bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O RENDIMENTO DA PROVA TUBERCULÍNICA ENTRE COMUNICANTES DE PORTADORES DE TUBERCULOSE PULMONAR EM BELÉM-PA
Authors: Mendes Manoel Junior Ferreira , Rodrigues Jhennifer Pereira , Neto Manoel Samuel da Cruz , Camargo Jessica Hegedeus , De Oliveira Euzebio , Sá Antônia Margareth Moita
Published: October 2018

Objetivo: Determinar o rendimento da Proteína Purificada Derivada (PPD) em comunicantes de tuberculose pulmonar ativa. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal e de abordagem quantitativa realizado em duas Unidades Básicas de Saúde localizadas em Belém-PA. Participaram da pesquisa 42 comunicantes de ambos os sexos. As informações foram colhidas por meio de um formulário estruturado, com perguntas fechadas e finalizadas com a realização da aplicação do PPD. Resultados: O rendimento do PPD apresentou 22 comunicantes (52,3%) positivos, 19 comunicantes (45,2%) negativos e 1 contato (2,3%) não retornou para a avaliação. Conclusão: A pesquisa demonstra que a maior parte dos comunicantes que realizam a prova tuberculínica podem estar infectados pelo Bacilo de Koch.Descritores: Tuberculose, Teste Tuberculínico, Tuberculose LatenteTHE EFFICIENCY OF TUBERCULIN TEST AMONG THE CONTACTS OF PEOPLE WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN BELÉMPAObjective: To determine the efificiency of Derived Purified Protein (PPD) in active pulmonary TB patients. Methodology: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach carried out in two Basic Health Units located in Belém-PA. Participated in the scientific study 42 contacts of both sexes, which the information was collected through a structured form, with closed questions and finalized with the implementation of the PPD. Results: The PPD efficiency presented 22 positive (52.3%) communicants, 19 negative (45.2%) and 1 contact (2.3%) did not return to the evaluation. Conclusion: Research shows that most contacts who perform the tuberculin test may be infected by Koch bacillus.Descriptors: Tuberculosis, Tuberculin Test, Latent Tuberculosis.LA RENDIMIENTO DEL TEST TUBERCULINICO ENTRE COMUNICANTES DE PORTADORES DE TUBERCULOSIS PULMONAR EN BELÉM-PAObjetivo: Determinar el rendimiento de la Proteína Purificada Derivada (PPD) en comunicantes de tuberculosis pulmonar activa. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, transversal y de abordaje cuantitativo realizado en dos Unidades Básicas de Salud ubicadas en Belém-PA. Participaron de la encuesta 42 comunicantes de ambos sexos. La información fue recogida a través de un formulario estructurado, con preguntas cerradas y finalizadas con la aplicación del PPD. Resultados: El ingreso del PPD presentó 22 comunicantes (52,3%) positivos, 19 comunicantes (45,2%) negativos y 1 contacto (2,3%) no regresó para la evaluación. Conclusión: La investigación demuestra que la mayor parte de los comunicantes que realizan la prueba tuberculínica pueden estar infectados por el Bacilo de KochDescriptores: Tuberculosis, Prueba de Tuberculina, Tuberculosa Latente
ACREDITAÇÃO HOSPITALAR: A EXCELÊNCIA COMO FONTE DE SOFRIMENTO MORAL PARA ENFERMEIROS
Authors: Caram Carolina Da Silva , Brito Maria José Menezes , Peter Elizabeth
Published: October 2018

Objetivo: Analisar a prática profissional de enfermeiros em um hospital privado acreditado, sob o prisma da ética da virtude. Metodologia: Estudo de caso qualitativo, realizado em um Hospital Privado “Acreditado com Excelência” em Minas Gerais. Os participantes foram 13 enfermeiros. A coleta de dados foi realizada mediante entrevista individual seguindo roteiro semiestruturado e observação e submetidos à Análise Temática de Conteúdo. Resultados: Foram identificadas contradições entre os valores que norteiam a organização do trabalho na instituição, cujo enfoque é a acreditação e os valores dos enfermeiros, os quais são voltados para o cuidado. Conclusão: A contradição encontrada distancia o enfermeiro de sua prática, colocando-o em confronto com a sua profissão, provocando sofrimento moral.Descritores: Enfermagem, Dano Moral, Ética em Enfermagem, Acreditação Hospitalar, Prática Privada de Enfermagem.HOSPITAL ACCREDITATION: EXCELLENCE AS A SOURCE OF MORAL DISTRESS FOR NURSESObjective: To analyze the professional practice of nurses in an accredited private hospital, under the prism of virtue ethics. Methodology: Case study with a qualitative approach performed in a Private Hospital “Excelent in Accreditation” in Minas Gerais. The participants were 13 nurses. The data collection was performed through an individual interview following a semistructured script and observation and, submitted to the Thematic Content Analysis. Results: Contradictions were identified among the values that guide the organization of work in the institution, whose enforcement is the accreditation and values of nurses, which are focused on care. Conclusion: The contradiction found distances the nurses from their practice, putting them in confrontation with their profession, provoking the moral suffering.Descriptors: Nursing, Moral Development, Ethics Nursing, Accreditation, Nursing Private Duty.ACREDITACIÓN HOSPITALARIA: LA EXCELENCIA COMO FUENTE DE SUFRIMIENTO MORAL PARA ENFERMEIROSObjetivo: Analizar la práctica profesional de enfermeros en un hospital privado acreditado, bajo el prisma de la ética de la virtud. Metodología: Estudio de caso cualitativo realizado en un Hospital Privado “Acreditado con Excelencia” en Minas Gerais. Participaron del estudio 13 enfermeros. La recolección de datos fue realizada mediante entrevista individual siguiendo itinerario semiestructurado y observación y sometidos al Análisis Temático de Contenido. Resultados: Se identificaron contradicciones entre los valores que orientan la organización del trabajo en la institución, cuyo ahorque es la acreditación y los valores de los enfermeros, los cuales se dirigen al cuidado. Conclusión: La contradicción encontró distancia al enfermero de su práctica, colocándolo en confrontación con su profesion, provocando el sufrimiento moral.Descriptores: Enfermería, Daño Moral, Ética en Enfermería, Acreditación de Hospitales, Práctica Privada de Enfermería.
The Mycobacterial HBHA Protein: A Promising Biomarker for Tuberculosis
Authors: De Maio Flavio , Squeglia Flavia , Goletti Delia , Delogu Giovanni
Published: October 2018

A major goal in tuberculosis (TB) research is the identification, among the subjects infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), of those with active TB, or at higher risk of developing active disease, from the latently infected subjects. The classical heterogeneity of Mtb infection and TB disease is a major obstacle toward the identification of reliable biomarkers that can stratify Mtb infected subjects based on disease risk. The heparin-binding haemagglutinin (HBHA) is a mycobacterial surface antigen that is implicated in tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis. The host immune response against HBHA varies depending on the TB status and several studies are supporting the role of HBHA as a useful biomarker of TB.
Aim for the Readers! Bromodomains As New Targets Against Chagas’ Disease
Authors: Alonso Victoria Lucia , Tavernelli Luis Emilio , Pezza Alejandro , Cribb Pamela , Ritagliati Carla , Serra Esteban
Published: October 2018

Bromodomains recognize and bind acetyl-lysine residues present in histone and non-histone
proteins in a specific manner. In the last decade they have raised as attractive targets for drug discovery
because the miss-regulation of human bromodomains was discovered to be involved in the development
of a large spectrum of diseases. However, targeting eukaryotic pathogens bromodomains
continues to be almost unexplored. We and others have reported the essentiality of diverse bromodomain-
containing proteins in protozoa, offering a new opportunity for the development of antiparasitic
drugs, especially for Trypansoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas’ disease. Mammalian bromodomains
were classified in eight groups based on sequence similarity but parasitic bromodomains are very
divergent proteins and are hard to assign them to any of these groups, suggesting that selective inhibitors
can be obtained. In this review, we describe the importance of lysine acetylation and bromodomains
in T. cruzi as well as the current knowledge on mammalian bromodomains. Also, we summarize
the myriad of small-molecules under study to treat different pathologies and which of them have been
tested in trypanosomatids and other protozoa. All the information available led us to propose that
T. cruzi bromodomains should be considered as important potential targets and the search for smallmolecules
to inhibit them should be empowered.
Recent Advances in Machine Learning Methods for Predicting Heat Shock Proteins
Authors: Chen Wei , Feng Pengmian , Liu Tao , Jin Dianchuan
Published: October 2018

Background:

As molecular chaperones, Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) not only play key roles in protein folding and maintaining protein stabilities, but are also linked with multiple kinds of diseases. Therefore, HSPs have been regarded as the focus of drug design. Since HSPs from different families play distinct functions, accurately classifying the families of HSPs is the key step to clearly understand their biological functions. In contrast to laborintensive and cost-ineffective experimental methods, computational classification of HSP families has emerged to be an alternative approach.

Methods:

We reviewed the paper that described the existing datasets of HSPs and the representative computational approaches developed for the identification and classification of HSPs.

Results:

The two benchmark datasets of HSPs, namely HSPIR and sHSPdb were introduced, which provided invaluable resources for computationally identifying HSPs. The gold standard dataset and sequence encoding schemes for building computational methods of classifying HSPs were also introduced. The three representative web-servers for identifying HSPs and their families were described.

Conclusion:

The existing machine learning methods for identifying the different families of HSPs indeed yielded quite encouraging results and did play a role in promoting the research on HSPs. However, the number of HSPs with known structures is very limited. Therefore, determining the structure of the HSPs is also urgent, which will be helpful in revealing their functions.
Metabolic Pathway of Cyclosporine A and Its Correlation with Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Wu Qinghua , Kuca Kamil
Published: October 2018

Background:

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is widely used for organ transplantation and autoimmune disorders. However, CsA nephrotoxicity is a serious side effect that limits the clinical use of CsA. The metabolism of CsA has a close relationship with this disease in renal-transplant patients. However, the metabolic pathways of CsA and its metabolizing enzymes have rarely been comprehensively reviewed. In this review, we have summarized the specific metabolic profiles of CsA in humans, especially renal-transplant patients. Moreover, the specific metabolizing enzymes and the potential roles that CsA metabolism plays in CsA nephrotoxicity were summarized and discussed.

Methods:

Electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scifinder were searched with the keywords "Cyclosporine A and metabolism", and "Cyclosporine A and nephrotoxicity", "Cyclosporine A metabolism and nephrotoxicity". All these studies published until 2018 were included in this review.

Results:

The major metabolic pathways of CsA in humans are hydroxylation and N-demethylation. Normally, these metabolites are relatively less toxic than CsA. However, the metabolism of CsA in the kidneys is much weaker than that in the liver, which explains why CsA is so toxic to the kidneys. CYP3A families, especially CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, play an important role in the biotransformation of CsA. Moreover, increased lines of evidence show that some metabolites (including AM19) associate directly with nephrotoxicity in CsA-treated organ-transplant patients.

Conclusion:

The findings of this review help to further understand the metabolic activities of CsA in renal-transplant patients and cast some light on the mechanisms of CsA nephrotoxicity.
Medical and Veterinary Importance of the Moonlighting Functions of Triosephosphate Isomerase
Authors: Rodríguez-Bolaños Mónica , Perez-Montfort Ruy
Published: October 2018

Triosephosphate isomerase is the fifth enzyme in glycolysis and its canonical function is the reversible isomerization of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. Within the last decade multiple other functions, that may not necessarily always involve catalysis, have been described. These include variations in the degree of its expression in many types of cancer and participation in the regulation of the cell cycle. Triosephosphate isomerase may function as an auto-antigen and in the evasion of the immune response, as a factor of virulence of some organisms, and also as an important allergen, mainly in a variety of seafoods. It is an important factor to consider in the cryopreservation of semen and seems to play a major role in some aspects of the development of Alzheimer's disease. It also seems to be responsible for neurodegenerative alterations in a few cases of human triosephosphate isomerase deficiency. Thus, triosephosphate isomerase is an excellent example of a moonlighting protein.
Elucidating Protein-protein Interactions Through Computational Approaches and Designing Small Molecule Inhibitors Against them for Various Diseases
Authors: Sarkar Sharanya , Gulati Khushboo , Kairamkonda Manikyaprabhu , Mishra Amit , Poluri Krishna Mohan
Published: October 2018

Background:

To carry out wide range of cellular functionalities, proteins often associate with
one or more proteins in a phenomenon known as Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI). Experimental and
computational approaches were applied on PPIs in order to determine the interacting partners, and also
to understand how an abnormality in such interactions can become the principle cause of a disease.

Objective:

This review aims to elucidate the case studies where PPIs involved in various human diseases
have been proven or validated with computational techniques, and also to elucidate how small molecule
inhibitors of PPIs have been designed computationally to act as effective therapeutic measures against
certain diseases.

Results:

Computational techniques to predict PPIs are emerging rapidly in the modern day. They not
only help in predicting new PPIs, but also generate outputs that substantiate the experimentally determined
results. Moreover, computation has aided in the designing of novel inhibitor molecules disrupting
the PPIs. Some of them are already being tested in the clinical trials.

Conclusion:

This review delineated the classification of computational tools that are essential to investigate
PPIs. Furthermore, the review shed light on how indispensable computational tools have become
in the field of medicine to analyze the interaction networks and to design novel inhibitors efficiently
against dreadful diseases in a shorter time span.
Recent Advances in Three-Component Cyclocondensation of Dimedone with Aldehydes and Malononitrile for Construction of Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans Using Organocatalysts
Authors: Kiyani Hamzeh
Published: October 2018

Background:

The majority of naturally occurring compounds, pharmaceuticals, and drug-candidate
molecules possess heterocyclic scaffolds. In this context, tetrahydobenzo[b]pyrans are of considerable importance.
In the line with the synthesis of these valuable heterocyclic compounds, the researchers tried to synthesize
these molecules using different organocatalysts. The development of new strategies for three-component
condensation of dimedone, various aldehydes and malononitrile for construction of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans
is of particular interest to organic chemists and pharmacologists.

Objective:

In this review, three-component catalyzed synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran compounds is
introduced, focusing on the developments in the use of organocatalysts. Organocatalytic approaches were
investigated for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans. This contribution covers the literature concerning
the synthesis of heterocycles referred to, in recent times.

Conclusion:

This review article is associated with the study of the three-component synthesis of
tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans using organocatalysts. This review also provides an insight into the importance of
these heterocycles. In the vast majority of these reactions, water and water-ethanol system have been used as
green solvent media for implementation of them. The use of green solvents, the development of less toxic and
promising reagents/catalysts as well as the design of inexpensive and reliable approaches are some of the principles
of green chemistry, and most of the methods are benefited from them. Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans and
organocatalysts open avenue ofnew horizons. The recyclability of the many of these organocatalysts offers an
additional merit for the use of these catalysts in 3-CR of aldehydes, dimedone, and malononitrile reactions.
Aryl-Aryl Bond Formation by Ullmann Reaction: From Mechanistic Aspects to Catalyst
Authors: Jiang Jie , Du Liyong , Ding Yuqiang
Published: October 2018

Aryl-aryl bond formation is one of the most important tools in modern organic synthesis. Therefore, there is a high level of interest to develop green, effective reaction system to obtain biaryls. This review summarized the recent advances in the metal-catalyzed Ullmann reaction in which the aryl-aryl bond was formed directly. Furthermore, different types of catalytic mechanisms, especially the surface reaction, have been summarized to help the design of the catalyst.
Application of G-CSF in Congestive Heart Failure Treatment
Authors: Pourtaji Atena , Jahani Vajiheh , Moallem Seyed Mohammad Hassan , karimani Asieh , Mohammadpour Amir Hooshang
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a disorder in which the heart is unable
to supply enough blood for body tissues. Since heart is an adaptable organ, it overcomes this condition
by going under remodeling process. Considering cardiac myocytes are capable of proliferation
after MI, stimulation of neovascularization as well as their regeneration might serve as a novel target
in cardiac remodeling prevention and CHF treatment. Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
(G-CSF), is a hematopoietic cytokine that promotes proliferation and differentiation of neutrophils
and is involved in cardiac repair after MI. So far, this is the first review to focus on GCSF as a
novel treatment for heart failure.

Methods:

We conducted a search of some databases such as PubMed for articles and reviews published
between 2003 and 2017, with different keywords including “G-CSF”, “congestive heart failure”,
“new therapies for CHF”, “filgrastim”, “in vivo study”.

Results:

GCSF exerts its beneficial effects on cardiac repair through either stem cell mobilization
or direct angiogenesis promotion. All of which are capable of promoting cardiac cell repair.

Conclusion:

GCSF is a promising target in CHF-therapy by means of cardiac repair and remodeling
prevention through multiple mechanisms, which are effective enough to be used in clinical
practice.
The Impact of Maternal Voice on the Fetus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Carvalho Maria Eduarda Salgado , de Miranda Justo João Manuel Rosado , Gratier Maya , da Silva Helena Maria Ferreira	Rodrigues
Published: October 2018

Background:

Studies have shown pre-natal memory underlining the ability of newborns
to discriminate maternal vs. other voices and to recognize linguistic stimuli presented prenatally by
the mother. The fetus reacts to maternal voice at the end of gestation but it is important to clarify the
indicators and conditions of these responses.

Objective:

To understand the state of the art concerning: 1) indicators of fetal reactions to maternal
voice vs. other voices; 2) conditions of maternal voice required to obtain fetal response, 3) neonatal
recognition of maternal voice and of linguistic material presented prenatally and 4) obstetric and
behavioral maternal conditions compromising fetal ability to discriminate between maternal and
other female voices.

Method:

Systematic review using EBSCO, WEBSCIENCE and MEDLINE. Eligibility: studies
with maternal voice delivered before birth as stimulus and with fetal or neonatal behavior as responses.

Results: Fetal responses to maternal voice are observed through fetal cardiac, motor (fetal yawning
decrease, mouth opening, fetal body movements) and brain responses (activation of the lower bank
of the left temporal lobe). Newborns’ head orientation and non-nutritive sucking are shown as being
neonatal indicators.

Conclusion:

Gestational age, baseline measures (fetal state, acoustic conditions and pre-stimulus
time) and obstetrical conditions may enable or compromise fetal discrimination between maternal
and other voices. The role of maternal voice for prenatal human bonding needs to be discussed according
to different maternity conditions such as surrogate mothers. A new paradigm is suggested;
the focus of research should be on maternal-fetal interaction under the presence of maternal voice.
Bioactive Polyphenols as Promising Natural Medicinal Agents Against Cancer: The Emerging Trends and Prospective Goals
Authors: Prakash Om , Usmani Shazia , Gupta Amresh , Singh Ruchi , Singh Namrata , Ved Akash
Published: October 2018

Background:

There is much epidemiological evidence that fruits, vegetables, medicinal
plants, and their phytochemicals could lower the progression and development of various forms of cancer.
The plants are active reservoirs for novel chemical entities and provide a promising resource for the
management of cancer.

Methods:

Several analyses have signified that bioactive flavonoids and phenolic acids might be widely
practiced for the management as well as therapy of numerous carcinomas.

:

A large number of research works are now focusing on natural polyphenolic compounds and trying to
find out new and more effective treatment strategies for cancer patients.

Results:

The probable mechanism comprises anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, apoptosis and induces
inhibition of cell proliferation along with genomic phenomena elaborated in cancer therapy.

Conclusion:

In the last five years, studies investigated the antitumor potential of common polyphenolic
groups (phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignins, resveratrol, stilbene, quercetin etc.) exploring the prospective
mechanism, based on epidemiological data thus reporting therapeutic evidence and various clinical
examinations.
Biperiden-Induced Delirium In A Five-Years Old Child
Authors: Kınay Duygu , Soyata Ahmet Zihni
Published: October 2018

Objective:

Extrapyramidal adverse effects of antipsychotic drugs are more reported in
children. Biperiden is an anticholinergic agent to treat the adverse effects of antipsychotic drugs. The
drug has the potential to induce delirium at toxic doses. However, data are scarce about delirium
associated with biperiden in children. Thus far, a case of delirium has been associated with biperiden in
an adolescent patient. We report the first case of delirium associated with the use of biperiden in a
preadolescent patient.

Case Report:

A boy aged five years and weighing 20 kilograms had been diagnosed as having
oppositional defiant disorder and separation anxiety disorder in the previous treatment center. Ten
milligrams fluoxetine and 0.25 milligrams risperidone had been initiated. On the third day of treatment,
dystonia developed and he was administered with biperiden. An hour later, he was brought to our
emergency clinic due to disorganized speech and behavior. His vital signs were stable. There were no
findings in blood and urine tests. No electrolyte imbalance, liver, kidney, and thyroid dysfunction have
been observed. His neurologic examination was unremarkable and no abnormal findings were shown
on cranial magnetic resonance imaging. No other system findings or findings pointing out to infectious
diseases have been observed. One milligram physostigmine was administered with intravenous
infusion. However, symptoms did not resolve and he was diagnosed with delirium. Naranjo Adverse Drug
Reaction Probability Scale score was seven, indicating a “Probable” Adverse Drug Reaction. Half
milligram haloperidol was administered bid for three days and he was discharged with complete recovery.

Conclusion:

Clinicians must be aware of the risk of delirium when using non-toxic doses of biperiden
in young children.
[10]-Gingerol Affects Multiple Metastatic Processes and Induces Apoptosis in MDAMB- 231 Breast Tumor Cells
Authors: Fuzer Angelina M. , Martin Ana C.B.M. , Becceneri Amanda B. , da Silva James A. , Vieira Paulo C. , Cominetti Marcia R.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) represents the approximately 15% of breast cancers
that lack expression of Estrogen (ER) and Progesterone Receptors (PR) and do not exhibit amplification of the human
epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene, imposing difficulties to treatment. Interactions between tumor
cells and their microenvironment facilitate tumor cell invasion in the surrounding tissues, intravasation through
newly formed vessels, and dissemination to form metastasis. To treat metastasis from breast and many other cancer
types, chemotherapy is one of the most extensively used methods. However, its efficacy and safety remain a primary
concern, as well as its toxicity and other side effects. Thus, there is increasing interest in natural antitumor agents.
In a previous work, we have demonstrated that [10]-gingerol is able to revert malignant phenotype in breast cancer
cells in 3D culture and, moreover, to inhibit the dissemination of TNBC to multiple organs including lung, bone and
brain, in spontaneous and experimental in vivo metastasis assays in mouse model.

Objective:

This work aims to investigate the in vitro effects of [10]-gingerol, using human MDA-MB-231TNBC
cells, in comparison to non-tumor MCF-10A breast cells, in order to understand the antitumor and antimetastatic
effects found in vivo and in a 3D environment.

Methods:

We investigated different steps of the metastatic process in vitro, such as cell migration, invasion, adhesion
and MMP activity. In addition, we analyzed the anti-apoptotic and genotoxic effects of [10]-gingerol using PEAnnexin,
DNA fragmentation, TUNEL and comet assays, respectively.

Results:

[10]-gingerol was able to inhibit cell adhesion, migration, invasion and to induce apoptosis more effectively in
TNBC cells, when compared to non-tumor cells, demonstrating that these mechanisms can be involved in the antitumor
and antimetastatic effects of [10]-gingerol, found both in 3D culture and in vivo.

Conclusion:

Taken together, results found here are complementary to previous studies of our group and others and
demonstrate that additional mechanisms, besides apoptotic cell death, is used by [10]-gingerol to accomplish its antitumor
and antimetastatic effects. Our results indicate a potential for this natural compound as an antitumor molecule or
as an adjuvant for chemotherapeutics already used in the clinic.
Understanding Genotypes and Phenotypes of the Mutations in Voltage- Gated Sodium Channel α Subunits in Epilepsy
Authors: Feng Yijun , Zhang Shuzhang , Zhang Zhiping , Guo Jingkang , Tan Zhiyong , Zhu Yudan , Tao Jie , Ji Yong-Hua
Published: October 2018

Background & Objective:

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are responsible for the
generation and propagation of action potentials in most excitable cells. In general, a VGSC consists of
one pore-forming α subunit and two auxiliary β subunits. Genetic alterations in VGSCs genes, including
both α and β subunits, are considered to be associated with epileptogenesis as well as seizures.
This review aims to summarize the mutations in VGSC α subunits in epilepsy, particularly the pathophysiological
and pharmacological properties of relevant VGSC mutants.

Conclusion:

The review of epilepsy-associated VGSC α subunits mutants may not only contribute to
the understanding of disease mechanism and genetic modifiers, but also provide potential theoretical
targets for the precision and individualized medicine for epilepsy.
Study of Antihyperglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Activities of Tannins Extracted from Warionia saharae Benth. & Coss
Authors: Ajebli Mohammed , El Ouady Fadwa , Eddouks Mohamed
Published: October 2018

Background and Objective: Warionia saharae Benth & Coss, a plant belonging to Asteraceae
family, is used for its anti-diabetic properties in Morocco. The objective of this study was to
evaluate the effect of tannins extracted from Warionia saharae (W. saharae) on blood glucose levels
and lipid profile in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods:

Tannins (TE) were extracted from W. saharae using Soxhlet apparatus and different organic
solvents. Single and once daily repeated oral administration of TE (10 mg/kg) for 15 days were used to
evaluate the glucose and lipid-lowering activity in normal and diabetic rats. Furthermore, glucose test
tolerance, liver histopathological examination and in vitro antioxidant activity of TE were carried out
in this study.

Results:

The results showed that TE was able to exert antihyperglycemic and lowering total cholesterol
effects as well as improvement of the high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol serum level after 15
days of treatment. Furthermore, TE improved glucose tolerance, histopathological status of liver in
diabetic rats and demonstrated interesting antioxidant activity.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the present investigation revealed that TE possesses potent antidiabetic and
antihyperlipidemic activities as claimed in different ethnopharmacological practices.
Elastic Changes of the Coracohumeral Ligament Evaluated with Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Kanazawa Kenji , Hagiwara Yoshihiro , Sekiguchi Takuya , Fujita Ryo , Suzuki Kazuaki , Koide Masashi , Ando Akira , Yabe Yutaka
Published: October 2018

Background:

Although the shoulder range of motion significantly decreases with advancing age, how the natural aging process affects the joint capsule, including the Coracohumeral Ligament (CHL), in healthy subjects is still unknown.

Objective

To use shear wave elastography to investigate the correlations between age, sex, and shoulder dominance, and elasticity of the CHL in healthy individuals.

Methods:

Eighty-four healthy volunteers (mean age: 42.6; 39 men) were included in this study. They were divided into five groups based on age: 20s (20–29, n = 19), 30s (30–39, n = 17), 40s (40–49, n = 20), 50s (50–59, n = 13), and 60s (60–69, n = 15) groups. The elasticity of the CHL in the bilateral shoulders was evaluated at the neutral and 30° external rotation (ER at 30°) positions with the arm at the side while laying supine.

Results:

The elastic modulus was significantly greater in ER at 30° than in the neutral position regardless of sex or shoulder dominance (P < 0.001). Significant positive correlations between age and elasticity of the CHL were observed in both the neutral and ER at 30° positions regardless of shoulder dominance. Elasticity of the CHL was significantly greater with increasing age in both the neutral and ER at 30° positions on the dominant (P = 0.0022, P < 0.001, respectively) and non-dominant sides (P = 0.0199, 0.0014).

Conclusion:

The elasticity of the CHL increased with age, and the ER at 30° position could demonstrate faint changes in CHL elasticity.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3 Case-control study.
HIV Positive Patients' Experience of Receiving Health Care Services: A Phenomenology Study in Iran
Authors: Asadi Heshmatollah , Imani-Nasab Mohammad-Hasan , Garavand Ali , Hasoumi Mojtaba , Kia Abdollah Almasian , Haghi Behzad , Setoodehzadeh Fatemeh
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Most of the studies on HIV/AIDS health care status are usually conducted in big cities while small towns and rural areas are faced with specific challenges. This study aimed to identify the barriers and problems encountered by HIV-positive patients when receiving health services in the small cities and rural areas of Iran.

Methodology:

This is a qualitative study that was conducted using an interpretive phenomenology method in 2016. This study was conducted through a semi-structured interview for which a purposeful sampling method was used. In the present study, data saturation was observed after 15 interviews, but more than 17 interviews were conducted to ensure the reliability of the interview. Data were analyzed by Colaizzi's method using MAXQDA10 software.

Findings:

Barriers and problems encountered by patients when receiving health care services consisted of 10 categories, 32 main themes and 67 sub-themes. The categories were as follows: fear of revealing the disease, fear of confronting providers, seeking support, not visiting health care providers, inappropriate behavior of health care staff, concealing the disease, hardship endurance, financial concerns, psychological stress and pressure, and disclosure of patient information.

Conclusion:

Recognizing the problems of HIV-positive patients in using health care services and resolving them can help to reassure the patients about the health system. Introduction of supporting policies and regulations, appropriate public education, training health sector personnel, and provision of medical equipment and facilities would positively affect the process of solving the problems of HIV-Patients (treating HIV patients).
A Binary Particle Swarm Optimization for IC Floorplanning
Authors: Singh Rajendra Bahadur , Baghel Anurag Singh , Solanki Arun
Published: October 2018

Background:

In the field of IC physical design, there is a big problem in the IC floorplanning
to find the early feedback to estimate the area, wire length, delay, etc. before IC fabrication.

Objective:

In this paper, minimization of the area and total wire length on the IC has been done using
Binary Particle Swarm Optimization with sequence pair representation.

Methods:

Optimization of the IC floorplan works in two phases. In the first phase, the floorplan is
constructed by sequence pair representation without any overlapping of the modules on IC floorplan.
In the second phase, Binary Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm explores the packing of all
modules in floorplan to find better optimal performances i.e. area and wire length.

Results:

The results obtained were compared with the solutions derived from other meta-heuristic
algorithms, the area is improved maximum up to 10% and the wire length was improved maximum
up to 28%.

Conclusion:

The Experimental results on Microelectronic Center of North Carolina benchmark circuits
show that Binary Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm gives better convergence for the area
and wire length optimization than other algorithms.
The European Topos
Authors: Bernico Matt
Published: October 2018

There is an unexplored synergy between the ways media archaeology and decolonial theory handle the notion of modernity. Both consider modernity as happening at different places and at different times: modernity is an event that is larger than Europe or the United States. Using this resonance, this article will make a media archaeological reading of the decolonial theorists, Walter Mignolo and Santiago Castro-Gomez’s concept, the zero point. The zero point will be read as a media topos present throughout the immersive media that grounds much western media history and visual culture. Finally, based on these criticisms, this article will offer an alternative starting point based in the imaginary media of Adolfo Bioy Casares’ novel, The Invention of Morel. The goal of this intervention is to demonstrate the way the western paradigm of technology has imperialized the imaginations of the world and to offer another place for media artists and technologists to begin from.
Queering New Media Art : Histories & Asking Questions about Nothing
Authors: Rinehart Richard
Published: October 2018

Not rooted in a traditional culture or ancestral homeland, Queerness constitutes ephemeral cultures, continually reinvented and reimagined. Queerness is under constant threat of erasure from cultural amnesia and political malice. Academia and the art world have responded to this erasure with alternately heroic and halting efforts.

 This paper suggests ways in which this erasure manifests, from historic forces to contemporary discourses. The author attempts to assess various responses to queer erasure in the overlapping enclaves of new media art comprised of artists, academics, writers, and curators. Lastly, this paper will consider how new media art inflects or reframes ongoing conversations around queer social erasure and how artists and art historians work against the forces of nothingness.
Cosmopolitical technologies and the demarcation of screen space at Cine Kurumin
Authors: Shamash Sarah
Published: October 2018

“Our fight today is to demarcate our space on the screen, when we can no longer demarcate our lands.” I cite Ailton Krenak, one of Brazil’s most influential Indigenous leaders, at his keynote address at the opening of the Cine Kurumin film festival in Salvador, Brazil, to engage with cinematic languages on the margins of dominant media. I experience the festival as an active immersion into imaginaries that forward the process of “decoloniality” (Mignolo). As Sueli Maxakali articulated during a roundtable of Indigenous women filmmakers, the Shaman must dream in order to choose the name of the films made in her community. The production processes of these films were conceived outside the structures of any capitalist market economy; rather, the festival offered an alternate space to take a deliberate leap into expressive audio and oral visual experiences, cultures, languages, politics, and imaginaries resisting ongoing violence entrenched in capital and coloniality. Through a discussion of the festival curation, roundtable discussion, and through a film analysis, I elaborate how the sacred, spiritual, and social are constituent elements of cosmopolitical visions. I argue that film and video as cosmopolitical technologies are unsettling established conceptions of nature and culture, of politics and representation both on and off-screen. Witnessing the Cine Kurumin festival – the totality of the experience becomes an immersive and transformative space for decolonizing the imaginary while disturbing hegemonic political, conceptual, and representational agendas.
Imitation, Fear, and Conviviality
Authors: Costa Pederson Claudia
Published: October 2018

This essay discusses alternative models to mimesis as the norm in mainstream immersive technologies. Projects by two Latin American designers, the Uruguayan videogame designer Gonzalo Frasca, and the Cuban interaction designer, Iván Abreu Ochoa, exemplify such alternatives. I examine how both designers eschew idealized realism in favor of repositioning immersive spaces as a forum of debate about issues relevant to contemporary civic life, respectively, war and immigration. Conceived thusly, these works constitute uses of immersive technologies, gaming and the internet, for purposes of cultural critique and catalyzing emancipatory social energies. In this light, I argue that these projects work to both undermine normative conceptions of mimesis, as mimetic simulations are revealed to be partial, not neutral; and as well,    demonstrate belief in the role of immersive technologies as support of convivial culture. As such, these projects are not unique, but can be understood as being part of transnational networks of alternative media, and extensions of the significant historical and contemporary contributions of Latin American artists and designers to this project.
Queering New Media Art : Looking back, looking forward
Authors: Whitehead Vagner Mendonça
Published: October 2018

On February, 23 2018, during the National College of Art Association Conference in Los Angeles, Richard Rhinehart, Liss LaFleur and I co-chaired a panel titled “Queering New Media Art and Asking Questions about Nothing”. This panel was presented within the New Media Caucus’ Media Lounge day of events. Based on my presentation that day, this essay will use my personal experiences with the New Media Caucus and academia in the last twenty years to explore the relationships amongst art, new media, and queerness, expose some problems with these terms, and potentially provide one of many ways out of perpetuating their continuous entanglement.
Breve ensaio sobre a legitimidade do ativismo judicial no processo penal: limites e consolidação como prática jurídica
Authors: Pires de Souza Machado de Castilhos Aline , Poll Roberta Eggert
Published: October 2018

O presente ensaio visa a analisar o ativismo judicial como ferramenta de controle das manifestações judiciais. O tema do artigo é a atuação do magistrado como legislador por meio da adoção de uma postura criativa e inovadora frente ao processo penal. O objeto de análise do trabalho é verificação da (in)compatibilidade do ativismo judicial como ferramenta de controle e convicção das decisões no sistema jurídico-penal brasileiro. A hipótese de pesquisa gira em torno da questão relativa à violação ao fundamento democrático e o próprio desenvolvimento da função judicante. Isto é, como os intérpretes da lei compatibilizam o processo político democrático com a prática do ativismo judicial? O método de abordagem será o dedutivo, adotando-se como procedimento o bibliográfico. Destarte, em primeiro, propõe, o presente artigo, uma leitura sobre o conceito de ativismo e os principais problemas de utilização desta ferramenta para, ao depois, analisar-se a questão da utilização do fenômeno do ativismo judicial pelos magistrados de primeira instância como ferramenta de domínio de suas decisões.
Execução antecipada da pena: entre a garantia do estado de inocência, a coisa julgada e as teorias absolutas da pena
Authors: David Décio Franco , Bonato Gilson
Published: October 2018

O presente trabalho analisa o julgamento do Habeas Corpus nº 126.292/SP, no qual o Supremo Tribunal Federal decidiu pela possibilidade da execução antecipada da pena quando houver decisão confirmatória da condenação em Segundo Grau de Jurisdição. O trabalho foi desenvolvido sob o método dedutivo, tendo como técnica a documentação indireta com fontes secundárias (pesquisa bibliográfica). O trabalho objetiva responder a duas indagações: 1) a execução antecipada de pena pode mudar os conceitos de coisa julgada e presunção de inocência?; 2) a execução antecipada de pena corresponde ao retorno das teorias absolutas da pena? Em síntese, o artigo almeja demonstrar o desacerto da decisão sob o recorte dos argumentos centrais apresentados no julgado, compreendendo que há inicialmente uma dificuldade de compreensão quanto à natureza jurídica da garantia do estado de inocência, e, ao final, demonstrando como a decisão fere o conceito de coisa julgada e reforça as teorias absolutas da pena.
I limiti oggettivi del ne bis in idem in Italia tra fonti nazionali ed europee
Authors: Cassibba Fabio Salvatore
Published: October 2018

É premissa consolidada que o ne bis in idem constitua um direito fundamental, protegido por uma pluralidade de fontes nacionais (art. 649 do c.p.p. italiano) e supranacionais (art. 50 CDFUE e 4° protocolo CEDH). Entretanto, exatamente a “tutela multinível” dos direitos fundamentais que caracteriza o ordenamento italiano – paradoxalmente – corre o risco de se transformar em um obstáculo à mais ampla operabilidade dessa garantia. Ademais, nos panoramas italiano e europeu, as previsões que especificam os pressupostos para a aplicabilidade dessa garantia se caracterizam por um conteúdo heterogêneo (identidade do fato; identidade da infração), destinado a incidir negativamente sobre a definição da perspectiva objetiva da proibição de dupla persecução. Por outro lado, a interpretação das mesmas previsões por parte da jurisprudência italiana, ordinária e constitucional, e pelas Cortes supranacionais torna ainda mais incertos os confins do efeito preclusivo gerado por uma decisão irrevogável. Em particular, alude-se as hipóteses em que o ne bis in idem entre em jogo em relação ao “duplo binário sancionatório”, por força do qual o mesmo fato é sancionado, contemporaneamente, em campo penal e em campo administrativo. A reconstrução da perspectiva da garantia atribuída ao art. 649 do c.p.p. italiano deve partir da valorização do princípio de legalidade processual e implica, portanto, por um lado, a recondução da unidade do pressuposto representado pelo mesmo objeto dos diferentes procedimentos; por outro lado, evitar soluções casuísticas, contrárias ao princípio de legalidade, em relação ao pressuposto da duplicação dos diferentes procedimentos que se refiram ao mesmo fato.
Editorial: Como elaborar um artigo científico para publicação
Authors: Ramos Armando Dias
Published: October 2018

A produção científica nunca foi tão escrutinada como nos dias que correm. Na era da informática e da informação partilhada a proliferação de revistas científicas online leva a que exista um duplo controle sobre as publicações. Não poderemos descurar que a credibilidade das revistas em linha está diretamente relacionada com a qualidade e originalidade dos artigos científicos publicados. Por outro lado, existe um maior controle sobre os artigos publicados, verificando-se exaustivamente se o mesmo não apresenta plágios. A função de controlo interpares (double-blind peer review) revela-se essencial ao permitir um escrutínio e a validação dos artigos científicos que se pretendem publicar. Escrever um artigo para publicação requer conhecimentos e técnicas apropriadas, caso contrário não estaremos na presença de um artigo científico, mas de um mero artigo de opinião. Ao longo deste editorial traçamos algumas linhas que poderão conduzir os nossos leitores, eventuais futuros autores, a um aperfeiçoamento na investigação, redação e posterior publicação de um artigo científico.