bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MUSICALIZANDO COM RAZÃO E PROPORÇÃO
Authors: Raquel Conceição da Silva  , Giovani Marcelo Schmidt
Published: February 2021

O presente artigo traz um relato de experiência de uma oficina de música e matemática, aplicada no dia da matemática com os alunos do 6º e 9º da Escola Municipal de Educação Básica Pedro Simon (Ermo/SC) em 2018. Objetivo da ação foi aproximar os alunos da matemática apresentando conteúdos de forma lúdica, divertida e interativa. Concluímos que a atividade foi de grande impacto para os alunos, que não esperavam se divertir tanto e enquanto se divertiam desenvolviam o senso de organização de um fenômeno no tempo e espaço, a partir de um sistema abstrato.
UMA ABORDAGEM PARA O ESTUDO DA GEOMETRIA ESPACIAL COM ÊNFASE NO CÁLCULO DO VOLUME
Authors: Dirlei Salete de Souza  , Andriceli Richt  , Eliane Suely Everling Paim
Published: February 2021

O presente estudo refere-se a abordagem de conceitos de Geometria Espacial, apartir da metodologia de Investigação Matemática, desenvolvidas com alunos doEnsino Médio do curso Técnico em Agropecuária. O objetivo principal foi investigaras conjecturas apresentadas ao cálculo do volume de um cilindro com perspectivade articulação a outra disciplina. Com o uso de materiais concretos os alunospuderam investigar o sentido de área e volume inerentes aos sólidos geométricos ecompreender como o cálculo da área e volume são formalizados. A partir dametodologia utilizada, promover a compreensão dos cálculos de volume, dandosignificado as operações matemáticas realizadas.
FECHAMENTO DAS ESCOLAS DO CAMPO, IMPACTOS E RESISTÊNCIAS:
Authors: Cladis Chiqueleiro  , Marluse Castro Maciel  , Camila Munarini  , Elodir Lourenço de Souza
Published: February 2021

Objetivamos com esse trabalho apresentar os resultados parciais da pesquisa emandamento, que analisa o processo de fechamento das escolas do Campo nosMunicípios de Abelardo Luz e Passos Maia. Discorremos, a partir de estudosliterários, sobre o processo de fechamento das escolas do campo na busca decompreender os aspectos causadores desta situação e apresentamos dados dapesquisa de campo, que revelam o número de escolas fechadas.
GESTÃO DE DADOS DE PRODUTIVIDADE PARA TOMADA DE DECISÃO EM REBANHO LEITEIRO
Authors: Miguel Thomasi Acordi  , Giovanne Mendoça  , Elizabeth Schwegler  , Juahil Oliveira Jr  , Fabiana Moreira  , Vanessa Peripolli  , Ivan Bianchi
Published: February 2021

Atualmente as modernidades no campo estão cada vez mais precisas com o intuitode melhorar os resultados na área. Por esse motivo os produtores acabam seesquecendo de um grande fator que influencia muito nas propriedades ruraisleiteiras: o controle zootécnico do rebanho. Com esse procedimento pode-se obtermelhorias qualificativas para determinada propriedade rural. Este projeto teve comointuito controlar estes dados na UEA (Unidade de Ensino e AprendizagemBovinocultura) no Instituto Federal Catarinense Campus-Araquari bem comoidentificar os grandes erros encontrado na UEA, e, consequentemente, objetivagerar melhorias para a UEA, ao Instituto. Enfim, o projeto visa trazer grandeaprendizagem aos alunos envolvidos.
OBTENÇÃO DE BIODIESEL ETÍLICO DE BANHA SUÍNA E ÓLEO RESIDUAL DE FRITURA POR CATÁLISE HOMOGÊNEA COM GLICERÓXIDO DE SÓDIO
Authors: Gabriella Aparecida Ronchi  , Carolina Moraes da Trindade  , Luiz Antonio Mazzini Fontoura  , Marcelo Volpatto Marques
Published: February 2021

Fontes graxas como óleos e gorduras residuais têm atraído a atenção de produtoresde biodiesel devido ao seu baixo custo. O emprego de derivados da glicerinatambém é uma alternativa para aumentar a competitividade da cadeia produtiva dobiodiesel. Neste trabalho, avaliamos o uso de gliceróxido de sódio natransesterificação etílica de banha suína e óleo residual de fritura. O catalisador foiempregado a 2,0% em massa sobre uma razão molar de EtOH/triglicerídeo de 12:1à 50 ºC em 1 h de reação, fornecendo conversões de biodieseis de banha suína a97,1% e óleo residual de fritura a 93,9%.
UMA PROPOSTA INTRODUTÓRIA PARA O ENSINO E APRENDIZAGEM DA ANÁLISE COMBINATÓRIA
Authors: Lucas Martini  , Melissa Meier  , Neiva Teresinha Badin  , Thiago Henrique das Neves Barbosa
Published: February 2021

O presente trabalho apresenta uma proposta de oficina para o ensino da análise combinatória, utilizando o princípio multiplicativo e situações problema. A aplicação desta oficina ocorreu em dois dias distintos, totalizando quatro horas de atividades, com alunos do ensino médio do IFC – Campus Camboriú, contando com a presença de 17 e 15 alunos, respectivamente. Esta experiência didática buscou promover um aprendizado intuitivo sem aplicação de fórmulas, e utilizou como teoria educacional as correntes contra hegemônicas de ensino. Os resultados obtidos comprovam que esta abordagem tem potencial para promover o aprendizado de alunos dentro de seus variados níveis de conhecimento.
PROJETO CLICANDO NA TERCEIRA IDADE
Authors: Sandra Vieira  , Cleber Luiz Damin Ferro  , Eduardo da Rosa Bitencourt  , Nathalia Cosntante Roxo  , Karolini Motta Lupim
Published: February 2021

O projeto CLICANDO NA TERCEIRA IDADE é uma atividade de extensão que temdois objetivos principais: 1) oferecer cursos de informática básica para idosos,alfabetizados que tenham interesse em conhecer o "mundo da informática"; 2) daroportunidade aos alunos do curso técnico em informática de se prepararem paraatuarem como monitores/instrutores e informática. Através da organização de cursosde informática,com atuação direta dos alunos do curso técnico em informática, osidosos poderão conhecer as ferramentas básicas de edição de texto e imagem,softwares de navegação e de montagem de apresentação, além do acesso e usodas redes sociais.
CÍRCULO DE LEITURA E CRAS
Authors: Raquel Cardoso de Faria e Custódio  , Amanda Farias Nissola  , Maria Antônia Fagundes dos Santos  , Ana Paula Pereira Villela
Published: February 2021

O presente projeto de extensão visa a integração entre os estudantes do campusSão Bento do Sul e a comunidade em que está inserido, por meio da literatura,tornando os participantes canais de propagação do gosto literário na comunidade,que apresenta algum tipo de vulnerabilidade, mostrando que a leitura literária não sópode como deve deixar de ser algo elitizado. O projeto promove encontrosquinzenais com crianças e adolescentes, entre 10 e 16 anos, sendo trabalhadostextos curtos e reflexivos, muitas vezes, seguidos por uma dinâmica que auxilia nafruição dos textos literários.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE CERVEJA FUNCIONAL COM ADIÇÃO DE BACTÉRIAS PROBIÓTICAS
Authors: Ritieri Gonçalves Carneiro  , Amanda de Campos  , Vinícius Verwiebe  , Adriana Neves Dias  , Walmir Ruis Salinas-Junior  , Leda Gabriela Ardiles  , Agnes Thiane Pereira Machado  , Tatiane Sueli Coutinho
Published: February 2021

O Brasil é considerado o terceiro maior produtor de cerveja do mundo, apresentandoum aumento crescente na produção e comercialização do produto, principalmente,de cervejas artesanais. Analisando o cenário mercadológico atual de expansão doconsumo de cerveja e a busca de uma alimentação mais saudável, esta pesquisavisou desenvolver uma cerveja funcional com adição de bactérias ácido lácticas,probióticas, do gênero Lactobacillus, que podem promover benefícios à saúde doconsumidor, como diminuição dos níveis de colesterol sanguíneo, imunoestimulação,melhoria da motilidade intestinal, entre outros.
ALIMENTAÇÃO PRECOCE EM OVOS DE MARRECO DE PEQUIM
Authors: Deivid Felipe Ferreira  , Filipi Zanatta de Carvalho  , Loirana Lehmkuhl da Rosa  , Pedro Henrique Venturi  , Juahil Martins de Oliveira Junior  , Vanessa Peripolli  , Fabiana Moreira
Published: February 2021

A nutrição “in ovo” pode ser uma alternativa para obtenção de maiordesenvolvimento embrionário com a administração de nutrientes exógenos. O objetivodeste trabalho foi avaliar a técnica de alimentação “in ovo” sobre o ganho de peso demarrecos de Pequim de um dia. Foram utilizados ovos com 23 dias de incubaçãosuplementados com quatro soluções em 120 ovos: solução salina 0,75%; 1,5%maltodextrina em solução salina 0,75%; 3,0% maltodextrina em solução salina 0,75%;4,5% maltodextrina em solução salina 0,75%. A suplementação com maltodextrina a3,0% apresentou maior peso ao nascimento dos pintainhos (53,62g) em relação aosdemais tratamentos.
AUTOMAÇÃO DO DIORAMA DO CENTRO HISTÓRICO DE SÃO FRANCISCO DO SUL
Authors: Davi Ferreira  , Frederson Fogaça  , Giovana Darros da Silva  , Rian Cidral do Nascimento  , Rômulo Schweitzer  , Vitor Mateus Moraes
Published: February 2021

A maquete do centro histórico de São Francisco do Sul é um projeto iniciado há maisde 30 anos, retratando a cidade da década de 40, exposta no Museu Nacional do Mar.O Instituto, através de um grupo de extensão vinculado ao curso de AutomaçãoIndustrial, foi convidado a participar da construção a maquete, automatizandoiluminação, movimento de personagens e sons, enriquecendo a experiência dosvisitantes. Um projeto foi proposto e aprovado, sendo desenvolvido de forma modular,adicionando complexidade e funcionalidade a cada etapa. Para isso, utiliza-se kitsArduino, capazes de comunicar-se entre si, operando de forma conjunta esincronizada.
MANEJO NUTRICIONAL DE MATRIZES SUÍNAS
Authors: Renan Carlos Rozin  , Maiko Felipe  , Luiz Felipe Ramos  , Larissa Cohen  , Luciano Brüske Pinto Junior  , Jordana Ferreira Justiniano de Souza  , Emanoele Nicole Rosa  , Ivan Bianchi  , Erica Marson Bako  , Juahil Martins de Oliveira Junior
Published: February 2021

A nutrição de uma matriz, interfere em todo seus desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo, Para obter um controle de condição corporal da matriz no período de gestação, é utilizada técnica de Escore de Condição Corporal, que consiste em ajustar a quantidade de alimento fornecido a matriz de acordo com o seu peso metabólico. Neste estudo, foram reajustadas as dietas das fêmeas em gestação, de acordo com oECC, visando padronizar a condição corporal das fêmeas gestantes.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO FÍSICO-QUÍMICA E FÍSICA DE PASTAS COMERCIAIS CONTENDO MATÉRIAS-PRIMAS OLEAGINOSAS
Authors: Cecília Cassimiro Pereira  , Maria Luiza Tonetto Silva  , Milena de Oliveira Dutra  , Gustavo Puppi Simão  , Samuel Milanez  , Maria Manuela Camino Feltes
Published: February 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar amostras de pastas comerciais à base de nozpecã e/ou castanha-do-brasil, quanto à sua composição proximal, atividade de água(Aa) e sinerese. As pastas apresentaram os lipídios como macronutriente majoritário,além de altos teores de proteínas e fibras. A Aa encontrou-se dentro dos padrões paraestes produtos. A sinerese foi influenciada pela formulação das pastas, tendo sidoreduzida na presença de lecitina de soja ou polidextrose. A caracterização das pastasfoi de grande relevância, pois permitiu a análise de dados diretamente relacionados àqualidade do produto e aos parâmetros de escolha do consumidor.
SNRPD1 confers diagnostic and therapeutic values on breast cancers through cell cycle regulation
Authors: Dai Xiaofeng , Yu Lihui , Chen Xiao , Zhang Jianying
Published: February 2021

Background: SNRPD1 is a spliceosome-associated protein and has previously been implicated with important roles in cancer development. Methods: Through analyzing the differential expression patterns and clinical association of splicing associated genes among tumor and tumor adjacent samples across different tumors and among different breast cancer subtypes, we identify the tumor promotive role of SNRPD1 using multiple publicly available datasets. Through pathway, gene ontology enrichment analysis and network construction, we linked the onco-therapeutic role of SNRPD1 with cell cycle. Via a series of experimental studies including knockdown assay, qPCR, western blotting, cell cycle, drug response assay, we confirmed the higher expression of SNPRD1 at both gene and protein expression levels in triple negative breast cancer cells, as well as its roles in promoting cell cycle and chemotherapy response.Results: Our study revealed that SNRPD1 over-expression was significantly associated with genes involved in cell cycle, cell mitosis and chromatin replication, and silencing SNRPD1 in breast cancer cells could lead to halted tumor cell growth and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 stage. We also found that triple negative breast cancer cells with reduced SNRPD1 expression lost certain sensitivity to doxorubicin whereas luminal cancer cells did not.Conclusions: Our results suggested the prognostic value of SNRPD1 on breast cancer survival, its potential as the therapeutic target halting cell cycle progression for breast cancer control, and warranted special attention on the combined use of doxorubicin and drugs targeting SNRPD1.
Photoacoustic Needle Improves needle Tip Visibility During Deep Peripheral Nerve Block: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Watanabe Kunitaro , Tokumine Joho , Lefor Alan , Nakazawa Harumasa , Yamamoto Katsuya , Karasawa Hiroyuki , Nagase Miki , Yorozu Tomoko
Published: February 2021

Background: We developed a novel technology using the photoacoustic effect that improve needle tip visibility. We evaluated whether this technology improves needle tip visibility when performing a deep peripheral nerve block in a cadaver model.Methods: A photoacoustic needle was developed using a conventional echogenic needle with an intraluminal optical fiber. A pulsed laser sends light from a source through the fiber, which is converted to ultrasound at the needle tip using the photoacoustic effect. A nerve block expert performed deep nerve blocks using the photoacoustic needle and the ultrasound views recorded, with or without photoacoustic ultrasound at the needle tip. Needle tip visibility was evaluated by questionnaire (Likert scale 1 : very poor, 5 : very good) completed by anesthesiologists evaluating recorded images. The score was presented as median [first quartile, third quartile]. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test. Results: The scores of needle tip visibility with photoacoustic ultrasound from the needle tip (4.3 [ 4.0, 4.5 ]) was significantly higher than that without photoacoustic ultrasound (3.5 [ 3.2, 3.8 ]) (p<0.01). Conclusions: Ultrasound emitted at the needle tip using the photoacoustic effect improves needle tip visibility during deep peripheral nerve blocks.
Challenges, Opportunities, and Potential Roles of the Private Primary Care in Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus (TB-DM) Collaborative Care and Control: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Arini Merita , Sugiyo Dianita , Permana Iman
Published: February 2021

Introduction: TB-DM is a new looming global co-epidemic problem. Despite the Indonesian Government's ongoing effort to put the collaborative TB-DM management regulation in place, it has not taken into account the involvement of private primary care (PPC). This study intended to capture the PPC's existing practices and explore their challenges, opportunities, and potential roles in the collaborative TB-DM services and control.Methods: A descriptive qualitative research design was used to collect data. Two Focus Groups Discussion (FGDs) were conducted with 13 healthcare workers (HCWs) from different private clinics and nine private general practitioners (GPs) from Yogyakarta City, Indonesia. We triangulated the data with the FGDs of HCWs community health centers (CHCs) and in-depth interviews with three regional health regulators. The discussions were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to thematic analysis.Results: PPCs have not been initiated to be involved in the implementation of collaborative TB-DM program. The themes obtained in this study were health system-related barriers, HCWs’ knowledge and perception, un-implemented bi-directional screening, and multisector role needs. The PPCs’ potential roles identified are to conduct health promotion, bi-directional screening, patient referring, and data reporting according to the TB-DM program indicators.Conclusion: Although its involvement in implementing collaborative TB-DM services has yet to be taken into account, the PPC's potential role should not be neglected. Therefore, it is essential to increase their involvement by enhancing their capacity and improving the Public-Private Mix. PPC engagement should be initiated and maintained to ensure the sustainability of the program.
An Iterative Model of The COVID-19 Virus Spread Based on Population Density - A Case Study of Poland
Authors: TWARÓG Bernard
Published: February 2021

The correct recognition of spread patterns of the COVID-19 virus is crucial for effective decision-making on preventive measures to be taken and protection of society. A forecast of hazard development, substantiated by reliable virus propagation models, can support control of the infection risk and minimize its impact on the population. Decisions to close or limit social activities or to lift bans can then be made in the right area at the right time. This study proposes an iterative agent-based and compartmental model used to analyse the COVID‑19 virus spread. The contagion mechanism is based on population density data and Monte Carlo methods. The model parameters were optimized and verified using data about incidence in Poland between March 3 and November 24, 2020. To obtain optimum values of model parameters, a simulation and analysis were completed for three vaccination strategies begun on December 27, 2020. This study contains numerical results and spatial analyses that represent and confirm the accuracy of assumptions of the proposed model. Certain limitations of the proposed approach and planned directions of future work are also indicated in the final section.
Selenoprotein P-mediated reductive stress impairs cold-induced thermogenesis in brown fat
Authors: Oo Swe Mar , Oo Hein Ko , Takayama Hiroaki , Kanamori Takehiro , Takeshita Yumie , Ishii Kiyo-aki , Saito Yoshiro , Matsushita Mami , Okamatsu-Ogura Yuko , Saito Masayuki , Takamura Toshinari
Published: February 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) oxidize and activate the uncoupler protein 1 (UCP1) in brown adipose tissue (BAT) under physiological cold exposure and noradrenaline (NA) stimulation to increase thermogenesis. However, pathological significance and the endogenous regulator of the ROS-mediated BAT activation remain unclear. Here, we show that serum levels of selenoprotein P (SeP, encoded by Selenop) are negatively correlated with BAT activity in humans. SeP impairs UCP1 activity and thermogenesis. Physiological cold exposure downregulates Selenop in BAT. BAT-specific Selenop-deficient (BAT-Selenop KO) mice presented elevated NA-induced mitochondrial ROS production, sulfenylated UCP1, and enhanced thermogenesis and glucose uptake in BAT during cold exposure. SeP inhibits mitochondrial ROS by upregulating the expression of the antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase 4, and impairs glucose uptake in brown adipocytes. High fat/high sucrose diet upregulates Selenop in the liver and inhibits the NA-induced BAT thermogenesis in BAT-Selenop KO mice. Our data indicate that SeP, as the hepatokine and BATkine, is the first identified intrinsic factor inducing reductive stress that impairs UCP1 activation and thermogenesis in BAT, and therefore may be a potential therapeutic target for obesity and diabetes.
Determination of The Intensity and Georeferencing of Urban Heat Islands in Temuco, Chile
Authors: Martinez-Soto Aner , Vera-Fonseca Michelle , Valenzuela-Toledo Pablo , Melillan-Raguileo Aliwen
Published: February 2021

Various methodologies to estimate the intensity of urban heat islands (UHI) have been proposed. However, there is no consensus on their combined or individual use. This study presents and analyzes the validation of the combined use of methodologies to capture data from UHI’a (mobile transects and fixed stations) and the location of the UHI phenomenon by considering the city of Temuco, Chile as a case study. The database used for the fixed station methodology consists of twenty-three stations belonging to the National Monitoring Network of Chile distributed throughout the city. For the mobile transect methodology the database was generated with three cars that crossed the city simultaneously taking one temperature record per minute. The results show that the two methodologies yield similar results, so it is possible to obtain the intensity of the IHU phenomenon using at least one of them. The results also showed that Temuco has a maximum intensity of the UHI phenomenon of 13°C, with this value being one of the highest recorded in UHI studies in the world.
Toward a Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management: Gaps and Challenges in Africa
Authors: Shi Yu , Wang Yao , Yue Yang , Zhao Jun , Maraseni Tek , Qian Guangren
Published: February 2021

This paper comprehensively evaluates the status of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in 54 African countries, with particular attention on MSW generation, collection, disposal, and related legislations from economical and geographical perspectives. By non-spatial data analysis model, the controlling factors that affect the daily MSW generation per capita are determined. The results show the heterogeneity of daily per capita MSW generation across African countries, ranging from 0.1 kg to 1.49 kg in 2016, largely affected by income level, national laws, geographical location and frequency of collection, particularly by GDP per capita and legislation system. The higher MSW generation, collection rates and disposal rate often occurred in economically developed maritime countries. In addition, the wide gap of MSW collection rate not only existed between African countries, but also existed within a country, even in a city, especially for low-income and middle-income countries. Moreover, there was a lack of solid waste regulations in majority Africa countries, and they are poorly implemented while where there are regulations. Based on MSW generation prediction model, the total MSW generation in Africa is expected to triple in 2050, making the future of solid waste management in Africa more challenging.
Neuroprotective Effect of Filgrastim in Animal Models of 3-Nitropropionic Acid & Haloperidol Induced Neurotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Rahi Vikrant , Ram Parladh , KUMAR PUNEET
Published: February 2021

Movement disorders are the heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the progressive and selective impairment in motor function. Movement disorders like Huntington's disease (HD) and Tardive dyskinesia (TD) share many common features at both cellular and subcellular levels. Filgrastim is a recombinant methionyl granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), shows neuroprotective properties in in-vivo models of movement disorders. The present study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of filgrastimin the animal models of haloperidol and 3-NP induced neurotoxicity in rats. Study was divided in two different protocol, in study one, rats were administered with haloperidol for 21 days, and filgrastim at the dose of (20, 40 & 60 µg/kg,s.c.) was administered once a day, before haloperidol treatment and the following parameters (orofacial movements, rotarod, actophotometer) were assessed for TD. Similarly, in second study rats were administered with 3-NP for 21 days and filgrastimat the dose of (20 & 40 µg/kg, s.c.) was administered, and following parameters (rotarod, narrow beam walk and open field test) were assessed for HD. In each study, on 22nd day, animals were sacrificed, to isolate cortex and striatum for oxidative stress (LPO, GSH, SOD, catalase, and nitrate) parameters. The result revealed that haloperidol and 3-NP treatment significantly impaired motor coordination, oxidative defense and induce TD and HD like symptoms. Filgrastim pre-treatment significantly averted haloperidol & 3-NP induced behavioral and biochemical alterations, respectively. Conclusively, neuroprotective effect of filgrastim is credited to its antioxidant properties, hence filgrastim might be a novel therapeutic candidate to manage TD & HD.
A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analyses of Swallowing and Tongue Functions in Maxillectomy Patients
Authors: Ogino Yoichiro , Fujikawa Natsue , Koga Sayuri , Moroi Ryoji , Koyano Kiyoshi
Published: February 2021

Purpose
To investigate the profiles of swallowing and tongue functions, and to identify factors influencing swallowing in maxillectomy patients.
Methods
Maxillectomy patients whose swallowing function defined by Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) score and tongue functions (oral diadochokinesis: ODK, maximum tongue pressure: MTP) with or without maxillofacial prostheses had been evaluated were enrolled in this study. The effects of the history of radiotherapy or soft palate resection on swallowing function were evaluated. The effect of radiotherapy on oral dryness was also evaluated. To examine correlations of swallowing function with continuous variables, Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated.
Results
A total of 47 maxillectomy patients (23 males and 24 females, median age:71 [IQR: 63–76]) were registered. The median value of EAT-10 scores was 3 [IQR: 0–14]. Patients with the history of radiotherapy, but not with soft palate resection, showed significantly declined swallowing function. ODK and MTP of patients wearing maxillofacial prostheses were significantly improved. No significant effect of radiotherapy on oral dryness was found. A significant correlation was found between EAT-10 score and MTP (P = 0.04).
Conclusions
Swallowing function in maxillectomy patients was relatively impaired and the patients with the history of radiotherapy showed lower swallowing function. Maxillofacial prostheses could contribute to the improvement of MTP and ODK (/ta/). MTP may play a crucial role in swallowing in maxillectomy patients.
A cobalt-organic framework with sensitive detection of Fe3+, Cr2O72–, and CrO42– ions in water
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Sun Han-Xu , Li Shi-Fen , Wang Rui-Dong , Du Lin , Xie Ming-Jin , Zhou Jie , Zhao Qi-Hua
Published: February 2021

A six-coordinated 3D metal–organic framework (MOF), namely, [Co(BPDC)(3-bpdb)(H2O)2]n (1) (H2BPDC = 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid, 3-bpdb = 1,4-bis(3-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene) was purposefully constructed and characterized by single-crystal XRD, IR, elemental analyses, PXRD, SEM, and TGA. Crystal structural analysis revealed that the complex consists of a cds-type three-fold interpenetrated framework. Hirshfeld surface analysis yielded details of the surface characteristics of 1. Significant O−H···O hydrogen bonding interactions, which could promote the stability of the framework, were found is extremely stable in aqueous solution and can resist acids and bases over an extensive pH range of 2 - 13. 1 shows brilliant fluorescent emission in the solid state and in aqueous solution. Fluorescence titration, cyclic, and anti-interference experiments demonstrated that 1 is an excellent probe for Fe3+, CrO42‒ and Cr2O72‒ in water. The Ksv values of 1 for Fe3+, CrO42‒, and Cr2O72‒, which were as high as 1.06 × 104 M−1, 1.50 × 104 M−1, and 1.16 × 104 M−1, respectively, were comparable with those of other sensors. The quenching mechanism of the novel probe was subsequently explained.
Workpiece Vibration in Feed Direction Assisted Electrochemical Cutting Using Tube Electrode With Inclined Holes
Authors: Yang Tao , Fang Xiaolong , Hang Yusen , Xu Zhengyang , Zeng Yongbin
Published: February 2021

Electrochemical cutting using tube electrode with inclined holes is a machining method that directly and obliquely injects electrolyte into the machining gap through inclined jet-flow holes on the sidewall of a tube electrode, allowing the electrochemical cutting of a workpiece. To improve the machining efficiency and accuracy of this cutting technique, a method of workpiece vibration in feed direction assisted electrochemical cutting is proposed in which workpiece vibration along the feed direction rapidly and periodically changes the machining gap. The near-instantaneous increases in the machining gap promotes the waste electrolyte containing electrolytic products to flow down the machining gap. At the same time, the electrochemical reaction time under the non-uniform flow field caused by the inclined downward injection of electrolyte is reduced. The flow field simulation of electrolyte in machining gap indicates that the near-instantaneous increases in the machining gap can improve the flow velocity of electrolyte. Experiment demonstrates that the average feed rate can be increased by 50% and the machining efficiency is superior to that of electrochemical cutting assisted by workpiece non-vibration in feed direction. The difference between the upper and lower slit widths is reduced and the machining accuracy is improved. The effect of the vibrational amplitude and frequency on the machining result is also investigated. Finally, an array slice structure is fabricated on a stainless steel block with a cross-section of 10 mm × 10 mm at average feed rate of 6 mm/s using a vibrational amplitude and frequency of 0.1 mm and 1.5 Hz, respectively.
Phase II Study of Propranolol Feasibility With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer
Authors: Hopson Madeleine B. , Lee Shing , Accordino Melissa , Trivedi Meghna , Maurer Matthew , Crew Katherine , Hershman Dawn , Kalinsky Kevin
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Propranolol regulates angiogenesis in pre-clinical models and reduces distant breast cancer (BC) metastases in observational studies. We assessed the feasibility of combining propranolol with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with BC.Methods: Women with clinical stage II-III BC undergoing NAC [weekly paclitaxel x 12, followed by dose-dense adriamycin/cyclophosphamide (AC) x 4] started propranolol 20 mg PO BID with paclitaxel #1, and increased to 80 mg extended release (ER) PO daily, as tolerated. The primary endpoint was to assess feasibility, defined as at least 75% of patients having at least 80% adherence to propranolol as prescribed. Secondary endpoints included identifying safety, rate of dose holds and modification, and rate of reaching 80 mg ER daily. The proposed sample size was 20 patients.Results: From November 2012 to September 2015, ten patients were enrolled. Median age was 50.5 years (range, 44-67). All patients had hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. Three women had grade I bradycardia that resulted in a 1-week delay in increasing the propranolol dose. Ninety percent of women reached the target propranolol dosing of 80 mg ER daily, and 70% took the target propranolol dose until the night before surgery. Of the 4 women who dose reduced propranolol, 1 increased to the target propranolol dose. Mean adherence to propranolol dosing was 96% (range: 91-100%). All patients went to surgery.Conclusion: Our results support the feasibility of combining propranolol (up to 80 mg ER) with neoadjuvant taxane/anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
Sigmoid Type Neuromorphic Activation Function Based on Saturable Absorption Behavior of Graphene/PMMA Composite for Intensity Modulation of Surface Plasmon Polariton signals
Authors: Tari Hamed , Bile Alessandro , Moratti Francesca , Fazio Eugenio
Published: February 2021

For an optical technology to be feasible as a substitution of electronics one, it is required the waveguides be capable of confining and directing light signals in much smaller dimensions than the operating wavelength of the light, i.e. subwavelength optical components must be realized. One approach to miniaturize the size of the photonic components is to benefit the hybrid nature of Surface Plasmon Polariton which addresses the problem with the diffraction limit of regular photonic components. Here, the authors present a two-dimensional numerical simulation of a passive photonic element based on a saturable absorber material as an analogy to the biological neurons activation function. They demonstrate that at telecom wavelengths a highly confined SPP mode can be modulated in a nonlinear fashion by considering the carrier dynamics of graphene/PMMA polymeric composite as a two-level system. The sigmoid type nonlinear activation function derived from this study, further characterized and the parameters which appeared to be effective on the performance of the structure, such as saturation intensity, modulation depth, and thickness of the synaptic part as a Fabry-Perot structure, has been studied.
Predictive Value of Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers for Tap Test Responsiveness in Patients with Suspected Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Hua Rongrong , Liu Chunyan , Liu Xing , Zhu Jinwu , Zhang Jie , Wang Lidong , Shi Zhe , Li Jian , Kong Shuangyan , Yang Chenhui , Liu Nan , Liu Lijuan , Sun Jie , Yang Qiong , Wu Yubing , Zhou Ying , Li Yanfeng , Xing Yan
Published: February 2021

Background: The value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) needs to be determined. This prospective study aimed to reveal the correlation between CSF biomarkers and clinical symptoms of iNPH, and its predictive value for tap test responsiveness.Methods: Thirty-nine suspected iNPH patients were recruited, contributed qualified CSF, and accepted a tap test and unified pre- and post-test evaluation of neurological function. Results: The analysis of biomarkers from their CSF showed a decrease of tau and its phosphorylated form, especially in the tap test (+) group. In addition, the responsiveness of the tap test was also related to the number of combined symptoms (p<0.01). A correlation was also found between the end pressure or pressure difference of CSF and tap test responsiveness (p<0.05). The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that P (tap test responsiveness) = 1/1 + e ^ - (-5.505+55.314 * ratio of p/T-tau - 1.586 * numbers of combined symptoms). The combined indicators (-5.505+0.553* percentage of p/T-tau - 1.586 * numbers of combined symptoms) gave the highest sensitivity and specificity, which were 94.12% and 72.73%, respectively.Conclusions: It may be accessed in judgment of tap test responsiveness, which is beneficial for the feasibility of clinical application.
The Role of Opioids in Cancer Response to Immunotherapy
Authors: Botticelli Andrea , Cirillo Alessio , Pomati Giulia , Cerbelli Bruna , Scagnoli Simone , Roberto Michela , Gelibter Alain , Mammone Giulia , Calandrella Maria Letizia , Cerbelli Edoardo , Lanzetta Gaetano , Cortesi Enrico , Mezi Silvia , Marchetti Paolo
Published: February 2021

Background: The response to immunotherapy can be impaired by several factors including external intervention such as drug interactions with immune system. We aimed to examine the immunomodulatory action of opioids, since immune cells express opioid receptors able to negatively influence their activities.Methods: This observational, multicenter, retrospective study, recruited patients with different metastatic solid tumors, who have received immunotherapy between September 2014 and September 2019. Immunotherapy was administered according to the standard schedule approved for each primary tumor and line of treatment. The concomitant intake of antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids and opioids were evaluated in all included patients. The relationship between tumor response to immunotherapy and the oncological outcomes were evaluated. A multivariate Cox-proportional hazard model was used to identify independent prognostic factors for survival. Results: One hundred ninety-three patients were recruited. Overall, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly shorter in those patients taking opioids than in those who didn’t (median PFS, 3 months vs. 19 months, HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.37-2.09, p<0.0001; median OS, 4 months vs. 35months, HR 1.60, 95 % CI 1.26-2.02, p <0.0001). In addition, PFS and OS were significantly impaired in those patients taking corticosteroids, antibiotics or antifungals, in those patients with an ECOG PS ≥1 and in patients with a high tumor burden. Using the multivariate analyses, opioids and ECOG PS were independent prognostic factors for PFS, whereas only ECOG PS resulted to be an independent prognostic factor for OS, with trend toward significance for opioids as well as tumor burden.Discussion: Our study suggests that the concomitant administration of drugs as well as some clinical features could negatively predict the outcomes of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. In particular, opioids use during immunotherapy is associated with early progression, potentially representing a predictive factor for PFS and negatively influencing OS as well. Conclusions: A possible negative drug interaction able to impair the immune response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents has been highlighted. Our findings suggest the need to further explore the impact of opioids on immune system modulation and their role in restoring the response to immunotherapy treatment, thereby improving patients' outcomes.
Effectiveness of Auricular Acupuncture in Treating Depressive Disorders: a Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Santos Karla Natally , Santana Mayk Rodolfo de Jesus , Brito Giselle de Carvalho , Lobato Luciana Pereira
Published: February 2021

Background: Depression is a chronic condition of high prevalence in the world population and associated with functional disability and compromises the physical health of affected individuals. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), depression is associated with disability, there is not enough energy for positive feelings or associated with stagnation, when there is energy, but the flow of energy and emotions is blocked. Deficiency is also associated with excess in manic depression or irregularity in depression associated with anxiety. Auricular acupuncture, also known as auriculotherapy, it is part of a set of techniques based on TCM. For this, the auricular pavilion is related to 12 meridians, stimulating points in the ear and restoring the balance between blood and Qi (energy or vital force).Methods: This is a systematic review protocol for clinical trials prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the protocol Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA-P). Studies in which participants have any depressive disorder, diagnosed through standardized criteria such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and other diagnostic criteria used internationally will be included. There will be no restrictions on age, gender, ethnicity, education or economic status. Studies will be accepted that have as experimental intervention any type of auricular acupuncture (using needles, seeds, magnetic stones, lasers, ultrasound, bleeding or electrical treatment). The control interventions that will be considered for the studies will be conventional medical treatment for each depressive disorder, no treatment, placebo and other active therapies. Discussion: Auricular acupuncture can be a potential alternative complementary treatment, it is low cost and has minimal side effects presented until now. With this review we hope to complete gaps in the knowledge of auricular acupuncture, promoting an updated and comprehensive synthesis of research on this topic. Record of systematic review: In accordance with the guidelines, our systematic review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Registry of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) on 10/27/2020 (registration number CRD42020211302).
Quality of Life in a Randomized Phase II Study to Determine the Optimal Dose of 3-Week Cycle Nab-Paclitaxel in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Taira Naruto , Kashiwabara Kosuke , Tsurutani Junji , Kitada Masahiro , Takahashi Masato , Kikawa Yuichiro , Sakata Eiko , Naito Yoichi , Hasegawa Yoshie , Saito Tsuyoshi , Iwasa Tsutomu , Takashima Tsutomu , Aihara Tomohiko , Mukai Hirofumi , Hara Fumikata
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To report our findings on quality of life (QoL) in a randomized phase II study to determine the optimal dose of 3-week cycle nab-paclitaxel (q3w nab-PTX) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).Materials and Methods: Patients with HER2-negative MBC were randomly assigned to three different doses of q3w nab-PTX (SD: 260 mg/m2 vs. MD: 220 mg/m2 vs. LD: 180 mg/m2). QoL was assessed at baseline and during the 2nd, 4th and 6th courses of treatment using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Taxane (FACT-Taxane), Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) and EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D). Comparisons were performed with mixed-model repeated-measures (MMRM).Results: A total of 141 patients were enrolled in the parent study, and 136 (96%) (44, 45 and 47 in the SD, MD, and LD groups) were included in the analysis. MMRM analysis showed that the difference from the baseline FACT-Taxane trial outcome index at MD and LD were significantly higher than that at SD (MD vs. SD p<0.001, LD vs. SD p<0.001). Differences from baseline for FACT-Taxane total, physical and emotional well-being, and taxane subscale scores at MD and LD were also higher than at SD. The difference from baseline for the CFS score at LD was lower than at SD (p=0.013) and those for EQ-5D utility scores at MD and LD were higher than at SD (MD vs. SD p=0.011, LD vs. SD p<0.001). Conclusion: QoL of patients treated with 220 or 180 mg/m2 of q3w nab-PTX was significantly better than that of patients treated with 260mg/m2.
Usefull Hearing Preservation Is Improved in Vestibular Schwannoma Patients Who Undergo Stereotactic Radiosurgery Before Further Hearing Deterioration Ensures
Authors: Kano Hideyuki , Ogino Akiyoshi , Long Hao , Johnson Stephen , Faramand Andrew , Niranjan Ajay , Flickinger John C. , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: February 2021

IntroductionThe present study evaluates whether hearing deterioration during observation reduces serviceable hearing preservation rates after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in vestibular schwannoma (VS) patients with useful hearing.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 1447 VS patients who underwent SRS between 1992 to 2017. We identified 100 VS patients who had Grade I Gardner- Robertson (GR) hearing at initial diagnosis but were observed without surgery or SRS. We compared hearing after SRS in 67 patients who retained GR Grade I hearing from initial diagnosis to SRS (the hearing maintenance or HM group) to 33 patients whose hearing worsened from GR grade I to grade II (the hearing deterioration or HD group). We also investigated whether a decline in pure tone average (PTA) or speech discrimination score (SDS) before SRS affected hearing preservation after SRS.ResultsThe serviceable hearing (GR I and II) preservation in HM patients was 80%s, 63%, and 51% at 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The serviceable hearing preservation in HD patients was 40%, 33%, and 20% at 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, younger age (<55 years, p=0.012) and HM during observation (p<0.001) improved serviceable hearing preservation rates. Patients whose PTA increased >15 dB (p=0.011) or whose SDS declined >10% (p=0.024) had reduced serviceable hearing preservation rates.ConclusionsHearing deterioration during observation before SRS reduced long term hearing preservation rate in VS patients with GR grade I hearing at initial diagnosis. SRS before hearing deterioration was recommended for hearing preservation.
FASTER and SCOTT&EVA Trainings for Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Elst Ludger Tebartz van , Fangmeier Thomas , Schaller Ulrich Max , Hennig Oliver , Kieser Meinhard , Koelkebeck Katja , Kuepper Charlotte , Roesner Veit , Wildgruber Dirk , Dziobek Isabel
Published: February 2021

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition with a prevalence rate above 1%, characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities as well as a preference for sameness and routines. The majority of adult ASD patients suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. Therapy options for adult ASD patients are lacking, with presently no available evidence-based interventions in Germany. Recently, two interventions to improve social responsiveness have been published. FASTER (“Freiburger Asperger-Spezifische Therapie für ERwachsene” = Freiburg Asperger specific therapy for adults) is a manualized group psychotherapy program including three modules on psychoeducation, stress regulation management as well as non-verbal and verbal social communication training with videotaped tasks. SCOTT&EVA (“Social Cognition Training Tool”, and its enhancement “Emotionen Verstehen und Ausdruecken” = understanding and expressing emotions) is a computer-based training program to enhance social cognition including video and audio material of emotional expressions and complex real-life social situations. Initial studies for both programs have shown good feasibility and efficacy. Methods: 360 adult participants with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will take part in a randomized controlled three-armed multicenter trial to prove the efficacy of manualized group psychotherapy and a manualized computer-based training program. Both interventions will be compared with a treatment as usual (TAU) group, aiming to establish evidence-based psychotherapy approaches for adult individuals with ASD. The primary outcome is evaluated by parents, spouses, or others who have sufficient insight into the respective participant’s social communication and interaction, and will be measured with the Social Responsiveness Scale. First, the differences between both interventions in comparison to TAU will be analyzed. If there are significant differences both interventions will be tested confirmatorily.Discussion: The trial is the first to validate psychiatric therapeutic options for adult ASD patients in Germany. A trial is needed because the prevalence of ASD in adulthood without intellectual disability is high, and no evidence-based intervention can be offered in Germany.Trial Registration: DRKS00017817, German Clinical Trial Register, Registered 20 April 2020, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00017817