bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lima Protocol for Cleft Palate Repair in Cleft and Craniofacial Centre Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Indonesia: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Bangun Kristaninta , Halim Jessica , Tania Vika
Published: July 2022

Background : The techniques of cleft palate repair has faced significant evolutions. More importantly, no surgical protocol has been significantly associated with lower incidence of post-operative complications such as fistula formation, velopharyngeal insufficiency, or speech hypernasality. As cleft width is a strong predictor of outcomes, The Lima Protocol was introduced to select suitable surgical technique based on the degree of severity measured by palatal index. This article aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the newly established Lima Protocol in lowering post-operative complications in primary cleft palate repair surgery in Cleft and Craniofacial Center, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.Case Presentation : This study is a case series featuring 6 patients with cleft palate treated with primary palatoplasty. Surgical techniques were selected based on the degree of severity measured by Palatal Index. The average age of performing primary palatoplasty was 14 months. 50% of the cases was classified as Veau 2 and the rest was Veau 3. Half of the patients fell into severe category based on Palatal Index and the other half was in moderate group. None of the patients developed fistula formation 3 months post-palatoplasty.Discussion & Conclusion: We confirmed that the 1-flap technique provided adequate closure comparable with the 2-flap technique without risking mucoperiosteal flap necrosis and fistula formation. Using the strengths of different surgical techniques individualized for each case based on the palatal index and grade of severity is indisputably a practical strategy. Trials with longer follow-ups are required to widely implement The Lima Protocol.
City of Gardens from a Lost to Retrieve Paradise. Conservation and Preservation Analysis within Shalimar Gardens Lahore Pakistan
Authors: Khaskheli Rabia , Zhang Weiping
Published: July 2022

The Gardens built in Lahore present the zenith of local and central Asian custom bringing about a most impressive autonomous style. Many of these Gardens are confronting heaps of issues caused by human disregard, ecological debasement, urbanization advancement, and various factors, such as maturing and characteristic rot. The International preservation rehearses have been contemplated and the selected Mughal gardens are analyzed.
Concern of Doctors about their own Healthcare
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Umar , Ehsan Dr Sumera , Asif Talha , Sajjad Zaroon Bin
Published: July 2022

Background & Objective: Doctors work long hours under stressful conditions and seem to have sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle. Recently, an increased incidence of sudden mortality among doctors was observed in our community. This study was aimed to access the attitude and practice of doctors regarding their own health care. Methods: A cross-sectional study using non-probability convenient sampling was conducted among 150 practicing doctors in Faisalabad. After getting ethical approval, a pre-tested validated questionnaire was used for data collection in May 2019. Results were analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: Only 35(23.6%) subjects met recommended criteria of exercising at least 5 days a week. Majority, 116(77.3%), failed to get optimal sleep of 7-9 hours per day. 111 (75.5%) subjects said that they get themselves regularly investigated in recommended time. Major barrier in assessing regular health services was limited time availability (56%) followed by self-medication 37(25.2%), medical knowledge 16(10.9%) and embarrassment 7(4.8%). 134(89.3%) did self-medication. Doctors who thought they spend enough time with their family were less stressed during duty as compared to those who thought they didnâ€™t spend enough family time. Doctors were unaware about job details regarding vacations, employee and family healthcare as provided in other organizations. 132(89.2%) were not being provided annual health checkups by employers. Conclusion: Study concluded that doctors are not leading healthy life. Neither doctors themselves put effort to maintain their own health nor do their employers adopt standard health practices for them. More research should be done to understand the situation better and seek out reliable solutions.
How a Rural Bangladeshi Institute Survives Poverty And COVID: A Case Study On Nawdabash Madrasah and Orphanage
Authors: Boobly Ammena Tarannum
Published: July 2022

This paper portrays the efforts made by Nawdabash Madrasah and Orphanage, one of the religious units of Bangladesh, to deal with and survive impoverishment pre, during and post Covid-19 period. The author found the organization to be doing much better in terms of basic need fulfilment, finances, and maintenance during and post Covid time.
Implementation of a Student Research Group with Undergraduate Preservice Teachers
Authors: Martin Melissa S. , Puliatte Alison , Blankenship Bostedor Emily
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of an undergraduate student research group with preservice teachers at a university in the Northeastern United States. Following the guidelines of Shanahan et al. (2015), university faculty provided intensive mentoring, scaffolded support, and instruction related to research evaluation and methodology. Undergraduate students completed literature reviews of a specific topic related to education and conducted their own research studies. This article describes a model of undergraduate research the authors developed for elementary and special education preservice teachers.
Empowering Churchill: Exploring Energy Security in Northern Manitoba
Authors: Kvern Michael , Fitzpatrick Patricia , Fishback LeeAnn
Published: July 2022

To those living in Churchill, Manitoba, having power means much more than being able to turn on the lights. Using Churchill as a case study, we examine how local context can improve the suitability of energy security definitions for communities in northern Canada. Churchill is an isolated northern municipality with no road access but is connected to the electrical grid. Energy consumption data were collected from utility providers and organized into a community energy profile. Semi-structured interviews (n = 23) and a community workshop (n = 12) identified challenges, opportunities, and a vision for Churchill’s energy system. High per capita energy consumption, especially of transportation (jet fuel) and heat (electricity and propane) sources dominate Churchill’s energy profile. The reliance on air travel and need for heating are realities that define energy systems in the North. Participants expressed desire for increased use of renewables and improved energy efficiency. Churchill is reliant on external sources of power and there is a need for agency and local decision making. Jurisdictional realities and the community’s desire for consideration of local context mean energy security definitions should take a regional approach. Recognizing these findings, we propose a new definition of energy security that fits the circumstances and desires of Churchill and the North.
A hybrid engineering algorithm of the seeker algorithm and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Liu Haipeng , Duan Shaomi , Luo Huilong
Published: July 2022

A newly hybrid algorithm is proposed based on the combination of seeker optimization algorithm and particle swarm optimization. The hybrid algorithm is based on a double population evolution strategy, and the populations of individuals are evolved from the seeker optimization algorithm and the particle swarm optimization separately. The populations of individuals employ an information sharing mechanism to implement coevolution. The hybrid algorithm enhances the individuals’ diversity and averts fall into the local optimum. The hybrid algorithm is compared with particle swarm optimization, the simulated annealing and genetic algorithm, the dragonfly algorithm, the brain storming algorithm, the gravitational search algorithm, the sine cosine algorithm, the salp swarm algorithm, the multi-verse optimizer, and the seeker optimization algorithm, then 15 benchmark functions, five proportional integral differential control parameters models, and six constrained engineering optimization problems are selected for optimization experiment. According to the experimental results, the hybrid algorithm can be used in the benchmark functions, the proportional integral differential control parameters optimization, and in the optimization constrained engineering problems. The optimization ability and robustness of the hybrid algorithm are better.
Analysis of respiratory mechanics models with different kernels
Authors: Akgül Esra Karatas , Akgül Ali , Jamshed Wasim , Rehman Zulfiqar , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Abbas Mohamed
Published: July 2022

In this article, we investigate the mechanics of breathing performed by a ventilator with different kernels by an effective integral transform. We mainly obtain the solutions of the fractional respiratory mechanics model. Our goal is to give the underlying model flexibly by making use of the advantages of the non-integer order operators. The big advantage of fractional derivatives is that we can formulate models describing much better the systems with memory effects. Fractional operators with different memories are related to different types of relaxation process of the non-local dynamical systems. Additionally, since we consider the utilisation of different kinds of fractional derivatives, most often having benefit in the implementation, the similarities and differences can be obviously seen between these derivatives.
Immunosenescence of brain accelerates Alzheimer’s disease progression
Authors: Chen Hou-Yu , Zhao Yan , Xie Yong-Zhi
Published: July 2022

Most of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases are sporadic and occur after age 65. With prolonged life expectancy and general population aging, AD is becoming a significant public health concern. The immune system supports brain development, plasticity, and homeostasis, yet it is particularly vulnerable to aging-related changes. Aging of the immune system, called immunosenescence, is the multifaceted remodeling of the immune system during aging. Immunosenescence is a contributing factor to various age-related diseases, including AD. Age-related changes in brain immune cell phenotype and function, crosstalk between immune cells and neural cells, and neuroinflammation work together to promote neurodegeneration and age-related cognitive impairment. Although numerous studies have confirmed the correlation between systemic immune changes and AD, few studies focus on the immune state of brain microenvironment in aging and AD. This review mainly addresses the changes of brain immune microenvironment in aging and AD. Specifically, we delineate how various aspects of the brain immune microenvironment, including immune gateways, immune cells, and molecules, and the interplay between immune cells and neural cells, accelerate AD pathogenesis during aging. We also propose a theoretical framework of therapeutic strategies selectively targeting the different mechanisms to restore brain immune homeostasis.
The role of microRNA-485 in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Ryu In Soo , Kim Dae Hoon , Cho Hyun-Jeong , Ryu Jin-Hyeob
Published: July 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are age-related disorders characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and neuronal cell loss in the central nervous system. Neuropathological conditions such as the accumulation of misfolded proteins can cause neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and synaptic dysfunction in the brain, leading to the development of NDDs including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally via RNA interference. Recently, some studies have reported that some miRNAs play an important role in the development of NDDs by regulating target gene expression. MiRNA-485 (miR-485) is a highly conserved brain-enriched miRNA. Accumulating clinical reports suggest that dysregulated miR-485 may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD and PD. Emerging studies have also shown that miR-485 plays a novel role in the regulation of neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and synaptic function in the pathogenesis of NDDs. In this review, we introduce the biological characteristics of miR-485, provide clinical evidence of the dysregulated miR-485 in NDDs, novel roles of miR-485 in neuropathological events, and discuss the potential of targeting miR-485 as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker for NDDs.
Neuron‐specific translational control shift ensures proteostatic resilience during ER stress
Authors: Wolzak Kimberly , Nölle Anna , Farina Margherita , Abbink Truus EM , van der Knaap Marjo S , Verhage Matthijs , Scheper Wiep
Published: July 2022

Proteostasis is essential for cellular survival and particularly important for highly specialised post‐mitotic cells such as neurons. Transient reduction in protein synthesis by protein kinase R‐like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (PERK)‐mediated phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (p‐eIF2α) is a major proteostatic survival response during ER stress. Paradoxically, neurons are remarkably tolerant to PERK dysfunction, which suggests the existence of cell type‐specific mechanisms that secure proteostatic stress resilience. Here, we demonstrate that PERK‐deficient neurons, unlike other cell types, fully retain the capacity to control translation during ER stress. We observe rescaling of the ATF4 response, while the reduction in protein synthesis is fully retained. We identify two molecular pathways that jointly drive translational control in PERK‐deficient neurons. Haem‐regulated inhibitor (HRI) mediates p‐eIF2α and the ATF4 response and is complemented by the tRNA cleaving RNase angiogenin (ANG) to reduce protein synthesis. Overall, our study elucidates an intricate back‐up mechanism to ascertain translational control during ER stress in neurons that provides a mechanistic explanation for the thus far unresolved observation of neuronal resilience to proteostatic stress.
Entretejido esplendor en el Corazón del Mundo. Reseña del libro Frankopan, P. (2018). The New Silk Roads: The Present and Future of the World. Gran Bretaña: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
Authors: Arce-Mora Raquel
Published: July 2022

A book review of Frankopan, P. (2018). The New Silk Roads: The Present and Future of the World. Great Britain: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc; which explains the rapid growth of the East, in the Heart of the World, opposite to what has been taking place in the West.
Про побудову керування, що стабілізує рух нелінійної моделі TORA
Authors: Хорошун А.С.
Published: July 2022

Отримано закон обертання електродвигуна, який забезпечує асимптотичне прямування траєкторії руху моделі TORA до її стану рівноваги. На відміну від звичайного підходу, розглядається нелінійна залежність сили, що виникає під час деформації пружного елемента моделі, від величини деформації. Застосування техніки DSC (Dynamic Surface Control) дає змогу отримати бажане керування. Запропоновано розвиток методу DSC, який полягає у специфічному виборі параметрів і констант фільтрів. Це дає змогу уникнути зростання порядку допоміжної системи, а також явища значного ускладнення вигляду як допоміжної системи диференціальних рівнянь, так і закону керування, так званого explosion of terms. Завдяки зниженню порядку системи диференціальних рівнянь та спрощенню її вигляду в даному випадку отримано в явному вигляді відповідну допоміжну функцію і з її допомогою доведено, що запропоноване керування вирішує поставлену задачу керування. Отримані результати проілюстровані на прикладі конкретної механічної моделі.
Особливості глибинної будови ділянок розташування всесвітньовідомих релігійних комплексів, курортного центру в м. Трускавець і давнього городища Аркаїм
Authors: Якимчук М.А. , Корчагін І.М.
Published: July 2022

Наведено результати рекогносцирувального обстеження площ розташування відомих релігійних (культових) комплексів, а також території курортного центру в м. Трускавець і ділянки з давнім поселенням Аркаїм. Із застосуванням прямопошукової технології частотно-резонансної обробки та інтерпретації супутникових знімків і фотознімків досліджено особливості глибинної будови на ділянках обстеження. Релігійні споруди обстежених ділянок Почаївської, Києво-Печерської та Свято-Троїцької Сергієвої лавр розташовані в контурах базальтових вулканічних комплексів, якими здійснюється міграція водню у верхні горизонти розрізу і далі в атмосферу. У верхній частині розрізу, у тому числі і на невеликій глибині, інструментальними вимірами встановлено наявність колекторів із живою (цілющою) водою та воднем. Підтверджено факти міграції водню в атмосферу. Курортний центр у м. Трускавець і ділянка із стародавнім поселенням Аркаїм також розташовані в межах базальтових вулканів, на яких фіксуються сигнали на частотах водню, червоного фосфору, живої води та інструментальними вимірами підтверджено міграцію водню в атмосферу. У курортному центрі у верхній частині розрізу над базальтами можуть бути виявлені скупчення водню в колекторі потужністю 84 м, який перекрито метаморфічними породами групи гнейсів. Результати експериментальних досліджень є важливими аргументами на користь “вулканічної” моделі формування різних структурних елементів Землі, а також родовищ горючих і рудних корисних копалин (водню та води у тому числі). Також отримано додаткові факти (свідчення) на користь глибинного (абіогенного) генезису нафти, конденсату, газу та води у процесі водневої дегазації Землі. Матеріали досліджень свідчать про доцільність застосування мобільної технології частотно-резонансної обробки і декодування супутникових знімків та фотознімків для вивчення глибинної будови об’єктів обстеження, виявлення й локалізації нафтогазоперспективних ділянок та зон скупчення водню в районах розташування базальтових вулканів, а також на ділянках водневої дегазації. Застосування супероперативної та малозатратної прямопошукової технології дає можливість істотно прискорити геологорозвідувальний процес на водень, нафту, конденсат і газ, а також знизити фінансові витрати на його проведення.
Effects of COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus on AMPKα1 and IRS-1 amount in the blood plasma of patients
Authors: Tronko M.D. , Pushkarev V.V. , Sokolova L.K. , Cherviakova S.A. , Belchina Y.B. , Kovzun O.I. , Guda B.B. , Pushkarev V.M.
Published: July 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the levels of AMPKα1 and IRS-1 in the blood of patients with diabetes mellitus and COVID-19. AMPKα1 and IRS-1 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Elabscience, USA). AMPK controls the energy balance of the cell, stimulates catabolic processes – absorption of glucose, fatty acids, and their conversion by mitochondrial oxidation and glycolysis. With type 2 diabetes and obesity, its activity decreases, and the activity of protein kinases mTORC1/p70S6K increases, leading to phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS) and insulin resistance. The level of AMPKα1 in the blood of diabetic patients was significantly higher than in the blood of healthy people. The amount of AMPKα1 in the blood of people recovered from COVID-19 demonstrated the further growth of AMPKα1. The level of AMPKα1 was much higher in the blood of patients with DM during a COVID-19 disease. IRS-1 amounts in the blood plasma of patients with diabetes was higher than normal values. The level of IRS-1 in the blood plasma of patients with COVID-19 was much higher than in the blood of healthy people and patients with diabetes. The level of IRS-1 in the blood plasma may be one of the promising markers of COVID-19.
Dynamic performance analysis of lasing mode optical integrated device
Authors:   Radiation Engineering Dept. National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt, Eladl Sh. M. , Sharshar K. A. ,   Radiation Engineering Dept. National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt, Saad M. H. ,   Radiation Engineering Dept. National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the dynamic response of the optical gain of optical integrated device composed of a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) and a laser diode (LD) has been numerically analyzed. This type of optical integrated device is called transistor laser (TL). First, the rate equation of LD has been solved to obtain its transfer function. Second, the overall transfer function of the whole structure has been analyzed numerically. The effect of HBT cutoff frequency on the amplitude and phase frequency response has been studied. The obtained results show that HBT has a strong influence on the device performance. In particular, higher values of HBT cutoff frequency result in lower amplitudes and higher phase values in the low-frequency range. The device is stable and has a fast response and high optical gain at higher frequencies. Therefore, it can be used as an optical amplifier or optical switch in high-speed optical systems.
Study on the antipruritic mechanism of Zanthoxylum bungeanum and Zanthoxylum schinifolium volatile oil on chronic eczema based on H1R and PAR-2 mediated GRPR pathway
Authors: Zhou Xiang Lu , Chen Le Le , Wang Jia Feng
Published: July 2022

Objective: To observe the antipruritic effect and mechanism of the volatile oil of Zanthoxylum bungeanum and Zanthoxylum schinifolium on chronic eczema to provide data support for clinical application and new drug development of Zanthoxylum bungeanum and Zanthoxylum schinifolium.
Methods: The model of chronic eczema was established by using 2-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), and the composition and content of volatile oil in Zanthoxylum schinifolium and Zanthoxylum bungeanum was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antipruritic effect by (EASI) score of eczema area and severity index and scratching times was then evaluated. Then, the contents of histamine, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and immunoglobulin E (IgE) in serum of rats was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The tissue morphology was observed by HE staining. The expressions of H1R, PAR-2, TRPV1, TRPA1, and GRPR was then detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and QRT-PCR.
Results: The results revealed that there were differences in the composition of volatile oil between Zanthoxylum bungeanum and Zanthoxylum schinifolium. Compared to the model group, the medium-dose group of Zanthoxylum bungeanum and Zanthoxylum schinifolium group significantly increased the difference of EASI score and scratching times, significantly decreased the concentrations of IL-4, IgE, GRP, and histamine, and significantly decreased the expression levels of H1R, PAR-2, TRPV1, and GRPR. The degree of inhibition on the pathological manifestations of chronic eczema was evident. There was no significant difference in antipruritic effect between the two groups. The expression of TRPA1 was inconsistent at the protein and gene level, which needs to be further researched.
Conclusion: The volatile oil of Zanthoxylum bungeanum and Zanthoxylum schinifolium can reduce the expression of H1R, PAR-2, TRPV1, and GRPR. The mechanism may be through the H1R and PAR-2-mediated GRPR pathway intervention to achieve the effect, both of which have the same antipruritic effect.
LIGAMENT PRESERVING TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY PREVENTS DIFFERENT LEG LENGTH AND FEMORAL OFFSET
Authors: Fujita Masahiro , Hayashi Shinya , Kamenaga Tomoyuki , Fujishiro Takaaki , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT Objectives: The leg length (LL) and femoral offset (FO) discrepancy following total hip arthroplasty (THA) are important factors for postoperative outcomes and restoring native hip biomechanics is essential for THA. Hip capsular ligament contributes to joint stability; however, there are few studies about the influence of ligament preservation on LLD and FO following THA. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving 60 patients who underwent primary THA using a short stem through the anterolateral approach between June 2016 and August 2018. From August 2017, we preserved the vertical band of iliofemoral ligament and the pubofemoral ligament in THA, and the compared pre- and postoperative radiographic LLD and FO difference between the ligament preservation (n = 30) and ligament excision (n = 30) groups. Results: Postoperative LLD was significantly smaller in the ligament preservation than in the ligament excision group. The ratio of excessive LLD and FO difference was lower in the ligament preservation group than the ligament excision one. Conclusion: The preservation of the hip capsular ligament suppressed the increased LLD and FO difference. Level of Evidence II; Prognostic Study - Investigation of the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on the Outcome of a Disease .
Políticas de recursos humanos, aprendizagem e intenção de rotatividade nas organizações
Authors: Freitas Alessandra Demite G. , Lacerda Fabricio M. , Santos Enise A. , Alvarenga Marcelo A. , Bizarrias Flávio S.
Published: July 2022

Resumo Objetivo: Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar de que forma as políticas de recursos humanos e a percepção das oportunidades de aprendizagem nas organizações influenciam a intenção de rotatividade dos profissionais. Originalidade/valor: Os autores demostraram que, ao compreenderem as relações existentes entre os constructos pesquisados, as organizações devem aumentar seus investimentos em melhorias nas políticas de recursos humanos, particularmente em ações que promovam uma maior percepção de oportunidades de aprendizagem, reduzindo a intenção de rotatividade de seus talentos. Design/metodologia/abordagem: Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida com abordagem quantitativa e coleta de dados realizada por meio de um survey. Aplicaram-se os questionários a 250 profissionais atuantes no mercado de trabalho e estudantes de uma universidade privada. A análise dos dados foi realizada com uma análise fatorial confirmatória e, na sequência, uma modelagem de equações estruturais. Resultados: Os autores apresentaram os resultados da investigação de forma descritiva. As três hipóteses definidas para o estudo foram aceitas, e foram consideradas significantes as dimensões das políticas de recursos humanos. Os autores apresentaram atributos relevantes para a compreensão de que, mesmo existindo diversos motivos que possam influenciar um profissional em sua decisão de desligar-se da organização, novos fatores devem ser considerados, como as possibilidades de uma maior oferta de conhecimento.
Does a cluster promote innovation and productivity in its firms?
Authors: Rocha Rodrigo J. S. , Paula Fábio O. , Silva Jorge F.
Published: July 2022

Abstract Objective: The fierce competition in a globalized market forces firms to adopt innovative strategies to obtain a competitive advantage over their competitors. However, innovating is a difficult task to accomplish in isolation. One way to mitigate this isolation is to separate organizations into sectoral clusters, facilitating the search for innovation and productivity. From this perspective, this research aims to compare the relationship between innovation performance (IP) and the productivity of Brazilian firms, considering whether they are inserted into clusters or not, and analyze their implemented internal and external research and development (R&D) strategies. Originality/value: This article expands the literature’s understanding of open innovation, testing the complementary role of internal and external R&D for the implementation of innovation in firms using a relevant contextual condition: their presence or absence in a cluster. The study helps to enhance the understanding of several mechanisms by which the cluster helps to promote innovation and productivity. Design/methodology/approach: To test the hypotheses, the study used multigroup structural equation modeling in a sample of 5,581 companies, with 1,878 cluster participants and 3,703 non-participants. Findings: The results support a positive impact of both external and internal R&D on IP and support the notion that IP, regardless of whether or not the firm is part of a cluster, positively impacts its productivity. The external and internal R&D, in turn, proved to be complementary only for companies inside a cluster.
Desempenho da atenção primária à saúde, segundo clusters de municípios convergentes no estado de São Paulo
Authors: Pinheiro Junior Raimundo Valdemy Borges , Carneiro Junior Nivaldo , Sala Arnaldo , Luppi Carla Gianna , Schveitzer Mariana Cabral , Andrade Marta Campagnoni , Rufino Edson , Fogaça Lissandra Zanovelo , Simões Oziris , Wagner Gabriela Arantes
Published: July 2022

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descrever o desempenho da atenção primária à saúde, segundo clusters de municípios paulistas que apresentaram indicadores homogêneos. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, com base em dados secundários extraídos de fontes oficiais do Sistema Único de Saúde, referentes ao ano de 2018. Foi elaborada uma matriz de análise, com a proposição de indicadores de desempenho (acesso, efetividade e adequação) e contexto (população, determinantes de saúde e financiamento), selecionados e organizados em dimensões e subdimensões. Para identificar os grupos de municípios homogêneos, foi utilizada a análise de cluster Resultados: Dos 645 municípios, constituíram-se seis clusters. Os clusters 2 e 3 foram formados, predominantemente, por municípios pequenos e com maior acesso; entre eles, o cluster 3 apresentou menor vulnerabilidade social e maior investimento em saúde. Os clusters 1, 4 e 5, em contrapartida, foram formados por municípios maiores e com menor acesso; entre eles, o cluster 4 apresentou maior vulnerabilidade social, menor cobertura de planos privados de saúde e maior percentual de recursos utilizados em saúde; e o cluster 5, maior produto interno bruto per capita e maior cobertura de planos privados de saúde. O cluster 6, formado pelo município de São Paulo, demonstrou ser um caso particular. Ainda, o cluster 2 chamou atenção. Apresentando maior cobertura, sinalizou menor efetividade e adequação. Entre todos os clusters, o cluster 3 alcançou o melhor desempenho. Conclusão: Os resultados podem subsidiar a gestão regional e municipal, diante da complexidade do território paulista, apontando para cenários que demandam maiores inciativas de gestão pública.
Diagnostic performance of anthropometric indicators used to assess excess body fat in adolescence
Authors: Antunes Nelma Maria Neves , Silveira Marise Fagundes , Silva Rosângela Ramos Veloso , Rocha Josiane Santos Brant , Oliveira Fernanda Piana Santos Lima de , Ruas Sélen Jaqueline Souza , Borborema Fabiana Aparecida Maia , Duarte Jose Henrique Pinto , Rodrigues Carolina Amaral Oliveira , Brito Maria Fernanda Santos Figueiredo , Caldeira Antônio Prates , Pinho Lucinéia de
Published: July 2022

Abstract Objective: To compare the performance of anthropometric indicators that identify excess body fat (BF) in adolescents. Methods: This is a methodological study that used probability cluster sampling through school and class draws. Data collection included sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric measures. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), conicity index (C index), and waist circumference (WC) were calculated. Body fat percentage (BF%) was calculated from skinfold thickness and used as the gold standard. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, and Youden’s index were used, in addition to correlation coefficient calculation between the indicators and BF%. Results: A total of 997 adolescents enrolled in municipal secondary schools participated in the study. By calculating the BMI, we found that 10.6% of adolescents were overweight, and 4.7% were obese. BMI, WC, and WtHR had the highest accuracy to predict body fatness. All the anthropometric indicators had higher specificity than sensitivity to diagnose excess BF in males. WC had the highest sensitivity in both genders. C index had the smallest area under the ROC curve and the lowest sensitivity in both genders, but its specificity was equivalent to that of the other indicators. Conclusions: BMI, WtHR, and WC were the best anthropometric indicators to predict excess BF in adolescents and had the best correlation coefficients. These tools can be considered in the screening to detect excess BF in adolescents.
HEPATIC DYSFUNCTION IN MEDICAL INTENSIVE CAREUNIT PATIENTS PREDICTS POOR OUTCOME
Authors: PATEL Sameet T , RAJADHYAKSHA Girish C , JUNARE Parmeshwar , CONTRACTOR Qais Q , SOUZA Rosemarie de , RATHI Pravin M
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT Background: A large number of patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) have abnormal liver function tests (LFT). This includes patients with critical illness with or without preexisting liver disease and patients with acute primary liver injury. There are very few studies which have investigated the spectrum of liver disease, clinical profile and outcome in patients admitted to the MICU. Objective To evaluate the occurrence, etiology, clinical profile, laboratory profile and outcome of hepatic dysfunction in patients admitted to the MICU. To evaluate the utility of model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score on admission as a predictor of adverse short term outcome in patients with hepatic dysfunction admitted in MICU. Methods: It was a prospective observational study, conducted from December 2017 to December 2018 in a tertiary care hospital. Two hundred and two patients admitted to the MICU with LFTs as per the inclusion criteria were analyzed and their short-term outcome at 7 days was studied in relation to various parameters. Results: LFT abnormalities were present in 202/1126 (17.9%) of the patients admitted to MICU. Critical illness associated liver dysfunction was found in 172 (85.2%) patients, chronic liver disease in 11 (5.4%) patients and acute viral hepatitis in 19 (9.4%) patients. Most common symptom was fever (68.3%) followed by vomiting (48.0%). Among LFT abnormalities, elevated transaminases, raised international normalized ratio and high MELD score on admission correlated with poor short-term outcome. Requirement for inotropes and mechanical ventilation correlated with poor short-term outcome. Mortality did not differ significantly between patients with chronic liver disease, patients with acute viral hepatitis and patients with critical illness associated hepatic dysfunction. Hepatic dysfunction in MICU was associated with poor outcome and a high short-term mortality of 56.4% (114/202). Conclusion: Liver function abnormality is common in patients who are admitted to the MICU and its presence is an indicator of poor short-term outcome.
PREVALENCE AND PREDICTIVE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH POSITIVITY OF SARS-COV-2 SEROLOGICAL MARKERS IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AT AN IBD REFERRAL CENTER
Authors: FERREIRA Sandro da Costa , PARRA Rogério Serafim , FEITOSA Marley Ribeiro , FERES Omar , SANTANA Rodrigo de Carvalho , TRONCON Luiz Ernesto de Almeida
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT Background: Data related to SARS-CoV-2 exposure rates in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are scarce. Objective - Our aim was to determine the prevalence of serological markers of SARS-Cov-2 and the predictive factors for positivity in patients with IBD. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study carried out from May to September 2020. SARS-CoV-2 serological markers were determined using chemiluminescence immunoassay in 233 IBD patients without evidence of COVID-19 symptoms. Patient age was 36.6±11.1 years, 118 patients were male (50.6%), and 63.1% had Crohn’s disease. Patient clinical data were extracted from individual electronic medical records and complemented by a structured interview. Results: Twenty-six out of the 233 patients with IBD had positive serum markers for SARS-CoV-2 (11.2%). Female sex (P<0.003), extra-intestinal manifestations (P=0.004), use of corticosteroids (P=0.049), and previous contact with individuals with flu-like symptoms (P<0.001) or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 (P<0.001), were associated with a significant increased rate of positive SARS-Cov-2 serological markers. No significant difference was observed regarding to adherence to protection measures and positivity of SARS-Cov-2 serological markers (P>0.05). Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 previous infection in IBD patients was not that uncommon, and its prevalence was 11.2% in our series. Positivity to SARS-CoV-2 serological markers was associated with female sex, extra-intestinal manifestations, use of corticosteroids, and contact with individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings.
ASSESSING PREDICTORS OF DIRECTLY ACTING ANTIVIRALS’ FAILURE AS A FURTHER STEP TOWARDS MORE EFFICIENT HCV ELIMINATION PROGRAMS: IL28B (IFNL4) GENE POLYMORPHISM HAS NO ROLE WHILE HIGHER ESTIMATED CREATININE CLEARANCE IS A FORGOTTEN FACTOR
Authors: KAMAL Ahmed , MATTA Cecil , MOHSIN Heba Akram , ELHADIDI Abeer Shawki , GHAZY Ramy Mohamed , OMAR Heba Hany , TAHOUN Mona , MOHAMED Nema Abdelhameed
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT Background: Sustained virologic response (SVR) rates after directly acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) exceed 95%. This encouraged policymakers to put plans to achieve HCV elimination by 2030. The remaining percentage of non-SVR12 can affect HCV eradication strategies in the real-world especially the compliance of large numbers of treated persons to follow up for assessment of virologic response cannot be guaranteed. Objective: We aimed to assess predictors of failure to achieve SVR after receiving sofosbuvir plus NS5A inhibitor as an important step towards achieving better HCV eradication strategies. Methods: During the period from 1st November 2018 to 1st November 2019, 1581 treatment-naive patients received sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir ± ribavirin at our unit and 10 patients were referred to us with HCV relapse after the same regimens. A total of 163 out of the 1581 patients were lost for follow-up before assessment of virologic response and excluded from the analysis. 20 out of the remaining patients failed to achieve SVR12. Data from the 30 patients with non-SVR12 were included in the case-control analysis. Results: Every unit increase in estimated creatinine clearance using modification of diet in renal disease study (MDRD) score, total bilirubin, and INR was associated with 1.03, 13.92, and 80.08 times greater odds of non-SVR12 (P<0.001, P=0.0016, P=0.02) respectively. The presence of liver cirrhosis on ultrasonography increases the odds by 10.03. (P=0.009). Conclusion: Higher MDRD score, INR, total bilirubin, and presence of sonographic features of liver cirrhosis are predictors of failure to achieve SVR12 using sofosbuvir plus NS5A inhibitor.
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME RISK IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE IS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY AND PRESENCE OF NASH
Authors: GRILLO Penelope Michele , PUNARO Giovana Rita , ELIAS Maria Cristina , PARISE Edison Roberto
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of liver disease and refers to a wide spectrum of histological abnormalities ranging from simple steatosis (HE) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Objective: To assess the risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and relating it to demographic, biochemical and histological data in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: Cross-sectional cohort study in individuals with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, presence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance were evaluated. The Berlin Questionnaire (BQ) was applied to assess the risk of apnea and a food record was requested. Based on the BQ, participants were classified as high or low risk for OSAS. In the correlation of sleep apnea with the severity of NAFLD, presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and the degree of liver fibrosis were evaluated. Statistical analysis used the chi-square test, Student’s t and bivariate logistic regression; values were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. This research project was approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: Regarding the parameters evaluated, significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of body mass index (BMI), waist and neck circumference. In the histological evaluation, patients classified as high risk were more likely to have fibrosis and NASH. In bivariate regression, the BMI, presence of fibrosis and steatohepatitis in the biopsy were independently associated with an elevated risk of the syndrome. Conclusion: A high prevalence of risk for OSAS was observed in the studied group, with a higher risk being independently associated with BMI and presence of steatohepatitis, suggesting that it is a factor associated with the severity of the disease.
LENTINULA EDODES POLYSACCHARIDES SUPPRESSED PRO-INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES EXPRESSION AND COLITIS IN MICE
Authors: ALAGBAOSO Chidube Anthony , MIZUNO Masashi
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT Background: Polysaccharides from edible mushrooms possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities. Recent studies indicated that necroptosis plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and mediates increased expression of inflammatory cytokines. Objective: Therefore, it is imperative to determine the impact of polysaccharide extract from Lentinula edodes (L. edodes) on inflammatory cytokines in experimental model of colitis in mice. Methods: Female C57BL/6 mice divided into three or four mice per group were used for this study. Polysaccharide sample was orally administered to mice prior to (7 days) and during colitis induction with 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (7 days), followed by additional 3 days of administration. Changes in body weight and colon length were used as markers for colitis, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) expressions, as well as necroptosis were analyzed in the colon of colitis mice. Data obtained were analysed by Tukey-Kramer and two-tailed standard t tests. Results: The results indicated that the polysaccharide sample suppressed colitis in mice using effects on the body weight and colon length as markers. Also, it was demonstrated that necrostatin-1, a specific inhibitor of necroptosis, suppressed the expression of interleukin (IL)-8, a pro-inflammatory chemokine, in Caco-2 cells induced necroptosis induced by zVAD and TNF-α, an indication that necroptosis may be involved in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the polysaccharide sample suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and interferon (IFN)-γ in the colon of mice. Conclusion: These results suggested that the suppressive effects of the polysaccharide sample on inflammatory cytokines expression may contribute to its anti-colitis effect, and so may serve as a potent therapeutic agent against inflammatory bowel disease.
“É difícil temer aquilo que não podemos ver”: o trabalho representacional da Covid-19 e a pedagogia do medo entre vírus e animações
Authors: Ferreira João Paulo , Melo Cristiane Vilma de
Published: July 2022

Resumo A mais recente pandemia, caracterizada como SARS-CoV-2, se insere em uma linhagem conhecida de patógenos virais que podem desencadear infecções respiratórias severas. Em que pese a importância de se avançar no conhecimento biomédico como forma de garantir o tratamento e a eficácia na suposta erradicação da doença, não é menos urgente refletir acerca das circunstâncias sociais que modelam essa nova situação epidemiológica. Este ensaio analisa como as representações sobre e contágio e morte imbricadas na díade saúde-doença, como fenômenos tradicionais, se revestiram de proposições morais, particularmente entre os meses de janeiro e março de 2020, quando as definições de surto, epidemia e pandemia se tornaram inextricavelmente misturadas. Naquele contexto, e a partir da criação de um tipo de dispositivo de saúde animado por imperativos afeitos à forma mais mortal da doença, a Covid-19 ganhou materialidade. Constituído na confluência de concepções étnico-racializantes, este dispositivo pedagogizou as primeiras imagens da doença, sedimentadas em uma gramática altamente visual e linguística afeitas a um medo coletivo. Examinamos que o trabalho de recepção, nomeação e enquadramento da Covid-19 dependeu de regimes de visibilidade condicionados por processos tradicionais, relativos à materialização e animação do vírus enquanto uma ameaça não só epidemiológica e social, mas política e moral.
Análise do desenvolvimento temático de estudos relacionando educação e covid-19
Authors: Antunes Jeferson , Porto Bernadete de Souza , Queiroz Zuleide Fernandes de
Published: July 2022

Resumo Educação na pandemia se apresenta como um grande tema de pesquisa entre os anos de 2020 e 2021. A covid-19 impactou diversas pessoas e pôs à prova os sistemas educacionais em todo o mundo. Nesse sentido, diversos estudos, grande parte em preprint, discutem esses impactos frente aos mais variados temas de pesquisa. Portanto, sendo a pandemia um problema que afeta a educação em proporções globais, como os temas de pesquisa convergem para abordar a relação entre educação e covid-19 nos principais estudos mundiais? Conhecer essas relações temáticas, nascidas da pesquisa científica que associa educação e covid-19, pode ofertar algumas ideias para lidarmos com os problemas educacionais desta época. Este estudo tem por objetivo descrever os temas da pesquisa de alto impacto que relacionam educação e covid-19. Para tanto, foi realizada a recuperação de dados, na base de dados centralizada Web of Science, por artigos que relacionassem educação e covid-19 no campo da pesquisa educacional. Analisamos esses artigos por meio da cientometria, criando mapas de ciência e rede temática para categorizar os 607 estudos encontrados. Como resultados, emergem dos temas analisados quatro categorias de artigos: com temáticas consolidadas, que apresentam os principais temas do campo de pesquisa; com temáticas emergentes, que apresentam estudos que levantam novos temas; de média dispersão, que buscam especializar o campo do conhecimento; e os artigos fragmentados, que têm uma alta dispersão de temas, apresentando uma miríade de possibilidades de pesquisa.
Tendência temporal e distribuição espacial dos casos de transmissão vertical do HIV em Santa Catarina, 2007-2017: um estudo ecológico
Authors: Cunga Ilda Vaica Armando , Bittencourt Bianca , Rosa Claudia Maria Augusto da , Iser Betine Pinto Moehlecke , Parma Gabriel Oscar Cremona , Schuelter-Trevisol Fabiana
Published: July 2022

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a tendência temporal e a distribuição espacial dos casos de transmissão vertical do HIV, Santa Catarina, 2007-2017. Métodos Estudo ecológico misto, com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Realizou-se regressão linear para análise de série temporal; calcularam-se as taxas médias no período e variações percentuais médias anuais das taxas de gestantes infectadas pelo HIV, de crianças expostas ao HIV na gestação e de soroconversão das crianças expostas ao HIV/aids na gestação, além do geoprocessamento dos dados. Resultados Foram registradas 5.554 gestantes infectadas pelo HIV, com taxa de 5,6 gestantes/1 mil nascidos vivos. A taxa média de soroconversão foi de 13,5/100 mil nascidos vivos (IC95% 6,8;20,1) e apresentou tendência decrescente (APC = -99,4%; IC95% -99,9;-93,1). A taxa de soroconversão foi mais elevada em municípios de pequeno porte. Conclusão A taxa de gestantes infectadas pelo HIV foi estável; houve diminuição de crianças infectadas com HIV por via vertical.