Morbidity trend and space-time clusters of COVID-19 occurrence in children and adolescents

Abstract Objective: To analyze the morbidity trend and space-time distribution clusters of confirmed COVID-19 cases in children and adolescents. Method: An ecological study of COVID-19 cases confirmed in the Information System from 2020 to 2022 in the age group from 0 to 19 years old, residents in Mato Grosso municipalities, Brazilian Midwest region. A trend analysis of the monthly morbidity rate of cases/100,000 inhabitants was used, following Prais-Winsten's regression. A space-time distribution of the Bayesian incidence rate per 100,000 inhabitants was performed, in addition to a space-time scan to identify high-risk clusters. Results: Of all 79,592 COVID-19 cases studied, 51.6% were in females and 44.21% in people aged 15-19 years old. The mean monthly rate was 265.87 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with a stationary trend in the period analyzed (Monthly Percentage Variation [MPV]) = 12.15; CI95%[MPV]: -0.73;26.70). The morbidity rate due to COVID-19 was higher in the female gender (283.14/ 100,000 inhabitants) and in the age group from 15 to 19 years old (485.90/100,000 inhabitants). An increasing trend was observed with a greater monthly time variation of 14.42% (CI95%[MPV]: 1.28;29.28)] among those aged from 10 to 14 years old. The primary cluster, which was also the one with the highest Relative Risk (RR = 5,16, p-value = 0.001), included 19 municipalities located in the North health macro-region. Conclusion: The findings indicated a monthly stationary trend in the study population, an increase in the age group from 10 to 14 years old, and areas at a higher risk for the disease in the North health macro-region of the state.

Effect of Diffuse Glioma with Precentral Gyrus Invasion on Interhemispheric Brain Activation： A Task-based FMRI Study / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectivesTo explore the effect of diffuse glioma with precentral-gyrus invasion on fMRI activation maps by grasping T-fMRI. MethodsA total of 56 diffuse glioma patients were divided into precentral-gyrus invasion （PGI： n=21） and precentral-gyrus non-invasion （PGNI： n=35） groups. Three statistical thresholds （P value： 10-4， P1； 10-6， P2； 10-8， P3） were set to obtain the activation maps accordingly （V1， V2 and V3）. The interhemispheric and bilateral precentral gyrus activation volumes ratios （IAVR and PAVR） were calculated， respectively. The activation volumes ［△V1=V1-V2； △V2=V2-V3； △Vn （ipsilateral）/△Vn’ （contralateral）， n=1， 2］ within two statistical thresholds and the corresponding interhemispheric ratio was further compared. In addition， the associations of tumor characteristics with IAVR and PAVR were analyzed. ResultsCompared with PGNI， PGI showed significantly decreased IAVR at p1， and the same trends of PAVR in PGI at P1 and P2 （P＜0.05）. However， neither IAVR nor PAVR showed significant differences at P3. PGI showed significantly lower ratios of △V1/△V1’ than PGNI （P=0.02）， except for △V2/△V2’. Additionally， within PGI， PAVR was negatively correlated with tumor volume （P=0.043）， and the distance from the tumor to the hand-knob was positively correlated with the IAVR and PAVR （P＜0.05）. ConclusionDiffuse glioma invading eloquent areas tended to affect interhemispheric asymmetry of activation at relatively lower statistical thresholds than diffuse glioma without invasion， rather than stricter statistical thresholds. Multiple ranges of statistical thresholds were recommended to analyze T-fMRI.

Sífilis infecciosa en la ciudad de Recreo, Departamento La Paz, Provincia de Catamarca, Argentina / Infectious syphilis in Recreo city, Department La Paz, Catamarca Province, Argentina

La sífilis, aun siendo fácil de diagnosticar y tratar, es causa de morbilidad y mortalidad en el mundo y su prevalencia sigue en aumento. Objetivos: Determinar la proporción de infectados con Treponema pallidum según sexo y edad y su relación con factores de riesgo. Métodos: 148 pacientes (47% varones, 53% mujeres, entre 16 y 60 años), pruebas de VDRL y ELISA, registro de datos demográficos, clínicos, conductas de riesgo. Resultados: primera prueba de VDRL en el 78,38% de los participantes. Casos de sífilis confirmados: 10 (6,76%); 70% mujeres, entre ellas 57,4% embarazadas; 70% entre 16 y 24 años de edad; 50% con nivel secundario completo y con VDRL previa; 70% con pareja sexual estable; edad temprana de inicio de actividad sexual (≤ 16); ausencia de uso de preservativo siempre. Conclusión: Se evidencia la necesidad de realizar controles serológicos e implementar un abordaje interdisciplinario en la prevención y tratamiento, principalmente en jóvenes[AU]

Syphilis, even easy to diagnose and treat, is a cause of morbidity and mortality in the world and its prevalence continues to increase. Objectives: To determine the proportion of infected with Treponema pallidum by sex and age and its relationship with risk factors. Methods: 148 patients (47% men, 53% women, between 16 and 60 years old), VDRL and ELISA tests, demographic and clinical data, risk behaviors record. Results: first VDRL test in 78.38% of patients. Syphilis cases: 10 (6.76%): 70% women, including 57.4% pregnant; 70% between 16 and 24 years of age; 50% completed secondary level and with previous VDRL; 70% stable sexual partner; early age of onset of sexual activity (≤ 16); absence of condom use always. Conclusion: it is evident the necessity of perform serological controls and interdisciplinary approach on prevention and treatment, mainly in young people[AU]

Sífilis, embora de fácil diagnóstico e tratamento, é causa de morbidade e mortalidade no mundo e sua prevalência continua aumentando. Objetivos: Determinar a proporção de pessoas infectadas pelo Treponema pallidum segundo sexo e idade e sua relação com fatores de risco. Métodos: 148 pacientes (47% homens, 53% mulheres, entre 16 e 60 anos), testes VDRL e ELISA, registro de dados demográficos e clínicos, comportamentos de risco. Resultados: primeiro teste de VDRL em 78,38% dos participantes. Casos de sífilis confirmados: 10 (6,76%); 70% mulheres, incluindo 57,4% grávidas; 70% entre 16 e 24 anos; 50% com nível médio completo e com VDRL anterior; 70% com parceiro sexual estável; idade precoce de início da atividade sexual (≤ 16); ausência de uso de preservativo sempre. Conclusão: Fica evidente a necessidade de realizar controles sorológicos e implementar uma abordagem interdisciplinar na prevenção e tratamento, principalmente em jovens[AU]

Os perfis de gamers adultos pagantes: uma análise sobre os valores preferidos em jogos / The profiles of paying adult gamers: an analysis of the preferred values in games

Os indivíduos constantemente tomam decisões de consumo, que também impactam na cadeia que participa direta ou indiretamente para a criação daquele produto ou serviço. Assim, compreender melhor os perfis dos consumidores de jogos digitais auxiliam os desenvolvedores locais a produzir jogos que despertem e mantenham o interesse desses gamers, tornando esse, o principal objetivo desta pesquisa. Para tal, utilizou-se a Análise de Clusters, através do método K-means para variáveis categóricas, onde foram encontradas quatro personas. Os grupos com mais idade e com renda mensal de R$ 2.200,01 a R$ 4.400,00 expressou um comportamento prudente em relação aos gastos com jogos (gastaram de 0 a 100 reais, nos últimos 6 meses). Os outros dois grupos restantes, mais jovens, apresentaram características financeiras distintas: o de menor renda mensal (até R$ 1.100,00) não foi o que menos gastou com jogos eletrônicos nos últimos 6 meses (101 a 250 reais). A pesquisa também concluiu que "autonomia para seguir vários caminhos" foi bastante valorizada pelos 4 perfis, nomeados de "jogador retraído", "jogador apaixonado", "jogador nostálgico" e "jogador vontade", refletindo as características principais de cada perfil.

Individuals constantly make consumption decisions, which impact not only the consumer, but also the entire chain that participates directly or indirectly in the creation of that product or service. Thus, there is a need to better understand the profiles of consumers of digital entertainment games, so that local developers can produce games that arouse and maintain the interest of these gamers, making this the main objective of this research. For this, Cluster Analysis was used, through the K-means method for categorical variables, where four personas were found, which were translated by their reference profiles (detailed in D descriptions), and represented a set of similar profiles in the sample space of the respondents, with homogeneous characteristics to this "focal profile". The groups composed of the oldest age group (31 ­ 40 years old) and with a monthly income of BRL 2,200.01 to BRL 4,400.00 expressed a prudent behavior in relation to spending on games (they spent from BRL 0.00 to BRL 100.00 in the last 6 months). The other two remaining groups, formed by the younger age group (21 ­ 30 years), had different financial characteristics: the one with the lowest monthly income (up to BRL 1,100.00) was not the one who spent the least on electronic games in the last 6 months. (BRL 101.00 to BRL 250.00). The survey also concluded that "autonomy to follow several paths" was highly valued by the 4 profiles, named "withdrawn player", "passionate player", "nostalgic player" and "willing player"" to reflect the main characteristics of each profile.

Sickle cell anemia: hierarchical cluster analysis and clinical profile in a cohort in Brazil

Abstract Introduction Sickle cell anemia is a monogenic disorder caused by a mutation in the β-hemoglobin gene, resulting in sickle hemoglobin that can polymerize. Presentation and clinical course have significant inter-individual variability and classifying these patients for severity is a challenge. Methods We applied hierarchical clusters with 10 routine laboratory tests to understand if this grouping could be associated with clinical manifestations. We included 145 adult homozygous patients (SS) at an outpatient clinic in a retrospective study. Results We found five clusters by counting those that had been differentiated by unconjugated bilirubin, reticulocytes, LDH, leukocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes. When comparing groups to clinical findings, the clusters were different only for liver abnormality. Cluster 3 had the lower median of reticulocytes, LDH, leukocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes and a higher percentage of patients under treatment. Clusters 4 and 5 had higher frequencies of liver impairment and higher medians of reticulocytes, LDH, leukocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes. Hemolysis and inflammation seemed to influence the grouping. Conclusion In our study, cluster analysis showed five groups that exhibited different degrees of inflammation and hemolysis. When comparing clinical data, the result was different only for the criteria of liver abnormality.

Simulation calculation of relative biological effectiveness based on DNA double strand break clusters / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To obtain the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of DNA double strand breaks (DSB) clusters by tracing the mechanism of radiated DNA damage, and explore the relationship among the biological effectiveness of DNA damage, chromosomal aberrations and germ cell death.Methods:Taking low-energy electrons, protons, and α particles as the research objects, this study simulated the process that cell nuclei were exposed to particle radiation using a radiation-related physicochemical model. On the ground of the DSB density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm, the DSB cluster classification method was improved to weaken the connection between the DSBs and the random distribution assumptions of energy depositions during the simulation. In this manner, the DSB clusters can be much closer to a non-random distribution. Furthermore, this study obtained the yields of DSB clusters and proposed a method to calculate the RBE values of DSB clusters.Results:The calculated RBE value (12.29) of DSB clusters of 2 MeV α particles was similar to the experimental RBE values of chromosomal fragments (15.3±5.9) and cell survival (14.7±5.1).Conclusions:After high-LET ionizing radiation, unlike the single DSB, the RBE of DSB clusters was similar to that of chromosomal aberration and cell survival.

Risk factor analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma with vessels encapsulating tumor clusters and the application value of its risk scoring model / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) and the application value of its risk scoring model.Methods:The retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 149 patients with HCC who were admitted to two medical centers, including 97 cases in the Jiangnan University Medical Center and 52 cases in the Affiliated Xingtai People′s Hospital of Hebei Medical University, from January 2017 to April 2020 were collected. There were 116 males and 33 females, aged (58±12)years. There were 74 cases with VETC and 75 cases without VETC. Observation indica-tors: (1) clinical characteristics of patients with and without VETC; (2) imaging features of patients with and without VETC; (3) multivariable analysis of HCC patients with VETC; (4) construction of VETC related risk scoring model and its performance evaluation; (5) postoperative early tumor recurrence of patients with and without VETC who were confirmed by risk scoring model and histopathological examination. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the t test. Count data were described as absolutes, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test and continuous correction chi-square test. Variables of clinical and imaging characteristics with statistically signifi-cant were included in the multivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was conducted using the Logistic regression model of backward stepwise selection. VETC related risk scoring model was constructed based on the results of Logistic regression model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the area under curve (AUC), the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and their 95% confidence interval ( CI) were calculated. The maximizing Youden index was the optimal cutoff value for VETC prediction. The Hosmer Lemeshow goodness of fit test was used to assess the consistency between VETC risk scoring model predicted VTEC status and the true VETC status. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates and draw survival curves. The Log-rank test was used for survival analysis. Results:(1) Clinical characteristics of patients with and without VETC. Cases with postoperative albumin <36 g/L were 57 in patients with VETC, versus 68 in patients without VETC, respectively, showing a significant difference between them ( χ2=5.13, P<0.05). (2) Imaging features of patients with and without VETC. Cases with lesion imaging presence as nonperipheral washout, cases with lesion imaging presence as mosaic architecture, cases with lesion imaging presence as intratumoral hemorrhage, cases with lesion imaging presence as corona enhancement, cases with lesion imaging presence as non-smooth tumor margin, cases with lesion imaging presence as peritumoral enhancement in arterial phase, cases with lesion imaging presence as intratumoral arteries, cases with lesion imaging presence as peritumoral hypointensity in hepatobiliary phase, cases with lesion imaging enhancement type as uniform low enhancement, uniform high enhance-ment, heterogeneous enhancement with septations and heterogeneous enhancement with irregular ring-like structures, cases with intratumoral necrosis or ischemic, cases with tumor diameter >5 cm were 73, 35, 33, 15, 39, 28, 42, 27, 4, 5, 27, 38, 45, 46 in patients with VETC, versus 64, 16, 13, 3, 19, 15, 9, 13, 9, 35, 5, 26, 10, 10 in patients without VETC, respectively, showing significant differences in the above indicators between them ( χ2=8.92, 11.15, 12.97, 9.28, 11.74, 5.77, 33.14, 6.96, 41.79, 36.05, 37.86, P<0.05). (3) Multivariable analysis of patients with VETC. Results of multivariable analysis showed that lesion imaging enhancement as heterogeneous enhancement with septations, lesion imaging enhancement as heterogeneous enhancement with irregular ring-like structures, intratumoral necrosis or ischemia and tumor diameter >5 cm were independent risk factors influen-cing patients with VETC ( odds ratio=4.18, 7.62, 4.23, 4.08, 95% CI as 1.60?11.60, 2.00?31.70, 1.71?10.90, 1.60?10.80), P<0.05). (4) Construction of VETC related risk scoring model and its performance evaluation. The VETC related risk scoring model was constructed as (heterogeneous enhancement with septations, presence: 1.0, absence: 0)+(heterogeneous enhancement with irregular ring-like structures, presence: 1.5, absence: 0)+(intratumoral necrosis or ischemia, presence: 1.0, absence: 0)+(main tumor diameter >5 cm, presence: 1.0, absence: 0). The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of VETC related risk scoring model were 0.86 (95% CI as 0.80?0.92), 79.7% (95% CI as 69.2%?87.3%), 80.0% (95% CI as 69.6%?87.5%) and 79.9% (95% CI as 72.7%?85.5%), respectively. Results of Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test showed a good consistency between VETC risk scoring model predicted VETC status and true VETC status ( P>0.05). (5) Postoperative early tumor recurrence of patients with and without VETC who were confirmed by risk scoring model and histopathological examination. All 149 patients were followed up for 29(range, 26?35)months. The time to tumor recurrence and 2-year cumulative tumor recurrence rate of 149 patients were 29(range, 24?33)months and 43.0%, respectively. The 2-year tumor cumulative recurrence rate of patients with and without VETC predicted by risk scoring model was 47.8% and 37.9%, respectively, showing a significant difference between ( χ2=3.90, P<0.05). The 2-year cumulative tumor recurrence rate of patients with and without VETC confirmed by postoperative histopathological examination was 47.4% and 38.1%, respectively, showing a significant difference between ( χ2=4.20, P<0.05). Conclusions:Lesion imaging enhancement as heterogeneous enhancement with septations or irregular ring-like structures, intratumoral necrosis or ischemia and tumor diameter >5 cm are independent risk factors influen-cing HCC patients with VETC. The proposed risk scoring model based on those three risk factors achieves an optimal preoperative diagnostic performance.

Monkeypox: Scientometrics of 50 years of global scientific publications

Background: Scientific publications related to epidemic diseases are crucial for controlling and treating such diseases. The present study aimed to explore and analyze international publications on monkeypox through scientometric methods. Methods: This review is an applied research conducted using the scientometric method with an analytical meth od All world scientific publications on monkeypox Ivere extractedfrom the Web Of Science (WOS) citation databasefrom Januarv 1972 to May 2022 through an appropriate search strategv. Moreover, Excel and the VOS viewer Bibliometrix package ofthe R programming language were usedfor data analysis. Results: In total, 1130 publications related to monkeypor were extractedfrom the WOS citation database. Most of the publications Mere original papers published in 2010. The United States, Germany, and the Congo had the most publications on monkeypox. The topic clusters ofscientific publications on monkeypox have been in four topic orientations: prevention, epidemiologv, treatment, and immune response. Conclusion: The findings of the present investigation provided a clear picture of the publications and scientific productions of"'orld researchers in the field of monkeypcm Accordingly, researchers and policymakers on monkeypox can better understand the scientific publications on this disease and its dimensions

Self-assembled multifunctional nanotheranostics against circulating tumor clusters in metastatic breast cancer

Circulating tumor clusters (CTC) disseminating from the primary tumor are responsible for secondary tumor formation where the conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy does not prevent the metastasis at locally advanced stage of breast cancer. In this study, a smart nanotheranostic system has been developed to track and eliminate the CTCs before it can colonize at a new site, which would reduce metastatic progression and increase the five-year survival rate of the breast cancer patients. Targeted multiresponsive (magnetic hyperthermia and pH) nanomicelles incorporated with NIR fluorescent superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were developed based on self-assembly for dual modal imaging and dual toxicity for spontaneous killing of CTCs in blood stream. A heterogenous tumor clusters model was developed to mimic the CTCs isolated from breast cancer patients. The nanotheranostic system was further evaluated for the targeting property, drug release kinetics, hyperthermia and cytotoxicity against developed CTC model in vitro. In vivo model in BALB/c mice equivalent to stage III and IV human metastatic breast cancer was developed to evaluate the biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy of micellar nanotheranostic system. Reduced CTCs in blood stream and low distant organ metastasis after treatment with the nanotheranostic system demonstrates its potential to capture and kill the CTCs that minimize the secondary tumor formation at distant sites.

Molecular subtypes of invasive breast carcinoma of no special type, their correlation with histopathological features, Ki 67 index and tumor budding: A retrospective comparative study

Context: Tumor budding (TB), poorly differentiated clusters (PDCs), and Ki 67 index are proven adverse prognostic factors in breast carcinoma. Though the relation of Ki 67 index with molecular subtypes of breast carcinoma have been extensively studied, there is very limited information on the role of TB and PDCs. Aims: To grade TB, PDCs, and Ki 67 index and assess histological features and relationship of all these with molecular subtypes of invasive breast carcinoma of no special type. Methods and Material: Retrospective study of 148 cases from 1/1/2019 to 30/12/2019. Division of molecular groups – Luminal A, Luminal B, Her2 neu positive, and triple-negative breast carcinomas (TNBC), and Ki 67 index grades based on St Gallen criteria, intratumoral and peritumoral TB and PDC grades as per the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) criteria for colon and correlation between these and other histological features with the molecular subtypes were done. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used. Results: Significant correlation was seen between TB and lymphovascular emboli, Luminal B tumors with high-grade TB and PDCs, Her 2 neu positive and TNBC tumors with low-grade TB, circumscribed tumor margins, tumor necrosis, and Luminal B, Her 2 neu positive and TNBC tumors with larger tumor size and high nuclear grades.Conclusions: TB and PDCs are useful in the prognostication of Luminal A and B tumors when the Ki 67 index values are low/intermediate. Her 2 neu positive and TNBC tumors have a high nuclear grade with necrosis and no association with TB or PDCs.

Condições socioeconômicas e impactos da pandemia da Covid-19 na região da Sub-Bacia do Canal do Cunha, Rio de Janeiro / Socioeconomic conditions and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Canal do Cunha Sub-Basin region, Rio de Janeiro municipality

RESUMO O Município do Rio de Janeiro (MRJ) estava entre as cidades com altas taxas de mortalidade ao longo da pandemia de Covid-19. Neste estudo, analisamos as taxas de incidência, de mortalidade e letalidade por Covid-19 nas áreas com predominância de Aglomerados Subnormais (ASN). Foram considerados todos os 36 bairros da Sub-Bacia do Canal do Cunha (SBCC) associadas às características demográficas, socioeconômicas e epidemiológicas, com estatística espacial de Moran. A taxa de incidência nos bairros da SBCC foi de 621,5/10.000 habitantes. Complexo do Alemão, Mangueira, e Maré tiveram maiores proporções de casos e mortes. A menor incidência (33,6/10.000 habitantes) e mortalidade (8,3/10.000 habitantes), mas com maior taxa de letalidade (24,7%) foi registrada no Complexo do Alemão. Foi observado correlação negativa entre a taxa de mortalidade e a proporção de habitantes nos bairros com ASN (rho= -0,433; p=0,023). Na estatística espacial, houve correlação inversa para a incidência da Covid-19 (índice Moran, -0,155863; p=0,02). Conclui-se que incidência e mortalidade nas áreas de ASN estão significativamente relacionadas com as estruturas sociodemográficas, demandando o reforço dos sistemas de vigilância e de controle da Covid-19 em territórios de favelas. As recomendações não farmacológicas e a Atenção Primária à Saúde em favelas desempenham relevante papel na redução da transmissão, mortalidade e iniquidades em saúde.

ABSTRACT Along COVID-19 pandemics, Rio de Janeiro (MRJ) has figured among the Brazilian cities with the highest mortality rates. In this study, we explored COVID-19 incidence and mortality in areas with a predominance of subnormal population clusters (SNC) in MRJ. We analyzed 36 neighborhoods of Canal do Cunha Sub-basin (CCSB) and the associations between demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological features, and the cumulative incidence, mortality, and lethality rates, and Moran's spatial statistics were performed. The incidence rate in CCSB neighborhoods was 621.5/10,000 inhabitants. Complexo do Alemão, Mangueira, and Maré had the highest proportions of cases and deaths. And the lowest incidence (33.6/10,000 inhabitants), mortality (8.3/10,000 inhabitants), but with the highest lethality rate (24.7%) was recorded in Complexo do Alemão. There was a negative correlation between mortality and the proportion of inhabitants in neighborhoods with ASN (rho= -0.433; p=0.023). In spatial statistics, there was an inverse correlation for the incidence (Moran index, -0.155863; p=0.02). It is concluded that incidence and mortality in SNC areas are significantly related to their sociodemographic structures, highlighting the need to strengthen the surveillance and control systems of COVID-19 in slums territories. Non-pharmacological recommendations and suitable Primary Health Care in slums areas play a relevant role in reducing viral transmission, mortality, and health inequities.

Estudio teórico de la oxidación de CO con O2 usando catalizadores de Au-Pd y Au-Pt / Theoretical study of the CO Oxidation with O2 using Au-Pd and Au-Pt catalysts / Estudo teórico da oxidação de CO com O2 usando catalisadores de Au-Pd e Au-Pt

Resumen En el presente estudio se realizaron cálculos con base en la Teoría del Funcional de la Densidad Electrónica (DFT) con la aproximación B3PW91/LANL2DZ para optimizar los sistemas monometálicos y bimetálicos Au9, Au8Pd, Au8Pt, AuPd8, AuPt8, Pd9 y Pt9. Los materiales fueron teóricamente evaluados como catalizadores para la oxidación de monóxido de carbono (CO) y se determinó el sistema más favorable para la adsorción de esta molécula. La sustitución de átomos de Pt y Pd por átomos de Au en los nonámeros generó un cambio en la estructura tridimensional del sistema. El análisis de reactividad global mostró que el clúster más reactivo es PÍ9, seguido por AuPt s . Los índices de Fukui identificaron los sitios más susceptibles para un ataque nucleofílico de ambos clústeres. La adsorción de CO generó una cascada de oxidación que liberó ~4,5 eV, indicando que la reacción es altamente exotérmica y exergónica. Los clústeres AuPt s y Pt 9 mostraron los valores más bajos de energía de activación de la etapa determinante del mecanismo. En general, la sustitución de un átomo de platino (o paladio) por un átomo de oro no afecta la reactividad de los nonámeros y, por tanto, se infiere que el clúster AuPt s podría ser un catalizador promisorio en la oxidación de CO.

Abstract In the current study were development calculations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) with the B3PW91/LANL2DZ approach for optimizing both monometallic and bimetallic systems: Au9, AusPd, Au8Pt, AuPds, AuPts, Pd9 y Pt9. Such materials were theoretically tested as catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) and the most favorable system for its further adsorption was determined. The substitution of Pt and Pd by Au atoms in the nonamers generated a change in the tridimensional structure of the system. The global reactivity analysis showed that the most reactive cluster is Pt9 followed by AuPts. On the other hand, the Fukui indexes identified the most susceptible sites for a nucleophilic attack of both clusters. The CO adsorption generated an oxidation cascade which liberated ∼ 4.5 eV, indicating that the reaction is highly exothermic and exergonic. Both AuPt8 and Pt9 showed the lowest values of activation energy in the determining step of the mechanism. In general, the substitution of a Pt (Pd) atom by an Au atom does not affect the reactivity of the nonamers and then it is inferred that the AuPds cluster could be a promissory catalyst in the CO oxidation.

Resumo No presente estudo, cálculos baseados na Teoria do Funcional da Densidade Eletrônica (DFT) com a abordagem B3PW91/LANL2DZ foram realizados para otimizar sistemas monometálicos e bimetálicos Au9, Au8Pd, Au8Pt, AuPd8, AuPt8, Pd9 y Pt9. Tais materiais foram teoricamente avaliados como catalisadores para a oxidação do monóxido de carbono (CO) e foi determinado o sistema mais favorável para a adsorção desta molécula. A substituição dos átomos de Pt e Pd por átomos de Au nós não-nomes gerou uma mudança na estrutura tridimensional do sistema. A análise de reatividade global mostrou que o cluster mais reativo é Pt9, seguido por AuPt8. Os índices de Fukui identificaram os sítios mais suscetíveis ao ataque nucleofílico de ambos os clusters. A adsorção de CO gerou uma cascata de oxidação que liberou ~4,5 eV, indicando que a reação é altamente exotérmica e exergônica. Os aglomerados AuPt 8 y Pt 9 apresentaram os menores valores de energia de ativação do estágio determinante do mecanismo. Em geral, a substituição de um átomo de platina (ou paládio) por um átomo de ouro não afeta a reatividade dos não-nomes e, portanto, infere-se que o aglomerado AuPt 8 pode ser um catalisador promissor na oxidação do CO.

Analysis of CD4+ T cell count of different genotypes of HIV infected people in Xi'an in 2017 -2021 / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To study the difference of CD4+ T cell count among different genotypes of HIV infected people in Xi'an from 2017 to 2021. Methods A total of 1 623 newly diagnosed AIDS patients in the AIDS prevention and control information system in Xi'an from 2017 to 2021 were selected. The genotypes of all the patients were sequenced, and the differences of CD4+T cell counts among different genotypes were analyzed. Results From 2017 to 2021, the main genotype of HIV infected people in Xi'an was CRF01_ AE（921/1623）、CRF07_ BC（145/1623）、CRF08_ BC (557/1623), the gene cluster is mainly CRF01_ AE (cluster 1) (185/ 1623) and CRF01_ AE (cluster 2) (1438/1623), where CRF01_ The average CD4+ T cell count of AE genotype was (146.26 ± 11.63)/μ L，CRF07_ The average CD4+ T cell count of BC genotype was (254.69 ± 15.49)/μ L，CRF08_ The average CD4+ T cell count of BC genotype was (217.96 ± 12.89)/μ L，CRF01_ The average number of CD4+ T cells in AE (cluster 1) was (185.58±12.79)/ μ L，CRF01_ The average number of CD4+ T cells in AE (cluster 2) was (179.90 ± 15.96)/ μ 50. There was significant difference in CD4+ T cell count among patients with different gene subtypes and gene clusters (P<0.05). Conclusion From 2017 to 2021, the main genotype of HIV infected people in Xi'an was CRF01_ AE, the gene cluster is mainly CRF01_ AE (Cluster 2), there were significant differences in CD4+T cell counts among patients with different gene subtypes and gene subsets, which could serve as a reference target for AIDS treatment in this Municipality.

New insights on aldosterone-producing cell clusters in the pathogenesis of primary aldosteronism / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Primary aldosteronism(PA) is one of the most common secondary hypertension, the pathogenesis is still not fully understood. Aldosterone synthase(CYP11B2) was thought to be continuously expressed in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. In recent years, it is found that there were discontinuous CYP11B2 positive cell clusters in adrenal cortex via immunohistochemical staining, and proposed the concept of aldosterone-producing cell clusters(APCC). Thenceforwarding a growing body of studies suggest that there may be a potential causal link between APCC and PA. This article summarizes the latest studies on APCC and provide an update on the potential role of APCC in the pathogenesis of PA.

Analysis on the symptom clusters and influencing factors among breast cancer patients during aromatase inhibitors treatment / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the symptom clusters and influencing factors among breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitor treatment and to provide a theoretical basis for the symptom clusters management.Methods:From April 2020 to January 2021, 253 breast cancer patients were recruited in Peking University Cancer Hospital by convenient sampling method. All the patients were cross-sectional investigated by the demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The principal component analysis was used to extract the symptom clusters and the multiple linear regression was used to analyze the risk factors.Results:During the period of breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitor treatment, three symptom clusters were identified: sick symptom cluster, treatment related-psychological symptom cluster, digestive symptoms cluster. The prevalence of the three symptom clusters was 49.4%(125/253), 45.1%(114/253), 22.5%(57/253), respectively. The median severity of the three symptom clusters was 2.80, 2.00, 0.67, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that anxiety and education level were the influencing factors of sick symptom cluster ( β=0.25, -0.25, all P<0.05), anxiety, depression and educational level were the influencing factors of treatment related-psychological symptom cluster ( β = 0.34, 0.20, -0.16, all P<0.05), anxiety, depression and chemotherapy history were the influencing factors of digestive symptom cluster ( β= 0.17, 0.18, -0.13, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Breast cancer patients with aromatase inhibitor treatment are affected by symptom clusters. In order to relieve the symptom clusters, we need pay attention to the mentation, the education level and prerious treatment of the patients.

Suicide cases in developed and emerging countries: an analysis using wavelets / Casos de suicídio em países desenvolvidos e emergentes: uma análise usando ondaletas

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to use a wavelet technique to determine whether the number of suicides is similar between developed and emerging countries. METHODS: Annual data were obtained from World Health Organization (WHO) reports from 1986 to 2015. Discrete nondecimated wavelet transform was used for the analysis, and the Daubechies wavelet function was applied with five-level decomposition. Regarding clustering, energy (variance) was used to analyze the clusters and visualize the clustering process. We constructed a dendrogram using the Mahalanobis distance. The number of groups was set using a specific function in the R program. RESULTS: The cluster analysis verified the formation of four groups as follows: Japan, the United States and Brazil were distinct and isolated groups, and other countries (Austria, Belgium, Chile, Israel, Mexico, Italy and the Netherlands) constituted a single group. CONCLUSION: The methods utilized in this paper enabled a detailed verification of countries with similar behaviors despite very distinct socioeconomic, geographic and climate characteristics.

OBJETIVO: Verificar se existe relação de similaridade entre o número de suicídio em países desenvolvidos e emergentes usando a técnica de ondaletas. MÉTODOS: Os dados anuais foram obtidos a partir do relatório da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), no período de 1986 a 2015. Para análise, foi empregada a transformada discreta não decimada de ondaleta (NDWT), a função ondaleta aplicada foi a Daubechies com cinco níveis de decomposição. Com relação ao agrupamento, utilizou-se a energia (variância) para analisar os clusters e, para a visualização do processo de clusterização, trabalhamos com o dendograma, no qual se empregou a distância de Mahalanobis. A quantidade de grupos foi definida por meio da função NbCluster. RESULTADOS: A partir da análise de cluster, verificou-se a formação de quatros grupos. No qual, Japão e Estados Unidos e Brasil localizam-se em grupos distintos e isolados. E os demais países (Áustria, Bélgica, Chile, Israel, México, Itália e Holanda) em um único grupo. CONCLUSÃO: Utilizando esse método, foi possível verificar com mais detalhes quais países apresentaram comportamentos semelhantes, mesmo apresentando características bem distintas entre si, tanto socioeconômica, geográfica e climática.

Subfenótipos baseados em dados clínicos de beira-leito de pacientes críticos com COVID-19: um estudo de coorte / Bedside clinical data subphenotypes of critically ill COVID-19 patients: a cohort study

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar apresentações mais graves de COVID-19. Métodos: Pacientes consecutivamente admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva foram submetidos à análise de clusters por meio de método de explorações sequenciais Resultados: Analisamos os dados de 147 pacientes, com média de idade de 56 ± 16 anos e Simplified Acute Physiological Score 3 de 72 ± 18, dos quais 103 (70%) demandaram ventilação mecânica e 46 (31%) morreram na unidade de terapia intensiva. A partir do algoritmo de análise de clusters, identificaram-se dois grupos bem definidos, com base na frequência cardíaca máxima [Grupo A: 104 (IC95% 99 - 109) batimentos por minuto versus Grupo B: 159 (IC95% 155 - 163) batimentos por minuto], frequência respiratória máxima [Grupo A: 33 (IC95% 31 - 35) respirações por minuto versus Grupo B: 50 (IC95% 47 - 53) respirações por minuto] e na temperatura corpórea máxima [Grupo A: 37,4 (IC95% 37,1 - 37,7)ºC versus Grupo B: 39,3 (IC95% 39,1 - 39,5)ºC] durante o tempo de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva, assim como a proporção entre a pressão parcial de oxigênio no sangue e a fração inspirada de oxigênio quando da admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva [Grupo A: 116 (IC95% 99 - 133) mmHg versus Grupo B: 78 (IC95% 63 - 93) mmHg]. Os subfenótipos foram distintos em termos de perfis inflamatórios, disfunções orgânicas, terapias de suporte, tempo de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva e mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva (com proporção de 4,2 entre os grupos). Conclusão: Nossos achados, baseados em dados clínicos universalmente disponíveis, revelaram dois subfenótipos distintos, com diferentes evoluções de doença. Estes resultados podem ajudar os profissionais de saúde na alocação de recursos e seleção de pacientes para teste de novas terapias.

Abstract Objective: To identify more severe COVID-19 presentations. Methods: Consecutive intensive care unit-admitted patients were subjected to a stepwise clustering method. Results: Data from 147 patients who were on average 56 ± 16 years old with a Simplified Acute Physiological Score 3 of 72 ± 18, of which 103 (70%) needed mechanical ventilation and 46 (31%) died in the intensive care unit, were analyzed. From the clustering algorithm, two well-defined groups were found based on maximal heart rate [Cluster A: 104 (95%CI 99 - 109) beats per minute versus Cluster B: 159 (95%CI 155 - 163) beats per minute], maximal respiratory rate [Cluster A: 33 (95%CI 31 - 35) breaths per minute versus Cluster B: 50 (95%CI 47 - 53) breaths per minute], and maximal body temperature [Cluster A: 37.4 (95%CI 37.1 - 37.7)°C versus Cluster B: 39.3 (95%CI 39.1 - 39.5)°C] during the intensive care unit stay, as well as the oxygen partial pressure in the blood over the oxygen inspiratory fraction at intensive care unit admission [Cluster A: 116 (95%CI 99 - 133) mmHg versus Cluster B: 78 (95%CI 63 - 93) mmHg]. Subphenotypes were distinct in inflammation profiles, organ dysfunction, organ support, intensive care unit length of stay, and intensive care unit mortality (with a ratio of 4.2 between the groups). Conclusion: Our findings, based on common clinical data, revealed two distinct subphenotypes with different disease courses. These results could help health professionals allocate resources and select patients for testing novel therapies.

Studying on detecting of spacial clusters of schistosomiasis japonica in mountainous and hilly areas, Hubei Province / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To understand the application value of spacial clusters detection of human schistosomiasis epidemic,based on small scale level in heavy mountainous and hilly endemic areas, Songzi County,Hubei Province,China. Methods Positive results of human serological detection antibody titer equal or above 80,and positive schistosomiasis cases of fecal examination from 2016 to 2018 as research object in Songzi County.The flexible irregular space scan statistics was used to analyse the spatial clustering analysis of human schistosomiasis epidemic in the heavy mountainous and hilly endemic areas, setting parameter K=2 ,K=6 or K=10, respectively,based on small scale of village level in Songzi County. Results There was none positive schistosomiasis cases of fecal examination in Songzi County from 2016 to 2018.The number of human serological detection antibody titer equal or above 80 were  74, 206, 83, from 2016 to 2018，respectively.There was spatial clusters of positive of human serological detection antibody titer equal or above 80 for schistosomiasis cases in the county from 2016-2018. Areas of flexible irregular space scan statistic in cluster detection changing with the change of different K values. Under different parameters of flexible irregular space scan statistic results show that the most likely cluster of 40 endemic villages in three towns,inculding Laocheng town,Chendian town and Wangjiaqiao town were the prominent. Conclusion There are spatial clusters of human schistosomiasis based on small scale of village level by flexible irregular space scan statistic in mountainous and hilly endemic areas, Songzi County,Hubei Province.Therefore,the monitoring and control of schistosomiasis should be consolidated in the future,in order to achieve schistosomiasis elimination in Hubei Province at an early date.

Detection of microcalcification clusters regions in mammograms combining discriminative deep belief networks / 生物医学工程学杂志

In order to overcome the shortcomings of high false positive rate and poor generalization in the detection of microcalcification clusters regions, this paper proposes a method combining discriminative deep belief networks (DDBNs) to automatically and quickly locate the regions of microcalcification clusters in mammograms. Firstly, the breast region was extracted and enhanced, and the enhanced breast region was segmented to overlapped sub-blocks. Then the sub-block was subjected to wavelet filtering. After that, DDBNs model for breast sub-block feature extraction and classification was constructed, and the pre-trained DDBNs was converted to deep neural networks (DNN) using a softmax classifier, and the network is fine-tuned by back propagation. Finally, the undetected mammogram was inputted to complete the location of suspicious lesions. By experimentally verifying 105 mammograms with microcalcifications from the Digital Database for Screening Mammography (DDSM), the method obtained a true positive rate of 99.45% and a false positive rate of 1.89%, and it only took about 16 s to detect a 2 888 × 4 680 image. The experimental results showed that the algorithm of this paper effectively reduced the false positive rate while ensuring a high positive rate. The detection of calcification clusters was highly consistent with expert marks, which provides a new research idea for the automatic detection of microcalcification clusters area in mammograms.

Rapid screening of single guide RNA targeting pig genome and the harvesting of monoclonal cells by microarray seal / 生物医学工程学杂志

The emergence of regular short repetitive palindromic sequence clusters (CRISPR) and CRISPR- associated proteins 9 (Cas9) gene editing technology has greatly promoted the wide application of genetically modified pigs. Efficient single guide RNA (sgRNA) is the key to the success of gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. For large animals with a long reproductive cycle, such as pigs, it is necessary to screen out efficient sgRNA