bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TUBERCULOSE BOVINA EM PROPRIEDADE RURAL NO MUNICÍPIO DE SEROPÉDICA, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRASIL: RELATO DE CASO
Authors: Da Silva Lília Aparecida Marques , De Freitas Marina Sereno , Cicarino Julio Cesar Da Silva , De Almeida Jaci
Published: December 2020

A tuberculose é uma das principais doenças infecciosas de importância econômica em bovídeos, podendo acometer outras espécies de animais e inclusive o homem, causando perdas econômicas ao setor de produção, além de ocasionar agravos à saúde pública. É uma zoonose de notificação obrigatória que no Brasil possui um programa de controle e erradicação instituído pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), o Programa Nacional de  Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose (PNCEBT) dos bovídeos, que tem por objetivo principal a redução da prevalência e da incidência da brucelose e tuberculose nessas espécies. O Núcleo de Defesa Agropecuária (NDA) do Rio de Janeiro da Secretaria de Estado de Agricultura, Pecuária, Pesca e Abastecimento (SEAPPA) do Rio de Janeiro é responsável pelas ações de vigilância veterinária oficial no município de Seropédica. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo relatar a ocorrência de um foco de tuberculose no município de Seropédica e as ações executadas pelo serviço de vigilância oficial da SEAPPA. No ano de 2020, os técnicos do NDA Rio de Janeiro receberam o informe de notificação com laudo laboratorial positivo para tuberculose, pela técnica de histoquímica em seções de pulmão e encéfalo, de uma fêmea bovina da raça Girolando, com aproximadamente seis anos, necropsiada numa propriedade rural localizada no município de Seropédica. Após a notificação, o serviço oficial realizou a vistoria da propriedade e solicitou ao produtor que realizasse a tuberculinização nos demais animais conforme prevê o regulamento do PNCEBT. Houve a notificação imediata às Secretarias Municipais de Saúde e Agricultura domunicípio de Seropédica para as providências junto ao produtor e demais envolvidos, haja vista que as medidas com relação aos animais na propriedade já haviam sido executadas pelo serviço oficial de modo a debelar o foco. Com a apresentação do atestado de exames negativos ao teste de tuberculinização comparativo simples dos demais bovinos do plantel, foi encerrado o foco napropriedade. Conclui-se que a tuberculose bovina está presente no estado do Rio de Janeiro, e que necessita da conscientização tanto por parte dos médicos veterinários quanto dos produtores para maior adesão do PNCEBT, controlando assim a enfermidade nos rebanhos. Há a necessidade da realização de um estudo epidemiológico para conhecimento da prevalência da tuberculose no estado por se tratar de uma questão de saúde pública, uma vez que os testes de tuberculinização são obrigatórios apenas para fins de trânsito para as finalidades reprodução e participação em eventos agropecuários, existindo vários criatórios que não realizam exames e assim, outros focos podem existir devido à prática da troca de animais principalmente entre os pequenos produtores.
MEGAESÔFAGO SECUNDÁRIO A PERSISTÊNCIA DO ARCO AÓRTICO DIREITO EM CÃO DA RAÇA PASTOR ALEMÃO – RELATO DE CASO
Authors: Meira Júlia , Garcia Cinthia , Borges Isadora Scherer , Dos Reis Lucas Dornelles , Lopes Wesley Renosto
Published: December 2020

RESUMO: O megaesôfago é um transtorno relacionado a dilatação e hipomotilidade esofágica e é considerado a principal causa de regurgitação em cães. Pode ocorrer de forma primária ou secundária, classificado em congênito, adquirido idiopático e adquirido secundário. A forma secundária adquirida pode ocorrer em inúmeras circunstâncias, e dentre elas evidencia-se as anomalias de anel vascular, como a persistência do arco aórtico direito (KOZU et al., 2015). Estas anomalias são malformações congênitas dos principais vasos da base do coração, os quais, por estarem em posições errôneas, comprimem o esôfago ou a traqueia, acarretando obstrução física desses órgãos e ocasionando afecções digestivas ou respiratórias (MENZEL; DISTL, 2011). O objetivo deste resumo é descrever o caso de um cão, macho, com quatro meses de idade que foi atendido na Clínica Ducão Veterinária, Caxias do Sul/RS, pesando 8,6 kg, da raça Pastor Alemão com histórico de êmese recorrente. Ao exame físico do paciente foi observado baixo escore corporal, 5 em uma escala de 0-10, retardo no crescimento e desidratação de 3%. Mucosas apresentavam-se normocoradas, tempo de perfusão capilar de dois segundos, linfonodos não reativos, frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória e temperatura retal dentro dos parâmetros fisiológicos da espécie. Foi solicitado hemograma e exame radiográfico simples e contrastado de região cérvico-torácica. No exame hematológico constatou-se em aumento nos valores de eritrócitos, hematócrito, hemoglobina e diminuição de proteínas totais caracterizando assim, uma policitemia relativa devido ao estado de desidratação e hipoproteinemia por desnutrição. No exame radiográfico simples foi observado lúmen traqueal deslocado cranialmente em sua porção torácica e perda da conformação normal da silhueta cardíaca, sugerindo anomalia por aneladura vascular e na radiografia contrastada, observou-se esôfago dilatado cranialmente a base do coração, levando ao diagnóstico de megaesofâgo.  Desta forma, foi indicado oferecer alimentação pastosa  de forma elevada, aproximadamente 45 cm do chão. O tratamento clínico é realizado, mas o procedimento cirúrgico é preconizado por haver uma melhora significativa dos sinais clínicos (MENZEL; DISTL, 2011). O paciente aqui relatado demonstrou melhoras após a mudança no manejo alimentar, porém não de forma satisfatória, sendo encaminhado precocemente para a correção cirúrgica através da secção do ducto arterioso, garantindo um prognóstico satisfatório.
The Legislative and Executive Institutions and the Challenge of Governance in Contemporary Nigeria
Authors: Awotokun Kunle
Published: December 2020

The article examines the efforts of the executive and the legislature, i.e. the National Assembly at providing good governance against the backdrop of daunting challenge of insecurity in contemporary Nigeria.

The paper employs secondary data to elicit necessary information to assist in its analysis and findings. Such data includes textbooks, journals, newspapers, magazines, periodicals etc.

The findings are that both executive and legislative institutions pay lip service to quality governance. The two arms of government are tendentious towards kleptocracy. This development has compromised their efforts at fostering good governance.

The work concludes on the need to convocate extra executive and legislature bodies (Sovereign National Conference) to discuss and analyse the contemporary questions with the aim of finding lasting solutions to the issues. The prognosis will not only be helpful to Nigeria but serves as a template for other African countries with similar issues.
THE ACTIVITY OF MICROCREDIT INSTITUTIONS IN POLAND AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Zioło Monika , Luty Lidia
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to present the position of Poland against the backdrop of other European countries affiliated with the European Microfinance Network (EMN). In many cases, microenterprises have a problem obtaining external financing for their businesses. Support for small entrepreneurs is provided by microcredit institutions, which in many cases do not require a credit history or collateral from their clients. Microfinance, by limiting the phenomenon of financial exclusion and facilitating access to financial resources for those in need, can become a tool to stimulate entrepreneurship. Most of the institutions providing loans are affiliated with the European Microfinance Network. Analyses were conducted on three levels: activity of microenterprises in obtaining support for starting a business, loan portfolio quality, and the financial efficiency of institutions providing loans. Comparing Polish micro-entrepreneurs with companies from other European countries, it can be observed that Polish entrepreneurs pay their liabilities on time, as evidenced by the low percentage of lost loans, and institutions providing microloans generate small profits, but are able to finance their activities on their own. Poland also has favourable interest rates on microloans compared to other European countries. However, information showing a decrease in the number of borrowers and the value of loans provided in 2017 compared to 2016 can be assessed negatively.
Non-contact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Association Football: A study of Modifiable Neuromuscular Risk Factors among Top Tier Players in Malta
Authors: Muscat-Inglott Matthew , Camilleri Clayton
Published: December 2020

Given the general prevalence and consequences of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in international football, a non-experimental quantitative observational study was designed to explore locally contextualised risk factors and injury outcomes among top tier male players in Malta. The repeated tuck jump assessment was selected as a convenient, unobtrusive and field-based primary data collection instrument for non-clinical assessment of neuromuscular and other risk factors, among a sample of 27 local premier league players. A final tally of 44.44% of the participants eventually exceeded a predetermined field test cut-off score, indicating the need for definitive preventive measures locally. There were no significant differences in scores between players of different teams, playing positions, preferred shoe brand, or dominant foot, further indicating a generally systemic nature to local risk factor exposure. The most frequently observed neuromuscular deficits were, specifically, trunk dominance and leg dominance, providing a clear indication of how future interventions or programmes in Malta might actually be structured and prioritised.
Habilidades de comunicação clínica dos preceptores de medicina de família e comunidade em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil
Authors: Silva Wagner Omar Cury , Carvalho Maitê Peres de , Fassa Maria Elizabeth Gastal , Facchini Luiz Augusto , Fassa Anaclaudia Gastal
Published: December 2020

Objetivo: Este estudo investigou a autoavaliação dos preceptores (versão resumida do Guia Observacional Calgary-Cambridge) sobre quanto aplicam e ensinam HCC, bem como sobre oportunidades de ensino e qualidade do feedback. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo transversal com 44 preceptores ativos do internato e da residência de medicina de família e comunidade de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Resultados: Os preceptores se autoavaliaram positivamente em relação à aplicação e ao ensino de HCC, mas as oportunidades de ensino de HCC são escassas e a qualidade do feedback é mediana. Conclusão: É preciso melhorar a estrutura física e a educação permanente sobre feedback e métodos de ensino, incluindo videogravação de consulta, para ampliar as oportunidades de ensino de HCC.
Manicômio Adauto Botelho: a Psiquiatria em Goiás
Authors: Paula Éder Mendes de
Published: December 2020

O presente artigo pretende analisar como o ideal de modernidade foi aplicado no estado de Goiás, utilizando-se da relação entre os discursos médico-psiquiátrico e o político. Assim, passando pela construção de Goiânia até o Manicômio Adauto Botelho intenciona-se construir uma análise sobre o período e como a representação do ser moderno foi conduzida em Goiás. O período abordado corresponde ao momento em que Getúlio Vargas chega ao poder, com o discurso alicerçado na ideia de deixar para traz as os tempos do coronelismo, inaugura-se uma perspectiva de progresso que reverbera por vários governos estaduais no Brasil. Foram utilizados documentos como a Revista Goiana de Medicina, a compilação dos Arquivos de Saúde Pública entre 1951-1954 e avulsos arquivados no Arquivo Histórico Estadual. A análise do discurso foi o ponto fulcral para interpretação e relação entre as fontes, buscando nas entrelinhas e nos intertextos a lógica sobre saúde, política e poder em Goiás.
As Revoltas Liberais de 1842 na perspectiva do historiador Lucio José dos Santos: usos e abusos da memória
Authors: GAMA LUCIANA COELHO
Published: December 2020

O presente artigo traz como tema a produção de memória oficial sobre as Revoltas Liberais de 1842, tendo como fonte a conferência sobre o assunto realizada pelo historiador mineiro Lucio José dos Santos em 1942, no âmbito do Instituto Histórico e Geográfico Brasileiro (IHGB). Considerando que Santos era um intelectual conservador, representante da Igreja Católica e da Ação Integralista Brasileira (AIB), o objetivo é relacionar a versão dos fatos por ele construída à influência do contexto institucional em que estava inserido, para compreender a construção de uma memória histórica permeada de elementos conservadores, embora o autor se considerasse “neutro”. Para tanto, o conteúdo proferido por Santos na conferência será analisado com base nas premissas de Paul Ricoeur (1980, 2007) a respeito dos usos e abusos da memória e das ideologias, em diálogo com os apontamentos de Michel de Certeau (1982) sobre a influência do local de fala do historiador na produção historiográfica.
O Sol, a serpente e o leão: saúde e política nas dissertações acadêmicas de Luís Siqueira Gama (1724-1725)
Authors: Scarparo Marcelo Kochenborger
Published: December 2020

No âmbito da Academia Brasílica dos Esquecidos, sediada na cidade de Salvador entre 1724 e 1725, foi elaborada uma série de dissertações históricas, as quais deveriam subsidiar, com relatos sobre o Brasil, a escrita de uma história do Império Português e de seus domínios. Essas dissertações foram divididas - segundo o modelo clássico - em história política, eclesiástica, natural e militar. O bacharel em direito Luís Siqueira da Gama foi designado para a elaboração das dissertações acerca da história política do Brasil. No presente estudo, analisamos sua décima dissertação, "de um maravilhoso caso, e apótema célebre devidamente ponderado nas histórias do Brasil", problematizando as representações da monarquia em função de tópicas retóricas relativas ao corpo humano e à noção de saúde. O letrado desenvolveu sua argumentação a partir de cinco tópicas retóricas, valendo-se de textos e emblemas modernos, cotejados com escritos de pensadores antigos. Seu discurso, ao mesmo tempo em que louva a imagem do Vice-Rei Vasco Fernandes César de Menezes, aponta concepções filosóficas e políticas relevantes para a sua época, no que se estabelece uma relação entre as ideias de saúde individual e de saúde coletiva.
A trajetória do general João Nunes da Silva Tavares (Joca Tavares) através de dados biográficos durante a Revolução Federalista de 1893-1895
Authors: Andrade Gustavo Figueira , Padoin Maria Medianeira
Published: December 2020

Este trabalho visa apresentar uma análise da construção da trajetória do General João Nunes da Silva Tavares (Joca Tavares) através de dados biográficos, durante a Revolução Federalista de 1893-1895. Para tal, partiremos das renovações historiográficas dos anos 1980, as quais permitiram uma ampliação do conceito de fontes históricas, realizando uma revisão dos trabalhos realizados por pesquisadores e historiadores que abordam sua vida e atuação ao longo do século XX. Neste sentido, buscaremos compreender seu lugar social, suas relações de poder, evidenciando por meio das correspondências sua atuação política e os diversos aspectos de sua vida além do militar. Assim, serão utilizados autores que pensam metodologicamente a questão das correspondências; a renovação das biografias e suas possibilidades; redes de relações de poder e as elites.
Seis desafios para a historiografia do novo milênio
Authors: Barros José D'Assunção
Published: December 2020

A palestra – proferida na Pontifícia Católica Universidade de Minas Gerais em sete de novembro de 2019 – procura refletir criticamente sobre a historiografia contemporânea, identificando seus principais desafios e demanadas. Após uma breve comparação com as demandas dos dois séculos anteriores, a palestra segue discutindo sucessivamente aqueles que podem ser considerados os seis principais desafios da historiografia para as próximas décadas: a responsabilidade social, a criatividade na escrita, as novas interdisciplinaridades, a variedade de suportes, a abragência de públicos e a transferência criticidade.
Vocation, Business Leadership, and the Pursuit of Understanding
Authors: Stebbins J. Michael ,   Seton Hall University
Published: December 2020

To have a vocation is to be called to a life of ongoing participation in the redemptive work of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Being faithful to the vocation we have received requires adopting a stance of continuing alertness, ready to notice, correctly interpret, and effectively respond to the various forms of communication by which God draws us into closer cooperation with the redemptive missions of the Son and the Spirit. In this paper I focus on a particular vehicle by which the divine call is transmitted to us—namely, the God-given desire to know, which we experience whenever we wonder about something, whenever we try to solve a problem, whenever we learn or explore or plan.
LA PROTECCIÓN DE LAS PAREJAS HOMOSEXUALES FRENTE A LA DISCRIMINACIÓN EN LA EVOLUCIÓN DE LA JURISPRUDENCIA DEL TRIBUNAL EUROPEO: PASADO, PRESENTE Y UNAS PREVISIONES PARA EL FUTURO
Authors: Romboli Silvia
Published: December 2020

El artículo pretende presentar, en ocasión del sesenta aniversario de la puesta en marcha del TEDH, un atento estudio de la jurisprudencia del Tribunal de Estrasburgo en materia de protección de las personas y de las parejas homosexuales frente a la discriminación por orientación sexual, proporcionando algunas consideraciones críticas sobre la aplicación del art. 14 CEDH en este ámbito y sobre los posibles escenarios futuros. El propósito de la investigación es comprobar las efectivas aportaciones del TEDH en la configuración de un espacio europeo de protección de los derechos y, en particular, si, después de varias décadas, el Consejo de Europa ha realmente creado las bases para una concreta y sustancial igualdad entre personas y parejas heterosexuales y homosexuales.

The aim of the article is to present, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the ECtHR, an attentive study of the jurisprudence of the Court of Strasbourg on the protection of homosexual persons and couples against discrimination based on sexual orientation, providing some critical considerations on the application of art. 14 ECHR in this area and on possible future scenarios. The purpose of the research is to verify the effective contributions of the ECtHR in shaping a European area of protection of rights and, in particular, if, after several decades, the Council of Europe has really created the basis for a concrete and substantial equality between heterosexual and homosexual persons and couples.
Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies on the electronic structure and superconductivity mechanism for high temperature superconductors
Authors: Zhao Lin , Liu Guo-Dong , Zhou Xing-Jiang ,   Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China,   School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences, Beijing 100193, China,   Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan 523808, China
Published: December 2020

Superconductivity represents a magic macroscopic quantum phenomenon. There have been two major categories of superconductors: the conventional superconductors represented by metals or alloys; and the unconventional superconductors represented by cuprates and iron-based high-temperature superconductors. While the superconductivity mechanism of the conventional superconductors is successfully addressed by the BCS theory of superconductivity, no consensus has been reached in understanding the high temperature superconductivity mechanism for more than 30 years, which has become one of the most prominent issues in condensed matter physics. Revealing the microscopic electronic structure of unconventional superconductors is the prerequisite and foundation in understanding their superconductivity. Angle resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES) plays an important role in the study of unconventional superconductors because it can directly measure the electronic structure of materials. In this paper, our recent progress in the ARPES study of electronic structure and superconductivity mechanism of high temperature cuprate superconductors and iron-based superconductors is reviewed. It mainly includes the electronic structure of the parent compound, the non-Fermi liquid behavior in the normal state, the band and gap structure of the superconducting state, and the many-body interactions both in the normal and superconducting states. These results will provide important information in understanding the superconductivity mechanism of Cu-based and Fe-based superconductors.
Relasjoner ved enden av Regnbuen (1953)
Authors: Simonsen Anne Hege
Published: December 2020

I selvbiografien Regnbuen ga Marie Hamsun sin ektemann Knut en psyke, en kropp og en familie. For dette gløttet inn i Hamsuns private hjem ble hun lønnet med ærbødighet fra en i utgangspunktet lite vennlig offentlighet. Et bokstavelig talt mannsterkt anmelderkorps omfavnet boka som en mulighet til å «ta Hamsun tilbake», tross hans nazistiske affiliasjoner. De forholdt seg i mindre grad til boka som Marie Hamsuns eget litterære prosjekt. Også i Hamsun-forskningen er boka i liten grad omtalt som litteratur, selv om den er hyppig oppgitt som kilde. Denne artikkelen undersøker Regnbuen som en kommunikasjonshandling gjennom å analysere relasjonene boka dannet til den norske offentligheten. Forfatterens intensjon og lesernes anerkjennelser ses som et relasjonelt samspill. Artikkelen utforsker bokanmeldelser fra oktober 1953, samt i noen grad Hamsun-forskningen.
Hamsuns I Æventyrland sett i et «grenselandsperspektiv»
Authors: Loria Kakhaber
Published: December 2020

At Hamsun er opptatt av grensetematikk, er vel kjent. Han krysser, bryter, oppløser eller trekker opp nye grenser, både geografisk, sjangermessig og biografisk. Hamsuns I Æventyrland. Oplevet og drømt i Kaukasien (1903) er karakteristisk i så måte. Verket beskriver reisen gjennom Russland og Kaukasus, men samtidig følger vi også en reise inn i fortellerens indre natur. I boken finnes ingen reell grense mellom virkelighet og fantasi. Alt er blandet sammen med hamsunsk estetisk kløkt. Grenseperspektivet manifesterer seg i boken på en rekke nivåer. Geografisk, fordi han krysser Store Kaukasus, dernest hans utvisking av grensen mellom drøm og virkelighet i fremstillingen av seg selv som bokens jeg-person, mm.

På Hamsuns tid var Sørkaukasus en del av Det russiske imperium og delt i guvernementer. Tbilisi var administrasjonssenter for hele Kaukasus og sete for tsarens stattholder. Guvernementsgrensene eksisterer ikke for Hamsun. Han trekker opp sine egne grenser mellom det han opplever som orientalsk og det han opplever som vestlig, både topografisk, religiøst og kulturelt. Han viser en åpenbar forkjærlighet for alt ikke-vestlig og ikke-kristent. Slik skaper han så å si sin egen «Orientalisme» i boken.
Histomorphological Spectrum of Mediastinal Masses with Special Emphasis on Rare Lesions
Authors: Sundaram Sakthisankari Shanmuga , Vidhyalakshmi S
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Mediastinal lesions are not frequently observed in routine clinical practice. A wide variety of disease process can occur within the mediastinum. Tissue from needle biopsies forms the major diagnostic material. There is need for detailed studies to make pathologists aware of the wide histological spectrum and to know the unusual lesions that can be encountered during diagnosis. Aim: To describe the histomorphological spectrum of various mediastinal lesions and to highlight the rare lesions that posed a diagnostic challenge. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study done on all mediastinal masses over a period of two years from January 2016 to December 2018. The clinical data and imaging findings were collected from the test request forms and patients’ files for all the cases. Haematoxylin and eosin stained slides of all cases and immunohistochemistry markers and cytochemical stains wherever done were reviewed and analysed. Mean, median and percentage were used for statistical analysis. Results: Thirty-four cases of mediastinal lesions were included in the study. Of these, 28 cases (82.4%) presented as anterior mediastinal masses, three cases (8.8%) each in the middle and posterior mediastinum. Thymoma (n=15) followed by lymphoma (n=4) were the most frequent neoplasms reported. There were five lesions which were rare in the mediastinum with unusual presentation that posed diagnostic difficulties. These lesions included Primitive neuroectodermal tumour in an adult, Primary Mediastinal B Cell Lymphoma (PMBCL), Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour (MPNST) with nodal metastasis, Seminoma deposits in mediastinal node occurring as late relapse and dedifferentiation of thyroid carcinoma in mediastinal node metastasis without an obvious primary. Conclusion: Primary mediastinal tumours were more frequent than metastasis. Although thymomas and lymphomas are dealt extensively in literature, this article highlights the fact that pathologists must be aware of those lesions that don’t display the classical histological and/or clinical features as observed in this study.
Determination of pKa and Degradation Products of the Mutated BRAF Inhibitor Vemurafenib and UPLC Assay in Human Urine
Authors: Şanli Senem , Özdemir Ayşe , Güven Gülşen , Gökçe Süleyman
Published: December 2020

In this study, the pKa value of vemurafenib was determined by the dependence of the retention factor on the pH of the mobile phase. The change of pKa in the different acetonitrile fraction ranging between 57.5 and 62.5% (v/v) was studied by using an LC-UV method. Additionally, a simple, reliable, and rapid UPLC method has been developed for the determination of vemurafenib in human urine. Efavirenz was used as an internal standart. For vemurafenib and efavirenz, selectivity factors were found as 1.204. The asymmetry and capacity factors were obtained as 1.100 and 7.532 for vemurafenib.

Vemurafenib was exposed to thermal, photolytic, hydrolytic, and oxidative stress conditions, and the stressed samples were detected by LC/MS/MS method.
Actigraphic sleep patterns and cognitive decline in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Agudelo Christian , Tarraf Wassim , Wu Benson , Wallace Douglas M. , Patel Sanjay R. , Redline Susan , Kaur Sonya , Daviglus Martha , Zee Phyllis C. , Simonelli Guido , Mossavar‐Rahmani Yasmin , Sotres‐Alvarez Daniela , Zeng Donglin , Gallo Linda C. , González Hector M , Ramos Alberto R.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

We determined if actigraphy‐derived sleep patterns led to 7‐year cognitive decline in middle‐aged to older Hispanic/Latino adults.

Methods

We examined 1035 adults, 45 to 64 years of age, from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Participants had repeated measures of cognitive function 7 years apart, home sleep apnea studies, and 1 week of actigraphy. Survey linear regression evaluated prospective associations between sleep and cognitive change, adjusting for main covariates.

Results

Longer sleep‐onset latency was associated with declines in global cognitive function, verbal learning, and verbal memory. Longer sleep‐onset latency was also cross‐sectionally associated with verbal learning, verbal memory, and word fluency. Sleep fragmentation was not associated with cognitive change.

Conclusion

In a cohort of mostly middle‐aged Hispanic/Latinos, actigraphy‐derived sleep‐onset latency predicted 7‐year cognitive change. These findings may serve as targets for sleep interventions of cognitive decline.
Statistical method for modeling sequencing data from different technologies in longitudinal studies with application to Huntington disease
Authors: Fuady Angga M. , van Roon‐Mom Willeke M. C. , Kiełbasa Szymon M. , Uh Hae‐Won , Houwing‐Duistermaat Jeanine J.
Published: December 2020

Advancement of gene expression measurements in longitudinal studies enables the identification of genes associated with disease severity over time. However, problems arise when the technology used to measure gene expression differs between time points. Observed differences between the results obtained at different time points can be caused by technical differences. Modeling the two measurements jointly over time might provide insight into the causes of these different results. Our work is motivated by a study of gene expression data of blood samples from Huntington disease patients, which were obtained using two different sequencing technologies. At time point 1, DeepSAGE technology was used to measure the gene expression, with a subsample also measured using RNA‐Seq technology. At time point 2, all samples were measured using RNA‐Seq technology. Significant associations between gene expression measured by DeepSAGE and disease severity using data from the first time point could not be replicated by the RNA‐Seq data from the second time point. We modeled the relationship between the two sequencing technologies using the data from the overlapping samples. We used linear mixed models with either DeepSAGE or RNA‐Seq measurements as the dependent variable and disease severity as the independent variable. In conclusion, (1) for one out of 14 genes, the initial significant result could be replicated with both technologies using data from both time points; (2) statistical efficiency is lost due to disagreement between the two technologies, measurement error when predicting gene expressions, and the need to include additional parameters to account for possible differences.
Low molecular weight fucoidan inhibits hepatocarcinogenesis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in zebrafish via ASGR/STAT3/HNF4A signaling
Authors: Wu Szu‐Yuan , Yang Wan‐Yu , Cheng Chun‐Chia , Lin Kuan‐Hao , Sampurna Bonifasius Putera , Chan Suat‐Ming , Yuh Chiou‐Hwa
Published: December 2020

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma ranks fourth in cancer‐related mortality currently lacks effective therapeutics. Fucoidan is sulfated polysaccharide that is mainly found in brown seaweeds. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of low molecular weight fucoidan (i.e. oligo‐fucoidan [OF]) preventing hepatocarcinogenesis.

Methods

We used [HBx,src], [HBx,src,p53−/+], and [CD36] transgenic zebrafish liver cancer model treated with OF, and performed molecular and histopathological analysis. Transcriptomic and pathways analysis was performed.

Results

Decreased expression of lipogenic enzymes, fibrosis markers, and cell cycle/proliferation markers by OF in [HBx,src] and [HBx,src,p53−/+] transgenic fish. Liver fibrosis was decreased as revealed by Sirius Red staining, and the liver cancer formation was eventually reduced by feeding OF. OF was also found to be capable of reducing lipid accumulation and cancer formation in non‐B non‐C Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model in CD36 transgenic zebrafish. Whole‐genome expression analysis showed that 661 genes were up‐regulated, and 451 genes were downregulated by feeding OF. Upregulated genes were mostly found in protein transporter activity, and downregulated genes were enriched with response to extracellular stimulus and metal binding in gene ontology analysis. The driver gene was HNF4A revealed by NetworkAnalyst from OF differential regulated genes at various insults. OF is able to bind the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR) in hepatoma cells, and increased the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in both hepatoma cells and [HBx,src,p53−/+] transgenic fish liver cancer model. Using chromatin‐immunoprecipitation, we found pSTAT3 could associate with the P1 promoter of HNF4A. Knockdown of either ASGR or HNF4A reversed OF mediated anti‐cancer cell proliferation.

Conclusions

Taken together, we provide evidence that OF exhibits the anti‐HCC, anti‐steatosis, and anti‐fibrosis effect for liver in zebrafish models, and the anti‐cancer potential of OF attributed to the binding to ASGR and activation of STAT3/HNF4A signaling. OF might be potentially valuable for the management of HCC.
Corpora amylacea in pleural effusion
Authors: Mani Haresh , Wang Brant G.
Published: December 2020

Corpora amylacea are predominantly found in the brain, prostate, and lung. Recent characterizations of their components suggest an important role in protection and clearing. We report the presence of corpora amylacea in pleural effusion in a patient with lupus. The differential diagnoses and potential significance are discussed.
The phylogeny, phylogeography, and diversification history of the westernmost Asian cobra (Serpentes: Elapidae: Naja oxiana) in the Trans‐Caspian region
Authors: Kazemi Elmira , Nazarizadeh Masoud , Fatemizadeh Faezeh , Khani Ali , Kaboli Mohammad
Published: December 2020

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the phylogenetic, phylogeographic, and demographic relationships of Caspian cobra (Naja oxiana; Eichwald, 1831) populations based on a concatenated dataset of two mtDNA genes (cyt b and ND4) across the species' range in Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan, along with other members of Asian cobras (i.e., subgenus Naja Laurenti, 1768). Our results robustly supported that the Asiatic Naja are monophyletic, as previously suggested by other studies. Furthermore, N. kaouthia and N. sagittifera were recovered as sister taxa to each other, and in turn sister clades to N. oxiana. Our results also highlighted the existence of a single major evolutionary lineage for populations of N. oxiana in the Trans‐Caspian region, suggesting a rapid expansion of this cobra from eastern to western Asia, coupled with a rapid range expansion from east of Iran toward the northeast. However, across the Iranian range of N. oxiana, subdivision of populations was not supported, and thus, a single evolutionary significant unit is proposed for inclusion in future conservation plans in this region.
Using principal component analysis to explore consumers' perception toward quinoa health and nutritional claims in Gweru, Zimbabwe
Authors: Muziri Tavagwisa , Chaibva Paul , Chofamba Anyway , Madanzi Tendai , Mangeru Pepukai , Mudada Nhamo , Manhokwe Shephard , Mugari Amiel , Matsvange Diego , Murewi Cyril Tapiwa Farai , Mwadzingeni Liboster , Mugandani Raymond
Published: December 2020

Quinoa is one of the ancestral grains now considered as the “superfoods of the future” due to their characteristics as functional foods with great environmental adaptability. The Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund has introduced quinoa in Zimbabwe to increase resilience of farming systems in light of environmental shocks. In order to improve adoption of the crop, it is important to understand the combined effects of socio‐demographic variables on consumer perceptions of the crop. However, there is limited literature on the combined effects of socio‐demographic variables on quinoa health and nutritional benefits in Zimbabwe. In this study, we used principle component analysis to identify consumers' perception about health and nutritional benefits of quinoa in Gweru Urban District, Gweru, Zimbabwe. A questionnaire was designed and applied to 200 participants. However, only 167 forms were valid for analysis. Age, education, and income level are main factors that determine consumer perceptions on health and nutritional claims. The results indicate that quinoa need to be promoted a as a crop that goes beyond food and income security by placing additional emphasis on health and nutritional aspects. This is very insightful in light of the need to improve the uptake of the crop by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. However, the use of self‐reporting survey method has received criticism for failing to get detailed information on perceptions of individuals. These findings could be handy to promote quinoa as a climate smart crop with additional health and nutritional benefits. This is one of the novel research studies exploring the motives of Zimbabwean consumers towards quinoa as a functional food crop. The work also contributes to knowledge on consumer food preferences.
Sequential attack salvo size is monotonic nondecreasing in both time and inventory level
Authors: Kalyanam Krishna , Clarkson Jake
Published: December 2020

An attacker with homogeneous weapons aims to destroy a target via sequential engagements over a finite planning horizon. Each weapon, with an associated cost, has a nonzero probability of destroying the target. At each decision epoch, the attacker can allocate a salvo of weapons to increase its chances, however this comes at the increasing linear cost of allocating additional weapons. We assume complete information in that the target status (dead or alive) is known. The attacker aims to maximize its chances of destroying the target while also minimizing the allocation cost. We show that the optimal salvo size, which is a function of time and inventory levels, is monotonic nondecreasing in both variables. In particular, we show that the salvo size either stays the same or decreases by one when the inventory level drops by one. The optimal allocation can be computed by solving a nonlinear stochastic dynamic program. Given the computational burden typically associated with solving Bellman recursions, we provide a scalable linear recursion to compute the optimal salvo size and numerical results to support the main ideas.
Are Men Who Buy Sex Different from Men Who Do Not?: Exploring Sex Life Characteristics Based on a Randomized Population Survey in Sweden
Authors: Deogan Charlotte , Jacobsson Elin , Mannheimer Louise , Björkenstam Charlotte
Published: December 2020

The buying and selling of sex is a topic of frequent discussion and a relevant public health issue. Studies of sex workers are available, while studies addressing the demand side of sex are scarce, especially based on robust population data. The current study provides national estimates of the prevalence of and factors associated with having paid for sex among men in Sweden. We used a randomized population-based survey on sexual and reproductive health and rights among ages 16–84 years, linked to nationwide registers. The sample consisted of 6048 men. With a logistic regression, we analyzed what sex life factors were associated with ever having paid for or given other types of compensation for sex. A total of 9.5% of male respondents reported ever having paid for sex. An increased probability of having paid for sex was identified in men who were dissatisfied with their sex life (aOR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.34–2.22), men reporting having had less sex than they would have liked to (aOR: 2.78; 95% CI: 2.12–3.66), men who had ever looked for or met sex partners online (aOR: 5.07; 95% CI: 3.97–6.46), as well as frequent pornography users (aOR: 3.02; 95% CI: 2.28–3.98) Associations remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, income, and educational attainment. Sex life characteristics such as poor sex life satisfaction, high online sex activity, and frequent pornography use are strongly associated with sex purchase. These findings can help guide and support counselling and prevention activities targeting sex buyers.
“Ningún lugar sagrado” de Rodrigo Rey Rosa: una ficción paranoica desde la diáspora centroamericana
Authors: La Haije Marileen
Published: December 2020

This paper analyzes “Ningún lugar sagrado” (1998) by the Guatemalan writer Rodrigo Rey Rosa as a ‘ficción paranoica’ (“La ficción paranoica”, Clarín, 10 de octubre de 1991; Blanco nocturno, Anagrama, Barcelona, 2010). I will explain that Rey Rosa’s short story does not include univocal clues to identify the protagonist as an unreliable narrator whose overinterpretations give rise to a misrepresentation of the facts. According to my reading of “Ningún lugar sagrado”, the paranoiac features of the main character contribute to the ambiguity of the text that, in fact, never explicitly confirms or discredits his persecutory ideas. Following this line of argument, I suggest that Rey Rosa’s short story narrates an “imaginario de amenaza” (“La ficción paranoica”, Clarín, 10 de octubre de 1991) that, alluding to the climate of repression, intrigues and complicities in postwar Guatemala, generates paranoia –including that of the reader. “Ningún lugar sagrado” points to a more general tendency in recent Central American literature that, from the realm of fiction, highlights the widespread nature of paranoia in the region. Unlike social discourses that discuss the topic, these literary texts make use of narrative techniques that do not necessarily respond to a referential notion of truth (including hyperboles, digressions, irony and narrative ambiguity), when constructing the voice of a paranoiac character. According to my perspective, such narrative techniques lend themselves especially to capturing the alienating dimensions of violence in Central America where paranoia, rather than being a question of truth or exaggeration, constitutes a survival strategy.
Decolorization and biodegradation of melanoidin contained in beet molasses by an anamorphic strain of Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS930 and its mutants
Authors: Korniłłowicz-Kowalska Teresa , Rybczyńska-Tkaczyk Kamila
Published: December 2020

We used a ligninolytic strain of the white-rot fungusB. adustaCCBAS 930 and its mutants with modified ligninolytic activity to assess their potential to remove of molasses. The analyzed strains have been shown to be able to decolorize 1% or 2% molasses solutions containing brown-colored toxic melanoidins. It was found that the decolorization process was determined by the transition to the stage of production of sporulating aerial mycelium (liquid and agar cultures) coupled with an increase in peroxidase activity, which was accompanied by a decrease in the level of melanoidin, free radicals, and phenolic compounds. Four different peroxidase activities were detected in post-culture liquids, i.e. horseradish-like (HRP-like), manganese-dependent (MnP), lignin (LiP), and versatile (VP) peroxidase activities. The HRP-like peroxidase was characterized by the highest activity. The efficiency of removal of melanoidins from a 1% molasses solution by the parental strain and the mutants was dependent on the culture method. The highest efficiency was noted in immobilized cultures (threefold higher than in the mycelium-free cultures), which was accompanied by stimulation of HRP-like peroxidase activity. Mutant 930-5 was found to be the most effective in the decolorization and decomposition of melanoidin. The HRP-like activity in the immobilized cultures ofB. adusta930-5 was 640-fold higher than in the mycelium-free cultures of the fungus. Moreover, decolorization and biodegradation of melanoidin byB. adustaCCBAS 930 and 930-5 was coupled with detoxification.

Graphic abstract
Erratum to: Porous asphalt concrete: A review of design, construction, performance and maintenance
Authors: Chen Jian-Shiuh , Yang Chin Hung
Published: December 2020

The article Porous asphalt concrete: A review of design, construction, performance and maintenance, written by Jian-Shiuh Chen and Chin Hung Yang, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 30 September 2020 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 30 September 2020 to © The Author(s) 2020 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made.
Exploring the potentials, barriers and option for support in the Nigeria renewable energy industry
Authors: Adeyanju Gbadebo Collins , Osobajo Oluyomi A. , Otitoju Afolabi , Ajide Olushola
Published: December 2020

Climate change remains a pivotal area and a persistent challenging issue for deliberation among the nations of the world. Most especially in a country like Nigeria, where fossil fuel remains a pivotal source of socio-economic development and well-being of the society. Transforming the Nigeria electricity sector into a source for reducing the country’s carbon emission remains a significant challenge to policymakers, i.e. the Government. This is attributed to the fact that the nation’s primary energy sources come from traditional biomass and fossil fuel such as coal, and natural oil and gas, which has contributed significantly to the level of carbon emissions. In this paper, we explored and identified the potentials, barriers and option for renewable energy in Nigeria. The findings of the review revealed that the Nigerian electricity sector is crucial to reducing the carbon emission generated in the country. Likewise, it is of no doubt that Nigeria is endowed with a different mix of renewable energy sources. Hence, exploring and developing these renewable energy sources will aid the effort of the government in reducing the country’s input to the global carbon emission, instrumental to the socio-economic development of the country and improved well-being of the society at large. Also, policy recommendations to foster renewable energy development were identified.
Trapped in a Religious Marriage
Authors: Deogratias Benedicta
Published: December 2020

This book offers a human rights perspective of the phenomenon of marital captivity within Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities in both secular and non-secular States. Marital captivity is a complex social phenomenon that, predominantly, affects women. It involves a situation wherein the dissolution of a religious and/or legal marriage is obscured for religious reasons, consequently forcing the spouse(s) to remain in the marriage against their will. It involves multiple stakeholders (i.e. the trapped spouse, the opposing or recalcitrant spouse, the religious communities and one or more States). Within situations of marital captivity, all involved stakeholders have rights and interests which are often in conflict with one another. Unfortunately, holistic and effective solutions to end existing situations of marital captivity and prevent new situations from arising have yet to be developed. The human rights discourse advanced in this book shows that a human rights centred approach is imperative for the process of finding effective solutions to end marital captivity. Applying the human rights legal framework enables to objectively consider, balance and resolve the conflicting rights and interests inherent within situations of marital captivity. It also reveals how a select number of human rights and principles are affected within situations of marital captivity and offers an overview of States' positive obligations to protect and ensure these rights. The implied human rights obligations are discussed within the context of marital captivity so as to identify and formulate specific States' obligations to address marital captivity. This enables the author to produce guidelines for legal and non-legal measures that States should consider adopting in their efforts to combat marital captivity and to comply with their human rights obligations.
‘Empty’ space in Central European medieval towns through an interdisciplinary perspective
Authors: Cembrzyński Paweł , Radomski Maciej
Published: December 2020

Empty, abandoned or covered with vegetation – such areas were inherent to the medieval urban space, yet remain overlooked in research. Here, we describe three major types of ‘empty’ space of various origins and functions in Central European towns and suggest how these types can be investigated and interpreted through an interdisciplinary approach combining archaeological, written, pictorial and cartographical sources. We propose a simple interdisciplinary protocol to trace empty spaces in the urban context. This study will help to change our perception of medieval urban space into one that is more dynamic and heterogeneous than commonly believed.