bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Grave’s Disease in Adults
Authors: Alvarez Andrade Mauricio , Pabón Duarte Lorena
Published: May 2021

Graves disease is an autoimmune disease, with a genetic susceptibility, activated by environmental factors like stress, iodine excess, infections, pregnancy and smoking. It is caused by thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) or thyroid stimulating antibody (TSAb) and is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism with an incidence of 21 per 100,000 per year. Treatment of Graves disease includes antithyroid drugs such as methimazole and propylthiouracil, radioactive iodine therapy and thyroidectomy. Methimazole, an antithyroid drug that belongs to the thioamides class, is usually the first line of treatment due to lower risk of hepatotoxicity compared to propylthiouracil. Radioactive iodine therapy is reserved for those patients who do not respond to antithyroid drugs or have contraindication or adverse effects generated by antithyroid drugs, and thyroid surgery is an option in people with thyroid nodular disease with suspected malignancy or large goiters such as predictors of poor response to antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine therapy. Multiple factors influence the management of patients with Graves disease including patient and physician preferences, access to medical services and patients features such as age, complications and comorbidities.
Radiofrequency Energy Harvesting for Wireless Sensor Node: Design Guidelines and Current Circuits Performance
Authors: Mouapi Alex , Hakem Nadir , Kandil Nahi
Published: May 2021

Given their omnipresence, electromagnetic energy offers the most attractive and recent energy supply solutions for low consumption power devices. The most targeted application is the wireless Sensor (WS) node, which is indispensable in all computing systems. This work proposes the design guideline for harvesting radiofrequency (RF) energy using the Rectifying Antenna circuit known as rectenna. The rectenna design issues are then developed to introduce new solutions for optimizing the performance of the circuits. Note that the end-to-end efficiency analysis must incorporate both receiving antenna characteristics, rectifying diode parameters, and matching filter components. However, in most studies, only one or at most two of these aspects are treated. We then want to overcome this lack by offering a global view highlighting all the design issues for optimal RF/DC conversion efficiency. The specific case of rectennas based on patch antennas and Schottky diodes, easily integrated into the circuit boards, is considered. The results of this chapter show that although the harvestable energy levels of ambient RF waves are low, some recent designs offer solutions to take advantage of these ambient waves.
Oxytocin as a Metabolic Modulator
Authors: Bhatt Neeru
Published: May 2021

Oxytocin (9-amino acid peptide) hormone is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor family. It regulates a range of physiologic actions in mammals other than assisting parturition and lactation functions. Evidence indicates that oxytocin alters lipids, protein, and sugar metabolism through various ways including modulation of appetite and satiety, enzyme activity, cellular signals, secretion of metabolic hormones, and energy consumption. Alterations in these processes have the potential to shift developmental trajectories and influence disease processes. Oxytocin can be a potential avenue for the treatment of endocrine disorders such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and associated disorders. The chapter will include a comprehensive study about oxytocin and its physiological and pathological functions, which makes it a potential target for drug therapy.
Analytical Method for Preliminary Seismic Design of Tunnels
Authors: Dehghanian Kaveh
Published: May 2021

Buried structures are categorized based on their shape, size and location. These main categories are near surface structures (e.g., pipes and other facilities), large section structures (e.g., tunnels, subways, etc.), and vertical underground structures (e.g., shafts and ducts). Seismic assessments of these structures are important in areas close to severe seismic sources. Seismic design of tunnels requires calculation of the deformation in surrounding geological formations. The seismic hazard on a site is usually expressed as a function of amplitude parameters of free-field motion. Therefore, simplified relations between depth and parameters of ground motion are necessary for preliminary designs. The objective of this chapter is to study and review the main analytical seismic methods which are used to develop a simple relationship between maximum shear strain, maximum shear stress and other seismic parameters.
Radiation Power Pattern Distortion Analysis Using MATLAB for MST Radar System
Authors: Dinesh Kumar Nali
Published: May 2021

Most often, in MST radar system, a few number of transmitters are non-operational due to various factors, making the liner sub-arrays corresponding to these transmitters in effective. This results in the thinning of the aperture and deviation of the excitation from the specified Taylor distribution. The array pattern will be distorted due to this deviation, when compared to the reference pattern. This chapter gives a complete analysis to quantify the distortion in the radiation pattern due to Aperture thinning. MATLAB was extensively used to analyze the results. The results of the radiation pattern in both principal planed and for different azimuth angles with and without thinning/tilt are presented. Radiation pattern is viewed in both polar and rectangular (2-D and 3-D) forms. Conclusions on the results obtained are presented.
New Biological Treatment Options in CSU
Authors: Vadasz Zahava , Toubi Elias
Published: May 2021

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a devastating disease and is associated with many co-morbidities and long-lasting suffering. Therefore, patients always look for a most efficient therapeutic approach to achieve a full remission. In many patients, CSU remain refractory to off-label doses of antihistamines and short courses of steroids, and therefore are treated with omalizumab. However, 15–20% of severe CSU patients will stay unresponsive to omalizumab and are defined as being of un-met needs. In this review we will shed light on the many new drugs which are assessed in ongoing clinical trials.
Minimally Invasive Lateral Approach for Anterior Spinal Cord Decompression in Thoracic Myelopathy
Authors: E. Gouveia Edna , Mathkour Mansour , McCormack Erin , Riffle Jonathan , A. Sulaiman Olawale , J. Denis Daniel
Published: May 2021

Myelopathy can result from a thoracic disc herniation (TDH) compressing the anterior spinal cord. Disc calcification and difficulty in accessing the anterior spinal cord pose an operative challenge. A mini-open lateral approach to directly decompress the anterior spinal cord can be performed with or without concomitant interbody fusion depending on pre-existing or iatrogenic spinal instability. Experience using stand-alone expandable spacers to achieve interbody fusion in this setting is limited. Technical advantages, risks and limitations of this technique are discussed. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients with thoracic and upper lumbar myelopathy treated with a lateral mini-open lateral approach. Review of the literature identified 6 other case series using similar lateral minimally invasive approaches to treat thoracic or upper lumbar disc herniation showing efficient and safe thoracic disc decompression procedure for myelopathy. This technique can be combined with interbody arthrodesis when instability is suspected.
The Effect of Glycation Stress on Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Egawa Tatsuro , Kido Kohei , Yokokawa Takumi , Fujibayashi Mami , Goto Katsumasa , Hayashi Tatsuya
Published: May 2021

Glycation stress (glycative stress) is a general concept of biological stress caused by a series of non-enzymatic glycation reactions, including advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation, AGEs accumulation, glycation-associated dysfunction of proteins and cellular signaling, inflammation, oxidation, and/or tissue damage. There has been increasing evidence supporting a profound effect of AGEs on human diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and dementia, as well as aging process itself. In addition, dietary AGEs intake has also been suggested to contribute to tissue dysfunction and development of the diseases. Skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the human body and important responsibility for maintaining our health as not only locomotor system but also metabolic and endocrine systems. Especially in past decades, numerous studies have suggested the contribution of glycation stress to skeletal muscle dysfunctions (e.g. muscle atrophy, reducing contractile property, and insulin resistance). In this chapter, we provide current evidence on the potential role of glycation stress in the impairment of skeletal muscle functions.
Clinical and laboratory characterization of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma in patients from Salvador, Bahia
Authors: Bomfim Evelyn Keila dos Santos , Santos Mariane Melo dos , Freire Songeli Menezes , Meyer Roberto José , Torres Alex José Leite
Published: May 2021

ATLL is a malignant and aggressive leukemia whose survival time is limited. It is known that 5% of individuals infected with HTLV-1, after many years of latency, may develop this disease. The mechanisms by which the evolution of clinical conditions occurs are unknown, and in Brazil there are few studies about ATLL, this some important themes will be addressed in this study. Thus, the objective of this study is to characterize the epidemiological and immunophenotypic profile of patients diagnosed with ATLL, attended at an oncohematological reference center in Salvador, Bahia, in the period between 2010-2018. The methodology consisted of a descriptive, retrospective of time series study, which cases of ATLL were collected from reports belonging a reference laboratory and of medical reports available from Com-HUPES. These data were treated and analyzed statistically, being observed that the majority of cases were female and that a large part have the most aggressive clinical condition Although the literature reports that ATLL clinical condition are always considered as severe, in this study it was observed that patients can achieve long survival in good clinical conditions, according to the treatment administered. In view of the available results, it is possible to conclude that exist a broad distinction between the clinical and molecular forms, being may be an important indicator of the evolution of ATLL.
Pharmacogenomic tests of oncology drugs at Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA)
Authors: Suarez-Kurtz Guilherme
Published: May 2021

The implementation, current status and future perspectives of the pharmacogenetics/genomics (PGx) testing program developed at Instituto Nacional de Cancer (INCA) are presented. Initial selection of drug-gene pairs for PGx testing was based on clinically-validated PGx associations and availability of international guidelines with PGx-informed dosing recommendations. The selected pairs were fluoropyrimidines- DPYD, irinotecan- UGT1A1, and thiopurines- TPMT/NUDT15. The aims and rationale for the implemented PGx tests, frequency of the interrogated genetic variants and assigned metabolic phenotypes, and the individual dosing recommendations are reviewed. Planned developments, such as collaboration with other cancer treatment centers, testing of additional drug-gene pairs (e.g., tamoxifen- CYP2D6 ), and inclusion of PGx testing in the routine workout of targeted patients at INCA were impacted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemics. The Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology is invited to play a leading role in the evaluation of the clinical utility of PGx tests of germline variants for oncology drugs in Brazil.
La experiencia del encarcelamiento en España
Authors: Cid Moliné Jose , Pedrosa Albert , Navarro Carmen
Published: May 2021

Europa ha construido una política criminal humanitaria por lo que respecta al encarcelamiento a partir de tres principios básicos: limitación del uso de la prisión, normalización de la vida en la cárcel y reinserción como principal objetivo de la privación de libertad. Consecuentemente, parece relevante analizar si los diferentes sistemas penitenciarios europeos se acercan a este ideal. Partiendo de la existencia de una pluralidad de fuentes que nos acercan a la realidad del encarcelamiento, este trabajo se basa principalmente en una encuesta realizada a una muestra representativa de personas que experimentaron el encarcelamiento en Cataluña. La investigación pone de relieve un avance positivo en los principios de normalización y reinserción con respecto a anteriores estudios. Sin embargo, en ambos principios se aprecian aspectos preocupantes que requieren la implementación de nuevas políticas.Europe has built a humanitarian criminal policy regarding imprisonment under three basic principles: limitation of the use of prison, normalization of prison life and reintegration as the main aim of the deprivation of freedom. Therefore, it seems relevant to assess whether European penitentiary systems fulfil this ideal. Moving from the repertory of sources that describe the reality of imprisonment, this paper is based mainly on a survey of a representative sample of people that have experienced imprisonment in Catalonia. The paper reveals a more positive fulfilment of the principles of normalization and reintegration in comparison with previous literature. However, concerning both principles there are some aspects of concern that require implementing new policies.
A LGBTQIAfobia sob o prisma das representações sociais de docentes
Authors: Batista de Oliveira Júnior Isaias
Published: May 2021

A LGBTQIAfobia é a manifestação arbitrária que consiste em qualificar o outro como contrário, inferior ou anormal. Com o objetivo de analisarmos as faces dessa violência, por meio das representações sociais de docentes, nos questionamos: de que forma os atos de discriminação e exclusão, contra estudantes Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais, Bigêneros, Travestis, Transexuais, Transgêneros, Queers, Questionadores, Intersexos, Indecisos, Assexuados e Aliados — LGBTQIA — são manifestos no ambiente escolar? Na tentativa de responder ao problema proposto recorremos à pesquisa descritiva exploratória, realizada a partir da aplicação de um questionário sócio demográfico e de uma entrevista semiestruturada, com trinta e oito educadores dentre diretores escolares, pedagogas exercendo atividades administrativas pedagógicas e professoras de Biologia, de escolas de ensino médio, de treze municípios da região norte do Estado do Paraná. O corpus analítico foi categorizado conforme a análise de conteúdo e apoiado na Teoria das Representações Sociais proposta por Moscovici (2015). Os resultados obtidos apontaram para a organização de três núcleos de representações, pautados nos estudos de Bardin (2016): LGBTQIAfobia: violência, reprodução da exclusão e o amparo legal; o direito autorizado de quem fala e; estratégias positivas de enfrentamento. Depreendemos a partir desses dados, que essa investigação, somada às inúmeras outras existentes, estruturadas em entrevistas com um grupo social de professores, demonstra que nós educadores podemos e devemos institucionalizar orientações e abordagens acerca da diversidade sexual e do combate e prevenção a LGBTQIAfobia, pois, consideramos que a ausência deste debate causa grande impacto e relevância na vida escolar daqueles estudantes.
Educação Ambiental no Ensino Fundamental: aprendizagens estudantis e seus reflexos para além da escola
Authors: De Arruda Reis Geilson , Feldens Schwertner Suzana
Published: May 2021

O presente artigo versa sobre um trabalho de Educação Ambiental (EA) que vem sendo desenvolvido com discentes do Ensino Fundamental, desde junho de 2012, em uma escola municipal de Imperatriz/MA, Brasil: o Projeto Bacuri Verde (PBV) — Adote uma Árvore. Objetivou-se identificar se a vivência em EA promovida pelo PBV resultou em aprendizados para os estudantes dentro e fora do espaço escolar. Em relação à metodologia, trata-se de um trabalho de natureza qualitativa, aproximando-se de pressupostos de estudos multicasos. Foram envolvidos nove egressos e três ingressos do PBV, sendo no total 12 sujeitos participantes. Os dados foram produzidos por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, que foram gravadas e transcritas na íntegra. O material foi analisado seguindo a abordagem da Análise Textual Discursiva por meio das categorias: aprendizagens e vertentes sobre EA à luz dos investigados; vivências e aprendizagens no espaço do viveiro; e “em todos os lugares que eu for, vou levar o que aprendi no projeto”. Os resultados evidenciaram que as aprendizagens produzidas e experienciadas no contexto do PBV demostraram ser relevantes tanto no contexto escolar como no não escolar. Foram apontadas mudanças positivas nas formas de se relacionar e de se comunicar com as pessoas em espaços frequentados e tempos vividos posteriores à época de estudos na escola.
Como Ensinar Química?
Authors: Bedin Everton
Published: May 2021

Neste artigo objetiva-se entender como um grupo de professores desenvolve as suas ações didático-pedagógicas com vistas ao ensino de química, ponderando concepções sobre a pergunta: “Como ensinar química?”. Tal objetivo deriva da perspectiva de que as convicções em relação ao questionamento são constituídas idiossincraticamente sobre o ideário pedagógico que se arquiteta e se fundamenta a partir de pressupostos teóricos e de reflexões sobre a própria ação pedagógica, vislumbrando os recursos didáticos e as diferentes metodologias de ensino plausíveis a sua realidade. Para tanto, esta pesquisa de natureza qualiquantitativa, a partir da análise dos dados de forma mista, foi desenvolvida por meio de um formulário online contendo sete assertivas, construído no Google Forms com base na escala Likert de cinco pontos¸ e disponibilizado a 92 professores de química em um período de 30 dias. A análise qualitativa das assertivas ocorreu de forma interpretativa à luz de teóricos da área, e de forma quantitativa com base na estatística descritiva a partir do programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Ao término, evidenciou-se que a maioria dos professores desenvolve as suas ações didático-pedagógicas a partir de estratégias que julgam eficientes e importantes para os alunos aprenderem química, seguida da inserção da pesquisa, do diálogo e da (re)significação dos conceitos e dos conteúdos a partir da curiosidade, do contexto e do interesse dos sujeitos.
A potencialidade dos museus de artes na formação de professores
Authors: Carvalho Cristina , Gewerc Monique
Published: May 2021

Partindo do pressuposto de que experiências com a Arte podem contribuir para a construção do simbólico, para a transformação do olhar, da atitude, do lugar do sujeito na sociedade, os museus de arte se configuram em espaços potentes para propiciar experiências sensíveis e contribuir para a autoria docente. O objetivo central da pesquisa parcialmente aqui apresentada é compreender se o que os museus da cidade do Rio de Janeiro oferecem aos professores contribui para sua formação estética e cultural. Para que o professor veja o museu como espaço de formação profissional e cultural, é necessário um convite do museu, um encorajamento aliado à liberdade para que o sujeito crie seus próprios significados. O instrumento metodológico utilizado para a produção dos dados aqui apresentados foi a entrevista semiestruturada. Foram entrevistados educadores museais de cinco museus da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. O texto traz uma reflexão sobre conceitos centrais da temática e um recorte das entrevistas que expressam a compreensão dos educadores sobre a concepção de educação museal e como se desenvolvem as atividades com professores nas instituições. O resultado parcial da pesquisa aponta que os museus de arte, apesar de seu histórico elitista, têm desenvolvido ações com professores em que a singularidade dos sujeitos visitantes, sua cultura, história e expectativas são consideradas em uma perspectiva dialógica, participativa, crítica e democrática. A educação assume uma perspectiva integral e a visita ao museu é vista como uma experiência transformadora.
O Museu como memórias plurais e resistência cultural no Ensino de História
Authors: Mello Janaína Cardoso de , Jesus Priscila Maria de
Published: May 2021

A visão dos museus como um espaço que, junto com as escolas, proporciona a educação tem pautado as discussões e o desenvolvimento de teorias e práticas dentro da Museologia e da Educação. Destaca-se o papel do historiador e do museólogo no gerenciamento dessas memórias, identidades e histórias para a compreensão do museu como um espaço para discussão e provocação de leituras outras que passam pelas formas de resistência cultural. O século XXI tem sido marcado pelo rápido acesso à informação, impulsionado pelo desenvolvimento da internet, o que permite não apenas aos usuários, mas também aos geradores de informação, como os museus, lançar um novo olhar para autores e teorias que suscitam as práticas dentro e fora dos museus. A construção da discussão do artigo teve por metodologia a pesquisa qualitativa, como forma de compreender o universo pesquisado e, por método, baseou-se no descritivoanalítico, para interpretação das fontes levantadas e dos fenômenos discutidos. Concluise que é necessária uma maior abertura nas discussões que levem em questão as particularidades locais e regionais nas construções de arcabouços teóricos e sua aplicação prática em museus e formas de colaboração com espaços educacionais, como as escolas e seus professores.
A educação estética no espaço expositivo do Museu de História e de Ciência – Lisboa, Portugal
Authors: Da Silva Katia Franklin , Konell Vania , Reis Gesiele
Published: May 2021

Os museus na atualidade, caracterizados pelas múltiplas formas de promoção da cultura científica, promovem a pesquisa, o conhecimento, a interação, a sensibilização e, portanto, são espaços não formais de educação que possibilitam a descoberta, a criação e a experiência por meio de seus espaços expositivos. Para elucidar este estudo, foi escolhido o Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência (MUHNAC), localizado em Lisboa, Portugal, com o objetivo de analisar o espaço expositivo da área de zoologia, nominada “Grandes carnívoros da Europa – Reis da Europa Selvagem” numa relação com a educação estética. Da visita realizada no ano de 2018 ao MUHNAC, foram selecionadas vinte e uma fotografias, ancoradas na análise de imagem proposta por Barthes, as quais estão relacionadas às falas da curadora que estava responsável pela exposição e que acompanhou a visita. Esta é uma pesquisa qualitativa e seus estudos foram embasados em Schiller (2011), no que se refere ao conceito de educação estética, em Bachelard (2005), sobre a teoria do espaço, em Larrosa (2016), ao conceituar experiência e em outros referenciais que dialogam com a proposta desta pesquisa. Entre os resultados obtidos neste estudo destacam-se a potencialidade do espaço expositivo dos museus de história e de ciência como unificabilidade (fruição) do sensível e do inteligível como contribuição para o desenvolvimento da educação estética. Percebeu-se o quanto a organização do espaço, seja ele constituído material e imaterialmente, objetivo e subjetivamente, interfere na percepção sensível e na reflexão do público como uma possibilidade de formação humana.
Patrimônio cultural e história das mulheres: reflexões e possibilidades didáticas
Authors: Zarbato Jaqueline Ap. Martins
Published: May 2021

Esse artigo pretende apresentar a contribuição epistemológica do patrimônio cultural, da História das Mulheres na história ensinada. Para tanto, apresenta-se a fundamentação teórica e metodológica desenvolvida na pesquisa sobre Patrimônios Culturais Materiaise Imateriais e ensino de história em Mato Grosso do Sul (2018-2020). As perspectivas teóricas fundamentaram-se nas dimensões sobre a História das Mulheres, educação histórica e patrimônio cultural feminino. No âmbito da análise aqui apresentada, concebe-se que a história ensinada pode envolver as possibilidades e perspectivas didáticas com o uso de fontes históricas (museus, centros históricos, etc.). Metodologicamente utilizam-se os planejamentos de aulas e as utilizações de temasrelacionados ao patrimônio no âmbito feminino em museus, realizados de 2019 a 2020, promovidos nas ações do grupo de pesquisa (Ensino de história, mulheres e patrimônio). Entre os resultados, tem-se a produção de materiais didáticos, assim como as propostas de aulas oficinas, as quais versaram sobre os diálogos e possibilidades relativas aopatrimônio feminino.
Molecular dynamics simulation of contact behaviors between multiwall carbon nanotube and metal surface
Authors: Yang Quan , Ma Li , Geng Song-Chao , Lin Yi-Ni , Chen Tao , Sun Li-Ning ,   School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200072, China,   Robotics and Microsystems Center, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
Published: May 2021

The interfacial contact configuration and contact intensity between carbon nanotube and metal surface play an important role in the electrical performance of carbon nanotube field effect transistors and nanoscale carbon nanotube robotic manipulation. In this paper, we investigate numerically the contact configuration and the contact intensity between multiwall carbon nanotube with open ends or capped ends and various metal surfaces in carbon nanotube field effect transistor assembly by the molecular dynamics simulation. The simulation results show that the change in the position and shape of multiwall carbon nanotube on the metal surface are mainly due to the decrease of van der Waals energy reduction: the decrement of van der Waals energy is converted into the internal energy and kinetic energy of carbon nanotubes. Moreover, the binding energy between multiwall carbon nanotube and metal surface is negative, which indicates that multiwall carbon nanotube adheres to the metal surface. In addition, the contact intensity of multiwall carbon nanotube in horizontally contacting metal surface is influenced by initial distance, contact length and metal materials. The final equilibrium distance is around ~0.3 nm when the initial distance is less than ~1 nm. And the contact intensity increases with the augment of contact length between carbon nanotube and metal. The contact intensity between platinum and carbon nanotube is larger than that between tungsten and aluminum, therefore, platinum-coated probe is generally utilized for picking carbon nanotube up. The contact intensity of the carbon nanotubes with the open ends and closed ends in the vertical contact with the metal surface are both lower than those in the horizontal contact. The interfacial contact configuration of carbon nanotube and metal materials mainly include the displacement and geometric deformation of carbon nanotube. The displacement and geometric deformation of multiwall carbon nanotube with open ends on the metal surface finally result in its radial nanoscale ribbon structure. But the closed-end three-wall carbon nanotube has the small axial geometric deformation through comparing the concentration profiles between the initial carbon nanotube and the collapsed carbon nanotube. In a carbon nanotube field effect transistor, the collapsed multiwall carbon nanotube forms the ribbon structure like a single wall carbon nanotube. And the distance between carbon nanotube walls and between the outermost carbon nanotube wall and the metal electrode are both about ~0.34 nm. The atomic scale spacing ensures that electrons tunnel from the metal to the outermost carbon nanotube wall and migrate radially between the inner carbon nanotube walls.
Spatiotemporal control of cell cycle acceleration during axolotl spinal cord regeneration
Authors: Cura Costa Emanuel , Otsuki Leo , Rodrigo Albors Aida , Tanaka Elly M , Chara Osvaldo
Published: May 2021

Axolotls are uniquely able to resolve spinal cord injuries, but little is known about the mechanisms underlying spinal cord regeneration. We previously found that tail amputation leads to reactivation of a developmental-like program in spinal cord ependymal cells (Rodrigo Albors et al., 2015), characterized by a high-proliferation zone emerging 4 days post-amputation (Rost et al., 2016). What underlies this spatiotemporal pattern of cell proliferation, however, remained unknown. Here, we use modeling, tightly linked to experimental data, to demonstrate that this regenerative response is consistent with a signal that recruits ependymal cells during ~85 hours after amputation within ~830 μm of the injury. We adapted Fluorescent Ubiquitination-based Cell Cycle Indicator (FUCCI) technology to axolotls (AxFUCCI) to visualize cell cycles in vivo. AxFUCCI axolotls confirmed the predicted appearance time and size of the injury-induced recruitment zone and revealed cell cycle synchrony between ependymal cells. Our modeling and imaging move us closer to understanding bona fide spinal cord regeneration.
A TORC1-histone axis regulates chromatin organisation and non-canonical induction of autophagy to ameliorate ageing
Authors: Lu Yu-Xuan , Regan Jennifer C , Eßer Jacqueline , Drews Lisa F , Weinseis Thomas , Stinn Julia , Hahn Oliver , Miller Richard A , Grönke Sebastian , Partridge Linda
Published: May 2021

Age-related changes to histone levels are seen in many species. However, it is unclear whether changes to histone expression could be exploited to ameliorate the effects of ageing in multicellular organisms. Here we show that inhibition of mTORC1 by the lifespan-extending drug rapamycin increases expression of histones H3 and H4 post-transcriptionally through eIF3-mediated translation. Elevated expression of H3/H4 in intestinal enterocytes in Drosophila alters chromatin organisation, induces intestinal autophagy through transcriptional regulation, and prevents age-related decline in the intestine. Importantly, it also mediates rapamycin-induced longevity and intestinal health. Histones H3/H4 regulate expression of an autophagy cargo adaptor Bchs (WDFY3 in mammals), increased expression of which in enterocytes mediates increased H3/H4-dependent healthy longevity. In mice, rapamycin treatment increases expression of histone proteins and Wdfy3 transcription, and alters chromatin organisation in the small intestine, suggesting that the mTORC1-histone axis is at least partially conserved in mammals and may offer new targets for anti-ageing interventions.
Distinct protocerebral neuropils associated with attractive and aversive female-produced odorants in the male moth brain
Authors: Kymre Jonas Hansen , Liu XiaoLan , Ian Elena , Berge Christoffer Nerland , Wang GuiRong , Berg Bente Gunnveig , Zhao XinCheng , Chu Xi
Published: May 2021

The pheromone system of heliothine moths is an optimal model for studying principles underlying higher-order olfactory processing. In Helicoverpa armigera, three male-specific glomeruli receive input about three female-produced signals, the primary pheromone component, serving as an attractant, and two minor constituents, serving a dual function, that is, attraction versus inhibition of attraction. From the antennal-lobe glomeruli, the information is conveyed to higher olfactory centers, including the lateral protocerebrum, via three main paths – of which the medial tract is the most prominent. In this study, we traced physiologically identified medial-tract projection neurons from each of the three male-specific glomeruli with the aim of mapping their terminal branches in the lateral protocerebrum. Our data suggest that the neurons’ widespread projections are organized according to behavioral significance, including a spatial separation of signals representing attraction versus inhibition – however, with a unique capacity of switching behavioral consequence based on the amount of the minor components.
Retrospective Audit of Phacomorphic Glaucoma in Last 12 Years in a Tertiary Eye Care Centre, New Delhi, India
Authors: Kumar Shanu , Pegu Julie , Tabassum Safeena , Dubey Suneeta , Mathur Umang
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Phacomorphic glaucoma is a type of secondary glaucoma caused by lens swelling in eyes with mature or intumescent cataract. It is encountered more commonly in developing countries. Its management includes initial lowering of Intraocular Pressure (IOP) followed by definitive treatment of removal of lens by cataract surgeries. The visual prognosis remains unpredictable due to the irreversible optic nerve damage that may have incurred in a matter of few days. It is equally pertinent to know the postoperative IOP values and whether these patients would require long term Anti-Glaucoma Medications (AGM). The role of Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) in IOP control preoperatively in such patients also needs to be evaluated. Aim: To assess the visual outcome, IOP control and the requirement of AGM after cataract surgery in phacomorphic glaucoma. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study conducted from March 2019 to January 2020 on all patients diagnosed with phacomorphic glaucoma at the tertiary eye care centre. The primary variables were IOP and visual acuity. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination. Cataract surgery was done after instituting treatment for IOP control. Preoperative LPI was done according to consulting doctors’ discretion. Trabeculectomy was combined with cataract surgery based on surgeons’ decision. Patients were followed for 6 weeks postoperatively. Fisher-test and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 118 patients (25 males and 93 females, mean age 64.55±6.35 years) were recruited in the study and 94 patients followed-up till last visit at 6 weeks. The mean presenting IOP was 39.55±12.55 mmHg. The mean IOP at day-1 postoperatively was 14.66±4.55 mmHg, the difference was statistically significant (p-value <0.001). There was a significant drop in IOP seen postoperatively at day 1 and 6 weeks (p<0.001). At 6 weeks, the mean IOP was 13.19±3.83 mm Hg. A combined cataract extraction and trabeculectomy did not result in statistically significant difference in the final IOP values. At 6 weeks follow-up, 87.23% patients did not require any AGMs; 63.83% patients gained good vision, 26.59% gained borderline vision and 9.58% had poor vision. LPI resulted in a better IOP control preoperatively (p=0.003). Conclusion: Cataract surgery alone results in good IOP control in phacomorphic glaucoma without a need for long term AGMs. However, to prevent permanent angle damage and disc changes an early surgical intervention is required. LPI appears to have a beneficial role in controlling the preoperative IOP in these eyes.
Optic Neuritis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Series
Authors: Shetty Niharika Krishna , Prasad Divya
Published: May 2021

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterised by a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period of time. Ocular associations of diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, cataract, diabetic papillopathy, ocular movement disorders and optic neuritis. Optic neuritis is a clinical condition causing inflammation of the myelin sheet of optic nerve. This leads to alteration in the nerve conduction towards the brain. Diabetics are more commonly affected with anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy compared to papillitis or optic neuritis. The present case series is of diabetes associated papillitis. The patients were in the age range of 35-60 years. All the patients had poor visual acuity at presentation, mild disc oedema and disc elevation with no peripapillary haemorrhage, suggestive of papillitis. The patients had minimum background retinopathy and were hyperglycaemic at the time of presentation. The response to Intravenous (IV) methyl prednisolone, at a dose of 1 gm IV in 100 mL of normal saline, was good. Improvement to vision was seen within 3-5 days and improvement in colour vision was seen at the end of 11-15 days. Papillitis can be a manifestation of diabetes and should be kept as a differential diagnosis to non-arteritic ishaemic optic neuropathy. Optic neuropathies and background retinopathy may not co-exist. Poor systemic control of glycaemic level may directly co-relate to papillitis manifestation.
Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis without Hypertension in a Patient with Concealed Skin Lesions
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Swarna , Pandurangan Viswanathan , Prakash V Siva , Singh RB Sudagar
Published: May 2021

Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is an acute inflammation of renal glomerular parenchyma and is sequelae of pharyngitis or skin infection caused by nephritogenic strains of group A beta-Haemolytic Streptococcus. PSGN is conventionally diagnosed based upon clinical findings and demonstration of recent streptococcal infection by a positive skin/throat culture or serologic tests. Hereby, authors present a case of PSGN in an 18-year-old normotensive male is reported who presented with anasarca. On evaluation, the patient had subnephrotic range proteinuria without haematuria and normal serum creatinine. Concealed healing skin lesions in the gluteal region, suggestive of impetigo were noted and hence, arrived at the diagnosis of PSGN. He was treated with intravenous antibiotics, following which symptoms improved. Young patients with acute presentation of oedema or proteinuria with possible renal cause warrants thorough head to foot examination for unseen skin lesions in otherwise overlooked areas. PSGN responds promptly with early antibiotic therapy.
A Cross-sectional Study on Electrophysiological Evaluation of Neuropathy in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Singh Ravinder , Sripadma PV , Mathur Vaibhav , Ganguly Sujata
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic multisystem immune mediated disease. Rheumatoid associated neuropathy causes significant disability and adds to the economic burden. Aim: To assess clinical determinants of peripheral neuropathy (diagnosed electrophysiologically using nerve conduction studies) among patients with RA. Additionally, it was also aimed to study the various patterns of peripheral neuropathy in patients with RA. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 consecutive adult patients with RA between 01stFebruary, 2020 to 02nd January, 2021 at medicine and neurology departments of SMS Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed and eligible patients after appropriate laboratory evaluation underwent nerve conduction studies. Statistical analysis was performed using student’s unpaired t-test and Chi-square test for continuous and categorical variables respectively. Results: Mean age of the study population was 42.4±14.2 years with 88 females and 12 males. Mean duration of RA was 7.0±7.4 years. Nerve conduction studies detected neuropathy in 18 patients, of these only four patients were symptomatic with tingling, pins and needles sensation and numbness. Fourteen patients had subclinical neuropathy. Patients with neuropathy had significantly longer disease duration (p=0.0001), were older (p=0.014) with more joint deformities (p=0.0008). Conclusion: Subclinical neuropathy is not infrequent in RA patients. Those with advanced age, longer disease duration, higher Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), erosions and deformities should be assessed electrophysiologically for neuropathy.
Education through Play- A Bridge between Kahoot Mobile Applications and Philately
Authors: Lupșe Mădălina , Cioruța Bogdan-Vasile , Pop Alexandru Leonard
Published: May 2021

In Romania of 2021, where society is constantly tempted by numerous changes in methodology and constrained by the development of the didactic act mainly online, as a result of the pandemic, education through play can be the long-awaited answer. The game itself can take various forms, sometimes the most interesting. The present paper seeks to present such a form. Starting from education through play, the paper aims to outline another possible dimension of the way of conducting the act of teaching-learning assessment and obtaining feedback. Thus through a series of worksheets, education through play is punctuated and finely delimited, as a bridge between mobile applications and philately. A series of exercises are proposed, which can be carried out in the mixed work variant. They can successfully provide lessons involving fun math or ecology, but the range of uses can be expanded. They can be used as materials in teaching new knowledge and in evaluating existing ones. This study certifies that education through play knows no limitations as long as the trainers has several key skills and has access to various resources.
Curricula and Employability: An Empirical Study on Tertiary Level Students of Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Md. Ashraful Islam , Mojkury Md. Abid Hassan
Published: May 2021

Aim: The continuous innovation of information technologies accelerates the global economic development. The recent development of artificial intelligence and machine learning theory are not only through a big challenge to the graduates to enter to the job market but also all the stakeholders of entire knowledge economy to stay in the right track for better future. To develop graduates' professionalism with strong foundation of adequate skills are pivotal to meet the future challenges of fourth industrial revolution and artificial intelligence. The aim of the study is to assess the perception and attitude of graduate students regarding future employability in the context of their curriculum.

Data from 750 tertiary level students are collected purposively by direct interview method. A questionnaire is designed based the study aim with suitable well-structured closed ended questions.

Methodology: A five-point Likert scale is considered to measure the opinion and attitude towards future employability and curricula. Descriptive statistical techniques are used for basic comparisons while Chi-square test is appointed to assess the significance of different determinants to the graduates opinions and attitudes.

Results: We found graduates average age 22.39 years with small standard deviation 1.55. Most of the respondents (66.5%) belonging to bellow average income group. A clear educational migration observed in secondary to higher secondary education level. Very unexpected response observed when we asked students regarding their curricula for employability. 9.33% respondents think that the curricula is not important and 35.2% think curricula as least important. Significant impact of students gender, age and place of higher secondary level education place observed on their opinion regarding curricula for future employability.

Conclusion: The growing literature on graduate employability suggest that the role of tertiary level educational institutions, the curricula planners and the policy makers fostering graduate employability over the globe. This article endows with a comprehensive analysis of graduates' attitude towards employability. We hope that this study will contribute to promote graduate employability.
State of Art Survey for IoT Effects on Smart City Technology: Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions
Authors: Hassan Rondik J. , Zeebaree Subhi R. M. , Ameen Siddeeq Y. , Kak Shakir Fattah , Sadeeq Mohammed A. M. , Ageed Zainab Salih , AL-Zebari Adel , Salih Azar Abid
Published: May 2021

Automation frees workers from excessive human involvement to promote ease of use while still reducing their input of labor. There are about 2 billion people on Earth who live in cities, which means about half of the human population lives in an urban environment. This number is rising which places great problems for a greater number of people, increased traffic, increased noise, increased energy consumption, increased water use, and land pollution, and waste. Thus, the issue of security, coupled with sustainability, is expected to be addressed in cities that use their brain. One of the most often used methodologies for creating a smart city is the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT connectivity is understood to be the very heart of the city of what makes a smart city. such as sensor networks, wearables, mobile apps, and smart grids that have been developed to harness the city's most innovative connectivity technology to provide services and better control its citizens The focus of this research is to clarify and showcase ways in which IoT technology can be used in infrastructure projects for enhancing both productivity and responsiveness.
Affective Domain: The Uncharted Area of Teaching and Learning in Tertiary Education
Authors: Dorji Phub , Yangzom .
Published: May 2021

Aims: This study was conducted to examine how the learning opportunities and instructional designs be organized and responsibilities for the teachers be defined for students to acquire affective skills.

Study Design:  This exploratory research design adopted a qualitative approach.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in three colleges under the Royal University of Bhutan for a period of one year (2019-2020). 

Sample: Out of a sample of 10 college students (one each from 10 colleges under the Royal University of Bhutan) selected through purposive sampling technique, due to the impact of the ongoing pandemic, only three interviewees consented and participated in the interview.

Methodology: Data were collected using structured interview and systematic literature review. Review questions and criteria for inclusion and exclusion of articles for literature review were formulated and the PRISMA flow diagram was used to select review articles for systematic literature review. Using the content analysis technique, data gathered through systematic literature review and structured interview were analysed.

Results: The findings revealed that affective domain remains as one area of learning which is getting the least attention across the curriculum and from the educators. The lack of opportunities for students to practice the skills they learn in the classroom, inadequate use of CL structures and interactive learning methods in teaching, absence of affective elements in instructional designs and deliveries, teachers modelling skills and student-teacher relationships are some of the factors undermining the acquisition of affective skills.

Conclusion: In view of these findings, the researchers recommend scholars and educators to conduct more studies on affective domains; curriculum and policy developers to ensure the inclusion of all three domains of learning across the curriculum; management/stakeholder to acknowledge the importance of affective domain of learning and provide training to teachers on the development of affective skills; and teachers/educators to incorporate affective skills in their instructional designs and deliveries to help students to acquire affective skills.
Investigation of the Influence of Temperature of Washed Water on the Main Indicators of Fertilizer Precipitate
Authors: Giyasidinov A. L. , Sultonov B. E. , Namazov Sh. S.
Published: May 2021

The influence of the temperature of washing water on the main indicators of fertilizer precipitates obtained on the basis of mineralized mass (MM) and phosphorite flour (PF) has been studied. For laboratory experiments, MM with the following composition (weight, %) were used: 14.60-P2O5, 43.99-CaO;14.11-CO2, 1.58-SO3; CaO:P2O5=3.01 and PF, which has the following composition (weight,%):17.76-P2O5, 47.51-CaO; 5.27-i.r.; CaO:Р2О5=2,68. The optimal temperature of washing water can be considered 80-90oC of both phosphate raw materials (PRM). Under optimal parameters, the following formulations of fertilizer precipitates (weight.%) are obtained:P2O5total.=21.60-22.65;P2O5acceptable by citric acid=11.42-12.19; P2O5water solubility=2.08-2.20; CaOtotal.=40.89-41.40; CaOacceptable by citric acid.=22.12-23.07; CaO water solubility=4.03-4.26; Ntotal.=1.69-1.79 based on MM and P2O5total.=24.86-26.07; P2O5acceptable by citric acid=13.19-14.08; P2O5water solubility=2.40-2.57; CaOtotal=45.19-45.41; CaOacceptable by citric acid=24.54-25.37; CaOwater solubility=4.25-4.48; Ntotal.=1.78-1.90 based on PF. The degree of washing of fertilizer precipitates from Ca(NO3)2 is 97.82-98.01 and 97.75-97.98%, respectively for MM and PF.