bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory blood parameters as prognostic factors for surgical site infection after primary hip or knee arthroplasty: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Domecky Petr , Rejman Patkova Anna , Mala-Ladova Katerina , Maly Josef
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a potential complication of surgical procedure. SSI after implant surgery is a disaster both for patients and surgeons. Although predictive tools for SSI are available, none of them estimate early infection based on inflammatory blood parameters. The inflammatory process can be measured using several parameters including interleukin-6, C reactive protein, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, white cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate or procalcitonin. This systematic review aims to determine whether inflammatory blood parameters could be used as significant predictive factors for SSI after primary hip or knee arthroplasty.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials, cross-sectional studies, case–control studies and cohort studies, published in English, will be searched in the following electronic bibliographic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science. Studies performed in adult patients of all ages who underwent knee or hip arthroplasty, studies containing data on the risk/prognostic factors for preknee or postknee or hip arthroplasty SSI and studies with a minimum follow-up of 30 days after surgery will be included. A standardised form will be used to extract data from the included studies comprising study characteristics, participant characteristics, details of the intervention, study methodology and outcomes. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy tool, second version, and Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies checklist will be used to assess risk of bias. Heterogeneity will be assessed using Cochran χ² statistic and I2statistics where applicable. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance will be used to report findings.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics approval is required. The findings will be disseminated at national and international scientific sessions, also to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020147925.
Cohort profile: a national, community-based prospective cohort study of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic outcomes in the USA—the CHASING COVID Cohort study
Authors: Robertson McKaylee M , Kulkarni Sarah Gorrell , Rane Madhura , Kochhar Shivani , Berry Amanda , Chang Mindy , Mirzayi Chloe , You William , Maroko Andrew , Zimba Rebecca , Westmoreland Drew , Grov Christian , Parcesepe Angela Marie , Waldron Levi , Nash Denis
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The Communities, Households and SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology (CHASING) COVID Cohort Study is a community-based prospective cohort study launched during the upswing of the USA COVID-19 epidemic. The objectives of the cohort study are to: (1) estimate and evaluate determinants of the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, disease and deaths; (2) assess the impact of the pandemic on psychosocial and economic outcomes and (3) assess the uptake of pandemic mitigation strategies.

Participants

We began enrolling participants from 28 March 2020 using internet-based strategies. Adults≥18 years residing anywhere in the USA or US territories were eligible. 6740 people are enrolled in the cohort, including participants from all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Participants are contacted regularly to complete study assessments, including interviews and dried blood spot specimen collection for serologic testing.

Findings to date

Participants are geographically and sociodemographically diverse and include essential workers (19%). 84.2% remain engaged in cohort follow-up activities after enrolment. Data have been used to assess SARS-CoV-2 cumulative incidence, seroincidence and related risk factors at different phases of the US pandemic; the role of household crowding and the presence of children in the household as potential risk factors for severe COVID-19 early in the US pandemic; to describe the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and its relationship to COVID-19 outcomes and other potential stressors; to identify preferences for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing when community transmission is on the rise via a discrete choice experiment and to assess vaccine hesitancy over time and its relationship to vaccine uptake.

Future plans

The CHASING COVID Cohort Study has outlined a research agenda that involves ongoing monitoring of the incidence and determinants of SARS-CoV-2 outcomes, mental health outcomes and economic outcomes. Additional priorities include assessing the incidence, prevalence and correlates of long-haul COVID-19.
Predictors of incident SARS-CoV-2 infections in an international prospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Anthony , Vittinghoff Eric , Olgin Jeffrey , Peyser Noah , Aung Sidney , Joyce Sean , Yang Vivian , Hwang Janet , Avram Robert , Nah Gregory , Tison Geoffrey H , Beatty Alexis , Runge Ryan , Wen David , Butcher Xochitl , Horner Cathy , Eitel Helena , Pletcher Mark , Marcus Gregory M
Published: September 2021

Objective

Until effective treatments and vaccines are made readily and widely available, preventative behavioural health measures will be central to the SARS-CoV-2 public health response. While current recommendations are grounded in general infectious disease prevention practices, it is still not entirely understood which particular behaviours or exposures meaningfully affect one’s own risk of incident SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our objective is to identify individual-level factors associated with one’s personal risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2.

Design

Prospective cohort study of adult participants from 26 March 2020 to 8 October 2020.

Setting

The COVID-19 Citizen Science Study, an international, community and mobile-based study collecting daily, weekly and monthly surveys in a prospective and time-updated manner.

Participants

All adult participants over the age of 18 years were eligible for enrolment.

Primary outcome measure

The primary outcome was incident SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed via PCR or antigen testing.

Results

28 575 unique participants contributed 2 479 149 participant-days of data across 99 different countries. Of these participants without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection at the time of enrolment, 112 developed an incident infection. Pooled logistic regression models showed that increased age was associated with lower risk (OR 0.98 per year, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.00, p=0.019), whereas increased number of non-household contacts (OR 1.10 per 10 contacts, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.20, p=0.024), attending events of at least 10 people (OR 1.26 per 10 events, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.50, p=0.007) and restaurant visits (OR 1.95 per 10 visits, 95% CI 1.42 to 2.68, p<0.001) were associated with significantly higher risk of incident SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions

Our study identified three modifiable health behaviours, namely the number of non-household contacts, attending large gatherings and restaurant visits, which may meaningfully influence individual-level risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2.
The myocardial and neuronal infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and detrimental outcomes
Authors: Herbert Ernest , Fournier Dominique , Al-Shaqha Waleed Mohammed , Chahine Mohamed
Published: September 2021

The epidemiological outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), alias COVID-19, began in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in late December and eventually turned into a pandemic that has led to over 3.71 million deaths and over 173 million infected cases worldwide. In addition to respiratory manifestations, COVID-19 patients with neurological and myocardial dysfunctions exhibit a higher risk of in-hospital mortality. The immune function tends to be affected by cardiovascular risk factors and is thus indirectly related to the prognosis of COVID-19 patients. Many neurological symptoms and manifestations have been reported in COVID-19 patients; however, detailed descriptions on the prevalence and characteristic features of these symptoms are restricted due to insufficient data. It is thus advisable for clinicians to be vigilant for both cardiovascular and neurological manifestations to detect them at an early stage to avoid inappropriate management of COVID-19 and to address the manifestations adequately. Patients with severe COVID-19 are notably more susceptible to developing cardiovascular and neurological complications than non-severe COVID-19 patients. This review focuses on the consequential outcomes of COVID-19 on cardiovascular and neuronal functions, including other influencing factors.
The behavior propagation and confrontation competition model based on information energy
Authors: Dang Zhongkai , Li Lixiang , Peng Haipeng , Zhang Jiaxuan
Published: September 2021

In recent years, the influence of group behavior on individual behavior has been widely concerned by people. This paper takes the propagation of behavior-related information as the influencing medium, constructs the behavior propagation and confrontation competition model based on information energy, and studies the propagation of single behavior and confrontation behaviors in the network. In the model, the behavioral information energy on nodes is related to the information edge weight and the length of the reachable path between nodes, and we quantify the propagation probability of behaviors and the competition probability between the confrontation behaviors by the behavioral information energy. Through modeling and analyzing the change of node motivation and the behavior propagation rule, we carry out the simulation in small-world network and BA scale-free network, respectively. Experimental results show that the information energy has a promoting effect on the propagation of behaviors, and the behaviors that erupt in the network generally have an important information dissemination basis in the early stage and may be promoted by relevant information in the later stage. An open and tightly connected network environment is easier to promote the large-scale propagation of a new behavior. In addition, when two kinds of confrontation behaviors occur in the crowd network, the propagation of behavior-related information and the maintenance of people’s interest in the behavior are the key to the success of the behavioral competition.
Resilience for coupled oscillatory power network via phase difference
Authors: Yang Li-Xin , Jiang Jun , Liu Xiao-Jun
Published: September 2021

This paper investigates the resilience of oscillatory power networks with Kuramoto-type nodal dynamics via phase difference. Here, we propose a general framework to measure the resilience of power network in response to perturbations affecting nodes and transmission lines during operation. Moreover, the assessing resilience approaches provide an estimation of the phase difference and power difference. To identify the resilience of power network that makes stable operation possible, several small-size oscillatory networks are selected to validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed schemes. Simulation results show that the resilience plays a crucial role in the synchronous performance.
PANDA as a Startup-Orientated Cooperative Innovation Strategy for the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Wolf Victoria , Dobrucka Renata , Przekop Robert , Haubold Stephan
Published: September 2021

Generating innovations is one of the key success factors of companies and organizations. To constantly create new innovations, an effective innovation strategy must be implemented by companies. Therefore, a variation of different strategic frameworks has been formulated. One framework which combines the idea of Open Innovation with startup-based interaction is the startup-orientated cooperative innovation (SOCI) strategy. The PANDA initiative of Fresenius University of Applied Science can be characterized as a coupled process of the SOCI framework. This paper presents the results of a survey, analyzing the impact of PANDA on the innovation strategies of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry based on the innovation attributes defined by the Oslo Manual 2018. The survey was used to compare 12 PANDA project evaluations implementing by European chemical and pharmaceutical companies. The main results of this study show that PANDA represents an effective tool to foster early-stage innovation development and indicates general effectiveness of SOCI strategies for chemical and pharmaceutical companies.
Integrating people-centered and planet-centered design
Authors: Xu Xuhai
Published: September 2021

Exploring the many approaches and issues involved in developing technologies for wellbeing---from including environmental concerns to building long-lasting, transdisciplinary partnerships both inside and beyond the academy.
Study on Safety Performance of Building Finish Layer under Thermomechanical Coupling Condition
Authors: Yan Kai , Hu Yansong , Zhao Kaozhong , Lin Xin
Published: September 2021

The building finish layer is a comprehensive structural system including the building exterior insulation system and building exterior finish. Combining with buildings has the advantage of reducing wall heat loss and building deformation caused by large temperature differences. Since the building finish layer is prone to cracking, hollowing, and peeling, during the application process, its safety needs to be studied and certified. This study prepares 20 groups of specimens, 15 anchor bolts in each group. The anchor bolt pull‐out strength test is carried out. Anchoring damage evolution law and failure mode of anchor bolts are investigated. And the influence of anchoring methods on the pull‐out bearing capacity is analyzed. In addition, ABAQUS finite element data simulation is carried out. The stress state of finish in thermomechanical coupling condition and without the effect of temperature are compared and analyzed. The influence factors of anchor bolt pull‐out strength and the influence of temperature load on the long‐term performance of building finish layer are obtained. The durability of the building finish layer is analyzed. The results show that the anchoring strength of the anchor bolt is positively correlated with the anchoring depth. The anchoring strength is influenced significantly by anchoring construction sequence and temperature. The stress under the coupled effect of temperature and load is greater than that of the single effect of load, and the stress distribution changes significantly. Due to thermal expansion and contraction, the anchor bolt would loosen, which is more prone to damage the building finish layer in a low temperature environment. The weight relationship of each influencing factor of the building finish layer is proposed. A systematic evaluation index system is established. The results of this study provide a basis for subsequent related research work and engineering applications.
Creep Parameter Inversion and Long‐Term Stability Analysis of Tunnel Based on GP‐DE Intelligent Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Fengrui , Jiang Annan , Guo Xinping , Yang Xiurong
Published: September 2021

Aiming at the creep problem of Banshi Tunnel in Jilin province, the creep laws of rock are analyzed by the creep test, and the Cvsic model describing the creep characteristics of the tunnel is established. To obtain the creep parameters accurately, considering the advantages of Gauss process and differential evolution algorithm, coupling the two methods, a Gauss process‐differential evolution intelligent inversion method is proposed. According to on‐site monitoring data, the the creep parameters of the tunnel are accurately inverted. On this basis, the stability analysis of the tunnel and the selection of a reasonable construction plan are carried out. The research results show that to ensure the stability of the tunnel, the construction scheme of initial lining + pipe shed + advanced grouting anchor rod should be adopted. The research results have guiding significance for the long‐term stability evaluation of the tunnel.
Risk versus Benefit of Using Hydroxychloroquine to Treat Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Zhanel George G. , Zhanel Michael A. , Boreskie Kevin F. , Lynch Joseph P. , Karlowsky James A.
Published: September 2021

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), also known by its trade name Plaquenil®, has been used for over 50 years as a treatment for malaria, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in the United States and globally in early 2020, HCQ began to garner attention as a potential treatment and as prophylaxis against COVID-19. Preliminary data indicated that HCQ as well as chloroquine (CQ) possessed in vitro antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Early clinical data from China and France reported that HCQ and CQ were associated with viral load reduction and clinical improvement in patients with COVID-19 compared to control groups; however, an overwhelming number of randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews have since concluded that HCQ used alone, or in combination with azithromycin (AZ), provides no mortality or time-to-recovery benefit in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Additionally, these same trials reported adverse events including cardiac, neuropsychiatric, hematologic, and hepatobiliary manifestations in patients with COVID-19 whom had been treated with HCQ. This review article summarizes the available data pertaining to the adverse events associated with HCQ use, alone or in combination with azithromycin, in patients with COVID-19 in order to fully assess the risk versus benefit of treating COVID-19 patients with these agents. The results of this review lead us to conclude that the risks of adverse events associated with HCQ use (with or without AZ) outweigh the potential clinical benefits and thus recommend against its use in the treatment or prevention of COVID-19.
Genetic Differentiation for Gene Diversity among Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) Landraces As Revealed by SSR Markers
Authors: Bougma Lardia Ali , Ouédraogo Mahamadi Hamed , Ouoba Adjima , Zouré Abdou Azaque , Sawadogo Nerbéwendé , Sawadogo Mahamadou
Published: September 2021

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is one the most important crops in Burkina Faso. Knowledge of the genetic parameters of different pearl millet landraces grown in Burkina Faso is of great importance for improvement and breeding programs of pearl millet. In this study, 20 pairs of SSR markers were used to compare and analyze the genetic diversity of 86 landrace populations. Results show a total of 67 alleles detected and each locus varies between 2 and 6 with an average of 4 alleles per marker. The probability to having two different alleles per locus was 0.61. The values of genetic diversity parameters of pearl millet populations from the northern region of the country were higher than those from the others regions. The analysis indicates that, over time, alleles are lost and new alleles are added. Analysis of molecular variance showed genetic variation was primarily a function of differences in cultivated populations. Most pairwise FST comparisons between provenances were at a statistically significant level. Our study will provide a scientific basis for the effective management and utilization of germplasm resources of pearl millet populations.
Temporal Associations of the SARS-CoV-2 NP Antigen and Anti-Spike Total Ig Levels with Laboratory Parameters in a Greek Cohort of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Rouka Erasmia , Kotsiou Ourania S. , Perlepe Garyfallia , Pagonis Athanasios , Pantazopoulos Ioannis , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I.
Published: September 2021

Background. The direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the lungs results in increased hospitalization rates of patients with pneumonia. Severe COVID-19 patients often develop ARDS which is associated with poor prognosis. Assessing risk factors for COVID-19 severity is indispensable for implementing and evaluating therapeutic interventions. We investigated the temporal associations between the SARS-CoV-2 antigen (Ag), total Immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, and several laboratory parameters in hospitalized patients with varying degrees of COVID-19 severity. Methods. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NP) and total Ig Spike (S) protein-specific antibodies were determined for each patient with lateral flow assays through repeated sampling every two days. Hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated at the same time points. Results. 40 Greek COVID-19 patients (31 males, 9 females) with a median age of 59.50 ± 16.21 years were enrolled in the study. The median time from symptom onset to hospitalization was 8.0 ± 4.19 days. A significant negative correlation was observed between the SARS-CoV-2 Ag and total Ig levels. The temporal correlation patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 NP Ag and anti-S total Ig levels with laboratory markers varied among patients with differing degrees of COVID-19 severity. Severe-critical cases had lower SARS-CoV-2 Ag and increased total Ig levels as compared to mild-moderate cases. Conclusions. Distinct temporal profiles of the SARS-CoV-2 NP Ag and anti-S total Ig levels may distinguish different groups of COVID-19 severity.
Dose-Dense Docetaxel versus Weekly Paclitaxel following Dose-Dense Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide as Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Node-Positive Breast Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Khoshroo Sara , Sandoughdaran Saleh , Sabetrasekh Parisa , Hajian Parastoo , Bikdeli Pegah , Sabetrasekh Parto , Nasrollahi Fatemeh , Mohammadi Yeganeh Ladan , Naeini Sepideh Jafari , Mirzaei Hamid Reza
Published: September 2021

Background/Aims. The anthracycline and taxane-based chemotherapy regimens are the standard adjuvant treatment of node-positive breast cancer patients. Although it was believed that docetaxel and paclitaxel are similarly effective as adjuvant treatment in node-positive breast cancer, recent studies report that weekly paclitaxel is superior to weekly and triweekly docetaxel schedules in terms of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has compared weekly paclitaxel with a dose-dense regimen of docetaxel. The current study is aimed at evaluating the outcome of women with node-positive breast cancer who had received weekly paclitaxel compared with those treated with dose-dense docetaxel. Methods. This study included patients from two prospective studies conducted in our institute from April 2007 to March 2009. Ninety-one women with axillary lymph node-positive breast cancer who had received four cycles of dose-dense epirubicin and cyclophosphamide were treated with either weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) for 12 doses or biweekly docetaxel (75 mg/m2) for four cycles. Results. After a median follow-up of 88 and 109 months, 11 (23.4%) and 10 (22.7%) patients had experienced disease recurrence (

p
=
0.16

), while 10 (21.3%) and 5 (11.4%) patients had died in the paclitaxel and docetaxel arm, respectively (

p
=
0.56

). No significant difference could be seen in 5-year DFS or OS among groups (HR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.19–1.81,

p
=
0.35

; HR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.19–1.81,

p
=
0.35

, respectively). Conclusion. In conclusion, both evaluated adjuvant chemotherapy regimens have comparable effectiveness regarding DFS and OS.
Identification of a Four-lncRNA Prognostic Signature for Colon Cancer Based on Genome Instability
Authors: Yun Duo , Yang Zhirong
Published: September 2021

LncRNAs (long noncoding RNAs) are closely associated with genome instability. However, the identification of lncRNAs related to the genome instability and their relationship with the prognosis and clinical signature of cancer remains to be explored. In this paper, we analyzed differential lncRNA expression based on the somatic mutation profiles of colon cancer patients from TCGA database and finally identified 153 lncRNAs that are associated with genome instability in colon cancer. Taking four lncRNAs from these 153, we established a genome-instability-related prognostic signature (GIRlncPSig). By applying the GIRlncPSig, we calculated a risk score for each patient, and using their risk scores, we divided them into low- and high-risk groups. We found that the prognosis between the two risk groups was significantly different, and the results were further verified in different independent patient cohorts. Moreover, we observed that the GIRlncPSig was related to somatic mutation rates in colon cancer, indicating that it may be a potential means of measuring genome instability levels in colon cancer. We also revealed that the GIRlncPSig was correlated with BRAF and DPYD mutation rates and that it may be a potential mutation marker for the BRAF and DPYD gene. In summary, we constructed a genome-instability-related lncRNA prognostic signature (GIRlncPSig), which has a significant effect on prognosis prediction and may allow for the discovery of new colon cancer biomarkers.
Association of Low Molecular Weight Plasma Aminothiols with the Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Kryukov Evgeny Vladimirovich , Ivanov Alexander Vladimirovich , Karpov Vladimir Olegovich , Vasil’evich Alexandrin Valery , Dygai Alexander Mikhaylovich , Kruglova Maria Petrovna , Kostiuchenko Gennady Ivanovich , Kazakov Sergei Petrovich , Kubatiev Aslan Amirkhanovich
Published: September 2021

Objective. Aminothiols (glutathione (GSH), cysteinylglycine (CG)) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), but the possible association of these indicators with the severity of COVID‐19 has not yet been investigated. Methods. The total content (t) and reduced forms (r) of aminothiols were determined in patients with COVID‐19 (n = 59) on admission. Lung injury was characterized by computed tomography (CT) findings in accordance with the CT0‐4 classification. Results. Low tGSH level was associated with the risk of severe COVID‐19 (tGSH ≤ 1.5 μM, mild vs. moderate/severe: risk ratio (RR) = 3.09, p = 0.007) and degree of lung damage (tGSH ≤ 1.8 μM, CT < 2 vs. CT ≥ 2: RR = 2.14, p = 0.0094). The rGSH level showed a negative association with D‐dimer levels (ρ = −0.599, p = 0.014). Low rCG level was also associated with the risk of lung damage (rCG ≤ 1.3 μM, CT < 2 vs. CT ≥ 2: RR = 2.28, p = 0.001). Levels of rCG (ρ = −0.339, p = 0.012) and especially tCG (ρ = −0.551, p = 0.004) were negatively associated with platelet count. In addition, a significant relationship was found between the advanced oxidation protein product level and tGSH in patients with moderate or severe but not in patients with mild COVID‐19. Conclusion. Thus, tGSH and rCG can be seen as potential markers for the risk of severe COVID‐19. GSH appears to be an important factor to oxidative damage prevention as infection progresses. This suggests the potential clinical efficacy of correcting glutathione metabolism as an adjunct therapy for COVID‐19.
A possibilidade do ensino de projeto arquitetônico: depoimento de Daniele Vitale
Authors: Kotchetkoff Júlia Coelho , Lancha Joubert José
Published: September 2021

No contexto de um exame da situação do ensino na escola, é convidado um avaliador externo, internacional, para conceder observações desde um ponto de vista mais amplo. Aproveitando a questão em pauta, debatida inclusive em palestra conferida pelo arquiteto, e a ampla experiência deste profissional, elaborou-se uma série de perguntas para Daniele Vitale, acerca de suas considerações sobre a possibilidade de se ensinar projeto de arquitetura. Ao responder, o arquiteto compartilha um pouco de suas experiências pessoais, enquanto docente e enquanto aluno. O fato de um de seus principais mestres ter sido o próprio Aldo Rossi confere amplo interesse ao que discorre, e permite um contato mais próximo com o pensamento deste grande ícone da arquitetura.
Virtualidade e materialidade: ponderações sobre os procedimentos de projeto estruturados por novas tecnologias de informação
Authors: Anelli Renato Luiz Sobral
Published: September 2021

O artigo propõe refletir sobre o papel do desenho no ensino e aprendizado do projeto de arquitetura hoje, considerando a presença crescente dessas tecnologias digitais (TI) e seu conflito com a materialidade da construção. Inicialmente é apresentada uma reflexão da atividade do autor como professor de projeto em um estúdio de terceiro ano, meio do curso de graduação em arquitetura do IAU USP. A segunda parte do artigo é dedicada à análise de algumas produções de formas complexas, na arquitetura e nas artes, realizadas na metade do século XX, que contribuem para a reflexão proposta.
Desenho: espaço de diálogo
Authors: Andrade Vinicius Hernandes de
Published: September 2021

A discussão aqui apresentada refere-se ao trabalho do escritório de qual sou cofundador, em sociedade com Marcelo Morettin. Atualmente somos uma equipe que conta com os dois sócios, dois associados e mais oito arquitetos. Considera-se fundamental ressaltar este aspecto porque neste artigo se tratara de expor o processo de trabalho que se tem desenvolvido na prática profissional do cotidiano do escritório e este processo tem se caracterizado por ser bastante coletivo, contando com a participação de todos os membros da equipe, desde o início de cada trabalho, sempre mediado pelo desenho. Da concepção até seu posterior desenvolvimento.
Three new species of Myrcia sect. Myrcia (Myrtaceae) from South America
Authors: DOS SANTOS LEIDIANA LIMA , VASCONCELOS THAÍS NOGALES DA COSTA , SALES MARGARETH FERREIRA DE , LUCAS EVE
Published: September 2021

Three new species of Myrcia are described, illustrated and discussed. Myrcia rionegrensis from the Brazilian Amazon is related to M. clusiifolia from which it differs in having leaves with acute apex and ribbed fruits (vs. rounded apex and smooth fruits in M. clusiifolia); Myrcia microcalyx is similar to Myrcia scytophylla but differs in having pubescent staminal ring and ellipsoid fruits (vs. glabrous staminal ring and globose fruits in M. scytophylla) and Myrcia peruviana is related to M. riverae, but differs in having smaller leaves and flower buds and ellipsoid fruits (vs. globose in M. riverae).
Validation of the calcareous dinophyte Wallidinellum (Peridiniales), with notes on the status of fossils in the Code
Authors: BAUER WOLFGANG , GOTTSCHLING MARC , KEUPP HELMUT , KUSBER WOLF-HENNING , MERTENS KENNETH N.
Published: September 2021

N/A
Dynamics and Traffic for Transfecting Exogenous MicroRNA as Studied by Live-Cell Microscopy
Authors: Yang Ke , Wang Yuanyuan , Sun Bo , Tian Tian , Dai Zhu , Xiao Zhongdang
Published: September 2021

MicroRNA (miRNA) has emerged as an important gene-regulator that shows great potential in gene therapy because of its unique roles in gene-regulation. However, the knowledge on their function and transportation in vivo is still lacking, and there are limited obvious evidences
to define intracellular transportation of miRNA. In this study, the dynamics of exogenous miR-21 transfected into HeLa cells was traced by live-cell microscopy. Their transportation at key time points was recorded and dynamic properties were analyzed by single particle tracking (SPT) and mean
square displacement (MSD) calculation. Results showed that the exogenous miRNAs bounded to cells quickly and went through lysosome into cytosol, where they were subsequently recruited into p-body. They finally were degraded, otherwise went back to cytosol in some way. Long time observation
and analysis of motion mode showed that the miRNAs were confined in a small region and their motion modes were flexible in different intracellular microenvironment after entering the cells.
Preparation of Targeted Mitochondrion Nanoscale-Release Peptides and Their Efficiency on Eukaryotic Cells
Authors: He Yuan , Quan Zhuoya , Zhang Ruixue , He Beilei , Xu Yun , Chen Zejun , Ren Yuan , Li Ke
Published: September 2021

We established a self-decomposable SiO2 encapsulated mitochondrial targeting short peptide SS31 drug loading system (SiO2@SS31) to determine its nano-sustained release characteristics in eukaryotic cells. We explored the protection of SiO2@SS31 on the
661W cells after oxidative injury by H2O2. After the drug loading, we detected the morphology of SiO2@SS31 by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the drug capacity and encapsulation
efficiency of the nanoparticles. Then, the release curve in vitro was drawn. The 661W cells were cultured in vitro to allow the detection of cytotoxicity by the MTT assay. The SS31loaded nanoscale microspheres labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (SiO2@FITC-SS31) were prepared,
and their sustained release effect was detected with intracellular endocytosis, using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Within 15 days, the SiO2@SS31 nanoparticles were completely decomposed and simultaneously released the SS31 peptide in deionized water and normal saline. Nonetheless,
the process was faster in simulated body fluid and serum. The MTT assay suggested that SiO2@SS31 has sustained protection compared with SS31 in the 661W cells at 48 h. Flow cytometry proved SiO2@FITC-SS31 could maintain a high level and last longer after 24 h. The SS31
peptide, which has excellent medical application prospects, can be slowly and continuously released from self-decomposable SiO2 and targeted to concentrate on mitochondria.
Gender and Criminal Justice Responses to Terrorism in the United States
Authors: Jackson Summer M. , Ratcliff Katie , Gruenewald Jeff
Published: September 2021

Generally, women receive more lenient treatment by the criminal justice system compared to men. Prior research on how gender shaped prosecutorial decision-making and sentencing outcomes has focused on conventional forms of crime, while less is known about how it operates in terrorism-related cases. This is a critical gap in a growing body of research on justice disparities given that women continue to make up a significant portion of terrorism defendants in the U.S. Utilizing data from the American Terrorism Study, we seek to answer how legal and extralegal case attributes of federal terrorism cases vary across gender, how gender shapes federal terrorism case outcomes, and how combinations of relevant case attributes uniquely impact court outcomes for males and females.
Human Papillomavirus–Negative Oropharyngeal Cancer Survival Outcomes Based on Primary Treatment: National Cancer Database Analysis
Authors: Shama Mohamed , Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Dahl Mohammad , Amdur Robert J. , Bates James , Mendenhall William , Hitchcock Kathryn , Festa Bianca M. , Ghanem Tamer , Dziegielewski Peter T.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To compare survival outcomes between primary surgery and primary radiation therapy (RT) in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)–negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Study Design

A retrospective observational cohort study.

Setting

National Cancer Database.

Methods

A National Cancer Database review was conducted of 2635 patients with HPV‐negative OPSCC who underwent surgery or RT ± chemotherapy between 2010 and 2014. Univariate analysis was performed on all variables and entered into a multivariate model. The main outcome was overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 2635 patients with HPV‐negative OPSCC were organized into 4 groups based on cancer staging. In group 1 (T1‐2 N0‐1; n = 774), up‐front surgery had significantly better 5‐year OS (76.2%) than RT (56.8%; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.76; P =. 009; 95% CI, 1.15‐2.69) and chemoradiation therapy (CRT; 69.5%; aHR, 1.56; P =. 019; 95% CI, 1.08‐2.26). In group 2 (T3‐4 N0‐1; n = 327), no significant difference existed between surgery and CRT (5‐year OS, 51.3% vs 52.4%; aHR, 0.96; P =. 88; 95% CI, 0.54‐1.69). In group 3a (T1‐2 N2‐3; n = 807), surgery with adjuvant treatment showed significantly better 5‐year OS than CRT (78.6% vs 68.8%; aHR, 1.51; P =. 027; 95% CI, 1.05‐2.18). In group 3b (T3‐4 N2‐3; n = 737), surgery with adjuvant treatment was not statistically associated with better 5‐year OS as compared with CRT (61.0% vs 43.7%; aHR, 1.53; P =. 06; 95% CI, 0.98‐2.39).

Conclusion

Primary surgery may provide improved survival outcomes in many cases of HPV‐negative OPSCCs. These data should be used in weighing treatment options and may serve as a basis to better delineate treatment algorithms for HPV‐negative disease.
What and How We See Matters: Critical Theories for Anti-Racist Adolescent Research
Authors: Kornbluh Mariah , Rogers Leoandra Onnie , Williams Joanna Lee
Published: September 2021

The second installment of the Special Issue “Critical Approaches to Adolescent Development: Reflections on theories and methods for pursuing anti-racist developmental science” focuses primarily on theory and the theoretical lenses that shape how we “see” adolescents. Such a focus is necessary for moving forward anti-racist adolescent research. Theories serve as starting points, establishing our assumptions about what we know, the place where we move from. We cannot “do” better research if we do not take stock of what we “know” and more critically “how” we know it. The authors in this issue do this with candor, clarity, and intentionality, offering us theoretical frames that identify, name, and destabilize the status quo. They offer us anti-racist lenses and language to (re)define what adolescence and adolescent development is and does—and what it ought to be. They present theories that embed action and activism, that move us—across disciplines, outside of academic spaces, and into spaces that are often silenced and invisible. They shift our vision from objective, white-centric knowledge to multiple ways of knowing. It is our hope that the contributions in this double Special Issue will change how we see and do research with adolescents, and also change us as scholars and humans.
Cost effectiveness of a controlled lifestyle intervention for pregnant women with obesity
Authors: Gyllensten Hanna , Haby Karin , Berg Marie , Premberg Åsa
Published: September 2021

Background

The Mighty Mums antenatal lifestyle intervention is a person-centered behavioral intervention focusing on nutrition and physical activity for pregnant women with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30). The aim of this study was to evaluate the costs and clinical outcomes of adding the Mighty Mums intervention to standard antenatal care.

Methods

Participants in the intervention group (n = 434) received motivational talks with their midwife and a selection of physical and/or nutritional activities in addition to antenatal care. Control participants (n = 867) from adjacent geographic areas received standard antenatal care. Costs for staff, unit costs for specific activities, and registered costs for specialized antenatal care were analyzed for associations with gestational weight gain and self-reported health. Results are reported for the intention-to-treat (ITT) population and a per protocol (PP) population identified by participation in the intervention. Analyses included bootstrapped linear regressions adjusted for background characteristics that differed significantly between groups.

Results

The average costs were SEK 9727 higher (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6677 to 12,777) among participants in the intervention group than in the control ITT population and SEK 8655 (95% CI 4586 to 12,724) higher than in the PP population. The cost increase per 1 kg reduction in gestational weight gain was SEK 12,369 in the ITT population and SEK 7209 for the PP population.

Conclusion

Participation in the Mighty Mums intervention was associated with higher costs, but also reduced gestational weight gain. The cost per kilogram reduction in gestational weight gain was low, particularly in the PP population. A future decision to implement this behavioral intervention in standard care should take into account society’s willingness to pay per unit reduction in gestational weight gain.

Trial registration

The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT03147079.
Extending the straight leg raise test for improved clinical evaluation of sciatica: validity and diagnostic performance with reference to the magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Pesonen Janne , Shacklock Michael , Suomalainen Juha-Sampo , Karttunen Lauri , Mäki Jussi , Airaksinen Olavi , Rade Marinko
Published: September 2021

Background

The straight leg raise test (SLR) is one of the most utilized and studied physical tests in patients with low back pain (LBP) for the detection of lumbar disc herniation (LDH), showing high sensitivity and heterogeneous or low specificity. The high incidence of asymptomatic ‘pathologic’ findings in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may cause verification bias to these results. We studied an extended SLR (ESLR) by adding location-specific structural differentiation movements (hip internal rotation or ankle dorsiflexion) to the traditional SLR for it to better differentiate neural symptoms from musculoskeletal. Previously, the ESLR has shown almost perfect interrater reliability between examiners and ability to detect sciatic patients. In this study, we investigated whether a ’positive’ ESLR finding is associated with pathology seen on MRI.

Methods

Forty subjects comprised the study population, 20 in sciatic group and 20 in control group. The ESLR was performed ‘blinded’ to the subjects. After the ESLR, each subject’s lumbar MRI was evaluated. The MRIs were analyzed independently by 2 senior radiologists and a spine specialist clinician. The ESLR and MRI results were cross-tabulated. To obtain the odds ratio (OR) with positive ESLR or SLR results for LDH or nerve root compression (NC), a binary logistic regression analysis with subjects’ age, gender, height and weight was performed. ESLR’s validity was assessed by combination of interrater agreement and percentage prevalence of both LDH and NC.

Results

Of sciatic (ESLR+) patients, 85 % had LDH and 75 % NC in the MRI. Not surprisingly, MRI showed a very high incidence of ‘false-positive’ findings with the ESLR negative group. The ESLR showed 0.61 sensitivity and 0.75 specificity for LDH and 0.60 sensitivity and 0.67 specificity for NC when using MRI as a reference standard. A positive result in the ESLR was found to be strongly associated with for both LDH and NC: the OR was 8.0 (p = 0.028) and 5.6 (p = 0.041), respectively.

Conclusions

The ESLR shows high validity in detecting neural symptoms and is strongly associated with pathology seen in the MRI when judged positive. We suggest the use of ESLR in clinical practice as a part of clinical examination, where it may prove to be a valuable tool in detecting patients with sciatic symptoms.
Determinants of the need for respite according to the characteristics of informal carers of elderly people at home: results from the 2015 French national survey
Authors: GUETS Wilfried , PERRIER Lionel
Published: September 2021

Background

The demographic and social changes associated with population aging and the increasing incidence of chronic diseases underscore the importance of the role of informal carers. The number of informal carers is increasing and negative consequences associated with providing care, such as burnout, are known. However the influence of socioeconomic and psychological factors on the need for respite have not been well characterized to date. Informal care represents an essential component of health care systems and long-term care. The purpose of this study was to shed light on how the characteristics of informal carers affect the need for respite.

Methods

We used data from a nationally representative survey, Capacités Aides et Resources des Seniors (CARE - ménage), collected in 2015 by the National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) and the Directorate for Research, Studies, Assessment and Statistics (DREES). The determinants of the need for respite among the characteristics of informal caregivers were explored using a probit model. To handle missing data, sensitivity analyses were performed using multiple imputations.

Results

Our study included N = 4033 dyads of informal carers and care recipients. The mean age was 61 for carers. The majority of carers were female, married, the child of the care recipient. Almost 27% reported a need for respite. A worse health status, feeling of loneliness, having a lack of time for oneself and needing to provide more than 30 h of care per month very significantly increased the need for respite irrespective of whether or not the carer lived with the care recipient (p < 0.01). Providing care to other persons was likely to induce a greater need for respite (p < 0.01). Cohabitation of the informal carer and the care recipient was likely to increase the need for respite (p < 0.05). Conversely, however, being closely acquainted with the care recipient showed a reduced need for respite in comparison with that of carers who are married to their care recipient (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings provide useful information for policymakers, physicians and other health professionals for reducing carers’ risk of exhaustion and burnout and for referring carers to the relevant service, e.g. psychological intervention, respite care support, training support and education support.
Provision of pharmaceutical care to suspected high-risk COVID-19 patients through telehealth: a nationwide simulated patient study
Authors: Itani Rania , Khojah Hani M J , Jaffal Fatima , Rahme Deema , Karout Lina , Karout Samar
Published: September 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has overburdened the healthcare facilities, which demanded the use of alternative and effective methods for delivering healthcare services. The use of telehealth has become a necessity to provide initial health services.

Objective

To identify the pharmaceutical care provided by community pharmacists to suspected high-risk COVID-19 patients using telehealth.

Methods

A simulated patient (SP) phoned 100 randomly-selected community pharmacies throughout Lebanon using a standard scenario of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus with typical symptoms of COVID-19. Pharmacists’ responses were compared with pre-defined ideal recommendations using a special form.

Results

The mean of the retrieved medical information score obtained by the pharmacists was 2.48 ± 2.79 (out of 21), with 34 % of the participants not retrieving any relevant medical data from the SP. The relative patient information, the exposure to COVID-19, and the possible COVID-19 symptoms were not retrieved by 61 %, 70 %, and 41 % of the pharmacists, respectively. Two percent of the pharmacists assured that the SP’s symptoms were related to common cold, while 5 % confirmed that the SP is infected with COVID-19. Notably, 35 % of the pharmacists did not offer any recommendation. Among them, 14 % claimed that they were too busy to respond. Only 39 % of the pharmacists provided an appropriate recommendation by referring the SP to her physician to seek medical attention within 24 h since the SP is a high-risk patient, and 41 % recommended doing a PCR test. Antipyretics, antibiotics, and dietary supplements were recommended by 27 %, 7 %, and 16 % of the pharmacists, respectively. Less than 16 % of the pharmacists recommended using protective measures against COVID-19. In addition, the overall communication skills of the pharmacists were generally below expectations.

Conclusions

This study is the first to assess the quality of pharmaceutical care provided by community pharmacists in the Middle East via Telehealth. An unsatisfactory level of preparedness through means of telehealth technology was evident. This resulted in the quality of pharmaceutical-care services provided to high-risk patients via telehealth to be below expectations. Therefore, health authorities should encourage community pharmacists to effectively adopt telehealth, by providing appropriate training, as well as recognizing their extra efforts with financial compensations, aiming to optimize patients’ health outcomes.