Tag: pubmed

Codas. 2021 Apr 12;33(1):e20190285. doi: 10.1590/2317-1782/20202019285. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To verify the validity evidence based on response processes of a vocabulary-screening tool.

METHODS: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study, applied in a sample of 133 children between 3 and 7 years of age, divided into five groups, according to their age range. This research evaluates the instrument TRILHAR, which is a screening of receptive and expressive vocabulary, composed by ten activities for each age range. The collected data were the application time in minutes and seconds, screening instructions comprehension and behavior during the screening. The data were analyzed descriptively as mean, standard deviation and percentage using the IBM SPSS Statistics.

RESULTS: The application time was short, with less time for the greater ages. The mean time of application was 05m19s for G1, 04m29s for G2, 04m11s for G3, 03m40s for G4 and 02m13s for G5. Only one child (4.8%) from G2 required repetition of the instructions for the receptive vocabulary, and two children (6.3%) from G4 for the expressive vocabulary. We observed little occurrence of behaviors like disinterest, inattention and agitation.

CONCLUSION: The application of the instrument required a short period, with a longer time for the group of 3-years children. The little necessity of repetition of the instructions indicates that children can easily comprehend the instrument.

PMID:33909843 | DOI:10.1590/2317-1782/20202019285

Braz J Med Biol Res. 2021 Apr 26;54(6):e10317. doi: 10.1590/1414-431X202010317. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Physical performance is a multifactorial and complex trait influenced by environmental and hereditary factors. Environmental factors alone have been insufficient to characterize all outstanding phenotypes. Recent advances in genomic technologies have enabled the investigation of whole nuclear and mitochondrial genome sequences, increasing our ability to understand interindividual variability in physical performance. Our objective was to evaluate the association of mitochondrial polymorphic loci with physical performance in Brazilian elite military personnel. Eighty-eight male military personnel who participated in the Command Actions Course of the Army were selected. Total DNA was obtained from blood samples and a complete mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq platform. Twenty-nine subjects completed the training program (FINISHED, ‘F’), and fifty-nine failed to complete (NOT_FINISHED, ‘NF’). The mtDNA from NF was slightly more similar to genomes from African countries frequently related to endurance level. Twenty-two distinct mtDNA haplogroups were identified corroborating the intense genetic admixture of the Brazilian population, but their distribution was similar between the two groups (FST=0.0009). Of 745 polymorphisms detected in the mtDNA, the position G11914A within the NADPH gene component of the electron transport chain, was statistically different between F and NF groups (P=0.011; OR: 4.286; 95%CI: 1.198-16.719), with a higher frequency of the G allele in group F individuals). The high performance of military personnel may be mediated by performance-related genomic traits. Thus, mitochondrial genetic markers such as the ND4 gene may play an important role on physical performance variability.

PMID:33909855 | DOI:10.1590/1414-431X202010317

Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2021 Apr 26;76:e2515. doi: 10.6061/clinics/2021/e2515. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We compared the diagnostic potential of cancer ratio (CR, serum lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]/pleural fluid adenosine deaminase [pfADA]), cancer ratio plus (CR plus, cancer ratio/pleural lymphocyte percentage), and age/pfADA ratio with pfADA in malignant pleural effusion.

METHODS: Data from 100 patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and 119 patients with tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) were retrospectively collected. PfADA, age/pfADA ratio, CR, and CR plus were compared between patients with MPE and those with TPE in two age groups (≤50 and >50 years). The best cut-off value was determined, and the diagnostic performance was evaluated according to the receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS: PfADA was statistically significantly lower while age/pfADA ratio, CR, and CR plus were significantly higher in the MPE group than in the TPE group in both age groups (p<0.05). For patients aged ≤50 years, the differential diagnostic value of pfADA for MPE was better than those of age/pfADA ratio, CR, and CR plus. At a cut-off value of 13.0 U/L, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 88.9%, 100.0%, and 98.9%, respectively. For patients aged >50 years, the diagnostic performance of CR plus was superior to those of pfADA, age/pfADA ratio, and CR. At a cut-off value of 22.6, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CR plus for the diagnosis of MPE were 86.8%, 84.6%, and 86.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The best parameter for diagnosing MPE was different for patients aged ≤50 years and >50 years. For patients aged >50 years, CR plus was a good parameter for the differential diagnosis of MPE. For patients aged ≤50 years, pfADA was better.

PMID:33909825 | DOI:10.6061/clinics/2021/e2515

Codas. 2021 Apr 26;33(1):e20190112. doi: 10.1590/2317-1782/20202019112. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To propose the Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol for Musical Theatre Actors (DRSP-MTA), to verify its applicability in association with the General Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol (G-DRSP), to correlate the final scores of both, and these with the total risk score, and to compare the risk of dysphonia measured in musical theater actors with and without vocal complaint.

METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study with 34 musical theater actors, adults, of both genders, with and without vocal complaints and regardless of whether they are professionals or students. The questionnaires were applied individually. Statistical analysis made it possible to verify the correlation between the dysphonia risk scores and to compare the groups with and without vocal complaint.

RESULTS: Most of the participants were male, young adults, professional actors and without vocal complaint. There was a high risk of dysphonia, evidenced by the application of G-DRSP, with means scores compatible with values found in individuals with dysphonia, and reinforced by the indices found with DRSP-MTA application. There was a moderate and directly proportional correlation between the two questionnaire scores; and a correlation of both with the total risk score. Higher G-DRSP scores were observed in the vocal complaint group.

CONCLUSION: DRSP-MTA was feasible and easy to apply and was positively correlated with the total score and G-DRSP score. A high risk of dysphonia was evidenced in individuals with vocal complaints. Although the specific DRSP-MTA score did not differentiate musical theatre actors with and without vocal complaints, the G-DRSP score and the total risk score performed such differentiation.

PMID:33909841 | DOI:10.1590/2317-1782/20202019112

Arq Gastroenterol. 2021 Jan-Mar;58(1):82-86. doi: 10.1590/S0004-2803.202100000-14.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary cancer of the liver and cirrhosis is considered a pre-malignant disease. In this context, the evolutionary sequence from low grade dysplastic nodule and high grade dysplastic nodule (HGDN) to early HCC and advanced HCC has been studied. The differential diagnosis between HGDN and early HCC is still a challenge, especially in needle biopsies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an immunohistochemistry panel to differentiate dysplastic nodules and HCC.

METHODS: Patients with cirrhosis who underwent surgical resection or liver transplantation were included. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the diagnosis of neoplasia were analyzed by evaluating five markers: heat shock protein 70, glypican 3, glutamine synthetase, clathrin heavy chain and beta-catenin. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-six nodules were included; of these, 57 were HCC, 14 HGDN, 18 low grade dysplastic nodules and 67 regenerative macronodules. Sensitivity of HCC diagnosis was 64.9% for glypican 3 and 77.2% for glutamine syntetase, while specificity was 96.0% and 96.0% respectively. When the panel of four markers was considered (excluding beta catenin), the specificity ranged from 87.9% for one positive marker to 100% for at least three markers. The best accuracy for HCC diagnosis was obtained with at least two positive markers, which was associated with a sensitivity of 82.5% and specificity of 99%.

CONCLUSION: Differential diagnosis of dysplastic nodules and HCC by morphological criteria can be challenging. Immunomarkers are useful and should be used for the differential diagnosis between HCC and HGDN.

PMID:33909802 | DOI:10.1590/S0004-2803.202100000-14

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2021 Apr 28. doi: 10.1007/s10549-021-06217-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To characterize health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) from the NALA phase 3 study.

METHODS: In NALA (NCT01808573), patients were randomized 1:1 to neratinib + capecitabine (N + C) or lapatinib + capecitabine (L + C). HRQoL was assessed using seven prespecified scores from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality Of Life Questionnaire core module (QLQ-C30) and breast cancer-specific questionnaire (QLQ-BR23) at baseline and every 6 weeks. Descriptive statistics summarized scores over time, mixed models evaluated differences between treatment arms, and Kaplan-Meier methods were used to assess time to deterioration in HRQoL scores of ≥ 10 points.

RESULTS: Of the 621 patients randomized in NALA, patients were included in the HRQoL analysis if they completed baseline and at least one follow-up questionnaire. The summary, global health status, physical functioning, fatigue, constipation, and systemic therapy side effects scores were stable over time with no persistent differences between treatment groups. There were no differences in time to deterioration (TTD) for the QLQ-C30 summary score between treatment arms; the hazard ratio (HR) for N + C vs. L + C was 0.94 (95% CI 0.63-1.40). Only the diarrhea score worsened significantly more in the N + C arm as compared to the L + C arm, and this remained over time (HR for TTD for N + C vs. L + C was 1.71 [95% CI 1.32-2.23]).

CONCLUSION: In NALA, patients treated with N + C maintained their global HRQoL over time, despite a worsening of the diarrhea-related scores. These results may help guide optimal treatment selection for HER2-positive MBC.

PMID:33909203 | DOI:10.1007/s10549-021-06217-4

Int J Legal Med. 2021 Apr 28. doi: 10.1007/s00414-021-02593-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to measure the mediastinal-thoracic volume ratio (CTR_VOL) on PMCT as a more accurate version of traditional CTR, in order to assess the terminal positional relationship between the heart and lungs in the different causes of death with regard to age, gender, BMI, cardiomegaly, and lung expansion.

MATERIALS: Two hundred fifty consecutive postmortem cases with pre-autopsy PMCT and full forensic autopsy were retrospectively evaluated. The lungs and the mediastinum were manually segmented on the PMCT data and the correspondent volumes were estimated in situ. CTR_VOL was calculated as the ratio of the mediastinal to the thoracic volume. The volume measurements were repeated by the same rater for the evaluation of the intrarater reliability. Age, gender, body weight and height, heart weight at autopsy, and cause of death were retrieved from the autopsy reports. Presence of lung expansion was radiologically evaluated in situ.

RESULTS: CTR_VOL was positively associated with age and BMI but not with gender and was higher for cardiomegaly compared to normal hearts, lower for asphyxiation-related deaths compared to cardiac deaths and intoxications, and lower for cases with lung expansion. The intrarater reliability was excellent for the calculated volumes of both lungs and mediastinum.

CONCLUSION: The results of the present study support CTR_VOL as a tool to assess the relationship between the heart and lungs in situ, which differs significantly between the studied cause of death categories.

PMID:33909145 | DOI:10.1007/s00414-021-02593-0

Primates. 2021 Apr 28. doi: 10.1007/s10329-021-00912-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The habitats of Galago moholi are suspected to be largely fragmented, while the species is thought to be expanding further into the southernmost fringe of its range, as well as into human settlements. To date, no intraspecific molecular genetic studies have been published on G. moholi. Here we estimate the genetic diversity and connectivity of populations of G. moholi using two mitochondrial gene regions, the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene (COI) and the displacement loop of the control region (D-loop). Samples from five localities in northern South Africa were obtained from archived collections. The two mitochondrial DNA gene regions were amplified and sequenced to provide population summary statistics, differentiation [proportion of the total genetic variation in a population relative to the total genetic variance of all the populations (F_ST), differentiation within populations among regions (Φ_ST)], genetic distance and structure. There was discernible genetic structure among the individuals, with two COI and six D-loop haplotypes belonging to two genetically different groups. There was population differentiation among regions (F_ST = 0.670; Φ_ST = 0.783; P < 0.01). However, there were low levels of differentiation among populations, as haplotypes were shared between distant populations. Adjacent populations were as divergent from each other as from distant populations. The results suggest that genetic introgression, most likely due to past migrations or recent unintentional translocations that include the animal trade, may have led to connectivity among populations.

PMID:33909155 | DOI:10.1007/s10329-021-00912-y

Brain Topogr. 2021 Apr 28. doi: 10.1007/s10548-021-00840-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, the brain-computer interface (BCI) systems attract much more attention than before, yet they have not found their ways into our lives since their accuracy is not satisfying. Error Related Potential (ErRP) is a potential that occurs in human brain signals when an unintended event happens, against ones’ will and thoughts. An example is the occurrence of an error in BCI systems. Investigation of the ErRP could enable researchers to increase the accuracy of BCI systems by detecting instances of inaccuracy in the system. In this research the effects of two parameters on the ErRP are studied: (1) The Motor Imagery Time, also known as Inter-Stimulus Interval (ISI) and (2) different types of feedback (Visual and Tactile). The statistical analysis of the ErRP characteristics showed that feedback type meaningfully affects the ErRP in a cue-paced BCI system and it will affect the time of occurrence of this potential. To validate the proposed idea, different feature extraction, and classification techniques were used for the classification of the BCI system responses. It was shown that by proper selection of the parameters and features, the accuracy of the system could be improved. Tactile feedback together with higher ISI could increase the accuracy of finding erroneous trials up to 90%. The proposed method’s accuracy was significantly higher (p-value < 0.05) compared to other methods of feature extraction.

PMID:33909193 | DOI:10.1007/s10548-021-00840-6

Protoplasma. 2021 Apr 28. doi: 10.1007/s00709-021-01648-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Diatoms are microalgae that thrive in a range of habitats worldwide including polar areas. Remarkably, non-marine pennate diatoms do not create any morphologically distinct dormant stages that could help them to successfully face unfavourable conditions. Their survival is probably connected with the adaptation of vegetative cells to freezing and desiccation. Here we assessed the freezing tolerance of vegetative cells and vegetative-looking resting cells of 12 freshwater strains of benthic pennate diatoms isolated from polar habitats. To test the effect of various environmental factors, the strains were exposed to -20 °C freezing in four differently treated cultures: (1) vegetative cells growing in standard conditions in standard WC medium and (2) resting cells induced by cold and dark acclimation and resting cells, where (3) phosphorus or (4) nitrogen deficiency were used in addition to cold and dark acclimation. Tolerance was evaluated by measurement of basal cell fluorescence of chlorophyll and determination of physiological cell status using a multiparameter fluorescent staining. Four strains out of 12 were able to tolerate freezing in at least some of the treatments. The minority of cells appeared to be active immediately after thawing process, while most cells were inactive, injured or dead. Overall, the results showed a high sensitivity of vegetative and resting cells to freezing stress among strains originating from polar areas. However, the importance of resting cells for survival was emphasized by a slight but statistically significant increase of freezing tolerance of nutrient-depleted cells. Low numbers of surviving cells in our experimental setup could indicate their importance for the overwintering of diatom populations in harsh polar conditions.

PMID:33909137 | DOI:10.1007/s00709-021-01648-8