bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of tyrosine by sodium fluorescein-enhanced ABEI–H2O2–horseradish peroxidase chemiluminescence
Authors: Dong Bin , Fan Qian , Li Ming , Huan Yanfu , Feng Guodong , Shan Hongyan , Fei Qiang
Published: April 2021

In this study, N-(4-aminobutyl)-N-ethylisoluminol (ABEI) was used as an energy donor, while sodium fluorescein was used as an enhancer and energy acceptor, which resulted in it producing resonance energy transfer and greatly increasing the strength of chemiluminiscence (CL). When horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is added, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) will quickly separate into hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and superoxide ions (O2·−). If tyrosine (Tyr) is present in the system, the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring of Tyr robs ·OH and O2·− in the CL system, thereby reducing the intensity of CL. Based on this phenomenon, a luminescence system of ABEI and sodium fluorescein system was established to detect Tyr for the first time. This method has an ultra-low detection limit and a wide linear range, and is cheap and easy to operate. Under various optimal conditions, the linear range is from 3.0×10−8 to 3.0×10−5 mol/L, and the limit of detection is 2.4×10−8 mol/L. It has been successfully used in the detection of dairy products with satisfactory results.
A potential suite of climate markers of long-chain n-alkanes and alkenones preserved in the top sediments from the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean
Authors: Chen Xin , Liu Xiaodong , Lin Da-Cheng , Wang Jianjun , Chen Liqi , Yu Pai-Sen , Wang Linmiao , Xiong Zhifang , Chen Min-Te
Published: April 2021

Investigating organic compounds in marine sediments can potentially unlock a wealth of new information in these climate archives. Here, we present pilot study results of organic geochemical features of long-chain n-alkanes and alkenones and individual carbon isotope ratios of long-chain n-alkanes from a newly collected, approximately 8 m long, located in the far reaches of the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean. We analyzed a suite of organic compounds in the core. The results show abundant long-chain n-alkanes (C29–C35) with predominant odd-over-even carbon preference, suggesting an origin of terrestrial higher plant waxes via long-range transport of dust, possibly from Australia and New Zealand. The δ13C values of the C31n-alkane range from −29.4 to −24.8‰, in which the higher δ13C values suggest more contributions from C4 plant waxes. In the analysis, we found that the mid-chain n-alkanes (C23–C25) have a small odd-over-even carbon preference, indicating that they were derived from marine non-diatom pelagic phytoplankton and microalgae and terrestrial sources. Furthermore, the C26 and C28 with lower δ13C values (~−34‰) indicate an origin from marine chemoautotrophic bacteria. We found that the abundances of tetra-unsaturated alkenones (C37:4) in this Southern Ocean sediment core ranges from 11 to 37%, perhaps a marker of low sea surface temperature (SST). The results of this study strongly indicate that the δ13C values of long-chain n-alkanes and $$ {U}_{37}^{\mathrm{k}} $$

U
37
k

index are potentially useful to reconstruct the detailed history of C3/C4 plants and SST change in the higher latitudes of the Southern Ocean.
The role of activity, scan duration and patient’s body mass index in the optimization of FDG imaging protocols on a TOF-PET/CT scanner
Authors: Matheoud Roberta , Al-Maymani Naema , Oldani Alessia , Sacchetti Gian Mauro , Brambilla Marco , Carriero Alessandro
Published: April 2021

Background

Time-of-flight (TOF) PET technology determines a reduction in the noise and improves the reconstructed image quality in low count acquisitions, such as in overweight patients, allowing a reduction of administered activity and/or imaging time. However, international guidelines and recommendations on the 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) activity administration scheme are old or only partially account for TOF technology and advanced reconstruction modalities.

The aim of this study was to optimize FDG whole-body studies on a TOF-PET/CT scanner by using a multivariate approach to quantify how physical figures of merit related to image quality change with acquisition/reconstruction/patient-dependent parameters in a phantom experiment.

Methods

The NEMA-IQ phantom was used to evaluate contrast recovery coefficient (CRC), background variability (BV) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) as a function of changing emission scan duration (ESD), activity concentration (AC), target internal diameter (ID), target-background activity ratio (TBR) and body mass index (BMI). The phantom was filled with an average concentration of 5.3 kBq/ml of FDG solution and the spheres with TBR of 21.2, 8.8 and 5.0 in 3 different sessions. Images were acquired at varying background activity concentration from 5.1 to 1.3 kBq/ml, and images were reconstructed for ESD of 30–151 s per bed position with and without point spread function (PSF) correction. The parameters were all considered in a single analysis using multiple linear regression methods.

Results

As expected, CRC depended only on sphere ID and on PSF application, while BV depended on sphere ID, ESD, AC and BMI of the phantom, in order of decreasing relevance. Noteworthy, ESD and AC resulted as the most significant predictors of CNR variability with a similar relevance, followed by the BMI of the patient and TBR of the lesion.

Conclusions

AC and ESD proved to be effective tools in modulating CNR. ESD could be increased rather than AC to improve image quality in overweight/obese patients to fulfil ALARA principles.
Finite element analysis for identifying locations of cracking and hydraulic fracturing in homogeneous earthen dams
Authors: Talukdar Priyanka , Dey Arindam
Published: April 2021

This paper reports a finite element study to identify the locations of crack initiation in a homogeneous earthen dam at its post-construction and reservoir operation stages. The steady state and transient analyses, including reservoir rise-up and drawdown conditions, are simulated to identify the favorable conditions and locations of crack generation. The behavioral response of the dam is represented in terms of the developed total stress, horizontal deformations of the faces, strain accumulation in the dam, and the differential settlement of the dam base. The locations of post-construction cracks are identified based on the negative minor principal stresses developed on the dam faces. For both single-lift and multiple-lift modeling techniques, the upstream face of the dam is found to be the most favorable location for the crack generation. For transient reservoir operations (rise-up and drawdown scenarios), it is identified that hydraulic fracturing may occur on either faces of the dam at specific heights, governed by the minor principal stresses becoming lesser than the developed pore-water pressure. Depending on whether the reservoir drawdown occurs before or after the attainment of steady-state phreatic level within the body of the dam, the pore-water pressure distribution within the dam are found notably different. This results in hydraulic fracturing occurring at different faces of the dam and at different heights. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the tentative location of the cracks developed in homogeneous earthen dams so that proper mitigation measure can be adopted as per requirement.
Storytelling in early childhood education: Time to go digital
Authors: Rahiem Maila D. H.
Published: April 2021

Digital storytelling blends the ancient art of storytelling with a range of contemporary tools to weave stories together with the author's narrative voice, including digital images, graphics, music and sound. Digital storytelling, as both a teaching method and a learning resource, has been applied in many innovative ways at all levels of education. Digital storytelling supports student learning and allows teachers to adopt innovative and improved teaching methods. Storytelling is a proven and popular pedagogy, while digital storytelling is relatively recent and still seldom used in the setting of early childhood education. Using a case study of a storytelling–art–science club in Jakarta, Indonesia, the researcher explored how and why digital storytelling is used in early childhood education. This club is one of the few organizations that use digital storytelling for teaching and learning programs in early childhood. Data were collected qualitatively using in-depth interviews with four teachers, document analysis, and twice-observations of storytelling activities in each session with 35 and 37 children. The collected data were analyzed using analytical memoing methods. The results indicate that teachers in this club used digital storytelling for several important reasons. They claimed that simple digital technology made storytelling more entertaining, captivating, engaging, communicative and theatrical. This study suggests that the ability of teachers to use digital technology should be enhanced; schools' information and communication technology (ICT) devices should be equipped; some funding should also be allocated by the government to modernize school equipment; while the curriculum should be tailored to meet technological developments, and provide opportunities for children to learn how to make good use of technology.
Changes in quantifiable breathing pattern components predict asthma control: an observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Sakkatos Panagiotis , Bruton Anne , Barney Anna
Published: April 2021

Background

Breathing pattern disorders are frequently reported in uncontrolled asthma. At present, this is primarily assessed by questionnaires, which are subjective. Objective measures of breathing pattern components may provide additional useful information about asthma control. This study examined whether respiratory timing parameters and thoracoabdominal (TA) motion measures could predict and classify levels of asthma control.

Methods

One hundred twenty-two asthma patients at STEP 2- STEP 5 GINA asthma medication were enrolled. Asthma control was determined by the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ7-item) and patients divided into ‘well controlled’ or ‘uncontrolled’ groups. Breathing pattern components (respiratory rate (RR), ratio of inspiration duration to expiration duration (Ti/Te), ratio of ribcage amplitude over abdominal amplitude during expiration phase (RCampe/ABampe), were measured using Structured Light Plethysmography (SLP) in a sitting position for 5-min. Breath-by-breath analysis was performed to extract mean values and within-subject variability (measured by the Coefficient of Variance (CoV%). Binary multiple logistic regression was used to test whether breathing pattern components are predictive of asthma control. A post-hoc analysis determined the discriminant accuracy of any statistically significant predictive model.

Results

Fifty-nine out of 122 asthma patients had an ACQ7-item < 0.75 (well-controlled asthma) with the rest being uncontrolled (n = 63). The absolute mean values of breathing pattern components did not predict asthma control (R2 = 0.09) with only mean RR being a significant predictor (p < 0.01). The CoV% of the examined breathing components did predict asthma control (R2 = 0.45) with all predictors having significant odds ratios (p < 0.01). The ROC curve showed that cut-off points > 7.40% for the COV% of the RR, > 21.66% for the CoV% of Ti/Te and > 18.78% for the CoV% of RCampe/ABampe indicated uncontrolled asthma.

Conclusion

The within-subject variability of timing parameters and TA motion can be used to predict asthma control. Higher breathing pattern variability was associated with uncontrolled asthma suggesting that irregular resting breathing can be an indicator of poor asthma control.
Etiology and management of hypertension in patients with cancer
Authors: Mohammed Turab , Singh Meghana , Tiu John G. , Kim Agnes S.
Published: April 2021

The pathophysiology of hypertension and cancer are intertwined. Hypertension has been associated with an increased likelihood of developing certain cancers and with higher cancer-related mortality. Moreover, various anticancer therapies have been reported to cause new elevated blood pressure or worsening of previously well-controlled hypertension. Hypertension is a well-established risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, which is rapidly emerging as one of the leading causes of death and disability in patients with cancer. In this review, we discuss the relationship between hypertension and cancer and the role that hypertension plays in exacerbating the risk for anthracycline- and trastuzumab-induced cardiomyopathy. We then review the common cancer therapies that have been associated with the development of hypertension, including VEGF inhibitors, small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, alkylating agents, glucocorticoids, and immunosuppressive agents. When available, we present strategies for blood pressure management for each drug class. Finally, we discuss blood pressure goals for patients with cancer and strategies for assessment and management. It is of utmost importance to maintain optimal blood pressure control in the oncologic patient to reduce the risk of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and to decrease the risk of long-term cardiovascular disease.
Research on power control strategy of household-level electric power router based on hybrid energy storage droop control
Authors: Huang Kun , Li Yanman , Zhang Xiaoyan , Liu Lei , Zhu Yanbin , Meng Xin
Published: April 2021

In the light of user-side energy power control requirements, a power control strategy for a household-level EPR based on HES droop control is proposed, focusing on the on-grid, off-grid and seamless switching process. The system operating states are divided based on the DC bus voltage information with one converter used as a slack terminal to stabilize the DC bus voltage and the other converters as power terminals. In the on-grid mode, the GCC and the HES are used as the main control unit to achieve on-grid stable operation, whereas in the off-grid mode, the PV, HES and LC are used as the main control unit at different voltages to achieve stable operation of the island network. Finally, a DC MG system based on a household-level EPR is developed using the PSCAD / EMTDC simulation platform and the results show that the control strategy can effectively adjust the output of each subunit and maintain the stability of the DC bus voltage.
Is it worth to perform initial non-operative treatment for patients with acute ACL injury?: a prospective cohort prognostic study
Authors: Park Yong-Geun , Ha Chul-Won , Park Yong-Beom , Na Sang-Eun , Kim Manyoung , Kim Tae Seon , Chu Yong Yeon
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the result of implementing an initial non-operative treatment program for an acute ACL injury and to find if the timing of initiating the non-operative treatment is significant.

Methods

This study included a prospective cohort of 85 consecutive patients with acute ACL injury who were treated according to the above strategy for the initial 3 months with 1-year follow-up. Clinical evaluations were made by Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, Lachman test (LT), pivot-shit test (PST), and the side to side difference (SSD) by KT-2000 arthrometer. The results were analyzed according to the timing of initiating the non-operative treatment.

Results

Initially, 84% of the patients showed LT and PST ≤ grade 1, and 16% with ≥grade 2. At 1-year follow-up, 77 patients (91%) with LT and PST ≤ grade 1 did not receive reconstruction as copers and 8 patients with LT or PST ≥ grade 2 required reconstruction (six patients received the operation and two refused). The patients with LT and PST ≤ grade 1 showed average Lysholm score 91.2, average SSD 2.5 mm, and mean Tegner score decreased from 6.9 (pre-injury) to 6.2. Patients who started the non-operative treatment within 2 weeks after injury revealed superior rates of grade 0 or 1 instability than those who commenced the treatment later than 2 weeks after injury (P = 0.043).

Conclusions

Implementing a non-operative treatment with brace in acute phase of ACL injury appears to be an effective and viable option to achieve a reasonable clinical outcome. We recommend earlier initiation of the non-operative treatment to obtain a better result in patients with acute ACL injury.
Chest CT in COVID-19 pneumonia: correlations of imaging findings in clinically suspected but repeatedly RT-PCR test-negative patients
Authors: Korkmaz Inan , Dikmen Nursel , Keleş Fatma Oztürk , Bal Tayibe
Published: April 2021

Background

To emphasize the importance of CT in the diagnosis of COVID-19 disease by comparing the thoracic CT findings of COVID-19 patients with positive RT-PCR results and patients with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 but with negative RT-PCR results.

Results

In our study, COVID-19 patients with positive RT-PCR results (RT-PCR (+) group) and patients with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 but negative RT-PCR results (RT-PCR (−) group) were compared in terms of CT findings. In CT images, ground-glass opacity and ground-glass opacity + patchy consolidation were the most common lesion patterns in both groups. No statistically significant differences in the rates and types of lesion patterns were observed between the two groups. In both groups, lesion distributions and distribution patterns were similarly frequent in the bilateral, peripheral, and lower lobe distributions. Among the 39 patients who underwent follow-up CT imaging in the first or second month, a regression in lesion number and density was detected in 18 patients from both groups. Consolidations were completely resorbed in 16 of these patients, and five patients had newly developed fibrotic changes. The follow-up CT examination of 16 patients was normal.

Conclusions

Due to the false-negative rate of RT-PCR tests caused by various reasons, clinically suspected COVID-19 patients with a contact history should be examined with CT scans, even if RT-PCR tests are negative. If the CT findings are positive, these patients should not be removed from isolation.
Stability indicating thin-layer chromatographic method for estimation of antidiabetic drug Remogliflozin etabonate
Authors: Shah Dimal A. , Gondalia Ishita I. , Patel Vandana B. , Mahajan Ashok , Chhalotiya Usmangani , Nagda Dhruti C.
Published: April 2021

Background

A sensitive, precise, and stability-indicating high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method has been developed for the analysis of Remogliflozin etabonate in tablet formulation. HPTLC plates precoated with silica gel 60 F254 were used as the stationary phase; methanol: ethyl acetate: toluene: NH3 (2:4:4:0.1, v/v/v) was used as mobile phase, and densitometry was used for the quantitative estimation of the drug. The proposed method was validated with respect to linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness and applied for the estimation of drug in tablet dosage form.

Results

The Rf value of Remogliflozin etabonate was observed to be 0.61. The densitometric estimation was performed in reflectance mode at 229 nm. The method was found to be linear in the range of 500–8000 ng/band for Remogliflozin etabonate. The possible degradation pathway was estimated by performing forced degradation studies. The degradant peaks were well resolved from the drug peak with acceptable resolution in their Rf value.

Conclusion

An accurate and precise high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method has been developed for the quantification of Remogliflozin etabonate in tablets. Forced degradation studies were performed, and drug was found to be highly susceptible to acid, base hydrolysis, and oxidative stress degradation and gets converted into active drug Remogliflozin. Both Remogliflozin etabonate and Remogliflozin bands were well resolved. The method was applied for the analysis of drug in tablet formulation, and it can be used for routine quality control analysis, as well as for the analysis of stability samples.
Intraoperative variations of the sphenopalatine artery between epistaxis and non-epistaxis cases: a comparative endoscopic analysis
Authors: Ismail Mostafa , Hamad Abdelmoneim H. , Abdelhak Balegh , Hamead Khalaf
Published: April 2021

Background

Severe epistaxis is one of the most common emergencies in rhinology practices. The commonly used endoscopic cauterization of the sphenopalatine artery (SPA), alone or with the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA), has a high success rate for controlling severe epistaxis. The current study was conducted to evaluate the endoscopic intra-operative variations of SPA between epistaxis and non-epistaxis cases. Forty consecutive patients who underwent exploration of SPA were included in the study. They were distributed into two groups depending upon the indication of SPA exploration; the epistaxis group (group A, n=25 patients, n=26 sides) and the non-epistaxis group (group B, n=15 patients, n=25 sides). Criteria of the main SPA in the two groups were compared regarding four parameters; arterial diameter, arterial adherence to the mucosa of the lower part of the basal lamella, sphenopalatine nerve bundle, and crista ethmoidalis erosion.

Results

A significant difference was found regarding the diameter of SPA between the two groups; a mean diameter of 4.2±0.64 mm was compared to 3.2±0.35 mm for group A and B, respectively (p=0.043). Moreover, a highly significant tendency was observed regarding the arterial adherence to the mucosa of the lower part of the basal lamella and sphenopalatine nerve bundle in the epistaxis group; (p≤0.01).

Conclusion

These data clearly signify the importance of intraoperative identification of SPA criteria during surgical management of severe epistaxis. These criteria may help in altering the surgical decision between solely SPA and concomitant SPA/AEA cauterization.
Challenge of Incorporating New Drugs for Breast Cancer in Brazil: A Proposed Framework for Improving Access to Innovative Therapies
Authors: Barrios Carlos , Freitas-Junior Ruffo , Martins Sandro , Bines Jose , Estevez-Diz Maria Del Pilar , Caleffi Maira
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE

The objective of this review is to address the barriers limiting access to treatment of advanced metastatic breast cancer (mBC) in Brazil, specifically for patients in the public health care system, arguably those with the least access to innovation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A selected panel of Brazilian experts in BC were provided with a series of relevant questions to address in a multiday conference. During the conference, responses were discussed and edited by the entire group through numerous drafts and rounds of discussion until a consensus was achieved.

RESULTS

The authors propose specific and realistic recommendations for implementing access to new drugs in cancer care in Brazil. Moreover, in creating these recommendations and framework, the authors strive to address the most important barriers and impediments for technology incorporation. A feasible and specific multidisciplinary process is proposed, which is based on the collective participation of all involved stakeholders.

CONCLUSION

Given the current benefits and likely future developments, there is a great need to expand treatments for mBC not only in Brazil but also in most other countries in the world where access issues remain an unresolved demand. Adapting the current framework is essential for accomplishing this goal. The recommendations in this review can serve as a framework for adoption of new technologies in countries with limited resources.
OncoAlert Round Table Discussions: The Global COVID-19 Experience
Authors: Morgan Gilberto , de Azambuja Evandro , Punie Kevin , Ades Felipe , Heinrich Kathrin , Personeni Nicola , Rahme Ramy , Ferrara Roberto , Pels Kevin , Garassino Marina , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Lopes Gilberto , Barlesi Fabrice , Choueiri Toni K. , Burris Howard , Peters Solange
Published: April 2021

The speed and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the entire world for the past several months. OncoAlert is a social media network made up of more than 140 oncology stakeholders: oncologists (medical, radiation, and surgical), oncology nurses, and patient advocates who share the mission of fighting cancer by means of education and dissemination of information. As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, OncoAlert hosted The Round Table Discussions. We have documented this effort along with further discussion about the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences on patients living with cancer to disseminate this information to our colleagues worldwide.
Plasma Cell–Free DNA Profiling of PTEN-PI3K-AKT Pathway Aberrations in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kwan Edmond M. , Dai Chao , Fettke Heidi , Hauser Christine , Docanto Maria M. , Bukczynska Patricia , Ng Nicole , Foroughi Siavash , Graham Lisa-Jane K. , Mahon Kate , Tan Winston , Wang Xiaohong , Zhao Zhixin , Zheng Tiantian , Zhou Kemin , Yu Jianjun , Du Pan , Horvath Lisa G. , Jia Shidong , Kohli Manish , Azad Arun A.
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE

Tumor tissue from metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) harbors frequent copy number variations (CNVs) in the PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway. However, identifying CNVs in plasma cell–free DNA (cfDNA) has proven to be challenging. With emerging data supporting Akt inhibition in PTEN-deficient mCRPC, we profiled PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway aberrations in patients with mCRPC using a novel cfDNA assay optimized for CNV detection.

METHODS

A next-generation sequencing–based cfDNA assay was used to profile 231 patients with mCRPC from two independent cohorts (Australian, n = 78; United States, n = 153). PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway genomic aberrations were correlated with clinical outcomes, including progression-free survival and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

PTEN loss and PIK3CA gain were detected in 37% (85 of 231) and 17% (39 of 231) of patients, respectively. Poorer outcomes were observed in patients with PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway aberrations, including those with dual PTEN loss and PIK3CA gain (hazard ratio 2.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.4). Cumulative CNV burden in the PTEN-PI3K-AKT and androgen receptor (AR) pathways was associated with significantly worse clinical outcomes (0 v 1 v ≥ 2 CNVs in Australian cohort: median OS 33.5 v 17.2 v 9.7 months, P < .001; 0 v 1 v ≥ 2 CNVs in US cohort: median OS 35.5 v 14.3 v 9.2 months, P < .001). Notably, 21% (31 of 146) of PTEN-neutral patients harbored alternative PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway aberrations.

CONCLUSION

PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway CNVs were readily detected using our cfDNA assay, with the prevalence of PTEN loss comparable with tissue-based studies. Additional PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway aberrations were found in one fifth of PTEN-neutral cases. Concurrent CNVs in the PTEN-PI3K-AKT and AR pathways portended poor survival, and identifying this high-risk patient subset for dual AR/Akt inhibition may optimize precision treatment with Akt inhibitors in mCRPC.
Exploring ultra-fast proton dynamics in water under a static electric field
Authors: Bruni Fabio , Colognesi Daniele , Filabozzi Alessandra , Romanelli Giovanni , Pietropaolo Antonino
Published: April 2021

We present an experimental investigation of the single-particle dynamics of hydrogen in liquid water and ice subject to static electric field using deep inelastic neutron scattering. The nuclear mean kinetic energy,, of hydrogen in liquid water at room temperature does not show sensible changes when an electric field of magnitudeis turned on. On the contrary, the value ofin ice at 263 K and subject to the same electric field is found to be substantially lower than the reference value for ice Ih at the similar temperature of 271 K and without electric field. This is true both if the electric field is kept on or not while the sample cools from 300 K to 263 K. Concurrent diffraction measurements performed on ice subjected to an electric field show no sizeable structural changes with respect to the expected powder-averaged ice-Ih diffraction pattern.
Self-consistent harmonic approximation in presence of non-local couplings(a)
Authors: Giachetti Guido , Defenu Nicolò , Ruffo Stefano , Trombettoni Andrea
Published: April 2021

We derive the self-consistent harmonic approximation for the 2D XY model with non-local interactions. The resulting equation for the variational couplings holds for any form of the spin-spin coupling as well as for any dimension. Our analysis is then specialized to power-law couplings decaying with the distance r as

in order to investigate the robustness, at finite σ, of the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition, which occurs in the short-range limit

. We propose an ansatz for the functional form of the variational couplings and show that for any

the BKT mechanism occurs. The present investigation provides an upper bound

for the critical threshold

above which the traditional BKT transition persists in spite of the non-local nature of the couplings.
Impact of Gestational and Postmenstrual Age on Excretion of Fetal Zone Steroids in Preterm Infants Determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ruhnau Johanna , Hübner Stephanie , Sunny Donna , Ittermann Till , Hartmann Michaela F , De Lafollie Jan , Wudy Stefan A , Heckmann Matthias
Published: April 2021

Context

Fetal zone steroids (FZSs) are excreted in high concentrations in preterm infants. Experimental data suggest protective effects of FZSs in models of neonatal disease.

Objective

We aimed to characterize the postnatal FZS metabolome of well preterm and term infants.

Methods

Twenty-four-hour urinary FZS excretion rates were determined in early preterm (<30 weeks’ gestation), preterm (30-36 weeks), and term (>37 weeks) infants. Pregnenolone and 17-OH-pregnenolone metabolites (n = 5), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and metabolites (n = 12) were measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Postnatal concentrations of FZSs were compared with already published prenatal concentrations in amniotic fluid.

Results

Excretion rates of total FZSs and most of the single metabolites were highest in early preterm infants. In this group, excretion rates approach those of term infants at term equivalent postmenstrual age. Preterm infants of 30-36 weeks had more than half lower median excretion rates of FZSs than early preterm infants at the same time of postmenstrual age. Postnatal concentrations of FZSs were partly more than 100-fold higher in all gestational age groups than prenatal concentrations in amniotic fluid at midgestation.

Conclusion

The excretion rates of FZSs as a proxy of the involution of the fetal zone of the most immature preterm infants approached those of term infants at term equivalent. In contrast, the fetal zone in more mature preterm infants undergoes more rapid involution. These data in exclusively well neonates can serve as a basis to investigate the effects of illness on the FZS metabolome in future studies.
Improving functional and motor capacity through means/resources and methods specific to acvatic activities
Authors: CONDURACHE Iustina , TURNEA Marius , ROTARIU Mariana
Published: April 2021

Introduction. Exercise programs in the aquatic environment have as their main objective the improvement and maintenance of physical capacity/ capability, these being in continuous development and diversification. Water exercise amplifies the effects of general physical exercise, by allowing a more precise control over the movement of each body segment and of the body as a whole. The aquatic environment offers a number of beneficial effects compared to ones offered by the terrestrial environment. The benefits obtained through the aquatic activities are fundamental and are reflected throughout the entire body including both motor, functional and aesthetic level. Material and method. The objective of this study is represented by the identification of new forms of physical exercise that will increase the effort’s capacity. In order to achieve this goal, several methodological requirements were met, such as: successive engagement of the joints and muscle groups in effort (starting with the neck’s muscles, shoulders, arms, torso and legs, simultaneously with scapular-humeral joints, spine and coxo-femoral joints and legs), the gradually usage of exercises, starting with the most basic and then increasing the complexity of the exercises, the usage of the accessible exercises in the beginning of the training, executed with high amplitude and reduced speed, focusing on the correctness of the execution, the selection and the adequate/ appropriately usage of the initial positions according to the subject’s particularities and the shape/form of the exercise, the optimal control of the effort, achieved through a number of iterations, optimal execution time and breaks, the sets of general physical exercises will consist of sets of 8-12 exercises/reps, the principle of symmetry in the execution of the exercises has to be respected, the continuity of practicing a set of exercises for 6 to 8 consecutive lessons, the recommended work method is fragmented-imitative, efficiently combining the explication with the demonstration, the number of repetitions and the movement’s correction. Results and discussions. Analyzing results obtained after the evaluation, we have noticed significant growth in the functional and motor capacities. Conclusions. The systematization of water activities on objective criteria effectively contributes to their knowledge, while allowing them to be included in the spectrum of recreational, sporting, relaxing or therapeutic activities.
Keywords: acvatic activities, physical exercise, evaluations,
Affective rating of audio and video clips using the EmojiGrid
Authors: Toet Alexander , van Erp Jan B. F.
Published: April 2021

Background: In this study we measured the affective appraisal of sounds and video clips using a newly developed graphical self-report tool: the EmojiGrid. The EmojiGrid is a square grid, labeled with emoji that express different degrees of valence and arousal. Users rate the valence and arousal of a given stimulus by simply clicking on the grid.

Methods: In Experiment I, observers (N=150, 74 males, mean age=25.2±3.5) used the EmojiGrid to rate their affective appraisal of 77 validated sound clips from nine different semantic categories, covering a large area of the affective space. In Experiment II, observers (N=60, 32 males, mean age=24.5±3.3) used the EmojiGrid to rate their affective appraisal of 50 validated film fragments varying in positive and negative affect (20 positive, 20 negative, 10 neutral).

Results: The results of this study show that for both sound and video, the agreement between the mean ratings obtained with the EmojiGrid and those obtained with an alternative and validated affective rating tool in previous studies in the literature, is excellent for valence and good for arousal. Our results also show the typical universal U-shaped relation between mean valence and arousal that is commonly observed for affective sensory stimuli, both for sound and video.

Conclusions: We conclude that the EmojiGrid can be used as an affective self-report tool for the assessment of sound and video-evoked emotions.
Designing an e-learning tool to support health practitioners caring for patients taking multiple medications
Authors: Hanlon Michelle , Hogan Michael , Durand Hannah , Pilch Monika , Harney Owen , Molloy Gerard , Murphy Andrew W.
Published: April 2021

Background: Population ageing and improvements in healthcare mean the number of people living with two or more chronic conditions, or ‘multimorbidity’, is rapidly increasing. This presents a challenge to current disease-specific care delivery models. Adherence to prescribed medications appears particularly challenging for individuals living with multimorbidity, given the often-complex drug regimens required to treat multiple conditions. Poor adherence is associated with increased mortality, as well as wasted healthcare resources. Supporting medication adherence is a key priority for general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses as they are responsible for much of the disease counselling and medication prescribing associated with chronic illnesses. Despite this, practical resources and training for health practitioners on how to promote adherence in practice is currently lacking. Informed by the principles of patient and public involvement (PPI), the aim of this research was to develop a patient informed e-learning resource to help GPs and nurses support medication adherence. 

Method: Utilising collective intelligence (CI) and scenario-based design (SBD) methodology, input was gathered from key stakeholders in medication adherence to gain insights into barriers to supporting people with multimorbidity who are receiving polypharmacy, strategies for overcoming these barriers, and user needs and requirements to inform the design of the e-learning tool.

Results: In total, 67 barriers to supporting people who are taking multiple medications were identified across 8 barrier categories. 162 options for overcoming the identified barriers were then generated. This data was used in the design of a flexible e-learning tool for continuous professional development, that has been integrated into general practice and clinical education programmes as a supportive tool.

Conclusions: Using CI and SBD methodology was an effective way of facilitating collaboration, idea-generation, and the co-creation of design solutions amongst a diverse group of stakeholders. This approach could be usefully applied to address other complex healthcare-related challenges.
JOÃOZINHO DA GOMÉIA E O INSTITUTO HISTÓRICO DA CMDC: ACERVO, MEMÓRIAS E PATRIMÔNIO.
Authors: Almeida Tania Maria da Silva Amaro de , Braz Antonio Augusto
Published: April 2021

O Instituto Histórico da Câmara Municipal de Duque de Caxias foi fundado em 1973. Desde então, tem se destacado na guarda do acervo histórico de Duque de Caxias e da Baixada Fluminense. Entre os mais de setenta mil itens documentais - reproduções fotográficas, documentos originais, livros e jornais -, o acervo do babalorixá Joãozinho da Goméia destaca-se entre publicações bibliográficas, reportagens de jornais, vestimentas e artefatos religiosos. A Revista Pilares da História, publicação editada pelo Instituto Histórico desde o ano 2002, conta com vários artigos sobre Joãozinho da Goméia, bem como o salão de exposições já contou com diferentes mostras artísticas e históricas sobre o mais famoso sacerdote das religiões afro-brasileiras da Baixada Fluminense. O presente artigo tem por objetivos identificar, descrever e problematizar o acervo guardado no Instituto Histórico, bem como os seus diferentes usos realizados pelos pesquisadores que buscam o IHCMDC para investigar sobre a trajetória e os diferentes aspectos da vida de Joãozinho da Goméia.
Direito e economia na defesa dos interesses transindividuais: uma análise dos recursos oriundos de infrações contra a ordem econômica
Authors: Nunes Geilson , Rossignoli Marisa
Published: April 2021

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo elucidar a importância do Fundo dos Direitos Difusos -FDD como instrumento econômico para o alcance de direitos e garantias constitucionais. Para atingir o objetivo inicialmente procurou-se estabelecer uma linha de relação entre o direito e a economia no contexto da Ordem Econômica, atentando para a questão do abuso do poder econômico e da infrações contra ela praticadas. Apresentou-se aspectos dos direitos transindividuais, os novos paradigmas e discussões doutrinárias sobre seus conceitos e titularidades. Para tanto, a teoria de Edilson Vitorelli e o estudo e análise dos dados de 2016 do Fundo dos Direitos Difusos foram referenciados. Como arcabouço teórico, optou-se por uma pesquisa bibliográfica com análise dos dados do FDD e da legislação, utilizando o método de pesquisa hipotpetico-dedutivo
Extensão universitária nos cursos de graduação em direito
Authors: Dias Renato Duro
Published: April 2021

Este artigo pretende abordar a curricularização da extensão nos Cursos de Graduação em Direito tendo como ponto de partida a recente Resolução nº 5 do CNE/CES, de 17 de dezembro de 2018, que instituiu as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Curso de Graduação em Direito. Neste sentido, a presente investigação, de abordagem qualitativa (BOGDAN e BIKLEN, 1994) e com análise de conteúdo (BARDIN, 2011), discute as principais políticas públicas para educação superior com foco na extensão universitária e a educação jurídica, procurando compreender os textos legais e os ciclos de políticas, bem como sua interferência no campo do direito.. Primeiramente, procura-se apresentar os marcos legais e conceituais da extensão universitária para a educação superior brasileira.  Num segundo momento, aborda-se a extensão universitária com ênfase na Resolução CNE/CES n° 9, de 29 de setembro de 2004, que instituiu as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Curso de Graduação em Direito. Ao final, problematiza-se os desafios e limites apresentados pela nova Resolução nº 5 do CNE/CES, de 17 de dezembro de 2018, procurando compreender quais os significados ali expressos e as potências que podem revelar a curricularização da extensão nos Cursos de Graduação em Direito no Brasil. Espera-se que o debate travado ao largo deste artigo possa servir de marco teórico inicial para uma discussão que envolva, sobretudo, pensar a formação do Bacharel em Direito a partir de uma perspectiva humanista, social e crítica.
The gastrointestinal system
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: April 2021

The gastrointestinal system is sometimes known as the digestive system or the alimentary canal. It is around 10m in length, travelling the length of the body; it begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. The main function of the digestive system is to convert food from what is eaten into a form that can be used by the cells of the body to enable them to perform their functions. This article offers readers an overview of the structure and function of the gastrointestinal system. Understanding the gastrointestinal system can help to provide care to a range of people in a range of environments, across the life span in a safe and effective way. The article includes a glossary of terms, along with a short quiz that is designed to test understanding and to aid recall.
Quantitative assessment of the vascularity of the skeletally immature patella: A cadaveric study using MRI
Authors: Gadinsky Naomi E. , Lin Kenneth M. , Klinger Craig E. , Dyke Jonathan P. , Kleeblad Laura J. , Shea Kevin G. , Helfet David L , Rodeo Scott A. , Green Daniel W. , Lazaro Lionel E.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

While predominant blood supply to the adult patella enters inferomedially, little is known about skeletally immature patellar perfusion. Improved knowledge of immature patella vascularity can further understanding of osteochondritis dissecans, dorsal defects of the patella and bipartite patella, and help ensure safe surgical approaches. We hypothesized that the immature patella would exhibit more uniform blood flow. The study purpose was to quantify immature patella regional perfusion in comparison with adults.

Methods

Ten cadaveric knees were utilized (five immature, five mature). The superficial femoral artery was cannulated proximally. Signal enhancement increases were compared from pre- to post-contrast MRI to assess relative arterial contributions to patella regions (quadrants, anterior/posterior, superior/inferior, medial/lateral, and outer/inner).

Results

Quantitative-MRI analysis revealed similar distribution of enhancement between the immature and mature patella. The inferior pole exhibited significantly higher arterial contribution versus superior pole in both immature and mature groups (p = 0.009; both groups), while the inferomedial quadrant had the highest arterial contribution of all quadrants in both groups. The superolateral quadrant demonstrated the lowest arterial contribution in the immature group and second lowest in the adult group. The patella outer periphery had significantly greater arterial contribution than the inner central region in both immature (p = 0.009) and mature (p = 0.009) groups.

Conclusion

Distribution of arterial contributions between the immature and mature patella was similar. Our results highlight the importance of inferior and inferomedial blood supply in both immature and mature patellas. These findings have implications for paediatric and adult patients; surgical damage to inferior patellar vessels should be avoided to prevent associated complications.
Relação entre coloração e atividade antibacteriana do mel da Bahia
Authors: Góes Nascimento Andrezza Lóren de , Benevides Raquel Guimarães
Published: April 2021

Honey is a material of varied consistency and color, produced by bees from material collected in flowers, the nectar. It has a complex chemical composition, which depends on several factors, mainly of botanical and climatic origin, and a color scale for honey has been established. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the color of 10 honey samples collected in the state of Bahia and their activity against three species of bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial potential was verified in all samples and a significant relationship between color and microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was obtained, reinforcing the hypothesis that darker honeys tend to have greater antibacterial potential.
Landslide susceptibility assessment along the Dubair-Dudishal section of the Karakoram Highway, Northwestern Himalayas, Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Javed
Published: April 2021

The primary objective of this study is to analyze and characterize landslides in North Pakistan along Karakoram Highway (KKH) to produce a landslide susceptibility map using GIS and remote sensing technology. Using satellite images followed by field investigations, spatial distribution of landslide database was generated. Next, an integrated study was undertaken in the study area to perform the landslide susceptibility mapping. Dubaur-Dudishal section of KKH (about 150 km) which is a part of Kohistan Island Arc, is investigated in this study with a buffer zone of about 8 km along both sides of the KKH. Several thematic maps, e.g., lithology, distance to faults, distance to streams, distance to roads, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), slope, aspect, elevation, relative relief, plan-curvature and profile-curvature were prepared. Subsequently, these thematic data layers were analyzed by frequency ratio (FR) model and weights-of-evidence (WoE) model to generate the landslide susceptibility maps. In order to check the accuracy of the models, the area under the curve (AUC) was to quantitatively compare the two models used in this study. The predictive ability of AUC values indicate that the success rates of FR model and WoE model are 0.807 and 0.866, whereas the prediction rates are 0.785 and 0.846, respectively. Both methods show that nearly 50 % landslides in the study area fall in either high or very high susceptibility zones. The landslide susceptibility maps presented in this study are of great importance to the policy makers and the engineers for highway construction as well as the mega dams construction projects (Dasu dam and Bhasha dam which lie within the vicinity of the study area); so that proper prevention as well as mitigation could be done in advance to avoid the possible economic as well as the human loss in future.