bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steroid therapy does not affect the rate of indeterminate results with the T-SPOT.TB interferon gamma release assay
Authors: Schulz Anna-Teresa , MacKenzie Colin Rae
Published: July 2020

Background: The underlying causes of indeterminate (invalid) interferon-gamma release assays are not clear and predictors of indeterminate results do not exist. To date the effect of steroid concomitant therapy on the rate of indeterminate tests is unknown. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the results of 1339 tests, including clinical data from patient records, of which 914 were suitable for complete data analysis.Results: 130 (15.2 %) tests were positive and 719 (83.8 %) were negative, 9 tests (1 %) were borderline positive (according to manufacturer’s definition). Indeterminate results (56 (6.1 %) arose from failure of the negative control in 24 (42.9 %) and failure of the positive control in 32 (57.1 %) tests. Of 914 patients, 196 were taking cortisone at the time of testing; among these patients 180 (91.8 %) returned a valid result and 16 (8.2 %) an indeterminate result compared to 40 indeterminate tests of 718 (5.6 %) results from patients not on corticosteroid therapy at the time of testing (p = 0.180), (relative risk [RR] 1.46, [95 % CI 0.84 to 2.56]). No significant difference in the rate of indeterminate results was found with immunosuppressive diseases or medications other than with HIV; among HIV-positive patients, 11 (11.7 %) had an indeterminate test result, compared to 45 (5.5 %) in HIV-negative individuals (p =0.017, relative risk [RR] 2.13, [95 % CI 1.14 to 3.98]).Conclusions: steroid therapy does not have an effect whereas HIV positivity has a negative effect on the number of indeterminate results in the T-Spot.TB test.
Osteolipoma of Parotid Gland: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Hu Jing , Xie Nan , Zhuang Zehang , Wang Cheng
Published: July 2020

Background

Osteolipoma is an uncommon benign tumor containing mature adipose tissue with bone metaplasia foci. It is rarely observed in head and neck region as compared to the lipoma, especially in the region of parotid gland.
Case presentation:

We report the first case of intraparotid osteolipoma with its clinical, radiographic and pathological findings. A 47-year-old men presented with an immovable mass in his left cheek with a 10-year evolution. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed a 3.2-cm fat-containing mass involving in the left parotid. The patient was taken to the operating room for excision of the mass and the final pathologic diagnosis was osteolipoma. Due to its rarity and clinical significance, we also reviewed the osteolipoma presenting in major salivary gland regions.
Conclusion

Intraparotid osteolipoma is an extremely rare neoplasm originating from adipogenic tissue, which should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of parotid tumor.
Skin microbiome in healthy dogs: from the surface to the inner layers
Authors: García-Fonticoba Rocío , Ferrer Lluis , Francino Olga , Cusco Anna
Published: July 2020

Background. Studies using highly sensitive molecular techniques have detected bacterial communities below the human epidermis. Depending on their abundance and composition, this finding could be clinically relevant. This possibility, however, has not been investigated in the dog so far. The aim of this study was to determine if bacteria can be detected in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of healthy dogs using two different approaches: traditional cultures and massive DNA sequencing of the V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA gene using next-generation sequencing (NGS).Results. Seven healthy dogs were included in the study, and two sets of samples were collected from each subject. Sample sets were composed of a 6-mm abdominal skin biopsy, including epidermis, dermis, and subcutis, a skin surface swab, and an environmental blank sample for contamination control. One set of samples from each dog was submitted for bacterial culture and the other one for bacterial DNA amplification and sequencing. Five different bacterial genera (Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus) were isolated in five out of the seven skin surface swab samples with traditional culture methods, while no growth was obtained from the other two samples. Although some DNA could be amplified from epidermal, dermal, and subcutaneous tissue samples, the results of the NGS were similar to those of the blanks.Conclusion. When investigated with traditional culture methods, the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of healthy dogs are sterile. NGS techniques lead to the detection of some bacterial DNA which, although similar to the signal detected in blanks, does not support the presence of a microbiome in dermis or subcutaneous tissue.
Body mass index and waist circumference documentation in Canadian primary care electronic medical records
Authors: Lindeman Cliff , Jones Allyson , Cummings Michael , Pham Anh N. Q. , RD PhD Carla , Spence John C. , Drummond Neil
Published: July 2020

Background: Electronic medical records (EMR) are commonly used in primary care to document patient measurements including height and weight that are then used to produce body mass index (BMI) scores. However, little is known about the proportion of waist circumference (WC) documentation compared to BMI and the characteristics of patients with these measures. This study used a pan-Canadian research database, sourced from primary care EMRs, to describe BMI and WC documentation in primary care. Methods: A retrospective cohort design of primary care providers participating in the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN), this study presented descriptive, observational findings of EMR inputs. Frequencies and percentages of median BMI and WC documentation in CPCSSN EMRs and patient demographic characteristics are compared. Results: Of 707,819 Canadian patients aged of 40 or older, at least one BMI input was recorded for 58.6% and 11.5% had WC notations. The majority of patients (98.1%) with at least one WC measurement also had a BMI measurement while conversely 19.2% of patients with at least one BMI measurement also had a WC measurement. The most common median BMI category was overweight (36.9%) and median WC was 95.0 centimetres (IQR = 21.5).Conclusions: This study reports the documentation of obesity and overweight in select Canadian primary care EMRs infrequently recorded WC when compared to BMI. Future studies should examine the frequency and categories of anthropometric measurements in people with commonly managed chronic conditions and whether BMI and WC inputs are missing at random. Trial registration: Not applicable for this study.
Microbial fuel cell assisted utilization of glycerol for succinate production by mutant of Actinobacillus succinogenes
Authors: Zheng Tianwen , Xu Bin , Ji Yaliang , Zhang Wenming , Xin Fengxue , Dong Weiliang , Wei Ping , ma jiangfeng , Jiang Min
Published: July 2020

Background: The global production of glycerol has been increasing year by year since the demands of biodiesel is rising. It is benefit for high-yield succinate synthesis due to its high reducing property. A. succinogenes, a succinate-producing candidate, cannot grow on glycerol anaerobically, as it needs a terminal electron acceptor to maintain the balance of intracellular NADH and NAD+.Results: Microbial fuel cells (MFC) assisted succinate production was evaluated using neutral red as an electron shuttle to recover the glycerol utilization. Firstly, an acid tolerant mutant JF1315 was selected by atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis aiming to improve transmembrane transfer of neutral red (NR). Additionally, MFC was established to increase the ratio of oxidized NR to reduced NR. By combining these two strategies, ability of JF1315 for glycerol utilization was significantly enhanced, and 23.92 g/L succinate was accumulated with a yield of 0.88 g/g from around 30 g/L initial glycerol. In addition, relative constant and high value above 300 mV was obtained for at least 48 h.Conclusions: A novel MFC-assisted system was established to improve glycerol utilization by A. succinogenes for succinate and electricity production, making this system as a platform for chemicals production and electrical supply simultaneously.
De novo transcriptome analysis and comparative expression profiling of genes associated with the taste-modifying protein neoculin in Curculigo latifolia and Curculigo capitulata fruits
Authors: Okubo Satoshi , Terauchi Kaede , Okada Shinji , Yamaura Takao , Abe Keiko , Asakura Tomiko
Published: July 2020

Background Curculigo latifolia is a perennial plant found in Southeast Asia whose fruits contain the taste-modifying protein neoculin, which binds to sweet receptors to make sour fruits taste sweet. Although neoculin is similar to Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA), which contains mannose-binding sites in its sequence and 3D structure, neoculin lacks such sites and has no lectin activity. Whether the fruits of C. latifolia and other Curculigo plants contain neoculin and/or GNA family genes is unclear. Results We performed de novo RNA-seq assembly of the fruits of C. latifolia and the related C. capitulata and analyzed the expression patterns of neoculin and neoculin-like genes in both species in detail. We assembled 85,697 transcripts from C. latifolia and 76,775 from C. capitulata using Trinity and annotated them using public databases. We identified 70,371 unigenes in C. latifolia and 63,704 in C. capitulata. In total, 38.6% of unigenes from C. latifolia and 42.6% from C. capitulata shared high similarity between the two species. We identified ten neoculin-related transcripts in C. latifolia and 15 in C. capitulata. Genes encoding both the basic and acidic subunits of neoculin were present in both plants. We aligned these 25 transcripts and generated a phylogenetic tree. Many orthologs in both species shared high similarity, despite the low number of common genes, suggesting that these genes likely existed before the two species diverged. The relative expression levels of these genes, as indicated by their transcript per million (TPM) values, differed considerably between the two species: the TPM values of neoculin genes were 60 times higher in C. latifolia than in C. capitulata, whereas those of GNA family members were 15,000 times lower in C. latifolia than in C. capitulata. Conclusions The genetic diversity of the neoculin-related genes strongly suggests that neoculin genes underwent duplication during evolution. The marked differences in the expression profiles of neoculin-related genes between C. latifolia and C. capitulata could be due to mutations in regions involved in transcriptional regulation. Comprehensive analysis of the genes expressed in the fruits of these two Curculigo species helped elucidate the origin of neoculin at the molecular level.
Intra-articular opening osteotomy combined with lateral ligament reconstruction for varus ankle arthritis
Authors: Xu Yang , Li Xing-chen , Guo Chang-jun , Xu Xiang-Yang
Published: July 2020

Background One type of Takakura 3B ankle arthritis is varus talus with medial disital tibial platform erosion. Among these cases, the talar anterior surface (TAS) angles are usually normal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of intra-articular opening osteotomy combined with lateral ligament reconstruction for Takakura 3B ankle arthritis with medial disital tibial platform erosion.Methods From September 2009 to May 2016, 17 patients with Takakura 3B ankle arthritis were reviewed, including 3 male and 14 female patients. All underwent the operation of intra-articular opening osteotomy combined with lateral ligament reconstruction. All patients were available for analysis. The main outcome measurements included TT angle, AOFAS score, VAS scores, SF-36 scales and AOS scales.Results All patients were followed for a mean follow-up of 87.2 months (range, 49 to 129 months). The VAS scale improved from 5.53 ± 1.59 to 2.29 ± 1.90. The mean AOFAS score improved from 47.71 ± 15.73 to 75.82 ± 12.03. The SF-36 scale improved from 41.64 ± 13.95 to 67.69 ± 14.64. The AOS improved from 60.94 ± 13.91 to 28.18 ± 17.73. The TT angle improved from 14.29 ± 4.96 to 5.25 ± 3.96.Conclusion Intra-articular opening osteotomy combined with lateral ligament reconstruction is an effective method to treat varus ankle arthritis with medial disital tibial platform erosion.
Detection Of Hypermucoviscous Klebsiella Pneumoniae And Phenotypic Comparison Of Their Virulence Factors With Classical Strains Among Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Thapa Tika Bahadur , Maharjan Sujina , Giri Nisha , Sapkota Manisha , Shrestha Ojaswee , Khanal Puspa Raj , Joshi Govardhan
Published: July 2020

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae, which is commonly recognized in the laboratory, are termed as classical K. pneumoniae (cKP ) . A new strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae named hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae (hmvKP) emerging with a distinctive feature than classical strains. In many recent studies, infections due to hypermucoviscous strains have been increasing with significant mortality and morbidity. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae in our hospital and phenotypic comparison of their virulence with the classical strains. Materials and Methods: This laboratory-based cross-sectional study done from February to July 2018 in the Department of Microbiology, Manmohan Memorial Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. One hundred and five clinical non-duplicative isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae proceeded for the study. Hypermucoviscosity of isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae were tested by standard String test. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Further, β-lactamases (ESBL, MBL, and KPC) were detected by the phenotypic combination disk test method. Serum resistance and biofilm production were determined to assess their virulence. Results: A total of one hundred five non-repetitive pure and microbiologically identified Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated from various clinical samples collected during the study period. Among the isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae, 29 (27.6%) were hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae (hmvKP), and 76(72.4%) were classical K. pneumoniae (cKP) determined by string test. The majority of Klebsiella pneumoniae were resistant to ceftazidime (80%) and cefotaxime (78%), whereas 46.7% of isolates were resistant to both imipenem and meropenem. Various virulence factors, namely beta-lactamase production, biofilm, and serum resistance, were compared among classical and hypermucoviscos strains, and the hypermucoviscous strains revealed significantly higher expression of virulence than classical strains. Conclusion: The phenotypic comparison of virulence factors and Beta-lactamase production was found significantly higher among the hypermucoviscous strains . The prevalence of these hypermucoviscous strains in hospital settings may increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment strategies to limit these infections are crucial.
Risk factors associated with failure of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in patients with severe COVID-19 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Ma Xiao-huan , Yin Fang , Zhang Jie , Peng Meng-yun , Guan Hong , Gong Ping
Published: July 2020

Methods: In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, we enrolled patients with confirmed severe COVID-19 admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan university (Wuhan, China) from 1 February 2020 to 26 March 26 2020. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data, and treatments and outcomes upon hospital admission, were obtained from electronic medical records. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated.Results: Of 54 patients with severe COVID-19, HFNC was successful in 28 (51.9%) and unsuccessful in 26 (48.1%). HFNC failure was seen more commonly in patients aged ≥60 years and in men. In addition, compared with patients successfully treated with HFNC, patients with HFNC failure had the following characteristics: higher percentage of fatigue and anorexia as well as cardiovascular disease; increased time from onset to diagnosis and SOFA scores; elevated body temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate; more complications including ARDS, septic shock, myocardial damage, and acute kidney injury; increased neutrophil counts and prothrombin time; and decreased arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) (all P < 0.05). However, binary logistic regression analysis showed that only male gender and PaO2/FiO2 were independent risk factors significantly associated with HFNC failure (both, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with severe COVID-19 had a high HFNC treatment failure rate. Male gender and decreased PaO2/FiO2 were independent risk factors associated with HFNC failure in severe COVID-19 patients.
A mild-symptom COVID-19 patient showed consistently high pharyngeal viral loads in a period of ten days after hospitalization
Authors: Chen Dong , Han Shuqing , Sun Yue , Shen Yisong , Zhou Xiaofei , Liu Yuanyuan , Zhou Junfen , Xiong Nian , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2020

Background: The pandemics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threatens both human lives and health care system. COVID-19 patients may differ in their capability in spreading the causative virus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods: In this study, oropharyngeal swabs specimens from 43 patients admitted to our hospital during the COVID-19 peak time in Wuhan, China were obtained to survey temporal profiles of the viral loads in their upper respiratory tract. An internal and an absolute mRNA control were included in the real-time RT-PCR analysis and RNA extraction step to remove the potential influence of experimental variations on the result interpretation. Results: We found about one third of the hospitalized COVID-19 patients were never tested as SARS-CoV-2 positive during the course of this study. One patient with mild symptoms displayed constant high levels of viral loads after hospitalization, which were orders of magnitude higher than all other positive patients. Conclusions: We propose that if pharyngeal viral loads in a patient could indicate its ability in spreading the virus to others, then identification and strict separation of the high viral load patients should provide an effective mean in restricting viral spreading and protect health care workers from infection.
Glazbena transkripcija i remiks. Primjena estetike glazbe Stephena Daviesa na promišljanje suvremene elektroničke glazbe
Authors: Milenković Dušan
Published: July 2020

U radu se razmatraju stavovi suvremenog estetičara glazbe Stephena Daviesa o glazbenim transkripcijama kao posebnim oblicima muziciranja u klasičnoj glazbi, a zatim se ovi stavovi primjenjuju na promišljanje remiksiranja, muzičke prakse koja se prvenstveno vezuje za suvremenu elektroničku glazbu. Koristeći teorijske obrasce Daviesove estetike glazbe, u izlaganju ću ukazati na sličnosti između stvaralačkog pristupa transkripciji i remiksu, sličnosti koje se, prije svega, tiču načina na koji se njihovi stvaraoci odnose prema originalnoj kompoziciji na temelju koje se transkribiranje, odnosno remiksanje izvodi. Uspoređivanje između transkripcije i remiksa dodatno se sprovodi u radu razmatranjem različitih uloga koje ispunjavaju ove vrste muzičke djelatnosti u različitim kulturnim kontekstima.
Hall viscosity and conductivity of two-dimensional chiral superconductors
Authors: Rose Félix , Golan Omri , Moroz Sergej
Published: July 2020

We compute the Hall viscosity and conductivity of non-relativistic
two-dimensional chiral superconductors, where fermions pair due to a
short-range attractive potential, e.g. \boldsymbol{p+\mathrm{i}p}𝐩+i𝐩
pairing, and interact via a long-range repulsive
Coulomb force. For a logarithmic Coulomb potential, the Hall viscosity
tensor contains a contribution that is singular at low momentum, which
encodes corrections to pressure induced by an external shear strain. Due
to this contribution, the Hall viscosity cannot be extracted from the
Hall conductivity in spite of Galilean symmetry. For mixed-dimensional
chiral superconductors, where the Coulomb potential decays as inverse
distance, we find an intermediate behavior between intrinsic
two-dimensional superconductors and superfluids. These results are
obtained by means of both effective and microscopic field theory.
Regulations of noise pollution emitted by revival churches and the well-being of neighboring populations in Cameroon
Authors: Juliot Mpabe Bodjongo Mathieu
Published: July 2020

The noise pollution is negative externalities having harmful effects on the individual’s well-being. This paper examines the effect of noise pollution regulations emitted by revival churches (RC) on surrounding populations’ well-being. The analysis focuses on a field survey sample of 726 individuals not belonging to RC and residing in the towns of Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon. Drawing inspirations from the theoretical and empirical literature, the econometric results obtained with the nested logit model reveal that setting up a control plan against noise pollution produced by RC allows an increase in individuals’ well-being not belonging to RC. These surrounding populations are ready to pay USD 0.889 for the “the regulation of church service opening hours,” USD 0.831 for “the building of sound-proof places of worship,” and USD 0.466 for “the sensitization of RC’s officials on the bad effects of the noise pollution they produce.” To reduce noise pollution, public authorities must not close the places of worship belonging to RCs.
Are bitcoin futures contracts for hedging or speculation?
Authors: Nekhili Ramzi
Published: July 2020

The emerging interest in Bitcoin futures market has led to questions on its trading form and contribution to risk minimization. These questions are important for market participants, including hedgers and speculators. This paper addresses the possible trading motive in Bitcoin futures market in being speculation or hedging. The author first tests a model relating Bitcoin futures returns with trading volume and conditional volatility, estimated with a GJR-GARCH specification, on a full sample of daily futures prices. A robustness check is then conducted by investigating the hedging effectiveness of Bitcoin futures and the speculation-hedging ratios on individual Bitcoin futures contracts. The estimation results on Bitcoin futures contracts, spanning from December 2017 to February 2020, show a significant positive relationship between futures returns and lagged volume. The speculation-hedging measures used for Bitcoin futures contracts maturing in March, June, September, and December reveal an increasing demand for speculation. Also, the Bitcoin spot’s full-hedge and OLS-hedge strategies with Bitcoin futures provide no gain over a no-hedge strategy. The results reveal strong evidence that traders in the Bitcoin futures market are motivated by speculation rather than hedging. This further puts in evidence the existence of asymmetric information within informed traders in Bitcoin futures market, and therefore market participants would not insure their positions against Bitcoin price movements.
Análise histórica das políticas de ciência e tecnologia: o discurso da internacionalização
Authors: Chiarelli Alexandre , Silva Sidney Reinaldo da
Published: July 2020

O presente trabalho objetiva discutir as políticas de ciência e tecnologia contextualizando-as durante determinados recortes históricos do século XX até a contemporaneidade, possibilitando destacar os objetivos intrínsecos ao paradigma vigente de ciência e tecnologia em determinados períodos. O embasamento teórico está fundamentado nas propostas de Léa Velho (2010, 2011) em um direcionamento a compreensão do paradigma, e Dagnino, Thomas, Novaes e Dias (2008, 1999, 2014, 2007) quanto a compreensão desses paradigmas na realidade latino-americana, e consequentemente brasileira. Os conceitos de Lacey (2008, 2014) são apresentados como alternativa perante o processo de internacionalização, pois sua proposta objetiva concatenar uma sistemática dos conhecimentos locais e sua colocação por uma série de sistemas na contemporaneidade. Para embasamento e contextualização histórica utiliza-se a fundamentação de Hobsbawn (1995) e Burns (1999), e através de um recorte no espaço brasileiro conta-se com a fundamentação de Fausto (2012). Com base nessas referencias objetiva-se contextualizar e discutir as políticas de ciência e tecnologia em uma trajetória que parte das nações de capitalismo desenvolvido para as nações de capitalismo tardio. Esse processo denominado internacionalização das Políticas de Ciência e Tecnologia, aportou na América Latina e realizou uma degradação dos modelos científicos e tecnológicos nacionais, pois a sua implementação desconsiderou os aspectos de um conhecimento prévio, e dos arranjos produtivos e sociais locais. Neste trabalho aborda-se como o discurso apresentado pelos organismos internacionais não efetivou suas ações tornando-se um discurso contraditório e insustentável.
TECNOLOGIA E EDUCAÇÃO: UMA RELAÇÃO DEMOCRÁTICA?
Authors: Corrêa Carlos Eduardo Ferla , Silva Emerson Luís Pawoski da , Fernandes Rodrigo Rafael , Baptistella Rogerio
Published: July 2020

As tecnologias e artefatos tecnológicos, especialmente os digitais, estão presentes no espaço escolar e no cotidiano de muitos jovens em idade escolar. A democratização do acesso à informação e à alfabetização tecnocientífica na contemporaneidade tem importante relação com o acesso à estes artefatos e tecnologias. Se o espaço e o currículo escolar não são neutros e são alvo de disputas de projetos de ser humano e de sociedade, qual o lugar e o papel da tecnologia no ensino escolar? Sendo os artefatos e a tecnologia construções de uma realidade histórica e política (que também ajudam a construir), seria possível um projeto de base emancipadora e democrática para a tecnologia na escola? Nesse sentido, esse estudo teve como objetivo levantar o debate entre tecnologias e educação tendo vista um horizonte democrático e emancipador. Em uma abordagem crítica, buscou-se: (1) discutir as possibilidades de democracia e sua relação com a educação; (2) as relações entre educação e tecnologias; e (3) as relações entre as tecnologias e uma formação para a democracia. Observa-se que a inserção das tecnologias na educação pode fornecer instrumentos para a formação de uma sociedade democrática, sobretudo (mas não somente) pelo acesso à informação e aos recursos tecnocientíficos que pode possibilitar o desenvolvimento de sujeitos ativos e conscientes. Mas este acesso não está disponível para todos. A tecnologia, por sua vez, incorpora valores dos grupos sociais capazes de traduzir seus valores na técnica e nos artefatos. É preciso considerar também a agência destes artefatos e seus impactos sobre as pessoas e que sua mera inserção nos espaços educativos não necessariamente traduz uma perspectiva emancipadora. Desta forma, um olhar crítico para a relação entre tecnologia e educação passa pela problematização dos artefatos tecnocientíficos, sua situcionalização histórico-cultural e uma análise dos atores envolvidos e beneficiados por seu desenho.
A PROTEÇÃO DE DADOS PESSOAIS NO CONTEXTO DA REDE ELÉTRICA INTELIGENTE
Authors: Machado Matheus F , Nascimento Décio Estevão do , Fonseca Keiko Veronica Ono
Published: July 2020

A transição do setor de geração e consumo de energia para o modelo de Smart Grid (Rede Elétrica Inteligente) tem o potencial de modernizar o setor elétrico, aumentar a disponibilidade de carga, diversificar as fontes geradoras, ampliar o uso de veículos elétricos, entre outras vantagens. Ao mesmo tempo, os Smart Meters (medidores inteligentes), peças indispensáveis à modernização da rede, introduzem uma nova fonte de dados pessoais que causam preocupação quanto à possibilidade de invasão de privacidade. Assim, o objetivo geral deste artigo é discutir a proteção de dados pessoais no contexto da Rede Elétrica Inteligente. Trata-se de pesquisa de natureza aplicada e, quanto aos seus objetivos, descritiva, utilizando procedimentos de pesquisa documental e bibliográfica. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de se considerar os riscos à proteção de dados pessoais desde a concepção do sistema, quando são mais simples e baratos de serem mitigados, até sua implementação com a finalidade de proteção do direito à privacidade.A transição do setor de geração e consumo de energia para o modelo de Smart Grid (Rede Elétrica Inteligente) tem o potencial de modernizar o setor elétrico, aumentar a disponibilidade de carga, diversificar as fontes geradoras, ampliar o uso de veículos elétricos, entre outras vantagens. Ao mesmo tempo, os Smart Meters (medidores inteligentes), peças indispensáveis à modernização da rede, introduzem uma nova fonte de dados pessoais que causam preocupação quanto à possibilidade de invasão de privacidade. Assim, o objetivo geral deste artigo é discutir a proteção de dados pessoais no contexto da Rede Elétrica Inteligente. Trata-se de pesquisa de natureza aplicada e, quanto aos seus objetivos, descritiva, utilizando procedimentos de pesquisa documental e bibliográfica. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de se considerar os riscos à proteção de dados pessoais desde a concepção do sistema, quando são mais simples e baratos de serem mitigados, até sua implementação com a finalidade de proteção do direito à privacidade.
Applicability of SPI and RDI for forthcoming drought events: a non-parametric trend and one way ANOVA approach
Authors: Vishwakarma Ankur , Choudhary Mahendra Kumar , Chauhan Mrityunjay Singh
Published: July 2020

Monthly, seasonal and annual trends of rainfall and temperature (both minimum and maximum) have been analyzed using the Mann–Kendall trend test (a non-parametric test) and Sen's slope estimator for Sagar division, India from 1988 to 2018. Sagar division is a drought-prone zone of Madhya Pradesh, India. The same analysis has been performed for two drought indices, the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI). Both indices were calculated to see the trend in the drought for 35 rain-gauge stations belonging to the study area. The study revealed that the minimum temperature had increased more than the maximum temperature in the last 31 years. The strong similarity in the results of Sen's slope of SPI and RDI were seen for both significant and non-significant trends. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) testing validates the substantial similarity between SPI and RDI based on Sen's slope. It also indicated the suitability of RDI for future projection of drought using the general circulation models (GCMs) or regional climate models (RCMs) in meteorological drought as well as the agricultural drought category. In contrast, the SPI indicated the meteorological drought only. The distribution of trends of temperature and drought indices were presented using the kriging interpolation.
The process of turning a “green” renewable energy into “non-green” for the local people: an observation-based study from Southern Chile
Authors: Rana Md. Sohel
Published: July 2020

This paper describes an observation-driven research journey to explore the process of how a so-called “green” renewable energy technology could turn into “non-green” for the local communities. The study is conducted in Southern Chile that has been receiving a number of hydroelectricity-based renewable energy projects in recent years and most of those projects have been receiving strong social resistance from the local communities. Qualitative methods are availed in the study to explore local realities about the community people’s attitude and action-building towards these projects. The research results that a “green” project could be “economically green” to the local people who are concerned of their individual lives and livelihoods, however, “less green” to the group of community people emotionally attached to their lands and territory-based culture.
Pectina de Citrus sinensis como viscosificante en fluidos de perforación poliméricos
Authors: Barreto Steevenson , Castillo Campos Luis
Published: July 2020

The present investigation was based on the experimental evaluation of the orange-based pectin (Citrus sinensis) as a viscosifier agent in polymeric drilling fluids. To develop the additive, the orange fruit peels were subjected to hydrolysis with citric acid, and then this solution was precipitated with ethanol and the resulting hydrogel was chemically and physically characterized. In the subsequent stage, fluid samples were formulated with xanthan gum and pectin to compare their performance through experimental laboratory procedures governed by API 13-B1. Finally, an Analysis of Variance was applied to determine the means that are significantly different from each other between the commercial product and the one proposed, through the Statgraphics program. In conclusion, it was obtained that pectin showed a statistically similar behavior, although inferior to xanthan gum as a viscosifier additive in polymeric drilling fluids, considering as a variant the expansion of its concentration for fluid rheology optimal development.
Inovador sistema anti perda de circulação com adição de coque de petróleo
Authors: Vega Mejía Rubén Dario , Gallardo Brito Elianis Maribel , Cesin Granado Rosa Beatríz
Published: July 2020

Devido ao excesso de coque existente na Venezuela, propõe-se o desenvolvimento de um sistema anti-perda com base na composição do EZ-Plug®, variando a cinzas do alto-forno pelo coque de petróleo. Foi demonstrado que a caracterização do coque provém de um processo de coqueo retardado com um teor de enxofre de 5,4%. Foram formulados seis fluidos poliméricos inibidos, três a 15 lpb e três a 30 lpb, variando a concentração de coque neles em 25%, 35% y 45% (m/m). Após a formulação dos fluidos, foram realizados os testes de permeabilidade (PPT), obtendo-se as perdas iniciais (mL), as perdas totais (mL) e o comportamento da perda de filtrado versus tempo (7,5); 15; 22,5 e 30 min). Os testes mostraram que o fluido F3 (15 lpb y 45% (m/V)de coque) obteve um melhor resultado em relação aos demais fluidos com coque em discos cerâmicos (aloxita) de 20μ, por isso foi selecionado para ser estudado sob o mesmo teste com discos cerâmicos de 20μ, 50μ e 180μ com dois fluidos com EZ- Plug® (F7 a 15 lpb y F8 a 30 lpb). Foram obtidos rebocos flexíveis, impermeáveis e finos (1 mm), provando ser de boa qualidade. Concluiu-se por meio da análise não-paramétrica de variância de Friedman que o produto formulado à base de coque apresentou um comportamento melhor ou igual em relação aos formulados com um aditivo comercial.
Renin-angiotensin System Inhibitors and Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Asgharzadeh Fereshteh , Jafarzadeh-Esfehani Reza , Hassanian Seyed M. , Ferns Gordon A. , Avan Amir , Khazaei Majid
Published: July 2020

Background:

There are controversial results available about using angiotensin-converting enzyme
inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and the development of cancers or improvement of
clinical outcomes. Studies reported that using ACEI/ARB may enhance the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
(HCC) and clinical outcomes.

Objective:

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the relationship between ACEI/ARB therapy and the development
of HCC.

Methods:

PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library were reviewed to identify clinical studies investigating
the association between ACEI/ARB therapy and the risk of HCC development. The pooled risk ratio (RR) with
95% confidence intervals collected for the association between using ACEIs/ARBs and HCC development.

Results:

Patients with HCC benefit from the treatment with both ACEIs and ARBs (RR 0.704, 95% CI 0.526-
0.944, p = 0.019). However, only using ARBs was related to HCC risk (0.545 95% CI 0.470-0.632, P<0.0001).
Moreover, the study types were significantly related to the observed effects of using both ARBs and ACEIs. Only
cohort studies were significantly related to achieving better results (RR=0.513, 95% CI= 0.442-0.597, P<0.0001).

Conclusion:

Despite the small number and heterogeneity of the studies evaluating the relationship between
treatment with ARBs and ACEIs and the development of HCC, our meta-analysis demonstrates that they may
reduce the risk of HCC.
Epidemiology of the Incidence and Mortality of Pancreas Cancer and its Relationship with the Human Development Index (HDI) in the World: An Ecological Study in 2018
Authors: Goodarzi Elham , Dehkordi Ali Hassanpour , Beiranvand Reza , Naemi Hasan , Khazaei Zaher
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in developed countries and a
lethal malignant neoplasm worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the epidemiology of pancreatic cancer incidence
and mortality and its relationship with HDI.

Methods:

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that is based on cancer incidence data and cancer mortality
rates derived from the GLOBOCAN in 2018.

The incidence and mortality rates of Pancreas as well as Pancreas cancer distribution maps were derived for
world countries. The data analysis was conducted using a correlation test, and regression tests were used to
evaluate the correlation of the incidence and mortality of Pancreas with HDI. The statistical analysis was carried
out by Stata-14, and a significance level of 0.05 was considered.

Results:

The highest incidence of pancreatic cancer was reported in Asia with 214499 (46.7%) cases and the
lowest incidence was related to Oceania with 4529 cases (0.99%). The results showed a positive and significant
correlation between incidence (r = 0.764, P <0.0001) and mortality (r = 0.771, P <0.0001) of pancreatic cancer
and the HDI index. The results of ANOVA revealed that the highest mean incidence was related to the very high
HDI (P <0.0001) and the highest mortality was connected to the very high human development (P <0.0001). The
results exhibited that incidence was positively and significantly correlated with GNI (r = 0.497, P <0.0001), MYS
(r = 0.746, P <0.0001), LEB (r = 0.676, <0.0001) and EYS (r = 0.738, P <0.0001). Also, a significant positive
correlation was found between mortality and GNI (r = 0.507, P <0.0001), MYS (r = 0.745, P <0.0001), LEB (r =
0.679, <0.0001), and EYS (r = 0.748, P <0.0001).

Conclusion:

Given the higher incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer in countries with HDI, it is necessary
to pay a greater attention to risk factors and appropriate planning to reduce these factors and minimize the impact
and mortality rate of this disease.
COVID-19 Outbreak and Emerging Management through Pharmaceutical Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Rahman Md. H. , Akter Rokeya , Behl Tapan , Chowdhury Md. A. R. , Mohammed Manirujjaman , Bulbul Israt J. , Elshenawy Shimaa E. , Kamal Mohammad A.
Published: July 2020

The latest SARS COV2 coronavirus contributes to a pandemic of millions of COVID-19. As there is
no defensive immunity in humans and a virus can overcome inborn immune reaction, it can propagate unhindered,
mostly in tissues contaminated. No unique therapies for COVID-19 contaminated patients are available at
this time. The insights learned from previous respiratory viral infection control have given guidance into COVID-
19 therapy. Several complementary treatments have been tentatively introduced in hospital environments such as
immune-modulators, antiviral, convalescent plasma transfusions and natural products. In COVID-19 patients,
some of these therapies have provided substantial curative benefits. Moreover, numerous studies and clinical
trials are being carried out in order to determine the efficacy of current pharmaceutical and natural products to
establish possible therapeutic strategies for producing novel COVID-19 medicines. We summarized and defined
the modes of mechanism, protection and efficacy on the existing therapeutic strategies for diseases linked to
COVID-19 infection.
Urea as an Ammonia Surrogate in the Hantzsch’s Synthesis of Polyhydroquinolines / 1,4-dihydropyridines under Green Reaction Conditions
Authors: Dhananjaya G. , Raghunadh Akula , Kumar P. Mahesh , Reddy S. Pulla , Murthy V. Narayana , Anna Venkateswara Rao , Pal Manojit
Published: July 2020

Synthesis of polyhydroquinolines via Hantzsch’s multicomponent reaction (MCR) involves
the use of a hygroscopic and moderately toxic ammonium salt as one of the key reactants. In our effort,
we have found urea as an effective ammonia surrogate when the MCR was performed in the presence
of sulphonic acid-functionalized Wang resin (Wang-OSO3H) as a polymeric and recoverable acidic
catalyst under green conditions. Urea is relatively less hygroscopic/toxic than the commonly used ammonium
salts used in this MCR. The methodology afforded a range of polyhydroquinolines in good
yields. Depending on the nature of reaction conditions employed, the MCR afforded Biginelli product
or 1,4-DHPs when the use of 1,3-diketone was omitted.
4-Hydroxy Pyridinium Triflate@SiO2 Nanoparticles as a Novel Efficient Catalyst for Fries Rearrangement of Aryl Esters with High Selectivity
Authors: Ghalehbandi Shermineh Sadat , Ghazanfari Dadkhoda , Ahmadi Sayed Ali , Sheikhhosseini Enayatollah
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

We developed a simple, fast and new method for the Fries rearrangement of aryl esters.

Materials and Methods:

4-Hydroxy pyridinium triflate functionalized silica is a very efficient, reusable and economically
available catalyst for the Fries rearrangement in solvent-free condition and under microwave irradiation.

Results and Discussion:

Also, a notable selectivity was observed in the presence of 4-hydroxy pyridinium triflate
functionalized silica.

Conclusion:

Selectivity, shorter reaction time, high yield, and easy work-up are advantages of this synthetic
method.
Association between ABCC8 Ala1369Ser Polymorphism (rs757110 T/G) and Type 2 Diabetes Risk in an Iranian Population: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Bakhtiyari Amin , Haghani Karimeh , Bakhtiyari Salar , Zaimy Mohammad A. , Noori-Zadeh Ali , Gheysarzadeh Ali , Darabi Shahram , Seidkhani-Nahal Ali , Amraei Mansour , Alipourfard Iraj
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Glucose metabolism increases ATP/ADP ratio within the β-cells and causes
ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel closure and consequently insulin secretion. The enhanced activity
of the channel may be a mechanism contributing to the reduced first-phase of insulin secretion observed
in T2DM. There is no study to date in the Kurdish ethnic group regarding the relationship between
SNP Ala1369Ser (rs757110 T/G) of SUR1 gene and T2DM, and additionally, the results of this
association in other populations are inconsistent. Therefore, our aim in this study was to explore the
possible association between SNP Ala1369Ser and type 2 diabetes in an Iranian Kurdish ethnic group.

Methods:

In this study, we checked out the frequency of alleles and genotypes of SNP Ala1369Ser in
T2DM individuals (207 patients; men/women: 106/101) and non-T2DM subjects (201 controls;
men/women: 97/104), and their effects on anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters. Genomic
DNA was extracted from the leukocytes of blood specimens using a standard method. We amplified
the ABCC8 rs757110 polymorphic site (T/G) using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method
and a designed primer pair. To perform the PCR-RFLP method, the amplicons were subjected to restriction
enzymes and the resulting fragments separated by gel electrophoresis.

Results:

The frequency of the G-allele of Ala1369Ser polymorphism was significantly (0.01) higher in
the case group than the control group (19% vs. 9%, respectively). In the dominant model (TT vs.
TG+GG), there was a significant relationship between this SNP and an increased risk of T2DM (P =
0.00). T2DM patients with TG+GG genotypes had significantly higher fasting plasma insulin and
HOMA-IR than those who had the TT genotype (P = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively).

Conclusions:

Our study is the first study to investigate the association between Ala1369Ser ABCC8
genetic variation and T2DM in the Kurdish population of western Iran. The obtained results clearly
show that Ala1369Ser polymorphism of ABCC8 is associated with an increased risk of T2DM in this
population.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2B Associated Mixed Medullary and Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma in A Chinese Patient with RET M918T Germline Mutation
Authors: Qi Xiao-Ping , Lin Guo-Bing , Chen Bo , Li Feng , Cao Zhi-Lie , Zheng Wei-Hui , Zhao Jian-Qiang
Published: July 2020

Background:

Mixed medullary and follicular thyroid carcinoma (MMFC) displays heterogeneous
morphological components and immunophenotypical features intermingled within the same
lesion, which is rare and most described in the sporadic form. We report herein a Chinese patient with
multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN2B) harboring germline RET M918T and associated
MMFC.

Methods:

A case of a 39-year-old male patient with MEN2B presented palpable neck masses in both
thyroid lobes (maximum sizes: left, 3.9 cm; right, 5.4 cm) and a definitive phenotype. Serum levels of
calcitonin (Ctn; >2000pg/mL), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; 719.27ng/mL), and thyroglobulin
(Tg; 98.54ng/mL) were high. Fine-needle aspiration cytology showed features positive for malignancy,
suggesting the possibility of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Total thyroidectomy, along with
extending bilateral neck lymph nodes dissection, and subsequently, genetics family screening were
performed.

Results:

The histopathological examination yielded a diagnosis of MMFC that showed immunohistochemical
characteristic patterns of the component of MTC positive for Ctn and CEA, chromogranin A,
and the follicular carcinoma components were positive for Tg. Lymph node metastasis was observed
showing medullary tumoral cells positive for Ctn and follicular-like structures lacking tumor cells positive
for Tg staining (T4bN1bM0). Genetics screening confirmed RET M918T (c.2753T>C) mutation
manifested in the patient but was not detected in other family members. Follow up showed that the
serum Ctn, CEA and Tg levels respectively dropped to 54.38pg/ml, 4.16ng/mL and 0.04ng/mL 16
months after the surgery.

Conclusion:

Particular and diverse patterns of MMFC should be recognized with immunostaining
features. MMFC occurring in a patient with MEN2B harboring RET M918T may be unique biological
behavior and the treatment is mostly radical surgery.