bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imagens como estratégia metodológica em pesquisa: a fotocomposição e outros caminhos possíveis
Authors: Maurente Vanessa , Tittoni Jaqueline
Published: January 2008

Este texto trata da fotografia como ferramenta de pesquisa em psicologia social, discutindo suas potencialidades na análise dos processos de produção de subjetividade. Para isto, parte-se de uma breve análise dos modos de utilização da fotografia na pesquisa social, tomando como referência a perspectiva metodológica da "intervenção fotográfica" e da "fotocomposição". Esta análise está baseada em dois estudos sobre subjetividade e trabalho, realizados com trabalhadores ligados a programas de geração de renda e de trabalho e com trabalhadores que exercem sua atividade na rua e nas praças da cidade de Porto Alegre, onde a produção de fotografias foi o eixo central das estratégias metodológicas.
A banalização da mentira como uma das perversões da sociedade contemporânea e sua internalização como destrutividade psíquica
Authors: Caniato Angela
Published: January 2008

Na contemporaneidade, a mentira constitui um dos principais atributos das relações sociais, instituindo-se como valor eticamente perverso; manifesta-se como ideologia ou é expressa cinicamente como "mentira manifesta"; a lei é a da hipocrisia normatizada entre os sujeitos; revela-se sob as sutilezas enganosas e opressivas da burocracia, em certas justificativas cínicas de segredo ou de sigilo; destrói as manifestações do desejar, sentir, pensar e agir e esvazia o respeito à alteridade dos indivíduos; apresenta-se potencializada pela cumplicidade, mesmo que inconsciente, dos indivíduos, que a reproduzem em vínculos de farsa. O poder de difusão da mentira sustenta-se na banalização da malignidade que atravessa a vida dos homens. A mentira produz e difunde a atribuição de periculosidade a certos grupos e/ou nações - "os terroristas" - para justificar ações bélicas contra povos com fins prioritariamente econômicos.
Redes de petri híbridas diferenciais: aplicação na modelagem e no gerenciamento dinâmico de energia de redes de sensores sem fio
Authors: Sousa J. R. B. , Sausen P. S. , Lima A. M. N. , Perkusich A.
Published: January 2008

Neste trabalho é apresentado um formalismo denominado Redes de Petri Híbridas Diferenciais para modelar e simular sistemas híbridos. Ele baseia-se nos principais elementos da semântica do autômato híbrido e no poder de modelagem das redes de Petri. Considerando que Redes de Sensores Sem Fio são sistemas híbridos, este formalismo é aplicado na modelagem de uma técnica de Gerenciamento Dinâmico de energia que baseia-se na Capacidade da bateria (GDC). Portanto, ao levar em conta as interações entre as dinâmicas destas redes obtém-se resultados mais realistas no estudo do consumo de energia. A técnica GDC proposta, em função da capacidade da bateria, define a freqüência de desligamento do nó sensor para permitir a recuperação da capacidade da bateria. Além disto, ela minimiza o tempo de desligamento do nó sensor, ao mesmo tempo que distribui esse tempo ao longo dos ciclos de trabalho do mesmo. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a técnica GDC proposta prolonga o tempo de vida do nó sensor.
A influência do modo de operação do SSSC na estabilidade de ângulo de sistemas elétricos de potência
Authors: Castro Marcelo S. , Ayres Hugo M. , Kopcak Igor , Costa Vivaldo F. da , Silva Luiz Carlos P. da
Published: January 2008

Afim de realizar específicos objetivos de compensação, um SSSC (Static Synchronous Series Compensator) pode ser controlado de diferentes formas. Os modos de controle do SSSC mais discutidos na literatura são 1) modo de tensão constante, 2) modo de reatância constante, e 3) modo de potência constante. Enquanto os dois primeiros modos acima citados são usados para realizar apenas compensação série de potência reativa, o modo de potência constante também permite que o fluxo de potência na rede de transmissão seja controlado. Uma vez que esses modos podem causar diferentes impactos na estabilidade angular do sistema, o objetivo desse trabalho é investigar a influência do modo de operação do SSSC na estabilidade de ângulo a pequenas perturbações e na estabilidade transitória de sistemas de potência. O estudo é baseado na técnica de análise modal bem como em simulações no domínio do tempo, as quais são realizadas usando o PSAT (Power System Analysis Toolbox). Os resultados obtidos mostram que, quando realizando apenas compensação série de potência reativa, o uso do SSSC no modo de reatância constante é a melhor estratégia para melhorar a estabilidade de ângulo a pequenas perturbações bem como a estabilidade transitória.
Avaliação da retroversão da cabeça do úmero em jogadores de handebol
Authors: Murachovsky Joel , Ikemoto Roberto Yukio , Nascimento Luis Gustavo Prata , Bueno Rogério Serpone , Coelho Juliano Almeida , Komeçu Mario Tadashi , Wilson Philip
Published: January 2008

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a retroversão da cabeça do úmero em jogadores de handebol e sua relação com a movimentação do ombro. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 17 jogadores profissionais por meio de exame físico e avaliação radiográfica, para se determinar o ângulo de retroversão e, sua relação com o arco de movimento. O mesmo foi realizado num grupo controle. RESULTADOS: A diferença entre a média do ângulo de retroversão da cabeça do úmero do membro dominante e não dominante foi de 3,06°. Entre eles, aqueles que tiveram um início de treino antes dos 10 anos, apresentaram uma média desse ângulo de 36,29°, enquanto que aqueles que iniciaram acima dessa idade tinham uma média de 26,6° (p< 0,05). A média da rotação lateral do membro dominante, cujo ângulo de retroversão era maior que 30°, foi 112,27°, e naqueles, em que o ângulo era inferior ou igual a 30°, a média foi 95,10° (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Houve uma diferença estatística na retroversão quando comparamos os ombros dominantes e não dominantes. Os atletas que começaram a jogar antes dos 10 anos apresentaram, estatisticamente, uma maior retroversão. Há uma relação estatística entre o aumento da retroversão com o aumento da rotação lateral.
Paciente vítima de violência no trânsito: análise do perfil socioeconômico, características do acidente e intervenção do Serviço Social na emergência
Authors: Anjos Kátia Campos dos , Evangelista Maria Rosa Barral , Silva Jorge dos Santos , Zumiotti Arnaldo Valdir
Published: January 2008

OBJETIVO: Identificar e analisar o perfil dos pacientes; o meio de transporte que causou o acidente; as normas do Código de Trânsito Brasileiro, se foram ou não seguidas; a rede de apoio e as intervenções do Serviço Social. MÉTODO: A pesquisa foi realizada com 100% dos pacientes internados nesta Instituição no período de 15/08/04 a 19/11/04, que foram vítimas de acidente no trânsito. Entrevistamos: 37 condutores de motocicletas, 26 pedestres, 15 condutores de veículo a motor e 06 passageiros, totalizando 84 pacientes. Foram utilizados formulários com questões abertas e fechadas de abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. Resultado: A maior demanda foi de motociclistas, sendo que 83% são do sexo masculino, jovens com escolaridade até o ensino médio e renda mensal de dois salários mínimos. 62% residem em São Paulo e somente 36,5% possuem vínculo formal de trabalho. A maior parte das fraturas ocorreu nos membros inferiores (54%). Todos os pacientes necessitaram de cuidados após alta hospitalar, sendo que 98% contaram com o apoio familiar. CONCLUSÃO: Os elevados números de acidentes nos indicam que a violência no trânsito pode ser considerada um problema de saúde pública e estudos devem ser realizados para subsidiar as políticas públicas nesta área.
Baudelaire mau vidraceiro
Authors: Bosi Viviana
Published: January 2008

A obra teórica e poética de Baudelaire se debruça diversas vezes sobre a questão da representação, ora criticando o realismo "pedreiro", ora caricaturizando o romantismo mais edulcorado. No Spleen de Paris: pequenos poemas em prosa, tal discussão assume uma configuração até mesmo ética, quando, n’ "O mau vidraceiro", o poeta se insurge contra o próprio mecanismo da reprodução, seja do ponto de vista artístico, seja do ponto de vista social. Ao comparar esse texto com o de seu amigo e editor Arsène Houssaye, que publicara o poema em prosa "A canção do vidraceiro" sobre tema similar, percebe-se que duas concepções de mimese são oferecidas, cada qual revelando uma poética e uma visão de mundo bem distintas.
Uso de órtese para abdução do polegar no desempenho funcional de criança portadora de paralisia cerebral: estudo de caso único
Authors: Rodrigues Adriana M. Valladão N. , Mancini Marisa C. , Vaz Daniela V. , Silva Lílian de Castro
Published: January 2008

OBJETIVOS: documentar o impacto do uso da órtese de abdução do polegar no desempenho funcional de uma criança hemiparética com leve espasticidade. MÉTODOS: foi utilizado um desenho experimental de caso-único do tipo AB. A fase A consistiu na coleta de dados durante um período sem intervenção (condição controle). A fase B incluiu o uso de órtese de abdução do polegar como procedimento terapêutico associado ao atendimento de terapia ocupacional tradicional. A fase A teve a duração de seis semanas e a fase subseqüente de oito semanas. A criança foi avaliada semanalmente quanto à amplitude ativa de movimento de extensão e flexão de punho, abdução e oponência do polegar e quanto à função manual. A análise dos dados foi realizada através dos métodos estatísticos Celeration Line e Banda de Dois Desvios-Padrão, assim como da Análise Visual. RESULTADOS: a criança apresentou melhora significativa na amplitude de movimento do punho e polegar (ADM ativa). Com relação à função manual observou-se redução do tempo para realização das tarefas, porém não significativa, exceto para a tarefa de empilhar blocos. CONCLUSÕES: os resultados sugerem que o uso da órtese de abdução do polegar pode ser útil no tratamento de crianças com paralisia cerebral espástica para a melhoria da ADM ativa da mão, podendo ser utilizada como adjuvante a outras terapêuticas.
Poverty and the Millennium Development Goals
Authors: Ebrahim G. J.
Published: January 2008

Poverty has been defined variously at different times in different countries. An early attempt in 1899 in Britain was based on resources necessary for survival. This subsistence standard definition has been used as a measuring rod in one form or another in different countries. For example, less than half the average income has been used as a measure in Britain, and minimum wage or multiples of it in Latin America, and so on. Unless a proper definition of poverty can be agreed attempts at its alleviation can have no target to aim for. Alleviation of poverty, though championed by political leaders of all types has proven to be difficult because equitable division of the national budget requires consensus which is not always forthcoming when the "haves" control the levers of power and the "have nots" must make do with what they get. Measuring collective poverty on a global scale has been attempted by several international agencies. The definition used by the World Bank is stark - "people who live on US $1 per day". According to this definition in the Year 2001 one billion people lived in poverty with consumption levels of US $1 or less per day, and 2.7 billion on less than US $2 per day. Now that more than half the world's population is living in cities, urban poverty is presenting a challenge in most developing countries. Within the physical environment of deprivation there develops a culture of poverty with its prevalence of disease, social disruption, violence in the home and outside, and dependence on drugs and alcohol. In the mind set of the urban poor risk taking behaviour is common. The main victims of deprivation are women and children, the aged and the infirm. Evidence is presented to show the stultifying effects on children growing up in poverty. Remedial action is an uphill task, expensive and not always successful. An awakening of social conscience globally brought about by the stark realities of the urban poor living cheek by jowl in close vicinity of affluence and conspicuous consumption has led enlightened world leaders and economists to mobilise public opinion. A meeting of world leaders held at UN headquarters in the Year 2000 proposed and agreed Millennium Development Goals. The goals address not only poverty per se but also its effects. The target date for achieving the Millennium Development Goals is set at Year 2015.Progress towards the target has been patchy and depends upon national political maturity.
Nailfold video capillaroscopy in Turner syndrome: a descriptive study
Authors: Coelho Simone C. S. , Ramos Andressa D. , Pinheiro Virgínia S. , Solberg Paulo F. C. , Faria Janaina P. de , Naliato Erika C. O. , Fernandes Therezinha J. , Guimarães Marília M.
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND: An increased prevalence of impaired glucose homeostasis is reported in Turner syndrome. Endothelial changes are described in patients with insulin resistance, which may be present in patients with Turner syndrome. Video capillaroscopy is a noninvasive examination that allows assessment of vascular patency. OBJECTIVE: To describe the nailfold morphology of capillaries in Turner syndrome using video capillaroscopy. METHODS: Subjects were studied in a temperature-controlled room, 20 days after no nailfold manipulations. The capillaries were visualized by microscope connected to a television and computer and were studied and classified according to these patterns: loop distribution, papilla, avascular fields, edema, form, capillary limbs, flow and hemorrhagic extravasation. RESULTS: Fifty patients aged between 6-37 years with Turner syndrome were studied. Eighteen (36%) patients had normal capillaroscopy with hairpin pattern in loop distribution and no avascular fields. The papilla was ratified in 13 (26%) and enlarged in four (8%). Edema occurred in 22 (44%) cases. There were three (6%) macrocapillaries and three (6%) were branched. Tortuosity was present in five (10%) patients. Hemorrhagic extravasation occurred in one (2%) case. Flow was fast in seven (14%), granulous in five (10%) and slow in six (12%). CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of nailfold capillaroscopy changes in Turner syndrome and the most prevalent alterations found were edema and ratified papilla.
Avaliação da utilização de profilaxia da trombose venosa profunda em um hospital escola
Authors: Pitta Guilherme Benjamim Brandão , Leite Ticiana Leal e , Silva Maria do Desterro Costa e , Melo Camilla Felix Leão de , Calheiros Giselli de Almeida
Published: January 2008

CONTEXTO: A trombose venosa profunda (TVP) é uma doença freqüente e grave. A profilaxia é o melhor meio para reduzir a sua incidência, diminuindo a morbimortalidade gerada por suas complicações. Na relação custo x efetividade, é melhor manter uma rotina profilática do que tratar a doença já instalada. OBJETIVO: Verificar se a profilaxia da TVP está sendo utilizada de maneira adequada e rotineira no Hospital Escola Doutor José Carneiro (HEJC), de Maceió (AL). MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal descritivo no HEJC durante o período de 6 meses. A amostra foi de 298 pacientes, de diferentes especialidades. Os dados foram coletados nos prontuários, divididos em clínicos (68,5%) e cirúrgicos (31,5%). Analisou-se, em cada paciente, como se procedeu a utilização da profilaxia para a TVP. Foram pesquisados fatores clínicos, medicamentosos e cirúrgicos para todos os pacientes e, com base nesses dados, foi realizada estratificação do risco conforme a classificação recomendada pela Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular (SBACV). O estudo estatístico foi realizado através do software SPSS, utilizando os testes qui-quadrado e de correção bivariada, considerando o valor de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Dos 298 pacientes analisados, 204 eram da clínica médica, onde 28,9% eram de baixo risco, 60,3% médio risco e 10,8% alto risco para TVP; e 94 pacientes eram da clínica cirúrgica, onde 43,6% apresentaram baixo risco, 52,1% médio risco e 4,3% alto risco. Apenas 23% dos pacientes do grupo clínico e 2,1% para o grupo cirúrgico receberam a profilaxia de forma adequada. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da eficácia da profilaxia para a TVP já ter sido comprovada e difundida, em nosso meio ainda não atinge os níveis desejados de utilização.
Compressão extrínseca de veia ilíaca externa e edema de membro inferior por cisto sinovial coxofemoral
Authors: Rossi Fabio Henrique , Araújo Raíssa , César Evaristo Marcondes
Published: January 2008

A trombose venosa profunda (TVP) é uma freqüente causa de edema unilateral de membros inferiores. O cisto sinovial da articulação coxofemoral pode ser uma causa rara desse sintoma e deve ser considerado no diagnóstico diferencial. Apresentamos um caso clínico em que o eco-Doppler colorido revelou a presença de compressão extrínseca da veia ilíaca externa. A ressonância magnética demonstrou tratar-se de cisto sinovial como fator etiológico, confirmado pela ressecção cirúrgica.
Relato de caso: implante transparietohepático de cateter de longa permanência para diálise
Authors: Nasser Felipe , Biagioni Rodrigo Bruno , Campos Roberta Cristina Almeida , Silva Emanuella Galvão de Sales e , Barros Orlando Costa , Burihan Marcelo Calil , Ingrund José Carlos , Neser Adnan
Published: January 2008

O implante transhepático de cateteres de diálise de longa permanência é um procedimento de exceção, utilizado para obter um acesso em pacientes com oclusão de veias centrais de membros superiores e inferiores. O caso descrito relata um paciente jovem, com história de 15 anos de diálise, que foi submetido no passado a um transplante renal sem sucesso. Esse paciente encontrava-se em urgência dialítica e oclusão comprovada de veias centrais de membros superiores e de veias ilíacas. Foi realizado o implante do cateter de longa permanência pelo acesso transparietohepático sob anestesia geral. A ponta do cateter foi posicionada ao nível do átrio direito. A diálise foi realizada satisfatoriamente no mesmo dia.
Novas tecnologias, novas complicações: complicações após uso de novos dispositivos de selamento e de trombectomia arterial
Authors: Ferreira Marcelo , Monteiro Marcelo , Abuhadba Giafar , Lanziotti Luiz , Capotorto Luis Fernando
Published: January 2008

Relatamos aqui um caso singular de complicação isquêmica, e também traumática, referente ao uso de dois novos dispositivos para utilização endovascular, ambos no mesmo paciente. Um é um dispositivo hemostático para selamento de punção (Angio-Seal®; - St. Jude Medical) e o outro, um cateter para trombectomia rotacional aspirativa percutânea (Rotarex®; - Straub Medical). Discutimos a indicação destes dispositivos em pacientes gravemente enfermos, com quadro de instabilidade hemodinâmica ou em estado de hipercoagulabilidade, associado à doença aterosclerótica femoral, por seu elevado potencial de complicações.
Identification of transcriptional regulatory elements in the human somatostatin receptor sst2 promoter and regions including estrogen response element half-site for estrogen activation
Authors: Kimura Nobuko , Takamatsu Nobuko , Yaoita Yoshio , Osamura R Yoshiyuki , Kimura Narimichi
Published: January 2008

The somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (sst2) mediates inhibition of hormone secretion and cell proliferation, and modulates neurotransmission. Its expression is widespread in various normal tissues and many malignant cells, and is up-regulated by estrogen in breast cancer cells. This study was undertaken to investigate molecular mechanism of transcriptional regulation of the human sst2 gene, for which an additional exon (exon 1) in the 5′-untranslated region was recently found. Transient transfection and mutational analysis showed that the immediate 5′-upstream region containing two Sp1 (−54/−45 and −88/−79) and an ATF/CRE (−69/−62) sites provided full promoter activity. An EMSA together with transfection analysis in Sp1-deficient Drosophila Schneider line (SL2) cells showed that Sp1 acted on the proximal Sp1 site, whereas Sp3, Sp1, and Sp2 did on the distal Sp1 site. Activating transcription factor-2 (ATF)-2, c-Jun, and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) interacted with the ATF/CRE site. Transcriptional activation by estrogen occurred through two different regions; one included these proximal elements and the other existed in the upstream region containing estrogen response element (ERE) half-site (−348/−344) and GC-rich sequence (−447/−414). This upstream estrogen responsiveness was observed in a human breast cancer T47D cell, but not in GH3 or estrogen receptor α (ERα) -expressing HeLa cells, and was potentiated by overexpression of ERα or ERβ, whose binding to the ERE half-site was verified by EMSAs. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay suggested that ERα was recruited to the ERE half-site after estrogen treatment in T47D cells. The present results should provide a molecular basis for transcriptional regulation in a variety of physiological and pathological contexts of sst2-expressing tissues.
Estrogen receptor-related receptor α (ERRα) regulates osteopontin expression through a non-canonical ERRα response element in a cell context-dependent manner
Authors: Zirngibl Ralph A , Chan Janet S M , Aubin Jane E
Published: January 2008

We previously demonstrated that the orphan nuclear receptor, estrogen receptor-related receptor α (ERRα) is highly expressed in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, regulates osteogenesis and expression of osteoblast-associated markers in the rat calvaria cell differentiation system, and is dysregulated in the rat ovariectomy model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. There are conflicting published data on the transcriptional regulation by ERRα of the gene for osteopontin (OPN), an extracellular matrix protein required in bone remodeling, and a potential direct target mediating ERRα effects in bone. We therefore readdressed OPN gene regulation by ERRα in both osteoblastic (rat osteosarcoma ROS17/2.8 cells) and non-osteoblastic (HeLa) cell lines using a mouse proximal 2 kb OPN promoter fragment. A minimal OPN promoter fragment spanning from −56 to +9 bp is activated in HeLa cells but repressed it in ROS17/2.8 cells. Adenine scanning mutagenesis revealed the presence of a non-canonical ERRα response element in this minimal promoter. Surprisingly, prototypical inactivating mutations in the activation function 2 (AF2) domain or a naturally occurring allelic variant of ERRα (ERRαH408) were all better activators than wild-type ERRα in HeLa cells, activities that were generally paralleled by repression in ROS17/2.8 cells. Finally, we found that the N-terminus of ERRα harbors a repressor domain that acts in a cell context-dependent manner. We conclude that OPN is an ERRα target gene whose promoter is regulated by ERRα in a cell context-dependent manner and that a predicted silencing mutation in AF2 or a more flexible helix 12 increases ERRα transcriptional activity, effects with implications for ERRα as a therapeutic target in bone.
Disruption of the striated muscle glycogen-targeting subunit of protein phosphatase 1: influence of the genetic background
Authors: Paterson James , Kelsall Ian R , Cohen Patricia T W
Published: January 2008

A prediabetic phenotype of glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and obesity was observed at ∼12 months of age in mice homozygous for a null allele of the major skeletal muscle glycogen-targeting subunit GM of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and derived from a 129/Ola donor strain. In this study, backcrossing of these mice (termed obese mice) onto two different genetic backgrounds gave rise to lean, glucose-tolerant, insulin-sensitive mice (termed lean mice), indicating that at least one variant gene in the 129/Ola background, not present in the C57BL/6 or 129s2/sV background, is required for the development of the prediabetic phenotype of obese mice. Slightly elevated AMP-activated protein kinase α2 activity in the skeletal muscle of lean C57BL/6 mice was also observed to a lesser extent in the obese mice. Normal or slightly raised in vivo glucose transport in lean C57BL/6 mice compared with decreased glucose transport in the obese mice supports the tenet that adequate transport of glucose may be a key factor in preventing the development of the prediabetic phenotype. The pH 6.8/pH 8.6 activity ratio of phosphorylase kinase was increased in lean C57BL/6 mice compared with controls indicating that phosphorylase kinase is an in vivo substrate of PP1-GM.
Serum Cystatin C in Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate
Authors: Čabarkapa Velibor , Stošić Zoran , Đerić Mirjana , Vučurević-Ristić Ljiljana , Žeravica Radmila , Ilinčić Branislava
Published: January 2008

Serum Cystatin C in Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate

Using serum cystatin C in estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has in recent times been recommended. A number of simple formulas for calculating GFR have been derived specifically from serum cystatin C concentrations. The purpose of this study was to assess the significance of cystatin C and of the two most frequently applied of these formulas in estimating glomerular filtration rate compared to serum creatinine and its derived formulas for estimating glomerular filtration rate from creatinine concentrations. The study included 74 patients: 59 were in various stages of chronic renal insufficiency (divided into two subgroups: I with GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m2and II with GFR<60 mL/min/1.73m2) and 15 on hemodialysis. A control group of 30 healthy participants was also included in the study. Serum values of cystatin C ranged from: 0.86 ± 0.16 mg/L in subgroup I, and 1.77 ± 0.79 mg/L in subgroup II, to 6.9 ± 1.83 mg/L in patients on hemodialysis. The correlation between the two formulas derived from cystatin C and the clearance of creatinine, as well as the Cockcroft and Gault's formula, was significant, while one of the formulas derived from cystatin C did not show a significant correlation with MDRD. It was concluded that serum cystatin C is a significant marker in estimating glomerular filtration rate, especially in the advanced stages of chronic renal insufficiency.
SGLT2 Inhibitors, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Gao Michael , Bhatia Kirtipal , Kapoor Arjun , Badimon Juan , Pinney Sean P. , Mancini Donna M. , Santos-Gallego Carlos G. , Lala Anuradha
Published: April 2024

Importance

The associations of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) with reduction in mortality and hospitalization rates in patients with heart failure (HF) are well established. However, their association with improving functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) has been variably studied and less reported.

Objective

To provide evidence on the extent to which SGLT2is are associated with improvement on objective measures of functional capacity and QOL in patients living with HF.

Data Sources

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for relevant articles on July 31, 2023.

Study Selection

Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials reporting the effect of SGLT2i on functional outcomes of exercise capacity (peak oxygen consumption [peak VO2] or 6-minute walk distance [6MWD]) and/or QOL using validated questionnaires for patients with HF were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data were extracted by 2 authors following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, and a meta-analysis using the restricted maximum likelihood random-effects model was conducted.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes of interest included changes in peak VO2, 6MWD, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 total symptom score (KCCQ-TSS), clinical summary score (KCCQ-CSS), and overall summary score (KCCQ-OSS).

Results

In this meta-analysis of 17 studies, 23 523 patients (mean [range] age, 69 [60-75] years) were followed over a period ranging from 12 to 52 weeks. Four studies included peak VO2 as an outcome, 7 studies included 6MWD, and 10 studies reported KCCQ scores. Mean (SD) left ventricular ejection fraction was 43.5% (12.4%). Compared with controls, patients receiving SGLT2i treatment experienced significant increases in peak VO2 (mean difference [MD], 1.61 mL/kg/min; 95% CI, 0.59-2.63 mL/kg/min; P = .002) and 6MWD (MD, 13.09 m; 95% CI, 1.20-24.97 m; P = .03). SGLT2i use was associated with increased KCCQ-TSS (MD, 2.28 points; 95% CI, 1.74-2.81 points; P < .001), KCCQ-CSS (MD, 2.14 points; 95% CI, 1.53-2.74 points; P < .001), and KCCQ-OSS (MD, 1.90 points; 95% CI, 1.41-2.39 points; P < .001) scores. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression demonstrated almost all improvements were consistent across ejection fraction, sex, and the presence of diabetes.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that in addition to known clinical associations with mortality and hospitalization outcomes, SGLT2i use is associated with improvement in outcomes of interest to patients’ everyday lives as measured by objective assessments of maximal exercise capacity and validated QOL questionnaires, regardless of sex or ejection fraction.
The effect of micro‐level and macro‐level signalling on learning with 360° videos
Authors: Beege Maik , Nebel Steve , Schneider Sascha , Rey Günter Daniel
Published: April 2024

360° videos raised the attention of educators, as they can mediate complex environments in educational settings. However, learning irrelevant cognitive strains might be imposed because it is necessary to navigate through spherical material. These downsides could be compensated by using signalling techniques. In a two (macro‐level vs. no signalling) × two (micro‐level vs. no signalling) factorial between‐subjects design plus control group, 203 students watched a video about visual and behavioural characteristics of animals. Learning outcomes, cognitive load, disorientation, and presence were investigated. Results revealed that macro‐level signalling enhanced learning outcomes. Descriptively, the control group outperformed all experimental groups except the condition with macro‐level signalling regarding retention performance. According to an exploratory path model, extraneous load moderated the effects of signalling on learning outcomes. Results are discussed considering cognitive load and spatial presence induced by using 360° videos as learning material.
Lay Health Worker Interventions in Rheumatology: A Scoping Review
Authors: Creasman Megan W. , Hargrove Mackenzie B. , Domínguez Páez Yuliana , Demetres Michelle , Lieber Sarah B. , Kasturi Shanthini , Safford Monika M. , Navarro‐Millán Iris
Published: April 2024

Objective

To determine next steps for lay health worker (LHW) intervention research, specifically in patients with rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), there is a need to establish what strategies have been effective for chronic disease management thus far. The goal of this scoping review is to collate the literature of LHW interventions for adults with RMDs to inform next steps for LHW research.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed in the following databases from inception to September 2021: Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and The Cochrane Library. Studies retrieved were then screened for eligibility against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Twenty‐two articles were eligible and included in this review. The most common RMDs studied, not mutually exclusive, were osteoarthritis (n = 13), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 9), and unspecified or other RMD (n = 14). Most studies had a homogenous patient population, enrolling White, non‐Hispanic, or Latina women over the age of 60 (n = 13). Eight studies observed statistically significant results in the intervention arm compared with the control. Only one of these studies exhibited sustained treatment effects past one year.

Conclusion

There are not enough data to conclude if LHW interventions have a positive, null, or negative effect on patients with RMDs. Future LHW interventions should specify a priori hypotheses, be powered to detect statistical significance for primary outcomes, employ a theoretical framework, include an active control, describe training protocols for LHWs, and increase minority representation to establish the effectiveness of LHWs for patients with RMDs.
Thermal‐Conductive MOFs@BN Self‐Supporting Foams for Synchronously Boosting CO2 Adsorption/Desorption
Authors: Li Sheng , Yu Xin , Liu Liming , Zhou Liqin , Jia Zhaowei , Chen Jianmin , Zhao Zhongxing , Zhao Zhenxia
Published: April 2024

Synchronous boosting adsorption and desorption efficiency is a great challenge for CO2 adsorption capture, especially for metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) having high adsorption uptakes. Herein, a novel “self‐supporting foam” strategy is proposed to fabricate a thermally conductive MOFs@boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) composite foam (MOFs@BNNS‐PEI) via polyethyleneimine (PEI) cross‐linkage. The “rebar” BNNS and the “aggregate” MOFs are packed against each other to form a self‐supporting structure, effectively reducing the reliance on polymers to maintain high MOFs loading. Furthermore, this approach enables the successful fabrication of three different types of typical MOFs, including HKUST‐1, MIL‐100(Fe), and ZIF‐8. This unique design maintains a high specific surface area (SSA) of the MOFs foam and generates nitrogen‐rich microporosity contributing to CO2 adsorption. Additionally, PEI serves as a thermal bridge to reduce the interfacial thermal resistance between BNNS and MOFs, accelerating the thermal desorption of CO2 within the MOFs foam. Benefiting from these advantages, the MOFs@BNNS‐PEI exhibits a higher CO2 adsorption capacity (1.35–1.42 times that of pure MOFs) and a significant increase in the desorption rate for CO2 (5.0–5.7 times that of pure MOFs). Thus, the thermally conductive MOFs foam can be a viable option for efficient CO2 capture in practical applications.
Synergistic Antimicrobial Glycyrrhizic Acid‐Based Functional Biosensing Composite for Sensitive Glucose Monitoring and Collaborative Wound Healing
Authors: Wang Xiao , Huo Haoling , Zhong Yanming , Yang Yingfei , Lin Huaijun , Cao Lin , Wang Qiwei , Xu Congjie , Lin Zhidan , Li Wei , Zhang Peng
Published: April 2024

High glucose blood and bacterial infection remain major issues for the slow healing of diabetic wounds, so developing functional biosensing composite with excellent antibacterial and remarkable glucose response sensitivity is necessary and prospective. Herein, by in situ synthesis AgNPs on the surface of self‐prepared PTIGA elastomers, PTIGA‐AgNPs conductive composites are obtained with efficient synergistic antibacterial effect, excellent mechanical and self‐healing properties. The strain of the composites can reach 1800%, and its self‐healing efficiency exceeds 90% at 60 °C within 8 h. Both elastomers and composites represent excellent biocompatibility and the antibacterial rate against E. coli and S. aureus exceeded 90%. Moreover, the biosensor assembled from the conductive composites exhibits excellent glucose response sensitivity and stability, with a sensitivity coefficient of 0.518 mA mm−1 in the range of 0.2–3.6 × 10−3 m glucose concentration, as well as a low detection limit of 0.08 × 10−3 m. Furthermore, based on the remarkable antibacterial performance and bioactivity derived from GA, the composites reduce the expression of pro‐inflammatory factors and promote the production of anti‐inflammatory factors, and effectively promote the regeneration of skin and granulation tissue of wounds in a diabetic full‐thickness skin defect model, demonstrating the enormous therapeutic potential in diabetic wound healing.
An Electrode‐Crosstalk‐Suppressing Smart Polymer Electrolyte for High Safety Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Dong Tiantian , Xu Gaojie , Xie Bin , Liu Tao , Gong Tianyu , Sun Chenghao , Wang Jinzhi , Zhang Shu , Zhang Xiaohu , Zhang Huanrui , Huang Lang , Cui Guanglei
Published: April 2024

Electrode crosstalk between anode and cathode at elevated temperatures is identified as a real culprit triggering the thermal runaway of lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, to address this challenge, a novel smart polymer electrolyte is prepared through in situ polymerization of methyl methacrylate and acrylic anhydride monomers within a succinonitrile‐based dual‐anion deep eutectic solvent. Owing to the abundant active unsaturated double bonds on the as‐obtained polymer matrix end, this smart polymer electrolyte can spontaneously form a dense crosslinked polymer network under elevated temperatures, effectively slowing down the crosstalk diffusion kinetics of lithium ions and active gases. Impressively, LiCoO2/graphite pouch cells employing this smart polymer electrolyte demonstrate no thermal runaway even at the temperature up to 250 °C via accelerating rate calorimeter testing. Meanwhile, because of its abundance of functional motifs, this smart polymer electrolyte can facilitate the formation of stable and thermally robust electrode/electrolyte interface on both electrodes, ensuring the long cycle life and high safety of LIBs. In specific, this smart polymer electrolyte endows 1.1 Ah LiCoO2/graphite pouch cell with a capacity retention of 96% after 398 cycles at 0.2 C.
Oxygen‐Mediated Surface Engineering of 3D Porous Graphene for All‐Graphene‐Based Humidity Sensors
Authors: Lee Eunji , Kwon Yeong Min , Bae Garam , Park Se Yeon , Song Da Som , Jo Hyeong‐ku , Lee Do Hyung , Jeon Hye Yoon , Kang Saewon , Yim Soonmin , Myung Sung , Lim Jongsun , Lee Sun Sook , Yoon Dae Ho , Song Wooseok
Published: April 2024

Real‐world applications of graphene require reliable routes for synthesizing large‐area graphene and methods to tune its structural and electrical properties. A viable and facile route is presented for synthesizing 3D porous graphene (3PG) on PI films with tunable patterns and locations via the photon‐pen writing technique and subsequent oxygen plasma treatment. The laser power and scan speed are optimized for 3PG synthesis. The electrical properties and surface hydrophilicity are controlled via surface customization of 3PG with optimal oxygen plasma treatment duration and laser inter‐spacing. The capability of humidity sensors based on surface‐customized 3PG with hydrophobic surface is demonstrated.
Photochemical and Electrochemical Synthesis of Oxazoles and Isoxazoles: An Update
Authors: Ghosh Debashis , Sherin Ancy , Ghosh Sumit , Kalose Sushma A , Hajra Alakananda
Published: April 2024

This review presents an outline of current advancements in the photochemical and electrochemical synthesis of oxazoles and isoxazoles. Oxazole and isoxazole are important building blocks for a variety of medicinally useful compounds. Therefore, the synthesis of these heterocycles via sustainable technologies is worth demanding. Photochemical and electrochemical are two among the few sustainable technologies. This review covers a brief discussion on reaction parameters like catalysts, substrates scope, reaction temperature, solvents, electrodes, electrolytes (in case of electrochemical process), light source (in case of photochemical process) for individual reaction. Detailed discussion on mechanistic insight for each reaction is also presented. Finally, summary, and future direction toward the development of effective electrochemical and photochemical methods for the reaction of oxazoles and isoxazoles is also presented.
Sex‐specific scaling of leaf phosphorus vs. nitrogen under unequal reproductive requirements in Eurya japonica, a dioecious plant
Authors: He Dong , Liu Xiang‐Yu , Zheng Li‐Ting
Published: April 2024

Premise

Previous work searching for sexual dimorphism has largely relied on the comparison of trait mean vectors between sexes in dioecious plants. Whether trait scaling (i.e., the ratio of proportional changes in covarying traits) differs between sexes, along with its functional significance, remains unclear.

Methods

We measured 10 vegetative traits pertaining to carbon, water, and nutrient economics across 337 individuals (157 males and 180 females) of the diocious species Eurya japonica during the fruiting season in eastern China. Piecewise structural equation modeling was employed to reveal the scaling relationships of multiple interacting traits, and multivariate analysis of (co)variance was conducted to test for intersexual differences.

Results

There was no sexual dimorphism in terms of trait mean vectors across the 10 vegetative traits in E. japonica. Moreover, most relationships for covarying trait pairs (17 out of 19) exhibited common scaling slopes between sexes. However, the scaling slopes for leaf phosphorus (P) vs. nitrogen (N) differed between sexes, with 5.6‐ and 3.0‐fold increases of P coinciding with a 10‐fold increase of N in male and female plants, respectively.

Conclusions

The lower ratio of proportional changes in P vs. N for females likely reflects stronger P limitation for their vegetative growth, as they require greater P investments in fruiting. Therefore, P vs. N scaling can be a key avenue allowing for sex‐specific strategic optimization under unequal reproductive requirements. This study uncovers a hidden aspect of secondary sex character in dioecious plants, and highlights the use of trait scaling to understand sex‐defined economic strategies.
Comments on “Planar Tetracoordinate Hydrogen: Pushing the Limit of Multicentre Bonding”
Authors: Huo Bin , Zhang Xingyu , Lu Hai‐Gang , Jin Bo , Yuan Caixia , Meng Qingyong , Wu Yan‐Bo
Published: April 2024

In a recent communication (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, 63, e202317312), Kalita et al. studied In4H+ system within the frame of single‐reference approximation (SRA) and found that the global energy minimum (1 a) adopted the singlet state and a planar tetracoordinate hydrogen (ptH), while the second lowest isomer (1 b) located 3.0 kcal/mol above 1 a and adopted the triplet state as well as non‐planar structure with a quasi‐ptH. They assessed the reliability of SRA by checking the T1‐diagnostic values of coupled cluster calculations. However, according to our multi‐configurational second‐order perturbation theory calculations at the CASPT2(12,13)/aug‐cc‐pVQZ (aug‐cc‐pVQZ‐PP for In) level, both 1 a and 1 b exhibit obvious multi‐referential characters, as reflected by their largest reference coefficients of 0.928 (86.1 %) and 0.938 (88.0 %), respectively. Moreover, 1 b is 5.05 kcal/mol lower than 1 a at this level, that is, what can be observed in In4H+ system is the quasi‐ptH.
Correlation of Professional Antigen‐Presenting Tbet+CD11c+ B Cells With Bone Destruction in Untreated Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: McGrath Sarah , Grimstad Kristoffer , Thorarinsdottir Katrin , Forslind Kristina , Glinatsi Daniel , Leu Agelii Monica , Aranburu Alaitz , Sundell Timothy , Jonsson Charlotte A. , Camponeschi Alessandro , Hultgård Ekwall Anna‐Karin , Tilevik Andreas , Gjertsson Inger , Mårtensson Inga‐Lill
Published: April 2024

Objective

Subsets of CD21−/low memory B cells (MBCs), including double‐negative (DN, CD27−IgD−) and Tbet+CD11c+ cells, are expanded in chronic inflammatory diseases. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), CD21−/low MBCs correlate with joint destruction. However, whether this is due to the Tbet+CD11c+ subset, its function and pathogenic contribution to RA are unknown. This study aims to investigate the association between CD21−/lowTbet+CD11c+ MBCs and joint destruction as well as other clinical parameters and to elucidate their functional properties in patients with untreated RA (uRA).

Methods

Clinical observations were combined with flow cytometry (n = 36) and single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) and V(D)J sequencing (n = 4) of peripheral blood (PB) MBCs from patients with uRA. The transcriptome of circulating Tbet+CD11c+ MBCs was compared with scRNA‐seq data of synovial B cells. In vitro coculture of Tbet+CD11c+ B cells with T cells was used to assess costimulatory capacity.

Results

CD21−/lowTbet+CD11c+ MBCs in PB correlated with bone destruction but no other clinical parameters analyzed. The Tbet+CD11c+ MBCs have undergone clonal expansion and express somatically mutated V genes. Gene expression analysis of these cells identified a unique signature of more than 150 up‐regulated genes associated with antigen presentation functions, including B cell receptor activation and clathrin‐mediated antigen internalization; regulation of actin filaments, endosomes, and lysosomes; antigen processing, loading, presentation, and costimulation; a transcriptome mirrored in their synovial tissue counterparts. In vitro, Tbet+CD11c+ B cells induced retinoic acid receptor–related orphan nuclear receptor γT expression in CD4+ T cells, thereby polarizing to Th17 cells, a T cell subset critical for osteoclastogenesis and associated with bone destruction.

Conclusion

This study suggests that Tbet+CD11c+ MBCs contribute to the pathogenesis of RA by promoting bone destruction through antigen presentation, T cell activation, and Th17 polarization.

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Waste‐to‐energy: the recycling and reuse of sugar industry waste for different value‐added products such as bioenegy in selected countries – a critical review
Authors: Gbadeyan Oluwatoyin Joseph , Sibiya Lindokuhle , Linganiso Linda Z , Deenadayalu Nirmala
Published: April 2024

The economies of several countries have benefited significantly from the sugarcane industry, as a result of investment in the industry, foreign exchange earnings, the generation of substantial employment, and connections with significant suppliers. Sugarcane industry participants have been forced to find ways to offset high operating costs due to industry pressures. Proper management of wastes generated from sugar production is essential to reduce the environmental burden of pollution. This study reviews physical, chemical, and biological procedures for reusing or recycling wastewater and other sugar industry waste for various applications. Different countries are continuing to invest in industrial sugar waste, for example biomass and wastewater, to generate renewable energy, but limited investment in the sugar industry in African countries has been identified. Some by‐products, including wastewater and filter cake, have been largely unused for the production of energy. The potential to generate bioenergy from sugarcane industry wastewater has been explored. Numerous technologies for obtaining energy from sugarcane wastewater are reviewed, including the reduction of energy needs through waste heat and process heat integration, generating biomass, combustion and gasification, anaerobic digestion for biogas, fermentation for bioethanol, and the direct production of electricity using microbial fuel cells. Reusing and recycling the sugar industry's waste would increase profits, create more job opportunities, and help to boost the global economy.
Review recent rulings involving racial discrimination
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: April 2024

An overview of the key topics faced by higher education administrators with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.