bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Foreign Direct Investment Encourage State Militarization and Reduce Societal Security? An Empirical Test, 1980–2017
Authors: de Soysa Indra 
Published: August 2019

AbstractScholars debate the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) on poor societies. Apparently, FDI could embolden governments to securitize rather than reform, an argument put forth recently by (Kishi, Roudabeh, Maggio, Guiseppe, & Raleigh, Clionadh. (2017). Foreign investment and state conflicts in Africa.Peace Economics, Peace Science and Public Policy,23(3),https://doi.org/10.1515/peps-2017-0007) who supply evidence within a sample of Sub Saharan African countries showing that FDI increases the number of conflict events. This study takes a critical view of their argument on conceptual and methodological grounds. Using new data for the entire world as well as a sample of developing countries, this study directly tests securitization as militarization measured as military spending and the size of armed forces and finds that several alternative measurements of the stock and flow of FDI reduces militarization, results that are robust to fixed effects estimations, Heckman selection models, and models with and without controls for ongoing armed conflict and interstate tension. Testing an Africa-only sample yields no statistically significant effects either way, but compared to the global sample, an interaction of FDI in Africa does show a positive effect. This result, however, is substantively very slight compared with the net effect of the African region where military spending is unusually greater than in other regions, but size of armed forces are smaller. These results are replicated using a measure of societal security capturing more than just the absence of war as measured by the World Economic Forum’s data. If FDI increases security without increasing militarization, then FDI is potentially a sound source of finance for poor countries. Case-study-based research might usefully unpack the political economy of defence spending in Africa and identify precisely how TNCs can be implicated in the story. Our results show, however, that generally, FDI might actually reduce militarization while increasing societal security beyond just the absence of armed violence.
Epac2 Elevation Reverses Inhibition by Chondroitin Sulfate ProteoglycansIn Vitroand Transforms Postlesion Inhibitory Environment to Promote Axonal Outgrowth in anEx VivoModel of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Guijarro-Belmar Alba , Viskontas Mindaugas , Wei Yuting , Bo Xuenong , Shewan Derryck , Huang Wenlong 
Published: August 2019

Millions of patients suffer from debilitating spinal cord injury (SCI) without effective treatments. Elevating cAMP promotes CNS neuron growth in the presence of growth-inhibiting molecules. cAMP's effects on neuron growth are partly mediated by Epac, comprising Epac1 and Epac2; the latter predominantly expresses in postnatal neural tissue. Here, we hypothesized that Epac2 activation would enhance axonal outgrowth after SCI. Usingin vitroassays, we demonstrated, for the first time, that Epac2 activation using a specific soluble agonist (S-220) significantly enhanced neurite outgrowth of postnatal rat cortical neurons and markedly overcame the inhibition by chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and mature astrocytes on neuron growth. We further investigated the novel potential of Epac2 activation in promoting axonal outgrowth by anex vivorat model of SCI mimicking post-SCI environmentin vivoand by delivering S-220 via a self-assembling Fmoc-based hydrogel that has suitable properties for SCI repair. We demonstrated that S-220 significantly enhanced axonal outgrowth across the lesion gaps in the organotypic spinal cord slices, compared with controls. Furthermore, we elucidated, for the first time, that Epac2 activation profoundly modulated the lesion environment by reducing astrocyte/microglial activation and transforming astrocytes into elongated morphology that guided outgrowing axons. Finally, we showed that S-220, when delivered by the gel at 3 weeks after contusion SCI in male adult rats, resulted in significantly better locomotor performance for up to 4 weeks after treatment. Our data demonstrate a promising therapeutic potential of S-220 in SCI, via beneficial effects on neurons and glia after injury to facilitate axonal outgrowth.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDuring development, neuronal cAMP levels decrease significantly compared with the embryonic stage when the nervous system is established. This has important consequences following spinal cord injury, as neurons fail to regrow. Elevating cAMP levels encourages injured CNS neurons to sprout and extend neurites. We have demonstrated that activating its downstream effector, Epac2, enhances neurite outgrowthin vitro, even in the presence of an inhibitory environment. Using a novel biomaterial-based drug delivery system in the form of a hydrogel to achieve local delivery of an Epac2 agonist, we further demonstrated that specific activation of Epac2 enhances axonal outgrowth and minimizes glial activation in anex vivomodel of spinal cord injury, suggesting a new strategy for spinal cord repair.
NADA ESTÁ PARADO: A EXPERIÊNCIA-NIETZSCHE E O COTIDIANO EDUCACIONAL
Authors: Bedin da Costa Luciano 
Published: August 2019

Este artigo faz uma leitura do cotidiano educacional através da filosofia de Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900), discutindo conceitos como: experiência, niilismo, ressentimento, má consciência, força e vontade de potência. A teoria nietzschiana é utilizada como ferramenta para pensar o cotidiano vivido nas práticas em educação, rompendo com a inércia dos discursos lamentosos e niilistas. O que chamamos de Experiência-Nietzsche envolve um outro olhar, uma grande saúde e uma ética para escaparmos das cristalizações e produzirmos com as diferenças.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: experiência, Nietzsch, niilismo, formação, vontade de potência
Ressignificações no processo do cuidado a partir das práticas das rezadeiras no projeto Quatro Varas
Authors: De Oliveira Mônica Cordeiro Ximenes , Garcêz Luiz Ricardo , Viana Melina Campos , De Sousa Rebeca Alves , Silva Nascimento Francisca Neila 
Published: August 2019

Introdução: As rezadeiras exercem o seu papel de cura por meios simbólicos e agem principalmente sobre enfermidades de pouca gravidade. Objetivo: Conhecer as ressignificações no processo do cuidado a partir das práticas das rezadeiras no Projeto Quatro Varas. Metodologia: Pesquisa de campo com abordagem qualitativa, realizada no período de agosto de 2016 até julho de 2017, no Projeto Quatro Varas em Fortaleza. Para coleta de dados fizemos entrevistas com 6 informantes que utilizavam as práticas de reza. Os dados coletados foram interpretados a partir da análise de narrativa e da Antropologia Interpretativa. A pesquisa teve aprovação do Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa do IPADE, com número de aprovação 55697416.0.0000.5049. Resultados: Evidenciamos nas narrativas dos entrevistados que após procurar a rezadeira sentiram-se melhor e acreditam no poder de cura dessas mulheres que ofertam saúde para a comunidade de forma gratuita e de fácil acesso como vemos a seguir: “eu fico logo bem. Só procuro quando não tô bem, eu sei que aquele momento ela vai me tocar, ela vai depositar aquela energia positiva dela na minha pessoa, no momento eu já fico bem”; (Orquidea); “Me sentia bem, porque eu sabia que estava buscando um bem para meu filho e se eu fosse procurar ela era porque eu acreditava. Me sentia confortável e deu certo até hoje” (Margarida). Conclusão: Essa prática cultural, apesar de ser muito procurada no passado, por sua eficácia de promover bem-estar, vem sendo esquecida com o passar dos anos, mas influencia até hoje diretamente nas crenças e conhecimentos populares.
Profile of estimated glomerular filtration rate of children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Ezeh Gabriel O. , Oniyangi Oluseyi , Babaniyi Iretiola B. , Nwatah Vincent E. , Eke Felicia U. 
Published: August 2019

Background: Kidney disease is more common in people of African descent in developed countries. Studies reporting estimate Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) in African populations and people living with HIV have been carried more frequently on adults than children. The study aimed to assess eGFR by use of the SCHWARTZ formula in HIV infected children seen at tertiary hospital.Methods: A descriptive, prospective and cross sectional study of 221 children with HIV infection. Schwartz formula was used to determine eGFR. The main outcome measures were eGFR. The study population comprised HIV infected children attending Paediatric out-patients’ clinic and those admitted into the Paediatric wards, aged between 6 months and 15 years. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20 and results presented in tables and figures. Results: The age range of the study subjects was 12 months to 15 years with the mean age and SD of 8.21±3.61 years. There were 129 (58.4%) male and 92 (41.6%) female children with male to female ratio 1: 0.7. The mean age for males was 7.87±3.49 years while that for females was 8.70±3.71 years. The eGFR for the study as determined by Schwartz formula had a range of 49.21 to 463.67 ml/ min/ 1.73m2 with the mean of 159.56±59.04 ml/min. The mean eGFR for the males and females were 166.39±63.54ml/ min and 149.99±45.01 ml/ min respectively. Conclusion: The study, in comparison with other studies, observed a lower prevalence of CKD in HIV infected children. Detection of CKD in HIV infection children may be more optimal if combined methods are employed.
Statistical risk prediction models for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in severe preeclampsia in a low-resource setting: Proposal for a Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Study at Mpilo Central Hospital, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Authors: Ngwenya Solwayo , Jones Brian , Heazell Alexander Edward Patrick , Mwembe Desmond 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in low-resource settings. Identifying mothers and babies at greatest risk of complications would enable intervention to be targeted to those most likely to benefit from them. However, current risk prediction models have a wide range of sensitivity (42-81%) and specificity (87-92%) indicating that improvements are needed. Furthermore, no predictive models have been developed or evaluated in Zimbabwe.
This proposal describes a single centre retrospective cross-sectional study which will address the need to further develop and test statistical risk prediction models for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in low-resource settings; this will be the first such research to be carried out in Zimbabwe.
Data will be collected on maternal demographics characteristics, outcome of prior pregnancies, past medical history, symptoms and signs on admission, results of biochemical and haematological investigations. Adverse outcome will be defined as a composite of maternal morbidity and mortality and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Association between variables and outcomes will be explored using multivariable logistic regression.
Critically, new risk prediction models introduced for our clinical setting may reduce avoidable maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality at local, national, regional and international level.
Accuracy of in vitro mandibular volumetric measurements from CBCT of different voxel sizes with different segmentation threshold settings
Authors: Dong Ting , Xia Lunguo , cai chenglin , Yuan Lingjun , Ye Nainsong , Fang Bing 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: To determine the accuracy of volumetric measurements of the mandible in vitro by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to analyze the inﬂuence of voxel sizes and segmentation threshold settings on it.
Methods：The samples were obtained from pig mandibles and scanned with 4 voxel sizes: .125 mm, .20 mm, .30 mm, and .40 mm. The minimum segmentation thresholds in Hounsﬁeld units (HU) were set as 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400, respectively, for each voxel size for 3D reconstruction. Laser scanning as the reference, the volumes of each CBCT scanning, the mean iterative distances of superimposition and total positive and negative deviations were recorded and compared.
Results：The volumes of CBCT-scan deviated from those of laser-scan by +7.67% to -3.05% with different HU and voxel sizes. The deviation increased with the voxel size. There was a more suitable minimum HU threshold of segmentation (HU100 for .125 mm, 200 for .20 mm, 300 for .30 mm, and 400 for .40 mm) for each voxel size.
Conclusions：Voxel sizes and Hounsfield unit thresholds influence the accuracy of volumetric measurements in CBCT scanning. The volume increase with the voxel size, and different voxel sizes correspond to different optimal Hounsfield unit thresholds.
Behavioral and Steroidogenic Pharmacology of Phenyl Ring Substituted Etomidate Analogs in Rats
Authors: McGrath Megan , Hofmann Aissa , Raines Douglas Eric 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Cushing’s syndrome is an endocrine disorder characterized by the overproduction of adrenocortical steroids and associated with significant morbidity. Steroidogenesis enzyme inhibitors are the mainstays of pharmacological treatment. Unfortunately, they produce side effects that limit dosing, efficacy, and patient tolerability. Among the most potent inhibitors is the general anesthetic etomidate whose GABAA receptor-mediated sedative-hypnotic actions restrict use. In this study, we defined the sedative-hypnotic and steroidogenesis inhibiting actions of etomidate and four phenyl-ring substituted etomidate analogs (dimethoxy-etomidate, isopropoxy-etomidate, naphthalene-etomidate, and naphthalene(2)-etomidate) that possess negligible GABAA receptor modulatory activities.
Methods: In the first set of experiments, male Sprague-Dawley rats were assessed for loss of righting reflexes (LoRR) after receiving intravenous boluses of either etomidate (1 mg/kg) or an etomidate analog (40 mg/kg). In the second set of experiments, rats were assessed for LoRR and their abilities to produce adrenocortical and androgenic steroids after receiving 2-hr infusions (0.5 mg kg-1min-1) of either etomidate or an etomidate analog.
Results: All rats that received etomidate boluses or infusions had LoRR that persisted for minutes or hours, respectively. In contrast, no rat that received an etomidate analog had LoRR. Compared to rats in the vehicle control group, rats that received etomidate analog infusions had plasma corticosterone and aldosterone concentrations that were reduced by 80 – 84% and 68 – 94%, respectively. Rats that received etomidate infusions had plasma corticosterone and aldosterone concentrations that were also significantly reduced (by 92% and 96%, respectively). Rats that received etomidate or isopropoxy-etomidate had significant reductions (90% and 57%, respectively) in plasma testosterone concentrations whereas those that received naphthalene-etomidate had significant increases (1,400%) in plasma dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations. Neither etomidate nor any etomidate analog significantly affected plasma androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone concentrations.
Conclusions: Our studies demonstrate that the four phenyl-ring substituted etomidate analogs form a novel class of compounds that are devoid of sedative-hypnotic activities and suppress plasma concentrations of adrenocortical steroids but vary in their effects on plasma concentrations of androgenic steroids. They provide a proof-of-concept for the development of non-sedating etomidate analogs to treat Cushing’s syndrome and other pathologies whose clinical courses may be improved by altering steroid biosynthesis.
Yang-Monti ileal ureter-bladder anastomosis or Yang-Monti ileal ureter-ureteral anastomosis for the treatment of ureteral stenosis: What is better?
Authors: wang zhenxing , sun zhaolin , yang xiushu , luo guangheng , tian ye , shen lei , su zhiyong , liu hongming 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: To establish an animal model of the minipigs of ileal ureter-bladder anastomosis and ureteral-ureteral anastomosis using the Yang-Monti technique, and compare the advantages and disadvantages.
Methods: 14 minipigs were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received the left Yang-Monti ileal ureter-ureteral anastomosis ; group B received the left Yang-Monti ileal ureter-bladder anastomosis. The length of the incision and the operation time of the two groups were compared. Changes in serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were observed. IVU,cystography,Urinary culture examination and histological examination were performed.
Results: the remaining 11 miniature pigs had no urinary fistula or intestinal fistula.The operation time and incision length of group A were longer than group B. All minipigs had normal renal function before and after surgery. There was no stenosis obstruction in the venous pyelography. The narrowest diameter of group A was larger than that of group B; no contrast agent was returned to the upper urinary tract in the two groups. Postoperative urine culture examinations were colonized with Escherichia coli. the obstruction and stenosis were found in group A; the ileal ureteral diameter of group A was larger than that of group B. Histological examination showed that the transitional epithelium and columnar epithelial mucosa in group A were not close together; the intestinal villi are slightly atrophied and shortened.
Conclusions: Compared with the Yang-Monti ileal ureteral anastomosis, the Yang-Monti ileal ureter-bladder anastomosis is simpler, more reliable, and less complication.
Exploring the pathogenic function of an endogenous plasmid of Pantoea ananatis by a simple and efficient plasmid elimination strategy
Authors: Zhao Xiaozhen , Gao Lu , Huang Hai , Zhao Yi , Hanif Alvina , Wu Huijun , Gu Qin , Wu Liming , Gao Xuewen 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: The bacterium Pantoea ananatis is associated with devastating diseases in many crops that cause serious economic losses. We previously isolated strain DZ-12 from maize brown rot leaves and, genome sequencing revealed that it belongs to P. ananatis and contains a large, endogenous plasmid, pDZ-12. Virulence plasmids are essential for pathogenesis in many bacterial pathogens. However, nothing was known regarding the role of this plasmid in P. ananatis pathogenicity in maize. Results: Here, we eliminated the endogenous plasmid from P. ananatis by substituting its native replicon with a temperature-sensitive replicon. The resulting temperature-sensitive plasmid could be cured by growing cells at high temperature (37 °C). Loss of pDZ-12 from P. ananatis DZ-12 led to decreased disease severity in maize plants, suggesting the endogenous plasmid was important for pathogenesis. Meanwhile, loss of pDZ-12 also affected the ability of the bacterium to form biofilms. The method described here, which is efficient and needs only two steps to cure the endogenous plasmid without antibiotic resistance, was also shown to work in Bacillus subtilis, and may be generally applicable in bacteria. Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence that the endogenous plasmid of P. ananatis DZ-12 is important for pathogenesis in maize plants and in the ability of this species to form biofilms. It also presents the first report on curing plasmid DNA from P. ananatis.
The effect of vitamin D supplementation on the glycemic control of pre-diabetic Qatari patients in a randomized control trial.
Authors: Thani Mohammed Al , Sadoun Eman , Sofroniou Angeliki , Jayyousi Amin , Baagar Khaled Ahmed Mohamed , Hammaq Abdulla Al , Vinodson Benjamin , Akram Hammad , Bhatti Zaid Shakoor , Nasser Heba Samir , Leventakou Vasiliki 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with indicators of pre-diabetes including, insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction and elevated plasma glucose with controversial findings from current trials. This study aims to investigate the long-term effect of vitamin D on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in pre-diabetic and highly vitamin-deficient subjects.
Methods: 132 participants were randomized to 30,000 IU vitamin D weekly for 6 months. Participants underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 3-month intervals to determine the change in plasma glucose concentration at 2h after 75g OGTT (2hPCG). Secondary measurements included glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and insulin, post-prandial insulin, indices of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR, Matsuda Index), β-cell function (HOMA-β, glucose and insulin area under the curve (AUC), disposition and insulinogenic indices), and lipid profile.
Results: A total of 57 (vitamin D) and 75 (placebo) subjects completed the study. Mean baseline serum 25(OH) D levels were 17.0 ng/ml and 14.9 ng/ml for placebo and vitamin D group, respectively. No significant differences were observed for 2hPC glucose or insulin sensitivity indices between groups. HOMA-β significantly decreased in the vitamin D group, while area under curve for glucose and insulin showed a significant reduction in β-cell function in both groups. Additionally, HOMA-β was found to be significantly different between control and treatment group and significance persisted after adjusting for confounding factors.
Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation in a pre-diabetic and severely vitamin-deficient population had no effect on glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity. The observed reduction in β-cell function in both placebo and vitamin D groups could be attributed to factors other than supplementation.
Trial registration: The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov with number: NCT02098980.