bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soft extracellular matrix enhances inflammatory activation of mesenchymal stromal cells to induce monocyte production and trafficking
Authors: Wong Sing Wan , Lenzini Stephen , Cooper Madeline H. , Mooney David J. , Shin Jae-Won
Published: April 2020

Soft extracellular matrix boosts the activation of MSCs by TNFα to generate and recruit monocytes in a paracrine manner.
Correlation ofPasteurella haemolyticaLeukotoxin Binding with Susceptibility to Intoxication of Lymphoid Cells from Various Species
Authors: Sun Yude , Clinkenbeard Kenneth D. , Cudd Laura A. , Clarke Cyril R. , Clinkenbeard Patricia A.
Published: April 2020

Pasteurella haemolytica, the causative agent of shipping fever pneumonia in cattle, produces a leukotoxin (LKT) which lyses ruminant leukocytes with high efficiency but is reputed to not affect leukocytes from nonruminant species. In this study, we tested the supposition that LKT binding correlates positively with susceptibility to intoxication of susceptible isolated bovine lymphocytes and lymphoma tissue culture cells (BL3 cells) and negatively with reputed nonsusceptible equine, porcine, and canine lymphocytes and human lymphoid tissue culture cells (Raji cells). Bovine lymphocytes and BL3 cells were highly susceptible to LKT intoxication, exhibiting both substantial increase in intracellular Ca2+concentration and marked leukolysis. Exposure of reputed LKT-nonsusceptible porcine lymphocytes and Raji cells to LKT caused a slightly increased intracellular Ca2+concentration but no leukolysis. No LKT effect was detected for equine and canine lymphocytes. LKT bound to lymphoid cells from all species tested. Intact 102-kDa LKT was recovered from exposed isolated lymphoid cell membranes. Pro-LKT acylation was not required for LKT binding to BL3 cells. LKT binding was rapid, with maximal binding occurring by 3 min, and was proportional to the LKT concentration in the range 0.04 to 4.0 μg/ml. For this LKT concentration range, BL3 cells bound more LKT than did porcine lymphocytes or Raji cells, suggesting that LKT binds to BL3 cells with higher affinity than to porcine lymphocytes or Raji cells. Above 4.0 μg/ml, LKT demonstrated saturable binding to BL3 cells. Neutralizing anti-LKT monoclonal antibody (MAb) MM601 diminished LKT binding to BL3 by 36% while decreasing leukolysis by 81%. In contrast, MM601 did not diminish LKT binding to Raji cells. Pretreatment of target cells with 120 μg of protease K per ml diminished LKT binding to BL3 cells by 75%, with only a 25% decrease in leukolysis. However, pretreatment with 150 μg of protease K per ml abolished the remaining 25% of LKT binding and 75% leukolysis. Therefore,P. haemolyticaLKT binds rapidly to susceptible and to reputed nonsusceptible lymphoid cells. LKT binding resulting in species-specific leukolysis was characterized by high affinity, inhibition by MAb MM601, and relative resistance to protease K pretreatment of lymphoid cells. Two types of LKT binding to lymphoid cells are proposed. High-affinity binding leads to efficient leukolysis. In some lymphoid cells from reputed LKT-nonsusceptible species, low-affinity LKT binding may cause a low-efficiency increase in the intracellular Ca2+concentration without leading to leukolysis.
Human Opsonins Induced during Meningococcal Disease Recognize Transferrin Binding Protein Complexes
Authors: Lehmann A. K. , Gorringe A. R. , Reddin K. M. , West K. , Smith I. , Halstensen A.
Published: April 2020

Patient serum opsonins against transferrin binding protein A+B (TbpA+B) complexes from two
Neisseria meningitidis
strains (K454 and B16B6, with 85- and 68-kDa TbpB, respectively) were quantified by a functional phagocytosis and oxidative burst assay. TbpA+B complexes adsorbed to fluorescent beads were opsonized with individual acute and convalescent sera from 40 patients infected by a variety of meningococcal strains. Flow cytometric quantitation of leukocyte phagocytosis products (PP) demonstrated that disease-induced serum opsonins recognized TbpA+B, and the highest anti-TbpA+B serum opsonic activities were found between admission to hospital and 6 weeks later. The PP values obtained with TbpA+B from strain B16B6 (PP
B16B6
) were higher than those obtained with TbpA+B from strain K454 (PP
K454
), with both acute and convalescent sera (
P
< 0.0001), and correlated positively with higher immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay titers against TbpA+B from strain B16B6 than from strain K454 (
P
< 0.001). In spite of considerable variations between individuals, significant correlations were found between the PP
B16B6
and PP
K454
values, and the PP values did not depend on the variability of the TbpB proteins of the disease-causing strains. Simultaneously measured oxidative burst activity correlated closely with the PP values. We conclude that highly cross-reactive anti-TbpA+B serum opsonins are produced during meningococcal disease. The anti-TbpA+B opsonic activities were not affected by the variability of the TbpB proteins of the disease-causing strains, which further adds to the evidence for the vaccine potential of meningococcal TbpA+B complexes.
Constitutive and Inducible Expression of Green Fluorescent Protein in
Brucella suis
Authors: Köhler Stephan , Ouahrani-Bettache Safia , Layssac Marion , Teyssier Jacques , Liautard Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2020

A gene fusion system based on plasmid pBBR1MCS and the expression of green fluorescent protein was developed for
Brucella suis
, allowing isolation of constitutive and inducible genes. Bacteria containing promoter fusions of chromosomal DNA to
gfp
were visualized by fluorescence microscopy and examined by flow cytometry. Twelve clones containing gene fragments induced inside J774 murine macrophages were isolated and further characterized.
Genome Characterization of Two
Carrot Virus Y
Isolates from Australia
Authors: Kinoti Wycliff M. , Moran Jane R. , Gambley Cherie , Rodoni Brendan C. , Constable Fiona E.
Published: April 2020

The near-complete genome sequence of the original
Carrot virus Y
(CarVY) type isolate (CarVY-Vic) collected in 1999 in Victoria, Australia, and a near-complete genome sequence from an isolate collected in 2019 from the same region (CarVY-2-22) were determined following deep sequencing. The two CarVY genome sequences shared 98% nucleotide identity.
Synthesis and Properties of Linear Polyether-Blocked Amino Silicone-Modified Cationic Waterborne Polyurethane
Authors: Xu Chengshu , OuYang Lei , Ren Yan , Cai Zaisheng , Lu Shaofeng , Zhang Jing , Shi Wenzhao
Published: April 2020

In this study, a waterborne polyurethane (WPU) is synthesized by using polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) to form the soft segment, 1,4-butanediol (BDO) as the chain extender, n-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) as a hydrophilic chain extender, and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) to form the hard segment. Furthermore, the modified cationic WPU emulsion and its films are created through a reaction between the WPU and a linear polyether-blocked amino silicone (LEPS), which is an organosilicon compound that imparts flexibility. The properties of the structure and formed WPU films are then characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, a thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as by measuring the water contact angle, testing the water absorption, etc. It is found that, with an increase in the LEPS content in the WPU, the particle size of the modified WPU emulsion is increased, the WPU films are more flexible, and the resistance of the modified WPU films to heat and water are increased, while the crystallinity is reduced. The polysiloxane chain segment, which is added to the LEPS-modified WPU emulsion, is significantly enriched on the surface of the modified WPU films, while there are no adverse effects of the LEPS-modified WPU emulsion on the adhesive force between the WPU and substrate. When the LEPS content of the WPU is 14.0 wt%, the modified WPU emulsion and film provide the best performance.
Influence of Cost of Care and Adherence in Glaucoma Management: An Update
Authors: Meier-Gibbons Frances , Töteberg-Harms Marc
Published: April 2020

The costs for glaucoma care are rising worldwide. The main reason is the increase of life expectancy and the increasing variety of diagnostic tests and therapeutically options by implants and devices. How can we influence the increase in costs? Does a relationship exist between the rising costs and the behavior of patients especially in regard to adherence of patients to the prescribed therapy? Are there ways to improve adherence? The costs of a disease can be estimated by adding the direct costs and the indirect costs deriving from the disease. Many studies have been looking at the direct costs, for example, the costs of diagnostic tests and treatment modalities. Unfortunately, not many studies investigated the indirect costs, i.e., costs related to the need of a person to accompany the patient during his or her outpatient visits or the costs deriving from loss of work capacity because of the disease itself or the outpatient visits. Adherence or the synonym compliance has been discussed since many years, and it seems that it remains a major problem in the management of many chronic diseases. Despite all efforts to improve adherence, the adherence rate in chronic diseases such as glaucoma or arterial hypertension remains considerably low. One of the main factors in improving adherence is raising patient’s awareness of the disease by providing general understanding of their disease. Other important factors are simplified therapeutic regimens, e.g., fixed combination drops, sustained drug release techniques, or new glaucoma surgical procedures with a more favorable risk profile.
Palm Weevil Larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis Fabricius) and Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato-Enriched Biscuits Improved Nutritional Status in Female Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Ayensu Jessica , Larbie Christopher , Annan Reginald Adjetey , Lutterodt Herman , Edusei Anthony , Loh Su Peng , Asiamah Ernest Amponsah
Published: April 2020

Edible insects have emerged as an inexpensive alternative source of protein for reducing the burden of malnutrition worldwide. However, there is a dearth of evidence on its efficacy, and thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of edible insect consumption on the nutritional status of female Wistar albino rats. The study assessed the subchronic effect of palm weevil larvae (PWL) and orange-fleshed sweet potato- (OFSP-) enriched biscuits (fortified biscuits (FB), plain biscuits (PB), biscuits fortified with PWL (PWB), and biscuits fortified with OFSP only (SPB)) as a model to predict the potential of PWL to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women in Ghana. Twenty-five female Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to five experimental groups to receive one of the five feed supplements for 28 days. After which, the effects of treatment on haematological and biochemical parameters including lipid profile were assessed. No significant differences were observed with haematological (Hb) parameters. However, total cholesterol levels of the FB, PB, PWB, and SPB were significantly higher than in the N group. Apart from elevated total cholesterol concentrations, biscuits fortified with PWL had no adverse effects and can be a nutritious snack for maintaining acceptable HB levels.
Development of Nested PCR-Heteroduplex Mobility Assay for Determination of Genetic Diversity in the Block 2 Region of the Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 1 Gene
Authors: Kritsiriwuthinan Kanyanan , Ngrenngarmlert Warunee , Sunantaraporn Sakone , Jehmah Anna
Published: April 2020

Genetic diversity of Plasmodium parasite has significantly related to malaria control and vaccine development. The P. falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 (Pfmsp1) gene is a commonly used molecular marker to differentiate genetic diversity. This study is aimed at developing a nested PCR-Heteroduplex Mobility Assay (nPCR-HMA) for determination of the block 2 of the Pfmsp1 gene. The MAD20 family allele of P. falciparum was used as a control for optimization of the annealing and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis conditions. In order to evaluate the developed nPCR-HMA, 8 clinical P. falciparum isolates were examined for allelic variants. The results revealed 9 allelic variants. Our study indicated that the successful nPCR-HMA with good precision and accuracy offers a more rapid, efficient, and cheap method for large-scale molecular epidemiological studies as compared to nucleotide sequencing.
Mudanças de técnicos no futebol estudo com o Campeonato Paulista
Authors: Monteiro Bruno Klinke , Chiminazzo João Guilherme Cren , Vecchio Fabrício Boscolo del
Published: April 2020

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o efeito das mudanças de técnicos na classificação final das equipes de futebol. Foram analisadas as súmulas oficiais dos jogos de 60 equipes que disputaram o Campeonato Paulista de Futebol de 2009 nas três divisões. A análise dos dados empregou estatística descritiva, correlação de Spearman e regressão linear. Os resultados apontaram para total de 88 trocas de técnicos durante o campeonato, sendo 24 na série A1, 36 na série A2 e 28 na série A3. Apenas na série A1 houve relação significante (rho=0,61; p=0,003) entre a troca de técnicos e a classificação final, sendo que a troca de técnicos determinou em 37% a classificação final (F=10,48; p=0,005). Apesar da troca de técnicos ter sido evento frequente, para as séries A2 e A3 a mesma não teve relação com a classificação da equipe na competição (respectivamente r²=0,12; F=2,42; p=0,13 e r²=0,01; F=0,06; p=0,81). Conclui-se que, na série A1 do Campeonato Paulista de Futebol de 2009, quanto menor o número de trocas de técnicos, melhor foi a classificação competitiva das equipes.
Do teatro realista ao teatro do real
Authors: Rabelo Andrea Da Silva , Magalhães Yuri De Andrade
Published: April 2020

Este artigo busca traçar um panorama e compreender os diversos aspectos que influenciaram o desenvolvimento do teatro realista rumo ao que entendemos hoje por “teatro do real”. Surgido no século XIX na França, em oposição ao teatro romântico, o teatro realista estendeu sua influência para vários outros países, incluindo o Brasil. No decorrer dos anos, diversas vanguardas teatrais passam a rejeitar o realismo e o subsequente naturalismo em busca de novas abordagens e experiências que pudessem ser proporcionadas pelo teatro, bem como para experimentar novas formas de relação entre cena e público. Nesse sentido, dialogando com autores pertencentes a diferentes épocas (e contextos), procuramos analisar e compreender como se deu esse percurso entre um teatro que propõe uma realidade cênica em seu aspecto visual e um teatro que propõe uma experiência com o real.
Barulho de Trem
Authors: Marques Fernanda Paulo
Published: April 2020

Trata-se da influência do movimento da Bossa Nova (BN) na música Barulho de Trem do compositor e cantor mineiro Milton Nascimento. A reflexão está baseada na contextualização da construção de um cânone musical, elencando os principais aspectos social, político e cultural da década de 1950 para tornar a BN um movimento de influência nacional. A apresentação histórica da BN se dá no âmbito nacional e na cidade de Belo Horizonte. Além dos aspectos de construção canônica em torno da BN, esta pesquisa propõe uma breve comparação entre as duas gravações de Barulho de Trem como um caso a ser investigado, sendo que possuem o espaço de tempo de 35 anos de uma gravação para outra. Essa investigação revela como um movimento canônico pode remodelar a identidade musical de um artista, apresentando como exemplo, Milton Nascimento.
O emprego do Polyptoton por Manuel Dias de Oliveira
Authors: Soares Eliel Almeida , Ricciardi Rubens Russomanno
Published: April 2020

Esse artigo tem como proposta apresentar alguns exemplos no uso do Polyptoton por Manuel Dias de Oliveira. Após a introdução, haverá uma breve contextualização sobre a disposição do discurso musical e das funções dessa figura. Posteriormente, por meio de uma metodologia fundamentada em análises retórico-musicais em conformidade com o texto, harmonia e ordenação do discurso musical, serão demonstrados os resultados alcançados por esse estudo.
Som e verdade: pesquisa interdisciplinar em som e composição musical
Authors: Chagas Paulo César de Amorim
Published: April 2020

Este artigo examina alguns aspectos da minha recente pesquisa interdisciplinar em fenomenologia do som e composição musical, a qual explora questões filosóficas, culturais, sociais e políticas, e estabelece um diálogo subjetivo e multipolar com a tecnologia. As novas formas de escuta mediadas tecnologicamente, os novos processos de produção, manipulação e transformação do som ocupam nossos espaços físicos e existenciais. Wittgenstein sugere que o som é apenas a superfície da música e que a obra musical esconde algo mais profundo que dificilmente pode ser descrito por modelos lógico-filosóficos ou teorias científicas. Como ilustração do meu trabalho de composição, discuto algumas ideias da minha obra A Geladeira (2014), oratório digital que tematiza a minha experiência de tortura durante a ditadura militar no Brasil e reflete sobre o conceito de absurdo da filosofia existencial de Camus. A fenomenologia da consciência do tempo de Husserl respalda minha pesquisa em fenomenologia do som focada na música eletroacústica. Com base nas discussões de Kuhn, introduzo a ideia um paradigma eletroacústico como matriz disciplinar da música contemporânea. Examino o conceito de aparelho, sob os pontos de vista de Agamben e Flusser, como uma noção chave para se compreender a atual fase do capitalismo e as estruturas de comunicação e criatividade da sociedade cibernética. Finalmente, discuto a visão de que a verdade é a essência da arte, a partir de Heidegger. A arte nos ajuda a desenvolver uma nova compreensão do ser, que se distancia da experiência estética moderna de um objeto de arte para uma abordagem pós-moderna da obra de arte. A universidade é um ambiente privilegiado para observar conexões interdisciplinares entre disciplinas artísticas e as interseções entre arte, tecnologia e sociedade, superando a interpretação e disseminação de conhecimentos científicos e humanísticos e oferecendo múltiplas perspectivas para o avanço da pesquisa e do pensamento crítico.
Corrigendum to: Preanalytical issues related to routine and diagnostic glucose tests: Results from a survey in Spain
Authors: García-del-Pino Isabel , Ibarz Mercedes , Gómez-Rioja Rubén , Salas Paloma , Segovia Marta , Puente Juan J. , Marzana Itziar , Ventura Montserrat , Martínez Débora , Llopis María Antonia , Caballero Andrea , Gómez Carolina , Bauça Josep M.
Published: April 2020

This is a correction of Biochem Med (Zagreb) 2020;30(1):010704. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11613/BM.2020.010704
Leptoceroidea (Insecta: Trichoptera: Integripalpia) from Serra do Caparaó, Southeast Brazil, including a new species of Atanatolica Mosely (Leptoceridae)
Authors: HENRIQUES-OLIVEIRA ANA LUCIA , DUMAS LEANDRO LOURENÇO , NESSIMIAN JORGE LUIZ
Published: April 2020

Serra do Caparaó is an impressive mountain range between the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, Southeast Brazil, inserted within the Atlantic Forest biome, and has a mosaic vegetation composed mainly by Dense Ombrophilous Forest and rupicolous vegetation of high-altitude grasslands. This study contributes to increasing the knowledge on the Leptoceroidea fauna of the Serra do Caparaó. Herein, we describe and illustrate a new species of Leptoceridae, Atanatolica bandeira sp. nov. and provide additional data on the richness and distribution of Leptoceroidea from Parque Nacional do Caparaó and surrounding areas. The distribution of some species is expanded. Fourteen and four species are recorded for the first time from Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais states, respectively.
A new species of planthopper in the genus Anotia Kirby (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Derbidae) from coconut palm in Costa Rica
Authors: BARRANTES EDWIN A. , ECHAVARRIA MARCO A. ZUMBADO , BARTLETT CHARLES R. , HELMICK ERICKA E. , CUMMINS PAIGE , ASCUNCE MARINA S. , BAHDER BRIAN W.
Published: April 2020

An ongoing survey for planthoppers associated with palms in the Caribbean basin is being conducted with current efforts on the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. In an expedition in June of 2019, a derbid was found on coconut palms in Alajuela province and was determined to be a new species belonging to the genus Anotia. The novel taxon is described and named Anotia firebugia Bahder & Bartlett sp. n. Additionally, molecular barcode data (COI) is provided for the newly described taxon.
Action Research as a Meta-Methodology in the Management Field
Authors: Erro-Garcés Amaya , Alfaro-Tanco José A.
Published: April 2020

Although it was first developed in the field of psychology, action research is a methodology of growing importance in business and management contexts. In this research article, we focus on a significant aspect of action research: the variety of methodologies that can be used jointly in an action research study and its relationships. More specifically, the aim of this study is to underscore the definition of action research as a meta-methodology that encompasses different ways of carrying out empirical research. To this end, we perform a meta-analysis of articles discussing empirical research that used an action research methodology. The meta-analysis is based on a systematic review of articles published between 2000 and 2018. The main findings suggest that action research may be regarded as a multidisciplinary method and that it can be implemented jointly with other methodologies; not just qualitative methods but also quantitative research. Consequently, action research may now be defined as a meta-methodology or an umbrella process. In this way, action research is a tool whose implementation ought to be promoted in the business/management field as a way of enhancing relevant, rigorous empirical studies and serving as a framework reference in projects based on research and practice contribution as well as active collaboration between researchers and practitioners.
Revealing new tick-borne encephalitis virus foci by screening antibodies in sheep milk
Authors: Wallenhammar Amélie , Lindqvist Richard , Asghar Naveed , Gunaltay Sezin , Fredlund Hans , Davidsson Åke , Andersson Sören , Överby Anna K. , Johansson Magnus
Published: April 2020

Background

Tick distribution in Sweden has increased in recent years, with the prevalence of ticks predicted to spread towards the northern parts of the country, thus increasing the risk of tick-borne zoonoses in new regions. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most significant viral tick-borne zoonotic disease in Europe. The disease is caused by TBE virus (TBEV) infection which often leads to severe encephalitis and myelitis in humans. TBEV is usually transmitted to humans via tick bites; however, the virus can also be excreted in the milk of goats, sheep and cattle and infection may then occur via consumption of unpasteurised dairy products. Virus prevalence in questing ticks is an unreliable indicator of TBE infection risk as viral RNA is rarely detected even in large sample sizes collected at TBE-endemic areas. Hence, there is a need for robust surveillance techniques to identify emerging TBEV risk areas at early stages.

Methods

Milk and colostrum samples were collected from sheep and goats in Örebro County, Sweden. The milk samples were analysed for the presence of TBEV antibodies by ELISA and validated by western blot in which milk samples were used to detect over-expressed TBEV E-protein in crude cell extracts. Neutralising titers were determined by focus reduction neutralisation test (FRNT). The stability of TBEV in milk and colostrum was studied at different temperatures.

Results

In this study we have developed a novel strategy to identify new TBEV foci. By monitoring TBEV antibodies in milk, we have identified three previously unknown foci in Örebro County which also overlap with areas of TBE infection reported during 2009–2018. In addition, our data indicates that keeping unpasteurised milk at 4 °C will preserve the infectivity of TBEV for several days.

Conclusions

Altogether, we report a non-invasive surveillance technique for revealing risk areas for TBE in Sweden, by detecting TBEV antibodies in sheep milk. This approach is robust and reliable and can accordingly be used to map TBEV “hotspots”. TBEV infectivity in refrigerated milk was preserved, emphasising the importance of pasteurisation (i.e. 72 °C for 15 s) prior to consumption.
Fast Bowler’s knee – anteromedial articular impingement
Authors: Reid Michael J. , Alva Avinash , Thompson Simon M. , Dhawan Ranju T. , Jones Mary H. , Williams Andy M.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To describe a series of impingement lesions found on the anterior aspect of the medial femoral condyle in international cricketers.

Methods

Seven international level fast bowlers presented to our clinic with knee pain in the lead leg between 2005 and 2013. The mean age of the patients was 26.7 years (20–29 years). In all patients a careful history and examination was undertaken followed by appropriate investigations. Conservative management and arthroscopic surgery were performed on these cases. We aimed for a pain free quiet knee with resolved oedema on MRI and return to sport.

Results

MRI images showed oedema in the medial femoral condyle in all patients and 4 patients also had associated cartilage loss. These 4 patients underwent arthroscopic surgery whereas the other 3 were less symptomatic and were managed conservatively. All patients returned to international cricket at an average of 6 months in the non-operative group and 8 months in the operative group.

Conclusion

Anterior impingement of the anteromedial femoral condyle can be a potentially serious lesion in the fast bowler. A strong index of suspicion regarding this lesion has to be exercised when a fast bowler attends with knee pain and effusion.
Phytochemical investigation and assessment of the hypoglycemic activity of two herbal extracts from selected Iraqi medicinal plants in alloxan-stimulated diabetic rats: a comparative study
Authors: Khamees Amjed Haseeb , Fawzi Hayder Adnan , Sahib Hayder B.
Published: April 2020

Background: Cyperus rotundus and Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) have been utilized for many years as medical applications, mostly as traditional natural medications.‎ The present research was designed to assess the hypoglycemic activity of the ethanol extract of Iraqi fenugreek seeds and tuberous roots of C. rotundus in alloxan-stimulated ‎diabetic rats and to evaluate the diverse phytochemicals found in ethanol extracts that may have therapeutic activity.

Methods: Qualitative assessment of diverse secondary metabolites by ‎corresponding chemical tests was been used to specify each group of compounds in the crude extracts of both plants. Male Wistar rats (n=40) were subdivided randomly into four main groups: ‎group A, alloxan-stimulated diabetic rats with administered with distilled water (10mL/kg; control); group B-D, alloxan-stimulated ‎diabetic rats administered with ‎ethanol extract of C. rotundus (10 mg/kg; group B), glibenclamide (10 mg/kg; group C), and ethanol extract of fenugreek seeds (15mg/kg; group D). These medications were given orally for 6 weeks. Blood glucose of the rats was measured at baseline and after 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after administration of medication.

Results: Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of many secondary metabolites including alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, and steroids, in the crude extracts of C. rotundus and fenugreek seeds. After 6 weeks all groups of rats showed a significant decline in blood sugar level compared to ‎the control group. Group C (glibenclamide) showed the lowest value, followed by group D (fenugreek seeds) and group B (C. rotundus).

Conclusions: Ethanol extract of both plants possess considerable ‎hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-stimulated diabetic rats, with superior efficacy shown by fenugreek seed extract, after 6 weeks of study‎.
Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric testing of the Arabic version of the Modified Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire
Authors: Al Amer Hamad S. , Alanazi Fahad , ELdesoky Mohamed , Honin Ayman
Published: April 2020

Background

The Modified Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (MLBPDQ) is used for evaluating the functional disability in patients with low back pain (LBP). However, the measurement characteristics of the MLBPDQ among Arab patients are unknown. In this study, we aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the MLBPDQ into Arabic and evaluate its psychometric properties.

Methods

An Arabic version of the MLBPDQ was developed through forward translation, translation synthesis, and backward translation. Sixty-eight patients (55 males and 13 females) with a mean age 37.01 ± 7.57 years were recruited to assess its psychometric properties. Reliability was evaluated using internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), test retest reliability (utilizing intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change at 95% confidence level (MDC95%), and 95% limits of agreement (LOA). The construct validity was investigated by correlating the new translation with four other measures of LBP (using Spearman’s rho). Finally, receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to compute the sensitivity, using the area under the curve (AUC), and the minimum important change (MIC). An alpha level of 0.05 was set for statistical tests and all the psychometric values were tested againsta priorihypotheses.

Results

The culturally aligned MLBPDQ showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.85). The ICC, SEM, MDC95%, and LOA between baseline and two days later were 0.98, 1.60, 4.43, and -4.23 to 7.70, respectively, while the values between baseline and 14 days later were 0.94, 2.77, 7.67, and -6.59 to 13.53, respectively. The scale also demonstrated moderate to excellent correlation (rho = 0.54–0.86) with the other four questionnaires. The AUC value of the Arabic-MLBPDQ was 0.68, and the MIC was 3 points.

Conclusion

The Arabic version of the MLBPDQ demonstrates adequate psychometric properties and can be used to assess disability level in patients with LBP in Arabic-speaking communities.
Estabilidad de la alanina aminotransferasa en suero. Efecto del modelo de estudio, la concentración catalítica inicial y la plataforma analítica
Authors: Bauça Josep Miquel , Caballero Andrea , Gómez Carolina , Martínez-Espartosa Débora , García del Pino Isabel , Puente Juan José , Llopis Maria Antonia , Marzana Itziar , Segovia Marta , Ibarz Mercedes , Ventura Montserrat , Salas Paloma , Gómez-Rioja Rubén
Published: April 2020

Objetivos

Existen multitud de estudios de estabilidad de magnitudes de interés clínico, aunque con resultados muy diferentes o incluso contradictorios, como es el caso de la alanina aminotransferasa (ALT). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la estabilidad de la ALT en suero incluyendo múltiples variables.

Métodos

Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico en ocho laboratorios, con muestras de suero con concentración catalítica inicial conocida de ALT, en cuatro intervalos diferentes: <50 U/L (<0.83 μkat/L), 50–200 U/L (0.83–3.33 μkat/L), 200–400 U/L (3.33–6.67 μkat/L) y >400 U/L (>6.67 μkat/L). Se conservaron las muestras durante siete días a dos temperaturas diferentes, siguiendo cuatro modelos experimentales y utilizando cuatro plataformas analíticas diferentes. Se calcularon las respectivas ecuaciones de estabilidad mediante regresión lineal y se valoró la influencia de las diferentes variables en un modelo multivariante.

Resultados

Se observó una disminución constante de la concentración catalítica de la ALT respecto al tiempo. Asimismo, se observó un marcado efecto de la temperatura y de la plataforma analítica utilizada (−4%/día a temperatura ambiente frente a −1%/día refrigerado), con una mayor inestabilidad en Architect (Abbott). Se detectó un ligero efecto de la concentración catalítica inicial de ALT, sin embargo, no se observó influencia del modelo experimental utilizado.

Conclusiónes

La ALT en suero sufre una disminución constante en el tiempo que se mitiga con la refrigeración de la muestra. Se ha encontrado un efecto significativo de variables poco estudiadas que, unidas a una gran variabilidad interindividual, hacen necesarios estudios con un alto número de muestras para determinar las ecuaciones de estabilidad.
Observation of Induced Luminescence and Thermochromism in Achiral Hydrogen Bonded Liquid Crystal Complexes
Authors: Ramya A. , Balasubramanian V. , Jayaprakasam R. , Vijayakumar V. N.
Published: April 2020

A novel hydrogen bonded liquid crystal (HBLC) complexes are obtained from the non-mesogenic (benzylmalonic acid) and mesogenic (p-n-alkyloxybenzoic acid, where n = 6, 7 and 8) compound via intermolecular hydrogen bonds (H-bond). H-bonds are experimentally confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FT-IR) studies and the same is validated using density functional theory (DFT). Induced thermochromism is observed by the polarizing optical microscope (POM) and its possible applications are reported. Phase transition temperature and their analogous enthalpy values, stability factor and span width are determined by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies. Band gap energy is calculated using UV-visible and photoluminescence spectrum. Hyper conjugative stabilization energy and atomic charge distribution is studied by the natural bond orbital (NBO) studies. Mulliken analysis clearly reveals the intermolecular interaction and steric effect of the HBLC complexes. An interesting phenomenon is that the observation of luminescence and thermochromism in the highly fluidity nematic phase. This peculiar behavior is attributed due to the intermolecular H-bonding interaction between the BMA and nOBA compounds and the effect of rotatory motion of the molecules in nematic phase. Luminescence increases when the spacer moiety decreases in the present complexes is also reported. In nematic phase, the molecules are in different degrees of the excited state which is correlated with the hyper conjugative energy through NBO studies.
A Simple Empirical Model for Predicting Weight Loss of Mild Steel due to Corrosion in NaCl Solution
Authors: Ali Nurdin , Putra T. E. , Iskandar V. Z. , Ramli M.
Published: April 2020

Validating the degradation rate of construction materials used in public facilities is important for reliability and safety reasons. This is determined through direct measurements using weight loss or electrochemical methods. Both methods, however, are time-consuming and expensive. Therefore the development of a corrosion model for estimating the degradation rate based on weight loss is needed. For this purpose, 25 samples of 80×24×3 mm sized coupons were prepared. The measurements of the weight loss were carried out on the specimens for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 days, respectively by total immersion of the samples in NaCl solution of 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt.% with one treated in distilled water. The results show that NaCl concentration significantly influenced the corrosion rate for all variations with an average weight loss value of 1.38 mg/cm2 and corrosion rate value of 25×10-5 mm/year. The proposed empirical model was WL=0.001*1.34α* t0.87. In conclusion, the proposed model was successfully established based on the experimental data for predicting the weight loss of mild steel in the NaCl solution.
Systemic immunity of chickens with respiratory mycoplasmosis at poultry farms with various production
Authors: Gavrilin P. M. , Alekseeva N. V. , Gavrilina E. G. , Korshenko D. A. , Kalashnik N. V. , Locieva Y. O.
Published: April 2020

Experimental studies were conducted on the basis of the Research Center for Biosafety and Environmental Control of Resources of the Agroindustrial Complex of the Dnipro SAEU, poultry farms of different directions of productivity of Donetsk-Prydniprovsky region of Ukraine in the period from 2016 to 2019. The purpose of the work is to determine the nature of pathomorphological changes and the status of systemic immunity in chickens with respiratory mycoplasmosis at poultry farms with various production. To determine the immunodeficiency and immunopathological conditions of a productive poultry with respiratory mycoplasmosis, a comprehensive immunological study was performed. Significant fluctuations in the absolute and relative values of leukograms and immunograms have been established, indicating a significant immunological alteration in chickens with respiratory mycoplasmosis. The most significant changes in the status of systemic immunity are found in chickens with respiratory mycoplasmosis at poultry farms with meat production, which are subject to more longer and more intense influence of human activity.
Current trends in Green Urbanism and peculiarities of multifunctional complexes, hotels and offices greening
Authors: Kosenko I. S. , Hrabovyi V. M. , Opalko O. A. , Muzyka H. I. , Opalko A. I.
Published: April 2020

The analysis of domestic and world publications on the evolution of ornamental garden plants use from the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and ancient Romans to the “dark times” of the middle Ages and the subsequent Renaissance was carried out. It was made in order to understand the current trends of Green Urbanism and in particular regarding the diversity of floral and ornamental arrangements used in the design of modern interiors of public spaces. The aim of the article is to grasp current trends of Green Urbanism regarding the diversity of floral and ornamental arrangements used in the design of modern interiors of public premises. Cross-cultural comparative methods have been used, partially using the hermeneutics of old-printed texts in accordance with the modern system of scientific knowledge. The historical antecedents of ornamental gardening, horticulture, forestry and vegetable growing, new trends in the ornamental plants cultivation, modern aspects of Green Urbanism are discussed. The need for the introduction of indoor plants in the residential and office premises interiors is argued in order to create a favorable atmosphere for work and leisure. The extreme importance of selecting an assortment and developing environmentally friendly ways to increase the resistance of indoor plants against pathogens and pests in conditions of insufficient lighting, humidity, abnormal fluctuations in air temperature, etc. has been revealed. In conclusion, the world experience in the use of ornamental garden plants testifies to the eternal desire of man for unity with nature, which is especially growing in conditions of progressive urbanization. The current global trends of Green Urbanism are of particular importance in Ukraine in terms of the Ukrainian public aspirations to integrate the state into the European community.
Alfonsina Storni, uma mulher de voz poderosa na poesia latino-americana
Authors: Retamar Hugo Jesús Correa
Published: April 2020

Este trabalho, que integra um estudo mais amplo sobre a obra de Alfonsina Storni (RETAMAR, 2004), busca evidenciar a denúncia presente em seus versos sobre o silenciamento sofrido pela mulher latino-americana de princípios do século XX. Para tal, foram selecionados 14 poemas pertencentes à Antología Poética (STORNI, 1956) organizada pela autora. A seleção teve como critério os poemas que demonstravam, mais nitidamente, o engajamento da poeta contra a injustiça social vivenciada pelas mulheres de sua época. A análise se fundamenta no estudo de cada poema, na sua relação com o conjunto da obra e com a biografia da poeta. Também foi levada em conta a fortuna crítica sobre Storni. A análise demonstra que a obra de Alfonsina, além de contextualizar socioculturalmente o papel da mulher latino-americana de sua época, reivindica a liberdade para essa mulher ao demonstrar a hipocrisia da sociedade patriarcal que a condena e a silencia. Portanto, o presente estudo entende que a recuperação da obra de Storni é fundamental para os estudos contemporâneos, não apenas sobre gênero, mas sobre história, literatura e sociedade do século XX, pois promove um olhar crítico e propulsor de mudanças sociais em favor da igualdade entre mulheres e homens.
O insólito como estratégia discursiva em “Oso Blanco”, de Mayra Santos-Febres
Authors: Trevisan Ana Lucia , Barossi Luana
Published: April 2020

Este artigo tem como foco a análise do conto “Oso Blanco” da escritora porto-riquenha Mayra Santos-Febres a fim de perceber a presença dos elementos insólitos como estratégia discursiva reveladora da comunhão de corpos impossibilitados de aproximações tangíveis. Percebe-se a constituição do insólito como metáfora epistemológica, seja na imagem da mulher aprisionada em um ciclo burocrático, seja de um braço que ganha autonomia frente ao seu corpo, ou ainda na transformação do edifício de um presídio em narrador e protagonista do enredo. Os sentidos do insólito ganham dimensões históricas e políticas, apontando, como metáfora epistemológica, os sujeitos cindidos.
Maria Firmina dos Reis: intérprete do Brasil
Authors: Da Silva Regia Agostinho , Fernandez Raffaella Andréa
Published: April 2020

O presente artigo pretende analisar como a escritora negra maranhense Maria Firmina dos Reis (1822-1917) ao publicar Úrsula (1859) construiu outra narrativa para se compreender o Brasil e a formação de seu povo. Ao positivar pela primeira vez na literatura brasileira o elemento negro, Maria Firmina constrói outra identidade brasileira, levando em conta os africanos e afrodescendentes em nosso País. Ao fazer tal composição, a autora insere na discussão de nossa formação uma forte crítica à escravidão que fazia parte de seu mundo e ainda faz parte do nosso quando procuramos entender o que é o Brasil. Ao mesmo tempo, essa escritora, por tão longo período esquecida e subalternizada, também usa o romance como uma crítica ao patriarcado e à dominação masculina. Procuramos ao longo do artigo demonstrar como Maria Firmina dos Reis fez isso, ou seja, criou uma nova interpretação do Brasil, mais plural e democrática.
A personagem feminina em Margarida La Rocque: a ilha dos demônios, de Dinah Silveira de Queiroz
Authors: Steffen Ana Cristina
Published: April 2020

Este trabalho tem como objetivo central analisar a protagonista do romance Margarida La Rocque: a ilha dos demônios (1949), de Dinah Silveira de Queiroz. A autora produziu uma vasta e diversificada obra - que transitou do romance histórico à ficção científica. As narrativas da escritora, em geral, são centradas em personagens femininas e, em Margarida, essa personagem mostra- se uma mulher que busca novos caminhos possíveis para si. Dessa forma, o romance coloca-se dentre aqueles pertencentes a uma fase de transição em que começavam a ser postas em discussão as assimetrias das relações de gênero. Sendo assim, a fundamentação teórica desta pesquisa consiste em grande parte na teoria e na crítica feminista; para tal, foram privilegiadas estudiosas brasileiras como Rita Schmidt, Constância Lima Duarte, Ruth Silviano Brandão, dentre outras. Mas foram utilizadas, também, autoras como Simone de Beauvoir, Elaine Showalter, além do estudo de Joanne Frye sobre a narradora-personagem feminina.
A trajetória de Rosa Maria Egipcíaca e o silenciamento cultural dos africanos no romance de Heloisa Maranhão
Authors: Damasceno Francine Vargas dos Santos
Published: April 2020

Este estudo busca analisar o romance Rosa Maria Egipcíaca da Vera Cruz (1997), de Heloísa Maranhão, apontando como essa narrativa revisa a realidade histórica do período colonial ao abordar aspectos ligados à condição feminina e ao apagamento cultural dos africanos escravizados. Para tanto, primeiramente, será analisada a relação entre a ficção e o documento histórico através da pesquisa de Luiz Mott (1993) sobre a africana Rosa Maria e do romance escrito por Heloisa Maranhão. Por conseguinte, serão averiguadas as características da metaficção historiográfica cunhadas por Linda Hutcheon (1991) presentes no romance, e também a forma como as questões históricas são articuladas na narrativa, levando em conta a trajetória da personagem Rosa Maria Egipcíaca.
Gracia César fora de foco: a protagonista oculta em “O inferno tão temido”, de Juan Carlos Onetti
Authors: Wolff Renata Fonseca
Published: April 2020

O presente artigo tem como objetivo examinar elementos estruturais do conto “O inferno tão temido”, do escritor uruguaio Juan Carlos Onetti, e investigar a forma como esses elementos conduzem à centralidade da personagemGracia César para  essa narrativa. Tendo como base a pesquisa bibliográfica relativa à teoria geral do conto enquanto gênero e a estudos teóricos dessa obra em particular, o artigo analisa suas categorias de enredo, temas, personagens, narrador e focalização, concluindo que a articulação desses dispositivos corrobora a personagem feminina como protagonista oculta, ao mesmo tempo diluída e enfatizada pelo oscilante distanciamento narrativo com que é observada ao longo do conto.
Disputas epistemológicas e ecologia dos saberes em dois romances de autoria de mulheres no Brasil
Authors: Fagundes Aline Veingartner
Published: April 2020

Sob uma perspectiva decolonial, este artigo visita dois romances escritos por autoras brasileiras cujas protagonistas são também mulheres: Amrik, da cearense Ana Miranda, e Ponciá Vicêncio, da mineira Conceição Evaristo. As noções de disputas epistemológicas e ecologia dos saberes de Boaventura de Sousa Santos servem de impulso para identificar quais conhecimentos estão em jogo nas narrativas e compreender de que maneira se relacionam, se mesclam ou se contrapõem aos conhecimentos ocidentais hegemônicos. Esta análise política e literária nos mostra que a diversidade do mundo, em seu caráter inesgotável, não admite uma única epistemologia adequada, mas demanda uma ecologia dos saberes que abranja a também inesgotável diversidade de experiências não canônicas de conhecimento.
As biografias de Manuela Sáenz: Um embate de memórias, vozes e discursos
Authors: Cardoso Rosane
Published: April 2020

Manuela Sáenz de Thorne é geralmente lembrada por sua ardente história de amor com Simón Bolívar, o Libertador. Ativista e influente antes e depois de sua relação com Bolívar, Manuela morre sozinha e falida em Paita, Peru. Este artigo destaca, além da importância política Manuela Sáenz, seu exílio e o legado que se evidencia, na atualidade, em inúmeras referências literárias, audiovisuais e biográficas, produções que tanto mantêm a imagem da mulher movida pela paixão, quanto destacam a líder revolucionária à frente do seu tempo. Este estudo concentra-se, portanto, nas várias biografias de Manuela Sáenz. A partir desse olhar, considera-se o papel que determinadas memórias construíram a respeito da “Insepulta de Paita”.
Reflexões sobre a formação inicial de professores: uma análise sobre o espaço da supervisão de estágio
Authors: Cristofoleti Rita De Cassia
Published: April 2020

Este estudo discute sobre os encontros de supervisão de estágio como espaços formadores da profissionalidade docente. Ancorado nos estudos de M. Bakhtin acerca da linguagem e seu funcionamento nas relações sociais e de sua centralidade na constituição dos sujeitos, na produção e compreensão dos conhecimentos em circulação na vida social, compreende a formação de professores como um processo de produção de sentidos. Sem negar a linguagem como possibilitadora da comunicação, Bakhtin atribui a ela um papel mais amplo do que esse, ao defini-la como central no processo de humanização do homem. Segundo ele, a especificidade da constituição histórico-cultural dos seres humanos radica no fato de que seu acesso à realidade é sempre mediado pela linguagem. Partindo desse pressuposto, o texto apresenta uma análise sobre um dos encontros de supervisão de estágio, ocorrido num curso de Pedagogia de uma faculdade particular do interior do estado de São Paulo.