bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A BL Lacertae object at a cosmic age of 800 Myr
Authors: Koptelova Ekaterina , Hwang Chorng-Yuan
Published: July 2021

BL Lacertae objects (BL Lacs) and flat-spectrum radio quasars
(FSRQs), known as blazars, are low- and high-luminosity radio-loud Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) with relativistic jets pointed towards Earth (1). Evolving from
FSRQs (2,3), BL Lac objects host ~109 Msun supermassive black holes (SMBHs, where Msun is the mass of the Sun) and reside preferentially in giant elliptical galaxies of stellar masses 1011-1012Msun (4-7). The known BL Lacs are relatively nearby objects found below
redshift 3.6 (3,8,9). Here, we report the discovery of a BL Lac object, FIRST J233153.20+112952.11 (hereafter J2331+11), at a redshift of 6.57 corresponding to an age of the Universe of ~800 Myr. As the typical BL Lac, J2331+11 is a compact radio source with the flat power-law radio continuum, no emission lines in its near-infrared spectrum, and significant variability. The optical-to-radio continuum of J2331+11 is entirely dominated by the synchrotron emission of a relativistic jet. J2331+11 provides
evidence for the shorter formation timescale of massive SMBHs with jets and bulge-dominated galaxies than that expected from the Eddington-limited growth of SMBHs and hierarchical galaxy formation. The rapid formation of BL Lacs at early cosmic epochs should have taken place in the densest regions of the early Universe.
Which Incision is Better for Orthotopic Rat Liver Transplantation, Transverse or Midline?
Authors: Tang Gaofeng , Zou Zhongwu , Zhao Huibo , Wang Weiwei , Chen Guoyong , Zhou Shaotang
Published: July 2021

Orthotopic rat liver transplantation (OLT) is a complex procedure extensively applicable to basic science, myriad complications can occur, incision-related self-biting has not been reported after liver transplantation. For the project of tolerance induction through stem cells, OLT was performed from inbred Sprague Dawley (SD) rat to SD (control group, n = 9), SD to Lewis (chronic rejection, n = 11), and OLT from Lewis allograft to Brown Norway (BN) rats (acute rejection, n = 63), the acute rejection group was sub-grouped into the transverse incision group(n = 26) and midline group(n = 37), Cyclosporine A was injected at 2mg/kg into the rejection groups once daily for 14 days, lidocaine cream alone or with naloxone was used for pain-relieving. The recipient survival and wound status were the primary endpoint of this study. For SD→SD, 30-day survival rate was 88.9%, no self-biting behavior occurred; for SD→Lewis, 30-day survival rate was 54.5%, the degree II of self-biting occurred in 2 cases. For Lewis→BN with transverse incision, 30-day survival rate was 51.8%, severe self-biting occurred in 16 cases in 8–27 days and 5 more cases over 30 days, which caused death or euthanasia, the degree 2 of biting occurred in 2 cases. For Lewis→BN with midline incision, 30-day survival rate was 86.0%, no severe self-biting occurred, mild self-biting in 2 cases. There was difference in the biting–related survival between two sub-groups (p = 0.003). In conclusion, incision-related self-biting behavior is species-specific for rats, the transverse incision is the pain-causing reason; the midline one is effective to avert occurrences.
Circulating T Cell Profiling of Lymphedema Reveals Upregulated Immune Checkpoint Molecules and Preserved Stem Cell-Like Memory T Cells
Authors: Imai Hirofumi , Kawase Takakazu , Mese Toshiro , Roh Solji , Yoshida Shuhei , Fujita Asuka , Uchiki Toshio , Sasaki Ayano , Nagamatsu Shogo , Takazawa Atsushi , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Koshima Isao
Published: July 2021

Lymphedema is a common complication seen in patients with cancer who undergo lymph node dissection. Lymphedema is a debilitating progressive condition that severely restricts the quality of life owing to the accompanying cellulitis and angiosarcoma, which suggest that immune dysfunction is associated with lymphedema. However, the immune status of peripheral T cells during lymphedema remains poorly understood. Using the peripheral blood T cells of patients with lymphedema and age-matched healthy controls (HC), we compared the profile of various functional T cell subsets in this study. Expression of PD-1, Tim-3, and Lag-3 increased in peripheral CD4 + but not CD8 + T cell populations, and the proportion of regulatory T cells was higher in lymphedema patients than in HC. The proportions of naïve CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were lower in lymphedema patients than in HC, although proportions of stem cell-like memory T cell subsets were constant. These observations suggest the distinct immunosuppressive status of patients with lymphedema, which might be related to the development of the accompanying cellulitis and angiosarcoma. This study might provide new insights into the late complication after undergoing lymph node dissection as a cancer treatment.
Reduction of Autofluorescence in Whole Adult Worms of Schistosoma Japonicum for Immunofluorescence Assay
Authors: Wu Qunfeng , Feng Zheng , Hu Wei
Published: July 2021

Background

Immunofluorescence assay is one of methods to understand the spatial biology by visualizing localization of biomolecules in cells and tissues. Autofluorescence, as a common phenomenon in organisms, is a background signal interfering the immunolocalization assay of schistosome biomolecules, and may lead to misinterpretation of the biomolecular function. However, applicable method for reducing the autofluorescence in Schistosoma remains unclear.
Methods

In order to find a suitable method for reducing autofluorescence of schistosomes, different chemical reagents, such as Sudan black B (SBB), trypan blue (TB), copper sulfate (CuSO4), Tris-glycine (Gly), and ammonia/ethanol (AE), at different concentrations and treatment time were tested, and SBB and CuSO4 were verified for the effect of blocking autofluorescence in immunofluorescence to localize the target with anti-SjCRT antibody.
Results

By comparing the autofluorescence characteristics of different conditions, it was found that SBB, TB and CuSO4 had a certain degree of reducing autofluorescence effect, and the best effect in females was using 50 mM CuSO4 for 6 h and in males was 0.5% SBB for 6 h. Furthermore, we have applied the optimized conditions to the immunofluorescence of SjCRT protein, and the results revealed that the immunofluorescence signal of SjCRT was clearly visible without autofluorescence interference.
Conclusions

We present an effective method to reduce autofluorescence in male and female worm of Schistosoma japonicum for immunofluorescence assay, which could be helpful to better understand biomolecular functions. Our method provides an idea for immunofluorescence assay in other flukes with autofluoresence.
Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis in COVID-19 Associated Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis: A Retrospective Audit in the First Wave of the Pandemic
Authors: Chowdhary Stuti , Alexander Arun , Ganesan Sivaraman , Raj Joe Vimal , Chakkalakkoombil Sunitha Vellathussery , Lakshmanan Jijitha , Paramasivam Sabharisan , Raja Kalaiarasi , Penubarthi Lokesh Kumar , Saxena Sunil Kumar
Published: July 2021

Purpose Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a complication of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rapid surge in the cases of acute fungal sinusitis, many of whom also had CST, further contributing to the ophthalmoplegia. This study was a retrospective audit of patients with mucormycosis treated during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods This study was conducted at a tertiary referral centre, and patients with rhino-orbital mucormycosis were included. Relevant laboratory investigations and CT scans of the paranasal sinuses and the cavernous sinus were analysed. Mortality at discharge was calculated.Results 61 cases of invasive mucormycosis were seen, of whom 20 were COVID-19 positive, and 21 had radiological evidence of CST. All patients in the study initially presented with clinical suspicion of mucormycosis, and COVID-19 was diagnosed during pre-admission investigations. 93% of patients had diabetes. A majority of patients received Amphotericin B and surgical debridement. The sphenoid sinus was involved in 32(52%) patients and the orbit in 34(56%). Factors affecting CST, such as platelet counts, were studied. Fifteen (25%) patients succumbed during their treatment.Conclusions 34.4% of patients with mucormycosis developed CST. Being COVID-19 positive led to an increase in mortality; however, there was no significant increase in death due to simultaneous COVID-19 and CST. Sinus involvement was not significant for the development of CST.
Specific Learning Disorders and Eating Disorders: an Italian Retrospective Comparative Study.
Authors: Aruta Salvatore Ferdinando , Pruccoli Jacopo , Bandini Nicole , Parmeggiani Antonia
Published: July 2021

Background: Although Eating Disorders (ED) patients show dysfunctional behaviour in information processing, visual and verbal memory performance, and different cognitive fields, regardless of their BMI, the literature on the correlations between ED and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD) does not provide conclusive data. Scientific data on ED and SLD are even more limited. Rather than a consequence of the mental disorder, cognitive dysfunctions may be a risk factor for ED.Methods: Our retrospective comparative study investigates the prevalence of Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) among patients with ED. We considered 262 patients under the care of the Emilia Romagna Feeding and Eating Disorders Outpatient Service in Bologna, Italy. We compared the results with the Italian reference values, according to the most recent data provided by the Italian Ministry of Education.Results: We found that 25 patients out of 262 (9.54%) presented a comorbid diagnosis of SLD. This SLD prevalence is higher than the Italian reference values (4.9% in the school year 2018/19). Comorbid diagnosis with SLD was significantly more frequent in males. A diagnosis of SLD was not associated with a higher frequency of any specific ED diagnosis or with psychiatric comorbidity in general. A positive family history for SLD was not significantly associated with either a positive family history for ED or a diagnosis of SLD. Conclusions: This is the first Italian study that investigates the prevalence of SLD in ED patients during childhood and adolescence. Our data support previous research documenting that neuropsychological deficit could lead to the development of ED.
SMC4 Promotes Proliferation and Migration of Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Wang Hongzhen , Ma Liang , Sun Yao , Yang Yang , Liu Haifeng , Yang Dawei
Published: July 2021

Background: Structural maintenance of chromosomes 4 (SMC4) is one of the SMC family members, which was located in 3q25.33 and involved in chromosome enrichment and separation, DNA recombination and repair, has been implicated in the promotion of cancers proliferation and metastasis. However, the possible role of SMC4 in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) metastasis and EMT progression remained unclear. Methods: The expression of SMC4 in COAD tissues was screened by bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemical assay. si-RNA-mediated transfection was performed in COAD cells. The proliferation viability was measured using MTT, colony formation and EdU assays. SMC4-induced autophagy occurred was explored by AO staining, autophagy-related markers were detected by Western blots and Immunofluorescence staining. The migration ability was determined using wound healing and Transwell assay. The expression of EMT markers and transcriptional factors were detected using western blot assays.Results: We found that SMC4 was upregulated in COAD tissues, and its overexpression was linked with COAD patients’ aggressive tumor characteristics. Furthermore, prognostic analysis shown that COAD patients with high SMC4 expression had a remarkably shorter survival and acted as an important factor for predicting poor overall survival in GC patients. Moreover, SMC4 depletion inhibited COAD cells proliferation and migration through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression. Taken together, we proposed that SMC4 involved in COAD progression and might be a valid prognostic marker.Conclusions: We proposed that SMC4 involved in COAD progression and might be a valid prognostic marker.
A simultaneous feature selection and compositional association test for detecting sparse associations in high-dimensional metagenomic data
Authors: Hinton Andrew , Mucha Peter J.
Published: July 2021

Background: Numerous metagenomic studies aim to discover associations between the microbial composition of an environment (e.g. Gut, Skin, Oral) and a phenotype of interest. Multivariate analysis (MVA) is often performed in these studies without critical a priori knowledge of which taxa are associated with the phenotype being studied. Consequently, non-parametric MVA methods are applied directly to all taxa surveyed independent of noise. This approach typically reduces statistical power in settings where true associations among only a few taxa are obscured by high dimensionality (i.e. sparse association signals). At the same time, the inclusion of all taxa can confound the extraction of key biological insights. Further, low sample size and compositional sample space constraints exist in these data whereby beyond-study generalizability may be reduced if not properly accounted for. More powerful association tests that are interpretable and directly account for compositional constraints while detecting sparse association signals are needed.Methods: We developed Selection-Energy-Permutation (SelEnergyPerm), a non-parametric group association test with embedded feature selection. SelEnergyPerm directly accounts for compositional constraints by selecting parsimonious log ratio signatures from the set of all pairwise log ratios (PLR) between features (OTUs, taxa, etc.). To do this, network methods are used to rank, select, and maximize the between-group association of a candidate log ratio subset. This process is then repeated with an appropriate permutation testing design to simultaneously determine the significance of the selected signatures and association.Results: Simulation results show SelEnergyPerm selects small independent sets of log ratios that capture strong associations in a range of scenarios with small and large dimensional feature spaces. Additionally, our simulation results demonstrate SelEnergyPerm consistently detects/rejects associations in synthetic data with sparse, dense, or no association signals. We demonstrate the novel benefits of our method in four case studies utilizing publicly available 16S rRNA and whole-genome sequencing datasets.Conclusions: Tools to analyze complex high-dimensional metagenomic datasets with sparse association signals using robust PLR have not been sufficiently developed previously. We propose SelEnergyPerm, a novel framework for the discovery of phenotype-associated, metagenomic log ratio signatures for characterizing and understanding alterations in microbial community structure. SelEnergyPerm is implemented in R, available at https://github.com/andrew84830813/selEnergyPermR.
USE OF THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES FOR POST-STROKE CORRECTION OF SWALLOWING
Authors: Buivalo Valentina , Yezhova Olga , Krasnyukov Anatoliy
Published: July 2021

Dysphagia (Greek. Dys + phagein ­­– eat, swallow) ­– is a violation of swallowing, in which there is a feeling of discomfort or difficulty in transporting the food bolus from the mouth to the stomach. Because the disorder of the act of swallowing in stroke is usually of neurogenic origin and is defined by a number of neurologic disturbances and dysfunctions, it is better to use the term "neurogenic dysphagia" for patients with acute disturbance of cerebral circulation. The urgency of this problem is especially emphasized in the development of a set of therapeutic exercises for such socially important disease as acute cerebrovascular accident. One of the formidable complications of stroke is a violation of the act of swallowing. This leads to a significant reduction in quality of life increasing the risk of secondary complications, which, in turn, significantly increases the likelihood of death.
Violation of the act of swallowing is observed in 26–45% of patients due to acute ischemic stroke. Dysphagia leads to the development of life-threatening complications such as aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, and significantly reduces the quality of life of such patients. Thus, the correction of the act of swallowing by means of physical rehabilitation after brain injury is a very important task of the rehabilitologist. For a long time, speech therapy was the only method of rehabilitation of dysphagia; now we can widely use therapeutic exercises to restore the functions of facial muscles and masticatory muscles.
Screening for swallowing disorders allows us to assess the function of the masticatory muscles in five stages, which makes it possible to develop a more individual and thorough set of therapeutic exercises after each stage of the screening study. Depending on the phase of swallowing in which disorders are observed, we have developed an individual set of therapeutic exercises that will be performed by the patient in each of the five stages of the screening study, if the patient could not overcome this stage.
Exploring Technically Feasible and Economically Viable Hybrid Renewable Energy Solution for Off-Grid Electricity Supply Titl
Authors: Eseosa Omorogiuwa , Thompson Ekiyor Martin
Published: July 2021

Solar energy as one of the many sources of renewable energy-based off-grid electricity supply is traditionally considered as an expensive and unreliable source of power. But as technology improves over the years, renewable energy sources are beginning to take the stage of modern energy divide. Based on the limited generation and distribution companies (GENCOs and DISCOs) grid electricity supply in Nigeria, it becomes pertinent to complement available grid power with renewable sources. The purpose of this study is to propose the best hybrid technology combination for electricity generation to reliably satisfy the electrical needs of an off-grid remote village, Ofubu, New Patani in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Solar PV systems and diesel generator are considered. The study estimates the day-to-day load demand Using HOMER software. Identification of the optimal off-grid option and comparison with conventional grid extension was carried out. The results obtained shows that hybrid combination of an PV-diesel is an effective alternative for an off-grid rural location and it is sustainable, techno-economically viable and environmentally friendly most especially considering the concept of green and clean energy source. The study also discussed issues that are likely to influence the realization of the optimal solution.
Technical Introduction of Wireless Mesh Network
Authors: Luo Yana , Luo Yana , Wang Jian , Wang Jian
Published: July 2021

In the process of evolution to the next generation network, wireless is an indispensable technology. Because of its Multi-Hop characteristics, the application value of Wireless Mesh Network in the next generation Internet has been proved. Because of Mesh peer-to-peer network topology, if a node fails, it will not affect the operation of the whole network, and can effectively avoid single point of failure. As a solution to provide high-speed internet services, Wireless Mesh Network can provide network access for mobile users in its coverage area, and it has evolved into an effective solution for broadband home networks, community networks, enterprise networks and other wireless access networks.
Sin conflicto y sin deseo: Las tensiones de la individualización en la experiencia de pareja de jóvenes chilenos*
Authors: Besoain Arrau Carolina , Sharim Kovalskys Dariela , Carmona Sepúlveda Mariela , Bravo Vidal Diego , Barrientos Delgado Jaime
Published: July 2021

Este artículo busca conocer y comprender las tensiones en las dimensiones de amor, sexualidad e intimidad en la experiencia de pareja en jóvenes hombres y mujeres de nivel socioeconómico medio y bajo, residentes en la ciudad de Santiago de Chile. La sociedad chilena ha vivido importantes transformaciones sociales y culturales que han impactado las formas de parentesco, en particular, las relaciones de pareja. Desde una perspectiva fenomenológico-hermenéutica, se analizaron e interpretaron los relatos de vida y el material recogido mediante grupos focales de hombres y mujeres entre 18 y 25 años. Los resultados evidencian tensiones y ambivalencias en el lugar dado al otro de la pareja en jóvenes chilenos. Los quiebres de los mandatos sobre la pareja, vinculados a la experiencia del conflicto, dependencia y deseo sexual, implican el despliegue de estrategias de regulación que tienden a minimizar las diferencias ya sea a través de la comunicación que intenta hacer transparente el mundo interno al otro, la evitación del conflicto o la suspensión de la relación.
Mathematical model of oil displacement by water in a plane channel
Authors: Nizamova A.D. , Valiev Valiev A.A.
Published: July 2021

Unstable displacement of immiscible liquids in a plane channel is a topical research in both theoretical and practical applications. In this paper, we consider a plane channel filled with an incompressible fluid. Over time, another fluid is injected into the channel. The fluids are immiscible. The paper builds a mathematical model of the process of oil displacement by water in a plane channel, which allows further numerical studies and comparison of the results with the obtained experimental data using the example of the Hele-Show cell. The mathematical model for a multiphase, multicomponent flow consists of the Navier-Stokes equations, the equations of conservation of mass, momentum and energy. Modern methods for modeling the dynamics of "viscous fingers“ are based mainly on numerical methods for solving systems of differential equations using the pressure gradient, viscosity and capillary forces as parameters. The influence of these parameters must be determined experimentally. To solve the problem, a quasi-hydrodynamic approach is used, based on the addition of a certain small parameter and allowing one to describe stable schemes with central differences. The complexity of solving such problems lies in the size of the considered models, which in practice have a wide range of applications from micro-scale to orders of one centimeter. A comprehensive study will allow us to evaluate and analyze the entire process as a whole, as well as to establish flow parameters to improve the efficiency of displacement and increase oil recovery, since in the numerical modeling of the process it is easier to create many independent experiments with the same initial data, in contrast to the experimental study.
Group classification of third order nonlinear wave equations chain’s
Authors: Babkov O.K. , Mukhametova G.Z.
Published: July 2021

The paper presents the results of point symmetrys Lie algebras for third-order nonlinear wave equations calculating linked into a chain by Bäcklund transformations. Calculations are carried out by using Lie-Ovsyannikov method of group analysis. The basic algebras of point symmetries of the indicated equations are found, all possible cases of their extension are revealed, and the commutator tables of algebras found are calculated.
Estudio para determinar el factor vocacional en enfermería ante la pandemia de Covid-19
Authors: Morandín-Ahuerma Fabio , Suárez Máximo Juan Daniel , Vargas Vizuet Ana Liviere , Romero Fernández Abelardo , Villanueva Méndez Laura
Published: July 2021

Objetivos: Evaluar si la pandemia de SARS-Cov2 (COVID-19) es un factor relevante [y = f (x)] que influya negativamente en la vocación de las/os enfermeras/os. Materiales y método: El presente estudio mixto, transversal, no experimental contó con n = 392 participantes (85% mujeres y 15% hombres) de 99 instituciones del Sector Salud público y privado (83%), así como de Centros educativos (17%) de México, España, Cuba y Perú. Se aplicó una encuesta en línea con 10 reactivos de opción múltiple y una pregunta abierta. Resultados: Respecto a la variable Vocación frente a Covid-19 si bien 50.3% tiene miedo al contagio, solo 19% ha pensado abandonar. Con otras correlaciones se obtuvieron datos mixtos que permiten analizar los contextos laborales, las emociones, las vivencias y condiciones que fomentan o debilitan el trabajo y espíritu de servicio en el área de la enfermería.
Gerenciamento tributário: análise da influência sobre o custo do capital próprio das empresas brasileiras
Authors: Belisa Marques de Freitas Hana , Scartaty Moreira Caritsa , Raquel Pereira da Silva Annandy , Carlos Soares do Nascimento Ítalo , Calyo Varela de Melo Geison
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: O presente estudo buscou investigar se o gerenciamento tributário influencia no custo de capital próprio das empresas brasileiras listadas no Brasil, Bolsa e Balcão (B3) no período de 2014 a 2018.

Metodologia: O estudo compreendeu a análise da proxie Book-Tax Differences (BTD) como ferramenta de identificação do gerenciamento tributário, como sugerido no trabalho de Moreira e Silva (2019), bem como as variáveis de controle, que são o retorno sobre o patrimônio líquido (ROE), valor de mercado (QTOBIN), tamanho da companhia (LNAT) e alavancagem financeira da empresa (ALV). Para a coleta de dados utilizou-se o banco de dados da Bloomberg® e o Formulário de Referência disponível no sítio eletrônico do B3. Para tanto, utilizou-se da Regressão Linear Múltipla do tipo dados em painel balanceado, resultando em uma amostra final formada por 630 observações.

Resultados: Por meio da proxie BTD, referente à diferença entre lucro contábil e lucro tributário, e utilizado para capturar o gerenciamento tributário nessa pesquisa, não foi possível identificar qualquer relação com o custo de capital próprio. Assim, para fins dessa pesquisa, a adequação teórica e os modelos estatísticos utilizados não evidenciaram que boas práticas de gerenciamento tributário tenham efeito positivo ou negativo no custo de capital próprio.

Contribuições do Estudo: Observa-se que os estudos brasileiros não analisaram o efeito do gerenciamento tributário sobre o custo de capital próprio nas empresas brasileiras utilizando o indicador Book-Tax Differences (BTD) como ferramenta de identificação do gerenciamento tributário e a sua influência no custo de capital. Então, a presente pesquisa seguiu a recomendação sugerida por Moreira e Silva (2019), de analisar esse custo com outro indicador, neste caso, Book-Tax Differences (BTD). De acordo com os resultados, não foi possível identificar qualquer relação com o custo de capital próprio, contribuindo, assim, para a consolidação dos achados de Goh et al. (2016) e de Moreira e Silva (2019) que apresentam o CashETR como melhor métrica para o gerenciamento tributário, tendo em vista que os resultados apresentados utilizando as variáveis ETR e BTD, demonstraram que o custo de capital exigido pelos investidores não teve relação com a agressividade fiscal das empresas.
Caso para ensino: a água que eu visto
Authors: Ferreira Aracéli Cristina de Sousa , Miranda Luiz Carlos , Queiroz Juliana Molina
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: O objetivo deste caso é possibilitar a aprendizagem dos alunos sobre os impactos ambientais e seus efeitos, além de permitir que os mesmos utilizam métodos de valoração econômica do meio ambiente para internalizar as externalidades referentes aos impactos ambientais e sociais. Como o produto em questão é usado amplamente, há uma identificação entre o problema identificado neste caso, o da não internalização das externalidades (impactos sociais e ambientais), e os consumidores, neste caso, os próprios alunos.

Metodologia: A metodologia deste caso de ensino é qualitativa. Os alunos leem, discutem e aplicam o caso. Ao ler o caso, os estudantes aprendem as etapas do processo de lavagem de uma lavanderia. Na leitura e na discussão, os alunos podem identificar quais são os impactos ambientais e sociais diretos e indiretos e suas consequências. Por fim, são aplicados e discutidos os métodos de valoração econômica do meio ambiente, quando aplicáveis à situação.

Resultados: É possível identificar os impactos sociais e ambientais e analisar e discutir os efeitos desses impactos na gestão e na contabilidade.

Contribuições do Estudo: Espera-se que este Caso para Ensino possa ser utilizado em cursos de graduação e pós-graduação em disciplinas sobre meio ambiente e sustentabilidade, além de disciplinas relacionadas a custos e gestão.
Earnings management and corporate governance: an analysis based on the adoption of IFRS in Brazil
Authors: Prata Bruno Chacon , Flach Leonardo
Published: July 2021

Purpose: This paper aims to analyze whether the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) strengthened the negative relationship among earnings management and  corporate governance best practices, which are: B3’s differentiated levels of corporate governance, the presence of a board of independent directors and whether the company is audited by a Big Four or not.

Methodology: We applied panel data regression with a sample of 92 companies listed in B3 during the period 2002-2007, for the period prior to IFRS and 2010-2015, for the period after IFRS. Data were collected from the explanatory notes, company reference form and in the Economatica® database. In order to measure the dependent variable earnings management, we applied the model proposed by Dechow, Hutton, Kim and Sloan (2012).

Results: Results show that when there is an independent administrative committee, the levels of earnings management are lower, and this relationship is driven by the IFRS adoption. We cannot affirm that companies at the highest levels of corporate governance and audited by a Big Four have a lower incidence of earnings management after the application of IFRS.

Contributions of the Study: This paper contributes to a better understanding of how variables related to governance can influence the quality of accounting and financial information. It also contributes to the literature that investigates how IFRS can influence the quality of accounting information.
Hematological responses to hyperimmune plasma low dose administration in foals during weaning
Authors: Silva Andrezza Caroline Aragão da , Batista Joilson Ferreira , Mata Diogo Alexandre Tenório , Oliveira Karina Pessoa , Paiva Tatiana Figueiredo , Notomi Marcia Kikuyo , Escodro Pierre Barnabé
Published: July 2021

Weaning is a development stage that brings maternal independence, change of management and feeding, leading to immune deficit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters of foals in weaning phase after intravenous administration of hyperimmune plasma (1 mL/Kg) in low dose. Ten foal weaned from the Mangalarga Machador breed were used, being divided in control (GC; n=5) and treated group (GT; n=5). The results obtained show that hematological and biochemical parameters of foals that received low doses of hyperimmune plasma were within the reference range for the equine species.
Uterine segmental aplasia in sheep
Authors: Silva Reanne Moraes Meira da , Almeida e Macêdo Juliana Targino Silva , Pedroso Pedro Miguel Ocampos
Published: July 2021

The complete absence of one of the uterine horns, named segmental uterine aplasia or unicorn uterus, occurs due to deficiency in the development of segments of the paramesonephric or Mullerian ducts. It is a congenital or hereditary anomaly of the female reproductive tract caused by recessive genes, which occurrence is unusual. In cows, this malformation was initially called “white heifer disease”, comprising an alteration in the Mullerian ducts in association with the white skin gene that causes aplasia of the uterus, cervix and vagina. Two pieces of sheep reproductive system from a slaughterhouse under federal inspection in the state of Bahia, Brazil, were received for pathological diagnosis. The collection, dissection and macroscopic analysis were carried out. In the macroscopic evaluation, uterine segmental aplasia was identified in both cases, with complete absence of the left uterine horns. Both had agenesis of the uterine tubes associated with the absence of internal bifurcation of the uterine horns. Animals that have a unicorn uterus often have reduced fertility which consequently leads to losses to sheep farming.
3D printing of brachycephalic and dolichocephalic canine skulls and mandibles: a complement to traditional osteotechnique
Authors: Massari Catia Helena de Almeida Lima , Carvalho Yuri Karaccas de , Miglino Maria Angélica
Published: July 2021

This paper aimed at reporting the creation of brachycephalic and dolichocephalic 3D synthetic anatomical models of canine heads (3D SAMCH) as a complementary technique to traditional osteotechnique using Computed Tomography (CT) images in volumetric reconstruction. The study was carried out in three stages, namely: a) preparation of canine heads in natura; b) creation of digital files of canine heads using CT; and c) 3D printing of synthetic anatomical models of canine heads. As a result, two 3D SAMCH were produced due to rarer availability in Animal Anatomy laboratories collections; the important representation of the cribriform plate was possible, but a remarkable defect presented was the teeth. It concluded that the digital files creation through CT scanner allows a fine representation of canine heads if considered pros and cons regarding the use of synthetic models instead of natural bones.
COVID-19 Candidate Genes and Pathways Potentially Share the Association
with Lung Cancer
Authors: Alnajeebi Afnan M. , Alharbi Hend F.H. , Alelwani Walla , Babteen Nouf A. , Alansari Wafa S. , Shamlan Ghalia , Eskandrani Areej A.
Published: July 2021

:

COVID-19 is considered as the most challenging in the current situation but lung cancer
is also the leading cause of death in the global population. These two malignancies are among the
leading human diseases and are highly complex in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches
as well as the most frequent and highly complex and heterogeneous in nature. Based on the latest
update, it is known that the patients suffering from lung cancer, are considered to be significantly
at higher risk of COVID-19 infection in terms of survival and there are a number of evidences
which support the hypothesis that these diseases may share the same functions and functional components.
Multi-level unwanted alterations such as (epi-)genetic alterations, changes at the transcriptional
level, and altered signaling pathways (receptor, cytoplasmic, and nuclear level) are the
major sources which promote a number of complex diseases and such heterogeneous level of complexities
are considered as the major barrier in the development of therapeutics. With so many
challenges, it is critical to understand the relationships and the common shared aberrations between
them which is difficult to unravel and understand. A simple approach has been applied for this
study where differential gene expression analysis, pathway enrichment, and network level understanding
are carried out. Since, gene expression changes and genomic alterations are related to the
COVID-19 and lung cancer but their pattern varies significantly. Based on the recent studies, it appears
that the patients suffering from lung cancer and and simultaneously infected with COVID-19,
then survival chance is lessened. So, we have designed our goal to understand the genes commonly
overexpressed and commonly enriched pathways in case of COVID-19 and lung cancer. For this
purpose, we have presented the summarized review of the previous works where the pathogenesis
of lung cancer and COVID-19 infection have been focused and we have also presented the new
finding of our analysis. So, this work not only presents the review work but also the research work.
This review and research study leads to the conclusion that growth promoting pathways (EGFR,
Ras, and PI3K), growth inhibitory pathways (p53 and STK11), apoptotic pathways (Bcl-
2/Bax/Fas), and DDR pathways and genes are commonly and dominantly altered in both the cases
COVID-19 and lung cancer.
Melatonin having Therapeutic Bone Regenerating Capacity in
Biomaterials
Authors: Huang Jinming , Li Yi , He Chengqi
Published: July 2021

Bone defects are usually treated with bone grafting. Several synthetic biomaterials have emerged to replace autologous and allogeneic bone grafts, but there are still shortcomings in bone regeneration. Melatonin has demonstrated a beneficial effect on bone metabolism with the potential to treat fractures, bone defects and osteoporosis. The hormone has been found to promote osteogenesis, inhibit osteoclastogenesis, stimulate angiogenesis and reduce peri-implantitis around the graft. Recently, a growing number of studies have shown beneficial effects of melatonin to treat bone defects. However, cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in bone healing are still poorly understood. In this review, we recapitulate the potential mechanisms of melatonin, providing a new horizon to the clinical treatment of bone defects.
Blends Containing Amphiphilic Biopolymers and their Compatibility
Behavior
Authors: Castro Cristian , Gargallo Ligia , Radić Deodato
Published: July 2021

This mini-review deals with the miscibility behaviour of two biopolymers, chitosan and
alginate. It is well known that the miscibility in multifunctional polymer blends is favoured due to
specific interactions, which origin a negative heat of mixing. Particular interest is focused on functionalized
polymers because they are the most suitable way to obtain interacting polymers, producing
a single-phase material. Due to the polyfunctionality of chitosan (CS) and other biopolymers, they can
be taken into account as a basis of a strongly interacting polymer. They would allow obtaining compatible
polymeric materials. For this reason, blends containing CS with different vinyl polymers have
been studied. The most significant polymeric blends with these natural polymers will be analyzed in
this review. Chitosan is obtained from the biopolymer chitin through sequential processes of demineralization,
deproteinization and deacetylation. The native chitin is obtained by direct separation from
the marine crustaceans shell, which is abundant on the sea coasts. Some classic results that relate to
the polymeric blends containing amphiphilic polymers will be discussed. Another biopolymer of the
coast is Sodium Alginate (SA). Alginate also allows the formation of compatible polymer blends.
Results in this regard will also be analyzed in this review.
Consequences of Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Headway and Metastasis of Cancer along with Novel Immunotherapies: A Great Promise for Future Endeavor
Authors: Ray Suman Kumar , Mukherjee Sukhes
Published: July 2021

:

Tissues are progressively molded by bidirectional correspondence between denizen cells and extracellular
matrix (ECM) via cell-matrix connections along with ECM remodeling. The composition and association of ECM are
spatiotemporally directed to control cell conduct and differentiation; however, dysregulation of ECM dynamics
prompts the development of diseases, for example, cancer. Emerging information demonstrates that hypoxia may have
decisive roles in metastasis. In addition, the sprawling nature of neoplastic cells and chaotic angiogenesis are increasingly
influencing microcirculation as well as altering the concentration of oxygen. In various regions of the tumor
microenvironment, hypoxia, an essential player in the multistep phase of cancer metastasis, is necessary. Hypoxia can
be turned into an advantage for selective cancer therapy because it is much more severe in tumors than in normal tissues.
Cellular matrix gives signaling cues that control cell behavior and organize cells' elements in tissue development
and homeostasis. The interplay between intrinsic factors of cancer cells themselves, including their genotype and signaling
networks, and extrinsic factors of tumor stroma, for example, ECM and ECM remodeling, together decide the
destiny and behavior of tumor cells. Tumor matrix encourages the development, endurance, and invasion of neoplastic
and immune cell activities to drive metastasis and debilitate treatment. Incipient evidence recommends essential parts
of tumor ECM segments and their remodeling in controlling each progression of the cancer-immunity cycle. Scientists
have discovered that tumor matrix dynamics as well as matrix remodeling in perspective to anti-tumor immune reactions
are especially important for matrix-based biomarkers recognition and followed by immunotherapy and targeting
specific drugs.
Insulin Therapy and Outcome of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):
A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression
Authors: Hariyanto Timotius Ivan , Lugito Nata Pratama Hardjo , Yanto Theo Audi , Siregar Jeremia Immanuel , Kurniawan Andree
Published: July 2021

Background:

Currently, the relationship between insulin therapy and COVID-19 outcome
is not yet established. Our study aims to evaluate the possible association between insulin
and the composite poor outcome of COVID-19.

Methods:

We systematically searched the PubMed and Europe PMC database using specific keywords
related to our aims until December 12th, 2020. All articles published on COVID-19 and insulin
were retrieved. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4 and Comprehensive
Meta-Analysis version 3 software.

Results:

Our pooled analysis showed that insulin use was associated with composite poor outcomes
of COVID-19 [OR 2.06 (95% CI 1.70 – 2.48), p < 0.00001, I2 = 83%, random-effect modelling],
and its subgroup which comprised of risk of COVID-19 [OR 1.70 (95% CI 1.40 – 2.08), p
< 0.00001, I2 = 34%, random-effect modelling], severe COVID-19 [OR 2.30 (95% CI 1.60 –
3.30), p < 0.00001, I2 = 88%, random-effect modelling], and mortality [OR 2.14 (95% CI 1.47 –
3.10), p < 0.0001, I2 = 85%, random-effect modelling]. Meta-regression showed that the association
was influenced by age (p = 0.008), but not by diabetes p = 0.423) and cardiovascular disease
(p = 0.086).

Conclusion:

Physicians should be more aware and take extra precautions with diabetes patients
who use insulin therapy.
Bioinformatics Analysis and Identification of Phytoene Synthase Gene in Microalgae
Authors: Shaker Saeedeh , Morowvat Mohammad Hossein , Ghasemi Younes
Published: July 2021

Background:

Carotenoids are known as lipophilic secondary metabolites with important
biological activities, which are mostly used in the food and pharmaceutical industry. They contribute
to the colours of many fruits and flowers. Studies on the biosynthetic pathways of isoprenoids
and carotenoids are still scarce, especially in microalgae and are limited to specic groups.
Dunaliella spp. in Chlorophyta taxon of algae, the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate/
1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DOXP/MEP) is the synthesis pathway of sterols and
carotenoids.

Objectives:

In this study, we used 12 Psy gene sequences in Dunaliella sp., also Scenedesmus acutus
and Diospyros kaki to investigate a genome-wide search. The results are useful for better identification
of carotenoids metabolisms, and increasing the production rate of beta-carotene in pharmaceutical,
food and industrial processes.

Methods:

Phytoene synthase (Psy) from Dunaliella spp. was selected as the rst regulatory point in
the carotenoids pathway that catalysis the formation of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate in isoprenoid
biosynthesis. Structural, evolutionary and physics-chemical characteristics were investigated, using
various bioinformatics tools and computer techniques. Moreover, some recently published patents
were also regarded.

Results:

The maximum length of the conserved motif was 5167 bp for Dunaliella. sp.
(DQ463306.1) and the smallest length of the conserved motif was 416 bp belonging to D. salina
(JQ762451.1). The average molecular weight of species was 41820.53 Da. The theoretical pI of
species varied from 4.87 to 9.65, indicating vernation in the acidic nature. Two strains of D. bardawil
(U91900.1 and EU328287.1) showed just a long-distance relationship with all other Dunaliella
strains. Whilst, D. parva displayed the furthest vicinity with all the studied strains.

Conclusion:

Our study highlighted the Psy regulatory mechanism, as a key factor in the
carotenoids pathway, to facilitate genetic and metabolic engineering studies. The obtained tree-dimensional
arrangement of the amino acids revealed the regional structures and folding of the diverse
segments of helices, sheets and turns. This information is a key point to unveil the protein's
operation mechanism. Besides, we confirmed the suitability of bioinformatic approaches for analysing
the gene structures and identifying the new Psy genes in unstudied microalgal strains.
Behavior Hollow Concrete Reinforced Slab with The Utilization of Polyvivyl Chloride Pipe as a Cavity
Authors: Trias Atmadja Wahyu Mahendra , Parung Herman , Irmawaty Rita , Amiruddin A.Arwin
Published: July 2021

Background:

Slab weight can be reduced by replacing the amount of concrete in the tensile area with the utilization of modification polyvinyl chloride pipe as cavity without reducing the flexural strength because the nature of concrete is weak against tensile strength.

Methods:

This research with the experimental method using static load. The setting of tools refers to the American Society for Testing and Material E 2322, bending analysis is used moment coefficient method, deflection by applying Ugural and Navier method, and shear analysis using Indonesia National Standard 03-2847-2019.

Results:

The specimens consist of solid plates with a thickness of 140 mm and hollow plates with a thickness of 140 mm and 159 mm. The maximum load capacity solid plate is 410.642 kN, while the hollow plates (140 mm) is 335.18 kN, and for the hollow plates 159 mm is 396.257 kN. The solid plate’s stiffness is 16.321, the hollow plates 140 mm is 14.787 and the hollow plate 159 mm is 24.194, while the ductility is 1.993 on solid plate, the hollow plate 140 mm is 2.014, and the hollow plate 159 mm is 1.862. The solid plate’s damage is flexural, while the two hollow plates are a combination of bending and shear damage. The crack pattern on the solid plates is flexible, while the crack pattern on both hollow plates is a combination of flexural cracks and shear cracks.

Conclusion:

The use of modified polyvinyl chloride pipes can be recommended in the structure of the plate. There is a small, insignificant difference in the flexural behaviour between the solid plate and hollow concrete reinforced slab with the utilization of Polyvinyl Chloride.