Essential Action Research Articles

Essential Intracrine Androgenic Action in Lung Development for Both Sexes

Albeit their recognized negative effects on lung maturation, androgens have been proposed to play an essential positive role in lung development. This work aimed to evaluate the impact of blocking endogenous androgen and estrogen actions and to study the effect of an excess of androgen and estrogen during the end of saccular stage and the beginning of the alveolar stage on lung development. This was performed with normal oxygen atmosphere and with hyperoxia, a model of alveolar simplification, which is observed in new bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Mouse lung samples were collected on postnatal day 9 after exposure to 21% or 80% oxygen (postnatal days 1 to 4), and after administration (postnatal days 3 to 8) of vehicle, pure antiandrogen (flutamide), dihydrotestosterone, pure antiestrogen (fulvestrant), or 17β-estradiol. With 21% oxygen, the major effects on morphometric parameters were induced by flutamide. In contrast, with hyperoxia, both flutamide and dihydrotestosterone had similar effects on several morphometric parameters. For instance, a decrease in the relative frequency of closed areas (mainly composed of saccules/alveoli) < 1000 μm2 and an increase for those > 2500 μm2 were observed after flutamide administration. In conclusion, during the junction between the saccular and the alveolar stages, endogenous androgens play an essential intracrine role in lung development for both sexes while an excess of androgens are deleterious when combined with a hyperoxia treatment, but not with normal oxygen levels. Endogenous estrogens have no effects on the lungs during the developmental window studied, while exogenous estrogens had only isolated effects on some morphometric parameters.

Survival analysis: Informing recovery of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep

ABSTRACTSurvival in small populations (e.g., Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep or Sierra bighorn [Ovis canadensis sierrae]) is often highly variable. External selective pressures vary in the degree to which they regulate survival by sex and age class. Understanding the important factors and risks for different demographic classes helps managers design strategies that enhance the recovery of endangered species, including Sierra bighorn. Our goal was to determine what population‐level factors (e.g., climate, habitat, population size, predation) affect survival and whether there are interactions between these factors by age and sex, and then apply our findings to recovery strategies. To this end, we conducted a known‐fate survival analysis for female and male Sierra bighorn with data collected over 12 years, and used model selection to evaluate models with spatial, environmental, and other population‐level factors hypothesized to be related to survival. Survival of adult Sierra bighorn declined continuously with age for both sexes; survival was generally higher for females than males, and there were no interactions between age and any environmental or population‐level factors. The top model for both sexes included the date of peak value of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from the previous summer; NDVI had a similar positive relationship with survival for both sexes, which indicates that the later the growing season persists into the summer, the better survival the subsequent year. For females, survival also was negatively related to an index of abundance for mountain lions (Puma concolor), whereas the relationship was less apparent for males. Instead, top models for males indicated elevated survival during warm wet years, but years with late peaks in NDVI the previous year ameliorated the effect of a cold, dry winter. Finally, competitive models for males and females included a variable representing avalanche risk, indicating reduced survival in areas with increased avalanche risk. From a recovery management perspective, the lack of any interaction between age and other covariates suggests that although we may still select younger female Sierra bighorn for translocations (an essential recovery action) because they have higher reproductive value than old females, there were no additional negative synergies between age and other factors to consider. All variables are of value in guiding expectations for newly established populations and established source populations and some may help fine tune the selection of translocation areas. In addition, including predation, weather covariates, and catastrophic effects, such as avalanche risk, in projection models is important for realistic estimation of the time required to meet recovery goals and predicting population trajectories under likely climate change scenarios. Our approach is generalizable to other systems; we demonstrated how survival analyses can inform endangered species recovery management by indicating ideal areas for translocations and provided realistic estimates of time‐to‐recovery or other recovery metrics. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.

LIMITES E POSSIBILIDADES DO SISTEMA DE VIGILÂNCIA ALIMENTAR E NUTRICIONAL NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE: RELATOS DE PROFISSIONAIS DE ENFERMAGEM

Introdução: A vigilância alimentar e nutricional constitui ação essencial no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde, uma vez que, por meio do diagnóstico nutricional da população, possibilita a criação de políticas de saúde. Objetivos: Discutir limites e possibilidades do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional a partir de relatos de profissionais de enfermagem que atuam na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Metodologia: Estudo exploratório e de caráter descritivo, no município de Montes Claros-MG, no qual foram realizadas entrevistas com profissionais de enfermagem. Resultados e Discussão: Percebeu-se que os profissionais reconhecem a importância do SISVAN, mas que seu funcionamento encontra obstáculos quanto às condições de infraestrutura (dificuldade na informatização e conexão), recursos humanos (sobrecarga de trabalho da equipe de enfermagem e profissionais especializados na área) e logística (manuseio do sistema de informação e falta de adesão dos usuários). Considerações finais: Os problemas operacionais refletem no funcionamento do SISVAN, por isso é necessário que o sistema gestor invista em estratégias com a finalidade de ampliar e qualificar a vigilância alimentar e nutricional.DOI: 10.12957/demetra.2018.31077

A selenoprotein T-derived peptide protects the heart against ischaemia/reperfusion injury through inhibition of apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Selenoprotein T (SelT or SELENOT) is a novel thioredoxin-like enzyme whose genetic ablation in mice results in early embryonic lethality. SelT exerts an essential cytoprotective action during development and after injury through its redox-active catalytic site. This study aimed to determine the expression and regulation of SelT in the mammalian heart in normal and pathological conditions and to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of a SelT-derived peptide, SelT43-52(PSELT) encompassing the redox motif which is key to its function, against ischaemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury. We used the isolated Langendorff rat heart model and different analyses by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and ELISA. We found that SelT expression is very abundant in embryo but is undetectable in adult heart. However, SelT expression was tremendously increased after I/R. PSELT (5 nmol/L) was able to induce pharmacological post-conditioning cardioprotection as evidenced by a significant recovery of contractility (dLVP) and reduction of infarct size (IS), without changes in cardiac contracture (LVEDP). In contrast, a control peptide lacking the redox site did not confer cardioprotection. Immunoblot analysis showed that PSELT-dependent cardioprotection is accompanied by a significant increase in phosphorylated Akt, Erk-1/2 and Gsk3α-β, and a decrement of p38MAPK. PSELT inhibited the pro-apoptotic factors Bax, caspase 3 and cytochrome c and stimulated the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2. Furthermore, PSELT significantly reduced several markers of I/R-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress. These results unravel the role of SelT as a cardiac modulator and identify PSELT as an effective pharmacological post-conditioning agent able to protect the heart after ischaemic injury.

Please Ask Gently: Using Culturally Targeted Communication Strategies to Initiate End-of-Life Care Discussions With Older Chinese Americans.

Health-care providers (HCPs) find facilitating end-of-life (EOL) care discussions challenging, especially with patients whose ethnicities differ from their own. Currently, there is little guidance on how to initiate and facilitate such discussions with older Chinese Americans (≥55 years) and their families. To explore communication strategies for HCPs to initiate EOL care discussions with older Chinese Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area. This qualitative (focused) ethnographic study included field observations and individual semistructured interviews with 14 community-dwelling older Chinese Americans who lived independently at home, 9 adult children, and 7 HCPs. Responses were analyzed using open coding, memos, and comparison across participants. The study participants emphasized the importance of assessing readiness for early EOL care discussions. All recommended using indirect communication approaches to determine older Chinese Americans' readiness. Indirect communication can be culturally targeted and applied at both system-wide (ie, health-care system) and individual (ie, HCP) levels. To institutionalize the practice, health-care facilities should implement EOL care discussion inquiries as part of routine during check-in or intake questionnaires. In individual practice, using depersonalized communication strategies to initiate the discussion was recommended to determine older Chinese Americans' readiness. Assessing readiness should be an essential and necessary action for early EOL care discussions. Culturally targeted assessment of older Chinese Americans includes using indirect communication approaches to initiate an EOL care discussion to determine their readiness. In addition to health-care system integration, providers should implement and evaluate proposed EOL discussion initiation prompts with their older Chinese American patients.

Verbal Communication As a Two-Way Process in Connecting People

Communication is an essential action to all species' continuity, and all animal species communicate, some in a very competent and clever manner. But none accomplishes the exactitude and flexibility that characterizes human communication, ability due in large part to the human gift to use language. Verbal communication among human beings is possible both at the spoken and written level, in both situations communication being possible through different formats. Spoken or verbal communication refers to the use of sounds and language to relay a message, it serves as a vehicle for expressing desires, ideas and concepts and is vital to the processes of learning and teaching. In combination with nonverbal forms of communication, verbal communication acts as the primary tool for expression between two or more people.

Investigation of cerebral venous outflow in microgravity

Objective: The gravitational gradient is the major component to face when considering the physiology of venous return, and there is a growing interest in understanding the mechanisms ensuring the heart filling, in the absence of gravity, for astronauts who perform long-term space missions. Approach: The purpose of the Drain Brain project was to monitor the cerebral venous outflow of a crew member during an experiment on the International Space Station (ISS), so as to study the compensatory mechanisms that facilitate this essential physiological action in subjects living in a microgravity environment. Such venous function has been characterized by means of a novel application of strain-gauge plethysmography which uses a capacitive sensor. Main results: In this contribution, preliminary results of our investigation have been presented. In particular, comparison of plethysmography data confirmed that long duration spaceflights lead to a redistribution of venous blood volume, and showed interesting differences in the amplitude of cardiac oscillations measured at the level of the neck veins. Significance: The success of the experiment has also demonstrated that thanks to its easy portability, non-invasiveness, and non-operator dependence, the proposed device can be considered as a novel tool for use aboard the ISS. Further trials are now under way to complete the investigation on the drainage function of the neck veins in microgravity.

Investigation on Evolution of Microstructures and Characterization During FSW of Az80a Mg Alloy

Abstract Experimental investigation was conducted to find out microstructural characteristic changes arising in the weldments AZ80A Mg alloys obtained using the friction stir welding. Tools with three different pin profile geometries were employed during this investigation at constant tool rotational speed and feed rate. Tensile tests are performed and the tensile fracture surfaces are examined using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and the obtained SEM images are used for microstructural investigations. From the experimental results, it was observed that the geometry of the tool pin plays a significant role in producing essential stirring action there by regulating the flow of the plasticized material and leading to the formation of small sized grains having equally distributed fine strengthening precipitates. These structured grains have a direct reflecting impact in increasing the hardness and mechanical properties of the fabricated joints at the nugget zone of the friction stir welded AZ80A Mg alloy joints.

Essential oil repellent action of plants of the genus Zanthoxylum against Bemisia tabaci biotype B (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

Several insects cause harm to agricultural production, increasing its cost. An insect of great interest is Bemisia tabaci, considered a major pest of tomatoes and other crops. Essential oils are alternative products for the control of agricultural pests. In this context, the objective of this work was to carry out chemical analyses of the essential oils of the fruits of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium and Zanthoxylum riedelianum and to evaluate their repellent activity against B. tabaci. The average yields of Z. rhoifolium and Z. riedelianum fruit were 0.44 and 0.21% (v/v), respectively. The major compounds in the essential oil of Z. rhoifolium were sabinene (55.9%), germacrene-D (17.1%) and β-myrcene (8.03%); the major compounds in the essential oil Z. riedelianum were γ-elemene (21.2%), D-germacrene (14.2%), sabinene (11.9%) and limonene (11.3%). Six (0.1; 0.2; 0.5; 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0%) and five (0.1; 0.2; 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5%) concentrations of essential oils of Z. rhoifolium and Z. riedelianum, respectively, were evaluated under no-choice and choice bioassay conditions. The best results obtained in the bioassays were achieved at concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 2.0% for both essential oils, with a reduced efficiency of egg laying between 85 and 98%. This is the first time that the chemical compositions of the essential oil from the fruits of Z. riedelianum have been described. The repellency tests suggest that these essential oils are promising for the management of B. tabaci.

Relationship Between Shock Index and Clinical Outcome in Patients with Multiple Traumas

Background: Initial assessment of hemodynamic parameters and timely management of patients regarding hypovolemic shock occurrence is the most essential clinical action in trauma patients and shock index (SI) has considerable accuracy associated with wide application. Therefore, this study is planned to evaluate the relationship of the shock index and clinical outcome in patients with multiple trauma referring to Shahid Sadoughi Hospital of Yazd in 2011.Methods: The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out on 334 patients with multiple trauma referring to Emergency Center of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital of Yazd in 2011. Patients were divided into two separate groups based on Shock index score (≥ 0.9 as abnormal SI and &lt; 0.9 as normal SI).Finally, data were analyzed using Chi-square and independent sample t-test in SPSS ver.19.Results: There was significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean of and gender distribution (P= 0.001). There was also a significant difference between patients with head and neck trauma and pelvic injuries in terms of frequency distribution (P&lt; 0.05). Hemodynamic parameters were also significantly different in the two studied groups (P&lt; 0.001). Also, with regard to the frequency distribution of intensive care unit admission (ICU) and mortality rate, there was significant difference in the two groups.Conclusion: Shock index has considerable predictive value in patients with multiple trauma and can be used in initial management and assessment of patients with multiple trauma before any other diagnostic procedures since it is easily calculated. Shock index can also rapidly diagnose the real condition of trauma patient in primary hours and prevent secondary unpleasant clinical outcomes.

Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of Marrubium astracanicum Jacq. subsp. astracanicum Essential Oil

The aerial parts of essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation in a modified clevenger-type apparatus and their analysis were performed by HS-SPME. The essential oil aerial parts of Marrubium astracanicum subsp. astracanicum was investigated. Thirty compounds were identified representing 85.5 % of the total components in the oils, respectively. β-caryophyllene (23.5 %), germacrene D (10.6 %), spathulenol (9.4 %) and bicyclogermacrene (9.3 %) were identified as major components of M. astracanicum subsp. astracanicum. The disc diffusion method was used to study the antibacterial activity of M. astracanicum subsp. astracanicum essential oil against sixteen bacteria strains. Zone diameter of inhibition from 6 to 13 mm for Gram (+) bacteria. Whereas, for Gram (-) bacteria strains have not shown the response to the essential oil action. In conclusion, this study results might be helpful chemotaxonomy, antimicrobial activity and potential usefulness of Marrubium taxa. Further research is required to evaluate the practical values of therapeutic applications.

People's Republic of China

This 2017 Article IV Consultation highlights China’s continuing transition to a more sustainable growth path and the advance of reforms across a wide domain. Growth slowed to 6.7 percent in 2016 and is projected to remain robust, at 6.7 percent, in 2017 owing to the momentum from last year’s policy support, strengthening external demand, and progress in domestic reforms. Inflation rose to 2 percent in 2016 and is expected to remain stable, at 2 percent, in 2017. Essential supervisory and regulatory action is being taken against financial sector risks, and corporate debt is growing more slowly, reflecting restructuring initiatives and overcapacity reduction.

Shaw's Joan of Arc and Heaney's Antigone as Classically Modern Heroines

ABSTRACT Literary critics have paid little attention to the similar artistic goals of Bernard Shaw and Seamus Heaney, who were both critical of the state of humanity. This article examines various aspects of their work, focusing specifically on the employment of the classical form in Shaw's Saint Joan and Heaney's The Burial at Thebes. Since the essential action in Greek drama relies on discourse and verbal interaction, its form appealed to both Shaw and Heaney, who are remembered today as masters of the spoken word. This article shows that their use of classical forms and themes sheds light on the power politics of their respective times. While the two plays significantly differ, one being a bona fide history play and the other an adaptation of the famous classic, their authors share a common focal point: they want to cure humanity of a disease whose main symptom is the repetition of History's mistakes.

Renewable Energy in the European Union - Italy

Renewable and energy efficiency policies have permeated Italy’s energy agenda throughout the last two decades, and they amount to an essential strategic action in the path of energy transition towards decarbonisation. Drowing on European and domestic legislation and case law, the paper provides an overview of the current and future developments of renewable energy policy in Italy with main emphasis on the Italian administrative framework, market design and the role of Municipalities and Regions.

Microbiological stimulation of phytoremediation process usingSalvinia natansto mercury contamined water

An alternative to traditional cleaning methods of heavy metals in the water environment is phytoremediation. They efficiency depends on used technological process conditions as well as plant species. One of the most dangerous metallic elements mercury plays a particular role, which is a trace element and a physiologically foreign in living organisms. Mercury has a high degree of toxicity with strong affinity to thiol groups. This may cause an adverse effect on the enzymatic processes and consequently inhibiting the physiological functions. Because of high risk for human health, water environment treatment from mercury is essential proecological action. Mercury removal studies were conducted using Salvinia natans pleustofit, sampled from its natural water environment. In the first step, epiphytic bacteria, which was resistant to high concentrations of mercury (0,6 mgHg/l), was isolated from the plant and than selected by the tiles gradient mthod. In the next step, the identification using molecular biology methods was made. In the following step plant Salvinia natans was exposure to high levels of mercury in the presence of the three isolated Pseudomonas strains with exceptional resistance characteristics to environmental factors. Has been found a positive bacteria effect on the plant condition because the selected strains belong to Pseudomonas species producing materials supporting plant growth. The use of microbial stimulation to phytoremediation by hyperaccumulator Salvinia natans can multiply the effectiveness of the process.

Technical-and-economic aspects of the analysis of the heating systems maintenance in the conditions of urban environment

In the modern world one can notice considerable rates of the increase in quantity and size of the large cities which have received the general name reflecting their key characteristics – they are named megalopolises. The directions of the enhancement of the processes of the heating systems maintenance in the modern urban environment in its constant development are considered in the article. The author determines the directions of the technical-and-economic analysis of the maintenance of this type of facilities in the urban environment, which will allow filling the gap between the level of maintenance properties of the heating systems, demanded in the modern conditions, and the actual level. Some methodical provisions of carrying out the technical-and-economic analysis of the heating systems operation, which complex nature provides the objective assessment of the essential factors action during their functions completion within the urban environment, are suggested.

Essential conformal actions of $${{\mathrm{PSL}}}(2,\mathbf {R})$$ PSL ( 2 , R ) on real-analytic compact Lorentz manifolds

The main result of this paper is the conformal flatness of real-analytic compact Lorentz manifolds of dimension at least $3$ admitting a conformal essential (i.e. conformal, but not isometric) action of a Lie group locally isomorphic to PSL(2,R). It is established by using a general result of M. Gromov on local isometries of real-analytic $A$-rigid geometric structures. As corollary, we deduce the same conclusion for conformal essential actions of connected semi-simple Lie groups on real-analytic compact Lorentz manifolds. This work is a contribution to the understanding of the Lorentzian version of a question asked by A. Lichnerowicz.

A Motion Analysis in the Volleyball Spike - Part 1: Three-dimensional Kinematics and Performance

In this study, three-dimensional kinematics and performance were analyzed for male and female top level and junior elite volleyball players in a spike, which is an essential offensive volleyball action. Top level players had higher impact speeds and jumping height than junior elite players for both genders and the male players had higher impact speeds and jumping height than the female players for both levels of expertise. For the analysis of the three-dimensional kinematics of the pelvis, trunk, shoulder and elbow angles and angular velocities, Statistical Parametric Mapping was used. No differences were observed for the orientation angles of pelvis and trunk, indicating a set of invariant kinematics. The pelvis and trunk angular velocities on the other hand did show many interesting differences throughout the approach, cocking and acceleration phase of the spike. The shoulder and elbow angles and angular velocities also illustrated the different strategies used for generating high impact speeds. An important conclusion was that interaction effects between gender and level of expertise were mostly observed in variables from the shoulder and elbow, whereas pelvis and trunk velocities only presented significant main effects. These differences suggest how the motion pattern of the young elite athletes will change over the following years when they gradually make the change towards the highest competitive levels.

INFLUENCE OF THE ADDITIVES OF THE THIRD ELEMENT IN ALLOY Cu-Ti ON ENERGY OF THE SEGREGATION OF THE IMPURITY DURING CELLULAR PRECIPITATION OF THE SOLID SOLUTION

The mathematical analysis of influence of additives of the third component (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ga, Zr, In, Sn) on quantities of energies of a segregation of impurities in volume and on boundaries of grains of alloy Cu-4,35 at. % Ti is made during aging on the cellular mechanism. Calculation of enthalpies of a segregation is spent with the account of energies of interatomic and elastic interaction of atoms of a different grade. Effects of experimental researches testify, in particular, to effective accelerating influence Ni on development of cellular decay in alloy Cu-4,35 ат. % Ti and essential inhibiting action of the given process by an additive Co. On the basis of modelling calculations of enthalpies of mixture in volume and on boundaries of grains it is erected that for the specified additives distinctions in quantities of an enthalpy of mixture in volume of grains appear considerable. The carried out analysis can be taken as a principle build-ups of model of a dynamic segregation and its influence on velocity of cellular decay in threefold metal systems.

Tools to operate and manage early warning systems for natural hazards monitoring in El Salvador

This article explores the concerns from the institutions to include information from the field into geographical information systems (GIS). This task is becoming an essential action to strengthen and speed up the response to an imminent threat. Specially creating strategies supported by national plans such as risk reduction national plans, and climate change national plans among others. The research is based on the case of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of El Salvador (MARN for its acronym in Spanish) that has performed various actions in monitoring disasters. The telemetry technology has started to be one of the main system for data collection. Despite the fact that El Salvador is a developing country, the first steps have been performed to form an integrated system. To develop an effective EWS in the recent year the implementation of GIS is one of the tool to manage data. Among this, different software classified in principle as an open or proprietary source exists. The research explain how the monitoring center implements such a software as one of the main bases for the daily tasks that needs to be accomplished. Therefore, we discuss two case examples to elaborate on the importance of this study (El Salvador case and Korean case). Presenting the procedures of both countries, the centers have started to use different tools that combine the use of open source software and proprietary software to develop applications that are easily understood by people and offers easy access and transmission in real time. The final product proposes is to propose an integrated and comprehensive system, sharing information in the shortest time possible, and achieving a big database available to make risk assessments would be the main goals of such a system.