bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fertility preservation in Hong Kong Chinese society: awareness, knowledge and acceptance
Authors: YEUNG Suet Ying , Ng Elaine Yee Lee , LAO Terence Tzu Hsi , Li Tin Chiu , CHUNG Jacqueline Pui Wah
Published: April 2020

Background

Fertility preservation for both medical and non-medical reasons are gaining increasing attention world-wide. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, knowledge and acceptance on fertility preservation in Hong Kong Chinese.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study carried out between June 2016 to March 2017. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed by convenience sampling.

Results

Forty two percent of subjects returned the questionnaire (n = 296/697). Among them, only 54.3% were aware of any means of fertility preservation. Tertiary educated individuals are more aware than less educated individuals (73.6% versus 46.6%,p < 0.001). The most commonly known method is oocyte cryopreservation (94.3%). Most of the respondents (80%) were interested to know about fertility preservation, 84.1% considered fertility preservation counselling necessary and 83.3% would consider undergoing fertility preservation if a treatment has a high chance of causing infertility despite the possibility of delay in cancer treatment. Up to 93.9% agreed to set up a dedicated referral centre with government funding and 73.4% agreed that fertility preservation for medical indication should be provided as a government funded service. In terms of fertility preservation for non-medical reason, 65.5 and 70.4% agreed that fertility preservation should be offered to single men and women without partner respectively, while only 53.3 and 50% agreed that fertility preservation is acceptable for delay in childbearing for career development in female and male respectively.

Conclusion

There was a low awareness but positive attitude towards fertility preservation among Hong Kong Chinese. Acceptance towards medically indicated fertility preservation is high while a considerable number also accepts it for non-medical reasons. Educational campaigns are required to arouse awareness of fertility preservation to prevent individuals being deprived of the option due to lack of knowledge. Dedicated referral centre with established efficient patient referral pathways and financial support should be provided to improve the provision and uptake of fertility preservation service to enhance the reproductive potential and life options of women.
Evaluation of efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitors for Chinese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yu Dong-Ni , Qiu Lei , Ning Shang-Yong , Guo Li-Xin
Published: April 2020

Background

The safety of hypoglycemic drugs should be paid more attention to in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus due to their concomitant diseases, physiological decline of liver and kidney function and cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitors in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

From January 2010 to November 2018, 300 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were over 60 years old were enrolled in the outpatient clinic of Geriatric Medical Center. Their medication records and follow-up medical records were used for retrospective analysis. The duration of treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors was more than 3 months. The changes of fasting blood glucose (GLU), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), body weight, body mass index (BMI) and liver and kidney function were compared before and after treatment.

Results

The average age of 300 patients (212 males and 88 females) was 73.7 ± 9.1 years old, BMI was 26.5 ± 2.8 kg/m2 and the duration of diabetes was 10.7 ± 8.2 years. The results of retrospective analysis showed that HbA1C decreased by 0.27% after treatment (P < 0.001). In the group of DPP-4 inhibitors used for less than 12 months, there was no difference in liver transaminase (ALT and AST) between before and after treatment, whereas in the group of DPP-4 inhibitors used formore than 12 months, liver transaminase decreased statistically compared with after treatment (P < 0.001). The incidence of fatty liver in elderly diabetic patients decreased after using DPP-4 inhibitors. There was no significant change in serum creatinine level and creatinine clearance rate in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after treatment of DPP-4 inhibitor. In addition, the body weight and BMI of the patients decreased significantly (P < 0.001). No hypoglycemic reaction and gastrointestinal discomfort were found in the medical records.

Conclusion

After DPP-4 inhibitors were used in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the elevated glycosylated hemoglobin could be controlled with improved safety of liver and kidney, and might have the effect of weight loss.
Correction to: Reviving WHAAM! a comparative evaluation of cleaning systems for the conservation treatment of Roy Lichtenstein’s iconic painting
Authors: Bartoletti Angelica , Barker Rachel , Chelazzi David , Bonelli Nicole , Baglioni Piero , Lee Judith , Angelova Lora V. , Ormsby Bronwyn
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Temporomandibular joint disc plication with MITEK mini anchors: surgical outcome of 65 consecutive joint cases using a minimally invasive approach
Authors: Lee Bu-Kyu , Hong Jun Hee
Published: April 2020

Background

The purpose of this study is to introduce our modified disc plication technique using MITEK mini anchors and to evaluate the clinical outcome for patients with internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Patients and methods

We evaluated 65 joints in 46 patients, comprised 32 women and 14 men, who first visited the Asan Medical Center from December 2012 to December 2016. The age of the patients ranged from 14 to 79 years, with a mean age of 36.6 years. The patients presented with joint problems including pain, joint noise, and mouth opening limitation (MOL). Patients who met our inclusion criteria underwent unilateral or bilateral disc repositioning surgery with our minimally invasive disc plication technique using MITEK mini anchors and No. 2-0 Ethibond® braided polyester sutures. The variables taken into account in this study were the range of maximum mouth opening (MMO), painful symptoms (evaluated with the visual analog scale, VAS), and the type of noise (click, popping, crepitus) in the TMJ.

Results

Preoperative examination revealed painful symptoms in 50.7% (n = 35) of the operated joints (n = 69) and the presence of clicks in 56.5% (n = 39). Postoperative examination revealed that 4.3% (n = 3) of the operated joints had painful symptoms with lower intensity than that in the preoperative condition. Additionally, 17.4% (n = 12) had residual noise in the TMJ, among which two were clicking and the other 10 had mild crepitus. The intensity of the postoperative residual noise was significantly decreased in all cases compared to that in the preoperative condition. Among patients with MOL below 38 mm (n = 18), the mean MMO was 31.4 mm preoperatively and 44.2 mm at 6 months postoperatively, with a mean increase of 13.8 mm. A barely visible scar at the operation site was noted during the postoperative observation period, with no significant complications such as facial palsy or permanent occlusal disharmony.

Conclusion

Subjective symptoms in all patients improved following the surgery. TMJ disc plication using MITEK mini anchors with our minimally invasive approach may be a feasible and effective surgical option for treating TMJ ID patients who are not responsive to conservative treatment.
Familial and socioeconomic contributions to premorbid functioning in psychosis: Impact on age at onset and treatment response
Authors: Hatzimanolis Alex , Stefanatou Pentagiotissa , Kattoulas Emmanouil , Ralli Irene , Dimitrakopoulos Stefanos , Foteli Stefania , Kosteletos Ioannis , Mantonakis Leonidas , Selakovic Mirjana , Soldatos Rigas-Filippos , Vlachos Ilias , Xenaki Lida-Alkisti , Smyrnis Nikolaos , Stefanis Nicholas C.
Published: April 2020

Background.

Premorbid adjustment (PA) abnormalities in psychotic disorders are associated with an earlier age at onset (AAO) and unfavorable clinical outcomes, including treatment resistance. Prior family studies suggest that familial liability, likely reflecting increased genetic risk, and socioeconomic status (SES) contribute to premorbid maladjustment. However, their joint effect possibly indicating gene–environment interaction has not been evaluated.

Methods.

We examined whether family history of psychosis (FHP) and parental SES may predict PA and AAO in unrelated cases with first-episode psychosis (n= 108) and schizophrenia (n= 104). Premorbid academic and social functioning domains during childhood and early adolescence were retrospectively assessed. Regression analyses were performed to investigate main effects of FHP and parental SES, as well as their interaction. The relationships between PA, AAO, and response to antipsychotic medication were also explored.

Results.

Positive FHP associated with academic PA difficulties and importantly interacted with parental SES to moderate social PA during childhood (interactionp= 0.024). Positive FHP and parental SES did not predict differences in AAO. Nevertheless, an earlier AAO was observed among cases with worse social PA in childhood (β= −0.20;p= 0.005) and early adolescence (β= −0.19;p= 0.007). Further, confirming evidence emerged for an association between deficient childhood social PA and poor treatment response (p= 0.04).

Conclusions.

Familial risk for psychosis may interact with parental socioeconomic position influencing social PA in childhood. In addition, this study supports the link between social PA deviations, early psychosis onset, and treatment resistance, which highlights premorbid social functioning as a promising clinical indicator.
What gastroenterologists should know during COVID-19 Pandemic!
Authors: Kamani Lubna
Published: April 2020

The WHO has declared a Pandemic due to Novel Corona virus-19 (COVID-19). Patients usually have respiratory symptoms but gastrointestinal and hepatic dysfunction are not uncommon presentations and can lead to a delay in diagnosis and management. Virus shedding can continue even after the nasopharyngeal swab gets negative and could lead to faecal-oral transmission. The effects of COVID-19 on patients with decompensated liver disease is still not clear. Managing immunosuppressive drugs in liver transplant and inflammatory bowel disease is a major challenge without clear guidelines. Only emergency endoscopy is to be done with personal protection equipment. Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine has shown some beneficial effects and is being used off-label. Without effective treatment, it is imperative to take precautionary measures.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2651

How to cite this:Kamani L. What gastroenterologists should know during COVID-19 Pandemic! Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):COVID19-S124-S125.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2651

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Immediate Results of a Prolonged Course of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: a Comparison of Classical and Hypofractional Regimes
Authors: Abdujapparov A. , Tkachev Sergey , Aliev V. , Romanov D. , Nazarenko A. , Barsukov Yu. , Borisova T. , Glebovskaya V.
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of the hypofractional and classical modes of radiation therapy in a neoadjuvant prolonged course of chemoradiotherapy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

Material and methods: This work is based on a retrospective analysis of the database of patients with LARC, who from 2013 to 2017 underwent a prolonged course of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with subsequent surgical intervention. Patients were divided into two groups: the first (main) group, 71 patients with LARC, who, as part of the neoadjuvant treatment, underwent a course of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in the hypofractionation mode (4 Gy, 3 fractions per week, 32 Gy to regional lymph nodes pelvis and up to 40 Gy to the primary tumor) in combination with chemotherapy with capecitabine 1650 mg/m2 in two doses daily on weekdays. The second group (control group) included 79 patients with LARC, who underwent CRT in the classical fractionation regimen (2 Gy, 5 fractions per week, 44 Gy to regional pelvic lymph nodes and up to 50–58 Gy to the primary tumor) in combination with capecitabine chemotherapy 1650 mg/m2 in two doses on the days of radiation therapy.

Results: The average duration of a prolonged course of CRT in the main group was 22.56 (95 % CI from 21.94 to 23.18) calendar days, in the control group — 38.84 (95 % CI from 38.12 to 39.54), p = 0.0001. Pathological response of the III degree in the main group was recorded in 23 % of cases, and of the IV degree in 18 %, in the control group these indicators were 19 % and 15 %, respectively, p = 0.4. A decrease in the stage of the tumor process was recorded in 50 (70.4 %) cases in the main group and in 47 (59.5 %) cases in the control group, p = 0.16. No statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence and severity of cases of hematological and local toxicity.

Conclusion: The results of our study confirm that the use of a prolonged course of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in hypofractionation mode does not worsen oncological results, does not increase the frequency and severity of early and late radiation injuries, but at the same time reduces the duration of the course of treatment by two weeks. The hypofractionation regimen can be considered as an alternative and not inferior to the classical regimen in the neoadjuvant course of CRT of patients with LARC.
Evaluation of the SPECT/CT Method in the Diagnosis of Ochronosis. Clinical Case
Authors: Ryzhkov A. , Krylov A. , Bludov A. , Kuzin A. , Kaspshik S. , Dolgushin M.
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Is to demonstrate functional and structural changes in the musculoskeletal system of the patient with ochronosis using bone scan and hybrid imaging consisting of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and X-ray transmission computed tomography (CT) scan (SPECT/CT).

Material and methods: A clinical case report of patient with ochronosis, examined with bone scan and SPECT/CT.

Results: In this article we show a clinical case with the picture of mineral metabolism disorder and severe degenerative changes of musculoskeletal system in patient with ochronosis (a genetically determined disease), caused by metabolic disorders of homogentisic acid. We used hybrid SPECT/CT method for evaluation of this disease.

Conclusion: SPECT/CT method demonstrated structural and metabolic changes. This method allowed us to reveal the specific changes in cases of ochronosis, but also it shows the possibility of using radionuclide methods in solving non-standard situations, while this method has not previously been applied.
Seasonal features of the combined effects of intermittent normobabic hypoxia and melatonin on the thyroid gland morphofunctional state
Authors: Yanko Roman , Levashov Mikhail , Chaka Elena , Litovka Irina , Safonov Sergey
Published: April 2020

The aim of this work is to compare the effect of the combination influence of dosed intermittent normobaric hypoxia and melatonin in different seasons of the year on the morphofunctional state of the rats’ thyroid gland.Material and methods. The study was carried out on 48 male rats of the Wistar line. The hypoxic gas mixture (12% O2 and 88% N2) was daily given to experimental animals in intermittent mode: 15 minutes deoxygenation / 15 minutes reoxygenation for 2 hours. Melatonin was administered orally in a dose of 5 mg / kg at10.00 a.m. The total duration of the experiment was 28 days. Histological preparations were prepared according to a standard methodic. Histomorphometry of the digital images of preparations was carried out using the computer program «Image J».Results. It was shown that the thyroid gland of rats reacted differently to the combined effects of intermittent hypoxia and melatonin at different seasons. So the signs of the gland activity were increased after influence of hypoxia and melatonin in spring. It was evidenced by a smaller area of follicles and colloid, a smaller internal diameter of the follicles and colloid-accumulation index, a greater height of the thyrocytes and follicular-colloid index, a smaller width of the interlobar, interlobular and interfollicular connective tissue interlayers compared to the control. The prolonged exposure to intermittent hypoxia and melatonin in autumn decreased the area and height of the follicular epithelium, increased the internal diameter of the follicles, decreased the follicular-colloidal index and increased the colloid-accumulation index. This indicated a decrease in the activity of the thyroid gland.Conclusions. Thus, in the spring, the morphofunctional activity of the thyroid gland is moderately increased, and in the autumn period, on the contrary, decreases.
Collections of Japanese Art in Ukraine
Authors: Ozhoha-Maslovska Alla
Published: April 2020

The stages of the formation of Japanese art collections on the territory of Ukraine from the beginning of the 19th century to the present are highlighted on the basis of archival materials, periodicals and professional literature. Information about Japanese collections of the pre-war and post-war periods are systematized, while their composition and sources of formation are determined. The influence of the socio-political system on the development of the process of collecting Japanese art in Ukraine is also analysed. The sources of the formation of collections of Japanese art in the collections of The Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Arts in Kyiv, Odessa Museum of Western and Oriental Arts, the Chinese Palace of “Zolochiv Castle” Museum-Reserve, as well as Kharkiv Art Museum are explored. Finally, modern tendencies in the collection of Japanese art in Ukraine are determined.
Use of Raw and Physically Modified Rice Starches as Fat Replacer in Whipping Cream
Authors: Iftikhar Shah Asma , Dutta Himjyoti
Published: April 2020

Raw, retrograded and retrograded-annealed starches obtained in a previous novel study from three rice varieties widely differing in apparent amylose content (22.7%, 9.8% and 0.3%) were applied for partially replacing fat in fresh cream to prepare to the consistency of whipping cream with approximately 15% final fat concentration. Properties of the whipped creams were studied and compared with a commercial whipping cream taken as standard. Differences between the mean values were assessed by Duncan’s multiple range tests at a significance level of 95%. Fat replacement resulted in whipping time as low as 60 seconds and improved foam stability of the whipped creams with significant overrun (up to 44%), suggesting industrial applicability of the starch samples as fat replacers. Incorporated starch resulted in better water retention and structural stability lower weeping out of liquid upon freezing and thawing. Modified waxy starch substitution resulted in cream texture closest to the commercial cream standard, suggesting efficient fat replacement. Thereby, starch incorporated whipping cream with more than 62% lower fat content than commercial variants could be obtained. This would thereby help in lower glycemic index, low calorie and lower priced alternative to common fat-rich whipping creams.
Os “Community Land Trusts”: potencialidades e desafios de sua implementação nas cidades brasileiras
Authors: Ribeiro Tarcyla Fidalgo
Published: April 2020

Os “Community Land Trusts” vêm sendo utilizados como modelo para a segurança da posse de comunidades e/ou populações de baixa renda desde a década de 60 do século passado. Surgido nos Estados Unidos da América, o modelo vem sendo reproduzido em outros países do mundo mostrando-se uma alternativa promissora, especialmente na seara urbana, para o resguardo de direitos dos mais pobres diante de um cenário de produção urbana cada vez mais alinhado aos interesses capitalistas. O presente artigo pretende traçar um panorama dos CLTs e analisar as potencialidades e desafios para uma possível aplicação no Brasil, especialmente para a garantia da segurança da posse para a população de baixa renda residente em assentamentos informais. Indo além, incorpora-se uma primeira proposta metodológica de formatação do instrumento, de modo a associar a análise teórica com a proposição prática na busca de impulsionar o debate sobre o tema e a construção de um modelo adaptado às peculiaridades brasileiras.
ANÁLISE DO ACIDENTE DE PERDA DE REFRIGERANTE PRIMÁRIO DEVIDO A QUEBRA DA LINHA DE SURTO DO PRESSURIZADOR DA USINA NUCLEAR ANGRA 2
Authors: Borges Eduardo Madeira , Conti Thadeu Das Neves , Sabundjian Gaianê , Sanchez Andrea
Published: April 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho foi simular e avaliar com o código RELAP5 o acidente base de projeto de perda de refrigerante primário devido a uma ruptura média na linha de surto do pressurizador da usina nuclear Angra 2. Este acidente foi uma quebra do tipo guilhotina ou seja 100% da tubulação e representa uma ruptura de 437 cm². Nesta análise, verificou-se que as lógicas de atuação do Sistema de Proteção do Reator (SPR) e do Sistema de Resfriamento de Emergência do Núcleo (SREN) de Angra 2, utilizadas nesta simulação, funcionaram corretamente, mantendo a integridade do núcleo com as temperaturas do núcleo em níveis aceitáveis durante todo o evento. Os resultados obtidos foram satisfatórios, quando comparados com os apresentados no Relatório Final de Análise de Segurança de Angra 2 (FSAR/A2).
PROPOSTA DE FERRAMENTA ESTATÍSTICA PARA CONTROLE DE ESTAÇÕES DE TRATAMENTO DE EFLUENTES INDUSTRIAIS
Authors: Dias Karine Marinho do Nascimento , Giordano Gandhi
Published: April 2020

A água, industrialmente, pode ser utilizada em diversos momentos, tais como a incorporação ao produto, lavagens de máquinas, tubulações, pisos, entre outros (GIORDANO,2004). As estações de tratamento de efluentes, ETEIs devem monitorar os padrões de potabilidade do efluente industrial, para assegurar a eficiência do tratamento. O objetivo do presente trabalho é a produção de uma ferramenta estatística capaz de analisar, através da medição indireta da matéria orgânica, a qualidade de uma estação de tratamento de efluentes industriais, tendo como estudo de caso um condomínio de indústrias de alimentos na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. A metodologia foi baseada na aplicação de uma ferramenta estatística utilizando o software EXCEL, através dos seguintes passos: imputação dos dados originais, análise descritiva exploratória, aplicação de cartas de controle, análise da eficiência da estação, produção de alerta de baixa de eficiência, apresentação dos resultados e por fim, a geração de um relatório final. Como resultados, a ferramenta foi produzida com sucesso, permitindo com que o usuário tenha, apenas em um programa, a compilação das análises indiretas da matéria orgânica e geração da eficiência da estação. Em relação ao estudo de caso, a estação demostrou eficiência acima de 97% em todos os dias analisados. Abaixo de 98% houve quatro resultados de DBO e um resultado abaixo de DQO. O sistema identificou a data desses resultados, bem como filtrou os resultados em si, alcançando os objetivos do trabalho. Palavras-chave: Efluentes industriais, estatística, eficiência, controle.
PELLETS PLÁSTICOS NA PRAIA DE SANTA CRUZ DOS NAVEGANTES, GUARUJÁ (SP), DURANTE EVENTO DE FRENTE FRIA NO INVERNO DE 2019
Authors: Ribeiro Victor Vasques , Dos Santos Vitória Rocha
Published: April 2020

A praia de Santa Cruz dos Navegantes está localizada próxima ao Canal do Porto de Santos, uma grande fonte emissora de pellets plásticos para os ambientes marinhos. As quantidades de pellets em praias arenosas aumentam durante o inverno e após eventos de entrada frente fria. Este estudo teve o objetivo de determinar a influência de um evento de entrada de frente fria nos pellets encontrados nesta praia, durante o inverno de 2019, além de supor a proximidade das fontes emissoras. A praia de Santa Cruz dos Navegantes foi considerada ideal para este tipo de pesquisa, pois apresentou quantidades Moderadas a Muito Altas de pellets, está situada próxima a fontes emissoras e sofre maior deposição de pellets durante eventos de frente fria. A continuidade da aplicação dos métodos presentes neste estudo é imprenscindível para o monitoramento e avaliação dos pellets em praias arenosas.
How to step into new shoes
Authors: Meldrum Eloise
Published: April 2020

Eloise Meldrum looks at the pros and cons of locum work
Technology and COVID-19
Authors: Pope Ian
Published: April 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has swept aside everything we have ever taken for granted about the way we live our lives, says Ian Pope
Let's get moving
Authors: Lyle Deborah
Published: April 2020

Whilst the COVID-19 crisis may have limited our opportunity to exercise of late, physical activity remains a major part of living healthier, happier lives. Whatever the current situation, we can all embrace a more active routine
Africa calling
Authors: Fimprong Vivian , Anastasi Emma
Published: April 2020

Vivian Fimprong won Best Dental Nurse in Diamond Dental Staff's 2019 Recognition Awards. Here, managing director of the recruitment agency, Emma Anastasi, finds out more about her charitable efforts
COVID-19: Child oral health tips
Authors: Ramage Sarah
Published: April 2020

Sarah Ramage, clinical director at Bupa Dental Care, shares some invaluable advice for your patients
A helping hand
Authors: McLaughlin Amanda
Published: April 2020

Amanda McLaughlin considers the importance of oral health care in nursing and residential care homes

Aim

The reader should be able to understand the importance of introducing and maintaining effective oral health care in nursing and residential care home and nursing home settings.

Objectives

To have an overview of UK statistics. To understand the implications of poor oral health on overall wellbeing To understand ways in which teams can improve the oral health of the elderly.
A holistic approach to creating a nutrition plan for hospitalised inpatients
Authors: Cox Stacey
Published: April 2020

Proper nutrition ensures adequate intakes of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins and it is essential for dogs and cats to ensure health and longevity. Veterinary nurses play a vital role in educating pet owners about nutrition as well as implementing the majority of nutritional support to hospitalised animals. As part of a holistic approach to delivering nutritional support, nutrition plans can be used successfully. This article will discuss and educate on how to implement and deliver this systematic approach using a basic nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation to ensure an organised and more successful method is used to deliver nutritional support to inpatients.
Lucy's Law comes into force
Authors: Abraham Marc
Published: April 2020

After years of campaigning Lucy's Law was passed in the summer of 2019, and became enforceable from April 6th this year. It ensures that puppies and kittens can only be sold in the place in which they were born, and in the presence of their mother.
Trap stiffness modification of an optically trapped microsphere through directed motion of nanoparticles
Authors: Subhash Iyengar Shruthi , P. Praveen , Ananthamurthy Sharath , Bhattacharya Sarbari
Published: April 2020

We report an enhancement in the corner frequency of an optically trapped non-magnetic microsphere in the plane perpendicular to the laser propagation direction on addition of ferrofluid to the suspension medium. We conjecture that a directed motion of the nanoparticles toward the trap in this plane is responsible for the augmentation. Changes in the corner frequency in the presence of external magnetic field gradients lend credence to this conjecture. Corner frequency augmentation is also observed when zinc oxide nanoparticles are used. Here, however, no further changes are seen in the presence of magnetic field gradients.
Direct measurement of radial fluence distribution inside a femtosecond laser filament core
Authors: Guo Hao , Wang Tie-Jun , Zhang Xuan , Liu Chengpu , Chen Na , Liu Yaoxiang , Sun Haiyi , Shen Baifei , Jin Yunxia , Leng Yuxin , Li Ruxin
Published: April 2020

Modulation and direct measurement of the radial fluence distribution inside a single filament core (especially less than 100 μm in diameter) is crucial to filament-based applications. We report direct measurements of the radial fluence distribution inside a femtosecond laser filament core and its evolution via the filament-induced ablation method. The radial fluence distributions were modulated by manipulating the input pulse diffraction through an iris. Compared with using a traditionally circular iris, a stellate iris substantially suppressed the diffraction effect, and laser fluence, intensity and plasma density inside the filament core were considerably increased. The radial fluence inside filament cores was also quantitatively measured via the filament drilling diaphragms approach. Furthermore, numerical simulations were performed to support the experimental results by solving nonlinear Schrödinger equations. The effects of the tooth size of the stellate iris were numerically investigated, which indicated that bigger tooth favors higher fluence and longer filament. In addition to being beneficial in understanding the filamentation process and its control, the results of this study can also be valuable for filament-based applications.
Scattering-free channels of invisibility across non-Hermitian media
Authors: Makris K. G. , Krešić I. , Brandstötter A. , Rotter S.
Published: April 2020

Waves typically propagate very differently through a homogeneous medium like free space than through an inhomogeneous medium like a complex dielectric structure. Here we present the surprising result that wave solutions in two-dimensional free space can be mapped to a solution inside a suitably designed non-Hermitian potential landscape such that both solutions share the same spatial distribution of their wave intensity. The mapping we introduce here is broadly applicable as a design protocol for a special class of non-Hermitian media across which specific incoming waves form scattering-free propagation channels. This protocol naturally enables the design of structures with a broadband unidirectional invisibility for which outgoing waves are indistinguishable from those of free space. We illustrate this concept through the example of a beam that maintains its Gaussian shape while passing through a randomly assembled distribution of scatterers with gain and loss.
Resumos da 2ª Mostra de Doutoramento em Psicologia
Authors: FPCE Universidade Coimbra
Published: April 2020

A 2ª Mostra de Doutoramento em Psicologia consistiu numa sessão de posters, em que as/os doutorandas/os em Psicologia na FPCE-UC apresentaram e discutiram as investigações que estão a fazer no âmbito dos seus trabalhos de doutoramento. Todas/os doutorandas/os em Psicologia na FPCE-UC foram convidadas/os a participar, independentemente da fase em que se encontrava o desenvolvimento das suas teses e os resumos submetidos foram sujeitos a um processo de avaliação pela Comissão Científica.

Esta Mostra fez-se na continuidade da 1ª Mostra de Doutoramento em Psicologia/PsihD que se realizou em 2017 (a 6 de Novembro), com uma Comissão Organizadora composta exclusivamente por estudantes de doutoramento em Psicologia na FPCE-UC. O programa inicial da 1ª Mostra de Doutoramento em Psicologia/PsihD incluía uma Conferência e uma tertúlia sobre o Doutoramento em Psicologia. A Direcção da FPCE-UC não só deu o apoio logístico e financeiro à 1ª Mostra de Doutoramento em Psicologia/PsihD como decidiu incluí-la no Dia da Faculdade, que assinalava o 37º aniversário da FPCE-UC e dos 40 anos do curso Superior de Psicologia na Universidade de Coimbra. Assim, a Conferência do Dia da Faculdade, em 2017, Can Psychology Save Democracy (Prof. Fathali Moghaddam, Georgetown University) foi também a Conferência da 1ª Mostra de Doutoramento em Psicologia/PsihD. As/os doutorandas/os que apresentaram posters nessa Mostra foram convidados a submeter os respectivos resumos para publicação na Psychologica. Após um novo processo de revisão, esses resumos foram publicados no volume 62, número 1, da Psychologica.

Mantendo a estrutura do ano anterior, a 2ª edição da Mostra de Doutoramento em Psicologia, inseriu-se no PsihDay, que decorreu a 31 de Outubro de 2018, um dia dedicado ao doutoramento em Psicologia na FPCE-UC, no âmbito das comemorações do 38º aniversário da FPCE-UC, e que incluiu a Conferência do Prof. Mathias Reitzle (Universidade de Jena Friedrich Schiller) Some Notes on Developmental Processes Versus Longitudinal Prediction e a Tertúlia Percursos de Doutoramento: Obstáculos e/ou Oportunidades? Tal como no ano anterior, a Comissão Organizadora foi composta exclusivamente por estudantes de doutoramento em Psicologia. Os resumos aqui publicados foram alvo de um novo processo de revisão por dois editores da Psychologica. Nem todos os trabalhos apresentados puderam fazer parte desta publicação por diferentes razões, designadamente, porque os seus autores entretanto submeteram já as suas investigações completas para publicação. A todas/os as/os que  participaram na 2ª Mostra de Doutoramento em Psicologia, deixamos aqui expressos os nossos agradecimentos.

COMISSÃO CIENTÍFICA ǁ Coordenador do Doutoramento em Psicologia, (Joaquim Pires Valentim) e membros da Comissão de Coordenação do Doutoramento em Psicologia (Maria Cristina Canavarro, Maria Paula Paixão, Maria Salomé Pinho, Teresa Rebelo e Bruno Cecílio de Sousa)

COMISSÃO ORGANIZADORA ǁ Ana Laura Mendes, Ana Rita Martins, Diogo Carreiras, Francisca Duarte, Joana Simões, Julieta Azevedo e Maria João Martins.
Introdução
Authors: Araújo Bruno , Marques Inês Fonseca , Gomes Marco , Miranda João
Published: April 2020

https://doi.org/10.14195/2183-6019_5
Uma Galeria de Imagens
Authors: Brites Leonel
Published: April 2020

Truth / Trust / Tightrope / (Net)work / Canção / Equilibrium
Theoretical Rationalization of Structure of Transannular
Bonded Germanium Complexes Containing Amide Functionality
Authors: Thomas Raji , Pardasani Pushpa
Published: April 2020

Penta and tetra coordinated germanium complexes have been synthesized from
N,N’-bis(2-pyridyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide (H2L) and N-(pyridine-2-yl)picolinamide (HL1) with dialkyl/aryl and trialkyl/aryl germanium halides in 1:1 molar ratios. The molecular structures and electronic properties of complexes were well analyzed by GAUSSIAN 03 suit of programs. The transannular bonding observed in penta coordinated complexes have been well established by natural bond orbital, Wiberg bond index and molecular electrostatic potential analysis
Synthesis, Characterization, Stereochemistry and Antimicrobial
Evaluation of N-Acyltetrahydrobenzodiazepin-2-ones
Authors: Akila A. , Sakthivel P. , Ponnuswamy S.
Published: April 2020

A few N5-substituted (1) and N1,N5-disubstituted tetrahydro-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-ones (2-8) viz. N5-chloroacetyl-, N5-formyl-, N5-dichloro-acetyl-, N1,N5-diethoxycarbonyl-, N1,N5-bischloroacetyl-, N5-piperazinoacetyl- and N5-morpholinoacetyltetrahydro-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-ones have been synthesized. The characterization and conformational analysis of these compounds 2-8 have been carried out using IR and 1H, 13C, DEPT & 2D (COSY & HSQC) NMR spectral techniques. The coupling constants for compounds 3-6 were determined by irradiating the C4-methyl doublet. The appearance of major and minor conformers has been found in the case of benzodiazepin-2-ones (3 and 6) and the spectral data confirm the equilibrium due to ring inversion over the N-C=O rotation. The spectral data and the extracted coupling constant values revealed that the substituted tetrahydro-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-ones (2-8) prefer to adopt boat conformation. The antimicrobial activity of compounds 1-8 has also been evaluated.
A Study on N-Substituted Nortropinone Synthesis using Acetone Equivalents
Authors: Song J.H. , Bae S.M. , Cho S.K. , Cho J.H. , Jung D.I.
Published: April 2020

Robinson′s synthesis has long been a classic in organic chemistry due to its simplicity and impact in
the industry. Various modifications have been made to improve the system. Among them, replacing
acetone with more acidic chemical equivalents such as calcium dicarboxylic acid or ethyl dicarboxylic
acetone improved the yield. In line with this trend, our group previously reported the synthesis of
mono- and di-N-substituted tropinone derivatives from the one-pot reaction of 2,5-dimethoxy
tetrahydrofuran and various amines with acetonedicarboxylic acid in the presence of HCl and water at
room temperature. In this study, the synthesis with acetone instead of acetone-dicarboxylic acid was
examined. Mono- and di-N-substituted nortropinones were prepared in higher yields in all cases although
there were extent to which yields increased depending on the nature of substituents
Synthesis and Characterization of Chemically Cross-Linked CMC/Acrylamide Hydrogels
Authors: Rudrappa Shivakumara Lachakkal , Iliger Sudhir Ramaswamy , Thippaiah Demappa
Published: April 2020

Carboxymethyl cellulose/poly(acrylamide) (CMC/Amm) hydrogels were synthesized by the chemical
cross-linking method. Ammonium persulfate used as an initiator, while aluminium sulfate used as a
cross-linking agent. The structure and morphology of the hydrogels were characterized by FTIR and
scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The swelling behaviour of the hydrogels can be studied
by using acids (CH3COOH, HCl and HClO4) and also in the pH of the buffer solutions at different
temperature (room temperature, 30 and 37 ºC) was studied. Swelling of hydrogels increased with an
increase in the concentration of aluminum sulfate up to 20 %, above 20 % it has found to be decreased.
The effect of four series of cationic different concentrated salt solutions on the swelling had found to
be the following order K+ > Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+.
Preparation of Salicylic Nitrile through Direct Catalytic Dehydration of
Salicylamide with Immobilized Phosphoric Acid as Catalyst
Authors: Yao Shu-Feng , Cai Zhao-Sheng , Huang Xu-Juan , Song Lan-Xuan
Published: April 2020

Salicylic nitrile was prepared through direct catalytic dehydration of salicylamide under high
temperature using immobilized phosphoric acid as catalyst. The catalytic performances of different
catalysts were evaluated according to the analytic results of GC-MS, and the feasibility about the
preparation of salicylic nitrile by direct catalytic dehydration of salicylamide was investigated according
to the composition of product determinated by GC analysis (area nomalization). Experimental results
indicated the comprehensive property of silica gel supported phosphoric acid was the best one among
all of the catalysts utilized in this study. When the temperature of catalyst bed was 480 ± 10º and silica
gel supported phosphoric acid was utilized as catalyst, the conversion ratio of salicylamide was 88.79%,
the selectivity to salicylic nitrile was 97.97% and the yields of salicylic nitrile could up to 86.99%.
Meanwhile, the experimental results showed the increase of temperature of catalyst bed could result
in the increase of the conversation of salicylamide, but much more by-product could be formed when
the temperature of catalyst bed was too high.
Efficient Removal of Methyl Orange and Rhodamine-B
Dyes with Low Cost Banana Peel Activated Carbon
Authors: Gupta Mahesh Kumar , Tandon P.K. , Shukla Neelam , Singh Harendra , Srivastava Shalini
Published: April 2020

Acid activated carbon obtained from cheap, non-toxic and locally available banana peel was used as a
low cost and efficient adsorbent for the removal of dyes methyl orange and rhodamine-B from the
aqueous solution. Changes in the resulting material before and after activation and after treatment
were studied by different techniques, such as SEM-EDX, XRD, FTIR measurements. Effects of duration
of treatment, amount of banana peel activated carbon, pH, and initial methyl orange and rhodamine-B
concentration, on the removal of dye were studied to get optimum conditions for maximum dye removal.
Removal efficiency of the activated ash remains almost constant in a wide range of pH from 2.5 to 5.6.
In 75 min at room temperature removal of 98.5 % methyl orange (anionic) and 99.0 % rhodamine-B
(cationic) dyes with 0.1 g and 0.125 g, respectively was obtained from the contaminated water having
10 ppm dye concentration.
Concentration of Sulfuric Acid from Spent Acidic Liquor by Cascaded
Electrodialysis Using an Interpolymer Anion Exchange Membrane
Authors: Sheth Beena , Nath Kaushik
Published: April 2020

Cascaded electrodialysis system has been developed for increasing the concentration of sulfuric acid
from aqueous solution using an interpolymer anion exchange (IPA) membrane. Enrichment process
was carried out in a cascade of six electrodialyzers at 20.2 mA/cm2 current density. The performance
of the process was evaluated rigorously in terms of current efficiency, voltage requirements and
processability to enrich the acid concentration. The bench-scale experimental results exhibited the
ability of membrane to perform as a low proton leakage membrane and to enrich the sulfuric acid
concentration up to 27.93 wt. %. The higher values of current efficiencies were reported to be in the
range of 50 to 60 %. Proton leakage through the membrane, acid back diffusion, concentration
polarization and solution conductivity were considered to be the limiting factors for acid enrichment
and their effects were found significant on current efficiency and voltage requirement.
A Validated RP-HPLC Method for Estimation of Related Compounds in Hydroxy Naproxen
Authors: Rao L. Vaikunta , Rao K. Tirumala , Kandepi V.V. Krishna Mohan
Published: April 2020

A simple, linear gradient liquid chromatographic method (RP-HPLC) is proposed for the simultaneous
estimation of related compounds in hydroxy naproxen samples. Chromatographic separation was
achieved on Zorbax SB C8 (150 × 4.6) mm, 3.5 μm particle size RRLC short column and eluent A
used as 0.1% v/v trifluoroacetic acid in water and eluent B used as acetonitrile using Agilent RRLC
(UHPLC) system. The mobile phase flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and the eluted compounds were
monitored at 235 nm for related substance method and assay method. The excellent resolution was
obtained between hydroxy naproxen and its related compounds, which were eluted within 25 min.
The performance of the method was validated with respect to ICH guidelines for specificity, limit of
detection, limit of quantification, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness. The correlation
coefficient(r) was > 0.995 for both the methods from linearity data and percentage of recovery is 98.0
to 102.0 for assay method and 80.0 to 120.0% for related substance method. Sensitivity of the method
was found be less than 0.5 μg/mL. Peak homogeneity data for naproxen in the chromatograms from
the selectivity solution obtained by use of the photodiode array detector demonstrated the specificity
of the method for analysis of hydroxy naproxen in presence of the related compounds
Synthesis of Horseradish Peroxidase-Gold Nanoparticle Conjugate through Green Route
Authors: Siyal Lovnish , Kumar Benu , Kumar Ranjit , Sahney Rachana
Published: April 2020

Synthesis of horseradish peroxidase-gold nanoparticle conjugates (HRP-AuNPs) has been studied for the development of biofunctionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through biogenic route. Herein, horseradish peroxidase enzyme has been used to synthesize gold nanoparticles at room temperature in tricine buffer. The morphology and size distribution of HRP-AuNPs conjugates were obtained by different techniques including dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The enzyme activity of HRP-AuNP conjugate was compared with free enzyme to determine their catalytic efficiency. The results suggests that HRP-AuNP conjugates are monodisperse particles with average hydrodynamic diameter of 83.93 ± 2.1 nm, zeta potential of about -18.4 ± 1.1 mV and higher enzyme activity towards H2O2 as compared to free horseradish peroxidase. These biofunctionalized gold nanoparticles could act as tag or labeling agent for various applications.
Lições sobre a Pandemia da COVID-19 e a Informação Científica
Authors: Barbosa Allan Claudius Queiroz
Published: April 2020

Este artigo sugere aspectos associados à produção científica associados à pandemia de saúde causada pelo COVID-19, sendo esta uma  das dimensões engajada no esforço e compromisso de pesquisadores com a ciência e o conhecimento, manancial confiável e seguro em momentos de turbulência e fortes divergências.
COVID-19: Nocaute do neoliberalismo? Será possível fortalecer os princípios históricos do SUS e da APS em meio à pandemia?
Authors: Facchini Luiz Augusto
Published: April 2020

A pandemia está revirando concepções e iniciativas de líderes mundiais e nacionais a cada dia e tornou o SUS uma estrela de primeira grandeza no país, reforçando a necessidade de desenvolver um conjunto de intervenções efetivas da APS/ESF. O êxito do SUS, ou seja, da resposta brasileira na redução da velocidade de transmissão do vírus, de sua letalidade e sequelas na população afetada será fundamental para o enfrentamento da epidemia não apenas no Brasil, mas também no mundo, considerando a relevância demográfica, econômica e social do país. Corona vírus tornou-se uma oportunidade histórica de resgatar a centralidade do SUS na política social e da APS no sistema de saúde brasileiro.
Encaminhamento de estudantes com deficiência aos serviços de Educação Especial em Manaus: quais os critérios?
Authors: Galvani Márcia Duarte , Vinente Samuel
Published: April 2020

O presente estudo objetivou analisar os critérios no encaminhamento de estudantes com deficiência aos serviços de Educação Especial em Manaus. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, com utilização das técnicas de entrevista e pesquisa documental. Utilizou-se como instrumento roteiros semistruturados de entrevista a quatro professores (P1, P2, P3 e P4) e um representante da Gerência de Educação Especial (P5). A pesquisa documental foi realizada na legislação municipal publicada entre 1991 e 2017. Os resultados apontam que o encaminhamento desses estudantes aos serviços de Educação Especial é  realizado mediante avaliação multidisciplinar de profissionais do Complexo Municipal de Educação Especial, focalizando-se mais em uma abordagem médico-clínica que na perspectiva pedagógica e dos direitos humanos. Os critérios de identificação, avaliação e encaminhamento dos estudantes com deficiência precisam ser delineados, considerando as especificidades dos alunos e a questão do direito educacional na oferta desses serviços.
Matemática do mundo da vida: abordagem metodológica nos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental da Educação de Jovens e Adultos
Authors: Costa Célia Souza da , Cordeiro Gisele do Rocio , Bentes Liana da Costa Ferreira
Published: April 2020

A Educação de Jovens e Adultos é uma modalidade de ensino carregada de especificidades, pois o público atendido é diversificado, jovem, adulto e trabalhador geralmente marcados por percalços que dificultaram acesso à educação na idade ideal.  Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir como uma abordagem metodológica diferenciada a partir do mundo da vida pode fazer a diferença no ensino da matemática para os estudantes da EJA. Realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica com abordagem qualitativa considerando as contribuições de autores como Januario (2012, 2014 e 2017), Souza (2012), Sampaio (2009), Basegio e Borges (2013) e Hirye et al. (2016), entre outros, procurando enfatizar a importância de uma abordagem metodológica na Educação de Jovens e Adultos, no ensino da Matemática. Concluiu-se que há a necessidade de uma abordagem metodológica diferenciada, no qual o docente poderá adequar a metodologia de acordo com o perfil do alunado e com os saberes prévios, o conhecimento do mundo da vida.