bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GESTÃO DE ESTOQUES PARA O CONTROLE DE RESSUPRIMENTOS: PROPOSIÇÃO DE PLANO PARA UMA FÁBRICA DE URNAS FUNERÁRIAS EM VITÓRIA DA CONQUISTA – BA
Authors: Prado Juliana Brito do , Almeida José Ulian Cardoso , Brito Anderson Dias
Published: February 2021

O gerenciamento de materiais é um dos fatores fundamentais que auxiliam na competitividade das organizações. Este gerenciamento pode trazer grandes benefícios relacionados à diminuição de custos e aumento nos lucros. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar e propor um plano de gerenciamento de estoques em uma fábrica de urnas funerárias em Vitória da Conquista-BA. Por meio de uma pesquisa descritiva com aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos, houve a criação de indicadores e realização de entrevista para compreender as consequências da ausência de gestão de materiais para a organização. Como resultado, foi constatado que houve compras com base no senso comum, as quais geraram excessos de determinados produtos e faltas de outros, prejudicando assim, as operações produtivas e financeiras da empresa. Com isso, as ferramentas de gestão de estoque auxiliam na tomada de decisão, tanto de compra, quanto de manutenção dos materiais analisados, de modo a identificar a funcionalidade do modelo e sua importância para a gestão de estoques na redução de falhas nos métodos de suprimentos.
Palavras-Chave: Estoques. Gestão de materiais. Ferramentas de Gestão
STOCK MANAGEMENT TO CONTROL RESOURCES: PLAN PROPOSITION FOR A FUNERAL URN FACTORY IN VITÓRIA DA CONQUISTA - BA
Abstract: Material management is one of the fundamental factors that help in the competitiveness of organizations. This management can bring great benefits related to lower costs and increased profits. This study aims to analyze and propose an inventory management plan in a funerary urns factory in Vitória da Conquista-BA. Through a descriptive research with quantitative and qualitative aspects, indicators were created and an interview was conducted to understand the consequences of the lack of material management for the organization. As a result, it was found that there were purchases based on common sense, which generated excesses of certain products and shortages of others, thus harming the company's productive and financial operations. With this, the inventory management tools assist in decision making, both of purchase and maintenance of the analyzed materials, in order to identify the model's functionality and its importance for inventory management in the reduction of failures in supply methods.
Keywords: Stocks. Materials management. Management tools.
O uso de extrato de alho como fitoterapia no controle da hipertensão: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Silva Chrisllayne Oliveira da , Silva Wenderson Costa da , Melo Karine Costa , Soares Alanna Nunes , Hernandes Linccon Fricks , Silva Rafael Andrade da , Nascimento Ianeska Bárbara Ribeiro do , Chaves Jayne Oliveira , Sousa Francisco das Chagas Araújo , Silva Apolo Kassio Barros da , Silva Ismael Pereira da , Araújo Carla Vieira , Alves Alisson da Silva , Corrêa Rayanne Gonçalves Rodrigues
Published: February 2021

O alho age na hipertensão de diversas formas, primeiramente exercendo um efeito dilatador, tanto pela liberação de óxido nítrico, quanto pelo aumento da adenosina disponível, contribuindo dessa forma para o mecanismo hipotensor, podendo-se considerar o alho um forte aliado no tratamento desta patologia, o estudo teve como problemática “Qual a eficácia do uso de extrato de alho como fitoterapia no controle da hipertensão de acordo com a Literatura?”. Onde objetivou-se verificar nas produções cientificas disponíveis os efeitos do extrato de alho em indivíduos hipertensos. O presente estudo trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica do tipo Revisão Integrativa (RI) da literatura, consultou-se por meio de descritores e palavras-chave as bases de dados PubMed, BVS, coordenada pela BIREME e composta de bases de dados bibliográficas produzidas pela Rede BVS, como LILACS, além da base de dados Medline e CINAHL. Ao final oito (8) artigos atenderam a questão norteadora e foram adicionados ao estudo e evidenciou o uso do alho na prática clínica, os beneficios da utilização do alho como terapia complementar no tratamento HAS e dentro da dieta, além dos principais efeitos colaterais. Conclui-se que aumentar a ingestão de vegetais allium, pode estar associada a redução de triglicerídeos e depuração de creatinina, o que proporciona uma melhoria da função renal e diminuição da pressão arterial.
Avaliação de técnicas de semeadura direta e da transposição de serapilheira para a emergência e estabelecimento da Manduvi (Sterculia apetala (jacq). Karts.) em trabalho de restauração ecológica numa área de nascentes degradadas no Pantanal Mato-grossense
Authors: Aniceto Alexandre Forgiarini Bastos , Ikeda-Castrillon Solange Kimie , Fernandez José Ricardo Castrillon , Martins Bernardina Aparecida Almeida , Duarte Ítalo Silva , Morais Fernando Ferreira de
Published: February 2021

A técnica de recomposição florestal a partir da semeadura direta de espécies nativas, tem se mostrado promissora quando comparado com a técnica mais utilizada atualmente que é o plantio de mudas, principalmente, por diminuir os gastos e a mão­-de-obra. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar qual técnica de semeadura direta (em covas ou a lanço) é mais promissora, e qual a influência da transposição de serapilheira após a semeadura, para emergência e estabelecimento inicial da espécie nativa Sterculia apetala (Jaqc.) H. Karst. na restauração ecológica em uma área de nascentes degradadas no município de Cáceres-MT, Pantanal Mato-Grossense. Foram analisadas nesse experimento, duas técnicas de semeadura direta (em covas e a lanço), em dois ambientes distintos (com e sem a transposição de serapilheira), utilizando a planta nativa S. apetala. Todos as técnicas de semeaduras analisadas mostraram-se eficiente obtendo boas porcentagens de emergência e estabelecimento, no entanto, a semeadura direta em covas com transposição de serapilheira (T2), mostrou ser a técnica mais eficiente em todos os parâmetros avaliados para a S. apetala nesse experimento. A transposição de serapilheira após a semeadura direta (T2 e T4), exibiu influência positiva no estabelecimento das plântulas para todos os parâmetros analisados, ocasionando plantas mais vigorosas ao final do experimento.
Trajetória de trabalhadores com perda auditiva induzida por ruído na rede de assistência à saúde do sul do país
Authors: Pedroso Hugo Carlos , Gonçalves Claudia Giglio de Oliveira , Areosa João
Published: February 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a percepção de trabalhadores com perda auditiva induzida ao ruído (PAIR) com relação às suas condições de trabalho e sua trajetória pela rede de atenção a saúde. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório com abordagem qualitativa, a partir das notificações por PAIR realizada pela principal referência auditiva em atenção secundária no período de 2016 a 2018. Os resultados mostram as percepções dos trabalhadores com PAIR e seus efeitos a exposição ao ruído, os riscos químicos e ergonômicos, as condições penosas de trabalho, uso de equipamentos de proteção, a satisfação com o trabalho, a procura pelos serviços de saúde. O atendimento na rede de serviço de saúde vai permitir a identificação do provável problema auditivo, a percepção sobre o acolhimento recebido pela unidade básica de saúde e os desdobramentos do caso. Conclui-se que a unidade básica de saúde precisa de ajustes a fim de aprimorar sua função na rede, no que tange ao retorno e acompanhamento do usuário trabalhador após o diagnóstico de PAIR, bem como revisão do monitoramento e avaliação nas linhas-guia (fluxo e contrafluxo) e reajustar o processo de gestão da saúde do trabalhador.
Aconselhamento oncogenético como tecnologia assistencial em enfermagem oncológica: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Almeida Jamilie Ferrarez , Souza Sônia Regina de , Sales Lívia de Alcântara , Albuquerque Ana Carolina Gonçalves Duarte de , Albuquerque Ieda Lessa de Souza , Campo Lívia Lírio
Published: February 2021

O aconselhamento genético é a assistência prévia, a interpretação de achados e estimativas de riscos genéticos para pessoas clinicamente saudáveis, com familiares que apresentem diagnóstico e doença rara documentada. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar, a partir da produção científica na área de enfermagem, a participação do enfermeiro no aconselhamento oncogenético, apontando suas práticas e desafios. Para atingir tal objetivo, foi utilizado o método de revisão  integrativa da literatura. Foram encontrados na busca inicial um total de 1007 artigos. Ao aplicar os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, selecionaram-se 5 artigos para análise, que após examinados foram categorizados com baixo nível de evidência. A partir dos resultados obtidos, foi possível observar a escassez de conteúdo qualificado e conhecimento do assunto por parte dos profissionais da área. O enfermeiro está em um posicionamento ideal no serviço de saúde, ter uma base do conhecimento sobre a função do profissional na área, prepara a força de trabalho da enfermagem para oferecer cuidados hábeis com o foco no Aconselhamento Oncogenético.
Caracterização de Materiais: A Termodinâmica e suas aplicações no estudo da análise térmica de argilas
Authors: Oliveira Francisca das Chagas , Sousa Rebeka Manuela Lobo , Silva Paulysendra Felipe , Lopes Phillype Dowglas , Leite Rodolpho Carvalho , Salgado Maria de Fátima , Paz Gilvan Moreira  da , Soares Roberto Arruda Lima
Published: February 2021

A termodinâmica está ligada à ciência dos materiais; o que significa a obtenção de novos materiais que tenham propriedades químicas e físicas bem definidas. A termodinâmica, podemos dizer, é uma das bases da engenharia de materiais, pois os processos de fabricação de novos materiais envolvem a transferência de calor e o trabalho para as matérias-primas. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar as aplicações da termodinâmica no estudo de propriedades químicas e físicas bem definidas de materiais de argila para a obtenção de novos tipos de materiais por meio de revisão bibliográfica.
Atividade larvicida de extratos de Diplodia pinea frente à Aedes aegypti
Authors: Moura Paula Francislaine , Betim Fernando Cesar Martins , Oliveira Camila Freitas de , Dias Josiane de Fátima Gaspari , Montrucchio Deise Prehs , Miguel Obdulio Gomes , Auer Celso Garcia , Miguel Marilis Dallarmi
Published: February 2021

Inúmeros metabólitos primários e secundários provenientes de fungos tem-se destacado na pesquisa devido o potencial biológico de suas moléculas, com aplicação direta na área da saúde. A dengue é uma patologia transmitida por um vetor, o mosquito Aedes aegypti, e possui grande relevância epidemiológica em diversos países, incluindo o Brasil. Como estratégias do Ministério da Saúde para o combate e controle da dengue emprega-se o uso de inseticidas, eliminação de criadouros e campanhas de conscientização. O uso de compostos inseticidas tem mecanismo de ação sobre o mosquito A. aegypti e suas larvas. Neste contexto e levando em consideração que larvicidas de origem natural, em sua maior parte, não causam impactos tão severos ao meio ambiente e à saúde humana, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi testar a atividade larvicida de extratos obtidos do fungo Diplodia pinea, observar o rendimento destes extratos e realizar um screening químico qualitativo para observação de compostos secundários. Os extratos hexano e clorofórmio apresentaram atividade larvicida significativa com LC50 441.42 e LC50 90.49, respectivamente. A triagem de metabólitos indicou a presença para as classes esteroides, triterpenos e compostos fenólicos e o rendimento dos extratos foi de 1,67 a 47,33%. Estes resultados demonstram que os extratos obtidos a partir do fungo D.pinea apresentam potencial efeito larvicida e ausência de toxicidade frente à Artemia salina.
Is there an association between labor induction and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among children?
Authors: Jenabi Ensiyeh , Seyedi Mahdieh , Bashirian Saeid , Fereidooni Bita
Published: February 2021

Background: There is evidence of destructive effects of oxytocin use during labor on neurodevelopment. Purpose: This meta-analysis pooled all observational studies to determine the association between labor induction and the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children.Methods: All observational studies (case-control and cohort) were reviewed until September 2020 after searches of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, the gray literature, and conference proceedings. The pooled odds ratios (ORs), relative ratios (RRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CI (swere calculated as random effect estimates of association among studies.Results: All observational studies were reviewed, including 4 cohort studies including 2,885,743 participants and 3 casecontrol studies including 51,135 participants (10,961 with ADHD and 40,174 in control groups) with a sample size of 2,936,878 participants. The pooled estimates of OR and RR did not indicate a significant association between labor induction and ADHD among children (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.90–1.35) and (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.96–1.24).Conclusions: The findings showed that labor induction is not associated with an increased risk of ADHD among children. However, more studies are needed to investigate the relationship between labor induction and ADHD.
Macrofaunal diversity and community structure of the DeSoto Canyon and adjacent slope
Authors: Shantharam AK , Wei CL , Silva M , Baco AR
Published: February 2021

Northern Gulf of Mexico canyons are centers of organic matter accumulation and biodiversity, but studies of their finer-scale (sub-100 km) ecological patterns are scarce. Detailed sampling of macrofauna within the DeSoto Canyon was undertaken along 3 depth transects on the canyon wall, axis, and adjacent slope. Sediment, terrain, and water mass parameters were also compiled for the same stations. Within the canyon, macrofaunal abundance decreased, evenness increased, and richness followed the expected parabolic curve with depth, peaking at 1100 m. Cluster analysis identified 3 canyon depth groups that conformed to established bathymetric boundaries for the non-canyon Gulf of Mexico slope: Group I at <500 m, Group II at 669-1834 m, and Group III at >2000 m. Explanatory environmental models indicate that canyon community structure was strongly correlated with oxygen concentration and fluorescence, with a weaker potential influence from any of salinity, particulate organic carbon, sediment organic carbon, or slope. Comparisons of the habitats indicated that abundances were highest on the canyon wall. Slope community structure differed from that of either of the canyon habitats. Environmental models consisted of single variables including oxygen concentration, sediment organic carbon, slope, and temperature with similar explanatory values. Community differences within the canyon and between the canyon and adjoining slope contradict previous findings of a single faunal zone for the whole study area. Factors that may contribute to inter-habitat heterogeneity include potential hydrocarbon seepage, organically enriched sediment deposits along channels, or remnant influence from the Deepwater Horizon spill, warranting more research into this dynamic ecosystem.
Size-fractionated surface phytoplankton in the Kara and Laptev Seas: environmental control and spatial variability
Authors: Demidov AB , Sukhanova IN , Belevich TA , Flint MV , Gagarin VI , Sergeeva VM , Eremeeva EV , Fedorov AV
Published: February 2021

Climate-induced variability of phytoplankton size structure influences primary productivity, marine food web dynamics, biosedimentation and exchange of CO2between the atmosphere and ocean. Investigation of phytoplankton size structure in the Arctic Ocean is important due to rapid changes in its ecosystems related to increasing temperature and declining sea ice cover. We estimated the contribution of surface micro-, nano- and picophytoplankton to the total carbon biomass, chlorophyllaconcentration and primary production in the Kara and Laptev Seas and investigated the relationships of these phytoplankton size groups with environmental factors which determine their spatial variability. Additionally, we compared chlorophyll specific carbon fixation rate, specific growth rate and carbon to chlorophyll ratios among different phytoplankton size groups. The investigation was carried out from August to September 2018. Generally, picophytoplankton was dominant in terms of chlorophyllaand primary production in the whole study area. The spatial variability of phytoplankton size classes was influenced by river discharge and relied mainly on water temperature, salinity and dissolved silicon concentration. Microphytoplankton prevailed across the river runoff region under conditions of low salinity and relatively high water temperature, while picophytoplankton was predominant under conditions of high salinity and low water temperature. Our study is the first to characterize size-fractionated phytoplankton abundance in the Kara and Laptev Seas, and provides a baseline for future assessment of the response of Kara and Laptev Sea ecosystems to climate-induced processes using phytoplankton size structure.
Effects of different sleep restriction protocols on sleep architecture and daytime vigilance in healthy men
Authors: Wu H , Stone WS , Hsi X , Zhuang J , Huang L , Yin Y , Zhang L , Zhao Z
Published: February 2021

Sleep is regulated by complex biological systems and
environmental influences, neither of which is fully clarified. This
study demonstrates differential effects of partial sleep deprivation
(SD) on sleep architecture and psychomotor vigilance task (PVT)
performance using two different protocols (sequentially) that
each restricted daily sleep to 3 hours in healthy adult men. The
protocols differed only in the period of sleep restriction; in one,
sleep was restricted to a 3-hour block from 12:00 AM to 3:00 AM,
and in the other, sleep was restricted to a block from 3:00 AM to
6:00 AM. Subjects in the earlier sleep restriction period showed a
significantly lower percentage of rapid-eye-movement (REM)
sleep after 4 days (17.0 vs. 25.7 %) and a longer latency to the
onset of REM sleep (L-REM) after 1 day (78.8 vs. 45.5 min) than
they did in the later sleep restriction period. Reaction times on
PVT performance were also better (i.e. shorter) in the earlier SR
period on day 4 (249.8 vs. 272 ms). These data support the view
that earlier-night sleep may be more beneficial for daytime
vigilance than later-night sleep. The study also showed that
cumulative declines in daytime vigilance resulted from loss of
total sleep time, rather than from specific stages, and
underscored the reversibility of SR effects with greater amounts
of sleep.
New developments in septic acute kidney injury
Authors: Chvojka J , Sýkora R , Karvunidis T , Raděj J , Kroužecký A , Novák I , Matějovič M
Published: February 2021

The kidney is a common “victim organ” of various insults in
critically ill patients. Sepsis and septic shock are the dominant
causes of acute kidney injury, accounting for nearly 50 % of
episodes of acute renal failure. Despite our substantial progress
in the understanding of mechanisms involved in septic acute
kidney injury there is still a huge pool of questions preclusive of
the development of effective therapeutic strategies. This review
briefly summarizes our current knowledge of pathophysiological
mechanisms of septic acute kidney injury focusing on
hemodynamic alterations, peritubular dysfunction, role of
inflammatory mediators and nitric oxide, mitochondrial
dysfunction and structural changes. Role of proteomics, new
promising laboratory method, is mentioned.
Accurate normalization factor for wire myography of rat femoral artery
Authors: Slezák P , Waczulíková I , Bališ P , Púzserová A
Published: February 2021

Wire myograph is a device for the in vitro investigation of both,
active and passive properties of arteries. Arteries from a variety
of animal species, pathological states, and vascular beds were
investigated using this method. We focus on the normalization
procedure which is aimed to standardize experimental settings
and, in part, to simulate physiological conditions. During
normalization, it is determined the internal circumference of a
vessel stretched to a tension that corresponds to the transmural
pressure of 100 mm Hg (IC100). Once it is determined, the
internal circumference is traditionally set to (0.9⋅IC100).
However, this constant 0.9, called also the normalization factor
(NF), was experimentally determined for rat small mesenteric
arteries only. Therefore, the aim of our work was to show the
influence of different NFs on the passive tension and reactivity of
both, rat femoral arteries (FA) and the first branches of superior
mesenteric arteries (MA). We found out that the maximal active
wall tension of the FA was achieved at the NF value of 1.1, and
that of the MA at 0.9. Considering the values of the active wall
tension we suggest that higher reactivity and better signal-tonoise ratio in FA can be achieved when the NF is set at least to 1.0.
Streptococcus suis and an Incidentally Diagnosed Metastatic Colon Cancer
Authors: Shangab Maha Osman Mohamed , Shaikh Niaz Ahmed
Published: February 2021

Background: Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic infection known to cause meningitis and sepsis, in addition to several other rare manifestations. Infection with this organism is rare in the absence of pork ingestion or a handling history.
Case presentation: The authors report the case of a 62-year-old male with no animal contact history, who presented with symptoms of urinary tract infection. It was his second infection over the course of 2 years. His urine culture was positive for Escherichia coli but his blood culture was positive for S. suis. Ultrasound of the abdomen ruled out underlying predisposing urinary pathology. However, it did show several heterogeneous liver masses with abnormal vascularity. A follow-up abdominal CT revealed a malignant neoplastic process involving the sigmoid colon with metastatic liver lesions. Colonoscopy demonstrated a fungating mass at the sigmoid colon and biopsies revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma.
Conclusion: This case suggests the possibility of associated colon cancer in patients presenting with S. suis with no explicit history of animal or pork contact. It also proposes the existence of an association between colon cancer with Streptococcus species other than bovis.
Türk Vatandaşlığının Kazanılması Konusundaki Güncel Eğilim ve Anayasal Kurallar Işığında Saklı Nüfusa İlişkin Düzenlemeler
Authors: TEKSOY Barış
Published: February 2021

2017 yılında 7039 sayılı Kanunun yürürlüğe girmesiyle, Türk vatandaşlık hukukunun o güne kadar karşılaşmadığı bir şekilde, saklı nüfusun aile kütüklerine kayıtlarının yapılması Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanununda düzenlenmiştir. Getirilme amacı aksi yönde olmasına rağmen, hükmün uygulanma alanı önceki düzenlemelere nazaran daralmış, yabancı devlet vatandaşı olmama mutlak bir şart haline getirilmiştir. Türk vatandaşlık hukukunun temel kurallarıyla ve Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanununun yürürlükte olan hükümleriyle çelişen bir biçimde, aile kütüğüne kayıt işlemine vatandaşlığın kazanılması sonucu bağlanmıştır. Öğretide getirilen eleştirilerin somut etkisi olmadığı gibi, 2020 yılında yürürlüğe giren 2505 sayılı Yönetmelik ile bu tercihler tekrarlanmıştır. Bu ısrar karşısında, düzenlemeler ile getirilen hükümlerin tarihsel geçmişinin, içeriğinin, uygulanma alanının ve amaçlarının yeniden irdelenmesi ihtiyacı vardır. Düzenlemelerin doğurduğu hukuksal sonuçlar ise Türk vatandaşlığının kazanılması konusundaki anayasal kurallar ve güncel eğilim ışığında tartışılmalıdır.
Pengetahuan, Pendidikan, Dukunga Hubungan Pengetahuan, Pendidikan, Dukungan Keluarga, Ibu Bekerja Dengan Pemberian ASI Perah Pada Anak Usia 0-2 Tahun
Authors: Sari Ria Setia , Rizqi Ani Rifathul Rifathul
Published: February 2021

Latar Belakang : ASI Perah adalah ASI yang diambil dengan cara diperah  atau memerah dari payudara ibu. Pentingnya pengetahuan ibu bekerja tentang memberikan ASI dapat berkurang dengan adanya metode ASI Perah. Tujuan Penelitian untuk mengetahui pengetahuan, pendidikan, dukungan keluarga, ibu bekerja dengan pemberian asi perah. Metode penelitian menggunakan deskriptif korelasi dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Populasi berjumlah 162 dan sampel berjumlah 60. Pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner. Analisa data menggunakan chi-square. Hasil menunjukkan terdapat hubungan yang signifikan pengetahuan, pendidikan, dan ibu bekerja dengan pemberian asi perah dengan nilai P-value­ < 0,05 sedangkan untuk dukungan keluarga dengan pemberian asi perah tidak terdapat hubungan karena nilai P-value > 0,05. Kesimpulan dan Saran : Hasil penelitian ada hubungan pengetahuan, pendidikan, ibu bekerja dengan pemberian asi perah, sedangkan hubungan dukungan keluarga dengan pemberian asi perah tidak memiliki hubungan pada anak usia 0-2 tahun di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Gembor Kota Tangerang Tahun 2019.
3D Models Reveal the Influence of Achilles Subtendon Twist on Strain and Energy Storage
Authors: Knaus Katherine R. , Blemker Silvia S.
Published: February 2021

The Achilles tendon (AT) has complex function in walking, exchanging energy due to loading by the triceps surae muscles. AT structure comprises three subtendons which exhibit variable twist among themselves and between individuals. Our goal was to create 3D finite element (FE) models to explore AT structure-function relationships. By simulating subtendon loading in FE models with different twisted geometries, we investigated how anatomical variation in twisted tendon geometry impacts fascicle lengths, strains, and energy storage. Three tendon FE models, built with elliptical cross sections based on average cadaver measurements, were divided into subtendons with varied geometric twist (low, medium, and high) and equal proportions. Tendon was modeled as transversely isotropic with fascicle directions defined using Laplacian flow simulations, producing fascicle twist. Prescribed forces, representing AT loading during walking, were applied to proximal subtendon ends, with distal ends fixed, and tuned to produce equal tendon elongation in each case, consistent with ultrasound measurements. Subtendon fascicle lengths were greater than free tendon lengths in all models by 1–3.2 mm, and were longer with greater subtendon twist with differences of 1.2–1.9 mm from low to high twist. Subtendon along-fiber strains were lower with greater twist with differences of 1.4–2.6%, and all were less than free tendon longitudinal strain by 2–5.5%. Energy stored in the AT was also lower with greater twist with differences of 1.8–2.4 J. With greater subtendon twist, similar elongation of the AT results in lower tissue strains and forces, so that longitudinal stiffness of the AT is effectively decreased, demonstrating how tendon structure influences mechanical behavior.
Bioink Formulations for Bone Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Li Na , Guo Rui , Zhang Zhenyu Jason
Published: February 2021

Unlike the conventional techniques used to construct a tissue scaffolding, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology enables fabrication of a porous structure with complex and diverse geometries, which facilitate evenly distributed cells and orderly release of signal factors. To date, a range of cell-laden materials, such as natural or synthetic polymers, have been deployed by the 3D bioprinting technique to construct the scaffolding systems and regenerate substitutes for the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Four-dimensional (4D) bioprinting technology has attracted much attention lately because it aims to accommodate the dynamic structural and functional transformations of scaffolds. However, there remain challenges to meet the technical requirements in terms of suitable processability of the bioink formulations, desired mechanical properties of the hydrogel implants, and cell-guided functionality of the biomaterials. Recent bioprinting techniques are reviewed in this article, discussing strategies for hydrogel-based bioinks to mimic native bone tissue-like extracellular matrix environment, including properties of bioink formulations required for bioprinting, structure requirements, and preparation of tough hydrogel scaffolds. Stimulus mechanisms that are commonly used to trigger the dynamic structural and functional transformations of the scaffold are analyzed. At the end, we highlighted the current challenges and possible future avenues of smart hydrogel-based bioink/scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration.
Recent Advances in Metabolic Engineering, Protein Engineering, and Transcriptome-Guided Insights Toward Synthetic Production of Taxol
Authors: Mutanda Ishmael , Li Jianhua , Xu Fanglin , Wang Yong
Published: February 2021

The diterpenoid paclitaxel (Taxol®) is a blockbuster anticancer agent that was originally isolated from the Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) five decades ago. Despite the wealth of information gained over the years on Taxol research, there still remains supply issues to meet increasing clinical demand. Although alternative Taxol production methods have been developed, they still face several drawbacks that cause supply shortages and high production costs. It is highly desired to develop biotechnological production platforms for Taxol, however, there are still gaps in our understanding of the biosynthetic pathway, catalytic enzymes, regulatory and control mechanisms that hamper production of this critical drug by synthetic biology approaches. Over the past 5 years, significant advances were made in metabolic engineering and optimization of the Taxol pathway in different hosts, leading to accumulation of taxane intermediates. Computational and experimental approaches were leveraged to gain mechanistic insights into the catalytic cycle of pathway enzymes and guide rational protein engineering efforts to improve catalytic fitness and substrate/product specificity, especially of the cytochrome P450s (CYP450s). Notable breakthroughs were also realized in engineering the pathway in plant hosts that are more promising in addressing the challenging CYP450 chemistry. Here, we review these recent advances and in addition, we summarize recent transcriptomic data sets of Taxus species and elicited culture cells, and give a bird’s-eye view of the information that can be gleaned from these publicly available resources. Recent mining of transcriptome data sets led to discovery of two putative pathway enzymes, provided many lead candidates for the missing steps and provided new insights on the regulatory mechanisms governing Taxol biosynthesis. All these inferences are relevant to future biotechnological production of Taxol.
Seismic Retrofitting Solutions for Precast RC Industrial Buildings Struck by the 2012 Earthquakes in Northern Italy
Authors: Minghini Fabio , Tullini Nerio
Published: February 2021

In 2012, the North of Italy was hit by a seismic sequence characterized by two main events occurred on May 20 and 29 with MW = 6.1 and 6.0, respectively. Those earthquakes were particularly severe toward precast Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures not designed for seismic resistance. In the past years, the authors implemented a database collecting damage data and typological information on the industrial buildings struck by the Emilia earthquakes. That database was used to develop empirical fragility curves, which highlighted the considerable vulnerability of precast buildings conceived in accordance with pre-seismic code provisions. More recently, the interventions of seismic retrofitting on the same buildings, funded by the Emilia-Romagna region and designed by engineers which were directly hired by the companies, were examined in detail and critically revisited. A selection of these interventions is presented in this paper, which analyzes the effectiveness of the various retrofitting solutions, with a specific attention to the force transfer mechanisms between existing structures and strengthening systems. The interventions are divided between column strengthening (based, for example, on RC or steel jacketing) and interventions aimed at providing the building with a suitable earthquake resistant system (based, for example, on either the use of the existing cladding panels or the implementation of new bracing systems). Graphical representations of the analyzed solutions with the relevant construction details are provided.
Identification of a Gene Signature for Renal Cell Carcinoma–Associated Fibroblasts Mediating Cancer Progression and Affecting Prognosis
Authors: Liu Bitian , Chen Xiaonan , Zhan Yunhong , Wu Bin , Pan Shen
Published: February 2021

Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are mainly involved in cancer progression and treatment failure. However, the specific signature of CAFs and their related clinicopathological parameters in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain unclear. Here, methods to recognize gene signatures were employed to roughly assess the infiltration of CAFs in RCC, based on the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to cluster transcriptomes and correlate with CAFs to identify the gene signature. Single-cell and cell line sequencing data were used to verify the expression specificity of the gene signature in CAFs. The gene signature was used to evaluate the infiltration of CAFs in each sample, and the clinical significance of each key gene in the gene signature and CAFs was analyzed. We observed that the CAF infiltration was higher in kidney cancer and advanced tumor stage and grade than in normal tissues. The seven key genes of the CAF gene signature identified using WGCNA showed high expression of CAF-related characteristics in the cell clustering landscape and fibroblast cell lines; these genes were found to be associated with extracellular matrix function, collagen synthesis, cell surface interaction, and adhesion. The high CAF infiltration and the key genes were verified from the TCGA and Gene Expression Omnibus data related to the advanced grade, advanced stage, and poor prognosis of RCC. In summary, our findings indicate that the clinically significant gene signature may serve as a potential biomarker of CAFs in RCC, and the infiltration of CAFs is associated with the pathological grade, stage, and prognosis of RCC.
RETRACTED: Parthenolide Augments the Chemosensitivity of Non-small-Cell Lung Cancer to Cisplatin via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Li-Mei , Liao Xiao-Zhong , Zhang Yan , He Zi-Rui , Nie Shi-Qing , Ke Bin , Shi Lin , Zhao Jian-Fu , Chen Wen-Hui
Published: February 2021

The mortality rate of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains high worldwide. Although cisplatin-based chemotherapy may greatly enhance patient prognosis, chemotherapy resistance remains an obstacle to curing patients with NSCLC. Therefore, overcoming drug resistance is the main route to successful treatment, and combinatorial strategies may have considerable clinical value in this effort. In this study, we observed that both parthenolide (PTL) and cisplatin (DDP) inhibited the growth of NSCLC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The combination of PTL and DDP presented a synergistic inhibitory effect on NSCLC at a ratio of 50:1. The combination of PTL and DDP synergistically inhibited cell migration and invasion, inhibited cell cycle progression, and induced apoptosis of A549 and PC9 cells. Bioinformatics and network pharmacology analysis indicated that PTL may primarily affect the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling pathway. After treatment with PTL and DDP either alone or in combination, Western blot analysis revealed that the proteins levels of Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 were upregulated, while p-PI3K, p-Akt, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 proteins were downregulated. Among these alterations, the combination of PTL and DDP was found to exhibit the most significant effects. PTL might therefore be considered as a new option for combination therapy of NSCLC.
Anti-tumor Effect of Oleic Acid in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines via Autophagy Reduction
Authors: Giulitti Federico , Petrungaro Simonetta , Mandatori Sara , Tomaipitinca Luana , de Franchis Valerio , D'Amore Antonella , Filippini Antonio , Gaudio Eugenio , Ziparo Elio , Giampietri Claudia
Published: February 2021

Oleic acid (OA) is a component of the olive oil. Beneficial health effects of olive oil are well-known, such as protection against liver steatosis and against some cancer types. In the present study, we focused on OA effects in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), investigating responses to OA treatment (50–300 μM) in HCC cell lines (Hep3B and Huh7.5) and in a healthy liver-derived human cell line (THLE-2). Upon OA administration higher lipid accumulation, perilipin-2 increase, and autophagy reduction were observed in HCC cells as compared to healthy cells. OA in the presence of 10% FBS significantly reduced viability of HCC cell lines at 300 μM through Alamar Blue staining evaluation, and reduced cyclin D1 expression in a dose-dependent manner while it was ineffective on healthy hepatocytes. Furthermore, OA increased cell death by about 30%, inducing apoptosis and necrosis in HCC cells but not in healthy hepatocytes at 300 μM dosage. Moreover, OA induced senescence in Hep3B, reduced P-ERK in both HCC cell lines and significantly inhibited the antiapoptotic proteins c-Flip and Bcl-2 in HCC cells but not in healthy hepatocytes. All these results led us to conclude that different cell death processes occur in these two HCC cell lines upon OA treatment. Furthermore, 300 μM OA significantly reduced the migration and invasion of both HCC cell lines, while it has no effects on healthy cells. Finally, we investigated autophagy role in OA-dependent effects by using the autophagy inducer torin-1. Combined OA/torin-1 treatment reduced lipid accumulation and cell death as compared to single OA treatment. We therefore concluded that OA effects in HCC cells lines are, at least, in part dependent on OA-induced autophagy reduction. In conclusion, we report for the first time an autophagy dependent relevant anti-cancer effect of OA in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines.
Negotiating the Data Deluge on YouTube: Practices of Knowledge Appropriation and Articulated Ambiguity Around Visual Scenarios of Sea-Level Rise Futures
Authors: Hirsbrunner Simon David
Published: February 2021

The present study aims at evaluating how YouTube users understand, negotiate and appropriate science-related knowledge on YouTube. It is informed by the qualitative analysis of post-video discussions around visual scenarios of sea-level rise (SLR) triggered by climate change. On the one hand, the SLR maps have an exemplary status as contemporary visualizations of climate change risks, beyond traditional image categories such as scientific or popular imagery. YouTube, on the other hand, is a convenient media environment to investigate the situated appropriation of such visual knowledge, considering its increasing relevance as a navigational platform to provide, search, consume and debate science-related information. The paper draws on media practice theory and operationalizes digital methods and qualitative coding informed by Grounded Theory. It characterizes a number of communicative practices of articulated knowledge appropriation regarding climate knowledge. This includes “locating impacts,” “demanding representation,” “envisioning further,” “debating future action,” “relativizing the information,” “challenging the reality of anthropogenic climate change,” “embedding popular narratives,” “attributing to politics,” and “insulting others.” The article then discusses broader questions posed by the comments and related to the appropriation and discursive negotiation of knowledge within online video-sharing platforms. Ambiguity is identified as a major feature within the practice of science-related information retrieval and knowledge appropriation on YouTube. This consideration then serves as an opportunity to reconsider the relationship between information credibility and knowledge appropriation in the age of the digital. Findings suggest that ambiguity of information can have a positive impact on problem definition, future imagination and the discursive negotiation of climate change.
Age and Origin of the Founder Antithrombin Budapest 3 (p.Leu131Phe) Mutation; Its High Prevalence in the Roma Population and Its Association With Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Bereczky Zsuzsanna , Gindele Réka , Fiatal Szilvia , Speker Marianna , Miklós Tünde , Balogh László , Mezei Zoltán , Szabó Zsuzsanna , Ádány Róza
Published: February 2021

Background: Antithrombin (AT) is one of the most important regulator of hemostasis. AT Budapest 3 (ATBp3) is a prevalent type II heparin-binding site (IIHBS) deficiency due to founder effect. Thrombosis is a complex disease including arterial (ATE) and venous thrombotic events (VTE) and the Roma population, the largest ethnic minority in Europe has increased susceptibility to these diseases partly due to their unfavorable genetic load. We aimed to calculate the age and origin of ATBp3 and to explore whether the frequency of it is higher in the Roma population as compared with the general population from the corresponding geographical area. We investigated the association of ATBp3 with thrombotic events in well-defined patients' populations in order to refine the recommendation when testing for ATBp3 is useful.

Methods and Results: Prevalence of ATBp3, investigated in large samples (n = 1,000 and 1,185 for general Hungarian and Roma populations, respectively) was considerably high, almost 3%, among Roma and the founder effect was confirmed in their samples, while it was absent in the Hungarian general population. Age of ATBp3—as calculated by analysis of 8 short tandem repeat sequences surrounding SERPINC1—was dated back to XVII Century, when Roma migration in Central and Eastern Europe occurred. In our IIHBS cohort (n = 230), VTE was registered in almost all ATBp3 homozygotes (93%) and in 44% of heterozygotes. ATE occurred with lower frequency in ATBp3 (around 6%); it was rather associated with AT Basel (44%). All patients with ATE were young at the time of diagnosis. Upon investigating consecutive young (<40 years) patients with ATE (n = 92) and VTE (n = 110), the presence of ATBp3 was remarkable.

Conclusions: ATBp3, a 400-year-old founder mutation is prevalent in Roma population and its Roma origin can reasonably be assumed. By the demonstration of the presence of ATBp3 in ATE patients, we draw the attention to consider type IIHBS AT deficiency in the background of not only VTE but also ATE, especially in selected populations as young patients without advanced atherosclerosis. We recommend including the investigation of ATBp3 as part of thrombosis risk assessment and stratification in Roma individuals.
RETRACTED: Territory-Wide Chinese Cohort of Long QT Syndrome: Random Survival Forest and Cox Analyses
Authors: Tse Gary , Lee Sharen , Zhou Jiandong , Liu Tong , Wong Ian Chi Kei , Mak Chloe , Mok Ngai Shing , Jeevaratnam Kamalan , Zhang Qingpeng , Cheng Shuk Han , Wong Wing Tak
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a cardiac ion channelopathy that predisposes affected individuals to spontaneous ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). The main aims of the study were to: (1) provide a description of the local epidemiology of LQTS, (2) identify significant risk factors of ventricular arrhythmias in this cohort, and (3) compare the performance of traditional Cox regression with that of random survival forests.

Methods: This was a territory-wide retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with congenital LQTS between 1997 and 2019. The primary outcome was spontaneous VT/VF.

Results: This study included 121 patients [median age of initial presentation: 20 (interquartile range: 8–44) years, 62% female] with a median follow-up of 88 (51–143) months. Genetic analysis identified novel mutations in KCNQ1, KCNH2, SCN5A, ANK2, CACNA1C, CAV3, and AKAP9. During follow-up, 23 patients developed VT/VF. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age [hazard ratio (HR): 1.02 (1.01–1.04), P = 0.007; optimum cut-off: 19 years], presentation with syncope [HR: 3.86 (1.43–10.42), P = 0.008] or VT/VF [HR: 3.68 (1.62–8.37), P = 0.002] and the presence of PVCs [HR: 2.89 (1.22–6.83), P = 0.015] were significant predictors of spontaneous VT/VF. Only initial presentation with syncope remained significant after multivariate adjustment [HR: 3.58 (1.32–9.71), P = 0.011]. Random survival forest (RSF) model provided significant improvement in prediction performance over Cox regression (precision: 0.80 vs. 0.69; recall: 0.79 vs. 0.68; AUC: 0.77 vs. 0.68; c-statistic: 0.79 vs. 0.67). Decision rules were generated by RSF model to predict VT/VF post-diagnosis.

Conclusions: Effective risk stratification in congenital LQTS can be achieved by clinical history, electrocardiographic indices, and different investigation results, irrespective of underlying genetic defects. A machine learning approach using RSF can improve risk prediction over traditional Cox regression models.
State-of-the-Art Review: Anatomical and Imaging Considerations During Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Repair Using an Annuloplasty Approach
Authors: Wunderlich Nina C. , Landendinger Melanie , Arnold Martin , Achenbach Stephan , Swaans Martin J. , Siegel Robert J. , Ho Siew Yen
Published: February 2021

Transcatheter techniques for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are being more frequently used and several new devices are in development. Since 90% of patients with TR have secondary TR, catheter based systems which reduce the dilated tricuspid annulus area are of particular interest. In order to perform an annuloplasty procedure effectively and safely, knowledge about the anatomy of the tricuspid valve apparatus and especially of the annulus in relation to the important neighboring structures such as the aortic root, the RCA, the electrical pathways and the CS is fundamental. In addition, comprehensive understanding of the device itself, the delivery system, its maneuverability and the individual procedural steps is required. Furthermore, the use of multi-modality imaging is important. For each step of the procedure the appropriate imaging modality as well as the optimal; imaging planes are crucial to provide the necessary information to best guide the individual procedural step.
Clinical Outcomes of Frozen-Thawed Embryos Generated From Growth Hormone Stimulation in Expected Poor Responders
Authors: Zhu Jinliang , Wang Ying , Chen Lixue , Liu Ping , Li Rong , Qiao Jie
Published: February 2021

Objective

This study aimed to elucidate whether growth hormone (GH) adjuvant therapy significantly improves clinical outcomes for expected poor responders in frozen-thawed cycles.

Methods

Expected poor responders undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation with or without GH adjuvant therapy, and subsequently underwent the first frozen-thawed transfer from January 2017 to March 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Maternal age was matched at a 1:1 ratio between the GH and control groups. All statistical analyses were performed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software.

Results

A total of 376 frozen-thawed cycles comprised the GH and control groups at a ratio of 1:1. The number of oocytes (7.13 ± 3.93 vs. 5.89 ± 3.33; p = 0.001), two pronuclei zygotes (4.66 ± 2.76 vs. 3.99 ± 2.31; p = 0.011), and day 3 available embryos (3.86 ± 2.62 vs. 3.26 ± 2.04; p = 0.014) obtained in the GH group was significantly higher than the control group in corresponding fresh cycles. The clinical pregnancy (30.3 vs. 31.0%; p = 0.883), implantation (25.3 vs. 26.2%; p = 0.829), early abortion (16.1 vs. 15.8%; p = 0.967), and live birth rates (20.6 vs. 20.8%; p=0.980) were comparable between the two groups in frozen-thawed cycles. Improvement in the clinical pregnancy (46.8 vs. 32.1%; p = 0.075), early miscarriage (10.3 vs. 20.0%; p = 0.449), and live birth rates (35.7 vs. 18.9%; p = 0.031) was found in the subgroup of poor ovarian responders (PORs) with good quality blastocyst transfer (≥4BB) following GH co-treatment.

Conclusions

GH administration would increase oocyte quantity and quality, in turn, improve live birth rate in PORs.