bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Adults with Alström Syndrome: Silent Progression of Diffuse Interstitial Fibrosis.
Authors: Baig Shanat , Dowd Rory , Edwards Nicola C , Hodson James , Fabritz Larissa , Vijapurapu Ravi , Liu Boyang , Geberhiwot Tarekegn , Steeds Richard P 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Alstrom syndrome (ALMS) is a rare ciliopathy characterised by early onset insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidaemia and is a model for diseases that have huge social, health and economic impact. Dilated cardiomyopathy develops in the majority, with high rates of morbidity and mortality, the definitive feature of which is the presence of coarse replacement fibrosis and diffuse myocardial fibrosis (DIF). The pathogenesis of heart failure is thought to involve fibroblast accumulation and expansion of the extracellular matrix with excess protein deposition, leading to distorted organ architecture and impaired contractile function. Consecutive adults with genetically proven ALMS attending the National Centre for Rare Disease in Birmingham, England were studied. All patients underwent serial CMR, echocardiography and venous blood sampling following standard clinical practice, with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) performed to assess severity of CAD. The aims of this study were: 1) to evaluate longitudinal changes in DIF by cardiovascular magnetic resonance tissue characterization in ALMS; 2) to examine whether changes in DIF are associated with alteration in systolic or diastolic function; and 3) to evaluate the frequency and severity of coronary artery disease as a confounder for progression of ischaemic versus non-ischaemic fibrosis. Results In total, 30/32 adults (63% male; 67% White British) participated. The median age at first scan was 21.3 years (interquartile range: 19.0-32.6) and participants were followed for a maximum of 67 months. Only 4 patients had flow limiting disease on post-mortem, invasive or CTCA. Mid short axis myocardial T1 times, myocardial extracellular volume, and left ventricular mass increased significantly over time, by an average of 21.8ms (95% CI 17.4 – 26.1; p<0.001), 0.011 (0.006 – 0.016, p<0.001), and 2.8 g/m 2 (1.9 – 3.7; p<0.001) per year, respectively. These changes were not associated with significant deterioration in myocardial structure or function. Conclusions This is the first comprehensive longitudinal study demonstrating progression of DIF in ALMS over time, although no structural or functional consequences were noted within a median three and a half years’ follow up. Further study is warranted to define whether DIF is a by-stander or the driver to impaired contractile function, heart failure and death.
Prediction of potential inhibitors of the dimeric SARS-CoV-2 main proteinase through the MM/GBSA approach
Authors: Bello Martiniano 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, to date, no effective antiviral drug has been approved to treat the disease, and no vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 is available. Under this scenario, the combination of two HIV-1 protease inhibitors, lopinavir and ritonavir, has attracted attention since they have been previously employed against the SARS-CoV main proteinase (Mpro) and exhibited some signs of effectiveness. Recently, the 3D structure of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro was constructed based on the monomeric SARS-CoV Mpro and employed to identify potential FDA-approved small inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, allowing the selection of 15 drugs among 1903 approved drugs to be employed. In this study, we performed docking of these 15 approved drugs against the recently solved X-ray crystallography structure of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (PDB ID: 6LU7) in the monomeric and dimeric states; the latter is the functional state that was determined in a biological context, and these were submitted for MD simulations coupled with the MM/GBSA approach to obtain insight into the inhibitory activity of these compounds. Similar studies were performed with lopinavir and ritonavir coupled to monomeric and dimeric SARS-CoV Mpro and SARS-CoV-2 Mpro to compare the inhibitory differences. Our study provides the structural and energetic basis of the inhibitory properties of lopinavir and ritonavir on SARS-CoV Mpro and SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, allowing us to identify two FDA-approved drugs that can be used against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. This study also demonstrated that drug discovery requires the dimeric state to obtain good results.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Contamination in Air and Environment in Temporary COVID-19 ICU Wards
Authors: Cai Ying , Wu Xiaojing , Zhang Yi , Xia Jingen , Li Min , Feng Yingying , Yu Xin , Duan Jun , Weng Xing , Chen Yan , Cheng Zhenshun , Zhan Qingyuan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has recently spread worldwide partly through environmental and airborne contamination. The number of patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU)-based healthcare services exceeds the available negative-pressure isolation ICU room capacity. Some general wards of Wuhan hospitals have been temporarily converted into COVID-19 ICU wards and pose safety concerns. We explored the safety of these temporary COVID-19 ICU wards.Methods: Fifteen air samples and 128 environmental surface swabs were collected from 14 patients in 4 departments with temporary COVID-19 ICU wards. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) methods confirmed the existence of COVID-19 pathogens.Results: Four of the 15 air samples were obtained during aerosol-generating medical procedures (1 tracheostomy, 1 high-flow nasal cannula [HFNC], 1 HFNC+nebulization, 1 non-invasive positive pressure ventilation). Five patients were administered invasive positive pressure ventilation through tracheostomy. All air samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Viruses were detected on the surface of a patient’s gastric tube, and an anal tube swab tested positive. Five days later, the anal swab of the patient remained positive, although viral RNA of the nasopharyngeal swap turned negative.Conclusions: Establishing temporary isolation COVID-19 ICU wards is a safe and effective method to increase surge capacity in a hospital. SARS-CoV-2 sheds from the enteric canal after viral clearance in the respiratory tract. Reinforcing disinfection of tubes and circuits given to the patients is essential in COVID-19 isolation wards to decrease nosocomial transmission.
The G-quadruplex/helicase world as a potential antiviral approach against COVID-19
Authors: Panera Nadia , Tozzi Alberto , Alisi Anna 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical secondary structures formed within guanine-rich sequences regions of DNA or RNA. G4 sequences/structures have been detected in human and in viral genomes, including Coronaviruses Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2. Here, we evaluated in silico the presence of putative G4 sequences in SARS-CoV-2 genome. This finding confirm that G4 ligands and inhibitors may exert some antiviral activity reducing viral replication and may represent a potential therapeutic approach to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also evaluated how repositioning of Food and Drug Administration approved drugs against helicase activity of other viruses, could represent a rapid strategy to limit deaths associated with COVID-19 pandemic.
Magnetic field enhanced denitrification efficiency of immobilized bacterial particles
Authors: Hou Liangang , Liu Yang , Fan Sa , Li Jun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The effect of the magnetic field on denitrification process in immobilized bacteria particles was investigated in this study. The magnetic field could enhance the denitrification efficiency, especially for wastewater with low C/N ratios, and the average removal efficiencies of NO3–-N increased by 6.58%. High-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that the magnetic field had substantial impacts on the stability of microbial community structure and relative abundance in immobilized bacteria particles, which was beneficial for the stability of denitrifying bacteria. Through the research in this paper, we suggest that magnetic field can be used to improve the denitrification performance of immobilized bacteria particles in the wastewater treatment industry.
Mixed carbon source improves deep denitrification performance in up-flow anaerobic sludge bed reactor
Authors: Xiao Hong , Wu Jiaojiao , Peng Hong , Jiang Zhongyao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
To investigate the advantages of mixed carbon source over a single one in deep denitrification, sodium acetate, glucose and their mixture were used as carbon sources in present study. Denitrification performance, effluent pH, microbial community and carbon source cost were taken into account. With the same influent NO3–-N concentration of 50 mg/L and the same C/N ratio of 1.5, the NO3–-N removal rate with the mixed carbon source (96.53%) was slightly lower than that with sodium acetate (98.15%), but significantly higher than that with glucose (74.69%). The specific denitrification rates of the sodium acetate, glucose and sodium acetate/glucose reactor were 47.7, 29.7 and 45.4 mg N/g VSS d, respectively. The effluent pH with sodium acetate varied in the range of 9.13–9.60, exceeding the discharge standard limit of 9.0, whereas the sodium acetate/glucose reactor could keep pH in the range of 7.80–8.23. The 16S rRNA gene-based high-throughput sequencing revealed that carbon sources determined the microbial community structure and the sludge Shannon index with the mixed carbon source was the highest. Furthermore, cost estimation indicated that the mixed carbon source was the cheapest. This study is significant as it tests reasonable selection of carbon sources for deep denitrification in practice.
Antibacterial Assessment of Zinc Sulfide Nanoparticles againstStreptococcus pyogenesandAcinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Morshedtalab Zeinab , Rahimi Ghasem , Emami-Nejad Asieh , Farasat Alireza , Mohammadbeygi Azita , Ghaedamini Nahid , Negahdary Masoud 
Published: April 2020

Background:Due to the appearance of resistant bacterial strains against the antimicrobial drugs and the reduced efficiency of these valuable resources, the health of a community and the economies of countries have been threatened. Objective: In this study, the antibacterial assessment of zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) against Streptococcus pyogenes and Acinetobacter baumannii has been performed.Methods:ZnS NPs were synthesized through a co-precipitation method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000). The size and morphology of the synthesized ZnS NPs were determined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and it was found that the average size of the applied NPs was about 70 nm. In order to evaluate the antibacterial effect of the synthesized ZnS NPs, various concentrations (50μg/mL, 100 μg/mL and 150 μg/mL) of ZnS NPs were prepared. Antibacterial assessments were performed through the disc diffusion method in Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA) culture medium and also the optical density (OD) method was performed by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer in Trypticase™ Soy Broth (TSB) medium. Then, in order to compare the antibacterial effects of the applied NPs, several commercial antibiotics including penicillin, amikacin, ceftazidime and primaxin were used.Results:The achieved results indicated that the antibacterial effects of ZnS NPs had a direct relation along with the concentrations and the concentration of 150 μg/mL showed the highest antibacterial effect in comparison with others. In addition, the ZnS NPs were more effective on Acinetobacter baumannii.Conclusion:The findings of this research suggest a novel approach against antibiotic resistance.
Protective Effects of Pomegranate in Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Delgado Nathalie T.B. , Rouver Wender N. , dos Santos Roger L. 
Published: April 2020

Background:Punica granatum L. is an infructescence native of occidental Asia and Mediterranean Europe, popularly referred to as pomegranate. It has been used in ethnomedicine for several applications, including the treatment of obesity, inflammation, diabetes, and the regulation of blood lipid parameters. Thus, pomegranate has been linked to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases that have endothelial dysfunction as a common factor acting mainly against oxidative stress due to its high polyphenol content. Its biocomponents have antihypertensive, antiatherogenic, antihyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which promote cardiovascular protection through the improvement of endothelial function.Methods:Different electronic databases were searched in a non-systematic way to uncover the literature of interest.Conclusion:This review article presents updated information on the role of pomegranate in the context of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. We have shown that pomegranate, or rather its components (e.g., tannins, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, anthocyanins, alkaloids, etc.), have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, improving parameters such as oxidative stress and the enzymatic antioxidant system, reducing reactive oxygen species formation and acting in an anti-inflammatory way. Thus, this review may contribute to a better understanding of pomegranate's beneficial actions on endothelial function and possibly to the development of strategies associated with conventional treatments of cardiovascular diseases.
Association of the Clinico-Demographic and Laboratory Profile with Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Drug-Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Nawaz Alam , Nayak Manel Arjun , Mahadevappa Samarth , Kamath Ashwin 
Published: April 2020

Background:Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a significant public health problem, especially in the developing and underdeveloped countries; its treatment is relatively expensive, of longer duration, and associated with more adverse effects.Objective:The objective of this study was to report the treatment outcomes in patients with DR-TB and determine if a few selected clinico-demographic parameters and baseline laboratory values, done as part of the pre-treatment evaluation, have any impact on sputum culture conversion and outcomes. The aim was to identify the potential factors associated with unfavourable outcomes prior to starting the treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis of data of patients diagnosed with DR-TB admitted at our centre from January 2015 to May 2016 was done. Of the 114 patients included, culture reports were available in 85 and 72 patients at the end of the third and sixth month, respectively. The clinicodemographic and laboratory parameters were compared with the sputum culture report at the end of the third and sixth month and final treatment outcomes.Results:Favorable outcome (cured) was seen in 33.3% (38/114) patients. Female gender was associated with delayed sputum culture conversion at three months (P = 0.020). A positive culture at the end of the sixth month was significantly associated with unfavourable outcomes (P = 0.002). A low body mass index (BMI) (15.86 [IQR, 14.10-18.11]) and a higher platelet count (358 × 109/L [IQR, 282-4.85]) at the initiation of treatment were independently and significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes.Conclusion:Patients with a low BMI and high platelet count are more likely to have unfavourable treatment outcomes. Identifying patients with these risk factors during the pre-treatment phase, more intensive follow-up during the treatment course could be advocated.
PENSAMENTO COMPUTACIONAL NA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA: ANÁLISE COM DISCENTES DO CURSO DE LICENCIATURA EM MATEMÁTICA
Authors: Reichert Janice Teresinha , Barone Dante Augusto Couto , Kist Milton 
Published: April 2020

O artigo evidencia e discute aspectos sobre as percepções de um grupo de licenciandos em Matemática sobre o tema Pensamento Computacional, bem como, apresenta uma análise das possíveis contribuições de um curso de formação sobre o assunto. O estudo centrou-se na aplicação de questionários com questões abertas e fechadas, antes e após a realização das atividades entre os meses de abril a julho de 2019. As respostas foram analisadas na perspectiva qualitativa sendo que os resultados obtidos apontam para um desconhecimento inicial dos participantes sobre o assunto, principalmente nas suas relações com a área da Matemática. O oferecimento do curso permitiu um ganho significativo sobre o assunto e a elaboração de conjecturas sobre a sua inclusão na Educação Básica.
Walking toward ipsas adoption: a discussion about brazilian public sector changes under the perspective of institutional theory
Authors: Araújo João Gabriel Nascimento de , Souza Fernando Gentil de 
Published: April 2020

Este estudo tem como objetivo examinar as influências de forças institucionais no processo de convergência em contabilidade governamental no Brasil. Além da introdução, a segunda seção descreve a adoção das IPSAS no Brasil. Na terceira parte, abordamos, do ponto de vista da teoria institucional do NIS, específico das pressões miméticas, normativas e coercitivas, esse processo de mudança na contabilidade do governo brasileiro; e, finalmente, fizemos algumas considerações finais sobre o assunto. Discutimos alguns casos reais do contexto brasileiro sobre a adoção das IPSAS, com base em observação direta, várias entrevistas informais com diferentes agentes do setor público brasileiro em diferentes níveis e várias instituições e revisão de literatura. É importante ressaltar que os exemplos mostrados aqui não são e não pretendem estar esgotados, mas apenas ilustrativos. Nossa intenção é fomentar o debate e esclarecer algumas pressões institucionais que existem nesse processo. Sugerimos como próximos passos o exame de fatores qualitativos, tais como: a qualidade das demonstrações contábeis; impacto em práticas de gerenciamento mais amplas (são orçamentos baseados em acréscimos, uso do balanço patrimonial para informar a tomada de decisão, etc.); e se as partes interessadas externas (cidadãos, membros eleitos, grupos sociais etc.) consideram que a introdução das IPSAS melhorou a prestação de contas
Modelos de gestão: uma revisão da literatura brasileira
Authors: Lugoboni Leonardo Fabris , Santos Bruno De Souza , Machado Eduardo Carcelen , Gomes Jésus De Lisboa 
Published: April 2020

Esta pesquisa buscou compreender como os modelos de gestão estão sendo abordados pela literatura, qual o conteúdo e estrutura dessas pesquisas e possíveis tendências decorrentes ao modelo de gestão aplicado. Para isso, foram consultadas nas bases Spell e Scielo trabalhos que abordavam modelos de gestão, tanto centralizados como descentralizados. Ao todo foram identificados 152 trabalhos à base Spell e 269 trabalhos à Scielo, num total de 421 trabalhos. Destes 50 trabalhos foram usados a condução desta pesquisa. Foi possível observar um crescimento nos trabalhos que abordam modelos de gestão. Variáveis como Gestão / Gestão de Pessoas, Organização, Estrutura, Poder e Responsabilidade e Coordenação têm-se mostrado como as variáveis mais presentes. Foi possível observar também uma provável uma tendência de crescimento relacionada ao estudo de modelos descentralizados. Espera-se com essa pesquisa contribuir para uma maior visualização das pesquisas relacionadas à modelos de gestão assim como as perspectivas futuras de pesquisa que pode ser adotadas ou evitadas pelos próximos pesquisadores.
¿Masculinidades en el sector mercantil? Trabajo y género en una empresa multinacional de supermercados en la ciudad de Rosario, Argentina
Authors: Guiamet Jaime 
Published: April 2020

El presente artículo analiza las formas en que se construye la masculinidad en una empresa multinacional de supermercados en la ciudad de Rosario, Argentina. Este trabajo forma parte de una investigación más amplia plasmada en nuestra tesis doctoral acerca de las experiencias laborales de jóvenes trabajadores de supermercados. La metodología aplicada consistió en un enfoque antropológico, cuyas herramientas principales fueron entrevistas en profundidad y observación participante. Analizaremos las experiencias de los trabajadores en torno a tres aspectos en particular: los sentidos sobre el esfuerzo físico en la reposición de productos; la importancia de los sectores de reposición y de producción de alimentos perecederos como sectores “masculinos” y “adultos” y los procesos de estigmatización de lo femenino manifiesto en concepciones sobre el trabajo de las cajeras.
Enhancing Learning for Early Years Foundation Degree Students: Empowerment through Heutagogy and Reflecting on the Notion of Knowledgeable Others
Authors: Teszenyi Eleonora , Devecchi Cristina , Richardson Tanya 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
This paper reports on a small-scale practitioner enquiry undertaken with 17 work-based learners studying on a two-year Early Years Foundation Degree programme in a higher education institution in England. The first aim of the enquiry was to identify the perspectives of a cohort of work-based Early Years Foundation Degree students on teaching strategies they experienced at a higher education institution in the English midlands. The second aim was to identify how the findings could be applied to curricular and andragogic enhancements for future students. Beliefs and attitudes questionnaires were administered to the students half way through their programme. Findings indicate that students valued strategies that included the direct input of the lecturers they regarded as ‘more knowledgeable others’ (Vygotsky, 1978), yet they rated peer support as less effective for their learning. Findings indicate that early years students’ applications of learned theory to work-based practice may need to go beyond a singular notion of ‘communities of practice’ (Lave & Wenger, 1991). Although these students are positioned and position themselves as more knowledgeable others in their own workplace communities, they regard themselves as lacking knowledge in their higher education community. As members of these various communities, they straddle heutagogic and andragogic approaches in their respective communities of practice. In recognition of this, the paper argues that not only should higher education lecturers working with work-based students adopt andragogic strategies but they should also promote heutagogic approaches that increase student autonomy. They should also communicate explicitly to their students the value of such strategies for learning in the field, both in theory and practice.
The Fe Analysis and Variation of Composite Top Hat Shaped Beam
Authors: David Petr , Padovec Zdeněk , Zámečníková Tereza , Sedláček Radek 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The main goal of this work is to provide a composite alternative to an already existing beam which has top hat cross section. The main part of this work is focused on using the finite element method to solve the problem. Firstly, a duralumin version will be used to calibrate the computation, then the problem will be solved for different options of slightly adjusted geometry. The computation itself will include general static analysis as well as analysis of buckling.
Sensitive Analysis on Selection of Piston Material Using MADM Techniques
Authors: Chaitanya K Lakshmi , Srinivas Kolla 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Decision making in material selection plays important role in selecting appropriate material based on design and manufacturing attributes. Proposing a new material is always a challenging task so the researchers used Decision making assistance tools. In the Present paper the application of Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) methods are applied to the piston material selection for optimal design process. Comparative study of subjective and objective criteria weights on selected MADM methods are done. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to prove the consistency in performance score ranking order as the criteria weights for each alternative varies.