bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prodigiosin inhibits bacterial growth and virulence factors as a potential physiological response to interspecies competition
Authors: Yip Chee-Hoo , Mahalingam Sobina , Wan Kiew-Lian , Nathan Sheila
Published: June 2021

Prodigiosin, a red linear tripyrrole pigment, has long been recognised for its antimicrobial property. However, the physiological contribution of prodigiosin to the survival of its producing hosts still remains undefined. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the biological role of prodigiosin from Serratia marcescens, particularly in microbial competition through its antimicrobial activity, towards the growth and secreted virulence factors of four clinical pathogenic bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) as well as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Prodigiosin was first extracted from S. marcescens and its purity confirmed by absorption spectrum, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS/MS). The extracted prodigiosin was antagonistic towards all the tested bacteria. A disc-diffusion assay showed that prodigiosin is more selective towards Gram-positive bacteria and inhibited the growth of MRSA, S. aureus and E. faecalis and Gram-negative E. coli. A minimum inhibitory concentration of 10 μg/μL of prodigiosin was required to inhibit the growth of S. aureus, E. coli and E. faecalis whereas > 10 μg/μL was required to inhibit MRSA growth. We further assessed the effect of prodigiosin towards bacterial virulence factors such as haemolysin and production of protease as well as on biofilm formation. Prodigiosin did not inhibit haemolysis activity of clinically associated bacteria but was able to reduce protease activity for MRSA, E. coli and E. faecalis as well as decrease E. faecalis, Salmonella Typhimurium and E. coli biofilm formation. Results of this study show that in addition to its role in inhibiting bacterial growth, prodigiosin also inhibits the bacterial virulence factor protease production and biofilm formation, two strategies employed by bacteria in response to microbial competition. As clinical pathogens were more resistant to prodigiosin, we propose that prodigiosin is physiologically important for S. marcescens to compete against other bacteria in its natural soil and surface water environments.
Inflammasome genes polymorphisms may influence the development of hepatitis C in the Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Toro Diana Mota , Ramasawmy Rajendranath , Silva Neto Pedro Vieira , Pereira Grenda Leite , Sarmento Priscila Santos , Dray Hanna Lara Silva Negreiros , Sousa Keyla Santos , Affonso Juliana Santos , Silva Jéssica Albuquerque , Garcia Nadja Pinto , Barbieri Marilú Victória , Victória Flamir Silva , Donadi Eduardo Antônio , Costa Allyson Guimarães , Ogusku Mauricio Morishi , Sadahiro Aya , Tarragô Andréa Monteiro , Malheiro Adriana
Published: June 2021

Hepatitis C is considered a major public health problem caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Viral infections are known to induce production of IL1β through the signaling pathway of inflammasomes. Emerging evidences suggest that Inflammasome genes may influence the immune response against HCV as the host genetic background may contribute to the balance between acute and chronic inflammation. We investigated in 151 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 206 healthy blood donors’ individuals (HD). Polymorphisms in the IL1B and IL18 genes were genotyped by PCR-RFLP, while NLRP3, CARD8, CTSB and AIM2 by RT- PCR. Serum assay of IL-1β cytokine was performed by ELISA. 84 patients presented mild fibrosis (<F2) and 67 advanced fibrosis (≥ F2). Among the HD individuals the NLRP3-rs10754558 C/C genotype correlated with higher IL-1β levels compared to the G/G genotype. Similar pattern was observed in patients with hepatitis C, mean circulating IL-1β levels were 21,96 ± 4.5 and 10,62 ± 3.3pg/mL among the C/C and G/G genotypes, respectively. This pattern holds even after stratification of the patients into mild fibrosis and advanced fibrosis, demonstrating that the NLRP3-rs10754558 or another polymorphism in linkage disequilibrium with it possibly has an influence on the processing of pro-IL-1β. Notably, higher levels of IL-1β (Mann–Whitney test, p<0.0001) were observed among patients (mean ± SEM: 19,24 ±3.pg/mL) when compared with controls (mean ± SEM: 11,80 ±1.0pg/mL). Gene-gene interaction showed that individuals heterogyzotes for both CARD8-rs2009373 and IL1B-rs16944 are less prone to hepatitis C development (padj = 0.039). Similarly, herozygote carriers for CTSB-rs1692816 and AIM2-rs1103577 (padj = 0.008) or for IL18-rs187238 and NLRP3-rs10754558 (padj = 0.005), have less chances to the development of hepatitis C. However, between subgroups of <F2 and ≥F2, individuals homozygous for the T allele of CARD8-rs2009373 and heterozygous for IL18-rs187238 (padj = 0.028), have mild form of fibrosis.
Iron overload inhibits BMP/SMAD and IL-6/STAT3 signaling to hepcidin in cultured hepatocytes
Authors: Charlebois Edouard , Pantopoulos Kostas
Published: June 2021

Hepcidin is a peptide hormone that targets the iron exporter ferroportin, thereby limiting iron entry into the bloodstream. It is generated in hepatocytes mainly in response to increased body iron stores or inflammatory cues. Iron stimulates expression of bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, which in turn binds to BMP receptors on hepatocytes and induces the SMAD signaling cascade for transcriptional activation of the hepcidin-encoding HAMP mRNA. SMAD signaling is also essential for inflammatory HAMP mRNA induction by the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Herein, we utilized human Huh7 hepatoma cells and primary murine hepatocytes to assess the effects of iron perturbations on signaling to hepcidin. Iron chelation appeared to slightly impair signaling to hepcidin. Subsequent iron supplementation not only failed to reverse these effects, but drastically reduced basal HAMP mRNA and inhibited HAMP mRNA induction by BMP6 and/or IL-6. Thus, treatment of cells with excess iron inhibited basal and BMP6-mediated SMAD5 phosphorylation and induction of HAMP, ID1 and SMAD7 mRNAs in a dose-dependent manner. Iron also inhibited IL-6-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation and induction of HAMP and SOCS3 mRNAs. These responses were accompanied by induction of GCLC and HMOX1 mRNAs, known markers of oxidative stress. We conclude that hepatocellular iron overload suppresses hepcidin by inhibiting the SMAD and STAT3 signaling pathways downstream of their respective ligands.
Remediation of chromium- and fluoride-contaminated groundwater by immobilized Citrobacter sp. on a nano-ZrO2 hybrid material
Authors: Li Xilin , Fan Ming , Zhang Ying , Liu Ling , Yi Fu , Chang Jinghua , Li Jian
Published: June 2021

To effectively address excessive SO42-, Cr(VI), total chromium and F- in the groundwater of acidic mining areas, a facultative anaerobic bacterium, Citrobacter, with sulfate-reducing properties, tolerance to hexavalent chromium and the ability to reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III) was isolated and domesticated. Based on microbial immobilization technology, a nano-ZrO2 polyacrylamide hybrid material was prepared as an embedding agent to form nano-ZrO2 polyacrylamide Citrobacter (ZPC) particles. ZPC was microscopically characterized, and the removal performance and mechanism of ZPC for SO42-, Cr(VI), total chromium and F- in groundwater were analyzed. The results of single-factor tests showed that the optimal reaction conditions included a reaction temperature of 35°C, Citrobacter dosage of 35% (volume ratio) in the particles and hybrid material dosage of 300 mL; under these conditions, the removal rates of SO42-, Cr(VI), total chromium and F- were 70.5%, 100%, 100% and 93.3%, respectively, and the pH value increased from 4.6 to 8.07. On this basis, the effects of the reaction layer type, influent hydraulic load and influent concentration on the removal efficiency of polluted groundwater were studied through dynamic experiments. The experimental results showed that ZPC particles were better than Citrobacter as a reaction layer; the optimal influent hydraulic load was 3.0 m3/(m2·d); the selectivity of ZPC particles to anions and anionic groups was different; and the order of adsorption selectivity was F- > Cr(VI) > SO42-.
Doctor-patient communication and trust in doctors during COVID 19 times—A cross sectional study in Chennai, India
Authors: Gopichandran Vijayaprasad , Sakthivel Kalirajan
Published: June 2021

Background

The COVID 19 pandemic created a global public health crisis. Physical distancing, masks, personal protective equipment worn by the doctors created difficulties in effective doctor-patient communication.

Objectives

This study was conducted to assess the difficulties faced by patients in communicating with their doctors due to the COVID 19 preventive measures, and its impact on the trust on their doctors.

Methods

A cross sectional study of 359 persons attending a tertiary care center in Chennai, sampled in a non-probabilistic manner selected from the outpatient department, wards, and isolation facilities, was conducted using a questionnaire containing items covering three dimensions namely difficulties faced in accessing the health facility, difficulties in doctor-patient communication and trust in the doctors. The data were collected using Google Forms and analyzed using GNU PSPP open-source statistical software version 1.4.0.

Results

More than 60% of the participants complained of difficulty in accessing the health facility. More than 60% had difficulties in communicating with the doctors. There was a high level of trust in doctors among more than 80% of the participants. Comparison of the mean scores revealed that accessibility was a problem across ages, sexes, education and occupation groups. Communication barriers decreased with age and increased with education, but trust increased with age, but reduced with increasing education. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that difficulties in communication had a negative impact on trust (β = -0.63, p<0.001) and increasing education had a negative impact on trust (β = -0.42, p = 0.034).

Conclusions

The COVID 19 pandemic and the preventive strategies such as lock-down, physical distancing, face mask and personal protective equipment created barriers to effective doctor patient communication and led to some compromise in trust in doctors during this time.
Status of the largest extant population of the critically endangered Aeolian lizard Podarcis raffonei (Capo Grosso, Vulcano island)
Authors: Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Silva-Rocha Iolanda , Carretero Miguel A. , Vignoli Leonardo , Sacchi Roberto , Melotto Andrea , Scali Stefano , Salvi Daniele
Published: June 2021

The Aeolian wall lizard Podarcis raffonei is an island endemic that survives only on three tiny islets, and on the Capo Grosso peninsula of the Vulcano island, thus is among the European vertebrates with the smallest range and one of the most threatened by extinction. This species is declining due to competition and hybridization with the non-native lizard Podarcis siculus, but a regular monitoring program is lacking. Here we assessed the size and status of the Capo Grosso population of P. raffonei on Vulcano. In September 2015 we captured 30 individuals showing the typical brown phenotype of P. raffonei, while one single male showed a green phenotype, apparently intermediate between P. raffonei and the non-native Podarcis siculus. In May 2017, only 47% of 131 individuals showed the typical brown phenotype (P. raffonei-like) and 53% showed the green phenotype (P. siculus-like). Based on N-mixture models and removal sampling the estimated size of the Capo Grosso population was of 800–1300 individuals in 2017, being similar to 2015; available data suggest that the total range of the species could be as small as 2 ha. The frequency of individuals with the typical P. raffonei phenotype dramatically dropped between two samplings with a parallel increase of individuals displaying the green phenotype. Observation on outdoor captive-bred individuals demonstrates plasticity for colouration in P. raffonei individuals from Capo Grosso, with several individuals showing the typical brown pattern in September 2017 and a green pattern in March 2021. Non-exclusive hypotheses, including hybridization with P. siculus and plasticity in colour pattern of P. raffonei, are discussed to explain the phenotypic shifts of the P. raffonei population of Capo Grosso. While genomic evidence is required to reach conclusions and investigate eventual hybridization, it is urgent to undertake a programme for the monitoring and management of this lizard.
Are older adults of Rohingya community (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals or FDMNs) in Bangladesh fearful of COVID-19? Findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Ali A. R. M. Mehrab , Akther Farhana , Peprah Prince , Reza Sompa , Prova Shaidatonnisha , Yadav Uday Narayan
Published: June 2021

Aim

This study aimed to assess the fear of COVID-19 and its associates among older Rohingya (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals or FDMNs) in Bangladesh.

Method

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 416 older FDMNs aged 60 years and above living in camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on participants’ socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, pre-existing non-communicable chronic conditions, and COVID-19 related information. Level of fear was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) with the cumulative score ranged from 7 to 35. A multiple linear regression examined the factors associated with fear.

Results

Among 416 participants aged 60 years or above, the mean fear score was 14.8 (range 8–28) and 88.9% of the participants had low fear score. Participants who were concerned about COVID-19 (β: 0.63, 95% CI: -0.26 to 1.53) and overwhelmed by COVID-19 (β: 3.54, 95% CI: 2.54 to 4.55) were significantly more likely to be fearful of COVID-19. Other factors significantly associated with higher level of fear were lesser frequency of communication during COVID-19, difficulty in obtaining food during COVID-19, perception that older adults are at highest risk of COVID-19 and receiving COVID-19 related information from Radio/television and friends/family/neighbours.

Conclusions

Our study highlighted that currently there little fear of COVID-19 among the older Rohingya FDMNs. This is probably due to lack of awareness of the severity of the disease in. Dissemination of public health information relevant to COVID-19 and provision of mental health services should be intensified particularly focusing on the individual who were concerned, overwhelmed or fearful of COVID-19. However, further qualitative research is advised to find out the reasons behind this.
A field test of the dilution effect hypothesis in four avian multi-host pathogens
Authors: Ferraguti Martina , Martínez-de la Puente Josué , Jiménez–Clavero Miguel Ángel , Llorente Francisco , Roiz David , Ruiz Santiago , Soriguer Ramón , Figuerola Jordi
Published: June 2021

The Dilution Effect Hypothesis (DEH) argues that greater biodiversity lowers the risk of disease and reduces the rates of pathogen transmission since more diverse communities harbour fewer competent hosts for any given pathogen, thereby reducing host exposure to the pathogen. DEH is expected to operate most intensely in vector-borne pathogens and when species-rich communities are not associated with increased host density. Overall, dilution will occur if greater species diversity leads to a lower contact rate between infected vectors and susceptible hosts, and between infected hosts and susceptible vectors. Field-based tests simultaneously analysing the prevalence of several multi-host pathogens in relation to host and vector diversity are required to validate DEH. We tested the relationship between the prevalence in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) of four vector-borne pathogens–three avian haemosporidians (including the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium and the malaria-like parasites Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) and West Nile virus (WNV)–and vertebrate diversity. Birds were sampled at 45 localities in SW Spain for which extensive data on vector (mosquitoes) and vertebrate communities exist. Vertebrate censuses were conducted to quantify avian and mammal density, species richness and evenness. Contrary to the predictions of DEH, WNV seroprevalence and haemosporidian prevalence were not negatively associated with either vertebrate species richness or evenness. Indeed, the opposite pattern was found, with positive relationships between avian species richness and WNV seroprevalence, and Leucocytozoon prevalence being detected. When vector (mosquito) richness and evenness were incorporated into the models, all the previous associations between WNV prevalence and the vertebrate community variables remained unchanged. No significant association was found for Plasmodium prevalence and vertebrate community variables in any of the models tested. Despite the studied system having several characteristics that should favour the dilution effect (i.e., vector-borne pathogens, an area where vector and host densities are unrelated, and where host richness is not associated with an increase in host density), none of the relationships between host species diversity and species richness, and pathogen prevalence supported DEH and, in fact, amplification was found for three of the four pathogens tested. Consequently, the range of pathogens and communities studied needs to be broadened if we are to understand the ecological factors that favour dilution and how often these conditions occur in nature.
Clinical and histopathological studies on neurodegeneration and dysautonomia in buffalo calves during foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Egypt
Authors: Bayoumi Yasmin , Sobhy Nader , Morsi Abdelkarem , El-Neshwey Wafaa , El-Seddawy Nora , Abdallah Abdelmonem
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim: Signs of dysautonomia were frequently observed in calves that died during foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus (FMDV) outbreaks in Egypt from 2015 to 2018. This study aimed to describe the clinical and histopathological features of the central nervous system in malignant cases of FMD and excluding possible concurrent bacterial, and bovine herpes virus 4 (BHV4) infections or both.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 335 FMDV-infected buffalo calves aged 1-22 months were clinically examined and followed until recovery or death. Of the 335 calves, 134 died (malignant group) and 201 recovered after exhibiting classic symptoms of FMD (recover group). The calves were subjected to clinical examination. For the malignant group, several laboratory trials were conducted to assess the possible cause/s of dysautonomia-related viral, bacterial, or concurrent infections. Koch's postulates and polymerase chain reaction were employed. Postmortem and histopathological examinations of nervous tissue were performed.

Results: In the malignant group, signs of dysautonomia were observed before death, including partial or complete gut dysfunction, loss of anal sphincter tone, rapid breathing sounds, fluctuating body temperature, and cardiac arrhythmias. In the malignant group, histopathological examination of the spinal cord, pons, medulla oblongata, hypothalamus, cerebellum, and cerebrum revealed demyelination, neuronal degeneration, and focal areas of malacia and gliosis. The nervous tissue and heart samples from malignant cases were positive for serotype O FMDV.

Conclusion: Findings revealed in this study support the existence of neurodegeneration induced by FMDV infection in buffalo calves.
Luisa Sigea Syntrája
Authors: Nagyillés János
Published: June 2021

Luisa Sigea de Velasco latin nyelven írt Syntrája az ibériai humanizmus egyik kiemelkedő alkotása, amelyet Sigea Mária infánsnő udvarában az infánsnő latintanáraként írt Mária mindössze néhány óráig tartó, rövidesen annulált házassága alkalmából. Rövidsége ellenére költőjének hosszas sikert hozott. A magyar prózai fordítás párhuzamos latin szöveggel olvasható.
Leonardo da Vinci Bestiáriumának antik és középkori forrásai
Authors: Vígh Éva
Published: June 2021

Leonardo irodalmi írásai (mesék, aforizmák, próféciák és szellemes mondások) között olvasható egy 1494 körül írt, 96 állat leírását tartalmazó Bestiárium is. Jelen tanulmány célja a legfontosabb antik és középkori források bemutatása, és Leonardo írásának e különböző (egyébként könyvtárában is szereplő) szövegekkel való összevetése. A fő források – Id. Plinius a zoológiai referenciák, Cecco d’Ascoli L’Acerba című műve az állatszimbolika, a Fiore di virtù az erkölcsiségek szempontjából történő – bemutatása révén Leonardo állatos jegyzeteinek céljaira is rávilágít a tanulmány. A zooszimbolikai ismeretek festői kifejezőkészségét és látásmódját gazdagították, így befejezésképpen Leonardo néhány olyan festménye és vázlata kerül előtérbe, amelyek esetében az állatok ábrázolásmódja nyilvánvalóan ezeket a művészi célokat igazolja.
ASSOCIATIONS OF INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES WITH COVID-19 CASES AND DEATHS IN NURSING HOMES
Authors: GUION V. , HE L. , BLAIN H. , VILLARS H. , DUREL G. , DE SOUTO BARRETO P. , ROLLAND Y.
Published: June 2021

Background/Objectives: To identify which infection prevention and control (IPC) precautions in long-term care facilities (LTCF) were associated with reduced COVID-19 incidence and mortality among residents and reduced COVID-19 incidence in health care professionals (HCP). Design: Retrospective data on self-assessment of adherence to 101 IPC measures collected via an online questionnaire sent to 825 nursing homes in France in December 2020. Setting and participants: Medical and administrative staff jointly reported data on IPC measures, characteristics of LTCF, counts of residents’ COVID-19 deaths and cases, and counts of HCP cases. Measurements: Random forest models were used to identify the most important IPC measures associated with reduced number of COVID-19 deaths and cases in residents and cases in HCP. The identified variables were then included in linear regression models to estimate the association between levels of adherence to each selected IPC measure and COVID-19 deaths and cases. No data on time of IPC measures implementation were collected. Results: Data from 307 LTCF (37.2%) were collected, accounting for 22,214 residents. A higher number of COVID-19 deaths in residents was associated with a better adherence to physical distancing in group activity rooms. A better adherence by HCP to physical distancing during their mealtimes and break times was associated with fewer COVID-19 cases among residents and HCP. Other IPC measures were not significantly associated with COVID-19 cases or deaths. Conclusion: Physical distancing between residents was more implemented when LTCF had been confronted with COVID-19 deaths. Physical distancing between HCP was associated with fewer COVID-19 cases in residents and HCP, suggesting it may prevent significantly COVID-19 spreading in LTCF. HCP should particularly adhere to physical distancing measures during their mealtimes and break times. A higher adherence to such preventive measures does not require extra material or human resources and may be easily achievable.
Bleeding Risk and Mortality Associated With Uninterrupted Antithrombotic Therapy During Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement
Authors: Thosani Nirav , Rashtak Shahrooz , Kannadath Bijun Sai , Munjal Akhil , Meriwether Matthew , Yoon Eric D. , Hermann Andrew , Ali Sara , Haddad Paul G. , Patil Prithvi , Ramireddy Srinivas , Badillo Ricardo , DaVee R. Tomas , Guha Sushovan
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Antithrombotic therapy is often interrupted before the placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube because of potentially increased risk of hemorrhagic events. The aim of our study was to evaluate the risk of bleeding events and overall complication rates after PEG in patients on uninterrupted antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy in a high-volume center.

METHODS:

Data regarding demographics, diagnoses, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes pertinent to PEG were collected from 2010 to 2016. Furthermore, data regarding antithrombotic therapy along with the rate of minor or major complications including bleeding associated with this procedure were analyzed. Significant bleeding was defined as postprocedure bleeding from PEG site requiring a blood transfusion and/or surgical/endoscopic intervention.

RESULTS:

We included 1,613 consecutive PEG procedures in this study, of which 1,540 patients (95.5%) received some form of uninterrupted antithrombotic therapy. Of those patients, 535 (34.7%) were on aspirin, 256 (16.6%) on clopidogrel, and 119 (7.7%) on both aspirin and clopidogrel. Subcutaneous heparin was uninterrupted in 980 (63.6%), intravenous heparin in 34 (2.1%), warfarin in 168 (10.9%), and direct-acting oral anticoagulation in 82 (5.3%) patients who overlapped on multiple drugs. We observed 6 significant bleeding events in the entire cohort (0.39%), and all were in subcutaneous heparin groups either alone or in combination with aspirin. No clinically significant bleeding was noted in patients on uninterrupted aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, or direct-acting oral anticoagulation groups. Only 5 patients (0.31%) had PEG-related mortality.

DISCUSSION:

The risk of significant bleeding associated with the PEG placement was minimal in patients on uninterrupted periprocedural antithrombotic therapy.
Outcomes After TIPS for Ascites and Variceal Bleeding in a Contemporary Era—An ALTA Group Study
Authors: Boike Justin Richard , Mazumder Nikhilesh Ray , Kolli Kanti Pallav , Ge Jin , German Margarita , Jest Nathaniel , Morelli Giuseppe , Spengler Erin , Said Adnan , Lai Jennifer C. , Desai Archita P. , Couri Thomas , Paul Sonali , Frenette Catherine , Verna Elizabeth C. , Rahim Usman , Goel Aparna , Gregory Dyanna , Thornburg Bartley , VanWagner Lisa B. ,   on behalf of the Advancing Liver Therapeutic Approaches (ALTA) Study Group
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Advances in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) technology have led to expanded use. We sought to characterize contemporary outcomes of TIPS by common indications.

METHODS:

This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study using data from the Advancing Liver Therapeutic Approaches study group among adults with cirrhosis who underwent TIPS for ascites/hepatic hydrothorax (ascites/HH) or variceal bleeding (2010–2015). Adjusted competing risk analysis was used to assess post-TIPS mortality or liver transplantation (LT).

RESULTS:

Among 1,129 TIPS recipients, 58% received TIPS for ascites/HH and 42% for variceal bleeding. In patients who underwent TIPS for ascites/HH, the subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR) for death was similar across all Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Sodium (MELD-Na) categories with an increasing sHR with rising MELD-Na. In patients with TIPS for variceal bleeding, MELD-Na ≥20 was associated with increased hazard for death, whereas MELD-Na ≥22 was associated with LT. In a multivariate analysis, serum creatinine was most significantly associated with death (sHR 1.2 per mg/dL, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.4 and 1.37, 95% CI 1.08–1.73 in ascites/HH and variceal bleeding, respectively). Bilirubin and international normalized ratio were most associated with LT in ascites/HH (sHR 1.23, 95% CI 1.15–1.3; sHR 2.99, 95% CI 1.76–5.1, respectively) compared with only bilirubin in variceal bleeding (sHR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00–1.13).

DISCUSSION:

MELD-Na has differing relationships with patient outcomes dependent on TIPS indication. These data provide new insights into contemporary predictors of outcomes after TIPS.
Gastric Cancer in Alaska Native and American Indian People Living in Alaska, 1990–2017
Authors: Nolen Leisha D. , Bressler Sara , Vindigni Stephen M. , Miller Keri , Nash Sarah
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Alaska Native (AN) people experience a high burden of gastric cancer compared with other US Native and non-Native populations. Previous reports have suggested that gastric cancer in AN people occurs at a younger age and is a more aggressive pathologic type. We evaluated all cases of gastric cancer in AN people from 1990 to 2017 and compared the epidemiologic and pathologic characteristics with the gastric cancers that occurred in the same time in the US white (USW) population.

METHODS:

Cancer data were collected by the Alaska Native Tumor Registry and National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Comparisons were performed looking at the age and sex distribution of the affected AN and USW people, as well as the cancer characteristics, including the location, stage, and pathology.

RESULTS:

The age distribution was significantly different between AN and USW patients (P < 0.001), with a greater proportion of AN people diagnosed younger than 40 years (11% vs 3%, P < 0.0001) and 40–59 years (37% vs 20%, P < 0.0001). In addition, a greater proportion of AN people were diagnosed with distant stage cancer (AN: 48% and USW: 35%, P < 0.0001). The age-adjusted rate of gastric cancer in the AN population was significantly higher than the USW population (20.8 vs 6.7 per 100,000 persons, P < 0.0001). Although there has been a significant decrease in the gastric cancer incidence rate in the USW population, no significant change in incidence was seen in the AN population.

DISCUSSION:

This study highlights the disproportionate burden of gastric cancer in the AN population. Further work is needed to address and understand this disparity.
Educação ambiental crítica: revisitando os pressupostos de Paulo Freire e Enrique Dussel
Authors: Freitas André Luis Castro de , Freitas Luciane Albernaz de Araujo
Published: June 2021

O artigo tem como objetivo constituir aproximações entre o campo da educação ambiental crítica e os pressupostos de autores como Paulo Freire e Enrique Dussel. A partir de um estudo descritivo crítico, resultante de uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, bibliográfica, tem-se como intenção elencar a relevância no campo das relações educativas, na área da educação ambiental, as categorias: diálogo, alteridade, dialética e situação-limite. Primeiramente, reflete-se sobre o exercício de um caminhar em que os seres humanos se movimentem dialeticamente, conduzidos pela palavra do Outro. Na segunda parte, faz-se uma discussão sobre a presença na educação da práxis social como processo de reflexão sobre a vida e a natureza, no que implique a ação de transformar a realidade. Por fim, realizam-se reflexões de como a partir das categorias elencadas, por meio de uma educação ambiental crítica, é possível fazer frente à manipulação e aos efeitos produzidos pelo modelo civilizatório em curso.
Concurso Edificio de la Unión Industrial Argentina (1968)
Authors: Meinardy Gervasio Andrés
Published: June 2021

El presente artículo indaga los cinco (5) primeros premios del concurso de arquitectura para la nueva sede de la Unión Industrial Argentina (UIA) realizado en 1968 en la Argentina. En el marco del ideario desarrollista en plena época de posguerra, se dio un auge de los concursos de proyectos promovidos principalmente desde el Estado pero también por el sector privado. En este sentido, consideramos la práctica del concurso y el aumento de su uso en la década de 1960 como un vehículo que muestra y genera la innovación, ruptura y transformación de los modos de producción del espacio y que, a fortiori, verificó la oposición entre un antiguo y un nuevo modo de hacer arquitectura. Por medio de la interpretación y el micro-análisis de los proyectos premiados, abordamos los documentos visuales como fuentes primarias que, por un lado, ofician de representaciones de la cultura arquitectónica en tanto cultura material y simbólica de un contexto específico y, por el otro, posibilitan una multiplicidad de lecturas que permiten verificar el desplazamiento en los modos de producción del espacio disciplinar.
Lever House, el rascacielos de cristal
Authors: Montaldo Ignacio Damián
Published: June 2021

Este artículo asume a la arquitectura moderna como un tema nodal en la conformación de la disciplina, aún en permanente revisión y debate[1]. Se propone reflexionar sobre los materiales del proyecto, entendidos como los recursos específicos de un hacer, a partir de analizar y reflexionar sobre el edificio en torre para las Oficinas para la sede principal de la empresa de jabón, de origen británico, “Lever Brother Company”, conocido como “Lever House” proyectado y construido el estudio de arquitectura norteamericano SOM, durante 1951 y 1952, en la ciudad de New York, en el 390 de la Avenida Park Avenue.

[1] Ana María Rigotti.
Leveling Up an Award-Winning Undergraduate Research Program
Authors: Pontari Beth , Ching Erik , Klonis Suzanne , Boyd Diane
Published: June 2021

This case study delineates the process that a small, private liberal arts university employed to amplify its high-impact practices in an already award-winning undergraduate research (UR) program. The process was catalyzed by combined institutional factors: the start of a new accreditation cycle and the launch of our university’s strategic vision, The Furman Advantage (TFA). Established in 2016–2017, TFA ensures all students have access to a high-impact engaged learning experience—UR, study away, and/or an internship. This institutional imperative provided an opportunity to assess the degree to which Furman’s UR program was meeting high-impact criteria. We compared Furman’s summer UR program against the emerging research on high-impact practices and made changes to enhance learning and to close equity gaps in access. We reoriented our UR program to focus on the characteristics of high-impact practices, particularly the mentoring relationship between faculty and students and the importance of student self-reflection. We reviewed improvements to our summer fellowship program, namely, changes in the application and review process, professional development for faculty, pre-experience training for summer research fellows, and modifications to our survey and self-analysis instruments. Broader programmatic changes included articulating common learning outcomes for engaged learning experiences and creating an evidence-driven assessment mechanism to help us meet learning outcomes and institutional objectives. Implementation of these changes required sustained collaboration at the institutional level between the Offices of Undergraduate Research, the Center for Engaged Learning, the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment, and the Faculty Development Center. In addition to measuring changes within UR over time, we have also been able to make comparisons across different engaged learning experiences, principally study away and internships, and then use this data to continue TFA improvements. Preliminary findings indicate that we have successfully enhanced our implementation of high-impact practices.
The Impact of a Mentor: The Course of a Life: The High Impact of Undergraduate Research and Mentoring
Authors: Young Christopher J.
Published: June 2021

The trajectory of my life changed in the most mundane of ways. It was on the first day of classes during my junior year in college. While seated at a desk in a classroom in the Armory at the University of Illinois, I awaited eagerly for what would be my first upper-division history course: Professor Robert McColley’s course on Early National America, which covered the period roughly from the 1780s to the 1820s. After introducing the class, the professor handed out a list of topics and assigned one of them to each of us. My topic was William Blount (1749-1800). Who was William Blount, I wondered. The assignment was to write a research paper that would be due at the end of the semester.
Análisis para la selección de sistemas de almacenamiento basados en baterías para microrredes eléctricas
Authors: Peña Suesca Rafael Antonio , Santos León Andrés Ignacio , Trujillo Rodríguez César Leonardo
Published: June 2021

Contexto: En la implementación de una microrred, la parte más costosa es el sistema de almacenamiento de energía, el cual, en la mayoría de casos, está conformado por baterías. Diferentes autores, motivados por reducir los costos de implementación y permitir el uso generalizado de las microrredes, han dedicado sus esfuerzos a desarrollar técnicas y topologías de microrred para optimizar el sistema de almacenamiento de energía, buscando el compromiso entre vida útil, mantenimiento e inversión inicial.
Método: El objetivo del presente artículo es presentar los criterios de selección que se utilizan para escoger el tipo de batería en una microrred, siendo estos suficientes para asegurar la viabilidad económica a lo largo del ciclo de vida del sistema. Para alcanzar dicho objetivo, se consultaron artículos indexados en revistas de contenido científico y de ingeniería, clasificando los criterios en dos grupos: criterios técnicos y criterios técnico-económicos.
Resultados: Se pudo establecer que los criterios aseguran el cumplimiento de las características técnicas que requiere el usuario final de la microrred, pero no consideran la operación del sistema de almacenamiento a lo largo de la vida útil. En contraste, los criterios técnico-económicos permiten garantizar el funcionamiento del sistema de almacenamiento de la microrred a lo largo de toda la duración del proyecto.
Conclusiones: La clasificación de criterios en este artículo es una guía que permite motivar el avance de investigaciones para de establecer metodologías que garanticen costos de implementación viables a nivel de microrredes, partiendo del análisis técnico-económico del sistema de almacenamiento.
Análisis, diseño y simulación multifísica de una antena Fotoconductora Terahertz usando el método de elementos finitos
Authors: Gonzalez Galindo Diana , Torres Urrea Cristhian , Corredor Camargo Oscar Fabian , Suarez Mora David , Criollo Paredes Carlos
Published: June 2021

Context: The study of nanotechnology has shown great advances, which include research and exploration of the TeraHertz (THz) region, where one of the most common approaches is the use of photoconductive antennas (PCA) due to the intrinsic properties of their emission the non-destructive nature of this type of radiation.
Method: This paper describes the concept of antenna its radiation principles, the mathematical foundations, the material used for radiation, and the adjustment of the parameters to find a result of the pulse in THz by using the finite element method, accessible in the COMSOL Multiphysics software.
Results: The result of a computational modeling is presented, which studies the behavior of a PCA, where the input of the chosen model corresponds to the geometry and material of the antenna, thus showing the concentration of the electric field in the GAP zone of the dipole and the substrate of the semiconductor.
Conclusions: Given the theoretical foundations that describe the behavior of PCAs in THz, it was possible to configure parameters such as the geometry of the antenna, the laser to be used, and the construction materials to achieve the generation of a photocurrent peak in the order of 0,1-1,2 THz.
Effects of Psychological and Cognitive Factors on the Relation between Entrepreneurial Intention and Academic Hazing: Case of the New Students in the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences at the University of Beira – Portugal
Authors: Garcez Ana , Franco Mário
Published: June 2021

This study aims to (1) analyse whether university students’ psychological and cognitive factors influence the entrepreneurial intention and integration in academic hazing, and (2) assess the effect the entrepreneurial intention may have on integration in academic hazing. Using a sample of 258 new students from the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences at the University of Beira – Portugal, we use structural equation model (SEM) to test our hypotheses. From the structural model, the outcomes reveal that students’ cognitive and psychological factors influence their entrepreneurial intention, but no statistically significant direct effects of these factors were found on academic hazing. Another conclusion is that the entrepreneurial intention has a positive influence on students’ academic hazing and there is an indirect effect of psychological factors on this relation. In this study, a new and innovative construct is inserted in the model of entrepreneurial intention: “Academic Hazing”. Academic hazing is characterised as a ritual of initiation for new students at universities.
Après-ski: The spread of coronavirus from Ischgl through Germany
Authors: Felbermayr Gabriel , Hinz Julian , Chowdhry Sonali
Published: June 2021

The Austrian ski resort of Ischgl is commonly claimed to be ground zero for the diffusion of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the first wave of infections experienced by Germany. Drawing on data for 401 German counties, we find that conditional on geographical latitude and testing behavior by health authorities, road distance to Ischgl is indeed an important predictor of infection cases, but – in line with expectations – not of fatality rates. Were all German counties located as far from Ischgl as the most distant county of Vorpommern-Rügen, Germany would have seen about 45 % fewer COVID-19 cases. A simple diffusion model predicts that the absolute value of the distance-to-Ischgl elasticity should fall over time when inter- and intra-county mobility are unrestricted. We test this hypothesis and conclude that the German lockdown measures have halted the spread of the virus.
Effect of basicity on the reduction swelling properties of iron ore briquettes
Authors: Zhang Guo-Cheng , Luo Guo-Ping , Jia Peng-Fei , Wang Yi-Ci , Chai Yi-Fan
Published: June 2021

The influence mechanism of basicity on the reduction swelling index (RSI) of iron ore briquettes was investigated using the SEM analysis and Factsage 7.3 thermodynamic calculations based on the addition of pure CaO to Bayan Obo iron concentrate. The results revealed that the solid solution of Ca2+ in the FeO lattice increased with the basicity of the briquettes, whereas the diffusion channels of Fe2+ ions increased during the reduction process from FeO to Fe and resulted in the formation of a great number of slender and anisotropic iron whiskers, which consequently increased the RSI. Furthermore, the melting point of the slag phase decreased as the CaO content increased; this reduced its ability to resist the reduction swelling of iron oxides. When the basicity was increased from 0.3 to 0.8, the RSI reached a maximum of 69.85%. However, due to the saturated solid solution of Ca2+ in FeO lattice, as the basicity further increased from 0.8 to 1.2, excess CaO melting into the slag phase promoted the precipitation of spinel minerals with high melting points and difficult reduction properties. Thus, the diffusion of Fe2+ and the growth of the iron whiskers were hindered, and the RSI was reduced.
Translating the principles of good governance: in search ofaccountabilityin Spanish and German
Authors: Breeze Ruth
Published: June 2021

Good governance is a key factor in underpinning the integrity and efficiency of an institution, whether it is a private company or a national or international organisation. The core principles of good governance are now often defined asfairness,accountability,responsibilityandtransparency. Although these terms are familiar to all those involved in corporate social responsibility/sustainability and business ethics, and are frequently discussed in the European Parliament and European directives, they often pose a challenge to the translator, since obvious equivalents for all of them do not exist in all EU languages. In this paper, I take the example ofaccountability, and examine the way that it is represented in both Spanish and German in the EUROPARL7 parallel corpus of European Parliament Proceedings, available in the Sketch Engine corpus platform.Accountabilityin English can be defined as an assurance that individuals or organizations will be evaluated on their performance or behaviour related to something for which they are responsible, or more simply, as being responsible for explaining what you do and able to give a satisfactory account of it to those whom your actions affect. The English termaccountabilitythus differs fromresponsibilityandtransparency, although it overlaps with both. However, not all languages allow us to distinguish easily between the concepts they designate. In fact, the majority of Spanish translations ofaccountabilityfound in EUROPARL7 simply useresponsabilidad, while others make reference torendir cuentasorrendición de cuentas, and a few actually usetransparencia. In German, the picture is less confused, with the closer termRechenschaftspflichtemployed as the usual translation, but an abundance of alternatives such asVerantwortlichkeitandAuskunftspflichtalso appear. In my conclusions, I discuss the rationale that may underlie the different choices, point to problems that might arise from poor translations, and suggest reasons we should strive to maintain clear definitions of these key concepts.
Distributions of As, Pb, Sn and Zn as minor elements between iron silicate slag and copper in equilibrium with tridymite in the Cu–Fe–O–Si system
Authors: Hidayat Taufiq , Chen Jiang , Hayes Peter C. , Jak Evgueni
Published: June 2021

The distributions of arsenic, lead, tin and zinc between iron silicate slag and copper in equilibrium with tridymite in the Cu–Fe–O–Si system have been experimentally determined at selected oxygen partial pressures (P(O2)) at temperatures of 1 523 K and 1 573 K. The experimental technique involved high temperature equilibration in a sealed silica ampoule to minimize the vaporization of minor elements, rapid quenching of the condensed phases, and the direct composition measurements of the condensed phases using microanalysis techniques. The effective P(O2)s of the samples were determined based on the measured Cu2O concentrations in slag. The new experimental data resolve discrepancies found in previous studies and have been used in the development of a new thermodynamic database of the Cu–Fe–O–Si system containing minor elements.
Characteristics of BCR–ABL gene variants in patients of chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Amin Huma , Ahmed Suhaib
Published: June 2021

Background

Depending on breakpoints of rearrangement different types of BCR–ABL fusion protein can be generated in patients of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The aim of this study is to observe frequencies of major transcripts in CML patients by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and their hematological features at the time of presentation.

Materials and methods

This cross sectional study was performed at Molecular Lab of Riphah International University, Islamabad from January to June 2019. Consecutive peripheral blood samples of 70 newly diagnosed CML patients in chronic phase were analyzed by RT-PCR to detect different BCR–ABL transcripts. Routine blood cell counts were assessed by an automated hematology analyzer.

Results

All samples expressed typical BCR–ABL rearrangement. Expression of either e14a2 or e13a2 transcript was detected in 38 (54%) and 30 (43%) patients, respectively. Coexpression of e13a2 + e14a2 was found in 2 (3%) patients. The mean total leukocyte count was higher in group expressing e13a2 (P = 0.01). Higher mean platelet count was noted in patients with e14a2 transcript, but this difference was statistically insignificant (P = 0.1). The association of male gender was observed with the group exhibiting e14a2 (P = 0.01). There was no statistically significant association between transcript type and different ranges of age, hemoglobin levels, and platelet and total leukocyte counts (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

e14a2 transcript was most common transcript in CML patients. Patients exhibiting e13a2 subgroup presented with significantly higher mean white blood cell count at the time of presentation. Significantly higher proportion of male patients was found to express e14a2 transcript over e13a2.