bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Access to maternal-child health and HIV services for women in North-Central Nigeria: A qualitative exploration of the male partner perspective
Authors: Al-Mujtaba Maryam , Sam-Agudu Nadia A. , Torbunde Nguavese , Aliyu Muktar H. , Cornelius Llewellyn J.
Published: December 2020

Background

In much of sub-Saharan Africa, male partners play influential roles in women's access to maternal-child healthcare, including prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services. We explored male partner perspectives on women’s access to maternal-child healthcare in North-Central Nigeria.

Methods

Three focus groups were conducted with 30 men, purposefully-selected on the basis of being married, and rural or urban residence. Major themes explored were men’s maternal-child health knowledge, gender power dynamics in women’s access to healthcare, and peer support for pregnant and postpartum women. Data were manually analyzed using Grounded Theory, which involves constructing theories out of data collected, rather than applying pre-formed theories.

Results

Mean participant age was 48.3 years, with 36.7% aged <40 years, 46.7% between 41 and 60 years, and 16.6% over 60 years old. Religious affiliation was self-reported; 60% of participants were Muslim and 40% were Christian. There was consensus on the acceptability of maternal-child health services and their importance for optimal maternal-infant outcomes. Citing underlying patriarchal norms, participants acknowledged that men had more influence in family health decision-making than women. However, positive interpersonal couple relationships were thought to facilitate equitable decision-making among couples. Financial constraints, male-unfriendly clinics and poor healthcare worker attitudes were major barriers to women’s access and male partner involvement. The provision of psychosocial and maternal peer support from trained women was deemed highly acceptable for both HIV-positive and HIV-negative women.

Conclusions

Strategic engagement of community leaders, including traditional and religious leaders, is needed to address harmful norms and practices underlying gender inequity in health decision-making. Gender mainstreaming, where the needs and concerns of both men and women are considered, should be applied in maternal-child healthcare education and delivery. Clinic fee reductions or elimination can facilitate service access. Finally, professional organizations can do more to reinforce respectful maternity care among healthcare workers.
Doppler-defined pulmonary hypertension in β-thalassemia major in Kurdistan, Iraq
Authors: Mohammad Ameen M. , Dawad Mohammed M. , Kashmoola Muna A. , Al-Allawi Nasir
Published: December 2020

Cardiopulmonary complications are among the most important complications of thalassemia major. Pulmonary hypertension is among these complications and studies addressing its frequency and associations in the latter disorder are sparse from Iraq. For this purpose a total 100 thalassemia major patients (≥ 8 years old) were enrolled from a main thalassemia center in Kurdistan, Northern Iraq. All patients had a full history and clinical examination. Full blood count, biochemical tests and viral screen including hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibody, in addition to transthoracic Doppler echocardiography for tricuspid regurgitation jet velocity (TRV). The enrolled patients had a mean (SD) age of 17.6 (5.5) years, and included 52 males and 48 females. Pulmonary hypertension as defined by TRV> 2.8 m/s coupled with both exertional dyspnea and an absence of left sided heart failure, was identified in nine patients (9%). The latter subgroup of patients had significantly higher reticulocyte counts, S. LDH, S. ferritin, and hepatitis C sero-positivity compared to those without this complication by univariate analysis. While by multivariate logistic regression only reticulocytes and hepatitis C sero-positivity remained significant. Furthermore, TRV as a continuous variable was positively correlated with reticulocytes, S. bilirubin and LDH (p<0.001, p = 0.002 and p<0.001 respectively), but not with age or S. ferritin (p = 0.77, and p = 0.93 respectively). In conclusion, pulmonary hypertension is not uncommon in Iraqi patients with thalassemia major, and it appears to be linked to chronic hemolysis rather than iron overload.
Heatwaves, medications, and heat-related hospitalization in older Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions
Authors: Layton J. Bradley , Li Wenhong , Yuan Jiacan , Gilman Joshua P. , Horton Daniel B. , Setoguchi Soko
Published: December 2020

Background

Heatwaves kill more people than floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes combined and disproportionally affect older persons and those with chronic conditions. Commonly used medications for chronic conditions, e.g., diuretics, antipsychotics disrupt thermoregulation or fluid/electrolyte balance and may sensitive patients to heat. However, the effect of heat-sensitizing medications and their interactions with heatwaves are not well-quantified. We evaluated effects of potentially heat-sensitizing medications in vulnerable older patients.

Methods

US Medicare data were linked at the zip code level to climate data with surface air temperatures for June-August of 2007–2012. Patients were Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years with chronic conditions including diabetes, dementia, and cardiovascular, lung, or kidney disease. Exposures were potentially heat-sensitizing medications including diuretics, anticholinergics, antipsychotics, beta blockers, stimulants, and anti-hypertensives. A heatwave was defined as ≥2 days above the 95thpercentile of historical zip code-specific surface air temperatures. We estimated associations of heat-sensitizing medications and heatwaves with heat-related hospitalization using self-controlled case series analysis.

Results

We identified 9,721 patients with at least one chronic condition and heat-related hospitalization; 42.1% of these patients experienced a heatwave. Heatwaves were associated with an increase in heat-related hospitalizations ranging from 21% (95% CI: 7% to 38%) to 33% (95% CI: 14% to 55%) across medication classes. Several drug classes were associated with moderately elevated risk of heat-related hospitalization in the absence of heatwaves, with rate ratios ranging from 1.16 (95% CI: 1.00 to 1.35) to 1.37 (95% CI: 1.14 to 1.66). We did not observe meaningful synergistic interactions between heatwaves and medications.

Conclusions

Older patients with chronic conditions may be at heightened risk for heat-related hospitalization due to the use of heat-sensitizing medications throughout the summer months, even in the absence of heatwaves. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and also to understand the effect of milder and shorter heat exposure.
Low incidence of HCC in chronic hepatitis C patients with pretreatment liver stiffness measurements below 17.5 kilopascal who achieve SVR following DAAs
Authors: Søholm Jacob , Hansen Janne Fuglsang , Mössner Belinda , Røge Birgit Thorup , Lauersen Alex , Hansen Jesper Bach , Weis Nina , Barfod Toke Seierøe , Lunding Suzanne , Øvrehus Anne , Mohey Rajesh , Thielsen Peter , Christensen Peer Brehm
Published: December 2020

Background and aims

To evaluate the ability of pretreatment liver stiffness measurements (pLSM) to predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), incident decompensation and all-cause mortality in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) after treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).

Methods

773 CHC patients with SVR after DAA treatment and no prior liver complications were identified retrospectively. Optimized cut-off of 17.5 kPa for incident HCC was selected by maximum Youden’s index. Patients were grouped by pLSM: <10 kPa [reference], 10–17.4 kPa and ≥17.5 kPa. Primary outcomes were incident hepatocellular carcinoma and secondary outcomes were incident decompensated cirrhosis and all-cause mortality, analyzed using cox-regression.

Results

Median follow-up was 36 months and 43.5% (336) had cirrhosis (LSM>12.5 kPa). The median pLSM was 11.6 kPa (IQR 6.7–17.8, range 2.5–75) and pLSM of <10 kPa, 10–17.4 kPa and 17.5–75 kPa was seen in 41.5%, 32.2% and 26.3%. During a median follow-up time of 36 months, 11 (1.4%) developed HCC, 14 (1.5%) developed decompensated cirrhosis, and 38 (4.9%) patients died. A pLSM of 17.5 kPa identified patients with a high risk of HCC with a negative predictive value of 98.9% and incidence rate of HCC in the 17.5–75 kPa group of 1.40/100 person years compared to 0.14/100 person years and 0.12/100 person years in the 10–17.4 kPa and <10 kPa groups, p<0.001.

Conclusion

Pretreatment LSM predicts risk of HCC, decompensation and all-cause mortality in patients with SVR after DAA treatment. Patients with a pLSM <17.5 kPa and no other risk factors for chronic liver disease appear not to benefit from HCC surveillance for the first 3 years after treatment. Longer follow-up is needed to clarify if they can be safely excluded from post treatment HCC screening hereafter.
Structure of the pecten neuropil pathway and its innervation by bimodal peg afferents in two scorpion species
Authors: Drozd Denise , Wolf Harald , Stemme Torben
Published: December 2020

The pectines of scorpions are comb-like structures, located ventrally behind the fourth walking legs and consisting of variable numbers of teeth, or pegs, which contain thousands of bimodal peg sensillae. The associated neuropils are situated ventrally in the synganglion, extending between the second and fourth walking leg neuromeres. While the general morphology is consistent among scorpions, taxon-specific differences in pecten and neuropil structure remain elusive but are crucial for a better understanding of chemosensory processing. We analysed two scorpion species (Mesobuthus eupeusandHeterometrus petersii) regarding their pecten neuropil anatomy and the respective peg afferent innervation with anterograde and lipophilic tracing experiments, combined with immunohistochemistry and confocal laser-scanning microscopy. The pecten neuropils consisted of three subcompartments: a posterior pecten neuropil, an anterior pecten neuropil and a hitherto unknown accessory pecten neuropil. These subregions exhibited taxon-specific variations with regard to compartmentalisation and structure. Most notable were structural differences in the anterior pecten neuropils that ranged from ovoid shape and strong fragmentation inHeterometrus petersiito elongated shape with little compartmentalisation inMesobuthus eupeus. Labelling the afferents of distinct pegs revealed a topographic organisation of the bimodal projections along a medio-lateral axis. At the same time, all subregions along the posterior-anterior axis were innervated by a single peg’s afferents. The somatotopic projection pattern of bimodal sensillae appears to be common among arachnids, including scorpions. This includes the structure and organisation of the respective neuropils and the somatotopic projection patterns of chemosensory afferents. Nonetheless, the scorpion pecten pathway exhibits unique features, e.g. glomerular compartmentalisation superimposed on somatotopy, that are assumed to allow high resolution of substrate-borne chemical gradients.
Ophthalmic manifestations and vision impairment in Lassa fever survivors
Authors: Li Alexa L. , Grant Donald , Gbakie Michael , Kanneh Lansana , Mustafa Ibrahim , Bond Nell , Engel Emily , Schieffelin John , Vandy Matthew J. , Yeh Steven , Shantha Jessica G.
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to describe the ocular findings, structural ocular complications, and vision impairment in a cohort of Lassa fever survivors in Kenema, Sierra Leone. A retrospective, uncontrolled, cross-sectional study of 31 Lassa fever survivors (62 eyes) who underwent an ophthalmic evaluation in January 2018 at the Kenema Government Hospital in Kenema, Sierra Leone was performed. Data collection included demographic information, ocular/systemic symptoms, visual acuity (VA), and ophthalmic examination findings. Main outcome measures included anterior and posterior segment ophthalmic manifestations and level of VA impairment in Lassa fever survivors. Anterior segment findings included cataract (18%) and pterygium (2%), while posterior segment manifestations consisted of glaucoma (6%), preretinal hemorrhage (2%), and lattice degeneration (2%). Findings suggestive of prior sequelae of uveitis included chorioretinal scarring (5%), retinal fibrosis (3%), and vitreous opacity (2%). Visual acuity was normal/mildly impaired in 53 eyes (85%), moderately impaired in 6 eyes (10%), and 3 eyes (5%) were considered blind by the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Median VA was worse in Lassa fever survivors with ophthalmic disease findings (p<0.0001) for both anterior segment (p<0.0001) and posterior segment disease (p<0.013). Untreated cataract was a significant cause of visual acuity impairment (p<0.0001). Lassa fever survivors in this cohort were found to have cataract and posterior segment findings that potentially represent sequelae of uveitis associated with visual impairment. Future studies are warranted to improve our understanding of the spectrum of ocular disease in this emerging infectious disease of public health consequence.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation of Metformin
Hydrochloride by Hexamolybdocobaltate(III) in Acidic Medium
Authors: SAWANT J.D. , PATIL K.K. , GOKAVI G.S.
Published: December 2020

The oxidation of metformin hydrochloride by Anderson-Evans type hexamolybdocobaltate(III) anion was investigated under pseudofirst-
order condition in acidic medium at 298 K. The rate of reaction is accelerated by increase in the concentration of H+ ion. The decrease
in the reaction rate with increase in the concentration of the oxidant [H6CoMo6O24]3- anion and added molybdate ion kinetically indicate
existence of the prior equilibria between various forms of the oxidant. In present study, the oxidant exists in monomers [H6CoMo6O24]3-
anion, [H5CoMo5O20]2- anion and dimer [H4Co2Mo10O38]6- forms between the pH 2 and 1. The active oxidant species is [H5CoMo5O20]2-
anion. Under experimental conditions, the reaction involves direct electron-transfer from metformin center to oxidant anion generating
free radical in rate determining step. The fast hydrolysis of formed free radical in presence of second oxidant molecule leads to formation
of carbonyl imino functional group in the oxidation product. The ionic strength and solvent polarity had no significant effect on the rate
of reaction. FT-IR spectra of metformin and its oxidation product sample were recorded and analyzed. The FT-IR spectra show the change
in frequency of the functional groups of oxidation product than that of the pure MET. The formation of oxidation product was confirmed
by high performance liquid chromatography associated with electron impact mass spectroscopy (LC/EI-MS). Thermodynamic parameters
are evaluated by temperature variation kinetic data and are in support of the proposed mechanism. The probable mechanism is proposed
leading to complicated rate law as a result of involvement of prior equillibria between various forms of the oxidant.
Chemical Modification of Camelina Oil based Unsaturated
Fatty Acid for Renewable Biolubricant Base Stock
Authors: Sharma Neha , Meher Lekha Charan , Chandra Krishna , Kumari Anjali , Bala Madhu
Published: December 2020

A green and eco-friendly method for preparation of oleochemicals from Camelina oil was developed
for possible application for bio-lubricant basestocks, The steps involved are consisting of epoxidation
of Camelina oil based fatty acid followed by further branching with wide range of alcohol such as
2-propanol, n-butanol, isoamyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanol. These products were evaluated with
physico-chemical properties such as acid value, oxirane oxygen content (OOC), hydroxyl value, low
temperature properties, viscosity at 40 and 100 °C, viscosity index and characterized by FTIR, 1H
NMR. The appearance of peak at 824 cm–1 in the FTIR spectra was due to the formation of epoxy
group and broad peak appeared at 3500-3300 cm–1 is for hydrogen bonded O-H stretching vibration of
hydroxy group. The 1H NMR spectra showed a signal at 2.9-3.2 ppm region indicated CH-proton
attached to the oxygen atom of the both epoxy group for epoxidized product, peaks for newly formed
secondary alcohols emerged at 4.25-3.35 in alkoxy derivatives. The Camelina based synthetic product
may find application in biolubricants base stock.
Advanced Dosage Form Design: Role of Modified Natural Gums
Authors: DEVI GAYATRI , KAUR MALKIET , NAGPAL MANJU , SHARMA AMEYA , PURI VIVEK PURI , DHINGRA GITIKA ARORA , ARORA MINAXI
Published: December 2020

Gums are naturally occurring segments in plants, which are cheap and abundant. Natural gums and their derivatives are widely used in a
pharmaceutical dosage form. These natural materials possess several advantages over synthetic ones being chemically inert, non-toxic,
low cost and biodegradable. However, quick degradation in the body, poor mechanical properties and low solubility are few disadvantages.
To overcome these disadvantages, natural gums are modified by applying different chemical modification procedures. The modification
of gums is done via various methods such as changing functional groups of gum, cross-linking with ions, grafting with polymers, sulfation,
phosphorylation and thiolation. Modification of gums results in some superior properties which can be used in drug delivery applications.
For example, change in crystallinity, improved solubility, stability, and improved mechanical properties are of use in development of modified
drug delivery systems. Modified gums help to achieve pH dependent delivery and sustained delivery along with improved release kinetics
of the drug. Current review covers various types of modifications in general and research literature on various medications of different
gums (locust bean gum, cashew gum, moringa gum, xanthan gum, etc.). The modified natural gums and their derivatives can be the
prospective carriers in the controlled drug delivery of drugs.
Structural, Vibrational, Quantum Chemical Calculations, Thermal and Antimicrobial Studies on Sulphate Salt of 3-Nitroaniline
Authors: Thangarasu S. , Siva V. , Bahadur S. Asath , Athimoolam S.
Published: December 2020

In this work, bis(3-nitroanilinium) sulfate (3NASU) has been synthesized and crystallized successfully by solution growth combined with solvent evaporation technique. The studied salt, 3NASU molecular structure has been optimized with density functional theory (DFT) using B3LYP function and Hartree-Fock method with a 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The geometrical parameters of 3NASU have been analyzed. The computed vibrational spectra were compared with experimental result which show appreciable agreement. Thermal stability of the crystal was analyzed with TGA/DTA and the melting points of the salt identified at 210 ºC. HOMO-LUMO energy calculations have shown the charge transfer within the molecule. The possible pharmaceutical/biological activity of the salts confirmed by the frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis have lower band gap value. The antimicrobial activity of grown crystals were tested against certain potentially threatening microbes.
Water Hyacinth Cellulose/Silk Fibroin Composite Films: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Chaosri P. , Siripipatthana P. , Srihanam P.
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to extract cellulose from water hyacinth using as material for preparation of
cellulose/silk fibroin composite films. Using scanning electron microscope (SEM), the native silk
fibroin film has smooth surfaces and homogeneous texture, while the cellulose film has short fiber on
its surface with dense in texture. The composite films have different morphologies depending on types
of polymer used and hierarchical step of film. FTIR analysis showed that the main functional groups
of both cellulose (hydroxyl groups) and silk fibroin (carbonyl and amine groups). The composite
films also found the absorption peaks of the functional groups which confirmed the composite of both
polymers. This results indicated that both polymers had well compatible via bonding formation between
the functional groups. The composite films have the maximum temperature decomposition (Td,max)
slightly higher value than that of native silk fibroin film. This suggested that the interaction between
silk fibroin and cellulose resulted to increase of thermal stability as well as the flexibility of the film.
Relationship of the Esophageal Microbiome and Tissue Gene Expression and Links to the Oral Microbiome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Annavajhala Medini K. , May Michael , Compres Griselda , Freedberg Daniel E. , Graham Roseanna , Stump Stephania , Que Jianwen , Korem Tal , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin , Abrams Julian A.
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Although the microbiome is altered in various esophageal diseases, there is no direct evidence for a link between the oral or esophageal microbiome and underlying esophageal tissue. Here, we aimed to address these gaps through use of an antimicrobial mouth rinse to modify the esophageal microbiome and tissue gene expression.

METHODS:

In this randomized controlled trial, patients scheduled to undergo endoscopy for clinical indications used chlorhexidine mouth rinse or no treatment for 2 weeks before endoscopy. Oral swabs and saliva were collected at baseline and at follow-up, and the esophagus was sampled on the day of endoscopy. The microbiome was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and esophageal tissue gene expression was ascertained by RNA-Seq.

RESULTS:

Twenty subjects were enrolled and included in the analyses. Within individuals, the oral and esophageal microbiome composition was significantly correlated. Chlorhexidine treatment associated with significant alterations to the relative abundance of several esophageal bacterial taxa, and to expression of genes in the esophagus including reductions in periostin, claudin-18, chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL13, and several members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. A taxon in genus Haemophilus in the esophagus also associated with significant changes in tissue gene expression.

DISCUSSION:

The oral and esophageal microbiomes are closely related within individuals, and esophageal microbiome alterations correlate with tissue gene expression changes. The esophageal microbiome may act as an important cofactor that influences pathogenesis and outcomes of diseases such as eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux, and Barrett's esophagus.
THERMAL ANALYSIS OF DRY STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION CASKS CASTOR USING COBRA-SFS
Authors: Ševeček Martin , Valach Mojmír , Lee Chih-Hao
Published: December 2020

State Office for Nuclear Safety is a regulator body in the Czech Republic handling also licensing of storage and transportation casks (SCs) of the spent nuclear fuel (SNF). One of the main concerns for the dry storage of SNF is the safe removal of the residual heat resulting from the decay of fission products, actinides, and activated construction materials. There are many storage systems in use around the world with different storage configuration, fuel designs and boundary conditions that need to be evaluated. Two thermal models of SNF storage casks CASTOR 440/84 and CASTOR 440/84M were developed using the COBRA-SFS code, which is an internationally accepted and validated code used for licensing of dry storage casks and safety evaluation. The casks are in operation at the Nuclear Power Plant Dukovany for dry storage of the WWER-440 SNF. Both models were validated and used for evaluation of several problems in different configuration and particularly for licensing purposes at the SUJB.
Dalla tipografia al banco di lettura: particolarità tipografiche e un insigne lettore nella princeps dei Motti e Facezie del Piovano Arlotto
Authors: Cellai Valerio
Published: December 2020

The Motti e facezie are an important collection of Renaissance Italian short stories, characterized by the presence of a leading actor: Arlotto de’ Mainardi, an historical documented Florentine priest. While the text was a best-seller in the sixteenth century, unfolding in a vast number of editions despite the pressures of Catholic counter-reformation censorship, its print history has been largely neglected even by its most recent scholarly editor. This essay focuses on the likely first philological analysis of the Motti e Facezie del PiovanoArlotto’s princeps, offering a brief summary of the text, its composition and reception histories, its manuscript tradition, and the problematic decision by G. Folena to neglect the print tradition in the preparation of his edition. After laying this contextual groundwork, the essay turns to an analysis of five (of the seven) remaining copies of the editio princeps, showing two different state variants and focusing on one particular copy (Florence, Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, Pal. E.6.6.28) owned and annotated by the important philologist and Florentine refugee in France, Jacopo Corbinelli.
Bibliographical Approaches to D.H. Lawrence’s “Odour of Chrysanthemums”: Archive Fever for the Text-In-Process
Authors: Norris Marcos
Published: December 2020

This article engages with the theoretical concerns of contemporary textual criticism depicted by Jerome McGann, Peter Shillingsburg, and Paul Eggert through a case study of text-critical approaches to D.H. Lawrence’s short story, “Odour of Chrysanthemums”. I argue that text-critical readings of Lawrence’s tale lend themselves to a Derridean critique of archive fever, where the rigorous archivization of the historical text-document can be read as an unsuccessful attempt to unearth the ontological origins of the text-in-process, a univocal chronology of the author’s intentions over time. A Derridean critique of archive fever in Lawrence criticism poses productive questions to the distinctions contemporary textual criticism draws between, first, text and document, and, second, ideal text and the text-in-process. I show that a bibliographical study of the text-in-process — the close tracking of documentary changes over time — does not actually distance textual critics from the false but alluring notion that the document and the author’s intentions exist in a single state. The text-document, as I refer to it throughout, exists in multiple states over the span of its composition history, but the textual critic performs such a rigorous mapping of its documentary changes that the text-document, in its very multiplicity, takes on a singular form as historical or bibliographical narrative, where singularity is based not on the author’s original or final intentions but on a univocal mapping of the author’s intentions over time.
Um experimento didático sobre funções no ensino funda-mental à luz da educação matemática crítica
Authors: Sychocki da Silva Rodrigo , Pinto Shéridan dos Reis
Published: December 2020

Este texto tem como objetivo apresentar e analisar os resultados de uma sequência de atividades, as quais fazem parte de um experimento piloto em um curso de Mestrado em Ensino de Matemática, e que foi utilizado para iniciar o estudo do conteúdo de funções por um grupo de estudantes do oitavo ano do ensino básico. Com este artigo, estabelecemos uma reflexão sobre como o trabalho coletivo entre os estudantes proporciona uma possível criação de conhecimentos matemáticos. Baseamos teoricamente o presente trabalho nas ideias sobre cooperação de Jean Piaget e educação matemática crítica de Ole Skovsmose, já que as atividades exploradas pelos estudantes fizeram emergir discussões coletivas e reflexões sobre a sociedade em que os estudantes vivem. Caracteriza-se o presente estudo com um viés metodológico qualitativo o qual permitiu, a partir das análises feitas nos diálogos entre os estudantes participantes do experimento, observar a título de conclusão, que uma ação coletiva durante a exploração das situações apresentadas e que envolveram o assunto funções, convergiu para uma construção de conhecimentos matemáticos e também contribuiu para uma formação plural dos envolvidos.
Impact of field headlands on wheat and barley performance in a cool Atlantic climate as assessed in 40 Irish tillage fields
Authors: Ward M. , Forristal P.D. , McDonnell K.
Published: December 2020

The reduction in cereal crop yields on field headlands has previously been examined in other geographical regions, with research focusing on the relationship between yield and the distance from the crop edge. Headlands are subject to greater machinery trafficking than the centre of the field and the level of traffic imposed depends on the machine size and adopted turning practice. The aim of this work was to examine the impact of turning headlands on crop performance in a survey of 40 field sites in Irish conditions. The headland was categorised into three distinct zones: the area next to the field edge subject to moderate traffic intensities (field edge); the main headland area of greatest turning traffic (turning) and a transition zone (transition). An in-field zone (in-field) in which no machinery turns occur was also included. The 2-year survey included sites from three regions, four soil texture classes and had crops established with plough-based systems. Crop measurements, including plant densities, shoot counts and light interception, and yields were recorded at each site and included winter barley (WB), spring barley (SB) and winter wheat (WW) crops. The yield response of each crop type varied with sample zone, region and soil texture. There were significant (P < 0.001) yield differences recorded between the turning area and in-field zone for all three crops. Winter barley yields were reduced by 1.3 t/ha in the turning zone compared with the in-field section, while SB and WW had yield reductions of 2.08 and 4.04 t/ha, respectively, between these two field zones.
The BAD-BAX-Caspase-3 Cascade Modulates Synaptic Vesicle Pools via Autophagy
Authors: Gu Qinhua , Jiao Song , Duan Kaizheng , Wang Ya-Xian , Petralia Ronald S. , Li Zheng
Published: December 2020

The BAD-BAX-caspase-3 cascade is a canonical apoptosis pathway. Macroautophagy (“autophagy” hereinafter) is a process by which organelles and aggregated proteins are delivered to lysosomes for degradation. Here, we report a new function of the BAD-BAX-caspase-3 cascade and autophagy in the control of synaptic vesicle pools. We found that, in hippocampal neurons of male mice, the BAD-BAX-caspase-3 pathway regulates autophagy, which in turn limits the size of synaptic vesicle pools and influences the kinetics of activity-induced depletion and recovery of synaptic vesicle pools. Moreover, the caspase-autophagy pathway is engaged by fear conditioning to facilitate associative fear learning and memory. This work identifies a new mechanism for controlling synaptic vesicle pools, and a novel, nonapoptotic, presynaptic function of the BAD-BAX-caspase-3 cascade.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDespite the importance of synaptic vesicles for neurons, little is known about how the size of synaptic vesicle pools is maintained under basal conditions and regulated by neural activity. This study identifies a new mechanism for the control of synaptic vesicle pools, and a new, nonapoptotic function of the BAD-BAX-caspase-3 pathway in presynaptic terminals. Additionally, it indicates that autophagy is not only a homeostatic mechanism to maintain the integrity of cells and tissues, but also a process engaged by neural activity to regulate synaptic vesicle pools for optimal synaptic responses, learning, and memory.
High Salt Intake Recruits Tonic Activation of NR2D Subunit-Containing Extrasynaptic NMDARs in Vasopressin Neurons
Authors: Neupane Chiranjivi , Sharma Ramesh , Pai Yoon Hyung , Lee So Yeong , Jeon Byeong Hwa , Kim Hyun-Woo , Stern Javier E. , Park Jin Bong
Published: December 2020

In addition to producing a classical excitatory postsynaptic current via activation of synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs), glutamate in the brain also induces a tonic NMDAR current (INMDA) via activation of extrasynaptic NMDARs (eNMDARs). However, since Mg2+blocks NMDARs in nondepolarized neurons, the potential contribution of eNMDARs to the overall neuronal excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that chronic (7 d) salt loading (SL) recruited NR2D subunit-containing NMDARs to generate an Mg2+-resistant tonicINMDAin nondepolarized [Vh(holding potential) −70 mV] vasopressin (VP; but not oxytocin) supraoptic nucleus (SON) neurons in male rodents. Conversely, in euhydrated (EU) and 3 d SL mice, Mg2+-resistant tonicINMDAwas not observed. Pharmacological and genetic intervention of NR2D subunits blocked the Mg2+-resistant tonicINMDAin VP neurons under SL conditions, while an NR2B antagonist unveiled Mg2+-sensitive tonicINMDAbut not Mg2+-resistant tonicINMDA. In the EU group VP neurons, an Mg2+-resistant tonicINMDAwas not generated by increased ambient glutamate or treatment with coagonists (e.g.,d-serine and glycine). Chronic SL significantly increased NR2D expression but not NR2B expression in the SON relative to the EU group or after 3 d under SL conditions. Finally, Mg2+-resistant tonicINMDAselectively upregulated neuronal excitability in VP neurons under SL conditions, independent of ionotropic GABAergic input. Our results indicate that the activation of NR2D-containing NMDARs constitutes a novel mechanism that generates an Mg2+-resistant tonicINMDAin nondepolarized VP neurons, thus causing an E/I balance shift in VP neurons to compensate for the hormonal demands imposed by a chronic osmotic challenge.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) consists of two different types of magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) that synthesize and release the following two peptide hormones: vasopressin (VP), which is necessary for regulation of fluid homeostasis; and oxytocin (OT), which plays a major role in lactation and parturition. NMDA receptors (NMDARs) play important roles in shaping neuronal firing patterns and hormone release from the SON MNCs in response to various physiological challenges. Our results show that prolonged (7 d) salt loading generated a Mg2+-resistant tonic NMDA current mediated by NR2D subunit-containing receptors, which efficiently activated nondepolarized VP (but not OT) neurons. Our findings support the hypothesis that NR2D subunit-containing NMDARs play an important adaptive role in adult brain in response to a sustained osmotic challenge.
Purinergic Signaling Controls Spontaneous Activity in the Auditory System throughout Early Development
Authors: Babola Travis A. , Li Sally , Wang Zhirong , Kersbergen Calvin J. , Elgoyhen Ana Belén , Coate Thomas M. , Bergles Dwight E.
Published: December 2020

Spontaneous bursts of electrical activity in the developing auditory system arise within the cochlea before hearing onset and propagate through future sound-processing circuits of the brain to promote maturation of auditory neurons. Studies in isolated cochleae revealed that this intrinsically generated activity is initiated by ATP release from inner supporting cells (ISCs), resulting in activation of purinergic autoreceptors, K+efflux, and subsequent depolarization of inner hair cells. However, it is unknown when this activity emerges or whether different mechanisms induce activity during distinct stages of development. Here we show that spontaneous electrical activity in mouse cochlea from both sexes emerges within ISCs during the late embryonic period, preceding the onset of spontaneous correlated activity in inner hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons, which begins at birth and follows a base to apex developmental gradient. At all developmental ages, pharmacological inhibition of P2Y1 purinergic receptors dramatically reduced spontaneous activity in these three cell types. Moreover,in vivoimaging within the inferior colliculus revealed that auditory neurons within future isofrequency zones exhibit coordinated neural activity at birth. The frequency of these discrete bursts increased progressively during the postnatal prehearing period yet remained dependent on P2RY1. Analysis of mice with disrupted cholinergic signaling in the cochlea indicate that this efferent input modulates, rather than initiates, spontaneous activity before hearing onset. Thus, the auditory system uses a consistent mechanism involving ATP release from ISCs and activation of P2RY1 autoreceptors to elicit coordinated excitation of neurons that will process similar frequencies of sound.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn developing sensory systems, groups of neurons that will process information from similar sensory space exhibit highly correlated electrical activity that is critical for proper maturation and circuit refinement. Defining the period when this activity is present, the mechanisms responsible and the features of this activity are crucial for understanding how spontaneous activity influences circuit development. We show that, from birth to hearing onset, the auditory system relies on a consistent mechanism to elicit correlate firing of neurons that will process similar frequencies of sound. Targeted disruption of this activity will increase our understanding of how these early circuits mature and may provide insight into processes responsible for developmental disorders of the auditory system.
Tumor Necrosis Factor α Receptor Type 1 Activation in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Contributes to Glutamate Signaling and Angiotensin II-Dependent Hypertension
Authors: Woods Clara , Marques-Lopes Jose , Contoreggi Natalina H. , Milner Teresa A. , Pickel Virginia M. , Wang Gang , Glass Michael J.
Published: December 2020

There are significant neurogenic and inflammatory influences on blood pressure, yet the role played by each of these processes in the development of hypertension is unclear. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) has emerged as a critical modulator of blood pressure and neural plasticity; however, the mechanism by which TNFα signaling contributes to the development of hypertension is uncertain. We present evidence that following angiotensin II (AngII) infusion the TNFα type 1 receptor (TNFR1) plays a key role in heightened glutamate signaling in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a key central coordinator of blood pressure control. Fourteen day administration of a slow-pressor dose of AngII in male mice was associated with transcriptional and post-transcriptional (increased plasma membrane affiliation) regulation of TNFR1 in the PVN. Further, TNFR1 was shown to be critical for elevated NMDA-mediated excitatory currents in sympathoexcitatory PVN neurons following AngII infusion. Finally, silencing PVN TNFR1 prevented the increase in systolic blood pressure induced by AngII. These findings indicate that TNFR1 modulates a cellular pathway involving an increase in NMDA-mediated currents in the PVN following AngII infusion, suggesting a mechanism whereby TNFR1 activation contributes to hypertension via heightened hypothalamic glutamate-dependent signaling.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTInflammation is critical for the emergence of hypertension, yet the mechanisms by which inflammatory mediators contribute to this dysfunction are not clearly defined. We show that tumor necrosis factor α receptor 1 (TNFR1) in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN), a critical neuroregulator of cardiovascular function, plays an important role in the development of hypertension in mice. In the PVN, TNFR1 expression and plasma membrane localization are upregulated during hypertension induced by angiotensin II (AngII). Further, TNFR1 activation was essential for NMDA signaling and the heightening NMDA currents during hypertension. Finally, TNFR1 silencing in the PVN inhibits elevated blood pressure induced by AngII. These results point to a critical role for hypothalamic TNFR1 signaling in hypertension.
Pharmacological actions of bacuri butter (Platonia insignis Mart.): an integrative review
Authors: Ribeiro José Francisco , Figueiredo Maria do Livramento Fortes , Carvalho André Luís Menezes , Sousa Neto Benedito Pereira de
Published: December 2020

Objective: to identify the pharmacological activities of bacuri butter (Platonia insignis Mart.). Methods: an integrative review, carried out in the databases of Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS, without the time and language restriction. The selection consisted of 13 pre-clinical trials. The information assessment descriptively took place, comparing with the pertinent findings. Results: it was observed that 50.0% of the publications were indexed in MEDLINE/PubMed, most publications were from England (61.5%), followed by Brazil and the United States, both with 13.3%. It is noteworthy that 100.0% of the articles were pre-clinical trials; pharmacological activities for antioxidants (38.4%) and antileishmanicides (30.7%). It was found that 38.4% of the trials presented toxicity tests. Conclusion: bacuri butter (Platonia insignis Mart.) Showed pharmacological activities in pre-clinical trials, such as antioxidants, antileshimaniasis, anticonvulsant and wound healing.
Instrument about knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women about the hypertensive disease of pregnancy
Authors: Jacob Lia Maristela da Silva , Lopes Maria Helena Baena de Moraes , Shimo Antonieta Keiko Kakuda
Published: December 2020

Objective: to elaborate and validate an instrument to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women regarding the hypertensive disease of pregnancy. Methods: methodological research, to develop and validate an instrument about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women regarding said disease. The stages of the design were: elaboration, content validation, and semantic analysis with the target audience. Results: to elaborate the instrument, the following items were adopted: definition, classification, signs and symptoms, risk factors, consequences, prevention and treatment of the hypertensive disease of pregnancy. The instrument was submitted to a validation by specialists. Its dimensions presented a Content Validity Index of 0.85, 0.89 for pertinence, 0.81 for clarity, and 0.86 for scope. The variable attitudes was below 0.8 in all dimensions. Conclusion: the instrument was considered to be valid and can be used to direct educational interventions, aimed to prevent the disease or its complications from surfacing.
Vulnerabilities perceived by men in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Sousa Anderson Reis de , Santana Thiago da Silva , Carvalho Evanilda Souza de Santana , Mendes Isabel Amélia Costa , Santos Milena Bitencourt , Reis Jean Limeira , Silva Adailson Vieira da , Sousa Álvaro Francisco Lopes
Published: December 2020

Objective: to understand the vulnerabilities perceived by men in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: socio-historical, qualitative study, carried out from the results of online research in all regions of Brazil. The sample consisted of 200 men. The data were processed and analyzed methodologically by the Collective Subject Discourse, supported by the framework of epidemic disease. Results: men perceived the vulnerabilities due to the existence of chronic diseases in them and in the family, the need to maintain a work routine that limits the adoption of social distance, the uncertainties generated by the pandemic, which threatens the maintenance of employment and the professional achievement projects, in addition to the discomfort caused by the interruption of sexual interactions. Conclusion: men’s perceptions of vulnerabilities in the pandemic revolved around health, professionalization, work and sexuality.
Actions carried out in primary health care towards people with mental disorders: an integrative review
Authors: Miranda Priscilla Ingrid Gomes , Amaral Jackeline Vieira , Sales Jaqueline Carvalho e Silva , Silva Júnior Fernando José Guedes da , Costa Ana Paula Cardoso
Published: December 2020

Objective: to synthesize the types of actions developed by the multiprofessional team in the primary health care to people with mental disorders. Methods: integrative review, carried out in the databases Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, via PubMed, Web Of Science, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Base de Dados de Enfermagem, and Índice Bibliográfico Espanhol de Ciências de Saúde. Results: six studies were selected and grouped into the following axes: actions with the use of digital technologies (PyDeSalud.com platform; Partnering to Achieve School Success; Audio computer-assisted self-interview version of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test) and traditional actions (questionnaires during consultation; intervention in stages; support network to stop smoking). Conclusion: evidences show that traditional or digital actions in mental health are necessary to offer an integral care. The multiprofessional team has the tendency to incorporate digital technologies to care for these people.
COVID-19 pandemic: from respect for science to investments in National Health Services
Authors: Abreu Wilson Jorge Correia Pinto de
Published: December 2020

January 2020. The world has woken up to a worrying reality. The city of Wuhan, capital of the province of Hubei, China, was struggling with a new virus with enormous transmission capacity. COVID-19 is a severe respiratory disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2), first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan
Failure Analysis of Glulam Lumber Beam Made from Meranti Lumber Pieces (Shorea SP)
Authors: Murtopo Ali , Jannah Ria Miftakhul , Sabilla Sabilla , Tsaniyah Labibah
Published: December 2020

The development of glue-laminated (glulam) lumber beam gives many good results. Meranti (Shorea SP) is one of the construction lumber that can be used as glulam to optimize its use. The limitation of the glulam lumber beam is the limited length of the lumber, so it must be joined to get a certain length. The lumber available in the market on average has a limited size and cross-sectional length. The larger the cross-sectional size and length of the lumber make the higher the price. Used lumber and residual lumber also have many weaknesses, such as the length of suitable lumber is too short, lumber defects, and lumber damages. Further research needs to be done to optimize the use of new, used, and residual meranti lumber through the use of lumber pieces as a glulam lumber beam maker. Standard specimen and test based on ASTM D-198. Glulam lumber beam is made from pieces of meranti lumber planks of certain length which are arranged into lamina beam with the size of 5.5x9.5x150 cm3. Variations in the length of the pieces of meranti lumber planks for making glulam lumber beam, among others, 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, 50 cm with full length lowest layer and 150 cm (full length). The adhesive used is polyurethane glue. The span between supports is 130 cm. The beam is tested for center point loading. The analysis results show that the joints on the outermost layer that receive tensile stress of the glulam lumber beam can cause weakening in the beam because the tensile strength of the adhesive is weaker than the tensile strength of lumber. Failure at the tensile joint of the outer layer of the beam can trigger a shear failure mode. Design of joints should not be placed on layers that are subject to tensile stresses so as not to trigger shear failure modes so that the strength of the glulam lumber beam can be optimal.