A delineating procedure to retrieve relevant publication data in research areas: the case of nanocellulose

Advances concerning publication-level classification system have been demonstrated striking results by dealing properly with emergent, complex and interdisciplinary research areas, such as nanotechnology and nanocellulose. However, less attention has been paid to propose a delineating method to retrieve relevant research areas on specific subjects. This study aims at proposing a procedure to delineate research areas addressed in case nanocellulose. We investigate how a bibliometric analysis could provide interesting insights into research about this sustainable nanomaterial. The research topics clustered by a Publication-level Classification System were used. The procedure involves an iterative process, which includes developing and cleaning a set of core publication regarding the subject and an analysis of clusters they are associated with. Nanocellulose was selected as the subject of study, but the methodology may be applied to any other research area or topic. A discussion about each step of the procedure is provided. The proposed delineation procedure enables us to retrieve relevant publications from research areas involving nanocellulose. Seventeen research topics were mapped and associated with current research challenges on nanocellulose.Merit, Expertise and Measuremen

Pleurodesis induced by intrapleural injection of silver nitrate or talc in rabbits: can it be used in humans? Pleurodese induzida pela injeção intrapleural de nitrato de prata ou talco em coelhos: há perspectivas para o uso em humanos?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pleuropulmonary alterations caused by intrapleural injection of silver nitrate or talc in an experimental model, in order to consider its use in human beings. METHOD: 112 rabbits were randomly selected to receive intrapleural 0.5% silver nitrate or 400 mg/kg talc slurry in 2 ml saline. Eight rabbits of each group were sacrificed after 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 months. Regarding the pleural cavity, the degree of macroscopic pleurodesis (adherences) and microscopic alterations, represented by inflammation and pleural fibrosis, were analyzed. The parenchyma was evaluated regarding the degree of alveolar collapse, intra-alveolar septum edema, and cellularity, on a 0 to 4 scale. RESULTS: Intrapleural injection of silver nitrate produced earlier and more intense pleurodesis than talc slurry injection. The parenchymal damage was more evident with silver nitrate, considered as moderate, and limited to the first evaluation (after one month). From the second month on and throughout the entire one-year follow-up, the parenchymal damage was similar with both substances, only the pleural adherences were more intense with silver nitrate. CONCLUSIONS: Intrapleural silver nitrate produces better and longer-lasting than intrapleural talc injection. The parenchymal alterations, although discreet, are more pronounced when silver nitrate is used, but minimal after two months, and similar to those produced by talc injection during the entire one-year observation period. These effects on the pulmonary parenchyma do not contraindicate the use in humans. Thus, the use of intrapleural silver nitrate to produce fast and effective pleurodesis can be considered in patients in which pleural cavity symphysis is desired.<br>OBJETIVO DE ESTUDO: Avaliar as alterações pleuropulmonares causadas pela injeção intrapleural de talco ou nitrato de prata em modelo experimental, com o intuito de considerar sua utilização em humanos. MÉTODO: 112 coelhos foram aleatoriamente escolhidos para receber, no espaço pleural, 400mg/kg de talco em 2ml de solução salina ou 2ml de nitrato de prata a 0,5%, sendo oito animais, em cada grupo, sacrificados após um, dois, quatro, seis, oito, 10 ou 12 meses. Em relação à cavidade pleural, foram analisados o grau de pleurodese macroscópica (aderências) e as alterações microscópicas representadas por inflamação e fibrose dos folhetos pleurais. O parênquima foi avaliado quanto ao grau de colapso alveolar, edema dos septos interalveolares e celularidade em escore de 0 a 4. RESULTADOS: A injeção intrapleural de nitrato de prata produziu pleurodese mais precoce e mais intensa do que a injeção de talco. A lesão parenquimatosa foi mais evidente com nitrato de prata, sendo considerada de grau moderado e restrita à primeira avaliação (um mês). A partir do segundo mês, e durante todo o seguimento de um ano, a lesão parenquimatosa foi semelhante com ambas as substâncias, sendo apenas as aderências pleurais mais intensas com nitrato. CONCLUSÕES: O nitrato de prata intrapleural produz melhor e mais duradoura pleurodese do que a injeção intrapleural de talco. As alterações parenquimatosas, apesar de discretas, são mais pronunciadas com o uso de nitrato de prata, sendo, porém, mínimas após dois meses e semelhantes, durante todo o período de observação de um ano, às encontradas com o uso do talco. Esses efeitos sobre o parênquima pulmonar não contra-indicam seu uso em seres humanos. Dessa forma, o uso do nitrato de prata intrapleural, com o intuito de produzir rápida e efetiva pleurodese, pode ser considerado nos pacientes em que se deseja a sínfise da cavidade pleural