Synthesis of several precursors of glycoconjugates containing a 1,2,3-triazole unit

Preparation of some alkynyl amino acids (Gly, Phe, Tyr, Ala, Ser), alkynyl derivatives of hydroxycoumarins and acetylenic carbohydrate derivativesFundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia and FEDER, for National NMR Network (Bruker Avance III 400

Using a humanoid robot as the promoter of interaction with children in the context of educational games

Society should care about those with special needs. Part of a proper care involves the development of new technologies and devices aiming at improving their quality of life. Research conducted at universities on this subject should be followed by the industrial development of commercial products and governmental institutions may play an important role by establishing conditions ensuring that the results are made available to those who need them. This paper presents the details of a system, still at the early stages of research level, aimed at helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It uses ZECA, a humanoid robot Zeno R-50, acting as the promoter of the interaction with children, by teaching colours and geometric figures in the context of two educational game scenarios: identification of five geometric figures and identification of five colours. So far, the system was tested in a school environment with typically developing children, in order to validate the experimental setup and the game design. The results obtained in these tests allowed optimizing the system before starting the work in elementary schools with children with ASD, which is the next step in the research.The authors also would like to express their acknowledgments to COMPETE: POCI-01-0145- FEDER-007043 and FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the Project Scope: UID/CEC/00319/2013.This work is funded by CIEd – Research Centre on Education, projects UID/CED/1661/2013 and UID/CED/1661/2016, Institute of Education, University of Minho, through national funds of FCT/MCTES-PT.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Serious games assisted by playware as a way to improve socio-emotional skills in children with autism spectrum disorder

This paper presents a project developed with the aim of promoting emotional skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The project involves a serious game and a playware object, which is a physical component that allows the user to interactively play the serious game. The playware object has six buttons, each one showing an emoji with a specific facial expression and communicates via Bluetooth with the serious game app installed in an Android device. The facial expressions used are: happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise and neutral/normal. They were applied to the three game activities (imitation, recognition and storytelling). The chain of tests started with an online questionnaire to validate the avatars created to represent the previously mentioned facial expressions in the game, which was followed by a usability test of the application (serious game and playware object) with six typically developing children. Finally, the three game activities were tested with six children with ASD in three/four sessions. Due to the small test group and reduced number of sessions, the primary objective was to assess if the target group accepted the application. In fact, it had a high level of approval regarding both the serious game and the playware object. had a high level of approval regarding both the serious game and the playware object.COMPETE: POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007043 and FCT –Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the Project Scope: UID/CEC/00319/2013. Vinicius Silva also thanks FCT for the PhD scholarship SFRH/BD/SFRH/BD/133314/2017. The authors thank the teachers and students of the Elementary School of Gualtar (EB1/JI Gualtar) in Braga for the participation in the testsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Hybrid approach to promote social interaction with children with autism spectrum disorder

The comprehension of the emotional state of others is paramount for a successful human interaction. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have impairments in social communication and, consequently, they have difficulties to interpret others’ state of mind. In order to tackle this issue, researchers have been proposing the use of technological solutions to assist children with ASD, particularly in imitation and emotion recognition tasks. Social robots and Objects with Playware Technology (OPT) have been employed as intervention tools with children with ASD. This work presents an approach combining both technologies (robots and OPT), in a hybrid way, with the goal of promoting social interaction with children with ASD. Moreover, a new OPT device was developed to be used as an add-on to the human-robot interaction with children with ASD in two emotion recognition tasks – recognize and storytelling. A pilot study was conducted with children with ASD to evaluate the proposed method. All children successfully participated in the activities. Moreover, children significantly gazed longer towards the OPT during the storytelling scenario as the OPT device displayed visual cues, supporting that using a visual cue may be fundamental in helping children with ASD understand requests and tasks.FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia(SFRH/BD/133314/2017

Recurrent preterm birth: data from the study “Birth in Brazil”

OBJECTIVE Describe and estimate the rate of recurrent preterm birth in Brazil according to the type of delivery, weighted by associated factors. METHODS We obtained data from the national hospital-based study “Birth in Brazil”, conducted in 2011 and 2012, from interviews with 23,894 women. Initially, we used the chi-square test to verify the differences between newborns according to previous prematurity and type of recurrent prematurity. Sequentially, we applied the propensity score method to balance the groups according to the following covariates: maternal age, socio-economic status, smoking during pregnancy, parity, previous cesarean section, previous stillbirth or neonatal death, chronic hypertension and chronic diabetes. Finally, we performed multiple logistic regression to estimate the recorrence. RESULTS We analyzed 6,701 newborns. The rate of recurrence was 42.0%, considering all women with previous prematurity. Among the recurrent premature births, 62.2% were spontaneous and 37.8% were provider-initiated. After weighting by propensity score, we found that women with prematurity have 3.89 times the chance of having spontaneous recurrent preterm birth (ORaj = 3.89; 95%CI 3.01–5.03) and 3.47 times the chance of having provider-initiated recurrent preterm birth (ORaj = 3.47; 95%CI 2.59–4.66), compared to women who had full-term newborns. CONCLUSIONS Previous prematurity showed to be a strong predictor for its recurrence. Thus, expanding and improving the monitoring and management of pregnant women who had occurrence of prematurity strongly influence the reduction of rates and, consequently, the reduction of infant morbidity and mortality risks in the country.OBJETIVO Descrever e estimar a taxa de prematuridade recorrente no Brasil segundo o tipo de parto, ponderado pelos fatores associados. MÉTODOS Os dados foram obtidos do estudo nacional de base hospitalar “Nascer no Brasil”, realizado em 2011 e 2012, a partir de entrevistas com 23.894 mulheres. Inicialmente foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado para verificar as diferenças entre os recém-nascidos, segundo a prematuridade prévia e o tipo de prematuridade recorrente. Sequencialmente, aplicou-se o método de ponderação pelo escore de propensão para equilibrar os grupos de acordo com as seguintes covariáveis: idade materna, classificação socioeconômica, tabagismo durante a gravidez, paridade, cesárea anterior, natimorto ou óbito neonatal anterior, hipertensão crônica e diabetes crônica. Por último, foi realizada regressão logística múltipla para estimar a prematuridade recorrente. RESULTADOS Foram analisados 6.701 recém-nascidos. A taxa de prematuridade recorrente foi de 42,0%, considerando todas as mulheres com prematuridade prévia. Dentre os prematuros recorrentes, 62,2% foram espontâneos e 37,8% ocorreram por intervenção-obstétrica. Após a ponderação pelo escore de propensão, verificou-se que mulheres com prematuridade prévia têm 3,89 vezes a chance de terem prematuridade recorrente espontânea (ORaj = 3,89; IC95% 3,01–5,03) e 3,47 vezes a chance de terem prematuridade recorrente por intervenção obstétrica (ORaj = 3,47; IC95% 2,59–4,66), em comparação às mulheres que tiveram recém-nascidos termo completo. CONCLUSÕES A prematuridade prévia revelou-se um forte preditor para sua recorrência. Assim, ampliar e melhorar o monitoramento e manejo de gestantes com história de prematuridade impacta fortemente na redução das taxas e, consequentemente, na redução dos riscos de morbimortalidade infantil no país

Assistência pré-natal na rede pública do Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To verify regional inequalities regarding access and quality of prenatal and birth care in Brazilian public health services and associated perinatal outcomes. METHODS: Birth in Brazil was a national hospital-based survey conducted between 2011 and 2012, which included 19,117 women with public-funded births. Regional differences in socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, as well as differences in access and quality of prenatal and birth care were tested by the χ2 test. The following outcomes were assessed: spontaneous preterm birth, provider-initiated preterm birth, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, Apgar in the 5th min < 8, neonatal and maternal near miss. Multiple and non-conditional logistic regressions were used for the analysis of the associated perinatal outcomes, with the results expressed in adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Regional inequalities regarding access and quality of prenatal and birth care among users of public services are still evident in Brazil. Pilgrimage for birth associated with all perinatal outcomes studied, except for intrauterine growth restriction. The odds ratios ranged between 1.48 (95%CI 1.23–1.78) for neonatal near miss and 1.62 (95%CI 1.27–2.06) for provider-initiated preterm birth. Among women with clinical or obstetric complications, pilgrimage for birth associated with provider-initiated preterm birth and with Apgar in the 5th min < 8, odds ratio of 1.98 (95%CI 1.49–2.65) and 2.19 (95%CI 1.31–3.68), respectively. Inadequacy of prenatal care associated with spontaneous preterm birth in both groups of women, with or without clinical or obstetric complications. CONCLUSION: Improvements in the quality of prenatal care, appropriate coordination and comprehensive care at the time of birth have a potential to reduce prematurity rates and, consequently, infant morbidity and mortality rates in the country.OBJETIVO: Verificar desigualdades regionais no acesso e na qualidade da atenção ao pré-natal e ao parto nos serviços públicos de saúde no Brasil e a sua associação com a saúde perinatal. MÉTODOS: Nascer no Brasil foi uma pesquisa nacional de base hospitalar realizada entre 2011 e 2012, que incluiu 19.117 mulheres com pagamento público do parto. Diferenças regionais nas características sociodemográficas e obstétricas, bem como as diferenças no acesso e qualidade do pré-natal e parto foram testadas pelo teste do χ2 . Foram avaliados os desfechos: prematuridade espontânea, prematuridade iniciada por intervenção obstétrica, baixo peso ao nascer, crescimento intrauterino restrito, Apgar no 5º min < 8, near miss neonatal e near miss materno. Para a análise dos desfechos perinatais associados, foram utilizadas regressões logísticas múltiplas e não condicionais, com resultados expressos em odds ratio ajustada e intervalo de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: As desigualdades regionais ainda são evidentes no Brasil, no que diz respeito ao acesso e qualidade do atendimento pré-natal e ao parto entre as usuárias dos serviços públicos. A peregrinação para o parto se associou a todos os desfechos perinatais estudados, exceto para crescimento intrauterino restrito. As odds ratios variaram de 1,48 (IC95% 1,23–1,78) para near miss neonatal a 1,62 (IC95% 1,27–2,06) para prematuridade iniciada por intervenção obstétrica. Entre as mulheres com alguma complicação clínica ou obstétrica, a peregrinação se associou ainda mais com a prematuridade iniciada por intervenção e com Apgar no 5º min < 8, odds ratio de 1,98 (IC95% 1,49–2,65) e 2,19 (IC95% 1,31–3,68), respectivamente. A inadequação do pré-natal se associou à prematuridade espontânea em ambos os grupos de mulheres. CONCLUSÃO: Melhorar a qualidade do pré-natal, a coordenação e a integralidade do atendimento no momento do parto têm um impacto potencial nas taxas de prematuridade e, consequentemente, na redução das taxas de morbimortalidade infantil no país

Social stories for promoting social communication with children with autism spectrum disorder using a humanoid robot: step by step study

Technological tools are being used in support sessions with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), producing a high level of encouragement and engagement in these individuals. A four-step study comprising a focus group session, thinking aloud sessions, an online questionnaire, and a pilot study was conducted. First, a focus group session was conducted with professionals (n = 10) with different backgrounds that support children with ASD on a daily basis. Considering the outputs from the focus group, thinking aloud sessions with two specialists and an online questionnaire with 138 participants were conducted. Finally, a pilot study with four children with ASD was performed in order to test the constraints of the system. The goal of this article is to present findings concerning the design of social stories in a storytelling game that uses a new object with playware technology (OPT) as tangible interface with children with ASD. The storytelling game allows promoting the recognition of emotions in a triadic setup involving a robot, a child, and a professional or researcher. The key issue in this activity is to find the adequacy of the scenarios. The participants pointed out the main aspects to take into account in the development of the storytelling scenarios. New designs of the story scenarios were developed and the final design of the OPT was elaborated. The pilot study allowed to conclude that the children understood the mechanics of the games and successfully interacted with the new OPT.This work has been supported by FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the R&D Units Project Scope: UIDB/00319/2020. Vinicius Silva thanks FCT for the PhD scholarship SFRH/BD/SFRH/BD/133314/2017

Synthesis of glycoconjugates containing a 1,2,3-triazole unit

The preparation of several alkynyl esters, derived from amino acids, coumarins and an alkynyl derivative of acetylated D-glucose is described. Eight new glycoconjugates containing the 1,2,3-triazole unit were obtained, by a click approach from the above referred alkynyl derivatives with tetracetyl-beta-D-glucosylazide, prepared in situ from alpha-acetobromoglucose.Foundation for the Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER (European Fund for Regional Development)-COMPETE-QREN-E

Prevalence and risk factors related to preterm birth in Brazil

Abstract Background The rate of preterm birth has been increasing worldwide, including in Brazil. This constitutes a significant public health challenge because of the higher levels of morbidity and mortality and long-term health effects associated with preterm birth. This study describes and quantifies factors affecting spontaneous and provider-initiated preterm birth in Brazil. Methods Data are from the 2011–2012 “Birth in Brazil” study, which used a national population-based sample of 23,940 women. We analyzed the variables following a three-level hierarchical methodology. For each level, we performed non-conditional multiple logistic regression for both spontaneous and provider-initiated preterm birth. Results The rate of preterm birth was 11.5 %, (95 % confidence 10.3 % to 12.9 %) 60.7 % spontaneous - with spontaneous onset of labor or premature preterm rupture of membranes - and 39.3 % provider-initiated, with more than 90 % of the last group being pre-labor cesarean deliveries. Socio-demographic factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth were adolescent pregnancy, low total years of schooling, and inadequate prenatal care. Other risk factors were previous preterm birth (OR 3.74; 95 % CI 2.92–4.79), multiple pregnancy (OR 16.42; 95 % CI 10.56–25.53), abruptio placentae (OR 2.38; 95 % CI 1.27–4.47) and infections (OR 4.89; 95 % CI 1.72–13.88). In contrast, provider-initiated preterm birth was associated with private childbirth healthcare (OR 1.47; 95 % CI 1.09–1.97), advanced-age pregnancy (OR 1.27; 95 % CI 1.01–1.59), two or more prior cesarean deliveries (OR 1.64; 95 % CI 1.19–2.26), multiple pregnancy (OR 20.29; 95 % CI 12.58–32.72) and any maternal or fetal pathology (OR 6.84; 95 % CI 5.56–8.42). Conclusion The high proportion of provider-initiated preterm birth and its association with prior cesarean deliveries and all of the studied maternal/fetal pathologies suggest that a reduction of this type of prematurity may be possible. The association of spontaneous preterm birth with socially-disadvantaged groups reaffirms that the reduction of social and health inequalities should continue to be a national priority

Infecções sexualmente transmissíveis na população ribeirinha: prevalência e comportamento de risco

Introduction: The riparians population is considered vulnerable to Sexually Transmitted Infections due to restrictions related to access to health, information and education.Objective: To analyze the prevalence of self-reported Sexually Transmitted Infections among the riparians population and associated sociodemographic and behavioral factors.Material and Method: Cross-sectional, analytical study, conducted with 250 riparians dwellers from João Pessoa, Paraiba state, from June to October 2019. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under opinion number 3,340,273.Results: The prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections was 20.8%. Male ribs (OR=3.27; CI95%:1.74-6.15), who reported sexual intercourse with sex workers (OR=6.54; CI95%:3.05-14.0) and illicit drug use (OR 2.13; CI95%:1.10-4.13) were more likely to develop sexually transmitted infection.Conclusions: High prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and presence of risk behaviors among riparians. Screening, early diagnosis and health education is essential for discontinuation of the transmission chain.Introducción: La población ribereña se considera vulnerable a las infecciones de transmisión sexual debido a cambios relacionados con el acceso a la salud, la información y la educación.Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual autoinformadas en una población ribereña y los factores sociodemográficos y conductuales asociados.Material y Método: Estudio transversal, analítico, realizado con 250 habitantes ribereños de João Pessoa, en el estado de Paraíba, de junio a octubre de 2019. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas mediante un cuestionario estructurado. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística. La investigación fue aprobada por el Comité de Ética en Investigación con el dictamen número 3.340.273.Resultados: La prevalencia de Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual fue de 20,8%. Hombres habitantes de la ribera (OR = 3,27; IC del 95%: 1,74-6,15), que informaron haber tenido relaciones sexuales con una trabajadora sexual (OR = 6,54; IC del 95%: 3,05-14,0) y uso de drogas ilícitas (OR 2,13; IC del 95%: 1.10-4.13) disipación mayores posibilidades de desarrollar una infección de transmisión sexual.Conclusiones: Alta prevalencia de riesgo de transmisión sexual y presencia de tendencia de riesgo entre los habitantes de las riberas. El cribado, el diagnóstico precoz y la educación sanitaria son fundamentales para interrumpir la transmisión.Introdução: A população ribeirinha é considerada vulnerável às Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis devido às restrições relacionadas ao acesso à saúde, informação e educação.Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência de Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis autorreferidas entre a população ribeirinha e fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentais associados. Material e Método: Estudo transversal, analítico, realizado com 250 ribeirinhos de João Pessoa, no estado da Paraíba, no período de junho a outubro de 2019. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista com a utilização de questionário estruturado. Realizou-se análise de regressão logística. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa sob número de parecer 3.340.273.Resultados: A prevalência de Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis foi de 20,8%. Ribeirinhos do sexo masculino (OR=3,27;IC95%: 1,74-6,15), que relataram relação sexual com profissional do sexo (OR=6,54;IC95%:3,05-14,0) e uso de droga ilícita (OR 2,13; IC95%: 1,10-4,13) apresentaram maiores chances de desenvolver alguma infecção sexualmente transmissível. Conclusões: Alta prevalência de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e presença de comportamentos de risco entre os ribeirinhos. Rastreio, diagnóstico precoce e educação em saúde é fundamental para descontinuação da cadeia de transmissão