bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental impacts and resource use of urban agriculture: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dorr Erica , Goldstein Benjamin , Horvath Arpad , Aubry Christine , Gabrielle Benoit
Published: August 2021

Environmental merits are a common motivation for many urban agriculture (UA) projects. One powerful way of quantifying environmental impacts is with life cycle assessment (LCA): a method that estimates the environmental impacts of producing, using, and disposing of a good. LCAs of UA have proliferated in recent years, evaluating a diverse range of UA systems and generating mixed conclusions about their environmental performance. To clarify the varied literature, we performed a systematic review of LCAs of UA to answer the following questions: What is the scope of available LCAs of UA (geographic, crop choice, system type)? What is the environmental performance and resource intensity of diverse forms of UA? How have these LCAs been done, and does the quality and consistency allow the evidence to support decision making? We searched for original, peer-reviewed LCAs of agricultural production at UA systems, and selected and evaluated 47 papers fitting our analysis criteria, covering 88 different farms and 259 production systems. Focusing on yield, water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and cumulative energy demand, using functional units based on mass of crops grown and land occupied, we found a wide range of results. We summarized baseline ranges, identified trends across UA profiles, and highlighted the most impactful parts of different systems. There were examples of all types of systems—across physical set up, crop type, and socio-economic orientation—achieving low and high impacts and yields, and performing better or worse than conventional agriculture. However, issues with the quality and consistency of the LCAs, the use of conventional agriculture data in UA settings, and the high variability in their results prevented us from drawing definitive conclusions about the environmental impacts and resource use of UA. We provided guidelines for improving LCAs of UA, and make a strong case that more research on this topic is necessary to improve our understanding of the environmental impacts and benefits of UA.
Solar Power Generation, Utilization and Management for facilitating Sustainable Development in India:Review
Authors: Mohan Utkarsh , Singh Priyanka , Agarwal Krishna Mohan , Sharma Sanjeev Kumar , Yadav Ashish , Sharma Chinmay
Published: August 2021

The approach of the paper is to present a review of solar power generation, utilization and its management for facilitating sustainable development in India. It briefs about the allusive estimation of the solar energy and its utilization. The Solar Energy is a gigantic energy source that can be used for any of the day-to-day requirements, including engineering, the refrigeration, the water heating, the heat of industrial processes, transportation and sustainable production and even for the cleaning of environment. The solar radiation is the purest and cleanest form of the energy where no mass is attached, and it can be converted in to any forms easily. The solar energy that falls on the surface of the earth is sufficient to provide solution to all our requirements on this planet. Among all the sectors of India, power sector is largest one which is important for the growth of Indian economy. There is perpetual and rising demand of power in the all the sectors. So, to meet the increasing demand and to overcome the shortage of power, generation of power by renewable energy source is must for sustainability in this field. In the today’s scenario, generation of power from renewable energy source is necessary as compared to non-renewable energy sources. This paper emphasizes on the the scope of generation, usage and its management for sustainable development of India.
Stress and Failure Analysis of Composite Prosthetic Leg
Authors: Hatti Prashant S. , Somanakatti Anupama B. , Rakshith M
Published: August 2021

Prosthesis is an artificial substitute for body parts such as limbs, eye, tooth, etc. Generally, the prosthesis is referred to as a fabricated substitute used to assist the damaged part of the body. The devices are made up of light materials like plastics, aluminium, and composites materials. The prosthetic technology is aimed to replicate the body part which is damaged irreversibly due to unfortunate incidents. The present work deals with creation of an optimized design for the prosthetic leg proposed by Saito et al. [2]. The material of prosthetic leg proposed here is made up of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composite laminate, having unidirectional and cross-ply stacking sequence, which is analyzed for static stress and failure loads. From the results, it is evident that, while a uni-directional laminate can withstand a failure load of 4910 N, a cross-ply laminate withstands 4282 N. Also, the individual ply versus stress is studied in this work.
Review paper on removal of heavy metal ions from industrial waste water effluent
Authors: Mishra Jaya , Saini R , Singh D
Published: August 2021

Heavy metal ions is a major key of pollutions and it is one of the big environment issue today. To overcome with this problem the handling of metal ions is necessary. In recent research, there are various techniques that has been used to examin the metals ions and overview the methods also. The technologies involves are- ion-exchang, chemical precipitation, flotation, adsorption, membrane filtration, electro-chemical, coagulation-flocculation methods. It is find from experimental and literature survey article that membrane filtration, ion-exchange and adsorption are most common techniques used for the discourse of removal of metal ions from waste water effluent.
Comparison of wear behaviour of polymer spur gears using FDM process
Authors: Harsha K.Mohan , Seetharama Rao Y. , Jagannadha rao DVNJ
Published: August 2021

The goal of this study is to explore the potential of three different thermoplastic materials used in plastic gearing applications, such as ABS(Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PLA (Polylactic acid) and NYLON. The gears are created by the process of 3D printing.

In order to find the torque at various speeds, experimental investigations are conducted using a gear test rig.
The effects of saccharin on the electrodeposition of NiCoFe films on a flexible substrate
Authors: Budi Setia , Manaf Azwar
Published: August 2021

In this work, the influence of saccharin on the electrodeposition of NiCoFe film on a flexible substrate was investigated. NiCoFe electrodeposition was carried out at different potentials from electrolytes both with and without saccharin. The addition of saccharin modified the nuclei growth mechanism, making the growth phase slower than that in the saccharin-free electrolyte. Ohm’s law suggested that the two electrolytes differed in their resistance values. The presence of saccharin increased the current efficiency of NiCoFe electrodeposition at all co-deposition potentials and slightly enhanced the deposition rate due to the inhibition of hydrogen evolution during the reaction. The addition of saccharin also significantly decreased the anomalous co-deposition of NiCoFe compared to that which took place in the saccharin-free system. This approach successfully grew the crystalline phase of NiCoFe films on indium tin oxide-coated flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate by varying the applied co-deposition potential, which controlled the chemical composition of the films.
Using satellite data to assess management frequency and rate of regeneration on heather moorlands in England as a resilience indicator
Authors: Lees K J , Buxton J , Boulton C A , Abrams J F , Lenton T M
Published: August 2021

Peatland resilience, defined here as the rate of recovery from perturbation, is crucial to our understanding of the impacts of climate change and land management on these unique ecosystems. Many peatland areas in the UK are managed as grouse moors using small burns (or increasingly, heather cutting) to encourage heather growth and limit fuel load. These small burns or cuts are distinct disturbance events which provide a useful means of assessing resilience. Until now, it has been difficult to monitor the area affected by management each season due to the remoteness and size of moorland sites. Newer satellite sensors such as those on Sentinel-2 are now collecting data at a spatial resolution that is fine enough to detect individual burns or cut areas, and at a temporal resolution which can be used to monitor occurrence and recovery each year. This study considered four areas of moorland; the North Pennines, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, and the Peak District. For each of these areas Sentinel-2 optical data was used to detect management areas using the dNBR (differenced Normalized Burn Ratio), and to monitor vegetation recovery using the NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index). Significant differences were found between the four selected sites in management repeat interval, with the North York Moors having the shortest repeat interval of 20 years on average (compared to 40–66 years across the other three study sites). Recovery times were found to be affected by burn size and severity, weather during the summer months, and altitude. This suggests that the interactions between peatland management and climate change may affect the future resilience of these areas, with hot, dry summers causing longer management recovery times.
Co-occurrence of m.15992A>G and m.15077G>A Is Associated With a High Penetrance of Maternally Inherited Hypertension in a Chinese Pedigree
Authors: Guo Hao , Guo Li , Yuan Yong , Liang Xin-yue , Bi Rui
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) pathogenic variants have been identified to be associated with maternally inherited essential hypertension (MIEH). However, the distinctive clinical features and molecular pathogenesis of MIEH are not fully understood.

METHODS

In this study, we collected a Chinese MIEH family with extraordinary higher penetrance of essential hypertension (88.89%) and early ages of onset (31–40 years old), and performed clinical and genetic characterization for this family. The complete mitochondrial genome of the proband was sequenced and analyzed.

RESULTS

The maternally related members in this family were presented with severe increased blood pressure, left ventricular remodeling, and metabolic abnormalities. Through sequencing the entire mtDNA of the proband and performing systematic analysis of the mtDNA variants with a phylogenic approach, we identified a potentially pathogenic tRNA variant (m.15992A>G in the MT-TP gene) that may account for the MIEH in this family. One nonsynonymous variant (m.15077G>A in the MT-CYB gene) was identified to play a synergistic role with m.15992A>G to cause a high penetrance of MIEH.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results, together with previous findings, have indicated that tRNA pathogenic variants in the mtDNA could act important roles in the pathogenesis of MIEH through reducing mitochondrial translation and disturbing mitochondrial function.
Sparse least trimmed squares regression with compositional covariates for high-dimensional data
Authors: Monti Gianna Serafina , Filzmoser Peter
Published: August 2021

Motivation

High-throughput sequencing technologies generate a huge amount of data, permitting the quantification of microbiome compositions. The obtained data are essentially sparse compositional data vectors, namely vectors of bacterial gene proportions which compose the microbiome. Subsequently, the need for statistical and computational methods that consider the special nature of microbiome data has increased. A critical aspect in microbiome research is to identify microbes associated with a clinical outcome. Another crucial aspect with high-dimensional data is the detection of outlying observations, whose presence affects seriously the prediction accuracy.

Results

In this article, we connect robustness and sparsity in the context of variable selection in regression with compositional covariates with a continuous response. The compositional character of the covariates is taken into account by a linear log-contrast model, and elastic-net regularization achieves sparsity in the regression coefficient estimates. Robustness is obtained by performing trimming in the objective function of the estimator. A reweighting step increases the efficiency of the estimator, and it also allows for diagnostics in terms of outlier identification. The numerical performance of the proposed method is evaluated via simulation studies, and its usefulness is illustrated by an application to a microbiome study with the aim to predict caffeine intake based on the human gut microbiome composition.

Availability and implementation

The R-package ‘RobZS’ can be downloaded at https://github.com/giannamonti/RobZS.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Prognostic implications of histological organ involvement in retroperitoneal sarcoma
Authors: Tyler R , Lee M , Ierodiakonou V , Hodson J , Taniere P , Almond M , Ford S , Desai A
Published: August 2021

Background

The prognostic significance of histological organ involvement by retroperitoneal sarcoma subtype is unknown. The present study aimed to describe organ involvement across the subtypes, and the implications for survival.

Methods

Patients undergoing surgery for primary retroperitoneal sarcoma at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham from April 2005 to September 2018 were identified retrospectively. Histological organ involvement was classed as pushing, infiltrative or neither. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were produced to analyse the association between histological organ involvement and both overall (OS) and recurrence-free (RFS) survival for the cohort as a whole, and by histological subtype.

Results

Data were available for a total of 197 patients, of whom 171 (86.8 per cent) had at least one organ resected. Infiltrative organ behaviour was seen in 37 patients (18.8 per cent), and pushing behaviour in 67 (34.0 per cent). For the cohort as a whole, infiltration (hazard ratio (HR) 4.32, 95 per cent c.i. 2.35 to 7.93; P < 0.001), but not pushing (HR 1.62, 0.90 to 2.92; P = 0.106), was associated with significantly shorter OS, in comparisons with a group with neither of these behaviours. However, this effect was found to differ significantly by histological subtype (P = 0.009). For patients with dedifferentiated liposarcoma, there was no significant association between tumour behaviour and either OS (P = 0.508) or RFS (P = 0.313). However, in leiomyosarcoma, infiltrative behaviour was associated with shorter OS (P = 0.002), and both infiltrative (P < 0.001) and pushing (P = 0.010) behaviours were associated with shorter RFS, compared with tumours with neither behaviour. Multivariable analyses of both OS and RFS returned similar results.

Conclusion

The prognostic implications of organ involvement in retroperitoneal sarcoma vary by histological subtype.
Is radiomic MRI a feasible alternative to OncotypeDX® recurrence score testing? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Davey M G , Davey M S , Ryan É J , Boland M R , McAnena P F , Lowery A J , Kerin M J
Published: August 2021

Background

OncotypeDX® recurrence score (RS) aids therapeutic decision-making in oestrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Radiomics is an evolving field that aims to examine the relationship between radiological features and the underlying genomic landscape of disease processes. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of current evidence evaluating the comparability of radiomics and RS.

Methods

A systematic review was performed as per PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing radiomic MRI tumour analyses and RS were identified. Sensitivity, specificity and area under curve (AUC) delineating low risk (RS less than 18) versus intermediate–high risk (equal to or greater than 18) and low–intermediate risk (RS less than 30) and high risk (RS greater than 30) were recorded. Log rate ratios (lnRR) and standard error were determined from AUC and 95 per cent confidence intervals.

Results

Nine studies including 1216 patients met inclusion criteria; the mean age at diagnosis was 52.9 years. Mean RS was 16 (range 0–75); 401 patients with RS less than 18, 287 patients with RS 18–30 and 100 patients with RS greater than 30. Radiomic analysis and RS were comparable for differentiating RS less than 18 versus RS 18 or greater (RR 0.93 (95 per cent c.i. 0.85 to 1.01); P = 0.010, heterogeneity (I2)=0%) as well as RS less than 30 versus RS 30 or greater (RR 0.76 (95 per cent c.i. 0.70 to 0.83); P < 0.001, I2=0%). MRI sensitivity and specificity for RS less than 18 versus 18 or greater was 0.89 (95 per cent c.i. 0.85 to 0.93) and 0.72 (95 per cent c.i. 0.66 to 0.78) respectively, and 0.79 (95 per cent c.i. 0.72 to 0.86) and 0.74 (95 per cent c.i. 0.68 to 0.80) for RS less than 30 versus 30 or greater.

Conclusion

Radiomic tumour analysis is comparable to RS in differentiating patients into clinically relevant subgroups. For patients requiring MRI, radiomics may complement and enhance RS for prognostication and therapeutic decision making in ER+ breast cancer.
The frozen elephant trunk technique: impact of proximalization and the four-sites perfusion technique
Authors: Tsagakis Konstantinos , Osswald Anja , Weymann Alexander , Demircioglu Aydin , Schmack Bastian , Wendt Daniel , Jakob Heinz , Ruhparwar Arjang
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVES

To improve organ protection with the frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure, a so-called four-sites perfusion in combination with proximalization for the distal aortic anastomosis was performed. The impact of these techniques on patient outcome is reported.

METHODS

Between February 2005 and April 2020, a total of 357 patients underwent the FET procedure for acute (54%) or chronic (22%) aortic dissection or aneurysmal disease (24%). The level of the distal FET anastomosis was defined according to aortic arch zones 0–3. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the intraoperative perfusion strategy: (i) selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP) alone (N = 96, 2 sites); (ii) SACP plus left subclavian artery or distal aorta (N = 84, 3 sites) and (iii) SACP plus left subclavian artery plus distal aorta (N = 177, 4 sites). Early outcome was addressed by a composite end point: occurrence of either a disabling stroke, a disabling spinal cord injury, extracorporeal circulatory support, kidney dialysis or death within 90 days.

RESULTS

Preoperative characteristics were similar among the groups. Surgery in group C was characterized by FET proximalization in arch zone ≤2, moderate hypothermia at 28°C and shorter periods of extracorporeal circulation, SACP, hypothermic circulatory arrest and cardioplegic arrest (P < 0.001, respectively). Occurrence of the composite end point was reduced in group C (P = 0.008). The combination of FET proximalization and four-sites perfusion was a protective factor for the composite outcome in multivariable analysis (P = 0.009). The 5-year survival was improved in patients who underwent FET proximalization in zone ≤2 (hazard ratio 0.7, 95% confidence interval 0.4–1.0; P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

FET proximalization in combination with four-sites perfusion has the potential to improve patient outcomes in terms of survival and major events.

Subject collection

120; 161.
The robotic surgery learning curve of a surgeon experienced in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery compared with his own video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery learning curve for anatomical lung resections
Authors: Gómez-Hernández María Teresa , Fuentes Marta G , Novoa Nuria M , Rodríguez Israel , Varela Gonzalo , Jiménez Marcelo F
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVES

Robotic surgery, although it shares some technical features with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), offers some advantages, such as ergonomic design and a 3-dimensional view. Thus, the learning curve for robotic lung resection could be expected to be shorter than that of VATS for surgeons who are proficient in VATS. The goal of this study was to analyse the robotic learning curve of a VATS experienced surgeon and to compare it to his own VATS learning curve for anatomical lung resections.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study based on the prospectively recorded data of the first 150 anatomical lung resections performed with VATS (75 cases) and with the robotic (75 cases) approach by the same surgeon in our centre. Learning curves were analysed using the cumulative sum method to assess the trends for total operating time and surgical failure (intraoperative complications, conversion, technical postoperative complications and reintervention) across case sequences. Subsequently, using adequate statistical tests, we compared the postoperative outcomes in both groups.

RESULTS

The median operating time was similar for both approaches (P = 0.401). Surgical failure rate was higher for the robotic cases (21.3% vs 12%; P = 0.125). Based on cumulative sum analyses, operating time decreased starting with case 34 in the VATS group and with case 32 in the robotic cohort. Surgical failure tended to decline starting with case 28 in the VATS group and with case 32 in the robotic group. Perioperative results were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

When we compared robotic and VATS learning curves for anatomical lung resection, we did not find any differences. Postoperative outcomes were also similar with both approaches.
The hobby course: towards a languaging curriculum
Authors: Watson Todd Richard , Rangsarittikun Ronnakrit
Published: August 2021

The English as a lingua franca (ELF) and languaging research areas have challenged the norm that the goal of ELT is to teach a standardized language. This article reports on a course following the principles of ELF and languaging where the goal is to support students to use and grow their existing repertoire of resources to do things in English. The course was taught at a Thai university and was organized around each student learning a hobby of their choice. Focusing on strategies for using language, the course provided support for students to learn about their hobby, to interact with others through social media, and to create videos. Students’ reflections on their learning show substantial developments in their ability to do things in English and preliminary changes in attitude. The shift from teaching linguistic features to exploring strategies for exploiting existing learning resources provides a new paradigm in ELT.
Stability study of metronidazole cream, extemporaneously made in pharmacy
Authors: Dambrauskas Andrius
Published: August 2021

Background

Rosacea is a chronic recurrent disease, characterized by facial redness, dilated blood vessels, inflammatory rash elements on the face. The pharmacy produces 2% metronidazole cream extemporaneously for the treatment of the disease, as there is no such cream concentration on the market. The treatment of the disease is usually long, so the shelf life of the cream is very important for the patient, especially for those who do not have the opportunity to reach the manufacturing pharmacy. The aim of this investigation was to determine the stability and shelf life of metronidazole cream.

Methods

Long-term stability study of metronidazole cream was applied at 25 ± 2° C, 60 ± 5% relative humidity; accelerated stability test at 40 ± 2 °C, 75 ± 5% relative humidity. The influence of stress conditions were evaluated on the stability of metronidazole cream. It was determined metronidazole cream texture and microbiological examination was applied.

Results

It was found that color (white), odor (odorless), integrity (homogeneous), pH (6.8) did not change during storage of metronidazole (6 months). Mechanical properties of the metronidazole cream: firmness, shear, consistency and cohesion throughout the study remained stable. High performance liquid chromatography in the full stability study showed that metronidazole concentrations did not fluctuate within ± 5%. Stress factors such as acid media, alkaline media, hydrogen peroxide, daylight and heat did not affect the stability of the cream. A microbiological examination of the metronidazole cream suited European Pharmacopoeia requirements.

Conclusions

The extemporaneously made metronidazole cream were stable for 6 months.
SARS-CoV-2 laboratory diagnostic methods: a systematic review
Authors: Nunes Rúben , Melo Carolina , Martins Diana , Mendes Fernando
Published: August 2021

Background

The new SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA β-coronavirus, and it is comprising by structural proteins (N), (S), (E) and (M). Timely and accurate detection is necessary for spread control of SARS-CoV-2 infection, avoiding inaccurate outcomes. Therefore, in this systematic review, it is purpose to evaluate a set of laboratory diagnostic techniques and methods, analyse their specificity, sensitivity, contributing to improve detection rates and reduce false negative and false positive diagnostic results.

Methods

In this review, we used literature available on the indexed search database ‘PubMed’, concerning the following keywords: ‘SARS-CoV-2’, ‘Specimen handling’, ‘Cell Culture Technique’, ‘Viral Antigen’, ‘Immunoassay’, ‘NAAT’ according to Medical Subject Headings Mesh and applying the Prisma Diagram methodology.

Results

DD-PCR and CRISPER had more promising results, but they are unconventional and expensive NAAT methods, the usage of the target RdRp/He gene has exhibited very encouraging results improving sensitivity and specificity. After the onset of symptoms, the sensitivity of the immunoassay varies considering of blood collection day. The antigen detection test showed the highest specificity reached, however is sensitivity is lower compared to NAAT assays.

Conclusions

In summary, RT-PCR still considered the gold standard and precisely detects the presence of virus RNA, although with some flaws in sensitivity, while the serological tests identify a previous infection by the virus, detecting antibodies, allowing the kinetic and immunological studies, not being able to use as a diagnostic method. The molecular point of care testing equipment’s revelled be the future in the rapid and accurately diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.
Distress and coping in third year, 2020–2201 Portuguese medicine students
Authors: Santiago Luiz Miguel , Pinto Joana Catarina
Published: August 2021

Background

Medical students are often exposed to stressors, studies showing that one third of them suffers from depression, a larger figure then the general population and more vulnerable to stress comparing to other courses’ students. The use of coping strategies when medical students are in distress must be studied and then discussed with students.

Methods

Prospective cohort analytical study with two points in time evaluation, in a quasi-random sample, representative of the 3rd year students in the 2020/2021 school year. An epidemiological survey, Patient Health Questionnaire–4 (PHQ-4) and BRIEF-COPE were applied. In between evaluations results were presented two discussions and motivational interventions being made.

Results

In samples of n = 101 3rd year students in September, and n = 112 students in November students’ distress by PHQ-4 (P < 0.001), was worst in November and ‘Expression of feelings’ (P = 0.004) was more used in November in Brief-Cope questionnaire use. Increased use of coping strategies ‘Expression of feelings’ (P = 0.004) and ‘Planning’ (P = 0.045) and a decrease of ‘Substances abuse’ (P = 0.020) were found from September to November. A significant distress increase was verified in such period of time (P < 0.001). In November significant weak positive correlation, between the level of distress and the items in BRIEF-COPE, for the strategies ‘Use emotional support’, ‘Positive reinterpretation’, ‘Acceptance’, ‘Self-distraction’ and ‘Substance use’ and a significant negative correlation in the items ‘Plan’, ‘Self-blame’, ‘Behavioural divestment’ and ‘Humour’ were found.

Conclusions

A noteworthy rise in distress was found. Students significantly altered some coping tactics even though distress increased. These findings are troublesome and deserve further studies and attention.
Cross cultural adaptation and validation of the ‘9-item patient health questionaire’
Authors: Pacheco Elisabete , Santiago Luiz Miguel
Published: August 2021

Background

Quality of life must be studied as a determinant of health. Depressive state must be measured with culturally adapted and population-validated instruments specially in times of COVID19 pandemics in undergraduate health students to avoid future health damages. The European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions (EQ5-D-3L) is validated but the ‘9-Item Patient Health Questionaire’ (PHQ-9) still needed validation for university population, which this study intended to do.

Methods

With original authors authorization and after cross-cultural adaptation, a cross sectional, observational study, applying the PHQ-9 and EQ-5D-3L to Faculty of Medicine and Faculty Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra (FMUC and FFUC) students, along with an epidemiological survey in a convenience sample using student’s social networks in november 2020. Descriptive, inferential and correlational statistics were performed.

Results

A size representative sample of 126 participants was studied, of which 72 from FMUC (57.1%) and 54 from FFUC (42.9%). For PHQ-9 (reliability cronbach’s alfa of 0.815, and F test = 38 786, P < 0.001) were found and global score FFUC students and females was higher, P = 0.014 and P = 0.034, respectively. Females also scored worse for item 5 of EQ5D, P < 0.001. PHQ9 and EQ5D correlation of ρ = -0.588, P < 0.001 and PHQ9 and question 5 of EQ5D-3L with PHQ9 of ρ = +0.484, P < 0.001 were found.

Conclusions

The cultural adaptation and validation of the ‘9-Item Patient Health Questionaire’ (PHQ9) with the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions (EQ5D-3L) scale, in FMUC and FFUC students population, verified that the PHQ-9 allows to adequately assess the existence of depressive symptoms and that male individuals were in better mental health.
Colorectal cancer prevention: strategies for promoting literacy
Authors: Gomes Tânia , Espírito-Santo Margarida , Nascimento Tânia
Published: August 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most frequent and deadly cancer in Portugal, prevention and early detection with screening are key factors for decreasing the incidence of CRC and improving survival rates. CRC screenings allow the detection of benign situations and their remotion, preventing the development of a malignant condition. Thus, this study aimed to identify strategies that could promote CRC literacy in order to also increase the number of screenings.

Methods

A systematic review (SR) was performed using PICOS methodology to define study goals and then PRISMA methodology to collect data for the review, including intervention studies published from 2010.

Results

A final number of 11 articles were included in this SR, which used several strategies to promote literacy. These studies included patients mostly within the age range of 50–75 years. The different strategies identified contained delivering pamphlets, seminars, using technological solutions, among others. All of these educational strategies led to the breaking down of some barriers that might exist about screening and bowel preparation, which conduced to an increase in adherence to CRC screening. Since most of the studies were performed in populations presenting low health literacy or belonging to ethnic minorities, strategies such as verbal information sessions showed better results.

Conclusions

Several strategies seems to be effective, since the results of different interventions have translated into increased CCR literacy and also the number of screenings. Portuguese pharmacy professionals, given easy access and user confidence can contribute directly, as a future perspective, in the education of patients with CCR.
P and Z ICPC2 classifications as reason for encounter for sex and age in central Portugal in 2016 and 2019
Authors: Valente Fábio , Santiago Luiz Miguel
Published: August 2021

Background

ICPC2 reasons for encounter classified in P (Psychological) and Z (Social) chapters are scarce in the medical literature. We aimed to verify the frequency of such reasons for encounter classified in P and Z ICPC-2 chapters, to perceive their association by sex and age in the post-economic 2011 to 2015 economic and financial Portuguese crisis, calculating its trends from 2016 to 2019.

Methods

Observational, cross-sectional study in 2020 comparing data from 2016 and 2019 using the application R of the software RStudio® version 1.3.1093, considering 100 random samples of 10.000 dimension random samples with replacement from the original one. Absolute and relative frequencies and classification trends of all items corresponding to the component signs and symptoms and Illnesses and diagnostics of chapters P and Z in total and by gender were calculated.

Results

Classified reasons for encounter in 2016 and 2019 presented statistically significant association by sex (P < 0.001) and age (P < 0.001) being more common in women (67.4% in 2016 and 66.8% in 2019) and in adulthood (51.6 years in 2016 and 51.5 years in 2019). P and Z of components 1 and 7 reasons for encounter decreased in both chapters (Δ = -7.3% in component 1 and Δ = -2.3% in component 7 of P; Δ = -0.9% in component 1 of Z) between 2016 and 2019.

Conclusions

The P and Z ICPC-2 chapters classified as reasons for encounter presented statistically significant association by sex and age and were more frequent near to the crisis years, in the female sex and in those older than 50 years.
Microbial water quality of public swimming pool in the district of Bragança
Authors: Pires Bruno , Afonso Andrea , Gonçalves Cátia , Vieira Joana , Afonso Eugénia , Nogueira António , Teixeira Cristina
Published: August 2021

Background

The poor water quality of recreational and rehabilitation pools, has been correlated to insufficient disinfection or human contamination, and can be a vehicle for transmitting diseases to users. Because people with different characteristics attend public swimming pools with different purposes, the pool water quality control is essential to minimize hazards related to unsafe water.

Methods

This study was based on data collection of 144 samples between 2018 and 2020 in therapeutic and recreational pools (indoor and outdoor) in the Bragança district. The proportion of the number of bathers were estimated, as well as the microbial parameters: Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, total Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus coagulase-positive and mesophilic microbial count.

Results

The E. coli, enterococci and mesophilic microbial count were not found in any sample. Unsafe pool water was mainly contaminated by both photogenic P. aeruginosa (6.3%) and total Sthaphylococcus (10.4%). Levels of P. aeruginosa in therapeutic pools was greater than in recreational pools (indoor and outdoor) (10.5% vs 6.8% and 4.5%, respectively), while total Sthaphylococcus was absent in therapeutic pools and represent 13.6% and 10.6% of positivity in indoor and outdoor swimming pools, respectively. The bathers number medium of therapeutic, indoor and outdoor pools was 4.8, 3.4 and 6.9, respectively.

Conclusions

Overall, the results endorse the good water quality of these swimming pools, mainly by the absent of faecally-derived bacteria. The presence of P. aeruginosa in therapeutic pools can be explained by the type of users, while the high number of bathers may promote the growth of some microorganisms, particularly in outdoor pools.
Vaccine refusal/hesitancy—the ethical point of view
Authors: Gentil João
Published: August 2021

Background

In 2019, WHO classified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health. Vaccination is an area of excellence in nursing that has gained a new focus and has become a challenge in the provision of care and in the management field. Vaccine hesitation raises questions about mandatory vaccination, individual versus collective freedom that are highlighted in the current context due to the emergence of new vaccines. In this paper, we want to analyze and update knowledge about vaccines hesitancy from an ethical and bioethical perspective.

Methods

A combination of literature reviews on vaccine refusal/hesitancy, ethics and COVID-19 vaccine confidence, accessed on SciELO and PubMed databases and analysis of documents from General Directorate of Health and Ordem dos Enfermeiros (National Nurses Association).

Results

Vaccination programs aim is a collective protection. The desirable effects at individual level do not have the same ethical value at collective level, leading to cost-benefit imbalances. Moral conflicts between the individual and the collective, cost-benefit imbalances and the insufficiency of bioethics principles, lead us to the use of other moral values and principles, such as responsibility, solidarity and social justice, as a tool for ethical reflection problems related to COVID-19 vaccines.

Conclusions

There are no perfect solutions to ethical dilemmas and some optimal solutions could depend the context. In a pandemic situation, one of the most relevant ethical issues is the herd immunity since it leaves public health at risk. Equity and the principle of justice in vaccination campaign are shown daily in the nursing profession.
Influence of middle ear alterations on children's balance
Authors: Ferreira Joana , Silva Carla Matos , Araújo Inês
Published: August 2021

Background

Postural instability is a possible symptom in children with otitis media, which often occurs in this population. The child with balance disorders usually has intolerance to sudden movements, difficulties in moving in the dark, nausea, vomiting and numerous fall events. To verify whether changes in the middle ear can influence the balance postural in children from 3 to 5 years.

Methods

The sample consisted of 31 children of both sexes, aged between 3 and 5 years. To collect data, a tympanogram was used to analyze the integrity of the tympanic membrane and the Modifid Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (MCTSIB), with four different sensory conditions, to assess static postural balance.

Results

Regarding the tympanogram, it was verified that the majority of the sample showed no changes, 45.2% of which were type A and 32.3% of type C1. Regarding the type B and C2 tympanogram, it was found that 12.9% of the sample had type B tympanogram and 9.7% type C2. When comparing these values with the MCTSIB results, there were no significant differences between the tympanogram with changes (B and C2) and the tympanogram without changes (A and C1), regarding the child's balance performance.

Conclusions

In this study, it was concluded that the alterations of the middle ear, proved through the tympanogram, did not influence the postural balance. However, it was found that the unilateral changes reported by the tympanogram, suggest higher values of postural oscillation, compared to bilateral changes.
Differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells through the natural matrix to neurospheres for cholinergic-like cells
Authors: Stricker P E F , Souza D , Irioda A C , Franco C R C , Leite J R S A , Araújo A R , Borges F A , Herculano R D , Graeff C F O , Carvalho K A T
Published: August 2021

Background

In Alzheimer's Disease there is an impairment of the cholinergic system, causing loss of neurons, impairment of intellectual abilities. In this context, the mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and its applications in cell therapies become target of the research, which may contribute to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Through the differentiation potential of MSCs, prospecting functional repair of the injured tissue from cholinergic neuronal cells could be a potential treatment. The aims was to evaluate the possibility of differentiation of MSCs from the human umbilical cord in nestin-positive neural precursor cells (NPCN+) through the NFBX into cholinergic ‘like’ cells.

Methods

The isolation of hMSCs from Wharton's jelly (WJ) was by the explant and mononuclear cells by density gradient. hMSCs were plating in natural matrix as NFBX for neurospheres production. Neural precursor cells were subjected to standard cholinergic differentiation protocol. Dissociated neurospheres, neural precursor cells and cholinergic-like cells were characterized by immunocytochemistry. The RT-PCR was done.

Results

hMSCs were CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, CD34- and CD45- and demonstrated the trilineage differentiation. Neurospheres and their isolated cells were nestin positive, and also expressed NESTIN, MAP2, ßIII-TUBULIN, GFAPgenes. Neural precursor cells that were differentiated in cholinergic-like cells expressed ßIII-TUBULIN protein and choline acetyltransferase enzyme.

Conclusions

hMSCs on the natural matrix were capable of differentiating hMSC into neurospheres, obtaining neural precursor cells without growth factors or gene transfection before cholinergic differentiation.
Consumption of nutritional supplements by gym attendants and health clubs
Authors: Figueiredo Daniel , Balteiro Jorge , Rocha Clara
Published: August 2021

Background

Nowadays there has been a greater concern for health and well-being, as well as the constant search for the ‘ideal body’ trend. As a consequence, vitamin, protein and food supplements are more and more frequent in the population's dietary pattern, as compensation for an unbalanced diet and in the fight against intense physical/psychological wear and tear. The main objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of consumption of nutritional supplements by gym goers.

Methods

This is an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, lasting 9 months and with the collection of information through a questionnaire. The statistical treatment of the data was carried out with the aid of the SPSS program.

Results

It was found that the prevalence of consumption is higher in males (58.9%). The most consumed type of vitamin supplement were multivitamins with mineral salts (46.2%) and whey protein (89%) as a protein supplement. The most cited reason for its consumption was ‘accelerating the recovery’ (62.3%). The most common supplementation frequency is daily (54.1%), with the majority of respondents assuming a cost in the consumption of supplements in the range of 10 to 20 €monthly. The main place for its acquisition was the internet (65.6%) and the sources most mentioned by respondents to obtain knowledge about supplements were the internet and the trainer, both with 36.1%.

Conclusions

In Portugal, the prevalence of consumption is still unknown, and it is necessary to make the population aware of the possible risks associated with incorrect supplementation, unbalanced diet and exercise.
SLC26A2 gene expression levels in melanoma
Authors: Assis Diana , De Sousa-Coelho Ana Luísa
Published: August 2021

Background

A recent repurposing pharmacological screening revealed that vanadium-containing drugs anti-proliferative action in ovarian cancer cells was SLC26A2-dependent. SLC26A2/DTDST is a sulfate transporter, related to chondrodysplasia syndromes. Despite some reports on colon cancer, there are no studies on SLC26A2 performed in melanoma in the literature.

Methods

To better understand its potential use as biomarker for therapeutic decisions in melanoma, we performed gene expression analyses of the data available at GEO profiles (NCBI). Gene data sets that allowed analysis of SLC26A2 expression (1) in melanoma; (2) in response to drugs; (3) regulated by other proteins, were selected.

Results

Our results showed that, compared to normal skin or benign nevi, SLC26A2 expression was 2.5-fold higher in malignant melanoma (P = 0.019). Compared to the primary tumor, SLC26A2 expression tripled in melanoma (P = 0.022). We found a 6% decrease of SLC26A2 expression in A375 melanoma cells treated with BRAF inhibitor Vemurafenib (P < 0.001). After treatment of A375 cells with MLN4924, a selective inhibitor of the activating enzyme of Nedd8, SLC26A2 decreased in a time-dependent manner ( > 80% at 24 h; P < 0.001). In Sk-Mel-2 cells overexpressing E2F-1, a transcription factor that induces apoptosis in cancer cells, SLC26A2 levels were reduced by 76.4% (P = 0.067). In A375P cells depleted of PGC1α, an important metabolic co-activator in mitochondrial biogenesis and function, SLC26A2 levels increased 16% (P = 0.013).

Conclusions

From this work, we unveiled, for the first time, potential clues to better understand the regulation and role of SLC26A2 in melanoma. Though, it is still to be determined whether SLC26A2 is a driver or a passenger in the disease.
Patient-centeredness, satisfaction with clinical appointment and adherence to therapeutic among deaf adults and non deaf adults
Authors: Esperança Ana , Pereira Ana Telma , Macedo António
Published: August 2021

Background

The patient-centeredness (PC) is particularly challenging for the deaf population, mainly due to communication barriers. We compared the perception of PC, regarding the last medical appointment, satisfaction with the consult, adherence and health perception among a group of deaf adults and a group of adults from the general population; and analyzed the relation between these variables in adult's deaf group.

Methods

Adults from the general population (n = 1335) and deaf adults (n = 36) from different national associations completed the validated Portuguese version of a self-reported questionnaire (PPCD-16) and answered questions on satisfaction, adherence and health perception. The deaf group subsample watched a video with the translation of the questionnaire to Portuguese Sign Language.

Results

The two subsamples didn’t differ significantly in the PPCD-16 total and dimensional scores; only in 5 items, related to the perception of the consult motive and to the doctor’s concern for the patient, did the deaf group subsample show significantly lower scores. The same was verified for the satisfaction, adherence, and physical and psychological health perceptions. The PPCD-16 total and dimensional scores presented a significant, positive and moderate- high correlation with satisfaction and adherence. Total PPCD-16 and the dimensional score of Empathy were significant predictors of satisfaction and adherence.

Conclusions

There wereńt significant differences between the two groups in the PPCD-16 scores, but deaf participants consider that ‘many times’, they cańt understand and be understood by the physician. These factors may contribute to their lower satisfaction and adherence. More studies will be necessary to show the relevance of Portuguese Sign Language interpreters.