bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural and urban differences in health system performance among older Chinese adults: cross-sectional analysis of a national sample
Authors: Qin Vicky Mengqi , McPake Barbara , Raban Magdalena Z. , Cowling Thomas E. , Alshamsan Riyadh , Chia Kee Seng , Smith Peter C. , Atun Rifat , Lee John Tayu
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite improvement in health outcomes over the past few decades, China still experiences striking rural-urban health inequalities. There is limited research on the rural-urban differences in health system performance in China.

Method

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis to compare health system performance between rural and urban areas in five key domains of the health system: effectiveness, cost, access, patient-centredness and equity, using data from the WHO Study on Global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), China. Multiple logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the first four domains, adjusting for individual characteristics, and a relative index of inequality (RII) was used to measure the equity domain.

Findings

Compared to urban areas, rural areas had poorer performance in the management and control of hypertension and diabetes, with more than 50% lower odds of having breast (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.64) and cervical cancer screening (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.83). There was better performance in rural areas in the patient-centredness domain, with more than twice higher odds of getting prompt attention, respect, clarity of the communication with health provider and involvement in decision making of the treatment in inpatient care (AOR = 2.56, 2.15, 2.28, 2.28). Although rural residents incurred relatively less out-of-pocket expenditures (OOPE) for outpatient and inpatient services than urban residents, they were more likely to incur catastrophic expenditures on health (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.16, 1.44). Wealth inequality was found in many indicators related to the effectiveness, costs and access domains in both rural and urban areas. Rural areas had greater inequalities in the management of hypertension and coverage of cervical cancer (RII = 7.45 vs 1.64).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that urban areas have achieved better prevention and management of non-communicable disease than rural areas, but access to healthcare was equivalent. A better understanding of the causes of the observed variations is needed to develop appropriate policy interventions which address these disparities.
Hospitalization burden and comorbidities of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Spain during the period 2002–2017
Authors: Gil-Conesa Mario , Del-Moral-Luque Juan Antonio , Gil-Prieto Ruth , Gil-de-Miguel Ángel , Mazzuccheli-Esteban Ramón , Rodríguez-Caravaca Gil
Published: May 2020

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease that is associated with multiple comorbidities and has a significant economic impact on the Spanish health system. The objective of this study was to estimate the rates of hospitalization of rheumatoid arthritis in Spain, and describing hospitalization rates and their changing by age, region, RA variant, and when RA as a main cause of hospitalization or a comorbidity.

Methods

Observational descriptive study that reviewed hospital records from the CMBD. We included all hospitalizations of patients in Spain whose main diagnosis or comorbidity in the ICD-9-CM was rheumatoid arthritis during the period of 2002–2017.

Results

A total of 315,190 hospitalizations with the RA code were recorded; 67.3% were in women. The mean age of the patients was 68.5 ± 13.9 years. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days (IQR 3–11 days). In 29,809 of the admissions, RA was coded as the main diagnosis (9.4%). When RA was not coded as the main diagnosis, the most frequent main diagnoses were diseases of the circulatory system (18.9%) and diseases of the respiratory system (17.4%). The hospitalization rate during the period of 2002–2017 was 43.8 (95% CI: 43.7–44.0) per 100,000 inhabitants and constantly increased during the period. The total cost for the healthcare system was 1.476 million euros, with a median of 3542 euros per hospitalization (IQR 2646–5222 euros).

Conclusions

In Spain, the hospitalization rate of patients with RA increased during the study period, despite the decrease in the hospitalization rate when RA was the main diagnosis.
A novel conceptual model and heuristic tool to strengthen understanding and capacities for health inequalities research
Authors: Cash-Gibson Lucinda , Harris Matthew , Guerra Germán , Benach Joan
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite increasing evidence on health inequalities over the past decades, further efforts to strengthen capacities to produce research on this topic are still urgently needed to inform effective interventions aiming to address these inequalities. To strengthen these research capacities, an initial comprehensive understanding of the health inequalities research production process is vital. However, most existing research and models are focused on understanding the relationship between health inequalities research and policy, with less focus on the health inequalities research production process itself. Existing conceptual frameworks provide valuable, yet limited, advancements on this topic; for example, they lack the capacity to comprehensively explain the health (and more specifically the health inequalities) research production process at the local level, including the potential pathways, components and determinants as well as the dynamics that might be involved. This therefore reduces their ability to be empirically tested and to provide practical guidance on how to strengthen the health inequalities research process and research capacities in different settings. Several scholars have also highlighted the need for further understanding and guidance in this area to inform effective action.

Methods

Through a critical review, we developed a novel conceptual model that integrates the social determinants of health and political economy perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of how health inequalities research and the related research capacities are likely to be produced (or inhibited) at local level.

Results

Our model represents a global hypothesis on the fundamental processes involved, and can serve as a heuristic tool to guide local level assessments of the determinants, dynamics and relations that might be relevant to better understand the health inequalities research production process and the related research capacities.

Conclusions

This type of knowledge can assist researchers and decision-makers to identify any information gaps or barriers to be addressed, and establish new entry points to effectively strengthen these research capacities. This can lead to the production of a stronger evidence base, both locally and globally, which can be used to inform strategic efforts aimed at achieving health equity.
Correction to: Timely initiation of breastfeeding in Zimbabwe: evidence from the demographic and health surveys 1994–2015
Authors: Yaya Sanni , Bishwajit Ghose , Shibre Gebretsadik , Buh Amos
Published: May 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors have flagged that the article contains the following errors:
Pre-transplant MRD negativity predicts favorable outcomes of CAR-T therapy followed by haploidentical HSCT for relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a multi-center retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Houli , Wei Jieping , Wei Guoqing , Luo Yi , Shi Jimin , Cui Qu , Zhao Mingfeng , Liang Aibin , Zhang Qing , Yang Jianmin , Li Xin , Chen Jing , Song Xianmin , Jing Hongmei , Li Yuhua , Hao Siguo , Wu Wenjun , Tan Yamin , Yu Jian , Zhao Yanmin , Lai Xiaoyu , Yin Elaine Tan Su , Wei Yunxiong , Li Ping , Huang Jing , Wang Tao , Blaise Didier , Xiao Lei , Chang Alex H. , Nagler Arnon , Mohty Mohamad , Huang He , Hu Yongxian
Published: May 2020

Background

Consolidative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a controversial option for patients with relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia after chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy. We performed a multicenter retrospective study to assess whether patients can benefit from haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after CAR-T therapy.

Methods

A total of 122 patients after CAR-T therapy were enrolled, including 67 patients without subsequent transplantation (non-transplant group) and 55 patients with subsequent haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (transplant group). Long-term outcome was assessed, as was its association with baseline patient characteristics.

Results

Compared with the non-transplant group, transplantation recipients had a higher 2-year overall survival (OS; 77.0% versus 36.4%; P < 0.001) and leukemia-free survival (LFS; 65.6% versus 32.8%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that minimal residual disease (MRD) positivity at transplantation is an independent factor associated with poor LFS (P = 0.005), OS (P = 0.035), and high cumulative incidence rate of relapse (P = 0.045). Pre-transplant MRD-negative recipients (MRD− group) had a lower cumulative incidence of relapse (17.3%) than those in the non-transplant group (67.2%; P < 0.001) and pre-transplant MRD-positive recipients (MRD+ group) (65.8%; P = 0.006). The cumulative incidence of relapse in MRD+ and non-transplant groups did not differ significantly (P = 0.139). The 2-year LFS in the non-transplant, MRD+, and MRD− groups was 32.8%, 27.6%, and 76.1%, respectively. The MRD− group had a higher LFS than the non-transplantation group (P < 0.001) and MRD+ group (P = 0.007), whereas the LFS in the MRD+ and non-transplant groups did not differ significantly (P = 0.305). The 2-year OS of the MRD− group was higher than that of the non-transplant group (83.3% versus 36.4%; P < 0.001) but did not differ from that of the MRD+ group (83.3% versus 62.7%; P = 0.069). The OS in the non-transplant and MRD+ groups did not differ significantly (P = 0.231).

Conclusion

Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with pre-transplant MRD negativity after CAR-T therapy could greatly improve LFS and OS in patients with relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Trial registration

The study was registered in the Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR1900023957).
Correction to: MiR-612 regulates invadopodia of hepatocellular carcinoma by HADHA-mediated lipid reprogramming
Authors: Liu Yang , Lu Li-Li , Wen Duo , Liu Dong-Li , Dong Li-Li , Gao Dong-Mei , Bian Xin-Yu , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Wu Wei-Zhong
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
A real-time immunocapture PCR (RT-IPCR) without interference of protein A for convenient detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B from food and environmental samples
Authors: Mondal Bhairab , Ramlal Shylaja , Setlem Keerthana , Mahadeva Ashrita , Aradhya Shruthi , Parida Manmohan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

A real-time immunocapture PCR (RT-IPCR) has been fabricated for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) from food and environmental samples.

Methods

Considering the fact, anti-SEB immunoglobulin G (IgG) has affinity towards protein A, produced by nearly all S. aureus, and generates false-positive read out in all immuno-based assay. We have employed avian anti-SEB antibody (SEB-IgY) as capture probe, since IgY interact less efficiently to protein A and biotinylated SEB-specific monoclonal antibody (SEB -MAb) conjugated with reporter DNA as revealing probe for real-time PCR amplification and signal generation. Sensitivity and selectivity of the assay were evaluated employing closely related enterotoxins and other toxins.

Results

The RT-IPCR is highly specific and sensitive (100 fg/mL). The practical applicability of the assay was tested using spiked food sample as well as naturally contaminated food samples. The sensitivity and specificity of RT-IPCR were not compromised by the foods tested and was able to detect SEB conveniently. Further, the assay was validated comparing with the in-house developed PCR, and plausible result was obtained.

Conclusion

The developed assay can be utilized as a low-cost detection system of SEB in routine food testing laboratories.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in people with psychiatric disorders: an umbrella review protocol
Authors: Lindekilde N. , Scheuer S. , Rutters F. , Henriksen J. E. , Rubin K. H. , Lasgaard M. , Andersen G. S. , Pouwer F.
Published: May 2020

Background

Many epidemiological studies have investigated the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in individuals with a psychiatric disorder. In an umbrella review, we aim to systematically summarize existing systematic reviews examining the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in people with a psychiatric disorder. When information is available in the identified systematic reviews, comparisons with control groups without a psychiatric disorder will be made. Furthermore, we aim to assess the quality of the included systematic reviews.

Methods

The umbrella review will be based on a comprehensive systematic search of systematic reviews of observational (cross-sectional or longitudinal) studies investigating the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in people with a psychiatric disorder. Four electronic databases (Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) will be searched. Retrieved papers will be screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Furthermore, the reference lists of all included publications will be screened. Data will be extracted by using an a priori developed data extraction form and two independent reviewers will assess the risk of bias in the included systematic reviews using with the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) tool. A narrative data-synthesis and a subsequent meta-analysis based on the primary studies will be made.

Discussion

For each psychiatric disorder, the data regarding the prevalence of type 2 diabetes will be summarized and discussed. When possible, comparisons with control groups will be reported and discussed. Finally, future implications and recommendations for clinical care will be presented.

Systematic review registration

This protocol was submitted for registration with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on December 9, 2019 (registration number: pending).
Associations of loneliness and social isolation with cardiovascular and metabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Winterton Adriano , Rødevand Linn , Westlye Lars T. , Steen Nils Eiel , Andreassen Ole A. , Quintana Daniel S.
Published: May 2020

Background

A growing number of studies suggest that social isolation and loneliness are associated with premature mortality and are more prevalent among people with mental illness than in the general population, outlining many potential paths to disease still to be elucidated. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to examine the relationship between loneliness, social isolation, and established cardiovascular/metabolic risk factors and disorders, especially in severe mental illness, and to account for potential heterogeneity in the literature.

Methods/design

Studies that report measures of loneliness and/or social isolation along with cardiovascular/metabolic risk factors will be identified. PubMed, EMBASE (through Ovid SP), Scopus, and PsycINFO (through Ovid SP) will be searched, along with citation lists of retrieved articles and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Grey literature will be searched using Google Scholar. Data will be extracted from eligible studies for a random effects meta-analysis. For each study, a summary effect size, heterogeneity, risk of bias, publication bias, and the effect of categorical and continuous moderator variables will be determined.

Discussion

This proposed systematic review and meta-analysis will identify and synthesise evidence to determine if there is an association between loneliness, social isolation, and cardiovascular/metabolic risk factors, with a special focus on severe mental illnesses. The results will help determine links and promising avenues of further research.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42018111911
Taylor theory associated with Hahn difference operator
Authors: Oraby Karima , Hamza Alaa
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we establish Taylor theory based on Hahn’s difference operator $D_{q,\omega}$Dq,ω which is defined by $D_{q,\omega}f(t)=\frac{f(qt+\omega)-f(t)}{t(q-1)+\omega}$Dq,ωf(t)=f(qt+ω)−f(t)t(q−1)+ω, $t\neq\frac {\omega}{1-q}$t≠ω1−q, where $q\in(0,1)$q∈(0,1) and ω is a positive number.
Development of the neurotrophic keratopathy questionnaire: qualitative research
Authors: Murray Lindsey T. , McCormack Julie , Grobeiu Ioana , Wiklund Ingela , Kimel Miriam , Van Nooten Floortje
Published: May 2020

Background

Neurotrophic keratopathy/keratitis (NK) is a rare disease of the cornea that can lead to anatomical loss of the eye. Little is known about the NK experience from the patients’ perspective. The objectives of this study were to examine the symptomatic experience and impacts of NK on patients and assess the overall comprehension, relevance, and content validity of a new questionnaire.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, qualitative study conducted with NK patients with varying levels of disease severity, recruited from one clinical site. One-on-one interviews using concept elicitation and cognitive interviewing techniques were conducted.

Results

Fourteen NK patients participated; 64.3% were female (n = 9), mean age was 65.7 ± 13.3, and 14.3% (n = 2), 21.4% (n = 3), and 64.3% (n = 9) were classified as Mackie stage I, stage II, or stage III, respectively. Participants reported 24 concepts, including: redness (n = 12, 86%), sensitivity to light (n = 11, 79%), general discomfort (n = 9, 64%), dry eye (n = 9, 64%), reduced visual acuity (n = 9, 64%), blurred vision (n = 8, 57%), and eye fatigue (n = 8, 57%). No new concepts were reported after the 13th interview. The most frequently reported impacts included frustration (n = 10, 71%), driving impairment (n = 8, 57%), reading impairment (n = 7, 50%), difficulty watching television (n = 7, 50%), and concern with potentially losing their eyesight due to NK (n = 6, 43%). Participants provided positive feedback on the draft NK Questionnaire (NKQ) and felt that it was comprehensive and relevant to their experience with NK. Additionally, the recall period, instructions, item concepts, and response options were well-understood by participants. Minor revisions were made to the tool for consistency (i.e., the timeframe “in the past 7 days” was added to items 12–14); item 14 was modified to include “how often”; examples were added to item 9.

Conclusions

The results of the concept elicitation portion of the qualitative study support the content validity of the draft NKQ. The clinically significant concepts identified in the literature and raised during concept elicitation are included as items in the questionnaire. Further assessment of the psychometric properties should be conducted in support of this new tool to measure the effect of new treatments on symptoms and impacts associated with NK.
Patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives on relevant treatment outcomes in depression: qualitative study
Authors: Kan Kaying , Jörg Frederike , Buskens Erik , Schoevers Robert A. , Alma Manna A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Although symptomatic remission is considered the optimal outcome in depression, this is not always achieved. Furthermore, symptom indicators do not fully capture patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives on remission. Broader indicators of (partial) remission from depression should be considered.

Aims

To investigate relevant outcomes of depression treatment in specialist care from patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives and to investigate whether these perspectives differ from each other.

Method

Three focus groups with 11 patients with depression and seven semi-structured interviews with clinicians were conducted exploring their perspectives on remission. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We analysed the transcripts thematically using the phenomenologist approach.

Results

Independently, both patients and clinicians perceived the following outcomes relevant: restoring social functioning and interpersonal relations, regaining quality of life and achieving personal goals. All clinicians emphasised symptom reduction and satisfaction with treatment as relevant outcomes, whereas the former was not an obvious theme in patients. Unlike clinicians, patients made a clear distinction between treatment outcomes in first versus recurrent/chronic depression.

Conclusions

Classically defined study outcomes based on symptom resolution only partly reflect issues considered important by patients and clinicians in specialist depression treatment. Incorporating patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives in the development of measurable end-points makes them more suitable for use in trials and subsequent translation to clinical practice. Furthermore, evaluating patients’ perspectives on treatment outcomes helps in the development of tailored interventions according to patients’ needs.
Psychiatry and COVID-19: putting our best foot forward
Authors: Strous Rael D. , Gold Azgad
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 presents new challenges for psychiatry as clinical management, ethical dilemmas and administrative complications need to be addressed. The psychiatrist should protect the needs and rights of the mentally ill while maximising population health and ensuring solidarity, reciprocity and community well-being for all.
Coronavirus disease 2019: achieving good mental health during social isolation
Authors: Diamond Rowan , Willan John
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to unprecedented disruption to the normal way of life for people around the globe. Social distancing, self-isolation or shielding have been strongly advised or mandated in most countries. We suggest evidence-based ways that people can maintain or even strengthen their mental health during this crisis.
Opportunistic Screening of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Public Health Need for India
Authors: Mohan Priya , Richardson Ann , Potter John D. , Coope Patricia , Paterson Margaret
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE

Oral cancer (OC) is the leading cancer in 25% of Indian cancer registries, and 80% of OCs are diagnosed in advanced stages. OC screening is a topic of debate. Studies from other countries have used a variety of study designs as OC screening strategies. There are not many studies from India on strategic screening, and there is a need to review the literature to provide insights and knowledge about screening programs. The purpose of this narrative review is to present broad epidemiologic evidence on the OC burden in India, to discuss and summarize the currently available evidence for OC screening strategies, and to highlight a feasible opportunistic screening strategy for addressing OC burden in India.

METHODS

Medline and EMBASE were used to identify articles. Data from GLOBOCAN and government reports were obtained from websites. As many key concepts and divergent views cannot be addressed with a single research question, a narrative review was considered appropriate, but to ensure a comprehensive literature search, a systematic review search strategy was used.

RESULTS

OC rates are rising more rapidly in India than projected. Wide variations in OC incidence within India reflect regional diversity of risk factors. Studies abroad have demonstrated the feasibility of opportunistic screening of oral potentially malignant disorders by dentists; however, although recommendations exist in India, no studies of opportunistic screening by dentists have been reported.

CONCLUSION

The projected major increases in the OC burden necessitate an OC screening program; opportunistic screening of high-risk groups by dentists using oral visual examination is recommended as a cost-effective strategy. As a way forward, a pilot project to assess the feasibility of regional opportunistic screening is in progress.
Preseason Screen Cannot Predict Injury over Three Years of College Football
Authors: MORTENSEN BARTLEY B. , MITCHELL ULRIKE H. , JOHNSON A. WAYNE , FELLINGHAM GILBERT W. , FELAND J. BRENT , MYRER J. WILLIAM
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate if the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) total score, individual component test scores, or number of asymmetries can predict noncontact injury risk over three consecutive seasons of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football.

Methods

Because football teams comprise individuals with vastly different physical characteristics and playing responsibilities, we divided the subjects into three homogeneous groups based on position (big, combo, and skill). Each FMS score was assessed with regard to the total team score and by individual position groups. For our injury analysis, we also controlled for exposure. Two hundred and eight National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes participated over three consecutive seasons, yielding a total of 343 observations.

Results

There was no significant relationship between total FMS score and likelihood of injury when analyzed by the total team or by position group. These findings were the same for all groups, for both the total number of injuries and injuries weighted by injury exposure. The only significant findings occurred when we considered individual test item scores to injury by position group. We only found a significant relationship in the expected direction with push-up stability in the combo group.

Conclusions

FMS was not a good predictor of noncontact injury.
The Influence of the Frontal Surface Area and Swim Velocity Variation in Front Crawl Active Drag
Authors: MORAIS JORGE E. , SANDERS ROSS H. , PAPIC CHRISTOPHER , BARBOSA TIAGO M. , MARINHO DANIEL A.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The aims of this study were to 1) compare active drag (D
a) calculation between a single land-based measurement of frontal surface area (FSA) and in-water FSA measures obtained at key events of the arm pull (1, right upper-limb catch; 2, right upper-limb insweep; 3, right upper-limb exit and left upper-limb catch; 4, left upper-limb insweep; and 5, left upper-limb exit and right upper-limb catch) at front crawl swimming, and 2) compare mechanical power variables computed based on these two approaches.

Methods

Seventeen swimmers (11, male; 6, female; 16.15 ± 0.94 yr old) were recruited. The FSA was measured based on two approaches: (i) nonvariation, that is, assuming a constant value, and (ii) variation, that is, calculated in each key event of the front crawl swim. Active drag based on a nonvariation of the FSA was measured using the Velocity Perturbation method. Active drag based on a variation approach was measured in each key event of the front crawl according to the law of linear motion. Paired t-test (P ≤ 0.05), simple linear regression models, and Bland–Altman plots between assessment methods (variation vs nonvariation) were computed.

Results

The FSA (variation) was higher than when assuming a nonvariation (0.1110 ± 0.010 vs 0.0968 ± 0.010 m2, Δ = 15.69%, t = 4.40, P < 0.001, d = 0.95). Active drag (variation) was also significantly higher than when assuming a nonvariation (88.44 ± 25.92 vs 75.41 ± 15.11 N, Δ = 16.09%, t = 3.66, P = 0.002, d = 0.61).

Conclusions

Besides the FSA, swim velocity also changes during the front crawl arm pull. The variation of both variables had a significant effect on the active drag measurement and consequently on mechanical power and total power input variables.
Discovering a new anatomy: exploration of oral mucosa with ultra-high frequency ultrasound
Authors: Izzetti Rossana , Vitali Saverio , Aringhieri Giacomo , Oranges Teresa , Dini Valentina , Nisi Marco , Graziani Filippo , Gabriele Mario , Caramella Davide
Published: May 2020

Objectives:

Ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) is a recently developed diagnostic technique involving the use of ultrasound frequencies up to 70 MHz, allowing to obtain 30 µm resolution of targets located within 1 cm from the surface. Oral mucosa can be affected by diverse pathological conditions, which are currently investigated by means of clinical examination. In this scenario, intraoral UHFUS can provide additional information and support clinical assessment of oral mucosa. In this preliminary study, typical features of normal oral mucosa are described, in order to set a benchmark for the future identification of oral soft tissue alterations.

Methods:

Twenty healthy subjects (10 males and 10 females, mean age 30 years) were enrolled and underwent intraoral UHFUS examination. In all the subjects, tongue, buccal mucosa, gingiva, lip mucosa, and palate were scanned, and images acquired. Intraoral UHFUS scan included Brightness-mode and Doppler mode acquisitions performed with a standardized protocol. UHFUS images were postprocessed and analyzed using a dedicated software. UHFUS-based biomarkers (epithelial thickness, echogenicity, and vascularization) were employed for image description.

Results:

Normal oral anatomy of the different sites analyzed was described. For all the sites, UHFUS biomarkers were characterized, and information on typical aspect of oral mucosa was retrieved.

Conclusions:

In this explorative study, we suggest a potential role for intraoral UHFUS in the study of oral mucosa, giving insights into the possibility to improve the assessment, diagnosis, and management of the conditions involving oral mucosa. UHFUS seems a promising tool, which could potentially support clinical examination in daily oral medicine practice.
Simulation of pollutants spreading from a sewage outfall in the Rijeka Bay
Authors: MRŠA HABER IVA , LEGOVIĆ TARZAN , KRANJČEVIĆ LADO , CUKROV MARIJAN
Published: May 2020

Results from a 3D numerical simulation of wind-induced currents and pollution spreading from a sewage outfall are described.The goal was to predict seawater sanitary quality in the Rijeka Bay, Adriatic Sea. A sea motion model was coupled with a modelof transport and chemical reactions of fecal coliforms (FC), fecal streptococci (FS) and dissolved oxygen. The selected simulationperiod of 36 hours following wastewater discharge was found to be sufficient for a significant extinction of bacteria. The simulationwas carried out for eight wind directions and two intensities (moderate and high). Mesh convergence was obtained. Twomesh sizes were coupled: coarse, for the whole Bay, and fine, for the northern part of the Bay, close to the sewage discharge ofthe Rijeka city.For all considered wind directions, the pollution plume with a concentration higher than 100 FC and 100 FS per 100 ml of seawateris conveyed mostly parallel to the coast in either north-west or south-east directions. The plume does not rise to the surfacebut stays at the depth of 10 to 20 meters. This is a consequence of the hydrodynamics of the Rijeka Bay: the bora wind carriesthe surface water layer out of the Bay through the Middle and Great Gates, while cold water enters the Bay from the layer belowthe thermocline. During the southern wind (jugo), the situation is reversed: warmer surface water enters the Bay through eitherthe Middle Gate or the Great Gate, while cold seawater exits through the bottom layer, accumulating warmer seawater in the Bay.The conclusion is that the Rijeka city sewage discharge Delta is well-designed, and the microorganism concentration is wellwithin the suggested regulatory range. The discharge site is far enough from the coast, where local streamlines are mostly parallelto the coast, hence the elevated pollution concentration does not come close to swimming and recreational areas. Even if thedischarge increases by 50%, which is unlikely in the near future, the pollution at beaches will stay within regulatory boundaries.
Time lags in reporting of biological invasions: the case of Mediterranean Sea
Authors: ZENETOS ARGYRO , GRATSIA EIRINI , CARDOSO ANA-CRISTINA , TSIAMIS KONSTANTINOS
Published: May 2020

Time lags in non-indigenous species (NIS) reporting can create uncertainty in the analysis of NIS introduction rates, which can lead to inadequate actions, prevention measures and their evaluation. The present study aims to highlight time lags in marine NIS reporting in the Mediterranean Sea, i.e.: the time that mediates from the detection of a new NIS in the Mediterranean Sea until its publication. Our results revealed that the time lag in NIS reporting in the Mediterranean Sea has been considerably decreased during the last decades. There is also a noticeable difference in the time lag of reporting NIS in association with the taxonomic group of the species. Fish have generally shorter time lags in their reporting when compared with other taxonomic groups (e.g. macrophytes, Annelida, Bryozoa). Considering the widespread concern on marine introductions, it is essential to recognize the importance of taking into account time lags of reporting NIS that skew introduction patterns of marine NIS, permitting thus more accurate management assessments.
Non-indigenous polychaetes along the coasts of Italy: a critical review
Authors: LANGENECK JOACHIM , LEZZI MARCO , DEL PASQUA MICHELA , MUSCO LUIGI , GAMBI MARIA CRISTINA , CASTELLI ALBERTO , GIANGRANDE ADRIANA
Published: May 2020

Non-indigenous species (NIS) represent one of the most relevant threats to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and human activities, and their occurrence and spread have been the subject of numerous works and revisions. However, the information available is rather confused for several taxa, including polychaetes, which are characterised by having a high number of cryptogenic and questionable species. This work aims at providing a revised checklist of alien polychaetes occurring along the coasts of Italy, based on the examination of newly collected and deposited material and on the critical analysis of published and gray literature, and whenever possible on the re-examination of historical material. Of the 86 polychaete species reported as NIS in Italian waters, 25 are confirmed as alien species, while 3 are cryptogenic, and 40 should be considered questionable. Finally, 18 species were excluded from non-indigenous species checklists, either because they are native, or because they represent misidentifications of other species. The high number of cryptogenic and questionable species points at the need of molecular studies and taxonomic revisions for the majority of polychaete taxa reported as NIS, in order to clarify their taxonomy, origin, introduction pathways and spreading patterns.
How shall we treat locally advanced triple negative breast cancer?
Authors: Luz Paulo , Dias David , Fortuna Ana , Bretes Luis , Gosalbez Beatriz
Published: May 2020

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been shown to respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). It has been established that achieving pathological complete response (pCR) for certain aggressive subtypes of breast cancer, including HER-2 (over-expressed) and TNBC, provides an important surrogate marker for predicting long-term clinical response and survival outcomes.

How to increase the number of patients that achieve pCR remains challenging. Platinum-based NACT seems to be part of the solution and capecitabine, an active drug in metastatic breast cancer, but not a standard one in earlier stages may have found its place in the adjuvant setting. In the near future immunotherapy can play a role in early TNBC
E-cigarette use and onset of first cigarette smoking among adolescents: An empirical test of the ‘common liability’ theory
Authors: Cheng Hui G. , Largo Edward G. , Gogova Maria
Published: May 2020

Background: E-cigarettes have become the most commonly used tobacco products among youth in the United States (US) recently. It is not clear whether there is a causal relationship between e-cigarette use and the onset of cigarette smoking. The “common liability” theory postulates that the association between e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking can be attributed to a common risk construct of using tobacco products. This study aims to investigate the relationship between ever e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking onset in the US using a structural equation modeling approach guided by the “common liability” theory.

Methods: The study population is non-institutionalized civilian adolescents living in the US, sampled in the longitudinal Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study. Information about tobacco product use was obtained via confidential self-report. A structural equation modeling approach was used to estimate the relationship between e-cigarette use at wave 1 and the onset of cigarette smoking at wave 2 after controlling for a latent construct representing a “common liability to use tobacco products.”

Results:  After controlling for a latent construct representing a “common liability to use tobacco products”, ever e-cigarette use does not predict the onset of cigarette smoking (β=0.13, 95% CI= -0.07, 0.32, p=0.204). The latent “common liability to use tobacco products” is a robust predictor for the onset of cigarette smoking (β=0.38; 95% CI=0.07, 0.69; p=0.015).

Conclusions: Findings from this study provide supportive evidence for the ‘common liability’ underlying observed associations between e-cigarette use and smoking onset.
Comparison of WHO and Indonesian growth standards in determining prevalence and determinants of stunting and underweight in children under five: a cross-sectional study from Musi sub-district
Authors: Flynn Jeannie , Alkaff Firas Farisi , Sukmajaya William Putera , Salamah Sovia
Published: May 2020

Background:Undernutrition among children under five continues to be a critical global public health challenge, especially in developing countries. However, it is believed that Indonesian children are “below” the global standard, thus the WHO standard is not reliable to present the actual prevalence. This study aims to compare the difference between WHO and Indonesian growth standards regarding prevalence of stunting and underweight and its determinants.

Methods:This is a cross-sectional study carried out in Musi sub-district, East Nusa Tenggara province in July 2019. East Nusa Tenggara province had the highest prevalence of stunting and underweight in Indonesia. The study population were children under five, and total sampling method was used for this study. Length/height-for-age and weight-for-age were plotted using WHO and national standards. Univariate and multivariate binomial logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results:The prevalence of stunting and underweight were higher for the WHO than the national standard (53.9% vs 10.7% and 29.17% vs 17.7%; all p < 0.001). Determinants of stunting were maternal mid-upper arm circumference below 23.5cm and maternal height below 150cm when the WHO standard was used, and no determinant was found when the national standard was used. Determinants of underweight were intrauterine growth restriction, young maternal age during pregnancy, and multiple parities when the WHO standard was used. When the national standard was used, the determinants of underweight were intrauterine growth restriction and maternal education.

Conclusions:The WHO standard over-diagnosed stunting and underweight in Musi sub-district. Future studies should be done to re-evaluate the prevalence and determinants of stunting and underweight nationwide using the Indonesian standard.
Use of routinely collected data in a UK cohort of publicly funded randomised clinical trials
Authors: McKay Andrew J. , Jones Ashley P. , Gamble Carrol L. , Farmer Andrew J. , Williamson Paula R.
Published: May 2020

Routinely collected data about health in medical records, registries and hospital activity statistics is now routinely collected in an electronic form. The extent to which such sources of data are now being routinely accessed to deliver efficient clinical trials, is unclear. The aim of this study was to ascertain current practice amongst a United Kingdom (UK) cohort of recently funded and ongoing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in relation to sources and use of routinely collected outcome data.

Recently funded and ongoing RCTs were identified for inclusion by searching the National Institute for Health Research journals library. Trials that have a protocol available were assessed for inclusion and those that use or plan to use routinely collected health data for at least one outcome were included. Routinely collected data sources and outcome information were extracted.

A total of 279 studies were identified with 102 eligible for data extraction. An Electronic Health Record (EHR) was the sole source of outcome data for at least one outcome in 46 trials. The most frequent sources are Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) and Office for National Statistics (ONS), with the most common outcome data to be extracted being on mortality, hospital admission, and health service resource use.

Our study has found that around half of publicly funded trials in a UK cohort plan to collect outcome data from routinely collected data sources. This is much higher than the figure of 8% found in a cohort of 189 RCTs published since 2000, the majority of were carried out in North America (McCord et al., 2019).
Interactions and Equilibrium Between Rescheduling Train Traffic and Routing Passengers in Microscopic Delay Management: A Game Theoretical Study
Authors: Corman Francesco
Published: May 2020

In the last decade, optimization models for railway traffic rescheduling mostly focused on incorporating an increasing detail of the infrastructure, with the goal of proving feasibility and quality from the point of view of the managers of the infrastructure (tracks and stations). Different approaches that manage only the passenger flows instead focus more explicitly on the quality of service perceived by the passengers. This paper investigates microscopic railway traffic optimization models and algorithms, merging these two streams of research. In particular, we analyze the characterization of an equilibrium point between the reordering choices of train dispatchers in railway traffic optimization and the route choice of passengers in the available services of the railway transport network. We describe how passenger choice at stations along the route intertwines deeply with the problem of rescheduling trains over tracks and station resources in a very complicated setting that might not exhibit equilibrium points in general. Delaying trains and/or dropping passenger connections and/or giving particular route advice to passengers might influence the behavior of traffic controllers and passengers, determining a trade-off between the delays of trains, weighted by the passenger load, and the travel time of passengers. We study this problem with a game theoretical approach, focusing on the solutions corresponding to Nash equilibria of a game involving passengers and infrastructure managers. The proposed game theoretical approach is able to easily consider information and interdependence of the actions of multiple stakeholders. Computational results based on a real-world Dutch railway network quantify the trade-off between the minimization of train delays and passenger travel times and the performance, stability, and convergence of the equilibrium point given different algorithms and information available. The final aim of this work is to study the impact of effective implementations of railway traffic management and dissemination of information to passengers and operators.
ESPAÇO, ONGs LGBT E CIDADANIA NO SUL DO BRASIL
Authors: Ornat Márcio José , Silva Joseli Maria , Chimin Junior Alcides Baptista
Published: May 2020

Resumo: Problematizamos a relação entre espaço e cidadania, segundo a ação de Ongs LGBT do Sul do Brasil. Nosso material empírico refere-se ao resultado da realização de dez entrevistas semi-estruturadas com Ongs que tem seus trabalhos voltados a construção de uma cidadania LGBT brasileira, para grupos que como problematizado por Butler (2008), vivem posições invisíveis e inabitáveis da vida social. O que as respostas de campo evidenciam diz respeito ao fato de que estas ações orientam-se à uma multiplicidade coexistente de escalas espaciais de atuação, tanto na relação com os grupos sociais, quanto na sua relação com o Estado. Assim, a cidadania na prática real pode ir para além do que é estabelecido pelo Estado enquanto direito social, civil e político, fazendo com que corpos abjetos tornem-se sujeitos.
MULHERES NEGRAS, REMOÇÃO E ALINHAMENTOS DISCURSIVO: A VIDA NO BAIRRO CARIOCA DE TRIAGEM
Authors: Raul Jéssica Mara
Published: May 2020

Este artigo integra uma investigação mais ampla que parte do questionamento sobre os efeitos das transformações ocorridas na cidade do Rio de Janeiro enfrentadas pelas famílias chefiadas por mulheres negras moradoras do bairro carioca de Triagem por consequência de sua remoção do Morro do Turano, procurando caracterizar suas estratégias de enfrentamento no decorrer desse processo. A partir do pensamento de que as remoções contribuem para precarizar as condições de sobrevivência das famílias faveladas, com maior prejuízo para as famílias chefiadas por mulheres negras, tendo como parâmetro sua desvantagem histórica proporcionada pela interseccionalidade de opressões de raça, gênero e classe, que coloca as mulheres negras em desvantagem histórica na busca pela efetivação da cidadania. Assim, a partir das falas das/os sujeitas/os, verificamos como estes se organizam para o enfrentamento dessa realidade, com o objetivo de observar como as práticas sociais se evidenciam nos discursos.
AÇÃO POLÍTICA E PENSAMENTO DAS MULHERES NEGRAS NAS AMÉRICAS: UMA PERSPECTIVA SOBRE A DIÁSPORA AFRICANA
Authors: Dos Santos Sônia Beatriz
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo reflete sobre uma perspectiva da história intelectual da diaspora negra a partir da ação política e do pensamento das mulheres negras nas Américas, frente às distintas dinâmicas sociais que têm marcada as experiências de opressão deste grupo. E procura, ainda, apresentar diferentes experiências de enfrentamento dos processos de subordinação e exploração destes grupos. É uma história marcada por genealogias, ações políticas, e a produção de conhecimentos. Com o objetivo de refletir sobre as questões apresentadas o artigo está dividido em duas partes. A primeira busca apresentar o que a história da Diáspora Africana nas Américas revela sobre as condições sociais das mulheres negras. Na segunda parte procuramos refletir sobre a perspectiva racial de gênero das mulheres negras nas Américas. E nas considerações finais, tecemos breve reflexão sobre a relevância da presença e ação das mulheres afrodescendentes no continente, através de suas ações políticas e produção de conhecimentos, e como estas questões devem influenciar nossas agendas de pesquisa.
ASPECTOS TEÓRICOS DA HISTÓRIA DA CARTOGRAFIA: UMA DISCUSSÃO DE CONCEITOS, ABORDAGENS E NOVAS DIREÇÕES
Authors: Dawl Ed
Published: May 2020

Um aspecto inovador da 16a Conferência Internacional sobre a História da Cartografia, realizada em Viena em Setembro de 1955, foi uma sessão dedicada aos aspectos teóricos da cartografia. A sessão surgiu em decorrência de observações feitas em conferências recentes, que apontavam que o aspecto teórico de nosso trabalho na história da cartografia permanecera como uma área subdesenvolvida e pouco enfatizada. A ideia inicial para essa sessão havia sido discutida com um número de colegas durante e após a conferência de Chicago em 1993.
ENTRE O SERTÃO E O CERRADO: PARALELISMOS E DISPARIDADES
Authors: Marques Ana Rosa , Bueno Maria Lídia
Published: May 2020

Este trabalho aborda aspectos do universo cultural das populações que habitam o sertão sul do estado do Maranhão, bem como sua relação com a natureza. Apresenta o sertanejo que realiza sua ligação com o mundo por meio da roça para subsistência, da extração de recursos naturais do cerrado e da criação de gado sua territorialidade impressa na paisagem por meio da cultura e da convivência com o ambiente. O sertanejo revela-se como inspiração para outro modelo de desenvolvimento, pautado no uso racional dos recursos. Aborda a autonomia desses povos que vivem há mais de um século nesta região.  Trata-se de uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa. Espera-se contribuir com o conhecimento e a valorização dessa cultura.