bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caspase-8 in Labeo rohita is evolutionary conserved and is activated in Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda infection and rhabdovirus vaccination
Authors: Samanta Mrinal , Giri Alok Kumar , Paichha Mahismita , Choudhary Pushpa , Saha Ashis 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Caspase-8, a member of the family of conserved cysteine proteases, plays a crucial role in the initiation phase of the apoptotic death-signaling cascade and thereby attracts interest for its study across the animal species including fish. In India, rohu (Labeo rohita) is an important freshwater fish species; thus, this study on caspase-8 was undertaken to investigate its role during pathogenic invasion.

Results
The complete cDNA sequence of Labeo rohita caspase-8 (Lrcasp8) consisted of 1746 bp nucleotides (nt) having an ORF of 1440 nt encoding a polypeptide of 480 amino acid (aa) residues with the molecular mass of ∼ 54.8 kDa. Structurally, Lrcasp8 comprised two DED domains (DED11-77aa and DED297-174aa) and one CASc domain230-476aa. Within the CASc domain, various putative motifs, viz., a large subunit (p20237-360aa), a small subunit (p10389-474aa), and a penta-peptide (QACQG354-358aa) active site, were identified. The secondary structure of Lrcasp8 protein comprised seventeen α-helices, eleven β-strands, and twenty-nine coils. Phylogenetically, it is closely related to common carp caspase-8 and exhibits significant (p < 0.05) similarity (88.3%) and identity (78.7 %) in their amino acid sequence. The tissue-specific expression of Lrcasp8 has been analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR assay, and it revealed the highest expression (~ 23-fold) in the blood and lowest in the spleen. In Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda infection and rhabdovirus vaccination, caspase-8 gene expression in rohu fingerlings was significantly (p <0.05) induced in various organs/tissues. Infection of the Labeo rohita gill cells with A. hydrophila resulted in apoptosis and cell death with the induction of caspase-8 gene expression.

Conclusion
This is the first report on the identification and structural characterization of caspase-8 cDNA and predicted protein and the analysis of caspase-8 gene expression in Labeo rohita following Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda infections and rhabdovirus vaccinations. The data in this article together suggest the critical role of caspase-8 during infection and apoptosis in Labeo rohita.
Management and outcome of pediatric metastatic Wilms’ tumor at the National Cancer Institute, Egypt
Authors: Elayadi Moatasem , Magdy Sarah , Khalil Ehab , Zekri Wael 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundWilms’ tumor (WT) is the most common renal malignant tumor of childhood. Metastatic WT has a worse prognosis than localized disease. This study aims to assess the clinical outcome and different prognostic factors that influence treatment outcome of pediatric metastatic WT cases treated at National Cancer Institute (NCI), Egypt, between January 2008 and December 2015. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for clinical, radiological and histopathological data, treatment received, and survival outcome.ResultsIn the specified study period, 24/103 (23.3%) patients with WT were metastatic at presentation. The mean age was 5.25 ± 2.87 years (range 2.0–12.7). Abdominal swelling/mass was the commonest presentation (70.8%). Only 3 patients (12.5%) had combined lung and liver metastases while 21 patients (87.5%) had pulmonary-only metastases. All patients had favorable histology tumors with no anaplasia. Nine patients (37.5%) underwent upfront nephrectomy. Majority of patients (91.7%) had local stage III disease. Surgical complications were reported in 4 patients; 3 of them had up-front nephrectomy. Only 7/21 patients achieved rapid complete response of pulmonary nodules after 6 weeks of chemotherapy (CTH), and they had a better survival outcome. Patients were followed up till December 2017. Thirteen patients (54.1%) experienced events during the study period including 5 relapses, 6 cases with disease progression, and 2 patients died out of sepsis. The 3-year event-free and overall survival rates were 48.2% and 54.2%, respectively.ConclusionNeo-adjuvant CTH followed by delayed nephrectomy seems more suitable approach in our institute. Pulmonary response to neo-adjuvant CTH appears to be a strong predictor for outcome.
Sensitivity of firm size measures to practices of corporate finance: evidence from BRICS
Authors: Hashmi Syed Danial , Gulzar Saqib , Ghafoor Zeshan , Naz Iram 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFirm size has remained a major area of investigation for researchers from a long time. This study aims at examining impact of different measures of firm size (total assets, total sales, market capitalization and number of employees) on seven important practices of corporate finance which are financial policy, dividend policy, investment policy, diversification, firm performance, compensation and incentives and board structure (corporate governance). Moreover, this study also examines the sensitivity of different proxies of firm size on these practices of corporate finance. Data from BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) have been analysed. Overall results supported the hypotheses. Study concludes that different proxies of firm size are differently related to practices of corporate finance based on sign, significance andR2. All proxies capture different aspects of firm size and have different implications for corporate finance. Thus, this study confirms “measurement effect” in “size effect”. Unfortunately, this means that many of past studies may not be robust and are biased. Researchers thus need to be careful when selecting any proxy of firm size for their research keeping in mind the scope and context of their work. Choosing a proxy thus is a theoretical and empirical question.
An effective stability indicating RP-HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of Dolutegravir and Lamivudine in bulk and their tablet dosage form
Authors: Godela Ramreddy , G Sowjanya 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
A Simple, sensitive, and specific stability indicating reverse phase HPLC method was developed for simultaneous estimation of Lamivudine and Dolutegravir in bulk and tablet dosage form. Effective separation was achieved by injecting10 μL of the standard solution into Xbridge Phenyl (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μ,100 A0) column, using a mobile phase composition of methanol: buffer (0.1% v/v trifluoroacetic acid in water) (85:15 v/v) and isocratic elution programming have been done at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The eluted analytes detected at 258 nm wavelength. The stress conditions such as acid, base, oxidative, thermal, and photo stability were applied as per ICH guidelines to determine the stability of the drugs in different environmental conditions.

Results
The retention times of Lamivudine and Dolutegravir were found to be 3.4 and 5.0 min respectively. The developed method was linear in the concentration range of 5–15 μg/mL and 30–90 μg/mL for Dolutegravir and Lamivudine respectively. Detection and quantification limits were observed at 3.6 and 11 μg/mL for Lamivudine and 0.50 and 1.5 μg/mL for Dolutegravir. Method validation parameters were within the acceptance criteria of ICH guidelines, and the degradation products were well resolved from Dolutegravir and Lamivudine peaks, which indicate the stability of the method.

Conclusion
The developed RP-HPLC method was highly precise, specific, sensitive, and stability indicating. Hence, the method has the ability to use in quality control department for regular analysis for the estimation of Lamivudine and Dolutegravir.
Examining the effect of smoking on suicidal ideation and attempts: triangulation of epidemiological approaches
Authors: Harrison Ruth , Munafò Marcus R. , Davey Smith George , Wootton Robyn E. 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundPrevious literature has demonstrated a strong association between cigarette smoking, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. This association has not previously been examined in a causal inference framework and could have important implications for suicide prevention strategies.AimsWe aimed to examine the evidence for an association between smoking behaviours (initiation, smoking status, heaviness, lifetime smoking) and suicidal thoughts or attempts by triangulating across observational and Mendelian randomisation analyses.MethodFirst, in the UK Biobank, we calculated observed associations between smoking behaviours and suicidal thoughts or attempts. Second, we used Mendelian randomisation to explore the relationship between smoking and suicide attempts and ideation, using genetic variants as instruments to reduce bias from residual confounding and reverse causation.ResultsOur observational analysis showed a relationship between smoking behaviour, suicidal ideation and attempts, particularly between smoking initiation and suicide attempts (odds ratio, 2.07; 95% CI 1.91–2.26; P < 0.001). The Mendelian randomisation analysis and single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis, however, did not support this (odds ratio for lifetime smoking on suicidal ideation, 0.050; 95% CI −0.027 to 0.127; odds ratio on suicide attempts, 0.053; 95% CI, −0.003 to 0.110). Despite past literature showing a positive dose-response relationship, our results showed no clear evidence for a causal effect of smoking on suicidal ideation or attempts.ConclusionsThis was the first Mendelian randomisation study to explore the effect of smoking on suicidal ideation and attempts. Our results suggest that, despite observed associations, there is no clear evidence for a causal effect.
The Microbiome as a Circadian Coordinator of Metabolism
Authors: Alvarez Yelina , Glotfelty Lila G , Blank Niklas , Dohnalová Lenka , Thaiss Christoph A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The microbiome is critically involved in the regulation of systemic metabolism. An important but poorly understood facet of this regulation is the diurnal activity of the microbiome. Herein, we summarize recent developments in our understanding of the diurnal properties of the microbiome and their integration into the circadian regulation of organismal metabolism. The microbiome may be involved in the detrimental consequences of circadian disruption for host metabolism and the development of metabolic disease. At the same time, the mechanisms by which microbiome diurnal activity is integrated into host physiology reveal several translational opportunities by which the time of day can be harnessed to optimize microbiome-based therapies. The study of circadian microbiome properties may thus provide a new avenue for treating disorders associated with circadian disruption from the gut.
Race, Discrimination, and the Cuban Constitution of 1940
Authors: Henderson Kaitlyn 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
After the Revolution of 1933, the Cuban Communist Party reflected an intersection of labor organizers, members of prestigious black fraternal organizations, and the intelligentsia—groups that have previously been framed as distinct bodies of black political activism. I argue that the Communist Party successfully reintroduced critical discussions of racial discrimination on the island during the 1939 Club Atenas colloquium and the 1940 constitutional assembly. Public engagement with race and discrimination had previously been silenced due to the island's famous rhetoric of a raceless nation, created by the writings of José Martí and enforced during the Race War of 1912. Between the Revolution of 1933 and the constitution of 1940, the political landscape of Cuba transformed dramatically. As the traditional two-party system splintered, the Communist Party coalesced to establish themselves as a unique site for black political leadership and operated as the island's most outspoken critic of racial discrimination.
A (DES)CONFIANÇA DOS BRASILEIROS NA DEMOCRACIA
Authors: Santos Everton Rodrigo , Hoffmann Fábio , Duarte Scarleth 
Published: April 2020

O artigo tem o objetivo de fazer uma análise do estado da democracia brasileira a partir de dados longitudinais do Consórcio Latinobarômetro, da Pesquisa Mundial de Valores (WVS), das Variedades de Democracia (V-Dem) e do mais recente Estado Global da Democracia do Instituto para a Democracia e a Assistência Eleitoral (IDEA). O trabalho, portanto, tem dois enfoques: o apoio de massas e o apoio institucional. O argumento central deste artigo é que a democracia brasileira tem apresentado uma queda consistente e constante no apoio de massas nos últimos anos, como também tem perdido terreno em sua dimensão institucional. Dessa forma, o problema que orienta este trabalho é delimitado pela seguinte questão: poderá a democracia brasileira sobreviver apenas sob uma fachada eleitoral, dados os sinais de agravamento em seu estado representados pela queda consistente e constante, não somente do apoio de massas, mas também do apoio às regras de competição, começando a ser menos assistidas e respeitadas pela elite política? Os resultados não são nada promissores para a democracia brasileira, principalmente quando colocados sob a análise de um quadro mais amplo de crise do modelo liberal de democracia pelo mundo, particularmente, pelo latino-americano e pelo brasileiro. A verificação dos dados reforça a máxima de que a democracia requer vigilância constante e de que os seus valores que vêm sendo transmitidos para as futuras gerações são tão importantes quanto uma arquitetura democrática mínima.
EVOLUCION JURÍDICA DEL VÍNCULO BIOLÓGICO EN LA MATERNIDAD: HACIA LA RUPTURA
Authors: Wilmars Frédéric Mertens de 
Published: April 2020

Los debates actuales relativos a la gestación subrogada se inscriben en la perspectiva de la ruptura del vínculo biológico en la maternidad. La ciencia aleja siempre más los límites a la procreación. A través del Derecho, el Estado trata de controlar el desarrollo de esta técnica que replantea las cuestiones jurídicas de la filiación materna. La maternidad biológica siempre ha sido considerada como única por motivos jurídicos y políticos. Ahora bien, la ciencia y el Derecho han permitido la emergencia de otros tipos de maternidad. Además, las técnicas reproductivas, la gestación subrogada, así como la inminencia de la ectogénesis conducen a la ruptura jurídica del vínculo biológico de la maternidad, puesto que ésta es posible en un contexto de cambio sociológico que hace prevalecer la libre elección de la (no)maternidad y la igualdad de género ante el hecho de la Naturaleza.
Experiences of expatriate university teachers in a health science university in Saudi Arabia-A Qualitative study
Authors: Asif Uzma , Bano Nusrat , Al Najjar Hend 
Published: April 2020

Background and Objective: A large number of university teachers in Saudi Arabia comprise of expatriates. Their experiences are unique in context of the challenges and benefits of academic expatriation. The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of expatriate university teachers in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used based on in-depth interviews with academic expatriates, recruited through snowball sampling in a Health Science University in Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted from 12 September 2019 to 20 October 2019 after IRB approval. Graneheimian inductive approach was used for content analysis of the data. Standard principles of trustworthiness were applied.
Results: Three major themes emerged as ‘conscious venture’, ‘spirit at work’ and ‘coping strategies’. Each theme had 2-3 subthemes, populated by 14-23 statements.
Conclusion: Expatriate faculty members described antecedents for their motivations at work. They shared their experiences regarding job adjustments, work environment and professional commitment.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1896
How to cite this:Asif U, Bano N, Al-Najjar H. Experiences of expatriate university teachers in a health science university in Saudi Arabia-A Qualitative study. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):799-803. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1896
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Transcanalicular diode laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy: A breakthrough in the treatment of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Hassan Naqvi Syed Abid , Akram Amjad , Shahid Muhammad 
Published: April 2020

Objective: To evaluate the success rate of Transcanalicular Diode laser assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy (TC-DCR) in cases of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO).
Methods: This Quasi-Experimental study was conducted in Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO) Rawalpindi, from July 2018 to April 2019. In this study, 73 patients of chronic dacryocystitis secondary to acquired NLDO were treated by TC-DCR under general anaesthesia. Follow up examination was done after one day, one week and three months. Silicone tubes were removed three months after surgery and syringing of lacrimal system done to confirm patency of lacrimal passages. Success of the procedure was documented as absence of epiphora and patent nasolacrimal duct on syringing.
Results: Seventy three patients (males 27; females 46) were included in this study. Mean age of these patients was 51.6±21 years. On completion of this study which was three months after surgery, we found subjective improvement (absence of epiphora) in 86.3% patients and objective improvement (successful irrigation of lacrimal passages) in 93.2% patients.
Conclusion: TC- DCR is a minimally invasive technique of doing Dacryocystorhinostomy and imparts more than 90% success rate. It has additional advantages of good cosmetic results, low complication rate and short surgery and convalescence time.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1906
How to cite this:Awais M, Naqvi SAH, Akram A, Shahid M. Transcanalicular diode laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy: A breakthrough in the treatment of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):804-807. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1906
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
La visualización de datos para eventos deportivos: emergencia y consolidación de mecanismos informativos basados en tecnologías de la visión en los medios de comunicación
Authors: Plazas Hugo Alonso 
Published: April 2020

Este artículo presenta el estudio de las características enunciativas que los medios de comunicación emplean al incorporar la visualización de datos como un mecanismo para el contacto con la audiencia y el provecho de las redes digitales, los servicios de datos y las nuevas técnicas interactivas de presentación de información. El trabajo aborda el reconocimiento de este uso en el marco de eventos deportivos de gran escala, tomando en cuenta los conceptos de deporte, espectáculo, espectador y fanático. En este contexto se recurre a consideraciones culturales acerca de las relaciones establecidas entre los agentes de la comunicación y la apropiación social del deporte. Para esto se analizaron cinco casos de visualización de datos preparados para la Copa Mundo FIFA 2018 a partir de la dimensión enunciativa, que permiten descubrir las relaciones comunicativas establecidas al interior del texto (la interfaz de los dispositivos de visualización de datos) entre el productor, el usuario y los datos deportivos. Con esta aproximación se comprende el manejo de relatos de victoria inscritos en los dispositivos tecnológicos que facilitan tanto la anticipación del evento, como el empoderamiento del usuario, en un marco de flexibilidad temporal y complementariedad informativa que apelan directamente al espectador deportivo en la figura de fanático.
Perspectivas y retos de las técnicas de inteligencia artificial en el ámbito de las ciencias sociales y de la comunicación
Authors: Ramos Pollán Raul 
Published: April 2020

En los últimos diez años, los métodos y técnicas de inteligencia artificial (IA) han visto grandes avances, y han pasado a formar parte, en muchos casos, del paisaje habitual desde el cual se abordan nuevos o antiguos problemas en distintas áreas del conocimiento humano. En este avance confluyen distintos aspectos, y en especial tres: la disponibilidad y la variedad de datos de manera generalizada en muchas de las áreas de actividad humana; un entendimiento más profundo de las matemáticas que gobiernan la algorítmica subyacente; y una disponibilidad y capacidad de hardware y del cómputo que permiten una experimentación amplia y profusa de los datos. Teniendo en cuenta estos aspectos, el reto fundamental en cada problema y en cada ámbito de aplicación se enfoca en entender cómo utilizar estas tecnologías, qué alcance pueden llegar a tener y qué limitaciones hay que superar para poder tener resultados beneficiosos de ellas (en términos de costes de producción, valor, etc.). Este reto incluye aspectos como la identificación de las fuentes de datos y sus necesidades de integración y curación; la necesidad y el coste de adquirir o construir datasets etiquetados; la medición de la volumetría de datos necesaria; y la validación de su factibilidad, el planteamiento técnico de las tareas de analítica de datos y su alineación con los objetivos de la aplicación final; etc. Las ciencias sociales y de la comunicación no son una excepción a estos campos del conocimiento ligados a la IA, aunque sí presentan particularidades que definen el tipo de tecnologías y métodos de IA que son más apropiados (i.e. procesamiento de lenguaje natural). La utilización exitosa de técnicas de IA en estas disciplinas corresponde, no solo al conocimiento de las técnicas, sino también al establecimiento de contextos de aplicación factibles, que incluyan la disponibilidad de datos, la complejidad adecuada de la tarea a realizar y los procedimientos de validación con expertos en el área. Este trabajo presenta una introducción a la metodología gracias a la cual se generan modelos de IA, un resumen de los métodos y servicios de ia con más potencial de usarse en ciencias sociales y de la comunicación y, finalmente, algunos ejemplos de aplicaciones que ilustran consideraciones prácticas y técnicas al respecto.
Testing of large-aperture aspheric mirrors using a single coated lens
Authors: Ye Lu , Wang Wei , Zhang Xiangchao , Xu Min , Zhang Jinping , Zheng Liehua 
Published: April 2020

The measurement of aspheric surfaces is very difficult and challenging. An optical system with a single coated lens is proposed for measuring large-aperture aspheric convex/concave surfaces. In this system, the first surface of the compensator is used as an auto-collimation surface, which can realize high-precision null compensation. Based on the third-order aberration theory, the initial design parameters of the system are obtained by analytical calculation, and the parameters are then optimized numerically. An oblate spheroid with an equivalent aperture of 426 mm is taken as an example, and the measuring accuracy of the proposed method can achieve

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