bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRUCTURAL AND GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN OF A HIGH-RISE BUILDING USING A 3D BIM GENERATED MODEL
Authors: Romaih Ahmed , Taha Sama , Naguib Mina , Ibrahim Salma , Halabi Youssef , Sayed-Ahmed Ezzeldin , Khedr Safwan , Fahmy Ezzat
Published: February 2020

This paper presents the work performed by an undergraduate student group at the American University in Cairo as a first phase of their graduation project that mimics a state-of-the-art industrial experience in structural and geotechnical design of a high-rise building using building information model (BIM). A 3-D BIM was developed for the structure and used to generate an analytical model which is exported to a structural numerical analysis program, followed by a full design of the building elements and foundation. The considered building is 218 m high, in which the architectural design requires a successive 2-degrees twist per floor through the building height, resulting in a total twist of 80 degrees between the first and last floors. The architect also retracted the slabs every six stories from a group of columns, leaving 24 m-height laterally unsupported peripheral columns. As such, the vertical and horizontal building irregularities present challenges in the structural modeling and design and requires thorough analyses, particularly for seismic and wind considerations. Due to the high water table at the building site and the existence of a 12.5 underground basement, a special dewatering technique was proposed, along with the full tanking design consideration of the building basement.
TURK SALTY MORTAR THROUGH ADDITION OF PLASTIC AND COTTON WASTE MATERIALS TO STABILIZE PROBLEMATIC COASTLINES
Authors: Turk Afshin , Mombeni Bahram , Afrasiabi Sohrab , Ghanavatizadeh Shabnam
Published: February 2020

Invention of Turk Salty Concrete is recommended for the GOTVAND Reservoir Dam, SW of Iran. This new type of concrete can be mixed with pure salty water to stabilize the salty domes. For the development of the mix, a ratio was defined as the proportion of the salty water mass to the mass of the materials used (clay, bentonite, cement type II). These proportions varied from 0.8 to 1.80 in the mix. The proposed mix presented a significant compressive strength when mechanically tested. The maximum bearing capacity was measured to be more than 10,500kpa. This is a significant capacity for salty cementation mixtures. In this paper, new mixture designs are reported developed by adding waste materials such as plastic bottles and cotton fibers. As the waste materials are detrimental to the environment and coastlines health, the inclusion of waste would have the added benefits of helping in the environmental issues. The results were found to be encouraging since it is shown that they improve durability, breaking stress and the modulus of toughness. Other research studies are currently underway examining the behavior of Turk Salt Mortar (TSM) by adding waste materials such as date palm tree fibers. TSM can be used in deep injection grouting for protection of shorelines that come in contact with sea water.
DURABILITY AND POZZOLANIC REACTION OF FLY ASH CONCRETE EXPOSED TO VARIOUS OUTSIDE ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Ishikawa Yoshitaka
Published: February 2020

In this study, outside exposure tests of fly ash concrete were started in 2009 at various places in Japan in order to assess the effect of the differences of the exposure environment on the variation of long term durability of fly ash concrete and the degree of pozzolanic reaction of fly ash. This paper shows the results of durability monitoring over seven years from the start of exposure testing and the degree of pozzolanic reaction after seven years. The durability of fly ash concrete is improved due to pore structure complicated by the pozzolanic reaction. The degree of pozzolanic reaction of fly ash in concrete exposed under any conditions ends up being the same when enough time has elapsed, such as seven years, regardless of differences in exposure conditions.
Brak bezpośredniego wpływu umiejętności percepcyjnych na umiejętności narracyjne dzieci z niedokształceniem mowy pochodzenia korowego
Authors: Balcerzak Renata Balcerzak
Published: February 2020

In the paper, an analysis of information gathered during examinations of children with speech development disorder of cortical origin is presented. The study group consisted of 4 individuals (two girls and two boys), aged 5–10. The results of the examination of phonemic awareness and understanding of a few sentences-long spoken texts as well as articulating a few sentences-long texts suggested a possible correlation between these two types of skills (phonemic awareness, spoken text understanding and production). However, a thorough analysis of the results does not allow one to conclude that the specific phonemic awareness deficits and/or speech perception difficulties have a predominant influence on the narrative skills of children with speech development disorder of cortical origin. Although the main hypothesis was disproved, the results of the analysis shed light on another possible explanation of speech production difficulties in the abovementioned speech and language disorder: deficient/insufficient auditory attention and/or verbal working memory. Such explanation has not yet been taken into consideration in the research on speech and language development disorder of cortical origin.
Kompetencja językowa i komunikacyjna dzieci z zaburzeniami słuchu w kontekście wzorca gatunkowego SMS-a
Authors: Jachimowska Katarzyna
Published: February 2020

The article describes the methods of the SMS genre use, emphasising language competency (system proficiency) and communication competency (including pragmatic competency) of the tested group. The author presents the results of tests performed on a group of children with hearing disability (with various rate and type of hearing disability) aged 12–16 and confronts the results with the results achieved in the group of children without hearing issues (development norm). The article attempts to determine the mutual relations between language and communication competency acquisition by children with hearing disability and their genre competency. Short Message Service (SMS) was used as an example genre.
Cell free DNA: revolution in molecular diagnostics – the journey so far
Authors: Nandi Kajal , Verma Rashmi , Dawar Rajni , Goswami Binita
Published: February 2020

Cell free DNA (cf-DNA) refers to all non -ncapsulated DNA present in the blood stream which may originate from apoptotic cells as a part of the physiological cell turnover, or from cancer cells or fetal cells. Recent studies have highlighted the utility of cfDNA analysis for genetic profiling of cancer, non-invasive prenatal testing besides many other clinical applications. In our review we discuss the sources of cfDNA in the body, the techniques most commonly being used for its isolation and analysis, the applications of cfDNA testing and the associated pros-cons. We conclude that for prenatal testing, cfDNA analysis provides an effective, non-invasive and safer alternative to traditional amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling tests. Also, in cancer patients, cfDNA analysis is useful for genetic profiling and follow-up during treatment. However, standardization of methods of isolation and analysis has become crucial for the success of widespread use of cfDNA analysis.
Cellular immune responses in amniotic fluid of women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes
Authors: Galaz Jose , Romero Roberto , Slutsky Rebecca , Xu Yi , Motomura Kenichiro , Para Robert , Pacora Percy , Panaitescu Bogdan , Hsu Chaur-Dong , Kacerovsky Marian , Gomez-Lopez Nardhy
Published: February 2020

Background

Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (pPROM) occurs in 30% of preterm births; thus, this complication is a major contributor to maternal and neonatal morbidity. However, the cellular immune responses in amniotic fluid of women with pPROM have not been investigated.

Methods

Amniotic fluid samples were obtained from women with pPROM and a positive (n = 7) or negative (n = 10) microbiological culture. Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the phenotype and number of amniotic fluid leukocytes. The correlation between amniotic fluid immune cells and an interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration or a white blood cell (WBC) count in amniotic fluid was calculated.

Results

Women with pPROM and a positive amniotic fluid culture had (1) a greater number of total leukocytes in amniotic fluid, including neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages and (2) an increased number of total T cells in amniotic fluid, namely CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells, but not B cells. The numbers of neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages were positively correlated with IL-6 concentrations and WBC counts in amniotic fluid of women with pPROM.

Conclusion

Women with pPROM and a positive amniotic fluid culture exhibit a more severe cellular immune response than those with a negative culture, which is associated with well-known markers of intra-amniotic inflammation.
La difficile reconfiguration des fronts d’eau pour les villes menacées d’inondation : New York et sa Dryline
Authors: Gaudette Marilyne , Lefebvre Sylvain
Published: February 2020

Le passage dévastateur de l’ouragan Sandy sur la côte est américaine en octobre 2012 est apparucomme un levier pour repenser l’aménagement des berges en vue de se préparer à la récurrence inévitable d’autres tempêtes extrêmes. Ne pouvant être relevés que par l’innovation, les défis posés par les changements climatiques ont incité le gouvernement fédéral à lancer le concours international Rebuild by Design dans l’objectif de développer des stratégies adaptatives se distinguant des mesures de protection rigides habituellement préconisées. Nécessitant une évolution conséquente des modes de planification, une vaste démarche de conception intégrée impliquant les équipes finalistes et des acteurs de différents horizons a été mise en branle. Parmi les projets phares retenus figurent la Dryline et son parc éponge. Ce système de protection intégré destiné à rendre la pointe sud de l’île de Manhattan résiliente aux inondations a contribué à dessiner les contours d’une approche audacieuse basée sur une plus grande accommodation de l’eau en milieu fortement urbanisé, jusqu’à ce qu’un lot de contraintes locales enclenche un retour vers une stratégie de gestion de risques plus traditionnelle.
Écosystème de l’industrie de l’humour francophone au Québec
Authors: Brouard François , Paré Christelle
Published: February 2020

L’industrie de l’humour francophone occupe une place importante dans la culture québécoise. L’étude d’une industrie en utilisant le concept d’écosystème est de plus en plus populaire en gestion. Ce concept comme cadre d’analyse permet de mieux percevoir les liens entre les acteurs interdépendants d’un milieu donné. Dans le milieu de l’humour, l’écosystème gravite autour d’un acteur clé, l’humoriste. L’objectif de cet article est de présenter l’écosystème de l’industrie de l’humour francophone au Québec et de rendre apparents les liens entre les acteurs. Les intervenants de l’industrie de l’humour, centré autour de l’humoriste, sont soulignés autant sur les plans du soutien, de la création/production que de la diffusion/promotion. L’écosystème proposé offre un cadre de référence utile dans l’étude d’autres industries culturelles et simplifie la visualisation des différents groupes d’intervenants et leurs interactions contribuant à une meilleure action des pouvoirs publics et des intervenants.
L' existence d’un écosystème d’innovation en milieu rural : cas de la région de Clare en Nouvelle-Écosse
Authors: Georges Aka Kadia , Trépanier Michel
Published: February 2020

Lorsqu’il s’agit d’innover, les entreprises évoluant dans les milieux ruraux minoritaires font face à plus d’obstacles que leurs homologues d’autres milieux. L’existence d’un écosystème d’innovation (EI) a le potentiel d’aider à surmonter certaines de ces difficultés. Cet article explore le fonctionnement de l’EI dans un milieu rural minoritaire de langue officielle française, soit la région de Clare en Nouvelle-Écosse, en se concentrant sur deux questions : Comment les entreprises de cette région interagissent-elles avec les organisations de soutien? Ces interactions sont-elles intégrées à un EI? Les résultats montrent que les principaux acteurs d’un EI sont en place, mais que leur seule présence n’est pas suffisante pour assurer du soutien adéquat. Il manque à ce jour une plateforme commune de rencontre et d’échange ainsi qu’un leader de l’EI. De plus, l’existence d’une culture du secret affecte négativement la confiance nécessaire aux relations fructueuses et limite les échanges entre les acteurs.
The Neural Dynamics of Individual Differences in Episodic Autobiographical Memory
Authors: Petrican Raluca , Palombo Daniela J. , Sheldon Signy , Levine Brian
Published: February 2020

The ability to mentally travel to specific events from one’s past, dubbed episodic autobiographical memory (E-AM), contributes to adaptive functioning. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying its typical interindividual variation remain poorly understood. To address this issue, we capitalize on existing evidence that successful performance on E-AM tasks draws on the ability to visualize past episodes and reinstate their unique spatiotemporal context. Hence, here, we test whether features of the brain’s functional architecture relevant to perceptual versus conceptual processes shape individual differences in both self-rated E-AM and laboratory-based episodic memory (EM) for random visual scene sequences (visual EM). We propose that superior subjective E-AM and visual EM are associated with greater similarity in static neural organization patterns, potentially indicating greater efficiency in switching, between rest and mental states relevant to encoding perceptual information. Complementarily, we postulate that impoverished subjective E-AM and visual EM are linked to dynamic brain organization patterns implying a predisposition towards semanticizing novel perceptual information. Analyses were conducted on resting state and task-based fMRI data from 329 participants (160 women) in the Human Connectome Project (HCP) who completed visual and verbal EM assessments, and an independent gender diverse sample (N = 59) who self-rated their E-AM. Interindividual differences in subjective E-AM were linked to the same neural mechanisms underlying visual, but not verbal, EM, in general agreement with the hypothesized static and dynamic brain organization patterns. Our results suggest that higher E-AM entails more efficient processing of temporally extended information sequences, whereas lower E-AM entails more efficient semantic or gist-based processing.
The VGF-derived Peptide TLQP21 Impairs Purinergic Control of Chemotaxis and Phagocytosis in Mouse Microglia
Authors: Elmadany Nirmeen , de Almeida Sassi Felipe , Wendt Stefan , Logiacco Francesca , Visser Josien , Haage Verena , Hernandez Daniel Perez , Mertins Philipp , Hambardzumyan Dolores , Wolf Susanne , Kettenmann Helmut , Semtner Marcus
Published: February 2020

Microglial cells are considered as sensors of brain pathology by detecting any sign of brain lesions, infections, or dysfunction and can influence the onset and progression of neurological diseases. They are capable of sensing their neuronal environment via many different signaling molecules, such as neurotransmitters, neurohormones and neuropeptides. The neuropeptide VGF has been associated with many metabolic and neurological disorders. TLQP21 is a VGF-derived peptide and has been shown to signal via C3aR1 and C1qBP receptors. The effect of TLQP21 on microglial functions in health or disease is not known. Studying microglial cells in acute brain slices, we found that TLQP21 impaired metabotropic purinergic signaling. Specifically, it attenuated the ATP-induced activation of a K+conductance, the UDP-stimulated phagocytic activity, and the ATP-dependent laser lesion-induced process outgrowth. These impairments were reversed by blocking C1qBP, but not C3aR1 receptors. While microglia in brain slices from male mice lack C3aR1 receptors, both receptors are expressed in primary cultured microglia. In addition to the negative impact on purinergic signaling, we found stimulating effects of TLQP21 in cultured microglia, which were mediated by C3aR1 receptors: it directly evoked membrane currents, stimulated basal phagocytic activity, evoked intracellular Ca2+transient elevations, and served as a chemotactic signal. We conclude that TLQP21 has differential effects on microglia depending on C3aR1 activation or C1qBP-dependent attenuation of purinergic signaling. Thus, TLQP21 can modulate the functional phenotype of microglia, which may have an impact on their function in health and disease.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe neuropeptide VGF and its peptides have been associated with many metabolic and neurological disorders. TLQP21 is a VGF-derived peptide that activates C1qBP receptors, which are expressed by microglia. We show here, for the first time, that TLQP21 impairs P2Y-mediated purinergic signaling and related functions. These include modulation of phagocytic activity and responses to injury. As purinergic signaling is central for microglial actions in the brain, this TLQP21-mediated mechanism might regulate microglial activity in health and disease. We furthermore show that, in addition to C1qBP, functional C3aR1 responses contribute to TLQP21 action on microglia. However, C3aR1 responses were only present in primary cultures but notin situ, suggesting that the expression of these receptors might vary between different microglial activation states.
Distance and Direction Codes Underlie Navigation of a Novel Semantic Space in the Human Brain
Authors: Viganò Simone , Piazza Manuela
Published: February 2020

A recent proposal posits that humans might use the same neuronal machinery to support the representation of both spatial and nonspatial information, organizing concepts and memories using spatial codes. This view predicts that the same neuronal coding schemes characterizing navigation in the physical space (tuned to distance and direction) should underlie navigation of abstract semantic spaces, even if they are categorical and labeled by symbols. We constructed an artificial semantic environment by parsing a bidimensional audiovisual object space into four labeled categories. Before and after a nonspatial symbolic categorization training, 25 adults (15 females) were presented with pseudorandom sequences of objects and words during a functional MRI session. We reasoned that subsequent presentations of stimuli (either objects or words) referring to different categories implied implicit movements in the novel semantic space, and that such movements subtended specific distances and directions. Using whole-brain fMRI adaptation and searchlight model-based representational similarity analysis, we found evidence of both distance-based and direction-based responses in brain regions typically involved in spatial navigation: the medial prefrontal cortex and the right entorhinal cortex (EHC). After training, both regions encoded the distances between concepts, making it possible to recover a faithful bidimensional representation of the semantic space directly from their multivariate activity patterns, whereas the right EHC also exhibited a periodic modulation as a function of traveled direction. Our results indicate that the brain regions and coding schemes supporting relations and movements between spatial locations in mammals are “recycled” in humans to represent a bidimensional multisensory conceptual space during a symbolic categorization task.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe hippocampal formation and the medial prefrontal cortex of mammals represent the surrounding physical space by encoding distances and directions between locations. Recent works suggested that humans use the same neural machinery to organize their memories as points of an internal map of experiences. We asked whether the same brain regions and neural codes supporting spatial navigation are recruited when humans use language to organize their knowledge of the world in categorical semantic representations. Using fMRI, we show that the medial prefrontal cortex and the entorhinal portion of the hippocampal formation represent the distances and the movement directions between concepts of a novel audiovisual semantic space, and that it was possible to reconstruct, from neural data, their relationships in memory.
Culturable diversity of Arctic phytoplankton during pack ice melting
Authors: Gérikas Ribeiro Catherine , dos Santos Adriana Lopes , Gourvil Priscillia , Le Gall Florence , Marie Dominique , Tragin Margot , Probert Ian , Vaulot Daniel
Published: February 2020

Massive phytoplankton blooms develop at the Arctic ice edge, sometimes extending far under the pack ice. An extensive culturing effort was conducted before and during a phytoplankton bloom in Baffin Bay between April and July 2016. Different isolation strategies were applied, including flow cytometry cell sorting, manual single cell pipetting, and serial dilution. Although all three techniques yielded the most common organisms, each technique retrieved specific taxa, highlighting the importance of using several methods to maximize the number and diversity of isolated strains. More than 1,000 cultures were obtained, characterized by 18S rRNA sequencing and optical microscopy, and de-replicated to a subset of 276 strains presented in this work. Strains grouped into 57 phylotypes defined by 100% 18S rRNA sequence similarity. These phylotypes spread across five divisions: Heterokontophyta, Chlorophyta, Cryptophyta, Haptophyta and Dinophyta. Diatoms were the most abundant group (193 strains), mostly represented by the genera Chaetoceros and Attheya. The genera Baffinella and Pyramimonas were the most abundant non-diatom nanoplankton strains, while Micromonas polaris dominated the picoplankton. Diversity at the class level was higher during the peak of the bloom. Potentially new species were isolated, in particular within the genera Navicula, Nitzschia, Coscinodiscus, Thalassiosira, Pyramimonas, Mantoniella and Isochrysis. Culturing efforts such as this one highlight the unexplored eukaryotic plankton diversity in the Arctic and provide a large number of strains for analyzing physiological and metabolic impacts in this changing environment.
ANALYSIS OF THE CHOICE OF TECHNOLOGY FOR PROCESSING OF WELT POCKET
Authors: Dolapchieva Galia
Published: February 2020

Cut pockett is widely used in clothing. The variety of pocket-making technologies is great.Depending on the type of clothing, the process is different. This requires a thorough knowledge of the different technological options.
The choice of a particular technological variant in the preparation of the details entails the execution of a specific technological variant for processing the other part from the pocket and its complete production. The relationships between the individual details of a cut pocket with one fillet were investigated. The appropriate variants for the appropriate clothing are indicated.
The article analyzes the various options for making a single-fillet slit pocket. Knowing the different options for making pockets allows you to choose the right one for the product.
Az önelfogadás kihívásaitól a testpozitív mozgalmakig – a pozitív pszichológia testképei
Authors: Csabai Márta
Published: February 2020

Bár a testkép az énképpel együtt az önmagunkhoz és a világhoz való viszony alapvető összetevője, a témával kapcsolatos korábbi kutatások elsősorban a negatív testképre fókuszáltak. A pozitív pszichológiában is viszonylagos késéssel jelent meg a pozitív testkép mint önálló koncepció. Az utóbbi évek kutatásai bebizonyították, hogy a pozitív testkép nem a negatív testkép tükörképe, hanem önálló dimenzió, amely összefüggésben van számos, a szubjektív jóllétet, illetve az általános pozitív orientációt befolyásoló tényezővel. Ezek között kiemelkedő szerepet tölt be az önelfogadás. A tanulmány összefoglalja a pozitív testkép koncepciójának nemzetközi fejlődését, és bemutatja, hogy a pozitív és a negatív testkép viszonyában miként reprezentálódik az a pozitív pszichológiai alaptétel, hogy a well-being dimenzió önálló tartalmakkal rendelkezik, és nem csupán a diszfunkció és a negatív tartalmak hiányát jelenti. Különösen élesen világítja meg a pozitív testkép konstrukció összetevőivel, illetve az egyéni kontrollal és autonómiával való kapcsolat kérdéseit és erősödő dilemmáit a testpozitív mozgalom. A testpozitív mozgalom mint esetpélda alkalmas arra is, hogy általa végiggondoljuk a pozitív pszichológia néhány fontos kortárs kihívását mind az elméletalkotás, mind a gyakorlat szempontjából.
Векторный потенциал, эффект Ааронова-Бома и электродинамика в токамаке
Authors: Аксенов Валентин Васильевич
Published: February 2020

В статье показано, что векторный потенциал в электродинамике является вспомогательной функцией, а в некоторых случаях может включать в себя одновременно не силовое магнитное поле. В связи с этим в эффекте Ааронова-Бома обладающая зарядом квантовая частица взаимодействует не с потенциалом, а с не силовым магнитным полем. При этом теорема Стокса, примененная к векторному потенциалу, остается верной и применимой для объяснения эффекта Ааронова-Бома за счет присутствия в векторном потенциале не силового тороидального магнитного поля. Электродинамика в токамаке находит объяснение также в терминах силовых и не силовых магнитных полей.
Asymptotic properties of the (convex) hyperspaces
Authors: Zarichnyi Mykhailo , Romanskyi Mykhailo
Published: February 2020

It is  known that the hyperspaces of compact sets and compact convex set of the Euclidean space $\mathbb R^n$, $n\ge2$, both are homeomorphic to the puctured Hilbert cube.
The main result of this note states that these hyperspaces are not coarsely equivalent.
Assessment of glomerular and tubulointerstitial apparatus state depending on the level of the natriuretic peptide in hypertension patients
Authors: Chernyavina A. I.
Published: February 2020

Aim. To assess the state of the glomerular and tubulointerstitial apparatus depending on the level of the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with hypertension (HTN).

Material and methods. The study included 119 patients with stage I-II HTN (target organ damage classification). We determined the cystatin C level, glomerular filtration rate (GFF) using the CKD-EPI equation, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and NT-proBNP levels; echocardiography and sphygmoplethysmography was performed. In the first analysis, patients were divided into two groups depending on the NT-proBNP level. Group 1 (n=32) consisted of patients with NTproBNP level >125 pg/ml, group 2 (n=87)  — with NT-proBNP level <125 pg/ml. Empirically, the NT-proBNP cutoff point (75 pg/ml) was found to assess the role of cystatin C. The first group included 41 patients with NT-proBNP level >75 pg/ml, the second group — 78 patients with NT-proBNP level <75 pg/ml.

Results. In the group 1 (NT-proBNP >125 pg/ml) the NGAL concentration was significantly higher than in the group 2: 2,50 [1,90;2,85] vs 1,30 [0,9;2,0] ng/ml, respectively (p=0,022). Patients in the groups did not significantly differ in the cystatin C levels and GFR (p=0,099 and p=0,090, respectively). When dividing patients according to the NT-proBNP cutoff point (75 pg/ml), the following data were obtained. The concentration of cystatin C in the first group with NT-proBNP >75 pg/ml was 1041,50 [995,00;1185,00] vs 964,30 [801,00;1090,00] ng/ml in the second group (p=0,034). Patients in the groups significantly differed in GFR (p=0,027). A correlation analysis revealed a moderate, direct relationship of NT-proBNP with cystatin C (r=0,32; p<0,005) and NGAL levels (r=0,36; p<0,05), as well as a moderate, inverse relationship with GFR (r=-0,35; p<0,005).

Conclusion. NT-proBNP determination can be used as an integrative risk stratification tool for glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury in HTN patients.
Risk factors for acute decompensated heart failure in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Koziolova N. A. , Veklich A. S. , Karavaev P. G.
Published: February 2020

Aim. To identify risk factors for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Material and methods. In the cardiology department, 129 patients with ADHF were registered within 8 months, 59 (45,7%) of them had T2D. The study included 117 ADHF patients who were divided into two groups depending on the presence of T2D: group 1 (n=49; 41,9%)  — patients with T2D, group 2 (n=67; 55,9%) without T2D. The ADHF was verified by rapid progress of hypoperfusion and congestion, which required emergency hospitalization and inotropic and/or intravenous diuretic therapy. In the first 48 hours of hospitalization, echocardiography was performed, levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and creatinine were determined; the glomerular filtration rate was estimated.

Results. The incidence of T2D among patients with ADHF was 45,7%. There were following risk factors for ADHF in T2D patients: diabetic ketoacidosis (p=0,002), hypertensive crisis (p=0,017), history of acute coronary syndrome (p=0,048), atrial fibrillation (p=0,030), chronic kidney disease (p=0,003), pneumonia (p=0,035), progression of anemia (p=0,049), low prevalence of beta-blockers use (p=0,001), use of inappropriate antidiabetic drugs for HF patients (sulfonylureas, insulin). ADHF, assessed by NT-proBNP level, was significantly more severe in T2D patients (p=0,001) with pronounced congestion symptoms (p=0,001), which led to an increase in the need for diuretic therapy (p=0,002). Cardiac remodeling in T2D patients with ADHF is characterized mainly by the preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), severe LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and LV hypertrophy (LVH).

Conclusion. The development of ADHF in T2D patients is associated with various risk factors and is characterized by severe congestion symptoms, high need for diuretic therapy, mainly preserved LVEF in combination with severe LVDD and LVH.
Feasibility of a Brazilian samba protocol for patients with Parkinson's disease: a clinical non-randomized study
Authors: TILLMANN Ana Cristina , SWAROWSKY Alessandra , CORRÊA Clynton Lourenço , ANDRADE Alexandro , MORATELLI Jéssica , BOING Leonessa , VIEIRA Melissa de Carvalho Souza , ARAUJO Camila da Cruz Ramos de , GUIMARÃES Adriana Coutinho de Azevedo
Published: February 2020

Abstract Background: New protocols applied in the rehabilitation of Parkinson's disease enable different action strategies for health professionals, as well as a new range of activities for these individuals. However, no valid samba protocol with activity prescription for this population was found in the literature. Objective: To investigate the feasibility of a Brazilian samba protocol in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Methods: Twenty participants, mean age of 66.4±10.7 years, diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson 's disease, divided into: experimental group that received the intervention of Brazilian samba dance classes (10 individuals); and control group that maintained their routine activities (10 individuals). For data collection, a divided questionnaire was used: General Information; Disability stages scale; Balance and Quality of Life. Results: During class implementation, there were no falls, as all dance activities adhered to the details of the protocol steps without any changes. On average, patients completed 82.7% of activities. After 12 weeks, the experimental group had improvements in the UPDRS global score, in daily activities, and on motor examination. There was also improvement in balance scores and in the mobility domain of the quality of life in the experimental group. Conclusion: The samba protocol seems to be feasible and safe for patients with PD. Moreover, it has pleasant characteristics and offers sufficient physical benefits for combination with drug treatment. There were also benefits in social relationships and as a possible rehabilitation tool in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Profile and generalist physician knowledge about neurology in emergency department: headache management
Authors: MORAES E SILVA Maren de , SCHULTZE Arnon César Brunet , CAVALHEIRO Beatriz Pyrich , MEYER Lucas Filadelfo , FRONCHETTI Juliana de Andrade , MERCER Pilar Bueno Siqueira , WITT Maria Carolina Zavagna
Published: February 2020

Abstract Background: Neurological complaints are frequent in emergency department routine. Among them, headache is a common disorder, which requires a certain degree of knowledge on Neurology because of its extensive differential diagnosis. Objective: To assess general practice physicians’ level of knowledge about headaches, in addition to outlining the profile of professionals who attend in emergency departments, as well as the profile of their respective workplaces in terms of neurological approach. Methods: We included in evaluation physicians who attend emergency care units for adult public as general practitioners. A questionnaire was applied with questions regarding participants’ general knowledge on headache, neurological approach, demographic profile, and workplace profile. Results: 159 physicians answered the questionnaire. The professionals’ profile corresponded to recently graduated individuals (mean of 6.31 years). Knowledge about headache management was regular. Those who do not have any specialization or are not majoring a specialization were statistically significantly more confident in neurological patients care (p=0.006). Only 18.24% reported access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 35.85% had no access to any type of neuroimaging. Conclusions: General practice physicians often do not feel confident when performing neurological exams, demonstrating low knowledge about the topic. The profile of professionals working in these departments is predominantly of newly graduates, which may affect in some way on care quality. There was also a lack of structure for adequate care.
Transtorno do espectro autista e a suplementação por ácido fólico antes e durante a gestação
Authors: Maia Carina Scanoni , Menezes Karina Maria Campello de , Tenorio Fernanda das Chagas Angelo Mendes , Queiroz Júnior José Reginaldo Alves de , Maciel Gyl Everson de Souza
Published: February 2020

RESUMO Objetivo Elucidar se a suplementação com ácido fólico pouco antes da concepção e/ou durante a gestação pode estar realmente atrelado ao desenvolvimento do transtorno do espectro autista (TEA). Metódos Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura em base de dados, nos idiomas português e inglês, durante o período de novembro de 2017 até abril de 2018, com ênfase nas publicações mais recentes. Resultados Do total de 174 artigos, 87 compuseram este trabalho. Pesquisas apontam que o aumento dos casos de TEA se deve ao fato de que mais fatores genéticos estejam implicados na etiopatogênese neural. No entanto, a grande maioria dos artigos ressalta com maior precisão que há mais efeitos benéficos do uso de ácido fólico antes da concepção e durante a gestação na prevenção do TEA, assim como de outras anormalidades relacionadas aos defeitos do tubo neural. Conclusão Quando se analisa o risco-benefício da suplementação com ácido fólico nas doses recomendadas, 0,4 a 0,8 mg/dia, conclui-se que os benefícios sobrepujam os possíveis riscos de desenvolver o TEA.
Alterações do córtex cingulado anterior como um preditor de resposta à terapia cognitivo-comportamental
Authors: Barbosa Marllon R. , Moraes João Pedro A. , Ventura Paula R.
Published: February 2020

RESUMO Objetivo A terapia cognitivo-comportamental (TCC) tem eficácia bem-documentada na literatura científica para transtornos relacionados aos sintomas da ansiedade. No entanto, há uma parcela de pacientes que não responde ao tratamento psicoterápico. Por isso, os estudos sobre as alterações no córtex cingulado anterior (CCA) como preditoras neurais do tratamento têm contribuído para encontrar respostas sobre as diferenças nas respostas ao tratamento. O objetivo do presente estudo é descrever, por meio de revisão sistemática, os estudos encontrados até o ano de 2018 sobre o papel do CCA na predição de resposta à terapia. Métodos Foram realizadas buscas nas bases PsycInfo, Web of Science e PubMed com termos referentes ao tema “córtex cingulado anterior”, “terapia cognitivo-comportamental” e “predição de respostas”, incluindo estudos com neuroimagem estrutural e funcional. Resultados As buscas apresentaram 14 artigos sobre “transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (TEPT)”, “transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo (TOC)” e “transtorno de ansiedade social (TAS)”. Os estudos com neuroimagem estrutural apresentaram resultados promissores. A maior espessura do CCA foi preditora de melhor resposta ao tratamento para TEPT e TOC. Os resultados de neuroimagem funcional foram promissores para maior ativação como preditora de melhor resposta para TAS. Por outro lado, os resultados para TEPT apontaram que a menor ativação pode ser preditora de melhores respostas. Conclusão As alterações nos estudos de neuroimagem sugerem que o CCA tenha um papel de predição de resposta ao tratamento com TCC. Estudos posteriores com amostras maiores podem contribuir para a ampliação da eficácia nos tratamentos de tais transtornos.
Knowledge about the intrauterine device and interest in using it among women users of primary care services
Authors: Borges Ana Luiza Vilela , Araújo Karina Simão , Santos Osmara Alves dos , Gonçalves Renata Ferreira Sena , Fujimori Elizabeth , Divino Eveline do Amor
Published: February 2020

Objective: to analyze the level of knowledge about the intrauterine device, the interest in using it and the relationship between these events among women in reproductive age. Method: cross-sectional study conducted with 1858 women between 18 and 49 years old, attending Primary Health Care Facilities. Data were obtained in face-to-face interviews. The level of knowledge was evaluated by items with answers options “agree”, “disagree” and “I don’t know”. Knowledge was categorized as below/equal and above the median. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression were used in Stata 14.2 (95% confidence level). Results: intrauterine device current use was not frequent (1.7%; n=32) and the level of knowledge was higher among women between 25 and 34 years old, white, living in Aracaju (Sergipe), who were more educated, and who were currently using or had already used the intrauterine device. Interest in using the intrauterine device (38.0%; n=634) was higher among younger women, single, more educated, had health insurance, no children and with higher level of knowledge about the intrauterine device. Conclusion: the level of knowledge about the intrauterine device was associated with the interest in using it.
Validation of the american quality assessment model and performance improvement to the brazilian transplant
Authors: Lazarini Letícia de Fatima , Ohler Linda , Schirmer Janine , Roza Bartira de Aguiar
Published: February 2020

Objective: To validate the quality assessment and performance improvement instrument of US transplant programs to the Brazilian reality. Method: Methodological study developed for semantic validation and cultural adaptation of the Quality assessment and Performance Improvement instrument in the following steps: 1) translation; 2) synthesis; 3) back translation; 4) review by expert committee; 5) pretest and 6) content validation. To evaluate the agreement between the five judges, the Kappa coefficient was used and for content validation, the content validation index. Results: Kappa coefficient showed the agreement of the judges for semantic, idiomatic, cultural and conceptual equivalences. Content validation index values for relevance and item sequence of at least 0.80 for all blocks. Conclusion: The instrument of Quality Evaluation and Performance Improvement of Transplantation Programs proved to be valid and reliable. This instrument will contribute to the development of quality assurance programs for transplant teams in Brazil.
Growth indexes of Pennisetum purpureum cv. Roxo cultivated in different seasons under rainfed conditions
Authors: MARANHÃO Theyson Duarte , LOPES Marcos Neves , ALVES Francisco Gleyson da Silveira , SILVA Rafael Rodrigues da , POMPEU Roberto Cláudio Fernandes Franco , SOUSA Wesley do Nascimento , LACERDA Gabriela Florencio , CÂNDIDO Magno José Duarte
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT The objective was to estimate the growth indexes of elephant grass cv. Roxo managed under rainfed conditions in different growing seasons. Seven growth ages (9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, and 63 days) were evaluated in three growing seasons (rainy, transition and dry). A completely randomised design was adopted, with split-plot arrangement with time repeated measures, with the ages being the plots and the seasons the subplots. Interaction of age x season was observed. The specific leaf area mean was 0.0286 ± 0.0039 during the rainy season. In the transition season, it adjusted to a third-degree polynomial model; in the dry season it declined linearly (0.0003 m2 g-1). The leaf weight ratio adjusted to the third-degree polynomial model in the rainy and dry seasons, and in the transition season it was maximised at 28 DAC (0.694 g g-1). The leaf area ratio continuously declined in the rainy season. In the transition and dry seasons, it adjusted to the third-degree polynomial model. The net assimilation rate presented averages of 3.73 ± 2.50 and 3.63 ± 1.48 g m-2 day-1 in the rainy and transition seasons, respectively. In the dry season, it was minimised at 48.4 days. The relative growth rate mean was 0.0075 ± 0.0037 during the rainy season. In the transition and dry seasons, it adjusted to the third-degree polynomial model. The growth index rates of elephant grass cv. Roxo are modified by growing seasons, and the pattern and magnitude of the response varies throughout the growth cycle.
Nutritive value of sugarcane silages with different bacterial additives and fermentation periods
Authors: Silva Ivone Rodrigues da , Shigaki Francirose , Rodrigues Rosane Cláudia , Jesus Ana Paula Ribeiro , Costa Clésio dos Santos , Araújo Ricardo Alves de , Sousa Santos Francisco Naysson , Mendes Sanayra da Silva
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of sugarcane silage with or without inoculation with P. acidipropionici or L. buchneri, over three fermentation periods. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 x 3 inoculant by fermentation period factorial arrangement (without inoculant, inoculant 1, inoculant 2; x three fermentation periods, 10, 60, 90 days). Values of pH, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose (HEM) and lignin were determined and in situ DM degradability profiles were modelled for parameters a, b and c, potential degradation (A) and effective degradability (ED). The 90 day fermentation yielded a lower pH for both inoculants. There was an interaction between inoculant and fermentation period (P < 0.05) for DM content, with a reduction in silage DM without the additive at 90 days. The CP, HEM, ADF and lignin contents of sugarcane were not influenced by the treatments. The addition of P. acidipropionici provided the lowest NDF content at 10 days and presented a higher fraction a, potential degradation and ED. At 60 days, there was no variation in soluble fraction, the control silage showed a higher fraction b, higher potential degradation and ED. At 90 days of fermentation, L. buchneri silages presented a higher fraction a, degradation rate and DE and a higher b value was obtained in the silage without inoculant. Inoculants are effective in maintaining the silage DM content and nutritional value during prolonged fermentation periods.
The economic viability of L-arginine supplementation in diets for sows in the lactation phase
Authors: RIBEIRO Débora Virginia , FONSECA Leonardo da Silva , MOREIRA Rennan Herculano Rufino , CHAIN Caio Peixoto , ABREU Márvio Lobão Teixeira , DALÓLIO Felipe Santos , OLIVEIRA Altamir Fernandes , GARBOSSA Cesar Augusto Pospissil
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic viability of L-arginine supplementation in diets for sows during the lactation phase. A descriptive case study was carried out to identify the economic viability of the supplementation of L-arginine in the lactation ration, in relation to the control diet, on the productive performance of hyper prolific sows and their litters. The study was carried out on a commercial farm located in the state of Minas Gerais. It analyzed feasibility criteria such as the marginal physical product (MPPg) and gross margin (GM) in the scenario of technical and economic efficiency, which were compared to the GM in the control group. Technical efficiency was established at 0.71% of L-arginine in daily feed intake according to previous fieldwork by the authors, while economic efficiency obtained in this study was 0.43% supplementation. The relationship between the L-arginine price and the sale price of the piglets directly determined the economic viability, compared to the control group. Thus, initially considering the price of a piglet as R$ 9.76/kg, the cost of L-arginine should not exceed 6.61 times this value; that is, it is estimated at up to R$ 64.50. Therefore, at the final price of L-arginine of R$ 54.88, a piglet should be sold at a price of R$ 8.30/kg to make the supplementation of L-arginine in the diet of lactation-phase swine economically possible.
Administration of Lapatinib with Food Increases Its Plasma Concentration in Chinese Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Prospective Phase II Study
Authors: Xu Fei , Lee Kaping , Xia Wen , Liao Hai , Lu Qianyi , Zhang Jingmin , Yuan Huimin , Zhang Kai , Zheng Qiufan , Qin Ge , Zhai Qinglian , Hong Ruoxi , Jiang Kuikui , Li Yuan , Wang Shusen
Published: February 2020

Lessons Learned

Administration of lapatinib with food significantly increased its plasma concentration in Chinese patients with metastatic breast cancer. There were no serious adverse events during the study and no significant differences in lapatinib-related adverse events between the fasted and fed states.

Background

Lapatinib, a small molecular reversible dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2), was approved for use in combination with capecitabine to treat metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. Administration of lapatinib in the fasted state was recommended; however, our preliminary phase II trial data showed that administration of lapatinib with food increased its concentration.

Methods

This study was a single-center, open-label, and prospective self-controlled clinical study. Ten Chinese patients with metastatic breast cancer were enrolled from June 2017 to April 2018. They were required to receive lapatinib plus physician's choice of chemotherapy. Patients were required to take lapatinib orally on an empty stomach continually for 10 days, and then take lapatinib with food continually for the next 10 days. Plasma concentration was measured by liquid chromatography on the 9th and 10th day of each state.

Results

Area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of the fasted state and the fed state was 21.23 ± 8.91 mg*h/L (coefficient of variation (CV)% 42%) and 60.60 ± 16.64 mg*h/L (CV% 27%), respectively. The mean plasma concentration in the fasted state was 0.88 ± 0.39 mg/L (CV% 45%), and that in the fed state was 2.53 ± 0.77 mg/L (CV% 30%). Compared with taking lapatinib on an empty stomach, receiving lapatinib with food significantly increased the plasma concentration of lapatinib (Wilcoxon match-paired test, p = .005). In addition, there were no serious adverse events during the study or significant difference in lapatinib-related adverse events between the two states.

Conclusion

Our study shows that receiving lapatinib with food can increase its plasma concentration with no significantly increased drug-related toxicity. We suggest that a larger-sample-size clinical trial is needed to fully understand the effect of administration of lapatinib with food.