bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac adaptation to endurance exercise training: Differential impact of swimming and running
Authors: Martinez Vanessa , Sanz de la Garza Maria , Grazioli Gonzalo , Roca Emma , Brotons Daniel , Sitges Marta
Published: June 2020

Objectives: High‐intensity training has been associated with bi‐ventricular and bi‐atrial remodelling and a potentially increased risk of arrhythmias. Most of the evidence is based on endurance disciplines mainly involving the lower part of the body, while few data is available on upper body disciplines. The purpose of this study was to compare chronic cardiac remodelling induced by running and swimming as well as the acute response of ventricular and atrial performance after an upper‐body and a lower‐body endurance race. Methods: Standard and speckle tracking echocardiographic assessment of left ventricle, right ventricle and both atria was performed at baseline and immediately after a 9.5 km open‐water swimming race in 26 healthy men and before and after a 35 km‐trail‐running race in 21 male runners. Results: No significant differences were observed in baseline ventricular dimensions. However, both right ventricular and atrial systolic deformation were greater in runners. This group also showed slightly larger atrial volumes as compared to swimmers. After the race, right ventricular dilatation was observed in both groups, but only runners showed a decrease in right ventricular deformation and a decrease in atrial volumes and deformation. Significant increases in atrial deformation without reduction in atrial volumes were observed only in swimmers after the race. Conclusions: Right ventricular and atrial remodelling is different depending on the endurance training discipline. Long‐distance running races induce a greater impairment in right ventricular performance and atrial function compared to endurance swimming competitions.
Cell-wide mapping of Orai1 channel activity reveals functional heterogeneity in STIM1-Orai1 puncta
Authors: Dynes Joseph L. , Yeromin Andriy V. , Cahalan Michael D.
Published: June 2020

Upon Ca2+ store depletion, Orai1 channels cluster and open at endoplasmic reticulum–plasma membrane (ER–PM) junctions in signaling complexes called puncta. Little is known about whether and how Orai1 channel activity may vary between individual puncta. Previously, we developed and validated optical recording of Orai channel activity, using genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators fused to Orai1 or Orai3 N or C termini. We have now combined total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy with whole-cell recording to map functional properties of channels at individual puncta. After Ca2+ store depletion in HEK cells cotransfected with mCherry-STIM1 and Orai1-GCaMP6f, Orai1-GCaMP6f fluorescence increased progressively with increasingly negative test potentials and robust responses could be recorded from individual puncta. Cell-wide fluorescence half-rise and -fall times during steps to −100 mV test potential indicated probe response times of <50 ms. The in situ Orai1-GCaMP6f affinity for Ca2+ was 620 nM, assessed by monitoring fluorescence using buffered Ca2+ solutions in “unroofed” cells. Channel activity and temporal activation profile were tracked in individual puncta using image maps and automated puncta identification and recording. Simultaneous measurement of mCherry-STIM1 fluorescence uncovered an unexpected gradient in STIM1/Orai1 ratio that extends across the cell surface. Orai1-GCaMP6f channel activity was found to vary across the cell, with inactive channels occurring in the corners of cells where the STIM1/Orai1 ratio was lowest; low-activity channels typically at edges displayed a slow activation phase lasting hundreds of milliseconds. Puncta with high STIM1/Orai1 ratios exhibited a range of channel activity that appeared unrelated to the stoichiometric requirements for gating. These findings demonstrate functional heterogeneity of Orai1 channel activity between individual puncta and establish a new experimental platform that facilitates systematic comparisons between puncta composition and activity.
Metasurface supporting broadband circular dichroism for reflected and transmitted fields simultaneously
Authors: Amin M , Siddiqui O , Farhat M
Published: June 2020

We demonstrate significant optical activity in the near-infrared spectrum of a chiral metasurface which is designed using an array of L-shaped silver nanostructures. The far-field radiation from the plasmon-polariton surface wave currents produces combination of strong and highly dispersive orthogonal electric field components leading to the observation of broadband circular and elliptical polarization states (dichroism) for reflected and transmitted fields. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations show a linear to left hand and right hand circular polarization conversion between 200–261 THz frequency (1.15 µm–1.5 µm wavelength) range for reflected and transmitted fields. The structural chirality can be further enhanced by engraving another smaller L-dipole in nested configuration reaching near perfect polarization conversion efficiency. The nested L-dipole configuration supports circular polarization conversion between 262–306 THz frequency (980 nm–1.14 µm wavelength) range. Full-wave simulations suggest clear enhancement of the surface currents with helical orientation leading to increased optical activity. The proposed optical waveplate may be utilized in polarization control applications such as optical imaging, sensing, and display components.
Introduction to the environmental monitoring instruments for LOT
Authors: Wang Jian-Feng , Tian Jian-Feng , Zeng Xian-Qun , Li Tao-Ran , Zhao Yong , Wang Yue , Chen Hua-Lin , Jiang Xiao-Jun
Published: June 2020

The Large Optical/infrared Telescope (LOT) is a ground-based 12m diameter optical/infrared telescope, which is proposed to be built in the western part of China in the next decade. To select the best site which satisfies the construction and future operation of LOT, data monitoring and comparing are required for all the candidate sites. The comparison of most of the instruments was done at Xinglong Observatory. These instruments include weather station, all sky camera, sky background meter and differential image motion monitor (DIMM). This paper introduces the instruments used in LOT site monitoring and the instruments comparisons. The results show that the instrument is stable and the data uniformity of the identical instruments is good. This paper provides a fundamental description of LOT site monitoring.
Site testing campaign for the Large Optical/infrared Telescope of China: general introduction of the Daocheng site
Authors: Song Teng-Fei , Liu Yu , Wang Jing-Xing , Zhang Xue-Fei , Liu Shun-Qing , Zhao Ming-Yu , Li Xiao-Bo , Cai Zhan-Chuan , Song Qi-Wu , Cao Zi-Huang , Ruan Yu
Published: June 2020

The Daocheng site is one of the three candidate sites for the Large Optical/infrared Telescope (LOT) of China. It was discovered by Yunnan Observatories during the survey of potential sites for the next-generation large-aperture solar telescopes of China. This paper describes the overview of the site, the observation platform and the monitor instrument. In addition, simple statistical results are presented (from November, 2016 up to December, 2017). Detailed data results can refer to the overview of LOT site testing and data analysis articles, which were published during the same period.
Site-testing at Muztagh-ata site I: ground meteorology and sky brightness
Authors: Xu Jing , Esamdin Ali , Hao Jin-Xin , Bai Jin-Min , Yang Ji , Zhou Xu , Yao Yong-Qiang , Hou Jin-Liang , Pu Guang-Xin , Feng Guo-Jie , Bai Chun-Hai , Wei Peng , Ma Shu-Guo , Yisikandee Abudusaimaitijiang , Wang Le-Tian , Zhang Xuan , Ming Liang , Ma Lu , Liu Jin-Zhong , Cao Zi-Huang , Zhao Yong-Heng , Feng Lu , Shi Jian-Rong , Chen Hua-Lin , Pei Chong , Jiang Xiao-Jun , Wang Jian-Feng , Tian Jian-Feng , Xue Yan-Jie , Hu Jing-Yao , Jiang Yun-Ying
Published: June 2020

Site-testing is crucial for achieving the goal of scientific research and analysis of meteorological and optical observing conditions, one of the associated basic tasks. As one of three potential sites to host the 12-meter Large Optical/infrared Telescope (LOT), the Muztagh-ata site, which is located on the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang, in west China, began its site-testing task in the spring of 2017. In this paper, we firstly start with an introduction to the site and then present a statistical analysis of the ground-level meteorological properties such as air temperature, barometric pressure, relative humidity, and wind speed and direction, recorded by an automatic weather station with standard meteorological sensors for a two-year duration. We also show the monitoring results of sky brightness during this period.
The boresight alignment of the DArk Matter Particle Explorer
Authors: Jiang Wei , Li Xiang , Duan Kai-Kai , Shen Zhao-Qiang , Xu Zun-Lei , Zang Jing-Jing , Lei Shi-Jun , Yuan Qiang
Published: June 2020

The DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) can measureγ-rays in the energy range from a few GeV to about 10 TeV. The direction of eachγ-ray photon is reconstructed in the DAMPE payload reference system. To convert this to celestial coordinates, we require the celestial orientation of the payload system, which, however, may slightly deviate from that of the satellite system provided by the star-tracker. In this paper, we adopt a maximum likelihood method and use theγ-rays centered around several bright point-like sources to measure and correct the angular deviations between the DAMPE payload and satellite system, the so-called “boresight alignment”. We also check our method of boresight alignment for some sets of simulation data with artificial orientations and obtain consistent results. The time-dependent boresight alignment analysis does not show evidence for significant variation of the parameters.
A catalogue of Hα emission-line point sources in the vicinity fields of M 31 and M 33 from the LAMOST survey
Authors: Zhang Meng , Chen Bing-Qiu , Huo Zhi-Ying , Zhang Hua-Wei , Xiang Mao-Sheng , Yuan Hai-Bo , Huang Yang , Wang Chun , Liu Xiao-Wei
Published: June 2020

We present a catalogue of 3305 Hα emission-line point sources observed with the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) in the vicinity fields of M 31 and M 33 during September 2011 and January 2016. The catalogue contains 1487 emission-line stars, 532 emission-line nebulae including 377 likely planetary nebulae (PNe), 83 H ii region candidates and 20 possible supernova remnants (SNRs) and 1286 unknown objects. Among them, 24 PN candidates, 19 H ii region candidates, 10 SNR candidates and one symbiotic star candidate are new discoveries. Radial velocities and fluxes estimated from the Hα line and those quantities of seven other major emission lines including Hβ, [O iii] λ4959, [O iii] λ5007, [N ii] λ6548, [N ii] λ6583, [S ii] λ6717 and [S ii] λ6731 lines of all the catalogued sources yielded from the LAMOST spectra are also presented in our catalogue. Our catalogue is an ideal starting point to study the chemistry properties and kinematics of M 31 and M 33.
Detection of thermonuclear X-ray bursts and dips from the X-ray binary 4U 1323-62 with AstroSat/LAXPC
Authors: Bhulla Yashpal , Roy Jayashree , Jaaffrey S.N.A.
Published: June 2020

Using data from the Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) on the AstroSat satellite, we observed Type-1 thermonuclear X-ray bursts from the low mass X-ray binary neutron star 4U 1323–62. Observations of 4U 1323-62 that were carried out during the performance verification phase of the AstroSat satellite indicated six thermonuclear X-ray bursts in a total effective exposure of ∼49.5 ks for about two consecutive days. Recurrence time of the detected thermonuclear bursts is in accordance with the orbital period of the source, ∼9400 s. Moreover, the light curve of 4U 1323–62 revealed the presence of two dips. We present the results from time-resolved spectroscopy performed during all of the six X-ray bursts and also report the detection of a known low frequency quasi-periodic oscillation (LFQPO) at ∼1 Hz from the source. However, any evidence of kilohertz QPO was not found. We have shown the burst profile at different energy ranges. Assuming a distance of 10 kpc, we observed a mean flux of ∼1.8×10−9 erg cm2 s−1. The radius of the blackbody is found to be highly consistent with the blackbody temperature and the blackbody flux of the bursts.
A Bayesian Approach for Determining the Relationship Between Various Elongate Mineral Particles (EMPs) Definitions
Authors: Shao Yuan , MacLehose Richard F , Lin Lifeng , Hwang Jooyeon , Alexander Bruce H , Mandel Jeffrey H , Ramachandran Gurumurthy
Published: June 2020

A variety of dimensions (lengths and widths) of elongate mineral particles (EMPs) have been proposed as being related to health effects. In this paper, we develop a mathematical approach for deriving numerical conversion factors (CFs) between these EMP exposure metrics and applied it to the Minnesota Taconite Health Worker study which contains 196 different job exposure groups (28 similar exposure groups times 7 taconite mines). This approach comprises four steps: for each group (i) obtain EMP dimension information using ISO-TEM 10312/13794 analysis; (ii) use bivariate lognormal distribution to characterize overall EMP size distribution; (iii) use a Bayesian approach to facilitate the formation of the bivariate lognormal distribution; (iv) derive conversion factors between any pair of EMP definitions. The final CFs allow the creation of job exposure matrices (JEMs) for alternative EMP metrics using existing EMP exposures already characterized according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-defined EMP exposure metric (length >5 µm with an aspect ratio ≥3.0). The relationships between the NIOSH EMP and other EMP definitions provide the basis of classification of workers into JEMs based on alternate definitions of EMP for epidemiological studies of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and non-malignant respiratory disease.
Root secondary growth: an unexplored component of soil resource acquisition
Authors: Strock Christopher F , Lynch Jonathan P
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

Despite recent progress in elucidating the molecular basis of secondary growth (cambial growth), the functional implications of this developmental process remain poorly understood. Targeted studies exploring how abiotic and biotic factors affect this process, as well as the relevance of secondary growth to fitness of annual dicotyledonous crop species under stress, are almost entirely absent from the literature. Specifically, the physiological role of secondary growth in roots has been completely neglected yet entails a unique array of implications for plant performance that are distinct from secondary growth in shoot tissue.

Scope

Since roots are directly responsible for soil resource capture, understanding of the fitness landscape of root phenotypes is important in both basic and applied plant biology. Interactions between root secondary growth, edaphic conditions and soil resource acquisition may have significant effects on plant fitness. Our intention here is not to provide a comprehensive review of a sparse and disparate literature, but rather to highlight knowledge gaps, propose hypotheses and identify opportunities for novel and agriculturally relevant research pertaining to secondary growth of roots. This viewpoint: (1) summarizes evidence from our own studies and other published work; (2) proposes hypotheses regarding the fitness landscape of secondary growth of roots in annual dicotyledonous species for abiotic and biotic stress; and (3) highlights the importance of directing research efforts to this topic within an agricultural context.

Conclusions

Secondary growth of the roots of annual dicots has functional significance with regards to soil resource acquisition and transport, interactions with soil organisms and carbon sequestration. Research on these topics would contribute significantly toward understanding the agronomic value of secondary growth of roots for crop improvement.
Information theoretic generalized Robinson–Foulds metrics for comparing phylogenetic trees
Authors: Smith Martin R
Published: June 2020

Motivation

The Robinson–Foulds (RF) metric is widely used by biologists, linguists and chemists to quantify similarity between pairs of phylogenetic trees. The measure tallies the number of bipartition splits that occur in both trees—but this conservative approach ignores potential similarities between almost-identical splits, with undesirable consequences. ‘Generalized’ RF metrics address this shortcoming by pairing splits in one tree with similar splits in the other. Each pair is assigned a similarity score, the sum of which enumerates the similarity between two trees. The challenge lies in quantifying split similarity: existing definitions lack a principled statistical underpinning, resulting in misleading tree distances that are difficult to interpret. Here, I propose probabilistic measures of split similarity, which allow tree similarity to be measured in natural units (bits).

Results

My new information-theoretic metrics outperform alternative measures of tree similarity when evaluated against a broad suite of criteria, even though they do not account for the non-independence of splits within a single tree. Mutual clustering information exhibits none of the undesirable properties that characterize other tree comparison metrics, and should be preferred to the RF metric.

Availability and implementation

The methods discussed in this article are implemented in the R package ‘TreeDist’, archived at https://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3528123.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Community development ‘yet-to-come’ during and post the COVID-19 pandemic: from Derrida to Zuboff
Authors: Westoby Peter , Harris Verne
Published: June 2020

The contours of this article, written as a dialogue between two authors, one in Australia (Westoby) and one in South Africa (Harris), outline a Derridean deconstruction of community development ‘yet-to-come’ during and post coronavirus disease 2019. Reflecting on our two countries’ experiences, drawing on theorists such as Zuboff (surveillance capitalism), Freire (critical literacy), Foucault (biopower), Escobar (pluriversality) and Berardi (semio-capitalism), we argue for transformational critical digital literacy work that enables greater community awareness of the consequences of digital lives and also transformative praxis. Riffing off many experiences that readers will be familiar with (lockdown, social distancing, tracing apps, virtual meetings and so on), the dialogue also suggests a soulful community development yet-to-come, foregrounding embodied lives, slowness, place, relationality and connection.
Investigating Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Surface and Air Contamination in an Acute Healthcare Setting During the Peak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic in London
Authors: Zhou Jie , Otter Jonathan A , Price James R , Cimpeanu Cristina , Meno Garcia Danel , Kinross James , Boshier Piers R , Mason Sam , Bolt Frances , Holmes Alison H , Barclay Wendy S
Published: June 2020

Background

We evaluated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) surface and air contamination during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in London.

Methods

Prospective, cross-sectional, observational study in a multisite London hospital. Air and surface samples were collected from 7 clinical areas occupied by patients with COVID-19 and a public area of the hospital. Three or four 1.0-m3 air samples were collected in each area using an active air sampler. Surface samples were collected by swabbing items in the immediate vicinity of each air sample. SARS-CoV-2 was detected using reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and viral culture; the limit of detection for culturing SARS-CoV-2 from surfaces was determined.

Results

Viral RNA was detected on 114 of 218 (52.3%) surfaces and in 14 of 31 (38.7%) air samples, but no virus was cultured. Viral RNA was more likely to be found in areas immediately occupied by COVID-19 patients than in other areas (67 of 105 [63.8%] vs 29 of 64 [45.3%]; odds ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.2–0.9; P = .025, χ2 test). The high PCR cycle threshold value for all samples (>30) indicated that the virus would not be culturable.

Conclusions

Our findings of extensive viral RNA contamination of surfaces and air across a range of acute healthcare settings in the absence of cultured virus underlines the potential risk from environmental contamination in managing COVID-19 and the need for effective use of personal protective equipment, physical distancing, and hand/surface hygiene.
Prevalence of Potential Drug–Drug Interactions in Patients of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study in the Era of HIV Integrase Inhibitors
Authors: Deutschmann Elisabeth , Bucher Heiner C , Jaeckel Steffen , Gibbons Sara , McAllister Katie , Scherrer Alexandra U , Braun Dominique L , Cavassini Matthias , Hachfeld Anna , Calmy Alexandra , Battegay Manuel , Cipriani Michela , Elzi Luigia , Young James , Lopez-Centeno Beatriz , Berenguer Juan , Khoo Saye , Moffa Giusi , Marzolini Catia ,   Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: June 2020

Background

Prevalence of potential drug–drug interactions (PDDIs) between antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and co-medications was high in 2008 in a Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) survey. We reassessed the prevalence of PDDIs in the era of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) integrase inhibitors (INIs), characterized by more favorable interaction profiles.

Methods

The prevalence of PDDIs in treated HIV-positive individuals was assessed for the period 01–12/2018 by linkage of the Liverpool HIV drug interactions and SHCS databases. PDDIs were categorized as harmful (red flagged), of potential clinical relevance (amber flagged), or of weak clinical significance (yellow flagged).

Results

In 9298 included individuals, median age was 51 years (IQR, 43–58), and 72% were males. Individuals received unboosted INIs (40%), boosted ARVs (30%), and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTIs) (32%)–based regimens. In the entire cohort, 68% received ≥1 co-medication, 14% had polypharmacy (≥5 co-medications) and 29% had ≥1 PDDI. Among individuals with co-medication, the prevalence of combined amber and yellow PDDIs was 43% (33% amber—mostly with cardiovascular drugs—and 20% yellow-flagged PDDIs) compared to 59% in 2008. Two percent had red-flagged PDDIs (mostly with corticosteroids), the same as in the 2008 survey. Compared with 2008, fewer individuals received boosted ARVs (−24%) and NNRTIs (−13%) but the use of co-medications was higher.

Conclusions

Prevalence of PDDIs was lower with more widespread use of INIs in 2018 than in 2008. Continued use of boosted regimens and increasing needs for co-medications in this aging population impeded lower rates of PDDIs.
Effect of wearable sensor-based Otago Exercise Program biofeedback in older adults with moderate to high risk of falling
Authors: Martins A C , Francisco D , Guia D
Published: June 2020

Introduction Falls remain a major public health issue. The ageing process is characterized by a progressive decrease in muscle strength, reaction time, postural control and changes in sensory systems. Wearable sensor-based biofeedback systems used in physiotherapy, particularly incorporated in exercise programs, are promising strategies to enhance the learning of strength and balance exercises and improve self-efficacy.

Objectives To evaluate the effect of the wearable sensor-based Otago Exercise Program (OTAGO) biofeedback in older adults with moderate to high risk.

Methodology Sixty participants (84.35 years) were distributed to the experimental group (26) and a control group (34). The EG underwent the OTAGO incorporated in a technological system using pressure and inertial sensors and biofeedback in real-time, administered by a physiotherapist for 5 weeks, with a frequency of 2 times a week. The CG kept doing their regular activities. Outcome measures included handgrip strength (HG), Time Up and Go (TUG), 30 seconds Sit to Stand, 10 meters Walking Speed (10m WS), 4 Stage Balance Test “Modified”, Step test and Questionnaire of Self-efficacy for exercise.

Results At baseline, significant differences were observed regarding the 10m WS (p < 0.001), TUG (p = 0.036) and HG (p = 0.001). Relatively to 4SBTM, in post-intervention was seen significant difference (p = 0.008) and in EG there was also substantial results (p < 0.001). The same happens in SEE (p = 0.013 and p = 0.020, respectively). A significant increase was found in EG so that the post-intervention 10m WS was statistically higher compared with the CG (EG: 0.42±0.29; CG: 1.10±0.51; p = 0.003). In the CG worst results were observed in some of the functional tests.

Conclusion Biofeedback in real-time facilitates the self-learning of the exercise program, and it is a useful tool for training strength, balance and self-efficacy for exercise, contributing to reducing the risk of falls.
Impact of adverse effects to oral antidiabetics on adherence and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Almeida C , Rocha C , Cruz R
Published: June 2020

Introduction Diabetes is a metabolic disorder with many comorbidities, microvascular and macrovascular complications. In Portugal the prevalence was 13,3% which corresponds to 1 million Portuguese diagnosed, but the forecasts are for a big increase. The various therapeutic options currently available have been shown to be effective in controlling glycaemia and HbA1 levels. Adherence with this therapeutic is essential for optimization and control of chronic conditions. However, they present side effects that may compromise adherence to therapy and the quality of life of the patients.

Objectives The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the adverse effects of oral antidiabetic medicines on patient’s quality of life and adherence to therapy.

Methodology We developed a cross-sectional study in a sample of 65 patients with type 2 diabetes recruited in several Portuguese pharmacies. Data collected through a questionnaire previously validated with MAT Scale and EQ-5D-3L questionnaire.

Results In total, 36 men (55,4%) and 29 women (44,6%) participated in the study, the mean age was 65 years. 73,8 % take oral medication and 92,30% of people have high adherence. The adverse events with more impact in the patients’ perception are "Discomfort in the genital area", "Dry mouth" and gastrointestinal events such as "Abdominal distention", "Flatulence" and "Constipation". The number of adverse events have a negative impact on patients’ quality of life (rs=-0,479; p≤0,01). The satisfaction with the therapeutic regime is significantly associated with adherence (rs = 0,348; p≤0,01)and their quality of life (rs = 0,316; p=0,01).

Conclusion We concluded that the adverse events have a negative impact on adherence and quality of life. The presence of adverse events, the type of medication and the therapeutic regimen are factors that negatively influence the patients’ quality of life, especially in the polymedicated elderly people.
Development of a Virtual Game with Android Operating System for the Rehabilitation of Chewing and Swallowing in the Elderly
Authors: Lins C , Silva T , Albuquerque L , Moreira R , Coriolano M , Rodrigues M
Published: June 2020

Introduction With the aging, the orofacial structures may suffer changes related to disorganization of the stomatognathic system, with a reduction in the strength and resistance of the tongue reflecting delays in the handling of the boluses in the mouth and the elevation of the hyolaryngeal complex; it may result in changes in swallowing (presbifagia or dysphagia). Changes in swallowing may be adjuvants for the illness of the elderly with great socioeconomic impact due to the high costs that bring to the public health with prolonged hospitalizations.

Objectives Before it an app was created with a board game for android operating system with the possibility of training in the functions of chewing and swallowing in elderly using biofeedback.

Methodology A hardware was built capable of capturing, conditioning and transmitting the electrical signal of the masseter and supra-hyoid muscles, with surface electrodes, using an interface system scan with four channels for a mobile device with Android operating system via Bluetooth. The electrical signal is received by software through a biogame, which originally held the calibration of the data, being the value range of the strength of the bite ranging from zero to 255 µV. The participant will receive the information to chew and swallow through the simulation of a “virtual farm” with the displacement of a tractor irrigating the earth which will create a plantation. The chewing cycle was standardized in 10 insect chewing’s, five for each side, ending with the swallowing.

Results At the end of the game a report stating: date of the examination, consistency of the food chosen, testing time, masticatory cycles completed and incomplete, maximum and average power of bite and muscle activity of the swallowing of each side.

Conclusion The application with game developed is a promising resource for training of the masticatory muscles and the swallowing of the elderly.
Hearing Screening in Preschool Children of a Rural Community in Portugal - A 10-year Experience
Authors: Fonseca S , Reis C , Monteiro L , Monteiro C , Serrano M
Published: June 2020

Introduction Preschool hearing screening programmes would identify later onset or progressive hearing losses and conductive hearing loss, due to the high prevalence of otitis media with effusion in childhood. Hearing loss associated with otitis media with effusion can have a great impact on reading, writing, central auditory processing and balance.

Objectives The present study aims at characterising the audiological alterations found in preschool children screened in a rural community in Portugal, and the correlation between audiological findings and otoscopy.

Methodology This is an observational study using the results obtained in a ten year audiological and otological screening of preschool children. Otoscopy, Tympanometry and Audiometry (1, 2 and 4 KHz presented at 40 and 20 dB intensity) were performed at the first stage of the screening and the results were classified as “pass” or “refer”. Every non-normal result of any category would imply a second stage consisting of observation by an ENT specialist at the site and the establishing of a follow-up plan. Written Informed Consent was obtained from the parents prior to initiating the study.

Results 595 children aged 5 and 6 years were screened between 2007 and 2017, of whom 192 (32.3%) required referral to the second stage. The most frequent alteration was found in the tympanogram. The tympanograms showed a significant correlation with the otoscopy performed by the ENT doctor, mainly type B tympanograms. The pass/refer audiometry also showed a statistically significant correlation with the medical otoscopy, although weak in all frequencies studied.

Conclusion It’s extremely important to perform a hearing screening in the age range of 5-6 years (with a high predisposition to middle ear problems), with the main objective of identifying and referring for treatment children who present alterations in order to reduce the consequences of the hearing impairment.
Cybersecurity risk analysis in healthcare institutions
Authors: Nunes P , Antunes M , Silva C
Published: June 2020

Introduction The growing digitization of businesses and its increasing dependence on Internet infrastructure has boosted the concerns related to data privacy and confidentiality. Healthcare institutions have been challenged with specific issues, namely the sensitivity of data, the specificity of networked equipment and the average information technology skills held by of healthcare professionals in Portugal.

Objectives To understand the relationship level established by healthcare professionals with the information security by assessing attitudes and behaviours in cybersecurity; to identify risks and actions that may be taken to enhance the healthcare professional’s cybersecurity awareness.

Methodology The study consists in translating, adjusting and applying two previously validated and published Likert-type response scales to assess health professionals' cybersecurity attitudes and behaviours in the Portuguese health environment. This is an observational, quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study in cybersecurity attitudes and behaviours in a healthcare institution in Portugal.

Results The sample was composed by 56 professionals, 71% women and 29% men, divided in four professional groups, where a mean (±SD) of 31.59 (±14.211) points was achieved for the cybersecurity risky behaviour (RScB) scale and 66.41 (±6,26) points for the cybersecurity and cybercrime in business attitudes scale (ATC-IB).

Conclusions There was no-significant statistical differences between the sociodemographic factors and the scores obtained on both scales. However, the points of the scales for the different domains evidences a statistical difference between ages, genders and professional groups by items, which are therefore important points for the development of future studies. The results showed a relationship between acquired behaviours and the attitudes of involvement with work and organizational commitment, establishing a bridge for the quantification in awareness.
Big data and machine learning in health
Authors: Carvalho D , Cruz R
Published: June 2020

Introduction Big data is defined as the amount of data that once organized and analysed, can make a value, make decisions, make predictions and discover patterns in order to reduce costs, avoid risks and optimize services. Machine Learning (ML) is a field of artificial intelligence and is characterized as a method of machine learning, which uses algorithms that learn from data analysis, allowing computers to find patterns, draw conclusions and make predictions. These tools can be used in different areas of human knowledge, particularly in the health sector which are generated daily a huge amount of information, allowing the creation of algorithms that learn and gain understanding to assist in various clinical practices.

Objectives The purpose of this paper is to analyse the benefits of Big Data and Machine Learning in providing overall health care.

Methodology We conducted a review of the scientific literature published in the electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar, according to specific criteria, using keywords: Big Data”, “Machine Learning".

Results In the field of oncology (skin cancer, breast, lung, leukaemia) ML and Big Data have contributed to early diagnosis of different pathologies and their evolution, as well as optimizing therapies. In ophthalmology (diabetic retinopathy and congenital cataract) has shown high efficacy in rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment crucial to prevent the progress of the disease. The tested algorithms achieved very favourable results in cases of Parkinson’s and cardiovascular diseases. In the pharmaceutical industry these computer and digital tools have contributed to the optimization of clinical trials, genome sequencing of tumours to then identify and develop specific drugs to fight it.

Conclusion Advances of MIL and Big data are notorious and development opportunities are immense and can come to revolutionize tasks such as diagnosis, treatment and health care in general.
Influence of prenatal exposure to dexamethasone on neurodevelopmental behaviour
Authors: Cruz A , Henriques C , Ferreira A , Galvão S , Neves C , Gaspar R , Ambrósio A , Gomes C , Baptista F
Published: June 2020

Introduction Early life stress, such as prenatal exposure to exogenous glucocorticoids (GC), can have a negative impact on brain development. Dexamethasone (DEX) is a synthetic GC used in preterm pregnancies to promote lung maturation. However, prenatal exposure to DEX induces an anxious-like behaviour in male and female offspring at adulthood. Notably, only males respond positively to therapeutics with a proposed anxiolytic.

Objectives Since the influence of prenatal DEX on neurodevelopmental behaviour remains to be elucidated and could help explain this difference in drug efficacy, we aim to clarify the effects of this GC on neurodevelopment during infancy, comparing male and female offspring neurodevelopment at this early age.

Methodology To obtain an animal model of chronic anxiety, Wistar pregnant dams were injected subcutaneously with DEX (1mg/kg) on gestational days 18 and 19. The vestibular system development, locomotion, upper limbs strength, discriminatory ability, auditory response and eye opening day were assessed in male and female offspring between P5 and P17. Animal procedures were approved by the Animal Welfare Committee and done in agreement with the law.

Results Male and female offspring prenatally exposed to DEX had a better performance in the tests assessing the vestibular system development and discriminatory ability, especially at P5 and P6. Additionally, DEX anticipated the day of eye opening and had a positive impact in the upper limb strength of the offspring of both sexes. However, the locomotor ability and auditory response were impaired comparing with controls.

Conclusion Exposure to DEX improves limb strength, balance, spatial orientation and anticipates eye opening. These results may suggest that prenatal DEX exposure promotes offspring development and maturation in both males and females. Prenatal DEX did not differently affect male and female neurodevelopment at early age. It remains to clarify the underlying motives that induce a dimorphic gender response to anxiolytic therapy in adulthood.
Assessing fitness to drive: Knowledge and practices from medical doctors and psychologists
Authors: Ferreira I , Gonçalves S , Almiro P
Published: June 2020

Introduction Medical and psychological assessment of fitness to drive is a professional activity performed in a large number of candidates and drivers to validate a driving license. Medical doctors and psychologists are responsible to assess medical and psychological abilities for driving, respectively. Despite the legal framework for assessing fitness to drive on each country, the knowledge and practices among professionals may vary.

Objectives To examine the knowledge and practices of Portuguese medical doctors and psychologists concerning the assessment of fitness to drive.

Methodology Two online questionnaires, one version for medical doctors and another for psychologists, were designed to measure self-reported knowledge and practices towards assessment of fitness to drive. The questionnaires were disseminated by e-mail to a non-probability sample, responding 273 participants, including 128 medical doctors and 145 psychologists.

Results In the sample of medical doctors, 49% recognized themselves as not qualified to do a medical assessment of fitness to drive, 40% reported lack of knowledge about the related legislation and the majority (83%) feel that would benefit from further education in this area. Concerning psychologists, 52.4% judged themselves as not qualified for psychological assessment for driving, 49.7% recognized lack of knowledge about the legislation and 70% would like to do training in this area. Both groups pointed lack of knowledge about several parameters such as mandatory assessments and periods, professional responsibilities and assessment methods.

Conclusion Medical doctors and psychologists highlighted lack of knowledge and confidence to practice assessments of fitness to drive. Academic education and training needs are pointed in order to improve the professional practices in those assessments with potential impact on road safety and public health.
Parental Knowledge about Healthy Sleep Hygiene practices in Children under 6 Year Old: an Exploratory Study
Authors: Fonseca G , Marques AC , Vidal DG , Pontes M , Martins MA
Published: June 2020

Introduction Children aged 5 to 12 years old needs, at least, 10-11 hours of sleep. Nowadays, children under 6 years old become more interested in TV, computers and in Internet which can lead to difficulty falling asleep. Parent knowledge about child sleep hygiene can influence parent capacity to promote healthy sleep habits, and should be supported by accurate information.

Objectives To analyse parents knowledge of children sleep practices.

Methodology A convenience sample of parents (n = 201) of children from three schools in a northern city of Portugal completed the "Sleep Ideas" Parent Survey on child sleep habits and parental basic sleep knowledge, beliefs and attitudes regarding sleep as a health behaviour.

Results Of the 201 analysed surveys (response rate 67 %), 33.8 % are from parents of children aged under 3 years old, 19.4 % of children with 3 years older, 24.4 % of children with 4 years old, 16.4 % of children with 5 years old and 6.0 % of children with 6 years old. In general, the percentage of correct answers was 84.8 %. Regarding children age, the percentage of correct answers ranged between 77.9 to 86.2 %, being the parents of children with 6 years old those who had the highest percentage of incorrect answers (22.1 %) and, on the other hand, the parents of children with 3 years old those who had the lowest percentage of incorrect answers (13.8 %). The answer with the highest percentage of incorrect answers, in all parents, was “Making a physical effort before going to sleep makes falling asleep easier” (46.8 %).

Conclusion In this study, parents revealed a very reasonable knowledge about sleep, which suggests a good capability to influence positively children’s habits. Parents with high sleep knowledge are more able to promote healthy sleep hygiene habits. Further studies are warranted to promote a better understanding of all the determinant dimensions for good sleeping habits.
Occupational Contamination with Cyclophosphamide in Manipulators
Authors: Martins S , Moreira Z
Published: June 2020

Introduction Cyclophosphamide is a cytotoxic widely used in the treatment of various cancers. It has been observed, for many years, that those responsible for its handling and administration are exposed and levels of contamination have been detected in biological samples collected from these professionals, in surfaces and in the air.

Objectives To review the literature on occupational contamination by cyclophosphamide.

Methodology The following inclusion criteria were selected: articles published until the present year, articles in English, scientific papers on cyclophosphamide contamination in hospital health professionals, scientific articles on contamination detection methods and articles on the effects that can outcome from cyclophosphamide contamination.

Results The cyclophosphamide levels have been decreasing with the implementation of preparation and cleaning guidelines as well as with the emergence of new techniques of manipulation and technological innovations. However, the dermal route remains the main route of contamination and those responsible for cytotoxic manipulation are not the only ones exposed. It was verified that hospital professionals, who in their profession would not be in contact with cyclophosphamide, also presented levels of contamination in the collected urine samples.

Conclusion

It is necessary to continue to alert hospital professionals to the importance of always complying with the handling and cleaning protocols, since one of the main causes of contamination is precisely the performance of incorrect procedures during both tasks. This is a topic that should be further studied in order to minimize the exposure and consequently the associated risks.
Repercussions of a very active life style in body composition and cardiometabolic parameters of the elderly in a sample of the population of the mid region of the city of recife/Brazil
Authors: Coriolano J , Queiroz W , Andrade K , Coriolano M
Published: June 2020

Introduction Aging is accompanied by changes in body composition and cardio metabolic parameters, which indicate the onset of chronic degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular, coronary and metabolic diseases. The prevention of these diseases in the elderly may depend on changes in risk factors related to life style, with physical activities as one of the most important components for a healthy life style.

Objectives To assess the impact of a very active life style in body composition and cardio metabolic parameters in a sample of the elderly population in the city of Recife.

Methodology A cross-sectional study conducted with the elderly (age ≥ 60 years) that were allocated into two groups of sedentary life style, and very active, according to the variable "physical exercise" of the table of coronary risk (CR) of the Michigan Heart Association, which considers the recreational and occupational effort played by the individual. The variables related to body composition were body weight, body fat percentage (%F), lean body mass, fat mass and body mass index (BMI). The cardio metabolic parameters were obtained from the CR, blood pressure and casual blood glucose. The independent T test and Fishers exact test were used, considering P < 0.05.

Results The sample consisted of 363 elderly people (156 men and 207 women), 61 being very active and 302 sedentary. A significant part of the very active elderly (p = 0.001) was between 60 and 69 years (n = 41 - 69%), and none of the elderly aged ≥ 80 years (n = 21) was categorized as very active. The very active elderly presented body mass (p = 0.01), %F (p = 0.005), fat mass (p = 0.0007), BMI (p = 0.005), casual blood glucose levels (p = 0.003) and CR (p < 0.0001) significantly lower than the sedentary elderly.

Conclusion The elderly with very active life style have body composition and cardio metabolic parameters better than the sedentary elderly of the sample.
Shift Work: Work ability and quality of life of professionals from IPSS
Authors: Rito J , Pereira J , Figueiredo JP , Cotrim T , Simões H
Published: June 2020

Introduction Shift work can influence the health and well-being of individuals due to changes in biological rhythms, causing psychological and physical disruption, hampering family relationship, social and work ability. However, the shift work of auxiliary of direct / educational action of Private Social Solidarity Institution (PSSI) is essential to ensure continuity in the provision of the best hygienic and health care to the users of these institutions every day.

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of life and the work capacity of Direct-Action Assistants (n = 29).

Methodology Respondents were subjected a monitoring of the heart function PB – Blood Pressure for 24 hours and answered a questionnaire (Work Ability Index and Quality of Life Index).

Results Of the 29 workers evaluated 90% were women and 10% men, aged 45.5 (± 10.47) years and exercise time of 7.1 (± 3.18) years. Physical examination revealed a mean 24 h Systolic Blood Pressure of 119.3 (± 11.8) mm Hg and 24 h Diastolic Blood Pressure of 72.6 (± 7.3) mm Hg. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) (kg / m2) was 25.6 (± 3.5), and 24.1% of the participants were overweight and 13.7% obesity grade I. From this analysis, we found that overweight individuals have a tendency to increase the Blood Pressure compared to normal weight individuals. Although the working class has a good ability to work 69%, they are not optimistic about the future.

Conclusion We concluded that workers can be adjusted the constant changes of schedules established by their institutions, and are able to carry out their work, however, individuals with 6 or more years of work in the present-day regime shifts already feel some symptoms of physical and psychological wear, and thus speeding up their aging.