bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apatinib combined with temozolomide in the treatment of recurrent glioblastomas: an exploratory study
Authors: Li Tianyuan , Wu Hui , Hai Long , Hong Xitian , Sun Xueming , Huang Rong , Wang Yan , Liu Wen hang
Published: April 2020

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor with poor prognosis. At present, there is no standard treatment for GBM who failed first-line treatment. Apatinib is a new type of oral small molecule angiogenesis inhibitor. The goals of this study are to research the curative effect, side effects and changes of immune factors and cytokines of treatment with Apatinib combined with TMZ (NCT:04253873).
Methods

12 patients with recurrent GBM who failed first-line treatment were treated with apatinib combined with TMZ. They received oral apatinib (500 mg/day) in conjunction with TMZ (150 mg/m2/day). Contrast-enhanced MRI was performed every 4 weeks before and after treatment to measure the tumor volume. The peripheral blood samples were collected and the expressions of soluble PD-1(sPD-1), soluble PD-L1(sPD-L1), IL-6 and IL-10 in peripheral blood were detected by ELISA.
Results

The objective effective rate (ORR) was 41.67% (5/12). The disease control rate (DCR) was 75% (9/12). The median progression-free survival (m PFS) time was 6 months. The 6-month PFS rate was 50%. The most common adverse events were Hypertension and Fatigue. In our study, we did hematological analysis on 5 patients out of 12, we found that the plasma expression of sPD-L1 decreased and the expression of sPD-1 increased in the patients with significant reduced tumor volume, which may be related to longer survival and better prognosis, While the expressions of sPD-L1 increased and sPD-1 decreased in some patients with enlarged tumor volume, which may be related to shorter survival and worse prognosis. The expression levels of IL-6 and IL-10 in blood showed variation in patients with different tumor volume change. And the expression levels of △sPD-1, △sPD-L1, △IL-6 showed significant correlations to the tumor volume changes (△volume) (r=-0.651, p = 0.002; r = 0.898, p < 0.0001; r = 0.463, p = 0.040).The changes in △IL-10 were not correlated with tumor volume changes (△volume ) (r = 0.408, p = 0.074).
Conclusion

Apatinib combined with TMZ is safe and effective in the treatment of recurrent GBM. This study showed that immune factors (sPD-1, sPD-L1) may be potential prognostic biomarkers for GBM patients.
Education Level may Modify the Association Between Cardiac Index and Cognitive Function Among Elders with Normal Ejection Function
Authors: CHUANG shao-yuan , CHENG Hao-Min , KO Yu-Ting , LIAO Chao-Feng , PAN WEN-Hern , LIU Wen-Ling , HUNG Chen-Ying , CHEN Chen-Huan
Published: April 2020

Background Lower cardiac index (CI) in elders has been associated with incident dementia, and higher CI has protectively effect with brain aging. In the present study, we investigated the modulating effects of education level and arterial stiffness on the association between CI and cognitive function among older adults.Methods A total of 723 elders(≥ 60 years, 50.1% female) with normal left ventricular ejection-fraction (≥50%) were identified from the Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factor Two-Township Study. CI was calculated from the Doppler-derived stroke volume. We evaluated arterial stiffness by measuring carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity(CFPWV) and global cognitive function by using the Mini-Mental Short Examination(MMSE). Education level was determined by years of formal education.Results In linear regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, formal years of education and CFPWV, CI was significantly positively associated with MMSE (BETA = 0.344±0.130,P = 0.0082). In logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, formal years of education and CFPWV, subjects with a CI≥75 percentile had a significantly lower risk of low MMSE (< 26)(OR = 0.495,95%CI = 0.274–0.896,P = 0.02). In subgroup analysis, higher CI was significantly associated with higher MMSE and lower risk of low MMSE only in elders with ≤9 years of formal education. Causal mediation analysis suggests that higher CI maintains higher MMSE in elders with lower education levels whereas higher CFPWV causes lower MMSE in all elders.Conclusion In elders with normal ejection fraction, a higher CI was associated with a lower risk of cognitive function impairment, independent of arterial stiffness, mainly in subjects with a lower education level and possibly a smaller cognitive reserve.
The Career Choice, Motivation and Future Expectations of Dental Students: A Mixed Method Analysis
Authors: Khalaf Mai E , Abubakr Neamat H , Al-Enezi Hanadi , Ziada Hassan
Published: April 2020

Background An insight into students’ motivation and choice into entering and remaining in dental education is essential. The understanding of how choices are made will help universities in the planning of admission policies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the career choice and motivation into dental education by undergraduate dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University. Methods A mixed-method design was employed, evaluating both quantitative and qualitative data. One hundred seventy-three questionnaires were distributed to all registered dental students, with a response rate of 85%. Seven focus groups were facilitated, and related data recorded and transcribed. Results The mother’s influence was statistically significant in decision making. There was a statistically significant relationship between motivation to choose dentistry and personal decision. Qualitatively, major influencers were family and culture.Conclusions While students were confident in their choice of career; this confidence was not reflected until the more advanced clinical stages of their dental education.
Investigation on the Effect of Low Temperature on Impact Properties of Ti-6Al-4V Titanium Alloy
Authors: zhao wei , Su WenJia , Li Liang , Fang Ding , Chen Ni
Published: April 2020

Cryogenic cutting is becoming an attractive machining method for difficult-to-cut materials. However, it’s very difficult to analyze directly their cutting mechanism at low temperature. In order to better understand the various physical phenomena in the cryogenic cutting of titanium alloy, the Charpy impact test of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy at low temperatures (as low as -196 °C) was undertaken in this work. The Charpy absorbed energy of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy at low temperatures was investigated firstly. Then, by observing the microscopic and macroscopic morphology of the fracture, the impact properties and fracture modes of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy at low temperatures were analyzed. It was found that the impact toughness of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy reduces when the temperature decreases from 20 °C to -196 °C, and the fracture appears a tendency to become brittle. Meanwhile, three kinds of areas, i.e. shear lip area, fiber area, and radiation area, were found on the fracture morphology at each temperature. Those areas correspond to the shear fracture zone, crack initiation zone, and crack extension zone, respectively. With the decrease in temperature, the proportion of fiber area decreases, and the radiation area appears and increases gradually. However, fiber areas were still observed on the macroscopic morphology of the fracture under − 196 °C, which suggests that Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy still has the ability to deform plastically at such low temperatures. The research result in this work provide a fundamental support for analyzing the cutting mechanism of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy at low temperatures.
Nutrition and Psychosocial Factors were Associated with Possible Sarcopenia According to AWGS 2019
Authors: Kim Bokyoung , Lee Gyeong-Ye , Seo Young-Mi , Seo Ae-Rim , Kim Mi-Ji , Seo Sung-Hyo , Park Ki Soo
Published: April 2020

Background This study aimed to provide basic data for preventing and managing sarcopenia by identifying the relationship between sarcopenia, malnutrition, and psychosocial factors among the elderly in the community.Methods The study included 1,019 subjects aged 60 and over. “Possible sarcopenia (PS)” was defined by low handgrip strength with or without reduced physical performance. Nutrition was evaluated according to the mini nutritional assessment (MNA), and the psychosocial factors examined were self-efficacy, social isolation, fear of falling, and social capital (trust and participation). A logistic regression analysis was also performed on the relationship between risk of malnutrition, psychosocial factors, and PS.Results MNA was significantly associated with social participation (exp(B) = 1.747, p < 0.001), fear of falling (exp(B) = 2.905, p < 0.001), and self-efficacy (high/low, exp(B) = 0.654, p = 0.011). In model 3, which included both MNA and psychosocial factors, PS was significantly associated with MNA (exp(B) = 2.529, p < 0.001) and fear of falling (exp(B) = 1.544, p = 0.045). Compared with the low self-efficacy group, the high group (exp(B) = 0.589, p = 0.009) was significant.Conclusion The factors related to PS include risk of malnutrition, fear of falls, and self-efficacy, and social participation was associated with increased risk of malnutrition. In addition to the health program, it will be necessary to improve self-efficacy so that individuals feel they can do activities of daily living themselves and to reduce their fear of falling through muscle strength and balance exercises. Finally, it is also necessary to increase regular participation in community social activities.
T Cell Exhaustion and Senescence in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Liu Huihui , Xu Junhui , Wang Lihong , Mao Wenjun , Wang Bingjie , Liang Zeyin , Zhang Yang , Shi Yongjin , Tang Bo , Shen Ye , Dong Yujun , Ren Hanyun , Cen Xinan
Published: April 2020

Background

The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is tumorigenic, and can be detected in many kinds of lymphomas. Some studies have shown a worse prognosis for patients with EBV-associated lymphoma. However, the mechanism is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the T cell signatures in patients with EBV-associated lymphoma.
Methods

Peripheral blood was collected from 17 patients with EBV-associated lymphoma and 19 healthy donors. We first examined the proportions of the lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with both groups by flow cytometry. Then we employed the enzyme-linked immunospot assay to evaluate the EBV antigen-specific response of the cytotoxic T cells in the two groups. Finally, to explore the mechanism of T cells dysfunction in EBV-associated lymphoma, we examined the expression of multiple inhibitory receptors representing T cell exhaustion and biomarkers representing T cell senescence on the surfaces of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells.
Results

The ratio of peripheral CD4+ T cells and the absolute cell counts of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were significantly decreased in patients with EBV-associated lymphoma compared with those of healthy donors. The IFN-γ production upon stimulation of EBV mixed peptides were remarkably reduced in the patients. Higher expression levels of T cell exhaustion markers, PD1, LAG3, TIM3 and CTLA4 on T cells were found in the patients. The two subsects of exhausted T cells (T-bethiPD1mid and EOMEShiPD1hi) were higher in the patients. More importantly, CXCR5+CD8+T cells controlling viral replication decreased significantly in the patients. The fractions of senescent T cells increased in the patients.
Conclusions

In summary, our study demonstrated that the reduced EBV-specific T cells, the exhaustion and senescence of T cells together contributed to the T cell dysfunction in the patients with EBV-associated lymphoma.
Clinical features in mild type and severe type of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Xu Wenxiong , Luo Qiumin , Chen Dabiao , Lei Ziying , Chen Yuanli , Wang Juan , Li Xuejun , Huang Zhanlian , Lin Bingliang , Gao Zhiliang , Liu Jing , Peng Liang
Published: April 2020

Background

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbroke in Wuhan and spread to the world quickly. We aim to describe the clinical features and compare them between mild type and severe type of COVID-19 patients.
Methods

Laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients were included in this study. Patients’ demographic data and clinical data were recorded and compared between mild type and severe type.
Results

Fifteen patients were confirmed COVID-19 and enrolled in this study. Six patients were of mild type, while 9 patients were of severe type. Statistical differences were found between mild type and severe type patients in retirement, epidemiological history, baseline blood level of lactate dehydrogenase and Oxygenation Index (All p < 0.05). All patients had ground-glass opacities without consolidation in initial chest computed tomography images, 2 (16.7%) patients had pulmonary nodules. There were no statistical differences between mild type and severe type patients in initial chest CT findings (All p > 0.05).
Conclusions

Differences can be found in baseline clinical features between mild type and severe type of COVID-19 patients to help health care providers making early judgement to the severity and proper treatment.
Trial registration:

The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04279782. Registered 20 February 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04279782?term=NCT04279782&draw=2&rank=1
A Cross-Sectional Study on Oyo State Health Care Workers Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)
Authors: Ayinde Olubunmi , Usman Aishat Bukola , Aduroja Posi , Gbolahan Abass
Published: April 2020

Background

Health workers are at the front line of the COVID-19 outbreak response and as such are exposed to hazards that put them at risk of infection. Poor knowledge among HCWs and inadequate infection control practices may lead to the increased risk of COVID-19 nosocomial transmission. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of Oyo state health care workers on COVID-19 as part of emergency preparedness.
Methods

A hospital based cross-sectional survey was conducted in selected health facilities in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 350 HCWs were assessed for the knowledge, attitudes and practices on COVID-19 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictors of good knowledge at 95% confidence interval. with Epi-info software.
Results

The level of good knowledge on COVID-19 was 78.6% and positive attitude was 64% among the respondents. Majority of respondents practice safe measures in the prevention of COVID-19 including washing of hands (95.3%), routine cleaning (82.7%) and high-level disinfection (83.9%). However, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was low (56.8%). Predictors of good knowledge on COVID-19 were being a female HCW [Adjusted Odd’s Ratio(AOR) = 6.5 95% CI 1.0-17.2], ≥ 10 years length in service[AOR = 5.2 95%CI 2.7–18.9] and being a secondary or tertiary facility[ AOR = 3.6 95%CI 1.7–32.2].
Conclusions

Overall knowledge and attitude were satisfactory however the practices of HCWs on the use of personal protective equipment was not satisfactory. Effective infection control measures including regular skill-based training and/or orientation for all categories of HCWs can improve infection control practices in health facilities.
The epistemology of the SARS-CoV-2 test
Authors: Klement Rainer J. , Bandyopadhyay Prasanta S.
Published: April 2020

We investigate the epistemological consequences of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test for two relevant hypotheses: (i) V is the hypothesis that an individual has been infected with SARS-CoV-2; (ii) C is the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 is the sole cause of flu-like symptoms in a given patient. We ask two fundamental epistemological questions regarding each hypothesis: First, given a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, what should we believe about the hypothesis and to what degree? Second, how much evidence does a positive test provide for a hypothesis against its negation? We respond to each question within a formal Bayesian framework. We construe degree of confirmation as the difference between the posterior probability of the hypothesis and its prior, and the strength of evidence for a hypothesis against its alternative in terms of their likelihood ratio. We find that for realistic assumptions about the base rate of infected individuals, P(V)≲20%, positive tests having low specificity (75%) would not raise the posterior probability for V to more than 50%. Furthermore, if the test specificity is less than 88.1%, even a positive test having 95% sensitivity would only yield weak to moderate evidence for V against ¬V. We also find that in plausible scenarios, positive tests would only provide weak to moderate evidence for C unless the tests have a high specificity. One has thus to be careful in ascribing the symptoms or death of a positively tested patient to SARS-CoV-2, if the possibility exists that the disease has been caused by another pathogen.
Clinical heterogeneity and novel pathogenic variants of Chinese patients with neuroacanthocytosis
Authors: Yu Hao , Zhang Liang , Li Xiao-Yan , Wu Zhi-Ying
Published: April 2020

Background

Neuroacanthocytosis (NA) syndromes are a group of exceedingly rare diseases, including McLeod syndrome (MLS) and chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc). The characteristic phenotypes comprise a variety of movement disorders, including chorea, dystonia, and parkinsonism. We aimed to investigate the clinical heterogeneity and novel pathogenic variants of Chinese patients with neuroacanthocytosis.
Results

Three novel XK variants (c.942G > A, c.970A > T, c.422_423del) were identified in three index MLS patients and three novel VPS13A variants (c.3817C > T, c.9219C > A, c.3467T > A) in two index ChAc patients. In addition, we summarized the genotypes and phenotypes of reported MLA patients and ChAc patients in the Chinese population.
Conclusion

Our study expands the genetic spectrum of XK and VPS13A and helps the clinical diagnosis of neuroacanthocytosis.
Integrated analyses of rice dark response and leaf color regulation reveal links with porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism
Authors: Wang Tianxingzi , Chen Yue , Zhu Zheng , Liu Yuqing , Yan Gaowei , Xu Shan , Xu Haiqing , Yang Ming , Dou Shijuan , Li Liyun , Liu Guozhen
Published: April 2020

Background

Light is a key regulatory signal for rice growth and development. Under dark stress, rice shows leaf yellowing. Whole genome transcriptomic analysis will identify differentially expressed genes (DEG) in dark-treated rice seedlings and DEG-enriched metabolic pathways. Rice leaf color is an essential agronomic trait. Traditional genetic experiments have reported over a hundred of leaf color-related (LCR) genes and some of them were also regulated by light signal. Thus, an integrated analysis for the two set of data will be helpful for illustration of the mechanism for both dark-response and leaf color regulation.
Results

Transcriptome changes in response to dark treatment were surveyed by RNA-Seq analysis. About 13,115 DEGs were identified. One hundred and fifty rice LCR genes were collected. It was found that 102 LCR genes (68.0%) were also dark-response DEGs, which suggests an overlap between dark response and LCR networks. Fifty DEG overlapped LCR genes was associated with chloroplast development. KEGG analysis revealed enrichment of LCR genes in porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism (PCM) (18/44, 40.9%). Of the 18 LCR genes in the PCM pathway, 15 were dark-response DEGs (83.3%). More interestingly, most of them are involved in a central PCM sub-pathway, chlorophyll biosynthesis.
Conclusions

Integrated analysis for dark stress-response and leaf color regulation identified the correlation between the two processes and mutually supported evidences were obtained. It was found that PCM pathway, particularly chlorophyll biosynthesis process, is a core component of the overlap and plays important roles in rice LCR and dark stress-response. This study provides important clues for identifying additional LCR genes, understanding the mechanisms of dark response and leaf color regulation.
Level and Predicators of quality of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response for Infectious Disease in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ajemu Kiros Fenta , Desta Abraham Aregay , Bezabih Nega Mamo , Araya Alemnesh Abraha , Hilawi Essayas Haregot
Published: April 2020

Background: The health impacts of recent global infectious disease outbreaks have demonstrated the importance of strengthening public health systems. The aim of the study was to assess the level of quality of integrated disease surveillance and response for infectious disease in public health facilities of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Methods: the study was facility based cross-sectional. It was conducted from June- July 2018 in 46 health facilities. It has involved mixed method approach both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Donabedian input-process-output quality assessment model was used to evaluate the service. The magnitude of the association was considered at p-value of ≤0.05 in multivariable logistic regression analysis using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at 95% confidence interval (CI). Concurrently, facility surveillance officers were subjected to an in-depth interview autonomously to explore factors for good and bad service quality. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Use of manual thematic approach was used for qualitative data analysis. Result: The level of the overall quality of IDSR service provision has rendered as good in 6 out of 46(13%) studied health facilities. Two third of studied health facilities were rated as good for input service quality but 34.7% for process service quality. The output service quality was two times better than the overall service quality. Being enrollment of HIT to rapid response team (AOR=7, 95% CI: 1.092- 37.857) and accessing technical guideline to the health facility (AOR=3, 95% CI: 0.399-22.567) were predictor factors for facilitating overall service quality.
Explorative analysis of a predictive score for patients with metastatic, castration resistant prostate cancer undergoing radioligand therapy with [177Lu]Lu-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen
Authors: Huang Kai , Schatka Imke , Rogasch Julian M.M. , Lindquist Randall L. , Santis Maria De , Erber Barbara , Radojewski Piotr , Brenner Winfried , Amthauer Holger
Published: April 2020

Background: Up to 60% of patients with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with [177Lu]Lu-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioligand therapy (RLT) achieve partial biochemical response with a decrease of >50% in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. The remaining fraction of patients, however, do not respond to RLT. The aim of this explorative analysis was to identify pretherapeutic factors for the prediction of response. Methods: 46 patients (age = 68 years [53-87]) with mCRPC who consecutively underwent RLT with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA (median applied activity = 6 GBq [2.9-6.2]) were included and analysed retrospectively. Association of different clinical and laboratory factors and parameters from pretherapeutic 68Gallium-PSMA positron emission tomography (PET) with the outcome of RLT was tested (Fisher’s test). Outcome was defined as PSA changes 8 weeks after the second RLT (partial response [PR], PSA decrease >50%; progressive disease [PD], PSA increase ≥25%; stable disease [SD], others). Significant risk factors were combined in a predictive score.Results: Median pretherapeutic PSA was 79 ng/ml. Thirty percent of the patients showed a post-treatment PR (median: 73% PSA decrease), 35% SD (median: 17% PSA decrease) and 35% PD (median: 42% PSA increase). Significant predictors for PD were alkaline phosphatase (ALP) >135 U/l (p=0.030), PSA >200 ng/ml (p=0.036), and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the “hottest lesion” in pretherapeutic PET <45 (p=0.005). The predictive score including PSA, ALP, and SUVmax could separate 2 distinct groups of patients: ≤2 risk factors (81% PR or SD, 19% PD) and 3 risk factors (10% PR or SD, 90% PD). Conclusion: The presented predictive score allowed a pretherapeutic estimate of the expected response to RLT. This is hypothesis generating. Prospective trials are needed to test these predictive risk factors
Preclinical Assessment of a Novel Cardiovascular Telemedicine System
Authors: Kulin Dániel , Antali Flóra , Kulin Sándor , Wafa Dina , Lucz Konrád István , Veres Dániel Sándor , Miklós Zsuzsanna
Published: April 2020

Background
Introduction of telemonitoring systems to patient care which provide extensive information about the cardiovascular status of the patient is a promising direction to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Our team has developed a telemedical system which is based on the photoplethysmographic detection of the digital arterial pulse wave. The system incorporates a cloud-based automated algorithm which analyses the pulse contour to provide 15 scientifically established parameters for versatile characterization of cardiovascular function. The aim of the current study was to assess the variability of the measurements to test the applicability of the tool before clinical use. We assessed the repeatability of the measurements by detecting stable artificial signals, and also test-retest variability by repeatedly examining the pulse contours of healthy individuals under standardized conditions.
Results
Most contour parameters (stiffness index, reflection index, left ventricular ejection time index and mean interbeat intervals) are measured with high repeatability (coefficients of variation (CV) < 1% for each parameter), and exhibit acceptable intrapersonal fluctuations (CVs < 10%). However, some parameters derived from the second derivative of the pulse wave seem to be more variable (aging index, d/a ratio). This is explained by the typical alterations of the pulse wave under specific circumstances, which cause the flattening or complete disappearance of c and d inflections on the second derivative.
Conclusion
Our measurements proved that our telemonitoring system detects and analyses digital pulse contours with high accuracy and highlighted that second derivative parameters should be interpreted cautiously. We recommend the evaluation of these parameters only in those measurements where c and d points are detected reliably. Pulse contour parameters are stable in healthy individuals under standardized conditions, which allows detection of subtle abnormal alterations by the remote surveillance system.
DOS EFEITOS DO CONTROLE JUDICIAL DE POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS A PARTIR DA ADPF 347
Authors: RODRIGUES Rafael Antônio , ROCHA Manoel Ilson Cordeiro
Published: April 2020

A separação dos poderes, princípio fundamental da CF, é objeto de constantes embates teóricos no direito brasileiro contemporâneo. A organização dos poderes de forma harmônica visa a efetivação dos direitos fundamentais, e os meios empregados para esta efetivação denominam-se políticas públicas. Estas políticas passam pelo crivo do Poder Judiciário que, incialmente, cuida da análise da constitucionalidade. Contudo, em casos de omissão da Administração Pública, o Judiciário intervém para exigir que as medidas formuladas sejam cumpridas. Portanto, o presente estudo tem por objetivo a análise da ADPF 347, decisão que ilustra a intervenção do Judiciário em políticas públicas voltadas ao sistema carcerário, sob a perspectiva da separação dos poderes e da efetivação dos direitos fundamentais.
A MULHER COMO SUJEITO ATIVO NO CRIME DE ESTUPRO: CONSEQUÊNCIAS CÍVEIS E PENAIS
Authors: MADURRO Juliana Dos Santos , BARBOSA André Luis Jardini
Published: April 2020

Após a introdução da Lei nº 12.015/2009, que alterou o paradigma de proteção dos delitos de natureza patrimonial e passou a proteger não mais a mera liberdade, mas a dignidade sexual de homens e mulheres, o delito de estupro passou a ser doutrinariamente considerado como crime comum, ou seja, pode estar configurado sendo o homem ou a mulher sujeitos ativo ou passivo. Contudo, se por um lado pode-se afirmar ter ocorrido um imenso avanço no ordenamento jurídico penal brasileiro, deixando este de tutelar os costumes então vigentes na época da edição do Código Penal, por outro lado – e sem que os intérpretes da norma tenham se apercebido disso – houve o surgimento de outras questões relevantes, dentre as quais pode ser citada a possibilidade ou não de o homem, enquanto vítima, poder exigir do Poder Judiciário a interrupção de uma gravidez resultante da violência. A discussão é necessária e urgente, haja vista ter essa gravidez decorrido, também, de um ato delituoso, e repercute para além do âmbito penal, atingindo, inclusive, questões relativas ao dever do pai em reconhecer ou não o fruto da gestação, prestar ou não os alimentos à criança nascida de uma situação de violência, dentre outros. A análise do presente tema não tem, por óbvio, a intenção de esgotar o tema, mas despertar a reflexão no sentido de alcançar novas situações até então desconhecidas para o Direito, mas extremamente presentes no cotidiano das relações sociais.
DESIGUALDADE SALARIAL ENTRE GÊNEROS
Authors: MILAN Natalia Silva
Published: April 2020

A luta das mulheres para o ingresso no mercado de trabalho foi árdua, após tal inserção passaram a assumir funções importantes dos setores econômicos, contudo tal ingresso tem sido acompanhado de segregações e discriminações que as colocam em condições menos favoráveis no campo socioprofissional. Diante disso um dos desafios desse século é a busca por igualdade salarial da mulher em relação aos homens, com o mesmo nível de escolaridade e função exercida. Dessa forma, será discutido desde os primeiros direitos conquistados, evidenciar historicamente o grande avanço conquistado no mercado de trabalho até os empecilhos e causas ainda existentes nos dias atuais, igualmente demonstrar possíveis caminhos para efetivar o direito da igualdade feminino. Ainda, analisar a morosidade do projeto de lei que visa acrescentar multa para o empregador e sua eventual eficácia. O tema escolhido tem como objetivo demonstrar a importância da paridade, trazer um olhar que contribua para uma nova concepção e ruptura com ideais patriarcais.
Movimientos sociales hacker: contrapoder de la industria farmacéutica
Authors: Ellerbracke Román Sergio Antonio , Lomelí Mijes Elba
Published: April 2020

Un movimiento hacker es un movimiento social que surge de las tecnologías de la computación, y que se opone a estrategias perversas de grandes ejércitos, corporaciones y gobiernos. Un hacktivista se enfrenta a una realidad que no acepta creando un sistema que haga obsoleta dicha realidad. Bajo éstas definiciones, en años recientes los autores hemos articulado una taxonomía de nueve movimientos sociales hacker: whistleblower, criptolibertarios, anti RFID, consumidores indignados, anarquistas, libres, Wikipedianos, DOAJ y cruncher. En este trabajo nos enfocaremos en el movimiento hacker cruncher, y en particular en las iniciativas cruncher que se enfrentan a la industria farmacéutica, por medio del cómputo colaborativo para el diseño de drogas asistido por computadora, para enfermedades olvidadas.
História política e pensamento epidemiológico
Authors: Souza Isabel Figueiredo Pereira de , Mendes Áquilas , Carnut Leonardo
Published: April 2020

O objetivo deste estudo é realizar uma aproximação entre o pensamento epidemiológico de Jaime Breilh e a economia política marxista, identificando os pontos de convergência entre suas análises sobre a saúde como um fenômeno social multideterminado. Para isso, foi realizado um ensaio teórico-conceitual, através de uma análise de conteúdo dos excertos dos dois primeiros capítulos do livro de Breilh intitulado Epidemiologia Crítica: ciência emancipadora e interculturalidade. Nestes, expôs-se a construção de seu pensamento epidemiológico cotejando com a conjuntura histórica e política da sua produção intelectual que justificam os tangenciamentos entre construto epidemiológico e economia política.
The centrality of the trinity. Exploring the significance for christians, catechists and deacons
Authors: Goodey Daniel
Published: April 2020

‘The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life ... the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them.’ This passage from the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) (234) on the profession of faith identifies the core principles and underlying recognition of Catholics regarding belief in a triune God – one God existent in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In addressing the people of Ephesus, St. Ignatius of Antioch (also known as Theophorus) said, faithful Christians were ‘being stones of the temple of the Father, prepared for the building of God the Father, and drawn up on high by the instrument of Jesus Christ, which is the cross, making use of the Holy Spirit as a rope, while your faith was the means by which you ascended, and your love the way which led up to God.’ (Ignatius of Antioch, 2014, loc. 4027.) St. Ignatius goes on to say, ‘the Holy Spirit does not speak His own things, but those of Christ, and that not from himself, but from the Lord’. The point St. Ignatius was making is that the three Persons of the triune God are integrally connected, and it is through the grace of the three-in-One that salvation is gained. Hence, the Trinity is the core of the Christian faith, but from the very beginning the faithful relied on metaphor to explain and help others understand how Three could be One
The role of total quality management in enhancing the quality of private healthcare services
Authors: Abu Daqar Mohannad , Constantinovits Milan
Published: April 2020

The study aims to explore the role of total quality management (TQM) in enhancing the service quality of the private healthcare sector in the Northern Area of West Bank Palestine. The study involves a questionnaire-based survey, private hospitals, and healthcare centers selected in North West Bank. The administrative employees are the population of the study, 200 employees were selected via stratified sampling method. By using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the findings show that all TQM factors are positively and directly related to each other in the private healthcare sector. There is a positive and direct relationship between four TQM factors (customer satisfaction, employee involvement, continual improvements, and top management commitment) and service quality, while there is a negative direct relationship between processes and service quality. TQM factors (customer satisfaction, employee involvement, continual improvements, processes, and top management commitment) explained 95% of the variance in healthcare service quality (R² = 0.950, P < 0.05). Continual improvements is the main pillar in TQM application in healthcare sector, and it is highly associated with the private healthcare processes (R² = 0.907, P < 0.01), while top management commitment is the most significant factor in improving the service quality. Full understanding and commitment by the managers across all levels and activating the effective communication between employees at all levels in the organization are the key factors of a successful TQM implementation; it helps in strengthening the teamwork efficiency. Top management is required to avoid the monotonic managerial practices, especially in the organizational processes, as it has a negative impact on the private healthcare service quality.
Los concheros de Baja California y sus perspectivas de investigación
Authors: Téllez Duarte Agustín
Published: April 2020

El presente artículo pretende enfatizar sobre la presencia de conchas en sitios arqueológicos, los cuales nos proporcionan una gran cantidad de información cultural sobre los asentamientos humanos, particularmente en los concheros de Baja California. En Baja California se localizan en forma intermitente a todo lo largo de sus costas, tanto en el golfo de California como en el Pacífico. Con este proyecto se pretende rescatar aquellas colecciones que aún puedan conservarse, considerando que las excavaciones de Palmer fueron muy productivas a pesar de haber sido relativamente pequeñas. Se espera que este primer intento de excavación arqueológica-científica de un conchero proporcione datos relevantes para comprender más ampliamente la organización de las antiguas sociedades humanas de Baja California, antes de que se pierdan totalmente los testimonios legados. Y a su vez, motive un mayor interés y apoyo en el estudio de los casi ignorados concheros.
La generación de empleo por maquiladoras en México y los ciclos económicos de Estados Unidos 1978-1985
Authors: Amozurrutia C. Jesús H.
Published: April 2020

Este documento presenta y verifica un modelo explicativo de la relación entre ciclo económico en Estados Unidos y empleo en la industria maquiladora mexicana. Menciona la escasez de trabajos que estudien los mecanismos de generación de empleos en este sector, en tanto que muestra cómo la industria maquiladora ha tenido un ritmo de crecimiento mayor y más estable que la industria manufacturera durante el período de estudio. Presenta una metodología para verificación empírica de las hipótesis, estableciendo los criterios correspondientes. Los ciclos del empleo en la industria maquiladora mexicana se relacionan positivamente con el índice de producción industrial estadounidense. Entre sus conclusiones destaca que el tipo de cambio no resultó ser un factor que hubiera alentado la generación de empleos por parte de las maquiladoras.
El proceso de industrialización en Baja California
Authors: Sández Pérez Agustín
Published: April 2020

El presente trabajo plantea como propósito central indagar sobre uno de los periodos del desarrollo industrial bajacaliforniano. Este ensayo aborda el papel de la política gubernamental y su efecto sobre la estructura económica de esta región fronteriza. Su historia económica presenta diversas modalidades de participación del capital extranjero. Los enfoques y actitudes del gobierno mexicano en su relación con los Estados Unidos han resultado cada vez más determinantes sobre los acontecimientos económicos regionales.
Centennials, ciudadanos globales y digitales
Authors: Jasso-Peña Felipe de Jesús , Gudiño-Paredes Sandra , Tamez-Solis José Porfirio
Published: April 2020

El estudio buscó conocer cómo comunican los centennials su ciudadanía global y digital en los aspectos moral y sociopolítico. El enfoque seleccionado para llevar a cabo este estudio fue el mixto-exploratorio con un diseño secuencial ya que los datos cuantitativos y cualitativos fueron recolectados en distintos momentos de la investigación, aunque no se supeditaron entre sí. Para el apartado cuantitativo, que está directamente relacionado con la primera categoría por investigar, la población estuvo delimitada por estudiantes pertenecientes al Sistema Nacional de Bachillerato, una preparatoria pública y dos preparatorias privadas ubicadas en el estado de Nuevo León, México. La muestra de dicha población fue determinada por conveniencia teniendo como base la disponibilidad de uso del aula de cómputo en los centros educativos para responder al instrumento. El número final de participantes fue de 1 696 estudiantes, de los cuales 899 eran mujeres y 797 eran varones. Se encontró que dichos participantes comunican abiertamente su postura sociopolítica en redes sociales y valoran más la justicia y reciprocidad al tomar decisiones morales, emergiendo la importancia de formarlos para participar adecuada y activamente en un ámbito de comunicación global.
Algunas consideraciones para el desarrollo del conocimiento pedagógico de contenido (PCK), asociado a tópicos específicos de enseñanza
Authors: Ortega Iglesias Jorge Mario
Published: April 2020

La práctica profesional del maestro y, especialmente, el trabajo que realiza en el aula de clases, constituyen un mundo complejo y variopinto que revela matices y singularidades epistemológicas sobre el conocimiento que este es capaz de construir en el marco de una enseñanza contextualizada, por lo que el Conocimiento Pedagógico de Contenido (PCK1) se ha constituido como un potente cuerpo teórico que revela ricas y variadas formas de la comprensión de cómo enseñar los contenidos constitutivos de las disciplinas escolares, particularmente, una “comprensión de lo que hace el aprendizaje de temas específicos fácil o difícil” (Shulman, 1986, p. 9).
1Traducción del inglés Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Korona Virüs ve Sosyoekonomik Sonuçlar
Authors: Alpago Hasan , Oduncu Alpago Derya
Published: April 2020

Hastalıkların temel nedenlerinden biri olan bakteri ve virüsler tarih boyunca insan sağlığı için tehdit olma özelliklerini korumuştur. Bu mikroorganizmalar doğanın aktif birer parçası olarak süregelmiştir. Özellikle 21. Yüzyılda korona virüsler bilim ve teknolojik ilerlemelerin ön plana çıktığı küreselleşmeye rağmen bir salgın hastalık şeklini almıştır. Virüs kaynaklı hastalıkların bu denli tehlikeli boyutlara ulaşması doğal dengeyi gözetmeyen salt kâr hedefli anlayışının doğurduğu negatif dışsallıklardan kaynaklanmaktadır. İnsanların maksimim kâr peşinden koşarken doğaya bu denli zarar vermeleri sonucunda ortaya çıkan olumsuz gelişmelerin üstesinden gelebilmesi için sosyoekonomik ve düşünce bazında yeni bir anlayış geliştirmesi gerekmektedir. Aksi taktirde salt kâr amaçlı girişimlerin meydana getirdiği negatif dışsallıklar ayrım yapmaksızın tüm insanlar için Covid 19 salgınından görüldüğü gibi ölümcül sonuçlar doğuracaktır. Bu çalışmada korona virüs salgınının başta sosyoekonomik yaşam olmak üzere eğitim, sağlık ve sosyokültürel alanların değişim ve dönüşümlere nasıl yol açacağı değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışmada bu değişim ve dönüşüm sürecinin dijitalleşme ve online işlemler yönünde ağırlık kazanacağı savunulmuştur.
Far Infrared Technology (FIT) Therapy Patches, Protects from Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Promotes Cellular Vitality
Authors: Pastore Donatella , Pacifici Francesca , Ciao Giampaolo , Bedin Valentina , Pasquantonio Guido , Della-Morte David
Published: April 2020

Background:

It is known from the most recent literature that far-infrared (FIR) radiations promote a
broad spectrum of therapeutic benefits for cells and tissues.

Objective:

To identify molecular mechanisms by which FIT patches, as a far infrared technology, protects against
damage caused by inflammatory process and oxidative stress.

Methods:

Endothelial cells (HUVEC, Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells) were used as in vitro experimental
model. HUVEC were stimulated with a pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to
induce oxidative stress. As markers of inflammation were evaluated: VCAM1 (Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule
1), ICAM1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1) and E-Selectin by Western Blot analysis. Oxidative stress was
assessed by cytofluorimetric analysis. The experiments were performed on control cells (no patch) or in cells
treated with the FIT infrared technology applied on the basis of the culture plate.

Results:

HUVEC stimulated with TNF-α and treated with FIT patches had significant reduction of the expression
of VCAM1, ICAM1 and E-Selectin (p<0.05). HUVEC stimulated with H2O2 and treated with FIT patches were
significantly protected from oxidative stress (p <0.01) when compared to control cells. We measured cell viability
and proliferation in HUVEC and HEK-293 (Human embryonic kidney cells) cells by MTT assay. HEK-293 and
HUVEC treated with FIT patches showed a significantly higher percentage of basal vitality compared to control
cells (p<0.0001 for HEK-293, p<0.05 for HUVEC).

Conclusion:

FIT therapy patches - infrared technology, through these protective mechanisms, could be used in all
pathologies where an increase in inflammation, oxidative stress and degenerative state are present.
Recent Developments on Noble Metal Based Microparticles for Their Applications in Organic Catalysis
Authors: Liu Jian-Long , Jiang Bo , Han Guo-Zhi
Published: April 2020

Noble metal microparticles have been employed as desired catalysts for a number
of classical organic chemical reactions due to their unique physicochemical properties.
Currently, in order to obtain more benefits for practical applications such as low cost, easy
separation and high selectivity, many efforts of scientists are devoted to constructing composite
microparticles in which noble metals are coupled with other materials. In this paper,
we summarize some recent research developments on noble metal based microparticles for
their catalytic applications in organic synthesis. Among them, application of the gold and
silver based microparticles is the focus of this paper for their relatively low cost and the
diversity of preparation methods. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects of noble metal
based microparticles for their applications in organic catalysis are also discussed.
Analysis of Inter-Chromosomal Distribution of Disease-Related Genes in Human Genome
Authors: Sun Xiaochao , Yang Bin , Zhang Qunye
Published: April 2020

:

Many studies have shown that the spatial distribution of genes within a single chromosome
exhibits distinct patterns. However, little is known about the characteristics of inter-chromosomal distribution
of genes (including protein-coding genes, processed transcripts and pseudogenes) in different
genomes. In this study, we explored these issues using the available genomic data of both human and
model organisms. Moreover, we also analyzed the distribution pattern of protein-coding genes that
have been associated with 14 common diseases and the insert/deletion mutations and single nucleotide
polymorphisms detected by whole genome sequencing in an acute promyelocyte leukemia patient. We
obtained the following novel findings. Firstly, inter-chromosomal distribution of genes displays a nonstochastic
pattern and the gene densities in different chromosomes are heterogeneous. This kind of
heterogeneity is observed in genomes of both lower and higher species. Secondly, protein-coding
genes involved in certain biological processes tend to be enriched in one or a few chromosomes. Our
findings have added new insights into our understanding of the spatial distribution of genome and disease-
related genes across chromosomes. These results could be useful in improving the efficiency of
disease-associated gene screening studies by targeting specific chromosomes.
The Key Role of Akt Protein Kinase in Metabolic-Inflammatory Pathways Cross-Talk: TNF-α Down-Regulation and Improving of Insulin Resistance in HepG2 Cell Line
Authors: Alipourfard Iraj , Bakhtiyari Salar , Gheysarzadeh Ali , Di Renzo Laura , De Lorenzo Antonio , Mikeladze David , Khamoushi Atefeh
Published: April 2020

Background:

Elevation of plasma free fatty acids as a principal aspect of
type 2 diabetes maintains etiologically insulin insensitivity in target cells. TNF-α inhibitory
effects on key insulin signaling pathway elements remain to be verified in insulinresistant
hepatic cells. Thus, TNF-α knockdown effects on the key elements of insulin
signaling were investigated in the palmitate-induced insulin-resistant hepatocytes. The
Akt serine kinase, a key protein of the insulin signaling pathway, phosphorylation was
monitored to understand the TNF-α effect on probable enhancing of insulin resistance.

Methods:

Insulin-resistant HepG2 cells were produced using 0.5 mM palmitate
treatment and shRNA-mediated TNF-α gene knockdown and its down-regulation
confirmed using ELISA technique. Western blotting analysis was used to assess the Akt
protein phosphorylation status.

Results:

Palmitate-induced insulin resistance caused TNF-α protein overexpression
1.2-, 2.78, and 2.25- fold as compared to the control cells at post-treatment times of 8 h,
16 h, and 24 h, respectively. In the presence of palmitate, TNF-α expression showed
around 30% reduction in TNF-α knockdown cells as compared to normal cells. In the
TNF-α down-regulated cell, Akt phosphorylation was approximately 62% more than
control cells after treatment with 100 nM insulin in conjugation with 0.5 mM palmitate.

Conclusions:

The obtained data demonstrated that TNF-α protein expression reduction
improved insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in the HepG2 cells and decreased lipidinduced
insulin resistance of the diabetic hepatocytes.