bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CT Image Reconstruction Using NLMfuzzyCD Regularization Method
Authors: Devi Manju , Singh Sukhdip , Tiwari Shailendra
Published: January 2021

Aims and Scope:

Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most efficient clinical diagnostic
tools. The main goal of CT is to reproduce an acceptable reconstructed image of an object
(either anatomical or functional behaviour) with the help of a limited set of projections at different
angles.

Background:

To achieve this goal, one of the most commonly iterative reconstruction algorithm
called Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization (MLEM) is used.

Objective:

The conventional Maximum Likelihood (ML) algorithm can achieve quality images in
CT. However, it still suffers from optimal smoothing as the number of iterations increases.

Methods:

For solving this problem, this paper presents a novel statistical image reconstruction algorithm
for CT, which utilizes a nonlocal means of fuzzy complex diffusion as a regularization term
for noise reduction and edge preservation.

Results:

The proposed model was evaluated on four test cases phantoms.

Conclusion:

Qualitative and quantitative analyses indicate that the proposed technique has higher
efficiency for computed tomography. The proposed method yields significant improvements when
compared with the state-of-the-art techniques.
Multi-Component Reactions of Cyclohexan-1,3-dione: Synthesis of Fused Pyran, Pyridine, Thiophene and Pyrazole Derivatives with c-Met, Anti-Proliferative Activities
Authors: Mohareb Rafat M. , Elmetwally Amira M. , Mohamed Abeer A.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Recently, products of Multi-Component Reactions (MCR’s) acquired special attention
due to their wide range of pharmacological activities especially therapeutic activities. In the market it was
found that many pharmacological drugs containing the pyran and pyridine nucleus that were produced through
MCR’s were found.

Objective:

This work aims to synthesize target molecules not only possess anti-tumour activities but also c-Met
and prostate cancer inhibitors. The target molecules were obtained starting from cyclohexan-1,3-dione through
its multi-component reactions to produce anticancer target molecules.

Methods:

Cyclohexane-1,3-dione underwent different multi-component reactions to produce fused pyran, pyridine
and thiophene derivatives. The anti-proliferative activity of the newly synthesized compounds among the
synthesized compounds toward the six cancer cell lines, namely A549, H460, HT-29, MKN-45, U87MG, and
SMMC-7721 was studied. In addition, inhibitions toward c-Met kinase and prostate cancer cell line were
studied. Antitumor evaluations toward seventeen cancer cell lines subpanel, for certain compounds, were also
demonstrated according to the diseases. Pim-1 kinase inhibitions of the most active compounds were also measured.

Results:

Anti-proliferative evaluations, c-Met and Pim-1 kinase inhibitions were performed for most of the synthesized
compounds where the varieties of substituent through the aryl ring and the heterocyclic ring afforded
compounds with high activities.

Conclusion:

Compounds 4b, 6b, 8b, 9a, 11b, 12b, 17b, 18b, 19, 22c, 23b, 25b and 26b were the most cytotoxic
compounds toward the six cancer cell lines. Inhibitions toward c-Met kinase and prostate cancer cells
showed that the presence of the electronegative Cl group within the molecule were responsible for its high activity.
In addition, inhibitions toward Pim-1 kinase exhibited that most of tested compounds showed high inhibitions.
Association between Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and Serum Bile Acid Level in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Su Zhiyan , Liu Wei , Yang Jinkui
Published: January 2021

Background:

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the diabetic microvascular complications,
which is also one of the important causes of blindness in adults.

Objective:

To investigate the association between proliferative retinopathy and serum bile acid level
in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods:

Three hundred and thirty-six patients with T2DM were included, of which, 229 had a history
of more than 10 years without diabetic retinopathy (no diabetic retinopathy, NDR) and 107
had proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The baseline characteristics of the two groups were
compared. According to the level of bile acid, the patients were divided into low, medium and high
bile acid groups. The ratio of proliferative retinopathy in each group was compared. The presence
of retinopathy was taken as the dependent variable, and the significant variables were analyzed by
logistic regression.

Results:

The level of total bilirubin and bile acid in the NDR group was significantly higher than
that in the PDR group, while the levels of triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL-C were significantly
lower than that in the PDR group (P<0.05). With the increase of bile acid level, the proportion of
proliferative retinopathy decreased. Logistic regression analysis showed that bilirubin and bile acid
were protective factors of diabetic retinopathy, while SBP, LDL-C and UAER were risk factors of
diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion:

Bile acid might be a protective factor for diabetic retinopathy in T2DM, which might
be a potential therapeutic role in retinal disorders.
Recent Advancements in lung cancer treatment using receptor targeting
Authors: Singh Harjit , Khurana Bharat , Kaur Sukhbir
Published: January 2021

Background:

In the cancer related deaths all over the world, lung cancer is at the top.
The conventional treatment option available lacks specificity, causing cell toxicity, rapid
clearance from the body and poor cancer cell penetration.

Conclusion:

The nano delivery has
reformed the treatment of lung cancer as selective drug uptake to the cancerous cell has been
achieved by ligand targeted therapy. The ligand targeted therapy has been used for diagnostic and
therapeutic purposes. This approach is based on the concept that receptors are overexpressed in
expression in cancerous state compared to normal cells. The nanomedicines can reach to the
cancerous cells through leaky vasculature surrounding cell
Withdrawal Notice: Consequences, Possible Therapeutics and Future Directions for Prevention & Treatment
Authors: Pinki  , Chaudhary Ashu
Published: January 2021

The article has been removed by the Publisher of the journal Coronaviruses due to incoherent content.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

Bentham Science Disclaimer:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously
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authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright
of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
Simulation of Fluid Flow Through Sedan Car YRS 4 Doors with Speed Variation using CFD
Authors:   Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, Ilmi Syamsuri , Lillahulhaq Zain , Yusron M
Published: January 2021

Aerodynamic forces that occur around the vehicle must be considered since it involves safety, ergonomic, and fuel consumption. To reduce fuel consumption, the vehicle should be built as aerodynamic as possible to minimize drag forces. The vehicle becomes unstable at high speed due to increasing lift force. To balance the vehicle at high speed, a downforce should be generated to keep the tires attached to the road surface. Each type of car has a various value of aerodynamic force due to its design, dimension, and cross-section area. The characteristics of streamflow around the car are discussed in this paper. This research simulated 2D sedan car YRS 4 Doors in the steady condition in various velocities, i.e. 23 m/s, 26 m/s, and 40 m/s. This simulation used the Quad Pave mesh model and run in k-ε implicit turbulence model. The characteristics could be observed from the qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data used as measurable data were Coefficient of Pressure (CP) and Drag Coefficient (CD). Quantitative data was shown to outline a better visual explanation of the streaming characteristic. The qualitative data used in this paper are path lines, velocity vectors, and contours. The high-velocity stream results in a low value of CP. When the fluid flowed at high speed through a surface, it had low pressure. The coefficient of drag in the high-speed car decreased as the free stream increased. The value of the coefficient of drag (Cd) from this research was app. 0.567.
Experimental Study on The Effect of Cross Feed of Surface Grinding on the Vibration and the Surface Roughness of Hardened Tool Steel OCR12VM
Authors:   Politeknik Negeri Banyuwangi, Anam Chairul , Muzaka Khairul , Pamuji Dian Ridlo
Published: January 2021

The grinding process is a machining process to obtain qualified surface roughness levels and high dimensional accuracy. There are two types of processes in the grinding process, namely the roughening and finishing processes. The vibration effect of the roughing process can damage and shorten the life of the tool/machine, while in the finishing process, the effect of vibration will reduce the dimensional accuracy, shape, and surface smoothness of the workpiece. This study aims to determine the effect of crossfeed on the amplitude of vibration and surface roughness of the workpiece on the surface grinding process. The materials used are hardened tool steel OCR12VM with a variety of grinding stone types A46QV and A80LV made of aluminum oxide. The Variables of process parameters are crossfeed (mm / step) and depth of cut (mm). The measurement of vibrations uses an accelerometer, which is processed by the math CAD program in the form of amplitude and frequency. For surface roughness measurements, it is used the MT-301 surface test with 5 sample points and a sample length of 0.8 mm. The results show that the greater the cross-feed value, the bigger the amplitude of the vibration level and the surface roughness of the workpiece. The magnitude of the amplitude of the vibration on the acceleration that occurs in the grinding stone type A46QV starts from 6,7369 -18.7525 g.rms, while the grinding stone type A80LV starts from 5.0904 g.rms to 18.2821 g.rms. The surface roughness achieved in both grit 46 and grit 80 is from N3 to N5.
Precision Mold of Prototype Titanium Orthopedic Implant using Metal Injection Molding Approach
Authors:   Metal Industries Development Center  (MIDC-BBLM) Ministry of Industry, Wiranegara Haruman , Fauzi Muhammad Nauval , Virdhian Shinta
Published: January 2021

MIDC’s researchers in fulfilling Industry Development Programme have taken a step to develop technology in the design application of orthopedic implants to help suppress the rate of imported medical devices in Indonesia. This research objective was to make a prototype plate for a jawbone connector that meets the geometric specifications with the metal injection molding approach. The jawbone connector plate has a very small size of about 2 mm x 20 mm x 0.5 mm that needs precision mold with certain geometric specifications. MIM approach was used, from the literature reviews that show MIM is the appropriate process for manufacturing implants. The phases of MIM were done according to the standard reference which is making raw materials or feedstock, gatting system design, flow simulation, precision mold producing, mold testing, injection process, debinding, sintering, and mechanical product testing. The results of this study were precision molds with several variants and were test using plastic polypropylene to see the performance of the mold. The researchers then produce the jawbone connector implant using feedstock material. The test result conducted in MIDC successfully shows that the mold can produce shapes that match the required geometry.
Pressure Drop dan Pola Aliran Dua Fase (Air-Udara) Melewati Pipa Groove Vertikal
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Aji Supa Kusuma , Widhiyanuriyawan Denny , Yuliati Lilis
Published: January 2021

This research was conducted to observe the effect of adding grooves in the two-phase flow of water-air in the same direction through a vertical pipe to changes in pressure and fluid flow patterns. Test section in the form of pipes with grooves made of acrylic material with a length of 100 cm and an internal diameter of 2.54 cm. The geometric shape of the acrylic pipe is modified by giving a groove in the direction of the pipe along the test section. Grooves used amounted to 4 and 16 and pipes without grooves used as a comparison. Tests are carried out by flowing water and air that has been mixed through the inlet side upward. The ratio of air velocity to water velocity (VG / VL ) is 0.24-1.13. The method used in this study is experimental. Retrieval of pressure drops data is done by using a differential pressure transmitter. Visual observations are also made using a DSLR camera equipped with a flash and video observations using a smartphone with slow-motion mode. The results showed changes in flow patterns and pressure drop values. Slugs in pipes with grooves disappear faster and pressure drops are lower than pipes without grooves.
Effects of Website Interactivity on Skin Cancer–Related Intentions and User Experience: Factorial Randomized Experiment
Authors: Niu Zhaomeng , Willoughby Jessica Fitts , Coups Elliot J , Stapleton Jerod L
Published: January 2021

Background

Digital media technologies provide users with the ability to interact with content and to receive information based on their preferences and engagement.

Objective

We used skin cancer and sun protection as a health topic to explore how modality interactivity, interface tools that afford users greater activity, resulting in greater depth and breadth of mentally representing and experiencing mediated content, and message interactivity, the extent to which the system allows users to exchange messages back and forth on health websites, influenced users’ attitudes, knowledge, behavioral intentions, and experience.

Methods

We employed a 2×2 (modality interactivity: high vs low; message interactivity: high vs low) between-subject online experiment for which 4 websites were created. Participants (n=293) were recruited using Amazon Mechanical Turk and randomly assigned into to 1 of 4 conditions. After browsing the website, participants completed an online survey regarding their experience and cognitive perceptions. General linear models and path analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results

Both modality interactivity (P=.001) and message interactivity (P<.001) had an impact on intention to use sun protection. Attitudes toward health websites and perceived knowledge mediated the effects of modality interactivity and message interactivity on sun protection use intention, individually. Participants in the high modality interactivity and high message interactivity condition felt more satisfied (P=.02). Participants in the low message interactivity condition had more interest in the experience with health websites than participants in the high message interactivity condition (P=.044).

Conclusions

Findings suggested that modality interactivity influenced intention to use sun protection directly as well as via attitudes toward the websites. Message interactivity impacted intention to use sunscreen directly and also through perceived knowledge. Implications for designing health websites and health intervention content are discussed.
Patients’ Perspectives About Factors Affecting Their Use of Electronic Personal Health Records in England: Qualitative Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Abd-Alrazaq Alaa , Safi Zeineb , Bewick Bridgette M , Househ Mowafa , Gardner Peter H
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

General practices (GPs) in England have recently introduced a nationwide electronic personal health record (ePHR) system called Patient Online or GP online services, which allows patients to view parts of their medical records, book appointments, and request prescription refills. Although this system is free of charge, its adoption rates are low. To improve patients’ adoption and implementation success of the system, it is important to understand the factors affecting their use of the system.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore patients’ perspectives of factors affecting their use of ePHRs in England.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was carried out between August 21 and September 26, 2017. A questionnaire was used in this survey to collect mainly quantitative data through closed-ended questions in addition to qualitative data through an open-ended question. A convenience sample was recruited in 4 GPs in West Yorkshire, England. Given that the quantitative data were analyzed in a previous study, we analyzed the qualitative data using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 800 eligible patients invited to participate in the survey, 624 (78.0%) returned a fully completed questionnaire. Of those returned questionnaires, the open-ended question was answered by 136/624 (21.8%) participants. A total of 2 meta-themes emerged from participants’ responses. The first meta-theme comprises 5 themes about why patients do not use Patient Online: concerns about using Patient Online, lack of awareness of Patient Online, challenges regarding internet and computers, perceived characteristics of nonusers, and preference for personal contact. The second meta-theme contains 1 theme about why patients use Patient Online: encouraging features of Patient Online.

CONCLUSIONS

The challenges and concerns that impede the use of Patient Online seem to be of greater importance than the facilitators that encourage its use. There are practical considerations that, if incorporated into the system, are likely to improve its adoption rate: Patient Online should be useful, easy to use, secure, and easy to access. Different channels should be used to increase the awareness of the system, and GPs should ease registration with the system and provide manuals, training sessions, and technical support. More research is needed to assess the effect of the new factors found in this study (eg, lack of trust, difficulty registering with Patient Online) and factors affecting the continuing use of the system.
Assessing the Effectiveness and Acceptability of a Personalized Mobile Phone App in Improving Adherence to Oral Hygiene Advice in Orthodontic Patients: Protocol for a Feasibility Study and a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Sharif Mohammad Owaise , Newton Jonathon Timothy , Cunningham Susan J
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Orthodontic treatment is a common health care intervention; treatment duration can be lengthy (2-3 years on average), and adherence to treatment advice is therefore essential for successful outcomes. It has been reported that up to 43% of patients fail to complete treatment, and there are currently no useful predictors of noncompletion. Given that the National Health Service England annual expenditure on primary-care orthodontic treatment is in excess of £200 million (US $267 million), noncompletion of treatment represents a significant inefficient use of public resources.

Improving adherence to treatment is therefore essential. This necessitates behavior change, and interventions that improve adherence and are designed to elicit behavioral change must address an individual’s capability, opportunity, and motivation. Mobile phones are potentially an invaluable tool in this regard, as they are readily available and can be used in a number of ways to address an individual’s capability, opportunity, and motivation.

OBJECTIVE

This study will assess the effectiveness and acceptability of a personalized mobile phone app in improving adherence to orthodontic treatment advice by way of a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

This study will be conducted in 2 phases at the Eastman Dental Hospital, University College London Hospitals Foundation Trust.
Phase 1 is feasibility testing of the My Braces app. Participants will be asked to complete the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale. The app will be amended following analysis of the responses, if appropriate.
Phase 2 is a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness and acceptability of the My Braces app.

RESULTS

This study was approved by the London – Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee on November 5, 2019 (reference 19/LO/1555). No patients have been recruited to date. The anticipated start date for recruitment to phase 1 is October 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the availability, affordability, and versatility of mobile phones, it is proposed that they will aid in improving adherence to treatment advice and hence improve treatment completion rates. If effective, the applicability of this methodology to developing behavior change/modification interventions and improving adherence to treatment across health care provides an exciting opportunity.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04184739; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04184739

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/18021
Co-designing a Lifestyle-Focused Text Message Intervention for Women After Breast Cancer Treatment: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Singleton Anna , Raeside Rebecca , Partridge Stephanie R , Hayes Molly , Maka Katherine , Hyun Karice K , Thiagalingam Aravinda , Chow Clara K , Sherman Kerry A , Elder Elisabeth , Redfern Julie
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. Recovery from breast cancer treatment can be mentally and physically challenging. SMS text message programs offer a novel way to provide health information and support, but few programs are co-designed with consumer representatives.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to report the procedures and outcomes of a co-design process of a lifestyle-focused SMS text message program to support women’s mental and physical health after breast cancer treatment.

METHODS

We followed an iterative mixed methods two-step process: (1) co-design workshop with consumers and health professionals and researchers to draft text messages and (2) evaluation of message content, which was scored (5-point Likert scale; 1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree) for ease of understanding, usefulness, and appropriateness, and readability (Flesch-Kincaid score). Additional free-text responses and semistructured interviews were coded into themes. Messages were edited or deleted based on the evaluations, with consumers’ evaluations prioritized.

RESULTS

In step 1, co-designed text messages (N=189) were semipersonalized, and the main content themes were (1) physical activity and healthy eating, (2) medications and side effects, (3) mental health, and (4) general breast cancer information. In step 2, consumers (n=14) and health professionals and researchers (n=14) provided 870 reviews of 189 messages and found that most messages were easy to understand (799/870, 91.8%), useful (746/870, 85.7%), and appropriate (732/870, 84.1%). However, consumers rated 50 messages differently from health professionals and researchers. On the basis of evaluations, 37.6% (71/189) of messages were deleted, 36.5% (69/189) were edited, and 12 new messages related to fatigue, self-care, and cognition were created. The final 130 text messages had a mean 7.12 (SD 2.8) Flesch-Kincaid grade level and 68.9 (SD 15.5) ease-of-reading score, which represents standard reading ease.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-designing and evaluating a bank of evidence-based mental and physical health-themed text messages with breast cancer survivors, health professionals, and researchers was feasible and resulted in a bank of 130 text messages evaluated highly by participants. Some consumer evaluations differed from health professionals and researchers, supporting the importance of co-design.
Correction: Evaluation of a Mobile App to Enhance Relational Awareness and Change During Cognitive Analytic Therapy: Mixed Methods Case Series (Preprint)
Authors: Kellett Stephen , Easton Katherine , Cooper Martin , Millings Abigail , Simmonds-Buckley Melanie , Parry Glenys
Published: January 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

REMOVE
Correction: A Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Student Depression, Anxiety, and Stress: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Ritvo Paul , Ahmad Farah , El Morr Christo , Pirbaglou Meysam , Moineddin Rahim ,   MVC Team
Published: January 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

REMOVE
Leading by Example: The Work of Minister K. K. Shailaja of Kerala State, India in Combating COVID-19
Authors: Kakonge Amb. John O.
Published: January 2021

In recent months, much public attention has been given to the women leaders of developed countries who have done well in containing the coronavirus and ensuring a low rate of infection and death. Such leaders include Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand; Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany; Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway; Katrin Jacobsdottir, Prime Minister of Iceland; Sanna Marin, Prime Minister of Finland; and Tsai Ing-wen, President of Taiwan. In addition to their own expertise, these leaders have been fortunate in being able to rely on the support of well-trained public officials and scientists, adequate financial resources, and well-equipped health facilities. Little has been written, however, about women leaders from developing countries who are trying hard to contain the pandemic. Sadly, in Africa, a continent with 54 states, only Namibia and Togo have women prime ministers, while the only African woman president hails from Ethiopia.This paper briefly examines the work of K.K. Shailaja, Minister of Health and Social Welfare of the state of Kerala in India, and proposes how lessons from her work could be useful for other parts of the developing world, especially in Africa.
El concepto actual de elemento químico: ¿uno o dos significados? Implicaciones en su enseñanza (Segunda parte)
Authors: Lopez Valentin Dulce María , Furió Más Carles
Published: January 2021

La epistemología de cualquier concepto científico adquiere su pleno significado teniendo en cuenta el problema que hizo posible su conceptualización en un momento histórico dado y su posterior desarrollo. El objetivo de este artículo consistirá revisar cómo ha cambiado el concepto de elemento químico del siglo XIX al siglo XX y cómo puede interpretarse la definición actual del concepto de elemento químico y las implicaciones que puede tener para su enseñanza. Este manuscrito está dividido en tres apartados, el primero de ellos titulado “El concepto de elemento químico en el modelo atómico clásico del siglo XIX”, seguido del apartado “La conceptualización del elemento químico en el siglo XX: ¿uno o dos significados? y finalmente se desarrolla el último apartado sobre “Algunas visiones deformadas del concepto de elemento químico a tener en cuenta en su enseñanza”.
LITERASI BACA TULIS DAN INOVASI KURIKULUM BAHASA
Authors: Indriyani Vivi , Zaim M , Atmazaki Atmazaki , Ramadhan Syahrul
Published: January 2021

Kurikulum pendidikan di Indonesia mengalami perubahan pada tahun 2013. Perubahan tersebut merupakan usaha untuk meningkatkan mutu pendidikan di Indonesia. Pada pembelajaran bahasa Indonesia, kurikulum yang digunakan adalah berbasis teks. Beberapa tahun kemudian, untuk mewujudkan visi dan misi agar masyarakat dapat beradaptasi dengan kemajuan pengetahuan dan teknologi, pemerintah mengeluarkan kebijakan tentang Gerakan Literasi Sekolah (GLS) dan diperbarui dengan Gerakan Literasi Nasional (GLN). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kegiatan literasi yang dilakukan di sekolah dan melihat respon siswa setelah dilaksanakan kegiatan literasi. Penelitian ini merekomendasikan untuk mempertimbangkan literasi sebagai inovasi kurikulum di sekolah. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif dengan teknik wawancara terstruktur dan teknik pengumpulan angket. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah pedoman wawancara dan lembar kuesioner. Wawancara dilakukan dengan tujuh orang guru Bahasa Indonesia di Sumatera Barat dan Angket diisi oleh 30 orang siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dalam pelaksanaannya, literasi tidak dilaksanakan dengan aturan yang ditetapkan. Tujuan dari literasi tersebut juga tidak tercapai dengan mestinya. Dalam pelaksanaannya, kurikulum dan literasi seolah-olah merupakan dua hal yang berbeda dan pelaksanaan yang tidak sejalan. Padahal, kegiatan pembelajaran yang dilakukan merupakan kegiatan literasi. Khusus pada pembelajaran bahasa, literasi yang dilakukan adalah literasi baca dan tulis.
Apresentação
Authors: Schmidt Pedro Baroni , Brunhara Rafael , Andrade Tadeu
Published: January 2021

Publicada ininterruptamente e com qualidade desde 2005, a revista Conexão Letras é uma das mais tradicionais do Instituto de Letras da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). É um grande orgulho, portanto, para os organizadores deste número preparar a primeira edição da Conexão Letras dedicada inteiramente às Letras Clássicas – denominação acadêmica para os estudos da Antiguidade, especialmente o grego clássico e o latim.
Evaluation of Ultrasound-Guided Adductor Canal Block With Two Different Concentration of Bupivacaine in Arthroscopic Knee Surgery, A Pilot Controlled Feasibility Study
Authors: kose selin guven , Kose Halil Cihan , Arslan Gulten , Cevik Banu Eler , Tulgar Serkan
Published: January 2021

Study Objective: The application of regional anesthesia techniques as a
component of multimodal analgesia in knee arthroscopic surgeries
increases the quality of postoperative analgesia. Adductor canal block
(ACB) is an effective “motor sparing” analgesia technique used in knee
surgeries. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two
different concentrations of local anesthetic mixtures in terms of
postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing knee arthroscopic
intervention compared to each other and the control group. Design:
Prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded Setting: Tertiary hospital
Patients: A total of 60 patients (ASA I-II) were evaluated in three
groups, with 20 in each group. Interventions: Standardized postoperative
analgesia was planned for all groups. In addition, ultrasound guided ACB
(same volume / two different concentrations of bupivacaine-0.25% vs
0.16%) was applied to the experimental groups. Measurements: Tramadol
consumption, rescue analgesic requirement and Numeric Rating Scores
(NRS). Main Results: Tramadol requirement in the first 24 hours was
significantly higher in the control group (209.5±23.27
mg),(p<0.001), and there was no difference between the
experimental groups (63±42.06 mg vs 80.5±36.63 mg). Although the mean
NRS score in the first three hours was higher in the control group than
in both block groups, it was similar in all groups in the following
measurements. Conclusion: In arthroscopic knee surgery, ACB
interventions with 0.25% and 0.16% concentrations of bupivacaine were
similar in terms of postoperative analgesic efficacy, and they increased
the quality of multimodal analgesics more than the control group.
A comparison of tamsulosin and silodosin versus tadalafil in medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteral stone in men: a prospective study
Authors: Gur Metin , Caliskan Suleyman Tumer , Ulu Muhammet Bahaettin , Akdeniz Ekrem , Ozturk Kemal
Published: January 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin, silodosin, and
tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteral stones in
men. Methods: Adult males meeting the inclusion criteria were randomized
into one of four treatment arms - dexketoprofen (control group),
tamsulosin (Group 1), silodosin (Group 2), and tadalafil (Group 3). The
stone expulsion rate after four weeks represented the primary endpoint,
while the stone expulsion rate at the end of the study and the incidence
of adverse events constituted secondary endpoints. Clinical findings
were compared between all four drug groups. Results: No statistically
significant difference was observed among the groups in terms of age,
body mass index, stone futures, expulsion time, pain episodes, or total
analgesic use. Expulsion rates in the fourth week were 42.5%, 80%,
82.5%, and 75%, respectively. The stone expulsion rates in groups 1,
2, and 3 were significantly higher than in the control group (p
< 0.001). However, the differences between groups 1, 2, and 3
were not statistically significant. No serious adverse effects were
observed during the study period. Conclusion: The study results showed a
higher expulsion rate in male patients using tamsulosin, silodosin and
tadalafil for distal ureteral stones, but no significant superiority
between these. All three are safe, effective, and well-tolerated,
causing minimal side-effects.
Changes in sediment budget and morphology in the floodplains of the braided reach of the lower Yellow River
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Jinliang , Bai Yuchuan , Huang Zhe , Lu Jun
Published: January 2021

Floodplains provide valuable social and ecological environment
functions, and understanding the rates and patterns of floodplain
sedimentation/erosion is critical for floodplain management and
rehabilitation. The sediment entering the lower Yellow River has been
dramatically reduced, and the geomorphology has changed greatly during
the operation of the Xiaolangdi (XLD) reservoir since 2000. Utilizing
sediment resources is the key to managing the downstream river, and the
floodplains not only play the roles of flood mitigation, detention and
de-sanding but also provide land to support local residents and economic
development; however, the floodplain currently faces competition between
land development and protection. This research presents a detailed
investigation of changes in the sediment budget and morphology of the
braided reach between Huayuankou (HYK) and Gaocun (GC) during 2000-2017
using digital elevation models (DEMs) and the historical bathymetry of
the braided reach. During the implementation of the water-sediment
regulation scheme (WSRS), the long-term low-concentration flow released
from the XLD reservoir leads to a fully scoured long channel, further
improving the bank-full discharge and reducing the risk of floods on
floodplains. However, the floodplains have gradually changed from
sedimentation to erosion due to the continual construction of farm dykes
and control works, land use changes and other forms of land disturbance,
including water and soil conservation measures and climate change. The
cumulative eroded volume was approximately 11.47×108 m3 along the HYK -
GC reach between 2000 and 2017, of which 3.08×108 m3 originated from the
floodplains, with an average annual erosion rate of 1.3 cm/yr. To
develop the economy and guide floodplain construction, we propose a new
method of environmental management to reconstruct the floodplain domain
into different zones for immigration resettlement areas, agricultural
areas and resource development and utilization areas, with the methods
of river dredging and floodplain filling.
Peripheral Artery Diseases
Authors: Creager Mark A
Published: January 2021

Peripheral arterial diseases (PADs) compromise blood flow to the limbs. Common causes of arterial obstruction include atherosclerosis, thrombus, embolism, vasculitis, arterial entrapment, adventitial cysts, fibromuscular dysplasia, arterial dissection, trauma, and vasospasm. The most frequently encountered cause of PAD is peripheral atherosclerosis. This chapter considers its epidemiology and risk factors, as well as its diagnosis, including clinical presentation and noninvasive diagnostic tests. This chapter also discusses acute arterial occlusion, atheroembolism, popliteal artery entrapment, thromboangiitis obliterans, and acrocyanosis, as well as the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Raynaud phenomenon. The chapter contains 4 tables and 7 figures. Tables describe the Fontaine classification and clinical categories of chronic limb ischemia, provide examples of leg segmental pressure measurements in a patient with calf claudication and foot pain, and summarize secondary causes of Raynaud phenomenon. Figures include a photograph of an ischemic foot demonstrating dependent rubor, measurement of the ankle:brachial index, ultrasonography of a stenosis of the right common femoral artery, magnetic resonance angiograms of patients with calf claudication, arteriograms of critical ischemia of the foot and of disabling claudication of the leg, and ischemia of the toes caused by atheroemboli. This chapter contains 80 references.
Food Allergies
Authors: Greenhawt Matthew
Published: January 2021

Food allergy represents a rapidly growing public health problem in the United States and other westernized nations. Adverse reactions to foods are categorized as either immunologic or nonimmunologic reactions. This distinction is highly important but often confusing to patients and physicians unfamiliar with allergy, who may simply describe any adverse reaction to a food as an “allergy.” A food allergy is an immune-mediated, adverse reaction to one or more protein allergens in a particular food item involving recognition of that protein by specifically targeted IgE or allergen-specific T cells. This chapter discusses the definition, pathophysiology, epidemiology, testing, management, prognosis, and natural history of food allergy. Clinical manifestations are systematically covered, including cutaneous, respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal reactions, as well as eosinophilic esophagitis, food protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome, and oral allergy syndrome. Emerging treatments such as food oral immunotherapy are also reviewed. Tables outline signs and symptoms of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to food, the prevalence of major food allergens in the United States, common patterns of cross-reactivity among foods, clinical criteria for the diagnosis of anaphylaxis, and clinical studies involving treatment for food allergies. Figures illustrate the classification of adverse reactions to food, esophageal histology, visual and radiographic features of eosinophilic esophagitis, and a food allergy action plan.

This review contains 4 figures, 8 tables, and 64 references.
KeyWords: Food allergy, Hypersensitivity, IgE-mediated allergy, Eosinophilic esophagitis, Anaphylaxis
Valvular Heart Disease - Part I
Authors: Jacob Miriam S. , Griffin Brian P
Published: January 2021

Valvular heart disease is an important cause of cardiac morbidity in developed countries despite a decline in the prevalence of rheumatic disease in those countries. This chapter discusses the many etiologies of valvular heart disease and presents methods for assessment and management. Specific valvular lesions discussed include mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse, aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, and tricuspid and pulmonary disease. The section on tricuspid disease includes a discussion of mechanical prostheses (ball-in-cage and tilting-disk) and biologic prostheses (xenografts, allografts, and autografts) and their complications. 
This review contains 6 figures, 13 tables, 69 references.
Keywords: Valvular heart disease, stenosis, regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse (MVP), aortic stenosis, congenital bicuspid valve, senile valvular calcification, aortic regurgitation, chordae or papillary muscles
Female Sexuality: Assessing Satisfaction and Addressing Problems
Authors: Potter Jennifer
Published: January 2021

Sexuality is important to women of all ages. Although changes in sexual function occur with aging, hormonal transitions, illness, the use of medications, and disability, many women can maintain a satisfying sex life by making appropriate adaptations. Clinicians who take the time to obtain a complete and careful sexual history and perform a pertinent physical examination can help the majority of women who present with sexual complaints. Effective treatment must address the contribution of psychological, relationship, and biologic factors and often requires the collaboration of physicians and psychotherapists, as well as sex and physical therapists in many circumstances. Simply initiating a discussion about sexual concerns is frequently the most valuable aspect of treatment for women and their partners. Also useful are provision of basic education about normal female genital anatomy and sexual function across the lifespan; permission to explore masturbation, erotica, and versatile sexual techniques, as well as nongenital pleasuring; information about lubricants; and the prescription of estrogen in the setting of vulvovaginal atrophy. There are as yet no approved agents to treat the biologic component of hypoactive sexual desire. However, it may be appropriate to consider using androgen supplementation in patients with surgical menopause, as well as the addition of bupropion in patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This review discusses the epidemiology of female sexual disorders, the female sexual response and sexual behavior, and the diagnosis and management of specific sexual disorders, including desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual-pain problems. 
This review contains 4 figures, 41 tables, and 96 references.
Keywords: Sexual dysfunction disorder, arousal, orgasm, desire, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, vestibulitis, vaginismus
Seronegative Spondyloarthritis: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, And Pathology
Authors: Maksymowych Walter P
Published: January 2021

Classification of spondyloarthritis (SpA) is aimed at including patients with radiographic evidence of sacroiliitis and those with early disease who do not yet meet radiographic criteria but have positive features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Most studies report a prevalence of SpA of 0.1 to 0.6%. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 contributes approximately 20% of the heritability of SpA, and non–major histocompatibility complex loci identified to date (n = 113) contribute another approximately 10%. To date, 160 subtypes of HLA-B*27 have been reported, although population-based disease association studies are limited to only a few subtypes. Subtypes HLA-B*27:05 and HLA-B*27:04 are examples of subtypes associated with disease, whereas HLA-B*27:06 and HLA-B*27:09 are nonassociated. Properties of the B27 molecule relevant to pathogenesis include antigen presentation, propensity to misfold, and formation of homodimers. Key pathways identified by genetic studies include the interleukin (IL)-23 and M1-aminopeptidase pathways. The latter pathway is involved in peptide trimming in the endoplasmic reticulum, changing both the length and amino acid composition of peptides available for HLA class I presentation. IL-23 is a key cytokine regulating expression of IL-17 in a specific T helper cell phenotype, Th17, and also a variety of cells of the innate immune system. The IL-23–IL-17 pathway has been directly implicated in inflammation at sites that are inflamed in SpA. Increasing evidence based on prospective clinical and imaging data supports a link between inflammation and ankylosis, especially if the resolution of inflammation is followed by the appearance of a particular type of reparative tissue, namely, fat metaplasia, on T1-weighted MRI.

This review contains 8 figures, 5 tables and 33 references
Key words: association, classification, genetics, heritability, innate immunity, prevalence, spondyloarthritis
Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Carroll Brett J , Secemsky Eric A
Published: January 2021

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a frequently encountered clinical condition with both short- and long-term adverse consequences. An integrated approach to diagnosis is important to maximize early diagnosis but also to minimize the unnecessary utilization of diagnostic imaging. Comprehensive risk stratification with clinical features and assessment of right ventricular strain by diagnostic imaging and cardiac biomarker results are essential to guide initial management decisions. There is a growing treatment arsenal for acute PE, including increased anticoagulation and advanced therapeutic options such as catheter-based therapy.  Despite such advances, mortality remains high, particularly among those who present critically ill with PE, and long-term physical and psychological effects can persist in many patients for years after the initial diagnosis.
This review contains 7 figures, 6 tables, and 69 references.
Key Words: anticoagulation, catheter-directed therapy, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension pulmonary embolism, computed tomography, echocardiography, fibrinolysis, risk stratification, venous thromboembolism
Viral Infections in Pregnancy – Part 1: CMV, Ebola Virus, Viral Hepatitis, HSV, and HIV
Authors: Duff Patrick
Published: January 2021

A number of viral etiologies contribute to morbidity and mortality in pregnancy and the perinatal period. Here we discuss some of the major viral infections that occur in pregnancy. This review focuses on infections of cytomegalovirus (CMV), viral hepatitis, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); other viral etiologies are discussed in part 2 of this topic. It is imperative to understand the risks, clinical course, diagnostic methodology, and management of these illnesses.
This review contains 1 figure, 8 tables, and 67 references.
Keywords: viral infection, pregnancy, prenatal, perinatal, cytomegalovirus, Ebola virus, viral hepatitis, herpes simplex virus, HIV, management
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Fairley Romeo , Jr Truman J. Milling
Published: January 2021

Gastrointestinal bleeding occurs when a pathologic process such as ulceration, inflammation, or neoplasia leads to erosion of a blood vessel. Bleeding can occur in the upper gastrointestinal tract (50%) or the lower gastrointestinal tract (40%) or may be obscure (10%), meaning that no definitive source is identified. Gastrointestinal bleeding is common, with major bleeding leading to 1 million hospitalizations every year in the United States. This review details the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal bleeding and the stabilization and assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and disposition and outcomes of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. Situations requiring special consideration are also discussed. Figures show how gastrointestinal bleeding occurs when a pathologic process causes erosion of the mucosa and exposes a submucosal blood vessel; an ulcer with a raised, red, variceal spot; a Mallory-Weiss tear; the formation of varices; vascular ectasia; treatment of esophageal varices with balloon tamponade; and a wireless capsule. Tables list the major causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, terms relating to gastrointestinal bleeding and their definitions, Blatchford score, substances that interfere with occult blood testing, clinical factors differentiating gastrointestinal bleeding placed in descending order of likelihood ratio, and a summary of American College of Radiology recommendations for angiography in nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding.
This review contains 7 highly rendered figures, 6 tables, and 140 references.