bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A fluoretação como estratégia de combate à cárie na saúde pública: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Rutz da Silva Fabrício
Published: April 2023

Com o objetivo de diminuir a incidência de cáries dentárias no paí­s, a saúde pública avançou consideravelmente nas medidas de escala populacional, dando ênfase na fluoretação da água. Porém, é necessário ter um programa de controle dos í­ndices adicionados no abastecimento de água, minimizando e erradicando a fluorose dentária. O objetivo desta revisão literária é analisar e reforçar a importância da fluoretação, levando em consideração a necessidade especí­fica de cada população e oferecendo a equidade, universalidade e integralidade na saúde bucal no Brasil. Nesta revisão da literatura foram utilizados 12 artigos publicados nos perí­odos entre 2005 – 2015, em quatro bases de dados: Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde, Web of Science, Pubmed e Núcleo de Educação em Saúde Coletiva. "A busca foi realizada por meio dos descritores "fluoretação" , cárie dentária" , "saúde pública" e "saúde escolar" , nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. Após a pesquisa, utilizou-se a questão "Qual a importância da fluoretação na saúde bucal no Brasil?" , para seleção dos estudos encontrados. Todos os arquivos publicados no formato de tese e os artigos não disponí­veis na í­ntegra foram excluí­dos da revisão. Os resultados do estudo foram apresentados em formato de artigo, o qual incluiu seis estudos transversais, três estudos longitudinais, duas análises multiní­vel, um estudo seccional e duas análises literárias que não foram consideradas nesta revisão, por conterem dados secundários.
Educação do Campo e o Banco Mundial: uma polí­tica em disputa?
Authors: Santos Silva Dalmaz Dayane
Published: April 2023

O presente estudo trata-se de uma pesquisa em andamento realizada na disciplina de Polí­ticas para Educação do Campo no Brasil. Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo fazer uma breve análise da intervenção do Banco Mundial nos projetos de educação do campo no Brasil, bem como, verificar as contradições presentes nas propostas, e ainda, evidenciar de forma preliminar, se a proposta educacional dos movimentos sociais tem um caráter contra hegemônico. Em termos de procedimentos teórico-metodológicos, a pesquisa requer como categoria de análise, explicitar as contradições presentes nas propostas de educação do campo, pois, embora os movimentos sociais visem imprimir uma educação da classe trabalhadora e anticapitalista, verifica-se que algumas agências internacionais como UNESCO e UNICEF se fazem presentes na maioria do documentos elaborados a partir de década de 1990. Para fundamentar a pesquisa, utilizamos os autores Barreiro (2010), Frigotto e Ciavatta (2003), Miranda (2011), entre outros que discutem a temática.
Os planejamentos educacionais e o regime de colaboração: o PAR no contexto municipal
Authors: Amorim Milene Dias
Published: April 2023

Resumo: É utilizando a cultura do planejamento que, nas últimas duas décadas, o Ministério da Educação vem pretendendo atingir suas prioridades de regularização dos í­ndices de desempenho e de fluxo escolar do alunado; alia-se a essas planificações, a concretização do regime de colaboração. Por esse motivo, o estudo em questão tem por objetivo apresentar, por meio dos grandes planejamentos educacionais, a necessidade de efetivação do regime de colaboração apresentadas em seus textos, bem como, os seus impactos no âmbito municipal, tendo como principal objeto o Plano de Ações Articuladas. Para tanto, utilizou-se análises bibliográficas e documentais. Houve, também, levantamento de dados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores de um municí­pio do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Os achados sinalizam para uma falta de esclarecimento, pelos planejamentos citados, sobre a responsabilidade de cada ente federado para com a educação, o que pode causar a inexecução do regime de colaboração; apontam, também, para uma autonomia relativa e certa fragilidade municipal em qualificar a educação local, sobretudo financeiramente, o que os faz dependentes frente ao processo de municipalização desordenado.
Neem (Azadirachta indica) as a Biotechnological tool: a short review
Authors: Ferreira Ana Paula Paula , Antunes de Mendonça Débora Elisa , Arthur dos Santos de Oliveira João , Conte Hélio
Published: April 2023

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a plant native from India and very adaptable to hot climates. Commonly it has been found as an ornamental plant or used in popular medicine due to its herbal properties. The current work is a short review that aimed to discuss Neem' biotechnological application in agriculture, environment and pharmaceutical fields. The researches were performed using online databases and the papers that discussed the prospection of Neem in the agriculture field (as a fertilizer or playing plant protection against pests and disease), pharmaceutical industry (production of metabolites with biological activity) and environmental biotechnology (eco-friendly alternatives to mitigate chemical pesticide environ damage) have chosen. Based on Neem's properties is possible find it as a fertilizer, supplement for animal feed or playing important role in plant defenses against insects (bioinsecticide) and pathogenic microorganisms (antimicrobial activity) in the agriculture field or the pharmaceutical industry with metabolites which have antitumoral, antioxidant and anti-bactericidal activity, besides Neem has already been reported used in combination with nanoparticles. Overall, Neem has been mentioned as a great tool for biotechnological applications in different areas.
Uma proposta para o ensino de equações do primeiro grau por meio do Jogo Igisoro
Authors: Wowcsuk Marques Isane Maria , De Castro Élida Maiara Velozo
Published: April 2023

Ao reconhecermos que a aprendizagem do conteúdo de equações do primeiro grau pode ser considerada base para a compreensão de conceitos algébricos e, ao mesmo tempo, um conteúdo que os alunos apresentam dificuldade de aprendizagem, entendemos que a Metodologia Jogos pode ser uma alternativa eficiente para o ensino de tal conteúdo. Neste sentido, no presente estudo, resultado de um trabalho de conclusão de curso, temos por objetivo apresentar uma proposta de ensino utilizando o Jogo Igisoro, da famí­lia Mancala, como sugestão para explorar possibilidades de ensino do conteúdo de equações do primeiro grau. Esperamos que esta proposta possa constituir-se de um material auxiliar para o ensino de conceitos de equações do primeiro grau. Ainda, que possibilite trabalhar com outras aprendizagens tais como: a convivência, a interação, a competição saudável, o raciocí­nio lógico e aspectos da cultura afro-brasileira e africana.
Dinâmica de restinga de praia após evento de ressaca no municí­pio de Pontal do Paraná
Authors: Santos Camila Souza Almeida dos , Martins Andrielli Rodrigues , Merino Camila , Cavallet Luiz Ermindo
Published: April 2023

Em consonância com a recomendação de polí­ticas públicas locais, o presente estudo objetivou estudar a dinâmica de áreas de restinga de ambiente de praia no distrito de Praia de Leste, municí­pio de Pontal do Paraná, estado do Paraná, Brasil. O estudo foi relacionado à ocorrência de uma forte ressaca no mês de setembro de 2016. Para analisar o efeito da ressaca quantificou-se a área de restinga em 4 e 45 meses após esse evento, através de dois levantamentos de campo com GPS de navegação. Observou-se uma dinâmica de restinga na qual está havendo recuperação natural desse ecossistema costeiro, pois houve aumento de área do primeiro para a segundo levantamento de campo. Por ocasião da ocorrência do perigo causado pelo evento da ressaca, a vegetação de restinga cumpriu adequadamente a sua função de proporcionar infraestrutura e proteção à área do balneário. Os dados de levantamento de área obtidos são importantes como registro georreferenciado para futuros estudos do ambiente costeiro do Paraná.
A utilização de uma sequência didática como ferramenta no processo de ensino e aprendizagem do conteúdo evolução dos seres vivos
Authors: Damasceno Ianara Trindade , Almeida Obertal da Silva , Silva Carlos Bernard Moreno Cerqueira
Published: April 2023

O tema Evolução é de difí­cil abordagem no ensino médio, embora a evolução biológica seja um dos assuntos mais importantes e norteadores da biologia. As concepções religiosas de boa parte dos alunos tendem a bloquear o conhecimento das ideias advindas da Teoria evolucionista. Diante dessa realidade, o uso de formas mais dinâmicas nessa abordagem pode facilitar o trabalho do professor e favorecer a compreensão do aluno. O presente trabalho objetivou testar a eficiência da utilização de Sequência Didática (SD) no ensino de evolução dos seres vivos no Colégio Modelo Luiz Eduardo Magalhães, localizado no municí­pio de Itapetinga-BA, a fim de favorecer a compreensão dos alunos acerca do tema, o desenvolvimento do seu senso crí­tico, além de facilitar a missão do professor, sugerindo uma forma interessante de abordagem do conteúdo. Foram escolhidas duas turmas de 2º ano do turno vespertino, onde em uma a abordagem do conteúdo evolução dos seres vivos foi aplicada por meio da SD e na outra apenas com a aula expositiva dialogada. Inicialmente uma entrevista foi feita com a professora regente dessas turmas a fim de conhecer como ela costuma abordar o conteúdo e quais dificuldades que enfrenta. De posse dessas informações foi montada então a SD. Questionários de pré e pós-testes foram aplicados nas duas turmas. Com a análise dos dados concluiu-se que, de acordo ao teste de Mcnemar, apesar de ter havido resultados relevantes, no que tange a apreensão do conteúdo, pouca diferença houve entre as duas abordagens. Entretanto, podemos notar que a utilização da SD propiciou o desenvolvimento de diversas outras habilidades dos alunos, tais como: senso crí­tico, raciocí­nio lógico e trabalho em grupo, provando que a utilização de SD no ensino da Teoria da evolução dos seres vivos é sim válida e pode ser mais uma alternativa. Palavras-chave: Ensino de Evolução; Ensino médio; Sequência didática.
Levantamento de estudos citogenéticos em formigas cultivadoras de fungos (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Myrmicinae
Authors: Carneiro Gabriel Siqueira , Iasczczaki Rafael Stempniak , Doline Fernando Rodrigo , Barros Luísa Antônia Campos , Lorscheider Carla Andreia
Published: April 2023

As formigas estão distribuídas no mundo todo, exceto nos polos e compõe a família Formicidae. Em formicídeos os estudos são em sua maioria taxonômicos e ecológicos. Dessa maneira, o trabalho objetivou realizar um levantamento dos estudos citogenéticos em formigas da tribo Attini, analisando as diferenças e semelhanças entre os cariótipos já descritos. Concomitantemente, analisar citogeneticamente a espécie Acromyrmex coronatus coletada no município de General Carneiro-PR e comparar com resultados de população de Viçosa-MG. Assim, estudos citogenéticos clássicos e moleculares auxiliam na compreensão evolutiva e taxonômica desse grupo. Para realizar o presente estudo, foram utilizados (livros, monografias, dissertações e teses) e com palavras chaves para serem encontradas na web através das fontes como Google Scholar e Scorpus. A filtração de tais materiais ocorreu no modelo de publicação, a língua (PT-EN-ES), e a análise ocorreu de maneira descritiva. Os resultados encontrados apontaram que dentro dos 17 gêneros pertencentes a tribo Attini, apenas dez possuem descrição cariotípica, com informações em sua maioria apenas para o número diploide (2n) e fórmula cariotípica (FC). Analisando o número de cromossomos na subfamília Myrmicinae, verifica-se uma grande variabilidade em Mycocepurus goeldii 2n = 8 cromossomos a Mycetarotes parallelus 2n = 54 cromossomos. Já os gêneros Acromyrmex, Apterostigma, Chyphomyrmex Mycetarotes, Mycethopylax e Trachymyrmex apresentaram uma maior variação em relação ao número diploide (2n = 12 a 54). Em contrapartida Atta, Mycocepurus, Sericomyrmex não foi verificado variação em relação ao número diplóide. Foi observado também que a maioria dos estudos foram realizados no Brasil no estado de Minas Gerais. A espécie A. coronatus coletada em General Carneiro-PR apresentou o mesmo 2n para a já descrita em Viçosa-MG.
Real or fake? Measuring the impact of protein annotation errors on estimates of domain gain and loss events
Authors: Kress Arnaud , Poch Olivier , Lecompte Odile , Thompson Julie D.
Published: April 2023

Protein annotation errors can have significant consequences in a wide range of fields, ranging from protein structure and function prediction to biomedical research, drug discovery, and biotechnology. By comparing the domains of different proteins, scientists can identify common domains, classify proteins based on their domain architecture, and highlight proteins that have evolved differently in one or more species or clades. However, genome-wide identification of different protein domain architectures involves a complex error-prone pipeline that includes genome sequencing, prediction of gene exon/intron structures, and inference of protein sequences and domain annotations. Here we developed an automated fact-checking approach to distinguish true domain loss/gain events from false events caused by errors that occur during the annotation process. Using genome-wide ortholog sets and taking advantage of the high-quality human and Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome annotations, we analyzed the domain gain and loss events in the predicted proteomes of 9 non-human primates (NHP) and 20 non-S. cerevisiae fungi (NSF) as annotated in the Uniprot and Interpro databases. Our approach allowed us to quantify the impact of errors on estimates of protein domain gains and losses, and we show that domain losses are over-estimated ten-fold and three-fold in the NHP and NSF proteins respectively. This is in line with previous studies of gene-level losses, where issues with genome sequencing or gene annotation led to genes being falsely inferred as absent. In addition, we show that insistent protein domain annotations are a major factor contributing to the false events. For the first time, to our knowledge, we show that domain gains are also over-estimated by three-fold and two-fold respectively in NHP and NSF proteins. Based on our more accurate estimates, we infer that true domain losses and gains in NHP with respect to humans are observed at similar rates, while domain gains in the more divergent NSF are observed twice as frequently as domain losses with respect to S. cerevisiae. This study highlights the need to critically examine the scientific validity of protein annotations, and represents a significant step toward scalable computational fact-checking methods that may 1 day mitigate the propagation of wrong information in protein databases.
System metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli W for the production of 2-ketoisovalerate using unconventional feedstock
Authors: Carranza-Saavedra Darwin , Torres-Bacete Jesús , Blázquez Blas , Sánchez Henao Claudia Patricia , Zapata Montoya José Edgar , Nogales Juan
Published: April 2023

Replacing traditional substrates in industrial bioprocesses to advance the sustainable production of chemicals is an urgent need in the context of the circular economy. However, since the limited degradability of non-conventional carbon sources often returns lower yields, effective exploitation of such substrates requires a multi-layer optimization which includes not only the provision of a suitable feedstock but the use of highly robust and metabolically versatile microbial biocatalysts. We tackled this challenge by means of systems metabolic engineering and validated Escherichia coli W as a promising cell factory for the production of the key building block chemical 2-ketoisovalerate (2-KIV) using whey as carbon source, a widely available and low-cost agro-industrial waste. First, we assessed the growth performance of Escherichia coli W on mono and disaccharides and demonstrated that using whey as carbon source enhances it significantly. Second, we searched the available literature and used metabolic modeling approaches to scrutinize the metabolic space of E. coli and explore its potential for overproduction of 2-KIV identifying as basic strategies the block of pyruvate depletion and the modulation of NAD/NADP ratio. We then used our model predictions to construct a suitable microbial chassis capable of overproducing 2-KIV with minimal genetic perturbations, i.e., deleting the pyruvate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase. Finally, we used modular cloning to construct a synthetic 2-KIV pathway that was not sensitive to negative feedback, which effectively resulted in a rerouting of pyruvate towards 2-KIV. The resulting strain shows titers of up to 3.22 ± 0.07 g/L of 2-KIV and 1.40 ± 0.04 g/L of L-valine in 24 h using whey in batch cultures. Additionally, we obtained yields of up to 0.81 g 2-KIV/g substrate. The optimal microbial chassis we present here has minimal genetic modifications and is free of nutritional autotrophies to deliver high 2-KIV production rates using whey as a non-conventional substrate.
Interleukin-15 deficient rats have reduced osteopontin at the maternal-fetal interface
Authors: Baines Kelly J. , Klausner Michelle S. , Patterson Violet S. , Renaud Stephen J.
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Uterine Natural Killer (NK) cells are the predominant immune cells within the decidua during early pregnancy. These cells are thought to regulate aspects of decidualization and placental development, but their functions remain poorly characterized, especially in species with deeply invading trophoblasts such as humans and rats. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a cytokine required for NK cell development and survival. IL-15 mutant (IL15Δ/Δ) rats lack NK cells and exhibit altered placental development with precocious trophoblast invasion. In this study, we profiled gene expression differences between wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ implantation sites to reveal candidate factors produced by uterine NK cells that may regulate placentation and trophoblast invasion.

Methods: Clariom S gene expression profiling was performed using implantation sites collected from pregnant wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ rats on gestational day 9.5. Levels and localization of perforin and osteopontin in implantation sites from wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ rats were further analyzed. The effect of osteopontin on the invasive capacity of rat trophoblasts was evaluated using Matrigel-based Transwell assays.

Results: There were 257 genes differentially expressed between wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ implantation sites on gestational day 9.5, including decreased expression of various NK cell markers in IL15Δ/Δ rats, as well as Spp1, which encodes osteopontin. In wild-type rats, osteopontin was present within the decidua basalis and adjacent to the primitive placenta, and osteopontin colocalized with the NK cell marker perforin. Osteopontin was also detectable in uterine glands. Conversely, in IL15Δ/Δ rats, osteopontin and perforin were not readily detectable in the decidua despite robust osteopontin levels in uterine glands. Neutralization of osteopontin in media conditioned by cells isolated from the decidua decreased invasion of rat trophoblasts, suggesting that reduced levels of osteopontin are unlikely to account for the precocious trophoblast invasion in IL15Δ/Δ rats.

Conclusion: Osteopontin is expressed by NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface in rats and may contribute to modulation of trophoblast invasion.
Quantitative assessment of retinal microvascular remodeling in eyes that underwent idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery
Authors: Shen Yingjiao , Ye Xin , Tao Jiwei , Zhao Chenhao , Xu Zhaokai , Mao Jianbo , Chen Yiqi , Shen Lijun
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To explore the surgical outcomes of the macular microvasculature and visual function in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography (SD-OCTA).

Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study included 41 participants who underwent iERM surgery with a 3-month (3M) follow-up. Forty-one healthy eyes formed the control group. The assessments included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and mean sensitivity (MS) by microperimetry and SD-OCTA assessment of vessel tortuosity (VT), vessel density (VD), foveal avascular zone, and retinal thickness (RT).

Results: The findings showed statistically significant differences in VT, foveal avascular zone parameters, RT, BCVA, and MS between the iERM and control groups (p < 0.05). After iERM surgery, the macular VT, SCP VD, and RT decreased significantly (p < 0.01) while the DCP VD increased (p = 0.029). The BCVA improved significantly (p < 0.001) and was associated with the MS (rs = −0.377, p = 0.015). MS was associated with the SCP VD and RT at 3M (SCP VD rs = 0.511, p = 0.001; RT rs = 0.456, p = 0.003). In the superior quadrant, the MS improved significantly (p < 0.001) and the improvement of MS was associated with the reduction of VT (β = −0.330, p = 0.034).

Conclusion: Microcirculatory remodeling and perfusion recovery were observed within 3 months after iERM surgery. VT was a novel index for evaluating the morphology of the retinal microvasculature in eyes with iERM and was associated with MS in the superior quadrant.
Ecological and dynamic analysis of gut microbiota in the early stage of azomethane-dextran sodium sulfate model in mice
Authors: Sun Ruizheng , Chen Hao , Yao Siqi , Yu Zheng , Lai Chen , Huang Jing
Published: April 2023

The success rate of azomethane-dextran sodium sulfate (AOM-DSS) model in mice has been a long-standing problem. Treatment of AOM and the first round DSS induces acute colitis and is of great significance for the success of AOM-DSS model. In this study, we focused on the role of gut microbiota in the early stage of AOM-DSS model. Few mice with obvious weight loss and high disease-activity score survived from double strike of AOM and the first round DSS. Different ecological dynamics of gut microbiota were observed in AOM-DSS treated mice. Pseudescherichia, Turicibacter, and Clostridium_XVIII were of significance in the model, uncontrolled proliferation of which accompanied with rapid deterioration and death of mice. Akkermansia and Ruthenibacterium were significantly enriched in the alive AOM-DSS treated mice. Decrease of Ligilactobacillus, Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus were observed in AOM-DSS model, but significant drop of these genera could be lethal. Millionella was the only hub genus of gut microbiota network in dead mice, which indicated dysbiosis of the intestinal flora and fragility of microbial network. Our results will provide a better understanding for the role of gut microbiota in the early stage of AOM-DSS model and help improve the success rate of model construction.
Physical properties variation of crude oil under natural laboratory and its geological implications: Dongying Sag, eastern China
Authors: Liu Yazhou , Zeng Jianhui , Liu Shuning , Long Hui
Published: April 2023

The Dongying Sag in eastern China is a mature exploration area and contains a wide variety of accumulations ranging from extra heavy oil to light oil. This multi-source lacustrine rift basin provides meaningful insights into the relationships between organofacies, maturity, charging, mixing, and oil properties. The Es3 source rocks are in the immature to mid-mature stage, while the Es4 source rocks are in the immature to late mature stage. Among them, Es4 source rocks were deposited in an anoxic, stratified, brackish water environment. Based on the kinetic model, it appears that the oil generation rate of Es4 source rocks is higher than that of Es3 source rocks, and the oil generation time of Es4 source rocks was earlier than that of Es3 source rocks. Whether in Es4 or Es3 members, source rocks with the kerogen type I have the greatest oil yield compared with other kerogens. The variations in oil physical and geochemical properties can be attributed to differences in organofacies and thermal maturity, which is in agreement with the results of source rock geochemistry and macerals analysis. Because the concentrations of maturity-related biomarkers or non-biomarkers show several orders of magnitude variation across maturity windows, these maturity parameters do not reliably characterize the maturity signals in mixed oil scenarios. Maturity parameters based on biomarker ratios can produce biases that overemphasize the contribution of low maturity oils and thus track the signals of low maturity end-member oils. In contrast, maturity parameters based on aromatic isomers are more sensitive to mixing processes and reflect the mixing degree of the accumulated oils. The same series of maturity parameters can track hydrocarbon migration pathways and relative maturity, while multiple series of maturity parameters can reconstruct hydrocarbon charging and mixing histories.
Gravity inversion constrained by OBS receiver function reveals crustal structure in Ryukyu Trench
Authors: Yang Tingwei , Xu Ya , Du Nanqiao , Xu Tao , Cao Danping , Nan Fangzhou , Chu Wei , Liang Ce , Hao Tianyao
Published: April 2023

The Ryukyu Trench is located in the northern Philippine Sea. The subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate to the Eurasia Plate along the Ryukyu Trench in the NNW direction leads to extremely complex tectonic processes such as subduction, collision, accretion, and back-arc expansion. It is of great significance to obtain the crustal structure of the Ryukyu Trench for understanding the crustal deformation characteristics, subduction direction and the scale of the Philippine Sea Plate. The ocean bottom seismometer (OBS) could provide important information on the deep structure of the oceanic area, and the wide coverage of gravity anomaly can provide more constraints for the regional crustal structure. In this study, we put the time-delay term of the sedimentary layer into the H-κ stacking formula, which eliminates the influence of the sedimentary layer in traditional H-κ stacking. Based on the accurate crustal thickness at OBS locations, a gravity inversion method is proposed to solve the problem of non-uniqueness in gravity data and limited distribution of OBSs. By using this method, we obtain a crustal structure with higher resolution than Crust1.0 model in Ryukyu Trench. The results show that the crustal thickness in the Ryukyu Trench region thickens along the NNW subduction direction, revealing that the Philippine Plate’s subduction direction towards the Eurasian Plate is in the NNW direction.
Insights on mapping Industry 4.0 and Education 4.0
Authors: Chakraborty Sourojeet , Gonzalez-Triana Yris , Mendoza Jorge , Galatro Daniela
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0 (I.D. 4.0), has radically empowered professionals to revamp skills and technologies, to match ever-evolving industry demands. Education 4.0 (E.D. 4.0) is an integral education framework, strategically designed to align with I.D. 4.0 needs. The present work presents high-level insights on mapping I.D. 4.0 to E.D. 4.0, by successfully analyzing the four key existing components of E.D. 4.0, namely, learning methods, competencies, infrastructure and information and communication technologies (ICT).

Methods

Research questions are formulated along themes aiming to standardize the E.D. 4.0 framework and identify effectiveness and implementation challenges. These posed questions are addressed by performing an exhaustive bibliometric analysis on the associated literature, by clustering relevant publications by field, year, and geography. We employed the search engines Scopus, Science Direct, and IEEE in a period between January and June of 2022.

Results

Network maps evidence the implementation of E.D. 4.0 elements with no formal and universally adopted framework to map with I.D. 4.0. There is an increasing interest and support from researchers and education institutions in preparing a skilled workforce for I.D. 4.0. Trends of E.D> 4.0-related published articles reveal more implementation efforts in developed countries compared to developing countries.

Discussion

Our results demonstrate a lack of any currently existent, standardized, and universally accepted framework for mapping I.D. 4.0 to E.D. 4.0, despite trends showing a sharp rise towards incorporating E.D. 4.0 initiatives recently into university curricula. Our analysis procedure can serve as a protocol to define E.D. 4.0 in a more specific context, in an ever-changing global workspace. While unbalanced implementation attempts on how extensively E.D. 4.0 components have been defined and adopted (including discrepancies in implementation policies among countries, and across disciplines), further rigorous assessments are needed to critically assess the necessary requirements and effectiveness, for standardization and implementation a global mapping framework.
The link between vitamin D, chemerin and metabolic profile in overweight and obese children - preliminary results
Authors: Krajewska Maria , Witkowska-Sędek Ewelina , Rumińska Małgorzata , Kucharska Anna M. , Stelmaszczyk-Emmel Anna , Sobol Maria , Majcher Anna , Pyrżak Beata
Published: April 2023

Background

Vitamin D affects adipogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, secretion of adipocytokines, lipid metabolism and thermogenesis. Some researchers postulate that those effects could be exerted by the influence of vitamin D on chemerin levels.

Aim of the study

We aimed to investigate if there is a link between serum 25-hydroksyvitamin D [25(OH)D], chemerin and metabolic profile in overweight and obese children before and after vitamin D supplementation.

Material and methods

The prospective study included 65 overweight and obese children aged 9.08-17.5 years and 26 peers as a control. None of the patients in the study group had received vitamin D within the last twelve months before the study.

Results

The study group had lower baseline 25(OH)D (p<0.001) and higher chemerin (p<0.001), triglycerides (TG, p<0.001), triglycerides/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C, p<0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP, p<0.05), fasting insulin (p<0.001), Homeostasis Model Assessment - Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR, p<0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, p<0.001) and uric acid (p<0.001) compared to the control group. Baseline vitamin D was related to fasting insulin (R=-0.29, p=0.021), HOMA-IR (R=-0.30, p=0.016), HDL-C (R=0.29, p=0.020) and uric acid (R=-0.28, p=0.037) in the study group. Baseline chemerin was related to insulin at 30’ (R=0.27, p=0.030), 60’ (R=0.27, p=0.033), 90’ (R=0.26, p=0.037) and 120’ (R=0.26, p=0.040) during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and ALT (R=0.25, p=0.041) in the study group. Correlation between vitamin D and chemerin (R=-0.39, p=0.046) was found only in the control group. After six months of vitamin D supplementation a decrease in CRP (p<0.01), total cholesterol (p<0.05), ALT (p<0.01), glucose at 150’ OGTT (p<0.05) was observed. Moreover, we noticed a tendency for negative association between 25(OH)D and chemerin levels (p=0.085). Multivariable backward linear regression models were build using baseline vitamin D, baseline chemerin and six months chemerin as the dependent variables.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that vitamin D has positive effect on metabolic profile in overweight and obese children. The relationship between vitamin D and chemerin is not clear, nevertheless we have observed a tendency to decrease chemerin concentrations after improving vitamin D status, even without a significant reduction in body fat mass.
Deep learning health management diagnostics applied to the NIST smoke experiments
Authors: Hoppman Isaac , Alhadhrami Saeed , Wang Jun
Published: April 2023

Fire is one of the most important hazards that must be considered in advanced nuclear power plant safety assessments. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has developed a large collection of experimental data and associated analyses related to the study of fire safety. In fact, computational fire models are based on quantitative comparisons to those experimental data. During the modeling process, it is important to develop diagnostic health management systems to check the equipment status in fire processes. For example, a fire sensor does not directly provide accurate and complex information that nuclear power plants (NPPs) require. With the assistance of the machine learning method, NPP operators can directly get information on local, ignition, fire material of an NPP fire, instead of temperature, smoke obscuration, gas concentration, and alarm signals. In order to improve the predictive capabilities, this work demonstrates how the deep learning classification method can be used as a diagnostic tool in a specific set of fire experiments. Through a single input from a sensor, the deep learning tool can predict the location and type of fire. This tool also has the capability to provide automatic signals to potential passive fire safety systems. In this work, test data are taken from a specific set of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) fire experiments in a residential home and analyzed by using the machine learning classification models. The networks chosen for comparison and evaluation are the dense neural networks, convolutional neural networks, long short-term memory networks, and decision trees. The dense neural network and long short-term memory network produce similar levels of accuracy, but the convolutional neural network produces the highest accuracy.
Extraction of chlorophyll concentration maps from AOTF hyperspectral imagery
Authors: Zolotukhina Anastasia , Machikhin Alexander , Guryleva Anastasia , Gresis Valeriya , Tedeeva Victoriya
Published: April 2023

Remote mapping of chlorophyll concentration in leaves is highly important for various biological and agricultural applications. Multiple spectral indices calculated from reflectance at specific wavelengths have been introduced for chlorophyll content quantification. Depending on the crop, environmental factors and task, indices differ. To map them and define the most accurate index, a single multi-spectral imaging system with a limited number of spectral channels is insufficient. When the best chlorophyll index for a particular task is unknown, hyperspectral imager able to collect images at any wavelengths and map multiple indices is in need. Due to precise, fast and arbitrary spectral tuning, acousto-optic imagers provide highly optimized data acquisition and processing. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility to extract the distribution of chlorophyll content from acousto-optic hyperspectral data cubes. We collected spectral images of soybean leaves of 5 cultivars in the range 450–850 nm, calculated 14 different chlorophyll indices, evaluated absolute value of chlorophyll concentration from each of them via linear regression and compared it with the results of well-established spectrophotometric measurements. We calculated parameters of the chlorophyll content estimation models via linear regression of the experimental data and found that index CIRE demonstrates the highest coefficient of determination 0.993 and the lowest chlorophyll content root-mean-square error 0.66 μg/cm2. Using this index and optimized model, we mapped chlorophyll content distributions in all inspected cultivars. This study exhibits high potential of acousto-optic hyperspectral imagery for mapping spectral indices and choosing the optimal ones with respect to specific crop and environmental conditions.
Emergence of a Euglena bioconvection spot controlled by non-uniform light
Authors: Yamashita Hiroshi , Kamikubo Touya , Muku Kazuki , Suematsu Nobuhiko J. , Izumi Shunsuke , Iima Makoto
Published: April 2023

Microorganisms possess taxes, which are the behavioral response to stimuli. The interaction between taxis and fluid dynamic instability leads to a macroscopic flow called bioconvection. In this study, we demonstrated that an isolated, single, three-dimensional bioconvection cell can exist within Euglena suspension. The isolated convection cell was named a “bioconvection spot.” To reveal the formation of this bioconvection spot in a cylindrical container, position-control experiments were designed in a non-uniform light environment. Upon exposure of Euglena suspensions to varying light conditions with white and red regions, Euglena was determined to aggregate into the red (darker) region. This was attributed to its phototactic response of Euglena, causing its movement toward a darker environment and away from a strong light. Thus, the bioconvection spot was created by manipulating the local cell density of the suspension and the light environments. Using our experimental setup, we observed the structure of the spot and established that it radiated pulses of local cell densities of Euglena.
Case report: A case study on the treatment using icaritin soft capsules in combination with lenvatinib achieving impressive PR and stage reduction in unresectable locally progressive pancreatic cancer and a literature review
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Yang Feimin , Jia Dunmao , Dong Xinyu , Zhang Yizhuo , Wu Zhengrong
Published: April 2023

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly malignancies in the world. It is characterized by rapid progression and a very poor prognosis. The five-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer in China is only 7.2%, which is the lowest among all cancers and the use of combined paclitaxel albumin, capecitabine, and digital has been the clinical standard treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer since 1997. Also, the application of multidrug combinations is often limited by the toxicity of chemotherapy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a more appropriate and less toxic treatment modality for pancreatic cancer.

Case presentation: The patient was a 79-year-old woman, admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (T3N0M0, stage IIA), with its imaging showing overgrowth of SMV involvement and unresectable reconstruction of the posterior vein after evaluation. As the patient refused chemotherapy, lenvatinib (8 mg/time, qd) and icaritin soft capsules (three tablets/time, bid) were recommended according to our past experience and a few clinical research cases. The tumor lesion was greatly reduced by 57.5% after the treatment, and the extent of vascular involvement also decreased. The aforementioned medication resulted in a significant downstaging of the patient’s tumor.

Conclusion: Better results were achieved in the treatment with icaritin soft capsules and lenvatinib in this case. Because of its less toxic effect on the liver and kidney and bone marrow suppression, it was suitable to combine icaritin soft capsules with targeted drugs for treating intermediate and advanced malignancies, which brings hope to patients who cannot or refuse to take chemotherapy.
A systematic pan-cancer analysis reveals the clinical prognosis and immunotherapy value of C-X3-C motif ligand 1 (CX3CL1)
Authors: Sun Yidi
Published: April 2023

It is now widely known that C-X3-C motif ligand 1 (CX3CL1) plays an essential part in the process of regulating pro-inflammatory cells migration across a wide range of inflammatory disorders, including a number of malignancies. However, there has been no comprehensive study on the correlation between CX3CL1 and cancers on the basis of clinical features. In order to investigate the potential function of CX3CL1 in the clinical prognosis and immunotherapy, I evaluated the expression of CX3CL1 in numerous cancer types, methylation levels and genetic alterations. I found CX3CL1 was differentially expressed in numerous cancer types, which indicated CX3CL1 may plays a potential role in tumor progression. Furthermore, CX3CL1 was variably expressed in methylation levels and gene alterations in most cancers according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). CX3CL1 was robustly associated with clinical characteristics and pathological stages, suggesting that it was related to the degree of tumor malignancy and the physical function of patients. As determined by the Kaplan-Meier method of estimating survival, high CX3CL1 expression was associated with either favorable or unfavorable outcomes depending on the different types of cancer. It suggests the correlation between CX3CL1 and tumor prognosis. Significant positive correlations of CX3CL1 expression with CD4+ T cells, M1 macrophage cells and activated mast cells have been established in the majority of TCGA malignancies. Which indicates CX3CL1 plays an important role in tumor immune microenvironment. Gene Ontology (GO) terms and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the chemokine signaling pathway may shed light on the pathway for CX3CL1 to exert function. In a conclusion, our study comprehensively summarizes the potential role of CX3CL1 in clinical prognosis and immunotherapy, suggesting that CX3CL1 may represent a promising pharmacological treatment target of tumors.
High loading-dose of dupilumab resulted in rapid disease control in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Wang Ao , Zhou Yuan , Luo Yang , Gao Yingxia , Chen Jingsi , Li Wei , Luo Xiaoyan , Yao Xu
Published: April 2023

Background

The real-world experience of dupilumab in Chinese is limited, and the initial loading dose has not yet been deeply explored in patients aged <6 years.

Objective

To explore the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and investigate the effect of higher loading dose for disease control in patients aged <6 years.

Methods

A total of 155 patients were divided into three groups according to age: <6 years, 6-11 years, and >11 years. Among patients aged <6 years, 37 patients received a high loading dose of 300 mg for body weight <15kg or 600 mg for body weight ≥15kg, and another 37 patients received a standard loading dose of 200 mg for body weight <15kg or 300 mg for body weight ≥15kg. Multiple physicians and patient-reported outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after dupilumab treatment.

Results

The proportion of patients showing an improvement of ≥75% in the Eczema Area and Severity Index was 68.0% (17/25), 76.9% (10/13), and 62.5% (25/40) in the aged <6, 6-11, and >11 years groups, respectively, at week 16. After increasing the loading dose, 69.6% (16/23) of patients aged <6 years achieved 4-point improvement in Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale at week 2, compared with 23.5% (8/34) of patients receiving standard loading dose (P < 0.001). Obesity (odds ratio=0.12, 95% confidence interval: 0.02-0.70) was predictive of a poor response to dupilumab treatment, while female (odds ratio=3.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.26-12.31) predicted good response at week 16. The change of serum C-C motif ligand 17(CCL17/TARC) could reflect the response to dupilumab (r = 0.53, P = 0.002 in EASI) among patients aged <18 years. No major adverse events were reported during the treatment.

Conclusions

Dupilumab was effective and well-tolerated in Chinese patients with atopic dermatitis. The increased loading dose helped achieve rapid pruritus control in patients aged <6 years.
Food supplementation increases reproductive performance of ospreys in the lower Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Academia Michael H. , Watts Bryan D.
Published: April 2023

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), the governing body responsible for managing fisheries on the U.S. East Coast, formally adopted the use of Ecological Reference Points (ERPs) for Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus. Scientists and stakeholders have long recognized the importance of menhaden and predators such as ospreys, Pandion haliaetus, that support the valuable ecotourism industry and hold cultural significance. Landings in the reduction fishery are at their lowest levels and menhaden is facing potential localized depletion. Mobjack Bay, located within the lower Chesapeake Bay, has been a focus of osprey research since 1970 and represents a barometer for the relationship between osprey breeding performance and the availability of their main prey, menhaden. Since local levels of menhaden abundance were not available, we conducted a supplemental menhaden feeding experiment on osprey pairs during the 2021 breeding season. Our main objective was to determine if the delivery rate of menhaden had an influence on nest success and productivity. Nest success (χ2 = 5.5, df = 1, P = 0.02) and productivity (β = 0.88, SE = 0.45, CI = 0.049, 1.825, P = 0.048) were significantly higher within the treatment group. Reproductive rates within the control group were low and unsustainable suggesting that current menhaden availability is too low to support a demographically stable osprey population. Menhaden populations should be maintained at levels that will sustain a stable osprey population in which they are able to produce 1.15 young/active nest to offset mortality.
Evaluation of a computer-aided diagnostic model for corneal diseases by analyzing in vivo confocal microscopy images
Authors: Yan Yulin , Jiang Weiyan , Zhou Yiwen , Yu Yi , Huang Linying , Wan Shanshan , Zheng Hongmei , Tian Miao , Wu Huiling , Huang Li , Wu Lianlian , Cheng Simin , Gao Yuelan , Mao Jiewen , Wang Yujin , Cong Yuyu , Deng Qian , Shi Xiaoshuo , Yang Zixian , Miao Qingmei , Zheng Biqing , Wang Yujing , Yang Yanning
Published: April 2023

Objective

In order to automatically and rapidly recognize the layers of corneal images using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and classify them into normal and abnormal images, a computer-aided diagnostic model was developed and tested based on deep learning to reduce physicians’ workload.

Methods

A total of 19,612 corneal images were retrospectively collected from 423 patients who underwent IVCM between January 2021 and August 2022 from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan, China) and Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan, China). Images were then reviewed and categorized by three corneal specialists before training and testing the models, including the layer recognition model (epithelium, bowman’s membrane, stroma, and endothelium) and diagnostic model, to identify the layers of corneal images and distinguish normal images from abnormal images. Totally, 580 database-independent IVCM images were used in a human-machine competition to assess the speed and accuracy of image recognition by 4 ophthalmologists and artificial intelligence (AI). To evaluate the efficacy of the model, 8 trainees were employed to recognize these 580 images both with and without model assistance, and the results of the two evaluations were analyzed to explore the effects of model assistance.

Results

The accuracy of the model reached 0.914, 0.957, 0.967, and 0.950 for the recognition of 4 layers of epithelium, bowman’s membrane, stroma, and endothelium in the internal test dataset, respectively, and it was 0.961, 0.932, 0.945, and 0.959 for the recognition of normal/abnormal images at each layer, respectively. In the external test dataset, the accuracy of the recognition of corneal layers was 0.960, 0.965, 0.966, and 0.964, respectively, and the accuracy of normal/abnormal image recognition was 0.983, 0.972, 0.940, and 0.982, respectively. In the human-machine competition, the model achieved an accuracy of 0.929, which was similar to that of specialists and higher than that of senior physicians, and the recognition speed was 237 times faster than that of specialists. With model assistance, the accuracy of trainees increased from 0.712 to 0.886.

Conclusion

A computer-aided diagnostic model was developed for IVCM images based on deep learning, which rapidly recognized the layers of corneal images and classified them as normal and abnormal. This model can increase the efficacy of clinical diagnosis and assist physicians in training and learning for clinical purposes.