bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing perceived psychosocial working conditions of nurses and physicians in two university hospitals in Germany with other German professionals - feasibility of scale conversion between two versions of the German Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ)
Authors: Wagner Anke , Nübling Matthias , Hammer Antje , Manser Tanja , Rieger Monika A. ,   on behalf of the WorkSafeMed Consortium, Luntz E. , Rieger M. A. , Sturm H. , Wagner A. , Hammer A. , Manser T. , Martus P. , Holderried M.
Published: August 2020

Background

In 2015, the WorkSafeMed study assessed, amongst others, perceived psychosocial working conditions in nurses (n = 567) and physicians (n = 381) from two German university hospitals using scales from the German standard version of the COPSOQ (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire). This standard version is based on the international COPSOQ I and II. Since 2017, a further developed version of the German COPSOQ (G-COPSOQ III) has been available and data from this version are stored in the German COPSOQ database. The aim of the present study was to compare scales depicting perceived psychosocial workloads and strain in hospital staff from the WorkSafeMed study with reference data (hospital care nurses, general hospital physicians, reference values across all occupations) from the German COPSOQ database (2012–2017). As preliminary work, we explored whether a conversion of COPSOQ scales based on data from the WorkSafeMed study to the G-COPSOQ III scales was possible.

Methods

We applied a multistep approach for conversion. First, we compared 17 COPSOQ scales used in the WorkSafeMed study with the corresponding scales from the G-COPSOQ III according to content and then decided if a conversion was appropriate. If possible, we converted WorkSafeMed scales - the converted scales comprised the same content and number of items as in G-COPSOQ III. An explorative statistical analysis for each original and converted WorkSafeMed scale followed detecting possible statistical and relevant differences between the scales. We then compared converted WorkSafeMed scales with reference data from the German COPSOQ database.

Results

Based on the comparison undertaken according to content, a conversion was possible for 16 scales. Using the data from the WorkSafeMed study, the statistical analysis showed only differences between original and converted COPSOQ scales “control over working time” (mean 40.2 vs. 51.8, dCohen = 0.56) and “social relations” (mean 55.6 vs. 41.8, dCohen = − 0.55). Comparing converted WorkSafeMed scales with reference data revealed higher values for “quantitative demands”, “work-privacy-conflict”, and “job satisfaction” in the WorkSafeMed sample.

Conclusions

The conversion of WorkSafeMed scales was appropriate, allowed a comparison with three reference values in the German COPSOQ database and revealed some implications for improving psychosocial working conditions of nurses and physicians in university hospitals in Germany.
Towards a taxonomy of behavior change techniques for promoting shared decision making
Authors: Agbadjé Titilayo Tatiana , Elidor Hélène , Perin Milena Sia , Adekpedjou Rhéda , Légaré France
Published: August 2020

Background

There is little information about the functions and behavior change techniques (BCTs) needed to implement shared decision making (SDM) in clinical practice. To guide future implementation initiatives, we sought to develop a BCT taxonomy for SDM implementation interventions.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis of a 2018 Cochrane review on interventions for increasing the use of shared decision making by healthcare professionals. We examined all 87 studies included in the review. We extracted relevant information on each study intervention into a spreadsheet. Coders had undergone a training workshop on intervention functions and online training on BCT Taxonomy version 1 (BCTTv1). We performed functions and BCTs coding trials, and identified coding rules. We used Michie’s guide for designing behavior change interventions to code the functions and BCTs used in the interventions. Coders met to compare coding and discrepancies were discussed until consensus was reached. Data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics.

Results

Overall, 7 functions, 24 combinations of functions and 32 BCTs were used in the 87 SDM implementation interventions. The mean of functions per intervention was 2.5 and the mean of BCTs per intervention was 3.7. The functions Coercion and Restriction were not found. The most common function was Education (73 studies). Three combinations of functions were most common (e.g: Education + Persuasion, used in 10 studies). The functions associated with more effective SDM implementation interventions were Modeling and Training. The most effective combination of functions was Education + Training + Modeling + Enablement. The most commonly used BCT was Instruction on how to perform the behavior (43 studies). BCTs associated with more effective SDM implementation interventions were: Instruction on how to perform the behavior, Demonstration of the behavior, Feedback on behavior, Pharmacological support, Material reward, and Biofeedback. Twenty-five BCTs were associated with less effective SDM implementation interventions. Four new BCTs were identified: General information to support the behavior, Tailoring, Exercises to conceptually prepare for the behavior, and Experience sharing and learning.

Conclusions

We established a BCT taxonomy specific to the field of SDM to guide future SDM implementation interventions. Four new BCTs should be added to BCTTv1.
The β-catenin/TCF-4 pathway regulates the expression of OPN in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes
Authors: Tian Jian , Gao Shu-Guang , Li Yu-Sheng , Cheng Chao , Deng Zhen-Han , Luo Wei , Zhang Fang-Jie
Published: August 2020

Background

Cartilage destruction is the main characteristic of osteoarthritis (OA), and osteopontin (OPN) is elevated in OA articular cartilage; however, the reason for the increased OPN level is not determined. In addition, Wnt/β-catenin signaling participates in the progression of OA. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether canonical Wnt signaling could regulate the expression of OPN in human chondrocytes in vitro.

Methods

Human chondrocytes were cultured in vitro, and we first assayed the mRNA levels of OPN and β-catenin in chondrocytes. Next, we performed transient transfection of TCF 4 shRNA into chondrocytes to inhibit TCF 4 expression and explore changes in the OPN level. Then, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) was incubated with chondrocytes, and we assayed the changes in β-catenin and OPN.

Results

Our results showed that the expression of both β-catenin and OPN was increased in OA chondrocytes, but there were no correlations between β-catenin and OPN expression. TCF4 shRNA downregulated the expression of TCF 4 and OPN in chondrocytes, while after treatment with rDKK-1 at a concentration of 400 ng/ml for 24 h, the mRNA and protein expression of both β-catenin and OPN was significantly decreased in chondrocytes.

Conclusions

Elevated OPN expression might be regulated by the β-catenin/TCF-4 pathway, and the Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor DKK1 could inhibit the expression of β-catenin and OPN in OA chondrocytes.
In vitro evaluation of the tension band suture method for proximal humerus fracture treatment
Authors: Ishii Hideaki , Shintaku Takanori , Yoshizawa Shu , Sakamoto Misato , Kaneko Takao , Musha Yoshiro , Ikegami Hiroyasu
Published: August 2020

Background

Proximal humeral fractures are common, and more than half occur in patients over 65 years of age. Operative treatment may be recommended for displaced, complicated fractures; however, surgery may lead to displacement of the greater tuberosity or humeral head. Supplemental tension band sutures have been recommended to prevent such a complication. In this study, we investigate the best combination of suture, washer, and threading angle for proximal humeral fractures from a mechanical view.

Methods

The mechanical durability of 18 combinations of suture materials (Fiberwire, Ethibond, and Surgilon), threading washers (ring washer, disc washer), and threading angles (15 or 45°) were examined via a cyclic loading test.

Results

The most durable combination in the cyclic loading test consisted of threading the Fiber Wire to the washer ring using only one hole (ring washer-1) at 45°. In contrast, the most vulnerable combination was threading Ethibond to the washer disc at 15°. Breakage of all suture materials occurred at the suture-washer interface, and no failure or loosening of the knots was observed. FiberWire gradually eroded until the loss of equilibrium; whereas the rupture of Ethibond and Surgilon occurred suddenly.

Conclusions

From a mechanical viewpoint, we demonstrated that applying a supplemental tension band suture using FiberWire with a single-hole ring washer threaded at a wider angle is recommended.
The scientific elucidation of daodi medicinal materials
Authors: Liu Xindan , Zhang Ying , Wu Menghua , Ma Zhiguo , Huang Zihan , Tian Fang , Dong Sihan , Luo Simin , Zhou Yu , Zhang Jinju , Li Nanxin , He Xiaofang , Cao Hui
Published: August 2020

Daodi medicinal materials (DMMs), with unique characteristics and specific ecological growing environments, are recognized as high-quality medicinal products of Chinese medicinal materials (CMMs). The quality evaluation of CMMs is fundamental for standardization. The concept and application of DMMs have a long history as described in records in ancient books and rooted in practice and experience over generations. DMM is the specific term for pure, superior medicinal herbs with the following characteristics: optimum harvest season (reflecting the appropriate developmental stage of the plant), scrupulous processing, traditional preparation technology, etc. As DMM and high-quality medicinal products are traditionally thought to be closely related, modern scientific studies that confirm the association of these products are described. This article aims to clarify the scientific elucidation of DMMs.
Perception of medical students about courses based on peer-assisted learning in five Peruvian universities
Authors: Soriano-Moreno Anderson N. , Delgado-Raygada Jose E. , Peralta C. Ichiro , Serrano-Díaz Estefania S. , Canaza-Apaza Jaquelin M. , Toro-Huamanchumo Carlos J.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is a supportive strategy in medical education. In Peru, this method has been implemented by few universities. However, there are no consistent studies evaluating their acceptability by medical students. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of medical students about PAL in five Peruvian universities.

Results

A total of 79 medical students were included in the study. The mean age was 20.1 ± 1.9 years, 54% were female, and 87% were in the first 4 years of study. Most of the students were satisfied with classes and peer teachers. Similarly, most of the students agreed with the interest in developing teaching skills. It was also observed that 97% of students approved to implement PAL in medical education programs.
Possible fluid discharge associated with faults observed by a high-resolution dense-2D seismic reflection survey in Uchiura Bay off Numazu, Japan
Authors: Tsuru Tetsuro , Park Jin-Oh , Amakasu Kazuo , No Tetsuo , Arai Kohsaku , Inoue Takahiko , Furuyama Seishiro , Uchida Keiichi , Nakamura Yasuyuki
Published: August 2020

Although fluid behavior along faults has often been associated with earthquakes and hydrocarbon accumulation, few observations of active, ongoing fluid discharge along the faults exist. We conducted a dense-2D multi-channel seismic (MCS) reflection survey in Uchiura Bay off Numazu, Japan, in 2018 to obtain a high-resolution image of active faults. As a result, active faults cutting the seafloor and possibly active faults cutting reflections immediately below the seafloor have been clearly imaged on MCS profiles. The spatial variation in their displacement on the seafloor has also been quantified. The seafloor displacement of the most obvious active fault, Fault A, changes by more than 2 m within a short horizontal distance of 50 m. On one of the MCS profiles, an enigmatic wavefield (EWF) is observed within the water column above the seafloor near the faults. From careful observations of the raw field data and shot records, the EWF shows three patterns that suggest fluid flow. Based on a velocity analysis of the seawater, the velocity of the EWF zone was somewhat higher than that of its surroundings. Because the seawater velocity is a function of temperature and salinity at the same depth, the effect of temperature is generally greater than that of salinity, so that the higher velocity would suggest a higher temperature. If temperature of the fluid flow is higher than that of its surroundings, the fluid would rise with its buoyancy and spread out along the sea surface. This scenario could well explain the three EWF patterns. From the appearance and non-appearance of the most obvious EWF on adjacent seismic lines, some fluid discharge might have been occurring intermittently from the seafloor near the faults in Uchiura Bay.
Distribution modeling of nanoparticles for brachytherapy of human eye tumor
Authors: Masoudi S. Farhad , Daryabari Fahimeh S. , Rasouli Fatemeh S.
Published: August 2020

Background

Due to their unique properties, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been proposed to be used for a wide range of applications, especially for photon radiation therapy. In addition to experimental works, there are worthwhile simulation-based studies focused on the investigation of the effect of parameters governing the dose enhancement due to the presence of GNPs in tissue. In a recently published study, we found that the distribution of GNPs in a single cell plays an important role in nucleus dose enhancement.

Methods

The present work investigates the sensitivity of dose enhancement of a macroscopic phantom to the modeling of GNPs at the cellular level by using the MCNPX Monte Carlo code. A human eye phantom containing the realistic structures and materials was simulated, with a typical tumor located in its corner filled with three different patterns of distribution of GNPs around the nuclei of the cells. The primary photons emit from a COMS eye plaque brachytherapy containing thirteen 131Cs seeds in the vicinity of the tumor.

Results

The study was extended to estimate dose enhancement for various concentration, size, and density of the GNPs accumulated around the nuclei of the tumor. Moreover, the dose delivered to the healthy eye structures for different models has been investigated and discussed. The results show obvious differences between the dose enhancements in the tumor depending on the modeling of GNPs.

Conclusion

The results emphasized that an appropriate small-scale model for the distribution of GNPs in the cell would be of high importance to estimate the degree of dose enhancement in a macroscopic phantom to provide a trustworthy prediction to move towards clinical application.
A comparative study of the effect of teacher’s group and individual feedback on Iranian EFL learners’ learning of speech acts in apology letter writing
Authors: Pourmousavi Zahra , Mohamadi Zenouzagh Zohre
Published: August 2020

The linguistic scrutiny of any aspect of pragmatics is bound to considering carefully the context in which it is expressed. This becomes very glaring when the utterances that constitute discourse are viewed as performing social actions. In an EFL context like Iran, English language learners are in urgent need of raising their pragmatic awareness as they do not have regular access to an environment where the main language of communication is English. The major context for improving their pragmatic competence could be classroom. Thus, teachers need to cope with this issue which makes knowledge of speech acts more worthy of being dealt with. This research was an attempt to find out the effect of teacher’s group feedback versus individual feedback on Iranian EFL learners’ uptake of speech acts. To carry out the study, 32 pre-intermediate learners were chosen to take part based on convenient sampling through non-random grouping. To make sure that the learners were homogeneous, a Quick Placement Test (QPT) was administered before the treatment. Based on the design of the study, the learners were divided into two treatment conditions of individual and group feedback. The research was a quasi-experimental a pretest and a posttest of writing before and after the treatment to measure students’ uptake of speech acts. Results of two paired-samples t-test and an independent samples t-test showed significant effect of individual feedback on learners’ uptake of speech acts, while group feedback was not significant. It was also found that there was a significant difference between the effects of teacher feedback in groups vs. teacher feedback given to individual learners. The present research has significant implications. Tests can also focus more on promoting individual feedback among learners and teachers in washback effect. Teachers can also make principled decisions about the feedback condition that best boost leaner uptake in speech act.
The effect of n-back training during hemodialysis on cognitive function in hemodialysis patients: a non-blind clinical trial
Authors: Noguchi Yuta , Ito Marina , Mushika Mai , Ito Takuya , Kawamura Naoto
Published: August 2020

Background

Traditional vascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking, and cardiovascular disease with myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation have been linked to cognitive impairment in patients with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, interventions for cognitive function that can be performed during hemodialysis are needed. In this regard, n-back training has been demonstrated to be effective in patients with cognitive impairment.

Methods

In this pre-post study, 12 patients underwent n-back training during hemodialysis. The patients, aged 52–80 years, had mild cognitive impairment and were tested before and after a 3-month training period. This study was carried out in a single dialysis center. The Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Japanese version, Benton Visual Retention Test, Trail Making Test, visual cancelation task, Symbol Digit Modality Test, and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task were used as outcome measures.

Results

All patients completed the 3-month training program. Improvements were seen in scores for the Mini-Mental State Examination (P = 0.01), Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Japanese version (P = 0.01), Benton Visual Retention Test (P = 0.02), Trail Making Test-B (P = 0.01), and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task 1 s (P = 0.01) and 2 s (P = 0.01) from baseline to 3 months.

Conclusions

Cognitive training during hemodialysis improved cognitive and attention function in patients with mild cognitive impairment. This suggests that the simultaneous provision of n-back training and hemodialysis can be effective for treating chronic kidney disease with cognitive impairment.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000033742); retrospectively registered on August 13, 2018.
Molecular design of curcumin analogues with potent antioxidant properties and thermodynamic evaluation of their mechanism of free radical scavenge
Authors: Alisi Ikechukwu Ogadimma , Uzairu Adamu , Abechi Stephen Eyije
Published: August 2020

Background

Free radical attack of cellular structures in the human system is the major cause of various forms of degenerative diseases. Consequently, recent research has been focused on the development of new antioxidants with more efficient free radical scavenging potentials. Ligand-based virtual screening was employed in the rational design of potent antioxidant derivatives of curcumin by the density functional theory method. Various antioxidant descriptors that characterize the three major mechanisms of free radical scavenge, namely, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT), and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET), were calculated. Also, the spin density distribution on the generated radicals and the frontier orbital distribution and energy of the studied compounds were evaluated in order to gain further insight on the reaction mechanism. The reaction Gibbs free energy for scavenging the two important peroxyl radicals (HOO· and CH3OO·) was calculated in order to evaluate the preferred mechanism of free radical scavenge by these compounds.

Results

The investigated compounds were able to scavenge HOO· and CH3OO· radicals by HAT and SPLET mechanisms in the gas phase and aqueous solution, based on the computed results of reaction enthalpies and Gibbs free energy. The SET-PT mechanism for these compounds was observed to be thermodynamically unfeasible in the gas phase. However, the thermodynamic feasibility of free radical scavenge by SET-PT mechanism was observed in aqueous solution. Among the investigated compounds, MCC 009 (1E,4E)-1-(3-(aminomethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(4-hydroxy-3-((hydroxy (methyl)amino)methyl)phenyl)penta-1,4-dien-3-one at the 19-OH position possessed the highest capacity to scavenge both HOO· and CH3OO· radicals by HAT, SET-PT, and SPLET mechanisms. The reaction Gibbs free energy of scavenging HOO· radical by this molecule in the gas phase and aqueous solution is∆rGBDEgas =  − 58.18,$$ {\Delta _r{G}_{BDE}}_{H_2O}=-73.77 $$∆rGBDEH2O=−73.77,∆rGAIPgas = 611.48,$$ {\Delta _r{G}_{AIP}}_{H_2O}=-74305.49 $$∆rGAIPH2O=−74305.49,∆rGPDEgas =  − 669.66,$$ {\Delta _r{G}_{PDE}}_{H_2O}=74231.72 $$∆rGPDEH2O=74231.72,∆rGPAgas =  − 271.40,$$ {\Delta _r{G}_{PA}}_{H_2O}=-73.09 $$∆rGPAH2O=−73.09,∆rGETEgas = 213.22, and$$ {\Delta _r{G}_{ETE}}_{H_2O}=-0.69 $$∆rGETEH2O=−0.69.

Conclusion

New set of curcumin derivatives with potent free radical scavenging properties was successfully designed, and their mechanism of free radical scavenging evaluated by thermodynamic studies. This research is a gateway to the exploitation of the considered curcumin derivatives in food chemistry and pharmacy.
Population density, a factor in the spread of COVID-19 in Algeria: statistic study
Authors: Kadi Nadjat , Khelfaoui Mounia
Published: August 2020

Background

Since November 2019, the world has suffered the disastrous consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. No country has been spared either socially or economically. Given the inevitability of the spread of this virus, researches have been active to understand and to counteract the factors that anticipate its spread. In this research, we endorse population density as a catalyst factor for the proliferation of COVID-19 in Algeria. We are interested in the relationship between population density and the spread of COVID-19 in Algerian cities. The latter is characterized by a disparity in the concentration of the population according to the geographic location of each.

Results

The cluster analysis allowed us to isolate the groups of cities with the highest numbers of COVID-19 infected cases and the highest population densities. The regression models obtained suggest that there is a strong correlation between the population density and the number of COVID-19 infections in Algeria. This finding is verified by the correlation coefficients. Thus, it is estimated that population density has a positive effect on the spread of COVID-19 in the Algerian context during the study period.

Conclusions

The spread of COVID-19 in Algeria is increasing as the population density increases. Once this factor has been demonstrated, the fight against the proliferation of the virus can be thwarted by measures to raise public awareness of social distancing in public places namely supermarkets, markets, and cafes.
Exome Sequencing Identifies A Nonsense Variant inDAOAssociated With Reduced Energy Expenditure in American Indians
Authors: Piaggi Paolo , Köroğlu Çiğdem , Nair Anup K , Sutherland Jeff , Muller Yunhua L , Kumar Pankaj , Hsueh Wen-Chi , Kobes Sayuko , Shuldiner Alan R , Kim Hye In , Gosalia Nehal , Van Hout Cristopher V , Jones Marcus , Knowler William C , Krakoff Jonathan , Hanson Robert L , Bogardus Clifton , Baier Leslie J
Published: August 2020

Background

Obesity and energy expenditure (EE) are heritable and genetic variants influencing EE may contribute to the development of obesity. We sought to identify genetic variants that affect EE in American Indians, an ethnic group with high prevalence of obesity.

Methods

Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 373 healthy Pima Indians informative for 24-hour EE during energy balance. Genetic association analyses of all high-quality exonic variants (≥5 carriers) was performed, and those predicted to be damaging were prioritized.

Results

Rs752074397 introduces a premature stop codon (Cys264Ter) in DAO and demonstrated the strongest association for 24-hour EE, where the Ter allele associated with substantially lower 24-hour EE (mean lower by 268 kcal/d) and sleeping EE (by 135 kcal/d). The Ter allele has a frequency = 0.5% in Pima Indians, whereas is extremely rare in most other ethnic groups (frequency < 0.01%). In vitro functional analysis showed reduced protein levels for the truncated form of DAO consistent with increased protein degradation. DAO encodes D-amino acid oxidase, which is involved in dopamine synthesis which might explain its role in modulating EE.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that a nonsense mutation in DAO may influence EE in American Indians. Identification of variants that influence energy metabolism may lead to new pathways to treat human obesity.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

NCT00340132.
Robust Storage of Chinese Language in a Pool of Small Single-Stranded DNA Rings and Its Facile Reading-Out
Authors: Wang Chenru , Liu Hongfang , Wang Hongyu , Tao Jiaojiao , Yang Taiwei , Chen Hui , An Ran , Wang Jing , Huang Ning , Gong Xiangyu , Song Zhihao , Komiyama Makoto , Liang Xingguo
Published: August 2020

Archival storage in DNA is one of the most challenging themes in rapidly growing information technology. In addition, its practical applications are more difficult due to complicated data analysis, instability of long and linear DNA strands (>1000 nt), and other factors. In the present study, we have developed a simple and eminent DNA-based storage system in which small DNA rings are employed as memory units. Compared with previous approaches, this methodology has advantages of robustness, low cost, convenience and so on. In high density, Chinese language was directly stored in a pool of 76-nt-long single-stranded DNA rings (designated as “Info-Store”), in which each ring memorized the index number and five Chinese characters (or marks). During “Read-Out”, all the ssDNA rings in the pool were simultaneously amplified by hyper-branched rolling cycle amplification (HRCA), and their sequences were accurately determined by a portable MinION sequencer aided by a personal computer. Then, the original Chinese text was precisely and smoothly decoded by simple data analysis.
Stent evaluation by coronary computed tomography angiography: a comparison between Iopamidol-370 and Ioversol-320 hypo-osmolar iodine concentration contrasts
Authors: Garcia Annelisa Moura , Assunção-Jr Antonildes N. , Dantas-Jr Roberto Nery , Parga Jose Rodrigues , Ganem Fernando
Published: August 2020

Objective:

Qualitative and quantitative image analysis between Iopamidol-370 and Ioversol-320 in stents´ evaluation by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Methods:

Sixty-five patients with low-risk stable angina undergoing stent follow-up with coronary CTA were assigned to Iopamidol I-370 (n = 33) or Ioversol I-320 (n = 32) in this prospective, double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized trial. Stent lumen image quality was graded by 5-point Likert Scale. Lumen mean attenuation was measured at native coronary segments: pre-stent, post-stent, distal segments and at coronary plaques. Lumen attenuation increase (LAI) ratio was calculated for all stents. Heart rate (HR) variation, premature heart beats (PHB), heat sensation (HS), blooming and beam hardening were also assessed.

Results:

Image quality was similar between groups, with no significant difference (Likert score 4.48 ± 0.75 vs 4.54 ± 0.65, p = 0.5). There were similarities in LAI ratio between I-370 and I-320 (0.39 ± 0.42 vs 0.48 ± 0.44 HU, p = 0.08). Regarding lumen mean attenuation at native coronary segments, a significant difference was observed, with I-320 presenting lower values, including contrast mean attenuation in distal segments. After statistical multivariate analysis, three variables correlated with stent image quality: 1) stent diameter, 2) HR variation and 3) stent lumen LAI ratio.

Conclusions:

There was no significant difference between Iopamidol-370 mgI ml−1 and Ioversol-320 mgI ml−1 contrasts regarding overall stent lumen image quality, which was mainly influenced by stent diameter, HR and LAI ratio. Advances in knowledge: Coronary CTA allows adequate stents' visualization and image quality is influenced by stent diameter, HR variation and LAI ratio. Stents' image quality showed no difference between different concentration contrasts (I-370 vs. I-320); however, higher concentration contrasts may provide an improved overall visualization, especially regarding coronary distal segments.
Assigning computed tomography involvement score in COVID-19 patients: prognosis prediction and impact on management
Authors: Malpani Dhoot Nilu , Goenka Usha , Ghosh Somali , Jajodia Surabhi , Chand Rashmi , Majumdar Sanjib , Ramasubban Suresh
Published: August 2020

Objective:

Chest CT can provide a simple quantitative assessment of the extent of the parenchymal opacities in COVID-19 patients. In this study, we postulate that CT findings can be used to ascertain the overall disease burden and predict the clinical outcome.

Methods:

In this prospective study undertaken from March 28, 2020, until May 20, 2020, 142 patients with CT features suggestive of viral pneumonia, and positive RT-PCR for COVID-19 were enrolled. A dedicated spiral CT scanner was used for all COVID-19 suspects. CT features were reported as typical, indeterminate, or atypical for COVID-19 pneumonia. A CT involvement score (CT-IS) was given to each scan and assigned mild, moderate, or severe category depending on the score range. The patients were followed up for at least 15 days.

Results:

Ground glass opacity was present in 100% of the patients. There was a significant association between CT-IS and the final outcome of the patients. A statistically significant increasing trend of mortality and requirement of critical medical attention was observed with the rising value of CT-IS in COVID-19.

Conclusion:

The severe CT-IS score group has a high mortality. The CT-IS score could be valuable in predicting clinical outcome and could also be useful in triage of patients needing hospital admission. In situations where healthcare resources are limited, and patient load high, a more careful approach for patients with higher CT-IS scores could be indispensable.

Advances in knowledge:

CT-IS is a simple quantitative method for assessing the disease burden of COVID-19 cases. It can be invaluable in places with limited resources and high patient load to segregate patients requiring critical medical attention.
A ‘benign’ extrapyramidal side effect masking a life-threatening neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Authors: Dolp Reinhard , Ansari Moin , Chan Michael , Hassan Tariq Mahmood
Published: August 2020

The neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare, life-threatening idiosyncratic reaction to neuroleptic medication. The use of newer antipsychotics combined with its rare incidence has made NMS seem as a complication of the past. Here we report a patient in his early 20s suffering from a psychotic disorder developing a life-threatening neuroleptic malignant syndrome on an inpatient psychiatric ward in Canada without the characteristic overt change in autonomic stability. We review the clinical characteristics to facilitate the early recognition of neuroleptic malignant syndromes and discuss why this condition still is highly relevant for practising physicians.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2963

How to cite this:Dolp R, Ansari MA, Chan M, Hassan T. A ‘benign’ extrapyramidal side effect masking a life-threatening neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(6):1429-1432. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2963

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Decisiones de inversión y rentabilidad bajo la valoración financiera en las empresas industriales grandes de la provincia de Cotopaxi, Ecuador.
Authors: Valencia Nuñez Edison Roberto , Caiza Pastuña Erika Cristina , Bedoya Jara Mayra Patricia
Published: August 2020

Actualmente no existe un estudio enfocado a las decisiones de inversión y la rentabilidad bajo el modelo de valoración de activos de capital de las empresas industriales más grandes de la provincia de Cotopaxi. En tal sentido el presente estudio ha determinado tres objetivos fundamentales: evaluar las decisiones de inversión a largo plazo a través de la valoración financiera, medir los niveles de rentabilidad a través de la aplicación del modelo de valoración de activos de capital, relacionar la rentabilidad y su efecto en las decisiones de inversión a través de técnicas estadísticas. Basado en una muestra de cinco empresas que constituyen las mas grandes de la provincia de Cotopaxi y mediante la aplicación del modelo de valoración de activos de capital (CAPM), se analizaron las hipótesis. Se confirmo a través del estadístico de Wilcoxon la relación directa de la rentabilidad y su efecto en las decisiones de inversión, se establece que el  rendimiento  sobre  el patrimonio, las ventas  y  la  rentabilidad financiera presento una  tendencia a  crecer a  partir  del  año  2016, producto de la correcta gestión financiera en inventarios, proveedores y la cartera de crédito, esta condición hace al sector industrial atractivo para invertir.
Mulheres em Situações de Violência e os Sentidos de Liberdade: Relato de Experiência em uma Política Pública
Authors: Oliveira Luciana Da Silva
Published: August 2020

Este artigo problematiza o conceito de liberdade no contexto de mulheres em situações de violência, indo além ou mesmo contrapondo a noção de liberdade vigente no âmbito da ideologia liberal. Para tanto, a partir da experiência da autora, como psicóloga em uma política pública para mulheres, busca-se articular essa discussão sobre liberdade com alguns aspectos das intervenções e práticas realizadas pelas/os profissionais, em especial psicólogas/os e assistentes sociais, junto às mulheres, abordando alguns riscos e desafios que perpassam esse fazer. As discussões indicam a possibilidade de se pensar em outros sentidos de liberdade, atravessados pelo tensionamento, pela dúvida, hesitação, incerteza e também pela relação com o/a outro/a, afastando a noção de liberdade como um poder fazer ilimitado.  No que diz respeito às intervenções realizadas nas políticas públicas para mulheres, conclui-se que a violência de gênero exige descolonizar e repensar práticas e modelos de intervenção hegemônicos, principalmente aqueles voltados para a individualidade.
Relações entre Coparentalidade, Envolvimento Parental e Práticas Parentais de Pais e Mães de Famílias Binucleares
Authors: Souza Fernanda Martins de , Fiorini Milena Carolina , Crepaldi Maria Aparecida
Published: August 2020

Este estudo investigou a relação entre coparentalidade, envolvimento parental e práticas parentais no contexto de pais e mães de famílias binucleares com crianças de três a seis anos. Foi realizado um levantamento de dados quantitativo e transversal com 45 participantes (24 mães e 21 pais). Foram constatados baixos escores na coparentalidade de pais e mães, principalmente nas dimensões acordo coparental, suporte e divisão do trabalho. Tanto pais quanto mães apresentaram bons níveis de envolvimento parental. Além disso, nem os baixos escores da coparentalidade e nem a alta sabotagem referida pelos pais influenciou o envolvimento paterno global. Baixos escores na divisão do trabalho da coparentalidade associaram-se ao maior envolvimento materno e ao exercício de práticas parentais negativas, tanto por parte de mães quanto de pais. Tais achados reforçam a necessidade de práticas de intervenção voltadas às famílias binucleares brasileiras, a fim de ajudá-las a promover relações saudáveis para a criança e para a família como um todo.
Depressão em Pais de Crianças com Deficiência Física: uma Revisão da Literatura de 2013 a 2018
Authors: Silva Diego Rodrigues , Lerner Rogerio , Kupfer Maria Cristina Machado
Published: August 2020

Os primeiros anos do bebê são períodos sensíveis em que a disponibilidade dos pais é necessária para o desenvolvimento infantil. Estudos indicam que a detecção da deficiência física na criança aumenta o risco de depressão parental. Evidenciar suas causas e consequências para os pais e para a qualidade do vínculo que estabelecem com seus filhos é fundamental para fornecer os cuidados necessários a essas famílias. Este artigo revisa e discute a literatura acerca da depressão em pais de crianças com deficiência física nos últimos cinco anos. Os termos "disability", "depression", "parents" e "physical disability" foram utilizados nas bases PsycNET, Scopus, Web of Science, BVS e PEP-Web. Foram selecionadas 20 publicações. Os resultados revelaram que pesquisas quantitativas e transversais predominam, assim como o estudo das variações em relação à gravidade da deficiência. Quando detectada, a depressão foi frequentemente moderada, com aspectos singulares como culpa e remorso mediando sua probabilidade de ocorrência. Poucos estudos exploram como o sofrimento dos pais pode incidir sobre o aumento do grau de incapacitação motora da deficiência. Concluiu-se que o tempo transcorrido após o diagnóstico parece um fator preponderante, mas que agrega outros como reações ao diagnóstico e modos de elaboração. Pesquisas longitudinais futuras são necessárias para essa verificação.
A "Visão Histórica da Psicologia Social" de Ignacio Martín-Baró
Authors: Boechat Filipe , Vieira André , Pizzi Bruno
Published: August 2020

O presente artigo resulta da análise imanente da "visão histórica da Psicologia Social" desenvolvida por Ignacio Martín-Baró nos dois volumes de sua Psicología Social desde Centroamerica: o volume intitulado Acción y ideología (1983) e aquele intitulado Sistema, grupo y poder (1989). Apresenta, de forma sintética, os principais aspectos de sua interpretação historiográfica, pouco conhecida e discutida. Mostramos que, para Martín-Baró, a história da Psicologia Social não deve ignorar a importância da reflexão filosófica para a pesquisa histórica; deve reconhecer a importância, para a pesquisa histórica, dos clássicos da teoria social e política; pressupõe o vínculo dialético entre o conhecimento científico e as crises sociais; encontra-se dialeticamente subordinada à história social e política; não conhece um desenvolvimento linear e cumulativo; permite a justaposição de teorias oriundas de problemáticas distintas; insere-se no movimento de surgimento das ciências humanas e sociais; pressupõe um movimento de crítica e de libertação da Psicologia; deve assumir a perspectiva dos oprimidos se ela deseja contribuir para seu processo de emancipação; deve manter uma relação crítica com a perspectiva positivista e pragmatista da ciência; deve criticar o individualismo, o psicologismo, o subjetivismo e o elitismo; não pode contentar-se com uma compreensão limitada e negativa do conceito de crise.
Martín-Baró como Inspiração Ética para a Construção de uma Perspectiva Comunitária e Popular em Psicologia
Authors: Gonçalves Mariana Alves
Published: August 2020

A partir de estudos históricos sobre a trajetória da Psicologia social comunitária no Brasil, pretendemos neste artigo explorar as contribuições de um dos maiores autores da psicologia latino-americana, Ignacio Martín-Baró para a construção de uma perspectiva popular em psicologia. Percorrendo a publicação da tradução de seus textos no Brasil, que acontece de forma expressiva muito recentemente, sistematizamos os principais pontos de seus escritos que nos servem como inspiração ética e política para pensarmos a construção de uma perspectiva comunitária e popular em psicologia. Sua contribuição se coloca como caminho para a construção de horizontes de práticas genuinamente comprometidas com as pautas e questões populares, já que sempre preconizou a produção de uma psicologia a partir do povo e sua realidade.
PREENCHENDO LACUNAS DA CRÍTICA: A ÁGUA E AS PULSÕES EM O LUSTRE, DE CLARICE LISPECTOR, DE MARIÂNGELA ALONSO
Authors: Silva Eduardo Neves
Published: August 2020

O livro A água e as pulsões em O lustre, de Clarice Lispector, de Mariângela Alonso traz uma retrospectiva das discussões e posicionamentos críticos acerca do segundo romance de Clarice Lispector, O lustre, publicado em 1946. Mariângela Alonso é estudiosa do tema com vasta publicação. O estudo, fruto de seu pós-doutoramento na Universidade de São Paulo resume posicionamentos e debates em torno de O lustre, a partir da interface da Literatura com a Psicanálise. Nesta investigação, Alonso discute o motivo da água como elemento estruturador dos movimentos pulsionais de vida e morte presentes na trajetória da protagonista Virgínia. A união de Literatura e Psicanálise assume a tarefa de preencher lacunas deixadas pela crítica na avaliação de O lustre e faz desta pesquisa uma obra de leitura obrigatória para a compreensão da escrita singular de Clarice Lispector.
Da dificuldade de nomear a produção do presente: a literatura como arte contemporânea
Authors: Magri Ieda
Published: August 2020

Este artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre o que seria o contemporâneo em diálogo com o moderno numa aproximação entre arte e literatura a partir de três textos que tratam da questão: Espectáculos de Realidad — Ensaios sobre la narrativa latinoamericana de las últimas dos décadas; Sobre a arte contemporânea e Zum, zum, zum: estudo sobre o nome contemporâneo. Três vozes atuais, uma que se enuncia a partir da França, mas que coloca num lugar central o “momento americano” — a de Ruffel; e duas latino-americanas — as de Reinaldo Laddaga e de César Aira. Três ensaios importantes para pensar a dificuldade de nomear a produção do presente e que permitem continuar uma discussão modernista que permanece em aberto no contemporâneo.
Variações excêntricas do corriqueiro: The Vegetable, Scandalabra e a escrita dramática como espaço experimental
Authors: Lanius Marcela , A. P. Martins Marcia
Published: August 2020

The Vegetable, or From President to Postman e Scandalabra: a Farse Fantasy in a Prologue and Three Acts ainda hoje habitam o cânone dos Fitzgerald como obras de qualidade duvidosa devido ao fracasso de suas primeiras encenações – opinião esta que reflete a tendência de muitos pesquisadores em analisarem as duas peças de acordo com a tradição do teatro realista. Essa visão, no entanto, ignora por completo as expectativas do público da época, as tendências em voga no teatro que era produzido e encenado e, talvez ainda mais importante, o movimento de escrita modernista que mesclava convenções dramáticas e escrita em prosa para formular peças de natureza híbrida, os closet dramas. Este estudo analisa os dois textos dramáticos de acordo com a proposição do closet drama modernista para avaliar as rubricas criadas pelos autores enquanto um espaço de experimentação da escrita em prosa, buscando para isso paralelos com outras obras dramáticas que, escritas entre os anos 1920 e 1930, também flexibilizaram o espaço das rubricas.
ATOS DE CURRÍCULO NA PERSPECTIVA DE APP-LEARNING
Authors: De Almeida Wallace Carriço
Published: August 2020

Esta dissertação se propõe a compreender o conceito de App-Learning, que SANTAELLA define como o processo de aprendizagem que ocorre apoiado pelo uso de aplicativos de dispositivos móveis, tendo como característica fundamental a multiplicidade de funções, as necessidades dos sujeitos, a portabilidade dos dispositivos e a mobilidade dos sujeitos, que mesmo que estejam fisicamente distantes do contexto educacional conectam-se mutuamente, com o ciberespaço e a cidade. Nossa opção metodológica foi a pesquisa-formação na cibercultura (SANTOS), a multirreferencialidade (ARDOINO) e as pesquisas nos/dos/com os cotidianos (CERTEAU, ALVES). Buscamos compreender como mobilizar Atos de Currículo (MACEDO) no âmbito da disciplina Informática na Educação, do curso de Pedagogia a distância da UERJ, oferecida em parceria com a Fundação Centro de Ciências e Educação Superior a Distância do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Cecierj) / Consórcio CEDERJ. No exercício de aprender por e com aplicativos, buscou-se compreender como criar atos de currículo em educação online com práticas de App-Learning, descobrir quais os usos que os praticantes culturais fazem de seus dispositivos móveis e como são instituídas as práticas de App-Learning em seu cotidiano para formar docentes na Cibercultura. Como achados da pesquisa apresentam-se as narrativas e imagens, as noções de autoria, fundamentação e acessibilidade além da própria experiência, transformação e aprendizado do pesquisador com os praticantes na reinvenção de aplicativos e práticas.
Reflexões sobre a evasão escolar: uma problemática na educação brasileira
Authors: Dos Santos Jucenilton Alves
Published: August 2020

Este trabalho tem como objetivo evidenciar a relação do alto índice de evasão escolar, distorção idade/série em sala de aula com a não efetivação do planejamento. Ele discute sobre como o planejamento pode contribuir para a aproximação do conhecimento científico, construído historicamente pelo homem, e o conhecimento nascido no ambiente do cotidiano, ratificado pelo senso comum. Ambos devem estar interligados na construção e emancipação da cidadania dos educandos. A consciência da necessidade dos saberes sistematizados cientificamente, saber formal, ocorre quando esses têm uma valorização no ambiente extraescolar, saber informal, no cotidiano dos estudantes. A função social da escola é considerar os aspectos culturais e valorativos da comunidade e realçar o saber popular articulado ao conteúdo escolar e esse é um questionamento constante.
O ato de ler na Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica e suas possibilidades na Educação Básica
Authors: Guerim Fernandes Geuciane Felipe , Pires Franco Sandra Aparecida
Published: August 2020

Este estudo está vinculado aos resultados finais de uma pesquisa de Pós Graduação, stricto sensu (Mestrado), que teve como objetivo principal analisar se a ação docente, fundamentada no Materialismo Histórico-Dialético e na Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica, é fundamental para o desenvolvimento do ato de ler na Educação Básica. Neste texto, analisou-se o processo de intervenção vivenciado pelos professores e alunos participantes da pesquisa. Ao materializar os fundamentos da Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica para o ato de ler e para a leitura literária, buscou-se vislumbrar um ensino que garanta aos nossos alunos o direito inalienável aos bens culturais produzidos pela humanidade, para que, por intermédio do conhecimento, possam desenvolver-se e, com isso, humanizar-se, no sentido de compreender as contradições da sociedade e intervir sobre elas, edificando a prática social como sujeito construtor da história humana.
A categoria Práxis: elemento para se pensar o trabalho pedagógico na Educação Infantil
Authors: MERETT FRANCIELLE NASCIMENTO , BARROS MARTA SILENE FERREIRA
Published: August 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar e discutir de que maneira a práxisé compreendida e materializada no contexto da Educação Infantil. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa de abordagem crítico dialética. A coleta de dados se deu pela aplicação de uma entrevista semiestruturada com professores de duas escolas do norte do Paraná. A partir da análise, verificou-se a necessidade de problematizar a formação continuada dos professores da Educação Infantil, pois, a formação inicial pode não subsidiar a compreensão da práxisenquanto possibilidade de efetivação de um trabalho que vise a aprendizagem e do desenvolvimento das crianças de 0 a 5 anos.