bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the complications between minimally invasive surgery and open surgical treatments for early-stage cervical cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yilin , Kong Qingduo , Wei Hongyi , Wang Yongjun
Published: July 2021

Background

This meta-analysis comprehensively compared intraoperative and postoperative complications between minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and laparotomy in the management of cervical cancer. Even though the advantages of laparotomy over MIS in disease-free survival and overall survival for management of gynecological diseases have been cited in the literature, there is a lack of substantial evidence of the advantage of one surgical modality over another, and it is uncertain whether MIS is justifiable in terms of safety and efficacy.

Methods

In this meta-analysis, the studies were abstracted that the outcomes of complications to compare MIS (laparoscopic or robot-assisted) and open radical hysterectomy in patients with early-stage (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics classification stage IA1-IIB) cervical cancer. The primary outcomes were intraoperative overall complications, as well as postoperative aggregate complications. Secondary outcomes included the individual complications. Two investigators independently performed the screening and data extraction. All articles that met the eligibility criteria were included in this meta-analysis.

Results

The meta-analysis finally included 39 non-randomized studies and 1 randomized controlled trial (8 studies were conducted on robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH) vs open radical hysterectomy (ORH), 27 studies were conducted on laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) vs ORH, and 5 studies were conducted on all three approaches). Pooled analyses showed that MIS was associated with higher risk of intraoperative overall complications (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.07–1.86, P<0.05) in comparison with ORH. However, compared to ORH, MIS was associated with significantly lower risk of postoperative aggregate complications (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.34–0.48, P = 0.0143). In terms of individual complications, MIS appeared to have a positive effect in decreasing the complications of transfusion, wound infection, pelvic infection and abscess, lymphedema, intestinal obstruction, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and urinary tract infection. Furthermore, MIS had a negative effect in increasing the complications of cystotomy, bowel injury, subcutaneous emphysema, and fistula.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis demonstrates that MIS is superior to laparotomy, with fewer postoperative overall complications (wound infection, pelvic infection and abscess, lymphedema, intestinal obstruction, pulmonary embolism, and urinary tract infection). However, MIS is associated with a higher risk of intraoperative aggregate complications (cystotomy, bowel injury, and subcutaneous emphysema) and postoperative fistula complications.
Fearing fear itself: Crowdsourced longitudinal data on Covid-19-related fear in Sweden
Authors: Tishelman Carol , Hultin-Rosenberg Jonas , Hadders Anna , Eriksson Lars E.
Published: July 2021

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic has had unprecedented effects on individual lives and livelihoods as well as on social, health, economic and political systems and structures across the world. This article derives from a unique collaboration between researchers and museums using rapid response crowdsourcing to document contemporary life among the general public during the pandemic crisis in Sweden.

Methods and findings

We use qualitative analysis to explore the narrative crowdsourced submissions of the same 88 individuals at two timepoints, during the 1stand 2ndpandemic waves, about what they most fear in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, and how their descriptions changed over time. In this self-selected group, we found that aspects they most feared generally concerned responses to the pandemic on a societal level, rather than to the Covid-19 disease itself or other health-related issues. The most salient fears included a broad array of societal issues, including general societal collapse and fears about effects on social and political interactions among people with resulting impact on political order. Notably strong support for the Swedish pandemic response was expressed, despite both national and international criticism.

Conclusions

This analysis fills a notable gap in research literature that lacks subjective and detailed investigation of experiences of the general public, despite recognition of the widespread effects of Covid-19 and its’ management strategies. Findings address controversy about the role of experts in formulating and communicating strategy, as well as implications of human responses to existential threats. Based on this analysis, we call for broader focus on societal issues related to this existential threat and the responses to it.
Parameters setting of Frequency Converter PI regulation to ensure the vacuum of the milking process
Authors: Kudělka Jan , Fryč Jiří , Slaný Vlastimil , Rouš Robert , Raj Akshaya , Martínek Radek
Published: July 2021

This paper presents regulation of an asynchronous induction motor so as to create a stable vacuum milk pump using Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). Contribution includes providing information about the usage of the VFD, which regulates the activity of an asynchronous induction motor so that the vacuum pump milking machine creates stable vacuum. The paper describes the functional and time dependence of input values and output parameters of frequency converters at changing electric motor speed. For simulation and verification the milking process a mathematical model of the milking machine was created. The simulation was verified in Matlab/Simulink software. The constructed mathematical model showed symmetric regulation. Control model symmetry was verified at the laboratory of milking machine. The possibility to remove the control valve from milking equipment was proven using the measured data. It was found that constant vacuum values can be maintained. A constant vacuum can be maintained by changing vacuum pump speed. This control is of an accepted standard (ISO 5707: 2007). The power saving control values (on the milking equipment) of the VFD were positive throughout the measuring range. The performance of the milking vacuum pump is normally designed from the maximum air consumption of the milking machine at nominal vacuum (50 kPa), and a performance reserve is added to this. This means that the pump is operated between the ranges 7.53 and 15.06 dm3 s−1. By using a vacuum pump controlled by a VFD, power savings can be achieved from 32.50% to 54.02% compared to a control valve.
Upscaling human activity data: A statistical ecology approach
Authors: Tovo Anna , Stivanello Samuele , Maritan Amos , Suweis Samir , Favaro Stefano , Formentin Marco
Published: July 2021

Big data require new techniques to handle the information they come with. Here we consider four datasets (email communication, Twitter posts, Wikipedia articles and Gutenberg books) and propose a novel statistical framework to predict global statistics from random samples. More precisely, we infer the number of senders, hashtags and words of the whole dataset and how their abundances (i.e. the popularity of a hashtag) change through scales from a small sample of sent emails per sender, posts per hashtag and word occurrences. Our approach is grounded on statistical ecology as we map inference of human activities into the unseen species problem in biodiversity. Our findings may have applications to resource management in emails, collective attention monitoring in Twitter and language learning process in word databases.
HIV-1 Gag gene mutations, treatment response and drug resistance to protease inhibitors: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Nka Alex Durand , Teto Georges , Santoro Maria Mercedes , Ngum Ndze Valantine , Takou Désiré , Dambaya Beatrice , Ngoufack Jagni Semengue Ezechiel , Fabeni Lavinia , Perno Carlo-Federico , Colizzi Vittorio , Ceccherini-Silberstein Francesca , Fokam Joseph
Published: July 2021

Background

Some mutations in the HIV-1 Gag gene are known to confer resistance to ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors (PI/r), but their clinical implications remain controversial. This review aims at summarizing current knowledge on HIV-1 Gag gene mutations that are selected under PI/r pressure and their distribution according to viral subtypes.

Materials and methods

Randomized and non-randomized trials, cohort and cross-sectional studies evaluating HIV-1 Gag gene mutations and protease resistance associated mutations, will all be included. Searches will be conducted (from January 2000 onwards) in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILAC), Web of Science, African Journals Online, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases. Hand searching of the reference lists of relevant reviews and trials will be conducted and we will also look for conference abstracts. Genotypic profiles of both Gag gene and the protease region as well as viral subtypes (especially B vs. non B) will all serve as comparators. Primary outcomes will be the “prevalence of Gag mutations” and the “prevalence of PI/r resistance associated mutations”. Secondary outcomes will be the “rate of treatment failure” and the distribution of Gag mutations according to subtypes. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts, assess the full texts for eligibility, and extract data. If data permits, random effects models will be used where appropriate. This study will be reported according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses.

Discussion

This systematic review will help identify HIV-1 Gag gene mutations associated to PI/r-based regimen according to viral subtypes. Findings of this review will help to better understand the implications of the Gag gene mutations in PI/r treatment failure. This may later justify considerations of Gag-genotyping within HIV drug resistance interpretation algorithms in the clinical management of patients receiving PI/r regimens.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO: CRD42019114851.
A normative database of A-scan data using the Heidelberg Spectralis Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography machine
Authors: Meyer Joos , Karri Roshan , Danesh-Meyer Helen , Drummond Kate , Symons Andrew
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To develop the first normative database of macular and circumpapillary scans with reference values at the level of the A-scan using the Heidelberg Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cross sectional analysis of macular and circumpapillary OCT scans of healthy individuals. All participants had a full ophthalmic examination, including best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, biomicroscopy, posterior segment examination and OCT scan. The volume and thickness of each of the nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy zones at the macula were analysed for the total retinal thickness, retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL) and inner plexiform layer (IPL). The thickness of the circumpapillary RNFL was analysed at the disc. Associations between age, gender, refractive error and OCT measurements were explored. De-identified A-scans were extracted from the OCT machine as separate tab-separated text file and made available according to the data sharing statement.

Results

Two-hundred eyes from 146 participants were included of which 69 (47%) were female. The mean age (SD) was 48.52 (17.52). Participants were evenly distributed across four age groups and represented nine broad ethnic groups in proportions comparable to the local distribution. All the macular scans were 20° x 20° (5.9 mm x 5.9 mm), with a total scan density between 12,800 and 49,152 A-scans. The peripapillary scans were all 12° (3.5 mm), at a scan density of 768 A-scans. The mean retinal, GCL and IPL volumes were significantly greater in males than females. Mean peripapillary RNFL thickness did not differ significantly between males and females. Age and total retinal volume (r = –0.2561, P = 0.0003), GCL volume (–0.2911, P < 0.0001) and IPL volume (–0.3194, P < 0.0001) were negatively correlated. The IPL had the strongest three significant negatively associated segments; superior inner IPL (r = –0.3444, P < 0.0001), nasal outer IPL (r = –0.3217, P < 0.0001) and inferior inner IPL (r = –0.3179, P < 0.0001). The temporal inner macular RNFL showed a statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.1929, P = 0.0062) with age. The only significant association between age and thickness at the peripapillary disc scan was the superior temporal sector (r = –0.1910, P = 0.0067). All retinal layers were negatively correlated for refractive error, except for the central RNFL which was positively correlated (r = 0.1426, P = 0.044).

Conclusion

This study provides a normative database of macular and circumpapillary scans with reference values at the level of the A-scan using the Heidelberg Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine.
Helminth infection induces non-functional sensitization to house dust mites
Authors: Doyen Virginie , Truyens Carine , Nhu Thi Hoa , Mong Hiep Tran Thi , Le Chi Thanh , De Blay Frederic , Huynh Phuong Thi Ngoe , Michel Olivier , Corazza Francis
Published: July 2021

Background

IgE characterizes the humoral response of allergic sensitization but less is known about what modulates its function and why some patients present clinical symptoms for a given IgE level and others do not. An IgE response also occurs during helminth diseases, independently of allergic symptoms. This response could be a model of non-functional IgE.

Objective

To study the IgE response against environmental allergens induced during natural helminth infection.

Methods

In 28 non allergic subjects from the periphery of Ho Chi Minh city with (H+, n = 18) and without helminth infection (H-, n = 10), we measured IgE and IgG4 against several components ofDermatophagoïdes pteronyssinus(Dpt) and Ascaris (a marker of immunization against nematodes), and determined the IgE component sensitization profile using microarray ISAC biochips. The functional ability of IgE to induce degranulation of cultured mast cells was evaluated in the presence of Dpt.

Results

Non allergic H+ subjects exhibited higher levels of IgE against Dpt compared to H- subjects. Dpt IgE were not functionalin vitroand did not recognize usual Dpt major allergens. IgE recognized other component allergens that belong to different protein families, and most were glycosylated. Depletion of IgE recognizing carbohydrate cross-reactive determinant (CCD) did not induce a reduction in Dpt IgE. The Dpt IgG4 were not significantly different.

Conclusion

Helminth infections induced IgE against allergens such as Dpt and molecular components that belong to different sources as well as against CCD (such as β-1,2-xylose and/or ⍺-1,3-fucose substituted N-glycans). Dpt IgE were not able to induce degranulation of mast cells and were not explained by sensitization to usual major allergens or N-glycans.
How to tackle complexity in urban climate resilience? Negotiating climate science, adaptation and multi-level governance in India
Authors: Sethi Mahendra , Sharma Richa , Mohapatra Subhakanta , Mittal Shilpi
Published: July 2021

As the world’s population is expected to be over 2/3rd urban by 2050, climate action in cities is a growing area of interest in the inter-disciplines of development policy, disaster mitigation and environmental governance. The climate impacts are expected to be quite severe in the developing world, given its urban societies are densely packed, vastly exposed to natural elements while possessing limited capabilities. There is a notable ambiguity and complexity that inhibits a methodical approach in identifying urban resilience measures. The complexity is due to intersection of large number of distinct variables in climate geoscience (precipitation and temperature anomalies at different locations, RCPs, timeline), adaptation alternatives (approach, priority, intervention level) and urban governance (functional mandate, institutional capacity, and plans & policies). This research examines how disparate and complex knowledge and information in these inter-disciplines can be processed for systematic ‘negotiation’ to situate, ground and operationalize resilience in cities. With India as a case, we test this by simulating mid-term and long-run climate scenarios (2050 & 2080) to map regional climate impacts that shows escalation in the intensity of climate events like heat waves, urban flooding, landslides and sea level rise. We draw on suitable adaptation measures for five key urban sectors- water, infrastructure (including energy), building, urban planning, health and conclude a sleuth of climate resilience building measures for policy application through national/ state policies, local urban plans and preparation of city resilience strategy, as well as advance the research on ‘negotiated resilience’ in urban areas
Perception of risk of exposure in the management of hazardous drugs in home hospitalization and hospital units
Authors: Bernabeu-Martínez Mari Ángeles , Sánchez-Tormo Julia , García-Salom Pedro , Sanz-Valero Javier , Wanden-Berghe Carmina
Published: July 2021

Objective

To assess the perception of risk of exposure in the management of hazardous drugs (HDs) through home hospitalization and hospital units.

Material and methods

A questionnaire was released, at the national level, to health professionals with HD management expertise. Questionnaire included 21 questions that were scored using a Likert scale: 0 (null probability) to 4 (very high probability). The internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire were calculated using Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively.

Results

144 questionnaires (response rate 70.2%) were obtained: 65 (45.1%) were nurses, 42 (28.9%) occupational physicians, and 37 (26.1%) were pharmacists. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.93, and intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.94 (95% CI 0.91–0.97; p-value < 0.001). The mean probability was 1.95 ± 1.02 (median 1.9; minimum: 0.05; 1st quartile 1.1; 3rd quartile 2.6; and maximum 4). Differences were observed in scoring among professional groups (occupational physicians versus nurses (1.6/2.1, p = 0.044); pharmacists versus nurses (1.7/2.1, p = 0.05); and occupational physicians versus pharmacists (1.6/1.7, p = 0.785), due mainly to the administration stage (p = 0.015).

Conclusions

The perception of risk of exposure was moderate, being higher for nurses. It would be advisable to integrate HDs into a standardized management system (risk management model applicable to any healthcare center) to improve the safety of health professionals.
Persuasive linguistic tricks in social media marketing communication—The memetic approach
Authors: Stepaniuk Krzysztof , Jarosz Katarzyna
Published: July 2021

The paper reports the results of a study into the use of linguistic cues defined as Persuasive Linguistic Tricks (PLT) in social media (SM) marketing communication. It was assumed that the content shared on Social Networking Sites (SNS) could be perceived as specific sets of meanings (memeplexes), where a single component, also PLT, may function as their part. Following an original typology of PLT, created based on an emotional factor, the research focused on whether and how the number of positive, neutral and negative PLT used in Facebook posts impacted the behaviour of content recipients. These activities, including liking, commenting and sharing, are strictly connected with post spreading and range. The data analysis focused on 167 Facebook posts shared by five leading Polish travel agencies and 1911 responding comments. The quantitative content analysis method and Spearman’s correlation tests were used. A relationship was observed between the number of emotionally positive and neutral PLT and the increase in the range of content with these PLT. The use of PLT by post recipients was also observed in their comments. This phenomenon is possibly related to the memetic nature of PLT. From the perspective of marketing messages, the obtained results contribute to and guide the textual content-building with a high spreading potential owing to the memetic capability of PLT. Further elaborations were made on the assumption for the evolutionary approach in social media content transfer and its processing.
Rapid and simultaneous detection of Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. in chicken samples by duplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification coupled with a lateral flow biosensor assay
Authors: Sridapan Thanawat , Tangkawsakul Wanida , Janvilisri Tavan , Luangtongkum Taradon , Kiatpathomchai Wansika , Chankhamhaengdecha Surang
Published: July 2021

Development of a simple, rapid and specific assay for the simultaneous detection of Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. based on duplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (d-LAMP), combined with lateral-flow biosensor (LFB) is reported herein. LAMP amplicons of both pathogens were simultaneously amplified and specifically differentiated by LFB. The specificity of the d-LAMP-LFB was evaluated using a set of 68 target and 12 non-target strains, showing 100% inclusivity and exclusivity. The assay can simultaneously detect Campylobacter and Salmonella strains as low as 1 ng and 100 pg genomic DNA per reaction, respectively. The lowest inoculated detection limits for Campylobacter and Salmonella species in artificially contaminated chicken meat samples were 103 CFU and 1 CFU per 25 grams, respectively, after enrichment for 24 h. Furthermore, compared to culture-based methods using field chicken meat samples, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of d-LAMP- LFB were 95.6% (95% CI, 78.0%-99.8%), 71.4% (95% CI, 29.0%-96.3%) and 90.0% (95% CI, 73.4%-97.8%), respectively. The developed d-LAMP-LFB assay herein shows great potentials for the simultaneous detection of the Campylobacter and Salmonella spp. and poses a promising alternative approach for detection of both pathogens with applications in food products.
COVID-19 and mental well-being of nurses in a tertiary facility in Kenya
Authors: Ali Sayed K. , Shah Jasmit , Talib Zohray
Published: July 2021

Background

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic is a global health emergency which has been shown to pose a great challenge to mental health, well-being and resilience of healthcare workers, especially nurses. Little is known on the impact of COVID-19 among nurses in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

A cross sectional study was carried out between August and November 2020 among nurses recruited from the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. The survey questionnaire consisted of six components- demographic and work title characteristics, information regarding care of COVID-19 patients, symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, distress and burnout, measured using standardized questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with mental health disorders.

Results

Of 255 nurses, 171 (67.1%) consented to complete the survey. The median age of the participants was 33.47 years, 70.2% were females and 60.8% were married. More than half, 64.9% were frontline workers directly engaged in COVID-19 care. Only 1.8% reported a prior history or diagnosis of any mental health disorder. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, distress, and burnout were reported in 45.9%, 48.2%, 37.0%, 28.8% and 47.9% of all nurses. Frontline nurses reported experiencing more moderate to severe symptoms of depression, distress and burnout. Furthermore, females reported more burnout as compared to males. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment, working in the frontlines was an independent risk variable for depression and burnout.

Conclusion

This is one of the few studies looking at mental health outcomes among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. Similar to other studies from around the world, nurses directly involved with COVID-19 patients reported higher rates of mental health symptoms. Burnout threatens to exacerbate the pre-existing severe nursing workforce shortage in low-resource settings. Cost-effective and feasible mitigating strategies, geared to low-middle income countries, are urgently needed to help cope with mental health symptoms during such a pandemic.
Heart rate variability analysis for the assessment of immersive emotional arousal using virtual reality: Comparing real and virtual scenarios
Authors: Marín-Morales Javier , Higuera-Trujillo Juan Luis , Guixeres Jaime , Llinares Carmen , Alcañiz Mariano , Valenza Gaetano
Published: July 2021

Many affective computing studies have developed automatic emotion recognition models, mostly using emotional images, audio and videos. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has been also used as a method to elicit emotions in laboratory environments. However, there is still a need to analyse the validity of VR in order to extrapolate the results it produces and to assess the similarities and differences in physiological responses provoked by real and virtual environments. We investigated the cardiovascular oscillations of 60 participants during a free exploration of a real museum and its virtualisation viewed through a head-mounted display. The differences between the heart rate variability features in the high and low arousal stimuli conditions were analysed through statistical hypothesis testing; and automatic arousal recognition models were developed across the real and the virtual conditions using a support vector machine algorithm with recursive feature selection. The subjects’ self-assessments suggested that both museums elicited low and high arousal levels. In addition, the real museum showed differences in terms of cardiovascular responses, differences in vagal activity, while arousal recognition reached 72.92% accuracy. However, we did not find the same arousal-based autonomic nervous system change pattern during the virtual museum exploration. The results showed that, while the direct virtualisation of a real environment might be self-reported as evoking psychological arousal, it does not necessarily evoke the same cardiovascular changes as a real arousing elicitation. These contribute to the understanding of the use of VR in emotion recognition research; future research is needed to study arousal and emotion elicitation in immersive VR.
Reaching skills in six-month-old infants at environmental and biological risk
Authors: Araújo Rohr Liz , Cabral Thais Invenção , Moraes Murilo Mageste de , Tudella Eloisa
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To assess kinematic parameters and proximal and distal reaching adjustments of infants at biological or environmental risk and compare with reaching performance of six-month-old full-term infants without known risk factors.

Methods

This blinded cross-sectional study included 62 infants at six months of age divided into three independent groups: Group with no known risk factor (NRF), 28 full-terms with no risk factors; Low SES group (LSES):19 full-terms classified as low socioeconomic status and no biological risk; Very preterm group (VPT), 15 very preterm infants at six months corrected age and no environmental risk. Infants were placed in a reclined baby chair at 45°, and a malleable and unfamiliar object was presented to the infant at 5-second intervals to elicit reaching movements.

Results

Infants from LSES presented reaching duration (p = 0.032, Cohen’s f = 0.349) and movement unit (p = 0.033, Cohen’s f = 0.351) significantly higher than VPT group. Horizontal hand orientation was moderately associated with infants at environmental risk (p = 0.031; Cramer’s V = 0.30).

Conclusion

Infants of low socioeconomic status perform less functional reaching movements than very preterm infants at six months corrected age. Socioeconomic status may impact more on reaching skills than biological risk. Given the importance of reaching for infant development, low-cost public health strategies are needed to identify possible delays.
Postnatal infection surveillance by telephone in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: An observational cohort study
Authors: Woodd Susannah L. , Kabanywanyi Abdunoor M. , Rehman Andrea M. , Campbell Oona M. R. , Kagambo Asila , Martiasi Warda , TinaDay Louise M. , Aiken Alexander M. , Graham Wendy J.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Maternal and newborn infections are important causes of mortality but morbidity data from low- and middle-income countries is limited. We used telephone surveillance to estimate infection incidence and risk factors in women and newborns following hospital childbirth in Dar es Salaam.

Methods

We recruited postnatal women from two tertiary hospitals and conducted telephone interviews 7 and 28 days after delivery. Maternal infection (endometritis, caesarean or perineal wound, or urinary tract infection) and newborn infection (umbilical cord or possible severe bacterial infection) were identified using hospital case-notes at the time of birth and self-reported symptoms. Adjusted Cox regression models were used to assess the association between potential risk-factors and infection.

Results

We recruited 879 women and interviewed 791 (90%). From day 0–7, 6.7% (49/791) women and 6.2% (51/762) newborns developed infection. Using full follow-up data, the infection rate was higher in women with caesarean childbirth versus women with a vaginal delivery (aHR 1.93, 95%CI 1.11–3.36). Only 24% of women received pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis before caesarean section. Infection was higher in newborns resuscitated at birth versus newborns who were not resuscitated (aHR 4.45, 95%CI 2.10–9.44). At interview, 66% (37/56) of women and 88% (72/82) of newborns with possible infection had sought health-facility care.

Conclusions

Telephone surveillance identified a substantial risk of postnatal infection, including cases likely to have been missed by hospital-based data-collection alone. Risk of maternal endometritis and newborn possible severe bacterial infection were consistent with other studies. Caesarean section was the most important risk-factor for maternal infection. Improved implementation of pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis is urgently required to mitigate this risk.
A prognostic index model for predicting long-term recurrence of uterine leiomyoma after myomectomy
Authors: Ming Xiu , Zhou Junying , Gou Jinhai , Li Na , Nie Dan , Xue Luqi , Li Zhengyu
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Uterine leiomyoma (UL) is a common benign pelvic tumor in women that has a high recurrence rate. Our aim is to propose a prognostic index (PI) model for predicting the long-term recurrence risk of uterine leiomyoma (UL).

Methods

A total of 725 women who underwent myomectomy were enrolled in this retrospective multicenter study. Patients were contacted for follow-up. A PI model was proposed based on the multivariate Cox regression analysis in the model group. The predictive value of this model was tested in both internal and external validation group.

Results

PI formula = 1.5(if 3–5 leiomyomas) or 2(if >5 leiomyomas)+1(if residue)+1(if not submucosal)+1(if combined endometriosis). The PI value was divided into low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk group by cut-off values 1.25 and 3.75. In the model group, the high-risk group had a significantly 4.55 times greater recurrence risk of UL than that in the low-risk group [cumulative recurrence rate (CR): 82.1% vs 29.5%, HR = 4.55, 95% CI 2.821–7.339]; the intermediate-risk group had a significantly 2.81 times greater recurrence risk of UL than that in the low-risk group (CR: 62.3% vs 29.5%, HR = 2.81, 95% CI 2.035–3.878). The differences between any two risk groups were also significant (P< 0.05) in both internal and external validation groups.

Conclusion

The model was proved to be effective in predicting recurrence of UL after myomectomy.
Incorporating physical activity in the comprehensive care of people living with HIV starting antiretroviral therapy: Insights from a specialized care setting in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Santos Ardiles Vitor , Santos Elisabete Cristina Morandi , Picone Camila Melo , Dias Tulio Gamio , Ribeiro Sandra Maria Lima , Florindo Alex Antonio , Segurado Aluisio Cotrim
Published: July 2021

Background

Managing HIV infection as a chronic condition includes encouraging adoption of healthy behaviors and promotion of physical activity (PA). However, people living with HIV (PLH) are often under social and programmatic vulnerability that may compromise behavior change. Understanding such barriers is crucial for successful incorporation of PA in their comprehensive care.

Methods and findings

In this study, we describe PA, energy intake from diet, and anthropometry of a cohort of PLH starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) at a Brazilian reference clinic, report how PA was addressed in routine care and investigate association between PA, energy intake and psychosocial constructs that may facilitate PA (social support and self-efficacy for PA). Among 61 PLH (86.9% males, mean age = 32.5 years) anthropometry was normal, but 47.5% reported PA below recommendations. Despite presenting high social support scores, family encouragement for PA was low, and self-efficacy classified as medium. Chart reviews yielded infrequent reports concerning PA. After adjusting for gender and age, we found a negative association between energy intake from diet and self-efficacy, but none between PA and energy intake or between PA and psychosocial constructs.

Conclusions

We conclude that patients in our cohort were insufficiently active when starting ART, and that PA was poorly addressed by caretakers in routine HIV care. Nevertheless, social support and self-efficacy scores suggest potential for behavioral change. Caregivers should therefore start considering patients’ vulnerabilities and establishing strategies to help them overcome barriers to incorporate PA in their comprehensive care effectively.
Geographic variation in Alzheimer’s disease mortality
Authors: Topping Michael , Kim Jinho , Fletcher Jason
Published: July 2021

Objective

Accumulating evidence suggests the possibility that early life exposures may contribute to risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This paper explores geographic disparities in AD mortality based on both state of residence in older age as well as state of birth measures in order to assess the relative importance of these factors.

Methods

We use a subset of a large survey, the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, of over 150,000 individuals aged 65–70 with 15 years of mortality follow-up, allowing us to study over 1050 cases of AD mortality. We use multi-level logistic regression, where individuals are nested within states of residence and/or states of birth, to assess the contributions of place to AD mortality variation.

Results

We show that state of birth explains a modest amount of variation in AD mortality, approximately 4%, which is consistent with life course theories that suggest that early life conditions can produce old age health disparities. However, we also show that nearly all of the variation from state of birth is explained by state of residence in old age.

Conclusions

These results suggest that later life factors are potentially more consequential targets for intervention in reducing AD mortality and provide some evidence against the importance of macro-level environmental exposures at birth as a core determinant of later AD.
Complement Decay-Accelerating Factor is a modulator of influenza A virus lung immunopathology
Authors: Santos Nuno Brito , Vaz da Silva Zoé Enderlin , Gomes Catarina , Reis Celso A. , Amorim Maria João
Published: July 2021

Clearance of viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus (IAV), must be fine-tuned to eliminate the pathogen without causing immunopathology. As such, an aggressive initial innate immune response favors the host in contrast to a detrimental prolonged inflammation. The complement pathway bridges innate and adaptive immune system and contributes to the response by directly clearing pathogens or infected cells, as well as recruiting proinflammatory immune cells and regulating inflammation. However, the impact of modulating complement activation in viral infections is still unclear. In this work, we targeted the complement decay-accelerating factor (DAF/CD55), a surface protein that protects cells from non-specific complement attack, and analyzed its role in IAV infections. We found that DAF modulates IAV infectionin vivo, via an interplay with the antigenic viral proteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), in a strain specific manner. Our results reveal that, contrary to what could be expected, DAF potentiates complement activation, increasing the recruitment of neutrophils, monocytes and T cells. We also show that viral NA acts on the heavily sialylated DAF and propose that the NA-dependent DAF removal of sialic acids exacerbates complement activation, leading to lung immunopathology. Remarkably, this mechanism has no impact on viral loads, but rather on the host resilience to infection, and may have direct implications in zoonotic influenza transmissions.
The Motives and Challenges of developing and delivering MOOCs courses
Authors: Khlaif Zuheir N. , Ghanim Mustafa , Abu Obaid Arij , Salha Soheil , Affouneh Saida
Published: July 2021

This paper described the experience of developing a MOOC at An Najah National University and how it was transferred into a SPOC from the perspective of its team developers. Learners' responses and participation had been analyzed in order to understand its content. The data collected described the motivation for developing the MOOC and then using it as a SPOC, in addition to presenting the challenges that face its development and implementation.

The development of the MOOC Genetic and Society at An Najah National University went through different stages starting from offering the course to students face to face and then developing the course online and then preparing it as a MOOC, finally using it as a SPOC to student university. The findings showed the main motives for developing the MOOC such as the well to increase the online Arabic content in this area. The main challenge that faced the course designers was the lack of technical support. The paper recommends developing more MOOCs in different languages in the medical field.
Sondagens
Authors: Ogliari Ana Luisa Canova , Dos Santos Ricardo Cunha
Published: July 2021

Este capítulo abordará conceitos práticos das sondas utilizadas para alimentação enteral e as sondas utilizadas para desobstrução das vias urinárias. As ilustrações elaboradas pelo comitê editorial auxiliam a compreensão das sondagens pelo leitor.
Wind Turbines Potential Energy Production in three Locations of Kosovo and its Impact on the Environment
Authors: Krasniqi Gazmend
Published: July 2021

In order to reduce high amount of pollution that Kosovo is facing, its options have to be considered. One of the solutions to reducing the amount of pollutions is using renewable energy resources. There has been quite a number of studies to find sustainable resources that Kosovo has in possession. It came up that, quite an amount of energy can be produced by some renewable resources available in some regions of Kosovo, especially by Wind Turbines that can be installed in a variety of locations, where NEK (NEK umwelttechnik) found the highest wind velocity.
PolyMaS: A new software to generate high molecular weight polymer macromolecules from repeating structural units
Authors: Schustik Santiago Ariel , Cravero Fiorella , Martinez Maria Jimena , Ponzoni Ignacio , Diaz Monica Fatima
Published: July 2021

The Polymer Maker SMILES-based (PolyMaS) software was used to generate linear macromolecules from the repeating structural units (SRU) of polymers without limiting their length and molar mass. The SRU input is stored in the SMILES code available on the Internet. PolyMaS makes head-tail junctions to the desired length of the macromolecule.
Quality improvement of gear wheels obtained from polymer materials by shaving process
Authors: Markowska Olimpia , Bulanda Katarzyna , Zajdel Magdalena
Published: July 2021

The geometric accuracy of gears obtained by injection molding before and after finishing by shaving process has been compared. Significant assumptions in the application of this method to the finishing of polymer gears are presented. There is a clear influence of the applied technology on the dimensional stability improvement of the tested gears rim made of composite PA66 matrix containing 35 wt % glass fibers. The tested gears made of the composite materials used in some drive systems can successfully replace this type of machine elements made of metals.
Financiamento do ensino para mulheres: o caso da Escola Profissional Feminina de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais (1919–30)
Authors: Ribeiro Betânia de Oliveira Laterza , Silva Elizabeth Farias da , Medeiros Lucia Helena de Oliveira
Published: July 2021

Este estudo enfoca a subvenção pública concedida à Escola Profissional Feminina de Belo Horizonte nos anos 1928–30. O ponto de partida foi esta indagação: de que argumentação teria se valido Benjamin Flores para convencer o governo mineiro e federal a investirem em sua escola? O estudo objetivou analisar condições e ações associadas ao subsídio concedido à escola. Situada na história da educação em geral e das instituições escolares em particular, a pesquisa se valeu de jornais e revistas, manuscritos e datiloscritos e fotografias. Os resultados da análise apontam que Benjamin Flores conseguiu reunir um conjunto de atributos pessoais (cidadão, agente público, professor, dono de escola) que o abonavam e endossavam seus projetos. Em sua trajetória de funcionário dos Correios a dono de uma escola, conseguiu se projetar na sociedade belo-horizontina de modo que o governo apostasse em sua escola como importante para a cidade.
Saberes e práticas educativas de crianças tupinambá do século XVII
Authors: Silva Gercina Ferreira da , Sousa Marcio Barradas , Cristo Moises Levy Pinto
Published: July 2021

O livro originou-se da dissertação de mestrado defendida em 2019 no Programa de Pós-graduação em Educação da Universidade do Estado do Pará. Nesta obra, Jane Buecke analisa os sentidos da infância, as práticas educativas e os saberes culturalmente produzidos na tessitura do cotidiano social das crianças tupinambá que viveram na Amazônia do século XVII. Com olhar atento, a autora empreendeu uma instigante análise dos fios e dos rastros deixados nas fontes documentais e na historiografia europeia e brasileira sobre os processos formativos dessas crianças, sob a perspectiva teórica e metodológica da História Cultural. Inserida nesse horizonte, a obra de Jane Buecke revela o protagonismo das crianças ao atuarem como mediadoras culturais capazes de catalisar as novas aprendizagens em que estavam envolvidas, redimensionando o conceito de práticas educativas e o cotidiano como peça-chave da educação, vista como cultura.
Desindustrialização e investimento em tecnologia: a década de 1980 e seus reflexos nas décadas seguintes
Authors: Haddad Daniel Wagner
Published: July 2021

O presente artigo analisa a redução de investimentos em pesquisa, ciência e tecnologia na década de 1980 e seus reflexos nas décadas seguintes, especialmente com a falta de recuperação e retomada desses investimentos comparados à época da política desenvolvimentista, com grande repercussão na indústria, especialmente demonstrando falta de competitividade do Brasil tanto internamente, com a abertura do mercado no início dos anos 1990, como também no jogo internacional, persistindo tal defasagem até os dias atuais.
Mulheres Unidas com o Brasil: net-ativismo, gênero e amparo
Authors: Venera José Isaías , Matos Silvio Simão de , Golembiewski Carlos , Bruckheimer Louise Carine
Published: July 2021

Este trabalho é uma análise do grupo fechado no Facebook Mulheres Unidas com o Brasil (MUCB), pela via do net-ativismo, tendo como recorte as discussões de gênero e a noção de (des)amparo na perspectiva da psicanálise. Foram selecionados as postagens e os comentários de um dia de cada uma das semanas em destaque do coletivo MUCB, de 21 de agosto a 25 de outubro de 2019. As discussões sobre net-ativismo estão centradas na teoria de Di Felice (2013), no conceito de gênero baseado em Scott (1990), com seu desdobramento foucaultiano, e na noção de (des)amparo em Freud (1996), a qual é articulada como afeto mobilizador para o ativismo na rede. Nos resultados, percebe-se que o coletivo funciona como uma relação de poder em curso e por ela se formam laços sociais no ativismo em rede.
Oportunidades de visitação oferecidas em Áreas Naturais Protegidas: análise dos Parques Nacionais mais visitados no Brasil e nos Estados Unidos das América em 2017
Authors: Figueiredo Mucio do Amaral , Gomes Carolina Ribeiro , Salvio Geraldo Majela Moraes
Published: July 2021

Parques Nacionais (PN) são estratégias de proteção da natureza e realização da atividade turística que demandam ferramentas para visitação adequada. Com o avanço do turismo nestas áreas, os PN assumem dupla responsabilidade: manter a qualidade da experiência dos visitantes e contribuir com todo seu potencial para sociedade. Nesse sentido, a ferramenta Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) categoriza as denominadas “Oportunidades de Visitação” em diferentes classes (Prístina, Primitiva, Natural, Rural e Urbana) para identificar atributos específicos para cada ambiente e público, organizando o turismo.  Neste cenário, o objetivo foi analisar as oportunidades oferecidas em 10 Parques Nacionais, cinco no Brasil e cinco nos Estados Unidos da América e entender como as diferentes Classes de Oportunidades podem influenciar a visitação turística. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. Identificado os potenciais turísticos de cada PN, aplicou-se a metodologia ROS. Os resultados mostraram que existe relação entre o número de oportunidades oferecidas e o número de visitantes que o Parque Nacional recebe, confirmando o pressuposto que, tanto nos Parques brasileiros quanto estadunidenses, diferentes oportunidades recreativas relaciona-se ao maior número visitantes. Dessa forma, a ferramenta Recreation Opportunity Spectrum apresenta-se como importante ferramenta de gestão da visitação turística. A possibilidade de criar classes de visitação em áreas naturais deve ser amplamente utilizada para garantir o turismo sustentável.
O absurdo existencial em Horacio Quiroga
Authors: Almeida de souza Ayanne Larissa
Published: July 2021

O objetivo do presente artigo é investigar de que maneira a natureza se configura enquanto espaço inóspito e indiferente à existência humana no conto A la deriva, de Horacio Quiroga, expressando o que o filósofo franco-argelino, Alberto Camus, denominou de absurdo existencial. Conforme Camus, o absurdo da existência nasce da convivência simultânea da consciência humana em face de um mundo ao qual tenta ordenar. A busca implacável e incansável do indivíduo por um sentido existencial provoca uma fratura que reconhecemos como o absurdo. É a impotência que temos de pensar com os nossos conceitos e com as nossas palavras os acontecimentos do mundo fora de nossas consciências. Dessa forma, pretendemos apresentar de que forma a filosofia de Camus se traduz na natureza de Quiroga mediante a análise do espaço natural na obra do autor à luz do conceito de topoanálise trazido por Gaston Bachelard.