bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a new wearable device for type 3 sleep test without flowmeter
Authors: Contini Mauro , Sarmento Antonio , Gugliandolo Paola , Leonardi Alessandra , Longinotti-Buitoni Gianluigi , Minella Camilla , Vignati Carlo , Mapelli Massimo , Aliverti Andrea , Agostoni Piergiuseppe
Published: April 2021

Background

Ventilation monitoring during sleep is performed by sleep test instrumentation that is uncomfortable for the patients due to the presence of the flowmeter. The objective of this study was to evaluate if an innovative type 3 wearable system, the X10X and X10Y, is able to correctly detect events of apnea and hypopnea and to classify the severity of sleep apnea without the use of a flowmeter.

Methods

40 patients with sleep disordered breathing were analyzed by continuous and simultaneous recording of X10X and X10Y and another certified type 3 system, SOMNOtouch, used for comparison. Evaluation was performed in terms of quality of respiratory signals (scores from 1, lowest, to 5, highest), duration and classification of apneas, as well as identification and duration of hypopneas.

Results

580 periods were evaluated. Mean quality assigned score was 3.37±1.42 and 3.25±1.35 for X10X and X10Y and SOMNOtouch, respectively. The agreement between the two systems was evaluated with grades 4 and 5 in 383 out of 580 cases. A high correlation (r2 = 0.921; p<0.001) was found between the AHI indexes obtained from the two systems. X10X and X10Y devices were able to correctly classify 72.3% of the obstructive apneas, 81% of the central apneas, 61.3% of the hypopneas, and 64.6% of the mixed apneas when compared to SOMNOtouch device.

Conclusion

The X10X and X10Y devices are able to provide a correct grading of sleep respiratory disorders without the need of a nasal cannula for respiratory flow measurement and can be considered as a type 3 sleep test device for screening tests.
La Crosse virus spread within the mosquito population in Knox County, TN
Authors: Cook Cameron , Blesi Annastashia , Brozak Samantha , Lenhart Suzanne , Reed Hanna , Urquhart Cassandra , Moncayo Abelardo , Trout Fryxell Rebecca
Published: April 2021

In Appalachia, La Crosse virus (LACV) is a leading pediatric arbovirus and public health concern for children under 16 years. LACV is transmitted via the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Thus, it is imperative to understand the dynamics of the local vector population in order to assess risk and transmission. Using entomological data collected from Knox County, Tennessee in 2013, we formulate an environmentally-driven system of ordinary differential equations to model mosquito population dynamics over a single season. Further, we include infected compartments to represent LACV transmission within the mosquito population. Findings suggest that the model, with dependence on degree days and accumulated precipitation, can closely describe field data. This model confirms the need to include these environmental variables when planning control strategies.
Developing and validating a school-based screening tool of Fundamental Movement Skills (FUNMOVES) using Rasch analysis
Authors: Eddy Lucy H. , Preston Nick , Mon-Williams Mark , Bingham Daniel D. , Atkinson Jo M. C. , Ellingham-Khan Marsha , Otteslev Ava , Hill Liam J. B.
Published: April 2021

Background

A large proportion of children are not able to perform age-appropriate fundamental movement skills (FMS). Thus, it is important to assess FMS so that children needing additional support can be identified in a timely fashion. There is great potential for universal screening of FMS in schools, but research has established that current assessment tools are not fit for purpose.

Objective

To develop and validate the psychometric properties of a FMS assessment tool designed specifically to meet the demands of universal screening in schools.

Methods

A working group consisting of academics from developmental psychology, public health and behavioural epidemiology developed an assessment tool (FUNMOVES) based on theory and prior evidence. Over three studies, 814 children aged 4 to 11 years were assessed in school using FUNMOVES. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate structural validity and modifications were then made to FUNMOVES activities after each study based on Rasch results and implementation fidelity.

Results

The initial Rasch analysis found numerous psychometric problems including multidimensionality, disordered thresholds, local dependency, and misfitting items. Study 2 showed a unidimensional measure, with acceptable internal consistency and no local dependency, but that did not fit the Rasch model. Performance on a jumping task was misfitting, and there were issues with disordered thresholds (for jumping, hopping and balance tasks). Study 3 revealed a unidimensional assessment tool with good fit to the Rasch model, and no further issues, once jumping and hopping scoring were modified.

Implications

The finalised version of FUNMOVES (after three iterations) meets standards for accurate measurement, is free and able to assess a whole class in under an hour using resources available in schools. Thus FUNMOVES has the potential to allow schools to efficiently screen FMS to ensure that targeted support can be provided and disability barriers removed.
Access to HIV-prevention in female sex workers in Ukraine between 2009 and 2017: Coverage, barriers and facilitators
Authors: Blumer Natasha , Pfadenhauer Lisa M. , Burns Jacob
Published: April 2021

The provision of comprehensive prevention services is vital for reducing the high burden of HIV amongst Ukrainian female sex workers (FSWs). To identify barriers and facilitators that influence access to HIV prevention amongst this population between 2009 and 2017, we developed a literature-informed conceptual framework and conducted a document analysis to identify the components of the Ukrainian prevention package (PP). Using the Integrated Bio Behavioural Surveillance Surveys, we then conducted descriptive analyses to explore PP coverage from 2009 to 2017 and the influence of factors, identified by our conceptual framework. After increasing over four years, a drop in PP coverage was observed from 2013 onwards. Being a client of a non-governmental organisation, street and highway solicitation, non-condom use, and knowledge of HIV may influence access to HIV prevention in the Ukrainian context. Future interventions should consider barriers and facilitators to HIV prevention and the multiple structural levels on which they operate.
The roles of noninvasive mechanical ventilation with helmet in patients with acute respiratory failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hong Shukun , Wang Hongye , Tian Yonggang , Qiao Lujun
Published: April 2021

Objective

To compare the safety and effectiveness between helmet and face mask noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF).

Methods

English databases included PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science. Chinese databases involved Wanfang Data, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database and Chinese Biological Medicine Database. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing helmet and face mask NIMV for patients with ARF were searched. Meta-analysis was performed using Review manager 5.1.0.

Results

Twelve trials with a total of 569 patients were eligible. Our meta-analysis showed that, comparing with face mask, helmet could significantly decrease the incidences of intolerance [risk ratio (RR) 0.19; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09−0.39], facial skin ulcer (RR 0.19; 95% CI 0.08−0.43) and aerophagia (RR 0.15; 95% CI 0.06−0.37), reduce respiratory rate [mean difference (MD) -3.10; 95% CI -4.85 to -1.34], intubation rate (RR 0.39; 95% CI 0.26−0.59) and hospital mortality (RR 0.62; 95% CI 0.39−0.99) in patients with ARF, and improve oxygenation index in patients with hypoxemic ARF (MD 55.23; 95% CI 31.37−79.09). However, subgroupanalysis for hypercapnic ARF revealed that PaCO2 was significantly reduced in face mask group compared with helmet group (MD 5.34; 95% CI 3.41−7.27).

Conclusion

NIMV with helmet can improve the patient’s tolerance, reduce adverse events, increase oxygenation effect, and decrease intubation rate and hospital mortality comparing to face mask. However, the low number of patients from included studies may preclude strong conclusions. Large RCTs are still needed to provide more robust evidence.
Quality of life in Montenegrin pupils with acne
Authors: Đurović Milena Ražnatović , Đurović Milica , Janković Janko , Janković Slavenka
Published: April 2021

Background

Acne is a common skin disease that can affect a person’s quality of life (QoL), self-esteem, and mood in an adverse manner. The aim of the current study was to assess QoL among Montenegrin pupils with acne.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted over October and November 2020 in four randomly selected secondary schools in Podgorica, Montenegro. All 500 pupils were asked to fill in a short questionnaire which included questions on age, sex, presence of acne, and for those with acne their duration and location, visits to doctors, presence of any other coexisting skin disease, and family history of acne. Only pupils who self-reported acne were asked to complete the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI).

Results

Self reported acne were presented in 49.8% (249/500) of all pupils. The mean CDLQI score of the total sample was 4.27 ± 5.13. Overall, the CDLQI domains that were most affected by acne were symptoms and feelings (mean score 1.49 ± 1.43), leisure (mean score 0.94 ± 1.72), and treatment (0.66 ± 0.79). The mean total CADI score was 3.53 ± 3.11 which was higher in girls (4.07 ± 3.11) than in boys (2.90 ± 3.00). There was good correlation between the two questionnaires (Rho = 0.76; P < 0.01). According to multiple linear regressions, higher overall CDLQI score was found in pupils with acne who reported other skin diseases, while girls, pupils who reported both acne on face and back, and who had any concomitant skin disease had higher CADI total score.

Conclusions

Acne affects QoL of young adolescents in Montenegro with greater impact in girls. Our findings should point out the importance of timely diagnosis, treatment, and education of adolescents with acne.
An integrated approach of Ecological Footprint (EF) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in human ecology: A base for planning toward sustainability
Authors: Fatemi Mahsa , Rezaei-Moghaddam Kurosh , Karami Ezatollah , Hayati Dariush , Wackernagel Mathis
Published: April 2021

Environmental challenges to natural resources have been attributed to human behavior and traditional agricultural production techniques. Natural resource degradation in agriculture has always been a prime concern in agro ecological research and sustainability analysis. There are many techniques for assessing environmental performance; one of which, ecological footprint (EF), assesses human pressure on the environment and natural resources. The main purpose of this study was calculation of ecological indices including biocapacity (BC) and EF of rural areas of Fars province of Iran. The study was accomplished using survey and structured interviews consisting of three main questionnaires in two different steps. Different agricultural stakeholders, including farmers (for the first step) as well as the policymakers, extension managers and authorities (for the second step) were interviewed. Based on multi-stage stratified random sampling, 50 villages and 423 farmers were selected. Face validity and reliability of the questionnaires were assessed by a panel of specialists as well as conducting a pilot study, respectively. The paradigmatic perspectives of agricultural policy makers and managers (22 individuals) were also analyzed using another specific questionnaire by Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Findings revealed that most of the studied villages faced a critical environmental condition due to the results of ecological indicator which was calculated in the study. According to the four main components of human ecology (POET model) including Population, Organization, Environment and Technology, village groups that differed in terms of sustainability level also showed significantly differences due to population, social participation, use of green technologies and attitude towards diverse environmental management paradigms. The causal model also revealed that population, green technology, social participation and attitude toward frontier economics, which were in accordance with the elements of human ecology model, were the main factors affecting the ecological index. Finally, AHP results determined the dominant economic perspectives of agricultural authorities. A paradigm shift toward the comprehensive paradigm of eco-development plus consideration of the results of the ecological indicator calculation as the base of agricultural planning at the local level were recommended.
The processing of intimately familiar and unfamiliar voices: Specific neural responses of speaker recognition and identification
Authors: Plante-Hébert Julien , Boucher Victor J. , Jemel Boutheina
Published: April 2021

Research has repeatedly shown that familiar and unfamiliar voices elicit different neural responses. But it has also been suggested that different neural correlates associate with the feeling of having heard a voice and knowing who the voice represents. The terminology used to designate these varying responses remains vague, creating a degree of confusion in the literature. Additionally, terms serving to designate tasks of voice discrimination, voice recognition, and speaker identification are often inconsistent creating further ambiguities. The present study used event-related potentials (ERPs) to clarify the difference between responses to 1) unknown voices, 2) trained-to-familiar voices as speech stimuli are repeatedly presented, and 3) intimately familiar voices. In an experiment, 13 participants listened to repeated utterances recorded from 12 speakers. Only one of the 12 voices was intimately familiar to a participant, whereas the remaining 11 voices were unfamiliar. The frequency of presentation of these 11 unfamiliar voices varied with only one being frequently presented (the trained-to-familiar voice). ERP analyses revealed different responses for intimately familiar and unfamiliar voices in two distinct time windows (P2 between 200–250 ms and a late positive component, LPC, between 450–850 ms post-onset) with late responses occurring only for intimately familiar voices. The LPC present sustained shifts, and short-time ERP components appear to reflect an early recognition stage. The trained voice equally elicited distinct responses, compared to rarely heard voices, but these occurred in a third time window (N250 between 300–350 ms post-onset). Overall, the timing of responses suggests that the processing of intimately familiar voices operates in two distinct steps of voice recognition, marked by a P2 on right centro-frontal sites, and speaker identification marked by an LPC component. The recognition of frequently heard voices entails an independent recognition process marked by a differential N250. Based on the present results and previous observations, it is proposed that there is a need to distinguish between processes of voice “recognition” and “identification”. The present study also specifies test conditions serving to reveal this distinction in neural responses, one of which bears on the length of speech stimuli given the late responses associated with voice identification.
CRISPR genotyping as complementary tool for epidemiological surveillance of Erwinia amylovora outbreaks
Authors: Mendes Rafael J. , Luz João Pedro , Santos Conceição , Tavares Fernando
Published: April 2021

Fire blight is a destructive plant disease caused by Erwinia amylovora affecting pome fruit trees, and responsible for large yield declines, long phytosanitary confinements, and high economic losses. In Portugal, the first major fire blight outbreaks occurred in 2010 and 2011, and although later considered eradicated, the emergence of other outbreaks in recent years stressed the need to characterize the E. amylovora populations associated with these outbreaks. In this regard, CRISPR genotyping, assessment of three virulence markers, and semi-quantitative virulence bioassays, were carried out to determine the genotype, and assess the virulence of thirty-six E. amylovora isolates associated with outbreaks occurring between 2010 and 2017 and affecting apple and pear orchards located in the country central-west, known as the main producing region of pome fruits in Portugal. The data gathered reveal that 35 E. amylovora isolates belong to one of the widely-distributed CRISPR genotypes (5-24-38 / D-a-α) regardless the host species, year and region. Ea 680 was the single isolate revealing a new CRISPR genotype due to a novel CR2 spacer located closer to the leader sequence and therefore thought to be recently acquired. Regarding pathogenicity, although dot-blot hybridization assays showed the presence of key virulence factors, namely hrpL (T3SS), hrpN (T3E) and amsG from the amylovoran biosynthesis operon in all E. amylovora isolates studied, pathogenicity bioassays on immature pear slices allowed to distinguish four virulence levels, with most of the isolates revealing an intermediate to severe virulence phenotype. Regardless the clonal population structure of the E. amylovora associated to the outbreaks occurring in Portugal between 2010 and 2017, the different virulence phenotypes, suggests that E. amylovora may have been introduced at different instances into the country. This is the first study regarding E. amylovora in Portugal, and it discloses a novel CRISPR genotype for this bacterium.
Inadequate preparedness for response to COVID-19 is associated with stress and burnout among healthcare workers in Ghana
Authors: Afulani Patience A. , Gyamerah Akua O. , Nutor Jerry J. , Laar Amos , Aborigo Raymond A. , Malechi Hawa , Sterling Mona , Awoonor-Williams John K.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the global crisis of stress and burnout among healthcare workers. But few studies have empirically examined the factors driving these outcomes in Africa. Our study examined associations between perceived preparedness to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare worker stress and burnout and identified potential mediating factors among healthcare workers in Ghana.

Methods

Healthcare workers in Ghana completed a cross-sectional self-administered online survey from April to May 2020; 414 and 409 completed stress and burnout questions, respectively. Perceived preparedness, stress, and burnout were measured using validated psychosocial scales. We assessed associations using linear regressions with robust standard errors.

Results

The average score for preparedness was 24 (SD = 8.8), 16.3 (SD = 5.9) for stress, and 37.4 (SD = 15.5) for burnout. In multivariate analysis, healthcare workers who felt somewhat prepared and prepared had lower stress (β = -1.89, 95% CI: -3.49 to -0.30 and β = -2.66, 95% CI: -4.48 to -0.84) and burnout (β = -7.74, 95% CI: -11.8 to -3.64 and β = -9.25, 95% CI: -14.1 to –4.41) scores than those who did not feel prepared. Appreciation from management and family support were associated with lower stress and burnout, while fear of infection was associated with higher stress and burnout. Fear of infection partially mediated the relationship between perceived preparedness and stress/burnout, accounting for about 16 to 17% of the effect.

Conclusions

Low perceived preparedness to respond to COVID-19 increases stress and burnout, and this is partly through fear of infection. Interventions, incentives, and health systemic changes to increase healthcare workers’ morale and capacity to respond to the pandemic are needed.
Unmet need for family planning and associated factors among married women attending anti-retroviral treatment clinics in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Dejene Hiwot , Abera Muluemebet , Tadele Afework
Published: April 2021

Background

Unmet need for family planning is a measure of the gap between women’s contraceptive behavior and their fertility desires. It should be measured among different population groups to effectively implement public health interventions. Thus, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of unmet need for family planning and associated factors among HIV- positive women in Dire Dawa city Anti-retroviral treatment (ART) clinics, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

We carried out a facility-based cross-sectional study (March-June 2020) among 409 married women aged 15–49 on ART, using systematic random sampling. A face-to-face interview was done using a structured questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with unmet need for family planning.

Results

Overall, 33% [95% confidence interval (CI): 28.9–37.9] of the respondents had unmet need for family planning. Woman’s residing in a rural area (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.41 [95% CI: 1.24–4.67]), woman’s not attained formal education (AOR: 4.14 [95% CI: 1.73–9.93]) and attaining primary education (AOR: 2.97 [95% CI: 1.54–5.74]), poor knowledge (AOR: 2.87 [95% CI: 1.52–5.40]), and unfavorable attitude towards family planning (AOR: 2.21 [95% CI: 1.12–4.34]), clients not satisfied with family planning service (AOR: 6.34 [95% CI: 3.31–12.15]), the woman not having decision making power on family planning (AOR:3.97 [95% CI: 2.14–7.38]) and not getting family planning counseling in ART clinics (AOR: 2.87 [95% CI: 1.54–5.35]) were positively associated with having unmet need for family planning.

Conclusion

This study indicates there a high unmet need for family planning among married HIV-positive women. Factors like a place of residence, educational status of women, knowledge and attitude towards family planning, client satisfaction with FP service, women decision-making power, and FP counseling service in ART. Therefore, we recommend that the concerned bodies should collaborate with ART clinics to design interventions that enhance access to family planning programs to combat the high unmet need for family planning among HIV-positive women.
A dose-dependent beneficial effect of methotrexate on the risk of interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Kur-Zalewska Joanna , Kisiel Bartłomiej , Kania-Pudło Marta , Tłustochowicz Małgorzata , Chciałowski Andrzej , Tłustochowicz Witold
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of different factors, including treatment, on the risk of ILD in the course of RA.

Methods

A total of 109 RA patients were included in the analysis. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of chest was obtained in each patient. Patients were classified as having ILD (ILD group) or not (N-ILD group). The ILD was graded using the semi-quantitative Warrick scale of fibrosis. Warrick extent score (WES) and Warrick severity score (WSS) were calculated separately for each patient, then combined to obtain a global score (WGS).

Results

In univariate analysis the presence of ILD was associated positively with age (P = 5x10-6) and negatively with MTX treatment (P = 0.0013), mean MTX dose per year of treatment (P = 0.003) and number of DMARDs used (P = 0.046). On multivariate analysis only age and treatment with MTX were independently associated with the presence of ILD. WGS was significantly lower in patients treated with MTX in a dose of ≥15 mg/week (MTX≥15 group) as compared to patients treated with lower doses of MTX (0<MTX<15 group) or not treated with MTX (N-MTX group) (P = 0.04 and P = 0.037, respectively). The ILD prevalence was higher in N-MTX group than in 0<MTX<15 group (P = 0.0036) and MTX≥15 group (0.0007). The difference in ILD prevalence between MTX≥15 and 0<MTX<15 groups was not significant, but the latter group had higher WES (P = 0.044) and trended to have higher WSS and WGS.

Consclusions

We found a beneficial effect of MTX on RA-ILD. Importantly, this effect seems to be dose dependent.
Institutional injustice: Implications for system transformation emerging from the mental health recovery narratives of people experiencing marginalisation
Authors: Hui Ada , Rennick-Egglestone Stefan , Franklin Donna , Walcott Rianna , Llewellyn-Beardsley Joy , Ng Fiona , Roe James , Yeo Caroline , Deakin Emilia , Brydges Sarah , Penas Moran Patricia , McGranahan Rose , Pollock Kristian , Thornicroft Graham , Slade Mike
Published: April 2021

Background

Institutional injustice refers to structures that create disparities in resources, opportunities and representation. Marginalised people experience institutional injustice, inequalities and discrimination through intersecting personal characteristics and social circumstances. This study aimed to investigate sources of institutional injustice and their effects on marginalised people with experience of mental health problems.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 77 individuals from marginalised groups with experience of mental health problems, including psychosis, Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) populations, complex needs and lived experience as a work requirement. These were analysed inductively enabling sensitising concepts to emerge.

Findings

Three processes of institutional injustice were identified: not being believed because of social status and personal backgrounds; not being heard where narratives did not align with dominant discourses, and not being acknowledged where aspects of identity were disregarded. Harmful outcomes included disengagement from formal institutions through fear and mistrust, tensions and reduced affiliation with informal institutions when trying to consolidate new ways of being, and damaging impacts on mental health and wellbeing through multiple oppression.

Conclusions

Institutional injustice perpetuates health inequalities and marginalised status. Master status, arising from dominant discourses and heuristic bias, overshadow the narratives and experiences of marginalised people. Cultural competency has the potential to improve heuristic availability through social understandings of narrative and experience, whilst coproduction and narrative development through approaches such as communities of practice might offer meaningful avenues for authentic expression.
Differential recognition of HIV-stimulated IL-1β and IL-18 secretion through NLR and NAIP signalling in monocyte-derived macrophages
Authors: Triantafilou Kathy , Ward Christopher J. K. , Czubala Magdalena , Ferris Robert G. , Koppe Emma , Haffner Curt , Piguet Vincent , Patel Vipulkumar K. , Amrine-Madsen Heather , Modis Louise K. , Masters Seth L. , Triantafilou Martha
Published: April 2021

Macrophages are important drivers of pathogenesis and progression to AIDS in HIV infection. The virus in the later phases of the infection is often predominantly macrophage-tropic and this tropism contributes to a chronic inflammatory and immune activation state that is observed in HIV patients. Pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system are the key molecules that recognise HIV and mount the inflammatory responses in macrophages. The innate immune response against HIV-1 is potent and elicits caspase-1-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokine production of IL-1β and IL-18. Although, NLRP3 has been reported as an inflammasome sensor dictating this response little is known about the pattern recognition receptors that trigger the “priming” signal for inflammasome activation, the NLRs involved or the HIV components that trigger the response. Using a combination of siRNA knockdowns in monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs) of different TLRs and NLRs as well as chemical inhibition, it was demonstrated that HIV Vpu could trigger inflammasome activation via TLR4/NLRP3 leading to IL-1β/IL-18 secretion. The priming signal is triggered via TLR4, whereas the activation signal is triggered by direct effects on Kv1.3 channels, causing K+ efflux. In contrast, HIV gp41 could trigger IL-18 production via NAIP/NLRC4, independently of priming, as a one-step inflammasome activation. NAIP binds directly to the cytoplasmic tail of HIV envelope protein gp41 and represents the first non-bacterial ligand for the NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome. These divergent pathways represent novel targets to resolve specific inflammatory pathologies associated with HIV-1 infection in macrophages.
El relato canónico de la transición. El uso del pasado como guía para el presente
Authors: Canales Ciudad Daniel
Published: April 2021

La transición a la democracia se ha convertido en el más claro referente de la nueva identidad democrática española. En el relato oficial, los años que van de 1975 a 1981 y sus protagonistas se han elevado al panteón nacional, hasta el punto de convertirse en un período cuyas sombras son borradas intencionadamente con el fin de construir unos orígenes míticos donde fijar la nueva democracia. De esta manera, se fijó el consenso y la madurez que venían a ser los correlatos de un nuevo período de la historia de España que abandonaba la violencia y los antagonismos que habían caracterizado su pasado. Como mito, negar o poner en duda el carácter modélico de la transición se convierte en una especie de crimen contra la propia democracia. Así pues, en este artículo vamos a intentar extraer los puntos básicos de ese relato y, a partir de ellos, hacer una crítica de esa narración.
Association between animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality of beef carcasses, including Salmonella spp., from a slaughterhouse in Ecuador
Authors: Cevallos-Almeida María , Burgos-Mayorga Ana , Gómez Carlos A. , Lema-Hurtado José Luis , Lema Leydi , Calvache Iveth , Jaramillo Christian , Collaguazo Ruilova Isabel , Martínez Evelyn Pamela , Estupiñán Pamela
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: Pre-slaughter management and slaughter operations are considered critical factors for animal welfare and meat quality. Previous studies have found poor animal welfare management at municipal slaughterhouses in Ecuador, and little is known about how this affects the microbiological quality of the meat. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the association of the microbiological quality of beef carcasses and animal welfare indicators in a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador.

Materials and Methods: Data for 6 months were collected from a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador. Five trained researchers were strategically located along the slaughter process. A total of 351 animals were observed with regard to welfare indicators, and their carcasses were sampled to evaluate microbiological quality. Antemortem (slipping, falling, and vocalization) and postmortem animal welfare indicators (bleed interval, pH, temperature, and bruises) were measured. To determine the total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and Escherichia coli counts and the presence of Salmonella spp., we collected samples by swabbing four different points of each carcass. The association between microbiological quality and animal welfare indicators was studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.

Results: The mean TAB count was 5.3 log CFU/cm2, and the mean total count of E. coli was 2.4 log CFU/cm2. Salmonella spp. were isolated in 3.1% of the carcasses. An electric goad was used in all animals, 19.1% slipped at least once, and 19.9% vocalized. The mean pH of the carcasses was 7.2, and 79.2% of carcasses had bruises. Multivariate analysis showed that Salmonella spp. and the TAB count were associated with pH and the number of bruises (p = 0.01 in both cases).

Conclusion: Although there was non-significant association between the majority of animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality, the poor management affecting animal welfare and carcass hygiene are worrisome.
Interaction of Midazolam with Glassy Carbon Supported Lipid Membrane in the Presence and Absence of Marker Ions
Authors: Padmapriya M. , Parvathi K. , Rameshkumar S.
Published: April 2021

A biomimetic membrane was formed on the surface of electrochemically activated glassy carbon electrode in NaCl bath solutions. The variation of electrochemical properties of solid supported bilayer lipid membrane (s-BLM) with NaCl concentration in the bath solutions in the presence and absence of ferri/ferrocyanide marker ions was discussed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The extent of pore formation on the s-BLM surface was discussed using bode phase diagram. The electrochemical impedance studies show that the partition of midazolam into the s-BLM strongly depends on Cl– ion concentration in the bath solutions. The variation of membrane capacitance with drug dose shows the ionized form of midazolam interaction with the surface of s-BLM while the neutral and ion pair forms get partitioned into the membrane. In the presence of marker ions, the membrane resistance increases with decrease in NaCl concentration in the bath solution. The cyclic voltammetric responses of marker ions for bare and drug doped s-BLMs in NaCl bath solutions were recorded and variation of redox peak currents with drug dose was discussed.
Comparative Study of Methods of Chemical Modification of
Dehydrated Castor oil for Synthesis of Biolubricant
Authors: Rajwani S. , Yadav P.K.S.
Published: April 2021

Vegetable oil blends are the emerging alternative feedstocks, which are being used to synthesize
environment friendly lubricants. This work focuses on the Comparison of the methods of chemical
modification, which are used for the biolubricant synthesis and also compares the resultant behaviour
characterized on their thermal stability and viscosity. The biolubricant products are synthesized using
two chemical modification methods. Method 1: Epoxidation of vegetable oil followed by
transesterification of epoxidized oil. Method 2: Preparation of methyl esters (Transesterification)
followed by epoxidation of methyl esters. Biolubricant derived from method 1 shows better thermal
stability (Tonset = 338 ºC) compared to method 2 (Tonset = 205 ºC). The viscosity indices and pour point
values of the products were found to be 222; 4.6 ºC and 216; 6.0 ºC, respectively. Thus, the biolubricant
derived from first method showed better physio-chemical properties and were comparable and a blend
of non edible oil and waste cooking oil acts as potential basestock for biolubricant synthesis.
Synthesis, in vitro Antimicrobial Evaluation, Molecular Docking Studies and
ADME Prediction of Furan-2-yl-Morpholinophenylpyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Ezhilarasi M.R. , Senthieel Khumar A.B. , Elavarasan P.
Published: April 2021

A new series of novel 4-(furan-2-yl)-6-(4-morpholinophenyl)pyrimidine-amines (4a-c) were
synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectral analysis like IR, 1D 1H & 13C NMR.
The synthesized compounds 4a-c were evaluated for their biological studies. The zone of inhibitions
were examined for synthesized compounds 4a-c besides the identical set of microbial strains, especially
that compound 4a against S. aureus, S. pyogenes, E. coli, compound 4b against P. aeruginosa has
excellent antibacterial activity. Compound 4c shows good inhibition against C. albicans. Also in silico
molecular docking and ADME predictions were carried for all the compounds. The docking studies
were examined by two different proteins like 1UAG protein and 1OQA protein. in silico docking
provides of the compounds have good docking score compared with the standard. In the ADME
predictions all the compounds were met criteria. The synthesized compounds all of them obeyed the
drug-likeness properties.
Influence of socio-economic indicators and territorial networks at the spatiotemporal spread dynamics of Covid-19 in Brazil
Authors: Da Guia Albuquerque Miguel , Rodrigues dos Santos Jefferson , Fialho Silveira Angelita , Lorenzo Bornia Junior Dardo , Borges Nunes Rozele , Borges Ribeiro Gandra Tiago , Corrêa da Silva André Luis , Borba de Miranda Gustavo , Ruiz Trevisol Alessandra
Published: April 2021

This work aims to provide an overview of the territorial evolution of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) in Brazil using socio-demographic variables, for the time span between February 26, 2020 until January 24, 2021. Socio-demographic indicators, basic sanitation infrastructure data, and epidemiological bulletins were integrated using Principal Components Analysis (PCA) to develop a social vulnerability index (SVI), to estimate the degree of exposure risk of the Brazilian population to COVID-19. The results indicate that the majority of confirmed cases were reported from the main Brazilian capitals, linked to well-developed port and airport modes. In terms of deaths, the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Ceará and Pernambuco were at the top of the ranking. On the contrary, there were some states of the mid-west (Mato Grosso do Sul) and the north (Acre, Amapá, Roraima, Rondônia and Tocantins), that recorded low mortality indexes. The SVI reveals that the states of the north and north-east are the most vulnerable. Regarding the metropolitan areas, it was observed that the main capitals of the north and north-east, with the exception of Salvador, present significantly more critical numbers in terms of dissemination and deaths by COVID-19 than the capitals of the south-southeast, where the SVI is lower. The comparative exception was Santa Catarina state metropolitan areas. Finally, as the virus does not strike everyone in the same way, one of the great challenges is to search for solutions to cope with COVID-19 in the face of very unequal realities. Thus, a reflection on the strategies adopted by the Brazilian government is relevant, while considering the continental dimensions and the diversity of the Brazilian regions, to obtain a better analysis of the more vulnerable populations and social groups.
Scholars and Literati at the Academy of the Ricovrati (1599–1800)
Authors: Blasutto Fabio , De la Croix David , Vitale Mara
Published: April 2021

This note is a summary description of the set of scholars and literati who were members or associates of the Academy of the Ricovrati from its inception in 1599 to the eve of the Industrial Revolution (1800).
Le Soi au pluriel
Authors: Rohde Eric
Published: April 2021

Eric Rohde propose dans cette contribution une réflexion portant sur l’intersubjectivité, entendue comme le lieu du commun dans la communauté et comme accès à l’autre, puisque la rencontre entre les membres de la communauté se produit dans le monde. La thèse henryenne est ici aussi présentée en contraste avec les thèses de Heidegger et de Husserl, pour montrer que la compréhension de l’autre ego à partir de l’ego engage aussitôt la nécessité de recourir « à l’un ou à l’autre des motifs – analogie, extériorité, représentation – qui trahissent, à ses yeux, le défaut congénital de la tradition phénoménologique qui distingue l’apparaître et l’apparaissant ». Mais l’intérêt majeur de cette analyse est qu’elle transporte la thématique vers la question du temps, pour penser la mise à jour de la phénoménalisation propre à la communauté, avec la critique de l’intentionnalité que l’on sait et selon les modalités spécifiques au soi et à la communauté.
Propriedades físico-químicas dos cimentos AH Plus e Sealer Plus: tempo de endurecimento e escoamento
Authors: Ferraz Maria Ângela Arêa Leão , Soares Gabriela , Cordeiro Francianne da Silva , Feitosa Giselle Torres , Falcão Carlos Alberto Monteiro
Published: April 2021

Introdução: O tratamento endodôntico busca sanificar o sistema de canais radiculares para permitir adequada obturação tridimensional. Para tanto, necessita-se de materiais plásticos, como a guta-percha, associados a cimentos en- dodônticos com adequadas características físico-químicas. Métodos: Comparação das propriedades físico-químicas tempo de endurecimento e escoamento dos cimentos endodônticos AH Plus e Sealer Plus, de acordo com a especificação 57 da American National Standard Institute/American Dental Association para materiais obturadores. Resulta- dos: O tempo de endurecimento do AH Plus foi de 1178 mi- nutos e do Sealer Plus foi de 422 minutos. O escoamento do APlus foi de 3259 milímetros e do Sealer Plus, 3150 milímetros. Conclusões: O tempo de endurecimento do AH Plus foi maior quando comparado ao do cimento Sealer Plus, e não houve diferença estatística no escoamento entre os cimentos estudados.
Efeito do laser de baixa intensidade como coadjuvante na reparação óssea de dente com perfuração radicular e lesão perirradicular: relato de caso clínico, com 12 anos de acompanhamento
Authors: Amorim José Cláudio Faria , Ramos-Filho Oteir , Oliveira Guilherme Augusto Alves de
Published: April 2021

Introdução: O laser em baixa intensidade apresenta propriedades que podem ser efetivas no tratamento endodôntico, como a capacidade reparadora, a atuação antimicrobiana e o auxílio à proliferação celular. Objetivo: Descrever, por meio do relato de um caso clínico, a ação do laser em baixa intensidade como coadjuvante na reparação óssea de uma perfuração radicular e lesão perirradicular em um elemento dentário com canais tratados, sendo realizado retratamento endodôntico apenas do canal mesiovestibular, utilizando-se hidróxido de cálcio como medicação intracanal e laser em baixa intensidade. Os demais canais não foram submetidos a retratamento, apesar de apresentarem lesão perirradicular. Resultados: O laser em baixa intensidade mostrou-se efetivo como auxiliar no processo de reparação óssea restituindo, ad integrum, o osso interradicular e as lesões perirradiculares das raízes mesial e distal após acompanhamento de 12 anos. Conclusões: O laser em baixa intensidade pode ser utilizado como coadjuvante ao tratamento de perfurações, demonstrando sucesso em longo prazo.
Point-Of-Care clinical evaluation of the Clungene® SARS-CoV-2 virus IgG/IgM 15-minute rapid test cassette with the Cobas® Roche RT-PCR platform in patients with or without Covid-19
Authors: Haddad Fadi , Lamb Christopher C. , Kullar Ravina , Sakoulas George
Published: April 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) remains a pandemic with multiple challenges to confirm patient infectivity: lack of sufficient tests, accurate results, validated quality, and timeliness of results. We hypothesize that a rapid 15-minute Point-Of-Care serological test to evaluate past infection complements diagnostic testing for Covid-19 and significantly enhances testing availability.

Method: A three arm observational study at Sharp Healthcare, San Diego, California was conducted using the Clungene® lateral flow immunoassay (LFI) and compared with the Cobas® Roche real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results. Arm 1: Thirty-five (35) subjects with confirmed Covid-19 using RT-PCR were tested twice: prior to 14 days following symptom onset and once between 12 and 70 days. Arm 2: Thirty (30) subjects with confirmed Covid-19 using RT-PCR were tested 12-70 days post symptom onset. Arm 3: Thirty (30) subjects with a negative RT-PCR for Covid-19 were tested 1–10 days following the RT-PCR test date.

Results: Specificity of confirmed negative Covid-19 by RT-PCR was 100% (95% CI, 88.4%–100.0%); meaning there was 100% negative positive agreement between the RT-PCR and the Clungene® serological test results. Covid-19 subjects tested prior to day 7 of symptom onset were antibody negative. In subjects 7–12 days following symptom onset with a confirmed positive Covid-19 by RT-PCR, the combined sensitivity of IgM and IgG was 58.6% (95% CI, 38.9%–76.5%). In subjects 13–70 days following symptom onset with a confirmed positive Covid-19 by RT-PCR, the combined sensitivity of IgM and IgG was 90.5% (95% CI, 80.4%–96.4%).

Conclusion: The Clungene® lateral flow immunoassay (LFI) is a useful tool to confirm individuals with an adaptive immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) indicating past infection. Providing Point-Of-Care results within 15 minutes without any laboratory instrumentation or specialized software has an added value of increasing test availability to patients who have been symptomatic for more than 1 week to confirm past infection. Performance characteristics are optimal after 13 days with a sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 100%, respectively.

Statement of novelty: Formal controlled clinical studies of Covid-19 antibody tests have been limited. This study demonstrates the utility of the 15 minute rapid Clungene® test and the potential for expanded use where Covid-19 RT-PCR testing and vaccination is limited.
Political Rhetoric in the Hán Fēizǐ 韓非子
Authors: Indraccolo Lisa
Published: April 2021

Persuasion is one of the main rhetorical techniques employed in debates by early Chinese “wandering persuaders,” as it is attested by several examples preserved in Classical Chinese pre-imperial and early imperial politico-philosophical literature. The present article contributes to the study of persuasion by providing a detailed structural analysis of one of the most famous texts that openly deals with this technique, Chapter 12 ‘Shuìnán’ 說難 (The Difficulties of Persuasion) of the composite “Masters text” Hán Fēizǐ 韓非子. Through such analysis, the article discloses the complex, multi-layered underlying rhetorical structure of the text, and the thick network of conceptual cross-references that are established among its different sections through the ingenious distribution of different kinds of text-structuring elements. As the present case study will show, this type of analysis is an invaluable hermeneutic tool that provides a substantial contribution to a better and fuller understanding of Classical Chinese texts.
Explicit and hidden zoological categories in early Chinese taxonomies
Authors: Valenti Federico
Published: April 2021

The present article investigates the problems of zoological taxonomical categories in texts that range from the Warring States (ca. 453–221 BCE) to the Eastern Han periods (25–220 CE). It focuses its attention on the Erya (attested 3rd c. BCE), a work that had a pivotal role during the development of Chinese lexicography. This terse glossary is probably one of the first texts that deal with the problem of taxonomical classification in early China through the use of syntactical devices that I call “categorical markers”, i.e. normalised characters that introduce an ontologically independent category of entities. By dint of the analysis of selected case studies, it will be shown that along fairly well attested “categorical markers” that constitute dichotomous systems (such as shou 獸 “quadruped furred creatures” versus niao 鳥 “bipedal winged creatures”), early Chinese taxonomies reveal less explicit linguistic devices that are implied in zoological classification, e.g. the presence of “sub-categorical markers” as noun modifiers (chou 醜 “being physically similar” or shu 屬 “to belong to a category”) used in order to create embedded taxonomies within the standard “categorical markers”. This complexity reveals an organised taxonomical system that helps us to better define the early Chinese conception of the natural world.