immune evasion. This is caused by a downregulation of the antigen processing and presentation machinery and reduced T-cell costimulation.
Improved cold tolerance in switchgrass by a novel CCCH-type zinc finger transcription factor gene, PvC3H72, associated with ICE1–CBF–COR regulon and ABA-responsive genes
Authors: Xie Zheni , Lin Wenjing , Yu Guohui , Cheng Qiang , Xu Bin , Huang Bingru
Published: September 2019

Background

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a warm-season perennial grass. Improving its cold tolerance is important for its sustainable production in cooler regions. Through genome-wide bioinformatic analysis of switchgrass Zinc finger-CCCH genes (PvC3Hs), we found that several PvC3Hs, including PvC3H72, might play regulatory roles in plant cold tolerance. The objectives of this study were to characterize PvC3H72 using reverse genetics approach and to understand its functional role in cold signal transduction and cold tolerance in switchgrass.

Results

PvC3H72 is an intronless gene encoding a transcriptional activation factor. The expression of PvC3H72 was rapidly and highly induced by cold stress. Transgenic switchgrass with over-expressed PvC3H72 driven under maize ubiquitin promoter showed significantly improved chilling tolerance at 4 °C as demonstrated by less electrolyte leakage and higher relative water content than wild-type (WT) plants, as well as significantly higher survival rate after freezing treatment at − 5 °C. Improved cold tolerance of PvC3H72 transgenic lines was associated with significantly up-regulated expression of ICE1–CBF–COR regulon and ABA-responsive genes during cold treatment.

Conclusions

PvC3H72 was the first characterized switchgrass cold-tolerance gene and also the only Znf-CCCH family gene known as a transcription factor in plant cold tolerance. PvC3H72 was an added signaling component in plant cold tolerance associated with regulation of ICE1–CBF–COR regulon and ABA-responsive genes. Knowledge gained in this study not only added another acting component into plant cold-tolerance mechanism, but also be of high value for genetic improvement of cold tolerance in switchgrass as well as other warm-season grasses.
Phase I/II Study of Palliative Triple Metronomic Chemotherapy in Platinum-Refractory/Early-Failure Oral Cancer
Authors: Patil Vijay M. , Noronha Vanita , Joshi Amit , Dhumal Sachin , Mahimkar Manoj , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Gota Vikram , Pandey Manish , Menon Nandini , Mahajan Abhishek , Sable Nilesh , Kumar Suman , Nawale Kavita , Mukadam Sadaf , Solanki Bhavin , Das Sudeep , Simha Vijai , Abraham George , Chandrasekharan Arun , Talreja Vikas , DSouza Hollis , Srinivas Sujay , Kashyap Lakhan , Banavali Shripad , Prabhash Kumar
Published: September 2019

PURPOSE

Platinum-resistant oral cancer has a dismal outcome with limited treatment options. We conducted a phase I/II study to identify the optimal biologic dose (OBD) of methotrexate when given along with erlotinib and celecoxib and to assess the efficacy of this three-drug regimen in advanced oral cancer.

METHODS

Patients with platinum-resistant or early-failure squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity were eligible for this study. They were orally administered erlotinib 150 mg once per day, celecoxib 200 mg twice per day, and methotrexate per week. The primary end point of phase I was to determine the OBD of methotrexate, and that of phase II was to determine the 3-month progression-free survival. The OBD of methotrexate was determined on the basis of the clinical benefit rate at 2 months and circulating endothelial cell level at day 8, using a de-escalation model. Pharmacokinetic evaluation was performed during phase I. Phase II consisted of an expansion cohort of 76 patients.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were recruited in phase I, and 9 mg/m2 methotrexate was identified as the OBD. A total of 91 patients were recruited, and the median follow-up was 6.8 months (range, 0 to 16.8 months). The 3-month progression-free survival rate was 71.1% (95% CI, 60.5% to 79.3%), the 6-month overall survival rate was 61.2% (95% CI, 49.2% to 67.8%), and the response rate was 42.9% (95% CI, 33.2% to 53.1%; n = 39). The mean Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck Trial Outcome Index score at day 8 was improved by 6.1 units (standard deviation, 13.6 units) and was maintained around this magnitude ( P = .001).

CONCLUSION

Triple oral metronomic chemotherapy with erlotinib, methotrexate, and celecoxib is efficacious in platinum-refractory oral cavity cancers and represents a new therapeutic option in patients with poor prognosis.
Association Between Postoperative Body Temperature and All-Cause Mortality After Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Nam Karam , Jo Woo Young , Kwon Seok Min , Kang Pyoyoon , Cho Youn Joung , Jeon Yunseok , Kim Tae Kyong
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND:

Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia is common in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). We investigated the association between early postoperative body temperature and all-cause mortality in patients undergoing OPCAB.

METHODS:

We reviewed the electronic medical records of 1714 patients who underwent OPCAB (median duration of follow-up, 47 months). Patients were divided into 4 groups based on body temperature at the time of intensive care unit admission after surgery (moderate-to-severe hypothermia, <35.5°C; mild hypothermia, 35.5°C–36.5°C; normothermia, 36.5°C–37.5°C; and hyperthermia, ≥37.5°C). Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between body temperature and all-cause mortality. The association between early postoperative changes in body temperature and all-cause mortality was also assessed by dividing the patients into 4 categories according to the body temperature measured at postoperative intensive care unit admission and the average body temperature during the first 3 postoperative days.

RESULTS:

Compared to the normothermia group, the adjusted hazard ratios of all-cause mortality were 2.030 (95% confidence interval, 1.407–2.930) in the moderate-to-severe hypothermia group and 1.445 (95% confidence interval, 1.113–1.874) in the mild hypothermia group. Patients who were hypothermic at postoperative intensive care unit admission but attained normothermia thereafter were at a lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to patients who did not regain normothermia (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.631; 95% confidence interval, 0.453–0.878), while they were still at a higher risk of all-cause mortality than those who were consistently normothermic (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.435; 95% confidence interval, 1.090–1.890).

CONCLUSIONS:

Even mild early postoperative hypothermia was associated with all-cause mortality after OPCAB. Patients who regained normothermia postoperatively were at lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who did not.
McGrath MAC Videolaryngoscope Versus Optiscope Video Stylet for Tracheal Intubation in Patients With Manual Inline Cervical Stabilization: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Yoon Hyun-Kyu , Lee Hyung-Chul , Park Jung-Bin , Oh Hyongmin , Park Hee-Pyoung
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND:

Manual inline stabilization of the head and neck is a recommended maneuver for tracheal intubation in patients with a suspected cervical injury. However, because applying this maneuver inevitably restricts neck flexion and head extension, indirect intubating devices such as a videolaryngoscope or a video stylet could be required for successful tracheal intubation. In this study, we compared the clinical performance of the McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope versus the Optiscope video stylet in patients with manual inline cervical stabilization during tracheal intubation.

METHODS:

In 367 consecutive patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery, tracheal intubation was randomly performed with manual inline stabilization using either the McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope (group M, n = 183) or the Optiscope video stylet (group O, n = 184) by 2 experienced anesthesiologists in a single institution. The primary outcome was the first-attempt success rate of tracheal intubation. Secondary outcomes were intubation time and the incidence of postoperative airway complications, such as sore throat, hoarseness, blood in the oral cavity, and blood staining on the endotracheal tube.

RESULTS:

The first-attempt success rate of tracheal intubation was significantly higher in group M compared with group O (92.3% vs 81.0%; risk difference [95% confidence interval], 0.11 [0.05–0.18]; P = .002). The intubation time was significantly shorter in group M than in group O (35.7 ± 27.8 vs 49.2 ± 43.8; mean difference [95% confidence interval], 13.5 [5.9–21.1]; P = .001). The incidence of postoperative airway complications was not significantly different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

The McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope showed a higher first-attempt success rate for tracheal intubation and a shorter intubation time than the Optiscope video stylet in cervical spine patients with manual inline stabilization during tracheal intubation. These results suggest that the McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope may be a better option for tracheal intubation in such patients.
FKBP52 regulates TRPC3-dependent Ca2+ signals and the hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocyte cultures
Authors: Bandleon Sandra , Strunz Patrick P. , Pickel Simone , Tiapko Oleksandra , Cellini Antonella , Miranda-Laferte Erick , Eder-Negrin Petra
Published: September 2019

The transient receptor potential (TRP; C-classical, TRPC) channel TRPC3 allows a cation (Na+/Ca2+) influx that is favored by the stimulation of Gq protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). An enhanced TRPC3 activity is related to adverse effects, including pathological hypertrophy in chronic cardiac disease states. In the present study, we identified FK506-binding protein 52 (FKBP52, also known as FKBP4) as a novel interaction partner of TRPC3 in the heart. FKBP52 was recovered from a cardiac cDNA library by a C-terminal TRPC3 fragment (amino acids 742–848) in a yeast two-hybrid screen. Downregulation of FKBP52 promoted a TRPC3-dependent hypertrophic response in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCs). A similar effect was achieved by overexpressing peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase)-deficient FKBP52 mutants. Mechanistically, expression of the FKBP52 truncation mutants elevated TRPC3-mediated currents and Ca2+ fluxes, and the activation of calcineurin and the nuclear factor of activated T-cells in NRCs. Our data demonstrate that FKBP52 associates with TRPC3 via an as-yet-undescribed binding site in the C-terminus of TRPC3 and modulates TRPC3-dependent Ca2+ signals in a PPIase-dependent manner. This functional interaction might be crucial for limiting TRPC3-dependent signaling during chronic hypertrophic stimulation.
MRI-derived radiomics: methodology and clinical applications in the field of pelvic oncology
Authors: Schick Ulrike , Lucia François , Dissaux Gurvan , Visvikis Dimitris , Badic Bogdan , Masson Ingrid , Pradier Olivier , Bourbonne Vincent , Hatt Mathieu
Published: September 2019

Personalized medicine aims at offering optimized treatment options and improved survival for cancer patients based on individual variability. The success of precision medicine depends on robust biomarkers. Recently, the requirement for improved non-biologic biomarkers that reflect tumor biology has emerged and there has been a growing interest in the automatic extraction of quantitative features from medical images, denoted as radiomics. Radiomics as a methodological approach can be applied to any image and most studies have focused on PET, CT, ultrasound, and MRI. Here, we aim to present an overview of the radiomics workflow as well as the major challenges with special emphasis on the use of multiparametric MRI datasets. We then reviewed recent studies on radiomics in the field of pelvic oncology including prostate, cervical, and colorectal cancer.
Scientometric apparatus of research in the field of modern education
Authors: Дадалко Василий , Dadalko Vasiliy
Published: September 2019

The monograph shows the history of scientometric tools, systematically describes the main methods and the latest trends in applied scientometry. The features of the domestic application of scientometrics in the management of scientific activity are specified. Special attention is paid to the effective application of scientometric estimates.
It is intended for students, undergraduates, graduate students, University teachers, researchers and a wide range of readers interested in the organization of scientific activities in the field of education Sciences.
Nuclear weapons prohibition regime: problems of formation and possible solutions
Authors: Вербицкая Татьяна , Verbitskaya Tatyana
Published: September 2019

The monograph is devoted to nuclear safety in the context of modern realities of international relations. Can it be argued that the nuclear non-proliferation regime will be replaced by a nuclear-weapon-ban regime? In what direction will the nuclear-weapon-ban regime develop? The study of these issues seems to be very relevant after the adoption of the text of the Treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons in 2017.
For students and teachers, as well as anyone interested in disarmament issues.
Quem tem medo da Teoria? Análise como vivência, prática e experimentação nas Relações Internacionais | Who is affraid of Theory? Analysis as experience, practice and experimentation in International Relations
Authors: Spode Raphael , Fernandes Olivieri Bruna
Published: September 2019

O anseio de implementação de atividades práticas é uma questão histórica do campo de estudos das Relações Internacionais. Se, por um lado, muito pouco se tem descoberto sobre o aspecto prático e técnico da área – o que tem feito das Relações Internacionais uma área muito mais reflexiva e filosófica, do que propriamente um campo profissionalizante –, por outro lado algumas iniciativas podem ser encontradas, no Brasil e no mundo, capazes de oferecer aos alunos uma vivência profissional na graduação. Até aqui, a consagrada simulação das organizações internacionais tem sido o cerne da prática nas Relações Internacionais, concorrendo ao aprimoramento das habilidades de oratória e negociação dos alunos. Junto a ela, porém, há uma dinâmica relativamente desconhecida, de importância fundamental, denominada “Laboratório de Análise das Relações Internacionais (LARI)”. Esse artigo é um relato de experiências do “LARI” enquanto metodologia ativa de aprendizagem e uma breve reflexão sobre suas possibilidades e limitações.Palavras-chave: Virada Prática; Metodologias Ativas; Teoria das Relações Internacionais. ABSTRACTThe longing for the implementation of practical activities is a historical question of the field of studies of IR. If, on the one hand, very little has been discovered about the practical and technical aspect of the area – which has made IR a much more reflexive and philosophical area – on the other hand some initiatives may be found in Brazil and in the world capable of offering students a professional experience in undergraduate studies. So far, the established simulation of international organizations has been at the heart of International Relations practice, contributing to the improvement of students' speaking and negotiation skills. Next to it, however, there is a relatively unknown dynamics of fundamental importance denominated "Laboratory of Analysis of International Relations (LARI)". This article is an account of experiences of "LARI" as an active learning methodology and a reflection on its possibilities and limitations.Keywords: Practice Turn; Active Learning; International Relations Theory. Recebido em 26 out.2018 | Aceito em 20 ago.2019
A Revista Dabiq e a construção do inimigo: uma análise das classificações utilizadas pelo DAESH para nomear os seus opositores | The Dabiq Magazine and the construction of the enemy: an analysis of the classifications used by the DAESH to nominate its opponents
Authors: Costa Leandro Loureiro
Published: September 2019

A organização terrorista Estado Islâmico tem sido obstáculo para a segurança política em diversas regiões do mundo. Esta incerteza ocorre tanto pela promoção de atentados, mas também pela capacidade do grupo em recrutar indivíduos para que lutem pelos seus interesses. Para tal objetivo, desenvolveu-se uma máquina de propaganda com poder de construir representações demonizadas do inimigo e criar fortes identificações para os que partilham das ideias da organização. Esta pesquisa se baseou na Revista Dabiq para analisar como o mundo social do grupo foi construído. A partir dos seus textos e imagens foi possível compreender quais são os elementos que o compõem, dando subsídios para estudos mais específicos sobre a problemática do extremismo islâmico. Estes padrões lexicais caracterizam os chamados “inimigos” do Estado Islâmico, além da própria identificação do “eu” do grupo estar diretamente ligada a definição do “outro”, são parte de uma visão de mundo que busca responder às crises da modernidade, propondo uma substituição radical baseada na violência.Palavras-chave: Estado Islâmico; Revista Dabiq; Extremismo Islâmico. ABSTRACTThe terrorist organization Islamic State has been an obstacle to political security in various regions of the world. This uncertainty occurs both for the promotion of attacks, but also for being able to recruit young people around the world to fight in accordance with the interests of the group. To this end, a propaganda machine was developed with the power to construct demonized representations of the enemy and to create strong identifications for those who share the ideas of the organization. This research was based on Dabiq Magazine to analyze how the social world of the group was constructed. From its texts and images it was possible to understand which are the elements that make up the same, giving subsidies for more specific studies on the problematic of Islamic extremism. These lexical patterns characterize the so-called "enemies" of the Islamic State, and the very identification of the group's "I" is directly linked to this definition of the "other." These are part of a worldview that seeks to respond to the crises of modernity by proposing a radical substitution based on violence.Keywords: Islamic State; Dabiq Magazine; Islamic Extremism. Recebido em 14 mai.2019 | Aceito em 19 ago.2019.
Competence in using the arthroscopy stack system: a national survey of orthopaedic trainees in the UK
Authors: Manoharan G , Sharma N , Gallacher P
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Surgeons are required to have a sound knowledge regarding all operating theatre equipment they wish to use. This is important to ensure patient safety and theatre efficiency. Arthroscopy forms a significant part of all orthopaedic subspecialty practice. Proficiency in performing arthroscopic procedures is assessed during registrar training. The aim of this survey was to determine the competence of orthopaedic trainee registrars in setting up the arthroscopy stack system and managing intraoperative problems.

Materials and methods

Electronic survey forms were sent to all orthopaedic training programme directors in the UK to be forwarded to trainees in their deanery. The electronic survey contained 13 questions aimed at determining trainee experience and competence level with working with the arthroscopy stack system.

Results

A total of 138 responses were received from 14 deaneries in the UK. Almost all registrars had experienced intraoperative delays because of equipment malfunction that required addressing by more competent staff. However, 82% of respondents had not received any formal training for operating the arthroscopy stack system. Some 82% of registrars of ST7 grade or above, who had performed over 50 arthroscopic procedures and achieved a level 4 PBA competence, were unable to set up the stack system and successfully address these delays.

Conclusions

Inadequate training is delivered to orthopaedic registrars from both the training programme and arthroscopy-themed courses with regards to set-up and operation of the arthroscopy tower system. This training should be part of the curriculum to ensure patient safety and efficient theatre practice.
Brain pseudotumour secondary to Behçet’s disease
Authors: Mousa AE , Okasha M , Isaacs JD , Price DA , Bhatnagar P , Joshi A , Surash S
Published: September 2019

Neuro-Behçet’s disease (NBD) is a serious manifestation of Behçet’s disease (BD) and can affect either the central or peripheral nervous systems, or both. It occurs in 10–50% of patients with BD. We report on a patient with an unusual intraparenchymal lesion, initially thought to be a brain tumour. Histological examination revealed vasculitis consistent with BD. Clinicians should include NBD as a differential diagnosis when considering an isolated inflammatory intracranial lesion.
Análise contextual dos acidentes de trabalho na equipe de enfermagem
Authors: Sousa Yanna Gomes de , Chaves Ana elisa Pereira , Morais Laura Raquel Araújo de , Medeiros Soraya Maria de , Araujo Marília Souto de , Félix Assis Karla Morgana da Costa
Published: September 2019

Objetivo: Objetivou-se analisar os aspectos contextuais que influenciam os acidentes de trabalho na equipe de enfermagem. Método: Revisão narrativa nas bases SciELO, LILACS e MEDLINE. O material foi analisado à luz do modelo Análise de Contexto, que indica quatro camadas de relações contextuais interativas dos fenômenos que facilitam a sua compreensão (imediata, específica, geral e metacontextual). Resultados: Os dados foram apresentados em subtemas: acidentes de trabalho com profissional de enfermagem, atividades laborais do profissional de enfermagem em unidade hospitalar, repercussões psicossociais dos acidentes de trabalho e legislação dos acidentes de trabalho no Brasil. Conclusões: O significado do fenômeno estudado foi mais bem compreendido, possibilitando ser compartilhado e utilizado nas práticas de enfermagem.
Fallo de la XII edición del premio Vida y Salud de Relatos
Authors: Siles González José
Published: September 2019

Acta del fallo del jurado Vida y Salud de Relatos.
Evaluation of Anti-Aging Activity of the Biofield Energy Treated Novel Test Formulation Using SIRT1 and Telomerase Activity in in Vitro Model
Authors: Trivedi Mahendra Kumar , Jana Snehasis
Published: September 2019

Telomerase and SIRT1 (member of the sirtuin protein family) along with the lifestyle and diet are the major determinants of aging and its associated diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders. The study objective was to investigate the effect of Consciousness Energy Healing based novel test formulation in pre-adipocytes (3T3-L1) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for anti-aging activity using SIRT1 and telomerase assay. The test formulation was divided into two parts. One portion was denoted as the untreated test item without any Biofield Energy Treatment, while the other portion was defined as the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment, which received the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The cell viability using MTT assay showed that the cell viability of 3T3-L1 and PBMCs cells was more than 70% indicating a safe and nontoxic profile. The experimental data in PBMCs cells showed that the Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation showed a significant improved telomerase activity by 39.25%, 20.86%, and 17.95% at concentrations 0.01, 5, and 100 µg/mL, respectively as compared with the untreated test formulation group. These results indicate that the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment would be the significant approach to prevent aging-related disorders such as decline cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, dementia, osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s, hypertension, cancer, Parkinson's Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Stress, Asthma, cataract, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), hearing loss and metabolic disorders.
Long Non-Coding RNAs Emerging as Potential Epigenetic Biomarkers for Tobacco and/or Alcohol-Induced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Gupta Shilpi , Gupta Shilpi , Kumar Prabhat , Maini Jayant , Bharadwaj Mausumi
Published: September 2019

Head and Neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancer globally. The incidence of tobacco-induced HNC is gradually increasing in low and middle income countries. Among the various causative factors associated with HNCs, tobacco and alcohol play synergistic effect and are frequently associated with the risk of HNC. Tobacco-induced HNCs show distinct genetic and epigenetic alterations leading to different clinical outcomes in comparison to HPV-infected HNCs. Tobacco-induced HNCs are often associated with tumor aggressiveness, poor prognosis and low or nil prevalence of HPV infection. Apart from carcinogenic effects of these causative factors (use of tobacco products, alcohol intake and HPV or EBV infections), recent studies show that exposure to these factors alter/disrupt the regulation of non-coding RNAs including the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Altered lncRNA regulation is brought about by signalling networks that regulate cellular differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and inflammatory pathways which play key functions in the genesis of different cancers including HNCs. There are numbers of studies supporting the emerging role of lncRNAs in development of HNC; however, reports connecting lncRNAs expression and addiction habits in HNC are still preliminary and sparse. Therefore, identification and characterization of lncRNAs that are differentially expressed upon exposure to risk-factors can serve as unique therapeutic targets and potential biomarker(s) for effective treatment of HNC subtypes. In this short review, we briefly reviewed the emerging role of lncRNAs in tobacco and alcohol induced HNCs.
Hirsutism and Anthropometric Profiles Among Subjects with Polycystic Ovarian Morphology? A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Khan Sikandar Hayat , Gul Asif Alam , Manzoor Robina , Baig Aasyia Hanif , Anwar Roomana , Chaudhry Tariq
Published: September 2019

Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is increasingly being diagnosed and treated with sometimes variable lifestyle advice and pharmacological interventions. Obesity is considered as the sole culprit and variable definitions in clinics compound the understanding of pathogenic heterogeneity of this syndrome. We evaluated the differences between various simple to calculate anthropometric indices along with some anthropometric-biochemical equations in subjects with or without PCOS. Objective To compare traditional measures like waist to hip and height ratio (WHpR and WHtR), BMI, newer markers depicting central obesity like Abdominal Volume index(AVI), Body roundness index (BRI), A Body Shape index (ABSI), Conicity index (C-index) along with biochemical-anthropometric equations like lipid Accumulation Products (LAP), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and Chinese Visceral Adiposity Index (CVAI) for diagnosing PCOS as per the Rotterdam criteria Design Cross-sectional analysis Place & Study Duration Naval hospital, Islamabad from Jan- 2018 to July- 2019 Subjects and Methods From our finally evaluated 333 female subjects we initially compared the differences for the presence of hirsutism as per modified Ferrimen Gallwey scores and biochemical hyperandrogenism by measuring free androgen index (Total testosterone/SHBG x 1000. We evaluated waist circumference, BMI, WHpR, WHtR,AVI, BRI, ABSI, C-index along with biochemical-anthropometric equations like LAP, VAI and CVAI for differences in subjects diagnosed to have PCOS by Rotterdam criteria or ultrasonography alone. Results Differences in hirsutism as defined by modified FG score between subjects defined to have PCOS or otherwise as per Rotterdam defined criteria were as [(PCOS=169, Mean=17.33 + 9.05) (No PCOS=164, Mean=8.21 + 5.74), p< 0.001] and ultrasound [(PCOS=87, Mean=16.95 + 9.57) (No PCOS=246, Mean=11.38 + 8.51), p< 0.001]. Similarly, the differences in FAI between subjects defined to have PCOS or otherwise as per Rotterdam criteria and ultrasound were as [(PCOS=169, Mean=6.41 + 4.88) (No PCOS=164, Mean=2.77 + 1.79), p< 0.001] and [(PCOS=87, Mean=5.75 + 5.01) (No PCOS=246, Mean=4.22 + 3.68), p= 0.011]. Anthropometric measures and anthropometric-mathematical equations were raised in non-PCOS subjects than PCOS subjects. Lean-PCOS demonstrated lower degree of hirsutism and biochemical hyperandrogenism in comparison to obese-PCOS. Conclusion Hirsutism and free androgen indices were raised in PCOS females. Anthropometric based measurements were not different in PCOS cases and non-PCOS females. Lean-PCOS demonstrated lower degree of hirsutism and biochemical hyperandrogenism in comparison to obese-PCOS.
Iodine status of the population in Russia and the world: what do we have for 2019?
Authors: Alferova Vlada I. , Mustafina Svetlana V. , Rymar Oksana D.
Published: September 2019

The article presents the most relevant data of the world literature on the problem of iodine status. The problem of iodine deficiency still remains unresolved on the territory of the former Soviet Union (the median urinary iodine was 29.1 μg/l in Abkhazia, and almost 30% of the examined had the level of ioduria below standard values in Kazakhstan), although some countries have been successful in dealing with iodine deficiency (the median urinary iodine is 191 μg/l in Belarus, 169 μg/l in Ukraine). On the rest of the Eurasian continent, the picture is also different: among the total mass of countries with normal median urinary iodine, there are territories with both iodine deficiency (the median of ioduria ranges from 80 to 138 μg/l in the UK, the median of ioduria is 63 μg/l in France) and its excessive consumption (the median of ioduria is 330.0 μg/l in China). On the territory of America, in 2016, the elimination of iodine deficiency was announced (the median of ioduria ranged from 123 μg/l (Argentina) to 415 μg/l (Colombia)), and Haiti was the only country with a fixed iodine deficiency – 84 μg/l. Research data from different years in the following regions of the Russian Federation are presented: Moscow (the median of ioduria 67.0 μg/l), St. Petersburg (66.0–86.0 μg/l), Tyumen region (106.9 μg/l), Novosibirsk region (93.0 μg/l), Republic of Bashkortostan (70.3 μg/l), Republic of Dagestan (65.8 μg/l), Kemerovo region (90.0 μg/l), Saratov region (59.0–106.0 μg/l), Tomsk region (94 μg/l), Far Eastern region (58.0–74 μg/l), Chelyabinsk region (92.0–164.5 μg/l), Chuvash Republic (72.0 μg/l), Perm region (100.0 μg/l). Almost throughout the Russian Federation, iodine deficiency of mild severity was noted.
ANÁLISE ESPAÇO -TEMPORAL DA TUBERCULOSE NA MICRORREGIÃO DE MONTES CLAROS/MG
Authors: Magalhães Sandra Célia Muniz , Laughton Bruna Andrade , Da Silva Ana Claudia Soares , Santos Flávia de Oliveira , Fonseca Ana Ivânia Alves
Published: September 2019

A Geografia tem contribuído, cada vez mais, para a saúde humana. Aliada as Geotecnologias essa ciência tem destaque na distribuição espacial e espaço-temporal das doenças. Este trabalho analisa a dinâmica da Tuberculose na Microrregião de Montes Claros entre 2006 e 2016. A metodologia utilizada consistiu em pesquisa bibliográfica, coleta de dados no Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde- DATASUS (2017), Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística- IBGE (2010) e Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento- PNUD, Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada- IPEA, Fundação João Pinheiro- FJP (2013), e na confecção de mapas pelo software ArcGis 10.2. A Tuberculose é uma doença crônica infecciosa e transmissível que afeta principalmente os pulmões, sua incidência e propagação e as condições socioeconômicas apresentam fortes ligações. Os resultados demonstraram que alguns municípios da microrregião possuem alto risco epidêmico por Tuberculose. Evidenciou-se a necessidade de investimentos governamentais para melhor qualidade de vida e saúde da população.
A comparative study of tapped and untapped pilot holes for bicortical orthopedic screws – 3D finite element analysis with an experimental test
Authors: Ketata Hajer , Affes Fatma , Kharrat Mohamed , Dammak Maher
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to compare the screw-to-bone fixation strength of two insertion techniques: self-tapping screw (STS) and non-self-tapping screw (NSTS). Finite element analysis (FEA) was used for the comparison by featuring three tests (insertion, pull-out and shear) in a human tibia bone model. A non-linear material behavior with ductile damage properties was chosen for the modeling. To validate the numerical models, experimental insertion and pull-out tests were carried out using a synthetic bone. The experimental and numerical results of pull-out tests correlated well. Thread forming was successfully simulated during the insertion process of STS and NSTS. It is demonstrated that the STS generates higher insertion torque, induces a higher amount of stress after the insertion process and relatively more strength under the pull-out and shear tests than the NSTS. However, the NSTS induces more stiffness under the two tests (pull-out and shear) and less damage to the screw-bone interface compared to the STS. It is concluded that the use of STS ensures tighter bony contact and enables higher pull-out strength; however, the use of NSTS improves the stiffness of the fixation and induces less damage to the cortical bone-screw fixation and thus minimum risk is obtained in terms of bone necrosis.