bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterochromatin Dynamics in Response to Environmental Stress in Amazonian Fish
Authors: Aparecida Matoso Daniele , da Silva Maelin , Cristina Menezes da Silva Hallana , Feldberg Eliana , Ferreira Artoni Roberto
Published: May 2021

Transcriptionally inactive portions of genomic DNA, condensed with histones and architectural proteins, are known as heterochromatic regions, often positive C band. The advent of epigenetics and new methodological approaches, showed that these regions are extremely dynamic and responsive to different types of environmental stress. The relationship of the constitutive heterochromatin with the transposable elements inactivation, especially from the Rex family, seems to be a frequent condition in fish. In this manuscript we review the existing knowledge of the nature and function of these genomic regions, based on species-based studies, with a focus on species of fish from the Amazon region.
Photo-Detectors Based on Two Dimensional Materials
Authors: A. Kharadi Mubashir , Faroz A. Malik Gul , A. Khanday Farooq
Published: May 2021

2D materials like transition metal dichalcogenides, black phosphorous, silicene, graphene are at the forefront of being the most potent 2D materials for optoelectronic applications because of their exceptional properties. Several application-specific photodetectors based on 2D materials have been designed and manufactured due to a wide range and layer-dependent bandgaps. Different 2D materials stacked together give rise to many surprising electronic and optoelectronic phenomena of the junctions based on 2D materials. This has resulted in a lot of popularity of 2D heterostructures as compared to the original 2D materials. This chapter presents the progress of optoelectronic devices (photodetectors) based on 2D materials and their heterostructures.
Advances in Poultry Nutrition Research-A Review
Authors: Kwabla Dei Herbert
Published: May 2021

Poultry production involving farmed avian species (chickens, turkeys and ducks) is globally recognised as a vital aspect of animal agriculture. It contributes greatly to supply of high-quality protein (meat and egg) for humans. The intensification and commercialization of the poultry sector is accelerated and continues to be so as a result of research discoveries in the field of breeding, nutrition, housing management and disease control. However, the explosion in poultry nutrition research, in particular, has significant impact on the success of the poultry sector. The progress in nutritional research is made possible by several advanced techniques reported by researchers in both academia and industry. Nutritional research is mainly geared towards improving knowledge on ingredients good for the growth and health of the bird and of nutritional requirements for various types and classes of birds, as well as the ability to match nutritional requirements of any type or class of bird for variable conditions including that of the environment. This chapter discusses the importance and growth of the poultry sector. Also, nutritional research efforts over the years, achievements, some notable advance research techniques employed, and challenges confronting nutritional research in the 21st Century have been highlighted.
Relaxor Ferroelectric Oxides: Concept to Applications
Authors: Kumar Pradhan Lagen , Kar Manoranjan
Published: May 2021

Ferroelectric ceramic is one of the most important functional materials, which has great importance in modern technologies. A ferroelectric ceramic simultaneously exhibits dielectric, piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and pyroelectric properties. The inherent ferroelectric properties are directly related to long-range electric dipoles arrangement in the ferroelectric domains and its response to external stimuli. However, the interruption of the long-range ordering of dipoles leads to the formation of a special class of material is known as relaxor ferroelectric. It shows quite different physical properties as compared to ferroelectric (normal ferroelectric). The origin and design of relaxor ferroelectric are quite interesting for fundamental perspective along with device applications. Therefore, the origin of relaxor ferroelectric along with its fundamental understanding for possible future applications, have been explained briefly in the present chapter.
Vacuum-Free Fabrication of Transparent Electrodes for Soft Electronics
Authors: Khan Arshad , Ali Shawkat , Khan Saleem , Ahmed Moaaz , Wang Bo , Bermak Amine
Published: May 2021

Optoelectronic devices are advancing from existing rigid configurations to deformable configurations. These developing devices need transparent electrodes (TEs) having high mechanical deformability while preserving the high electrical conductivity and optical transparency. In agreement with these requirements, vacuum-fabricated conventional TEs based on transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) are receiving difficulties due to its low abundance, film brittleness, and low optical transmittance. Novel solution-processed TE materials including regular metal meshes, metal nanowire (NW) grids, carbon materials, and conducting polymers have been studied and confirmed their capabilities to address the limitations of the TCO-based TEs. This chapter presents a comprehensive review of the latest advances of these vacuum-free TEs, comprising the electrode material classes, the optical, electrical, mechanical and surface feature properties of the soft TEs, and the vacuum-free practices for their fabrication.
Molecular Imaging with Genetically Programmed Nanoparticles
Authors: E. Goldhawk Donna
Published: May 2021

Nanoparticle research has greatly benefitted medical imaging platforms by generating new signals, enhancing detection sensitivity, and expanding both clinical and preclinical applications. For magnetic resonance imaging, the fabrication of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles has provided a means of detecting cells and has paved the way for magnetic particle imaging. As the field of molecular imaging grows and enables the tracking of cells and their molecular activities so does the possibility of tracking genetically programmed biomarkers. This chapter discusses the advantages and challenges of gene-based contrast, using the bacterial magnetosome model to highlight the requirements of in vivo iron biomineralization and reporter gene expression for magnetic resonance signal detection. New information about magnetosome protein interactions in non-magnetic mammalian cells is considered in the light of design and application(s) of a rudimentary magnetosome-like nanoparticle for molecular imaging. Central to this is the hypothesis that a magnetosome root structure is defined by essential magnetosome genes, whose expression positions the biomineral in a given membrane compartment, in any cell type. The use of synthetic biology for programming multi-component structures not only broadens the scope of reporter gene expression for molecular MRI but also facilitates the tracking of cell therapies.
Cereal Grain: A Vehicle for Improved Healthy Living
Authors: David Oluwajuyitan Timilehin , Kadiri Oseni , Adeboye Origbemisoye Babawande , Fisoye Fagbohun Oladapo , Nkemjika Ukejeh Ruth , Popoola Oyekemi , Olawoye Babatunde
Published: May 2021

The increasing population of the world, emergence, and prominence of diseases coupled with side effects of drugs has led to the search of non-toxic, healthy foods products. Cereal grains are a stable food consumed by a large population of the world, containing an array of nutritional and bioactive compounds such as dietary fiber, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, β-glucan, lignans, phytosterol, phenolics among others. These compounds proffer beyond basic nutritional needs as they also provide health benefits on consumption such asantioxidants, antidiabetics, antihypertension, antihyperlipidemic/anti-cholesterol, antimicrobial and anticancer with no side effects. Cereal grains canbe processed into divers of food products, singly or as multigrain food products in other to increases the bioavailability of its nutrients or bioactive compounds. Its by-products can further be used to enriched human diets or serve as animal feeds. Hence, this review addresses the needs for more processing, value additions and consumption of cereal grain as a vehicle to improved healthy livings.
New Insights into the Search for Life on Mars
Authors: Guaita Cesare
Published: May 2021

The discovery by the Lander Phoenix (summer 2008) that the Mars polar soil is rich of perchloric acid salts (Na, Mg, Ca perchlorate) strongly could change the interpretation of the Martian experiment of 14CO2 release (LR, Labeled release experiment), performed in 70’s by both Viking Landers. The LR experiment gave substantially positive results but, at that time, possibility of Martian bacteria was ruled out because the CGMS instruments on board of both Vikings didn’t detect any trace of complex organic molecules. But Martian organics exist and were found in fair quantities by Curiosity, landed inside the Gale crater on 2012. So it is likely that Viking CGMS, working at about 500°C, could not see any organic substances (natural or bacterial) because, at that temperature, perchlorates decompose, releasing Oxygen that destroyed organics BEFORE their detection. In any case, the discovery of keragenic compounds by Curiosity, could also be indication of a presence of archea bacteria in the distant past of Mars, when the atmosphere of the Red Planet was wetter and denser than now.
Modern Business Intelligence: Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence for Creating the Data-Driven Value
Authors: A.A. Gad-Elrab Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Currently, business intelligence (BI) systems are used extensively in many business areas that are based on making decisions to create a value. BI is the process on available data to extract, analyze and predict business-critical insights. Traditional BI focuses on collecting, extracting, and organizing data for enabling efficient and professional query processing to get insights from historical data. Due to the existing of big data, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing (CC), BI became more critical and important process and received more great interest in both industry and academia fields. The main problem is how to use these new technologies for creating data-driven value for modern BI. In this chapter, to meet this problem, the importance of big data analytics, data mining, AI for building and enhancing modern BI will be introduced and discussed. In addition, challenges and opportunities for creating value of data by establishing modern BI processes.
Candida albicans and Abortion
Authors: Kasem Hussein Humam
Published: May 2021

An abortion that occurs spontaneously is known as a miscarriage. Various effectors associated with abortion such as Genetic and uterine anomalies, Endocrinopathy, immunological dysfunctions, infectious agents, environmental contaminants, psychogenetic elements, and endometriosis. Maternal infections considered the main reason for pregnancy wastage in females with Bad Obstetric History (BOH). Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus that can grow as yeast or filamentous cells and considered one of the limited species of the Candida genus that cause humans candidiasis. It is an opportunistic fungus that responsible for mucosal infections in the mouth and genital tract. Excessive growth of C. albicans will follow with Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The incidence of VVC combined with chronic recurrent candidiasis is high in pregnancies than in healthy women. Several scientific researches showed the significance of VVC as an inducer of abortion, candida chorioamnionitis, subsequent preterm delivery, and immunosuppression.
On Moho Determination by the Vening Meinesz-Moritz Technique
Authors: Erik Sjöberg Lars , Abrehdary Majid
Published: May 2021

This chapter describes a theory and application of satellite gravity and altimetry data for determining Moho constituents (i.e. Moho depth and density contrast) with support from a seismic Moho model in a least-squares adjustment. It presents and applies the Vening Meinesz-Moritz gravimetric-isostatic model in recovering the global Moho features. Internal and external uncertainty estimates are also determined. Special emphasis is devoted to presenting methods for eliminating the so-called non-isostatic effects, i.e. the gravimetric signals from the Earth both below the crust and from partly unknown density variations in the crust and effects due to delayed Glacial Isostatic Adjustment as well as for capturing Moho features not related with isostatic balance. The global means of the computed Moho depths and density contrasts are 23.8±0.05 km and 340.5 ± 0.37 kg/m3, respectively. The two Moho features vary between 7.6 and 70.3 km as well as between 21.0 and 650.0 kg/m3. Validation checks were performed for our modeled crustal depths using a recently published seismic model, yielding an RMS difference of 4 km.
Autism and Gender Identity
Authors: Furlong Yulia
Published: May 2021

Since the turn of the century, we are witnessing a dramatic surge in the numbers of children and adolescents referred to gender clinics, this is happening in the context of general increase in numbers of individuals identifying as non-binary. The chapter ahead will initially address the shifting landscape of gender dysphoria (GD), and provides a comprehensive overview of the latest findings in the fields of autism and GF. The higher rates of autism’ diagnosis among gender diverse samples prompted the development of several hypotheses that attempt to explain the link between autism spectrum and gender spectrum, as well as development of relevant clinical guidelines that contain strong advocacy for adolescents with neurodiversity not to be precluded from gaining access to gender-related services. In the public arena, a highly publicised UK High Court’s case that is commonly referred to as Bell v Tavistock highlighted the growing concerns regarding the unexplained surge in the number of adolescents identifying as having GF, as well as pointed to the lack of evidence that hormones and surgery improve long-term outcomes. The chapter explored the recommendations that came out of this ruling and highlighted the implications for Australian jurisdiction by illustrating medico-legal changes on Perth-based gender services.
AI-Based Approach for Lawn Length Estimation in Robotic Lawn Mowers
Authors: Shiraishi Yoichi , Zhang Haohao , Motegi Kazuhiro
Published: May 2021

This chapter describes a part of autonomous driving of work vehicles. This type of autonomous driving consists of work sensing and mobility control. Particularly, this chapter focuses on autonomous work sensing and mobility control of a commercial electric robotic lawn mower, and proposes an AI-based approach for work vehicles such as a robotic lawn mower. These two functions, work sensing and mobililty control, have a close correlation. In terms of efficiency, the traveling speed of a lawn mower, for example, should be reduced when the workload is high, and vice versa. At the same time, it is important to conserve the battery that is used for both work execution and mobility. Based on these requirements, this chapter is focused on developing an estimation system for estimating lawn grass lengths or ground conditions in a robotic lawn mower. To this end, two AI algorithms, namely, random forest (RF) and shallow neural network (SNN), are developed and evaluated on observation data obtained by a fusion of ten types of sensor data. The RF algorithm evaluated on data from the fusion of sensors achieved 92.3% correct estimation ratio in several experiments on real-world lawn grass areas, while the SNN achieved 95.0%. Furthermore, the accuracy of the SNN is 94.0% in experiments where sensor data are continuously obtained while the robotic lawn mower is operating. Presently, the proposed estimation system is being developed by integrating two motor control systems into a robotic lawn mower, one for lawn grass cutting and the other for the robot’s mobility.
Effect of Surface Variations on Resistive Switching
Authors: Das Mangal , Kumar Sandeep
Published: May 2021

In this chapter, we study factors that dominate the interfacial resistive switching (RS) in memristive devices. We have also given the basic understanding of different type of RS devices which are predominantly interfacial in nature. In case of resistive random access memory (RRAM), the effect of surface properties on the bulk cannot be neglected as thickness of the film is generally below 100 nm. Surface properties are effected by redox reactions, interfacial layer formation, and presence of tunneling barrier. Surface morphology affects the band structure in the vicinity of interface, which in turn effects the movements of charge carriers. The effect of grain boundaries (GBs) and grain surfaces (GSs) on RS have also been discussed. The concentration of vacancies (Ov)/traps/defects is comparatively higher at GBs which leads to leakage current flow through the GBs predominantly. Such huge presence of charge carriers causes current flow through grain boundaries.
The Most Meridional Border in Europe. Demographic and Environmental Changes
Authors: Manuel Naranjo Gómez José , Garrido Velarde Jacinto , Martín Gallardo José , Manuel Jurado Almonte José , Mora Aliseda Julian , Cabezas Fernández José
Published: May 2021

Between 38°50′30”N/7° 04’35 W and 37°10′13”N/7°23′38”W has located the southernmost border of Europe, which stands apart from Portugal and Spain, which separates part of Portugal and Spain, making it one of the furthest from the central European area. A feature of this Spanish-Portuguese border stretch is that it is closely linked to the Guadiana River, one of the major waterways that cross the Iberian Peninsula from east to west. In 1998, the Albufeira Convention was signed, promoting Iberian cooperation at a scientific and technical level to strengthen the links of communication and collaboration at the technical level - the challenge of shared management of the waters and international basins that affect both countries. The Convention presented challenges and objectives on which the competent administrations have been working since then. Another peculiarity of this territory, except in a few situations, is its low population density. Therefore, knowing the demographic and environmental changes of the municipalities bordering the ‘Raya’ (common name as the border is known in these areas) constitutes valuable information that leads to the territorial management of these peripheral areas.
Research and Development for Improved Cassava Varieties in Ghana: Farmers’ Adoption and Effects on Livelihoods
Authors: Pinamang Acheampong Patricia , Owusu Danquah Eric , Agyeman Kennedy , Obeng Dankwa Kwame , Addison Monica
Published: May 2021

The importance of Cassava in the food systems of Ghanaians cannot be underestimated. As a main staple crop, Cassava contributes about 22% and 30% to the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (AGDP) and daily calories intake respectively. Per capita consumption of 152 kg makes it the highest among all food crops. Due to Cassava’s importance, there have been lots of attention paid to it by the Government and Donor agencies towards its improvement. This has yielded substantial results in terms of the development of cassava varieties and good agronomic practices. This chapter reviewed cassava technologies development in Ghana, adoption of these technologies by smallholder farmers, and livelihood implications. Results generated showed that Research and Development since 1993 has developed, released, and disseminated 25 new cassava varieties to smallholder farmers. Average cassava yields have increased from about 14 t/ha in 2009 to 21 t/ha in 2018. Partial budget analysis showed that smallholder farmers’ profitability has increased over the years from GH₵644.32 (about US$ 111) in 2009 to GH₵5243.27 (about US$ 904) in 2018. Again, the crop is gradually gaining attention as an industrial crop for flour, starch, and alcohol production, a drive that would further improve on returns to farmers. It is a food security crop because it is robust, produces more per unit area, and versatile for multiple usages in household foods and derivatives. It is recommended that continuous policy consideration on cassava in national agricultural agenda setting is essential.
Spectrosopic Study of Baryons
Authors: Shah Zalak , Kumar Rai Ajay
Published: May 2021

Baryons are the combination of three quarks(antiquarks) configured by qqq(q¯q¯q¯). They are fermions and obey the Pauli’s principal so that the total wave function must be anti-symmetric. The SU(5) flavor group includes all types of baryons containing zero, one, two or three heavy quarks. The Particle Data Froup (PDG) listed the ground states of most of these baryons and many excited states in their summary Table. The radial and orbital excited states of the baryons are important to calculate, from that the Regge trajectories will be constructed. The quantum numbers will be determined from these slopes and intersects. Thus, we can help experiments to determine the masses of unknown states. The other hadronic properties like decays, magnetic moments can also play a very important role to emphasize the baryons. It is also interesting to determine the properties of exotic baryons nowadays.
Composition and Nature of Heterochromatin in the Electrical Fish (Knifefishes) Gymnotus (Gymnotiformes: Gymnotidae)
Authors: da Silva Maelin , Aparecida Matoso Daniele , Pavan Margarido Vladimir , Feldberg Eliana , Ferreira Artoni Roberto
Published: May 2021

Fishes of the genus Gymnotus have been suggested as a good model for biogeographic studies in the South American continent. In relation to heterochromatin, species of this genus have blocks preferably distributed in the centromeric region. The content of these regions has been shown to be variable, with description of transposable elements, pseudogenes of 5S rDNA and satellite sequences. In G. carapo Clade, although geographically separated, species with 2n = 54 chromosomes share the distribution of many 5S rDNA sites, a unique case within the genus. Here, repetitive DNA sequences from G. sylvius (2n = 40) and G. paraguensis (2n = 54) were isolated and mapped to understand their constitution. The chromosome mapping by FISH showed an exclusive association in the centromeres of all chromosomes. However, the cross-FISH did not show positive signs of interspecific hybridization, indicating high levels of heterochromatic sequence specificity. In addition, COI-1 sequences were analyzed in some species of Gymnotus, which revealed a close relationship between species of clade 2n = 54, which have multiple 5S rDNA sites. Possibly, the insertion of retroelements or pseudogenization and dispersion of this sequence occurred before the geographic dispersion of the ancestor of this clade from the Amazon region to the hydrographic systems of Paraná-Paraguay, a synapomorphy for the group.
RNA Sequencing in Potentially Malignant Disorders
Authors: Ramadoss Ramya , Krishnan Rajkumar , Jayan Lekshmy , Shankaran Priyadharini
Published: May 2021

RNA sequencing is a molecular technique which utilizes next generation sequencing to identify and quantify ribonucleic acid (RNA) in a given sample. This technique is utilized in the detection of changes in gene expression. Potentially malignant oral disorders are one of the most troublesome lesions seen in the oral cavity which predisposes to the development of oral cancer. Though there are many methods employed in the diagnosis of these disorders, biopsy followed by histological examination is the gold standard procedure followed in the diagnosis. RNA sequencing has been receiving attention among researchers. Many studies have been conducted to analyze the application of RNA sequencing in the diagnosis of PMODs as well as in the malignant transformation to oral squamous cell carcinoma. The article attempts to summarize the progress in RNA sequencing pertaining to Potentially malignant disorders.
The Contribution of Javanese Pharmacognosy to Suriname’s Traditional Medicinal Pharmacopeia: Part 1
Authors: R.A. Mans Dennis , Friperson Priscilla , Djotaroeno Meryll , Pawirodihardjo Jennifer
Published: May 2021

The Republic of Suriname (South America) is among the culturally, ethnically, and religiously most diverse countries in the world. Suriname’s population of about 600,000 consists of peoples from all continents including the Javanese who arrived in the country between 1890 and 1939 as indentured laborers to work on sugar cane plantations. After expiration of their five-year contract, some Javanese returned to Indonesia while others migrated to The Netherlands (the former colonial master of both Suriname and Indonesia), but many settled in Suriname. Today, the Javanese community of about 80,000 has been integrated well in Suriname but has preserved many of their traditions and rituals. This holds true for their language, religion, cultural expressions, and forms of entertainment. The Javanese have also maintained their traditional medical practices that are based on Jamu. Jamu has its origin in the Mataram Kingdom era in ancient Java, some 1300 years ago, and is mostly based on a variety of plant species. The many Jamu products are called jamus. The first part of this chapter presents a brief background of Suriname, addresses the history of the Surinamese Javanese as well as some of the religious and cultural expressions of this group, focuses on Jamu, and comprehensively deals with four medicinal plants that are commonly used by the Javanese. The second part of this chapter continues with an equally extensive narrative of six more such plants and concludes with a few remarks on the contribution of Javanese jamus to Suriname’s traditional medicinal pharmacopeia.
Artificial Synapses Based on Atomic/Molecular Layer Deposited Bilayer-Structured Memristive Thin Films
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhu Lin , Wang Lai-Guo , Li Ai-Dong
Published: May 2021

This chapter deals with several kinds of ultrathin bilayer-structured memristors, such as Pt/Al2O3/HfO2/TiN, Pt/HfO2/HfOx/TiN, Pt/TiO2/Ti-based maleic acid (Ti-MA)/TaN, among which the asymmetric memristive functional layers were designed and prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) or molecular layer deposition (MLD) technique. These bilayer memristors exhibit a typical bipolar resistive switching characteristic, in accord with the space charge limited current model. Some important biologic synaptic functions have been achieved, including nonlinear transmission characteristics, spike-timing-dependent plasticity, short−/long-term plasticity, paired-pulse facilitation, and conditioned reflex. The mechanism of bilayer memristive device has been proposed based on oxygen vacancies migration/diffusion model. Above all the ultrathin bilayer memristors fabricated by low temperature ALD/MLD are one competitive candidate for neuromorphic simulation and flexible electronic applications.
Current Advances Research in Nutraceutical Compounds of Legumes, Pseudocereals and Cereals
Authors: Priego-Poyato Salvador , Rodrigo-Garcia Maria , Escudero-Feliu Julia , Garcia-Costela Maria , Lima-Cabello Elena , Carazo-Gallego Angel , Morales-Santana Sonia , Leon Josefa , C. Jimenez-Lopez Jose
Published: May 2021

The increase of the Western-type diet and life-style, with high content of highly processed fats, salt and sugar, as well as sedentary life, is directly linked to an increasing incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases or stroke, and inflammatory-related diseases, which are a great challenge in global health and are usually associated with negative effects of globalization: rapid urbanization, diet and increased sedentary life worldwide. This has brought new interest and increased research into plant-based diets. In this context, the implementation in the diet of legumes, cereals and pseudo-cereals, due to their nutraceutical properties, which is interesting as well as advisable. These foods, in addition of having a high nutritional value themselves, have synergistic properties as part of a balanced diet. For example, most legumes are rich in lysine which is scarce in cereals, and these are rich in sulphur amino acids, such as methionine, while these amino acids are scarce in legumes and are of great importance for the central nervous system development. These foods or part of a food, due to their qualities, and that they provide health benefits can be classified as nutraceuticals. In addition, due to their health benefits beyond nutritional properties, can be classified as functional foods, promoting prevention and treatment for the above mentioned diseases, among others. This double function is due mainly to the proteins and the presence of various secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds in these foods of plant (grain and seed) origin. Last discovered knowledge and research features will be described in the present book chapter.
Synthesis and Catalytic Activity Studies of Silver Nanoparticles Stabilized in Polymeric Hydro Gel
Authors: T. Varkey Jaya
Published: May 2021

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most vital and fascinating nanomaterials among several metallic nanoparticles that are involved in biomedical applications. But their stabilization towards agglomeration is a serious concern. Synthesized silver nanoparticles can be dispersed in polymeric hydrogel for stabilization and can be efficiently used in heterogeneous catalysis. Polystyrene crosslinked with 1, 6-hexanediol diacrylate can be suitably functionalized for catalytic activities. The nature of the support has a profound influence on the reactivity of the polymeric resin. A flexible support with optimum hydrophilic and hydrophobic balance enhanced the reactivity of the supporting system. Using this supported AgNPs catalytic reduction of Para-nitro phenol can be easily accomplished comparing to conventional method.
Comparison of Amikacin Pharmacokinetics in Neonates With and Without Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Nguyen Amy L. , Johnson Peter N. , Neely Stephen B. , Hughes Kaitlin M. , Sekar Kris C. , Welliver Robert C. , Miller Jamie L.
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to compare the volume of distribution (Vd), clearance (CL), elimination rate (Ke), and half-life (t½) of amikacin in neonates with cyanotic defects, acyanotic defects, and controls, adjusted for gestational and postnatal age. Secondary objectives were to compare the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) between controls and the congenital heart disease (CHD) group and to identify potential risk factors.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included neonates receiving amikacin from January 1, 2013 to August 31, 2016. Patients were excluded if concentrations were not appropriately obtained or if AKI or renal anomalies were identified prior to amikacin initiation. Congenital heart disease was classified as acyanotic or cyanotic. Patients with CHD were matched 1:1 with non-CHD controls according to postmenstrual age. Bivariate analyses were performed using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, Pearson χ2 tests, or Fisher exact as appropriate with a p value <0.05. Regression analyses included logistic and analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients with CHD were matched with 54 controls. Median (IQR) postnatal age (days) at amikacin initiation significantly differed between CHD and controls, 3.0 (1.0–16.0) versus 1.0 (1.0–3.0), p = 0.016. After adjusting for gestational and postnatal age, there was no difference in the mean (95% CI) Vd (L/kg) and CL (L/kg/hr) between CHD and controls, 0.47 (0.44–0.50) versus 0.46 (0.43–0.49), p = 0.548 and 0.05 (0.05–0.05) versus 0.05 (0.05–0.05), p = 0.481, respectively. There was no difference in Ke or t½ between groups. There was no difference in AKI between the CHD and controls, 18.5% versus 9.3%, p = 0.16.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should consider using standard amikacin dosing for neonates with CHD and monitor renal function, since they may have greater AKI risk factors.
Saúde do profissional de Enfermagem: riscos ocupacionais em ambiente hospitalar
Authors: Dias Carlos Victor Peixoto , Damasceno Jaiana Cordeiro , Silva Lucas Vinícius Farias , Rocha Bruno Miranda da
Published: May 2021

Trata-se de uma Revisão Integrativa que teve como descritores não controlados: saúde ocupacional; enfermagem; ambiente hospitalar. Entre os profissionais da saúde, um dos que está mais exposto a riscos é o profissional de enfermagem, uma vez que ele é a pessoa que mais interage com os pacientes para cuidados com a saúde e está exposto a materiais biológicos contaminantes. O artigo tem o propósito de conhecer e analisar a produção científica em relação a saúde ocupacional e os fatores de risco vivenciados pelos profissionais de enfermagem no ambiente hospitalar. Como estratégia de busca foi elaborada a pesquisa nas bases de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde e Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online. Este estudo possibilitou conhecer a produção científica em relação a quais riscos ocupacionais os profissionais de enfermagem estão mais sujeitos no ambiente hospitalar, porém, acredita-se na necessidade de mais estudos e pesquisas referentes a este tema, visto que a literatura ainda é muito carente deste conteúdo
Parto domiciliar planejado significado por mulheres: contribuições para a humanização da assistência obstétrica
Authors: Sampaio Ludimila Brum Campos , Salimena Anna Maria De Oliveira , Amorim Thais Vasconselos , Alves Valdecyr Herdy , Rodrigues Diego Pereira , Dulfe Paolla Amorim Malheiros
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: compreender os significados da mulher na vivência do parto domiciliar planejado. Método: pesquisa de natureza qualitativa na abordagem fenomenológica com aporte metodológico/filosófico de Martin Heidegger. Participaram nove mulheres que vivenciaram o parto domiciliar planejado por meio da técnica de bola de neve em encontros fenomenológicos, nos meses de setembro de 2016 a março de 2017. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, sob o parecer nº 1.701.030. Resultados: os significados foram analisados na perspectiva teórico-metodológica Heideggeriana. A partir dos depoimentos foram identificadas duas unidades de significação. Significaram ter sido maravilhoso, transformador e uma das maiores experiências de suas vidas; e ter sentido segurança, acolhimento e serem respeitadas durante o parto domiciliar. Evidenciou-se que a assistência prestada no processo parturitivo transcendeu a dimensão técnica ao valorizar e respeitar a subjetividade da mulher contribuindo para o bom desfecho do parto. Conclusão: a escolha pelo parto domiciliar está relacionada à humanização e desmedicalização do cuidado. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade da consideração ontológica da mulher para que o parto seja uma vivência positiva e humana.
Diagnóstico do uso de agrotóxicos no município de Nossa Senhora da Glória, Sergipe
Authors: Mota Jéssica Lavinea Aragão , Jesus Evandro Oliveira de , Lemos Nailson Lima Santos , Pereira Pedro Leandro Dantas
Published: May 2021

A utilização de agrotóxicos com a finalidade de controlar pragas e doenças tem trazido consequências negativas para a saúde dos trabalhadores rurais e ao meio ambiente. Diante disso, o projeto teve como objetivo avaliar o nível de escolaridade e compreender o grau de percepção dos trabalhadores rurais quanto ao uso de agrotóxicos no município de Nossa Senhora da Glória-SE. A pesquisa foi realizada na zona rural do município, com a participação voluntária de 40 trabalhadores, através de um questionário estruturado. Assim, 60% dos entrevistados tem a faixa etária de 46 a 65 anos, 72,5% tem o ensino fundamental incompleto, 95% dos trabalhadores rurais não usam Equipamento de Proteção Individual e 70% não associam alguns sintomas de intoxicação ao uso de agrotóxicos. Desse modo percebe-se que a percepção de risco dos trabalhadores é baixa, associado ao baixo nível de escolaridade, sendo necessário uma ação de conscientização sobre o uso de agrotóxicos.
Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica: perfil das internações e mortalidade
Authors: Benetti Marilian Bastiani , Weinmann Angela Regina Maciel , Jacobi Luciane Flores , Moraes Anaelena Bragança de
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: Caracterizar e avaliar associações das variáveis relacionadas às internações e mortalidade em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica (UTIP) de um Hospital Universitário no período de 2006 a 2013. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo e retrospectivo, sendo avaliados dados de prontuários de 1805 internações ocorridas na UTIP, num período de 8 anos. Resultados: Das 1805 internações na UTIP nesse período, 56,1% eram do sexo masculino, sendo 42,4% procedentes da cidade de Santa Maria. A maior frequência foi de pacientes com até um ano de idade (41,6%), sendo a idade mais frequente de dois meses. O tempo médio de permanência na UTIP foi de 7,5 dias. As causas de internação mais frequentes foram: pneumonia, pós-operatório abdominal, trauma e sepse. A mortalidade foi de 14,3% (sendo 42,6% por sepse, 15,3% por pneumonia, 8% por trauma e 2,8% por pós-operatório abdominal) e do total de pacientes que internaram, 85,7% tiveram alta da UTIP. A proporção de mortes por sepse foi significativamente maior do que a por trauma e pós-operatório abdominal, mas não diferiu da mortalidade por pneumonia. Conclusão: Houve predominância das internações em crianças de dois meses de idade sendo sepse a principal causa de mortalidade.
Correlação entre limiar de tolerância de dor à pressão, força e mobilidade lombar em universitárias
Authors: Lima Beatriz Alves , Nascimento Karla Thaina Magalhães , Alfieri Fábio Marcon
Published: May 2021

Introdução: A lombalgia pode ter relação com os fatores de mobilidade, flexibilidade e força muscular da região lombar e adjacências. Objetivo: Avaliar e verificar associações entre limiar de tolerância de dor à pressão (LTDP), força e mobilidade na região lombar de mulheres saudáveis. Método: Foi um estudo transversal observacional, no qual houve participação de 50 universitárias. As voluntárias foram submetidas à avaliação do índice de massa corporal (IMC), teste de Schober, Teste de sentar e alcançar, Teste de força de extensão de tronco e limiar de tolerância de dor à pressão por meio da algometria nos pontos: músculos paravertebrais, ligamentos supraespinhoso, glúteo médio. Os dados foram analisados através do pacote estatístico SigmaStat usando análise de correlação de Pearson. Resultados: As análises demonstraram correlação muito forte e forte entre os dados de algometria entre glúteos porção média e porção posterior (r=0,91), algometria de paravertebrais e algometria de ligamento L4-L5 (r=0,68), algometria de paravertebrais e algometria em glúteo médio porção média (r=0,75) e posterior (r=0,77). No entanto, as demais correlações entre algometria e teste sentar e alcançar se mostrou moderado resultado e, as demais em relação a força muscular apresentaram correlações fracas ou muito fracas. Conclusão: Nas mulheres saudáveis a principal correlação foi sobre o LTDP entre as regiões glúteas com correlação muito forte.
Prevalência e perfil de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos de microrganismos isolados de secreções de pele em um hospital escola
Authors: Rosa Taciéli Fagundes da , Rodrigues Mônica De Abreu , Carvalho Fernanda Aguirre , Foletto Vitória Segabinazzi , Serafin Marissa Bolson , Bottega Angelita , Franco Laísa Nunes , Paula Bruno Rafael de , Fagundes Divanir Maria Acosta , Hörner Rosmari
Published: May 2021

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a prevalência e perfil de resistência dos microrganismos isolados de secreções de pele e tecidos moles. Este tipo de estudo, pelo que é de nosso conhecimento, foi o primeiro realizado neste hospital com período de quatro anos e elevado número de amostras. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo observacional retrospectivo de culturas de infecções de pele coletadas em hospital escola terciário, no período de janeiro de 2014 a dezembro de 2017. Os testes de identificação dos microrganismos e perfil de sensibilidade foram efetuados por meio de sistemas convencionais e automatizados (Vitek® 2 – bioMérieux). RESULTADOS: No período deste estudo, 675 amostras resultaram positivas, sendo Staphylococcus aureus (118; 17,48%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (106; 15,70%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (65; 9,63%) e Escherichia coli (60; 8,89%) os microrganismos predominantes. Em relação à Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 53,77% das cepas apresentaram resistência ao imipenem e 44,34% ao meropenem. As opções terapêuticas para o tratamento das infecções causadas por esse microrganismo são limitadas. CONCLUSÕES: O perfil epidemiológico dos agentes envolvidos é similar ao citado na literatura internacional, o que diferencia é o perfil de sensibilidade. Fato que necessita monitoramento é que Pseudomonas aeruginosa ocupou o segundo lugar na etiologia e apresentou significativa resistência frente aos carbapenêmicos.
Relação entre força muscular respiratória e funcionalidade em idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência
Authors: Oliveira Cleide Cristina Firmino , Araújo Jamine Barros Oliveira , Reis Luciana Araújo dos
Published: May 2021

No envelhecimento ocorre uma redução gradual da força muscular respiratória e da capacidade funcional, nesta perspectiva, o presente estudo tem por objetivo identificar a relação entre a força muscular respiratória e a funcionalidade em idosos residentes em instituições de longa de permanência. Trata-se de um estudo do tipo analítico com delineamento transversal e abordagem quantitativa, tendo como campo de pesquisa três instituições de longa permanência para idosos nos municípios de Vitória da Conquista e Jequié/BA, com amostra de 62 idosos. O instrumento de pesquisa foi constituído de cinco (5) partes: avaliação cognitiva, informações sociodemográficas, estado de saúde, força muscular respiratória (PImáx e PEmáx) e capacidade funcional (atividades básicas e instrumentais de vida diária). Os dados foram analisados por meio da análise estatística descritiva e aplicação do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Verificou-se que houve diferença estatística significativa entre PEmáx e atividades instrumentais de vida diária (p=0,000). Os resultados encontrados no presente estudo sugerem que os valores reduzidos da PEmáx estão associado ao comprometimento das atividades instrumentais de vida diária.
Performance muscular respiratória de idosos praticantes de atividade física nas modalidades aquática e terrestre
Authors: Marreiros Patrick Everson Sodré , Linhares Neto Oswaldo Rodrigues , Silva Daniela Lima , Moraes William Rafael Almeida , Neves Laura Maria Tomazi
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: Avaliar a performance muscular respiratória de idosos fisicamente ativos praticantes de modalidades de exercícios terrestres e aquáticas. Métodos: Estudo transversal, incluindo 30 idosos divididos igualmente em dois grupos, o grupo de atividade aquática (GA) e de atividade terrestre (GT). Foram avaliados dados antropométricos (altura, peso e IMC), a função pulmonar por meio da espirometria (VEF1, CVF e VEF1/CVF), a endurance muscular respiratória com o Power Breath K5 (S-Index, SIMP e exaustão) e os níveis de atividade física por meio de dois questionários (IPAQ e QBMI). Além disso, os dados foram expressos em média e desvio padrão, e os testes estatísticos (Shapiro-Wilk; t de Student; coeficiente de correlação de Pearson) foram realizados por meio do software R, versão 3.5.2, adotou-se o nível de significância de p≤0,05. Resultados: Identificou-se diferença estatística apenas nos parâmetros peso, IMC e nas médias de exaustão dos grupos estudados (p≤0,05). Conclusão: A endurance muscular respiratória de idosos que praticam atividades aquáticas é mais efetiva do que naqueles que praticam apenas atividades terrestres.
Fatores de riscos relacionados ao infarto agudo do miocárdio: revisão integrativa da literatura
Authors: Maier Suellen Rodrigues de Oliveira , Bazzano Anna Beatriz Kétsia Ribeiro Moreira , Oliveira Wanmar De Souza , Corrêa Carla Regina de Almeida , Soares Júnior Joaquim Rosa , Sudré Mayara Rocha Siqueira , Moser Gelson Aguiar da Silva , Aguiar Denise Consuelo Moser , Sudré Graciano Almeida
Published: May 2021

Analisar evidencias cientificas, relacionado aos fatores de riscos para o ocorrência de Infarto do Miocárdio na literatura. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura realizada em bases de dados: LILACS, MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, BDENF e Web of Science, tendo como critérios de elegibilidade artigos de pesquisa publicados entre os anos de 2013 e 2017, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol, disponíveis na íntegra e que respondessem a questão norteadora, sendo selecionados nove artigos. Resultados: ao témino das buscas, nove artigos foram selecionados. Foram evidenciados como fatores de risco: diabetes mellitus, tabagismo e hipertensão arterial. Em contrapartida, a periodontite, o lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, a Doença do Refluxo Gastroesofágico, a menor secreção de melatonina, a depressão, a enxaqueca e os aspectos emocionais são fatores de risco relevantes. Conclusão: Atráves deste estudo sugere-se que as vítimas de infarto do miocárdio apresentam fatores de riscos análogos, por exemplo, diabetes mellitus, tabagismo e hipertensão arterial. Todavia, outros estudos apresentaram outras comorbidades cardíacas ou não cardíacas, como favoráveis ao desenvolvimento do infarto.
Perfil epidemiológico do doador voluntário de sangue em um hospital universitário no Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Costa Larissa Said Lima , Eleuterio Tatiana De Araujo , Pereira Suzana Da Silva , Santiago Stephany Couto , Bandeira Flavia Miranda Gomes de Constantino
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: Identificar o perfil epidemiológico dos doadores que compareceram ao processo de seleção pré-doação no Serviço de Hemoterapia do Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto. Método: Trata-se de um estudo seccional, exploratório descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa e análise estatística. Utilizou-se questionário auto aplicado para obtenção de variáveis que caracterizaram do perfil epidemiológico. Resultados: Dos 304 respondentes, 51,6% eram do sexo feminino; 42,1% tinham entre 20 e 29 anos, 66,5% eram naturais do município do Rio de Janeiro. Quanto ao estado civil, 60,2% eram solteiros e 54,9% tinham nível de escolaridade a partir do ensino superior incompleto. Quanto ao histórico de parceria sexual nos últimos doze meses anteriores à doação, 7,2% apresentaram três ou mais parceiros. Quanto ao uso de preservativos nas relações sexuais, 11,2% responderam que nunca fizeram uso de preservativo. Conclusão: O enfermeiro poderá desenvolver novas estratégias e práticas educativas, através do conhecimento sobre o perfil da população doadora.