bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of mobility restriction in COVID-19 superspreading events using agent-based model
Authors: Lima L. L. , Atman A. P. F.
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 pandemic is an immediate major public health concern. The search for the understanding of the disease spreading made scientists around the world turn their attention to epidemiological studies. An interesting approach in epidemiological modeling nowadays is to use agent-based models, which allow to consider a heterogeneous population and to evaluate the role of superspreaders in this population. In this work, we implemented an agent-based model using probabilistic cellular automata to simulate SIR (Susceptible-Infected-Recovered) dynamics using COVID-19 infection parameters. Differently to the usual studies, we did not define the superspreaders individuals a priori, we only left the agents to execute a random walk along the sites. When two or more agents share the same site, there is a probability to spread the infection if one of them is infected. To evaluate the spreading, we built the transmission network and measured the degree distribution, betweenness, and closeness centrality. The results displayed for different levels of mobility restriction show that the degree reduces as the mobility reduces, but there is an increase of betweenness and closeness for some network nodes. We identified the superspreaders at the end of the simulation, showing the emerging behavior of the model since these individuals were not initially defined. Simulations also showed that the superspreaders are responsible for most of the infection propagation and the impact of personal protective equipment in the spreading of the infection. We believe that this study can bring important insights for the analysis of the disease dynamics and the role of superspreaders, contributing to the understanding of how to manage mobility during a highly infectious pandemic as COVID-19.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of 952 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in The Netherlands: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pouw Niels , van de Maat Josephine , Veerman Karin , ten Oever Jaap , Janssen Nico , Abbink Evertine , Reijers Monique , de Mast Quirijn , Hoefsloot Wouter , van Crevel Reinout , Slieker Kitty , van Apeldoorn Marjan , Blaauw Marc , Dofferhoff Anton , Hoogerwerf Jacobien
Published: March 2021

Objective

To describe clinical characteristics, disease course and outcomes in a large and well-documented cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the Netherlands.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre retrospective cohort study in The Netherlands including 952 of 1183 consecutively hospitalized patients that were admitted to participating hospitals between March 2nd, 2020, and May 22nd, 2020. Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters upon admission and during hospitalization were collected until July 1st.

Results

The median age was 69 years (IQR 58–77 years) and 605 (63.6%) were male. Cardiovascular disease was present in 558 (58.6%) patients. The median time of onset of symptoms prior to hospitalization was 7 days (IQR 5–10). A non ICU admission policy was applicable in 312 (32.8%) patients and in 165 (56.3%) of the severely ill patients admitted to the ward. At admission and during hospitalization, severely ill patients had higher values of CRP, LDH, ferritin and D-dimer with higher neutrophil counts and lower lymphocyte counts. Overall in-hospital mortality was 25.1% and 183 (19.1%) patients were admitted to ICU, of whom 56 (30.6%) died. Patients aged ≥70 years had high mortality, both at the ward (52.4%) and ICU (47.4%). The median length of ICU stay was 8 days longer in patients aged ≥70 years compared to patients aged ≤60 years.

Conclusion

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients aged ≥70 years had high mortality and longer ICU stay compared to patients aged ≤60 years. These findings in combination with the patient burden of an ICU admission and possible long term complications after discharge should encourage us to further investigate the benefit of ICU admission in elderly and fragile COVID-19-patients.
Expression of adipocytokines in heart fat depots depending on the degree of coronary artery atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Gruzdeva Olga V. , Belik Ekaterina V. , Dyleva Yulia A. , Borodkina Daria A. , Sinitsky Maxim Yu. , Naumov Danil Yu. , Bychkova Evgeniya E. , Fanaskova Elena V. , Palicheva Elena I. , Kuzmina Anastasia A. , Karetnikova Viktoriya N. , Barbarash Olga L.
Published: March 2021

In coronary artery disease (CAD) the adipocytokine content in the heart fat depot is altered, but it has not been established whether these changes are associated with the degree of atherosclerotic damage to the coronary artery (CA). Were examined 84 patients with CAD, and according to the degree of atherosclerotic state based on the SYNTAX Score scale, were divided: 39 moderate (≤22 points), 20 severe (23–31 points) and 25 extremely severe (≥32 points). Biopsies of subcutaneous (SAT), epicardial (EAT) and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) were obtained during elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The expression of adipocytokine was determined using real-time PCR. The concentration of the studied adipocytokines in adipocyte culture medium was measured by ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis. In the adipocytes of the cardiac depot of patients with CAD, an increase in the expression and secretion of leptin and IL-6 and a decrease in adiponectin, with a maximum manifestation in severe and extremely severe CA lesions, was observed. EAT adipocytes were characterized by minimal expression of the adiponectin gene maximal gene expression leptin and IL-6 compared to SAT and PVAT adipocytes.
Case finding of tuberculosis among mining communities in Ghana
Authors: Ohene Sally-Ann , Bonsu Frank , Adusi-Poku Yaw , Dzata Francisca , Bakker Mirjam
Published: March 2021

Background

Data on active TB case finding activities among artisanal gold mining communities (AMC) is limited. The study assessed the yield of TB cases from the TB screening activities among AMC in Ghana, the factors associated with TB in these communities and the correlation between the screening methods and a diagnosis of TB.

Methods

We conducted secondary data analyses of NTP program data collected from TB case finding activities using symptom screening and mobile X-ray implemented in hard to reach AMC. Yield of TB cases, number needed to screen (NNS) and the number needed to test (NNT) to detect a TB case were assessed and logistic regression were conducted to assess factors associated with TB. The performance of screening methods chest X-ray and symptoms in the detection of TB cases was also evaluated.

Results

In total 10,441 people from 78 communities in 24 districts were screened, 55% were female and 60% (6,296) were in the aged 25 to 54 years. Ninety-five TB cases were identified, 910 TB cases per 100,000 population screened; 5.6% of the TB cases were rifampicin resistant. Being male (aOR 5.96, 95% CI 3.25–10.92, P < 0.001), a miner (aOR 2.70, 95% CI 1.47–4.96, P = 0.001) and age group 35 to 54 years (aOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.35–3.84, P = 0.002) were risk factors for TB. NNS and NNT were 110 and 24 respectively.; Cough of any duration had the strongest association with X-ray suggestive of TB with a correlation coefficient of 0.48. Cough was most sensitive for a diagnosis of TB; sensitivity of 86.3% (95% CI 79.4–93.2) followed by X-ray, sensitivity 81.1% (95% CI 71.7–88.4). The specificities of the symptoms and X-rays ranged from 80.2% (cough) to 97.3% (sputum).

Conclusion

The high risk of TB in the artisanal mining communities and in miners in this study reinforces the need to target these populations with outreach programs particularly in hard to reach areas. The diagnostic value of cough highlights the usefulness of symptom screening in this population that may be harnessed even in the absence of X-ray to identify those suspected to have TB for further evaluation.
Right-ventricular mechanics assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking in children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Petryka-Mazurkiewicz Joanna , Ziolkowska Lidia , Mazurkiewicz Łukasz , Kowalczyk-Domagała Monika , Boruc Agnieszka , Śpiewak Mateusz , Marczak Magdalena , Brzezinska-Rajszys Grażyna
Published: March 2021

Background

Although hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is considered a disease of the left ventricle (LV), right ventricular (RV) abnormalities have also been reported on. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) accurately and reproducibly quantifies RV myocardial deformation.

Aim

To investigate RV deformation disorders in childhood HCM using CMR-FT.

Material and methods

Consecutive subjects aged <18 years with echocardiographic evidence of HCM were enrolled. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed including RV volumetric and functional assessment, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging.

Results

We included 54 children (37 males, 68.5%) with HCM, of which 28 patients (51.8%; mean extent of 2.18 ± 2.34% of LV mass) had late gadolinium enhancement. LV outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) was detected in 19 subjects (35.2%). In patients with LVOTO, RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) (-16.1±5.0 vs. -20.7±5.3, p<0.01), RVGLS rate (-1.05±0.30 vs. -1.26±0.40, p = 0.03), RV radial strain (RVR) (15.8±7.7 vs. 22.1±7.0, p<0.01) and RVR rate (0.95±0.35 vs. 1.6±0.44, p<0.01) were lower than in patients without LVOTO. The RVR rate (p<0.01) was lower in patients with LGE in comparison to patients without LGE.

Conclusions

Children with HCM, especially with LVOTO, have significantly reduced indices of RV mechanics despite normal RV systolic function. It seems that the degree of LVOT obstruction is responsible for compromising the RV dynamics, rather than either mass or the amount of LV fibrosis.
Influence of acute pain on valence rating of words
Authors: Brodhun Christoph , Borelli Eleonora , Weiss Thomas
Published: March 2021

Numerous studies showed the effect of negative affective and pain-related semantic primes enhancing the perceived intensity of successive painful stimuli. It remains unclear whether and how painful primes are able to influence semantic stimuli in a similar way. Therefore, we investigated the effects of noxious primes on the perception of the valence of subsequent semantic stimuli. In two experiments, 48 healthy subjects were asked to give their valence ratings regarding different semantic stimuli (pain-related, negative, positive, and neutral adjectives) after they were primed with noxious electrical stimuli of moderate intensity. Experiment 1 focused on the existence of the effect, experiment 2 focused on the length of the effect. Valence ratings of pain-related, negative, and positive words (not neutral words) became more negative after a painful electrical prime was applied in contrast to no prime. This effect was more pronounced for pain-related words compared to negative, pain-unrelated words. Furthermore, the priming effect continued to affect the valence ratings even some minutes after the painful priming had stopped. So, painful primes are influencing the perception of semantic stimuli as well as semantic primes are influencing the perception of painful stimuli.
Accuracy of frozen section in intraoperative margin assessment for breast-conserving surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Garcia Mila Trementosa , Mota Bruna Salani , Cardoso Natalia , Martimbianco Ana Luiza Cabrera , Ricci Marcos Desidério , Carvalho Filomena Marino , Gonçalves Rodrigo , Soares Junior José Maria , Filassi José Roberto
Published: March 2021

Background and objectives

It is well established that tumor-free margin is an important factor for reducing local recurrence and reoperation rates. This systematic review with meta-analysis of frozen section intraoperative margin assessment aims to evaluate the accuracy, and reoperation and survival rates, and to establish its importance in breast-conserving surgery.

Methods

A thorough review was conducted in all online publication-databases for the related literature up to March 2020. MeSH terms used: “Breast Cancer”, “Segmental Mastectomy” and “Frozen Section”. We included the studies that evaluated accuracy of frozen section, reoperation and survival rates. To ensure quality of the included articles, the QUADAS-2 tool (adapted) was employed. The assessment of publication bias by graphical and statistical methods was performed using the funnel plot and the Egger’s test. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019125682).

Results

Nineteen studies were deemed suitable, with a total of 6,769 cases. The reoperation rate on average was 5.9%. Sensitivity was 0.81, with a Confidence Interval of 0.79–0.83, p = 0.0000, I2 = 95.1%, and specificity was 0.97, with a Confidence Interval of 0.97–0.98, p = 0.0000, I-2 = 90.8%, for 17 studies and 5,615 cases. Accuracy was 0.98. Twelve studies described local recurrence and the highest cumulative recurrence rate in 3 years was 7.5%. The quality of the included studies based on the QUADAS-2 tool showed a low risk of bias. There is no publication bias (p = 0.32) and the funnel plot showed symmetry.

Conclusion

Frozen section is a reliable procedure with high accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in intraoperative margin assessment of breast-conserving surgery. Therefore, this modality of margin assessment could be useful in reducing reoperation rates.
In vitro screening of 65 mycotoxins for insecticidal potential
Authors: Boguś Mieczysława Irena , Wrońska Anna Katarzyna , Kaczmarek Agata , Boguś-Sobocińska Martyna
Published: March 2021

The economic losses and threats to human and animal health caused by insects and the pathogens transmitted by them require effective and environmentally-friendly methods of controlling them. One such group of natural biocontrol agents which may be used as biopesticides is that of the entomopathogenic fungi and their toxic secondary metabolites (mycotoxins). The present in vitro work examined the insecticidal potential of 65 commercially-available mycotoxins against the insect Sf-9 cell line. Mammalian Caco-2 and THP-1 cell lines served as reference controls to select insecticidal mycotoxins harmless to mammalian cells. All tested mycotoxins significantly reduced the in vitro proliferation of the Sf-9 cells and evoked morphological changes. Ten of the mycotoxins found to strongly inhibit Sf-9 proliferation also had moderate or no effect on Caco-2 cells. The THP-1 cells were highly resistant to the tested mycotoxins: doses 103 times higher were needed to affect viability and morphology (1 μg/ml for THP-1 versus 1 ng/ml for Sf-9 and Caco-2). Nine mycotoxins significantly decreased Sf-9 cell proliferation with minor effects on mammalian cells: cyclosporins B and D, cytochalasin E, gliotoxin, HC toxin, paxilline, penitrem A, stachybotrylactam and verruculogen. These may be good candidates for future biopesticide formulations.
Assessing depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in Yangon city, Myanmar: Does being a member of self-help group matter?
Authors: Than Myat Wint , Zaw Nicholus Tint , Minn Kyi , Saw Yu Mon , Kiriya Junko , Jimba Masamine , Win Hla Hla , Shibanuma Akira
Published: March 2021

Background

While self-help groups have been formed among people living with HIV, few studies have been conducted to assess the role of self-help groups in mitigating depressive symptoms. This study investigated the association between self-help group membership and depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in Yangon, Myanmar.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from people living with HIV at three antiretroviral therapy clinics in 2017. Multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to examine the associations between having self-help group membership and depressive symptoms. Three ART clinics were purposively selected based on the recommendation from the National AIDS Program in Myanmar. At these clinics, people living with HIV were recruited by a convenience sampling method.

Results

Among people living with HIV recruited in this study (n = 464), 201 (43.3%) were members of a self-help group. The membership was not associated with having depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–2.59). Factors associated with having depressive symptoms were female (AOR 3.70, 95% CI 1.54–8.88) and lack of social support (AOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96–0.98) among self-help group members, and female (AOR 3.47, 95% CI 1.70–7.09), lack of social support (AOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99), and internalized stigma (AOR 1.28, 95% 1.08–1.53) among non-members.

Conclusions

This study did not find evidence on the association between membership in self-help groups and depressive symptoms among people living with HIV. Social support was a protective factor against depressive symptoms both self-help group members and non-members, although the level of social support was lower among members than non-members. The activities of self-help groups and care provided by the ART clinics should be strengthened to address mental health problems among people living with HIV in the study site.
Prevalence and factors associated with fertility desire among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Xiang , Du Jie , Ji GuoPing
Published: March 2021

Background

The fertility desire of people living with HIV (PLHIV) has been rising in the past decade. However, there are many studies among which the association remains controversial between the fertility desire of HIV-infected persons and antiretroviral therapy (ART), sex, marital status, and educational level.

Methods

We performed a literature search of these meta-analyses in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and ScienceDirect in November 2019. We also reviewed references of eligible studies to complement the search. We used pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with a random-effects model and a fixed-effects model to estimate the association between fertility desire among PLHIV and ART, sex, age, marital status, educational level, and number of children. Subgroups with I square values (I2) and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the heterogeneity and the stability of the overall ORs, respectively. We evaluated publication bias using Egger’s test and a visual inspection of the symmetry in funnel plots.

Results

In these meta-analyses 50 articles were included with 22,367 subjects. The pooled prevalence of fertility desire among PLHIV was estimated to be 42.04%. The pooled analyses showed that the fertility desire of PLHIV is associated with ART (OR = 1.11, 95% CI:1.00–1.23, P = 0.043), sex (OR = 1.51, 95% CI:1.10–2.09), age (OR = 2.65, 95% CI:2.24–3.14), marital status (OR = 1.34, 95% CI:1.08–1.66), educational level (OR = 0.85, 95% CI:0.73–1.00, P = 0.047) and the number of children (OR = 3.99, 95% CI:3.06–5.20). PLHIV who are on ART, are male, are younger than 30, are married/cohabiting, have received a secondary education or above, and are childless have a higher prevalence of fertility desire. The two factors of age and the number of children, in particular demonstrated a strong significant association with fertility desire. We found moderate heterogeneity in the meta-analyses of age and educational level and high heterogeneity in the meta-analyses of sex, marital status and number of children. Publication bias was detected in the meta-analyses of the association of fertility with sex and educational level.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the prevalence of fertility desire among HIV-infected people is 42.04%, and the fertility desire among PLHIV is associated with ART experience, sex, age, marital status, the number of children, and educational level. Since a majority of PLHIV are of reproductive age, it is necessary to support PLHIV in terms of their needs regarding reproductive decision-making. Through counseling and reproductive health care, further measures to prevent the horizontal and vertical transmission of HIV should be taken.
Combining viral genetic and animal mobility network data to unravel peste des petits ruminants transmission dynamics in West Africa
Authors: Bataille Arnaud , Salami Habib , Seck Ismaila , Lo Modou Moustapha , Ba Aminata , Diop Mariame , Sall Baba , Faye Coumba , Lo Mbargou , Kaba Lanceï , Sidime Youssouf , Keyra Mohamed , Diallo Alpha Oumar Sily , Niang Mamadou , Sidibe Cheick Abou Kounta , Sery Amadou , Dakouo Martin , El Mamy Ahmed Bezeid , El Arbi Ahmed Salem , Barry Yahya , Isselmou Ekaterina , Habiboullah Habiboullah , Lella Abdellahi Salem , Doumbia Baba , Gueya Mohamed Baba , Coste Caroline , Squarzoni Diaw Cécile , Kwiatek Olivier , Libeau Geneviève , Apolloni Andrea
Published: March 2021

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a deadly viral disease that mainly affects small domestic ruminants. This disease threaten global food security and rural economy but its control is complicated notably because of extensive, poorly monitored animal movements in infected regions. Here we combined the largest PPR virus genetic and animal mobility network data ever collected in a single region to improve our understanding of PPR endemic transmission dynamics in West African countries. Phylogenetic analyses identified the presence of multiple PPRV genetic clades that may be considered as part of different transmission networks evolving in parallel in West Africa. A strong correlation was found between virus genetic distance and network-related distances. Viruses sampled within the same mobility communities are significantly more likely to belong to the same genetic clade. These results provide evidence for the importance of animal mobility in PPR transmission in the region. Some nodes of the network were associated with PPRV sequences belonging to different clades, representing potential “hotspots” for PPR circulation. Our results suggest that combining genetic and mobility network data could help identifying sites that are key for virus entrance and spread in specific areas. Such information could enhance our capacity to develop locally adapted control and surveillance strategies, using among other risk factors, information on animal mobility.
Schistosome infection promotes osteoclast-mediated bone loss
Authors: Li Wei , Wei Chuan , Xu Lei , Yu Beibei , Chen Ying , Lu Di , Zhang Lina , Song Xian , Dong Liyang , Zhou Sha , Xu Zhipeng , Zhu Jifeng , Chen Xiaojun , Su Chuan
Published: March 2021

Infection with schistosome results in immunological changes that might influence the skeletal system by inducing immunological states affecting bone metabolism. We investigated the relationships between chronic schistosome infection and bone metabolism by using a mouse model of chronic schistosomiasis, affecting millions of humans worldwide. Results showed that schistosome infection resulted in aberrant osteoclast-mediated bone loss, which was accompanied with an increased level of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) Ligand (RANKL) and decreased level of osteoprotegerin (OPG). The blockade of RANKL by the anti-RANKL antibody could prevent bone loss in the context of schistosome infection. Meanwhile, both B cells and CD4+ T cells, particularly follicular helper T (Tfh) cell subset, were the important cellular sources of RANKL during schistosome infection. These results highlight the risk of bone loss in schistosome-infected patients and the potential benefit of coupling bone therapy with anti-schistosome treatment.
Efectos a corto plazo de la Intervención Neuropsicológica en un caso de Ictus
Authors: Asensio Benito David
Published: March 2021

Los estudios científicos evidencian que los pacientes que han sufrido daño cerebral pueden presentar diferentes alteraciones cognitivas, emocionales, conductuales y físicas. La rehabilitación neuropsicológica es eficaz para la mejora de las funciones cognitivas tras un ictus. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las diferencias entre la evaluación pre-test de un caso único de un paciente que sufrió un ictus en los ganglios basales derechos con afectación talámica, y la evaluación post-test de dicho paciente, realizada tras seis meses de rehabilitación integral. Los resultados muestran una mejora de todas las capacidades cognitivas alteradas. Conclusiones: Este estudio obtiene resultados sobre los efectos de la rehabilitación cognitiva en los procesos neuropsicológicos en un paciente con ictus. Futuros estudios deben incluir una mayor muestra y evaluaciones post-test a más largo plazo.
Evolución del daño cerebral en un paciente tras un ictus isquémico bilateral
Authors: Gómez Moreno Laura
Published: March 2021

Las enfermedades cerebro-vasculares constituyen actualmente la tercera causa de muerte en nuestro país (y en la mayoría de los países desarrollados), superada por las enfermedades cardiovasculares y el cáncer, son una causa importante de incapacidad ya que 1/3 de los sobrevivientes a un ictus cerebral son incapaces de valerse por sí mismos y aproximadamente el 75% pierde sus facultades para reincorporarse laboralmente, considerándose la causa más frecuente de incapacidad. El presente artículo analiza las funciones cognitivas (atención, memoria verbal, memoria no verbal, memoria visual y lenguaje) y funciones ejecutivas de un caso con ictus isquémico bilateral antes y después de un tratamiento neuropsicológico intensivo. Futuros estudios deben incluir una muestra mayor de sujetos para ver los efectos neuropsicológicos de los diferentes tratamientos a largo plazo.
La microbiota intestinal y su relación con las enfermedades mentales a través del eje microbiota-intestino-cerebro
Authors: Andreo-Martínez Pedro , García-Martínez Nuria , Sánchez-Samper Elvira Pilar
Published: March 2021

La microbiota intestinal humana es el conjunto de microorganismos que habitan de forma simbiótica en el intestino. El establecimiento de la comunidad microbiana intestinal parece ser un proceso escalonado que cubre el primer año de vida. Los factores que afectan a la microbiota intestinal son el nacimiento por cesárea, el no amamantamiento, el medio ambiente, la edad gestacional, la genética del huésped, la exposición a infecciones (maternas e infantes) y el uso de antibióticos. La microbiota intestinal tiene gran influencia en la modulación de la salud y está relacionada con la obesidad y diversas enfermedades mentales tales como trastornos del neurodesarrollo, autismo, Alzheimer y esquizofrenia. Esta influencia se realiza a través del eje microbiota-intestino-cerebro. Los diferentes estudios en este campo revelan cómo las variaciones en la composición de la microbiota intestinal influyen en todos los aspectos de la fisiología, incluyendo la obesidad, la función cerebral y el comportamiento. Aunque la microbiota intestinal característica en la obesidad ha sido estudiada en profundidad, en términos de neurociencia y enfermedad psiquiátrica el campo todavía está en su infancia, pero se están acumulando evidencias de que posee un papel clave.
Amnesia global transitoria y su relación con factores psicológicos y neuropsicológicos
Authors: Soto-Martín María
Published: March 2021

La amnesia global transitoria (AGT) es un síndrome que se produce en neurología clínica caracterizado por la manifestación de amnesia anterógrada severa y retrógrada moderada, con comienzo abrupto y duración máxima de 24 horas. En población general, dicho síndrome afecta cada año a entre 5 y 11 personas por cada 100.000 con edades cercanas a los 60 años. Esta afectación carece aún de suficiente investigación científica que permita prevenir su aparición e intervenir sobre ella, a pesar de que su estudio proporciona una potente fuente de información del funcionamiento cerebral. Entre su causalidad múltiple se encuentran factores neuropsicológicos y emocionales, que siguen estando presentes en su transcurso. En el presente estudio se pretende crear conciencia acerca de dichos factores a la vez que se ahonda en la AGT, sus componentes, características y cambios a nivel neuroanatómico, neuroquímico, conductual y emocional.
Estudio del efecto lágrima con metodología de seguimiento de la mirada: Un estudio piloto
Authors: Picó Peris Alfonso , Gadea Doménech Marien , Espert Raúl
Published: March 2021

Según Darwin, el lloro emocional fue considerado un resultado fortuito a la luz de la evolución; sin propósito alguno, y debía ser visto como una consecuencia secundaria a fenómenos más importantes. Aunque es el comportamiento más dramático por el cual las emociones emergen en el rostro, muy poco es lo que se sabe desde la neurociencia. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo demostrar que la idea de Darwin está lejos de ser cierta, y que el lloro emocional parece jugar un papel esencial en el desarrollo de las relaciones sociales, siendo un factor de influencia en la percepción de sinceridad. Estudios previos han encontrado una influencia en la inhibición de la agresión, y que favorece la inferencia emocional y la amigabilidad. Como señal de comunicación, estudiamos su influencia sobre la atribución emocional, su intensidad y sinceridad percibida. Aplicamos la tecnología de rastreo de la mirada y utilizamos imágenes de rostros con y sin lágrimas visibles, al igual que un cuestionario de evaluación. Dieciséis estudiantes de enfermería se reclutaron para llevar a cabo el presente estudio piloto. Los rostros con lágrimas mostraron ser estadísticamente distintos y las consecuencias de los hallazgos presentados para el avance de la neuropsicología clínica son examinadas someramente.
Yuxtaposición por detalles como medida del procesamiento visual fragmentado de la información en niños con TEA grado 1
Authors: Domínguez-Gómez Estefanía
Published: March 2021

La literatura científica reciente sobre el procesamiento de la información visual en el Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA), ha puesto en entredicho el déficit en la coherencia central del procesamiento de la información visual, aportando evidencias de su capacidad para el procesamiento global de la información, pero con una tendencia al procesamiento local o fragmentado. En el presente estudio se ha empleo la tarea de copia del Test de la Figura Compleja de Rey-Osterrieth con una muestra de 14 niños de entre 8 y 10 años con diagnóstico de TEA grado 1, Síndrome de Asperger. El objetivo ha sido examinar el rendimiento general en el test, así como las estrategias organizativas para la reproducción del diseño con respecto al procesamiento local versus global. Los resultados indican que los niños con TEA emplean un estilo de copia por yuxtaposición por detalles y tienen una tendencia a fragmentar los elementos de diseño global, llamados elementos de configuración. La conclusión del presente estudio es que la definición de yuxtaposición por detalles podría contribuir a la hora de corregir la figura, así como para obtener evidencias acerca del estilo de procesamiento de la información visual. Por tanto, esta nueva definición de yuxtaposición por detalles, se podría considerar como una variable significativa para el diagnóstico del TEA.
Kortárs személyes vezetési elméletek A transzformatív felfogás szerepe és jellemzői (I. rész)
Authors: Fehér János
Published: March 2021

A tanulmány jelen, I. része a kortárs személyes vezetési elméletek előzményeként bemutatja a leadership három alapvető történeti irányzatát. Ezt követően kitér a változásokat középpontba helyező, egyben az eddigiektől eltérő vezetői befolyásolási eszközöket alkalmazó „új vezetés” kialakulásának elméleti és gyakorlati hátterére. A kortárs elméletek között megkülönbözteti és ismerteti a karizmatikus, transzformatív („átalalakító”), jövőképcentrikus, szolgáló (beosztottcentrikus) és érzelmi intelligencia alapú irányzatokat. Hangsúlyosan foglalkozik az átalakító vezetéssel, megalapozandó annak a tanulmány II. részében szereplő értékelését. Kiemeli, hogy a tanok specifikus sajátosságai mellett jellemzőnek tekinthető azok egymással való kölcsönhatása, és rámutat a közöttük lévő egyes konkrét érintkezési pontokra. Hangsúlyozza, hogy a kortárs elméletek nem csupán kitágítják vezetési felfogásunkat, hanem egyfajta integráló szerepet is betöltenek a leadership területén.
A mérés-értékelés szerepe a szakpolitika-alapú kormányzásban, a közigazgatásban és a közszolgáltatások nyújtásában
Authors: Jobbágy Valér
Published: March 2021

A szerző dolgozatában a szakpolitika-alapú kormányzati döntéshozatal, közszolgáltatás és közigazgatás mellett érvel. Szerinte a célkijelölés-mérés-értékelés-visszacsatolás rendszerének kellene megvalósulnia a közszolgáltatásokban. Ezek alkalmazásával nagyban lehetne a közszolgáltatások hatékonyságát emelni.
Vállalkozó vezetés Magyarországon
Authors: Hortoványi Lilla
Published: March 2021

A vállalatok által követett stratégiákra mint a múltbeli magatartásmintákban megfigyelhető szabályszerűségekre tekintünk. Annak ellenére, hogy ezek a magatartásminták igen változatosak, mégis a vállalati cselekvések konzisztens láncolata alapján, megfelelően alkalmazott taxonómiaképzéssel, néhány jól beazonosítható alapstratégiába sorolhatók be (lásd bővebben Miles – Snow, 1978; Antal-Mokos – Kovács, 1998; Hortoványi – Szabó 2006). Az empirikus vizsgálatokkal alátámasztott taxonómiák nemcsak feltárják az alapstratégiákat, de meg is magyarázzák a vezetési és szervezési folyamatok különbözőségeit (Ucbasaran és szerzőtársai, 2001). A vállalkozói vezetés is egy ilyen magatartásminta (latens stratégia), melynek azonosítása és alaposabb megvilágítása a cikk legfontosabb célja. Arra a kérdésre keresi a választ, hogy a hazai kis- és középvállalatok vezetői milyen empirikus tapasztalatokkal szolgálnak a vállalkozó típusú vezetés jelenségének megértéséhez? A fentiek alapján a magyarországi vállalatvezetők vállalkozói tevékenységének empirikus vizsgálata az irodalomban beazonosított „réseket” tölti be nagymintás, kérdőíves felmérés segítségével, új kontextusban, feltörekvő piacon.
Perfil clínico-epidemiológico e prevalência de coinfecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana em pacientes com tuberculose no estado de Pernambuco
Authors: Gonçalves Hayana Figueiredo , Leal Eliane Maria Medeiros , Silva Carla Carolina Alexandrino Vicente da , Santana da Silva Filipe
Published: March 2021

A tuberculose se caracteriza como um grande desafio para a saúde pública do Brasil. Quando em concomitância com vírus da imunodeficiência humana é uma das principais causas de evolução rápida para óbito dos pacientes. Identificar o perfil clínico e epidemiológico e a prevalência de coinfecção tuberculose/ Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana – VIH no Estado de Pernambuco. Trata-se de um estudo transversal descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado no Estado de Pernambuco, com 2.824 casos de coinfecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana e pela tuberculose, através das fichas notificação de tuberculose do Sistema de Informação de Agravos e Notificação do Ministério da Saúde. Observou-se que 88% residiam na zona urbana e 68,5% eram do sexo masculino. Predominou-se a faixa etária de 20 a 40 anos (59,1%). Dentre os exames realizados, 28,9% dos casos apresentaram resultados positivos no exame de baciloscopia de escarro na 1ª amostra e na 2ª amostra (11,9%). A cultura de escarro não foi realizada em 85,5% dos casos. A coinfecção de tuberculose e VIH é um problema relevante em Pernambuco. O perfil predominante dos casos (homens, cor parda em idade economicamente ativa e na zona urbana) denota uma rapidez de ações focais de prevenção para esse grupo prioritariamente. Apesar dos programas de saúde pública existente e da antiguidade das doenças necessita-se de ações de controle de ambas.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Functional Dyspepsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gurusamy Saravana Ruban , Shah Ayesha , Talley Nicholas J. , Koloski Natasha , Jones Michael P. , Walker Marjorie M. , Morrison Mark , Holtmann Gerald
Published: March 2021

INTRODUCTION:

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the role of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).

METHODS:

Electronic databases were searched until July 2020 for studies reporting prevalence of SIBO in FD. The prevalence rates, odds ratio, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of SIBO in FD and controls were calculated.

RESULTS:

Seven studies with 263 patients with FD and 84 controls were identified. The odds for SIBO in patients with FD were significantly higher as compared to that in controls (odds ratio = 4.3, 95% CI, 1.1–17.5, 4 studies, 234 participants); however, there was moderate heterogeneity in this analysis. Including high-quality, case-control studies (all using glucose breath tests [GBTs]), the risk of SIBO in patients with FD as compared to controls was 2.8 higher (95% CI 0.8–10.0, 3 studies, 200 participants) with minimal heterogeneity in this analysis. Using the lactulose breath test, SIBO prevalence in FD was significantly higher (53.4%, 95% CI 33.9–71.9, 3 studies, 110 participants) as compared to that with GBT (17.2%, 95% CI 8.6–31.6, 4 studies, 153 participants). Substantial heterogeneity was found in studies using the lactulose breath test but not in studies using GBT. There was no significant difference in SIBO prevalence in patients with FD according to FD subtype.

DISCUSSION:

This meta-analysis suggests a link between FD and SIBO. The quality of evidence is low and can be largely attributed to the type of breath test for SIBO diagnosis and clinical heterogeneity. More appropriately designed studies are required to confirm the link between SIBO and FD.
Novel Negative Pressure Protective Box in Upper Digestive Endoscopy: A Prospective Case Series
Authors: Benmassaoud Amine , Bessissow Talat , Wong Philip , Fallone Carlo A. , Barkun Alan , Afif Waqqas , Forbes Nauzer , Martel Myriam , Geraci Olivia , Chen Yen-I
Published: March 2021

In the context of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 pandemic, we have developed a novel negative pressure aerosol protector for upper endoscopy (TRACEY). TRACEY is the first endoscopic enclosure to have passed stringent testing for aerosol protection. The following describes its clinical use in a single-center prospective case series. Overall, 15 patients were included. All endoscopic procedures were successful without premature removal of TRACEY. In addition, its use did not lead to significant patient discomfort, technical hinderance, or adverse events. TRACEY seems to offer a safe and easy to use aerosol protection for upper endoscopy and a potential Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 mitigation strategy in endoscopy.
New Policies to Facilitate Affordable Housing in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Amann W.
Published: March 2021

Affordable housing construction is a lagging sector in most of the CEE countries. Recent increases in housing production have mainly served the top end of the market. In some countries, policy schemes for public housing have been established. However, actual construction of housing for moderate-income households has yet to take place. Wolfgang Amann describes the approach of the Austria-based IIBW – Institute for Real Estate, Construction and Housing aimed at rectifying this unsatisfactory situation. The framework for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in housing will be established, with two parallel strategies. First, a legal framework will be established to allow for a new business model of PPP housing. Second, financing tools will be implemented, similar to structured financing, implementing the different layers of sources. This approach refers to lessons learned in many Western European countries, e.g., the Netherlands and Austria, where a Third Sector in housing contributes substantially to good housing provision for large parts of the population. IIBW is currently implementing this new approach in several CEE countries, including Romania, Montenegro and Albania.
Differences Between Doped and Undoped Zirconium Alloy Oxide Layers
Authors: Frank H.
Published: March 2021

2 eV and the temperature dependence of resistivity, electron mobility and carrier concentration, and also the behavior of injection and extraction currents, were found to be equal inside the error limits, thus proving the doping to be ineffective. Zirconium oxide fits into the group of oxide semiconductors, being an n-type reduction semiconductor, conduction depending on stoichiometric deviation, i.e. missing oxygen.
Active Detectors for Plasma Soft X-Ray Detection at PALS
Authors: Granja C. , Linhart V. , Platkevič M. , Jakůbek J. , Krouský E. , Pospíšil S. , Renner O. , Slavíček T.
Published: March 2021

This paper summarizes the work carried out for an experimental study of low-energy nuclear excitation by laser-produced plasma at the PALS Prague laser facility. We describe the adaptation and shielding of single-quantum active radiation detectors developed at IEAP CTU Prague to facilitate their operation inside the laser interaction chamber in the vicinity of the plasma target. The goal of this effort is direct real-time single-quantum detection of plasma soft X-ray radiation with energy above a few keV and subsequent identification of the decay of the excited nuclear states via low-energy gamma rays in a highly radiative environment with strong electromagnetic interference.
From Gauge Anomalies to Gerbes and Gerbal Representations: Group Cocycles in Quantum Theory
Authors: Mickelsson J.
Published: March 2021

In this paper I shall discuss the role of group cohomology in quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. First, I recall how cocycles of degree 1 and 2 appear naturally in the context of gauge anomalies. Then we investigate how group cohomology of degree 3 comes from a prolongation problem for group extensions and we discuss its role in quantum field theory. Finally, we discuss a generalization to representation theory where a representation is replaced by a 1-cocycle or its prolongation by a circle, and point out how this type of situations come up in the quantization of Yang-Mills theory.
Single Phase Voltage Source Inverter Photovoltaic Application
Authors: Bauer J.
Published: March 2021

Photovoltaic applications have been developing and spreading rapidly in recent times. This paper describes the control strategy of the Voltage Source Inverter that is the important tail end of many photovoltaic applications.In order to supply the grid with a sinusoidal line current without harmonic distortion, the inverter is connected to the supply network via a L-C-L filter. The output current is controlled by the hysteresis controller. To improve the behaviors of the L-C-L filter, active damping of the filter is being used. This paper discusses controller design and simulation results.
Voice Activity Detection for Speech Enhancement Applications
Authors: Verteletskaya E. , Sakhnov K.
Published: March 2021

This paper describes a study of noise-robust voice activity detection (VAD) utilizing the periodicity of the signal, full band signal energy and high band to low band signal energy ratio. Conventional VADs are sensitive to a variably noisy environment especially with low SNR, and also result in cutting off unvoiced regions of speech as well as random oscillating of output VAD decisions. To overcome these problems, the proposed algorithm first identifies voiced regions of speech and then differentiates unvoiced regions from silence or background noise using the energy ratio and total signal energy. The performance of the proposed VAD algorithm is tested on real speech signals. Comparisons confirm that the proposed VAD algorithm outperforms the conventional VAD algorithms, especially in the presence of background noise.
On Uq (sl2)-actions on the Quantum Plane
Authors: Duplij S. , Sinel’shchikov S.
Published: March 2021

To give the complete list of Uq (sl2)-actions of the quantum plane, we first obtain the structure of quantum plane automorphisms. Then we introduce some special symbolic matrices to classify the series of actions using the weights. There are uncountably many isomorphism classes of the symmetries. We give the classical limit of the above actions.
Rectifiable PT -symmetric Quantum Toboggans with Two Branch Points
Authors: Znojil M.
Published: March 2021

Certain complex-contour (a.k.a. quantum-toboggan) generalizations of Schroedinger’s bound-state problem are reviewed and studied in detail. Our key message is that the practical numerical solution of these atypical eigenvalue problems may perceivably be facilitated via an appropriate complex change of variables which maps their multi-sheeted complex domain of definition to a suitable single-sheeted complex plane.
Microstructure of the Transitional Area of the Connection of a High-temperature Ni-based Brazing Alloy and Stainless Steel AISI 321 (X6CrNiTi 18–10)
Authors: Augustin R. , Koleňák R.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a detailed examination of the structure of the transitional area between a brazing alloy and the parent material, the dimensions of the diffusion zones that are created, and the influence on them of a change in the brazing parameters. Connections between Ni-based brazing alloys (NI 102) with a small content of B and AISI 321 stainless steel (X6CrNiTi 18–10) were created in a vacuum (10−2 Pa) at various brazing temperatures and for various holding times at the brazing temperature. Various specimens were tested. First, the brazing alloys were wetted and the dependence of the wetting on the brazing parameters was assessed. Then a chemical microanalysis was made of the interface between the brazing alloy and the parent material. The individual diffusion zones were identified on pictures from a light microscope and REM, and their dimensions, together with their dependence on the brazing parameters, were determined.
Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition: Image Data Analysis with White-noise Reflection
Authors: Kopecký M.
Published: March 2021

During the last decade, Zhaohua Wu and Norden E. Huang announced a new improvement of the original Empirical Mode Decomposition method (EMD). Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition and its abbreviation EEMD represents a major improvement with great versatility and robustness in noisy data filtering. EEMD consists of sifting and making an ensemble of a white noise-added signal, and treats the mean value as the final true result. This is due to the use of a finite, not infinitesimal, amplitude of white noise which forces the ensemble to exhaust all possible solutions in the sifting process. These steps collate signals of different scale in a proper intrinsic mode function (IMF) dictated by the dyadic filter bank. As EEMD is a time–space analysis method, the added white noise is averaged out with a sufficient number of trials. Here, the only persistent part that survives the averaging process is the signal component (original data), which is then treated as the true and more physically meaningful answer. The main purpose of adding white noise was to provide a uniform reference frame in the time–frequency space. The added noise collates the portion of the signal of comparable scale in a single IMF. Image data taken as time series is a non-stationary and nonlinear process to which the new proposed EEMD method can be fitted out. This paper reviews the new approach of using EEMD and demonstrates its use on the example of image data analysis, making use of some advantages of the statistical characteristics of white noise. This approach helps to deal with omnipresent noise.