bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influência de variáveis meteorológicas na ocorrência de pneumonia
Authors: Carvalho Enyedja Kerlly Martins de Araújo , Dantas Renilson Targino , Carvalho José Ribamar Marques de
Published: May 2021

As causas da influência do tempo e do clima sobre os seres vivos não são completamente conhecidas, logo é de grande importância os estudos que os relacionam com a saúde humana e as estratégias relacionadas à formulação de políticas públicas de saúde. Esse estudo objetivou analisar a influencia das variáveis meteorológicas (precipitação, temperatura e umidade relativa do ar) e o número de casos acometidos por pneumonia no municípios de Campina Grande, PB no período de 1998 a 2016. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico, retrospectivo e descritivo com abordagem quantitativa. As principais contribuições configuram-se como fatores essenciais para compreender as consequências que as mudanças nas variáveis climáticas podem ocasionar na saúde da população dos municípios estudados. Como recomendação destaca-se a limitação do estudo que se relaciona às subnotificações das doenças, diagnósticos incorretos, dentre outros, que podem ocorrer junto às repartições responsáveis pelo fornecimento de informações de saúde.
Deep-ultraviolet femtosecond laser source at 243 nm for hydrogen spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Hao , Lu Haoyuan , Li Zhaolong , Zhao Jianye
Published: May 2021

This paper reports on the generation of a 100 MHz repetition rate, 1.7 mW average power and femtosecond deep-ultraviolet (DUV) 243 nm laser source. The infra-red output of a broadband Titanium-Sapphire (TiSa) laser containing 729 nm light is mixed with its second harmonic in a β-barium borate (BBO) crystal. By manipulating the group delay dispersion (GDD), we customize the spectral shape of TiSa resonator to improve conversion efficiency. This DUV laser is employed for direct frequency comb spectroscopy of hydrogen.
Optimization of light scattering enhancement by gold nanoparticles in fused silica optical fiber
Authors: Wang Xiang , Benedictus Rinze , Groves Roger M.
Published: May 2021

A conventional distributed fiber optic sensing system offers close to linear sensitivity along the fiber length. However gold nanoparticles (NP) have been shown to be able to enhance the contrast ratio to improve the quality of signal detection. The challenge in improving the contrast of reflected signals is to optimise the nanoparticle doping concentration over the densed sensing length to make best use of the distributed fiber sensing hardware. In this paper, light enhancement by spherical gold NPs in the optical fibers was analyzed by considering the size-induced NP refractive index changes. This was achieved by building a new model to relate backscattered light from a gold NP suspension between the optical fiber end tips and backscattered light from gold NPs in the core of the optical fiber. The paper provides a model to determine the optimized sizes and concentrations of NPs for sensing at different desired penetration depths in the optical fiber.
MicroLED chromatic confocal microscope
Authors: Li Shaobai , Song Bofan , Peterson Tyler , Hsu Jian , Liang Rongguang
Published: May 2021

In this Letter, a microLED-based chromatic confocal microscope with a virtual confocal slit is proposed and demonstrated for three-dimensional (3D) profiling without any mechanical scanning or external light source. In the proposed method, a micro-scale light-emitting diode (microLED) panel works as a point source array to achieve lateral scanning. Axial scanning is realized through the chromatic aberration of an aspherical objective. A virtual pinhole technique is utilized to improve the contrast and precision of depth reconstruction. The system performance has been demonstrated with a diamond-turned copper sample and onion epidermis. The experimental results show that the microLED panel could be a potential solution for portable 3D confocal microscopy. Several considerations and prospects are proposed for future microLED requirements in confocal imaging.
Topologically optimized periodic resonant nanostructures for extraordinary optical transmission [Invited]
Authors: Lin Yu , Han Yeming , Song Chao , Deng Yongbo
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the inverse design of resonant nanostructures for extraordinary optical transmission of periodic metallic slits, where the topology optimization approach is utilized to implement the inverse design procedure and find the geometrical configurations of the nanostructures. By using the inverse design method, the subwavelength-sized resonant nanostructures, localized at the inlet and outlet sides of the periodic metallic slits, are derived with transmission peaks at the prescribed incident wavelengths. The transmissivity is enhanced by effective excitation and guidance of surface plasmon polariton at the inlet side of the slits, the coherent resonance of surface plasmon polariton inside the slits, and radiation of the photonic energy at the outlet side of the slits. The transmission peaks of the periodic metallic slits, with inversely designed resonant nanostructures, are raised along with the red shift of the incident wavelength. The position of the transmission peak of periodic metallic slits can be controlled and localized at the desired frequency, by specifying the incident wave with the wavelength corresponding to the desired frequency preset in the inverse design procedure. By maximizing the minimum transmissivity of the periodic metallic slits with incident wavelengths in a prescribed wavelength range, the extraordinary optical transmission bandwidth can be enlarged, and the sensitivity of transmissivity to wavelength can be decreased equivalently.
Biochemical sensing exploiting plasmonic sensors based on gold nanogratings and polymer optical fibers
Authors: Arcadio Francesco , Zeni Luigi , Montemurro Domenico , Eramo Caterina , Di Ronza Stefania , Perri Chiara , D’Agostino Girolamo , Chiaretti Guido , Porto Giovanni , Cennamo Nunzio
Published: May 2021

In this work, we present a novel biochemical sensing approach based on a plasmonic sensor chip, combined with a specific receptor, excited and interrogated via a custom 3D-printed holder through a transmission-based experimental setup, exploiting polymer optical fibers. The setup is designed to measure a disposable plasmonic chip based on a gold nanograting fabricated on a polymethylmethacrylate substrate. The examined sensor configurations here presented are simulated, realized, and experimentally tested. More specifically, first, a numerical analysis is carried out by changing several sensor parameters, then an experimental optical characterization of different sensor configurations is reported. Finally, to test the biosensing capabilities of the proposed method, as a proof of concept, we deposit on the best sensor configuration a biomimetic receptor specific for bovine serum albumin detection. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed sensor shows an ultra-low limit of detection, equal to about 37 pmol/L.
New global targets for NTDs in the WHO roadmap 2021–2030
Authors: Casulli Adriano
Published: May 2021

The second World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day was celebrated on 30 January 2021. To mark the occasion, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its roadmap for NTDs for the period 2021 to 2030, which is aimed at increasing prevention and control of these too-long neglected diseases. Described here is a global overview on past achievements, current challenges, and future prospects for the WHO NTDs roadmap 2021–2030.
Malaria prevention practices and associated factors among households of Hawassa City Administration, Southern Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Fikrie Anteneh , Kayamo Mihiret , Bekele Henok
Published: May 2021

Background

Despite it is easily preventable; malaria is still remains to be a major public health problem in globally as well as in Ethiopia. The disease can be easily prevented through individual and societal combined efforts by keeping the environment safe, effective utilization of long lasting Insecticide Nets and early treatment. However, the factors for poor knowledge and practices of malaria prevention is not well studied in Ethiopia; particularly, in the study area. Hence, this study aimed to provide concrete evidence towards malaria prevention practices and associated factors among Households of Hawassa City Administration, Southern Ethiopia, 2020.

Method

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among a randomly selected 598 households at Hawassa City Administration from April 1–15, 2020. Multistage sampling technique was employed to recruit the study households. Data were collected by trained data collectors through a face-to-face interview with pretested structured questionnaire, which was adapted from previous peer reviewed articles. Then the data were checked for the completeness and consistencies, then, coded and entered into Epi data 3.1 and it was exported to SPSS IBM version 23 for analysis. Descriptive mean with standard deviation was used to summarize the continuous variables. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess factors affecting prevention and control of Malaria. Finally, adjusted odds ratio together with 95% CI and p-value <0.05 was used to declare the statistical significances.

Results

The overall 317 (54.3%) of households practiced good measure of malaria prevention and control measures. Urban residence [AOR = 1.95 (95%CI: 1.17–3.24)], Secondary school completed [AOR = 5.02(95%CI 2.24–12.03)], Tertiary school completed [AOR = 7.27(95%CI: 2.84–18.55)], Positive Attitude [AOR = 8.20(95%CI: 5.31–12.68)] and Good knowledge about malaria [AOR = 2.81(95%CI: 1.78–4.44)] were significantly associated with malaria prevention practices.

Conclusions

Nearly half of the households were still practiced poor measure of malaria prevention and control measures. Hence, health officials and stake holders need attention by providing continuous health education and follow up to control malaria.
Readability of extraspinal organs on scout images of lumbar spine MRI according to different protocols
Authors: You Ja Yeon , Lee Joon Woo , Seo Jiwoon , Chai Jee Won , Chae Hee Dong , Kang Heung Sik
Published: May 2021

Background

Scout images of lumbar spine MRI often include the extraspinal organs, which are barely included in routine MRI and can be a potential cause of lumbar pain.

Purpose

To evaluate the readability of scout images for extraspinal organs in lumbar spine MRI according to different protocols.

Materials and methods

A total of 150 patients who underwent 1.5 T or 3 T lumbar spine MRI from March to September 2015 at three hospitals with different scout image protocols, were selected. Two radiologists independently reviewed the scout images to investigate whether exclusive diagnosis of major diseases involving the femoral head, femoral neck, sacroiliac joint, and kidneys was possible. Readability levels were divided into four categories: definitely, possibly, limited, and non-evaluable. The readability of scout images according to the protocols was compared using Chi-square test. Interobserver agreement for the readability level of scout images was assessed using weighted κ statistics.

Results

Of 150 patients, “definitely evaluable” cases classified by two readers were 50–62 (33.3–41.3%) for femoral head (κ = 0.63–0.71), 37–66 (24.7–44.0%) for femoral neck (κ = 0.41–0.48), 72–93 (48.0–62.0%) for sacroiliac joint (κ = 0.35–0.37), and 63–73 (42.0–48.7%) for kidneys (κ = 0.45–0.47). More than 50% of femoral heads were classified as readable (definitely or possible evaluable) cases by two readers with excellent interobserver agreement. The readability level of scout images was significantly different according to image protocols including the MRI sequence, number of coronal plane slices, and intersection gap of coronal plane slices (p≤0.015).

Conclusion

Scout images of lumbar spine MRI may be readable enough to rule out some major diseases of extraspinal organs. Standardization of the protocol will be needed to validate the potential role of scout images for screening extraspinal organs.
The relationship between worry and attentional bias to threat cues signalling controllable and uncontrollable dangers
Authors: Georgiades Jessie , Cusworth Kelly , MacLeod Colin , Notebaert Lies
Published: May 2021

People vary in the frequency with which they worry and there is large variation in the degree to which this worry disrupts their everyday functioning. Heightened tendency to experience disruptive worry is characterised by an attentional bias towards threat. While this attentional bias is often considered maladaptive, it can be adaptive when it concerns threat cues signalling dangers that can be mitigated through personal action. In this case, the resulting worry may increase the likelihood of this action being taken, with beneficial rather than disruptive consequences for everyday functioning. Thus, depending on its focus, attentional bias to threat could potentially drive worry that is high or low in disruptiveness. The current study addressed this possibility, by testing the novel hypothesis that the degree to which worry is disruptive is a function of the degree to which this attentional bias concerns all threat cues, rather than being restricted to threat cues signalling controllable dangers. Participants completed a novel probe task assessing their attention to threat cues signalling a future danger that could be controlled on some blocks, but not on others. Thus, the task revealed the degree to which their selective attention to threat cues was ‘aligned’ with danger controllability, by being more evident on blocks that permitted participant control of the danger signalled by the threat cues. The results indicate, contradicting the hypothesis under test, participants who reported high levels of disruptive worry demonstrated alignment of attentional bias to variations in danger controllability, whereas this was not the case for participants who reported high levels of non-disruptive worry. While caution is needed in the interpretation of the results due to methodological limitations, this study provides a new conceptual and methodological framework for future research on the attentional basis of individual differences in the tendency to experience disruptive vs non-disruptive worry.
Amelioration of lithiatic injury to renal tissue by candesartan and sodium thiosulfate in a rat model of nephrolithiasis
Authors: El-Ashmawy Nahla E. , El-Bahrawy Hoda A. , Ashmawy Heba H. , Khedr Eman G.
Published: May 2021

Aim

Nephrolithiasis is a chronic metabolic condition affecting 10% of population worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the possible protective role of candesartan (CAND) and sodium thiosulfate (STS) in ameliorating ethylene glycol (EG) induced nephrolithiasis.

Methods

One hundred male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Normal control group, nephrolithiasis (EG) group (1% EG in drinking water), Cystone (CYS) group (EG + 750 mg/kg CYS, orally, once daily), STS group (EG + 0.4 gm/kg STS, intraperitoneally, 3 times/week) and CAND group (EG + 70 μg/mL CAND in drinking water). Treatments and EG administration commenced on the same day and continued for 28 days. CYS was used as reference drug. Urine, blood, and renal tissues were collected at the end of the experiment for assessment of kidney function tests (serum creatinine and urea), urinary (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), calcium and oxalate), inflammatory and oxdative stress biomarkers (transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), osteopontin (OPN) and ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG)) in renal tissue.

Results

Serum (creatinine and urea), urinary (8-OHdG and oxalate) and renal (OPN and TGF-β) were significantly reduced in CAND and STS groups compared to EG group. Furthermore, renal GSH/GSSG and urinary calcium were significantly increased in CAND and STS groups compared to EG group. Histopathological results support the biochemical findings; CAND and STS groups showed less retention of crystals and necrotic damage in kidney. Also, microscopic examination of urine revealed less crystal for CAND and STS groups.

Conclusion

Candesartan and sodium thiosulfate exhibited protective effect against nephrolithiasis.
Multivariate meta-analysis reveals global transcriptomic signatures underlying distinct human naive-like pluripotent states
Authors: Johnson Kory R. , Mallon Barbara S. , Fann Yang C. , Chen Kevin G.
Published: May 2021

The ground or naive pluripotent state of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which was initially established in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), is an emerging and tentative concept. To verify this vital concept in hPSCs, we performed a multivariate meta-analysis of major hPSC datasets via the combined analytic powers of percentile normalization, principal component analysis (PCA), t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), and SC3 consensus clustering. This robust bioinformatics approach has significantly improved the predictive values of our meta-analysis. Accordingly, we revealed various similarities or dissimilarities between some naive-like hPSCs (NLPs) generated from different laboratories. Our analysis confirms some previous studies and provides new evidence concerning the existence of three distinct naive-like pluripotent states. Moreover, our study offers global transcriptomic markers that define diverse pluripotent states under various hPSC growth protocols.
Evaluation of the effects of differences in silicone hardness on rat model of lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Kim Hyunseong , Hong Jin Young , Jeon Wan-Jin , Lee Junseon , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: May 2021

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), one of the most commonly reported spinal disorders, can cause loss of sensation and dyskinesia. In currently used animal models of LSS, the spinal cord is covered entirely with a silicone sheet, or block-shaped silicone is inserted directly into the spinal canal after laminectomy. However, the effects of differences between these implant materials have not been studied. We assessed the degree of damage and locomotor function of an LSS model in Sprague-Dawley rats using silicone blocks of varying hardness (70, 80, and 90 kPa) implanted at the L4 level. In sham rats, the spinal cord remained intact; in LSS rats, the spinal cord was increasingly compressed by the mechanical pressure of the silicone blocks as hardness increased. Inflammatory cells were not evident in sham rats, but numerous inflammatory cells were observed around the implanted silicone block in LSS rats. CD68+ cell quantification revealed increases in the inflammatory response in a hardness-dependent manner in LSS rats. Compared with those in sham rats, proinflammatory cytokine levels were significantly elevated in a hardness-dependent manner, and locomotor function was significantly decreased, in LSS rats. Overall, this study showed that hardness could be used as an index to control the severity of nerve injury induced by silicone implants.
The use of 33 MHz ultra-high-frequency ultrasonography for the evaluation of sweat glands in the axilla with osmidrosis
Authors: Shinaoka Akira , Nakahara Ryuichi , Saeki Masanori
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to assess the use of 33 MHz ultra-high-frequency ultrasonography (33MHz-UHFUS) for evaluating axillary sweat glands with osmidrosis in comparison with histological techniques. Axillary osmidrosis is a common problem in Asian societies, and the number and size of apocrine sweat glands have a strong relationship with osmidrosis severity. Currently, there are no methods to evaluate sweat gland distribution non-invasively.

Methods

In this study, 35 skin specimens from 10 fresh human cadavers without osmidrosis and retrospective ultrasonographic images from 20 patients with osmidrosis were used. Skin specimens were embedded in paraffin, thinly sliced, and finally stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histologically, the apocrine and eccrine glands were evaluated, and the top and bottom depths of follicles were measured from the skin surface. In 33 MHz ultrasonography images, the depths of sweat glands were measured, and the mean grey value was calculated using Image J.

Results

Compared to histological data, 33MHz-UHFUS could be used to identify sweat glands as a hyperechoic structure between the dermis and fat layer. Furthermore, it could evaluate sweat gland distribution but could not distinguish between types of sweat glands.

Conclusions

The distribution of sweat glands in the axilla can be non-invasively evaluated via 33MHz-UHFUS.
Provider cost of treating oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer in Malaysian public hospitals
Authors: Raman Sivaraj , Shafie Asrul Akmal , Abraham Mannil Thomas , Shim Chen Kiong , Maling Thaddius Herman , Rajendran Senthilmani , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: May 2021

Oral cancer has been recognized as a significant challenge to healthcare. In Malaysia, numerous patients frequently present with later stages of cancers to the highly subsidized public healthcare facilities. Such a trend contributes to a substantial social and economic burden. This study aims to determine the cost of treating oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral cancer from a public healthcare provider’s perspective. Medical records from two tertiary public hospitals were systematically abstracted to identify events and resources consumed retrospectively from August 2019 to January 2020. The cost accrued was used to estimate annual initial and maintenance costs via two different methods- inverse probability weighting (IPW) and unweighted average. A total of 86 OPMD and 148 oral cancer cases were included. The initial phase mean unadjusted cost was USD 2,861 (SD = 2,548) in OPMD and USD 38,762 (SD = 12,770) for the treatment of cancer. Further annual estimate of initial phase cost based on IPW method for OPMD, early and late-stage cancer was USD 3,561 (SD = 4,154), USD 32,530 (SD = 12,658) and USD 44,304 (SD = 16,240) respectively. Overall cost of late-stage cancer was significantly higher than early-stage by USD 11,740; 95% CI [6,853 to 16,695]; p< 0.001. Higher surgical care and personnel cost predominantly contributed to the larger expenditure. In contrast, no significant difference was identified between both cancer stages in the maintenance phase, USD 700; 95% CI [-1,142 to 2,541]; p = 0.457. A crude comparison of IPW estimate with unweighted average displayed a significant difference in the initial phase, with the latter being continuously higher across all groups. IPW method was shown to be able to use data more efficiently by adjusting cost according to survival and follow-up. While cost is not a primary consideration in treatment recommendations, our analysis demonstrates the potential economic benefit of investing in preventive medicine and early detection.
Microbiota–host communications: Bacterial extracellular vesicles as a common language
Authors: Ñahui Palomino Rogers A. , Vanpouille Christophe , Costantini Paolo E. , Margolis Leonid
Published: May 2021

Both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that contain components from their mother cells. Bacterial EVs are similar in size to mammalian-derived EVs and are thought to mediate bacteria–host communications by transporting diverse bioactive molecules including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites. Bacterial EVs have been implicated in bacteria–bacteria and bacteria–host interactions, promoting health or causing various pathologies. Although the science of bacterial EVs is less developed than that of eukaryotic EVs, the number of studies on bacterial EVs is continuously increasing. This review highlights the current state of knowledge in the rapidly evolving field of bacterial EV science, focusing on their discovery, isolation, biogenesis, and more specifically on their role in microbiota–host communications. Knowledge of these mechanisms may be translated into new therapeutics and diagnostics based on bacterial EVs.
Survival is insufficient: Degenerate utopian nostalgia in popular culture post-apocalyptic fiction
Authors: Bussière Kirsten
Published: May 2021

From SARS to H1N1, and most recently COVID-19, global disease outbreaks have defined the past several decades. For many, we are living in what can only be described as a pre-apocalyptic moment. Indeed, we are currently facing a global pandemic outbreak – a situation that had been previously described as imminent and perhaps even long overdue. Consequently, the publication of pandemic narratives has increased exponentially, which exposes a heightened social concern about the risk of viral outbreak. But instead of speaking to these growing anxieties and providing models to interpret our current position, a growing body of popular culture post-apocalyptic fiction remains deeply entrenched in a dangerous nostalgia that undermines the construction of hypothetical models that could appropriately respond to these threats. I argue that these texts can therefore be read as degenerate utopias, Louis Marin’s term for the false utopian myths that circulate within a society. A degenerate utopia is thus not really a utopia at all, but rather an ideology that elevates the past to a false state of perfection. My article examines the construction of degenerate utopian realities through collective memory in Emily St John Mandel’s Station Eleven and Peter Heller’s The Dog Stars.
Phylogenomic analysis for Campylobacter fetus ocurring in Argentina
Authors: Farace Pablo Daniel , Irazoqui José Matías , Morsella Claudia Graciela , García Juan Agustín , Méndez María Alejandra , Paolicchi Fernando Alberto , Amadio Ariel Fernando , Gioffré Andrea Karina
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim: Campylobacter fetus is one of the most important pathogens that severely affects livestock industry worldwide. C. fetus mediated bovine genital campylobacteriosis infection in cattle has been associated with significant economic losses in livestock production in the Pampas region, the most productive area of Argentina. The present study aimed to establish the genomic relationships between C. fetus strains, isolated from the Pampas region, at local and global levels. The study also explored the utility of multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) as a typing technique for C. fetus.

Materials and Methods: For pangenome and phylogenetic analysis, whole genome sequences for 34 C. fetus strains, isolated from cattle in Argentina were downloaded from GenBank. A local maximum likelihood (ML) tree was constructed and linked to a Microreact project. In silico analysis based on MLST was used to obtain information regarding sequence type (ST) for each strain. For global phylogenetic analysis, a core genome ML-tree was constructed using genomic dataset for 265 C. fetus strains, isolated from various sources obtained from 20 countries.

Results: The local core genome phylogenetic tree analysis described the presence of two major clusters (A and B) and one minor cluster (C). The occurrence of 82% of the strains in these three clusters suggested a clonal population structure for C. fetus. The MLST analysis for the local strains revealed that 31 strains were ST4 type and one strain was ST5 type. In addition, a new variant was identified that was assigned a novel ST, ST70. In the present case, ST4 was homogenously distributed across all the regions and clusters. The global analysis showed that most of the local strains clustered in the phylogenetic groups that comprised exclusively of the strains isolated from Argentina. Interestingly, three strains showed a close genetic relationship with bovine strains obtained from Uruguay and Brazil. The ST5 strain grouped in a distant cluster, with strains obtained from different sources from various geographic locations worldwide. Two local strains clustered in a phylogenetic group comprising intercontinental Campylobacter fetus venerealis strains.

Conclusion: The results of the study suggested active movement of animals, probably due to economic trade between different regions of the country as well as with neighboring countries. MLST results were partially concordant with phylogenetic analysis. Thus, this method did not qualify as a reliable subtyping method to assess C. fetus diversity in Argentina. The present study provided a basic platform to conduct future research on C. fetus, both at local and international levels.
Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-associated subclinical mastitis isolated from dairy cows in Bogor, Indonesia
Authors: Qolbaini Evi Nur , Khoeri Miftahudin Majid , Salsabila Korrie , Paramaiswari Wisiva Tofriska , Tafroji Wisnu , Artika I. Made , Safari Dodi
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim: Subclinical mastitis is an udder infection devoid of clinical symptoms, and Staphylococcus aureus is one of the bacteria causing this disease. This study aimed to identify and determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)-associated subclinical mastitis isolated from dairy cows in Bogor, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: S. aureus was isolated from subclinical mastitis milk specimens. All strains were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction-based detection of staphylococcal nuc, and MRSA was confirmed by the presence of mecA. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion method.

Results: From 86 milk samples, 49 isolates (57%) were confirmed as S. aureus. All S. aureus isolates were susceptible to tetracycline, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Nine isolates were identified as MRSA (10.5%).

Conclusion: In this study, we reported MRSA-associated subclinical mastitis in Bogor, Indonesia.
Why Become a Teacher? Exploring Motivations for Becoming Science and Mathematics Teachers in Australia Science and Mathematics Teachers in Australia
Authors:   Queensland University of Technology, Whiteford Chrystal , Kelly Nick ,   Queensland University of Technology, Dawes Les ,   Queensland University of Technology
Published: May 2021

There is an identified shortage of mathematics and science teachers across Australia and many of these teachers leave the profession within 3 to 5 years of graduating. This paper provides important insights on what motivates people to become science and mathematics teachers in Australia. Data drawn from two surveys, one investigating why students might become a teacher and the other examining why teachers joined the profession, are explored to provide unique insight into an area of need. Using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rho, results suggest contribution to society and love of subject area to be among the top motivators for becoming a teacher. Financial reward and parental occupation were found to be less selected motivators. Although differences existed between the two cohorts suggesting motivations may change, similarities provide focus for future recruitment and retention of science and mathematics teachers for higher education institutions and education policy makers.
Da criação ao fechamento - aspectos históricos sobre o primeiro curso de formação de professores (de Matemática) em Ituiutaba - MG
Authors: Baraldi Ivete Maria , Marin Douglas
Published: May 2021

Este artigo é parte de um estudo que teve a intenção de elaborar uma versão histórica sobre o movimento de criação dos primeiros cursos de formação de professores (de Matemática), no Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais. Aqui, discutimos mais especificamente sobre os movimentos que vão desde a criação ao fechamento do primeiro curso de Matemática em Ituiutaba. Mobilizamos como metodologia de pesquisa a História Oral, tal qual a concebemos e praticamos no Grupo de Pesquisa História Oral e Educação Matemática – Ghoem. Além das fontes orais foram mobilizadas outras fontes, acessadas em arquivos públicos e privados, e outros trabalhos que nos ajudaram a elaborar compreensões sobre o tema. Apresentamos uma síntese dos resultados, que abrange um movimento de constituição do ensino superior em Ituiutaba, da formação da Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ituiutaba e da criação ao fechamento do primeiro curso de formação de professores (de Matemática) nessa localidade.
Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência (PIBID) e os licenciados: uma análise sobre as experiências formadoras
Authors: Santos Sonia Regina Mendes dos , Maneschy Patricia , Moraes João Marcos de Oliveira
Published: May 2021

A pesquisa analisa  a compreensão dos licenciandos do PIBID- Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência (PIBID) sob dois aspectos: o processo formativo na IES e a experiência nas escolas tendo como referencial teórico: Tardif (2002), Xavier (2014), Nóvoa (2009, 2017).  Apoia-se o estudo no modelo Bottom Up de análise das políticas públicas, identificando o planejado e o realizado na implementação (HILL, 2006, MOREIRA, 2016) por meio de questionário semiestruturado respondido por 28 estudantes. As experiências de iniciação à docência no âmbito da escola auxiliam na compreensão sobre as atividades realizadas, oportuniza as práticas colaborativas  entre os docentes e os estudantes. O programa repercute também nas instituições de ensino superior formadoras, oportunizando o repensar do currículo e a qualidade da educação. Destaca-se como resultado do PIBID os efeitos positivos sobre o processo de profissionalização docente e a ampliação da visão crítica sobre a educação no contexto atual.
Sendas Poéticas: Trayectorias de la Educación Ambiental del Grupo Geasur en la Descolonización del Campo Ampliado del Arte
Authors: Sánchez Celso , Bevilaqua Patrícia M. , Fortes Campos Bárbara , Pelacani Bárbara
Published: May 2021

Los caminos poéticos se trazan, en este artículo, por las relaciones de intercambio entre procesos artísticos e investigaciones académicas de educación ambiental, desarrolladas por el Grupo de Educación Ambiental desde el Sur —GEASUR—, en la Universidad Federal del Estado de Río de Janeiro, en Brasil. Identificados con la idea de la ecología del conocimiento, contribuyendo así a la descolonización del conocimiento y el arte, los procesos interdisciplinarios se crean y mejoran mediante acciones y obras que desbordan el compromiso social, la colaboración de artistas y no artistas y, principalmente, se desarrollan la percepción del arte en su estado de encuentro.
Video Caso Clínico: Tumores Subepiteliales del Estómago
Authors: Ojeda Peláez Giomara Katherine , Calle Hinojosa Gustavo Enrique , Aparicio Delgado Rosa Armenia
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Subepithelial lesions are those structures located below a normal mucosa that are seen as lumps or bulges located in any part of the lumen of the digestive tract. Studies report that these bulges occur in 1 in 300 endoscopies [1] or in 1 % of upper digestive endoscopies or with an incidence of 0.76 % in Ecuador [2]. One of them is the inflammatory fibroid poly; it represents the less frequent benign tumor between 1 to 4 %, with an incidence of 0.1 % [3] and another is the GIST which represents the most common subepithelial lesions, with a frequency between 60 to 70 % in the stomach [4]. Subepithelial tumors are found mainly in the stomach with 60 to 70 %, followed by small intestine with 20 to 30 %, then colon with 5 % and in the esophagus in less than 5 % [5]. In the stomach, the most common tumors are GIST, they originate from the interstitial cells of Cajal with a positive CD-117 that detects a cellular component called c-kit in 95 % of these. The video illustrates the techniques used in these two patients to obtain a sample and guide behavior.
Caso Clínico: Manejo Perioperatorio en Pacientes con Acromegalia
Authors: Guillermo Quinde María Fernanda , Guillermo Quinde Lenin Eduardo
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Acromegaly is a chronic, progressive and multisystemic disease caused by growth hormone hypersecretion by a functioning pituitary macroadenoma. Some clinical features of this disease are important for anesthetic management, especially those that affect the upper airway, and the cardiac, respiratory and metabolic systems. CASE REPORT: Male 34 year old patient, with progressive increase of feet, hands, nose, skull bone and tongue size, diagnosed with acromegaly caused by growth hormone producing pituitary macroadenoma. Later he presents with severe SAHOS, mitral and mild tricuspid insufficiency; so transsphenoidal resection of pituitary macroadenoma was programed. During preanesthetic evaluation was classified as ASA III Surgical Risk, Lee Cardiac Risk 0.04%, NYHA I, and high probability of difficult airway. The anesthetic induction scheme was: propofol 120 mg, remifentanil 0.2 mcg / kg / min, rocuronium 50 mg. Atraumatic orotracheal intubation using McCoy leaf N4, with reinforced endotracheal tube N 7.5 was achieved. EVOLUTION: The patient was taken to Intensive Care Unit for post-surgical control. The patient remained hospitalized for 7 days and was discharged in stable condition without neurological deficit. He is still in follow up of the severe SAHOS. It has been reported improvement of the episodes of night apnea. CONCLUSION: Patients with pituitary gland disease undergoing surgery can present some anesthetic challenges, from the airway management, to the important hemodynamic and ventilatory challenges during the surgical procedure. It is important to anticipate and prevent the possible complications and correct them in time in order to avoid irreversible injuries that increase the patient’s morbidity
The Network Analysis Profiler (NAP v2.0): a web tool for visual topological comparison between multiple networks
Authors: Koutrouli Mikaela , Theodosiou Theodosios , Iliopoulos Ioannis , Pavlopoulos Georgios A.
Published: May 2021

In this article we present the Network Analysis Profiler (NAP v2.0), a web tool to directly compare the topological features of multiple networks simultaneously. NAP is written in R and Shiny and currently offers both 2D and 3D network visualisation, as well as simultaneous visual comparisons of node- and edge-based topological features as bar charts or scatterplot matrix. NAP is fully interactive, and users can easily export and visualise the intersection between any pair of networks using Venn diagrams or a 2D and a 3D multi-layer graph-based visualisation. NAP supports weighted, unweighted, directed, undirected and bipartite graphs.
The synergistic action of Azospirillum brasilense and effective microorganisms promotes growth and increases the productivity of green corn
Authors: Silva Flavio Vicente da , Costa Raoni Ribeiro Guedes Fonseca , Vitorino Luciana Cristina , Porto Lucas Silveira , Santos Stella Christina , Santos Thyago Silva , Rocha Ana Flávia de Souza
Published: May 2021

In view of the current dissemination of even more sustainable techniques, which allow the producer to explore the microbial biodiversity native to the property's soil and obtain effective microorganisms (EM), the hypothesis was tested that the biopriming of corn seeds using the co-inoculation of A. brasilense + EM could promote growth and increase the productivity of green corn. Additionally, the effect of treating seeds with humic acids was evaluated. For this, a field experiment was conducted using the following treatments: A. brasilense; EM; A. brasilense + EM; humic acids (Solo Humics) and Control. Co-inoculation of A. brasilense + EM potentiated the growth-promoting effects of diazotrophic (height and stem diameter increased 30 days after sowing - DAS, fresh and dry mass of aerial part at 90 DAS and dry mass of root at 60 and 90 DAS) and increased productivity of green corn (presented the highest averages for ear weight with and without straw). The treatment of seeds with humic acids showed promising effects only in the initial stages of crop development – when the plants evaluated were at 30 DAS. However, in the final evaluation phase (90 DAS) the effect of these acids became less satisfactory than microbial inoculation. The enrichment of inoculants of A. brasilense with EM is therefore a viable alternative for promoting growth and increasing productivity in the cultivation of green maize in addition to being a low complexity technology and even cheaper than the simple use of commercial inoculants.
Enhancing the Thermal and Mechanical Characteristics of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-Hemp Protein Particles (HPP) Composites
Authors: Awad S. A.
Published: May 2021

This paper aims to describe the thermal, mechanical, and surface properties of a PVA/HPP blend whereby the film was prepared using a solution casting method. The improvements in thermal and mechanical properties of HPP-based PVA composites were investigated. The characterization of pure PVA and PVA composite films included tensile tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results of TGA and DSC indicated that the addition of HPP increased the thermal decomposition temperature of the composites. Mechanical properties are significantly improved in PVA/HPP composites. The thermal stability of the PVA composite increased with the increase of HPP filler content. The tensile strength increased from 15.74 ± 0.72 MPa to 27.54 ± 0.45 MPa and the Young’s modulus increased from 282.51 ± 20.56 MPa to 988.69 ± 42.64 MPa for the 12 wt% HPP doped sample. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that at elevated temperatures, enhanced mechanical properties because of the presence of HPP was even more noticeable. Morphological observations displayed no signs of agglomeration of HPP fillers even in composites with high HPP loading.
The Effect of the Compounding Procedure on the Morphology and Mechanical Properties of PLA/PBAT-Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Saiprasit P. , Schlarb A. K.
Published: May 2021

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)-based nanocomposites filled with 1 vol.% silicon dioxide nanoparticles (nano-SiO2) were prepared using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder and injection molding. The nanocomposites with various blending sequences were investigated using PLA-based and PBAT-based nanocomposite masterbatches. Morphology of the PLA/PBAT/SiO2 nanocomposites was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a focused ion beam (FIB) SEM. It is found that the nano-SiO2 locates in the original polymer phase, in which it is firstly incorporated in the masterbatch process, as well as at the interface between the two polymers. However, as the residence time in the extrusion process increases, the nanoparticles migrate from the original phase to the interface, governed by the thermodynamic driving force. The best optimization of mechanical properties is achieved by using the PBAT-based masterbatches with a one-step process or short residence time. The processing history, therefore, has a tremendous impact on the final properties of the resulting materials.
Understanding Holism in the light of principle underlying practice of Unani Medicine
Authors: Ahmad Wasim , Sofi Ghulamuddin , Alam Md Anzar , Zulkifle Mohd , Ahmad Bilal
Published: May 2021

The holistic Unani medicine is fundamentally different from the reductionist conventional medicine. It asserts the self-integration amongst its basic disciplines, without considering them underlying principles of Unani system of medicine cannot be understood. The diagnosis, selection of drugs, and plan of treatment is also overlooked. Unani scholars attribute health to the functions or actions of the body in a normal way. The constitution is considered as the result of need based on the amalgamation of Arkan (primordial essence). Umoor Tabiya (basic principles) interact at many levels and manifest into Kaifiyyat (Mizaj), Akhlat (Humour), Arwaah (Pneuma), Quwa (faculties), and Tabiyat (Physis) which need to be understood properly for effective management and diagnosis of disease in Unani medicine as well as its treatment. Ilmul Asbab is applied in the prevention of disease as well as in disease causation. In Unani medicine, there should be conformity in between, Asbab (causes), Alamaat (symptoms), and therapeutics. Therefore; the treatment strategy needs the knowledge of Ilmul Asbab. This paper will examine the basic relationship amongst disciplines i.e. Basic principles, diagnosis, and principles of treatment. It will attempt to illustrate the need for awareness of the basic principles of health and disease for a physician for effective management of disease which is what Unani medicine claims to be holistic.
Static and dynamic performances of ferrofluid lubricated long journal bearing
Authors: Shah Rajesh C. , Shah Rajiv B.
Published: May 2021

Due to the advantageous property of reduction of load friction, low wear and good damping characteristics, journal bearings are widely used in industry. They are equipping various rotating machineries like small electrical motors to large generators, internal combustion engines, centrifugal pumps, turbine shaft of most jet engines, crankshaft of an automobile engines, etc. In this paper, static and dynamic performances of ferrofluid (FF) lubricated long journal bearing are studied using rotational and translational approach of the journal. Here, FF is controlled by the transverse uniform magnetic field. The modified Reynolds equation is derived by considering FF flow behaviour given by Shliomis and continuity equation in the film region. The dimensionless expressions for load-carrying capacity, frictional force and coefficient of friction are studied for static case, while the dimensionless expressions for stiffness coefficients and damping coefficients are studied for dynamic case. It is observed that comparing with conventional lubricant the bearing performance is significantly modified in the present analysis.
Rapid Cortical Adaptation and the Role of Thalamic Synchrony during Wakefulness
Authors: Wright Nathaniel C. , Borden Peter Y. , Liew Yi Juin , Bolus Michael F. , Stoy William M. , Forest Craig R. , Stanley Garrett B.
Published: May 2021

Rapid sensory adaptation is observed across all sensory systems, and strongly shapes sensory percepts in complex sensory environments. Yet despite its ubiquity and likely necessity for survival, the mechanistic basis is poorly understood. A wide range of primarilyin vitroand anesthetized studies have demonstrated the emergence of adaptation at the level of primary sensory cortex, with only modest signatures in earlier stages of processing. The nature of rapid adaptation and how it shapes sensory representations during wakefulness, and thus the potential role in perceptual adaptation, is underexplored, as are the mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon. To address these knowledge gaps, we recorded spiking activity in primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and the upstream ventral posteromedial (VPm) thalamic nucleus in the vibrissa pathway of awake male and female mice, and quantified responses to whisker stimuli delivered in isolation and embedded in an adapting sensory background. We found that cortical sensory responses were indeed adapted by persistent sensory stimulation; putative excitatory neurons were profoundly adapted, and inhibitory neurons only modestly so. Further optogenetic manipulation experiments and network modeling suggest this largely reflects adaptive changes in synchronous thalamic firing combined with robust engagement of feedforward inhibition, with little contribution from synaptic depression. Taken together, these results suggest that cortical adaptation in the regime explored here results from changes in the timing of thalamic input, and the way in which this differentially impacts cortical excitation and feedforward inhibition, pointing to a prominent role of thalamic gating in rapid adaptation of primary sensory cortex.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRapid adaptation of sensory activity strongly shapes representations of sensory inputs across all sensory pathways over the timescale of seconds, and has profound effects on sensory perception. Despite its ubiquity and theoretical role in the efficient encoding of complex sensory environments, the mechanistic basis is poorly understood, particularly during wakefulness. In this study in the vibrissa pathway of awake mice, we show that cortical representations of sensory inputs are strongly shaped by rapid adaptation, and that this is mediated primarily by adaptive gating of the thalamic inputs to primary sensory cortex and the differential way in which these inputs engage cortical subpopulations of neurons.