bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of six different protocols for protein extraction from rice young panicles by two-dimensional electrophoresis
Authors: Huang Xiaoping , Zhou Hui-wen
Published: March 2020

Background: For most reported proteomics approaches, protein extraction are of crucial importance for optimal results. However, extraction of protein from plant tissues still exist great challenges due to low protein content and many secondary metabolites that prominently interfering with isoelectric focusing. Up to now, no attempts are focused on comparison of protein extraction from rice young panicles.Methods: To establish a higher efficiency protein extraction protocol suited for two-dimensional electrophoresis in rice young panicles, six protocols for protein preparation were evaluated in terms of protein concentration, the molecular weight range of protein, gel image resolution, the number of protein spots: 1) Phenol extraction; 2) Mg/Nonidet P-40 (NP-40) extraction; 3) Tris-Base/acetone extraction; 4) SDS extraction; 5) trichloroacetic acid (TCA)/acetone/phenol extraction; 6) TCA/acetone precipitation.Results: The result explicitly demonstrated that TCA/acetone/phenol method provided a high-enhanced protein extraction efficacy from rice young panicles than other protocols in terms of the protein concentration (9.79±0.23 SD), the most comprehensive proteins (10 KDa to 150 KDa), the maximum number of protein spots (450±53 SD), the greater gel image resolution and spot abundance. In addition, these methods also generated remarkably differential 2-DE protein patterns. Twenty-nine of 30 visible differentially extracted proteins were identified by MS analysis and were divided into eight categories. Prediction for protein subcellular localization and grand average of hydropathy (GRAVY) analysis showed that certain special proteins respectively necessitate different extraction methods due to different physicochemical properties of each protocol.Conclusions: Overall, this paper will facilitate to provide a cornerstone of comparative proteomic analysis from rice young panicles, including other complicated plant tissues.
Generative Enhancement of 3D Image Classifiers
Authors: Varga Michal , Jadlovský Ján , Jadlovská Slávka
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we propose a methodology for generative enhancement of existing 3D image classifiers. This methodology is based on combining the strengths of both non-generative classifiers and generative modeling. Its purpose is to streamline the creation of new classifiers by embedding existing compatible classifiers in a generative network architecture. The demonstration of this process and evaluation of its effects is performed using a 3D convolutional classifier and its generative equivalent - a conditional generative adversarial network classifier. The results show that the generative model achieves greater classification performance, gaining a relative classification accuracy improvement of 7.43%. Improvement of accuracy is also present when compared to a plain convolutional classifier trained on a dataset augmented with examples produced by a trained generator. This suggests there is a desirable knowledge sharing within the hybrid discriminator-classifier network.
Hypoxia preconditioning promotes mesenchymal stem cells survival and vascularization through the activation of MALAT1/miR-195/VEGFA axis
Authors: Hou Jingying , Wang Lingyun , Yang Zhengfei , Zheng Guanghui , Guo Tianzhu , Yu Menglei
Published: March 2020

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that hypoxia preconditioning (HP) can promote mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) survival and vascularization. Long noncoding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is a newly discovered regulator of MSCs viability and differentiation. Evidences have indicated that MALAT1 can be strongly induced by hypoxia. This study aimed to investigate the role of MALAT1 in HP mediated MSCs survival and vascularization as well as the relevant underlying mechanism in vitro.Methods: MSCs were obtained from C57BL/6 mice and cultured in vitro. Cells at the third passage were divided into the following groups: normoxia (N), hypoxia preconditioning (HP), HP + MALAT1, HP + MALAT1 NC, HP+si-MALAT1 and HP +si-MALAT1 NC. The normoxia group was cultured in 20% O2 for 24 h. All the other groups were exposed to hypoxia (1% O2) for 24 hours. MALAT1 and relevant scramble RNA were transfected in the HP+MALAT1 and HP+MALAT1 NC groups respectively. HP+si-MALAT1 and HP +si-MALAT1 NC groups were transfected with MALAT1 siRNA and relevant siRNA scramble respectively. MSCs proliferation, apoptosis and vascular densities were evaluated. Bioinformatics and dual luciferase reporter assay were performed. Relevant biomarkers were examined in different experimental groups.Results: MSCs survival and vascularization were significantly enhanced in the HP group. Transfection of MALAT1 further strengthened the viability and angiogenic potential of MSCs in the condition of HP, whereas its knockdown attenuated cells survival and vascularization. MALAT1 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) were obviously increased after hypoxia exposure, while miR-195 was decreased. miR-195 targeted and downregulated VEGFA. miR-195 was a target of MALAT1. Overexpression of MALAT1 led to a decreased level of miR-195, accompanied with an augmented expression of VEGFA. However, both miR-195 and VEGFA exhibited contrary alterations after MALAT1 blockage. Conclusion: HP enhanced MSCs survival and vascularization potential in vitro, and the activation of MALAT1/miR-195/VEGFA axis might be involved in this procedure. This study reveals a new molecular mechanism of HP mediated MSCs survival and vascularization. It will be conducive for the development of novel strategies to improve the therapeutic efficiency of MSCs based on HP.
Keeping the faith: Receptiveness, capacity and acceptability of Islamic religious settings to deliver childhood obesity prevention intervention
Authors: Dogra Sufyan Abid , Rai Kiran , Barber Sally , McEachan Rosemary RC , Adab Peymane , Sheard Laura
Published: March 2020

Keeping the faith: Receptiveness, capacity and acceptability of Islamic religious settings to deliver childhood obesity prevention interventionBackground: Childhood obesity rates among South Asian populations in the UK are significantly high. 10% of childhood population in the UK are of South Asian origin, majority of them follow Islamic faith and attend Islamic religious settings (IRS) daily after school. IRS may be appropriate channels for obesity prevention initiatives; however there is limited evidence for this approach. Methods: Using a qualitative research methodology, we conducted 20 indepth interviews with parents of 5-11 years old children attending IRS, 20 indepth interviews with Islamic leaders, and 3 focus group discussions with 26 managers and workers of IRS in Bradford and Birmingham in the UK. The guides for interviews and focus groups, tailored to each group of participants, were developed from a literature review and prior learning from the results of other work packages in the same study. Interviews and focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Results: IRS are receptive to delivering a childhood obesity prevention intervention. Most of them have the capacity and the delivery would be acceptable to parents of children attending these settings. All participants viewed Prophet Muhammad’s physical fitness, food and his attitude towards physical activity and maintaining healthy lifestyle as the best role model to follow. Managers and workers in IRS showed willingness to conduct physical activity sessions for South Asian boys and girls and emphasised the need to have female instructors and role models to encourage South Asian girls. Practical barriers for the intervention delivery were poor funding systems and time constraints for managers and workers. Conclusion: IRS can deliver childhood obesity prevention interventions. Interventions should be co-designed, culturally/religiously sensitive and combine the scientific guidelines on healthy living with Islamic narrative on importance of physical activity and healthy diet consumption and should involve local place-based groups for delivery.
Determinant indicators for labor market efficiency and higher education and training: evidence from Middle East and North Africa countries
Authors: A. H. Elamir Elsayed
Published: March 2020

This study aims to explore the determinant indicators for the labor market efficiency and the higher education and training factors that can help in increasing the productivity in labor market and the quality in higher education and training, as well as pays attention to important relative indicators to improve the relationship between them. To achieve these aims the canonical correlation analysis is used as a bidirectional technique that allows studying the mutual relationship between two factors by taking advantage of available reports from 2012 to 2018 published by World Economic Forum (WEF). The results indicate that the extent of staff training, internet access, quality of education, and quality of management schools are the most important indicators in higher education and training and most correlated with labor market efficiency factor. The capacity to attract talent, pay and productivity, cooperation in labor-employer relations, and reliance on professional management are the most important indicators in labor market efficiency and the most correlated with higher education and training factor. The commonality analysis gives interesting results and shows that the explained variance in labor market efficiency and higher education and training depends on common indicators rather than a unique indicator.
Assessment of the impact of pesticide usage in groundwater aquifer of an agriculturally dominated area in North West India
Authors: Chaubey Jyoti , Singh S. K. , Singh Sukhwant , Arora H.
Published: March 2020

Groundwater pollution due to several anthropogenic activities has been a worldwide problem, one such activity being injudicious pesticide usage in agriculture. Assessment of pesticide impact on groundwater is a prerequisite step towards the formulation of regulatory policies related to the pesticides' application. The present study deals with assessment of the impact of pesticide usage in the groundwater aquifer of an agriculturally dominated area in North West India. The relationship between the pesticide usage and its impact on the quality of groundwater has been established by employing a model named Pesticide Impact Rating Index (PIRI). For illustration, seven farms lying in Nakodar tehsil of Punjab state in India were considered. Based on the frequency of usage of various pesticides in the study area, four pesticides namely atrazine, chlorophyrifos, phorate and monocrotophos were selected for detailed analysis. Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for observed values of pesticide residues. The observed residues were compared with the PIRI model estimates and results showed that though the observed values were higher corresponding to the estimated values, the ratio seemed to be fluctuating within a consistent range. Therefore multiplicative correction factors were introduced for the model estimates so as to predict realistic pesticide residues in an area.
Recent Advances in the Design and Development of Anticancer Molecules based on PROTAC Technology
Authors: Mukhamejanova Zere , Tong Yichen , Xiang Qi , Xu Fang , Pang Jiyan
Published: March 2020

PROTAC (Proteolysis Targeting Chimera) degraders based on protein knockdown
technology are now suggested as a novel option for the treatment of various diseases. Over
the last couple of years, the application of PROTAC technology has spread in a wide range of
disorders, and plenty of PROTAC molecules with high potency have been reported. Mostly
developing for anticancer therapy, these molecules showed high selectivities to target proteins,
the ability to significantly induce degradation of oncoproteins, good in vitro and in vivo
results. In this review, we summarized the recent development of PROTAC technology in the
anticancer therapy field, including molecular design, types of targeted proteins, in vitro and in
vivo results. Additionally, we also discuss the prospects and challenges for the application of
candidates based on PROTAC strategy in clinical trials.
Further Considerations Towards an Effective and Efficient Oncology Drug Discovery DMPK Strategy
Authors: Williamson Beth , Colclough Nicola , Fretland Adrian John , Jones Barry Christopher , Jones Rhys Dafydd Owen , McGinnity Dermot Francis
Published: March 2020

Background:

DMPK data and knowledge are critical in maximising the probability of developing successful
drugs via the application of in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches in drug discovery.

Methods:

The evaluation, optimisation and prediction of human pharmacokinetics is now a mainstay within drug
discovery. These elements are at the heart of the ‘right tissue’ component of AstraZeneca’s ‘5Rs framework’ which,
since its adoption, has resulted in increased success of Phase III clinical trials. With the plethora of DMPK related
assays and models available, there is a need to continually refine and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of
approaches best to facilitate the progression of quality compounds for human clinical testing.

Results:

This article builds on previously published strategies from our laboratories, highlighting recent discoveries
and successes, that brings our AstraZeneca Oncology DMPK strategy up to date. We review the core aspects of
DMPK in Oncology drug discovery and highlight data recently generated in our laboratories that have influenced our
screening cascade and experimental design. We present data and our experiences of employing cassette animal PK,
as well as re-evaluating in vitro assay design for metabolic stability assessments and expanding our use of freshly
excised animal and human tissue to best inform first time in human dosing and dose escalation studies.

Conclusion:

Application of our updated drug-drug interaction and central nervous system drug exposure strategies
are exemplified, as is the impact of physiologically based pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic
modelling for human predictions.
Analysis of Inhibitor Binding Combined with Reactivity Studies to Discover the Potentially Inhibiting Phytochemicals Targeting Chikungunya Viral Replication
Authors: Rasool Nouman , Bakht Afreen , Hussain Waqar
Published: March 2020

Background:

Chikungunya fever is a challenging threat to human health in various parts of the world nowadays. Many attempts have been made for developing an effective drug against this viral disease and no effective antiviral treatment has been developed to control the spread of the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in humans.

Objective:

This research is aimed at the discovery of potential inhibitors against this virus by employing computational techniques to study the interactions between non-structural proteins of Chikungunya virus and phytochemicals from plants.

Method:

Four non-structural proteins were docked with 2035 phytochemicals from various plants. The ligands having binding energies ≥ -8.0 kcal/mol were considered as potential inhibitors for these proteins. ADMET studies were also performed to analyze different pharmacological properties of these docked compounds and to further analyze the reactivity of these phytochemicals against CHIKV, DFT analysis was carried out based on HOMO and LUMO energies.

Results:

By analyzing the binding energies, Ki, ADMET properties and band energy gaps, it was observed that 13 phytochemicals passed all the criteria to be a potent inhibitor against CHIKV in humans.

Conclusion:

A total of 13 phytochemicals were identified as potent inhibiting candidates, which can be used against the Chikungunya virus.
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) as a Marker of Subclinical Inflammation in Children with Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: Marzouk Huda , Mostafa Noha , Khalifa Iman , Badawi Nora , Mohamed Fathy Sabry Nahla Ibrahim
Published: March 2020

Background:

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease with
potentially devastating effects on the kidney, and the chronic subclinical inflammation may also be
deleterious. Further, proteinuria has been associated with chronic inflammatory states.

Objective:

We aimed to probe whether red cell distribution width (RDW) can be used as a reliable
indicator of subclinical disease in FMF patients.

Method:

Ninety-nine children with FMF, according to the new pediatric FMF criteria, were included
in the present study. All were attack-free at the time of the study. They were compared with
44 healthy age-matched controls. For all patients and controls, the following tests were done: Complete
blood count (in the form of red cell count, leukocyte count, platelet count, hemoglobin, RDW
and MCV), CRP, ESR, creatinine and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR). For patients,
serum and urine albumin and albumin/creatinine ratio were also determined. Group 1 consisted of
61 patients, who were not suffering from microalbuminuria, and Group 2 consisted of 38 patients
who had confirmed albuminuria.

Result:

RDW and ESR were significantly higher in patients with FMF without microalbuminuria
than in controls, while MCV was smaller in controls (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

RDW can be used as an indicator of subclinical inflammation in children with FMF.
The tests are easy to perform and cheaper than more sophisticated tests. Microalbuminuria may be
silent and occur on the background of normal levels of acute-phase reactants. All cases must be
routinely checked for microalbuminuria.
Symptoms in Dilating Venous Disease
Authors: Yetkin Ertan , Ozturk Selcuk , Cuglan Bilal , Turhan Hasan
Published: March 2020

:

Lower extremity venous diseases or insufficiency include clinically deteriorating conditions with morphological and functional alterations of the venous system, including venous hypertension, vascular wall structural abnormality, and venous valvar incompetency in association with an inflammatory process. In fact, the same pathophysiological processes are the main underlying mechanisms of other venous insufficiencies in different vascular territories such as Peripheral Varicose Vein (PVV), varicocele, Pelvic Varicosities or Congestion Syndrome (PCS) and Hemorrhoidal Disease (HD). Regarding the anatomical continuity of lower extremity venous system, urogenital system (pampiniform plexus in male and broad ligament and ovarian veins in female) and anorectal venous system, it is reasonable to expect common symptoms such as pain, burning sensation, pruritis, swelling, which arise directly from the involved tissue itself. High coexistence rate of PVV, varicocele/PCS and HD between each other underlines not only the same vascular wall abnormality as an underlying etiology but also the existence of common symptoms originating from the involved tissue in dilating venous disease. Accordingly, it might be reasonable to query the common symptoms of venous dilating disease in other venous vascular regions in patients with complaints of any particular venous territory.
A Review on the Methods in Diesel Desulfurization
Authors: Nazir Muhammad Shahid , Ahmad Sadaf , Tahir Zaman , Sadaf ul Hassan  , Ali Zulfiqar , Akhtar Majid Niaz , Azam Kashuf , Abdullah Mohd. Azmuddin
Published: March 2020

Background:

Diesel mainly consists of paraffin and thio-aromatic compounds. Sulfur present in diesel exhaust is the major challenge for oil refineries. Sulfur is an oxidizing element that discharges as acute pollutant in the environment which has adverse effects on human and on animal life.

Introduction:

The scope of this review paper is to discuss and to highlight the recent advancements in process of desulfurization of diesel oil to explore the less energy intensive and more economical process.

Methods:

Recently, different techniques are widely used for desulfurization of diesel oil to remove sulfur containing compounds from diesel. These techniques mainly involve hydrodesulfurzation, oxidative desulfurization, biodesulfurization, ionic liquid desulfurization, and adsorption desulfurization.

Conclusion:

Adsorptive desulfurization technique is green, less energy incentive, and more economical technique than hydro-desulfurization, oxidative desulfurization, ionic liquid desulfurization and bio desulfurization. Optimization of adsorptive desulfurization technique may yield up to 100% desulfurization of diesel oil.
Classifications and Clinical Assessment of Haemorrhoids: The Proctologist’s Corner
Authors: Picciariello Arcangelo , Tsarkov Petr V. , Papagni Vincenzo , Efetov Sergey , Markaryan Daniel R. , Tulina Inna , Altomare Donato F.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Haemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a benign condition affecting a considerable
part of adult population. HD can be considered a social and economic burden with high impact
on patients’ lifestyle. Several new techniques and devices have been proposed for HD treatment;
however, preoperative assessment is essential and the use of classification system is recommended.

Methods::

In the last two decades many studies described the preoperative assessment and several
attempts of classification for HD. This review focuses on the most relevant studies found in literature
where classification systems and clinical evaluation with differential diagnosis have been evaluated.

Results:

The knowledge of classification systems and differential diagnosis for HD has been
shown to play a central role in the clinical assessment and the best treatment choice. Although
there are new challenging techniques and devices for HD treatment, a preoperative assessment is always
mandatory.

Conclusion:

Preoperative clinical evaluation is essential for HD patient treatment and outcome.
Classification systems are useful for the therapeutic choice and researches on new medical or surgical
treatments. In fact, the international guidelines advise several therapeutic options depending on
the severity of the HD.
Monoclonal Antibodies Against Infectious Microbes: So Long and Too Little!
Authors: Raj Gerard M. , Priyadarshini Rekha , Murugesan Sakthibalan , Adhimoolam Mangaiarkkarasi
Published: March 2020

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as alternatives or more often as complementary to the
conventional antimicrobials have been developed for the management of infectious conditions for
the past two decades. These pharmacotherapeutic strategies are inevitable as the burden of antimicrobial
resistance is far-reaching in recent times. MAbs are part of the targeted pharmacotherapy
armamentarium with a high degree of specificity - hence, exert comparatively superior efficacy
and tolerability than the conventional polyclonal antisera. So far, only five mAbs have been approved
for the management of infectious states, since the marketing authorization (1998) given to
palivizumab (Synagis®) for the prophylaxis of lower respiratory tract disease caused by a respiratory
syncytial virus in pediatric patients. Ibalizumab-uiyk (Trogarzo™) used for the management
of multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection not yielding to at least 10 antiretroviral drugs, was approved
recently. Among the three antibacterial mAbs, raxibacumab (ABthrax®/ Anthrin®) and
obiltoxaximab (Anthim®) are indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of inhalation anthrax due
to Bacillus anthracis; bezlotoxumab (Zinplava®) is used to reduce the recurrence of Clostridium
difficile infection. There are also around 30 and 15 mAbs in different phases of development for
viral and bacterial conditions. As alternatives to the traditional antivirals and antibacterials, the antimicrobial
mAbs are the need of the hour. These mAbs are more relevant to the management of
conditions like emerging viral outbreaks wherein there is a lack of prophylactic vaccines. The current
cutting-edge engineering technologies revolutionizing the production of mAbs include phagedisplayed
antibody libraries, cloning from single-memory B cells or single-antibody-secreting
plasma B cells, proteomics-directed cloning of mAbs from serum clubbed with high-throughput
sequencing techniques. Yet, the cost of manufacture continues to be the main limiting factor. In
this review, the different therapeutic monoclonal antibodies directed against the microbial pathogens
are discussed.
Moroccan language policy and its effect on sociolinguistics: attitudes of students and professors toward sociolinguistic research
Authors: Kirat Yamina El , Hadari Taha El
Published: March 2020

Given its location, Morocco is influenced by multiple linguistic factors. As a result, Sociolinguistics became a crucial linguistic field in the country. It witnessed significant development since the 1970s since a considerable amount of research was conducted to cope with the constant changes in language policy. While research grew in quantity, there were no significant attempts to closely analyze its contributions and determine its efficiency. To this end, the study at hand provided a general background of the status of sociolinguistic in Morocco. It also reflected on the attitudes of students and professors involved in the field on the status of the latter. Similarly, it investigated the extent to which the Moroccan language policy has impacted research produced in sociolinguistics. Therefore, the results presented the attitudes toward the development and the involvement of sociolinguistic research. It mainly reflected the region of Rabat-Sale and to a lesser extent Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech. The study concluded that sociolinguistic research in Morocco focuses on some languages/varieties more than others. As a consequence, despite the immense growth of the field in recent years, it still does not meet the expectations of the population of the study.
MEASURES TO COMPLETE THE BASIC TASKS OF THE SKIN-VENEROLOGICAL DISPENSER AND RESULTS OF THE POSSIBLE RISK ANALYSIS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND EFFICIENCY OF EFFECTIVENESS
Authors: Mykhalchuk V. M. , Gbur Z. V. , Tolstanov O. K. , Shchyrina K. V.
Published: March 2020

In the scientific article the directions of activity of modern skin and venereological dispensary are described. Measures to improve the work of the institution are proposed: optimization of the number of staff; making changes to the organizational structure in accordance with the new financing and management system; planning, organizing and controlling the activities of the institution within the functions of financial management. The priority measures of reforming the activity of the skin and venereological dispensary were singled out, taking into account the current state of development of the health care system. The main methods of realization of tasks of skin and venereological institutions are given and characterized are administrative, legal, economic, social and motivational. A number of external risks have been identified that could adversely affect the activities of the skin and venereological dispensary, namely: risks related to the situation on the labor market, in particular; risks related to the current state of health care, in particular; risks associated with the medical and demographic crisis in Ukraine.
Promoting Antenatal Care Attendance Through a Text Messaging Intervention in Samoa: Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Watterson Jessica L , Castaneda Diego , Catalani Caricia
Published: March 2020

Background

Antenatal care (ANC) has the potential to improve maternal health, but it remains underutilized and unevenly implemented in many low- and middle-income countries. Increasingly, text messaging programs for pregnant women show evidence that they can improve the utilization of ANC during pregnancy; however, gaps remain regarding how implementation affects outcomes.

Objective

This study aimed to assess facilitators and barriers to implementation of an SMS text messaging intervention for pregnant women in Samoa and to assess its impact on ANC attendance.

Methods

This study took place in Upolu, Samoa, from March to August 2014 and employed a quasi-experimental design. Half (n=3) of the public antenatal clinics on the island offered adult pregnant women the SMS text messaging intervention, with 552 women registering for the messages. At the comparison clinics (n=3), 255 women registered and received usual care. The intervention consisted of unidirectional text messages containing health tips and appointment reminders. The outcome of interest was the number of attended antenatal visits. Implementation data were also collected through a survey of the participating midwives (n=7) and implementation notes. Data analysis included a comparison of women’s baseline characteristics between the two groups, followed by the use of negative binomial regressions to test for associations between participation in the intervention and increased ANC attendance, controlling for individual characteristics and accounting for the clustering of women within clinics.

Results

The comparison of ANC attendance rates found that women receiving the SMS text messaging intervention attended 15% fewer ANC visits than the comparison group (P=.004), controlling for individual characteristics and clustering. Data analysis of the implementation process suggests that barriers to successful implementation include women registering very late in pregnancy, sharing their phone with others, and inconsistent explanation of the intervention to women.

Conclusions

These results suggest that unidirectional text messages do not encourage, and might even discourage, ANC attendance in Samoa. Interpreted with other evidence in the literature, these results suggest that SMS text messaging interventions are more effective when they facilitate better communication between patients and health workers. This study is an important contribution to our understanding of when SMS text messaging interventions are and are not effective in improving maternal health care utilization.
Clinical Desire for an Artificial Intelligence–Based Surgical Assistant System: Electronic Survey–Based Study
Authors: Park Soo Jin , Lee Eun Ji , Kim Se Ik , Kong Seong-Ho , Jeong Chang Wook , Kim Hee Seung
Published: March 2020

Background

Techniques utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly growing in medical research and development, especially in the operating room. However, the application of AI in the operating room has been limited to small tasks or software, such as clinical decision systems. It still largely depends on human resources and technology involving the surgeons’ hands. Therefore, we conceptualized AI-based solo surgery (AISS) defined as laparoscopic surgery conducted by only one surgeon with support from an AI-based surgical assistant system, and we performed an electronic survey on the clinical desire for such a system.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the experiences of surgeons who have performed laparoscopic surgery, the limitations of conventional laparoscopic surgical systems, and the desire for an AI-based surgical assistant system for AISS.

Methods

We performed an online survey for gynecologists, urologists, and general surgeons from June to August 2017. The questionnaire consisted of six items about experience, two about limitations, and five about the clinical desire for an AI-based surgical assistant system for AISS.

Results

A total of 508 surgeons who have performed laparoscopic surgery responded to the survey. Most of the surgeons needed two or more assistants during laparoscopic surgery, and the rate was higher among gynecologists (251/278, 90.3%) than among general surgeons (123/173, 71.1%) and urologists (35/57, 61.4%). The majority of responders answered that the skillfulness of surgical assistants was “very important” or “important.” The most uncomfortable aspect of laparoscopic surgery was unskilled movement of the camera (431/508, 84.8%) and instruments (303/508, 59.6%). About 40% (199/508, 39.1%) of responders answered that the AI-based surgical assistant system could substitute 41%-60% of the current workforce, and 83.3% (423/508) showed willingness to buy the system. Furthermore, the most reasonable price was US $30,000-50,000.

Conclusions

Surgeons who perform laparoscopic surgery may feel discomfort with the conventional laparoscopic surgical system in terms of assistant skillfulness, and they may think that the skillfulness of surgical assistants is essential. They desire to alleviate present inconveniences with the conventional laparoscopic surgical system and to perform a safe and comfortable operation by using an AI-based surgical assistant system for AISS.
Artificial Intelligence–Based Neural Network for the Diagnosis of Diabetes: Model Development (Preprint)
Authors: Liu Yue
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

The incidence of diabetes is increasing in China, and its impact on national health cannot be ignored. Smart medicine is a medical model that uses technology to assist the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to apply artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis of diabetes.

METHODS

We established an AI diagnostic model in the MATLAB software platform based on a backpropagation neural network by collecting data for the cases of integration and extraction and selecting an input feature vector. Based on this diagnostic model, using an intelligent combination of the LabVIEW development platform and the MATLAB software-designed diabetes diagnosis system with user data, we called the neural network diagnostic module to correctly diagnose diabetes.

RESULTS

Compared to conventional diagnostic procedures, the system can effectively improve diagnostic efficiency and save time for physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of AI applications has utility to aid diabetes diagnosis.
De Charlotte Brontë a Jean Rhys: Wide Sargasso Sea como el antidiscurso de Jane Eyre
Authors: Anaya Ferreira Nair María
Published: March 2020

Artículo
Observaciones sobre el lenguaje de Romeo y Julieta
Authors: González Padilla María Enriqueta
Published: March 2020

Artículo
El tema del matrimonio en The Canterbury Tales de Geoffrey Chaucer
Authors: Lucotti Claudia
Published: March 2020

Artículo
Chaucer como poeta de amor cortés y su contraste con Shakespeare en Troilus and Criseyde
Authors: Faraudo Rosario
Published: March 2020

Artículo
Los velos de Scherezada: censura y seducción en las traducciones de Las mil y una noches
Authors: González Treviño Ana Elena
Published: March 2020

This article analizes representative instances of censorship and countercensorship in different translations of a story taken from the Arabian Nights, “The Story of Prince Camaralzaman” into French, English and Spanish, translations by Antoine Galland, Richard Burton, Pedro Peraza Páez, Rafael Cansinos Asséns and Hussain Haddawy. Initially, it establishes the textual complexity and instability of Galland’s sources and the history of his translation, in the light of Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism as a discursive mode based on a prejudiced, culturally charged vision of the East, resulting rather in a mere projection of Western aesthetic and moral values. In this sense, censorship and countercensorship as exemplified in these translations, especially regarding the erotic aspect of these tales, responds directly to the historical and cultural circumstances of the translators.
Los celos en Proust y Shakespeare: un caso de voyeurismo narrativo
Authors: Aurora Pimentel Luz
Published: March 2020

Voyeurism is often the mise en scene the jealous man builds in his imagination both to goad and relish in his anguish at the thought of his/her beloved being possessed by the rival—real or imaginary. The mise en scene may also be real or imaginary but the spatial parameters and the conditions of visibility are always the same: the lover, always excluded from the joys of those who he thinks are betraying him physically separated from the scene he just watches in intolerable pain, even if it is in his "mind’s eye". But what happens when a fourth party comes into play? A mediator who narrates the scene for the jealous lover? This is the extraordinarily convoluted situation in two otherwise culturally and temporally very different works dealing with jealousy: William Shakespeare’s Othello, and Marcel Proust’s A la recherche du temps perdu. The element of narrative introduces a disturbing factor in the already complex triangular relationship amongst the lover, the beloved and the rival—which is never as unidirectional as it seems—because the narrator himself is not a disinterested party. Such a complex inter action among four actors—subjects and objects of desire by turns—further mediated by an act of voyeurism, is what I have, somewhat facetiously, I admit, called jealousy as a case of narrative voyeurism.
Cyrano de Bergerac y el relato de viajes
Authors: Ruiz García Claudia
Published: March 2020

This article presents Cyrano de Bergerac’s Voyage dans la lune as one of the most important planetary utopias in the modern age. First, the text handles the construction of Cyrano de Bergerac himself as a literary myth; afterwards it discusses Bergerac’s utopia and how it has been transformed and mutilated throughout the history of its publication. Cyrano’s tale is an excuse to question the astronomical theory of Ptolemy, in favor of thesis such as Copernicus’s, Galileo’s or Kepler’s. Throughout Voyage dans la lune several biblical stories are criticized and caricaturized, and so are the Christian moral, the belief in miracles belief, the notion of immortality and the existence of God.
El Œdipe de Pierre Corneille: una reescritura clásica de Edipo rey
Authors: Aguilar de León Armando
Published: March 2020

El mito de Edipo es un relato heroico cuyo argumento gira en torno al Destino y al poder. Configurado en Época Micénica (siglos XVIII-XII a. C.), este mito ha marcado fuertemente la producción dramática. De hecho, su argumento se encuentra a la base de una de las mayores tragedias: el Edipo rey de Sófocles (430 a. C.). Drama representativo de la tragedia griega, la obra maestra de Sófocles es el punto de referencia de toda obra que desarrolle el fatídico gobierno del héroe tebano; Destino y política están entonces en el centro de la construcción dramática. En este marco temático, el Œdipe de Pierre Corneille, escrito en 1659, es una adaptación del argumento griego al contexto monárquico del siglo XVII. Este trabajo explora el Œdipe corneliano para analizar las transformaciones hipertextuales más importantes que dan a la obra una perspectiva contextual. De hecho, el Œdipe de Corneille es un drama donde el argumento sofocleo es revalorado de acuerdo con el air du temps de la producción clásica francesa.
Lady Oracle: la mascarada gótica
Authors: Fe Pastor Marina
Published: March 2020

En este ensayo se propone que la ironía y la parodia, características de la escritura de Margaret Atwood, son estrategias narrativas que hacen posible la desconstrucción de las novelas góticas populares (costume gothics) en su propia novela gótica Lady Oracle. Se muestra cómo el uso y el abuso de las convenciones del género pone en evidencia la feminidad como una mascarada y el género como un performance.
La profanation du sacré dans certains romans de Saramago et de Kundera: approche à l'étude de l'ironie et la parodie dans le roman contemporain
Authors: Estrada Vargas Graciela
Published: March 2020

El artículo se ocupa de la novela contemporánea. A través del análisis de ciertas novelas de Saramago y Kundera publicadas entre 1970 y 1990, el presente estudio destaca la manera en que ambos novelistas utilizan la ironía y la parodia para cuestionar "la verdad" que pesa sobre el espíritu de las sociedades contemporáneas. La parodia bíblica es un punto de convergencia entre los textos estudiados, aunque se distinguen por sus particularidades estilísticas. Nuestras principales fuentes teóricas son los distintos trabajos sobre parodia e ironía escritos por Linda Hutcheon.
De conversión y melancolía en la canción "Flow my Tears" de John Dowland (1563-1626)
Authors: Barreiro Emma Julieta
Published: March 2020

La riqueza musical de la obra de John Dowland (1563-1626) y su personalidad como el músico inglés más famoso de su época en Europa continúan siendo atractivos a principios del siglo XXI. Mi discusión desarrolla tres líneas principales: abordo las implicaciones de alteridad en la conversión de Dowland al catolicismo en el marco histórico de la Inglaterra protestante de finales del siglo XVI y principios del siglo XVII; propongo un análisis retórico textual y musical de su canción “Flow my Tears”, y subrayo los vínculos de esta canción con su ciclo de siete pavanas para laúd Lachrimae (1604). Mi argumento principal es que los conflictos históricos que rodearon a Dowland y los procesos de su conversión y exilio determinaron la tradición melancólica musical renacentista como su vehículo de expresión distintivo.
Tal vez contaré mi historia. Una lectura de La Vie Scélérate de Maryse Condé
Authors: López Morales Laura
Published: March 2020

En su novela La Vie Scélérate, Maryse Condé, nacida en la isla de la Guadalupe, traza dos líneas históricas paralelas: una que recorre la trayectoria de cuatro generaciones de una familia y, la otra, inscrita en la primera, relacionada con la historia oficial en la que destacan algunas de sus páginas más significativas. Sobresale la manera como la autora entreteje los principales ejes temáticos desarrollados en otras de sus obras: los conflictos identitarios, la discriminación racial, el papel de la mujer…
Preceptorado y justicia social en La Confession d'une jeune fille de George Sand
Authors: Caset Caroline
Published: March 2020

En su novela La Confession d'une jeune fille (1865), George Sand (pseudónimo de Aurore Dupin, 1804-1876) combate dos prejuicios mayores de su tiempo: la segregación social y la discriminación de género. Através de su heroína Luciennede Valangis, la autora demuestra que se puede reconciliar al pueblo con la aristocracia gracias a una educación de tipo preceptoril a la vez femenina y varonil, según los criterios del siglo XIX. Frumence Costei, el humilde preceptor de Lucienne, la convierte en una persona culta y de libre pensamiento, o sea en un sujeto capaz de sacrificar no sólo su fortuna y sus privilegios de clase, sino hasta su título nobiliario, a fin de identificarse con el pueblo. Según Sand, la igualdad es posible con el desarrollo del valor personal. El ideal que la escritora esboza en esta ficción se funda en una reflexión sobre un posible equilibrio social que no cae en la trampa de la inversión de los roles, ni de género ni de clase social.
Medea: ¿bruja asesina o fármacos? Deconstrucción del mito en Christa Wolf
Authors: Castillo Rodríguez Girla
Published: March 2020

El mito clásico de Medea ha sido objeto de múltiples tratamientos en los que generalmente se le representa como una bruja astuta y vengativa, portadora y causante de males. No obstante, la escritora Christa Wolf reactiva en su novela Medea. Stimmen elementos del mito que han caído en el olvido. Wolf reestructura el mito y muestra cómo las instituciones de poder legitiman sus abusos por medio de él y buscan culpables para librarse de la responsabilidad de los problemas que aquejan a una sociedad. De ahí que nazca la necesidad de expulsar chivos expiatorios que se pueden identificar con la antigua figura griega del fármacos.
La noción de "Trans-ibericidade" de Saramago. Una reflexión sobre las relaciones de Portugal y México con España
Authors: Estrada Vargas Graciela
Published: March 2020

La noción de Trans-ibericidade que desarrolló Saramago y que ha sido traducida en español como “transiberismo” expresa el deseo de una relación cultural entre la península ibérica y América, África y Asia.Esta inquietud de Saramago nos permite reflexionar sobre las imágenes que Portugal y México tienen de España, al tiempo que comentamos la “dificultad” del iberismo y nos aproximamos brevemente a la relación entre los países queconforman la península ibérica, y a aquélla entre España y un país americano: México.Para México, España tuvo el papel de “conquistador”, se impuso a los mexicanos. Para Portugal España fue “invasor”, ocupó su territorio. No obstante, España tiene afinidades con México y Portugal.La presente reflexión busca señalar que México y Portugal tienen en común una relación histórica ambigua con España, que sus historias se cruzan y que escritores como Saramago intentaron disminuir los abismos nacidos de las diferencias, para dar lugar al conocimiento mutuo.
La "política extraña" de algunos dramas de Shakespeare
Authors: Murgia Mario
Published: March 2020

Este artículo se propone explorar las posibilidades dramáticas de algunos conceptos políticos presentes en las obras de Shakespeare, en particular Ricardo II,Macbeth y El rey Lear. Tal exploración parte del supuesto de que la tensión que emerge de la posible antítesis entre prosaísmo político y grandilocuencia poética da pie a peculiaridades morales, retóricas y de caracterización en algunos de los personajes más políticamente activos del dramaturgo.
El Códice Blake: apuntes metodológicos
Authors: Muñoz Adrián
Published: March 2020

Los estudios sobre Blake han sido siempre una rica fuente de interpretación. Debido a las temáticas que aborda Blake, el estudioso puede recurrir a la crítica literaria más formal, pero también a la fenomenología y la historia de las religiones. Ambas posturas se complementan y no se han agotado. Este artículo se propone aventurar un modelo metodológico nuevo para explorar la obra de Blake en tanto que fenómeno literario y religioso. En particular sugiero que esta novedosa crítica se puede apoyar de manera conceptual y terminológica en el tantra, en virtud de que la poética de Blake comparte con el mundo del tantra un gran número de motivos: desde la exégesis religiosa y el énfasis en la capacidad creativa,hasta la puesta en acción de tipos mitológicos y un imaginario voluptuoso. Tras realizar una descripción tipológica de la obra de Blake, el artículo se dedica aasentar las bases para esta nueva postura metodológica.
"Jardines": un poema juvenil de Cesare Pavese
Authors: Luis Bernal José
Published: March 2020

En este artículo trato en primer lugar de la importancia de Cesare Pavese en la literatura italiana, por su labor como poeta, crítico, traductor y editor. Destaco algunos rasgos de su interesante poética fundada en una personal asunción del mito. Examino en sucinto sus contradicciones humanas, su parte sana, “apolínea”, y la contraparte insana, y cómo ambas dan lugar a un mundo poético desolado, de gran belleza y profundidad en el que su incapacidad de acercamiento a las mujeres (que se aprecia en todos sus personajes masculinos) condujo al poeta al suicidio. Presento a continuación uno de sus poemas juveniles, “Jardines”, traducido y comentado por mí, y ejemplo raro y precioso, de la evolución de supoética, aún lejos de la madurez y perfección formal de la poesía posterior de Lavorare stanca, pero que muestra ya rasgos formales y calidad de afectos que anuncian al que llegó a ser el mejor poeta de su generación.
Un rally entre dos bahías: la ruta histórica del Volkswagen blues
Authors: López Morales Laura
Published: March 2020

La novela Volkswagen blues del escritor quebequense Jacques Poulin nos propone un recorrido entre la bahía de Gaspé, en el extremo este de Quebec, y la de San Francisco, en Estados Unidos. El móvil del viaje es dar con el paradero de Theo, hermano de Jack, el narrador. Tan fortuito es el arranque en el museo de la Gaspésie como las siguientes etapas que se van definiendo de acuerdo con las pistas imprevistas que Jack descubre del paso de Theo por suelo canadiense y estadounidense. Los lugares visitados remiten a alguna página de la historia de una importante migración quebequense a lo largo de los siglos XIX y XX, de suerte que el viaje resulta ser una reconstrucción identitaria propiciada por lasinsospechadas huellas dejadas por sus antepasados.