scholarly journals Digital dermoscopy: a complementary method in the diagnosis of scabies

2020 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 638-640
Author(s):  
Elaine Dias Melo ◽  
Carla Barros da Rocha Ribas ◽  
Isabel Cristina Lima Encarnação
Keyword(s):  
Complementary Method ◽  
Digital Dermoscopy

PHASAL REALIZATIONS IN CLASSROOM DISCOURSE A Systemic-Functional Analysis

TABULARASA ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lasyuli Simbolon
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Strong Evidence ◽  
Classroom Discourse ◽  
Social Values ◽  
Classroom Interactions ◽  
Classification Schemes ◽  
Complementary Method ◽  
Academic Knowledge ◽  
Primary Instrument

This article examines the phasal realizations characteristic of the classroom discourse. The data are collected by means of audio-visual recordings and transcriptions, and they are analyzed by employing a complementary method of analysis of Young’s model. The primary instrument of this study is the researcher herself, whereas the secondary instruments are (1) classification schemes of the semiotic aspect in focus, (2) data sheets that contain 4 classroom discourse-in-texts, and (3) notes on each classroom discourse-in-text. The findings reveal that the CD-in-text as a whole is typically realized and characterized by the following: (1) Substantiation (SU) as the most prominent macro-function and the Conclusion (CO) as the least prominent, (2) the Interchange (IC) as the most prominent micro-function and the Apology (AP) as the least prominent. Based on the main findings, there is strong evidence to suggest that the ‘semiotic behavior’ of the CD-in-text as a whole is motivated by the goal-oriented need, and the goal to achieve has tended to be more academic-oriented than social-oriented. In this, the teachers as the primary speakers of the classroom interactions have tended to focus on the transformation of intellectual values (academic knowledge/skills) with the least social values involved therein. The most prominently occurring SU macro-function and IC micro-function are clear indicators of this endeavor. The scope and the objectives of this study have been delimited to investigate CD phenomena at the levels of phase and sub-phase.

scholarly journals Systematic review with meta-analysis: effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygenation therapy for ulcerative colitis

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 175628482110233
Author(s):  
Pingrun Chen ◽  
Yina Li ◽  
Xian Zhang ◽  
Yan Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Hyperbaric Oxygen ◽  
Hyperbaric Oxygenation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Complementary Method ◽  
Standard Mean Difference

Background and aims: Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy has been used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis in the past few years. However, its efficacy still remains unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen combination therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive study search up to September 2020, from the online databases Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang and VIP. Results: Thirteen studies comprising 780 patients were included. We found that compared with conventional therapy, hyperbaric oxygen combination therapy was superior in reaching clinical remission [risk ratio (RR)=1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42 to 1.84; p < 0.001] and clinical response (RR=1.29; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.38; p < 0.001), with lower disease activity scores [standard mean difference (SMD)= −1.19; 95%CI −1.74 to −0.65; p < 0.001]. An obvious reduction of serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (SMD= −1.96; 95%CI −2.50 to −1.41; p < 0.001) and interleukin (IL)-6 (SMD= −2.49; 95% CI −2.84 to −2.15; p < 0.001), and elevation of IL-10 level (SMD=2.40; 95% CI 0.68 to 4.12; p = 0.006) were also observed. Conclusion: Hyperbaric oxygen combination therapy was effective in patients with ulcerative colitis, and has potential as a complementary method for its treatment.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Application of Postmortem Cardiac Troponin I Pericardial Fluid/Serum Ratio in Sudden Cardiac Death

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 614
Author(s):  
Diana Hernández-Romero ◽  
María del Rocío Valverde-Vázquez ◽  
Juan Pedro Hernández del Rincón ◽  
José A. Noguera-Velasco ◽  
María D. Pérez-Cárceles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Sudden Cardiac Death ◽  
Cardiac Troponin ◽  
Cardiac Death ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Sampling Site ◽  
Pericardial Fluid ◽  
Cardiac Troponin I ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Complementary Method

In approximately 5% of unexpected deaths, establishing a conclusive diagnosis exclusively on the basis of anatomo-pathological findings in a classic autopsy is difficult. Postmortem biomarkers have been actively investigated as complementary indicators to help to reach valid conclusions about the circumstances of death. Several studies propose either the pericardial fluid or peripheral veins as a location for troponin determination, but the optimum sampling site is still a matter of debate. Our objective was to evaluate the association between the ratio of troponin values in the pericardial fluid and serum (determined postmortem) and the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the context of sudden cardiac death. We included 175 forensic cases. Two groups were established: AMI deaths (48; 27.4%) and the control group (127; 72.6%). The cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) values in the pericardial fluid and the troponin ratio were found to be associated with the cause of death. Univariate regression analyses showed that both age and the cTnI ratio were significantly associated with the diagnosis of AMI death. In a multivariate analysis, adjusting for confounding factors, the age and cTnI ratio were independent predictors of death from myocardial infarction. We performed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the cTnI ratio for AMI death and selected a cut-off point. Our biomarker was found to be a valuable and highly effective tool for use in the forensic field as a complementary method to facilitate diagnosis in nonconclusive autopsies.

scholarly journals Comparative Study of PVDF Sheets and Their Sensitivity to Mechanical Vibrations: The Role of Dimensions, Molecular Weight, Stretching and Poling

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1637
Author(s):  
Miroslav Mrlík ◽  
Josef Osička ◽  
Martin Cvek ◽  
Markéta Ilčíková ◽  
Peter Srnec ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Vinylidene Fluoride ◽  
Initial Thickness ◽  
Complementary Method ◽  
Β Phase ◽  
Vibration Sensing ◽  
Poly Vinylidene Fluoride ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
The Comparative Study

This paper is focused on the comparative study of the vibration sensing capabilities of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) sheets. The main parameters such as molecular weight, initial sample thickness, stretching and poling were systematically applied, and their impact on sensing behavior was examined. The mechanical properties of prepared sheets were investigated via tensile testing on the samples with various initial thicknesses. The transformation of the α-phase to the electro-active β-phase was analyzed using FTIR after applying stretching and poling procedures as crucial post-processing techniques. As a complementary method, the XRD was applied, and it confirmed the crystallinity data resulting from the FTIR analysis. The highest degree of phase transformation was found in the PVDF sheet with a moderate molecular weight (Mw of 275 kDa) after being subjected to the highest axial elongation (500%); in this case, the β-phase content reached approximately 90%. Finally, the vibration sensing capability was systematically determined, and all the mentioned processing/molecular parameters were taken into consideration. The whole range of the elongations (from 50 to 500%) applied on the PVDF sheets with an Mw of 180 and 275 kDa and an initial thickness of 0.5 mm appeared to be sufficient for vibration sensing purposes, showing a d33 piezoelectric charge coefficient from 7 pC N−1 to 9.9 pC N−1. In terms of the d33, the PVDF sheets were suitable regardless of their Mw only after applying the elongation of 500%. Among all the investigated samples, those with an initial thickness of 1.0 mm did not seem to be suitable for vibration sensing purposes.

scholarly journals Analytical Methods Used in Determining Antioxidant Activity: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3380
Author(s):  
Irina Georgiana Munteanu ◽  
Constantin Apetrei
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Hydrogen Atom ◽  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Detection Mechanism ◽  
Antioxidant Power ◽  
Complementary Method ◽  
Food Engineering ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Major Interest

The study of antioxidants and their implications in various fields, from food engineering to medicine and pharmacy, is of major interest to the scientific community. The present paper is a critical presentation of the most important tests used to determine the antioxidant activity, detection mechanism, applicability, advantages and disadvantages of these methods. Out of the tests based on the transfer of a hydrogen atom, the following were presented: the Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) test, the Hydroxyl Radical Antioxidant Capacity (HORAC) test, the Total Peroxyl Radical Trapping Antioxidant Parameter (TRAP) test, and the Total Oxyradical Scavenging Capacity (TOSC) test. The tests based on the transfer of one electron include the Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Power (CUPRAC) test, the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) test, the Folin–Ciocalteu test. Mixed tests, including the transfer of both a hydrogen atom and an electron, include the 2,2′-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) test, and the [2,2-di(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1 -picrylhydrazyl] (DPPH) test. All these assays are based on chemical reactions and assessing the kinetics or reaching the equilibrium state relies on spectrophotometry, presupposing the occurrence of characteristic colours or the discolouration of the solutions to be analysed, which are processes monitored by specific wavelength adsorption. These assays were successfully applied in antioxidant analysis or the determination of the antioxidant capacity of complex samples. As a complementary method in such studies, one may use methods based on electrochemical (bio)sensors, requiring stages of calibration and validation. The use of chemical methods together with electrochemical methods may result in clarification of the operating mechanisms and kinetics of the processes involving several antioxidants.

scholarly journals The importance of changing urban scenery in the assessment of citizens’ soundscape perception. On the need for different time-related points of view

Noise Mapping ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-161
Author(s):  
Jerónimo Vida Manzano ◽  
José Antonio Almagro Pastor ◽  
Rafael García Quesada
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Noise Control ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Heavy Traffic ◽  
Legal Protection ◽  
Complementary Method ◽  
Reduction Strategies ◽  
The Right ◽  
The City

Abstract The city of Granada is experimenting a big urban transformation, attending national and international commitments on clean air, energy efficiency and savings linked to greenhouse gases reduction strategies and sustainable development action plans. This situation constitutes a good scenario for new noise control approaches that take into account the sound variable and citizens empowering in urban design, such as the soundscape assessment of urban territory. In this way, soundscape tools have been used in Granada as a complementary method for environmental noise characterisation where traditional noise control techniques are difficult to be carried out or give limited results. After 2016 strategic noise map and in the preparation of the new noise action plan, the city came across a great acoustic challenge in a new area located outskirts characterised by growing urbanisation, still under development, the greatest legal protection because of sensitive teaching and hospital buildings and the greatest noise exposure from nearby ring-way supporting heavy traffic flow. As quiet urban areas are not characterised by the absence of noise but for the presence of the right noise, this research intended to provide the local administration with results and proposals to transform this conflict area in a pleasant or quiet urban place. Main results came from important and significative differences in morning and evening characterisation, as great differences appear in soundscape assessment over the day and along the soundwalk path, indicating the importance of time and local issues to adequately characterised citizens perception to be considered by administration in the development of strategies and effective noise control actions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document