A meta-analysis on the effectiveness of anthropomorphism in human-robot interaction.

The application of anthropomorphic design features is widely assumed to facilitate human-robot interaction (HRI). However, a considerable number of study results point in the opposite direction. There is currently no comprehensive common ground on the circumstances under which anthropomorphism promotes interaction with robots. Our meta-analysis aims to close this gap. A total of 4856 abstracts were scanned. After an extensive evaluation, 78 studies involving around 6000 participants and 187 effect sizes were included in this meta-analysis. The majority of the studies addressed effects on perceptual aspects of robots. In addition, effects on attitudinal, affective, and behavioral aspects were also investigated. Overall, a medium positive effect size was found, indicating a beneficial effect of anthropomorphic design features on human-related outcomes. However, closer scrutiny of the lowest variable level revealed no positive effect for perceived safety, empathy, and task performance. Moreover, the analysis suggests that positive effects of anthropomorphism depend heavily on various moderators. For example, anthropomorphism was in contrast to other fields of application, constantly facilitating social HRI. The results of this analysis provide insights into how design features can be used to improve the quality of HRI. Moreover, they reveal areas in which more research is needed before any clear conclusions about the effects of anthropomorphic robot design can be drawn.

Insuficiencia renal aguda en pacientes críticos / Acute kidney failure in intensive care unit

En los últimos años se han observado cambios en los paradigmas debido a la mayor incidencia de shock séptico, razón por la cual la falla renal aguda a pasado de compromiso mono orgánico (como era en los años 70) por glomerulonefritis o nefrotoxicidad hasta la falla renal aguda que se observa actualmente en el contexto de falla multiorgánica en los pacientes graves (siendo el puente entre estas dos cosas la sepsis). Hasta 50 por ciento de los pacientes que desarrollan shock séptico y/o sepsis severa van a desarrollar IRA, y de éstos entre el 10-20 por ciento van a requerir terapia de reemplazo renal (TRR).(AU)

In recent years changes in paradigms have been observed due to the higher incidence of septic shock, which is why acute renal failure has passed from mono organic involvement (as it was in the 70s) due to glomerulonephritis or nephrotoxicity to renal failure acute syndrome that is currently observed in the context of multi-organ failure in severe patients (the bridge between these two things being sepsis). Up to 50 pertcent of patients who develop septic shock and / or severe sepsis will develop ARF, and of these 10-20 pertcent will require renal replacement therapy (RRT) (AU)

Prophylactic mRNA Vaccination against Allergy Confers Long-Term Memory Responses and Persistent Protection in Mice.

Recently, mRNA vaccines have been introduced as a safety-optimized alternative to plasmid DNA-based vaccines for protection against allergy. However, it remained unclear whether the short persistence of this vaccine type would limit memory responses and whether the protective immune response type would be maintained during recurrent exposure to allergen. We tested the duration of protective memory responses in mice vaccinated with mRNA encoding the grass pollen allergen Phl p 5 by challenging them with recombinant allergen, 3.5, 6, and 9 months after vaccination. In a second experiment, vaccinated mice were repeatedly challenged monthly with aerosolized allergen over a period of 7 months. Antibody and cytokine responses as well as lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness were assessed. mRNA vaccination induced robust TH1 memory responses for at least 9 months. Vaccination efficiently suppressed TH2 cytokines, IgE responses, and lung eosinophilia. Protection was maintained after repeated exposure to aerosolized allergen and no TH1 associated pathology was observed. Lung function remained improved compared to nonvaccinated controls. Our data clearly indicate that mRNA vaccination against Phl p 5 induces robust, long-lived memory responses, which can be recalled by allergen exposure without side effects. mRNA vaccines fulfill the requirements for safe prophylactic vaccination without the need for booster immunizations.

Prevalência e fatores associados à depressão entre idosos institucionalizados: subsídio ao cuidado de enfermagem / Prevalence and factors associated with depression among institutionalized elderly individuals: nursing care support / Prevalencia y factores asociados a la depresión en ancianos institucionalizados: soporte a la atención de enfermería

Este estudo teve como objetivo a verificação de depressão entre idosos institucionalizados. Empregou-se o método transversal utilizando-se a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica de Yesavage em cinco instituições de longa permanência do Distrito Federal para verificar sintomas de depressão. Foram estudados ao todo 299 indivíduos. Destes, 181 não atenderam os critérios de inclusão e 16 se recusaram a participar do estudo. Dos 102 idosos com condições de participar do estudo, 49,0% apresentavam depressão. Destes, 36,3% com depressão leve a moderada e 12,7% com depressão severa. Verificou-se associações entre sintomas de depressão e aumento da idade, sexo feminino, limitação/dependência e insatisfação com a instituição. Houve ainda associação significativa entre depressão e insônia, taquicardia, parestesia, tontura e suor excessivo. A depressão é altamente prevalente entre idosos institucionalizados, é mais comum entre as mulheres, e relaciona-se a uma série de sinais e sintomas que podem auxiliar em um diagnóstico precoce, subsidiando uma assistência de enfermagem mais efetiva.

The objective of this study was to verify depression among institutionalized elderly individuals. The cross-section method and Yesavage's Geriatric Depression Scale were utilized in five geriatric long-term care facilities located in the Federal District to verify symptoms of depression. A total of 299 individuals were studied, 181 of whom did not meet the inclusion criteria. Sixteen individuals declined to participate. Considering the 102 individuals found suitable to participate in the study, 49.0% presented symptoms of depression; 36.3% suffered from mild to moderate depression and 12.7% showed symptoms of severe depression. Associations were found between depression symptoms and increased age, female gender, physical limitations/dependence and dissatisfaction with the institution. A significant association was also found between depression and insomnia, tachycardia, paresthesias, dizziness and excessive sweating. Depression is highly prevalent among institutionalized elderly individuals, more common among women, and correlated with a series of signs and symptoms that may help in making an early diagnosis, thus offering support to providing more effective nursing care.

Se objetivó verificar la depresión en ancianos institucionalizados. Se empleó el método transversal, utilizando la Escala de Depresión Geriátrica de Yesavage en cinco hogares geriátricos del Distrito Federal, para verificar sintomatología depresiva. Fueron estudiados en total 299 individuos, 181 no atendieron los criterios de inclusión y 16 recusaron su participación. De los 102 ancianos participantes del estudio, 49,0% presentaba depresión: 36,3% de leve a moderada, 12,7% depresión severa. Se verificaron asociaciones entre síntomas depresivos y aumento etario, sexo femenino, limitación/dependencia e insatisfacción con la institución. Existió inclusive asociación significativa entre depresión e insomnio, taquicardia, parestesia, mareos y sudoración excesiva. La depresión es altamente prevalente entre ancianos institucionalizados, es más común entre las mujeres, y se relaciona a una serie de signos y síntomas que pueden cooperar a un diagnóstico precoz, facilitándose una atención de enfermería más efectiva.

[Prevalence and factors associated with depression among institutionalized elderly individuals: nursing care support]. / Prevalência e fatores associados à depressão entre idosos institucionalizados: subsídio ao cuidado de enfermagem.

The objective of this study was to verify depression among institutionalized elderly individuals. The cross-section method and Yesavage's Geriatric Depression Scale were utilized in five geriatric long-term care facilities located in the Federal District to verify symptoms of depression. A total of 299 individuals were studied, 181 of whom did not meet the inclusion criteria. Sixteen individuals declined to participate. Considering the 102 individuals found suitable to participate in the study, 49.0% presented symptoms of depression; 36.3% suffered from mild to moderate depression and 12.7% showed symptoms of severe depression. Associations were found between depression symptoms and increased age, female gender, physical limitations/dependence and dissatisfaction with the institution. A significant association was also found between depression and insomnia, tachycardia, paresthesias, dizziness and excessive sweating. Depression is highly prevalent among institutionalized elderly individuals, more common among women, and correlated with a series of signs and symptoms that may help in making an early diagnosis, thus offering support to providing more effective nursing care.

Anemia versus disease activity as cause of fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a common complaint in rheumatoid arthritis patients and contributes to loss of quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of hemoglobin levels and disease activity index upon fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: We studied 130 RA patients for DAS 28, hemoglobin levels and fatigue as measured by FACIT F. RESULTS: No association between fatigue with hemoglobin levels was observed. A positive association with DAS-28 was found. Decomposing DAS-28, no association could be detected with sedimentation rate but a positive correlation with analogical scale for general health, number of swollen and painful joints was found. CONCLUSION: Although a positive association of fatigue with DAS-28 is found it appears that the most important items in connection with fatigue are swollen and tender joints as well as general health status. Hemoglobin levels were not related to fatigue in our patients.