bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A COVID-19, O PÓS-GRADUANDO STRICTO SENSU E O AUXÍLIO EMERGENCIAL: dispor ou não dispor?
Authors: Lopes Ricardo Cortez , Coelho Gabriel Bandeira , Franz Alice Hübner
Published: October 2020

A COVID-19 impôs a alguns países medidas de distanciamento social, causadora de impactos econômicos. O governo brasileiro propôs medidas para dirimir esse impacto, e entre elas está o auxílio emergencial para trabalhadores autônomos e informais. Paralelamente, o funcionamento da pós-graduação stricto sensu brasileira apresenta um histórico de precarização que faz com que o bolsista tenha o perfil econômico do beneficiário desse auxílio. As agências de fomento autorizaram a acumulação, porém ainda resta a questão moral: o bolsista deve solicitá-la? O estudo problematizou essa questão com base nos dados de um questionário respondido por 63 membros de grupos de pós-graduação brasileiros.
SOCIAL SUPPORT: Old people from “UMA” in a vulnerable situation in time of Covid-19
Authors: Noleto Lêda Santana , Vilela Alessandra de Oliveira , Anjos Alan Gomes dos , Osório Neila Barbosa , Silva Neto Luiz Sinésio
Published: October 2020

The present study illustrates an experience report on the “social support” axis, with a view to social assistance and information, developed through the “UMAnizando in times of Coronavirus” project, created by the University of Maturity (UMA) - Extension Program of the Federal University of Tocantins (UFT). The primary objective is to ensure the well-being of academics in this phase of isolation, due to Covid-19, considering that old people are the main risk group in the global pandemic scenario. The project brings together professionals from different areas, such as gerontologists, social workers, pedagogues, physical educators, master's students and academics from the Medicine, Nutrition and Nursing courses, who assist and inform with the social nature, the old people of “UMA”, in vulnerable situation.
O IMPACTO DA EDUCAÇÃO FISICA NA SAÚDE DE IDOSOS EM ISOLAMENTO SOCIAL EM TEMPOS DE PANDEMIA: Relato de experiência.
Authors: Osório Neila Barbosa , Silva Neto Luiz Sinésio , Metódio Fábio Santos , Paulo Maria Helena
Published: October 2020

O mundo inicia o ano de 2020 em meio a uma crise, com impactos socioeconômicos e no modo de vida em geral, causada por uma pandemia decorrente do novo coronavírus COVID-19. Entre as recomendações das organizações de saúde, encontra-se o isolamento social, em especial os grupos de riscos que inclui os idosos. Em isolamento social, os idosos estão sujeitos a apresentar depressão, ansiedade, além da dificuldade em praticar atividades físicas, um dos elementos essenciais para manter o corpo e mente em condições saudáveis. Assim, o presente artigo traz um relato de experiência desenvolvido com idosos entre 53 e 71 anos, que por meio digital participam de um grupo que promove a interação e incentivo de atividades físicas direcionadas à terceira idade.
COVID-19 E A EDUCAÇÃO NOS SISTEMAS ESTADUAIS DE ENSINO DA REGIÃO NORTE: primeiras lições
Authors: Brito Katia Cristina Custodio Ferreira , Silva Meire Lúcia Andrade da , Brito Ana Gabriela Ferreira , Barbosa Lêda Lira Costa
Published: October 2020

O artigo apresenta e analisa o nível de desenvolvimento das ações e deliberações dos Sistemas Estaduais de Ensino da Região Norte a partir da ocorrência do primeiro caso de contaminação pelo COVID-19 no Brasil desvelando potencialidades, tendências e lacunas. Utiliza-se de análise documental a partir de três categorias: suspensão das aulas, deliberações a respeito das possibilidades de ensino remoto e destinação da alimentação escolar. Identificou-se que as deliberações têm sido provisórias e indicam uma tendência predominante de utilização de ferramentas de educação a distância embora se identifique parcas condições de acesso e aprendizagem a partir das soluções apresentadas.
COMBATE AO COVID-19 NO SISTEMA PENITENCIÁRIO E SOCIOEDUCATIVO: impossibilidades no Estado Penal
Authors: Fernandes Maria Nilvane , Costa Ricardo Peres da , Oliveira e Silva Luanna Marley de , Guedes Olegna de Souza
Published: October 2020

O artigo apresenta aspectos conjunturais que evidenciam o crescimento de políticas restritivas de liberdade na moldura de um Estado Penal e os desafios que se apresentam na agenda política com relação à necessária adoção de medidas emergentes para amenizar situações de contágio por COVID-19 no sistema prisional e socioeducativo. Apresenta dados sobre o grande percentual de encarceramento no Brasil, bem como sobre as doenças infecto contagiosas que se evidenciam na população carcerária e que revelam a exposição dessa população a riscos de contágio em situações pandemias. Expõe, também dados que revelam estratégias de administração pública adotadas para amenizar os efeitos da recente pandemia nessa população, destacando a particularidade das adotadas por diferentes estados do país, como o Amazonas. Problematiza, em sua conclusão, aspectos da política penal desenvolvida nas intersecções de instituições e órgãos como a polícia, os tribunais, as prisões e órgãos gestores; destacando que elas operam dentro das dimensões de raça, classe e gênero. A partir destes aspectos, ressalta a importância do registro de importantes propostas interventivas que tragam impactos mitigadores no cotidiano das prisões no Brasil.
THE PANDEMIC OF COVID-19: The impacts and trends in the process of continuing teacher education
Authors: Porto Junior Francisco Gilson Rebouças , Santos Leonardo Victor dos , Silva Maria das Graças Pereira
Published: October 2020

The article aims to analyze the implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for the field of education in the region of Tocantins' Amazon, especially for the process of continuing education for teachers in the State Education System. The research is based on historical dialectical materialism, having as reference the bibliographic and documentary research in ordinances, provisional measures, decrees, opinions and other normative mechanisms issued, mainly, by the Ministry of Education, National Council of Education, Government of the State of Tocantins and State Education Council. From a critical perspective, it is assumed that the adoption of public-private partnerships as an educational policy and the expansion of distance education greatly compromises the constitutional principle of democratic management and the quality of education.
COVID 19 AND EDUCATION: Reflections and possible ways
Authors: Cardoso Maykon Dhonnes de Oliveira , Fuhr Heliana Pereira Portilho , Dias Kátia Gonçalves
Published: October 2020

The present work presents results from bibliographical and documentary research. For research purposes it is considered necessary to understand how the relationship between Covid-19 and education is configured, reflecting on its consequences and possible ways to solve the post-pandemic problem; Locate the relationship between Covid-19 and education according to the inequalities presented in the pandemic period; Identify the relevance of fulfilling the right to education in the pandemic period according to documents that offer this guarantee fully, as well as analyzing the inequalities in the pandemic period between public and private education. This is a bibliographic and documentary study in relation to the design of methodological procedures.
COVID 19 E EDUCAÇÃO: REFLEXÕES E POSSÍVEIS CAMINHOS
Authors: Cardoso Maykon Dhonnes de Oliveira , Fuhr Heliana Pereira Portilho , Dias Kátia Gonçalves
Published: October 2020

O presente trabalho apresenta resultados oriundos de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. Para fins de investigação considera-se necessário compreender como se configura a relação entre a Covid-19 e a educação refletindo sobre suas consequências e possíveis caminhos para a solução do problema pós-pandemia; Situar a relação entre a Covid-19 e a educação de acordo com as desigualdades apresentadas no período de pandemia; Identificar a relevância do cumprimento do direito à educação no período de pandemia de acordo com documentos que ofertam essa garantia de forma plena como também, analisar as desigualdades no período de pandemia entre ensino público e privado. Trata-se de um estudo bibliográfico e documental em relação ao delineamento dos procedimentos metodológicos.
Complete Quantum Information in the DNA Genetic Code
Authors: Planat Michel , Aschheim Raymond , Amaral Marcelo , Fang Fang , Irwin Klee
Published: October 2020

We find that the degeneracies and many peculiarities of the DNA genetic code may be described thanks to two closely related (fivefold symmetric) finite groups. The first group has signature $G=\mathbb{Z}_5 \rtimes H$ where $H=\mathbb{Z}_2 . S_4\cong 2O$ is isomorphic to the binary octahedral group $2O$ and $S_4$ is the symmetric group on four letters/bases. The second group has signature $G=\mathbb{Z}_5 \rtimes GL(2,3)$ and points out a threefold symmetry of base pairings. For those groups, the representations for the $22$ conjugacy classes of $G$ are in one-to-one correspondence with the multiplets encoding the proteinogenic amino acids. Additionally, most of the $22$ characters of $G$ attached to those representations are informationally complete. The biological meaning of these coincidences is discussed.
Limit Law of the Local Linear Estimate of the Conditional Hazard Function for Functional Data
Authors: Bouanani Oussama , Guendouzi Abdelhak , Chemikh Souheyla
Published: October 2020

In this work, we treat a prediction problem via the conditional hazard function of a scalar response variable Y given a functional random variable X by using the local linear technique. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the asymptotic normality of the nonparametric estimator of the conditional hazard function, under some general conditions. A simulation study, conducted to assess finite sample behavior, demonstrates the superiority of our method than the standard kernel method
The Quest for Sustainable Teaching Praxis: Opportunities and Challenges of Multidisciplinary and Multicultural Teamwork
Authors: Doukanari Elli , Ktoridou Despo , Efthymiou Leonidas , Epaminonda Epaminondas
Published: October 2020

This article explores the dynamics arising by multidisciplinary and multicultural student teams (MMT), working through Case-based Learning (CBL) and Problem-based Learning (PBL); as well as its use as a sustainable teaching practice. Based on a mixed methods approach, which includes observation (both physical and virtual) and questionnaires, the study reveals that MMT through CBL and PBL can both facilitate and hinder sustainable learning. Our findings show that while MMT enhances knowledge sharing, it also poses a wide range of challenges, raising questions about its social significance as a sustainable teaching practice. The study suggests the implementation of certain mechanisms, such as ‘Teamwork Training’ and ‘Pedagogical Mentors’, aiming to strengthen the sustainable orientation of MMT through CBL and PBL.
A produção de conhecimento em Educação Física/ciência do esporte – qualidade x quantidade: para onde vamos?
Authors: Fensterseifer Paulo Evaldo
Published: October 2020

Resumo: Este texto, recorrendo à argumentação científico-filosófica no que respeita ao problema da objetividade dos saberes, problematiza as pretensões de identificar com exatidão objetividades no campo das ciências, em particular das ciências humanas ou sociais. Pergunta-se pelo lugar da Educação Física neste debate, considerando a “virada culturalista”, que põe em crise o modelo naturalista hegemônico na área. O texto aponta possíveis desdobramentos para a produção do conhecimento a partir da compreensão de que a Educação Física é uma construção histórico-cultural, apostando no diálogo entre os diferentes campos de produção do conhecimento, considerando, na geração de possíveis soluções, as dimensões políticas, epistêmicas e didático-pedagógicas.
Análise dos conteúdos e saberes presentes no componente curricular Educação Física no referencial curricular lições do Rio Grande
Authors: Silva Bruno de Oliveira e , Abib Leonardo Trapaga , Damico José Geraldo Soares
Published: October 2020

O objetivo do presente artigo é analisar os modos pelos quais os conteúdos do componente curricular Educação Física encontram-se dispostos e organizados no Referencial Curricular Lições do Rio Grande (LRG). Os materiais empíricos foram os documentos do LRG e entrevistas semiestruturadas com os organizadores do fascículo da Educação Física. Os dados foram analisados sob a perspectiva dos estudos pós-estruturalistas. No primeiro eixo de discussão são abordadas questões referentes à organização do referencial curricular enquanto no segundo são discutidos os conteúdos e saberes sobre Educação Física. Nas LRG o currículo por competências encontra-se articulado à permanência do currículo disciplinar. O LRG utiliza-se de uma discursividade acerca do saber da cultura corporal de movimento para justificar o privilégio do esporte enquanto conteúdo em detrimento dos demais. A forma proposta de sequência e divisão dos saberes da Educação Física acaba por deixar pouco espaço para momentos de criação de professores e alunos.
Methylene Blue Is an Effective Disclosing Agent for Identifying Bacterial Biofilms on Orthopaedic Implants
Authors: Shaw Jeremy D. , Brodke Darrel S. , Williams Dustin L. , Ashton Nicholas N.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Bacterial biofilms pose a challenge in treating implant-associated infections. Biofilms provide bacteria with protection against antimicrobial agents and the immune response and often are invisible to the naked eye. As a biofilm-disclosing agent, methylene blue (MB) has shown promise, but lacks rigorous in vitro evaluation. The purposes of the present study were to assess MB as a biofilm-disclosing agent in vitro for common biofilm-forming organisms and to determine performance characteristics across implant materials and healthy tissue types.

Methods:

Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) biofilms were grown on culture for 2 days in CDC biofilm reactors on titanium, cobalt chromium, polyethylene, and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) coupons. Biofilms were stained with MB solutions of either 0.005% or 0.01% and then were washed with normal saline solution. Digital photographs were obtained to compare the visual sensitivity of the blue dye at these dilutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to confirm the absence or presence of biofilm on MB-stained areas. Uninoculated controls were also assessed. Healthy adult sheep tissues were also stained to determine the staining characteristics of the host tissue. ImageJ was used to determine the relative blue intensity of stained implants and tissues compared with standard curves.

Results:

S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms stained avidly on titanium, cobalt chromium, polyethylene, and PEEK coupons. There was visible dose-dependent staining based on dye concentration. MB was visible only where biofilms were present as confirmed by SEM. MB did not stain uninoculated controls. Articular cartilage and meniscus demonstrated appreciable staining; bone, tendon, muscle, nerve, and fat did not. Bacterial biofilms demonstrated both dose-dependent and species-specific staining.

Conclusions:

MB is an effective disclosing agent for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms in vitro. MB did not stain implant materials, nor did it stain most healthy tissues in vitro. MB may allow surgeons to see biofilms and may allow for enhanced debridement once visualized.
Evaluation of Role of Hyperbilirubinemia as a New Diagnostic Marker of Complicated Appendicitis.
Authors: Bakshi Sabyasachi , Mandal Nilay
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND:In appendicitis, elevated intra-luminal pressure and ischemic necrosis of mucosa causes tissue gangrene or perforation. This leads to cytotoxin facilitated progressive bacterial invasion or translocation into the hepatic parenchyma through portal system. This phenomenon interferes with the bilirubin excretion into the bile canaliculi.In the present study, establishment of a possible role of hyperbilirubinemia as a marker of gangrenous/perforated appendicitis has been studied.METHODS:After matching the inclusion and exclusion criteria, all cases of clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis were taken for this prospective, single center, observational study. Per-operative diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination.RESULTS:Out of 110 subjects of acute appendicitis 41 subjects (37.27%) had hyperbilirubinemia. Out of 35 subjects diagnosed as complicated appendicitis 32 subjects (91.42%) had raised total bilirubin levels, while the remaining 03(8.58%) had normal levels .Among 75 subjects diagnosed as acute simple appendicitis 09 subjects (12%) had raised total bilirubin level, while the remaining 66 subjects (88%) had normal levels .It was Mixed Type Of Hyperbilirubinemia in gangrenous/perforated appendicitis.The sensitivity of Total serum bilirubin in predicting complicated appendicitis was found 91.43% (76.942% to 98.196%), where as the specificity of this test was 88.00% (78.439% to 94.363%). positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 78.03% and 95.65% respectively.Positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were found to be 7.619 and 0.097 respectively taking prevalence of Complicated appendicitis be 31.80%.ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve was obtained which shows optimal criterion at Total Bilirubin Level 1.06 mg/dl where sensitivity was 91.43% and specificity was 97.33% at 95% confidence interval with 31.8% disease prevalence.CONCLUSIONS:This is to conclude that Serum bilirubin level estimation, which is a simple, cheap and easily available laboratory test, can be added to the routine investigations in clinically suspected cases of acute appendicitis for early diagnosis of complications. Trial Registration: Registered with Clinical Trials Registry-India (ICMR-NIMS) with Registration number CTRI/2019/05/018879 Dated 01/05/2019. Trial URL: http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=33113&EncHid=99780.32960&modid=1&compid=19%27,%2733113det%27
Age and pain score before gastrointestinal endoscopies in children are predictors for post procedure pain.
Authors: Galai Tut , Yerushalmy-Feler Anat , Heller Nathan P. , Ben-Tov Amir , Weintraub Yael , Amir Achiya , Moran-Lev Hadar , Zac Lilach , Cohen Shlomi
Published: October 2020

Background: Gastrointestinal endoscopy may be associated with pain and anxiety. Predictors for high pain scores after endoscopies in children are not known. The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for prolonged recovery and higher pain scores after gastrointestinal endoscopy in children. Methods: All the children that were electively admitted for gastrointestinal endoscopies were included. We retrospectively collected demographic, clinical and endoscopic data as well as information on the recovery process. A numerical rating scale and the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Scale were used for pain scoring. Results: During the study period (01/2016-10/2016), 284 children (median age 10.7 years, interquartile range 6.7-14.8) were recruited. In a univariate analysis, older age, higher pre-procedure pain scores, longer procedure durations, higher number of biopsies and longer recovery duration were associated with higher post-procedure pain scores. In a multivariate analysis higher pain scores before the procedure (OR 12.42, 95% CI 3.67-42, P < 0.001) and older age (OR 1.016, 95% CI 1.007-1.025, P < 0.001) were associated with higher pain scores after the procedure. Children with a higher pain score before the procedure also had a longer recovery period (OR 5.28, 95% CI (1.93‐14.49), P = 0.001).Conclusion: Older age and higher pain score before the procedure were identified as predictors for higher pain score after pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopies. Children with these risk factors should be identified before the procedure in order to personalize their post-procedure management.
Solar Cycle Related Variation in Solar Differential Rotation and Meridional Flow in Cycle 24
Authors: Imada Shinsuke , Matoba Kengo , Fujiyama Masashi , Iijima Haruhisa
Published: October 2020

We studied temporal variation of the differential rotation and poleward meridional circulation during solar cycle 24 using the magnetic element feature tracking technique. We used line-of-sight magnetograms obtained using the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager aboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory from May 01, 2010 to March 26, 2020 (for almost the entire period of solar cycle 24, Carrington Rotation from 2096 to 2229) and tracked the magnetic element features every 1 hour. We also estimated the differential rotation and poleward meridional flow velocity profiles. The observed profiles are consistent with those of previous studies on different cycles. Typical properties resulting from torsional oscillations can also be observed from solar cycle 24. The amplitude of the variation was approximately $\pm$10 m s$^{-1}$. Interestingly, we found that the average meridional flow observed in solar cycle 24 is faster than that observed in solar cycle 23. In particular, during the declining phase of the cycle, the meridional flow of the middle latitude is accelerated from 10 to 17 m s$^{-1}$, which is almost half of the meridional flow itself. The faster meridional flow in solar cycle 24 might be the result of the weakest cycle during the last 100 years.
Impact of a theory-informed and user-centered stroke information campaign on the public’s behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge when facing acute stroke: a controlled before-and-after study.
Authors: Haesebaert Julie , Laude C. , Termoz A. , Bravant E. , Perreton N. , Bony T. , Trehard H. , Porthault S. , Derex L. , Nighoghossian N. , Schott AM.
Published: October 2020

Background: Public awareness of stroke symptoms is a key factor to ensure access to reperfusion strategies in due time. We designed and launched a regional theory-informed and user-centered information campaign and assessed its impact on emergency medical services (EMS) calls for stroke suspicion, time-to-call, and public attitudes and awareness concerning stroke. Methods: A controlled before-and-after study was conducted during 3 sequential time-periods in 2 separate counties. Key messages of the campaign were underpinned by stroke representations and the theory of planned behavior, and focused on recognition of stroke warning signs and the need to call EMS urgently. The campaign included posters, leaflets, adverts and films displayed in bus and subway stations, internet, social networks, and local radio. Outcome measures on behavior, attitudes, and knowledge were assessed before the launch of the campaign, at 3 months, and 12 months. Results: The number of EMS calls for stroke suspicion increased by 21% at 12 months in the intervention county and this change was significantly different to that observed in the control county (p=0.02). No significant changes were observed regarding self-reported attitudes in case of stroke. An 8% significant increase in recognizing at least 2 stroke warning signs was observed in the intervention county (p=0.04) at 3 months, while it did not change significantly in the control county (p=0.6). However, there was no significant difference in warning sign recognition between both counties (p=0.16). Conclusion: The campaign significantly improved public’s behavior of calling EMS, although stroke knowledge was not improved as much as expected. Repeating these campaigns over time might further help improve timeliness and access to reperfusion strategies.
Relationship between social support status and mortality in a community-based population: a prospective observational study (Yamagata study)
Authors: Uzuki Tsutomu , Konta Tsuneo , Saito Ritsuko , Sho Ri , Osaki Tsukasa , Souri Masayoshi , Watanabe Masafumi , Ishizawa Kenichi , Yamashita Hidetoshi , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Kayama Takamasa
Published: October 2020

Background: Social support, defined as the exchange of support in social relationships, plays a vital role in maintaining healthy behavior and mitigating the effects of stressors. This study investigated whether functional aspect of social support is related to 5-year mortality in health checkup participants. Methods: This study recruited 16,651 subjects (6,797 males, 9,854 females). Social support was evaluated using five-component questions: Do you have someone 1) whom you can consult when you are in trouble? 2) whom you can consult when your physical condition is not good? 3) who can help you with daily homework? 4) who can take you to hospital when you don’t feel well? and 5) who can take care of you when you are ill in bed? The association between the component of social support and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was examined using Cox proportional hazard analysis. Results: The percentage of subjects without social support components was 7.7%-15.0%. They were more likely to be male, non-elderly, and living alone. During the follow-up period, there were 166 all-cause and 38 cardiovascular deaths. Cox proportional analysis adjusted for confounders showed that only the lack of support for transportation to hospital was significantly associated with all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-3.05) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 3.30, 95% CI 1.41-6.87). These associations were stronger in males than females. Conclusion: This study showed that the lack of social support for transportation to the hospital was independently associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a community-based population.
Five Novel Deleterious Variants in FANCA, FANCF and FANCG Identified in Pakistani Fanconi Anemia Families Using Exome Sequencing
Authors: Thompson Ashley S. , Saba Nusrat , McReynolds Lisa J. , Munir Saeeda , Ahmed Parvez , Sajjad Sumaira , Jones Kristine , Yeager Meredith , Donovan Frank X. , Chandrasekharappa Settara C. , Alter Blanche P. , Savage Sharon A. , Rehman Sadia
Published: October 2020

Background Fanconi anemia (FA), a cancer-prone inherited bone marrow failure syndrome associated with characteristic dysmorphology is primarily caused by autosomal recessive inheritance of pathogenic germline variants in any of 22 different DNA repair genes. Pathogenic variants in FANCA are the most frequent cause, followed by FANCC and FANCG. There are limited data on the specific molecular causes of FA in different ethnic groups. Methods We evaluated 19 patients with FA undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation evaluation, from 17 families in Pakistan with exome sequencing and copy number variant analysis. To accompany these efforts, we reviewed the literature and curated a list of variants reported in patients with FA from South Asia and the Middle East.Results The genetic causes for disease were identified in 14 families: 7 FANCA, 2 FANCC, 1 FANCF, 2 FANCG, and 2 FANCL. Homozygous and compound heterozygous variants were present in 12 and 2 families, respectively. Nine families carried variants previously reported as pathogenic, including two families with the South Asian FANCL founder variant. We also identified five novel likely deleterious variants in FANCA, FANCF, and FANCG in affected patients. Conclusions Our study supports the importance of determining the genomic landscape of FA in diverse populations, in order to improve understanding of FA etiology and assist in the counseling of families.
f-Electron and Magnetic Ordering Effects in Nickelates LaNiO2 and NdNiO2: Remarkable Role of The Cuprate-Like 3dx2-y2 Band
Authors: Sun Jianwei , Zhang Ruiqi , Lane Christopher , Singh Bahadur , Nokelainen Johannes , Barbiellini Bernardo , Markiewicz Robert , Bansil Arun
Published: October 2020

Recent discovery of superconductivity in the doped infinite-layer nickelates has renewed interest in understanding the nature of high-temperature superconductivity more generally. The low-energy electronic structure of the parent compound NdNiO2, the role of electronic correlations in driving superconductivity, and the possible relationship betweeen the cuprates and the nickelates are still open questions. Here, by comparing LaNiO2 and NdNiO2 systematically within a parameter free density functional framework, all-electron first-principles framework, we reveal the role Nd 4f-electrons in shaping the ground state of pristine NdNiO2. Strong similarities are found between the electronic structures of LaNiO2 and NdNiO2, except for the effects of the 4f-electrons. Hybridization between the Nd 4f and Ni 3d orbitals is shown to significantly modify the Fermi surfaces of various magnetic states. In contrast, the competition between the magnetically ordered phases depends mainly on the gaps in the Ni dx2-y2 band, so that the ground state in LaNiO2 and NdNiO2 turns out to be striking similarity to that of the cuprates. The d - p band-splitting is found to be much larger while the intralayer 3d ion-exchange coupling is smaller in the nickelates compared to the cuprates. Our estimated value of the on-site Hubbard U is similar to that in the cuprates, but the value of the Hund's coupling JH is found to be sensitive to the Nd magnetic moment. The exchange coupling J in NdNiO2 is only half as large as in the curpates, which may explain why Tc in the nickelates is half as large as the cuprates.
Genome-wide Survey of Tandem Repeats by Nanopore Sequencing Shows that Disease-associated Repeats are More Polymorphic in the General Population
Authors: Mitsuhashi Satomi , Frith Martin C , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: October 2020

Background: Tandem repeats are highly mutable and contribute to the development of human disease by a variety of mechanisms. It is difficult to predict which tandem repeats may cause a disease. One hypothesis is that changeable tandem repeats are the source of genetic diseases, because disease-causing repeats are polymorphic in healthy individuals. However, it is not clear whether disease-causing repeats are more polymorphic than other repeats. Methods: We performed a genome-wide survey of the millions of human tandem repeats using publicly available long read genome sequencing data from 21 humans. We measured tandem repeat copy number changes using tandem-genotypes. Length variation of known disease-associated repeats was compared to other repeat loci. Results: We found that known Mendelian disease-causing or disease-associated repeats, especially CAG and 5'UTR GGC repeats, are relatively long and polymorphic in the general population. We also show that repeat lengths of two disease-causing tandem repeats, in ATXN3 and GLS, are correlated with near-by GWAS SNP genotypes. Conclusions: We provide a catalog of polymorphic tandem repeats across a variety of repeat unit lengths and sequences, from long read sequencing data. This method especially if used in genome wide association study (GWAS), may indicate possible new candidates of pathogenic or biologically important tandem repeats in human genomes.
Headache and Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders Among Patients With Sclerosteosis and Disease Carriers: The First Family in Italy
Authors: Rapisarda Laura , Gagliardi Monica , Bombardieri Caterina , Procopio Radha , Demonte Giulio , Tosto Federico , Gambardella Antonio , Annesi Grazia , Bono Francesco
Published: October 2020

BackgroundHeadache and sleep-related breathing disorders among patients with sclerosteosis and disease carriers has been little studied. We investigated the neurological and neuroimaging features of patients and gene carriers of a large Italian family with sclerosteosis.Main bodyIn this Italian family with sclerosteosis, genetic tests detected the homozygous mutation p.Gln24X (c.70C>T) of the SOST gene in the proband, and a heterozygous mutation between 9 siblings. Severe hyperostosis of the skull caused chronic headache secondary to intracranial hypertension due to venous hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in adult homozygotes. There was transosseous intracranial-extracranial occipital venous drainage which indicated a compensatory mechanism for intracranial venous hypertension, one of the causative factors of increased CSF pressure in sclerosteosis. While mild hyperostosis of the skull was associated with headache and snoring in heterozygotes. ConclusionsHeadache and sleep-related breathing disorders are the most common clinical manifestations among patients with sclerosteosis and disease carriers. Cerebral venous hypertension leading to intracranial hypertension and facial deformities are the causative factors of headache and sleep-related breathing disorders. These data suggest that venous stenting to accommodate cerebral venous drainage could be useful in the treatment of intracranial hypertension, and correction of facial deformities to relieve obstructive sleep apnea may play a role in the treatment of patients with sclerosteosis. The data highlight that it is reasonable to extend neurological evaluation and radiological study to gene carriers.
Predicting Survival Outcome of Patients With Colorectal Cancer and Only Lung Metastasis: A Population-Based Real-World Study
Authors: Tang Hui , Zhou Jian-Feng , Bai Chun-Mei
Published: October 2020

Background: Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have a poor prognosis, but lung metastasis (LM) generally has a relatively desirable survival outcome. However, clinicians have had few tools for estimating the probability of survival in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and only LM (OLM). The present study aimed to develop nomograms estimating survival probability for patients with CRC and OLM.Methods: Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database of patients with CRC between 2010 and 2014 were retrieved for retrospective analysis. Patients with OLM diagnosed between 2010 and 2014, except for 2012 (n = 1,118) were used to conduct multivariate Cox analysis to identify independent prognostic factors. Nomograms estimating 1- and 3-year overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were developed. The nomograms were internally validated for concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and were also externally validated with independent patients diagnosed in 2012 (n = 261).Results: Age, marital status, tumor location, tumor size, T and N stage, CEA, tumor deposit, histological grade, primary or metastatic tumor surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and income were found to be independently associated with OS and/or CSS. The nomograms were constructed based on these prognostic factors. The C-index were high in internal validation (0.736 for OS and 0.741 for CSS) and external validation (0.656 for OS and 0.663 for CSS). Internal and external calibration plots and ROC curves demonstrated a good agreement between actual observation and nomogram prediction.Conclusions: The nomograms individually predict OS and CSS of patients with CRC and OLM and could aid in the personalized prognostic evaluation and clinical decision-making.
Phytohormone cross-talk and antioxidant gadgets tussles osmotic stress in indigenous rice landraces during seed germination
Authors: Anupriya R. , Thankappan Sugitha , Senthil A. , Rajakumar D. , S Geetha , Binodh Asish Kanakaraj
Published: October 2020

Seed germination plays a critical role in determining rice productivity under drought stress. We evaluated 100 traditional rice landraces originated from different agro-ecological zones of Tamil Nadu along with drought- susceptible (IR 64) and drought- tolerant (IR 64 DRT) checks. Moisture stress was induced using PEG 6000 and screening done over a range of osmotic potentials (-) 10 bars, (-) 12.5 bars and (-)15 bars for a period of 5 d. Physio-morphological traits such as germination rate, survival per cent, root and shoot length, vigor index, RS ratio and relative water content (RWC) were assessed during early drought stress. We observed significant changes in the seed macromolecules, phytohormone levels (GA and IAA), osmolytes and antioxidant responses (catalase and superoxide dismutase) between drought stress and control treatments. Kuliyadichan registered significantly higher IAA and GA (44% and 35% respectively over drought tolerant check IR 64 DRT) at drought stress, whereas all the landraces showed an elevated catalase activity. In PC analysis, first three PCs captured 88.93% of the total variation; significant differences were detected among genotypes with respect to the studied parameters. Six traditional landraces such as Kuliyadichan, Rajalakshmi, Sabhagidhan, Nootripathu, Chandaikar and Mallikar were selected and their inherent drought tolerance was associated with metabolic responses viz., triggered hydrolytic enzyme activities, hormonal cross-talk, ROS signaling and catalase under drought stress compared to drought sensitive IR64. Hence, these genotypes can be used as potential donor candidates towards genetic improvement of drought tolerance in rice.
Serum Resolvin E1 Levels and Its Relationship with Thyroid Autoimmunity in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Authors: Song Jing , Sun Rongxin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Ke Jing , Zhao Dong
Published: October 2020

Objective: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can produce lipid mediators with both anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution properties, including resolvins. Resolvins have been associated with autoimmune disorders. This study aimed to measure the level of resolvin E1 (RVE1) in the serum of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients and healthy controls (HCs) and to further analyze its correlation with thyroid autoantibodies and other clinical indicators.Design, patients and measurements: Fifty-seven participants were recruited—30 untreated HT patients and 27 sex‐ and age‐matched HCs. Levels of serum RVE1 were measured by ELISA according to the manufacturer’s protocol. Serum total T3 (TT3), TT4, free T3 (FT3), FT4, thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Routine biochemical and hemogram tests were performed on each sample.Results: Serum RVE1 levels in HT patients (24.09, 15.76-34.38 pg/mL) were significantly lower than those in HCs (28.51, 20.76-51.23 pg/mL) (P=0.027). As the TgAb level increased, the RVE1 content showed a decreasing trend (P for trend=0.001). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that RVE1 was negatively correlated with increasing TgAb in both the unadjusted (OR=0.9446, 95% CI=0.9111-0.9782, P=0.002) and adjusted models (OR=0.9380, 95% CI=0.8967-0.9811, P=0.005).Conclusions: Decreased RVE1 levels indicate impaired resolution of inflammation in HT patients. RVE1 may be a protective factor for elevated TgAb levels.
Opportunities for Prevention: A Data-Linkage Study to Inform A Public Health Response to Youth Offending in The Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: He Vincent Yaofeng , Leckning Bernard , Malvaso Catia , Williams Tamika , Liddle Leanne , Guthridge Steven
Published: October 2020

Background Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong link between child maltreatment and subsequent youth offending, leading to calls for early intervention initiatives. However, there have been few whole-population studies into the dimensions of statutory child maltreatment responses that can inform these programs. The aim of this study was to investigate the sex-specific association between level and timing of child protection system (CPS) contact and youth offending.Methods This retrospective cohort study used linked individual-level records from multiple agencies, for 10,438 Aboriginal children born in the Northern Territory between 1999 and 2006. The outcome measure was the first alleged offence. Key explanatory variables were level (no contact through to out-of-home care) and timing (0-4 years, 5-9 years, or both) of CPS contact. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate cumulative incidence and a flexible parametric survival model to estimate hazard ratios (HR).Results Children with no record of CPS contact before age 10 had the lowest cumulative incidence of first offence by age 18 (boys: 23.4% [95%CI:21.0-26.1]; girls: 6.6% [95%CI:5.3-8.2]) and those with a record of out-of-home care the highest CI (boys: 45.5% [95%CI:37.0-54.9]; girls: 18.6% [95%CI:13.0-26.2]). The impact of CPS contact on risk of first alleged offence was greatest for children aged 10-13 years and decreased with age. Timing of CPS contact was also associated with increasing cumulative incidence. The relative risk for first offence was generally higher for children with CPS contact, of any type, during both developmental phases including notifications during both phases (boys, HR at age 11: 8.9 [95%CI:4.2-17.2]; girls, HR at age 11: 13.7 [95%CI:3.8-48.9]) and substantiations during both phases (boys, HR at age 11: 17.0 [95%CI:9.6-30.0]; girls, HR at age 11: 54.1 [95%CI:18.1-162]). Conclusion The increased risk of offending associated with level and timing of early CPS contact highlights opportunities for a differentiated public health response to improve life trajectories for children and to reduce youth crime. Although children with unsubstantiated notifications of maltreatment do not meet the criteria for a statutory CPS response, the higher risk of offending among these children supports their inclusion in targeted preventive interventions.
Translation and Cultural Adaptation of a Romanian Version of the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT_Ro)
Authors: Balanescu Andra Rodica , Bojinca Violeta Claudia , Schweitzer Ana Maria , Joca Bogdan , Mardale Denise Ani , Badea Denisa , Bojinca Mihai
Published: October 2020

Background: The communication between health providers and patients influences the quality of medical care. The Communication Skills Assessment (CAT) is a reliable, validated tool, which was developed to assess interpersonal communication skills between physicians and patients. The purpose of this study was to obtain a Romanian version of the CAT (CAT_Ro), using a controlled and systematic process to translate and cross-culturally adapt the original questionnaire, since there are no validated instruments to assess healthcare professionals’ communication capability in Romania. Methods: The study was conducted in two Departments of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology from Bucharest, Romania, using a rigorous scientific methodology for the translation process, according to literature recommendations, implicating conceptual evaluation, semantics, and cultural adaptation, which involved several steps. The updated version was pre-tested in a pilot study, which included 89 outpatients. Results: The results showed a narrow range of variability in item interpretation, without differences in patients’ responses according to variables such as age, gender, education, disease type, number of previous visits with the same doctor. Conclusion: CAT-Ro is the result of a comprehensive process study. It represents the first translation and cultural adaptation in Romanian of an instrument able to assess the health providers’ communication skills, which was validated in a pilot study and is to be used in more extensive studies with patients from several specialties.
Analysis of Clinical Characteristics, Laboratory Findings and Therapy of 134 Cases of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Jie , Chen Jiebing
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAs everyone knows, the pandemic COVID-19 is spreading in the whole world. The number of laboratory-confirmed cases reached 28,637,211 and that of the death cases was 917,404 in the world as of September 13 th , 2020. We sought to analyse the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and therapy of some cases with COVID-19.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we extracted the data on 134 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Wuhan Xinzhou District People's Hospital from January 16 th to April 24 th , 2020. Cases were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR and abnormal radiologic findings. Outcomes were followed up until May 1 th , 2020.ResultsCo-infection and severe underlying diseases made it easier for a case with COVID-19 to develop to be a severe one or reach an outcome of death. Age above 60 years old, male and symptoms such as fever, cough, chest tightness, headaches and fatigue were related to severe COVID-19 and an outcome of death. In addition, higher temperature, blood leukocyte count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein level, D-dimer level, alanine aminotransferase activity, aspartate aminotransferase activity, α -hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity, lactate dehydrogenase activity and creatine kinase activity were also related to severe COVID-19 and an outcome of death, and so was lower lymphocyte count. Administration of gamma globulin seemed helpful for reducing the mortality of patients with severe COVID-19, however the P value was greater than 0.05 (P=0.180), which mean under the same condition, studies of larger samples are needed in the future.ConclusionMultiple factors were related to severe COVID-19 and an outcome of death. Administration of gamma globulin seemed helpful for reducing the mortality of severe cases. More related studies are needed in the future.
A Tail of Two Structures: Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Cercarial Heads and Tails of Schistosome Worms
Authors: Hagerty James , Kim Hyung Chul , Jolly Emmitt
Published: October 2020

Schistosomes require both molluscan and mammalian hosts for development. The larval stage, cercaria, exits the intermediate snail host and must swim to identify and invade the definitive mammalian host. The cercaria has two macrostructures, the head and the tail. The tail is lost after host invasion, whereas the head develops into a sexually dimorphic adult worm. Translation in the cercaria differs in each macrostructure with higher levels of translation in cercarial tails and little to no translational activity in cercarial heads. We compared the transcriptome and proteome of the cercarial head and tail and observed stark differences between the two macrostructures. We identified unique and differentially expressed transcripts and proteins, including multiple ribosomal components expressed in higher levels in tails than in heads, which may explain the differences in translation levels between heads and tails and reflect the weak correlation between transcription and translation in infectious cercarial heads and tails.
Aetiology and Outcome of Non-Traumatic Coma in African Children: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ray Stephen , Fuller Charlotte , Boubour Alexandra , Bonnett Laura , Seydel Karl , Griffiths Michael
Published: October 2020

Background: Non-traumatic coma is a common acute childhood presentation to healthcare facilities in Africa and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Historically, the majority of cases were attributed to cerebral malaria (CM). With the recent drastic reduction in malaria incidence, non-malarial coma is becoming a larger proportion of cases and determining the aetiology is diagnostically challenging, particularly in resource-limited settings. The purpose of this study will be to evaluate the aetiology and prognosis of non-traumatic coma in African children.Methods: From inception onwards, systematic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus, will identify prospective and retrospective studies (including randomised controlled trials, cluster randomised trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional, and case-control studies) recruiting children (1 month-16 years) with non-traumatic coma (defined by Blantyre Coma Score ≤2 or comparable alternative) from any African country. Disease-specific studies will be included given that coma is associated and reported. The primary outcome is to determine the aetiology (infectious and non-infectious) of non-traumatic coma in African children, with pooled prevalence estimates of causes (e.g. malaria). Secondary outcomes are to determine overall estimates of morbidity and mortality of all cause non-traumatic coma and disease-specific states of non-traumatic coma, where available. Random effects meta-analysis will summarize aetiology data and in-hospital and post-discharge mortality. Heterogeneity will be quantified with τ2, I2, and Cochran’s Q test.Discussion: This systematic review will provide a summary of the best available evidence on the aetiology and outcome of non-traumatic coma in African children. Systematic Review Registration: This review is registered in PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020141937).