Showing papers by "Universidade de Pernambuco published in 2020"

Headache associated with COVID-19: Frequency, characteristics and association with anosmia and ageusia.

Abstract: ObjectivesTo assess the frequency and characteristics of headache in patients with COVID-19 and whether there is an association between headache and anosmia and ageusia.MethodsThis was a cross-sect...

Moving More and Sitting Less as Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors are Protective Factors for Insomnia, Depression, and Anxiety Among Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: Purpose This study aimed to investigate associations of physical activity time (PAT) and sitting time (ST) independently and jointly with insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents in the context of COVID-19. Methods A cross-sectional study including 965 adolescents (mean age = 15.26, SD = 0.46) was conducted in May 2020. PAT, ST and the symptoms of insomnia, depression and anxiety were assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, the Youth Self-Rating Insomnia Scales, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale via an online survey platform. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between COVID-19-related fear, PAT, ST and combinations of PAT and ST with insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results COVID-19-related fear was associated with higher odds of insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms. PAT was associated with lower odds of insomnia and depressive symptoms, while ST was associated with higher odds of these three symptoms. After combining PAT and ST, the group with both low PAT and high ST was set as the referent. For insomnia, groups with low ST reported significantly lower odds of symptoms. For depression, groups with high PAT and/or low ST reported lower odds of symptoms. Regarding anxiety, only the group with both high PAT and low ST reported lower odds of symptoms. Generally, group with both high PAT and low ST reported lower odds of the three symptoms than the referent. Conclusion COVID-19-related fear was a risk factor for developing insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents. Fortunately, moving more and sitting less were good for sleep and mental health in Chinese adolescents during the pandemic. Educators should help adolescents to be more physically active in their daily life in the primary prevention of adolescent insomnia, depression and anxiety.

Endocrine Dysfunction in Children with Zika-Related Microcephaly Who Were Born during the 2015 Epidemic in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil.

Abstract: Congenital viral infections and the occurrence of septo-optic dysplasia, which is a combination of optic nerve hypoplasia, abnormal formation of structures along the midline of the brain, and pituitary hypofunction, support the biological plausibility of endocrine dysfunction in Zika-related microcephaly. In this case series we ascertained the presence and describe endocrine dysfunction in 30 children with severe Zika-related microcephaly from the MERG Pediatric Cohort, referred for endocrinological evaluation between February and August 2019. Of the 30 children, 97% had severe microcephaly. The average age at the endocrinological consultation was 41 months and 53% were female. The most frequently observed endocrine dysfunctions comprised short stature, hypothyroidism, obesity and variants early puberty. These dysfunctions occurred alone 57% or in combination 43%. We found optic nerve hypoplasia (6/21) and corpus callosum hypoplasia (20/21). Seizure crises were reported in 86% of the children. The most common—and clinically important—endocrine dysfunctions were pubertal dysfunctions, thyroid disease, growth impairment, and obesity. These dysfunctions require careful monitoring and signal the need for endocrinological evaluation in children with Zika-related microcephaly, in order to make early diagnoses and implement appropriate treatment when necessary.

Depression is Associated with Moderate-Intensity Physical Activity Among College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Differs by Activity Level, Gender and Gender Role.

Abstract: Purpose The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and associated restrictive measures have implications for depressive symptoms (henceforth depression) of young people and risk may be associated with their reduced physical activity (PA) level. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between depressive symptoms and PA among college students with different gender and gender role (masculinity traits and femininity traits) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants and methods Cross-sectional study included 628 healthy college students from nineteen different locations. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scales (CES-D), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and the 50-item Chinese Sex-Role Inventory (CSRI-50) were used to measure depressive symptoms, PA continuous (weekly metabolic equivalent minutes, MET-minutes/week) and categorical indicators (activity level category) and gender role, respectively. The statistical analyses were used in partial correlation analysis, t-test, one-way ANOVA, moderation model tests, and linear regression model tests. Results Total of 34.72% participants had clinically relevant depression (16, CES-D scale). Total of 58.6% participants were classified as a "low" activity level for spending less time on PA. Depression significantly negatively correlated with MET-minutes/week in moderate-intensity PA but not vigorous and walking scores. Of note, the depression-PA association was only moderated by the "low" activity level group in terms of categorical scores across gender groups. Participants with higher masculinity traits were less likely to have depression among all participants. Moreover, more recovered cases and fewer deaths could also predict the lower depression risk in the "high" activity level group. Conclusion Moderate-intensity PA is beneficial for reducing depression risk among college students at a low activity level. College students with fewer masculinity traits (regardless of gender) are highly vulnerable to depression during the outbreak of COVID-19. Effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic seems critical to alleviating the burden of mental disorders of the public including depression.

Persistent Headache and Persistent Anosmia Associated With COVID-19.

Abstract: Respiratory symptoms are the predominant symptoms in COVID‐19. However, 6.5 to 71% of patients with this disease have headaches (in most studies, between 11 and 14%).1 Despite this, little is known about the characteristics of this headache, its repercussions, or its temporal evolution.1 We describe here a case of persistent headache associated with COVID‐19.

Heg.IA: An intelligent system to support diagnosis of Covid-19 based on blood tests

Abstract: A new kind of coronavirus, the SARS-Cov2, started the biggest pandemic of the century. It has already killed more than 250,000 people. Because of this, it is necessary quick and precise diagnosis test. The current gold standard is the RT-PCR with DNA sequencing and identification, but its results takes too long to be available. Tests base on IgM/IgG antibodies have been used, but their sensitivity and specificity may be very low. Many studies have been demonstrating the Covid-19 impact in hematological parameters. This work proposes an intelligent system to support Covid-19 diagnosis based on blood testing. We tested several machine learning methods, and we achieved high classification performance: 95.159% ± 0.693 of overall accuracy, kappa index of 0.903 ± 0.014, sensitivity of 0.968 ± 0.007, precision of 0.938 ± 0.010 and specificity of 0.936 ± 0.011. These results were achieved using classical and low computational cost classifiers, with Bayes Network being the best of them. In addition, only 24 blood tests were needed. This points to the possibility of a new rapid test with low cost. The desktop version of the system is fully functional and available for free use.

Vascular effects of isometric handgrip training in hypertensives.

Abstract: The isometric handgrip training (IHT) has been emerging as an alternative approach for blood pressure (BP) reduction in hypertensive patients. However, the mechanisms underlying the reductions in B...

Shaping ability of XP-endo Shaper and ProTaper Next in long oval-shaped canals: a micro-computed tomography study.

Abstract: Aim To evaluate the shaping ability of the single-file XP-endo Shaper system (XP-S; FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) employing a different working time and of the multiple-file ProTaper Next system (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) technology. Methodology Twenty long oval-shaped canals in mandibular incisors were matched anatomically and scanned by micro-CT (Skyscan 1172; Bruker micro-CT, Kontich, Belgium). The canals were divided into two groups (n = 10) according to the canal preparation protocol: XP-endo Shaper (XP-S) with an extra 45 s of instrumentation and ProTaper Next (PTN X4). The images recorded before and after preparation were evaluated for morphometric measures of volume, surface area, structure model index and untouched walls. The data were compared statistically (Student's t-test for homogenous variances and Mann-Whitney test) between the two groups (XP-S and PTN X4) at α = 5%. Results Root canal preparation significantly increased all parameters (volume, surface area, structure model index and untouched walls) tested in each group (P 0.05) in the percentage increase of volume (107.50%-93.13%), surface area (27.74%-29.68%) or untouched canal wall (13.08%-11.74%) between XP-S and PTN X4, respectively. Conclusions The XP-endo Shaper system (single-file) with an extra 45 s of instrumentation and the ProTaper Next system (multiple files) had a similar root canal shaping ability. Neither technique was able to fully prepare the long oval-shaped canals of mandibular incisors.

Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis and Atherosclerotic Calcification.

Abstract: This review summarizes the pathophysiology of calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) and surveys relevant clinical data and basic research that explain how CAVS arises. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), oxidized phospholipids (OxPL), autotaxin, and genetic driving forces such as mutations in LPA gene and NOTCH gene seem to play a major role in the development of CAVS. These factors might well become targets of medical therapy in the coming years. CVAS seems to be a multifactorial disease that has much in common with coronary artery disease, mainly regarding lipidic accumulation and calcium deposition. No clinical trials conducted to date have managed to answer the key question of whether Lp(a) lowering and anti-calcific therapies confer a benefit in terms of reducing incidence or progression of CAVS, although additional outcome trials are ongoing.

Reciproc and Reciproc Blue in the removal of bioceramic and resin-based sealers in retreatment procedures.

Abstract: To compare the remaining root canal filling material, dentin removal, apical transportation, and apical extrusion of debris after the retreatment of canals filled with bioceramic or resin-based sealers using the Reciproc or Reciproc Blue instruments. Sixty mandibular molars with severely curved mesial roots were selected. The samples were initially instrumented with Reciproc (R25) and then divided into four experimental groups according to the endodontic sealer and retreatment instrument (n = 15): BC Sealer/Reciproc (BCRC), BC Sealer/Reciproc Blue (BCRB), AH Plus/Reciproc (AHRC), and AH Plus/Reciproc Blue (AHRB). The procedure time was measured, and an Eppendorf tube was used in each root canal to store the debris extrusion. The samples were scanned by micro-CT before and after retreatment. The apical transportation, volume of dentin, and filling material were evaluated. There were no significant differences in the reduction of the volume of obturator material or dentin removal between groups (p > .05). There were also no differences in the amount of extruded material or apical transportation (p > .05). The retreatment time for the AHRC group was significantly lower than that for the other groups (p = .004). All tested instruments obtained similar efficacy in filling material removal procedures, although no system completely removed the filling material. Retreatment of canals filled with bioceramic BC Sealer may be more time consuming. This study reported that Reciproc and Reciproc Blue can be indicated in retreatment of severely curved root canals filled either with bioceramic or resin-based sealers.

Simplified binary cat swarm optimization

Abstract: Inspired by the biological behavior of domestic cats, the Cat Swarm Optimization (CSO) is a metaheuristic which has been successfully applied to solve several optimization problems. For binary problems, the Boolean Binary Cat Swarm Optimization (BBCSO) presents consistent performance and differentiates itself from most of the other algorithms by not considering the agents as continuous vectors using transfer and discretization functions. In this paper, we present a simplified version of the BBCSO. This new version, named Simplified Binary CSO (SBCSO) which features a new position update rule for the tracing mode, demonstrates improved performance, and reduced computational cost when compared to previous CSO versions, including the BBCSO. Furthermore, the results of the experiments indicate that SBCSO can outperform other well-known algorithms such as the Improved Binary Fish School Search (IBFSS), the Binary Artificial Bee Colony (BABC), the Binary Genetic Algorithm (BGA), and the Modified Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (MBPSO) in several instances of the One Max, 0/1 Knapsack, Multiple 0/1 Knapsack, SubsetSum problem besides Feature Selection problems for eight datasets.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Neuroplasticity and Brain Function: A Systematic Review in Human and Animal Studies.

Abstract: Background Physical exercise (PE) has been associated with increase neuroplasticity, neurotrophic factors, and improvements in brain function. Objective To evaluate the effects of different PE protocols on neuroplasticity components and brain function in a human and animal model. Methods We conducted a systematic review process from November 2019 to January 2020 of the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, LILACS, and Scopus. A keyword combination referring to PE and neuroplasticity was included as part of a more thorough search process. From an initial number of 20,782 original articles, after reading the titles and abstracts, twenty-one original articles were included. Two investigators evaluated the abstract, the data of the study, the design, the sample size, the participant characteristics, and the PE protocol. Results PE increases neuroplasticity via neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF, and NGF) and receptor (TrkB and P75NTR) production providing improvements in neuroplasticity, and cognitive function (learning and memory) in human and animal models. Conclusion PE was effective for increasing the production of neurotrophic factors, cell growth, and proliferation, as well as for improving brain functionality.

Early epilepsy in children with Zika-related microcephaly in a cohort in Recife, Brazil: Characteristics, electroencephalographic findings, and treatment response.

Abstract: Objective To estimate the incidence of epilepsy in children with Zika-related microcephaly in the first 24 months of life; to characterize the associated clinical and electrographic findings; and to summarize the treatment responses. Methods We followed a cohort of children, born during the 2015-2016 Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in Brazil, with congenital microcephaly and evidence of congenital ZIKV infection on neuroimaging and/or laboratory testing. Neurological assessments were performed at ≤3, 6, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 months of life. Serial electroencephalograms were performed over the first 24 months. Results We evaluated 91 children, of whom 48 were female. In this study sample, the cumulative incidence of epilepsy was 71.4% in the first 24 months, and the main type of seizure was infantile spasms (83.1%). The highest incidence of seizures occurred between 3 and 9 months of age, and the risk remained high until 15 months of age. The incidence of infantile spasms peaked between 4 and 7 months and was followed by an increased incidence of focal epilepsy cases after 12 months of age. Neuroimaging results were available for all children, and 100% were abnormal. Cortical abnormalities were identified in 78.4% of the 74 children evaluated by computed tomography and 100% of the 53 children evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Overall, only 46.1% of the 65 children with epilepsy responded to treatment. The most commonly used medication was sodium valproate with or without benzodiazepines, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, and vigabatrin. Significance Zika-related microcephaly was associated with high risk of early epilepsy. Seizures typically began after the third month of life, usually as infantile spasms, with atypical electroencephalographic abnormalities. The seizure control rate was low. The onset of seizures in the second year was less frequent and, when it occurred, presented as focal epilepsy.

IKONOS: An intelligent tool to support diagnosis of Covid-19 by texture analysis of x-ray images

Abstract: In late 2019, the SARS-Cov-2 spread worldwide. The virus has high rates of proliferation and causes severe respiratory symptoms, such as pneumonia. There is still no specific treatment and diagnosis for the disease. The standard diagnostic method for pneumonia is chest X-ray image. There are many advantages to using Covid-19 diagnostic X-rays: low cost, fast and widely available. We propose an intelligent system to support diagnosis by X-ray images. We tested Haralick and Zernike moments for feature extraction. Experiments with classic classifiers were done. Support vector machines stood out, reaching an average accuracy of 89.78%, average recall and sensitivity of 0.8979, and average precision and specificity of 0.8985 and 0.9963 respectively. The system is able to differentiate Covid-19 from viral and bacterial pneumonia, with low computational cost.

IKONOS: an intelligent tool to support diagnosis of COVID-19 by texture analysis of X-ray images

Abstract: In late 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread worldwide. The virus has high rates of proliferation and causes severe respiratory symptoms, such as pneumonia. The standard diagnostic method for pneumonia is chest X-ray image. There are many advantages to using COVID-19 diagnostic X-rays: low cost, fast, and widely available. We propose an intelligent system to support diagnosis by X-ray images. We tested Haralick and Zernike moments for feature extraction. Experiments with classic classifiers were done. Support vector machines stood out, reaching an average accuracy of 89.78%, average sensitivity of 0.8979, and average precision and specificity of 0.8985 and 0.9963, respectively. Using features based on textures and shapes combined with classical classifiers, the developed system was able to differentiate COVID-19 from viral and bacterial pneumonia with low computational cost.

Spirulina platensis prevents oxidative stress and inflammation promoted by strength training in rats: dose-response relation study.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Spirulina Platensis supplementation on selected blood markers of oxidative stress, muscle damage, inflammation, and performance in trained rats. Rats (250 g - 300 g) were submitted to a strength training program (eight weeks), divided into four groups: control (GT) (trained without supplementation), trained with daily-supplementation of 50 mg/kg (GT50), 150 mg/kg (GT150) and 500 mg/kg (GT500). Training consisted of a jump protocol in PVC-cylinder containing water, with increasing load over experimental weeks. We evaluated the markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde - MDA and antioxidant capacity) and inflammation (C-reactive protein) at the end of the training. Among groups submitted to strength training, concentration of C-reactive protein decreased after 8 weeks of intervention in the trained group and GT500. Strength training enhanced plasma MDA concentration of malondialdehyde with supplementation of S. platensis in GT150 and GT500. In plasma analysis, strength training enhanced the percentage of oxidation inhibition, with spirulina supplementation in rates of 150 and 500 mg/kg. Spirulina supplementation for 8 weeks (in a dose-effect manner) improved antioxidant capacity as well as attenuated exercise-induced increases in ROS and inflammation. As a practical application, the use as high doses did not cause a reduction in positive physiological adaptations to exercise training. Additional studies are necessary to test the application of Spirulina Platensis in other contexts, as collective sports (basketball, football, soccer).

Segundo repertório bibliográfico dos estudos em língua portuguesa dedicados a Plotino e ao Neoplatonismo da Antiguidade Tardia

Abstract: Este artigo constitui a segunda lista completa das referencias bibliograficas lusofonas sobre as filosofias neoplatonicas da Antiguidade tardia; da continuidade ao primeiro repertorio publicado em 2010 e cataloga os trabalhos (livros, artigos, teses e dissertacoes) publicados desde entao e e acompanhado de quatro indices: um de autores contemporâneos, um de tradutores, um de autores antigos e um de assuntos.

Follow-up of skin lesions during the evolution of COVID-19: a case report.

Abstract: The disease caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has many systemic manifestations affecting the upper airways, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and inducing hematological repercussions. With the evolution of the pandemic, skin lesions were observed. However, there is little information about the evolution of the lesions at this moment. The authors report a case of a patient who had more than one exposure to the coronavirus during the evolution of the disease and manifested different types of edematous lesions. The lesions started in the prodromal period and changed their presentation and localization during the evolution of COVID-19. The lesions regressed quickly with the use of corticoid cream and antihistamine. Viral skin lesions are frequent causes of exanthema. However, viral etiology is not always investigated in acute urticarial and atypical erythematous-edematous conditions. The immunological basis of acute urticaria has points in common with COVID-19, justifying the appearance of lesions. Investigation of viral etiology should always be remembered in acute urticarial and edematous conditions.

Comparative Genomics of Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Strains From Brazil Reveals Polyclonal Dissemination and Selective Exchange of Mobile Genetic Elements Associated With Resistance Genes.

Abstract: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen infecting immunocompromised patients and has gained attention worldwide due to its increased antimicrobial resistance. Here, we report a comparative whole-genome sequencing and analysis coupled with an assessment of antibiotic resistance of 46 Acinetobacter strains (45 A. baumannii plus one Acinetobacter nosocomialis) originated from five hospitals from the city of Recife, Brazil, between 2010 and 2014. An average of 3,809 genes were identified per genome, although only 2,006 genes were single copy orthologs or core genes conserved across all sequenced strains, with an average of 42 new genes found per strain. We evaluated genetic distance through a phylogenetic analysis and MLST as well as the presence of antibiotic resistance genes, virulence markers and mobile genetic elements (MGE). The phylogenetic analysis recovered distinct monophyletic A. baumannii groups corresponding to five known (ST1, ST15, ST25, ST79, and ST113) and one novel ST (ST881, related to ST1). A large number of ST specific genes were found, with the ST79 strains having the largest number of genes in common that were missing from the other STs. Multiple genes associated with resistance to β-lactams, aminoglycosides and other antibiotics were found. Some of those were clearly mapped to defined MGEs and an analysis of those revealed known elements as well as a novel Tn7-Tn3 transposon with a clear ST specific distribution. An association of selected resistance/virulence markers with specific STs was indeed observed, as well as the recent spread of the OXA-253 carbapenemase encoding gene. Virulence genes associated with the synthesis of the capsular antigens were noticeably more variable in the ST113 and ST79 strains. Indeed, several resistance and virulence genes were common to the ST79 and ST113 strains only, despite a greater genetic distance between them, suggesting common means of genetic exchange. Our comparative analysis reveals the spread of multiple STs and the genomic plasticity of A. baumannii from different hospitals in a single metropolitan area. It also highlights differences in the spread of resistance markers and other MGEs between the investigated STs, impacting on the monitoring and treatment of Acinetobacter in the ongoing and future outbreaks.

Living with HIV: coping strategies of seropositive older adults.

Abstract: Objective: To identify HIV coping strategies among HIV-positive older adults. Method: An exploratory-descriptive study with a qualitative approach conducted with HIV-positive older adults in two HIV Specialized Care Services and using the Theory of Social Representations as a theoretical framework. A semi-structured interview technique was used, which was analyzed by the lexical analysis method using the IRAMUTEQ software program. Results: Forty-eight (48) older adults participated in the study. The HIV coping strategies adopted by HIV-positive older adults are to cling to religiosity and spirituality, to adhere to treatment, to have institutional support from health professionals and support from social networks, especially family and friends, and to choose to maintain confidentiality of the diagnosis. Conclusion: HIV coping strategies, among other things, are configured for seropositive older adults as sources of empowerment, hope, possibility of life and acceptance.