bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying Radiomics to Predict Pathology of Postchemotherapy Retroperitoneal Nodal Masses in Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Lewin Jeremy , Dufort Paul , Halankar Jaydeep , O’Malley Martin , Jewett Michael A.S. , Hamilton Robert J. , Gupta Abha , Lorenzo Armando , Traubici Jeffrey , Nayan Madhur , Leão Ricardo , Warde Padraig , Chung Peter , Anson Cartwright Lynn , Sweet Joan , Hansen Aaron R. , Metser Ur , Bedard Philippe L.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

After chemotherapy, approximately 50% of patients with metastatic testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) who undergo retroperitoneal lymph node dissections (RPNLDs) for residual masses have fibrosis. Radiomics uses image processing techniques to extract quantitative textures/features from regions of interest (ROIs) to train a classifier that predicts outcomes. We hypothesized that radiomics would identify patients with a high likelihood of fibrosis who may avoid RPLND.

Patients and Methods

Patients with GCT who had an RPLND for nodal masses > 1 cm after first-line platinum chemotherapy were included. Preoperative contrast-enhanced axial computed tomography images of retroperitoneal ROIs were manually contoured. Radiomics features (n = 153) were used to train a radial basis function support vector machine classifier to discriminate between viable GCT/mature teratoma versus fibrosis. A nested 10-fold cross-validation protocol was used to determine classifier accuracy. Clinical variables/restricted size criteria were used to optimize the classifier.

Results

Seventy-seven patients with 102 ROIs were analyzed (GCT, 21; teratoma, 41; fibrosis, 40). The discriminative accuracy of radiomics to identify GCT/teratoma versus fibrosis was 72 ± 2.2% (area under the curve [AUC], 0.74 ± 0.028); sensitivity was 56.2 ± 15.0%, and specificity was 81.9 ± 9.0% ( P = .001). No major predictive differences were identified when data were restricted by varying maximal axial diameters (AUC range, 0.58 ± 0.05 to 0.74 ± 0.03). The prediction algorithm using clinical variables alone identified an AUC of 0.76. When these variables were added to the radiomics signature, the best performing classifier was identified when axial masses were limited to diameter < 2 cm (accuracy, 88.2 ± 4.4; AUC, 0.80 ± 0.05; P = .02).

Conclusion

A predictive radiomics algorithm had a discriminative accuracy of 72% that improved to 88% when combined with clinical predictors. Additional independent validation is required to assess whether radiomics allows patients with a high predicted likelihood of fibrosis to avoid RPLND.
Positron Emission Tomography–Guided Therapy of Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (PETAL): A Multicenter, Randomized Phase III Trial
Authors: Dührsen Ulrich , Müller Stefan , Hertenstein Bernd , Thomssen Henrike , Kotzerke Jörg , Mesters Rolf , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Franzius Christiane , Kroschinsky Frank , Weckesser Matthias , Kofahl-Krause Dorothea , Bengel Frank M. , Dürig Jan , Matschke Johannes , Schmitz Christine , Pöppel Thorsten , Ose Claudia , Brinkmann Marcus , La Rosée Paul , Freesmeyer Martin , Hertel Andreas , Höffkes Heinz-Gert , Behringer Dirk , Prange-Krex Gabriele , Wilop Stefan , Krohn Thomas , Holzinger Jens , Griesshammer Martin , Giagounidis Aristoteles , Raghavachar Aruna , Maschmeyer Georg , Brink Ingo , Bernhard Helga , Haberkorn Uwe , Gaska Tobias , Kurch Lars , van Assema Daniëlle M.E. , Klapper Wolfram , Hoelzer Dieter , Geworski Lilli , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Scherag André , Bockisch Andreas , Rekowski Jan , Hüttmann Andreas ,   on behalf of the PETAL Trial Investigators
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Interim positron emission tomography (PET) using the tracer, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose, may predict outcomes in patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas. We assessed whether PET can guide therapy in patients who are treated with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP).

Patients and Methods

Newly diagnosed patients received two cycles of CHOP—plus rituximab (R-CHOP) in CD20-positive lymphomas—followed by a PET scan that was evaluated using the ΔSUVmax method. PET-positive patients were randomly assigned to receive six additional cycles of R-CHOP or six blocks of an intensive Burkitt’s lymphoma protocol. PET-negative patients with CD20-positive lymphomas were randomly assigned or allocated to receive four additional cycles of R-CHOP or the same treatment with two additional doses rituximab. The primary end point was event-free survival time as assessed by log-rank test.

Results

Interim PET was positive in 108 (12.5%) and negative in 754 (87.5%) of 862 patients treated, with statistically significant differences in event-free survival and overall survival. Among PET-positive patients, 52 were randomly assigned to R-CHOP and 56 to the Burkitt protocol, with 2-year event-free survival rates of 42.0% (95% CI, 28.2% to 55.2%) and 31.6% (95% CI, 19.3% to 44.6%), respectively (hazard ratio, 1.501 [95% CI, 0.896 to 2.514]; P = .1229). The Burkitt protocol produced significantly more toxicity. Of 754 PET-negative patients, 255 underwent random assignment (129 to R-CHOP and 126 to R-CHOP with additional rituximab). Event-free survival rates were 76.4% (95% CI, 68.0% to 82.8%) and 73.5% (95% CI, 64.8% to 80.4%), respectively (hazard ratio, 1.048 [95% CI, 0.684 to 1.606]; P = .8305). Outcome prediction by PET was independent of the International Prognostic Index. Results in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were similar to those in the total group.

Conclusion

Interim PET predicted survival in patients with aggressive lymphomas treated with R-CHOP. PET-based treatment intensification did not improve outcome.
RXR Ligands Modulate Thyroid Hormone Signaling Competence in Young Xenopus laevis Tadpoles
Authors: Mengeling Brenda J , Goodson Michael L , Furlow J David
Published: May 2018

Appropriate thyroid hormone (TH) signaling through thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) is essential for vertebrate development. Amphibian metamorphosis is initiated and sustained through the action of TH on TRs, which are conserved across vertebrates. TRs heterodimerize with retinoid X receptors (RXRs) on thyroid hormone response elements (TREs) in the genome; however, in most cell line and adult animal studies, RXR ligands do not affect expression of TR target genes. We used a quantitative, precocious metamorphosis assay to interrogate the effects of the RXR agonist bexarotene (Bex) and the RXR antagonist UVI 3003 (UVI) on T3-induced resorption phenotypes in Xenopus laevis tadpoles 1 week postfertilization. Bex potentiated gill and tail resorption, and UVI abrogated T3 action. These results held in transgenic tadpoles bearing a TRE-driven luciferase reporter. Therefore, we used poly-A-primed RNA sequencing transcriptomic analysis to determine their effects on T3-induced gene expression. We also assayed the environmental pollutant tributyltin (TBT), which is an RXR agonist. We found that the proteases that carry out resorption were potentiated by Bex and TBT but were not significantly inhibited by UVI. However, several transcription factors from multiple families (sox4, fosl2, mxd1, mafb, nfib) were all inhibited by UVI and potentiated by Bex and TBT. All required T3 for induction. Time course analysis of gene expression showed that although the agonists could potentiate within 12 hours, the antagonist response lagged. These data indicate that the agonists and antagonist are not necessarily functioning through the same mechanism and suggest that RXR liganding may modulate TH competence in metamorphic signaling.
Transfection of Capsaspora owczarzaki, a close unicellular relative of animals
Authors: Parra-Acero Helena , Ros-Rocher Núria , Perez-Posada Alberto , Kożyczkowska Aleksandra , Sánchez-Pons Núria , Nakata Azusa , Suga Hiroshi , Najle Sebastián R. , Ruiz-Trillo Iñaki
Published: May 2018

How animals emerged from their unicellular ancestor remains a major evolutionary question. New genome data from the closest unicellular relatives of animals have provided important insights into the evolution of animal multicellularity. We know that the unicellular ancestor of animals had an unexpectedly complex genetic repertoire, including many genes that are key to animal development and multicellularity. Thus, assessing the function of these genes among unicellular relatives of animals is key to understanding how they were co-opted at the onset of the Metazoa. However, such analyses have been hampered by the lack of genetic tools. Progress has been made in choanoflagellates and teretosporeans, two of the three lineages closely related to animals, whereas no tools are yet available for functional analysis in the third lineage: the filastereans. Importantly, filastereans have a striking repertoire of genes involved in transcriptional regulation and other developmental processes. Here, we describe a reliable transfection method for the filasterean Capsaspora owczarzaki. We also provide a set of constructs for visualising subcellular structures in live cells. These tools convert Capsaspora into a unique experimentally tractable organism to use to investigate the origin and evolution of animal multicellularity.
Niche-mediated BMP/SMAD signaling regulates lung alveolar stem cell proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Chung Mei-I , Bujnis Melissa , Barkauskas Christina E. , Kobayashi Yoshihiko , Hogan Brigid L. M.
Published: May 2018

The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway, including antagonists, functions in lung development and regeneration of tracheal epithelium from basal stem cells. Here, we explore its role in the alveolar region, where type 2 epithelial cells (AT2s) and Pdgfrα+ type 2-associated stromal cells (TASCs) are components of the stem cell niche. We use organoids and in vivo alveolar regrowth after pneumonectomy (PNX) – a process that requires proliferation of AT2s and differentiation into type 1 cells (AT1s). BMP signaling is active in AT2s and TASCs, transiently declines post-PNX in association with upregulation of antagonists, and is restored during differentiation of AT2s to AT1s. In organoids, BMP4 inhibits AT2 proliferation, whereas antagonists (follistatin, noggin) promote AT2 self-renewal at the expense of differentiation. Gain- and loss-of-function genetic manipulation reveals that reduced BMP signaling in AT2s after PNX allows self-renewal but reduces differentiation; conversely, increased BMP signaling promotes AT1 formation. Constitutive BMP signaling in Pdgfrα+ cells reduces their AT2 support function, both after PNX and in organoid culture. Our data reveal multiple cell-type-specific roles for BMP signaling during alveolar regeneration.
Functional analysis of Hsh155/SF3b1 interactions with the U2 snRNA/branch site duplex
Authors: Carrocci Tucker J. , Paulson Joshua C. , Hoskins Aaron A.
Published: May 2018

SF3b1 is an essential component of the U2 snRNP implicated in branch site (BS) recognition and found to be frequently mutated in several human cancers. While recent structures of yeast and human SF3b1 have revealed its molecular architecture, the importance of specific RNA:protein contacts and conformational changes remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we performed mutational analysis of yeast SF3b1, guided by recent structures of the spliceosome. We find that conserved amino acids contacting the U2 snRNA backbone of the U2/BS duplex are nonessential, and that yeast can tolerate truncation of the HEAT repeats containing these amino acids. The pocket housing the branchpoint adenosine (BP-A) is also amenable to mutation despite strong conservation. However, mutations that support viability can still lead to defects in splicing pre-mRNAs with nonconsensus BS substitutions found at −3, −2, −1, and +1 positions relative to the BP-A or at the branchpoint position. Through the generation of yeast and human chimeric proteins, we further defined the functionally conserved regions of Hsh155 as well as identify changes in BS usage resulting from inclusion of human SF3b1 HEAT repeats. Moreover, these chimeric proteins confer a sensitivity to small molecule inhibition by pladienolide B to yeast splicing. Together, these data reveal the importance of individual contacts of Hsh155/SF3b1 to the U2/BS duplex and define their contribution to BS usage by the spliceosome.
Heavy-Traffic Limit of theGI/GI/1 Stationary Departure Process and Its Variance Function
Authors: Whitt Ward , You Wei
Published: May 2018

Heavy-traffic limits are established for the stationary departure process from a GI/GI/1 queue and its variance function. The limit process is a function of the Brownian motion limits of the arrival and service processes plus the stationary reflected Brownian motion (RBM) limit of the queue-length process. An explicit expression is given for the variance function, which depends only on the first two moments of the interarrival times and service times plus the previously determined correlation function of canonical (drift −1, diffusion coefficient 1) RBM. The limit for the variance function here is used to show that the approximation for the index of dispersion for counts of the departure process used in our new robust queueing network analyzer is asymptotically correct in the heavy-traffic limit.
On the Approximation Error of Mean-Field Models
Authors: Ying Lei
Published: May 2018

Mean-field models have been used to study large-scale and complex stochastic systems, such as large-scale data centers and dense wireless networks, using simple deterministic models (dynamical systems). This paper analyzes the approximation error of mean-field models for continuous-time Markov chains (CTMCs) and focuses on mean-field models that are represented as finite-dimensional dynamical systems with a unique equilibrium point. By applying Stein’s method and the perturbation theory, the paper shows that under some mild conditions, if the mean-field model is globally asymptotically stable and locally exponentially stable, the mean-square difference between the stationary distribution of the stochastic system of size M (i.e., with M nodes/particles) and the equilibrium point of the corresponding mean-field system is O(1/M). The result of this paper establishes a general theorem for establishing the convergence and the approximation error (i.e., the rate of convergence) of a large class of CTMCs to their mean-field limits by mainly looking into the stability of the mean-field model, which is a deterministic system and is often easier to analyze than the CTMCs. Two applications of mean-field models in data center networks are presented to demonstrate the novelty of our results.
da necessidade de interrogar o pensamento: gestos sobre a infância no tempo escolar
Authors: Marques Luciana Pacheco , Oliveira Cristiane elvira De assis , Santos Núbia Schaper
Published: May 2018

We present in this article a discussion about gestures produced from the childhood entry in the interface with the experience of school time. It is a discussion woven inside the center for studies and research in education in particular, the times group of the faculty of education of the federal university of Juiz de Fora/MG. Throughout history, time has been discussed in various ways and still is, as well as childhood, conceptually constructed as a result of social, political, religious, and cultural influences. In the attempt to "start thinking", we ask ourselves about what theoretical formulations have been based on childhood at the interface with school time in the field of education? We defend the central thesis that childhood, in a western cut, has been presented in productions still as social time. It is a recent movement to consider childhood as an event, experience, as opposed to the idea of childhood as the stage of life. As a result, considering infancy related to the tension between social time and time as intensity of the present, implies the need for pedagogical gestures that think this tension and, thus, consider the children of the current, narrowing their relations with the school, with knowledge and with life. To enlighten the issues sewn from our concerns, we chose authors such as Agamben, Leal, Bakhtin/Volochinov, Kohan, Vieira, Bento and Meneghel, Kramer, Borba, who focused on childhood and education. In order to problematize the time category, we dialogued with St. Augustine, Oliveira, Marques C. and Marques L, Skliar. The reading of our interlocutors and our listening with/to the school could subsidize the thought that we can invent ways not only imagined as possible with the perspective of reflecting time, childhood, experience and school on other bases. The interrogation, not the conviction, enables the sense of knowledge in the materiality of our practices, produced inside/outside the university. These are underprivileged subjects in curriculum matrices and disciplines that address the issue of children, their childhoods and temporalities.
infâncias e formação docente: gestos, sentidos e começos
Authors: Lima Camila Machado de
Published: May 2018

The present text is an essay on childhood and teacher education, making approximations and meetings that put in question the school, the education, the teaching, the time. Childhood is not considered a category of chronological time, but an establishing force of possibility, impossibility, questions, interruptions. Childhood is affirmed beyond an age, understood as existence, life, embodied in any body and in another temporality. It is interesting to ask about the childhoods that go through the teacher formation and, perhaps, think not only how we form childhood, but how childhood forms us. How do they potencialize teachers work? Under what conditions do these childhoods arise? Is the teacher becoming a maturation of childhood, childhood or childhood? What gestures tear and explode with the ways we get used to being with the children and the ways we are used to becoming teachers? These questions have accompanied me in the challenge of devoting sensitivity, attention and listening to the senses emanating from childhood, and the childhood that emanates from the senses, in the exercise of being a teacher of Early Childhood Education. Therefore, this work is inspired by the childhoods of children of the Secondary Education of Pedro II College, in childhoods of my teaching with these subjects, in beginnings, openings and beginnings that potentiate to inhabit the school and become a teacher in a childish way.
a very crazy trip: some considerations about words researched by childhoods
Authors: Costa Luciano Bedin da , Borges Joelma De vargas , Azzolin Rita De cássia nunes
Published: May 2018

This paper is based on philosophical experiments carried out with students of public schools and a federal university, taking writing as a mobilizing verb for thought, learning and "very crazy trips". it presents estátuas de nuvens: dicionário de palavras pesquisadas por infâncias” e “inspiradores de mundos”, two books organized by a research-extension group focused on childhood and philosophy. from the books are extracted fragments to think the work of the childhood next to these students, to infantes writers from 2 to 95 years old. beyond a stage of life, childhood is understood here as a power of the unheard, as that which does not yet speak before so many great words. words, when researched by childhood, become potentially succulent and somewhat riskier. more than saying things, words are understood here as surface so that things can slide and with them, the world itself. writing is here assumed as a power of encounter, an event that actualizes networks of friendship and which, together with the small and great infantes writers, triggers other relations with the other and with themselves. the paper presents some photographic images that, in addition to representing or illustrating the lived experiences, intend to elicit the excursion of the sense and other derivations.
Barriers to implementing the Sepsis Six guidelines in an acute hospital setting
Authors: Breen Sarah-Jane , Rees Sharon
Published: May 2018

Aim:

To identify the barriers to implementation of the Sepsis Six pathway.

Background:

Research has suggested that compliance with the Sepsis Six pathway remains low.

Methods:

A convenience sample of doctors and nurses from one emergency department, two medical wards and two surgical wards were asked to complete a survey questionnaire.

Results:

Data from 108 respondents were available for analysis. Doctors and nurses agreed that lack of sepsis recognition during observation rounds and failure to associate sepsis with deranged temperature and blood results acted as barriers to the identification of sepsis. Doctors and nurses agreed that nursing delays and knowledge deficits were the top barriers leading to delay in sepsis treatment.

Conclusion:

Knowledge deficits, lack of resources and practical issues were barriers identified in this survey. This will inform the educational and process needs of both doctors and nurses in order to improve sepsis care.
Developing a pain assessment tool for patients after major abdominal surgery
Authors: Wahila Ruth , Odimba Etienne , Ngoma Catherine
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to develop a pain assessment tool for use among postoperative patients in Zambia (Postoperative Pain Assessment tool for Zambia, or POPAZ). Phase 1 of this project was an epidemiological quantitative analytical study conducted at the University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka in Zambia. The sample comprised of 30 nurses and surgeons who were actively involved in providing direct patient care to post-surgical patients. An adapted Clinical Decision Making Survey tool was used to collect the data. The study revealed five relevant measures of postoperative pain: patient mobility/activity, level of tolerance to activity, facial expressions, vital signs and overall patient behaviour. The findings of this phase have thus provided a framework for the development of a postoperative pain assessment tool that can be used with postsurgical patients following major abdominal surgery.
Hydrothermal Experiments Reveal the Influence of Organic Matter on Smectite Illitization
Authors: Cai Jingong , Du Jiazong , Chen Zewen , Lei Tianzhu , Zhu Xiaojun
Published: May 2018

Smectite illitization is an important diagenetic phenomenon of mudstones, but only rarely has the influence of organic matter (OM) on this process been examined. In the present study, hydrothermal experiments were conducted with smectite (M1, total organic carbon (TOC) <0.3%) and a smectite and N,N-dimethylhexadecylamine (16DMA) complex (M2, TOC >1%). X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and organic carbon analyses were employed to characterize the mineralogy and OM of the samples and the effect of OM on smectite illitization. The XRD patterns showed changes in clay mineral parameters with increased temperature. These changes varied in both M1 and M2 and indicated a difference in the degree of smectite illitization. Moreover, the OM in M2 was mainly adsorbed in smectite interlayers, the OM was largely desorbed/decomposed at temperatures above 350°C, and the OM was the main reason for differences in the degree of smectite illitization between M1 and M2. Bulk mineral composition, elemental content, and infrared absorption band intensities were changed with increased temperature (especially above 350°C). This indicated the formation of new minerals (e.g., ankerite). Overall, OM entered the interlayer space of smectite in M2 and delayed the exchange of K+ by interlayer cations, and thus, suppressed the transformation of smectite to illite and resulted in differences in smectite illitization of M1 and M2. In particular, the formation of CO2 after the decomposition of OM at temperatures above 300°C led to the formation of ankerite in M2. This demonstrated the effect of organic-inorganic interactions on smectite illitization and mineral formation. The disparities in smectite illitization between M1 andM2, therefore, were linked to differences in the mineral formation mechanisms of a water-rock system (M1) and a water-rock-OM system (M2) in natural environments. The insights obtained in the present study should be of high importance in understanding organic-mineral interactions, hydrocarbon generation, and the carbon cycle.
Out of Sync: Complex Temporality in Transgender Men’s YouTube Transition Channels
Authors: Eckstein Ace J.
Published: May 2018

Since 2006, transgender men have been using YouTube to document their physical transition. Building on queer temporality scholarship and the concept of transing, this article analyzes the temporality of these YouTube transition channels. Two key temporal strands—asynchrony and temporal entanglements—constitute a complex temporality in these transition channels. This complex temporality of transition undermines a linear understanding of transition through the entanglement of past, present, and future embodiment. In disrupting a linear model that positions passing as the telos of transition, a complex temporality of transition resists aggrandizing cis standards of gender and embodiment and allows for transgender experiences to be understood apart from these hegemonic ideals.
Paralympians competing in the olympic games and the potential implications for the paralympic games
Authors: Mataruna-Dos-Santos Leonardo Jose , Guimaraes-Mataruna Andressa Fontes , Range Daniel
Published: May 2018

The 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, held in Rio de Janeiro, reignited public interest and discussion around Paralympic athletes attempting to qualify for, and compete at, the Olympic Games. That Paralympians have sought to compete at the Olympic Games is, however, not new. This paper looks at the largely unrecognised and often underreported history of Paralympians competing at the Olympic Games and addresses why it is that Paralympians may wish to compete at the Olympic Games. To do this we use historical examples, but also look at the contemporary cases of 3 such athletes: Jason Smyth, Alan Fonteles Cardoso and Markus Rehm. The paper also explores whether or not with advances in medical and prosthetic technologies, as well as potentially increased income and funding, we can expect to see more Paralympians attempting to crossover and compete in the Olympic Games in the future. The methodology used is one of qualitative case studies. The research question was: "What can be learned from the media coverage of Smyth, Oliveira and Rehm’s attempts to qualify for the Olympic Games?” We identify the type of editorial (political, social, cultural, sportive, educational, economic or gossip column); whether or not pictures were used (type of approach - sportive, personal or disability) and the narrative interpretations. We argue that how newspapers choose to report on the aims of Paralympians wishing to compete in the Olympics and the level of coverage that they receive it important. This level of depth of coverage suggests both positive and negative implications for the Paralympic Games, should this trend of athletes wishing to crossover continue.
“Twittando” sobre os jogos paralímpicos Rio/2016: uma análise do sentimento paralímpico sob o ponto de vista de internautas
Authors: Santos Silvan Menezes dos , Fermino Antonio Luis , Poffo Bianca Natalia , Seara Eliton Clayton Rufino
Published: May 2018

Paralympic sport over the years has been gaining visibility in the different media, and along with this growth, the participation of the public as consumer and producer of information is also highlighted by the interaction allowed through the digital convergence. The purpose of this study was to characterize the contents that were produced and circulated about the sport and paralympic athletes during the opening and closing of the JP of Rio / 2016 on the social network Twitter. We conducted an observational and descriptive research based on the official hashtags of the open channel Tv Brasil and the cable channel Sportv, official stations of the megaevento (#vemprapara and #jogosparalimpicosnoSportv, respectively), during the previous days and the days of the opening and closure ceremonies of the JP, on 06, 07, 17 and 18 of september of 2016. We conclude that the postings revealed a sense of emotion, affection and enchantment, or recognition of athletes' abilities and skills, as well as a critique of the formatting of paralympic sport as a space of inclusion and accessibility.
O projeto paradesportivo de Sergipe e o legado social para as pessoas com deficiência
Authors: Haiachi Marcelo De Castro , Kumakura Roberta Santos , Zoboli Fábio , Oliveira Ailton Fernando Santana de
Published: May 2018

This research aims to identify and cognize the contributions of the Sergipe Paralympic Sport Project (PPdSE), which is provide by Federal University of Sergipe (UFS) to athletes with eficiency. Four major groups were categorized, sporting practice (1), social and inclusive visibility (2), overcoming the deficient body through technological apparatuses (3), and inclusion by income (4), as a form of empowerment. In order to achieve this goal, the qualitative analysis method was adopted using a semi-structured interview, which involved five athletes participating in the UFS extension project for over a year. As a historical context, we assume that the Brazilian universities have as principle three alicerces (teaching, research and extension) as an interlaced approach to promote actions that may impact the communities of their environment. In this way, extension projects represent a powerful tool for professional development (supervised learning) as well as an opportunity to research and promote sports practices in their various dimensions or interests, whether through Agon (disputes, competitions) or Aratê (identified as what enables a person to live well or succeed). Therefore, these sports practices offer opportunities to acquire life skills and achieve higher levels of personal achievement, both as an athlete and as a participatory and responsible citizen. The results found that PPdSE participants improved their motor skills, muscle tone, self-esteem and confidence, improved sociability, and improved their ability to take on their own decisions.
Nutritional and sleep profile description in people with physical disabilities athletes and sedentary subjects
Authors: Pereira Marcela Nicole , Romano Camila Gomes Pinto , Esteves Andrea Maculano
Published: May 2018

The researches shows that the engagement of people with physical disability in physical activity programs added to food planning suitable can minimize as trauma sequelae and related diseases development risk. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to describe and compare the eating habits and sleeping patterns of physical disabilities, both practitioners of physical activity and the sedentary. A total of 29 volunteers participated in the study (from 22 to 73 years old), distributed among the groups: physical exercise / athletes (17) and sedentary (12). Were applied questionnaires relating to eating habits and physical exercise practice, quality of sleep and the chronotype. The results showed that the athletes presented better sleep efficiency in relation to the sedentary ones, in addition, the athletes with moderate morning profile presented better efficiency compared to afternoon. The sedentary group presented a score indicating an alteration in the sleep pattern by the Pittsburgh questionnaire. It can be noted that 100% of sedentary patients reported using medications on a daily basis, and their main use was for the Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The eating habits of sedentary showed up with higher nutritional quality than athletes. In this context, we can see that the practice of physical exercise was relevant, presenting positive effects on the well-being and sleep pattern of the population that practiced it. New studies in this area are important to identify difficulties and physical changes in people with physical disabilities, and thus improve the quality of life.
Energy availability in female athletes with disabilities: a narrative review
Authors: Juzwiak Claudia Ridel , Joaquim Daniel Paduan , Winckler Ciro
Published: May 2018

Research on female athletes has increased, with the main focus on Low Energy Availability (LEA) and Female Athlete Triad (TRIAD), however there is a gap in knowledge about LEA and related conditions such as eating disorder, menstrual dysfunction and bone health in athletes with disabilities. The literature suggests that those athletes, depending on the type of disability, have a higher risk of developing LEA. In this way, the objective of this review is to describe the impact of LEA on health and performance of female athletes, with special focus on athletes with disabilities. A narrative review of the literature was conducted using as search terms LEA and TRIAD components - bone health and menstrual dysfunction - in female athletes. The narrative review yielded 24 studies on the subject, of those, 10 original studies, in which LEA was diagnosed in female athletes, only one referring to athletes with disabilities. Literature indicates the complexity in estimating EA, since the methods used to determine its components may present inaccuracies, especially for athletes with disabilities. Further researched is needed to assess EA in female athletes, especially with disabilities, as well as the improvement of EA's assessment and screening methods.
Different views on sport for people with disabilities: challenges, innovations and reality
Authors: Haiachi Marcelo De Castro , Barros Victor F. A. , Patatas Jacqueline Martins , Mello Júlio Brugnara
Published: May 2018

Research on people with disabilities can create, per times, strangeness and discomfort. However, it is necessary to encourage and bring to the fore debates about how the lives of people with disabilities in society are thought. In this sense, this special issue brings to our readers original articles on relevant topics in health sciences and sports for people with disabilities. Within this large area, the reader can go through themes such as: public policies for people with disabilities; social and sports programs for people with disabilities; physical activity and health for people with disabilities; high performance sports for people with disabilities; technological innovations in favour of new teaching-learning processes for people with disabilities; universities and their role in training human resources to work with people with disabilities; disabilities, women and sports; the media's view on the disability and the para-athlete; and the social legacy of the sport for people with disabilities. In this section we also bring a presentation of the Brazilian Journal of Education, Technology and Society (BRAJETS) and its main evaluation processes for the publication of scientific articles. We invite all our readers to check out this special issue which was prepared and written by researchers and professors with expertise in sport to people with disabilities studies. We wish you an enjoyable reading!
Metodologia de projeto ergonômico aplicada ao desenvolvimento de bancos de arremesso de atletas paralímpicos brasileiros
Authors: Guimarães Carla Patricia , Oliveira Marcio Ribeiro , Silva Marcos Garamvölgyi , Lamosa José Luiz
Published: May 2018

The objective of this article was to present and describe the project methodology implemented in the development of five throwing frames for paralympic athletes. The process was divided into project different phases / stages, which, although following a logical sequence of development, include activities performed simultaneously. The athletes and technicians were invited to participate in technical meetings with the research group at INT. These technical meetings were held throughout the project, so that athletes and their technicians could interact with the project team of the Three-Dimensional Models Laboratories (LAMOT) and Ergonomics Laboratory (LABER) athe Industrial Design Division at the National Institute of Technology. 3D motion captured and laser scanning captured with 1D anthropometric measurements were collected in order to provide information to the bank usability designer and anthropometric dimensions of the athletes. With this information, the LAMOT / DVDI project team developed project alternatives that were presented to the athletes and technicians. The chosen project frame alternative allowed greater rigidity to the seat. Athletes participated in all subsequent stages of prototype development and final testing in use. The conclusion was that the methodology provided a logical and comprehensible structuring of the product development process for all the actors involved in the project, even from different areas of activity, and thus, could contribute in a harmonic and productive way to the final result.
Reprodutibilidade e aplicabilidade de um método para avaliação do momento de inércia para testes de esforço em um dinamômetro para cadeiras de rodas
Authors: Oliveira Saulo Fernandes Melo de , Bione Afonso Augusto Guimarães , Oliveira Lúcia Inês Guedes Leite de , Costa Manoel Da Cunha
Published: May 2018

In order to test of a method for evaluating the moment of inertia in a wheelchair dynamometer, with 24h of difference, two evaluators performed the calibration procedure with known mass increments on both sides (right and left) of the prototype. Then, 6 healthy male subjects (weight: average= 67.14 ± standard deviation=4.41kg; height: average=1.73 ± standard deviation=4.41m), performed sprint protocol at maximum speed for 20s. The moment of inertia values determined by the experimental model were compared with the MI calculated by the theoretical model. In addition, the power values determined using the experimental model were compared with those calculated by the theoretical model. The results of the Bland-Altman plot and the intraclass correlation coefficient showed excellent intra-reproducibility results (r = 0.94, evaluator A; and 0.92, evaluator B; p
A contribuição da mídia na construção dos ídolos paralímpicos brasileiros
Authors: Cardoso Vinícius Denardin , Haiachi Marcelo De Castro , Poffo Bianca Natália , Velasco Amanda Paola , Gaya Adroaldo Cezar Araujo
Published: May 2018

The Brazilian paralympic sport is living a moment of sporting highlight because of their recent achievements: eigth place in the Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games 2016 and leader for three consecutive editions of the Para-PanAmerican Games (2007, 2011, 2015). These results makes Brazil as been viewed how a world paralympic power. The media can contribute to the country remain in this status, not only the visibility of great athletes, but also so that more people know the Paralympic sport and are encouraged to join the sport. Thus, this essay aims to reflect on the influence of the media in the creation and construction of Brazilian Paralympic idols from the years 2000 to the Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games in 2016. It has a qualitative approach with exploratory and descriptive procedures. Through theoretical reflection with literature, the text seeks to provide some relevant discussions and reflections on the subject. Since 2000s the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) has invested in the coverage of the Paralympic sports, and this initiative has generated positive results for the country, since many idols have been created and contribute to the emergence of new Paralympic generations.
Comprehension of climatic and occupational heat stress amongst agricultural advisers and workers in Slovenia
Authors: POGAČAR Tjaša , ČREPINŠEK Zalika , KAJFEŽ BOGATAJ Lučka , NYBO Lars
Published: May 2018

Climate changes and the associated higher frequency of heat waves in Middle-European countries will aggravate occupational heat stress experienced by Slovenian workers. Appropriate behavioral adaptations are important coping strategies and it is pertinent to establish if knowledge among advisers and workers is sufficient and identify the symptoms experienced by workers. Therefore a survey including 230 farmers and 86 agricultural advisers was completed. Thermal comfort ranged from hot to extremely hot for 85 ± 5 % of farmers working outside and heat stress had a negative impact on well-being (74 ± 6 %), productivity (68 ± 6 %) and concentration (34 ± 6 %). Reported symptoms were excessive sweating (84 ± 5 %), thirst (81 ± 5 %), and tiredness (59 ± 6 %). Women had a higher prevalence of headache (64 ± 10 %) compared to males (47 ± 8 %), higher frequency of fatigue (69 ± 10 vs 56 ± 8 %), and incidents with nausea or vomiting (19 ± 8 vs 9 ± 5 %). 81 ± 4 % of the responders reported that more time is required to complete tasks when the weather is hot. Nevertheless, 61 ± 6 % of farmers have never been informed of the impacts of heat stress and 29 ± 10 % of the agricultural advisers does not include this information in their guidance. This emphasizes the need for increased information and implementation of feasible solutions to mitigate the negative impact of heat stress on workers in the agricultural sector.
Effect of salinity on Brassica rapa var. toria (BRSRT) under selenium defence: A trial to assess the protective role of selenium
Authors: SAO Akanksha , SARAF Priya , BAGCHI Divya
Published: May 2018

The present study assesses the role of selenium, an antioxidant in salt-stressed plants. A hydroponic trial of sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) on the growth, oxidative stress and antioxidant protection system of Brassica rapa var. toria (BRSRT) plant was studied. 40 µmol and 100 µmol of Na2SeO4 were hydroponically applied to BRSRT roots with 50 mmol and 100 mmol sodium chloride (NaCl) for 12 days. Plant growth, biomass production and photosynthetic pigments at 100 mmol salt stress was inhibited while oxidative stress indicators, for example, hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation were stimulated. Supplementation of 40 µmol Na2SeO4 with 50 mmol and 100 mmol NaCl improved growth, photosynthetic pigments and acted as an antioxidant by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and increasing superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase activities. The in-gel assays also showed enhanced activities of these enzymes. At 100 µmol concentration, selenium under salt stress, repressed growth and expression of antioxidant enzymes and stimulated oxidative stress with enhanced glutathione peroxidase activity. Under consolidated stress treatment, an addition of 40 µmol Na2SeO4 was the most effective for both NaCl concentrations. The finding reveals that the optimal selenium supplementation presents a promising potential for use in conditions of relatively high levels of NaCl stress for BRSRT seedlings.
A comparative study of using a wooden storage box and storage platform for white yam tuber storage
Authors: AKPENPUUN Timothy , AKINYEMI Banjo , OYESOMI Tayo
Published: May 2018

The study was undertaken to evaluate the performances of an experimental box and platform, as storage structures for white yam tubers (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.). The criteria used for evaluation were the degree of mass loss during storage, tuber sprouting and rotting during the 20 weeks storageperiod: March - June 2015. Measurements of temperatures and relative humidity of the storage environment were taken three times daily during the period. Mass loss in each tuber was measured weekly while sprouts were removed from tubers weekly. Results show that the average temperature and relative humidity in the experimental box were 29.7 °C and 78.6 % respectively, while for the platform, they were 30.7 °C and 76.5 %., respectively. Rotting was completely absent on tubers in both storage approaches. White yam tubers stored in the box exhibited a cumulative mass loss of 9 %, while on the platform, it was15.0 %. The experimental box performed better in respect to mass loss and nutritional composition.
Changes in dry matter, protein percentage and organic matter of soybean-oat and groundnut-oat intercropping in different growth stages in Jilin province, China
Authors: YONG Yang , HU Yue-gao , SHAHRAJABIAN Mohamad Hesam , REN Chang-zhong , GUO Lai-chun , WANG Chun-long , ZENG Zhao-hai
Published: May 2018

One of the most important and sustainable cropping practice is intercropping. The study was conducted under field conditions in the arid Horqine sandy land in Baicheng District, Jilin Province, Northern China in 2011. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used. Treatments comprised different mono cropping and intercropping patterns, TO: sole cropping of oat, TOS-O: oat in the intercropping of oat and soybean, TOG-O: oat in the intercropping of oat and groundnut, TS: sole cropping of soybean, TOS-S: soybean in intercropping of oat and soybean, TG: sole cropping of groundnut, TOG-G: groundnut in the intercropping of oat and groundnut. In mono-cropping systems, oat mono-cropping obtained the highest dry matter and nitrogen accumulation in all growth stages. The maximum protein percentage in all stages except for ripening stage, were for groundnut mono-cropping. Although, the maximum organic matter in ripening stage was achieved in mono-cropping of soybean, the highest one in other stages was related to groundnut mono-cropping. In intercropping patterns, oat in oat-groundnut obtained the highest dry matter in all stages. The highest value of protein percentage and organic matter in heading stage, grain filling stage, and grain dough stage was achieved in groundnut in oat-groundnut intercropping. Furthermore, the maximum value of protein percentage and organic matter in booting stage and ripening stage was related to soybean in oat-soybean intercropping. The results of this study clearly indicate that intercropping oat and groundnut affects the growth rate of the individual species in mixtures as well as the dry matter yield and nitrogen accumulation. This information can help in the adaptation of oat- intercrops for increased forage production in new cropping systems.
Effect of different concentrations of saffron corm and leaf residue on the early growth of arugula, chickpea and fenugreek under greenhouse conditions
Authors: FALLAHI Hamid-Reza , AGHHAVANI-SHAJARI Mahsa , BRANCA Ferdinando , DAVARZANI Javad
Published: May 2018

In this study the effect of different concentrations of leaf (LR) and corm residue (CR) of saffron on seedling growth of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and arugula (Eruca sativa Mill.) as three potential companion crops for saffron were investigated under greenhouse condition. The experimental treatments were four concentrations (0.5, 1.5, 3 and 6 %) together with no residue treatment of LR and CR were arranged in completely randomized design. Results showed that the highest emergence percentage of chickpea was obtained at LR concentration of 6 %. Chickpea shoot length and mass had an increasing trend with increase in concentrations of saffron CR. LR and CR of saffron only at concentration of 3 and 6 % reduced the emergence percentage and emergence rate of fenugreek, but all concentration of CR and LR had no negative effect on length and mass of shoot. Saffron residue imposed a slight inhibitory effect on emergence percent and emergence rate of arugula, while had it a positive effect on some seedling growth characters especially root dry mass. Hence, three tested crops can be recommended as potential candidates to be associated with the saffron, although, the growth response of selected plants was dose-dependent and somewhat different.