bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-uniform adaptive angular spectrum method and its application to neural network assisted coherent beam combining
Authors: Mirigaldi Alessandro , Carbone Maurizio , Perrone Guido
Published: April 2021

Increasing the number of laser beams that can be coherently combined requires accurate and fast algorithms for compensating phase and alignment errors. The paper proposes to use a Fully Connected Artificial Neural Network (FCANN) to correct the beam positioning perturbations by evaluating the beam shifts and tilts from two images taken at slightly different locations. Then, since it is practically impossible to have a large enough experimental dataset to train the neural network, this approach required developing an accurate and fast simulation method to evaluate the beam propagation in arbitrary directions, overcoming the limitations occurring when the computation must be repeated a large number of times. The numerical approach is a variant of the Angular Spectrum (AS) method, called Non Uniform ADaptive Angular Spectrum (NUADAS) method, which relies on the combination of non-uniform and adaptive Fourier transform algorithms to allow the computation of an arbitrary field distribution in a plane that is shifted and tilted with respect to the source. The parallel implementation of the NUADAS method is discussed and the numerical and experimental validations are presented. Then, an FCANN is trained using the synthetic dataset generated with the NUADAS method and the results are discussed, demonstrating the viability of the proposed approach not only for coherent beam combing, but also in other beam alignment applications.
Computed tomography imaging spectrometry based on superiorization and guided image filtering
Authors: Han Weizhe , Wang Qianlong , Cai Weiwei
Published: April 2021

Computed tomography imaging spectrometry (CTIS) is a snapshot hyperspectral imaging technique that can obtain a three-dimensional (

2
D
+

λ

) data cube of the target scene within a single exposure. Previous studies of CTIS suggest that reconstructions usually suffer from severe artifacts due to the limited number of projections available. To overcome this limitation, an iterative algorithm combining superiorization and guided image filtering is proposed to explore the intrinsic properties of the hyperspectral data cube as well as the characteristics of zero-order diffraction for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Results from both simulative studies and proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate its superiority in suppressing artifacts and improving precision over the frequently used expectation maximization algorithm.
Ultra-high extinction ratio polarization beam splitter with extreme skin-depth waveguide
Authors: Ahmed Syed Z. , Ahmed Ishtiaque , Mia Md Borhan , Jaidye Nafiz , Kim Sangsik
Published: April 2021

In this Letter, we present a high extinction ratio and compact on-chip polarization beam splitter (PBS), based on an extreme skin-depth (eskid) waveguide. Subwavelength-scale gratings form an effectively anisotropic metamaterial cladding and introduce a large birefringence. The anisotropic dielectric perturbation of the metamaterial cladding suppresses the TE polarization extinction via exceptional coupling, while the large birefringence efficiently cross-couples the TM mode, thus reducing the coupling length. We demonstrated the eskid-PBS on a silicon-on-insulator platform and achieved an ultra-high extinction ratio PBS (

≈

60

d
B

for TE and

≈

48

d
B

for TM) with a compact coupling length (

≈

14.5

µ

m

). The insertion loss is also negligible (

<

0.6

d
B

). The bandwidth is

>

80

(30) nm for the TE (TM) extinction ratio

>

20

d
B

. Our ultra-high extinction ratio PBS is crucial in implementing efficient polarization diversity circuits, especially where a high degree of polarization distinguishability is necessary, such as photonic quantum information processing.
High prevalence and mortality due to Histoplasma capsulatum in the Brazilian Amazon: An autopsy study
Authors: Rakislova Natalia , Hurtado Juan Carlos , Palhares Antonio E. M. , Ferreira Luiz , Freire Monique , Lacerda Marcus , Monteiro Wuelton , Navarro Mireia , Casas Isaac , Teixeira Marcus de Melo , Castillo Paola , Rodrigo-Calvo Maria Teresa , Marimon Lorena , Guerrero José , Varo Rosauro , Delgado Vima , Quintó Llorenç , Marco Francesc , Letang Emilio , Vila Jordi , Bassat Quique , Menéndez Clara , Ordi Jaume , Martínez Miguel J.
Published: April 2021

Background

Histoplasmosis is acquired by inhalation of spores of the dimorphic fungusHistoplasma spp. Although this pathogen is distributed worldwide, it is more prevalent in the Americas. However, the real burden of histoplasmosis remains undefined in many endemic regions.

Methodology

We conducted a series of 61 autopsies to individuals who died in a hospital in the Brazilian Amazon focused on infectious diseases. We performed a detailed histological and microbiological evaluation with genetic characterization ofHistoplasmastrains with the aim to evaluate the contribution of histoplasmosis to morbidity and mortality. Additionally, we assessed the clinicopathological correlation.

Principal findings

Evidence ofHistoplasmainfection was detected in 21 patients (34%). Eight cases were disseminated infections, all of them occurred in HIV-positive patients. Six cases were localized histoplasmosis, limited to the lungs. In seven patientsHistoplasmaDNA was detected by PCR in patients with no histological lesions.Histoplasmainfection was detected in 38% of HIV-positive patients and was a major contributor to death in 22% of them. Lungs, liver and spleen were affected in all cases of disseminated histoplasmosis. Phylogenetic analysis of the strains suggested a high diversity ofHistoplasmaspecies circulating in the Brazilian Amazon. Histoplasmosis was clinically missed in 75% of the disseminated infections.

Conclusions

The high incidence of histoplasmosis, the low index of clinical suspicion, and the severity of the disseminated disease highlight the need of proactively implementing sensitive routine screening methods for this pathogen in endemic areas. Antifungal prophylaxis againstHistoplasmashould be encouraged in the severely immunocompromised HIV patients in these areas. In conclusion, substantial mortality is associated with disseminated histoplasmosis among HIV-positive patients in the Brazilian Amazon.
Estimating true prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni from population summary measures based on the Kato-Katz diagnostic technique
Authors: Bärenbold Oliver , Garba Amadou , Colley Daniel G. , Fleming Fiona M. , Assaré Rufin K. , Tukahebwa Edridah M. , Kebede Biruck , Coulibaly Jean T. , N’Goran Eliézer K. , Tchuem Tchuenté Louis-Albert , Mwinzi Pauline , Utzinger Jürg , Vounatsou Penelope
Published: April 2021

Background

The prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection is usually assessed by the Kato-Katz diagnostic technique. However, Kato-Katz thick smears have low sensitivity, especially for light infections. Egg count models fitted on individual level data can adjust for the infection intensity-dependent sensitivity and estimate the ‘true’ prevalence in a population. However, application of these models is complex and there is a need for adjustments that can be done without modeling expertise. This study provides estimates of the ‘true’ S. mansoni prevalence from population summary measures of observed prevalence and infection intensity using extensive simulations parametrized with data from different settings in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methodology

An individual-level egg count model was applied to Kato-Katz data to determine the S. mansoni infection intensity-dependent sensitivity for various sampling schemes. Observations in populations with varying forces of transmission were simulated, using standard assumptions about the distribution of worms and their mating behavior. Summary measures such as the geometric mean infection, arithmetic mean infection, and the observed prevalence of the simulations were calculated, and parametric statistical models fitted to the summary measures for each sampling scheme. For validation, the simulation-based estimates are compared with an observational dataset not used to inform the simulation.

Principal findings

Overall, the sensitivity of Kato-Katz in a population varies according to the mean infection intensity. Using a parametric model, which takes into account different sampling schemes varying from single Kato-Katz to triplicate slides over three days, both geometric and arithmetic mean infection intensities improve estimation of sensitivity. The relation between observed and ‘true’ prevalence is remarkably linear and triplicate slides per day on three consecutive days ensure close to perfect sensitivity.

Conclusions/significance

Estimation of ‘true’ S. mansoni prevalence is improved when taking into account geometric or arithmetic mean infection intensity in a population. We supply parametric functions and corresponding estimates of their parameters to calculate the ‘true’ prevalence for sampling schemes up to 3 days with triplicate Kato-Katz thick smears per day that allow estimation of the ‘true’ prevalence.
Root and canopy traits and adaptability genes explain drought tolerance responses in winter wheat
Authors: Nehe A. S. , Foulkes M. J. , Ozturk I. , Rasheed A. , York L. , Kefauver S. C. , Ozdemir F. , Morgounov A.
Published: April 2021

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivumL) is one of the three main staple crops worldwide contributing 20% calories in the human diet. Drought stress is the main factor limiting yields and threatening food security, with climate change resulting in more frequent and intense drought. Developing drought-tolerant wheat cultivars is a promising way forward. The use of holistic approaches that include high-throughput phenotyping and genetic markers in selection could help in accelerating genetic gains. Fifty advanced breeding lines were selected from the CIMMYT Turkey winter wheat breeding program and studied under irrigated and semiarid conditions in two years. High-throughput phenotyping was done for wheat crown root traits and canopy senescence dynamics using vegetation indices (green area using RGB images and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index using spectral reflectance). In addition, genotyping by KASP markers for adaptability genes was done. Overall, under semiarid conditions yield reduced by 3.09 t ha-1(-46.8%) compared to irrigated conditions. Genotypes responded differently under drought stress and genotypes 39 (VORONA/HD24-12//GUN/7/VEE#8//…/8/ALTAY), 18 (BiII98) and 29 (NIKIFOR//KROSHKA) were the most drought tolerant. Root traits including shallow nodal root angle under irrigated conditions and root number per shoot under semiarid conditions were correlated with increased grain yield. RGB based vegetation index measuring canopy green area at anthesis was better correlated with GY than NDVI was with GY under drought. The markers for five established functional genes (PRR73.A1–flowering time,TEF-7A–grain size and weight,TaCwi.4A- yield under drought,Dreb1- drought tolerance, andISBW11.GY.QTL.CANDIDATE- grain yield) were associated with different drought-tolerance traits in this experiment. We conclude that–genotypes 39, 18 and 29 could be used for drought tolerance breeding. The trait combinations of canopy green area at anthesis, and root number per shoot along with key drought adaptability makers (TaCwi.4AandDreb1) could be used in screening drought tolerance wheat breeding lines.
The effects of carbon emissions, rainfall, temperature, inflation, population, and unemployment on economic growth in Saudi Arabia: An ARDL investigation
Authors: Islam Md Mazharul , Alharthi Majed , Murad Md Wahid
Published: April 2021

Objective

While macroeconomic and environmental events affect the overall economic performance of nations, there has not been much research on the effects of important macroeconomic and environmental variables and how these can influence progress. Saudi Arabia’s economy relies heavily on its vast reserves of petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, and copper, but its economic growth trajectory has been uneven since the 1990s. This study examines the effects of carbon emissions, rainfall, temperature, inflation, population, and unemployment on economic growth in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Annual time series dataset covering the period 1990–2019 has been extracted from the World Bank and General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection, Saudi Arabia. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration has served to investigate the long-run relationships among the variables. Several time-series diagnostic tests have been conducted on the long-term ARDL model to check its robustness.

Results

Saudi Arabia can still achieve higher economic growth without effectively addressing its unemployment problem as both the variables are found to be highly significantly but positively cointegrated in the long-run ARDL model. While the variable of carbon emissions demonstrated a negative effect on the nation’s economic growth, the variables of rainfall and temperate were to some extent cointegrated into the nation’s economic growth in negative and positive ways, respectively. Like most other nations the short-run effects of inflation and population on economic growth do vary, but their long-term effects on the same are found to be positive.

Conclusions

Saudi Arabia can achieve both higher economic growth and lower carbon emissions simultaneously even without effectively addressing the unemployment problem. The nation should utilize modern scientific technologies to annual rainfall losses and to reduce annual temperature in some parts of the country in order to achieve higher economic growth.
An R package for divergence analysis of omics data
Authors: Dinalankara Wikum , Ke Qian , Geman Donald , Marchionni Luigi
Published: April 2021

Given the ever-increasing amount of high-dimensional and complex omics data becoming available, it is increasingly important to discover simple but effective methods of analysis. Divergence analysis transforms each entry of a high-dimensional omics profile into a digitized (binary or ternary) code based on the deviation of the entry from a given baseline population. This is a novel framework that is significantly different from existing omics data analysis methods: it allows digitization of continuous omics data at the univariate or multivariate level, facilitates sample level analysis, and is applicable on many different omics platforms. The divergence package, available on the R platform through the Bioconductor repository collection, provides easy-to-use functions for carrying out this transformation. Here we demonstrate how to use the package with data from the Cancer Genome Atlas.
Antidiabetic effects of betulinic acid mediated by the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway
Authors: Song Tae-Jun , Park Choon-Ho , In Kyu-Ree , Kim Jong-Bae , Kim Joo Hee , Kim Miran , Chang Hye Jin
Published: April 2021

Betulinic acid (BA) is a naturally arising pentacyclic triterpenoid that has anti-malarial, anti-retroviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer biological effects. More recently, it has been reported to possess anti-obesity activity mediated by the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). We further investigated antidiabetic activity of BA in mouse tissues at the cellular and systemic levels. We found that BA stimulated AMPK in a similar fashion to the known AMPK activators, such as 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside and metformin. Notably, the level of glucose uptake by BA was not altered by wortmannin, suggesting that this activation did not depend on phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Furthermore, BA diminished blood glucose levels in alloxane-treated ICR mice and in untreated mice during the glucose tolerance test. BA also stimulated mRNA expression of glucose transporter 4, which could partly explain increased glucose uptake. BA also increased AS160 phosphorylation by insulin-independent mechanisms in the extensor digitorum longus muscle. These results indicate that BA may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for diabetes by activating AMPK, like metformin. Notably, BA also enhanced mouse endurance capacity, indicating that it also affects metabolic regulation in addition to its antidiabetic activity.
Impact of agile management on project performance: Evidence from I.T sector of Pakistan
Authors: Muhammad Umer , Nazir Tahira , Muhammad Najam , Maqsoom Ahsen , Nawab Samina , Fatima Syeda Tamkeen , Shafi Khuram , Butt Faisal Shafique
Published: April 2021

Over the past several years, global project management teams have been facing dynamic challenges that continue to grow exponentially with the increasing number of complexities associated with the undertaken tasks. The ever-evolving organizational challenges demand project managers to adapt novel management practices to accomplish organizational goals rather than following traditional management practices. Considering which, the current study aims to explain the effect of agile management practices upon project performance directly as well as while being mediated through project complexity. Furthermore, the aforementioned mediatory relationship is evaluated in terms of the moderating effect of leadership competencies. The current study utilized the survey approach to collect the data from registered I.T firms deployed in the potential metropolitans of each province of Pakistan including, Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Karachi. A total of 176 responses were utilized for statistical evaluations. As result, it was observed that the negative influence anticipated by project complexity on project performance was compensated by the agile management practices. Further, the leadership competencies played a pivotal role in managing project complexity while implementing agile management practices and therefore enhancing project performance. The current study abridges the potential knowledge gap conceptually by evaluating the direct impact of agile management upon project performance while considering all of its aspects, exploring the mediatory role of project performance and evaluating the moderating role of leadership competencies in attaining optimum project performance. In contextual terms, the current study fills the knowledge gap by gauging the implications of agile management practices within the I.T sector of Pakistan. The results of the current study can be a potential guide for both the academicians and the industry professionals.
Surface roughness, plaque accumulation, and cytotoxicity of provisional restorative materials fabricated by different methods
Authors: Giti Rashin , Dabiri Shima , Motamedifar Mohammad , Derafshi Reza
Published: April 2021

Fabricating method may affect the surface properties and biological characteristics of provisional restorations. This study aimed to evaluate the surface roughness, plaque accumulation, and cytotoxicity of provisional restorative materials fabricated by the conventional, digital subtractive and additive methods. Sixty-six bar-shaped specimens (2×4×10 mm) were fabricated by using provisional restorative materials through the conventional, digital subtractive and additive methods (n = 22 per group). Ten specimens of each group were used for surface roughness and plaque accumulation tests, 10 specimens for cytotoxicity assay, and 2 specimens of each group were used for qualitative assessment by scanning electron microscopy. The Ra (roughness average) and Rz (roughness height) values (μm) were measured via profilometer, and visual inspection was performed through scanning electron microscopy. Plaque accumulation of Streptococcus mutans and cytotoxicity on human gingival fibroblast-like cells were evaluated. The data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). Surface roughness, biofilm accumulation and cytotoxicity were significantly different among the groups (P<0.05). Surface roughness was significantly higher in the conventional group (P<0.05); however, the two other groups were not significantly different (P>0.05). Significantly higher bacterial attachment was observed in the additive group than the subtractive (P<0.001) and conventional group (P = 0.025); while, the conventional and subtractive groups were statistically similar (P = 0.111). Regarding the cytotoxicity, the additive group had significantly higher cell viability than the subtractive group (P = 0.006); yet, the conventional group was not significantly different from the additive (P = 0.354) and subtractive group (P = 0.101). Surface roughness was the highest in conventionally cured group; but, the additive group had the most plaque accumulation and lowest cytotoxicity.
A bioinformatic analysis of the inhibin-betaglycan-endoglin/CD105 network reveals prognostic value in multiple solid tumors
Authors: Listik Eduardo , Horst Ben , Choi Alex Seok , Lee Nam. Y. , Győrffy Balázs , Mythreye Karthikeyan
Published: April 2021

Inhibins and activins are dimeric ligands belonging to the TGFβ superfamily with emergent roles in cancer. Inhibins contain an α-subunit (INHA) and a β-subunit (either INHBA or INHBB), while activins are mainly homodimers of either βA (INHBA) or βB (INHBB) subunits. Inhibins are biomarkers in a subset of cancers and utilize the coreceptors betaglycan (TGFBR3) and endoglin (ENG) for physiological or pathological outcomes. Given the array of prior reports on inhibin, activin and the coreceptors in cancer, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis, assessing their functional prognostic potential in cancer using a bioinformatics approach. We identify cancer cell lines and cancer types most dependent and impacted, which included p53 mutated breast and ovarian cancers and lung adenocarcinomas. Moreover, INHA itself was dependent on TGFBR3 and ENG/CD105 in multiple cancer types. INHA, INHBA, TGFBR3, and ENG also predicted patients’ response to anthracycline and taxane therapy in luminal A breast cancers. We also obtained a gene signature model that could accurately classify 96.7% of the cases based on outcomes. Lastly, we cross-compared gene correlations revealing INHA dependency to TGFBR3 or ENG influencing different pathways themselves. These results suggest that inhibins are particularly important in a subset of cancers depending on the coreceptor TGFBR3 and ENG and are of substantial prognostic value, thereby warranting further investigation.
Sizing of airborne particles in an operating room
Authors: Tkacik Peter T. , Dahlberg Jerry L. , Johnson James E. , Hoth James J. , Szer Rebecca A. , Hellman Samuel E.
Published: April 2021

Medical procedures that produce aerosolized particles are under great scrutiny due to the recent concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus and increased risk for nosocomial infections. For example, thoracostomies, tracheotomies and intubations/extubations produce aerosols that can linger in the air. The lingering time is dependent on particle size where, e.g., 500 μm (0.5 mm) particles may quickly fall to the floor, while 1 μm particles may float for extended lengths of time. Here, a method is presented to characterize the size of <40 μm to >600 μm particles resulting from surgery in an operating room (OR). The particles are measured in-situ (next to a patient on an operating table) through a 75mm aperture in a ∼400 mm rectangular enclosure with minimal flow restriction. The particles and gasses exiting a patient are vented through an enclosed laser sheet while a camera captures images of the side-scattered light from the entrained particles. A similar optical configuration was described by Anfinrud et al.; however, we present here an extended method which provides a calibration method for determining particle size. The use of a laser sheet with side-scattered light provides a large FOV and bright image of the particles; however, the particle image dilation caused by scattering does not allow direct measurement of particle size. The calibration routine presented here is accomplished by measuring fixed particle distribution ranges with a calibrated shadow imaging system and mapping these measurements to the in-situ imaging system. The technique used for generating and measuring these particles is described. The result is a three-part process where 1) particles of varying sizes are produced and measured using a calibrated, high-resolution shadow imaging method, 2) the same particle generators are measured with the in-situ imaging system, and 3) a correlation mapping is made between the (dilated) laser image size and the measured particle size. Additionally, experimental and operational details of the imaging system are described such as requirements for the enclosure volume, light management, air filtration and control of various laser reflections. Details related to the OR environment and requirements for achieving close proximity to a patient are discussed as well.
Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) inhibition after contusive spinal cord injury does not improve locomotor recovery
Authors: Wei George Z. , Saraswat Ohri Sujata , Khattar Nicolas K. , Listerman Adam W. , Doyle Catherine H. , Andres Kariena R. , Karuppagounder Saravanan S. , Ratan Rajiv R. , Whittemore Scott R. , Hetman Michal
Published: April 2021

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition that involves both primary and secondary tissue loss. Various cytotoxic events including hypoxia, hemorrhage and blood lysis, bioenergetic failure, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and neuroinflammation contribute to secondary injury. The HIF prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD/EGLN) family of proteins are iron-dependent, oxygen-sensing enzymes that regulate the stability of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and also mediate oxidative stress caused by free iron liberated from the lysis of blood. PHD inhibition improves outcome after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) by reducing activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)-driven neuronal death. As the ATF4-CHOP (CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein) pathway plays a role in the pathogenesis of contusive SCI, we examined the effects of PHD inhibition in a mouse model of moderate T9 contusive SCI in which white matter damage is the primary driver of locomotor dysfunction. Pharmacological inhibition of PHDs using adaptaquin (AQ) moderately lowers acute induction of Atf4 and Chop mRNAs and prevents the acute decline of oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage mRNAs, but does not improve long-term recovery of hindlimb locomotion or increase chronic white matter sparing. Conditional genetic ablation of all three PHD isoenzymes in OLs did not affect Atf4, Chop or OL mRNAs expression levels, locomotor recovery, and white matter sparing after SCI. Hence, PHDs may not be suitable targets to improve outcomes in traumatic CNS pathologies that involve acute white matter injury.
Could prokinetic agents protect long-term nasogastric tube-dependent patients from being hospitalized for pneumonia? A nationwide population-based case-crossover study
Authors: Huang Kun-Siang , Pan Bo-Lin , Lai Wei-An , Bin Pin-Jie , Yang Yao-Hsu , Chou Chia-Pei
Published: April 2021

Background

Some studies have indicated that the use of prokinetic agents may reduce pneumonia risk in some populations. Nasogastric tube insertion is known to increase the risk of pneumonia because it disrupts lower esophageal sphincter function. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether prokinetic agents could protect long-term nasogastric tube-dependent patients in Taiwan from being hospitalized for pneumonia.

Methods

A case-crossover study design was applied in this study. Long-term nasogastric tube-dependent patients who had a first-time admission to a hospital due to pneumonia from 1996 to 2013 that was recorded in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were included. The case period was set to be 30 days before admission, and two control periods were selected for analysis. Prokinetic agent use during those three periods was then assessed for the included patients. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for pneumonia admission with the use of prokinetic agents.

Results

A total of 639 first-time hospitalizations for pneumonia among patients with long-term nasogastric tube dependence were included. After adjusting the confounding factors for pneumonia, no negative association between prokinetic agent use and pneumonia hospitalization was found, and the adjusted OR was 1.342 (95% CI 0.967–1.86). In subgroup analysis, the adjusted ORs were 1.401 (0.982–1.997), 1.256 (0.87–1.814), 0.937 (0.607–1.447) and 2.222 (1.196–4.129) for elderly, stroke, diabetic and parkinsonism patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Prokinetic agent use had no negative association with pneumonia admission among long-term nasogastric tube-dependent patients in Taiwan.
Prevalence of anxiety and depression during COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare students in Jordan and its effect on their learning process: A national survey
Authors: Basheti Iman A. , Mhaidat Qassim N. , Mhaidat Hala N.
Published: April 2021

Rational

During pandemics, including the most recent COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of university healthcare students’ is expected to be affected negatively, impacting the students’ learning process.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the level of anxiety and depression of healthcare students living in Jordan, and the effect on their learning process during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey completed by students studying a healthcare-oriented degree in a university in Jordan. Participants were recruited through social media (Facebook and WhatsApp). The validated previously published Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire was used as a part of the online survey to assess students’ anxiety/depression scores. Students’ responses regarding their learning process during the COVID-19 was also assessed.

Results

The mean age of participants was 21.62 (SD = 4.90), with the majority being females (67.1%). The HADs’ assessment revealed that 43.8% and 40.0% of participants had normal anxiety and depression scores, while 22.4% showed borderline abnormal anxiety/depression scores (33.8%). Many students (33.8%) were classified to have abnormal anxiety scores, while a smaller proportion (26.2%) was classified to have abnormal depression scores. Smoking (p = 0.022), lower family income (p = 0.039), and use of medications (p = 0.032) were positively associated with higher (worse) anxiety scores. Ranking the learning process during COVID-19 showed that 45.8% of the participants believed it was a ‘good/very good/excellent’ process.

Conclusions

Anxiety and depression levels amongst university healthcare students in Jordan were found to be high when assessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the learning process during the pandemic was not accepted by more than half of the students. Implementing psychological interventions for healthcare students during pandemics is strongly recommended in order to optimize students’ mental health and their learning process alike.
The impact of family environment on self-esteem and symptoms in early psychosis
Authors: Hinojosa-Marqués Lídia , Monsonet Manel , Kwapil Thomas R. , Barrantes-Vidal Neus
Published: April 2021

Expressed emotion (EE) and self-esteem (SE) have been implicated in the onset and development of paranoia and positive symptoms of psychosis. However, the impact of EE on patients’ SE and ultimately on symptoms in the early stages of psychosis is still not fully understood. The main objectives of this study were to examine whether: (1) patients’ SE mediated the effect of relatives’ EE on patients’ positive symptoms and paranoia; (2) patients’ perceived EE mediated the effect of relatives’ EE on patients’ SE; (3) patients’ SE mediated between patients’ perceived EE and patients’ symptomatology; and (4) patients’ perceived EE and patients’ SE serially mediated the effect of relatives’ EE on patients’ positive symptoms and paranoia. Incipient psychosis patients (at-risk mental states and first-episode of psychosis) and their respective relatives completed measures of EE, SE, and symptoms. Findings indicated that: (1) patients’ perceived EE mediated the link between relatives’ EE and patients’ negative, but not positive, SE; (2) patients’ negative SE mediated the effect of patients’ perceived EE on positive symptoms and paranoia; (3) the association of relatives’ EE with positive symptoms and paranoia was serially mediated by an increased level of patients’ perceived EE leading to increases in negative SE; (4) high levels of patients’ distress moderated the effect of relatives’ EE on symptoms through patients’ perceived EE and negative SE. Findings emphasize that patients’ SE is relevant for understanding how microsocial environmental factors impact formation and expression of positive symptoms and paranoia in early psychosis. They suggest that broader interventions for patients and their relatives aiming at improving family dynamics might also improve patients’ negative SE and symptoms.
Neuraminidase B controls neuraminidase A-dependent mucus production and evasion
Authors: Hammond Alexandria J. , Binsker Ulrike , Aggarwal Surya D. , Ortigoza Mila Brum , Loomis Cynthia , Weiser Jeffrey N.
Published: April 2021

Binding of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) to nasal mucus leads to entrapment and clearance via mucociliary activity during colonization. To identify Spn factors allowing for evasion of mucus binding, we used a solid-phase adherence assay with immobilized mucus of human and murine origin. Spn bound large mucus particles through interactions with carbohydrate moieties. Mutants lacking neuraminidase A (nanA) or neuraminidase B (nanB) showed increased mucus binding that correlated with diminished removal of terminal sialic acid residues on bound mucus. The non-additive activity of the two enzymes raised the question why Spn expresses two neuraminidases and suggested they function in the same pathway. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated expression of nanA depends on the enzymatic function of NanB. As transcription of nanA is increased in the presence of sialic acid, our findings suggest that sialic acid liberated from host glycoconjugates by the secreted enzyme NanB induces the expression of the cell-associated enzyme NanA. The absence of detectable mucus desialylation in the nanA mutant, in which NanB is still expressed, suggests that NanA is responsible for the bulk of the modification of host glycoconjugates. Thus, our studies describe a functional role for NanB in sialic acid sensing in the host. The contribution of the neuraminidases in vivo was then assessed in a murine model of colonization. Although mucus-binding mutants showed an early advantage, this was only observed in a competitive infection, suggesting a complex role of neuraminidases. Histologic examination of the upper respiratory tract demonstrated that Spn stimulates mucus production in a neuraminidase-dependent manner. Thus, an increase production of mucus containing secretions appears to be balanced, in vivo, by decreased mucus binding. We postulate that through the combined activity of its neuraminidases, Spn evades mucus binding and mucociliary clearance, which is needed to counter neuraminidase-mediated stimulation of mucus secretions.
Nota de Apresentação
Authors: Ferrer Diogo Falcão
Published: April 2021

Neste breve texto é apresentado o Dossier temático dedicado à recente publicação, por Klaus Vieweg, de uma nova biografia de Hegel. Trata‑se de um importate acontecimento editorial e para o assinalar, este Dossier reúne uma entrevista com o autor e uma tradução de algumas páginas onde Klaus Vieweg nos oferece um contexto introdutório da vida de Hegel.
Hegel: o filósofo da liberdade
Authors: Ferrer Diogo Falcão
Published: April 2021

Nesta entrevista, Klaus Vieweg responde a algumas questões acerca da sua nova biografia de Hegel, intitulada Hegel: O Filósofo da Liberdade (Hegel: Der Philosoph der Freiheit), bem como das suas propostas interpretativas e de renovação do pensamento de Hegel. Trata‑se na entrevista, nomeadamente, da crítica, que se espera definitiva, à interpretação errada de Hegel como um defensor de uma acomodação ou mesmo de uma política da restauração pelo estado prussiano; da relação de Hegel com a tradição filosófica, em especial com o paradigma da consciência e com o estado moderno; das teses de Hegel acerca da ética ambiental; e do debate entre interpretações metafísicas e não‑metafísicas de Hegel.
Filosofar significa aprender a pensar e a viver livremente
Authors: Vieweg Klaus
Published: April 2021

Apresenta-se a tradução para o português das páginas iniciais da nova biografia de G. W. F. Hegel, da autoria de Klaus Vieweg. Nestas páginas, Vieweg expõe um panorama geral da vida de Hegel, bem como as chaves interpretativas que permitem relacionar a vida com a obra. Apresenta-se, assim, uma visão coerente e pormenorizada do percurso bio-bibliográfico do filósofo, da sua inserção na sua época, assim como um esboço muito geral da recepção de Hegel, tanto pelos seus contemporâneos como na atualidade. Desmontam-se além disso diversos preconceitos e erros, por vezes grosseiros, de interpretação que se repetiram nos últimos dois séculos sobre o filósofo de Estugarda.
Sobre Emmanuele Vimercati e Valentina Zaffino (Eds.), Nicholas of Cusa and the Aristotelian Tradition. A Philosophical and Theological Survey (Berlin, Walter de Gruyter, 2020)
Authors: André João Maria
Published: April 2021

Neste estudo procedemos a uma leitura detalhada da obra editada por Emmanuele Vimercati e Valentina Zaffino, Nicholas of Cusa and the Aristotelian Tradition. A Philosophical and Theological Survey, cuja oportunidade começamos por realçar. Os estudos que a constituem abordam a relação do pensamento cusano com Aristóteles e a tradição aristotélica e o modo como essa tradição chega a Nicolau de Cusa, mostrando ecos da sua presença na Lógica e na Epistemologia, na Física e na Psicologia, na Metafísica, na Ética e na Política, incluindo ainda um capítulo especial dedicado aos sermões do Cardeal alemão. A conclusão gral é a de que a inscrição do pensamento deste autor no neoplatonismo e na corrente mística, esquece habitualmente, de modo injusto, o papel que o diálogo com a tradição aristotélica desempenhou na sua constituição. Neste estudo crítico, a par do reconhecimento do elevado mérito dos contributos reunidos na obra, são também deixadas algumas notas críticas relativamente a alguns pormenores, o que não altera a perceção muito positiva que a leitura do livro nos deixou.
The Сoncept of Procuracy Supervision over Justice Institutions and Legislative Officers Investigating a Criminal Case
Authors: Sinkin Konstantin
Published: April 2021

This article discusses the concept of procuracy supervision on justice institutions and legislative officers Investigatinga criminal case. The current legislation does not contain the concept under consideration. However, its presence could serve the following practical purposes: stating the fact that the prosecutor oversees only the investigative bodies and does not exercise prosecutorial supervision over the the court; clarification of  the essence of this type of prosecutorial activity.
Lexicographic Sources as a Tool for a Forensic Examiner
Authors: Doronina Svetlana
Published: April 2021

The method of lexicographic analysis is actively used in forensic linguistic examination of controversial statements and texts. Law experts interpret words and expressions as the most important argument in the process of procuring evidence. At the same time, when referring to various lexicographic sources, there are discrepancies known  in the interpretation of the word meanings, as well as dictionary lables. The work classifies the problems arising in the course of lexicographic analysis of lexemes that occur in disputable texts. To name a few, the problems of the study of words of literary language and non-literary stratums are analyzed, the features of the study of expressive-stylistic coloring of words are described, the necessity to create a specialized dictionary of encyclopedic character to study "extremist" materials is stated.
Os desafios para manejo da pandemia da Covid-19 em um hospital de Belo Horizonte e sua relação com a APS
Authors: Jorge Alzira Oliveira , Costa Monica Aparecida , Couto Viviane Reis
Published: April 2021

O artigo objetiva uma análise crítica dos desafios para o enfrentamento da pandemia do Coronavírus Sars-Cov2 a partir da vivência em hospital de caráter regional da parte norte da Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte. Além da caracterização da organização hospitalar e das articulações existentes com as estações cuidadoras do SUS-BH, é abordado o conjunto de ações adotadas para prevenção, controle e assistência aos pacientes e  trabalhadores no contexto da Covid-19 e as lições aprendidas. Aprendizado esse relacionado à importância da agilidade institucional para o desenvolvimento das adequações estruturais e organizacionais para manejo da nova doença e à comunicação como ferramenta de transparência para envolvimento das equipes. Apesar da articulação com o SUS-BH das ações planejadas, identifica-se também a necessidade da ampliação de estratégias junto à Atenção Básica para a continuidade do cuidado aos pacientes egressos hospitalares com diagnóstico de Covid-19.
Desigualdade em gastos municipais em saúde no Brasil e mecanismos redistributivos: uma análise longitudinal para o período 1998-2018
Authors: Rocha Rudi , Szklo Michel
Published: April 2021

Neste artigo os autores analisam a evolução dos gastos municipais e da equidade no financiamento municipal da saúde no Brasil entre 1998-2018. Oservou-se um avanço na equidade coincidente com a introdução do Piso da Atenção Básica (PAB) e a Emenda Constitucional 29 do ano 2000. A queda na desigualdade, no entanto, perde força no início dos anos 2010. Além disso, observou-se que as desigualdades persistem entre municípios com alta versus baixa capacidade de arrecadação. Documentou-se também que o arrefecimento da queda na desigualdade, principalmente das transferências federais, ocorre apesar do esforço equalizador presente na reforma da PNAB de 2011 e da redefinição dos valores do PAB fixo. O montante de recursos redistribuído não foi o suficiente para promover mudanças relevantes no gasto em saúde e para promover mais equidade.
Estudo de demanda em unidades de Saúde da Família em cidade de porte médio do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Tomasi Elaine , Zibel Alexsandro Behrens , Garcez Valquiria Porto , Linhares Rogério Da Silva , Vitória Ângela Moreira
Published: April 2021

Objetivo: Descrever o perfil da demanda de Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS).

Métodos: Foram registrados todos os atendimentos em cinco unidades de saúde durante cinco semanas, incluindo sexo, idade e motivos de atendimentos.

Resultados: Foram atendidas 7.754 pessoas, o que representou 310 por dia e estimativa anual de 80.639. Foram realizados 4.817 atendimentos médicos, com média diária de 193 e estimativa anual de 50.927. A maioria (68%) era constituída por mulheres e houve predomínio das faixas etárias de 50 a 69 anos (30%) e 18 a 29 anos (16%). Os tipos de atendimento médico mais frequentes foram: consulta clínica (53%), renovação de receita (22%) e pronto atendimento (4%).

Conclusões: As UBS estudadas são similares às demais de município de porte médio, em termos de modelo de atenção e de cobertura populacional, o que torna os resultados com potencial de extrapolação para o município como um todo e para outros de porte similar.
Redes de atenção à saúde: diagnostico das ações construídas entre a APS e os hospitais de pequeno porte
Authors: De Paula Lucas Gomes Costa
Published: April 2021

A busca por uma maior eficiência dos sistemas de saúde passa sobretudo pela organização dos serviços de saúde em redes de atenção. Estruturar os serviços de saúde, e assim garantir o atendimento integral e de qualidade para seus usuários, nas suas mais diversas complexidades e tendo como eixo coordenador a atenção primária a saúde tem sido o grande desafio. Este trabalho apresenta uma análise das relações existentes entre Hospitais com menos de 50 leitos e a Atenção Primária à Saúde no SUS.
“Questão da infância” e violação de Direitos Humanos:
Authors: Caleiro Mauricio
Published: April 2021

Alicerçado no exame das políticas e dos direitos voltados à infância e à adolescência, o artigo utiliza bases teóricas produzidas no âmbito da criminologia crítica e da sociologia e história especializadas em tais faixas etárias para analisar a relação entre a "Questão da infância" e a violação de Direitos Humanos, com ênfase na vertente da exploração sexual de crianças e adolescentes no Brasil.
Policarpo, Saturnina, Maria, Eva e tantas outras crianças de tez negra:
Authors: Pinto Natália Garcia , Marques Resende Júnior José Ricardo
Published: April 2021

Este artigo visa abordar a infância escrava tendo como cenário a cidade escravista de Pelotas, no período de 1850 a 1870. Por muito tempo o tema da infância dos escravizados foi deixado de lado pelos historiadores. Quando abordados na historiografia social da escravidão, eles figuram como os filhos das escravizadas, mas não como o centro norteador da análise. Nesse âmbito, o trabalho tem o intuito de trazer à cena essa infância escravizada, apontando através de uma gama de fontes documentais como, inventários post-mortem, processos crimes, batismos e alforrias, o questionamento de como era a experiência da infância de um escravizado. Não é objetivo do trabalho apontar a respeito de suas idades ou ocupações, como meras informações. A investigação proposta se utiliza da análise quantitativa e qualitativa para tentar compreender as experiências da infância escrava, por exemplo, na análise da criminalidade quando esses sujeitos ora sofriam uma violência, ora também a praticavam. Por outro lado, o que essas crianças negras entendiam sobre liberdade quando sofriam um processo injusto de reescravização de suas vidas. Ou quando a violência extrapolava a dominação do trabalho e as atingia em cheio sobre o corpo feminino, um corpo de criança. Além disso, como era a experiência de liberdade para esse grupo social quando recebiam a alforria sob os santos óleos na pia batismal.
Para uma arqueologia da verdade estatística:
Authors: Camargo Alexandre de Paiva Rio
Published: April 2021

O presente artigo analisa o estilo de raciocínio estatístico desenvolvido por Rui Barbosa em seu projeto de reforma educacional, publicado em 1882. Inspirado no utilitarismo liberal, o parecer faz uma defesa pioneira da modernização escolar e da centralização dos serviços de estatística, como forma de fortalecer a opinião pública. Entretanto, o argumento de modernização se baseia na tradição de estimativas populacionais, fundadas no prestígio pessoal de seu autor, relegando ao segundo plano as estatísticas oficiais, certificadas pelo Estado. Examina-se as razões dessa aparente contradição, propondo como hipótese a coexistência de dois regimes de verdade – a aproximação por estimativas e o realismo censitário -, o que permite compreender o sentido da associação entre estatística e educação e as formas de raciocinar e intervir com números ao fim do Império.
Claude Lévi-Strauss:
Authors: Campos Névio de
Published: April 2021

Este artigo trata da trajetória política de Claude Lévi-Strauss, notadamente do período que se estende de 1924, ano de sua adesão às ideias socialistas, a 1935, quando ele chegou ao Brasil e praticamente encerrou seu engajamento político. Apoiando-se em alguns textos que ele publicou na Revista L’Étudiant socialiste, na entrevista concedida a Didier Eribon e na obra autobiográfica Tristes tropiques, bem como nos debates da história intelectual/dos intelectuais e sociologia dos intelectuais, busca-se compreender as intervenções políticas dessa personagem à luz do contexto de engajamento dos intelectuais que ganhou alcance para além das fronteiras nacionais no período entre as duas guerras mundiais.