Assessment and Reduction of the Seismic Vulnerability of a Stone Masonry Vault

A numerical approach is presented to assess the seismic vulnerability of barrel masonry vaults and evaluate the eectiveness of a traditional retrofitting intervention consisting in the reinforcement of the extrados. A linear elastic no–tension model is adopted to cope with the negligible strength in tension of ancient brick and stone masonry and perform a two–dimensional finite element analysis of arch–like sections. Instead of implementing conventional load history analysis or limit load analysis, the minimization of the relevant strain energy function is implemented to solve the non–linear equilibrium under the effect of dierent load scenarios. A segmental barrel vault made of stone masonry is investigated in an ancient building under static and seismic loads. The collapse load of the structural element is computed before and after the intervention and the reduction achieved in terms of seismic vulnerability is evaluated as prescribed by technical codes

The relationship between the language of scientific publication and its impact in the field of public and collective health

The language of scientific publications is a crucial factor when seeking to reach an international audience, because it affects linguistic accessibility and the geographical reach of research results. English is the language of science and the fact that it can be understood by most readers represents an undeniable advantage. Moreover, the fact that a large proportion of Ibero-American research has been published in national languages, is often cited as one of the reasons for its limited exposure. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between scientific output published in a native language and its degree of exposure and impact in the field of Public and Collective Health. This bibliometric study was carried out based on the scientific output data obtained from the most prolific countries that are members of the SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) Network in Public and Collective Health, in the 2011-2018 period. The data was collected from the SciELO Citation Index database (SciELO CI), which was integrated into the larger WoS platform in 2014 and was chosen on account of its importance as one of the few regional indexes that is still scarcely used in studies of this nature. The data shows that Brazilian articles in Portuguese had the greatest citation impact on publications in its own language (48.7%), while its articles in English present practically the same impact (48.5%) on Portuguese publications, followed by 34.5% on Spanish publications. The impact on the national language is also significant in the case of both Mexican and Spanish publications, to whom the percentage of citing articles in Spanish, for documents cited in the same language, is higher than for documents cited in English (respectively 1.6 and 1.8). The same applies to Portuguese and US-American articles where, respectively 56.6% and 43.9% of the citing articles are in their native language. Cuban and Peruvian articles have more than 90% of their citing articles in the national language. In contrast, the USA and Brazil are countries that have a greater citation impact on other languages, especially when published in Spanish. The extent of exposure of a given language of the scientific publication varies per the country´s scientific output. In the case of Brazilian and US-American publications, including publications in the national languages of these countries, the effects on audiences in other languages can be measured by the citation impact. Furthermore, the degree of exposure of certain publications suggests that SciELO CI represents a useful database for evaluating local scientific output, and this can be observed, particularly, for publications in the national language

The relationship between the publication language and its impact on public and collective health

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between scientific output published in a native language and its degree of exposure and impact on Public and Collective Health. Methods: This bibliometric study was carried out on the basis of the scientific production from the most prolific countries that are members of the SciELO Network, in Public and Collective Health, in the period 2011-2015. The data was collected from the SciELO Citation Index database (SciELO CI) and the citations were analysed by language and source. Findings: Brazilian publications in Portuguese had the greatest citation impact in the same language (55.7%), while its publications in English had 47.9% of impact in Portuguese and 34.4% in Spanish publications (34.4%). The impact on the national language is also significant to Colombian and Spanish publications. To Spain, the percentage of citing articles in Spanish for papers in the same language is more than twice that of its impact in English. To US-American articles, 42.5% of the citations are in a native language when published in English. Cuban and Peruvian publications presented more than 90% of their impact in the national language. In contrast, the USA and Brazil presented greater citation impact on other languages, especially when publishing in Spanish. Conclusion: The extent of the exposure of a publication language varies in accordance with the country´s scientific output. In the case of Brazilian and US-American publications, the effects on audiences in other languages can be measured by the citation impact. Furthermore, the degree of exposure offered by SciELO CI makes it useful for evaluation, particularly for publications in the national language

Executive summary of the joint position paper on renal denervation of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) and the European Society of Hypertension (ESH)

No abstract available

KUALITAS SPERMATOZOA KAMBING BLIGON DALAM PENGENCER TRIS KUNING TELUR DENGAN PENAMBAHAN BERBAGAI LEVEL EKSTRAK KULIT BUAH NAGA

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of adding various concentrations of dragon fruit peel extract (DFPE) in Tris-egg yolk diluent (TEY) on the quality of bligon goat spermatozoa. Semen was collected twice a week using the artificial vaginal method from three year old bligon male goats with normal body conditions and reproductive organs. After the macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, good quality semen with a sperm motility of > 70%, a concentration of > 800 x 106 mL-1, and abnormality of < 15 %, was diluted with TEY + DFPE at a concentration of 0% (P0), 2% (P1), 4% (P2), 6% (P3), 8% (P4), dan 10% (P5). The semen which still had a motility ≥ 70% was then stored at a temperature of 3-5oC. Evaluation of the quality of spermatozoa  was carried out every 24 hours until the motility decrease to 40%. The results showed that from day 1 to day 5 of preservation, spermatozoa preserved in TEY + 6% DFPE diluent (P3) had higher motility and viability (P<0,05) than other treatments. The abnormalities of spermatozoa until the 5 day of preservation were below 6%, but showed a significant difference (P<0,05) between treatments that received DFPE suplemention with control (P0). It was concluded that the addition of DFPE in TEY up to 6% could reduce the decrease in sperm quality of bligon goats during in vitro preservation.Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menguji pengaruh penambahan berbagai konsentrasi ekstrak kulit buah naga (EKBN) dalam pengencer Tris–kuning telur (T-KT) terhadap kualitas spermatozoa kambing bligon. Semen ditampung dua kali seminggu menggunakan metode vagina buatan dari tiga ekor kambing jantan bligon yang berumur tiga tahun dengan kondisi tubuh dan organ reproduksi yang normal. Pasca evaluasi secara makroskopis dan mikroskopis, semen yang berkualitas baik dengan nilai motilitas > 70%, konsentrasi > 800 x 106 dan abnormalitas < 15%  diencerkan dengan TKT + EKBN pada konsentrasi: 0% (P0), 2% (P1), 4% (P2), 6% (P3), 8% (P4), dan 10% (P5). Setelah diencerkan semen kembali dievaluasi, semen yang masih memiliki motilitas diatas 70% selanjutnya disimpan pada suhu 3-5oC. Evaluasi terhadap kualitas spermatozoa dilakukan setiap 24 jam hingga motilitas mencapai 40%. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa sejak hari ke-1 hingga ke-5 penyimpanan, spermatozoa yang dipreservasi dalam pengencer T-KT + EKBN 6% (P3) memiliki motilitas dan viabilitas yang lebih tinggi (P<0,05) dibandingkan perlakuan lainnya. Abnormalitas spermatozoa hingga hari ke-5 penyimpanan berada pada kisaran Xi: 2,46 - 5,22 namun menunjukkan perbedaan yang signifikan (P<0,05) antara perlakuan yang mendapat suplementasi EKBN dengan control (P0). Disimpulkan bahwa penambahan EKBN dalam pengencer T-KT dapat mempertahankan kualitas spermatozoa kambing bligon, dengan level EKBN terbaik adalah 6%

PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN SARI WORTEL DALAM PENGENCER SITRAT KUNING TELUR TERHADAP KUALITAS SPERMATOZOA KAMBING BLIGON (The effect of carrot juice supplementation in citrate - egg yolk extender on spermatozoa quality of bligon goat)

This study aims to determine the effect of adding various doses of carrot juice into citrate-egg yolk diluents (C-EY) on bligon buck semen quality. Semen was collected twice a week using an artificial vaginal method of three buck with normal body condition and reproductive organs. Semen was 70% of motility, konsentration ≥1000x106mL and abnormality ≤ 15 diluted with C-EY added with carrot juice at a concentrations: 0% (CJ-0), 10% (CJ-10), 12.5% (CJ-12,5), 15% (CJ-15), 17.5% (CJ-17,5), and 20% (CJ-20), and stored in a refrigerator at 3-5o C. The quality of spermatozoa was evaluated every 24 hours. The Variables measured were spermatozoa motility, viability, and abnormalities. The results showed that spermatozoa preserved by C-EY supplemented by 17.5% carrot juice (CJ-17.5) had a higher quality (P<0.05) compared to the other four treatments, with motility (49.04 ± 1.0%), viability (55.70 ± 1.22%), dan abnormalities (4.57 ± 0.88 %) on the 4th day of storage. This study concludes that 17.5% carrot juice into citrate eggyolk extender improves the bligon buck seme

The current spectrum and prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in Campania (region of southern Italy) and their relationship with migration from endemic countries

Background: In Italy, the current clinical–epidemiological features of intestinal parasitosis and the impact of recent massive migration flows from endemic areas on their distribution are not very well known. Methods: An analysis was carried out involving 1766 patients (720 natives and 1046 immigrants) observed during the period 2009–2010 (the 'current group') and 771 native patients observed during the period 1996–1997 (the 'historical group'), a time at which immigration in the area was minimal. Patients were analyzed for intestinal parasitosis at four healthcare centres in Campania. Results: A wide variety of intestinal parasites was detected in the study subjects. Immigrants had a significantly higher prevalence of parasitosis and multiple simultaneous infections than natives in both groups. In both study groups of natives, the detection of at least one parasite was significantly associated with a history of travel to endemic areas. Among immigrants, we found an inverse correlation between the frequency of parasite detection and the amount of time spent in Italy. No circulation of parasites was found among contacts of parasitized patients. Conclusions: Intestinal parasites are still a cause of intestinal infection in Campania. Although immigrants have a significantly higher prevalence of parasitosis than natives, this does not increase the risk of infection for that population. This is likely due to the lack of suitable biological conditions in our area

Dyskerin Downregulation Can Induce ER Stress and Promote Autophagy via AKT-mTOR Signaling Deregulation

: Dyskerin is an evolutionarily conserved nucleolar protein implicated in a wide range of fundamental biological roles, including telomere maintenance and ribosome biogenesis. Germline mutations of DKC1, the human gene encoding dyskerin, cause the hereditary disorders known as X-linked dyskeratosis congenita (X-DC). Moreover, dyskerin is upregulated in several cancers. Due to the pleiotropic functions of dyskerin, the X-DC clinical features overlap with those of both telomeropathies and ribosomopathies. In this paper, we evaluate the telomerase-independent effects of dyskerin depletion on cellular physiology by using inducible DCK1 knockdown. This system allows the downregulation of DKC1 expression within a short timeframe. We report that, in these cellular systems, dyskerin depletion induces the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum, which in turn induces the activation of the PERK branch of the unfolded protein response. We also demonstrate that the PERK-eIF2a-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathway, activated by dyskerin downregulation, triggers a functional autophagic flux through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. By revealing a novel unpredicted connection between the loss of dyskerin, autophagy and UPR, our results establish a firm link between the lowering of dyskerin levels and the activation of the ER stress response, that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of several diseases