bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lead Time Bias as a Factor in Mammography Detected Invasive Breast Cancer Survival in an Institutional Cohort
Authors: Kaplan Henry G. , Malmgren Judith , Atwood Mary K.
Published: May 2020

Background: Lead time, the interval between screen detection and when a disease would have become clinically evident, is commonly cited to explain longer survival times in mammography detected breast cancer cases (BC). Methods: An institutional retrospective cohort study of BC outcomes related to detection method (mammography (MamD) vs. patient (PtD)). Cases were first primary invasive stage I-III BC, age 40-74 years (n = 6603), 1999-2016. Survival time was divided into 1) distant disease-free interval (DDFI) and 2) distant disease-specific survival (DDSS) as two separate time interval outcomes. We measured statistical association between detection method and diagnostic, treatment and outcome variables using bivariate comparisons, Cox proportional hazards analyses and mean comparisons. Outcomes were distant recurrence (n=422), DDFI and DDSS. Results: 39% of cases were PtD (n = 2566) and 61% were MamD (n = 4037). MamD cases had a higher percentage of Stage I tumors [MamD 69% stage I vs. PtD 31%, p<.001]. Rate of distant recurrence was 11% among PtD BC cases (n=289) vs. 3% of MamD (n=133) (p<.001). Order of factor entry into the distant recurrence time interval (DDFI) model was 1) TNM stage (p<.001), 2) HR/HER2 status (p<.001), 3) histologic grade (p=.005) and 4) detection method (p<.001). Unadjusted PtD DDFI mean time was 4.34 years and MamD 5.52 years (p<.001) however when stratified by stage, the most significant factor relative to distant recurrence, there was no significant difference between PtD and MamD BC. Distant disease specific survival time did not differ by detection method.Conclusion: We observed breast cancer survival differential lead time to be a function of stage at diagnosis and tumor characteristics with marginal contribution of detection method. Patient and mammography detected breast cancer time to distant recurrence did not differ stratified by stage indicating survival difference is more likely related to early diagnosis than lead time bias. Lead time bias associated with breast cancer detection method appears to have marginal influence on survival in the current diagnostic and treatment era.
Age-group targeted testing for COVID-19 as new prevention strategy
Authors: Upadhyay Ranjit Kumar , Chatterjee S. , Saha S. , Azad R.K.
Published: May 2020

Robust testing and tracing are key to fighting the menace of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This outbreak has progressed with tremendous impact on human life, society and economy. In this paper, we propose an age-structured SIQR model to track the progression of the pandemic in India, Italy and USA, taking into account the different age-structures of these countries. We have made predictions about the disease dynamics, identified the most infected age-groups and analysed the effectiveness of social distancing measures taken in the early stages of infection. The basic reproductive ratio R0 has been numerically calculated for each country.We propose a strategy of age-targeted testing, with increased testing in the most proportionally infected age-groups. We observe a marked flattening of the infection curve upon simulating increased testing in the 15-40 year age-groups in India. Thus, we conclude that social distancing and widespread testing are effective methods of control, with emphasis on testing and identifying the hotspots of highly infected populations.
Evaluating Implementation of the Diabetes Perioperative Passport: A qualitative focus group study
Authors: Akiboye Funke , Page Emma , Nirantharakumar Krish , Rayman Gerry , Lindenmeyer Antje
Published: May 2020

AimsTo examine the factors affecting implementation of an empowerment tool for patients with diabetes in two surgical groups within a single district general hospitalBackgroundA perioperative passport was developed to improve care of people with diabetes undergoing elective surgery by equipping patients with a hand-held summary of their care needs. Two surgical groups were approached to be involved in developing and piloting this novel technology with contrasting results. DesignA qualitative study using focus groups to examine factors affecting staff engagement in implementing the diabetes perioperative passport.MethodsTwo focus group were conducted in 2017 with pre-operative nurses in the departments of orthopaedics and general surgery of an NHS trust (N= 8). Audio-taped group discussions were transcribed, and the data coded and analysed to identify themes.FindingsThe general surgical nurse group generally supported each other’s views and comments. They were enthused about the passport throughout. In contrast, the orthopaedic specialist nurse group had initial reservations about implementing the passport, but as the focus group unfolded, they moved from sharing individual views to finding commonalities and became more engaged and motivated to use the passport. ConclusionFocus groups are a practical and efficient tool to conduct within the usual working environment of an NHS hospital. In addition to capturing information about the challenges to implementation they may serve as a crucial implementation tool where evidence-based practice has not been adopted. ImpactThis is the first study carried out in the NHS setting highlighting the benefit of focus groups as a practical implementation tool. Contributions to literature· Diabetes is managed in the outpatient setting with care focusing on education and patient empowerment.· Barriers for implementation of empowerment tools have not been fully explored.· This study suggests the implementation of empowerment tools may pose an additional challenge to more specialist groups.· It demonstrates that focus groups are practical and efficient and may also have utility in the implementation process beyond identifying the barriers to embedding a new technology. · These findings contribute to the small body of evidence on the implementation of empowerment tools and highlight the benefit of focus groups as a useful tool in the implementation process.
Children Developing Celiac Disease Have a Distinct Gut Microbiota Composition, IgA Response and Plasma Metabolome
Authors: Huang Qian , Yang Yi , Tolstikov Vladimir , Kiebish Michael A. , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Palm Noah W. , Ludvigsson Johnny , Altindis Emrah
Published: May 2020

The authors have removed this preprint from Research Square.
Premorbid IL-6 levels may predict mortality from COVID-19
Authors: Silberstein Morry
Published: May 2020

Purpose: There is evidence that interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are elevated in cases of complicated COVID-19, but it is also possible that this cytokine has a far more important role in the pathogenesis of viral infection. Methods: Data on COVID-19 mortality from Italy and the UK were compared with previously published results of mean IL-6 levels from these countries as well as from the USA. Results: There was a highly significant correlation (r = 0.9883; p = 0.00025) between age-stratified mortality rates and IL-6 levels from similar healthy individuals. Levels of IL-6 were proportionately higher in males, the elderly, individuals of black ethnicity and obese individuals, with similar findings in relation to COVID-19 mortality in these groups. Conclusions: IL-6 levels prior to infection may predict mortality, given that this cytokine directly facilitates viral cell entry and replication. This provides a rationale for prophylactic and therapeutic measures directed at lowering IL-6, including Vitamin D prescription.
Assessing the immediate effect of COVID-19 lockdown on air quality: A case study of Delhi, India
Authors: Sikarwar Ankit , Rani Ritu
Published: May 2020

In India, the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 has been implemented on 25 March 2020. The lockdown restrictions on more than 1.3 billion people have brought exceptional changes in the air quality all over the country. This study aims to analyze the levels of three major pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, and NO2) before and during the lockdown in Delhi, one of the world’s most polluted cities. The data for PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 concentrations are derived from 38 ground stations dispersed within the city. The spatial interpolation maps of pollutants for two times are generated using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) model. The results indicate the lowering of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 concentrations in the city by 93%, 83%, and 70% from 25 February 2020 to 21 April 2020 respectively. It is found that before one month of the lockdown the levels of air pollution in Delhi were critically high and far beyond the guideline values set by the World Health Organization. The levels of air pollution are historically low after the lockdown. Considering the critically degraded air quality for decades and higher morbidity and mortality rate due to unhealthy air in Delhi, the improvement in air quality due to lockdown may result as a boon for the better health of the city’s population.
Critical adjustments in a department of orthopedics through the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Luengo-Alonso Gonzalo , Pérez-Tabernero Fernando García-Seisdedos , Bazaga Miguel Tovar , Arguello-Cuenca José M , Calvo Emilio
Published: May 2020

Purpose:SARS-CoV-2 new scenario has forced health systems to work under extreme stress urging to perform a complete reorganization of the way our means and activities were organized. Orthopedic and trauma have rescheduled their activities to help SARS-CoV-2 units, but trauma patients require also treatment, and no standardized protocols have been established.Methods: Single-center cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary hospital. Two different periods of time were analyzed: a two-week period time in March 2019 (pre-SARS-CoV-2) and the same period of March 2020 (SARS-CoV-2 pandemic time). Outpatient’s data, emergency activity, surgical procedures and admissions were evaluated. Surgeons and patient´s opinion was also evaluated using a survey.Results:A total of ~16k (15.953) patients were evaluated. Scheduled clinical appointments decreased by ~22%. Urgent consultations and discharge from clinics also descended (~37% and ~20% respectively). Telemedicine was used in 90% of outpatient clinical evaluations. No elective surgical procedures during SARS-CoV-2 time were scheduled, and subtracting the effect of elective surgeries, a reduction of inpatient surgeries, from ~85% to ~59%. Patients delayed trauma assistance more than 48 hours in 13 cases (35%). Preoperative admission for hip fractures decreased in 10 hours on average. Finally surveys stated that patients were more in favor than surgeons to this new way to evaluate orthopedic and trauma patients based strongly on telemedicine.ConclusionDetailed protocols should be standardized for surgical departments during the pandemic. This paper offers a general view in how this virus affects an orthopedic unit and could serve as a protocol and example for orthopedic and trauma units. Even in the worst scenario, an orthopedic and Trauma unit could offer an effective, efficient and quality service. SARS-CoV-2 will set up a new paradigm for health care in orthopedics and trauma.
LANGUAGE AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF STUDENTS OF THE SPECIALTY 061 JOURNALISM IN THE COLLEGES OF UKRAINE
Authors: Ponomarenko Natalia
Published: May 2020

The purpose of the research is to analyze the peculiarities of language and professional training of students of the specialty 061 Journalism in the Ukrainian College. In order to achieve this purpose such general scientific methods were used as: theoretical (analysis, comparison, systematization of theoretical and research materials), empirical (observations) and interrogation, generalization and systematization of the obtained results. The study analyzes the language and professional training of students of the specialty 061 Journalism in the colleges of Ukraine. On the basis of the normative sources the author systematizes the peculiarities of preparation of students of the specialty 061 Journalism in the colleges of Ukraine. The article summarizes the results of the interrogation on further education and employment of graduates of the specialty 061 Journalism (specialization «Publishing and Editing») of Machine Building College of Sumy State University. The author pays attention to the positive experience of preparing applicants for the specialty 061 Journalism in Ukrainian Colleges. The conducted research leads to the conclusion that today in the colleges of the specialty 061 Journalism students have the opportunity to acquire fundamental scientific, professional and practical training, as well as knowledge, skills that make the ground of their professional competence, allowing to work as a specialist of secondary education in a specific field and/or continue higher education. Valuable and fundamental cultural, professional training and social experience allow college graduates of this specialty to continue successfully study at undergraduate bachelor programs, if they choose a course of study, appropriate to their specialty. The level of their professional competence has a certain social value, corresponds to the needs and opportunities of the modern labor market, allows to be responsible for the decisions, made in professional activity and their own lives.
FACTORS OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR IN ADOLESCENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Authors: Maksymchuk Mariia
Published: May 2020

This study is devoted to the problem of sexual functioning among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The main goal of the current research is to explore the factors, related to behavioral displays of sexuality of adolescents with ASD. The theoretical analysis of causes that may provoke inappropriate sexual behavior of individuals with ASD is given. The hypothesis that such factors as intelligence level, social functioning level, sexual knowledge and parenting style can be related with sexual behavior of adolescents with ASD is tested in the current study. The adolescents with ASD and their peers without the developmental disorder were found to be significantly different at the displays of inappropriate sexual behavior, the factor of diagnosis showed a great impact. The current study also reveals that higher levels of social functioning and sexual education of individuals with ASD are related to more adequate sexual behavior. As for the intelligence level, it did not show a significant effect on the displays of sexual behavior among individuals with ASD. The relation between parenting styles, which are common in families with individuals with ASD, and sexual behavior displays were also discussed in the article. In conclusion, the author outlines the importance of adequate sexual education and healthy parenting styles for an appropriate sexual functioning of adolescents with ASD.
Black Faces in White Spaces: Black Women's YouTube Channels in Brazil as Fortalecimento
Authors: Perrine Alida
Published: May 2020

A large and growing network of black women YouTubers in Brazil mobilize strategies of fortalecimento, a term used by some women to refer to how they prepare themselves to face the barriers created by the gendered racial hierarchy of Brazilian society. In this article, I examine these YouTube channels and the tactics black women use to increase their own visibility, to value black aesthetics, and to denounce racist and sexist acts or representations. Furthermore, I consider the importance of physical spaces, such as production studios, for YouTube success, and how black women negotiate material spaces as well as the video sharing platform to maximize their visibility and encroach on predominantly white spaces of cultural production. Using theories of intersectionality, representation, and subjecthood, I examine how these women use (virtual) communities to re-signify and pluralize black womanhood in Brazil.
Novels and Short Stories from Macau: Two Different Perspectives
Authors: Suárez José
Published: May 2020

Critical studies about the Macanese and their literature in the former Portuguese colony of Macau have been scant. Novelists like Austin Coates (City of Broken Promises, 1967) from Great Britain and Henrique de Senna Fernandes (A trança feiticeira, 1993) from Macau, as well as short story writers Deolinda da Conceição (Macau) and Maria Ondina Braga (Portugal), depict life in colonial Macau. While the plots of these works display similarities, Coates’s and Braga’s perspectives are filtered through the lenses of European colonialism and Fernandes and da Conceição work through the legacy of coloniality.
Development of Digital Competencies and Digital Marketing as a Means of Ensuring the Competitiveness of Economic Entities
Authors: Grudistova Elena
Published: May 2020

The fourth industrial revolution with its unprecedented development of information and communication technologies provided practically inexhaustible opportunities for improving socio-economic processes. At the same time, it may increase unemployment as people lack the necessary digital skills, and those organizations that are not ready to use modern technology lose competitiveness. Therefore, the aim of this research was to identify areas and ways to increase the competitiveness of citizens and organizations in the context of digital transformations. The study featured the reserves for the development of digital competencies of the population and the possibility of using marketing technologies in the digital interaction between various economic entities. The research was a synthesis of theoretical and practical principles. The author employed induction, analysis, and synthesis of information obtained from official sources. The article focuses on some issues of the program of implementing the digital economy in the Russian Federation and offers possible solutions. The lack of a common understanding of the essence of the digital economy requires further research on this phenomenon. The author believes that, to overcome the lack of digital competencies, it is necessary to modernize the education system and restore the high value of education, especially that of lifelong learning. The poor use of digital marketing tools can be explained by negative experience, which often results from typical errors that occur when companies ignore the principles of traditional marketing, i.e. customer orientation and moral standards. The author proposes a scheme and some recommendations that can raise the efficiency of digital marketing. Any organization can do digital marketing, which can facilitate the organization in achieving its goals.
Enterprise 4.0 Knowledge Management: Standard and Man
Authors: Zhernov Evgeny
Published: May 2020

The relevance of the research issue is associated with the need for industrial enterprises to transit to the concept of Industry 4.0, which implies the digitalization of the entire array of knowledge of enterprise employees and the conscious management of this array by managers. The present research features the observance of the interests of the human worker when implementing the enterprise 4.0 knowledge management system according to the requirements of the standard. The purpose of the study is to analyze the international standard ISO 30401:2018 "Knowledge management systems – Requirements" (hereinafter – the Standard) through the prism of the interests of the man of labor. The research methodology is based on the systematic and holistic anthroposocial approach. The novelty lies in the application of the anthroposocial approach to the knowledge economy developed by the author to the formulation of critical comments on the Standard. In terms of knowledge management, the author proposes anthroposociality as a new dimension and a priority of the new economy. Research results: the Standard with its basic terms, categories, and guidelines does not take into account the interests of the creator and holder of knowledge, i.e. the man of labor. In the case of the transition of Russian enterprises to the Standard, there may be obstacles to the formation of the human-oriented knowledge economy with Industry 4.0 in the country. The scope of the results is the development of personnel and social policies at the enterprise 4.0, taking into account critical comments on the Standard. Conclusions: the man of labor is the only creator, distributor, and user of automated production and control systems, as well as applied professional knowledge, which is the source of value at the enterprise 4.0. The standard that regulates the development and implementation of the knowledge management system at the enterprise 4.0 should take into account the interests of an employee as a holistically developing person. The information and technical component of the knowledge management system should be friendly to the human worker of the Industry 4.0 enterprise, saving, and not draining them of their cognitive skills and vitality.
Tourism Development Perspectives in the Udmurt Republic
Authors: Manenkov Sergey , Manenkova Anna
Published: May 2020

The research objective was to define the relationship between industrial, business, and ethnocultural tourism using the case of the Udmurt Republic. Diversification of tourism industry is a relevant vector of institutional economic development in traditional resource-mining and industrial regions. The main hypothesis is that industrial and agricultural specialization can be developed in Udmurtia as part of the regional economy diversification. The most effective platform for promoting brands and segments of the tourism industry is congress and exhibition activity. The research also featured the current state of industrial tourism strategy development and the effect of cultural brands on the image of the region. Business tourism sector remains underdeveloped in the Udmurt Republic, but its development can be catalyzed by the rich ethnocultural component. The authors used systematic approach to identify the main potential areas of cultural and economic activity of the Udmurt republic. Industrial tourism, as well as congress and exhibition activity, can trigger the economic growth of regional gross product. A wider range of tourist products is bound to improve the quality of local tourism and increase the service sector in the regional economic structure.
Experimental investigation on effective scouring parameters downstream from stepped spillways
Authors: Ghaderi Amir , Daneshfaraz Rasoul , Torabi Mohammadamin , Abraham John , Azamathulla Hazi Mohammad
Published: May 2020

Experimental tests were carried out to investigate the effective scouring parameters downstream from stepped spillways with different flow rates and step sizes. The results indicated that the flow regime plays an important role in scour-hole dimensions such that the minimum scouring depth happens in the nappe flow regime. Moreover, step size and tailwater depth are essential parameters for maximum scouring depth. Increasing tailwater depth from 6.31 cm to 8.54 cm and then to 11.82 cm decreases the scouring depth by 18.56% and 11.42%, respectively. These alterations also decrease the scouring length by 31.43% and 16.55%, respectively. By increasing the flow rate, the particle Froude number will increase, and the increased momentum of the flow promotes scouring. In addition, the results show that scouring at the sidewalls is higher than in the middle of the cross-section. Finally, an empirical formula with root mean square error = 0.107 and R2 = 0.974 is proposed to predict the maximum scouring depth downstream from the stepped spillways. Comparisons were made between the proposed formula and experimental results. This comparison demonstrated that the formula can predict souring depth to within 3.86% and 9.31% relative and maximum errors, respectively.
High air flotation efficiency of multiphase flow pump with the addition of dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC)
Authors: Liu Huan , Ding Wande , Zhang Kefeng
Published: May 2020

Recently, centrifugal multiphase pump–dissolved air flotation (CMP-DAF) has become an increasingly popular alternative to DAF that can achieve more stable performance and higher removal efficiency, and this method is widely used in sewage treatment. However, the nonuniformity of the bubble size and low adherence of the floc particles and bubbles, as well as the complicated raw water quality, pose great challenges to CMP-DAF, which does not meet the standards of water supply and drainage in practical use. In the present study, the surfactant dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC) was utilized as a flotation agent to further improve the flotation efficiency of the CMP-DAF process. DDBAC at a dosage of 0.2 mg/L was introduced to the air flotation of raw water to construct a flotation enhanced CMP air flotation system. The results showed that the average turbidity decreased to 0.433 ± 0.017 NTU, and effluent floc particles were present at 1,053 cnt/mL with an acceptable removal rate of 96.20%. In addition, 34.0% and 30.1% of UV254 and CODMn were removed, respectively. These results imply that DDBAC can increase the collision efficiency of bubble particles by reducing the diameter of the bubbles, which is conducive to forming larger flocs, and enhancing the shear resistance of the bubble–floc particles, thus improving the air flotation efficiency.
Simulation and control of dissolved air flotation and column froth flotation with simultaneous sedimentation
Authors: Bürger Raimund , Diehl Stefan , Martí María Carmen , Vásquez Yolanda
Published: May 2020

Flotation is a separation process where particles or droplets are removed from a suspension with the aid of floating gas bubbles. Applications include dissolved air flotation (DAF) in industrial wastewater treatment and column froth flotation (CFF) in wastewater treatment and mineral processing. One-dimensional models of flotation have been limited to steady-state situations for half a century by means of the drift-flux theory. A newly developed dynamic one-dimensional model formulated in terms of partial differential equations can be used to predict the process of simultaneous flotation of bubbles and sedimentation of particles that are not attached to bubbles. The governing model is a pair of first-order conservation laws for the aggregate and solids volume fractions as functions of height and time. An analysis of nonlinear ingredients of the governing equations helps to identify desired steady-state operating conditions. These can be chosen by means of operating charts, which are diagrams that visualize regions of admissible values of the volumetric flows of the feed input and underflow outlet. This is detailed for the DAF thickening process. Dynamic simulations are obtained with a recently developed numerical method. Responses to control actions are demonstrated with scenarios in CFF and DAF.
Türkiye’de bir Eğitim Araştırma Hastanesi Acil Servisinde Koronavirus Hastalığı 2019 Pandemi Sürecinin Yönetimi ve Sonuçları (TR/ENG)
Authors: AÇIKSARI Kurtuluş , KINIK Kerem
Published: May 2020

Amaç: COVID-19 pandemisi gibi afetlerin yönetiminde hastaları ilk karşılayan acil servislerin hastanedeki diğer kliniklerle olan iş birliği ve koordinasyonu acil servislerin işleyişini kolaylaştırmaktadır. Çalışmamızda COVID-19 salgınındaki acil servis yönetimimizi ve bunun sonuçlarını araştırdık.Gereç ve Yöntemler: Bu çalışmada 1 Mart 2020 ile 30 Nisan 2020 tarihleri arasındaki 3.basamak bir acil servise başvuran hastaların süreci ve bu süreçteki Covid-19 tanılı ve şüpheli vakaların yönetimi ile acil servisteki Covid-19 pandemisine cevap için yapılan hazırlıklar ve Covid-19 ön triyaj sistemi ve sonuçları değerlendirildi. İstatistik anlamlılık düzeyi olarak p<0,05 alındı.Bulgular: 2019 göre 2020 Mart ayı toplam başvuru oranında artış olduğu (p<0.01; %50,1’den %66,8’e), Nisan ayı toplam başvuru oranında ise düşüş olduğu (p <0.01; %49,9’dan %33,2’ye), saptandı. 2020 Nisan ayında Mart ayına göre tüm kliniklere hasta yatışı 1,35 kat azaldığı, enfeksiyon hastalıkları konsültasyon sayısının 3,81 kat arttığı saptandı. 21 Mart ile 30 Nisan 2020 tarihleri arasında acil servisten istenen toraks bilgisayarlı tomografilerinin %89,2’sinin nedeni COVID-19 şüphesi ile olmuştu. Acil servisin dışında COVID-19 şüpheli hastalar ayrımı için ön triyaj kuruldu. 2020 Mart ayında COVID-19 şüpheli hastaların %66,6’sı, Nisan ayında ise %91’i evde izolasyona gönderilerek takip edildi. Nisan ayında sokağa çıkma yasağı uygulanan günlerde acil servis başvuruları %66,7 azalırken (p<0,01) sokağa çıkma yasağının bittiği günlerdeki acil servis başvuruları %142,9 artmıştı (p<0,01).Sonuç: Pandemiler önceden öngörülemeyen durumlardır ve tüm hastane ile beraber acil servis işleyişini derinden etkilemektedir. COVID-19 pandemisi gibi afetlerin yönetiminde acil servislerin hastanedeki diğer kliniklerle olan iş birliği ve koordinasyonu ile hızlı kararlar alıp uygulayabilen multidisipliner yönetim sistemine ihtiyaçları vardır.
PESCA ARTESANAL NO LITORAL SUL POTIGUAR: PERFIL SOCIOECONÔMICO, DIFICULDADES E PERSPECTIVAS
Authors: Silva Luênia Kaline Tavares da , Miller Francisca de Souza
Published: May 2020

A pesca artesanal representa uma das importantes atividades econômicas do Rio Grande do Norte (RN). O município de Arez, localizado no litoral sul do RN, tem forte tradição pesqueira, tanto na exploração de peixes quanto na coleta de mariscos (moluscos) às margens da Lagoa de Guaraíra. Este estudo teve como objetivo delinear o perfil socioeconômico dos pescadores e marisqueiras que vivem nas comunidades de Patané e Camocim. Para tanto, fez-se uso da pesquisa bibliográfica, observação em campo, aplicação de entrevistas e análise da Estatística Descritiva. Entre os meses de janeiro a julho de 2014, foram aplicadas as entrevistas semiestruturadas com 41 e 23 pessoas de Patané e Camocim, respectivamente; totalizando 64 entrevistados. As perguntas incluíram o nível de escolaridade, idade, tempo de trabalho na pesca, cadastro na Colônia de Pesca, forma de comercialização e rendimento mensal. Os resultados indicaram que os entrevistados têm idade entre 40 e 60 anos, possuem apenas o nível de ensino fundamental incompleto, são casados e têm fi lhos, sobrevivem com um rendimento mensal menor do que um salário mínimo e não recebem o seguro desemprego. As principais dificuldades relatadas na execução de suas atividades são a Colônia de Pesca não ter sede própria e a falta de uma fábrica de beneficiamento para o peixe/marisco. Diante dessa conjuntura, a atividade pesqueira se desenvolve em meio a entraves técnicos, burocráticos e financeiros em que a necessidade cotidiana de homens e mulheres é o fator determinante na disposição de continuar trabalhando na Lagoa de Guaraíra.
COSTURANDO RETALHOS: AGRICULTURA, CIÊNCIA E POLÍTICA NA DEFESA DA PRODUÇÃO TRADICIONAL E AGROECOLÓGICA DE ERVA-MATE
Authors: Oliveira Ana Lídia de
Published: May 2020

O trabalho trata principalmente da aproximação entre a Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária e os Sistemas Tradicionais de Produção de Erva-Mate, ambos localizados na região Sul do Brasil. Usa a erva-mate como ponto de partida, debruçando-se sobre diversos temas que ela reúne em torno de si. Busca, assim, descrever desde o seu cultivo e processamento até as influências do mercado consumidor e da pesquisa científica sobre esse produto. Usa como referência para isso o material etnográfico coletado durante a participação em reuniões e seminários sobre a temática, bem como as recordações de entrevistas e conversas informais. Interessa-se, simultaneamente, por agricultura, ciência e política. Buscando olhar diretamente para os encontros, analisa as relações travadas entre pesquisadores, agricultores e gestores quando reunidos em um coletivo. Atento aos diversos agenciamentos, tenta decodificar dialetos, discursos e falas, visualizando como são forjadas conjuntamente as noções de tradição e agroecologia.
ETNOGRAFIA E TERRITORIALIDADE NA PESCA ARTESANAL NO PARQUE NACIONAL DOS LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES – O CASO DE ATINS
Authors: Souza Filho Benedito , Santos Lícia Cristina Viana Silva
Published: May 2020

Este artigo tem como foco de discussão a territorialidade da pesca artesanal em Atins, uma localidade do Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses. Na realização dessa tarefa, algumas estratégias metodológicas foram mobilizadas para aprimorar a pesquisa etnográﬁca de modo a dar conta da forma como os agentes sociais do universo empírico estudado percebem e representam os ambientes por meio de desenhos, contribuindo para uma melhor compreensão do seu território pesqueiro. Na situação estudada, apresentamos reﬂexões a partir da pesquisa etnográﬁca, utilizando além das informações obtidas por meio da observação direta e participante, fotograﬁas, imagens de satélite e também desenhos feitos por pescadores artesanais do povoado Atins que apontam as transformações nos ambientes onde realizam as atividades de pesca e mariscagem provocados pela agência da natureza. Tais representações auxiliam na compreensão da territorialidade da pesca artesanal.
Reversal of Calcium Dysregulation as Potential Approach for Treating Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Popugaeva Elena , Chernyuk Daria , Bezprozvanny Ilya
Published: May 2020

Despite decades of research and effort, there is still no effective disease-modifying treatment
for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Most of the recent AD clinical trials were targeting amyloid pathway, but
all these trials failed. Although amyloid pathology is a hallmark and defining feature of AD, targeting
the amyloid pathway has been very challenging due to low efficacy and serious side effects. Alternative
approaches or mechanisms for our understanding of the major cause of memory loss in AD need to be
considered as potential therapeutic targets. Increasing studies suggest that Ca2+ dysregulation in AD
plays an important role in AD pathology and is associated with other AD abnormalities, such as excessive
inflammation, increased ROS, impaired autophagy, neurodegeneration, synapse, and cognitive dysfunction.
Ca2+ dysregulation in cytosolic space, Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and mitochondria have
been reported in the context of various AD models. Drugs or strategies, to correct the Ca2+ dysregulation
in AD, have been demonstrated to be promising as an approach for the treatment of AD in preclinical
models. This review will discuss the mechanisms of Ca2+ dysregulation in AD and associated pathology
and discuss potential approaches or strategies to develop novel drugs for the treatment of AD by targeting
Ca2+ dysregulation.
The Dual Role of Microglia in Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction after Stroke
Authors: Kang Ruiqing , Gamdzyk Marcin , Lenahan Cameron , Tang Jiping , Tan Sheng , Zhang John H.
Published: May 2020

It is well-known that stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability all over
the world. After a stroke, the blood-brain barrier subsequently breaks down. The BBB consists of
endothelial cells surrounded by astrocytes. Microglia, considered the long-living resident immune
cells of the brain, play a vital role in BBB function. M1 microglia worsen BBB disruption, while
M2 microglia assist in repairing BBB damage. Microglia can also directly interact with endothelial
cells and affect BBB permeability. In this review, we are going to discuss the mechanisms responsible
for the dual role of microglia in BBB dysfunction after stroke.
RNA-Seq Data Analysis Unveils Potential Conserved Micro-RNAs in Agave Deserti
Authors: Jabbar Basit , Anicet Batcho Agossa , Sarwar Muhammad Bilal , Rashid Bushra , Hassan Sameera , Husnain Tayyab
Published: May 2020

Aims:

Exploring molecular mechanism of abiotic stress tolerance in plants is needed to
overcome the deterioration of yield and quality of crop plants to meet the food security challenges
of the growing population.

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate target
gene expression for modulating plant growth, development, and response to different stresses.
Agave belonging to CAM plants’ has remarkable tolerance to extreme conditions of drought and
heat; however, molecular mechanisms underlying this excellence are yet to explore.

Objective:

This study applies comparative genomics approach on available Transcriptome (RNA-
Seq) data of Agave deserti to identify potential miRNAs, and miRNA targets.

Methods:

Transcriptome datasets consisting of 128,869 Agave contigs was processed to create local
database, for nucleotide homology analysis with 6,028 non-redundant plant miRNAs as query
sequences. Protein coding sequences were removed, and potential pre-miRNA sequences were tested
for stability analysis based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to %G+C content
and minimum free energy (-ΔG), as a filter to remove pseudo pre-miRNAs.

Results:

This study identified 30 unique miRNAs of Agave deserti harboring 14 different categories
of precursors. Phylogenetic analysis revealed evolutionary relationship between newly identified
pre-miRNAs with corresponding pre-miRNA homologues. Target genes of miRNAs were
predicted subsequently, and possible functions were defined by functional annotation analysis.

Conclusion:

The results of this study will pave the way for further research, exploring the molecular
mechanisms in Agave deserti and the role of miRNAs in gene regulation under abiotic stresses.
Effectiveness of Internet-Based Electronic Technology Interventions on Breastfeeding Outcomes: Systematic Review
Authors: Almohanna Alaa Ali , Win Khin Than , Meedya Shahla
Published: May 2020

Background

Supporting women to initiate and continue breastfeeding is a global challenge. A range of breastfeeding interventions employing electronic technologies (e-technologies) are being developed, which offer different delivery modes and features over the internet; however, the impact of internet-based e-technologies on breastfeeding outcomes remains unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the characteristics of current internet-based breastfeeding interventions employing e-technologies and investigate the effects of internet-based e-technologies on breastfeeding outcomes.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, the Association for Computing Machinery, SpringerLink, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Xplore.

Results

This systematic review included 16 studies published between 2007 and 2018, with 4018 women in 8 countries. The characteristics of the interventions were grouped based on (1) mode of delivery (web-based, mobile phone apps, and computer kiosk), (2) purpose of the interventions (education and support), and (3) key strategies (monitoring and breastfeeding tracking, personalization, online discussion forum, web-based consultation, and breastfeeding station locators). Combining educational activities with web-based personalized support through discussion forums appeared to be the most effective way to improve breastfeeding outcomes and long-term exclusive breastfeeding rates. Monitoring and breastfeeding trackers appeared to be the least effective ways.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a variety of internet-based e-technologies that professionals can use to promote, educate, and support breastfeeding women. Future internet-based breastfeeding interventions employing e-technologies might consider improving interaction with mothers and personalizing the content of the proposed interventions.
Using Twitter to Surveil the Opioid Epidemic in North Carolina: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Anwar Mohd , Khoury Dalia , Aldridge Arnie P , Parker Stephanie J , Conway Kevin P
Published: May 2020

Background

Over the last two decades, deaths associated with opioids have escalated in number and geographic spread, impacting more and more individuals, families, and communities. Reflecting on the shifting nature of the opioid overdose crisis, Dasgupta, Beletsky, and Ciccarone offer a triphasic framework to explain that opioid overdose deaths (OODs) shifted from prescription opioids for pain (beginning in 2000), to heroin (2010 to 2015), and then to synthetic opioids (beginning in 2013). Given the rapidly shifting nature of OODs, timelier surveillance data are critical to inform strategies that combat the opioid crisis. Using easily accessible and near real-time social media data to improve public health surveillance efforts related to the opioid crisis is a promising area of research.

Objective

This study explored the potential of using Twitter data to monitor the opioid epidemic. Specifically, this study investigated the extent to which the content of opioid-related tweets corresponds with the triphasic nature of the opioid crisis and correlates with OODs in North Carolina between 2009 and 2017.

Methods

Opioid-related Twitter posts were obtained using Crimson Hexagon, and were classified as relating to prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids using natural language processing. This process resulted in a corpus of 100,777 posts consisting of tweets, retweets, mentions, and replies. Using a random sample of 10,000 posts from the corpus, we identified opioid-related terms by analyzing word frequency for each year. OODs were obtained from the Multiple Cause of Death database from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER). Least squares regression and Granger tests compared patterns of opioid-related posts with OODs.

Results

The pattern of tweets related to prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids resembled the triphasic nature of OODs. For prescription opioids, tweet counts and OODs were statistically unrelated. Tweets mentioning heroin and synthetic opioids were significantly associated with heroin OODs and synthetic OODs in the same year (P=.01 and P<.001, respectively), as well as in the following year (P=.03 and P=.01, respectively). Moreover, heroin tweets in a given year predicted heroin deaths better than lagged heroin OODs alone (P=.03).

Conclusions

Findings support using Twitter data as a timely indicator of opioid overdose mortality, especially for heroin.
Telehealth as a Bright Spot of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations From the Virtual Frontlines ("Frontweb")
Authors: Olayiwola J Nwando , Magaña Candy , Harmon Ashley , Nair Shalina , Esposito Erica , Harsh Christine , Forrest L Arick , Wexler Randy
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has accelerated the telehealth tipping point in the practice of family medicine and primary care in the United States, making telehealth not just a novel approach to care but also a necessary one for public health safety. Social distancing requirements and stay-at-home orders have shifted patient care from face-to-face consultations in primary care offices to virtual care from clinicians’ homes or offices, moving to a new frontline, which we call the “frontweb.” Our telehealth workgroup employed the Clinical Transformation in Technology implementation framework to accelerate telehealth expansion and to develop a consensus document for clinician recommendations in providing remote virtual care during the pandemic. In a few weeks, telehealth went from under 5% of patient visits to almost 93%, while maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction. In this paper, we share clinician recommendations and guidance gleaned from this transition to the frontweb and offer a systematic approach for ensuring “webside” success.
Considerations for an Individual-Level Population Notification System for Pandemic Response: A Review and Prototype
Authors: Sakib Mohammad Nazmus , Butt Zahid A , Morita Plinio Pelegrini , Oremus Mark , Fong Geoffrey T , Hall Peter A
Published: May 2020

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, spread worldwide after its emergence in China. Whether rich or poor, all nations are struggling to cope with this new global health crisis. The speed of the threat’s emergence and the quick response required from public health authorities and the public itself makes evident the need for a major reform in pandemic surveillance and notification systems. The development and implementation of a graded, individual-level pandemic notification system could be an effective tool to combat future threats of epidemics. This paper describes a prototype model of such a notification system and its potential advantages and challenges for implementation. Similar to other emergency alerts, this system would include a number of threat levels (level 1-5) with a higher level indicating increasing severity and intensity of safety measures (eg, level 1: general hygiene, level 2: enhanced hygiene, level 3: physical distancing, level 4: shelter in place, and level 5: lockdown). The notifications would be transmitted to cellular devices via text message (for lower threat levels) or push notification (for higher threat levels). The notification system would allow the public to be informed about the threat level in real time and act accordingly in an organized manner. New Zealand and the United Kingdom have recently launched similar alert systems designed to coordinate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response more efficiently. Implementing such a system, however, faces multiple challenges. Extensive preparation and coordination among all levels of government and relevant sectors are required. Additionally, such systems may be effective primarily in countries where there exists at least moderate trust in government. Advance and ongoing public education about the nature of the system and its steps would be an essential part of the system, such that all members of the public understand the meaning of each step in advance, similar to what has been established in systems for other emergency responses. This educational component is of utmost importance to minimize adverse public reaction and unintended consequences. The use of mass media and local communities could be considered where mobile phone penetration is low. The implementation of such a notification system would be more challenging in developing countries for several reasons, including inadequate technology, limited use of data plans, high population density, poverty, mistrust in government, and tendency to ignore or failure to understand the warning messages. Despite the challenges, an individual-level pandemic notification system could provide added benefits by giving an additional route for notification that would be complementary to existing platforms.