bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlação entre as medidas objetiva e subjetiva do nível de atividade física em mulheres com incontinência urinária
Authors: Silva Gabriela Melinda Campos da , Carreiro Priscila Bezerra Porto , Lima Anna Myrna Jaguaribe de
Published: February 2021

A incontinência urinária (IU) pode levar o indivíduo a abandonar atividades sociais e reduzir a atividade física, pois há receio da perda de urina acontecer em público. A medida do nível de atividade física pode ser feita de maneira objetiva, mais fidedigna, porém com maior custo ou de forma subjetiva, realizada em larga escala, porém com resultados são menos precisos. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi correlacionar as medidas objetiva e subjetiva do nível de atividade física em mulheres com incontinência urinária. Trata-se de um estudo transversal composto por mulheres com queixa de perda involuntária de urina que foram convidadas a preencher o questionário internacional de atividade física (IPAQ)- Versão curta e ao uso do monitor de movimento (Fitbit Charge 3) durante 7 dias, para avaliação das medidas subjetiva e objetiva. O estudo foi composto por 66 voluntárias, com idade 57,7±11,2 anos, índice de massa corporal (IMC) = 29,1±4,2 kg/m2 e 46,9% (n= 31) das participantes apresentaram IU de gravidade moderada. Não houve correlação entre as medidas objetiva e subjetiva nas atividades leves (r = 0,0219, p= 0,863), moderadas (r = 0,0331, p = 0,794) e vigorosas (r = 0,0072; p = 0,955). De acordo com os resultados, no grupo de mulheres com incontinência urinária, não há correlação entre as medidas objetivas e subjetivas do nível de atividade física.
Cantinoa althaeifolia essential oil: chemical composition and biological, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities
Authors: Urban Amanda Migliorini , Swiech Juliane Nadal Dias , Moraes Gustavo Simão , Paludo Katia , Ito Carmen Antonia Sanches , Dias Josiane de Fátima Gaspari , Montrucchio Deise Prehs , Miguel Obdulio Gomes , Miguel Marilis Dalarmi
Published: February 2021

The species of the Lamiaceae family produce essential oils in the glandular trichomes, leaf surfaces, and in inflorescences, and can also produce many secondary compounds, which indicates great potential for study. The aim of this paper was to describe the chemical composition and the biological, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities of the essential oil of Cantinoa althaeifolia for the first time. The essential oil was obtained from the leaves by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antioxidant activity was established by the phosphomolybdenum method. The minimum inhibitory concentration against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans was determined. The lethality test of Artemia salina was performed. The cytotoxicity against murine fibroblasts (3T3), non-tumor cells (McCoy), murine melanoma (B16F10), and human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells was assessed. Five major compounds were isolated: himachalene (11.62%), spathulenol (10.08%), caryophylline oxide (9.93%), (E)-caryophylene (9.21%), and pogostol (6.31%). The phosphomolybdenum complex method showed positive results. The minimum inhibitory concentration was greater than 1000 μg/mL for the tested microorganisms. The mortality rate of Artemia salina was low. The tested cancer cell lines showed an IC50 of 12.5 and 25 μg/mL. These findings indicate that the essential oil of Cantinoa althaeifolia has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities.
Laserterapia de baixa intensidade e seus efeitos sobre a dor, edema, trismo e parestesia: uma revisão integrativa da literatura
Authors: Olkoski Louise Eduarda , Bonai Nicolly , Pavelski Mateus Diego , Magro Filho Osvaldo , Luciano Aline Alves , Frigo Lucio , Barbieri Tharzon , Pavelski Maicon Douglas
Published: February 2021

O interesse pelo uso da laserterapia de baixa intensidade tem surgido fortemente dentre os clínicos e estudiosos, a fim de compreender o potencial das interações da luz laser, e em particular, para bioestimular os processos de regeneração dos tecidos, controlar o processo inflamatório e a dor. O objetivo do presente trabalho é realizar uma revisão integrativa a fim de discutir a eficácia da laserterapia de baixa intensidade na prática odontológica. Para tal, utilizamos artigos científicos oriundos das bases de dados Scielo e Pubmed. Foram selecionados 19 artigos, os quais se enquadram nos seguintes critérios de inclusão: publicações dos últimos 10 anos, artigos que avaliem a efetividade na melhora da dor, edema, trismo, parestesia e estudos “in vitro” relacionados a aplicabilidade da laserterapia. Não foram considerados artigos com mais de 10 anos e estudos que não envolvam aplicação laserterapia de baixa intensidade. Os resultados dessa revisão integrativa sugerem novos ensaios clínicos randomizados para comprovar sua efetividade na prática clínica.  Portanto, de acordo com a literatura consultada, a laserterapia de baixa intensidade se mostrou eficaz em diferentes aplicações e em outros quesitos, como na regeneração tecidual e no controle de processos inflamatórios. Porém, é necessário realizar novos estudos, pois pesquisas específicas a fim de avaliar efetividade da laserterapia no dor, edema, trismo e parestesia, são escassas e carecem de protocolos específicos para seu uso.
Diagnósticos de Enfermagem identificados entre usuários do Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Outras Drogas do Município de Caucaia-CE
Authors: Dias Guanacy  Nonato , Sousa Albertina Antonielly Sydney de , Brasil Eysler Gonçalves Maia , Silva Sarah Lima Verde da
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: identificar os principais Diagnósticos de Enfermagem entre os usuários de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial aos Usuários de Álcool e Outras Drogas do Município de Caucaia-CE. Metodologia: estudo exploratório-descritivo, documental, quantitativo realizado no CAPS AD de Caucaia-CE. Dentre os 1020 prontuários ativos, após o cálculo amostral, elegeram-se 200 prontuários para análise. Os dados foram coletados entre dezembro de 2019 e abril de 2020, por meio de instrumento previamente elaborado, analisados por estatística descritiva simples e com base na NANDA-I (2018-2020) para a identificação dos principais Diagnósticos de Enfermagem; e discutidos com base na literatura pertinente. Resultados: O perfil dos usuários registrados era majoritariamente masculino, de adultos jovens, solteiros, com ensino fundamental incompleto, desempenhando algum tipo de ocupação, sendo o álcool a substância de preferência. Foram identificados 37 diagnósticos de Enfermagem com predominância dos com foco no problema, seguido dos de promoção da saúde. Com relação à análise dos diagnósticos de risco e com foco no problema, emergiram três  subcategorias: 1) Problemas de enfrentamento e na autopercepção; 2) Problemas autodirigidos; e 3) Problemas biológicos, físicos, psicológicos e sociais. O abuso de substância despontou como elemento relacionado ou de risco para grande parte desses enunciados. Conclusão: Tendo em vista a complexidade que envolve o cuidado de Enfermagem no âmbito da Saúde Mental, aponta-se que o levantamento dos Diagnósticos de Enfermagem nesse cenário é uma ferramenta primordial para entender os indivíduos em suas singularidades e delinear intervenções alinhadas às suas necessidades de cuidado.
Via de parto: influência no teor de gorduras do colostro de nutrizes em maternidade do interior do Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Campos Leticia Aguiar de , Polettini Jossimara , Moraes Lucas Lima de , Silva Bruna Decco Marques da , Saek Erika Kushikawa , Ferrari Denise Vasconcelos de Jesus , Morceli Glilciane
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: comparar o teor de gorduras do colostro em nutrizes com a via de parto e descrever as características gestacionais. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, no qual foram incluídas nutrizes que tiveram parto vaginal ou cesárea, atendidas em uma maternidade de Presidente Prudente de dezembro de 2017 a abril de 2018. A coleta foi realizada por ordenha manual entre 48 e 72 horas após o parto para a dosagem de gorduras pela técnica do crematócrito. Dados pessoais, comportamentais, obstétricos/ gestacionais foram coletados seguindo protocolo estabelecido para o estudo e análise dos prontuários médicos. Todas as nutrizes foram informadas quanto à finalidade da pesquisa e assinaram o termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando-se teste t, ou teste Z ou teste de Mann-Whitney. Para todos os testes o nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Foram descritos características sócios demográficos como idade materna estatisticamente inferior nas nutrizes que vivenciaram o parto vaginal (p<0,005), gestacionais e obstétricas e resultados perinatais dos recém-nascidos (RN) de parto vaginal e cesárea. A via de parto vaginal ou cesárea não influenciaram na composição do teor de gorduras do colostro.
O que a natureza vende? Representações de natureza na mídia
Authors: Rocha Bianca Diniz da , Ferreira Neto José Ambrósio , Doula Sheila Maria
Published: February 2021

O presente artigo analisa as representações sobre natureza para a campanha “Globo Natureza”. O trabalho analisa quais as imagens e significados simbólicos associados a esse tema são disseminados para a população brasileira. Para tanto, analisamos 116 vídeos-minuto produzidos entre os anos de 2016 e 2019, disponíveis na plataforma G1 da Rede Globo. O foco das análises foi: descrição, imagens e palavras-chaves atribuídas aos vídeos, seguindo de uma análise de conteúdo. Foram identificadas oito (08) temáticas abordadas. Para a categorização levou-se em conta o conteúdo e as palavras centrais dos títulos das reportagens ao longo dos anos disponíveis. O estudo mostra que as representações de natureza para a campanha “Globo Natureza” são diversificadas e marcada pelo estereótipo de um ambiente caracterizado por conteúdos que remetem a significados do selvagem, composto por águas, matas e animais, com pouca ou nenhuma interferência humana e com um viés comercial forte, tornando-se um produto de estratégia aos seus patrocinadores.
O uso de situações reais como promotor de aprendizagem significativa no âmbito de sistemas de informação
Authors: Tolfo Cristiano , Quirino Felipe Antunes
Published: February 2021

A promoção de aprendizagem ativa que associe teoria e prática de forma a resultar na construção autônoma do conhecimento é um dos desafios presentes no atual contexto do ensino superior. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar o uso de situações reais como promotor de aprendizagem significativa no âmbito de sistemas de informação. Com base em experiência vivenciada em uma disciplina de graduação no curso de ciência da computação, são analisados a estratégia de ensino e os recursos didáticos adotados. A estratégia de ensino objeto de estudo foi a análise de situações-problema, enquanto que os recursos didáticos analisados foram um modelo de resolução de problemas em sistemas de informação e uma técnica de modelagem de processos de negócios. A estratégia de ensino e os recursos didáticos em questão, foram utilizados para analisar a aplicabilidade de uma situação-problema real. Verificou-se que a referida estratégia de ensino pode promover o aprendizado significativo. Foi verificado também que o uso dos recursos didáticos em questão, possibilita identificar não apenas questões tecnológicas de soluções de sistemas de informação, contemplando também questões humanas e organizacionais. O estudo aponta para o potencial de replicabilidade da estratégia e dos recursos didáticos para o ensino e a aprendizagem ativa em sistemas de informação e possibilita concluir sobre a importância do prévio planejamento de estratégias de ensino e a adequada escolha de recursos didáticos.
Beklenen Aralığa Dayanan Aralık Tip II Üssel Bulanık Sayının Aralık Tip II Parametrik Yamuk Bulanık Sayı Yakınsaması
Authors: PEKER Sinem , NASİBOĞLU Efendi
Published: February 2021

Tip I bulanık sayıları belirsizliği ele almak için bazı karar verme problemlerinde kullanılmaktadır. Tip I bulanık sayılarının üyelik dereceleri adi sayılardır. Ancak gerçek yaşam problemlerinde, üyelik derecelerinin bulanık sayılar ile gösterilebileceği olaylar var olabilir. Bu gibi durumlarda, Tip II bulanık sayıları kullanılabilir. Bulanık sayının daha basit bir formunun kullanılması bazı çalışmalarda karmaşık hesaplamalardan kaçınmak için bir avantaj olarak görülmektedir. Bu durum dikkate alınarak, bu çalışmada aralık Tip II üssel bulanık sayının aralık Tip II parametrik yamuk bulanık sayı yakınsaması, beklenen aralıkların eşitliklerinin kullanıldığı bir kısıtlı optimizasyon problemi ile bulunmuş ve formüller verilmiştir.
Reproducibility of blood pressure and inter-beat interval variability in man
Authors: Jíra M , Závodná E , Nováková Z , Fišer B , Honzíková N
Published: February 2021

Increased blood pressure variability (BPV) and decreased interbeat interval (heart rate, respectively) variability (IBIV, HRV
respectively) are associated with cardiovascular disorders. The
aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of BPV and
IBIV (HRV) in young healthy individuals. Blood pressure and
inter-beat intervals (instantaneous values of heart rate,
respectively) were recorded beat-to-beat at rest (5 min, Finapres,
breathing at 0.33 Hz) in 152 subjects (19-24 years) 3 times in
periods of one week. Systolic (SBPV0.1r/SBPV0.1a) and diastolic
(DBPV0.1r/DBPV0.1a) blood pressure variability in relative (r.u.) and
absolute (mmHg2 /Hz) units and inter-beat interval
(IBIV0.1r/IBIV0.1a,), or heart rate (HRV0.1r/HRV0.1a) variability in
relative (r.u.) and absolute (ms2
/Hz, resp. mHz2 ) units were
determined by the spectral method as spectral power at the
frequency of 0.1 Hz and 0.33 Hz (SBPV0.33r/SBPV0.33a,
DBPV0.33r/DBPV0.33a, IBIV0.33r/IBIV0.33a, HRV0.33r/HRV0.33a). All
indices of BPV and IBIV (resp. HRV) revealed a lower
intraindividual than interindividual variability (ANOVA; p<0.001).
The mean values of all indices in each subject significantly
correlated with distribution of individual values in the same
subject (Pearson's correlation coefficient; p<0.001). Blood
pressure and inter-beat interval (heart rate) variability is an
individual characteristic feature.
Analysis of the electrical heart field
Authors: Kittnar O , Mlček M
Published: February 2021

There are three basic procedures used for an assessment of the
electrical heart field from the body surface: standard
electrocardiography, vectorcardiography, and body surface
potential mapping (BSPM). BSPM has two major advantages over
both other methods: 1) it allows exploring the entire chest
surface, thus providing all the information on the cardiac electric
field available at the body surface; 2) it is more sensitive in
detecting local electrical events, such as local conduction
disturbances or regional heterogeneities of ventricular recovery.
Nevertheless the results obtained using BSPM procedure cannot
answer all questions about real causality of detected changes of
the electrical heart field. We tried therefore to use mathematical
model of the electrical field in order to answer these questions.
A simple and anatomical forward calculation model was used to
test the hypothesis whether the altered position of the heart
could explain heterogeneity of repolarization at late stages of
pregnancy in humans. The hypothesis was declined. Further
findings included: A. Repolarization duration (represented by QT
interval) in healthy subjects are distributed regularly and
predictably on the body surface carrying no information about
local pathology. B. At any systemic analysis of ventricular
repolarization, it is vital to consider the regions where any
electrode systems record low amplitudes due to methodological,
not pathological reasons. C. Anatomical (heterogeneous) model
did not yield superior results over simple (homogenous) ones
possibly since none reflected the specific torso geometry of
individual patients.
Anthracycline therapy and 24-hour blood-pressure profile in long-term survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Nováková Z , Šťastná J , Honzíková K , Hrstková H , Honzíková N , Závodná E , Fišer B , Honzík P
Published: February 2021

In our previous studies, a decreased blood pressure was reported
in children treated by anthracycline (AC). The aim of this study
was to assess the long-term effects of AC anticancer therapy in
45 subjects aged 13-22 years by repeated 24-hour Holter
monitoring of blood pressure. Sixty four aged-matched subjects
served as controls. The differences between mean values of
systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in each hour of
both groups were evaluated by Mann-Whitney test. Also the
parameters of the least-squares fit of the sinusoidal curve in each
subject were estimated (M – mesor, midline-estimating, a mean
value of sinusoidal curve corresponds to 24-hours mean
pressure; A – amplitude, double amplitude corresponds to nightday difference; Acr – acrophase is a time of maximal value of a
sinusoidal curve). SBP and DBP was significantly lower only
during night hours in anthracycline patients 19-22 years old. Also
M was lower in this age subgroup of patients comparing to age
matched controls (SBP: 112±6 mm Hg versus 117±7 mm Hg,
p<0.05; DBP: 67±3 mm Hg versus 69±6 mm Hg, p<0.05),
A was not different, Acr in patients was shifted one hour earlier
(SBP: 2.4 p.m. versus 3.6 p.m., p<0.05; DBP: 2.1 p.m. versus
3.3 p.m., p<0.01). This corresponds to the shift of the morning
blood-pressure increase seen on 24-hours blood pressure
profiles. M correlated with age in controls (SBP: r=0.374,
p<0.01; regression coefficient b=1.34 mm Hg/1 year; DBP:
r=0.365, p<0.01; b=0.95 mm Hg/1 year), but not in patients
(SBP: r=0.182, DBP: r=0.064). A and Acr were age-independent
in all subjects. It is concluded that blood pressure in 19-22 years
old AC patients is lower during night hours, the age-dependent
increase of blood pressure seen in healthy controls between
13 and 22 years of age does not occur in patients. This finding is
consistent with the long-lasting impairment of the sympathetic
nervous system caused by anthracyclines.
Comparison of baroreflex sensitivity determined by cross-spectral analysis at respiratory and 0.1 Hz frequencies in man
Authors: Bothová P , Honzíková N , Fišer B , Závodná E , Nováková Z , Kalina D , Honzíková K , Lábrová R
Published: February 2021

Non-invasive methods of determination of baroreflex sensitivity
(BRS, ms/mmHg) are based on beat-to-beat systolic blood
pressure and inter-beat interval recording. Sequential methods
and spectral methods at spontaneous breathing include transient
superposition of breathing and 0.1 Hz rhythms. Previously, a
cross-spectral method of analysis was used, at constant
breathing rate using a metronome set at 0.33 Hz, enabling
separate determination of BRS at 0.1 Hz (BRS0.1Hz) and
respiratory rhythms (BRS0.33Hz). The aim of the present study was
to evaluate the role of breathing in the spectral method of BRS
determination with respect to age and hypertension. Such
information would be important in evaluation of BRS at
pathological conditions associated with extremely low BRS levels.
Blood pressure was recorded by Finapres (5 minutes, controlled
breathing at 0.33 Hz) in 118 healthy young subjects (YS: mean
age 21.0±1.3 years), 26 hypertensive patients (HT: mean age
48.6±10.3 years) with 26 age-matched controls (CHT: mean age
46.3±8.6 years). A comparison of BRS0.1Hz and BRS0.33Hz was
made. Statistically significant correlations were found between
BRS0.1Hz and BRS0.33Hz in all groups: YS: r=0.52, p<0.01, HT:
r=0.47, p<0.05, and CHT: r=0.70, p<0.01. The regression
equations indicated the existence of a breathing-dependent
component unrelated to BRS (YS: BRS0.33Hz=2.63+1.14*BRS0.1Hz;
HT: BRS0.33Hz=3.19+0.91*BRS0.1Hz; and CHT: BRS0.33Hz=1.88+
+1.01*BRS0.1Hz; differences between the slopes and the slope of
identity line were insignificant). The ratios of BRS0.1Hz to BRS0.33Hz
were significantly lower than 1 (p<0.01) in all groups (YS:
0.876±0.419, HT: 0.628±0.278, and CHT: 0.782±0.260). Thus,
BRS evaluated at the breathing rate overestimates the real
baroreflex sensitivity. This is more pronounced at low values of
BRS, which is more important in patients with pathologic low
BRS. For diagnostic purposes we recommend the evaluation of
BRS at the frequency of 0.1 Hz using metronome-controlled
breathing at a frequency that is substantially higher than 0.1 Hz
and is not a multiple of 0.1 Hz to eliminate respiratory baroreflexnon-related influence and resonance effect on heart rate
fluctuations.
The electrocardiographic holter monitoring in experimental veterinary practice
Authors: Scheer P , Svoboda P , Sepši M , Janečková K , Doubek J
Published: February 2021

The long-term electrocardiographic recording with retrospective
evaluation (Holter system) has been widely used not only in
cardiology, but also in other disciplines of internal medicine and
in pharmaceutical research. The Holter system can be used in
mini-pig, sheep, dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, and rat. In this paper
hardware, software, and anesthesia requirements are
summarized with respect to the experimental work with various
species. As the Holter systems work in bipolar mode, the use of
bipolar leads in sagittal and transversal planes has been proved
to be the most appropriate because of large amplitude of QRS
complex and uncomplicated consequent automatic analysis of the
record. In conclusion, Holter electrocardiography represents a
simple and applicable method for monitoring the electrical
activity of the heart in small animals’ experimental studies.
Three-dimensional electrogram in spherical coordinates: application to ischemia analysis
Authors: Janoušek O , Kolářová J , Nováková M , Provazník I
Published: February 2021

Three-dimensional electrogram was used for analysis of ischemia
manifestation in isolated hearts. Three parameters based on
spherical coordination system were used in this study –
amplitude of electrical heart vector, its azimuth and elevation.
The parameters were presented as a trend. This approach
reflected ischemic changes in a manner which can be easily
observed and evaluated. Ischemia was analysed in seven isolated
hearts of New Zealand white rabbits. It was found that (a)
ischemia changes heart electric vector, (b) ischemic
preconditioning has a protective effect, and (c) both of these
findings can be clearly observed by the proposed method.
The effects of lidocaine on bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity in the isolated rat heart
Authors: Křikava I , Jarkovský J , Štourač P , Nováková M , Ševčík P
Published: February 2021

Bupivacaine is a widely used long-acting local anaesthetic. In
clinical practice, a mixture of bupivacaine and lidocaine is often
used in order to combine the faster onset of sensory blockade of
lidocaine with more profound and longer duration of blockade by
bupivacaine. The aim of this study was to compare the
cardiotoxicity of large doses of bupivacaine and mixture of
bupivacaine with lidocaine in the isolated rat heart and to
estimate whether or not the addition of lidocaine in clinically
relevant concentration increases bupivacaine-induced toxicity.
Experiments were performed on 21 adult male rats divided into
three groups: B (6 µg/ml bupivacaine), BL (6 µg/ml bupivacaine
and 12 µg/ml lidocaine) and L (12 µg/ml lidocaine). The
experiment consisted of three 30 min periods: stabilisation,
perfusion and washout. The isolated hearts were perfused
according to Langendorff with Krebs-Henseleit solution at
constant pressure (80 mmHg) and 37 °C (CaCl2 1.25 mM) and
the heart rate (based on RR interval assessment), PQ and QRS
intervals were measured. The present study shows that the
mixture of tested anaesthetics – bupivacaine and lidocaine –
impairs the intraventricular conduction parameters (QRS interval
prolongation) to a lesser extent than bupivacaine itself, and that
this effect is marked mainly at the beginning of perfusion.
Em busca de uma teoria geral da discricionariedade
Authors: Pádua Felipe Bizinoto Soares de
Published: February 2021

A palavra discricionariedade remete a certo instituto jurídico do Direito administrativo, especialmente nos sistemas de Civil Law. Para além do regime administrativo, discricionariedade deve ser tratada não como algo pertencente a uma área do todo, mas como um instituto geral que permeia certos atos de todos os ‘’Poderes’’ do Estado: o administrador, o juiz e o legislador exercem atos discricionários. Partindo dessa ideia mais ampla que se tentará esboçar algumas linhas sobre uma teoria geral da discricionariedade.
Additive Manufacturing (3D PRINTING) Methods and Applications in Dentistry
Authors: DEMİRALP Elif , DOĞRU Gülsüm , YILMAZ Handan
Published: February 2021

Computer Aided Design-Computer Aided Manufacturing technologies (CAD-CAM) are often used in dentistry. Along with technological developments, techniques of additive manufacturing (3D) which has a lot of advantages have been improved and found a field of practice.
Today, metals and metal alloys, polymer and composite, ceramic materials are produced and used through additive manufacturing techniques. With additive manufacturing in dentistry, dental implants, prosthetic restorations, maxillofacial implants and prostheses, dental models, custom trays, occlusal splints, orthodontic models and devices can be produced and used in tissue engineering. The aim of this study is to profile and evaluate the additive manufacturing methods, materials, and application fields in dentistry.
Mutual Relationship Between Upper Extremity Function and Core Muscle Endurance in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: ÖZKUL Çağla , GÜÇLÜ GÜNDÜZ Arzu , ESMER Murat , YILDIRIM Muhammed Şeref , ELDEMİR Kader , İRKEÇ Ceyla
Published: February 2021

Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between upper extremity function and core muscle endurance in patients with
multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
Methods: Twenty-two PwMS and 20 healthy controls (HC) were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. The upper extremity function was assessed by the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT). In addition, the core muscle endurance was assessed by the side bridge test, trunk flexor endurance test, trunk extensor test, and prone bridge test.
Results: Upper extremity function and core muscle endurance (except extensor endurance) in PwMS were lower compared to HC (p<0.05). In
addition, the results of correlation analyses in PwMS showed that both sides’ upper extremity functions were related to EDSS, and trunk flexor
endurance (p<0.05). Moreover, the right-upper extremity function was related to the right side bridge endurance test performance while the
left-upper extremity function was related to left side bridge endurance test performance and disease duration (p<0.05).
Conclusion: These results demonstrated the mutual relationship between upper extremity function and core muscle endurance in PwMS. Therefore, the core stabilization training may improve both the core muscle endurance and upper extremity function in PwMS.
Enhancing the Application of Earth Observations for Improved Environmental Decision-Making Using the Early Warning eXplorer (EWX)
Authors: Shukla Shraddhanand , Landsfeld Martin , Anthony Michelle , Budde Michael , Husak Gregory J. , Rowland James , Funk Chris
Published: February 2021

The mitigation of losses due to extreme climate events and long-term climate adaptation requires climate informed decision-making. In the past few decades, several remote sensing and modeled-based Earth observations (EOs) have been developed to provide an unprecedented global overview and routine monitoring of climate and its impacts on vegetation and hydrologic conditions, with the goal of supporting informed decision-making. However, their usage in decision-making is particularly limited in climate-risk vulnerable and in situ data-scarce regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, due to lack of access to EOs. Here, we describe the Early Warning eXplorer (EWX), which was developed to address this crucial limitation and facilitate the application of EOs in decision-making, particularly in the food and water-insecure regions of the world. First, the EWX's core framework, which includes (i) the Viewer, (ii) GeoEngine, and (iii) Support Applications, is described. Then, a comprehensive overview of the Viewer, which is a web-based interface used to access EOs, is provided. This includes a description of (i) the maps and associated features to access gridded EO data and anomalies for different temporal averaging periods, (ii) time series graphs and associated features to access EOs aggregated over polygons such as administrative boundaries, and (iii) commonly used EOs served by the EWX that provide assessments of climate and vegetation conditions. Next, examples are provided to demonstrate how EWX can be used to monitor development, progression, spatial extent, and severity of climate-driven extreme events to support timely decisions related to mitigation of food insecurity and flooding impacts. Finally, the value of a regional implementation of EWX at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) in Nairobi, Kenya, is highlighted. Regional implementation of the EWX facilitates access to regionally focused EOs and their availability at polygon boundaries most relevant to the local decision-makers. Similar instances of EWX implemented in other regions, especially those susceptible to food and water security, will likely further enhance the application of EOs for informed decision-making.
Plausible Scenarios for Thai Energy Businesses in the Next 30 Years
Authors: Nakapreecha N. , Pongthanaisawan J. , Wangjiraniran W.
Published: February 2021

The energy sector is currently facing different challenges. It is necessary for business leaders to understand the forthcoming changes that will affect their businesses in order to prepare themselves for any uncertainties and take advantage of new opportunities. This paper identifies changes that are expected to have an impact on Thailand’s energy system in the next 30 years and explores plausible scenarios for Thailand’s energy sector under such changes. The study starts with an examination of global and local circumstances. The examination pinpoints a focal issue as “to achieve sustainable development goals (SDG) by 2050”. Then, STEEP analysis is implemented to identify business drivers in social (S), technological (T), economical (E), ecological (E), and political (P) aspects. Subsequently, consultations with stakeholders are arranged to finalize the critical uncertainties. Policy and technology are found to be two of the most powerful factors affecting energy business and are, therefore, used as fundamental frameworks for scenario development. Accordingly, four plausible scenarios are derived providing different possible prospects for Thailand’s energy businesses. The findings can further be used in the analysis of national energy balance with detailed sector-by-sector projections. All of which will be beneficial in strategic energy planning at both the national and corporate level with a view to achieving the SDGs by 2050.
Streptococcus pneumoniae Type 1 Pilus – A Multifunctional Tool for Optimized Host Interaction
Authors: Ness Stefan , Hilleringmann Markus
Published: February 2021

Streptococcus pneumoniaerepresents a major Gram-positive human pathogen causing bacterial pneumonia, otitis media, meningitis, and other invasive diseases. Several pneumococcal isolates show increasing resistance rates against antibacterial agents. A variety of virulence factors promote pneumococcal pathogenicity with varying importance in different stages of host infection. Virulence related hair-like structures (“pili”) are complex, surface located protein arrays supporting proper host interaction. In the last two decades different types of pneumococcal pili have been identified: pilus-1 (P1) and pilus-2 (P2) are formed by the catalytic activity of sortases that covalently assemble secreted polypeptide pilin subunits in a defined order and finally anchor the resulting pilus in the peptidoglycan. Within the long pilus fiber the presence of intramolecular isopeptide bonds confer high stability to the sequentially arranged individual pilins. This mini review will focus onS. pneumoniaeTIGR4 P1 molecular architecture, the subunits it builds and provides insights into P1 sortase-mediated assembly. The complex P1 architecture (anchor-/backbone-/tip-subunits) allows the specific interaction with various target structures facilitating different steps of colonization, invasion and spreading within the host. Optimized pilin subunit confirmation supports P1 function under physiological conditions. Finally, aspects of P1- host interplay are summarized, including recent insights into P1 mechanobiology, which have important implications for P1 mediated pathogenesis.
The Role of Neuroimaging and Genetic Analysis in the Diagnosis of Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Horber Veronka , Grasshoff Ute , Sellier Elodie , Arnaud Catherine , Krägeloh-Mann Ingeborg , Himmelmann Kate
Published: February 2021

Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered an important tool in the assessment of a child with cerebral palsy (CP), as it is abnormal in more than 80% of children with CP, disclosing the pathogenic pattern responsible for the neurological condition. MRI, therefore, is recommended as the first diagnostic step after medical history taking and neurological examination. With the advances in genetic diagnostics, the genetic contribution to CP is increasingly discussed, and the question arises about the role of genetic testing in the diagnosis of cerebral palsy. The paper gives an overview on genetic findings reported in CP, which are discussed with respect to the underlying brain pathology according to neuroimaging findings. Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE) classifies neuroimaging findings in CP into five categories, which help to stratify decisions concerning genetic testing. Predominant white and gray matter injuries are by far predominant (accounting for around 50 and 20% of the findings). They are considered to be acquired. Here, predisposing genetic factors may play a role to increase vulnerability (and should especially be considered, when family history is positive and/or causative external factors are missing). In maldevelopments and normal findings (around 11% each), monogenic causes are more likely, and thus, genetic testing is clearly recommended. In the miscellaneous category, the precise nature of the MRI finding has to be considered as it could indicate a genetic origin.
Pre-habilitation Before Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery—Impact of Intratympanal Gentamicin Application on the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex
Authors: Tarnutzer Alexander A. , Bockisch Christopher J. , Buffone Elena , Huber Alexander M. , Wettstein Vincent G. , Weber Konrad P.
Published: February 2021

Background: Patients with vestibular schwannoma that show residual peripheral-vestibular function before surgery may experience sudden and substantial vestibular loss of function after surgical resection. To alleviate the sudden loss of peripheral-vestibular function after vestibular-schwannoma (VS) resection, pre-surgical intratympanic gentamicin application was proposed.

Objective: We hypothesized that this approach allows for a controlled reduction of peripheral-vestibular function before surgery but that resulting peripheral-vestibular deficits may be canal-specific with anterior-canal sparing as observed previously in systemic gentamicin application.

Methods: Thirty-four patients (age-range = 27–70 y) with unilateral VS (size = 2–50 mm) were included in this retrospective single-center trial. The angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR) was quantified before and after (29.7 ± 18.7 d, mean ± 1SD) a single or two sequential intratympanic gentamicin applications by use of video-head-impulse testing. Both aVOR gains, cumulative saccadic amplitudes, and overall aVOR function were retrieved. Statistical analysis was done using a generalized linear model.

Results: At baseline, loss of function of the horizontal (20/34) and posterior (21/34) canal was significantly (p < 0.001) more frequent than that of the anterior canal (5/34). After gentamicin application, loss of function of the horizontal (32/34) or posterior (31/34) canal remained significantly (p ≤ 0.003) more frequent than that of the anterior canal (18/34). For all ipsilesional canals, significant aVOR-gain reductions and cumulative-saccadic-amplitude increases were noted after gentamicin. For the horizontal canal, loss of function was significantly larger (increase in cumulative-saccadic-amplitude: 1.6 ± 2.0 vs. 0.8 ± 1.2, p = 0.007) or showed a trend to larger changes (decrease in aVOR-gain: 0.24 ± 0.22 vs. 0.13 ± 0.29, p = 0.069) than for the anterior canal.

Conclusions: Intratympanic gentamicin application resulted in a substantial reduction in peripheral-vestibular function in all three ipsilesional canals. Relative sparing of anterior-canal function noted at baseline was preserved after gentamicin treatment. Thus, pre-surgical intratympanic gentamicin is a suitable preparatory procedure for reducing the drop in peripheral-vestibular function after VS-resection. The reasons for relative sparing of the anterior canal remain unclear.
Genome Triplication Leads to Transcriptional Divergence of FLOWERING LOCUS C Genes During Vernalization in the Genus Brassica
Authors: Akter Ayasha , Itabashi Etsuko , Kakizaki Tomohiro , Okazaki Keiichi , Dennis Elizabeth S. , Fujimoto Ryo
Published: February 2021

The genusBrassicaincludes oil crops, vegetables, condiments, fodder crops, and ornamental plants.Brassicaspecies underwent a whole genome triplication event after speciation between ancestral species ofBrassicaand closely related genera includingArabidopsis thaliana. Diploid species such asBrassica rapaandBrassica oleraceahave three copies of genes orthologous to eachA. thalianagene, although deletion in one or two of the three homologs has occurred in some genes. The floral transition is one of the crucial events in a plant’s life history, and time of flowering is an important agricultural trait. There is a variation in flowering time within species of the genusBrassica, and this variation is largely dependent on a difference in vernalization requirements. InBrassica, like inA. thaliana, the key gene of vernalization isFLOWERING LOCUS C(FLC). InBrassicaspecies, the vernalization response including the repression ofFLCexpression by cold treatment and the enrichment of the repressive histone modification tri-methylated histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) at theFLClocus is similar toA. thaliana.B. rapaandB. oleraceaeach have four paralogs ofFLC, and the allotetraploid species,Brassica napus, has nine paralogs. The increased number of paralogs makes the role ofFLCin vernalization more complicated; in a single plant, paralogs vary in the expression level ofFLCbefore and after vernalization. There is also variation inFLCexpression levels between accessions. In this review, we focus on the regulatory circuits of the vernalization response ofFLCexpression in the genusBrassica.
Modeling Illustrates That Genomic Selection Provides New Opportunities for Intercrop Breeding
Authors: Bančič Jon , Werner Christian R. , Gaynor R. Chris , Gorjanc Gregor , Odeny Damaris A. , Ojulong Henry F. , Dawson Ian K. , Hoad Stephen P. , Hickey John M.
Published: February 2021

Intercrop breeding programs using genomic selection can produce faster genetic gain than intercrop breeding programs using phenotypic selection. Intercropping is an agricultural practice in which two or more component crops are grown together. It can lead to enhanced soil structure and fertility, improved weed suppression, and better control of pests and diseases. Especially in subsistence agriculture, intercropping has great potential to optimize farming and increase profitability. However, breeding for intercrop varieties is complex as it requires simultaneous improvement of two or more component crops that combine well in the field. We hypothesize that genomic selection can significantly simplify and accelerate the process of breeding crops for intercropping. Therefore, we used stochastic simulation to compare four different intercrop breeding programs implementing genomic selection and an intercrop breeding program entirely based on phenotypic selection. We assumed three different levels of genetic correlation between monocrop grain yield and intercrop grain yield to investigate how the different breeding strategies are impacted by this factor. We found that all four simulated breeding programs using genomic selection produced significantly more intercrop genetic gain than the phenotypic selection program regardless of the genetic correlation with monocrop yield. We suggest a genomic selection strategy which combines monocrop and intercrop trait information to predict general intercropping ability to increase selection accuracy in the early stages of a breeding program and to minimize the generation interval.
Mapping Collaborations and Partnerships in SDG Research
Authors: Payumo Jane , He Guangming , Manjunatha Anusha Chintamani , Higgins Devin , Calvert Scout
Published: February 2021

Collaboration has become an essential paradigm in sustainable development research and in strategies for meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study uses bibliometric methods and network analysis to examine research output and collaboration supporting the SDGs and explores means to detect and analyze research collaboration beyond the traditional definition of multiple, one-time co-authorship. We employed two additional lenses of collaboration: repeat collaboration and collaboration time point to quantify and visualize co-authorship data sourced from Microsoft Academic Graph. Our results show an increased collaboration rate over time at the author and institutional levels; however they also indicate that the majority of collaborations in SDG-related research only happened once. We also found out that on average, repeat collaboration happens more frequently, but after a longer duration, at the institutional level than at the author level. For this reason, we further analyzed institutions and identified core institutions that could help influence more consistent collaboration and sustain or grow the SDG-related research network. Our results have implications for understanding sustainable partnerships in research related to SDGs and other global challenges.
Disease Detectives: Using Mathematics to Forecast the Spread of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Brooks Heather Z. , Kanjanasaratool Unchitta , Kureh Yacoub H. , Porter Mason A.
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in how people are currently living their lives. To determine how to best reduce the effects of the pandemic and start reopening communities, governments have used mathematical models of the spread of infectious diseases. In this article, we introduce a popular type of mathematical model of disease spread. We discuss how the results of analyzing mathematical models can influence government policies and human behavior, such as encouraging mask wearing and physical distancing to help slow the spread of a disease.
Optimization Method of Customized Shuttle Bus Lines under Random Condition
Authors: Sun Zhichao , Zhou Kang , Yang Xinzheng , Peng Xiao , Song Rui
Published: February 2021

Transit network optimization can effectively improve transit efficiency, improve traffic conditions, and reduce the pollution of the environment. In order to better meet the travel demands of passengers, the factors influencing passengers’ satisfaction with a customized bus are fully analyzed. Taking the minimum operating cost of the enterprise as the objective and considering the random travel time constraints of passengers, the customized bus routes are optimized. The K-means clustering analysis is used to classify the passengers’ needs based on the analysis of the passenger travel demand of the customized shuttle bus, and the time stochastic uncertainty under the operating environment of the customized shuttle bus line is fully considered. On the basis of meeting the passenger travel time requirements and minimizing the cost of service operation, an optimization model that maximizes the overall satisfaction of passengers and public transit enterprises is structured. The smaller the value of the objective function is, the lower the operating cost. When the value is negative, it means there is profit. The model is processed by the deterministic processing method of random constraints, and then the hybrid intelligent algorithm is used to solve the model. A stochastic simulation technique is used to train stochastic constraints to approximate uncertain functions. Then, the improved immune clonal algorithm is used to solve the vehicle routing problem. Finally, it is proved by a case that the method can reasonably and efficiently realize the optimization of the customized shuttle bus lines in the region.
Nanoparticles as Novel Elicitors to Improve Bioactive Compounds in Plants
Authors: Rivero-Montejo Samantha de Jesus , Vargas-Hernandez Marcela , Torres-Pacheco Irineo
Published: February 2021

Bioactive compounds (e.g., flavonoids, phenolics acids, alkaloids and carotenoids) are commercially-valued products, due to their wide array of applications in the medical, pharmacological, cosmetic, agriculture and food industry. A strategy applied to increase or enhancing bioactive compounds production in plants is controlled elicitation. In recent years, many researchers have studied the role of nanoparticles (NPs) as a novel elicitor for the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds shown that the NPs could affect the plant’s secondary metabolism in plant and culture systems. In this sense, recent studies have highlighted the potential applications of nanotechnology in crop production by improving the nutraceutical and nutritional quality of plants. In this review, we present studies about the application of NPs to enhance the production of bioactive plant metabolites. The aforementioned studies in ex vitro as in vitro, in addition to the effect of post-harvest by NPs application.
Influence of Planting and Irrigation Levels as Physical Methods on Maize Root Morphological Traits, Grain Yield and Water Productivity in Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Halli Hanamant M. , Angadi Sanganabasappa , Kumar Aravind , Govindasamy Prabhu , Madar Raghavendra , El-Ansary Diaa O. , Rashwan Mohamed A. , Abdelmohsen Shaimaa A. M. , Abdelbacki Ashraf M. M. , Mahmoud Eman A. , Elansary Hosam O.
Published: February 2021

Assessing the impact of planting methods and irrigation levels is needed to determine the effects on maize root morphological traits, grain yield, and water productivity in semi-arid regions. A study was initiated on maize (Zea mays L.) from 2015 to 2016, including three planting methods [i.e. broad bed and furrow (BBF), shallow and narrow furrow (SNF) and deep and wider furrow (DWF)] and four irrigation levels [i.e. irrigation once in ten days (I10D), irrigation at 40% depletion of available soil moisture (DASM, I40), irrigation at 50% DASM (I50) and irrigation at 60% DASM (I60)] arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. Results reveal that the DWF method has increased root length, root volume, root surface area and root dry weight compared to SNF and BBF (p < 0.05). DWF and SNF resulted in higher grain yield than BBF, although the DWF grain yield was non-significant with SNF but resulted in 22.40% higher irrigation application. Irrigation at I50 had a significant effect on root length, root surface area, and grain yield, regardless of planting methods. Therefore, where irrigation has been a costly and limited farm input, the practice of SNF and deficit irrigation (I50) could be a viable option for greater water saving and higher grain yields of maize.