bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OS AFETOS EM O GATO E O ESCURO, DE MIA COUTO
Authors: Da Silva Luciana Morais
Published: December 2022

A presente proposta de leitura, cujo objeto é a narrativa O gato e o escuro, de Mia Couto, tem por objetivo analisar o modo como os mundos possíveis textuais elaborados pelo escritor são arquitetados, especialmente a partir do conjunto de ações estrategicamente colocadas em prática pelas personagens nela estruturadas. As articulações de mundos que constituem as personagens remarcam, nessa narrativa, a construção de seres peculiares, já que comuns, e ainda habilitados a transpor sua ordinariedade. Esses mundos possíveis arquitetados configuram-se para a consolidação de uma narrativa plena de afetividade e, ainda, da perspectiva da descoberta a partir do olhar infantil. A memória afetiva, narrada em textos de opinião do autor, evoca a percepção de múltiplas significações presentes na construção da obra e de suas personagens, principalmente ao estabelecer correlações entre a infância e a condição humanizada de gatos. As emoções presentes na história narrada são conectadas por conjuntos de noções advindas da curiosidade e do aprendizado, próprios da infância. Pretende-se, assim, perceber como a composição dos mundos e submundos de personagens é formulada para a compreensão dos afetos no quotidiano de uma família. Nessa narrativa, as sombras, bem como a claridade, fazem transbordar conjuntos significativos de memória e história na vida de cada uma das personagens estruturadas. As emoções e os afetos, que constituem as personagens, norteiam a possibilidade da percepção inicial, primária, apreendida a partir da experiência advinda do encontro com o novo e desconhecido. Desse modo, cada personagem estabelece um modo próprio e apropriado de afeto, sendo, por conseguinte, formulada por conjuntos de mundos possíveis articulados estrategicamente para destacar as descobertas da infância.
AS RELAÇÕES ASSIMÉTRICAS PRESENTES NOS CONTOS “A REVOLTA DOS BOVINOS”, DE AMADOU HAMPÂTÉ BÂ E “O COELHO E OS CÃES SELVAGENS, DE LOURENÇO DO ROSÁRIO”
Authors: Lima Silva Helenice Christina , Silva Alexander Meireles da
Published: December 2022

Compreende-se que a estética e a política constituem as sociedades e que um dos temas fundamentais das narrativas de todo lugar, que compõem parte das obras literárias, têm como base as relações opressor/oprimido e colonizador/colonizado. Apresenta-se para análise, neste artigo, os contos africanos “A revoltas dos bovinos ou o dia que os bois quiseram beber leite”, do maliano Amadou Hampâté Bâ (1900-1991) e “O coelho e os cães selvagens”, do moçambicano Lourenço do Rosário (1989), os quais servirão de suporte para perceber essas relações. Ambos os autores, em diferentes tempos, trouxeram como resultado de suas coletas a publicação das coletâneas de contos africanos que contemplam, principalmente, os leitores e as leitoras infantojuvenis. Hampâté Bâ, em sua coletânea Petit bodiel et autres contes de la savane (1994) e Lourenço do Rosário em Contos africanos (2017) difundem essas narrativas regadas de sátiras morais e sociais, levando-nos a reflexão sobre as relações humanas.
LITERATURA INFANTIL E JUVENIL EM MOÇAMBIQUE: FONTES, CIRCULAÇÃO E CONSUMO
Authors: Napido Pedro Manuel
Published: December 2022

O presente artigo é um recorte da tese de doutorado e tem por objetivo conhecer o percurso da literatura infantil e juvenil em Moçambique desde 1975, ano da independência nacional, até aos nossos dias, incluindo as fontes, a circulação e consumo. A metodologia é com base na revisão bibliográfica e consulta documental principalmente de Brandão e Mendes (2003); Neto (2008); Navarro e Sopa (1989). Os resultados mostram que a literatura infantil e juvenil está se configurando e ainda enfrenta enormes desafios na circulação e consumo devido à valorização do projeto pedagógico sendo os textos literários usados como pretexto para o ensino e aprendizagem da língua portuguesa e não ao incentivo à leitura. As instituições ligadas ao incentivo à leitura atuam de forma fragmentada uma vez que não existe no país uma entidade quer ao nível do Ministério da Educação e Desenvolvimento Humano quer de ensino superior que regule esta atividade.
O ITINERÁRIO FEMININO COMO TRANSGRESSÃO EM A VIAGEM, DE TATIANA PINTO
Authors: Andrighetti Carolina De Lima , Paz Demétrio Alves
Published: December 2022

O presente artigo, relacionado ao estudo desenvolvido pelo projeto de pesquisa “O conto de autoria feminina nas literaturas africanas de língua portuguesa no pós independência”, com auxílio por meio de bolsa de Iniciação Científica da Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS), tem por objetivo analisar o terceiro título da coleção “Contos de Moçambique”. A obra A viagem, da escritora moçambicana Tatiana Pinto, é o único de autoria feminina. Trata-se de um conto de origem Ronga, recontado pela autora que, de certa forma, critica aspectos tradicionais com a intenção de atualizar a cultura ancestral e evitar a reiteração de costumes que não são mais aceitos atualmente. O objetivo da análise é examinarmos a personagem feminina apresentada, os temas da tradição expostos e, principalmente, a transformação da personagem principal, Inaya, que nos faz pensar sobre padrões existentes também em nossa sociedade: o papel relegado à mulher. O estudo foi realizado a partir da leitura de obras críticas de especialistas sobre literaturas africanas de língua portuguesa como Tânia Macêdo e Rita Chaves (2007), Carmen Secco (2007), especialistas em simbolismo como Chevalier e Gheerbrant (2000), Lexicon (2007), Lurker (1997) e teóricas feministas como Bell Hooks (2019) Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí (2011) e Márcia Tíburi (2019), com o intuito de melhor compreender a representatividade da mulher na literatura moçambicana.
A HISTÓRIA DE JOÃO GALA-GALA: QUANDO HÁ O DESEJO DE PARTIR...
Authors: Ramos Flávia Brocchetto , Santos Rita de Cássia Silva Dionísio
Published: December 2022

A história de João Gala-Gala, de Pedro Pereira Lopes e Chico António, com ilustração de Luís Cardoso, é uma narrativa autobiográfica em prosa originada da música homônima criada por Chico António, no ano de 1991, em homenagem aos meninos da rua, como ele fora outrora. O livro, publicado pela editora da Escola Portuguesa de Moçambique/Centro de Ensino e Língua Portuguesa (EPM/CELP), em 2017, articula com maestria texto verbal e gráfico-visual, em que se notam misturas e tons terrosos que, para o ilustrador, revelariam as cores de sua terra. A narrativa poética relata a experiência de um menino fora de seu lugar, numa jornada em busca de um sentido de existência, que, ao rememorar o seu passado na maturidade, conta-nos não apenas a história do seu amigo João Gala-Gala, mas a sua própria experiência eivada de agruras, desafios e também muitos ritmos. Tema atemporal presente em grandes obras é, aqui, retomado para o público infantil e juvenil, em notável produção estética-literária.
UMA CONFRATERNIZAÇÃO PALOPIANA EM LISBOA: OS VIVOS, O MORTO E O PEIXE-FRITO, DE ONDJAKI
Authors: Ferraz Fraccari Sabrina
Published: December 2022

Ondjaki é reconhecido pela crítica literária como um dos mais importantes escritores angolanos contemporâneos. Autor de uma vasta obra, composta por distintos gêneros, as produções infantojuvenis se destacam entre os escritos do autor. Diante disso, este ensaio toma como objeto de estudos a peça Os vivos, o morto e o peixe-frito (2014), e tem como objetivo principal refletir sobre as conexões entre a obra e a literatura infantojuvenil angolana, assim como destacar as tramas linguísticas e os jogos de palavras que emergem dos diálogos da peça, destacando a diversidade da língua portuguesa. Para isso, nos ancoramos nas reflexões teóricas de Maria Celestina Fernandes (2008; 2018), Manuel Jorge (2002), Moreira (1999), Macedo e Chaves (2007), Anatol Rosenfeld (1994), Pedro Barbosa (2003), entre outros. A língua portuguesa surge, na obra, como o elemento que, ao mesmo tempo em que une as personagens em uma perspectiva macro, pois todas falam português e têm origem lusófona, as diferencia quando observadas de perto. Assim, apesar de os PALOP terem adotado o português e, portanto, a língua do colonizador, permearam-na com elementos das tradições culturais de cada país, originando não uma, mas várias línguas portuguesas.
IDENTIDADE E MEMÓRIA NA LITERATURA INFANTIL: UMA ANÁLISE DE YNARI, A MENINA DAS CINCO TRANÇAS, DE ONDJAKI
Authors: Melo de Lima Tatianna
Published: December 2022

Resumo: Este artigo apresenta uma análise de Ynari, a menina das cinco tranças (2010), do escritor angolano Ondjaki, sob a perspectiva da construção da identidade cultural e a representação da memória coletiva. O enredo da obra apresenta a história de uma menina que nasceu com cinco lindas tranças chamada Ynari, a qual consegue pacificar as aldeias de seu país com a ajuda de seu amigo pequenino e do poder das palavras. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar os elementos que contribuíram para a formação identitária da personagem Ynari e elencar as marcas de memória coletiva presentes na obra. Esta pesquisa caracteriza-se como bibliográfica de cunho qualitativo. Como aporte teórico, foram utilizados autores como Bauman (2005), Bhabha (2013), Hall (2020), Halbwachs (2006), Todorov (2009), Woodward (2012), Silva (2012), entre outros. A partir da análise, averiguou-se que a constituição da identidade da personagem Ynari aconteceu através da linguagem pelo viés cultural, uma vez que as relações sociais vivenciadas aconteceram por meio de atos de criação linguística. Verificou-se também que a memória coletiva está presente na narração dos ritos, cerimônias e outros costumes da cultura africana, bem como na própria temática da guerra abordada na obra.
BİR YOL ERİNİN ÖZ BİLİNCİ: KENDİ KENDİNE YUNUS
Authors: HARMANCI Meriç
Published: December 2022

Şair bazen doğrudan bazen de imgeler ve metaforlar yoluyla derdini anlatır. Söz kalbin, gönlün, aklın tercümanı olur; sözün gücü sayesinde görünmeyen görünür kılınır. Tarihi şahsiyeti hakkında oldukça sınırlı bilgiye sahip olunan Yunus Emre’yi tanımak, anlamak ve paragdigmal çerçevesini çizebilmek için kılavuz onun sözleri olacaktır. Bu çalışmada, Yunus’un şiirlerine yansıyan yolculuğunun izleri sürülerek kendini nasıl konumlandırdığı, kendine neler söylediği, ne gibi öğütler verdiği ve eleştirilerinin, beklentilerinin neler olduğu tespit edilmeye çalışılacaktır. Yunus'un kendisi ile hasbihalinde Yunus, özne-nesne, seslenen-seslenilen olurken kendine “Yunus, Yunus Emre, Yunus Emre’m, Miskin Yunus, Günahlı Yunus, Derviş Yunus, Biçare Yunus, Âşık Yunus” şeklinde hitap eder. Bazı şiirlerinde ise bir iç konuşmanın, yüzleşmenin izdüşümü yansır dizelere. Yunus’un kendine bu seslenişleri ve kimi mahlas beyitlerinde kendiyle söyleşmeleri onun bilinç düzeyini gösterdiği gibi içinde bulunduğu ruh halinin bir dışavurumu, bilinçaltının yüzeye çıkışı ve vermek/varmak istediği doktrinin özlü ifadesini de oluşturmaktadır. Çalışma, Yunus’un dünya görüşünü ve tasavvuf anlayışını da ortaya koymak açısından, bu mahlas ve hitap beyitlerinin klişe kalıplar dışında bir insan olarak Yunus’un neler söylediğini analitik psikolojinin “ego”, “gölge” ve “benlik” arketipleri çerçevesinde ele almayı amaçlamaktadır.
First Cytogenetic Study Through Conventional Staining of The Ant Genus Blepharidatta Wheeler, 1915 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Attini)
Authors: Lopes Laís L. , Mariano Cléa S. F. , Delabie Jacques H. C. , Silva Janisete G.
Published: December 2022

Blepharidatta is a rare Neotropical ant genus in the Attini tribe of the subfamily Myrmicinae. It has only four valid species and among them Blepharidatta delabiei was recently described and there is little knowledge on its biology. This study is the first cytogenetic characterization for the genus Blepharidatta and also presents the biology of B. delabiei. Cytogenetic analyses revealed a karyotype 2n = 28 with acrocentric and metacentric chromosomes and a karyotypic formula (m: metacentric, a: acrocentric): 2K = 16m + 12a. We observed that ants of this species have diurnal habits with higher foraging activity in the afternoon and are possibly omnivorous as they accepted the baits used. The distance between colonies varied from 5 to 7 meters.
Notes from the Editors, December 2022
Authors: Editors -
Published: December 2022

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This month's "Notes from the Editors" takes on the Biden Administration's recently released National Security Strategy, a bellicose document that rattles sabers towards the supposed autocracies of Russia and China while reviving the age-old lie of the United States as protector of democracy.
The Return of the Dialectics of Nature
Authors: Foster John Bellamy
Published: December 2022

John Bellamy Foster takes readers back to Marx's understanding of the dialectics of nature and society. As Marx and Engels noted, humanity must not only struggle for the advancement of human freedom, but also the capitalist destruction of the earth. Today, the struggle for freedom and the struggle for necessity coincide everywhere on the planet for the first time in human history, creating a prospect of ruin or revolution.
Luisa Cáceres Commune-Building in Urban Venezuela
Authors: Gilbert Chris
Published: December 2022

A visit to a Venezuelan commune reveals a fascinating look into the creative ways communards forge ways of life in urban centers, and how these projects intersect with the much-needed transformations required for a grassroots and socially integrated ecology.
Crypto Convulsions, Digital Delusions, and the Inexorable Logic of Finance Capitalism
Authors: Vasudevan Ramaa
Published: December 2022

The crypto winter, Ramaa Vasudevan writes, is here. Cryptocurrency, far from being a democratizing force in finance, has led to only further concentrations of wealth and power and increased precarity within the financial sector. The recent fall of Sam Bankman-Fried is only the beginning.
Mining Capital and the Indonesian State
Authors: Sangadji Arianto
Published: December 2022

Arianto Sangadji traces the relationship between the state and mining capital in Indonesia throughout the historical capitalist development of the country from Dutch colonialism to the contemporary practices of multinational mining corporations. While these powerful firms have generated significant profits, they are also associated with dispossession, environmental degradation, and ruthless labor exploitation, spurring resistance from the local populations.
Determinan Kepatuhan Siswa terhadap Protokol Kesehatan Selama Pembelajaran Tatap Muka (PTM)
Authors: Ninggar Amalia , Sriatmi Ayun , Budiyanti Rani Tiyas
Published: December 2022

Boyolali Sub-Regency  had  the highest total Covid-19 cases that was reported by Boyolali District Health Office on February 2022. The limited face-to-face learning / PTM in Boyolali Regency has been implemented on January 2022 with requirement of strict health protocols. The purposes of the study is to determine the affecting factors of students compliance in the application of health protocols during the limited face -to-face learning in Boyolali Sub-Regency. Quantitative research method with a cross-sectional approach. The total number of respondents were 359 students  in SD/ MI, SMP / MTs,  SMA / SMK and  MA who determined by proportional sampling technique. Data were analyzed by frequency distribution and simple liniear regression.The percentage of respondents with high compliance is higher (53.5%) than respondents with low compliance (46.5%).The affecting factors were age, level of education,knowledge, infrastructure supervision of school and community members, school support, friends support, and family support which has (p-value <0,005).The factors that didn’t affect was gender (p>0,005). The school should empower school health center role. It was done by involving the students checking  the application of health protocols. The  education office can make a pocket book containing health protocol rules during the limited face -to-face learning which can be a guide for family. The dostrict health office should socialization to community that they can also monitor health protocols during the limited face -to-face learning
Respiratory‐related evoked potentials in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and healthy aging
Authors: Epiu Isabella , Gandevia Simon C. , Boswell‐Ruys Claire L. , Carter Sophie G. , Finn Harrison T. , Nguyen David A. T. , Butler Jane E. , Hudson Anna L.
Published: December 2022

Altered neural processing and increased respiratory sensations have been reported in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as larger respiratory‐related evoked potentials (RREPs), but the effect of healthy‐aging has not been considered adequately. We tested RREPs evoked by brief airway occlusions in 10 participants with moderate‐to‐severe COPD, 11 age‐matched controls (AMC) and 14 young controls (YC), with similar airway occlusion pressure stimuli across groups. Mean age was 76 years for COPD and AMC groups, and 30 years for the YC group. Occlusion intensity and unpleasantness was rated using the modified Borg scale, and anxiety rated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. There was no difference in RREP peak amplitudes across groups, except for the N1 peak, which was significantly greater in the YC group than the COPD and AMC groups (p = 0.011). The latencies of P1, P2 and P3 occurred later in COPD versus YC (p < 0.05). P3 latency occurred later in AMC than YC (p = 0.024). COPD and AMC groups had similar Borg ratings for occlusion intensity (3.0 (0.5, 3.5) [Median (IQR)] and 3.0 (3.0, 3.0), respectively; p = 0.476) and occlusion unpleasantness (1.3 (0.1, 3.4) and 1.0 (0.75, 2.0), respectively; p = 0.702). The COPD group had a higher anxiety score than AMC group (p = 0.013). A higher N1 amplitude suggests the YC group had higher cognitive processing of respiratory inputs than the COPD and AMC groups. Both COPD and AMC groups showed delayed neural responses to the airway occlusion, which may indicate impaired processing of respiratory sensory inputs in COPD and healthy aging.
Steady‐state chemoreflex drive captures ventilatory acclimatization during incremental ascent to high altitude: Effect of acetazolamide
Authors: Cates Valerie C. , Bruce Christina D. , Marullo Anthony L. , Isakovich Rodion , Saran Gurkarn , Leacy Jack K. , O′Halloran Ken D. , Brutsaert Thomas D. , Sherpa Mingma T. , Day Trevor A.
Published: December 2022

Ventilatory acclimatization (VA) is important to maintain adequate oxygenation with ascent to high altitude (HA). Transient hypoxic ventilatory response tests lack feasibility and fail to capture the integrated steady‐state responses to chronic hypoxic exposure in HA fieldwork. We recently characterized a novel index of steady‐state respiratory chemoreflex drive (SSCD), accounting for integrated contributions from central and peripheral respiratory chemoreceptors during steady‐state breathing at prevailing chemostimuli. Acetazolamide is often utilized during ascent for prevention or treatment of altitude‐related illnesses, eliciting metabolic acidosis and stimulating respiratory chemoreceptors. To determine if SSCD reflects VA during ascent to HA, we characterized SSCD in 25 lowlanders during incremental ascent to 4240 m over 7 days. We subsequently compared two separate subgroups: no acetazolamide (NAz; n = 14) and those taking an oral prophylactic dose of acetazolamide (Az; 125 mg BID; n = 11). At 1130/1400 m (day zero) and 4240 m (day seven), steady‐state measurements of resting ventilation (V̇I; L/min), pressure of end‐tidal (PET)CO2 (Torr), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2; %) were measured. A stimulus index (SI; PETCO2/SpO2) was calculated, and SSCD was calculated by indexing V̇I against SI. We found that (a) both V̇I and SSCD increased with ascent to 4240 m (day seven; V̇I: +39%, p < 0.0001, Hedges' g = 1.52; SSCD: +56.%, p < 0.0001, Hedges' g = 1.65), (b) and these responses were larger in the Az versus NAz subgroup (V̇I: p = 0.02, Hedges' g = 1.04; SSCD: p = 0.02, Hedges' g = 1.05). The SSCD metric may have utility in assessing VA during prolonged stays at altitude, providing a feasible alternative to transient chemoreflex tests.
Coronary conductance in the normal development of sheep during the perinatal period
Authors: Hagen Matthew W. , Louey Samantha , Alaniz Sarah M. , Brown Laura , Lindner Jonathan R. , Jonker Sonnet S.
Published: December 2022

Birth is associated with substantial shifts in cardiovascular physiology. Little is known about coronary vascular adaptations during this period. We used fetal and neonatal lambs to measure coronary function at late gestation (92% of term) and shortly after birth (5–6 days postnatal age). In each animal we measured unanesthetized myocardial perfusion and oxygen delivery using a circumflex artery flow probe. We used inflatable occluders and adenosine to determine coronary conductance and flow reserve. In a subset of animals, we used myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE, anesthetized) to assess its utility as a tool for studying changes in regional myocardial perfusion in normal development. Separate age‐matched animals were instrumented with aortic and coronary sinus sampling catheters to determine myocardial oxygen extraction (unanesthetized). With an average of 17 days of developmental time separating our neonatal and fetal cohorts we found that heart‐to‐body weight ratio was significantly greater in neonates than fetuses. In resting animals, we found significant decreases in weight‐normalized perfusion of, and oxygen delivery to, neonatal relative to fetal myocardium. Similar results were seen when measuring baseline MCE‐derived perfusion. Pressure‐flow relationship studies revealed lower baseline and maximal coronary conductance in neonates than fetuses, with similar coronary flow reserve between groups. There was greater oxygen extraction in neonates than fetuses. Combined analysis of oxygen extraction with coronary flow suggested greater oxygen consumption by the fetal than neonatal myocardium. We conclude that, during the immediate perinatal period, cardiac growth outpaces coronary microvascular growth resulting in lower capacity for microvascular perfusion in the early neonate.
Systematic determination of muscle groups and optimal stimulation intensity for simultaneous TMS mapping of multiple muscles in the upper limb
Authors: Yuasa Akiko , Uehara Shintaro , Sawada Yusuke , Otaka Yohei
Published: December 2022

Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been used to assess plastic changes in the cortical motor representations of targeted muscles. The present study explored the optimal settings and stimulation intensity for simultaneous motor mapping of multiple upper‐limb muscles across segments. In 15 healthy volunteers, we evaluated cortical representations simultaneously from one muscle in the shoulder, two in the upper arm, two in the forearm, and two intrinsic hand muscles, using five stimulation intensities, ranging from 40% to 100% of the maximum stimulator output. We represented the motor map area acquired at each intensity as a percentage of the maximum for each muscle. We defined a motor map area between 25% and 75% of the maximum as the optimal area size with sufficient scope for both up‐ and down‐regulation, and stimulation intensities producing the map area size within this range as the optimal intensities. We found that motor maps with optimal area sizes could be produced simultaneously for the four distal muscles of the forearm and hand in most participants when the stimulation intensity was set at 120–140% of the resting motor threshold (RMT) of the first dorsal interosseous. For the remaining three proximal muscles, motor maps with optimal area sizes were produced only in a few participants, even when using a higher intensity (180–220% RMT). These findings suggest that cortical representations can be assessed simultaneously in a group of distal muscles using a relatively low stimulation intensity, while a separate operation is required to assess that of the proximal muscles.
Posttetanic potentiation improves neuromuscular efficiency of mouse muscle in vitro
Authors: Laidlaw Ryan , Vandenboom Rene
Published: December 2022

Neuromuscular efficiency is defined as the ratio of work output to stimulation rate. The purpose of these experiments was to test the hypothesis that neuromuscular efficiency would be increased in proportion to posttetanic potentiation, that is, the stimulation‐induced increase in work output displayed by rodent fast‐twitch muscle. To this end, extensor digitorum longus muscles from wild‐type and skeletal myosin light chain kinase knockout (skMLCK−/−) mice were surgically isolated and suspended in vitro (25°C). Concentric force development during shortening at 70% of maximal unloaded shortening velocity was tested at stimulus frequencies between 10 and 80 Hz both before and after a potentiating tetanus. A strong genotype‐dependent difference in the potentiation of concentric work output was observed; concentric work output of wild‐type muscles was increased by 51%–88% while that of skMLCK−/− muscles was increased by only 20%–34% across the frequencies tested. As a result, comparison of work – frequency plots revealed that the frequency required for peak and 50% peak unpotentiated work of wild‐type muscles was decreased from ~80 to 52 Hz and from ~48 to 21 Hz, respectively. By contrast, the frequency required for peak and 50% peak unpotentiated work of skMLCK−/− muscles was decreased from ~80 to 68 Hz and from ~51 to 41 Hz, respectively. Thus, wild‐type muscles with the ability to phosphorylate myosin displayed larger increases in neuromuscular efficiency than skMLCK−/− muscles (25–30 vs 10–15 Hz, respectively). This suggests that the presence of myosin phosphorylation may ameliorate or mitigate fatigue mechanisms associated with high‐frequency stimulation rates.
Human skeletal muscle nitrate and nitrite in individuals with peripheral arterial disease: Effect of inorganic nitrate supplementation and exercise
Authors: Piknova Barbora , Woessner Mary N. , de Zevallos Joaquin Ortiz , Kraus William E. , VanBruggen Mitch D. , Schechter Alan N. , Allen Jason D.
Published: December 2022

Skeletal muscle may act as a reservoir for N‐oxides following inorganic nitrate supplementation. This idea is most intriguing in individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who are unable to endogenously upregulate nitric oxide. This study analyzed plasma and skeletal muscle nitrate and nitrite concentrations along with exercise performance, prior to and following 12‐weeks of exercise training combined with oral inorganic nitrate supplementation (EX+BR) or placebo (EX+PL) in participants with PAD. Non‐supplemented, at baseline, there were no differences in plasma and muscle nitrate. For nitrite, muscle concentration was higher than plasma (+0.10 nmol.g−1). After 12 ‐weeks, acute oral nitrate increased both plasma and muscle nitrate (455.04 and 121.14 nmol.g−1, p < 0.01), which were correlated (r = 0.63, p < 0.01), plasma nitrate increase was greater than in muscle (p < 0.01). Nitrite increased in the plasma (1.01 nmol.g−1, p < 0.05) but not in the muscle (0.22 nmol.g−1) (p < 0.05 between compartments). Peak walk time (PWT) increased in both groups (PL + 257.6 s;BR + 315.0 s). Six‐minute walk (6 MW) distance increased only in the (EX+BR) group (BR + 75.4 m). We report no substantial gradient of nitrate (or nitrite) from skeletal muscle to plasma, suggesting a lack of reservoir‐like function in participants with PAD. Oral nitrate supplementation produced increases in skeletal muscle nitrate, but not skeletal muscle nitrite. The related changes in nitrate concentration between plasma and muscle suggests a potential for inter‐compartmental nitrate “communication”. Skeletal muscle did not appear to play a role in within compartment nitrate reduction. Muscle nitrate and nitrite concentrations did not appear to contribute to exercise performance in patients with PAD.
Analysis of the Fire Season of 2020 in the Mediterranean Bioclimatic Zone of Croatian Adriatic
Authors: Barčić Damir , Dubravac Tomislav , Ančić Mario , Rosavec Roman
Published: December 2022

Fire season in the Mediterranean bioclimatic area is most associated with the period from June to late October. Despite this, a large number of fires occur in February and March due to the intentional burning of agricultural lands. A characteristic of the Mediterranean region is the strong adaptation of vegetation to fire, though this adaptation also depends on the frequency and intensity of fires. This frequency is shown on satellite images via MODIS. This paper provides an overview of indicators of vegetation fires in the Croatian coast and karst coastal belt in the 2020 fire season. The 2020 fire season was above average in comparison with the period 2010 to 2019, with more fires than average and more burnt area. A specificity of the 2020 season is seen in the large number of fires in February and March. Fire protection in Croatia is facilitated by the use of new remote sensing technologies, in combination with the existing surveillance and monitoring methods, and organised protection systems to prevent open fires.
The influence of curvilinear form of boundaries on reflected wave field
Authors: R Akhmedov Tofiq , M Mammadova Arzu , J Mammadov Rahib
Published: December 2022

The paper is devoted to the influence of curvilinear reflection boundaries on kinematic and dynamic 1haracteristics of reflected seismic waves. First of all, the paper describes the major reasons of low geological efficiency of CDP seismic survey in the areas of Azerbaijan, characterized by complex surface and deep seismic and geological environmental features and in this aspect, the special attention is paid to curvilinear boundaries. The paper displays statistical data for Shamakhy-Gobustan province, where of 132 anticlinal folds only a few are under production currently. It is considered, how the spatial curvilinear nature of reflection surfaces influence reflection waves propagation. In addition, by use of 3D seismic data the formula is given for breakdown of reflection waves along propagation planes in space. As the example, VSP data from a well in Absheron peninsula are displayed and on the seismic records, it is possible to clearly observe the out of plane waves, which do not propagate in the section plane (in the vertical plane). Velocity analysis is based on evaluation of coherency measure, which allow to assess the correlation level of reference point of seismic traces in the given time window along the hyperbolic trajectory of curvature depending on time and velocity. It is known that in case of curvilinear reflection boundaries the observed travel time graphs are far from hyperbolic by their shape, and due to this, in the process of velocity analysis we derive both optimal stacks, which are the subject to the rule of velocity change versus time, common to this area, and also quite different stacks, which we name as “anomalous”. The great importance is to make clear the nature of these “anomalous” stacks at the initial stage of study as they keep some hidden information about the geology of the area. Analysis display that in addition to folded reflections, the cause of these anomalous stacks may be the curvilinear boundaries, horizontal gradient of the velocity. Curvilinear boundaries influence also the dynamic parameters, wave amplitudes in particular, as in the case of curvilinear boundaries the seismic rays are focusing due to the concaved shape of boundary. It has been noted that if the curvature of a syncline form boundary is not constant, then at the defined reception points the reflections arrive from several parts (points) of syncline and the reflected energy will be recorded as several branches (most frequently as three). As the light is focused when it passes through the lens, the seismic waves are similarly focused by curvilinear boundaries and due to the refraction the seismic rays are bended and we observe intensive reflections on seismic sections.
Static analysis for Nickel Aluminides (Ni3 Al) wheel hub using CATIA and solidworks
Authors: Sahaya Anand T Joseph , Hafiz Afandi Halida Hanim , Sharhida Othman Intan , Abd Razak Saiful Izwan , Sarban Singh Ranjit Singh
Published: December 2022

Static analysis in FEA is one of the important analysis need to be done in preliminary stage of an engineering design process. It shows the static condition of a design with material used and load applied. This analysis also includes the constraints and other external features that applied during the actual application of the design. In this present study, a new material which is intermetallic Nickel Aluminides (Ni3Al) is used to study how it affects the automotive wheel hub at static condition. Intermetallic Nickel Aluminides have been used in automotive industry with its superior characteristics such as lightweight, good resistance in high temperature and corrosion, and high oxidation. The samples were heat treated for 400°C, 500°C and 600°C and the results were compared with the existing materials in order to review the performance.
A cutting-edge refractive surgery treatment option for Forme Frust keratoconus
Authors: Shah Rubina , Wali Kamran
Published: December 2022

Forme Fruste keratoconus is a keratoectatic condition of keratoconus that is a rare, unilateral subclinical, abortive, and unusual syndrome. This case outlined a brief discussion of moderate cornea deformation due to mechanical form by prolonged contact lens use dominantly in one eye. It showed topography’s efficacy in discriminating clinical indices to determine corneal mild ecstatic condition, mainly by a practioner. Forme Fruste keratoconus associated with the mild refractive error may benefit from refractive surgery. Meticulous care must be considered before evaluating the preliminary examination of refractive surgery.
Palliative percutaneous transhepatic placement of plastic biliary stents 7 and 10 French for the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction: a primary patency comparison
Authors: Nunes Thiago Franchi , Tibana Tiago Kojun Tibana , Neto Reinaldo Moraes , Andrade Gustavo , Motta Leal Filho Joaquim Maurício da
Published: December 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the primary patency of 7F vs 10F plastic biliary stents (PBS) placed by percutaneous transhepatic technique in two cohort of patients that received palliative treatment for malignant biliary obstruction. Materials and methods: From January/2016 to April/2020, 34 patients who were admitted to a tertiary academic center because of malignant biliary obstruction were enrolled in a prospective non-randomized study. Between January/2016 to December/2018, 7F PBS implants were performed and between January/2019 to January/2021, 10F PBS implants were performed. Results: The technical successful rates of PBS 7F and 10F were 100% (16/16) and 100% (18/18), respectively (P=1.000). The primary patency was 153.2days for 7F PBS and 230.3days for 10F prosthesis, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.014). The average survival time in the group of patients who used the 7F prosthesis was 230.0 days and that of the 10F prosthesis was 242.0days, with no statistically significant difference (P=0.840). For 7F and 10F groups, stent dysfunctions were found in 7 and 4 patients, respectively (43.7% vs 22%, P=0.434). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of serious adverse events. Conclusions: 10F plastic stents had a longer duration of patency than 7F which recommends their use in the palliative treatment of patients with biliary obstruction due to malignant biliary obstruction.
Cutaneous metastases from an upper urinary tract carcinoma: A unusual entity and a poor prognosis
Authors: Ben Kahla Ahmed , Trigui Mohamed , Majdoub Brahim , Mayouf Salem , Mseddi Mohamed Amine , Rbai Nouri , Slime Mourad Hadj
Published: December 2022

We report the case of a 58-year-old male with a history of diabetes who presented with a macroscopic hematuria. On physical examination, he was afebrile. Investigations revealed an anemia. A CT scan showed a tumor of the bladder and upper excretory system with multiple lung, spleen and liver metastases. The patient received blood transfusions and a trans-urethral resection of the tumor was performed. The patient’s condition later deteriorated and skin lesions appeared on the back and the scalp. A biopsy of the lesions confirmed their metastatic nature. The patient’s condition deteriorated and he died 4 weeks later.
An odd study case of primary amenorrhea: Swyer syndrome
Authors: Rocío M Córdoba , Sandra Demayo , Valeria V Servetti , D’Isa Estela , Guillermo Gutiérrez
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Usual sex determination and differentiation occurs progressively during the period of embryonic development, involving chromosomal differentiation, gonadal differentiation, and somatic or genital differentiation. Swyer syndrome is a disorder of sex chromosomes and sexual differentiation characterized by 46, XY pure gonadal dysgenesis in a phenotypically female person with primary amenorrhea, and a complete absence of functioning gonadal tissue. Gonadal malignancy occurs in 10-30% of cases, so gonadectomy is indicated at the time of diagnosis. The treatment includes, in addition to the gonadectomy, hormone replacement therapy, and psychological support. Objective: To present a case diagnosed and managed in our institution, in addition to reviewing the recent literature about this rare condition, but with a strong physical, psychological and social impact. Methods: Analysis of clinical history of a patient with Swyer's Syndrome, diagnostic and therapeutic management. Bibliographic review. Presentation of the clinical case: An 18-year-old patient attends our hospital presenting primary amenorrhea. She presents BMI: 22; Tanner stage PH III BD III, gynecological examination with vulva and vagina with normal characteristics. Hormone profile requested: FSH 96.8 mU/ml, LH 32.9 mU/ml, Estradiol <25 pg/ml; Total testosterone 0.15 ng/ml. TV ultrasound shows a hypoplastic uterus of 23x11x29 mm, ovaries are not visualized, and a heterogeneous solid image of 22x23x24 mm in the left adnexal region. 46XY karyotype. In the presence of these results, a diagnosis of Swyer's syndrome is made, so an MRI was requested, which shows a uterus of 14x20x26 mm, ovaries are not visualized, a solid lobulated oval image of 23x33x47 mm poorly vascularized standing out in the left adnexal region and free inguinal canals. It was decided to perform exploratory laparoscopy and gonadectomy. The intraoperative findings were: intrapelvic hypoplastic uterus, uterine tubes without any particularities, enlarged left gonad of approximately 3x4 cm pearly white with a hard elastic consistency, and a fibrous band in the right adnexa. Bilateral adnexectomy was performed, obtaining as a histological result well-differentiated left dysgerminoma SALL4 +, OCT3/4 +, negative Inhibin and CD 117 +, and right streak gonad. Conclusions: In the presence of a person with primary amenorrhea and absence or poor development of secondary sex characteristics, Swyer's syndrome should be suspected, and pertinent studies should be requested to arrive at the diagnosis. It is essential to perform gonadectomy at the time of diagnosis due to the risk of malignant transformation. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach and psychological accompaniment of patients and relatives is highlighted.
Evaluation of serum iron and vitamin E in Wistar rat administered with Boletus edulis extracts
Authors: Johnkennedy Nnodim , Obi Njoku , Chinyere Osuoha , Chinyere Ohalete , Amarachi Ikem Promise
Published: December 2022

This study was carried out to determine the levels of iron and vitamin E in wistar rats administered with Boletus edulis extracts. Twenty-four adult male rats weighing between 100g and 120g were assigned into four groups of six rats each. Group A served as a healthy Control group. Group B, C and D were administered with extract of Boletus edulis with a dose concentration of (40mg/kg, 80mg/kg and 120mg/kg body weight) respectively for 28 days. The results obtained showed that administration of Boletus edulis caused a significant increase in iron and serum vitamin E when compared with the control group (P<0.05). These changes in the serum iron and serum vitamin E were dose dependent. This observation probably implies that Boletus edulis extract could probably be beneficial in the treatment of anaemia and fertility issues
Nonsurgical rhinoplasty with hyaluronic acid to enhance precise areas of the nose and improve its overall shape and contour
Authors: Carlos Abramo Antonio , Scartozzoni M Marcio
Published: December 2022

Background: Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty (NSR) using soft-cohesive crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) was performed to reshape the nose appearance. Knowledge of the nasal anatomy mostly the blood supply, adequate placement of the HA, and potential complications became NSRHA safe and effective. Method: Twenty females underwent NSR to enhance their nose appearance. Injection points were distributed along the nose midline from columella to the bridge. HA was injected supraperichondrial and supraperiosteally on columella, into the interdomal fat pad on tip, and into the deep fatty layer on dorsum and bridge. Bolus injection was made in the tip and columella. A single row retrograde flow injection was made in the dorsum-bridge line. ROE questionnaire assessed quantitatively the patient's self-consciousness of the nose appearance and the scores correlated with the images of the nose before- and after-NSR. Results: NSR-HA was performed in a single session. Volume average per patient/treatment was 0.73 ml and per point/treatment was 0.17 ml. Comparing images of the nose before- and after-NSR showed a significant improvement of the nose appearance. Patient satisfaction was quantitatively demonstrated by the ROE questionnaire scores of 31.04% before-NSR against 73.33% and 70.00% at months one and twelve, respectively, after-NSR. The difference of 3.33%, greater at month one than month twelve, indicated no significant changes in the nose appearance for twelve months. Conclusions: Positive evaluation of NSR-HA was evidenced comparing the nose images before, and at months one and twelve after HA injection validated by the patient self-consciousness of the nose appearance measured by the ROE questionnaire.
Maximum fracture load and stress concentration in resin-bonded fixed partial dentures of indirect composite resin reinforced by silica-nylon mesh
Authors: Mendes Tribst João Paulo , Nomura Nakano Leonardo Jiro , Dal Piva Amanda Maria de Oliveira , Souto Borges Alexandre Luiz , Paes Junior Tarcisio José de Arruda
Published: December 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the maximum fracture load using a silica-nylon reinforcement system on resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPD) made of indirect composite resin. Methods: An in vitro test simulated an anterior (A) and posterior (P) three-element RBFPD. Thus, 80 specimens were made in 8 experimental groups (n = 10). The groups were divided according to the silica-nylon reinforcement presence (R) and aging (C). The aging process was performed through mechanical cycling for 106 cycles at 4 Hz. The samples were tested by maximum fracture load in a universal testing machine with a 1000 Kgf load cell and analyzed by Stereomicroscope and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Statistical analysis consisted of analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) and Tukey test 5%. An in silico study was performed by Finite Element Analysis (FEA), in which the abutment teeth and the prostheses were scanned and transferred to CAD Rhinoceros (version 4.0SR8; McNeel North America, Seattle, WA) for 3D modeling. The analysis test was performed in computer aided engineering software (ANSYS 19.3, Canonsburg, PA, USA). Results: The maximum fracture load results (N) were A=163.55; AC=184.48; AR=198.81; ARC=192.24; P=539.99; PC=359.61; PR=541.74 and PRC=608.74. The Maximum Principal Stress results obtained in the FEA were (MPa): A=53.24/122.40; AR=55.07/117.70; P=33.28/36.18 and PR=28.06/42.87. Significance. It was concluded that the presence of the silica-nylon mesh increased the maximum fracture load of the RBFPD without increasing the stress concentration, regardless of the prosthesis design.
How can we reduce the complications in neurosurgical mission? (Daily Fast Fresh Cadaver Practice Help Us)
Authors: András Csókay , Szeifert Georg T , Csókay Gergely
Published: December 2022

Background: The aim of this article is not to highlight the importance of the advantages of cadaver practice which is fundamental, but to emphasize 3 crucial points. The practice should be: Daily, fast (60-80 min), on fresh cadaver (died within 48 hours, continous venous bleeding present, life like plasticity). Because of development of medical diagnostic procedures in the past half century, unfortunately autopsy dissapeared, it has become unnecessary. Fresh (died within 48 hours) cadaver dissection relatively rare indaily parctice. Our original aim was to reduce the complication rate in very difficult neurosurgical cases. During our work we recognized the extreme advantages of fast daily fresh cadaver pratice; we participated on neurosurgical mission, because of poor medical circumstances where we ought to operate on the same level like in developed world. Method: In the past 5 years we have introduced; daily fast fresh cadaver dissections for practicing. Results: Considering the whole time interval operative complications for practicing intern and specialist neurosurgeons have radically decreased as we could sucessfully perform difficult microsurgery in neurosurgical mission as well. Conclusion: Implementing daily fresh cadaver sessions in a profession where the helpfullness of assisting surgeons is limited would be crucial. Practice on patients is being done currently, is not optimal. “Learning curve” is a “politically correct” expression, but at what cost? A lot of complications behind it. During neurosurgical missions it is impossible to solve neurosurgical difficulties without the highest level of surgical skills
Brain volumetric changes after sensory isolation: single case experimental design
Authors: Catalina Nassar Andrea , Yaacov Peña Fernando , Stephan-Otto Christian
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to investigate the cerebral volumetric changes measurable by brain magnetic resonance imaging, as well as the different physiological variables documented through neurobiofeedback equipment, before and after 30 serial sessions of guided meditations in a sensory isolation tank. A pilot test was carried out, with a single subject, and it was concluded that serial sessions of meditations in flotation tanks changed the brain structure, triggered the relaxation response, generating greater physical, psychological and mental well-being for the research participant.
Stem cell therapies for ischemic heart disease: clinical trial outcomes and futures
Authors: Gallicano G Ian , Kishore Nina , DiNicola Gino , Molotkova Anna , Hsueh Jessica
Published: December 2022

Ischemic heart disease carries high morbidity and mortality despite modern pharmaceutical treatment and revascularization procedures. Biologic stem cell therapy offers the potential to revolutionize clinical outcomes for ischemic heart disease by reducing scarring and improving cardiac function. Several small randomized clinical trials have been done utilizing various methodologies, different types of stem cells and doses, and measuring different clinical outcomes. The findings of these individual studies, as well as larger meta-analyses, have been inconsistent likely due to the significant heterogeneity within the methods used. In this review, we provide a more structured approach by comparing the recent studies by type of disease, stem cells, dose, delivery method, and outcome in an effort to draw attention to the similarities and differences in these studies and the need for a standardized approach in larger trials. We show that out of all the current stem cell therapies that have been tried, Adult stem cells, primarily mesenchymal stem cells are currently the most promising for post-myocardial infarction and heart failure while granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and bone marrow mononuclear treatment show efficacy in treating ischemic cardiomyopathy. Lastly, we discuss the potential future directions of stem cell therapy for clinical application in ischemic heart disease.