bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of oral supplementation with immunonutrients in the inflammatory response in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Pimentel Rodrigo Fernandes Weyll , Merces Magno Conceição das , Silva Dandara Almeida Reis da , Souza Márcio Costa de , Cerqueira Monique Magnavita Borba da Fonseca , Figueiredo Pedro Carlos Muniz de , Santana Amália Ivine Costa , Silva Douglas de Souza e , Fernandes Sandra Lúcia , Maduro Isolda Padro de Negreiros Nogueira , Soriano Eline de Almeida , Sousa Anderson Reis de
Published: August 2020

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 related coronavirus has spread to almost every country, causing the COVID-19. The severity of COVID-19 is based on the inflammation caused by the cytokine storm. Inflammatory markers suggest a molecular explanation for the occurrence of severe disease and represent a possible treatment. Objective: This review aims to analyse the plausibility of using oral supplementation with immunonutrients. Discussion: Immunonutrition studies the interactions between nutrition, the immune system, infection, and inflammation of tissues. Arginine is a fundamental amino acid in processes of metabolic stress. Its deficiency implies in the capacity of immune response. ω-3 fatty acids demonstrated improved lung compliance, oxygenation, mechanical ventilation time and intensive care unit stay in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Essential for cell-mediated immunity and T lymphocyte function, dietary nucleotides have been shown to improve the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells. Considering that the inversely proportional relationship between presence of IL-6 and TNF-α and the function of T cells is well established in patients with COVID-19, this reinforces the idea that the release control of these biomarkers can be a way to treat this disease. Conclusion: In this scenario, this review raises the possibility of using immunonutrition to improve immune response of individuals affected by COVID-19.
Fatores significativos aos preços de ações das principais empresas do setor sucroenergético do Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Sandra Cristina de , Andrade Alequexandre Galvez de
Published: August 2020

O setor sucroalcooleiro no Brasil apresenta inegáveis vantagens quando confrontado a alguns concorrentes mundiais na produção de subprodutos da cana-de-açúcar. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar os fatores significativos ao preço das ações de três organizações do setor sucroenergético brasileiro: Biosev (BSEV3), São Martinho (SMTO3) e Cosan (CSAN3). Especificamente, verificou-se a forma como esses fatores influenciam ou se associam ao preço de tais ações, de forma a compreender o seu movimento de tendência e, com isso, aumentar o poder de decisão de investimento nessas empresas em momentos oportunos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva com abordagem quantitativa e caráter interdisciplinar, abordando análises estatística, contábil e econômico-financeira. Os dados concernentes a 15 variáveis foram coletados em fontes secundárias, entre janeiro de 2015 e março de 2020. Os resultados mostraram que as empresas têm variações distintas nos preços das ações. Os grupos Biosev e São Martinho apresentam tendências de mercado semelhantes, e o grupo Cosan mantém tendência oposta aos demais. Concluiu-se que o setor sucroenergético é uma boa opção de investimento, pois teve uma evolução financeira significativa com a valorização dos preços das ações nos últimos anos, em especial, pelo aumento dos preços do açúcar VHP e do etanol hidratado.
História da Química nos Projetos Pedagógicos nas Licenciaturas em Química das Universidades Cearenses
Authors: Silva Ana Lucia Rodrigues da , Moura Francisco Marcôncio Targino de
Published: August 2020

Compreender que a Química como Ciência foi sendo constituída e construída ao longo de sua existência, a partir de questões sociais e históricas, é imprescindível para superação da visão pronta e acabada da Ciência. Suscitamos como questão central desta pesquisa saber como os cursos de formação de professores de Química apresentam em sua estrutura curricular a História da Química como disciplina? Nosso objetivo geral foi investigar a presença da disciplina curricular História da Química na formação inicial de professores de Química, através da análise de sua estruturação nos PPP das Licenciaturas em Química das Universidades Públicas do Estado do Ceará. A pesquisa teve uma predominância qualitativa, escolhendo-se como método a Pesquisa Documental. Os PPP analisados, como norte do fazer docente, precisam ser repensados quanto à presença da disciplina História da Química, que deve se articular com as competências e habilidades exigidas do licenciando, sua obrigatoriedade, ementa e carga horária, de forma a proporcionar uma formação segura quanto à Historiografia da Química no currículo dos licenciandos. Torna-se urgente buscar meios de superação das contradições observadas nos vários PPP analisados, como tornar o componente curricular História da Química obrigatório no decorrer do curso, tendo como premissa um trabalho voltado à historiografía da Química, uma vez que formar professores críticos e reflexivos requer um fazer docente com as mesmas características, além de segurança e rigor didático pedagógico, capaz de fazer com que os futuros professores de Química se sintam aptos a realizar a transposição didática do conhecimento em suas aulas no Ensino Médio.
Psychrotrophic microorganisms in raw milk and the cheese quality
Authors: Santana Elsa Helena Walter de , Luiz Lucas Lima , Pasquim Pamela da Silva , Pinto Leticia de Fatima Bertachi , Pereira Flavia de Almeida Bergonse , Gasparini Gisele Bombardi Freitas Barone , Lorenzetti Elis , Bruzaroski Samera Rafaela , Eleodoro Josiane Ito
Published: August 2020

Psychrotrophic microorganisms, especially Pseudomonas spp., are present in the microbiota of refrigerated milk as they can grow at refrigeration temperatures irrespective of their optimal growth temperature. Psychrotrophic counts ranging from 105 to 108 CFU/mL in refrigerated raw milk effect cheese quality, since the synthesized thermoresistant enzymes affect the nutritional value, sensory properties, and texture. Cheese is the dairy product with the highest growth rate in the food industry in Brazil in recent years and meets the current consumption trends of nutritious and practical foods. The objective of this review was to address the importance and influence of the psychrotrophic raw milk microbiota on the quality and sensory properties of cheese. The enzymes produced by psychrotrophic microorganisms lead to taste changes, undesirable clotting times, increased concentrations of free fatty acids and free amino acids, and a reduced shelf-life, in addition to negatively affecting cheese yields. Proteases from psychrotrophs are also associated with slicing problems and progressive loss of the elasticity of cheese, a bitter taste, and increased clotting times of cheese produced with pasteurized milk. On the other hand, their lipases increase the clotting time and have a negative effect on the sensory properties by providing a rancid, soap, metallic, or oxidized smell and taste. The control of the psychrotrophic population found in refrigerated raw milk contributes to better cheese production yields and desirable texture and sensory properties, which extends the shelf-life of cheese and improves consumer acceptance.
An Analysis of the Major Themes in Khaled Hosseini’s Novel “The Kite Runner”
Authors: Matondang Marhaeni Kartika Dewi
Published: August 2020

This study aims to analyze the major theme in The Kite Runner novel, by Khaled Hosseini. In line with the previous research problem, the objective is to find out and describe the process of major themes analysis in the novel. This research was conducted based on developmental research.  This research is qualitative research which employed documentation as the data collection. In this analysis the writer found several major themes, namely, friendship (fathers and sons); betrayal and guilt; redemption and friendship. In every conflict there’s an easy choice, and then there’s the right choice. This is a story of redemption where a boy takes the easy path, and pays for it, until he can finally become a man and right what he has wronged.
TEMİZ ARALIKLI KATETERE BAĞLI NADİR BİR KOMPLİKASYON: UNUTULMUŞ 'NO TOUCH' MATERYALLERİ
Authors: ÖZBİLEN Mert Hamza , ERGANİ Batuhan , ÇETİN Taha , YALÇIN Mehmet , İLBEY Yusuf Özlem
Published: August 2020

Meningomyelosel tanılı çocukların büyük çoğunluğu nörojenik mesane disfonksiyonuna maruz kalmaktadır. Temiz aralıklı kateterizasyon (TAK) günümüzde bu tür nörojenik mesane disfonksiyonu olan hastaların ürolojik tedavisi için yaygın olarak kullanılmaktadır. Bu olguda meningomyelosel nedeniyle TAK yapmakta olan 17 yaşındaki kız olgunun dirençli idrar yolu enfeksiyonu nedeni ile araştırılmakta iken mesanesinde saptanan ‘no touch-touch free’ katater materyalini raporlamak amaçlanmıştır.
Gebelik seyrinde subakut tiroidit: Olgu sunumu
Authors: AKKUŞ Canan , DURAN Cevdet
Published: August 2020

Subakut (SAT) veya De quervain tiroiditi, tiroid bozukluğunun geçici bir formu olup, viral enfeksiyonlardan sonra gelişen tiroid bezi inflamasyonu ile karekterizedir. Bu hastalık kadınlarda, özellikle de mevsimsel geçiş dönemlerinde daha yaygındır. Sıklıkla trifazik bir seyir göstermesine rağmen, bazı hastalarda kalıcı hipotiroidizm gelişebilir. Hastalık kişiden kişiye değişebilir ve bazı hastalarda çok şiddetli seyredebilir. Gebelik esnasında SAT gelişimi nadirdir ve hamilelik sonucunu etkileyebilir. Bu yazıda, hamilelik sırasında SAT gelişen ve gebeliğin 21. haftasında erken membran rüptürü nedeniyle ölü doğum gelişen bir hasta sunduk.
Tip 2 Diyabetes Mellitus Tanılı Hastalarda El Komplikasyonları ve Klinik Verilerle İlişkisi
Authors: EROL Kemal , UĞURLU Hatice
Published: August 2020

Amaç: Tip 2 Diyabetes Mellitusun (T2DM) kronik komplikasyonlarından biri el tutulumudur. Son yıllarda ‘Diyabetik El’ ile ilgili uluslararası mecrada artmış çalışmalara rağmen ülkemizde ‘Diyabetik El’ ile ilgili yayın sayısı azdır. Biz de bu çalışmada Türkiye Cumhuriyeti İç Anadolu Bölgesi’nde üçüncü basamak bir sağlık merkezinin endokrinoloji polikliniğine başvuran T2DM tanılı hastalarda el bozukluklarının sıklığını belirlemeyi ve T2DM ilişkili klinik ve laboratuvar veriler ile arasındaki ilişkiyi araştırmayı amaçladık.

Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya üçüncü basamak bir sağlık merkezinin endokrinoloji polikliniğine başvuran T2DM tanısı almış olan, 18-65 yaş arası hastalar ardısıra alındı. Elde bozukluğa yol açan başka hastalıkları olanlar çalışmaya alınmadı. Hastaların demografik ve DM ilişkili laboratuvar ve klinik verileri kaydedildi. Mikrovasküler ve makrovasküler komplikasyonlar, hastane bilgi sisteminden ve hastalardan alınan bilgilerden elde edildi. Hastaların el muayeneleri, hastaların DM ilişkili verilerine kör bir FTR hekimi tarafından yapıldı ve diyabetik el tutulumu açısından değerledirildi.

Bulgular: Çalışmaya 86‘sı (%73.5) kadın 117 T2DM tanılı hasta alındı. Hastaların üçte ikisinde el şikayeti vardı ve yaklaşık dörtte üçünde en az bir el komplikasyonu tespit edildi. Hastalarda bulunan el komplikasyonlarının sıklık oranları şöyle idi; kısıtlı eklem hareketi sendromu: %43.6; karpal tünel sendromu: %54.7; Dupuytren kontraktürü: %13.7; tetik parmak: %7.7; sklerodaktili: %32.5; ve kompleks bölgesel ağrı sendromu: %1.7.

Sonuç: T2DM’de sık görülen komplikasyonlardan olan el tutulumu İç Anadolu Bölgesi’nde üçüncü basamak bir hastanenin takipli hastalarında neredeyse her 4 hastanın 3’ünde tespit edildi. T2DM tanılı hastalar değerlendirilirken el tutulumu açısından da değerlendirilmesi gereklidir.
Questões de gênero em sala de aula a partir de uma perspectiva crítica de educação linguística
Authors: Lemes Helen Cristina Dias da Silva , De Oliveira Hélvio Frank
Published: August 2020

Pautado nos pressupostos teóricos da Linguística Aplicada crítica e nos estudos de gênero, o presente artigo tem por objetivo vislumbrar a perspectiva crítica de educação linguística como proposta para se trabalhar, em sala de aula de línguas, questões de desigualdade de gênero relacionadas à mulher em contexto social brasileiro. A pesquisa-ação foi desenvolvida durante três aulas de língua portuguesa, elaboradas em formato de sequência didática, organizada em cinco momentos específicos de problematização e reflexão. Participaram do estudo 22 estudantes de uma turma do 8º ano de ensino fundamental II de uma escola da rede privada de ensino situada em Goiânia – Goiás, e a professora autora deste texto. Compõem o material empírico da pesquisa o questionário escrito, com perguntas abertas, aplicado aos discentes e a gravação das interações ocorridas durante as aulas. Os resultados sinalizam o reconhecimento discente quanto à relevância de se trabalhar com temas críticos em aulas de língua, os quais, no caso da desigualdade de gênero, propiciou reflexão e ressignificações sobre condição da mulher em sociedade.
A questão de gênero no plano municipal de educação de curitiba: da construção social à supressão político-legislativa (2014/2015)
Authors: Da Silva Juliano Eugenio , De Mello Paulo Eduardo Dias
Published: August 2020

Este artigo busca entender como, na trajetória de construção social do Plano Municipal de Educação de Curitiba (PME), e depois nos debates legislativos, a questão de gênero foi tratada. Interessa-nos entender como setores religiosos inseridos na vida pública passaram a lidar com temas de interesse coletivo, especialmente, no campo da educação. Elegemos focar o assunto que mais interessou a prática política evangélica e conservadora religiosa no Brasil no início do século XXI: as questões de comportamento moral, em especial as ligadas a gênero e seus impactos na formulação de diretrizes para a educação. O objetivo é entender a maneira como a religião pautou o debate público sobre educação, tendo como foco as questões de gênero. Para tanto, o estudo verificou as fontes escritas acerca do debate ocorrido em Curitiba acerca do PME: desde as discussões da sociedade civil organizada até o debate ocorrida da Câmara Municipal. Constatamos o interesse quase que exclusivo dos setores religiosos quanto aos termos gênero, identidade sexual, identidade de gênero e etc. e sua busca por extirpar tais termos do PME.
Cartas de mulheres: narrativas de educadoras e discentes sobre a cultura afro-brasileira e africana na escola
Authors: Batista Ingrit Yasmin Oliveira da Silva , De Paula Ercília Maria Angeli Teixeira
Published: August 2020

O objetivo deste artigo foi verificar, por meio das narrativas escritas em cartas pedagógicas de educadoras e discentes, quais as representações nas práticas pedagógicas e nos currículos sobre a Cultura Afro-Brasileira e Africana na escola. A pesquisa foi realizada com quatro educadoras e quatro discentes do 4° ano dos Anos Iniciais do Ensino Fundamental de quatro diferentes escolas, localizadas na cidade de Campo Mourão-PR. A pesquisa foi qualitativa e os instrumentos metodológicos utilizados foram às cartas pedagógicas. Como resultados, observa-se que as narrativas que circulam o cotidiano escolar precisam ser dialogadas. Com esta pesquisa, por meio das análises das cartas, constata-se que o trabalho com a Cultura Afro-Brasileira é abordado de maneira fragmentada, por isso, a necessidade de fomentar estudos sobre a importância da representatividade negra, que precisa ser visibilizada pelos(as) docentes, discentes e toda a equipe da escola, com o intuito de possibilitar o reconhecimento sobre a negritude.
(In)visibilidade, gênero e Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCN) na saúde: caminhos para uma pedagogia radical
Authors: Carnut Leonardo
Published: August 2020

Este estudo objetiva refletir sobre as primeiras contribuições às quais a pedagogia radical de Henry Giroux pode trazer para formular um caminho que leve ao pensamento crítico na área do ensino na saúde. Trata-se de um ensaio que, conforme preconizado por Starobinski, aproxima a categoria gênero identificado nas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para os cursos de graduação de saúde em contraste com a pedagogia radical de Henry Giroux. Realizou-se uma busca do termo “gênero” nestas Diretrizes com o intuito de identificar a visibilidade do termo, como também a matriz teórica em que parece se assentar. Nas 15 profissões da área da saúde, identificou-se o termo em apenas três, ainda assim, destas três, em duas graduações o termo permanece na interpretação hegemonizada pela Saúde Coletiva, baseada na perspectiva funcionalista ou, quando muito, eminentemente fenomenológica. Assim, teceram-se alguns caminhos para refletir sobre esta (in)visibilidade e tentou-se justificar a necessidade de uma pedagogia radical que opere o pensamento crítico sobre gênero nestas graduações visando desvelar as opções políticas deste discurso científico.
Using Multispectral Imaging for Detecting Seed-Borne Fungi in Cowpea
Authors: Rego Carlos Henrique Queiroz , França-Silva Fabiano , Gomes-Junior Francisco Guilhien , Moraes Maria Heloisa Duarte de , Medeiros André Dantas de , Silva Clíssia Barboza da
Published: August 2020

Recent advances in multispectral imaging-based technology have provided useful information on seed health in order to optimize the quality control process. In this study, we verified the efficiency of multispectral imaging (MSI) combined with statistical models to assess the cowpea seed health and differentiate seeds carrying different fungal species. Seeds were artificially inoculated with Fusarium pallidoroseum, Rhizoctonia solani and Aspergillus sp. Multispectral images were acquired at 19 wavelengths (365 to 970 nm) from inoculated seeds and freeze-killed ‘incubated’ seeds. Statistical models based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were developed using reflectance, color and texture features of the seed images. Results demonstrated that the LDA-based models were efficient in detecting and identifying different species of fungi in cowpea seeds. The model showed above 92% accuracy before incubation and 99% after incubation, indicating that the MSI technique in combination with statistical models can be a useful tool for evaluating the health status of cowpea seeds. Our findings can be a guide for the development of in-depth studies with more cultivars and fungal species, isolated and in association, for the successful application of MSI in the routine health inspection of cowpea seeds and other important legumes.
Effect of Plant Biostimulants on Macronutrient Content in Early Crop Potato Tubers
Authors: Dziugieł Tomasz , Wadas Wanda
Published: August 2020

This paper analyzes the effects of the foliar application of the seaweed extracts Bio-algeen S90 (Ascophyllum nodosum) and Kelpak SL (Ecklonia maxima), as well as the humic and fulvic acids in HumiPlant (leonardite extract) on the macronutrient content in tubers of very early potato cultivars (‘Denar’, ‘Lord’, ‘Miłek’) and their ionic ratios. The field experiment was carried out in central-eastern Poland over three growing seasons, using Haplic Luvisol. The biostimulants were applied according to the manufacturers’ recommendations. Potatoes were harvested 75 days after planting. The use of biostimulants increased potassium (K) content in tubers, on average, by 1.26 g∙kg−1 of dry matter compared with the untreated control tubers. Bio-algeen S90 did not affect the phosphorus (P) content in tubers, whereas Kelpak SL and HumiPlant reduced the phosphorus content, on average, by 0.063 g∙kg−1 of dry matter. The biostimulants did not affect calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), or sodium (Na) content in tubers. The use of biostimulants resulted in an increase in the mass ratios of K+:Ca2+, K+:Mg2+, and (K+ + Na+):(Ca2+ + Mg2+) in early crop potato tubers, compared with the untreated control tubers, but did not affect the mass ratios of Na+:Ca2+ and Na+:Mg2+ or the mass ratio of Ca:P. The macronutrient content in early crop potato tubers and their ionic ratios depended on the cultivar and environment conditions.
Enzybiotics LYSSTAPH-S and LYSDERM-S as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Chronic MRSA Wound Infections
Authors: Vacek Lukáš , Kobzová Šárka , Čmelík Richard , Pantůček Roman , Janda Lubomír
Published: August 2020

Antibacterial antibiotic therapy has played an important role in the treatment of bacterial infections for almost a century. The increasing resistance of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics leads to an attempt to use previously neglected antibacterial therapies. Here we provide information on the two recombinantly modified antistaphylococcal enzymes derived from lysostaphin (LYSSTAPH-S) and endolysin (LYSDERM-S) derived from kayvirus 812F1 whose target sites reside in the bacterial cell wall. LYSSTAPH-S showed a stable antimicrobial effect over 24-h testing, even in concentrations lower than 1 µg/mL across a wide variety of epidemiologically important sequence types (STs) of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), especially in the stationary phase of growth (status comparable to chronic infections). LYSDERM-S showed a less potent antimicrobial effect that lasted only a few hours at concentrations of 15 μg/mL and higher. Our data indicate that these antimicrobial enzymes could be of substantial help in the treatment of chronic MRSA wound infections.
Effectiveness of Electronic Guidelines (GERH®) to Improve the Clinical Use of Antibiotics in An Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Navarro-Gómez Paola , Gutierrez-Fernandez Jose , Rodriguez-Maresca Manuel Angel , Olvera-Porcel Maria Carmen , Sorlozano-Puerto Antonio
Published: August 2020

The objective of the study was to evaluate the capacity of GERH®-derived local resistance maps (LRMs) to predict antibiotic susceptibility profiles and recommend the appropriate empirical treatment for ICU patients with nosocomial infection. Data gathered between 2007 and 2016 were retrospectively studied to compare susceptibility information from antibiograms of microorganisms isolated in blood cultures, lower respiratory tract samples, and urine samples from all ICU patients meeting clinical criteria for infection with the susceptibility mapped by LRMs for these bacterial species. Susceptibility described by LRMs was concordant with in vitro study results in 73.9% of cases. The LRM-predicted outcome agreed with the antibiogram result in >90% of cases infected with the bacteria for which GERH® offers data on susceptibility to daptomycin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid, and rifampicin. Full adherence to LRM recommendations would have improved the percentage adequacy of empirical prescriptions by 2.2% for lower respiratory tract infections (p = 0.018), 3.1% for bacteremia (p = 0.07), and 5.3% for urinary tract infections (p = 0.142). LRMs may moderately improve the adequacy of empirical antibiotic therapy, especially for lower respiratory tract infections. LRMs recommend appropriate prescriptions in approximately 50% of cases but are less useful in patients with bacteremia or urinary tract infection.
Rapid Antibacterial Activity of Cannabichromenic Acid against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Galletta Maria , Reekie Tristan A. , Nagalingam Gayathri , Bottomley Amy L. , Harry Elizabeth J. , Kassiou Michael , Triccas James A.
Published: August 2020

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has proven to be an imminent threat to public health, intensifying the need for novel therapeutics. Previous evidence suggests that cannabinoids harbour potent antibacterial activity. In this study, a group of previously inaccessible phytocannabinoids and synthetic analogues were examined for potential antibacterial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations and dynamics of bacterial inhibition, determined through resazurin reduction and time-kill assays, revealed the potent antibacterial activity of the phytocannabinoids against gram-positive antibiotic-resistant bacterial species, including MRSA. One phytocannabinoid, cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), demonstrated faster and more potent bactericidal activity than vancomycin, the currently recommended antibiotic for the treatment of MRSA infections. Such bactericidal activity was sustained against low-and high-dose inoculums as well as exponential- and stationary-phase MRSA cells. Further, mammalian cell viability was maintained in the presence of CBCA. Finally, microscopic evaluation suggests that CBCA may function through the degradation of the bacterial lipid membrane and alteration of the bacterial nucleoid. The results of the current study provide encouraging evidence that cannabinoids may serve as a previously unrecognised resource for the generation of novel antibiotics active against MRSA.
Engineering the Unicellular Alga Phaeodactylum tricornutum for Enhancing Carotenoid Production
Authors: Manfellotto Francesco , Stella Giulio Rocco , Falciatore Angela , Brunet Christophe , Ferrante Maria Immacolata
Published: August 2020

Microalgae represent a promising resource for the production of beneficial natural compounds due to their richness in secondary metabolites and easy cultivation. Carotenoids feature among distinctive compounds of many microalgae, including diatoms, which owe their golden color to the xanthophyll fucoxanthin. Carotenoids have antioxidant, anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties, and there is a considerable market demand for these compounds. Here, with the aim to increase the carotenoid content in the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, we exploited genetic transformation to overexpress genes involved in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. We produced transgenic lines over-expressing simultaneously one, two or three carotenoid biosynthetic genes, and evaluated changes in pigment content with high-performance liquid chromatography. Two triple transformants over-expressing the genes Violaxanthin de-epoxidase (Vde), Vde-related (Vdr) and Zeaxanthin epoxidase 3 (Zep3) showed an accumulation of carotenoids, with an increase in the fucoxanthin content up to four fold. Vde, Vdr and Zep3 mRNA and protein levels in the triple transformants were coherently increased. The exact role of these enzymes in the diatom carotenoid biosynthetic pathway is not completely elucidated nevertheless our strategy successfully modulated the carotenoid metabolism leading to an accumulation of valuable compounds, leading the way toward improved utilization of microalgae in the field of antioxidants.
Iron Overload, Oxidative Stress and Calcium Mishandling in Cardiomyocytes: Role of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore
Authors: Gordan Richard , Fefelova Nadezhda , Gwathmey Judith K. , Xie Lai-Hua
Published: August 2020

Iron (Fe) plays an essential role in many physiological processes. Hereditary hemochromatosis or frequent blood transfusions often cause iron overload (IO), which can lead to cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias; however, the underlying mechanism is not well defined. In the present study, we assess the hypothesis that IO promotes arrhythmias via reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) depolarization, and disruption of cytosolic Ca dynamics. In ventricular myocytes isolated from wild type (WT) mice, both cytosolic and mitochondrial Fe levels were elevated following perfusion with the Fe3+/8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) complex. IO promoted mitochondrial superoxide generation (measured using MitoSOX Red) and induced the depolarization of the ΔΨm (measured using tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester, TMRM) in a dose-dependent manner. IO significantly increased the rate of Ca wave (CaW) formation measured in isolated ventricular myocytes using Fluo-4. Furthermore, in ex-vivo Langendorff-perfused hearts, IO increased arrhythmia scores as evaluated by ECG recordings under programmed S1-S2 stimulation protocols. We also carried out similar experiments in cyclophilin D knockout (CypD KO) mice in which the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening is impaired. While comparable cytosolic and mitochondrial Fe load, mitochondrial ROS production, and depolarization of the ∆Ψm were observed in ventricular myocytes isolated from both WT and CypD KO mice, the rate of CaW formation in isolated cells and the arrhythmia scores in ex-vivo hearts were significantly lower in CypD KO mice compared to those observed in WT mice under conditions of IO. The mPTP inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA, 1 µM) also exhibited a protective effect. In conclusion, our results suggest that IO induces mitochondrial ROS generation and ∆Ψm depolarization, thus opening the mPTP, thereby promoting CaWs and cardiac arrhythmias. Conversely, the inhibition of mPTP ameliorates the proarrhythmic effects of IO.
Comparison Between Performance of Fluorite Flotation Under Different Depressants Reagents in Two Pieces of Laboratory Equipment
Authors: Corpas-Martínez J. R. , Pérez A. , Navarro-Domínguez R. , Amor-Castillo C. , Martín-Lara M. A. , Calero M.
Published: August 2020

Fluorite is an important industrial mineral composed of calcium and fluorine (CaF2). This mineral is widely distributed through different deposits. However, in most cases, fluorite is tightly associated with gangue, such as calcite and quartz. In this paper, different depressants are tested in the flotation of fluorite in two different laboratory configurations—cell and column. Quebracho tree (QT) was tested as the main depressant in combination with white dextrin (WD), potato starch (PT), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP). The optimum pulp pH of the flotation of fluorite was determined as approximately 9.5–10. The best results are obtained using a combination of quebracho and white dextrin as depressants, reaching 74% of fluorite grade for modified column flotation and 70.5% for cell flotation. Additionally, the metallurgical recovery obtained higher values when the flotation was carried out in the modified column and using the same combination of depressant agents—75% for modified column flotation and 60% for flotation cell.
Structural Information Reconstruction of Distorted Underwater Images Using Image Registration
Authors: Sun Tao , Tang Yugui , Zhang Zhen
Published: August 2020

Imaging through wavy air-water surface suffers from uneven geometric distortions and motion blur due to surface fluctuations. Structural information of distorted underwater images is needed to correct this in some cases, such as submarine cable inspecting. This paper presents a new structural information restoration method for underwater image sequences using an image registration algorithm. At first, to give higher priority to structural edge information, a reference frame is reconstructed from the sequence frames by a combination of lucky patches chosen and the guided filter. Then an iterative robust registration algorithm is applied to remove the severe distortions by registering frames against the reference frame, and the registration is guided towards the sharper boundary to ensure the integrity of edges. The experiment results show that the method exhibits improvement in sharpness and contrast, especially in some structural information such as text. Furthermore, the proposed edge-first registration strategy has faster iteration velocity and convergence speed compared with other registration strategies.
Analysis and Optimization of Truck Windshield Defroster
Authors: He Zhilong , Qu Xide , Ji Lantian , Wu Weifeng , Wang Xiaolin
Published: August 2020

Frosting and fogging of automobile windshields is a common problem that emerges in daily driving. It is important and essential to quickly and completely defrost the windshield for safety purposes. In this study, a three-dimensional mathematical model was applied to investigate the flow distribution and flow characteristics on the windshield of a medium-size Model N800 truck. The simulation results were first compared with experimental data. The results showed that the simulation model could reliably predict the defrosting performance on the windshield. This model was then used to optimize the design of the defrosting duct that comprised the main part of the defroster. It was found that the guide plate and outlet position of the defrosting duct were the two major factors affecting the defrosting performance. Therefore, the guide plate was first optimized and the defrosting performance was analyzed. The results showed that the average pressure loss dropped by 21.56%, while the defrosting efficiency at the front white zone was improved to 89%. The position of the outlet of the airflow was further studied. The results showed that the defrosting efficiency at the front zone could be further improved to 99%.
Practical Application of the Whipple and Carvallo Stability Model on Modern Bicycles with Pedal Assistance
Authors: Dieltiens Sien , Debrouwere Frederik , Juwet Marc , Demeester Eric
Published: August 2020

Increasingly more people cycle with electrically-powered pedal assistance. The reduced pedalling effort attracts physically challenged people and seniors, who have a higher risk of falling. Since electric bicycles are heavier and the centre of masses are located higher, accidents happen easily. This study analyses the influence of the addition of a battery and motor unit on the stability behaviour of common bicycles for women. Based on market research, seven typical bicycle configurations are determined. Geometrics, mass values, and cycling postures are measured, and the theoretical stability behaviour is determined analytically based on the stability model of Whipple and Carvallo. The research shows that bicycles without pedal assistance have a smaller self-stable and semi-stable range than most electric bicycles. The electric bicycle with a motor implemented in the front wheel perform best, as the extra weight of the motor enhances the gyroscopic self-stabilization of the front wheel. Furthermore, a battery in the lower mid-tube is preferred over one in the luggage rack as it lowers the center of mass of the rear frame assembly. Knowledge about the optimal configuration to maximize the stability will enhance the cycling comfort and minimize the chance of accidents.
Establishment of the Controlled Low-Strength Desulfurization Slag Prediction Model for Compressive Strength and Surface Resistivity
Authors: Hung Chang-Chi , Wang Chien-Chih , Wang Her-Yung
Published: August 2020

In this study, the desulfurization slag used the volume method to replace fine natural aggregates in controllable low-strength materials (CLSM); the desulfurization slag content (DS) and curing time (t) were used as variables to test the compressive strength and surface resistivity of CLSM and simulated a prediction model on the results. The test results showed during that the compressive strength on the 28th day, the average desulfurization slag replacement amount increased by 10%, and the compressive strength decreased by 0.9 MPa. The surface resistivity increases with age, and each ratio increases from seven days to 28 days, and the surface resistivity value increases from 9.3% to 20.6%. After that, a hyperbolic function and exponential function with multiple variables were used to establish a simulation model of the effects of the DS content and curing time on the compressive strength and surface resistivity of CLSM. Compared with the test results, the statistical analysis shows that the average absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the compressive strength is 9.17%, and the surface resistivity is 10.67%. From the results, the predictive analysis model developed in this paper provides good predictive results in terms of compressive strength and surface resistivity.
Random Fiber Array Generation Considering Actual Noncircular Fibers with a Particle-Shape Library
Authors: Go Myeong-Seok , Park Shin-Mu , Kim Do-Won , Hwang Do-Soon , Lim Jae Hyuk
Published: August 2020

In this work, we generated a set of random representative volume elements (RVEs) of unidirectional composites considering actual noncircular cross-sections and positions of fibers with the aid of a shape-library approach. The cross-section of the noncircular carbon fiber was extracted from the M55J/M18 composite using image processing and a signed-distance-based mesh trimming scheme, and they were stored in a particle-shape library. The obtained noncircular fibers randomly chosen from the particle-shape library were applied to random fiber array generation algorithms to generate RVEs of various fiber volume fractions. To check the randomness of the proposed RVEs, we calculated spatial and physical metrics, and concluded that the proposed method is sufficiently random. Furthermore, to compare the effective elastic properties and the maximum von Mises stress in the matrix, it was applied to composite materials with different relative ratios of elastic moduli of M55J/M18 and T300/PR319. In the case of T300/PR319 having a high RRT (relative ratio of the transverse elastic moduli), simulation results were deviated up to about 5% in the effective elastic properties and 13% in the maximum von Mises stress in the matrix according to the fiber shapes.
An Italian Innovative Small-Scale Approach to Promote the Conscious Consumption of Healthy Food
Authors: Formoso Gloria , Pipino Caterina , Baldassarre Maria Pompea Antonia , Del Boccio Piero , Zucchelli Mirco , D’Alessandro Nicola , Tonucci Lucia , Cichelli Angelo , Pandolfi Assunta , Di Pietro Natalia
Published: August 2020

An unhealthy diet is considered to be one of the main causes for increases in obesity and chronic diseases. Food choices are frequently influenced by food systems and environments along with the availability and affordability of healthy and sustainable food. In this context, a major contemporary challenge lies in improving these aspects in order to support healthy dietary choices. Hence, to address this issue, here, we propose a small-scale approach called SANI (Italian for “healthy”) which involves experts in science and marketing. Two typical agri-foods of the Abruzzo area (center of Italy), tomato sauce and extra virgin olive oil, are characterized as high-quality products in terms of their nutrient content, absence of chemical contaminants (chromatographic, spectrophotometric, and magnetic resonance techniques), and ecological footprint (lifecycle assessment and carbon footprint). Hence, their consumption is promoted, with strict attention being paid to several aspects of the food system, such as production, processing, distribution, labeling, and promotion, as well as marketing strategies and dissemination activities. Overall, these SANI actions, especially labeling and dissemination, have proven to be a valuable learning tool for consumers moving toward more conscious consumption, which can be extended and applied to additional food products. Future applications of similar research strategies in a wider context could positively affect human and environmental health.
Parameter Conversion between Controlled Pass-By Method and Alternative Close Proximity Method
Authors: Ji Hongjie , Zhang Ming , Kim Byoung Sam
Published: August 2020

To shorten the measurement period and reduce experiment costs, we investigated the parameter conversion between the experiment results of the controlled pass-by (CPB) method and alternative close proximity (A-CPX) method for automotive applications. The CPB and A-CPX methods were used to experiment with tire noise. The correlation between the tire noises of the two experimental methods was analyzed. Then, the quantitative transformation relationship between the tire noises of the two methods was obtained using an acoustic radiation propagation experiment in the semi-free field. The results indicate a good linear correlation between the experimental results of the two experimental methods. In the case of ignoring the shielding effect of the car body, the average difference between the measured value of the CPB method and the predicted value of the experimental tire is about 1.1 dB. When considering the shielding effect of the car body, the average difference between the measured value of the CPB method and the predicted value of the experimental tire is about 2.7 dB.
COVID-XNet: A Custom Deep Learning System to Diagnose and Locate COVID-19 in Chest X-ray Images
Authors: Duran-Lopez Lourdes , Dominguez-Morales Juan Pedro , Corral-Jaime Jesús , Vicente-Diaz Saturnino , Linares-Barranco Alejandro
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has changed the world as we know it. An early diagnosis is crucial in order to prevent new outbreaks and control its rapid spread. Medical imaging techniques, such as X-ray or chest computed tomography, are commonly used for this purpose due to their reliability for COVID-19 diagnosis. Computer-aided diagnosis systems could play an essential role in aiding radiologists in the screening process. In this work, a novel Deep Learning-based system, called COVID-XNet, is presented for COVID-19 diagnosis in chest X-ray images. The proposed system performs a set of preprocessing algorithms to the input images for variability reduction and contrast enhancement, which are then fed to a custom Convolutional Neural Network in order to extract relevant features and perform the classification between COVID-19 and normal cases. The system is trained and validated using a 5-fold cross-validation scheme, achieving an average accuracy of 94.43% and an AUC of 0.988. The output of the system can be visualized using Class Activation Maps, highlighting the main findings for COVID-19 in X-ray images. These promising results indicate that COVID-XNet could be used as a tool to aid radiologists and contribute to the fight against COVID-19.
Apical Debris Extrusion by Adaptive Root Canal Instrumentation in Oval Canals: Full-Sequence SAF System vs. the XP-Endo Shaper Plus Sequence
Authors: Pawar Ajinkya M. , Pawar Bhaggyashri A. , Bhardwaj Anuj , Maniangat Luke Alexander , Metzger Zvi , Kfir Anda
Published: August 2020

Apical extrusion of debris (AED) by the full sequence of the self-adjusting file (SAF) system was compared with that of the XP-endo shaper plus sequence. Sixty permanent mandibular incisors were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 30) for root canal instrumentation: Group A: Stage 1—pre-SAF OS, pre-SAF 1 and pre-SAF 2 files, followed by Stage 2—1.5 mm SAF; and Group B: Stage 1— hand K-file 15/0.02, followed by Stage 2—XP-endo shaper and Stage 3—XP-endo finisher. The AED produced during instrumentation at each stage was collected in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes. The weights of AED by the two methods were compared using t tests with significance level set at 5%. Group A produced significantly less total AED than Group B (p < 0.001), with no significant difference in debris extrusion between the two stages (p = 0.3014). Conversely, in Group B, a significant difference was noted between Stage 1 and Stages 2 and 3 (p < 0.01), with no significant difference between Stages 2 and 3 (p = 0.488). Both sequences resulted in measurable amounts of AED. Each phase, in either procedure, made its own contribution to the extrusion of debris.
Classification of Hyperspectral In Vivo Brain Tissue Based on Linear Unmixing
Authors: Cruz-Guerrero Ines A. , Leon Raquel , Campos-Delgado Daniel U. , Ortega Samuel , Fabelo Himar , Callico Gustavo M.
Published: August 2020

Hyperspectral imaging is a multidimensional optical technique with the potential of providing fast and accurate tissue classification. The main challenge is the adequate processing of the multidimensional information usually linked to long processing times and significant computational costs, which require expensive hardware. In this study, we address the problem of tissue classification for intraoperative hyperspectral images of in vivo brain tissue. For this goal, two methodologies are introduced that rely on a blind linear unmixing (BLU) scheme for practical tissue classification. Both methodologies identify the characteristic end-members related to the studied tissue classes by BLU from a training dataset and classify the pixels by a minimum distance approach. The proposed methodologies are compared with a machine learning method based on a supervised support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The methodologies based on BLU achieve speedup factors of ~459× and ~429× compared to the SVM scheme, while keeping constant and even slightly improving the classification performance.
Multipath Data Storage by Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Properties in Zinc Oxide Nanostructures
Authors: Ortíz-Trejo Federico , Trejo-Valdez Martín , Campos-López Juan Pablo , Castro-Chacón Joel Humberto , Torres-Torres Carlos
Published: August 2020

Simultaneous activation of multiphotonic absorption and nonlinear optical refraction were employed for developing a multipath load balancing technique assisted by light and zinc oxide nanostructures. Data storage as the real and imaginary part of the third-order nonlinear optical behavior of different regions in bidimensional systems was proposed. By recording the third-order nonlinear optical response exhibited by the nanomaterials, a straightforward XOR encryption system controlled by laser pulses was developed. Identification of nonlinear optical signals in propagation through the samples was monitored by a standard optical Kerr gate configuration. Vectorial two-wave mixing experiments were carried out for measuring the third-order optical nonlinearities of the samples explored by nanosecond pulses at 532 nm wavelength. A spray pyrolysis processing route was employed for the preparation of the samples in thin film form. Third-order nonlinear optical characteristics were analyzed taking into account the modification in the ZnO-based nanocomposites by single-pulsed irradiation close to the ablation threshold effect. The combination of nonlinear optics and nanostructured films can be considered for developing ultrafast smart objects with immediate applications for signal processing functions driven by multiphotonic phenomena.
A Multi-Image Encryption with Super-Lager-Capacity Based on Spherical Diffraction and Filtering Diffusion
Authors: Wu Hanmeng , Wang Jun , Zhang Ziyi , Chen Xudong , Zhu Zheng
Published: August 2020

A multi-image encryption with super-large-capacity is proposed by using spherical diffraction and filtering diffusion. In the proposed method, initial images are processed sequentially by filtering diffusion and chaos scrambling. The images are combined into one image using XOR operation. The combined image is encrypted by improved equal modulus decomposition after spherical diffraction. There are three main contributions of the proposed method—(1) resisting phase-retrieval attack due to the asymmetry of spherical diffraction; (2) high flexibility of decrypting images individually; and (3) super-large encryption capacity of the product of image resolution and grayscale level, which is the most significant advantage. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed encryption are verified by numerical simulation results.
A New Adaptive Spatial Filtering Method in the Wavelet Domain for Medical Images
Authors: Simona Răboacă Maria , Dumitrescu Cătălin , Filote Constantin , Manta Ioana
Published: August 2020

Although there are many methods in the literature to eliminate noise from images, finding new methods remains a challenge in the field and, despite the complexity of existing methods, many of the methods do not reach a sufficient level of applicability, most often due to the relatively high calculation time. In addition, most existing methods perform well when the processed image is adapted to the algorithm, but otherwise fail or results in significant artifacts. The context of eliminating noise from images is similar to that of improving images and for this reason some notions necessary to understand the proposed method will be repeated. An adaptive spatial filter in the wavelet domain is proposed by soft truncation of the wavelet coefficients with threshold value adapted to the local statistics of the image and correction based on the hierarchical correlation map. The filter exploits, in a new way, both the inter-band and the bandwidth dependence of the wavelet coefficients, considering the minimization of computational resources.