bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Year Agility Maintenance Training Slows the Progression of Parkinsonian Symptoms
Authors: TOLLÁR JÓZSEF , NAGY FERENC , KOVÁCS NORBERT , HORTOBÁGYI TIBOR
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition and it is unclear if long-term nonpharmaceutical interventions can slow the progression of motor and nonmotor symptoms and lower drug dose.

Methods

In a randomized trial, after an initial 3-wk-long, 15-session supervised high-intensity sensorimotor agility exercise (E) program designed to improve postural instability, the exercise+maintenance (E + M, n = 19) group continued to exercise three times per week for 2 yr, whereas E (n = 16), and the no exercise and no maintenance control (C, n = 20) continued habitual living. Eight outcomes were measured before and after the 3-wk initial exercise program and then at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months in all patients.

Results

The group–time interactions (all P < 0.005) revealed robust and favorable effects of the initial 3-wk agility program on all six nonmotor (e.g., primary outcome Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale, Motor Experiences of Daily Living, ~7 points; EuroQoL, ~9 points) and on each of the two motor outcomes (timed up and go test: ~6 s; posturography: up to 7 mm improvements in center of pressure path). E + M maintained but did not further improve the benefits produced by the initial 3-wk program. In E, the favorable effects of the 3-wk agility program lasted for 3 to 12 months. In C, patients declined steadily in all outcomes over 2 yr. By year 2, Leva-dopa equivalents increased by 99.4 mg·d−1 (time main effect, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

A high-intensity sensorimotor agility program with but not without a 2-yr maintenance program slowed the progression of parkinsonian symptoms.
Stage 2 Registered Report: Variation in neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with sex chromosome trisomies: testing the double hit hypothesis
Authors: Newbury Dianne F. , Simpson Nuala H. , Thompson Paul A. , Bishop Dorothy V. M.
Published: October 2018

Background: The presence of an extra sex chromosome is associated with an increased rate of neurodevelopmental difficulties involving language. The 'double hit' hypothesis proposes that the adverse impact of the extra sex chromosome is amplified when genes that are expressed from the sex chromosomes interact with autosomal variants that usually have only mild effects. We predicted that the impact of an additional sex chromosome on neurodevelopment would depend on common autosomal variants involved in synaptic functions.

 Methods: We analysed data from 130 children with sex chromosome trisomies (SCTs: 42 girls with trisomy X, 43 boys with Klinefelter syndrome, and 45 boys with XYY). Two comparison groups were formed from 370 children from a twin study. Three indicators of phenotype were: (i) Standard score on a test of nonword repetition; (ii). A language factor score derived from a test battery; (iii) A general scale of neurodevelopmental challenges based on all available information. Preselected regions of two genes, CNTNAP2 and NRXN1, were tested for association with neurodevelopmental outcomes using Generalised Structural Component Analysis.

Results: There was wide phenotypic variation in the SCT group, as well as overall impairment on all three phenotypic measures. There was no association of phenotype with CNTNAP2 or NRXN1 variants in either the SCT group or the comparison groups. Supplementary analyses found no indication of any impact of trisomy type on the results, and exploratory analyses of individual SNPs confirmed the lack of association.

Conclusions: We cannot rule out that a double hit may be implicated in the phenotypic variability in children with SCTs, but our analysis does not find any support for the idea that common variants in CNTNAP2 or NRXN1 are associated with the severity of language and neurodevelopmental impairments that often accompany an extra X or Y chromosome.

Stage 1 report: http://dx.doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.13828.2
Proteinuria in clinical practice
Authors: Крутиков Евгений , Krutikov Evgeniy , Кошукова Галина , Koshukova Galina , Польская Людмила , Pol'skaya Lyudmila , Цветков Владимир , Cvetkov Vladimir , Чистякова Светлана , Chistyakova Svetlana
Published: October 2018

The monograph is devoted to the actual problem of modern clinical medicine – proteinuria. The appearance of protein in the urine, often a symptom of kidney damage, is important diagnostic and prognostic value. The wide spread of proteinuria among patients with various diseases makes this problem urgent and studied. This monograph is designed for a large number of readers: from medical University students to doctors of various specialties.
Histological and Histomorphometric Studies of the Effects of Hyaluronic Acid on Osseointegration of Titanium Implant in Rabbits
Authors: Mohammad Mohammad Hasan , Al-Ghaban Nada M. H.
Published: October 2018

Background: One of the unique prosthesis for tooth or teeth replacement is the dental implant. Our attempt is using a biomaterial system that is easily obtained and applicable and has the ability to provoke osteoinductive growth factor to enhance bone formation at the site of application. One of these natural polymers is hyaluronic acid. Material and methods: Sixty machined surface implants from commercially pure titanium rod inserted in thirty NewZealand rabbits. Two implants placed in both tibia of each rabbit. The animals scarified at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after implantation (10 rabbits for each interval). For all of animals the right tibia’s implant was control (uncoated) and the left one was experimental (coated with 0.1ml Hyaluronic acid gel). All sections have been stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin then they were histologically examined and assessed for histomorphometric analysis for counting of bone cells (osteoblast, osteocyte and osteoclast), cortical bone thickness, trabecular width, thread width and marrow space star volume (V*). Results: Histological findings for hyaluronic acid- coated titanium implant revealed an earlier bone formation, mineralization and maturation than that in control groups. Histomorphometric analysis for all bone parameters that examined in this study, showed highly significant difference between control and experimental groups in all healing intervals. Conclusion: Commercially pure titanium endosseous implants coated with hyaluronic acid may be osteocoductive thus accelerating healing process and enhancing osseointegration.
Brown seaweed extract enhances rooting and roots growth on Passiflora actinia Hook stem cuttings
Authors: Gomes Erik Nunes , Vieira Leandro Marcolino , Tomasi Jéssica De Cássia , Tomazzoli Maíra Maciel , Grunennvaldt Renata Lúcia , Fagundes Cíntia De Moraes , Machado Rafaela Cristina Brunetti
Published: October 2018

Passiflora actinia Hook (common name: ‘maracujá do mato’) is an important medicinal species due to significant sedative and anxiolytic activities. In order to commercially exploit the plant, however, studies on propagation to improve rooting in stem cuttings are needed. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of the brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol.) extract when applied on P. actinia stem cuttings bases. Five concentrations of the extract in distilled water were evaluated: 0% (pure distilled water), 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. The experimental design was completely randomized with 4 repetitions and 12 cuttings per experimental unit. Cuttings were evaluated 45 days from planting. Data were analyzed through polynomial regression analysis and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated for all the variables. On average, 51.27% rooting was achieved. Rooting percentage increased linearly according to the brown seaweed extract concentrations. When compared to the control treatment, about 10% increase in rooting was observed at the treatment with 40% seaweed extract. Leaf retention response to A. nodosum increasing concentrations was also adjusted in a positive linear model. A 15.6% increase in leaf retention was observed at the 40% seaweed concentration when compared to the control. Positive correlations were observed for leaf retention and rooting percentage and leaf retention and roots length. The immersion of P. actinia stem cuttings bases in A. nodosum extract at a concentration of 40% promote positive effects on rooting and facilitate the species propagation.
Autocatalytic cycle in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus: biochemical and pathophysiological aspects of metabolic therapy with natural amino acids on the example of glycine
Authors: Nesterov Semen V. , Yaguzhinsky Lev S. , Podoprigora Gennady I. , Nartsissov Yaroslav R.
Published: October 2018

In this work systematization (classification) of biochemical and physiological processes that cause disorders in the human body during the development of diabetes mellitus is carried out. The development of the disease is considered as the interaction and mutual reinforcement of two groups of parallel processes. The first group has a molecular nature and it is associated with impairment of ROS-regulation system which includes NADPH oxidases, RAGE receptors, mitochondria, cellular peroxireductase system and the immune system. The second group has a pathophysiological nature and it is associated with impairment of microcirculation and liver metabolism. The analysis of diabetes biochemistry based on different published references yields a creation of a block diagram evaluating the disease development over time. Two types of autocatalytic processes were identified: autocatalysis in the cascade of biochemical reactions and "cross-section" catalysis, in which biochemical and pathophysiological processes reinforce each other. The developed model has shown the possibility of using pharmacologically active natural metabolite glycine as a medicine inhibiting the development of diabetes. Despite the fact that glycine is a substitute amino acid the drop in the glycine blood concentration occurs even in the early stages of diabetes development and can aggravate the disease. It is shown that glycine is a potential blocker of key autocatalytic cycles, including biochemical and pathophysiological processes. The analysis of the glycine action based on the developed model is in complete agreement with the results of clinical trials in which glycine has improved blood biochemistry of diabetic patients and thereby it prevents the development of diabetic complications.
1862 Preface to Agricultural Chemistry
Authors: Liebig Justus von
Published: October 2018

I have had abundant opportunity of estimating the impediments which stand in the way of scientific doctrines passing into the domain of practical Agriculture. The reason of which is, especially, that no connexion was formed between Practice and Science.
Notes from the Editors, September 2018
Authors: The Editors -
Published: October 2018

buy this issue

Founded in the late 1960s and recently revived, the radical organization Science for the People did—and does—far more than just publish a magazine. Chapters are forming around the country, including physicists, engineers, and biologists, as well as representatives of other scientific groupings and social movements. We at MR welcome the return of this great publication and movement of the U.S. left.
Nothing to Lose but Their Chains
Authors: Yates Michael D.
Published: October 2018

In this excerpt from his forthcoming title, Can the Working Class Change the World?, Yates details the historical development of the working class&emdash;its potential for (and barriers to) unity, and how it is still the only force in society that can bring about its fundamental, radical transformation.
Educación en contextos multiculturales: experiencia etnoeducativa e intercultural con población indígena del Resguardo Embera Chamí - Mistrató, Risaralda – Colombia
Authors: Izquierdo Barrera Martha Lucía
Published: October 2018

Esta investigación educativa responde a la necesidad de estudiar el fenómeno de la educación intercultural desde la plurietnicidad y multiculturalidad de los diversos territorios y pueblos de Colombia a partir de un marco de referencia de tres grandes categorías: Educación indígena, Etnoeducación y Educación Intercultural. Como sistematización de experiencias pedagógicas, busca describir, analizar críticamente y comprender las dinámicas comunicativas y socioculturales que tienen lugar durante los procesos educativos y sociopedagógicos con las comunidades indígenas Embera Chamí del Departamento de Risaralda. La investigación, de corte cualitativo, se ha basado en la estrategia metodológica de sistematización de experiencias desde la reconstrucción general del proceso y el análisis interpretativo y crítico de los trabajos de grado de los participantes (como evidencias) de los aprendizajes significativos, a partir de una matriz propia para sistematización de experiencias sociopedagógicas en contextos interculturales: ETINDICU (Etnoeducación-indígena-intercultural). Las conclusiones y recomendaciones principales se centran en: a) el diseño y desarrollo de la política pública en educación, que tenga en cuenta las características propias de la educación indígena; b) proponer y avanzar en investigaciones socio-pedagógicas cualitativas desde la sistematización de experiencias contextuales y territoriales (Matriz ETINDICU; y c) formar y aumentar en participantes la profesionalización de la Licenciatura en Etnoeducación y Desarrollo comunitario.
Linha do tempo da Pedagogia Social na Espanha: o percurso histórico da disciplina formativa de educadores sociais
Authors: Ribas Machado Érico
Published: October 2018

Con la existencia de diversas tradiciones de Pedagogía Social, es posible identificar un campo de investigación en desarrollo denominado Pedagogía Social Comparada. Este texto tiene como objetivo presentar una línea del tiempo de esta disciplina en la realidad espanola. Este recorrido histórico hace parte de la tesis defendida en la Universidad de São Paulo - Brasil con el título "El desarrollo de la Pedagogía Social bajo la perspectiva comparada: el estado actual en Brasily Espana." El procedimiento metodológico utilizado en este estudio fue el levantamiento bibliográfico y el análisis documental con base en datos espanoles. Fue posible identificar el trayecto de la constitucion de formación profesional de los e ducadores sociales.
Successful Treatment of Iron Overload with Phlebotomies in Two Siblings with Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia – Type II (CDA-II)
Authors: Chrobák Ladislav
Published: October 2018

Successful treatment of iron overload by phlebotomies has been reported in two splenectomized siblings with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia – type II (CDA-II). In both patients 400 ml of blood were withdrawn every month. During three years 12 200 ml of blood were removed. The serum ferritin levels decreased from 1450.4 μg/L and 1131.7 μg/L to 447 μg/L and 457 μg/l, respectively. The transferrin saturation dropped from 0.99 at the start of the therapy to 0.64 and 0.86, respectively. The values of Hb, Hct, erythrocyte counts and MCV did not change as well as did not change reticulocyte counts, reticulocyte index, and RDW. Both patients tolerated repeated phlebotomies well. The decrease of bilirubin and normal values of haptoglobin might be the concequence of diminished destruction of erythrocytes and their precursors. Our observation confirms that phlebotomies can be used with success in CDA patients with mild anemia as treatment modality of iron overload.
Omentin Val/Val genotype increases predisposition to acne vulgaris without changing omentin serum level
Authors: Soguktas Hatice , Yaykasli Kursat Oguz , Turan Hakan , Kaya Ertugrul , Yaykasli Emine
Published: October 2018

Acne vulgaris is the most frequent and multifactorial inflammatory skin disorder in all races. Obesity is considered to be a risk factor for acne due to its contribution to inflammation. The involvements of inflammatory (leptin and resistin) and anti-inflammatory (adiponectin) adipokines in the pathogenesis of acne were reported. Omentin resembles adiponectin in terms of having inhibitory effect on tumor necrosis factor-Î± (TNF-Î±) induced inflammation, a vital process in the acne formation. This study was designed to investigate the putative involvement of omentin in acne formation. The genotyping was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Serum omentin protein levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum omentin level was not significantly changed between groups. However, the decreased serum omentin level was observed as the mean value of BMI increased. The Asp/Asp, Val/Asp and Val/Val genotypes distributions for control and patient groups (19[17.4%], 22[20.2%], and 3[2.8%] respectively, vs. 31[28.4%], 25[22.9%], and 9[8.3%], respectively) were obtained. The Val/Val (mutant homozygote) genotype was found nearly 1.8 times more in the patient group (p=0.403, OR=1.839 (0.442-7.653)). This is the first time to clarify a linkage between anti-inflammatory omentin and acne vulgaris. Omentin Val109Asp polymorphism affects the overall function of the protein. In conclusion, omentin Val/Val (mutant homozygote) genotype increases predisposition to acne vulgaris by probably disrupting overall protein function of omentin.
Michelangelos Jüngstes Gericht und Dantes Commedia
Authors: Aurenhammer Hans
Published: October 2018

Riassunto

Già i contemporanei erano convinti che Michelangelo, il »gran dantista«, si fosse ispirato alla Commedia nel concepire alcuni momenti essenziali del suo Giudizio Universale della Cappella Sistina (1536–1541). Nell’Ottocento, il rapporto Dante-Michelangelo venne poi interpretato come una sorta di unione parentale e spirituale tra due grandi genî. Nel primo Novecento, infine, si tentò di ricorrere a Dante per risolvere tutte le questioni iconografiche aperte del Giudizio Universale – un tentativo destinato a fallire. Oggi si è tuttavia più cauti nel giudicare i riferimenti danteschi di Michelangelo. Attraverso un’analisi accurata di diversi particolari del grande affresco romano, questo contributo illustra come Michelangelo citi e allo stesso tempo trasformi dei personaggi concreti dell’Inferno dantesco – e in particolare le figure di Caronte e di Minosse, che nel Giudizio vengono collocati alle soglie dell’antro infernale. L’autore affronta anche la complessa questione di cosa volesse rivendicare Michelangelo per la propria gigantesca opera escatologica, attraverso questo puntuale, ed evidentissimo, tributo a Dante.
Regulation of Business-Clients Relationships through ‘Organisational Law’
Authors: Mezzanotte Francesco
Published: October 2018

In the European regulatory framework, private law principles, and primarily party autonomy, may be interpreted as legal tools oriented beyond the interests of the single individuals involved in commercial transactions, and rather connected to the superior objectives of the Internal Market, and of the European Economic Constitution. Looking from this perspective at the regulation of Business-Client relationships, while it is clear that the strong interrelation of autonomy/heteronomy elements in commercial transactions calls for a methodological approach capable of providing an integrated view of regulation and private law, it also emerges that, up to now, similar attempts have been developed mainly within contract theory. The aim of this article is to test whether the regulatory perspective of European private law allows the regulation of Business-Client relationships through standards and rules not directly taken from contract law, but rather originating in other, formally different, legal branches. More specifically, attention in centred on corporate law, intended as that part of commercial law which defines the internal structure of the firm. Focus is thus put on organisational rules which are relevant within an incorporated business: the analysis starts from national rules, anchored to the traditional partition between civil law and commercial law; then it traces their rationale within the European framework, looking for hermeneutical insights capable of providing a more unified interpretation of those rules when framed back at a national level, as standards of regulatory private law.
Partial Purification and Characterization of Polyphenol Oxidase from the Wild Edible Mushroom Lepiota Procera Using Three-Phase Partitioning
Authors: Saki Neslihan , Akin Mustafa , Alici Esma H. , Arabaci Gulnur
Published: October 2018

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) from the wild edible mushroom Lepiota procera is partially purified and biochemically characterized using three-phase partitioning (TPP), which is an easily applied and effective method. This method includes ammonium sulfate saturation at different concentrations, t-butanol addition (1:1; 1:5), and adjustment of pH. Optimum purification parameters with 20% ammonium sulfate saturation and 1:1 t-butanol conditions led to the highest activity at bottom phase with 8.4 fold purification. Sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis showed the molecular weight of the purified enzyme to be 35 kDa. The partially purified PPO presented a high level of activity with L-DOPA (Michaelis-Menten constant, Km – 0.12 mM), followed by caffeic acid (0.27 mM) and 4-methylcatechol (0.46 mM) and it is classified as a catecholase type of PPO. The enzyme had peak activity at a temperature of 40 °C and a pH value of 7.0. These results demonstrate a new enzyme source and easy purification method, useful for various industrial applications.
Mapping the sea of opportunities: Blockchain in supply chain and logistics
Authors: Petersen Moritz , Hackius Niels , von See Birgit
Published: October 2018

Driven by successful pilot projects in supply chain and logistics, Blockchain has become one of the industry’s latest technology hypes. In this paper, we cut through the hype and shed light on the expectations of industry professionals towards the benefits and challenges of Blockchain. Also, we categorize current Blockchain applications that are expected to provide tangible benefits for supply chain and logistics processes. To explore such potentials, we argue that companies should gain own first-hand experiences through small-scale experiments.
A Novel Weakest t-norm based Fuzzy Fault Tree Analysis Through Qualitative Data Processing and Its Application in System Reliability Evaluation
Authors: Kumar Mohit
Published: October 2018

The quantification of the fuzzy fault tree analysis (FFTA) is based on fuzzy arithmetic operations. It is well known that the weakest t-norm (Tw)-based fuzzy arithmetic operations have some advantages. The Tw-based fuzzy arithmetic operations provide fuzzy results with less fuzziness and preserve the shape of fuzzy numbers. The purpose of this study is to develop a Tw-based fuzzy fault tree analysis (TBFFTA) to assess system reliability when only qualitative data such as expert opinions or decisions are available and described in linguistic terms. The developed TBFFTA applies Tw-based fuzzy arithmetic operations to evaluate the lower bound, best estimate, and upper bound top event probability of a system fault tree, where occurrence possibilities of basic events are characterized by triangular fuzzy membership functions. To demonstrate the applicability and feasibility of TBFFTA, a case study has been performed. The computed results have been compared with results analyzed by existing fuzzy approach. The comparative study concludes that TBFFTA reduces fuzzy spreads (uncertainty interval) and provides more exact fuzzy results.
Military Spending and Inequality in Autocracies
Authors: Schwuchow Soeren C.
Published: October 2018

In this note, we outline a general framework for analyzing how inequality and military spending interact in a society governed by a rent-seeking autocrat. Relying on a general equilibrium model, we show that, generally, the autocrat utilizes the military for redistribution in favor of poorer citizens. However, the dictator’s own rent-seeking activity weakens the extent of redistribution and, in the extreme, can even reverse its direction, yielding more unequal secondary distributions instead. Accordingly, the initial level of inequality also affects the impact of military spending on inequality as the former has an impact on the extent of both, the regime’s rent-seeking activity as well as redistribution. Here, our model shows that primary and secondary distributions are rather equal for extreme initial equality/inequality. For medium levels of initial inequality, redistribution is rather large and can be in favor of the poor or of the rich, depending on the extent of rent-seeking and the primary distribution. Based on these results, we highlight the importance of a society’s institutional framework for analyzing the relation of inequality and military spending.
Inequality, Decisions, and Altruism
Authors: Dietz Thomas , Whitley Cameron T.
Published: October 2018

We argue that sociological analyses of inequality could benefit from engaging the literatures on decision-making. In turn, a sociological focus on how contexts and structural constraints influence the outcomes of decisions and the strategies social groups can use in pursuit of their goals could inform our understanding of decision-making. We consider a simple two-class model of income and the need of capitalists and workers to mobilize resources to influence the adaptive landscape that shapes responses to decisions. We then examine the implications of the rational actor model and the heuristics and biases literature for class-based decision-making. We consider the importance of altruism in mobilizing collective action, and we offer some evidence that altruism is most common in the middle ranges of income and that altruism is a major influence on support for redistributive policies. These results, while tentative, suggest the value of having scholars of development and inequality engage with the literatures on decision-making.
Autotaxin upregulated by STAT3 activation contributes to invasion in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Yang Linfei , Yu Xiao , Yang Yongchao
Published: October 2018

Although the upregulation of autotaxin (ATX) is associated with many solid tumours, its role in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNEN) has not been well elucidated. The expression of ATX in pNEN tissues and pNEN cell line BON1 was analysed by Western blot, PCR and immunocytochemistry upon exposure to interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additionally, pNEN cell line BON1 was transfected with siRNAs against ATX or signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and assessed by in vitro invasion assays. The following results were obtained. The expression of ATX in pNEN tissues was significantly increased compared with that in normal pancreatic tissues. High ATX expression was strongly correlated with tumour grade, lymph node metastasis and tumour-node-metastasis stage. Furthermore, ATX downregulation notably inhibited the metastatic capacity of pNEN cells, whereas STAT3 knockdown was found to downregulate the expression of ATX. ATX expression was upregulated in BON1 cells upon stimulation with IL-6, and this was accompanied by activation/phosphorylation of STAT3. Western blot analysis of human pNEN tissue extracts confirmed increased ATX expression and STAT3 phosphorylation with elevated expression levels of IL-6. In conclusion, ATX is upregulated in pNEN and is correlated with the metastatic capacity of pNEN cells, potentially via interaction with STAT3 activation.
A patient-centred model to quality assure outputs from an echocardiography department: consensus guidance from the British Society of Echocardiography
Authors: Ingram Thomas E. , Baker Steph , Allen Jane , Ritzmann Sarah , Bual Nina , Duffy Laura , Ellis Chris , Bunting Karina , Black Noel , Peck Marcus , Hothi Sandeep S. , Sharma Vishal , Pearce Keith , Steeds Richard P. , Masani Navroz
Published: October 2018

Background: Quality assurance (QA) of echocardiographic studies is vital to ensure that clinicians can act on findings of high quality to deliver excellent patient care. To date, there is a paucity of published guidance on how to perform this QA. The British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) has previously produced an Echocardiography Quality Framework (EQF) to assist departments with their QA processes. This article expands on the EQF with a structured yet versatile approach on how to analyse echocardiographic departments to ensure high-quality standards are met. In addition, a process is detailed for departments that are seeking to demonstrate to external bodies adherence to a robust QA process.

Methods: The EQF consists of four domains. These include assessment of Echo Quality (including study acquisition and report generation); Reproducibility & Consistency (including analysis of individual variability when compared to the group and focused clinical audit), Education & Training (for all providers and service users) and Customer & Staff Satisfaction (of both service users and patients/their carers). Examples of what could be done in each of these areas are presented. Furthermore, evidence of participation in each domain is categorised against a red, amber or green rating: with an amber or green rating signifying that a quantifiable level of engagement in that aspect of QA has been achieved.

Conclusion: The proposed EQF is a powerful tool that focuses the limited time available for departmental QA on areas of practice where a change in patient experience or outcome is most likely to occur.
ASSESSING THE SHORELINE CHANGES IN TRA VINH PROVINCEUSING MULTI-TEMPORAL REMOTE SENSING DATA
Authors: Tran Phuong Ha
Published: October 2018

The erosion – deposition of shore line is not only a natural phenomenon, but also influenced by human activities. In recent decades, these changes occur more frequently with changes in the shape of shoreline, the change in area of coastal mangroves as well as loss of productive land. In the trend of sea level rise, a study on changes of estuaries is necessary, in order to preserve and develop the mangroves, disposition, production planning infrastructure and civil works, ...By using multi – temporal remote sensing from 1989 to 2015 and techniques appropriate digital image processing. The changes of erosion – deposition in shoreline are determined and contributed to clarify of erosion – deposition rules of the Mekong Delta. The results show that the shoreline of Tra Vinh province has changed over the years. This change is concentrated in some points such as: erosion occurs strongly in Hiep Thanh Commune, Long Thanh and Dan Thanh Communes with erosion rate can reach to 13 - 15 m per year. In addition, the deposition occurs mainly in communes such as My Long Nam commune, the first half of Truong Long Hoa and the area of Dong Hai and Long Vinh communes. The shoreline forecast for 2015 and 2017 is made for the entire shoreline of Tra Vinh province. The forecasted results show the trend of coastal deposition and erosion in the coming years, especially in the shoreline areas with strong changes as mentioned above. The phenomenon of erosion is predicted in the communes of Hiep Thanh, Long Hoa and Dan Thanh in the following years.
Accelerated discovery of nanomaterials using computer simulation
Authors: Nguyen Trung Dac , Nguyen Hanh Thi Hong , Le Minh Duy , Truong Hung Xuan
Published: October 2018

Next-generation nanotechnology demands new materials and devices that are highly efficient, multifunctional, cost-effective and environmental friendly. The need to accelerate the discovery of new materials therefore becomes more pressing than ever. Over the past two decades, self-assembly techniques have provided a promising means for fabricating nanomaterials, where the underlying structures are formed by the self-organization of building blocks, such as nanoparticles, colloids and block copolymers, in a similar fashion to biological systems. The fundamental challenges to these bottom techniques are to design suitable assembling units, to tailor their interaction rules and to identify possible assembly pathways. In this report, we will demonstrate how computer simulation has been a powerful tool for tackling these fundamental challenges, providing not only profound insights into the complex interplay between the building blocks’ geometry and their interactions, but also valuable predictions to inspire on-going and future experiment. Theoretical background of self-assembly studies; simulation methods and data analysis tools commonly used will also be discussed.
RELATIONSHIP OF FREE - LINGVING NEMATODE COMMUNITIES TO SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE ORGANIC SHRIMP FARMS, CA MAU PROVINCE
Authors: Thai Tran Thanh
Published: October 2018

Nematode communities (NC) in Tam Giang’s organic shrimp farms ponds (TGOSFP), Nam Can district, Ca Mau province were investigated in three seasons (March - dry, July - transfer and November - wet season) of 2015. Our findings underlined that the NC were expressed by high density and diversity. In addition, the environmental characteristics in TGOSFP may also be not quite optimal for shrimp farming because of high percentage of TN, TOC, low pH and anaerobic condition in sediment. The results of CCA analysis showed that main environmental parameters, such as TN, TOC, depth, DO, salinity and pH almost completely governed the abundances of several dominant gennera, things like Desmodora, Sabatieria, Terschellingia, Dichromadora, Pomponema, Halalaimus, Ptycholaimellus and Sphaerotheristus. Subsequently, the results of Pearson correlation confirmed that the abundances of genus Sabatieria, Terschellingia were significantly positive correlated with TOC, TN and depth. In contrast, genera like the Desmodora, Halalaimus and Ptycholaimellus had negative correlations with organic enrichment (TOC and TN). Additionally, almost genera were positively correlated with salinity. Analysis of the dominant nematode genera in combination with maturity index (MI) value are able to determine the ecological quality status of sediment (EcoQ) in TGOSFP. Results showed that moderate and poor EcoQ in most of TGOSFP throughtout the dry - trans - wet season. The attribute of NC and their correspondence with environmental characteristics can be considered as a good tool for environmental monitoring.
Frequency in the supply of Lactobacillus influence its probiotic effect for yellow tail lambari
Authors: Jatobá Adolfo , Moraes Klayton Natan , Rodrigues Emanuel Fernandes , Vieira Leandro Marcolino , Pereira Marina Oliveira
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT: The aim of this research was to evaluate the changes in intestinal tract microbiota, hematological parameters and zootechnical indexes of yellowtail lambaris (Astyanax bimaculatus) fed with different probiotic supply frequencies (Lactobacillus spp.). Lambaris (1,200) were distributed in twelve boxes, divided in three treatments, 100% supply; 25% and 0% (control) of feeds supplemented with probiotic. After 87 days, fish fed with supplemented diet, regardless of frequency (100% and 25%), showed an increase in the total lactic acid bacteria count of 7.99±0.15 log CFU mL-1 and 7.04±1, 29 log UFC mL-¹ respectively, in the intestinal tract and decrease of Pseudomonas spp. in both 100% and 25% (4.09±0.84log UFC mL-1 and 4.00±1.12log UFC mL-1, respectively) in relation to the control treatment (6.74±1.04log UFC mL-1). Fish fed with 100% of diets supplemented with probiotics had a higher leukocyte count (47.7±6.7x103μL-1), lymphocytes (36.0±2.6x103μL1), monocytes (12.0±4.2x103μl-1), as well as higher mean final weight (10.60±0.89g) and weekly growth rate (0.80±0.08g.week-1) than the other treatments (25% of probiotic offered and control). Probiotic (Lactobacillus spp.) offered in 25% of feeds (or more) alters the yellowtail lambari microbiota (A. bimaculatus); however, must be offer in 100% of feeds to improve the hematology profile and productive performance.
P wave dispersion in obese dogs with and without mitral valve disease
Authors: Dittrich Gustavo , Campos Gabriela Marin Van der Broocke , Sousa Marlos Gonçalves , Oliveira Simone Tostes
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT: Pwave dispersion (Pd) is an electrocardiographic index defined as the difference between the minimum and maximum Pwave duration in multiple leads. The augmentation of Pd reflects the discontinuous and inhomogeneous atrial depolarization resulting from cardiac and non-cardiac conditions. In humans, an increased Pd is associated with the development of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. To investigate Pd in obese dogs, we enrolled 76 dogs, which were classified in four distinct categories according to body condition and the existance of valve insufficiency: obese dogs (O), dogs with both obesity and cardiac disease (O+CD), lean dogs with cardiac disease (CD) and healthy controls (H). To be included in the study, all dogs underwent an electrocardiographic and echocardiographic assessment. We reported significantly higher Pd in the animals included in categories O, O+CD and CD (18.0±7.6ms, 16.1±4.4ms, 12.1±4.3ms, respectively) as compared to the healthy subjects (7.3±2.2ms). Also, significant correlations between Pd and both the body mass index and body fat percentage were documented for the obese dogs. However, no association between Pd and LA/Ao could be identified in patients belonging to the O, O+CD and H categories. Thus, we have demonstrated that obese dogs, regardless of their valvular competency status, present high Pd values, suggesting an impaired propagation of atrial electrical impulse.
Comparison between single port videolaparoscopy and miniceliotomy with snock hook ovariohysterectomy techniques in bitches
Authors: Coutinho Alexandre José , Gasser Beatriz , Rodriguez Mariana Garcia Kako , Uscategui Ricardo Andres Ramirez , Santos Victor José Correia , Tiosso Caio de Faria , Barros Felipe Farias Pereira da Câmara , Toniollo Gilson Hélio
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT: In order to use and study minimally invasive techniques to reduce side effects of ovarian-hysterectomy (OHE) in bitches, the aim of this study was to compare time, surgical complications, pain and postoperative inflammatory response, caused by single port videolaparoscopic OHE and traditional miniceliotomy with snook hook. Twenty-four healthy bitches were randomly divided in two groups: videolaparoscopy (Video) and miniceliotomy (MiniLap). Surgical time and complications, pain, need for analgesic rescue, C-reactive protein concentration, glycaemia and voluntary food ingestion were evaluated during 24 hours following the procedure and compared statistically. Surgical time (38±7min), surgical complications (17%), postoperative pain intensity, need for analgesic rescue and C-reactive protein concentration were similar between groups (P>0.05). Glycaemia was lower in Video group (P=0.03), animals fed faster and in greater proportion (P=0.02). Thus, it is concluded that both OHE techniques result in similar complications, surgical time and inflammatory response; however, animals on Video group fed more readily and presented lower glycaemia, which point to lower stress levels. These findings validated the indication of this technique.
Pneumonia by Cryptococcus neoformans in a goat in the Southern region of Brazil
Authors: Bianchi Ronaldo Michel , Cecco Bianca Santana de , Schwertz Claiton Ismael , Panziera Welden , Andrade Caroline Pinto de , Spanamberg Andreia , Ravazzolo Ana Paula , Ferreiro Laerte , Driemeier David
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT: This report describes the clinical, pathological, and molecular aspects of a pneumonia by Cryptococcus neoformans in a goat in the Southern region of Brazil. A goat with a history of prolonged transportation presented dyspnea, nasal discharge and cough, and was subjected to necropsy, histopathology, and mycological evaluation. Grossly, cranio-ventral pulmonary consolidation was observed, characterized by firm and grayish areas interspersed with dark red foci. Histopathology of the lungs showed areas of parenchymal necrosis, containing blastoconidia with a slightly basophilic central cell, surrounded by an unstained capsule. It was associated with moderate granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate and peripheral fibrosis. The capsule and fungus cell exhibited marked Alcian Blue and periodic acid-Schiff staining, respectively. Diagnosis of fungal pneumonia by C. neoformans was based on clinical, pathological, and molecular findings.
Factors associated with complex surgical wounds in breast and abdomen: a case-control observational study
Authors: Spira Josimare Aparecida Otoni , Borges Eline Lima , Silva Patrícia Aparecida Barbosa , Abreu Mery Natali Silva , Guedes Antônio Carlos Martins , Pires-Júnior José Ferreira
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify factors associated with complex surgical wounds in the breasts and abdomen in outpatients. Method: observational case-control study involving 327 patients, distributed into 160 cases (complex surgical wound) and 167 controls (simple surgical wound). Data were extracted from the medical records and a binary logistic regression model was used for analysis, considering a significance level of 5%. Results: the factors associated with greater chance of occurrence of complex surgical wound were 18 to 59 years of age (p = 0.003), schooling < 8 years (p = 0.049), radiotherapy (p < 0.001), hysterectomy (p = 0.003), glycemia (≤ 99 mg/dL) and arterial hypertension (p = 0.033), while quadrantectomy (p = 0.025) served as a protective factor. Conclusion: radiotherapy was the most significant factor for surgical wound complications. Glycemic alteration was an unexpected result and shows the need for further studies related to this topic.
Semantic validation of the short versions of the Empathy-Systemizing Quotient Scales
Authors: Castelhano-Souza Mirella , Mendes Isabel Amélia Costa , Martins José Carlos Amado , Trevizan Maria Auxiliadora , Souza-Júnior Valtuir Duarte , Godoy Simone de
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT Objective: to perform the semantic validation of the short versions of the Empathy-Systemizing Quotient Scales, intended to measure the empathetic and systemizing profiles of individuals. The scales originated in Cambridge and were validated in Portugal, and were assessed for their psychometric properties. Method: methodological study included the scales’ semantic validation (content validity) and verification of their psychometric properties (internal consistency). Five judges participated in the semantic validation. The Content Validity Index was calculated, a pretest was conducted with 18 undergraduate nursing students, and, finally, the scales were applied to a sample. Results: the sample was composed of 215 undergraduate nursing students, 186 (86.51%) of whom were women aged 21 years old, on average. The scales presented good internal consistency with global Cronbach’s alphas equal to 0.83 and 0.79 for the Empathy Quotient and the Systemizing Quotient, respectively. Correlations between the scales and subscales of the Empathy Quotient and Systemizing Quotient were all positive and significant according to the Pearson correlation coefficient. Conclusion: the scales are reliable and valid to measure the empathetic and systemizing profile of undergraduate nursing students and the final version was named “versões curtas das Escalas de Medição do Quociente de Empatia/Sistematização - Brasil” [short versions of the Empathy-Systemizing Quotient Scales - Brazil].
Vascular complications in patients who underwent endovascular cardiac procedures: multicenter cohort study
Authors: Paganin Angelita Costanzi , Beghetto Mariur Gomes , Feijó Maria Karolina , Matte Roselene , Sauer Jaquelini Messer , Rabelo-Silva Eneida Rejane
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze vascular complications among patients who underwent endovascular cardiac procedures in the hemodynamic laboratories of three referral centers. Method: a multicenter cohort study was conducted in three referral facilities. The sample was composed of 2,696 adult patients who had undergone elective or urgent percutaneous cardiac procedures. The outcomes were vascular complications, such as: hematoma at the site of the arterial puncture; major or minor bleeding; surgical correction for retroperitoneal hemorrhage; pseudoaneurysm; and arteriovenous fistula. Results: 237 (8.8%) of the 2,696 patients presented a vascular complication at the site of the arterial puncture. The total number of vascular complications was 264: minor hematoma<10cm (n=135); stable bleeding (n=86); major hematoma ≥10cm (n=32); and unstable bleeding (n=11). There were no retroperitoneal hematoma events, pseudoaneurysm or arterial venous fistula. Most of the major and minor complications occurred in the first six hours after the procedure. Conclusion: the results concerning the current context of interventional cardiology indicate that the complications predominantly occur in the first six hours after the procedure, considering a 48-hour follow-up. The staff should plan and implement preventive measures immediately after the procedures.
Homofobia e os socialistas brasileiros em “O Lampião da Esquina” (1978-1981)
Authors: Moretti-Pires Rodrigo Otávio , Tesser Júnior Zeno Carlos , Kovaleski Douglas Francisco
Published: October 2018

Resumo: “O Lampião da Esquina” foi um dos mais importantes jornais com engajamento político nas questões de Gênero no Brasil, tornando-se referência no debate sobre questões de gênero na década de 1970. Durante a ditadura militar, a comumente chamada esquerda brasileira engajou-se na disputa que envolvia uma série de questões sociais e políticas. Entretanto, partindo-se das reportagens do “O Lampião”, as ações da esquerda da época, referentes às demandas LGBT, podem ser questionáveis. Sendo assim, este artigo teve como objetivo analisar as 47 edições do jornal buscando por conteúdos que evidenciassem as tensões existentes entre a esquerda e o movimento LGBT no período em que ele era impresso. Hoje a maior parte da esquerda atua na defesa das liberdades sexuais e contra as opressões de gênero. Contudo, por meio dessa análise, observou-se que as causas LGBT foram as últimas a serem entendidas como questões políticas pela esquerda da época.
Inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi on the growth and tolerance to water deficit of coffee plants
Authors: Moreira Samuel D. , França André C. , Rocha Wellington W. , Tibães Evandro S. R. , Neiva Júnior Eudes
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT Water stress can be alleviated in plants inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi compared to that experienced by those without mycorrhizae. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth of coffee plants colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under different soil moisture conditions. Seeds of the coffee cultivar Catuaí Vermelho IAC 99 and three fungal inoculants (Rhizophagus clarus, Claroideoglomus etunicatum and Dentiscutata heterogama) were used in this study. The soil moisture contents tested were 40, 60, 80, and 100% of field capacity. Seedlings in the matchstick stage were inoculated with mycorrhizae, and then later planted in plastic pots when they developed four to five pairs of definitive leaves. Both the extent of mycorrhizal colonization and increases in leaf area were related to soil moisture content in a quadratic manner for plants inoculated with all three mycorhizzal fungi (R. clarus, C. etunicatum, and D. heterogama), as well as for non-inoculated ones. The highest value of colonization of coffee by mycorrhizae was 39%, which occurred in association with R. clarus at 71% of field capacity. The leaf areas of plants inoculated with fungi increased more than those of non-inoculated plants, regardless of the type of inoculum used. Plants inoculated with D. heterogama at 100% field capacity produced 21% more root dry mass than non-inoculated plants did. Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and higher soil moisture increased the growth of coffee seedlings. The plants inoculated with R. clarus, C. etunicatum, and D. heterogama were tolerant to moderate water deficits (i.e. lower soil water contents). Mycorrhizal colonization was highest for plants in soils with moisture levels close to 75% of field capacity.