bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General Characteristics of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Conditions in Elderly Men
Authors: ÖZER Bahri , ÇATAL Oğuz , PELTEK ÖZER Songül , SİT Mustafa , ERKOL Hayri
Published: December 2020

Objective: The thyroid gland is an important endocrine organ which settled between the deep fascias of the neck. Nowadays thyroid surgery is performing especially for malignancy. We aimed to investigate the rates and consequences of malignancy in older male patients who underwent thyroidectomy.
Material-Method: We analyzed the data of patients who underwent thyroidectomy. Female patients were excluded from the study. Male patients were divided into two groups; under the age of 60 as Group 1 and over the age of 60 as group 2. According to histopathological results, patients were classified as benign and malignant. Tumor size of malignant ones compared with each other in each group. Also in malignant group ;histological subtype of the tumor and tumor focality- multicentriticy were investigated and multicencritic ones were noted. The demographic parameters and pathological findings of all patients were recorded and statistically analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: A total of 727 (%20) male patients included in the study. Group 1 was accounted for 82.3% (n=598) and group 2 was accounted for 17.7%(n=129) of all cases. The average age of malignant patients was 46 in group 1 and was 67 in group 2. According to the histopathological results; the percentage of malignancy was higher in older male patients. The average tumor diameter was 16.3 mm in group 1 and 20.3 mm in group 2. The multicenticity was present in 12 (44.4%) cases of group 2 and in 26 (26%) cases of group 1.
Conclusion:In our study in elderl men patients ; thyroid cancer insidance, tumor size and multicentricity is higher than the younger patients
DE-COMMUNIZATION OF RESEARCHES IN THE HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY IN UKRAINE: Father. M. KONRAD AND HIS CRITIQUE OF THE SOCIALIST AND COMMUNIST MENTALITY
Authors: Sheremeta Oksana
Published: December 2020

The article is devoted to highlighting the importance of the process of decommunization in the study of the forbidden by Soviet ideology themes and personalities in the history of philosophy of Ukraine, namely: the history of neo-Thomism and the work of its representative, the historian of philosophy Fr. M. Conrad (1876–1941). The author establishes how the ideological pressure of the Soviet system influenced the course of historical and philosophical research in Ukraine and what were its consequences; whether Ukrainian historians of philosophy of the Soviet period could study the philosophical views of M. Conrad; if so, in what way and for what reasons was it not done? The study showed that the ideological pressure in the historical and philosophical sphere was not the same during the Soviet period. With the beginning of the "thaw" there was a turn in research on the history of philosophy of Ukraine from the study of philosophical thought of "revolutionary democrats" and naturalists to "idealistic" philosophical teachings, which allowed the study of the history of neo-Thomism with its obligatory criticism. Criticism then was often a way to study the views of thinkers that were considered dangerous to the Soviet system. For these reasons, Conrad could be criticized as an objective idealist. Or, for nationalist ideas, as a bourgeois nationalist. However, such opportunities had their limits. The analysis of philosopher's critical views on the socialist-communist mentality allowed to characterize them as well-argued and objective, which could be another reason for banning the study of his works. As a result of the 1972 repressions of Ukrainian philosophers and the strengthening of ideological control over the course of historical and philosophical research, the study of not only neo-Thomism but also the work of pro-Soviet thinkers ceased. The beginning of the decommunization process allowed the freedom of choice of themes and personalities and created the conditions for an objective study of the creative work of Father M. Conrad.
Each to Their Own: Visual Representations of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld in Time and Space
Authors: Sohár Anikó
Published: December 2020

When a book is translated, publishers will often modify or completely change the cover design. This paper examines the similarities and differences that result in a sample of cover designs taken from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. The essay analyzes these images as a form of intersemiotic translation, which prioritizes the marketing apparatus of a novel over its narrative content.
Sterility of macerated fruits and aseptic cadaver for phantom operations
Authors: Stroganov V.
Published: December 2020

When studying obstetrics, a good obstetric phantom is of no small importance as a teaching aid. Teaching operational obstetrics is unthinkable even without it, since one reading cannot be so imprinted in the minds of listeners as the direct application of one or another technique by themselves, and one has to reckon with a number of details, like at the bedside of a woman in labor. No matter how great the clinic is, a number of obstetric operations, due to the rarity of their use, remains unseen by the majority of those involved. I will point out, for example, the operation spondylotomia, evisceratio, decapitatio, the imposition of forceps on the head when presenting the face, etc. That is why the obstetric phantom is an inevitable companion of the study of obstetrics. Recently, a number of improvements have been proposed in this direction. So ex. Schwabe arranged a device with a variable pelvis, on which you can get a normal and narrow pelvis.
TEIJEIRO FUENTES, M. Á. y ROSO DÍAZ, J. (Eds.) (2019). "España y Portugal en la encrucijada del teatro del siglo XVI. Estudios dedicados al profesor Miguel Ángel Pérez Priego". Sevilla: Renacimiento; Servicio de "Publicaciones de la Universidad de Extremadura, 2019. 404 pp., ISBN 978-84-17950-17-0 (Renacimiento); 978-84-9127-049-2 (Universidad de Extremadura)
Authors: Escalante Varona Alberto
Published: December 2020

TEIJEIRO FUENTES, M. Á. y ROSO DÍAZ, J. (Eds.) (2019). España y Portugal en la encrucijada del teatro del siglo XVI. Estudios dedicados al profesor Miguel Ángel Pérez Priego. Sevilla: Renacimiento; Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Extremadura, 2019. 404 pp., ISBN 978-84-17950-17-0 (Renacimiento); 978-84-9127-049-2 (Universidad de Extremadura).
Impact of Inverter Controller-Based Grid-Connected PV System in the Power Quality
Authors:   Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia, Al-Shetwi Ali Q. , Sujod Muhamad Zahim , Hannan M. A. , Abdullahd Majid A. , Al-Ogaili Ali Saadon , Jern Ker Pin
Published: December 2020

In a Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System (GCPS), the inverters are applied for integration with the power grid. This integration brings some issues at the connection point. Therefore, grid-tied inverter control performs a vital role in feeding the power system with good power quality. This study presents a current-controlled Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) strategy for large-scale GCPS generates 1000 kW rated of power. The methodology and structure of the control system are presented. The power quality issues such as harmonics, voltage fluctuation, voltage unbalance, and power factor are limited at the interfacing point into the required limits as imposed by the standards. This study also discusses the controller design and the simulation results are introduced to show its effectiveness. Furthermore, the values obtained may be used to evaluate the power supply quality of various inverter controllers.
Modelling of Agent-Based Vehicle Routing Problem Using Unified Modelling Language
Authors: Abdullatif Nour , Kassem Sally
Published: December 2020

The Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is among the most studied optimization problems in the field of supply chain management. Typically, VRP requires dispatching a fleet of vehicles from a central depot to deliver demand to pre-determined spatially dispersed customers, with the objective of minimizing the total routing cost, and the constraint of not exceeding vehicles’ capacities. Agent Based Modelling (ABM) assists industries in the use of technology to support their decision-making process. This paper proposes a model of an Agent Based Vehicle Routing Problem System. The system under study is modelled using the Unified Modelling Language 2.0 (UML 2.0). The aim of the proposed model is to exploit the clear visualization provided by UML and the detailed view of the Agent-based modelling, in order to propose a new modeling perspective for the classic VRP. The paper covers the System initiation phase, in addition to, the functional, behavioral, and structural models.
Design of Control System Using Online Tuning of PI Controllers for Three-Phase Active Front End Neutral Point Clamped Three-Level Converter
Authors: Ojha Amit
Published: December 2020

In conventional DC link AC-AC converter system, uncontrolled front end converter has inherent problem of power quality. To overcome the problem associated with uncontrolled front end converter, multilevel front end converter will be good choice for high power applications. In the paper, unity power factor control system (UPC) for active front end (AFE) neutral point clamped (NPC) 3-level converter is presented. PI controllers are used in UPC and for tuning of PI controllers it is essentially required to know the different time constants with their gains exactly for evaluating the optimized controller parameters for steady operation of the NPC rectifier. In this paper a simplified and accurate method of online tuning of PI controllers in UPC is derived and implemented for three phase AFE NPC 3-level converter. Complete design procedure for the design of control system for AFE NPC 3-level is also presented in this paper. Based on developed model, simulations are carried in MATLAB/SIMULIK environment. Experimentation results confirm the simulation results.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice with Regard to Gram stain, as a Preliminary Test for Clinical Diagnosis among the Internees and Postgraduates, in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Prasad Raja Vikram , Pasha Mohammad Abdul Mushtaq , Fatima Afsar , Ciddhavaduta Deepa Latha , Kummari Veeresappa Doddi
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND Hans Christian Gram, a Danish pathologist originally devised the Gram staining method in 1882 for identification of Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria and is the gold standard method for preliminary detection before inoculating for culture and sensitivity for better treatment outcome. In the present era, use of irrational antimicrobials has led to antimicrobial resistance which can be resolved by routine usage of Gram stain. METHODS This is a cross sectional study of 2 months duration (May 2020 - June 2020) with 172 subjects. Institutional ethical clearance and pharmaco-vigilance program of India permission was obtained. All interns and post-graduates who were available at the time of interview, and who gave written informed consent were included in the study. Those who did not give written informed consent and those who were absent or unavailable were excluded. Pre tested questionnaire was validated using Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency and was filled voluntarily. Data was collected, compiled and analysed for results. RESULTS Among 172 subjects who participated in the study, 99 (57 %) are females and 73 (43 %) are males. 88 (51 %) are post-graduates and 84 (49 %) are interns. 100 % had knowledge about Gram stain, 47 (27 %) participants knew about procedure timing as 5 minutes for Gram staining and 26 (15 %) participants thought that test can be done at bedside. 90 (52 %) knew that test can be done for all specimens. 169 (98 %) had knowledge on the Gram stain which could help for provisional diagnosis. 119 (69 %) agreed that test was very cost effective. 28 (16 %) agreed that Gram stain was a better test for provisional diagnosis. 63 (36.6 %) were practicing regularly and 10 (6 %) were practicing Gram stain for appropriate antimicrobial use. CONCLUSIONS The present study concluded 100 % of the study participants had knowledge with regard to Gram staining, 27 % knew that the time taken was 5 minutes to perform test. 15 % knew that it can be done at bedside. 63 (36.6 %) were practicing regularly and 10 (6 %) were practicing as initial step for all clinical confirmations for appropriate antimicrobial treatment for better outcome. KEYWORDS Gram Stain, Preliminary Test, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Evidence Based Medicine, Better Clinical Approach
Análise discursiva de um diário de campo de estágio supervisionado em matemática
Authors: Garcia Iara Aparecida
Published: December 2020

O objetivo deste artigo será analisar a escrita de um diário de campo de um aluno do curso de licenciatura em Matemática da UFTM[1] com vistas a verificar traços definidores dessa produção no que diz respeito à construção textual e discursiva do objeto de discurso – as metodologias de ensino do professor observado e as interações em sala de aula. Esta é uma pesquisa qualitativa que está sendo desenvolvida como pesquisa de campo e pesquisa documental. Assim, é característica fundamental, na construção das análises e reflexões teóricas, que se leve em consideração o contexto de produção da pesquisa. Terá objetivos descritivos, interpretativos e avaliativos, uma vez que, conforme os objetivos propostos, trata-se de descrever as práticas de escrita de sujeitos em formação acadêmica. Nessa perspectiva, analisaremos como o estagiário vê e descreve as aulas no qual observou. Discutiremos traços encontrados nos textos que apontem para uma relação produtiva do sujeito com as instâncias às quais se dirige em seu texto e com aquilo que é tomado como objeto de seu discurso e trabalhado nesses textos. Nosso trabalho será embasado nas teorias de Bakhtin, com a temática do eu e o outro, Barbosa e Fairchild, sobre a importância do estágio para formação dos futuros professores, Geraldi como se da à estrutura escola, aula, aluno.[1] Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro
Inclusão de pessoas com transtorno do espectro autista através do lúdico com foco na educação infantil
Authors: Silva Kéttima Rodrigues , Menezes Ronny Diogenes de
Published: December 2020

Este trabalho é fruto de uma pesquisa realizada no curso de pós-graduação em Educação Profissional e Tecnológica Inclusiva, do Instituto Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, voltada para profissionais que atuam com alunos com necessidades especiais na Educação Básica. Nosso objetivo foi realizar um estudo bibliográfico, fundamentado na pesquisa quantitativa para verificação de trabalhos científicos sobre a utilização do lúdico no processo de inclusão de crianças com Transtorno do Expectro Autista. Este estudo se justifica pela necessidade de ampliar os estudos que abordam a inclusão de crianças na educação infantil com transtorno do espectro autista por meio de atividades lúdicas. Nesse sentido, a partir da pesquisa bibliográfica foram analisados estudos realizados no país nos últimos cinco anos (2015 a 2019), através da Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações, que abordam o uso do lúdico na educação infantil com o objetivo de inclusão de estudantes com TEA. Os resultados apontam que a intervenção lúdica pode contribuir para o processo de inclusão de crianças com TEA, além disso, foi possível constatar que o volume de trabalhos ainda é pequeno, dessa maneira esperamos contribuir para o processo de inclusão de crianças com TEA, fomentando a pesquisa científica além da formação continuada de professores da Educação Básica
Tecnologia e inclusão do deficiente intelectual
Authors: Martins Dalva Alves Pereira
Published: December 2020

O presente trabalho é um relato da minha experiência prática na inclusão de alunos com deficiência intelectual no âmbito o Atendimento Educacional Especializado (AEE) de uma escola de ensino regular do interior do Estado de Minas Gerais. Considerado um grande desafio para todos os envolvidos no processo educacional, o professor de sala recursos tem como objetivo principal colaborar com a formação de cidadãos mais autônomos e atuantes na sociedade, segundo a Política de Educação Especial na Perspectiva da Educação Inclusiva (2008). Reconhecer a importância da tecnologia como mediadora nesse processo é reconhecer que existe um meio mais dinâmico e atrativo de vivenciar experiências de aprendizagem, capaz de despertar o interesse pelo saber e facilitar a compreensão do deficiente intelectual. A concepção de educação é pautada na ideia de que a educação escolar é um direito de todos, de acordo com a Constituição Federal (1988) e a Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional (Lei nº 9.394/96).
Future Vision of Interactive and Intelligent TV Systems using Edge AI
Authors: Guedes Álan , Busson Antonio , Navarro João Paulo , Colcher Sérgio
Published: December 2020

Recently the Brazilian DTV system standards have been upgraded, called TV 2.5, in order to provide a better integration between broadcast and broadband services. The next Brazilian DTV system evolution, called TV 3.0, will address more deeply this convergence of TV systems not only at low-level network layers but also at the application layer. One of the new features to be addressed by this future application layer is the use of Artificial Intelligence technologies. Recently, there have been practical applications using Artificial Intelligence (AI) deployed to improve TV production efficiency and correlated cost reduction. The success in operationalize and evaluate these applications is a strong indication of the interest and relevance of AI in TV. This paper presents TeleMÃ­dia Labâ€™s future vision on interactive and intelligent TV Systems, with particular focus on edge AI. Edge AI means use in-device capabilities to run AI applications instead of running them in cloud.
Como enfrentar a desinformação científica? Desafios sociais, políticos e jurídicos intensificados no contexto da pandemia
Authors: Oliveira Thaiane Moreira de
Published: December 2020

A desinformação relacionada à ciência tem sido uma das grandes preocupações atuais e os desafios para enfrentá-la tem se intensificado neste momento em que o mundo atravessa uma pandemia. A proposta deste artigo é problematizar e refletir sobre as formas como a agenda da desinformação tem sido construída, buscando discutir as ameaças ao sistema democrático. Através de revisão de literatura e análise da conjuntura política brasileira, este artigo se desdobra a partir dos seguintes eixos: 1) fatores culturais, políticos e ideológicos que tornam a desinformação um campo fértil para a dúvida e a descrença; 2) as medidas de enfrentamento à desinformação e suas limitações. 3) o processo de descrença institucional propiciada em um cenário político de contestação epistêmica e o papel da mídia nesta atuação; 4) uma agenda de guerra híbrida instaurada no campo político e jurídico, que ameaça o sistema democrático atual em nome de um inimigo indefinido: a desinformação; Por fim, este artigo busca oferecer um panorama amplo sobre os desafios e dificuldades para o campo da comunicação e informação no enfrentamento à desinformação relacionada à ciência em um contexto atual de disputas informacionais, políticas, jurídicas e tecnológicas
LIJ y educación literaria en Argentina: entre políticas públicas y mercado editorial
Authors: Bustamante Patricia B.
Published: December 2020

El artículo analiza la presencia material de obras literarias en las escuelas argentinas. Revisa la responsabilidad estatal en la distribución de bienes materiales y simbólicos mediante el análisis de políticas públicas de lectura y provisión de colecciones literarias desarrolladas durante el período 2010-2015, desde la Dirección de Políticas Socioeducativas del Ministerio de Educación de la Nación, y sus posibles efectos sobre el canon literario escolar. Se indaga, particularmente en la presencia de autores y títulos del recorte literatura infantil y juvenil incluidos en las bibliotecas literarias estudiadas.
Czy aplikacja Genial.ly rzeczywiście jest genialna? O potencjale narzędzi online podczas zdalnego nauczania języka polskiego jako obcego
Authors: Kaźmierczak Paulina
Published: December 2020

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie możliwości wykorzystania narzędzia Genial.ly podczas zdalnych zajęć z cudzoziemcami. Aplikacja umożliwia nie tylko tworzenie gier, quizów lub pokoi zagadek, ale także infografik, interaktywnych ilustracji, przewodników, zadań typu prawda–fałsz, ćwiczeń polegających na łączeniu par oraz uzupełnianiu osi czasu lub mapy. Nauczyciel ma również możliwość zaprojektowania prezentacji w trzech wariantach: tradycyjnym – z użyciem tekstu oraz grafiki, wideo – w formie krótkiego filmu, który może stanowić alternatywę dla webinarów, a także w wersji rozdziału z podręcznika łączącego treści wprowadzane podczas zajęć z krótkim quizem sprawdzającym przyswojoną wiedzę. Artykuł nie tylko prezentuje potencjał popularnej aplikacji, ale podaje również przykłady konkretnych sposobów wykorzystania narzędzia podczas lekcji języka polskiego jako obcego. Przedstawione zadania stworzone w aplikacji Genial.ly zostały zweryfikowane w grupach cudzoziemskich podczas zajęć prowadzonych zdalnie, zarówno jako element lekcji w czasie rzeczywistym, jak i praca domowa.
ЛЕКСЕМA ЗЕМЉА КАО ОДРАЗ ЈЕЗИЧКЕ СЛИКЕ ПРИРОДЕ
Authors: Штрбац Гордана
Published: December 2020

У раду који следи испитује се концептуализација земље као компоненте човековог природног окружења с циљем да се резултати анализе укључе у шире истраживање које је усмерено на опис слике природе у српском језику. Полазећи од идеје да су лексичка средства најпоузданији показатељи слике света, у раду је анализирана семантичка структура лексеме земља и семантика фразеологизама у чијем се саставу она налази (нпр. разликовати се као небо и земља, пијан као мајка земља, пупак земље итд.). Резултати анализе показују доминацију домена просторности у свести говорника, али и елементе религијског мишљења, који су нарочито уткани у семантику фразеологизама.
RELACIJE IMPLICITNIH TEORIJA INTELIGENCIJE I UVERENJA O ETIOLOGIJI INDIVIDUALNIH RAZLIKA RELEVANTNIH ZA OBRAZOVANJE: ULOGA BIHEJVIORALNE GENETIKE U NASTAVNIČKOJ PRAKSI
Authors: Radević Luna Nenad , Milovanović Ilija Z.
Published: December 2020

Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio ispitati relacije između implicitnih teorija inteligencije i uverenja koja nastavnici imaju o relativnom uticaju gena i sredine u objašnjenju individualnih razlika relevantnih za obrazovanje. U ovom istraživanju, kao takve su se združeno razmatrale kognitivne sposobnosti i osobine ličnosti, s obzirom na to da su se inteligencija i osobine ličnosti najsistematičnije razmatrale u prethodnim istraživanjima u oblastima psihologije obrazovanja i bihejvioralne genetike. Cilj je bio i ispitati efekte koje znanje o bihejvioralnoj genetici i otvorenost prema bihejvioralno-genetičkim istraživanjima u obrazovanju ostvaruju u prethodno navedenoj relaciji. Dodatno, ispitana je i uloga sociodemografskih karakteristika u objašnjenju razlika između nastavnika po svim ispitivanim varijablama. U istraživanju je učestvovalo 225 učitelja, nastavnika i profesora (88.5 % ženskog pola) sa teritorije Republike Srbije (prosečne starosti 42.9 godina). Rezultati ukazuju na značajne i direktne doprinose koje ostvaruju inkrementalne teorije inteligencije u pozitivnom, te znanje iz oblasti bihejvioralne genetike u negativnom smeru, na uverenja o značaju gena i sredine u kognitivnim sposobnostima i osobinama ličnosti. Teorije entiteta ostvaruju negativan doprinos otvorenosti nastavnika prema bihejvioralno-genetičkim istraživanjima. Razlike u odnosu na sociodemografske karakteristike nastavnika nisu detektovane. Nalazi ovog istraživanja ukazali su na značaj znanja iz oblasti bihejvioralne genetike i implicitnih teorija inteligencije u objašnjenju razlika u uverenjima prosvetnih radnika o značaju gena i sredine u oblikovanju individualnih razlika relevantnih za obrazovanje.
Fiches techniques avec planche couleur : Sipo
Authors: BFT BFT
Published: December 2020

DÉNOMINATIONSHABITAT ET PROVENANCESCARACTÈRES DU RONDINDimensions des rondins.ASPECT DU BOIS DÉBITÉSTRUCTURE DU BOISCARACTÈRES PHYSIQUESCARACTÈRES MÉCANIQUESCARACTÈRESCHIMIQUESDURABILITÉ ET PRÉSERVATIONUSINAGESÉCHAGEASSEMBLAGE ET FINITIONCARACTÉRISTIQUES PAPETIÈRESUTILISATIONCARACTÈRES DE L'ARBRE
The New Social Landscape of the Digital Age: Lessons from the Pandemic
Authors: Razumova T. , Sadovaya E. , Chubarova T.
Published: December 2020

The article discusses the direction of the transformation of labor and social sphere (health and education) and explores the ambiguous impact of modern technology on their development. The authors emphasize that the COVID-19 pandemic intensified and accelerated the negative trends in social dynamics that have been gaining momentum in the last decade, including due to the widespread adoption of digital technologies. One of these trends was the reduction in social costs as a condition for further economic efficiency growth, which led to the labor market transformation. Within the new technological structure, the labor force is becoming more and more fragmented, “networks of talents” replace labor groups, and labor relations lose a significant part of their social component. According to the authors, in the new (post-coronavirus) situation, the labor market will develop under the influence of the already strong trends outlined above. We are talking about the automation of individual business processes, staff reduction, part-time workers and “remote” work, allowing employers to reduce wages by hiring workers from regions and countries with lower social guarantees levels. These processes will affect a significant part of those employed, since in the conditions of a further reduction in aggregate demand in the world economy, the erosion of its post-industrial superstructure, the service sector, will continue. The article notes that the situation with coronavirus turned out to be an unprecedented challenge for the social sphere, revealed the fact that the digital formats of the organization of the economy and society are better able to “cope” with the optimization of the social and social-labor spheres than with their qualitative improvement. This forces politicians around the world to take a fresh look at the development of healthcare, education, and social policy in general. The authors conclude that the decision-makers will have to find a way out of the situation, formulate new principles of the world order, including the social sphere, in difficult conditions, at the same time comprehending what is happening at the conceptual and ideological level, and developing mechanisms of legal regulation of rapidly changing social reality.
Maternal Urinary Metal and Metalloid Concentrations in Association with Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
Authors: Ashrap Pahriya , Watkins Deborah J. , Milne Ginger L. , Ferguson Kelly K. , Loch-Caruso Rita , Fernandez Jennifer , Rosario Zaira , Vélez-Vega Carmen M. , Alshawabkeh Akram , Cordero José F. , Meeker John D.
Published: December 2020

Metal exposure has been associated with a wide range of adverse birth outcomes and oxidative stress is a leading hypothesis of the mechanism of action of metal toxicity. We assessed the relationship between maternal exposure to essential and non-essential metals and metalloids in pregnancy and oxidative stress markers, and sought to identify windows of vulnerability and effect modification by fetal sex. In our analysis of 215 women from the PROTECT birth cohort study, we measured 14 essential and non-essential metals in urine samples at three time points during pregnancy. The oxidative stress marker 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) and its metabolite 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-15-F2t-IsoP, as well as prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), were also measured in the same urine samples. Using linear mixed models, we examined the main effects of metals on markers of oxidative stress as well as the visit-specific and fetal sex-specific effects. After adjustment for covariates, we found that a few urinary metal concentrations, most notably cesium (Cs) and copper (Cu), were associated with higher 8-iso-PGF2α with effect estimates ranging from 7.3 to 14.9 % for each interquartile range, increase in the metal concentration. The effect estimates were generally in the same direction at the three visits and a few were significant only among women carrying a male fetus. Our data show that higher urinary metal concentrations were associated with elevated biomarkers of oxidative stress. Our results also indicate a potential vulnerability of women carrying a male fetus.
Binary Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Kidney Exchanges
Authors: Abdel-Rehim Wael M. F.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we implement a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) based method for solving the kidney exchange problem. Because using a kidney exchange, we can help incompatible patient-donor couples to swap donors to receive a compatible kidney. Implementing Particle Swarm Optimization in solving the kidney exchange problem is an effective method because the obtained results indicate that PSO outperforms other stochastic-based methods such as Genetic Algorithm regarding the efficient the number of resulting exchanges.
Establishment of a Sheep Model for Hind limb Peripheral Nerve Injury: Common Peroneal Nerve
Authors: D. Alvites Rui , V. Branquinho Mariana , Sousa Ana Catarina , Zen Federica , Maurina Monica , Raimondo Stefania , Mendonça Carla , Atayde Luís Miguel , Geuna Stefano , S. P. Varejão Artur , Maurício Ana Colette
Published: December 2020

Thousands of people worldwide suffer from injuries in the peripheral nerve and deal daily with the resulting physiological and functional deficits. Recent advances in this field are still insufficient to guarantee effective outcomes, and the development of new and effective therapeutic options requires the use of valid preclinical models that effectively replicate the characteristics and challenges associated with these injuries in humans. In this study, we established a sheep model for common peroneal nerve injuries that can be applied in preclinical research with the advantages associated with the use of large animal models. In an integrative way, this article includes a detailed description of the anatomy and functionality of the peripheral nerves of sheep’s hind limb, the surgical protocol for accessing the common peroneal nerve, the induction of different types of nerve damage and the application of possible therapeutic options. A neurological exam protocol directed to the common peroneal nerve was also established, allowing to identify the changes and deficits related with the nerve injury and to evaluate the functional progression over time. Finally, a preliminary stereological study was carried out to establish control values for the healthy peroneal common nerves of this model and to identify preliminary differences between therapeutic methods. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate that sheep is a valid model of peripheral nerve injury to be used in pre-clinical and translational works and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nerve injury therapeutic options before its clinical application in human and veterinary patients.
Nonlinear Problems of Equilibrium Charge State Transport in Hot Plasmas
Authors: Shurygin Vladimir A.
Published: December 2020

The general coupling between particle transport and ionization-recombination processes in hot plasma is considered on the key concept of equilibrium charge state (CS) transport. A theoretical interpretation of particle and CS transport is gained in terms of a two-dimensional (2D) Markovian stochastic (random) processes, a discrete 2D Fokker-Plank-Kolmogorov equation (in charge and space variables) and generalized 2D coronal equilibrium between atomic processes and particle transport. The basic tool for analysis of CS equilibrium and transport is the equilibrium cell (EC) (two states on charge and two on space), which presents (i) a unit phase volume, (ii) the characteristic scale of local equilibrium, (iii) a comprehensive solution for the simplest nonlinear relations between transport and atomic processes. The approach opens up new perspectives on transport studies: (i) the direct modelling of equilibrium and transport of impurity using the atomic data base, (ii) recovery of the complete recombination rate profile based on knowledge of density profiles and ionization rate profiles, (iii) the local transport analysis, based on the reduction of the equilibrium set to the single EC (in particular, central or edge), (iv) analysis of the reduced transport coefficients (diffusion and convection) on the density profile measurements.
Probiotics Supplements Reduce ER Stress and Gut Inflammation Associated With Gliadin Intake in Celiac Disease Mouse Model
Authors: Ferrari Eleonora , Monzani Romina , Saverio Valentina , Gagliardi Mara , Pańczyszyn Elżbieta , Raia Valeria , Villella Valeria Rachela , Pane Marco , Amoruso Angela , Corazzari Marco
Published: December 2020

Celiac disease (CD) is a permanent intolerance to dietary protein, gluten, from wheat rye and barley. It occurs in about 1% worldwide population, in genetically predisposed individuals bearing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQ2/DQ8. Gut epithelial cell stress and innate immune activation are responsible for breaking oral tolerance to gliadin, the gluten component. To date, the only treatment available for CD is a long-term gluten-free diet. Several evidences show that an altered composition of the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) could play a key role in the pathogenesis of CD, through the modulation of intestinal permeability and the regulation of the immune system. Here we show that gliadin induces a chronic ER stress condition in the small intestine of a CD mouse model and that the co-administration of probiotics efficiently attenuates both UPR and gut inflammation. Moreover, the composition of probiotics formulations might differ in their activity at molecular level, especially toward the three axes of the UPR. Therefore, rebalancing the gut microbiota composition by probiotics administration might rep-resent a new strategy to treat CD affected patients.
Genetic and Environmental Factors Influence Pleomorphy of lRRK2 Parkinsonism
Authors: Ganesh Chittoor Vinita , Nichols Jeremy , Schüle Birgitt
Published: December 2020

Missense mutations in the LRRK2 gene were first identified as a pathogenic cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2004. Soon thereafter, a founder mutation in LRRK2, p.Gly2019Ser (rs34637584), was described, and it is now estimated that there are approximately 100,000 people worldwide that carry this risk variant. While the clinical presentation of LRRK2 parkinsonism has been largely indistinguishable from sporadic PD, disease penetrance and age at onset can be quite variable. In addition, its neuropathological features span a wide range from nigrostriatal loss with Lewy body pathology, lack thereof, or atypical neuropathology including a large proportion of cases with concomitant Alzheimer’s pathology, hailing LRRK2 parkinsonism as the "Rosetta stone" of parkinsonian disorders. These differences may result from interactions between LRRK2 mutant protein and other proteins or environmental factors that modify LRRK2 function, and thereby influence pathobiology. This review explores how potential genetic and biochemical modifiers of LRRK2 function may contribute to the onset and clinical presentation of LRRK2 parkinsonism. We review, which genetic modifiers of LRRK2 influence clinical symptoms, age at onset, and penetrance, what LRRK2 mutations are associated with pleomorphic LRRK2 neuropathology, and which environmental modifiers can augment LRRK2 mutant pathophysiology. Understanding how LRRK2 function is influenced and modulated by other interactors and environmental factors –either increasing toxicity or providing resilience- will inform targeted therapeutic development in the years to come. This will allow developing disease-modifying therapies for PD and LRRK2-related neurodegeneration.
Real-Time Light-Guided Vocal Fold Injection: An In Vivo Feasibility Study in a Canine Model
Authors: Son Hee Young , Kim Sanghoon , Mohammad Ramla Talib , Huh Gene , Kim Hyojin , Jeong Woo-Jin , Cha Wonjae
Published: December 2020

Objectives. The transcutaneous approach is a good option for office-based vocal fold injection (VFI). However, precise localization requires extensive experience because the needle tip is invisible in small and complex laryngeal spaces. Recently, real-time light-guided VFI (RL-VFI) was proposed as a new technique that allows simultaneous injection under precise needle localization by light guidance. Herein, we aimed to verify the feasibility of RL-VFI in an in vivo canine model and explored its clinical usefulness.Methods. The device for RL-VFI comprised a light source (light-emitting diode modules [10 W] of red color [650 nm]) and injectors (1.5 inches, 23 gauge). An adult male beagle was used for the experiment. After tracheostomy, a rigid laryngoscope was inserted and suspended to expose the larynx. A flexible naso-laryngoscopy system was used to visualize the vocal folds.Results. RL-VFI was performed using various transcutaneous approaches, including the cricothyroid, transthyroid, and transhyoid approaches. Light guidance helped identify the path of the needle and prevent inadvertent penetration. The location of the needle tip was accurately indicated by the light. The illuminated needle could be easily placed at the intended points in the vocal fold with real-time visual-motor feedback. Hyaluronic acid could be simultaneously injected lateral to the vocal process under light guidance without manipulation of the device.Conclusion. RL-VFI was found to be safe and feasible in an in vivo canine model, providing precise localization and visualmotor feedback. The clinical application of RL-VFI is expected to improve the safety and precision of VFI.
Pyrite-Scale Removal Using Glutamic Diacetic Acid: A Theoretical and Experimental Investigation
Authors: Ahmed M. E. , Hussein I. A. , Onawole A. T. , Mahmoud M. , Saad M. A.
Published: December 2020

Iron sulfide scale causes major losses in both upstream and downstream sectors of the hydrocarbon industry. Pyrite is one of the most-difficult forms of iron sulfide scale from a removal point of view. Inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) are not recommended for removing pyrite scales because they have many drawbacks, including low pyrite solubility, high corrosivity to the tubular system, and generation of toxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S). In this work, pyrite-scale dissolution is studied using an ecofriendly formulation of glutamic diacetic acid [L-glutamic acid, N, N-diacetic acid (GLDA)] as an alternative to HCl. Although GLDA has shown potential for removing iron sulfide in general and pyrite scale in particular, still GLDA/pyrite kinetics have not been well-understood. Both experimental and theoretical techniques have been used. The reaction kinetics has been investigated in a rotating-disk apparatus (RDA) at typical reservoir conditions of 150°C and 1,000 psi (Conway et al. 1999). Characterization techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), have been used to study the surface chemistry before and after treatment with GLDA, and the results support pyrite removal. Furthermore, density-functional-theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to understand the ability of GLDA to dissolve iron sulfide scale at the atomistic level. From the laboratory results, the reaction rate using 20-wt% GLDA (pH of 3.8) was 5.378×10−8 mol/cm2·s. The measured rate outperformed other proposed formulations according to the tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate (THPS) formulation by 15 times. In addition, GLDA surpassed the most recent results on diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) by nearly an order of magnitude. Moreover, pyrite dissolution in GLDA increases as the disk rotational speed increased, which indicates mass-transfer control with a diffusion coefficient of 1.338×10−7 cm2/s. Furthermore, from molecular modeling using DFT, the binding energy between GLDA and Fe2+ is calculated as –105.97 kcal/mol. The negative value observed correlates with the stability constant and indicates the strong binding affinity to Fe2+. Finally, GLDA could be recommended for pyrite-scale removal because it is biodegradable, less corrosive, free of H2S, and achieved solubility that outperformed THPS- and DTPA-basedformulations.
Bayesian Multilevel Analysis of Determinants of Acute Respiratory Infection in Children under the Age of Five Years in Ethiopia
Authors: Merera Amanuel , Asena Tilahun , Senbeta Mebratu
Published: December 2020

Background: Acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of five years in the world. ARIs, principally pneumonia, account for approximately 1.9 million (1.6 - 2.2 million) deaths globally in children under the age of five years in Ethiopia. Among these deaths majority occur in the developing world. The share for low and middle-income countries takes the highest indeed. In Ethiopia, the prevalence rate of ARI was 7% according to 2016 EDHS estimates. Method: Bayesian multilevel approach was employed to assess possible factors associated with the prevalence of acute respiratory infection (ARI) among under-five children in Ethiopia. The data was collected from 10,641 children under the age of five years out of which 9,918 children were considered in this study. Result: The ARI prevalence rate for children under five years was estimated as 8.4%, which was slightly higher than the estimated prevalence level of the country. The highest proportion of the prevalence of ARI was observed for children whose mothers had no education. The major health, environmental and nutritional related background characteristics of the proportion of children who had ARI varied from one region to another. The highest prevalence of ARI was observed in Tigray (15.31%) followed by Oromia (14.40%) as opposed to the low prevalence which was recorded in Benishangul Gumuz (2.58%). The utilization of vitamin A was analyzed and the results shows that about 43.10% who received vitamin A had the lowest proportion on the prevalence of ARI (7.75%) compared to not having vitamin A. About 11.13% of under-five children had Diarrhea with the highest prevalence of ARI (24.64%) and the highest prevalence of ARI was observed for the child whose source of drinking water were unprotected/unimproved (9.39%). Conclusion: The age of the child, household wealth index, mother educational level, and vitamin A supplement, history of diarrhea, maternal work, stunting and source of drinking water were found to be significantly affecting the prevalence of ARI among children under five years. Furthermore, the study revealed that there is a significant variation of incidence of ARI between and within the regions of Ethiopia. Attention should be given to those predictor variables while planning to increase the health status of children in Ethiopia.
Mixture Interactions at Mammalian Olfactory Receptors are Dependent on the Cellular Environment
Authors: Corey Elizabeth , Zolotukhin Sergei , Ache Barry , Ukhanov Kirill
Published: December 2020

Functional characterization of mammalian olfactory receptors (ORs) remains a major challenge to ultimately understanding the olfactory code. Here, we compare the responses of the mouse Olfr73 ectopically expressed in olfactory sensory neurons using AAV gene delivery in vivo and expressed in vitro in cell culture. The response dynamics and concentration-dependence of agonists for the ectopically expressed Olfr73 were similar to those reported for the endogenous Olfr73, but the receptor failed to mediate the antagonism between its cognate agonist and several antagonists reported for the OR expressed in vitro. Expressing the OR in vitro under the same conditions of stimulation retained the reported antagonism, but it was dependent on the duration of stimulation. Our findings suggest that both the cellular environment and the stimulus dynamics shape the functionality of Olfr73 and argue that characterizing ORs in ‘native’ conditions provides the most complete understanding of ligand-OR interactions.
Standardized Uptake Values of 99mTc-MDP in Normal Vertebrae Assessed Using Quantitative SPECT/CT for Differentiation Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Bone Lesions
Authors: Qi Na , Meng Qingyuan , You Zhiwen , Chen Huiqian , Shou Yi , Zhao Jun
Published: December 2020

Background: Quantitative bone SPECT/CT is useful for disease follow up and inter-patient comparison. For bone metastatic malignant lesions, spine is the most commonly invaded site. However, Quantitative studies with large samples size investigating all the segments of normal cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are seldom reported. This study was to evaluate the quantitative tomography of normal vertebrae using 99mTc-MDP with SPECT/CT to investigate the feasibility of standardized uptake value (SUV) for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant bone lesions. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out involving 221 patients (116 males and 105 female) who underwent SPECT/CT scan using 99mTc-MDP. The maximum SUV (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmean) and CT values (Hounsfield Unit, HU) of 2416 normal vertebrae bodies, 157 benign bone lesions and 118 malignant bone metastasis foci were obtained. The correlations between SUVmax and CT values, age, height, weight of normal vertebrae were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed with data of normal, benign and malignant groups corresponding to same sites and gender. Results: The SUVmax and SUVmean of vertebrae in males were markedly higher than those in females (P<0.0009). The SUVmax of each vertebral segment showed a strong negative correlation with CT values in both males and females (r=-0.89 and -0.92, respectively; P<0.0009). The SUVmax of vertebrae also showed significant correlation with weight and height in males (r=0.4, P<0.0009; r=0.28, P=0.005), and significant correlation with weight in females (r=0.32, P=0.009). The SUVmax of normal group, benign bone lesion group and malignant bone metastasis foci group showed statistical differences in both males and females. Conclusion: Our study evaluated SUVmax and SUVmean of normal vertebrae, benign bone lesion and malignant bone metastasis foci with a large sample population. Preliminary results proved the potential value of SUVmax in differentiation benign and malignant bone lesions. The results may provide a quantitative reference for clinical diagnosis and the evaluation of therapeutic response in vertebral lesions.