bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical ventilation preserves diaphragm mitochondrial function in a rat sepsis model
Authors: Eyenga P. , Roussel D. , Rey B. , Ndille P. , Teulier L. , Eyenga F. , Romestaing C. , Morel J. , Gueguen-Chaignon V. , Sheu S-S.
Published: April 2021

Background

To describe the effect of mechanical ventilation on diaphragm mitochondrial oxygen consumption, ATP production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cytochrome c oxidase activity and content, and their relationship to diaphragm strength in an experimental model of sepsis.

Methods

A cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) protocol was performed in 12 rats while 12 controls underwent sham operation. Half of the rats in each group were paralyzed and mechanically ventilated. We performed blood gas analysis and lactic acid assays 6 h after surgery. Afterwards, we measured diaphragm strength and mitochondrial oxygen consumption, ATP and ROS generation, and cytochrome c oxidase activity. We also measured malondialdehyde (MDA) content as an index of lipid peroxidation, and mRNA expression of the proinflammatory interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in diaphragms.

Results

CLP rats showed severe hypotension, metabolic acidosis, and upregulation of diaphragm IL-1β mRNA expression. Compared to sham controls, spontaneously breathing CLP rats showed lower diaphragm force and increased susceptibility to fatigue, along with depressed mitochondrial oxygen consumption and ATP production and cytochrome c oxidase activity. These rats also showed increased mitochondrial ROS generation and MDA content. Mechanical ventilation markedly restored mitochondrial oxygen consumption and ATP production in CLP rats; lowered mitochondrial ROS production by the complex 3; and preserved cytochrome c oxidase activity.

Conclusion

In an experimental model of sepsis, early initiation of mechanical ventilation restores diaphragm mitochondrial function.
In vivo comet assay in rabbit corneal epithelial cells following ocular instillation with genotoxic compounds
Authors: Tahara Haruna , Yamagiwa Yoshinori , Haranosono Yu , Kurata Masaaki
Published: April 2021

Background

The in vivo comet assay is used to evaluate the genotoxic potential of compounds by detecting DNA strand breaks in cells isolated from animal tissue. The comet assay of hepatocytes is well established; however, the levels of systemic drug exposure following systemic administration are often insufficient to evaluate the genotoxic potential of compounds on the ocular surface following ocular instillation. To investigate the possibility of using the comet assay as a genotoxic evaluation tool for the ocular surface, we performed this assay on the corneal epithelial cells of rabbit eyes 2 h after the single ocular instillation of five genotoxic compounds, namely ethidium bromide, 1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium dichloride (paraquat), methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), acrylamide, and 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO).

Results

The mean % tail DNA, as an indicator of DNA damage, in the corneal epithelial cells treated with ethidium bromide, MMS, and 4-NQO exhibited statistically significant increases compared with those in the negative controls (saline or 5 % dimethyl sulfoxide in saline). However, paraquat and acrylamide did not increase the mean % tail DNA, presumably because of the high antioxidant levels and low cytochrome P450 levels present in the corneal epithelium, respectively.

Conclusions

The comet assay was able to detect genotoxic potential on the ocular surface following ocular instillation with genotoxic compounds. The study findings indicate that the in vivo comet assay may provide a useful tool for assessing the genotoxicity of compounds topically administrated on the ocular surface under mimicking clinical condition.
Childhood overweight and obesity among the Saudi population: a case-control study among school children
Authors: Aljassim Hanan , Jradi Hoda
Published: April 2021

Background

Childhood obesity is a global public health concern with major consequences. In Saudi Arabia, the percentage of children who are overweight or obese has significantly increased in the past two decades, raising concerns about the physical and psychosocial consequences of this burden. This study aimed at investigating the different risk factors contributing to childhood obesity in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted among 492 school children (246 overweight/obese children, and 246 normal weight control children aged 5-9 years). Using valid and reliable instruments, parental and child characteristics, behavioral practices, screen use, and other activities were assessed as risk factors for childhood obesity using logistic regression analysis.

Results

An unemployed father (OR=11.90; 95% CI: 7.47-18.93), a father with overweight/obesity (OR=2.04; 95% CI: 1.40-2.96), an incorrect parental perception of child’s weight status (OR=2.54; 95% CI: 1.75-3.68), cesarean delivery (OR=2.52; 95% CI: 1.56-4.09), daily time in active play for less than 30 min (OR=2.18; 95% CI: 1.44-3.28), frequent snacking (OR=1.74; 95% CI: 1.05-2.93), and screen time use for more than 2 h per day outside of school (OR=1.62; 95% CI: 1.12-2.34) were all independent risk factors for being overweight or obese among the selected cases.

Conclusion

Efforts to prevent childhood overweight and obesity in this population should focus primarily on the early identification and confrontation of risk factors. Such risk factors include parental characteristics and awareness of the magnitude of the burden obesity poses, behavioral practices such as frequent snacking, screen time use, and physical activity.
Toward a Theory of Poetic License
Authors: Molde Klas
Published: April 2021

In a supposedly enlightened and disenchanted age, why has lyric poetry continued to make claims and perform gestures that are now otherwise inadmissible or even unimaginable? Animation, invocation, and unmotivated praise, apparently artificially imposed (dis)order, and spurious gnomic and vatic sayings that pretend to universal or transcendent knowledge are marks of the lyric as a genre. Sketching a theory of poetic license, this article addresses the lyrical entanglement of enchantment and embarrassment. The author argues for a concept of the lyric as a medium for regulating the balance between enchantment and disenchantment in an always imbalanced environment. Engaging other scholars and using examples from modern French and German poetry, the article also ventures a new understanding of lyric modernity. Rather than naming a historical event to be lamented, disenchantment unveils a risk inherent to the lyric whose regulatory function it makes explicit.
Lyric, Nation, and Dialogism
Authors: Kornberg Morani
Published: April 2021

This article introduces, for the first time, the marginalized writings of Israeli-statehood-generation poet Maxim Ghilan (1931–2005), who lived in self-exile in Paris as a result of his political activism. By investigating the relationship between lyric poetry and nationalism, the article introduces Ghilan’s early poetry, followed by a close analysis of his groundbreaking and understudied poem “In Enemy Land,” written upon his return to Israel. Ghilan’s poetry overturns nationalist discourse by revisiting the events of 1948 and evoking the dual notion of return, namely, the Israeli Law of Return and the Palestinian Right of Return. In an effort to contribute to New Lyric Studies, the article offers a new form of lyric reading, the “trans-national lyric,” a hyphenated form of transnationalism used to emphasize crossing over and moving beyond the nation. The trans-national lyric dismantles the lyric speaker’s sovereign position and consequently uncovers the silent — and silenced — dialogic voices that are an inseparable part of the genre. The article concludes with an analysis of lyric address and the ethical role of reading, whereby readers are implicated in the process of forced remembering and historical revision.
Covert Progression in Comics
Authors: Candel Daniel
Published: April 2021

Readings of covert progression have expanded the study of rhetorical criticism but usually limit themselves to analyzing short stories. By analyzing Frank Miller’s 300, this article extends covert progression to comics, a medium in which language and images crucially interact. In addition, reading 300 for its covert progression also contributes to reassessing a work surrounded by controversies over its quality and ideological bias. The article first discusses the critical background of 300, assesses style—a basic element of covert progression—in comics, and introduces a tool of cultural-semantic analysis necessary to understand 300. The article then reads the overt plot and analyzes the narrator’s voice to assess distances between implied reader/author, narrator, and characters, which previous criticism has established. Next, the article analyzes the covert progression of the story by following the overt plot along the sequence curiosity ! suspense ! surprise and reinterpreting that sequence, analyzing images and combinations of images and language, with an emphasis on stylistic traits. The article closes by discussing the significance of covert progression for 300 and of extending covert progression to the reading of comics.
Promoting Physical Activity Through Policy at a Single Safety-Net Clinic: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bowen Pamela G. , Opoku-Agyeman William , Clay Olivio J. , McCaskill Gina , Mixon Veronica , Sen Bisakha (Pia) , Pisu Maria , Martin Michelle Y.
Published: April 2021

Background

Physical inactivity is a major issue for African Americans that contributes to increased risk for chronic conditions including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. The purpose of this single-clinic pilot study aimed to determine if a physical activity policy would increase primary care provider discussions of physical activity during clinic visits using the “Exercise is Medicine” initiative as a guide.

Methods

The study design involved data collection at three time points. Participants were recruited from a single clinic providing high-quality health care without regard to their ability to pay. Participants included 109 African American patients between the ages of 24 and 81 yr (39 before intervention, 40 at 6 wk after intervention, and 30 at 12 months after intervention). The primary outcome measure was participants’ answers related to whether a physical activity discussion occurred with their primary care provider.

Results

At baseline, 13% of participants reported a physical activity discussion with their provider; this increased to 33% at 6 wk after intervention. However, at 12 months after intervention, the percentage of participants who reported a physical activity discussion decreased to 23%.

Conclusion

Exercise is an underused evidence-based strategy that should be prescribed as a medicine to prevent and manage many chronic health conditions. This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of improving provider–patient communications related to the importance of daily physical activity behaviors. Further research is needed to determine how to use and sustain a clinic-level policy that will encourage physical activity discussions at every visit.
Screen time and Sleep Quality among College and University Students of Karachi
Authors: Muhammad Nizamuddin , Hussain Mehwish , Adnan Syed Muhammad
Published: April 2021

Objectives: To assess the relationship between screen times and sleep quality of the age group 17-24. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted on students of Colleges and universities in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town Karachi. A total of 600 undergraduate students were approached in colleges and universities of Gulshan Town, Karachi. The sampling technique was Multi Staged sampling. The research instrument comprised of 3 parts i) Demographic profile, ii) Sleep quality measures and iii) Screen time usage measures. Results: The mean total hour of sleep was 6.7 ± 1.5. The Mean Cumulative score of the components of the questionnaire was 7.47 ± 3.56, while 174 (29%) have Normal Sleep quality and 426 (71%) have poor sleep according to the questionnaire. The odds ratio suggests there were 4.23 times higher chances of poor sleep quality in students whose screen time was more than 2 hours on weekdays as compared to other students. (OR: 4.23, 95% CI: 2.66-6.72). The odds ratio suggests there were 24.15 times higher chances of poor sleep quality in students whose screen time was more than 2 hours on weekends as compared to other students (OR: 24.15, 95% CI: 11.192-52.11). Conclusion: As, negative impacts were determined within sleep quality, and increased screen watching of multiple versions of the devices (screen time), influencing the commended level of screen watching among university and college students (age 17-24) is an affair of public health.
Os contributos da alfabetização em saúde para o sistema, os profissionais de saúde e os pacientes: O círculo virtuoso da comunicação na saúde
Authors: Almeida Cristina Vaz de , Belim Célia
Published: April 2021

Objetivo: Perceber, por meio de informadores qualificados, como os profissionais de saúde, quais os contributos da alfabetização em saúde para o sistema, os profissionais de saúde e os pacientes. Método: foi aplicada a técnica do focus group, em um processo bietápico, cerca de 600 profissionais de saúde a atuar em Portugual. Para tratar os conteúdos recolhidos nos focus groups, usou-se a análise de conteúdo qualitativa. Resultados: Os resultados mostram que a alfabetização em saúde é um assunto piloto para os profissionais de saúde. A melhor gestão de custos, a eficiência, o menor desperdício e o reaproveitamento de recursos materiais e técnicos, a coordenação mais equilibrada da burocracia são alguns dos contributos para o sistema. Os contributos para os profissionais de saúde são diversos, destacando-se o poupar tempo, que eles disponibilizarão para outros investimentos, uma maior satisfação e o bem-estar. Os pacientes se beneficiarão com o acesso a melhores cuidados de saúde, o aumento da prevenção da doença, da qualidade de vida e de saúde, o autoinvestimento, a autogestão, a segurança em saúde, a satisfação, entre outros ganhos. Conclusão: O investimento na alfabetização em saúde traduz-se em ganhos para a tríade sistema-profissional-paciente e na efetividade e eficiência dos resultados em saúde, sobretudo no contexto de crises pandêmicas como a motivada pela COVID-19. A cadeia sistema-profissional-paciente está em constante dinâmica e retroalimenta-se positivamente, funcionando em um círculo virtuoso, cuja alavanca é a comunicação.
Το "μακεδονικό ζήτημα" στα σχολικά εγχειρίδια ιστορίας λυκείου Ελλάδας και Βόρειας Μακεδονίας (π. FYROM)
Authors: Κακογιάννης Απόστολος - Αριστείδης
Published: April 2021

Αντικείμενο της παρούσας έρευνας αποτελούν τα σχολικά εγχειρίδια νεότερης και σύγχρονης ιστορίας του Λυκείου που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν ή εγκρίθηκαν προς χρήση στην Ελλάδα και τη Β. Μακεδονία μετά το 1990, χρονιά που δημιουργείται το ανεξάρτητο κράτος της δεύτερης. Με τη βοήθεια των μεθοδολογικών εργαλείων της Ιστορικής Συγκριτικής Ανάλυσης και της Κριτικής Ανάλυσης Λόγου (Διαλεκτική-σχεσιακή προσέγγιση του N. Fairclough) επιδιώκεται να εξεταστεί συγκριτικά ο τρόπος που το Μακεδονικό Ζήτημα παρουσιάζεται αφενός ανάμεσα στα εγχειρίδια κάθε χώρας ξεχωριστά και αφετέρου μεταξύ των εγχειριδίων των δύο χωρών. Η εργασία εστιάζει στον πολιτικό ρόλο που αυτά διαδραματίζουν ως προϊόντα κοινωνικών πρακτικών. Η έννοια της υβριδικότητας, όπως αναπτύχθηκε από τον Κληρίδη, θεωρείται ιδιαίτερα χρήσιμη σε μία τέτοια ανάλυση. Τα κείμενα των εγχειριδίων γίνονται αντιληπτά ως κέλυφος εντός του οποίου συνυπάρχουν διαφορετικά κειμενικά είδη (genres) και λόγοι (discourses).
Η έρευνα της νεολιθικής εποχής στη Βαλκανική και την Ανατολική Μεσόγειο κατά τον μεσοπόλεμο με έμφαση στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Ζευγολατάκου Μαρία
Published: April 2021

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή έχει ως στόχο της την ανάλυση και μελέτη της ερευνητικής δραστηριότητας για τη Νεολιθική Εποχή κατά την περίοδο του Μεσοπολέμου στο χώρο της Βαλκανικής Χερσονήσου και της Ανατολικής Μεσογείου, με βάση το ερώτημα πως οι ιδεολογικές, πολιτικές, κοινωνικές και οικονομικές συνθήκες καθόρισαν την πορεία, τον προσανατολισμό καθώς και την εξέλιξή της.
Hutchison Medallist 1. Wave-Dominated to Tide-Dominated Coastal Systems: A Unifying Model for Tidal Shorefaces and Refinement of the Coastal- Environments Classification Scheme
Authors: Dashtgard Shahin E. , Vaucher Romain , Yang Byongcheon , Dalrymple Robert W.
Published: April 2021

Coastal depositional systems are normally classified based on the relative input of wave, tide, and river processes. While wave- through to river-dominated environments are well characterized, environments along the wave-to-tide continuum are relatively poorly understood and this limits the reliability and utility of coastal classification schemes. Two tidal shoreface models, open-coast tidal flats (OCTF) and tidally modulated shorefaces (TMS), have been introduced for mixed wave-tide coastal settings. Following nearly two decades of research on tidal shorefaces, a number of significant insights have been derived, and these data are used here to develop a unified model for such systems. First, OCTFs are components of larger depositional environments, and in multiple published examples, OCTFs overlie offshore to lower shoreface successions that are similar to TMS. Consequently, we combine OCTFs and TMSs into a single tidal shoreface model where TMS (as originally described) and TMS-OCTF successions are considered as variants along the wave-tide continuum. Second, tidal shoreface successions are preferentially preserved in low- to moderate-wave energy environments and in progradational to aggradational systems. It is probably difficult to distinguish tidal shorefaces from their storm-dominated counterparts. Third, tidal shorefaces, including both TMSs and OCTFs, should exhibit tidally modulated storm deposits, reflecting variation in storm-wave energy at the sea floor resulting from the rising and falling tide. They may also exhibit interbedding of tidally generated structures (e.g. double mud drapes or bidirectional current ripples), deposited under fairweather conditions, and storm deposits (e.g. hummocky cross-stratification) through the lower shoreface and possibly into the upper shoreface.The development of the tidal shoreface model sheds light on the limitations of the presently accepted wave-tide-river classification scheme of coastal environments and a revised scheme is presented. In particular, tidal flats are components of larger depositional systems and can be identified in the rock record only in settings where intertidal and supratidal deposits are preserved; consequently, they should not represent the tide-dominated end-member of coastal systems. Instead, we suggest that tide-dominated embayments should occupy this apex. Tide-dominated embayments exhibit limited wave and river influence and include a wide range of geomorphological features typically associated with tidal processes, including tidal channels, bars and flats.
Atividade antinociceptiva e anti-inflamatória do extrato hexânico de "Echinodorus macrophyllus" (Kunth) Micheli em camundongos
Authors: Fernandes Daniele C. , Martins Bruna P. Martins P. , Medeiros David L. F. , Santos Shirley V. M. , Gayer Carlos R. M. , Velozo Leosvaldo S. M. , Coelho Marsen G. P.
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Echinodorus macrophyllus (Kunth) Micheli,Alismataceae, commonly known as “chapéu de couro”, isused in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions.The aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptiveand anti-inflammatory neurogenic potential and perform thephytochemical analysis of its hexanic extract (HEEm). Materialand methods: The HEEm was obtained by maceration ofdried leaves with hexane (100 g d.w./2 L). Its composition wasdetermined by GC-MS (DB1 column) by comparison of retentionindices in the database and literature. The antinociceptivepotential was evaluated in SW or DBA/1 male mice usingchemical (acetic acid and formalin), thermal (tail immersionand hot plate tests) and topical (xylene) nociception models,all approved by the Ethics Committee (CEA-IBRAG). Results:HEEM presented antinociceptive activity in the model of:acetic acid-induced writhing (52%; 25mg/kg); tail immersion(60 and 90 minutes; 50 mg/kg); hot-plate in 60 minutes (25and 100mg/kg) and 120 minutes (25mg/kg); formalin tests, atthe neurogenic (63.4%, 100mg/kg), and inflammatory (50%;50 and 100mg/kg) phases; and in neurogenic inflammationinduced by xylene (88.3%; 100mg/kg). These activities seem tobe related to the terpene and fatty acid derivatives evidencedby GC-MS. Discussion: HEEm presented antinociceptive, aswell as anti-inflammatory, activity by central and peripheralmechanisms, It consists of terpenic and fatty acid derivatives,described in the literature as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory,and antinociceptives. Conclusions: HEEm showed antinociceptiveactivity in all models, which can be related to thepresence of terpenic and fatty acid derivatives.Keywords: Echinodorus macrophyllus; Nociception;Neurogenic inflammation; Phytochemistry.
Composição corporal na síndrome metabólica: Proposta de um protocolo de ensaio clínico randomizado avaliando o efeito do exercício de vibração de corpo inteiro
Authors: Reis Aline S. , Paineiras-Domingos Laisa L. , Moreira-Marconi Eloá , Moura-Fernandes Márcia C. , Quinart Hervé , Boyer François Constant , Neves Mario Fristh , Taiar Redha , Bernardo-Filho Mario , Sá-Caputo Danúbia C.
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized bya group of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension,hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, low high-density cholesteroland increased abdominal fat. Over the years, changesin body composition occur, with accelerated loss of lean massand increased fat mass, favoring cardiometabolic disorders.A strong relationship exists between physical inactivity andthe presence of multiple risk factors for MetS. Thus, physicalexercise has been recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular,chronic and MetS diseases. Whole-body vibration(WBV) exercise can be considered to be an exercise modalitythat benefits the muscular strength and cardiovascular healthof elderly, sick and healthy people. Individuals with MetSare unmotivated to perform physical exercise regularly and,therefore, new approaches to intervention for this populationare desirable. Objectives: The aim of this study is to presenta protocol to verify the effect of WBV exercise on the bodycomposition of MetS individuals. Methods: Randomized controlledtrial with MetS individuals that will be allocated to anintervention group (WBVG) and a control group (CG). Participantswill be placed barefoot on the base of a side alternatingvibrating platform, with 130º knee flexion. Individuals (WBVGand CG) will perform the protocol for 12 weeks, twice a week.The CG subjects will perform the exercises at 5Hz throughoutthe intervention and those from the WBVG will perform the5Hz exercises in the first session, adding 1Hz per session, endingthe protocol at 16Hz. The body composition will be evaluatedbefore and after the protocol using bioelectrical impedanceanalysis. Discussion: Studies involving WBV exercise haveshown improvement in composition in individuals withdifferent conditions (healthy and unhealthy). Conclusion: Theproposed protocol will permit the acquisition of findings thatwill be relevant in the evaluation of the effect of the WBV onthe body composition of MetS individuals due to its ease ofrealization, low cost and safety.Keywords: Whole body vibration exercise; Metabolic syndrome;Physical activity.
Benefits of physical therapy in the quality of life of mouth breathing children: Literature review
Authors: De França Natália B. M. , Ferreira Fátima S. , Lima Rubens A. , Ferreira Juliana R. , Sales Késsia N. A.
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The correct breathing process is through thenasal route, since it provides that the air during aspiration isfiltered, humidified and heated, thus conditioning the lungsfor gas exchange to occur. Allergic processes or other formsof affections can lead to the obstruction of the passage of airthrough the nose, leading the body to make an alternativeadaptation for the passage of air to occur through the mouth.A person who uses the mouth to breathe is called a mouthbreather. Once this adaptive process occurs, as a way tocompensate for this alternative airway, the body promotesa series of alterations in several segments of the body, such aschanges in the postural, respiratory, behavioral and stomatognathicsystems. Several techniques are used to treat themusculoskeletal dysfunctions presented by mouth breathers.Objective: to analyze how physiotherapy can contribute tothe improvement of the quality of life of mouth breathingchildren and to find out which are the most effective treatments.Methods: a search of data in the literature was carriedout by consulting the following electronic databases: Scielo,Bireme, Pub Med, Lilacs Google Scholar, as well as specializedbooks in the field. We excluded articles published before theyear 2000. Result: Among the analyzed articles, we perceivethat the treatment of mouth breathers occurs in a multidisciplinaryway, since it presents changes that encompassseveral body and systemic segments. Among the professionalsinvolved in the rehabilitation process, we highlight therole of physiotherapists. Conclusion: the physiotherapist isqualified to intervene in this pathology, with expertise inevaluation and establishment of the best treatment program,with physiotherapeutic conduits, allowing an improvementin respiratory patterns.Keywords: Mouth breathing children; Physiotherapy; Posturalevaluation; Treatment.
Editorial
Authors: Bernardo-Filho Mario
Published: April 2021

Dear AllThe broad approach of the Brazilian Journal ofHealth and Biomedical Sciences shows itself again inthis issue. The papers are related to a variety of subjectscovering different populations. The current issuecontains a diversity of interesting and important studiesthat use practical and convenient techniques involvingboth young and elderly groups. This stimulatesthe reader to be in contact with a range of possibleinformation in the health and biomedical sciences areathat is highly relevant and current worldwide.In addition, several conditions related todiseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM),chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kneeosteoarthritis (KOA), and frailty are presented inthe studies. Findings are presented from the clinicalevaluation of induced sputum and pulmonary functionin patients with T2DM, racial/ethnic differences inbone mineral density, muscle function and fat mass inyoung women, land-based versus water-based walkingprograms in elderly women with KOA, processing speedduring attention and memory tasks as an indicator offrailty, use of the 6-minute walking test to evaluatepatients with respiratory disease, as well as an evaluationof the prevalence of sickle cell trait in blood donorsthrough a systematic review. An epidemiologicalanalysis of exogenous poisoning is also presented.The objectives of the papers published in thisissue include: (i) systematizing data related to theprevalence of sickle cell trait among blood donors;(ii) determination of racial/ethnic differences in bonemineral density, muscle function and fat mass inwomen of Caucasian, East-Asian, South-Asian, Hispanicand African-American backgrounds; (iii) investigationof effects of a walking program with a controlledprogressive workload in water compared to land withregard to pain, functional and physical performance,and quality of life in elderly women with KOA; (iv)characterization of the processing speed duringattention and memory tasks in a geriatric populationin different states of frailty in order to verify thefactors that most contribute to the frailty phenotype;(v) comparative cross-sectional study of the 6-minutewalking test data with inclusion of individuals withsystemic sclerosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis andCOPD; (vi) evaluation of cellularity, albumin andinterleukin-1 levels in induced sputum to determinerespiratory function parameters in patients withT2DM; and (vii) observation of patterns in cases ofexogenous poisoning in a region of the State of MinasGerais, Brazil.Readers of the BJHBS may expect to access relevantdiscussions of subjects in Health and BiomedicalSciences.
Prevalence of sickle cell trait in blood donors: A systematic review
Authors: Machado Letícia A. F. , Gomes Edney G. da C. , Oliveira Lívia C. de , Lima Larissa C. , Neto José F. N.
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The sickle cell trait is a genetic mutation characterizedby the presence of hemoglobin S (HbS) in heterozygosisin which patients are asymptomatic, which makesthem suitable for blood donation. Aim: Systematizing datarelated to the prevalence of the sickle cell trait among blooddonors. Materials and methods: A search of the literature wasconducted in May 2019 to seek articles published from 1990and which had available online abstracts, in four electronicdatabases. Studies were selected with the following characteristics:(1) original work; (2) observational; (3) developed withblood donors; and (4) showing prevalence of sickle cell trait.Two independent reviewers identified the articles for inclusionin this systematic review of the literature (SRL), extractedthe pre-determined data and carried out the evaluation of theworks’ methodological quality. Results: Eight studies publishedin the last 12 years in different countries were selected totake part in this SRL. With variable sample size, all presented across-sectional methodology. For the detection of the presenceof HbS, electrophoresis in alkaline pH was commonly used.The statistical analysis developed involved simple techniques,showing that the prevalence of blood donors with sickle celltrait ranged from 0.4% to 20.8%. The majority of studies wasconsidered of high methodological quality. Conclusion: Theprevalence of sickle cell trait among blood donors varies widely,although it may not be moderate, given that the screeningof HbS has important clinical significance for the proper useof this blood component.Keywords: Sickle cell trait; Blood donor; Blood transfusion.
Can the 6-minute walking test evaluate all patients with respiratory disease?
Authors: Pimentel Marta R. Q. , Raphael Yves , Nascimento Luciane V. B. , Rufino Rogério , Maiworm Adalgisa , Da Silva Kenia Maynard , Da Costa Cláudia Henrique
Published: April 2021

The 6-minute walking test (6MWT) is a submaximal testused as a clinical indicator of functional capacity in patientswith pulmonary disease. However, is has not been definedwhether the parameters obtained in the 6MWT are similarin two groups of interstitial lung diseases (ILD), systemic sclerosis(SSc) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and whatare the differences when compared to patients with chronicobstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a comparativecross-sectional study of 6MWT data, with the inclusion of 32patients with SSc, 32 with IPF and 50 with COPD. All patientsunderwent the 6MWT and a respiratory function test. Patientswith ILD did not present significant differences when comparedwith each other. However, when compared to patientswith COPD, the ILD group showed greater distance walked(ILD = 404.6 ± 1.09m, COPD = 352.4 ± 10.80m; p = 0.0033) andpredicted percentage above 100% (ILD = 113.5 ± 3.72%, COPD= 84.36 ± 4.81%; p <0.0001). Both groups showed a drop inblood oxygen saturation (SaO2) at the end of the test, but thedifference between the measured values before and after the6MWT was more significant in the ILD group (ILD = 10.33 ±01.09%, COPD = 4.60 ± 12.37%; p <0.0001). The data suggestthat, differently from COPD patients, the main parameter tobe evaluated during the 6MWT in the ILD group could be thedrop in saturation and not the distance walked.Keywords: COPD; Lung diseases, Interstitial; RespiratoryFunction Tests; Walk Test; Walking.
Diabetic pneumopathy: A study of induced sputum and pulmonary function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bártholo Rogério M. , Bessa Elizabeth , Bártholo Thiago P. , Da Costa Cláudia Henrique , Lopes Agnaldo José , Rufino Rogério
Published: April 2021

Objective: To evaluate the cellularity, and albumin and interleukin(IL)-1 levels in induced sputum (IS), and to determinerespiratory function parameters in patients with type 2 diabetesmellitus (DM2). Design: A cross-section study in type 2diabetes mellitus. Participants: Patients with type 2 diabetesmellitus and healthy people. Methods: Patients in both groupshad normal chest x-ray findings. Exclusion criteria for bothgroups were: the presence of current pulmonary disease orsequelae, smoking, respiratory atopy, or respiratory infectionin the past 3 months. The study consisted of two sub-studies.In sub-study 1 (SS1), measurements of pulmonary volume andflow, and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) wereperformed. In sub-study 2 (SS2), analysis of cellularity, albumin,and IL-1 in IS was performed. Results: In all, 60 patients(45 women, 75%) with DM2 with a mean age of 59.52 years (SD,9.03) were included in SS1. The DM2 group included 8 patientswith airway obstruction (13.33%) without reversibility withbronchodilators, and 9 with restrictive disease (15.00 %) (p =0.026). The DLCO was reduced in 17 patients (28.33%) in theDM2 group. In the control group, all individuals had valueswithin the reference intervals. Lymphocytosis was found inthe IS of patients with DM2 (p = 0.028). The levels of sputumalbumin showed no statistical difference between the twogroups. Conclusion: Our findings indicate the presence ofpulmonary impairment in DM2, characterized by changes inthe respiratory function and a lymphocytosis in IS.Keywords: Diabetes mellitus type 2; Induced sputum;Lymphocytes.
Musculoskeletal and cognitive effects of stochastic resonance whole body vibration: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Faes Yannik , Salathé Cornelia Rolli , Cébe Céline , Szukics Andreas , Elfering Achim
Published: April 2021

Introduction: We investigated the acute musculoskeletaland cognitive effects of stochastic resonance whole-bodyvibration (SR-WBV). To our knowledge, no study looked atthe effects of SR-WBV on inhibitory control so far. Materialsand Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, participantswere randomly allocated into a verum (6 Hz, SR-WBV)or sham (2 Hz, SR-WBV) condition. Inhibitory control wasmeasured with the Stroop Test before and after the exercise.Also, muscle stiffness, muscle relaxation, sense of balanceand surefootedness were assessed in a questionnaire beforeand after the exercise. Results: Inhibitory control increasedsignificantly after verum SR-WBV (t = 2.949, P = 0.018), butnot after sham SR-WBV (t = 1.165, P = 0.252). Muscle stiffnessdecreased significantly after verum (t = 5.273, P < 0.000), butnot after sham SR-WBV (t = 1.533, P = 0.135). Also, musclerelaxation increased significantly after verum (t = -2.879, P =0.007), but not after sham SR-WBV (t = -1.650, P = 0.108). Senseof balance increased significantly after verum (t = -2.061, P =0.047), but not after sham SR-WBV (t = 0.347, P = 0.730). Nosignificant effect was found in surefootedness, whether afterverum (t = -0.966, P = 0.341) nor after sham SR-WBV (t = 0.849,P = 0.402). Conclusions: SR-WBV seems to be an appropriatemethod to improve not only physiological measurements butnewly also cognition, i.e. inhibitory control. In this study wecould show that SR-WBV exercise reduces interference andincreases inhibitory control in a young and healthy sample.Keywords: Stochastic resonance whole body vibration (SRWBV);Musculoskeletal effects; Cognitive effects; Inhibitorycontrol; Randomized controlled trial.
A “Dormição da Mãe de Deus”, a festa da ortodoxia e a representação pós-bizantina através da iconografia de Theophanis, o cretense, e da descrição de Dionísio de Furna
Authors: Lima Fernanda Lemos de
Published: April 2021

O presente trabalho visa estudar como a representação da passagem de “A dormição da Mãe de Deus”, no contexto da ortodoxia grega por meio da comparação entre a iconografia realizada por Theophanis, o Cretense, no monastério de Stavronikita, em 1546; e do modo como o livro  Interpretação da técnica de pintura bizantina, escrito entre 1730 e 1734, por Dionísio de Furna, descreve os elementos que deveriam aparecer na cena da “dormição dda Mãe de Deus”. Tal estudo comparativo visa observar como a pintor, anterior a Dinísio de Fourna, apresenta uma interpretação da passagem apócrifa e em que pontos ela difere ou não do modo como o livro indica os elementos a serem representados na imagem, refletindo, desse modo, sobre a liberdade de composição dos pintores, ao criarem imagens da iconografia cristã ortodoxa.
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Authors: Mcgloin Claudia
Published: April 2021

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary
End-of-life care in a pandemic: a primary healthcare perspective
Authors: Armstrong Amanda
Published: April 2021

Amanda Armstrong, Dr D. Aref, Dr S. Namuq, Riccardo Arduinin, Rebecca Evans, Dr Ajula Gunasekera, Dr K. Hochstein-Mintzel, Dr N Hilton, Kate Larden, Dr Christine Whitlow

This article will explore end-of-life care in the COVID-19 pandemic in north east Essex from the perspective of general practice. This article shows the new approaches that have been adopted to support people in the community at the end of life. These new ways of working demonstrated the resilience of healthcare professionals working together with the use of video to ensure that patients received the optimum care and treatment in their home at the end of their lives. It demonstrated that community teams such as district nurses, hospice staff, GPs and the lead nurse for end of life care could implement new ways of working to ensure joined up care and treatment. It also shows new models of working in the future.
Infection control: current status. risks, research, rules and recycling
Authors: Haworth Jennifer , Sandy Jonathan , Ireland Anthony J
Published: April 2021

We are living through a period of immense change following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China in December 2019. Even before the pandemic, the cost of managing healthcare-associated infections in the UK was considerable. The risk of acquiring any infection from the dental environment must be reduced to a minimum. As we have observed in recent years, new infectious agents emerge frequently, and the dental profession must be ready to respond appropriately and quickly. Orthodontic practice presents unique challenges in relation to infection control procedures. The impact of healthcare waste on the environment must also be considered.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper describes the range of infectious agents posing a risk to dental team members and patients. The aim is to place the recent coronavirus pandemic in the context of other recent emerging infections. Some of the latest research regarding infection control procedures is reviewed. Current best practice is described.
Chloroquine-induced Prolonged QT Interval in COVID-19 Patients in Indonesia: Case Series
Authors: Widyaningsih Putu Dyah , Putra Putu Gita Pranata , Asmara DG Wedha , Bagiari Erna , Santosa Agus , Harapan Harapan , Masyeni Sri
Published: April 2021

The treatment of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19)remains in debate, and the use of chloroquine has not been validated by accurate clinical trials.The aim of this study was to provide the possible cardiotoxicity effect of chloroquine in patients with COVID-19. This study was a case-series of prolonged QT interval of COVID-19 patients treated with chloroquine in a hospital in Bali, Indonesia. There were two cases of COVID-19 with exhibited a prolonged QT interval after being administrated of chloroquine. The prolonged QT interval returned to normal after chloroquine was stopped.These cases alert us the cardiotoxicity effect of chloroquine and the need for serial electro-cardiography monitoring before and during therapy. In conclusion, although antiviral and anti-inflammation properties of chloroquine on COVID-19 are promising, its cardiotoxicity effects should be monitored closely for less harm to the patients.
Description and Analysis of Characteristics of COVID-19 Clinical Trials Registered in the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI)
Authors: E Abinaya , S Saradha , K. R. Ilamathi , A Ruckmani , R Arunkumar
Published: April 2021

Many clinical trials are ongoing in India to evaluate the efficacy and safety of various interventions in COVID-19. It is mandatory that the clinical trials be registered in the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI) before enrollment of study participants. The present study was carried out with the objective of collecting, compiling and analyzing various types of trial data such as study design, interventions, outcomes and study sites. The clinical trial data were collected from the CTRI web portal using the key word “COVID-19” on 14 July 2020. The CTRI data output of every study registered till 14 July 2020 was stored as PDF document and the data were transcribed into a validated excel sheet based on the pre-defined methods and categories and analyzed. A total of 293 clinical studies have been registered in CTRI as on 14 July 2020. Among them, 188 (64.16%) are interventional and 105 (35.83%) are observational studies. The interventions being evaluated are modern medications including drugs and biologicals, AYUSH formulations, Nutraceuticals, Yoga and Naturopathy. Most of the interventions are already in clinical use for non-COVID indications and undergoing repurposing evaluations for COVID-19 in the clinical studies. Trials with AYUSH formulations constitute more than half of the interventional studies (51.06%) while modern medications in 31.09% of the studies. 119 trials (63.3%) of the interventional studies are randomized studies. Large numbers of trials are conducted in the states where the incidence of COVID-19 is high. 146 interventional studies out of 188 are expected to be completed within 6 months and the outcomes of these studies may provide valid information on the potential treatments in COVID-19.
Survey to Assess Perceived Causes of Stress, Its Manifestations and Coping Strategies Among Dental College Students in Maharashtra During COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Sreeram Meenakshi , A. Mundada Mona.
Published: April 2021

Various studies across the globe have emphasized the importance of monitoring stress levels among students pursuing professional courses, especially medical and dental students. The pandemic caused by the novel Corona virus affected the lives of people and economies of almost all nations in a manner no one could have ever fathomed. Unexpected and unprecedented changes have occurred in the way we work, study, interact, travel and many aspects of the way we humans lead our lives.The period of lockdown was a difficult period for everyone, more so for the youth, as they were forced to remain indoors, now no longer being able to physically interact with their friends,go to college, visit malls, socialize, pursue pass-times and hobbies or generally have a life that the younger generation is used to.Academic activities initially came to a standstill before shifting to online mode which was new to both, teachers and students. The objective of the current questionnaire-based study was to find out the perceived stress levels during the COVID-19 lockdown among the students and how capable they think they are to cope with these testing times. This survey was undertaken among the students from first to final year of a dental college in Nasik, Maharashtra in the first phase of lockdown in India from 22 Mar 2020 to 14 April 2020. A pretested self-administered questionnaire using Google forms was used for the data collection after getting approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee. Students from all the four years reported being stressed and academic factors were one of the most important stressors. During the lockdown, portion completion, delay in academic activities, uncertainties of the disease and the impending exams were the main causes of anxiety and stress. Continuous student engagement during the period and the availability of a staff to discuss and talk out a problem helped in a big way.It is suggested that mental health of college students should be monitored during such unusual circumstances as the pandemic. The introduction of stress management education into the curriculum could prove useful to the students to help them deal with any such situation in the future.
Serum Metabolomics Profiling to Identify Novel Biomarkers for Cyanotic Heart Disease
Authors: Vimal Suman , Agarwal Surendra Kumar , Yadav Surabhi , Majumdar Gauranga , Mittal Balraj , Sinha Neeraj , Ranjan Renuka
Published: April 2021

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most important causes of the death of children and young adults. Most of the patients do not survive past their teen years. This occurs either due to delay in diagnosis or no diagnosis at all. In recent times, several studies have shown the importance of biomarkers in the prediction of such defects. These biomarkers give the real time snapshot of the on going processes inside the cells and can significantly support the diagnosis of CHD. The present experiment was designed as an observational single centre pilot study to identify and establish the diagnostic metabolic signatures associated with the congenital heart diseases. Metabolic profiles of sera collected from 35 cyanotic congenital heart disease patients and 15 controls were obtained using high-resolution 1D 1H CPMG and NMR spectra. The metabolic profiles were compared using multivariate statistical analysis to identify the disease specific metabolic disturbances associated with cyanotic heart disease. The results show perturbation in several metabolites in cyanotic CHD patients versus controls. The discriminatory metabolites were further analysedwith area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve and identified five metabolic entities (i.e.valine, glucose, glutamine, creatinineand PUFA) which could differentiate cyanotic CHDs from controls with higher specificity.In conclusion, untargeted metabolic approach proved to be helpful in identifying and differentiating disease causing metabolites in cyanotic cases from controls.
A Literature Review on Indigowoad Root Hydrogel Development for Skincare
Authors: Law Siukan , Lo Chuiman , Han Jie , Leung Albert Wingnang , Xu Chuanshan
Published: April 2021

Indigowoad Root is traditional Chinese medicine. It belongs to the “cool blood herb” category which has been used for anti-inflammatory and anti-infections situations regarding the Yin-Yang theory. Hydrogel is one of the biomaterials for drug delivery that provided a large surface area and permeability, enhanced the characteristics of solubility and absorption of traditional Chinese medicine, for example, curcumin. Based on the pieces of evidence, these might have some possible methods for the synthesis of Indigowoad Root hydrogel on skincare in the future.