bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Testosterone Levels Predict Increasing Severity and Worse Outcomes of Hepatitis B Virus-related Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure in Males
Authors: Huang Yandi , Yan Dong , Zhang Huafen , Lou Bin , Yan Ren , Yao Yifan , Dong Minya , Yang Donglei , Lv Feifei , Chen Yu
Published: October 2020

BackgroundHepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is more prevalent among males than females and has a high rate of short-term mortality, and low serum testosterone has been prevalent in critical illness such as acute respiratory failure and cirrhosis, we investigated the association between testosterone level and severity of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) in males remains unknown.MethodsThis single-center observational study involved patients with HBV-ACLF planned to undergo treatment with an artificial liver support system. Morning blood samples were collected and androgen levels analyzed by chemi-bioluminescent immunoassay. Time to death or liver transplantation within 90 days comprised the primary composite outcome. We assessed the relationships between androgen levels, stage (early, middle, or late, categorized according to clinical manifestation), severity scores, and clinical outcomes of HBV-ACLF.ResultsAmong 160 male subjects, 32 had early stage HBV-ACLF, 61 middle stage, and 67 end stage. Serum levels of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone index (FTI), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cortisol were significantly lower among subjects than chronic hepatitis B patients and healthy controls, while androstenedione was higher. Low TT, SHBG, FTI and high androstenedione were associated with increased stage (of HBV-ACLF, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy) and severity scores (Model for End-stage Liver Disease and Chinese Group on the Study of Severe Hepatitis B-ACLF scores). Low TT (<142.39 ng/dL) was a risk factor for both the composite outcome and for death alone within 90 days. Multivariate analysis revealed TT to be a predictor for the composite outcome independent of age, BMI, SHBG, FTI, cortisol, and androstenedione.ConclusionLow serum testosterone is common among male patients with HBV-ACLF and predictive of increased severity and worse outcome of the disease.
Identification of Potential Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Network-Based Approach
Authors: Ameri Mehrdad , Salimi Haniye , Eskandari Sedigheh , Nezafat Navid
Published: October 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Identification of potential therapeutic and diagnostic biomarkers can be helpful to screen cancer progress. This study implemented with the aim of discovering potential biomarkers for HCC within a network-based approach integrated with microarray data. Methods: Through downloading a gene expression profile GSE62232 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis for DEGs were performed utilizing enrichr server. Following reconstruction of protein-protein interaction network of DEGs with STRING, network visualization, analyses, and clustering into structural modules carried out using Cytoscape. Considering degree centrality, 15 hub genes were selected as early biomarker candidates for final validation. In order to validate hub genes, GEPIA server was used to perform overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: In our approach 1996 DEGs were identified including 995 up-regulated genes and 1001 down-regulated genes. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis shown that DEGs are associated with Chemical carcinogenesis, and Cell cycle. GO term enrichment analysis indicated the relation of DEGs with epoxygenase P450 pathway, arachidonic acid monooxygenase activity, and secretory granule lumen. Following analysis of protein-protein interaction network of DEGs top three structural modules and 15 early hub genes were selected. Validation of hub genes performed using GEPIA. Consequently, CDK1, CCNB1, CCNA2, CDC20, AURKA, MAD2L1, TOP2A, KIF11, BUB1B, TYMS, EZH2, and BUB1 were considered as our final proposed biomarkers. Conclusion: using an integrated network-based approach with microarray data our results revealed 12 final candidates with potential to considered as biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma.
ART Uptake Among HIV Positive Adolescents: The Effect of Mass Media Campaigns in Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Akankunda Sandra , Tayebwa Sandra , Byamugisha Benjamen , Ariho Sabastian , Najjuma Josephine , Bahati Ronald
Published: October 2020

Background: Globally about 1.7 million adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 were living with HIV in 2019, of these, about 1.5 million were living in sub-Saharan Africa and approximately above 127,000 were living in Uganda. However uptake of ART is still low among adolescents especially in low income countries due to lack of information they need to understand HIV and its management. Therefore, we set out to explore the influence of mass media campaigns on promoting ART uptake among HIV positive adolescents in Southwestern Uganda.Methods: A phenomenological qualitative cross-sectional study design was adopted to explore the influence of mass media campaigns on the promotion of ART Uptake among adolescents. We conducted 7 FGDs with Adolescents living with HIV aged 10-19 years and 5 key informants’ interviews with the health care workers in the adolescents’ HIV clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. Data was transcribed verbatim and translated from Runyankole to English. Two researchers reviewed all the transcripts, developed a codebook identifying the emerging subthemes from which we manually generated the themes in relation to our research question. Results: Results revealed a large breadth of awareness and knowledge possessed by adolescents about mass media campaigns. This ranged from knowing the various messages that were being aired out and the channels which carried these messages. These campaigns acted as catalysts to ART uptake and adherence since they inspired participants to accept themselves thus managing a number of limitations. Our participants preferred broadcast media channels and messages that featured successful stories of HIV positive living people. Conclusion: HIV mass media campaigns promoted ART uptake among HIV positive adolescents. It is recommended that HIV health service providers take into account the unique needs and nature of adolescents while designing and airing out various media campaigns which would influence their positive living and thus leading to their increased health life expectancy.
Sphk1-induced Autophagy in Microglia Promotes Neuronal Injury Following Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Lv Manhua , Jiang Yongjia , Zhang Dayong , Yao Dan , Cheng Yuefeng , Zhang Wei , Zeng Yuanyuan
Published: October 2020

Background: Microglial hyperactivation driven by SphK1/S1P signaling and consequent inflammatory mediator production is a key driver of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). While SphK1 reportedly controls autophagy and microglial activation, it remains uncertain as to whether it is similarly able to regulate damage mediated by CIRI-activated microglia. Methods: In the present study, we utilized both an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation reperfusion (OGDR) model and an in vivo rat model of focal CIRI to test whether Sphk1 and autophagy is expressed in microglia. Western blot analysis was used to estimate the autophagy protein level (LC3 and SQSTM ) at different time points after OGDR. To detect cytokine secretion in microglial supernatants in response to OGDR, we measured the concentration of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the culture supernatants using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To evaluate whether microglia subjected to OGDR exhibited neuronal injury, we used a commercially available terminal transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) kit and flow cytometry to detect apoptotic neurons.Results: We determined that in the context of CIRI, microglia upregulated SphK1 and induced autophagy, while inhibiting these changes by lentivirus targeting SphK1 significantly decreased expression of autophagy . Moreover, we determined that autophagic body formation was enhanced in cerebral tissues following I/R. We also explored the impact of SphK1-induced autophagy on microglial inflammatory cytokine production and associated neuronal apoptosis using an in vitro OGDR model system. At a mechanistic level, we found that SphK1 promotes autophagy via the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) pathway. Conclusion: These results reveal a novel mechanism whereby SphK1-induced autophagy in microglia can contribute to the pathogenesis of CIRI, potentially highlighting novel avenues for future therapeutic intervention in IS patients.
A Qualitative Study on Patient-Centered Care and Perception of Nurses in Primary Healthcare Practice
Authors: Lateef Adepeju , Mhlongo Euphemia Mbali
Published: October 2020

Background: Patient-centered care (PCC) approach has continued to gain recognition globally as the key to providing quality healthcare. However, this concept is not fully integrated into the management of primary health care (PHC) in existing nursing practice due to numerous challenges. Among these challenges is the perception of nursing on PCC in the Primary Health Care system. This study seeks to present the results of qualitative research performed at various selected PHC centers on nurses’ perceptions in PCC practice.Aim: This study aims at exploring the perception of nurses on PCC.Method: A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study. This study involved thirty local government PHC centers located in Osun State of southwest Nigeria. The sample comprised 28 female nurses and 7 male nurses. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview schedule in different sessions that were conducted on a one on one basis. Thereafter, data analysis was performed using thematic analysis and NVivo 12 software to generate themes, subthemes, and codes.Results: The findings of the study revealed a number of perceptions on PCC that were categorized into positive and negative themes. The negative themes include: Poor approach by the nurses and lack of enforcement agency. The positive themes that emerged include: Outcome-driven healthcare, valued care provider, communication to sharpen care, and driven healthcare service. In addition, the findings established a positive correlation between perception and years of working experience. 68.5 % of the participants, who had working experience in the range of 12 – 31 years, expressed a mixed perception of PCC practice. The remaining 31.5 % of the participants interviewed who had working experience in the range of 2, 6 – 11 years, expressed positive perceptions on the provision of PCC. Conclusion: From the findings of this study, there is a need for the government to enforce the utilization and provision of PCC in the PHC setting. This should be done through the provision of an enabling environment in the PHC setting. In addition, the government should provide regulations and monitoring mechanisms in the PHC institutions. Enforcement agencies should also offer opportunities for continuous training to enhance the nursing care skills of nurses to stimulate and sustain improved healthcare services. Lastly, the government should remunerate and promote nurses based on merit as another means of supporting improved healthcare service delivery by the nurses.
MicroRNA-449a Plays an Indicative Role in Diagnosing Lung Cancer
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhong Hua , Yang Qinghui , Yu Jian , Jin Cailing , Li Xiaorui
Published: October 2020

Background: Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death among all the malignancies worldwide. Evidences suggest that the incidence and mortality of lung cancer has been on the rise. MicroRNA-449a (miR-449a) as one important member of microRNAs, has been demonstrated acting as a tumor suppressor in lung cancer. In this study, we sought to assess the relationship between miR-449a expression level and diagnostic value of lung cancer.Methods: In this present research, quantitative Real-Time PCR was applied to detect the miR-449a expression in 116 lung cancer patients and 41 healthy volunteers. The diagnostic value of miR-449a in lung cancer patients was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: MiR-449a was significantly down-regulated in lung cancer patients compared with healthy control (P<0.05). In addition, miR-449a expression was associated with sex (P=0.004), tumor size (P=0.000), TNM stage (P=0.006) and metastasis (P=0.036). However, there was no correlation with age, smoking history and histological type of lung cancer patients (all P＞0.05). In the ROC analysis, the results showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.902 with the sensitivity of 94.8% and specificity of 78.0%, and the optimum cutoff value was 2.255.Conclusion: MiR-449a expression was down-regulated in lung cancer patients, and it could be an efficient diagnostic biomarker in lung cancer patients.
Autophagy regulation patterns characterization identifies immune phenotypes and immunotherapy response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)
Authors: Ma Bo , Li Hui , Zheng Mingzhu , Cao Rui , Yu Riyue
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAutophagy degraded and recycled cytoplasmic components to maintain cellular homeostasis under stress conditions, which was recognized as double-edged sword in oncogenesis and novel target in cancer treatment. However, comprehensive analysis of the relationship between autophagy regulation and immunity has not been reported yet. MethodsUnsupervised consensus clustering algorithm was used to identify autophagy regulation patterns. LASSO cox regression algorithm was used to build a scoring system (ATGscore) to represent the individual autophagy regulation pattern. Then integrated analysis of autophagy regulation patterns and ATGscore was performed.ResultsWe have successful depicted five autophagy regulation patterns and established a scoring system (ATGscore) to represent it, which was shown to be significantly correlated with TIME infiltration, immune phenotypes, molecular subtypes, and genetic variation, etc. in 1165 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Moreover, ATGscore was an independent prognostic factor and potent predictor for clinical response to immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting immunotherapy. ConclusionUnderstanding the molecular characteristics of autophagy regulation patterns in HNSCC could help us to depict the underlying mechanism of tumour immunity and lay a solid foundation on combination of autophagy targeting therapies and immunotherapies for clinical application in HNSCC.
Physical Violence Against Street Children and Its Associated Factors Among Street Children in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia :- A Community Based Cross-Sectional
Authors: Daba Derese Bekele , Belete Kefyalew Taye
Published: October 2020

Background: Violence against children is a major public health, human rights, and social problem, with potentially devastating and costly harming children in every country. Even though evidences showed that street children accumulate a range of experiences of violence from an early age, physical and sexual violence are the commonest among street children. Street children’s health is an area that is not well researched, especially the magnitude and forms of violence targeted to street children lack attention, in which only few qualitative studies have been done in different parts of Ethiopia in past remote years. Therefore, this study planned to determine the magnitude of physical violence and associated factors among street children, who were residing in Jimma town, March, 2019. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 312 street children. Pre tested Self-administered structured questioners were used for data collection. Data were entered to Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for statistical analysis. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to create a dichotomous dependent variable. Independent variables with p-value ≤ 0.25 in bivariate analysis were included into multivariable logistic regression and variables with P-value < 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were declared as statistically significant.Results: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 312 street children from March 1 st to 31 st 2019. The study found that the magnitude of low physical violence to be 52.9% (95% C.I: 47.1- 58.7%) and high physical violence 47.1% (95% C.I: 41.3-52.9%). Factors like sex (being males) (AOR: 2.70, 95% C.I: 1.00- 7.36), sleeping under bridge (AOR: 2.08, 95%C.I: 1.11-3.89), deliver message (AOR: 2.43, 95%C.I: 1.20- 4.93), attending/washing cars (AOR: 2.17, 95%C.I: 1.22- 3.93), and begging (AOR: 3.12: 95%C.I: 1.33- 7.27) as a means of income generation and those who were tensioned, anxious or feel insecure during their street life (AOR: 1.90, 95%C.I: 1.03- 3.51) had statistically significant association with low physical violence. Being female (AOR: 2.82, 95%C.I: 1.01- 8.06) was statistically associated with high physical violence whereas factors like spent night under plastic shelter (AOR: 2.36, 95%C.I: 1.02- 5.46), spent night under bridge (AOR: 0.47, 95%C.I: 0.25- 0.89), can read and write (AOR: 0.11, 95%C.I: 0.03- 0.41), Attended/ washed cars(AOR: 0.48, 95%C.I: 0.27- 0.88) and begging (AOR: 0.40, 95%C.I: 0.17-0.96) pose less risk of having high physical violence.Conclusion: Street children are experiencing low to high physical violence and a number of factors are contributing to this problem in the study setting. Intersectoral collaboration and efforts are needed to alleviate physical violence among street children. Policy formulation and law enforcement targeting to this street children and perpetrator is needed locally and nationally.
Increased Ratio of sST2/LVMI Predicted Cardiovascular Mortality and Heart Failure Rehospitalization in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Fuhai , Xu Mengying , Fu Mingqiang , Cui Xiaotong , Zhou Jingmin , Ge Junbo
Published: October 2020

Background: Inflammation is considered to be one of the principal triggering mechanisms for Left ventricular (LV) fibroblast and remodeling in heart failure(HF), which are related to adverse events in HF failure patients. Soluble ST2 (sST2), a member of the interleukin-1 receptor family, is assumed to play a significant role in the inflammatory response of fibroblasts. The present study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of sST2/ left ventricular mass index (LVMI), a parameter of the pre-fibrotic inflammatory phase of heart failure in comparative to remodeling, in the heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).Methods: The present study was a cohort study. A total of 45 consecutive patients with suspected HFrEF from 1/9/2015 to 31/12/2016 were prospectively enrolled. The target-independent variable was the ratio of sST2/LVMI measured at baseline. The primary endpoint was the composite endpoint of cardiovascular-cause mortality or heart failure readmission. The prognostic impact of the ratio of sST2/LVMI was evaluated by multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression model.Results: 45 patients were enrolled, the average age was 48±14 years old, and about 20% of them were male. Patients were followed for 9 months, during which the primary outcome occurred in 15 patients. By Kaplan–Meier analysis, patients with high ratio of the ratio of sST2/LVMI ≥ 0.39 had shorter event-free survival than the middle ( ratio of sST2/LVMI between 0.39 and 0.24) and low ratio of sST2/LVMI (ratio of sST2/LVMI < 0.24) patients (log-rank, P = 0.022). Results of fully-adjusted multivariable Cox regression analysis showed the ratio of sST2/LVMI was positively associated with the composite outcome of HFrEF patients after adjusting confounders hazard ratio (HR) 1.64, 95% CI (1.06, 2.54). By subgroup analysis, a stronger association was found in patients whose ages between 40 and 55 years old, systolic blood pressure ＜115 or≥129mmHg, diastolic blood pressure< 74 mmHg, hematocrit < 44.5%, and interventricular septum ≥8.5mm.Conclusion: In HFrEF patients, the relationship between the ratio of sST2/LVMI and the composite outcome is linear. A higher baseline ratio of sST2/LVMI levels is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization in patients with HFrEF in the short term follow up.
Current knowledge of Chagas-related heart disease among pediatric cardiologists in the United States
Authors: Malhotra Sanchi , Masood Imran , Giglio Noberto , Pruetz Jay D. , Pannaraj Pia S.
Published: October 2020

BackgroundChagas disease is a pathogenic parasitic infection with approximately 8 million cases worldwide and greater than 300,000 cases in the United States (U.S.). Chagas disease can lead to chronic cardiomyopathy and cardiac complications, with variable cardiac presentations in pediatrics making it difficult to recognize. The purpose of our study is to better understand current knowledge and experience with Chagas related heart disease among pediatric cardiologists in the U.S.MethodsWe prospectively disseminated a 19-question survey to pediatric cardiologists via 3 pediatric cardiology listservs. The survey included questions about demographics, Chagas disease presentation and experience.ResultsOf 139 responses, 119 cardiologists treat pediatric patients in the U.S. and were included. Most providers (87%) had not seen a case of Chagas disease in their practice; however, 72% also had never tested for it. The majority of knowledge-based questions about Chagas disease cardiac presentations were answered incorrectly, and 85% of providers expressed discomfort with recognizing cardiac presentations in children. Most respondents selected that they would not include Chagas disease on their differential diagnosis for presentations such as conduction anomalies, myocarditis and/or apical aneurysms, but would be more likely to include it if found in a Latin American immigrant. Of respondents, 87% agreed that they would be likely to attend a Chagas disease-related lecture.ConclusionsPediatric cardiologists in the U.S. have seen very few cases of Chagas disease, albeit most have not sent testing or included it in their differential diagnosis. Most individuals agreed that education on Chagas disease would be worth-while.
Hybrid Image Steganography Method Using LZW and Genetic Algorithm for Hiding Confidential Data
Authors: Almawgani Abdulkarem , Alhawari Adam , Alarashi Wlaed , Alshwal Ali
Published: October 2020

Digital images are commonly used in steganography due to the popularity of digital image transfer and exchange through the Internet. However, the tradeoff between managing high capacity of secret data and ensuring high security and quality of stego image is a major challenge. In this paper, a hybrid steganography method based on Haar Discrete Wavelet Transform (HDWT), Lempel Ziv Welch (LZW) algorithm, Genetic Algorithm (GA), and the Optimal Pixel Adjustment Process (OPAP) is proposed. The cover image is divided into non-overlapping blocks of nxn pixels. Then, the HDWT is used to increase the robustness of the stego image against attacks. In order to increase the capacity for, and security of, the hidden image, the LZW algorithm is applied on the secret message. After that, the GA is employed to give the encoded and compressed secret message cover image coefficients. The GA is used to find the optimal mapping function for each block in the image. Lastly, the OPAP is applied to reduce the error, i.e., the difference between the cover image blocks and the stego image blocks. This step is a further improvement to the stego image quality. The proposed method was evaluated using four standard images as covers and three types of secret messages. The results demonstrate higher visual quality of the stego image with a large size of embedded secret data than what is generated by already-known techniques. The experimental results show that the information-hiding capacity of the proposed method reached to 50% with high PSNR (52.83 dB). Thus, the herein proposed hybrid image steganography method improves the quality of the stego image over those of the state-of-the-art methods.
Aberrant activated APOBEC3B is associated with p53 mutant-driven refractory/relapsed Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Xuzhao , Wu Zhaoxing , Liang Yun , Li Jinfan , Huang Liansheng , Yu Teng , Xu Yang , Yu Qingfeng , Zhang Xuteng , Li Xiuzhen , Xu Xiaohua , Wang Weiqin , Xu Genbo , Zhang Xiaohong , Lv Qinghua , Fang Yongming , Ma An , Zhao Xiaoying , Yu Xiaofang , Xu Rongzhen
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAlthough treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has progressed considerably in recent years, treatment failure still occurs in about 40% of patients who are refractory/relapse. Recent studies suggest that TP53 mutation may be an important cause of refractory/relapse in DLBCL, but the cause of TP53 mutation remains unclear. MethodsIn the present study, the correlation between TP53 mutation status and APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B expression in DLBCL specimens was searched by detecting the correlation between TP53 mutation and APOBEC3B expression in combination with database informatics analysis. Further, the relationship between APOBEC3B expression and TP53 mutation was analyzed by constructing APOBEC3B induced expression DLBCL cell lines. The effects of APOBEC3B-induced TP53 mutants on DLBCL cell proliferation and drug resistance were also tested. ResultsWe identify APOBEC3B as a critical factor that regulates p53-mutant driven drug resistance of DLBCL. APOBEC3B induces TP53 mutations of DLBCL cells, and its mutation patterns are similar to those in DLBCL patients. Moreover, APOBEC3B-induced p53 mutants promoted growth of DLBCL cells as well as contributed to drug resistance. In human DLBCL, APOBEC3B is aberrantly activated and associated with p53 mutant-mediated refractory/relapsed DLBCL. ConclusionThese findings yield insights into the mechanism of refractory/relapsed DLBCL induced by p53 mutants and reveal APOBEC3B as a new therapeutic target.
The effect of dynamic prosthetic alignment on the transtibial gait: Analyzing with Opensim
Authors: Luengas-C Lely , Camargo Esperanza , Garzón Enrique
Published: October 2020

After amputation, fitting of the prosthesis in the adaptation and gait of an individual is crucial. However, this known dynamic alignment process is subjective on the part of the professional who makes said adjustment, compromising the stability of the individual. Therefore, a kinematic model to analyze the effects of dynamic alignment during the transtibial amputees gait in the sagittal plane using Opensim was developed. For this group, the socket position (Flexion and Extension, Abduction and Adduction) and the movements of prosthetic foot (Plantarflexion and Dorsiflexion, Inversion and Eversion) were analyzed. In opensim, the “osim” pilot was amputated incorporating a transtibial prosthesis that was previously modeled in Solid work, with a Matlab script the variation of the position of the prosthesis using inverse kinematics was simulated, results were validated on a subject with wireless sensors for the measurement. The model showed that acceptable gait patterns are found in positive variations between 2 ° and 6° for the socket and 2 ° for the prosthetic foot.
The linear regression equation for pressurised metered-dose inhaler: Using canister weight to predict balance actuation in asthma inhaler
Authors: Gunasekaran Gobi Hariyanayagam , Arif Syazwan Faiz b. Kamal Al , Gunasekaran Shargunan Selvanthan , Gunasekaran Sera Selvanthan Sundram
Published: October 2020

INTRODUCTION Pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) are not equipped with dose counters hence the balance actuation in a canister could not be determined. Each actuation expels a considerable amount of active ingredients and excipients from a canister, thus the balance actuation remaining in a pMDI based on canister weight could be evaluated using a linear regression equation.METHODOLOGY New pMDIs of 5 active ingredients [salbutamol (GSK) 200 actuation, budesonide (Glenmark) 300 actuation, ipratropium/fenoterol (Boehringer) 200 actuation, fluticasone (GSK/innovator) 120 actuation, fluticasone (Cipla/generic) 120 actuation, and beclometasone (Ivax) 200 actuation] was weighted . using a laboratory scale (Sartorius R200D; 0.01g accuracy). Two of each pMDI were weighed after each actuation, with a 30-second inter-puff interval, and the mean weight was recorded. To minimise variability in measurements, weighing was limited to one operator. The canister was considered empty when there were no changes in weight after repeated actuation. The prediction equation (one for each pMDI) was the line of best fit through data points on the scatter plot of the number of actuations versus weight.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION There was low variability between pMDIs weights (SD: 0.03g-0.08g)] of the same active ingredients indicating manufacturing uniformity among canisters. Prediction equations were generated for each type of active ingredients, where the general equation is: Actuation remaining = Constant + β*pMDI weight.CONCLUSION This study produced a prediction equation that can be used to estimate remaining actuation in a pMDI based on its weight. Weighing medication canister could be used to measure actuation remaining in pMDIs, as well as patients’ adherence to pMDIs.
Treatment of Pathological Tooth Migration using Non- Surgical Periodontal Therapy
Authors: Agarwal Ashish , Gummaluri Shiva  Shankar
Published: October 2020

Migration or drifting of teeth is always multifactorial. This is one of the major concerns in the field of dentistry. On long standing periodontal disease this pathological migratory phenomenon occurs. Treating this pathological tooth migration requires some of the modalities like periodontal therapy/ orthodontic therapy/ restorative therapy. But in some cases periodontal therapy alone plays an important role in spontaneous correction of PTM. Present case report also demonstrate the spontaneous correction of mandibular anterior tooth proclination and slight amount of open bite with non- surgical periodontal therapy (periodontal therapy) alone
Biomarkers of Healthy and Diseased Pulp and Periapical Tissue: A Review
Authors: Jain Atul , Aurwade Vinod , Bahuguna Rachana , Agarwal Abhinay
Published: October 2020

Establishing an accurate diagnosis is the first and prime requisite, in initiating the correct treatment, but unfortunately due to the limitations of the diagnostic procedure, this step can be highly confounding. Biological marker serves as a parameter, that is indicative of underlying physiology and health of the tissue. Healthy and diseased pulp and periapical tissue, tend to reflect physiologic and pathologic agents, which on isolation and estimation, can help diagnose, the condition more conclusively. Use of these agents, along with signs, symptoms, result of various tests, can aid in establishing the condition, more precisely. This review article focuses upon, identification of biomarkers, that play important role in pathogenesis of dental caries, pulpal and periapical pathosis and help to diagnose the pathological and healthy condition accurately, thus guide decisions, regarding clinical treatment.

Key words: biological products, biomarkers, dental Caries, dental Pulp, diagnostic Tests
Features of image formation of higher education institutions to increase the rating in the market of educational services
Authors: Maystrenko Olga , Kinas Iryna
Published: October 2020

The article identifies a significant deformation of education, which led to the opening of new edu¬cational institutions. The authors noted the change of priorities in the state regarding the image of knowledge and education. This article examines the problem of creating a positive image for higher education institutions; orientation of modern educational institutions on search, development, and application of managerial cognitive and artistic means of creating a positive image of educational institution, reflection in this image of internal, essential meanings, maintenance and tasks, features of its activity. The authors investigated certain shifts in the market of educational services, namely: increasing so¬ciety’s requirements for the quality of vocational education, constant updates of teaching technology, rapidly changing economic conditions of universities, intensification of competition in the market of educational services. All this causes the urgent problem of finding new sources of increasing the competitiveness of higher education, the basic indicator of which is the image. The authors consider approaches to rating higher education institutions. The most famous interna¬tional university rankings are analyzed. The theoretical and methodological approaches and the basic principles of university rankings are compared. Using cluster analysis to enhance the competitiveness of higher education institutions, expand their capabilities and take them to the next level. The cluster analysis was conducted to determine the activity of students, graduates, employees, employers in the life of the university, their awareness of the symbolism of the university. As the students are not part of the university, their answers were not taken into account. The technological chain of formation of public attitude to the HEA through event measures was also formed.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE KEMALIST MODERNIZATION FOR MODERNIZATION THEORY
Authors: SAYLAN İbrahim , ÖZDİKMENLİ ÇELİKOĞLU İlkim
Published: October 2020

Modernization theory, which dominated academic studies from the early 1950s until the late 1970s, attributed a “special place” to the Turkish case among many other non-Western countries, with a special emphasis on the Kemalist modernization of the Early Republican Period. This paper seeks to explore the reasons for Turkey’s special place and the ways Kemalist modernization is positioned vis-a-vis other non-Western countries by tracking the scholarly works by Walt Rostow, Dankwart Rustow, Daniel Lerner, Bernard Lewis and Shmuel Eisenstadt. Without ignoring the particular reflections of disciplinary perspectives they have, their analyses of the Turkish case are investigated with a focus on a number of common themes. Thus, this study does not only shed light on the historical origins of the so-called “Turkish model”, it also seeks to provide a basis for future studies in making a more empirically grounded critique of modernization theory’s analysis of the Turkish case.
MAIN MINERALS AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN COMMERCIAL ROASTED AND GROUND COFFEE: AN EXPLORATORY DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: Kalschne Daneysa , Silva Nathalia , Canan Cristiane , Benassi Marta , Flores Eder , Leite Oldair
Published: October 2020

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, however, little information is found regarding the mineral composition of commercial roasted and ground coffees (RG) and its correlation with organic bioactive compounds. 21 commercial Brazilian RG coffee brands - 9 traditional (T) and 12 extra strong (ES) roasted ones - were analyzed for the Cu, Ca, Mn, Mg, K, Zn, and Fe minerals, caffeine, 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) and melanoidins contents. For minerals determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), the samples were decomposed by microwave-assisted wet digestion. Caffeine and 5-CQA were determined by liquid chromatography and melanoidins by molecular absorption spectrometry. The minerals and organic compounds contents association in RG coffee was observed by a principal component analysis. The thermostable compounds (minerals and caffeine) were related to dimension 1 and 2, while 5-CQA and melanoidins were related to dimension 3, allowing for the T coffees segmentation from ES ones.
Applications of Nanomaterials in Architectural Design
Authors: Mohamed Hala Abdelmoez
Published: October 2020

Recently Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies play a major role in architectural design; building materials combined with nanotechnology became smaller, lighter, and work better than what is possible with conventional materials.Many distinguish applications have been established in architecture and construction industry, for example improving the performance of traditional building materials, both structural materials such as (concrete, steel and wood) and nonstructural materials such as (glass, coating, and Air purification).Presenting number of study cases for Nonstructural Nanomaterial applications.
Concepções e práticas docentes
Authors: Zorzi Analisa , Aragón Rosane , Boff Turchielo Luciana
Published: October 2020

Este artigo analisa concepções e práticas pedagógicas de dois cursos de Pedagogia, realizados na modalidade a distância. A pesquisa fundamenta-se na discussão teórica sobre currículo na formação de professores, considerando as perspectivas de Sacristán (2000), Mckernan (2009) e Nóvoa (2017).  Os dados deste estudo qualitativo são as produções escritas e publicadas sobre os cursos na forma de artigos, capítulos de livros e dissertações de mestrado, disponíveis em repositórios digitais com acesso on-line. Uma análise de conteúdo foi realizada com base em categorias que permitiram mapear e compreender os modelos de formação “em ação”, destacando-se como as especificidades dos currículos sustentaram as aprendizagens dos estudantes. Os resultados evidenciam que a articulação teoria e prática, elemento central nos projetos pedagógicos dos cursos, foi efetivada (currículo real) mediante uma estratégia de formação baseada em análises e reflexões sobre as experiências dos alunos em seus espaços de docência, favorecendo os processos de aprendizagem.
Etnomapeamento na Reserva Indígena Caramuru Paraguaçu
Authors: Thompson Silva Leonardo , Souza Adriana Silva , Sousa Ana Cristina de , Camuso Carla Sandra Silva
Published: October 2020

O artigo refere-se ao etnomapeamento da Reserva Indígena Caramuru Paraguaçu, sul da Bahia. Em conformidade com a proposta de elaboração de mapas mentais por povos e comunidades tradicionais, a metodologia envolveu a coleta de dados sobre a localização de construções e referências espaciais do território Pataxó Hãhãhãe. O objetivo é que o mapa seja material didático para a escola indígena local. Resulta de um processo coletivo de levantamento de informações históricas relacionadas à ocupação deste espaço, em uma atuação integrada de discentes e docentes da Licenciatura Intercultural Indígena (LINTER) do IFBA Porto Seguro.
O espaço Senegambiano:
Authors: Aleixo Pires dos Reis Lucas
Published: October 2020

Este artigo tem o objetivo de analisar de que maneira o comércio interno de ferro desenvolvido na região da Senegâmbia pode nos auxiliar em uma nova compreensão sobre as relações sociais que conformaram o espaço senegambiano durante o século XVI. Critica-se uma visão dicotômica da região caraterizada pela hierarquização dos povos ao norte e ao sul da região em sociedades que apresentavam ou não organização estatal. Utilizando-se de relatos de viagem, a principal linha de análise de baseia na percepção das diferentes rotas comerciais e da construção de espaços sociais proposta por Jean-Loup Amselle, possível de ser compreendido através dos conceitos de cadeia de sociedades e espaços de troca.
O sertão de Guimarães Rosa e suas armadilhas
Authors: Ochiussi Glener
Published: October 2020

Este trabalho pretende analisar o conto “-Uai, eu?”, publicado por João Guimarães Rosa em 1967, por meio ferramental teórico da história dos espaços. Para começar, desenvolvemos algumas reflexões sobre os distanciamentos e as aproximações entre o discurso literário e a narrativa histórica, de onde depreendemos a possibilidade de utilizar a literatura como fonte histórica (âmbito da história da cultura). Em seguida, munidos da teoria da literatura, e em busca de algumas facetas do “sertão rosiano”, passamos à leitura analítica do conto. Ao que se sucede, por fim, com base nas pesquisas de Gancho (2003), Leonel (2017), Braudel (2014) e Albuquerque Júnior (2011), a problematização da temática do espaço e sua respectiva importância para a interpretação de “-Uai, eu?”. A conclusão é a de que, no desfecho do conto, a transformação completa de Jimirulino esbarra em seu maior obstáculo cultural (gestado pela dinâmica do “sertão rosiano”), qual seja, nutrir por Mimoso certa afeição.
Literatura e História na obra O cão sem plumas
Authors: Cardoso de Quadros Aurora
Published: October 2020

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar a relação entre Literatura e História na obra O cão sem plumas, de João Cabral de Melo Neto. Por meio do método comparativo, parte-se do fato de que essa combinação é pressuposto básico da representação mimética. O foco do estudo lança um olhar para as faces do poema, representativo do Rio Capibaribe, oscilando entre o ângulo do historiador e o ângulo do poeta. Como resultado do estudo, pode-se entender a constatação de que a história está na poesia, como a poesia está na história, numa interação cooperativa e complementar. Tomam-se, como base teórica de reflexão sobre a ligação entre as duas áreas, autores como Sidney Chalhoub e Afrânio Coutinho, que apresentam abordagemassociativa entre ambas e possibilitam a confirmação dessa interação.
A construção do espaço e da memória sonora da cidade de Sobral e da seca de 77-78 em Luzia-Homem
Authors: Martins Braga Débora Maria
Published: October 2020

O presente artigo busca analisar o processo de construção da memória sonora do período da grande seca na cidade de Sobral entre 1877 até 1878 tendo como objeto de análise o romance naturalista-regionalista Luzia-Homem de Domingos Olímpio, a partir disso analisaremos a relação entre os conceitos de sonoridade, literatura, história e memória. A memória sonora é tida como um espaço de totalidade de sons que compõem a realidade, carregada de significados multicilturais e identitários compartilhados pelo grupo; neste sentido, encaramos a espaço da cidade como um espaço praticado e dinâmico. Os autores que embasam nossas considerações são: Schafer (2001), Chartier (2009), Pesavento (2005), Melo (2017), Lefebvre(2000) e Ricoeur (2007).
EFICIÊNCIA NA ARRECADAÇÃO TRIBUTÁRIA DOS MUNICÍPIOS POTIGUARES
Authors: Dantas das Chagas Neto Manoel , Da Silva Ferreira Francisco Danilo , Nunes de Souza José Antônio
Published: October 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o desempenho tributário dos municípios do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte no período de 2002 a 2016. Metodologicamente, estimou-se a Fronteira Estocástica de Produção de Impostos, desenvolvida por Battese (1992). Realizou-se uma análise descritiva, comparando a taxa de crescimento das receitas próprias com as taxas de crescimento do FPM e PIB setorial. Após a estimação do modelo econométrico, observou-se que a variável população e o PIB de serviços impactaram de forma positiva sobre as receitas. Por outro lado, o FPM gerou ineficiência na arrecadação própria, causando um efeito “Preguiça Fiscal” nas receitas.
Analyzing Operational Sustainability of Organization
Authors: Tikhomirov E. A.
Published: October 2020

The article studies strategic and operational sustainability of organization and provides methodological approach to analyzing of company business sustainability. The author introduces index of business sustainability, which allows us to monitor operational sustainability of organizations on the basis of income and product (service) cost. Methodology of calculating the index of business sustainability with the help of data given in Form P-5 (m) of statistic reporting was provided. On the basis of business sustainability index its flexibility can be analyzed as the correlation of business sustainability index of the current and previous periods. It is shown that in case this correlation exceeds 1, sustainability of enterprise development rises, if it is 1, then sustainability of enterprise development maintains and if it is lower than 1, sustainability of enterprise development drops and managerial solutions are required to raise sustainability of enterprise development. At the same time factors affecting business sustainability were identified, including the remuneration fund, which should be retained and increased in case of other cost optimization.
Stimulating the Banking Sector Participation in the System of the Real Sector of Economy Support
Authors: Altukhova E. V. , Markov M. A.
Published: October 2020

The development of the real sector is essential to ensure the growth of national economy in any country. The principle institution working with money in economy is banks. They maintain cash circulation of real sector companies and act as a source of investment, which is allocated in the form of banking credits. Taking into account the fact that the goal of stimulating the real economy growth is set not only for the banking system but for economy in general, the approach to its attaining should be complex and systematic. Because of that it is very important to develop a list of steps that could provide a differentiated approach in the system of supporting companies of the real sector. Such measures’ implementation includes the participation of development institutions and therefore, banks in the system of national projects realization. Upgrading legislative regulation in the sphere of interaction between banks and business entities is extremely important as well as the development of new finance tools providing the growth in finance potential in the real sector of economy. The article analyzes banks’ participation in crediting the real sector of economy in Russia, studies the key characteristics of crediting and puts forward steps both on the macro- and micro-level, which could coordinate economic interests of companies and banks and cut costs.
Impacts of Secondary Mixed Monomer on Properties of Thin Film Composite (TFC) Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis Membranes: A Review
Authors: Origomisan John O. , Lau Woei J. , Aziz Farhana , Ismail Ahmad F.
Published: October 2020

Polyamide (PA) Thin-Film Composite (TFC) membranes are widely used for
large-scale water and wastewater treatment processes worldwide owing to their good balance
between water permeability and dissolved solutes separation rate. The physicochemical
properties of the cross-linked PA layer are the main criteria determining the filtration performance
of the resultant TFC membrane, and this selective layer can be created through Interfacial
Polymerization (IP) between two immiscible active monomers, i.e., amine monomer
in aqueous solution and acyl chloride monomer in organic solution. This patent review
article intends to provide insights to researchers in fabricating improved properties of TFC
membranes through the utilization of secondary monomers during IP process. To the best of
our knowledge, this is the first review that gives a state-of-the-art account of the subject
matter by emphasizing the impacts of secondary monomers (both amine and acyl chloride
monomers) on the properties of conventional TFC membranes for nanofiltration and reverse
osmosis applications. Our review indicated that the introduction of secondary monomers into
either aqueous or organic solution could alter the physical and chemical properties of PA
layer, which led to variations in membrane filtration performance. Nevertheless, more research
is still required, as most of the secondary monomers reported in the literature did not
overcome the membrane trade-off effect between permeability and selectivity. The subject
of improved PA layer development is a multi-disciplinary study that requires researchers
with different backgrounds (e.g., materials science, chemistry, physics and engineering) to
work together.