bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction to: Changes in inflammatory cytokines, antioxidants and liver stiffness after chelation therapy in individuals with chronic lead poisoning
Authors: Teerasarntipan Tongluk , Chaiteerakij Roongruedee , Prueksapanich Piyapan , Werawatganon Duangporn
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Sniffer dogs as a screening/diagnostic tool for COVID-19: a proof of concept study
Authors: Eskandari Esmaeil , Ahmadi Marzaleh Milad , Roudgari Hassan , Hamidi Farahani Ramin , Nezami-Asl Amir , Laripour Reza , Aliyazdi Helen , Dabbagh Moghaddam Arasb , Zibaseresht Ramin , Akbarialiabad Hossein , Yousefi Zoshk Mojtaba , Shiri Hamidreza , Shiri Mahdi
Published: March 2021

Background

Sniffer dogs are able to detect certain chemical particles and are suggest to be capable of helping diagnose some medical conditions and complications, such as colorectal cancer, melanoma, bladder cancer, and even critical states such as hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. With the global spread of COVID-19 throughout the world and the need to have a real-time screening of the population, especially in crowded places, this study aimed to investigate the applicability of sniffer dogs to carry out such a task.

Methods

Firstly, three male and female dogs from German shepherd (Saray), German black (Kuzhi) and Labrador (Marco) breeds had been intensively trained throughout the classical conditioning method for 7 weeks. They were introduced to human specimens obtained from the throat and pharyngeal secretions of participants who were already reported positive or negative for SARS-COV-2 infection be RT-PCR. Each dog underwent the conditioning process for almost 1000 times. In the meantime another similar condition process was conducted on clothes and masks of COVID-19 patient using another three male and female dogs from Labrador (Lexi), Border gypsy (Sami), and Golden retriever (Zhico) breeds. In verification test for the first three dogs, 80 pharyngeal secretion samples consisting of 26 positive and 54 negative samples from different medical centers who underwent RT-PCR test were in a single-blind method. In the second verification test for the other three dogs, masks and clothes of 50 RT-PCR positive and 70 RT-PCR negative cases from different medical center were used.

Results

In verification test using pharyngeal secretion, the sniffer dogs’ detection capability was associated with a 65% of sensitivity and 89% of specificity and they amanged to identify 17 out of the 26 positive and 48 out of the 54 true negative samples. In the next verification test using patients’ face masks and clothes, 43 out of the 50 positive samples were correctly identified by the dogs. Moreover, out of the 70 negative samples, 65 samples were correctly found to be negative. The sensitivity of this test was as high as 86% and its specificity was 92.9%. In addition, the positive and negative predictive values were 89.6 and 90.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

Dogs are capable of being trained to identify COVID-19 cases by sniffing their odour, so they can be used as a reliable tool in limited screening.
Plasma interleukin-21 levels and genetic variants are associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hao Youguo , Xie Lijun , Xia Jing , Liu Zhen , Yang Baoxiu , Zhang Minqin
Published: March 2021

Background

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by autoantibodies development and an elevated spectrum of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Previous reports highlighted a relationship between IL-21and the pathogenesis of RA. Although elevated IL-21 levels have been reported in RA patients, the association of common IL-21 genetic variants with a predisposition to RA development in the Chinese population lacks.

Materials and methods

Five hundred and fourteen Chinese subjects (healthy controls: 303 and rheumatoid arthritis patients: 211) were enrolled in the study. Clinical data of patients were collected from medical records, and patients were treated as per the guidelines. Common single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL-21 gene (rs907715, rs2221903, rs2055979 and rs6822844) were genotyped by TaqMan SNPs genotyping method. IL-21 level in plasma of RA patients and healthy subjects was measured by ELISA.

Results

The plasma level of IL-21 was significantly higher in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis relative to healthy controls (p < 0.0001). A positive correlation was observed between IL-21 level and DAS28 score, indicating the association of the cytokine with the worsening of the disease (Spearman r = 0.61, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of AA genotype (rs2055979) was significantly higher in RA subjects than in the controls (p < 0.0001, χ2 = 34.73, OR = 4.34, 95% CI = 2.623 to 7.219). Furthermore, elevated plasma IL-21 was observed in the rs2055979-AA genotype compared to CC type (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

IL-21 plays a crucial function in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. IL-21 rs2055979 polymorphism is associated with IL-21 plasma levels and is predisposed to RA development in the Chinese population.
A mixed-methods survey to explore issues with virtual consultations for musculoskeletal care during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gilbert Anthony W , Booth Gregory , Betts Tony , Goldberg Andy
Published: March 2021

Objective

To explore orthopaedic and musculoskeletal clinicians’ views and experiences of legal, safety, safeguarding and security issues regarding the use of virtual consultations (VC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A secondary objective was to suggest ways to overcome these issues.

Methods

A mixed method cross-sectional survey was conducted, seeking the views and experiences of orthopaedic and musculoskeletal medically qualified and Allied Health Professionals in the United Kingdom. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed for quantitative data and a qualitative content analysis undertaken for qualitative data. Findings were presented in accordance with the four key issues.

Results

Two hundred and ninety professionals (206 physiotherapists, 78 medically qualified professionals, 6 ‘other’ therapists) participated in the survey. Of the 290 participants, 260 (90%) were not using VC prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 248 respondents (86%) were unsure whether their professional indemnity insurance covered VC, 136 (47%) had considered how they would handle an issue of safeguarding whilst the remainder had not, 126 (43%) had considered what they would do if, during a virtual consultation, a patient suffered an injury (e.g. bang on their head) or a fall (e.g. mechanical or a medical event like syncope) and 158 (54%) reported they felt the current technological solutions are secure in terms of patient data. Qualitative data provided additional context to support the quantitative findings such as validity of indemnification, accuracy of diagnosis and consent using VC, safeguarding issues; and security and sharing of data. Potential changes to practice have been proposed to address these issues.

Conclusions

VC have been rapidly deployed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic often without clear guidance or consensus on many important issues. This study identified legal, safeguarding, safety and security issues. There is an urgent need to address these and develop local and national guidance and frameworks to facilitate ongoing safe virtual orthopaedic practice beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impact of subclinical hypothyroidism on long-term outcomes in older patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Liu Yong-Sheng , Wei Mei , Wang Le , Liu Gang , Ma Guo-Ping , Ono Katsushige , Cao Ze-Long , Yang Man , Zheng Ming-Qi
Published: March 2021

Background

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is reportedly associated with an increased risk of adverse events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The prognostic significance of SCH in the elderly was poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between SCH and long-term outcomes in older patients undergoing PCI.

Methods

Three thousand one hundred sixty-eight patients aged 65 years or older who underwent PCI from January 2012 to October 2014 were included. Patients were divided into SCH group (n = 320) and euthyroidism (ET) group (n = 2848) based on thyroid function test. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to estimate the relative risks (RRs) of all-cause death and cardiac death for patients with SCH during a 4-year follow-up period.

Results

There were 227 deaths during the follow-up period including 124 deaths caused by cardiac events. There was no significant difference in mortality rate between the SCH group and the ET group (p > 0.05). After adjustment for covariates, compared with patients with ET, the RRs of death from all-cause and cardiac in patients with SCH were 1.261 (95%CI: 0.802–1.982, p = 0.315) and 1.231 (95%CI: 0.650–2.334, p = 0.524), respectively. When SCH was stratified by age, gender, and degree of thyroid-stimulating hormone elevation, no significant associations were also found in any stratum.

Conclusion

Our investigation revealed that SCH was negatively associated with the outcome of PCI in older patients.
Establishment and evaluation of an indirect ELISA for detection of antibodies to goat Klebsiella pneumonia
Authors: Chen Ruichang , Shang Hongqi , Niu Xiangyun , Huang Jin , Miao Yongqiang , Sha Zhou , Qin Liting , Huang He , Peng Duo , Zhu Ruiliang
Published: March 2021

Background

Klebsiella pneumonia, a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the genus Enterobacter, causes many human and livestock diseases. Notably, infected goats may develop pneumonia, septicemia, which can lead to occasional death, resulting in great economic losses in goat-farming industry. However, there are little systematic methods for detection of goat Klebsiella pneumoniae in livestock production.

Results

In this study, we developed a Klebsiella pneumoniae goat polyclonal antibody and established an indirect ELISA method to detect the Klebsiella pneumoniae. After screening and optimizing the conditions for detection, we determined the optimal working dilutions of the coated-bacterial antigen, the polyclonal antibody, and the enzyme-labeled secondary antibody that were 1:800 (2.99 × 107 CFU/ml), 1:6400, and 1:5000, respectively. The optimal condition of coating and blocking were both 4 °C for 12 h. The optimal dilution buffers of bacterial antigen, the antibodies, and the blocking buffer were 0.05 mol/L carbonate buffer, 1% BSA phosphate buffer, and 1.5% BSA carbonate buffer, respectively. The cut-off value was determined to be 0.28, and the analytical sensitivity was 1:800 (dilution of a positive sample). Furthermore, there was no cross-reaction between the coated antigen and goat serum positive for antibodies against other bacteria, indicating that indirect ELISA could detect Klebsiella pneumoniae specifically in most cases. The average coefficients of variation of intra-assay and inter-assay were 4.37 and 5.17% indicating favorable reproducibility of indirect ELISA. In the detection of clinical veterinary samples, the positive rate of indirect ELISA was 6.74%, higher than that of conventional agglutination assays.

Conclusions

Taken together, we successfully established an indirect ELISA method for detecting antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae in goats, which can be applied in production.
Smartphone-based optical spectroscopic platforms for biomedical applications: a review [Invited]
Authors: Hussain Iftak , Bowden Audrey K.
Published: March 2021

Rapid advancements in smartphone technology have enabled the
integration of many optical detection techniques that leverage the
embedded functional components and software platform of these
sophisticated devices. Over the past few years, several research
groups have developed high-resolution smartphone-based optical
spectroscopic platforms and demonstrated their usability in different
biomedical applications. Such platforms provide unprecedented
opportunity to develop point-of-care diagnostics systems, especially
for resource-constrained environments. In this review, we discuss the
development of smartphone systems for optical spectroscopy and
highlight current challenges and potential solutions to improve the
scope for their future adaptability.
En el filo de la duda: investigación epidemiológica y aspectos bioéticos y psicológicos en la pandemia de VIH
Authors: Cambra-Badii Irene , Farré Magí , Pérez Jorge
Published: March 2021

La pandemia de VIH (virus de inmunodeficiencia humana) y el espectro de enfermedades de su síndrome (SIDA) se registran por primera vez a principios de los años 1980 en Estados Unidos, con casos de muerte por neumonías asociados con el sarcoma de Kaposi. La investigación epidemiológica llevada a cabo por distintos equipos en los Estados Unidos –haciendo foco principalmente en el Centro para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades– aparece retratada en la película En el filo de la duda / And the band played on (1993), de Roger Spottiswoode. Casi 30 años luego de su estreno, la película es sumamente actual y retrata de manera muy ajustada los hechos sucedidos en la investigación. En este artículo se presenta un análisis detallado del proceso investigativo, las cuestiones bioéticas implicadas y los factores psicológicos que permiten analizar los enfrentamientos grupales y sociales del acontecimiento epidemiológico que marcó un antes y un después en el siglo XX. Se sugiere utilizar la película como herramienta docente.
Social Media Activities and the 212 Movement: The Indonesian Ulema Council’s Perspective
Authors: Syahputra Iswandi
Published: March 2021

This article discusses the perspective of the Indonesian Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia – MUI) regarding social media activities and the 212 Movement, referring to the Aksi Bela Islam (Action to Defend Islam) in Jakarta. MUI’s perspective is of utmost importance as MUI is seen as playing an important role in triggering the 212 Movement, which was carried out as a protest against the perceived religious blasphemy committed by the Jakarta Special Capital Region Governor at the time, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok). MUI’s fatwa on Ahok subsequently led to a disagreement in defending religion or defending the state, and it had been openly and unrestrictedly debated among netizens on social media. Social media activities (chiefly Twitter) relating to this case had positioned MUI’s fatwa in numerous discussions that were littered with various expressions of hatred. This article aims to contribute a novel understanding pertaining to the relations between religion, ulema, fatwa, and social media activities. [Artikel ini membahas perspektif MUI terhadap aktifitas social media yang terkait dengan Aksi Bela Islam 212 di Jakarta. Pembahasan ini penting karena MUI dianggap berperan penting dalam memicu gerakan Aksi Bela Islam, yang merupakan protes terhadap Ahok karena dianggap telah melakukan penodaan agama. Fatwa MUI tersebut berakibat pada ketidaksetujuan dalam membela agama atau membela negara dan secara terbuka dan tidak terbatas memunculkan debat netizen di media sosial (utamanya Twitter), serta menjadi bahan diskusi yang mengarah pada ekspresi kebencian. Artikel ini juga menawarkan sebuah pemahaman baru terkait hubungan antara agama, ulama, fatwa dan aktivitas dalam media sosial.]
Outcomes of active surveillance of EU-TIRADS 5 thyroid nodules
Authors: Rozenbaum A , Buffet C , Bigorgne C , Royer B , Rouxel A , Bienvenu M , Chereau N , Menegaux F , Leenhardt L , Russ G
Published: March 2021

Objective

Active surveillance of cytologically proven microcarcinomas has been shown as a safe procedure. However, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is not recommended by European Thyroid Association (ETA) and American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines for highly suspicious nodules ≤ 10 mm. The aim of the study was to assess the outcomes of active surveillance of EU-TIRADS 5 nodules ≤ 10 mm not initially submitted to FNAB.

Patients and methods

80 patients with at least one EU-TIRADS 5 nodule ≤ 10 mm and no suspicious lymph nodes, accepting active surveillance, were included.

Results

Mean baseline diameter and volume were 5.4 mm (±2.0) and 64.4 mm3 (±33.5), respectively. After a median follow-up of 36.1 months, a volumetric increase ≥ 50% occurred in 28 patients (35.0%) and a suspicious lymph node in 3 patients (3.8%). Twenty-four patients underwent an FNAB (30.0%) after at least a 1 year follow-up of which 45.8% were malignant, 8.3% benign, 33.3% undetermined and 8.3% nondiagnostic. Sixteen patients (20.0%) underwent conversion surgery after a median follow-up of 57.2 months, confirming the diagnosis of papillary carcinoma in 15/16 cases (not described in 1 histology report), all in remission at 6–12 months postoperative follow-up.

Conclusion

Applying ETA and ATA guidelines to avoid FNA of EU-TIRADS 5 sub-centimeter nodules and proceeding to active surveillance of such nodules in selected patients is a safe procedure. Thus, US-FNAB could be postponed until the nodule shows signs of progression or a suspicious lymph node appears, with no added risk for the patient.
Analysis of Remifentanil-Based Fast-Track Anesthesia Combined with Dexmedetomidine for Transthoracic Device Closure of Atrial Septal Defect in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Yu Ling-shan , Lei Yu-qing , Liu Jian-feng , Wang Jing , Cao Hua , Wang Zeng-chun , Chen Qiang
Published: March 2021

Background: To investigate the safety and efficacy of remifentanil combined with dexmedetomidine in fast-track cardiac anesthesia (FTCA) for transthoracic device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) in pediatric patients.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 61 cases of children undergoing ASD closure through a small thoracic incision from January 2018 to January 2020. According to whether FTCA was administered, they were divided into group F (fast-track anesthesia, n = 31) and group R (routine anesthesia, n = 30).
Results: There was no significant difference in general preoperative data, perioperative hemodynamics, or postoperative pain scores between the 2 groups (P > .05). The postoperative sedation score of group F was higher than that of group R 1 and 4 hours after extubation. Meanwhile, duration of mechanical ventilation and length of postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay of group F were significantly shorter than those of group R (P < .05). No serious anesthesia-related complications occurred.
Conclusion: Remifentanil combined with dexmedetomidine in FTCA for transthoracic device closure of ASD in pediatric patients is safe and effective, is worthy of clinical promotion, and can benefit more children.
Relational, Emotional, and Pragmatic Attributes of Ethics Consultations at a Children’s Hospital
Authors: Nathanson Pamela G. , Walter Jennifer K. , McKlindon Donna D. , Feudtner Chris
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND:

Pediatric ethics consultations are important but understudied, with little known about consultations’ contextual attributes, which may influence how ethically problematic situations are perceived and addressed.

METHODS:

We analyzed data regarding 245 pediatric clinical ethics consultations performed between 2013 and 2018 at a large children’s hospital. Prespecified data elements included 17 core problematic issues that initiate consultations, 9 ethical considerations identified by the consultation service, and 7 relational, emotional, and pragmatic contextual attributes of the consultation. The main process measure was the cumulative consultation process, ranging from one-on-one discussions with the requestor, to meeting with the clinical team, separate meetings with the patient or family and the clinical team, or combined meeting with the patient or family and the clinical team.

RESULTS:

The most-prevalent core problematic issues were intensity or limitation of treatment (38.8%) and treatment adherence and refusal (31%). Common pertinent ethical considerations were best interest (79.2%), benefits versus harms of treatment (51%), and autonomy and decision-making (46.5%). A total of 39.2% of consults culminated with a meeting with the clinical team, 9.4% with separate meetings, and 8.2% with a meeting with all parties. Common contextual attributes were discord (43.3%), acknowledged dilemma (33.5%), and articulate disagreement (29.8%). In exploratory analyses, specific contextual attributes were associated with the core problematic issue that initiated the consultation and with how the consultative process culminated.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pediatric ethics consultations have contextual attributes that in exploratory analyses are associated with specific types of problems and, to a lesser degree, with the cumulative ethics consultation process.
Guru Granth Sahib in the Writings of Western Women
Authors: Nesbitt Eleanor
Published: March 2021

The Guru Granth Sahib is, in Sikh belief, the scripture that embodies their living Guru. Although major anthologists of western writers on Sikhs and their religious tradition have hardly noticed many European and North American women’s observations and comments, Sikhs and their scripture have featured in the travelogues and novels, journals, memoirs and monographs written by western women who were neither converts to Sikhism nor academics in the modern sense. Many of these women described the prominence and honouring of the Sikhs’ scripture, Guru Granth Sahib in the gurdwaras that they visited, some mentioned its role in life cycle rites, and some wrote about the content of Sikh scripture. For this they relied on (male) translators. In the context of their own Christian religious background and intellectual journeys, this paper examines the responses of western women to both the physical presence and the content of the Guru Granth Sahib, including Annie Besant’s understanding of Guru Nanak as a populariser of Vedanta.
STUDYING QUILOMBOLA PRACTICES OF RESISTANCE ON INSTAGRAM
Authors: Marques Djankaw Matheus , Camargo Mabia
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT This article analyzes how processes of subjectivation are performed on the popular image-based social media Instagram by Djankaw, a black trans resident of a quilombo [a settlement founded by descendants of formerly enslaved African-Brazilians]. Following a Foucauldian analysis of discourse whereby power is seen to be exercised wherever there is resistance, we look at how Djankaw’s processes of subjectivation intersect with race, class, sexuality, and religion, becoming practices of resistance against hegemonic colonial narratives. Djankaw’s performances on the Internet instigate a productive debate over the African-Brazilian quilombola identity itself and resonate with the struggles of marginalized groups to reclaim their diverse time-spaces in the interior of Brazil. Djankaw’s posts and their embodied practices operate as sites to question the meanings of what it means to be black, trans, and quilombola [an inhabitant of a quilombo]. Further, the complexity of Djankaw’s subject positions is increased by their connection to different religions: they incorporate different spiritual practices that also orchestrate discussions on race, sexuality, and gender. While performing their selves on the internet, Djankaw mobilizes and re-shapes bodily social marks, at the same time that they participate in semiotic practices of resistance against the historical erasure of quilombola cultures in Brazil and claim their emancipation from colonialism.
TALKING PARTS, TALKING BACK: FLESHING OUT LINGUISTIC CITIZENSHIP
Authors: Stroud Christopher , Williams Quentin , Bontiya Ndimphiwe , Harry Janine , Kapa Koki , Mayoma Jaclisse , Mpendukana Sibonile , Peck Amiena , Richardson Jason , Roux Shanleigh
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT One of the greatest challenges of our times is that of lack of voice for abused bodies. These are the bodies of children and men and women who have inherited the brutalities of colonialism, plantation servitude and slavery and now re-live these miseries in the belly of a rampant global neoliberal and patriarchal capitalism. They are the racialized, sexualized, genderized and godless bodies that first took form in coloniality-modernity in conjunction with the emergence of MAN, the White, rational, disembodied male as HUMAN. They retain their shape today through technologies of vulnerability, with which the manufactured lack of voice works in dynamic synergy. This is particularly the case for South Africa, with its tender histories and distraught presents, raw emotion and sore vulnerabilities of racialized and neoliberal patriarchy. In this paper, we suggest that vulnerability, beyond its potentially devastating effect on souls and livelihoods, may also be a productive site for the articulation of alternative, and habitually silenced voices. In this regard, we explore how a focus on acts of Linguistic Citizenship may orientate thinking on voice and agency to different sites of the body, as well as allow insight into the complex technologies and practices of vulnerability.
THREADS OF A HASHTAG: ENTEXTUALIZATION OF RESISTANCE IN THE FACE OF POLITICAL AND SANITARY CHALLENGES IN BRAZIL
Authors: Cavalcanti Marilda C. , Bizon Ana Cecília Cossi
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT The scenario for this paper is the combined sanitary and political crisis that Brazil has been facing in these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is ideologically polarized and this polarization has been enhanced in the last year and a half in Bolsonaro’s government. A bleak period characterized by a way of governing that Silva (2020) names “pragmatics of chaos” due to denialism (even of the very pandemic) and to the neoliberal values cherished by a radical right-wing that supports the President and backs the discontinuation of important public policies, mainly those directed towards minoritized groups and environmental protection. Having in mind such a scenario, and amidst the societal bewilderment and inaction regarding the President’s contradictory actions towards democracy, we chose to focus on a rare event of direct resistance featured by a migrant of Haitian origin, who told in the face of the president what maybe many Brazilians had not dared to say. What is of interest here is that this performance, recorded on a mobile phone, and posted as a tweet, went viral, and gave rise to a hashtag - #acaboubolsonaro [ItsOverBolsonaro] - that is still alive seven months later. With a focus on the man’s performance of resistance and its entextualization on social media, we analyze his discourse and the impacts of his positioning. In the analysis, we try to retrace some of the threads traversed by the hashtag in two Twitter accounts and some of the reverberations on Instagram. We also discuss how the discursive thread of the postings weaves a metareflexive fabric about the man’s performance. We see this meta-reflection as an acknowledgment of another praxis that we have called ‘pragmatics of resistance’.
THE VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF MATURE WOMEN ON THE POSTERS OF THE NETFLIX SERIES “GRACE AND FRANKIE”
Authors: Terres Mariana Lima , Torres Marília Camponogara , Heberle Viviane Maria
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT This article aims at presenting a multimodal analysis of movie posters concerning the two female leading characters of the Netflix series Grace and Frankie published in their official Facebook page. Specifically, we analyze five posters showing both characters, one from each broadcasted season until 2019 in terms of their visual content based on the Grammar of Visual Design (GVD) (KRESS & VAN LEEUWEN, 1996, 2006), with support from studies concerning women in the media as the theoretical framework. Results indicate that the visual meanings in each poster represent the two characters adequately regarding the key developments of each season, showing their change of conduct and attitude, particularly Grace, over the series. The findings of the analysis here undertaken can hopefully contribute to a critical investigation of social identities in different media and to on-going discussions concerning social semiotics and multimodality in relation to contemporary social practices.
Epidemiological profile of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units: A Prospective Brazilian Cohort
Authors: Inda-Filho Antônio José , Ribeiro Heitor Siqueira , Vieira Edilene Almeida , Ferreira Aparecido Pimentel
Published: March 2021

Abstract Introduction Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent syndrome affecting patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU), and it is associated with poor clinical outcomes. The aim of the present study was to understand the epidemiological profile of patients with AKI admitted to ICUs. Methods Prospective cohort study, carried out in three ICUs in the Federal District, Brazil. Between October/2017 and December/2018, 8,131 patients were included in the cohort. AKI was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. The main outcomes assessed were AKI development and mortality within 28 days of hospitalization. Results Of the 8,131 patients followed up, 1,728 developed AKI (21.3%). Of the 1,728 patients with AKI, 1,060 (61.3%) developed stage 1, while stages 2 and 3 represented 154 (8.9%) and 514 (29.7%), respectively. Of these, 459 (26.6%) underwent renal replacement therapy. The mortality was 25.7% for those with AKI, and 4.9% for those without AKI. Discussion Patients with AKI had higher mortality rates when compared to those without AKI. Likewise, among patients with AKI, higher disease stages were associated with higher death occurrences. AKI incidence (21.3%) and mortality (25.7%) in our study is in line with the largest meta-analysis ever conducted, in which incidence and mortality of 21.6 and 23.9% were observed, respectively. These findings confirm the importance of establishing the KDIGO guideline for the definition and management of AKI in Brazilian ICUs.
Vitamina C. Aliada de la salud
Authors:   Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Alvarado-Ortiz Ureta Carlos , Blanco de Alvarado-Ortiz Teresa
Published: March 2021

Esta publicación trata sobre los beneficios de la vitamina C o ácido ascórbico, un micronutriente muy ligado al concepto de alimentación saludable, entre cuyos beneficios destacan su efecto antioxidante, su participación en la lucha contra la anemia y su presencia en la síntesis del colágeno, muy valorada por reumatólogos, dermatólogos, cirujanos plásticos y otros profesionales de la salud.
Las religiones: su influencia en la alimentación
Authors:   Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Alvarado-Ortiz Carlos
Published: March 2021

Publicación que trata sobre los beneficios de la vitamina C o ácido ascórbico, un micronutriente muy ligado al concepto de alimentación saludable, entre cuyos beneficios destacan su efecto antioxidante, su participación en la lucha contra la anemia y su presencia en la síntesis del colágeno, muy valorada por reumatólogos, dermatólogos, cirujanos plásticos y otros profesionales de la salud.
SUINOCULTURA DE SUBSISTÊNCIA COMO ALTERNATIVA DE GERAÇÃO DE RENDA NO SERTÃO PARAIBANO: UM ESTUDO DE CASO
Authors: Dos Santos José Jaciel Ferreira , Sousa Valéria Fernandes de Oliveira , Santos Ribeiro Michel Douglas , Da Silva Rosilene Agra , De Queiroga Cizia Fabiana Mouta Almeida , Gonçalves Mailson Gregório , Do Nascimento Izaias Romário Soares
Published: March 2021

No Nordeste é habitual suinocultura de subsistência, porém, sabe-se pouco sobre aspectos socioeconômicos. Objetivou-se avaliar a importância socioeconômica da criação de suínos para criadores urbanos, bem como analisar o manejo empregado e os impactos que uma criação extensiva de animais pode causar. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida no município de Pombal, Paraíba, aplicando um questionário semiestruturado para 55 produtores de suínos da região. Os dados obtidos foram utilizados para traçar o perfil socioeconômico e ambiental das produções. Observou-se que a faixa etária dos criadores varia de 25 a 63 anos, 71,8% são do sexo masculino e 28,2% do sexo feminino, 44,7% são analfabetos ou semianalfabetos. O tempo médio de criação de suínos é de 2 a 4 anos, 61,73% dos criadores fornecem restos de comida como única alimentação. Quanto às dejeções dos suínos, não existe manejo adequado em 100% das instalações, prejudicando as propriedades químicas e biológicas do solo e da água. A falta de assistência técnica e de políticas públicas eficazes faz com que a criação de suínos se torne uma ameaça ao meio ambiente e a própria saúde. Portanto, a infraestrutura da pocilga comunitária dos criadores de suínos de Pombal-PB não atende aos requisitos mínimos de bem estar animal.
Combining Business Model Innovation and Model-Based Analysis to Tackle the Deep Uncertainty of Societal Transitions – a Case Study on Industrial Electrification and Power Grid Management
Authors: Zapata Riveros Juliana , Speich Matthias , West Mirjam , Ulli-Beer Silvia
Published: March 2021

Creating new business models is crucial for the implementation of clean technologies for industrial decarbonization. With incomplete knowledge of market processes and uncertain conditions, assessing the prospects of a technology-based business model is challenging. This study combines business model innovation, system dynamics and exploratory model analysis to identify new business opportunities in a context of socio-technical transition and assess their prospects through simulation experiments. Furthermore, insights are visualized in a roadmap to coordinate action among the actors involved. This combination of methods is applied to the case of a business model aiming at ensuring stability of the electrical grid by centralizing the management of flexible loads in industrial companies. A system dynamics model was set up to simulate the diffusion of flexible electrification technologies. Through scenario definition and sensitivity analysis, the influence of internal and external factors on diffusion was assessed. Results highlight the central role of energy costs and customer perception. The chosen combination of methods allowed the formulation of concrete recommendation for coordinated action, explicitly accounting for the various sources of uncertainty. We suggest testing this approach in further business model innovation contexts.
Scientific Production on Technological Cooperation Networks in Biotechnology sector
Authors: Almeida João Marcos Silva de , da Costa Priscila Rezende , Pigola Angélica , Kniess Claudia Teresinha , Porto Geciane Silveira , de Paulo Alex Fabianne , Vils Leonardo , Mazzieri Marcos Rogerio , dos Santos André Moraes
Published: March 2021

The present study aims to analyze scientific production about technological cooperation networks in biotechnology sector, based on bibliometrics network analysis. We used the Gephi software to identify groups of partnerships, proving that the cooperation relationship is a practice used, re-sulting technological development. Findings identify that in the path for new resources that com-plement skills and competences universities are an important player in this cooperative ecosystem, and The United States is a large hub, with an extensive network of global cooperation. A strong role of its researchers in the publication of scientific articles in cooperation is highlighted. This study contributes to the advancement of the discussion about cooperative networks, as well as to the development of policies aimed at the biotechnology sector advancements
Composed Index for the Evaluation of Energy Security in Power Systems within the frame of Energy Transitions – The case of Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Fuentes Sergio , Villafafila-Robles Roberto , Rull-Duran Joan , Galceran-Arellano Samuel
Published: March 2021

Energy transitions are reshaping the global energy system. Such shift has taken the power system to become a critical infrastructure for achieving economic development of every nation in the planet, therefore, guaranteeing its security is crucial, not only for energy purposes but as a part of a national security strategy. This paper presents a multi-dimensional index developed to assess energy security of electrical systems in the long term. This tool, named Power System Security Index (PSIx), and which has been previously used for the evaluation of a country in two different time frames, is applied to evaluate the member countries of the Latin American Energy Organization, located within the Latin America and the Caribbean region, in order to measure their performance on energy security. Mixed results were obtained from the analysis, with clear top performers in the region such as Argentina, while there are others with broad areas of opportunity, as it is the case of Haiti.
Geochemical Properties and Pore Structure Control on Oil Extraction of Shale
Authors: Liu Dengke , Su Junwei , Gu Zhaolin , Qi Yiru , Yang Fu , Tian Tao , Ye Feng
Published: March 2021

Despite geochemical properties and pore structures for shale oil extraction, the interplay among shale chemistry, pore network, and hydrocarbon movability still is an open question. Here, by using hybrid experimental methods, including backscatter scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, adsorption/desorption isotherm, and nuclear magnetic resonance, we provide a general characteristic of geochemistry and pore structures of Chang 7 (C7) shale in Ordos basin and figure out how these properties impact the shale oil extraction. Our results confirmed that the C7 shale in Ordos basin could be divided into three types based on the mineral components with various pore structures, and the proportion of the pores that radius below 4.8 nm (from adsorption branch) or 3.8 nm (from desorption branch) play a dominant role in the determination of pore size distributions. The kerogen index that is derived from maceral types was the most significant geochemical indicator; high kerogen index was corresponding to large pore volumes and surface areas, but low pore diameters. We identify the pore structure mechanism—mesopores predominantly or micropores abundantly (increase free fluid index) and absence of inorganic or organic pores (decrease free fluid index)—responsible for the oil extraction capability and show that the unmovable fluid stained in the voids would lead to the slow rate decay of the curves, which caused the nonsignal disturbance. Our results demonstrate the powerful control of maceral components and pore diameters on shale oil extraction and show the markedly different flow behavior of various types of shale.
Design of Nanoscale Hybrid Insulator-metal-insulator Plasmonic Waveguide
Authors: Kumar Pintu , Singh D. K. , Ranjan Rakesh
Published: March 2021

Optical properties of the fundamental hybrid mode of hybrid insulator-metal-insulator plasmonic waveguide (HIMIPW), consists of insulator-metal-insulator sandwiched between two dielectric waveguides, have been investigated to achieve the relatively high propagation length and large normalized intensity at 1.55 µm working wavelength. The main aim of the current work is to settle the issues of high power loss and size of waveguide dimension. The optimum waveguide dimension of 0.2 µm × 0.02 µm has been obtained propagation length around 289.26 µm. The normalized intensity in the low-index region of the HIMIPW has been achieved around 67.50 , due to the electric field enhancement in this region. It is beneficial for the design of bio-sensing, optical manipulations, etc. The electric field intensity has been attained highest values at wavelength 1.55 µm for the optimum dimension of the HIMIPW ( = 0.2 µm, and ), due to highly localized surface plasmon resonance at the metal-dielectric interfaces. The investigation of the coupling length between the two identical parallel HIMIPWs with a separation distance has been done. Further to improve the coupling length, a metallic strip has been inserted between them, keeping the separation distance unchanged. The higher coupling length leads to lower crosstalk between two parallel hybrid plasmonic waveguides, which can be highly useful to achieve the larger integration over the photonic chip.
Gamma irradiation effects on n-ZnSe/n-Si isotype heterojunctions
Authors: Vali Indudhar Panduranga , Keshav Rashmitha , Rajeshwari M , Vaishnavi K S , Mahesha M G , Shetty Pramoda
Published: March 2021

To get an insight into the isotype heterojunction (IHJ) properties, the influence of gamma irradiation (GI) on the structural and electrical properties of n-ZnSe/n-Si has been presented. The ZnSe thin films were deposited onto the n-Si substrate by thermal evaporation technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed the nanocrystalline nature of ZnSe thin films with prominent (111) orientations. The gamma irradiated samples displayed no crystallographic phase transformation up to 10 kGy irradiation doses. But noticeable and inconsistent modifications in the different lattice parameters were observed due to irradiation-induced effects. From the analysis of I-V characteristics, it has been found a similar trend in the variation of lattice mismatch, Schottky barrier height and interface trap parameter at different irradiation doses. Thus demonstrating the poor rectification properties of n-ZnSe/n-Si IHJs due to intrinsic and gamma-induced defects, and their role in the space charge limited conduction (SCLC) mechanism that significantly dominating over the thermionic emission (TE) mechanism across the barrier.
Fabrication of Tantalum Oxyfluoride and Oxynitride Thin Films via Ammonolysis of Sol-Gel Processed Tetraethoxo (β-diketonato) Tantalum (V) Precursors for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Danish Mohammad , Pandey Ashutosh , Khan Aftab Aslam Parwaz , Asiri Abdullah M
Published: March 2021

In the present report, the generation of Tantalum oxyfluoride and oxynitride upon ammonolysis of the gel obtained from modified tantalum-alkoxo complexes is reported. To the best of our knowledge, this is first report of the formation of tantalum oxyfluoride thin films via ammonolysis of the β-diketone modified tantalum-alkoxo complex [Ta(OEt)4(CF3COCH2COCH3)]m. The integration of nitrogen and fluorine in lattice sites of metal oxides leads to significant reduction in the band gap, resulting in their activation under visible light. Moreover, in this report the effect of the modified alkoxide precursors and ammonolysis on the photo-physical properties of Ta2O5 thin films have also been investigated and compared with the results obtained from films fabricated from unmodified tantalum (V) ethoxide. 1H NMR, 13C NMR and elemental analyses confirmed successful modification of tantalum (V) ethoxide to [Ta(OCH2CH3)4(CH3COCHClCOCH3)]m (1), [Ta(OCH2CH3)4(CF3COCH2COCH3]m (2) and [Ta(OCH2CH3)4 (CH3COC(CH3)2COCH3))]m (3). The fabrication of Ta2O5 thin films involved the spin casting of the gels of modified tantalum alkoxo complexes (processed by sol-gel method) on to glass substrate. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that nitrogen was incorporated into the ammonolyzed films fabricated from complex precursors (1) and (3), while the presence of fluorine as tantalum oxyfluoride was confirmed in the ammonolyzed film fabricated from complex (2) precursor. The optical characterization insinuate band gap narrowing from 3.55 eV for undoped film prepared from tantalum (V) ethoxide to 3.47 eV for undoped film prepared from [Ta(OEt)4(CF3COCH2COCH3)]m and 3.05 eV for ammonolyzed film obtained from [Ta(OEt)4(CF3COCH2COCH3)]m precursor. Furthermore, enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of the films is demonstrated by degradation of methylene blue dye.
Suture Augmentation of Acromioclavicular and Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction for Acute Acromioclavicular Dislocation
Authors: Liu Yingliang , Yu Yadong , Ding Weifeng , Gao Yong , Wang Yanting , Yang Rong , Dhawan Vikas
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe objective of this report was to introduce a new suture augmentation of coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligament reconstruction for acute Rockwood grade III to V acromioclavicular dislocations.MethodsFrom January 2015 to January 2019, 43 patients with Rockwood III to VI acute acromioclavicular dislocations were retrospective reviewed. The outcome evaluations included coracoclavicular space, loss of reduction, and acromioclavicular space. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire was used to assess the limb function. Clinical evaluation of patients was performed using the University of California-Los Angeles scoring systems. For comparison, another series of 28 patients treated with double Endobutton technique from January 2011 to December 2014 was reviewed. A P<0.05 was considered statistical significance.ResultsThe mean follow-up period of the two series were 39.69±7.42 months (range, 24–54 months) and37.86±8.23 months (range, 26–48 months) (P>0.05), respectively. There were significant differences regarding coracoclavicular space (11.62±2.54 mm vs 16.78±5.53 mm; P<0.05), coracoclavicular reduction loss (5.56±4.73 mm vs 26.25±4.42 mm; P<0.05), and acromioclavicular space (6.89±1.87 mm vs 7.95±2.37 mm; P<0.05). There were significant differences regarding the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (3.3±2.8 vs 5.32±4.37; P<0.05) and University of California-Los Angeles Shoulder rating scale (31.19±2.48 vs 29.24±2.48; P<0.05). The excellent to good percentages were 100 % (n=32) and 85% (n=23), respectively. ConclusionsIn conclusion, the suture augmentation of acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction is reliable technique for acute acromioclavicular dislocation with minimal complications.Type of study/level of evidenceTherapeutic IIa.
Investigation of Various Commercial PEDOT:PSS (Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene)Polystyrene Sulfonate) As A Hole Transport Layer in Lead Iodide Based Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Alishah Hamed Moeini , Choi Fatma Pinar Gokdemir , Gunes Serap
Published: March 2021

Inverted-type perovskite solar cells have drawn remarkable attention due to solution-processable, straightforward configuration, low-cost processing, and manufacturing at very high throughput, even on top of flexible materials. The hole transport material (HTM) plays a vital role to achieve high performance in inverted type of perovskite solar cells. Herein, we report on the effect of different commercial PEDOT: PSS such as PH 1000, PH 500, P VP AI, and P T2, on the performance of CH3NH3PbI3 based planar perovskite solar cells.
Anatomical Organization of the Lateral Cervical Nucleus in Artiodactyls
Authors: Grandis Annamaria , Gardini Anna , Tagliavia Claudio , Salamanca Giulia , Graïc Jean-Marie , De Silva Margherita , Bombardi Cristiano
Published: March 2021

The presence of the lateral cervical nucleus (LCN) in different mammals, including humans, has been established in a number of anatomical research works. The LCN receives its afferent inputs from the spinocervical tract, and conveys this somatosensory information to the various brain areas, especially the thalamus. In the present study, the organization of the calf and pig LCN was examined through the use of thionine staining and immunohistochemical methods combined with morphometrical analyses. Specifically, the localization of calbindin-D28k (CB-D28k) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the LCN was investigated using the immunoperoxidase method. Calf and pig LCN appear as a clearly defined column of gray matter located in the three cranial segments of the cervical spinal cord. Thionine staining shows that polygonal neurons represent the main cell type in both species. The calf and pig LCN contained CB-D28k-immunoreactive (IR) neurons of varying sizes. Large neurons are probably involved in the generation of the cervicothalamic pathway. Small CB-D28k-IR neurons, on the other hand, could act as local interneurons. The immunoreactivity for nNOS was found to be mainly located in thin neuronal processes that could represent the terminal axonal portion of nNOS-IR found in laminae III e IV. This evidence suggests that nitric oxide (NO) could modulate the synaptic activity of the glutamatergic spinocervical tracts. These findings suggest that the LCN of Artiodactyls might play an important role in the transmission of somatosensory information from the spinal cord to the higher centers of the brain.