bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apresentação
Authors: Zarankin Andrés
Published: April 2018

Os dois volumes da revista Vestigios: revista latino-americana de Arqueologia histórica, publicados em 2011, reúnem a produão de artigos de especialistas nacionais e internacionais em Arqueologia e Antropologia de regiões polares (Àrtico e Antártica). Os mesmos foram apresentados em dosi encontros realizados em 2010: o I Encontro Latino Americano de Antropologia e Arqueologia Polar (UFMG - em agosto de 2010) e Fluxos de modelos em escala global: explorando o cenário da Antártida (UNB - em setembro de 2010).
Paisagens em Branco: Arqueologia e Antropologia Antárticas - avanços e desafios
Authors: Zarankin Andrés , Hissa Sarah , Salerno Melisa Anabella , Froner Yacy-Ara , Radicchi Gerusa de Alkmim , Resende de Assis Luis Guilherme , Batista Anderson
Published: April 2018

O projeto "Paisagens em Branco: Arqueologia e Antropologia Antárticas" é resultado de uma colaboração internacional (coordenada pelo Brasil) e tem como objetivo estudar os processos de ocupação humana da Antártica. Com início em 2009, tem produzido diversos resultados, a partir das novas linhas de pesquisa desenvolvidas. Neste artigos nos propomos efetuar um balanço das informações geradas, assim como dos principais desafios a futuro.
Antártida como narrativa
Authors: Senatore Maria Ximena
Published: April 2018

Este trabalho trata da criaão da Antártida como parte das narrativas que conformam o mundo moderno ocidental. A proposta gira em torno da compreensão conceitual da Antártida como narrativa. A primeira parte faz uma revisão dos princípios de construção - escrita e material - das Master Narratives do passado antártico, seguida de questionamentos das mesmas, tal como tem sido colocado pela prática arqueológica. Dentro deste marco, a segunda parte propõe alinhamentos teóricos e metodológicos para o estudo da heterogeneidade de paisagens narrativas e histórias materiais que configuram as ilhas Shetland do Sul no século XIX.
"La pacificación del mineral". Cerro Lípez, un enclave minero en la contienda sobre el Nuevo Mundo
Authors: Cruz Pablo , Nielsen Ailton E. , Téreygeol Florian , Deroin Jean Paul , Guillot Ivan
Published: April 2018

Na base do monte Lípez (Província Sud-Lípez, Dpto. Potosí, Bolívia) estão preservados vestígios de assentamentos, ranchos e instalações produtivas que estiveram associadas como produção minerária e metalúrgica no período colonial, e possivelmente antes dele. Inesgotável fonte de tesouros ocultos para a população local povoados fantasmas para os raros turistas que passam por ali, estes testemunhos materiais constituem uma fonte de informações excepcional para o estudo tanto do passado como do universo da produção de metáis. Com efeito, apesar de sua distância e rudeza climática este enclave mineiro foi o cenário onde ocorreram intensos, quando não violentos, fatos em torno do controle tanto das jazidas minerais como os espíritos humanos. Realocação de povos indígenas, destruição de assentamentos e extinção de antigos cultos, rápidas mudanças produtivas, transformações de paisagem etc. Em seu conjunto estes fatos mostram uma síntese da empresa colonial nesta região dos Andes. À luz de novos dados e de uma perspectiva multidisciplinar (história, arqueologia, arqueometria e teledetecção) trataremos das paragens que conformaram San Antonio del Nuevo Mundo. O estudo de caso abre debate sobre a articulação entre as fontes históricas e o registro arqueológico, tanto seus encontros e complementaridades como seus desencontros e silêncios.
El oro de La Puna: lavaderos, socavones y mineros en el período colonial. Arqueología de la minería aurífera del extremo norte de La Puna de Jujuy (Argentina)
Authors: Angiorama Carlos I. , Becerra M. Florencia
Published: April 2018

Este trabalho analisa as evidencias de atividades vinculadas a exploração aurifera, tanto em vetas como de lavado de sedimento aluvial, que tiveram lugar na Puna de Jujuy durante o período colonial (especialmente durante os séculos XVII e XVIII), desde uma perspectiva que combina a metodologia arqueológica e histórica. Neste sentido, damos a conhecer, por um lado, a materialidade que ainda perdura na área, produto desta atividade e, por outro, oferecemos uma aproximação à tecnologia utilizada neste período, à disposição no espaco destas explorações e sua vinculação com outros recursos naturais da região, como também à relação entre estas práticas e a ocupação e uso do território por parte dos europeus e das populações indígenas.
Mineros en la Puna de Mendoza: Arqueología del sítio Los Hornillos (Reservada Natural Villavicencio, Argentina)
Authors: Chiavazza Horacio Daniel , Olavarría Cristina Prieto
Published: April 2018

O estudo arqueológico do assentamento na pré-cordilheira de Los Hornillos, no norte da provincia de Mendoza, permitiu detectar usos contínuos (pré e pós-hispânicos) e ocupações destinadas à exploração de minerais dentro dos ordenamentos econômicos de diferentes escalas (da pedra à mineração do cobre). Os registros têm permitido, no cado das ocupações tardias, abordar as maneiras de preparar o terreno, construi-lo e ocupá-lo. Este é um tema, raramente estudado pela arqueologia histórica argentina, que trata das condições cotidianas de existência em sítios produtivos de caráter marginal no bojo do modelo capitalista de escala global.
María, Parvoa Exposta, Domingos, Padre Maculado. Ensaio de Arqueologia Micro Histórica
Authors: Ribeiro Loredana
Published: April 2018

A Fazenda do Morro (Minas Gerais) foi ocupada por quatro gerações da família Fraga entre 1750 e 1850. O estudo da tralha doméstica arqueológica do sítio indica a introdução e/ou aumento da diversidade de faianças finas de funções especializadas entre a segunda e a terceira décadas do século XIX. O que se busca aqui é entender e explicar essa mudança de comportamento de consumo a partir das relaçoes que os moradores da época - o padre Domingos Pereira Fraga e sua filha, Maria Cândida - estabeleceram entre si e com o restante da sociedade local. Vários processos e estruturas sociais de maior escala nas Minas oitocentistas podem ser pensados através das trajetórias de Domingos e de Maria. Analisando os escritos e a evidência arqueológica guardada pela ruínas, procura-se observar os significados específicos desses processos e estruturas em experiências individuais, constituídas em relações de gênero.
Entre a permissão e a interdição do lugar: o passado idealizado na cerâmica da Cidade de Goiás
Authors: Tedesco Gislaine Valério de Lima
Published: April 2018

Neste artigo analiso as reações da comunidade vilaboense diante dos resultados da pesquisa arqueológica realizada na cidade de Goiás (GO). A cerâmica encontrada nas escavações aponta a participação do negro africano e seus descendentes escravizados em Vila Boa de Goiás, nos séculos XVIII e XIX, na confecção de utensílios cerâmicos utilizados pela população em geral. Porém, para muitos agentes da cidade sua tradição oleira é uma herança indígena, não reconhecendo a participação dos negros neste processo. Busco então, refletir sobre o que poderia ocultar e silenciar este processo de atribuição de uma outra identidade aos ceramistas do passado.
¿Doméstica o domesticada? Mujer y hogar en el Buenos Aires virreinal
Authors: Marschoff María
Published: April 2018

Neste trabalho nos propomos a contribuir com o estudo das idéias sobre "o doméstico" e as relações entre homens e mulhere nesta área. Resumimos o que foi o papel das mulheres no Antigo Regime, na Espanha e na América, em particular as mudanças graduais do período do século XVIII para XIX para saber como eles sem vincularm em um todo que é, supostamente, a esfera prescrita das mulheres. Finalmente, analisamos algumas características das práticas alimentares da sociedade de Buenos Aires e as mudanças que são observadas ao longo do período entre 1776 e 1810. Estudá-las nos permite discutir em que medida a esfera doméstica do discurso era de fato "lugar da mulher" na vida diária.
A Mari usque ad …? Shifting Canadian Sightsto the Trans-Pacific
Authors: Paltiel Jeremy
Published: April 2018

The twenty-first century is seeing a shift in global power from one that was centred in the North Atlantic to one centred in the Asia-Pacific. This article asks whether Canada is adapting to this shift and what Canada must do to adapt and maintain its status as a core middle power into the middle of the twenty-first century. I argue that demographic shifts in the Canadian population and changes in the Canadian political economy support such a shift, and by orienting ourselves to the Pacific, we will be completing our transformation from a former colony to an independent state, freed from the Eurocentric prejudices that accompanied our colonial founding.
Canada-Africa Relations in Changing Core-Periphery Dynamics: A Chance to “Come Back” Differently
Authors: Cobbett Elizabeth
Published: April 2018

The Department of Foreign Affairs Canada sees the dynamism at play across the African continent as calling out for Canadian engagement. Africa in the twenty-first century is no longer the continent emerging from colonial rule; it seeks new forms of relationships with international partners. The African Development Bank, for instance, has identified five priorities for inclusive growth on the continent. The challenges are huge, as is the potential for transformative change. But the conditions for international collaboration in achieving these goals have changed; African leaders are seeking new forms of associations and teamwork. Canada has an opportunity to “come back” differently if it can look beyond its narrow mining interests and become an active partner working with public authorities in need of new and bold international partnerships. Unfortunately, Trudeau's “Canada is back” campaign does not look set to change the status quo. And, in a world where the political economic power is moving east, African countries do not have much reason to listen to Canada.
A 2-D Metal–Organic Framework Based on Linear Trinuclear Copper Cluster Units: Syntheses, Structures and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Wang Liping , Zhang Erpeng , Zhou Xiaoli , Wang Yufei , Liu Yanli , Li Lingchuan
Published: April 2018

The coordination polymer [Cu3(tci)2(phen)2] n (H3tci = 1,3,5-tris(2-carboxyethyl)isocyanurate; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) has been synthesised. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies have shown that the polymer displays a 2-D metal–organic framework based on linear trinuclear copper cluster units, and its magnetic properties indicate antiferromagnetic interactions.
Afghan internationalism and the question of Afghanistan's political legitimacy
Authors: Leake Elisabeth
Published: April 2018

This article uses Afghan engagement with twentieth-century international politics to reflect on the fluctuating nature of Afghan statehood and citizenship, with a particular focus on Afghanistan's political ‘revolutions’ in 1973 and 1978. By considering the ways in which Afghan leaders asserted their politics in the international sphere, some of the key concerns of the Afghan state become clear. In order to assert their authority and gain credence among international observers, Afghan leaders both drew on and rejected their state's political history, ultimately leading to a top-down reconceptualization of Afghan statehood and the citizen which relied on a territorially defined state, rather than ethnicity. Two issues especially shaped Afghan foreign engagement: a longstanding tradition of political neutrality, or bi-tarafi, and demands for international recognition of an autonomous Pashtun state in the Afghan-Pakistan borderlands. These interests frequently conflicted, but both played critical roles in prolonging regional instability. Afghan leadership ultimately latched onto, publicized, and justified contradictory definitions of Afghan statehood and citizenship that could not be reconciled.
Personal Utopia: The “Good Life” in Popular Religion and Literature in Contemporary Sweden
Authors: Enstedt Daniel , Hermansson Kristina
Published: April 2018

This article examines the discourse of the “good life” in popular religion and literature in contemporary Sweden. The results indicate thnew spiritual movements (e.g. mindfulness and the Enneagram) situate traditional transcendental goals within the individual, immanent self and the utopian ideals (e.g. individual wellbeing and happiness) expressed in popular literature are to be achieved through changing individuals’ attitudes rather than their material and structural circumstances. Furthermore, this understanding of the individual relies on a culturally based discourse in which medicalized, therapeutic language, what Michel Foucault called “bio-power”, defines humanity and the human condition. This cultural discourse centers on the individual’s potential and responsibility to change dysfunctional habits, situations, and relationships, whereas structural, contextual, and situational solutions are ignored. The Swedish popular literature and religion examined here both express this discourse and constitute an important new form of authority when it comes to articulating new utopian ideals to relate to in everyday life, at work, and in family life.
Agronomic and Economic Benefits of Pea/Maize Intercropping Systems in Relation to N Fertilizer and Maize Density
Authors: Yang Caihong , Fan Zhilong , Chai Qiang
Published: April 2018

Intercropping has been shown to increase crop yields and improve land utilization in many cases but it is unknown how the interspecies relationship is enhanced with improved crop management schemes. In this study, we investigated the effect of different maize densities and N rates on the growth, crop yields and economic benefits of pea (Pisum sativum L.)/maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping. The results indicated that total yields of pea/maize intercropping were higher than the yield of maize alone, and that pea/maize intercropping improved land use efficiency significantly compared to sole crops, the partial land equivalent ratio (LER) of maize and pea with high planting density increased from 0.98% to 9.36% compared to low planting densities during 2012 and 2013. The pea strips provided significant compensatory effects on the growing maize after the earlier-sown, shorter-seasoned pea was harvested. The crop growth rate (CGR) of the intercropped maize was 18.5% to 216.9% greater than that of sole maize after pea harvest, the leaf area index (LAI) of pea/maize intercropping was 6.9% and 45.4% greater compared with the weighted average of sole maize and sole pea in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Net returns and benefit to cost ratios of pea/maize intercropping were increased with an increase of maize planting density. A low rate of N fertilizer was coupled with increased maize plant density, allowing interspecific facilitation to be fully expressed, thus improving the land utilization rate and increasing economic benefits. Overall, our findings show that a higher density of maize and lower N application can be used to increase grain production with no adverse effects on the growth components of either pea or maize crops. It could be considered an advanced farming system for agricultural sustainable development in the oasis region of northwest China.
Adaptive CoMP with Spatial Phase Coding for Interference Mitigation in the Heterogeneous Network
Authors: Kim Won-Chang , Paek Min-Jae , Ro Jae-Hyun , Song Hyoung-Kyu
Published: April 2018

This paper proposes an adaptive coordinated multi point (CoMP) scheme using pre-coding in order to improve the reliability of wireless communication systems based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). In the conventional scheme, the received signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the mobile is degraded due to the interference signal. Therefore, the bit error rate (BER) performance is degraded, as is, the reliability of the system, due to inter-cell interference (ICI). Therefore, the BER performance of the system is reduced and the transmitter must perform unnecessary re-transmission. The proposed scheme uses the CoMP scheme to improve reliability in a heterogeneous network (HetNet) system. Additionally, the proposed scheme uses the constructive spatial phase coding (SPC) scheme to mitigate the received SNR reduction due to the interference signal. Therefore, the proposed scheme can prevent performance degradation caused by the interference signal. When a mobile is located in the cell edge, the transmission signal is distorted by the transmitted signal from the adjacent cell. The proposed scheme can reduce the SNR of the interference signal by using the destructive SPC scheme. Therefore, this scheme can improve the reliability of the system. The simulation results show that the BER performance of the proposed scheme is better than that of the conventional scheme. As a result, the proposed scheme improves the reliability of systems by adaptively applying the CoMP and SPC schemes.
Atmospheric Emissions from Oil and Gas Extraction and Production in Greece
Authors: Papailias Georgios , Mavroidis Ilias
Published: April 2018

This paper addresses the atmospheric emissions of CO2, SO2, H2S, NOx, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from oil and gas extraction and production in the Gulf of Kavala. This is currently the only location of oil and gas production in Greece. Facilities are located both offshore (Kappa and Delta platforms) and onshore (Sigma plant), producing sweet gas, sour gas, and sour crude oil. This study presents the characteristics of atmospheric emissions, including emission measurements, emission inventories, and concentration measurements, from a central monitoring station and twelve total sulfation stations, the latter aiming to assess the effects of atmospheric emissions to air quality. During the development of the monitoring system, special attention was placed to sulfur compounds, since the existence of sour gas and sour crude oil was expected to lead to increased amounts of H2S and SO2. One of the main findings of the present study is that if the prevailing wind direction is considered (i.e., from N–NE), then the central monitoring station is not located downwind of the onshore and offshore facilities; therefore, its position should be re-examined. The emission inventories showed that flaring at the offshore facilities is the main source of SO2 emissions, while SO2 emissions and ambient concentrations were well below the relevant standards. Furthermore, CO2 emissions were lower by 67.73% as compared to 2008, when emissions reached a maximum. This was attributed to more energy demanding activities during that period, and mainly to the operation of turbines between 2007 and 2009. Since it is expected that the exploitation of hydrocarbons as well as oil and gas extraction and production will increase in the future in Greece, appropriate measures should be taken to ensure environmental protection, such as the use of up-to-date emission control technologies and a flare gas recovery system.
What We Know About the Brain Structure–Function Relationship
Authors: Batista-García-Ramó Karla , Fernández-Verdecia Caridad Ivette
Published: April 2018

How the human brain works is still a question, as is its implication with brain architecture: the non-trivial structure–function relationship. The main hypothesis is that the anatomic architecture conditions, but does not determine, the neural network dynamic. The functional connectivity cannot be explained only considering the anatomical substrate. This involves complex and controversial aspects of the neuroscience field and that the methods and methodologies to obtain structural and functional connectivity are not always rigorously applied. The goal of the present article is to discuss about the progress made to elucidate the structure–function relationship of the Central Nervous System, particularly at the brain level, based on results from human and animal studies. The current novel systems and neuroimaging techniques with high resolutive physio-structural capacity have brought about the development of an integral framework of different structural and morphometric tools such as image processing, computational modeling and graph theory. Different laboratories have contributed with in vivo, in vitro and computational/mathematical models to study the intrinsic neural activity patterns based on anatomical connections. We conclude that multi-modal techniques of neuroimaging are required such as an improvement on methodologies for obtaining structural and functional connectivity. Even though simulations of the intrinsic neural activity based on anatomical connectivity can reproduce much of the observed patterns of empirical functional connectivity, future models should be multifactorial to elucidate multi-scale relationships and to infer disorder mechanisms.
Innovative Diagnostic Methods for Early Prostate Cancer Detection through Urine Analysis: A Review
Authors: Bax Carmen , Taverna Gianluigi , Eusebio Lidia , Sironi Selena , Grizzi Fabio , Guazzoni Giorgio , Capelli Laura
Published: April 2018

Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death among men. It is an asymptomatic and slow growing tumour, which starts occurring in young men, but can be detected only around the age of 40–50. Although its long latency period and potential curability make prostate cancer a perfect candidate for screening programs, the current procedure lacks in specificity. Researchers are rising to the challenge of developing innovative tools able of detecting the disease during its early stage that is the most curable. In recent years, the interest in characterisation of biological fluids aimed at the identification of tumour-specific compounds has increased significantly, since cell neoplastic transformation causes metabolic alterations leading to volatile organic compounds release. In the scientific literature, different approaches have been proposed. Many studies focus on the identification of a cancer-characteristic “odour fingerprint” emanated from biological samples through the application of sensorial or senso-instrumental analyses, others suggest a chemical characterisation of biological fluids with the aim of identifying prostate cancer (PCa)-specific biomarkers. This paper focuses on the review of literary studies in the field of prostate cancer diagnosis, in order to provide an overview of innovative methods based on the analysis of urine, thereby comparing them with the traditional diagnostic procedures.
Decision Support Approaches in Adaptive Forest Management
Authors: Kašpar Jan , Bettinger Pete , Vacik Harald , Marušák Róbert , Garcia-Gonzalo Jordi
Published: April 2018

Climate and social changes place strong demands on forest managers. Forest managers need powerful approaches and tools, which could help them to be able to react to the rapidly changing conditions. However, the complexity of quantifying forest ecosystems services as well as the complexity of current decision theories, technologies and operation research methods, complicate the creation of one general tool. The continuous research and development in this area is an indispensable part of the success of adaptive management as well as the sharing of knowledge and information between research teams around the world. The Community of Practice of Forest Management Decision Support Systems provides a platform for broad discussion among scientists, researchers as well as forest professionals. This special issue provides papers which resulted from a conference session of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations’ (IUFRO) 125th Anniversary Congress in Freiburg, Germany in 2017. The joint sessions and other meetings (and resulting publications) are appropriate opportunities for knowledge sharing on these important methods and systems for protecting and managing forest ecosystems in the future.
Predicting Effects of Psychological Inflexibility/Experiential Avoidance and Stress Coping Strategies for Internet Addiction, Significant Depression, and Suicidality in College Students: A Prospective Study
Authors: Chou Wei-Po , Yen Cheng-Fang , Liu Tai-Ling
Published: April 2018

The aims of this study were to evaluate the predicting effects of psychological inflexibility/experiential avoidance (PI/EA) and stress coping strategies for Internet addiction, significant depression and suicidality among college students during the follow-up period of one year. A total of 500 college students participated in this study. The level of PI/EA and stress coping strategies were evaluated initially. One year later, 324 participants were invited to complete the Chen Internet Addiction Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II and the questionnaire for suicidality to evaluate depression symptoms and internet addiction and suicidality. The predicting effects of PI/EA and stress coping strategies were examined by using logistic regression analysis controlling for the effects of gender and age. The results indicated that PI/EA at the initial assessment increased the risk of Internet addiction (OR = 1.087, 95% CI: 1.042–1.135), significant depression (OR = 1.125, 95% CI: 1.081–1.170), and suicidality (OR = 1.099, 95% CI: 1.053–1.147) at the follow-up assessment. Less effective coping at the initial assessment also increased the risk of Internet addiction (OR = 1.074, 95% CI: 1.011–1.140), significant depression (OR = 1.091, 95% CI: 1.037–1.147), and suicidality (OR = 1.074, 95% CI: 1.014–1.138) at the follow-up assessment. Problem focused and emotion-focus coping at the initial assessment was not significantly associated with the risks of Internet addiction, significant depression, and suicidality at the follow-up assessment. College students who have high PI/EA or are accustomed to using less effective stress coping strategies should be the target of prevention programs for IA (internet addiction), depression, and suicidality.
Association between Body Image Dissatisfaction and Self-Rated Health, as Mediated by Physical Activity and Eating Habits: Structural Equation Modelling in ELSA-Brasil
Authors: De Oliveira da Silva Patricia , Miguez Nery Guimarães Joanna , Härter Griep Rosane , Caetano Prates Melo Enirtes , Maria Alvim Matos Sheila , Del Carmem Molina Maria , Maria Barreto Sandhi , De Jesus Mendes da Fonseca Maria
Published: April 2018

This study investigated whether the association between body image dissatisfaction and poor self-rated health is mediated by insufficient physical activity and unhealthy eating habits. The participants were 6727 men and 8037 women from the baseline (2008–2010) of the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto, ELSA-Brasil). Structural equation modelling was used. Associations were found between body image dissatisfaction and poor self-rated health in both sexes. Insufficient physical activity was a mediator. However, unhealthy eating habits were found to exert a mediator effect only via insufficient physical activity. Body image dissatisfaction was found to associate, both directly and possibly indirectly, with poor self-rated health, mediated by insufficient physical activity and unhealthy eating habits. Accordingly, encouraging physical activity and healthy eating can contribute to reducing body image dissatisfaction and favour better self-rated health.
Comparative Evaluation of Arabin Pessary and Cervical Cerclage for the Prevention of Preterm Labor in Asymptomatic Women with High Risk Factors
Authors: Tsikouras Panagiotis , Anastasopoulos George , Maroulis Vasileios , Bothou Anastasia , Chalkidou Anna , Deuteraiou Dorelia , Anthoulaki Xanthoula , Tsatsaris Georgios , Bourazan Arzou Halil , Iatrakis George , Zervoudis Stefanos , Galazios Georgios , Inagamova Lola-Katerina , Csorba Roland , Teichmann Alexander-Tobias
Published: April 2018

Objective: Preterm labor is one of the most significant obstetric problems associated with high rate of actual and long-term perinatal complications. Despite the creation of scoring systems, uterine activity monitoring, cervical ultrasound and several biochemical markers, the prediction and prevention of preterm labor is still a matter of concern. The aim of this study was to examine cervical findings for the prediction and the comparative use of Arabin pessary or cerclage for the prevention of preterm birth in asymptomatic women with high risk factors for preterm labor. Material and methods: The study group was composed of singleton pregnancies (spontaneously conceived) with high risk factors for preterm labor. Cervical length, dilatation of the internal cervical os and funneling, were estimated with transvaginal ultrasound during the first and the second trimesters of pregnancy. Results: Cervical funneling, during the second trimester of pregnancy, was the most significant factor for the prediction of preterm labor. The use of Arabin cervical pessary was found to be more effective than cerclage in the prolongation of pregnancy. Conclusion: In women at risk for preterm labor, the detection of cervical funneling in the second trimester of pregnancy may help to predict preterm labor and to apply the appropriate treatment for its prevention. Although the use of cervical pessary was found to be more effective than cerclage, more studies are needed to classify the effectiveness of different methods for such prevention.
Common Perceived Barriers and Facilitators for Reducing Sedentary Behaviour among Office Workers
Authors: Nooijen Carla F. J. , Kallings Lena V. , Blom Victoria , Ekblom Örjan , Forsell Yvonne , Ekblom Maria M.
Published: April 2018

Qualitative studies identified barriers and facilitators associated with work-related sedentary behaviour. The objective of this study was to determine common perceived barriers and facilitators among office workers, assess subgroup differences, and describe sedentary behaviour. From two Swedish companies, 547 office workers (41 years (IQR = 35–48), 65% women, 66% highly educated) completed questionnaires on perceived barriers and facilitators, for which subgroup differences in age, gender, education, and workplace sedentary behaviour were assessed. Sedentary behaviour was measured using inclinometers (n = 311). The most frequently reported barrier was sitting is a habit (67%), which was reported more among women than men (Χ2 = 5.14, p = 0.03) and more among highly sedentary office workers (Χ2 = 9.26, p < 0.01). The two other most reported barriers were that standing is uncomfortable (29%) and standing is tiring (24%). Facilitators with the most support were the introduction of either standing- or walking-meetings (respectively 33% and 29%) and more possibilities or reminders for breaks (31%). The proportion spent sedentary was 64% at the workplace, 61% on working days, and 57% on non-working days. This study provides a detailed understanding of office workers’ ideas about sitting and means to reduce sitting. We advise to include the supported facilitators and individualized support in interventions to work towards more effective strategies to reduce sedentary behaviour.
The Effect of UV Aging on Antimicrobial and Mechanical Properties of PLA Films with Incorporated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Mizielińska Małgorzata , Kowalska Urszula , Jarosz Michał , Sumińska Patrycja , Landercy Nicolas , Duquesne Emmanuel
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of accelerated UV-aging on the activity against chosen microorganisms and the mechanical properties of poly-lactic acid (PLA) films enhanced with ZnO nanoparticles. The pure PLA films and tri-layered PLAZnO1%/PLA/PLAZnO1% films of 150 µm thickness were extruded. The samples were treated with UV-A and Q-SUN irradiation. After irradiation the antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of the films were analyzed. The results of the study demonstrated that PLA films did not inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus atrophaeus, and Candida albicans cells. PLA films with incorporated zinc oxide nanoparticles decreased the number of analyzed microorganisms. Accelerated UV aging had no negative effect on the activity of the film containing nano-ZnO against Gram-positive bacteria, but it influenced the activity against Gram-negative cells and C. albicans. Q-SUN irradiation decreased the antimicrobial effect of films with incorporated nanoparticles against B. cereus. UV-A and Q-UV irradiation did not influence the mechanical properties of PLA films containing incorporated ZnO nanoparticles.
Extracellular Vesicles as Conveyors of Membrane-Derived Bioactive Lipids in Immune System
Authors: Sagini Krizia , Costanzi Eva , Emiliani Carla , Buratta Sandra , Urbanelli Lorena
Published: April 2018

Over the last 20 years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been established as an additional way to transmit signals outside the cell. They are membrane-surrounded structures of nanometric size that can either originate from the membrane invagination of multivesicular bodies of the late endosomal compartment (exosomes) or bud from the plasma membrane (microvesicles). They contain proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids—namely miRNA, but also mRNA and lncRNA—which are derived from the parental cell, and have been retrieved in every fluid of the body. As carriers of antigens, either alone or in association with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and class I molecules, their immunomodulatory properties have been extensively investigated. Moreover, recent studies have shown that EVs may carry and deliver membrane-derived bioactive lipids that play an important function in the immune system and related pathologies, such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, specialized pro-resolving mediators, and lysophospholipids. EVs protect bioactive lipids from degradation and play a role in the transcellular synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Here, we summarized the role of EVs in the regulation of immune response, specifically focusing our attention on the emerging role of EVs as carriers of bioactive lipids, which is important for immune system function.
Resistance to Anti-Angiogenic Therapy in Cancer—Alterations to Anti-VEGF Pathway
Authors: Itatani Yoshiro , Kawada Kenji , Yamamoto Takamasa , Sakai Yoshiharu
Published: April 2018

Anti-angiogenic therapy is one of the promising strategies for many types of solid cancers. Bevacizumab (Avastin), a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A, was approved for the first time as an anti-angiogenic drug for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004. In addition, the other VEGF pathway inhibitors including small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sunitinib, sorafenib, and pazopanib), a soluble VEGF decoy receptor (aflibercept), and a humanized monoclonal antibody of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) (ramucirumab) have been approved for cancer therapy. Although many types of VEGF pathway inhibitors can improve survival in most cancer patients, some patients have little or no beneficial effect from them. The primary or acquired resistance towards many oncological drugs, including anti-VEGF inhibitors, is a common problem in cancer treatment. This review summarizes the proposed alternative mechanisms of angiogenesis other than the VEGF pathway. These mechanisms are involved in the development of resistance to anti-VEGF therapies in cancer patients.
Isolation and Identification of Putative Protein Substrates of the AAA+ Molecular Chaperone ClpB from the Pathogenic Spirochaete Leptospira interrogans
Authors: Krajewska Joanna , Arent Zbigniew , Zolkiewski Michal , Kędzierska-Mieszkowska Sabina
Published: April 2018

Bacterial ClpB is an ATP-dependent Hsp100 chaperone that reactivates aggregated proteins in cooperation with the DnaK chaperone system and promotes survival of bacteria under stress conditions. A large number of publications also indicate that ClpB supports the virulence of bacteria, including a pathogenic spirochaete Leptospira interrogans responsible for leptospirosis in both animals and humans. However, the exact role of ClpB in bacterial pathogenicity remains poorly characterized. It can be assumed that ClpB, due to its role as the molecular chaperone, mediates refolding of essential bacterial proteins, including the known virulence factors, which may become prone to aggregation under infection-induced stresses. In this study, we identified putative substrates of ClpB from L. interrogans (ClpBLi). For this purpose, we used a proteomic approach combining the ClpB-Trap affinity pull-down assays, Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS/MS), and bioinformatics analyses. Most of the identified proteins were enzymes predominantly associated with major metabolic pathways like the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis–gluconeogenesis and amino acid and fatty acid metabolism. Based on our proteomic study, we suggest that ClpB can support the virulence of L. interrogans by protecting the conformational integrity and catalytic activity of multiple metabolic enzymes, thus maintaining energy homeostasis in pathogen cells.
Total Antioxidant Capacity of Venous Blood, Blood Plasma, and Serum of Patients With Periodontitis, and the Effect of Traumeel S on These Characteristics
Authors: Žilinskas Juozas , Kubilius Ričardas , Žekonis Gediminas , Žekonis Jonas
Published: April 2018

Introduction. Periodontal diseases are among the most common chronic infections in humans. Chronic low-level bacteremia and a septicemic inflammatory response have been suggested as a pathogenetic link between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis, diabetes and other systemic diseases. All this significantly increases the relevance of the search for the means for treatment and prevention of periodontal diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate blood count and the antioxidant capacity of venous blood, blood plasma, and serum in patients with periodontitis and control subjects with healthy periodontal tissues, and to investigate the effect of the homeopathic medication Traumeel S on the antioxidant capacity of venous blood, plasma, and serum. Material and Methods. The study was performed using venous blood of 21 individuals with chronic periodontitis and 22 healthy subjects. Reduction properties of venous blood, blood plasma, and serum were investigated using the method of reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium, proposed by Demehin et al. Results. The data showed that there was no significant difference in venous blood hemoglobin levels or erythrocyte counts between the groups, while significantly higher leukocyte counts were observed in the periodontitis group (P<0.05). The antioxidant capacity of blood plasma was significantly higher in the periodontitis group than it was in the controls (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the antioxidant capacity of serum was significantly lower in the periodontitis group as compared with controls (P<0.05). The preparation Traumeel S had no effect on the antioxidant capacity of venous blood or blood plasma in the studied groups. Conclusions. Compared to healthy individuals, the antioxidant capacity of blood plasma in patients with periodontitis was higher, while the antioxidant capacity of serum was lower. The homeopathic medication Traumeel S had no effect on the antioxidant capacity of venous blood, blood plasma, or serum. Our findings concerning the elevated leukocyte counts in venous blood of patients with periodontitis confirm the presumption that periodontal diseases cause low-grade systemic inflammation induced by the host response to periodontal bacteria.
Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Macas Andrius , Bukauskas Tomas , Šuškevičienė Ilona , Bakšytė Giedrė , Pieteris Linas , Tamošiūnas Tomas , Mundinaitė Audra , Žaliūnas Remigijus
Published: April 2018

Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock is one of the main reasons of death in severely ill patients. One of the main indications for intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation is acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. Aortic counterpulsation is associated with the risk of several important complications: bleeding, thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, limb ischemia, and aortic wall damage. The analysis of complications is necessary to better understand the course of myocardial infarction using aortic counterpulsation and to reduce the risk of complications. The aim of the study was to analyze the course of acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock in patients managed by intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation as well as to determine intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation-related complications. Material and Methods. The course of acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock in patients with aortic counterpulsation was analyzed. Patients were recruited from the Cardiology Intensive Care Unit, Department of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, during the period of 2004–2010. The study comprised 73 patients: 30 women (41.1%) and 43 men (58.9%). Results. Atrial fibrillation and asystolia were the most common cardiac complications during counterpulsation. Atrioventricular block was the predominant disorder of cardiac conduction system; acute renal failure was the most common noncardiac complication. Complications such as major bleeding, infection, aortic wall damage, or amputations were not documented in our study. Successful percutaneous coronary intervention was associated with fewer complications and reduced mortality rate. Conclusions. Aortic counterpulsation may be successfully employed providing significant hemodynamic support with rare major complications in a high-risk patient population. A unique finding of this study is a high rate of successful applications of aortic counterpulsation.
β-adrenoblokatorių, AKF slopiklių, kalcio antagonistų, diuretikų, antikoaguliantų, antiagregantų, širdį veikiančių glikozidų ir fizinio krūvio poveikis krešėjimo sistemos rodmenims sergant lėtiniu širdies nepakankamumu
Authors: Mongirdienė Aušra
Published: April 2018

Moksliniais tyrimais įrodyta, jog sergančiųjų lėtiniu širdies nepakankamumu (LŠN) krešėjimo sistema yra aktyvesnė nei sveikų žmonių. Todėl šio tyrimo tikslas buvo peržvelgti literatūros duomenis apie krešėjimo sistemos rodmenų pokyčius gydant LŠN sergančius ligonius β-adrenoblokatoriais, AKF slopikliais, kalcio antagonistais, diuretikais, antikoaguliantais, antiagregantais, širdį veikiančiais glikozidais ir fiziniu krūviu. Nustatyta, kad atskirai vartojami β-adrenoblokatoriai mažina trombocitų agregaciją, o AKF slopikliai – ir P-selektino ekspresiją; MMMH mažina protrombino fragmentų, D-dimerų, o geriamieji antikoaguliantai – interleukin-6, von Vilebrando faktoriaus, tarpląstelinių adhezijos molekulių, fibrinogeno fragmentų 1+2, didina plazminogeno aktyvintojo slopiklio koncentracijas; taip pat antikoaguliantai mažina VII:C faktoriaus ir trombino-antitrombino komplekso koncentraciją. Vartojant aspiriną kartu su klopidogreliu, sumažėja tarpląstelinių bei trombocitų-endotelio adhezijos molekulių koncentracija ir P-selektino ekspresija, nors, vartojant tik aspiriną, šių žymenų koncentracijos nekinta. Gydant AKF inhibitoriais, kalcio antagonistais ir β-adrenoblokatoriais, mažėja DATL, D-dimerų, plazminogeno aktyvintojo slopiklio, kraujagyslių adhezijos molekulių, trombocitų tankiųjų granulių baltymo koncentracijos, L- ir P-selektinų ekspresija. Nagrinėjant minėtų gydymo priemonių įtaką konkretiems krešėjimo sistemos rodmenims, būtina pastebėti, kad skirtingų autorių duomenys ne visada sutampa. Todėl konkrečių vaistų poveikis konkretiems hemostazės rodmenims dar nepakankamai ištirtas.
Research on the Quality of Abdominal Surgical Nursing Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Istomina Natalja , Suominen Tarja , Razbadauskas Artūras , Leino-Kilpi Helena
Published: April 2018

Various health care measures have been identified over the years as indicators of health care quality. However, studies evaluating the quality of nursing care among different patient groups are scarce. Patients undergoing abdominal surgery may be a group that has different views, needs, expectations, and evaluation of the quality of nursing care. Literature search was conducted using the following key words in various combinations in the MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases: quality of nursing, surgical or perioperative, abdominal or abdomen. The studies that focused on the evaluation of surgical nursing care with a study sample of patients undergoing abdominal surgery and nurses taking care of these patients were included in this scoping review. In total, 17 research articles were analyzed. The analysis revealed that the quality of nursing care was usually rated as high according to the perceptions of patients and/or nurses. The following factors associated with the quality of nursing care were identified: nurse staffing, organizational characteristics, patients’ characteristics, nurses’ characteristics, nursing care needs, and nursing documentation. Further research should be focused on the measurement and evaluation of the quality of abdominal surgical nursing care from nurses’, patients’ and their relatives’ perceptions by using nonexperimental and experimental study designs for gaining the knowledge how to improve the quality in practice.
Use of Combined Oral Contraceptives and Headaches
Authors: Šimonienė Diana , Vanagienė Virginija , Žilaitienė Birutė , Vanagas Tadas
Published: April 2018

Objective. The study was designed to examine the certain patterns of combined oral contraceptive use in women of childbearing potential and evaluate the relationship between the use of combined oral contraceptives and headaches, bad habits, type of work, and concomitant diseases. Material and Methods. In total, 194 randomly selected women aged 18 to 40 years who visited a gynecologist for preventive gynecological examination were surveyed. Respondents were categorized as combined oral contraceptive users (n=116; study group) and nonusers (n=78; control group). An anonymous questionnaire developed by the authors of this study and a standardized scale called the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) were used for the survey. Results. A multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of combined oral contraceptive use in women older than 20 years (odds ratio, 6.0; 95% CI, 2.6–14), better educated women (odds ratio, 5.7; 95% CI, 2.1–15.2), and women reporting a steady sexual partner (odds ratio, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.5–11.0). Relationship between headaches and use of combined oral contraceptives as well as other factors were analyzed in a group of 178 respondents; the rest 16 respondents reported not having headaches at all. The prevalence of reported minimal-tomild and moderate-to-severe impact of headaches on daily activities did not differ significantly between the study and control groups, women with and without bad habits, and white-collar and bluecollar groups (P>0.05). However, women with concomitant diseases significantly more often reported moderate-to-severe impact on daily activities due to headaches (P<0.01). Differences in impact of headaches on daily activities between women using combined oral contraceptives containing 20 or less μg of ethinylestradiol and 30 or more μg of ethinylestradiol did not differ significantly. Conclusions. The prevalence of combined oral contraceptive use was higher in women older than 20 years, better educated women, and women reporting a steady sexual partner. The impact of headaches on daily activities did not differ significantly between the combined oral contraceptive users and nonusers.