bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociedade da informação e direito à privacidade no Marco Civil da Internet: fundamentação filosófica do Estado de Direito
Authors: Pinheiro Victor Sales , Bonna Alexandre Pereira
Published: December 2020

Este Artigo analisa o risco de relativização dos direitos fundamentais ao devido processo legal e à privacidade pelos Projetos de Lei 215/2015, 1.547/2015 e 1.589/2015, que visam a alterar a Lei 12.965/2014. Para tanto, apresenta a complexidade da sociedade da informação e os seus riscos ao direito à privacidade. Em seguida, defende a inconstitucionalidade desses Projetos, que permitiriam a quebra de sigilo de dados, em ambiente virtual, por autoridade policial ou do Ministério Público, sem a autorização judicial. Por fim, fundamenta filosoficamente o direito à privacidade e Estado de Direito a partir da teoria da lei natural de John Finnis.
Palavras-Chave: Sociedade da informação. Direito à privacidade. Estado de Direito.
Regímenes penitenciarios
Authors: Vega Santa Gadea Fernando
Published: December 2020

No contiene resumen
Las condiciones objetivas de punibilidad y su tratamiento procesal en el Perú
Authors: San Martín Castro César
Published: December 2020

No presenta resumen
In vitro Inorganic Phosphate Solubilization Tests of Cowpea Root Nodule Bacteria from Ethiopia
Authors: Kenasa Girmaye , Nandeshwar B.C. , Assefa Fassil
Published: December 2020

Background: Phosphorus is one of the limiting plant nutrients in most soil due to its fixation with metal ions both in acidic and alkaline soil. However, some soil bacteria have potential to solubilize the cation-fixed phosphorus and make it available to plants.Methods: Sixty-six cowpea root nodule bacterial species were tested for inorganic phosphate solubilization (PS). PS potential of the isolates from Ca3 (PO4)2, AlPO4 and FePO4 were tested on four different kinds of agar media. Solublization efficiency was determined as Solubilization Index (SI) on agar media and quantity of bioavailable phosphorous on broth media. Result: About 30% of the bacterial isolates, out of which 60% endophytes were Ca3 (PO4)2 solubilizers on Pikovskaya medium but did not grow on media containing AlPO4 and FePO4 as sole P sources. Isolates showed significant variation (p less than 0.05) in Ca3 (PO4)2 solubilization efficiency on the different culture media and ECE-21 (Pseudomonas putida) was versatile in solubilizing Ca3(PO4)2 from the four test media. However, ECE-26A (Bacillus subtilis) showed the highest PS in broth media (140.8 µg ml-1) indicating the moderate correlation (r=0.5578; p less than 0.05) of PS between solid and liquid media. Amounts of P solubilized and pH change of the culture filtrate was inversely correlated (r=-0.731; p less than 0.01). In general, ECE-21 was the most efficient P solubilizer (SI=2.67±0.1; P=87.74±7.4µg ml-1) solublizers and hence can be an ideal candidate as inoculants for the crop production in Ethiopia after field evaluation.
Efficacy of “Worm-X” Herbal Formulation against Naturally Infected Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Goats of Banaskantha District, Gujarat
Authors: Parsani H.R. , Chandel B.S. , Shyma K.P.
Published: December 2020

Background: Gastrointestinal nematodosis is a major constraint in economic livestock production. Mostly synthetic anthelmintics are being used to overcome this problem. Besides synthetic anthelmintics, some plants have shown variable anthelmintic properties. Methods: Sixty goats infected with GI nematodes having 1500 EPG were selected and animals were divided into four groups T1 to T4 of 15 animals in each group. Group T1 was given two doses of fenbendazole @ 10 mg/kg BW per os at 15 days interval. In group T2, T3 and T4 herbal formulation “Worm-X” was given @ 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 ml/kg BW orally respectively, at 15 days interval. Efficacy was assessed on the basis of percentage reduction in EPG count and the FECRT was conducted as per guidelines of WAAVP. Result: When FECR was compared 15 days post treatment, maximum reduction (77.25%) was observed in group T1 followed by group T2 (47.27%), T3 (70.19%), and T4 (72.01%). The reduction in FEC in groupT3 (70.19%) and T4 (72.01%) at 15 days post treatment and at 30 days post treatment were 87.75 and 89.32%, respectively were almost equal. Considering the cost effectiveness and WAAVP recommendations, it will be optimum to administer the drug at the rate of 1.0 ml/kg body weight in two dosages at 15-day interval. However, it is well known that now a day’s modern anthelmintic drug efficacy has been reduced in many cases due to the development of anthelmintic resistance. Therefore, complementary or alternative solutions to the conventional chemical treatments have been implied offering novel approaches to the sustainable control of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats.
Comparison of Time Required for Guided Implant Site Preparation with Two Different Template Designs and Dedicated Surgical Kits: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Zadrożny Łukasz , Czajkowska Marta , Mijiritsky Eitan , Tallarico Marco , Wagner Leopold
Published: December 2020

Both types of surgical guides – with and without metal sleeves are founded beneficial in clinical studies. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare time of surgical procedure in dental implantology depending of used type of the surgical guide. Ten three dimensional (3D) printed models of lower jaws were prepared based on complete virtual model of patient clinical conditions with missing teeth 37, 46 and 47. Five of this models were used for implant sites preparation performed with use of surgical guide without metal sleeves and dedicated surgical kit, and next five were used for the same procedure performed with surgical guide with metal sleeves and dedicated surgical kit. Time of implant site preparation were measured and noted. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t test for independent samples. Difference of time in both groups were founded as statistically significant (t=-9.94; df =28; p=0.0000). Type of surgical guide is important factor which can impact on time of implant site preparation and all surgical procedure.
Bioactive Metabolites from the Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus sp. SPH2
Authors: Morales-Sánchez Viridiana , Díaz Carmen E. , Trujillo Elena , Muñoz Rubén , Olmeda A. Sonia , Valcarcel Felix , Andrés Maria Fe , Gonzalez-Coloma Azucena
Published: December 2020

In the current study, an ethyl acetate extract from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus ochraceus SPH2 isolated from the stem parts of the endemic plant Bethencourtia palmensis was screened for its biocontrol properties against plant pathogens (Fusarium moniliforme, Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea), insect pests (Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum padi), plant parasites (Meloidogyne javanica) and ticks (Hyalomma lusitanicum). SPH2 gave extracts with strong fungicidal and ixodicidal effects at different fermentation times. The bioguided isolation of these extracts gave compounds 1-3. Mellein (1) showed strong ixodicidal effects and was also fungicidal. This is the first report on the ixodicidal effects of 1. Neoaspergillic acid (2) showed potent antifungal effects. Compound 2 appeared during the exponential phase of the fungal growth while neohydroxyaspergillic acid (3) appeared during the stationary phase, suggesting that 2 is the biosynthetic precursor of 3. Additional molecular ions compatible with pyrazynes that were detected during the exponential phase included flavacol, and aspergilliamide while ochramide A was mostly detected during the stationary phase of the fermentation. Moreover, polyketids were also detected during the sationaty phase of the fermentation curve (dihydroaspyrone, aspyrone, asperlactone) and the alkaloid circumdatin H. Ochratoxin A was not detected. Therefore, SPH2 could be a potential biotechnological tool for the production of ixodicidal mellein.
Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors in B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Armengol Marc , Santos Juliana C , Fernández-Serrano Miranda , Profitós-Pelejà Núria , Ribeiro Marcelo L , Roué Gaël
Published: December 2020

Immunotherapy has been considered for years as a viable and attractive treatment option for patients with cancer. Among immunotherapy arsenal, the targeting of intratumoral immune cells by immune-checkpoint inhibitory agents has recently revolutionized the treatment of several subtypes of tumours. These approaches aimed at restoring an effective anti-tumour immunity, rapidly reached the market thanks to the simultaneous identification of inhibitory signals that dampen an effective antitumor response in a large variety of neoplastic cells, and the clinical development of monoclonal antibodies targeting checkpoint receptors. Leading therapies in solid tumours are mainly focused on the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed-death 1 (PD-1) pathways. These approaches have found a promising testing ground in both Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, mainly because in these diseases the malignant cells interact with the immune system and commonly provide signals that regulate immune function. Although several trials have already demonstrated evidence of therapeutic activity with some checkpoint inhibitors in lymphoma, many of the immunologic lessons learned from solid tumours may not directly translate to lymphoid malignancies. In this sense, the mechanisms of effective antitumor responses are different between the different lymphoma subtypes, while the reasons for this substantial difference remain partially unknown. This review will discuss the current advances of immune-checkpoint blockade therapies in B-cell lymphoma and will build a projection of how the field may evolve in the near future. In particular, we will analyze the current strategies being evaluated both preclinically and clinically with the aim to foster the use of immune-checkpoint inhibitors in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including combination approaches with chemotherapeutics, biological agents and/or different immunologic therapies.
Performance evaluation of a vehicular edge device for customer feedback in Industry 4.0
Authors: Silva Marianne , Signoretti Gabriel , Silva Ivanovitch , Ferrari Paolo
Published: December 2020

Industry 4.0 is the term used to specify the current industrial revolution, not only from a technological point of view but also from economical, sociological and strategical points of view. The revolution involves several traditional economic sectors, as is the case with the industrial ecosystem. The main benefits are related to creating value during the entire product lifecycle and in terms of customer feedback, which is particularly relevant to the automotive industry. Its disruptive diffusion is due to various enabling technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), and, as such, it is a vision rather than a technological step forward. Thus, this paper investigates a performance evaluation of an Edge OBD-II device, which collects data from vehicles in an autonomous way in order to provide customer feedback and tracking. The metrics evaluated were different sets of OBD-II Parameter IDs (PIDS), responsiveness, driver behaviour and CO2 pollution estimates. The experiments were performed using three vehicles in urban and highway areas in the city of Natal, Brazil. For validation purposes, the results obtained from the vehicles were compared with an OBD-II Emulator, which demonstrated the accuracy of the experiments.
Industry 4.0 technologies and manufacturing back-shoring: a European perspective
Authors: Fratocchi Luciano , Di Stefano Cristina
Published: December 2020

Over the last two decades, companies have increasingly been re-evaluating their off-shoring strategies and implementing decisions on relocations of second degree (RSD). In some cases, the RSD decision has been implemented through back-shoring. The topic has attracted the attention of several scholars, some of whom have specifically investigated the role of Industry 4.0 technologies in the back-shoring decision-making process. This paper aims to shed new light on the role that Industry 4.0 technologies play as a driver or an enabling factor for companies that are evaluating RSD alternatives. A two-step explorative approach has been used for this research. In the first step, a theoretical approach has been followed by developing a structured literature review based on 115 Scopus-indexed journal articles. The second step of the methodology is based on the empirical evidence of European countries using the UnivAQ manufacturing reshoring dataset. The collected data provides evidence of the growing interest of scholars in this issue; however, attention has mainly been focused on two single technologies, production automation and additive manufacturing. The empirical data offers interesting findings in terms of industry and geographic characterisation.
Smart wearable devices for human exposure vibration measurements on two-wheel vehicles
Authors: Carratù Marco , Pietrosanto Antonio , Sommella Paolo , Paciello Vincenzo
Published: December 2020

The comfort experienced while driving a motorcycle is becoming a subject of great importance; indeed, the driver is exposed to vibrations that are typically caused by irregular profiles or wear of the road surface as well as by the aerodynamic influence and high-frequency rotation of the motorcycle engine. This paper discloses an original solution that allows the driver to monitor their exposure to vibration during a ride using a low-cost wearable device (smartwatch). A suitable measurement system has been designed and tested using a real motorcycle. The system captures acceleration signals in real time through Bluetooth communication and interfaces with a wearable device with a microcontroller unit that calculates vibrations transmitted through the driver’s hands. Different indexes proposed in the literature are adopted for the comfort analysis in both time and frequency domains. The hand transmitted vibrations are also experimentally compared with those measured through a fixed accelerometer according to the prescription included in the standard ISO 5349 to show the feasibility of the proposed approach in typical application conditions.
Acoustically-shaped laser: a machining tool for Industry 4.0
Authors: Surdo Salvatore , Zunino Alessandro , Diaspro Alberto , Duocastella Martí
Published: December 2020

The high versatility of laser direct-write (LDW) systems offers remarkable opportunities for Industry 4.0. However, the inherent serial nature of LDW systems can seriously constrain manufacturing throughput and, consequently, the industrial scalability of this technology. Here we present a method to parallelise LDWs by using acoustically shaped laser light. We use an acousto-optofluidic (AOF) cavity to generate acoustic waves in a liquid, causing periodic modulations of its refractive index. Such an acoustically controlled optical medium diffracts the incident laser beam into multiple beamlets that, operating in parallel, result in enhanced processing throughput. In addition, the beamlets can interfere mutually, generating an intensity pattern suitable for processing an entire area with a single irradiation. By controlling the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the acoustic waves, customised patterns can be directly engraved into different materials (silicon, chromium, and epoxy) of industrial interest. The integration of the AOF technology into an LDW system, connected to a wired-network, results into a cyber-physical system (CPS) for advanced and high-throughput laser manufacturing. A proof of concept for the computational ability of the CPS is given by monitoring the fidelity between a physical laser-ablated pattern and its digital avatar. As our results demonstrate, the AOF technology can broaden the usage of lasers as machine tools for industry 4.0
Validation of a modular and wearable system for tracking fingers movements
Authors: Borghetti Michela , Bellitti Paolo , Lopomo Nicola Francesco , Serpelloni Mauro , Sardini Emilio
Published: December 2020

Supervising manual operations performed by workers in industrial environments is crucial in a smart factory. Indeed, the production of products with superior quality, at higher throughput rates and reduced costs with the support of the Industry 4.0 enabling technologies is based on the strict control of all the resources inside the factory, including workers. This paper shows a protocol for validating a new wearable system for tracking finger movements. The wearable system consists of two measuring modules worn on the thumb and on the index measuring flexion and extension of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint by a stretch sensor and rotation of the proximal phalanx (PP) by an inertial measurement unit. An optical system is used to validate the system by capturing specific finger movements. Four movements that simulate typical tasks and gestures, such as grasp and pinch, were performed to validate the proposed system. The maximum root-mean-square error is 3.7 deg for the roll angle of PP. The resistance changes of the stretch sensors with respect to flexion and extension of PIP joint is 0.47 Ohm/deg. The results are useful for the data interpretation when the system is adopted for monitoring finger movements and gestures.
Characterization of type-2 diacylglycerol acyltransferases in Haematococcus lacustris reveals their functions and engineering potential in triacylglycerol biosynthesis
Authors: Cui Hongli , Zhao Chunchao , Xu Wenxin , Zhang Hongjiang , Hang Wei , Zhu Xiaoli , Ji Chunli , Xue Jinai , Zhang Chunhui , Li Runzhi
Published: December 2020

Background: Haematococcus lacustris is an ideal source of astaxanthin (AST), which is stored in oil bodies containing esterified AST (EAST) and triacylglycerol (TAG). Diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs) catalyze the last step of acyl-CoA-dependent TAG biosynthesis and are also considered as crucial enzymes involved in EAST biosynthesis in H. lacustris. Previous studies have identified four putative DGAT2-encoding genes in H. lacustris, and only HpDGAT2D allowed the recovery of TAG biosynthesis, but the engineering potential of HpDGAT2s in TAG biosynthesis remains ambiguous.Results: Five putative DGAT2 genes (HpDGAT2A, HpDGAT2B, HpDGAT2C, HpDGAT2D, and HpDGAT2E) were identified in H. lacustris. Transcription analysis showed that the expression levels of the HpDGAT2A, HpDGAT2D, and HpDGAT2E genes markedly increased under high light and nitrogen deficient conditions with distinct patterns, which led to significant TAG and EAST accumulation. Functional complementation demonstrated that HpDGAT2A, HpDGAT2B, HpDGAT2D, and HpDGAT2E had the capacity to restore TAG synthesis in a TAG-deficient yeast strain (H1246) showing a large difference in enzymatic activity. Fatty acid (FA) profile assays revealed that HpDGAT2A, HpDGAT2D, and HpDGAT2E, but not HpDGAT2B, preferred monounsaturated fatty acyl-CoAs (MUFAs) for TAG synthesis in yeast cells, and showed a preference for polyunsaturated fatty acyl-CoAs (PUFAs) based on their feeding strategy. The heterologous expression of HpDGAT2D in Arabidopsis thaliana and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii significantly increased the TAG content and obviously promoted the MUFAs and PUFAs contents.Conclusions: Our study represents systematic work on the characterization of HpDGAT2s by integrating expression patterns, AST/TAG accumulation, functional complementation, and heterologous expression in yeast, plants, and algae. These results (1) update the gene models of HpDGAT2s, (2) prove the TAG biosynthesis capacity of HpDGAT2s, (3) show the strong preference for MUFAs and PUFAs, and (4) offer target genes to modulate TAG biosynthesis by using genetic engineering methods.
Impact of Statin Pretreatment on the Complications of Carotid Stenting in Asymptomatic Patients: Observational Study
Authors: Jang Seong Hwa , Kwon Doo Hyuk , Han Moon-Ku , Park Hyungjong , Sohn Sung-Il , Choi Huimahn , Hong Jeong-Ho
Published: December 2020

Background: Carotid stenosis is a known risk factor for ischemic stroke, and carotid artery stenting is an effective preventive procedure. However, the stroke risk reduction for asymptomatic patients is small. Therefore, it is important to reduce the risk of complications, particularly in asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Statins are known to reduce the overall risk of periprocedural complications, although there is a lack of data focusing on asymptomatic patients. We aimed to investigate whether different doses of statin pretreatment can reduce periprocedural complications of carotid artery stenting in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis.Methods: Between July 2003 and June 2013, 276 consecutive patients received carotid artery stenting (CAS) for asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Periprocedural complications included the outcome of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death within 30 days of CAS. Statin pretreatment was categorized as no-statin (n=87, 31.5%), standard-dose (<40 mg, n=139, 50.4%), and high-dose statin (≥40 mg, n=50, 18.1%) according to the atorvastatin equivalent dose. Cochran-Armitage (CA) trend test was performed for periprocedural complications to investigate the association with statin dose.Results: The overall periprocedural complication rate was 3.3%. There was no significant difference in the risk of periprocedural complications between the three groups (no statin: n=3 [3.4%]; standard-dose: n=4 [2.9%]; high-dose n=2 [4.0%] p = 0.923). CA trend test did not demonstrate a trend in the proportion of periprocedural complications across increasing statin equivalent dose (p = 0.919).Conclusions: Statin pretreatment before CAS showed neither absolute nor dose-dependent effects against periprocedural complications in asymptomatic patients with CAS.
Unconventional level attraction in cavity axion polariton of antiferromagnetic topological insulator
Authors: Xiao Yang , Wang Huaiqiang , Wang Dinghui , Lu Ruifeng , Yan Xiao-Hong , Guo Hong , Hu C.-M. , Xia Ke , Zhang Haijun , Xing Dingyu
Published: December 2020

Strong coupling between cavity photons and various excitations in condensed matters boosts the field of light-matter interaction and generates several exciting sub-fields, such as cavity optomechanics and cavity magnon polariton. Axion quasiparticles, emerging in topological insulators, were predicted to strongly couple with the light and generate the so-called axion polariton. Here, we demonstrate that there arises a gapless level attraction in cavity axion polariton of antiferromagnetic topological insulators, which originates from a nonlinear interaction between axion and the odd-order resonance of cavity. Such a novel level attraction is essentially different from conventional level attractions with the mechanism of either a linear coupling or a dissipation-mediated interaction, and also different from the level repulsion induced by the strong coupling in common polaritons. Our results reveal a new mechanism of level attractions, and open up new roads for exploring the axion polariton with cavity technologies. They have potential applications for quantum information and dark matter research.
Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia: 28-years analysis at a Brazilian university hospital
Authors: Kruger Vitor , Calderan Thiago , Carvalho Rodrigo , Hirano Elcio , Fraga Gustavo
Published: December 2020

Background The objective of the study is evaluate the approach to patients with acute traumatic diaphragmatic hernia at a Brazilian university hospital during a 28-year period. Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is an uncommon injury, however its real incidence may be higher than expected. Sometimes is missed in trauma patients, and is usually associated with significant morbidity and mortality, this analysis may improve outcomes for the trauma patient care.Methods Retrospective study of time series using and analisys database records of trauma patients at HC- Unicamp was performed to investigate the incidence, trauma mechanism, diagnosis, herniated organs, associated injuries, trauma score, morbidity, and mortality of this injury.Results Fifty-five cases were analyzed. Blunt trauma was two-fold frequent than penetrating trauma, are associated with high grade injury and motor vehicle collision was the most common mechanism. Left side hernia was four-fold frequent than right side. Diagnose was mostly performed by chest radiography (31 cases; 56%). Associated intra-abdominal injuries were found in 37 patients (67.3%) and extra-abdominal injuries in 35 cases (63.6%). The mortality was 20% (11 cases).Conclusions Computed tomography scan identified associated injuries and had high specificity. Isolated injuries were rare, and the presence of associated injuries increased morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in imaging methods, chest radiography in the trauma bay is useful as an initial approach. Despite the use of laparoscopy in a few cases, laparotomy was the most frequent approach for repair.
New Synthetic 1H-1,2,3-Triazole Derivatives of 3-O-Acetyl-β-boswellic Acid and 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic Acid from Boswellia Sacra Inhibits Carbonic Anhydrase II in Vitro
Authors: Avula Satya , Rehman Najeeb Ur , Khan Majid , Halim Sobia Ahsan , Khan Ajmal , Rafiq Kashif , Csuk Rene , DAS BISWANATH , Al-harrasi Ahmed
Published: December 2020

Boswellic acids are genus specific to Boswellia; they are the principal biologically active compounds holding exceptionally potent anti-inflammatory activity. A series of new 1H-1,2,3-triazole tethered of 3-O-acetyl-β-boswellic acid (ABA, 1) and 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA, 2) derivatives (10a-d and 11a-d) were synthesized and their carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) inhibitory activity was evaluated in vitro. All compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 2D NMR (HMBC, HSQC, COSY and NOESY) experiments, ESI-MS, and when applicable by 19F NMR spectroscopy (10b, 10c and 11b, 11c). This series has displayed a moderate to strong inhibition against CA II with IC50 values of 13.2–60.1 µM. All the active compounds were reported for the first time for their CA II inhibition potential. Kinetics studies on the most active inhibitors (5 and 10b) were carried out to investigate their mode of inhibition and to determine their inhibition constants Ki. Both compounds (5 and 10b) were found to be non-competitive inhibitors with Ki values of 10.40 ± 0.013 and 14.25 ± 0.017 µM, respectively. Molecular docking studies showed that all compounds were well accommodated in the allosteric site of CA II. The current study has demonstrated the usefulness of incorporating a 1H-1,2,3-triazole moiety into the boswellic acids skeleton.
Clustering the Engagement of Brazilian Nurses in Political Advocacy
Authors: Figueira Aline , Barlem Edison Luiz , Brum Aline , Mattos Larissa , Barlem Jamila , Toescher Aline
Published: December 2020

Background: The political advocacy highlights that the union among nurses, other health professionals, users and managers is able to promote improvements to the health of people and communities.Objective: To analyze the level of nurses’ engagement in political advocacy by performing cluster analysis.Method: The study was attended by 184 nurses working in primary, secondary and tertiary care in a city in Brazil, through the application of the Policy Advocacy Engagement Scale. The data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, analysis of variance and chi2.Ethical considerations: The approval for the study was received by the local Ethics Committee.Result: The clustering performed in this study pointed out the factor defense of care for families and communities with higher average, indicating that political defense is effective in organizational environments and even that professional qualification provides greater engagement in political advocacy.Conclusion: The results reveal that nurses play an active role in political advocacy, seeking to promote positive changes in health, especially those working in tertiary care, the nurse group that obtained the highest means in this study.
Antibody-Dye Conjugate Detects Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression in High-Graded Gliomas: A Feasibility Study for Fluorescence-Guided Resection
Authors: Zhou Quan , Leonel Johana Vega , Santoso Michelle , Wilson Christy , Berg Nynke van den , Chan Carmel , Aryal Muna , Vogel Hannes , Cayrol Romain , Mandella Michael , Schonig Frank , Lu Guolan , Gambhir Sanjiv , Moseley Michael , Rosenthal Eben , Grant Gerald
Published: December 2020

Background: The prognosis for high-grade glioma (HGG) remains dismal and extent of resection correlates with overall survival and progression free disease. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a biomarker heterogeneously expressed in HGG. We assessed the feasibility of detecting HGG using near-infrared fluorescent antibody targeting EGFR. Methods: Mice bearing orthotopic HGG xenografts with modest EGFR expression were imaged in vivo after systemic panitumumab-IRDye800 injection to assess its tumor-specific uptake macroscopically over 14 days, and microscopically ex vivo. EGFR immunohistochemical staining of 59 tumor specimens from 35 HGG patients during was scored by pathologists and expression levels were compared to that of mouse xenografts. Results: Intratumoral distribution of pan800 correlated with near-infrared fluorescence and EGFR expression. Fluorescence distinguished tumor cells with 90% specificity and 82.5% sensitivity. Target-to-background ratios peaked at 14 hours post panitumumab-IRDye800 infusion, reaching 19.5 in vivo and 7.6 ex vivo, respectively. Equivalent or higher EGFR protein expression compared to the mouse xenografts was present in 77.1% HGG patients. Age, combined with IDH-wildtype cerebral tumor, was predictive of greater EGFR protein expression in human tumors. Conclusion: Tumor specific uptake of pan800 provided remarkable contrast and a flexible imaging window for fluorescence-guided identification of HGGs despite modest EGFR expression.
Overcoming the Limitations of Patch-Based Learning to Detect Cancer in Whole Slide Images
Authors: Ciga Ozan , Xu Tony , Nofech-Mozes Sharon , Lu Fang-I , Noy Shawna , Martel Anne
Published: December 2020

Whole slide images (WSIs) pose unique challenges when training deep learning models. They are very large which makes it necessary to break each image down into smaller patches for analysis, image features have to be extracted at multiple scales in order to capture both detail and context, and extreme class imbalances may exist. Significant progress has been made in the analysis of these images, thanks largely due to the availability of public annotated datasets. We postulate, however, that even if a method scores well on a challenge task, this success may not translate to good performance in a more clinically relevant workflow. Many datasets consist of image patches which may suffer from data curation bias; other datasets are only labelled at the whole slide level and the lack of annotations across an image may mask erroneous local predictions so long as the final decision is correct. In this paper, we outline the differences between patch or slide-level classification versus methods that need to localize or segment cancer accurately across the whole slide, and we experimentally verify that best practices differ in both cases. We apply a binary cancer detection network on post neoadjuvant therapy breast cancer WSIs to find the tumor bed outlining the extent of cancer, a task which requires sensitivity and precision across the whole slide. We extensively study multiple design choices and their effects on the outcome, including architectures and augmentations. We propose a negative data sampling strategy, which drastically reduces the false positive rate (7% on slide level) and improves each metric pertinent to our problem, with a 15% reduction in the error of tumor extent. Our results indicate classification performances of image patches versus WSIs are inversely related when the same negative data sampling strategy is used. Specifically, injection of negatives into training data for image patch classification degrades the performance, whereas the performance is improved for slide and pixel-level WSI classification tasks. Furthermore, we find applying extensive augmentations helps more in WSI-based tasks compared to patch-level image classification.
Physical Characterization of Biphasic Materials With Different Granulation Sizes and Their Influence on Bone Repair and Inflammation in Rat Calvaria
Authors: Junior Joviniano Oliveira , Montagner Pedro , Carrijo Rafael , Martinez Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics (BCP) consist of a mixture of hydroxyapatite (HA) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) within the same particle. Due to their osteoconductive properties, biocompatibility and resemblance to natural bone, these materials have become a promising and suitable alternative to autologous bone grafting. First, the topography characteristics, specific surface area, and total pore volume of BCP were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and the BET and BJH methods. Next, this study aimed to evaluate the intensity of the inflammatory process and the bone neoformation capacity of various particle sizes of BCP in the repair of critical defects in the calvaria of rats. A xenogeneic biomaterial was used in the control group. After 30, 60, and 90 days, the animals were euthanized, followed by the processing of the samples to measure the intensity of inflammatory infiltrates and the areas of bone neoformation. Our results indicate that no considerable differences were observed in the inflammatory scores in sites treated with distinct BCP grain sizes. A greater area of bone neoformation was measured in the xenogeneic group at all analysis times, with no substantial differences in bone formation between the BCP particle size in the range of 250–500 µm and 500–1000 µm.
Factors Influencing Snacking Practices of Pre-schoolers in Bangkok, Thailand: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Yothasamut Jomkwan
Published: December 2020

Background: The National Health Examination Survey 2014 revealed 11.3% of children aged 1-5 years in Thailand were overweight and obese. Few studies explored sociocultural factors that creates obesogenic environment. This study aims to understand the mechanisms of factors influencing childhood obesity.Methods: A qualitative inductive approach was employed for data collection designed to capture the temporal and spatial specificity of snacking. Participant observation and informal interviews were data collection methods. Three kindergartens used by families of varying socio-economic status, and the homes of 18 pre-schoolers attending these kindergartens were settings of this study.Results: Channels where children could obtain snacks included routine snacks at kindergarten, snacks that children can bring from home to eat and share with peers, and snacks that children can buy on the way to/from homes. Other factors influenced their consumption included the child’s characters, family rituals, and snack money. Values influencing snacking practices were ‘snacks as a treat or as reward’ and ‘snack is a treat, let the child make a choice’.Conclusions: Social values were significant sociocultural factors promoting childhood obesity and study of sociocultural factors are as important as economic factors and are equally needed for understanding of childhood obesity problem. This type of study help supports the design of intervention to tackle the problem.
Design and Implementation of an Intelligent Information System Based on ASP.NET MVC Technology for Rational Deployment of Medical Equipment
Authors: Zhang Haowei , You Yang , Lu Heqing
Published: December 2020

Background: The problem of inappropriate deployment of medical equipment in hospitals is a significant issue in China. The purpose of the information system for rational deployment of medical equipment (MERDIS) is to inform judgements about the efficient and rational deployment of medical equipment in hospitals. For research needs, the basic information of 52 hospitals in Shanghai and other provinces are investigated. The deployment method based on clinical pathway and deployment method based on big data are designed to support the data analysis of the system. Through the analysis of macro data, the rational deployment plan of medical equipment in a certain hospital is given. Result: Through the MERDIS system, it is convenient, accurate and intuitive to get the rational deployment plan and suggestions of different types of hospitals affected by different factors can be given conveniently, accurately and intuitively.Conclusion: The design of the MERDIS system provides the development basis for the subsequent development of medical equipment macro data management. In the process of continuous improvement and supplement of data, the software model will become more and more accurate and reliable.
The Design of a Novel Arthroscopy Shaver
Authors: Yuan Shiting , Xiao Shanshe , Liu Wentao , Gu Xuelian , Lai Weiguo , Chen Zhi , Liang Peng , Zhao Gaiping
Published: December 2020

Background: Cases of arthroscopic surgery have increased over the past two decades, and arthroscopic shaver systems have become a commonly used orthopedic tool. Nevertheless, most shavers generally have problems such as the cutting edge is not sharp enough and easy to wear. Design and validation: This paper aims to discuss the structural characteristics of BJKMC’s (Bojin◊ Kinetic Medical) novel arthroscopic shaver, the double serrated blade. The product's design and verification process are outlined. BJKMC’s articular arthroscopy shaver has a “tube in a tube” structure, comprising a stainless steel outer sleeve and a rotating hollow inner tube. The outer sleeve and inner tube have corresponding suction and cutting windows, and there are serrated teeth on the inner and outer casing. To verify the design rationality, it was compared to Dyonics◊’s equivalent product, the Incisor◊ Plus Blade. The appearance, cutting tool hardness, metal pipe roughness, cutting tool wall thickness, tooth profile, and angle, overall structure, and the key dimensions were examined and compared. Conclusion: Compared with Dyonics◊’s Incisor◊ Plus Blade, BJKMC’s Double Serrated Blade had a smoother working surface, harder and thinner blade head. Therefore, BJKMC’s product may have satisfactory performance when it comes to surgery.
Study on Deformation Characteristics and Mechanism of Q3 Loess Microstructrue Before and After Wetting 
Authors: YIN Xiaojun , WANG Lanmin
Published: December 2020

Microstructure characteristics of loess is an effective way to study the physical and mechanical characteristics of soil under different conditions. Water content in sample of Q3 loess is about 25% ,which was first subjected to X-Ray test to determine the main chemical components in loess and calculated the proportion in the sample. Test analysis shows the particle structure of the loess belonged to the granular structure type. CT scanning tests were performed on the sample before and after wetting. The changes of total number of pores, the maximum pore volume and the position of the centroid of pore of the sample were analyzed before and after wetting. The results shows that the soluble salts of loess have been dissolved after wetting.The volume of the pores of loess have been changed. Some increased, some decreased and others closed in volume. The change of the number of pores indicates that the sample formed obvious saturated zone, transition zone, conduction zone and humid zones after wetting. These results reveals the deformation characteristics and mechanism of Q3 loess microstructure.
Mental Health Outcomes in Communities Exposed to Armed Conflict Experiences
Authors: Trujillo Sandra , Giraldo Luz Stella , Lopez José David , Acosta Alberto , Trujillo Natalia
Published: December 2020

Background: Most of the population exposed to armed conflict experiences (ACE) live in low-income countries with limited resources for social investment and mental health. Populations exposed to ACE (e.g. victims and ex-combatants) show different levels of affectation in their mental health. In this work, we aim to identify relationships between different levels of ACE and mental health outcomes.Methods: We start classifying the population in two groups: low and high exposition to ACE using the Extreme Experiences Scale (EX2). We then use a Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) and a Lineal Regression to explore the relationships between low and high levels of ACE, the empathy dimensions of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and the presence or absence of mental health conditions. Being ACE levels our independent variable and categories derived from Axis I diagnosis of Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and dimensions of IRI scale as dependent variables. Results were obtained by calculating the Odd Ratio, Beta values, and a coefficient interval of 95%.Results: According to the cut-off points derived from the Scores of EX2 scale, the general sample were distributed in two groups: The group of high level of ACE (scores >2.5) with 119 subjects, and the low-level ACE group (scores<2.5) with 66 subjects. Our results evidence that people with high exposition to ACE experiment a higher Fantasy dimension of IRI scale and higher odds to present anxiety disorders, risk of suicide, or PTSD.Conclusion: These findings allowed us to identify the influence of ACE on mental health outcomes, to classify exposed populations, and to design effective strategies of intervention and implementation of mental health programs in these communities.
Investigation of Active Ingredients and Mechanism of Sanao Decoction in the Treatment of Chronic Cough by Network Pharmacology
Authors: Sheng Mengke , Liu Xing , Qu Qingsong , Wu Xiaowen , Liao Yuyao , Li Zhixun , Lv Lijing , Yang Jiaqi , Dai Xingxing , Shi Xinyuan
Published: December 2020

Background: Chronic cough significantly affects human health and quality of life. Studies have shown that Sanao Decoction（SAD）can clinically treat chronic cough. To investigate its mechanisms, we used the method of network pharmacology to conduct research at the molecular level.Methods: The active ingredients and their targets were screened by pharmacokinetics parameters from the traditional Chinese medicine system pharmacology analysis platform (TCMSP). The relevant targets of chronic cough were obtained from two databases: GeneCards and DrugBank. Take the intersection to get potential targets of SAD to treat chronic cough and establish the component-target regulatory network by CytoScape3.7.2 and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network by STRING 1.0. The function of the target gene and related pathways were analyzed by the Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) in the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The significant pathways and their relevant targets were obtained and the target-pathway network was established by CytoScape3.7.2. Finally, molecular docking of the core active components and relevant targets was performed.Results: A total of 98 active components, 113 targets were identified. The component-target and target-pathway network of SAD and PPI network were established. Enrichment analysis of DAVID indicated that 2062 terms were in biological processes, 77 in cellular components, 142 in molecular functions and 20 significant pathways. In addition, the molecular docking showed that quercetin and luteolin had a good combination with the corresponding targets.Conclusions: It indicates that the active compounds of SAD, such as quercetin, luteolin, may act on AKT1, MAPK1, RELA, EGFR, BCL2 and regulate PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications and Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis pathway to exert the effects of anti-inflammatory, anti-airway remodeling, anti-oxidant stress and repair airway damage to treat chronic cough.
Inhalation of Nicotine-containing Electronic Cigarette Vapor Exacerbates the Features of COPD in βENaC-overexpressing Mice.
Authors: Ji Xiangming , Meister Maureen , Han Hongwei , Peng Guangda , Ngo Vu L. , Oluwatosin Odubade , An Junqing , Qiao Jinjuan , Song Ping , Denning Timothy Luke , Yang Jenny , Zou Ming-Hui , Liu Zhi-Ren
Published: December 2020

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently listed as the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States. COPD is marked by limitations in expiratory airflow, emphysematous destruction of the lungs, bronchitis, and chronic inflammation of the lung tissue. With the emerging prevalence in usage of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), the impact of ENDS on the development of lung diseases such as COPD requires further attention. Previous studies have shown that β-epithelial Na+ channel (βENaC)- overexpressing mice have multiple emphysematous phenotypes, such as mucus accumulation and chronic inflammation. This study was aimed to elucidate the effects of e-cigarettes, a type of ENDS, on the development of COPD.
Methods

We hypothesized that acute repetitive usage of ENDS will exacerbate the features of COPD including mucus production, inflammation, and fibrosis, ultimately leading to lung injury. Twenty βENaC mice (10 mice per group) underwent whole body ENDS or sham air exposure for 2 hours daily over 10 days. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissues were collected to assess for inflammation, fibrosis, mucus accumulation, and alveolar damage.
Results and Discussion

Our data showed that ENDS exposure significantly increased the alveolar size as compared with the control. We also found that level of inflammatory cytokines, such as CCL2, IL-13, and IL-10, were elevated in animals exposed to ENDS compared with control. Moreover, we observed ENDS exposure caused mucus accumulation, alveolar destruction, and fibrosis in the bronchioles of the βENaC mice. Additionally, ENDS exposure promoted apoptosis in pulmonary endothelial cell and epithelial cells.
Conclusion

Our data suggest that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes exacerbates features of COPD involving abnormal lung inflammation, mucus accumulation and apoptosis in βEnaC mice.
Association Between 16S rRNA Gene Mutations and Susceptibility to Amikacin in Mycobacterium avium Complex and Mycobacterium Abscessus Clinical Isolates
Authors: Kim Su-Young , Kim Dae Hun , Moon Seong Mi , Song Ju Yeun , Huh Hee Jae , Lee Nam Yong , Shin Sung Jae , Koh Won-Jung , Jhun Byung Woo
Published: December 2020

We evaluated the association between 16S rRNA gene (rrs) mutations and susceptibility in amikacin-resistant nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) clinical isolates in NTM- pulmonary disease (PD) patients. Susceptibility was retested for 134 amikacin-resistant isolates (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] ≥64 µg/ml) from 86 patients. Amikacin resistance was reconfirmed in 102 NTM isolates from 62 patients with either Mycobacterium avium complex-PD (MAC-PD) (n=54) or M. abscessus-PD (n=8). MIC and rrs mutations were evaluated for 318 single colonies from these isolates. For the 54 MAC-PD patients, rrs mutations were present in all isolates (obtained from 31 patients) with an amikacin MIC ≥128 µg/ml, but only in a few isolates (from three of 23 patients) with an MIC=64 µg/ml. For the eight M. abscessus-PD patients, all amikacin-resistant isolates (MIC ≥64 µg/ml) had rrs mutations. Of amikacin resistance isolates, A1408G mutation (n=29) was most common. Two novel mutations, C1496T and T1498A, were also identified. The culture conversion rate did not differ by amikacin MIC (20% for MIC=64µg/ml vs. 7% for MIC ≥128 µg/ml, p=0.468). In conclusion, all amikacin-resistant M. abscessus isolates had rrs mutations, but in MAC isolates showing relatively low resistance (MIC=64µg/ml), rrs mutations were infrequently identified.