bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Effect of Infra-Low-Frequency Neurofeedback Training on Children and Adolescents with ADHD
Authors: Schneider Horst , Riederle Jennifer , Seuss Sigrid
Published: June 2021

In this observational study the outcomes of an EEG-based infra-low-frequency (ILF) neurofeedback intervention on patients with attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder (ADHD) are presented. The question is addressed whether this computer-aided treatment, which uses a brain-computer-interface to alleviate the clinical symptoms of mental disorders, is an effective non-pharmaceutical therapy for ADHD in childhood and adolescence. In a period of about 15 weeks 196 ADHD patients were treated with about 30 sessions of ILF neurofeedback in an ambulant setting. Besides regular evaluation of the severity of clinical symptoms, a continuous performance test (CPT) for parameters of attention and impulse control was conducted before and after the neurofeedback treatment. During and after the therapy, the patients did not only experience a substantial reduction in the severity of their ADHD-typical clinical symptoms, but also their performance in a continuous test procedure was significantly improved for all examined parameters of attention and impulse control, like response time, variability of reaction time, omission errors and commission errors. In a post neurofeedback intervention assessment 97% of patients reported improvement in symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity. Only 3% of the patients claimed no noticeable alleviation of ADHD-related symptoms. These results suggest that ILF neurofeedback is a clinically effective method that can be considered as a treatment option for ADHD and might help reducing or even avoiding psychotropic medication.
Unique Surface Modifications on Diamond Thin Films
Authors: Venkata Satya Siva Srikanth Vadali
Published: June 2021

Diamond thin films are touted to be excellent in surface-sensitive sensing, electro-mechanical systems, and electrochemical applications. However, these applications often entail patterned active surfaces and subtle chemical surface modifications. But due to diamond’s intrinsic hardness and chemical inertness, surface patterning (using micro-machining and ion etching) and chemical surface modifications, respectively, are very difficult. In the case of surface patterning, it is even more challenging to obtain patterns during synthesis. In this chapter, the direct patterning of sub-wavelength features on diamond thin film surface using a femtosecond laser, rapid thermal annealing as a means to prepare the diamond thin film surface as an efficient direct charge transfer SERS substrate (in metal/insulator/semiconductor (MIS) configuration), and implantation of 14N+ ions into the surface and sub-surface regions for enhancing the electrical conductivity of diamond thin film to a certain depth (in MIS configuration) will be discussed encompassing the processing strategies and different post-processing characteristics.
Synthesis and Purification of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Awais Rouf Syed , Usman Zahid , Tariq Masood Hafiz , Mannan Majeed Abdul , Sarwar Mudassira , Abbas Waseem
Published: June 2021

In this chapter, we will evaluate the synthesis and purification of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical molecules that consists of graphene (rolled up of a single-layer carbon atom). A wide variety of synthesis techniques such as arc discharge synthesis, laser ablation of graphite/laser vaporization synthesis method, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), high pressure carbon monoxide synthesis and flame synthesis techniques, have been implemented to grow single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes for technological applications. All of the above methods exploit transition metals, like iron, cobalt, and nickel, as a catalyst. There are number of methods (filtering, chromatography and centrifugation) used to purify the carbon nanotubes, but the degree of purity remained questionable in these methods. In order to enhance the purification extent, alternate techniques such as Gas phase purification, Liquid phase purification and Purification by Intercalation are introduced. Here we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these purification routes. It will help researchers in selecting appropriate and effective method for synthesis and purification of carbon nanotubes.
COVID-19 Pandemic; Anxiety and Depression among Frontline Healthcare Workers: Rising from the Ashes
Authors: Sharif Salman , Amin Faridah
Published: June 2021

This chapter gives an insight into the psychological journey of the essential healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The catastrophe which started off with uncertainty, provoked fear-related behaviors among the frontline doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. With meager resources and lack of a disaster plan, fire-fighting was a reflex response of healthcare institutions. Though the whole world seemed to be unprepared for the calamity, developing countries with fragile healthcare systems were more vulnerable to collapse. The negative aura was complicated by mistrust among the general population, regarding healthcare workers, institutions and government. Furthermore, with economic downfall; balancing work and protecting the family was a challenge for HCWs, especially during the pandemic peak. The psychological distress translated to rising incidence of depression and anxiety among them. As institutions gained insight into psychosocial issues of HCWs; support and therapies were offered to them. Positive messages labelling HCWs as “Heroes of the Pandemic” were circulated and structured programs developed to address their needs. With the advent of COVID-19 vaccine, a ray of hope emerged, although there are still apprehensions about its efficacy and side-effects. The whole world now eagerly awaits the calamity to perish while normality can rise from ashes.
A Numerical Simulator Based on Finite Element Method for Diffusion-Advection-Reaction Equation in High Contrast Domains
Authors: Akbari Hani
Published: June 2021

Implementation of finite element method (FEM) needs special cares, particularly for essential boundary conditions that have an important effect on symmetry and number of unknowns in the linear systems. Moreover, avoiding numerical integration and using (off-line) calculated element integrals decrease the computational cost significantly. In this chapter we briefly present theoretical topics of FEM. Instead we focus on what is important (and how) to carefully implement FEM for equations that can be the core of a numerical simulator for a diffusion–advection-reaction problem. We consider general 2D and 3D domains, high contrast and heterogeneous diffusion coefficients and generalize the method to nonlinear parabolic equations. Although we use Matlab codes to simplify the explanation of the proposed method, we have implemented it in C++ to reveal the efficiency and examples are presented to admit it.
Sleep and Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: A. Cloonan Sara , C. Taylor Emily , R. Persich Michelle , S. Dailey Natalie , D.S. Killgore William
Published: June 2021

Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the mental health and wellbeing of much of the population. Rates of depression, anxiety, loneliness, suicidal ideation, and other mental health concerns increased during the first year of the pandemic, with heightened fears of the virus, social isolation, and economic instability. Psychological resilience remains a key factor in sustaining healthy emotional functioning during the crisis and facilitating rapid recovery as we move forward to build a better post-pandemic world. Our research, and that of others, suggests that healthy sleep is one of the most powerful aspects of psychological resilience. This chapter will summarize the current literature on psychological resilience, particularly as it relates to the pandemic, and describe the important role of sleep as a key component of resilience capacity. We will discuss novel empirical data linking sleep and resilience during the pandemic. We will conclude with concrete, empirically based suggestions for modulating sleep to sustain psychological resilience during the present crisis and those that may emerge in the future.
Reasons and Mechanisms of Recurrent Failed Implantation in IVF
Authors: Fodina Violeta , Dudorova Alesja , Erenpreiss Juris
Published: June 2021

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF) are serious problems in IVF and ICSI cycles. Different factors are showed to be responsible for these clinical challenges – such as paternal, maternal, embryonic, immunological, infectious, hormonal, and others. In this chapter we have tried to review the available data on reasons for the RIF, and systematize them into: 1) uterine factors; 2) embryo factors; 3) immunological factors; 4) other factors. Interplay between all these factors play a role in RIF, and further investigations are needed to elucidate their significance and interactions – in order to elaborate more definite suggestions or guidelines for the clinicians dealing with artificial reproductive techniques and facing RPL and RIF.
Human Reconfigurations: Conversations on Being Therap(ist)eutic in Time of Covid
Authors: Spoto Jolanda , Stirone Valentina , Coin Romina
Published: June 2021

In this paper the authors’ aim is to reflect on the impact the Sars-CoV-2 Pandemic has had and is still having on our external and internal reality, in terms of individual and collective implications. In an open dialog with colleagues and patients, through a psychoanalytic viewpoint capable of respecting the suffering and the solutions identified by the Ego-subject within the “therapeutic dance”, it was possible during this period to observe movements and processes underlying these changes. Throughout the paper, the authors highlight both difficulties and resources that the patients put in play within the relational space and the need to “reconfigure” them; our focus is on the creativity and the repercussions this event, significant for the majority of the Society, has had on the practices and beliefs of each of us. The peculiar experience of loneliness and isolation, faced during this pandemic emergency, has profoundly transformed and shaped our living space, demanding a collective reorganization of the social space and thus forcing us to rethink our humanity. In the relational exchange, the possibility of finding one’s own space to exist and to inhabit one’s present, can be unfolded. A shared resilience is necessary to face current challenges.
An Overview on Antiviral Potential of Traditional Medicines
Authors: Kilic Mehtap , Sener Bilge
Published: June 2021

Traditional medicines can serve as the source of potential new drug candidates and initial research focuses on the isolation of bioactive lead compounds. Medicinal plants have a combination of secondary metabolites that are naturally occurred by giving different therapeutic benefits. Phytoconstituents have been recognized as an important role in the drug discovery process moreover the other sources. Presently, over hundred natural product-derived pharmaceuticals are being used in modern medicine. Plants and their secondary metabolites, with activity against targets associated with the viral infections could provide valuable leads for the development into drugs for the novel antiviral drugs. Some of them play as important tools in the immune system exhibiting antiviral potentials. The objective of this review is to conduct information regarding the potential of traditional medicines to which have shown antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The Axiological Structure in Psychosis
Authors: Martín-Murcia Francisco , J. Cangas Adolfo
Published: June 2021

In this chapter the value structure will be described as one of the essential existential foundations from a phenomenological perspective. Psychosis could be understood as the result of structural modifications of the self in anchoring the lifeworld. These modifications would mainly be due to failure in the construction of intersubjectivity and therefore of the common sense or basic intuitive tuning of the social world. This failure precisely involves the axiological component of psychotic being-in-the-world, so its description will be emphasized, along with its peculiarities and similarities to other ways of functioning of this axis of values, both adapted and pathological. This approach will be observed in terms of its therapeutic possibilities for the improvement and removal of the so-called negative symptoms. These are the warhorse for true recovery, understood as a personal and unique process for the clarification, development, adjustment of attitudes and values, affectivity and skills in social roles that can lead to a satisfactory and hopeful way of life. Those interventions that try to create a new existential situation or being-in-the-world will be described.
ALIGNING NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE AND DIETARY HABITS OF GENERATION Z-IS THERE A ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT?
Authors: Halasi Szabolcs , Djordjević Miljana , Kiss Ferenc , Šoronja-Simović Dragana , Maravić Nikola , Horvat Olga , Šaranović Žana
Published: June 2021

The potential association between determinants such as nutrition knowledge and dietary habits with obesity development among adolescents of generation Z (Zoomers) was investigated in the presented study. Data regarding meals consumption frequency, snack choice and familiarity with amounts of basic food nutrients in diet were gathered throughout a self-designed questionnaire from 854 adolescents (11‒18 years) attending elementary and secondary schools in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia. The corresponding data was analysed and discussed primarily concerning BMI-for-age, and subsequently, gender and educational stage. The association between BMI categories and examined determinants was tested using chi-square and multinomial logistic regression statistics. Although most of the surveyed adolescents had normal weight (72.1%), a notable share of overweight adolescents was also detected (17.9%). Additionally, observed irregularities in breakfast and dinner consumption frequencies and participants’ modest nutrition knowledge can contribute to further diet deterioration. Statistically significant but weak associations between BMI-for-age and choice of snack, dinner consumption frequency, as well as the frequency of salty snack and fast food consumption, were noted. Furthermore, an increase in nutrition knowledge was inversely associated with obesity prevalence (OR 6.56, 95% CI 1.388‒31.037).

As an outcome, the need for improvement regarding studied determinants especially nutrition knowledge is established and represents a task to achieve through health promotion strategies among generation Z.
Wind tunnel investigation of dynamic trimming on upwind sail aerodynamics
Authors: Aubin N. , Augier B. , Bot P. , Hauville F. , Sacher M. , Flay R. G. J.
Published: June 2021

An experiment was developed at the Yacht research Unit’s Twisted Flow Wind Tunnel (University of Auckland) to test the effect of dynamic trimming on three 60 IMOCA inspired main sails models in upwind configuration. This study presents dynamic fluid structure interaction results in well controlled conditions (wind, sheet length) with a dynamic trimming system. First the optimum optimization target CFobj coefficient with a steady trim for AWA = 60 degrees using the car traveler position and main sail sheet length is located. Oscillation are then done around this optimum value using the main sheet length Lsheet oscillation. Different oscillation amplitudes and frequencies of trimming are investigated. Measurements are done with a 6 components force balance and a load sensor giving access to the unsteady main sail sheet load. The driving CFx and optimization target CFobj coefficient first decrease at low reduced frequency fr for quasi-steady state then increase, becoming higher than the steady state situation. The driving force CFx and the optimization target coefficient CFobj show an optimum for the three different design sail shapes located at fr = 0:255. This optimum is linked to the power transmitted to the rig and sail system by the trimming device. The effect of the camber of the design shape is investigated too. The flat mainsail design benefits more than the other mainsail designs from the dynamic trimming compared to their respective steady situation. This study presents dynamic results that cannot be accurately predicted with a steady approach. These results are therefore valuable for future FSI numerical tools validation in unsteady conditions.
Re-thinking Neutrality Through Emotional Labour: The (In)visible Work of Conference Interpreters
Authors: Ayan Irem
Published: June 2021

Relying upon a combination of ethnomethodological and sociological tools provided by Hochschild’s (2003 [1983]) theory of emotional labour, this article examines the concept of the interpreter’s neutrality as a form of feeling management at work which requires interpreters to align their behaviours with the norms shaping each interpreting setting. Drawing on the interviews conducted between March and August 2018 with twenty-one interpreters working in various social, cultural, and institutional settings, the study describes the interpreter’s emotional labour in the context of conference interpreting, and argues that the interpreter’s actual task of becoming the voice of the speaker intrinsically involves emotional labour. Achieving neutrality entails suppressing personal beliefs and displaying certain emotions which may not always be genuine in some contexts, and tending to the needs of clients in others. The conceptual framework of emotional labour offers an important analytical tool to re-visit theoretically and empirically not only the notion of the interpreter’s neutrality from a critical perspective, but also the incoherence of professional codes of practice, which oftentimes leaves interpreters in a practical and ethical quandary.
ОРЛОВАЧКО ЈЕЗЕРО – КВАЛИТЕТ ВОДЕ И ПРОБЛЕМ ОДРЖИВОСТИ
Authors: Декић Радослав , Станојевић Марко , Лолић Свјетлана , Гњато Слободан , Наранчић Биљана , Гњато Обрен
Published: June 2021

Током љета 2016. године урађене су анализе физичко-хемијских, санитарно-микробиолошких и сапробиолошких параметара квалитета воде Орловачког језера, једног од бројних глацијалних језера Зеленгоре. Утврђен је квалитет воде два извора којима се језеро напаја водом, укључујући и његову “отоку”. Истраживање је показало да је језерска вода хиперсатурисана, те да има повишену pH вриједност. Измјерене вриједности ових параметара одговарале су водама лошег еколошког статуса, односно еутрофним водама. Вриједности осталих праћених параметара биле су у очекиваним границама. До хиперсатурације је дошло усљед фотосинтетске активности макрофита на површини језера, која формира и подводне ливаде. Сапробиолошка анализа квалитативног и квантитативног састава фитопланктона указује на воду друге класе. Вода извора којим се језеро напаја изврсног је квалитета, а језерске “отоке” је мутна и оптерећена суспендованим материјама.
ГЕОГРАФСКИ ИНФОРМАЦИОНИ СИСТЕМИ О ВОДАМА СРБИЈЕ
Authors: Татомировић Славиша , Секуловић Драгољуб , Дробњак Синиша , Гаљак Ненад
Published: June 2021

У Србији постоје развијени географско информациони системи (ГИС) сервиси и информациони системи о водама који су у власништву различитих државних субјеката. Ови информациони системи и ГИС сервиси функционишу одвојено један од другог, те се такво стање мора превазићи јер не доприноси квалитетном мониторингу водних ресурса на националном нивоу. Интеграција различитих ГИС сервиса и хидрографских информационих система Србије у јединствен информациони систем за потребе мониторинга вода намеће се као императив у данашњим сложеним климатолошким и еколошким условима у држави. У раду се даје преглед до сада развијених ГИС сервиса и информационих система о водама и износи предлог организацијских и технолошких решења интеграције тих сервиса и информационих система у јединствен информациони систем за потребе управљања водним ресурсима на простору Србије.
МЕТОДОЛОШКИ ПРИСТУП ИЗРАДИ СЦЕНАРИЈА ПРОСТОРНОГ РАЗВОЈА РЕПУБЛИКЕ СРБИЈЕ ДО 2035. ГОДИНЕ
Authors: Đorđević Dejan , Dabović Tijana , Đorđević Tijana , Pjanović Bojana
Published: June 2021

У прве две деценије 21. века, систем просторног планирања у Србији је претрпео значајнију трансформа- цију пратећи опште трендове у земљи. Превладавање неолибералног-тржишног модела економије директно је дове- ло до погоршања у сектору социјалних услуга и сектору заштите животне средине, како у погледу квалитета, тако и у погледу финансирања. Истовремено, градови и региони у Србији, кроз програм децентрализације, све више преу- зимају контролу над својим развојем, али уз доминантан секторски приступ и изразите структурне неједнакости, не успевају све решити локалним деловањем, те је креирање националног просторног оквира постало све потребније. Ради сагледавања и будућег смањења социјалних и економских неједнакости на територији државе, у новембру 2019. године покренута је израда Просторног плана Републике Србије од 2021. до 2035. године, који је у фебруару 2021. постигао коначни статус нацрта. Нажалост, овај национални просторни оквир је више примио облик правне основе за масивни инфраструктурни пројекат, а не свеобухватног развојног документа, уз неуспешно или пажљи- во избегавање да се позабави политичком, социјалном и економском неизвесношћу коју доносе глобални изазови технолошких, климатских промена и тренутне пандемије. Из тог разлога је и израда сценарија просторног развоја Републике Србије, била ограничена поједностављивањем главних трендова у будућим територијалним акцијама, а према упутствима Министарства. С друге стране, израда је поједностављена и због тога што се не даје видљива алтернатива тренутним просторним политикама. У раду се анализирају узрочно-последичне везе које су довеле до тренутног сценарија планирања, дајући примере ублажавања и релативизације просторних проблема и развија се дискусија око ефикасности секторског приступа у пољу израде сценарија и у просторном планирању у Србији.
Glycinergic axonal inhibition subserves acute spatial sensitivity to sudden increases in sound intensity
Authors: Franken Tom P , Bondy Brian J , Haimes David B , Goldwyn Joshua H , Golding Nace L , Smith Philip H , Joris Philip X
Published: June 2021

Locomotion generates adventitious sounds which enable detection and localization of predators and prey. Such sounds contain brisk changes or transients in amplitude. We investigated the hypothesis that ill-understood temporal specializations in binaural circuits subserve lateralization of such sound transients, based on different time of arrival at the ears (interaural time differences, ITDs). We find that Lateral Superior Olive (LSO) neurons show exquisite ITD-sensitivity, reflecting extreme precision and reliability of excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, in contrast to Medial Superior Olive neurons, traditionally viewed as the ultimate ITD-detectors. In vivo, inhibition blocks LSO excitation over an extremely short window, which, in vitro, required synaptically evoked inhibition. Light and electron microscopy revealed inhibitory synapses on the axon initial segment as the structural basis of this observation. These results reveal a neural vetoing mechanism with extreme temporal and spatial precision and establish the LSO as the primary nucleus for binaural processing of sound transients.
Myosin-based regulation of twitch and tetanic contractions in mammalian skeletal muscle
Authors: Hill Cameron , Brunello Elisabetta , Fusi Luca , Ovejero Jesús G , Irving Malcolm
Published: June 2021

Time-resolved X-ray diffraction of isolated fast-twitch muscles of mice was used to show how structural changes in the myosin-containing thick filaments contribute to the regulation of muscle contraction, extending the previous focus on regulation by the actin-containing thin filaments. This study shows that muscle activation involves the following sequence of structural changes: thin filament activation, disruption of the helical array of myosin motors characteristic of resting muscle, release of myosin motor domains from the folded conformation on the filament backbone, and actin attachment. Physiological force generation in the ‘twitch’ response of skeletal muscle to single action potential stimulation is limited by incomplete activation of the thick filament and the rapid inactivation of both filaments. Muscle relaxation after repetitive stimulation is accompanied by a complete recovery of the folded motor conformation on the filament backbone but by incomplete reformation of the helical array, revealing a structural basis for post-tetanic potentiation in isolated muscles.
Chemistry of enzymatic browning in longan fruit as a function of pericarp pH and dehydration and its prevention by essential oil, an alternative approach to SO2 fumigation
Authors: Khan Muhammad Rafiullah , Huang Chongxing , Durrani Yasser , Muhammad Ali
Published: June 2021

Background

Longan fruit is a rich source of bioactive compounds; however, enzymatic browning of pericarp and microbial decay have limited its postharvest life. SO2 has widely been used to overcome these limitations; however, due to safety and regulatory concerns, alternative means should be identified. In this study, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of thymol (TH) essential oil were investigated against the enzymatic browning and decay of longan fruit.

Methods

Fruits were coated with TH (4%) for 5 min, sealed in polyethylene (PE) packages and stored at 4 °C for 42 d. Fruits immersed in distilled water (DW) and stored in PE were used as control.

Results

TH extended the postharvest life of longan to 42 d than 28 d in DW. TH residues decreased from 142 to 11.17 mg kg–1, while no residues were found at day 42. TH significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced the respiration rate, inhibited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) enzyme activities, sustained high phenols/flavonoids and prevented pericarp browning (BI) than DW. TH also effectively (P ≤ 0.05) maintained the color values, firmness of peel and aril, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), inhibited decay incidence (DI) and resulted in lower ethanol content than DW. BI as a function of pericarp pH was highly correlated; pH and BI (r = 0. 97), with PPO (r = 0.93) and with water loss (r = 0.99). A high coefficient of correlation of BI was found with the pericarp pH, enzymes, phenolic, water loss and decay incidence with ethanol. TH could be the best alternative to SO2 and other synthetic preservatives.
Wnt signaling related transcripts and their relationship to energy metabolism in C2C12 myoblasts under temperature stress
Authors: Risha Marua Abu , Ali Asghar , Siengdee Puntita , Trakooljul Nares , Haack Fiete , Dannenberger Dirk , Wimmers Klaus , Ponsuksili Siriluck
Published: June 2021

Temperature stress is one of the main environmental stressors affecting the welfare, health and productivity of livestock. Temperature changes can modify cell membrane components, disrupting the crosstalk between the cell and its surroundings by affecting signaling pathways including Wnt signaling pathway, which subsequently disrupts cell energy metabolism. The present study aims to understand the effect of temperature stress on the expression of genes involved in Wnt signaling pathways, and their interaction with energy metabolism in C2C12 myoblasts cells. The C2C12 cells were exposed to cold stress (35 °C), mild heat stress (39 °C) and severe heat stress (41 °C), whereas 37 °C was used as control temperature. Transcript levels of important genes involved in Wnt signaling including Axin2, Tnks2, Sfrp1, Dkk1, Dact1, Cby1, Wnt5a, Wnt7a, Wnt11, Porcn, Ror2, Daam1, and Ppp3ca were significantly altered under severe heat stress (41 °C), whereas eight Wnt signaling-related transcripts (Daam1, Ppp3ca, Fzd7, Wnt5a, Porcn, Tnks2, Lrp6, and Aes) were significantly altered under cold stress (35 °C) compared to control. Under heat stress transcripts of the Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors (Sfrp1, Dkk1, and Cby1) and negative regulators (Dact1 and Axin2) are activated. A positive correlation between oxidative phosphorylation and Wnt-related transcripts was found under high temperatures. Transcripts of the cell membrane receptors, including Lrp6 and Fzd7, and the members of Wnt/Ca+2 signaling pathway, including Ppp3ca and Porcn were downregulated under cold stress. Many Wnt signaling-related transcripts were positively correlated with glycolysis under cold stress. These findings indicate a cross-talk between Wnt signaling and energy metabolism under thermal stress.
Work accidents with exposure to biological materials betweenworkers in the north of Minas Gerais / Acidentes de trabalho com exposição a materiais biológicos entre trabalhadores no norte de Minas Gerais
Authors: Pereira Micaela Santos , Rocha Fernanda Cardoso , Dias Jannayne Lúcia Camara , De Andrade Neto Gregório Ribeiro , Piris Álvaro Parrela , Andrade Dina Luciana Batista
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: descrever o perfil dos acidentes com exposição a material biológico ocorridos em Minas Gerais. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo e transversal realizado por meio da consulta do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) dos municípios do norte de Minas Gerais- Brasil, no período de 2008-2012. Resultados: dentre os 56 municípios investigados 28 notificaram 1025 acidentes, 46,1% ocorreram entre técnicos e auxiliares de enfermagem, seguidos por estudantes 14,7% e pelos médicos com 11,6% das ocorrências. Houve predomínio dos acidentes com profissionais de 30 a 39 anos, em procedimentos cirúrgicos, descarte inadequado de materiais perfuro cortantes e administração de medicamentos. Verificou-se que a exposição percutânea, o sangue como material orgânico e agulhas como agente, foram os variáveis mais presentes predisponentes dos acidentes com material biológico. Conclusão: evidencia-se que as causas dos acidentes mais comumente estão diretamente relacionadas com a maneira em executar as atividades no decorrer do trabalho, desencadeadas por ineficiência dos equipamento de proteção individuais ou coletivos, percebe-se a fragilidade no cumprimento da norma regulamentadora, os resultados favorecerão a tomada de atitudes para promover a prevenção e promoção em saúde do trabalhador.
Characteristics of children with cancer and failure of peripheral intravenous cateterization / Características de crianças com câncer e insucesso da cateterização intravenosa periférica
Authors: Da Cruz Machado Pamela , Pimentel Miranda Flávia , Marques dos Santos Luciano , Sousa Martins Silva Bianka
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: descrever características demográficas, clínicas, da terapia intravenosa prévia e cateterização intravenosa periférica em crianças com câncer e insucesso do procedimento. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo transversal, realizado com 18 crianças com insucesso da punção intravenosa periférica, internadas na clínica oncológica pediátrica do Hospital Estadual da Criança, em Feira de Santana-Bahia, entre Abril de 2015 e Dezembro de 2016. Resultados: evidenciou-se o insucesso em 11,7% das crianças. A maioria tinha 01 a 49 meses, pardas, sexo masculino, eutróficas, e o principal motivo de insucesso foi transfixação da veia. Os fatores predisponentes relativos ao insucesso foram história de dificuldade de inserção de cateter intravenoso periférico, complicação anterior à terapia intravenosa, internação anterior e antecedente de infiltração. Conclusão: o percentual de insucesso da punção intravenosa periférica é semelhante aos valores encontrados em estudos sobre o contexto, relacionado com o perfil das crianças, a terapia utilizada, e os fatores predisponentes.
Intracellular pH topography: determination by a fluorescent probe
Authors: Slavík Jan
Published: July 2002

The distribution of pH inside the yeast Endomyces magnusii was measured at 1 μm resolution using different external pH values. In a neutral buffer the pH of the cytoplasm was 6.7–7.2 in the center, decreasing to 6.0 toward the periphery of the cell. A decrease of external pH was followed by a gradual uniform decrease of internal pH. Using a comparison of the ‘pH map’ with phase‐contrast picture of the same cell, the pH of the vacuoles was estimated to be 5.5–5.6.
Fucosyl gangliosides of PC12 pheochromocytoma cells
Authors: Margolis R.U. , Mazzulla M. , Greene L.A. , Margolis R.K.
Published: July 2002

Three monosialogangliosides are highly labeled when PC12 pheochromocytoma cells are cultured in the presence of L‐[3H] fucose, and two additional monosialogangliosides are labeled to a lesser extent. In contrast, neither of the two disialogangliosides of PC12 cells contains fucose residues. Removal of sialic acid and fucose by formic acid hydrolysis demonstrated the presence of 3 major ‘core’ structures in the monosialogangliosides, and a single asialo derivative of the disialogangliosides which has the same chromatographic mobility as one of the monosialoganglioside hydrolysis products. None of the major formic acid hydrolysis products of the PC12 cell gangliosides corresponds to asialo‐GM1, supporting our previous conclusion that PC12 cells do not contain significant amounts of brain‐type gangliosides.
Complete tyrosine O‐sulfation of gastrin in adult and neonatal cat pancreas
Authors: Cantor P. , Andersen B.N. , Rehfeld J.F.
Published: July 2002

We have found gastrin in both the adult and neonatal cat pancreas. In contrast with the main production sites, antrum and duodenum, gastrin in the pancreas occurs in a single molecular form, tyrosine O‐sulfated gastrin‐17. Since tyrosine sulfation increases the pancreozymic effect of gastrin, the complete sulfation seems functionally expedient.
Conformational change of cytochrome a3 induced by oxidized cytochrome c
Authors: Musatov Andrey , Konstantinov Alexander A.
Published: July 2002

Cyanide binding with the oxidized resting Yonetani‐type cytochrome c‐oxidase followed spectrophotometrically reveals a relatively rapid initial phase the rate of which shows saturation behaviour with respect to [HCN] and secondary slower absorption changes to a first approximation independent of the ligand concentration. Oxidized cytochrome c greatly accelerates the initial phase of cyanide binding but does not affect significantly contribution or rate constant of the slow phase. The same effect is exerted by poly‐L‐lysine. Within a framework of a reaction mechanism assuming Cu2+
B to be the initial HCN‐binding site, cytochrome c
3+ and other polycations are likely to bring about a conformational change of cytochrome oxidase resulting in an increased affinity of Cu2+
B for HCN. This could occur by virtue of loosening a bond between Cu2+
B and one of its endogenous ligands facilitating displacement of the latter by HCN.
Heparin inhibits the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate‐induced Ca2+ release from rat liver microsomes
Authors: Cullen Peter J. , Comerford John G. , Dawson Alan P.
Published: July 2002

Inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (Ins (1,4,5)P3)‐stimulated Ca2+ release is inhibited by low concentrations of heparin (IC50=4.5 μg/ml). GTP‐stimulated Ca2+ release is unaffected at a heparin concentration of 16 μ/ml. Addition of heparin after Ins (1,4,5)P3 causes the rapid re‐uptake of Ins (1,4,5)P3‐releasable Ca2+.
Bradykinin activates tyrosine hydroxylase in rat pheochromocytoma PC‐12 cells
Authors: Houchi Hitoshi , Masserano Joseph M. , Weiner Norman
Published: July 2002

Tyrosine hydroxylase is activated in PC‐12 cells by bradykinin in a concentration‐dependent manner with maximal stimulation occurring at 1 μM. This stimulatory effect occurs within 15 s and is maximal at 5 min. This stimulation is due to an increase in the affinity of tyrosine hydroxylase for its pterin cofactor, and can be blocked by a specific bradykinin receptor antagonist. These data indicate that bradykinin can regulate the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase in PC‐12 cells.
Dextran protection of erythrocytes from low‐pH‐induced hemolysis
Authors: Cudd Amelia , Arvinte Tudor , Schulz Barbara , Nicolau Claude
Published: July 2002

Low‐pH‐induced hemolysis of erythrocytes is inhibited by dextrans. The protective effect was observed with dextrans larger than 40 kDa. Electron microscopy showed dextrans of 150 kDa in a tight association with the erythrocyte membrane. These results indicate that dextrans stop the low‐pH‐induced hemolysis by interacting with the acid‐induced defects in the erythrocyte membrane [(1989) Biochim. Biophys. Acta, in press.
3‐Azido‐L‐tyrosine as a photoinhibitor of tubulin:tyrosine ligase
Authors: Coudijzer Katleen , Joniau Marcel
Published: July 2002

We have synthesized the photoactivatable probes 3‐azido‐L‐tyrosine andp‐azido‐L‐phenylalanine and studied their capacity to inhibit the incorporation of[3H]tyrosine into tubulin catalyzed by tubulin:tyrosine ligase. Without illumination, only 3‐azido‐L‐tyrosine reversibly inhibits the enzyme. Upon illumination, both reagents irreversibly photoinactivate the enzyme in a similar way. The ligase can be protected against photoinactivation by reversibly blocking essential thiol groups with pCMB during illumination.
Tissue‐specific and differential expression of prothymosin α gene during rat development
Authors: Dosil Mercedes , Freire Manuel , Gómez-Márquez Jaime
Published: July 2002

We have analyzed the RNA expression of prothymosin α (Pro Tα) gene during rat development in several tissues and compared it to that of two proteins related to cell proliferation: proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)/cyclin and histone H3 (H3). The expression of ProTα gene was found to be regulated in a developmental and tissue‐specific manner. The mRNA levels of Pro Tα followed a similar time‐course in liver, brain, kidney, and testis, being highly increased in the early periods of postnatal development. However, in thymus Pro Tα mRNA showed only moderate changes throughout development. Our findings suggest that Pro Tα participates in developmental processes like cell proliferation and/or differentiation.
A 55 kDa plasma membrane‐associated polypeptide is involved in β‐1,3‐glucan synthase activity in pea tissue
Authors: Dhugga Kanwarpal S. , Ray Peter M.
Published: July 2002

By glycerol gradient centrifugation of a detergent‐solubilized plasma membrane fraction from pea tissue, we find a polypeptide of 55 kDa that copurifies with β‐1,3‐glucan synthase activity. An antiserum against this polypeptide adsorbs glucan synthase activity and the 55 kDa polypeptide from digitonin‐solubilized plasma membrane. These results indicate that the 55 kDA polypeptide is involved in pea β‐1,3‐glucan synthase activity.
The affinity of the Klenow fragment of E. coli DNA‐polymerase 1 to primers containing bases noncomplementary to the template and hairpin‐like elements
Authors: Ljach Marija V. , Kolocheva Tatjana I. , Gorn Vladimir V. , Levina Asja S. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: July 2002

The K
m and V
max values for a set of primers: d(pT)n (pC)(pT)m (n=3–9.m=0–7) and d(pT)4 (pCpG)4 (pT)4 (k=1–5) have been estimated. Poly(dA) was used as template. The number of complementary bases from the 3′ end to a noncomplementatry ones was shown to determine the efficiency of interaction of d(pT)n (pC) (pT)m with the Klenow fragment. Oligonucleotides d(pT)4 (pCpG)4 (pT)4 in solution forming duplexes containing hairpin‐like elements, show a higher affinity to the enzyme that control d(pT)4, d(pT)n, and d(pT)n (pC)(pT)m primers. For example, the K
m value (1.1 nM) for d(pT)4 (pCpG)5 (pT)4 is about 14,000 and 200 times lower than those for d(pT)4 and d(pT)? respectively. Possible reasons for such an abnormally high affinity of the above primers are discussed.
A substantial proportion of cardiac Gs is not associated with the plasma membrane
Authors: Roth David A. , Urasawa Kazushi , Leiber Denis , Insel Paul A. , Hammond H.Kirk
Published: July 2002

The precise interactions between the subunits of Gs, (α, β, γ) and the plasma membrane remain to be established. If αs is associated loosely with the inner membrane, is labile during activation, or is always present to some extent in the cytoplasm, then it should fractionate to the supernatant of a high‐speed centrifugation. We identified abundant α, (52–66% of total cellular) in the supernatant fraction of right atrial and left ventricular membrane preparations of porcine heart as shown by two distinct measures of α, (immunoblotting and ADP ribosylation by cholera toxin). However, functional assays utilizing reconstitution of cardiac α, with cyc S49 membranes revealed that the supernatant fraction contained ∼16% of total cellular αs activity. The αs present in the supernatant fraction did not result from contamination by sarcolemmal membrane fragments. We conclude that traditional methods for quantifying α, which utilize only detergent extracts from high‐speed pellets do not account for a sizable proportion of total cellular αs but that the majority of this population of cardiac αs may not be functional, at least with respect to adenylyl cyclase activation.
Two‐way cleavage of β‐amyloid protein precursor by multicatalytic proteinase
Authors: Kojima Shin-ichi , Omori Motoko
Published: July 2002

The β‐amyloid protein (β‐AP) derived from a β‐amyloid protein precursor (APP) is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The abundant generation of β‐AP suggests the abnormal processing of APP, but the molecular mechanism remains unclear. The main APP‐processing enzyme was purified from the rat brain and identified to be a macropain‐like multicatalytic proteinase. The purified enzyme cleaved the Gln15‐Lys16 bond of β‐AP, but altered to cleave at the N‐terminus of β‐AP to release the extracellular domain of β‐AP in the presence of Ca2+. These findings suggest that the functional change in this multicatalytic proteinase may result in abnormal processing of APP.
Coenzyme binding of a folding intermediate of aspartate aminotransferase detected by HPLC fluorescence measurements
Authors: Herold Marzell , Leistler Bernd
Published: July 2002

Equilibrium dissociation and unfolding of dimeric aspartate aminotransferase from Escherichia coli proceeds via two compact monomeric intermediates which have similar hydrodynamic volumes but different fluorescence properties. We probed binding of the coenzyme pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate to these intermediates by coupling fluorescence detection to size‐exclusion HPLC. This procedure gave additionally an internal conformational probe of the unfolding transitions of the enzyme. It was shown that the first intermediate, M, is able to bind the coenzyme, whereas the second intermediate, M, is not. It is likely that M is the correctly folded monomer of the protein.
Processing of mutated proinsulin with tetrabasic cleavage sites to bioactive insulin in the non‐endocrine cell line, COS‐7
Authors: Yanagita Masahiko , Nakayama Kazuhisa , Takeuchi Toshiyuki
Published: July 2002

The amino acid sequence, Arg−4‐X−3‐Lys/Arg−2‐Arg−1 ↓ X+1, is thought to be a consensus processing site for a constitutive secretory pathway in non‐endocrine cells. We created a mutant proinsulin DNA with a peptide structure of B chain‐Arg‐Arg‐Lys‐Arg‐C peptide‐Arg‐Arg‐Lys‐Arg‐A chain, which compares to the native proinsulin structure of B chain‐Arg‐Arg‐C peptide‐Lys‐Arg‐A chain. When the mutant insulin was expressed in a monkey kidney‐derived cell line, COS‐7, approximately 60% of the total immunoreactive insulin appeared as mature insulin in the culture medium. This conversion to the mature form was strikingly facilitated by co‐expressing the mutant proinsulin with furin, a homologue of the yeast endoprotease, Kex2.
Verapamil reverses the ultrastructural alterations in the plasma membrane induced by drug resistance
Authors: Garcia-Segura Luis M. , Soto Florentina , Planells-Cases Rosa , Gonzalez-Ros Jose M. , Ferragut Jose A.
Published: July 2002

Two P388 cell sublines with different levels of resistance to daunomycin (DNM), P388/20 and P388/100 cells (∼ 20‐ and 100‐fold resistance, respectively), undergo a significant (∼ 2‐fold) increase in the number of intramembrane particles (IMPS) present at their plasma membrane, as compared to that exhibited by the parental, drug‐sensitive P388 (P388/S) cell line. Regardless of the level of resistance, incubation of drug‐resistant cells with verapamil, a well known reverting agent of anthracycline resistance, restores the morphology of the plasma membrane in these cells, yielding a pattern in which the number and size distribution of IMPs at both leaflets of the bilayer, become undistinguishable from those displayed by drug‐sensitive celIs. Furthermore, verapamil did not affect the ultrastructural organization of the plasma membrane of drug‐sensitive cells. It is possible that the alterations in the structural organization of the plasma membrane of the antineoplastic‐resistant tumor cells, might represent a reliable ‘marker’ for early diagnosis of drug resistance.
High‐resolution XANES studies on vanadium‐containing haloperoxidase: pH‐dependence and substrate binding
Authors: Küsthardt Ulrich , Hedman Britt , Hodgson Keith O. , Hahn Rainer , Yilter Hans
Published: July 2002

High‐resolution X‐ray absorption vanadium K‐edge spectra were recorded for samples of vanadium‐containing bromoperoxidase from the brown alga, Ascophyllum nodosum, at pH 9, 7, 5 and 4, as well as for enzyme samples containing the substrates, hydrogen peroxide and bromide. The well‐resolved features of the XANES spectra are discussed. The pH‐dependence of the structure of the active site has been studied revealing no significant change of the absorption features. We were able to detect an interaction of H2O2 with the vanadium site of the bromoperoxidase using XAS spectroscopy, whereas addition of bromide causes no energy shift of the XANES spectrum. The possible role of vanadium during the enzymatic reaction is discussed on the basis of our results.
Artificially glycosylated α‐chymotrypsin in reversed micelles of Aerosol OT in octane
Authors: Levashov Andrey V. , Rariy Roman V. , Martinek Karel , Klyachko Natalia L.
Published: July 2002

A comparative study of native and artificially glycosylated α‐chymotrypsin in reversed micelles of Aerosol OT in octane was carried out. d‐Glucosamine and 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide were used as modifying agents to yield glycosylated enzyme. Unlike the native α‐chymotrypsin, the modified protein tended to form reversible oligomeric structures, revealed by the appearance of an additional maximum (characteristic of dimeric forms of protein functioning) as a result of the enzyme catalytic activity being dependent on the AOT hydration degree. Dependence of the enzyme catalytic activity on the surfactant concentration in the case of the modified enzyme was similar to that of glycoproteins, and suggests its membrane affinity. The role of carbohydrate moieties in the functioning of glycoproteins is discussed.