bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal location for continuous catheter analgesia among the femoral triangle, proximal, or distal adductor canal after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Lee Bora , Park Sang Jun , Park Kwan Kyu , Kim Hee Jung , Lee Yong Suk , Choi Yong Seon
Published: February 2022

Background

Pain management after total knee arthroplasty is essential to improve early mobilization, rehabilitation, and recovery. Continuous adductor canal (AC) block provides postoperative analgesia while preserving quadriceps strength. However, there have been inconsistencies regarding the optimal location for continuous catheter block. We compared continuous femoral triangle, proximal AC, and distal AC blocks for postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty.

Methods

Patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomly assigned to three groups: femoral triangle, proximal AC, or distal AC. The surgeon performed periarticular local anesthetic infiltration. After surgery, an ultrasound-guided perineural catheter insertion procedure was performed. The primary endpoint was pain scores at rest in the morning on the first postoperative day. Secondary endpoints included pain scores at rest and during activity at other time points, quadriceps strength, and opioid consumption.

Results

Ninety-five patients, 32 in the femoral triangle group, 31 in the proximal AC group, and 32 in the distal AC group, completed the study. Analysis of the primary outcome showed no significant difference in pain scores among groups. Secondary outcomes showed significantly lower pain scores at rest and during activity in the distal AC group than in the femoral triangle and proximal AC groups in the morning of the second postoperative day. Quadriceps strength and opioid consumption did not differ among groups.

Conclusions

Continuous femoral triangle, proximal AC, and distal AC blocks in the setting of periarticular local anesthetic infiltration provide comparable postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty.

Trial registration number

NCT04206150.
Natural variation in snow depth and snow melt timing in the High Arctic have implications for soil and plant nutrient status and vegetation composition
Authors: Moriana-Armendariz Mikel , Nilsen Lennart , Cooper Elisabeth J.
Published: February 2022

Snow cover is a key component in Arctic ecosystems and will likely be affected by changes in winter precipitation. Increased snow depth and consequent later snowmelt leads to greater microbial mineralization in winter, improving soil and vegetation nutrient status. We studied areas with naturally differing snow depths and date of snowmelt in Adventdalen, Svalbard. Soil properties, plant leaf nutrient status, and species composition along with the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were compared for three snowmelt regimes (Early, Mid, and Late). We showed that (1) Late regimes (snow beds) had wetter soils, higher pH, and leaves of Bistorta vivipara (L.) Delarbre and Salix polaris Wahlenb. had higher concentration of nutrients (nitrogen and δ15N). Little to no difference was found in soil nutrient concentrations between snowmelt regimes. (2) Late regimes had highest NDVI values, whereas those of Early and Mid regimes were similar. (3) Vegetation composition differed between Early and Late regimes, with Dryas octopetala L. and Luzula arcuata subsp. confusa (Lange) characterizing the former and Equisetum arvense L. and Eriophorum scheuchzeri Hoppe the latter. (4) Trends for plant nutrient contents were similar to those found in a nearby snow manipulation experiment. Snow distribution and time of snowmelt played an important role in determining regional environmental heterogeneity, patchiness in plant community distribution, their species composition, and plant phenology.
Petrography, chemical composition, and age constraints of mafic intrusions from the Mesoproterozoic Soisson Intrusive Suite in the southeastern Churchill Province (Canada)
Authors: Sappin A.-A. , Houlé M.G. , Corrigan D. , Bédard M.-P. , Rayner N. , Wodicka N. , Brind’Amour-Côté C.
Published: February 2022

Several kilometre-scale gabbroic intrusions with well-preserved cumulate textures occur over a ∼180 km northwest–southeast strike length area in the Core Zone, within the southeastern Churchill Province. These intrusions (1312–1311 Ma) are devoid of structural and metamorphic overprint and are mainly composed of olivine gabbro. Their overlapping petrographic, geochemical, and mineralogical characteristics suggest that all of these gabbroic intrusions are co-genetic and form the Soisson Intrusive Suite. The Soisson intrusions formed from basaltic parental magmas with low MgO (∼6–7 wt.%) and high Fe–Ti contents. Overall, they are similarly fractionated at the regional scale and incorporated various amounts of upper crustal material, as indicated by field (e.g., xenoliths, hybrid zones) and geochemical (e.g., high HILE/MILE, depletion in Nb±Ta) evidences. The Soisson Intrusive Suite has petrological, geochemical, and mineral chemistry similarities with the troctolite and olivine gabbro cumulates of the Voisey’s Bay and Mushuau intrusions from the ca. 1363 to 1289 Ma Nain Plutonic Suite (NPS), and appears to be contemporaneous with its younger gabbroic–troctolitic intrusion phase, suggesting that the Soisson Intrusive Suite and the gabbroic–troctolitic intrusions of the NPS were formed by similar petrological processes. Furthermore, like many gabbroic–troctolitic intrusions of the NPS (e.g., Voisey’s Bay intrusion), the Soisson intrusions contain Ni–Cu–Co magmatic sulfide mineralization. Among the Soisson intrusions, the Papavoine intrusion located in the southern part of this intrusive suite may be the most prospective intrusion as a Ni, Cu, and Co exploration target. Overall, the Soisson Intrusive Suite’s similarity with the NPS raises questions about their potential genetic link and magmatic connectivity at depth.
Wood energy quality of Eucalyptus spp. clones established under different soil types in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Silva Macksuel Fernandes da , Lima Pedro Augusto Fonseca , Novaes Evandro , Sette Carlos Roberto , Vale Ailton Teixeira do
Published: February 2022

The evaluation of wood energy quality of Eucalyptus clones planted in different edaphoclimatic conditions is fundamental to promote the sustainable expansion of energy forests to traditionally non-forest regions. This study aimed to evaluate the wood energy characteristics (proximate analysis, elemental analysis, higher heating value, basic and energy densities) from five Eucalyptus spp. clones planted in Latosol and Haplic Plinthosol soils in the Brazilian Cerrado (Savannah), considered a traditionally non-forest region. The wood basic and energetic densities are influenced by genotype (clone) but not influenced by the soil type (site). The higher heating value and the proximate analysis showed a significant effect of interaction between clone and soil type. Thus, for these wood energy variables, the clones behave differently depending on the growing location (soil type). Our results indicate that the clone with Eucalyptus cloeziana genes has the greatest energy potential because of the best wood quality: low ash (0.11%–0.09%), nitrogen contents (0.24%–0.31%), higher basic density (490.60–487.22 kg·m−1), and energy density (9720.5–9589.1 MJ·m−1), for soil types Latosol and Plinthosol.
Generating Virtual Wire Sculptural Art from 3D Models
Authors: Yeh Chih-Kuo , Le Thi-Ngoc-Hanh , Hou Zhi-Ying , Lee Tong-Yee
Published: February 2022

Wire sculptures are objects sculpted by the use of wires. In this article, we propose practical methods to create 3D virtual wire sculptural art from a given 3D model. In contrast, most of the previous 3D wire art results are reconstructed from input 2D wire art images. Artists usually tend to design their wire art with a single wire if possible. If not possible, they try to create it with the least number of wires. To follow this general design trend, our proposed method generates 3D virtual wire art with the minimum number of continuous wire lines. To achieve this goal, we first adopt a greedy approach to extract important edges of a given 3D model. These extracted important edges become the basis for the subsequent lines to roughly represent the shape of the input model. Then, we connect them with the minimum number of continuous wire lines by the order obtained by optimally solving a traveling salesman problem with some constraints. Finally, we smooth the obtained 3D wires to simulate the real 3D wire results by artists. In addition, we also provide a user interface to control the winding of wires by their design preference. Finally, we experimentally show our 3D virtual wire results and evaluate these created results. As a result, the proposed method is computed effectively and interactively, and results are appealing and comparable to real 3D wire art work.
Contextual saccade adaptation induced by sequential saccades
Authors: Azadi Reza , McPeek Robert M.
Published: February 2022

This study reveals a new type of contextual saccade adaptation: sequential saccades are able to induce contextual saccade adaptation when direction, amplitude, or the existence of preceding and following saccades are used as contexts. These novel findings are also consistent with the idea that saccades made in a sequence are planned concurrently rather than independently.
Factors governing the assignment of visual consequence to the corresponding action
Authors: Reichenbach Alexandra , Urgen Buse M. , Apostolakis Sotirios , Michlin Liora , Diedrichsen Jörn
Published: February 2022

For efficient visuomotor online control, the brain needs to solve the correspondence problem between an ongoing movement and its visual consequences. Here, we challenge the visuomotor system with an ambiguous reaching task, in which the visual feedback was controlled by either hand or by a combination of both. Our findings characterize the properties of a flexible assignment process that quickly takes into account the spatio-temporal properties of movements and the visual scene.
In Vitro Antibacterial Experiments of Qixingjian Decoction and Its Synergistic Interaction with Oxacillin against Clinical Isolates of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lv Siyuan , Huang Tingxuan , Lin Ying , Yao Xingwei , Yu Huiyong , Liu Guoxing , Zhang Yue , Liu Tong , Liang Huan , Wang Chengxiang
Published: February 2022

Background. With the widespread use and abuse of antimicrobial drugs, the problem of bacterial resistance is becoming increasingly prominent. The clinical detection rate of drug-resistant bacteria is increasing year by year, so there is an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial drugs. Qixingjian Decoction (QXJT) is a formula commonly used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of sepsis caused by acute purulent infections of the face, hands, and feet. There are many compounds with antimicrobial effects that are available, but little is known about their mode of action. In this study, we mainly evaluated the antimicrobial activity of QXJT and explored its synergistic interaction with oxacillin (OX) and the mechanism of its antimicrobial activity. Methods. The antimicrobial activity of QXJT against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was determined by the microdilution method, the broth macrodilution method, and the time-kill curve method. The main compounds in QXJT were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. The synergistic interaction of QXJT and oxacillin (OX) was determined by checkerboard assay, and the antimicrobial mechanism of QXJT, OX, and QXJT + OX was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique. The expression of MRSA superantigen virulence factors (sea, seb, and tst), and drug resistance gene (mecA) was detected to provide a new strategy for new antibiotic drugs. Results. QXJT exhibited antimicrobial activity against both clinical isolates of MRSA, MICs ranging from 18.75 to 37.5 mg/mL. Active substances such as Scutellarein, Scutellarin, Apigenin, and Wogonin 7-O-glucuronide were detected in the phytochemical analysis that may be associated with the antimicrobial activity of QXJT. The synergistic effect of QXJT and OX was determined by checkerboard assay (FICI = 0.5), and TEM images showed that QXJT could cause the disruption of MRSA cell wall, and QXJT + OX could produce greater disruption of MRSA cell wall, elucidating the synergistic effect of the two together on cell wall disruption by microscopic mechanisms. Our study shows that the combination of QXJT and OX can inhibit the expression of MRSA virulence factor, reduce the virulence of MRSA, and have no significant effect on the expression of MRSA resistance gene mecA. Conclusion. The results of this study provide scientific experimental data for the traditional application of QXJT and initially explore the mechanism of action of QXJT combined with OX.
First-Principles Calculations to Investigate the Mechanical Structure and Optical Properties of Lead Halide Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3
Authors: Kipkwarkwar Truphena J. , Nyawere P. W. O. , Maghanga C. M.
Published: February 2022

We report the study of the mechanical structure and optical properties of lead halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 using ab initio methods. The ground state energy calculations were performed within density functional theory and generalized gradient approximation using the pseudopotential method with plane-wave basis sets. The norm conserving pseudopotential was used. The ground state properties of the electronic structure of the perovskite were used and elastic parameters such as bulk modulus B, Young’s modulus E, shear modulus G, and Poisson’s ratio

υ

were determined and found to be in good agreement with experimental values. The ratio

B
/
G

obtained was found to be greater than 1.75. Poisson’s ratio (

υ

) was obtained as 0.25 implying that CH3NH3PbI3 is a ductile material. The absorption coefficient within the energy range of 0 to 6 eV was found to be 5.76 × 105 cm−1 indicating maximum absorption. The absorption coefficient compares well with the available experimental and computed values.
Methionine-Mediated Regulation of Intestinal Structure and Lipid Transport in the Rice Field Eel (Monopterus albus)
Authors: Hu Yajun , Cai Minglang , Zhong Huan , Chu Wuying , Hu Yi
Published: February 2022

An eight-week feeding trial discusses how methionine affects intestinal barrier and lipid transport on rice field eel (Monopterus albus). Six isoenergetic and isonitrogenous feeds contained different levels of methionine (0, 2 g/kg, 4 g/kg, 6 g/kg, 8 g/kg, or 10 g/kg). Compared with M0 (0 g/kg), gastric amylase, lipase, and trypsin were remarkably increased as dietary methionine (

P
<
0.05

); intestinal amylase, lipase, and trypsin were remarkably increased in M8 (8 g/kg) (

P
<
0.05

). Compared with M0, gastric fovea was remarkably increased (

P
<
0.001

), gastric epithelium is neater in M8 than that in M0, intestinal villus height and muscular thickness are remarkably increased in M8 (

P
<
0.001

), and amounts of goblet cells per root in M8 were increased (

P
>
0.05

), while intestinal crypt depth was markedly decreased (

P
<
0.001

). Lipid droplets in the intestinal villus and mucosal layer in the M8 (8 g/kg) group were more than that in M0 (0 g/kg). Compared with M0 (0 g/kg), the intestinal gcn2 and eif2α were downregulated in M8 (8 g/kg) (

P
<
0.01

and

P
<
0.05

, respectively), while occ, cl12, cl15, zo-1, zo-2, hdlbp, ldlrap, npc1l1, cd36, fatp1, fatp2, fatp6, apo, apoa, apob, apoc, apoe, mct1, mct2, mct8, lpl, mttp, moat2, and dgat2 were upregulated markedly in M8 (8 g/kg). Intestinal eif2α expression was positively correlated with gcn2, and intestinal zo-1, cl15, fatp6, ldlrap, mct2, mct8, apo, apob, mct1, apoc, fatp1, mttp, cd36, occ, npc1l1, hdlbp, fatp2, apoe, lpl, and moat2 gene expression was negatively correlated with gcn2. In conclusion, methionine deficiency affected the gastric and intestinal structures, damaged the intestinal barrier, and decreased lipid and fatty acid transport. Besides, gcn2 could be activated when M. albus was fed methionine-deficient feed.
Evaluation of Six Selected Commercial Fermented Soybean Meal by Feeding Juvenile Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)
Authors: Zheng Jichang , Dan Zhijie , Jiang Dali , Tang Zhuoyi , Zhu Si , Li Qingfei , Li Xueshan , Mai Kangsen , Ai Qinghui
Published: February 2022

Various kinds of fermented soybean meal are now commercially available, whereas the quality of these products is uneven due to different processing technologies, fermentation strains, and raw soybean meal, which would lead to different effects on bioavailability of nutrients in aquaculture feeds. Thus, a 10-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of six different commercially available fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on growth performance of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) and to analyze the correlation between growth parameters and FSBM components. Seven isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated: fish-meal-based diet (the control group, FM) and FM with 450 g/kg of fish meal substituted by six commercially available FSBM (the replacement groups, FSBM1, FSBM2, FSBM3, FSBM4, FSBM5, and FSBM6). Results showed that specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain rate (WGR) were significantly higher in groups FMSB3 and FMSB4 than in other replacement groups, but significantly lower in the control group. Besides, no significant differences were observed in feed efficiency ratio (FER) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) among groups FSBM3, FSBM4, and FM. Correlation analysis revealed that SGR, PER, and protein retention (PR) of turbot were all positively correlated with the water-soluble protein and trichloroacetic acid- (TCA-) soluble protein content of FSBM, but negatively correlated with the content of trypsin inhibitor. In summary, the commercial FSBM3 and FSBM4 could yield higher growth performance of juvenile turbot than the rest selected FSBM when replacing 450 g/kg of fish meal in diets, and the content of water-soluble protein, TCA-soluble protein, and trypsin inhibitor could serve as relatively accurate indicators in the quality evaluation of FSBM.
Aggravating Effects of Psychological Stress on Ligature-Induced Periodontitis via the Involvement of Local Oxidative Damage and NF-κB Activation
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhao Yajuan , Deng Daokun , Yang Jiuhui , Chen Yongjin , Liu Jia , Zhang Min
Published: February 2022

Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and psychological factors play an important role in the development of periodontitis. To elucidate the adverse effects of psychological stress on the inflammatory process and redox status of periodontitis tissue, fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the control, experimental periodontitis, psychological stress, experimental periodontitis plus psychological stress, and experimental periodontitis plus psychological stress plus fluoxetine groups. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was used to establish psychological stress, and silk ligature was used to induce experimental periodontitis. Four weeks later, stressed rats showed altered behaviour, serum hormone levels, and sucrose preference. More obvious alveolar bone loss and attachment loss and higher protein expressions of inflammatory cytokines were observed in the experimental periodontitis plus psychological stress group. The combination of CUMS and periodontitis had synergistic effects on increasing hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and decreasing antioxidant enzyme activities compared with those in the stress or periodontitis groups. Moreover, psychological stress further increased p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 protein levels and decreased IκBα protein levels in periodontitis rats. Fluoxetine administration alleviated the adverse effects of psychological stress on the progression of periodontitis in rats. These results hint us that psychological stress could aggravate inflammation in periodontitis tissues, which may be partly due to local worsening of oxidative damage and further activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signalling pathway.
Implementation of a Community Data Processing System Based on Data Mining
Authors: Li Li
Published: February 2022

With the development of social information technology, intelligent community as a new way of life is changing people’s lives step by step. The community as a unit of residence in China has developed quite maturely, but the community services are not perfect, and the management is relatively mechanized. Therefore, improving work efficiency and enriching and perfecting community service is an increasingly important issue. Data mining is to extract valuable information by analyzing the internal connections, rules, and patterns of these data so as to provide more favorable decision support for community managers and provide users with more humane and modern community intelligence services. This research focuses on the implementation of community data processing systems based on data mining. Firstly, data preprocessing analysis is carried out, the realization of data storage and cache is studied, the process and characteristics of cluster analysis are studied in detail, and the simulation results of a community data processing system based on data mining are summarized. This study uses data mining technology to dig out the daily consumption data of users in the community mall, cluster the data, and analyze the consumption situation and consumption types of different types of users. In this study, data mining technology is used to mine the fault repair data of the community, and classification prediction technology is used to classify and predict different types of faults so as to help managers troubleshoot problems existing in the community environment.
Pharmacological Mechanisms of Shangke Huangshui against Skin and Soft Tissue Infection
Authors: Chen Yanfen , Li Mengqiu , Zheng Fanghao , Jiang Wei , Lei Kaijun , Li Huaiguo , Liu Dongwen , Zhang Bairong , He Mingfeng
Published: February 2022

Background. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are a group of common diseases, usually caused by bacteria. Shangke Huangshui (SK) has been widely used to treat various SSTIs diseases for many years, but its mechanism is unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the anti-infective effect of SK on different skin and soft tissue infection diseases and to explore its underlying mechanism. Methods. The subcutaneous abscess mouse model, the dermal ulcer rat model, and the infectious soft tissue injury rat model were established by injection of Staphylococcus aureus to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of SK. Abscess volume, local appearance score and histological changes, bacterial contents, and hydroxyproline concentration in the skin or soft tissue were analyzed. The levels of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 in the serum and tissue were determined by ELISA method. The mRNA expression levels of TLR2, MyD88, TAK1, NF-κB, AP-1, and other genes were measured with qRT-PCR method, and the protein expression of TLR2, MyD88, TAK1, NF-κB, and AP-1 was detected by western blot method. Results. SK had an obvious therapeutic effect on skin and soft tissue infections. It reduced the volume of abscess and promoted the healing of skin ulcer, improved pathological phenomena, such as inflammatory infiltration of skin and soft tissue, reduced the levels of white blood cells and NO in the blood, decreased bacteria contents in the skin and soft tissue. Furthermore, SK decreased the mRNA expression of TLR2, MyD88, TAK1, NF-κB and AP-1, and other related genes and also downregulated the protein expression of TLR2, MyD88, TAK1, NF-κB, and AP-1. Conclusion. The experiments provide evidence that SK can treat skin and soft tissue infection diseases based on its comprehensive antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The therapeutic mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Long-Term Time Series Forecasting and Updates on Survival Analysis of Glioblastoma Multiforme: A 1975–2018 Population-Based Study
Authors: Alexopoulos Georgios , Zhang Justin , Karampelas Ioannis , Patel Mayur , Kemp Joanna , Coppens Jeroen , Mattei Tobias A. , Mercier Philippe
Published: February 2022

Objective: Glioblastomas multiforme (GBMs) are the most common primary CNS tumors. Epidemiologic studies have investigated the effect of demographics on patient survival, but the literature remains inconclusive. Methods: This study included all adult patients with intracranial GBMs reported in the surveillance epidemiology and end results (SEER)-9 population database (1975–2018). The sample consisted of 32,746 unique entries. We forecast the annual GBM incidence in the US population through the year 2060 using time series analysis with autoregressive moving averages. A survival analysis of the GBM-specific time to death was also performed. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards (PH) regression revealed frank violations of the PH assumption for multiple covariates. Parametric models best described the GBM population’s survival pattern; the results were compared to the semi-parametric analysis and the published literature. Results: We predicted an increasing GBM incidence, which demonstrated that by the year 2060, over 1,800 cases will be reported annually in the SEER. All eight demographic variables were significant in the univariable analysis. The calendar year 2005 was the cutoff associated with an increased survival probability. A male survival benefit was eliminated in the year-adjusted Cox. Infratentorial tumors, nonmetropolitan areas, and White patient race were the factors erroneously associated with survival in the multivariate Cox analysis. Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) lognormal regression was the best model to describe the survival pattern in our patient population, identifying age >30 years old as a poor prognostic and patients >70 years old as having the worst survival. Annual income >USD 75,000 and supratentorial tumors had good prognostics, while surgical intervention provided the strongest survival benefit. Conclusions: Annual GBM incidence rates will continue to increase by almost 50% in the upcoming 30 years. Cox regression analysis should not be utilized for time-to-event predictions in GBM survival statistics. AFT lognormal distribution best describes the GBM-specific survival pattern, and as an inherent population characteristic, it should be implemented by researchers for future studies. Surgical intervention provides the strongest survival benefit, while patient age >70 years old is the worst prognostic. Based on our study, the demographics such as gender, race, and county type should not be considered as meaningful prognostics when designing future trials.
Male infertility in patients diagnosed with COVID-19: a narrative review
Authors: Fustino Laura Gonçalves , Stolz Janaina Viana , Haas Patricia
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Literature reports on the potential impact of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) on male reproductive organs and male fertility. Objective: To present scientific evidence, based on a narrative review, of the association of male infertility in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: The articles were searched in the SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, BIREME and Web of Science databases, without restriction of location or language. The period established for the evaluation was from 2015 to 2020. The studies were selected through combinations based on Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Two studies that answered the research question were included in this research; its score was ≥ 6 points in the qualitative protocol proposed by Pithon et al.7. Results: The angiotensin-2 converting enzyme receptor, facilitates the COVID-19 virus to infiltrate host cells, is intensely expressed in testicular cells. Furthermore, inflammatory responses induced by COVID-19 infection can lead to systemic oxidative stress. Conclusion: The testes are a potential target of COVID-19, resulting in testicular damage. Therefore, the immediate or late impacts on male fertility brought about by COVID-19 cannot be ruled out. Definitive data to track reproductive functions in men who have recovered from COVID-19 have not yet been obtained, although studies are underway to establish this association in male health.
Avaliação da completitude de formulários de admissão de pessoas vivendo com HIV em um Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento do interior da Bahia
Authors: Medeiros Daiana Alencar de , Palácio Maria Augusta Vasconcelos , Nogueira Isis Larissa Maia , Magnabosco Gabriela Tavares , Takenami Iukary
Published: February 2022

Introdução: Os formulários de admissão de pessoas vivendo com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (PVHIV), assistidas em um Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento (CTA), representam importantes fontes de informações estratégicas que, quando bem preenchidos, podem contribuir com o planejamento de políticas públicas e alocação adequada de recursos públicos. Objetivo: Avaliar a completitude dos formulários de admissão de PVHIV, assistidas em um CTA localizado no interior do estado da Bahia, durante o período de 2003 a 2019. Método: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo analítico, baseado em dados secundários. Resultados: Analisou-se 305 formulários de PVHIV. Das 29 variáveis analisadas, oito (27,6%) apresentaram completitude de qualidade “excelente” e “bom”. No entanto, a média geral de não preenchimento foi de 39,9% ± 11,3%, evidenciando uma qualidade “ruim”. Todas as características comportamentais apresentaram qualidade de completude “muito ruim”. A categoria clínico-laboratorial também demonstrou uma qualidade “ruim” para as variáveis linfócitos T CD4+, T CD8+ e T CD45+. Conclusão: Faz-se necessário maiores investimentos na capacitação dos profissionais de saúde, visando a realização de um registro completo, válido, de alta cobertura e confiabilidade com potencial para subsidiar decisões assistenciais, administrativas e gerenciais.
A prática de atividade física por acadêmicos de medicina durante a pandemia causada pelo SARS-CoV-2: um estudo transversal
Authors: Maruyama Beatriz Yuki , Marin Mariana Ceni , Pedroni Marco Antonio
Published: February 2022

Introdução: o contexto de pandemia instaurada pelo SARS-CoV-2 acarretou um cenário de isolamento social, dificultando a prática de atividade física regular. Somado a isso, os estudantes de Medicina ainda possuem uma carga horária sobrecarregada. O objetivo do trabalho foi conhecer a qualidade de vida e a prevalência da prática de atividade física e seus efeitos durante o período de pandemia em acadêmicos de Medicina. Métodos: estudo observacional transversal realizado a partir da aplicação do questionário “Prática de atividade física por acadêmicos de Medicina durante a pandemia” em 286 estudantes de ambos os sexos, de todos os períodos de uma faculdade. Resultados: notou-se que os participantes, cursando Medicina com ensino remoto, que tinham mais motivação e tempo livre praticavam mais atividade física, enquanto os participantes que tinham menos motivação e tempo livre diminuíram a prática no período analisado. Discussão: Os estudantes compreendem que a prática de atividade física é benéfica, mesmo ela sendo impedida por cargas horárias extenuantes, até mesmo devido à educação que recebem durante a graduação. Conclusão: constatou-se que acadêmicos de Medicina que possuem aulas de educação remota durante o período estabelecido de isolamento social, consideraram apresentar mais tempo livre para a prática de atividade física. Entretanto, nem todos dedicaram esse tempo para a realização de exercícios.
Literatura, imagem e resistência: o mundo se despedaça e o resgate das memórias ancestrais
Authors: Chagas Alessandra Santos
Published: February 2022

Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar o papel da literatura na representação da relação entre colonizado e colonizador a partir do romance O mundo se despedaça (2009), do escritor nigeriano Chinua Achebe; além de estudar como essa relação altera a sociedade colonizada e seus costumes. Para isso, a pesquisa teve como aporte teórico os trabalhos de Bonnici (2005), Fanon (2008/1952), Santos (2008), Kilomba (2019) e Césaire (2020/1950); e contou com a leitura da Trilogia Africana, de Chinua Achebe, além de seus textos críticos. Com isso, observou-se que a partir da literatura de Achebe, considerada dentro de um contexto pós-colonial, houve uma transformação do imaginário sobre a África criado pela tradição literária colonial, inaugurando uma nova forma de escrever, a partir da perspectiva do colonizado. Além disso, Achebe possibilitou o surgimento de identidades positivas, assim como a valorização das memórias ancestrais.
Comunicación estratégica para gobernabilidad y gobernanza: aportes basados en las transformaciones de la responsabilidad social
Authors: Oñate Sonia García
Published: February 2022

Este artículo presenta las condiciones, estrategias y tácticas que la comunicación estratégica podría aplicar para conseguir la inclusión de comunidades a partir de confianza que aporte a la gobernanza y gobernabilidad, considerando procesos de relacionamiento entre diferentes actores: población civil, organizaciones del tercer sector y la función de Extensión Social Universitaria. El proceso se desarrolla a partir de una reflexión crítica y entrevistas semiestructuradas en profundidad basadas en cómo ha sido concebida, aplicada y transformada la responsabilidad social.
Oficina de leitura e escrita para estudantes da Educação de Jovens e Adultos: a relevância da biblioteca escolar como recurso pedagógico
Authors: Azevedo Anderson L.
Published: February 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar um relato de experiência sobre o desenvolvimento da Oficina de Leitura e Escrita para estudantes da Educação de Jovens e Adultos, na Biblioteca Emília Bustamante da Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Para tanto, apresentam-se primeiramente um panorama do analfabetismo no Brasil, de acordo com informações do IBGE em 2019, e as determinações da LDBEN para mitigar essa defasagem social.  Em seguida, são apresentados os conceitos da EJA, a importância da leitura e da escrita e a definição de biblioteca escolar. Por último, são analisados os relatos da professora de língua portuguesa, do coordenador do curso e dos bibliotecários que acompanharam o desenvolvimento da Oficina e os resultados obtidos. De acordo com esses profissionais, observou-se que os alunos participantes apresentaram avanços no desempenho dentro e fora da sala de aula, com melhora significativa na interpretação de textos, escrita e até na dicção. Como conclusão, a experiência comprova a importância da leitura e da escrita na vida em sociedade do indivíduo e a relevância da biblioteca escolar como recurso pedagógico no desenvolvimento da capacidade de letramento e na formação de um sujeito crítico, que busca expandir suas experiências existenciais de acordo com sua realidade e vivências.
Formação e desenvolvimento de acervos em biblioteca escolar como recurso para promover a competência informacional infantil: importância, desafios e perspectivas
Authors: Aguiar Niliane Cunha de , Carvalho Telma
Published: February 2022

Apresenta reflexões sobre a importância do desenvolvimento de coleções em bibliotecas escolares, embasadas nos princípios que regem esse processo, a fim de demonstrar sua adequação a essa tipologia de unidade de informação. Destaca o papel da biblioteca e do bibliotecário na escola, com vistas a prover a competência informacional infantil nos alunos a partir de atividades que tenham por base o projeto político pedagógico da escola e as bibliografias utilizadas. Enfatiza o papel do bibliotecário na adoção de medidas que visem o conhecimento de seu público para prover recursos informacionais adequados às suas necessidades.
Nitroxyl Donor CXL-1020 Lowers Blood Pressure by Targeting C195 in Cyclic Guanosine-3’,5’-Monophosphate-Dependent Protein Kinase I
Authors: Kamynina Alisa , Guttzeit Sebastian , Eaton Philip , Cuello Friederike
Published: February 2022

Background:

We previously demonstrated that nitroxyl causes vasodilation, at least in part, by inducing the formation of an intradisulfide bond between C117 and C195 in the high affinity cyclic guanosine monophosphate-binding site of PKGI (cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase I). The aim of this study was to determine whether nitroxyl donors lower blood pressure via this novel PKGI activation mechanism in vivo.

Methods:

To determine this, a C195S PKGI knock-in mouse model was generated that ubiquitously and constitutively expresses a mutant kinase resistant to nitroxyl-induced intradisulfide activation.

Results:

Knock-in and wild-type littermates did not differ in appearance, body weight, in PKGI protein expression or blood gas content. Organ weight was similar between genotypes apart from the cecum that was significantly enlarged in knock-in animals. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate monitored in vivo over 24 hours by radio-telemetry revealed neither a significant difference between genotypes at baseline nor during angiotensin II–induced hypertension or sepsis. CXL-1020, a clinically relevant nitroxyl donor, did not lower blood pressure in normotensive animals. In contrast, administering CXL-1020 to hypertensive wild-type mice reduced their blood pressure by 10±4 mm Hg (
P
=0.0184), whereas the knock-in littermates were unaffected.

Conclusions:

Oxidation of C195 in PKGI contributes to the antihypertensive effects observed in response to nitroxyl donors, emphasising the potential importance of nitroxyl donors in pathological scenarios when cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels are reduced and insufficient to activate PKGI.
Allostasis as a core feature of hierarchical gradients in the human brain
Authors: Katsumi Yuta , Theriault Jordan E. , Quigley Karen S. , Barrett Lisa Feldman
Published: February 2022

This paper integrates emerging evidence from two broad streams of scientific literature into one common framework: (a) hierarchical gradients of functional connectivity that reflect the brain’s large-scale structural architecture (e.g., a lamination gradient in the cerebral cortex); and (b) approaches to predictive processing and one of its specific instantiations called allostasis (i.e., the predictive regulation of energetic resources in the service of coordinating the body’s internal systems). This synthesis begins to sketch a coherent, neurobiologically inspired framework suggesting that predictive energy regulation is at the core of human brain function, and by extension, psychological and behavioral phenomena, providing a shared vocabulary for theory building and knowledge accumulation.
Cuticle ultrastructure differences among the four adult forms of Deladenus nitobei (Tylenchomorpha: Allantonematidae)
Authors: Ekino Taisuke , Yoshiga Toyoshi , Kanzaki Natsumi
Published: February 2022

Deladenus nitobei, a hexatylinid species, is a parasite of the wood wasp Sirex nitobei and a fungal feeder, i.e., the nematode parasitises the wasp to be carried to a new environment (a dead tree) where it propagates after feeding on Amylostereum areolatum, a fungus mutualistically associated with the wasp. The complex life history involves four adult forms: mycophagous male, mycophagous female, insect-infective female, and insect-parasitic female. To understand the morphological strategies of D. nitobei, the cuticle ultrastructure of the four adult forms was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The structures were compared with those of other hexatylinid species, particularly Fergusobia spp. TEM revealed that the insect-infective females of D. nitobei have a more developed cuticle compared with mycophagous males and females, whereas insect-infective females of Fergusobia do not. The developed cuticle enables D. nitobei infective females to move actively and easily penetrate the host cuticle using their hypertrophied stylet. In terms of parasitic stage, the cuticle structure was typical of an insect-parasitic stage, as in Fergusobia, although with some differences. A remnant cuticle is not found in Fergusobia yet retained in D. nitobei. These structural differences imply that D. nitobei is in the middle of evolving transepidermal nutrient acquisition from per os acquisition, whereas Fergusobia is near the end of this evolutionary trend.
Redescription of Ransomnema bravoae Sánchez-Velázquez, 1981 (Ransomnematoidea: Ransomnematidae) from Anadenobolus putealis Loomis, 1969 (Diplopoda: Rhinocricidae) from Mexico
Authors: Mejia-Madrid Hugo H.
Published: February 2022

Ransomnema bravoae from the intestine of the endemic rhinocricid, Anadenobolus putealis, from Mexico, is redescribed. This species was originally described from the spirobolid Hiltonius carpinus from Morelos State, Mexico. A redescription is presented and a neotype proposed due to the loss of the type material. Ransomnema bravoae can be distinguished from all other described species of Ransomnema by the presence of a cervical expansion extending from the base of the buccal cone to approximately the last one-third of the muscular pharynx and is offset by a slight constriction at the termination point, the presence of broad lateral alae beginning at the cervical expansion termination and terminating at the phasmids, the size and distribution of the male caudal papillae, and the size of the spicules, the right spicule being 3-4 times longer than the left. Ransomnema bravoae resembles R. alatum and R. bursatum in the presence of lateral alae but differs markedly in their distribution along the body. The right spicule is within the size range of that of R. longispiculum. Males of R. bravoae possess the usual papillal composition of the genus and are very similar to that of R. christiei in that the last pair of papillae is arranged in tandem. It is similar to species where males possess three precloacal papillae placed on lateral protuberances, showing morphological affinities to Caribbean species R. artigasi and R. habanense from Cuba.
The Recognition of the Special Relationship of Indigenous Peoples with their Environment under International Law
Authors: Renglet Charlotte
Published: February 2022

Indigenous peoples are amongst the most affected by climate change. Its effects threaten the very survival of their cultural identity which revolves around a strong connection to their ancestral lands and natural resources. Indigenous peoples have thus played a prominent role in the recent development of international human rights-based climate litigation. Against this background, this paper examines their specific status and legal tools in this regard. It first recalls how they obtained the recognition of their special relationship with their natural environment as well as specific environmental rights under international law, both in specific instruments of protection of indigenous peoples’ rights and under general human rights law. After emphasizing their significant role in advancing environmental protection under international human rights law, the article then enquires whether the recognised environmental component of indigenous peoples’ fundamental rights might allow them to develop stronger substantive legal arguments in human rights-based climate litigation.
Dialectic as Ostension Towards the Transcendent: Language and Mystical Intersubjectivity in Plotinus’ Enneads
Authors: Haig Albert R.
Published: February 2022

The theory of language that underlies Plotinus’ Enneads is considered in relation to his broader metaphysical vision. For Plotinus, language is neither univocal nor equivocal, but is something in-between, incapable of precisely describing reality, but nonetheless not completely useless. Propositional knowledge expressed discursively represents an imperfect shadow of reality which is defective in relation to the pure apprehension of Intellect. Passages in Plotinus which relate language to the sensible world are examined and it is argued that, although it plays a useful role in relating the sensible world to Intellect, discursive reason is nonetheless intrinsically inferior to both as a mode of representation. Plotinus holds that the inadequacy of language is “global” in character; language cannot describe any aspect of reality precisely, from the mundane to the transcendent. Language as a whole is an inferior image or imitation of the world as a whole. Therefore, the flaws in our linguistic representations cannot all be untangled or conceptually unpacked by means of language. There are passages in the Enneads which hint at an underlying semantic holism. Plotinus’ theory implies that apparent verbal contradictions which occur in different contexts might nonetheless still represent the optimal linguistic description of a reality that strictly speaking is ineffable. Therefore, discursive logical deduction is not always reliable, and needs to be subordinated to a vision of Intellect. True philosophical reasoning (dialectic) represents ostension towards the transcendent. Those who are sufficiently liberated to attain to an apprehension of the Forms, thereby come to inhabit the same “higher world”, involving a shared mystical intersubjectivity, which can be expressed linguistically, but only in an approximate manner. Plotinus’ theory presents a potential way out of the nihilistic impasse into which contemporary philosophy has arguably become enmeshed.
Tigray’s Complex Emergency, Expulsions and the Aspirations of the Responsibility to Protect
Authors: D’Costa Bina
Published: February 2022

This article observes that with the intensification of humanitarian crisis in Tigray and the Horn of Africa region, an important question re-emerges: how could the international community, in cooperation with national and local actors, provide protection to vulnerable civilian populations against state repression? How could this be even possible when international practitioners face the threat of expulsions and the local human rights groups face possible retaliation. The violent civil war raging in Tigray once again reveals that the responsibility to protect (R2P) norm often encounters a paradox – state sovereignty vs international community’s responsibility.
British Military Assistance to Help Establish Abu Dhabi’s Air Force, 1967–1971
Authors: Yates Athol
Published: February 2022

Britain has long provided military assistance to help develop and support the local armed forces of its dominions, colonies and other parts of its Empire. This was not done out of benevolence but as part of Britain’s efforts to encourage its partners to be responsible for their own security. This article describes an unusual case of such assistance, which was provided to help establish Abu Dhabi’s air force in the 1967–1971 period. The Abu Dhabi ruler’s decision to only engage contract officers, rather than seconded officers, had a profound effect on the shape of the military assistance provided by Britain. Unlike most training, advising, assisting and mentoring missions, Britain provided no training nor mentoring, and only limited advice. Its greatest contribution was assistance with the recruitment for Abu Dhabi of both soon-to-retire and already retired British officers. These findings have relevance for current British doctrine on military assistance, notably in relation to the more effective use of contract officers.