bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial water quality of public swimming pool in the district of Bragança
Authors: Pires Bruno , Afonso Andrea , Gonçalves Cátia , Vieira Joana , Afonso Eugénia , Nogueira António , Teixeira Cristina 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
The poor water quality of recreational and rehabilitation pools, has been correlated to insufficient disinfection or human contamination, and can be a vehicle for transmitting diseases to users. Because people with different characteristics attend public swimming pools with different purposes, the pool water quality control is essential to minimize hazards related to unsafe water.

Methods
This study was based on data collection of 144 samples between 2018 and 2020 in therapeutic and recreational pools (indoor and outdoor) in the Bragança district. The proportion of the number of bathers were estimated, as well as the microbial parameters: Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, total Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus coagulase-positive and mesophilic microbial count.

Results
The E. coli, enterococci and mesophilic microbial count were not found in any sample. Unsafe pool water was mainly contaminated by both photogenic P. aeruginosa (6.3%) and total Sthaphylococcus (10.4%). Levels of P. aeruginosa in therapeutic pools was greater than in recreational pools (indoor and outdoor) (10.5% vs 6.8% and 4.5%, respectively), while total Sthaphylococcus was absent in therapeutic pools and represent 13.6% and 10.6% of positivity in indoor and outdoor swimming pools, respectively. The bathers number medium of therapeutic, indoor and outdoor pools was 4.8, 3.4 and 6.9, respectively.

Conclusions
Overall, the results endorse the good water quality of these swimming pools, mainly by the absent of faecally-derived bacteria. The presence of P. aeruginosa in therapeutic pools can be explained by the type of users, while the high number of bathers may promote the growth of some microorganisms, particularly in outdoor pools.
Vaccine refusal/hesitancy—the ethical point of view
Authors: Gentil João 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
In 2019, WHO classified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health. Vaccination is an area of excellence in nursing that has gained a new focus and has become a challenge in the provision of care and in the management field. Vaccine hesitation raises questions about mandatory vaccination, individual versus collective freedom that are highlighted in the current context due to the emergence of new vaccines. In this paper, we want to analyze and update knowledge about vaccines hesitancy from an ethical and bioethical perspective.

Methods
A combination of literature reviews on vaccine refusal/hesitancy, ethics and COVID-19 vaccine confidence, accessed on SciELO and PubMed databases and analysis of documents from General Directorate of Health and Ordem dos Enfermeiros (National Nurses Association).

Results
Vaccination programs aim is a collective protection. The desirable effects at individual level do not have the same ethical value at collective level, leading to cost-benefit imbalances. Moral conflicts between the individual and the collective, cost-benefit imbalances and the insufficiency of bioethics principles, lead us to the use of other moral values and principles, such as responsibility, solidarity and social justice, as a tool for ethical reflection problems related to COVID-19 vaccines.

Conclusions
There are no perfect solutions to ethical dilemmas and some optimal solutions could depend the context. In a pandemic situation, one of the most relevant ethical issues is the herd immunity since it leaves public health at risk. Equity and the principle of justice in vaccination campaign are shown daily in the nursing profession.
Influence of middle ear alterations on children's balance
Authors: Ferreira Joana , Silva Carla Matos , Araújo Inês 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Postural instability is a possible symptom in children with otitis media, which often occurs in this population. The child with balance disorders usually has intolerance to sudden movements, difficulties in moving in the dark, nausea, vomiting and numerous fall events. To verify whether changes in the middle ear can influence the balance postural in children from 3 to 5 years.

Methods
The sample consisted of 31 children of both sexes, aged between 3 and 5 years. To collect data, a tympanogram was used to analyze the integrity of the tympanic membrane and the Modifid Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (MCTSIB), with four different sensory conditions, to assess static postural balance.

Results
Regarding the tympanogram, it was verified that the majority of the sample showed no changes, 45.2% of which were type A and 32.3% of type C1. Regarding the type B and C2 tympanogram, it was found that 12.9% of the sample had type B tympanogram and 9.7% type C2. When comparing these values with the MCTSIB results, there were no significant differences between the tympanogram with changes (B and C2) and the tympanogram without changes (A and C1), regarding the child's balance performance.

Conclusions
In this study, it was concluded that the alterations of the middle ear, proved through the tympanogram, did not influence the postural balance. However, it was found that the unilateral changes reported by the tympanogram, suggest higher values of postural oscillation, compared to bilateral changes.
Differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells through the natural matrix to neurospheres for cholinergic-like cells
Authors: Stricker P E F , Souza D , Irioda A C , Franco C R C , Leite J R S A , Araújo A R , Borges F A , Herculano R D , Graeff C F O , Carvalho K A T 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
In Alzheimer's Disease there is an impairment of the cholinergic system, causing loss of neurons, impairment of intellectual abilities. In this context, the mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and its applications in cell therapies become target of the research, which may contribute to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Through the differentiation potential of MSCs, prospecting functional repair of the injured tissue from cholinergic neuronal cells could be a potential treatment. The aims was to evaluate the possibility of differentiation of MSCs from the human umbilical cord in nestin-positive neural precursor cells (NPCN+) through the NFBX into cholinergic ‘like’ cells.

Methods
The isolation of hMSCs from Wharton's jelly (WJ) was by the explant and mononuclear cells by density gradient. hMSCs were plating in natural matrix as NFBX for neurospheres production. Neural precursor cells were subjected to standard cholinergic differentiation protocol. Dissociated neurospheres, neural precursor cells and cholinergic-like cells were characterized by immunocytochemistry. The RT-PCR was done.

Results
hMSCs were CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, CD34- and CD45- and demonstrated the trilineage differentiation. Neurospheres and their isolated cells were nestin positive, and also expressed NESTIN, MAP2, ßIII-TUBULIN, GFAPgenes. Neural precursor cells that were differentiated in cholinergic-like cells expressed ßIII-TUBULIN protein and choline acetyltransferase enzyme.

Conclusions
hMSCs on the natural matrix were capable of differentiating hMSC into neurospheres, obtaining neural precursor cells without growth factors or gene transfection before cholinergic differentiation.
Consumption of nutritional supplements by gym attendants and health clubs
Authors: Figueiredo Daniel , Balteiro Jorge , Rocha Clara 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Nowadays there has been a greater concern for health and well-being, as well as the constant search for the ‘ideal body’ trend. As a consequence, vitamin, protein and food supplements are more and more frequent in the population's dietary pattern, as compensation for an unbalanced diet and in the fight against intense physical/psychological wear and tear. The main objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of consumption of nutritional supplements by gym goers.

Methods
This is an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, lasting 9 months and with the collection of information through a questionnaire. The statistical treatment of the data was carried out with the aid of the SPSS program.

Results
It was found that the prevalence of consumption is higher in males (58.9%). The most consumed type of vitamin supplement were multivitamins with mineral salts (46.2%) and whey protein (89%) as a protein supplement. The most cited reason for its consumption was ‘accelerating the recovery’ (62.3%). The most common supplementation frequency is daily (54.1%), with the majority of respondents assuming a cost in the consumption of supplements in the range of 10 to 20 €monthly. The main place for its acquisition was the internet (65.6%) and the sources most mentioned by respondents to obtain knowledge about supplements were the internet and the trainer, both with 36.1%.

Conclusions
In Portugal, the prevalence of consumption is still unknown, and it is necessary to make the population aware of the possible risks associated with incorrect supplementation, unbalanced diet and exercise.
SLC26A2 gene expression levels in melanoma
Authors: Assis Diana , De Sousa-Coelho Ana Luísa 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
A recent repurposing pharmacological screening revealed that vanadium-containing drugs anti-proliferative action in ovarian cancer cells was SLC26A2-dependent. SLC26A2/DTDST is a sulfate transporter, related to chondrodysplasia syndromes. Despite some reports on colon cancer, there are no studies on SLC26A2 performed in melanoma in the literature.

Methods
To better understand its potential use as biomarker for therapeutic decisions in melanoma, we performed gene expression analyses of the data available at GEO profiles (NCBI). Gene data sets that allowed analysis of SLC26A2 expression (1) in melanoma; (2) in response to drugs; (3) regulated by other proteins, were selected.

Results
Our results showed that, compared to normal skin or benign nevi, SLC26A2 expression was 2.5-fold higher in malignant melanoma (P = 0.019). Compared to the primary tumor, SLC26A2 expression tripled in melanoma (P = 0.022). We found a 6% decrease of SLC26A2 expression in A375 melanoma cells treated with BRAF inhibitor Vemurafenib (P &lt; 0.001). After treatment of A375 cells with MLN4924, a selective inhibitor of the activating enzyme of Nedd8, SLC26A2 decreased in a time-dependent manner ( &gt; 80% at 24 h; P &lt; 0.001). In Sk-Mel-2 cells overexpressing E2F-1, a transcription factor that induces apoptosis in cancer cells, SLC26A2 levels were reduced by 76.4% (P = 0.067). In A375P cells depleted of PGC1α, an important metabolic co-activator in mitochondrial biogenesis and function, SLC26A2 levels increased 16% (P = 0.013).

Conclusions
From this work, we unveiled, for the first time, potential clues to better understand the regulation and role of SLC26A2 in melanoma. Though, it is still to be determined whether SLC26A2 is a driver or a passenger in the disease.
Patient-centeredness, satisfaction with clinical appointment and adherence to therapeutic among deaf adults and non deaf adults
Authors: Esperança Ana , Pereira Ana Telma , Macedo António 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
The patient-centeredness (PC) is particularly challenging for the deaf population, mainly due to communication barriers. We compared the perception of PC, regarding the last medical appointment, satisfaction with the consult, adherence and health perception among a group of deaf adults and a group of adults from the general population; and analyzed the relation between these variables in adult's deaf group.

Methods
Adults from the general population (n = 1335) and deaf adults (n = 36) from different national associations completed the validated Portuguese version of a self-reported questionnaire (PPCD-16) and answered questions on satisfaction, adherence and health perception. The deaf group subsample watched a video with the translation of the questionnaire to Portuguese Sign Language.

Results
The two subsamples didn’t differ significantly in the PPCD-16 total and dimensional scores; only in 5 items, related to the perception of the consult motive and to the doctor’s concern for the patient, did the deaf group subsample show significantly lower scores. The same was verified for the satisfaction, adherence, and physical and psychological health perceptions. The PPCD-16 total and dimensional scores presented a significant, positive and moderate- high correlation with satisfaction and adherence. Total PPCD-16 and the dimensional score of Empathy were significant predictors of satisfaction and adherence.

Conclusions
There wereńt significant differences between the two groups in the PPCD-16 scores, but deaf participants consider that ‘many times’, they cańt understand and be understood by the physician. These factors may contribute to their lower satisfaction and adherence. More studies will be necessary to show the relevance of Portuguese Sign Language interpreters.
Gynaecological cytology in women under the age of 30—the impact of P16/KI67 dual-staining cytology
Authors: Silva F , Rocha C , Teixeira P , Oliveira R , Martins D , Mendes F , Fernandes G , Cipriano A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
The HPV detection test is not recommended as a primary screening of cervical lesions, before the age of 30, because the high rate of HPV infections with a high rate of spontaneous resolution in this age group. This study aims to evaluate the performance of p16/Ki67 dual staining in detecting high-grade squamous cervical lesions in these women.

Methods
Cervical-vaginal samples from 67 women HPV positives under the age of 30 and cervical biopsies of 41 of these women. Results of p16/Ki67 dual staining, cytology and histology were analysed. In 53 of the women, 159 results of p16/Ki67 dual staining, HPV test and cytology, obtained in 3 follow-up medical visit, were compared.

Results
The p16/ki67 dual staining was positive in 23.9% and negative in 76.1% of all 67 women. All women with high squamous intraepithelial lesion cytology, 39.1% with low squamous intraepithelial lesion cytology, 17.4% with negative for intraepithelial lesion cytology and 10% with atypical squamous cells cytology, were p16/Ki-67 dual staining positives. In the 41 women with histological diagnosis, p16/ki67 dual staining showed a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 96% to detect HSIL. When comparing, the tests differ significantly (P &lt; 0.001), p16/ki67 dual staining was positive in 24% of positive cytology and in 19.5% of positive HPV tests.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that p16/Ki67 dual stain has good sensitivity and specificity to detect HSIL and can be useful on women under the age of 30, avoiding excessive diagnosis and reducing colposcopy referrals. Further studies are required in a large number of women.
The induced dose of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was not determinant and proportional to histopathological findings
Authors: Perussolo Maiara Carolina , Mogharbel Bassam Felipe , de Noronha Lucia , de Carvalho Katherine Athayde Teixeira 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, characterized as an inflammatory demyelinating disease. It presents a diversity of neurologic signs and symptoms as well the incapacities. Since the need for advances in MS treatment, many studies are for new therapeutic technologies, mainly through using preclinical models as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). This study aimed to observe and analyze the development in Lewis rats-induced model of EAE.

Methods
It was used 23 females of Rattus norvegicus, from 6 to 8 weeks, weighing around 170 g. Of 23 rats, 19 underwent EAE induction distributed in six groups to establish the evolution of clinical signs. B. pertussis toxin (PTX) doses were 200, 250, 300, 350–400 ng, and four animals as the control group. The animals had weight and scores analyzed daily, starting seven and ending 24 days after induction. Then, all animals were euthanized, and the brain and spinal cord were collected for histopathological analyses.

Results
The results showed that the dose of 250 ng of PTX induced de higher score and weight reduction. All groups who received the PTX demonstrated histopathological findings. Those characterized as leukocyte infiltration, activation of microglia and astrocytes, and demyelinated plaques in the brain. In the spinal cord, the loosening of the myelinated fibers was observed by increasing the axonal space in all tested doses of PTX.

Conclusions
EAE was not dose-dependent. Histopathological findings do not proportionally related to clinical signs, as in human patients with MS.
Comparative study on the social representations of cancer and breast cancer
Authors: Pocinho Margarida , Matos Fatima , Amaral Ana 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
The symbolic universe of cancer is associated with death, but its treatment has undergone innumerable innovations, which may lead to a new meaning for social representations. The theory of social representations seeks the new, which changes in the knowledge of common sense (Guareschi & Jovchelovitch, 1994). Thus, the objective of this work is to identify the social representations of cancer and breast cancer, identifying their changes and their meanings based on the central nucleus and the peripheral system.

Methods
Qualitative and descriptive study, based on the structural approach of the theory of social representations. The sample was non-probabilistic and due to accessibility. The collection instrument was a Word Evocation Test with two inducing words, ‘cancer’ and ‘breast cancer’. The subjects were asked to mention three words that came to their mind immediately and spontaneously. The SPSS and IRAMUTEQ software were used.

Results
753 subjects participated and 2316 words were evoked for each inducing word. In the central core of cancer the words pain, illness, death, suffering. Central core of breast cancer: treatment, pain, feeling, woman, strength.

Conclusions
The social representation of cancer is still strongly death, while in breast cancer it is the treatment. Suffering and pain are part of the central core of the two words and continue to characterize the disease, but in breast cancer the word strength appears. It is concluded that the social representation of breast cancer is being reframed.
Biomechanical device for quantification of parameters associated with the ‘sit-to-stand’ patients performance
Authors: Oliveira Natacha , Maranha Vitor , Cruz Nuno , Carvalho Filipe , Lains Jorge , Roseiro Luis 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
In Daily Living Activities, the ‘Sit-to-Stand’ movement is essential to carry out several tasks, many of them starting from sitting and needing to get up. This movement stimulates a set of important muscles in the context of physical-motor activity and lower limb rehabilitation procedures. This work presents an interactive biomechanical device, based on two instrumented arms, to monitor the support force and arms angle, necessary to perform the ‘Sit-to-Stand’ movement.

Methods
The prototype incorporates aluminum support and two tubular arms instrumented with eight strain gauges, connected to a NI data board and a PC, allowing the quantification of the force applied during the sit-to-stand performance as well as the angle of the arms. A Labview user interface interacts with the user and the data can be visualized and recorded during the time.

Results
The device has been tested with a group of healthy volunteers, performing a sit-to-stand test protocol from a chair. In all the tests, the force applied, and the hand position have been quantified during the time necessary to perform the task.

Conclusions
The biomechanical device provides the quantification and identification of the harm force and position during the sit-to-stand movement. The system can be used as a force-time/position-time analysis, providing the analysis of recovery in patients who are undergoing physical-motor rehabilitation procedures of the lower limbs, such as post-stroke patients and institutionalized geriatric populations. The device can also allow biofeedback stimuli in rehabilitation activities through a graphical computer interface, such as a game.
Relevance of social and community mediation for health, in processes of reinsertion of people with addictive behaviors and dependencies (ABD)
Authors: Almeida Helena Neves , Carvalho Sara , Barbosa Jorge , Silva Merícia , Rodrigues Emídio , Lino Rui , Proença Cristina , Cunha Celestino , Martelo Sofia , Neto Ana Paula 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
The knowledge of the importance of intervention in the reintegration of people with addictive behaviors and dependencies (ABD), combined with the complexity of the process and the multiplicity of associated factors (SICAD, 2014), has motivated a study developed on social and community mediation, through a interinstitutional collaboration of seven public entities, linking the academy to entities that intervene in the field of health (SICAD, in press). This paper aims to explore and disseminate some of the research results, reflecting on the importance of social intervention in the global health of the citizen.

Methods
This research was carried out according to a mixed case study plan (multi-case and multi-perspective), which involved reinsertion professionals, people with ABD, families and other stakeholders, in a total of 18 cases, 51 interviews and 21 questionnaires. It has a national scope and combines the descriptive component with the analytical and reflective component.

Results
Crossing the mapping of the diagnosed problems with the results and impacts of the developed intervention, which translate into changes perceived by the interviewees in several areas, it is possible to explore axes of the effectiveness of the intervention implemented in the reinsertion process.

Conclusions
The results show a high level of effectiveness (individual, family and community level), which goes beyond the changes in the scope of dependencies and affects the various areas of life of the citizen. The developed intervention generated impacts felt in the health level by the interviewees as positive and allowed to modify the fragile conditions that were identified in the diagnosis.
Marine sponges maintain stable bacterial communities between reef sites with different coral to algae cover ratios
Authors: Campana Sara , Demey Celine , Busch Kathrin , Hentschel Ute , Muyzer Gerard , de Goeij Jasper M 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT
Marine sponges play a major ecological role in recycling resources on coral reef ecosystems. The cycling of resources may largely depend on the stability of the host–microbiome interactions and their susceptibility to altered environmental conditions. Given the current coral to algal phase shift on coral reefs, we investigated whether the sponge-associated bacterial communities of four sponge species, with either high or low microbial abundances (HMA and LMA), remain stable at two reefs sites with different coral to algae cover ratios. Additionally, we assessed the bacterial community composition of two of these sponge species before and after a reciprocal transplantation experiment between the sites. An overall stable bacterial community composition was maintained across the two sites in all sponge species, with a high degree of host-specificity. Furthermore, the core bacterial communities of the sponges remained stable also after a 21-day transplantation period, although a minor shift was observed in less abundant taxa (&lt; 1%). Our findings support the conclusion that host identity and HMA–LMA status are stronger traits in shaping bacterial community composition than habitat. Nevertheless, long-term microbial monitoring of sponges along with benthic biomass and water quality assessments are needed for identifying ecosystem tolerance ranges and tipping points in ongoing coral reef phase shifts.