bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing ecological momentary assessments to measure violence and adolescent HIV transmission risk: Lessons from Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Dietrich Janan Janine , Hornschuh Stefanie , Madi Phumla , Ramsammy Candice W. , Tsotetsi Lerato , Tshabalala Gugulethu , Nkala-Dlamini Busisiwe , Violari Avy , Kidman Rachel
Published: February 2024

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) is an important methodology to understand risky behaviour and holds promise for HIV research. EMA is still novel in sub-Saharan Africa. We describe challenges and lessons learned on a novel study implementing mobile phone EMAs with adolescent boys in South Africa. The Tsamaisano study was a longitudinal study from 2020–2023 to recruit adolescent boys aged 15–19 years; including those without HIV and those perinatally infected and living with HIV. Participants were prompted to complete 52 weekly mobile phone survey on emotional state, exposure to and perpetration of violence, and sexual risk behaviour. Surveys were delivered using a random algorithm to choose the day. We incorporated mechanisms to assess challenges and optimize survey completion: weekly team meetings with youth representation and real-time data monitoring. Additionally, 20 frequent vs infrequent survey submitters participated in qualitative interviews about barriers and recommendations. Real-time monitoring indicated low (defined as <50%) survey completion in the first months of study implementation. To ensure that both the adolescent participant and their caregiver understood the commitment required for successful EMA, we created and implemented a guided discussion around mobile phone access during the enrolment visit. We identified a need for increased and ongoing technical support; addressed by creating technical guides, implementing a standard two-week check-in call after enrolment, adding an automated request button for call-back assistance, creating a WhatsApp messaging stream, and reaching out to all participants failing to submit two sequential surveys. Entry-level smartphones, including those initially distributed by the study, did not have capacity for certain updates and had to be replaced with more expensive models. Participants struggled with randomly allocated survey days; completion improved with set completion days and targeted reminder messages. Together, these steps improved survey completion from 40% in December 2020 to 65% in April 2022. We describe key lessons learned to inform future study designs with mobile phone EMAs, drawing on our experience implementing such among adolescent boys, including persons living with HIV, in a low-and-middle income setting. The key lessons learned through the Tsamaisano study are important to inform future study designs with EMA utilizing mobile phone, electronic data collection among adolescent boys in low-and-middle-income settings.
Metabolomic landscape of macrophage discloses an anabolic signature of dengue virus infection and antibody-dependent enhancement of viral infection
Authors: Xu Li , Li Min , Zhang Jingpu , Li Dongxiao , Tao Jie , Zhang Fuchun , Jin Xia , Lu Jiahai , Liu Tiefu
Published: February 2024

Dengue virus (DENV) infection causes dengue fever, the most prevalent arthropod-transmitted viral disease worldwide. Viruses are acellular parasites and obligately rely on host cell machinery for reproduction. Previous studies have indicated metabolomic changes in endothelial cell models and sera of animal models and patients with dengue fever. To probe the immunometabolic mechanism of DENV infection, here, we report the metabolomic landscape of a human macrophage cell model of DENV infection and its antibody-dependent enhancement. DENV infection of THP-1-derived macrophages caused 202 metabolic variants, of which amino acids occupied 23.7%, fatty acids 21.78%, carbohydrates 10.4%, organic acids 13.37%, and carnitines 10.4%. These metabolomic changes indicated an overall anabolic signature, which was characterized by the global exhaustion of amino acids, increases of cellular fatty acids, carbohydrates and pentoses, but decreases of acylcarnitine. Significant activation of metabolic pathways of glycolysis, pentose phosphate, amino acid metabolism, and tricarboxylic acid cycle collectively support the overall anabolism to meet metabolic demands of DENV replication and immune activation by viral infection. Totally 88 of 202 metabolic variants were significantly changed by DENV infection, 36 of which met the statistical standard (P<0.05, VIP>1.5) of differentially expressed metabolites, which were the predominantly decreased variants of acylcarnitine and the increased variants of fatty acids and carbohydrates. Remarkably, 11 differentially expressed metabolites were significantly distinct between DENV only infection and antibody-dependent enhancement of viral infection. Our data suggested that the anabolic activation by DENV infection integrates the viral replication and anti-viral immune activation.
The interplay between temperature, Trypanosoma cruzi parasite load, and nutrition: Their effects on the development and life-cycle of the Chagas disease vector Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Loshouarn Henri , Guarneri Alessandra A.
Published: February 2024

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi transmitted by blood-sucking insects of the subfamily Triatominae, is a major neglected tropical disease affecting 6 to 7 million of people worldwide. Rhodnius prolixus, one of the most important vectors of Chagas disease in Latin America, is known to be highly sensitive to environmental factors, including temperature. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different temperatures on R. prolixus development and life-cycle, its relationship with T. cruzi, and to gather information about the nutritional habits and energy consumption of R. prolixus. We exposed uninfected and infected R. prolixus to four different temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C, and monitored their survival, developmental rate, body and blood meal masses, urine production, and the temporal dynamics of parasite concentration in the excreted urine of the triatomines over the course of their development. Our results demonstrate that temperature significantly impacts R. prolixus development, life-cycle and their relationship with T. cruzi, as R. prolixus exposed to higher temperatures had a shorter developmental time and a higher mortality rate compared to those exposed to lower temperatures, as well as a lower ability to retain weight between blood meals. Infection also decreased the capacity of the triatomines to retain weight gained by blood-feeding to the next developmental stage, and this effect was proportional to parasite concentration in excreted urine. We also showed that T. cruzi multiplication varied depending on temperature, with the lowest temperature having the lowest parasite load. Our findings provide important insights into the potential impact of climate change on the epidemiology of Chagas disease, and can contribute to efforts to model the future distribution of this disease. Our study also raises new questions, highlighting the need for further research in order to understand the complex interactions between temperature, vector biology, and parasite transmission.
Synergy between surfactants’ stiffness and concentration on their self-assembly into reverse micelles as water droplet carriers in nonpolar solvents
Authors: Hernández Velázquez J.D. , Gama Goicochea A.
Published: February 2024

A study of the self-assembly process into reverse micelles (RMs) of linear surfactants and monomeric aqueous solutes dissolved in nonpolar solvents, varying the concentration (cs) and the persistence length (Lp) of the surfactants is presented here. The influence of cs and Lp on the structural and dynamic properties of the aggregates is investigated through mesoscopic simulations carried out with the dissipative particle dynamics method. All simulations are performed at a fixed water/surfactant molecular ratio of 2:1, varying the surfactant concentration from c = 6 wt% up to c = 12 wt%, for increasing surfactants’ rigidity from Lp = 0.73 nm up to Lp = 44.99 nm. It is found that there exists a collaborative interplay between cs and Lp that enhances the number of RMs assembled and their diffusion as carriers of water droplets. These results should be useful as guidelines to understand and improve processes where the RMs are implemented to carry aqueous solutes in nonpolar solvents.
Multi-domain automated patterning of DNA-functionalized hydrogels
Authors: Rubanov Moshe , Cole Joshua , Lee Heon-Joon , Soto Cordova Leandro G. , Chen Zachary , Gonzalez Elia , Schulman Rebecca
Published: February 2024

DNA-functionalized hydrogels are capable of sensing oligonucleotides, proteins, and small molecules, and specific DNA sequences sensed in the hydrogels’ environment can induce changes in these hydrogels’ shape and fluorescence. Fabricating DNA-functionalized hydrogel architectures with multiple domains could make it possible to sense multiple molecules and undergo more complicated macroscopic changes, such as changing fluorescence or changing the shapes of regions of the hydrogel architecture. However, automatically fabricating multi-domain DNA-functionalized hydrogel architectures, capable of enabling the construction of hydrogel architectures with tens to hundreds of different domains, presents a significant challenge. We describe a platform for fabricating multi-domain DNA-functionalized hydrogels automatically at the micron scale, where reaction and diffusion processes can be coupled to program material behavior. Using this platform, the hydrogels’ material properties, such as shape and fluorescence, can be programmed, and the fabricated hydrogels can sense their environment. DNA-functionalized hydrogel architectures with domain sizes as small as 10 microns and with up to 4 different types of domains can be automatically fabricated using ink volumes as low as 50 μL. We also demonstrate that hydrogels fabricated using this platform exhibit responses similar to those of DNA-functionalized hydrogels fabricated using other methods by demonstrating that DNA sequences can hybridize within them and that they can undergo DNA sequence-induced shape change.
Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on ventilation dynamics measured during exertion in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome: A cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Campos Renan Pereira , Messias Oliveira Jéssica Gabriela , de Oliveira Farias Iasmim , de Souza Viviane Cristina Viana , de Alegria Samantha Gomes , Xavier Rosemere Saldanha , Lopes Agnaldo José
Published: February 2024

Background

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended in people with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS), although there is a lack of studies evaluating its benefits via the most commonly used primary endpoint: the six-minute walk test (6MWT). This study evaluated the effects of PR on the dynamics of ventilation measured during the 6MWT in patients with PACS and, secondarily, evaluated the association of these findings with measures of lung function and structure.

Methods

This was an observational cross-sectional study of patients with PACS, in which 33 had undergone PR (PR-PACS group) and 32 had not undergone PR (NPR-PACS group). These patients underwent Spiropalm®-equipped 6MWT with measurement of inspiratory capacity (IC) to evaluate dynamic hyperinflation (DH). In addition, they performed spirometry, impulse oscillometry (IOS) and lung ultrasound (LUS).

Results

Spirometry was abnormal in 21.2% and 31.3% of participants in the PR-PACS and NPR-PACS groups, respectively (p = 0.36). IOS was abnormal in 28.6% and 66.7% of participants in the PR-PACS and NPR-PACS groups, respectively (p = 0.003). LUS was altered in 39.4% and 43.8% of the participants in the PR-PACS and NPR-PACS groups, respectively (p = 0.72). The 6-min walk distance (6MWD) was greater in the PR-PACS group than in the NPR-PACS group (p = 0.001]. HD was observed in 6.1% and 37.5% of participants in the PR-PACS and NPR-PACS groups, respectively, with a significant difference in ΔIC (p<0.001). The 6MWD correlated significantly with several IOS parameters and with ΔIC.

Conclusions

Patients with PACS undergoing PR perform better in the 6MWT, with a higher 6MWD and less HD. In these patients, IOS is able to distinguish the effects of PR that are not differentiated by spirometry or LUS. Furthermore, the better the respiratory mechanics assessed by IOS and the less DH there was, the higher the performance in the 6MWT.
First detection of Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae in Hyalomma marginatum ticks
Authors: Su Si , Cui Meng-Yu , Gui Zheng , Guo Qi-Qi , Ren Hong , Ma Shi-Fa , Mu Lan , Yu Jing-Feng , Fu Shao-Yin , Qi Dong-Dong
Published: February 2024

Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic diseases and play a major role in the circulation and transmission of many rickettsial species. The aim of this study was to investigate the carriage of Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae (CRT) in a total of 1168 ticks collected in Inner Mongolia to elucidate the potential public health risk of this pathogen, provide a basis for infectious disease prevention, control and prediction and contribute diagnostic ideas for clinical diseases that present with fever in populations exposed to ticks. A total of four tick species, Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 21), Dermacentor nuttalli (n = 122), Hyalomma marginatum (n = 148), and Ixodes persulcatus (n = 877), were collected at nine sampling sites in Inner Mongolia, China, and identified by morphological and molecular biological methods. Reverse transcription PCR targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA (rrs), gltA, groEL, ompB and Sca4 genes was used to detect CRT DNA. Sequencing was used for pathogen species confirmation. The molecular epidemiological analysis showed that three species of ticks were infected with CRT, and the overall positive rate was as high as 42%. The positive rate of I. persulcatus collected in Hinggan League city was up to 96%, and that of I. persulcatus collected in Hulun Buir city was 50%. The pool positive rates of D. nuttalli and H. marginatum collected in Bayan Nur city and H. concinna collected in Hulun Buir city were 0%, 28% and 40%, respectively. This study revealed the high prevalence of CRT infection in ticks from Inner Mongolia and the first confirmation of CRT detected in H. marginatum in China. The wide host range and high infection rate in Inner Mongolia may dramatically increase the exposure of CRT to humans and other vertebrates. The role of H. marginatum in the transmission of rickettsiosis and its potential risk to public health should be further considered.
The effectiveness of diabetes self-management education intervention on glycaemic control and cardiometabolic risk in adults with type 2 diabetes in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chowdhury Hasina Akhter , Harrison Cheryce L. , Siddiquea Bodrun Naher , Tissera Sanuki , Afroz Afsana , Ali Liaquat , Joham Anju E. , Billah Baki
Published: February 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a significant challenge to public health. Effective diabetes self-management education (DSME) interventions may play a pivotal role in the care of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A specific up-to-date systematic review is needed to assess the effect of DSME interventions on glycaemic control, cardiometabolic risk, self-management behaviours, and psychosocial well-being among T2DM across LMICs. The MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, and Cochrane databases were searched on 02 August 2022 and then updated on 10 November 2023 for published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies. The quality of the studies was assessed, and a random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled effect of diabetes DSME intervention. Heterogeneity (I2) was tested, and subgroup analyses were performed. Egger’s regression test and funnel plots were used to examine publication bias. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trial (RoB 2). The overall assessment of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. A total of 5893 articles were retrieved, and 44 studies (n = 11838) from 21 LMICs met the inclusion criteria. Compared with standard care, pooled analysis showed that DSME effectively reduced the HbA1c level by 0.64% (95% CI: 0.45% to 0.83%) and 1.27% (95% CI: -0.63% to 3.17%) for RCTs and quasi-experimental design studies, respectively. Further, the findings showed an improvement in cardiometabolic risk reduction, diabetes self-management behaviours, and psychosocial well-being. This review suggests that ongoing support alongside individualised face-to-face intervention delivery is favourable for improving overall T2DM management in LMICs, with a special emphasis on countries in the lowest income group.
Associations between serum retinol and all-cause mortality among adults with prediabetes and diabetes: A cohort study
Authors: Sun Qing , Guo Jie
Published: February 2024

We aimed to explore the associations between serum retinol and all-cause mortality among people with prediabetes and diabetes. The study included 2582 participants with prediabetes and 1654 with diabetes aged ≥40 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2006. Serum retinol was collected from laboratory tests and categorized into five groups, including <50, 50–60, 60–70, 70–80, and ≥80 μg/dL. Deaths were obtained by linkage to National Death Index up to December 31, 2019. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the associations between serum retinol and all-cause mortality. During the follow-up, 993 participants with prediabetes died and 874 participants with diabetes died. There were U-shaped associations between serum retinol and mortality among participants with prediabetes and diabetes, separately. Among participants with prediabetes, compared to serum retinol levels of 50–60 μg/dL, the hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of mortality was 1.40 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.76) and 1.26 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.57) for serum retinol <50 or ≥80 μg/dL, respectively. Among participants with diabetes, compared to serum retinol levels of 50–60 μg/dL, the hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of mortality was 1.25 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.62) and 1.21 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.62) for serum retinol <50 or ≥80 μg/dL, respectively. The U-shaped associations between serum retinol and mortality still existed among participants aged ≥60 years with prediabetes or diabetes but were not statistically significant among those aged 40–59 years with prediabetes or diabetes. In conclusion, both low and excessive serum retinol tended to be with higher mortality risk among people with abnormal blood glucose.
A computational model to characterize the time-course of response to rapid antidepressant therapies
Authors: Nunes Abraham , Singh Selena
Published: February 2024

Our objective is to propose a method capable of disentangling the magnitude, the speed, and the duration or decay rate of the time course of response to rapid antidepressant therapies. To this end, we introduce a computational model of the time course of response to a single treatment with a rapid antidepressant. Numerical simulation is used to evaluate whether model parameters can be accurately estimated from observed data. Finally, we compare our computational modelling-based approach with linear mixed effects modelling in terms of their ability to detect changes in the magnitude and time-course of response to rapid antidepressant therapies in simulated randomized trials. Simulation experiments show that the parameters of our computational model can be accurately recovered using nonlinear least squares. Parameter estimation accuracy is stable over noise levels reaching as high as 25% of the true antidepressant effect magnitude. Comparison of our approach to mixed effects modelling using simulated randomized controlled trial data demonstrates an inability of linear mixed models to disentangle effect magnitude and time course, while our computational model accurately separates these response components. Our modelling approach may accurately identify the (A) magnitude, (B) speed, and (C) durability or decay rate of response to rapid antidepressant therapies. Future studies should fit this model to data from real clinical trials, and use resulting parameter estimates to uncover predictors and causes of different elements of the temporal course of antidepressant response.
Montenegro, C. (2021). Hombres sin mujer. Edición, introducción y notas de Ángel Esteban. Renacimiento
Authors: Jiménez Varas Gonzalo
Published: February 2024

Reseña del libro: Montenegro, C. (2021). Hombres sin mujer. Edición, introducción y notas de Ángel Esteban. Renacimiento, 412 pp., ISBN:9788418153310.
Mikroplastik pada Terumbu Karang di Pulau Panjang Jepara
Authors: Nurhuda Izza Siti , Purnomo Pujiono Wahyu , Afiati Norma , Jati Oktavianto Eko , Ayuningrum Diah
Published: February 2024

Ekosistem terumbu karang di Pulau Panjang Jepara menjadi salah satu daya tarik bagi wisatawan baik dalam kota maupun dari luar kota. Kegiatan pengunjung yang datang ke pulau ini mempengaruhi kondisi terumbu karang yang ada akibat meningkatnya pembuangan sampah termasuk plastik. Plastik tersebut terdegradasi dalam waktu lama menjadi mikroplastik. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan Agustus 2022. Metode penelitian mengacu kepada studi survey pada daerah reef flat pulau. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling dengan 2 kali pengulangan di setiap lokasi pengambilan dengan pengambilan sampel karang, sampel air dan sampel sedimen. Sampel yang didapatkan dilakukan ekstraksi mikroplastik, kemudian dilakukan analisis mikroplastik menggunakan mikroskop, selanjutnya dilakukan identifikasi mikroplastik dan analisis data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa jenis mikroplastik yang ditemukan pada karang, air dan sedimen adalah jenis fiber, fragmen, film dan pellet. Kelimpahan mikroplastik tertinggi pada karang dengan 1,35 partikel/gr dan terendah dengan 0,42 partikel/gr. Kelimpahan mikroplastik tertinggi pada air dengan 0,35 partikel/mL dan terendah dengan 0,05 partikel/mL. Kelimpahan mikroplastik tertinggi pada sedimen dengan 0,38 partikel/gr dan terendah dengan 0,17 partikel/gr.
Isolasi dan Kelimpahan Bakteri Sedimen Mangrove di Pantai Tirang, Kota Semarang
Authors: Fadhila Zalfa Langgeng , Sabdaningsih Aninditia , Ayuningrum Diah , Jati Oktavianto Eko
Published: February 2024

Ekosistem mangrove merupakan kawasan produktif di daerah pesisir pantai yang dipengaruhi oleh adanya pasang surut dan memiliki keanekaragaman hayati tinggi termasuk mikroba. Sumber karbon organik yang ada pada sedimen mangrove berasal dari detritus makhluk hidup baik hewan maupun tumbuhan dan adanya aktivitas antropogenik. Bakteri pada sedimen mangrove membantu dalam transfer bahan organik pada proses dekomposisi serasah mangrove. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kelimpahan bakteri dan jumlah isolat bakteri yang didapatkan dari isolasi bakteri sedimen ekosistem mangrove Pantai Tirang, Semarang. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Desember 2022 - Maret 2023. Metode yang digunakan yaitu deskriptif eksploratif dan metode pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling. Sampel sedimen mangrove diambil pada 3 stasiun yang berada di dekat pemukiman, dekat tambak dan dekat dengaurnian muara. Hasil kelimpahan bakteri tertinggi terdapat pada stasiun dekat pemukiman sebesar 4,3 x 104 CFU/mL dan kelimpahan terendah pada stasiun dekat tambak sebesar 8,9 x 103 CFU/mL. Hasil isolasi bakteri didapatkan sebanyak 32 isolat bakteri, dimana pada stasiun dekat pemukiman didapatkan sebanyak 14 isolat, stasiun dekat tambak sebanyak 8 isolat, dan stasiun dekat muara sebanyak 10 isolat dengan karakteristik morfologi yang berbeda.
Too close for comfort? Social distance and emotion perception in remitted bipolar I disorder
Authors: Gruber June , Fischer Joseph , Page-Gould Elizabeth , Johnson Sheri L.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder that is associated with heightened and persistent positive emotion (Gruber, 2011; Johnson, 2005). Yet, we know little about how troubled emotion responding may translate into dynamic face-to-face interactions involving others, especially in contexts where automatic social regulation of personal distance from others is key to maintaining social boundaries. Method: Using a novel social distance paradigm adapted from a prior work (Kennedy et al., 2009), participants with a clinical history of bipolar I disorder (n = 30) and healthy controls (CTL; n = 31) provided online measurements of social distance preferences in response to positive, negative, and neutral facial images, as well as subsequent social judgment and emotion perception ratings. Results: Results suggest no group differences on social distance, social perception, or general emotion perception ratings. However, exploratory analyses suggest that the BD group rated positive images higher in happiness, but lower in amusement, compared to the CTL group. Conclusion: These findings contribute to a growing literature on socioemotional processes in BD.
Vejez LGBTQIA+ en un contexto carcelario brasileño durante la pandemia de COVID-19: un estudio comparativo entre hombres y mujeres
Authors: De Lima Bezerra Igor Eduardo , Fernandes de Araújo Ludgleydson , Da Silva Sousa Evair Mendes , Da Silva Alves Mateus Egilson , Lima Silva Maria Fernanda , Sousa Filho Gutemberg de , De Alcântara Jéssica Gomes , Leal da Silva Emanuele , Bandeira Jardim Renata
Published: February 2024

The present study is configured as a comparative research that seeks to identify and analyze the social representations of LGBTQIA+ old age among people in deprivation of liberty. A total of 28 people participated, 14 men and 14 women, aged between 21 and 46 years (M=43.7 years; SD=16.2). After data collection, analyzes were performed using SPSS Statistics software (sociodemographic data) and Iramuteq (semi-structured interviews). Considering the results, it is noted that the social representations of LGBTQIA+ old age among the aforementioned public are subdivided into four conceptions: a) those in which prejudice is central; b) those who consider personal guidance as the only factor to be taken into account; c) those who understand that respect must prevail; d) and those specific to the female audience who understand the need for resources that support. Thus, it is hoped that there will be more discussions on the subject, in order to deconstruct negative stigmas on these populations and create equitable opportunities for them, considering and respecting their existence and contributing positively to their lives.
Correlatos disfuncionales en atención, memoria función ejecutiva, lenguaje y aprendizaje por TCE infantil: revisión de alcance
Authors: Prada Rodríguez Eduin Alexander , Guzmán Pacheco Juan Felipe , Barchelot Aceros Laura Juliana
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Childhood traumatic brain injury is one of the primary causes of dysfunctions in the child’s development and neurocognitive processes; it generates lesions at the brain level and in synaptic networks that interfere with functional processes; its deficiencies are heterogeneous; depending on the severity, history and location of the lesion, they may occur temporarily or permanently, even with significant sequelae.  Objective: Establish the dysfunctional correlates associated with attention, memory, executive function, language and learning in childhood TBI.
Method: Scoping review; 44 selected articles extracted from information search conducted in databases SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, PSICODOC, EBSCO; PUBMED; SCIELO and REDALYC. Results: According to the findings, we determine the post-traumatic functional processes that are affected in memory systems, attentional system, language, executive function and learning.  Conclusions: reaffirms that there is no functional damage standard for the category Cranioencephalic Trauma, because the deficiencies generated by the TBI are differentiated and systemic, reason why the scope of dysfunctional processes in the neurocognitive and learning domains is wide, with greater involvement in moderate and severe SCD.
Toward the Development of the Higher Education Sustainability Measurement Scale/Izrada skale za mjerenje održivosti u visokom obrazovanju
Authors: Alfirević Nikša , Pavičić Jurica , Mihaljević Kosor Maja , Malešević Perović Lena
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this study, authors analyze sustainability in higher education (HE), including its theoretical dimensions and linkages to the sustainable development goals (SDGs), in order to develop an initial version of the measurement scale, which could be used in research and practical applications in the HE sector. This is of special importance for public business schools wishing to obtain international accreditation, since the majority of international accreditation schemes put emphasis on social responsibility and sustainability of HEI’s operations. In addition, the presented approach is linked to demonstrating the impact of public HEIs’ contribution to the sustainable development of its broader environment. The empirical part of the study is based on the survey data, obtained from students of a regional public business school in the Republic of Croatia. The initial empirical results show potential dimensions of a measurement scale, which could be used with HEI’s stakeholders. In addition, clustering of the obtained student perceptions suggests how an indicative student sample could interpret a HEI’s efforts to implement the principles of sustainable development in its operations.Key words: higher education; student perceptions; sustainability; sustainability measurement scale.---SažetakU ovoj studiji autori analiziraju održivost u visokom obrazovanju, uključujući njezine teorijske dimenzije i poveznice s ciljevima održivoga razvoja, kako bi izradili početnu verziju mjerne skale koja bi se mogla koristiti u istraživanjima i praktično primijeniti u sektoru visokoga obrazovanja. To je iznimno važno za državne poslovne škole koje žele dobiti međunarodnu akreditaciju jer se u većini programa za dobivanje međunarodne akreditacije stavlja poseban naglasak na društvenu odgovornost i održivost u aktivnostima visokoškolskih ustanova. Osim toga, prikazani pristup povezan je s načinom na koji se manifestira učinak državnih ustanova visokoga obrazovanja na održivi razvoj u njihovom širem okružju. Empirijski dio studije temelji se na podatcima dobivenima putem ankete koju su popunili studenti iz regionalne državne poslovne škole u Republici Hrvatskoj. Prvi empirijski rezultati pokazuju potencijalne dimenzije mjerne skale koja bi se mogla koristiti s dionicima visokoškolskih ustanova. K tomu, klasteriranje dobivenih percepcija studenata upućuje na to kako bi indikativan uzorak studenata mogao interpretirati nastojanja visokoškolske ustanove da u svojim aktivnostima provede principe održivoga razvoja. Ključne riječi: održivost; percepcije studenata; skala za mjerenje održivosti; visoko obrazovanje.
Simulation of the surface and volume stress in the contact archwire/bracket for classical friction and critical contact angle
Authors: El Kouifat Mohammed Khalil , Zniker Houcine , Feddal Ikram , Ouaki Bennaceur
Published: February 2024

Aim

The occlusion of the teeth is affected due to the appearance of micro-cracks resulting from maximum stresses in the contact zones between the wire and the bracket under normal and tangential loading. The objective of this study is to evaluate the surface and volume constraints in the presence of bonding and partial sliding zones on the contact surface between wires and supports. Knowledge of these stress fields will make it possible to better limit the surfaces where most of the micro-cracks occur. Indeed, the evaluation of the stress will facilitate the modelling or application of established micro crack models on this subject, because the initiation of micro-cracks often appears on the contact surface or just below it.

Materials and methods

In this study, the two most common situations of contact between the wire and the bracket were studied; the first corresponds to the situation where the wire is positioned in the center of the support (classic friction), and the second corresponds to the situation where the inclined wire touches the ends of the supports (critical contact angle).The MATHCAD software was used to simulate the damage zones for normal loading in the two cases studied (classic friction, critical contact angle). We proposed a Hertzian loading for the first case and a linear loading for the second case. Also, the effect of the additional load during wire tightening applied by the orthodontist was studied.

Results

The charge concentration is located above the contact zone, of the order of 0.3P0 (pressure per unit of arbitrary normal length), according to Mathcad simulation results. The adhesion zone/micro-slip zone contact generates the largest tangential load, which is directed towards the side experiencing the most stress. We also observed that the stick area shifts towards the recessed side when the additional load is applied. Additionally, comparing the configurations, the critical contact angle resulted in a higher maximum shear stress.
Batteries for small-scale robotics
Authors: Zhu Minshen , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: February 2024

The advent of small-scale robots holds immense potential for revolutionizing various industries, particularly in the domains of surgery and operations within confined spaces that are currently inaccessible to conventional tools. However, their tethered nature and dependence on external power sources impede their progress. To surmount these challenges, the integration of batteries into these diminutive robots emerges as a promising solution. This article explores the integration of batteries in small-scale robots, focusing on “hard” and “soft” approaches. The challenges of integrating rigid batteries into microrobots are discussed. Various battery materials suitable for microfabrication are explored, along with creating three-dimensional structures to optimize performance within limited space. The “soft” integration emphasizes the need for flexible and deformable battery technologies that seamlessly integrate with soft robotic systems. Challenges related to flexibility, stretchability, and biocompatibility are addressed. The concept of distributed and mobile energy units, where smaller batteries assemble into a larger power bank, is proposed for scalability and adaptability. Extracting energy from the environment, inspired by fuel cells, reduces reliance on traditional batteries. This article offers valuable insights into battery integration for small-scale robots, propelling advancements in autonomous and versatile systems. By overcoming current limitations, integrated batteries will unlock the full potential of small-scale robots across various industries.

Graphical abstract
O saldo e a dívida
Authors: CASTRO ANTÔNIO BARROS DE , SOUZA FRANCISCO EDUARDO PIRES DE
Published: February 2024

RESUMO Durante aproximadamente dois anos e meio a economia brasileira manteve um superávit comercial de cerca de US$ 12 bilhões. A origem e sustentabilidade desse superávit tornou-se um dos principais temas da polêmica sobre as perspectivas de crescimento de médio e longo prazo do país. Utilizando os dados mais recentes, e comparando 1987 com 1986, este artigo tenta mostrar que a queda do superávit comercial no segundo semestre de 1986 foi uma aberração, corrigida em 1987. Neste último, o nível de atividades alcançado em 1986 mostrou-se compatível com o nível de superávit sustentado de 1984 até o primeiro semestre de 1986. O artigo também tenta explorar algumas das implicações da excepcional capacidade do país de gerar superávits elevados, finalizando com uma breve referência à sua posição frente à dívida externa.
Dynapenia and sarcopenia: association with the diagnosis, duration and complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus in ELSA-Brasil
Authors: Santos Débora Noara Duarte dos , Coelho Carolina Gomes , Diniz Maria de Fátima Haueisen Sander , Duncan Bruce Bartholow , Schmidt Maria Inês , Bensenor Isabela Judith Martins , Szlejf Claudia , Telles Rosa Weiss , Barreto Sandhi Maria
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Sarcopenia (the loss of muscle mass, strength and skeletal muscle function) increases mortality and the risk of hospitalization in the older population. Although it is known that older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a higher risk of dynapenia and sarcopenia, few studies have investigated these conditions in middle-aged populations. The objective of this study was to investigate whether T2DM, its duration, the presence of albuminuria, and glycemic control are associated with sarcopenia and its components in adults. The cross-sectional analysis was based on data from visit 2 of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (2012-2014). The 2018 European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria were used to define dynapenia, low appendicular muscle mass (LAMM), and sarcopenia (absent/probable/confirmed). The explanatory variables were: T2DM; duration of T2DM; T2DM according to the presence of albuminuria; and glycemic control (HbA1C < 7%) among people with T2DM. A total of 12,132 participants (mean age = 55.5, SD: 8.9 years) were included. The odds ratio for LAMM was greater among those with T2DM, T2DM duration from 5 to 10 years, and T2DM without albuminuria. Chances of dynapenia were higher among those with T2DM, T2DM duration > 10 years, and T2DM with and without albuminuria. The variables T2DM, T2DM ≥ 10 years, and T2DM with albuminuria increased the odds of probable sarcopenia, and T2DM duration from 5 to 10 years increased the odds of confirmed sarcopenia. The results support the importance of frequently monitoring the musculoskeletal mass and strength of individuals with T2DM to prevent sarcopenia and related outcomes.
Qualidade de dados antropométricos de crianças menores de 5 anos no Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional, 2008-2020
Authors: Santos Iolanda Karla Santana dos , Conde Wolney Lisboa
Published: February 2024

O planejamento, o monitoramento e a avaliação das ações de alimentação e nutrição dependem de estimativas confiáveis realizadas a partir de dados antropométricos de qualidade adequada. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a qualidade de dados antropométricos de crianças menores de 5 anos no Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional (SISVAN) no período de 2008 a 2020. A amostra compreendeu 23.453.620 crianças menores de 5 anos. Inicialmente, avaliamos a distribuição de valores faltantes e de valores fora do espectro do equipamento e calculamos o índice de preferência de dígito para peso e altura. Os índices nutricionais altura para idade (A-I), peso para idade (P-I) e índice de massa corporal para idade (IMC-I) foram calculados com a utilização do padrão de crescimento da Organização Mundial da Saúde, de 2006. Em seguida, sinalizamos os valores biologicamente implausíveis (VBI) e calculamos o desvio padrão (DP) dos índices nutricionais. Para cada município, calculamos a média e o DP de A-I e P-I e plotamos os valores de DP em função da média. Em todas as Unidades Federativas, o índice de preferência de dígito alcançou valor mínimo de 80 para altura e 20 para peso. Para os três índices nutricionais, houve redução da frequência de VBI no período de 2008 a 2020. Mesmo após a exclusão dos VBI, identificamos elevada variabilidade para os três índices nutricionais. Os indicadores avaliados demonstraram baixa qualidade da mensuração principalmente nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. Nossos resultados indicam qualidade insuficiente dos dados antropométricos em crianças menores de 5 anos e reforçam a necessidade de investimento em ações para o aprimoramento da coleta e do registro das informações antropométricas.
IMPACT OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI ON EARLY POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS AFTER SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: DANTAS Anna Carolina Batista , JAYME Vitoria Ramos , FILARDI Kaique Flavio Xavier Cardoso , PAJECKI Denis , SANTO Marco Aurelio
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT The impact of Helicobacter pylori (HP) on postoperative outcomes after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is still controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the incidence of early complications after SG between HP-positive and HP-negative patients. Eight retrospective comparative studies were included, comprising 4,877 individuals. The prevalence of HP infection in gastric resected specimens ranged from 7.77 to 43.20%. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for overall complications (OR 1.46; 95%CI 0.95–2.23; p=0.08), bleeding (OR 1.35; 95%CI 0.70–2.60; p=0.38), and leak (OR 1.74; 95%CI 0.80–3.81; p=0.17) rates. The need for routine screening and treatment of HP infection before SG remains ambiguous.
LINGUAGEM E NEOLIBERALISMO NA AMÉRICA LATINA: UMA REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA
Authors: Bonfante Gleiton Matheus
Published: February 2024

RESUMO Este artigo revisa a produção bibliográfica sobre neoliberalismo e linguagem sob uma perspectiva performativa, para disputar o sentido de neoliberalismo, ressaltando-o como efeito discursivo. São discutidos artigos revisados por pares, publicados em revistas científicas latino-americanas indexadas pela CAPES que tensionem a relação entre linguagem, discurso ou semiose e nossa racionalidade econômica. A crítica antineoliberal é emoldurada teoricamente pelos feminismos, pela performatividade e pelo trabalho conceitual (BAL, 2009). Observa-se que a produção científica na América Latina atribui importante papel à linguagem em uso na pedagogia neoliberal, na sedução capital e no apaziguamento da violência colonial, concedendo à linguagem um papel central na cooptação neoliberal e legitimação ideológica do neoliberalismo colonial-patriarcal.
PRÁTICA DE ANÁLISE LINGUÍSTICA NO TRABALHO COM O PRONOME NO ENSINO DE LÍNGUA MATERNA
Authors: Ohuschi Márcia Cristina Greco , Menegassi Renilson José
Published: February 2024

RESUMO Este estudo apresenta e discute uma proposta teórico-metodológica de análise linguística de perspectiva dialógica, voltada ao gênero discursivo Memórias Literárias, para o trabalho no Ensino Fundamental. A partir dos pressupostos teóricos eleitos e da leitura do enunciado escolhido, elaboramos atividades para o estudo específico de pronomes, ao 7º ano do Ensino Fundamental. Os resultados da proposta apontam: i) a compreensão dos efeitos de sentido e de valor agregados à escolha dos pronomes em decorrência dos aspectos sócio-histórico-ideológicos; ii) a contribuição para a construção da consciência socioideológica e para a produção valorada do discurso, por meio do trabalho paralelo com habilidades epilinguísticas e metalinguísticas no estudo de pronomes; iii) a atribuição de valor à palavra, especificamente, ao uso e à produção de sentidos do enunciado e à alteração realizada na produção escrita; iv) o efetivo trabalho com a escrita, com produções de menor extensão, que evoluem para se chegar à produção textual de Memórias Literárias, a considerar o uso de pronomes como recurso expressivo linguístico inerente do gênero.
VERSO UNA TEORIA LINGUISTICA DELLA TRADUZIONE: INTERVISTA A LAURA SALMON
Authors: Darmaros Marina
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT Il campo dei Translation Studies (TS) ha cominciato a venire sistematizzato alla fine degli anni Sessanta, dopo un convegno internazionale organizzato in Slovacchia, a Bratislava, da Anton Popovič, che avrebbe portato alla pubblicazione della raccolta The Nature of Translation: Essays on the Theory and Practice of Literary Translation. Da quel momento in poi, ha preso a radicalizzarsi il divario tra la ricerca euroamericana sulla traduzione, che si concentrava per i TS in modo netto sulla storiografia, e la ricerca slava che, dal secondo dopoguerra, esprimeva un notevole interesse per la linguistica e per la formalizzazione. Con un approccio che fonde entrambi gli aspetti, la Prof. Laura Salmon dell’Università di Genova (Italia), nel suo Teoria della Traduzione, sottolinea l’importanza della ricerca linguistica e, pur implicitamente, invita a una “decolonizzazione” di quest’area del sapere, condizionata dall’interesse dominante per i Cultural Studies e per la cultura occidentale. Ce lo spiega in quest’intervista per la rivista Trabalhos em Linguística Aplicada.
Transtorno do espectro do autismo e o uso materno e paterno de medicamentos, tabaco, álcool e drogas ilícitas
Authors: Costa Amanda de Andrade , Almeida Maria Tereza Carvalho , Maia Fernanda Alves , Rezende Luiz Fernando de , Saeger Vanessa Souza de Araújo , Oliveira Steffany Lara Nunes , Mangabeira Gabriel Lopes , Silveira Marise Fagundes
Published: February 2024

Resumo O presente estudo objetivou investigar a associação entre o TEA e o uso materno e paterno de medicamentos, tabaco, álcool e drogas ilícitas. Trata-se de um estudo caso-controle realizado com crianças e adolescentes diagnosticados com TEA e indivíduos neurotípicos. Os dados foram colhidos por meio de entrevista com as mães ou responsáveis. Foram analisadas as variáveis sexo e idade das crianças/adolescentes; idade dos pais; uso de medicamentos antes e durante a gestação; classes de medicamentos usados na gestação; tabagismo materno e paterno; etilismo materno e paterno; uso de drogas ilícitas pelos pais. Para a análise das informações, utilizou-se o modelo de regressão logística, além da razão de chances (OR) bruta e ajustada. Os resultados mostraram que, após os ajustes, foi encontrada associação entre o uso materno na gestação de antitérmicos/analgésicos (OR = 2,26; IC95% 1,29-3,95; p < 0,040) com o TEA. Já o uso de tabaco, álcool e drogas ilícitas materno e paterno, antes e durante a gestação, não apontou relação com o TEA. Os dados encontrados sugerem que existe influência de fatores ambientais no desenvolvimento do TEA.
Os movimentos sociais e a gênese de propostas para a saúde da população LGBT na Bahia, Brasil (1979-2014): disputas iniciais e alternativas possíveis
Authors: Freitas Camila Amaral Moreno , Prado Nilia Maria de Brito Lima , Carvalho Vinicius Nunes , Kochergin Clavdia Nicolaevna , Santos Adriano Maia dos
Published: February 2024

Resumo Com o objetivo de descrever a gênese de propostas para a saúde da população de LGBT na Bahia, foi realizado um estudo sócio histórico entre 1979 e 2014. Adotou-se as proposições de Patrice Pinell para a análise sociológica de políticas públicas. A análise do espaço social compreendeu a identificação das trajetórias dos agentes envolvidos com as propostas no estado da Bahia e as relações entre esses agentes e o espaço social nacional, assim como, o campo do poder do Estado. Na Bahia, destacaram-se agentes com trajetórias vinculadas ao campo científico, dos direitos humanos, dos direitos sexuais, do feminismo e do espaço AIDS, com alto capital burocrático e militante, que propiciou aproximação às questões relacionadas a saúde LGBT local. As condições de possibilidade que permitiram a formulação de propostas políticas baseadas na integralidade e na universalidade da atenção à saúde foram a formalização do Comitê Técnico Estadual de Saúde Integral LGBT da Bahia, em 2014, onde buscou-se ampliar a Atenção Integral à Saúde voltada às populações de maior vulnerabilidade; e o Plano Bahia sem homofobia, que permitiu ampliar o diálogo com a sociedade civil e os movimentos sociais e abarcar as principais críticas para a formulação de propostas políticas.