bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of insulin degludec versus insulin glargine U100 in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Bulgaria
Authors: Russel-Szymczyk Monika , Valov Vasil , Savova Alexandra , Manova Manoela
Published: September 2019

Background This study investigates the cost-effectiveness of insulin degludec (degludec) versus biosimilar insulin glargine U100 (glargine U100) in patients with type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Bulgaria.Methods A simple, short-term model was used to compare the treatment costs and outcomes associated with hypoglycaemic events with degludec versus glargine U100 in patients with T1DM and T2DM from the perspective of the Bulgarian National Health Insurance Fund. Cost-effectiveness was analysed over a 1-year time horizon using data from clinical trials. The outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).Results Degludec was highly cost-effective versus glargine U100 in people with T1DM and T2DM in Bulgaria. The ICERs were estimated to be 4,493.68 BGN/quality-adjusted life year (QALY) in T1DM, 399.11 BGN/QALY in T2DM on basal oral therapy (T2DM BOT ) and 7,365.22 BGN/QALY in T2DM on basal bolus therapy (T2DM B/B ), which all fall below the cost-effectiveness threshold of 39,619 BGN in Bulgaria. Insulin costs were higher with degludec in all three patient groups, however these were partially offset by savings from a reduction in hypoglycaemic events with degludec versus glargine U100. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the results were robust and largely insensitive to variations in input parameters. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of 39,619 BGN/QALY, the probability of degludec being cost-effective versus glargine U100 was 60.0% in T1DM, 99.4% in T2DM BOT and 91.3% in T2DM B/B .Conclusion Degludec is a cost-effective alternative to biosimilar glargine U100 for patients with T1DM and T2DM in Bulgaria. Degludec could be of particular benefit to those patients suffering recurrent hypoglycaemia and those who require additional flexibility in the dosing of insulin.
Return to Play After Hip Arthroscopy Among Tennis Players: Outcomes with Minimum Five-Year Follow-up
Authors: Maldonado David R. , Yelton Mitchell J. , Rosinsky Philip J. , Shapira Jacob , Meghpara Mitchell , Domb Benjamin
Published: September 2019

Background: Playing tennis is associated with various movements that can lead to labral injuries and may require arthroscopic surgery. While hip arthroscopies have demonstrated good outcomes in athletes, there is limited literature reporting Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) and return to play in competitive or recreational tennis players after hip arthroscopic surgery. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to (1) report minimum five-year PROs and return to sport in tennis players who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery and (2) compare outcomes between recreational and competitive tennis players.
Methods: Data for patients who underwent hip arthroscopy surgery in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears between March 2009 and January 2014 and who played tennis at any level within one-year of surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with preoperative and minimum five-year postoperative scores for the following PROs were included: modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Patients with preoperative Tönnis osteoarthritis Grade >1, Workers’ Compensation claims, age > 60 years old, or previous ipsilateral hip surgeries or conditions were excluded. Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State (PASS) and Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for mHHS and HOS-SSS were calculated.
Results: Of 28 patients, 31 hips met all inclusion and exclusion criteria of which 28 (90.3%) had minimum 5-year follow-up (mean: 72.8 ± 13.9 months). There were 3 professional, 3 collegiate, 2 high school, 2 organized amateur, and 18 recreational level tennis players. All PROs significantly improved at latest follow-up: mHHS from 67.0 to 86.7 (P < 0.001), NAHS from 65.9 to 87.2 (P < 0.001), HOS-SSS from 50.0 to 77.9 (P = 0.009), and VAS from 5.4 to 1.8 (P < 0.001). There was a 75.0% return to sport rate. Additionally, 66.7% of patients achieved MCID and 83.3% achieved PASS for mHHS, and 63.6% achieved MCID and 58.3% achieved PASS for HOS-SSS.
Conclusion: Regardless of the level of participation, tennis players who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery reported statistically significant PRO improvements. A favorable rate of return to sport was also achieved.
Evaluation of the "Licence, Master, Doctorate" reform at the Health Sciences faculty of the University of Lomé: strengths and weaknesses
Authors: TECLESSOU Julienne , KPELAO Essossinam , SAKA Bayaki
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the License, Master, and Doctorate (LMD) reform since its introduction to the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Lomé.MethodsIt was an opinion poll conducted from August 1 to November 1, 2018 among teachers of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Lome. We have studied the general data, the strengths and weaknesses, the problems generated and not yet solved by the LMD.ResultsSeventy-six of the 113 teachers answered the questionnaires. The median age of teachers was 41 years and M / F sex ratio of = 11.7. More than half (64.5%) of the teachers had not received training on the implementation of the LMD reform at the Health Sciences Faculty (HSF).The course explanation (100%) associated with the delivery of lessons as a mimeograph (89.5%) was the first method of instruction. The main strengths of the LMD were a better system of student evaluation (homework organization, limitation of frauds) (27.6%) and the organization of lessons in teaching unit with teaching unit capitalization (26.3%). The weak points were the lack of human and material resources (27.6%), the plethoric number of students (22.4%) and the fact that the LMD reform is not adapted to the FSS (22.4%). The bloated number of students was the problem caused by the LMD according to 40.8% of the teachers and the problem not yet solved by the LMD was the absence of intermediate degrees actually delivered during the training according to 34.2% of the teachers.ConclusionThe entry of Togo's public universities into the LMD reform is justified by a subregional integration objective. However, it is necessary to adapt this reform to local realities in order to ensure proper training and facilitate the task for the various actors.
Assessment of The Reproducibility And Precision For Milling And Prototyped Surgical Guides
Authors: Mukai Sueli , Mukai Eduardo , DDS Jamil Awad Shibli , GIRO GABRIELA
Published: September 2019

Background: Technological advancements in dentistry in the past decade have led to many innovations and improvements. These advances have led to faster procedures that are more comfortable for the patient and dental surgeon compared to standard methodologies, such as conventional impressions and implant placement surgeries performed without surgical guides or with conventional handmade guides, which generate less predictable results. Use of CAD/CAM technology, both in manufacturing prostheses and in surgical planning, has led to optimization of the procedures and reductions of patient morbidity. Techniques have been developed for the preparation of surgical guides with the goal of optimizing the surgical procedure. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the reproducibility and precision of two types of surgical guides, obtained by using prototyping and milling methods.Methods: A virtual model was developed, which allowed the virtual design of surgical guide projections that were milled (n = 10) or prototyped (n = 10). Surgical guides were digitally oriented and overlapped on the virtual model that had generated them. In this way, mismatches from the master model were determined. Coefficients of variation, root mean square deviations, and mismatches during an overlap were evaluated. Results: The evaluations showed that the prototyped surgical guides had a higher coefficient of variation than the milled guides.Conclusions: Milling of the guides resulted in smaller misalignments from the master model.
Probiotic microbes induce different resonses from bovine bronchial alveolar lavage cells in vitro
Authors: Eicher Susan D. , Chitko-McKown Carol , Bryan Keith A.
Published: September 2019

Objective
Probiotics are fed to improve enteric health, and they may also affect respiratory immunity through their exposure to the upper respiratory tract upon ingestion. However, their effect on the respiratory system is not known. Our aim was to determine how probiotics affect functions and markers of bronchoalveolar lung lavage cells (BAL) isolated from lungs of calves at slaughter. Results
Treatments consisted of ten probiotic species and one control treatment. Probiotics and BAL were incubated 1:1 for 2 h at 37° C and 5% CO2. The cell surface markers measured included CD14, CD205, and CD18, and E. coli bioparticles were used to measure phagocytosis and oxidative burst. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05 and were noted for percent cells fluorescing and mean fluorescence intensity for CD14 and CD205. Additionally, oxidative burst was different as measured by both percentage of cells fluorescing and mean fluorescence intensity, and phagocytosis differed among species as measured by mean fluorescence intensity. Overall, probiotic species differed in their ability to suppress or increase leukocyte function showing that probiotic bacteria differentially modulate BAL.
The Median Effective Dose (ED50) of cis-Atracurium for Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion during General Anaesthesia for Patients Undergoing Urinary Surgery
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Huang Ke , Yao Dongxu , Xue Jixiu , Wang Tianlong
Published: September 2019

Background
In clinical practice, the laryngeal mask airway is an easy-to-use supraglottic airway device. However, the cis- atracurium dosage for laryngeal mask insertion is not standardised. We aimed to determine the optimal dose and hypnotic median effective dose of cis- atracurium using a sequential method for successful laryngeal mask insertion when inducting general anaesthesia.
Method s :
The cohort study protocol is registered at clinicaltrial.gov (NCT-03358680). Twenty-three patients undergoing elective urinary surgery were sequentially administered doses (mg·kg -1 ) of cis- atracurium as follows: 0.15, 0.1, 0.07, 0.05, 0.03, and 0.02. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, bispectral index, and train-of-four were continuously monitored. Successful laryngeal mask insertion occurred without resistance to mouth opening, resistance to insertion, coughing, swallowing, laryngospasm/airway obstruction, and head and body movement. The main outcome was the response to laryngeal mask airway insertion: ≥16 points and <16 points indicated “satisfactory” and “unsatisfactory” responses, respectively. The median effective dose was estimated using the mean of the seven crossovers from “satisfactory” and “unsatisfactory” responses.
Result s :
The median effective dose of cis- atracurium was 0.0265 mg·kg -1 (95% CI 0.0236-0.0298) using the sequential method. The heart rate was decreased in the 0.05 group compared to the 0.03 group at timepoints T7, T8, and T10. The systolic blood pressure was decreased in the 0.02 group compared to the 0.05 group at timepoints T2, T3, T4. The train-of-four value was significantly lower in the 0.05 group than in the 0.03 group at timepoint T3.
Conclusion s :
cis- a tracurium was a good option for muscle relaxation in urinary surgery.
Key Strategies to Address Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases: A Systematic Analysis
Authors: AlMossawi Hala Jassim , Longacre Colleen , Kak Neeraj , Joshi Sharanya
Published: September 2019

Background: Given their unpredictable nature, their direct impact on human health, as well as their wider environmental, economic, and societal impacts, emerging and reemerging infectious diseases (EIDs) require ongoing and sustained attention, funding, and response from the global community. The purpose of this paper is to understand the institutional capacities necessary to effectively respond to EIDs and highlight key strategies and potential points of intervention. Methods: We undertook a systematic analysis of the existing literature to understand what an effective preparedness and response framework for EIDs would look like. Using the Lancet Infectious Disease Journal and PubMed, we selected all relevant results that described possible epidemic preparedness interventions or EID prevention and control strategies. We included any results published in English and within the last ten years. The different interventions and/or prevention and control strategies were grouped together into larger categories to develop an effective preparedness and response framework for EIDs. Results: An ideal emerging disease preparedness and response environment should center on collaboration between all impacted sectors and a fiscal and social commitment to strengthen the capacity on all levels of the country to respond to threats as they emerge. The potentially impacted sectors are numerous, but many that have been traditionally excluded from disease preparedness activities. Conclusions: When considering how best to participate in emerging disease response activities, it is important to identify these critical points and how interventions might work to strengthen the system in entirety. While these breakdown points are common across many settings, it is imperative that the preparedness and response activities be contextualized to specifics of the disease and setting.
Stable intronic sequence RNAs (sisRNAs) are selected regions in introns with distinct properties
Authors: Jin Jing , He Ximiao , Silva Elena M
Published: September 2019

Stable introns and intronic fragments make up the largest population of RNA in the oocyte nucleus of the frog Xenopus tropicalis . These stable intronic sequence RNAs (sisRNAs) persist through the onset of zygotic transcription when synchronous cell division has ended and the developing embryo consists of approximately 8000 cells. Despite their abundance, the sequence properties and biological function of sisRNAs are just beginning to be understood. To characterize this population of noncoding RNA, we identified all of the sisRNAs in the X. tropicalis oocyte nucleus using the published high-throughput RNA sequencing data. Our analysis revealed that sisRNAs, have an average length of ~360 bps, are widely expressed from genes with multiple introns, and are derived from specific regions of introns that are GC and TG rich, while CpG poor. They are enriched in introns at both ends of transcripts but preferentially at the 3’ end. The consensus binding sites of specific transcription factors such as Stat3 are enriched in sisRNAs, suggesting an association between sisRNAs and transcription factors involved in early development. Evolutionary conservation analysis of sisRNA sequences in seven vertebrate genomes indicates that sisRNAs are as conserved as other parts of introns, but much less conserved than exons. In total, our results indicate sisRNAs are selected intron regions with distinct properties, supporting a biological function in gene expression regulation.
Primary care service use by end-of-life cancer patients: a nationwide retrospective cohort study in the United Kingdom
Authors: Gao Wei , Gulliford Martin , Morgan Myfanwy , Higginson Irene J
Published: September 2019

Background End of life(EoL) care becomes more complex and increasingly takes place in the community but there is little data on the use of general practice (GP) services to guide care improvement. This study aims to determine the trends and factors associated with GP consultation, prescribing and referral to other care services amongst cancer patients in the last year of life.Methods A nationwide, retrospective cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research DataLink(CPRD) in the United Kingdom primary care, 2001-2014. Outcome variables were number of GP consultations(primary), number of prescriptions and referral to other care services (yes vs no) in the last year of life. Explanatory variables included socio-demographics, clinical characteristics and the status of palliative care needs recognised or not. The association between outcome and explanatory variables were evaluated using multiply adjusted risk ratio(aRR).Results Of 68,523 terminal cancer patients, 70% were aged 70+, 75% had comorbidities and 45.5% had palliative care needs recognised. In the last year of life, a typical cancer patient had 43 GP consultations (Standard deviation(SD): 31.7; total=3,031,734), 71.5 prescriptions (SD: 68.0; total=5,074,178), and 21 (SD: 13.0) different drugs; 58% of patients had at least one referral covering all main clinical specialities. More comorbid conditions, prostate cancer and having palliative care needs recognised were associated with more primary care consultations, more prescriptions and a higher chance of referral (aRRs 1.07-2.03). Increasing age was related to fewer consultations (aRRs: 0.77-0.96), less prescriptions(aRR 1.09-1.44), and a higher chance of referral (aRRs 1.08-1.16) but less likely to have palliative care needs recognised(aRRs 0.53-0.89).Conclusions GPs are very involved in the end of life care of cancer patients, most of whom having complex care needs, i.e. older age, comorbidity and polypharmacy. This highlights the importance of enhancing primary palliative care skills among GPs and the imperative of a greater integration of primary care with other healthcare professionals including oncologists, palliative care specialists, geriatricians and pharmacists. Research into the potential of deprescribing is warranted. Older patients have poorer access to both primary care and palliative care need to be addressed in future practices.
A unified nomenclature for vertebrate olfactory receptors
Authors: Olender Tsviya , Jones Tamsin E.M. , Twik Michal , Bruford Elspeth , Lancet Doron
Published: September 2019

Background Olfactory receptors (ORs) are G protein-coupled receptors with a crucial role in odor detection. A typical mammalian genome harbors ~1000 OR genes and pseudogenes; however, different gene duplication/deletion events have occurred in each species, resulting in complex orthology relationships. While the human OR nomenclature is widely accepted and based on phylogenetic classification into 18 families and further into subfamilies, for other mammals different and multiple nomenclature systems are currently in use, thus concealing important evolutionary and functional insights. Results Here we describe the Mutual Maximum Similarity (MMS) algorithm, a systematic classifier for assigning a human-centric nomenclature to any OR gene based on inter-species hierarchical pairwise similarities. MMS was applied to the OR repertoires of seven mammals and zebrafish. Altogether, we assigned symbols to 10,249 ORs. This nomenclature is supported by both phylogenetic and synteny analyses. The availability of a unified nomenclature provides a framework for diverse studies, where textual symbol comparison allows immediate identification of potential ortholog groups as well as species-specific expansions/deletions; for example, Or52e5 and Or52e5b represent a rat-specific duplication of OR52E5 . Another example is the complete absence of OR subfamily OR6Z among primate OR symbols. In other mammals, OR6Z members are located in one genomic cluster, suggesting a large deletion in the great ape lineage. An additional 14 mammalian OR subfamilies are missing from the primate genomes. While in chimpanzee 87% of the symbols were identical to human symbols, this number decreased to ~50% in dog and cow and to ~30% in rodents, reflecting the adaptive changes of the OR gene superfamily across diverse ecological niches. Application of the proposed nomenclature to zebrafish revealed similarity to mammalian ORs that could not be detected from the current zebrafish olfactory receptor gene nomenclature. Conclusions We have consolidated a unified standard nomenclature system for the vertebrate OR superfamily. The new nomenclature system will be applied to cow, horse, dog and chimpanzee by the Vertebrate Gene Nomenclature Committee and its implementation is currently under consideration by other relevant species-specific nomenclature committees.
Characterization of the Interleukin-17 Effect on Articular Cartilage in a Translational Model. An Explorative Study
Authors: Sinkeviciute Dovile , Aspberg Anders , He Yi , Bay-Jensen Anne-Christine , Önnerfjord Patrik
Published: September 2019

Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, chronic disease characterized by articular cartilage destruction. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 levels have been reported elevated in serum and synovial fluid of OA patients and correlated with increased cartilage defects and bone remodeling. The aim of this study was to characterize an IL-17-mediated articular cartilage degradation ex-vivo model and to investigate IL-17 effect on cartilage extracellular matrix protein turnover.
Methods
Full-depth bovine femoral condyle articular cartilage explants were cultured in serum-free medium for three weeks in the absence, or presence of cytokines: IL-17A (100 ng/ml or 25 ng/ml), or 10 ng OSM combined with 20 ng/ml TNFα (O+T). RNA isolation and PCR analysis were performed on tissue lysates to confirm IL-17 receptor expression. GAG and ECM-turnover biomarker release into conditioned media was assessed with dimethyl methylene blue and ELISA assays, respectively. Gelatin zymography was used for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and MMP9 activity assessment in conditioned media, and shotgun LC-MS/MS for identification and label-free quantification of proteins and protein fragments in conditioned media.
Results
IL-17RA mRNA was expressed in bovine full-depth articular cartilage and the treatment with IL-17A did not interfere with metabolic activity of the model. IL-17A induced cartilage breakdown; conditioned media GAG levels were 3.6-fold-elevated compared to untreated. IL-17A [100 ng/ml] induced ADAMTS-mediated aggrecan degradation fragment release (14-fold increase compared to untreated) and MMP-mediated type II collagen fragment release (6-fold-change compared to untreated). MS data analysis revealed 16 differentially expressed proteins in IL-17A conditioned media compared to untreated.
Conclusions
We showed that IL-17A has cartilage modulating potential. It induces collagen and aggrecan degradation indicating an upregulation of MMPs. This was confirmed by zymography and mass spectrometry data. We also showed that the expression of other cytokines is induced by IL-17A, which provide further insight to the pathways that are active in response to IL-17A. This exploratory study confirms that IL-17A may play a role in cartilage pathology and that the applied model may be a good tool to further investigate it.
Diagnostic capability of a linear discriminant function applied to a novel Spectralis OCT glaucoma-detection protocol
Authors: Bambo Maria Pilar , Fuentemilla Enrique , Cameo Beatriz , Fuertes Isabel , Ferrandez Blanca , Güerri Noemi , Polo Vicente , Larrosa Jose M. , Pablo Luis E. , Garcia-Martin Elena
Published: September 2019

Background: Bruch membrane opening–minimum rim width (BMO–MRW) assessment offers a new diagnostic use in glaucoma patients of the Glaucoma Module Premium Edition (GMPE) available for the Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. The objective of our research was to evaluate the diagnostic benefits of examining BMO–MRW and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) readings acquired with Spectralis OCT to distinguish between healthy and early-onset glaucoma patients, comparing those readings with the standard pRNFL application. Moreover, we investigated whether using a particular combination of BMO–MRW and pRNFL parameters with a linear discriminant function (LDF) could further enhance glaucoma diagnosis. Methods: 136 eyes from 136 individuals were incorporated into this observational, prospective cross-sectional study: 68 healthy control subjects and 68 early-onset primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. MRW and pRNFL thickness around the disc (diameters: 3.5 mm, 4.1 mm, and 4.7 mm) were obtained using the BMO–MRW protocol, and pRNFL thickness at 3.5 mm was obtained with the standard glaucoma application. The group data were contrasted. One sample was chosen at random to develop the LDF (teaching set: 34 healthy subjects and 34 POAG patients) using a combination of MRW and pRNFL parameters (acquired with the BMO–MRW protocol); the other sample provided a test of how the LDF performed on an independent group (validating set: 34 healthy subjects and 34 POAG patients). The receiver operating curves (ROCs) were plotted for every measurement and contrasted with the proposed LDF. The OCT parameters with the best area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were determined. Results: Global MRW and pRNFL thicknesses were significantly thinner in the POAG group (p < 0.001). The BMO–MRW parameters showed good diagnostic accuracy; the largest AUCs reached 0.875 for the LDF and 0.879 for global RNFL thickness using the standard glaucoma application. There were no statistical differences between the AUCs calculated. Conclusions: BMO–MRW parameters show a strong capability to differentiate between early-onset glaucoma and control eyes. Our LDF based on the new BMO–MRW OCT protocol did not perform better than isolated parameters.
Community level socioeconomic inequality in ischemic heart disease incidence: A nationwide, Cohort Study
Authors: Gwon Jun Gyo , Choi Jimi , Han Young Jin
Published: September 2019

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to confirm that the inequalities of community level social economic status (SES) actually affect ischemic heart disease (IHD) incidence, using the analysis of the Korean population-based cohort study of the National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) database.MethodsThis study used the National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort database, a population-based cohort database established by the NHIS in South Korea. The regional income level was classified in three categories, i.e. low, moderate, and high, according to the rank. The outcome measure of interest was IHD which was defined as according to the International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes. ResultsIn the low community level SES group, the incidence of IHD was 3.56 per 1,000 person years (cumulative incidence rate, 1.78%). In the high community level SES group, the incidence of IHD was 3.13 per 1,000 person years (cumulative incidence rate, 1.57%). the cumulative incidence of IHD according to the community level SES cohort during the follow-up period using the Kaplan-Meier. The log-rank test showed that the cumulative incidence of IHD was higher in the low community level SES group compared with the high community level SES group (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.32)ConclusionDifferences in SES levels at the local level may also differ in the incidence of IHD, as well as individual SES differences. Therefore, intervention in active, health-related behaviors at the local level will be required in order to reduce the IHD incidence.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from specimens of pulmonary tuberculosis suspects, Northern Tunisia: 2002-2016
Authors: Gharbi Reem , Mhenni Besma , Fraj Saloua Ben , Mardassi Helmi
Published: September 2019

Background
Reports on the worldwide ascending trend of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolation rates and their effective role in respiratory tract infections are compelling. However, as yet, there are no such data relating to Tunisia.
Methods
Here we carried out a retrospective review of mycobacterial cultures originating from Northern Tunisia, which have been processed in the laboratory of mycobacteria of the Institut Pasteur de Tunis, during the time period 2002-2016. All pulmonary NTM (PNTM) isolates available for culture were characterized phenotypically and their taxonomic status was further established based on polymorphisms in rpoB, 16S rRNA, hsp65, and sodA DNA gene sequences.
Results
Of the 10,466 specimens collected from HIV-negative Tunisian patients with presumptive clinical pulmonary TB, 60 (0.6%) yielded PNTM isolates. An overall annual PNTM isolation prevalence of 0.2/100,000 was estimated. As far as could be ascertained, this isolation rate accounts amongst the lowest reported hitherto throughout the world. Among the 30 NTM isolates that were available for culture, 27 (90.0%) have been identified to the species level. The most commonly encountered species was Mycobacterium kansasii (23.3%) subtype 1. Strikingly, all M. kansasii cases were male patients originating from Bizerte, an industrialized region particularly known for iron industry. The remaining NTM species were M. fortuitum (16.6%), M. novocastrense (16.6%), M. chelonae (10.0%), M. gordonae (6.6%), M. gadium (6.6%), M. peregrinum (3.3%), M. porcinum (3.3%), and M. flavescens (3.3%). There were no bacteria of the M. avium complex, the most frequently isolated NTM globally, and the main driver of the rise of NTM-lung diseases.
Conclusions
This study uncovered an exceptional low prevalence of PNTM isolation among HIV-negative TB suspects in Northern Tunisia, suggesting a very low burden of NTM pulmonary disease. However, the frequent isolation of M. kansasii subtype 1, the most pathogenic subtype, particularly from the industrialized region of Bizerte, strongly suggests its effective involvement in a typical pulmonary disease.
Effect of Chitosan on Histology of Reproductive Organs of Female Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Exposed to Acetate Lead
Authors: Purwitasari Alief Ayu , Rozifa Annisa' Wigati , Irawan Dwi Dianita , Kalsum Umi , Ratnawati Retty , Nurdiana Nurdiana , Anita Kenty Wantri
Published: September 2019

Lead is one of the pollutants widely spread in the environment because it is not easily decomposed. Lead can affect system functions such as the ovary and endometrium. Lead can trigger oxidative stress by reducing antioxidant enzymes and increasing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Lead can also reduce Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) levels by disturbing the hypothalamus. Chitosan is an antioxidant compound that can reduce the toxic effects of lead. The purpose of this study was to study the effects of chitosan administration on the diameter of antral follicles, the number of endometrial arterioles, and the thickness of endometrial rats after lead acetate exposure. This study was an experimental laboratory using a posttest-only control group design approach applied on 25 female rats aged 8 weeks old, body weight 125-175 grams. Lead and chitosan were given orally with a sonde. There were 5 groups, namely, negative control group (without any treatment), positive control group (lead 175mg/kg/BW), treatment group 1 (lead 175mg/kg/BW + chitosan 16mg/kg/BW, treatment group 2 (lead 175mg/kg/BW + chitosan 32mg/kg/BW), and treatment group 3 (lead 175mg/kg/BW + chitosan 64mg/kg/BW) for 30 days. The rats were sacrificed at proestrus phase, which was proven from vaginal swab. Observations were carried out using the Hematoxylin Eosin (HE) staining method. The observations were analyzed using One Way ANOVA and followed by Least Significant Differences (LSD) test. The results showed significant results (p-value <0.05). Chitosan can increase the diameter of the antral follicle, increase the number of endometrial arterioles, and increase the thickness of endometrial rats exposed by lead acetate.
Patient Engagement in Medical Research Among Older Adults: Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey
Authors: Gerido Lynette Hammond , Tang Xiang , Ernst Brittany , Langford Aisha , He Zhe
Published: September 2019

Background

By 2035, it is expected that older adults (aged 65 years and older) will outnumber children and will represent 78 million people in the US population. As the aging population continues to grow, it is critical to reduce disparities in their representation in medical research.

Objective

This study aimed to describe sociodemographic characteristics and health and information behaviors as factors that influence US adults’ interest in engaging in medical research, beyond participation as study subjects.

Methods

Nationally representative cross-sectional data from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey (N=3677) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess predictors of one’s interest in patient engagement in medical research. The independent variables included age, general health, income, race and ethnicity, education level, insurance status, marital status, and health information behaviors.

Results

We examined the association between the independent variables and patient interest in engaging in medical research (PTEngage_Interested). Patient interest in engaging in medical research has a statistically significant association with age (adjusted P<.01). Younger adults (aged 18-34 years), lower middle-aged adults (aged 35-49 years), and higher middle-aged adults (aged 50-64 years) indicated interest at relatively the same frequency (29.08%, 29.56%, and 25.12%, respectively), but older adults (aged ≥65 years) expressed less interest (17.10%) than the other age groups. After the multivariate model was run, older adults (odds ratio 0.738, 95% CI 0.500-1.088) were found to be significantly less likely to be interested in engaging in medical research than adults aged 50 to 64 years. Regardless of age, the strongest correlation was found between interest in engaging in medical research and actively looking for health information (P<.001). Respondents who did not seek health information were significantly less likely than those who did seek health information to be interested in engaging in medical research.

Conclusions

Patients’ interest in engaging in medical research vary by age and information-seeking behaviors. As the aging population continues to grow, it is critical to reduce disparities in their representation in medical research. Interest in participatory research methods may reflect an opportunity for consumer health informatics technologies to improve the representation of older adults in future medical research.
IN VITRO ANTICOAGULANT AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF PRASAPLAI RECIPE AND ZINGIBER CASSUMUNAR ROXB. EXTRACTS
Authors: SUKATI SURIYAN , JARMKOM KHEMJIRA , TECHAOEI SURACHAI , WISIDSRI NAKUNTWALAI , KHOBJAI WARACHATE
Published: September 2019

Objective: This present study aimed to evaluate the anticoagulant activity and antioxidant properties of Prasaplai recipe (PPR), a Thai traditionalmedicine, and its major ingredient, Zingiber cassumunar (ZC) Roxb. extracts, seeking new therapeutic purposes for the recipe.Methods: Aqueous extracts of PPR and ZC Roxb. were prepared by hot water decoction technique. The anticoagulant activity of the extracts wasevaluated by prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) tests. In addition to anticoagulant activity, total phenolcontent and antioxidant activity were investigated. Total phenol content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. The antioxidant activity wasestimated by DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay.Results: The APTT of plasma samples mixed with the PPR and ZC Roxb. extracts was significantly prolonged (p<0.05) at the concentration of1.0 mg/ml and above comparing to the control (normal saline solution) but was no significantly different for the PT. These results suggested thatPPR and ZC Roxb. extracts showed anticoagulant activity affecting the function of coagulation factor in the intrinsic pathway. All aqueous extractspossessed considerable antioxidant activity and were rich in total polyphenol.Conclusion: This finding indicates that the aqueous extracts possess significant anticoagulant and antioxidant activities, thus showing the potentialPPR and ZC Roxb. as a new source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic purposes, with particular emphasis on the prevention and treatment ofthrombosis.
TOCOTRIENOL-RICH FRACTION MODULATE THE PHOSPHOINOSITIDE 3-KINASES/AKT SIGNALING PATHWAY GENES AND PREVENT OXIDATIVE STRESS IN NICOTINE-INDUCED PRE-IMPLANTATION EMBRYOS
Authors: KAMSANI NURUL HAMIRAH , AB-RAHIM SHARANIZA , KAMSANI YUHANIZA SHAFINIE , NOOR KHAN NOR ASHIKIN MOHAMED , RAJIKIN MOHD HAMIM
Published: September 2019

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of the tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) on the regulations of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/Aktpathways related genes in preimplantation embryos induced by nicotine (Nic).Methods: Twenty-four female BALB/c mice were divided into four groups with Nic and TRF supplementation for 7 consecutive days. Animalswere superovulated before mating with fertile males. Plasma malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase weredetermined and analyzed accordingly. Embryos with two and eight blastomeres were assessed for gene expression analysis.Results: The levels of endogenous antioxidative enzymes for the group with TRF intervention and TRF only group showed no significant changes whencompared to the control group. The level of oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers was also significantly decreased when compared to the Nic-induced group.At 2-cell stage, Pten gene was significantly upregulated while Akt1, GSK3β, and Mapk1 were significantly downregulated almost similar to the baseline(control) in the Nic-induced mice. Intervention with TRF resulted in a significant downregulated of Pten gene followed by a significant upregulationof other genes. The same pattern was shown at the 8-cell stage.Conclusion: This showed that TRF evidently has OS protection capacity and it could be through modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
La actual crisis cultural comparada con otras anteriores
Authors: Huizinga J.
Published: September 2019
Lo individual y lo colectivo en la puntuación
Authors: Romero Lourdes
Published: September 2019

La importancia del lenguaje en sus dos aspectos: hablado y escrito. Se reseña brevemente la historia de la puntuación. Los signos de puntuación adquieren un carácter social en la medida que son instrumento que facilita la comunicación, pero es necesario saber usarlos y sobre todo saber sus funciones. La única forma para apropiarse individualmente de la puntuación pasa por el conocimiento pleno de la norma determinada colectivamente. Esta es la dialéctica de lo colectivo e individual en la puntuación. Se incluye un cuadro de los signos de puntuación y su función.
Presentación
Authors: Nombre Sin
Published: September 2019

Presentación del n. 146 de la RMCPS
¿Paraíso Perdido?
Authors: Yutang Lin
Published: September 2019

Lin Yutang, La importancia de vivir, México, Edit. Auseba, 1944.
Protestas liberales y francmasones
Authors: Flores Suárez Eugenia
Published: September 2019

Reseña del libro Bastián, Jean Pierre, Protestantes y francmasones, México, FCE, 1990, 178 pp.
La ética judía y el concepto del mal
Authors: Cohén Esther
Published: September 2019

Breve análisis en tomo al concepto del mal en la ética judía, a partir de la frase bíblica naasé benishma, “haremos y escucharemos” (Exodo 24-7), la cual resume el imperativo ético del pensamiento bíblico hebreo, y cuyo significado radica en anteponer la acción frente a cualquier tipo de cuestionamiento. Se aborda en particular la teología de Isaac Luria (Safed 1534-1572), con cuya cábala la frase bíblica recupera su sentido original.
Regímenes políticos en el proceso de estructuración del nuevo Estado: 1915-1928
Authors: Leal Juan Felipe
Published: September 2019

Ensayo de interpretación en tomo a los distintos regímenes políticos que se sucedieron en México en el proceso de estructuración del nuevo Estado. Abarca no sólo el modelo jurídico-institucional, sino las modalidades particulares que adoptan las prácticas políticas (ideológicas, forma de organización, representación y realización de intereses, alianzas políticas, etcétera). Después de describir la destrucción del Estado liberal oligárquico, la lucha por la conducción de la Revolución y el nuevo pacto social, el autor analiza cuatro etapas, que inician con el surgimiento del primer gobierno constitucional y finalizan con la renuncia de Calles a la presidencia del Comité Organizador del PNR (Partido Nacional Revolucionario).
IV Congreso Nacional de Pedagogía
Authors: Nombre Sin
Published: September 2019

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Convergencias y divergencias de la teoría crítica sobre el problema de la modernidad
Authors: Solares Blanca
Published: September 2019

Al interior de la discusión teórica en Alemania, el debate en tomo a los continuadores de la teoría crítica se realiza entre quienes, por un lado, defienden las tesis de la teoría crítica clásica y, por lo tanto, plantean una crítica a la modernidad; y quienes, por otro, cuestionan los planteamientos de esta vertiente, en particular los establecidos en Dialéctica del Iluminismo. Aquí se pretende dilucidar las diferencias en este debate, que se alinea en tomo a preguntar cómo es posible controlar socialmente y de acuerdo a las normas del Derecho la dinámica destructiva del capitalismo, y si es posible ejercer alguna influencia en el ejercicio de la democracia burguesa, entre otras cuestiones no menos importantes.
El Consejo Editorial de la Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales
Authors: Nombre Sin
Published: September 2019

Conformación, naturaleza, atribuciones, limitaciones y funciones del Consejo Editorial de la FCPyS de la UNAM, cuyo principal objetivo es someter a discusión las políticas editoriales que habrán de adoptar las subdependencias encargadas de realizar las publicaciones editadas por dicha Facultad: criterios generales para la dictaminación de materiales, criterios de procedimiento para la presentación de originales, recomendaciones generales y acuerdos del Consejo.
Presentación de la Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales
Authors: Bokser Judith
Published: September 2019

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El liberalismo social del presidente Salinas de Gortari: una interpretación
Authors: Aguilar Luis F.
Published: September 2019

Presentado y argumentado como ideología del Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI), el liberalismo social se presenta también como una auto- interpretación del gobierno del presidente Carlos Salinas, como una explicación y justificación de la nueva forma de rectoría del Estado (la reforma del Estado) y como la manera de entender y actuar la Revolución Mexicana en el tiempo presente (la reforma de la Revolución). En este trabajo se exponen los supuestos, los componentes fundamentales y los propósitos del liberalismo social mexicano, a partir de la revisión y ordenación de puntos conceptuales y programáticos dispersos en diversos escritos. Finalmente, se aborda el tema de la solidaridad social. (Conferencia Magistral dictada en la Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales de la UNAM.)
La burocracia a discusión: del tamaño y la eficiencia a la democracia
Authors: Márquez Ricardo
Published: September 2019

Este ensayo parte de la premisa de que es necesario replantear la cuestión de la burocracia estatal, situando el debate en un contexto problemático más amplio. En su análisis se han privilegiado la redimensionalización del aparato estatal y la modernización de la administración pública. Sin dejar de lado estos temas, el autor propone replantear la cuestión en términos de las relaciones entre burocracia y democracia, en el marco del proceso de reforma del Estado.
Año XXXIII (1987): núm. 127, 128, 129 y 130
Authors: Autor Sin
Published: September 2019

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Año XXXVI (1990): núm. 139, 140, 141 y 142
Authors: Autor Sin
Published: September 2019

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La credibilidad (dentro de la segunda lógica)
Authors: Peláez Silvia
Published: September 2019

En el contexto de la investigación en ciencias sociales se ha producido un viraje de la lógica de primer orden, o de la ciencia clásica, a la perspectiva de segundo orden o pensamiento complejo encaminado a abrir nexos multidimensionales entre distintos campos. Así, se ha establecido una interesante relación entre ciencias sociales y cibernética, en este marco es en el que se abre la reflexión sobre la construcción de la credibilidad. En una investigación de segundo orden sobre la construcción de credibilidad en política se abren, en principio, dos dimensiones: la credibilidad como objeto que es intercambiado por sujeto en el orden de la economía política, y la credibilidad como sujeto que se distingue, como un sujeto que intercambia, a su vez, otros objetos tales como discursos, imágenes, gestos, palabras, e incluso personas a partir del juego de la credibilidad. La construcción credibilidad, como concepto bifronte, pide sean consideradas ambas caras, así como los nexos entre el decir y el hacer para llegar a creer.
¿Guerras de religión en Europa Central?
Authors: Meyer Jean
Published: September 2019

El autor rebate las tesis del historiador Samuel P. Huntington, quien sostiene que el próximo siglo será caracterizado por lo que él denomina “guerras de civilizaciones" —que no son otra cosa que guerras de religiones— entre la civilización cristiana occidental, la islámica meso- oriental y la china oriental. Analiza algunos casos de supuestos conflictos religiosos —incluyendo aquellos que se sustentan en las tesis de la “limpieza étnica”— acaecidos en regiones como Serbia, Rusia y Polonia, principalmente. Plantea que estos choques violentos son, más bien, de índole político-nacional que religiosa, y que este último elemento ha sido más un pretexto e instrumento que causa y motor de las guerras. En lugar de las tesis culturalistas de Huntington, el doctor Meyer aboga por una que integre en su explicación tres factores básicos para la misma: cultura, política y economía. Concluye que la religión bien entendida no lleva nunca a la guerra santa; antes bien, conduce al (re)conocimiento del otro.
Informe del Grupo sobre las Operaciones de Paz de las Naciones Unidas
Authors: Nombre Sin
Published: September 2019

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México: elecciones y el uso de las encuestas preelectorales
Authors: Kuschick Ramos Murilo
Published: September 2019

En este artículo se hace un recorrido por los procesos electorales mexicanos para evidenciar cómo en su gran mayoría fueron muy poco competitivos. Empero, en los últimos años, a partir de un conjunto de modificaciones, se han vuelto más competitivos, dando lugar, entre otras cosas, a la aparición del fenómeno de la incertidumbre. Al predecir posibles resultados electorales, las encuestas y sondeos de opinión constituyen un medio para reducir esta incertidumbre.