bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Significance of Adipose Tissue Distribution and Metabolic Activity in PET / CT in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: karaçelik tuba , kaya buğra , korkmaz mustafa , karaağaç mustafa , araz murat , eryılmaz Melek karakurt , bozcuk hakan şat , artaç mehmet
Published: September 2021

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to evaluate prognostic significance of adipose tissue distribution and metabolic activity in PET/CT to predict survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).Methods: The volume, density (HU) and FDG uptake (standardized uptake value-[SUV]) of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and maximum FDG uptake of the tumor tissue were measured. Subcutaneous adipose tissue of volume-to-density ratio (SAT ratio) was calculated.Results: The median OS for the patients with SAT ratio value <-1.1 and ≥ -1.1 were 38.5 (95% CI 31.54-45.58) and 24.5 (95% CI 14.13-34.93) months, respectively (p=0.05). During follow up, 69 patients experienced disease progression. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.03 months (95% CI: 9.11-12.95). Median PFS for patients with tumor SUV max value <11.5 and ≥11.5 were 9.2 (95% CI 7.25-11.27) and 12.6 (95% CI 10.02-15.27) months, respectively (p=0.14). 48 patients received bevacizumab therapy. VAT SUV mean (HR: 0.09; 95% CI 0.01-0.52, p=0.008) was significantly associated with PFS in patients receiving bevacizumab. SAT ratio was the significant parameter for the OS (HR: 0.58; 95% CI 0.33-1.01, p=0.05) and PFS (HR: 1.99; 95% CI 1.02-3.91, p=0.043).Conclusions: SAT ratio was an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with mCRC. Higher SAT volume is correlated with longer survival in mCRC patients
How to Predict the Spread of COVID-19
Authors: Dadyan Eduard
Published: September 2021

For analysis tasks, time counts are of interest – values recorded at some, usually equidistant, points in time. The calculation can be performed at various intervals: after a minute, an hour, a day, a week, a month, or a year, depending on how much detail the process should be analyzed. In time series analysis problems, we deal with discrete-time, when each observation of a parameter forms a time frame. The same can be said about the behavior of Covid-19 over time.In this paper, we solve the problem of predicting Covid-19 diseases in the world using neural networks. This approach is useful when it is necessary to overcome difficulties related to non-stationarity, incompleteness, unknown distribution of data, or when statistical methods are not completely satisfactory. The problem of forecasting is solved with the help of the analytical platform Deductor Studio, developed by specialists of the company Intersoft Lab of the Russian Federation. When solving this problem, appropriate methods were used to clean the data from noise and anomalies, which ensured the quality of building a predictive model and obtaining forecast values for tens of days ahead. The principle of time series forecasting was also demonstrated: import, seasonal detection, cleaning, smoothing, building a predictive model, and predicting Covid-19 diseases in the world using neural technologies for 30 days ahead.
Synergy of Single Atoms Pd and Oxygen Vacancies on In2O3 for Highly Selective C1 Oxygenates Production from Methane under Visible Light
Authors: Luo Lei , Fu Lei , Liu Huifen , Xu Youxun , Xing Jialiang , Tang Junwang
Published: September 2021

Methane (CH4) oxidation to high value chemicals under mild conditions through photocatalysis is a sustainable and appealing pathway, nevertheless confronting the critical issues on both conversion and selectivity. Herein, under visible irradiation (420 nm), the synergy of palladium (Pd) atom cocatalyst and oxygen vacancies (OVs) on In2O3 nanorods enabled superior photocatalytic CH4 activation by O2. The optimised catalyst reached ca. 100 µmol·h− 1 of C1 oxygenates, with a selectivity of primary products (CH3OH and CH3OOH) up to 82.5 %. Mechanism investigation elucidated that such superior photocatalysis was induced by the dedicated function of Pd single atoms and oxygen vacancies on boosting hole and electron transfer pathway, respectively. O2 was proven to be the only oxygen source for CH3OH production, while H2O acted as the promoter for efficient CH4 activation through ·OH production and facilitated product desorption as indicated by DFT modelling. This work thus provides new understandings on simultaneous regulation of activity and selectivity by the significant synergy of single atom cocatalysts and oxygen vacancies.
Development of a Chemical-free Floatation Technology for the Purification of Vein Graphite and Characterization of the Products
Authors: Kumara Gamaralalage R. A. , Pitawala Herath Mudiyanselage G. T. A. , Karunarathne Buddika , Mantilaka Mantilaka Mudiyanselage M. G. P. G. , Rajapakse Rajapakse Mudiyanselage G. , Huang Hsin-Hui , De Silva K. Kanishka H. , Yoshimura Masamichi
Published: September 2021

A novel and simple flotation technique has been developed to prepare high-purity graphite from impure graphite. In this method, a suspension of powdered graphite (PG) is dispersed and stirred in water without adding froth formers or supportive chemicals. This makes fine particles of graphite to move upwards and float on water. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals that the floated graphite (FG) has a lower c-axis parameter, indicating the removal of interlayer impurities. A notable increase in the intensity ratio of the D band to G band in the Raman spectra indicates that the FG has more edge defects due to their smaller crystallite sizes. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis shows the number of layers in FG has been reduced to 16 from 68 in PG. The absence of C = O vibration of Fourier Transformed Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy in treated and untreated samples suggests that layers of them are not significantly oxidized. However, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis shows the presence of C-O-C ether functionalities, possibly on edge planes. Further, the product has higher purity with increased carbon content. Therefore, the technique is useful in the value enhancement of graphite, the reduction of the chemical cost of the conventional techniques, environmental friendliness, and improvement of its applications.
Aortic knob diameter in chest radiographs of healthy adults in Uganda.
Authors: Magera Steven , Sereke Senai Goitom , Okello Emmy , Ameda Faith , Erem Geoffrey
Published: September 2021

Background
The burden of cardiovascular diseases, such as aortic and degenerative diseases grows in the aging population. Chest radiograph still plays an important role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Aortic knob diameter in chest radiographs can be used to evaluate early changes of the aortic structure and together with clinical and laboratory findings. This study was aimed at determining the mean values of aortic knob diameter among healthy adults in Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in three selected hospitals in Kampala Uganda. All participants had normal chest radiographs without radiological evidence of cardiovascular disease. Chest radiograph findings extracted included aortic knob diameter, aortic arch diameter, transverse heart diameter and transverse thoracic diameter. All films were independently examined by two experienced radiologists.
Results
We analyzed chest radiograph findings of 294 participants, of which 204 (69.4%) were male. Aortic knob diameter increased with age (p – 0.000). The mean aortic knob diameter of males was higher than for females (3.14±0.34cm versus 2.77±0.37cm, p – 0.000). The mean aortic knob diameter on the digital screen were higher than plain films (3.03±0.393cm versus 2.96±0.392cm, p – 0.000). Aortic knob diameter positively correlated with age (p – 0.000) and aortic arch diameter (p – 0.000). Aortic knob diameter also correlated positively with transverse thoracic diameter (p – 0.05), transverse heart diameter (p – 0.05) and cardiothoracic ratios (p – 0.05).
Conclusion
The aortic knob diameter was higher in males and there was a positive correlation with age, aortic arch diameter, transverse heart diameter and transverse thoracic diameter. Aortic knob diameter measurements should be done on digital screen than printed x ray films.
Nicotine has a therapeutic window of effectiveness in a Drosophila melanogaster model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Mannett Brady S. , Capt Braden , Pearman Krista , Buhlman Lori M. , VandenBrooks John M. , Call Gerald B.
Published: September 2021

Strong epidemiological evidence and studies in models of Parkinson’s disease (PD) suggest that nicotine may be therapeutically beneficial in PD patients. However, a number of clinical trials utilizing nicotine in PD patients have had mixed results, indicating that either nicotine is not beneficial in PD patients, or an important aspect of nicotine therapy was absent. Here we show that continuous early nicotine administration improves both climbing and flight deficiencies present in homozygous park25 mutant PD model Drosophila melanogaster. Using a new climbing assay, we identify several climbing deficiencies in this PD model that are improved or rescued by nicotine treatment. Amongst these benefits, it appears that nicotine improves the ability of the park25 flies to descend the climbing vial by being able to climb down more. Importantly, we show that in order for nicotine benefits on climbing and flight to happen, nicotine administration must occur in a discrete time frame following adult fly eclosure: within one day for climbing or five days for flight. This therapeutic window of nicotine administration may help to explain its lack of efficacy in human clinical trials, suggesting a need to test earlier nicotine therapy in PD patients.
Extracellular vesicles isolated from dsRNA sprayed barley plants exhibit no growth inhibition or gene silencing in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Schlemmer Timo , Lischka Richard , Biedenkopf Dagmar , Koch Aline
Published: September 2021

Incorporating a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-expressing transgene into plants or applying dsRNA by spraying it onto plant leaves successfully protects plants against invading pathogens with RNA interference (RNAi). How dsRNAs or siRNAs are transferred between donor host cells and recipient fungal cells is largely unknown It is speculated that plant extracellular vesicles (EVs) function as RNA shuttles between plants and their interacting pathogens. Recently, we found that EVs isolated from HIGS or SIGS plants contained dsRNA-derived siRNAs. In this study, we evaluated whether isolated EVs from RNA-sprayed barley ( Hordeum vulgare ) plants affected the growth of the phytopathogenic ascomycete Fusarium graminearum ( Fg ). Encouraged by our previous finding that dropping barley-derived EVs on Fg cultures caused fungal stress phenotypes, we conducted an in vitro growth experiment in microtiter plates where we co-cultivated Fg with plant EVs isolated from dsRNA-sprayed barley leaves. We observed that co-cultivation of Fg macroconidia with barley EVs did not affect fungal growth. Furthermore, plant EVs containing SIGS-derived siRNA appeared not to affect Fg growth and showed no gene silencing activity on FgCYP51 genes. We conclude that either the amount of spray-derived sRNA was insufficient to induce target gene silencing (SIGS) in Fg or Fg uptake of plant EVs from liquid cultures was inefficient or impossible.
»Wir schlafen auf dem Feld. Dort ist es bitterkalt.«
Authors: Siewert Sandra
Published: September 2021

Artikelbeginn:[English title and abstract below]
Dass im Sachbuch allgemein und im bebilderten Sachbuch für Kinder im Speziellen mittlerweile verschiedene Formen der Informationsvermittlung existieren, bei denen einerseits die Erzählung, und andererseits die Sache selbst im Vordergrund stehen können, spiegelt sich unter anderem in Begriffen wie Sachbilderbuch, Erzählsachbuch oder Informationssachbuch (vgl. Ossowski 2000, S. 673) wider. Diese Begriffe legen offen, dass Sachbücher mittlerweile verschiedene Akzentuierungen der Kombination erzählender und informierender und daraus folgend fiktionaler und faktualer Narrationselemente aufweisen, denen die dem Sachbuch unterstellte Dichotomie dieser beiden Aspekte (vgl. Hussong 1984, S. 71) nicht gerecht wird.
»We Sleep in the Field. It is Bitterly Cold There.«Emotional Approaches to Extralinguistic Reality as a Result of Factual and Fictional Narration in Nonfiction Picture Books
The nonfiction picture book for children has long since ceased to be a source of exclusively factual information. In recent times, fictional narrative elements have often been used to convey the conditions of extralinguistic reality. These fictional narrative elements differ from the factual ones not only in their design but also in how they are received. Due to different modes of fictional representation, recipients take an interest in the fate of the characters within the framework of make-believe, and their empathy can ultimately result in understanding of others. This article presents the thesis that the combination of factual and fictional narrative elements in the nonfiction picture book Alle da! Unser kunterbuntes Leben results in a heightened access to the perception of extralinguistic reality. The book deals with topics such as otherness, migration and cultural diversity in both factual and narrative ways by combining different forms of representation. The inclusion of fictional narrative strategies, such as the establishment of child characters and the representation of their consciousness, increases the emotional participation in what is being read and expands the young recipients’ perception of extralinguistic reality.
Alles Fake, reine Konstruktion. Oder?
Authors: Bieker Nadine
Published: September 2021

Artikelbeginn:[English title and abstract below]
Im Strukturalismus wird Literatur verstanden als ein sekundäres modellbildendes System (vgl. Titzmann 1977, S. 69). Sekundär bedeutet, dass Literatur ein neues zeichentheoretisches System konstituiert, in dem die Signifikate der normalsprachlichen Zeichen eine neue Bedeutung bekommen; der Text erschafft folglich das Modell einer Welt und entspricht demnach nicht nur nicht der Realität, sondern soll es auch erst gar nicht (vgl. ebd., S. 65– 85). Dieses erschaffene Modell einer Welt meint das, was im Folgenden als Konstruktion bezeichnet wird. Was geschieht jedoch, wenn nicht einmal auszumachen ist, ob dem, was in der erzählten Welt geschieht, ein diegetischer Wahrheitsgehalt zugesprochen werden kann oder nicht? Und wie wird diese Unsicherheit narrativ erzeugt?
It’s All a Fake, Pure Construction. Or is it?Narrative Uncertainty in Tamara Bach’s Marienbilder
On its cover, Tamara Bach’s Marienbilder (2014) is described as »a novel in five possibilities. «Thus, from the outset, the paratext indicates the constructed quality of the plot and refuses to give any clear interpretation. This article will explore how the ontological uncertainty that permeates the entire novel is narratively constructed. To demonstrate this, special focus is placed on the beginning and the end of the narrative. A specific characteristic of Marienbilder is that the beginning and the end appear to be almost identi­cal. However, in the end, the novel breaches both content-related and literary boundaries in that the narrator negates her own existence and can thus no longer function as narrator. This analysis illustrates how uncertainty is created not only at the level of histoire but also at the level of discours, above all through its occasionally incongruent interplay. Fricke’s definition of function (1997) and the parameters of classical narra­tive text analysis are particularly relevant for the analysis of Marienbilder. By revealing the narrative structures, it is ultimately possible to recognise the specific aesthetics of the novel precisely because the only ›fact‹ in this fictional text is that in the narrated world, just as in the ›real‹ world, appearance rather than being, and fake rather than fact, dominate.
»Mehr als das« – ein programmatischer Titel auch in gattungstheoretischer Hinsicht
Authors: Leiß Judith
Published: September 2021

Artikelbeginn:[English title and abstract below]
Dieses Buch ist so Mindfuck. [...] [D]ieses Buch lebt davon, dass man keinen Plan hat. Dass man, genau wie der Protagonist, keine Ahnung hat, was da eigentlich abgeht. [...] Wie der Protagonist hinterfragt man das, was man kennt, denkt sich zwischendurch »wtf« und ist sich einschließlich des Endes nie so ganz sicher, was jetzt eigentlich Sache ist. (Weltentraeumerin 2019)
Dieses Urteil der LovelyBooks-Rezensentin Weltentraeumerin über Patrick Ness’ Mehr als das (engl. EA More Than This) ist insofern repräsentativ, als fast alle der etwas ausführlicheren Rezensionen auf der Plattform hervorheben, dass die Lektüre dieses Buches mehr Fragen aufwirft als sie beantwortet.
 
Patrick Ness’s More Than ThisA Hybrid of Postmodern Utopia and Adolescent Novel
The novel More Than This (2013) by Patrick Ness is an enthralling but potentially disconcerting text; the construction principle of which seems to be deliberate confusion. It tells the story of 16-year-old Seth who drowns in the first chapter of the book and then finds himself in a desolate, abandoned place, wondering whether he is still alive or in some version of hell – or somewhere in between – and dreaming his last dream in the moment of death. Or might Seth have woken up from what could be called a collective dream, a virtual reality that has become the safe haven for humanity after the physical world has become uninhabitable? Neither the protagonist nor the reader is given a conclusive answer. This article addresses the literary strategies that are deployed in the novel to create this plurality of possible readings. Specific attention is paid to the way in which structural elements of the utopian novel and the adolescent novel are combined and hybridised. Drawing on the concept of heterotopia as a postmodern utopian subgenre, it is argued that More Than This can be read as an aesthetic realisation of a post-modern frame of mind, generating what Jean-François Lyotard calls the differend, and thereby offering readers the opportunity to consciously endure radical plurality.
Assessment of Human Walking Parameters with Two Accelerometers
Authors:   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Kataev M. Yu. , Kataeva N. G. ,   Siberian State Medical University, Chernov R. A. ,   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR)
Published: September 2021

Movement is an integral part of a human activity. Maintaining human’s health or doing sports, for example, requires an accurate assessment of a person's physical activity, and especially the way the person moves (gait). The natural age-related changes or diseases cause a disfunction of the musculoskeletal system, and limits human movement. Traditionally, the medical diagnostics consists in examination of a person in a static position or with a minimum level of movement. This article proposes a solution to the problem of assessing the parameters of a person's walking using several accelerometers fixed on the human body. This solution allows obtaining correct data on a human limb movement in time and space. The authors believe that this approach can be used to diagnose the state of the human musculoskeletal system
Application Areas for Blockchain Systems
Authors:   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Vladimirov M. V.
Published: September 2021

This article presents an analysis of the possibilities of using Blockchain technology within the framework of programs for the digitalization of the economy and the development of the educational sector. Three main areas of blockchain use are highlighted: cryptocurrencies, tracking the uniqueness of items, and smart contracts. A classification of blockchainbased systems is also proposed, dividing systems by volume. The modern methods of using this technology for the implementation of various tasks at the level of particular companies, countries and the world are considered, and a promising solution is proposed in accordance with modern trends and directions of development. The problems related to the implementation of blockchain systems are also suggeste
SIGNIFICADOS Y PRÁCTICAS DOCENTES EN TORNO A LA EQUIDAD EN AULAS NORMALISTAS
Authors: Loza Jiménez María Guadalupe , Gaeta González Martha Leticia
Published: September 2021

La equidad en educación hace referencia a la capacidad de considerar la situación desigual de los alumnos y sus familias, de las comunidades y de las escuelas, así como de ofrecer apoyos especiales a quienes lo requieran, de tal forma que los objetivos educativos se alcancen por el mayor número de estudiantes. Uno de los principales impulsores de la equidad educativa son los docentes, por lo que es fundamental fortalecer la formación que les permita comprender la diversidad de alumnos y, llegado el caso, también a sus familias. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo describir los significados y las prácticas de profesores normalistas sobre la equidad, en la formación docente. La fundamentación teórica parte de la conceptualización de equidad en la Ética Nicomáquea de Aristóteles y se vincula con un ejercicio necesario en la educación actual. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo que, desde la investigación-acción, recoge el pensamiento de un grupo de once profesores de tiempo completo, integrantes de cuerpos académicos de una Escuela Normal del Estado de Puebla, México. A partir de una entrevista semiestructurada, los datos nos dejan ver que en su mayoría los profesores conocen el significado y asumen conductas para propiciar la equidad en el aula, aunque se requieren acciones concretas en colegiado para una práctica habitual de las mismas, que favorezca un desarrollo integral de los docentes en formación.
LA DOCENCIA UNIVERSITARIA ANTE EL PROCESO DE BOLONIA
Authors: Naval Durán Concepción , Sobrino Morras Ángel , Pérez Sancho Carlota
Published: September 2021

El compromiso político de construir un espacio europeo de educación superior (EEES) - adoptado formalmente en la Declaración de Bolonia, 1999- sumerge a la Universidad europea en un complejo proceso de reestructuración a fin de armonizar -no unificar- las estructuras de educación superopr europeas antes del año 2010.
REPENSAR LA FAMILIA
Authors: Ruiz S. Román José A.
Published: September 2021

José Pérez Adán, Ediciones Internacionales Universitarias, Madrid 2005
Adaptive method for the solution of 1D and 2D advection–diffusion equations used in environmental engineering
Authors: Szymkiewicz Romuald , Gąsiorowski Dariusz
Published: September 2021

The paper concerns the numerical solution of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) advection–diffusion equations. For the numerical solution of the 1D advection–diffusion equation, a method, originally proposed for the solution of the 1D pure advection equation, has been developed. A modified equation analysis carried out for the proposed method allowed increasing of the resulting solution accuracy and, consequently, to reduce the numerical dissipation and dispersion. This is achieved by proper choice of the involved weighting parameter being a function of the Courant number and the diffusive number. The method is adaptive because for uniform grid point and for uniform flow velocity, the weighting parameter takes a constant value, whereas for non-uniform grid and for varying flow velocity, its value varies in the region of solution. For the solution of the 2D transport equation, the dimensional decomposition in the form of Strang splitting technique is used. Consequently, this equation is reduced to a series of the 1D equations with regard to x- and y-directions which next are solved using the aforementioned method. The results of computational experiments compared with the exact solutions confirmed that the proposed approaches ensure high solution accuracy of the transport equations.
Prediction of longitudinal and transverse profiles of pressure flushing cones using artificial intelligence and data pre-processing
Authors: Daryaee Mehdi , Ahmadi Farshad , Peykani Peyman , Zayeri Mohammadreza
Published: September 2021

One of the most critical issues in dam reservoir management is the determination of sediment level after flushing operation. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods have recently been considered in this context. The present study adopts four AI approaches, including the Feed-Forward Neural Network (FFNN), Cascade Feed-Forward Neural Network (CFFNN), Gene Expression Programming (GEP), and Bayesian Networks (BNs). Experimental data were exploited to train and test the models. The results revealed that the models were able to estimate the post-flushing sediment level accurately. FFNN outperformed the other models. Furthermore, the importance of model inputs was determined using the τ-Kendall (τ–k), Random Forest (RF), and Shannon Entropy (SE) pre-processing methods. The initial level of sediment was found to be the most important input, while the orifice output flow rate was observed to have the lowest importance in modeling. Finally, inputs of higher weights were introduced to the FFNN model (as the best predictive model), and the analysis of the results indicated that the exclusion of less important input variables would have no significant impact on model performance.
Facile synthesis of ZnO/CuO/Ag2O ternary metal oxide nanocomposite for effective photodegradation of organic water pollutants
Authors: Meena Parmeshwar Lal , Poswal Krishna , Surela Ajay Kumar , Saini Jitendra Kumar
Published: September 2021

The current study is focused on fabrication of a ternary metal oxide nanocomposite (ZnO/CuO/Ag2O) as an efficient and superior photocatalyst by step-wise implanting of p-type CuO and Ag2O semiconductors onto an n-type semiconductor (ZnO) via a chemical method. The structural and textural characteristics of the manufactured samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy combined with electron dispersive spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS) and UV–visible spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performance of the fabricated ternary nanocomposite was tested against the photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet (CV) and rhodamine B (RhB) organic dyes under solar light irradiation. The ternary nanocomposite demonstrated about 99.05% and 97.38% degradation efficiency toward CV and RhB dyes under solar light irradiation in a time period of 105 min. The calculated rate constants (k, min−1) for degradation under solar light over the ZnO/CuO/Ag2O nanocomposite were 4.26 and 3.61 times higher than the k value obtained over ZnO nanoparticles for CV and RhB dyes, respectively. The main reactive species taking part in the photodegradation processes were •OH and •O2− over ZnO/CuO/Ag2O photocatalysts under solar light illumination. Furthermore, the recycle experiments confirmed good reusability and photo-stability of the ZnO/CuO/Ag2O ternary nanocomposite.
Phycoremediation of pollutants from secondary treated coke-oven wastewater using poultry litter as nutrient source: a cost-effective polishing technique
Authors: Rai Abhilasha , Sen Aniket , Sarkar Biswajit , Chakrabarty Jitamanyu , Mondal Bikash Kumar , Dutta Susmita
Published: September 2021

This article focuses on the phycoremediation of pollutants from secondary treated coke-oven effluent through a green and economical route. A microalgal sample was collected and identified as a consortium of Chlorella sp. and Synechococcus sp. The culture cost was reduced by using poultry litter extract as supplementary material to BG-11 medium. Since the major pollutants present in real secondary treated coke-oven wastewater are phenol, ammoniacal-N (NH4+) and cyanide, several matrices were designed with these three major pollutants by varying their initial concentrations such as phenol (2–10 mg/L), cyanide (0.3–1 mg/L) and NH4+ (100–200 mg/L), termed as simulated secondary treated coke-oven wastewater. Maximum removal was observed with individual solutions of phenol (4 mg/L), cyanide (0.6 mg/L) and NH4+ (175 mg/L), while maximum removal in simulated secondary treated coke-oven wastewater was observed at higher concentrations of phenol (8 mg/L) and cyanide (0.8 mg/L) and the same concentration of NH4+ (175 mg/L). A consortium was found effective to meet statutory limits of pollutants. Kinetic model was developed for predicting growth of consortium and observed that the poultry litter extract-enriched BG-11 medium showed higher values of maximum specific growth rate (0.56 per day) and carrying capacity (1,330 mg/L) than that in BG-11 medium only.
Condemnation of pork carcasses by cannibalism in slaughterhouse from Northern Mesoregion Mato-grossense, Brazil
Authors: Souza Leonardo Brizeno de , Manske Guilherme Augusto , Dantas Filho Jerônimo Vieira , Cavali Jucilene , Dias Ademilson de Assis , Gasparotto Paulo Henrique Gilio
Published: September 2021

Among the disturbances resulting from stress is cannibalism, in the confinement of swines, it is caused by suffering environmental disturbances. Therefore, the aimed of this study was to analyze the rates of condemnation of swine carcasses for cannibalism in the period from January to April 2020 in a slaughterhouse located in the Northern Mesoregion Mato-grossense - Brazil. Data were conducted using ANOVA and Tukey Test (α=0.05). The study of proportions was also carried out as a statistical basis to calculate the percentage of destinations and the total amount of condemned swine carcasses. The averages of the condemned, released and used carcasses show a statistical difference (p<0.05) between the months studied. The monthly averages were 112.25 condemned carcasses (64.25 released, 35 used conditionally and 13 destined for rendering). In the total of carcasses condemned for cannibalism, there were values of 57.28% for release, 31.18% for conditional use and 11.58% for rendering, with a higher incidence in March. The incidence of cannibalism can be considered low in relation to the number of animals slaughtered in a four-month period. However, the economic impact must be taken into account, because the loss due to total conviction and conditional use cause significant financial losses. In addition, uncomfortable production environments have factors closely related to cannibalism, being difficult to control after the outbreak begins. Therefore, the incidence of cannibalism can influence the final carcass yield of swines slaughtered in the finishing phase.
MiR-218-5p Mediates Myocardial Fibrosis after Myocardial Infarction by Targeting CX43
Authors: Sun Bing , Zhao Cuimei , Mao Yu
Published: September 2021

Background:

Myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI) has been considered a core factor
in the deterioration of cardiac function. Previous studies have shown that miRNA plays an important role in
various pathophysiological processes of the heart. However, the role of miRNA in myocardial fibrosis regulation
after MI remains unclear. In the present study, we documented that miR-218-5p was significantly decreased
in myocardial fibroblasts after MI.

Methods:

The miRNA expression profiles of MI were downloaded from GEO Datasets. The expression of a
fibrosis-related gene in vivo and in vitro was analyzed by RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical
staining.

Results:

Total 7 up- and 9 downregulated common miRNAs were found in the two profiles. Among these
common genes, miR-218-5p was downregulated in the MI mice. MiR-218-5p mediated the myocardial fibrosis
in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that GJA1 (CX43) may be the target of miR218-5p, and overexpressed
CX43 can partly block the function of miR-218-5p in fibrosis inhibition.

Conclusion:

Our results suggested that miR-218-5p plays an important role in myocardial fibrosis after MI by
targeting CX43. Thus, miR-218-5p promises to be a potential diagnosis and treatment of myocardial fibrosis
after MI.
Electrosprayed Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Malik Sairish , Subramanian Sundarrajan , Hussain Tanveer , Nazir Ahsan , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: September 2021

Background:

Nanotechnology is a tool being used intensely in the area of drug delivery systems in
the biomedical field. Electrospraying is one of the nanotechnological methods, which is growing due to its importance
in the development of nanoparticles comprising bioactive compounds. It is helpful in improving the
efficacy, reducing side effects of active drug elements, and is useful in targeted drug delivery. When compared
to other conventional methods like nanoprecipitation, emulsion diffusion, and double emulsification, electrospraying
offers better advantages to produce micro/nanoparticles due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and
single-step process.

Objective:

The aim of this paper is to highlight the use of electrosprayed nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

Methods:

We conducted a literature review on the usage of natural and synthetic materials to produce nanoparticles,
which can be used as a drug delivery system for medical purposes.

Results:

We summarized a possible key role of electrosprayed nanoparticles in different therapeutic applications
(tissue regeneration, cancer).

Conclusion:

The modest literature production denotes that further investigation is needed to assess and validate
the promising role of drug-loaded nanoparticles through the electrospraying process as noninvasive materials in
the biomedical field.
Effects of Urtica dioica on Metabolic Profiles in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Kolahi Ali-Asghar , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Tabrizi Reza , Sekhavati Eghbal , Nowrouzi-Sohrabi Peyman , Rezaei Shahla , Tabari Parinaz , Ghoran Salar Hafez , Jamali Navid , Jalali Mohammad , Moosavi Mahsa , Bettampadi Deepti , Safiri Saeid
Published: September 2021

Background:

Several studies have investigated the effect of Urtica dioica (UD) consumption on metabolic profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, the findings are inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials were performed to summarize the evidence of the effects of UD consumption on metabolic profiles in patients with T2DM.

Methods:

Eligible studies were retrieved from searches of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases until December 2019. Cochran (Q) and I-square statistics were used to examine heterogeneity across included clinical trials. Data were pooled using a fixed-effect or random-effects model and expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:

Among 1485 citations, thirteen clinical trials were found to be eligible for the current metaanalysis. UD consumption significantly decreased levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD = - 17.17 mg/dl, 95% CI: -26.60, -7.73, I2 = 93.2%), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (WMD = -0.93, 95% CI: - 1.66, -0.17, I2 = 75.0%), C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD = -1.09 mg/dl, 95% CI: -1.64, -0.53, I2 = 0.0%), triglycerides (WMD = -26.94 mg/dl, 95 % CI = [-52.07, -1.82], P = 0.03, I2 = 90.0%), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD = -5.03 mmHg, 95% CI = -8.15, -1.91, I2 = 0.0%) in comparison to the control groups. UD consumption did not significantly change serum levels of insulin (WMD = 1.07 μU/ml, 95% CI: -1.59, 3.73, I2 = 63.5%), total-cholesterol (WMD = -6.39 mg/dl, 95% CI: -13.84, 1.05, I2 = 0.0%), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD = -1.30 mg/dl, 95% CI: -9.95, 7.35, I2 = 66.1%), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD = 6.95 mg/dl, 95% CI: -0.14, 14.03, I2 = 95.4%), body max index (BMI) (WMD = -0.16 kg/m2, 95% CI: -1.77, 1.44, I2 = 0.0%), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD = -1.35 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.86, 0.17, I2= 0.0%) among patients with T2DM.

Conclusion:

UD consumption may result in an improvement in levels of FBS, HbA1c, CRP, triglycerides, and SBP, but did not affect levels of insulin, total-, LDL-, and HDL-cholesterol, BMI, and DBP in patients with T2DM.
Analytical Methods for the Quantification of Cisplatin, Carboplatin, and Oxaliplatin in Various Matrices over the Last Two Decades
Authors: Hrichi Hajer , Kouki Noura , Tar Haja
Published: September 2021

Background:

Platinum derivatives, including cisplatin and its later generations carboplatin, and oxaliplatin remain the most largely used drugs in the therapy of malignant diseases. They exert notable anticancer activity towards numerous types of solid tumors such as gastric, colorectal, bladder, ovary, and several others. The chemotherapeutic activity of these compounds, however, is associated with many unwanted side effects and drug resistance problems, limiting their application and effectiveness. Proper dosage is still an inherent problem, as these drugs are usually prescribed in small doses.

Objective:

Several analytical methods have been reported for the accurate quantification of cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin and their metabolites either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs, in different matrices, such as pharmaceutical formulations, biological fluids, cancer cells, and environmental samples. The main goal of this review is to systematically study the analytical methods already used for the analysis of cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin in various matrices during the last two decades.

Results and Conclusion:

In the literature, reviews showed that numerous analytical methods, such as electroanalytical, UV-visible spectrophotometry, chromatographic, fluorescence, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and other spectroscopic methods combined with mass spectrometry were used for the determination of these compounds in various matrices.
Complications after Spinal Surgery in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sapkas George , Ampadiotaki Margarita-Michaela , Pallis Dimitrios , Papadakis Michael , Halikiopoulos Spyridon-Augoustinos , Papadakis Stamatios
Published: September 2021

Background:

Several studies have shown that spinal surgeries in patients who suffer from Parkinson’s Disease have a high rate of complications. These patients often need revision surgery.

Objective:

This is a retrospective study involving 21 patients with Parkinson’s Disease. This study aimed to examine the complications after spinal surgery.

Methods:

We studied 21 patients with Parkinson’s Disease retrospectively, who had undergone a previous operation by the same surgeon between 2004 to 2019. There were 11 females and 10 males. The mean age was 71.9 years (range, 52 to 85). However, the initial diagnosis and types of surgery were different. The mean time of follow-up for each patient was 3.6 years (ranging from 2 to 8 years).

Results:

Most of the patients had a post-operative complication within a period of three years. Τhe most common complication was kyphotic deformity and camptocormia. Twelve patients (57.1%) underwent revision surgery, and three patients (14.2%) denied treatment. In four patients (19.04%), kyphotic deformity or stooped posture remained. Only one patient (4.7%) presented with no complication in a follow-up of 8 years.

Conclusion:

Patients with Parkinson’s disease have a high rate of complications after spinal surgery and often need revision surgery. For this literature review, the overall number of patients was 502, and the mean revision rate was 43.6%. The surgeon must inform patients of possible complications, and a thorough post-operative observation must be implemented.
The effects of therapeutic group singing on voice, cough and quality of life in parkinson’s disease
Authors: Brooks Cecilia , Porter Danielle , Furnas Daniel , Wingate Judith Maige
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To examine the effect of a group therapeutic singing intervention on voice, cough, and quality of life in persons with Parkinson Disease (PD) in a community-based outpatient setting using a repeated measures design.Methods: 19 volunteer participants with PD completed the study. Ten participants participated in the intervention and nine served voluntarily as controls. Participants completed one hour group singing sessions over 12 weeks led by a music therapist. Sessions consisted of 30 min of high intensity vocal exercise and 15 to 20 minutes of group singing. Data on phonation, speech, cough, and quality of life were collected pre-intervention and one week post intervention with final data collection 12 weeks post-intervention.Results: No significant change in voice measures although 50% of participants showed improvement. A main effect was found for breathiness (p=0.023), appropriate pitch level (p=0.037) and speaking rate (p=0.009). No main effect for cough but pairwise comparisons were nearly significant pre to post intervention (p=0.053) and pre-intervention to final follow up (p=0.023). No main effect found for QOL but singing participants demonstrated better QOL scores than controls.Conclusions: Results from this small sample suggest that there are some speech benefits from singing intervention as well as potential improvement in cough for airway clearance. Additional study is needed to confirm these results.
Sigle-center, observational, prospective study describing same-day discharge implementation for uncomplicated elective percutaneous coronary intervention by radial approach: Study protocol
Authors: Aquino Giovanna Silveira Lacerda de Mesquita , Botelho Júlia Braga , Matsuda Camila Naomi , Silva Marcilene Aparecida da , Janella Bruno Laurenti
Published: September 2021

Objectives: The study's primary objective will be to evaluate the safety and describe the initial experience of implementing early discharge (on the same day) of coronary patients from the Unified Health System undergoing elective, uncomplicated, transradial percutaneous coronary intervention. The secondary objective will be to assess the impact on the direct cost per patient compared to previously known data from the classic hospital stay used (hospital overnight). Methods: Observational and prospective study of patients undergoing elective uncomplicated transradial percutaneous coronary intervention with early discharge, respecting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Follow-up of patients will be carried out to prove the safety of the new strategy in the population of the Unified Health System and to compare the direct costs between overnight stays and discharge on the same day. This will be the first study dedicated to primarily evaluating the safety of early discharge after elective uncomplicated transradial coronary angioplasty, validating this protocol in the population of the Brazilian public health system.
O Programa Mulheres Mil no Campus Canguaretama do IFRN
Authors: Quirino Gisele Dias , Avelino Aldo de Lima Neto
Published: September 2021

O Programa Mulheres Mil é uma política pública nacional cujo escopo consiste na formação profissional de mulheres em situação de vulnerabilidade social. O presente artigo constitui-se em um estudo de caso com o objetivo de identificar o perfil socioeconômico das candidatas inscritas nos cursos do PMM do Campus Canguaretama do Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN) nos anos 2016 a 2019. O texto pretende apresentar o contexto histórico de formação e consolidação do PMM; compreender sua relação enquanto política pública e a EJA no contexto da Educação Profissional; e, por fim, refletir introdutoriamente acerca das relações entre gênero e vulnerabilidade, a partir do perfil das estudantes. Os resultados demonstraram que o Programa atende, majoritariamente, mulheres advindas de áreas rurais, entre 20 a 34 anos de idade, casadas ou solteiras com filhos, com renda familiar de até 01 (um) salário-mínimo, sendo que muitas recebem benefício social, como única renda. Em comparação com outros estudos, concluímos que as estudantes são marcadas pelas consequências da divisão sexual do trabalho e de uma política ineficaz para a Educação de Jovens e Adultos.
Rodas de leitura na educação infantil
Authors: Perrusi Alves Brandão Ana Carolina , Da Rocha Bezerra Ana Raquel , Pereira da Silva Jane Rafaela
Published: September 2021

O estudo analisa a mediação da leitura e conversa sobre textos literários, identificando que aspectos dessa mediação poderiam contribuir para a formação de “leitores pensantes” (CHAMBERS, 2011) e que, ativamente, buscam construir sentidos. Para isso três rodas de história conduzidas com crianças entre 4-5 anos por três professoras de instituições públicas do Recife foram videogravadas e transcritas. Os livros de literatura selecionados pelas professoras também foram analisados, indicando-se as “oportunidades” oferecidas pelos textos e ilustrações para engajar as crianças na atividade de construção de sentidos. Em seguida, foi examinado o processo de produção conjunta de significados entre cada professora e seu grupo de crianças com vistas a refletir sobre as interações que propiciavam uma maior aproximação com os implícitos da narrativa e com as pistas dadas pelas ilustrações. Conduzir a leitura de livros de literatura nessa perspectiva revelou-se uma atividade complexa, mas possível, como se constatou na mediação realizada por uma das três professoras.
Avaliações em larga escala
Authors: Pires Joelma Lúcia Vieira
Published: September 2021

Este artigo tem como objeto as avaliações escolares em larga escala. As questões que orientam a sua elaboração são: qual o motivo da classificação das instituições escolares por meio das avaliações em larga escala? As habilidades e competências definidas são exigidas com qual intencionalidade? Elas correspondem a qual concepção de qualidade da educação escolar? O objetivo deste artigo é compreender a disseminação das avaliações escolares em larga escala em um quadro de fortalecimento da hegemonia dos gestores capitalistas e da sua ingerência na educação escolar. Reconhecemos que as avaliações em larga escala legitimam a concepção de qualidade da educação escolar dos gestores capitalistas. Portanto, são baseadas na diminuição das despesas com a aprendizagem e na segmentação da formação de trabalhadores de acordo com a divisão internacional do trabalho.
 
Palavras-chave: Educação escolar; Avaliações escolares em larga escala; Capital humano
Paulo Freire ontem, hoje e “mais que nunca”
Authors: Ribeiro Tiago , Sampaio Carmen Sanches , Kohan Walter
Published: September 2021

No ano de 2021 comemoramos o centenário de Paulo Freire, patrono da educação brasileira e um dos autores mais lidos e traduzidos em todo o mundo. Ao comemorar cem anos desse autor tão fundamental à área da Educação, reforçamos a crença e a aposta em uma educação libertadora, emancipadora, compromissada com o exercício da cidadania e do diálogo como modos de conhecer e se relacionar com os outros e com o mundo. Compreendemos a educação, em Freire, como resposta a forças liberais e conservadoras que pretendem fazer da escola mero espaço de reprodução de conteúdos e docilização de corpos e existências. Educação como “prática de liberdade”, tecida e vivida coletivamente, de modo a afirmar as potências de todos e de qualquer um. Em tempos de políticas de morte, de ódio, de violência e segregação, como a que vivemos no Brasil sob o bolsonarismo e sua fome irreparável em intensificar desigualdades e segregar ainda mais as classes menos favorecidas, reafirmar a atualidade e a importância de Paulo Freire é afirmar a educação como experiência de construção de mundos novos. Nesse sentido, conversamos com o filósofo e educador Walter Kohan, professor titular da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) e autor de diversos livros e artigos, entre eles, a obra “Paulo Freire mais que nunca”. Kohan nos fala da atualidade política e pedagógica de Paulo Freire em tempos tão difíceis e nos convida a perceber sua relação com a infância, com uma força criativa e afirmativa, tão necessária para a invenção de mundos im-possíveis