bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 pneumonia and the masquerades
Authors: Xie Cheng , Tsakok Maria , Channon-Wells Samuel , MacLeod Fiona , Peschl Heiko , Wing Louise , Benamore Rachel , Gleeson Fergus
Published: June 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, chest CT is frequently used to help with the diagnosis. The classic CT patterns of COVID-19 pneumonia are well-published and recognised among radiologists. However, when there are pre-existing conditions particularly in the elderly population that could mask or result in similar patterns of disease, then the diagnosis is more difficult. This imaging essay highlights the commonly encountered situations including patients with heart failure, other possible infections particularly in the immunodeficient, and when there is trauma to the thorax. We illustrate imaging clues available to the radiologist to either make the diagnosis or at least reduce the differential diagnosis
Effect of Cigarette and Shisha smoking on cognitive functions impairment: A cross sectional study
Authors: Bashir Shahid , Murtaza Ghulam , Meo Sultan Ayoub , Al-Masri Abeer
Published: June 2020

Objectives: Cigarette and Shisha smoking is becoming a common practice in young generation worldwide. Since, this is a growing threat to public health, our study aims to investigate the cognitive function responses of cigarette and Shisha inhalation in adolescents.

Methods: This retrospective cross sectional study comprised three groups, cigarette smoker, Shisha smoker, and nonsmoker control group (each n=25). All the participants were apparently healthy male volunteers aged 21-24 years. Cognitive functions were assessed by employing “Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery”. The cognitive functions outcome variables were response time tasks (attention switching task (AST) and the percentage of correct answers pattern recognition memory (PRM) task.

Results: Cigarette and Shisha smokers exhibited a considerable decline in cognitive performance parameters, AST mean correct latency (p=0.001), AST mean correct latency (congruent) (p=0.001), AST mean correct latency (incongruent) (p=0.001) and AST mean correct latency (switching) (p=0.001) compared to matched control group.

Conclusions: Cigarette and Shisha smokers exhibited significant impairment in their cognitive functions. The present study findings convince that cigarette and Shisha smokers should quit smoking.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.5.2251

How to cite this:Bashir S, Murtaza G, Meo SA, Al-Masri A. Effect of Cigarette and Shisha smoking on cognitive functions impairment: A cross sectional study. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(5):1042-1047. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.5.2251

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Jacques Backyard
Authors: Ferreira A. , Raposo I. , Fernandes L.
Published: June 2020

From a letter to the School's director “What I think about my school”, students identified problems and designed a project in order to have direct intervention in the solution. Under the theme "Biodiversity", the project aimed to create an "edible garden" at school and involved different activities: planting trees, identifying the existing ones, growing vegetables,  composting and collecting rainwater for irrigation, where some of them. The construction of the gardens respected the underground life and the planting was done taking into account the intercropping of plants. Whenever possible, the project was linked to the students' curriculum. The project also had an artistic aspect: students and elderly people graffitied one of the walls next to the vegetable gardens, taking advantage of an autarchy project entitled “Active aging”.
Zero Waste School
Authors: Mira A. , Matos M. , Araújo R. , Dias S. , Mateus A. , Pires F. , Ferreira J. , Maternidade J. , Fernandes W.
Published: June 2020

The Zero Waste School project began by identifying the main problem in our school: garbage.This subject was discussed in citizenship classes. We decided that it was necessary a plan toinform the school community, in order to reduce garbage and reuse waste. We asked ourpartner company Maria Granel for help and it was proposed the implementation of anenvironmental education project - the Z(h)ero program - with the objectives of helping us tomanage waste and transform students and collaborators into change actors at school andaround the world.
HawkRadon
Authors: Saraiva A. P. , Lourenço A. M. , Soares B. , Monteiro D. , Grilo D. , Saraiva T.
Published: June 2020

In this project, the students decided to measure the values of radon in the water and in the air in different points of our city and, at the same time, warn people about the consequences of high values. We placed several detectors to measure the values of radon concentrations and concluded that some of the values were well above the reference values. The project was only possible due to the unconditional help of the city council of Pinhel, the LabExpoRad of BeiraInterior University and the students that attended our school last year. We think that this work represents a school open to an open society.
Bees for the Future
Authors: Freitas A. , Ferreira C. , Campanário C. , Freitas F.
Published: June 2020

In the academic year 2018/2019, students from Escola Secundária Jaime Moniz studied the importance of bees for the future using digital tools, platforms, and a simulator that represented the influence of the increase or decrease of flowers to the bee population and the other way around. They also established collaboration with their community to research theirlevel of awareness, to collect knowledge from experts, and to analyze the health of the bee population in their island. For this, they collected information in a series of forms, which they shared in the Globallab platform with students from other parts of the world, gaining awareness of the relevance of problems at local and global levels. In the process, studentsvisited a honey producer and organized a conference with the beekeeper. In the end, each group of students created a final product to present to the educational community, raising awareness of the problem studied. The products created were posters, leaflets, models, games, beds of honey plants, hives, and hotels for bees.
UV: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Santos A. , Pontes C. , Chaves E. , Oliveira F. , Ribeiro M. , Abreu R. , Visinho T.
Published: June 2020

For about four months, in the 2018-2019 school year, students from Escola Secundária Jaime Moniz were involved in the project “UV-friendly or enemy?”. The project went through various activities that promoted interdisciplinarity between the disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geology, and established contacts with their community. They also had the chance to conduct surveys and share the responses obtained on the Goballab platform, gaining awareness of the relevance of the problems associated with sun exposure at local and global levels. In the end, each group of students from each of the classes, created a product to present to the educational community, raising awareness of the problem studied. The products created were: posters, leaflets, games and a song (original lyrics and music) warning about the dangers and benefits of ultraviolet radiation for human health and the use of sunscreens.
A Pedestrian Route to Soeiro
Authors: Graça C. , Macieira C. , Almeida F. , Manso L.
Published: June 2020

The project aimed to requalify the space between the S. António river and the Arruda road, creating access to the Soeiro Pereira Gomes school, protecting it from motor vehicles. A pedestrian route was outlined and creative solutions of urban furniture (bench, garbage can, lighting and drinking fountain) to be placed along the route were developed. The municipal entities were involved, however only the President of the Union of Parishes was available for the implementation of the project.
How to Recover Lost Traditions?
Authors: Teixeira E.
Published: June 2020

The aim of the project was to engage the community into the recovery and revitalization of some traditional trades and crafts that are at risk of disappearing. At the same time we intended to make students aware of the lost traditions from previous generations that with time are going to be lost. When visiting the place where the black clay of Bisalhães is produced(Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO) we realized that there are not enough potters. We went to explore the pottery extraction and production processes and we organized a traditional fair where we exposed all the pottery pieces made by students, so all the community could be aware of Bisalhães pottery. With our enthusiasm we awake the community curiosity for the beauty of traditions.
Learn to Eat and Get a Move On
Authors: Calvo I. , Leão I. , Nunes I. , Morgado J. , Pacheco R. , Cabaço T. , Magalhães T.
Published: June 2020

Healthy dieting and the practice of physical activities are deemed fundamental for the adequate growth, development and maintenance of health in young people. This project takes into account these priority areas and is directed towards the educational community, giving a voice to the students through projects such as "Ambassadors of Health" and "E- P@articipate". With "Learn to Eat and Get a Move On" a transversal involvement between community partners, projects and disciplinary areas were achieved, namely through the projects "Mediterranean Diet", "Geodesic Greenhouse" and physical education, with activities being developed in the areas of diet, health and environment. In the greenhouse, aromatic seeds were planted to highlight their importance in a diet, as well as a way to reduce or replace salt.
Cáster River (Ovar, Portugal): Evaluate to Recover
Authors: Polónia R. , Santos J. R.
Published: June 2020

The Cáster is the largest river in the Municipality of Ovar, flowing into the northern arm of the Ria de Aveiro (a coastal Haff-Delta). It constitutes a threatened ecosystem that has suffered a marked degradation of water quality, a decrease in biodiversity, an increase in human pressure on the margins, and several problems in the regularity of the flow itself. In this project we intend to evaluate, through physical-chemical and biological methods, the quality of the water, monitor fluctuations in flow rates, identify polluting sources, and, based on the data collected, develop intervention proposals, in support of local entities. In partnership with the Science Club, some devices (Arduino and Raspeberry enabled) are being developed for continuous remote monitoring of different areas of the river.
Vegetable Selection and Storage: a New Food Concept
Authors: Pereira S. G. , Chairuca B. , Rossini L. , Andrade M. , Fenhane S. , Caravela S. , Laisse W. , Yassin Y. , Silva B. , Chaves B. , Mijares D. , Tenreiro L. -N. , Oliveira R. , Cuambe N.
Published: June 2020

A problem of malnutrition has been identified in Mozambique, specifically in Ponta de Ouro Marine Reserve. The project embraces the selection, conservation and preparation of packages of dehydrated vegetables (Corn, cassava, beans, moringa and peanuts), that contain the widest range of nutrients possible, easy to produce and prepare: Xima1 enriched. Thereby, we hope to improve the cognitive, intellectual and motor development of children and the community in general. Xima is a ground corn flour that's turn into a sort of porridge. It is eaten all over sub-Saharan Africa.
Using country-level variables to classify countries according to the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases: An unsupervised machine learning approach
Authors: Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M. , Castillo-Cara Manuel
Published: June 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has attracted the attention of researchers and clinicians whom have provided evidence about risk factors and clinical outcomes. Research on the COVID-19 pandemic benefiting from open-access data and machine learning algorithms is still scarce yet can produce relevant and pragmatic information. With country-level pre-COVID-19-pandemic variables, we aimed to cluster countries in groups with shared profiles of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Unsupervised machine learning algorithms (k-means) were used to define data-driven clusters of countries; the algorithm was informed by disease prevalence estimates, metrics of air pollution, socio-economic status and health system coverage. Using the one-way ANOVA test, we compared the clusters in terms of number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, number of deaths, case fatality rate and order in which the country reported the first case.

Results: The model to define the clusters was developed with 155 countries. The model with three principal component analysis parameters and five or six clusters showed the best ability to group countries in relevant sets. There was strong evidence that the model with five or six clusters could stratify countries according to the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases (p<0.001). However, the model could not stratify countries in terms of number of deaths or case fatality rate.

Conclusions: A simple data-driven approach using available global information before the COVID-19 pandemic, seemed able to classify countries in terms of the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The model was not able to stratify countries based on COVID-19 mortality data.
Exploiting the Structure of Two-Stage Robust Optimization Models with Exponential Scenarios
Authors: Hashemi Doulabi Hossein , Jaillet Patrick , Pesant Gilles , Rousseau Louis-Martin
Published: June 2020

This paper addresses a class of two-stage robust optimization models with an exponential number of scenarios given implicitly. We apply Dantzig–Wolfe decomposition to exploit the structure of these models and show that the original problem reduces to a single-stage robust problem. We propose a Benders algorithm for the reformulated single-stage problem. We also develop a heuristic algorithm that dualizes the linear programming relaxation of the inner maximization problem in the reformulated model and iteratively generates cuts to shape the convex hull of the uncertainty set. We combine this heuristic with the Benders algorithm to create a more effective hybrid Benders algorithm. Because the master problem and subproblem in the Benders algorithm are mixed-integer programs, it is computationally demanding to solve them optimally at each iteration of the algorithm. Therefore, we develop novel stopping conditions for these mixed-integer programs and provide the relevant convergence proofs. Extensive computational experiments on a nurse planning problem and a two-echelon supply chain problem are performed to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
The Voice of the Customer: Managing Customer Care in Twitter
Authors: Mousavi Reza , Johar Monica , Mookerjee Vijay S.
Published: June 2020

Practice/Policy Oriented Abstract
Counselling for registrants facing GDC practice committees
Authors: Baker Robert
Published: June 2020

This paper argues that dentists should act in a professional manner and take a collegiate approach to establish a support system for ‘colleagues in need’ when facing General Dental Council Fitness to Practice Committees similar to that provided for doctors in comparable circumstances.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: The incidence of an allegation made to the GDC, which are associated with registrants' mental and behavioural disorders, and subsequently avoiding difficult procedures, was 3.57 per 100 dentists in 2017.
The Maxillary Sinus: what the general dental team need to know part 3: maxillary sinus disease of endodontic origin
Authors: Darcey James C , Bell Garmon W , MacLeod Iain , Campbell Colin
Published: June 2020

This paper, part 3 of the series, discusses the variation in maxillary sinus mucosal thickening when seen on radiographic images and the relation to disease. The role of apical periodontitis in disease of the maxillary sinus and its lining, the stages of endodontic treatment at which problems can arise and how these can be prevented, are considered. Complications involving extruded endodontic materials will also be discussed.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Apical periodontitis may very occasionally contribute to maxillary sinus infection, when the roots of teeth lie in close relation to the sinus. Apical displacement of infection, irrigants or materials during endodontic treatment may contribute to inflammation and infection and should be avoided.
Remote working in dentistry in a time of crisis – tools and their uses
Authors: Parker Kate , Chia Matthew
Published: June 2020

This article provides an overview of tools which enable remote working in Dentistry. It assesses the availability of tools for use in three areas of remote working in healthcare: video conference calls between professionals, apps for patients to send photographs to clinicians and platforms for telemedicine clinics and highlights the main features of common tools.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Remote working in healthcare has become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and an understanding of how this remote working can be utilized in Dentistry, and the associated benefits, is relevant to all clinicians.
Technique Tips
Authors: Khan Sadia , Ayub Khawer
Published: June 2020

Resin Infiltration Technique on Enamel Opacities and White Spot Lesions (WSLs)
Acute Budd–Chiari syndrome caused by inferior vena cava compression from a congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Wcislo KM , Hall CE , Abbassi-Ghadi N
Published: June 2020

Acute Budd–Chiari syndrome is a rare condition characterised by obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. We describe the case of a 52-year-old man, with a congenital Morgagni diaphragmatic hernia, who presented with acute onset abdominal pain, shortness of breath, lactic acidosis, hyperbilirubinaemia and transaminasaemia. Computed tomography revealed strangulation of the diaphragmatic hernia and extrinsic compression of the inferior vena cava from the herniated viscera. Emergency surgery was carried out to repair the hernia with a biosynthetic mesh, with complete resolution of the Budd–Chiari syndrome.
Ileus caused by small bowel, ileocaecal and rectal endometriosis misdiagnosed as Crohn’s disease and managed by synchronous ileocaecal and rectal resection
Authors: Popivanov G , Stoyanova D , Fakirova A , Konakchieva M , Stefanov D , Kjossev K , Mutafchiyski V
Published: June 2020

The reported incidence of intestinal endometriosis varies between 22% and 37%, with bowel obstruction in only 2.3% of cases, but few series report acute obstruction. We report a rare case of acute bowel obstruction due to multiple bilateral deep intestinal endometriosis lesions localised in the ileum, ileocaecal valve and upper rectum, requiring synchronous resection in an emergency setting.

A 42-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with a diagnosis of obstructing Crohn’s disease based on abdominal computed tomography with oral contrast showing a thickened terminal ileum with stenosis, compression of the caecum and proximally dilated small bowel loops. Simultaneous ileocaecal resection and segmental resection of the upper rectum with handsewn end-to-end anastomosis between the sigmoid colon and rectum was performed. Owing to the advanced bowel obstruction and significant weight loss, a double barrelled ileoascendostomy was created. The patient had an uneventful recovery. Histological examination revealed transmural endometriosis with involvement of the pericolic fat in both specimens.

Although intestinal endometriosis causing acute bowel obstruction is rare, it should be included among the differential diagnoses in young women with recurrent abdominal pain, intermittent diarrhoea and constipation without a family history for inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. Bleeding synchronous with menstruation is not typical for intestinal endometriosis. Right-sided intestinal endometriosis more frequently causes acute bowel obstruction, in most cases due to intussusception.
Patients undergoing primary surgery for oral and oropharyngeal cancer: how many are referred on the two-week wait pathway and by whom?
Authors: Patel S , Boyapati RP , Gulati A , Barrett AW
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Available data suggest that the two-week wait referral pathway is ineffective at expediting diagnosis of cancer due to large numbers of inappropriate referrals. This study aimed to compare the referral pathway of 125 patients who had undergone primary surgery for oral and oropharyngeal cancer with 100 who had been two-week wait referrals.

Materials and methods

This was a case note review.

Results

Of the 125 patients who underwent surgery; 47 (38%) were referred via the 2WW pathway. GPs had referred 25 (53%) of the 47 patients and general dental practitioners 22 (47%). The tumour stage was similar regardless of referral pathway (two-week wait or routine). GPs recognised that the two-week wait pathway was needed in 49% of the patients they had referred, whereas the equivalent figure for GDPs was 40%. Of the 100 2WW patients, 52 were biopsied. Of these, nine (9%) were diagnosed with a malignancy. GPs referred 61% of the 100 two-week wait patients and accurately diagnosed five of the cancers (although two were basal cell carcinomas), general dental practitioners the remainder (including one basal cell carcinoma). Overall, 41% of the patients referred on the two-week wait pathway by GPs needed a biopsy, compared with 69% of those referred by general dental practitioners.

Conclusions

While the criteria for referral on the two-week wait pathway lack discrimination and the majority of referrals proved benign, nearly 40% of surgically treated patients were referred via this pathway, suggesting that it does serve a useful purpose. More patients with cancer were referred by GPs, but more two-week wait referrals by general dental practitioners warranted biopsy.
Cardiorespiratory fitness fails to predict short-term postoperative mortality in patients undergoing elective open surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Bailey DM , Rose GA , Berg RMG , Davies RG , Appadurai IR , Lewis MH , Williams IM
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing aids surgical risk stratification and is an established predictor of mid- to long-term survival in patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Whether cardiopulmonary exercise testing also predicts 30-day mortality in this population remains to be established.

Materials and methods

Data for 109 patients (mean age 72 years) who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess risk for surgical abdominal aortic aneurysm repair was analysed. Patients were classified according to cardiopulmonary fitness as fit (peak oxygen uptake ≥ 15ml O2.kg−1.min−1) or unfit (peak oxygen uptake less than 15ml O2.kg−1.min−1) and further stratified according to clamp position (infrarenal or suprarenal). Between-group postoperative outcomes were compared for in-hospital 30-day mortality, postoperative morbidity scale scores (day 5) and hospital length of stay.

Results

Seventy-nine patients underwent open surgery and 30 patients were treated conservatively. No deaths were recorded at 30 days post-surgery. Unfit patients with infrarenal clamping exhibited higher postoperative morbidity scale scores (64% vs 26%) and longer length of stay (four days) than fit patients (p < 0.05). Conversely, with suprarenal clamping, postoperative morbidity scale scores were similar and length of stay longer (three days) in fit compared with unfit patients (p < 0.05).

Discussion and conclusion

Preoperative fitness level defined by peak oxygen uptake failed to identify patients at risk of 30-day mortality when undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Postoperative morbidity and length of stay in patients with suprarenal clamping was high independent of cardiopulmonary fitness. These findings suggest that cardiopulmonary exercise testing may be a useful predictor of complications following infrarenal rather than suprarenal clamping but may not be a good predictor of 30-day mortality.
Imaging Fourier spectrometer in visible domain: design concept
Authors: Protopopov V.
Published: June 2020

A prototype of an imaging Fourier spectrometer, with corner-cube
reflectors in the Michelson interferometer, is developed for visible
and near-infrared domains. The use of corner-cube reflectors enables
stability of operation, while imaging capability makes wide field of
view and, consequently, increases input optical signal. In the imaging
mode of operation, the optical signal is recorded by a high-speed
camera, enabling spectral measurements in each pixel of the image.
Improved 2D continuously variable output couplers for an exit pupil expander fabricated through ion beam etching
Authors: Wang Qimeng , Mao Xinyu , Zeng Lijiang
Published: June 2020

An important goal in designing a head-mounted display device is to improve its exit pupils’ output light areal uniformity. The goal cannot be reached by using an output grating coupler of uniform surface profile depth. To solve this problem, we propose a method to fabricate 2D and continuously variable depth gratings by using a specially modified reactive ion-beam etching system, which features variable speed scanning etching and ion beam cross-sectional shaping in two orthogonal dimensions. We experimentally verified that the uniformity of the light outcoupled from the coupler fabricated by using the proposed method was 52% better than that of a uniform-depth output grating coupler.
RDON: a rack-scale disaggregated data center network based on a distributed fast optical switch
Authors: Guo Xiaotao , Yan Fulong , Wang Jingyan , Exarchakos George , Peng Yuanyuan , Xue Xuwei , Pan Bitao , Calabretta Nicola
Published: June 2020

Aiming to solve the low utilization and high operational cost in current data centers and the diversified resource requirements for different application types, we propose and investigate what we believe to be a novel rack-scale disaggregated optical data center network (RDON). Different types of hardware resources (i.e., CPU, memory, and storage) are deployed in standalone resource pools of the RDON. The RDON architecture encompasses nanosecond distributed fast optical switches for the low latency and high bandwidth interconnects between the computing and memory nodes, while electrical packet switches are utilized to support the traffic of latency insensitivity and low bandwidth between memory nodes and storage nodes. By replacing the onboard data bus with a network interconnection, RDON architecture can provide a fine granularity hardware resource and relieve the constraints of server-centric architecture. To assess the performance of the RDON under realistic scenarios, statistics of diverse applications are captured from the data center lab. The RDON is modeled based on the OMNeT++ discrete event simulator and compared with the server-centric architecture. Numerical results show that the performance of the RDON is closely coupled with the type of deployed application. Compared to the server-centric architecture, the RDON can achieve up to

2.44
×

faster running time when running a single application, whereas at most

2.25
×

is the fastest running time under coexisting diverse types of applications. Finally, the analysis of costs and power consumption show that, with respect to server-centric architecture, the RDON requires 21.5% extra capital cost but 46.7% less power consumption.
Fast structured illumination microscopy via deep learning
Authors: Ling Chang , Zhang Chonglei , Wang Mingqun , Meng Fanfei , Du Luping , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: June 2020

This study shows that convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can be used to improve the performance of structured illumination microscopy to enable it to reconstruct a super-resolution image using three instead of nine raw frames, which is the standard number of frames required to this end. Owing to the isotropy of the fluorescence group, the correlation between the high-frequency information in each direction of the spectrum is obtained by training the CNNs. A high-precision super-resolution image can thus be reconstructed using accurate data from three image frames in one direction. This allows for gentler super-resolution imaging at higher speeds and weakens phototoxicity in the imaging process.
Territórios de Cuidado: Protagonismo e pluralidade na velhice
Authors: Veiga Marcia Regina Medeiros
Published: June 2020

Em que medida os territórios exercem influência na gestão da velhice? Como qualificar as experiências de velhice a partir dos territórios? Estas são questões centrais nas discussões apontadas neste livro. Com base na etnografia desenvolvida em quatro diferentes territórios do concelho de Coimbra, a autora, num diálogo interdisciplinar humano e social, apresenta os territórios através de uma contextualização histórica e geográfica, ao mesmo tempo que elabora e aprofunda o debate sobre as relações estabelecidas entre as pessoas idosas e os territórios. O protagonismo e a pluralidade na velhice, presentes já no título, perpassam toda a obra, que traz as narrativas de pessoas idosas em relação aos seus próprios territórios, suas impressões, angústias, necessidades. Além de diagnosticar alguns dos principais problemas vivenciados pelos sujeitos idosos em suas relações com os territórios, o livro assume um caráter propositivo, apontando caminhos possíveis para a qualificação dessas relações.
Experiência de reorganização da APS para o enfrentamento da COVID-19 em Florianópolis
Authors: Silveira João Paulo Mello da , Zonta Ronaldo
Published: June 2020

O município de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, tem se destacado ao longo dos anos no investimento em Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) e desenvolvimento de experiências de teleatendimento. Isso permitiu que a rede se organizasse de uma maneira muito rápida para atuar frente à pandemia da Covid-19. A aposta foi reforçar os atributos da APS para o enfrentamento à pandemia, manter as unidades abertas, reforçar a APS como porta de entrada, fortalecer e privilegiar o teleatendimento, reorganizar os fluxos na unidade, evitar as aglomerações nos serviços, garantir os EPI para os profissionais da saúde e produzir material técnico para orientar essas ações. Este artigo apresenta as respostas de Florianópolis ao contexto da pandemia da COVID-19.
A pandemia COVID-19 no Brasil: ecos e reflexos nas comunidades periféricas
Authors: Mendonça Maria Helena Magalhães de , Silva Junior Aluisio Gomes da , Cunha Carlos Leonardo Figueiredo , Latgé Paula Kwamme
Published: June 2020

Este artigo aborda a questão social das desigualdades socioeconômicas no Brasil e seu impacto na organização das políticas públicas nas grandes cidades que interferem na atuação da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no enfrentamento da COVID-19. Foca nas iniciativas surgidas no âmbito da sociedade e Estado valorizando a solidariedade social, a democracia participativa e as iniciativas comunitárias. Por fim, aponta as lições que a pandemia trouxe para o campo da APS e da Saúde Coletiva.
A experiência de Niterói no enfrentamento da COVID 19: notas preliminares sobre a articulação de políticas sociais e de saúde
Authors: Junior Aluisio Gomes da Silva , Latgé Paula Kwame , De Oliveira Rodrigo Alves Torres , Franco Camilla Maia , Vasconcelos Maria Célia Valladares
Published: June 2020

A pandemia de COVID 19 no Brasil joga luzes na imensa desigualdade da população exigindo em seu enfrentamento políticas articuladas no campo social e da atenção à saúde. Em meio a grande dificuldade organizativa dos níveis federal e estadual, destacamos a cidade de Niterói como uma experiência de resposta integrada à pandemia com ações intersetoriais. Utilizando análise de documentos, notícias em mídias sociais e dados de disponibilidade pública, este estudo preliminar, sistematiza o conjunto de ações organizadas pelo município e os primeiros resultados obtidos. A Atenção Primária em Saúde que mostra sua força na articulação com programas de garantia de renda e proteção social, possibilitando resultados promissores e salvaguardas à atenção hospitalar e de emergência. Conclui-se com os desdobramentos exigidos na perspectiva de uma pandemia de duração prolongada que reconfigura o papel da A P S e sua relação com a rede de saúde e a comunidade

 Pandemia; COVID-19; Atenção Primária à Saúde; Saúde da Família; Saúde Comunitária; Proteção Social.
Educação em saúde: programa e canal de comunicação via WhatsApp da unidade básica de saúde do N6 para comunidade rural do sertão pernambucano
Authors: Cardona Júnior Aristóteles Homero dos Santos , Andrade Cleusa Wanderley de Queiroz , Caldas Luciana Nogueira Mendes
Published: June 2020

Este artigo relata a experiência da divulgação de um programa de educação em saúde via transmissão de arquivos de áudio e da criação de um canal de comunicação com a comunidade local através do WhatsApp implantada na área rural de Petrolina/PE pela equipe da Unidade Básica de Saúde do Projeto de Irrigação Senador Nilo Coelho N6. O programa de educação em saúde intitulado “Rádio Zap do Postinho do N6” divulgado semanalmente surgiu como uma forma da equipe da Estratégia de Saúde da Família fortalecer o vínculo com a comunidade local e compartilhar o conhecimento em saúde como estratégia de enfrentamento a COVID-19. Junto com os episódios foi lançado o “WhatsApp do Postinho do N6” como um espaço de interação à distância com os usuários. A rede social visa também sanar dúvidas sobre o funcionamento da unidade, temas abordados no programa e a manutenção do cuidado de forma integral.
Cuando el capital pierde el maquillaje verde. Impactos de la producción de biodiesel en Santiago del Estero, Argentina
Authors: Toledo López Virginia
Published: June 2020

El artículo examina el manejo ambiental en la producción de biodiesel en Santiago del Estero (Argentina), enfocándose especialmente en el tratamiento de los efluentes líquidos. Para ello se analizan, a través de una metodología cualitativa, repertorios de actores en relación con sus estrategias territoriales. El estudio observa la producción de biodiesel en tanto reafirmación del proceso de expansión del agronegocio en la región e interpreta sus impactos ambientales, en particular la contaminación de aguas y del espacio de vida de la población local, como formas de despojo. Además, cómo las prácticas materiales de los actores hegemónicos pese a enmarcarse en la perspectiva de la modernización ecológica a través de la figura de la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial, están más bien asociadas a un enfoque no preventivo y estándar de la cuestión ambiental. Finalmente, considera las productividades del conflicto social, en términos de aprendizajes y efectos positivos en el territorio.
Protective role of ginseng extract against oxidative stress, reproductive and some biochemical parameters alterations induced by doxorubicin in male rats
Authors: Kassem Mohammed , Ali Abdel-Fattah , Abo-kora Seham Y. , Shawky Nesreen
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the modulating effect of ginseng against testicular toxicity, oxidative stress and changes in some biochemical parameters induced by doxorubicin. Twenty male rats were divided into four groups. The 1st group received distilled water orally (control group), The 2nd group received doxorubicin (5 mg/kg b.wt. intrapertenoineal) once a week for eight weeks, The 3rd group received ginseng extract (200 mg/kg b.wt.) daily for eight weeks and the 4th group received doxorubicin with ginseng extract by the same doses as in the 2nd and the 3rd groups respectively. At the end of the 8th week, blood and semen samples were taken for biochemical and semen analysis, respectively. The doxorubicin treated group had significantly higher serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) along with lower levels of total protein, albumin and globulin. In addition, a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSHPx), and glutathione (GSH) associated with higher level of malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed. At the same time, the group that took doxorubicin with ginseng did not differ from control group in terms of these parameters. Male fertility study showed changes in testosterone and semen analysis in both groups treated with doxorubicin, while the group that took doxorubicin with ginseng showed an improvement towards control levels of these parameters. Thus ginseng supplement can reduce the negative effects of doxorubicin- induce.Â Â
Luteolin affects keloid fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis by regulating FRAT1 gene expression
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , Liu Wen , Wei Shuxiang
Published: June 2020

The current experiment was performed to investigate whether luteolin affects the proliferation and apoptosis of keloid fibroblasts by regulating the expression of FRAT1 gene. Keloid fibroblasts were treated with luteolin at different concentrations. MTT method, western blot, flow cytometry, and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) were used to detect cell proliferation, cyclin D1 (CyclinD1), p21, B-cell lymphoma / leukemia-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 related X protein (Bax), FRAT1 protein expression, apoptosis and ARHI mRNA expression. Keloid fibroblasts were transfected with si-FRAT1, or pcDNA-FRAT1 and treated with luteolin to observe their roles in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Compared with the control group, luteolin significantly reduced the keloid fibroblast activity, CyclinD1, Bcl-2, and FRAT1 protein levels, and obviously improved the cell apoptosis rate, p21 and Bax protein expression (P<0.05). The expression of FRAT1 mRNA and protein in keloid fibroblasts was greatly increased (P<0.05). Inhibition of FRAT1 expression evidently decreased cell viability at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h, CyclinD1, and Bcl-2 protein expression of keloid fibroblasts, while-dramatically enhanced cell apoptosis, p21, and Bax protein levels (P<0.05). FRAT1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of luteolin on keloid fibroblast activity, FRAT1, CyclinD1, and Bcl-2 protein expression, and promotion of apoptosis, p21 and Bax protein expression. Luteolin can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of keloid fibroblasts by regulating the expression of FRAT1 gene.
Genetic biomarkers: Potential roles in cancer diagnosis
Authors: Khailany Rozhgar A , Aziz Sherwan Ahmed , Najjar Suhel Mawlood , Safdar Muhammad , Ozaslan Mehmet
Published: June 2020

Biomarkers are indicators of pathogenic processes, typical biological processes, or pharmacological reactions to a therapy. It has several potential usages in cancer; differential diagnosis, prognosis, risk assessment, therapeutic response, and monitoring of disease progression. Recently, advances in oncomarkers raised significant opportunities for enhancing management of cancer. Chromosomal aberration, molecular impairment and epigenetic alteration might be applied to diagnose and prognose cancer and its epidemiology. Some oncomarkers are specific and highly sensitive for detection. An oncomarker might be used to see how the body reacts to an intervention or a situation. The present study represents a short review about various genetic oncomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic values.
The effects of miR-27a-3p-mediated Smurf2 on bleomycin A5-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats
Authors: Zhang Jin , Zhang Jing , Zhang Qin
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to explore the effects of miR-27a-3p-mediated Smurf2 on bleomycin A5-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Sixty clean-grade SD rats were made into models of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin A5. They were randomly divided into the control group (fed as usual), the bleomycin A5 group, and the miR-27a-3p group according to the modeling. Pathological sections and morphological observations were performed on the lung tissues of all rats, and the expression of miR-27a-3p, Smurf2 mRNA, Smurf2 protein, collagen type I (Col I), collagen type III (Col III), and related inflammatory factors in lung tissues were measured. Dual fluorescein detection was performed for miR-27a-3p and Smurf2 in lung tissues. The lung tissue of rats in the bleomycin A5 group showed obvious pathological changes. The degree of pulmonary fibrosis in the miR-27a-3p group was significantly lower than that in the bleomycin A5 group. The expression levels of Smurf2 mRNA, Smurf2 protein, Col I, Col III, and related inflammatory factors in the lung tissue of rats in the control group were notably lower than rats in the bleomycin A5 group and the miR-27a-3p group (levels of those factors in the miR-27a-3p group were lower than the bleomycin A5 group). The expression level of miR-27a-3p in the lung tissue of rats in the control group was significantly higher than that in the bleomycin A5 group and the miR-27a-3p group (miR-27a-3p level in the miR-27a-3p group was significantly higher than in the bleomycin A5 group). Results of dual fluorescein detection demonstrated that Smurf2 was a direct target gene of miR-27a-3p, and the expression of miR-27a-3p negatively associated with Smurf2. Up-regulation of miR-27a-3p expression can effectively improve the disease degree and inflammatory response in rats with pulmonary fibrosis. Its mechanism may be achieved by regulating Smurf2.
Correlation of serum BNP and ET-1 levels with cardiac pump function and ventricular remodeling in patients with heart failure
Authors: Qin Limin , Liu Xiaohong , Li Yi
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to explore the correlation of serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels with cardiac pump function and ventricular remodeling in patients with heart failure. Eighty-one patients with chronic heart failure admitted to our hospital from March 2016 to November 2018 were enrolled as the study group, and 80 healthy individuals as the control group. Immunofluorescence was used for the detection of serum BNP, ELISA for serum ET-1, and ultrasound for related indexes of cardiac pump function and ventricular remodeling. Moreover, correlation analysis and prognostic factors analysis were carried out. Both BNP and ET-1 were highly expressed in the serum of patients with heart failure. Cardiac pump function related indexes (left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF), left atrial passive ejection fraction (LAPEF), and left atrial active ejection fraction (LAAEF)) in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P< 0.05). While ventricular remodeling related indexes (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), interventricular septum thickness (IVST), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPM), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P< 0.05). BNP and ET-1 were negatively correlated with LAEF, LAPEF and LAAEF (P< 0.05), and were positively correlated with LVEDD, IVST, LVPM and LVMI (P< 0.05). The expressions of serum BNP and ET-1 were higher in patients with cardiovascular events than those without cardiovascular events. Hypertension, hyponatremia, high BNP, high ET-1, NYHA classification, decreased LAEF and increased LVEDD were independent risk factors for cardiovascular adverse events. Serum BNP and ET-1 are closely related to cardiac pump function and ventricular remodeling in patients with heart failure and can be used as important reference indexes for prognosis evaluation.
Effects of dezocine and ropivacaine infiltration anesthesia on cellular immune function indicators, anesthesia recovery time and pain factors in patients with open liver resection
Authors: Zhu Ronggang , Du Tingting , Gao Hongzhu
Published: June 2020

The current experiment was carried out to explore the effects of dezocine combined with ropivacaine infiltration anesthesia on the anesthesia recovery time and pain factors of patients with open hepatectomy. A prospective randomized controlled method was used to select 92 patients with open liver cancer resection in our hospital from August 2017 to November 2019. The patients were divided into a study group (n=46) and a control group (n=46) using a computer-generated random number table. Both groups underwent general anesthesia, based on this, the study group was treated with ropivacaine infiltration anesthesia 10 minutes before skin incision, and dezocine was given intravenously 0.5 h before surgery, the control group was anesthetized with ropivacaine 10 minutes before the incision, and was given a saline injection 0.5 h before the operation. Compared the recovery of anesthesia (recovery time of spontaneous breathing, time to open eyes, time to extubation), the incidence of adverse reactions, and cellular immune function indicators (peripheral blood CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, NK cell levels), stress response indicators [serum blood glucose (Glu), norepinephrine (NE), adrenaline (E)], pain factors [serum dopamine (DA), neuropeptide Y (NPY), substance P (SP)] before induction of anesthesia (T0), completion of surgery (T1), 12 hours after surgery (T2), and 24 hours after surgery (T3) between the two groups, and the degree of pain (VAS score) at T2 and T3 were compared between the two groups. The levels of CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, and NK cells in peripheral blood at T1, T2, and T3 in the study group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05); serum Glu, NE, and E levels in the study group at T1, T2, and T3 were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05); serum DA, NPY, and SP levels in the study group at T1, T2, and T3 were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05); the VAS scores of the study group at T2 and T3 were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05); the time of spontaneous breathing recovery, eyes opening and extubation in the study group were shorter than those in the control group (P<0.05); the incidence of restlessness (4.35%), transient hypertension (6.52%), and cough (2.17%) in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Dezocine and ropivacaine infiltration anesthesia can significantly shorten the recovery time of anesthesia and inhibit pain factor secretion in patients with open hepatectomy and can reduce the body's stress response after surgery, reduce immune function fluctuations, and can reduce the incidence of adverse reactions to anesthesia, and help promote patients' postoperative recovery.